#elliot should shut up challenge

[anneonomus]

playing kirby will have you sitting in the grocery store break room thinking about how king dedede so gently holds the waddle dee he throws to safety in forgotten lands

#AUGH #elliot should shut up challenge #king dedede #kirby forgotten lands #why is it so fucking. sad when he does that #kirby

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC Lucien’s Exclusive Past- Monochrome Scenery translation

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️

This post contains a HEAVY SPOILER for the story that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

Through Thousands of Mirrors Event | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | HS/Uni SSR Story: Monochrome Scenery (You're here!)

[Notes from Lux: Here’s the CN video link if anyone wants to follow along his Voice Acting. VERY recommended to re-read Until Dawn R&S regarding his 'contract' with BS. AND perhaps Distant Similarity UR MQ as it's the date that is relevant to this story.

-

[Part 1]

I walk hurriedly towards Dr. Lawson's laboratory, while opening the paper bag in my hand, and stuffing the hamburger into my mouth.

Skipping lunch might save some time, but if it leads to a lack of carbohydrates and sugar, causing a decrease in productivity during the entire afternoon, it could be counterproductive.

When will nutritionists finally invent nutritional packages? Preferably in the form of a liquid that can be consumed just once a day.

The time saved this way would be enough for me to read a few more research papers.

??: Hi, Lucien. Are you going to the lab?

A friendly voice from behind rings out, and I turn to look behind me.

Lucien: Hello, Elliot.

Elliot: Seems like we're both going to be late.

Elliot quickly crosses a puddle, only slowing down after catching up with my steps.

Elliot: But I recall you've always been punctual. Did the recent lab class not go smoothly?

Lucien: I chatted with Professor White for a while and lost track of time.

Elliot: Ah, I understand. She's always very talkative... The only one who can talk as much as her is my clinical medicine professor.

Elliot sighed deeply and pointed at the teaching building he had walked from. We quicken our pace once more.

When we arrive at the lab, Senior Caroline has already begun today's work.

Just as I put my bag next to my desk, someone heavily pats my back.

??: Hi!!

The overly enthusiastic voice pierces through my eardrums, and without turning around, I know it's Colt.

Now that he's here, his daily challenges are probably about to begin again.

Sure enough, after greeting me, Colt slightly composes himself and looks at me.

Colt: Good afternoon, "Xiū, Mǒ" How's that, did I pronounce it correctly this time?

Lucien: It's "Xǔ Mò".

He scratches his head in frustration and quickly starts a new round of attempts.

Lucien: Actually, you can just call me "Lucien".

Colt: How can that be acceptable? I have great respect for Chinese culture; I'll definitely learn how to pronounce your name!

Colt raises his eyebrows high, and the confident expression on his face is so exaggerated that it could be used as a reference for the facial expression scale.

I give up trying to explain to him that "respect" and "pronunciation" are not causally related, and I put on my protective gear after setting down my bag.

I hope he succeeds soon and gives up making me his involuntary Chinese teacher, where I'm only tasked with examining two words every morning.

Caroline: Shut up, Colt. Leave Lucien alone and come over here to work, okay?

Caroline who was immersed in her experiment furrows her brow and glares at Colt, using her gaze to reprimand the "senior" lab member who has been there the longest.

In the end, she smiles and greets me.

Caroline: How's it going today, Xǔ Mò?

Lucien: Sorry for being late. Where should I start taking over from now?

Colt: This isn't fair! You've never greeted me with such a smile. Wait, why is your pronunciation correct? One more time, Xiū... Xī…

Like everyone else, I calmly ignore Colt's continuous self-challenges and begin today's work.

As a newcomer who has been in the lab for just about a month, there isn't much for me to do.

In fact, everyone here is more like doing their own research in the lab on topics they are passionate about, while occasionally helping Dr. Lawson with minor tasks.

Looking back, it seems that this casual and free atmosphere could be glimpsed from the very beginning, during that interview with just two questions.

-

=Flashback Start=

Dr. Lawson: You have an excellent research experience, and the awards you've received are enough to apply to even more top-notch labs.

Dr. Lawson: Why did you choose to reach out to me?

The doctor set my application paper and the stack of recommendation letters aside, looking into my eyes.

Lucien: I'm currently very interested in topics related to parietal lobe function research and its applications.

Lucien: So, for me, your lab is the best choice.

Dr. Lawson: Hmm, there is indeed a high match in terms of research direction.

Dr. Lawson: So, what do you hope the lab can provide for you?

I instinctively thought I had misheard.

Questions like "What do you think you can bring to the lab?" are ones I've mastered, but this reverse question isn't as common.

After a brief moment of thought, I honestly answered.

Lucien: If possible, I hope to research more of what I'm interested in within the limited time.

The doctor raised an eyebrow without giving a clear response, concluding this brief interview that lasted less than a few minutes. And a few days later, he sent me an acceptance email.

=Flashback End=

Colt: Hey, Xī Mó! Listen to me, I have a great idea!

Probably seeing that I'm not especially busy, Colt eagerly strides over to my desk, holding a small box in his hand.

I set down the keyboard, take out a notebook from the side, and turn towards him.

Colt's thought process is unique; he always manages to come up with some innovative ideas.

Lucien: Do you have any new ideas regarding the research topic?

Colt: No, no, there's not much to do today. How about a game of the traditional lab card game - NOU!

Colt: Do you want to join?

Lucien: …

And of course, there are times when it's just pure time-wasting.

I offer a polite and apologetic smile in return.

Lucien: No, thank you.

-

[Part 2]

A fixed routine can often lead to a skewed perception of time and dates.

I flip over the calendar again and mark the schedule for the midterm exam week, which is about half a month away.

Exams may not be a cause for concern, but papers and classroom presentations still require time-consuming preparation.

I furrow my brow as I look at the data for my research project on my desk. Just as I'm about to set down my pen, I pause.

The current issue is that the research progress is slower than anticipated, requiring extra time to meticulously review the results.

The once well-structured plan has become exceptionally tight.

How about cutting two hours off my sleep? It shouldn't significantly affect my regular routine.

And smoothly, a blank section appears on the spreadsheet.

Satisfied, I add a line next to my schedule: "Email Dr. Lawson to request an extension of laboratory usage time" as a reminder.

Then, I pick up the already printed poster and leave the dorm on time.

It's my turn to present a report in class today.

Lucien: Hello, everyone. Now it's my turn to share something with all of you.

Whispers of discussion arise one after another, even a few students who had just been yawning straightened up in their seats.

Half the semester has passed, and the curious glances that used to accompany me have subsided. My age, my height, and where I come from might not be as important anymore.

I know very well that now all the curious and probing gazes are focused solely on the poster I have unfolded.

In the corner of my eye, someone raises their hand.

Lucien: Is there a question?

I set down my materials and quietly look at the student who raises their hand.

Student A: I don't have any questions about your presentation. I'm just curious if injuries in the relevant brain region have an impact on drug addiction?

This is an expected question, as I myself noticed similar uncertainties when researching for literature.

Lucien: There is indeed an overlap, but based on existing research, I don't believe there is a direct correlation between the two.

Lucien: Moreover, for the topic I'm currently presenting, there's no need to overly emphasize the impact of different functions within the same area.

But it's evident that the other person doesn't share the same view.

After a brief moment of silence, he raises the issue of potential effects caused by drugs, and I counter each of his points.

However, the consecutive inquiries and debates have actually given me a fresh perspective on the topic at hand.

I attempt to work it out in my head, then take a pen and start writing on the whiteboard.

Lucien: Adding the drug effects caused by addiction as one of the conditions…

Lucien: I currently lack the relevant literature evidence, further substantiation will require future research, but I do have some hypotheses.

The rapidly moving marker on the whiteboard makes a slight squeaking sound as I write, and more questions and discussions emerge in the classroom.

Student B: Given the drug effects, the current papers seem somewhat lacking in rigor.

Student C: But we also shouldn't overly focus on such special cases, just from an experimental perspective…

These ideas and questions aren't quite direct and precise enough.

But the known theorems are once again filled with possibilities, and what I initially considered just a school assignment topic seems to have become interesting again.

The brilliance of the unknown and curiosity subtly shine through the structured words, silently beckoning everyone who tries to explore the mysteries.

Of course, I'm also paying the corresponding "price" for this "interest".

Class ends nearly twenty minutes later than scheduled, and I can only jog all the way, hoping not to be too late for the next classroom.

As I gaze at the ever-extending street ahead, I begin to understand why so many people are buying bicycles.

—------------------------------------------------------------

Lucien: Good afternoon, I hope I'm not too late.

Caroline: Of course not. Take a rest for a while. There isn't much to do today.

Caroline looks up, smiles at me, and points to the well-stocked snack cabinet on the side.

I put down my backpack, intending to pick up my water bottle to get some water, but I notice that there's a stack of data on the table that I haven't worked on, with several annotations written in different handwriting.

Slender and smooth cursive characters detail the model's construction and calculation process, while round and hastily written words explain extensive contemplation and inferences, along with many grammar errors.

Slightly smaller handwriting marks cited references and related experiments.

Lucien: Are these... further derivations based on my personal research project?

A head pokes out from the edge of the table.

Colt smiles and waves at me, with Caroline and Elliot following behind.

Several people stand by the table, making the already small space seem even smaller.

Colt: Well, I heard about the direction of your project a few weeks ago during the meeting and found it very interesting. I got into the habit of discussing it with Caroline when we were chatting…

Caroline gives an apologetic smile.

Caroline: I'm really sorry. Colt looked at your desk and research notes without your permission.

Caroline: He usually doesn't have a strong sense of boundaries when he's around us, and we've become used to it. We didn't expect him to go through your research materials this time.

Caroline: I initially wanted to refuse to discuss it with him, but the research direction is so novel, and the reasons for the roadblock are also quite intriguing. It was easy to get carried away…

The research content is indeed not much of a privacy concern, and exchanging data and projects is quite normal.

Lucien: Next time, we could discuss it during the regular meeting or just talk to me directly. It would be more efficient.

Lucien: However…

I quietly watch the smiling faces of others, my puzzlement still not answered.

Lucien: As I recall, my direction doesn't really overlap with yours, does it?

Caroline: Yes, so we've just made some inferences. The specifics still require you to take another look.

Lucien: Okay.

I lower my head again and begin to roughly browse through those handwritings.

Colt didn't propose a new direction but changed the experimental approach, while Caroline and Elliot used this to present arguments or counterarguments.

Different notes mutually fill in and correct each other, gradually outlining a clear framework.

Lucien: This hypothesis seems to have a high feasibility.

Lucien: I will try to adjust the experiment according to this approach later.

Lucien: At a suitable time in the future, based on the specific data, we can determine whether it can move forward or not.

Colt: Sure, it can!

Colt nods vigorously, his voice much louder than usual.

Colt: I've noticed that you've been busy with midterm exams and papers lately, so I ran some of the data with them to save you from spending extra time to test and verify the data.

Colt: So far, several graphs are looking quite good. I hope they can be of help to you!

Lucien: …All of the data?

I'm stunned.

I've already prepared to apply for extra lab time, but the data I needed to test and verify has just landed directly in my hands like this.

Colt: Of course! The three of us taking turns won't take much time, better than you staying here without eating or drinking.

On the side, Elliot also smiles and hands over another stack of documents.

Elliot: I asked a friend who's a clinical medicine student, and I was able to get some research materials on what happens when you have a lesion in the area in question.

Elliot: Perhaps it can offer some assistance from a different perspective. Consider it as broadening your perspective.

Lucien: Thank you. I did plan to reference some research findings from other fields, but unfortunately, I haven't had enough time recently.

A valuable idea to consider, coupled with readily available data, and the issue that had been stagnant for two weeks was suddenly solved without any warning.

I silently look at the mixed handwriting.

I know that human beings will always help each other and work together to achieve what individuals can't do alone.

Relying on each other for certain aspects and independently taking on the needs of others within the same community.

But along with the objective facts, there is also an inexplicable and faint warm feeling surging to my heart.

The seemingly ordinary paper in my hand now vaguely has a different weight to it.

Lucien: (gently) Thank you, all of you.

Colt: Hey, kid.

Colt smiles and puts his arm around my shoulder.

Colt: We're all from the same lab, so helping each other is only natural.

-

[Part 3]

After the last meeting before the autumn break, Dr. Lawson stopped me.

Dr. Lawson: Lucien, do you have any plans for the autumn break?

Dr. Lawson is organizing the reports we submitted, his tone is calm.

Lucien: I'm staying on campus. If there's a need for someone to oversee the lab, I can help.

Dr. Lawson: You aren't going home?

I smile and reply in the same tone that Colt and the others usually use when joking around.

Lucien: Returning to Loveland City during such a short one-week break?

Dr. Lawson smiles and shakes his head.

Dr. Lawson: How about going nearby? You still have time to plan a short trip with friends.

Dr. Lawson: There are plenty of interesting places within the state worth seeing. Take a train or bus, and "whoosh," it's easy to get around.

Lucien: That sounds appealing, but I'd prefer to take this opportunity to catch up on my project and coursework progress.

Lucien: Recently, my research has just started to make some progress. I'd like to work on it nonstop until I achieve some results.

Lucien: Or is it just that during the autumn break, the school doesn't allow students to stay on campus?

Dr. Lawson: Of course not, silly kid.

Dr. Lawson: I'm just curious, why are you always in such a hurry?

I quietly look at the old man in front of me.

There are too many things I want to explore, and there's too little time.

Nevertheless, I don't feel that I appear "impatient" in my usual behavior.

The doctor shakes his head and taps the table with his fingers.

Dr. Lawson: At your age, you should go out more, travel, play games, take walks, do something silly... Just do anything to waste time and enjoy life.

Dr. Lawson: You do have an impressive intellect, but there are geniuses all around here. So, frankly, you're also an ordinary kid.

Lucien: ….

I've never thought of myself as a once-in-a-lifetime genius, but being straightforwardly labeled as "ordinary" is indeed a first for me.

And, of course, being labeled "in a hurry" is also a first.

Lucien: I don't quite understand what you mean, Doctor.

After a brief silence, I eventually chose to ask the question directly.

Dr. Lawson: I don't doubt your abilities. Lucien, you can accomplish many things by yourself.

Dr. Lawson: But you should also trust your team, after all, this laboratory doesn't consist of just you alone.

He casually points to a group of people in the distance who are playing NOU, and over there, it's particularly noisy, as if the game of cards is reaching a conclusion.

Caroline proudly crosses her arms and looks sideways at Colt, who is slumped over the table, looking dejected.

Elliot begins to tidy up the card table and starts shuffling the cards again.

