#which is what the little “pssht” sound at the end is

[melchinafan]

Just remembered, I had totally spaced on the whiteboard behind Dr. Hunt in the firehouse! He's got a little bit of info of his observations from when he treats "a Bastard Bite (TM)." (Key points being that fangs can/do break off in the game, it's not just a nifty logo thing, and that the bite itself is not enough to turn someone. So if the vampirism leans scientific, it's got limitations between blood- vs. saliva-based transmission.)

I'll drop the screenshot of it (and the Aevum whiteboards I nabbed, for funsies) under the cut for (pseudo-)science-references! (There's also notes I remember seeing in the building about things like the GDF11 stuff and research sources, but I don't have screenshots of them, oops.)

Doctor Hunt's whiteboard:

[Image ID: a screenshot of Dr. Hunt's whiteboard in Redfall. The left side reads: How to treat a Bastard Bite (TM) -slow blood flow, Gauze + apply pressure (followed by a doodle of a box of gauze) -Apply a tourniquet, if you can. -Depending on wound location, their teeth are LONG - internal puncturing + bleeding will occur. -Remove any teeth/bullets/etc. You can cauterize the wound. (with a doodle of a little gas can with fire coming out a tube) MAKE SURE (rest of text covered by magnetic marker holder, but is followed by a small doodle of vampire fangs in a crossed out circle)

The center of the board reads: Notes: Wound Survivability Neck, upper leg: FATAL -Primary attack spot for our fanged friends -known to snap a neck here + there Have unusually elongated extremities, will attempt to attack with arms and nails first TREATMENT BOARD -Samples collected from previously attacked victims -T.V. DELST .04 (I think?) -Hopefully have (something, cut off by whiteboard frame)

The right side reads: MEDBAY DAY: ? *MEDICAL SUPPLIES LOW -gauze (checkmark) -tongs/scalpels (circled, with an added note "finding lots of broken teeth, need more") -masks/gloves (checkmark) -test tubes OBSERVATIONS -those bitten do not turn (with the word "vampirism" crossed out) -Bites go DEEP

End Image ID]

Aevum Rat Parabiosis whiteboard:

[Image ID: a screenshot of a whiteboard from the Aevum building, with an illustration of the circulatory systems of two rats in the center. The left side reads: PARABIOSIS (Alongside-life) Combine vasculature of two living animals 1 - Remove thin layer of skin 2 - Stitch exposed skin together 3 - Promote wound-healing of joined skin 4 - Blood streams are joined during healing 5 - Capillary networks fuse together and share blood (with an extra note pointing to the rat diagram to label its capillaries) 6 - 1-2 weeks rats are pumping each others' blood Paul Bert 1864 Clive McCay 1956 Brian Pelletier 1992

The center of the board is primarily the rat illustrations. The left one is labeled as "Rat A Young" and the right as "Rat B Old." The following is written above them: Join circulatory system of 'young' rat to 'old' rat "REJUVENATION" Next to the old rat is a vertical flowchart diagram labeled Vessel, with arrows leading downward starting with Artery, to Arteriole, to Capillary (which is highlighted), to Venule, to Vein, circling up to Heart, which points back to the beginning.

The right side of the board has illustrations of shriveled, normal, and swollen red blood cells to demonstrate the changes, and reads: (Reduce Parabiotic Disease) -Same sex and size genetically matched Young Blood Protein GDF11 A. Addison O- Activate Notch Signaling Cell Division Telophase (with an illustrated example) Cytokinesis (also with an illustrated example) Deactivate TGF-B Pathway

End Image ID]

Heterochronic whiteboard:

[Image ID: a screenshot of another long science-y whiteboard in the Aevum facility. The left side of the board reads: HETEROCHRONIC STUDIES Phase 1 Experimenting with heterochromic mice produced positive results Phase 2 Testing with human subjects Young "volunteers" are scarce Death is more common in young Experimenting on Amelia resumes with further tests -Isolate PBMC's from blood -Isolate Monocytes from her blood -Focal demyelination in spinal cord

The center of the board reads: Monocytes from Amelia are critical for rejuvenation of remyelination Chimeric blood in old parabiotic partner (followed by an illustrated diagram, labeled with the following:) young monocyte (CCR2 -/-) soluble factors in young serum CCR2 receptor old wt monocyte (CCR2 +)

The right side of the board reads: Experimentation physiology of conjoined twins Blood from Twin A flows to Twin B Mainly through capillaries and minor organs -separation of twins FAILED Transfusion does NOT work!! Most experiments resulted in death for the person receiving the blood

End Image ID]

GDF11 whiteboard:

[Image ID: a screenshot of another Aevum whiteboard, though this one is poorly lit. The left side of the board reads: GDF11 -Hox genes -Pathophysiology of aging -Rejuvination Bloodborne epigenetic factors -transmisible? The body remembers.

The right side reads: Parabiosis -Shared circulatory system -Amelioration of aging -Tissue regen

End Image ID]

W Sample whiteboard:

[Image ID: a screenshot of a slightly better lit Aevum whiteboard. the left side reads: W. Sample Test One Dorsal and Ventral Streams Informational persistence She will open what's behind the eye

The right side reads: Regular Transfusions -Positive effect on cognitive functions -Scared -Compliant -Martyr Complex? Dr. Young to speak her language

End Image ID]

@melchinafan Sorry for the late ish response I feel kinda sick so it took me a while longer to organize my thoughts. Also here we fucking go apologies for no read more sins I am on mobile

And no I haven't seen those ign articles! More canon info to add to my hordes! And Jacob :( sad baby girl. I'll probably post those (The screenshots of the new info)  later for easy access for others

Your point on all 4 of heros being effected makes me wonder if Grave lock girls magic has sort of an area of effect or if the alpha vampires magic is a double edged sword in positively affecting the heros

And ooooo I didn't know there were other blood remnants that came in dif forms makes me wonder if they are somewhat similar to the alpha vamp remnants bc I think i remember it being mentioned somewhere the vial also had psychic residue?? Could not be I'm just losing it but eh. And the psychic residue perhaps being in the blood/body? And that's why it alters you?

And yeah I agree! I think that we don't carry them into the fight just to crack open the door and sort of wave a red flag at a bull sort of way

And then when the alpha vampire dies we get the remnant imbued with a bit of that vamps specific magic

And yeah perhaps using the skulls almost a psychic lockpick if those chosen had been imbued with some of the alphas powers (referring to the trickle down effect you noticed, Vampire mlm is a concept that will be lodged in my brain now)

The biggest one for Bellwether not giving a shit I believe was a piece of dialog that said like "once we get out of here do you think they'll drop a nuke on this place" which made me laugh bc I audibly went just like resident evil grqt2h3 which despite some of the negative reviews comparisons to other games the lack of resident evil with vampires is making me laugh (I mean it in a positive way I'm very attached to RE)

Plus I don't think a privately funded not so small military/mercanary group is gonna lose sleep over a "few" civilian casualties (especially not when you can write em off as vampire deaths when it comes down to it)

Yeah I agree! One of my main grievances was I wish that side quest/mini bosses got more diversity and watchers idk if those are miniboss types as I think they go down p easy (but like I said can't/haven't played the game so I could be wrong) they seem closer to the mutated cultists than "true" vampires

And totally get you on lore one of my other favorite games is destiny 2 and holy shit the amount of environmental storytelling/lore is so strong they have a fan run website to compile it all so I totally get you.

And ooo I'm always looking for new games to watch/obsess over so I'll have to check it out

And yeah unfortunately the people I watched wernt too into grave lock collecting and the only 100 locations video I've found doesn't play em in full

And yeah with Addison I won't spoil it but holy shit he was the worst one too me I wrote out/expanded on the house of Echos mission so I was rewatching and it ended up being 4k words but also it was woof. I almost wish they swapped the order of the map start out in the second way with the other 2 then work into the 1st area for the hollow man

Yeah my sort of interpretation (both in how I'm writing and general fun) is that his Ravens outlines + his guns lock on are from that eye but a fun thing I had was giving them all like the way things are highlighted blue for you to grab some of the psychic residue as most of the psychic energy we see (barring layla) tend to be a pale blue - teal(?) Ish color and it was just funny to me that the highlights for important objects were similar

I agree with vampires probably having night vision as they are supposed to be a sort of apex predator so night vision fits with the whole can't go in the sun.  It does make me wonder if Jacob would run into issues in direct sunlight with that eye time to invest in sunglasses my guy

And yeah I hadn't considered the psychic spaces as like stronger spaces where the trance is louder, bc in my thoughts I think the trance is a seperate but adjacent magic thing to what turned them into vampires

It definitely seems like the magic sort of got them all or bolstered abilities in some way and come on we both know that devs def smart enough to crack teleportation lmaooo necessity is the mother of invention and all that. But I do think that magic and science go hand in hand (destiny 2 is so great for that reason aswell because so much of what looks like magic can be kinda turned into science)

I think Remis ult is pure video game but healing it would make sense if it gave out a sort of opposite end of the spectrum vampire healing and helped you regenerate by like tapping into that magic that's settled in you or the vials/remnants

yeah we don't know how the healing actually works as you don't regen health unless you find medpacks which leads me to believe you do have to needle and thread it up instead of magic video game heal as explained in dishonored or prey

And yeah I'm assuming vamp regen at best at worst, you should uhhhh probably got get that looked at bud and yeah blood as fuel is a good idea even if it was connected or disconnected

And yeah the tissues, I'd imagine a wash cloth would be slightly more useful than tissues but eh and yeah sort of a gunk goop dripping thing (ie Eris Morn from destiny with her hive eyes)

And yeah! I think to be a bloodbag/sin eater it also I think is slightly voluntary(?) As the sin eaters are like that. And the blood bags seem pretty eager so maybe the most devoted cultists get turned into em

And yeah I'm uncertain bc I remember for one of the missions Jacob has a line like "but slitting the throat of your neighbor to get in." Or smth like that it's been awhile

And yeah vampire mlm, and yeah definitely maybe the more sacrifices brought in = higher chance of getting turned

I think it's a bit of both as we see with the alphas they were all real shitty people beforehand and yknow being willing to kill others to further your own gain definitely fits under "bloodsucker" (derogatory) in my mind lmao

And I think that's why Jason got away was bc hes not a bad person and was rather selfless hence but still also perhaps shaped by the intent of the person giving you magic (jacobs raven, laylas telekinesis which is something other higher up vampires can do as weve seen with the sea) But also made to shape you're own natural abilities remis healing, devs gadgets :) especially in those latter two cases where they wernt forced really to have the powers

The slow boil is soooo intresting to me bc like where were they? Like in the nests psychic spaces and just coming out to feed plus with the size of the alphas I think that'd kick up a fuss

I think probably a but of both, as drug trials/medical research like aevum was doing was bound to test on mice at least and upon observing the effects may have worked there way up to humans but huge fucking claw marks are probably vampires especially from what we've seen they are extraordinarily wasteful with animals perhaps both as food and ensuring surviving humans can't get it

And birds + animals disappearing evokes a similar feeling of when animals tend to dip before natural disasters because there senses and instincts are so much stronger than ours but also vampires killing them because they couldn't go after people yet

also lmao yeah like idk where tf they were going with that like was the plan to eventually move out of redfall or use it like a home base or smth bc you kill the animals and the people you're gonna have to start eating each other

And yeah I have to imagine at least one cultist was wincing and didn't voice it but was very much like aw come on guys

And yeah! Idk if it's ever explained if vampires exclusively have to eat blood/meat or can eat other things aswell

And oh my God don't get me started on the impacts of introducing a fuck ton of apex predators into your ecosystem and food chain not to mention if other animals mutated and are breeding. Like just removing Wolves from Yellowstone was enough to fuck over the ecosystem I can imagine something on this scale plus the probably intense growth from the decomp rates of bodies.. anyone in an environmental science field would be tearing their hair out (specifically my own redfall oc whose a park ranger is not having a great time with that)

You would have to build ground up essentially as trying a top down approach would fuck up the few remaining secondary and primary consumers (obligatory environmental science rant over)

They all def do the trance def is giving hive mind vibes aswell as a removal of emotional/rational thinking makes me wonder if the blood trance heightens base instincts/hunting drive or aggression like with animals being aggressive and shit being fucked

And oh def, bc each of the bosses has there own space but the nests aswell which makes me wonder if vampires have their own allegiances or a nest is like a pack

And yeah hindsights 20/20 and yeah fears a hell of a motivator and cults pray on scared lonely people with no other options and yeah in too deep

I haven't! Unfortunately I haven't watched a dev playthrough and there's not too many multiplaythroughs on YouTube but I'll inform you if I come across any! And as for rough speculation on mothman physique(?) I think leathery makes sense from someone as logical as dev since it glides so it being similar to a bat or moth it almost makes me think of point pleasants.. intresting... statue of the mothman to say the least...

And yeah woof the scientists sure as hell are doing some malpractice although I'd admire arkanes commitment to fuck the rich with them being consistent enemies.  And yeah sorry this got Hella long

[ladyshivs]

Hi! tracing fingers down your partner's chest for Lydia, smiling in-between kisses for Rohid and/ or bridal carries for Richard pretty please? ^^

Total word count: approx. 1850

Fandom: Fallen Hero by Malin Ryden

Pairings: Chargestep (Lydia/Ricardo), Steelstep (Rohid/Chen), Flystep (Richard/Daniel)

Time elapsed: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Physical Intimacy Prompts

Lydia

A zip ran down the center of Lydia’s breastbone and she barely managed to resist biting down on her lower lip. Somewhere, out in the real world, dawn was breaking. The city never fully slept, but there was enough of a lull in activity in Ricardo’s building that it felt like a gentle stirring rather than an uptick in traffic and car alarms.

Her heart begged to differ and was currently trying to climb up out of her throat, slamming into everything it could along the way. Her lungs, her ribs, her. Her. His fingers dipped slightly, tracing a vicious scar over her clavicle before curling away like a whisper of smoke over her chest.

Drifting in aimless patterns over her skin. First light circles, pausing over a ragged edge. A change in texture as he turned his hand over, gliding the backs of his fingernails across the curve of a tattoo. Smooth and rounded, then, as he let his fingertips angle enough to drag nails over her. Not enough to scratch.

A wake up call sent to delicate, tickle flinch nerve endings that sparked to life.

Every touch he was giving her was feather fluff agony, far too light to be satisfying. Too little to settle the pounding of her heart which she knew he could feel, there was no way he couldn’t, it was practically starting a band in her throat and he was being too quiet.

Lydia glanced down and followed his eyes to where his palm was resting flat, just in the center above her sternum. Watching him watching his own fingers, curling in against his palm. Not tight. Not a fist. Impossible to tell where his thoughts were spinning, but not hard to guess. She’d never had the strength to use that weapon—to ask how long he’d spent. Bent over her, pumping her heart to keep her alive. Hands bruising instead of gliding.

He'd cracked ribs. Lydia’s skin tingled as if it could remember.

“Did you really kick Hollow Ground in the teeth?” well. That answered that question.

Lydia hoped the snort didn’t sound forced. “Pssht. Not like I did it for you,” hand coming up, unbidden, to flatten his back out over her. Pressing until he let his fingers go out flat again.

“Thought you said you were only there to help me investigate?” giving her a. She hated when he looked like that. Too bone weary. She hoped he didn’t know he was doing it; the look was better off unintentional. Looking exhausted and solemn instead of teasing and smug. The dig didn’t hit pay dirt, though.

“She wanted me--La Bruja--to join her crew. Or at the very least wanted me to pay her dues to work for her,” not too much of an admission, considering what he already knew.

“Shit, really?” a little note in his voice. Not entirely genuine surprise, then? But that was allowable because his fingers were moving again. Sliding out from under her hand. Drawing designs and patterns over the dip and swell of her breast. “And it was a bad offer?”

“Obviously. I introduced her mouth to my foot at that point, so I’m not sure what else was included in her proposal,” a little embellishment, but only for flare—Ric’s fingers were getting dangerously close to. To. “But there’s no way I’d ever work with her,” muttered without a thought and. “Not knowing how--,” how you hate her. But it was too late. His fingers had slid over a different set of nerves on her chest.

Like watching the edge of a knife descending. One of the many masks slipping into place. This one curled at the corners of his lips, but he forgot to change up his eyes. “So it is because of me,” the tone was gloating, light and proud. Trying to tease, but his stupid fucking eyes weren’t in it and it made Lydia’s chest clench all the tighter for its absence.

Lydia swallowed dry. “Don’t go getting a fat head over it,” too wavy in her throat. “Just because I’m not going to work with your mortal enemy doesn’t mean that I like you or anything,” trying to force the conversation somewhere that light could hit it. Raising his hand up to press her lips to his palm.

Rohid

A quick peck. All it was meant to be, just a quick little smack of lip on lip before they darted out of the door and back to the streets. They were going to let that little blip of contact feed them for the rest of the day.

Spoon had had other plans, weaving his lanky body behind Rohid’s legs and planting himself firmly between the regene and the door. Clearly in cahoots with the man that then pressed himself up against Rohid’s front, smiling into the longer kiss that he stole in retaliation. Pulling a soft sound out of Rohid’s chest with his next move, wrapping his arms tighter around their waist and tugging them. Walking together back towards his couch.

Not asking them not to leave.

Just letting soft touch after soft touch pepper itself along Rohid’s mouth until it curled into a grin for him. Cotton balls of pleasure filling Rohid’s sinus cavities, stuffing them up until the only escape was giggling against Chen’s tongue as it slid between their lips.

The only reasonable counterattack was to return fire, lips stretching thin as they disregarded the urge to fight back their smile and instead nipped at Chen’s bottom lip. Enough to make the man that was.

Huh. When did Chen start pressing them down into the couch cushions? Rohid’s brain politely set the question on fire. It had better things to focus on. Like Chen’s own smile, crooked and twisted and making Rohid’s heart do a very complicated dance with their lungs. And like Chen’s tongue, that was flicking out to try and open them back up again for another, deeper kiss.  

They allowed the intrusion, but they couldn’t wipe the smile off their face. Couldn’t stop the bright, soft tittering escaping their throat. Voice strong for once. Sounding like their old self, for once. Both hands holding Chen’s head still, giving them enough space to press their giggling grin to his cheek.

“Can I stay longer?” was what they meant to ask. There had been so many months between the last time they had been able to speak clearly that hearing it from their own chest hit like a punch to the throat. Their voice withered in their throat halfway through, but Chen’s mouth was there. Hiding the shift with a kiss.

“As long as you want, Ro,” and another. And again. And. “As long as you want,”

Richard

The Drop was always anticipated. Which was shitty of him, and he knew it, but it was there all the same.

Or maybe that was just the excuse he used to curled into the heat of Danny’s chest like an arthritic old dog curling up in a patch of sunlight. Arms pulling him in until Richard could nestle into the crook of his neck and sigh.

There was no whining from his knees, no muttering from his hips, even with the position forcing his joints to flex. Something about the how. The how in how Daniel held him.

The Drop wasn’t incoming, and he knew it. They both knew it. All the letting down had been on Richard’s end.

“Thank you,” whispered. A bitter, curmudgeonly voice from the back of his head protested that being carried around like a doll was demeaning. Every single other voice pushed it to the back of the crowd and gave it dirty looks when it started hissing again.

Daniel shifted his weight slightly and grinned, thoughts swirling up in a wonderfully warm updraft.

“No problem,” chuckling and squeezing him just enough for Richard to sink even further into that sensation. Held fast. As if he were something worth holding onto, despite all the evidence to the contrary. Wingbeats fluttered against his arm. “How is it?” knowing that Richard would know what he meant.

“Healing. At least that’s what they tell me. A little bit better every day,” Shrugging as much as he could, turning his head to let his forehead rest on the swell of Daniel’s trapezius muscle. Separated by a thin cotton t shirt and Richard’s self control that kept him from mouthing at the freckles he knew were waiting there. “It doesn’t hurt too badly today,” it was his hips that had prompted the request.

Bruised pride and stubborn ego had fallen sharply away when he realized that he was going to have to climb the stairs to his apartment and the unseasonable spike of humidity was going to make every step a particularly excruciating torture.

A quick text and Danny had fluttered down from their shared balcony like a falling leaf, looped the grocery bags around either elbow and then, like just another piece of shopping, scooped Richard up against his chest. His thoughts had glowed and spiraled, beyond pleased that Richard was willing to ask for his help. And Richard had only grumbled a few times. Or three. Before Danny had nuzzled his nose against his temple and drove those complaints back into the dark.

Of course, when they landed back up on the balcony, Richard could have easily peeled himself out of Danny’s grip. But.

Well.

It. Well. That thought sheepishly drew a circle with its toe and struggled to make eye contact.

