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thedumpsterqueen · 4 years

Text

Standards of Performance

Here it is!!!!! First chapter of my first fic on my new AO3! This is a multi-chapter, slow burn work. Please let me know what you think, I welcome screaming and incoherent asks about our fave special agent in my inbox. Full text under the cut, or you can find it through the AO3 link below.

AO3 link

Summary: You're the BAU's newest intern, desperate to prove yourself amongst an established team of much more experienced profilers. Agent Hotchner, the seemingly infallible team leader, sets strict expectations for your performance. He commands your respect without even trying, but is there something more to your relationship than a simple desire to impress your stony-faced boss?

Chapter: 1, Coffee Stains and Neckties

Words: 2388

Rating: Explicit, 18+

Pairings: Hotch x Reader, Hotch x You

Warnings: Not much for this chapter specifically, but let’s just assume general gore and murder stuff, explicit language, and sexual content are fair game form here on out.

Enjoy! I’ll try to update weekly, if not more often. I’ll let you know when I have a more defined schedule!

“Fucking SHIT!”

You cursed as you felt the (very, very) hot coffee soak your new skirt. Grabbing as many paper towels as you could with one hand, you tried to sop up the mess on the floor. The stain on your outfit? A shame, but nothing compared to marring the assuredly expensive cream color of the BAU’s breakroom carpet.

A low chuckle sounded off behind you, and you froze.

For the love of god, please don’t be…

“Morgan! Please tell me you have carpet cleaner, oh my god. I don’t even know how that happened.”

Morgan grinned, as he typically did, sauntering into the breakroom with his hands in his pockets. “Don’t worry ‘bout it, the janitor's got it later. I was looking for you, team meeting in five. You all good? You look a little - ” he paused, probably searching for a descriptor that wouldn’t sting too bad, “ - rushed.”

You stood up, sighing. He was right, after all. You had stayed up late last night poring over psychology textbooks and only just woken up in time to leave your apartment. As the BAU’s newest profiling intern - whatever the hell that actually meant - the pressure of performing to seasoned profilers’ standards manifested in spending practically all your free time buried in research. Hence why your hair was coated in unbelievable amounts of dry shampoo, you were wearing your unflatteringly oversized glasses instead of your usual contacts, and why your frantic attempt at pouring yourself a cup of coffee when you got into work had resulted in the giant wet spot currently soaking your skirt.

At least the skirt was black.

“You’re right. Late night,” you said, rolling your eyes at Morgan’s suggestive eyebrow waggle.

“Not like that, I wish. Just trying to catch up. Don’t really want to repeat last week’s disaster,” you mumbled, referring to the first time you actually got to question a suspect, which had ended up with a wad of saliva hawked in your face. It was only your third week in the position, but damn, if that hadn’t let the wind out of your sails a bit.

“Hey, what did I tell you then?” Morgan asked, as you walked out of the breakroom together. “You’re not a true profiler until you get assaulted by a serial killer!”

“I’m not a true profiler until I finish the year long training program,” you pointed out, “so I think I could do without the spit in the meantime.”

Morgan laughed, opening the door of the team’s briefing room for you. “Well if we’d known you were gonna be so picky, we might have gone with someone else.”

“Who’s picky?” asked Emily, looking up from her seat.

While Morgan laughed and launched into a dramatic retelling of the event as if the entire team hadn’t already fucking seen it in real time, you took your seat at the table. Reid nodded in acknowledgment, and you returned it with a small smile. Damn if he wasn’t handsome, and ridiculously smart to boot, but you were pretty sure your chances with him withered and died when you asked him what he was doing after work last Friday and he answered with, “Reading.” Point taken.

Hotch swiveled in his chair to face the table and you suddenly became acutely aware of how much of a mess you probably looked. It’s not that you cared about his opinion regarding your general appearance beyond the basic standard of professional attire, but his always-intense gaze and stony expression had a way of making you second guess even your most confidently held opinions.

“Sit,” he said, his voice cutting through the rest of the team’s animated chatter.

It would have been hard not to notice how quickly they obliged, not out of fear, but rather a respect and deference so deeply ingrained that it almost gave you goosebumps. You’d never thought of yourself as a follower, per say, but if Hotch was what a leader looked like, you certainly didn’t fit into that category either.

He scanned the table, stopping on you. “New glasses?” he asked, with a single, slightly raised eyebrow.

“I, um, not really, just didn’t have time to put my contacts in,” you stammered.

“Hm,” Hotch said, “They look nice.”

Your cheeks suddenly felt hot, and you thanked him quickly, looking down at your shoes to conceal the pink that was probably spreading across your face. Hotch had a way of speaking that made everything he said sound like the absolute truth, which was probably why such an innocuous little compliment had disarmed you so much.

Still though, jesus christ. Get it the fuck together. You’re not Reid; you’re not smart enough to be this awkward.

Hotch, blessedly ignoring how painful you just made that interaction, addressed the team while JJ passed out files. “We have a new case. Three bodies, all found completely drained of blood in various woods, off hiking trails. Cause of death appears to be blood loss from severed carotid arteries, meaning they were likely strung up and drained before being moved to where they were discovered.”

Reid spoke up first. “Erm, what exactly do you mean by various woods?”

“That’s the unusual thing,” Hotch said, pulling up a map of the southwestern United States on the screen behind him. "Each body was found in a different state, one here, one here, and one here,” pointing to spots in California, Arizona, and Nevada. “However, local police discovered the bodies within hours of each other due to anonymous tip offs, and medical examiners estimate approximately the same time of death for all three.”

Morgan whistled lowly. “So what you’re saying is, this guy kills three victims around the same time and takes a road trip to hide their bodies in places he knows won't be discovered until he calls in.”

“That’s how it appears, yes,” Hotch confirmed.

Rossi shook his head, twirling a pen that probably cost more than your entire wardrobe. “So, how are we splitting this up?”

You whipped your head in his direction. Splitting up? Of course, you should have known it’d only make sense considering the ground to be covered, but your quick mental calculations told you that there were six of them, evenly split into three groups of two, and one odd man out, both in skill and number - you.

“So, who’s getting stuck with me?” you asked, trying to beat everyone to the punch. Not that any of them would voice it, but if you couldn’t project confidence, you figured self-awareness would do.

When you entered the internship as a recent college grad around a month ago, you knew you’d be in way over your head. Everyone else on the team was a seasoned expert, and you were a 20-something with a degree in psychology who somehow managed to charm her way through the interviews of the BAU’s flagship internship program. It’s not that you weren’t smart, you were, of course, but comparatively? You were pretty sure this was shaping up to be a glorified babysitting program, and you were the baby.

“Oh, hush,” JJ said, smiling and shaking her head. You smiled back. JJ had gone out of her way to make you feel welcome, which you were unspeakably grateful for. Between her and Morgan, you sometimes felt like maybe when this year was done, you could actually belong on this team.

Hotch interrupted your pity party. “Rossi, you’re with Reid in Phoenix. JJ and Emily, you’re going to Vegas. Morgan, you and I are going to San Diego.”

He turned to you. “You’re coming with me.”

Your stomach flipped at his words. You knew he had the most to teach you, and you could observe him coordinating the entire investigation from San Diego, but the idea of your performance being directly scrutinized by your boss in such a small group made you more nauseous than excited.

“Please be aware,” he continued, “Garcia is going to have to deal with three times the inquiries as normal. I recommend you only contact her if the information you’re searching for is genuinely too difficult to find yourself.” He gave Morgan a pointed look, to which Morgan raised his hands in mock surrender, grinning.

“We’ll drop teams off as we go,” Hotch said. “Wheels up in thirty.”

____________

As you settled into your seat on the plane, your mind spun, trying to review every piece of psychology knowledge you’d ever encountered. This wasn’t your first case, but it was the first one you got to travel for, which made it feel much more real.

The hours ticked by as the team reviewed the case. You contributed - not much, and nothing they wouldn’t have thought of without you - but it was something. Narcissist, craves attention and spotlight, physically confident enough to detain and murder three women at the same time. The method was throwing the team for a loop, however. Bleeding the victims out was clinical, relatively painless - uncharacteristic of the sexual injuries found on the corpses and the bravado with which the killer executed the rest of the crime.

When you, Hotch, and Morgan trudged off the plane in San Diego, you had been going at the potential profile for hours and even Morgan’s patience was wearing thin.

“Look, Hotch, let’s hold off on speculation until we see the crime scene in person, alright?”

Hotch nodded, and took that as a cue to head straight to the crime scene. You groaned internally - having barely showered this morning and spent half the day on a plane, your greasy hair and coffee-stained skirt would have greatly benefited from a stop at the hotel to freshen up.

It’s not like you have to look good to go stare at a patch of dirt where a dead body used to to be though, right?

____________

Turns out the aforementioned patch of dirt was actually a wooded grove off a hiking trail leading to a nude beach, much to Morgan’s delight. The site itself was uninteresting except for the way the body had been buried - covered up very securely, implying remorse, another characteristic that didn’t make sense with the initial profile.

This commonality between all three crime scenes was hotly debated on the video conference between the entire team when you got back to the hotel. Cross legged on the bed in Hotch’s hotel room, you listened to Reid and Rossi snipe back and forth on the laptop about what the burial method could mean for ten-plus minutes (“It’s clearly just a functional tool to properly hide the body, Reid.” “But you don’t know that, the significance of burial practices can tell us so much more beyond function, it can even tell us about his religious upbringing…”) before Hotch put a stop to it.

“What do you think?” Hotch asked you, turning and looking directly into your gaze. You were suddenly hyperware of the proximity between you two - sitting close enough on the edge of the bed that your thighs were almost touching. Morgan had abandoned his position on the other side of you to stretch out in the armchair by the window halfway through Rossi and Reid’s debate. Hotch’s eyes boring into yours from only a few feet away and the expectant silence of the other team members on the video call spiked your heart rate, and you took a deep breath, trying to calm yourself.

“I… agree with Dr. Reid. I think it means something. The position of the hands, they were crossed across the chest, right? He didn’t need to do that. I don’t know if it means he was remorseful, but it was on purpose. I think.”

Hotch nodded, not breaking eye contact. “Good. Let's move forward with that theory.” He turned back to the laptop. “Let me know how interviews with the loved ones go tomorrow. Let’s find the connection between the victims. Call me if you need anything.” After shutting the laptop, he turned to you and Morgan. “Let’s call it for tonight. Meet me in the lobby at 7 tomorrow.”

Having been excused, you and Morgan made your way to your hotel rooms next to Hotch’s. Morgan wished you goodnight, and you unlocked your door and practically sprinted into your shower.

After you got out, you looked around the room, towel drying your hair. It was nice, much nicer than anywhere you’d ever stayed. The abstract art on the walls and the modern, clean white lines of the furniture were lit by the soft glow of the sunset filtering through the sliding glass doors leading to the balcony overlooking the ocean. You poured yourself a glass of wine from the minibar (a reimbursable travel expense, right?) and stepped onto the balcony, breathing in the ocean air.

“Nice night, hm?”

You jumped, nearly spilling your drink down your front for the second time in less than 24 hours. Hotch was sitting in a chair on his balcony to the left of yours, reclining with his hands behind his head. Despite wearing nothing but your thin hotel robe, you felt the urge to avert your eyes from him. His suit jacket was shucked, tie undone and hanging around his neck, and the top two buttons of his white, collared shirt were unbuttoned. You felt like you were seeing something you shouldn’t have, like the cold stoniness of his exterior had shifted just slightly and allowed you a glimpse underneath.

It’s just a couple buttons, calm down. You’re the one who’s barely clothed in front of your fucking boss.

“It is. Shame we can’t go to the beach,” you replied, keeping your eyes forward.

Oh my god, three women were murdered and I just complained to my boss about not being able to go to the beach.

“You’re welcome to get up early and go tomorrow; might be a bit cold,” Hotch replied. You could tell from his voice he was smiling.

You mumbled in affirmation, continuing to avoid glancing in his direction. “Well, I just wanted to see the view, um, I’m gonna get to bed. Goodnight, Agent Hotchner!” You ducked back into your room, and you could have sworn you heard him chuckle before you slid the door shut.

After getting ready, beating yourself up mentally for your complete social incompetence, and tucking in under the plush, white duvet, you drifted off to sleep.

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hrina · 4 years

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And They Were Roommates

A semi-crack fic featuring bi!Reader x female!OC and awkward Harry

Written for #majorharry20k

Disclaimer: I have no idea how washing machines work. I don’t know if this is even plausible. Just go with it. Also, im very bisexual, so I’m not fetishizing it or anything. Just thought I should mention that too. I intended this to be about 1k and it ended up being

Prompts:

1 – “that’s by far the dumbest thing you’ve ever done”

3- “our water bill is going to be through the roof after this”

23 – “Great. I’m soaked.”

To Cass: Hi. You don’t know me, and I prefer to stay anonymous (I’m not the butterfly anon I promise). I’ve been following your blog for a while, since you were a 5sos blog, and I love your writing. I do write, but until now I haven’t written for Harry. Your prompts inspired me. I’m so happy you reached 20k, you deserve it. Hope you enjoy <3

“It’s broken.”

“Wha’d’ya mean it’s broken?”

“I mean broken. Doesn’t work. No longer functions. How many definitions do you want.”

Harry shakes his head in disbelief. “How on Earth do you break a washing machine?”

In his disbelief, he misses your and Val’s faces turning red.

“I guess- maybe- we put too many clothes in?” Val stammers. “The landlord will fix it though right? Isn’t it in our lease agreement?”

Harry shakes his head again. “I’m pretty sure we’re responsible for our own broken appliances.”

“That’s a shit deal,” you jump in for the first time. Harry’s eyes land on you. A couple beats pass, enough for it to become almost awkward. His gaze is intense up until the moment he breaks the silence.

“Yeah, well, we weren’t exactly master negotiators when we moved in. The rent was so low we figured it was worth it.” You’ve heard the story of how Val and Harry became roommates many times from her. How they had been put together for a group project at school, but neither had wanted to meet at their own place, so they ended up always meeting at a coffee shop. How they had become fast friends, meeting up for coffee after the project was over, and opening up to one another about how campus housing had screwed them over. Harry had complained about living with boys, how they were messy, never cleaned up after themselves, ate all his food, and most importantly (and disgustingly) left used condoms everywhere. He had basically been the house cook and maid for the majority of the year.

Val’s roommates, well, they weren’t outwardly homophobic, but it was little jabs at her that added up over time. Cliché comments like ‘you don’t want to date me, do you?’ and things like being okay with being undressed around each other, but getting weird around Val. By midterm first semester, she had been sleeping in your room more times than not. You would have let her move in, but understandably, your roommates weren’t too happy about another body in your already-too-tight room. So, after the first year of housing was over, Val and Harry had pooled funds and with a bit of luck, mixed with the fact that Harry’s stepdad knew a guy, they managed to find a cute little apartment not too far from the school. An apartment that they lived in to this day, three years later.

Although you were over there quite a lot (who wouldn’t prefer an apartment over campus housing?), you and Harry had never really become close. Sure, you two would be in proximity during group outings, but you spent most of your time there in Val’s room, and whenever you were in the kitchen or living room, Harry seemed to be busy in his room. You originally thought he didn’t like you, but when you asked Val about it, she assured you that he liked you just fine, though she acknowledged that he was a bit weird around you sometimes. It only got worse after the time he had accidentally walked in on you and Val.

You and Val had a very close relationship – but you had both agreed you were better off as friends. But friendships can have benefits, can’t they? Besides, the times you hooked up were scarce – only when you were both in between partners, which, admittedly, wasn’t very often for you. The time Harry had caught you was right after you had broken up with your boyfriend after finding out that he had been seeing another girl. You had been angry and frustrated, and in need of some sort of release. Val, who rarely dated, was willing to help out.

You don’t think Harry had seen much, but you had only realized that he had seen something when you heard the bedroom door slam. After that, he had had a hard time meeting your eyes. You couldn’t for the life of you understand why though, he certainly wasn’t a blushing virgin himself. You had been there to see off quite a few of his one-night stands trying to sneak out in the morning.

To be fair, you were also usually there for the same reason, just a different roommate. The difference was instead of sneaking out in the morning, you’d stay for the day. And usually the following night. And sometimes even the night after that. Val had told you that given the amount of times she slept at yours during the first year, you were entitled to stay over whenever you wanted, and Harry didn’t seem to mind. There’d been quite a few times when you’d arrive at their apartment late at night, drunk out of your mind, to borrow some of Val’s clothes while you slept on their couch. The washing machine came in handy, as you could normally throw your clothes from the night before in with one of their loads. That was actually how you and Val discoveredotheruses for the washing machine.

It really had been a complete accident. You and Val had gone to move the laundry from the washer to the dryer, but there was still two minutes left on the machine. Instead of leaving and coming back, you and Val elected to just wait it out (because if you left there was no question that you’d forget for the next couple of hours). You sat down in the only chair in the room, so Val decided it was a good idea to hop onto the washing machine itself. Turns out it was a good idea. The second her ass landed, the machine started rattling worse than before and her face contorted into pleasure. You jumped up, for a second thinking she might be in pain, before she used an arm to push you away, signaling that she was okay.

“What’s going on?” The confusion was clear in your voice. In lieu of an answer, Val just looked up at you, her eyes dark. One of her hands came down to rest between her thighs, supporting her body weight as the machine continued to buck. Realization dawned on you as she let out a groan not dissimilar to one she had let out with you a couple hours earlier. Her hand that wasn’t supporting her came around the back of your head, dragging your lips to hers.

That day had started something for you two. After it, you and Val spent a lot of time in the laundry room. It had become almost a routine, every time a new load went in, you and Val would stay in the room for at least 15 minutes longer than you needed to. If Harry noticed, he didn’t say anything.

In the next couple of months, the routine became more of a tradition. Clothes in the house were cleaner than ever. Loads gradually progress from just lights and darks to six different categories: light delicates, dark delicates, light regulars, dark regulars, denim, and sheets. The more loads, the more time you guys had. Normally you took turns, with one of you lending the other a hand (no pun intended), but this time, Val had gotten so worked up, that she jumped up with you. Apparently, the weight of two girls plus the stress of constantly running had been too much for the old machine. It sputtered, and then shut off. You had glanced over your shoulder, hoping that maybe the cycle had just ended, though you knew it was too early. Your stomach sank as you saw the knobs frozen halfway through the cycle. You and Val stared at each other with wide eyes. And that’s how you came to be where you are right now, trying to find a reasonable explanation for Harry as to why his washing machine is broken.

Which, by the way, is much easier said than done. As his green eyes bore into you, your mind scrambles to think up an explanation, but you’re drawing blanks. You look over at Val for help, but she looks just as lost as you are. She does a better job of putting on a confident mask though.

“D’you think you can fix it?” She asks Harry. You see it for what it is – an attempt at deflection.

Harry snorts. “Sure, let me just use my many years of mechanical experience to – oh wait.”

“Ok wise guy, at least you used to be a baker?”

Harry stares at her. “What does that have anything to do with a washing machine?”

“Because ovens …?”

Harry continues to stare at her.

“Could you at least take a look at it?” You jump in. His gaze turns to you. For a moment, you worry you’ve offended him, before he bows his head in a slight nod and steps to stand in front of the machine.

“Ok, well, first off, how much of your laundry do you have left?”

You think. “Well, I think we were only halfway through the third cycle, so-“ “Woah woah woah wait hold on.” Harry stops you. “Only? Third?How many cycles were you planning on doing?”

“Uh,” You count in your head. “Six?” You look over at Val for confirmation, and she nods.

“Six?!” You suppose you understand Harry’s incredulity. In hindsight, six might be a bit excessive. “Why on earth would you need to do six cycles?” This time, he directs it at Val.

She flounders to come up with an excuse. “Uh, well, gotta sort colors, you know…” She trails off

“Yeah but six loads? What, do you guys get off on doing laundry or something?” He says it sarcastically, but both your and Val’s faces instantaneously turn red.

“No.” He whispers. Neither of you answer. You start studying the pattern of tiles on the floor. “What, is this like a- a laundry kink? Is that even a thing?” Val’s head snaps up. “No, dumbass. Laundry kink is not a thing.”

“Well sorryfor assuming having sex in a laundry room means- “

“Oh for God’s sake we weren’t even having sex!”

“Ok well getting each other off – “

“We weren’t getting each other off!” That seems to stop Harry short. He gives Val a questioning look, encouraging her to go on.

“We- the washing machine- it,” she stumbles over her words. “Y’know it- vibrates?”

“No.” Harry drags his hands down over his face. “There’s no way you two have been using our washing machine as a vibrator.”

You look up, guilty expression all over your face.

“That’s gross. This is by far the dumbest thing you’ve ever done, and Val, that’s saying a lot for you. Guys, I do my laundry here, I want my clothes to be clean- “

Val tries to defend you two. “We clean up! Also, I thought most straight guys loved the idea of two girls- “

“I’m not most straight guys. Also forgive me if I’m not too keen on the idea of my roommate and her girlfriend in the laundry room – “

“Wait girlfriend?”

