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#and i worried that he'd see me and not like the 'new' me. the healthier me who worries less about what others will think
kimbappykidding · 6 months
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Other Parts: Part One, Part Two and Part Four.
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V felt better than he had in a long time. He had a clear goal in mind and that gave him purpose and a reason to wake up in the morning. You. He knew now the future he wanted involved you and while that future was not guaranteed it gave him something to work for.
The first thing he did was cut out all his crutches, the booze the girls and everything in between. He didn't put anything in his body that he shouldn't and he immediately started feeling the benefits. Next, he started taking work more seriously. He began exercising to get his stamina back up to what it could be and went with Jimin to his vocal coaching appointments. He was on time at work and stayed late whenever he needed to. About a month in RM commented on V's progress and V thanked him but he wouldn't feel proud until you noticed the change in him.
Now his life was more stable he started working on himself. He started talking to a counsellor about his worries and struggles and she helped him come up with healthier mechanisms. He got checked out to make sure all the partying and sex hadn't affected his health or made him catch anything and felt so reassured when all his tests came back clean. He started examining his friendships and any that weren't okay with him taking a healthier approach to his life, he cut off. The guys in particular seemed happy when he told them he wasn't hanging around with that crowd anymore and he realised his members had been through a lot too.
He saw his family more and made sure to spend time with his mum in particular. He went home for her birthday for the first time since he'd broken up with you and she burst into tears when she saw him. He had no idea she'd missed him that much and promised to visit her more which just made her cry even more. Of all the things he'd done, this was what you noticed first.
When you came off hiatus you decided to just pretend V didn't exist so didn't look in his direction at any events and were hypervigilant about anything BTS. However, on your private Instagram, you could look at what you wanted and you'd seen the video on V's mum's Instagram of V surprising her for her birthday and were pleased. She was so happy to have her son back and he stayed with her for several days which was nice. V looked healthier in the photos and you couldn't help but notice that all his family members had alcohol but he clearly had a bottle of water instead. You had no idea if it was just a coincidence or not. You remembered what V had said at the end of his apology text about wanting to become a better person if you wanted him. Was this what he meant?
You were curious and so you asked your members what V was doing and they reported he'd dropped his toxic friends and they hadn't seen him at a nightclub in weeks. "Apparently he's performing better too" Yuqi said "my friend at Hybe said he's working hard to be a better idol and is always practising, exercising or rehearsing. They think he's turned over a new leaf but I'll believe it when I see it". "Or when it actually lasts long term" Soyeon said "he could easily revert back to his old ways". You nodded along but were a mixture of confused and dare you say excited? This must be the change V meant and if he did pull it off...well then you might think differently about letting him into your life again.
"Why?" Minnie asked noticing your frown and you shook your head "no reason". That convinced nobody. Soyeon narrowed her eyes at you and Yuqi shook her head "no come on, what's the reason?". You shook your head "nothing just...V said something to me after that video was leaked and I was wondering if he really meant it". The girls were SO curious so you showed them the text and were met with silence. "So you think...he's serious?" Shuhua asked cautiously "that he's changing like he promised?". You shrugged "I don't know...maybe?". "Do you want him to?" Soojin asked and you frowned "I don't know! Am I an idiot if I do?". "No!" Miyeon said "not at all!" and the girls all echoed her except Yuqi. She was the most straight-talking of the members so you looked at her and called her name. "Yuqi, what do you think?" you asked. She looked down and then up at you. "I don't know, part of me wants to just bundle you up and take you away from him because he does not deserve a second chance and I don't want you to get hurt if he reverts back to his usual ways". "So you think I shouldn't get my hopes up?" you asked and Yuqi shook her head "not at all and I think he's definitely doing all this for you". "You do?" you asked and Yuqi nodded "100% but I just hope it lasts. I think you need to give him time to mess up honestly. I'm worried he'll break your heart again if you go back to him now". You blinked "woah Yuqi I'm not planning to go back to him now". "You're not?" she asked with a hint of relief in her voice and you shook your head "god no! I was just checking if there were any reasons to hope this might be a good sign". Yuqi smiled "there's always a reason to hope, we'll keep an eye out for signs for you" and the girls all rushed to agree. "Thank you" you smiled at them "I promise I won't rush into anything" and from how tightly they all hugged you, you knew they all felt like Yuqi. They didn't want to see you hurt, you just hoped you'd be able to protect yourself better than last time.
V felt like his life was finally on track again but he reminded himself he couldn't expect you to suddenly come rushing to him. You might not actually be interested in his anymore or the damage might've already been done. He might've destroyed your trust in him and you needed solid proof before you were ready. Or maybe there was someone else or you were taking a break from dating after that leaked video nearly wrecked your career. There were so many reasons why you could be hesitating and V couldn't get ahead of himself. So he kept his head down and just carried on but some of your joint friends had different ideas.
Kai had noticed the changes in V majorly and he also knew about the text he'd sent you. At first, he was angry. Did V really think not sleeping with tons of girls and stopping putting toxins in his body for a few weeks would make things okay? He hoped you wouldn't fall for it and had his obligatory "he's not good enough for you" friend speech ready but he didn't need it. You didn't mention V and everything seemed to be okay...but then Kai started believing it. He'd known V for a while and heard a lot about him through Jimin and despite everything he didn't think V was a calculating person. He knew how to play the game and act when he had to but he wasn't malicious...so was this change real?
One day when he was hanging out with Jimin he "casually" asked how V was. Jimin looked at Kai almost questioningly and then nodded "he's good". "How good?" Kai asked "just the news has been really quiet about him lately. Is he on hiatus or something?". Jimin shook his head "no that's been all V, he's been a different person lately and all that's behind him". Kai snorted "yeah sure!" Kai smirked and Jimin shook his head "it's true!". "Jimin, I know he's your member but come on, I've seen him on a night out. Guys like that don't change". Kai didn't mean what he said but he wanted to prod Jimin into spilling more and it worked.
"Well you clearly don't know him and are judging him like everyone else!" Jimin burst and Kai held up his hands "calm down, no need to get mad". Jimin nodded "I know but he's been working really hard lately. It's not just his health and his worth ethic which he's taken charge of. He's repairing family relationships, he cut out bad friends who use him and he's talking to someone about the pressure and stress we're under! He's doing so well Kai and I don't care if you run and tell Y/n or not but he's doing amazing and I'm so proud of him". Kai nodded "you should be, it sounds like he's doing great". Jimin nodded taking a breath and after he'd calmed a little changed the subject but V stayed on Kai's mind the rest of the day.
Kai watched V even closer and recruited his members to also watch him and report back anything bad they'd heard but there wasn't much of that except a small bit from Sehun. "Binna is pissed at him" he excitedly said one day, taking to his detective role very happily. "Why?" Baekhyun asked "because he broke up with her?". Sehun nodded "apparently he'd ended things with her lots of time before" he said, doing air quotes when he said ended "but they always got back together or well Binna could find some way to convince him to carry on but not this time. According to my source, she's tried everything even showing up at his apartment in the middle of the night wearing nothing under her coat. He wouldn't even open the door to her and when she wouldn't leave he called her members to come get her. Apparently she went kicking and screaming". "Wow" Kai said "that must've been horrible for him" and all the guys nodded. "Are you going to tell Y/n?" Chanyeol asked and Kai noddded "I think I have to, I know she still cares about him and if he really has changed then I think he could make her happy". "Yeah and if he doesn't she knows we'll all kill him right?" D.O. asked and Kai smiled "I will make that crystal clear.
Kai did exactly that. He sat you down one day and explained why he thought you might just be able to listen to what V said. He warned you he'd only been watching him for 2 months so it might not be long term but so far it was looking good. "I'm not telling you this to tell you to get back with him" Kai said "just so you've got all the information. I'd considered keeping it from you but knew I couldn't do that. I want to protect you but I also want you to be happy and V might be able to do that". You got goosebumps as Kai said that and nodded "I've been watching him too, it looks good right?". Kai smiled "it really does" and you both exchanged things you'd noticed and were pleased with. "Okay so what do I do next?" you asked and when Kai hesitated you smiled "and I don't mean romantically. That's in the back of my mind but I want to start off as friends first. So how do you think I do that?". Kai smiled "leave it to me".
"Okay" Kai said the next time he saw Jimin "what would you say if I told you Y/n was open to being friends with V again". Jimin's huge eyes got even wider "WHAT!" he cried "she said that? She's open to him? This is amazing!". Kai held up his hands "calm down, I'm just feeling things out". "But you must think she's open to it if you're asking me" Jimin pointed out. Kai nodded "we've both noticed the changes in V's behaviour and they've seemed pretty consistent...and that is the only reason I am encouraging this" Kai said "if I thought for a second V was trying to trick or deceive Y/n..." Kai started but Jimin shook his head "he's not Kai. Trust me, I like Y/n and don't want to see her hurt. If I thought he wasn't serious I would tell you to put her off but he's deadly serious. He's had laser focus and it's really impressive". Kai nodded "okay great, so how do we do this? Y/n is open but also nervous". Jimin frowned "would she be okay if V messaged her or should we do something a little more organic?". Kai nodded "I like your thinking, what are you doing next Saturday?".
Chanyeol's birthday party was pretty low-key to say how popular the stunning rapper was but he liked it that way. However, lowkey for an idol meant a party with 100 people and so Kai managed to get two tickets for Jimin and V to attend. He'd checked with you in advance and you were okay with it and actually a little excited. Even though you were definitely coming at this from a friendship perspective, you still dressed extra nicely tonight knowing V would be here. Kai was probably more nervous than you and with two good reasons 1. he had helped organise this so if V hurt you it would be his fault and 2. Yuqi had threatened to kick his ass if no.1 happened. So Kai was fluttering around you nervously when he saw V enter.
You hadn't noticed, too busy chatting to NCT's Johnny and Kai was unsure if he should warn you or not. V saw him watching him and gave him a small nod which Kai returned. Kai took a seat next to you and you could just tell from the look on his face V was here. Sure enough, when you searched you found him. He was at the bar with Jimin but he didn't order anything. He looked nothing like the last few times you'd seen him. Before he'd either been cocky and smug or emotional and frantic. This time he seemed softer, you watched him smile at something Jimin said and nod to some Red Velvet members who passed him. You looked down, worried he'd look up and see you watching him and felt a little flushed. You reminded yourself the whole point of V being here tonight was so you could talk to him and wondered how you'd do that.
Luckily it happened pretty casually. You were walking with NCT's Doyoung and Jeno when Jeno saw Jimin and rushed to hug him. Jeno had apparently met Jimin years ago at some event before he was an idol and they'd remained friends. Doyoung also went over to greet Jimin and V. You followed and smiled at Jimin before looking at V. He was staring at you a little and looked almost stunned you were in front of him but he quickly smiled and bowed to you. He said a polite hello to everyone and the conversation continued. You let Jimin and Jeno talk before looking back at V. He caught your eye and smiled "I liked your latest comeback" he said softly. You smiled "thank you, it was a lot of work but it turned out well". He nodded "I can imagine it was, the concept was so cool and the routine looked really difficult". You nodded "it was, I still don't think my thighs have recovered" and V laughed. You liked the sound of his laugh and smiled a genuine smile. V noticed and paused "would you like to go have a chat? I'd love to catch up on how work and stuff is going?" and you nodded.
The two of you talked for about half an hour and it was a little awkward but sweet. V was careful with you and you could tell the effort he was putting in. He'd clearly remembered everything you liked when you were together and when he asked about your favourite sports team you had to smile. "I thought about you when they won" he admitted and you did blush a little at that. He asked you tons of questions and watched you answer with his attention fully fixed on you. You could see Kai and your members watching you nervously so decided to wrap things up before anything could go wrong. "Yeah of course!" V said "it's been so nice speaking to you, would it be okay if I texted you?" he asked and you nodded "yeah I'd like that" and V smiled.
So after that, the two of you were in contact. It started off slowly, exchanging polite conversations and funny photos before it got more casual and evolved into meeting up. The two of you had to be super careful not to be photographed together but V always made sure you came first and were comfortable with where you wanted to go. You went to all your old hangouts and also lots of new ones. V commented on how much you'd grown since you'd last been friendly and you did feel proud. You weren't the same person as before and had matured so much...the same could be said for V. He was different not only from when you last new him but also from the sex-obsessed party boy you'd come to know him as. He explained to you what some of these changes involved and how he'd given up the drink and other addictive substances. He admitted he didn't know who he was in those times and how he enjoyed his life a lot more now. You were so happy to hear that and had noticed a huge difference in him but didn't really know what to do from here.
You'd told Kai you just wanted to get to know V as friends and you'd done that. You'd sussed him out and liked what you saw but what now? You were terrified to take the next step even though on paper everything was straightforward. V was stable, healthy and in a place for commitment. You still had great chemistry and had never stopped finding him attractive. You felt great when you were around him and found yourself missing him when you didn't get to see him for a bit. So why couldn't you just tell him you wanted him?
It was really bothering you and V noticed you seemed more anxious than usual so he asked you why and it all spilled out. "I don't know what's wrong with me!" you admitted "everything is perfect but something's making me hold back". V shook his head "nothing's wrong with you Y/n, I hurt you really badly several times so of course you've learnt to be cautious around me and it's not in your nature to jump into something with me". You frowned "I know but I figured if I spent time with you that fear would go and it hasn't! We've been hanging out for nearly 3 months now and I'm still wary of going any further. The attraction isn't the issue either, I like you and I want you I just can't" you said exasperated. V nodded and patted your hand "Y/n it's okay, you don't need to blame yourself. The problem is clearly me and something you're not getting from me so think, what do you need me to do?" V asked "seriously just tell me and I'll do it". "V it's not that simple" you sighed but he shook his head "no it is, you tell me absolutely anything you need from me and I'll do it to prove how serious about you I am". You shook your head "I want there to be something, some act that can make it all better but I don't know V...I'm not sure if there's anything that can reassure me enough. I'm too nervous and scared about the whole thing".
That broke V's heart. "I never want to make you upset" he said and you smiled sadly "and you haven't, these past months have been so nice and I'm really glad you're back in my life...I just don't know if it was wise. I feel like it's made us both want each other and I didn't want to give you false hope but I just don't know what you could possibly do to prove it all to me". V nodded "I understand, can I still see you?" he asked "or do you think that would be too painful for you?". You shook your head "I don't want to lose you V just maybe we'll need a break for a bit. If I see you right now it's just going to remind me of what I can't have and that will just make me upset and depressed". V nodded "okay I respect that, if you think of anything I can do though can you let me know?". You hesitated before nodding "I can't think of anything that would prove to me how serious about all of this you are but of course yeah, if I think of anything I'll tell you".
You parted ways quickly after that with heavy hearts and V was wracking his brains of ways he could fix this. What you said last to him stuck in his mind. He gave it a few days and when his mind still didn't change he decided to go for it. It was the riskiest thing he'd ever done but if it showed you how serious about you he was, it would all be worth it.
V set up his phone and purposefully chose a room in the studio that locked. He'd vaguely told the staff he was going live but left it at that so technically he never lied to them about what he was going to do.
