#yes we’re counting down to the 11th

[tipsy-scales]

Starting my birthday countdown! 10 days away! For my birthday I would like to be less stupid with my money & I also want the Nier Automata limited Lawson and Namja Town collab merch. Actually never mind the first thing.

[iinryer]

I feel like 43 (piggy back ride) and 49 (leaning on the other for support) would pair with each other SO well 🤗☺️

A little scene prompt game to get me writing!

[43: piggy back ride + 49: leaning on the other for support]

—

“Come on, Buck,” Eddie grits out, as loudly as he can to be heard past the mask over his face and the roar of the flames a few floors above them, “come on, four more flights, we can do it,”

Buck just lets out a pained laugh, tightening his hold across Eddie’s shoulders—he’s been losing his footing more frequently and Eddie’s getting increasingly worried that they’re not going to make it to the ground level.

Eddie has been feeding him a litany of come on let’s go you’ve got it almost there the entire descent from the collapsed 11th floor, and at this point he’s not sure whose benefit it’s for.

The next time Buck stumbles, it’s on the landing between the third and fourth floors, and it’s accompanied by a weak, “Ed-Eddie, I can’t, I—,” before he pulls Eddie with him as he’s bracing against the wall and sliding down to the floor.

Eddie crouches in front of him, grasping the sides of his head, trying to get a better look through Buck’s cracked face mask.

“Buck—Buck! Hey!” Eddie gives him a frantic shake, “Hey, look at me, bud—yeah, that’s it, let me see those eyes,”

“Eddie, I’m—,” Buck cuts himself off with a cough and a harsh swallow, pupils visibly different sizes, “I can’t, I can’t—I’m so dizzy, Eddie, I can’t,”

Adrenaline zips down Eddie’s spine, hands tingling with it where he’s holding Buck’s face, separated only by the barely-functional protective gear, “Hey. Yes you can—Yes you can! Come on, we’re so close, we can swap masks for the last few flights—,”

Predictably, Buck interrupts him with a severe look—one that’s undercut almost immediately by the weak push to Eddie’s chest and slight slur of his voice—saying, “No. No, Eddie, not a chance,”

”Buck,” Eddie tries, again, like he has every other flight since floor 11, “I’m not the one with the concussion. Please—,”

“Diaz, Buckley—what’s your status,” Bobby’s voice crackles over the radio.

Eddie takes a frustrated breath before keying his radio, “Over three-quarters down, Cap. I can get us there, but Buck’s in pretty rough shape,”

Buck glares at him weakly through the crack splitting his mask.

Eddie glares back.

“Copy,” Bobby says, strain in his voice evident even through the radio, “IC is still adamant on personnel evac, they’re not permitting new entry unless both of you are compromised, the upper floors are too unstable. But we’ve got the best of the best waiting for the two of you by the eastern stairwell door,”

“Understood,” Eddie says, “Tell Hen and Chim they’ll see us soon,”

”We’d better,” Hen chimes in.

When the channel chirps closed, the only sound Eddie can hear is his own breathing inside his respirator as the two of them look at each other. Eddie gives them to the count of five in his own head before he’s saying, “Come on, Buck, time to go,”

Eddie pulls Buck up roughly, only for his limbs to ragdoll so quickly that Eddie ends up dropping harshly on his knees to be able to throw a hand out to keep Buck’s head from hitting the railing on his way back down.

To his horror, he can see tears spring to Buck’s eyes—ones that he’s sure have nothing to do with the smoke.

“I—I can’t, Eddie, I—,” Buck’s voice trembles, fumbling to grasp at Eddie’s turnout sleeve, “it’s spinning, and it hurts so—hurts so bad I can’t see,”

Concussion symptoms: loss of motor control, dizziness, pain, mood dysregulation.

Something above them crashes and roars.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” Eddie tries, dipping down to press the front of his helmet to the top of Buck’s for a frantic moment, “I’ve got you, man, okay? I’ve got you,”

“Okay,” Buck nods against him, shakily, “Okay, you’ve got me,”

It very quickly becomes clear that Buck will not be able to hold himself up enough to simply lean on Eddie like before, so Eddie reconfigures.

Despite the weak protests, he manhandles Buck forward so he’s seated on the top step off of the landing. Eddie positions himself a step down with his back to Buck’s chest, and heaves the increasingly limp form behind him onto his own back.

There’s a muffled groan over his shoulder when he hoists Buck into a better position after standing, his own body screaming in response. But stand he does, and step by step, flight by flight, they move.

Almost like a mantra or a prayer, Eddie finds himself immediately falling back into the teeth-gritting promises of I’ve got you I’ve got you I’ll get us there I’ve got you all the way to the ground floor—and they’re promises he intends to keep.

[now posted on ao3!]

[bless-my-demons]

Redamancy: Chapter Eight

Series Summary: What happens when your soulmate is a vampire that struggles to maintain a diet of trying not to kill you? Common sense says run for the hills, nothing is worth your life - but my heart is whispering why not, what’s there to lose?

Warnings: None except for like one cuss word

Notes: Hot off the press - I just spent my day packing my house up to move tomorrow and I’m up past midnight to get this out... You guys have been so freaking supportive and I’m excited for this story to pick up!

Word Count: 3158

Series Masterlist

• March 11th, 2005 • Forks High School •

Reader

“Emotions.” Jasper says by way of greeting, placing his backpack on the picnic table that no doubtibly contains his art supplies.

“Everyone has them, yes?” I reply, my forehead wrinkling in confusion at his peculiar single-word statement.

“I can control them.” He answers, visibly nervous as if he were afraid he just opened a can of worms.

I watch him pull out his well-worn sketchbook and pencils as I decide how to respond to this new bit of information.

“Say something, doll.” Jasper looks almost pleading, worry setting in on his face.

“How does it work?” I question him, I’m in shock that he volunteered such important information in the middle of a school day at lunch as if it were a typical topic to talk about.

“Well, it started off as just being able to sense the emotions of humans and vampires in my vicinity,” he lets out a sigh as he begins shading whatever it is he’s working on. “Then I quickly figured out I can influence them. I can either enhance what someone is already feeling, take away their emotions altogether, or replace them entirely and give them something completely different.”

“W-wow,” I stutter, “that’s honestly impressive.” I raise my eyebrows as his eyes meet mine.

“I can also do small things since I’ve had time to hone my power, like it’s easy to find people I’m familiar with in a crowded area, within a reasonable distance. As long as I can get to know the person, orient myself with their emotions, it’s quite easy.” He glances down at his drawing as he finishes his explanation.

“That has to be rough, feeling everything everyone else is feeling all the time. You can turn it off though, right?” I muse out loud, I can’t imagine having a power that doesn’t come with an ‘off’ switch.

“Unfortunately I can’t, my family is usually pretty good at regulating the intensity of their emotions when we’re gathered at home. At school though… Sitting out here alone with you during lunch is a welcome reprieve.” Jasper turns back to his sketch as he admits that last tidbit of information.

“Do any of your other siblings have super powers like you?” I tease him, not ready to dive into that nugget of information about how spending time with me makes him feel.

“Rosalie and Emmett don’t, neither do Carlisle and Esme. Unless you want to count the staggeringly strong self-control my adoptive father possesses.” Jasper pauses, “Alice can see the future, subjectively though - she has to be searching for that person’s intent and as long as they make a decision, she can see it and the immediate effects. Edward on the other hand, can-“ but he’s interrupted by the bell signaling the end of the lunch period.

“You’re not off the hook now that you’ve enlightened me, I expect to finish this conversation.” I tell him as I stand and meet him on the sidewalk leading towards the school building.

“I would never leave business unfinished with a lady.” He says rather cheekily, trying to get a rise from me, but all it earns him is a huff of a laugh as we walk in a comfortable silence.

“Thank you for sharing that information with me, I promise not to tell anyone.” I vow soberly, meeting his eyes as we stand outside of my next class.

“I was never worried.” Jasper replies, backing away as students finish milling about in the hallway. “See you in History, darlin’.”

I could feel his eyes on me as I stood in front of my open locker, quickly shuffling through the books I needed for my last class of the day. It’s almost like his gaze seemed to burn me alive as I felt it travel across my skin, the hair on the back of my neck rose due to my heightened state of awareness I had towards this gorgeous man. Does he know the effect he has? Is he even aware that I am utterly at his mercy? I hate to fall in line with all the other girls that must throw themselves at his feet, most of them much prettier than I, so why me? Why does he want to take me on a date?

I glance over my shoulder in the direction I know his own locker is in and sure enough, liquid gold is locked onto its target. A steady unwavering gaze stares back, so solid and intense that it constricts my chest for a moment with the pure force of it.

I turn back to my locker and grab a pen before slamming the door shut, the warning bell signaling one minute before everyone still occupying the hallway is tardy. As I turn to hurry my way to History, Jasper has made his way to stand right behind me.

“Do you like baseball?” He blurts out quickly, as if to not lose his nerve.

“It’s probably the only sport I understand, so yeah. Why?” I counter, tilting my head in question.

“My family and I were thinking of playing a game Sunday. Would you like to tag along and spectate? Bella Swan will be there, I’m sure she would love your company.” Jasper tacked on the last part as if I needed more reason to go than just spending time with him.

“As if I could say no to you and your family.” I tell him with a smile.

“Good, so you’ll want to meet them tomorrow?” He asks with more confidence than the last request, slowly taking steps backwards down the empty hall and I gravitate with him.

My mind blanks, not prepared to be sprung with such a big step in… whatever is happening between us. First he tells me he wants to take me out on a date, now I’m meeting his family? Is this some lucky alternate universe where the insanely attractive boy falls for the incredibly average girl?

No-no way, friends bring their friends over to meet their entire family before a family outing, right?

“I-I-uh-“

“Noon tomorrow, they’ll love you.” Disappearing around the corner of the hallway with a smirk in place, probably because I was gaping at him in the middle of an empty hall.

I glance around - an empty hallway! I’m late for class! I can’t even be mad, Jasper Hale has effectively monopolized my weekend and I’m more than happy about it.

• March 11th, 2005 • Home •

Reader

“Hey, mom?” I ask, poking my head in her open bedroom door.

“Yes, sweetheart?” Putting down the book she was reading and pushing up her reading glasses, my mother sits up in bed to give me her full attention.

“So,” I take a seat at the end of her bed, “Jasper Hale invited me to his house tomorrow, to have dinner with his family and just hang out I guess.”

“Oh?” My mother sounds intrigued, eyebrows raising. “A date with a cute boy?”

“Not a date!” I immediately correct her, “it’s just dinner, or whatever.”

She laughs as I pick at her bedspread. “Honey, of course you can go, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Well…”

“Well, what?” She questions.

“He also asked if I wanted to play baseball Sunday with his fa-“

“You? Play baseball?” She blurts out, incredulously.

“Mom!” I draw out the word. “He’s invited me to hang out with his family this weekend - you’ll be cool, right? When he picks me up? No interrogating?”

“Me? Interrogate the cute boy stealing my daughter for a weekend? I wouldn’t dream of embarrassing you.” She teases me with a wink.

I stand and begin to leave, “You are insufferable, woman.”

“I love you, sweetheart!” She yells after me as I round the corner to my room. Flopping onto my bed with a smile, I’m both giddy and equally nervous for the next two days.

• March 12th, 2005 • Cullen Residence •

Reader

“This is my adoptive father Carlisle and his wife Esme.” Gesturing to the two beautiful adults patiently waiting in the foyer as we walk in their home.

Thankfully my mom was at work when Jasper picked me up, giving me another day to prepare myself for the potential train wreck of them meeting tomorrow.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Cullen.” I give them a smile as I shake their hands.

“Trust me dear, the pleasure is all ours!” Esme responds excitedly, her smile wide and beaming.

“The others are in the living room, beware of what you’re throwing her into.” Carlisle warns Jasper with a smile.

Throwing me into? I glance up at Jasper with my brows furrowed, a little concerned.

“C’mon, I’ll protect you.” He jokes with me, I must be missing the punchline.

As he leads me to the living room in his house, I gape at the beautiful artwork spaced throughout. “This is gorgeous, Jasper.”

“Esme is pleased you like it.”

Not having heard his mom speak, I turn from where I was ogling a painting that appeared to be ancient. “But she-“

“Can hear you from her study and I can feel her emotions, remember?” He winks at me, show off.

Finally we walk into the space where his siblings are and I realize what Carlisle meant: Mario Kart.

Alice and Emmett are sitting on the edge of the couch, deep in concentration while Rosalie seems bored from her perch in the corner by her significant other.

“You’re fucking cheating!” Emmett bellows, frantically mashing buttons on his controller.

“It’s not cheating if you’re playing someone that sucks.” Alice taunts him, a wicked grin on her face.

“You can see the future Alice, cut him some slack.” Jasper chides his sister as he leads me to an empty section of the couch.

My eyes widen in amusement as I observe the small dark haired girl, “That’s right! You can-“

“See everything I try to do!” Emmett yells, frustration setting in as his character is hit with a shell.

It’s almost laughable, Emmett’s character Bowser and Alice as Princess Peach. I sit down next to Jasper, a few inches between us as I cross my legs and he lays an arm behind me on the back of the couch. I try to keep my breathing even as I sit here, but the excitement to be spending time with him is almost overwhelming.

I watch as Princess Peach zaps the other players into miniature size and Rose reminds Emmett not to throw yet another remote at the ground, when Jasper leans in close.

“Want a tour of the house?” He asks in a whisper, creating goosebumps down my arms.

“Yes.” I respond, probably sounding breathless, but he’s standing and offering his hand before I have the chance to feel embarrassed.

“And this is my room.” His tour coming to an almost close, since I’m still patiently waiting for a peak at all their cars.

I walk in the doorway he pointed to, stopping just inside. My eyes were immediately drawn to the bookshelves lining the wall opposite of the floor-to-ceiling windows that seemed to be a theme throughout the house. His room was much darker than all the others, warm and inviting with the shades of black and dark wood tones. Stepping closer and skirting the immaculately made king size bed, my eyes close in on some familiar titles on the shelves.

“I always see you reading and since I have quite a bit of free time, I thought I’d pick up a few.”

I turn to look at him with my mouth parted in surprise at his thoughtfulness, his hands are clasped behind his back like he’s bashful for getting found out.

“Jasper-“ but he interrupts me.

“The garage is next.” I watch him turn on his heel and disappear down the hallway.

I look down and brush my fingers on his black comforter as I smile to myself before following him, so Jasper Hale isn’t immune to his own feelings - he just doesn’t like to show them.

Walking into the garage, my eyes skip over the beautiful cars and land on a sleek little thing in the back. A Ducati 848 to be exact, it draws me in like a magnet. Immediately I knew it had to belong to Jasper, no one else seemed like the type. Rose had her red convertible, Emmett had his Jeep, and Edward had his mom-car. Alice and Esme didn’t bother with vehicles and Carlisle had a reasonable, albeit expensive, commuter.

“Wow,” my voice quiet as my fingers brushed the gas tank, “I’m impressed, Hale.”

“You know bikes?” Jasper asks with a hint of curiosity.

“Not really, but I know enough to know that this Ducati is basically a rocket and that it must’ve cost you a pretty penny.” I replied, eyes still glued to the beautiful machinery. “Why didn’t you tell me you drove a motorcycle?”

“Not many parents let their ‘teenager’ drive death traps around.”

“Touché.” I pause, “Take me for a ride?” Swinging my leg over to straddle the beast, I lean over the tank and glance at Jasper.

I know I’ve successfully distracted him by the amount of time it takes for him to respond. Grinning, I sit back and look at him expectantly.

“Absolutely not, darlin’. No way I’m risking-“

“You have safety gear, don’t you?” I tease him as I get off and walk behind him to snag the helmet placed on the counter along the back wall.

Jasper groans and tilts his head back in mock-frustration as he fishes the keys from his pocket. I squeal as I pull the helmet on and hop excitedly towards the bike.

“You’re wearing my protective gear or no deal, sweetheart.” He lays down the law as he stalks over to a cabinet, retrieving a thick coat and gloves.

I almost protest, but he’s pulling the jacket over my arms and zipping it up my chest leaving me breathless before I know what’s happening. Even with the helmet covering my face, I’m sure he senses the heat in my cheeks as he finishes checking me over.

“You sure about this?” Jasper asks, finding my eyes under the visor with his supernatural vision.

“Are you sure about this?” I counter, the unease floating around is practically choking me in this enclosed space before it vanishes in a snap.

He flips up my visor, “Riding with someone requires trust-“

“I trust you, Jasper Hale. Completely and without any reservations or doubt in your abilities to keep me safe.” I swear my words stunned him, his mouth parted slightly as I blurted the confession. As if he realized the doubt that was flowing earlier was from him and not me.

“You are…”, he mutters his response low enough that I can’t hear as he swings a leg over the motorcycle and turns to me seriously. “Number one rule, don’t let go of me. Lean with me on turns and stay tucked in. If you need to stop, tap on my chest. Any questions, doll?” Jasper asks.

“Where are we going?” I climb on behind him and scoot close enough to wrap my arms around his waist lightly, this is the first opportunity I’ve had to be this close to him and it’s amazing. I let out a small gasp when he grabs the backs of both knees to tug me closer, bracketing my hips around his to tuck me in close. He then grabs my arms and places them over his chest, the side of my helmeted head coming to rest on his large back.

“You’ll just have to wait and see, ready?” I feel a teasing chuckle rumble in his chest, so I simply nod, excitement tingling all over from where my body touches his.

The Ducati roars to life in the enclosed space and I feel it lean to the right as Jasper taps the garage door button on the wall to open our exit. My arms squeeze him a little tighter as we launch forward down the driveway, I’m tempted to wave to Esme smiling from the porch, but I decide against it remembering his number one rule of not letting go.

This is single-handedly the best idea I’ve ever had.

Jasper

This girl will be the death of me, I know it for certain.

She could ask me to bring her the moon and I would have it in her hands in a heartbeat. Taking her out on my motorcycle? Easy in theory, extremely difficult in practice. I’ve never felt as I do right now with her arms around me, her completely pressed against my back and squeezing me at every jolt and turn I make.

Heaven and Hell, having my greatest temptation in such close proximity.

She trusts me. Completely and without doubt - her fucking words. I’m positively speechless, I’ve never had someone to myself that trusted me so wholly without needing any kind of explanation or-or proof-

And her leaning over my bike in the garage? I nearly swerve us right off the road thinking about the arch in her back, the way her chest pressed against the tank, her toes barely able to touch the ground… it took nearly every ounce of control to remain rooted while she was seated atop my motorcycle.

My only regret is not showing her the garage sooner, that image of her will forever be seared into my mind. On second thought, I’m sure my mental images were extremely loud and clear in the garage - it’s a mystery how Edward can manage to be around the couples in our family. For me at least, the emotions get too much sometimes and I need breaks.

I’ve noticed that I’ve needed them less and less since Y/n literally slammed her way into my life - breaks from everyone else that is. She not only elicits a physical reaction that no one else has ever managed to coax out of me, but she has also become a mental safe-haven. Being around her energy is as easy and mindless as breathing, if only I could breathe around her without inhaling molten lava. Everything about her completely consumes me, tears me apart and builds me back up, unmakes and makes me over and over, infinite bliss and unending torture. My singer, her blood is a symphony and I am her rapt audience hanging on to every beautiful note and praying for an encore.