“Yes?” “Do- do you think we’re dating?”

“Well, aren’t you?” “Harry no.” The corners of Val’s mouth tug up in a smile, as the tide of embarrassment starts turning in her favor.

“Guys? Maybe focus on one problem at a time? We kind of have a bigger issue.” You step in, gesturing at the washing machine.

Harry turns to you. “So you’re single? I mean-” He looks back and forth between you and Val. “You both are?” “Yes? But like (Y/N) said, bigger problems.” Val pats the washing machine. “Weren’t you about to take a look?”

Harry takes a couple more seconds to respond. His gaze holds yours once again, before he shakes his head as if to clear off cobwebs and starts examining the washing machine.

You look over to Val to see her staring back at you. You widen your eyes comically and lift your eyebrows. She shakes her head in a silent laugh. You have a feeling in years to come, you might be able to look back on this and laugh, but for now, the mortification is still strong.

“Okay,” Your attention snaps back to where Harry’s crouched down at the side of the machine. “I think it might be a problem with the water. It might be blocked or something.” As he talks, his hand comes to rest on a metal tube feeding into the back of the machine that you assume the water runs though. “So if we call a repairman tonight, they should be able to be here by-” And then, the tube slips. You don’t know if it’s due to the pressure of Harry’s hand, or if it was going to happen anyway and he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, but whatever the reason, it slips. And a jet of water starts to spray out of where it was. Soaking everything around it. Including Harry. He splutters and stumbles back, but it’s too late. His hair is plastered to his forehead, and his white shirt has become see through. He looks down, assessing the damage, and then stares back at you two helplessly.

“Great. I’m soaked.”

“Yeah, no shit Sherlock.” Val tries to stifle her laughter, but doesn’t do a very good job at it. After a few beats, you can’t help but to join in. After everything that’s happened, the emotional rollercoaster you’ve been on of stress and mortification, it feels good just to laugh.

Harry stares at the two of you for a few more seconds in mock annoyance, before he also can’t help but join in. Soon enough, the three of you are in stitches over just how ridiculous the situation actually is.

As your laughter dies down, the sound of dripping catches all of your attentions. Your eyes fall to the place that had previously been spraying out water. It had died down so it wasn’t spraying, but there was still a steady, albeit thin stream of water coming out.

“Our water bill is going to be through the roof after this.” Harry doesn’t sound mad, more like he’s just making commentary, but you feel guilty anyways.

“I’m so sorry guys. I’ll foot half the bill. And I can pay for the repairman-”

Val cuts you off. “Don’t be stupid. This is just as much my fault as it is yours. More so, even.”

“No but still, I should pay for-”

“(Y/N).” It’s Harry that cuts you off this time. “Seriously. Don’t worry about it. This is our apartment, our bills.” His voice holds a warm tone you’ve never heard from him, and it’s enough to make you pause for a moment.

“Please guys, let me pay for at least half the water bill and half the repairman. It’s only fair.”

“There’s two of us and one of you. How is that fair?” You throw up your arms in exasperation. You already knew how stubborn Val could be, you just didn’t realize how much Harry shared that trait. “Okay, fine. One third the water bill, one third the repairman. Please guys. I’m literally begging you.”

They glance at each other seeking silent confirmation and share a knowing smirk. If you didn’t know any better, you’d say they were teasing you.

“Okay, fine.” Val relents. “One third the water bill, one third the repairman.”

You heave a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

Val smiles at you. “Ok, I’m going to go find the repairman’s number. There’s one on the fridge, right Harry?” Harry nods in affirmation, and Val heads out the door, pulling out her phone in the process.

Then it’s just you and Harry. His wet shirt clings to his body, showing off his sculpted figure. You had always noticed he was objectively good looking, but now, with his body practically on display in front of you, you had a newfound appreciation for his looks.

“If I knew you were that keen on paying, I would have started coming out with you guys a long time ago.” “Hm?” Harry’s voice snaps you out of the trance you didn’t know you were in. He raises his eyebrows at you. Shit. He definitely caught you staring.

You quickly try to divert the subject. “So the only reason you weren’t coming out with us was because you’re a cheapskate? And here I was thinking you just didn’t like me.” You try to joke, but it falls flat as his expression turns serious.

“You thought I- Oh God. I’m an idiot.” He shakes his head.

“Well what else was I supposed to think, what with you avoiding me and all.” You try to keep your tone light, but even you can hear the accusatory undertones slipping in. You hadn’t thought you were bitter, but now facing it head on, you realize you might carry a bit of resentment.

“I never avoided you.” You give him a look. “Okay, maybe I avoided you a little bit. But it wasn’t-” He cuts himself off. “(Y/N), I’m so sorry I gave you that impression. I never meant to make you think I didn’t like you.”

“Well, it’s hard to draw any other conclusions when you get avoided,” you laugh self-deprecatingly.

“I know. And you’re right. I’m sorry. I never really thought about it that way.” You lift your gaze to hold his steadily. You want an answer, and you intend on getting it. “Then why did you avoid me?”

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I-” He glances at you, and seems at a loss for words. You look at him expectantly, waiting patiently for him to talk. He sighs again. “Look. You deserve an explanation. But it might take a second, and I’m,” he gestures down at himself. “I need a shower. And a change of clothes. And I need to gather my thoughts. Can we talk after?”

It’s not the answer you expected or wanted, but you nod. The disappointment must show on your face though, because Harry grabs you hand before you can turn away. “(Y/N). I promise after I shower I’m all yours.” His eyes meet yours again, but this time there’s a heat behind them that wasn’t there before. You’re pretty sure this is the longest conversation you’ve ever had with him, and the most amount of physical contact as well. All at once, it’s slightly overwhelming. Your voice seems stuck in your throat, so instead of responding you just nod. He gives you a slight smile, and with that, he’s brushing past you, out into the hallway, and you’re left standing in the laundry room, wondering what the hell just happened.

You still feel a bit dazed 15 minutes later, as you’re sitting on the couch in the living room when you hear the shower shut off. You quickly close the app you were playing around with on your phone as you glance up. Harry emerges in only a towel wrapped around his waist. He’s like a vacuum for your eyes, drawing them towards him so you can’t possible look at anything else. He stands there, neither of you saying anything until –

“You have three nipples?”

He blinks, seemingly caught off guard, before his brain catches up with what you said. “Huh? Oh, four actually.”

“What? No way,” you gasp.

“Uh-huh,” he nods. “See look – one, two, three, four,” He counts, pointing them all out individually.

“I didn’t even know that was a thing people had.”

“Yeah, well, I’m unique like that.” He grins at you, and you roll your eyes, even as a smile breaks through on your lips.

“Are you going to get dressed, or are we having the talk like this?” You ask.

“Oh, right. I’m just gonna-” he points vaguely in the direction of his room and stumbles off. He emerges a minute later, in a tee-shirt and sweatpants. It’s an outfit you’ve seen him in a million times before, but this time, it hits different.

“Ok, ready to talk?” You ask.

He fidgets with the hem of his shirt. “Um, actually, there’s something I think I need to talk about with Val first.”

You give him a pointed look. “Harry.”

“I know, I know, I’m sorry. It’s just part of my explanation involves something having to do with her, and it wouldn’t be right of me to tell you without asking her first, and-” You cut him off by holding your hand up.

“Ok. Fine. Just make it quick, please.”

He looks relieved. “Yeah, of course. I’m really sorry again.” He turns around as talks, speaking to you over his shoulder, and promptly almost runs into the door frame. He shoots you one last embarrassed look, as he heads out in the direction of Kate’s room. You laugh and shake your head as you pick up your phone to reopen your game.

It’s about half an hour later when Harry comes back into the living room. You glance up at him, unimpressed, and he winces at your expression. “I’m sorry it took so long, I just had to explain some things to her.” “You’ve been apologizing an awful lot lately, Harry.”

“I know. Hopefully I won’t have to after this.” He crosses the room to take as seat next to you on the couch. He tucks one foot under his knee, so he can turn his body to face you. In response, you curl up and face him as well.

He takes a deep breath. “Okay. There’s a lot I have to say, and quite honestly I’m really nervous about it, so I would really appreciate if you would hear out my whole story before saying anything.” You nod in agreement, and he takes another deep breath before starting.

“I want to start by saying I’m sorry.” “I thought you said you wouldn’t apologize anymore.”

“I thought you said you wouldn’t interrupt me.” He fires back. You blush, and gesture for him to continue.

“I am, sorry, is the thing. I handled the situation entirely wrong. Looking back, it’s super obvious that the way I handled it made me seem like an asshole.”

“I didn’t think you were an asshole.” Harry gives you a look. “Right, sorry, shutting up now.”

A half smile takes over his face, smoothing out his previously serious features. “I did seem like an asshole. It was only because I didn’t want- No wait. Okay. Let me start from the beginning.

“I knew who you were before we met. Val had told me about you. I met Val about a month after you met her, and at that point, she had a crush on you. That’s what I had to go talk to her about just now. She told me her crush faded right after that, and she thought I knew, but I thought that she liked you all this time. I knew you guys had dated other people, but I guess I thought that she was waiting for you or something? And then that one time I walked in on you guys, I just assumed that you had finally gotten together.”

“Harry.” His eyes snap up to yours. “I’m sorry, I know you said no more interruptions, but Harry, I already knew Val liked me. She told me as soon as she got over it. That’s why we started, y’know.”

He stares at you. “What- you mean- oh come on. Val conveniently forgot to mention that bit. I swear to God, that girl just wants to watch the world burn sometimes.” You stifle a giggle. Sounds like something Val would do. She likes to make Harry squirm.

Harry shakes his head. “Okay. Right. Anyways,” He pauses. “Do you remember the first time we met? When the three of us went for coffee?” You nod your head in affirmation. “The first time I saw you, I thought you were the most gorgeous girl I’d ever seen.” Your eyes widen in surprise, but you don’t say anything. “You made me shy and nervous, which had never happened before, and hasn’t happened since. And then we had that conversation about music – remember you told me you wanted Stevie Nicks to be your sugar mama?”

You nod, smiling. “You said you wanted her to be yours too.”

“Right yeah. Basically, I was a goner after that. But I thought Val liked you, and me and Val had just started becoming really good friends, and I really liked her, and I didn’t want to do anything to mess up the friendship. I told myself it was just a crush and I’d get over it soon, but well,” He spread his hands. “I never really did. And then I thought if I distanced myself, it would go away. But that didn’t work either. Also, when I like someone, I’m like, really obvious about it. And I didn’t want Val to know, so again, distancing myself seemed like the obvious choice. And in hindsight, it was a really bad idea, because it makes total sense that you’d interpret it as me not liking you. So. Here we are. I don’t not like you. Pretty much the opposite.”

“Sooo,” Your eyes sparkle. “What I’m hearing is. You have a crush on me.”

Harry groans and drops his face into his hands. “Oh God, I’m seriously starting to regret it. You’re just as bad as Val.”

“We’re best friends for a reason.” You pause. “What does Val think of all this?”

Harry smirks. “I’d say she seems fine with it. If I remember correctly, she said something along the lines of ‘go get that pussy, you oblivious dickhead.’”

You laugh. “Sounds like something she’d say. I hope this doesn’t mean you’re expecting to get in my pants, Styles.”

He grins. “Wouldn’t dream of it, (Y/L/N). Not yet at least. Was thinking of taking you on a date first.”

That makes you pause. “A date, huh.”

“Yeah,” he says, looking bashful all of a sudden.

You pretend to think about it. “Would you avoid me the whole time?”

He groans as you burst into laughter. “God. You’re never going to let me live this down, are you?”

“Probably not,” You agree.

“Well fine. If it’s like that, maybe the washing machine will take you on a date instead.”

You gasp. “That’s a low blow, Styles.”

He smirks at you, and you reach over to shove at his shoulder. Before you make contact however, he catches your hand, and uses it to pull you closer to him. He glances down at your lips and then tilts his head, a silent question. You answer by leaning in. But before your lips can touch, the sound of the door slamming breaks you two apart. You look over to see Val in the doorway.

“Well isn’t this awfully cute. Harry, I never thought you’d go for my sloppy seconds,” she laughs.

Harry stares at her, then looks at you, then back at her, and then back at you. “Please, pleasehold that thought. I’ll be right back; I just have a roommate to kill.”

“Be my guest. She’s most ticklish at her waist.”

Val’s eyes widen. “No Harry, you know I’m too ticklish – ARGH,” she cuts herself of with a scream as she runs off as Harry launches himself off the couch after her.

~*~

PLEASE i loved this okay 🥺🥺 bi!reader rights babey!!!!!!!!!! we love 2 see it!!!! i think my fav part was val calling harry an oblivious dickhead nsfjdnsjnsn bc honestly he rly is. i think this was very well done and i just wanna say thank u for following me for so long!!! like damn you’ve been here a while huh……………..i luv u. amazing job babes!

#majorharry20k #also for the writer: i added my thoughts at the very bottom of the fic underneath the cut! <3 #submission #thank u for participating babes

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angst-art-writing · 3 years

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A Line to Cross that You can't Return-The Island (10)

Months went by fast. Clint’s routine was strict at Base Alexiarie. Wake, eat, train, eat, train, eat, sleep. There was close to no freetime and when he did have it he spent sleeping. It’s not like he didn’t like it, though. He liked the structure and the routine, liked the strictness of it all. It was similar to the ones his parents had, but this had been a choice he had made on his own.

Clint was eating lunch at the moment. Some sort of soup with hard potatoes and flimsy pieces of carrot skin. However, he had managed to take someone else's bread which was nice. For him, anyways. He had found it alone. Fair game, right? The amount of people that had joined the Front was dwindling. People dropped out like flies. You could see it physically when they were crumpling and done. Their eyes were red and sagged on their face, their bodies shaking and words barely coherent mumbling. Few managed to stay the same as when they first got here. Clint was determined to be one of them.

He dipped his spoon back into his bowl- “Where’d you get that from?” Clint slowly raised his eyes and faced a mangled, scarred face. Pierce. One of the commanders. “Well, boy?” Clint raised an eyebrow and tilted his head innocently. “Get what from, sir?” “The extra piece of bread.” Pierce glowered down at him.

“It was sitting on a table. Next to an empty bowl of soup. I took it.” He blinked then and simply raised a brow. “No one was near it.” “That was mine.” “Was,” Clint muttered as he went to swallow his spoonful of soup.

Pierce seized the front of his shirt and brought Clint’s face up and close to his. Clint’s spoon clattered to the floor. Pierce’s eyes narrowed darkly. Clint stared back at him clenching his fists, one hand gripping Pierce’s wrist. They were so close that he could see the rough texture of Pierce’s scars, crossing the skin on his face. .His breath stank of alcohol, but Clint didn't turn his head away or break eye contact. Though he wanted to. Pierce spoke again in a low snarl. “Here, boy, we don’t take kindly to thieves. I thought you’d have figured that out.”

“I’m not a thief,” Clint corrected, voice as smooth as ice. “I simply misunderstood.” Pierce threw him down then, and Clint fell into the ground with a grunt. Pierce snatched both pieces of bread and flipped the bowl of soup, then gave him a dark look. “Watch it, smartass,” he snapped. “You’ll get yourself into trouble.” After, he turned and started walking, but not before knocking over Clint’s bowl of soup.

Boy, he was pissy today. Clint’s mind rang with insults as he glared at the commanders back. feeling eyes on him, he turned and shot an icicle glare at them. They averted their gazes quickly.

“Don’t you know not to make him angry? Now he’ll be in a shitty mood for the rest of the day.” Clint’s head snapped to the voice. It was Commander Juels. They were looking down on him, a small hint of amusement gleaming in their dark eyes. Clint stood up and averted his gaze, dusting the dirt off of his clothes. “Whatever,” he muttered. Juels picked up the bowl and set it at the table, snapping for one of the cleaners to come get it. Cleaners were the people who dropped out and served for the soldiers. They would never go home; But they at least got to see the new fortress- Regular soldiers like Clint weren’t allowed over there. The cleaners said it was only where the animals slept, but Clint felt like it was so much more. Though, he wasn’t stupid enough to investiage. “You’re smarter than that. Why are you being so…” “So what?” Clint snapped as he folded his arms in front of him. “Like that. Snippy. It will only get you into trouble and then you’ll have less chances to see your lover.” Confusion struck him. “Lover?” He exclaimed, eyes narrowing slightly. “I don’t have a lover.” A smile played on Juel’s lips. “No?” They leaned in closer, keeping their voice down to a whisper. They grabbed his shoulder when Clint tried to lean back. What is with commanders putting their face next to mine? “Who’s that boy, then? The one who thinks he’s good at sneaking? I always see him down at your window..Once every week or so…” Will. Clints eyes traveled down then, fists clenching again. There was a tightness around his ribs, like someone had put him in a corset and pulled the strings as far as they could go. He looked up at Jules finally, glaring at them through his lashes. “How..? And he’s not my lover. He’s only a friend.” “He’s not as sneaky as he thinks he is.” Jules raised an eyebrow and tilted their head. “Right, of course. Friends.” What he wanted to know more was why they hadn’t said anything. The idea of Will being caught by someone here made him sick to his stomach. He didn’t know what they would even do, but still. Sneaking close to the bases was forbidden, an unspoken rule. Jules squeezed his shoulder and began to walk. They took Clint with them. “Send your letters to my room. I won’t read them. I know you’ve been having trouble getting them out, huh?” They paused. “Or maybe it’s easier to write then to say. You haven’t told them, have you?” How much do they know? Clint gave them a look but at their last sentence glanced away. It was true, he hadn’t told Will yet, or anyone else. He shook his head slightly and peered up at the commander with a suspicious glance. “Why do you want to help me?” “I don’t want you to end up a cleaner.” They let go of his shoulder, and turned to walk away. They paused again before they went and looked back at Clint. “I see a bit of.. Me in you. Past me. I don’t want you to end up like this. Plus...You’re the only fucker here that can swing a sword without cutting off your own head.” They walked again, back straight and footsteps smooth. Clint watched Jules go. He frowned, tilting his head. Part of him felt relieved, but the other just bewildered. None of the other commanders liked him. So why Jules? Either way, he wasn’t complaining. He needed that letter to go out. He had to tell them. And keep Will away. If Jules had spotted him it was only a matter of time before someone else did.

--------

“It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve seen you!” Carina cried, throwing her arms around Iris and squeezing her tight in an embrace. Carina felt her warmth, and didn’t want to let go. It was warmth like that of tea on a rainy morning. Iris staggered back and caught both herself and Carina, hugging her back slightly. “I’ve been training a lot, sorry. I know I haven’t been around lately…” Carina pulled back and shoved her shoulder, grinning slightly. “That’s alright. Don’t apologize. I know how important training is to you. Come on, sit with me. My break only lasts for a bit.”

The two took a seat at the table in the Inn, conversations buzzing around them. Lilurans were in every other seat, standing out with their purple skin and strange eyes. Carina looked at Iris. She looked tired, almost. She had more bruises on her face- more than usual. “What happened to you? Have you been sparring Talyn?” “No, no- Talyn’s been working on her own now. I was sparring with Icarus. I just.. Can’t hit him the same. Y’know?” “But he can hit you?” Carina raised an eyebrow and tilted her head. That didn’t make sense. Humans were complicated and different, yes, but this was odd. More odd than the fact that they had to pay for food and water. “He’s not as soft as me,” Iris said with a smile. “So how's the job here going? Do you like it?” “Oh, it's wonderful. A little overwhelming with all the newbies coming in but I like it! Though, sometimes it can get crazy here.”

“How many fights have you had to break up?”

“This week? Three. All with Talyn. That’s why I assumed she was sparring with you. She hits hard.” Iris chuckled and shook her head, running a hand through her hair. “Of course. Did she win?” “Every single one of ‘em.” Carina glanced down, and then took one of Iris’s gloved hands and pulled it towards her. “Hey, are you wearing gloves?” Iris pulled her hands out of Carina’s hands and hid them under the table. “It’s cold,” she said quickly. Carina raised an eyebrow, but she didn’t push it. Iris had never covered her hands before. But she was right, fall was upon them and it was chilly. “Ah. Well, guess wha-” “Iris Sigyn?” Carina turned and looked back with a startled jump. A quiet murmur fell over the Inn and conversations were halted as everyone turned to stare at them.

There stood someone tall, dressed like they were set for battle. They had dark black hair and dark eyes, dressed in heavy looking armor with fur pelts and many straps and belts and a hood covering their face. They had an envelope in their hands. “...Yes?” Iris looked up and raised an eyebrow. She tilted her head, looking the stranger up and down. But her eyes settled on something and didn’t stray. Carina followed her gaze. She was staring at the person’s sword. Carina tensed slightly as the person loomed over their table. The sword was gorgeous with complicated patterns on the hilt. “I have a letter. For you, Talyn and..” The person glanced down at the envelope. “Will. From Clint Thinderal.” They passed Iris the letter and she took them cautiously. “..Thank you.” Iris looked up at her and the person nodded before they turned and headed out. People started after the stranger, but then quickly resumed their conversations. “Who was that?” Carina asked, turning back around and leaning on the table slightly. “Jules. They’re one of the commanders at the base Thinderal is at.. I didn’t know Clint would be making buddies with commanders. Or any buddies at that.”

