#I was even trying to distract myself w Games right before i woke up which is rlly what i do when this happens

[sporesgalaxy]

ough your nightmare sounded so scary i hope youre feeling better!! it also sounded so much like a covid metaphor im crying

OH LOL IM FINE THANK U THO. Honestly I definitely had it bc I was thinking abt my history with OCD last night! Ive spent my whole life being freaked the fuck out by things that are real to me but no one takes me seriously on lmaoooo. I didnt even think of covid specifically when I woke up but yeah it works

#asks #I went through my whole usual arc of wait no way -> freaking thenfuck out -> crying -> event passes -> hopefully im insane and its fine! #I was even trying to distract myself w Games right before i woke up which is rlly what i do when this happens #gosh its been a while . i dont miss that.

[nalulovelife]

Secret Santa for @petri808 !

     I’m soooo sorry this is late! I was really trying to cram a lot in, and I bit off a bit more than I could chew. So, I really put my heart and soul into this fic! It’s Christmas related and really fun. It is a modern AU, but I suppose you can interpret some things differently and make it in their time. I hope you like it!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Christmas Cuddles 🥰 

     Natsu promised! He promised to be home by Christmas. But low-and-behold, he’s not here. Ughh...I’m sure you’re confused, maybe just a bit, but let me take you back to the beginning of the week, the 21st, when all this drama started...

     I quickly shot open my eyes at the sudden loud noise that arouse from behind me. I’m generally not a light sleeper, I don’t wake up easily at all, but this noise freaked. me. out. Even though my eyes had shot open, they were still heavy and droopy. I sat up almost immediately and grabbed whatever was in my reach.

     “Who’s there!” I yelled, but in a mildly croaky, I-just-woke-up, voice. I had grabbed the big, fluffy pillow I was sleeping on and pointed it at the window behind me. It was silent for a moment and I thought ‘well, maybe it was just a dream’ as I was about to reset my pillow in its rightful position, I heard a stifled noise.

     “Pffffftttttt!!” The noise sounded. I squinted at the figure that had opened my window and was sitting on the window sill. Only ONE person would do that, well, him, and his crazy blue cat.

     “Wha- Natsu! What are you- It’s 1:00 in the morning!” I yelled at him, his voice finally breaking out into high pitched laughter. He clung onto the window above him with his hands, laughing hard enough to which he had to. I groaned and rolled my eyes, laying back down and covering my face with my fluffy pillow. Once he calmed down, he finally spoke.

     “C’mon, Luce! It’s all just fun and games!”

     “Not when someones braking in!” I yelled at him through my pillow. He stood, more like sat, in silence for a while - as did I. I quietly stared at the pillow covering my face, waiting for him to do something. I waited a few more minutes, still in complete silence. Then I heard him moving. I could feel him staring at the pillow above my face, as he did this often. W-well, I don’t cover my face w-with pillows like, all the time, he just stares at my face a lot while I’m sleeping! Now that just makes him sound like a stalker..! Well, back to reality. I then felt the pillow move, just slightly, before it was lifted from my face. My hands were like noodles, they slid off the pillow quite easily. He threw the pillow from his hands onto the floor. We were staring at one another, eyes agape. I was laying down on my bed, and he was hanging on my bed frame - like a child, might I add - in front of the window he was just hanging on. He began to lean down, - I have no idea how, but he did - as I began to lean upward, propping up my elbows on my bed. We became close enough, close enough to feel each others mild breath on each others skin. In a boldly fast, yet, hot, move, he kissed me. Of course, who was I to oppose. It was a light and gentle kiss, but full of passion. It was just one kiss, then we pulled away. He did some weird maneuver, then plopped down next to me on my bed. He let out this big, disgusting, yawn, I scoffed at his boyishness.

     “So, what’s up Luce?” Natsu spoke grinning at me.

     “Ugh your disgusting.”

     “Tell that to the cute smile on your face.” Natsu backed talked, making me realize my ginormous smile that had crept up on my face. I blushed momentarily, but when I saw him blushing, I laughed, I realized what he said.

     “Did you...Did you just say that I was cute..?” I smiled, teasing him.

     “Ummmmm...No? Yeah, no. No. No no no no-”

     “Yes you did!”

     “No I didn’t!”

     “Yes you did, and don't you say you didn’t!” We bantered back and forth, laughing when we were done. He gave me a peck on the cheek, and we both settled down a bit. 

     “So, where’s happy? You’re always, like, walking him or carrying him around in a matching backpack.” I spoke as I laughed. 

     “Oh, he’s sleeping. I want him rested in the car ride for the trip, or else he's gonna be a cranky kitty!” Natsu spoke in a little baby voice - more like kitty voice. I was a little confused, however.

     “Trip? What trip?” I asked Natsu, confused.

     “Oh, yeah. That’s what I was coming to talk to you about...” Natsu spoke, losing the happiness in his voice, sounding very lets-get-to-buisness.

     “Uh, ok?” I said, kinda weirded out.

     “So, work called. They said I need to check out some business thingy over in Clover. It’ll be a ton of meetings and it’s very urgent, apparently.” Natsu spoke. I suddenly had this feeling of dread and sadness crawl up my spine and into my shoulders. 

     “Clover?! B-but Clover is 9 hours away! Natsuuuu!” I yelled in annoyance. He very rarely has work complications, and especially not during the holidays. He’s even off on Christmas!

     “Luce, I know your upset-”

     “No! You can’t call me “Luce” right now! You’re being a...a...a butt-head!!” I yelled at Natsu. He looked at me a caressed my cheek with his soft palm. I calmed down instantly. Damn that ass knows how to push my buttons!

     “Luce, I know your upset, and we have plans for Christmas, but I promise, I promise promise promise I’ll be back for Christmas Eve. At the absolute latest, 12:00 on Christmas morning. We’ll have Christmas cuddles on Christmas! Lucy, I promise...” Natsu spoke softly. I tried to keep it together. I wouldn't meet his eyes.

     “S-so, w-when do you leave...?” I asked, obvious sadness in my voice. 

     “My plane leaves early tomorrow morning. I can stay the night if you want.” Natsu spoke, still in his soft, calming voice. I finally met his eyes and pulled out a tiny smile.

     “O-ok” I spoke. He hugged my waist and we laid down together, cuddling.

     “You promise?” I asked, my eyelids becoming heavy again against his hot torso.

     “Yeah, Luce. I promise it’ll be the best Christmas ever-” I fell asleep, as he paused his speech. I heard a light chuckle.

     “Night, Luce. Love you.”

     ‘Love you too.’ I spoke in my head.

Early Morning - Dec. 22nd

     I woke up the next morning at 8:00, and hour later than usual. Damn Natsu, probably kept me awake too long.

     “Natsu! You kept me up-” I paused. He wasn’t there. My eyes made their way into a frown. He was gone. He had left. Without saying goodbye, well, at least to my conscious mind. I rubbed my eyes and glanced over to where he had been sleeping. I saw a slightly crumbled piece of paper, he probably got it from my notebook. I turned it over and read his note. It was simple. The usual “I’m sorry, Goodbye, Love you” thing that guys - and girls - do in movies when their leaving. Usually, they don’t come back. I decided to text Levy, to see if we could hang out, maybe do some late Christmas shopping. She agreed, and we were off about an hour later. We ran into a lot of the other girls there, and we started hanging out with them too. It was a great way to occupy my time. I even got Natsu a little something, I know he’ll love it.

Afternoon - Dec. 23rd

     Today is present wrapping day. I thought I would invite the girls over again and make a day of it, they were a great distraction last time, but today their all spending time with their boyfriends. Soooo...It’s just me and Plue, he’s the cutest dog ever! I tried texting and calling Natsu this morning, but it didn’t deliver, he’s most likely in a rural part of Clover, they have NO service there whatsoever. All I just keep thinking about is Natsu! He leaves occasionally for longer periods of time and I do just fine! So, why am I like this now?

     “Ugghhhhh!!” I sighed.

     “Boys are so stupid!”

Late Afternoon - Dec. 24th

     I scrummaged through my closet to find the dress I had bought two days ago. It was perfect for this Christmas party Gramps was hosting at his giant academy. Gramps made this great academy for training of certain talents, that’s where all my girlfriends - and Natsu - and I all met! They’re my closest and best friends. We’ve been there for years, well, our studies actually ended there a while ago, but Gramps actually shut down the place because he liked us so much. Gramps is the best. It sucks that Natsu isn't here, he and gramps have a great connection. He’d also gets hella crazy and rambunctious, his specialty. I was in the middle of changing in my bedroom when I heard a knock at the door. Levy said she’d be coming to pick me up so I assumed it was her.

     “Come in! I’m almost ready!” I yelled. I heard the door open and close.

     “Good, cuz we’re- OH MY GOD!!” A voice yelled, an almost masculine voice. I looked up.

     “OH MY GOD! Gray!! Turn around!!” I yelled at Gray, who was really embarrassed. Hell, I have the right to be more embarrassed than him! He’s the one who saw me in my bra and underwear.

     “Gray! I am so so so so so so sorry!! I thought you were Levy!” 

     “U-um I-It’s ok...I should’ve...announced myself.” Gray said. I was trying to zip up my gorgeous red dress, but it wasn't working.

     “shit...” I mumbled.

    “What’s wrong?” Gray asked with concern.

     “Nothing...It’s just... I can’t zip up my dress. Could you...maybe...help?” I asked awkwardly.

     “U-um are you dressed?” Gray asked, also awkwardly. I sat in silence for a moment, dumbfounded by his stupidity.

     “Well, if I’m asking you to zip up my dress, then what the hell do you think?” I asked Gray. He cautiously turned around and walked towards me. I turned around and moved my hair. He was still awkward. Boys are so bizarre. Gray also went to Gramp’s academy. 

     “A-alright. You’re all zipped up!” Gray spoke. I turned around and looked at Gray. He looked surprisingly nice, and he hadn’t stripped yet! Although, he was missing his tie. I chuckled.

     “Gray? Where’s your tie?” I asked, still laughing a bit.

     “Uhh yeah. Juvia...sort of...tried to tie me- she just took it.” I laughed more at Grays predicament.

     “Levy’s here, by the way. She’s driving. She just asked me to get you.” Gray spoke as he lead me out of my apartment. I glanced at my phone; I felt a buzz in my hand. I looked at it with hope in my eyes, wishing it to me Natsu. However, it wasn’t. It was some notification from the local library. My eyes became filled with disappointment.

     “Hey, Gray?” I spoke.

     “Whats up?”

     “Have you...Have you heard from Natsu at all?” I asked with hope streaming through my voice.

     “W-well um no n-not really...?” Gray spoke, but in a jittery sort of way.

     “Wait! Has he reached out to you?! Is he on his way? Will he be here in time? Is he o-”

     “Lucy! He will be here. Just...trust me.” Gray interrupted me. We moved in silence until we reached Levys car. Gray opened the door for me.

     “Hey Lev!” I yelled to her.

     “Hey Lu!” She yelled back. My question to her was the same as my question to Gray.

     “Soooo...Any word from Natsu? Has Gajeel heard anything?” I asked, again, with way too much hope in my voice.

     “I’m sorry Lu, but neither of us have. He’ll show up though! I just know it!” Levy spoke to me in her usual bubbly voice. But if he’s not here yet, and no one’s heard from him, then chances aren’t likely that he’ll be here intimate for Christmas.

     “If he’s not at the party by 11:00, then you can come crash with me. Maybe the girls would like to join!” Levy spoke with excitement. I smiled, a Christmas sleepover with the girls sounded awesome.

     “Ok, thanks Lev”

_______________________________________________________

     “So...that’s the story. And now it’s 10:45, still no word from Natsu, and I’m depressed...” Lucy spoke with sadness. All the girls looked at her with sadness in their eyes, but also with a consoling touch to make Lucy feel better. 

     “Awwwee...I’m so sorry Lu. At least we can have an awesome sleepover tonight at my place!” Levy spoke with excitement, again. All the girls loved the idea, and as did Lucy. That being said, all Lucy wanted to do was spend Christmas with Natsu.

     “Ah, what the hell. If he’s not here for Christmas, screw em’! I don’t need that jerk! I’ve got you guys! Now, let’s get drunk and have the best Christmas hangover ever!” Lucy yelled with promise, snatching a beer from a waiter strolling through the party. All the girls looked at her with surprise.

     “Hell ya! Now you’re talking my language, Lucy! WoooooHoooo!!” Cana yelled, drinking out of her huge barrel of beer.

     “Cana! Don’t encourage her!” Mira yelled at Cana. 

     “And you know why...she can’t be hungover on Christmas. EEEHHHH It’s so exciting!!!!” Mira whispered at first, out of Lucys range of hearing, then yelled loudly, much to Lucy’s range of hearing. Everyone shhhed Mira.

     “What’s exciting?” Lucy spoke, intrigued. All of the other girls facepalmed at Mira.

     “O-oh just the epic sleepover we’re gonna have! Yay!” Mira spoke, saving the surprise. Lucy nodded at her good excuse, believing it.

     “As excited as I am about about the sleepover, don't you guys all have boyfriends to cuddle with on Christmas?” Lucy asked, taking large sips of her beer. Cana took Lucys bottle of beer mid-sip.

     “Hey!” Lucy yelled at Cana.

     “You’re too much of a lightweight to be drinking on Christmas Eve, plus, we could be Christmas cuddling with our boyfriends, but trust me, it’ll all be worthwhile when tomorrow comes. And no one wants you drunk on Christmas, Lucy. That would suck!” Cana spoke to Lucy. Lucy smiled. Lucy was about to speak, to say a ‘Thank you’ but then Cana started chugging the beer Lucy had once been sipping on. Lucy decided not to pipe up. Just to relax, and spend time with the girls. They laughed and talked until 12:00, and then decided to start their sleepover. The girls said goodbye to their boyfriends, and went over to Levy’s place. They played weird Christmas games and laughed for hours. at 2:00 in the morning, Lucy was handed a glass of water from Mira.

     “Have a sip!” Mira spoke. Lucy felt as though everyone was watching her take a drink. She grabbed the cup of water and took a sip, next thing she knew, she was out cold.

_______________________________________________________

     Lucy yawned loudly as she slowly opened her eyes. She looked around where she was, and came to a realization.

     “I’m in my house?! On my bed!?” Lucy yelled, very confused.

     “Did my friends drug me?” She asked sarcastically. She knew her friends would never drug her, much less drug her then bring her back to her apartment, but it sure as hell felt like it. She sat up and looked around some more. She didn't see her friends. She was incredibly confused. She got up and decided to keep on her cute Christmas PJ’s. She walked around a bit, testing the waters to make sure she and the girls didn’t do some crazy shit. She sat back down on her bed, seeing that everything was ok. She grabbed her book from her nightstand and started reading. Only then did she realize...

     “IT’S CHRISTMAS!!” She yelled, completely forgetting the date. Right as she was about to run into the living room, the heard a-

     “Meooowwww~” Lucy turned her head to see a “happy” blue cat rubbing up against her leg.

     “Happy!!!” She grabbed Happy and hugged him so tight against her face. Another realization hit. 

     “Wait a sec. If you’re here Happy, then-” Lucy stopped. She began running down the hall of her apartment, Happy cuddling up against her. She began to notice rose petals on the ground as she ran, however, the only thought on her mind was seeing Natsu.

     “Natsu! Natsu are you there!?” She shouted as she ran. She was coming up on the living room.

     “Natsu! Nat-” She paused. She stopped. Her whole world had stopped. She lightly dropped down Happy and covered her mouth with both hands. She started to tear up. In front of her, was all of her girlfriends, and all of her awesome guy friends standing around looking at her. And there was Natsu. Down on one knee, with a tiny red velvet box in his hand. Lucy fell to her knees. She started to cry. 

     “Lucy” Natsu spoke, with the absolute sweetest, calmest voice imaginable. Lucy was shaking, shivering, exhilarated.

     “U-Um, I’ve...for” Natsu spoke, nervous and stuttering, Lucy chuckled at his nervousness. Gajeel and Gray kicked Natsu in the back to get him in the right headspace. Natsu used all his strength to keep from hitting them back, well, almost all his strength. He used a lot of it to get up the courage to actually propose. Natsu breathed in.

     “Lucy, I’ve...I’ve loved you for my whole life. Well, not my whole life. I’ve only known you for a few years...b-but I’ve loved you ever since. First as a best friend, then quickly after, as a girlfriend. And now I-I hope I can love you...as my wife.” Natsu spoke, blushing and happy. Gray and Gajeel facepalmed. They had basically helped Natsu develop this big, sweet, speech(with the help of the girls), and he just skipped to the end. All the girls were teary eyed, though, especially Levy. Eventually the guys even smiled, happy for their friends. Lucy was crying along with the girls too. She couldn’t believe this was reality. She pinched her hand to see if it really was, and she was so so so so happy it was.

     “Lucy...” Natsu spoke. Lucy was anticipating the big moment.

     “Will you...marry me...?” It was silent for a moment. All that was in the air was the suspension affecting those whom were watching the proposal, and Natsu and Lucys eyes staring at each other for the longest time. Lucy arose to her feet, and walked close to Natsu. She then got back on her knees and caressed his cheeks, he was still holding the ring out.

     “...yes...Yes! Yes yes yes yes!!!” Lucy screamed as she hugged Natsu. He hugged her back. Along with everyone else in the room, Natsu’s eyes started watering too. The pair started to kiss, everyone watching was just staring at them. After a few moments of them kissing, - with everyone still staring - someone spoke.

     “Ummm we should probably leave them be.” Gray and Gajeel said in unison. Levys eyes watered magnificently.

     “You ok, Lev?” Gajeel asked Levy.

     “*sniff* yeah, just *sniff* happy for her.” Levy spoke. Gajeel lead her out of the apartment, hand on her back.

     “Love you, Lu!” Levy spoke, before the two left the apartment. Just as they were about to leave, Gajeel and Levy heard Natsu mumble something in Lucys ear, then Lucy laughing, then them making out again. Gajeel shut the door. He put his arm around Levy. 

     “C’mon, shrimp. Let’s spend some time together.” Gajeel spoke. Levy nodded happily.

__________________________________________________

     Lucy laid in bed, being cuddled and hugged by Natsu. She was staring at her hand, more so the gorgeous diamond that sat upon it. Natsu, noticing this decided to speak.

     “You like it, huh?” Natsu asked snuggling Lucy even more and resting his head upon her shoulder. 

     “It’s beautiful...When did you get it? I never saw it. And I’m always snooping around your stuff.” Lucy smiled. Natsu chuckled at her cuteness. 

     “Well, I got it on that “business trip”.” Natsu put in quotations. Lucy turned her attention to Natsu, looking confused at him. Lucy had it written on her face: Natsu, explain.

     “So, when was on the plane, it was announced that the meetings were cancelled, well, more so postponed. But since I was on the plane, I never got the notification. Once I got off, I tried to find another flight back to Magnolia, but they were all booked, so I couldn't fly out until the time in which the ticket I had bought said, which was late the 23rd. So I decided that I should wait it out. I was resting in my hotel that morning, and I fell asleep. Then I woke up from a dream. I quickly got out of bed and got dressed and headed to the ring store thingy. You see, I had been planning to propose to you for a few months, but I just didn’t know how to go about it or when to do it. My dream, crazy as it sounds, told me everything I needed to know. So I bought the perfect ring, that I knew you'd love, called the boys and told them to spread the plan, then the plan was to get on the plane and spend Christmas Eve with you, then propose. But my flight got delayed, and I didn't end up leaving until late the 24th. Luce, I’m sorry I wasn’t here. But, hey. At least you got one hell of a Christmas present.” Natsu explained. Lucy chuckled at his .

     “Speaking of Christmas presents, I got you a little something.” Lucy spoke. She released herself from Natsu arms and pulled out a perfectly wrapped gift from under her, their, bed, and handed it to him. He opened it, smiling. Without finishing unwrapping it, he looked at it, and smiled more. It was a picture of the first time they met. They met outside of Gramp’s academy on their first day there, and back then, Levy was a vivid photographer, and she took pictures of everything. She took that picture of when they first, and gave it to Lucy for her to throw away, or keep, and Lucy kept it. She decided to Give it to Natsu since he never saw it before. He stared at the picture for a moment, then looked back at Lucy, who was looking at him. He kissed her, vigorously, for a while. They then cuddled for the rest of the night eventually falling asleep.

     “See, Christmas cuddles...Luce...”

___________________________________________________

The End! I really hope you like it!

[ktheghay]

Leave Her Alone. Ali Krieger/Reader

Prompt: You should do a younger reader x Ali Krieger. It should be about Ali and ash breaking up and she got with the reader and people are being mean about how she should be back with ashlyn not the reader and Ali makes her feel good or something, you could even do something where ashlyn is mean to the reader and Ali gets on her.

I hope I do this rightttt! I loved this idea so I’m glad @splashhill requested it!

Warnings: Hateful words, Cursing, 20 year age gap.

————

Y/N POV

I was terrified. Ali wasn’t here but Ashlyn was. Actually, I think terrified would be an understatement. I’m more so petrified. I couldn’t even move.

Ali had left, going to pick up and pay for the pizza that we had ordered which would be here any moment. However, as soon as she left there was a knock. I had thought it was Ali, maybe she left something, and forgot her key card. However, as soon as I had opened the door, Ash had forced herself in, leaving me dumbfounded in the door.

After I was finally over the initial shock, I had turned around, only to be pushed against the door by an angry Ashlyn.

“What the fuck! You stole Ali from me you slut!” Ash got in my face, causing me to flinch, “She was in love with me until you came around!”

“I-I… It was her choice!” I tried to defend myself, my hands shaking as I stared up at the taller goalie.

“Yeah. You think I didn’t know that? Now, the question is, why the fuck did she make that choice?”

“I-I don’t know! P-Please, l-leave me alone!” I whimpered out, then I heard my phone ping, “Th-That’s probably Ali. Sh-She’s probably on her way back up now.”

“This isn’t over. I’ll be back.” The blonde growled before she yanked me away from the door, making me stumble as she left, and I slid down the wall and onto the floor.

Finally, the door opened again, and Ali appeared. However, upon seeing my state she rushed inside, placing the pizza down on one of the beds before she moved towards me, kneeling in front of me. Feeling her cold hands on my face, I snapped out of my daze of fear, and looked up into her worried brown eyes, so I lurched forward, wrapping my arms around her.

Relaxing into her hold, I forced back the tears, burying my face in her neck as I clung onto her. I felt her hand rubbing up and down my back, which calmed me down and made it easier to keep the tears back, and I finally relaxed fully, even letting my grip on her loosen a little.

“What happened Baby? Are you alright?” Ali asked me in a concerned voice, making me feel a little bad about what I was about to bring up.

“A-Ash… She-She came in here…” That was all I needed to say before Ali had me back in her arms and on her lap, rocking me slightly as she cradled my head.

I was thankful for the woman holding me at the moment, as was I so in love. I just wanted to be with her forever, however I wasn’t sure I could handle it… I couldn’t handle the hate I got from everyone on the team. All besides Becky. She was the only one not upset with you, well, besides Ali and the staff. Even the fans were upset.

I had to delete all social media due to the hate I had been getting from fans online, as it caused a horrible downfall in my mental state. However, now I never saw/read any fan hate unless we had a game. Sometimes those were the worst, and fucked up my game, but other times I blocked it out.

After having finally calmed me down, Ali moved us to the bed, and we both ate in a comfortable silence, the TV on as background noise as we were snuggled together. I knew tomorrow I would just go through another day of hurtful comments but I knew Ali would be there for me, so I let myself fall asleep from exhaustion.