My singer.

The revelation clangs through my soul and grants my body with a new purpose; her. She is mine to protect, from this day onward. My left hand reaches up to anchor myself where Y/n’s hands rest on my chest, her arms not quite long enough for her fingers to meet in the middle. I smile to myself, maybe I can allow myself this one bit of happiness, to let her in.

Next

[notiddygothgf]

17. Not a Date

★ pairings: aki hayakawa x fem reader

★ ❝Is this a date? ❞

★ c.w.: suggestive content. tooth rotting fluff. the hayakawa family being the hayakawa family. denji and power need their own warning.

★ a/n: HIIII EVERYONEEEEE!!! im back from my unofficial hiatus. So let me spill the tea -- as you all may know, I'm a Premedical student, and let me tell you..... finals did my ass INNNNN!! it was a struggle to stay alive but we #survived. I haven't been feeling like myself lately, but I'm taking a winter vacation to my lovely motherland, Puerto Rico, and I am SOOOO at peace rn. It's done wonders for my creative juices.

Thank you all for leaving such wonderful comments on all of the chapters while I was away. Yes, I've been reading them, and, yes, I've been cracking up over them for the past two-ish months. Y'all are fuckin hilarious. Anyway!! To make up for my absence, I've decided to double update and feed the girlies. I'm so sorry! I didn't forget about y'all... but....

Y'all know the drill... the more you comment, the more I update! comment away!! hugs and kisses from PR!!

★ w.c: .4.1k

shameless ; chapter index

As Aki was presently in no shape to cook, the two of you decided to go out for dinner. You tried hard not to think too hard about what it meant – of course, it was hard to ignore the way he tossed a twenty at Denji and Power and told them not to kill the delivery driver (and, subsequently, to not call him unless it was a dire emergency).

It wasn’t a date. He hadn’t asked you on a date, yet, so it wasn’t one.

So why did you feel so nervous?

Picking at the seam of your Public Safety slacks – the only decent outfit you had available, unless you counted your unlimited supply of oversized clothes from your not-quite-boyfriend – you shifted in your seat. Your eyes flitted over the restaurant, its patrons, the red wallpaper; anything but the handsome young officer sitting in front of you.

Aki was sitting directly across from you, long legs spread beneath the table, donning a blue button down shirt and some black slacks. It wasn’t the Public Safety uniform you had been so used to but, still, it was nice. His hair was down, the way you liked it, framing his pretty face beneath the dim lighting in a way that had your heart thrumming anxiously against your ribcage. 

Again, though, it wasn’t a date. He hadn’t said it was a date. 

You were just nervous because it was the first time you and him had gone out to eat together… alone.

Your plate was empty. Aki’s plate still had a few pieces of spaghetti on it. Long, pretty fingers plucked a fork off the table and twirled the noodles around until they were all balled up. He popped the spaghetti into his mouth, chewing with a quiet hum to signify his satisfaction.

Finally, he replied to the question you had asked a minute earlier. “November 11th.”

“You’re a scorpio?” You tilted your head, flashing him a funny little smile despite the horde of butterflies loose in your chest. 

“I guess,” He shrugged. He polished off the remainder of his spaghetti in one bite. “What about you?”

“Cancer,” You answered. “July 12th.”

He only nodded, smiling faintly as he wiped the corners of his mouth with his napkin. The motion was casual, but there was something disarming about the way his smile lingered—warm and unhurried, like the late afternoon sunlight stretching across the café table. It made you falter, your own words catching in your throat as you searched for some confirmation, some clue in his expression to tell you what this was.

When his response came only in the form of that soft smile, the silence began to press down on you. A beat passed, then another, before you let the intrusive thought escape. “We’re supposed to be compatible.”

“Are we?” His grin deepened, and though it carried his usual dry amusement, there was an edge of curiosity there too—like he was testing the weight of your words.

“That’s what the zodiac says, anyway.” You shrugged, feigning nonchalance as you reached for your glass of water. The rim felt cool against your lips, a welcome distraction from the heat creeping up your neck. You told yourself it was ridiculous to put so much stock into something you’d read in a horoscope, and yet, your heart still beat a little faster when he tilted his head, considering you.

When the busboy came to collect the plates, Aki leaned back in his chair, his gaze softening as it settled on you. You caught it in your peripheral vision and turned toward him, only to find his expression unreadable but impossibly fond. That low hum of agreement that followed—“I have to agree”—seemed to reverberate in your chest, grounding you and upending you all at once. 

Your breath hitched, and you felt your composure slipping, the warmth rising from your chest to your face, blooming like a flush of petals that wouldn’t stop spreading. Were you imagining it? Reading too much into a simple response? He had always been measured with his words, careful to say only what he meant—but what did this mean?

The thoughts looped in your mind as you stared down at the now-cleared table, the edges of the placemat a blur. When you finally looked up, his eyes were still on you, patient, as though waiting for you to catch up to some conclusion he’d already reached.

The words tumbled out before you could stop them. “Is this a date?”

For a split second, you panicked. Maybe you’d said too much. Maybe you’d made it weird. But then his eyebrows raised, just slightly, and his lips curved into something small but genuine. “Why do you ask?” 

“Well…” You tried to play it cool, but your voice betrayed you, coming out softer than you’d intended. “It feels like one.”

He huffed a quiet laugh, leaning forward just enough for his elbow to rest against the edge of the table. “I would’ve dressed a little nicer if I knew I was taking you out out.” His tone was teasing, but the look in his eyes suggested something more—a hopefulness that mirrored your own.

Your heart swelled at the words, a warmth unfurling in your chest that no amount of teasing could deflate.

“Do you… want it to be a date?” He asked, then.

You blinked at him, caught off guard by the directness of the question, and you wondered if he could see how your pulse quickened. 

“I dunno… I mean,” You sighed, “On paper, I’m still married.”

Aki quirked a brow, “I think we’re a little far past that, aren’t we?”

You laughed – a genuine one, one that made your chest feel light. “I mean, it just doesn’t feel right – us dating before the divorce is finalized.”

There it was again. That word – divorce. 

It was hard to believe all of this was really happening.

“Then, it doesn’t have to be a date,��� He shrugged, as if divorce and making the relationship official weren’t a big deal. Then, as if he had sensed the way you deflated, he added, “We can go on our first date when everything is finalized – go out ‘n celebrate,” Then, he smiled, “I’d take you somewhere way nicer than this, anyway.”

You could have laughed at the absurdity of it all. In fact, you almost did. “Celebrating a divorce with your mistress. That’s not something you hear every day,” You grinned. 

For a moment, a part of you doubted if this—all of this—was the right thing to do. The thought lingered like a shadow, nudging at the edges of your mind even as you tried to ignore it. Was it too soon? Too messy? Too complicated? The weight of your still-intact marriage loomed large, a tether that made it hard to feel fully present. But even as those doubts surfaced, another part of you felt freer than you had in years—like unshackling yourself from a life that had stopped fitting long ago.

A part of you wondered if – after all was said and done – Aki would leave you hanging. Leave you all alone with nothing but the wreckage of your life. 

But you took one long look into his eyes, and you knew that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Half-lidded and glimmering with affection, his eyes gazed back at you with nothing but pure adoration. He was in love.

I don’t think I have anything to worry about, you thought. As long as I have him, that is.

Before either of you could speak again, the waiter approached, his polite smile breaking the stillness of the moment. “How was everything?” he asked, his voice chipper.

Aki leaned back slightly, his tone relaxed yet earnest. “It was wonderful, thank you.”

The waiter nodded, seeming pleased, and placed the check down on the table. “Whenever you’re ready,” he said before stepping away, leaving you both alone again.

You reached for your purse instinctively, fingers brushing the leather strap as you glanced at the small black folder between you and Aki. But before you could pull it closer, he slapped his card down onto the table.

“Don’t even think about it,” He grumbled, though there was a flirty lilt to his words. 

“Aki, you’ve already done so much for me, letting me crash and–” You sighed, attempting to gently pry the checkbook out from beneath his fingertips. “At least let me pay for this.”

“No,” He answered without saving a beat. 

You furrowed your brows, “Halvsies?”

He made a similar expression, tilting his head at you as if that was the stupidest question he had ever been asked, “Are we… friends, or something?”

“Not really,” You bit your lip, a cheeky little smile threatening to break loose. “We’re not really dating, either, though, are we?”

“Friends don’t say I love you,” Aki slid the checkbook back over to his side of the table. Leaning in, he added, “A friend wouldn’t make you cum the way I do, either.”

Your face was on fire – you were probably red as a fire truck. You hissed, “Aki.”

“It’s the truth,” He replied. It was evident that he couldn’t possibly have cared less about where the two of you were. 

“What, so you’re telling me you don’t go around giving all of your friends head?” You whispered back, barely fighting off a smile.

“You won’t win this game, so don’t start,” He deadpanned. Unfolding the checkbook, he glanced over the bill, quickly slipping his card into the slot at the top. “Or I can show you just how friendly I am when we get home.”

His words made you bristle in an almost feline manner. “Who says I don’t want that?”

The waiter came by the table a second time, swiping up the checkbook as he did so. Aki looked at you with a smirk that implored you to try and pay the bill now.

“You’re a fiend,” He muttered with a shake of his head. “I just got out of the hospital, anyway. Doctor told me to avoid any…” Here, his gaze dipped, running over the length of your shoulders, your trembling hands. “Strenuous activity.”

You leaned forward, perching your chin on your palm. “Wouldn’t dream of it,” you teased. “Wouldn’t want you to pull your back.”

He quirked a brow. “You’re doing that thing again.”

“What thing?”

“That thing where you test my patience,” He replied. “Try and make me give you what you want.”

“And what do I want, Captain?” You licked your lips – shamelessly, too. You were truly unhinged.

Aki visibly folded at the nickname, eyes softening. His lips parted, as if he were about to say something, but before he could, the waiter returned with the check, setting it down on the table in front of Aki with a quiet, “Have a lovely evening.” 

“If you wait thirty minutes,” He purred, “I can show you.”

(You had never left a restaurant quicker in your entire life).

Aki wound up doing no such thing. In fact, the two of you made a little pit stop at the convenience store to pick up some essential items for you – including skincare and a four animal-print face masks – before going home. Now, Aki sat sandwiched between you and the couch, with you sitting in his lap, laying a face mask onto his skin. His bangs were clipped back with the stupid little butterfly clips you had picked up, and he looked adorable – jammies and all.

He pouted, “This feels ridiculous.”

“Oh, shut up,” You retorted with a roll of your eyes, “They’re supposed to be relaxing, and you could stand to loosen up a little.”

A few feet away, Denji was trying to show Power how to open a face mask packet. It was a fruitless endeavor – one that ended with her biting into the plastic and ripping it off with her teeth. While he argued with her, his own tiger-print mask was sliding off of his face. His hair was clipped in the front the same way Aki’s was.

“God, you’re hopeless,” Denji muttered, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward, betraying his amusement.  

Aki sighed. “This is chaos.”  

“And yet,” you teased, running a finger over his mask for the final smoothing touch, “You’re still here, participating.”  

Just as you turned to grab your own face mask, you felt Aki’s fingers wiggle against your sides. A squeal tore from your throat as he tickled you mercilessly, his stoic mask cracking into a rare grin.  

“Aki! Stop!” you yelped, squirming to escape.  

“Not until you admit this is ridiculous,” he teased, his voice light in a way that sent a flutter through your chest.  

“Never!” you cried, twisting in his lap and finally managing to push his hands away.  

The moment you turned back to scold him, Aki caught you off guard. His hands found your waist again, but this time, they steadied you just before he leaned in and kissed you. It was soft and unhurried, like he’d been waiting for the perfect moment, and your heart stuttered in response.  

Aki's kiss caught you entirely off guard. His lips brushed against yours, tentative at first, as if testing the waters, but when you didn’t pull away—when you instead leaned into him—he pressed in just a little more. His hands, still resting at your waist, tightened slightly, grounding you. The faint scent of his cologne, crisp and woodsy, mingled with the faint cucumber aroma of the face mask, and for a moment, the world shrank to just the two of you.  

Your hands instinctively found their way to his shoulders, and the tension that always seemed to weigh him down melted under your touch. It wasn’t like Aki to be so open, so unguarded, but in this instant, there was nothing but the quiet exchange of warmth, a wordless confession in the way his lips lingered against yours.  

It wasn’t until Denji’s exaggerated gagging sound shattered the stillness that the spell broke. “Blech! Get a room!”  

Power tilted her head, squinting. “Why would they need a whole room? The couch is big enough.”  

You pulled away, face burning as Aki shot Denji a look that could wither a plant. “Mind your business.”  

“Hard to do when you’re face-smashin’ right in front of me!” he retorted, adjusting his sliding mask with exaggerated annoyance.  

You pulled back first, albeit reluctantly, though it wasn’t much of a retreat—your faces still hovered close, noses nearly brushing. Aki’s eyes flickered open, his usual calm slightly disrupted by the barest hint of embarrassment, though he didn’t let you go. His hands remained firm at your waist, keeping you close as if he wasn’t quite ready for the moment to end either.  

Your breath came out in a soft laugh, the sound barely audible over your thudding heart. “Well,” you murmured, tilting your head slightly, “that’s one way to loosen up.”  

Aki’s lips quirked into a small smile, his voice low and teasing. “I think I’m starting to like spa night. Let’s do this more often.”

Denji groaned dramatically, throwing himself back against the couch cushions. “Ugh, you two are the worst.”  

You sighed, your gaze still locked with Aki’s for a beat longer before you finally, begrudgingly, pulled away fully. You missed the way his fingers lingered at your waist, how his eyes followed you even as you turned to address Denji.  

“Alright, fine,” you said, shaking off the lingering butterflies. “We have about 20 minutes with these masks. What do you guys wanna do to blow time?”

Denji perked up at that, glaring at you like he’d just been handed ammunition. Aki, meanwhile, leaned back against the couch, his expression settling back into its usual calm—though the faintest flush on his cheeks betrayed him. You felt it too, a warm buzz that lingered on.

Aki’s arm rested comfortably around your shoulders, his thumb tracing slow, absent-minded circles against your upper arm. Despite the teasing and laughter filling the room, you felt grounded by his steady presence.  

“Truth or dare?” Aki asked suddenly, his calm voice cutting through the noise.  

Denji blinked, his brow furrowing. “What’s that?”  

You couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s a game, Denji. You pick ‘truth’ or ‘dare.’ If you pick truth, you have to answer any question honestly. If you pick dare, you have to do whatever the other person tells you.”  

Denji’s face lit up with a mischievous grin. “Oh, I’m gonna make you all regret teaching me this. Alright, cool. I dare Power to take a bath.”  

Power’s head snapped up, indignation written all over her face. “I never said dare! I was going to say truth!”  

Denji shrugged. “Truthfully, you smell like shit.”  

Power gasped dramatically, clutching at her chest. “You DARE insult me in my own home?”  

“You DARE stink up my air?” Denji fired back. “Seriously, it’s bad. Like, I’m surprised we’re all still breathing.”  

You turned to Aki, raising an eyebrow. “Are you going to say something about this?”  

He gave a small shrug, his expression unreadable but his lips twitching with amusement. “For once, I’m with him.”  

“See? Even stick-in-the-ass agrees with me,” Denji cackled.  

“Fuck you,” Aki hissed. “Twat.”

Power huffed, folding her arms with exaggerated pride. “I’ll only bathe if I lose a dare.”  

The game surged forward in full chaotic force after Power’s dramatic declaration. She leaned back on the couch, crossing her arms smugly, as if daring someone to challenge her resolve. Denji, of course, took that as a personal mission.  

“Alright, alright,” Denji said, cracking his knuckles. “Next round. Power, truth or dare?”  

“Truth,” Power said immediately, grinning. “I’m far too cunning for your ridiculous dares.”  

Denji’s grin widened, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Fine. What’s the most disgusting thing you’ve ever done?”  

Power didn’t even hesitate. “I ate a bug I found under the sink last week.”  

“Oh my god,” you shrieked, recoiling in horror.  

Denji looked torn between admiration and nausea. “That’s so gross but… also kinda badass.”  

“Badass?!” you exclaimed, turning to Aki for support.  

“She’s disgusting,” Aki said flatly, though there was a flicker of exasperated amusement in his expression.  

Power preened at the response. “Thank you for noticing my magnificence. My turn again!”

“No way,” Denji interrupted. “You don’t get to go twice in a row. It’s their turn.” He pointed at you and Aki, his grin turning sharp. “Alright, lovebirds. Which one of you is gonna play?”  

Aki sighed, his hand still resting on your shoulder. “I’ll go. Truth.”  

Denji rubbed his hands together like an evil mastermind. “Are you guys in an actual relationship or are you just fuckin’?”  

The room went quiet, the tension crackling like static electricity.  

Aki didn’t flinch, his expression calm as he met Denji’s expectant stare. “That’s not really your business.”  

“Hey, hey, that’s not how the game works!” Denji protested, waving his arms. “You gotta answer!”  

Aki shrugged, completely unbothered. “I just did.”  

You nudged him with your elbow, though your cheeks were burning. “By not answering, you’re only giving him more ammunition.”  

Denji groaned loudly, throwing himself back against the couch. “You two are so boring. Power, do something dramatic!”  

Power snapped to attention. “Truth or dare?” she demanded, pointing at Denji.  

“Dare,” he replied instantly, his bravado returning.  

Power grinned like a cat about to pounce. “I dare you to run outside and yell ‘Power is the queen of the world’ at the top of your lungs!”  

Denji didn’t even hesitate. He leapt to his feet and bolted out the door. A moment later, his voice rang through the night, startling several nearby birds.  

“Power is the queen of the world!”  

When he stomped back inside, his chest heaving, you couldn’t stop laughing. “You’re insane.”  

“Yeah, but I’m fun,” Denji shot back, collapsing onto the couch with a proud grin.  

Denji's triumphant declaration echoed through the room as he plopped back onto the couch, shaking water droplets from his hair after his dramatic outdoor yell. Power cackled, her chest puffed up in exaggerated pride as though his dare somehow validated her self-proclaimed title.  

“Alright, alright,” Denji said, waving a hand as he caught his breath. “Who's next? Let’s keep this going before it gets boring again.”  

You raised your hand. “I’ll go. Power, truth or dare?”  

Power smirked, leaning forward. “Dare, obviously. Give me your best shot, mortal.”  

You grinned, eyes narrowing. “I dare you to drink this entire bottle of water without spilling it, using only your mouth—no hands.”  

Power squawked in outrage. “This is an insult to my dignity! I am no dog!”  

“Well, you don’t smell much better than one,” Denji quipped, earning himself a glare.  

With a dramatic flourish, Power leaned forward, grabbed the edge of her bottle with her teeth, and awkwardly tipped her head back. The water sloshed everywhere, soaking her shirt and the couch cushions. She spat the bottle out onto the coffee table with a proud grin. “Success!”  

“Yeah, sure,” Aki muttered, brushing a hand over his damp pants where some of the water had splashed.  

“Your turn, Aki,” Denji said, rubbing his hands together. “Truth or dare?”  

Aki sighed deeply, as if already regretting his decision. “Dare.”  

Denji’s grin turned predatory. “I dare you to let your hair down for the rest of the night.”  

Aki blinked, caught off guard. “That’s it?”  

“No, wait—” Denji’s face lit up with a devilish thought. “And you have to let Power style it!”  