Dr. Lawson: They're all kids in their late teens to early twenties here in the lab. Came a few years before you, and perhaps they'll leave a few years earlier as well.

Dr. Lawson: But in the road of scientific research, everyone is just a beginner taking their first steps.

Dr. Lawson: I'm not asking you to really study and imitate anyone, but doing something different from your usual routine might make you gain something special. What do you think?

The doctor slows down his voice, his calm tone not resembling a question, it's as if he's talking about the treasure that he is most proud of.

The stack of data with various annotations from a few days ago inexplicably resurfaces in my memory.

I subconsciously infer that when the doctor said, "You're just an ordinary kid", perhaps it meant, "There are many people like you here."

Looking at Dr. Lawson again, he remains as not casual and serious as he was during class. His words are solemn and genuine with a touch of guidance.

Dr. Lawson: If you haven't achieved any significant progress or results within a week, there's no need to lock yourself in the lab every day. But if you need to, remember to turn off the lights and lock the door.

I carefully put away the key he had placed on the table.

Lucien: I'll keep an eye out for it.

Dr. Lawson: Happy holidays.

Lucien: I also wish you a happy holiday.

I say goodbye to him, and as I walk to the door, the doctor adds another sentence.

Dr. Lawson: Take care. And of course, I mean not just during these vacation days.

He smiles at me, speaking a bit slower than usual.

Lucien: You too, Doctor. Take care.

"Take care." The simple sentence passes through my mind, lingering longer than the other phrases.

I think maybe it's because of the pronunciation.

—-------------------------------------------------------

The teaching building has become much quieter during the holidays.

The leaves outside the window are rustling. It's as if the entire city is reminding people of the traces of autumn.

The laboratory feels strangely colder than usual after I'm the only one left.

I closed the window, put on my sweatshirt, and continued with the experiment at hand.

However, the autumn chill didn't last long and was soon warmed up again by the lingering heat of summer.

—-------------------------------------------------------

Five days later, along with the rising temperature, what returned was the noisy chatter within the laboratory.

The first to arrive at the laboratory is the always-diligent Caroline.

She brings a larger-than-usual handbag, takes out beautifully wrapped gifts, and places them on everyone's table one by one.

Caroline: A few days ago, I went to Yellowstone National Park with my family and brought back some souvenirs.

Lucien: Thank you. How was your holiday?

Caroline: It was pretty good, though I wish it could have been longer. I feel like I could stay there for at least half a month.

Caroline: I thought you might prefer something more practical, so I brought this for you. Go ahead and open it.

She smiles and points to the gift box I had placed by the desk. Inside the neatly wrapped layers of gift paper is a coffee mug, with the design of erupting geysers on its surface.

Caroline: This is a landmark sight in the park. I was truly moved when I saw it erupt right on time. I really wish everyone in the lab could go see it!

Lucien: I'll go there if I get the chance in the future.

??: Hi friends! I'm back! Did you miss me during your wonderful holiday?

The next second, a figure rushes in through the door of the laboratory.

Colt is also carrying a package, which is twice the size of Caroline's.

Colt: Oh my god... you're actually working. That's way too diligent.

He looks at me with wide eyes. After some rummaging in the package, there's another gift on my desk.

Colt: I highly recommend trying my grandma's cookies. Even the most popular shops around here can't compete with her skills.

Colt: Oh, by the way, the bookmarks inside were made by my mom. She's recently gotten into handicraft, and our house is getting filled with the things she makes.

Lucien: Please thank your family on my behalf.

Colt: Then they'd be so delighted that they might just invite you over as a guest.

Colt: By the way, do you really spend every day in the lab? Haven't you had any rest at all?

Colt sits down next to me, looking like he won't give up until he gets an answer.

Lucien: I visited a few museums.

Lucien: I also visited some scenic spots along the way and strolled through the market.

Caroline: I remember a few days ago there was a Shakespearean touring theater group performing nearby. Have you heard about it? The performance…

The computer screen in front of me enters screensaver mode, and I realize that I should politely decline this conversation to reactivate the computer and continue processing the data I was in the middle of reviewing.

But when my fingertips touch the keyboard, I pause again.

Such conversations don't have much meaning, but they don't make me feel annoyed either.

Besides, today's progress has been completed ahead of schedule, and there is indeed some free time on my agenda.

I let the screen continue playing the screensaver images.

Colt: How about we also go see a play today?

Lucien: The theater troupe left the day before yesterday, and tickets also needed to be booked in advance.

During the conversation, the laboratory door is pushed open once again.

Elliot: Hey, I thought I was the earliest one here.

Elliot also has a delicately wrapped gift in his hands.

Same greetings, same small talk, and same distribution of gifts.

I look at the three gifts on the desk- I should have some time over the weekend to visit the market and find three suitable return gifts.

Before the plan has been finalized, another particularly large gift appears on my desk.

Dr. Lawson: You all should find these books useful.

Dr. Lawson smiles and nods at us, placing the hefty books one by one on our respective desks, before finally sitting back in the chair and letting out a sigh of relief.

Dr. Lawson: I really should have chosen some lighter gifts; four big books are too heavy for an old man like me.

Lucien: ....Looks like it's four gifts.

I say to myself softly.

Dr. Lawson: Hmm? Did you say something, Lucien?

Lucien: Nothing. I was just saying… "thank you".

Lucien: By the way, Doctor. Here's the key to the laboratory.

The small key that has been with me for five days is returned to its rightful owner.

The gentle breeze blows a book on my table, flipping back a page as fallen leaves dance lightly and land on the windowsill.

I glance at the cloudless sky, hoping that this weekend will also be a sunny day, suitable for going out.

-

[Part 4]

Everyone left the laboratory with the gifts, but Colt unexpectedly broke from his usual behavior and didn’t attend any party.

Instead, he followed Elliot and me all the way to our dormitory building.

Elliot: Colt, your dormitory isn't over here.

Colt: I know, I know. But on this especially memorable day, how about a game of NOU to celebrate? Here's to our reunion!

Elliot: I knew it... I don't want to play NOU with just the two of us. You better invite one more person.

Colt: Will Xù mò be joining us?

Colt looks up at me, and this is the 16th invitation he has extended to me since I joined this laboratory.

Lucien: Okay.

Colt: It's fine, maybe next time... Wait, what?!

Elliot: You're going to join us?!

They aren't the only ones confused, I'm also a bit puzzled myself.

The choices I've made today are all a bit out of the ordinary, and it makes me wonder why I want to act the way I do.

If I join, will I be able to find the answers?

Besides... Looking at the two of them that have the same expression as if they've just seen a new topic; if I want to refuse now, the amount of effort required doesn't seem proportional to the outcome.

Lucien: Yes.

Lucien: I don't have any other plans for today-

Before I could finish speaking, the two of them had already surrounded me, one on the left and one on the right.

Colt: Is this the blessing of the Autumn Break God! Elliot, let's go quickly.

Elliot: Lucien won't run away again this time.

Saying so, he continues to pull me without stopping towards a small table in the public lounge area.

Just as we sit down at the small table, Colt eagerly begins to shuffle the cards.

Elliot: Do you need an explanation of the rules?

Lucien: No need.

Having watched them play so many times, I'm not entirely unfamiliar with the rules of the game, and the symbols on the corners of the cards also help me determine their colors.

I'll consider it as an exercise in reasoning and memory then.

—--------------------------------------------------------

Elliot: NOU, +2!

Colt: Wait a minute, that's not right. You're cheating! Why do you have a red +2?

After the initial "demonstration round", I quickly realized that this game might not be as straightforward as I had imagined.

Lucien: ...Drawing a +2 card directly from the deck is not entirely impossible either.

Colt: Huh? +2 should be in your hand, right?

Colt: Judging by the overall color distribution of the cards played, it seems like you're building a hand predominantly based on red cards.

Lucien: However, based on the cards that have already been played, there are still 28% red cards left in the deck.

Lucien: I would need to draw that +2 card along with another red number card starting from at least the first four rounds to maintain an advantage without playing the +2.

Elliot: My dear friend, just admit that low probability is still probability and draw the cards.

I nod in silence and urge Colt to draw a card, preventing the game from turning into his endless mathematical calculations.

If that happens, he will build a solid model in his mind and he'll be almost impossible to beat.

I take another look at the situation on the card table.

Setting Colt aside for now, among Elliot's three cards, there should only be blue and green ones.

Or in an extremely low-probability scenario, there might be one Wild card or possibly the last +4 card aside from mine.

I closely watch each card played, rapidly calculating the possible card arrangements in others' hands in my mind.

And I'm equally aware that the other two people sitting at the card table are also making their own deductions in their own ways.

I need to conduct another experiment, even if the cost is higher than expected value.

It's my turn once again.

Lucien: Change color, let's go with... blue.

Colt, who is determined to beat Elliot, wears a worried expression, while Elliot confidently draws a card.

"Reverse."

I silently say to myself.

Elliot: Reverse.

The variables waiting to be filled in gradually decrease, and assuming confirmation is obtained, the inference is established.

The opportunity to determine the course of the card game on the table comes back to me once again.

Colt: Come on Xǔ mò, it's time to play a number card and join forces to eliminate Elliot early!

Lucien: Is that so? I thought I'd have a better option.

Quick responses and extensive thinking make the brain more active than usual.

A seemingly meaningless card game becomes more complex due to repeated setups and disruptions.

Pure competition for calculation speed and formulating strategies stimulate the release of neurotransmitters.

I raise the corners of my mouth and quietly play my card.

Lucien: I choose +4, green.

Due to too many unexpected situations, Colt, who had stopped calculating, begins to howl in frustration.

Elliot, sitting across the table, also appears surprised, his gaze once again scanning the cards on the table.

It's my turn again.

I smile, say NOU, and play the green number card, leaving only one of the same color in my hand and skipping the next player’s turn.

Unless the almost improbable reversal occurred when they have the last card, a color-changing card, and bring it onto the playing field from the deck

But I trust my calculations more than probability.

Colt: Xǔ mò, I thought you were my friend!

Colt has flipped his cards onto the table, giving up on the struggle.

Lucien: Of course I am. That's why I'm sitting here, playing cards with you.

I lean my chin on my hand and look at the card table, unable to suppress the victorious curve at the corner of my mouth.

Lucien: Also, thank you for calling me by my name correctly.

Unfortunately, it's still Elliot who reaches 500 points first.

Colt is not one to accept defeat easily, and he pulls us into starting a new round of the game.

The card game goes on from the afternoon into the evening, and we unknowingly gather a crowd of onlookers around us.

Centered around this small table, the dormitory that was quiet just a few hours ago is now overflowing with discussion and laughter.

We graciously give up our seats to other students who also want to give it a try and withdraw from the crowd.

Colt: Xī... Xú mò is quite skilled. If we go by rounds, he tied with Elliot.

I haven't responded yet when Elliot chuckles and shakes his head, then tosses a box of ice cream from the fridge to both Colt and me.

It's the most common chocolate ice cream with nuts and chocolate chunks added.

I've seen it in many convenience stores, but I've never been interested in buying it.

Elliot: In front of our little genius' brain, even the best luck can only yield to skill.

Colt: Sigh... the vacation is too short. It feels like it just started, and now it's already over in a blink of an eye.

Colt finished his ice cream in a few bites and tossed the empty box into the trash. He leans on the bar table, watching the new round of NOU craze.

Colt: How about we have another round of NOU to refresh ourselves after the experiment is over tomorrow?

Elliot: Lucien, are you joining as well?

Lucien: I have to start preparing for my thesis from tomorrow.

Lucien: The experiment has made progress as well, so I want to sort out the related processes.

Colt: Oh... that's a shame. But how about next time? You'll come, right?

In the dorm room without air conditioning on this autumn day, the ice cream seems to melt even faster than it would in the heat of summer.

I scoop up a spoonful of the slightly softened ice cream and put it in my mouth.

The taste of chocolate spreads with the coolness, it's sweeter than I had imagined.

Lucien: I will if I have the time.

—------------------------------------------------

After seeing them off, I close the door and start preparing for tomorrow's coursework, allowing life to return to its normal course.

A notification pops up on my laptop, indicating an email from Dr. Lawson.

"Hi, everyone. Thank you for your hard work. Our lab's project has passed the review, so you can start preparing for the academic conference that will take place in a few months."

"The conference will be held on a beautiful beach on the West Coast. Since we have ample time, you can all bring your swimsuits and enjoy some time by the water."

"Colt, as for you, don't bring too many fancy things. And definitely leave the unicorn swimming ring behind!"

I can almost imagine Dr. Lawson saying this with a furrowed brow, while Colt complains reluctantly.

"P.S. Lucien's personal research topic aligns with the conference theme. Although the application is a bit late, there will be people at the conference who have done related research."

"You can prepare a summary of your current progress and any issues you've encountered to discuss together."

"P.P.S. Welcome back, everyone."

These few short sentences make me feel a bit warm.

*Ding*

The inbox hasn't closed yet, and there's another notification sound.

The email is encrypted; its sender is Black Swan.

I glance at the calendar and realize that today is the day for the routine report.

The newly arrived email obscures most of Dr. Lawson's message, and the sharp-edged letters in the signature appear to be some kind of silent warning.

"Why are you always in such a hurry?"

Dr. Lawson asked me this before the autumn break.

Yes, children his age have plenty of time to pause, slow down, and enjoy the scenery around them.

To try, to fail, to start over from scratch, to explore endless possibilities.

But Doctor, vacations are always so short.

They always end when you least expect it.

I close the laptop and start selecting the book I want to read tonight.

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

[Phone Call- Class Reunion]

Lucien: Hello? At this time, you should have finished washing up and lying down, right?

MC: Um! I just finished my skincare routine and am already lying down.

Lucien: You sound happier than usual. Did you have a lot of fun at the class reunion today?

MC: You can tell?~ So many people came to the gathering today! All of my old roommates were there too!

Lucien: Are they the ones in the photo you sent, who took a group picture with you?

MC: Yes! Although we've kept in touch after graduation, getting back together like this is still quite rare.

Lucien: No wonder your eyes looked a bit red in the photo.

MC: Haha... I got a little too excited.

MC: But now that I think about it, I don't recall Professor Lucien mentioning much about his own classmates or roommates?

Lucien: I do have colleagues I work with in a lab, but our relationship might not be as close as you and your friends.

MC: Do you guys meet up regularly?

Lucien: We are now in different places continuing our own projects, and most of us have our own laboratories.

Lucien: It's indeed not easy to find a time when everyone is available.

Lucien: However, we do occasionally meet at neuroscience-related academic conferences. That could perhaps be considered a sort of 'class reunion'.