He quickly greeted fans after he went live and then got to the point. "So I know this in unplanned but I'm here today because I've got something I need to confess. The truth is, I'm in love with Y/n from G-(I)dle" V said. He felt the atmosphere change even though it was a virtual medium and knew this was monumental but kept going. "We dated for 3 years and broke up 5 years ago because I wasn't a good boyfriend. I was immature, unsupportive and wasn't happy having one amazing girl. Y/n put up with me for way longer than she deserved" V said as a member of staff tried the locked door. "When she ended it with me I was happy because it was the excuse I needed to sleep with any girl I wanted but I now realise it was the worst moment of my life. Y/n was an amazing girlfriend, she was caring, thoughtful and made me feel like I could do anything. She loved me more than I even knew was possible and with her I just felt at home" V said smiling slightly at the memory before his smile vanished "but then I ruined everything" he said. "I'm telling you all this because some of you have taken it upon yourselves to abuse Y/n for dating me. I'm telling you all if you want a villain, it's me. I started that argument you all saw with Y/n because I was selfish and wanted her to come back and save me after all I'd put her through. I was a jerk but I wasn't the one put on hiatus or punished and anyone who harassed her is not a true fan of mine" he said shaking his head in anger. The person trying to get in started knocking on the door getting louder and louder and V sighed "I'll be cut off soon but I wanted you all to know. I love Y/n and will never love anyone else like I love her. She is the greatest person I know and I would give up everything, all of this" he said gesturing around the room "for her...because she's really that special and I wanted you all to know that".
He ended the stream and opened the door, ready to face the consequences.
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tadpolesonalgae · 4 months
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hey! it's been a while, tbh. i still read your works and check your profile pretty regularly, but i don't think i've sent an ask in a while. i think you complimented my writing style last time(that it was fun to read, i think?) so thanks for that. i've been rereading cbmthy once again, at least the starting parts, and it seems i'd forgotten how much of an asshole az'd been in the beginning.
anyway, you've heard about this from multiple people, me included so i won't rehash it, but like before i think i'm particularly interested to see how he mends that relationship, and how justified reader is in being ok with it. anyway i do find myself wondering what their relationship would look like in the future, if you've already decided on it? if you're fine with talking about it, ofc. i understand if you don't wish to spoil it or take away from how surprising it might be.
anyway i think it would be interesting to explore what feelings az would feel once everything actually sinks in, and that he needs to actually apologize. admittedly i think it would be fun it it came about because of him being jealous or something, but i know it's more realistic for it to be bc of the confrontation(perhaps during the one you've been talking about for a while?).
i think of all i'm most interested to see how everything az said in the beginning affects reader once they have a cordial relationship and/or a romantic one, where i think it's most likely that az just doesn't make up for the words he says because he's sure that r knows they're false and that he'd only said them in the heat of the moment and because he'd already vaguely apologized before and then having to deal with the fact that r's internalized it, at least somewhat. (admittedly this might be me projecting what i think i would do in the situation. praise kink go brr?).
oh! i'm also curious how you'll mend the comparisons to elain part tbh. quite a thing that's usually make or break in a relationship where i think i would be quite concerned if someone stayed in a relationship after that tbh. unsure how one would come back from that, but perhaps it is a personal thing.
feel free to talk about this stuff if you want!
(if you're fine with it, i would like to be * anon?)
Hello hello!!!
‘i've been rereading cbmthy once again, at least the starting parts, and it seems i'd forgotten how much of an asshole az'd been in the beginning.’
Honestly same, I’ve been recapping since I’m working on part 13 and i’m looking back and realising he has to be on perfect behaviour from now on or reader’s going to turn her head the other way 🫡
‘but like before i think i'm particularly interested to see how he mends that relationship, and how justified reader is in being ok with it.’
So, someone has definitely mentioned the fact that if he starts acting better around reader only once her mental state begins improving, there’s the concern of “you only love me at my best” scenario, which is definitely not what we want! Anyhow, we’re getting closer to the main turning point in the story which I hope will be a relief to hear, so there’s going to be a lot of reconsideration on past decisions and adapting to new developments that arise as the story goes on, which in turn, will allow Az and reader’s relationship to evolve to something better and healthier :)
‘anyway i do find myself wondering what their relationship would look like in the future, if you've already decided on it?’
Honestly it’s not going to change dramatically, I don’t think? She’s still going to be nervous when entering new territory with him, because I feel that’s a quintessential part of who she is 😭 what will change is likely how she manages the nerves and how Az interacts with her worry, learning how to work around and with one another and sync up their habits so they can coincide :)
‘if you're fine with talking about it, ofc. i understand if you don't wish to spoil it or take away from how surprising it might be.’
Thank you for including this 🧡💛
I think for the most part, it’s only the points of interest outside their relationship I’d like to keep quiet on, since those are more plot related and i’m honestly kind of excited/anxious to learn what people think when those Events happen! Also some of it, reader will also be learning on her own, so I’d like your experience to be as close to hers as possible, which includes for the most part not knowing if her life is changing for the worse or for the better :)
‘anyway i think it would be interesting to explore what feelings az would feel once everything actually sinks in, and that he needs to actually apologize.’
This part I haven’t yet gotten around to fully thinking through. It’ll probably be something like getting some segments from his perspective where we see him connecting reader’s actions to things that have happened in the past and understanding some of the things that need to change or be addressed to progress?
‘(perhaps during the one you've been talking about for a while?).’
I’m think the actual scene might have to be in a longer chapter, just because I would like to keep people immersed, and with how long it sometimes takes me to update cbmthy, I don’t want people having to wait to see what happens until it’s passed 😭
‘cordial’
Such a tangent but I love this word so much 🤌
‘…and because he'd already vaguely apologized before and then having to deal with the fact that r's internalized it, at least somewhat.’
I think this whole issue might be addressed over the course of a few discussions? Again, I haven’t fully figured out how it’s going to unfold so it’s certainly subject to change, but I think because self-doubt is an integral part of reader’s thinking process, it’s not something that would be remedied in one talk. Either way, I’ll do some more thinking about it and see if anything comes to mind :)
‘oh! i'm also curious how you'll mend the comparisons to elain part tbh….’
This will most likely also be included in those discussions, since it’s not just Elain but also Mor reader compares herself to. I think with Elain, that’ll probably be a topic that comes up with Az? I think? 🤷 Then with reader’s subconscious comparisons with Mor, I think that might just be a relationship she needs to fix on her own? Seeing Mor as her own person rather than someone Azriel loved is likely going to be something she has to unlearn and overcome :)
‘(admittedly this might be me projecting what i think i would do in the situation. praise kink go brr?).’
😳🫣👀🤝
‘feel free to talk about this stuff if you want!’
I love getting to talk about it, thank you so much for being interested ☹️
I really hope the story continues to be enjoyable despite how long the chapters take to write and how it sometimes takes a while for things to happen :)
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lialacleaf · 4 months
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The Spartan and His Pyro:
Poor Past Actions, and Their Present Consequences
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Synopsis: Catherine has regrets about her past, and it may haunt her forever.
Seeing old friends often went one of two ways. You were either thrilled to see them, or you would rather have your fingernails pulled out. For Catherine, it was usually the sour kind of reunion that she found herself trapped in.
"I'm pretty sure you stole my shit."
"You had a bright future ahead of you."
"We'ren't you one of my kids's friends? We caught you sleeping in our garage once?"
Or her personal favorite, "You're looking better."
Catherine thought it wasn't hard to look "better" when people were used to seeing you hungover in the grocery store parking lot on a school night, boondocking in an old pickup truck she'd borrowed from her foster dad, along with some of his booze.
As far as she was concerned, it was her whiskey, paid for with the money the state sent as an incentive to foster. She didn't care about the legalities of it, at least until her classmates were whispering about her underage drinking habits when she stumbled through the halls the next morning, blatantly hung over.
Her clothes smelled like her foster mother's smoking habits anyway, and people had already made plenty of assumptions about her based on that. She was beyond the friendship of the clean, well-cared-for kids at her high school.
They were loved. She could tell when she looked at them, with their new clothes, shoes that didn't have holes, and freshly trimmed hair.
What was worse was the parents who saw her in the pickup line and could tell that she wasn't.
A woman once offered her some money to buy a bag for her school books, and she'd turned around and spent it on substances without an ounce of guilt. She still didn't look her in the eye in the pick-up line though.
That life, however, was galaxies away, and Catherine didn't have to think about where her next meal would come from anymore If she'd have clothes to wear, and most importantly, how long until her next drink. Her relationship with alcohol was much healthier now, and her team, her friends, were none the wiser of what she'd once been.
"I wish we didn't have to go to these things, seems like a waste of time," Kelly said, tugging at the collar of her uniform with a scowl.
Catherine simply shrugged, glancing around at the other occupants of the Rec Hall. She didn't even know whose retirement party this was, but Blue Team's presence had been requested, so she could only assume it was a high-ranking officer or a council member.
"I don't see the problem. They've got a pretty good spread," Horace interjected from beside Catherine, licking the remnants of a custard dessert from his fingers.
"Remind me why you're here?" Frederick asked with a raised brow as the Hispanic polished off a plate of fruit tarts.
"I served under the old man a while back, he was always the type to throw a big party, especially if it was in his honor," Horace explained, before elbowing Catherine in the side. "Where's your boyfriend?"
Catherine shot the soldier a glare and elbowed him right back. "Stop calling him that," she snapped. She and John hadn't exactly put a label on what they were, nor had the Master Chief declared that things between them were exclusive.
Sure, he had admitted to having feelings for her, and he'd been rather physical here and there, but nothing had been decided. She couldn't help but worry that if Horace kept up with the unwanted commentary it would become overwhelming for the Spartan, and he'd end things with her.
"John is running late, won't be here for a little while, if he comes at all," Kelly supplied, raising a brow at the redhead's hostility.
"Guess you got dolled up for nothing," Horace whispered and Catherine scoffed. She hadn't exactly put much effort into her appearance. Only curled her hair, done up her face, squeezed into a little black dress she hadn't worn since her twenties, and shoved her feet into the most damn uncomfortable pair of heels sitting in the back of her closet. Ok, so she had gotten dolled up.
It was somewhat of a relief, however, that the Chief might not even come to the party, worries that she had overdone her attire floating around in her brain. Maybe her lipstick was a little too red, or her eye makeup was too pronounced.
Catherine startled when Kelly bumped her shoulder, a worried look on her face. "Everything all right?"
She nodded, smoothing out her dress with a nervous smile. "Just peachy."
"I'm sure John will come, even if he waits until the last minute."
"Oh! no- I wasn't...that's not- nevermind. I- I need a drink." She couldn't get away from her friends fast enough. She felt like a clown as if she was attracting too much attention. She should have just stuck with her dress uniform and foregone the makeup.
She felt even more ridiculous knowing that even the Spartans themselves could see that she was just dressing up to impress the Chief. She felt like glass as if everyone around her was looking in on her most private intentions, picking out her insecurities one by one.
She was so lost in thought that she didn't even notice the familiar figure that stepped into her path until she collided with a firm chest.
"Catherine? Is that really you?"
Her eyes darted up and she felt her blood run cold. There was no way. Her mind was playing tricks on her as a result of her anxiety. It had to be.
The man before her was tall and lanky, with sandy blonde hair on his head and a pathetic amount of muscle on his arms compared to the other men in the room.
"Toby? What...what are you doing here?" she asked, looking around for something, anything to pull her away from this reunion.
"I'm here for my old man's retirement party, what are you doing here?" Toby had a grin that spread wide and showed off his teeth, pearly whites that Catherine knew to be veneers. He'd smoked his way through his real ones back in high school, and it was a miracle his lungs were still intact.
"Your...old...oh," Catherine offered him a smile that was wilting the moment it hit her face. "Wow, time really flies, doesn't it," she mumbled behind her grimace.
"Yeah, this stuck-up military stuff isn't really for me though. You know?"
"Oh I know, Toby. Boy, do I know." She anxiously wrung her hands, eyes darting around.
"Man, I miss the good old days though. You ever think about it?" he asked, a reminiscent gleam in his eyes.
A sigh of resignation left her lips. "No Toby, I, a grown woman with a job and real responsibilities, do not fantasize about hotboxing your car in the middle of January."
Toby let out a bark of laughter. "Damn, Cat. You got old and boring."
Catherine frowned, smoothing her hands over her dress self-consciously. "I'm not that old," she grumbled.
A sudden hand on her waist made her jump, and her eyes snapped up to a familiar pair of blue ones. "Am I interrupting?"
Catherine felt her heart drop into her stomach, and a strong desire to puke bubbled up in her belly despite the lack of alcohol sitting there.
"Not at all, mate! Catherine, who's your friend?" Toby gave her a cheeky grin as he eyed John's figure curiously.
Catherine felt as if the room was a hundred degrees and her knees were going to give out so that she might hit the floor like a dead weight.
"This is..." Her partner? Her significant other? Her commanding officer who was also her crush turned situationship? "Jo-" she was interrupted by her own burp, her hand flying up to cover her mouth, as her anxiety turned to full-blown indigestion. "This is John."
The air felt too thick to breathe, and if the Master Chief had noticed the tension, he didn't deem it necessary to comment on it. "Friend of yours?" he asked.
Catherine opened her mouth to reply, but Toby opened his mouth much faster. "Oh, we go waaay back. Started high school together, feels like forever ago now. Cat always knew how to have a good time. Shared a lot of our firsts," Toby supplied, bumping the Spartan's shoulder with a cheeky grin.
Between the wave of embarrassment and sudden nausea, Catherine nearly whimpered. "Toby taught me how to smoke a cigarette," she stated quickly.
John simply quirked an eyebrow, glancing between the redhead and the clearly intoxicated man before him. "I've never seen you smoke."
"Well she always preferred the reefers," Toby said so matter-of-factly that Catherine couldn't possibly suppress her grimace. She was going to kill him. He needed to shut the hell up or she was going to stuff a cream puff down his throat and watch him suffocate.
John gave little reaction, and she could only imagine the disappointment he was feeling. Surely he was realizing what a mess she really was. What a degenerate she'd been in her youth. She must have been a polished piece of shit in his eyes now.
"It's too bad you joined the military, you were a helluva good time-"
Catherine felt another nervous belch coming on and swallowed thickly. "I need some water," she interrupted, pushing past Toby, towards the bar, throwing a half-hearted goodbye over her shoulder.
The bartender had been nice enough to hand her a ginger ale, noticing the way she clutched her stomach in discomfort. She took small sips, her lip wobbling as she tried not to recount the events that had just occurred, knowing it would send her heart rate through the rough.
She took deep breaths, trying to focus on the expanding of her lungs and not the noise of the party around her. She felt his looming presence over her despite staring into her glass, her shoulders tightening and her breaths coming out shallow. She felt like she was choking.
And then suddenly he was pulling her in from the side, one hand planted firmly on her waist while the other swept from the top of her neck to the base of her spine.
"That was eventful."
Catherine simply nodded, burping softly as her stomach settled. John squeezed her hip, before moving to cup her cheek, the warmth from his palm seeping into her clenched jaw.
"You're fine," he rasped softly, and she nodded, humming in agreement despite the wheeze in her lungs. "Catherine," he urged her to look at his face, and her eyes darted there momentarily.
"I'm sorry," she blurted all of a sudden, feeling like a fool.
John didn't falter, his hand sweeping in sooting strokes down her back. "For what?" he chuckled softly. "Your friend?"
"He's not my friend," she snapped, wilting into his shoulder. "He's a prick I used to mess around with, I didn't think I'd ever see him again."
"You don't have anything to be sorry for," he assured her, arms settling around her waist. "Why is this bothering you so much?" he prodded.
"I have a really good life here," her voice wavered, her hand rising to cling to one of his sturdy arms. "I really don't want to lose that because of something stupid I did in the past," she admitted.
John frowned, watching as the redhead seemed to fold in on herself. "Do you think about this often?" he asked.
Catherine swallowed thickly. "A lot. Every day." Her life was a constant battle between the joy of finally having a home, and the fear of loss and abandonment. What if Blue Team decided she was too much to handle?
John shook his head, pulling her tight against his chest. "You're a part of my team. You're mine. Even the parts of yourself that you aren't proud of." he murmured.
Catherine let out a deep sigh, allowing the tension to melt from her shoulders. “You don’t know everything I’ve done,” she warned, voice wavering.