Danny had the decency to laugh and not feel too put upon, carefully maneuvering the shopping off of his forearms without jostling Richard out of his grip. It was a fraction closer to ridiculous than Richard was normally given to but feeling Danny’s heat against him. The safety of his arms and the soft brush of his mind and. He couldn’t bring himself to feel too guilty about having Danny hover for a few more seconds, holding him close. “How was your day?” asked out loud even though Richard could feel the question from a dozen or so miles away.

“It’s better now that I’m home,” with a very pointed squeeze around Danny’s shoulders. Home in your arms, he didn’t say, but pushed the thought loudly enough into Danny’s mind for it to register. For a faint blush to spread over those cheeks, making his scar stand out all the clearer. “What about yours?” casually flipping through the surface thoughts that Daniel always presented like he was browsing magazine covers at the check out line.

A minor altercation. A lot of paperwork. A lot of coffee. Threaded with hints of something much more frustrating that his thoughts were working hard to keep shuffled away. Richard considering dipping his fingers into the fray, but thought better of it. “Not too bad, then?” chuckling as Danny offered up his own shrug.

“Boring,” but the necessary bits were what they were, he added on. Hoping to keep whatever it was that had upset him saved for another time. Softening as he turned his head to kiss Richard between the eyebrows. Point taken, Richard slid out of his head. “Better now that you’re home, though,”

[incorrect-mordet-quotes]

Best SAO Abridged Lines As RP Starters Pt.1

"I am going to burn this fucker to the ground."

"I have a feeling you get beat up a lot."

“Fuck you, man, that’s like the pig from Hell!”

“The legacy of the pebble lives on.”

“Well, thanks for the quick tutorial on pig slaying, and the not-so-quick tutorial on... rocks.”

"Come on, I can't alt+F4 this shit!"

“...And the sky is bleeding.”

“Well Ballsy, I believe the locals call it a... hex...a...gon? Not sure if I’m pronouncing that right I’ll have to get back to you.”

"Man, they're really working for that M rating."

"Much like the World of Warcraft, you're not here by choice anymore. Unlike WoW however, you're being held here by me, not by the need to escape your empty fucking life."

"Sometimes things are born. They live... and then they stop. Forever."

"Yeah I'm just gonna keep that tabbed."

"As... tempting as that sounds, I really should stick with my friends back there. They're about as skilled as I am so I figure we have a better chance of surviving if we stick together."

"Well, monkeys and typewriters..."

"You might be the most unbearable asshole I've ever met, but you are really good at this. We could use you in our group, what do you say?"

"So many poor souls came to an abrupt and tragic end... some, by bad luck, others by sheer stupidity. I mean really, why would you just stand in fire?"

"Oh wow, what brilliant insight. That's so deep it loops right back around to being stupid."

"Its all bullshit metaphors with you."

"He cried... not knowing the difference between a simile and a metaphor."

"The tininess of his brain dwarfed only by the tininess of his di--"

"You can silence me but you can't silence the truth!"

"Oh jeez I am just making things worse."

"Pssht. Evidence... I don't need no evidence. Isn't that right _____?"

"Its pronounced ______, and... I don't know you."

"______, huh? That's a... pretty masculine name."

"Shouldn't be. Its a woman's name."

"...'kay, I dunno how to talk to you."

"Good, then you can shut up and listen."

"Good rule of thumb: if someone asks for money two seconds after meeting you, front lines. If they hijack conversations to rant about their political views, front lines. If they ask women to see pics of their boobs, front lines."

"Jesus, who wrote this thing?"

"Okay, so the guide's a bust, but it'll be fine! I'll come up with a great plan for us!"

"Well, we could--.... uhh... I'm open to suggestions!"

"We could group up, and hit it til it dies!"

"Fuck it, group up."

“What, a whole month? How have you survived this long?”

"HOW DO I EAT YOU?"

“It’s been...a challenge.”

"Oh I have lots of reasons for not grouping up. Mostly because they're a bunch of mouth-breathing neck-beards who think L M A O is how french people laugh."

“You sure have a way of... eh... speaking from the heart?”

"Funny, I thought I was speaking from my mouth, but shows what I know about biology."

"No one else wanted you in their group, did they?"

"Shut up, it was mutual!"

"Fine, we leave at the crack of... 2:30... I guess."

"Okay, so... apparently there were a few more stairs than we realized."

"Jesus... why don't you just take a cheetos and mountain dew break and we'll reconvene in an hour."

"Damn it I was kidding! You weren't actually supposed to actually take an hour!"

"Stop attacking from the front! Do you even know what 'Flank' means?!"

"For fuck's sake, stop playing Bejeweled!"

"Alright, this last part's going to take careful coordination... which is why I'm just gonna do it myself!"

"While both are primarily slashing weapons, a Talwar was favored by cavalrymen, as opposed to an Odachi which was mainly used for dick measuring."

"And why couldn't you say that first?"

"I like to think of myself as a teacher."

"Our best player is a girl who thinks DPS is some kind of sex thing."

"I've been doing this a long time, and if there's one thing I learned, its that lions do not concern themselves with the opinions of sheep. Just take that little voice in the back of your head that tells you to be tactful and understanding, and shoot it. Shoot it in the god damn face."

"Here's what we'll do. One counters his blows to knock him off balance, and the other switches in to attack. Rinse, repeat, victory."

"You came up with that but you can't open a menu..."

"Congratulations! That was even more impressive than that cat that learned to play."

"Oh my god, you guys can see it too?! So I'm not crazy!

“Isn't that right _____?"

"That's right ______! Now... kill them all."

"As you command my lord."

"We have traveled far, and up many stairs to get to this point, fighting side by side, noobs and elites alike. I'd like to take a moment to say I couldn't have done it without the help of each and every one of you... of course I'm not a liar, so I'm not gonna say any of that."

"I mean to be honest I could have done this whole thing myself, BUT, to be fair, I guess you DID absorb a bit of damage for me, which was nice."

"You were an adequate meat shield, and no one can ever take that away from you."

"Fuck... fuck! Shut up! Shut up!"

"Shoot for the stars! It'll make it more fun for me when I kick you back into the dirt."

"You're not better than us!"

"My sweet ass coat begs to differ."

"No, its not fabric I can cut, its a bunch of 1's and 0's."

"Fine, then give me the 1's."

"Fuck you I want the 1's."

[ignitedbynatsu]

Apple Juice or Beer?

A/N: @pro-crastinator14 I hope you like it!! Thank you so much again for requesting! On another note, did I start writing this as soon as I got it to procrastinate on the Freed version of HMYFI? Pssht, no.... I have kind of the idea of what I want to write, but I can’t find the right way to start it yet 🤔 Anyway I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather lately so I don’t know when it will be up, sorry 😟

Warnings: accidental under aged drinking, fighting

Genre: a bit of fluff and a bit of angst

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

"(Y/N)" Natsu whined as you were braiding your child's hair, finishing it off with a red ribbon at the end.

"What is it, love?" You hummed as you opened a bobby pin with your teeth to pull some stray hairs from the little girl's face.

"Can you help me train? I've been trying to get my punch to become more powerful but no matter what I do, it doesn't seem to work" he stuck his bottom lip out as he hugged you from behind.

"I can't, who will look after Nala if I'm busy with you?" You denied his request, turning in his embrace to give him a quick peck on his lips. You could see the gears in his mind spinning, but stopped him before he could speak "No, I'm not gonna let her stay with Cana. I love the girl, but I don't want her to accidentally switch Nala's apple juice with beer again"

"It was one time!" Cana called out from a few tables further.

"That's one time too much!" you stuck your tongue out at her in a playful manner.

"Well, then why don't we take the little devil with us? We'll make it like a sort of family trip" Natsu suggested as he picked up his child and tickled her side, resulting in a fit of giggles coming from the little girl.

You smiled at the little interaction in front of you "alright"

The three of you and Happy left shortly after. Nala was placed in Natsu's shoulder. Eyes wide open as she kept pointing at random stuff "I want that, mommy can I have that?"

"Aye sir- wait" you giggled at the Exceed that was being held by you, ruffling his head in the process.

"No, you can't have the bunny." Nala pouted at you dismissing her request "Besides, we already have Happy"

"We're here" Natsu announced, eyes growing wide with excitement as he took in the wide open space in front of him.

He placed Nalu down and ran around to scan the area.

"You think it's big enough?" You called out to him as you took a blanket out of your bag where Nala and Happy could be seated while you and Natsu trained.

"Definitely" he replied as he waited for you to get in your fighting stance.

Once you were sure your child and Happy had everything they needed, you positioned yourself a couple of feet away from your husband.

"Ready?" You asked as a smirk was playfully playing on your lips. You missed the adrenaline rush you felt when you were fighting delinquents. The way the blood rushed through your cheeks while your heart was beating against your rib cage at a higher speed than what one would call normal. Don't get me wrong, nothing could beat the happiness your child brought you. It was just an old passion that you couldn't practice as often as you once did.

"I'm all fired up" he mimicked your smirk before charging at you.

You blocked his flow with a sand wall, which he used as a stepping stone as he hurled himself at you. You rolled away right before his fire ignited fist could make contact with you.

You took the opportunity once Natsu's fist connected with the ground to lock him in place, sand wrapping around his limb to prevent him from moving.

You jumped up, ready to hit him with the heel of your foot, but he was quicker. He broke himself free from your sand prison and used that memento to hit you. You felt the warmth of his flames lick your soft skin as he missed you by just a hair.

"Daddy! Daddy! Stop! Don't hurt mommy!" You could hear your child cry as she got up from her place underneath a tree to run towards the place you and Natsu were standing, breathing heavily.

Nalu had finally made it to the two of you and tugged at her father's pants in an attempt to stop him "don't hurt mommy"

As you heard the soft sniffles of your daughter, both you and Natsu's head snapped in her direction, alerted at the sound of her crying.

It was difficult to hear what the upset child was saying through her hiccups as tears kept spilling out her eyes, but you heard it just fine.

You picked her up, and as soon as you placed her on your hip, she clung to you like you could disappear any second if she were to let go. Her soft wailing breaking both Natsu and your heart as you did your best to comfort your daughter "baby what's wrong?"

"Daddy nearly burned you" she managed to get out in between sobs. Your eyes flicker to Natsu, worry written all over your face "I don't want you to get hurt, mommy"

The loud sobs had died down and had been replaced by soft sniffs. Her tear-stained cheeks were still damp, but no new tears were falling.

"I'm fine, baby." you reassured Nalu as you tried to get her to lift her head, so she could look at you "mommy is completely fine. Daddy would never do anything to hurt mommy. I promise you"

"We were just training, princess. I would never hurt your mommy" Natsu said as he gently stroked your daughter's hair before making a small flame appears in his hand "look, I have complete control over my fire"

Nalu instinctively flinched away at the sight of the flame so close to her. The frown on Natsu's face deepened as he noticed the small movement of his daughter. Was she scared of him?

"Nalu, baby, what's wrong?" Natsu asked as he crouched down a little, so he was now on eye-level with his child.

"I see you and uncle Gray breaking stuff in the Guild when you fight. I just don't want mommy to get hurt like you hurt uncle Gray when you fight" she mumbled as her head was laying against your chest while looking at Natsu, her hands still grasping you tightly.

"I would never treat mommy the way I treat uncle Gray. I love your mommy very much, and I promise to not fight her with my fire again, will that make you happy?" Natsu suggested to which she nodded her head as she sucked on her thumb.

Her grip finally started to lose as you felt her get heavier too. The intensity of the situation had drained her of her energy. Natsu's reassuring words put her mind at ease, resulting in her letting sleep take over her body.

You carefully gave Nalu to Natsu as you picked up the blanket. "Let's go home, I think we could all use a nap"

"She's scared of my fire" Natsu mumbled, a heavy sadness lingering in his voice as he looked down at his daughter that was cuddled in his arms.

You hugged him from behind as you gave a kiss on his left shoulder blade "she'll come around. Once she fully understands the concept of magic, she'll see there is nothing to worry about. Maybe go a bit easier on Gray next time or at least have your brawls when she's not around."

"I was planning on doing so, but I can't make promises for that bastard" he stated as the two of you walked back to the guild. "Anyway, do you now agree that my first option was the best?"

"I will not let my daughter drink beer again!"

[kessielrg]

[Kingdom Hearts] Shutter to Stutter

Summary: By far, Ven’s got the most boring job at the flower shop; the cashier. Sitting day in and day out for someone to browse along the rows of flowers and gardening tools, then probably walk right out again. Sometimes an interesting thing would happen- but they were few and far between. [flower shop AU focused on UX kids][Part 8 in a series of oneshots][VenxOC][EphemerxOC/F!Player] 

Rating: K+ (mild cursing)

Word Count: 2,062 words

If you liked this story, please reblog!

---

Ven couldn’t remember the last time the flower shop had this much activity to it. At least, in terms of what they did for their billboard ads. Most of the time it was some seasonal flower with witty text advertising the store. Apparently this time, someone had requested something a bit more ‘personal.’ Which meant that they needed models this time around. Sabrina was a shoo-in; her face more than once gracing the billboard on I-02. But this time Luca was also being brought in. The two were to pose as if Luca was giving Sabrina a sunflower, and at the moment, the toddler wanted to do anything but.

It probably would have helped if the space wasn’t so overwhelming. Literally everyone was here. Lauriam had gotten a full camera set up- two large lights, a tripod, and his DSLR he usually used for some horticulture club he was in. Brain was his assistant, of a sorts, helping with adjusting the lights every now and again. Strelitzia -and surprisingly, Elrena- was there to do Sabrina’s make up for her. (Luca had been lucky to have Anora’s darker skintone, leading him to not be as washed out as the paler Sabrina.) Since their child was being exploited, of course both Ephemer and Anora were there to coax him to cooperate. And then there was Skuld- pretty much directing everyone, and likely not helping in Luca’s resistance.

No one had really asked Ven to help with this project, so he sat behind his counter to continue being invisible. Although he did wonder- was he still getting paid for this even though he wasn’t directly helping? This was still his normal shift, after all.

“Luca, look here.” Ephemer coaxed his child from behind Sabrina. “Look over here!”

Luca refused to acknowledge his parent. Instead he made do with picking off the petals on the sunflower with rather impressive pinches. It was less impressive when a strand of the toddler’s hair got into his face, and he used his whole hand to wipe it away. He didn’t even bother to look up when Anora started to shake what Ven could only assume was Luca’s favorite toy. The poor thing rattled not far from Sabrina’s face. No envy was lost as Sabrina’s face grew incredibly dark at the annoyance of having Ephemer verbally calling his son, while Anora rattled a toy on the other side. At this point, even if they could get Luca to remotely look Sabrina’s way, it was going to take another five minutes for her to look close to pleased again.

Brain knew his sister was pushing her limit because he gently pushed his way over to Skuld just to suggest, “Maybe we should try something different?”

Skuld looked at him like he gained another head.

“No.” she said to him with a shake of her head.

“So you want Wabi-Sabi to go Hulk when Ephemer calls for Luca again?”

“She’ll be fine.” Skuld snapped. To further prove a point, Skuld shouted at Sabrina, “Sabrina! You’re doing fine with Ephemer and Anora behind you, aren't you?”

Sabrina gave Skuld a glare so dark, it sent a chill up everyone’s (or, at least the people who happened to be looking at her at the time) spine. Skuld didn’t seem phased.

“Hey Sabrina,” Lauriam then spoke up from behind his camera. “Can you look over here for a moment? Cross your legs a bit too?”

Hate turning into an expression of mild confusion, Sabrina turned her body a bit to better face Lauriam. She crossed her legs and sat a bit straighter. Lauriam checked his camera’s viewfinder for a moment before several shutter snaps could be heard.

“Perfect.” Lauriam nodded. “Thank you.”

“Lauriam, stop taking boudoir photographs of my sister.” Brain teased as he went back over.

Lauriam actually looked rather offended at the idea. “I'm pretty sure these photos are taking themselves, Brain.” he informed his coworker. “My finger's not even on the trigger.”

“You have a remote.” Brain nonchalantly pointed out.

“Do I?” Lauriam looked down at his hand. Sure enough, there was a remote there. He looked up at Sabrina who was trying to scoot Luca back so they could maintain the agreed distance. Lauriam didn’t look away as he took another photograph, using the remote to trigger the shutter. He once more looked down at his hand in wonder before saying, “So I do.”

The duo shared a hearty laugh. The sound irking Sabrina’s nerves again as she also gave them a death glare. She was perfectly ignored for the time being. Every now and again, Lauriam still pressed the shutter button on the remote, even if nothing of substantial use was going on. He was going to end up with a lot of junk photos later, but he had always preferred to overshoot for that reason. If none of them had the particular vision Skuld was looking for, then surely there would be something that could suffice. There had to be.

Meanwhile, sitting by the main counter where Ventus was trying not to be seen, was Strelitzia and Elrena. Strelitzia was humming a little tune to herself as she watched over the main chaos.

“I wonder why Luca isn’t paying that much attention to Ephemer or Anora.” she casually wondered, placing a hand against her cheek. “He’s usually so attentive when they’re around.”

“Humph.” Elrena grumbled. “You know what they say, just like with dogs and cats; babies can sense evil.”

“Explains why he won't go near you.” Ventus hissed under his breath.

Both girls immediately looked at Ven- Strelitzia looked partially amused, while Elrena’s face could almost rival how irate Sabrina was. Elrena immediately slammed her hand down on the counter.

“Listen here, Roxas,” Elrena said, emphasizing the wrong name because she knew he didn’t like it, “I don’t know what’s gotten into you recently, but I’m not liking this bold streak you think you have going on. It’s not impressing anyone.”

“You wanna bet?”

Ventus, Elrena, and Strelitzia all turned their attention to Sabrina. She was sitting up straight and giving Elrena a particularly hard glare. Every other sound in the flower shop came to a grinding stop. (Spare for a few camera clicks, but at this point it was out of habit.) Seeing Sabrina defend Ventus made Elrena laugh.

“And what are you going to do?” Elrena challenged.

“Elrena.” Lauriam warned. She just as easily ignored him.

“‘Oh, look at me, Miss Independent.’” Elrena taunted. “‘I don’t care about anyone until I suddenly do. Oh, woe is me, being a cold hearted bi- I mean, witch, there’s a child present, I suppose- is just exhausting. It’s everyone else’s fault but mine. Oh woe!’”

Sabrina got up from her spot so quick, Brain nearly tripped over Lauriam’s tripod just to make sure his sister didn’t go straight for Elrena’s face. But she didn’t have thoughts of smashing the electric blonde’s face in just yet. Strelitzia had moved just as fast to take hold of Elrena’s elbow. Her grip was tight- a nonverbal warning that her friend needed to dial it back soon. But the shots had been fired, and neither one of them were going to let it go unattended.

“Brain, let go of my arm.” Sabrina hissed to her brother, not letting her gaze waver from Elrena. “You guys can keep going with the photoshoot, but there’s something I need to tell her a bit more privately.”

“You’re not leaving the shop to do it.” Brain told her.

“Of course not.” she spat- perfectly paired with a roll of her eyes.

“Luca will probably sit still for the camera better with her gone too.” Skuld spoke up, as if she wanted to remind everyone on why they were here today. “Lauriam, can you make it happen?”

“Of course.” he agreed. He took a look at his sister, giving her a stern glare meant to communicate that she needed to leave with Elrena soon. Strelitzia’s face paled a bit, but she gave a nod to show she understood.

With that, Brain let go of Sabrina’s arm. She very carefully walked around the photography junk to stand right in front of Elrena. Ventus could feel the air on the back of his neck stand up. There was a fury in Sabrina’s eye that he couldn’t tell if he admired or feared. He would have left to further give the girls time alone, but something kept him rooted in his spot. Everyone else returned to trying to take a good picture of Luca holding up a flower.

“You know, Elrena,” Sabrina started to say, “We’re a lot alike- you and I.”

Hearing this, Elrena stood a bit straighter. Ven tried to hold back the urge to shout that they weren’t. Sabrina gave them enough time to consider the idea before she continued.

“We’re both rather harsh to people we don’t like. Quite frankly, I don’t think we have ever liked each other. Sometimes, it’s very gratifying in just watching the world burn. You know what I mean?”

“Pssht. Yeah.” Elrena snorted. “Some people just deserve it.”

“And that’s where we differ.” Sabrina mused, taking another step toward Elrena. “You keep hiding. You keep hiding every little thing until you’re desperate. It’s not even a matter of holding your cards close- you literally can not let anyone in. People always ask who hurt me, but do they ask the same about you? I know where I fucked up in life, but do you? At least I’m able to admit that I like the person standing two feet away from me. By way, Ven? Last week? That was my first kiss. Great job.”

Ven immediately looked down, his face flushing a deep red. The black haired, brown eyed bitch smirked at the reaction. It became malicious when she looked back at Elrena.