MC: ...Is this what gatherings are like for scientists?

MC: What about your roommates? Do you meet up with them?

Lucien: I lived in a single room and didn't really socialize with others in the same dormitory building.

MC: Wow! That must have been so comfortable! Doesn't that mean you could do whatever you wanted?

Lucien: At that time, I thought it was very convenient to have a space where I would not be disturbed by other people.

Lucien: But now, I've come to realize that having a 'neighbor' around who can 'disturb' me at any time might actually be more comforting.

MC: Oh? Do tell, I'm all ears!.

Lucien: For instance, when I'm out, someone can help me take care of the flowers on my windowsill, or if I forget to buy new tea leaves, I can ask this special neighbor next door for a bit.

Lucien: There are also occasional biscuits and sandwiches, and if I stay up too late, I will receive reminders.

Lucien: And more importantly…

Lucien: With this neighbor lady here, the place where I live is not just a spot to rest, but can be called a home.

-

[Phone Call - Novice Period]

Lucien: I thought you were also too busy to answer my call today.

MC: I just had a meeting with the new colleagues at the company, so I didn't hear your call.

Lucien: Do you still have some work left to finish?

MC: Not exactly... it's just that this recent batch of new colleagues who joined recently has been really busy.

MC: So I decided to hold a meeting to help them improve efficiency during work hours, aiming for them to leave on time after work.

MC: After all, there's always more work to be done, right? I don't want them to wear themselves out. The way they approach overtime work makes me quite nervous.

Lucien: [chuckles] They're lucky to have a boss who cares for the well-being of employees like you.

Lucien: However, when everyone starts their first job, there's always a certain level of nervousness. So, they can only ease that nervousness by working hard.

MC: Oh? Professor Lucien, you sound quite experienced, but I suppose you didn't have such worries, did you?

Lucien: Of course not, the first time I entered a laboratory outside of school, I also needed some time to adapt.

MC: Wow, what were you like back then?

Lucien: Hmm... I had to clean lab equipment, organize data files, help with literature research—there were many mundane tasks.

MC: Pfft, so Professor Lucien also started as a working person from scratch.

Lucien: That's right. Everyone in the same lab was highly capable, so back then, I often shadowed others, observing and learning as much as I could.

MC: Were there people even more capable than you?

Lucien: [chuckle] Among them, I think I'm just an ordinary person who works hard.

MC: Professor Lucien, your concept of 'ordinary' seems quite demanding.... But I didn't expect you to have a 'novice period' as well.

Lucien: Is that such a surprise?

MC: Maybe it's because your student days were quite unique. While most people were enjoying their youth, you were immersed in scientific research.

Lucien: I suppose it all depends on one's definition of 'youth'.

Lucien: If we're talking about a phase in life where you can do what you like without worrying about consequences, where you can fully explore possibilities…

Lucien: In that case, I'd say my graduate and postgraduate years could also be considered as 'youth'.

Lucien: If you define it as having a love with someone close to you, that you can't bear to part with and always in your heart…

Lucien: In that case, I'd say my youth hasn't had a chance to slip away from me yet.

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

[Lux's short rambling corner]

And finally, it's done 🎉 If I'm being completely honest, the reason it took so long was because I felt that the end of this story seemed 'incomplete'—and I think it turns out to be true? Because the newest birthday story feels like it completes this story.

Still, just as he mentioned in "Distant Similarity UR' MQ," he's accustomed to working alone because there was no one he could confide in, often sacrificing his own sleep to fit more into his schedule. Due to his past self-reliance, he finds himself somewhat at a loss when others offer their assistance 🥲. He's someone who is deeply touched by even the smallest acts of kindness, and you can detect a hint of confusion in his usually monotone 'thank you.'

It's heartwarming to see that he receives small acts of kindness from those around him. His college life seems less hectic thanks to the support he gets from both his friendly seniors and caring mentor 🥺. I also enjoy their harmonious yet playful team dynamic, with Colt being my personal favorite because he reminds me of Fan Zihang, hahah.

Another noteworthy point is what Dr. Lawson mentioned about him being fundamentally an ordinary kid. I think it's accurate, because beneath his 'rush to move forward' demeanor, there's also a yearning for warmth and the opportunity to slow down.

In the dorm room without air conditioning on this autumn day, the ice cream seems to melt even faster than it would in the heat of summer.

I scoop up a spoonful of the slightly softened ice cream and put it in my mouth.

The taste of chocolate spreads with the coolness, it's sweeter than I had imagined.

God, I absolutely adore PG's writing and the beautiful metaphors they weave into the story. Through the story you can see how Lucien's barrier starts to melt by the warm atmosphere. And that's because he's an inherently lonely kid who also longs for warmth and mundane life. It's just too bad that the longing he had shattered in the face of his reality. If i had to describe what I feel when I read that sentence about the email, It'd be like waking up from a sweet dream, and now the sweet dream is tinted with layers of sadness🥲. The dream was over and he had no other choice but to bury his longing so deep.

Why the constant hurry? Because he had no choice but to grow faster than other kids; he didn't have the privilege to fail and try again. Why did he keep his distance from others? Perhaps because he doesn't want to experience another loss after his parents. Why didn't he go 'home'? Because at that time he didn't have anything that can be called a 'home'. Once he wakes up from this sweet but fleeting dream, the world he's diving into is even more treacherous than hell. So in the end, he kept his distance from others just as he said in Distant Similarity UR.

Distant Similarity UR," "Until Dawn R&S," and "Monochrome Scenery" together create a comprehensive picture of his 16-year-old self. "Distant Similarity UR" sheds light on how his college experiences influenced him and his reflections on that period. "Until Dawn R&S" delves into his narrative with BS and his ambitiousness. Meanwhile, "Monochrome Scenery" reveals his more 'human' side and the sense of his relaxed college life being a sort of 'vacation' amidst the long darkness in his life… Anyway, I want to write more but my schedule is tight with all the birthday translation 🤣 Perhaps if I have time I'd write a more comprehensive analysis. Thank you for reading!

#JNDSJHDJ SORRY IT WAS LATE #a very needed read for birthday event!! #mlqc lucien #mr love queen's choice #mlqc cn #mlqc spoiler #mlqc #mlqc translation #mr. love queen's choice #mr love lucien #mlqc xu mo

[nyomkitten]

two of seven 🤓 resurrected this challenge mainly because i’m too hyper/anxious to work on deadlines that have already flown by, and i’m trying to get some focus-dopamine by finishing a thing i might enjoy. (others in the series here). the font in the challenge brief was Papyrus. i also used the abhorrent font Amorista (for the first time iirc). nearly used Chopin Script and cheat-completed two entries in one poster, but didn’t. photo by Dan Cristian Pădureț on Unsplash. h/t Elliot Ulm, starter of this design challenge. (beetplease also did this, on time like the badass she is, giving us more of the Lorde.) [ID: a digital poster featuring an excerpt from the satire news podcast The Bugle. the following words are on a photo of a scroll: “Do you, America, take this decaying, tiny island to be your global partner, to give you a longed-for sense of history? And do you, Britain, take this superpower as your global partner, to help you recapture a time when you were internationally relevant? If anyone knows of any just cause why these two should not be joined—shut up, Iraq. No? Then i will pronounce you ex-superpower and soon-to-be-ex-superpower. You may kiss each other’s arses.”]

#7 days of bad fonts #nk #nk:vis #the bugle #the bugle podcast #john oliver #andy zaltzman #graphic design #papyrus #should i tag avatar for the lols

[iamheadphones]

June 8, 3027

She heard the door close behind her causing her to turn around. There she saw Ella behind her and Chase to her right. “Take a seat. We got a meeting.” Ella shouted as she dashed towards the play table. Addie and Chase shrugged at him before taking a seat. “So Julia knocked one of my sound densers out and I overheard that Addie got a challenge.” Ella said before Chase groaned. “Seriously, a tea part meeting over a stupid challenge.” Julia gasped. “Chase stupid is a bad word.” “No it’s not, Elliot said it wasn’t. He said it was a very nice word to use.” Chase argued before Ella cleared her throat. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is that Addie was given a challenge to get Elliot a boyfriend or a girlfriend.” Ella said before Chase gagged. “I’m not letting Elliot get cooties.” “I said a girlfriend OR a BOYFRIEND.” Ella said as Chase rolled his eyes. “It’s still gross.” Chase said. “Well let’s start finding out who Elliot's date should be.” Addie said as Ella and Julia let out a cheer. “First you need to figure out if Elliot liked boys or girls.” Addie said before a knock came at the door. Everyone looked at each other before Chase spoke. “Come in.” The door opened and Laura walked in with a smile on her face. She shut the door and crouched down by the table. “So I heard you guys were playing matchmaker up here.” Laura said as Addie gulped. “I also heard you weren’t quite sure if Elliot was into boys or girls.” Ella nodded. “Yeah, do you know if he likes boys or girls?” Laura nodded. “I do. Elliot likes both.” Addie froze as she processed the words Laura said. “What do you mean he likes both?” Julia asked. “I mean he likes both boys and girls.” “What!? That's even worse. Now he’ll either be all gross and in love with a boy or a girl, and if he dates a girl he’ll have cooties.” Laura sighed and rolled her eyes. She muttered something nobody quite caught before Addie spoke. “But how could someone like both guys and girls?” Addie asked as Laura shrugged. “I honestly don’t know, but you know how in movies sometimes people are arranged to be with one person but they love another, and no matter what they love that person?” Laura asked as the four nodded. “Well it’s kind of like that.” Laura said as Ella and Julia nodded. “Still can other people like boys and girls?” Chase asked. “Yep. In fact I like both boys and girls.” Laura said. Addie's jaw dropped as she turned to look at Laura. “But you’re dating Dave?” Addie exclaimed as Laura let out a small laugh. “Yep, but I wasn’t always dating Dave. I at one point could’ve ended up with a girl, but I fell in love with a boy.” Laura said as Addie nodded. “Okay so that doesn’t narrow anything down at all.” Addie complained as she slumped in her chair. “Well that’s something else I wanted to talk to you about.” Addie felt a slight chill as the atmosphere of the room changed from light hearted to a bit more serious. Addie looked at Laura as she spoke. “I know playing matchmaker is really fun, but I do want you to consider the person involved. You have to keep in mind Elliot is his own person. The choice of whether he gets in a relationship or not is up to him. It’s also important to keep in mind the person you may try to push on to Elliot may not be the person he wants. Besides, you never know if he already likes someone or not.” Addie looked down at her lap. She frowned as Laura put her head on the table. “Y’all aren’t in trouble. I just wanted to say it probably may not be the best idea to do this. Besides when Elliot does get a partner you can claim it was all you.” Laura said as Addie smiled. “Now I’ll leave y’all be. I promised Dave I’d help with something.” Laura said as she stood up and walked out. Addie kept a smile outside but on the inside she felt aggression. Her mind was set on something and she was going to complete it.

#chaos krew #story #writers #writers on tumblr #writeblr #writing #writerblr #original character #original content #my ocs #ocs

[oofouchhimbones]

me, scrolling through julias blog: *sees something tagged #zoë don’t look (which I have blocked too so julia doesn’t have to double tag spoilers for both of us)*

my garbage sense of impulse control: i know we shouldn’t look but consider,,,,, we are not a zoë,,,,,

#I have dumb bitch disease more at 10 #elliot should shut up challenge #I can usually win the argument but sometimes I take a little peek.... as a treat.... #luckily I have weaponized adhd so normally if I see spoilers that I didn’t want to I can just say ‘no ❤️’ and black it out from my brain

[marvel-ous-shitposts]

hello! I have been following your cinematic universe for the past two years, and have come to the conclusion you do not deserve Tony Stark in your movies. He is my comfort character and seeing him in an environment not meant for him brings me anxiety, so I will be expecting a reply when you are ready to relinquish him to someone who will treasure him like he deserves.

#this is a parody of that one animal crossing post #but also like. my canon now. #like julia viva said: no more rights for the mcu. only the emcu (elliot's marvel cinematic universe) now. #elliot should shut up challenge #elliot thinks they're funny #tony stark #marvel cinematic universe #i actually have no idea how long ive been hyperfixating on marvel its like two or three years #i mean i'd watched all the movies before but I think it was sm:h that I saw and was just like well fuck ig marvel is my entire life now

[wlw-dorothea]

ok I know Betty is supposed to be from a guy’s perspective or w/ever but no one told me that so my stupid lesbian ass got to that song and almost fucking died

#me listening to miss taylor swift singing abt kissing girls like honestly almost had a heart attack #can you blame me tho thats the easiest conclusion to jump to #elliot should shut up challenge #betty folklore #betty #folklore

[angstyaches]

heyy - sorry that I haven't interacted so long! Life just hasn't been easy haha

anyways, for the halloween drabbles: for some reason I can totally see Fee overindulging in his favorite sweets. He really hadn’t meant to eat that much and now his stomach hurts. Elliot would probably make fun of him for it but I'm sure he'd still rub his boyfriend’s belly<3

I'm sorry it's not very original or creative but I just felt like giving you something to work with

Thank you so much for the request, Em, I love it!

Word Count: 3,024 (wow, oops)

CW: mention of horror movies, food/overeating mention (accidental), stomach ache from overeating. Not much else, really!

___

“You’re driving today.”

“Aw, what?” Felix groaned as he came down the stairs behind Elliott. “I already have so much to think about, Elli, I can’t –”

“You can do it.” Elliott smiled over his shoulder, holding out the car keys to hand them over to his partner. As he took them, Felix’s eyes widened as though the keys weighed a tonne. “You just need the practice.”

Pushing his lower lip out, Felix shoved the keys into the pocket of his jacket. “Fine.”

Elliott knew it was impossible for Felix to stay in a mood for long, because the two of them were on their way out to buy some decorations and food for a small, impromptu Halloween party. It was October 30th, which gave Felix a day and a half to plan everything, but Felix appeared to be in a productive mood and was treating the deadline as a challenge.

“Oh, before you boys head out!” Nancy called out, appearing and beckoning Felix towards the kitchen. “Felix, something arrived for you this morning. From Japan, it looks like.”

Felix gasped and rounded the end of the stairs to follow her through. Elliott followed, at a much more controlled pace. Nancy pointed towards a medium-sized cardboard box that had been left sitting on the kitchen table. Felix clapped his hands together before he started peeling back the tape that kept the box sealed shut.

“I didn't know that you were expecting something,” Elliott said, joining him next to the table.

“I wasn’t, but I have a feeling I know what –” Felix paused, ducking down to peer inside the box before he’d completely opened the lid. An assortment of purple and orange packaging had been neatly arranged inside, packed tightly enough that nothing seemed to have shifted around in transit.