“Hmmm. They looked scary.” She leaned forward and looked at the letter. “Read it! Let’s see what he's saying. I hope he’s okay.” Iris opened the letter quickly, peeling away the wax seal. Her eyes scanned over the words in silence. Her fingers tensed as she read, clutching the paper tighter. She looked up at Carina with unease clear on her face. Her face had gone pale, paler than she usually was. “Iris? What is it?” Carina asked her, concern flooding throughout her. Iris looked back down. She closed her eyes. “I knew.. I knew it was inevitable. But..” Her voice was a nervous murmur and she ran one hand through her hair before pressing it into her eyebrow. “What? Is he okay?” She reached forward and placed a hand on Iris’s arm, but to her surprise she flinched away as if Carina had stung her. Carina drew her hand back immediately. Iris just opened her eyes, her eyes grim. “He’s going into war.” She dropped her voice then, eyes flitting around. “To fight against Eira.”

#oc whump #writing #writing seies #writing series #whump series #oc #fantasy

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365daysofsasuhina · 5 years

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[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day One Hundred Sixty: Stopped in the Road ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Hyūga Neji ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ] [ AO3 Link ]

Gripping the edge of her car hood, Hinata stares at the steaming engine.

You’ve got to be kidding.

She just started this road trip...and now it’s already cancelled. Because something with her engine has gone wrong. UGH!

Head hanging between her shoulders as she clings to the hood, Hinata gives an entirely uncensored sigh. This...is the biggest bummer ever. So much for going to see her cousin and his fiance. At least it’s not their wedding...then she’d be having a full-blown temper tantrum.

Well...time to call a tow truck. And then Neji to apologize. Maybe next time she’ll make it there. Digging out her phone, she checks her car junk in the glove box, dialing the proper number. Thankfully it’s a basic enough conversation. Give her insurance info, say where she’s stranded, and ‘a truck will be with you in an hour’.

An hour?! She’s not that far out of town, for Pete’s sake!

Groaning once the call’s ended, Hinata just...plops herself into the driver’s seat. At least she got off the road, and there isn’t a huge amount of traffic. She’ll just...wait.

Nothing else to do.

Then thinking to dial Neji, she puts the mobile back to her ear. “Hey, Neji? Um...so about me coming to visit…”

“What’s wrong?”

“First, don’t panic: I’m not hurt or anything, but...my car decided to c-call it quits on me.”

There’s a sympathetic sigh on the other end. “Oh no, Hina…”

“There’s a truck coming, so...I guess I’ll just have to get it fixed. But I’m willing to bet it’ll be something that’ll take a while, so...consider me coming over there cancelled.”

“I’m so sorry - and don’t worry. We’ll be sure to see you another time. Are you far out?”

“Not too far, no. I’ll be fine.”

“Well...at least it won’t take you long to get home. And you aren’t hurt, or stranded without signal.”

That earns a wince at the thought. “Yeah...I’m all right. But I wanted to let you know.”

“I appreciate it. Do take care, Hinata - let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“I’ve got pretty good insurance. We’ll see how it pans out.”

Letting the call end, her head thuds back against the headrest. Well...now what?

Rummaging through her purse, she pulls out her mp3 player and slips in an earbud. Door ajar and seat reclined, she lets her eyes close and decides to just...doze. But she keeps one ear open to listen for anyone pulling up. Hopefully it’ll be the truck, and not anyone looking to cause trouble…

Good thing she went to the bathroom before she left in preparation for infrequent rest stops.

Checking her phone for the time a while later, Hinata glances up to her rearview mirror at a slowing car. Oh thank goodness, it’s the tow truck. And nearly half an hour earlier than she’d been told! Putting away her music, she hopes she seems...presentable. Her long road trip outfit of a tank and shorts isn’t the most...publicly appropriate thing she could be wearing. But she’d figured she’d be in her car or her hotel room for ninety-five percent of her drive.

Pulling up ahead of her, the truck maneuvers into place before the driver hops out. He’s wearing a blue mechanic’s coveralls, slightly stained with old oil spills and sporting a tear in a knee. Otherwise he’s got basic boots on, and a backwards cap.

And...oh. He’s cute.

Oh no.

Blinking as he approaches, Hinata shoves the thought faaar back into the recesses of her mind. That is not what she needs to be thinking about right now!

“Hey there,” he calls in greeting.

“Hi…”

“Having some trouble?”

“More than some,” Hinata mumbles, hugging herself a bit. “I have...no idea what’s wrong. I’m not a car type of person.”

“No worries, we’ll take it in and see what’s going on. Got anyone coming to pick you up, or…?”

“Oh, uh...n-no. I thought I’d go along and...hear what the damage is.”

“All right, no problem. Let me get this hooked up, and we’ll head back to the shop.”

Feeling awkward just...standing there watching, Hinata pretends to busy herself with her phone. In reality, she’s watching this guy out of the corner of her eyes. He’s got messy hair that’s even darker than hers - rather fair skinned, pretty tall...though his build is a bit hard to see in his baggy outfit.

Then he bends over to pick up some chain, and she blooms bright pink, spinning around.

...he’s got a nice butt.

Fiddling with her phone a bit longer, she turns as he announces he’s done. “Ready to go?”

“Yes, please...the heat’s been unbearable.”

“Well, I’ve got air conditioning in the truck,” he assures her with a hint of a smile. “I’m Sasuke, by the way.”

“Hinata. Thanks so much for getting here so fast. I think I would have baked alive otherwise.”

“Yeah, I figured. Didn’t want anyone battling the heat for too long.”

With that, he gets back into the driver’s seat, Hinata opening the passenger door. The truck is...a lot cleaner than she’d anticipated. Glancing into the mirror as they start moving, she bites her lip, watching her poor car trail behind them.

“Well, hopefully it won’t be too much to fix,” Sasuke offers, giving her a brief look.

“Yeah...me neither. Not sure I can afford a huge bill right now…”

“Were you heading out of town?”

“I was going to go see my cousin - he’s about eighteen hours from here…”

“Oh wow - at least you didn’t get too far.”

“That’s what he said. I just feel bad I had to cancel…”

“Better safe than sorry.”

The trip passes in an ebb and flow of conversation, the pair occasionally going quiet. In her head, Hinata tries to think of ways to gently approach her father with a request for help if the fix is too expensive. She hasn’t paid this car off yet...she can’t afford to replace it. And it’s been such a good little car until now!

Pulling up to the shop, Sasuke lets Hinata out to head into the office as he brings her rig in to start being looked at. Huddling in the waiting room, she takes a cup of free coffee to pass the time. All the while she prays for a basic fix.

Half an hour later, Sasuke finally comes back. “Okay, so...I’ve got good news, and bad news.”

She wilts. “...o-okay.”

“Good news is, there’s not a lot of serious damage. Your thermostat was busted, which wasn’t letting coolant, in, and caused the overheating. That’s easy enough to fix. The problem comes in from it having been an issue for a little while. Your head gasket’s been cracked.”

Hinata just blinks at him, having...no idea what that is.

“It’s also an easy part to get, but unfortunately, all the time to get things fixed up is going to be a lot of labor cost.”

“Oh…”

Considering her for a long moment, Sasuke sighs, rubbing at his neck. “...since I’ll be the one taking it on...I can get the parts within a few days. And I can probably get it done quick enough, it won’t add up to much. Maybe give you a small discount per hour.”

Wide eyes blink. “You...you would do that…?” Funny, she’s always heard of mechanics taking advantage of anyone - though especially women - who don’t know their cars well enough to know better. Is he just playing her…?

“I feel bad your trip got so interrupted. And I don’t want to run you into the ground with a big bill. I can let it slip, just this once.” Glancing to her, he gives a hint of a smile.

Her cheeks go ever so softly pink. “...thank you...that’s a h-huge relief…!” Maybe she won’t have to ask Hiashi, after all.

“Here - I’ll give you my number - if you want to check in on the progress, just let me know. I’ll try to keep you updated, and let you know when we’re about done.”

“Oh! T-thank you.” Shyly handing over her phone, she lets him input his digits into her contacts.

“You got a way to get home?”

“Oh, um...I’ll call my sister.” Thankfully Hanabi’s old enough to ferry her older sibling home. As for how Hinata will get anywhere else...well, she’ll figure it out. “Thank you so much, Sasuke.”

“No problem. We’ll get you fixed up, Hinata.”

Giving Hanabi a ring and waiting to be picked up, she can’t help a few furtive glances into the shop. From here, she can see him rooting around in the engine block.

...did he really need to give her his own number? Can’t he use the shop phone…?

...not that she’s complaining, but...that seemed a little...smooth.

Seeing Hanabi pull up, she puts the thought aside. Maybe she’ll just...check in tomorrow. Tomorrow won’t be too soon, right?

Maybe her car was doing her a favor.

.oOo.

Looong day, so I'll be brief xD I know...nothing about cars, lol - Google helped me a bit, but idek if this is...realistic or anything. I don't get paid enough writing these to research into how cars work enough to make something more detailed xD I found a few random snippets of info and just...pretended they'd make a real scenario. If it's wrong...whoops! Anyway, I am...e x h a u s t e d, so I'm gonna call it a night. Thanks for reading!

#sasuhina #uchiha sasuke #hyūga hinata #hyūga neji #best years of your life [ au ]#365daysofsasuhina

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thewritenerd · 4 years

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This Life and the Other: NaNoWriMo Day 5

(cw for brief mentions of child abuse and transphobia)

My mind started racing, this could be my chance. I turned back to Apolo and Ezra. ‘Hey do either of you think you can throw a ball hard enough to knock someone out?’ I asked. Ezra shook his head while Apolo looked thoughtful. ‘Maybe with my telekinesis, depending on what kind of ball it was. Why?’ I shook my head. ‘Can’t tell you now. Just make sure you come to the break room after class okay?’ They looked uncertain but nodded. ‘Okay. We’ll be there.’

The day seemed to drag more then it usually did. Which was really saying something. I tried to focus on my work, hoping if I got my grades back up I could stop my lessons with Dr Gjorgiev. But my mind was too busy focussing on my plan. It was a risky plan that would require cooperation from my friends in both worlds but it may be the only way for me to be there when we break into the Pound. When we were finally allowed out I headed to the break room, Ezra and Apolo following close behind. Once we were sat at a table in the corner I told them about the plan to break into the Pound on earth and how I needed to be asleep here in order to be there. ‘Only problem is it seems time is reversed there. So when it’s night there it’s day here.’ They looked uncertain but nodded. ‘And what does that have to do with me?’ Apolo asked. ‘If you throw a ball at me with enough telekinetic force to knock me out I might be able to stay awake on earth.’ ‘How long would you need to be out?’ Ezra asked. ‘I’d say six hours minimum.’ Apolo still looked uncertain. ‘Are you sure? That’s a long time and you know my aim’s not great.’ ‘Yeah and don’t you guys have really thick skulls?’ Ezra asked. ‘Like I’m pretty sure I read somewhere Railon’s are evolved from something like deer. So their skulls are really thick from when they used to fight with their horns?’ ‘Like deer? You mean keeker?’ Apolo looked thoughtful. ‘I guess they do look a bit like deer. But to answer your question Saren and my skulls are a bit thicker than yours, but we’re only 14 so they’re nowhere near as thick as an adults.’ ‘Anyway do you think you can do it?’ I asked Apolo. ‘I guess it could be worth a try. But it’ll be a risk.’ ‘What’ll be a risk?’ a voice pipped up making us all jump. Turning around I saw Kido standing there staring at us. The three of us exchanged glances. ‘The prank we’re planning to pull tomorrow.’ I lied. ‘A prank?’ Kido asked his eyes shining. ‘Yeah that’s right.’ Apolo agreed catching on. Ezra looked confused. ‘But we weren’t talking abou…’ he began, before being cut off by a kick in the shins from me. ‘Yeah we’re planning on pulling a prank on our classmates tomorrow.’ I continued. ‘Can I watch?’ Kido asked bouncing on my toes. ‘Sorry little buddy you’ll be in class,’ Apolo reminded him. ‘But we’ll tell you all about it when we’re done.’ He added when he saw Kido’s crestfallen face. Kido cheered up at that. ‘Hey Kido. Want to play a game with us?’ I asked him. He nodded. ‘Okay what do you want to play?’ He looked thoughtful. ‘You can pick.’ He said. ‘Okay let’s see. Do you know how to play Craydell?’ I asked. Kido shook his head. ‘Well I’ll teach you. Just wait there.’ I went off to fetch a pack of cards as Kido sat himself down on one of the chairs. The four of us played together until it was dinner time, after which Kido was sent to bed along with all the other little kids. Though I guess I didn’t so much play as sit beside Kido and help him.

On earth we decided there was no point in sending Cam, Lalita and myself back to the pound as we’d learnt pretty much everything we could. Instead we all sat together on the sofas trying to finesse our plan. I’d told them about my plan to be there and they agreed that tonight would be our only chance for the foreseeable future. Once we’d planned as well as we could it was decided Iesha and I would be sent to get supplies for the break in. We headed to a shopping centre the opposite direction to the Pound.

‘So we need torches, some batteries,’ Iesha began reading the list. ‘Walkie talkies, umm… floor cleaner?’ she looked uncertain.

‘To knock people out I guess?’ I suggested.

‘Like in the movies? Does that actually work?’

‘In a way. It’s not as quick as in the films though. It would take like 5 minutes give or take.’ She looked back down at the list.

‘My breath would be quicker.’ She mumbled. Or at least I think she mumbled. It could have been her mask covering her face. She was wearing a white surgical mask with yellow polkadots over her mouth, which matched the daisy hair clips she wore in her braids. Apparently she wore it whenever she was in a crowded area in case she accidently started breathing poison gas, though it made it hard to hear her talk sometimes. She shrugged and stuffed the list into the front pocket of her dungarees.

‘Well we can get most of these things at the supermarket. But I’m not sure where we’re going to get six walkie talkies though?’ I looked around before spotting what looked like a map.

‘Over here.’ I gestured for her to follow before heading over. Looking at it I began to read the list of shops.

‘Any of these shops sound like they’d sell walkie talkies?’ I asked. Iesha reached up and pointed at the shop name labelled number 16.

‘There. It’s like a toy and novelty shop. If any place will have them it’ll be there.’ I nodded.

‘Right well it’s no where near the supermarket. So seeing how that’s closer we’ll head there first and then get the walkie talkies.’ I decided. We started heading to the supermarket walking past all sorts of shops. As I looked around, I couldn’t help but feel this place was familiar. Not like it reminded me of a similar place back on Kalreck. No it was as if I’d been here before a long time ago. So some things seemed different but the general lay out felt like I knew it. I considered bringing this up to Iesha but decided against it. There was already so much we needed think about it wouldn’t be fair to burden her with my weird subconscious thoughts. We bought pretty much everything we’d need there before heading to the novelty shop. I hadn’t been sure what she’d meant by that but when we walked in it sort of clicked. The shop sold all sorts of things, party games, rc cars and helicopters, neon lights, lava lamps, pop culture figurines, boards games, stuffed toys, books and quite a few other things.

‘I found them!’ Iesha announced rushing over to a wall of electronics and grabbing a pack of two walkie talkies.

‘Wow these are a little pricey. Do you think we can afford three pairs?’ I peered at the price tag.

‘I’m not sure? Are those the only ones they have?’ We walked along the wall trying to see if there were any other options. Near the end I spotted some brightly coloured walkie talkies for kids that seemed to be half the price.

‘What about these?’ I asked picking them up.

‘I’m not sure let’s see the back.’ I turned them round and we read the list of features. ‘Seems good to me.’ Iesha said. I nodded in agreement reaching to take two more.

‘Right let’s pay for these and head back,’ I said heading towards the checkout. Iesha followed me but stopped when she spotted a large display of what looked like hand sized fluffy balls.

‘They have Fluffle Buddies!’ She cried picking up a blue one.

‘Um what?’

‘Fluffle Buddies. They’re these reversable stuffed toys. You can either have them as a ball or,’ She unzipped the zipper and turned the ball inside out revealing a small blue creature with big plastic eyes and a tail. ‘A little creature like this wolf.’ She was beaming from ear to ear as she looked at the thing in hands. ‘Isn’t it adorable?’ I looked at it thinking it looked a little weird to me. The eyes seemed to stare at me, and its face was a little squashed. Not too mention it looked like a round head with a tail sticking out the back.

‘I guess…’ I said not wanting to hurt her feelings.

‘I used to have one of these. A little pink penguin. I called her Maya’ She continued undeterred by my non comital answer.

‘What happened to it?’ I asked. She sighed setting the fluffle back down on the display.

‘My mum found it one day when she was looking through my room. She showed it to my dad and he made me watch him set it on fire. I remember when I started crying and begging him to stop he just yelled “I’m not having my son playing with a fucking girls toy”.’ Her smile was gone and she seemed to be trying to make herself as small as possible.

‘I’m sorry,’ I said. What else could I say? I looked back at the display thinking. Somewhere in my bag I’d found a bag of money. I wasn’t sure how much it was but it seemed a fair amount. Before I could change my mind I grabbed the blue Fluffle and a pink one and started heading to the cash registers.

‘What are you doing?’ Iesha asked following close behind. I ignored her and place the three walkie talkies and the two Fluffle Buddies on the counter in front of the cashier. Once she’d scanned the toys I handed them to Iesha.

‘Here you go.’ Her eyes started to water as she took them from me and clutched them close to her chest.

‘Thank you.’ She said quietly. The cashier gave a sympathetic smile before turning to me to tell me my total. The whole walk back she was clutching them close to her chest. I looked at her thinking how this was the first time I’d seen her act her age. If I didn’t know better I’d think she was just like any other 12 year old girl, not a homeless mutant planning on breaking into a top secret facility.

‘Hey Saren can I ask you something?’ Iesha asked.

‘Uh yeah sure.’

‘Do you like Ronnie?’

‘Um yeah. I mean we’re friends.’ She shook her head and laughed.

‘No I mean do you Like her. Because she likes you.’ My heart skipped a beat. Ronnie liked me? The coolest girl I knew liked me.

‘How do you know that?’ I asked her.

‘Well she stood up for you yesterday. Normally when there’s a fight she just watches. So the fact she stepped in shows she must like you. Also I’ve seen her flirt with you multiple times.’ I looked at her and she looked back with her dark grey eyes. Everything about Iesha’s appearance is dark. Her hair, her eyes, even her skin. Usually when humans describe someone as having “black” skin they mean various shades of brown. But Iesha’s was the closest to the actual colour I’d ever seen.

‘So do you like her?’