“Have you kissed the person standing two feet next to you yet, sweetie?” She turned to look Strelitzia dead in the eye before asking, “Has she?”

For a moment, Strelitzia didn’t know how to respond. “Elrena doesn’t…” she tried to say, but she wandered in looking at Elrena’s face. The electric blonde’s face was a shade of red that it rivaled the ripest of apples.

“You- you just can’t say that!” Elrena spat. “You don’t know-”

“I may hate people, but I know them. But if I’m wrong, then kiss her.”

Elrena looked like she wanted to throw up.

“S-Strelitzia,” she then stammered. “We need to go now. You’re my ride home.”

“Yeah…” Strelitzia slowly nodded. “Let’s go.”

Strelitzia started toward the front door without a second thought. She paused at Lauriam to tell him something, (something he did not look pleased about at all) before leaving the building altogether. Elrena remained in a deadlock with Sabrina.

“You’re a bitch.” she told the dark haired girl.

“Have to be,” the reply came, almost as pure and simple as day. “How else will the person I like know I actually do like them?”

Elrena pursed her lips together. She tried to storm out, but the attempt still seemed rather half hearted at best. Sabrina casually watched her leave as she leaned against the counter. She refused to look at Lauriam. She knew he was giving her a heated glare.

Ven leaned forward on the counter just to whisper at her, “You’re insane.”

Sabrina moved enough to give him an over the shoulder stare.

“And yet, you’re the one that kissed me.” she mused, rather triumphantly. “Guess that makes you just as bad.”

“It was one kiss.” Ven tried to say in his defense. “Didn’t have to mean anything.”

“No, no it didn’t.” Sabrina quietly mumbled. She got off the counter and took her spot back in front of the camera equipment. Her expression was hard as she told her brother that things were fine. She even told Lauriam that she didn’t mean to put Strelitzia on the spot. But then she went back to modeling like nothing had ever happened. Right down to being slightly annoyed at the parents on either side of her trying to get their kid’s attention.

Ventus hummed as he rested an elbow on the counter, then cupped his face into his hand. Only one thought entered his head as he watched the photoshoot, and it was one that sent butterflies to his stomach.

She is amazing.

[madamedevien]

9 with Levi or Satan please!

Levi OR Satan?? Anon, I couldn’t possibly choose between the two boys - so have both! Done in order: Levi and then Satan. (Apologies for the delay - this was partially due to me trying to pick just one and the other was writing for the two of them, hahahaha!)9. “I don’t like people, but you’re an exception.” Levi and SatanLevi’s contains: SFW, nerdiness, Leviathan’s bad at emotions (as per usual), Levi is an embarrassed mess, also an awkward loveable tsundere, questionable Yoda-speak. 489 word drabble.Satan’s contains: SFW, books, Satan can’t help but be a bit of a snide tease (not that kind of tease, get your mind out of the gutter), he’s a scheister but we love him, fluff, he likes to wind you up, you’re both cute okay?, this is so freaking fluffy and self-indulgent. 668 word drabble.

At first, he didn’t hear his D.D.D. go off. Leviathan was so absorbed in his raid battle that he was oblivious to anything outside of the Treacherous Dungeon of Loorg - until the second notification. His phone didn’t often go off often, so for it to happen more than once in a row was worthy of his attention. Golden eyes flicked over to the phone screen on his desk, and he smiled. To see your face flash up was a pleasant surprise. 

The Avatar of Envy was quick to accept your call. “Hey - what’s up?” In the background, it was easy enough to hear the quick clacking of his buttons as he continued on his quest.“Hi - I was just wondering if you’re busy? I thought that maybe we could hang out?”That made Leviathan blush. The thought that you wanted to spend time with him always got him flustered.“Uh, well, I’m kinda in the middle of a raid here…”“Oh.” Oh no. Why did he say that? In that kind of tone?? It made it sound like he didn’t want to see you - and he did!! He really did! You sounded disappointed and, crap, what was he gonna do how was he gonna make up for this and were you going to go and hang out with one of his other brothers instead of watching him kick Loorg’s ass?! Lord of Shadows help him…“But I guess you could come and watch if you wanted.” So that’s how you ended up in Levi’s room, sat on one of his spare chairs while he totally smashed his way through the raid. The silence between you both was amicable, which was a surprise to the demon. He kind of didn’t even really mind when you asked questions, although you seemed pretty good at not being too annoying although did he ever find you annoying? Don’t ask him complicated questions like that. The time passed by quickly. He blushed and partially hid under blue bangs when you cheered at his victory, choosing to stuff his mouth full of snacks rather than acknowledge your praise…even if it made his heart swell with pride. “That was awesome, Levi!! I think you ought to invite your brothers next time -” You didn’t even get to finish your thought before Leviathan scoffed.“They’re just normies. They wouldn’t get it.”“But…you think I’m just a normie.”Golden eyes nearly rolled into the back of his head. “Urgh - an exception, you are. Suck, they do. People suck in general. Why do you think I’m such a shut-in? But you’re different. I like you.”Complete silence overtook the room as Leviathan’s words sunk. His ears were practically glowing red once he realised what he’d actually said - “NOT THAT THAT MEANS ANYTHING, OKAY?!”A brief moment of bravery allowed him to look over to you and your beaming face. “I like you too, Levi. How about you choose a two-player? Dinner’s not for a few more hours.”Yeah, you were definitely an exception. The Henry to his Lord of Shadows, you were. —It was always a pleasure to watch Satan perusing books; to see his face truly serene for once, a gentle smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. A genuinely beautiful sight. However, as you watched him and reflected on your time with the demon, you realised quite quickly that very rarely did he ever join you and the other brothers for anything. Well, with the exception of the mandatory presence at any of Diavolo’s gatherings or RAD events… Still. Sometimes you wondered whether he was lonely. The blond did seem to regularly ask you to accompany him on outings. Walks in the park, trips to the library, reading sessions in his room…A soft murmur of your name stirred you from your thoughts, only to realise that Satan’s deep eyes were looking at you with concern. “Are you alright?”You nodded with a smile. “Of course. Sorry. Was just thinking.”That caused one of his eyebrows to crook as he smirked. “A dangerous pastime for you.” He chuckled warmly when you shot him a look. “What were you thinking about?”As you shook your head, ready to brush off his question, the Avatar of Wrath fixed you with a firm stare with that ever present smile - although this was not his true smile. “Come now - you can tell me. Perhaps I can help you in your futile pursuit of knowledge.” He was clearly annoyed that you weren’t being forthcoming. “Excuse me?!”Your indignation did make his smile morph into something more genuine. “I said what I meant and I meant what I said - your futile pursuit of knowledge. As a human, you appear to retain so little…”When you shoved his shoulder with a laugh, Satan took the opportunity to grasp your hand and hold it to his chest. “Genuinely. Tell me what you were thinking, kitten.”The pet name was nice, but you were fairly certain it was either to throw you off or butter you up. You weren’t sure which. “Promise not to laugh?”“I refuse to make any promises that I’m certain I won’t be able to keep.” The two of you were on the verge of laughter, both aware that Satan was purposefully being difficult, almost purposefully trying to get a rise out of you - it was his weird version of humour with people that he seemed to like. “Whatever, you pain. I was just…” Now it felt a bit uncomfortable to say and you were worried that the blond that you liked so much would take your query the wrong way, “I was just worried that you might be lonely.”His expression was wiped quite blank at that and it made you look away. “Now why might you think something like that, kitten?”“Ah…” You felt like a fool. “I was just thinking about how it’s always just you and me. You don’t seem to hang out much with your brothers, I can’t recall any time that I’ve seen you voluntarily interacting with others…and I guess I was just a bit worried.”Your eyes shyly traced back to Satan’s face…and you were more than a little surprised to see him absolutely beaming at you.“You were worried about me?”“Pssht. Go on then, laugh-” “Don’t. While I do find it amusing that you would worry about a demon, not to mention such a powerful demon as myself…I’m touched.” His fingers twined with yours and you felt the pink dusting your cheeks - but Satan’s were a mirror reflection. “However, I do have an answer for you.”“Oh?”The Avatar of Wrath nodded, still smiling, “I wouldn’t say that I’m lonely. I very simply don’t like people - but you’re an exception.”His warm laughter filled the room when your face properly flushed. Although you had no way of knowing, your conversation made Satan’s heart swell. To know that you genuinely cared about his welfare only cemented the knowledge that he had made a good choice in choosing you as his exception. 

[pokeshippingflashfic]

Askfic off the top of my head. Someone calls Misty a harpy after she scolds them for mistreating... ?

“Jeezus, you’re a real class act, huh?”

“Excuse me?” the redhead shrieked in a somewhat breathless tone, arms somewhere between crossing defensively over her chest and posturing before her, fists instantaneously ready to physically defend herself.

“Yikes, I wish I’d known before I left town that I was gonna need earplugs today. What a drag…” the opposing young girl shrugged with a hint of a snide smirk. 

“Look, just ‘cause you wanna turn around and insult me for calling you out doesn’t mean I’m gonna walk away and pretend I didn’t see what I saw!”

“And if you’d look, you’d realize that what you saw is none of your business anyway, okay? So why don’t you just turn your scrawny self around and get outta here! These are my Pokemon and I can train them how I want!”

Misty scowled, fingers itching to grab the girl by her neck and wring it until she was more disposed to listening to a more knowledgeable person’s advice.

“I’m telling you as someone who’s seen it before, treating Magikarp like this is dangerous.”

“I have no reason to trust you just because you say you know better! I caught these Pokemon myself for the sole purpose of evolving them! A full team of super strong Gyarados on my side? Hardly anyone will stand a chance!” the young female trainer guffawed. 

An overall distant memory of being stranded at sea with some of her worst enemies and, at the time, more acquaintances than friends fluttered to the top of Misty’s mind. Their raft capsized and she was overcome with cold, dark, and loneliness. 

This was followed by a somewhat more recent recollection of her first day as the covering Cerulean Gym lead trainer, trying her best to tame the territorial and abandoned Gyarados her sisters had left behind when they went on their voyage.

Now, months later, she was finally able to spend a few days with her friends again, had escaped Team Rocket’s latest mon-napping attempt or few and found an opportunity to relax, only to stumble on a stranger using pseudo-abusive training to force their Pokemon to evolve as fast as possible. She was only supposed to be refilling the group’s canteens again for the rest of the night!

Her wary gaze dropped sympathetically to the rather pathetic looking three water-types flailing uselessly in the stream before her, a somewhat aggressive electric-type Misty loosely recognized from the Hoenn region named Electrike posturing on their haunches between them with electricity crackling around its head.

By the time she’d shaken herself from her reverie and returned to the present, the younger lass had turned haughtily on her heel and appeared to be preparing her electric-type to attack her other Pokemon again.

“Wait!” the redhead cried desperately, one step taken instinctively forward even with her arms full of canteens dangling from their straps. But what else was there to say? Other than looking temporarily the worse for wear, the three Magikarp didn’t seem to be malnourished, ill, or afraid. And though the voice in the back of her head was still demanding her warning be validated, another part of her wondered if the girl was right. What business was this of hers?

“Misty? I thought that was you!” a familiar voice called out from somewhere behind her.

“Oh, Ash–”

“–Ugh, now your dumb friends are butting in?!”

“Mwah?!” Ash replied, dismayed at the slight to his ego immediately after his arrival, clutching the firewood he’d offered to gather more tightly in his arms.

“Look, I’ll tell you what I already told her! I can train my Pokemon how I want! This was my plan from the start, to toughen them up and push them to evolve! I’m not doing anything wrong! And you!” she rounded on Misty once more, Ash forgotten in the background though he still appeared to be trying to piece one and one together, frantically glancing between the two girls. “Why are you still even here, you harpy?! Screeching and wailing for me to do what you say?! I don’t owe you such courtesy! I don’t even know you so I have no reason to listen to you!”

“Wha - hey, wait a sec!” the younger male trainer shouted obstinately now before Misty’s fiery spirit could kick in. And to her (rather pleasant, if she were being honest) surprise, Ash leaped in front of her as if to protect her from anymore emotional damage. “I don’t know what’s goin’ on but Misty was probably just trying to help! … Uh, right?” he finished awkwardly, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

The redhead found herself nodding mutely, still shocked at his apparent chivalry. Glancing past him, she saw the female trainer gritting her teeth, brow furrowed, mortified at what probably felt akin to two strangers ganging up on her. And it hit her instantaneously that she’d found the source of the opposing girl’s bitterness.

Maybe if I try a softer approach?

“Look, I know it might not mean anything…” she began calmly and swiftly, unceremoniously dropping her armful of canteens to the ground and taking a cautious step forward, “but I’m actually a gym leader from this region.”

“Pssht, yeah right!” the lass responded stubbornly, arms crossed defensively over her chest. A few seconds passed before she glanced suspiciously at her would-be attacker, “… Which gym?”

“Uh, in Cerulean. The gym belongs to my family. My name is Misty.”

Perhaps it was the city name or the sound of the redhead’s identity sounding semi-familiar but the girl responded with sudden embarrassed comprehension, though she quickly stifled it so nobody would notice.

“W - well, even if that’s true…” she stuttered instead, gaze alternating between aversion and boldness before she trailed off.

It took every ounce of Misty’s willpower not to roll her eyes. She was finally making progress though so she couldn’t forfeit now.

“I li - love Pokemon but… water-types are my favorite. I’ve always liked them most of all and my dream is to eventually be the best water-type master trainer in the world,” the redhead continued, taking another discreet step forward and offering a halfhearted glance in the direction of the group of Pokemon in the background.

“I know how important it is to be the strongest. The best. I mean, even at home, I wasn’t allowed to help with the gym until pretty recently. And if I really plan to be a master, I know… that there’s a lot I still have to learn and do to prove myself to everyone. But…”

“Ngh…!” The girl was very clearly going through an internal struggle.

Finally facing her supposed adversary, Misty took a firm hold of the other girl’s hands and tugged softly, enough so they were inclined to look each other in the eye.

“… But finding shortcuts like these, though tempting, never ends well. I’ve seen newly evolved Gyarados create storms and wreak havoc intense enough to almost kill people. I mean, I have a Gyarados now myself!” And, before the girl could interrupt, Misty went on, “But the first time we met, he tried t - to drown me.”

She was faintly aware of Ash, still relatively close in case things escalated again, straightening his back, breath caught in his throat at this news. Her story also appeared to have quite the effect on her intended audience, as the young lass before her stared wide-eyed and mouth slightly agape.

“Gyarados are violent and impulsive, instinctive and distrusting. If you really want a whole squad of them to help you prove yourself in this world… then you need to put in the work too. It’s the only way you’re going to earn their loyalty and respect.”

Things were awkwardly silent for the following minute or so. Making one last effort to break the tension, the redhead pulled her hands away long enough to rummage in her bag, removing a small spray bottle and holding it out.

“Here’s a super potion. It may not be enough to get your Magikarp all back to perfect health but it should help for now if they share it. And, for the record, you were right. None of this here is really any of my business but… I guess I just hope you’ll make the right choice in the end.”

The trip back to their group’s campsite roughly ten minutes later was steeped in pregnant and tense quiet murky enough to almost bowl her over. Misty had walked a few minutes away after their conversation to finally complete her task of filling canteens and hadn’t had the nerve to check back in with the girl before returning to their friends.

She could only wonder if she’d really gotten through…

Ash’s pace slowed, he fell a little further in step behind her, but intended to follow through with his inquiry anyway.

“So… that story about Gyarados nearly drowning you? Is that… I guess that’s true, huh?”

Her step faltered too, mind racing as she contemplated her response. Part of her had expected he wouldn’t ask, another part had expected he might even if it would be hard to talk about.

“Uh… yeah.”

“Oh. I guess… when we met him in Hoenn, I didn’t… get that impression. He seemed so…”

“… Loyal and respectful?” she volunteered with a knowing half-smile. “Well, how else would I have known what to say before? Trust begets trust and love begets love. It’s a good lesson to learn, Mr. Pokemon Master.”

“Does stuff like… like that happen often since returning to Cerulean?” he went on, and Misty blinked, impressed by his curiosity.

She was very briefly overwhelmed with memories of her other adventures; PIA Agent Joy secretly inspecting her gym, those awful brothers from Viridian stalking her and seeking vengeance, being attacked by Pokemon and Team Rocket on several occasions…

“Well,” she offered with the faintest giggle, and Ash was grateful for the cover of darkness hiding his flushed cheeks, “no more often than when we traveled together for sure.”

“But that was different!” His response was automatic, almost oversensitive. She hadn’t expected them to talk in such detail about this situation. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought she’d get a rise out of Ash like this. She was torn between taking offense or having her uncertainty put to rest.

“Oh yeah? How’s that?”

She wondered, albeit briefly, if he was about to blame himself somehow. Alas…

“Because! We had each other then, didn’t we? But now that you’re home…” he trailed off, looked at the ground before kicking a pebble in frustration. Where were the words he needed? And the courage to say them to her for that matter! “Now… we don’t… you don’t have me, ‘yknow, there.”

He was suddenly feeling quite overheated, cheeks and neck and ears uncomfortably toasty after his confession.

“… Oh.”

Well, that was unexpected.

“Y - yeah, so you need to take better care of yourself from now on!” he practically yelped in complaint before stomping forward and passing her by, still refusing to look her in the eye in case she noticed his predicament.

... Hypocrite! she replied internally, surprised that it was accompanied by a suppressed bark of laughter as she picked up the pace to rejoin him. 

A good thing too because apparently their conversation wasn’t over.

“That all being said… I think ya handled that really well back there. These kinds of situations can be tricky…” To conceal his lack of breath at such flattering commentary, he continued rambling, “Uh, what’s it called? Like a gray area? It reminds me of when we met AJ right after we first started traveling together.”

“Oh, yeah, I guess it’s sort of the same, huh…?” she replied softly, almost wistfully. “Still no way to know if I made the right call… But I think I did what was best for her and her Pokemon so that’s… really all that I can expect of myself.”

They were one wall of foliage away from their friends now. Ash had resorted to awkwardly clearing his throat, refusing to look her in the eye. Misty, unsure if it was the frustrating prospect of being cornered by a curious May, Max, and Brock later over such odd behavior, or else an impish streak hoping test Ash’s patience one last time tonight, or even the genuine friend in her hoping to give a little something back after all the emotional intimacy he’d bared for her this evening, decided to go for it.

“Y’know Ash, I think you handled yourself well tonight too.”

He stared blankly back at her, one brow just beginning to furrow as he begged the question, “Uh… I did? How?”

She felt an instant warmth spread from her chest to her limbs, heartbeat so violently loud she could feel it pulsing in her fingertips as they unconsciously twirled around a particular canteen strap from anxiety. Still, the memory of Ash stepping to her defense and placing himself between her and any perceived threat had been quite the romantic experience. Not to mention the other precious pieces of himself he’d proffered over the past hour or so…

“Oh, I mean, it’s nothing much. I just wanted you to know that I’m grateful you showed up tonight, I guess. Now let’s get back. I’m surprised they didn’t start looking for us after all this time!” And they crashed unanimously through the underbrush, stumbling back to their destination for the night, one final thought crossing Misty’s mind.

With Ash’s heart sewn so loosely on his sleeve, it was quite easy to tell even after all this time… exactly how he felt about her.

[Btw, my intention was that this fic took place during the short time Ash and Misty travel together again with May, Max, and Brock after Ash’s return from Hoenn.

Btw x2, if you’re so obliged, please reblog this fic and spread news of this blog. I know posts are slower now, work is hectic and I don’t have as much time to write, but I would like to get some more fic requests. Every time I ask lately I’ve only gotten 0-1 at a time.]

[fauxsciencedork]

Hi people hi. 

In honor of the day, enclosed is a scene from Something in My Heart that is part of the next chapter if that chapter every gets finished. (I literally have like 10k more written, right through to the end, but with so many skips and filler scenes that I haven’t written that it just isn’t a done story yet. It’s annoying.)

ANYway here’s Cisco and Joe having some fun. 

“It’s six o’clock on a weekday, I am forty...” His eyes narrowed at Cisco. “...something years old...”

Cisco laughed, muffling it less than subtly.

Joe’s mouth twitched. “And I’m not the kind of man who dances around his living room to no music, even when I don’t expect my kids to be home any minute.”

“Ohh. No music. I see the problem.” Cisco grinned and grabbed his phone, tugging it from his pocket. “Luckily I never go anywhere without music.” He pulled up his playlists and sorted through, sneaking a glance up at Joe. “Now. What does a Joe West dance to?”

Joe couldn’t hide his amusement, though he planted himself more firmly on the couch, folding his arms over his chest. His eyebrow rose artfully as Cisco studied him.