If this had been a movie, Felix was certain that a beam of crisp sunlight could have poured right out of the box.

“Elli, it’s all of my favourite snacks from when I was in Japan.”

There were some that he hadn’t laid eyes on in years. Some of them, he hadn’t even thought about since he’d had them in Japan; the fact that Kazu had remembered which items Felix had enjoyed made him almost well up with tears. He lifted out a packet of Caramel Corn, instantly remembering the time that Kazu had opened a bag and attempted to pour its entire contents into his mouth at once.

“Adorable,” Elliott smiled. He scooped his arms around Felix’s waist and hugged him from behind. He rested his chin on Felix’s shoulder and glanced over all of the snacks. “Kazuhito sent you all of this?”

Felix was still drinking in the sight of its contents. It was all laid out so beautifully that he couldn’t imagine that Kazu was solely responsible for this care package.

“I’m guessing Yumi helped,” he said. “I should send them something, too. Maybe for Christmas?”

“Good idea.” Elliott reached around Felix with one hand, fishing out a packet of chocolate pies adorned with pictures of chestnuts. “Are you going to put all of this out tomorrow night?”

Felix looked up at him, wide-eyed.

“Not for the trick-or-treaters,” Elliott clarified, putting the packet back. “I just mean for the people you’re inviting over.”

“No! No way,” Felix laughed, closing down the lid of the box. He formed a shy, tight-lipped smile. “This is going to be my private stash.”

The sudden display of protectiveness over a box of food made Elliott grin to himself over Felix’s shoulder. It was rare that Felix put himself ahead of others, especially when it came to food, and it warmed Elliott’s heart to see it happen. He tightened his hug a little, overcome by a wave of affection.

Felix’s shoulders tightened, shrinking him slightly in Elliott’s arms. “Is that mean?”

“Of course not. It’s not mean to want something just for yourself.” Elliott pressed a kiss against the top of Felix’s head, just where his mint-coloured hair was parted to form his pigtails. “You should keep it somewhere safe, though, boo.”

“Oh, gosh, you’re right.” Felix grabbed the box, turning to cast his smile up at Elliott. “I’ll find somewhere to put it. Meet you in the car in a minute.”

“Alright.”

Felix rummaged in his pocket, grabbing the car keys and pressing them into Elliott’s hand. “You get the engine started and be ready to go, darling!” he exclaimed, darting back towards the stairs. Elliott was left standing with the car keys after all.

___

“It: Chapter Two,” Felix declared as he shut the bedroom door behind himself.

Elliott made a face as he shrugged off his jacket and went to hang it in the wardrobe. “Didn’t we just watch that in the cinema last year?”

“Two years ago, actually,” Felix pointed out. “And it was great! Tell me you didn’t love the gang’s dynamic. Look me in the eye and tell me.”

Elliott did, indeed, turn to look Felix in the eye, but he didn’t say anything of the sort. “I know you loved the characters, boo, but people don’t watch horror movies for the characters. People watch horror movies for the horror. Let’s watch something that’s actually going to scare us.”

Letting out a groan, Felix took off his jacket, too. Only now that he was alone with Elliott did he realise just how exhausted he was. The morning had been spent at the shops, and decorating the living room and kitchen had taken up most of the afternoon. He was ready to just curl up next to Elliott for the rest of the evening.

“The Exorcist?” Elliott suggested, already scrolling through movie options on his phone.

“Mmm…” Felix let out a nervous hum as he slipped his jacket onto a hanger. “Isn’t that the one where the lady’s head spins all the way around?”

“I don’t know.” Elliott glared. “I haven’t seen it, but thanks for the possible spoilers.”

Felix’s belly rumbled before he could respond, the sound lasting at least five seconds before he laid his hands on it to calm it down. Now that he was paying attention, he was starving, and he couldn’t quite believe he’d made it this long.

After a moment, Elliott laughed, coming over to gently kiss Felix on the top of his head. “Do we need to sort out dinner for you before we start the movie?”

Blushing from the sudden attention, Felix nuzzled his face against Elliott’s chest, just for a moment. “I’m okay. I already have dinner plans.”

“You do?”

Felix nodded. He pulled away from Elliott’s light embrace, scurrying around to his own side of the bed and ducking down to look underneath.

“Oh. Under the bed?” Elliott grinned, reclining across the mattress. He watched as Felix sat on the floor and slid the lid of the box open, almost ceremoniously. “That was your top-secret hiding place?”

“Everything is safe and sound, isn’t it?” Felix was grinning as he sat up on the bed, taking in the sight of all of the treats he’d received that morning.

Elliott laid an affectionate hand on Felix’s knee and went back to scrolling through movie options on his phone. He only looked up again when he heard Felix ripping into a packet of… something. They hadn’t even chosen a movie yet, and he was already crunching away on his first snack.

“What?” Felix whined through the food in his mouth, unimpressed with the look on Elliott’s face. He was holding a silver wrapper, revealing a handful of long sticks covered with some pale-brown coating. “I’m hungry.”

“Of course, you are,” Elliott said drily. He had, of course, tried to convince him to take a break, but as soon as Felix started on a project, it was impossible to slow him down. “But why don’t you eat something more substantial?”

Felix groaned mid-chew. “I’ve gotten used to cooking for myself plus Shayne. It’s such a hassle to make something just for myself.”

“Really?” Elliott narrowed his eyes at that excuse. “That kid eats less than a pet rabbit would. Does it make that much of a difference?”

Felix pushed out his lower lip, reaching into the open packet and tugging out another long, thin snack with an off-yellow dusting of colour. “It’s Halloween. Stop nagging me.”

“I’m not –” Elliott scoffed and looped an arm around Felix’s shoulders. “I’m not nagging you, gorgeous. It’s just unlike you to rely on junk food over actual food.”

“It’s Halloween,” Felix said again. “I’m not Felix right now. I’m Dark Felix. And Dark Felix? Dark Felix eats sweet potato Pretzfor dinner.”

Elliott had no idea what Pretz were, but he assumed it was the name of the stick-like snacks. He watched as Felix pulled out three at once, biting the tops off all three in one go.

“Dark Felix is going to make himself sick,” Elliott said.

Felix held up a hand, mouth full. “Dark Felix can’t hear you.”

“Alright, alright…” As he shook his head, Elliott couldn’t help but watch the gentle bob of Felix’s jaw and throat as he chewed and swallowed. “Dark Felix is cute.”

That blush started to resurface across Felix’s face. He looked down at the bedsheets as he chewed. “I thought you were picking a movie,” he mumbled, clearly feeling self-conscious. And that was the last thing Elliott wanted to make him feel.

“I was. I found one,” Elliott stated, his eyes fixed on something on his phone screen. Felix sat up straighter to try and see what he was talking about, but Elliott leaned away, tilting his phone out of sight.

“What is it?” Felix groaned.

“You’ll see.”

“No, just tell me.”

With his eyebrows raised, Elliott watched the screen and waited for the movie to cast. The title popped up in the bottom-left corner before anything else happened

“The Ring?” Felix exclaimed. “The original? But… I’ve never seen that. I don’t know where the scary parts are…”

“And that’s precisely why we’re watching it.”

“But –”

“You can’t eat Japanese Halloween candy and then refuse to watch a scary Japanese movie. You’ll disrupt the theme of the evening.”

A soft gasp from Felix let Elliott know he’d won. If Elliott knew anything about his boy, it was that he could never resist a theme.

Without another peep, Felix settled down, cuddling up close to Elliott with the box of autumnal snacks propped next to his leg. Elliott found himself immediately immersed in the film, though he was pulled from that immersion several times as he focused on the sound of Felix’s teeth crunching through his selection of treats.

Minutes ticked on through the movie, and sweet wrappers ended up accumulating on Felix’s nightstand. All too suddenly, he seemed to decide that he’d had enough, and he sat forward to shove the lid of the box closed and place it down on the floor. When he settled back down again, he nudged his head into Elliott’s side, drawing his knees up slightly so that one leg overlapped Elliott’s.

The closeness wasn’t an immediate indicator that something was wrong, but Elliott couldn’t keep himself from checking anyway.

“Are you alright?”

“What?” Felix squeaked.

“Is the film too scary?” Elliott asked gently, wondering if that was the cause of this sudden clinginess. It was, Elliott had to admit, creepier than he’d anticipated. He hoped he wasn’t putting Felix through too much. He rubbed Felix’s shoulder, frowning as he noticed how tense his partner’s body was.

“No, it’s okay. I’m kind of lost, though. Who’s that guy?”

“That? That’s the ex-husband.” Elliott frowned, wondering how Felix had missed that.

“Oh. Okay.”

Another ten minutes or so ticked past, before Elliott was jostled by movement again. Felix was pressing up closer and closer, almost as though he was hoping Elliott's body would absorb his own if he got close enough.

Guilt was starting to surface in Elliott's chest. Maybe he shouldn't have forced the movie on Felix. Maybe they should have stuck with something safe, something they would both have genuinely enjoyed, instead of something that was clearly putting Felix in distress.

His heart twisted as Felix lifted his head to say his name in the most pitiful voice. “Elli…”

“It’s okay," Elliott whispered, lifting a hand to the back of Felix's head. "I’ve got you.”

“No, it’s not the movie. I’m not scared, I…” Cut off by a soft groan, Felix leaned forward, slipping just outside of Elliott’s embrace.

Elliott’s eyebrows slowly lifted as the penny dropped. He moved a finger towards his phone so that he could pause the movie, and then he turned his gaze towards his hunched partner.

Felix gulped. If Elliott had been wearing reading glasses, he reckoned he would have pushed them up his nose right then, just for the theatrics.

“Yes, Dark Felix?” Elliott asked, as though he didn’t know exactly what his partner was about to tell him.

Another moan escaped Felix’s throat as he shoved his headful of minty hair into Elliott’s lap, nudging away Elliott’s arms. Elliott sighed and dropped his phone onto the sofa cushion next to him.

“What have you done, boo?” he asked, with only the faintest hint of exasperation in his voice. He picked up a strand of Felix’s hair, clearing it from the smaller boy’s face.

“I was silly,” Felix mumbled. His eyes were screwed shut as he curled forward, wrapping his arms around his waist.

Elliott raised an eyebrow. His fingers continued to stroke bits of Felix’s hair back from his forehead. “Could you be more specific?”

“I…” As Felix whimpered around his words, it was like ice-cold water was thrown over Elliott’s desire to be smug or condescending. “I ate a lot of those snacks that Kazuhito sent me, and... now my belly hurts.”

“I see…” Frowning, Elliott looped an arm around Felix’s shoulders. He forgot, on occasion, how tiny Felix could feel in his arms, especially when he was curled in on himself like this. His energy and enthusiasm usually made up for his size. “Are you nauseous? Do we need to move you to the bathroom?”

After a miserable shake of his head, Felix tightened his arms over his stomach. “It just really hurts.”

Elliott’s chest ached a bit. “Here; stretching out will probably feel better than being hunched over like that.”

A pleading look crossed Felix’s face. Elliott raised his eyebrows, as though to say ‘trust me’ without actually saying it. With a grimace still tugging at his mouth, Felix dropped his head back against Elliott’s shoulder and extended his legs towards the foot of the bed. As soon as he got himself settled, Elliott swept a gentle hand down over Felix’s stomach.

“And so,” Elliott narrated as he held the slight swell of Felix’s belly in his palm for a moment, “the tough, rebellious Dark Felix was taken down by a belly ache.”

“Whatever, darling, you were right,” Felix groaned, pushing his belly up against Elliott’s hand for a little extra pressure. “Sweets for dinner was not a good plan.”

“As much as I adore being right, I do not adore the sight of you being in pain.” Elliott pressed harder in response to Felix’s arching, now smoothing his hand back and forth over the front of Felix’s shirt. His fingers kept coming up against the buttons that were fastened over Felix’s chest and belly, and he could tell they were going to get frustrating for both of them. “Is it alright if I open your shirt?”

Felix nodded without a word.

“Let me know if you start to feel cold.”

“I will.”

Elliott undid the top five buttons before he couldn’t reach any further, so two stayed fastened near Felix’s hips. It didn’t really matter, because Elliott now had access to the problem area. Felix crooned softly as Elliott’s hand came to rest just below his ribcage, and he carefully started to smooth his palm across his belly. It felt ever so slightly bloated to Elliott’s hand, though he wasn’t sure if he should press any harder than he already was.

He was just glad that his hands had returned to their old warmth after his vampire transformation had ended and his body had regulated itself.

“Mmph,” Felix murmured, pressing a fist to his mouth and releasing a tight burp. His belly jumped in response, making a sloshing sound beneath Elliott’s hand. Elliott could feel how much popping and gurgling was going on inside. It barely surprised him when Felix’s entire body suddenly jolted with a hiccup.

“Oh – are you alright?”

Felix gave a mumble of affirmation, shifting slightly so his cheek rested more comfortably against Elliott’s chest. He mumbled something else, slurring his words so that Elliott, for all his advanced hearing, couldn’t make it out.

“What, boo?” Elliott half-chuckled, pressing his fingers in a circular motion as he felt Felix’s stomach cramp and lurch. A low rumble replied from inside as it struggled to settle its sugary contents.

Felix muffled another burp, this time by pressing his mouth closed around it. “Said you can put the movie back on.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

Felix nodded. “It might take my mind off it. Just don’t stop rubbing.”

“Of course, of course,” Elliott promised, turning his head to find his phone. He tapped the play button on the app, his heart fluttering as Felix cuddled in tighter and arched his belly up into Elliott’s touch again. He leaned his palm harder into the smooth flesh, as he was nonverbally instructed, and continued trying to soothe Felix's angry stomach with firm strokes and circles as the movie went on.

About twenty minutes later, Elliott was spooked by a sudden revelation on-screen, the visuals making him jolt slightly. He almost bit his tongue from the way he’d been tensed up during the entire scene. Fuck. He'd been worried about Felix being jumpy through the movie; he hadn't expected to be so on edge himself.

“Jesus Christ,” he sighed, glancing down to make sure he hadn’t jostled Felix’s head too much, but also to check that Felix was doing alright after the scare. “That really got me. Are you doing okay, boo?”

All he heard in response was a soft sigh, followed by an intake of air. He noticed the rhythmic way that Felix’s belly was rising and falling under his hand, and didn’t need to get a look at his partner’s face to know that he’d fallen asleep. Part of Elliott – the stupidly prideful part, that is – was a bit relieved that Felix hadn’t been conscious to witness him flinching at the movie.