Power howled with laughter. “Yes! I’ll do it!”  

You watched, half-amused and half-apologetic, as Aki begrudgingly sat still while Power tugged and twisted his hair with zero finesse, producing a lopsided braid that looked like it had barely survived a hurricane.  

“There,” Power declared, clapping her hands together. “Magnificent!”  

Aki reached up to feel the disaster on his head, his expression unamused. “I’m never trusting any of you again.”  

“Okay, okay, my turn!” Denji said eagerly. “Truth or dare, babe?” He pointed dramatically at you.  

At this point, who gave a shit about order, right?

You rolled your eyes at his theatrics. “Dare.”  

His grin widened. “Alright, I dare you to answer this question – am I cute?”  

Your jaw dropped. “That’s not a dare!”  

“Sure it is,” Denji said, shrugging with mock innocence. “You have to answer, or you lose. So, what’s it gonna be? Am I cute, or am I not cute?”  

Power leaned forward, clearly invested. “Answer truthfully, mortal. Denji’s fragile ego depends on this.”  

Aki sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose but unable to hide the faint twitch of amusement at the corner of his mouth.  

You crossed your arms, glaring at Denji, who looked entirely too smug. “Fine. You’re... adorable.”

The room erupted into laughter.  

“I’m not adorable!” Denji shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at you. “What do you think I am, a dog?”

“Exactly,” you replied, grinning.  

Aki, clearly enjoying himself now, leaned back with an amused hum. “Sounds accurate to me.”  

Power, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes, added, “You do smell like a dog most of the time, so it’s fitting.”  

“Traitors, all of you!” Denji grumbled, flopping back against the couch dramatically. “I’m the cutest one here, and you all know it.”  

Aki shook his head, his voice calm but cutting. “Keep telling yourself that.”  

Denji shot him a look. “Fine, Aki, your turn again! Truth or dare?”  

“Truth,” Aki said without hesitation.  

Denji’s mischievous grin returned. “Alright, serious question. Do you think you’re cute?”  

You couldn’t stop the laugh that burst out of you. “Oh, this is good.”  

Aki didn’t even flinch. “No.”  

Okay then.

The bluntness of his answer caught Denji off guard. “Wait, seriously?”  

Aki shrugged. “I don’t think about it.”  

“Lame,” Denji groaned. He turned to you. “Do you think he’s cute? Like, boyfriend cute?”  

The room went silent again, and you felt every pair of eyes on you. Your face heated under the scrutiny, but you refused to back down.  

“Yes,” you said firmly, meeting Aki’s gaze. “He is.”  

For a moment, Aki just stared at you, his eyes softening. Then he reached up, brushing his hand lightly against your hair. “Thanks,” he said quietly, the barest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. (Of course, it was hard to take him seriously when his hair was so atrociously braided).

“Don’t start,” Denji groaned, breaking the moment. 

“You asked,” you shot back, laughing.  

a/n: hiiiiiii, i hope you liked the fruits of my labor. (the real holdup was actually next chapter, which proved to be much more difficult to write)... anywho i'm not gonna say too much because I'll see y'all in the next chapter. Let me know your thoughts!! Ta ta!! xx QOTD: do you think denji sneaks into aki's room to try on his clothes when he's not home? bc i do.

credits: UNKOWN ATM. I found the cover pic on pinterest unfortch. If you know the artist, please let me know, so I can credit them properly for their work!!! This is NOT MY BEAUTIFUL DRAWINGGG. I obviously do not own csm or anything related to it. please do not reproduce, copy, or translate my works anywhere. dont fk w me im a bruja.

also: come find me on my wattpad if u wanna interact more!

taglist: @mitsuyeahhh , @sleepysnk , @enneadec , @noaabean , @em1e , @drakensdarling , @bertholdts--butt , @satanlovesusall666 , @mitsuwuyaa , @noctifule , @scaraphobia , @ask-the-insect-hashira , @lovingranchturkeyweasel , @bontensbabygirl , @slvdsjjk , @novacrystalli , @hanmastattoos , @kodzuksn , @hqtiny , @ohmaiscool15 , @redlittlequeen , @leivane , @goldeneagles-posts , @yeahblahlame , @no-oneelsebutnsu , @cookiesandcreammy , @cawwn , @the-haitani-baton , @littlelovebug98 , @armani78 , @mindurownbussines , @kokos-property , @violetmatcha , @hp-simp505 , @acethebrave , @mitsuyeahhh , @sleepysnk , @enneadec , @noaabean , @em1e , @drakensdarling , @bertholdts--butt , @satanlovesusall666 , @mitsuwuyaa , @noctifule , @scaraphobia , @ask-the-insect-hashira , @lovingranchturkeyweasel , @bontensbabygirl , @slvdsjjk , @novacrystalli , @hanmastattoos , @kodzuksn , @hqtiny , @ohmaiscool15 , @redlittlequeen , @leivane , @goldeneagles-posts , @yeahblahlame , @no-oneelsebutnsu , @cookiesandcreammy , @cawwn , @the-haitani-baton , @littlelovebug98 , @armani78 , @mindurownbussines , @kokos-property , @violetmatcha , @hp-simp505

wanna join the taglist? | shameless ; chapter index

[fallingforunrealisticromance]

Casualties and Confessions - 11th doctor x fem! reader

Request: “Hi! Could you please write a fluffy/romantic fic (fem! Reader x 11th doctor) with prompts 22 and 29. Maybe something where the Doctor gets in trouble during one of their adventures because of his bravado and the reader tends to his injuries afterwards (the reader kisses his bruises and all this stuff) <3

Prompts: 22 “You look…” “Adorable? Cute? Sexy?” “I was thinking more along the lines of stupid, idiotic and dumb but sure” 29 “Could you please stop being stubborn for once in your life?”

Warnings: Swearing

Word count: 2911

*** = time skip

Requests Prompts

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

“Doctor would you please just sit down?” You groaned as the time lord turned his back to you once again.

“I told you I’m fine, you don’t need to look after me. It’s just a few bruises.” The doctor replied, busying himself with the control panel.

You let out a groan of frustration as you ran your fingers through your hair. The doctor could be a real pain in the arse when he wanted to be.

“It’s not just a few bruises” You mimicked, walking over to him.

“You’re bleeding. Not only that, but you also smacked your head pretty hard, and I would really love it if you weren’t flying through the time vortex with a concussion so please for the last time – Sit. Down.” You crossed your arms over your chest, staring at him.

The doctor fidgeted under your gaze, unsure of where to look. “Honestly it’s not that big of a deal I’m fine-“

“Oh my god doctor! Could you please stop being stubborn for once in your life?” You yelled.

The doctor was slightly taken back by your tone. It was very rare that you raised your voice, even rarer for you to raise it at him.

You sighed “I just want to make sure you’re okay. Will you let me do that? Please?” You said, your tone softening.

The doctors stomach flipped at your words. He wasn’t used to people caring about him in the way you did. It was a foreign feeling; but he liked it. Without saying anything, he sat down and handed you back the first aid kit he’d taken from you earlier.

“Thank you” You smiled at him.

“I will say, as much as I understand why you said what you did, this is on you.” You chuckled, earning a grin from the doctor.

“Well he was wrong. And you know me, never have been a fan of archaeologists.”

************************************************************************

The doctor had taken you a planet not dissimilar to earth. He’d been rambling on about a specific museum exhibit that he’d been wanting to show you for days now yet every time he’d tried to take you, something else came up and caught his eye. But finally, here the two of you were strolling round an ancient building marvelling at all the artifacts on display.

“Doctor this place is just…wow” You said as your eyes gazed upon all the displays around you.

There were all sorts of alien relics from different points in history scattered around the room. Some things you recognised, like a rogue cyberman head that was being displayed in a glass case or one of the guns used by the Silurian race which was hanging on the wall. It was all so fascinating.

“Yes, yes this is all well and good but let’s get to the good bit.” The doctor said, grabbing your hand and pulling you forward.

You laughed at his child like glee as you ran with him.

“Okay, we’re here” The doctor said, coming to a very sudden stop which caused you to collide with his chest.

He placed his hands on your shoulders to steady you, causing a blush to creep onto your cheeks. You’d had feelings for the doctor for a while, I mean how could you not? When a funny, kind hearted, rather attractive man (well – alien) whisks you off and shows you all of time and space – it’d be hard not to fall for him. Normally you’d been pretty good at keeping it under wraps yet for some reason, recently anything he does gets you flustered within a matter of moments

“Close your eyes.” The doctors voice came, breaking you from your thoughts. You looked up at him, the glint of joy held in his eyes melting your heart.

“Okay but if you walk me into a wall, we’re falling out.” You said with a laugh.

“As if I would let that happen to you.” The doctor commented before standing behind you, his hands on your arms as he manoeuvred you forward.

You held your hands out cautiously in front of you but luckily you didn’t hit anything. After a few moments, the doctor stopped.

“Okay, you can open your eyes now.” He said excitedly.

You peeled your eyes open slowly, unsure of what to expect. Your jaw fell open as your eyes took in the sight before you. Next to you, the doctor watched in pure delight as you looked at the exhibit. “

Is this…I mean…It’s beautiful.” Your voice was quiet as you truly had no words to describe how blown away you were.

Before you stood the most gorgeous painting of a landscape, a sky full of vibrant orange, reds, yellows burning their way onto the canvas. Clouds scattered around the fire of the sky, with a burnt orange moon peering out from behind them. In the centre of the painting sat a magnificent dome, within which there were buildings, quite sizeable buildings – almost like skyscrapers. The dome reflected the light of the sun onto the sandy terrain below and if you looked close enough, it was as if you could actually see the light dancing around the floor.

“This was my home.” The doctor said, his gentle voice cutting through the silence. “Gallifrey.”

The pride was evident in his voice as he stared longingly at the painting.

“It’s exquisite doctor.” You replied, still in awe.

“I don’t know where this painting came from. But I am glad some memory of my planet lives on. It was a truly wonderous place.” He said softly.

You glanced over at him, his face fallen slightly. You knew how much he missed him home, his people. Even though he tried to hide it, the guilt consumed him. And it broke your heart.

“Thank you.” You said, never taking your eyes from him. He turned to face you; his brow furrowed in confusion.

“For what?”

“For bringing me here. For showing me your home. I know how painful it must be for you and I am glad you felt comfortable enough to share this with me. It means a lot.” You explained, smiling softly at him.

The doctor took a step closer to you, cupping your face in his hands.

“There is no one else I would rather share this with. If I could take you there in person I would do so in a heartbeat. You are the most important thing in my life, and I want you to see me. All of me.” His words were so soft, so genuine it made tears well in your eyes.

“I see you doctor. And I love you.” You said, the words slipping out before you had a chance to stop them.

The doctor faltered for a second, slightly surprised by your confession. You began to pull away, regretting your choice before the doctor gently pulled your face towards him and promptly crashing his lips to yours. You sighed happily as you melted into him, your arms wrapping around his neck. The kiss was short, but heartfelt. You pulled away grinning up at the doctor, who held you close.

“I love you too by the way.”

“Oh good” You chuckled.

The two of you stood there, just enjoying the others embrace.

“Yeah just tell Allie that she’s going to have to wait for that order, I have a lot more on my plate right now.” A loud voice echoed off the walls, causing you and the doctor to turn around.

The sound of footsteps were getting closer, as were the voices.

“Right so Alex if you could please get the Sontarans body armour boxed up and ready to ship for Monday, and Trevor if  you sort of the Zantian artifacts that would be- Oh hello.” A man, dressed in a full suit and tie appeared before the two of you, followed by two other men, who you assumed to be Alex and Trevor.

“Hello” The doctor replied awkwardly.

“I’m sorry but how on earth did you get in here? This museum isn’t open for another week.” The man said, clearly very agitated.

You rolled your eyes, looking up at the doctor. “Really? You couldn’t have brought us here a week later.”

“Well, I didn’t want it to be busy when we came” The doctor said fidgeting with his bow tie.

You chuckled at his behaviour before turning your attention back to the man in front of you.

“Will you two stop blabbering and tell me how you got in here? I have every right to get you locked up for this. Breaking and entering one of the most prestige buildings in the city and I-“

“I’ll stop you right there thank you. We are actually a part of an official alien artifacts organization, and we were sent here to make sure everything was in order for the grand opening.” The doctor said, flashing them his psychic paper.

The man’s face dropped as he read whatever credentials had just shown up.

“Oh. Oh, right yes of course. I do apologize. I hadn’t been made aware of any visits” The man fumbled through an apology.

“Yes well the uh big boss wanted to keep it a surprise just in case. You know how things are. Anyway, everything seems to be in order. We were just admiring the painting before heading off so goodbye.” The doctor said quickly before taking your hand in his and beginning to walk away.

You were still grinning over the fact the doctor had kissed you. Not only that, he’d told you he loved you. You felt giddy.

“Why would you ever be interested in such a dull painting? Come, let me show you some artifacts that are worth your time.” The man called after the pair of you.

The doctor stopped dead in his tracks. You felt your stomach drop. The doctors face fell.

“What did you just say?” He asked, his voice calm.

But not a relaxing calm, more sinister. More like the type you get before a storm.

“The painting, it’s hardly anything of interest.” The man repeated, clearly not sensing the rising anger in the time lord.

The doctor dropped your hand, marching over to the man.

“You know nothing of that painting. You know nothing of my planet so don’t you dare for one minute tell me that my home is hardly anything of interest.” The doctor didn’t shout. He didn’t need to. His words held enough rage and force in them to do more damage than shouting ever could.

You watched as his chest rose and fell, obviously in an attempt to calm himself down. There was very little that riled the doctor up this much. But you understood why this had caused such a reaction.

“Y-your planet? You mean to say you’re a-“

“Time lord. Yes. The last of them. So choose your words a little more carefully.” The doctor replied.

The mans face contorted in disgust.

“How dare you step foot in here. How dare you step foot onto our planet. Timelords are a disgrace. There extinction was a victory for the rest of us.” His words were dripping with malice as he eyed the doctor.

Your heart burned, anger rising in you as well. The doctor froze once again, his breathing increasing once more. You saw his fists clench as his body became rigid with fury. You began to walk over to him, knowing you needed to get him out of here. You didn’t know what he was going to do but you didn’t want to find out.

“Restrain him.” The man called before you could reach him. The two other men standing behind him were on the doctor in an instant, pinning the doctor against the wall.

“Get off of me. Get off.” The doctor shouted, thrashing in their arms.

“Doctor!” You yelled running towards him.

However before you could reach him, two other men appeared grabbing a hold of you as well. You cried out in pain as they pulled you harshly away from the doctor.

“LET HER GO. DO NOT TOUCH HER" He bellowed, struggling even harder against the men holding him.

“Your kind are nothing but a plague to the rest of the universe. I will be doing her a kindness by getting rid of you.” The man snarled.

“Don’t you fucking hurt him.” You yelled as the men began dragging you away.

Your eyes found the doctor, he looked just as terrified as you just before he was dragged off to another room and out of your eyesight. The further you got from the doctor, the more panicked you became. They were going to kill him. You couldn’t let that happen. The men brought you to the end of a corridor, where there stood a cage.

“You’re just going to lock me up and leave me here are you? Very original” You spat.

One of the men chuckled. “Of course not. We’re going to lock you up and sell you to the highest bidder. There are all sorts of different aliens coming to the opening event that have never seen a human before. I’m sure they will be most interested in you.” He said, chuckling along with his friend.

No. This is not happening. You were getting the doctor and you were getting out of here. With all the energy you could muster, you kicked one the men square between the legs – causing him to double over in pain before doing the same to the other one. With their grip on your arms now loosened, you were able to pull yourself free and began running as fast as you could back in the direction on the doctor. When you made it back to the room you had originally been in, there was no sign of him.

Your mind was racing. You knew you only had a short amount of time before the men recovered and came after you. Suddenly, you heard the doctor yell out in pain. Your heart felt as if it stopped beating as you heard his cries. You went to run towards the noise before looking around you. If you ran in there unarmed, you were as good as captured again. You looked around the room before your eyes landed on the Silurian gun you had noticed earlier. You didn’t have to use it, just threaten to. You grabbed it off the wall before running in the direction of the doctor.

Everything was a bit of a blur after that. When you found the doctor he was laying on the floor, breathing heavily. He had cuts all over his face, as well as nasty looking bruises. It hadn’t taken much to scare the men away, none of them clearly having been threatened with a gun before. You helped the doctor stand before rushing back to the safety of the TARDIS.

************************************************************************

“There you are. All patched up.” You said with a smile, taking a step back to admire your work.

Due to the cuts the doctor had obtained, his face was lightly decorated with plasters which you have to admit was a rather funny sight.

“How do I look?” The doctor asked, standing up.

“You look…”

“Adorable? Cute Sexy?”

“I was thinking more along the lines of stupid, idiotic and dumb but sure” You teased, laughing at the frown on his face.

“Well I guess that’s the last time I let my girlfriend take care of me then.” He mumbled to himself as he walked back to the console.

Your stomach fluttered at his words. Whether he meant for you to hear them or not you weren’t sure, but you had.

“Girlfriend?” You commented, following him.

His eyes widened as you stood in front of him. He opened his mouth to say something before changing his mind and closing it again.

“Did you just call me your girlfriend?” You asked, a smirk pulling at your lips.

“I, well, technically yes. I just assumed – because of earlier- isn’t that usually what people do?” He said, stumbling over his words.

You beamed up at him, taking his face gently in your hands. “Yes, it is. Albeit people usually get asked rather than told, but as long as I’m yours I really don’t care.”

The doctors cheeks flushed a light shade of pink at your words, causing your heart to race. He was so beautiful.

“Now as your girlfriend, I demand that you keep this pretty face of yours safe. As much fun as I had looking after you, I’d like my boyfriend to remain in one piece.”

“You think my face is…pretty?” The doctor said, still very flustered.

“Of course I do. Even if its been slightly battered with all these bruises.” You ran your thumb gently across each one before leaning up and placing a kiss on them.

The doctor fidgeted slightly as you kissed his face, making you chuckle against him.

You pulled back and smiled at him. “There we are, all better.”

He grinned down at you, nothing but love reflecting back at you.

“I will forever be grateful that the universe gave me the gift of meeting you.” The doctor said, holding you close to him.

“I love you too.” You replied, sighing happily as you rested your head against his chest.

You could hear his two hearts beating in a steady rhythm as he gently ran his fingers through your hair. This was definitely something you could get used to. And you did.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 167: Beautiful Chaos

Friday morning, Haru messaged the group chat.

Haru: Something happened last night.

Ren: What is it?

Haru: Well, we’ve been getting well-wishers from an assortment of people since father’s heart was stolen.

Haru: However, one person came by and offered a cake.

Ryuji: Was it good?

Haru: Well, that’s the thing…

Haru: I wanted to try it, but the instant it got close to my mouth, it felt like there was a voice inside of me screaming in agony.

“That can’t be good,” Morgana remarked.

Haru: I immediately destroyed the cake.

Futaba: You should have saved some.

Futaba: I could have analyzed it or something.

Haru: Had I thought of that, I might have, but you have to understand.

Haru: I think my Persona was having a harsh reaction to whatever was in this cake.

Haru: I couldn’t think about anything except for getting rid of it.

Makoto: Well, I’m sure that’s for the best.