#writing #nanowrimo #this life and the other #sci fi #wip

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dammitadolfnomorecake · 5 years

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🏰⚔️😜🐲 DMODT 62 - Full draft

Waking groggy and disorientated, Eren needed a moment to adjust. His whole body hurt, an uncomfortable niggling ran the length of his throat, his arse felt full of razor blades, his head throbbing violently with the brightness of Levi's room painfully assaulting his eyes. He felt revolting, so why was it that when he looked down to see his sleeping baby, all that went from his head. His baby. His and Levi's pup... they were finally here, and his heart swelled with pride. Eagerly, and carefully, Eren lifted his baby to his chest. The weight in his arms solid and heavy, his sons small lips yawning sleepily as bright eyes blinked up at him "Hey baby... I'm your mumma..." Tears filled his eyes, it felt so much like a dream. His child was perfection personified. Most parents probably thought that of their child, yet Eren knew his child was. Readjusting the towel the pup had been wrapped in, he smiled at his son's chubby belly and legs, not this proud since Luca had broken free of his egg "My baby boy. My second baby boy. Luca's your big brother... I've waited so long to meet you... too long" Smacking his lips, his son wiggled as he stretched with another yawn "Does that mean your hungry? Shall we try feeding my love? I can't believe I fell asleep without telling you how much I love you" His son took a few attempts to latch, Eren's tears turning to those of frustration. His breasts hurt. Hanging heavy and tender, swollen with milk for his child. It took nearly a dozen attempts for the pup to take his nipple, Eren not expecting his other breast to leak as he fed his child. He wanted Levi to see this. He'd done this on his own. He'd gotten their son to feed "Levi... wake up" Groaning at him, Levi was curled up with Luca. His family all in Levi's bed rather than their nest. He didn't like that. For some reason the bed felt far too big "Levi, come on. Wake up. Luca, wake your daddy" Luca was up to the challenge, his tongue flicking out to run up Levi's cheek "Luca, gross! Stop it!" Luca kept licking until Levi pushed himself up, wiping at his face in disgust "Levi, you're missing it" "What... oh! You're awake? How long have you been awake?" Eren smiled at his baby, his pup drinking down his milk happily "Not very long... I got him to feed" "I can see that. You two look good together. How do you feel? Are you in pain?" "You have no idea... everything hurts" "Do you still feel sick?" "I don't feel good" "I swear you said that a hundred times yesterday... can I help?" "My head's pounding, and my everything feels gross down there... I'm sorry you had to see that" "No. Don't be sorry. You did so good. I need to check you soon. The healer came, do you remember?" "No... I remember seeing him, but that's about all. What did the healer say?" "That you tore. You lost a lot of blood, and honestly you scared me with your fever. It wasn't breaking" "I still feel clammy" "You used a lot of magic. Obsydin said it may take time for you to regain full use of it. You need to take it slow" "I'm taking it slow. I want to savour this... he's so perfect, Levi. Thank you... thank you for him" "You did all the hard work... I'm so relieved you're both ok" "You delivered him" "Your magic made it interesting" Looking up, Eren blinked, the light leaving him squinting but what he could see had him groaning "I'm so sorry" "It was an experience. Moblit wasn't sure what to make of all it" "Moblit?" He didn't remember Moblit being there "He helped... you... god, you tore. You tore so badly, I though you were going to bleed out" Levi's scent was filled with guilt, his alpha reduced to tears. Balancing their son with one arm, he reached for Levi, pulling him in against him. Levi nuzzled into neck as he cried softly. His mate must have been so scared trying to deliver their baby alone "I'm ok. Tired as hell. Sore as hell. Gross as hell. But so happy. So, so happy. Looking at him, it makes it all worth it" "I thought you'd die. You were coughing. Does your chest still hurt?" "A little. My breasts were filled with milk for our son, but now it's draining I can feel the lingering pain. Not having magic isn't going to be fun" "I'm sorry" "No... I put you in an impossible position... because I was scared" "I know. You mentioned why. I love you so much, Eren. So much" "I love you too. Did you introduce Luca to his brother?" "I did. He was pretty scared by the whole thing" "Luca, baby boy, come here" Crawling over to Eren, Luca placed his head on his leg, cooing softly as he did. He knew there would be times Luca felt neglected and his heart hurt at the thought of him experiencing that "My handsome boy. This baby changes nothing. I love you. You're my treasure, and my son. You're a big brother now. You're going to have to teach this little one so many things as you both grow. I couldn't ask for a better son or brother than you" Luca looked up at him, his eyes wide as he digested Eren's words "I love you" Letting out a long trill, his son flapped his wings happily "That's my boy. Mummy isn't going to be able to take you for walks or to play while he recovers. But when I can, I'll take you to play as much as I can. It's not fair you've been cooped up in here. Daddy might even take you for a walk before I get a chance to. No matter what happens, your my first born, and I am so proud to be your mum" Nuzzling harder, Levi was still crying "I'm so proud to be your alpha. I love you" "I love you, too. Will you burp him when he's finished feeding? I'm falling back to sleep" "Of course. You need to rest. I tried not to fall asleep..." "Levi, no. You need your rest. We have two perfect sons that need all our attention. You have to rest when you can" "You were bleeding. Eren, it... I can't get it out my head" He'd thought Levi would be able to cope after helping deliver his clutch, now he was scared of how much he'd bled "Was... it... was it worse than the first time?" "Y-yes... Obsydin told me not to let anyone but you destroy the sheets and towels with the blood and birth on them... there were so many" "Ok... we'll deal with it. Is that why I'm in bed?" "You deserved a made bed. It's the least you deserve" "Thank you. With how I feel, it'll probably be easier for me to move like this" "I was worried you'd be angry over the nest" "I'm... I want my nest. Like I really want my nest, the bed feels too big and open, but I understand..." "It's a mess" "I don't want our son sleeping in a mess. We need a cot" "We do. Moblit knows that. He'll probably talk to Hanji. An announcement over the birth would have been made by now" "The castle was probably awash with rumou...rs" Yawning widely, Eren made the mistake of trying to move, sending pain flaring across his arse and up his spine. Whimpering, he wasn't doing that again "Eren?" "Moving is bad... god... my arse is fucking wrecked" "Oi. Don't swear in front of the baby" "I'm in pain... I was going to have herbs ready for this, so it wouldn't be so bad. Oh... god. Do you realise what happened? We ruined another public function. We're going to be banned from them for causing too much drama" Levi finally snorted out a laugh "We really do have terrible luck at public functions" "I wouldn't allow us out in public again" "I'm fine with that. I could live in a world with just the four of us" "I couldn't. I want them to meet Isabel and Farlan. I want our boys to know their aunt and uncle" "You're too good for me" "No. I think at this point we're both about even. I think he's nearly done" "I've got him. You rest... I'm so proud of you" "As I am, of you" * Getting a few more hours sleep, Eren was happy to let Levi handle nappy and clean up duty. He wasn't coordinated enough to, and a hot shower was calling his name. Helping Eren into the bathroom, Eren literally screamed as his arse touched the chair in the shower. The pain far worse than he'd thought it would be. It didn't get any better as hot water began to rain down on his sensitive body, peeing felt as if his internal organs were about to fall out through his arse. No one had warned him about that, and his magic had healed him straight away after the clutch. Crying in the shower, Levi tried to usher him out as he prepared a bath in the bathroom basin for their son. The tap high enough that it wasn't in the way for when Levi would settled him down. Watching his mate from the shower, he was less than gentle as he cleaned himself, accidentally reopening his delicate scabs, and causing a fresh wave of blood to run down the dream. His son wasn't even having his first bath, but Eren didn't want to miss a single moment. By the end of the shower, he wasn't sure he was much cleaner. Dressing in the one remaining bathrobe, a trail of blood followed Eren's shuffled steps. He'd always respected those who'd given birth, that respect only growing by the second. Maybe he was just horrible at recovering, but he felt horrid. The hot water only made his headache worse, he'd thrown up, which thankfully Levi hadn't noticed. Watching Levi bath their son, their baby boy didn't love it. Crying loudly, they were serenaded with his cries, breaking Eren's heart though he knew his pup needed to be cleaned. Levi had obviously cleaned him up at some point, yet he assured him that this was their son's first real bath. As one tiny hand flailed, Eren took it in his. The pups fingers impossibly tiny in his hands, curling around his thumb and hanging on for dear life, despite having nothing to fear. The water wasn't overly warm. Levi using his hands to softly wash him clean of his mess. His first poop was something neither of them would forget thanks to how gross it was, but after an extended diet and no toilet facilities, they should be counting their blessings that it wasn't much worse. Rinsed and carefully dried with a towel that had a suspicious stain on it, their boy was ready to return to bed, falling asleep in Levi's arms before they even reached the bed. The next bit wasn't so great for Eren. Laying on his side, Levi was panicking over the amount of blood he was oozing as his mate applied a medicinal ointment to his delicate arse. It burnt so badly that Eren nearly bit through his lip in pain, while Levi was upset that Eren had made himself bleed. The situation ended with the bathrobe between Eren's legs to catch the blood. The towel he'd sat on previously soaked with all kind of things he didn't wish to think of. Yeah. He was a terrible sick person. He'd rather suffer in silence than cause Levi more work, even lying to his alpha when Levi asked what he wanted down with the ruined linen and birth. He had no idea if he could summon his magic, yet he had Levi throw the bundle into the fireplace where it snuffed out half the flame. He was lucky that his magic did rise for him, only for the instant it took to incinerate the mess into oblivion, then falling so low he felt as if he had no magic at all. Things would be hard with no magic. It triggered feelings of being confined against his will. His mess of emotion from a painful birth, and his weakened, sick, state, reduced him to tears. Levi was soft through all of it. He didn't push for an answer, instead he covered Eren with the sheets, making sure he and both their son's were comfortable. Eren knew he was disappointing Levi as his eyes slid closed. He knew Levi wanted him to eat and drink, but sleep was too alluring to deny. He'd get a few more hours, then their pup would be ready for his next feed. No matter what happened, he'd force himself to eat. He needed to regain his strength as soon as possible to protect his family, and maybe if he ate, he'd have the brain power to think without his head feeling as if it'd implode. * Sending for supplies, Levi watched over Eren sleeping. They'd been forced to share a towel in the bathroom, leaving him worried of possible causing an infection. Eren's wounds were deep, his magic seemed to have half healed them at best before fading out. As his omega slept, Levi kept a hand on his shoulder. The guards in front of their door had been changed, the pair before probably heard every single moment of Eren giving birth, but that wasn't his problem. He couldn't find the energy to be worried or concerned for anything that wasn't in his bed right now. Each time he looked to his son, he smiled. He was smiling so much he was starting to creep himself out, even if he wasn't able to control how damn proud he was. No doubt Hanji would come to check on them soon, or possibly all their friends, and the fact they'd been left alone for so long was a blessing. She'd probably turn up with the requested blankets and towels, in order to lecture them over something or other and ruin the moment. She had absolutely no chance of even touching their child. His alpha simply would not allow anyone other than him or Eren to do so. It'd been a stretch to allow the healer to examine him, and Moblit had been smart enough not to ask. No. The longer they all stayed away, the better it was, as far as he was concerned. He didn't wish for Eren to be exposed to so many people in such a vulnerable state, nor would he allow these small moment so peace to be carelessly ruined. This was his family, and his family needed to rest further, the guards at his door would see to that. Despite no longer being prince, his words still carried weight. It allowed them time to bond with their pup. To experience his first feed, first bath and nappy change as a family unit, rather than having one of the castle physicians force their personal preferences upon them. To him, Eren was a natural mother, his poise, grace, love, and unending forgiveness was like any other omega he'd ever met. He knew the omega would struggle, like all mother's did, but he'd be there with him. His emotions would probably be out of character for his mate, even more so than before the birth as now they had their pup to consider and they needed to work out a new routine around a child who was innocent to the demands placed on society by shitty idiots. Eren was feeding their son when they received their first visitor. Eren had eaten first, Levi somewhat cruel in telling him he had to eat before he could feed their son, Eren had insisted he'd intended to eat, but Levi wasn't completely convinced. His mate trying to mask his pain, like Levi couldn't smell it all over him. Knocking on their still broken door, Historia was the last person he expected see, the princess shyly poking her head into the room "May I please come in?" Eren instantly perked up, his voice low and ruff with exhaustion. Levi wasn't sure he wanted anyone near his mate, but Eren clearly wanted her there, and what Eren wanted, he got "Historia! Yes, please" Letting herself into the room, Historia smiled widely, her arms filled with soft clothes. Keeping her voice low, she moved to place the bundle on the bed "Eren, I'm so happy for you. And for you, Levi. I'm sorry for intruding, the moment the news reached me, I selfishly had to be here" "No. No, it's fine. I'm sorry I won't be much company" "Labour is exhausting... and I can feel how weak you are. You look stunning" Eren blushed and ducked his head "He made it worth it" "Congratulations on your baby boy, I sincerely mean that. I have brought blankets from home, I hope you don't mind the gift" "Not at all. Though now I'll have to think harder on what to gift you when your clutch is birthed" "Nonsense. The only thing you need to think of is your child. How do you feel" Eren opened his mouth, but Levi wasn't about to let him off easily "He had major tearing and bleeding. He's also had a fever, nausea, vomiting, and fresh bleeding this morning" Eren shot him daggers, Historia simply nodding understandingly "It's because of your magic. I hope you don't mind me speaking openly. When you passed your first clutch, they were unfortunately empty, your body was preparing to pass them, and that's why you healed immediately. Bringing a new life into this world is hard, more so when you're a human male. Until your magic returns and evens out, your healing will be slow. Your body cannot take being healed by another right now, even though your magic isn't working, it's not as if you've lost it completely. It's working to protect you from outside forces, I can feel it rejecting my magic. I cannot heal you, neither can a castle healer" Levi growled, that's not what the shitty arsehole in his mind had said. All he got was a mental frown from the elder dragon "Obsydin told me he needed a healer, that they would help" "He probably honestly thought they would. But Eren is a slightly special case. He is both storm dragon and omega Mage. His magics have a mind of their own, and storm dragon tend to be renowned for their crankiness after birth, and long recovery times. Their bodies carry huge burdens after all. I am sorry that my attempting to use magic to heal you would only come to nothing" Long recovery time? How long was long? And was the human long, or dragon long? "Historia, ignore Levi. He had... it wasn't the best birth. And he's going to need some time to settle" "Of course he is. Trust me, nothing either of you say or do could offend me right now. I'm simply too happy to see you holding your son" "I'm happy too. Do you want to see his face, I don't think I'm up for letting anyone else hold him... I don't ever want to let him or Luca go" Luca was still firmly glued to Eren, he too was clearly enthralled with his new brother "Luca had a rough birth too. I would love to see him" Levi couldn't help but growl when Historia moved the side of the towel their son was swaddled in. They had fresh blankets now, though they really weren't the ones he'd thought they would receiving. Letting out a small gasp, Historia melted at the sight of their son "Oh Eren, he's simply perfect" "I haven't thought of a name" Whispering it like a bad thing, Eren's smile fell to guilt "You must not be so hasty to name him. You're mentally exhausted, you need rest and this little one is far more important than a name at this stage. Trust me, some dragons take months, then come out with something very plain, that doesn't suit their child at all" "That actually makes me feel better" Leaning in, Historia kissed Eren's forehead "Good. Now, I've brought blankets and I brought you some herbs dragons use after birth. I also brought with me a gift for your son" "Now I feel even worse than when you said it was blankets" "Nonsense. You need a real nest around you. I would have brought more with me, but Ymir told me I couldn't" "Where is she?" "Down with Armin and Mikasa, Armin was the one who wrote. He said you went into labour at Erwin's funeral" That was surprising to both of them. Eren bit his lip, then looking away instead of chasing the topic "I thought you'd not like to be crowded right now. Why don't you finish feeding him while I clean up a little? I don't have your flare for washing, but I can do something about all these roses and the shattered window" "No, you're our guest" "Eren, if I was in the same circumstance, I know without any hesitation that you would do the same for me" "I hate you" Historia poked her tongue out "I hate you too" "I don't really hate you" "I know you don't. You're like a brother to me, and I'm honoured to meet your son" "You're the fifth. Levi and Moblit were the first... wait... sixth, I forgot about Obsydin. Levi, Obsydin, Moblit, me, Luca, you" Historia looked to Levi, he couldn't tell if she was mad or not "Moblit helped deliver him, Eren was too weak to stand, but Eren did meet our son before Moblit" "You don't need to explain. My curiosity was just getting the better of me" "Moblit was sent because of all the screaming. Hanji isn't really talking to us, and neither is Armin. I don't really want to talk about it right now. Levi, can you come take him? I'm falling back to sleep. Sorry, Historia" "No, you must rest. Would you mind if I told the others you are both resting, yet doing well? Mikasa is honestly a bit of a wreck. She feels as if she should have noticed" Eren bit his lip again, his hands moving slightly to adjust their hold on their son as he finished up the very last of his feed "You won't tell them it's a boy?" "The rumours say it's a boy, but I promise that is your news to formally announce" "Then thank you. I know we cannot hide in here, but my instincts..." "I know very well how your instincts are. Don't worry. I shall explain things to them from a dragon and riders point of view. You're not only alpha and omega, having those two instinct rule you for the moment, but dragon and rider with is... complicated. I doubt anyone else should cross into this threshold for at least another two days" Eren pouted, their son done with their feed and ready to be burped "But... I want Mikasa to meet her nephew" Levi was fine with no more disturbances, even Historia was starting to get to him "Then remake your nest. Give yourself that comfort you deserve. Follow all of your instincts, it'll only be too uncomfortable to deny them. That goes for both of you. I'll see you soon Eren" Historia kissed Eren's forehead again, the princess then climbing off the bed. She'd probably seen Eren's magical talents like this far more times than she letting on, given the ease at which she repaired everything, including the windows. Yeah. He was stupid, of course she'd seen Eren's out of control magic, they'd both mentioned it before. Maybe he also needed to do the sleep, after his son was burped and settled, naturally... oh the room... His fingers itches to clean it. Some of the rose petals and vines remained, but compared to the windowless war zone it'd been, Levi could easily handle the rest once Eren fell back to sleep. * It took Eren another day to be able to stay awake for longer than a feed or a tear inducing shower. Hard surfaces were not his mate's friend, and as an omega who hated being "down", his love had grown restless, ignoring his own body's demands to rest in the nest Levi had made for him from the fine blankets Historia had brought. Curled up in their bed opposite him, Luca was laying along Eren's back with his head against Eren's nape, while Eren was drawing soft circles on their son's chubby belly. Half a dozen times Eren had opened his mouth, only to close it again. A blind man could see he was thinking far too hard over something, something Levi probably wasn't going to like. He hadn't liked it when Eren had asked for a purely liquid diet, his mate needed rich foods. He also hadn't liked it when Eren didn't let him tend to his bleeding arse, only for the omega to wind up in more pain. He was cranky and being stubborn over the wrong things. Historia has said Eren would be cranky, but Levi wasn't sure that there was a difference between stubborn and cranky at the moment. "Spit it out already. I'm sick of you not saying whatever is on your mind" "I want to talk to Armin" Levi groaned, rolling onto his back and covering his face with his hands, the tips of his fingers rubbing at the inner corners of his tired eyes "I want them to meet our baby" "Historia said to rest" "I am resting. I feel better in this nest you made... I want... I don't want to hide" There was nothing wrong with their son, so why should they have to show him to the world? Eren was still so vulnerable, and allowing the others entrance to their room would bring their shitty scents with them "Eren..." "Please, I don't want to hide our baby away like there's something wrong with him. I want them to see him..." Eren's eyes filled with tears, his lip trembling "Eren... my instincts aren't under control. Each time the guard knocks on the door, I have to remind myself not to cut them down" "I don't want him to die without meeting them" Levi growled "He's not going to die" "We weren't supposed to be able to have him to begin with... I'm scared. I want people to meet our baby. I want them to see how beautiful he is..." Eren's eyelashes fluttered as tears rolled down his face "I don't mean to upset you. You're so vulnerable right now. You're exhausted and in pain. You've barely eaten and you won't eat a proper meal" "Of course I won't! Do you really think I want anything coming out my arse right now!" Oh... oh... that... he hadn't thought of what happened once Eren had actually eaten "I..." "You're not the one who had to push a baby thought a tiny hole. It was like pushing a cantaloupe through the eye of a needle" Levi winced. He'd seen it. He'd seen their baby crown... and the way their shoulders had grown stuck... "I know. I saw... everything. You're not well. You're still feverish, and..." "A five minute visit to put the minds of our friends at rest, shouldn't lead to us fighting like this!" "I don't want to fight" "Then let me introduce our baby to our friends" "I'm not saying never, I'm saying..." "Levi, they're are our family. They don't need to touch our son, or even come close. We can leave the door open, and open the windows to air the room. I want to show the people who supported us, how perfect our family is. How perfect this baby boy you gave me is" He wasn't going to win. Not with Eren looking at him the way he was. Their son was perfect. His mother just as perfect "After dinner? Before we prepare for bed, and only for a few moments. But in exchange you must make a deal" "A deal?" "Let me take care of your bleeding. You hurt yourself and I can't stand it" Eren's cheeks reddened "I don't think I can" "Why not?" "It's embarrassing" "Birth is not embarrassing" "No... I... why do you have to keep making me so embarrassed? Can't you just accept my word?" "How can I accept anything if I don't understand" His omega groaned his sentence one long string that took Levi a moment to process "I...get hard when you touch me, and I'm so sensitive that it really hurts" "Oh" "Please don't make me explain anything else" Levi was pretty sure he couldn't he handle anything else overly graphic at the moment. No solid foods, and no tending to Eren's arse... He'd just have to admire it from afar "No. I won't. I'm sorry you're suffering" "It's ok, because he's here. May I still have visitors?" Eren couldn't help the medical side of things, and Levi didn't want a repeat of him shitting blood. That shit was going to haunt his nightmares for years to come "Yes, but not everyone. Historia seems to be fine with my instincts, perhaps because she's also a dragon rider, or because she showed you no harm. I don't know how I would handle Mikasa. Even though..." "I'm not asking you to. I want to thank Moblit properly. Then talk to Mikasa and Armin. Not everyone all at once" "You thanked Moblit" "I can barely even remember Historia has been here, I probably wouldn't without the silks" "Our son is swaddled in the blanket she brought as a gift" "That's true... I still want to talk to Moblit... and I want to Historia. I want to know what's going on with Dina in Draecia. I doubt she went so easy..." "No. You're not talking politics. Historia will inform us when the time is right" Eren shook his head. Seriously, why could he just not rest? "I don't like being out of the loop" "I know. You're getting cranky" "I'm in too much pain to be cranky" "I don't know about that" Wriggling closer to their son, Eren stroked his wispy black hair "I'm sorry if I'm being cranky. I'm enjoying being him and with you, but I really want everyone to see this beautiful baby you gave me" "He's our son. We don't need to rush" "I still feel he needs a name" "Unlike Luca, he didn't come right out and say that" "You remember Luca's birth?" "I could never forget. You were so excited and so worried for him. The pride on your face when he finally emerged... I'll never forget it" "Our baby boys are too perfect. I'm so proud of them" Hearing his name, Luca raised his head, dropping in on Eren's ear as if to remind them he was right there "Yes, we're talking about you. So you wish to see Moblit separately?" "Just to thank him" "Alright. I'll inform the guards" "Thank you. And thank you for trusting me" "I don't own you Eren. I love you" "I love you too" Moblit arrived within the hour, the man blushing as Eren thanked him again. That was all Levi really got hear and see, as Eren asked for a moment alone with him. By the time he'd run a bubble bath for Luca and returned, Moblit had left and Eren was smiling happily. Climbing into their nest, Levi took the space Luca had been occupying, peppering kisses to Eren's exposed shoulders and nape. With his lover's hair so long, he couldn't remember the last time he'd seen Eren's vow across the back of his neck, or the bonding mark he'd given him. Mouthing a soft kiss to the scar, Eren actually giggled. The sound glorious and unexpected "Something wrong?" "Not at all. It's just ticklish. Is Luca ok?" "He's fine. You know what he's like when it comes to bubbles. How was your talk with Moblit? He left so soon" "He didn't want to make either of us uncomfortable. He's going to inform our family of that a visit after dinner is permitted" "You make it sound so formal" "It kind of is. Mmm, I've missed you spooned up behind me" Kissing their mark again, Levi nodded "Luca took my spot" "I know. And I like you protecting our pup. It's feel like it's been ages since you held me like this" "You do realise I held you through your fever, and after" "It's all cloudy. It feels so weird no longer having our pup inside of me. I feel empty" "I can't imagine" "It's weird" "Do you want another baby?" "I... I would give you a whole clutch if I could. I don't know if I can conceive again..." "I don't mean this very moment. And I do not mind adopting. Adopting gave us our first son. I just mean, one day" "Yes. Luca shall be one in a few months. I wish I knew the date he hatched" "Your birthday is in just a few weeks" It was the 18th of March now. How that happened, Levi didn't know "Really?" "Yes. We were with Hannes for a month, and you fell pregnant some time after that. Obsydin said he feels it wasn't long after you used your breath on his sword, but he isn't certain" "Captivity stripped my ability to tell time from me. Every day has seemed to roll into the next, combining into a blur. If you say my birthday is soon, I believe you" "Do you want to do anything for it this year?" "Sleep?" "Not quite what I meant" "Then no. No royal ball. No trips to Europe. No attending the festival of dragons. I don't want to do anything" That wasn't going to happen. It didn't have to be a huge celebration, but with the last three years they'd had, Eren would have a party "We'll see" "Levi, I feel fat and weird. Sleep is like the perfect gift" "You can't sleep all the time" "You push out a baby next time, and we'll see. Now stop ruining my good mood" Brushing Eren's hair back behind his ear, Levi propped himself up enough to kiss the soft skin just below "Am I the reason for this good mood?" "Maybe. Maybe not. We'll see" "What's that supposed to mean?" "It means I know something you don't know" "I'm sure there are plenty of things you know, that I don't" "I know you owe Moblit a thank you. Maybe... Now go check on Luca. I don't want him left alone right now" "He's a big boy" "My baby boy isn't even one yet, and now he has a little brother. I really don't want him to feel neglected" "If anything, he's probably going to be feeling smothered by the attention" "We all know Luca thrives on attention. Now go give a proper bath, and make sure you scrub between his toes" "I'm not as ok with his claws as you seem to be" "You get used to it. It shouldn't be too bad, he loves being handled and cuddled" "I don't have a choice, do I?" "Nope. I can't bend down right now without feeling like I'm losing my organs" "I thought we agreed to ease up on the imagery" "Shut up, I'm tired" "You win this time" "I won the moment you become mine" * Holding their baby boy, Eren couldn't contain his excitement. He'd eaten the broth served with dinner, taken his herbs from Historia, not complained about the pain when the three of them cleaned up, and now was bouncing his leg as he fed his son. Historia had gifted them the most beautiful blanket for their son, the outside a green silk, similar to his original scale colour, while the inside was lined with soft wool. She'd really raised the bar on presents, but with the news Moblit had given him, Eren was quietly confident in his return gift "Eren, you're humming" Grinning up at Levi, his alpha had Luca bundled up in his arms. When he'd carried Luca out, wrapped in a towel and against his chest, his heart had melted at the sight. Even if Luca was uncoordinated enough that one foot had escaped towel, along with his tail "I can't wait for them to see him" "I gathered, but you're not usually a hummer" "The song came into my head... How long after dinner do we have to wait?" "Not much longer. The others have to have their own dinner first" "But I don't want to waaaait. He's fallen back to sleep again" "I never would have guessed" "What they he was asleep, or that I'm tired of waiting" "Both. Your eyes light up each time he does something" "You're just as bad. He yawned and you got all teary" Levi raised an eyebrow, readjusting Luca "It was definitely dust in my eye" "Right... oooh, I think I hear footsteps" Levi was far too cute for his heart when the alpha got flustered or embarrassed. Trying to keep his cool, yet knowing Eren saw right through him... He was so very stupidly in love with his mate "Do you actually hear footsteps?" He'd heard dinner being brought up and had been ready for Levi's surprise, yet then had to quickly cover his excitement when it turned out to be just food "I do... can you open the door?" "You want me to open door?" "Yep!" "You've got something planned" "Maybe" It was worth the wait "Big Brother!" Yelling happily, Isabel launched herself on Levi. Trying to escape being crushed, Luca's shirt in weight caused Isabel, Luca and Levi all to fall back. Eren couldn't help but howl with laughter as Luca shot across the room to hide behind him "What the fuck, Isabel!" "Why didn't you tell us you were back with Eren?! Or that he was having your baby!?" Pushing Isabel off, Levi climbed off the floor with a growl "What are you two even doing here?" Noticing he was watching, Farlan gave Eren a small wave "Moblit wrote to inform us of Erwin's funeral, we only made it back this morning! Hey, Eren! Oh my gosh, is that your baby?!" Isabel was smiling just as widely as Eren was "Hello, Isabel. Armin, Mikasa, Farlan, you can all come in. Levi will be on his best behaviour in front of our sons" Stalking over, Levi angrily whispered "What are they all doing here?" He didn't expect such anger. He'd been so sure Levi would be happy to see both Isabel and Farlan were safe and alive. They'd come all the way to Mitras. It wasn't like he'd invited them, he'd just thought Levi would be much more happy than he was "Moblit told me they arrived. He asked if you were up for a visit, and seeing they're your family, I thought you'd want them to meet the baby?" "You couldn't have warned me?" "I thought you'd be happy" "I told you I couldn't handle my impulses and you invite everyone in" "Because I didn't know when you'd allow visitors again" His heart was starting to race. He didn't mean to upset his mate... he'd thought Levi would be proud to show his sons off "Is everything alright?" Blinking the tears out his eyes, Eren gave their "family" a watery smile "Yeah. Hormones have been horrible. Any way. Isabel and Farlan, I don't think you met our first son, Luca. Luca, baby, this is your Aunty Isabel, and your uncle Farlan" Luca poked his head out from behind Eren, Isabel squealing in excitement "He's a dragon!?" "He is. He's normally not this shy either... Luca, it's ok. Isabel is Levi's little sister and Farlan is his brother. Like how Uncle Armin and Aunty Mikasa are my brother and sister. Why don't you say hello?" Cautiously climbing off the bed, Isabel looked ready to explode with joy. Still sitting on the floor, she held her and out until Luca got close enough to sniff at her fingers "He's so cute! Levi, why didn't you tell me he was your son?!" "Don't touch him!" Growing Levi grabbed Luca, pulling him back. He'd really fucked this up... "Sorry guys. Levi's in protect overdrive. I really just wanted to introduce you all to our baby boy" Moving their son, Eren tucked the blanket down so they could all see the baby boy's face "Levi and Moblit help delivered him. He's perfectly healthy. Absolutely nothing's wrong with him at all. It's just been my dragon instincts and Levi's rider instincts that's made it hard to have anyone else in our room. That's why today's just a quick visit to check in" Grabbing Isabel under the armpits, Farlan pulled her up "It's nice to see you're all doing well. We'll come back at another time" Eren felt even shittier. He'd wanted them both there "Faaaarlan. Baby!" "Isabel, protective mate and angry Levi" Isabel let out a long "oh". They would have seen how mad Levi could be "Farlan's right. Armin said we could stay here until it was safe to go back to the shop. I like him better than Erwin already" "Sorry Eren, she talks way too much. Congratulations on the baby" "Thanks Farlan. I want to talk to both of you some more, is that ok?" "Absolutely. Big Brother can be so cranky. Can we see Luca too?" "He's your nephew too" Luca would have been happy to be patted by Isabel. He'd have loved lapping up the attention and Levi had mentioned how good with animals Isabel was "Aw, Eren! I'm so happy you're back with Levi. He talked about you all the time when he was staying with us. I'm sorry your husband died..." Putting his hand over Isabel's mouth, Farlan dragged her out the room. With space cleared up, Mikasa and Armin moved in closer. Levi letting out a warning growl. Rolling his eyes, Eren patted the spot on the beside him, Mikasa and Armin coming closer but not disturbing his precious nest "If you're going to keep growling, you can fuck off. These people are here to congratulate your dumb arse on being a father" "Don't swear in front of my nephew" Ducking his head, Eren moved his son so his baby boy was now facing Mikasa and Armin. Armin was tugging nervously on the sleeve of his shirt, while Mikasa's eyes hadn't left the tiny pup since she'd set eyes on him "Sorry, Aunty Mikasa. And I'm sorry you guys can't have a hold yet. I'm not quite up to that" Mikasa shook her head, wiping at her eyes. He could smell how happy and proud she was, as well as a profound scent of relief. Historia had said she'd taken things hard, which was another reason he wanted her to meet his son as soon as possible "It's fine, Historia explained everything to us. I'm... he's... he's perfect Eren. He looks so much like you" "Thanks. Levi got me through the labour. He's been wonderful, apart from the last 5 minutes" "Excuse me if I'm worried about you. I told you I didn't want too many people in here because I can't control my need to keep you safe, then you bring the second biggest loud mouth in the whole kingdom in, and act like it was a nice surprise" Mikasa clearly wanted to yell at Levi, his sisters hands clenching into fists "Can we not? Please. I wanted you all to meet my baby, and now you're fighting..." He'd thought when he family met his baby it'd be some kind of magical moment. Instead he'd upset Levi, probably upset Farlan and Isabel. Mikasa was ready to hit Levi, and Armin kept staring at the floor. He'd been happy. He'd been finally, truly happy again. He'd wanted to share that with everyone. Fat tears rolled down his face, his omega was mentally cowering from Levi's anger. His mate wasn't supposed to be angry at him... "I'm sorry, Eren. You're right. I'm happy I got to meet him, and I can't wait until I can hold. It looks like you were right, and I didn't get to put him straight on a horse" Eren snorted, momentarily feeling slightly better at the memory "Levi put me on a horse on the way back from the cathedral. It felt like the baby was going to fall right out. I don't think I feel like going riding again for a long time" Mikasa sucked her lips in, avoiding letting out her laugh. Levi cutting in before she could reply "Not to mention you've destroyed your arse. You won't be riding anything for some time" And the moment was over. Eren's face reddened with embarrassment. Why was Levi saying that? He'd been so soft and caring... Just because his instincts were giving him trouble didn't mean he had to keep lashing out at him. Ignoring Levi's anger, Mikasa moved to squat down in front of him, placing her hand on Eren's, she squeezed gently "Eren?" "I'm sorry guys. You should go. This was a bad idea. Our instincts are ruining everything" "You've ruined nothing. I'm proud of you, and I'm proud of him. He's incredible. When you're up for it, I'll come by again. Maybe give you your present?" Nodding quickly, Eren sniffled. He hated being able to smell Levi's anger, each sniffle was like a slap "You didn't have to get me anything" "Of course I did. I'm an Aunty now. This should be celebrated. With how things have been, this, this is the first good thing to happen for all of us. Mum would be so proud" Whispering, he was so lucky to have Mikasa "Th-thank you, Mikasa. I'm sorry about Levi. He really has been good to me" "I know. I cornered Moblit for information, but he wouldn't tell me if it was a boy or a girl" "My second baby boy... You've got been an Aunty for months now" "Luca is such a good boy, that I haven't spoiled him as much as I should. Do you want me to take him for a bit?" "Yes, but I need him close right now" "Eren, shhh. You don't need to sound so guilty. Whatever you need. Armin's not sure what to say. He was yelling and worried something was wrong and that no one would tell us. He may have also yelled at Erwin's funeral" "Please tell him we're ok. I wish he'd come closer, but my baby boy is ok. I'll be in bed a bit longer. My magic can't really heal me at the moment. Some dragon bullshit" "Stop swearing in front of my baby" "I can't help it. I feel so crap right now. I thought he'd be happy to see Isabel and Farlan" "I'll make sure everything is alright with them. They brought plenty of game, and furs with them. They've been a huge help" "Make sure they get paid properly. And that they know I'm sorry. Maybe Historia can talk to them?" "Don't worry about that. I'm going to go. If he hurts you, or keeps insulting you, send a guard for me" "It's just instincts... but it... doesn't feel great" "I'm sorry. I saw how happy you were when we came in. I love you, Eren" "I love you too, 'Kasa" When Mikasa and Armin left, Eren laid his son back down in his nest. Luca jumping up to take up his favourite spot along Eren's back, while Levi remained silent. It'd felt weird to be touched by Mikasa, his hand tingling where hers had rested, as he tried to stop his tears as they turned to sobs. Levi couldn't help his instincts. He couldn't help but want to protect them, so why had his anger been directed at him? He'd only wanted to make Levi happy. He'd thought he'd be proud to show his son to Farlan and Isabel. If Levi hadn't wanted them so close to their pup, or didn't trust him to hold him, he would have let him take him from his hold. Instead he'd yelled at Isabel, when Isabel only wanted to say "hello" to Luca. Dropping down heavily on the end of the bed, Eren curled himself in much as possible, to escape Levi's touch. He was going to be furious that Mikasa touched him... "I didn't mean to lose my temper" What did he say to that? He felt like fucking shit. Levi had literally spent the day being everything he could ever want, then he'd suddenly snapped "Eren, I said I'm sorry for losing my temper" Closing his eyes, Eren buried his face next to his son. His baby boy was starting to wiggle next to him "I don't know what came over me. I didn't expect to see Isabel and Farlan. I didn't expect you to invite them here, to see... us together" So that was it? Levi was ashamed of him? He'd forced his body into pants, despite how bad the fabric irritated his skin. He'd pulled his hair back, pulled a shirt on, and tried to look good for Levi's sake. Everything was supposed to be a happy reunion. Their friends were supposed to smile. Levi was supposed to stand near where he sat, keeping his anger to himself and accepting their friends congratulating them. God. He was being so stupid. Of course Levi saw him as something to be ashamed of. He hadn't been able to make it through the day for weeks now without crying. Levi didn't want him when he was like this. Ugly and fat. He couldn't even heal himself "Eren?" Levi wanted his forgiveness... He needed to apologise... "I'm sorry. I wanted you to be happy too" Levi let out a deep sigh. He'd only meant to apologise to his alpha "I lost my cool at having so many people near you. We agreed Mikasa and Armin. I spent the late afternoon trying to settle my instincts" He got it. He'd messed up... He kept messing up "I'll apologise to the others once my instincts settle. Do you need anything right now?" He could smell Mikasa on his hand. Levi wouldn't like it "I need to use the bathroom. Stay with him?" "Do you need help?" "N-no" "Ok. Take your time. I really am fucking sorry" Despite not being said sarcastically, his omega took it that way. Luca didn't want him moving off the bed, then looked heartbroken when Eren shut him out the bathroom. He couldn't stuff up in the bathroom. He couldn't make Levi even madder at him. He couldn't ever fuck up again like that. No one wanted a miserable mate. * Levi felt like shit. He hadn't meant to lose his cool, yet when Isabel had jumped on him, his alpha had screamed at him that the girl was a threat. Eren didn't understand how hard it was for him. When Mikasa had gotten close to Eren, he'd wanted to break her hand for touching his omega. He'd suspected it would be, given Mikasa's dynamic, despite her approval of their relationship. And he'd known his alpha was put off by the fact that Mikasa had once looked at Eren with children in mind... But she'd just found a level footing with him, only for him to ruin it because he was furious Eren had kept from him that Isabel and Farlan were there. He didn't doubt for a moment that Eren had wanted to surprise him, and that his heart was in the right place... Now he'd be lucky if Eren even wanted him in his nest with him. He hadn't missed the way Eren curled in on himself, attempting to get away from him. He'd really fucked up. Letting Eren cool down, and attempting to give him space to prevent upsetting him further, half an hour passed by slowly. Luca was still sitting at the bathroom door, closed away from his hurting mother. He'd scared his son. He'd felt it when he pulled Luca from Isabel. Out of all of them, the only one he hadn't seemed to upset was his newborn pup. Gradually half an hour turned to an hour, Luca starting to scratch at the bathroom door. Whatever Eren was doing, it shouldn't have taken an hour. Ignoring his omega's right to privacy and going back on his own attempt to give Eren space, Levi let he and Luca into the bathroom. Eren was laying in the bathtub, snoring softly. His omega had said baths were a complete no go for now, given the pain... Apparently not. Walking over to the bath, Levi pulled the plug, able to smell traces of lavender and rosemary salts in the water. That had to hurt. Open bleeding wounds and salt, he flinched at the mere thought of it. Not waking at the loss of mostly cold water, Levi grabbed a towel from the rack, then lifted Eren out the bath. His mate was completely out of it. His eyes still wet, his scent undeniably distressed under the scent of the bath salts. His rings had been removed from his fingers, both his wedding ring and the engagement ring from him "Don't let him out of your sight" Nearly dropping Eren as Obsydin spoke into his mind, Levi growled "Don't do that" "He's not in a fit mental state" "What does that mean?" "It means you deeply hurt him" Was that all? He hadn't fucking noticed. His voice matching the scowl on his face "I know I did" "I don't think you understand" "Eren is my mate" Continuing to reply, he carried Eren out to their nest, then having to start drying him down "You ruined the moment for him. He was happy" "I know I did" "You scared and hurt him" "Would you either tell me how to apologise properly, or fuck off. You're not making me feel any better" "Your job is to be by his side. He is the dragon, he makes the choices" "It doesn't work like that. I'm his alpha. Everyone outside that door is an enemy" "Do you honestly believe that I would allow harm to befall him?" "You're not taking my body over again. We're back with him... Shit... he's still bleeding" Blood was staining the brown towel. He'd requested coloured towels for Eren in order to hide the staining "Some bleeding is natural. Not everything passed instantly from his womb" "When will his magic come back?" "In my time, all dragons healed faster after birth. Things have certainly changed" "So you're clueless?" Obsydin huffed, ending their small argument with "Watch over him closely". Like he wouldn't. He'd hurt Eren and felt awful for it.