A challenge. Excellent. Cisco stopped on a song, considered, slid down to another one and beamed at the screen. “Okay, this one’s a no-brainer, but I’m gonna play it anyway because I like an easy win.”

“No jazz, no blues. No fair using your knowledge against me.”

“Pfft, like anyone’s gonna shake their ass to the blues.” Cisco raised the volume on his phone and hit the screen with a grin.

Joe’s eyes went wide as soon as he heard the first notes. “Oh, that’s bordering on stereotype.”

“Maybe, but you’re still gonna dance to it.”

The sound on his phone’s speaker was amazing, which was one reason he shelled out money he didn’t have for it. By the time the lyrics started - “Do you remember/the twenty-first night of September...” - Joe was already moving his head to the beat.

Cisco grinned and came in, setting the phone on the coffee table and holding out a hand. He got his hips moving at the same time, singing along quietly.

“Come ooooon,” he coaxed, sliding closer to the couch and making grabby hands at Joe. “You know you wanna. ‘As we danced in the niiiiight, remembah...”

Of course Joe wasn’t really going to hold out. Cisco knew that much about him by now. Underneath his stern dad-cop act Joe loved to cut loose, even if only in small everyday ways. Cisco considered it a duty and an honor these days to assist him with that as often as possible.

So he didn’t gloat (much...out loud) when Joe sighed and reached out and clasped his hand, and let Cisco pull him up. He just grinned and danced backwards to give him room.

Joe shook his head even as he took up the dance, all shoulders and elbows and snapping fingers. He even started singing along with Cisco, and they did their best to drown out the phone entirely.

“I knew you were about this,” Cisco said after the chorus, twirling backwards and nearly running back into the coffee table.

Joe huffed a laugh, reaching out to steady him. “I’ve forgotten more about this song--”

“--than I will ever know, yeah yeah.”

Joe’s steadying hand slid down Cisco’s arm and gripped his hand. “Come on, junior, show me what you think you know.”

Cisco moved in closer obligingly, trying not to grin too big. “You think I can’t boogie?”

“I’ve heard stories about you on a dance floor, that’s all I’m saying.”

“I see I have something to talk to Iris about during our next coffee date.”

“My daughter is a journalist, she’s very accurate in her reporting.” Joe tugged at Cisco’s arm, pulling it up.

Cisco twirled in under his arm, and broke away with a laugh. “My cabbage patch is legendary, for the record.”

“Noted, but wrong decade for this song.”

“Oh, you want some seventies?” He backed up and busted out some moves.

Joe laughed. “I can’t tell if Iris was right or not. What the hell do you know about some bus stop?”

“A lot. Because, one: I’m awesome.”

“Is there a two? Get back here.” He held out a hand.

Cisco danced back to him. “Doesn’t need to be a two. One covers it.”

“Uh huh. I bet you learned that just to impress me.”

“Nah, I would’ve thought that was before your time. Anyway my Youtube search history is regularly deleted, so. Try proving it.”

“It was before my time.” Joe chuckled, pulling him in close, arm staying at his waist as he danced. “And I’m a cop, I have access to computer forensics guys.”

“But I’m the guy your forensics department calls for tech support, so.” Cisco moved in closer than he probably had to, but what the hell. It was just more comfortable these days to be closer.

He grinned up at Joe, shimmying his hips a little smugly.

Joe grinned right back down at him, looking loose and happy. “That’s probably true. I guess we’re at a stalemate.”

They were almost up against the dining room table by then, as the chorus rang out for the third time. Joe tugged Cisco’s arm up again to twirl him.

He spotted what he thought was movement near the front door, but was laughing too hard as he spun to put it together.

At least for a second, until the applause started.

Joe’s hand clenched for a moment, like he was fighting the urge to drop Cisco’s, or grab him harder, hard to tell which. He stopped moving, though, peering over at the doorway before looking back at Cisco.

“Oops. You called it, look at that.” Cisco grinned, though he felt his face heating up as he buried his face against Joe’s shirt.

Joe chuckled, arm coming around his shoulder as he spoke over his head. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. Get in here before I decide it’s chore night.”

“Hey, no, no laughing.” Wally spoke first as the West and West-Adjacent kids - all three of them, all there at the same time, what were the odds? - thudded down to the living room. “You got moves, I’m impressed.”

“Which one of us?” Joe patted Cisco’s arm as he moved off to greet his kids.

Iris moved down past him, approaching Cisco with eyebrows raised. “Nice timing. Did you hear us coming or something?” she murmured, hugging him lightly.

“Nope.” He tried not to notice the surprise in her eyes as she pulled back. He shrugged. “Joe just looks like a dude who needs to dance more.”

“I agree.” She smiled after a moment, bright and warm. She squeezed Cisco’s arm. “I’m glad you’re here.”

She went over to hug her dad, and Barry took her place, grinning much too broadly as he pulled Cisco in with a quick five. “I almost got my phone out, but Iris stopped me.”

“Pssht. You think I’m embarrassed? Put us on YouTube, we’ll be famous.” Cisco made a mental note to pay for her coffee next time. “You’re cool with me being here, right?”

“Of course.” Barry shrugged, looking sincere. “Though walking into this living room with that music playing gave me flashbacks to getting woken up early Saturday mornings. I can practically smell the Pine Sol.”

Cisco laughed. “Fabuloso, but I feel ya either way.”

Barry leaned in a little, his gaze going towards Joe. “I told Joe the other day that now that I know about you two I can’t believe I ever didn’t see it. You’re the only person outside of his kids who can make him look that happy.”

Cisco threw an arm around his shoulder, feeling and accepting and then ignoring a spark of guilt. “Luckily since you’re not formally a West you won’t have to call me Dad when it becomes official.”

Barry burst into laughter, and then just as suddenly choked it off. His eyes went wide. “Wait, is that...a thing? That might happen? What official? Official...what?”

Cisco grinned. “Just a joke, man, breathe.”

[elitespacefreak]

You Remind Me of Andromeda - Pt. 1

I’m so so so very excited to finally post this little ficlet for the lovely miss @heart-chime ! She sent in an ask a little while ago that I absolutely fell in love with and of course I had to be super extra, so in addition to the list of headcanons, here’s part one of an accompanying Zim x Reader ficlet - plus the first half of a playlist!

The postcard thing will make more sense in part two~

It wasn’t that you thought astronomy was a totally useless class – it was actually fairly refreshing considering you were a hardcore medical student. But dear god you sometimes just did not have the brain power to remember things. Intensive details about human anatomy? Sure, no problem. The name of one obscure astronomical event that happens only every how many years?

Jesus you weren’t Stephen Hawking.

“Who can tell me which galaxy is the most prominent during autumn?”

Did you even know the names of any other galaxies? Like if Billy Eichner ran up to you in the middle of the street and asked, you were pretty sure you wouldn’t be getting that dollar.

“Andromeda.”

“Thank you, Zim.”

Ah yes, the resident space nerd, who was constantly screwing with the grading curve on quizzes. But even though you rolled your eyes you found yourself smiling. He might have been from another planet but somehow his intelligence was still incredibly attractive despite your expecting it.

Gretchen, your best friend since middle school, elbowed you from her seat with a raise of her perfectly groomed eyebrows. When you shrugged your shoulders at her she tilted her towards Zim, prompting you to quietly ask her again, before she huffed and waved you off and went back to pretending to be taking notes on her laptop. You were pretty sure she was reading an article on astrology. Zodiac compatibilities or whatever.

For a solid five minutes you completely zoned out, staring off in the direction of the whiteboard while students were called up to mark on a drawn map of the current night sky. They were labeling minor constellations according to what could currently be seen within a few degrees of the horizon. Two or three other kids were invested enough to fill out the map, aside from Zim and Dib, who did most of the work.

Dib was a good kid, he came around after he grew up. You weren’t totally savvy as to what happened, but you and Gretchen came back from summer camp one year and he and Zim were joined at the hip – in a good way. After that Gretchen had an absolute glow up and turned into a modern day, purple-haired Aphrodite. And Dib fell hard. It was always so cute watching them fall in love with each other over and over again.

As your thoughts continued to drift so did your eyes, and they fell on the boys at the front of the room, your mind making a passing comment on Dib’s new jacket Gretchen got him for Christmas before landing on Zim.

He’d grown, a lot. He was just a hair under six feet – and nobody ever heard the end of it – and he’d finally ditched the raspberry uniform. It had always looked good on him, like most things did, but human clothes fit him well, even if he was too stubborn to hide the green skin. He hadn’t needed to tell you, you’d figured it out on your own pretty quickly, but even after he came to terms with you knowing he still wouldn’t take your advice on investing in a more practical disguise. That was fine though, he was a really nice shade of green and –

“You’re free to go, just don’t forget you’ve got a quiz due before midnight tomorrow. If anyone needs to speak with me about the final project I’ll be in my office today after three.”

You blinked back to reality, lifting your head off your hand. “Well time really flies when you’re having fun, huh?”

Dib peeked over his shoulder to make sure the teacher wasn’t looking before vaulting over the row of desks in front you to grab his things. “Fun? You looked bored as fuck.”

Zim laughed beside him, tucking away his laptop. “Earth to Dr. Cameron, hello~”

“Oh knock it off, you know that show’s not real,” you chided, matching his cheeky smile with your own. “I was paying attention the entire time.”

Him and Dib both gave you a hard time as you followed them out of the classroom. Gretchen was still making faces at you and nodded her head at Zim without saying anything, and you continued to raise your eyebrows in confusion.

“Oh my god,” she whispered, making the boys turn around curiously. “Hey, why don’t we stop by Starbucks and get coffee? It’s lunch so we should be able to snag a table, clearly somebody needs to study.”

Before you could interject about how you were going to ace that quiz Zim was chanting ‘frappaccino’ and Dib was mimicking an echo behind him. They were so dumb sometimes but god did you love them. Even when they were shuffling out of the building to the beat of a song blaring from Zim’s headphones.

You took Gretchen’s hand and pulled her along, lacing your fingers together so you wouldn’t get pulled apart by the crowd. “Come on, we’re getting left behind.”

She pretended to look around and act confused. “By who? I don’t know them.”

--

The line at Starbucks was backed up to the door, but people were in and out for the lunch rush and Gretchen piled all of your belongings onto a table for keeps where she could watch it from a distance. While the four of you creeped along the snaking rows of students you were grilled on potential quiz material.

“Oh come on, I’m supposed to study first. This isn’t fair –”

“Life isn’t fair, which constellation is the star Vega located in?”

“What? I don’t –”

“Wrong.”

“How many stars make up the big dipper?”

“Oh god, uh…”

“Wrong. What kind of star is Arcturus?”

“Umm, I can’t remember – ”

“Wrong again.”

“Wow you’re gonna fail.”

Gretchen smacked her boyfriend on the arm and glared at him. “Your job is to help, not antagonize.”

Zim waved her off and draped his arm around your shoulders. “Relax, she’ll be fine, I’m easily the most qualified tutor here anyway~”

“Exactly,” you said, wrapping an arm around his waist as you leaned into him with a smile.

You couldn’t see it because Zim was taller than you and you’d have to crane your neck to see his face from this angle. But the other two saw, saw the way his cheeks dusted just a shade darker, his eyes lit up, and the corner of his mouth twitched until his smile was lopsided. You didn’t know his light cough was corrective, but they did.

Gretchen shook her head goodnaturedly. “Yeah, if you say so. Now turn around so that poor barista doesn’t have to yell, she looks like she needs a nap.”

As you fumbled for your phone to pull up your Starbucks app you felt Zim’s arm slide off your shoulder.

“Hey,” he said, pulling his phone out of his back pocket, “could I buy you coffee this time?”

His offer caught you a little off guard, and apparently laughing it off was your brain’s only means at saving face once you felt the butterflies start to collate in your stomach. “Pssht, you just want the extra stars, huh?”

He smiled and your heart melted. “It’s definitely a bonus, but you didn’t say no so I’m running with it.”

If the barista wasn’t currently waving you over you would’ve insisted that he didn’t have to, but his timing was perfect so you let him have this one. Plus your seven extra stars, the mooch. His frappes always got him at least eleven to begin with. “How many until your next freebie?”

He stepped off to the side and looked down at his phone. “Two.”

“Aww, guess I should’ve gotten that venti, huh?”

“Guess so, now I’ll just have to buy you coffee again.”

You know, for being from another planet you shouldn’t be this suave.

After everyone had their coffee - and got a good laugh at Dib’s name spelled ‘Memebrane’ - you all sat down at your table in the back corner. While you and Gretchen pooled your notes to compare the boys took the quiz just to be done with it so they could focus on helping you.

“Alright,” Dib said, pulling out the textbook and slapping it down on the table. “I figured we’d give you a run down of what kinds of things to expect, ask you a few questions to see where you stand, and then devise a plan of attack from there.”

“And then I,” Zim added emphatically, “can make sure you both go home knowing what to study in the interim. Sound good?”

His excitement over the subject always made you smile, and you nodded eagerly.

About forty minutes later you were less than half as eager as you were to start with. The subject matter, again, wasn’t boring, it was just… so different than what your brain was already used to. After the end of an hour and a half Gretchen had to call it quits, asking Zim to just text her a study guide later so she wouldn’t be late to her evening class. And of course, since Dib was such a studious boyfriend, left to walk her himself.

Leaving the two of you alone. Of course.

“You don’t have another class tonight, do you?”

With a solid effort to get your nervous leg to stop bouncing you looked up and shook your head. “No, I just needed to clean some before I went to bed, other than that I’m all yours~”

Zim was in the middle of sipping his frappe before he pulled it away and coughed, trying to hide the blush on his cheeks.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just a… a really big piece of ice.” He gave one good cough before putting his drink down and away from him. “Where were we?” His voice was a little raspy and it made you smile a little.

You looked down at your notes. “Oh yeah, the sex constellation.”

“Okay now I’m really glad I didn’t have my drink in hand that time.”

“I’m sorry! I don’t remember what it’s called, I just know it’s got a funny name,” you whined, hiding your face in your hands.

“You mean Sextant?”

“Yeah, I mean what even is a… whatever that is?”

He sighed but his smile was genuine and it made your hands start to fidget now that his eyes were on you. “It measures distances for things like altitude.”

“Oh,” you said, sounding very uninterested all of a sudden. “That’s not very exciting.”

“No, not as exciting at the sex constellation I guess,” he laughed.

“Shut up!”

“I’m just teasing,” he said, grabbing your hand when you reached across the tiny table to smack him. “ Besides, now you definitely won’t forget it. So, where’s it at on the map?”

The textbook wasn’t very user friendly when it came to finding the correct chunk of sky map, but once you figured out which one to look at you were able to point it without too much fuss.

“See? Not so hard.”

The conversation was on and off for the next half hour while Zim wrote you up a study guide and let you take one last look over everything before he insisted you’d studied enough and needed to put it down. As you were packing up and finishing off your coffee he offered to walk you back to your dorm.

You blushed just a little, turning your face back to your things. “Oh no, you don’t have to do that. It’s only a few minutes from here.”

“I know,” he said, shouldering his bag. “But it’s getting dark and I’d be an asshole if I didn’t insist, so I’m insisting.”

Well you weren’t going to argue with him, or pass up a chance to let him shower you in chivalry. So you let him walk you home, looping your arm around his while you kept pace with his long strides.

Again, you couldn’t see the helplessly infatuated look on his face, but it was one that even Eliza Schuyler would be proud of. Had you not been around he might have been humming ‘Helpless’ to himself.

The walk was quiet and your thoughts were left to wander, first from your astronomy quiz, to your next bio lab, to thinking you recognized that student you just walked by, to the weird look you got from them because you did recognize them and evidently they were silently congratulating you on your booty call because you never told them you had a boyfriend. In fact you told her the opposite about two weeks ago so now it was weird because you and Zim were not dating - but not that you didn’t want to, and you would, it was just that…

Your brain decided it had had enough of that train of thought, and instead interrupted with an arbitrary ‘what if he asked?’ and then you spiraled into a whole thing that dumped you into your high school memories. That had been a weird time for everyone just in general, but your friend group had gone through some exceptional growing pains.

You were coming to terms with what going through med school was going to entail (which was a lot), Gretchen was in the middle of a huge falling out with both of her parents, Dib was finally clawing his way out of the worst time of his life and going to therapy, and Zim…

Well, he probably had it the worst, and ended up embodying the whole “teenage rebellion” thing to an absurd degree. You remember liking the hair and new jacket, but the rest of it was just so much. The only reason you knew he was pretending to take notes in class while actually writing angry letters to his ex-Tallest (he’d been very particular about that for a while) was because he always looked so angry and eventually one of his teachers sent him to the counselor. After that there was a good week of heart-to-heart sleepovers with everyone because Gretchen insisted.

But by the end of two years things sort of… got better. You had a viable plan of action to get you through med school, Gretchen found a healthy way to be removed from her parents without the animosity, Dib’s therapy had done wonders, and Zim grew up. You remembered it all happening so fast, it was like one day you were all a bunch of edgy kids trying to prove something to the world and the next day you realized you only cared about proving something to yourselves instead.

What a crazy few years.

“What are you thinking about?”

Huh? Oh! You blinked and hummed. “High school.”

“Oh God.”

You laughed and made a face. “What? You didn’t like high school?”

Zim made a little gagging noise. “Ew, no, do you even remember high school?”

“Pfft, yeah I remember that stupid expensive leather jacket you wore.”

“Listen I deserved something nice. It’s not my fault I was impressionable and you humans have terrible coping mechanisms.”

“I’m kidding,” you said, bumping him with your hip as you walked. “But the wig was nice.”

He absently trailed his fingers through his hair, biting his lip to cease the smile that honestly never left him. “Yeah? I kinda thought it was obnoxious actually.”

“You were a rebellious grungy emo boy, of course it was obnoxious. But at least you looked…?” You paused, rolling a few words around on your tongue.

“Normal?”

“Well, not really, but close enough?”

He shrugged. “I’ll take what I can get. Want me to walk you upstairs?”

The two of you had reached your dorm building, a cookie cutter copy of three other buildings just like it. Usually it was pretty lively during the day, but somehow it just felt so foreboding once the sun went down. It was probably the fluorescent street lamps and flickering lights over the front doors. Plus the trees looked a little too lifelike in the dark.

You scrunched your nose. “Yeah, if you wouldn’t mind?”

“Not at all~” He followed you up to the door and waited for you to pull out your student ID, listening for the doors to click once you swiped it across the panel. “There’s a hell of a blind spot over here, I don’t think this camera can - ”

You bristled and pulled the door open. “Don’t tell me that!” you chided, putting your ID away. “There’s enough weirdos around here as it is, I don’t need to know about how bad the security system is.”

Zim laughed and made a face. “My bad. I could fix it though.”

The two of you stopped in front of the elevators and waited for one of the two to come down to the ground floor. “That’s probably illegal.”

“It’s definitely illegal. I’m just saying I could.” He looked up and around at the foyer, sticking his hands in his pockets as a sliver of nervous energy coiled in his stomach. Being around other people was one thing, being totally alone in an enclosed space was a completely different thing. The ‘ding’ made him jump, he was glad you didn’t notice.

As you stepped in and pressed the button for the seventh floor you sighed. “I bet if I took the stairs every day my legs would look great.”

You didn’t see his eyes flick down, or the way his jaw clenched as he bit his tongue, begging himself not to correct you out loud. But what he did say made you look. “You always c-maybe come do the gym with some time - ” He didn’t even really finish before he set his hands on his hips and just stared at the ground.

“Uh,” you tried so hard not to laugh, “What-?”

“You know I’m pretty sure I blacked out for that entire sentence.”

“Did you have a stroke?”

“No idea.”

“Can you even have those?”

“I guess we’ll find out.”

“I hope not,” you said, stepping out of the elevator as it stopped and the doors slid open. “Those are no joke, so you better not die on me.”

He followed you out and around the corner, humming. “Would you miss me?”

“Of course I’d miss you, you’re my best friend.” When you looked up you saw a dopey smile spread across his face. “Aww, see? You do have a heart.” you teased, leaning your head against his arm.

“Who, me?” He rested his hand on your opposite shoulder. “Absolutely not.”

You scoffed. “Liar.”

“Technically, I do not have the biological equivalent of a heart.”

You picked your head up and scowled. “Wait, but when I give you hugs sometimes I hear a rhythmic thumping, so what the fuck is that then?”

He shrugged and smiled. “I dunno, maybe I’ll let you play doctor some day and find out.”

There was a catch in your step as you tripped over what he said. “I - what?”

Suddenly his whole face flushed and both hands flew up to cover his face. “Oh god I’m so sorry, I forgot that was a weird sexual thing for you guys, aaaaahh,” he whined.

You laughed and waved your hand. “Oh no, no I thought you were asking me to like… cut you open or something?”