John’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he offered her a reassuring smile. “Don’t need to.”
He’d never been under the impression that she had ever been the most well-behaved adolescent. Maybe someday he’d tell her about the time he cost Fred and Sam their dinner and ended up with a black eye.
Catherine licked her lips nervously and nodded. “Thank you, John,” she said swallowing thickly.
Her Spartan had yet to abandon her, and maybe someday she’d stop expecting him to.
Tag List:
@kittybatman04 @il0vebeingdelulu @starchaser-the-prophet
@writeforfandoms
-I think that's everyone? it's been so long since I posted for this....
Masterlist - Find the rest of the Pyro Series here!
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tulipsforvin · 10 days
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it's genuinely terrifying. Like, they say it's "kink shaming" but WTF how is a r@pe fetish a kink!?!?!! It scares me sometimes what the jjk fandom is becoming. I'll definitely take that advice with the cat post spam! I was literally being bombarded by it I needed a break.
I'm genuinely SALVITING for her to start writing for MTP from the way she writes angst (I don't know who hurt her but she gives me trauma LMAO), you and her would be a diabolical combination on a William fic LOLOLOL. You two have me shed tears as I listen to salvatore.
Yes! The MYSTERY IS DRIVING me CRAZY? she's structured it similarly to her current royalty au, so I think she's going to go into the flashback (like the main plot will be a flashback) that how she writes most of her works as like one massive cyclical structure. HWAT DOES SHE MEAN NANAMI KENTO???? I'm so desperate to see her take on the cast like is the whole thing from shoko's pov or will the chapters rotate? I'm so hyped for her take on Gojo (sorry I'm a gojo girlie) like from those moodboards I was squealingggg.
that's why whenever I crawl onto your blog and see you've posted something new I absorb every morsel of it like a homeless Victorian child because there is NO MORE content to be found, I think I've read like everythingggggggggggg. My quest has been completed 😭
But you are so talented vin. Just had time to read that mycroft headcanon and I just know that sherlock would be the worst babysitter! He'd start of trying to be all cool and assertive and then by the time reader and mycroft are home he's either crying in the very corner of the room or he would be trying to experiment on the kids LMAO
TRUE. it's genuinely so sad when they're like it's a coping mechanism 😭 like darling, that's not healthy. i promise there's so many better coping mechanisms out there and online forums and organisations that would love to offer their assistance and support in much healthier ways. praying it disappears from your dash 🙏
I LOVE ANGST WRITERS SO MUCH because they're able to evoke such deep emotions within me to the point of making me sob LMAOAOA. GOD, the things she could do with the angst already in mtp — i wonder how she'd be able to shape all that plot with the sadness and the mourning and the anger RAAA. all i know is that she's going to do so great 😭 (genuinely happy you think i'm even slightly near her level of scrumptious writing by the way !! )
also like HELL YEAH⁉️ he's trying SO hard to seem composed and constantly assuring the twins'1 worried parents about how the kids are going to be fine while ushering them out of the door but in reality they weren't worried for the twins, they knew the kids would be fine (they still have mycroft's genes, even if they're little menaces) it was sherlock they were worried about lol. they'd probably come back to the children being piggybacked by sherlock and a scarf tied around him being used like reins for horses
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sidhewrites · 9 months
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Chapter 8! Kind of! Flailing in the general direction of a narrative and excessive use of brackets to move the action along!
Project Info
Previous Chapter | Next Chapter
The second Josie sees Renfield, she cries out in relief and pulls him close to her chest, peppering his fat head with kisses. "Thank you, Kaz. [I was so worried]." Now that she's got her cat back, Josie can focus on other concerns. Her gaze drifts over to the circle of light where a valiant effort to get a modicum of work done after all the chaos.
"Josie...?" I warn, but there's not much heart behind it. After nearly losing Renfield, it's hard not to want to give her something nice. Maybe she could at least say hello. I look over my shoulder and sigh. "Be cool. Okay?"
"So cool. I'm very cool."
"I believe you." I don't believe her.
"Do you...?"
She pauses, looking down at Renfield in her arms. He's happy as can be, face buried in the crook of her elbow. I know Josie wants to take him to the vet to get looked at, and she'd be right to, but the risk of missing out on meeting the archivists. It's such a small thing, but I can still see it weighing on her.
I don't want to make her make a hard decision, not after tonight. "Listen, come by tomorrow. They're probably going to be pissed at me in the daylight and want to talk to Mr. Ngo about things. Might as well have you stop by too. Yeah?"
She hesitates before nodding, and despite her exhaustion, there's a distinct glimmer in her eye. "Sounds good."
"Let me know what the vet says?"
"Will do." Josie looks down at Renfield and sighs. "Thank you, Kaz."
"Sure thing. I'm glad we found him."
Josie heads off, and I turn back to the team, plastering my best customer service smile on my face, and get ready to grovel once more.
#
[Kaz checks in with josie in the mormning, renfield is fine and seems healthier than he was in his last visit which is wild. But he's behaving oddly, hiding under tables, and refusing to be pet. So she's gonna keep an eye on him and keep in touch with the vet.
She also talks with the haunted archivists, gets permission to use the video with the cat in it, etc. she gets a selfie with them and ts delightful.]
Josie looks like she barely slept, but the fear and tension is mostly gone from her shoulders.
"Good news, then?" I ask, and she makes a face. I try again: "Bad...news?"
"Weird news."
"Tell me."
Josie pulled out her phone in search of the after-visit summary. "The vet says he's in perfect health."
"Well, that's good, isn't it?"
"As in, perfect health. No bladder infections, no kitty arthritis. Nothing. Even his breathing seem to be doing better."
"Definitely weird news, then." Renfield was a smush - faced cat. He'd been examined back when Josie first took him in the day she found him in the trash, and the vet said he'd likely suffer some issues in his old age. Sure enough, he'd slowly started to huff and sneeze and wheeze a bit as the years went by, though it was a mix of issues that lead to him being less active and more determined to fall asleep in your lap and drool on your pant leg.
"So..."
"I don't know. I scheduled a follow up at the end of the week with his usual vet, and we'll see. But here, look. See? He's totally fine." She flipped the phone around to show me a video of Renfield noisily chowing down on his breakfast.
"Aww, look at him." I cooed. "A little scrungus man."
"Be nice," Josie whined, even as she moved on to the next video of him scratching at his cat tree.
"An old scrunkly bungus."
"No, he's a sweet baby!"
I fully intended to continue insulting her stinky baby boy but the front door swung open again. "Hang on just a second," I said to Josie, then leaned back in the chair to call out the office door, "I'll be with you in a second!"
A familiar voice answered, "No need."
Ah. The Archivists were back. I felt my whole body cringe, hoping against hope they hadn't reported last night's chaos to Mr. Ngo. A quick glance to Josie told me that she matched my dread with her own levels of excitement. "Be cool," I hissed.
"So cool." She nodded aggressively.
Neither of us were capable of being cool. I was fully prepared for another round of groveling and apologizing until Lourdes poked her head in the door with the biggest smile on her face.
"Morning!" She chirped, and waltzed in, followed by Mick and Maddie. I would have questioned their energy levels after last night were they not all sporting cups of coffee from a local cafe. I had similarly loaded up on caffeine before work and had a backup cup ready to go under the office's coffee machine.
"Morning...?"
"Sup." Josie crossed her arms and leaned against the desk, which would have been perfectly casually if she also wasn't visibly restraining herself from fangirling over both Archivists and their manager standing less than five feet away. She does not miss the dubious glance I shoot her way, but manages to say nothing.
"So the three of us were talking last night," Maddie begins, glancing down at notes on her phone.
"Look, I'm sorry. I swear that one wasn't planned. Josie's cat never runs like that, and he--"
"We'd like to use it in the video."
"What?"
Maddie gives me a look that seems to say keep up, we're talking business here! "It's great content. The team's in the middle of a successful [seance? what's the word] and in comes a cat. I think the audience would be disappointed if we don't do a little Q&A with him, too. You know, just as a little bonus."
I glanced to the side. Josie's practically steaming with the effort of keeping her calm. Frankly, I'm more than a little impressed. "I mean, you'd have to ask his owner, right?"
"Of course, yeah," Maddie says, and the team nods in agreement.
"No, I mean... the owner...?" I gesture to Josie.
She waves.
"Oh -- oh, hey, cool! Hi, I'm Maddie." She reached out to shake Josie's hand, and gestured to the other two. "I don't know if you know us...? This --"
"Mick and Lourdes, Haunted Archivists. I know you guys. Um -- that is, I've seen your show, and --"
I kick Josie lightly, and she clears her throat, getting a hold of herself.
"Yep, yeah. So cool. Um, yeah, that was my cat Renfield that you... want to use in the video, apparently?"
[They greet Josie and talk and of course she's excited.]
She talks about some of the local legends, and points them in the direction of the librarian
Tag list:
@adaughterofathena
@ambreeskyewriting
@carnelianflames
@feather-dancer
@halfbloodlycan
@nadunacreates
@serenanymph
@vigilantdesert
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ocoree · 2 years
Text
A midge over a day almost exactly a week ago I was perusing the local pet store getting cat litter, and as part of my usual ritualistic circuit browsing from the bird section around back past cat, through dog, and ending at small critter, I detoured by the betta wall in the middle. Had been thinking about them for a while, as my office wants to see a tank set up again, and I happened to have a spare 20 gallon long tank floating around gathering dust. Last pass through I saw a gorgeous black and white betta, and wondered if there were other gems this round. Sure, some pretty ones, nothing that really stood out to me though (was kinda leaning to a platinum or opal betta to make a darkwater tank, bonus if they were a sturdy king plakat with no frilly fins to worry about being chewed on by tank mates). My eyes drifted over to spot a section of 'Glow Bettas', and felt my lip curl in disgust after seeing the ones that came through the doors at my prior pet-store job in a rival store - and now noticing there were yet new colors forced upon them. Leaning down to inspect them better, I happened to notice a sad little slip of silver in a dirty cup next to them. I didn't know what alien bettas were - and seeing the few active ones on another section I couldn't parse out what made them distinct from the rest with their muddy green shine. This one felt different for me, and when I held him up to the light I saw a blue and purple sheen over him, and he was a little disgruntled that I disturbed him from his curled up position. "Huh, that's different." I thought, and toyed with the idea of a silver betta instead of a white one in my communal tank. His condition wasn't the best, but neither was his water situation with it being fouled and yellowed by too much food - an easy fix, and his responsiveness despite it indicated he'd bounce back with some fresh water and proper feeding. Next day I was still thinking about him, and my co-workers urged me to scoop him up if I felt confident taking him in. So I scrambled out on my lunch break and found him still in the same spot quite ignored over the showier and healthier individuals. Lad wasn't too happy about it, but soon after I got him situated in his travel tank with some spring water he started turning the most vibrant blue and moving around considerably. He was still falling to the bottom of the tank though, and laying curled on his side when he tired out, which tipped me off to him having possible swim bladder issues (think like a tummy ache from too much food for non-fishkeepers that affects their ability to stay afloat - it either makes them sink like a stone, or float like a cork which is bad for a betta that needs air if left untreated) and a game plan to help him pull through it. First night home, I dug out a little 2.5 gal tank I had intended to use for craft displays for whenever I got around to doing craft shows, and got him more properly situated with a sandy bottom and modified silk plants (plus a little anubia and a couple moss balls to start off with for my first live aquarium plants). Little dude was happy exploring between periods of resting, and looked a lot livelier even with the tank half-full -
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I happened to fall sick right at the same time from a coworker coming in and sharing her bug with everyone, so the weekend gave me time to spend around his tank and keep him under observation. Watching him exploring and getting improving in his environment was a treat -
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And then finally, after a tentative meal of thawed pea to make sure his system was thoroughly cleaned out, it was time to give him a proper meal of thawed bloodworms - just two, as he's a little fellow. Boy, I think I opened his eyes to what a betta should be eating. Dude couldn't get enough and started doing a very energetic Begging Dance and zoomies afterwards -
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After that day any time he saw me move near his tank, or even turn my head to look his direction, he'd go into an excited fit of zooming around the front of the tank, look up to the surface, and zoom some more! I even tried to see if I could carefully walk up to the tank out of what I thought was his view, but when I peeked around the railing of the shelf he was on - little dude was staring right back at me from that corner of the tank! Today was the first day I did a water change in his tank - wasn't sure how he'd take it, but he was mostly baffled by the strange thing intruding his space, and curious about the stream of water coming into his tank. Later I found him contemplating the new water level in his home from when he started out (the blur line is where the old water level was, I just need to get in there and scrub it off) -
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Sure he may always have his issue with staying afloat in the water, and may have to live out his life in this little tank because of it, but darned if I'm not gonna try to make sure he's well cared for. My eventual goal is to make his little tank fully planted like a mini world, maybe put a little cherry shrimp or two in there with him, and keep serving him food on a toothpick like the spoiled boy he is. I would have loved to try to put him in the 20 gal communal tank when it goes up, but I worry that may cause more issues for him if he can't maintain his buoyancy in any water deeper than this tank. It's clearly not dampening his style though! I'm not entirely sure what spurred me to take him in - likely a mixture of, "I can help this animal that would have otherwise been overlooked time and time again until he fell too ill to recover", disdain from having seen how this store handles their betta stock compared to the one I worked with, and.. maybe a little bit of spite... A point of principle so to speak.. A way to show that even if they're not the flashiest or most active in their little container, a little bit of careful love and awareness can make a difference for one little fish. Currently waiting on some lava rock to arrive that I ordered to start hardscaping the bigger tanks, so I'll try to post updates as his tank evolves! Any advice for setting up a planted tank would be great! I've not done much in the way of exploring that aspect of fishkeeping, so if I can hit the ground running with as much knowledge as possible the better I can make a successful setup! At the moment my plant plans are - Java Moss, duckweed, Anubia +/or hornwort + some kind of carpet plant for the bottom - not sure what though.
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cardiacginger · 2 years
Text
misdirection ::
@ikkaku-of-heart
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Perched on one of the bleachers that the boys had brought up to the deck, Ikkaku studied her shipmates’ matches closely. Penguin, of course, had pretty much dominated his entire fight against Clione, and Uni’s fight against Darter earlier had been an amazing display of using Observation Haki to predict his opponent’s moves and countering them. Admittedly, this had her a bit nervous as hers and Shachi’s names were called up for the next match. Sure, she’d been coming up with potential strategies, but she was still at a disadvantage.
Combat wasn’t exactly Ikkaku’s strong suit. Yes, she was decently strong and could fight, but generally she preferred to take out her opponent with her shock baton before they could land a hit. It was quick, easy, and often non-lethal. Perfect for someone who didn’t quite have the heart of a killer. It had served her well enough for the past seven years, but now, the New World was coming, and if she wanted Law to achieve his dream, she needed to up her game. She couldn’t let him down.
If she did, her captain might just decide it was more pragmatic to leave her behind, brilliant engineer or not. Unlikely, but she couldn’t take the chance. Not when he had been going to greater and more terrible lengths to taking down Joker, including coming up with a plan to become a Warlord.
So when she was called up to fight, she was determined to do her best. Admittedly, finding out she was up against Shachi wasn’t particularly confidence-inspiring; he was undoubtedly a better fighter than her, but she was also aware that going in with a defeatist attitude wasn’t exactly productive. If she wanted to become better, she couldn’t give up before even a punch was thrown.
It was just a sparring match, but this was important to her. She needed to prove to not only her nakama and captain, but to herself, that she wasn’t useless. Wasn’t weak and worthless. That just because Shachi was also an engineer, didn’t mean Ikkaku was disposable.