A quick press of his hand against Felix’s stomach told him there was still a lot of churning and twinging going on in there. Elliott resumed the careful circular motions that had sent Felix to sleep in the first place. He pressed a gentle kiss against his sleeping partner’s hair, eyes trained on the TV screen again, and hoped he could manage to lie still for the last part of the movie.

#StW Felix #sick Felix #justmeandmysickies #Halloween drabbles #Halloween sickfic #Halloween fic #stomach ache fic #belly ache fic #belly rubs #upset stomach #overeating #food mention #stomach ache #stomach kink #vampire OC #vampire sickfic #drabbles #sickfic drabbles

[waitimcomingtoo]

would it be too much to ask for another part of plank all over me? maybe this time is an autocomplete interview with both of them and there‘s rumors going around that they’re engaged or that she’s pregnant so they’re acting all mysterious for it... thank you so much ❤️ i loooove your stories!!

Plank All Over Me - Autocomplete Interview Edition

Pairing: Tom Holland x Reader

Synopsis: You and Tom do a WIRED autocomplete interview

Disclaimer: you do not have to have read the other parts to understand this, but check them out ;)

Plank All Over Me

Yoga Edition

Couples Tag

Prank Interview

Waitimcomingtoo Masterlist

“Hi, I’m Andrew Garfield.” Tom smiled at the camera.

“And I’m Emma Stone.” You blew a kiss at it.

“And this is our weird Autocomplete Interview.” Tom finished.

“It’s WIRED.” You giggled at his mistake.

“What’s wired?” Tom asked you.

“Nothing’s wired. The channel is WIRED.” You corrected. “You said “weird”.”

“My apologies.” Tom said to the camera and he rested his hand on your knee. “This is our WIRED Autocomplete Interview.”

“Dyslexic king.” You praised and Tom laughed. 

“I like how these videos gradually get more and more chaotic as we make them.” He smiled at the thought of the other stupid videos you’d done together.

“I can’t wait to be 80 and playing with puppies over at Buzzfeed.” You joked.

“You and me both, darling.” Tom leaned in and kissed you. “Should we start with mine or yours?” He asked as he picked up the boards of questions.

“I like to save the best for last, so yours first.” You quipped and Tom gave the camera a blank stare.

“Isn’t she sweet?” Tom said sarcastically. You picked up his first board and peeled off the first strip of paper.

“Who is…Tom Holland.” Tom read off the board.

“I bet my mom was the one who googled that when I told her we were dating.” You said and Tom laughed.

“My mom probably googles “who does Tom Holland think he is?” when I’m acting up.” Tom added.

“Oh my God.” You covered your mouth with your hands. “Have I ever told you when your mom and I call you when you’re acting up?”

“No, what?” Tom inquired.

“No. I can’t.” You shook your head. “It’s our secret.”

“What? You have to tell me.” Tom shook your arm like a little kid. “Please?”

“Fine.” You sighed. “We call you Bitchy Elliot.”

“WHAT?” Tom screamed and you bent over laughing. “WHAT?”

“You wanted to know!” You reminded him.

“Bitchy Elliot? That’s not even clever.” He scoffed.

“It’s clever.” You disagreed. Tom picked up the board and dramatically ripped off a strip of paper.

“Who is Tom Holland…civil war.” You read amidst your giggles.

“Like who do I play?” Tom asked the camera.

“No, silly. They’re asking if you were on the North side or the South side of the American civil war.” You replied as if it were obvious.

“Oh, well I’m from Southwest-“ Tom began.

“The south was the racist side.” You interrupted.

“North.” Tom said definitively.

“I knew you didn’t know enough about American history to answer that question.” You laughed as you peeled the next strip off.

“Who is Tom Holland…girlfriend.” Tom read off the board.

“Whoever she is, I bet she loves proper grammar.” You poked fun at the phrasing.

“Y/n almost canceled our first date because I texted her and used the wrong form of “your”.” Tom told the camera.

“I think I was being completely reasonable.” You defended.

“Were you?” Tom squinted at you.

“Yes.” You answered and brushed his hair back. “Next question.”

“Where did Tom Holland…college.” Tom asked as he peeled the strip off.

“Oh God, where did Tom Holland college?” You asked in sarcastic amazement.

“I didn’t college.” Tom answered. “And I don’t think whoever asked this question did either.”

“Where did Tom Holland…meet Y/n.” You asked as you revealed the next question.

“We met over at BBC Radio 1 when we did the Plank All Over Me Challenge.” Tom replied with a smile.

“And I haven’t been unable to get rid of him since.” You said sadly. Tom rolled his eyes and peeled off the next question.

“Shut up.” He teased. “You love me.”

“Most days.” You agreed.

“Is Tom Holland…in the MCU.” Tom read off the board.

“He is!” You said excitedly. “I actually almost left the MCU when the Sony/Disney thing was going on because I didn’t want to be in it if Tom wasn’t.”

“She was two seconds away from not renewing her contract for Venom 2, so you have me thank for it happening.” Tom boated.

“Or we have the cast and crew to thank.” You suggested.

“Or me.” Tom shrugged as he revealed the next question. “Is Tom Holland…taller than Y/n.”

“You could ask “is Tom Holland taller than…” and no matter who you fill in the blank with, the answer would be no.” You stated.

“Haha!” Tom said sarcastically. “Read the next question.”

“Anything for you, shorty.” You laced your fingers though his and kissed the back of his hand. “Is Tom Holland…engaged.” You smirked a little when you read the question. Engagement rumors had been off the charts lately and you and Tom decided to be vague.

“I don’t know, is he?” Tom looked at the camera and tilted his head.

“Like engaged to a girl or engaged in combat?” You stroked your chin.

“Well he’s definitely not engaged in combat.” Tom confirmed and wiped his brow.

“So is he engaged to a girl?” You kept up the act.

“I can’t tell. He’s very mysterious. And very handsome.” He added.

“I wouldn’t go that far but he is pretty private about his personal life. I wish I could ask him.” You leaned your chin on your hand and sighed.

“I heard he’s pretty difficult to get a hold of.” Tom said sadly.

“Yeah. Maybe someone should give him a ring, see if he’ll answer.” You looked at the camera and shrugged. Tom peeled off the next question and dropped the paper on the floor.

“Is Tom Holland…British.” He read.

“He’s Australian.” You answered confidently as you revealed the next question.

“Does Tom Holland…drive.” He read off the board.

“No. He usually winds up his ears and flies off.” You said into the camera with a straight face. “They flutter like butterfly wings and that’s how we get around.”

“I think I know the answer to “is Tom Holland engaged?” now.” Tom mumbled.

“What’s the answer?” You asked him.

“No.” He told you before breaking into laughter. You cupped his face and kissed him swiftly as an apology.

“Was that your last one?” You asked when you noticed the lack of boards.

“Oh I guess it was.” Tom looked around. “Your turn.”

“Who is Y/n L/n…mcu.” You read. “Uh I play Iron Man.”

“She plays Iron Man very well.” Tom added as he peeled off the next question. “Is Y/n L/n…pregnant. Wow, second question.”

“Do I look pregnant?” You sassed the camera.

“Is Y/n L/n…engaged.” Tom read the next one.

“Nope, just pregnant.” You nodded.

“Is Y/n L/n…married.” Tom revealed the following question.

“Married to the money.” You answered and Tom chuckled.

“Is Y/n L/n…Tom Holland’s girlfriend.” Tom smiled as he read the next one.

“Depends on who you ask.” You shrugged.

“No, always.” Tom said, a little offended.

“Depends.” You shrugged again.

“Depends on what? Who would say no?” Tom questioned you.

“Me, if a cute boy asked.” You joked. He made a face and you laughed before kissing him.

“Is Y/n L/n…engaged to Tom Holland.” Tom read the next one.

“Im engaged in this conversation with Tom Holland.” You replied.

“Why does everyone keep asking if we’re engaged?” Tom asked with fake curiosity.

“Because we are.” You deadpanned.

“Oh right.” Tom matched your seriousness before you both burst into laughter.

“They’re probably asking because of the prank interview we did with Conor and Josh.” You reminded him.

“We didn’t say we were engaged.” Tom said.

“But we talked about marriage.” You countered.

“Guys, we’re not engaged.” Tom said to the camera.

“But Tom is pregnant.” You pointed at the camera. Tom laughed before peeled off the next question.

“Did Y/n L/n…win the plank challenge.” He read.

“I don’t even remem-“ You started.

“I won.” Tom stated. “I hold the record.”

“Well there you have it.” You laughed.

“Did Y/n L/n-“ He started to read the next one.

“Ryan Reynolds.” You cut him off.

“Oh okay.” Tom nodded as he peeled the next one. “Does Y/n L/n…have a boyfriend.”

“See the above answer.” You smiled at the camera.

“This is a video. There is no above answer.” Tom sassed. “And your boyfriend is not Ryan Reynolds.” He added quietly.

“Don’t remind me.” You sighed sadly. Tom made a mock hurt face and you pouted.

“Aw.” You laughed. “I love you.” You pulled him close to you and covered his face in kisses.

“Okay. I love you too.” Tom kissed your cheek. “There’s one more. Does Y/n L/n…John Mulaney.”

“I genuinely do not know how to answer that question.” You said after a minute of silence.

“I genuinely don’t know if that is a question.” Tom added.

“I think that’s a great way to end the interview.” You laughed. “Thanks John Mulaney.”

“Thank you for watching our Autocomplete Interview.” Tom grinned. “I’m Tom Holland.”

“And I’m engaged to Tom Holland.” You finally confirmed as you held up the hand with the ring. “Goodbye!”

Tag List 🏷

@maybemona @foreverxholland @writing-for-hours-on-end @lavender-writer @captainmandeestudent17 @whatareyouhidingpeter @takenbyheartstrings @ultrunning @imyourliquor-youremypoison @theolwebshooter @andreasworlsboring101 @guksmyfav @waiting-to-be-myself @letsloveimagines @peterparkoure @a-villain-vying-for-attention @m19friend @justcallmehitgirl @averyfosterthoughts @jackiehollanderr @tiny-friggin-human @celestial-skylines @loveat2am @mara-twins @iamaunicorn4704 @delicately-important-trash @mjspxrker @spideygirl2003 @the-crazy-fanfictionist @kii-mii @maryjanee23 @spacebitch2 @vgiselle @geeksareunique @emmamarshmellow

#tom holland x reader #tom holland x you #tom holland x y/n #tom holland fluff #tom holland imagine #tom holland autocomplete #tom holland fanfiction #peter parker x reader #peter parker x y/n #peter parker x you #iron man #peter parker fanfiction #peter parker imagine #plank all over me

[anneonomus]

love doodling silly little guys at work

#tim drake #red robin #jason todd #red hood #batfam #elliot’s art #my art #elliot should shut up challenge

[hb-writes]

500 Follower Angst Celebration

First off, thank you so so much for all the follows and support. I love interacting with you all and sharing my writing here has been an absolute pleasure. It has helped me grow immensely as a writer and I’d like to celebrate that growth by continuing to challenge myself as a writer and giving you all some long awaited angst. 

Anyone remember like 4 😅months ago when I was collecting angst requests? I was trying to plan ahead so I’d have enough time to write them up without stressing out. It didn’t work out exactly as planned as I’ve still got some work left to do before I’m ready to post, but maybe this will give me a bit of extra motivation.

There are also a fair few new friends who weren’t here when these prompts were first open, so while I wrap up the previously collected requests, I will be accepting some additional (~10) angst requests (with some newish guidelines). 

No repeat prompts - I’ve found a new angst prompt list so this shouldn’t be an issue.

No (additional) repeat characters. 

Not every request submitted will be accepted because of 1, 2, and the fact that I really have to vibe with it otherwise I’ll be staring at the prompt for another 4 months and I’d actually like to wrap this up by the end of July, if possible! I’ll respond to the ones that are not accepted and keep the others to post when the pic is posted.

Here is the current WIP list (I’ll try to keep this updated as new requests come in). 

Fifty Shades:

Christian - Just … go.

Christian - The smart people are talking, it’s time to shut up.

Elliot - If you don't hug me right now I think I might fall apart.

Peaky Blinders:

Ada - You’re a horrible liar.

Arthur - Thank you for not giving up on me.

Finn - Is that blood?

John - I should have known better.

John (x Sophie) - I won’t leave you.

Polly - I don’t want to be alone.

Polly - It was an accident, I didn’t mean to–!

Tommy - [he/she/they] waited for you, you know.

Tommy - You’ve always been stupid / naive / selfish / [insult].

Sherlock:

Sherlock - Can you shut up for once in your life?

John - I miss being in your arms.

Suits: 

Harvey - I hate you.

Harvey - Go play in traffic.

Mike - We’re not friends. We never were.

Marcus - Do I make myself clear? / You aren’t going anywhere.

Supernatural:

Dean - Don’t you dare touch me.

Sam - I just really need a hug right now.

True Blood:

Eric - I thought it would help, but I just feel empty

Godric - If I told you I hate you, what would you do?

Twilight:

Carlisle - I take it back. I didn’t mean it.

Rosalie - If I have to talk to you for a second longer, I will snap my own neck.

Rosalie - You didn’t think I cared about you, did you?

Edward - Would you hate me?

Jasper - Control your anger or you’ll have me to worry about.

White Collar:

Neal - I can’t believe I once considered you family.

Peter - No, please don’t turn off the light!

Prompt list:

(Hella extensive) Angsty Prompt List 

#500 follower celebration #hb.writes angst #or something like that

[thelittlestcheshire]

Self Para 008: I Don’t Pretend to Know the Challenges You’re Facing Word Count: 2024 words When: July 2020, in the early hours of July 19th during Ches’s birthday trip Note: I decided I’m going to queue up and post one of the old self paras I never posted, Feel free to skip it, since it’s a past event and stuff. TWs: Rape (mentioned / discussed), Anxiety Attacks, Alcoholism / Drinking, Hangovers, Vomitting, Death, suicide (not exactly but there’s a definite apathy towards the idea of death this as well so better safe than sorry), murder (her mother)

There was a loud thud as a purse landed on the suite’s floor as Ches stumbled through the front door. She knew she shouldn’t have gone to galaxy edge before closing for drinks, but she was desperate to feel good. Yet, no matter how much she drank today, she didn’t feel the happiness that tended to run through her veins. She felt worse and worse. Even the sight of the balloons in the living room from Emmett and his girlfriend didn’t bring any sort of joy.

It was her fault her mother died; she should have been here instead of Ches. And the more gifts she received, the more she thought back to why her mother was dead. If she hadn’t gone to get gifts for Jonah... it felt like the room was spinning as the thought came back. Wait, no, the room was definitely spinning.