Zim pulled his hands away just enough to look absolutely horrified at you. “No no, please don’t do that either.”

“I would never let anyone do that to you, ever,” you promised, holding his arm and guiding him along down the hallway. “I was just asking, dummy. I don’t think I could ever pull off the sexy nurse thing anyway so that went right over my head.”

“Well I mean that’s debatable,” he whispered.

You looked up at him. “What?”

“What?”

“Did you just…?”

He stopped in front of your door, his eyes going a bit wide. “Oh I said that out loud didn’t I?”

You blushed, pulling your ID out of your back pocket to open your door. “Don’t worry, I’m flattered~”

He blinked a few times, absolutely mortified at himself. “Uh huh, well I’m going to stop talking and give you a hug now.”

You propped the heavy metal door open with the heel of your foot and leaned in to hug him goodbye. He was always good for hugs, something about being platonically repressed and Irken social norms or whatever, but his were your favorite. He was the perfect height too, you could snuggle right in between his chin and shoulder and wrap your arms all the way around and up his back, nice a flush - those were the best. You always felt yourself linger a little longer than with anyone else, but he didn’t seem to care, and Gretchen was the only one who ever pointed it out. It wasn’t like you were counting the seconds or anything…

“Oh hey~” Speaking of Gretchen.

You pulled away and turned around, tilting your head. “Hey, I thought you had class?”

Gretchen was draped across the couch with her laptop and leftover Starbucks. “Me too, until I got there and realized no one was coming. Wetzle got food poisoning during lunch today so he cancelled last minute. How was studying?” The lilt in her voice always assumed something.

You crossed your arms. “It was productive.”

Her lips twitched. “I’m sure it was~”

When you rolled your eyes and finally said goodnight you saw Gretchen make a beeline for the door before you got to your bedroom, but you didn’t bother to stay within earshot, if you wanted to sleep at all you still had some work to do.

When Gretchen was sure you couldn’t hear she poked her head out through the door. “Hey space nerd, get back here.”

Zim was already halfway down the hall before he groaned and walked back over and leaned against the wall as dramatically as possible. “What?”

Gretchen smiled, raising her eyebrows as her fingers drummed against the doorframe. “Sooo? How’d it go?”

“It was fine.”

“Just fine?”

“Yes, just fine.”

She scoffed and slouched her shoulders. “Oh come on, why can’t you just say something?”

Zim leaned against his arms and pressed his head into the wall, whining. “I don’t want to talk about this.”

“What happened? You bought her coffee, it was cute, what gives?”

He only whined.

“Oh my god Zim, you are such a baby. Just talk to her, it’s not that hard.”

His head raised just enough to scowl at her. “It is hard, because I tried like five minutes ago, and I’m pretty sure I blacked out and had a stroke. This isn’t - stop laughing it isn’t funny!”

Gretchen held a hand up to her mouth and waved. “No no, you’re right, it isn’t funny… it’s fucking hilarious.” When he started to genuinely look hurt she sighed and bumped him on the arm. “Okay okay, I’m sorry, this is hard for you. But - okay so maybe just talking isn’t gonna work for you… clearly. But you’ve got to do something, otherwise it’s gonna be this shitty soap opera type pining after each other bullshit forever and, I’m sorry, but it’s getting real old. Like I’m gagging on it.”

He shoved her goodnaturedly and turned around to slouch against the doorframe next to her. “Okay so talking isn’t working, what else is there? I mean I thought I was being pretty obvious? Unless I’ve totally misread this entire situation, and if I have don’t tell me because my poor soft little heart can’t take it.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake,” she breathed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “That’s the thing though, you are being glaringly obvious, but you don’t seem to understand that that’s not enough. Literally everyone around you gets it, but she doesn’t. That’s the problem, there’s not a whole lot else you can do if you won’t just flat out say, ‘oh hey, by the way, I’ve been in love with you since our senior year of high school, can I take you out for dinner.’ Subtlety goes right over her head, so if you can’t be up front with words, you gotta do something that’s still gonna get the point across.” When he opened his mouth to ask something Gretchen immediately started shaking her head. “No, you can’t just skip straight to the dinner date, she’ll think it’s a friendly thing. She’s… incredibly platonically inclined, you’ve got to spell this shit out.”

Zim groaned and slid halfway down the wall before forcing himself upright. “Okay, fine. You’re the best friend, tell me what’ll get her attention.”

Gretchen pursed her lips, then smiled. “How about you give me my study sheet, then we’ll talk.”

“Oh fuck off.”

“You still owe me a study sheet!”

“Yeah, and you’ll get one, but you don’t have to hold it over my head.”

She waved him off down the hall. “Less arguing, more complying with my demands~”

“Yeah yeah,” he called, shoving his hands in his pockets as he walked back down the hall to leave for good this time. Gretchen was a good friend, and he had all the faith in the world in her… he just hoped whatever advice she had would actually work.

You were too good to let slip away.

[charanteleclerc]

Damaged but not Broken

A/N:  I've been super busy for the last week, I promise I didn't write nearly 6,000 in a day! This is for Helena, who asked for this when I said I'd start writing again. Like always, prompts are open! Cross posted to AO3 here

“Ow, shit, fuck!” Seb exclaimed, grabbing at his foot. “Stupid fucking spanner!”

He could hear the chuckles of his part-time receptionist through the door, but he ignored her. Well, mostly. He might have thrown a rather uncomplimentary gesture at the open door.

He thankfully had a couple of cars to work on today, however being clumsy with tools wasn’t going to fix them. Running a garage was definitely easier with two people, but then there was the added problem of the second person. He’d tried in the past, so many times, and it just wasn’t worth it anymore. He’d briefly considered asking his best friend, Jenson, but he was spectacularly drunk at the time, and Jenson had his own career. Besides, he’d already learnt not to mix business and personal. That’d been learnt the hard way.

“You look stressed as hell.” A familiar voice sounded from the entrance. Seb barely glanced up, rolling his eyes.

“Hello to you too, Jense.” He muttered, leaning back over the engine. “Why are you showing your ugly mug around here today then?”

Jenson clasped at his heart, pretending to stagger back. “You wound me. ”

“Sure, sure.” Seb grinned. “If you’ve come to drag me to the pub, let me finish this job. I swear, it’s nearly done.”

“That is part of the reason. But, I’ve been looking around for some help for you.” Jenson hopped up onto the counter. Seb glared at him.

“I said I don’t need another business partner.”

“I never said partner, I said help.” Jenson replied calmly. “Did you know that the local college does mechanic apprenticeships?”

“No I didn’t.” Seb muttered darkly, turning a screw with maybe a little too much force. “But I’m sure you’re going to tell me the benefits.”

“You liaise with the college, no-one is going to undermine you, and you get to give the gift of learning.” Jenson grinned. “Win-win situation!”

“What if I don’t need the help?”

“He needs the help!” Britta called from the reception. Seb swore under his breath.

“I know you’ve had bad experiences Seb, but you can’t keep on like this. Tifosi Garage doesn’t have to start and end completely with you.”

Seb rolled his eyes. “Fine. Sign me up. Just one apprentice though.” He warned.

Jenson beamed, clapping his hands together. “That’s great, because I’ve already signed you up! His name is Charles, he’s twenty-one, and he starts on Monday!” He jumped down from the counter, making a mad dash into the reception as a screwdriver flew through the air after him. “I’m hiding in here until you’re ready, we’re still going to the pub!”

“Asshole!”

“Love you too!”

                                                             ~*~ 

Jenson reappeared early on Monday morning, hanging around as Seb opened up the garage. Hi did however bring coffee with him this time, so he was partially forgiven.

“You don’t need to spy on me.” Seb grumbled, warming his hands on the coffee. “I’m gonna be nice.”

“Sure you are.” Jenson replied easily. “Maybe I just want to get a look at the kid?”

Seb hummed, not fooled. “Yeah right. And don’t you have a job to go to?”

Jenson shrugged, taking a small sip of his coffee. “I’m on holiday this week, gonna spend some time with Nico. So no reporting for a full seven days. Unless something major happens, I guess. It’s usually my luck.”

“And that’s why being a reporter sucks.” Seb retorted cheerfully. “If you’re going to hang around, at least be useful.”

Jenson mock-saluted, heading into the reception. Britta only worked two days a week, and Seb was well aware it was half an excuse to get out of the house, and half a pity favour to him. She’d known him for years, and was far more talented and capable than this job asked her to be. But having small kids at home meant re-evaluating priorities, and both her and her husband took part time jobs in order to juggle childcare. She wouldn’t be in again until Wednesday sadly, so sometimes the phones had to go unanswered if he couldn’t leave what he was doing and make a run for it.

“Um, hello?” A young man peered around the entrance, looking anxious. “This is Tifosi Garage, right? I’m looking for Sebastian Vettel?”

Seb waved, walking over. The guy looked young, but Jenson said he was twenty-one, so not that young. He was already wearing overalls, which was a good start, he didn’t think he had a clean pair hanging around. But underneath the anxiousness, there was a look of determination. Seb could work with that. “Charles, right?”

“Yeah, Charles Leclerc. Nice to meet you.” Charles stuck out his hand. Seb gave it a quick shake.

“Welcome to Tifosi Garage. It’s normally just me, but my friend is helping out on the desk today. There’s a part-time receptionist, Britta, but she only works Wednesday and Saturday. I don’t know how far in your studies you are, so if you just shadow me this morning, and I’ll check your work leaving the garage for the time being?”

Charles nodded, looking eager. “We’ve worked on stuff, but never to a set time, y’know. But I’m excited to learn.”

Seb could see Jenson grinning like a madman from the reception, signing something frantically. He wasn’t even going to bother acknowledging him. Or he wasn’t, until a paper ball hit him square on the side of his head.

“If you get ready, just excuse me for a minute.” Seb smiled as apologetically as he could. He walked quickly into the reception, shutting the door behind him. “What?!”

“Seb! He’s cute! Like, super cute!” Jenson exclaimed, waving his hands around dramatically.

“And?” Seb asked. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Jenson waggled his eyebrows suggestively, leaning back in the chair. “Y’know. He’s cute. And you haven’t been on a date in forever.”

“I’m not going to date my apprentice, Jenson.” Seb replied flatly. “What the fuck.”

“You’re absolutely no fun, you know that.” Jenson pouted. “How am I supposed to help you if you don’t want help?”

“Keep trying, Fairy Godmother.” Seb walked out of the office, making sure it was firmly shut. “So, Charles! We’ve only got one problem in at the minute, that Volvo over there.” He pointed, walking over and pulling open the bonnet. “Basic oil leak. What do we do?”

“Check where the leak is coming from first.” Charles replied calmly. “Then if it’s just loose, tighten the bolts. If the part is broken, order and replace.”

Seb nodded, impressed. “Well done. Want to take a go?”

Charles’s face lit up, and after Seb gave another nod, he reached for a spanner, sliding himself under the car. Seb walked back, arms crossed. Charles seemed to have a good grasp of the basics. He could admit that it was going to be helpful to have him around.

But not in the way that Jenson suggested. That was completely off-limits. Completely.

                                                           ~*~

“I’m just saying -”

“No Jenson.” Seb replied tiredly. “Nico, tell him.”

Nico sighed, putting down his drink. “I really don’t think that’s up to me. And I have to live with him.” He nodded at Jenson. Valtteri sniggered into his drink. Seb groaned, resting his head on the table.

“Sure, he’s cute. But I am ten years older than him, and effectively his employer.”

“Pssht, like the rules have ever stopped you before.” Jenson smiled wickedly. “C’mon Seb. We’re all taken, we need to live vicariously through you.”

“No. Fuck you.” Seb mumbled half-heartedly into the table. “Stop bringing up my shitty dating history.”

“You do have a type.” Valtteri admitted. “And it’s off-limits colleagues.”

Seb whimpered.The rest of the table laughed, Nico patting Seb’s head sympathetically.

“There, there, Seb. Maybe you can just stare at him?”

“Er, hi, Jenson, Seb.” A new voice sounded, causing Seb to snap up from his slouched position. Charles was standing next to the table, with a couple of friends.

“Oh, hi Charles.” Seb smiled, sitting up properly, pretending he hadn’t just cricked his neck in such a quick movement. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just out with friends.” Charles explained, gesturing awkwardly at his friends. This is Pierre, and Carlos.”

Charles’s friends gave small waves, staring intently at Seb. He tried not to meet their gaze, clearing his throat.

“Jenson you already know,” Jenson grinned at that, “and these two are Nico and Valtteri.” His friends said hi, eyes darting between Seb and Charles.

“Um, we’re gonna go. I’ll see you tomorrow?” Charles asked, smiling when Seb nodded.

“Enjoy your night! And 9am sharp!” He gave a small laugh, waving Charles and his friends away. He could feel his friends eyes on him, smiles on their faces.

“Shut up.”

                                                            ~*~

Seb had been running Tifosi Garage for ten years now. He’d been twenty-one, with dreams bigger than reality, and a partner to set up shop with. Mark had been great, and whilst being older (and therefore more experienced), they’d gone fifty-fifty on the garage. Seb had been on cloud nine that first year, so caught up in possibilities that he hadn’t stopped to see the cracks in the foundations.

Seb had fallen for Mark hard and fast, in the way that you only can when you’re young. He didn’t realise he’d made a mistake until after the garage had been opened.

It had been a botched job, a bigger problem that he should’ve recognised but hadn’t. They’d lost the customer, and Mark had been furious. He threw things across the garage, yelling curses as he went. When Seb stopped in to stop him, Mark had hit him instead.

Looking back, Seb always knew that he should’ve left then. But he’d been determined. It was an accident, Mark hadn’t meant it. And Seb couldn’t just walk away from the garage, he’d poured too much of himself into it to just give up. Jenson had kept telling him to walk away, but he’d stayed. He slowly saved up enough money, dealing with the outbursts that Mark sent his way. He’d finally had enough to buy Mark out of his shares three years later, and it was done so quickly and quietly, with another name in place, that Mark didn’t know what had hit him.

Last he had heard, Mark had run back off to Australia. He didn’t have to worry about him anymore.

Dan had been a rebound. A lengthy rebound, he admitted. It had just been casual though, with a knowledge that Dan’s heart would never belong to him. Dan had been employed to fill Mark’s empty space, and he was a good mechanic. But his friend was a regular shadow, and Jev wholly disapproved of their whole relationship. The whole thing lasted two years, until Jev’s frustrations finally won out and he’d made out with Dan, in the middle of the garage.

Dan had never looked back, although he had been very apologetic about it. They’d move away, and were getting married next year. He had his invitation stuck to the cork board in his office. At least they got their happy ending.

Kimi had been the third person Seb had fallen for. He’d known Kimi for years, and they’d been friends for almost that entire time. Best friends truthfully (not that he’d ever tell Jenson that). After Dan left, Seb was emotionally raw. Kimi had been there at just the right time, and had stepped up to help at the garage as well, but Seb hadn’t dared act on the gigantic crush he was nursing. He was quite happy watching from afar, and maybe if nothing had changed Kimi might still be here now. But there had been one drunken night, and he’d drowned in it. Kimi was everything to him, like his soul was finally full. He knew it was dangerous, letting someone so close again after Mark. But Kimi had been everything good, and it was so easy and right.

No wonder he’d been caught left-field when he realised Kimi had been cheating on him.

He’d been out with Jenson, grabbing a coffee on one of Jenson’s breaks. It was nowhere near the garage, full of bleary-eyed reporters and sharp business suits. Seb had only noticed Kimi when he was heading towards the toilets. Lazily sprawled across his seat, with another man leaning into his side, and then they were kissing -

He doesn’t remember what happened those few minutes after. He remembers the white hot rage, but otherwise nothing until he and Jenson were back at the garage. Apparently Jenson had to pull him off Kimi and the other guy, having attempted to punch their faces. They were forever barred from that café, but Seb couldn’t bring it in himself to care about that point, he wasn’t going to return there anyway.

Kimi had snuck in a couple of days later for his stuff, sporting an impressive black eye and a cut lip. Jenson had hovered protectively, not saying a word. Seb remained motionless on the couch, staring at a peeling patch of paint on the wall. There had been no words exchanged, the only time the silence was broken was when Kimi shut the door for the last time. He wasn’t sure where Kimi was now, and he really didn’t want to know.

Seb had certainly learnt the hard way that relationships and business don’t mix. There were too many mistakes that could’ve been avoided, so much heartbreak. His life for the last ten years was littered in scars, and if he wasn’t already making sure that he was keeping his business separate, he wouldn’t want to drag someone like Charles into his messes. He deserved someone young, and uncomplicated.

Seb didn’t want to drag anyone into his life, it wasn’t fair. He was too damaged, the cracks hastily and badly covered. He couldn’t be broken down again. He couldn’t come back from heartbreak one last time.

                                                         ~*~

Charles fitted in effortlessly. He’d brought a little bit of laughter to Tifosi Garage, something that had been sorely lacking. He made Britta cups of tea, and kept Jenson in stitches whenever he came to visit. The garage had started to feel more like a home again.

Not that Seb was beginning to associate Charles with home. Nothing of the sort.

“Hey Seb.” Charles popped his head around the door, eyebrow raised as he saw Seb leaning back in the chair, eyes closed. “Afternoon nap?”

“Sure, we’ll go with that.” Seb yawned, stretching his arms above his head. “Late night.”

“Anything interesting?” Charles asked, a light blush on his face. Seb shook his head, amused.

“Nah, just invoices. Joys of running your own business.”

“Never thought about having someone to help?” Charles suggested. “Seems like a lot of work for just one person.”

Seb stiffened, panic in his eyes. Mark came flooding back into his mind, but he wasn’t going there. Not one bit.

“Er, tried it once. Didn’t end well.” Seb tried for false cheery. He could see Charles frowning, but there was no way he was going to elaborate. “So. What can I do for you?”

“Just to say that I’m all finished up. That Honda was a bit of a mess, but she tidies up well.” Charles explained. “I’m gonna head off, if that’s okay?”

“Sure. I’m not gonna be much company anyway.” Seb gestured at his paperwork.

“Looks like fun.” Charles teased. “Well, if you feel like joining, I’m meeting a few friends this evening, at the pub? If your paperwork gets done, obviously.”

“I’ll think about it.” Seb gave a half-smile. Charles nodded, grabbing his bag and heading out. Seb watched him go, his heart beating just a little too fast. Charles had obviously meant as just friends.

Hadn’t he?

                                                          ~*~

The bar was busy, but Seb was determined. He’d even managed to run home to have a shower and pull on a new shirt. That was really something for him. He was a man of habit now, and it was probably the first time he was going out without Jenson as his crutch since Kimi.

“Seb!” An excited voice caught Seb’s attention. Charles was waving at him, a grin on his face. There were more of his friends here than last time, but that was okay. Less focus on him, he hoped.

“Didn’t think you were coming.” Charles teased, grabbing a chair from a nearby table. “Has the love affair with the paperwork finally ended?”

Seb grimaced. “It’s still waiting, but I can enjoy a night off.” He could see everyone round the table giving him very unsubtle looks - some excited and some more calculating. Pierre was definitely watching his every move. Seb gave a small wave. “Hi, I’m Seb.”

“Pierre and Carlos you already know. The others are Stoffel, Lando and Daniil.” Charles explained, pointing to each of them in turn. “They’ve just arrived back from uni.”

“We’re postgrads.” Daniil explained. “Engineering. We all met at the university here, but Pierre and Carlos have gone into jobs, and Charles here decided on an apprenticeship before his masters.”

“It’s a gap year.” Charles muttered, flushing. Seb was stunned. He’d thought that Charles was just another college student, but he was doing this for fun? On a gap year?

So brainy as well as attractive.

Wait, he wasn’t going there, remember? Not going there.

“Well, call me when you’re working on racing cars.” Seb joked, and the tension broke. He might be older, but cars was a safe topic. “And remember me when your normal cars break.”

The conversation eventually took a turn into more complicated things, such as gossip between friends as who was seen on campus with who. Seb wished he could still be as carefree as them, that if he could turn back the clock ten years, he’d be chatting as much as any of them. He just tended to shy away from most conversation like that now, and his own friends had learnt not to talk about certain topics around him. It was easier for them, with partners and spouses. Time really does make all the difference.

He let the conversation wash over him, joining in at just the right moments. They all seemed keen to catch up, so he wasn’t ever thrust into the limelight. He was enjoying himself, so much so he was surprised when they announced intentions of going to a club nearby.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come?” Charles asked. Seb smiled, pulling on his jacket.

“Definitely not my scene. And, there’s that love affair with my paperwork, remember?”

“I’ll walk with you.” Charles said, waving off his friends cries. “I’ll catch up.

“You can go with your friends.” Seb said lowly. Charles shrugged, a determined look on his face.

“I’m not going to miss much in ten minutes. It’s just a club, I know how clubs work.”