Determined to do her best, and perhaps make herself believe she was as good, if not better, than her cocky nakama, she gave the redhead a smirk and a wink. “We both know when I make bets, I usually win. Just like I’ll win this match. Maybe you should promise to go easy on my so when your ass ends up on the floor, you can hold onto at least a tiny shred of your pride.”
Shachi gave a mocking huff of a laugh, waving his hand dismissively.
"Big talk, big talk."
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"Gonna need to get me worried first if ya want to see me save face. And trust me, I ain't worried."
It wasn't a total lie. He didn't feel too threatened by Ikkaku physically, knowing that she had a preference for a weapon she couldn't use here while he was fully in his element. His switchblade was just an extension of his preferred fighting style, not at all to be missed the way her shock baton might be. He had the advantage. No, the threat lied much more squarely in his own insecurities that her superior vigilance had dug up.
He was worried, not because he thought he'd lose a fight, but because he couldn't contend with another failure. He had a lot to prove again after the morning's fuck-up - that he wasn't useless, that he wasn't replaceable. That Ikkaku wasn't better. A healthier mind might have risen above the low-hanging fruit of taking a battle as a matter of repairing an unrelated ego bruise, but the fear of not being good enough ran a deeper tread in his brain than any self-awareness. This was easier. This was familiar.
And if it wouldn't fix it, at least it'd feel good.
"It's cute you gave me an out, but I'm not as nice. You're not keeping your pride when I wipe the deck with you."
Shachi oriented himself into his usual fighting stance as he heard the last of the betting coins slide across the deck. He jerked his chin up in a clear 'come on' gesture.
"Let's see what you got, girl."
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How would the turtle boys react to a new, very caring, night owl, adult ally? Like they've got their own place not far from the lair and/or like right next to a manhole, so the boys can kinda just open a fire escape window and visit whenever they kinda want to be away from the lair, and whenever they go over said adult is awake and there to listen/talk. Maybe they kinda let the boys know their place is just a place where they can calm down from the whole "ninjas who save NYC" and... Just be kids/teens? Like they'll give general life advice to the turts while munching on some cookies from their mom's recipe (so grandma cookies) with 'em, and letting the boys feel their feelings in a safe environment? Sorry if that's all very specific, I just really want these good boys to have a good semi parental figure aside from Splinter bc they deserve it.
Hello, thank you for the request! Honestly this idea made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, so let's get to it :)
So I'm going to say that how their new ally and the boys met was by pure accident. They were opening the window and to their surprise there was a giant mutant turtle behind that. Both very surprised for obvious reasons. After that the ally and the turtles kind of started making smalltalk whenever they'd see eachother and soon became friends. Over time their new ally kind of became like an aunt to them.
Leo
At first he wasn't very sure about them
He's not someone who's very open about his feelings, so it took him a while to open up
He will ask them advice on some of the harder decisions he has to make as the leader
He feels relaxed at their house, because he doesn't have to be the leader/older brother for once
A lot of the time, he's there to listen too
He loves to hear what they and the people they know are up to in their normal people lives
He absolutely loves the home made baking goods and he admires anyone who can bake (and he's a bit jealous) and he's even more enthusiastic when he hears it's a family recipe
Raph
Raph usually comes to their new friend to vent
If Raph is really angry about something, he'll usually stay outside of their friends home to avoid accidentally breaking their belongings
Loves that he can hang out somewhere else where he doesn't have to worry about people seeing him
Pretends like he doesn't actually wants to go to their house
"Yea I was just close by and I was kind of tired so I didn't feel like walking to the lair"
Eventhough the lair is a 3 minute walk from their friends house
He'll sleep over in their friend's guestroom sometimes
Donnie
He's grateful he finally has someone who seriously listens to him without calling him a nerd
If they show any kind of interest in what he's doing in the moment he will ramble on for hours
He just loves the fact that they make him feel seen and heard
Will ask them for dating advice or advice on people in general
He will kind of use their place to get away from everything going on in the lair, to think or to rest
He will help them with computer related stuff or fix small things around their house
Mikey
Mikey will absolutely be at their new friends house 24/7
Will talk their ears off
He'd also tell them awkward things about his brothers because he can't keep secrets and is too impulsive to realise some things are better left unspoken
Will take advantage of the fact that their new friend bakes them stuff
Cookies for breakfast, cookies for lunch and cookies for dinner
At some point their friend realises ofcourse and offers to make them healthier foods
I hope you like it!
Ps. I've definitely seen the other requests too and I'm busy writing them! You guys are definitely helping me out inspiration-wise :)
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dyed-red · 2 years
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Please do put those amazing tags in a separate post because you really described their late seasons dynamic really well
<3333
Referring to this lovely gifset of late-seasons Dean arbitrating to Sam and how Sam (later in the conversation) goes along with it.
what always strikes me about late-seasons dynamic is how easily it can be mistaken for sam just capitulating to dean when that's really not what's happening, not in a way in which he's denied selfhood or autonomy (which is what happens to him in all earlier seasons! so this shift is important!).
i said in my tags "scenes that make me screeeeeam" because yeah! it does!
we see late seasons dean order sam around; sam picks his battles and pushes back on it (like in that gifset, "i beg your pardon?" - sam is independent and that hasn't disappeared! he still questions dean!) but then he often ends up accepting dean's arbitration.
and on the one hand it's like 🥴  stockholm syndrome king my beloved. and i do make those jokes and i like the line (half-joking and otherwise) about how damn pleased dean is that by late seasons he has a little brother who listens to him and does what he wants (and how guilty and fucked up he feels about all that happened to sam for them to end up here in this place that scratches that itch at dean's core).
but i honestly don't read sam as any less challenging toward dean in late seasons, or any more capitulating. i read them as having a healthier dynamic overall.
because here (in the gifset) when they're arguing about going back in time to the submarine and again when they argue about dean going to the alt-apocalypse universe with ketch, both scenes emblamatic of the shift between them because of how sam "gives in" and agrees to dean -- it's not that sam actually is giving in. not in the way one subsumes themselves or makes themselves small or gives up what they want for another person.
what's happening in both instances is that dean lays down the law, so to speak. he says hell no, you're not going. and sam balks, both times. but when he does, dean goes on to explain that his priority is keeping sam safe, and they don't know what they're facing on the other side in either of these situations, so he wants -- no, he needs sam out of it.
it's not like they don't face dangers and uncertainty all the time, but these case are particular. there are a lot of unknowns, and they're on a specific clock or existing with a narrow and focused goal under constraints. and dean needs sam not to go. it's a hard line for him.
why?
because with those constraints and with that goal, dean believes he can do it, can cut through all the mess and uncertainty of what is waiting on the other side and accomplish what they need to, but he can't do with sam. not because sam wouldn't have his back or because he'd rather any other partner beside him, but because sam is his priority. sam is his focus. now, always, in every universe.
so when faced with a new and complex and messy situation, dean can't accomplish the task objective if sam is there because his focus won't be the task objective, it will be sam, and keeping sam safe, and watching out for every danger and uncertainty and issue in order to prioritize sam. the mission be damned.
(we see this, time and again in the 15 years of canon. dean "oh i'm sorry have you met me?" winchester when told not to worry about sam. the man is self-aware on this topic).
and what's amazing is that sam accepts that! not capitulates, but understands! dean in both instances explains his priority, that he needs sam safe (that he doesn't give a shit what happens to ketch), and instead of sam's understandable insecurities getting the best of him, he recognizes that it's not about him. not that dean doesn't trust him, but that dean doesn't trust himself to get the job done. that dean will work best if sam is safe.
they're both so much more mature here 🥲 dean is being forthright (without bitching about having to be open about his feelings), even if he's blunt as hell about it. sam is trusting dean's words rather than letting his inner rebel lash out because he feels excluded.
so sam accepts dean's arbitration, his ruling in these cases, with his own caveats. and he figures out his role. he becomes dean's lookout and determines that if he can't watch dean's back in person, he can and will keep him safe from this end of things, and find a way to save him if he can't return. dean accepts this too, because he does trust sam and does rely on him, and honestly if everything goes sideways he will want and need sam's help, and the mission will be screwed regardless.
it's just that by late seasons, they're at a point where sam doesn't feel like dean doesn't trust or rely on him, and he gets that dean can't help his need to protect him. dean in turn is, for the most part, honest with sam and doesn't exclude him. he tells sam exactly what's up and they make decisions together, even when dean's arbitrating like this it's still a give and take. they mutually acknowledge their own needs and hard lines and determine the best course of action within those limits. which is what healthy dyads do!
(and my tags on the post mentioned that this leads to sam coming along on the second trip to the apocalypse universe with the "and if we die we'll do that together too" which itself is evidence in support of this mutual reading, rather than a reading where sam is capitulating. sam lays down his own law because he can't bear to be excluded on this and dean gets that. but when sam demands to come, he does so in acknowledgement of dean's priority being sam's life and potential death. and lmao sam does die so like, dean wasn't wrong to be concerned, and dean is ready to go back and also die next to him, so they get it. they understand each other. it's not just about the risks and not just about dean setting the rules, it's about them understanding each other's needs and working within those.)
so anyway yeah late-seasons dynamic is sexy submissive sam but only as a surface reading, because the reality is that he's calling the shots just as sure as dean, it just looks different between them because dean speaks in demands and orders -- he always has -- whereas sam convinces and discusses, but ultimately makes his own decisions regardless of what others (including dean) think. neither of their styles have changed, it's just that sam is more accommodating of dean and dean is more forthright with sam, and that obfuscates the equality of their relationship.
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vanderlustwords · 3 years
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We're Going There || part i
Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader
Please do not repost/translate anywhere. Reblogs/Comments are much welcomed ♥
Masterlist || Taglist
Summary: Bucky's just bidding his time because something's always in the way. When you have someone, he doesn't. When he has someone, you don't. But the way you look at each other, Bucky knows exactly where it's going. [angst with happy ending]
Note: Inspired by the song 'There's No Way' by Lauv ft. Julia Michaels. Bucky as an ex is unparalleled. There'll be 2 or 3 parts to this! Comment to be added to a taglist for the next part! :) *psa this isn’t a cheating fic*
If any of you watch psych, know that I extra love you LMAO
Warnings: Pining, a lil spicy, petnames (honey, doll, baby), a lil angst.
Count: ~3k
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You fall back against the wall, chest heaving heavily.
You try to pull back, but there's nowhere to go. You don't think you want to go far, anyway. It's evident in the way your hands are clutching his dress shirt desperately.
"We shouldn't. This is a bad idea," you whisper.
His eyes open, and you feel your heart flutter at his cobalt eyes, dark with desires as he stares at you. You can feel his breath on your lips as he pants.
Bucky grins at you, encasing your head between his arms. "Is it, though?" He brushes his lips against yours, sending chills down your spine. "Or has it been a long time comin'?"
Bucky keeps pressing his lips against yours over and over in short, chaste kisses. "I haven't stopped thinkin' about you since the day you left, honey."
He tastes like whiskey and mint, and your hands clench tighter unwittingly. Your body feels flush with heat. You still stand by your words—this was an undoubtedly bad idea. There had been a reason you left after all.
"Admit it," Bucky lifts one of his hands from the wall, cupping your jaw lightly as he caresses your cheek with his thumb. "Six months of all that tension has just been a lead-up to this. We're going there, honey. We're going all the way for good this time."
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<Six Months Ago>
You felt your heart fluttering in your chest, filled with nerves and anxiety.
It's been two years—two years since you've been James Buchanan Barnes.
Two years since you've broken up.
You run your hand through the side of your hair nervously, trying to not think about it. The last argument, the last words, before silence.
"Are you okay?"
You turn your head over and smile at the concerned look.
"Yeah," you put your hand down in your lap. "It's just been a while since seeing the entire team, you know? So much has changed."
There's a deep, gravelly laugh before a large hand settles on top of yours. "Yeah, you probably weren't expecting to be in Santa Barbara that long, but chasing powered serial killers take longer than you expected, huh? Also doesn't help you met an incredibly handsome man. You nervous about introducing me to the team?"
You cock your brow at him with a smirk. "You nervous about meeting a bunch of superheroes?"
"Oh, but sweetheart, I'm also a superhero," he puts his fingers up dramatically to his temples. "A psychic."
You roll your eyes playfully as your shove him with a laugh. "Santa Barbara may buy that, but I saw through that schtick after our first case. You know Wanda and Vision will know immediately too, right? In fact, many of them will be able to figure it out."
"Well, I mean...psychic is such a loose term. Who can truly say my skills of deduction aren't visionary?" He puckered his lip in avoidance. "What matters is that my visions stay visionary in Santa Barbara. So..."
You sigh, "Already ahead of you. I've already emailed Natasha that my boyfriend, Shawn Spencer, is a fraudulent psychic and to please ask the team to say nothing about it."
Shawn whines, "Babe! You're not going to even try to let me see if I can trick 'em?"
"Shawn...there is a literal magical witch, an AI that can read your mind, a God and multiple trained biologically enhanced agents. You're not fooling anyone here."
"You, my dear, are a spoiled sport," he sticks his tongue out at you, and you laugh as he leans over and kisses your nose. "I'm really glad I could come with you."
You continue to smile because you like Shawn, and Shawn likes you. Despite everything that had happened, Shawn wanted to try to make it work even though you were being hauled back to New York.
You wondered if it would work. After all, you were anxious to see Bucky again, and Shawn had been anxious to leave Juliette behind.
"Me too."
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Bucky checked his reflection in the mirror for the 16th time that day.
He just freshly got a haircut and had that stubble you always liked. He wasn't trying to do it for you per se...but knowing you were coming back after all this time, Bucky was nervous as hell.
Two years of silence gave him a lot of time to miss you. Shit, he'd been such a punk. He should've let Steve and Natasha smack him upside the head when it was all going down.
Knock some sense into him that he was losing the best thing in his life.
Honestly, the worst part is that Bucky doesn't even remember what the two of you even argued about daily. There had been deep, underlying issues that you had tried to bring up and that he was trying to suppress.
The nightmares.
The lack of communication.
The mandated therapy.
You had felt alone.
Bucky sighed. Shit, he really was an asshole.
But Bucky was ready to prove to you that he's changed. That losing you had changed him. He had gone to therapy religiously and done the work to help himself.
He'd also seen people on and off, no one ever really sticking the landing for him. Bucky knows it's probably because he's holding out for you.
There was a sudden knock on his door.
"Come in," Bucky said as he tried to fix up his hair one last time.
"Hey."
Bucky could see in the mirror that it was Nat. She looked rather tense as she had her arm crossed.
"What's wrong?" Bucky asked as he turned to her. "We should probably head down soon. She's gonna be here in an hour."
"Yeah," Nat said softly. "About that..."
Bucky's heart immediately starts to speed up, worry wracking through him.
"What? What's wrong?" Bucky immediately asks again. "Is there something wrong with her flight? Is she—Did she decide she's not coming back?"
Nat shakes her head. "No, no. She's coming back. I just checked my emails, though, and thought I should warn you."
Bucky stares at Nat, silent as he waits for her news—bad news, it seems.
"She's dating, Buck. She's bringing her boyfriend home with her."
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Everyone was outside the Compound, ready to greet you, when your cab pulled up.
"It's been way too long," Natasha said as she pulled you into a tight hug. Wanda hugged you right after Natasha let go.
"It's not the same here without you," she said in your ear, and you smiled and patted her back.
"Yeah, I'm really happy to be home too," you say.
Steve pulls you into a hug that lifts you off the ground and a spin. "Good to have you home." He lets you down before he joins Shawn in pulling your bags out.
"I got it," Steve said as he clapped Shawn on the back in greeting and pulled out the bags at once with ease.
"I could've lifted it," Shawn says with a joking jilt of his chin.