————

The next morning I woke up before Ali. Glancing at my phone, I saw we had fifteen minutes before we needed to leave to go down for breakfast, so I stood up and stretched, my back popping. Grabbing some sweats and one of Ali’s shirts, as well as my undergarments, I went to the bathroom and got dressed, placing my hair in a tight bun on the top of my head. After brushing my teeth and other basic hygiene, I left the bathroom and woke Ali up, gently shaking her while kissing her cheek and whispering into her ear.

“Get up love. We need to go downstairs soon.” I whispered.

I smiled fondly at the tired whine that fell from the older woman’s lips, and took a step back, knowing she was awake. The smile stayed as I watched her stand, taking in the beauty that is her in the mornings. Walking closer, I pressed a quick peck to her lips, then sat on her side of the bed so she could get ready.

When she was finally finished, I stood and followed her out the door, making sure not to forget my keycard or phone. Slipping my hand into Ali’s hand, I let her lead me towards the elevator, however I tensed when I saw Kelley joining us. Taking a deep breath, I kept close to the brunette with me, trying to stay away from Kelley as, in a way, she was one of the most physical when confronting me about ‘taking Ali from Ash’. However, I knew that with Ali here, she wouldn’t try anything, not unless the other was distracted.

When the elevator door opened, I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, but I was relieved when I did. After Kelley walked out, I followed, though I left a respectable amount of distance between us.

“I’ll get us food, so you can go find us some seats, okay Baby?” Ali whispered to me, so I nodded in response, and we finally arrived at the dining area.

Letting go of her hand, I made my way towards the one person who - wasn’t my girlfriend - that was kind to me on the team, Becky Sauerbrunn. Taking the seat across from her, I relaxed when it was only us at the table, but I knew that wouldn’t last for long.

Sure enough, others started filing in, most giving me dirty looks. Most didn’t dare to sit near me, but once Ali had come back and took the seat next to me, Carli, Alex, Allie, and Kelley all sat down as well. I shifted uncomfortably at the feeling of the stares I had been receiving, keeping my head bowed as I picked at my food nervously.

Ali noticed my behavior, placing a hand on my thigh and leaning over to whisper in my ear, “What’s wrong babe?”

“They’re all staring at me… It’s making me feel really self-conscious and uncomfortable…” I whispered back, still not looking up.

“You guys, leave her alone and stop staring. I’ll be right back.” Ali told the four at the table who wouldn’t look away from me before she stood.

“W-Wait Al no!” I tried, but she was already walking away and towards Ashlyn, grabbing the girl by her ear and practically dragging her out of the room.

“Heh. Seems like you may be gettin’ dumped,” Allie spoke as she watched Ali taking Ash out of the room, “Seems like they’re about to talk. I’m sure Ali will be telling Ash how she messed up by leaving her for you. She sure did too.”

Becky intervened before any of the other three chimed in as well, “Stop, Allie. You know she doesn’t deserve the way you guys are treating her.”

I gulped and licked my lips quickly as I looked at my hands, trying to close up as I just didn’t want to be there anymore. Questions started to fill my mind, things like Is Ali really going to get back with Ashlyn? or Does Ali regret breaking up with Ashlyn for me?

Feeling rough poking to my side, I quickly look to find the culprit, only to see the one and only Kelley O’Hara jabbing her finger into my hip bone while eating and acting like nothing was happening.

“Just fuck off, would you Kelley?!” I snapped when she left a particularly hard stab to my hip, one which I swore would leave a bruise, “Damn…”

Standing, I excused myself to Becky before turning on my heel and leaving, not seeing Ali or Ashlyn the entire way to the hotel room I was assigned.

————

As it was nearing noon, I stood, getting ready for practice, knowing I needed to get down to the bus. No one ever came up to check on me, I mean, who would, right? I had been crying for a good half-hour before I finally calmed down, and now here I was, washing my face with cold water before I tugged on my practice shorts. Then pulling on a tank top, I covered it with the long-sleeved practice shirt before finally moving onto my socks, which went up to my knees. Grabbing my bag, I made my way down to the lobby to wait for the bus.

When the bus pulled up, I quickly got on, taking a seat near the front before looking out the window, my headphones playing music in my ears. Tears pricked my eyes before I wiped them away quickly, trying to ignore the looks I got from all my supposed friends and teammates.

Vlatko had said something about scrimmaging today, so I knew I was either gonna get fucked, or I was gonna get fucked. Either way, I was fucked.

After everyone had filed on, I was left sitting alone. Glancing around, my heart practically shattered when I saw Ali sitting by Ash, and I pulled my legs up onto my seat, trying to hide the tears as they fell. That is, until I felt someone beside me. Looking up, my eyes locked onto the dark brown orbs that I loved so much, seeing them filled with concern and worry. I only shook my head, though, and Ali pulled me against her, holding me close.

“I was just giving Ash an earful for what she did to you last night. I had planned on sitting with you once I was finished, baby.” Ali explained, which reassured me a little.

“Y-You still like me?” I whispered brokenly, which was responded with by a soft kiss pressed to my lips.

“Of course I still like you. I love you even.”

“I love you too.”

By the time I calmed down and wiped my tears, we had arrived at the field we were practicing at.

————

As I had thought, Vlatko set up a few scrimmaging matches that lasted the entire practice time, as there were three teams. On my team, I had Alyssa, Becky, Christen, Rose, Alex, Julie, and Carli.

During our match against Kelley’s team, I had been making my way towards the goal, which was being ‘kept’ by AD, when O’Hara slid, purposefully going straight for my ankle.

I fell immediately, holding my ankle as I gripped onto the grass, small cries of pain leaving my lips as only two teammates made their way to me. Ali was there within seconds, having sprinted from the sidelines, while Becky was running from her position of defending. The two were trying to calm me as I felt constant pain shooting through my ankle until the trainers had arrived. I finally calmed down enough that I wasn’t hysterical, and one of the trainers along with Ali were able to help me limp off the field. I could hear Vlatko lecturing Kelley about tackling, especially during practices and against one of her own teammates before the game continued. I was taken to the trainers room, the trainer who had helped me here took off my football boot before she looked over it, classing it as just a mild sprain that should be good after a bit of icing.

Sighing in relief, I relaxed, allowing for the bag of ice to rest against my ankle as I leaned back on the table, one arm resting over my eyes before I felt my hand grabbed. Looking up, I smiled at Ali a little, leaning up to kiss her gently.

“I love you Baby. Forever and always. We’ll get through this, and soon the other girls will accept the fact that we’re together. Especially when Ash starts to accept it. Which I know she’s starting to now.” Ali smiled as she spoke.

“I love you too, Ali. I’m sure you’re right.” I grinned weakly.

————

And right she was. After Ash had come to terms with the fact that Ali didn’t love her like she used to, she started to date again. Only then did the others let up, but finally they all started to be nice to me, and, actually, all of them apologized for their actions.

Now, I feel like we are really a team.

————

AN: Finishing product is 2222 words! Yayyy! My longest one yet! I hope y’all enjoy!

#ali krieger imagine #ali krieger x reader #uswnt imagine #uswnt imagines #ali-krieger-imagine

[fedeipox]

The Way of Time (Rdr2 fanfic) - Chapter 6 (1/3)

Finally back after the Holidays! I ate so much I am embarrassed to say...

Previously on TWoT: Emily, a girl from 2020, ends up in 1899. Her life changes drastically but she seems to find some comfort in the people she happens to live with: the Van Der Linde gang. Even though things in camp seem to go well, outside camp the world is full of dangers, some little, some big, that make Emily remember day after day that she isn’t in 2020 anymore. Now it is time to prove herself and the gang what she can do. 

Chapter 6 (1/3) - Horses and O’Driscolls

Words: 2,2k

That morning Emily woke up with an unusual heartbeat and kept feeling that way until Mr. Morgan announced he was leaving. She still couldn’t understand what attraction had that kind of wandering: he didn’t even visit towns, he just roamed in the countryside, camped among the mud and weeds, and spent a lot of time on his horse. Without considering how dangerous it was: he had no mobile phone - of course in 1899 they didn’t exist yet - and if something had happened, if his horse had sprained his ankle, if he had fallen in a pit, if someone had attacked him, if the law had caught him eventually, they would have never known. 

In the end she went to say goodbye, with a long face that made her look like a child who hasn’t received her favorite toy from Santa Clause. 

Fortunately for her, over the next days she would have had a lot to think about: Miss Grimshaw kept her busy for some other little job; she had started to practice with Charles how to calm a horse, how to read its physical signs, how to mount and dismount, and how to take care of it; Jack asked for her everyday and she had to come up with a couple of different games to play; and then there was that illegal practice by the doctor in Valentine which intrigued her, and from time to time she went looking for Javier to know if he had found out something new.

One day, it was a cloudy day, with those heavy dark clouds that make you understand the rain might come every moment, Emily was in the kitchen, washing the plates and chatting with Mrs. Adler. She was still grieving for her husband and she wasn’t really in a talking mood, but Emily tried all she could to make her feel better. She couldn’t fully understand how Sadie was feeling, because she had never lost someone: her only family were her parents and an old uncle, she had lost her grandparents when she was young and didn’t remember much of them. 

But even if it was difficult, she tried to focus Sadie’s attention on something else, asking her what she thought about the camp, about the country, if she wanted to go to town someday with her, everything that could distract her, and from now and then she noticed that Sadie glimpsed at the man tied at the tree right behind the kitchen, who was perfectly visible from where the basin to wash the dishes was. Maybe she new something about him that Emily didn’t.

“What do you think he has done?” she asked nodding towards the prisoner.

In those days she had walked many times in front of him, but she had never stopped to talk. She didn’t trust him, even though Mary-Beth had told her he was harmless. 

“Something bad for sure. He’s an O’Driscoll” replied Sadie with a low growling voice full of despise.

“What does it mean? What is an O’Driscoll?” she asked.

“They are the sons of bitches who killed my husband.” Emily raised her eyebrows and opened her mouth, moving her eyes from Sadie to the prisoner.

“You mean… he was there that day?”

“No, not him. His friends.”

“So, what has he done? Why is he tied there?”

“Whatever he’s done, I hope they let him rot there for the rest of his days.”

Sadie made sure to pronounce those last words loud enough to be heard by the man, who did nothing apart from closing his eyes and taking a sigh.

Emily was shocked by Sadie’s cruelty. After all, he had nothing to do with her husband’s death, he was part of the same group, that was true, but she couldn’t tar them all with the same brush. 

So, the mystery of the tied man was still chasing her, and when she finished with the dishes, she went looking for Hosea: if someone could unravel her doubts, that was him. She found him near the horses with a big map in his hands, which he was studying carefully. She walked closer and as always she first asked what he was doing, intrigued by that big piece of yellowish paper.

“It’s a map of some big rare animals. A man at the saloon gave it to me this morning and I was having a look” he said showing her the little animals drawings.

“Are you going to hunt them?”

“I’d like to. There are a couple of interesting animals, like this bear here, up the Cumberland Forest. People in town say he’s huge, a real monster. But I need someone to come with me. I’m too old to hunt it on myself.”

“Oh come on! You can’t be this old” she said kneeling down next to him, and for a moment they looked like a man with his granddaughter seated at his feet ready to hear another story from the past.

“I’m old enough” he laughed.

The two of them exchanged a sweet smile.

“Anyway, I came to ask you about the man you keep as hostage. Sadie told me he is an… O’Driscoll? What does it mean?”

Hosea took a deep sigh and then started with the long story about the feud between Dutch and Colm O’Driscoll. Luckily, he had nothing better to do, so he educated Emily about the different gangs, who they were, their way of doing things, why they claimed to be different from them. And so Emily finally had the answer to the presence of so many girls, a child and even the reverend. She learned that everybody was part of that group because Dutch had saved them from a life of misery, or because they had saved Dutch somehow. She also had the certainty that what was written in that little newspaper cutting under Arthur’s tent was true: once they used to steal from the rich to help the poor, but now with so many mouths to feed and the law constantly on their heels, that kind of charity was out of question.

“So, what has that man done? Why is he tied?” she asked in the end.

“He’s there for questioning, and without a little persuasion Colm’s boys never speak openly.”

“Are you telling me that he’s probably done nothing? And you’re keeping him in that conditions anyway?”

Emily felt sorry. She felt sorry because in the past week she could have helped that man, bring him the water he asked, exchange a few words with him to make him feel better, talk with Dutch and try to find another solution, but she didn’t because she had fallen under the spell of prejudice and stereotype, something that she had always sweared not to do.

“That’s barbaric” she whispered, but she was talking about the other’s behavior as much as hers. 

“It’s necessary. If he runs back to his friends and gives away our position, we’re all dead.”

She left Hosea and reached Charles seated on a small footstool next to the fire, not the one at the centre of camp, where they used to sit and eat, but the external one, the one they called ‘scout fire' for the people on guard duty. He had told her to reach him there every day around eleven o’clock for their lesson.

Among all the people in camp, Charles was the most patient, generous and hard-working of them all, but because of his robustness was also considered one of the most dangerous. Emily had tried to think of him in those terms, imagining how fierce he had to be with his enemies, with that stoic expression of his, but then he opened his mouth and a calm and reassuring voice came out. No, it was impossible to think of him as a bad man.

“Hi, Charles. I’m ready” she said walking closer.

“You better change your clothes before. Put on them jeans you have.”

“W-why?”

“You need to be more comfortable this time, we’re going out.”

Out? Did he mean out of camp? At last! She hadn’t put a foot out of that camp since Arthur had left. Due to the fact that she still wasn’t able to ride a horse and that she couldn’t take a wagon if not in the presence of a man, she hadn’t had the audacity to ask anyone in camp to accompany her again. Besides, the idea of Valentine, with its stink, its muck and its rude citizens, wasn’t appealing. 

Emily didn’t inquire further on the matter of leaving camp and walked to her tent where she changed her skirt with her jeans. Then, she went back to Charles feeling incredibly nervous but thrilled at the same time. She still hadn’t acquired a good familiarity with horses: she was more confident in touching them and mounting and dismounting, but far from being ready to ride. 

Charles made her mount on Taima and then he took the reins, walking out of camp and thought the wood. When they reached a plain a little out of the woods, Charles gave her the reins and told her how to give Taima the commands: walk, speed up, slow down, turn left or right, and stop. He told her she needed to give a little whip of the reins and a kick with the heels to make her move, and so she did.

“Now stay calm. Horses can sense fear or insecurity, you have to show her who is in command.”

“In command, yes. I-I don’t really feel like I’m commanding her.”

“But you are. Come on, make her walk in a circle, all around me.”

The lesson went on for a while. With every circle, Emily felt more and more secure on the saddle and her movements where smoother. When Charles saw she was making some progress, he thought it was enough for the day and they finally headed back.

“When do you think I’ll be ready to go on my own?” she asked.

“It’s hard to say. You’re getting better, but you still have a lot to learn. It’s easy to control a horse when it’s calm, the hard part is control it when it gets skittish.”

“They truly are the most stupid animals in the world. How it comes they are so big and strong and yet afraid of their own shadow?”

“Instinct to survive.”

“I guess. Anyway, thank you, Charles. For all you’re doing, for teaching me. You’re really kind. You all are. Are you sure you are criminals?”

“So says the bounty on our heads.”

“I still don’t get you. Why don’t you take some money from a bank and buy some land? It would be far much easier. You all make a great group.”

“When we don’t turn one against the other.”

“Yeah, well… every family has its flaws.”

Charles’s words echoed in her head for a while, about the bounty on their heads, and she wondered what they could have possibly done. Hosea had told her that Dutch had killed a girl, but she still couldn’t believe it: looking at them, at their faces, she couldn’t think they were capable of killing someone, she didn’t want to believe it, she didn’t want to think of them as murderers, not Hosea, not Charles, and especially not Arthur.

She was brought back to reality by Lenny, who shouted a “who’s there” when they reached the camp.

Emily decided to change her clothes again to avoid her jeans, her precious only pair of jeans, to get dirty, so she wore the brown skirt again, before she went looking for Javier. That was the only thing she could do, walk around and annoy people with questions, and sometimes with simply her presence. 

She found him seated at a table polishing a gun and she took a little sigh before approaching him: why they had to keep always those things in their hands? Walking closer she also noticed he had changed his clothes too and now he was wearing a big grey Mexican-style hat. 

“If I had a doubt about your provenience before, now I can’t be mistaken” she joked sitting on the table and catching his attention. 

“Before you ask me again, yes, I’ve been back to Valentine and had a look” he said.

Emily laughed at his annoyed tone. That poor man was right, she had been asking him about the doctor almost everyday, sometimes even more than once at day. 

“What did you find?” she asked.

He put down the gun and looked at her right in the eye. 

“There is another iron door in the back of the building, just like the one on the inside. This means we can’t get in from the back, we need to convince the doctor to open the door for us.”

“Well, that seems easy enough. You just have to make him open the door, take the money and leave.”

“It’s not that easy” Javier chuckled.

“Why not?”

“First of all, we don’t know how many men there are behind that door. Second, the sheriff’s office if right beside the doctor’s, and if he should hear something’s wrong and comes checking, I’m a dead man.”

“So, we need a plan of attack” she said as she felt a thrill run down her back and suddenly she was so excited she could barely sit still on the table.

#rdr2 #Red Dead Redemption #red dead redemption 2 #red dead redemption fanfiction #arthur morgan #arthur morgan x female oc #Charles Smith #Javier Escuella #hosea matthews #sadie adler

[artificialqueens]

Hold Me Tighter (Even Closer), Chapter 3 (Branjie, Jankie) - Joley

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Brooke Lynn furrowed her brows and strummed her fingers against the table. “So, let me see if I’ve got this right – you invited Jan over to practice for her audition, got wine drunk, then dry-humped until she got off?”

Jackie nodded in confirmation, her eyes fixated more on her coffee cup than Brooke – she had to build back up to being able to make eye-contact. “Then in the morning she was gone and she left me a note,” she finished, holding the piece of paper up. “I really fucked up, didn’t I?”

“It wasn’t your smartest move,” she told her, trying not to laugh at the sheer absurdity of it all. “But if she just left like that, she’s probably just as scared as you are. Listen, the first day I met Vanessa was a mess. I walked her home from work that night, kissed her, and then literally ran away. She still makes fun of me for it.”

The story made Jackie laugh, but it caught her by surprise as well. She had always seen Brooke as someone so unshakably confident. “I guess if things worked out for you guys, all hope isn’t totally lost…” She took another sip from her drink and sighed. “I still don’t know how I’m going to face her in class on Monday,” she admitted.

Brooke reached across the table and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Just focus on your work. I promise I’ll find something to keep you busy, okay?” As much as she wanted to continue her matchmaking game, she could see that the tension needed to diffuse before she tried to push them closer. Just because Katya lucked out didn’t mean lightning would strike twice.

Jackie’s entire body relaxed in relief. She was still anxious about seeing Jan again, but it meant a lot to know that Brooke was looking out for her. “Okay. Yes, thank you. I can work with that.” She nodded, then checked her phone. “I have to get going, though. I’ll talk to you later,” she said as she gathered her things, including the note that she tucked into her pocket.

Brooke smiled and waved her off. She stayed put, though. She was expecting Vanessa any minute now. They liked meeting here when they could, after all, it was the café A’keria recently became the owner of, the same one she’d started working in after the Starbucks fiasco all those years ago. It was sentimental to them now.

“Hey boo,” Vanessa greeted as she walked in, leaning over and giving her wife a kiss before sitting down. “Must’ve just missed Jackie, how’s she doing?”

“The poor girl is going through it,” Brooke shook her head sympathetically. “She and Jan got drunk and fooled around, and Jan left before she woke up. She left a Post-It or something.”

Vanessa frowned and shook her head. “Mh-mm, I hate Post-Its. If you’re gonna dip, send a text like a normal person,” she mused.

“Maybe she thought a handwritten note would be more meaningful,” she reasoned. “Regardless, she’s just gonna need some time to recover before we continue with any matchmaking shenanigans.”

Vanessa gave a firm nod of agreement. “Understood.” She sat quietly for a moment, strumming her fingernails against the table. “I wanna talk about the baby thing.”

Brooke blinked in surprise at the abrupt subject change but leaned in to listen attentively nonetheless. “Of course, what’s on your mind?”

“Listen… I know we got good genes and all, but I don’t wanna create a baby in a lab when there are so many kids that need a family. I had friends in foster care when I was little, you know? That shit must’ve really sucked for them. And I just think… You and me are in a position to really help a kid out,” she told her, then held her breath as she waited for her wife’s response.

Brooke reached across the table and held Vanessa’s hands. “Baby girl, if that’s what you want, I am a hundred percent on board. I think that’s a wonderful motivation to adopt. We can start looking at agencies as soon or as late as you want. I’m in this with you all the way,” her thumb stroked over Vanessa’s wedding band. “That’s what I promised you. That’s the promise I make to you every day as your wife.”

Vanessa blinked and looked down. “Shit, you gonna make me cry,” she mumbled, giving Brooke’s hand a light squeeze to reassure her she was okay. “Guess we gotta think about redecorating the guest room then, huh?”

“You know my weakness for interior design,” she cooed, pressing a kiss to the back of Vanessa’s hand.

—

By the time Monday rolled around, Jackie had talked herself out of most of her anxiety. When the time was right, she thought, she could talk things out with Jan. But until then, she had a job to do, a job that she did like.

Jackie’s main task was to write a lot of information on the chalkboard. It was perfect as far as she was concerned – having her back to the class meant she didn’t have to worry about making awkward eye contact with Jan. She had to admit, it was kind of a genius move on Brooke’s part.

Jan, however, was left with a predicament of her own. She and Gigi had sat in the front because even with contacts or glasses, they were both nearsighted as all hell. However, this put Jackie right in her line of sight, and she immediately began regretting her decision.

While the dress Jackie wore came down to her knees, the fabric clung to her body in a way that accentuated some of her best physical features.

And Jan hadn’t meant to stare – staring was rude and her mother taught her better. But she would be damned if Jackie’s ass wasn’t hypnotizing her. She couldn’t help but wonder how she hadn’t noticed before.

“You’re gonna snap your pen in half with the way you’re biting it,” Gigi poked Jan’s shoulder, snapping her friend out of her trance. “Also, some subtlety really wouldn’t hurt you right now.”

Jan blushed, looking down at her notes, which were nowhere near as detailed as usual. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Gigi chuckled. “Please, your eyes were about to burn a hole into her butt.”

“They were not, I was just reading the board,” she insisted, but now that she had to actively avoid staring, her body seemed all the more compelled to continue. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, trying to get her mind and body on the same page.

“Hey, you have good taste, I’m just saying be less obvious about it.”

Jan just buried her face in her notes, hoping that if she focused on getting work done, her mind would stop conjuring images of Jackie in various states of undress.

“…And that’ll just about do it,” Brooke Lynn was saying. “You guys are free to go, see you Wednesday.” She closed her book, punctuating the dismissal. Her eyes followed the students out of the room, waiting until they were alone before speaking to Jackie. “How are you feeling?”

Jackie exhaled deeply, dropping herself down onto the desk closest to Brooke’s as if she were dead weight. “I feel okay. I think not having to look at her made it easy. Have you seen her eyes? They’re so warm and brown and–”

“–And couldn’t stay off of you,” Brooke finished with a smirk. “Jackie, she is hot for you, you should’ve seen how she was staring at you. I already knew you have a great ass, but damn, it had a magnetic pull on that poor girl.”

Jackie turned a shade of red deeper and brighter than it had ever been. She suddenly became hyper-aware of her body, not necessarily in a self-conscious way – in fact, part of her was flattered – but it was overwhelming to process at first. “I guess she might not regret the other night that much then,” she managed with a strangled laugh.