They said their goodbyes, with promises of catching up from Charles, and Seb trying to ignore Pierre’s pointed gaze. It was a similar look Kimi had used on him regularly, and it felt like he was being unmade, unravelling there on the pavement.

“You don’t have to walk me home Charles.” Seb teased. “Amazingly, I’m old enough to look after myself.”

Charles rolled his eyes. “I know that. Maybe I just wanted to continue talking?”

“I’d say you need your head checking.” Seb joked. “You see me five days a week.”

Charles shrugged. “Maybe I want more.”

Shit. What was that? Was Charles flirting with him? What was supposed to do? Was he -

“Seb?” Charles was looking at him, slightly concerned. “You look like I broke you.”

“Er, no, I just… Charles.” Seb sighed. “I’m not a good person to get attached to.”

“Jenson mentioned you had some bad ex-boyfriends.” Charles said conversationally. “No details, but he said you’d had a bad time, and that you needed someone to treat you well.”

Seb groaned. Of course Jenson had gone behind his back to Charles. Fuck, had he mentioned anything about him liking Charles? He had said anything to Jenson, but that had never stopped him from knowing before.

“Charles, Jenson wasn’t joking. I’ve had some really shitty boyfriends, and it’s left marks.” Literally, but Charles didn’t need to know that. “I’m not what you think I am.”

“I think you’re holding back.” Charles surprised him by saying. “I’m not denying you’ve had bad run-in’s, and that you think you’re too broken.” Charles stopped, waiting for Seb to turn to him. “Seb, you’re not broken. You’re one of the strongest people I know. And you need to prove it to yourself. Give yourself a chance, see what the world has to offer.”

“Like you?” Seb whispered. Charles smiled, hopeful.

“Exactly like me.”

They walked in silence until they reach his flat. Seb cleared his throat, eyes on the pavement. “This is me.”

“I hope you had a good time.” Charles said, stepping forward slightly. “Because I did.”

“Same.” Seb admitted. He started to turn to put his key in the lock, but Charles stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Are -” He started, but suddenly there were warm lips on his, and his brain could only focus on that. In that moment, the rest of the world didn’t exist for him.

The kiss was short, and all too soon Charles was stepping back. “Goodnight, Seb.” Was all he said, before turning and heading back down the street. Seb watched him go, key hanging forgotten in his hand.

He was so gone.

                                                        ~*~

“So he kissed you?”

“Yes.”

“He kissed you?”

“Oh my god, yes! He kissed me!” Seb exclaimed, holding the phone to his ear. “How many times do I have to say it?”

“Sorry, I’m just trying to take it in.” Jenson sounded delighted. “Didn’t think he’d have the balls for it.”

“Well, he did. And now I don’t know what to do.” Seb grumbled. He’d been awake for hours last night, overthinking pretty much everything. He’d called Jenson as soon as it was reasonable to. Not that Jenson would’ve cared if he’d called earlier, but Nico might have.

“Seb, maybe you should just go with it.”

“You know that should not be my tactic.” Seb replied. “Remember what happened the last time I did that?”

“But Charles isn’t Kimi or Mark. Charles isn’t even Dan, because his heart isn’t looking somewhere else. You deserve someone good, Seb. Maybe, just maybe, it might be Charles.”

“But what if I get my heart broken again?” Seb whispered. Jenson was silent for a beat.

“You’ll never know if you don’t try.” Jenson said, sounding serious for once. “That heart of yours that you’re so intent on protecting, it will never fully heal if you keep it locked up.”

Seb sighed. How was it that Jenson always knew exactly what to say?

“Fine. I’ll think about it.” He muttered, as he turned the corner to the garage. Charles was already waiting, leaning up against the wall. “Look, I have to open up.”

“Just keep it in mind Seb. See you later.” Jenson hung up, leaving Seb frowning at his phone. Shaking his head, he walked towards the garage.

“Morning.” Seb greeted neutrally. He wasn’t sure if Charles would want to talk about last night, so no point forcing the issue. “You’re here early.”

“Don’t need much sleep.” Charles replied cheerfully, walking towards Seb. “Have you changed your mind about enjoying last night?”

Seb blushed, trying not to rise to the obvious challenge. “Why, looking for a repeat?”

Charles shrugged. “I wouldn’t say no.” He walked forward. “How about now?”

Seb laughed, turning to unlock the door. “Maybe if your work is good enough.” He teased. “If you really want to go down that route, whatever it is, it stays away from the garage.”

Charles nodded, throwing a mock salute. “No problem, boss. No talk about it until five.”

“Good.” Seb nodded. He could wait until five. Only nine more hours to go.

                                                            ~*~

They started to form a routine. Life at the garage carried on like normal - there were cars to fix, for Seb paperwork to keep on top of, and Jenson and Britta keeping a general eye on things. Charles would hang around as Seb closed up the garage, and then both of them would head back to Seb’s flat. Seb had seen Charles’s place one, a student house share on the edge of town, and they both decided that they’d have more comfort and less distractions at Seb’s place. Charles never stayed for too long, either having being warned by Jenson, or he’d figured it out himself, not to push Seb too far. And it was working. Charles was witty, and funny, and easy to be around. They were keeping things light, and aside from takeaway pizza and some make out sessions, they hadn’t exactly discussed their relationship. Whatever it was. Charles probably had a perfect idea of what was happening, with a well thought out plan.

Seb was stumbling along, dazed and blinded. He was taking whatever he could get, and he was grateful for it.

“Pizza tonight?” Charles asked, helping to close up the garage.

“Sure.” Seb agreed. “From the place around the corner?”

“I’ll get them? Meet you back at your flat?” Charles suggested.

“Awesome.” Seb grinned. Charles walked off, and Seb just couldn’t help but watch him go. It was really hard not to watch Charles lately, especially since Charles had started wearing really tight shirts. Really tight.

“Seb.” A low voice came from behind him. Seb froze. He hadn’t heard that voice in a long time.

He turned around slowly, desperately hoping that he was wrong. That his mind was playing tricks on him. But no. Kimi was stood behind him, hands in pockets, his usual neutral expression in place.

“Do you need help with that?” Kimi asked, stretching out a hand.

“No.”

“Seb, let me help -”

“No.” Seb stared, backing into the wall. “I want you to get the fuck away from me.”

“C’mon Seb -”

“You cheated on me, Kimi.” Seb said dumbly. “You cheated, I saw you. You never even said sorry.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s too late now.” Seb spat. “How dare you come here.”

Kimi shrugged. “I missed you.”

“You mean your toyboy got bored and fucked off.” Seb laughed, bitterly. “Makes sense you’d come running back the minute he left.”

“I left him.” Kimi snapped. “Look, I know I fucked up a good thing Seb. I miss you.”

“I don’t want you back.” Seb snapped. Kimi glared, crossing his arms.

“I didn’t come here to fight with you.” Kimi said. Seb sneered.

“Well, that’s all you’re going to get.”

“Seb?” A confused voice sounded. Charles. “Everything okay?”

Seb turned around, watching Charles walk towards the two of them. “I thought you were going to the flat?”

“Forgot my jacket.” Charles frowned. “Who’s your friend?”

Kimi was watching their brief conversation, a cold smile slowly forming on his face. “Seems you’ve picked up a toyboy of your own, Seb.”

Seb glared. “We’re finished here.”

“I don’t think we are.” Kimi turned to Charles. “What’s your name?”

“Charles. And you?”

“Pretty manners. I’m Kimi. And I suppose Seb has told you all about his history?”

“I don’t pry.” Charles replied shortly.

“Sure you don’t. Well, just before you get too stuck into this -”

“Kimi.” Seb tried, standing between the two of them. “Please leave.”

“Seb’s more than a little damaged. There was the guy who beat him up, that really did a number on him. There was the guy who treated him like a casual fuck, now living very happily with his fiance.” Seb winced there. “It stings, doesn’t it? Hearing about Dan being happy?” Kimi turned his attention back to Charles. “And I’m the last in the tale. I’m the one who cheated on Seb. I’m the one that cracked his heart in two.”

“Fuck you.” Seb whispered. He didn’t look at Charles, he didn’t want to see the disgust and disappointment. He couldn’t look at Kimi, it hurt too much. He started walking towards the street, ignoring Charles calling him. He didn’t have it in him to care.

He walked numbly back to his flat, and once inside he leant against the door and sank to the floor. Everything had been going so well, and now his life was in tatters again. He’d been stripped raw, there was no way Charles was going to stay now.

“Seb?” There was a quiet voice outside his door. Charles had followed him here. “I know you’re in there.”

Seb didn’t respond. What was the point in it? He could hear Charles sigh on the other side.

“It doesn’t matter to me, your past boyfriends. They’re not here now. That’s what matters. And you’re not broken. Far from it. You’re one of the strongest people I know. You’ve patched yourself up so many times, and all by yourself. You’ve been hurt, I get that. And Kimi… he was out of order, coming to the garage tonight. I’m sorry, I might have punched him the face once or twice, but he deserved it. I probably should’ve left that to you though.” Charles broke off, giving another sigh. “I’ll go if you want me to. But if I go, I’ll call Jenson. I don’t want you to be along right now.”

Seb ran his hands through his hair. “Stay. Please.”

“Okay.” Charles was quiet. Seb stood up, opening the door just enough to let Charles in. Charles slid in, shutting the door. “Please. Let me look after you.”

“I can’t… I don’t know what…” Seb couldn’t get his words out. “Charles, I don’t know what to do.”

Charles cradled Seb into a hug, stroking his hair. “It’s okay. It’s going to be okay.”

                                                             ~*~

Seb’s not sure how he managed it, but he dragged himself out bed the next day, and went to work like nothing had happened. The thought of the garage sitting empty seemed worse to him, and keeping busy was distracting. He did the same the next day, and the day after that. He surprised himself, sometimes.

Having Charles around helped. Charles calmed him, and made him feel like the world wasn’t completely out to get him. In between Charles and Jenson stopping round every free minute, Seb felt like he was recovering.

But that didn’t stop the guilt clawing at him however. He needed to tell Charles the truth, his side of events, rather than just venomous words spat out by Kimi.

Charles obviously wasn’t pressing, but there were questions waiting there. Seb could see it in his eyes.

Seb waited until the garage was shut one day, calling Charles into the office. “I’m only going to be able to do this without interruptions. Just please, let me finish.” Seb asked, pleading a little. Charles nodded, sitting down.

“Everything Kimi said was true, but it is - was - more complicated than that. I bought this garage when I was your age, and I shared it with my then boyfriend. We went half each. And it was great, at first. But then when things started to not go Mark’s way, he’d lash out. At first it was stuff, then it was me. Still got a few scars left, where people can’t see. I didn’t leave straight away because of the garage. It was my life, my dream. I couldn’t just walk away from it, and let have Mark have it. So I saved up enough, bought him out. He fucked off to Australia the minute I mentioned the police.

“Dan was a rebound, I guess? He came in to replace Mark, which he did in more than one way. And it was just casual, agreed upon. I was the idiot that went and caught feelings. I knew he was in love with Jev, and I’m happy for them. I really am. I still talk to Dan, even got an invite to the wedding.

“Then Kimi. I honestly thought Kimi was my soulmate. He’d been my closest friend since I was nineteen, closer even than Jenson. And we fell into loving each other so naturally, it felt so right. And I just happened to wander into the wrong coffee shop on the wrong day. I don’t even know the other guy’s name. But Kimi was gone a few days later, no words.

“Charles, my heart’s been broken too much. I don’t think I can do it again with you.”

Charles said nothing, just watching him. Seb could feel the panic rising. Of course, Charles had now heard all of it, and was trying to figure out a way to leave politely.

Charles stood up, slowly walking towards him. He crouched in front of Seb, grasping his hands.

“Seb, I’m not like them. I’m not going anywhere, and I’m going to treat you as you deserve to be treated.” He leaned close, resting his forehead against Seb’s. “I think I might love you, Seb Vettel, broken heart or no.”

“I think it might be healing.” Seb whispered, before leaning in to kiss Charles. Charles hummed, kissing back gently.

Maybe he wasn’t completely there yet, Seb thought. But maybe he could give this a try.

                                                            ~*~

“Come on, you have to dance.” Charles coaxed. Seb had taken Dan up on his invitation to his wedding, and Charles had been so excited to go as a plus one. “I’ve never been a plus one to anything,” he’d explained, immediately starting to browse for a new suit. “Now shush, I’m shopping.”

“Charles, I’m not great at dancing.” Seb tried half-heartedly, but allowed himself to pulled out onto the floor. They swayed, not really dancing, but enough for them to pretend they were.

“Shut up. I just want to dance with my boyfriend.” Charles said calmly. “Entertain me.”

Seb smiled, resting his face against Charles’s. If you’d said a year ago it was possible for him to be this happy, he wouldn’t have believed you. He did still have dark days, but Charles was determined. He’d stuck around, and in turn he turned his life around. Charles had moved in when he’d returned to uni for his masters course, rather than staying in the house share for another year. The garage was doing well, really well. He’d hired one full-time mechanic, Giuliano, and there was one part-time apprentice, Marcus.

Not to say that he and Charles hadn’t had arguments. There had been rough points (such as the day he’d tried a moustache. Charles had walked in, taken one look and walked right back out again. It’d been shaved off an hour later). But Seb had never felt more grounded, more happy, in his life.

They danced, swaying side to side, trying to ignore the making out that was happening behind them between the newlyweds. “I love you Charles.” Seb murmured. He could feel Charles’s answering smile against his cheek.

“I love you too.” Came the soft reply. Seb smiled, a content feeling in his chest making him feel warm. It had taken a while, but he was broken no longer.

                                                           ~*~

[thejanewestin]

Brooklyn 99/Pacific Rim crossover

The weird thing about being a cop was that it was pretty much the same whether or not the entire world was slowly being squashed by giant alien lizard ocean monsters. 

Okay, yes, there was slightly more debris, so the roads were a tiny bit more difficult to navigate without a pickaxe and a shovel, but people still got robbed and murdered and carjacked and the very least Jake could do for his country and the human race was to catch the robbers and murderers and carjackers. 

If only the pickaxes and shovels weren’t quite so necessary.

“This—was—not—one—of—my—better—decisions,” Jake grunted, punctuating each word with a jab at the giant kaiju—intestine? Heart?—that was currently slumped and oozing all over Jake’s car. 

“Peralta!” 

Jake turned, dropping the snow shovel he’d been using to hack at the kaiju guts. 

“Captain!” He laughed nervously. “What—what’s up, man? I mean, sir. What’s up, sir? Um.” Jake blinked. “Nice hat.”

“You realize that kaiju blood is highly toxic,” Holt said. He was wearing a hazmat suit that Jake could only assume he made himself. It appeared to be mostly garbage bags and duct tape. He was holding a broom. 

“Yeah, uh.” Jake turned back to the guts on his car. He didn’t particularly want to explain to Captain Holt that he’d taken some files home to review. Neon Gambit had made quick work of the kaiju this morning, chopping it into little bite-sized pieces with its—buzz saw?—whatever that was, but the unfortunate fallout was all over Jake’s car, trapping the purloined box. “Would you believe it if I told you I joined a cleanup crew?” 

“I would not.” Holt angled the broom and used the end of its handle to lift Jake’s fingers, one by one, off the shovel. 

Jake let go of the shovel. It hit the icy sidewalk with a clank. 

“Inside,” Holt commanded. He pivoted on his plastic-wrapped heel and went up the steps of the precinct.

***

Jake walked into the bullpen literally thirty seconds after Holt. He looked around. “Captain?”

“Peralta.” 

Jake turned. Holt was standing in the doorway of his office, looking immaculately groomed, no sign of the plastic bag suit anywhere. 

Jake sputtered. “How—?”

“I will be hosting a friend from out of town this weekend,” Holt said, looking around the bullpen at his assembled detectives. “He’ll be staying with Kevin and me while he’s here. We will be having a late afternoon reception for him on Saturday and I would like you all to attend, if you are so inclined.”

Jake grinned. “That sounds like a wild party.”

“We will provide food and beverages,” Holt said. “Please, no wine drink.”

Jake raised his hand. “Hey, Captain?”

Holt blinked at him, which Jake took as a sign that he could talk. “Can I bring a plus-one?” 

Amy frowned at Jake. “I thought I was your plus-one.”

“Technically,” Charles said, “a plus-one is someone who isn’t already invited to the event. Emily Post recommends a two-envelope system for inviting your guest’s guest. Do you have envelopes, Captain? If you don’t have some picked out, I can give you recommendations. There’s an excellent stationery shop—”

Holt interrupted, clenching his jaw. “I do not need envelopes, Boyle.”

Charles shut his mouth. “Right.”

“So, my plus-one...?” Jake let the question hang. 

“Fine,” Holt said. “You may have one guest attend. Please ensure they are...” He paused. “Presentable.”

“Pssht.” Jake flapped a hand at Holt. “He’s totally presentable. Totally.”

***

To Amy’s credit, she did not scream when the tentacle fell out of the refrigerator.

She did, however, lurch backwards so fast that she crashed painfully into the island and knocked the open jar of peanut butter onto the floor. It didn’t break, so that was good, but peanut butter slopped over the tile and up the cabinets.

Amy backed slowly away from the tentacle, trying to figure out how to close the refrigerator without touching it.

“Jake,” she called, keeping her voice calm. An explanation. There was surely a reasonable explanation for a tentacle in the refrigerator. Right?

No answer.

She raised her voice. “Jake!”

“In here, Ames!”

Amy went to the bathroom and opened the door. 

“What the—”

Jake was kneeling on the floor. A guy with glasses was perched, bird-like, on the toilet seat. They were both poking with sticks at the tub. 

“Oh my God!” Amy staggered back. “What the hell is that?”

Jake looked up at Amy, grinning. “Hi, Ames. This is Newt.”

“Do you mean the person,” Amy snapped, “or the pile of guts in the bathtub?”

“Excuse me!” The glasses guy swung his stick around toward Amy. She jumped backwards for the second time in ninety seconds. “This is not a pile of guts. This is an array of samples curated by the finest brains in biology for an extremely important conference that Brooklyn is fortunate enough to host. Please don’t impugn them by calling them guts.”

“I assume this is the reason for the tentacle in the refrigerator,” Amy said from between clenched teeth.

“Proboscis,” Glasses Guy corrected. 

“Jake.” Amy glared.

“Uh, Newt.” Jake put down his poking stick and stood up. “Maybe cease and desist for a second, buddy.” He got up and came into the hallway, closing the door behind him.

Amy hoped that the degree of bugginess of her eyes would accurately convey her extreme displeasure. 

Jake held up his hands. “I can explain.”

“Please.”

“Newt is in town to give a talk at this, I don’t know, nerd convention.” Jake let his hands fall onto Amy’s shoulders. “He’s only here for three days and I thought it would be okay if he stayed here. Is it okay? Ames? Are you mad?”

“You didn’t think to run it by me first?” Amy said, because of course she was mad, they had a bathtub full of guts.

“He just texted me this morning.” Jake was starting to sound whiny. 

“At some point we need to sit down and have a serious conversation about the rules of living together,” Amy said. She stepped away from Jake’s hands and folded her arms. “He needs to get the piles of slime out of all common spaces.”

“Done.” Jake grinned broadly.

“There is to be no Guitar Hero after nine PM.”

“No problem.” 

Amy narrowed her eyes. “And I want to know what you mean by nerd convention.”

Jake stuck out his lower lip and shrugged. “Sure.” He pushed the bathroom door open again. “Hey Newt?”

“Hey Jake, you have any big bowls? Like mixing bowls? Glass preferably, but ceramic will work, you probably shouldn’t give me plastic unless you don’t want to use them again.” Newt shoved his glasses up onto his nose with a black-gloved finger. 

Two of the slimy piles, Amy saw, had migrated from the bathtub to the sink. Amy smacked Jake on the back. 

“Fix this,” she hissed.

“Okay, okay, okay!” Jake reached for the box of rubber gloves. 

Amy shuddered. “Tentacle too,” she reminded Jake, and shut the bathroom door.

[avegetariancannibal]

Boy With a Haunted Past (part 1)

(Formerly known as "Haunted Mansion" when I posted it last year for Hannictober. Takes place in the early 1990s in some *vague hand waving* Southern high school. Brief homophobic interaction. Will is 16, Hannibal is 17.)

Hannibal Lecter was beautiful. He had skin like poets would write about, and a mouth that looked like it would be good at sharing secrets. He was the exchange student from Lithuania, and a grade ahead of Will even though they had two classes together. He was practically a man, really. Will had started to notice just the slightest hint of stubble on Hannibal’s chin by the end of fifth period. It was just plain mesmerizing.