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sally-mun · 7 years

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Knux & Finitevus shipping meme!

As an apology to the folks that’ve been waiting far, far too long for me to answer their Knux/Fini RP asks, I’ve decided to fill in a shipping meme I just saw with all answers about them! Thank you to those that took an interest in my RPing and I’m SO SORRY I’ve had this big gap of answering your questions. Think of this as an Easter treat to those that follow it!

(Also, just a heads up: the second half of the questions are NSFW.)

SFW

Who cooks?

They both do, tho in different ways. Fini’s not exactly a chef but he knows how to make a reasonable range of domestic foods, whereas Knuckles falls back more on survival skills and will occasionally cook things that he’s hunted over an open flame outside. He does try to cook modern dishes sometimes, but he’s had mixed results with that. Half the time they eat out anyway, so I suppose it’s a fair balance.

Who’s the messiest? The cleanest?

Easy to say that Knux is messier and Fini is cleaner, since Knuckles spent so much of his life surviving in the wild (and still spends a hefty amount of time outdoors even now) and Fini has clinical standards for cleanliness. I will say that over the years Knux has made strides in trying to be cleaner for Fini’s comfort, BUUUT there are also times when he gets home from a patrol and hunts down Fini specifically to get him dirty. While doing so he refers to Fini as his “blank canvas.”

Who fixes the vehicle after a breakdown?

They don’t actually own any vehicles. They typically warp to the general vicinity of where they need to go and then walk the rest of the way.

Living space has a leak! Who fixes it?

If he can, Fini. If not, they’d probably call Elias.

Who buys the groceries?

Almost exclusively Fini. I imagine Knuckles has too strong of an appetite to be trusted to go shopping alone. To his credit, though, Knux kind of does his own form of ‘shopping’ by occasionally bringing home fruits or other plants he’s gathered while out on a patrol, hunting wild game, or going fishing.

Going out to eat: Who pays? Who orders the most food? And who has dessert?