"But I just wanted to see your muscles in action. I'm trying really hard to not have a man-crush on you right now. Can we take a picture? Gus is going to be so jealous."
Steve laughs with a shake of his head as he sets the bag down and leans into the frame of Shawn's phone for a photo.
You sigh as you turn to everyone. "Well, this my boyfriend everyone. Shawn Spencer, everyone. Everyone, Shawn Spencer."
"Nailed the introduction, firecracker," Tony smirked as he bumped fists with you and turned to Shawn. "So, this is the famous psychic we've heard literally nothing about except for a paragraph long email today?"
"That would be me," Shawn dramatically bowed.
"Don't buy it one bit," Tony puckers his lips. "But I guess it's just observation skills, meh."
"Please do not reduce my powers to such things, Mr. Stark. In fact, let me get a reading on you," Shawn brings his fingers to his temple, and you sigh again as Tony looks curious.
Shawn does that thing where he squints, and you try to not roll your eyes with a laugh. "You, Mr. Stark, have had three and a half cups of coffee, you've been wearing the same shirt for 3 days now, and you're in the midst of a breakthrough on your prosthetic project but your lovely wife has specifically threatened to strangle you and leave you in the dog house if you didn't take a break. You're supposed to call in and check in with her in the next..." Shawn hums, "ten minutes to let her know how my lovely girlfriend is since she couldn't make it."
Tony's mouth drops. "What—How did you—"
Shawn looks so smug as he cockily swipes his thumb under his nose. "What can I say, the spirits speak to me."
"And it's your B.O. that we can all smell, the coffee stains on your pants and tremors in your hand, you're still wearing a prosthetic prototype, and you keep checking the time so you don't miss check-in time with Pepper," you drawl.
"Ugh, babe!" Shawn whines, but there's a twinkle in his eye.
You shake your head as everyone introduces themselves to Shawn. As people begin to crowd around him, you're finally left with the last person in view.
Your breath hitches in the back of your throat.
Bucky Barnes stands in the back, looking equally winded by seeing you.
He looks...good. Healthier, happier than the last time you saw him. The dark circles have vastly reduced, and while he was always muscular, he looks like he hasn't skipped any meals. He's not as pallor.
The chattering becomes a distant noise as Bucky approaches you.
"Hey," Bucky says first, and his tone is so gentle, so soft that it makes you sigh with relief.
"Hey," you give him a small smile. "You look really good, Bucky."
He smiles back at you, genuinely happy, but there's something sad just underneath it. "Thanks. After you—uh—left, it kicked me into gear to get the help I needed. I don't even have to see my therapist anymore, but I still check in every three to four months."
Your smile gets wider, but your eyes are slightly sad. "I"m really happy and proud of you, Buck," you say, and you are. You really are. But at the same time, you can't help think there's a little tragedy that you had to leave, that things had to end for Bucky to decide to want to help himself.
Bucky swallows. "You look good, too. All that California sun did you good, huh?"
You bring your hand to your mouth as you laugh a little. "It did. It was a good change of scenery."
"Happy to be home, though?"
You stare at Bucky for a long moment before you nod.
"Very happy."
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Bucky stares at you in the distance as he holds his drink and lingers at the bar.
He watches you laugh and something Natasha says and watches your boyfriend place his hand on the small of your back.
It's just a small get-together to welcome you home, though the floor is packed because so many people are happy to see you. You were always the brightest part of people's day. Of course, they're so glad for you to come home.
Bucky tries to not feel devastated about the fact he probably dimmed a little bit of your light the last few months before it was over and before you left.
But that light looks like it returned, and Bucky is happy for it as much as he's heartbroken. Because it's not him that helped you get that light back. It's your boyfriend, who seemingly only has a wardrobe of oversized jeans, run-down sneakers, and dress shirts. It's a very odd combination.
"How you feelin', pal?"
Steve slides up to Bucky, drink in hand as well, and Bucky just shrugs. Steve knew that Bucky had been so excited for you to come home, so excited to try to make things right and win you back.
"Think I blew it," Bucky admits as he keeps watching you. unable to rip his eyes away. "I should've called her, should've gone to Santa Barbara but I really wanted to get my shit together before I saw her."
Steve purses his lips as he looks down, unsure how to comfort his best friend.
"It'll be alright, Buck," he says as he bumps his shoulder against Bucky's. "If it's meant to be, it will. If not, you'll have her as a friend if you want and there's plenty of fish in the sea."
Bucky snorts. "Now that you're dating Sharon, you're full of wise dating advice now, huh?"
Steve grins. "Can't always be a punk."
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"You sure you're good out here?"
You nod as you kiss Shawn on the cheek. "Yeah, go on back inside. I know you want to try to lift Thor's hammer. You've got to facetime Gus too so he can be here in spirit. Gus'll never forgive you if you forget."
"Oh, right," Shawn laughs. "Alright, see you in a bit?"
You nod again.
When you're left to your own devices, you let out a sigh.
Things are strange. A part of you doesn't really know if bringing Shawn was the right idea—if trying to make it work was the right idea.
You had seen his phone earlier, just by coincidence, when he pulled it out to check who was calling him.
It was Juliette, probably checking to make sure things were okay.
You love Juliette, you do, and you respect her as a colleague and a friend you've gotten to know. You just try not to think about how she's probably still in love with Shawn, that the reason they had only split up was that she wasn't ready to get married when Shawn popped the question six months ago. Shawn said she had stuttered when he tried to ask her when she'd be ready.
It was surprising to everyone.
You think Shawn's probably still in love with her, too, but he's just too good of a guy to not try to make this work between the two of you.
You can't blame him.
After all, one look at Bucky Barnes had you swallowing back all the feelings, the denial you were still in love with him too. But you were still going to try to make it work with Shawn because you think there's just too much history between you and Bucky to try to make it work.
There were too many hurt feelings, and things left unsaid when it was over.
The balcony doors open, and you jump in surprise.
"Oh, shit—sorry, I didn't think anyone was out here."
You place your hand over your heart and calm yourself when you realize it was Bucky.
"Just getting some fresh air. It's getting a little overwhelming," you let out a chuckle.
"Yeah, you're definitely the center of attention tonight with it being your party and all," Bucky grins, and you grin back.
Bucky comes and joins you over the railing as you peer out into the distance, into the trees and night sky.
Silence envelopes the two of you.
You suddenly feel more melancholy.
"I'm sorry," Bucky suddenly says.
You turn your head and blink at him.
"Sorry?" You repeat unsurely.
Bucky turns to you fully and nods somberly. "For everything that led up to you leaving. For the terrible, terrible things I said. For how I really hurt you when you were just trying to help."
You instantly feel something raw claw at the back of your throat, something stinging in your eyes.
You suddenly hear the last words Bucky had said to your flash in your mind.
"Jesus fucking Christ! Do you know how unbelievably aggravating it is to have you bring this up every other day? I'm not one of your little projects for you to fix. I've asked you to leave it be for me to deal with and you're constantly getting on my case about it. I can't get a moment of peace with you around!"
You pinch your forearm subtly. That had been two years ago. It didn't hurt as much anymore, but it had been those words that pushed you to the outside.
But Bucky is standing before you now, apologizing and looking better, and you just want to let it go.
"It's okay," you give him a small smile. "I know you were just hurting."
Bucky purses his lips because it's not really okay, it'll never be okay, and he wants to make it up to you even if he doesn't know how exactly yet.
"Are you happy?" Bucky asks, and you look surprised.
"Happy?"
Bucky nods. "No one deserves to be happier than you, not in my book anyway. Even though you were gone, I never stopped caring. I'll never stop caring."
The words ring your heart painfully.
A part of you wished Bucky never said that, and a part of you can't help but be elated.
But caring hadn't been enough the first time around. It's probably not enough now.
"Yeah, I think I am," you tell Bucky. "Shawn...gets me. I get him. We're working with what we have and I think that's enough for me."
It's a strange answer, but Bucky nods because despite him thinking you deserve more than that, you said it was enough for you.
Bucky wonders if he should hold on or let go.
But as you smile at him before turning back, the moon illuminating you with a slight breeze, Bucky doesn't think he can ever let go.
So, he's content to watch you.
"I'll always care about you too, Bucky," you say softly. "I hope we both get to be happy. You deserve happiness too, more than anyone. At least to me."
Yeah, Bucky thinks as he feels an odd pang thud in his chest, right against his ribs. He's content to watch until he knows he can't anymore.
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mystical-lemonade · 2 years
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*slams hand on table* may I please have some cater with an asexual reader s/o please <3
Warnings: N/A
Wordcount: 555
Pairings: Cater Diamond x m!reader
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Dating Cater would generally be lighthearted and fun
He would make every moment spent together feel like a whirlwind summer fling, even if you two had been together for years
From the outside you two would be the sweetest boyfriends, the romcom couple everyone dreams of having
Affectionate, Honest, Trusting and so very loving, you two couldn’t have a healthier relationship
So when the topic of sexual intimacy came up you'd expect your boyfriend to have his usual 'it-doesn't-matter-anyways-so-laugh-it-off' attitude
But he would take the conversation quite seriously, because he wants to have a higher level of intimacy between you two
And socially, most people expect that "next step" to be sex
So Cater genuinely wants to know if you would be comfortable with or even enjoy the idea of sex with him
When you tell Cater you're Asexual however he has to pause
Because he's not quite sure what that means?
So you'd have to clarify to him on what level, if any, sexual attraction you experience.
He would also want to know if this was a new realisation for you or if you had always known that you were ace
Is mentally panicking for a second because he's worried he would have made you feel pressured into doing something you're uncomfortable with accidentally when he asked you for a cuddle and a make out session.
So he'd probably ask in a panic if you ever felt uncomfortable because of him.
Once he knows that no he never forced you into doing anything you weren't 100% wanting to do, Cater would relax
Cater would also ask if you would be okay staying with a boyfriend who doesn't have the same sexuality as you.
Because he knows that as a same sex couple at an all boys school it can put strain on the relationship due to the teasing and potential bullying
He's very worried you might not want to stay with him because he's not ace like you
And because he is a young man who does experience sexual attraction he's worried you might think he's gross or weird for masturbating and using explicit material
Cater is also mildly worried you might consider viewing porn to be cheating
But with reassurance that you do in fact still love him even though he's allosexual
And that you don't think he's gross for experiencing sexual attraction, all will be fine
After that whole conversation Cater would ask if you were willing to cuddle with him, and you two would move on.
Past that conversation very little changes; Cater still loves being physically affectionate with you, especially after you come out to him
The amount of candid pictures of you on Cater's Magicam increases and the captions are still mushy as hell
If you were to publicly come out as asexual and you got teased, be prepared for Cater to threaten the offenders with a beat down using his unique magic
A cry of "Thats my boyfriend you asshole" could be heard by people nearby
Its kind of endearing that Cater is willing to get punished by staff in order to defend you from any would be bullies
All in all Cater loves you for you, not because he wants nothing but sex
So with your continued good communication your relationship continues to be happy and healthy
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I enjoyed writing this one, probably because it was a slower day at work so i could focus. Hope you enjoyed it Dears
If you liked this post and want to see more from me feel free to send in a request or take a look at the previous wishes. See you soon~
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Folklore [song series]
this is me trying
Modern Day AU! Steve Rogers x OC!Reader; Bucky Barnes x Natasha Romanoff
Plot: Inspired by Taylor Swift’s new album folklore. The story follows the timeline of Bucky and Elizabeth’s life throughout the years.
word count: 3592
[a/n: I’m so sorry that it’s taken me so long to update this and my other story. i’ve been busy with school and work. thank you for your continued patience and support]
previous part
Series Masterlist
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Age: 20 Year: Dec. 2014 Location: Brooklyn, NY
"How have you been James?”
Bucky looks out the window to his right. Hands grasped together in his lap as he sits on the dark green sofa across from the woman he's been seeing for the last 5 months.
He ponders the question, making sure to answer it honestly. He looks back at her giving her his full attention again.
"Good," he answers truthfully, a small smile planted on his face. Life has been good. School is going incredibly well. My job is going better than I could've imagined. Really learning a lot."
"How are things going with Natasha?" The older lady asks.
“Great. Really great," Bucky says with a slightly bigger smile.
"Good. I'm glad to hear that," she smiles back, proud to the see progress James has made since his first visit moths ago.
After the blow up he and Steve had, Bucky fell into a depressive state. He refused to talk to anyone about what had happened. It wasn't until his younger sister Rebecca came to talk to him:
"I get you don't want to talk to any of us about what happened last week," she said as Bucky laid in bed looking out the window, his back facing her, "But you can't just stay in bed, hiding for the world. Starving yourself isn't going to solve anything.
"Sulking is only going to make you worse. It's not healthy, Buck. We're all worried. Ma is incredibly worried. She's barely been eating. I hear her wandering the house at all hours, because she can't sleep."
"You don't want to talk to us, fine. But you need to talk to someone. If not for yourself, but for Ma. Please," she begs, before leaving Bucky alone to ponder what she said.
He knew he wasn't coping the healthy way. He hadn't realized how much he was affecting his family by shutting down. The last thing he wanted to do was worry his mother. So he got himself up, took a shower, ate breakfast with his family. They were surprised to see him come down, but tried not to draw any extra attention to it. Rebecca gave him an understanding nod, which he reciprocated. After breakfast, he began his research. He decided to listen to Rebecca's advice and find someone to talk to someone to help him make sense of what is going on in his mind.
And that's how he ended up in Dr. Abraham's office.
"Have you contacted Steve yet?" She asks.
"No," he answered fiddling with his fingers, "I feel embarrassed about the way I reacted."
"That's normal, James," she assured him, "But in order to repair any damage that's been cost, you need to talk to Steve. To move forward. From what you've told me he's a very understanding person. I'm sure once you've apologized and explain to him the steps you've taken to help your mental health, I'm sure he'd be willing to accept you back into his life."
"I'm not so sure," he looked down at his hands.
"You won't know until you've tried. Listen, I'm not here to tell you what to do or what not to do. I'm just here to help you navigate your thoughts a little better. In a more healthy way. If you're really serious about living a more healthier mental life, I think you should talk to him. You don't want to really throw this lifelong friendship away, do you?"
"No, I don't," he shakes his head.
"Good. Remember to be honest," she tells him, "Vulnerability isn't a bad thing. Your feelings aren't a nuisance. it's how you handle them is what matters. I'm not saying you have to talk to him as soon as you walkout of here. I just want you to start making the notion of doing so. Our time is just about up, how about we do this. Some homework for the week.
"I want you to write a letter to Steve. Bring it in next week, you don't have to read it. But I would like to discuss it. What do you say?"
"Okay, I could do that," he agreed.
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Christmas week
Steve and Elizabeth flew back home a few days before Christmas. They put their bags in the trunk of their rental car.
The car ride was silent for awhile, both tired after a long flight, now sitting in traffic on their way back to their parents' place. This would be their first time back to Brooklyn since the whole Bucky situation. The road trip back to California was fun, but there was a looming sadness over Steve. It's not like he regrets standing up to Bucky he doesn't. He just wishes thing would've played out differently. He really wished Bucky would've talked to him before he left back to California.
"How are you feeling about being back?" Elizabeth asks, while they sat in traffic.
"I don't know," Steve sighs, "Feels weird going back home and not talking to Bucky."
"Maybe you should try calling him. It's been a few months. I'm sure he'd be willing to hear you out," she said, rubbing his right arm.
"I don't want to push him," Steve said through gritted teeth, his grip on the steering wheel getting tighter.
Bucky had been a touchy subject the last few months. During the first month Elizabeth would ask Steve if he'd heard from him, the answer always being no, followed by Steve shutting down. After that Elizabeth stopped asking, noticing how much it was affecting Steve, but the constant reminder of it wasn't helping. She knew that if Bucky ever did call, Steve would tell her. The only thing she could do was be patient and be there for Steve whenever he needed her.