Sometimes, Will was pretty sure Hannibal liked him. As in, liked him. His dark amber gaze always seemed to find its way across the chemistry lab to where Will was running his experiments. But then other times…other times, he thought he might be projecting just because he wanted it so badly.

“Most boys aren’t like you,” his dad had told him. “Most boys like girls. So just… just be careful about who you go confessin’ your love to, around here.”

So Will was determined to keep it to himself unless Hannibal made the first move. He got his chance late in October at the start of lab one day.

“I would like your opinion,” Hannibal said, sliding onto the stool beside him. “What do you think about that big haunted mansion thing they’ve been advertising on the radio?”

“Oh it sounds totally ridiculous,” Will said. “Imagine people paying ten bucks to go get scared by something that’s probably not even a little bit scary. Pssht.”

Hannibal smiled at him. “Does that mean you wouldn’t want to go with me?”

Will almost dropped a beaker of hydrogen peroxide. “Yes! I mean no. I mean no, it doesn’t mean I don’t want to go with you. I’ll go with you. I…yes. Yes, I want to go. With you.”

Hannibal’s smile widened, showing the perfectly imperfect points of his teeth. “I’ll meet you there at 8, then.”

Will debated with himself over whether he should show up right on time, or just a little bit late so he didn’t look too eager. In the end, he was almost ten minutes early.

Much to his relief (and joy), Hannibal was already there, too, holding a place for him in line.

“Hey,” he said, brilliantly.

Hannibal scooted over to make room for him. “I told myself I was going to be too early, but I couldn’t wait to get here.”

“Me, too,” Will said. Before he could stop himself, he blurted out, “I didn’t even finish my dinner!”

Hannibal looked surprised. And gorgeous. He hadn’t shaved, so the stubble on his chin was even darker than it had been at fifth period, and his hair was loose and soft instead of slicked back like it usually was. He’d traded in his usual blazer and button-up for an intricately cabled sweater in deep red, and dark gray corduroy pants that would have looked ridiculous on anybody else. Will was pretty sure Hannibal could make a clown costume look smooth, though. He was also pretty sure he was staring at Hannibal’s pants.

“Maybe we can get a pizza after this,” Hannibal said.

Will stuck his hands in his jeans pockets, fingering the ten dollar bill his dad have given him for the ticket. “Um…”

“My treat,” Hannibal said. “I’m of the opinion that the one who does the asking out should be the one who pays.”

Will’s head swam. Asking out. He’s asking me out. HE ASKED ME OUT. “Sounds fair,” he said, just managing to keep a squeak out of his voice.

“Hey, it’s that foreigner,” a voice said behind them. “And look, he’s here with Geeky Graham. Like two weirdo peas in a pod.”

Will struggled to keep from curling his hands into fists. “Hello, Matthew,” he said. “And look, you’re here with Frederick. What a surprise.”

The two seniors approached–Matthew Brown like a shark and Frederick Chilton stuck to him like a remora waiting for scraps. They tried to edge into line ahead of them.

“No cuts,” Will said, sticking his foot out to block them.

“Aw come on,” Matthew said in an exaggerated whine. “I promise not to tell anyone I saw you here together.”

Frederick tittered into his hand.

“Why ever should we care?” Hannibal asked, seeming genuinely confused. “It’s only the truth. We are here together, just as you two are here together.”

Matthew’s cheeks flushed blotchy and red. “Yeah, but we’re not queer like you!”

Frederick laughed and nudged Matthew. “My father says everyone in Europe is gay.”

“Yes, I recall seeing him at the last meeting,” Hannibal said coolly.

Will’s jaw dropped.

A scowl replaced Frederick’s laughter as he dragged away Matthew, who could be heard asking, “What the fuck does that mean? I don’t get it?”

Hannibal leaned closer to him. “Want to give them something to really talk about?” he asked, his breath warm against the side of Will’s face.

“Um, sure,” Will said.

An instant later, he felt Hannibal’s hand slide down his back and come to a rest at his waist. There it stayed, where Will could feel it burning through his denim jacket and sweatshirt, and he promptly forgot everything his father had ever said about “being careful.”

Customers were allowed into the “haunted mansion” in groups of two to five people with a couple minutes between each group. Will was so relieved he and Hannibal were allowed in as a pair that he almost pumped his fist. Only the overriding desire to maintain some pretense of cool kept him from doing it.

Entering the foyer, they were plunged into total darkness, and silence except for the distant sound of other visitors in the rooms ahead of them. Then, to Will’s complete and utter horror, his stomach grumbled audibly.

So much for seeming cool.

“Clever of you to bring your own sound effects,” Hannibal said.

“Yeah, well, I like to come prepared,” Will said, forcing a laugh.

A dim light flickered on overhead, giving off cold and intermittent illumination. Cobwebs draped the rusty fixture and the chain leading up to the ceiling. Black, gooey-looking paint streaked the walls, spelling out warnings like, “TURN BACK” and “YOU’LL DIE ALONE.”

“Quite atmospheric,” Hannibal whispered beside him.

The door ahead of them swung open with a squeal of its creaky hinges, drawing them into the next room.

This was a formal dining room, lit by a sputtering chandelier and draped in more of the spider webbing. Beneath that, a long table had been piled high with bloody human skulls and glossy pink entrails. A mannequin slumped over the table, dressed as if for a party.

“It looks kinda real,” Will admitted.

Hannibal sniffed. “Even smells rather realistic.”

Will took a step toward the table for a closer look, but the mannequin suddenly jolted upright. “Stay away!” it shrieked through hidden speakers. “Stay away or die!”

Will jumped back. “Gah!”

Hannibal held out a steadying arm just as he tripped over his own feet.

“Just so you know,” Will said, “I decided to show up tonight in my ‘total loser’ costume.”

“I’m sorry to tell you I find it very unconvincing,” Hannibal said. “Nothing about you reminds me of a loser.”

Will risked a glance upward to find Hannibal winking at him. He was especially charmed that Hannibal was kind of terrible at winking, partially blinking the other eye in unison.

As they followed a roped-off walkway away from the scene, Will heard an infant crying in the next room.

“Who the hell brings a baby in a place like this?” he wondered out loud.

“A terribly rude person at best,” Hannibal said.

They got their answer in the next room, which had been made to look like a cross between a bedroom and a surgery. A tray of tools and dirty rags had been strewn across the floor. A female figure had been arranged on the bed in a tattered white nightgown, her belly sliced open and empty. The way the flesh had peeled away from the wound made it look like something or someone had crawled out of it. A trail of blood led to the closet door, disappearing under it.

The baby cried again…from inside the closet.

Will swallowed hard. “Are–are we supposed to open it?”

“Only one way to find out,” Hannibal said.

He stepped back, letting Hannibal do the honors. He chastised himself for feeling so nervous. It wasn’t like an actual monster baby was going to explode out at them…right?

Hannibal slowly twisted the knob and let the door swing open.

Will burst out laughing and laughed until tears came to his eyes. The thing inside was a total letdown after the relative realism of the scene leading up to it. It was so blatantly a cheap plastic doll from, like, the K-Mart down the street or something, covered in red paint. It clung to the back closet wall, taped in place, with a length of its mother’s “intestines” dangling from its open mouth like a deflated balloon animal. A small radio continued to play recorded crying noises, but it sounded so fake and tinny with the door open.

“That is so lame,” he said when he’d recovered the ability to talk. “Right, Hannibal?”

“I want to leave,” Hannibal said, his voice quiet. “If you don’t mind.”

Will glanced over at him, saw him pale and stricken, his chin trembling just a little.

“Hey, are you okay?” Will asked.

Hannibal grabbed his hand and looked at him with pleading eyes. “Can we just leave?”

“Of course,” Will said, giving Hannibal’s hand a reassuring squeeze. He flashed him a bright smile. “I was getting hungry anyway, remember?”

On their way out, Will saw Frederick and Matthew just about to take their turn in the house. When Matthew glared at him, Will realized he was still holding hands with Hannibal.

He also realized he didn’t care.

Whatever had made Hannibal want to leave the “haunted mansion” so suddenly, he didn’t say and Will didn’t feel right asking. And anyway, he seemed like he was back to his regular smooth self as soon as they got back outside.

Will was both thrilled and horrified when Hannibal led him four blocks east to an actual sit-down Italian restaurant with cloth napkins and Chianti-bottle candles on the table. It was totally a date place, and the nicest restaurant he’d ever seen from the inside. He immediately felt out of place.

It must have shown, because Hannibal leaned across the table and gave him a smile. “Remember, it’s my treat, so order anything you want.”

Will thought of half a dozen appropriate things to say, but instead his mouth completely betrayed his brain: “My dad says this is the place people take their dates when they want them to put out!”

Hannibal’s eyes widened and his mouth fell open. He had been reaching for a complimentary bread stick, but now his hand paused in midair.

“Not that I’m saying you’re like that,” Will hurried to say. “Or that this..um…outing…is like that. I mean, I just… It’s just… Oh God I’m so sorry! I just can’t shut up!”

Hannibal’s look of shock gave way to laughter. “You know, I was worried I would be the only nervous one tonight.”

Will gawped at him. “What? You haven’t seemed nervous at all!”

“I hid it behind my very well-tailored veil of European coolness,” Hannibal said.

“You hid it a little too well,” Will snorted. “I mean, come on.”

“I changed outfits four times,” Hannibal said. “Even my socks. I was worried you wouldn’t like my socks. Convinced now?”

Will’s face was suddenly feverishly hot. He was sure he was blushing redder than a stop sign. He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning like an even bigger idiot than he already was.

“I’m sure your socks are fine,” he said.

“Well, play your cards right and you might get to see them,” Hannibal said, and gave him another terrible wink.

Will let out a laugh so loud and unrefined that half the restaurant turned to scowl at him.

“Now, hurry up and pick something to eat,” Hannibal said. “I’m starving.”

As Will turned his attention towards the menu, he caught a glimpse at the window. Matthew Brown was standing on the sidewalk just outside, glaring back at him through the glass. Will had never seen him angrier, and that was saying something.

(to be continued)

[dong-castle]

꧁༺ | 𝓣𝓸𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓸 | ༻꧂

{... Everything will be just fine ...} Toshio just listened carefully to every detail his purple haired friend began to explain about the whole case. This was mostly likely the first time Toshio would take something rather serious and by the look on Joelle's face she was very focused about the whole situation. He was the type that liked to take it chill and when it came to a serious matter he would still approach it a certain way but when it came to dealing with specific people , the case was always different. Everyone mostly that he has met think of him as very laid back and not so serious type but there was a side of him that he would rarely show. The moment she had finished reading everything from the papers she was holding , Toshio just sat up adjusting himself in the airplane seat that was ever so uncomfortable . Whyyy do they make airplane seats so uncomfortable... sometimes I feel like if I would sit on a rock it would be better than this... he would stick out his tongue rather annoyed at the fact before he noticed his purple haired friend gave him an odd look , until she told him to take this 'professional.' Toshio couldn't help himself but chuckle at that statement before darting his gaze towards Joelle.

⟩⟩ | "Pssht. Ain't no one out there more professional than myself , let me tell you that much. "|

He'd comment sounding rather confident behind his own words , but lets face it perhaps confidence was one of the things he lacked the most because he was never put in situation like this one that required matter to be taken very serious. Eh... something I wonder if it was the right choice to take on this detective job seriously... let alone continue this direction... but then again I did this with a purpose after all , I would never come around to find any of my possible origin if I continue to just avoid it... maybe I'm scared of it? Or is there something else...? I can't really tell , maybe I should just push this aside for now and focus on our current case. ⟩⟩ | "Hey.. I know it must be kind of hard for you too , since you're not going with Rei because by the look on your face it's pretty obvious. You always tend to worry a whole lot , but you do realize some things are kind of unavoidable right? Sure he got a little bit of beating even thought I still think it was rather unnecessary .. but think of it this way ,I know that you're basically supposed to be kind of his bodyguard , which I am kind of jealous of , but before you would show up he had to deal with matters on his own and I'm certain he has gotten a lot of beatings and he could of ended up dead and all that ... well I don't think that really makes it a whole lot better.... ehh... maybe I should shut up about that. But my point is , everything will be alright Joe. You always tend to act and try and save everybody , but you never think about yourself , Rei matters but that doesn't mean you don't matter either. He'll get better and you two will be solving cases and fighting crime in no time. "|

The part where he had mentioned about the bodyguard threw a little hint of a small joke , since he was aware upon how stressed out she was constantly and Rei's current condition was no joke to her. He was a big figure in her life from what Toshio could tell , so perhaps the two of them aren't so different. In all honesty I feel like I might of done the same but I think I would of beat the crap out of the guy a little bit more than just a single punch , but eh it's all in the past now we have to try and move on. In all honesty he was trying to kind of ease the whole atmosphere because he knew quite well how she felt about Rei's condition , but maybe his own wording wasn't exactly the best kind of comfort . Perhaps he should try and avoid talking about Rei further just so he won't make this any more complicated than it already was , they were out on a serious case about a world wide murderer that kept getting away just at the right time and managed to hide their tracks well enough to keep avoiding any sort of judgment. Toshio adjusted himself in his seat again as he brought his arms behind his back.

⟩⟩ | " Lets just enjoy the small ride in the meantime before we jump into action. " |

The white haired shaman commented as he just closed his eyes as the tension that was hanging on his shoulders from earlier slowly began to ease up a bit.

The felt like it was taking forever or maybe it felt that way because of the awkward silence between the two , Toshio began to feel like he might of said something out of place but then again he was only sharing his own point of view upon how things went. They had finally arrived at their destination , Toshio made sure to help out Joelle with the luggage they took along the way since they will be staying a while longer , because they weren't certain upon how the case was going progress. The weather outside felt kind of cold and by the looks of it , it looked like it might start raining soon so they might as well get to their hotel fast to avoid the rain.

- 𝕄𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕄𝕦𝕣𝕕𝕖𝕣 -

It was early in the morning , Joelle was just waking up as the nervous sensation began to flood her once again. Perhaps this was the very first mission that Rei wasn't going to be a part of , but she could understand thought , he wasn't in condition plus it was time that she started dealing with cases herself. She felt nervous yet slightly calm since Toshio was going to be with her during this whole assignment. They had finally managed to track someone who is still alive and there is a possibility that they could explain more about their encounters with the so called murderer that was running around and causing chaos . Joe had packed everything the previous day so she wasn't that worried that she might forget something , she put on her work wear , before heading out as a car was waiting outside to pick her up. She had finally arrived at the airport of where she was supposed to meet with Toshio , for a moment there she thought he might be running late , or might not show up but it seems like it was too soon to assume the worst possible outcome . They had to be on time because their flight will be taking off in 2 hours and there was a lot to do in those 2 hours. The purple-haired detective began to look around before she noticed him sitting on the chair at the airport lobby , taking a nap. She approached him looking a bit irritated , she huffed softly before leaning down getting almost in his face. ->"Oi! Wake up , lazy ass!" She called out loud enough to wake him up. @dong-castle

[sunsetsugar]

92 truths

I was tagged by @featureless-spy!! tyvm this took soooooooo long but it was fun!

THE LAST…

1.Drink: Hot Chocolate

2.Phone call: Dad

3.Text message: Friend

4.Song you listened to: organize işler bunlar - nil karaibrahimgil

5.Time you cried: Yesterday lmao

HAVE YOU EVER…

6.Dated someone twice: eh

7.Been cheated on: No

8.Kissed someone and regretted it: No

9.Lost someone special: Yes

10.Been depressed: ....

11.Gotten drunk and thrown up: Yeah lmao

LIST 3 FAVORITE COLORS:

-Pink

-Gold

-Blue

IN THE LAST YEAR HAVE YOU…

15.Made new friends: Yes

16.Fallen out of love: Yeah i think so 

17.Laughed until you cried: pssht ofc

18.Found out someone was talking about you: Kinda?

19.Met someone who changed you: Yeah

20.Found out who your true friends are: Yes!!

21.Kissed someone on your Facebook list: Yeah lmao

GENERAL…

22.How many of your Facebook friends do you know in real life: i Most of them, but whether im still in touch with all of them or not is another matter lmao      

23.Do you have any pets:  I have a Cat and a horse atm 

24.Do you want to change your name: Not really

25.What did you do for your last birthday: it was my 18th so i had a big fucking fancy dress party it was great.

26.What time did you wake up: 07:00

27.What were you doing at midnight last night: ZZZZzzzz

28.Name something you cannot wait for: This week to be over amright

29.When was the last time you saw your mother: This morning before she went to work

30.What is one thing you wish you could change about your life: I wish i had a better sleeping schedule and be more organised to juggle all my responsibilities better as well as finding time to lose weight

31.What are you listening to right now: Kanatlarim var Ruhumda by nil karaibrahimgil

32.Have you ever talked to a person named Tom: Yes

33.Something that is getting on your nerves:  ATM its people who dont know anything about my life assuming things about me, or people who like to play the game of “i bet i have it worse than you”, shit leaves me seething

34.Most visited website: Tumblr, Youtube, facebook and AO3 are tabs constantly open

35.Elementary:  ✔

36. High School: ✔

37.College:  Last few months!!

38.Hair color:  Dirty Blonde is the best way to describe it lmao 

39.Long or short hair: Looonggg

40.Do you have a crush on someone: Actually for once i dont think I do, its actually quite liberating

41.What do you like about yourself: There arent many foods i dont like? Like im not picky lmao im easy to cook for

42.Piercings: None cos im chicken shit

43.Blood type: ur mum

44.Nickname: KT??? idk my mum calls me moppet 

45.Relationship status: Ur mum

46.Zodiac sign: SCORPIO

47.Pronouns: She/her

48.Favorite tv show: I honestly havent watched a TV show in foreverrrr but if QI counts then QI

49.Tattoos: I would like to have floral ones around my wrist or smthn

50.Right or left hand: Right

FIRST…

51.Surgery: Never ever

52.Piercing: Nope

54.Sport: the obvious one is horseriding, but up until the age of like 8 i practiced ballet tap and Jazz, and from like 8-11 I did ballroom and latin dance.

55.Vacation: Disney Land Florida!!! I was onyl little n scared of all the people walking in fur suits, I screamed in Goofys face :(((

57.Eating: They should really clarify this shit, is this asking me what i first ate? or what im eating atm? the answer is idk and nothing 

58.Drinking: nothing

59.I’m about to: Take whats hopefully my last driving lesson

60.Listening to: ur mum

61.Waiting for: April to end

62.Want: Everything to Work out fine

63.Get married: ew no thanks

64.Career: Horseriding instructor? thats the short term plan at least

WHICH IS BETTER…

65.Hugs or kisses: idk probably kisses

66.Lips or eyes: Eyes

67.Shorter or taller: Taller but dont really mind tbh

68.Older or younger: ??? can i say same age??

70.Nice arms or nice stomach: ARMS LMAO

71.Sensitive or loud: Loud

72.Hook up or relationship: Relationship pls 

73.Troublemaker or hesitant: Troublemaker!!!! 

HAVE YOU EVER…

74.Kissed a stranger?: No but sounds fun

75.Drank hard liquor?:  Yes

76.Lost glasses contact/lenses?: No thank god 

77.Turned someone down?: Oh my god yeah it was really awkward 

78.Sex on first date?: No thx 

79.Broken someone’s heart?: Not that im aware of lol

80.Had your heart broken?:  Oh Boy 

81.Been arrested?: No

82.Cried when someone died?: Yes

83.Fallen for a friend?: Yes dO NOT RECOMMEND 

DO YOU BELIEVE IN…

84.Yourself?: eh i mean i tell myself i do lma o 

85.Miracles?: Hot Chocolate

86.Love at first sight?:  eh go for it 

87.Santa Claus?:

88.Kiss on the first date?: Yes

89.Angels?:  wheres that shrugging emoji

OTHER…

90.Current best friend’s name: I dont think i have one ultimaTE BEST FRIEND FOREVER FOR LIFE, ive different friends with varying degrees of trust and I confide in different things with , but if i had to say someone id say my friend Georgia cos we’ve known each other since birth.

91.Eye color: Green? I think? idk somedays they look more blue lol 

92.Favorite movie: Disney’s AristoCats

Tagging: @tahyeung @notnotoday @taekookiesandcream @yoongisnugget @dt-minsuga @literaltae 

[tuxiedjabberwock]

“Time Lost Can Be Time Well Spent” - a Fairy Tail one-shot

Gajevy Week

Time Lost Can Be Time Well Spent

Feb 15th — “Longing”

“Yo, Shrimp.”

 “Hi,” she replied with a smile, holding the Lacrima closer to her face. “Is everything safe over there? You’re not jeopardizing yourself by talking to me, are you?”

 “’course not — I’m no idiot to spyin’,” he scoffed. “Have a little more faith in me, would ya?”

 “I do, but Master was really wary about Raven Tail — don’t you think it’s for good reason?”