They more or less have unlimited funds at their disposal, as Fini just sorta leeches small amounts of money from a loooooot of different people so they won’t notice the discrepancy. (He actually also has a day job, but his salary there versus the money he just freely takes is almost inconsequential.) You can probably assume that Knuckles eats the most since he has a Guardian metabolism, but they both have dessert. Fini just doesn’t have nearly as big of a serving.

Would they go to the beach?

As a matter of fact, they love going to the beach. Fini’s more interested in laying in a chair to listen to the ocean rather than swimming, but he will occasionally swim if Knuckles is persistent in asking. About a year or so ago Knux had Elias help him build a dock that goes pretty deep into the water and has a little cabana-type thing at the end, so they can lounge around and go fishing at their leisure.

Who knows how to swim? Who doesn’t?

We know from Sonic Adventure 2 that Knuckles is an excellent swimmer. Fini swims well enough to get where he’s trying to go, but he’s not especially good at it.

Is someone multilingual? Do they try to teach another language to the other? How does it go?

Knuckles can read and write ancient echidna text, tho come to think of it I don’t know if it’s spoken any differently. It’s never even crossed my mind. In any case tho he’s able to read the text, and he’s shown a few things here and there to Finitevus, but never with the intention of teaching him any fluency.

Any pets? Or plants?

As a small child (before he was abandoned) Knuckles had a monitor lizard named Chomps, whom he absolutely adored and dragged around with him everywhere. Thankfully Chomps was about as chill as an iceberg and allowed puggle!Knux to do pretty much anything he wanted.

In the present, Knux has a little gecko named Squirt. He likes to perch on Knux’s head, buuut the problem is this lizard’s a bit unpredictable and frequently flings itself into the wild blue yonder, which gives both Knux and Fini a small heart attack each time they just barely catch him. He also makes a peculiar noise that would probably scare the shit out of a burglar if one ever managed to get in their home, as it sounds like a person distantly making a “HEE HEE HEE” laugh.

Baths or showers? Together or separate? Any bubbles or bubble fights?

When Knux bathes, it’s really just for the purpose of getting clean, but when Fini does, it’s both to get clean and to relax. When they’re alone, Knux will shower to get to the point and get out while Fini will take a bath with bubbles and salts and the works to unwind. When they bathe together, it’s usually a bath.

Can they stand silence? Who talks the most? Who talks the least?

In terms of silence meaning “no one is speaking,” neither one of them seem to mind it too terribly. They frequently hang out in the same room doing their own things without interacting, I suppose to enjoy each other’s company but not be in each other’s faces. If by “silence” this means “no sound,” Fini handles it much better than Knux. Fini’s used to an extremely quiet lab, whereas Knux is used to something making noise outside. There are a lot of times when Knuckles will sit in front of the TV while doing something unrelated just because he wants the noise.

Who stays up late? Who sleeps the most? Does the other have to force them to sleep/wake up?

Fini and Knuckles go to bed around the same time, but Fini’s usually the first one up. It actually used to be the other way around in the VERY beginning, but after weeks and months of living in Fini’s original base without a daylight reference, Knux’s body got used to sleeping until he was ready to get up rather than waking at dawn.

Unfortunately, Knuckles does have a few problems with insomnia that he inherited from his father. Whenever something is upsetting him or bothering him, he tends to get stuck on it and can’t go to sleep. In the beginning, Fini didn’t think anything of this until he realized Knux was staying awake for days at a time and recognized him exhibiting Locke’s same symptoms of paranoia. At this point in the relationship, however, managing Knuckles’ occasional insomnia is simple enough for Fini. If he wakes up and realizes that Knux never went to sleep, they talk a bit about what kept him awake, and then Fini makes him a drink that he slips a small dose of sedative into. As a result Knux gets the problem off his chest and then gets some rest, and once he gets back up they address the problem again now that Knuckles has a clear mind.

Who is the highest maintenance? Does the other mind?

Honestly, I think they’re both high-maintenance in different ways. Knuckles has wrestled with separation anxiety stemming from his abandonment, and he’s extremely sensitive about his intelligence and being perceived as stupid. Fini has some lingering PTSD related to having been a prisoner of war in the West Acorn Republic for a while, and he’s still occasionally haunted by guilt from when he’d attacked Albion in the past (usually when he witnesses how it’s affected people’s lives).

I know managing a high-maintenance person is typically depicted as draining and irritating and time-consuming, but I think in Knux and Fini’s cases it helps strengthen their bond. Given that they each have trauma in their lives that interferes with how they function, it makes them pretty compassionate toward each other’s conditions. I suppose the fact that they take care of each other makes them all the more secure that they’ll be taken care of themselves when they need it.

Vacation ideas: who decides them? Where would they go, if anywhere?

Obviously traveling isn’t exactly difficult for them since they can warp wherever they want, BUT they do still take trips simply for the fun of the experience, or occasionally to learn something new.

NSFW

How often do they have sex, if at all?

I’d say they have a pretty healthy sex life. I’d estimate they go at it at least a couple times a week, tho what it is they’re doing will vary quite a bit because they’re pretty adventurous.

Who brings ideas? Who initiates?

They both initiate at this point and and they both bring up wanting to try new things, although it amuses me how differently they go about finding new things to try. In Fini’s case I just simply imagine him to be well-read on various types of kinks and play and fetishes, whereas Knuckles just sees people doing things in porn and asks if they can give it a shot too.

Any kinks they clash on?

For the most part they have pretty similar boundaries, buuuut there is one serious divide that they’ve had friction on since the beginning: Fini thinks it’s super hot for someone to lick up jizz after giving a blowjob, but Knuckles thinks it’s the most disgusting thing ever and absolutely refuses to do it. Knux has allowed Fini to push him into lots and lots of things he wasn’t completely comfortable trying out, but this is one area where he digs in his feet and WILL NOT budge. Doesn’t stop Fini from trying, tho, so this has been an ongoing argument.

Oddest place they’d have sex?

Oh lord. Provided that they don’t think they’ll be recognized (as they occasionally dye their fur to disguise themselves when they’re trying to infiltrate certain areas or whatnot), Knux and Fini have gotten pretty bold from time to time. I know they’ve done it on the roof of a building that was surrounded by taller buildings, for example.

Favourite positions?

Well there’s one position they’ve come to nickname “the tripod”, aka standing on your knees and putting your chin on the ground, because they use it so often and in so many ways. Another favorite is when one sits face-to-face in the other’s lap because, if the lap-owner is feeling generous, they might give a blowjob at the same time.

I also recall that in the beginning Fini got a kick out of making Knux lay on his side; this is because when IRL echidnas mate, the female lays on her side while the male goes at it, which we’ve translated in-game as being the ‘standard’ position for echidnas (like an equivalent of the missionary position). Fini liked to tease Knuckles about ‘taking it like a woman.’

Dom/top? Sub/bottom? Any switches?

Initially it was exclusively a dom/sub type of relationship, with Fini dominant and Knuckles submissive, but at this point in the relationship the bulk of that has chipped away. Fini is still usually the one in control, but moreso because that’s the way they both prefer it versus Knux not having a choice. Knuckles prefers to be on the bottom but he still tops Fini every now and again.

Favourite erogenous zones?

For Knux it’s the neck and the base of his tail. For Fini it’s the ears and inner thighs.

Quickest turn ons? Immediate turn offs?

Fini can get wound up pretty quickly if he sees Knux lifting something (since he’s extremely turned on by his muscles), or if he sees Knux tangled up in something since they sometimes use bondage. Knuckles can get excited over a nice view of Fini’s ass, and surprisingly enough, he now finds it a turn-on to have his chaos abilities nullified. We’re pretty sure he associates it with sex since he had that collar the first few times he and Fini hooked up, but after all these years it’s now become a kink to him. I guess it boils down to him getting off on feeling helpless, especially since it facilitates Fini being dominant.

First to orgasm? Last to orgasm? Who comes the most? Does someone ever end up unfinished?

When Knux is on top he tends to have a pretty short fuse, which I think is part of why he’s typically on the bottom. Fini has surprisingly good control over when he wants to finish. He’s mentioned before that he doesn’t like to get “primal” about it, so it may just be a skill that arose out of being a control freak.

There have been times when one finished long before the other, but they never leave it at that. Normally they’ll just switch to something one-sided until the other gets there too.

Favourite romantic gestures during sex/orgasm?

Hmm, how to put this delicately... Knux and Fini aren’t terribly into romance while they’re having sex. They may do some sweet things leading up to it, but once the dicks are out, iiiit’s mostly about grunting and drooling and clawing and one of them (read: Knuckles) being made to beg.

How are their afterglows?

Not very exciting. They usually just go to sleep. Half the time they don’t even move to a cleaner part of the bed.

Who’s loud? Who’s quiet? Does one try to make the other louder/quieter?

Fini gets a kick out of trying to make Knuckles scream. He likes it even more if it’s obvious Knux is trying to be quiet. (For example, Fini talked him into going at it once while they had a house guest, and Knux agreed under the condition that they had to keep it down.)

Lights on or off? Do they look at each other? Or is someone embarrassed?

Neither one of them really seems to care about the lighting, so, not much to say here.

Open or closed relationship? Do they sometimes share?

Fini’s never really been interested in hooking up with anyone else, but prior to being married, Knuckles was free to still hook up with women if he wanted to. He’d have an occasional fling with Rouge here and there and sometimes hooked up with a friend of theirs named Candy, but since they’ve tied the knot I’m 98% sure it’s been monogamous. If it hasn’t been I’ve just simply forgotten about it.

#Sallymun RPs

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megamanxfanfics · 5 years

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“Between Seasons”

Good Morning everyone. Happy August 15th =)

On my blog’s 4th Birthday, I figured I’d leave an update to say hello and talk about any random news that I can think of in terms of X6. Because, yes. There Will be a Season VI.

So, first of all. Fun facts. I MOVED AGAIN!

This last week was a blur!! But I’ve upgraded w/ my Lady to a 2 Bedroom Apartment, where the kitchen is way roomier, the bathroom is cleaner, the living room and dining room are way cooler and the price is absolutely more than fair. Did I mention Washer/Dryer AND Dish Washer?? And Electric is PART of the rent. That, my friends.. is HUGE.

Anyway, we’re both really happy about our giant life change. We’re probably gonna be here for a long while. But as I come off of this high and things normalize, now I can start to focus on my hobbies again. Other than music. That’s been really exciting too this month.

I’m in 2 bands. You could sum up my summer by saying that one band had a show on June 29th, then I somehow finished Season V on July 4th, and since then my other band has been preparing for their show, which will be on August 24th.

Take into account this Crazy Move that happened, right smack in the middle of that and... yeah man. Everything is happening at once. Really and truly.

To go a step further, we saw our new place on June 17th, and applied for it right away. We found out within a week that we were the chosen applicants and would be signing a lease once the current tenants closed on their house. Then, on their end, it took a WHOLE MONTH for their deal to close and what-not. It was a crazy amount of waiting and wondering what will happen next.

Which takes me back to MMX. With this exciting unknown deadline on my hands, I knew I had to finish Season V, sooner than later. Because the move was going to take over my life for at least 2 weeks. I didn’t mention any of this in the last entry, because I didn’t want to jinx anything. But yeah. I had a lot going on in my mind in late June, I guess. And MMX kept it centered.

Once July 4th hit, it was easy to take a natural break from this. It was a well deserved break. I really don’t like that game, and yet.. I did it. I came out with a Season that hit all the marks, and even delivered a little more in terms of long-term continuity. I haven’t read the whole Season through yet, but I’ll get to it eventually. [I actually went back to Season I for kicks, and now I’m up to Season II. It’s already incredible to see how much X has changed from then to now.]

So... X6 stuff.

I definitely played through the game a few times in July. Once I was done with Season V, treating myself to some playthroughs was my victory-lap. A present to myself, which involved frustrating reminders of how broken that game is. But it also gave me some rewarding insight to things I wanna do.

I don’t wanna/can’t give away too much, here. But I definitely have a method I want to go by. There’s certain beats I wanna hit for sure.

Like X going to Commander Yammark first, because that’s just an essential first level for him, I think.

Or the fact that the game has so much exposition that I might honestly.. open up Season VI the way the game opens up.

There may or may not be a Gate Flashback Reminder episode for Character Development/World-building. Not too far off from what happened in Season V, for Dynamo.

Speaking of Dynamo, I'm definitely looking forward to throwing him in there again, and seeing what more I can do with his character, depending on how many times X meets him...

There’s other things I have to figure out, of course. Like the true order. Or how the collecting of Sub-tanks/heart-pieces will logically work. If I apply that motif at all, any more.

[It’s been 3 weeks. Did X REALLY get rid off all of his stuff in that time? Especially when the world is still in turmoil? I applied this same gimmick to Xtreme 2, due to the timing of everything, and it just made that game So much smoother. So we’ll see.]

But yeah, man. I suppose that’s everything for now. Also, Wedding Season is coming up so I’m gonna be Really busy with fun life things, from now through the middle of October. In terms of X6 planning, besides settling in, itself, I can tell that this will hinder any sort of “progress” toward starting X6, but honestly.. that’s fine. X6 can wait for now.

Here’s a basic timeline of what happened, and an estimate of what comes next:

6/17 - We check out the new place and apply!

6/23 - S.V - Ep. 16 is posted.

6/26 - We find out we got the place!!

6/29 - Band 1 has an awesome show

7/4 - S.V - Ep. 17 is posted. Season V ends.

7/5-10 - X6 is played here, and there.

7/11-13 - My buddy’s Bachelor Party takes place.

7/15-present - Practices for Band 2 begin weekly. X6 is analyzed some more.

7/29 - The Lease to the new place is finally signed!!

8/1 - The first snag: Old Tenants are hung up by their bank, but we understand. We take Measurements of the New Place and get advice from them on how everything works.

8/4 - I buy 3 suits for 3 different weddings! [Buddy, Pal & Bassist] (Moving out Stress ensues, as the Tenants aren’t quite moved out yet).

8/5 - We finally get to leave boxes in the new garage.

8/6 - Technical Day 2 is Paint Night with my good friend and brother.

8/7-8/9 - Boxes boxes boxes and trips to and fro with our cars. Moving sucks.

8/10 - Big Moving Day w/ the Movers and their truck. The Professionals were worth every penny, and made this so much easier. Our friends, too. Their help was so immense that our new place started to feel like home by the end of the weekend.

8/11-present - The Unpacking Party Aftermath continues. Bit by bit, the rooms become clear, and are ready for more boxes to be unpacked.

8/17-8/18 - Band 2 is shooting a Music Video!!

8/24 - Band 2′s awesome show

8/31-9/1 - Traveling to and attending my Pal’s Wedding!

9/20 - Another Amazing show for Band 1

9/21 & 9/22 - Right after the show, 3 of us are celebrating our Bassist’s Bachelor Party.

9/22 - That same night, my buddy is having a Welcome Dinner for the Wedding Party, which involves myself and the Lady. Nothing like social conflicts of interest that are out of your control, eh?

9/25-9/27 - Buddy’s Wedding!!

10/6 - Bassist’s Wedding!!!

12/20 - Another cool show for Band 2.

And that’s the laid out estimate for the rest of the year.

With that all written out, I guess I can tell you that some more thoughts for X6 might happen in September, but it’s very likely that I won’t touch this until mid-October. And November, might be a very productive month for writing. Who knows. It was last year, for music.

But yeah. At work, I think about X type stuff here and there. There’s just so much literally happening at once, that I can’t even sit down with any of these ideas. Today I forced myself to, because of the anniversary.

We’ll see if I made any headway by 9/15. It’s possible. Ya never know.

If any other groundbreaking ideas pop up before then, you’ll hear from me sooner.

Otherwise, keep it real folks.

Lova ya.

- Metal Man X

#MMX Fanfics #Writing Diaries #Between Seasons #Season V #Season VI #Ideas #Life #Moving #Weddings #Planning?#Not yet #Not quite #Still excited #Very excited

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cstesttaken · 6 years

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HTC U11 Life (with HTC Sense) review

After being in flagship land for the last few weeks, I wanted to come back to a midrange offering that should be on everyone’s radar. Despite being midrange, the price of HTC’s latest offering does not reflect the experience that it ended up providing. This is the HTC U11, HTC Sense edition.

Kris Carlon has already done a review on the Android One version of the phone and gave it very favorable thoughts, highlighting the screen and the camera experience. However, that version is the Android One edition that is available outside of the United States and rocks stock and minimalistic version of Android. This one is the version sporting HTC’s own software, HTC Sense.

We’ll start with that experience first, as one very important detail has to be mentioned right away – it has already been updated to Android Oreo along with the original U11 and the U11 Plus. This was a very welcome update for a phone that hasn’t been out for very long, as the U11 Life is actually more up to date than some recently released flagships.

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The update affords the U11 Life access to the polish that we’ve enjoyed in the latest edition of Android, including some features that further enhance the HTC Sense experience. Namely, the picture-in-picture mode is now part of the software suite, providing an easy way of using YouTube while performing other tasks.This feature is something we’ve already enjoyed on the Pixel 2, with usage here remaining similar – in my case, YouTube and Maps are the main case scenarios. Even with the lower specifications of the U11 Life, PiP has been useful and reliable despite some noticeable stutter and lag that occurs when in use.

Speaking of similar experiences to the Pixel 2, Edge Sense puts the U11 family in line with the squeeze feature that activates Google Assistant on Google’s official devices. The difference here is that Edge Sense can be customized for more than Assistant – it can open up any application, trigger some specific functions, and can do two tasks depending on a squeeze or a squeeze and hold. Just as it was on the Pixel 2, the feature becomes second nature when programmed to one’s most used functions, and in this case I still set it to Google Assistant but set Google Keep for the squeeze and hold. There are also squeeze functions for when you are within applications, like a quick squeeze to zoom in when using Maps. This shows how an otherwise quirky feature is being leveraged for more use case scenarios, and puts Edge Sense that little bit above the Google Assistant-centric version found on the Pixels.

I mention Google Assistant as my squeeze choice because the U11 Life also comes with another assistant, Alexa. Amazon’s Alexa application does come on the U11 Life and provides many of the same functions that users might enjoy with their existing Echos. I tried to give Alexa a fair try, but I ultimately found many of the functions I wanted to perform were either not supported or already taken up by my existing Google systems. For users who are more deeply entrenched in the Amazon and Alexa suite, having it more portable in HTC’s smartphone is likely a big deal but for everyone else, it will probably sit.

Aside from all that, HTC Sense remains very familiar. It provides the Blinkfeed to the left of the homescreens, a feed that aggregates not only news but also social media activity into one easy to scroll area. Blinkfeed is a really good alternative to Google Now that requires a little extra setup – when signing into any social media network, signing into the version made for Blinkfeed is required.

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Sense is also one of the cleaner versions of Android, and it provides some room for customization through a themes engine that has a large amount of contributors. Users can change the icon set, the colors, and even move into a fully customizable version of the homescreen interface that does not adhere to a grid. When you need a refresh of HTC Sense, the theme store is easy to access and is actually pretty powerful.

That is all powered by the Snapdragon 630, which should already tell you what kind of performance to expect from here. Though it might play a little bit of catch up to flagship device, it really isn’t all that far behind. 3GB of RAM backs that up with a microSD card slot for expanding the 32GB of storage in my review unit. And as far as battery life goes, a pretty average 4.5 hours of SoT was achieved on most days using the 2600mAh unit.

Sense looks pretty great on this 5.2 inch Full HD LCD display that actually pumps out some good colors and is still plenty sharp for daily reading experiences. The visual appeal somewhat falters under the larger bezels that give way to mainly a fingerprint reader because there are no front facing speakers on this device.

The rest of the body is made of plastic but does have the colorful HTC backing that they have used on other U11 devices – the phone doesn’t scream premium by any means, but HTC has found a way of mitigating that as there is a IP67 certification for water and dust resistance. So, even if it doesn’t feel like the strongest phone out there, it can handle more than it lets on.

Heading down to the bottom of the device, the awkward placement of the USB-C port is almost a throwback to old HTC phones, but it reveals even more of an issue for the audio experience. The single bottom firing speaker gets pretty loud and doesn’t sound all that great, but there is a pair of high quality USB-C headphones included in the box. These USonic compatible earphones work with the audio settings to cater the listening experience to the user’s ear profile, which is something we have seen in previous HTC flagships. Thankfully, the headphones turn out to be very enjoyable, with good bass and volume. These are certainly better than pretty much any other headphones that might be included in smartphone boxes.

But the USB-C connector makes them proprietary, and the biggest bummer of the U11 Life audio experience is thus not just the lack of a headphone jack, but the lack of an included adapter. Users have to buy an adapter straight from HTC, which I feel is an unneeded extra cost on top of an already accessible price point. And if you have other USB-C adapters, they might not work with the proprietary data connection that HTC uses. If you get this phone because of its price, make sure you get the adapter as soon as possible, but if you are comfortable with using the included headphones almost exclusively, at least they sound quite great.