The holidays kept everyone busy. On Christmas Eve. Steve spent it with Elizabeth's family at her grandma's house. Elizabeth found herself watching Steve play with her younger cousins, she couldn't help but giggle when they roped him into a tea party. She found herself imagining a future where Steve would do the same with their own children. She quickly shook the daydream away. Reprimanding herself a little for even thinking about kids at their young age.
On Christmas morning Elizabeth and Steve spent it with his parents. It was a nice peaceful day just lounging around in their pajamas. For dinner, Elizabeth's parents went over to have dinner at the Rogers' house. It was a nice little send off dinner for their parents who were leaving for Mexico to spend the New Years for a couples' getaway.
Elizabeth and Steve were heading to the Hamptons to spent NYE with Wanda, Thor, Loki, and Scott. They had planned to have a nice, peaceful trip.
While Steve and Elizabeth were at the Hamptons, Bucky and Natasha were spending their NYE at his family's beach cottage in Port Washington.
They were cuddled on the couch surrounded by take out containers, watching the New Years Eve special waiting for midnight to happen.
Bucky got up about 15 minutes to midnight to grab something from the kitchen. He walked back into the room with a new bottle of champagne and two champagne flutes.
"Got some champagne," he said holding it up for Natasha to see.
"Um," Natasha awkwardly shifted in her seat, "Actually about that."
Bucky looked at Nat confused, putting the bottle and flutes down on the coffee table before sitting back down next to her.
"What's wrong" he asked, grabbing the tv remote to mute the tv, and give Natasha his full undivided attention.
"So there's something I haven't told you," she says looking down at her fidgeting fingers.
"You're worrying me Nat," Bucky said, grabbing her hands to help ease her nerves
She looked up to meet his worry filled eyes.
"I'm pregnant," she announced.
Bucky eyes widen at her announcement, instantly dropping her hands. The look on her face showing she was telling the truth.
"How is that possible?" He asks in disbelief, "We've been so careful. We use double the protection. Condoms and you're on the pill."
"Actually about that," she nervously shifted under his intense gaze, "I haven't been on birth control in a little over two months."
"What?" Bucky yelled, quickly rising from his seat, "What do you mean you haven't been on birth control in a little over two months?"
"I got off of it," she shrugged trying to play it off, "It's my body and I can do what I want with it. And I just wanted to give my body a break, I've been on the pill since I was 15."
"I get it's your body, Natasha, I'm all for you doing whatever you want," he stresses, "but you should've told me. I'm your boyfriend, we have sex frequently. You should've at least had the respect of your sexual partner, letting him know that you were no longer on birth control. So in that case I could've been a tad more careful."
"We were using condoms," she half heartedly defended herself.
"They aren't 100% effective Natasha," he gripped his hair, in complete disbelief over this entire conversation, "You even know that. That also doesn't defend yourself for not telling me. You should've told me."
"I'm sorry. It's not like I was planning for this to happen," she yelled.
Bucky just stared at her like she just grew two heads. How is she not freaking out, he thought. They were clearly way too young for this. Which is why they took precautionary measures.
After a few moments of silence Natasha spoke up, "I'm keeping the baby."
Bucky didn't know what to say. He felt the room closing in on him. He started having a hard time catching his breath.
"James," Natasha quietly said, getting up to check on him. He raised his hand, silently telling her to stay where she's at.
He headed for the back door, the house felt too suffocating for him. He walked through the the small yard to the gate that led to the beach. Stumbling around.
To a stranger they would just think he's drunk. In reality he was just having a panic attack.
It was all too much. His mind was racing.
She's pregnant. With a baby. My baby. I'm going to have a kid. I'm going to be a dad. I'm not ready to be a dad. My dad was shit. God I can't be like my dad. I'm not ready for all of this.
He put his hands on his knees, hunched over trying to catch his breath. But he just couldn't. He did the only thing he could think of. He pulled out his phone and dialed the only person he knew would help.
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Steve and Elizabeth were laughing with their friends, waiting for the countdown to begin. Steve felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. He moved his shoulder off of the back of the couch, where Elizabeth was cuddled up against.
He pulled his phone out and his heart dropped at the name that appeared. He quickly got up and walked out of the living room and upstairs to the room where he was staying in for the week.
Wanda raised her eyebrow at Elizabeth, who just shrugged her shoulders, equally as confused.
"Bucky?" Steve answered the phone, closing the door behind him. He could hear Bucky hyperventilating on the other side.
"Steve," he tried to get out.
"Buck, what's wrong?" Steve asked, pressing the phone even closer to his ear the sound of everyone downstairs counting down to midnight.
"Steve, I-," Bucky was struggling to get out.
"Buck, please try to calm down," Steve stressed, "Inhale, hold it for a few seconds and then exhale. You need to calm down. I can't help you, if I can't understand you."
Bucky tried his best to calm himself down, with Steve talking him through it.
"Now, can you explain to me what's wrong?" Steve asked, hearing Bucky's breathing leveling out more.
"I-I'm not re-ready Steve," Bucky stutters, sniffling his nose.
"It's okay take your time, I'm here whenever you're ready."
"No, it's Natasha.”
"What's Natasha? Is she okay?" Steve questioned, getting more concerned.
"Yes, she's fi-ine," he stuttered again, trying to say the words.
"Where are you Buck?" Steve asked, looking around for his shoes and keys.
"I'm at the beach cottage."
"I'm in the Hamptons. Is there any way you can meet me back at my place?"
"Yeah, I think I can," Bucky said a bit more calmer now.
"Okay, I'll see you soon."
When midnight struck Elizabeth went upstairs to check on Steve, making sure everything was okay. She could hear him on the phone talking to Bucky, trying to calm him down. She waited outside of the door to give them some privacy.
Twenty minutes later Wanda went to go check on them, to find Elizabeth sitting on the floor.
"Is everything okay?" She whispered.
"I don't know," she answered, "I'm waiting for Steve. You can head back down, I'll be down shortly."
"Okay. We're here if you guys need anything," Wanda said before walking back down.
After another 25 minutes Elizabeth heard Steve hang up the phone. She softly knocked on the door, and let herself in. She walked in to see Steve frantically going around the room collecting his things.
"Steve is everything okay?"
"It's Buck. He called me while he was having a panic attack. Something about Natasha," he tells her.
"Is she okay?"
"I think so. I was able to calm him down. I need to get back home," he said putting his things in his suitcase.
"Okay. I completely understand. Do you want me to go with you for the drive?" She asked.
"I don't want you to have to cut your time here short," he says, feeling guilty for bringing this on her.
"Steve, something is clearly going on with Bucky. I want you to go to him, but maybe it's best if I drove. I haven't had a drink in hours, and you seem too frantic. Please let me help," she pleaded, placing her hand on his stopping him.
Steve looked up and noticed the worry on Elizabeth's face.
"Okay," he gave in, "We'll need to leave as soon as we can."
Elizabeth nodded, quickly grabbing her weekender bag and start shoving things in. If they forgot anything's he knew Wanda would bring it back.
They said their quick goodbyes and were on the road within 5 minutes, with Elizabeth behind the wheel and Steve fidgeting in the passenger seat.
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Bucky took a few minutes to himself on the beach, trying to make sure his anxiety was at rest before he headed back inside. When he entered the house, Natasha shot up from her seat.
"Happy New Years," she awkwardly said, trying to cut the obvious tension.
"Umm," Bucky scratched his head looking everywhere but at Natasha, "We need to leave."
"What?"
"I mean, you can stay if you want and I'll pick you up tomorrow," he rephrased, "But I can't stay here. I need to go. Steve is meeting me at his house."
"Steve?" She was taken back by that mention, not expecting to hear Bucky say his name. He hasn't mentioned Steve in months.
"Yeah, I called him," Bucky says rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well that's good right?"
"Yeah, listen. I really need to go, so are you going to stay or come with me?"
"To see Steve?"
"No. I would drop you off at your place," he tells her, "I'm seeing Steve alone."
"Will she be there?"
Natasha didn't really know exactly why Steve and Bucky weren't talking, at first. Then she heard that Steve and Elizabeth were dating, and it all made sense. The only person that could tear Bucky and Steve apart. She never told Bucky that she knew. Figured it wasn't worth the fight. Especially not now when she was carrying his child.
To an outsider it might seem like she got pregnant on purpose, but that wasn't the case. She knew they were too young for this, at least that's what she thought when she first found out about the pregnancy a week ago. But now that she's sat with it she's taking it as a sign that this is meant to happen. She's just really hoping that Bucky would see it, if not now but eventually.
"Listen, Natasha, I don't have time for this," he looks her in the eyes, "Are you coming or not?"
"I'll get my bag," she remarked with a snark tone, walking passed him to their shared room.
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A couple of hours later Bucky was pulling up in front of the Rogers' house. 2:15 am read the clock in his car. He looked to his right, out the passenger side window to see a dark figure sat on the front steps of the house.
Bucky took one last breath before exiting the vehicle.
As soon as he opened the front gate Steve stood up from where he was sat on the stairs.
Once Bucky approached him both young men threw their arms around each other. Gripping each other tightly, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. They stayed like that for awhile. Relishing in the comfort of being back in each other's arms. Their silent fight no longer important. All they knew in that moment was everything was going to be okay, because no matter what they'll always have each other.
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Steve walked into his parents' living room holding two mugs of coffee. As he rounded the couch, he handed one to Bucky.
"Sorry, if I ruined any of your plans," Bucky apologized, "Tell Elizabeth I'm sorry for taking you away."
'Buck, don't worry about it," Steve waved him off, "She completely understands. And truth be told, I wasn't necessarily feeling in the New Year's mood."
"Yeah," Bucky sighs.
"Do you want to talk about what happened tonight?" Bucky nods his head, placing the coffee mug on the coffee table in front of him. He shifted his body to the left to face Steve.
"She's pregnant," he announces.
"What?" Steve asked, not expecting that to be the reason, he quickly placed his mug next to Bucky's.
"Yeah, my reaction exactly," Bucky said.
"What? How?"
"Apparently Natasha hasn't been on the pill in a couple of months," Bucky explains, "And even though we always used condoms, they aren't exactly 100% effective."
"Did you know she wasn't on the pill?"
"Nope," Bucky tells him, "If I knew I wouldn't been a bit more cautious."
"So she told you she was pregnant?" Steve said getting back to it.
"Yeah. She was so nonchalant about it. Like it was no big deal," Bucky stressed,
"How is she just so calm. We're not prepared for this. I'm not ready for this Steve. I can't be a dad. I don't even know how to be a decent human being."
"That's not true Buck," Steve disagreed.
"Come on Steve, we haven't talked in months, and we both know it's not because you didn't try," Bucky says, "I was so caught up in my own jealousy. And selfishness, that I never even considered your feelings or Elizabeth's. And I don't think I can ever make it up to you for treating you like you're nothing to me."
"You were hurt," Steve tried to excuse.
"Doesn't excuse the way I behaved," Bucky says, "I know that now."
"I've been seeing a therapist," Bucky informs him, "I never realized how much my mental health was taking a toll on those around me. So after our fight, I found someone to talk to. To work through the shit that's going on in my mind."
"How's that been going?" Steve asked.
"Good," Bucky gives a half smile, "Really good. She's good. I've realized a lot about myself that I didn't know. Working through all the issues I've had with my father leaving."
"That's good Buck. I'm proud of you, truly," Steve beamed, patting Bucky on the shoulder.
"I really am sorry for the way I behaved," Bucky repeated again.
"Buck, you really don't have to apologize again," Steve told him.
"I need to Steve," he said, "I can't believe I acted that way. I should've been happy for you and Elizabeth. I'm glad you two have each other. Seriously. I couldn't imagine her with anyone better, same goes for you. I won't cause any more issues for you two. It's not worth not having you in my life. You're my brother Steve, and I don't want to miss anything."
"Thanks, Buck. It really means a lot to me to hear that," Steve smiles, "Because I don't want to miss anything in your life also."
"Yeah, especially now," he says, the reality of why they're there dawning back.
"How are you feeling now about the baby?"
"I don't know, man," Bucky shakes his head, "I'm afraid I'm going to screw this up, like everything else."
"But now you're working on that," Steve reminds him, "And you're not going to be doing this alone. You have people who are always going to be there. I may be in California now, but I'm just a phone call away. You're not alone. But you do have to try Buck. That's all that you can ever do. Try your best, no one's asking you to be perfect, but as long as you're trying your best, that's what's important."
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Age: 21 Year: 2015
The sounds of a baby crying woke Bucky up from his sleep in the early depths of the morning. He quietly and quickly got out of bed, making his way to the small New York kitchen to make a bottle.
He walked into the small nursery where the two-month-old baby wailed from hunger.
"It's okay," Bucky shushed gently, picking up the small baby, "Daddy's here."
He adjusted the small baby in his arms before placing the bottle in the baby's mouth.
"There you go," he encouraged the small one, as soon as he heard the sounds of the baby drinking.
Bucky sat down on the chair in the corner of the room, opposite of the crib. He just stared as the newborn drank their bottle, while simultaneously falling asleep. Even though he was completely exhausted, he had never felt more happier. More at peace with where his life was at.
As long as he kept trying his best, he knows he can do this for the rest of his life.
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thissugarcane · 2 years
Text
qaf rewatch notes, 1x09 and 1x10
1x09: oh nooooo, brian's daddy issues.
(randomly: back when napster was a thing, aka back when s1 aired, I had a copy of that badly drawn boy song on my computer. [eta: the one from the funeral episode, not this one] it's one of the few mp3s that survived multiple hard drive crashes, etc. not many other tracks from qaf did, but that one did.)
also randomly: this intro song/credit sequence did not age well, not even for an old gay club kid like moi. most of the EDM tracks in the show are my heart and joy (darude!! FIGHT ME MILLENIALS), but that title track song? nah.
el oh el, remember when there were sex chatrooms? a/s/l anyone? hello windows 95.
emmett, actually versatile. more of this!
that woody's scene, where Justin says hey to the gang and then walks off - because he's not there just for brian, he's also there to get laid by people other than brian. <3 so sassy. never gonna get over justin actually enjoyed the club scene and anonymous sex, at least some of the time. never gonna believe that what he wanted was a marriage like his mother's. there's a nice middle ground that tragically, they never found. but they could! gdi THEY COULD OK-- anyway
Mel and Brian at the hospital: Brian immediately insists Mel has as much right to be there / is as much a parent to Gus as he is. they might not like each other much, but he does appreciate her upset as real and to be respected. I would bet that if there was a way for her to be a third parent he'd be totally fine with it, it's giving his own rights up he doesn't want to do!
randomly, why does brian have such beautiful table settings? did he get an interior designer he fucked to choose his kitchen shit? it isn't as if he eats at home anything aside from takeout boxes, without somebody else forcing him
michael's social climbing lessons, EL OH EL. luv justin's digs
also, michael's dinner party with dr. dave: he's so worried about propriety here, and then s5 he hosts exactly the same officious party. tldr michael is a dick. or, no. he's just. easily impressed and has to throw his weight around? I guess? to feel important.
the amount michael changes between s1 and s5, ugh, michael.
linds and mel trying to get justin out of the room before they ask for brian's parental rights: lindsay knowwwwws that he's gonna defend brian when even brian isn't gonna. bitch.
awwwwwwwwwwwwww, Brian helping with the SATs! and then brian opening up about his dad even a little bit. and he's not really mocking when he says it either, not really. he's a bit deprecating, but still pretty open. of course he walks away almost immediately, but still, he does it
brian and his dad: it's just. very very hard to watch. "we're a lot alike, you know. we weren't meant to settle down." it's so messy, and complicated, and I don't have the knowledge or experience to like, dig into it? but they portray it, the complexity of bad parental relationships, really well
also you can so tell michael's done this with brian so often, with his dad. :/ the so-drunk-he's-almost crying, the useless comfort. note to self, does anyone else EVER see Brian cry in the entire show?