Yusuke: Agreed. Even if we can’t figure out what was in it, it’s better for something like that to be gone.

Jose: So, who gave it to you?

Haru: I’m…having some trouble remembering.

Haru: The voice in my head was searing.

Haru: I’m sure it’ll come to me eventually.

Makoto: I’m sure of that too.

Ann: And even if it doesn’t, assuming all goes well, we might figure it out anyway.

Sumire: True. When Okumura’s change of heart goes into effect, we might get closer to that person.

Lena: How is your dad, by the way?

Haru: He’s getting better.

Haru: He’s set up a time for a press conference.

Haru: I don’t know if this was done purposefully, or if it was just convenient for him, but he plans on doing it on the 11th.

Ren: That is convenient.

Haru: Well, only sort of.

Haru: Father had a big business day out planned at Destiny Land, but now he can’t go.

Haru: However, it is too late to cancel the reservation.

Ryuji: Dude! You thinking what I’m thinking?

Yusuke: I’m never sure I am.

Ryuji: Haru, are you allowed to go?

Haru: Yes. This was going to be a celebration of me moving in with my fiance, so I can go.

Ryuji: Why don’t we just go there and celebrate our victory?!

Ryuji: Not to mention, we can count this as an induction for Haru as well.

Ryuji: I mean, only the best for her, right?

Ann: That sounds like a great plan, sweetie!

Makoto: Um, I don’t know if that’s fine…

Haru: It is. And it sounds like a wonderful idea.

Haru: I’d rather celebrate new found freedom than being chained to a horrid man at such a magical place.

Ryuji: Then it's settled!

“I have to hand it to him,” Morgana said. “This is a pretty good idea.

Ren: Morgana likes the idea too!

Lena: Oh, but can cats come?

Lena: Not that you’re a cat exactly, but…

Ren: Worst case scenario, I can just sneak him in, as usual.

Sumire: Well, alright then.

Haru: Party at Destiny Land!

Ren put her phone away, and headed to school.

After school, Ren was about to leave, when Shiho swung by. “Oh hey.”

“Hi,” Ren replied.

“Hey Shiho,” Ann said.

“You got a minute?” Shiho asked.

“Uh, I think so,” Ren said, checking her phone. “My, uh, my caretaker needs my help with something.”

“And I’m coming along!” Ann said

“But if you need to talk, we can make this quick,” Ren added. Shiho chuckled. “Well, maybe I can help too. If you need an extra set of hands.”

Ren smiled. “We won’t say no to that!”

“Splendid!” Shiho said.

“Well then, let’s roll!” Ann cheered. The three girls headed out of the school.

“So, what are we doing exactly?” Shiho asked.

“Well, we need to explain some things first,” Ren said. “So, you know I’m not from here originally.”

“Uh-huh,” Shiho said.

“And you know I’m living in the attic of a cafe,” Ren said. “However, I’m moving in with my caretaker soon. So right now, we’re working on getting things ready.”

“Oh,” Shiho said. “So, what are we moving?”

Ann chuckled. “Nothing. Today, we’re just taking down measurements.”

“We need to see what will fit in this room,” Ren said. “And I also need to talk with my parents about what’s coming from my place and what’s staying with them.”

Shiho grew curious. “Does that mean you’re staying for good?”

“Oh, uh, yeah,” Ren said, nervously. “I guess we’ve been so busy we didn’t get a chance to tell you.”

“Oh!” Shiho said. “Well, congratulations!”

Ren huckled. “Thanks…”

They made their way to Sojiro’s house and started measuring the room. “So, what did you want to talk about?” Ren asked.

“Oh!” Shiho said, getting caught off guard. “Oh, uh, well, I think the volleyball team and I have come to a decision.”

“Oh! And?” Ren wondered.

“I think we’ll take Miss Kawakami up on her offer,” Shiho explained.

“Alright!” Ann cheered. “The volleyball team is coming back!”

Shiho smiled nervously. “It’s a little later than maybe we hoped for, but I think this is a good start.”

“Have you told Miss Kawakami yet?” Ren asked.

“No,” Shiho said. “I…was thinking of holding off until after the midterms.”

“So you can focus on that?” Ann wondered.

“Well, that, and the fact that Mr. Arai will become principal after midterms,” Shiho explained.

“Oh, right,” Ann said.

“So, we’re thinking new principal, new coach, new opportunities,” Shiho continued.

“I see,” Ann said.

“But…a part of me is still nervous,” Shiho explained.

“How come?” Ren asked.

“I’m…not sure…” Shiho said. “I’m not worried that Kawakami will be a repeat of Kamoshida. In fact… I think it’s the opposite.”

“Huh?” Ann wondered.

Shiho sighed. “I’m worried about succeeding. I’m worried that this will be the turnaround. I know it sounds crazy…”

After a bit of silence, Ren replied “No, I…I get it. It’s hard to think that this could work. That things are changing. That something new is just around the bed. I’m sort of feeling the same way. I like the fact that I can stay. I mean, my friends are here. I’ve been happier here than I have been in a long time. My girlfriend’s here. There’s no reason to be nervous but the fact that something new is about to happen makes me nervous.”

Shiho chuckled. “I guess it makes sense. Like, the devil you know is worse than the devil you don’t kind of thing.”

“Right,” Ren said. “But I think it’s worth remembering that the devil you do know is still a devil. And that while change may be scary, even good change, if you have the right people, it’s worth it.”

Shiho smiled. “You always know just what to say.”

“I just say what I think,” Ren explained.

“Heh heh,” Shiho chuckled. “I guess you’re one of those ‘right people’ for me.”

“Well, the same goes for you,” Ren countered.

“Hey, what about me?” Ann asked.

Ren and Shiho looked at her and chuckled. “Of course you’re important to us,” Shiho said.

“Yeah, I don’t think I’d be anywhere near where I am if it wasn’t for you,” Ren explained.

Ann got a little embarrassed. “Eh heh. Sorry.”

Shiho giggled. “No, it’s alright. I think I needed something like that. I feel like part of the change coming is that I’m afraid of growing apart. But knowing that you still depend on me is sweet. And of course, I depend on you as well.”

“Aw, c’mon!” Ann giggled. “Do you really think I’d let you go so easily?”

Shiho chuckled. “I think after what happened with the whole Kamoshida-Phantom Thieves thing, probably not.” All three of them shared a chuckle. Shiho smiled. “Thanks.”

Hope-Shiho Suzui: Rank 8

The girls continued taking some measurements and writing them down. Once they finished up, Ann led the charge to get some scones.

After they finished eating, they headed their separate ways. As she was heading back to Leblanc, she made a video call. “Hi mom!”

“Hi sweetie!” Yuine said. “How are things going?”

“They’re going pretty well,” Ren said. “Um, so, I have the measurements.”

“Ah, that’s right,” Yuine said. “Hm. I still can’t believe my baby girl is leaving.”

“I can…hardly believe it myself,” Ren said.

“Hm hm, well, it's for the best,” Yuine said. “...Listen…I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you as much as I could have been.”

“It’s fine mom,” Ren said. “I was…kind of scared to open up myself. I probably should have trusted you more.”

“Oh honey,” Yuine said. “It’s a mother’s job to pry open her kids whether they want to or not.” Ren rolled her eyes. “In all seriousness, I’m glad things are working out. I just wish we didn’t have to be so far apart.”

“Well, you could always come here,” Ren suggested. “I mean, if dad wins his run, you’d have a reason to. But I know you can’t leave your parlor.”

“Right,” Yuine said. “Well, even though we have some distance, you know I’m just a phone call away.”

Ren chuckled. “Of course.” “So, what are those measurements, anyhow?” Yuine asked. “Although, I think I’ll at least keep your bed here. You know, for when you visit.”

“Of course,” Ren said. She and her mom had a discussion about the measurements of her new room, what she could bring from her old house, and when some of that stuff should start arriving.

A little while later, Ren got another phone call. She answered. “Hello?”

“Greetings.”

“Lavenza?” Ren replied.

“That is correct,” she replied.

“Hm hm. Do you wanna go somewhere tonight?”

“If you would be so kind,” Lavenza said.

“Alright, I’ll see you soon!” Ren said. She hung up, and headed out.

Once Ren made it to The Velvet Room, she was greeted by Lavenza. “Good evening.”

“Good evening,” Ren replied. “So, where do you want to go this time?”

“I hear tell of a place where you can go and experience the ocean without going to the ocean,” Lavenza said. “A place where humans collect marine life and put them on display for their own enjoyment.”

Ren was a little shocked. “I…think you’re talking about the aquarium.”

“Yes, I believe I am,” Lavenza said.

“Eh heh,” Ren laughed nervously. “When you put it like that, it sounds a little more menacing than it is.”

“Is it not menacing?” Lavenza wondered.

“Well…” Ren answered. “I think the best way to find the answer is just going there. So let’s go!” Lavenza nodded, and the two headed to the aquarium.

As they were going through, Lavenza was in awe of the different displays. “Wow! This is so intriguing!” Ren chuckled. “But why do humans take sea creatures out of their habitat to put them on display here? Is it to assert dominance?”

“I…think we do that enough by eating them,” Ren said, sheepishly.

“But what other reason is there?” Lavenza asked.

“Well, there’s a couple,” Ren explained. “But it basically boils down to helping us understand the world in a safe environment. I mean, as cool or intriguing as some of these animals are, if we were in the actual ocean and came face-to-face with some of these, we might not have a good chance to make it back.”

“But some people do that,” Lavenza said. “Otherwise this place wouldn’t exist.”

“True, but they take precautions,” Ren said.

“So, they’re protected?” Lavenza asked.

“Yeah, but it’s not fool-proof,” Ren explained. “There’s still a danger to it.”

“So why do this at all?” Lavenza said.

“Like I said, it’s to learn,” Ren replied. “The world is a big place, and most of it is water. This helps people understand the aquatic world, and gives us tips on how to help preserve it.”

“And you can’t find this out in a book?” Lavenza asked.

“You could,” Ren said. “But there’s a difference between reading about something, and seeing it.”

“But this can’t be all the sea has to offer, can it?” Lavenza inquired.

“You’re right about that,” Ren answered. “But this place helps you get a surface level taste. And perhaps it will inspire someone to look deeper into the topic.”

“How fascinating,” Lavenza said. “So, it’s like a door to another world.”

Ren giggled. “Pretty much, yeah.”

“Human ingenuity is on a whole other level,” Lavenza said. “I can't help but think that this is why Master chooses a human each time something like this happens.” She looked sad.

Ren took notice of this. “Well, not all humans are so intuitive,” Ren said. “It’s a matter of choosing the right human. Besides, without someone like you, I don’t know where I’d be when it comes to all of this.”

“You’re just saying that,” Lavenza said.

Ren shook her head. “Most humans might not even go along with something like this. And like the sea, the metaverse is another world, and you’re guiding me through it.”

Lavenza perked up. “Really?” Ren nodded. “I…I see… He he.”

Ren pulled her in for a hug. “You’re doing fine.”

Lavenza gripped Ren. “Thank you.”

Strength-Lavenza: Rank 5

They let go “I suppose this is it for the night, huh.”

The announcements came on. “Attention: The last penguin show of the day will commence in 10 minutes! If you don’t want to miss it, had over now!”

Lavenza looked at Ren. “What are penguins?”

Ren chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Let’s go!” Ren took Lavenza to see the penguin show.

As they were leaving, Lavenza was ecstatic. “Wow! That was SO amazing!”

“Hm hm, I’d thought you’d love it,” Ren replied.

Lavenza spotted a penguin plush in the gift shop. “Can I get one?”

Ren shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”

“Yay!” Lavenza cheered. She rushed over to pick one out, while Ren followed her. After getting her penguin plush, Ren returned Lavenza to The Velvet Room, and then headed back to Leblanc.

Meanwhile, Sae returned home, exhausted. She flopped down on the chair in the living room. Makoto, who was eating dinner, walked up to her. “Hey Makoto,” she said.

“Um, are you feeling alright sis?” Makoto asked.

“I could be better,” Sae answered. She looked at Makoto. “How are things going at school?”

“Oh, uh, well, in a twist, Mr. Ogata dropped out, and Mr. Arai is going to be our new principal.”

“Huh,” Sae said. “I’m a little surprised. But not in a bad way.”

“I was meeting with him earlier, Makoto said. “As the student council president. He said he taught you?”

Sae nodded. “Only in my first year though.”

“Well, you seemed to make quite an impression on him,” Makoto retorted.

“Eh, he’s just saying that to be nice,” Sae replied.

“Do you want anything to eat?” Makoto said.

“Nah,” Sae said. “I had dinner with Riko.”

“I see…” Makoto said. “How did that go?”

“It went well,” Sae said. “Although I don’t imagine she’d say the same. I wasn’t in the best mood. I’m still not.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Makoto asked.

Sae looked at her sister. She knew that everything she was doing was for her sake. She knew that by busting The Phantom Thieves and solving this mental shutdown case, she could wield real power, with which to reshape the world. She smirked. “Just…keep doing your best. And I’ll keep doing mine.”

“Ummmmmmm…” Makoto said, nervously.

Sae glared. “What?”

“W-well…” Makoto said. “I know your job isn’t easy… but lately, you’ve seemed a little more…um…how do I put this…?”

Sae glared. “We’re in the middle of an unprecedented crisis, and I’M the only thing standing in between this country and chaos!” Makoto turned pale. Sae sighed. “This is what I mean… I’m not in a great mood. I’m STILL mad that those Phantom Thieves managed to change Okumura’s heart from under my nose! I keep making progress, and yet they make more! I keep putting in effort, and they get the credit! I’M the one who should be lionized! I’M the one on the side of justice! And yet those THIEVES are becoming a household NAME!” She slammed her fist on the armrest.

There was an unsettling silence. Makoto broke it, just to say “...I’m…sorry…”

Sae sighed. “No, it’s not your fault. I just hope that whatever happens, I can come face-to-face with these Phantom Thieves one way or another.” She stood up. “I’m sorry for unloading on you like that. I’m gonna go take a bath, and then go to sleep, OK?” Makoto nodded. “OK then.” Sae yawned. “Goodnight Makoto!” She headed down the hall.

“Goodnight!” Makoto called back. Once Sae was in the bathroom, Makoto decided to check the app. She was slightly relieved when she saw that no one was taking over yet, but was still worried. “I know you’ll get what you want sis. Just…not in the way you imagine it. But hopefully, our meeting will give you everything you need.” She went back to eating her dinner.

[captain-kit-adventuress]

I know exactly what the rhetoric of “vote anyway!” must sound like to those who are being harmed by the current system: wait your turn. I certainly won’t blame someone who is marginalised for feeling exactly that, because you’re right, the change is never fast enough for those who are harmed. If that means we can’t count on your vote, I understand. But please, please, do not try to dissuade others from voting who may not have your exact feelings or experiences. We need all of the voices we can get, even if yours won’t be one of them.

Whether anyone likes it or not, the current system is this: politicians only listen to likely voters, not people who say they won’t vote. If you’re not voting, you’re telling those very same politicians to ignore what you want, because even though a lot of them do real harm, you’re also saying very loudly that you’re not going to give them a chance to do better, either. Even if you know they won’t.

The primaries is when you take a political stand, in terms of candidates. That’s the time to say, “These choices suck, here’s what I really want.” When a general election is called, like November 2024, the people have already spoken once. And maybe your voice wasn’t the one they listened to the most, and yes, it sucks the biggest balls imaginable to look at that ballot and know you’re voting for someone you know will cause you and/or your loved ones real and direct harm.

But it’s also the only way to avoid backsliding, as OP said. Voting isn’t the only way to make politicians pay attention, but it is the capstone of all other efforts. When it comes down to it, in America voting is like taking your driver’s test: you cannot get your license without it, no matter how much you’ve studied the material or practiced in a real car or taken classes. People who’ve done community organising, and protesting, and all of the local government drives, they know change is not instant, and it won’t be this time, either. There will be no 11th hour reckoning.

So if you want politicians to listen to you, you have to vote. They don’t care what non-voters think and it doesn’t matter if that sucks or not, that’s the reality. It is very much a “you help me, I help you” situation.

I don’t care if we have the most socialist, progressive candidate the nation has ever seen on the ballot, if they think you’re not likely to vote for them, they’re not going to listen to what you have to say. The people have spoken, and they gave Biden a good scare. Now is the time to put your money where your mouth is, grit your teeth, and vote for him anyway because we will never have the opportunity to put that socialist, progressive candidate on the ballot if we can’t even hold the line with a staunch centrist. We’re trying desperately to keep the line moving ever left so we have the opportunity to vote for someone who cares about those progressive issues.

That might be the only reason to vote for someone, and I’m sorry the system is working exactly as designed—because the design sucks—but it is and that still isn’t enough and we still need your vote. The Dems will never move any farther left if they don’t think actual progressive leftists want them to, and they will never think that unless those progressive leftists vote.

In the law, there's this idea called the "last clear chance" doctrine.

If you are in an accident, and you had the last clear chance to avoid the accident, then you are, at least in some portion, responsible for the accident.

For instance, if you are driving and a car pulls out in front of you, and you could've slammed on the brake but do not, you're responsible for that, even if the turn the other car made was illegal. Moreover, you might be held partially responsible for the other person's injuries, depending on how things work in your location.

This is even true if you can merely mitigate the damage. If you have a chance to limit the damage -- again, let's say you don't brake and the result is a collision at 40MPH instead of 10MPH -- the additional damage you cause could be considered your fault.

To me, this seems very applicable to voting.

The two parties in the US are going to put a couple of candidates up in the next few months. Both of them might be dangerous. But in the end, everyone who can vote is going to have one last, clear chance to avoid, or at least mitigate, damage.

It sucks that both parties are out there driving like maniacs.

But the fact of the matter is, they've put us in this position. And if you don't put on the brakes -- that is, at least mitigate damage -- you are responsible for the additional damage caused.

In the national elections, a choice not to vote for Biden is a choice not to brake when some jerk pulls into your lane. And if there's an accident and a lot of damage -- to voting rights in general, to reproductive rights, to the health and safety and life of trans and other queer people, to education, to the environment -- then you are responsible for not attempting mitigation.

You have the last clear chance to minimize danger and damage. And while you can yell until you're blue in the face that the Democratic party put you in that position in the first place by not running another candidate, you are still responsible even if you try to abdicate that responsibility.

[apples-r-rubbish]

Small Town (11th Doctor x Reader) - Part 1

Summary: What goes on in a small town has to stay in a small town. You and the Doctor check out a small town and now you can't leave. Count: 2k Warnings: unreality, self gaslighting A/N: Maybe if i post this I can bully myself into finishing it lmao who knows? -L

MASTERLIST | PART ONE (you are here !) | PART TWO

“So we’re investigating today?” You questioned as you walked into the console room, seeing it was set up in a way so the doctor could stare at most of the controls and look at the monitor intensely through his glasses, as he mumbled something about the information he was examining.

“Yes we are, just trying to get the exact coordinates, time gets weird around here, some kind of temporal anomaly” The Doctor grumbled, pointing vaguely at the monitor before adjusting a few more dials and switches, “I think I’ve got it!” he exclaimed, throwing off his glasses and running to the TARDIS doors and flinging them open. You trailed behind, wrapping a jacket around your arms to protect from the potential cold. You were above a small town, somewhere in America if you had to guess, but all the states blurred together and high up, cities always looked vaguely similar. Suspended you both stood, watching the world tick by.