 “Whatever’s the problem, I’m more than ready for it. Don’t worry, I’ll still be back to mess with ya some more, Shrimp. Gihi.” He held up a fist and gave her a cocky smirk before the transmission ended. Levy hummed softly as she set the Lacrima down on the table.

 “Feeling some relationship strain?” Lucy asked, sitting next to her. Levy moaned pitifully in response.

 “You wouldn’t know, Lu-chan — you and Natsu go on missions together all the time!”

 “Not really,” she corrected. “Around the S-Class trials, he starts piling up solo requests, and all night I stay up and worry about him. Is he okay? Is he going to overwork himself? Will he make it?” She nudged Levy gently with her elbow. “I bet you’re thinking the same of Gajeel.”

 “Hmm,” she mused sadly. “Do you know how to make it better?”

 “How about a lunch date between us? We can stop by Bookland too,” she suggested, beaming when Levy smiled. “C’mon, before we have to wade through a Guild fight.”

“You’ve never told me,” Lucy remarked, sipping her mango smoothie. Levy looked up from her new Adventure book, something about a man shipwrecking on a cursed island that was really picking up thirteen pages in.

 “Told you what?”

 “When you and Gajeel became a thing.”

 “Mm… I’m not sure anymore. It’s something that you’re not really conscious of until someone points it out, you know? I just remember a lot more touches, and we’d sit together more often — even though Jet and Droy hated it — and just…things like that that turned big. But enough about me! How’s your manuscript going?”

 “I think it might be ready to submit to a publisher in a few months,” she confessed, and both girls spent a moment squealing in excitement over that.

 “Remember that I get the first copy, Lu-chan!”

 “Of course! I wouldn’t dream of giving it to anyone else.”

 “Not even Natsu?” she suggested. Lucy scoffed, but her pink blush gave her away.

 “I don’t think he reads novels.”

 “Maybe not, but if it was written by you, you think he’d read it?”

 “I don’t know… I’m thinking of that Maya’s Forest incident,” she said, waving Levy off. “That was the last time he ever had an interest, feigned or otherwise, in one of my books.”

 “I thought he reads your manuscripts all the time?”

 “Pssht. Yeah, as a joke, him and that stupid cat, ‘cause he knows it’ll rile me up.”

 “Well you know how it is — boys often tease the girl that they like,” Levy grinned. “That’s how it started for Gajeel and I, remember?” Lucy blushed even deeper. “But to be honest, Lu-chan,” she added, picking at the crust of her peanut butter sandwich, “I’m worried for him.”

 “Don’t be! Gajeel is strong — he’ll get out of there without a scratch on him, I promise you.”

 “I don’t know, Master Ivan is strong — he is Master’s son, after all, so we know he’s not a pushover. And there are all these stories going around the Guild about how strong he is—”

 “All we can do is believe in the men that we care about,” she interrupted, laying a hand over Levi’s. “Because if they’re anything, they’re a couple of powerhouses with blockheads when it comes to their girls.”

 “That, I’ll agree with,” she giggled. They had a little more idle chat before Lucy’s eyes widened in realization. “What is it?”

 “You should surprise him!” she said, taking Levy’s hand. “When he comes back!”

 “Who? Gajeel?” She rolled her eyes with a smile.

 “Yes, Gajeel.”

 “I don’t know what you have in mind.” Lucy simply grinned in response.

The spying mission lasted well into the future, but the day that Makarov announced it a success was one of the greatest in Levy’s life. She wanted to invite Gajeel over for her surprise, but she still lived in the high-security female dorms, so she instead considered his house, downtown from Magnolia’s plaza. It wasn’t anything too special — two bedrooms, one bathroom — but Gajeel wasn’t a man of possessions, so it matched him pretty well.

 “Think bigger, Levy — you’re pretty creative when you want to be,” Lucy suggested. “You just said that you and Gajeel never had a first date?”

 “Well yes, but can you blame us? There haven’t been any breaks lately, what with one tragedy happening after another,” she pointed out.

 “Then that’s all the more reason to put all your effort in it now! What do you think?”

 She missed him, and she wanted a good way of showing how much she missed him, so she tried for symbolic. The day Gajeel returned, Levy didn’t go to the Guild, instead setting up his surprise in Magnolia Park. She put her trust in Lucy to direct him there upon the evening, and Lucy put her trust in Natsu, then thought better of it and put that trust in Gray. Whoever the end responsibility fell on, she gasped into her hands as she heard the sound of clanking metal approaching down the sidewalk.

 “Yo, Shrimp, why was Pinkie pushin’ me to come here?” he called, looking around. “Oi, Levy, where are ya?”

 “Right here!” she said from around a cluster of apple trees and honeysuckle bushes. He came around the corner with a curious brow quirked.

 “It’s kinda hard to see ya,” he commented, looking around. In the dark of the night, his eyes were more of a velvet red than their usual crimson shade. “Usually the lights are on by now.”

 “I temporarily deactivated the Lacrimas — I’ve got my own lights for us. Solid Script activate!” She waved both hands as if flattening out an invisible scroll. Suddenly several small lights lit up around them like fireflies, slowly waving to and fro in the gentle night air as they cast away the darkness between the two.

 “Impressive,” Gajeel said with a smirk, “but why are we here?”

 “I…wanted to tell you something.” She took a deep breath and thought of Lucy’s words. “Whether you care about Gajeel or not, nothing’s going to change unless you make it.” As much time as they’d begun spending together, they hadn’t had one true romantic moment yet, and though it took a bit of time, she managed to voice her thoughts to him. He listened with a confused but patient expression as she continued, “And that spying mission the Master put you on made me realize something.”

 “Eh?” He followed her eyes as she turned around, placing a hand against the tree she had been standing in front of the whole time. The rough bark was familiar beneath her palm and she involuntarily shivered, which he noticed immediately. “This is the tree from all that time ago…” He exhaled and shook his head slowly. “Why did you bring me here, Levy?”

 “I don’t know how Jet and Droy felt, but when you cut through my hands with those iron bolts, it felt like something had been ripped away from me in the most painful way, it hurt so badly.” She rubbed her hands absently as she spoke. “And the brand, the Phantom Lord symbol here…” She traced the faint white scar lines with her finger, the reminder of that day that never quite faded. “It just felt…wrong. It hurt in every possible way. And I couldn’t fight back then, but afterwards in the hospital, I was seriously planning revenge. I wanted you to have something ripped away from you with some grotesque reminder permanently marking your body.” She kept her eyes on the tree as she spoke, and though she felt Gajeel’s body heat as he moved closer, he didn’t touch her.

 “Levy, I—”

 “Then things changed,” she said, tone breathy as she whirled around. She had to tilt her head all the way back to look him in his eyes. “We talked, and you saved me over and over again, and I… I realized things had changed, things had changed a lot. And when you started disappearing for those spying missions, back before I knew what they were, I felt something had been ripped away again — my heart.” She pressed her hands against her chest, closing her eyes. “You’d taken it with you and it hurt every day I sat in the dorm and thought about you and worried about you. This brand? I had these little conversations over Lacrima, but every time we hung up it just felt insufficient. I…I missed you, to put it in short words.”

 “Levy,” he said with a small smile, resting a hand on her head. She leaned into his grip with a grateful smile but didn’t stop, the words flowing from her like a practiced speech.

 “And it made me realize: I don’t want you to disappear from me like that again. Not for anything. I know you mess around and call me a Shrimp and do all these little things, but I want bigger things, even if that sounds kind of selfish. I want…” She blushed and attempted to look away, but Gajeel forced her head back with his fingers on his chin.

 “Ya want what, Shrimp?” She blushed even harder at the nickname.

 “I want…you, Gajeel.” His teeth showed as he tried and failed to swallow a laugh, shoulders shaking. She huffed out a breath and punched his broad chest, only earning herself red knuckles for her effort. “Don’t laugh! I’m trying to be—” She didn’t get to finish, though, as he pulled her into his chest, one hand in her curls and another on her back.

 “I missed ya too,” was all he said, resting his chin on the crown of her head. She laughed and nuzzled into his shirt, putting his arms around his waist. “Took ya long enough though.”

 “Hey!”

[arcadefloorvibes]

Dear tumblr

Me:*peers through the doorway of the internet* Is it safe?

*sees GIFs of the bad thing that happened in TDC*

Me: Nope

Next day

Me: Okay, it’s safe.

HEY

I’m back y’all!

Okay

Story time.

I am a fifteen year old writer when I’m not blogging, drifting randomly on the internet and procrastinating

and I recently was going through my writing folder and found in the “unfinished” folder THIS vvv

Wind Woman

A story I wrote for a competition back in 2016 and never finished

This story is basically nerd girl gets bullied blah blah blah except i didn’t like that as i have been bullied myself 

so i came up with the sassiest things i could think of 

which

were

absolute

shit

god 2016 and 2017 me this is terrible

so I decided “Hey! This would be an amazing thing to put on tumblr”

so here it is!

Read on about the coolest super hero I could think of

Chapter by Chapter

Post by post

With commentary (By me!) 

Enjoy!

Word count:15934

pssht i have stories now that have word counts of 32000

Chapter one

(With made up names because chapter names never existed in the book)

Welcome to School

BRIIIIIIIIIINNG sounds the school bell, signalling the start of another day. I trudge toward the blue lockers, grab my text books and walk toward English class.

“Hey Rose!” calls someone behind me.

It’s my best friend Lucinda Lighter.

(Dear god)

(Lucinda Lighter? Could I seriously not come up with a better last name?)

“Hey Lucie!” I call back.

“Ready for next week’s math test?” she asks, her blond hair flowing behind her.

“No,” I reply “I have trouble with the whole variables thing and I keep thinking that the minus sign is actually minus not negative.”

(at the time i actually was struggling with this)

(I realise now that no one is just starting to learn algebra in 9th grade)

“I’ll help you study on Sunday since you’ve got adoption day.”

(I always hated the idea of having rules so I wrote an orphan so there are pretty much no rules)

(Clearly, I did no research)

I live in Kingarg orphanage even though I’m sixteen years old. I help with adoption day even though I probably will never get adopted. People like the cute toddlers and pre-schoolers.

“Thank god, we’re friends. I thought I was going to flunk.”

“Can’t have that, can we?” she says grinning

BRIIIIIIIIIIIIINNG

“Let’s go to class.” she says and we walk off toward our science class.

We sit in our usual seat next to each other. I notice a small piece of paper at everyone’s desk and realise its last week’s test paper.

Our science teacher, Mrs O’Arbole, leaves our test papers out, so we can see everyone’s test results.

I look at mine and then relax, A+, which is good because I was sure I messed up the molecular structure of CO2. I wrote it down as C2O because I was thinking of H2O at the time. I sit down and wait for class to start.

(Again, a real struggle for me)

“What did you get?” asks Lucinda.

“A+” I reply

“Oh, good one. I got an A. I screwed up question six. I was sure that H2O plus CO2 equalled HO2, but nope, Mrs O’Arbole thought I wrote HO3 when HO2 is the correct answer.”

“Your numbers need working on though.”

“I know.”

“Class!” screeches Mrs O’Arbole “Open your textbooks and go to page 394 and raise your hand when you have read and understood the concept of plant anatomy!”

There is a rustle of pages as everyone opens their books, except Lucinda and me. We’ve practically memorised the book. So, we just raise our hand and wait for Mrs O’Arbole to notice. She walks over to us and hands us three pages of work each.

“Well done for reading the books early, girls.” she says proudly. “Everyone! Please note how these two have read and memorised the text book, so they can start working immediately. Please consider these lovely ladies as role models for scientific studies.” she finishes and we start working on the worksheets, proud that we have once again become role models for the fiftieth time.

(Oh my god)

After class, we walk to English but we stop at our lockers, first to grab our homework which was a report on our thoughts on how a book should be written.

(*laughing* *uncontrollable screeching* *sob laughing*)

(ohmygod)

“Today class,” begins our teacher Mr Parklore

(AGAIN WITH THE LAST NAMES THE ONLY REALISTIC ONES ARE MORTIGEN AND WAVERLY)

(ALSO TELEPORTATION)

 “is the last day before Monday’s test and I hope you’ve all prepared for the test. Today is also the last day to take notes, so I suggest you study hard as this will drop your grades if you fail. Now turn to chapter eight and begin reading up on Shakespeare the great poet and I will need a report on his amazing story of Macbeth by next Thursday.”

I take out my text book and begin reading then I notice Lucinda hasn’t opened her text book. She hasn’t even got it out.

“Pssst.” I whisper to her “Lucinda!”

She whips her head around blushing furiously.

“Sorry.” she whispers back “I was, well, you know.” I nod and turn back to my text book.

She had been looking at Mark Smash again, of course.

(I should mention this was a secret novel who I never showed anyone because I have never actually had a romantic interaction, so I found the whole thing kind of embarrassing to show my parents)

(also WTF IS THIS???? IT’S LIKE A TWILIGHT BOOK)

Lucinda has been crushing on him since 8th grade.

His black shaggy hair, dark eyes and tanned skin were attractive to her.

I myself, have not found someone who caught my eye yet.

(cue previous laughter)

(I WENT THROUGH A GUY I FOUND HOT A WEEK) 

(AND THEN NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THEM AGAIN)

(DON’T YOU BULLSHIT ME, MINI 13 TO 14 YEAR OLD ME)

After class I drag myself off to the rest of my classes.

At recess, we study for a little before Fiona and her gang walk over to us.

Fiona Frost is the blonde popular girl whose dad happens to be the local millionaire and as Lucinda and I are what Fiona calls ‘Nerds.’

We are insolent, boring and have no social life.

We on the other hand want to become school president, so at least we don’t have to live through hours of watching cheerleaders shut down the school library so they can have more practice time.

That and spending money on fifty school dances is stupid.

At least upgrade school library opening times and increase equipment for the chemistry club!

“Oh, look girls.” she says in fake sympathy “The poor things are studying because they have no life.”

(OH SHIT)

(this was the part that i was so proud of because i thought of the sassiest insults and the sassiest comebacks)

(*covers eyes*)

The two other girls, Polly Garter, the blonde one who finds that cheer leading is life and accepts that she will cheer-lead until the end of high school and then find herself with no job, and Wanda Spike the brunette who gets in with the popular crowd, begin saying things like “Poor things.” and “The horror.” and laughing cruelly.

I stand up and face them.

“If we have no life then why am I talking to you?”

(aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh)

At this their minds, can’t function because they can work out whether it’s an insult or a normal comment.

(oh god)

Fiona is the first to recover.

“You’re a zombie basically.”

I raise my eyebrows “So, why I am not eating your brains?”

Once again, they forget to function.

(*sob laughing*)

(Oh)

(my)

(god)

(that was the sassiest thing i could think of????!??!?!?!)

(AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH)

I sit back down and start studying again.

Stupid Outsider history.

Outsiders are what we call people outside the Meryl Archipelago.

We’ve learnt that outside our Archipelago, there is war and pollution.

Sure, some great inventions happened but there is no need to fight over it, just share.

So, a few people who believed in this idea, found a small archipelago which is what we all live on and made it a peaceful place.

Ok, we still have thieves but no massive wars.

(because i still need villains for the plot)

So, we looked after our environment and made sure that even though others aren’t keeping the environment safe at least we are.

That’s why we have solar, water and wind powered cars and everything is naturally powered because we need to keep our environment clean, but we still need to study Outsider history.

Although the wars are horrid, the inventions that now keep us going are fascinating.

To me.

We have been studying Greek history now and we’ve got to write a report on a Greek god or goddess of our choice.

I’ve picked Poseidon because I think he’s cool.

I mean, water powers now that’s awesome.

(and guess what?!)

(he falls in love with his son)

(god I’m such a fucking genius)

“What have you chosen for history?” asks Lucinda.

“Poseidon, you?”

“I think I’ll go for Zeus because seriously, lightning is exactly what Golden Dragon needs. Lightning Lady rules!”

(she is lightning lady)

(Lighter, lightning lady)

(god I’m such a fucking genius)

Golden Dragon is the mass supervillain that attacks our Archipelago and recently she’s been getting closer.

So far Icicle and Snowflake have kept her in shape but now that they’ve suddenly vanished we have a big fiery problem.

Luckily Lightning Lady has got her back under control, you should think so considering that she’s been electrocuting and pouring water over Golden Dragon.

But now Golden Dragon’s gone missing and a person called Thorn has been growing more powerful with her rose bush attacks, not the best way to die, and her attacks increase Column island is freaking out.

Sorrelop is the last place she attacked just fifty-five thousand kilometres away from our small fishing town.

(the town names)

(*groans* kill me now)

“Someone needs to kick her fiery butt.” I say.

Lucinda nods in agreement.

Then the bell rings and we head inside

“I’ve got to go pick up Jessica and the others now.” I say after school “See you later?”

“Yup Sunday”

We wave each other goodbye and I walk over toward the primary side of the school. Because our school is so small and the only one in Rawlinna we have primary and secondary in different sides, which is handy because I have to collect everyone from my dormitory, which include Jessica Durmondie the cutest and happiest person in the whole orphanage, Tom Lime the little green eyed, red haired gangster who loves pranks, John and Sam Cornell the twins who followed in toms footsteps their copper blonde hair, the only way to tell them apart is that Sam has blue eyes and John has green eyes, then there’s Amanda Vanity, suitable name too, she prides herself in her fashion knowledge with her dark brown hair and amethyst eyes, as I walk over I can see Jessica with her broad smile, a tiny five year old with blonde hair and chocolate brown eyes, nothing stops this girl ever.

“Hey Jessica”

“Hey Rosie, guess what? I get to read out in front of the class next week and I get to do show and tell. Toby’s was a little toy car that’s been handed through what’s it called gene-generations, I think that’s what it’s called, and it was really old. I’m thinking of showing my toy angel that I got from Mom that would be cool and I have to practice spelling because I have trouble. That’s my day, What about yours?”

“Not much I need to study a bit and- oh there’s the others!” I say avoiding the conversation, because otherwise she was going to ask questions that I preferred to not talk about.

Example “What are variables?” and “Can I help? I know my numbers.” it just goes on and on and on.

“Ready to go?” I ask.

“Yes!” they all chorus.

We begin walking through the large black metal gates out onto the streets of Rawlinna.

(aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh)

Rawlinna is part of Column island which is part of the Meryl Archipelago there are other islands too.

They are Squiggle island because it’s a squiggle shape, Clovis island which is the central hub for all islands, then there’s Gemma island named after the founder Gemma Lopack, Bell island because its shaped like a bell, Aurora island because of its pristine beaches and clear lakes, crystal island because of the beautiful crystals embedded in the stones and finally there is Lionel, Theodore and Maximillian island were named after the triplets who discovered each island.

Many know the story of these three brothers.

The story says that the three loved each other.

Then became jealous of each other, then moved out across the world and found their islands.

Little did they know they were right next to each other, so moral of the story is family stay together even if you don’t want them to.

(what kind of fucking message was i trying to send?!?!?!??!!)

We knock on the brass door of Kingarg orphanage.

Kingarg orphanage is one of the oldest mansions in Rawlinna.

It was a brilliant white when it was first built, but now has turned a sickly yellow, the stairs now creak and the walls in the main hall are crumbling.

We can’t afford to repair them so we make do with what we can, but the garden out the back is a whole other story.

The gardens of herbs flourish, the irises are amazing, the roses are fascinating and the pansies are in practically every colour possible.

The pets we keep are handy.

The dogs scare away intruders and the cats keep away mice.

We all have one pet each and then if it is well cared for they can have another pet.

I didn’t want a pet because I always thought I would have to leave it behind if I left.

That and I have enough responsibility already controlling the dormitory.

The Clovis Island pet home is grateful as the island’s abandoned animals are raging havoc.

I sent them up to our dormitory and I walk toward the kitchens with Marie, our chef.

“Hey Marie.” I say when I enter the kitchen her tanned skin is red from the heat and her jet-black hair is tied into a bun.

(i based Marie on my grandma as she is Spanish)

(i love her but i swEAR TO GOD IF SHE TRIES TO FEED ME ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE GODDAMN BANQUETS SHE CALLS LUNCH)

“Hola Rosa, what’s going on with you today?”

She calls me Rosa because Rosa is Spanish for Rose.

I grab my apron and grab a bowl.

“Where should I start?” I ask

“Start by making those chocolate biscuits.”

We work hard until around nine, baking cookies, pies, cakes, jelly, slices, Marie’s trademark churros, donuts and scolding Tom and his little gang for trying to steal some.

Afterwards I head upstairs, change into my pyjamas and collapse onto the bed and fall asleep.

END CHAPTER

whew we made it oh my god that is terrible

there are about sixteen other chapters i think?

let me know if you want to read more!

Maze Girl (the cringy writer) out