“Honey, it’s pretty clear she wants a repeat performance. I wasn’t even paying all that much attention to her, but I swear I almost offered her a towel,” she chuckled.

Even though Jan was long gone, Jackie looked out of the classroom and into the hall, as if she could still catch sight of her. “I never thought I’d be relieved to be objectified,” she mused.

Brooke let out a light laugh at that. “So you’ll go talk to her?”

She shook her head as her gaze drifted back to the desk. “Not yet. Soon… Hopefully soon. I think I’ll know when I’m ready.”

—

“Well, other than you ogling the TA you fooled around with, I think today went well,” Gigi said as they walked back to the residence hall. “You ready for your audition later?”

“I wasn’t ogling her.” Jan chewed on her lip. “Don’t laugh, but…” She shifted awkwardly as she looked anywhere but directly at her friend. “I’m worried I might be too… distracted to nail it.”

Gigi looked at her friend with an arched brow. “First of all, yes you were. We established this. Second, you think you’ll be too horny to focus on singing?” She really did try her best not to laugh, but a small giggle slipped through. “Babe, just masturbate like a normal person before you go.”

She huffed. “Don’t you think I’ve thought of that? Lem’s probably gonna be in there, what am I supposed to do, tell her to leave so I can jerk off? We’re close, Geege, but I think there’s a line.”

“Then go in the shower. Jesus, do I have to spell it out for you?” Gigi rolled her eyes.

“You don’t think it’s weird to get off thinking about someone you’re not dating?” Jan asked quietly.

Her friend pinched the bridge of her nose. “At this point I just think you need to do it so you stop sounding so neurotic and paranoid. Hell, if I wasn’t in a committed relationship, I’d offer to help you out myself.”

Jan cocked her head to the side. “Thanks, I think.”

When Jan did get back to the dorm, she saw Lemon on her bed with her AirPods in, just as she’d anticipated. She waved at her to get her attention, waiting for her to take one of them out. “Hey sweetie, I’m just gonna shower before my audition. You know, get nice and calm,” she told her.

Lemon smiled and nodded. “Oh shit, I forgot that was today. Break a leg! But like, not in the shower. That would be bad.”

Jan chuckled as she grabbed what she needed to bring into the bathroom. “I don’t know where I’d be without your wisdom, doll,” she winked playfully before leaving.

The first thing Jan did once she got in the shower was put music on – this wasn’t her first rodeo, so to speak. Even with earbuds in, she knew she ran the risk of Lemon hearing her moan if she didn’t drown it out. With the music playing and water running, Jan undressed and stepped into the shower, letting out a sigh of relief the second the hot water hit her body.

After she washed her hair, Jan leaned against the shower wall, resting her head against the cool tile. She let her hand travel down her body. There was a moment of hesitation when her fingers grazed over her pussy, but after a deep breath, she began rubbing her clit with two fingers. Her eyes fluttered shut as soft, breathy moans slipped out.

“Fuck…” Jan wasn’t thinking about anything at first, but without even trying, her thoughts drifted to Jackie, to what happened the other night, to that day in class. And once she got started, there was no chance of stopping. “Oh, Jackie…” she moaned, rocking against her fingers. Her free hand went to her breast, groping it, and tweaking her nipple.

By the time her orgasm hit, Jan needed to rest her entire weight against the wall to keep herself up. Her legs were shaking and she was whimpering, taking deep breaths as she finally felt sturdy enough to stand back upright. After that, she just did a quick wash off her face and body before getting out and drying off, going back into the bedroom wrapped up in her robe shortly after.

“Hey, feeling any better?” Lemon asked casually. It was clear she hadn’t moved an inch this whole time, nor was she aware of what Jan had gotten up to.

“Much better, actually,” Jan nodded, taking the towel wrap off of her head and combing her hair out. “What’s your plan for the rest of the day?” she asked as she continued getting ready.

Lemon paused her music and took out her earbuds, she had been waiting for an opportunity to talk about herself. “Actually, I’m meeting up with a girl later.” She didn’t wait for Jan to ask before she continued. “Okay, so, like, I had just lit a joint and I see this really pretty girl – tall, you know how I like ‘em – and she seems hella stressed, so I offer her a hit. So, we’re smoking and chatting and long story short, we have a date tonight.”

“That was the short version?” Jan teased as she got dressed. “I’m guessing it’ll be more of the same?”

She scoffed. “No… We’ll probably fuck too.”

Jan laughed softly as she straightened her hair, then pulled it up into a high ponytail. “Well, it’s always nice to have an itinerary,” she hummed. “I’ll see you later.”

—

“Next!”

Jan stepped onto the stage and held herself with confidence. She introduced herself, handed the sheet music to the pianist, and then she simply did what she did best; she sang. She gave it her all, emoting all the right words, belting all the right notes. There was a lingering rush of adrenaline when she finished. “Thank you,” she smiled politely and made her way off stage.

“Great job up there,” a distinct voice out of seemingly nowhere caused Jan to jump, startled.

“Oh, thanks Vanjie,” Jan smiled, running her fingers through her ponytail. “I didn’t realize anyone other than the directors were watching.”

Vanessa shrugged. “People gave up tryna tell me what to do a long time ago. Except for Brooke, but there’s always an exception for the wife. But anyway… you feelin’ okay? I don’t know all the details, but I know you had a rough weekend.”

Of course, Jan figured Vanessa knew more than she let on – she could safely assume Jackie told Brooke, and Brooke told Vanessa. But she hoped some details had gotten lost in translation. “Oh, yeah, I guess,” she bounced awkwardly on the balls of her feet. “Things are a little weird, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Listen, I’ve been in your shoes. The worst thing you can do is overthink it. Brooke did it, Jackie does it, and I get the vibe you do too. Not everything’s as deep as y’all make it out to be, you know?”

Jan chewed her lip and nodded. Sure, she knew Vanessa was right, but it was easier said than done. It wasn’t something she could simply stop doing, something she could just turn on and off at will. “The situation’s just… It’s complicated. But I get what you’re saying, I do,” she assured. “All I wanna focus on now is being able to sleep tonight so I can be ready to see if I got a callback tomorrow.”

Vanessa gave Jan’s arm a gentle, reassuring squeeze. “You got this. Ain’t no one around you doubting that.”

And Jan tried her best to take that to heart, she tried to stay positive the rest of the night, to turn her brain off when it was finally time to sleep. She was pretty sure she passed out at nearly three in the morning, but as soon as her alarm went off, she shot right out of bed.

Lemon rolled onto her side, watching Jan scramble to get ready with energy from god knows where. “How the fuck do you do that?” she mumbled groggily.

Jan shrugged as she brushed her hair. “It’s a blessing and a curse, Lem.” She checked her phone. “The callback list should be up by the time I get there,” she murmured, offering a quick goodbye to her roommate before she was out the door.

By the time she got to the auditorium, there was already a small group of hopeful actors forming outside the doors. And as soon as the list went up, they all crowded around it.

Too impatient to wait, Jan made her way to the front, offering haphazard apologies to everyone she bumped out of the way. It was worth it for the happiness and relief she felt when she saw that she was on the callback list for Veronica.

The first thing she did was call Gigi and did her best to not scream into the phone. “I got a callback! And there were only two other girls listed for Veronica, Geege, I’m this close to getting it. I can taste it.”

“That’s my girl, I knew you’d crush it,” Gigi replied. “You’re gonna nail the callback too, and don’t be afraid to take my advice again if you need it.”

Jan furrowed her brows. “How did you know I followed your advice?”

Gigi had a smug grin that Jan swore she could feel through the phone. “I didn’t.”

#rpdr fanfiction #brooke lynn hytes #vanessa vanjie mateo #jan sport #jackie cox #branjie #jankie #lesbian au #university au #college au #smut #hold me tighter even closer #joley

[zerolympiustrife]

ZOS’ short stories 6

Title: Cloud and Lucina’s Coping of the Multishipping Harem Hell, part 2

Lucina: Alright, so here’s what happened: I was walking out of my father’s home until I ran into Robin, who asked me for assistance. I asked what was wrong and he said that he needed help organizing all of his tomes properly because they were all scattered around on the floor of his office. After a good 10 minutes have passed, he thanked me and gave me a hug. I told him to think nothing of it and ran out of his office, only to run into Severa, who are glaring at me. I asked her “Is something wrong?” and she said “Yeah, we were supposed to be training for our next fight!” I was a bit confused from what she meant by that, but decided to oblige anyway. During our training, she caught me off guard by knocking my sword out of my hand and she sheathed her blade in victory. She said “Heh! I knew I could-” then tripped over to me and we both fell onto the ground. As she was getting up, we were both staring at each other face-to-face and her face start to turn red. “W-What are you looking at? Stop staring!” she said, as she quickly got back up. She held her hand out and helped me up. Then, Kamui appeared behind me and asked me if I wanted to go to the beach with her. I said “sure” and picked out a red bathing suit for me to go swimming. Kamui kept looking over me and said how adorable and gorgeous I looked. I was rather flattered by her humble comments until she licked my cheek like an animal. She said “this taste...this is the taste...of a wonderful woman.” I was starting to get all flustered and backed away from her until I bumped into Palutena and Camilla. Palutena said to me then to Kamui “Hello, Lucina. Mind if I steal your woman for while?” Then she grabbed my arm and said “Thank you.” Kamui tried to stop her, but Palutena teleported us away before Kamui could get the chance. Palutena and Camilla showed me to a hot springs and asked if I would be okay to join them. I said “sure”, grabbed a towel and we were both in the springs for a good 15 minutes. The two spent most of her time gazing at me, complementing how smooth my skin looked and how my father must be a wonderful man to have me as his daughter. At one point, they even huddled close to me, cheek-to-cheek. Camilla then asked if it was okay for her to wash my hair, only for us to be interrupted by Sakura from Hoshido walking into the room and asked me for assistance. I quickly got out of the springs and asked what she needed. She asked me to “pretend to be Marth” and take her on a date. I was a little weirded out by this request, but obliged nonetheless. I took her out on a picnic underneath a tree and the two of us began conversating about our families. At one point, she was slowly reaching her hand out to grab mine and I took notice. She apologized for trying to make such as “silly move”, but I told her “it’s okay” and I held out my hand for her to hold it. Her face immediately went red, grabbed my hand without hesitation, and said "Y-Your hand feels very warm and gentle.” Suddenly, she got distracted by something off into the distance and decided to check it out. I tried to follow her, but a black figure quickly stepped in front of me. That figure was Joker, aka Ren Amamiya. He asked me if I was interested in joining the Phantom Thieves, but I respectfully declined, saying that I didn’t want to leave my hometown and my family behind. He then said “then perhaps I’ll have to take your heart to change your mind...” and got in a little too close for comfort. Shulk then appeared and yelled Joker off. Shulk asked me if I was alright and I told him I was okay. He said he was worried that Joker was gonna do something rather funny and to me and offered to take me home. I accepted his offer and he walked me home, holding my hand. After walking me home, I opened the door and saw Richter in the kitchen, speaking to my father. I asked what he was doing her, and he asked me to help him on a quest to kill Dracula once again. I accepted his offer and we both stormed a big castle, slaying tons and tons of enemies. As we got into the throne room, we decided to waste no time killing Dracula head-on. After the vampire was successfully defeated, Richter thanked me greatly and offered to take me back home for my troubles. I accepted his offer and he gave me a piggyback ride all the way back to town. After successfully escorting me back, I ran right into Pit, who asked me if I was busy. I said “no” and he was more than happy to hear that. He grabbed my hand and we both went to an amusement park. We both had a lot fun playing games up until we decided to take a ride on the Ferris wheel. We were both looking at each other nervously until we heard a large explosion off into the distance. Specifically, the woods. Pit grabbed and carried me off to where the explosion was and we saw Link fighting against Ganondorf. The two of us decided to aid him and we successfully slayed the beast. Link thanked us both and gave me a big, warm smile. I couldn’t help but smile back at him until Inigo walked by and said “Ah! There’s that smile!” and walked towards me, wrapping his arm around my neck, chuckling. I couldn’t help but chuckle alongside him, although more nervously. Gerome noticed me off into the distance and ran towards me. He told Inigo off, saying “You’re making her uncomfortable!” and Inigo obliged saying “Okay! Okay! I wasn’t getting touchy with her. Honest!” Gerome looked over at me and asked if I needed another mask replace my old one, but I told him that I’m fine and thanked him for the offer anyway. I backed away from the boys (who were arguing with one another) until I accidentally bumped into Tiki, who said “Ah! Just the person I was looking for! Could you help me, Lucina?” I accepted her request and asked what she needed. Her face went red and said “C-Could you pretend to be Mar-Mar? Just for me?” Once again, I was a bit weirded out by this request, but obliged nonetheless. I put on my bravado persona and she giggled from my performance. She thanked me kindly, hugged me, and ran off. As I was looking around myself in the woods, I saw Samus, who was laying unconscious on the ground. I tried yelling at the boys to help me out, but suddenly, they were gone within a blink of an eye. So, I decided to take manners into my own hand and carried Samus to my home, bridal-carry style. She was slowly waking up from unconsciousness, looked at me, smiled, and said “my hero”. I was flattered by this statement and successfully carried her to safety with no problems whatsoever. After placing her onto my bed, I felt a dark presence downstairs and ran to see what the problem was...and I saw Grima. Possessing Robin. Again. He turned to notice me and I attempted to swing my sword at him, only for him to dodge, kick it out of my hand, and pin me against the wall. He looked at me with a malicious grin and said “Perhaps possessing a vessel like this was a mistake. Maybe...just maybe...you could make a better vessel than this one.” And right as he began to glow with an intense, dark energy, that’s when I woke up.

Cloud (eyes widened, which doesn’t happen often for him): Oof. Just...oof.

Lucina: “Oof” is right. Seems I wasn’t the only one coping about dreams like this.

Cloud: More like a Harem Hell.

Lucina: Is that what we call dreams like that?

Cloud: Perhaps.

Lucina: Then how do we cope with such weird dreams like this?!

Cloud: You’ll find a way. Me, on the other hand...BARKEEP! Get me something that’ll get me drunk fast.

*The barkeeper nods, hands him a bottle of wine*

Cloud: Thanks.

Lucina: ...Can I have some?

Cloud: You wanna drown this out too?

Lucina: Is this how you solve these...”Harem Hell” dream problems?

Cloud: To me, it does. If you wanna join in, then I won’t stop ya.

Lucina (completely naive to the concept of using alcohol to cope): Then allow me to join you! Barkeep, good sir, get me a bottle!

*The barkeeper nods, and does so. Cloud and Lucina clink their bottles together*

Cloud: To warriors who have had dreams like this.

Lucina: To warriors who have had dreams like this.

*Both take a swing of alcohol*

To be continued...

#super smash bros ultimate #lucina #cloud strife #lucina x robin #lucina x palutena #lucina x camilla #lucina x sakura #lucina x severa #lucina x corrin #lucina x kamui #lucina x joker #ren amamiya #lucina x shulk #lucina x richter #lucina x pit #lucina x link #lucina x tiki #lucina x samus #lucina x inigo #lucina x gerome #grima #fire emblem awakening #fire emblem heroes #lucina x harem #zos short stories

[bards-witcher]

For a prompt how abooouuuut ohm showing up for a blind date and he gets there and his date is Tyler, but tyler doesn’t know its ohm so ohm has to spend the entire time debating whether or not he should tell him (and also whether or not he should say fuck it and make out w Tyler cause damn is he cute) (Also I’m sorry I just love ohmcat lol)

No judgment from me :D  here we love and praise OhmCat

.

[Ohm POV]

He stood outside the small restaurant, fidgeting with his phone in his pocket as he also tried to wipe the sweat off from his hands, waiting for a text from Anthony.

It feels like it was weeks ago that Anthony first messaged him to tell him that a friend of his would be staying near him for a couple of weeks and that he thinks it would be good to go on a blind date with him. At first, he’d rejected the offer, content in his solitude that he didn’t need anyone else, just Tiny. However, that night his thoughts gnawed away at him, a series of different scenarios and what-ifs floating around in his head so that by the time he woke up he realized just how lonely he was. How at that moment he craved affection, wanted to wake up with a warm body next to him and wanted nothing more than to snuggle next to someone and feel strong arms wrap around him, holding him close.

After the revelation his decision was made, quickly grabbing his phone off of the bedside table to quickly send a message to his friend saying that he’d changed his mind, and he’d love to go on a date if the other person was still willing.

He sat there leg shaking and biting his nails as he waited for a reply, he tried to distract himself best he could but to no avail, constantly checking his and Jigglys conversation to make sure the message did, in fact, send and that he didn’t somehow miss the reply.

After what felt like hours he finally got an answer ‘He’s still up for it’, letting out a sigh of relief he fell back onto his bed, his imagination already going wild about who his potential date might be.

 ****

Time flew over the next couple of weeks until eventually, it was the day of his blind date. Jiggly had mostly kept him in the dark about his suitor, refusing to give even a name, only a basic description of tall, dark hair, slight stubble.

About midday Anthony texted him the time and location of the date and he couldn’t help but feel his nerves curl in his stomach. Was this the right thing to do? He was perfectly alright on his own up until now, surely longer wouldn’t hurt? Yet even as he said that the hope that this date might turn into something was enough to quench his doubts.

He picked out a dark pair of jeans, slightly more snug than he would’ve liked, but they were the best pair he had, coupled with a light blue buttoned shirt and a jacket over the top. He didn’t like to think that he was the stereotypical girl before her first date, examining every outfit with utter scrutiny until he talked himself out of it, but he couldn’t help but feel like it wasn’t enough, that he wasn’t enough.

He decided to send a photo to Anthony for a second opinion, an immediate reply of multiple fire emojis followed by the words ‘HOT’, were enough to satisfy his nerves and with a final look in the mirror he quickly rearranged his hair, giving it a slightly more mussed look that people seemed to like before stepping outside to wait for his taxi.

 ***

Here he was waiting, unsure on whether his date was here, whether he should go in, what name the reservation was under. Questions began crowding his mind until he felt the buzz of his phone in his hand, quickly pulling it out to see what the text read.

‘Dates there already, table reserved under Wine. Have fun XD’

‘Let me know how it goes’

He read the texts a couple of times, so this was it, it was time to meet his blind date. He has a brief moment where he tried to remember where he’s heard the name ‘Wine’ before, but before he could get into his thoughts too much he made his way into the restaurant.

It was small and quaint, with candles on the table to light up the somewhat dim room, allowing for an intimate and romantic atmosphere.

A waiter was quick to greet him at the door and not long later he was quickly lead through the crowded restaurant to a small table in the corner next to a large window looking out on the Chicago Highstreet.

As much as he wanted to look up to see who his date was, he was too busy looking down so that he could weave his way through chairs and people, so it wasn’t until the waiter finally came to a stop in front of him that he looked up. His breath caught in his throat as he realized that it was Tyler who was his date, the same Tyler who liked to rage and cuss people out in the games they played together.

He slowly approached the table, noticing the bright smile on his friends face as he stood up to offer his hand to him, and he couldn’t deny how good his friend looked, only on instinct did he extend his own hand out, feeling Tyler’s warm hand grip his own before he sat down in the booth opposite his friend.

They were quick to list off their drinks orders to the waiter still stood there smiling as if this moment of first meeting endeared him somewhat before they were alone to talk amongst themselves.

“I’m Tyler, by the way, I don’t think Anthony told you my name because he sure as hell didn’t tell me yours”

He let out a small chuckle before offering a warm smile to the taller man “I’m Ryan and no he didn’t tell me a damn thing about you either”

As soon as he speaks he’s worried that his voice might be recognized, that Tyler would call him out straight away, but the laugh of his friend who seemed none the wiser put him somewhat at ease, glad that although it was a date he had some sort of familiar company with him, and that his microphone somewhat distorted his voice.

“As much I want to kick his ass for it he did choose well, I’ll give him that. You’re looking fucking hot tonight dude” He couldn’t help the blush that coated his cheeks at Tylers’ words, he’s sure the heat radiating off of him could heat the whole restaurant.

“You look great tonight too, I didn’t expect Anthony to set me up with-“ He just about caught his words before he potentially exposed himself, but his pause hadn’t gone unnoticed by the other man.

“Set you up with?” he quickly tried to come up with something to use, instead using something he found to be truthful whilst he hoped by the way he refused eye contact that it could be passed off as nervousness.

“Someone so good looking” The smile from the other man seemed to appease him somewhat and he quickly tried to change the subject somewhat. “I’m sorry if I come off as really nervous and shit, it’s been a while since I’ve been on a date” He conveyed a somewhat strained smile in the hopes to placate his friend.

“You and me both then” He shot his head up at the comment, he could’ve sworn the other man had been in a relationship up until recently, guilt was quick to fill him that he seemingly didn’t know his friend quite as well as he thought. “So how do you know Anthony?”

He didn’t like the fact that he had to be untruthful to his friend, but he also wasn’t ready just yet to tell him who he is in case the taller man got angry at him. Of course, he’d probably be angrier at his deception but a part of him wanted to see what would happen on this date, whether he and Tyler could ever feasibly be together and whether he was actually ready to date someone.

“uh, High school. He was my best friend in High School and we always just sorta kept in touch, what about you? I’m surprised he kept you under wraps from me” He let out a small giggle which was quickly joined by Tylers own, trying to play off the warm feeling in his chest at the small blush coloring the other man’s face.

“I work with him, gotta say he’s one of the nicest most genuine guys I’ve ever met, but I’m sure you already know that” The smile Tyler cast his way made his breath get caught in his throat, at that moment his friend was carefree, he was happy, and the candlelight painting him in a light glow only enhanced that and he looked beautiful.

“What is it you guys do? Anthony’s said he works online but that doesn’t really tell me anything” He tried to play off his innocence and Tyler seemingly bought it.

The other man sighed and ran a hand down his face, he could tell his friend was conflicted about telling him, but he was glad when he was deemed trustworthy enough to have the answer.

“I’m a Youtuber”

He tried to feign his best look of surprise and wonder at the comment, trying also to convey it when he answered. “No way, that sounds so cool! What sort of videos do you make?”

“Errr…Gaming”

“I’m a bit of a gaming nerd myself if I’m honest, what sort of stuff do you play?”

Bringing up the common interest between them made the conversation flow easily between the two of them, so much so that they quickly lost track of time and he quickly forgot that this was, in fact, a date. He felt sadness creep up on him when he realized it was time for them to leave, questions about whether they’d have a parting kiss or if Tyler would ever even want to see him again, for all he knew he could’ve hated every minute, were eating away at him.

“Do you want me to walk you back to your hotel?” He saw the look of surprise, which quickly turned to a soft smile from the taller man at the offer, but he couldn’t help but feel a slight sting at the rejection.

“I don’t want to put you out of your way, I think I’ll be fine thanks”

“Honestly it’s on my way home and I need the exercise anyway, you’d be doing me a favor” He tried to play off the comment with a small chuckle, trying not to put attention to the fact he’d just let some of his own insecurities come through. “Unless you don’t like me, I completely understand, I just thou-“

A warm hand quickly grabbed his own and soon he was being dragged down the sidewalk until he could come to his senses and keep pace with the younger man, only slowing their pace when they reached a small park “Your gorgeous Ryan, I’m surprised you even wanted to spend more time with me” He felt his hand being squeezed slightly and easily returned it, wanting to give some comfort to the man who in turn had let some of his own insecurities show.

He pulled on Tyler’s arm, bringing them both to a stop and waited for the younger man to turn and face him. “You’re amazing Tyler, you’re funny and kind and you don’t take shit from anybody, I wish I could be half the person you are. Not to mention you’re hot as fuck, but you already knew that”

“Ryan” He felt a warm hand cup his chin and watched the other man almost examine him as if trying to find a lie in his words, but he stood firm, knowing his words to be true. He felt his heart skip a beat when Tylers’ eyes came to rest on his lips for a moment and giving him one final look before lowering his head and pressing their lips firmly together.