“So, what we do know,” The Doctor began, staring out over the oblivious world, “there was town, gone for close to a month, no contact in or out excluding military communications. Weird energy signatures, freak weather, electromagnetic pulses, nightmares and weird happenings. And one day it stopped. Some say it was a witch, others say some weird government test and a handful even say aliens. So we’re going to find out, and try and help,” He smiled the last part

“That's what we do,” You returned the smile.

After a while of watching and waiting out of the corner of your eye you spotted it, a massive red and black pulse. Electrical? No it couldn’t be. It looked fierce and magical, but nothing like the fairytale magic in the books you read as a child.

“There!” You almost shouted, pointing. It wasn’t slowing down. It was speeding up. 

“Hold on to something! Keep a lookout” You heard the doctor shout, as he ran back to the machine, punching random buttons and flicking random switches in an attempt to hold the ship in place, despite it already shifting under the weight of the barrier edging closer

“It’s not slowing down” You almost screamed from the door, clinging to the handrails in desperation

“I know, I wasn’t trying to slow it, I was trying to keep us from moving but it's too strong. Who knows where we’ll end up or what’ll happen,” He pressed more buttons in a futile attempt, before giving up and racing towards you, “Better we face it together,” He smiled, grabbing your hand and pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. 

You squeezed his hand almost like a sign you were ready “Together,”

And with that you both stepped from the ship, falling into the pulse. 

Your eyes snapped open. Another bad dream, you always woke up before you hit the floor. They’d been happening frequently and showed no sign of stopping, perhaps one day you’d realise what had happened as the floor came closer. Your husband snored gently next to you, his sharp chin pressed into your forehead. The clock next to you read 7:30, 25rd October 1954 , that meant for you it was time to wake up and get some breakfast ready. You appeared downstairs and started cooking, seemingly it was done almost as quick as it had begun, at least you were getting quicker you thought to yourself. Your husband, John, came down the stairs fully dressed for work muttering something about the car having issues, and needing to get some circuit in it fixed. “Thank you for the meal, my love,” John thanked as he adjusted his bowtie and took a sip of his freshly-made drink. You didn’t remember making it. You frowned and he saw it.

“How’s your head?” He asked noticing

“Well, I haven’t had any complaints,” You giggled, And that’s when you heard it. Laughter. It wasn’t even that funny. Canned laughter. Studio audience level laughter. You didn’t even think it was a funny joke. There was a pause for it to die down. 

“Darling I think we should invite that new couple that moved in,” He pondered aloud “I just think it would be nice, new neighbours make some friends,”

“Yeah I mean we have been living here… living here, how long?” You asked rhetorically at first but at one point or another during the sentence you realised you didn’t actually have an answer. More laughter. 

“Well, you know… you know,” John said, wandering through the sentence, fiddling with his bowtie of choice for the day, clearly as unsure as you were “you know what? I’m going to be late for work,” He stood up quickly staring at his watch, finishing the final bite of his breakfast. 

“Have a good day at work, my love,” you shouted to him, as you heard the door swing shut. He was a Doctor, local hospital, taking care of people was always something he prioritised. Long days and long nights were common, time seeming to slip away from you both. Clocks never seemed right, some too fast, others too slow. You were at your own pace and it was a familiar and comforting feeling. 

At some point during the day you found yourself in the park. Something felt off. Not alarmingly, not a gut punching sense of anxiety, just out of place. The Sun seemed too bright for the time of day maybe. 

What time was it again? 2pm. But that couldn’t be right, you’d left the house at half 11, seemingly 20 minutes ago. You chalked it up to being lost in your reading, a mere quirk of habit. As you examined it, the pages were empty, void of information. Looking up assuming it was some trick of your half asleep mind you shook your head, as the words shifted back onto the page with a breakneck speed. You spotted your new neighbours from across the park, you collected your things and sauntered over. They were talking about something you couldn’t quite make out when you gave them a wave and they stopped, smiled and welcomed you into the conversation. The laughter rang again, this time it seemingly felt normal, a quiet comfort in the almost now familiar situation.

 “Hi my name’s Y/N, I noticed you moved in about a week ago, on our street. My Husband and I live at number 11,” You explained with a smile.

“Oh Hi! This is Augustus and I’m Elizbeth, Bee for short,” He smile was warm and welcoming. She was a relatively small woman, long blonde hair curled in whichever way it pleased, her eyes were a soft blue colour almost matching the sky. 

“I hate it when you use my full name, I prefer Gus,” The man rolled his eyes jokingly before extending his hand out to you which you shook. You briefly chatted about your time in the neighbourhood, and your husband.  Gus and Bee were invited to dinner at your house that evening. 

As you wandered the streets of Amberpoint, the world seemed to still. It was a quiet comfort, and when the light hit the glass just right, it lived up to its name. You reflected on your life, your travels and how it felt like you were travelling to distant worlds sometimes, and maybe in a way you were. Amberpoint was small, no more than 5,000. Hundreds of matching brickwork houses, how had you ended up here? Settling for suburbia never sat in your plans, but as you thought through scatters of memories, maybe it didn’t matter, maybe you just were supposed to be there. Maybe sometimes you end up where you need to be by accident.

Your home was uncharacteristically silent.  A cautionary hello was shouted by. A non-committal noise sounded from the garage. There John was sat tinkering with some gadget, screwdrivers and  tiny spanners, thrown in by the handful for good measure. 

“How was work dear?” You asked, not daring to question the smoke now gently leaking from the item. 

“Fine, empty office today, they let me come home early, no appointments other than Mr Reed’s eyes and you know how those go,”

You didn’t, but coughed up a half laugh anyway. “That couple from 17 are coming over tonight, like you suggested so please keep your gadgets and gizmos away from dinner,” You frowned, turning on your heel and exiting the room. Cue laughter. 

Dinner prep was relatively easy, you’d fought monsters on other planets, with nothing but a sonic screwdriver and a blue box. No. No, you hadn’t. You’d fought hard against Mandy Cunningham for those test scores in your exams even with that broken arm, how hard could meal prep for four people go. They arrived and took their seats. Bee smiled and offered you a hand in the kitchen so John and Gus could get to know each other. Bee seemed to smile in a way you hadn’t imagined a person could. It was bright, and seemed almost like it could be turned on and off like a tap. Like a command, or a magic trick. Her hair fell down to her hips, it never seemed out of place, even with the length, not a tangle in sight. Her dress was yellow, at some point through the cooking she’d informed you it was her favourite colour, with a joke about honey bees. That stage smile, taking front and centre. 

The meal was going well, not that it wouldn’t have. But in the light of your dining room you noticed how pale Gus looked, almost sickly, light sweat brushed his forehead. Your husband had noticed “You alright old chap?” Your husband said to him at one point

“Yeah, I’m absolutely fine, never better,” He hummed in between bites of  food. And despite your insistence and wanting to feel normal around your neighbours, John got up and wandered over to the garage and pulled out one of his contraptions from an old box of his. “So this should help stabilise the headache you’re no good at hiding. I am a Doctor after all,” He mumbled to Gus. John flicked a switch and waited, a loud sound poured from the machine and the world seemed to shift slightly. Like the reminder that the world is on an axis. A gut feeling that the world is not wholly the way you perceive it. A rush of memories and feeling flashed for a brief second before retreating, seemingly as if it hadn’t happened at all. Fleeing anytime you decided to cling to them, as the machine collapsed into cartoon-like pieces. You blinked and with that the memories had never happened. What were you thinking about again?

“Hm,” John frowned “That shouldn’t have happened,”

“John fancies himself as somewhat of an inventor, because apparently saving people’s lives isn’t enough to cram into 24 hours,” You explained with a nervous laugh and a few apologies thrown in.

The remainder of dinner passed relatively uneventfully. Simple small talk, how long you’d lived there John pulling a number from thin air. They left with a hug and smile. You and your husband collapsed on the sofa, worn out from the day. 

“So dinner parties, hey, we don’t do too badly,” He smiled wrapping his arm around you

“I think everything considered we did pretty well,” You laughed and lent in to press a gentle kiss to his lips, he hesitated slightly before leaning in and brushing his lips against yours with a gentle smile. 

“So what do we do now dear?” He laughed staring at the mess on the table

“Leave it for tomorrow,” you chuckled, screwing your eyes shut thinking about the amount of work it would be between you “I’m tired.”

And with that you both retreated to bed for the night to collapse into another dream filled sleep. Or maybe you would wake up in reality. Maybe it didn’t matter which way around it was. And as Amberpoint fell asleep, something ticked over. Maybe nothing sinister, but perhaps a quiet solumness filled the sleep-ridden air. 

[tj-is-down]

Meet Me in the Motel Pool - Adrian Chase

Adrian Chase Appreciation Week Day 6--Free Choice!

Hey guys, this is my first Adrian fic (second fic overall) and my first fic for appreciation week! I hope y'all like it. Also, to the Peacemakernet folks--I hope this fits in the "free choice" category! I kind of figured that meant anything goes, so this is just a bunch of different tropes thrown together.

Summary: The 11th Street Kids stop at a motel after a mission, and you and Adrian spend some time together. (fluff)

Word Count: ~2.2k

Warnings: Just a fair amount of cursing, that's it! Also, the group goes swimming but there's literally no physical description of the reader so this can be whoever you want! I want to make it so that anyone can see themselves as reader :)

The mission was long. We’re tired as we drive away from the city, having taken care of a situation at the town hall. I don’t want to get into it, but we needed to get out of there as fast as possible before the mayor’s secretary found him the next morning, dead in his office.

Adrian and Chris seem to be the only two who aren’t completely wiped out, the two of them sitting up front as Adrian drives and Chris plays air guitar to whatever crazy music he had picked out for the ride.

I lean my head back against the wall of the van, closing my eyes and attempting to get some sort of sleep before we get wherever it is we’re going. It’s an empty gesture, though; as if Adrian’s reckless driving and Chris’s loud-ass music would allow for anyone to even think about sleeping, let alone actually achieve it.

“There’s a motel about a mile away,” Leota says, and I open my eyes to see her holding up her phone, directions pulled up. “We could stop there for tonight?”

“Yes, please,” Harcourt responds. “I need a real fucking bed.”

“Me too,” Economos adds.

“You guys are pussies,” Chris says. “‘I need a real bed, I’ve never been to prison, I can’t deal with even the most minor inconveniences because I’m a little bitch,’” he continues in a high-pitched voice, a poor imitation of Harcourt. Adrian laughs characteristically loud, finding Chris’s joke to be more funny than it’s meant to be.

Harcourt flips the two of them off. “Fuck you, jailbird.”

“Hey!” Chris shouts, pointing at her. “Say some negative shit about birds, I dare you!”

The two of them erupt into bickering for a few minutes before the van slows to a stop and Adrian tells them both to knock it the fuck off.

“We’re here,” he says. “Harcourt, get us rooms?” He asks.

The five of us grab our bags out of the van before meeting Harcourt at the front of the motel and grabbing our individual room keys.

“Hey, there’s a pool back there!” Chris says, pointing to the other side of the parking lot. “Anyone down for a swim?”

“Absolutely not,” Harcourt says, turning around and walking towards her room.

“Dye-Beard, you in?” Chris asks Economos. Economos just flips him off in response.

“Pussies!” He shouts before turning to Adebayo. “Leota?” He asks hopefully.

She shrugs. “Sure. I could go for a swim.”

He fist-bumps the air. “Hell yeah! Vig, Y/N? You guys coming?”

“I’ll go,” Adrian says. He turns to me. Y/N?”

Truth be told, I’m tired as shit. But Adrian’s got that effect on me, where all he’s got to do is ask, and I’m there. So I nod, and the four of us make our way up to our rooms before changing into swimming clothes and meeting at the pool.

“The sign says it’s closed,” I say as we approach the gate to the pool.

Chris and Adrian are both wearing shorts and no shirt, while Leota wears a t-shirt and shorts, like me. None of us packed a bathing suit on this mission (why would we need to?), so we’re making do with what we have. It was hard not to stare at Adrian, who normally wouldn’t be caught dead wearing so few clothes. When he wasn’t wearing his suit he was typically seen in a sweater and jeans, even in the summer. He looked over at me and I quickly averted my eyes, finding myself interested in a rock on the ground.

“Who gives a shit if it’s closed?” Chris asks. “That’s rhetorical. No one gives a shit, Y/N. Come on!”

He’s got a point. We just killed someone two hours ago; what’s a sign to stop us from doing whatever we want?

It was a good decision. The tiredness I was feeling is quickly replaced by relaxation, and I find myself unwinding for once, rather than the other way around. It’s nice to have this time with the team--minus Emilia and John--since we’re so rarely able to just sit and chill, our time mostly taken up by world-ending threats and Chris’s bigoted family members. We act like children, having races from one side of the pool to the other and back, playing chicken, and seeing who can hold their breath the longest. Chris almost drowns during the last bit, convinced he can breathe underwater due to a technique that he swears King Shark taught him.

After a little while, both Chris and Leota decide to go back to their hotel rooms, but I don’t miss the look they share between them, like they’re keeping a secret. They both wink at me, and it becomes obvious what that secret is, and even more obvious that they’ve orchestrated this on purpose, to try to get me to spend some more time alone with Adrian.

“Everything okay?” Adrian asks, taking me out of my thoughts.

“Yeah!” I tell him. “I’m good.”

“Good,” he says. “‘Cause I’m still not tired.”

“Me neither.”

He takes a deep breath. “You wanna play mermaids?” He asks, only-half joking.

“Hell yeah,” I answer. “But only if I can get the blue tail.”

“No fair! I want the blue tail! Blue is my signature color, and you know that.”

“I thought teal was your signature color?”

“Teal is a shade of blue, Y/N!”

“Oh, is it?” I ask, cocking my head to the side. “Too bad.”

With no warning, he darts across the pool, picking me up and cradling me in his arms. 

“Can I have teal now?” He asks innocently, as if I’m not being physically blackmailed.

I shake my head, refusing to back down. 

He drops me in the water. I flail for a moment, waiting until my brain gathers its sense of direction before pushing off the pool floor and gasping for air as I hit the water’s surface. I cough and sputter a few times, catching my breath, and Adrian raises an eyebrow.

“You good?” He asks. He doesn’t look the least bit sorry. “Need CPR?”

“Mouth-to-mouth? From you?” I wink. “Always.”

He looks down at the pool, embarrassed. I’m worried I’ve crossed a line, so I walk over to him. “Hey, Ade, I was joking--”

Suddenly, he’s splashing me, laughing while pushing gallons of water in my direction. “Yeah, right! You wanna kiss me so bad.”

I start splashing him back, trying to get more water in his direction than he’s trying to get in mine. “I do not!”

“Yes, you do!” He shouts back over the sound of the water.

“Do not!”

“Do, too!”

“Do not!”

I’m so invested in winning this battle that I don’t even notice when he’s stopped splashing back, instead walking slowly towards me. He stops barely a step away, and I stop splashing when I see the serious look on his face.

“You do want to kiss me,” he says, softly. He says it matter-of-factly, like he knows it’s true without having to ask me.

He’s right, of course. “I want to kiss you.”

He grabs my face, closing the short gap between us. I fall into him, letting him lead and take control. It’s the perfect first kiss, and I can’t help but think about how I want there to be more.

Suddenly, a breeze hits my back, and I shiver. He notices, because he pulls back slightly, his forehead resting on mine.

“You okay?” Adrian asks.

I nod. “Just cold.” We’ve been in the pool for likely more than an hour, although I have no way to tell for sure. Although I’m enjoying this--more than enjoying it, actually--I could really go for a warm shower and some sleep.

“You wanna go upstairs? C’mon.” He starts walking towards the shallow end, holding my hand and pulling me with him. When we get out he hands me my towel before taking his and drying his hair. He rustles the towel on his head for a few seconds and then takes it off to shake his head back and forth like a dog. I laugh and he stops what he’s doing, standing up straight and putting his hands on his hips. “Something funny?”

I laugh even more at his “serious” stance, and before long he’s picked me up over his shoulder, walking back towards the pool.

“Feel free to share your jokes with the class,” he says, “or else you’re going back for another swim.”

I cave almost immediately. “Okay, okay, fine!” I shout. He puts me down. “You’re just funny when you’re being cute, that’s all.”

His cheeks grow red, and he looks down at the ground. For once in his life--probably the first and last time--he’s speechless, and it’s another minute before he looks back up at me and smiles. “You’re cute too, you know.”

I smile back. “Thanks.”

We pick up our towels and clothes and start walking towards the motel.

“So, I know it’s kind of late, but I’m thinking we could watch a movie tonight? The Hallmark Channel’s always got something on, if you’re looking for some cheesy shit, or--”

“You want me to go back to your room?” I ask, a hint of worry in my voice. I wasn’t expecting him to ask, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for what that entails. I like Adrian--a lot--but I really don’t want to fuck anything up by moving too fast.

“Yeah, is that okay?” he replies, turning to look at me. Seeing the nervous look on my face, he quickly adds, “No, not like that! I don’t mean--I’m not trying to sleep with you. I mean, I want to sleep with you, but that’s all. Sleep. And maybe cuddle. And maybe make out some more. But that’s it, I swear!”

I chuckle. “Okay, I believe you. I’ll come up to your room, but no funny business.” I point my finger at him and he puts his hands up in mock surrender.

“No funny business, I promise.” He smiles. “Unless you still think I’m funny when I’m being cute, and in that case, there will be lots of funny business. In case you didn’t know, I’m adorable.”

I lightly punch his arm. “Sure you are, Ade.”

“I totally am!”

When we get back to his room he lets me take the first shower, which I happily accept. When I get out I change back into my regular clothes and when I open the door, Adrian is half-asleep on the bed.

“Wake up, sleepyhead,” I say, poking his shoulder. “I’m not sleeping with you if you’ve still got your bathing suit on.”

He groans but gets up. “You’re so mean to me,” he says, pouting.

I fake-pout back. “Too bad. Go take a shower and maybe when you’re done we can do some of the making out that you were talking about earlier.”

This gets his attention. He perks up and just about runs to the bathroom, placing a quick kiss on my cheek beforehand. I lay in bed and throw on the covers; despite the warmth of the shower and comforter, I’m still cold. I make the impromptu decision to run to my room to grab my jacket while Adrian’s in the shower, but stop when I see one of his sweaters laying across the chair by the door. I get up from the bed and grab it, pulling it over my head and putting my arms through the sleeves. I’m immediately enveloped in warmth, along with the scent of Adrian. I hug my shoulders, taking it all in.

I lay back on the bed, flipping through the channels for a few minutes before I hear the water turn off and Adrian comes out of the bathroom. He looks at me in brief confusion before taking off his glasses--fogged up because of the steam in the bathroom--and cleaning them with the hem of his shirt.

“Is that my sweater?” He asks, placing his glasses back over his eyes.

“Yeah, is that okay?”

“Yeah,” he says, grinning. He plops onto the bed next to me, eyeing me up and down. “You look hot. Like, damn.”

I laugh and push him so that he almost falls off. “No funny business, remember?”

He over-exaggerates rolling his eyes. “Yes, I know. Now, c’mon. I was promised cuddles.” He takes his glasses off and places them on the nightstand, then turns back to me, opening his arms. I gladly shift over into them. He pulls the covers up over the two of us and takes the remote. “What do you want to watch?”