...and then there's a whole bunch more of the episode with dr. dave and mel and linds, meh.
1x10: aka the one with the hottest sex scene in the entire show?? yes??? okay, maybe not the total hottest, but close. IT'S NEW YORK BABY. wait, is it?
oh yeah, lindsay manipulating melanie yet again to do exactly what lindsay wants instead of compromising! she wants to stay at home even though they planned for something else (a nanny). [randomly, wtf else was gui except basically a nanny+ ? way to be a hypocrite, lindsay.]
ahahahahaha daphne, meet brian. "I'm never getting married. why be tied down?" justin has a type, too.
justin testing brian's boundaries is, in a way, similar to how brian tests michael's boundaries. hilariously, brian (and later justin) are healthier about setting them than michael ever is. (this is a comment thinking about justin running away to see if anybody (brian) cares enough to follow.)
Jenn, oh Jenn. the fact that justin keeps giving her chances is pretty impressive, and speaks to how big of a heart he has, ngl
justin's "I'm so sorry" after the fact actually sort of proves brian's "sorry is bullshit", in a way
michael's reluctance to move in with dr. dave: nobody is actually listening to mikey's worry, they're all just assuming it's because of Brian. But Mikey also has a valid point, they don't know each other that well, they don't know how to work together, michael doesn't know if he loves dave. it's moving pretty fucking quickly. the brunch thing about sharing your life -- it's worth it, but not if you aren't sure! jeez.
mysterious marilyn: problematic in ways, but also great
daphne confronting brian is hilarious. deb confronting brian isn't as hilarious. (random deb rant incoming? I guess?)
I mean yes, a good part of why I don't like deb's treatment of brian is because that sort of overbearing love is exactly the opposite of what I ever want out of a parental figure (in fact if somebody acted toward me the way deb acted to brian I'd probably never speak to them again no matter how much I loved them). but also -- again, this is my lens and my childhood coming into it, but -- it doesn't give justin the respect he deserves either. it's brian's fault justin left home. it's brian's fault justin lost his virginity and decided the clubs were for him. hi, no, it was Justin who chose this, and putting it all on Brian isn't fair to *Justin* and his ability to know his own mind. (As an independent teenager that moved out at seventeen, for good or ill -- I don't like how they, aside from Brian, don't give Justin credit for making his own choices.)
...otoh, yes, it pretty much is brian's fault justin ran away to new york. so.
ted: "thank you arthur miller" and only brian laughs - they have the same sense of humour. I love how the show carefully and subtly shows that the gang all have reasons they like each other. some of them are shallow: ted and brian have the same sense of humour. emmett and brian have the same "be out and proud" mentality. some are deeper. but they all have connections. and they're DIFFERENT connections.
brian in the car: I cannot get over how hilariously infuriated brian is with the three stooges
dave at linds and mel's: boy, they're pretending to be the perfect couple when they're anything but, way to buy into image over genuineness. This thin veneer of "we're such a great couple" drives me bananas.
Brian: "I know I can be shitty to you [Mikey] sometimes. it's only because I know that you'll love me no matter what." god, there's a reason that brian is in such freefall in s5 once him and michael start fighting: on top of everything else going on (aging, him and justin, everything), the only person in his life he trusted to be there, suddenly has shown he won't be. the one person he trusted to always love him now wants nothing to do with him! so why would anyone else?
awwyeah, the hottest sex scene they filmed. is it? there are so many to choose from
of course beforehand, brian tells justin exactly how it's gonna be, like he's an adult.
okay the sex. the SEX. as much as I love happy endings for these two that give them a deeper connection you cannot deny that a huge chunk of the appeal on both sides is raw sex appeal. like look at them, they are desperate for each other, hungry. that isn't romance, that's fucking. and that's okay! it's okay that they connect by fucking! it's good!
ugh and now we're back to dr. dave. *skips* eh, that's the end!
I'm trying to give Dr. Dave a more fair shot this watch-through. I forgot, though: I don't even dislike him? he just bores me. which is worse than dislike, narratively!
either way, he's got nuttin' on brian kinney <3
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tinyarmedtrex · 4 years
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Richie is a mind reader. It's not a willing power that he can switch off and on whenever he feels like it. It's constant and there's nothing he can do to stop it. He isolates himself the best he can because otherwise he'd surely go insane with everyone else's voices in his head. He's always been like this and he's always tried to not use this power in any kind of evil way. He meets and falls in love with Eddie and struggles with his unfortunate power in this new relationship.
What the hell, do I have a thing for Hawaiian shirts? Is that a kink? I wonder if he’d notice if i took one, showed up one day wearing only that...
Richie clenched the counter, trying not hear the rest of Eddie’s thoughts as they got quickly became dirty. He wished he could tell Eddie how amazing that sounded, how much he wanted that too- especially that last part with the whipped cream.
But there was no way to tell him without explaining everything. He’d have to tell Eddie how he knew about the man’s inner most thoughts and desires and that was too big a discussion for brunch. 
(Or for any meal, Richie had never been able to tell someone and have them understood. Learning your partner could read minds wasn’t something people took well. They either thought he was a demon or insane.)
“Here you go, scrambled eggs with all the tasty parts removed.” He said, placing a plate in front of Eddie. 
“It’s healthier.” He insisted, digging into the plate. Even if it is disgusting, Eddie added to himself as he took a bite. Richie had to bite back a smile. Eddie may eat healthy but Richie knew he hated it. Now he was eyeing up the sausage on Richie’s plate, wishing he had some.
“Here,” Richie speared the link, offering it to Eddie. “You can have my sausage whenever you want.”
Eddie smirked, leaning in and taking a bite. Richie had to bite back a moan. “That should not be sexy.” He said, watching Eddie chew. “At all. You biting into something phallic shouldn’t turn me on.” 
“Let’s skip breakfast.” Eddie said, standing up and walking over to Richie before straddling his lap and smiling down at him. 
God I love being here, I love how his hands feel on me, I want him to run them over me and grab my-
Richie could have guessed that one without mind reading. His hands cupped Eddie’s ass, squeezing it gently. Eddie moaned against him. Mind reading came with a lot of issues but sex wasn’t one of them. Knowing exactly what his partner wanted made things easier for Richie- and convinced his partners he was a sex god. And he loved hearing the other person’s thoughts while they were doing it, there was something incredibly sexy about it. 
(unless the person was just waiting for it to be over but that was, thankfully, rare.)
Eddie though, Eddie was his first real relationship. He’d dated other people but all of them had ended badly, badly enough that he had promised himself no more. 
Richie tried to avoid people whenever he could. Crowds were utterly overwhelming, all the the thoughts and worries crushing him, and even one on one was hard if the person got too worked up. 
That was how he’d met Eddie. He’d been walking home and heard someone having a panic attack, telling himself to relax while also getting more and more worked up. He’d found the man behind a bar, pacing and muttering to himself. Richie hadn’t been able to resist trying to help. At first, Eddie had been resistant  but eventually he opened up to Richie, telling him all the things that Richie had already known. He’d also known that the man was attracted to him, even if he tried to act otherwise. 
That had been months ago. Richie had been determined to not see Eddie again, it was too risky, but he’d quickly learned that Eddie was even more determined. At first, Richie tried to talk to him on the phone, where he couldn’t hear Eddie’s thoughts.
(As far as he could figure out he had a radius of about one hundred feet, after that things got hazy. He liked hazy, it was easier, just a general sense of emotions instead of the overwhelming crush of thoughts.) 
But Eddie had persisted, insisting on a date to thank Richie for talking him down. He’d offered to cook for Richie, picking up that he was uncomfortable in public. And Richie, stupidly, had accepted. 
Now they were together and Eddie was at his place more often than not. Richie lived far outside the city, where it was quiet, and usually if Eddie came for dinner he stayed over. Richie was trying not to get used to it, to waking up next to him. He knew he was falling for Eddie- and that Eddie felt the same- but eventually he had to break it off. There was no future here. Eddie could never have a secret and that wasn’t fair to him, no matter how much Richie wanted him to stay.
Take off my damn pants and touch me Eddie mentally demanded, arching up under Richie’s hand. They’d moved back to the bedroom, the place they’d just left for food, and Eddie was growing impatient. It was one of Richie’s favorite things about him, how much Eddie wanted everything immediately. He hated being teased and had no issues telling Richie exactly that. It was refreshing to be with someone who didn’t keep secrets, especially since Richie knew them anyway. 
“I’m working on it.” He mumbled, his hands going to Eddie’s button.
“What?” Eddie asked, frowning up at him.
“You keep bucking against my hand.” Richie quickly lied, palming Eddie through his pants. “I get the message babe.” 
He relaxed, any concerns he had melting away as Richie pulled him free. Close one, Richie thought, sinking down to taste Eddie. 
“Richie- god-” That fucking mouth deserves an award, a mouthy. 
Richie chuckled at Eddie’s joke, still sucking.
“What’s so funny?” Eddie asked, propping himself up on his elbows. 
Richie pulled back, kissing Eddie’s hip. “Your joke, a mouthy.” 
Another frown. “I didn’t say that out loud.” 
“Sure you did.” Richie hated this, gaslighting Eddie to keep his secret, but it was the only option. 
This time though Eddie wasn’t buying it. He shook his head. “I’m sure I didn’t.” He sat up, the frown deepening. “You do that a lot.” 
He could sense the swirl of worry in Eddie’s mind as he tried to figure out what was happening. Eddie was thinking of leaving, that he didn’t want to be there anymore if Richie was going to lie, all the other times that this had happened-
And Richie panicked. 
“I can read minds!” He yelled, standing up. 
Eddie shook his head, pulling his zipper back up. “Very funny asshole. Don’t make up a dumb lie to stop an argument.” 
“Think of a number, an animal, anything.” 
Eddie eyed him. Fine asshole. 14567, mongoose. 
“14,567 and mongoose.” Richie repeated. “I’m not an asshole.” 
Eddie’s eyes widened and Richie felt the fear and confusion. “How- Richie that’s impossible.” 
“I know-” He rushed to the side of the bed, sitting next to Eddie and taking his hands. “I know, believe me. But I can. That’s why I know you so well. Why I always have the coffee ready and know what you want for breakfast.”
“Because you’re reading my mind.”  Eddie’s voice was cold and Richie could feel him closing himself off, shying away. 
“Not on purpose! I can’t turn it off Eds, I can’t stop it. I would if I could, I swear.” 
Eddie pulled back, drawing his hands away. “That’s how we met, I thought I was only thinking all of that but you said I was saying it out loud-”
He heard you, he heard everything. God, he’s been spying on you. He knows everything. 
“I’m not spying on you!” 
It was the wrong thing to say. Eddie stormed out of the room, not saying anything. His thoughts spoke loudly enough, about how angry and betrayed he was, how hurt. 
“Eds I’m sorry. I’m so sorry-” Richie followed him, watching him throw things into his overnight bag.
“I can’t Richie. I just - I can’t do this.” 
He stepped back, letting Eddie slide past him. There was a lump in Richie’s throat. He hated how quickly this had soured, how badly it had gone but there was something else he had to say.
Eddie was putting on his shoes as Richie walked over.
“Eddie please-” Eddie’s eyes snapped to him, angry and near tears but he forced out the words. “Don’t tell anyone. You can’t tell anyone about this.” 
Richie didn’t need to read minds to see his disappointment. Eddie had expected Richie to ask him to stay but he couldn’t. Richie knew how this went, he’d never be able to rebuild what he’d lost, Eddie would never be comfortable with his ability. Richie didn’t blame him, it had happened before, the same carousel ride that Richie couldn’t escape. 
Eddie’s shoulders slumped and he nodded. “I won’t ‘Chee. I promise.”
He knew Eddie was telling the truth. He’d leave, go back home and cry for a few days but then he’d be okay. He’d move on, get over Richie. 
It was Richie who would never get over Eddie. 
“Bye Richie.” Eddie stood, kissing his cheek. I love you.
“I love you too.” Richie whispered, letting Eddie move back and go to the front door. He didn’t try to stop him. 
 @spastuetheobsessedphylosopher @chaotickaspbrak @wheezyeds  @constantreaderfool @purplepoisonedgem  @queen-sock  @jem-carstairs-is-perfection  @reddie-to-cryy @moonlightrichie @anellope @sparklingrainbowdragon @madi-personal @lifesucksheres20bucks @appojoos @thorn-harvester-ven @eddiefuckinkaspbrak @andaleduardo @xandertheundead @adhdtrashmouth @rielysian @uppperteeeth @s-s-georgie @edstozler @s-onora @notmyspaghetti @twoidiotsinl0ve @spirited-marvel @lover-mouth  @roobarrtrashmouth @njess04 @stansbooty @reddieobsessed @myeverythingisyourstruly @onlykatelyn @gczebos @ransonelovebot @kasp-brakz @animalfacts @vipphil @sourmoist @reddie4diaster @playing-jim @twistedrainbows8908 @princesass-theresa @theandrewhurley @mimiharu @kaspbrak-tozier-reddie @hushfakeomens @notyourmom90 @call-me-bread @ultrapaninibred @chaoticeddie @nerdsarebetter @rebecca-the-queen @ticomat @icecreamcatt @juhavs @kaspbrak-king @trashmouthtozierr  @lumiereandcogsworth @matuk-art @atownofeggs @superwholock-padawan-trekkie @photoboothreddie @pink-psychic @bowersgangvslosersclub @upsidedownlosers @state-of-longing @fandomgirllover @for-peanutbutter @wilding-throught-thehallways @gloire-celeste @eduardoandale @littledancersun @fourtccn @quenchyourhonor @nancynwheeler @elphiegoescraycray @finelinedwalls  @eddiebearkaspbrak @no-she-wasnt-reddie @isabelleritma @meep2004 @victoria-joan @oldguybones
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janeaustentextposts · 6 years
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What was it about the relationship between Anne and Lady Russell that made Anne trust Lady Russell's judgement about Frederick and his unsuitability when Anne obviously thought (and desired) the exact opposite, to accept him? Was it because she was as good a mother as Anne had? Why would she still call Lady Russell her 'great friend' after essentially wrecking her future hopes? Also supposing Anne wanted her to stick around after she and Frederick married, how do you think he'd react to that?
Okay, as I’ve gotten older I’ve dug deeper into my defense of Lady Russell. Is she a perfect human being? God, no. Are her motives and actions reasonable, given their context? Absolutely.
Anne is still a teenager–a very sheltered one–when she meets Frederick Wentworth. For all her virtues, Lady Russell knows damn well that Anne hasn’t really been out in society enough to become widely appreciated and socially adept. And this is a whirlwind romance–a total of three months passes between their first meeting and their final (for eight years) parting. Lady Russell is a snob, yes, but every point she raises has a certain kind of validity–they know NOTHING about Wentworth or his people, apart from his brother being a curate who is almost equally new to the region. Wentworth’s own traits are as evident as they can be over a brief acquaintance. He has no money, his career is risky as hell and this is a very unstable period for peace between England and foreign powers. There was the American war, then war with France, and then MORE war with France, and–hint–there’s gonna be lots more war with France. Wentworth is said to be lucky, and he knows it, and he trusts it. Whatever his insane charisma levels might convince Anne of, Lady Russell is not a bad or wrong person for feeling that luck can and will run out and isn’t something to build hopes on. Lady Russell has no reason for repressing her opinions when they come from genuine worry for Anne’s future with this totally unknown quantity who has swooped into town and charmed her so thoroughly. Sir Walter is openly snobby about the lowering nature of the connection, but Lady Russell’s objections are far more practical.