And finally, we can talk about the camera, which I wanted to spend a little more time with because HTC did not skimp out on them. 16MP shooters are found on either side of this device at f/2.0 aperture, which is impressive for an affordable phone. No, there is no dual camera, but that doesn’t mean the camera quality suffers. In fact, the camera is an impressive performer. In good lighting conditions, the HTC U11 Life has proven itself as a reliable companion because of its good color reproduction and sharpness in all but low light situations. Things do fall apart pretty easily in even indoor situations where there is less light, but with a steady hand users can get some good photos – we mean steady because there is no OIS installed on here.

I compared pictures between the this and the original U11 and found there to be issues mainly in the low light shots – in good conditions, it’s impressed to see how HTC managed to provide comparable quality shots. All that really holds the Life back is the higher aperture and the lack of OIS, which change proportionately affect the comparison. The front facing camera yielded very similar results, though, as the specs are exactly the same.

The only real qualm we have with the camera experience is app, which is expectedly bogged down by the lower specifications. It does have some shutter lag and is slower than its flagship brethren – so, it will require a little bit of patience and fiddling to get the best possible photo, but at least the end product has been given quite a lot of attention.

2017 was a really busy year for high-end and niche devices that pack so much in an expensive package, so it is refreshing to approach the end of the year on a high note struck by a phone that costs only $349. That could be $12 a month if you are using payment plans on the T-Mobile network or $300 outright, which is pretty incredible. There are other phones that are around this price point but I don’t believe that they quite provide the complete package that HTC has managed with their U11 Life.

And so, there you have it – the HTC U11 Life. It should be obvious that this package is not going to please the power users or the spec hungry, but I can personally tell you that using this as my daily hasn’t brought any major problems. My scores are just a bit below Kris Carlon’s review of the Android One edition, which is mainly due to my more critical view of the camera and the fact that HTC Sense, while spartan, is not as smooth or snappy as the ultra-minimalistic Android One software. But no matter which one you can pick (if you even have the choice), the main story here is the phone’s value for the money. HTC has simply made a midrange version of their flagship device that shouldn’t actually make anyone feel like they’re missing out.

HTC U11 LifeDisplay5.2-inch Super LCD 1,920 x 1,080 resolution 424 ppi Corning Gorilla Glass 3ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 630 Mobile Platform Octa-coreRAMNA: 3 GB Global: 3 / 4 GBStorageNA: 32 GB Global: 32 / 64 GBMicroSDYes, up to 2 TBCamerasMain camera: 16 MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture, PDAF, slow-motion video, 4K video recording

Front camera: 16 MP fixed focus sensor with f/2.0 aperture, 1080p video recording

Battery2,600 mAh Non-removable Power saving mode NA: Extreme power saving modeSensorsEdge Sensor Ambient light sensor Proximity sensor Motion G-sensor Compass sensor Gyro sensor Magnetic sensor Fingerprint sensor Sensor Hub for activity trackingConnectivityUSB Type-C (2.0) Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 & 5 GHz) NFC HTC Connect Streaming media from the phone to compatible AirPlay, Chromecast, DLNA, and Miracast devicesNetwork2G/2.5G GSM/GPRS/EDGE - 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

3G UMTS - 850/900/AWS/1900/2100 MHz - HSDPA 42, HSUPA 5.76

4G LTE - FDD: Bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,12,13,17,20,28, 66 with 2CA, 3CA - Support Cat 9 LTE: downloads up to 450Mbps, uploads up to 50Mbps - VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling (where supported)

SIMNanoSoundHTC USonic with Active Noise Cancellation High resolution audio recording Hi-Res audio certifiedIP ratingIP67SoftwareNA: Android 7.1 Nougat with HTC Sense (Oreo expected in November) HTC Edge Sense HTC Sense Companion Google Assistant Amazon Alexa

Global: Android 8.0 Oreo HTC Edge Sense Google Assistant

Dimensions and weight149.09 x 72.9 x 8.1 mm 142 g

How do you feel about the HTC U11 Life? Let us know in the comments below!

Source

https://www.androidauthority.com/htc-u11-life-review-811862/

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d-a-v-i-d-j-o-n-e-s · 7 years

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Cloudy Skies and Ruthless Thoughts | Chapter 6 | Finale |

Rated M for Depressive Themes Trigger Warnings: Depression

Featuring David Bowie at one of the lower draughts of his life, swallowed up in a mental abyss. All he needs is an anchor, will someone throw it?

—————————–

When David returned he came holstering both drinks in either hand safely, balancing two plates on his forearms daringly, smiling slightly as he came stepping in slowly, coming to sit down next to her, placing the plates down with the mugs.

“I’m not sure what you prefer on toast so..”

He had a tray with a selection of toppings, jams, pate, spreads.

Amaris looked and picked up a jar of strawberry jam, taking up a knife and starting to spread it upon the toast generously, before taking a big bite and sipping her coffee. He opted for a sweeter breakfast himself, going for his favourite, porridge oats with honey, and other syrups, topped with blueberries and raspberries. He was quick to tuck into the meal, which he had made himself for once. His whole aura had shifted since yesterday, he had shaved, dressed up in more than just his over-worn and under-washed bathrobe. His cleaner was silently, and quietly shocked as she swept round them and cleaned up the place. It was mostly maintenance work after the first few weeks of working for him. He had areas he didn’t let her touch, purely for the layout he had.

“Sarah?”

He called after her and she popped her head round as she’d just disappeared into the hall to continue sweeping.

“Yes, David?”

She looked worried for a moment, his polite tone rattled her because he was usually quite gruff and sometimes he plain ignored her presence as he walked around with his eyes against the ground. It was how he’d been since she started working here. There were odd moments when she got a conversation out of him, but mostly, he only called upon her to fret about something she’d done that she shouldn’t have, or generally, she expected something negative.

“Could you clean out the other rooms too, all of them, please.”

David asked softly, smiling to her, to which she smiled back and nodded.

“I won’t move anything you don’t watch touching.”

He placed his empty bowl down and shook his head.

“I want everything organised, if you would? I don’t mind, it needs doing, I’m going to be using the office space later, so if it’s too much, then at least do the office first, and the studio space. I’ll pay you extra for that, I want it maintained too.”

He said confidently, it was a big step for him, he hadn’t been in there in probably, well, admitting it to himself as it seemed an awfully short time, a year or more already. He’d declined and remained down for that time. There had been so little going on. He’d been so down he’d pushed everyone away, no company, no work, no purpose.

Sarah seemed really surprised but she nodded eagerly and took in everything he said, going back to her sweeping, at a faster pace, now she knew that she didn’t have to draw out her tasks just to justify the generous wage he paid her. He was fair on the people that came round to do little tasks. Very fair considering the minimum wage he was required to pay them. He almost tripled that. It had been a right task flicking through the endless amounts of applications. He had to find somebody that was good enough, but also unassuming, and not there purely because it was him, to be nosey, or do something else. He didn’t need anyone coming to thieve his possessions, like he’d once had to fire one of his staff for doing. Being so high profile meant the vetting process was rough, and picked them apart quite heavily. So he paid them off for their discretion, their respect of his need for privacy.

Amaris finished her breakfast and her coffee whilst David was upstairs instructing the cleaner around the rooms he wanted cleaning, even stepping in there for the first time after so long felt good. He was already showing a change in colour, just after this encounter, all he needed was a friend, or somebody to talk to. But most of the friends he already had were in showbiz. He didn’t want the fuss or the gossip from them. He needed normal people, so he could be a normal person, and have none of the other fuss with it.

“I’m going to head home and change and stuff. What time are we meeting?”

Amaris asked as she collected her coat, slipping on her shoes.

“As soon as you’re ready, here, call me when you’re ready.”

He produced a little business card, blank with his number scribbled across it. She took it and tucked it into her pocket, smiling and feeling surprised when he suddenly came to hug her, kissing her cheek and opening up the door for her, holding it.

“Thank you, for what you did, and for putting up with me.”

He said in short, for what he felt, he was more than thankful but he couldn’t quite put it into words. He was still wondering how he was still here today, but then, he had her to thank for that. Though he still had progress to make, towards stabilising, he was putting his foot down today, a complete switch of attitude from everything else he’d grown used to over the year. Clearing out his office and studio for use, going out in public, shaving away his matted beard, dressing up. He was making a step towards finding himself again, all was not lost.

Hours passed and just after lunchtime, they met up outside of the gallery, as arranged. David had changed into a flashy suit, especially tailored for him by one of his favourite designers, Alexander McQueen. He was late, by twenty minutes. After speaking to her on the phone and arranging for two thirty, he’d ended up there just before three, swiftly approaching her and apologising immediately.

“I’m so sorry, I lost track of time and I… to be quite honest, I couldn’t decide which tie to wear.”

He smiled nervously, he was out in public, wearing shades and a hat to hide his identity somewhat. But people knew him regardless, he’d already been pointed at, and had heads turn on his way down. David rushed Amaris in the door because he didn’t want to be spotted, he’d rather do without the hassle. Especially if the paps showed up. It’d be a big headline for them considering they hadn’t spotted him in a year, he never went out.

Inside the gallery, it was huge, open spaces plastered in both local, and famous works. His eyes lit up, darting left right and center, he didn’t know quite where to begin but he took Amaris’ hand confidently and guided her towards each piece.

“Ah. Monet. No wonder the price tag looked enormous.”

He smiled, and lead her round the works one by one, talking enthusiastically about each and every one. Was there a single artist in here he didn’t know? He was explaining his take on the pieces, his favourites, and really getting into it too. Amaris was fascinated, just nodding and occasionally humming in agreement. She only knew some, and even then, she would hardly be able to get a word in, as he rambled away about it all, like he’d been waiting for the opportunity to share it for years.

“You really know you’re stuff, I mean wow, I’m just.. I’m sorry I’ve been so quiet, I don’t even know what to say, you know so much, I feel small in comparison.”

Amaris laughed when he finally paused, and she got a word in. He beamed at her and shook his head.

“Nonsense, you’ve got a good eye for art. I’m just in my element here, I love the galleries.”

They had made their way round each and every piece in the entire place, David had been tempted to purchase a few but they were all hefty prices. This was a particularly high profile gallery which is why she’d never been in. Even the tickets to visit it were too dire for her average wage. She’d have to justify it somehow, because otherwise, she’d just been tempted but never found the chance to courage up to going in.

Months passed. Their friendship only blossomed, David called her everyday, for the days when he didn’t see her. Telling her all the details, inviting her round to listen to his new project, an album in it’s early stages. He was back to work, and still on track to remain that way. He still had a few moments in between, but he wasn’t going back on a bridge’s edge again.

“I have a date tonight.”

He sat down in front of her, they had arranged to meet in a local cafe, to have coffee and cake and chat as they usually did. They had their favourite spots, and they were in between galleries, museums and cafes.

The first thing he said made her grin.

“Wow.. really?”

She beamed, and he nodded, smirking proudly, his first date in a long time. He thought he was too old to date, but just recently, he’d regained his confidence enough to step back out there and search again. He had decided to try online dating, after Amaris’ recommendation, she sat with him and set him up a profile and everything, helping him find his way around it.

Looks like her handiwork had paid off.

“Yes, at eight, in a rather posh restaurant, oh, I must say..”

David put on a posh accent with a quirked brow, making her giggle.

“Good. You deserve it.”

“I guess so. She’s really nice, and ugh.. Gorgeous.”

He gushed, smiling to himself, he was clearly very fond of whomever he’d gotten talking to. Which would end up being his wife, of twenty four years. And the true love of his life.

Amaris didn’t see as much of him after that, occasional meetups, but mostly letters, or phone calls. Which lasted hours, they chattered away like best mates, about anything and everything. He kept her informed on his goings, but only in brief terms, privacy and all. He didn’t want to get ahead of himself but...

It had only been about six months since he had started dating, and one morning when she went to fetch her mail, she couldn’t help but notice a particularly fancy looking envelope. She took it to her coffee table and kicked back, ripping it open delicately, and slipping a card out, an invitation.

To a wedding. His wedding...

- Finished -

#cloudy skies and ruthless thoughts #chapter 6 #fanfiction #david bowie #amaris #oc amaris #depressive themes #depression tw #new york #dating #wedding #finished #finale #final #final chapter

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princesslov27 · 7 years

Text

Heart of Earth Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Hanging Around Gym

Jasoslava then proceeded to give her two things to do while on the couch. She started off easy, purposely taking notes while watching the TV. Tasmin did her best but it was hard. She didn't stop though. The girl had to be able to do this. Tasmin worked hard. She knew that she could do it. She just had to push herself. Jasoslava smiles at that. Back at the garage it was finally lunchtime. Gyeong walked over and took from Donny her bag and a picnic blanket, laying it out and setting out various lunch boxes with each person's name on it. The guys smile and sat down. She grins. She had spent hours making sure all the food was just right. Junhyung and Dongwoon grabbed their special hot sauce and added it to their lunch. She looks at them and shrugs. She'd created a hot sauce for their chili that had melted the spoon when she'd stirred it. But if they were happy, that was all. The guys at the food happily. It was just right. She looks over at the others to see if they were happy. They are eating up the food so it was good. She grins, happy they liked it. Especially Gikwang and Yoseob. Donny had brought his own lunch and was eating it. She smiles. Donny was the first to finish and went back to keeping an eye on things. She ate hers slowly. Gikwang finished and went to go help a customer that had come to pick up his car. She watches him. She would need to help him dress differently sometimes. Wait what was she thinking? After Gikwang was done he returned to the garage to work. She got up and went to him. Gikwang gave her a little smile.

"Need something?"

“No I’m done so what can I do?”

"Do you know how to change the oil in a car?"

“Yoseob just taught me.”

"Aw, then the green camry and the three mini coopers need their oil changed.”

She nods and went over to do so. Gikwang opened up the hood of a Lexus and got to work. She wasn’t super happy but she did it. Gikwang didn't notice. To him it was work. She went over and stuck her oily hands on his back after she was done.

"All done?" He asked.

“Yup. All done.”

“Double check the water on those cars then and make sure they are filled up.”

“Yes S.B.”

He chuckled a little. She walks off, moving her hips enticingly. Gikwang shook his head. She was something else. She checked the water and filled it up. The other guys started to join them. She went back to working with Yoseob. Yoseob grins at her, happy to work with her some more. She knew Gikwang was too busy for her and the other guys didn’t appeal like Yoseob.

“What’s with the change in bodyguard?” Yoseob asked. “Something going on?”

“Nothing I want to believe in.”

“Oh…”

“Someone I don’t know said one of you guys would kill me.”

“Eh? What?”

“Yeah you heard it. And so Hakim threatened to not let me come here unless Donny or him or Maria was watching me.”

“Why would we do such a thing? That is ridiculous.”

“Hakim trusts her apparently.”

“And you don’t?”

“No. As you said, you guys killing me would be ridiculous.”

“It is, but Hakim must have a reason to believe her.”

She shrugs.

“You didn’t ask him?”

“No. He’s not even my bodyguard. He’s Great Grandma’s.”

Yoseob nods. She sighs and went back to learning. He smiles and happily worked with her. She got dirty and didn’t care. Yoseob smiles, not many girls would want to do this job. The next day she came in wearing a completely spotless suit. It looked exactly the same but was spotless which didn’t make sense. Yoseob blinked.

“How’d you get the stain outs?”

She smirks. “Now now, that is... not true at all. Why should I worry about getting out stains that won’t easily come out. I know there are ways to do it, I’ve had dresses cleaned with awful stains, but why do that when I could give away my used outfits at the end of the show?”

“You threw out your outfit?”

“No. I put it in a box for when someone wins it.”

“Oh….”

“But I did consider that option in the beginning,” she replies as she went to grab her work tools.

He nods.

“What are you going to do with the money?”

She blinks. “Oh... yeah I did consider selling them too but... that would get too competitive and crazy expensive fast. I did that once with a pair of shoes I didn’t want to wear anymore and they sold for more than four times as much as I paid for them, and that had been over $25,000 and I heard that at one point the system had shut down with the amount of bids on it. A fair competition to win the outfits is what they get.”

“Aw…”

She smiles.

“That’s pretty ridiculous if your shoes went for over $25,000.”

“Um.... no. They went for over $100,000. I bought them for $25,000.”

“Oh, wow that’s insane. “

She laughs.

"Really, who would spend That much on shoes?"

She tilts her head.

"It just seems like a lot."

"Not to me."

"I guess not."

She smiles at him and then got to work. Yoseob smiles and got back to his own work. She looked at them as Doojoon was talking with the producer. The guys got a message from Doojoon.

“The producer wants us to do things with her out of work too.”

“Cool!” Yoseob sent back.

“Why? That’s gonna be a pain,” Junhyung replied.

“Because if nothing interesting happens we won’t get much screen time.”

“Oh I could make something happen, they just would hate it.” Junhyung said.

“If you hurt the girl I’m going to put you in Russia for an hour.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Good.”

“And I’d hide in a volcano before I let you put me in Russia.”

“You’d better stay there if you even think of hurting the girl.”

“Wae? You got a crush on her?”

“No. She’s under my protection the moment I signed the contract that’s wae.”

“Uhuh.”

He switched to a chat with only five of them, without Gikwang. “After all, if you can’t tell the child has a crush on Gikwang, you’d be an idiot.”

“I can tell, everyone gets a crush on him. One look at him in a tank top and they all fall head over heels for him.”

“Only Gikwang never notices.”

“Cuz he’s too into his cars.”

“He can’t marry a car. Or have relations with one.”

“Yes, I know.”

Doojoon went back to the first chat. “Gikwang, where should we go?”

“Coffee I guess. Nothing that would take too long. We still have work to do.”

“What about at night?”

“You know what I do at night. I’m not sacrificing that.”

“Gikwang, one night. You should hang out with humans anyway and going clubbing won’t hurt you. And we’re going, even if I have to drag you. Actually that gives me an idea,” he says and sent a smirking emoticon before putting his phone away and walking over to Gyeong and whispering in her ear and her whole face lit up.

Gikwang groaned. He liked flying high into the sky and getting some nice cleaner air. Down here on the ground it was too stuffy, at least above the clouds it was a little better. Doojoon shot him a glare. Gikwang flashed his eyes at him from under the car. He rolls his eyes.

“You two always fight,” Yoseob said.

“That’s because I look at it as we’re here on Earth, we need to fit in and expand our business and Gikwang sees it as, we’re here till we’re cleared and then we’re out of here and there’s no point in getting to know people because humans have such short lives.”

“That and you know it’s harder on him than the rest of us. We can go to areas that are best for us if we need to. He can’t. It’s too polluted here.”

“Hyunseung doesn’t complain. But yes it’s gotten quite polluted. Although I think it’s ironic that we have a garage since cars are one of the major pollutants.”

“Yes but he likes the mechanics of the cars.”

“That’s true.”

“He’ll come around.”

“Well even if he doesn’t we’ll have a fun bit thanks to our lil protege.”

“True.”

“And lots of video of something that I will laugh at for centuries to come.”

“If we’re here for centuries.”

“We’ve already been so, so why wouldn’t we?”

“Things just seem to be getting more serious back home so we may be able to return when it’s all over.”

Doojoon nodded.

“It would be nice to go home.”

“I suppose.”

“You don’t want to?”

“No. There’s an insane dictator back at home for me.”

“Unless they win the war.”

He gave a half smile.

“It could happen.”

“I hope.”

“We all do.”

He then went back to work. The rest of them did as well. Although Gikwang hadn’t stopped working. Gyeong couldn’t stop grinning the rest of the day. Around five Gikwang took a few phone calls while the others got changed. Gyeong went over and took his hand.

“Need something?”

“You,” she replies and pulls him along to her limo.

Gikwang blinked.

“Me, what for?”

She grins as they drove and then she pulled him out at a high end store.

“Because we’re going shopping.”

“Uh...okay, you weren’t gonna let me change first?”

"Why? You'll be wearing the outfits in the end."

"So I don't ruin whatever I touch."

She looks at him and then took out her kit and found the hand cleaners and began to clean his hands. He took the cleaner and cleaned his own hands.

"Thanks."

"Of course," she replies before pulling him out and into the store beginning to search for the stuff he'd want.

Gikwang looked around a bit. He usually didn't buy high end clothes. He had no use for them. An attendant brought him to the changing room where clothes already were waiting for him. Gikwang could tell he wouldn't win so he started to change. She waited outside excitedly. After a bit he came out wearing the outfit. Gyeong was wearing a sexy dress and looked him over.

"You look nice."

She grins. "Thanks, I think so too."

He laughed a bit.

“Now let’s go have fun.”

"Okay.."

She pulled him along again, only stopping to swipe her card and sign for the entire outfit before she left with him changing into her own outfit in the limo as they drove.

"I can pay for my own."

"So?"

"So...what?"

"Exactly. So what?"

“You didn’t have to pay for me.”

“And I did.”

“Still.”

“Pay me back another time.”

“Okay..”