“I don’t care. You pick.”

“Okay. Fargo it is, then.”

I turn so that I’m facing him. “You’re so lame,” I tease.

He feigns offense. “What? Fargo is one of the greatest shows of all time. You just don’t appreciate good television.”

“Whatever, nerd.” I kiss his lips before closing my eyes and burrowing myself into his chest.

“Uh-uh. You’re not getting off that easy.” He uses his finger to lift my chin so I’m back at eye-level with him. “Say you’re sorry for calling me a nerd.”

“No way.”

He kisses me energetically, pushing his lips into mine and interlocking our fingers. “What about now?”

“Nope.”

Another kiss. “Are you sorry yet?”

I shake my head.

Another kiss.

“If you’re gonna kiss me every time I say no to you, then you’re never gonna hear the word ‘yes’ come out of my mouth.”

He thinks about it for a second before kissing me again.

“I can live with that.”

[potionsprefect]

Tis the Season (3/5)

December 11th-15th: Bruising, Besotted, Bollocking and Balls

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Word count: 2.2k

Rating: Teen/Mature

Category: angst, fluff, smut, series

Summary: Series: It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Boston Chapter 3: Victoria gets injured and then told off by her boss

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Full Masterlist

December 11th

The excitement of today caught up with her as the adrenaline wore off and the pain in her ankle disrupted her thoughts.

She thought it would be exciting, being called out on an emergency paramedic ride along to attend an accident near the water. A train derailment was bound to make all the nearby hospitals busy and Victoria was asked to attend the scene to help some of the seriously injured. Whilst she was there, she noticed a young boy trapped in the wreckage. Victoria knew she had to do something and pulled him to safety but once she got him out, a piece of equipment fell onto her ankle.

Luckily, scans at the hospital showed it wasn’t broken it was only bruised and that plenty of rest was needed. However, that didn’t stop Ethan from freaking out when he met up with her in the ER.

“Victoria! Are you okay?” Ethan said as he approached her and pulled her into a tight hug.

“Yes Ethan I’m fine. Just tired. I’m sorry I know you’re angry with me.” Victoria sighed as she leant into his embrace.

“I’m not angry. Just relieved you’re okay.” Ethan said as he pressed a kiss to the side of her head.

“They said I could go home when you came down here. I just need to rest my ankle.” Victoria said.

“Well there’s only one way to get you to the car.” Ethan smiled. He picked her up bridal style and carried her to Bloom Edenbrook’s parking lot.

“You know you’ll need to carry me like this on our actual wedding day.” Victoria smirked as they headed towards Ethan’s car.

“So we’re getting married are we?” Ethan grinned as he set Victoria down gently so he could open the passenger car door.

“It’s all up here.” Victoria tapped her head.

“Ah yes. That intelligent brain of yours.” Ethan laughed.

“I was thinking more like sexy. I know you love a woman who knows her way round a text book.” Victoria winked as she got in the car.

“I prefer when it’s a diagnostics whiteboard or a chart. And there’s only one woman that comes to mind.” Ethan grinned as he got into the drivers seat.

“That’s not the only think I know my way round as well.”

“Hmm. Would you like to elaborate a little further?”

“In fact, the one thing I’m thinking about, I don’t know my way round it, I know my way up and down it.” Victoria smirked.

“Well then how about we head home and you can demonstrate what you mean?”

“Better put your foot on the gas Ramsey.”

December 13th

The loud snores from Jenner beside him kept distracting Ethan from the documentary he was trying to watch. It was just the two of them in the apartment, Victoria was out with her friends tonight.

Deep down, Ethan didn’t want her to go but she insisted. Her ankle was healing nicely, she could put weight on it again. She promised him she wouldn’t go on the ice tonight and would instead watch from the sidelines. It made him feel at ease but he also felt a little regret in being harsh with her.

It had nothing to do with the fight they had last week. Every time she went out and did something, he constantly worried about her. Worried that it may be the last time he sees her.

He knew it would never happen, but ever since the Senator attack last year, Ethan worried about Victoria a lot more than usual. He knew she didn’t need protecting, but he always felt at ease when he knew she was at home safe.

He had exchanged messages with her earlier and she was now on her way home. Ethan couldn’t wait to have her back in his arms again. He grabbed some chocolates that they bought together from his fridge and set them out in front of him. Just as he did that, the front door opened and Victoria stepped through the door.

Ethan rushed over to her and pulled her into a tight hug, pressing kisses to the side of her head as she buried hers into the crook of his neck. They stood like that for a few minutes, in each other’s arms, neither saying a word but they didn’t need to. Just the quiet was all they needed.

When Victoria pulled back, she saw the softest smile on his face. “Hi.” She whispered softly.

“Hi. How was your evening?” Ethan said as he led them to the couch and pulled her down beside him.

“It was a lot of fun. Elijah and I loved watching everyone fall over.” Victoria chuckled as she laid against his chest.

Ethan wrapped his arms around her, closing his eyes as he breathed her in, a gentle hand rubbing her back. “I’m glad you had fun.”

“I know you were worried about me, but honestly I’m okay. I glad I have you looking out for me.” Victoria smiled.

“Till the day I die.” Ethan smiled back.

December 14th

He strides through the corridor, Doctors, nurses and even some patients dodging out the way as he makes his way to the team office. Fury was seeping through him. He had told her if they needed help they could call him. She didn’t listen to him and it resulted in Tobias getting injured.

Ethan may have overreacted slightly when he suggested Tobias could sue the hospital. He knew he would never go that far. He held Tobias highly since he joined the team but that didn’t stop him heading to the office to talk to them all. Bloom Edenbrook’s staff knew better than to stand in his way but everyone eager to know why he was in such a rush.

He reached the office in no time, opening the door without even knocking before closing it behind him.

“Come in why don’t you.” Victoria rolled her eyes.

“This is no time for jokes Clarke.” Ethan said. It was the first time he had called her by her surname. He felt it was appropriate given the fact that the team were currently in the room but the name and tone in which he said it took her aback for a second.

“Ethan you need to calm the hell down. Everything was being handled perfectly fine. We don’t need to make you aware every time we have a difficult patient.” Harper said.

“That’s not the point Harper. As Chief I should know about the ongoings in my hospital.”

“We didn’t tell you because there’s nothing to tell. My hand is not badly injured, Victoria stitched it up perfectly.” Tobias held his hand up.

“The patient was being difficult but it was nothing we couldn’t handle. We were able to sedate him very quickly.” Gary Garrison said from where he was sitting.

“I appreciate your comments but that’s not the case. Injuries to doctors are very serious and if not taken seriously there could be wider repercussions down the line.”

“Ethan you’re being paranoid. If it makes you feel better, we’ll be more cautious in the future.” Victoria said, her expression softening.

The minute he looked into her eyes, his anger evaporated. All it took was a simple look.

“Thank you. That’s all I really asked for.” Ethan said before turning round and heading out the door, striding back down the corridor to his office.

It was around an hour later before Victoria visited him, locking the door and closing the blinds. She slowly made her way over to his desk, each step echoing on the hard floor.

“What are you doing?” Ethan asked.

She didn’t answer him, instead she sat on his desk and pulled him out of his chair so he was facing her. Before Ethan could react, she grabbed his tie and pulled him to her, her body pressed against his before she pressed her lips harshly to his.

“You have no idea how incredibly hot that was.” Victoria smiled as she pulled away, nuzzling her nose against his.

“The idea wasn’t to make you turned on, it was to tell you off.” Ethan said, although he disagreed with what he said entirely.

“And yet all I could think about was how sexy you looked. You’ve reprimanded people in front of me before but there was something about the way you looked at me today that was incredibly hot.” Victoria said.

“I’d prefer not to reprimand you and your colleagues again in the future so please keep that in mind Rookie.” Ethan said.

Victoria wrapped her legs around him, the dress she was wearing hitching further up her thighs, which allowed Ethan to grab her and pull her closer to him.

“Can’t make any promises there. What I specifically love is when you soften when you look at me. It reminds me of the effect I have on you.”

“If only you were there when I was arguing with Cyrus in the conference room. You definitely would’ve stopped me from calling him a self important poser.” Ethan chuckled.

“No I wouldn’t because he deserves it.” Victoria laughed. “But since I find your sense of leadership and protection so incredibly hot, what can I do to make you ravage me right here on your desk?” Victoria whispered the last part in his ear, pressing a small kiss to his neck.

“Well my afternoon meeting was cancelled until tomorrow and you’ve already done the job of locking the door and closing the blinds so I would say it won’t take much to convince me.” Ethan grinned.

“You mean I won’t have to get on my knees and beg?”

“You’ll be on your knees for an entirely different reason.” Ethan said as his hands found the zip on her dress.

The two were uninterrupted for the rest of the afternoon.

December 15th

“Why does Ethan look like he wants to murder someone?” Jennifer laughed as she joined Victoria by the bar.

“Probably because he does.” Victoria laughed as she sipped her champagne. “It took a lot of persuasion to make him come out tonight. Luckily I promised him we could leave at 11.”

“He really hates rubbing shoulders with Boston’s elite doesn’t he? I suppose I’ll have to get used to this when I move here in January.”

“I’m so excited Raf asked you! You’re gonna love it here. It’s been way too long since one of my besties has been in the same area as me.” Victoria smiled.

“I’ve missed you too. Ash and Den are gonna be making frequent trips here in the new year.” Jennifer laughed.

“I hope you’re not going to keep my girlfriend by the bar all night Victoria.” Rafael grinned as he approached them.

“She found me actually.” Victoria shrugged.

“A woman needs to keep topped up on champagne in order to get her through the evening.” Jennifer smiled as she wrapped her arms around Rafael.

“It’s best not to come in between Jenny and her drinks.” Victoria laughed.

“I’ve already learnt that. I think Ethan wants you to rescue him from those donors.” Rafael pointed to the other side of the room.

“When he texts an SOS I’ll go rescue him. Deep down he knows he has to make small talk no matter how much he hates it.” Victoria laughed.

“Ramsey is out for blood. An old doctor from Mass Kenmore is trying to talk to him. He once criticised Ethans keynote speech at a conference.” Tobias said as he and Gary made their way over to the bar.

“Oh dear. Are his fingers clenched in his hands?”

“No? Is that significant?” Gary asked.

“Then he doesn’t need saving yet. Once he starts getting really irate and bothered he starts to clench his fists, then it’s time for backup.”

“Has Ethan punched people before then?” Jennifer asked.

“Yes.” Victoria and Tobias said laughing.

“He admitted to punching Declan Nash once.” Victoria said.

“How have I never heard this story before?” Rafael chuckled.

“He doesn’t punch and tell.” Tobias laughed.

“Speak of the devil.” Victoria said, holding up her phone. Ethan had text her, asking her to save him from the people he was in conversation with.

“Is that a call for arms?” Tobias teased.

“Almost definitely.”

“He definitely didn’t look happy when we saw him.” Gary said.

“He’ll be fine once I’ve given him another scotch.” Victoria said as she replied to his texts.

She prayed no one was looking over her shoulder. They definitely would not understand the game they played when they had alone time. In their bed specifically.

Victoria grabbed a scotch from the bar attender and headed in his direction.

“You took your time.” Ethan rolled his eyes, taking the glass from her when she approached him.

“I was having a delightful conversation with my fellow colleagues by the bar. Then I got your SOS and here I am to save the day.” Victoria smiled.

“I could’ve needed you sooner.”

“Ah but you didn’t clench your fists! When you do that, then when you need rescuing.”

“You really do know me don’t you?” Ethan laughed as he wrapped an arm around her.

“I do. Now behave and soon you’ll be able to do whatever you want to me when we get home.” Victoria said.

“Any specific requests?” Ethan asked.

“Only that the blindfold should be extra tight Mr Ramsey.” Victoria replied with a small laugh, squeezing his hand.

“I’ll keep that in mind Miss Clarke.” Ethan said, kissing the last of her laughter away.

I hope you liked this! We’ve got a lot of fluff coming up before the angst returns at the end

Also surprise! Gary Garrison filled the empty spot on the diagnostics team! I considered making up a new character but I thought considering he was the best intern, he would be the best fit

Tagging in reblog

[haileygarciasunshine]

Achilles Heel

Pairing: Anakin Skywalker x Fem!Reader

Written: January 11th, 2021

Posted: January 11th, 2021

Warning: Some violence, kidnapping, mentions of blood, Gets pretty steamy

Word Count: 1,995

Summary:  When a threat is evident against the reader’s kingdom, her father calls Jedi Knights to protect them.

Anakin Skywalker Masterlist

“Please be on your best behavior.” Your father spoke gazing between you and your brother. “We have two Jedi Knights coming since our family has been threatened. I’m looking at you, Y/B/N.” 

“What? Why am I being told to be on my best behavior?” He spoke slightly offended.

“Because, let’s not forget the last time we have Jedi Knights, with us.”

You chuckled. “We’ll both be on our best behavior father.”

Grinning, your father pulled you in for a sweet hug. “That’s my girl.”

---

Sitting in one of the many hiding places you had, leaned against the windowsill as you gazed out of the window.

The sound of chatter echoed off the walls. Frowning, you gazed around the wall you were leaning against. Normally, you would here alone. Gasping your eyes widened. 

Moving off the small window nook, you bolted towards the two figures in the hall.

“Ani!” You exclaimed, hurdling your body into his. 

A quiet ‘mph.’ fell from his lips as his body collided with yours. In no time, he wrapped his arms around your waist pulling you tighter against him.

“You’re one of the Jedi Knights assigned to us?” You questioned pulling back slightly, keeping your grasp on his forearms.

“I am.” He chuckled.

His smile sending butterflies in your stomach.

“Oh, Ani.” You spoke, pulling him back towards you, as you nuzzled his neck. “I’ve missed you so.”

“I’ve missed you too.” He spoke into your hair as he placed kisses on your head.

Pulling away, you couldn’t help but keep your gaze locked on his face.

“This is-” He motioned beside him, only to turn and find the man that was beside him gone. “Was, Obi-Wan.”

You giggled.

“How’ve you been, Ani? Last I heard you had something going on with Padme.” You tilted your head slightly.

He sighed, dropping his gaze to his feet.

“It didn’t work out with her-”

“Y/N!” Your brother’s voice echoed off the walls. “There you are! Father has requested our presence in the throne room.”

Frowning, you nodded your head. “Sorry, Ani.” You sighed. “Duty calls.”

---

Tossing and turning, you let out a groan. Throwing your hands down on either side of you, frustration washed over you.

Knock.

Knock.

Bolting upright, you were surprised to hear someone at your door. Glancing at the clock, it read 1:30 AM.

Grabbing your sleep robe, you tied it around your waist before making your way to the door. Pulling it open a surprised gasp fell from your lips.

“Sorry, I could sense you were awake and frustrated...I...I came to help.”

Smirking, you moved aside allowing him entry to your room. His robe hung open, revealing his toned chest.

Leading him to your bed, you unwrapped your robe revealing the oversized t-shirt you had been sleeping in. The hem barely reaching the middle of your thighs. Clearing your throat, you pulled the covers back before sliding into your side.

Your eyes, landing on Anakin expectantly as you awaited him to crawl in. Mirroring your actions, he crawled in beside you. Laying on your side, you gazed into his ocean eyes. Lifting your hand, you gently traced along his face before lightly tracing over his scar.

“Does it hurt?” You softly questioned.

“No.” He whispered.

Leaning on your arm, you grasped his jaw before placing your lips along the length of his scar pressing gentle kisses to it.

Anakin’s hand shot out, grasping your waist gently as he tugged you firm against him. A sigh left his lips.

Feeling adventurous, you placed gentle kisses along his forehead, before traveling to his cheeks, then placing a kiss to the tip of his nose.

Pulling back, you locked eyes with Anakin. His eyes filled with gentleness and love. 

Laying back down on your side, Anakin did the same.

“Can I kiss you?” He whispered his nose nudging yours.

“Yes. Please.” You whispered back.

Anakin pressed his lips to yours, enveloping them in a hesitant kiss. Reaching up, you laced your fingers in his soft curls tugging gently at the ends. Groaning, Anakin nipped at your bottom lip. Taking it between his teeth, he sucked it softly.

Pulling him closer, you opened your mouth allowing him entry. His bare chest was pressed against yours. Anakin’s metal hand falling to your thigh, traveling up playing with the hem of your sleep shirt. Leaning on his arm, you rolled onto your back tugging him with you. His tongue licking against yours, as it traveled along your teeth. 

Pulling away, you rested your forehead against his both of you panting. 

“Ani.” You whispered.

His lips traveling to your placing kisses along your jaw. Traveling down to your throat he began sucking leaving hickies in the process. Lightly biting against the skin of your throat he found your sweet spot. 

Moaning out, you arched your back causing you to press yourself further into him. Your hands flying to his back as you began lightly digging your nails into his skin.

Groaning against your throat, he bit you harder causing you to repeat your previous actions. His metal hand reaching under the hem of your sleep shirt, resting under your breast. 

Pulling away from your throat, he rested his forehead against yours.

“You’re going to be the death of me.” He breathed out.

Pushing him slightly, he laid on his back tugging you along with him. Latching your lips onto his throat, you began leaving bruises similar to yours.

---

Since that night, you had avoided Anakin at all costs. Walking through the corridors your mind was clouded with thoughts from that night. As you were walking you walked straight into someone else.

Their arms bolting out to steady you as you regained your balance. 

“Obi-Wan?” You questioned gazing at the stranger.

“Hello, Y/N.” He grinned, down at you.

“Sorry, I...I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s quite alright.” He beamed, removing his hands from you.

Taking a step back, you returned his smile.

“What are you-”

“I was looking for you.”

“You were?” You furrowed your eyebrows together in confusion.

“Yes.” He nodded. “Come, let’s take a walk.”

As you first walked down the corridors, an awkward silence fell between you.

“What did you want to talk about?” You questioned clearing your throat.

“It’s about Anakin.” 

“Oh, Uh...What about him?” You attempted to question nonchalantly.

“He’s been...different lately,” Obi-Wan spoke, gazing at you attempting to gauge your reaction.

“Oh.” You frowned.

“I...I think it’s because of a girl.” He smirked.

Furrowing your eyebrows in confusion, you felt your heart fall into your stomach.

Grasping your elbow, he pulled you to a stop. “I think it’s because of you...Y/N.” 

“What? Me?” You questioned raising an eyebrow.

“He-”

“Obi-Wan! There you are.” Anakin's voice echoed off the walls, cutting Obi-Wan off.

“Sorry, Obi-Wan.” You frowned, feeling your heartbeat at a rapid pace. “I...I have to go.”

Bolting down the corridor, you wanted to get away from Anakin.

“Y/N, wait!” Anakin called after you.

Rushing down a few corners, you glanced over your shoulder making sure Anakin wasn’t following you.

Turning back around, your eyes widened.

“Anakin-”

A hand clasped over your mouth, pulling you close to their body. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you.” The stranger spoke, wrapping an arm around your waist as they pulled you down the hall.

Your screams were muffled by the hand over your mouth. Struggling against the stranger, you were unsuccessful in freeing yourself.

---

When dinner rolled around, nobody had noticed you were gone. Anakin sat across from your would-be spot. His eyes locked on the door in hopes you would walk through the threshold any minute.

The more time went by, the more Anakin became suspicious something was wrong. Making his way out of the dining room, he ventured down the corridors that led to your room.