Any qualms he had about kissing his friend were quickly diminished, instead letting himself enjoy the feeling of lips pressed against his own, letting Tyler press in as close as he could and letting the man’s free hand wander down his body until it gripped his hip in an almost bruising grip, as if the younger man didn’t want to let go.

Just as he felt Tylers’ tongue against his bottom lip, almost demanding entrance, he knew it was time to fess up, that his friend deserved better than this despite the fact he wanted nothing more to play along with the lie, to keep that contact with Tyler for as long as he could.

He quickly pulled away, once again guilt filling him at the flare of rejection he saw cross Tylers’ face before the younger man managed to compose himself, apology quick on his lips. “I’m sorry Ryan, I just-“

“I do Tyler, God I want to, but I need to tell you something first and you’re probably going to hate me for it afterward.”

The taller man moved away from him slightly and he tried to cover up his hurt at the loss, wanting to just cherish these last few moments before he was sure to lose his friend forever at the betrayal.

“Tyler I-“ He quickly broke off, trying to blink away the tears that were starting to form and clear the lump in his throat that was making it harder and harder to breathe. He mumbled out a curse, looking away from Tyler in an effort to compose himself until he felt warm hands grab his own, turning to see a soft smile of support from the other man.

“You can tell me, Ryan, It’s okay”

“Except it’s not okay. Tyler I-…” With a final sigh, he decided to just force the words out, eyes fixed on Tylers’ to convey that what he said was the truth. “Tyler I’m Ohm, as in Ohmwrecker, as in the guy you play games with sometimes. I’m sorry, I should’ve told you sooner, but it was so good to feel wanted for once and I let things get too far. I’m so sorry for misleading you Tyler, you deserv-“

“I don’t care”

He stopped his outpouring of words at Tyler’s interjection and from the look of surprise on the younger mans face he was surprised by his own reaction as well.

“I don’t care that you’re Ohm, well I do, but I don’t care that you lied to me. I haven’t had this much fun with someone in forever and I haven’t felt like this for someone in… fuck I don’t think I’ve felt like this with anyone, and that was all you. So, if you still want this, want me, then I’m 100% down”

He couldn’t help the smile that lit up his face, reflecting Tylers’ own before the taller man once again leaned down to press their lips together, and this time he gave the man free reign, letting them take their fill of the other before their lungs screamed for air and eventually they had to break away.

“I will, however, beat up Jigglys’ ass for doing this the sly fucker”

He laughed at the comment which was quickly stopped by lips pressing against his once again, allowing himself to drink in everything that was Tyler before he pulled them apart again.

“D’you wanna freak him out a bit?”

At Tylers’ nod, he pulled the taller man’s phone from his back pocket and a couple seconds later he had the camera ready, pulling the younger man down to press their lips together again as he pressed down on the shutter multiple times in the hopes that at least one of them would turn out good.

Tyler was quick to catch onto the plan, taking his phone from him and sending the best of the photos to their friend, as well as thanking him for setting them up and how they’d hit it like a house on fire.

It wasn’t even a minute before replies starting pinging through Tylers’ phone, each one from Anthony was more panicked than the last, his worry about whether Ohm had outed himself and whether he’d just ruined their friendship filling up his phone.

They let Anthony sit in his panic for a bit, instead opting to keep making out in the park and having to keep Tylers’ hands in check before they could get accused of public indecency. When they’d deemed it long enough they briefly skimmed through the 27 messages Anthony had sent them, instead deciding to take one last photo of them kissing but this time Tyler was flipping him off as well.

Feeling somewhat guilty he was quick to message Anthony saying how he’d told Tyler before the photos and that they were now dating, or at least he thought so.

After about a minute of having their friend cuss them out, he gave his congratulations to them, with the final comment that they now owed him before leaving them to themselves.

They quickly made the decision to go back to his house with Tyler eagerly agreeing to stay with him for the rest of his week to allow them to get better acquainted with one another.

Hands wrapped around the other’s waist, they made the journey to his home, thoughts on how they were going to troll the rest of their friends tomorrow, only enhancing the smile he had from getting the chance to be with the man beside him.

#ohmcat #ohmwrecker #wildcat #I love this pair so much #and I actually really enjoyed making this for you #I hope you like it :D

[vacationcalendar]

8/7/21

Hi boyfriend~

Just took a weed gummie in honor of Bonnie’s birthday weekend. My present for my friend is that I’ll suck it up and be an active participant in their life for a change. I’ll be game for a whole weekend. I got up early today and tagged along to volunteer at a charity 5k. We grabbed some coffee and wandered to the halfway point of the course (thus walking an entire 5k in the process! Not too shabby ;D), and then camped out a water station that I’d say should be very grateful I actually showed up to work its sorry ass. Bonnie didn’t have to do any managing/delegating, they just got to post up and chatter at the runners-by. I’m pretty sure if I didn’t go, and I promise I am not tooting my own horn, that water stand would not have been the fun water stand that it was. They would have had 2 dunces making it go worse, and only 3 people managing 4 tables of water cups. Volunteers man, what are you gonna do? I’m sure that’s why they were looking for 8 people per water stand, just to statistically ensure that SOMEONE with half a brain would be around to help out.

Great morning though. JUST a little too hot, but that’s how you know you were doing solid work out there. The proof is in the pits, baby!

Ok, 40 minute bathroom break is over. Man, nothing like starting the blog to make me SO productive in the mornings! It’s such a cheat code. I did laundry, dishes, pooped; my whole day is bright and available now! But now I’m tired and I don’t want to write anymore. I had about a 6 minute where I wanted to do this today and I actually hit it for a second before I had to stop and do ANYTHING ELSE I guess. So, fuck. What do we write now?

I had to get up suuuuper early for this 5k thing, and I only got like 4 hours of sleep because I did not factor in the early wake up until like 6pm yesterday, and I had already slept like 14 hours that day :I That’s right, I woke up, immediately crushed the blog, went back to laying down, played League, and watched tv and shit until I felt tired enough to sleep and get ready for the 5k, which was 2am. So now I have a weed gummie digesting in me and I have a nap climbing up my priority list and this is why I don’t like weed. I feel like I have to plan my fucking shit around it, and I’m not good at that. Part of me thinks I can crash right now and wake up before the drugs make me sleep for 2 hours longer than I want, and give me weird, unpleasant dreams. I can’t possibly pull that off, I’m not sleepy, I’m just like sluggish. So basically what I have to do now is power through into the “trip” (maybe I’ll luck out and miss it and I can just pretend I’m high, which I won’t do, but hey we’re brainstorming here), and let that smoothly transition me into a nap. And THAT would mean that I have to entertain myself for the time being to get me into a good place to start being high...? And then I can like power up my activities WHILE high, and that would be fun. Playing video games, great. Playing video game high? That’s the whole point of it. I mean like, that’s the whole point of life, right? And then I can be like NAPTIME BITCH, and that would be fun also, in theory. And then I can go put a podcast on and go to the movies? Ugh, I don’t want to go the movies anymore. I’m to tired :( This sucks.

I’m trying to go see Green Knight. I’m sure that sentence won’t matter at all in even like 4 months from now, but I think it should be a fun time. So much more productive than anything I can do from the desk. And it’s not summertime like this forever. You gotta get that shit in so you don’t think you miss it when the weather turns. You want to be sitting inside on a cold autumn day thinking “good riddance, being outside is entirely overrated.” And I’m not there yet. Man I don’t know. Well how bout this? Let’s do a little more brainstorming while I’m trapped here writing to your dumb ass. If you ever read these again this part will be like a little prank on you lol. Ok: 1: Stay here, no movie. Let’s lock that in. that should make having to navigate being high so much easier. Let’s let the pipe dream of doing everyone’s favorite thing of being at a theater high wait just a little longer. Today can be a trial run. We’ll walk around today and think about what it would be like if I had biked 20 minutes to a movie theater and watched a 2 hour movie and biked home. And when we suss out that it would have been unenjoyable, we’ll feel like geniuses for making this call. So that’s out of the way. LOCK IT IN

2. I don’t know yet. Let’s just start simple. Food. What’s up? We have almost no groceries. We have no bread for a tuna salad sandwich, but let’s put that in the to-do list. We need more english muffins too. That was an A+ 10/10 move last month. Just muffins w/ strawberry jam, and egg McMuffins whenever the fuck I wanted, which was always. Frozen Veggies like Corn or Beans would be good. Bag Chop Salad kits. They weren’t on sale last week, and it’s goddamn highway robbery when they’re at full price. So this week would be the perfect time to check in on ‘em. And I’ll commit more to an equivalent substitute this time if I can’t find a good deal. Let’s see, what else? Oof my wpm and accuracy is starting to take a hit. The first and only symptom! Nice! Miku. Meat. Spaghetti and meat sauce? Gotta check out what ragu shit you have in the house before you do that. Consider this your reminder! I know you’ve never successfully pulled that off, but I have full confidence in you. Oh fuck, now I’m starting to worry a little bit the coherent quality of this is about to start dropping. Well, another fun little prank for ya bitch! Fruit leathers? I just have no fucking idea. Ok, so shopping can 100% wait for another day. This isn’t anywhere close to a cohesive trip. So we can eat out somewhere! Great, lock it bitch. I’m starting to swear more; it’s because I can’t find the right words anymore. Oh boy, the weed smelling burps are happening. This really is so gross and difficult. Beer is just a more bitter version of soda. It’s actively refreshing. Damn, if only I’d been a little more exposed to peer pressure at an earlier age. I’d have been past this awkward uncomfortable phase of weed, like how I (and basically everyone) was with alcohol. You slam Natty Lites with your nose closed until you start to realize life is little more pleasurable than the absolute Kelvin zero you had come to be familiar with. Uh, ok, I’m starting to let my mind wander. He’s daydreaming, chief! I suppose I could just transcribe the dialogue of the daydreams, but I can’t keep up. This is just break o’clock.

3. What do I fucking eat!? I had to make a whole nother numbered point, and I still don’t have the plan. Jesus H,. Ok here’s what AROUND. Chex Mix, unopened. 1 Grape Soda. Cookie Dough Ice Cream (w choc sauce). Raisins, PB, Ramen, meh. Reese Cups! I just looked behind and was like, “oh yeah! Nice”. If that’s not everything, that’s REALLY close. So what’s calling my name? Pizza? Chinese? Damn, I might just have to play this by ear. Nothing at all sounds interesting, and I’m not the slightest bit hungry (we got free Dim Sum after the 5k. It was called the Dim Sum and Then Some 5k). Ok, so other options to keep on the back burner for later would be: Kebab, Chicken Sandwich, go get Pizza Rolls and Chippies at the store. Ok that’s enough options, that fuckin really took it outta me, I can’t believe it. My hands are kinda feeling heavier now too. I better think of a #4 thing to write about quick or I may lose all my inertia.

4. UMmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Movie time? I watch arrival and turn off all the lights and pop popcorn and have my soda? Where sunglasses and pretend they’re 3-D glasses? Maybe. Ugh, I can tell right now my eyes are gonna get bloodshot, or dry out or whatever. They already kinda hurt :(. It’s fine. I feel more good than not. Like I’m wrapped up in a blanket, even though I’m not. Maybe OH- Maybe I lay out on the beach chair and read in the sun with an ice coffee? Oh fuck that might actually be perfect. Then I can go no shirt and just feel nature, and maybe bugs are less troublesome when you’re high. And then I can pop Doughboys on and shower! Shower high, seems like a guaranteed home-run. Ok, I like it a lot. I have to do SOMETHING away from Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum or I’ll go crazy this weekend, especially if I have to tag in on occasion and “participate” for Bonnie’s Birthday. Which, let’s be clear, is the least I can do. It’s a gimme. I owe Bonnie AT LEAST this much, even just as like backpay for holidays or yore. Like if I have the zhuzh to punch in for birthday shtuff, I better do it, right? I just looked it up, it might officially be zhoosh, not zhuzh, but zhuzh appears to me to be the best way to do it. And there’s like 5 accepted spellings of it. Stupid, not helpful. Just because it employs a sound that has no [conformed] applications in the english language? Poor excuse! Oh man, it’s so early I can’t believe it! That 5k feels like a day ago, wild. Well, hey! Point 4 is finished. Moving on!

5. What to do tonight? Who gives a fuck. Figure that part out when you get there, it does not matter at all. There, numbered list over.

Ok so, let’s just wrap this up I guess. I’m cracking an hour here, that’s plenty. Maybe tonight you do a little PRE-WRITING before bed, so this isn’t so “chore-y”. Let’s just remember you seriously considered letting yourself down completely and bailing on the blog earlier this morning. So we need to keep our expectations at appropriate levels still. It’s this NEXT week that should be very interesting. Just in terms of output. A little more practice, and little more muscle-memory. A little less crap to distract me (I have been burning through non-stop crap youtube/tv this last week since coming home, it’s fantastic. I was gonna say it was sucky, or disgusting or something, but that’s a lie I tell to myself to pretend I’m more diligent than I actually am. ACCEPT who you are and love yourself for it)

I accept you and love you Max. Ok, I have to go, I feel like I’m gonna puke... awesome 

bi

[survivor-mesopotamia]

Ep. #2 - “Shit ain’t over till the fat lady sings and I didn’t warm my pipes.” (Cameron)

Day 4: Well. I survived my first tribal council of the season, and even though it went exactly according to plan, while I slept my entire day away, I'm still really hesitant to tell myself that I'm doing well on my tribe. I'm really nervous that my tribe mates are playing me, and that I'm really boo boo tha fool here. I called Megan post-tribal, and I was finally able to get some closure on something that happened between us in our personal lives, which felt really good. After that, she asked me about the idol, to which I had responded "Wait, Julian didn't tell you?", which hopefully sows some seeds of doubt in Megan about Julian. Ideally, if the Enlil tribe has to go back to tribal council, the four of us can bear witness to a Megan vs. Julian war. Because unfortunately, the connections I have outside Enlil, are shared with either Julian or Megan. If Megan and Julian are going after each other pre-merge, or during a swap scenario, I don't have to share those connections anymore. After that, Megan and I just talked about the nudes we received during quarantine ~ I then promptly ran to Will to tell him about the potential crack I just formed between Julian and Megan, which was met with genuine excitement. I think I'm really gaining Will's trust, and I think we vibe so well together. Love that guy! Overall, it wasn't a very productive day because I woke up at 4:30p PST. Love that for me, thanks for shading me @ Tribal Bodhi.

going into this scavenger hunt as the tribe that went to tribal last is worrysome. It's a challenge that's fully dependent on our activity, so we are at a serious disadvantage against the other two tribes that get to choose someone less active to sit out. We don't have that luxury. The point/life system eases the blow, however, since we can get less active players 1 life while more active players can get 3. In case we lose, I'm trying to connect with everyone on the tribe. I really don't want to vote anyone out though. I have an alliance with Julian and JJ, and one with Will on the side. Chrissa wants to work with Julian, JJ and myself, and I think Megan and JJ have something on the side. I'm nervous for who would be the target in the vote, and any vote would hurt all of our games collectively. Hopefully we win because the next vote will not be easy AT ALL.

Done w typing this sheet

jj and zachary are so fucking annoying to this challenge and if i vote for you first at the swap, its probably because youre typing too much during this challenge sorry not sorry xoxo - sincerely johnny a month from now

let me be clear with andrew I was not calling his hosting unfair i was calling the fact that a majority green item giving him a point unfair not the hosting but lack of yellow, also i have a headache i don't feel that good. and I just don't think zach should have had a point for it nothing against hosting obviously i watch a movie trivia thing where literally they have a challenge to challenge any questions that are unfair, that doesn't mean they are calling the question writers or the answer writers unfair. 

Zach just won the tribal challenge for us which is fantastic. We can maintain the illusion of a unified tribe longer, which keeps us together in a swap situation, and Zach has clearly painted a challenge target on himself over the last two challenges which will make him go before me if our Triforce ever becomes the minority. I'm really happy with my position in the game right now

me and monty trying to find the idol and decode this annoying ass video https://imgur.com/a/lu7sbMu

Forgive me father for I have sinned it's been approximately three days since my last confession so far can't complain really we be winning they hating we be riding pretty damn clean I've got a majoritu alliance I didn't start so odds of it falling around me and being the first voted out slim to none thank the sweet baby jesis and all that good shit. Oh well that's all for now

JULIAN’S HOST CHAT GUEST, ZEE:

I am filling in a confessional because you told me to. I am in front of my fan because it's hot. I'm thinking that it seems pretty stupid to ask me for a confessional. Julian's prod chat isn't very interesting because he's distracted.

also just threw out madison's name to johnny. if this shit backfires on me ill be ):

https://youtu.be/Pqck1gayfJU

https://youtu.be/FMay7NycsPw

yo yo yo homies!!! fuck the scavenger hunt and the mobile Skype app !! Lowkey scared but I think I’m close with everyone on the tribe except madi soooooooooo that’s probably who will go tonight. I’ve connected a lot with Monty and am hoping we can work together closely moving forward 💕not sure how useful my relationship with Zach is going to be come swap/merge bc it seems like he’s ALREADY making himself a target like the big doof he is. More later 💋

https://youtu.be/Qg47yupj1bQ

https://youtu.be/vUK8A1qWVoA

Hello tumblr survivor world! Sorry I didnt confess for episode 1, I was going to but i accidentally exited out of the page when i almost finished writing it. Anyways, it was just a cast assessment for my tribe so tl;dr everyone on my tribe is great and its really sad that we have to vote someone out now. So this whole weekend I was away so I was REALLY worried that I would be voted out since I sat out of the challenge. But after talking to Johnny and Isabelle, it seems like Madison will be voted out tonight. Which is so bad bc this her first game in a year, but hey it's our first vote and it's not me so it's not really the time to make a stand. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Okay I took a break from writing this confessional and there's moreeeeeeeee so part 2 I guess. So I had a call with Johnny and we came up with an alliance of me, him, Isabelle, and Benji. What an iconic alliance, right? But also while Johnny and I talked we got onto the topic of idols and why it is that there hasn't been an idol post yet. I brought up that wayyyyyy back when in Malaysia and some other games around that time, some of the idol hunts were less clear cut. We ended up looking at the blog and clicking the "idol system" tab and it brought us to some weird crab video with audio that sounds like a pokemon cry? Idk part of me thinks its just a joke but I also have to consider that it might be SOMETHING. It said remember to like and subscribe so I sent a screenshot of me liking and subscribing to see if that would do anything but nope. Johnny said he'd do some thinking about it and get back to me later if he figures something out. Also tribal seems super clear cut so I'm a bit less worried now but y'know how it is I can't not worry about tribal.

i just spent $8 on a spectogram and STILL cant find this fucking idol im gonna kms... monty im sorry im steam rolling ahead looking for this thing without telling you, but thank you for the first clue xoxo... if i get stumped in the future ill reach out for SURE (but idt you trust me that much so this seems kinda valid to me) ((FOUR HOURS LATER: i told monty lololol)) ALSO FOR FUCKS SAKE I think madison is gonna go, and truthfully, im fine with it because it's the easiest thing to do due to her poor performance in the past few challenges and just being the least AROUND the tribe, but i know that it'd probably be better for me long term to get rid of abby because i just dont see her as a long term ally for me. i think she's close to JJ and Megan on the other tribe, and she's becoming much more acclimated to the tumblr survivor community that i just BET that she maybe has an additional connection on the rookie tribe. If I can attempt to break that up before we get to a swap, I think that's what im going to have to do figure out if we lose another challenge before a swap... i dont really want to see ANYBODY else go besides abby if im thinking about a second boot. i bet it wont be easy to take her out tho also, if madison goes, this is like...... lowkey vindication for game changers???? last night i talked about this with monty and i was like hmmmm "is it ugly to bring up past game history?" and his response was "not if it's within the same series" .... so. vindication

---

omg i just told madison how to find the idol system thing i hope she doesnt tell anyone i told her about it LMAO........ this almost seems too easy.i got added to two alliances today. why do i not feel safe? is it me going? WTF IS GOING ON

excited to be first boot because no one will TALK TO ME! 

Things haven’t changed much since my last confessional! As far as I know the tribe hasn’t started into alliances and we’re all riding some excitement at having so far avoided tribal. I think the rest of the tribe and I are all feeling good and just focusing on making the tribe switch without losing any members.

from round 2 https://youtu.be/fk002uG2HoI

Hi sorry I forgot to do a confessional this round so this will be short imma just say a few things 1. I don’t trust julian one bit he can stop being shady to me 2. I can’t believe we aren’t going to tribal I’m so fkn happy i was able to pull out the win for our tribe because I didn’t want to lose anybody else 3. I love and adore will with all of my being and he’s my number 1 ally right now 4. I find it highly doubtful that there’s only one idol in this game and that you can’t find it until merge but that’s as far as I can get in the idol search for now so I guess there’s nothing I can do about it 5. I’m still having fun can’t wait to fuck up another flash game yay!!!

My Purple edit is amazing right now. But having played more games than most of these newbies, I have decided to take on the role of teacher and becoming more of a "role model" for these newbies. I feel like I have the closest bond with Zach, and I need to get a little closer with Collin. I have Grace from past games, and then there are the others who I do not really have any strong bonds with at the moment. I guess I need to start going to them more and show that I want to work with them.

https://youtu.be/yhwXzqrTcsA Confessional 2 for round 2

https://youtu.be/TVnpwqc8XLY

Madison voted out 6-1

#nomorethings

[wildernessuntothemselves]

It Will Come Back

Third drabble from the song drabble game. You can read the first one here, the second one here and here is the BTS request list and the Girl Group request list. Song: It Will Come Back by Hozier Don’t give it a hand, offer it a soul Honey, make this easy. Leave it to the land, this is what it knows Honey, that’s how it sleeps. Don’t let me in with no intention to keep me Jesus Christ, don’t be kind to me. Honey don’t feed me I will come back. Word Count: 3k I don’t know what a drabble is apparently :’D Genre: fluffy fucking fluff and a hint of smut Author’s Note: I’m drunk so I don’t know if this is shit or not lmao sorry

Yoongi almost jumps right out of his skin when he's woken up from his barely two-hour-long sleep by something yapping and licking at his face. In his haste to get away from the thing, his legs get tangled up in the sheets and he falls to the ground, knocking his head against the nightstand. "Fuck!" He just manages to shout before a small, furry demon leaps down from the bed right into his lap. Startled, Yoongi stumbles back and hits his head against the nightstand again. He cradles his head in his hands and falls to the ground, which makes the little creature even more persistent in his pursuit of him.Through the blurriness of the pain, he squints his eyes to try to make out the exact nature of the beast he was dealing with. Brown in color, small in size, fluffy fur, and a toy form...