Wentworth is that dude in leather on a Harley revving the engine and telling Anne to hop on.
Anne isn’t stupid, either. Whatever she feels for Wentworth, Lady Russell is not quite a mother-figure (though there’s overlap and complexity, I will allow,) but also a friend. And Anne doesn’t have many of those–certainly none with so deep and long a connection as Lady Russell. So when your best and oldest friend in the whole world is legitimately deeply concerned for you and a HUGE change you’re about to make? You listen. Marriage is for life. Marriage IS your life, when you’re a genteel woman who cannot respectably earn her own living.
Also, Lady Russell convinces Anne that to reject Wentworth is ultimately for Wentworth’s own good, too–we aren’t explicitly told why, but it’s indicated that this is the primary motivation which ultimately sways Anne to end the engagement. For herself, Anne is still somewhat willing to take on the risks laid out by Lady Russell–but she also doesn’t wish to be a burden on Wentworth when his career is at a precarious point. Prize-money being how a naval officer might make a steady fortune, the need to support a wife and any children (particularly after Sir Walter has refused to settle a dowry on Anne, if she marries Wentworth,) might drive a man of Wentworth’s nature to run deadly risks in order to take enemy ships. This, I’m guessing, is Anne’s reasoning for why marrying Wentworth now, when she knows she will bring no money to the union, seems increasingly like a poor idea.
Anne does desire to marry Wentworth–but not at any cost. Whatever she might later come to feel and realize about her judgement and Lady Russell’s judgement and the choices that were made, there were a LOT of Good Reasons™ against marrying Wentworth.
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Like, IT COULD END SO, SO BADLY.
As to wrecking her hopes, I think Anne owned her decision, and that’s part of why she’s so faded and miserable–she only blames herself.
Which…and it pains me to say this because Anne Elliot is bae…she’s not…wrong? Lady Russell advised her, as a friend, and gave decent warnings about very real risks and concerns with this match. Lady Russell was not unreasonable, and Lady Russell had no power other than to give her advice. Sir Walter is holding the purse-strings and being a total dick for no reason other than snobbery. At least Lady Russell gives a fuck what happens to Anne.
Wentworth is, of course, pissed af, and our sympathies are sort of with him because we know the frustrations of being unable to make people see things your way, but logic is simply not on his side, here. It’s his persuasion of Anne against Lady Russell’s, and he loses. Maybe that’s part of why he later claims to want a woman who knows her own mind…but only when that mind aligns with what he wants. Also why he principally blames Anne, as well, though he of course knows Lady Russell was the primary influence pointing out all the vulnerabilities in the marriage to Anne and so he resents that she said anything at all. But as Anne owns the decision to break the engagement, he lets her.
And let’s not forget that they could have gotten back together a mere two years later, had it not been for Wentworth’s resentment. A little patience and some secure funding and a show of long-term fidelity, and Lady Russell’s objections and Anne’s fears could have been done away with, then, if Wentworth had been even a little yielding in his pride. He has only himself to blame for six of those years of miserable separation.
I think in the maturity of their later relationship, Wentworth would come to forgive and appreciate Lady Russell, and Anne doesn’t blame Lady Russell (and is right not to. LADY RUSSELL DID NOTHING WRONG.) If Wentworth was going to be the sort of man to pissily forbid Anne to remain in close contact with her oldest and dearest friend when it’s primarily their own choices which caused them grief, even after they have reconciled, he’s not a man who is worthy of her. He may be away from England for long periods of time, and Anne will likely then have great need of close friends and wise counsel. It might take him a little while to get the toxicity towards Lady Russell out of his system after holding on to it for so many years, but isn’t the point of the story kind of that having the grace to admit you were wrong and move on from past mistakes is the healthier way to live and love?
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lovemecharlie · 5 years
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Three Months In.
This takes place after Good Luck, Charlie. We're plugging in the holes and continuing this story line, giving you the aftermath.
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The news spread like wildfire. Charlie was pregnant and now everyone in the house knew although Charlie didn't look much bigger than usual. What they didn't know, was how far long and by who.
"She can do a paternity test while you're still pregnant and we could figure all of this out together as a unit," Hennessy reasoned in favor of Charlie seeing the family physician. Charlie heard every word, but Erik's threat was louder in her ear.
“I won’t kill that nigga. Simply because if it is his baby I wouldn’t forgive myself if the kid grew up without a father. I know that hurt. If it’s mine he’s dying though.”
Those were Erik's exact words when he'd shown up at her job to bring her back. He'd accepted the possibility of the child not being his and the possible involvement of another father figure in the household, although Charlie wouldn't disrespect him like that by bringing another nigga in there on principle. However, his murderous threat was very real and Charlie worried that if the baby was his, he'd kill Trevante.
Trevante had done nothing wrong. He was a good and patient distraction during a rough point in her life. Erik should be thanking him if anything for keeping her company and laughing with her after he'd broken her heart. In Charlie's mind, Erik could blame himself.. not Trevante. She'd told him as much. He didn't want to hear it, but he listened. Since Charlie had been back, Erik's ear was open and focused on her vocal chords whether he liked what she had to say or not. Every word she spoke or even mumbled under her breath, he heard. He stayed so close to her, she started to wonder if he could read her thoughts.
"What you thinking about, Cha?" She'd felt him staring at her and now his hand landed gently on her shoulder as she sprinkled cheese on her homemade pizza crust. This was him being attentive.
If you touch Trevante, N'Jadaka, I swear on this marriage and your left testicle... Don't. Do not.
"I'm just thinking.. about this pizza," she said flippantly with no expression, but his digging eyes knew different.
"Communication is our issue, Charlie. You know every fucking thing about me. I know every fucking thing about you. Yet somehow, I can't get into this one part of your mind, it's like you got it locked away and that's that unpredictable part that will misunderstand me one day and up and leave. You won't say shit, you'll just disappear one day and then I'm a be wondering what I did wrong for the next ten years."
"Sounds familiar. I feel like I'm stepping over landmines emotionally with you sometimes, like I gotta reign myself in. I'm a heavy lover, Erik. Still waters run deep. You don't always feel me and that's what I need. I crave it like I crave sweets on my period or like you crave pussy."
"I can be that for you, you just gotta be patient with me and talk to me like you doing now. I'll get it down.. just like you need it, just work with me and don't give up." His arms wrapped around her from behind.
"I wouldn't have come back if I planned to give up. I plan to make this marriage work and communicate with you the way I've learned that I need to, so you gotta be patient with me too."
"I'm patient," he nodded with a kiss on her neck. "How's the baby?" He rubbed her stomach in her simple olive green dress and she nodded. He hadn't told her to get tested, but she wasn't dumb, she knew him like she knew herself and he wanted to know badly if he was the father. She could see the question written on his forehead, he was that transparent. She wouldn't even see a physician because then they'd know exactly how far along she was and Erik would find out the truth based on the dates, she was convinced he would.
She already knew who the father was without a doubt. Trevante knew who the father was too, she didn't have to tell him.
She walked over to the refrigerator. "I'm gonna bake this pizza from scratch since I'm back in this obscenely large mansion and it has a pizza oven. What toppings do you want this time?"
"Pepperoni. Your titties bigger..." Charlie kept her eyes on the food unsure of where he'd lead the conversation. He'd been trying to fuck since she got back, but she was scared he'd hit it a bit too well.. make her confess her secrets and her sins. "..I didn't think that was possible," he added and she knew he was still staring. "You thickening up all over. You know it's hard for Daddy too keep his hands to himself when you this thick."
"I've just been eating," Charlie deadpanned. Erik's quick gust of silent laughter made her look up. He was leaning on the counter, smiling and it made her pause her actions and smile back. She sighed, her shoulders finally relaxing. "I did miss you, N'Jadaka." She genuinely meant it. As hurt as she was, she'd always loved him and that could never change. "..In all your stupid lil moments," she snickered turning quickly to wait on his comeback to fire.
"Mine?! What about you, Ms. Troublemaker," he yelled playfully, watching her shove the pizza into the oven.
"I have no idea what you're referring to." Her stubborn eyes gave nothing away while his twinkled with humor and she was warmed to know that no matter what they went through in their relationship, they could bounce back and still have fun just like this.
As long as he didn't kill Tre.
---
"Girl, you're pregnant now. You can't be eating all this junk and empty calories. You're eating for two and some things you just don't need to eat," Hennessy admonished taking Charlie's pint of Rocky Road and replacing it with a big bowl of spinach and tomato salad.
"Don't nobody want no twigs and berries," Charlie grimaced, ultimately caving and accepting the healthier option. She was just hungry.. and all the time. Hennessy had the kitchen staff restock the fridge with healthier choices removing all of the snacks to make things easier. With two pregnant women in the house, one six months along and battling with her health, they needed all the nutrients they could gather.
"I wish we could sneak in and talk to Angel," Charlie said wistfully staring at the salad on her fork. "But Erik has her under lock and key like a prisoner, afraid that anything will be too much. I mean, the girl is physically fragile right now, yes, but she's not fragile fragile. I just wanna see her.. Lay eyes. I've only seen her like once since I've been back and that was when we gave her her gifts."
"You know how stubborn that man is. Once he gets it in his mind that he's right, no one can change his mind."
"She's probably lonely... and what about the nursery? Can't we finish it?"
"No, he's contacting Kristina Rhodes, the interior designer she loves. She'll be okay, it'll be a good surprise for her."
"Yeah, that's true," Charlie agreed stuffing her mouth with more salad as she stood with the bowl. "Someone still needs to pluck that wild hair up Erik's ass though. If Angel weren't going through hell with her pregnancy, she would set him straight."
"Sounds like a mission for King Jade," Hennessy stared. Charlie thought about it. She might be okay to go if she remained in control. He wouldn't get her in his clutches.
"You know, a month ago I'd have been too tired and nauseous, but I've been feeling pretty good lately," Charlie stretched. "You might be right. It has been a while afterall.. I just have to make sure I pee first. I haven't been able to stop."
"That's normal because neither could Angel, but you should still get your check-ups. Even if you don't do the paternity test, we don't need a repeat of this drama or Erik acting any crazier than he already is because if he snaps, I'm scared we'll all be locked in this house and I'll have to hurt him."
"Pfft," Charlie grinned, "I'd poof with Poosy and get medical care elsewhere. After witnessing this bearded nut in action, I refuse."
---
Charlie stared at the Mischief Managed mug sitting on her desk full of honey and ginger tea. She pinched the bridge of her nose, stressed as Trevante kept insisting and insisting the same thing over and over.
"I don't care, Tre... No," she shrugged. "No, I'm not telling him... Oh well!... Not yet," she reiterated. Trevante kept pushing her to tell Erik and the rest of the kompound the truth and to see a physician to check on her and the baby's health, but Erik's threat was still fresh to her and echoing in her head.
"Stop fuckin worrying about me, Charlie, I'm good. I keep telling you, I'm a grown man and I can handle myself. That baby has a father and you know who it is. Don't make him worry too long... It's his baby too and if I were him I'd wanna know."
Always so level headed. Trevante was a gem and she'd forever be grateful for him. She smirked, picking up her mug. "So, was the pussy worth this drama?" She sipped her tea, imagining his face from her blunt question.
"..Uhhhhhhh..," he paused and she gasped, smiling at the phone. "I'm kidding, hell yeah it was worth it. I wanted you before you knew who I was... but I respect your relationship. As long as you're happy."
As long as you're happy.
"I am," Charlie smiled. There weren't many people, men especially, that she trusted.. and not many people, men especially, would genuinely be happy for a person in Charlie's situation. She was very aware of that fact and she respected him more than she could ever verbally express.
---
"I've been keeping this big secret because I've been afraid of the fallout, but I don't know. I don't know if I should tell the truth. What do you think, Lady Tigra?" Charlie sat with her legs folded staring at the clouds moving slowly across the sky as the large Bengal and Siberian mixed tiger splashed up from her pond wetting Charlie's loose grey t-shirt and black leggings. She laughed. She wasn't soaked, it was just a splash.
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"Should I do it," Charlie asked as the large feline emerged, circling her to sit beside her before laying down. Charlie rubbed her back, the wet thick hairs a comfort. "You know, they say if you have heartburn it's because your kid has a lot of hair. I wonder if Mini Charlie will be as hairy as us.. That reminds me.. we need a name for this new bundle of joy. I'm thinking Czar if it's a boy.. or D'artagnan, something interesting. Atreyu..."
"And if she's a girl?" Erik's voice came smoothly from behind causing Charlie to look back. She wondered how much he'd heard.
"I'm not sure, I thought of Monaco," she murmured, looking up at him. He sat on her other side, watching the same sky in thoughtful silence.
"I've been thinking Jada.. pretty like her mom."
Charlie smiled, watching him from the corner of her eye. It was a peaceful scene that she wished she could stay in forever.. that moment, wedged between Erik and Tigra, her protectors.. the sun high and the clouds clear.. wind blowing a gentle breeze. She decided it was now or never.
"I like N'Jada.. It has a little bit of both her parents."
There it was. She'd dropped the bomb waiting for it to register.
Erik's eyes widened as he turned to her, his breathing suddenly faster. He searched her eyes intensely grabbing her face and waiting for her to take it back, flinging himself at her when she smiled. She fell on Tigra and rolled trying to crawl as Tigra looked on, Erik's embrace tight and his lips covering her in a barrage of excited kisses. "OKAY," Charlie yelled through tears of laughter. "Tell me you forreal. How you know," Erik rushed not letting her up.
"Condoms, Erik! Lots of condoms. You really thought I'd let some guy nut in me? I barely let you nut in me!.. Now that you know the truth, you better not bother Trevante, let's just both leave him alone."
"Girl ain't nobody thinking bout that nigga, this my kid!" He stood helping her to her feet before grabbing her up in another tight embrace that threatened to break her in half. It was the best news he'd gotten in a while. A long while. Hoisting her up into his arms, he jogged back to the house with her clinging to his torso, her legs around his waist. He burst through the door like the police, causing a ruckus as he yelled to anyone in the house who could hear.
"IT'S MY BABY!! Y'ALL!! IT'S MY MUHFUCKIN BABY!! MY WIFE, MY SEED!!"
He held Charlie to his body preventing her from jumping down as he continued his loud decree.
"What the hell is wrong with you," Davita came running with Kimora close behind.
"It's my baby," he repeated, his grin stretching from ear to ear.
"Did she get the paternity test?"
"No need, my condom game strong," Charlie sighed. "Plus, I did the math after my last period and this pitbull here was definitely in these guts. It was before I left."
"You didn't think you should say anything before.." Davita wasn't sold.
"I'm just glad it's Erik's," Kimora shrugged with a smirk.
Josephine poofed into the room in a black bra and high-waisted thong, her mouth covered in a black half-mask. "Hrrerrer," she removed the mask that blocked her speech, "What's happening down here?"
Erik finally set Charlie down wrapping his arms around her to show off her stomach. "It's my baby, I'm the father."
"YESSSS," she cheered getting as hype as he was, hugging him. He almost squeezed the life from her too. Charlie noticed Josie's eyes bulge in shock. "O-Okay, calm down!"
He chuckled separating himself and taking off toward the stairs, no doubt to locate and tell everyone else in the house the news as Charlie sighed in relief, a large weight off her shoulders.
@poosypoosy @bastioncarterstevens-udaku @hennessystevens-udaku @itsangeludaku @alyshastevens-udaku @itskimorafireudaku @allhailnjadaka @bidibidibombaclaat @blackpinup22 @destinio1 @hold-me-like-a-heart-beat @leahnicole1219 @vikkidc @thehomierobbstark @trevantesbrat
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