Standing before your door, he used the force to sense you. Once he didn’t sense you, he bolted down the hall searching for Obi-Wan.

---

“Please.” You panted as the kidnapper grasped your hand. “Let me go.”

Slicing across your palm, you cried out in pain. A warm liquid oozed along your palm.

“You’re our only leverage against him.”

“Against who?” You cried, hitting your hand against the stranger's arm. “My...My father can pay for you. Please.”

“You’re Anakin’s weakness.” He spoke, his voice laced with venom. “We want to hurt him. The only way to do that...Is to hurt you.” 

“But...I...” Placing tape along your lips, your words were cut off. ‘mph!’

Placing shackles on your wrists, they bound you to the wall, as blood dripped from your hand. Leaning against the wall, you softly let your head lean against the concrete wall.

---

“What do you mean she’s gone?” Obi-Wan questioned with widened eyes. “That’s the whole reason we’re here! We were supposed to protect her!”

“Don’t you think I know that!” Anakin yelled.

Obi-Wan shook his hand, before bolting down the hallway. “I have to tell her father and brother.”

Anakin let out a sigh, rubbing his hands along his face filled with frustration.

The sound of someone whistling caught Anakin’s attention.

“I know where she is.” They spoke. 

---

“Get the prisoner.” A voice echoed off the walls. Opening your cell door, you gaped at the guard. 

“Please.” You croaked.

“Come on.” They spoke grabbing the chains of your shackles yanking you behind them.

“Ah, our guest of honor.” The kidnapper spoke, gazing at you hungrily.

Shifting under his impeding stare, you felt uncomfortable.

"Well, well, well.” He spoke tauntingly. “We get a two for one.” He spoke sending a sly smirk in the direction you presumed he was standing.

Grabbing your arm, he yanked you closer to him. Your body facing the direction of people he was talking about. Emerging from the shadow’s guards escorted Obi-Wan and Anakin to the front of the throne room.

Hope flared through you, as you gazed between the Jedi Knight’s.

The man wrapped an arm around your waist holding you tight against him. A whimper left your lips as a knife was pressed against your throat.

“Does your dignity mean more to you than Y/N’s life?” The man taunted Anakin. Grasping a piece of your hair, he yanked your head backward, causing you to gaze at the ceiling. Pressing the knife tighter against your throat, a cry fell from your lips.

Anakin dropped his gaze to the ground before him, as he flinched ever so slightly at your cries.

“Let her go,” Obi-Wan spoke. 

“No.” He smirked.

“Take me instead,” Anakin spoke, moving towards the man slightly.

“Take another step and I’ll bury this knife in her neck.” He spat, pressing the knife harder than before into your neck. Another cry wrecked through your lips, as you felt blood trickle down your neck.

“Anakin...” You gasped out pleading. Anakin swallowed hard, his eyes darting away from the scene before him, as tears threatened to fall down his cheeks.

“Get on your knees for Y/N.” He hissed. “Beg for Y/N to be spared -- and make it convincing.” He smirked.

Anakin let out a sigh. Dropping to knees before you, he locked eyes with you as you slightly pleaded.

The man holding you against him, let out an evil laugh. “I never thought I’d see the day, Anakin Skywalker on his knees, begging.”

---

Sighing, you fidgeted with the wrap that covered your palm.

Knock.

Knock.

Opening the door, you couldn’t help the smile that made its way to your lips. “Anakin.”

“I’m-”

Throwing your arms around his shoulders, you pulled him in for a tight hug. Nuzzling his neck, you felt him sigh against you.

Wrapping his arms around your waist, he placed kisses on your head as he inhaled your scent. The aroma of your shampoo filling his nose.

Rubbing the tip of your nose against his throat, you placed gentle kisses in your wake. 

“Come on.” You spoke, pulling away. Grasping his hand you led him into your room.

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[scabopolis]

Congrats on 600 followers!!!! How about Logan/Veronica and "Are you doubting my acting skills?" and/or any one of your 76 Danielle/Henry modern AUs?

Oh, Sarah, I’d do anything for you! I will eventually write a Danielle/Henry modern AU and it shall be dedicated to you, but for now, here is some Logan/Veronica friends to lovers inspired fake dating setup shenanigans.

--- Title: look at me like you like me Fandom: Veronica Mars Pairing: Logan/Veronica (side Wallace/Parker) Other Characters: Wallace, Parker, a frequent switching of tenses b/c this is barely edited.  Additional Tags: Should be a multichapter probably, friends to lovers (or idiots to friends to lovers??), fake dating shenanigans, Wallace sees all and knows all Word Count: ~1,800 ---

Sitting at brunch, her plate piled high with pancakes, Veronica Mars wonders just how long her best-friend thought he could get away with this. Logan Echolls (said best-friend) is currently walking slowly back and forth in front of the restaurant as he talks on his phone. He isn’t speaking, which means his mother is in the middle of a persuasive monologue. And everyone at their table knows what that means. 

“Charity gala?” Wallace asks. 

“My money’s on a distant relative’s wedding,” Parker says. 

“His parent’s anniversary is coming up,” Veronica says. “Could be their own party.” 

“What will they celebrate?” Wallace asks. “Ten years of sleeping in separate rooms and ignoring one another’s affairs?” 

“Regardless, I’m ready,” Parker says. 

Okay. Apparently Veronica’s isn’t the only one thinking about Logan’s go-to family event strategy. “You think he’ll ask you?” 

Parker frowns as she takes a sip of her coffee. “Why wouldn’t he?” 

Veronica draws a line in the air, connecting Wallace and Parker. “Well, for one, you’re married now.” 

“The people at these parties don’t know that,” Parker answers. 

The woman has a point. Veronica turns to Wallace. “And you’re okay with this?” 

“We’re living on two teacher’s salaries. If some wealthy man wants to be my wife’s platonic sugar daddy, who am I to stop him?” 

“I wanted to buy a new dress for your brother’s graduation anyway,” Parker says. 

“See! Perfect plan.” Wallace and Parker seal their agreement with a kiss and Veronica focuses on her pancakes. She cuts off a large bite with more force than strictly required and shovels the pancakes into her mouth. 

She isn’t sure why this whole conversation needles her. Something about Parker’s certainty, Veronica supposes. That it is going to be Parker who Logan calls on. To be fair, Parker and Logan’s arrangement pre-dates Veronica’s friendship with either of them. 

By the time Veronica met Parker their first year of grad school, Parker and Logan had been friends for four years. The pattern wherein Parker pretended to be Logan’s girlfriend at any and all society events his mother required him to attend was already well-established. Even after Veronica and Logan met, and it was quickly evident the two of them were destined to be platonic soulmates for the rest of their lives, it was still Parker that Logan turned to for help in these situations. Which, fair. Parker possesses levels of grace which Veronica can never hope to achieve. 

Veronica is much more apt to give a Hollywood director in his fifties judgey facial expressions when he introduces her to his barely legal wife. (A real thing that happened at an Echolls family BBQ. At least it still makes Logan laugh all these years later.)

It just didn’t occur to Veronica that it would always be Parker. Especially now that Parker is married. What is going to happen when she and Wallace decide to have a baby? How will they prevent word of Logan Echolls’ pregnant girlfriend from making the tabloid rounds? 

No. This is ridiculous. 

“She’s definitely not listening,” Wallace says, disapprovingly. 

“Some sort of fugue state?” Parker suggests. 

“Could be.” 

Veronica sighs. “What are you two talking about?”

“I wanted to know if it was all pancakes in general you seek to destroy, or if this one in particular had done something to upset you?” 

Her first instinct is to glare at Wallace. And then at Parker when she sniggers. Introducing the two of them to one another is the worst decision she’s ever made. But then she looks down at her plate. Sure enough, at some point she traded in eating her pancakes for cutting them into smaller pieces and then smushing them into the maple syrup. They no longer resemble an edible object.

“I’m not hungry.”

“Sure,” Wallace says, taking a well-timed sip of his coffee. His expression is all smug and knowing. 

Veronica is saved from additional Wallace stares and Parker sniggers by the return of Logan. He slides his phone into his blazer pocket and sits down beside Veronica, resting his arm on the back of Veronica’s chair. This is nothing new. Being best-friends with Logan means being comfortable with his rather tactile nature. But the look Logan’s action invites from Wallace is new. Veronica wants to spit at him. (Wallace. Not Logan.) 

(Portrait of grace, indeed.)

“What happened here?” Logan asks, gesturing to Veronica’s pancakes. 

“Nothing,” Veronica says. “What happened out there?” 

Logan’s fingers still from where he is lightly tracing the contours of her shoulder. “My mom and dad are renewing their vows.” 

For a moment all movement at their table ceases as they each take in this information. This despite Veronica's keen awareness of the fact that her guess was eerily close to being right. 

“I’m sorry. What?” she asks.

“That was about my reaction,” Logan says. “Want my bacon?” 

“Yes, please. They can’t be serious.” 

Logan slides his slices of bacon onto Veronica’s plate. “Serious about drumming up some positive PR, absolutely. Aaron was spotted looking a little too friendly with a married co-star. So, he and mom are going on a romantic getaway to Italy. When they get back they’ll do a backyard vow renewal.” 

“Logan—” 

The man in question holds up a hand, stopping Parker’s softly spoken entreaty. 

“No. I can’t do the talking about it thing right now. I can’t feel anything about it right now. What I need is a wedding date.” 

“Of course,” Parker rushes to answer. “Just tell me when.” 

“The weekend of June 11th.” 

“Absolutely. Deal,” Parker says, nodding enthusiastically. “Consider it—,” she trails off, her gaze somewhere over Veronica’s shoulder. 

“Consider it, what?” Logan asks.

“—Not something I can do.”  

“Why not?”

“That’s graduation weekend,” Parker explains. “I’m the faculty speaker.” 

“I’ll buy you shoes, too.” 

“I’m sorry.” 

“Don’t be,” Logan says. “This way I can get very drunk and not feel bad about it.” 

Logan’s arm returns to the back of Veronica’s chair. This time his hand sort of hangs over her shoulder and curls around towards her clavicle. It makes it impossible to ignore details about Logan’s hands — the surprising delicacy of his fingers, the length of them, the weird knot on one of his knuckles. 

“I’ll do it,” Veronica says. 

“Do what?” Logan asks. 

“Be your fake girlfriend for the sham vow renewal. I can do it.” 

She refuses to look at anyone at the table. Not Parker. Sure as hell not Wallace.

(Seriously. Does he know something? Was it that night they all played King’s Cup and the two of them stayed up talking until 3:00 AM? Did she say something she wasn’t supposed to?)

And absolutely not Logan. She scrapes the edges of the smushed pancake with the tines of her fork. 

“Veronica.” Logan’s voice is soft, but she detects a hint of incredulity. Which, maybe she’s wrong and he isn’t her best-friend and he doesn’t know her very well, because it raises her hackles. 

She drops her fork. “What? Why not?” 

“Look, I love you. You know I love you.” Veronica ignores the little skitter of her pulse at Logan’s words, furrows her brow, and concentrates on being offended. “And you know me better than anyone.”

“But?” She prompts. 

“But,” he says, “you don’t really—” 

Before Logan can finish, she comes up with a dozen ways to complete the sentence. There is plenty she doesn’t have —the class, the patience, the height, the sweetness, the glamor, the—

“—look at me like you like me,” Logan finishes. 

“Wait. What?” Veronica’s eyes dart from Logan to Wallace to Parker. Neither one of them appear surprised by Logan’s words. In fact, Parker is faintly nodding in agreement. “Of course I like you. You’re my favorite person.” She thinks about this. “When you’re not being a total asshole.” 

“I know that. But, your face makes it look like you want to slap me most of the time.” 

“Because I do.” 

“It’s just not the most conducive to convincing my mother to not set me up with the daughter of whichever producer she is trying to impress.” 

“I’ll change my face.” 

“Change it?” 

“I can look like I like you.” 

“Really?” 

“I’ve been in love before, you know.” Veronica’s hackles are now standing at full attention. “Are you doubting my acting skills?”

“I would never,” Logan says. 

“Good. Because I could be the sweetest goddamned fake girlfriend you’ve ever had.” Veronica turns to Parker. “No offense.” 

“None taken.” 

“I’ll even use pet names. Schmoopsie. Snuggle muffin. Sweet cheeks. What’s your preference?” 

“My preference is none of them.” 

Still, despite his words, Logan seems to consider it. Veronica takes the time to nibble on one of the slices of bacon from Logan’s plate. If she isn’t mistaken, Parker and Wallace kept shooting each other, what they probably believe to be, covert glances. What are those glances supposed to mean? Does Parker know something too? Damned married couples with their telling each other things. 

“My mom does love you,” Logan eventually says. 

“See, I already have a leg up,” Veronica says. “And I can absolutely rock a floor length gown.” 

“Can you?” 

“I was on homecoming court senior year.” 

“You were?” She’s not certain which of the voices speaking in unison sound more shocked, Logan’s or Parker’s, but regardless she is deeply offended. She’ll look classy and hot as hell and that will show them. 

“Yeah,” Wallace says, “Keith still has the picture hanging up in his house. It’s hilarious.” Veronica glares at him. “Hilarious, because of how great you look. Obviously.” 

“I don’t want to make you do this,” Logan says.

Veronica doesn’t have time to question why he would make Parker do this but for some reason wants to spare her.  

“Hey.” She reaches up for the hand still draped over her shoulder and laces their fingers together. Logan looks down at her. His eyes are all soft and heavy lidded; like they sometimes get when he’s sleepy. 

(She’s also noticed they can kind of look like that when she’s ranting about a coworker. Or, that one time she helped her dad install a fence and came over to Logan’s place after. Her hands were full of splinters and Logan was so careful and gentle, removing each one with a very expensive pair of tweezers.)

“This is going to suck. Isn’t it?” she asks. 

He nods. “Yeah. I think it will.” 

“Then let me be there for you.” He doesn’t say anything. “I’ll work on my face. Promise.” 

That gets him to crack a smile. “If you’re sure.” 

“I’m sure.” 

“Then great.”

“Great.”

“Did I just get replaced?” Parker asks. 

Veronica shrugs. “I like nice shoes too, you know.” 

Logan gives her hand a squeeze. 

Oh. Look at that. She didn’t even notice they were still holding hands.

[kpopfanfictrash]

The Criminal

Author: kpopfanfictrash

Pairing: Jungkook / Reader

Word Count: 1,528

Rating: PG-13

Summary: A follow-up drabble to my Brooklyn 99 drabble entitled The Suspenders. AKA we finally find out who Taehyung is in this BTS/B99 themed fic-verse.

[ PART OF MY JUNGKOOK BIRTHDAY DRABBLE GAME ]

Slamming open the door to the observation room, Jungkook quickly ran in and came to a stop. Chest heaving, he scanned the walls before locating the glass panel which separated them from the next room.

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed. “Taehyung,” he seethed.

On the other side of glass, dingily lit by fluorescent lighting and crammed into a chair much too small for his body, was Jungkook’s arch nemesis – the wily, cunning and morally ambivalent Kim Taehyung.

Taehyung wore a black hoodie and jeans, his hair artfully styled and pushed behind ears slightly too big for his frame. He didn’t look like a prodigious car thief per se, except for the continual tapping of fingers on jeans. Kim Taehyung wasn’t the type of guy who often sat still.

Leaning forward, Jungkook pressed the talk button.

“Kim Taehyung,” he growled.

Suddenly beaming, Taehyung’s head jerked up from his chest. “Jungkook – is that you?” Affable as ever, he shook his head. “What am I saying? Of course it’s you. I’d know that sweet, falsetto voice anywhere. Come on in, JK and give me a hug!”

When Taehyung tried to move, he was jerked back by his cuffs until his head hit the seatrest. Wincing a little, his smile remained large.

“You’re in handcuffs for a reason, Taehyung,” Jungkook said sternly. “Maybe I fell for that line once before–”

You gave him a pointed look.

“Alright, twice,” Jungkook admitted, a flush rising to his cheeks. “So, there’s not going to be a third time!”

Leaning forward as far as he could, Taehyung gave the two-way glass his best puppy-dog eyed look. You arched a brow beside Jungkook because, frankly, the look was a good one.

Ignoring Taehyung, Jungkook turned to face you instead. “Alright.” He removed his hand from the button. “What’s he in for this time?”

“The usual,” you said, handing over a binder. “Cops caught him running from a crime scene on 11th. Taehyung keeps saying he didn’t do it, but his fingerprints are all over the scene.”

“I didn’t do it, JK!” Taehyung yelled from the next room. “If that delicious detective you’re dating just handed you a binder and said I’m a criminal, don’t believe her!”

Your jaw immediately dropped. “How does he know we’re dating?” you demanded, glaring at Jungkook.

“I… um…” Jungkook reached up and rubbed the back of his neck. The action inadvertently flexed his bicep, which you tried – and failed – to ignore. “I maybe posted about it on Facebook and Taehyung maybe sent us congratulations?”

“Jungkook!” 

“What?” Jungkook said, somewhat defensive. “It’s not like I can just control who I’m friends with on Facebook.”

“That’s literally all you can do on Facebook.”

“Oh, yeah – I guess you’re right.” Jungkook flashed you a hopeful smile. “Alright, so this one’s my bad.”

Heaving a small sigh, you bent forward and pressed the talk button. 

“I do have a name, Kim,” you said.

“Damn straight you do, Y/N.” Taehyung’s grin widened. “And a damn good one at that. Did your parents name you after Y/N Korakova, the famous botanist? Pioneered the modern greenhouse, but that’s not the point. I was just trying to figure out who I’m talking to. Is Jimin here yet?”

As though on cue, Jimin burst into the room holding two mugs of steaming hot chocolate. He frowned when he saw Jungkook empty-handed, rushing over to give him one of his steaming mugs.

“Jungkook.” Jimin shook of his head. “You ran off so fast when Y/N called, you completely missed your chance to try my new concoction – hot chocolate with ox’s milk!”

Jungkook, who’d been eagerly reaching at the sound of hot chocolate, immediately recoiled. 

“I – what milk?”

“Uh, yeah.” This was from Taehyung, who’d heard everything through the mic. Wincing, you removed your hand from the talk button. “I’m supportive of anyone who loves my best friend, JK, but that sounds nasty.”

Scowling, Jimin turned towards the window. “Number one – I’m Jungkook’s best friend. Number two, this doesn’t concern you, Kim!”

Taehyung cocked his head to the side. “I didn’t hear any of that, man – Y/N must’ve taken her hand off the talk button – but if you’re saying you believe in my total innocence – thanks, Jimin! I always knew you’d be on my side.”

Still beaming, he settled back in his seat.

“He’s not innocent, though,” you said as Jungkook opened the binder. “There’s so much evidence pointing to Kim as the culprit. His fingerprints are all over the interior of the car, he was caught fleeing the scene and there are two witnesses who swear they saw him hotwire the vehicle.”

Jungkook frowned, flipping through pages. The more he read, the deeper his frown got – you were right. There was a lot of evidence pointing towards Kim Taehyung. This, frankly, didn’t make any sense. 

Taehyung wasn’t a sloppy criminal. He was the damn Pontiac bandit, a criminal who’d escaped Jungkook’s clutches many times and whom Jungkook had been unable to identify for years. It wasn’t like him to leave so much evidence.