Yoongi pounds on the door of his next door neighbor with all his might, feeling like he might actually knock it down. Well, if he was Jungkook that is. A panicked voice stutters from behind the door, "Who is it? If you're looking for trouble then I think you should know that I have a baseball bat that I'm not afraid to use." The clearly terrified girl squeaks out then adds later as an afterthought, "I h-have also called the police." "I have your thing-- animal." Yoongi grits out, clearly irritated with the dog and his owner. She seems to have recognized his voice because the door is swung open right away. "Mr. Min, w-why do you have my dog?" She says all wide eyed and blushing. He shouldn't have come here. He should've just kicked the dog out of his house and let it fend for itself. Even if that meant it would get lost and his neighbor would cry over it. See if he cares. "I should be the one asking you why I woke up to find that ridiculous excuse for a dog slobbering all over my face." "I'm so sorry." She gasps, quickly taking the dog off his hands. If he was any other person, she would've already chewed his ears off for daring to insult her dog. But with him, she just took it and apologized to boot. "He must have slipped out the house and found an open window at your place and jumped in. He's a jumper you know." She lamely jokes, little snorts appearing in between her chuckles, but her laughter soon dies down at Yoongi's unamused expression. "I'm sorry." She says in a small voice, holding her head down. "Whatever, just make sure it never happens again," Yoongi says coldly and the girl bites her lips and dares to sneak a glance up at him before he can turn his back to her. "You're injured!" She gasps, noticing the drop of blood peeking out from under his bangs, and without thinking it over, she reaches forward and brushes them back fully exposing the wound. "Oh my god, oh my god! You're really hurt!" Yoongi winces as her voice rises in pitch until it resembles a bird's call rather than a young woman's. "It's nothing I'll take care of it." He says dismissively and turns to leave. She hurries forward and steps in his path, "No, I'm the one who caused this. Let me drive you to the hospital." "Don't be overdramatic. I said I'll take care of it." He bites, but she still doesn't let him go, holding onto his hand and looking up at him with big, pleading eyes. "Then let me do it, please." She sees a hint of hesitation in his eyes so she says again with more conviction, "Please."

Yoongi is aware of her puppy crush on him. He'd be blind not to, but she's wasting her time. Sure, she's attractive, and he certainly wouldn't mind hitting that, but that's precisely why he shouldn't. He'd be in it for a quick fuck but she obviously wants more. She isn't the type of girl who can just sleep with someone and then move on. She is too sweet and innocent for her own good. "I think it would be better if you don't put any bandages on it and leave it to dry. You need to clean it and disinfectant it the same way I've shown you twice a day, but if you can't do it, I'd be more than happy to help." She was done with his wound a long while ago, but she still kept touching him, fluttering around him and pretending to inspect and perform some minor touchups to the wound but Yoongi knew it was bullshit. When she couldn't do that anymore, she started messing with his bangs, pretending to try to pin them back so they wouldn't contaminate the wound, and that's precisely when Yoongi realized he'd been letting her. The smell of her flowery perfume had permeated into the deepest parts of his mind and cast its spell on him, ordering him to follow the smell to the space between her breasts that he just knew to be the origin of the smell, cradled by the wide neckline of her princessy sundress that he was certain she wore with no intention to arouse the desires of dirty men like him. And yet, here he was, a single thread of will power away from burying his nose into her chest. Pushing her hands away, he gets up and walks towards the door. "It's fine. I can do it myself." "Yoongi!" She follows after him again and touches his shoulder, and he whirls around to face her and snaps, "What?" She quickly drops her head to the floor and mumbles, "Mr. Min, It would really be better if you push your hair back for a while, and don't get water on the wound." Fuck, he really wanted to jump on her and fuck her right there and then. He'd teach her a lesson for teasing him with her doe eyes and her pouting lips. God, how he wants to fuck the innocence out of her until the only thing she can think of is his cock. He really needs to get out of here. Yoongi doesn't spare her even a grunt as a way of reply, leaving the poor girl not knowing whether to clutch the door to keep from falling or clutch her heart to keep it from bursting.

Despite the cold facade he'd shown her, it took only one day for his feet to lead him back to her house under the pretense of botching up his wound upkeep process. He went back for her, for the way she looked at him like he was the most wonderful man in the world, for her innocently sexy dresses and for that damned intoxicating perfume. She really should stop letting him in. He became convinced that she was a witch and that perfume was her love potion. That is the only explanation for the way he seemingly found himself in front of her door out of his body's own accord. Long after his wound has healed, he still found his way into her house, too tempted by the fact that she always let him in. He kept telling himself that he shouldn't, that he was bad news for a girl like her, and yet he found himself coming up with any flimsy reason he could to excuse his frequent visits. From baiting her dog to come into his home and then yelling to her about it, to complaining about a nonexistent noise coming from her house when in reality he was the one who was always blasting music, to the god-forsaken banal excuse of needing to borrow some sugar. Fucking sugar. He never even uses sugar. He drinks his coffee black and his tea unsweetened. He got to know her much better during that blissful time. She works in an office but she dreams of saving up enough money to go back to college and study art and philosophy. She has an overpowering sweet tooth and her fridge and pantry are overrun with all kinds of cake, chocolate and ice cream, but she has a single drawer where she hides all her salty snacks in like a guilty pleasure. Her library is full of books that once fooled him into thinking she's a bookworm but that image was banished from his mind when she bashfully admitted one afternoon that she never actually finished any of those books. She would start reading one but then get distracted by another one and abandon it only for the same thing to happen to the new one too. And day by day, he found himself impossibly more smitten with her. Her sweet smile was the highlight of his day and he swooned every time she looked his way. And before he knew it he was head over heels in love with her. Those days went by so blissfully and seeing him always made her so happy that he started getting it into his stupid head that maybe he could actually let his guard down and allow himself to be with her. That is until the moment he'd almost thrown her over his lap and spanked her for daring to bite her lip in his presence. He stopped going to her after that, despite her constant asking about what happened and the permanent glint of tears in her eyes that drowned his sorry heart every time he saw it. God help him but he was a man bewitched.

Holy fucking father in heaven! Was the world ending? That's the only explanation for the celestial-scale ruckus in his mind that could have only come from the trumpets signaling the end of times! He tries to open his eyes but immediately shuts them against the light of the sun that seems to have decided to come down from the heavens to take a stroll through the earth's atmosphere. "Sorry" A voice squeaks out then there's a flurry of movement around him and the light goes away. He hears a quiet thud on the floor in front of him then a soft hand removes his arm from over his eyes. His gaze immediately falls on those maddening doe eyes of the girl kneeling in front of him then, as if drawn by a magnetic force, they travel down over her pink lips to the swell of her breasts shown by the uncharacteristically plunging neckline. He groans. Does she not realize the pull she has on him? Does she not know of the sickness of men's minds? Is she deliberately trying to drive him crazy? Because it's working. He feels her hands on him again and he curls up deeper into himself. Why can't she just go away? But she doesn't go away, instead she shoves him back with surprising strength until he's on his back then she straddles him before he can recover from the shock and turn around again. "Get off," Yoongi warns, voice raspy from the weight of her hips on his own. God, he's going to break. "No." "Listen to me or you'll regret it, baby girl." She shivers at the pet name, "Why? Because if I don't, if maybe I start moving my hips like this," She enunciated her words with little tentative grinds against his crotch, "You won't be able to hold back anymore and you'll fuck me until the only thing I can think of is your cock?" Yoongi was in a state of shock at her words and actions. He puts his hands around her waist in a belated attempt to stop her movements that were making him so hard, but he finds that his hands would rather help her instead. "How..." "You're very honest when you're drunk." Fuck him. His memory comes back to him in bits and pieces. A picture of him discreetly pining after his sweet neighbor from his window. Him throwing on the nearest shirt and pants to escape to a bar and try to get the image of himself sitting on the couch beside her out of his mind, the image of letting her hold onto his arm and cuddle up to him as he sees her on another one of her infernal horror movie marathons, clutching onto her toy dog for dear life. He'd do a much better job than that ridiculous dog. The next picture is of him dancing with some woman in the bar, them making out, her asking him where he lives, him suddenly bombarded by the look of absolute heartbreak his oblivious siren regards him with whenever she sees him bring another woman home, and somehow she always sees. Him running out of the bar and hailing a cab home. Him beating down on her door, shouting for her to stop messing with his mind. Her opening her door, looking alarmed and entirely too fuckable in her large t-shirt that almost entirely hid the shorts under it, but of course, she would wear shorts, his innocent girl. No, fuck, not his girl. He cringes hard as he remembers the monolog he launched on about how everything she does makes him hard and how badly he wants to fuck her until she weeps and apologizes for the countless times she made him jack off like a hormonal teenager to relieve himself of her. "You want me, Yoongi. You can't deny it anymore." Her words are brave but her voice isn't, and neither is her movement as she lifts her hands and removes the dress she's wearing. When did she change into that anyway? He was sure it was to seduce him, so is the makeup on the normally barefaced girl. Dark makeup, he notes. She must have taken the looks of the girls he normally brings home too much to heart. The bra and underwear she was wearing underneath her dress were another thing entirely. Pink lacy things with a strip of pink material covered in glitter running around the lower part of the bra and the upper part of the panties. Fuck it. He pulls her down and crashes his lips to hers, immediately tasting an explosion of strawberries. Any illusion of bravery she put on immediately leaves her body along with her strength and she becomes putty in his hands. He turns her around on the couch so that she's the one under and he's hovering above her. The distance between their bodies doesn't exist for long as his hips soon find their place between her legs, and he grinds on her harder than before.

His hand moves to the strap of her bra and he pulls it back a little then releases it, causing it to snap against her shoulder and her to moan out even louder than she already was. God, she looks like a princess but she sounds like a pornstar. He never even knew girls like her existed. He was going to lose his mind.

He contemplates taking off her bra and seeing her breasts in their full glory but the innocent sexiness of her little lingerie fits her so well that he eventually decides to leave it on, and touch her over the lacy material instead. Turns out, that only adds to the pleasure for her. The combination of his fingers and the lace rubbing against her nipples sending her senses into overdrive.

He's a bit taken aback by how little she's touching him. He wouldn't have pegged her for a selfish lover considering how generous and loving she is with everything else. No matter, she's his princess and he'll wait on her hand and foot. He couldn't wait anymore. His hand travels down to her pussy and gives her an experimental stroke over her panties. Her reaction is almost violent as she mewls and lies witless in his arms, which only fuels his madness further and before he knows it, he's prodding at her entrance, dying to feel how tight she is. Too tight. He jumps away when he feels resistance against his fingers and a sob escaping her. "You're a virgin?!" He meant for it to sound bewildered but it must have come across as condescending to her because the lust escapes her eyes and she wraps her arms around herself. "Yes. I know you don't like that. You like your women experienced and bold. I've seen them, but I can get better." She looks at him with fragile hope and he feels like throwing up. "No! You're fucking perfect. Look at you! Don't ever say that again." Again his tone betrays him and he sounds angry without meaning too. But he is angry! Angry that she'd ever doubt how much he wants her. She has him losing sleep over her for fuck's sake. She struggles to unwrap her arms from around herself, too timid to lose the imaginary protection, and moves closer to him, hands resting awkwardly on his chest. "If you really think so, then fuck me." "But you're a virgin!" "So what? Everyone is a virgin once." She childishly counters, taking her hands off of him and putting them in their original spot around herself. This time it's Yoongi's hands that cup her cheeks, "I know. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you being a virgin. I just don't want you to lose it to a burn out like me." She forgets about her anger in a second and rushes to comfort him like she always does, "Now, you don't say that. You're a wonderful man with a wonderful heart and I'd love for my first time to be with you." "Baby..." He begins to chastise her again but stops when he sees the familiar wet glint of her eyes, and an idea pops into his mind out of nowhere. "How about we postpone it a little bit. Say after a few dates?" In a fraction of a second her head shoots up and in another fraction a dazzling smile lights up her entire face, leaving no trace of any previous sadness. "Y-you'll go out with me?" He curses himself. Why the fuck did he have to suggest something so stupid? He's smarter than this. This could only end one way: with her wizening up to who he really was and dropping him, and him dying a swift death from acute loss of his sunshine. But it was too late to take it back, he could never say no to that smile. "Yes."

Author’s Note: Thank you all for the lovely feedback. I’ve gotten a lot of messages asking about a continuation for this but unfortunately, this is only a one-parter and there will be no further addition to this. 

#yoongi scenarios #yoongi fanfic #yoongi imagines #yoongi fluff #yoongi smut #suga scenarios #suga imagines #suga fanfic #suga fluff #suga smut #bts smut #bts fluff #bts scenarios #bts imagines #bts fanfic

[ayalaatreides]

Outlaw Star Fanfic!!!!

The thing is, Gene's never been in love before. And he's never fought for anything bigger than himself, not really. Who could blame him for getting a little mixed up?

This show is, like, what, almost 20 years old??? And I just got into it earlier this year. First thing I’ve done in this fandom and it’s.... uh, dismantling the canon pairing. Sorry. Anyway, I wasn’t entirely happy with the endgame ship of Gene/Melfina and this is my take on what happens in the immediate aftermath of the Leyline battle. No ship-bashing, just my thoughts in fic-format.

Rating: T (for brief suggestive content) Characters: Gene Starwind, Melfina, Twilight Suzuka (with mentions of Jim and Aisha)

Gene Starwind was confused. Troubled, even. Which really didn't make sense, given the circumstances. He was fresh off of his greatest success, after all— which was really quite an achievement, if he did say so himself. He considered himself to have had a great many successes in his young life. Well, a fair number of successes. A few, at least, surely; he'd snagged the greatest Grappler ship in the universe, hadn't he? And the Leyline, at any rate, was an unquestionable win for the legendary duo of Starwind and Hawking (and friends). And yet, he was still unsettled.

He sat in his chair, the captain's chair on the Outlaw Star's bridge. The rest of the crew had gone to sleep already. Melfina was in her pod behind him, ready to work at a moment's notice in case there were any more Kei pirates hanging around in the sector and wanting revenge. But the canister's shutters were closed; she was asleep, too, snug and safe and finally at peace in her little digital world. He was the only one still awake— and he felt appropriately foolish for it, since he was usually the first to happily embrace a good night's rest.

Gene stared out through the bridge's wide windows, taking in the vast emptiness that he had once feared, and he considered his conundrum. He knew he should be riding high on the thrill of saving the day. And he had celebrated, once the dust had settled and they'd made their getaway. All in all, it had been a rousing victory. The mystery of the Leyline had been solved, the villains were defeated, and all his friends had lived to fight another day. The dashing hero had even won the fair maiden's heart!

Although, that was part of the problem, truthfully. In the heat of the moment, in the face of glorious victory, he'd told Melfina that he wanted her to stay with him. She'd confessed that she wanted the same… and he'd kissed her. And she'd responded! Kind of, anyway. It was really hard to tell these things with her. The important thing was that she wanted to stay with him, and she'd accepted his kiss.

But that had been the end of it. Nothing more had happened since that moment; nothing had changed between them. She seemed happier, to be sure— freer of spirit and more lighthearted. But she wasn't any closer to him, no more affectionate than usual. They were already a week and a half into their journey back to Sentinel III, and it was like the kiss had never happened. His attempts at flirting with her had gone right over her head. And the one time when he'd been a bit more forward, when he'd made a suggestive comment and cupped her chin, brushing her lips with his thumb, pulling her close… she'd suddenly tensed up and looked distinctly uncomfortable, and then he'd felt uncomfortable too, and also strangely guilty.

The whole thing was mystifying to Gene. He liked to think that he was quite well versed in the more physical side of romance, but the emotional side… that was the tricky stuff. Melfina did love him, didn't she? And he sure as hell loved her, right? So what, then, was the problem? Gene growled in aggravation, pinching the bridge of his nose. This was getting way too complicated for his tastes. He didn't like complicated stuff.

He was so distracted, turning this thorny problem over and over in his thoughts, that he didn't realize he wasn't alone in the room until he felt a light, gentle hand on his shoulder. Gene jumped slightly, then spotted Melfina from the corner of his eye. He coughed and shifted in his seat, putting his feet up on the back of the copilot's chair and folding his hands behind his head like he hadn't been startled at all.

"Hey, Mel!" he greeted her, beaming as warmly as he could.

"Good evening, Gene," she replied with that sweet little smile of hers. "Is everything all right? I woke up and sensed your presence here. Why are you not asleep?"

"Well, my bunk gets awfully cold, all by myself," Gene shot back with his extra-charming, extra-mischievous Starwind Smirk, the one that usually made girls giggle and blush. He even threw in a wink. He figured he'd give innuendo one more shot— but Melfina just frowned slightly, head tilting in concern.

"Your bunk is too cold? Maybe Gilliam needs to adjust the environmental controls," she said worriedly.

"My handling of the environmental controls is superb, beyond reproach," Gilliam interjected, sounding amazingly offended for a computer. "Gene is simply being his usual perverted—"

"Hey, hey, hey! Can you knock off the sass and give us some privacy?" Gene protested.

"This is the bridge. This is where my central terminal is located," Gilliam shot back. "In a manner of speaking, this is my bunk. You ought to give me some privacy."

"The whole damn ship is your bunk! You are the ship!" Gene retorted.

"Fine, then, I will leave you alone. I shall monitor our voyage from another terminal— I, the sole guardian, toiling tirelessly and thanklessly as the rest of the crew sleeps. It seems that there is no logic to be had with my unreasonable and high-strung Captain," Gilliam sulked, and Gene marveled once again at the fact that someone had managed to program such a passive aggressive computer. The lights on the central terminal flickered off and Gene heaved a long-suffering sigh.

"Gilliam is so funny, isn't he?" Melfina said fondly.

"Yeah, funny. I guess that's one word for it," Gene remarked wryly. Then he fell silent, studying Melfina's profile from his peripheral vision as she gazed out into the stars. Noticing his attention, she turned back to him with that doe-eyed stare.

"Gene? Are you sure it's only the temperature in your bunk that's keeping you awake?" she asked tentatively.

Gene let out a slow exhale, raking his fingers through his hair. He'd never been very good at talking about his feelings. It was always awkward. But there was no way out of it this time. He figured he might as well get it over with.

"Mel," he began slowly, "Back at the Leyline… how did you, uh, feel?"

"How did I feel?" she echoed, head tilting to the side again. It was cute— an almost doll-like gesture.

Gene shifted awkwardly. "Uh, when… you know, that time when, uh… I said I wanted you to stay with me, and you— you said the same thing, and I, uh… I kissed you, remember?" he sputtered. She was just standing there and piercing him with that innocent gaze and it was really putting him off his game. He suddenly felt guilty for bringing it up.

Melfina glanced away, hands clasping together. "Yes, I remember," she said quietly.

"How did you, uh, feel? When that happened?" Gene prompted.

"I felt happy, of course," she said serenely, her smile returning. "You're dear to me, I was glad that you wanted me to stay with you."

"And, the kiss— how did you— I mean, when I kissed you, did you… feel anything?" he pressed, and the look of innocent confusion on her face actually made him feel a little dirty for having asked, and not the fun kind of dirty.

"I… I felt happy," she said again, but her smile dimmed somewhat. "Is there another feeling you're referring to?"

Gene bit back a swear; he'd known this would probably be awkward, but it was shaping up to be even worse than he'd imagined.

"Uh, w-well, you know… look, when I kissed you, did you feel like you wanted to… do anything else besides that?" he asked. He was floundering badly and he damn well knew it.

"Do anything else?" Melfina echoed. "Gene, you're not making sense." Oh yes, he was most certainly going down in flames.

He gestured inarticulately. "Look, most people, when they kiss someone like that, they have desires— there's urges that they—" he tried, but she still just stared at him in confusion and mild worry. He heaved another sigh and ran his hands through his hair again.

Honestly, he'd never really stopped to consider whether Melfina experienced the same kinds of desires that he and most humans did. She clearly had the capacity for emotions, or at least a really good replication of them. But did she have physical desires? Was she even physically capable of…? She was a bio-android, and an unparalleled one at that, but exactly how many biological traits had they given her? That time when he'd been poisoned, she'd healed him by cradling him against her naked body— but then, they hadn't really been naked, had they? It had been a simulation of sorts. And the night before his duel with that assassin, he'd grabbed her, held her against his body— and she'd pulled away. He'd assumed that he had simply been too rough, too forward, that he'd scared her… but what if it was more than that?

She loved him, though. She'd said that her wish was to stay with him. Wasn't that a declaration of love? She'd readily accepted that kiss. And he loved her, too, of course. And yet…

Maybe he was going about this the wrong way. He took his hands from his hair and turned back to Melfina, studying her intently.

"Hey... if Jim kissed you like I did, would you feel happy?" he asked carefully.

"Jim?" Melfina echoed, blinking in surprise. "Why would he?"

"That's not important, let's just say he did," Gene insisted. "Would you be happy? Would you be mad at him, or upset?"

"Why would I be mad or upset? Jim is my friend, he cares about me," she said.

"What about Aisha? Suzuka?" Gene asked, trying to ignore the sudden sinking feeling in his chest. She blinked again but quickly regained her peaceful smile.

"I don't know why they would wish to kiss me, but I see no reason why I should be upset with them if they did. They're dear to me, too- they're my friends," Melfina said tranquilly. Then she frowned and added, "Is that what friends do? They kiss on the mouth like that? Do friends have those urges you mentioned?"

Gene sat back in his seat, stunned. Did she not understand the concept of a kiss on the lips as a declaration of romantic intent? There was only one way to know for certain.

"One more question?" he asked quietly.

"Of course, Gene," she said.

He took his feet down from the back of the copilot's chair, leaning in closer; her eyes went wide and she visibly tensed.

"What do you feel now, huh? When I'm close to you like this?" he whispered huskily to her.

"I— I don't—" Melfina stuttered, shrinking back.

"Do you want me to touch you?" he asked bluntly, lifting his hand to her cheek— but stopping just short of caressing her skin.

Melfina gasped slightly, and then her shoulders drooped and she turned her face away, eyes downcast. Gene had seen plenty of coyness in his day, and this wasn't it. She was uncomfortable, plain and simple. He withdrew from her, sitting back in the pilot's seat, leaning his head against the back of the chair. She softly bid him a good night and retreated to her pod.

Gene sat in silence, staring out through the windows once more. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, crossing and uncrossing his legs; he'd pushed her outside her comfort zone once again. He wondered if she'd be mad at him. Still, now he knew the truth once and for all: Melfina didn't understand his feelings, and whatever she felt towards him, it probably wasn't the same as what he felt for her. He sighed heavily, dropping his head back again. So much for the hero getting the girl.

—-------------

The next night found Gene sleepless as well. This time, though, he went to the galley; he couldn't quite stomach the prospect of another awkward moment with Melfina if she sensed him on the bridge and woke up again.

Of course, as luck would have it, there wasn't any solitude to be found in the galley either. He shuffled in, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand, and stopped dead in his tracks at the familiar sight of very long black hair. Suzuka sat there at the table, calmly sipping her customary cup of tea. She glanced up at him, but if she was surprised to see him, it didn't show on her stoic face.

"Good evening, Captain," she said, setting her teacup down. "Are you having difficulty sleeping?"

Gene rolled his eyes and tossed his hands up exasperatedly. "Everybody's prying all of a sudden," he grunted. Granted, "everyone" was two people spread out over two subsequent nights, but that was still two more people than he would have liked.

"I apologize. I was unaware that I was prying," Suzuka said, and she sounded faintly amused. Gene just grumbled in response and dug through the cupboards for a snack. He'd bring it back to his bunk and he'd just deal with Jim's whining about crumbs in the linens when laundry day came around; he wasn't in a chatty mood.

"Don't mind me," Gene remarked sourly, "I'll be out of your hair in just a—"

"Gene, what is happening between yourself and Melfina?" Suzuka asked. Gene fumbled a box of rice crackers, dropping it into the sink and swearing under his breath. Well, damn, he hadn't expected that she might already know!

"Huh?! What— that's—" Gene spluttered, spinning around to face her, but she held up a hand.

"Please, Captain, I've already noticed the signs. There is no need to pretend," she said, and her slightly stern tone made him feel far more sheepish than he reckoned any ship captain ought to feel when questioned by an underling.

Gene gaped at her for a second, then snatched the box of rice crackers from the sink and slunk over to the table, sinking down across from her. He was sulking just a little bit— he'd thought he was being stealthy, keeping things under wraps till he was sure that their "budding love" was for real.