“Hey Ches, sorry I needed to- fuck.” Zander had just come out from the living room, likely taking her up on his offer to hide, but his attempt to avoid people is forgotten by the time he reaches her. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.” There were two of him by the time he wraps an arm around her to support her. “It’s been a long night.” He starts to lead her to her bedroom, and it’s hard to keep her feet under her as they walk. But he saves her from crashing to the floor and manages to get her on the bed.

“It wasn’t a night.” She slurs at him as she rests her head against her pillow. “Sky and I, you know. Club 33.” She knew the look on his faces even through the intoxicated haze. She knew he wasn’t happy about this. “I’m okay.” She informs him, starting to sit up. The room begins to move again, and for a moment, she feels like she might just be sick. She moves quickly, barely making it to the toilet before she vomits. Zander quickly behind her to hold back her hair. “See, fine.” She gets out weakly as she flushes the toilet.

“Definitely not fine.” He disagrees as he smooths out her hair. “I’m staying with you tonight, at least until you feel better.” It’s obvious she had no say in the matter, and she doesn’t waste the energy to protest. She slowly gets up, nearly falling face-first as she attempts to reach the bathroom sink to brush her teeth. He’s there in an instant to keep her from tumbling. Perhaps he had a point. She accepts the assistance as she brushes her teeth and doesn’t fight him as he leads her back to the bed and messes with all her pillows to ensure she’s propped up on her side.

“I hate you.”  

The words just slip off her tongue. Not how she genuinely felt in the slightest. Zander doesn’t seem to take offense. However, he just runs his fingers through her hair. “I know, I know. I’m the worst. Time for you to sleep.” He whispers back to her. She frowns, but she shuts her eyes, anyway. She’s not sure how long it takes: perhaps it’s minutes, maybe it was hours, but eventually she falls asleep.

—

Opening her eyes felt like literally crawling out of a grave when she finally does wake up, the only light shining was from a phone beside her. “Turn that damn thing off. It hurts,” Ches grumbles, the man beside her laying on top of her blankets complies. “What time is it anyway?”

“4 am, give or take.”

Zander’s answer only causes her to groan as she fixes her pillows the way she likes them. “Shit. No wonder I feel like I was run over by a freight train.” She continues to adjust her pillows, settling into a comfortable spot as she rolls over onto her back.

“No, I think that’s thanks to Club 33.” Zander gives her a pointed look. How did he even know she’d gone drinking there? That she had a membership at all for that matter. “I could pay for the entirety of my college tuition with how much you’ve spent on this trip. Couldn’t I?” There was something about his tone that feels off, that despite his words, it wasn’t the Disneyland trip he was frustrated with at the moment. “You’re spiraling again. The fancy trip, the mass text about Leo, the drinking. Fuck, everything that’s occurred since you came back to Luxor. Spring break, prom, open house. What’s going on?” Of course, he’d notice things weren’t right. Her luck couldn’t get any worse, could it?

“It’s the tenth anniversary of my mother’s death.” The excuse slides off her tongue quickly. But even in the dark, she could make out the look on his face. He knew she was lying, and yet she didn’t change her tune. She couldn’t. After what happened with Lucy, she wasn’t going to tell anyone about that ever again. “Zander, that’s all there is to everything. Drop it.”

He opens his mouth as if he had something to say, but he quickly shuts up. After a few seconds where it looks like he’s not going to push, she takes a breath. But her relief is short-lived when he finally speaks. “Has anyone ever mentioned you crinkle your nose when you lie?”

“I do not!” She protests immediately. Did she really have such an obvious tell? “I’m not lying. That’s really all there is to it. Please.” The word sounds like a plea, and as she hears it, she can’t help but dread him picking up on it. She didn’t need to give him more to question when he was already treading into territory she couldn’t stand to think about. How could she discuss it again? She barely got through it with Lucy.

“Okay, I just have one more question then. Why is your father spending so much money on you lately? Taking the entire school to Disneyland, a suite just for you to hide in, him showing up to graduation. Your Club 33 membership cost could be a household’s entire annual salary, There has to be a reason he’s tossing money at you so aggressively.”

The question causes her blood to run cold. What was she supposed to say? That his father suddenly saw the error of his ways became invested in her life. The lie didn’t even seem plausible, let alone believable. The entire truth hurt too much to think about; she didn’t want to get into the reasons. The best she could offer was the truth, without any details. “He feels guilty.”

“About your mom?” Zander’s voice is so soft, and as the slight hint of guilt starts to leak into it, she can feel her heart starting to break. He was too good to her, too safe, and he doesn’t even hesitate as she moves closer to him on the bed and tries to crawl into his arms. As she starts to sob, he just accepts that right now she needed someone to hold her. “I’m sorry, Chessie. I-”

“It’s not about maman, Zan. When I was home I had to attend his dinner parties, and his VP, he-” She can’t even finish getting the words out as she starts to sob, as the panic sets in and she clings tighter to him. The thought of that evening made her wish she could carve off her skin as if it’d erase the memories of that night from her mind. The more she remembers, the harder it feels to gasp for air, and the faster she breathes as her eyes rapidly search for the nearest escape route.

“Ches, hey. It’s okay, you’re okay.” His voice is gentle as he starts stroking her hair again. For a moment, she goes completely still as she tries to remind herself this was Zander. “You’re safe, I promise. Nobody’s going to hurt you here.” She focuses on the sound of his voice as he tries to comfort her, and slowly, but surely, oxygen is easier to catch. The fear was still lingering; the urge to flee and never look back was overwhelming. “You don’t have to say anything, okay.”

“Look where not saying anything got me, Zander.” She snaps at him, the words just coming out suddenly. “He fucking raped me, and I have to- no, I’m expected to just stay quiet and move past it. Sometimes I’m not sure if the money is because my dad is upset it happened or to keep my mouth shut. You know, he was the one who made me drop the charges.” She still could remember that talk with her father. She could shut her eyes and picture it as if it was five minutes ago still, her father pacing around the living room in their penthouse looking almost as disheveled as he had at her mother’s funeral, practically begging her to let him handle this behind closed doors because he didn’t think she’d survive a trial. “Said he thought I’d kill myself if we went to trials, he handled it behind the scenes.”

“It’s out of love, either way, I think,” Zander says gently as if he’s not sure he’s supposed to speak at all. Honestly, Ches isn’t sure she wants him to talk either. The last time she’d discussed it, she hadn’t felt any better. In ways, she felt worse - guilty for burdening Lucy with something so heavy she couldn’t explain to anyone else.

“I know.”

The words are hard for her to get out, even if it’s the truth. She knew that her father loved her, even when it sometimes felt like he didn’t care nearly enough. Perhaps, in its own fucked up way, this was his way of showing he cared. Her father’s actions weren’t out of ill intent.

“I’m sorry that you’re going through this, you had a horrible year.” He wasn’t wrong about that, the more she thought about it, the more she realized seventeen had truly sucked. “But, you can’t destroy yourself in your attempts to cope. I can’t figure out how you got back without hurting yourself. That’s an issue.”

“It’s not a deal-breaker.” As Ches continues to calm down slowly, the realization she’s trembling begins to dawn on her. “I don’t care if I die, you know.”

“Well I do. Lucy and Avery do, and Elliot would be devastated, so that’s not an option, for starters. So this shit needs to stop.” Zander’s voice is firm, almost like when Logan had no other choice but to scold them. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but this isn’t the answer, Hailey.”

For a brief moment, she considers saying something about her first name, but she doesn’t. She was too drained to fight with him over it. The use could be tolerated for one night. “You can’t tell anyone, Zander. The only person who knows is Lucy.” She says instead as she pulls herself out of his arms to lay in bed again.

“And your therapist?”

“Doesn’t know anything either.” She shuts her eyes as she says the word. Of course, she didn’t go to her therapist about this; it felt too painful to revisit, too heavy to bring words to at times. “Just promise me, Zander.”

“I promise I won’t tell anyone.” She can feel him moving on the bed beside her to start to get up as he says the words, her arm quickly reaching out to stop him. “But, I think you need to talk to your therapist. And-”

“Okay.” She agrees. “But, can you stay? I don’t want- I can’t be alone right now. Please?” The boy stops trying to move at her confession, the admittance she needed someone there. “I think being alone is a bad idea, and I don’t think I can ask Elli to-”

“I’ll stay, as long you need me to.”

She doesn’t say anything as she moves her arm back to her side of the bed. For a moment, she wonders if he’ll question it, but soon the only noise is the sound of his phone unlocking as the two settle into a comfortable silence.

#you know i adore queue #all of my heroes died all alone ( musings ) #a hundred thrown out speeches i almost said to you ( self paras ) #events ( ches's birthday 2020 ) #rape tw #vomiting tw #vomit tw #anxiety tw #anxiety attack tw #alcoholism tw #alcohol tw #drinking tw #all you cool people better leave now 'cause it's about to happen ( balo | zander ) #death tw #suicide tw #murder tw

[ghostgothgeek]

Blush. Chapter 7

Hello! Finally another update!

Rated M for language and actual sex ed talk.

FFN || AO3

---

“Hey guys,” Sam smiled warmly at her two friends as she shut her locker. “How’s it going on your end?” 

Danny didn’t look directly at her, but muttered a “hey”. 

Tucker snickered next to him. “Oh, I think Danny is having the time of his life!” Danny elbowed him in the ribs, “Ow! Hey, I even used a life or death pun for you!” 

“That bad, huh?” Sam laughed. “Can’t say I’m doing any better though. By the way, Danny, I’m going to have to...warn you about a few things. Your secret is still safe, but there’s still going to be gossip about you. Both of your halves.” Sam shut her brain down before she went back to that fantasy. “Sorry, I really tried. The girls at this school are indubitably so fucking stupid, they wouldn’t know what the actual truth is, even if it bit them on the nose. Honestly, how they even made it to twelfth grade is beyond me.” 

Tucker noticed Sam getting all worked up and frowned. “Hey, the day’s almost over though!”

“Huh? Wait, what do you mean gossip?” Danny finally looked up at her. 

“Ugh, Paulina has some twisted thoughts.” Sam rubbed the sides of her head as she tried to calm down. “She’s been the biggest pain in the ass all day. Just be prepared for any gossip that Phantom flies commando, and know that I tried to stop it.” 

Danny’s eyes went wide, “why would they-?” 

Tucker busted out laughing, “You HAVE to tell me how that happened!” 

“Ugh guys, please not now.” She grabbed each of their shirts and pulled them towards the cafeteria. 

“Man, I wish I had my PDA! I hate being out of the loop!” Tucker complained. 

Sam unpeeled her banana, trying to ignore any innuendos and return to normalcy, as she listened to Tucker’s bellyaching. She took a large bite as her stomach growled. If Skulker hadn’t shown up on the way to school, she probably would have been able to actually grab some breakfast before this whole ordeal. Sure, she had a salad waiting for her, but that wasn’t going to cut it today. 

“Damn, look at Manson deep throating that banana like a pro!” Dash quirked. Danny snapped his head to look over at Sam. Oh god. Woah...wait NO!

Without missing a beat, Sam chucked her half eaten banana at Dash, hitting him directly in the face. She smiled proudly as Tucker chuckled next to her. 

“Nice shot, Sam!” Tucker held his hand out for a high five, which Sam returned. Dash made an attempt to take a jab at her, but Kwan stopped him. Kwan had to protect both of his “best friends”, after all. 

Danny was silent, unable to comprehend his enjoyment of Dash’s misery at Sam’s behalf. That’s my girl, he had thought. Ugh, why? Why did he keep coming back to this? Sam is just a friend. Dash’s dumbass comment just stirred the pot even more. Now Danny had a new fantasy about his best friend to worry about. He looked over at Sam again and blushed before quickly looking away. With the amount of times he’s blushed today, he didn’t think it was possible anymore. And what is she talking about with all these rumors?

Tucker nudged Danny with his elbow and raised an eyebrow at him as Sam caught up with Valerie and raced for the salad bar. “You okay? I thought you’d always dreamt of Sam hitting Dash in the face.” Tucker laughed to himself. “I know I certainly have.” 

“Not the only dream of Sam I have…” Danny muttered to himself. 

“What?” Tucker looked at his friend again.

“What?” Danny looked back at him confused, grabbing a tray after Tucker. 

“What was that now?” Tucker smirked as he grabbed two burgers. Terrific, Tucker had heard him after all. 

“Nothing,” Danny said sternly before grabbing some mac n cheese. 

“Uh huh.” Tucker’s smirk grew as he piled more food onto his plate. 

“It’s nothing!” Danny insisted as he grabbed the rest of his food and followed Tucker to their table.

“Alright, alright. Calm down dude.” Tucker sat down and immediately took a bite of one of his burgers. 

“Sorry,” Danny sighed. “Between dumbass number one and dumbass number two over there,” he pointed towards Elliot and Dash, “I’m not thinking straight.” 

Tucker nodded and swallowed as Danny took a sip of his drink. Tucker looked over at Sam, pursed his lips, then paused for a moment before saying, “you know, Sam is actually pretty hot, now that I think about it.” 

Danny spit his drink out across the table and started coughing. “What?!” 

“Oh relax, I’m not gonna steal your girlfriend or anything,” Tucker rolled his eyes as Danny muttered some “she’s not my girlfriend” line. “I’m just saying. I mean, she’s super cool and fun to hang with, she looked great at the freshman dance, and she already has made mini skirt Friday an everyday kind of deal! Like if she just lost the tights or whatever, holy smokes. And like, dude, she has boobs. BOOBS. We’ve been so close this entire time!”

Danny caught his breath and scoffed at Tucker before realizing he kind of had a point. If Danny had learned anything that day, it was that he definitely had conflicting feelings about Sam. It wouldn’t surprise him if other guys started noticing her more as well. Actually, they had, if you counted dumbass number one and dumbass number two.

Danny forced out a small laugh, “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I mean, I kinda…” He trailed off before getting a nod of encouragement from Tucker, silently letting it be known that this conversation was strictly between them and would most likely never be repeated again. “I mean, she’s Sam and she’s so pretty and smart and cool and she hangs out with us, like what the hell? And I ran into her in the hallway earlier after dealing with Johnny 13, and I was bleeding and stuff and her boobs were like, right there in my face while she was trying to help me and with all this dumb sex talk, I had to run to the bathroom before anything happened or became noticeable. I’ve been embarrassed more than enough for one day.” 