Leaning forward, Jungkook slowly pushed the talk button. “Kim,” he said, looking troubled. “Two people swear they saw you hotwire the car.”

“They’re lying! Someone must have them on their payroll.”

“Right.” Jungkook paused. “And the explanation for your prints being all over the car?”

“Okay, so I was in the car, but I didn’t hotwire it!” Taehyung gave the two-way mirror a pleading expression. “An old buddy called and said he needed help, so I got in his car to talk. That’s when I noticed one of Banson’s henchmen in his side mirror.”

“Wait – Rico Banson?” you said, eyes wide. “As in, the drug lord Rico Banson?”

“That’s the one.” For the first time today, Taehyung’s smile faltered. “As it turns out I, uh... may have slept with his ex-girlfriend.”

Slowly, Jungkook lowered his head. “Shit, Kim.”

Guys like Rico Banson didn’t mess around when you went after their women. They tended to shoot first and ask questions later. Taehyung probably knew this already, but he was in some deep shit. Jungkook couldn’t help but feel bad for the guy.

“I didn’t know she dated him!” Taehyung protested. “We only hooked up once, but I guess he’s had it in for me ever since. I swear on the soul of my mom, I’m being set up.”

Jungkook’s head jerked upwards. “He’s telling the truth,” he said immediately. “Taehyung would never swear on the soul of his mom as a lie. Mrs. Kim is a very nice lady.” 

Removing your hand from the talk button, you glanced dubiously at your boyfriend. “I don’t know,” you said slowly. “Can we really trust the word Kim Taehyung?”

“Yes,” Jungkook said immediately.

Rolling your eyes, you looked at Jimin. “What do you think?”

“I’m torn.” Jimin chewed his lower lip. “On the one hand, I support Jungkook in everything he does and on the other hand, Kim Taehyung is a low-life criminal who continually undermines my best friendship with Jungkook.”

“Neither of those things are relevant,” you said.

“Taehyung isn’t a criminal anymore – he turned his life around!” protested Jungkook.

“I have!” agreed Taehyung, from behind the glass.

Everyone glanced at him in surprise.

His grin widened. “The fact that I’m getting no response must mean my random exclamation was timely.”

After another moment of silence, you cleared your throat. “Anyways,” you said, returning to the rest. “Everything points to Kim as the culprit, Jeon. Do you seriously think he’s telling the truth? I know you’re weirdly friendly with him, but…”

“Not that friendly,” Jimin interjected with a pout.

“Listen.” Jungkook set down the binder. “Have you ever known Kim Taehyung to be sloppy?”

“No,” you admitted. “Usually, he’s one step ahead of us.”

“And if he is telling the truth. How great would it be to finally have new intel on Rico Banson? He’s been off the grid for nearly a year now.”

“Really great,” Jimin said.

“Exactly.” Jungkook looked thoughtfully at Kim Taehyung. “I might regret saying this, but–”

“You want to drink the ox milk?”

“No, Jimin.” Jungkook narrowed his gaze. “I think... we should trust Kim Taehyung.”

Silence fell between them, with each person weighing the options and coming to the same conclusion. Banson’s name sealed the deal. The precinct hadn’t gotten new information on Banson in months and many regarded him as the lynchpin in his crime organization.

Shifting in his seat, Taehyung crossed a leg. “Damn straight you should listen to Yoongi,” he said with a nod.

Leaning forward, Jungkook pressed the talk button again. “No luck, bud,” he said. “Yoongi isn’t in the room.”

“Damn.” Taehyung frowned. “Oh, well. Good thing we’ve got the entire length of the case to work on our banter. Dream team!”

“Dream team!” Jungkook cheered before you reached out and removed his hand from the button.

“So.” Jimin glanced between you. “Does this mean no one wants this hot ox-late?”

© kpopfanfictrash, 2020. Do not copy or repost without permission.

[hansols-yoda-boxers]

Camp North Star - June 11th

Reader Insert x ???

Word Count: 634

Contents: swearing

“God, why did I let you drive?” Wonwoo muttered, grabbing the handle along the ceiling of the car.

"It is not that bad," you said, rolling your eyes. "And if you wanted to drive you should have told them you could."

"Yes, please remind me of the life choices I regret," he deadpanned.

"Will you at least admit that it's 90% the roads?"

"It's maybe 75% the roads," he groaned as you hit yet another unavoidable pot hole on the quiet dirt road. "It's 25% your shit driving."

You turned your head to stick your tongue out at him and he grabbed you chin and turned your head back to look at the road. "You can do that later," he said, "focus on the road."

"I can do what later?" You snickered, throwing him a smirk anyway.

"You can stick yo- don't look at me like that!" 

"Why not?" You teased.

"I didn't sign up for this job for your poor attempts at seduction." He said pointedly.

"Hey I'm great at seduction," you laughed.

“Oh I’m sure,” he chuckled. “You’ll have to be this summer.”

“They could come to me,” you pointed out.

“You-” Wonwoo let out a groan as you hit another pothole. “You know what, focus on the road.”

“Relax,” you said, pulling down a smaller road that twisted through the trees. “We’re almost there.”

“If only this was the only stop we had to make,” You glanced at Wonwoo to see the grimace on his face.

“Does it make it better that at least this time we have a car?” You asked, slowly pulling into the small, slightly muddy dirt parking lot. 

“It definitely does not,” He sighed. “I don’t wanna think about how long it’ll take to get up here in the canoes.”

“It’s not as long as it seems,” you said, jumping out of the car. “It’s a pretty trip up here anyway and the kids are nothing if not entertaining.”

“The mid-summer trip is even longer though,” he grimaced as you walked down to the edge of the water.

“It’ll be alright,” you said. “It really is a fun time with everyone.”

“Yeah well,” he sighed, nudging a rock with his toe. “You actually know everyone. It’s more fun when you do.”

“Dude,” You said, catching his gaze. “You have time to get to know some more people. It’s not like they don’t like you.”

He shrugged. “I’m not good at small talk and icebreakers and whatever.”

“So just keep coming to hang out with people. You already know Siyeon and Jihoon pretty well and the swimmers like you well enough.” He still dropped his gaze away from you again, unconvinced. “Wonwoo, it’s not like you can’t make friends.”

“I’m not… great at it.”

“You made friends with me,” you pointed out.

“Well I have to be friends with you,” he muttered. “I see you all the time. What else are we gonna do?”

“We could be sworn enemies.” The silly suggestion made him crack a smile. “Really, you’re gonna be fine. You’ve been at this camp two years already. People know who you are even if you’re not close with them. No one is gonna bite you if you try to talk to them.”

He met your gaze again. “And I don’t know everyone. I think I know most people’s names but really I just say hi to people and have a few that I know pretty well and I go out when the others go out. The more you hang with the swimmers the less it’ll feel weird and the more you’ll get used to them. They’re nice, they’re just all weirdos.”

“Well that is better than asshole weirdos,” he said.

“See, that’s the spirit,” you chuckled. “Now come on, we have other beaches to check.”

[harrysgloves]

Let Your Hair Down

Get caught up with the Let Your Hair Down Masterlist!

word count: 1,477

summary: Harry gets more than he bargains for when he falls not only for you but your little girl as well.

warnings: None yet other than language. This is purely plot and set up. Smut in future chapters.

a/n: First fic so go easy on me. Probably a lot of spelling and grammatical errors but this idea wouldn’t leave me alone so I had to write it. Anyways enjoy! xx

>>><<<

You checked your eyeliner in the visor of your car one last time before shutting it with a huff. You wanted to be here today, you really did, but you also wanted to be at home working on the mile-high pile of laundry that had managed to back up over the last week and a half.

The day was perfect for a cookout, the sun was shining and there were very few clouds in sight. Which meant your bubbly, bouncy, mountain of joy was going to bolt for the pool any second now.

"Okay Thea," you said, turning around to your 4-year-old daughter to give her the before we go in here talk.

"When momma says it's time to leave that means no fight. Right?"

"Right." She agreed. Her eyes wide with excitement and you knew you were only going to hold her attention for a few seconds longer before she lost complete patience. She was already in her swimsuit and her small tiny hand was on the door handle, her bright pink nail polish you had painted on the night before not chipped yet, and her pink and blue friendship bracelet from your sister hanging on her wrist.

"And if momma tells you something, you're going to listen or we're leaving. Got it?"

"Yes!" She groaned her attitude already that of a grown teenager and not a 4 almost 5-year-old.

"Alright, go on then." You never thought she could open the door that fast but as you saw the pink streak of her dashing towards the house you could help but chuckle. She was definitely a handful sometimes especially since you were a single parent but you wouldn't trade your life with her for anything. Plus you were better off without the lying sack of shit that unfortunately had to be her father.

"AUNT SARAH! UNCLE MITCH!" You heard her scream her hellos to your friends and shook your head at her antics. You knew she was excited to see them. It had been a long time since you had felt comfortable enough to come around your old friends. The divorce had really taken its toll on you, made you isolate from everyone you used to talk to. You were just finally starting to get out of the hole you had managed to dig yourself in, a year was long enough to mourn for the life you were never going to have.

"Hey guys." You smiled brightly as you gave Sarah a hug. You had only known her a short time before she married your high school best friend but in that time you had really gotten close and enjoyed having her around maybe even a bit more than you did Mitch.

"You look amazing Y/N!" Sarah gushed over your new outfit you had just bought. The white wrap dress laid perfectly against your curves. It hit just above your mid-thigh which made your legs look long and the white lace trim danced beautifully around your bust, making your cleavage look incredibly larger than it actually was. You had to admit this dress was an absolute steal and made you look like a knockout but the simple white strappy heels had to be your favorite part of the whole outfit. They were surprisingly comfortable for being heels and versatile. You could easily wear them again which meant you could justify how much you embarrassingly spent on them.

"Oh, this old thing?" You teased.

"Don't listen to her Y/N, you look like absolute garbage." Your supposed best friend laughed as your daughter joined in. Hugging her Uncle Mitch tightly around the neck.

"Keep it up Rowland and I'll kick your ass like that time in 11th grade P.E."

"MOMMA!" Thea yelled at you, making your heart stop in its tracks. That stupid fucking rule about no cursing was really starting to come back and bite you on the ass. You grumbled a bit as you fished around your purse and pulled out the small coin bag. You picked out a quarter and handed it to her. After all, rules were rules.

"That stupid Curse Jar is going to make me go broke." You murmured to Sarah as Thea told Mitch all about how she had $20 saved up from the jar and was going to buy a new barbie doll with it.

You followed Sarah into the kitchen to finish helping cut up fruit for the cookout as Thea dragged Mitch towards the swimming pool. She rambled on and on about how her swimming class was going and how excited she was to show him her new swim moves. A small smile tugged at the corners of your lips if she wasn't going to have much of a dad at least she had her Uncle Mitch.

"You know, Harry will be here today." Sarah said not taking her eyes off the strawberry she was cutting up but it made you stop what you were doing immediately.

"You decided the best time to bring up setting me up with him again would be when I had a knife in my hand?" You simply went back to cutting the watermelon into cute little cubes. Trying your hardest to ignore this whole conversation.

"Come on Y/N! It's been a year since Ryan and you need to get back out there. Start seeing people again. Harry doesn't ever shut up about you since the last time you guys met. Drives Mitch crazy." She turned to you putting down her knife. Obviously wanting you to actually talk to her about this and not ignore it. You sighed and sat down your own before wiping off your hands.

"No offense or anything but the last time you guys set me up with someone I ended up divorced." You tried to be as nice as possible but this was pointless. You weren't going to budge on the topic and you didn't need her making you feel guilty for not giving him a chance.

"Besides I'm sure he's more than happy with whoever his girlfriend is this week. I don't need to be another notch in someone's bedpost when I have a daughter to think about." You turned back around to your cutting board hoping that would be the end of it.

"Not all men are like that." She sighed and turned back around to her own cutting board. You could tell by her voice she wasn't done with this but was choosing to let it go before you completely shut down.

"Maybe not but you can't blame me for being closed off. I mean for God sake I walked in on him fucking his side piece in our bed." You said bitterly, cutting your fruit a little too violently.

"I know. I know. Okay, I know, everyone knows, but it wasn't your fault and it isn't good for you to stay this angry."

"I--" You started to tell her how you weren't angry you were pissed. You were mad that the person you put your faith in crushed everything but you were cut short by the handsome brunette that walked through the kitchen, with a bottle of wine in his ring laden hands.

You had to admit he looked great but you quickly shoved down the butterflies in your stomach. You couldn't like him. You couldn't like anyone right now but especially not him. Even though you wanted to, he came with too many complications, too much baggage.

"Hi." He smiled brightly. The kind of smile that made you want to melt into a puddle, his perfect white teeth shined. It was infuriating how pretty someone could be.

"Hey, Harry. Mitch is out back with Thea but you can leave the wine with us." Sarah nodded her head to the empty space oh the counter beside you.

" 'f course you only care about the wine" He rolled his insanely bright green eyes and sat the bottle on the counter. His sight finally landed on you and you could have sworn you heard him suck in a breath.

"Hey, love." He smirked as you kept your eyes firmly on the watermelon. "You look nice."

"Well, I tend to not look like trash all the time Harold." You snapped back but he just laughed it off. His chest rumbled deeply and it made you want to punch him or kiss him, it could have really gone either way at this point.

"Still feisty." He said his smile never faltering from his face. "Have fun girls." He turned and walked out of the kitchen and you couldn't help but look as he walked away. Couldn't hurt to look after all but the smug chuckle you heard from Sarah snapped you out of it.

"Oh, you two are so going to fuck." She snickered. You narrowed your eyes at her.

"I'm definitely not fucking him."

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #844: A Returning Memory (King of Fighters)

3:56 p.m. at the Beach Resort......

Shingo: (Walking Next With Rock Around the Beach) Is there really gonna be a new Ramen shop around here?

Rock: Yeah. I don't really remember what's the name of it is, but I do know it has been opened a few days. Maybe we could check it out later on tonight.

Shingo: (Smiles Brightly) Yeah. I'm down for- (Noticed a Mini Crowd From a Bit of a Distance) that?

Rock: (Takes a Look a the Crowd as Well) Huh. It looks the news team are interviewing the new fighter in the tournament.

Shingo: New fighter? I wonder who he or she is?

Rock: (Tries Having a Better Look at the Person in Question) Well, for one..... He's mostly wearing a red attire.

Shingo: Wait. (Eyes Widened a Little) Red attire?.... What kind of hair style he has?

Rock: Uhh.....It looks like he has short, blonde hair. It's not nearly as the same as color as mine though. It's more vanilla like if anything. (Turns to Shingo) You know him or something?

Shingo: ('Sigh') I dunno.... Maybe? I could've sworn I've saw someone with that same depiction before in the-

Suddenly, without any form of warning, Shingo felt a sharp headache, causing him to kneel down to his knees, all while Rock immediately rushes over to his side in concern. Little did either of them know however, is that the sudden headache, in question, is the one source that helps Shingo remember everything that happened to him back in the 11th KOF Tournament.

The stormy night at the bridge.....

His fight against Iori in his Orochi State.....

.....And the man who saved his and Kyo's life from their inevitable doom.

Once all the memories rapidly comes into place, Shingo's eyes begins to widened at this surprising revelation.

Shingo: That's him......

Rock: What? (Helps Shingo Get Back Up on his Feet) Shingo, what are you talking?

Shingo: The guy in the red! I-I know who he is now!!

Rock: You do?

Shingo: Yeah!! Remember when I told you guys about what happened to Kyo and I back at the 11th tournament? Where Iori went crazy and attacked us? Until some guy in red came out of nowhere and saved us?

Rock: (Nodded) Yeah. I remembered. You really think he's the one who saved you guys?

Shingo: (Rapidly Nodded) Definitely! And I think I'm starting to remember who he really is now! He's the one with the green flames a-and was responsible for all the madness that happened back in the 13th tournament! With Those in the Past or... whatever those people were called!! And his name....his name was Ash Crimson!

???: You called?~

Shingo immediately gets startled by the sudden figure beside while quickly hides behind Rock himself. Only for him to recognize that the figure in question was none other than Ash Crimson himself.

Ash: (Smiles Softly) It's good to see you again, Shingo Yabuki.

Shingo: Wait. (Comes Out of Rock's Shoulder) You still know who I am?

Ash: Why, of course I do, Mon Cher Ami. We met each other back at the rain filled bridge during the 11th Tournament. Though, I mostly remembered you being more battered if anything.

Shingo: Yeah. (Chuckles Awkwardly While Remembering the Memory More Clearer Now) Those were the days.....

Ash: (Giggles Softly) Most certainly. But I am glad that you are doing much better nowadays.

Shingo: Thanks, but..... What happened to you? You disappeared after the tournament ended and was never heard from since. I even a year or two forgetting about you and everything!

Ash: (Simply Shrugs) It's a long, complicated story really. But that's all behind me now. I'm more focus on the present if anything. (Turns to Rock) Oh and you must be Geese H-

Rock: (Suddenly Has a Serious Glare on his Face) Yeah. No. I appreciate if you don't finiish that sentence. That man is not my father. Terry is.

Ash: Ah yes. My apologies. Your last name sounds familiar, so I assumed that you two might be related.

Rock: (Sighs as He Softens his Glare) No.... It's fine. If anything, I should apology for giving you a sudden demeanor.

Ash: Oh it's quite alright. Mistakes happens after all. But as much as I would love stay here and chat some more.....(Starts Turning Around) I must be on my way right-

Shingo: WAIT!

Ash: Hm?

Shingo: ('Sigh') Look....I know everyone already has vendetta against you and everything, but.....I still wanna thank you for saving me and Kyo from Iori on that day. We would've been complete goners if weren't there to stop him in time.

Ash: There's no need for you to thank me, you know? (Turns to Shingo with a Bright Smile in his Face) I just did what was necessary for me at the time Nothing more. (Turns Back Around and Starts Walking Away)

Rock: Well......He seems.... oddly nice.

Shingo: I know.....I honestly thought he would be more menacing if anything.....(Turns to Rock) You really think we should tell the others about all of him? I'm not too sure about this myself....

Rock: Neither am I. But if he's really the one responsible for what happened in the past, then it's better safe than sorry.

Shingo: ('Sigh') Yeah......

Some Time Later......

Chizuru: I see. So Ash really has returned......

Shingo: Yeah.....

Shingo: But he seems a lot less schemey than you just told me he was. At least to me and Rock.

Chizuru: Perhaps....But can't say I trust his presences completely

Chizuru: Not after everything he done to us in the past.....

Shingo: I know.......

Shingo: But hey! We heard there's a new Ramen shop just opened up somewhere in town a few days ago and we're thinking about checking it out later on tonight.

Shingo: I know you guys been busy with the whole investigation and everything, but you're always welcome to join us there if you want!

Chizuru: Yes. A simple meal of ramen does sound wonderful.

Chizuru: Very Well. We would be happy to tag along with all of you this evening, Shingo-kun.

Shingo: Awesome!

Shingo: We're gonna have great time together. You'll see!

Chizuru: I can believe it already lol. Thank you for the invite.

Shingo: No problem!

Shingo: Just try not to work yourself too hard on the investigation, okay?

Chizuru: Only if you promise me that you keep yourself safe. The last thing I want right now is for you get hurt.

Shingo: Don't worry, senpai. You can count on me to be safe through and through! (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧

Chizuru: (✿^‿^)

@theweebmaster31

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