"Everyone else… do they know?" Gene asked, coughing to cover the fact that he was a little worried. He'd been trying to keep it secret for Melfina's privacy- and to avoid Aisha's teasing and Jim's scolding, if he was being honest.

"Jim and Aisha are aware that something is different in your behavior and hers, but no. To the best of my knowledge, they haven't reached the same conclusions as I have," Suzuka said. "I have held my silence on the subject for decency's sake."

Gene heaved a sigh of relief. "Thanks. I appreciate—"

"More for Melfina's sake than your own," Suzuka added pointedly. "Of course, I am merely asking for your side of it, as I've already asked Melfina herself and she told me what happened in the Leyline's core— and about your encounter with her on the bridge last night."

Gene glared at her, fully prepared to stand up and storm out with his rice crackers. Then again, if he had to have someone prying into this, Suzuka was probably his best bet. Out of everyone on his haphazardly assembled crew, the stoic assassin was probably the least likely to blab about it. And she was a woman, with all kinds of potential insights about other people who were also women. Maybe she could shed some light on the problem. He popped the box open and shoved a handful of crackers into his mouth, chewing to buy time to put his thoughts together.

"Was she upset? About… what happened last night?" he asked gruffly, around the mouthful of crackers. She took a delicate drink from her cup. He swallowed heavily as he waited for her to finish sipping her damn tea and answer the damn question.

"Have you given her a reason to be upset?" Suzuka asked cooly as she set the cup down.

"Wha— no way! Like I'd ever want to hurt her!" Gene retorted. "It's just that… you know, I kissed her before and I thought she was happy about it, and—" He fumbled under Suzuka's level stare and quickly crammed more crackers into his mouth for a distraction. Chomping self-consciously on them, he grumbled, "I just had to know if she felt the same way or not."

"I see," Suzuka remarked. "And now you are heartbroken that she's rejected you."

Gene smirked and waggled a finger at her. "Gene Starwind does not get heartbroken," he told her. It came out far more bitterly than he'd planned and he fought the urge to grimace. And it definitely didn't sound as cool as it should have, with the crumbs from his late-night shame snack sticking to the corners of his mouth.

"Certainly," Suzuka agreed, sounding not at all convinced. "And yet, you did get rejected. Does it bother you?"

He started to reply, but the words died on his tongue under her probing stare. He sat back, wiped his mouth, and stared down at the rice cracker box, taking a second to think about how he actually felt. When it came right down to it, was he actually heartbroken? Grouchy and confused, sure, but was he heartbroken? Given that this was supposed to have been the start of a grand, epic, sweeping romance… he was surprisingly un-devastated. Hell, he'd been more cut up after his first girlfriend had dumped him; he'd cried all day and drank all night, and that hadn't even been a serious relationship. Gene was many things, but even he had to admit that he wasn't a subtle man. Even if he didn't like talking about them, he'd never been one to restrain his emotions— so where were they now?

Gene gaped at Suzuka; her eyebrows raised slightly, as if she'd proven a point, and she took another sip from her teacup. She studied him over the teacup's rim. He fidgeted under her unreadable gaze until finally she spoke again.

"You care for Melfina very much," she remarked.

"Of course I do!" Gene exclaimed. "I'd do anything to make her happy!"

Suzuka almost smiled. "Quite so. You truly care for Melfina, to protect her and make yourself her champion. What you did for her, crossing the galaxy to find the answers she sought, fighting one foe after another, was quite generous."

"Oh. Uh… thanks," Gene said, surprised at the sudden praise. He considered it, then added suspiciously, "You're not thinking I did it just to—"

"In fact, I was not." Suzuka said. After a moment, she added, "Jim told me about Hilda, once. I had heard rumors about Hilda's fate before I met you, and I asked him to tell me the story of her involvement— however, the details took me rather by surprise."

"Yeah… you n' me both," Gene muttered. It still stung a little to talk about Hilda and her sudden, violent end.

"It's a rare honor to be entrusted with such a task," Suzuka remarked. "To have the fate of as innocent a soul as Melfina placed in one's hands… one might think of it as a call to selflessness. It's not a chance that comes to everyone. And not all would have handled it as courageously as you did."

"Selflessness? Courageously?" Gene echoed. That was, without a doubt, the kindest thing she'd ever said to him.

"Of course. Flawed though you may be, I would not have followed you had you proven yourself to be without virtue," Suzuka told him. Gene smiled and sat up a little more, squaring his shoulders; he couldn't even bring himself to retort with anything clever, he was so pleased at hearing such a heartfelt compliment. Never mind the nicest thing Suzuka had ever said, it might've been the nicest thing anyone had said of him, ever.

Then his smile dimmed a little as he contemplated what she'd said; so much for his 'virtue', if he was making Melfina uncomfortable. Suzuka might not have been thinking it, but was Melfina worried now that he'd helped her just to get into her skirt? Or would something like that not even occur to her, innocent as she was? The thought somehow made him feel worse.

"Why did you take up Hilda's quest after her demise?" Suzuka asked.

Gene opened his mouth to tell her, then stopped, then tried again- but nothing came forth. Granted, that was a question he'd asked himself more than once, and usually when someone was shooting at them. But, come to think of it, he'd never really reached an answer.

"Because, uh... Obviously, I fell for Melfina!" Gene proclaimed. "What kinda guy wouldn't cross the universe for the girl he loves?" That made sense, right?

"I see. So you did it all for love, then," Suzuka said.

"Damn right, I did!" Gene proclaimed, winking.

"Romantic love?" she asked.

"Wha- look, just because I like to get some doesn't mean I can't fall in love!" Gene protested. He felt his face flushing red and he hated it.

"That wasn't what I meant, Captain," Suzuka replied cooly. "Let me ask you something else, then: would you not have gone so far for Jim's sake?"

"Huh? What're you talking about? Of course I would! If I had to fight a shitload of pirates and cross the universe for Jim, obviously I'd do it. He's my soul brother! He might be a rude little nerd, but he's my rude little nerd!" Gene insisted.

"Yet you do not love him romantically," Suzuka observed. Gene glared at her; he wasn't even going to dignify that with a response.

"Melfina's different- it's different because I'm in love with her," Gene said pointedly.

"Love takes many forms, Gene Starwind. The love between brothers, the love of friends, the love of parents for their child, these are no less beautiful than that which graces lovers. The entwining of souls is no less meaningful than the entwining of bodies," Suzuka said.

Gene grimaced. "That just sounds wrong coming from you," he muttered.

Suzuka sat back and delicately finished her tea, setting the empty teacup down. Gene scowled at her and stood up, grabbing the box of crackers and stomping to the door.

"Good night, Captain," Suzuka said. He grumbled in response as the door opened and then hissed shut behind him. When he crawled into his bunk and collapsed onto his mattress, crumpled cracker box still in hand, he was no less confused than he'd been before his visit to the galley.

—------------------

Romantic love?

Suzuka's stupid question was still bouncing around in Gene's head the next morning, which found him cranky and still confused. Of course it was romantic love- it had to be, right? Obviously he was in romantic love with Melfina. He'd crossed the entire known universe to help her find peace. So what if he would've done the same for Jim? The kid was his brother and best friend- more to the point, Jim wasn't a cute, sweet girl.

Gene scowled and sat up in his bunk, resting his head in his hands. Why had he taken up Hilda's quest? He hadn't had an answer for Suzuka, but he was starting to suspect he needed to find one.

He thought back to that fateful day on Blue Heaven, when he'd made that promise to Melfina. Up till that moment, he hadn't really been planning to take on Hilda's quest. Helping Melfina had been Hilda's idea, and he'd resented Melfina for being the cause of Hilda's demise; that was how he'd seen it, anyway. If Hilda hadn't gotten mixed up with the XGP and Melfina, if she hadn't crossed the Kei pirates... To see such an amazing woman die over a ship and an android...

But then he'd seen Melfina studying those flowers, questioning her own existence, and it had stirred something in his heart. He'd realized at that moment what a miraculous being she was, and he'd wanted nothing more than to protect her and help her. Once he'd understood how special she was, putting everything on the line had been such an easy choice. If that wasn't love, then what was?

Of course, Suzuka just had to go and say all that stuff about different kinds of love. Obviously there was more than one kind of love! And he knew which kind of love this was. But if that was true, then why did he feel so conflicted? He'd crossed the universe for Melfina, he'd taken on the Kei pirates, he'd set out to find the Galactic Leyline, because... because...

Because someone had to. Melfina had needed someone, and, well... hey, he'd been right there, hadn't he? He'd had the ship, he'd had the girl who guided it, so why not? Who else was going to do it?

Suzuka had said something about a "call to selflessness". Gene had never really considered whether or not he was a selfless person. He'd spent most of his life clawing and scraping for every wong, always scheming to "make it big" and claim fame- or infamy. Sure, he'd had Jim to take care of, but the kid was pretty self-sufficient. And he'd never admit it out loud, but Jim took care of him probably more often than he took care of Jim. He'd never had any kind of noble cause to fight for, nor had he wanted to, not till Hilda had dropped one into his hands. Then again, Hilda had been an outlaw with a vicious reputation; she'd probably never had a noble cause before Melfina, either.

But then Hilda went and died and left Melfina in his care. Hilda had placed her faith in him in that last moment of her life. She'd left him with someone to fight for- a call to selflessness. Gene sat up so sharply that he smacked his forehead on the ceiling of his narrow bunk. Cursing, he flopped backwards and grasped his head, groaning.

It wasn't just his stinging forehead, either; he was starting to realize what an idiot he was. Had he really misinterpreted his own feelings that badly? He cared about Melfina, he'd wanted to protect her ever since that day on Blue Heaven, but was this not actually romantic love? As much as he didn't want to admit it, he already knew the answer to that.

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

Gene spent the next cycle like it was business as usual; Melfina didn't quite meet his eyes during her times out of the canister, but everything was normal aside from that- and aside from Suzuka's pointed stares drilling into his head at mealtime. Once everyone had gone to sleep again, Gene made his way to the bridge and gently rapped on the top of Melfina's canister. She emerged, still not quite meeting his eyes.

"Is your bunk too cold again, Gene?" she asked tremorously.

"No, no, that's not it," Gene said. "I, uh, I owe you an apology."

"And me as well, Gene," Gilliam interjected. "For implying that my handling of the environmental controls is anything less than-"

"Hey, hey, hey! Privacy, please!" Gene complained.

"I see. This again. Very well, Captain," Gilliam huffed. His console went dark.

"What's this about an apology?" Melfina asked, raising her eyes for the first time.

"For making you uncomfortable last night," Gene muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh, I see." Melfina's gaze lowered again, to her clasped hands. "I'm- I'm sorry, too. I didn't know what to do."

"You don't have to apologize, you didn't do anything wrong," he reassured her. "Hey, listen... I got kinda confused for a while, and... look, you're- what was it you said? You're 'dear to me'. But I realized, it's a different kind of feeling than I thought it was. I thought it was one kinda feeling, but it's more like how I feel about Jim." He was fumbling again, and cursing himself for it.

"I don't understand. Are you saying you also kissed Jim?" Melfina asked, eyebrows furrowing.

"What?! Eugh, no! First of all, that kid's like my brother- and also he's like, what, twelve?" Gene protested. He shook his head, then sighed and forged onward. "Uh, Mel, would you be sad if we... didn't kiss like that again?"

Her eyes widened. "I hadn't thought of it, actually," she admitted. "It was a nice feeling, but we don't have to do that again if you don't want to."

"Oh... good!" Gene said, then winced. "Not that I didn't like the kiss- I mean-"

"Gene..." Melfina said worriedly.

"Never mind," Gene grumbled. He hesitated, then added, "Hey, Mel… even after what happened… we're still friends, right?"

Melfina smiled gently. "Of course we are," she said. "Jim told me about best friends, once. He said that a best friend is someone special, someone for whom you would do anything. You, and Jim, and Suzuka, and Aisha… you're my best friends!"

Gene nodded and grinned at her. "Yeah. That's us!" he agreed, ruffling her hair. Melfina giggled and ducked away from his hand.

"I'm glad," she said gently.

"Yeah… me too," he said, beaming.

Sure, it would've been nice to do the whole "grand, epic romance" thing… but having another friend was also pretty damn good. Gene heaved a sigh of relief and laced his fingers behind his head, looking out into the stars and smiling contentedly. He was done feeling troubled; now he was ready to go home and revel in his victory.

Too bad he'd forgotten about the property damage charges and overdue parking fees that were waiting for him on good old Sentinel III.

#Outlaw Star #gene starwind #melfina outlaw star #twilight suzuka #tasogare no suzuka #jim hawking #outlaw star fanfiction

[emilyofjane]

The Host’s Origins

The continuity of the Author/Host storyline has always bothered me. I know it’s already been written a million times before, but I wanted to write something that bridged the two together, and do my own little take on how the Author became the Host. And since Mark said he won’t be making any future videos about the Host, what do I have to lose? ˉ\_(ツ)_/ˉ Enjoy!

—

The Author. The Narrator. The Host. For years people have tried to label me, to try and put a name to this mysterious power I possess. They see my abilities as a spectacle, too busy "ooh"ing and "aah"ing over the lights and effects to admire the performance underneath. They fail to see that there is more to my character than simply the stories I write – that I was once an ordinary man with a real name, long before my days as a writer began. He is a man of which I have long forgotten in the past, and yet it feels like only yesterday since I knew him. This is his – our – story.

My life began not unlike that of any other. I was born in a hospital to a pair of loving parents, and it was from them that I received my birth name: Bertram. There was no special meaning behind it, no secret message or omen hidden between the lines, so not even it could foretell the future I was destined to have. To everyone around me, I was just a normal person, and therefore I saw myself in this way, as well. It would be a long time before I'd realize that this was far from the case.

I'm not sure when I first realized that my abilities were unique. I had to have been at least 5 years old. Even at this early stage of life, before I even picked up my first pencil, I could see that I wasn't quite like the other children. While the other kids ran and played, I would sit and observe quietly, taking in every last detail of my surroundings. I would see every push and shove, every scraped knee and broken elbow, every laugh and scream and shout. My elders always scolded me for this, constantly telling me to stop mumbling to myself and join the rest of the children, but I always persisted. This little game I made – of narrating everything around me – would soon turn into a tedious habit that would nag me for years to come.

My first supernatural event, however, didn't come until much later, around age 10. I remember that I was sitting at my desk when it happened, pen in hand. I was upset with my parents; I had asked if we could adopt a pet, but they had rejected the idea. So I pulled out a piece of paper and created my own "pet" – a beautiful white dove named Bianca. I drew a crude sketch of the bird and below it I described everything I could about her, from the sound of her cooing and her favorite treat all the way down to how she ruffled her feathers when she preened. I was halfway through my writings when, suddenly, I heard a soft cooing noise underneath the desk. I pulled out my chair and looked down in my lap, only to see the exact same dove I had been writing about. She gave me an inquisitive look, as did I, and quickly I realized that there was something special about the things that I write. Just as Bianca came to life in my mind, she came to life outside of it, as well.

I discovered that everything I write...happens.

Honestly, I didn't know what to make of this power, at first. With this ability, I could create something out of nothing, transport myself anywhere in this world and beyond, and change the world around me in ways I never thought possible. Needless to say, that was a lot of responsibility for a child to bear. I was terrified, yes...but, at the same time, I was absolutely enthralled. Who knew what kind of amazing stories and heart-pounding adventures could stem from such power?

So, for the longest time, I kept these powers to myself. During the day, I'd put up a foolproof facade, masking myself as a normal student at school and a typical teenager at home. But as soon as the sun set over the horizon and the rest of the world drifted to sleep, I would stay wide awake, and, with Bianca peering over my shoulder, I would write. This is how the rest of my childhood was spent, pouring over my works of fiction and testing the limits of my newfound power. I look back fondly on these moments, as they are some of the happiest moments of my life. Writing had truly become my lifeblood, my passion.

But then, the visions started.

They started out small, at first. Whenever I laid eyes on someone, I could see their actions just a few seconds before they actually occurred. I would see a man tripping over a wire, and five seconds later, he did. I would see a car skid out of control on a snowy day, a dog leaping up to greet its owner, a young baby start to cry, all just moments before they happened in real life. It was strange, seeing and narrating the future but not being able to do anything about it. I mostly just ignored it, keeping the discovery to myself, as I did with most of my powers.

As the years went on, however, the visions became harder and harder to conceal. I began to see minutes ahead into the future, then hours, slowly but surely trickling into days and even weeks ahead of time. People, places, and events began to blur together in my mind, a thousand predictions happening at once. My narrations grew longer and longer by the day, and everyone around me thought I was insane. It was overwhelming, to say the least.

I began to isolate myself in my studies, spending less and less time in the real world and living vicariously through my fiction. I avoided people as much as I could, for all it took was one glance into another's eyes to have their entire life's story flash before my eyes and tumble off my lips. When I did go out in public, I was almost paralyzed by the constant barrage of visions, my mind aching from the sheer influx of information. I eventually left the city entirely and built my own secluded area in the woods; at least there, those visions couldn't haunt me. I still poured my heart and soul into my stories, but now they were more to me than just a creative outlet or a form of release; they were my lifeline, my link to humanity, the only thing that could preserve my sanity in this lonely life I pursued. Writing was the only thing that could put my mind at rest.

It wouldn't be long, however, until not even my writing could keep the visions at bay. I began to see them regardless of whether or not I looked a person in the eyes. Anyone who even came close to the forest would have their lives flash before my eyes, paralyzing me from what would sometimes be miles away. Some days, they would fog my mind so intensely that I couldn't even think of a topic to write. Bianca was the only one who could soothe me during these times, but she had grown old and frail with age. Once she was gone, I had no one left to talk to, no one to distract me from this reality. I was completely and utterly alone.

Finally, one day, I reached the breaking point. From the very second I woke up, those dreaded visions blasted my brain. I couldn't think, couldn't move, couldn't blink away the madness. I could only lie for what felt like hours in my bed, trying and failing to block out the visions. Eventually, I gathered enough strength to move one finger, then two, until finally my whole hand shakily grasped the nightstand beside me. I struggled to stand, the visions blurring the world around me, numbing my mind, weighing down my body like lead. I fought for every inch, slowly and agonizingly making my way to the other end of the room. There was a floor-length mirror beside the bedroom door, and I collapsed in front of it, my whole body writhing in pain. It would be at least 10 minutes before I pulled myself up to my feet and glanced at myself in the mirror.

My eyes were bloodshot, every last vein visible from the strain. My breathing was heavy, my heart pounding. The world blurred once more, and suddenly I saw myself amongst the visions, my life literally flashing before my eyes. I saw myself from all perspectives, every last possible outcome of every decision I would ever make in my life. Some decisions would lead to happiness, others to sorrow, but most of them just foreshadowed a painful, unending loneliness. I saw myself in shambles, driven to insanity, wishing for death to release me. My whole body was shaking, at this point; is this really what my life would come to?

I began to see other people in the visions; these people sort of looked like myself, but at the same time, they did not. I saw a southerner, a monochromatic face, a game show host, a man with a pink mustache. Their faces were all identical to mine. Who were these doppelgängers – versions of myself from different timelines? Or was I simply going insane? At that point, I was banking on the latter.

Then I saw the face of a doctor, looking down sadly at me from a hospital gurney. He reached for something outside my plane of vision, and I could only assume that this was me just moments before my death...

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I gouged my eyes out, right then and there. Blood poured down my face like hot tears, but I didn't care. Slowly the visions began to fade, in sync with my eyesight. My body had grown physically weak from the onslaught, and I fell to my knees. I heard the shattering of glass, and the broken shards stabbed into my arms and legs – I must have hit the mirror on the way down. Even without the visions, my head still writhed in pain. The last thing I remembered before passing out was the sound of my front door opening, and one last word slipped past my lips: "Help."

I awoke to the sound of hospital equipment beeping and buzzing all around me. I tried to open my eyes, but the black void remained. So my suspicions were true: I really did render myself blind. Slowly I reached my hand to where my eyes used to be and felt a soft, linen cloth wrapped around my face. Somehow, I still had a sense of where everything was, despite having no vision whatsoever – must have been my mysterious powers at work.

I moved my head upwards, as if to look up at something, and suddenly I felt the presence of another person – the doctor. I sat myself up in my cot and turned my head towards the stranger, and I could sense that he was smiling.

"You gave us quite the scare," I remember him saying. "But don't worry. You'll be all right."

I asked for this good samaritan's name, and he told me to call him Dr. Iplier, or simply "Doc." I could still feel wisps of visions dance across the blackness of my vision, but it wasn't nearly as intense as before. I gathered just enough information to see that this stranger, this godsend, was the same doctor I had seen in the mirror. I could sense that we were similar, both struggling with a power we could not control, and that comforted me. I realized that for the first time, possibly in my entire life, I was not alone.

Eventually I took up residence with Dr. Iplier and the rest of my doppelgängers, the same people who I had seen in my reflection, the faces who looked almost identical to myself but at the same time differed so greatly. For the first time in years, I could interact with these people without being bombarded with countless visions. I have grown to love and appreciate everyone here, and in return they have accepted me for who I am. Some days I regret losing my eyesight, but all that I have gained in exchange for my vision reminds me that it was worth it.

I realize that I may never again be the man I once was, but I have found peace in this fact. I shed my birth name for this reason; Bertram is a name of a tortured and lonesome man, an artist who relied on his artwork to survive. Now, however, I am mended – not quite complete, but I am not broken, either. Now, I find joy in my writing once again, a feeling I had not felt in a long time. Now, I am happier, more at peace with myself and others, and in certain ways I am almost whole again.

Now, I am The Author. The Narrator. The Host. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

#markiplier #the host #the author #fan fiction #one shot

[irphanfic]

Moonshot - Chapter 8

Hey, I'm back! Yes, it took me a bot longer to update but I've been struggling with this chapter more than I expected because I had another ide in mind first but my mind went crazy and it took me another week to finish this one.

As always, hope you enkoy it and any feedback is welcome!

summary: Phil had a feeling that this Friday was going to be different.

That didn’t mean he was ready to meet his favourite baseball player, Daniel Howell, while he was cleaning the windows of a building.

or the au in which Phil is a shy window cleaner and Dan is a famous baseball player. This is their story.

words: 3.1k

no trigger warnings

Read on ao3 - (x)

Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 // Chapter 3 // Chapter 4 // Chapter 5 // Chapter 6 // Chapter 7

Chapter 8: Only A Week

Dan woke up to his phone ringing on Saturday morning. His agent Estelle wanted him to come over to her office to talk to him about 'some secret project' that she had some information about.

''Why so early?'' he had asked over the phone, but Estelle just sushed him and told him to get ready.

So, still sleepy and with only a coffee on his body he took a cab and headed to her office, yawning as he knocked on the dark brown wooden door.

''C'mon in!'' Dan heard Estelle shout from inside of her office.

Dan opened the door and walked inside, finding a suit claded Estelle already standing up from her chair to envelope him into a big hug, ''Dan! It's so nice to see you!''

Dan hugged her back, ''Yeah, it has been a while, hasn't it?''

He felt Estelle nod against his shoulder before separating their bodies and walking back to her office chair, indicating Dan to sit in the one in front of her, a glass table being the only thing between the two of them.

After asking the informal 'how are you's', Estelle went straight to the point. ''Look Dan, I received  a new email from the sport clothing brand we worked with a year ago. As you know, you being the face of their last clothing range was absolutely marvelous. Anyways, they plan on launching their new campaign soon and they want an immediate response since they had talked with another player but he turned the offer down last minute and they were planning to strat all of it next Wednesday so yeah, really last minute, I know.'' Estelle rolled her eyes but continued, ''The new baseball season is about to start but you have handled the promo stuff and games other years so it should be okay.''