Tucker let out a loud laugh and slapped Danny on the back. “Damn, dude. I didn’t think you’d ever admit anything.” Danny’s hand immediately went to rub the back of his neck and his face turned crimson for the millionth time that day. “So you ran into Sam, huh?” Tucker wagged his eyebrows suggestively and laughed again when Danny threw a fry at his face. “Don’t worry, dude. I still respect the bro code. I won’t say a word. But like, excusing the fact that she’s like a sister to me for a second, what were they like?” 

Danny opened his mouth as he thought of something to say, before jerking forward after Dash slapped him on the back (hard) and took a seat next to him. “You’re talking about Manson, right? She is pretty hot. You’re a lucky man, Fenton.” 

Was Dash actually...being nice to him? Because he thought that he and Sam were actually...doing things together. What the fuck was happening today? 

“What’s she like? Really?” Dash stole one of Danny’s fries. 

“She’s definitely feisty, that’s for sure.” Elliot smirked as he sat across from Danny. This asshole again?! 

Danny made tight fists under the table. “Shut the fuck up and leave Sam alone! You guys dated for like a week! That’s nothing!” 

“It was enough to cover all of the bases, if you know what I mean. And I’m pretty sure you know what I mean.” Elliot smirked while holding up his phone with the picture on it and leaned back in the chair, nearly falling over as Danny stood quickly from the table, shaking it in the process. He was ready to pounce. 

“Shut. The fuck. Up,” Danny growled as he got all up in Elliot’s face. Elliot accepted the challenge. 

“No, I don’t think I will. But what I do think will happen is me and Sam again.” 

Dash raised an eyebrow at the two boys arguing, “What’s with this? Is Manson like, secretly a sex goddess or something? Maybe I’ll hop on that too.” 

Danny’s eyes flashed green for a brief second before almost being knocked over by Tucker, who shoved him out of the way.

“You have a phone?! How did you sneak that in? Can I please have it for five minutes? Please?!” Tucker made a grab for the phone as Elliot held it behind him. 

“Depends. What kind of dirt do you have on Danny and Sam?”

“Oh man, where do I start?”

“TUCKER!” Danny glared at his friend, not believing he was actually considering this. 

“Oh man, this I gotta hear.” Dash leaned in for a better listen. 

“Okay, one timeback in middle school, Danny-” Tucker’s sentence was muffled as Danny slapped his hand over Tucker’s mouth.

“Shut the fuck up!” Danny hissed. 

“Oh no, please go on,” Elliot smirked as he waved his phone in the air, “You may just buy yourself 2 minutes.” He tried removing Danny’s hand from Tucker’s mouth.

“Get lost, Elliot.” Danny stood from the table and stared him down again. “Tucker isn’t that desperate.” 

“Eh, I think he is,” Dash chimed in. “Foley looks like he’s about to shit a brick.” All three boys looked at Dash, just now remembering he was there. 

Across the cafeteria, Sam raised an eyebrow at the crowd around their usual table and looked back at Valerie. “Thanks again for having my back in there. I really owe you one.” 

“Nonsense. If anything, take it as repayment for how much you guys have saved my ass from ghosts. And for me trying to kill your boyfriend.” 

“He’s not my boyfriend, but thanks.” Sam grabbed a tomato from her salad bowl and popped it in her mouth. “Hey Val, do you want to sit with us?” 

Valerie grinned, “Love to, thanks. And he’s not your boyfriend yet. I’ll help get you there.” 

Sam laughed. “Okay, sure. We really should hang out more, you know. I need a boost of estrogen every once in a while.” 

“Yeah, I’d like that.” Valerie stopped in place for a moment, staring at the guys at their table. Sam followed where Valerie was looking and ran closer to her friends. 

“What the fuck is going on?!” Sam yelled as they approached the group of guys who were trying to tackle each other across the table. Danny and Elliot were staring each other down as Elliot held his phone as far back behind him as he could while Tucker, half on top of the table, reached for it. Dash was actually the most civil at the table. They all paused and fell silent as she spoke up. All four of them were staring at her with a weird expression on their faces. “What?” She questioned cautiously, suddenly feeling a bit self conscious. Valerie snickered to herself, taking a wild guess as to what (or who) the boys had been arguing about.

“Uh, nothing.” Danny forced Tucker back into his chair and sat back down next to him. “They were just leaving.” He glared at Elliot.

When the faux goth and the jock refused to move, Sam slammed her tray down on the table. “Get the fuck out of here before I start kicking people. I have my good boots on today.” 

Elliot was the first to make a move to leave. “Told ya, feisty.” 

Dash stood as well as he looked Sam up and down. Actually not that bad. Fortunately, Sam missed that, but Danny hadn’t. He was practically seeing red as Dash returned to his own table. 

“We’ll talk after lunch!” Tucker whispered to Elliot as he passed by on the way back to the other end of the cafeteria. 

“What was that all about?” Sam sat down and stabbed her salad with her fork before taking a bite. 

“Elliot and Dash are being shitheads and pushing all of Danny’s buttons today,” Tucker announced as he started his second burger.

“Do I wanna know?” 

“No.” Danny picked at his food, shutting down that conversation.

Valerie sat down next to Sam and across from Tucker. Noticing his fidgeting, she smirked, “Must be a tough day for you, huh? No technology of any sort?” 

Tucker groaned, “It’s killing me! It may actually kill me!” 

“Stop being so dramatic, it’s only been a few hours and we’re almost done,” Sam pointed her fork towards Tucker, “You wouldn’t believe all the shit I’ve had to go through today.” 

Danny looked up at her, “What happened? Are you okay? Did anyone say anything to you?” He glanced over towards the A Listers’ table, where everyone was passing around Elliot’s stupid phone and making crude noises and gestures towards Danny when they noticed him staring. He flushed again. 

“Chill, I’m fine. I’m just apparently the school’s gossip victim for the day.” 

“Yeah, Paulina has been pretty ruthless today,” Valerie pointed out as she started her lunch. 

“Fuck!” Sam groaned, which gave a certain part of Danny’s anatomy some life again. “I got salad dressing all over my leggings.” She started unlacing her boots. 

“W-what are you doing?” Danny squeaked.

“Taking them off. I don’t want to smell like vinaigrette for the rest of the day,” she started peeling off her leggings and with a brief hand from Valerie, she crumbled them into a ball and tossed them into her backpack before she started lacing up her boots again, careful not to lift her legs too high for anyone to accidentally see anything. 

Tucker’s eyes widened slightly, as if his conversation with Danny earlier had somehow summoned this to occur. He looked at Danny and raised an eyebrow as if proving his point. 

“Don’t even think about it,” Danny warned lowly. 

Valerie hid her smirk behind her hand as Danny gripped the table. Danny and Sam were both smitten with each other and both so, so oblivious to the other person’s feelings. 

“Anyway, uh...yeah, you’re probably going to hear some gossip, just please know it’s not my fault.” Sam sighed and took another bite of her salad. “Honestly, how I have gone almost 4 years without seriously injuring Paulina is beyond me.” 

“I’ll admit, I’m a little shocked too. But you definitely wanted to deck her after she said you were cheating on Fenton with Phantom,” Valerie chuckled as Sam whipped her head towards her and sent her a menacing glare. Valerie just shrugged, knowing damn well what she was doing. Danny and Sam just needed a little nudge, and she was gonna give it to them.  

“Oh my god, WHAT?!” Tucker burst out laughing, some of his soda coming out of his nose in the process. Gross. 

Danny’s head snapped up as a light pink blush dusted his cheeks. “Uh, w-what? Paulina thinks...you and I...and you and Phantom?” 

Sam groaned as she set her empty tupperware container back into her backpack. “Yes, Princess Shit-For-Brains thinks I’m intimate with both sides of you.” 

“At the same time?” Danny asked.

“Oh I don’t need to hear this!” Tucker covered his ears.

Sam kept her head down, hair covering her face, as she blushed a deep dark red. “I tried to stop it, I swear.” 

“Suuuureeee you did. I bet you hated that implication,” Tucker smirked. 

Sam managed to whack him in the back of the head from across the table, nearly giving Danny another pleasantly unfortunate view once again. 

“Hey! When I said I wished girls would hit on me, this is not what I meant!” Tucker rubbed the back of his head and readjusted his beret. 

Sam smirked. “Be careful what you wish for. Desiree can pop up at any moment.” Tucker’s eyes widened.

“Desiree?” Valerie whispered. 

“Genie ghost. Gotta be super careful around her,” Sam replied. Valerie nodded. 

“I...uh, okay...well, thanks? For...trying to stop it?” Danny said uncertainly. He had noticed in the past that when he was Phantom, his emotions definitely were stronger and he had always felt more overprotective of Sam. As Phantom, he almost seemed to have less control over his emotions. 

“No problem,” Sam muttered quietly.

“Okay, but can you please explain the “Phantom goes commando” thing?” Tucker leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table.

Danny hiccuped, and to his relief, it was his ghost sense. Oh thank god. He stood up, receiving a few looks from the other tables.

“I gotta run, I need to...basically die of embarrassment elsewhere,” Danny said slowly. Nobody seemed to think much of the phrasing. Though Tucker and Sam both immediately caught on.

“I’ll come help you not die,” Sam replied. Anything to get out of this situation. She elbowed Tucker before standing as well. “Come on, we need to help Danny not die.” Tucker waved her off, as Valerie finally understood what was happening. 

“You two lovebirds go on ahead,” he told them, “they’ve got this,” he whispered to Valerie. Danny narrowed his eyes at him.

“Don’t go around telling a bunch of our secrets,” Danny spoke with an underlying threatening tone. Tucker nodded.

“Of course. But you are losing your fries,” he informed him, and the teen helped himself to the remaining fries on Danny’s plate. Danny accepted this, and he motioned for Sam to follow him. “Also…” Tucker threw a condom at Danny. Danny shot him a look and let the condom bounce off of his chest and land on the floor. Sam hastily grabbed her backpack, and they both fast-walked out of the cafeteria, earning several stares and eyebrow wags. 

Danny groaned, “Ugh, fuck me!” He was sick of this.

“Damn, well now we know who initiates it. Never pictured Fenton to be the dominant one,” Dash laughed. Danny growled and began to turn around before Sam pushed him forward and out of the cafeteria. 

“Not now. We probably have Kitty and I assume Johnny to worry about right now.” Once out of the cafeteria, Sam pulled out her wrist ray and put it on. She searched for her pocket knife in her boot, pulling out the Ecto Lipstick Laser by accident. “Ahh!” She dropped it as if it had been on fire and watched it roll down the hallway. Danny raised an eyebrow at her. “Nothing!” She quickly replied as she ran forward to grab the weapon and put it back in her boot. “It’s just the Ecto Lipstick! I swear!” She said a little too loudly. God damn the Fentons for making their inventions look like vibrators. God damn Planned Parenthood for pointing that out in the first place.

“I know?” Danny raised an eyebrow at her as they rounded a corner. “Let’s just get rid of Johnny and Kitty and hope that takes up the rest of the day.” 

“Oh, there you two are!” Speak of the fucking devils.

Danny flinched as he turned to see the ghostly pair that had been harassing them both all day. Kitty and Johnny stood together, both grinning excitedly.

“Can’t you guys just go fuck around with each other and stop fucking around with us?” Danny complained. Kitty gave a small scowl.

“We’re trying to help,” Kitty insisted. “I know Johnny already talked to you, but I’m pretty sure he left out some important stuff, like make sure you wash your hands. Clip and file your nails so that they’re not sharp or super long, make sure your hands aren’t freezing. Foreplay is very important.”

Danny wanted to die. He glanced at Sam, who seemed to mirror his emotions. Her face was red, and she wasn’t even looking at the pair, instead digging through her backpack. Likely in search of the Fenton Thermos. 

Johnny gave an amused scoff, and he waved his hand. “Nah, it’s not that important,” he replied. Kitty shot him a look that could re-kill Pariah Dark himself. Johnny instantly seemed to realize his mistake.

“Yes. It. Is,” she spoke through gritted teeth.

“I mean, we could overshadow you to show you how it’s done if you want,” Johnny suggested. 

Danny and Sam both froze, eyes wide, and turned a brilliant shade of red before spitting out objections.

“NO! Nope! Not necessary!” Danny yelled as he covered his eyes, thinking that would somehow block the mental images in his head. “I can’t...Sam...ughhh. No, gross.”

“Well don’t seem too excited now,” Sam spat sarcastically, rolling her eyes in the process.

“N-no! It’s not that I wouldn’t want...I mean you’re pretty and...I like...I mean, you...what do I mean?” Danny groaned and dragged his hands down his face.

“Oh, dude,” Johnny shook his head, “don’t go there unless you want to be sleeping on the couch.” 

“But I-” Danny started until Sam slapped a hand over his mouth.

“Chill out, Romeo. Now is not the time to remove your foot from your mouth.” She removed her hand before Danny licked it. That was something Danny and Tucker did. Ugh, boys.

“Nice touch ditching the tights though. You definitely had boys’ heads turning...even a few girls’.” Kitty tried to get them back on track.

“Uh, what?” Sam looked down at her legs. 

“Yeah, even that big blonde sporty kid was saying some pretty graphic things about you,” Johnny added.

“WHAT?!” Danny snapped his head back towards the cafeteria. 

“Oh that hit a nerve! Jealousy works, you know. That’s how I keep bringing Kitten back to me,” Johnny grinned.

Kitty rolled her eyes, “Yes, that is exactly what happens.” Her sarcasm was almost as good as Sam’s.

Danny completely ignored the ghosts bickering, focusing his attention on Sam. “Did you hear that? DASH was talking about you like that! I’m gonna kill him…” He trailed off as he made a fist and looked back towards the cafeteria. 

“Danny, chill. It’s not a big deal. Dash isn’t into me because I spilled salad dressing on my tights,” Sam rolled her eyes and set her hand on Danny’s shoulder to bring him back down to Earth. 

Danny swapped his attention back to her. “Uh, no...look, I mean, you’re very attractive and you’re only wearing a crop top and a mini skirt, it’s an easy step away from imagining you naked.” Sam raised an eyebrow as she put a hand on her hip. “N-not that I am imagining that, and not that I wouldn’t want to! I mean of course I’d want to, it’s just - you’re just….I’m going to stop talking now.” He glanced down at the floor and hoped he could somehow dig himself out of this pit that he just kept digging deeper for himself.

Sam pressed her lips together, both amused and flattered with only a hint of embarrassment, “You think I’m very attractive?” 

“And he wants to see you naked,” Johnny added. 

Danny’s eyes widened before he snatched the thermos from Sam’s hand, his face burning. “Alright that’s enough of you two!” He promptly sucked them into the thermos, spitefully shaking it a bit before putting it into his locker. “They can sit there the whole weekend for all I care.” 