She put on her strapless dress and then her heels. He smiles at her, she looked nice. She smiles back. This was gonna be so much fun. He sighed a little, well there was no getting out of this now.

“Ah I hear a resigned sigh. Cool.”

He laughed a little. She then took off her bra and thong, before sliding out as the limo stopped. By now the fans had figured out where she was and were eager to snap photos as they got out. She was able to not let them see her private areas and she signed things. Gikwang did his best to stay out of the photos but she knew that her with an unknown man would make the fans curious. She didn’t say anything. Gikwang got into the car while she was signing autographs. She glares and went back and brought him out dragging him into the club. He groaned inwardly but followed her in. The guys and the crew waved to them. Gikwang shot Doojoon a glare. He was gonna pay for making him stay in this stuffy place. Doojoon hands him a drink.

“Be fun.”

“The air is too stuffy,” he grumbled.

“That means you’re doing it right. Ooo, look, some girls checking you out. Go play nice,” Doojoon responds pushing him in the direction.

“No it doesn’t!”

“Shut up.”

Gikwang glowered at him. Doojoon would pay for this. Seriously. The air in here was TERRIBLE. Doojoon left him with the girls and went to go get his own drinks and watch everyone. The other guys were having a blast. Although Hyunseung, like Gikwang, didn’t like the air in the club. It was difficult to deal with. Gyeong was shaking up the club. At the same time, Ilhoon had come in the club to check it out. Gikwang and Hyunseung spotted him and gave him a small polite bow. His eyes lit up and he grins. Alexis showed her ID at the door and stepped into the club. The Midnight Moon was a club that allowed minors until midnight, after that it was exclusively for people nineteen and over. Ilhoon saw her from across the room and tried to find a way to hide. The girl was kinda.... Hard to approach. Alexis smiled at the bar keeper and he gave her the usual non-alcoholic drink she ordered. Ilhoon went over and stood with Gikwang and Hyunseung.

“Exploring the city?” Hyunseung asked.

“And the competition.”

Hyunseung chuckled.

“Wouldn’t that be your brother? Most of the guys here are not looking for a bride, they’re looking for a hook up.”

“Different competition. The business. But yes looking for a bride here might not work out so well.”

“Aw, that competition.”

“All depends on what you’re looking for in a bride. A few girls are just here to have fun and meet people.”

He nods slowly.

"How is your place going" hyunseung asked.

“Nearly finished.”

“Aw, that’s good.”

“It is indeed.”

“Make sure you get a good air purifier, or else it’s gonna be horrible.”

"Seems like it."

“Yeah, that’s the main reason I don’t go to clubs”

"Well I'll search for a good air purifier."

“Good. You wouldn’t be able to stand your own place if you don’t.”

He nods at that.

“And that’s why Gikwang is in such a foul mood.”

“I see...”

“I’m not in a foul mood.”

“I’m sorry friend but it does seem that way.”

Gikwang glared at Hyunseung.

“You’re the one threatening Doojoon.”

“And he’s the one pushing things.”

“You wouldn’t have come if he hadn’t. Even if all of us had asked you nicely or begged you on our knees you wouldn’t have come. And what does that say to all of the people watching? That you aren’t a part of our group. You barely hang out with us at work, you don’t help us or Gyeong, you basically look like a one track mind jerk. You never hear Gyeong when she asks things, you never help us train her, the only time the two of you are together on screen besides when she makes us lunch is the second day when you were giving her orders. And hanging out with us, oh no, that doesn’t happen. Besides lunch. But you eat your lunch, don’t talk with us, and get right back to work.”

“I hang out with you guys, I just prefer not to do it on TV. They always twist things. And need I remind you that she is only at the garage as part of a show. She’ll be gone in a few weeks.”

"I don't think so. She adores us."

“Yeah……”

Hyunseung chuckles.

“So, found anyone you’re interested in yet?” Gikwang asked Ilhoon.

“I’ve found a girl I need to avoid because she hates me.”

“Wow, you’ve only been here a week and you’ve already managed to make someone hate you?”

“Every time she sees me she freaks out.”

“How did you get that reaction out of her?”

“It started off with me trying to be nice by giving her and her friend a jewel each. They shot it down and called me a thief. Then the next time I saw her she called me a thief again. And then the third time she ran screaming away from me after I helped her.”

“You gave her a jewel? No wonder she called you a thief. People don’t just walk around with jewels here. Did you help her while in your true form?”

“No.”

“Aw, well that’s good.”

He sighs. Gikwang gave him a little pat.

“Perhaps her opinion will change.”

“It’d be nice.”

“You interested in her?”

“Uh.... no.... maybe.... I don’t know.”

Gikwang chuckles.

“Well you’ve got time to figure it out.”

“Yeah it probably won’t be her so just make sure to keep staying where you are.”

“What, scared she’ll see you?”

“Yes since she just walked in.”

“You know this is the first time I think that you’ve ever been scared of a girl.”

“On an emotional level, she’s terrifying.”

“Probably cuz she’s the first girl who’s ever said no to you.”

He sighs a little. “Well that is true.”

“It’ll be interesting to see what women you’ll be able to find.”

“I don’t get women here.”

“What don’t ya get?”

“Everything.”

“Okay so give me an example, or ask me a question. I’ve been here long enough to know about the women here.”

“You mean you’ve slept with enough of them,” Hyunseung said.

“I don’t know Gikwang. You’re a great friend but I’ve never heard of you in an actual relationship.”

"That's cuz I don't wanna get attached. Girls cause too much drama."

"Do you like guys then?"

"No!"

Ilhoon slowly nods.

"Jeez, why would you think that?"

"Because you just said you don't like women."

"I'm not interested in any of the women here."

"Ah."

He gave a little smile.

"Anyway you're a good shield so just keep it that way."

Gikwang chuckled a little. He kept an eye on where Alexis was. She chatted with the bartender and then started to mingle. He kept himself at an angle around Gikwang that was not in her view. Gikwang chuckled a little but didn’t say anything. Then he glanced over at who the girl was.

“Wait, it’s Alexis?” He laughed.

“Yeah so?”

“Go figure. She’s a friend and regular at the garage.”

“Eh?”

“That’s true. I always wonder why she never applied to the garage,” Hyunseung replies.

“Cuz she doesn’t know much about cars. She comes in for every little thing,” Gikwang said with a laugh.

Hyunseung nods. “Also true.”

Alexis spotted Hyunseung and Gikwang and grins. She finished her conversation with the guys that she was talking with and headed over. Ilhoon grimaces and tried to slowly get away. Gikwang grabbed his hand.

“Come on, she’s nice. You just got off on the wrong foot.”

“I don’t think so my friend.”

“And what would the others say if they heard you were scared of a seventeen year old girl?”

He sighs and put on a fake smile. Alexis smiles at the guys.

“Fancy meeting you two here. Especially Gikwang oppa. You never come to clubs.”

“Yes well Doojoon dragged me along,” he said with a little chuckle.

“And he’s planning on killing Doojoon for it.”

“He’d have to beat Doojoon first, Doojoon is just as strong.”

“True. Isn’t it Gikwang?” Hyunseung responds with a laugh.

Ilhoon was just glad she wasn’t noticing him. Then she spotted Ilhoon.

“What? Avoiding me now? How do you guys know him?”

“I thought you were avoiding me. You ran away. And hit me. And accused me of being psycho and a thief,” he responds angrily.

“You were following me in the dead of night. How does that not make you a creep?”

“I was not. Someone else did and I defeated him.”

“Huh?”

He rolls his eyes. “Never mind.”

“Ilhoon is an old friend,” Gikwang told her. “He’s new to Korea so he’s not used to the way things are here. He may seem….” Gikwang paused and glanced at Ilhoon. “Well...odd but he’s perfectly harmless.”

Ilhoon sighs. Gikwang gave him a wink.

“He’s Gikwang’s friend. I knew of him but hadn’t really met him before,” Hyunseung replies.

“Aw…”

“How did you guys become friends?”

“I kept going to the garage to get my car fixed. I’m terrible with cars.”

Ilhoon opened his mouth and then saw Hyunseung’s face and closes it giving a little nod. He didn’t know what that was but obviously he was supposed to know.

“Yeah, you can’t even change a flat,” Gikwang teased.

“Not my fault, I’m too busy with my jobs to try and figure it out.”

Ilhoon nods a little.

“You work too much. What is it now? Three, four jobs?”

“Well I got a new one, so four. If it works out well I may be able to only have one.”

Ilhoon looked at her as if she was crazy.

“Well I hope it works out,” Gikwang said.

“Me too. You deserve a break. How do you even manage that with high school?” Hyunseung asks.

“Easy, work early mornings and late nights. Days on the weekend.”

“And when exactly do you sleep?” Ilhoon and Hyunseung asked in unison.

"After work. Sometimes during lunch."

They look at her worried.

“What?”

"That doesn't sound like a lot of sleep time."

“I get enough.”

"Well if you say so."

"I do. Besides I can always get little cat naps here and there."

They give half smiles.

“So what are you all drinking? I can’t wait until I’m twenty and then I get to drink.”

“I haven't gotten a drink yet," Ilhoon admits.

"One of the 'girl drinks' as people call them with all the amazing alcohol content."

“Aw, I hear the casmo is good.”

"It really is."

She nods. A little jealous. Well she didn’t get the drinks yet but she still liked coming to the club. Ilhoon studied her.

“What? Have something on my face?”

"No."

“Uh….okay.”

"Just amazed you are fine with me."

She chuckled.

“If you were up to something Gikwang and Hyunseung would stop you.”

"I've never been up to anything... I'm just looking for my bride."

“Bride? What are you, twenty? You’re either still in college or only got a two year degree. A little early in your life to get married.”

Actually he was 50 cycles but.... “No, I’m not 20.”

“Okay well ya look it.”

Gikwang held back a laugh. Ilhoon was younger than he was by five cycles but in human form they looked the same age. Ilhoon gave a half smile.

“I was under the impression I looked 25.”

“That’s a stretch.”

“Oh.”

“Maybe, maybe twenty-two.”

He gives her a smile.

“Got it.”

“You going to the basketball game on Sunday? Or are you not gonna be able to be on the team this time?”

“Huh?” Ilhoon asks.

“I can make it,” Hyunseung replies. “Gikwang?”

“As long as we get no really old cars I should be able to make it. The other guys aren’t as good as me when it comes to old cars.”

“Then you’d better pray there isn’t any. Once Gikwang sets his eyes on something he doesn’t stop,” Ilhoon replies.

Hyunseung and Alexis chuckled.

“Of course, he’s always like that. And not just with cars. Women too.”

“Yeah he’d have to find a woman.”

“He does all the time.”

“You’re joking right? Oh wait I see.... It’s not a relationship he’s after.... It’s what is supposed to happen in one.”

“Haven’t you heard of a one night stand?”

“It’s quite common amongst warriors and commoners I’ve heard.”

"Commoners?"

He blinks. “Isn’t that what it is?”

"Nobody is a commoner."

He scratches his head. Then what was the word?

“Everyone is just a regular person. Unless you’re a celebrity or something like that.”

“Regular?”

“Yeah, regular.”

“I.... see...”

“I don’t think you do, but whatever.”

He looks down. He couldn’t refute her. She was correct. Gikwang gave him a little pat. Yes Ilhoon had much to learn about Earth but they’d all gone through it. He’d figure it out fast enough. Ilhoon gave him a smile. Alexis glanced at the time.

“Well looks like my break is over. See you Saturday guys.”

Ilhoon and Hyunseung wave. Gikwang ruffled her hair a little and Alexis gave him a slight shove as she left. Ilhoon felt a little jealous but didn’t say it.

“Gikwang was never a playboy around you?” Hyunseung asked.

“No way.”

“Aw, well he is here.”

“Oh wow. Well then Gikwang. I guess you like the challenge without the commitment.”

Gikwang nods.

“And it’s pretty common here.”

“It was pretty common back in Elufma too. Just not for royals.”

“True..”

“You just weren’t like that.”

“Yeah, but here all that is unknown. It’s kinda nice to be a nobody.”

“Yes I suppose that’s true. And you probably aren’t looking for a life partner here.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Is.... making love nice?”

“It’s pretty good. Of course it would be so much better if I could be myself. But at least this way I won’t get the girl pregnant.”

“Oh? Really?”

“I hope you mean you’re using protection. As we’ve found out, our DNA can mix,” Hyunseung responds as he points to Gyeong.

“Of course I do.”

Ilhoon blinks.

“What?”

“Protection? And who is she?”

“Protection as in taking steps to make sure the girl doesn’t get pregnant.”

“You can do such a thing? I thought there was only the constant lovemaking to ensure she got pregnant.”

“I’m not trying to get the girl pregnant.”

“Ah...”

“Yeah.”

He gives a half smile. Gikwang gave a little smile. Doojoon came over and hands Gikwang another drink. It was Gikwang’s favorite and he grinned as he took it. Doojoon chuckles.

“You always know what I like.”

“Indeed, except who you’ll settle down with.”

“Nobody.”

“Oh? Really? You plan on never leaving a legacy of any kind?”

“Not here, if I want to leave one I might consider adopting.”

“I wasn’t talking about her I was talking about in general.”

“If I make it back home then yeah, I’ll settle down.”

Doojoon chuckles. “Well you adopting a child wouldn’t be bad. Would let you look after more than yourself.”

“I look after you guys plenty. Who drives you home when you all get drunk? Mmm? Mmm?”

“Tonight that’ll be Gyeong’s limo driver.”

“Yeah, but not most nights.”

“True.”

Gikwang gave a little smile. Gyeong was enjoying herself, maybe a little too much. Gikwang shook his head. She was trouble. Doojoon looks at him.

“What?”

“Just look at her. She’s gonna get drunk before the night is out.”

“Ah.... yeah I already told the bartender to only give her soda drinks now.”

“Yeah, trouble.”

“You like trouble.”

“What? No.”

“Yes you do. You like the most troublesome cars and women.”

“Cars are completely different.”

“Not really.”

“That’s your opinion.”

“Yes I see. It’s because cars don’t talk back to you.”

“And they don’t have crazy emotions.”

"Oh please. You're more emotional than any woman."

“I am NOT!”

Doojoon laughs at that. Gikwang gave him a little shove. He chuckles and took another sip of his own drink. Gikwang finished his own drink.

"You need another?"

“Nope I’m good.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I don’t drink as much as you.”

Doojoon rolls his eyes. "I drink responsibly."

“For what you are yes, not for a human.”

He chuckles at that.

“Lucky for you no one has pulled you over for DUI.”

"I don't drink and drive."

��You do, just not when you’re drunk by our standards.”

He rolls his eyes. Gikwang gave a little smile.

“If I am not drunk I can drive.”

“Uh huh.”

"You fly drunk."

“No I don’t!”

He laughs.

“It would be way too dangerous to do that.”

He laughs a little.

“I mean it.”

"Really?"

“Of course, it would be like driving while drunk.”

“You really need to relax.”

“I am relax.”

“Not really.”

“It is what it is.”

“I dare you to kiss our female member.”

“That can easily be arranged, but what ya give me for it?”

“I said dare not bet.”

“Oh, it would be so much more fun if it was a bet.”

“Fine we can make it a bet. I bet ya 10 K ya won’t do it. So what do you give me?”

“I’ll bet the same that I will.”

“Fair enough.”

“Then prepare to pay up,” He said as he handed Doojoon his empty glass and walked towards Gyeong.

Gyeong had just finished a dance and was at the bar getting another drink. Gikwang smiled at her.

“Looks like you’re having fun.”

“I am.”

“That’s good. You sure drink a lot though.”

“Not really. I know that Doojoon hasn’t let me have an alcoholic drink since my second one. And you.... What do you want Gikwang?”

“Doojoon is over protective as always,” He said and then gave her a kiss on the lips.

She went a little red and then she got mad and knees him. “I don’t like to be toyed with.”

Gikwang winced slightly but chuckled a little.

“It’s not funny. I will hurt you and I don’t care what powers you have,” she responds angrily.

“You’re here for fun, we’re just having fun.”

“So you think it’s fun to treat me like an easy object,” she responds with a snort.

“I didn’t say you were easy, I just like playing around.”

“Oh. Sure. You’re sooooo nice,” she responds sarcastically her anger activating her powers and water and other liquids shooting at him. She stormed off and outside, where it started to rain. Gikwang couldn’t help but laugh. She was feisty and cute. Doojoon laughs as well.

“That was worth $10,000. Priceless.”

“If you tell her you’ll owe me twice as much.”

“Oh? To pay you $20,000 I’d rather you at least got to third base. But you couldn’t do that with the way she feels about you now unless you raped her. Which I would put you down if she didn’t for. Although I’m sure you’d feel bad about it cuz that’s not you anyway.”

“Of course it’s not. I’d never rape a girl.”

“You are gonna have to apologize at some point though.”

“I will, after she cools off.”

He nods.

“Besides, if I just say that now she’ll still blow up at me. Again.”

“True.”

Gikwang nods. He knew how girls took things. Doojoon hands him back his drink cup. Gikwang smiles a little and took it.

"All transferred."

Gikwang chuckled a little.

"I should be the one who got the laugh, what are you laughing at?"

“Nothing”

He frowns a little.

“I’m fine.”

“That’s good.”

“You should worry about someone else.”

“Oh. Why?”

“Cuz I’m not one to cause trouble.”

“Yeah and?”

“So worry about someone else.”

“I worry about all of you, causing trouble or not.”

“Why? You’re not our dad.”

“Because it’s better than worrying about my son and daughter.”

“Still no word?”

“None.”

“I’m sorry. I know that’s hard.”

He nods.

“I guess I’m the lucky one then.”

“Why?”

“I don’t have anyone waiting for me.”

“That also makes you sad.”

Gikwang shrugged.

“It’s the way things are.”

“Yeah...”

“For now..it’s best not to get attached to Earth.”

“You mean you wouldn’t want to come visit?”

“No, that’s not what I meant.”

“Why can’t we get attached to Earth?”

“Think about it. If we’re able to go home things will be different. Say we come back in a month, our month, over a century will have passed. Everyone we knew will be dead and technology will be completely different.”

“And? That makes it exciting.”

“How is that exciting?”

“The thing I like about Earth is how much it can change in a short amount of time. How much it forces you to learn things and not keep idle. Back home nothing really ever changes.”

“You don’t like our ways?”

“I do. But nothing changes. It’s boring compared to Earth.”

“Well I’m sure you could change things.”

“How could we change anything? We’re just warriors.”

“Okay I could. You’re forgetting that Prince Ilhoon and I are good friends.”

“Point made.”

“But right now that is not the issue. The issue is the war.”

“Yeah...”

“Guess we’ll have to wait and see how it turns out.”

“Since we can’t participate.”

Gikwang nods. He sighs again.

“But it is what it is, we can’t do anything about it.”

“Unfortunately.”

“One day we’ll go back.”

“Thanks.”

“Of course.”

He took a deep breath.

“Well I’m heading back. I can’t stand it in here anymore.”

“Fine.”

Gikwang paid for his drinks and left. She was still standing in the rain.

“You want me to call you a cab?” Gikwang offered.

She looks at him.

“Wae? So you can try to seduce me in it?”

“No, I’m flying back to our place. The cab would just be for you.”

“Lucky...” she finally said.

He chuckled a little.

“It’s the best way to get any breathable air.”

“The air’s perfectly fine,” she responds in confusion.

“You must be joking.”

“Um.... no?”

“The air here is terrible. Very polluted.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, of course I am sure.”

“Oh...”

“That’s what I miss the most from home. Pure, clean, good air.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Not much anyone can do about it.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“So, would you like a cab?”

“The limo’s over there.”

“Oh..right. Then get in it before you catch a cold.”

She looks at him and slowly did so, though she’d never caught one before. He shut the door for her and then headed down an alley while the limo drove away. She enjoyed it. The club was a good twenty minutes away from the palace and when she arrived back it was passed midnight. She yawns a little and walked inside. Her maid met her just inside and lead her back to the bedroom. She smiles at that and undressed and snuggles up. The maid cleaned up the scattered clothes, put more wood on the fire and turned out the light before she left. She fell asleep quickly, enjoying herself. Gikwang flew high into the sky. Escaping the brightness of the city and the horrible air. She fell asleep wondering how he was doing. Gikwang flew for over an hour. He liked being able to fly. He got to go where most people couldn't. The guys eventually left. When they got back nobody was at the garage, Gikwang was still gone. The rest of them went to bed, Hyunseung went up into the sky like Gikwang. Up above the clouds the air was clear and was much better than the air below the clouds and close to the cities. Even still, while Hyunseung agreed the air was awful, he didn't agree that Earth was awful because of it. Gikwang was heading back when he saw Hyunseung and flew over to join him.

“Evening.”

#princess supernatural stories #Heart of Earth #B2ST #BtoB #highlight

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dammitadolfnomorecake · 5 years

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🏰⚔️🐲👑🐲 DMODT 62 update

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dammitadolfnomorecake · 5 years

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🏰⚔️👑🐲 DMODT 62 - update

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