Estelle handed Dan a few papers so he could see what kind of clothes he would be wearing and more stuff he didn't really understand about budgets, promo shoots and more along with the contract of this campaign.

Dan really had enjoyed working with this brand before and it had been a while since he had done it. This could be another good opportunity for him. ''I really like how it sounds...'' Dan said pensive, still trying to understand the papers Estelle had given him.

''Apparently, you will be modeling with Claire Vickard, the tennis player, and they want to take you both  to Ireland for a few landscape shoots, nothing too difficult, but you will have to stay there for a week. I've already talked to your coach and said it's fine, you are doing great at practice so...''

Dan listened attentively, picking up every detail Estelle was saying. Wait, a week in Ireland without seeing Phil? It shouldn't be that hard, right?

''So, are you interested? It is secret till the campaign is revealed so you cannot tell anyone, okay? If someone know they could ruin you, you know that, right?'' Estelle asked, looking at Dan with her big eyes as he nodded in understanding. You wouldn't like to mess up with the contracts, oh no.

''I think it looks great, it's a good deal and you have already worked with them, you can think about it a bit more but I advise you that we don't have much time,'' she said.

''No, I think I'm ready to sign the contract,'' Dan said, trying not think much about what it would suppose not to see Phil in those days, ''as you said, I already know them, so it shouldn't be really different.''

Estelle handed him a black pen and Dan started scribbling his signature in the bottom of almost every page, giving the stack of papers back to his agent once he was done.

''Perfect! I'll send the papers later and I will call to ask about the travelli...'' but Estelle's sentence was cut off by Dan's phone loud and repetitive chiming, indicating someone had sent him a few messages.

''Wait,'' Dan said, taking out his phone and instantly smiling as he read Phil's name on the screen. Without reading the messages, he quickly turned the phone on silent and pocketed it back in his trousers, ''sorry for that Estelle, continue please.''

Estelle's face expression changed form serious to soft, making Dan frown, ''What?''

''Who has you smiling like that?'' she said, as if he had noticed Dan's wide smile.

''Wha- what smile? What are you on about?'' Dan tried to dismiss it, but knowing she wouldn't buy it. It was Estelle, for God's sake.

''That smile!'' she pointed at his mouth, ''Your dimples don't show for anyone! So tell me, who has the powers to make you grin at your phone, uh?''

Dan groaned. There was no way he was getting out of this, right? ''Okay, his name is Phil. He is the window cleaner of my new building and we started talking by writing messages to each other on papers, you happy now?''

''Tell me more, c'mon Dan! How is he like? Have you meet each other without a big ass window in between? Tell me!'' Estelle almost whined, dragging the last 'e' of 'me' for emphasis.

''Fine, I will.''

So Dan spent all Saturday morning at Estelle's office talking about him and Phil. How nervous he was of meeting him that first time, how the blue eyed asked him on a date first, their last trip to the bookstore, even showing Estelle the few pictures he had taken so she could see with her own eyes how 'attractive and adorable' Phil was, his smile getting somehow bigger at each detail he could remember about Phil.

''You really like him, don't you?'' Estelle asked once Dan had managed to tell everything.

''I really do, Estelle. I really do.''

______________

Phil was waiting for Dan to come to his flat so he was franatically tidying his living room.

He had been writing, well, trying to, since he hadn't gotten any responses from the publishing houses yet so he wanted to keep writing something else in case his last story didn't work, but his brain wasn't cooperating. Phil could swear he had spent around two hours staring at the blinking cursor on the document, as if it was moking him for not writing. Why was so hard to write something!?

In all his groaning he texted Dan, asking him if they could do something today. Apparently Dan had been on a meeting with his agent all morning, asking if it was okay to show up now, to which Phil answered it was okay, whatever to distracting form his responsibility of writing.

Phil had been wanting to go outside, but since it was pouring down, he invited Dan over to play videogames in some of the consoles Martyn had lend him a few years ago, not realizing his flat was kind of a mess.

He had just managed to arrange a few cushions on the sofa when he heard the doorbell, meaning Dan was here.

''Hi'' Phil greeted him as soon as he opened the door, breath hitching at the sight of Dan just standing there with his messy and somehow dry curls atop of his head, a maroon jumper with the sleeves rolled up his toned arms that he had combined with black ripped skinny jeans, letting Phil see a bit of his thighs.

Those ripped jeans were making Phil have some thoughts he prefered not to share.

Dan greeted him back and steped inside Phil's flat, surprisedly pecking Phil's cheek, which instantly turned pink as if he had some magical powers to make the blue eyed blush each time he touched him.

''Thanks for letting me come over this last minute, it was so sudden so I hope I'm a good distraction for writing.'' Dan said, chuckling and showing Phil a small smile.

''Nah, it's okay, I needed to detach myself from my laptop, otherwise I will end up with the keys glued to my fingerprints'' Phil said, making both of them laugh at his remark.

''So, which game you wanna play? I have a few...''' Phil started listing the videogames he had as he led Dan to his living room, where he had already put the consoles out and a few snacks on the table.

''What about I race you in Mario Kart? I'm gonna destroy you! Best of three?'' Dan said mischeviously, sending a smirk at Phil.

Oh, so it was a competition then, uh? If Dan wanted to play, let's play. ''And what do I get when I win?'' Phil said, copying Dan's smirk.

''So confident, Lester. I will think about what I want when I win.'' Dan said, sitting down and picking one of the controllers.

Phil hummed in agreement and also sat down next to Dan, their thighs grazing as Phil picked up the controller that was left and starting the game, ''Bring it, Howell. You are going down!''

Phil suddenly felt Dan's gaze on him, making him a bit nervous, ''What?'' Phil said, turning his body a bit to face the brown eyed, who was biting his lower lip as his eyes travelled up and down Phil's body.

''Believe me Phil, I would love to go down... in more ways that you can imagine,'' Dan said in a low voice. Phil flushed deep red but didn't say anything. He wanted nothing more than forget the videogame and jump Dan just right in his sofa but no, he was determined to win this and the 'lame' flirting from Dan wasn't going to get him to lose. Oh no. No way.

Phil pressed play and both customized their characters, bickering about 'how boring and bad' car choices the other made, playing rock-paper-scissors to decide which one got to choose the traks they would be racing.

They kept bumping each other's shoulders and elbows from time to time, losing their balance for a second, enough to send the other's cars few places behind, hearing a few swear words from Dan and Phil letting out a few child-like screams everytime that happened.

It was the last race and they were even. As Phil had won the first race and Dan the second, this last one would decide who was the ultimate Mario Kart winner. Oh, and Phil was so sure it was going to be him.

''You ready to get destroyed?'' Phil said, selecting the last track they would be racing.

''Ha! You wish! C'mon, press play, I cannot wait to win this already.'' Dan remarked, rearranging his position on the sofa pressing his body even more closer to Phil's.

He pressed play but the strong and nice smell from Dan's cologne was making his head heavy, wanting nothing more than to press his face against his neck and not move for hours...

''Oh, Phil, look at you, so far behind already, you aren't gonna catch me if you keep racing like this!'' Dan laughed, making Phil come back to reality only to realize that he hadn't been plying attention and was in last place!

'Phil, concentrate, please.' he said to himself in hopes that he could beat Dan, who was in first place already and there was only a lap left.

Trying his hardest, Phil raced as good as he could, managing to be on third place just seconds before Dan's car crossed the balck and white checkered line.

''Yes! I won!'' Dan exclaimed, jumping up from the sofa to make a silly victory dance that made Phil chuckle, not even bothering to stay mad at the fact that he had lost, appreciating the adorable Dan in front of him just dancing and carefree.

Phil let him dance a bit more before he decided to take revenge, also standing up to be at Dan's eye level, ''It's not fair! All or nothing!''

Dan stopped dancing and crossed his arms, frowning at Phil, ''How is it not fair? I won two out of three, that's what we decided, I'm not risking an 'all or nothing', oh no!''

''You distracted me!'' Phil said, not knowing what more to say.

''How did I even manage to distract you? I was just playing next to you!''

''With your good looks and nice smell and...'' Phil put a hand over his mouth as he realised what he said. Could the earth swallow him now, please?

He suddenly found himself in front of a smirking Dan who was slowly taking a few steps closer to Phil, backing the blue eyed against the sofa till his thighs touched the soft armrest.

Dan touched their noses together, brushing them against each other sweetly. Phil closed his eyes, enjoying this little feather-like touch and hoping Dan would just kiss him, but apparently the player had other ideas, since he moved his head to Phil's left ear, lips just caressing the skin ''You smell pretty good too, Philip.''

Phil shivered. He freaking shivered thanks to Dan's sensual and low voice.

He felt Dan's lips against his skin, but now on his surely rosy cheek. Then again on his jaw, multiple times, getting closer and closer to his lips, where Phil finally felt Dan's salted lips on his, moving them slowly but repeatedly till Phil finally got his thoughts clear and kissed him back.

Phil felt Dan push him backwards, till both of them ended up on the couch, he under Dan's toned body, enjoying how well their bodies fitted together.

They made out for a few minutes till Dan suddenly separated, smiling mischeviously at Phil.

''What?'' Phil asked softly, admiring the job he had done by messing Dan's curls even more.

''I didn't tell you what prize I want for winning yet,'' he said, pecking Phil once more on the lips.

Phil looked at him a bit scared. What was Dan thinking about doing to him? Was going to be something sexual!? He hoped not, it was too soon, right?

''O...kay. What did you think about?'' Phil's voice trembled a bit, but not enough for Dan to notice, who sighed deeply and looked at Phil's chest, were he kept fiddling with the top button of his shirt.

'Why is he suddenly so downcast?' Phil thought. He hoped nothing was wrong.

''So, I'm leaving for a whole week this Wednesday for a secret project I cannot tell you about yet but I was thinking you could let me read some story of yours? I mean, I will probably have a few hours spare so I thought it would be nice to know what kind of stories you write, but only if you want to, of course...'' Dan rambled, still not looking at Phil.

Wait, Dan was leaving on Wednesday? For a whole week to do a 'secret project'?

And also, he wanted to read his stories? Phil wasn't used to people asking him about his stories, and less when the publishers had always told him 'no'. It felt a bit like a failure to be honest.

He heard Dan sigh frustratedly before speaking again, this time looking up at Phil, ''It's just, I'm in the public eye and you know so much about me already and I don't know half of the things about you, and I think your stories will let me see more about you, but again, only if you want to.''

Phil showed him a tiny smile. Oh Dan. He wanted to learn more about him by reading his stories? It was a touching gesture to be honest.

''Dan, yes, of course I will let you read them. I can give you the last manuscript I sent a while ago if you want to.'' Phil offered. 'Why is he so sweet?'

''Yeah, you sure?'' Dan asked, eyes a bit wide Phil had agreed.

Phil hummed and nodded, smiling at him, ''Yes, I'm sure, let me just get it, okay?''

Dan smiled back at him and separated himself from Phil, who got up and walked fast to his office, picking up the stack of papers that had been lying on his table for a while now and putting them inside an envelope.

'But what if Dan hates it? Would he ever tell him? What if he thought Phil was a mediocre writer and laughed at him for wanting to be an author?' Many thoughts passed his mind. Phil had to admit he was scared of Dan's opinion on him, but dismissed them and walked back into the living room nonetheless, where he found Dan sitting on the couch instead of lying down.

''Here,'' Phil handed him the envelope as he sat down next to him, ''my last manuscript. It's a bit long, I don't know if you will finish it in a week but...'' he trailed off, realizing he won't be seeing Dan for a week.

Taking into account that they were getting used to see each other often, Phil didn't know what would happen with them. A week wasn't that long but they were just going on dates, not even developing whatever they had further or not, they were... stuck. No labels. Phil wasn't really sure where he stood with Dan and even though it might seem silly, it made him feel a bit insecure.  

''Thank you. I'm sure I will manage to read it all, don't worry. I will tell you what I think about it, see if you are a better author than I already think you are,'' Dan chuckled.

Phil laughed a bit but changed the subject, ''So... this secret project... it's only a week long, right?'' he tried to keep the question casual, not really succeding.

''Yeah, from Wednesday to Wednesday... It was very short notice and it's such a good opportunity I couldn't let go to waste.'' Dan said, ''but I will text you or call you and we can skype if you are avaliable! I don't want to stop seeing you, I'm kind of used to seeing your face, and holding your hands... and... and kissing your lips.''

Phil could have melted right into his sofa but instead he leaned in and pecked Dan on his rosy lips, ''like this?'' Phil said in a low voice, smiling, knowing Dan would probably enjoy a bit more of... action.

''No, more like...'' Dan closed the small gap between them with a bit of more force, moving his lips as he had done a few minutes before, Phil's following him in sync, enjoying the little moment between the two.

''I'll miss you. It only a week but I know I'll miss you.'' Dan said almost quietly as he touched their foreheads together once they both felt the need for oxygen.

''I'll miss you too.'' Phil repeated, leaning in for another short kiss. ''Only a week, Dan. It's only a week.''

#moonshot #moonshot - chapter 8 #amazingphil #daniel howell #phanfic #phanfiction #phanfic au #phanfiction au #fic #irphanfic #phan

[soysaucevictim]

Fighter Training Plan came and went.

-

Sept. 28

I Woke up a bit after 11AM, today.

Most of my day was spent on the usual before starting on some exercise.

First, today’s DD. 50 knee-to-elbow twists with EC. Another personal favorite exercise, love the twisting, oblique action a lot! :D

Second, “Fighter’s Warmup”. I’m going to do this one for all the days of the week. I do enjoy doing some bouncing!

Third, Day 1 of the FTP. Today’s combat workout was “The Boomerang“, done at Level 1 with EC. Probably the only exercise I was meh about were the push-ups. But everything else? It was a joy to do!

Last, “Fighter’s Stretching”. Same as the warmup - going to be daily for the plan. Didn’t EC this one, this time, but I think I’ll shoot for that starting tomorrow. I probably should incorporate stretching routines more often, but it was no less satisfying!

-

Sept. 29

I got up a bit before 1PM, today.

I spent much of my day on the usual, but also made an attempt to troubleshoot some problems playing some games. As of yet, unsuccesful. :/

First, today’s DD. 2′ extended swings with EC. I counted 184 reps in total and it was a fun challenge. ALMOST hit 100/minute, but that's ok. :D

Second, “Fighter’s Warmup”.

Third, Day 2 of the FTP. Today’s workout for casual training was “Daily Abs“, barely with EC. I thought I could go right into the knee-to-elbow crunches after the flutter kicks - but in first set I had to allow feet to tap ground and the remaining two as fast as possible to maintain balance with my abs’ energy levels. I regret not setting up a timer closer to my face, because the last two exercises were not fun (trying to hold the pose while craning neck awkwardly to see time passing is not a good combo).

Last, “Fighter’s Stretching”.

After a bit of downtime, I did stay up working on that art project. Probably too late for my own good, but ah well.

-

Sept. 30

I woke up roughly the same time as yesterday,

After a bit of gaming, I started on my exercise.

First, today’s DD. 30 infinity circles (supine) with EC. This was pretty doable, takes some stability to keep the momentum going. :D

Second, “Fighter’s Warmup”.

Third, Day 3 of the FTP. Today’s HIIT workout was “Get It Done!“, done at Level 1 with EC. This got pretty winding, as expected, and was tempted to do a couple more sets. But overall it was very fun!

Last, “Fighter’s Stretching”.

I then did the dishes, made some diner, and did much of the usual before getting to bed.

-

Oct. 1

I’ve been up since about 7:40AM.

Went to group, started working on a housework delegation doc, and spent the rest of my time at the facility drawing.

Got home, poked a few games and whatnot before getting into my exercise  for the day.

First, today’s DD. 2′ butt kicks with EC. I was certainly dubious about doing this on not enough sleep, but I managed to get through it, barely. I counted 246 reps - however at the ~100-120 mark the heels stopped consistently making contact with the butt. :U

Second, “Fighter’s Warmup”.

Third, Day 4 of the FTP. Today’s strength workout was “Holistic“ (very appropriate title, I might add).  I decided I would go easy on myself a bit and not do EC, today. It was a good call. And I think making myself practice hollow holds more is helpful. Still love the O-Pose!

Last, “Fighter’s Stretching”.

I got to bed WAAAY late playing games, though

-

Oct. 2

Woke up a bit after 11AM.

Spent a few hours on the usual before getting in some exercise...

First, Day 16 of the B&CP, with dad again. It definitely kicked dad’s ass a bit, last 2 exercises being a bit rough, but we got through it on his terms. Happy that he “showed up“. (Past few days was either too busy or draining for us.)

Second, today’s DD. 50 sitting twists with EC. A personal favorite - and really challenging when you try to be very slow and deliberate. It's such satisfying ab engagement!

(After making and eating dinner... and getting a bit distracted.)

Last, Day 5 of the FTP. For casual training, I did more old DDs with EC.

Nov. 5, 2015 - 100 turning kicks, 50/50 while staying balanced. I’ve kept putting this one off, but today I was determined. The only problem is I often sacrifice ROM to keep from falling out and I did have a few wobbly close-calls. I had a few brief pauses to correct myself, but mission accomplished! :D

Dec. 19, 2015 - 50 butterfly sit-ups. I had to use my bed for assist/anchor as the fatigue built up. Feet did hover, but only lightly touched the bed frame for the first 20 or so. I had to gradually use it more, but I made it and I felt it!

Jan. 2, 2016 - 4′ wall-sit. Doing this with fresh-ish quads, while watching more Sanders Sides as an entertaining distraction, and keeping my breath steady made it possible. I did keep my hands to my chest rather than out forward, but I did not brace them so I’ll count the EC. It definitely took some digging in, though!!

Feb. 1, 2016 - 400 backfists (200/200). Oh man, that also took some digging in too, especially the last 100 or so per side + keeping the first side’s arm up for the remaining 200. But it was fun combat work, too!

Feb. 17, 2016 - 40 knee-in & twists. Yeah, more of these after the B&CP stuff, pffft. Everything before really had my quads and hip flexors taxed - but I was able to get this done well enough.

That puts me at 1,310 DDs EC’d, another nice number (out of 1,378 completed DDs).

-

Oct. 3

Been up since a bit before 9AM. Had to rush down my breakfast and coffee because of that, to get to my ride, this morning.

Spent my time at the facility drawing, attending group, and doing the DD. It was 20 supermen extensions with EC, it was very doable. Even if I was sleep deprived again.

Got home, wrote some checks, and a bit of tidying up before getting roped into playing rummy again with the family.

After some hesitation, I did get in the rest of my exercise.... rather late.

First, “Fighter’s Warmup”.

Second, Day 6 of the FTP. Today’s combat workout was “The Clinch“, done at Level 1 with EC. I got through it in one piece... sloppy push-ups aside. That middle combo had a few brain farts BUT when I got into a flow with music... that was simply delicious. =w=

Last, “Fighter’s Stretching”.

-

Oct. 4

I got up a bit after 11AM.

One of the first productive things I did today was schedule a diagnostic dental appointment for next week. Which I’m really anxious about and I think contributed to some less-than-stellar time management today. (But it was necessary.)

I did do my exercise, though.

First, today’s DD. 40 split lunges with EC. Not much to say, other than I found this just manageable. :P

(After getting so distracted and midnight coming around...)

Second, “Fighter’s Warmup”.

Third, Day 7 of the FTP. Today’s workout for casual training was “Ab Builder“. I think I got EC, but since I had my feet lightly brushing the floor a few times, probably not quite. Nevertheless, despite being so late this was fun and manageable work.

Last, “Fighter’s Stretching”.

Went to bed way too late again.

---

I generally think that this last week’s training plan was more fun than the Gladiator one. Probably not surprising as to why. Definitely worth doing more often, this is a good variety of work!

I’m going to post this now and draft a post about the Assassin Training Plan later today.

#adventures with fitness #yeah - i decided to change my avatar for 'spoopy month' too

[quinlin-blog1]

The Lost Island ~ Chapter Seven

Darkness.

That was the first things I was greeted to when I woke up. I opened my eyes, expecting to see my lines of bookshelves and Alex's yelling at some sort of video game. But I wasn't.

I was in a room that I didn't recognize. The walls and floors were stone. It was cold, ever for the early spring. I then realized something.

I wasn't at the school.

This was not how I intended to spend my Friday off.

I wondered what Adriana, Crystal, Porter and Alex were doing right now. I hoped that they weren't going to try and find me. It was the last thing that I wanted. If they got captured too it wouldn't be helpful, to anyone. If I was just stuck here then I could find a way to get out myself, but if I had to worry about Adriana, Crystal, Porter and Alex, I'd probably go insane.

I was knocked out of my thoughts when the metal door to the room I was in opened.

“Where am I?” I demanded.

“Now, how do we know you’re not a telepathic? We wouldn't want you contacting a rescue team, now would we?” The woman asked.

“If you had done your research properly then you would know that telepathy is not my major or even my minor. Which goes to prove that your sources suck,” I informed her.

“Considering that you're at my mercy little girl, so perhaps you should be mindful of your words.”

“If I’m at your mercy, then what do you want? No one kidnaps a person just to have them under their complete control.”

“Good assessment, I assume that you've heard about the children that have been getting kidnapped and have their Abilities taken away therefore their genetic code dismantled and slowly and quite painfully I might add, disintegrate while the person is still alive, causing them to die?”

“No, cause they're stupid enough at Cartemen to not tell us these things” I said sarcastically. Great! Adriana has rubbed off on me.

“Well you see” The woman continued without listening to my comment. “Sket, the man who is responsible for these occurrences, has been struggling with these new powers, because they were not made or genetically encoded for him, therefore they are not compatible. But He needs an ability that will enable him to have these abilities run on the same frequency all together so that they will encode with his genetics.”

“So, you need someone that has a power in those terms,” I said slowly.

“Your powers could do that. Cath no matter what don't let them do anything. You can’t tell them anything” Bloom warned me.

“That's exactly what we need. Now. You are the smartest at Cartemen. Do you know of anyone with these abilities?”

“No,” I said bluntly.

“Are you sure? Maybe you should think just a little harder.”

I put on a fake thinking face and pretended to stroke an imaginary beard.

“Nope” I said.

The woman huffed and left. I sighed to myself. I was in deep trouble now.

  Adriana’s point of view.

  “Are you sure that they were sighted here?” I asked Porter, who nodded exasperated.

“Positive. One Carmen Donna, age fifty-three, saw two men and one woman carrying a young girl with pale blonde and purple hair around the age of thirteen. Doesn't that match Alphs' appearance perfectly?” Porter raised his eye brow at me.

“Point taken.”

We approached a small village and I was taken aback by how, for lack and want of a better term, under developed it was. It was like going to one of those strange medieval times conventions.

“Does anyone else feel like we're a bit out of place here?” I asked

Crystal and Porter nodded absentmindedly at me. They seemed to be in a trance at the sight of the village that we were in. I had to admit, it had a certain beauty to it. The small houses weren't the generic block and brick houses, no, they seemed to be made a wood, like old fashioned cottages. The beauty of it all over-whelmed me. Surely, we hadn't traveled back in time? Though perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad thing if we did, it was, indeed, very nice here.

“Do you think it's possible that we've gone back in time?” I asked slowly.

“On normal conditions I would say no, but seeing this now, I believe that assessment would be inadequate.” Crystal said.

“Since when do you use words like “Assessment and inadequate”?” I asked.

“Since now,” Crystal shrugged.

“Right. So. Let's find Carmen Donna.” Porter said.

“I say we split up, we'll cover more ground that way,” Crystal instructed.

Porter and I nodded and we split up.