“Do you though? Think I’m attractive?” Sam asked shyly. “I feel like you and Tucker just see me as one of the boys and that’s how everyone sees me. I’m not cute like Paulina and Star.” She saw the panicky look on his face and smiled a bit, “I’m not going to hurt you if you answer this one. You have a free pass.” 

Danny looked like he was having an internal debate in his head about whether or not she was telling the truth about letting him off the hook, but when he looked into her eyes, he knew she really wanted an answer. He never would have guessed that Sam was a bit insecure. He gulped before rubbing the back of his neck.

“Uh…” Was he really about to admit this? Out loud? To himself? To her?! He couldn’t help it, she was giving him a free pass. He started at her pale legs and trailed his eyes up her body to her perfect hips, pausing at her breasts for a few half seconds longer than he probably should have, and finally setting on her face. “Yes,” he choked out, his voice husky, “very much so.” 

Sam relaxed a bit at his answer, feeling relieved. She smiled softly as she approved of his answer, and then that smile became quite sinister. “And you want to see me naked?” 

Danny was a deer in the headlights, opening his mouth to speak before deciding against it. He couldn’t tell if this was still part of the free pass or if she was just fucking with him now. He was mostly sure it was the latter. He grabbed her hand and yanked her down the hallway towards the classroom. “Yeah okay, don’t wanna be late for that sex ed class!” 

Sam laughed heartily as he hastily fast walked them from one personal hell to another. 

#Tucker is my favorite part of this entire chapter #Danny Phantom #Danny Fenton #Sam Manson #Tucker Foley #fic #stephanie writes sometimes

[nekoannie-chan]

Past life

Pairing: Steve Rogers X F! Mutant! Reader (ex-Runaway)

Word count: 1122 words.

Summary: No one knew that in your teens you belonged to the Runaways and you still had contact with your best friend, however the Avengers thought you were a double agent

Warnings: Angst, mention of a murders.

A/N: This is my entry to the @imanuglywombat ‘s Wombat’s Ugly 4K Challenge with the moodboard ‘dark city’ and the Waltz #2 by Elliot Smith:

“She appears composed so she is, I suppose/ Who can really tell?/She shows no emotion at all/Stares into space like a china doll”.

Reader was a Runaways’ member when she was a teenager and her best friend is Molly.

In this fic Molly and the others Runaways are adults too.

Reader’s parents were PRIDE’s members too.

My native language is Spanish so I wanna improve my writing skills in English if you notice any mistake please let me know and I will correct it.

I don’t give any kind of permission that my fics be posted in other platforms or languages (I translate myself my work) or the use of my graphics (my dividers are included in this), I did them exclusively for my fics, please respect my work and don’t steal it. There are some people here who make dividers that anyone can use, mine is not this type, please look for the other’s people. The only exception is the ones I gifted ‘cuz now belong to someone else. If you find any of my works on a different platform and is not one of my accounts, please let me know. Reblogs and comments are always welcome.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own Marvel’s characters (unfortunately), except for the original characters and the story.

My other media where I publish: Wattpad, Ao3, ffnet.

If you like it please vote, comment, and give me feedback to improve my skills and reblog.

Tags: @navybrat817 @angrythingstarlight @shield-agent78 @sinceimetyou @saiyanprincessswanie @charmed-asylum  @pandaxnienke @real-fbi @smokeandnailz @adriannajackson​

You typed the door code quickly, you hoped there wasn't anyone else on the other side, you didn't want them to find out you're running away from the Compound to see your friend Molly. 

Who can really tell? You'd been part of the Runaways years ago, but after Gert's death, you split up, the only one you kept seeing was Molly. Together you two kept fighting crime on the streets like when you were teenagers and lived in the Hostel. 

You smiled when you didn't see anyone, you walked as fast as you could to your room, at the moment just when you had your hand on the doorknob, you heard a voice behind you. 

"Where have you been?”  

"Honey, I couldn't sleep and I went for a walk in the garden," you lied as you approached Steve. “I thought you were asleep and I didn't want to wake you.” you continued to see his face of disbelief. 

"I was training in the gym.”

"So late? Well if you want we can continue with the training... in my room," you suggested seductively to avoid the questions.

 The next week you met Molly again at the usual place, you began to walk the streets looking for any signs of criminal activity. 

"You know Mols, I think they're starting to suspect I'm running away," you suddenly said. 

"Do they know about PRIDE?” 

"I haven't told them anything about my past, they'll probably think we should have gone to the police and report our parents.” 

"Nico and Alex tried only to realize that PRIDE had all the L.A. police on their side.”

"Do you know anything about others?” Your voice sounded trembling. 

"Chase keeps trying to find a way to bring back my sister, Alex in his company, Karolina has already taken control of the Gibs and Nico... Nico's still missing.” "She’s never stopped blaming herself for Gert.” 

"It wasn't her fault, was Morgan’s”.

 "We need to know the truth as soon as possible," Tony said. 

"Come on, do you think Y/N is a double agent?” Natasha questioned. 

"Y/N was one of the best agents S.H.I.E.L.D. had," Clint said. 

"Does anyone know anything about his past?” 

Everyone refused, the only information there was the information S.H.I.E.L.D. provided them, so it was a possibility. 

“Can you put the videos back on?” Banner asked. 

The first one was you as you climbed the roof of the Compound, once there you were lying watching the sky and then you used your powers to go down to the yard and leave. 

"Stares into space like a china doll"

“Maybe he's an alien,” Clint suggested. 

"An alien who wants to go home? Please, Barton, you must be kidding me.” 

"What worries me now is how we'll tell Steve we suspect his girlfriend.”

 "We need you in the boardroom," Natasha said, her face reflected seriousness, that baffled you. 

You followed her, however when she opened the door of the room, you knew that something else was going to happen, you could perceive a heavy environment without counting that in the faces you could realize that they seemed angry or disappointed. You sat in the only place they let go, you also realized Steve wasn't there, you took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, maybe you were just nervous or something had happened to Steve on his mission. 

"We know you're a double agent, so tell us all about your organization," Tony said suddenly. 

You didn't change your expression, you knew that sooner or later they were going to realize that you were running away. 

You blinked for a few seconds trying to process what they had just told you, then you went to great effort to avoid laughing, you always thought the reaction they would have would be very different. 

"I need to call someone to come and explain...” 

"No, we want you not to tell the truth right now," Natasha demanded. 

"Seriously, I just need to call a friend, she'll come, you can listen to the conversation, there’s no problem.” 

Your gaze passed from one member to another, no one seemed convinced except Clint, after discussing several minutes finally he went with you and you immediately called Molly. 

"Mols, I need you to come to the Avengers' Compound...” 

“Right now?” 

"Yeah, right now, they think I'm a double agent.”

“She appears composed so she is, I suppose”

”She shows no emotion at all”

The murmurs shut up once they returned to the room. 

"She’ll be here in half an hour," you announced.

 "This is Molly Hayes Hernandez, we've known each other since we've been children, she's my best friend when I go out, and I visit her.” 

"I guess it's time to tell you about the Runaways.” 

"What?” 

"Our parents belonged to PRIDE, they sacrificed young people to keep Jonah alive," you began to explain. 

"When we were teenagers we discovered them and decided to run away.” 

"And then we discover that we're not as normal as we thought, Molly and I are mutants, Karolina is half-alien, and Nico is a witch... “

"It doesn't sound believable at all, if you confessed that you're a double agent, we can solve everything.” 

You sighed and looked at your friend. 

"It would be a good time for others to show up and explain everything," Molly murmured.

"I don't think they're coming, not counting that Old Lace would make a mess," you replied. “Stark, do you remember Wizard and Sinergy?” You continued. 

"Wizard was a great competition for Stark Industries.” 

"Wizard's owners are Nico's parents, Sinergy's are Gert's.” 

"Wait, are you the kids who first accused you of the murder of a girl named Destiny?” Tony interrupted you. 

"Destiny Gonzalez, we don't kill her, our parents did it, we didn't kidnap Molly either, Darius wasn't the killer either, Wilder's mother framed him, and we just ran away from our parents.” 

"Okay, assuming we believe you, where's this Nico and Gert? What about your friends?” Natasha questioned. 

"We don't know where Nico is, Karolina might agree to come, Alex…I'm not sure and Chase is locked in his lab," you replied.

"My sister... Gert... she can't come, she died almost 12 years ago.” 

"I believe them," Steve interrupted, no one noticed when he walked into the room, he had heard most of the conversation, then threw the picture where you were with the others to the table. 

"S-Steve where you got that picture, I kept it…” 

"You realized when you think no one sees you that you spend a lot of time seeing the photo and I also know you were going to visit Molly, I've followed you several times”. 

"I guess no one has any doubts anymore, Molly you can come anytime," Clint said. 

#uglywombat4kchallenge #steve rogers x female reader

[cetaitlaverite]

since i’ve never written for The Pacific before, and i cheated in my last blind date because i write luz quite a lot, i decided to venture out of my comfort zone with my second. again, this was written as part of @mercurygray ‘s wonderful challenge and this time i’ve singled out sledge. 

happy valentine’s day! ❤️

my brief:

I’ve Heard That Song Before

With all the time she’d spent on ships since the war had begun, Elsie figured herself used to navigating their labyrinthine hallways by now. She always seemed to be in pursuit of an officer or a colleague who had decided to disappear into thin air the moment she needed them. Navigating a battleship filled to bursting with marines, however, was proving to be a different ordeal entirely. 

At first, she’d tried to be polite. “Excuse me,” she’d chirped, as cheery as she could manage to be when running on three hours’ sleep. Then, when she’d gotten no response, she’d resorted to, “Sorry, can I just get through here?” With still no response she’d dropped all pretenses and grumbled, “Move it!”

After five consecutive encounters which ran so similarly it was like the marines had all been briefed on a script to follow, she decided to skip the formality and go straight to what worked.

“Out of my way,” she demanded of the men she came across. “Move it. There we go, now we’re getting somewhere.” She flashed a saccharine smile at the man who’d opened his mouth to retort. “Looks like you boys do know how to follow orders after all.” Turning on her heel, she pressed onwards before he could get a word in. She had little time for testosterone. 

Elsie all but elbowed her way to the other side of the ship and huffed out a sigh of relief once she came to the office she needed. Pushing her hair back from her face and attempting to smooth down any flyaways, she lifted her chin and rapped on the door. When she received no response telling her to enter, she knocked harder and called out, “Sir?”

With still no response, Elsie figured she had no other choice but to break all protocol and push the door open herself; she had had enough of waiting for men to let her into the places she had earned her right to be. 

The office was empty. Because of course it was. 

“God damn it, what’s a girl gotta do to find a superior officer around here?!”

“Miss, if you’re lookin’ for someone to call ‘sir’ I think I can solve that problem for you just fine,” drawled a voice from behind her. 

Elsie shut her eyes and attempted to release her frustration in a single, low exhale. Then, in one movement, she reopened them and turned to face the two men who’d found her at her least patient. “Do you speak Japanese?” she asked, cocking a brow expectantly.

Both pairs of eyebrows furrowed but only one of the marines answered. “No.”

“Do you operate any of the radios on this ship?”

Again, the same man replied. “No.”

“Do you know where I can find someone who does do both of those things?”

“No, but -”

“Then please, for the love of God, get out of my way.”

She made to move past them and back down the hallway but a hand on her wrist pulled her back. 

“Snafu, stop botherin’ the poor girl,” spoke up a different voice. Elsie could only assume it was the friend of her tormentor. 

She turned back around and plastered on as sweet a smile as she could muster. “Smart boy, your friend,” she told the one with his hand wrapped around her wrist. “If you have any shred of that same intelligence you’ll let go of me right now.”

“Aw, come on, doll, don’t be that way.”

“Sergeant!” she exclaimed. “I’m a sergeant! Not a ‘doll’, or a ‘miss’, or a ‘poor girl’. A sergeant. Now if you could treat me with the respect I’m due - with the respect I’ve earned - I’d perhaps appreciate it just enough not to report you to my superiors, who, you might be interested to find, run this ship.”

Finally, he let go. 

The tension left Elsie’s body. “Thank you.” She turned and started back the way she’d been going, her patience thoroughly fried and her jaw set. If people could just be where they were supposed to be, she ranted internally, how much easier would her life be?

“Excuse me, ma’am,” a voice behind her cut into her reverie. “Ma’am? Uh - sergeant?”

She whirled around to find one of the men from before, the smart one who had only spoken to tell his friend to pack it in. Her eyebrows lifted with palpable wariness. 

The man fidgeted under her gaze. He shifted his weight and rubbed at the back of his neck. “I just wanted to apologise on my friend’s behalf.” He threw a glance back over his shoulder as if to check he wasn’t there. “He doesn’t know when to shut up.”

Elsie nodded, watching the man before her warily. “Well,” she began, speaking slowly to test the water, “if he doesn’t know where the line is to start with, how can we expect him not to cross it?” 

The man’s face was transformed by his smile. He nodded, his relief evident in his chuckled exhale. “Right,” he said, and laughed a bit more. “Right.”

“Well,” she said, her eyes stuck to him all of a sudden, “thank you for apologising, even though it wasn’t you who was at fault.”

“Oh, you’re welcome. Uh - I mean, no problem?” He took a tentative step forward and added, “I’m Eugene, by the way. Eugene Sledge.”

Elsie nodded. “Good to meet you, Eugene. I’m Elsie.”

“Sergeant Elsie?” he teased, the tips of his ears just beginning to glow pink.

Before she could help it, she laughed. “Sergeant Elliot,” she corrected. “I’m a translator.”

“You speak Japanese?”

“Don’t you?” she shot back. When he laughed she grinned but quickly got ahold of herself. “Well, Eugene, it’s been fun, but I should be going. I still have a radio op to find.”

“Could I help at all?” From the way his face flushed as soon as the question had left him, Elsie surmised that he hadn’t altogether intended to say it. She watched on amusedly as he began to fidget once more, his ginger hair glinting various shades of orange and crimson under the hallway’s low lights, before putting him out of his misery. 

“I don’t know if you could, really, but I wouldn’t mind the company so much.” When his shoulders slumped with the impact of his relief, she laughed. “So long as you don’t mind clearing your fellow marines out of the way for me.”

Eugene nodded, feigning confidence. “That shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Well, then you’re hired.” She gestured ahead of her and felt her heart warm upon seeing the bright smile he wore. “Lead the way.”

#the pacific #eugene sledge #mine #my writing #sledge #joe mazzello

[marvel-ous-shitposts]

oh I’m Big Sad today lads

#you know why #saw the ffh commercial where tom hollands crying and it set me off #like bitch. me too. #elliot should shut up challenge