I walked down the cobbled-stone road. This day just kept getting weirder and weirder. The people were giving me strange looks, I realized that I was wearing jean and a star-wars tee. So much for a good impression!

A tall, well-built building stood at one side of the town, I assumed that this was a hospital, and there was no way that they would take Catherine in there. I looked to the front of the village and saw a large castle. It looked like it could easily be half the size of the village itself.

I saw an elderly lady, around the age of seventy or eighty, sitting by a stone bench with knitting needles it her hands and a long scarf made of yarn in front of her. I began to walk over to her, slowly to make sure that I didn’t scare her.

“Excuse me? I asked politely.

“Goodness child! You startled me! How can I help you?” I woman replied gently, setting aside her needles to the bench.

“I'm looking for Carmen Donna.” I told her softly.

“Whatever did Carmen do this time?” The woman asked.

“Oh, she hasn't done anything. She's my great-auntie. On my father’s side, He told me that I should come and visit today” I explained, although I was lying through my teeth.

“Oh! I had no idea that Carmen had any family relations left! Oh, she will be pleased!” The woman exclaimed. I smiled.

“She lives another block over and two doors down. The only green house in the area” She informed me.

“Thank you for your kindness,” I thanked.

I walked to the directions that the elderly woman had given me, getting slightly distracted by the scenery around me and I saw the house that the old lady mentioned. It seemed that this Carmen Donna was very different from any one else in this village. The house was big, bigger than the average house, but not as big as the hospital, its green paint was vibrant but peeling off, the doors were old and creaky looking but they were pretty none the less. The windows weren’t grimy or dusty which meant someone had been cleaning them often. All in all, the house looked well kept.

There, as I approached the house, sitting on the porch, was Carmen Donna. Her black hair was slightly graying, the gray eyes were duller, with less light of youth in them, but there was a mischief about them. As soon as she saw me her eyes widened and she gestured for me to come in.

Was I expected?

I hesitantly walked up to the house and followed Carmen in. What I saw when I walked in, was something I most definitely didn't expect.

The entire house, was from the modern day. From house phones, to a micro-wave and electric fans to a radio.

“Alright! If I wasn't extremely confused before about time traveling then I most certainly am now!” I said as I walked to the sitting room where Carmen was.

“It's about time you got here Adriana. I've been waiting for weeks!” She told me as I sat down.

“How do you know my name?” I asked.

“Like I said, I've been waiting for you.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

Carmen sighed, muttering about how it was going to be a long day. “I am what you would call a Psychic. I see into the future. I was sent back in time when I was eighteen years old, I have been living out my life here, but these things from the future keep appearing once every few months or so a new piece of technology appears.  As I grew old, people just began to think I was going crazy. So, I just kept to myself. Until three weeks ago when I began to have visions about you coming in search of your friend.”

“Yeah. People said that you had seen two men and a woman carrying her?” I asked.

“No I didn't. No technically. I saw it in a vision.” Carmen informed me.

“So, do you know anything?” I asked desperately.

“She was taken the town Miuros. And trust me when I say this. That is not a nice place to be.”

Taking in the information I took a moment to speak again. “How do I get back to my time?” I asked.

“You can't. I have been trying for forty-two years and I haven't found the answer yet. I fear that you will be stuck like myself, until the end of your time” Carmen said sadly.

I didn't believe it, I couldn't. I had to get back to my own time. Although I didn’t understand how I got here in the first place, so how was I going to get back to my own time?

“This makes no sense! How is it possible for you to see us in an entirely different time-line?!” I asked incredulously.

“Maybe because it's not happening on your time-line.” Carmen pointed out.

“W-what?” I said.

“You saw that castle up there? That is Cartemen, before it became the school. This is where Sket and his men were taking those children. Maybe that's why your sister and everyone else could never find the ones who were doing it, because they weren't even in the right time-line. This entire Island is out of sync with the rest of the world. Something happened in the 1500’s to knock the Island out of sync with the rest of the universe. The universe is moving through Time and Space, but something happened that knocked this one island out of sync with the rest of time and space. Just this island. No one knows what happened.  There, it’s just a normal day. But it was thousands of years before now, and people still haven’t figured out what happened”

“So, they would need to have someone who can stop and control time. So, I don't need to get back, I need to stay here. Find Alphs here on this time-line. But, wait-” I turned to Carmen “How would I get back after? How are four thirteen-year-old kids supposed to save humanity? Would anyone remember if we did?” I asked.

“I do not know. That has not been revealed to me yet. But know this. You're not alone. You're never alone.” I was confused by the elder woman's words, but nodded to them anyway.

“Thank you” I said sincerely She nodded and smiled softly at me.

“You know. I was friends with your grandmother when she was young. You remind me very much of her. Well, all accept the hair and the attitude” Carmen smiled, I hadn't known my grandmother very long before she died. But we did get along very well.

“Wait!” I heard Carmen yell before I left. I turned to her. “Beware of the Lost City. No one knows who lives there.”

“They built a school on a Lost Island. The Lost Island. Where they built a school for people with different specialties.” I pointed out.  

Carmen let me out of the small, yet big house and waved me off.

Now all I had to do was hope to find Crystal and Porter before they do or say anything stupid. Which with my luck they already would have. I went around to the old town square where Crystal and Porter were sitting. Well Porter was sitting with his head in his hands, while Crystal was preforming some sort of gymnastics presentation. Could have been worse.

“Bets! Porter!” I exclaimed.

Crystal looked at me, mid-handstand and twisted out of it. Porter had reached me in half this time and was looking at me anxiously.

“Bets said that we could distract the town’s people while you figure out stuff” Porter told me.

“Glad you did” I said.

“Did you find Carmen Donna?” Crystal asked.

“Yeah,” I said, trying to figure out how to tell her.

“And?” they said together.

“I figured out the reason that Olive has never been able to catch them”

“Why?” they urged.

“Because they were going back in time before they could be caught. Carmen was brought here forty- two years ago.  She still hasn't found her way out yet. But we don't need to go back to our time! Because they brought Alphs here. They took her to the town of Miuros. But apparently, it's not a very nice place. But what other choice do we have,” I stated.

“Do you think that they'll have her sedated or something?” Porter asked.

“I highly doubt that, they'll probably have her awake because they've want her to answer some questions.”

“So where is Miuros?” Crystal asked.

“South. A little bit due east of here, but mostly south” I informed them shortly.

“It that all?” Porter asked as we walked out of the town, heading south.

“Whose turn is it to cook?” Crystal asked.

“Yours,” Porter and I said.

“Damn, I walked right into that one,” Crystal stated.

“You should have known better Bets.”

“Shut up Delly. Be lucky I don't have any food poison” Crystal threatened.

Though I knew it was an empty threat, I could not help to admit that I was the tiniest bit scared. But I wasn't going to tell Crystal that.

  Crunch!

Snore!

Crunch!

Snore!

Crunch! Snap!

“OK Mother Nature thou definitely suck-ith” I grumbled groggily under my breath as I laid on a sleeping mat. Crystal was snoring, and Porter was tossing and turning. I was awake listening to all of it.  

I jolted when there was a sudden rustle in the bushes. Silently I sat up from my sleeping roll and I grabbed my pocket knife from underneath of my pillow and, being careful that I didn’t make any noises, I went to check it out.

“Why always with the violence Ads,” Tori asked me.

“You can't very well blame me for being cautious Tori, anything could be out there,” I stated.

“You do have a point, but they ain't gonna be hurtin' ya Ads,” Zell pointed out.

“How do you know?” I asked as I looked around again.

But before Zell or Tori or Arrow and Cal could answer. The rustling in the bushes became louder and louder until the bushes parted and it approached me. There, causing all the noise and making me cautious and nervous, was a three-year old little boy with giant hazel colored eyes and scruffy dark brown hair. His face was covered in dirt and he had small cuts and scratches on his arms and legs, his tunic and trousers were torn and burnt. I had to admit, it broke my heart a little more to see this sight.

The little boy stared at me, then at my knife and then at me again.

Though the second time, his look was fearful. I raised a curious eye brow and then realized the problem.

“Oh. No sweetheart! I'm not going to hurt you!” I stated reaching a hand out, only for the small boy to recoil.

I raised the hand that had the knife, the boy stiffened in fear, I then dropped it and kicked it back towards our camp, and I heard a soft thump, followed by a groan, signifying that it had hit Porter.

It took a few moments, but then the little boy quickly ran into my arms, shaking and weeping in fear. I wrapped my arms around him and re-assured him that he was fine.

“Mommy?” He asked looking up at me.

“Me?” I gestured to myself. He nodded and stuffed his face back into my shoulder, quivering with fear. I, still shocked, carried him back to the camp.

The fire had long since gone out, leaving only embers behind. I quickly re-ignited it when I realized that the poor shaking boy, was shaking half out of fear, then half because he was cold. As I did this, the small boy refused to even let me put him down.

Once the fire was raging once more, lighting up the cool night air, I turned to the boy in my arms.

“Mommy,” he said, though I think it was more of a statement than anything else.

“What's your name?” I asked.

He looked confused at me.

“I'm Addy, you are-?” I started.

“No! You mommy!” he stated indignantly.

“Alright, I'm Mommy.”

He smiled. “Dill” he stated.

“Dill? That's you name?” I asked and Dill nodded.

“What happened sweetheart?” I asked.

“The bad guys came, dey took pweople, and dey had big things that hurt pweople” Dill said.

“And they killed everyone?” I finished and Dill nodded.

I looked sadly out to the forest where Dill must have been wandering for days. How hungry was he? In reply, the young boy’s stomach rumbled. I smiled slightly and attempted to put him on the log next to me. But, of course, my efforts were fruitless. He was like a mini-koala. Just . . . Less vicious.

I sighed. “Dill. I need to get you some food. You need to sit down” I said gently.

“Uh-uh.” He denied “You leave mwe too” Dill said, tears filling his large puppy-dog hazel color eyes.

“I'm not going too far, just over there” I said gesturing to the spot where we had stored our food and other supplies.

Dill hesitated then let me go. For a small, starving, three-year old boy, he had a good grip.

I walked to the small storage box that we had set up and grabbed out some bread, chicken and carrots. It wasn't much, but we still had to go and re-stock up tomorrow.

I walked back over to Dill, where he was sitting next to the fire, like he was watching a ghost that was going to forever haunt him. Though seeing the destruction of his town and his real family probably did the same for him.

“Dill?” I said quietly, careful not to wake Crystal or Porter.

Dill turned to me and rushed back into my arms as soon as I sat down.

I gave him small bits of chicken, which he ate whole-heartedly I reached and grabbed my canteen, which was sitting next to my bedroll and handed it to Dill.

“Mommy?”

I sighed, that's going to take a long while to get used to.

“Yep?” I replied.

“Where we going?” Dill asked.

“We're going to Miuros. Alphs, Or I guess she's your auntie now is there and we need to go get her”

You probably wondering if you read that right, well you did.

I intend to keep Dill.

Why you may ask?

Because his parents and village were killed in a fire fight and he has nowhere else to go.

So, I might as well choose the more responsible out of the four of us and make Catherine his godmother. Well sort of, I don't really think the government has (Or will have given my current situation) Regulations for this sort of thing.

“So, we go find Auntie Awphs?” Dill asked.

Am I the only one who's have a cuteness over dose?

OK you'll have to pardon my outburst just then.

But you can't really blame me for having it.

I may seem cold and heart-less. But I still have a giant weakness for baby children. Well technically Dill isn't a baby.

But he's still small and you can't blame me for having a girly, child-like outburst.

“Yes, we're going to get Auntie Alphs. But for now, you need some sleep”

“But Mama! I don't want to!” Dill protested.

“Don't make me tickle you” I threatened.

Dill gasped. “No!”

I gasped, “Yes!”

Dill tried to run away, but I swiftly caught him and wrapped my legs and arms around him, tickling him.

He squealed and laughed. I tried shushing him, but it only made him laugh louder.

I look back on that moment now and think ' How did Crystal and Porter not wake to the sound of a laughing three-year old boy?'

Well apparently, Porter had a stroke a genius and put ear plugs in his ears to keep the sounds of Crystal’s snoring out. Crystal is just immune to all noises while she's sleeping.

The tickling carried on for another good five minutes. I was enjoying myself, Dill seemed to be happy as well. I don't think that any one has ever done this before, not just the tickling, but the overall love and caring that he was receiving.

I had Twilight, I had Catherine and Crystal, but there was one thing that was always amazing, was the over whelming love that comes from a toddler.

I had something like that with Maya, but it was different.

Just different.

   Catherine’s point of view.

  Ow!

Ow!

Ow!

 OK, so as you can obviously tell, I'm in pain. But it's a confusing pain.

The pain that I'm in isn't physical.

No.

That would be so much better than the pain I was experiencing.

This was mental pain.

Images driven into my brain, of death and war. Hatred and Anger.

It was enough to drive a normal person mad!

But I think that they know that. For a simple fiften year old girl I had a very strong will power and they were using that to their advantage.

I had yet to tell them about the simple fact that the one that they had been causing all this pain to, was the one that they were asking about.

Ironic huh?

If they saw the irony of it, they would probably be mad at both me and themselves.

At me for completely making a fool out of them.

They for letting me make a fool out of them.  

I could just imagine their faces if they found out.

But, even if it would be highly amusing, I couldn't tell them. They would kill me, and kill everyone else.

That doesn’t sound appealing.

“So” And there's the voice I wake up to and go to sleep to every day and night.  “Are you ready to tell me?”

“Hmm. Well let's consider the pros and cons of telling you who it is. Pro's first. First, you won't kill me, or maybe you will.” I paused dramatically “That's about it. Con's now. First, you'll most likely kill me. Second, you'll kill my friends and family. Third, you'll get world domination.” I paused again, pretending to mull over my choices. “No, I think I'll keep it to myself,” I smirked.

I knew that I'd probably get into trouble for that, but I still did in anyways.

‘Good thinking Alphs, Good thinking.’

 So, in hindsight, that wasn't the best idea.

I really turned into Adriana just then.

Speaking of that devil. I wonder where and how they're doing right now.

“Bloom. Any updates?” I asked.

“Well, you're officially an aunt,” Bloom informed me.

“Wait. You’re joking, right? You have to be joking because you don’t actually think that Bets would adopt a child to you?” I asked.

“Yes. I do. And in fact, it was Dell who has apparently adopted a young three-year old boy named Dill. She found him after his village was pillaged and burned to the ground. Apparently, he thinks she's his mother, so she's taken him in. Never really expected for her to do something like that. That's more like something that you or Bets would do. Not Dell.” Bloom cleared up.

“That's so typical of Dell! Her little children obsessed side came out.” I stated. Well not really, I my mind I did, considering it's a mind conversation.

“Really? “Typical Dell?” Warm heartedness is not like Dell at all” Bloom stated.

“It actually is though. Anything else?” I asked

“Other than the fact that Alex is now top of her class and Dell, Bets and Porter are on their way to find you then no, nothing else new.”

“I'm so proud of Alex. But you said that the others are coming to find me. Where exactly am I?” I tried. I’d been asking this question the entire time I’d been here, but I had been unable to get a proper answer out of Bloom.

“You're in a place called Miuros. It's small town off the south side of the island, a bit more to the east than directly south, but you know what I mean” Bloom informed me.

I let out a puff of air, and wasn't really shocked about the fact that I could see my breath.

“How am I supposed to get out of here Bloom?” I asked. Wow, I was asking a lot of questions today.

“I don't know Cath. I really don't know. But you must think positive right now, there's nothing else you can do.” Bloom told me sadly.

Well.

That's just dandy, then isn't it?

It looks like I'm going to be here for a while so why not get comfy?

Pfft! On what!

#Writers #first book #seventh chapter #magic #superpowers #school #kidnapping #adventure #fantasy

[journal-of-j34n31]

friday, july 21 2017

4:11 AM;

okay, technically it’s saturday the 22nd. however, all these events happened on the written date above SO. damn has my life been crazyyy. let’s start with what happened the night before. me and ae were on facetime and trying to cop these new shoes (adidas x henry poole). although that mission was a bust, it had me late night thinking and simping about how much i miss his presence, as well as how happy he makes me. (sidenote, me and av were catching up like old times. sending tweets and shit to each other and it was actually kind of nice) being such a late night, i thought it’d be super amaze beans if i sent that random appreciation text to adrian. unfortunately, i ended up crashing before i could. i woke up without a text message from him so i figured he was not awake yet. this was the perfect opportunity to send out that text. so this is what i came up with after two hours of trying to figure out what to say, how to say it, etc:

good morning baby! i was planning on sending this after you fell asleep but my phone died and i crashed waiting for it to turn back on 😅 anyways i just wanted to say thank you for everything you have done for me because no one has ever treated me as good as you or taken care of me the way that you do. i am so genuinely happy and i promise it's all because of you. no one has ever given me that in the past 18 years. it makes me happy just being in your presence alone. i am so so so grateful that i can truly say i look at you as so much more than my boyfriend. babeee, you're my best mf friend. like ken is continually saying, you are like a boy version of me (even though we still clearly have many differences). i find every single thing about you perfect, even the things you may not like about yourself. it may sound weird or whatever but it's crazy how the things you say have an effect on me more than anyone else's. maybe because i know the things you say to me are sincere, but that's why it means so much to me. no matter what mood i'm in, you can always change that. especially when i'm cranky or upset, you are patient with me. you know the right things to say when i need comfort and security. i feel so safe knowing i can go to you for whatever, whenever, and you will be right there. you have shown/taught me things that no one else ever has and you have pushed me to become a better version of myself. i love the fact that there is always so much more to you that others, including myself, haven't seen yet because it's exciting. you got me feeling so much for you that i have never felt towards anyone else, which it's scary. however, you are giving me constant reassurance that everything i put into this relationship is given back to me. you don't make me feel stupid for the little things like wanting to keep that streak of seeing you everyday. it means so much more to me than a streak. it shows me how you would stop at nothing to go that extra mile just to see me once a day, even if that means for a little bit. the smallest things you do means so much to me, especially because i have a habit of overthinking a lot. you might think that me telling you all this is random but i just wanted to tell you how much i appreciate you and everything you do isn't going unnoticed. i wanted to remind you how lucky i am to have you and being able to call you mine. i honestly don't understand how i got you or what i did to deserve you, but i'm not complaining oneee bit. people that have known me since i was a little kid understand how picky of a person i am and when those same people are telling me how they genuinely see how happy i am and perfect you are for me are words i have never heard or thought i'd hear this early in my life. the fact that i am constantly being told this from people outside of our relationship just shows me something i don't even know how to describe, but it's such a good feeling. i am so blessed to have you in my life and especially by my side. i hope you slept like a little babyyy, GOOD MORNINGGG x2 😘❤ i was trying to get this to you before you got up and started doing things but it's ok

he replied with:

Oh man baby, I didn't expect this at all. 🙆🏼 I just woke up right now actually. I was tossing and turning, not able to put myself to sleep till about 4. 😪 I think it's completely fine now since I've woken up to this massive gift of a message. ❤️😍 just listening to everything you said here I feel like I'm hearing from your voice directly. Simply everything that you provide me never goes unnoticed. At times you see me get distracted w playing games and watching games, and I sometimes get caught up and I hope you don't feel like I'm dissing you and pushing you to the side. I want you to know that you are definitely my highest priority and although it might take me a little while to put the game away, I understand that we don't have all day so we gotta make the time we have count. 💪🏼 I've been stressing about how this year plan has been changing so frequently and I could imagine how it's effecting you. No matter the circumstance, we'll figure something out. We always do. I just want you to know that you have me to talk about this shenanigans even though it might get you upset since you may not know what's happening. Thank you for the lovely message my baby, it means the world that we are bhillen on the highest level and are completely invested in each other. 😘

then i said:

4 AM?! you're brazyyy, babe! awwww, you're so cute :( it's just whenever i see you and you're on you're phone it makes me upset because sometimes i have to go the whole day without even being able to talk to you and when i see you all i want to do is spend time with you, especially if you can't stay for that long. i get it though, you said with you being so busy you don't even have time to do that so i just wait. sometimes i wish we met sooner so that we would've had more time to spend together before we'd have to leave for college but everything happens for a reason and i'm glad 2017 gave me you. i also feel that it's the right time we met right now because i think we're old and mature enough to be in a real relationship and understand what all this is about. as scared i am for the future, i am excited. i believe and trust that if it's meant to be then it'll work out no matter what. i don't think either of us would throw it out so easily without a fight. ❤ of bourse baby, alwaysss 😘 you said bhillen :')

there goes a start to a perfect morning already. with all this waiting around, the day we finally say “i love you” better be one of the best days of our lives. i can’t wait to finally let him know how much i am inlove with his ass. i went about my day on twitter and whatnot. decided to wash my face and brush my teeth and do my makeup as i wait to see what he has planned. so he calls me and tells me that he has to deal with things from his insurance from that one accident we ran into. as he came over, we layed in bed and watched titanic. i did his eyebrows while he was playing his little games. we were both starving so decided to go to in n out. he eats so mf quick, it gives me anxietyyy. i even left my bag in the seat we were sitting at, and we were already to the car so my ass ran all the way back almost hitting the car next to us because both of our doors were open. we got back to the house, watched his gaming videos, and we finally fucked while i was on my period because ae is a brazyyy animal and had looked if it were safe to do so the day before. it was not as bad as we thought. we used a condom that i grabbed while we were in the car on the way home from in n out, laid my softball blanket under him, and bam. it happened. i had to run to the bathroom and grab toilet paper lmaooo. afterwards, we played fun run 2 and he gave me one of those bomb ass booty massages. we headed out towards the pool where we say jj and chic0. (another sidenote, it’s bs how debut practices are always being planned literally the second before it is supposed to start. like, i got plans) it was nice just bhillen in the freezing pool and then relaxing in the hot tub. when we finished, we sat in the car and got lit as fuck. i was so excited to get home because we were going to shower together. let me tell you, that shower sex WHILE WE WERE HIGH was hype as fuckkk. 10/10 recommend. we layed back down in my bed and were just talking. he did something and i slipped out “i love that” and idk man i guess he thought i said “i love you” and asked “what did you say?” he got all smiley and laughed to prevent himself from crying and i could’ve sworn in that moment he was about to say those 3 words. i started crying because i was thinking of how happy he makes me, at the same time i was high and ending my period. GUESS WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED NEXT. my parents get home and we smoked before so we can chill in the room and not have to worry about them seeing us. BUT, BITCH, they walked in my room and was like “we got you a late graduation present!” AS I WAS HIGH AND CRYING. jay was recording me and everything like i was just crying my nigga. they put the key into a victorias secret bag and THEY GOT ME A MF CAR. before that, i checked their location and saw they were at the dealership (when we were smoking) and jokingly said “watch them get a new car”. i got a spankin’ new white nissan altima. that shit fresh. it was so hard to act sober and i made the stupid mistake of agreeing to take it on a test drive around the neighborhood. bro, this is weird that III have my OWN car. fuck bro. that’s insane. then me and ae went back to my room, got bomfortable, and crashed. he woke up at 2:45 AM and woke me up as well, telling me it was his time to dip. my baby got home safe and sound and i went back upstairs to brush my teeth and wash my face. ahhh, today was such a good day. if only we actually said those three words today then it would’ve been JUST as memorable. my life is on a continuous roller coaster, but i wouldn’t have it any other way (kinda). the only thing i’m lost about is school. palomar vs csusm. the only thing getting me through this is how supportive my baby is of me no matter where i end up. he told me he can’t wait to show up to my games and support me 100%. if we play sdsu, he told me that he would root for me and then hand me a shirt to wear afterwards that reads “sdsu girlfriend”. fuck bro, i want to spend the rest of my life with him. forever.