#outside of that I have nothing about em but he’s technically like

[lord-prey]

Love spiral designs on monsters n armored folks

#he changes arm length at will #outside of that I have nothing about em but he’s technically like #based off a old spiral monster I made in the past #art #my art #drawing #draw #monster #creature #doodle #digital #digital art #monster art #spirals #monster design #creature design #monster boy #monster man #monster men

[amberlynnmurdock]

Blind Faith

Chapter 4: My Accomplice 

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Reader

Chapter Summary: The Devil of Hell's Kitchen makes you his accomplice. He doesn't like when you joke about danger.

A/N: No warnings for this chapter, unless you count Matt Murdock getting mad a warning.

Again, the POV shifts towards the end. You know it's Matt's POV if he describes his senses and his name is used. If it's Mike, it's the Reader's POV.

Enjoy! <3 

Chapter 3 here

Hell’s Kitchen

11:00 PM

The next few nights after your private self-defense class with Mike felt like you were in an endless fever dream.

Like routine, you met him up on the roof. Whether it was before you went out, or before he did, you made the time. You didn’t know what you were getting yourself into, but you liked the thrill of it all. The secret meetings, the whispers in each other’s ears, promises of seeing each other you didn’t even know were going to be fulfilled… until the next night when they were. He showed up like clockwork.

Last Night

“And here I was thinkin’ you just love ‘em and leave ‘em,” you whispered against his lips. Mike interrupted you and chased your lips with a kiss. He held onto your waist firmly and held you in place.

“I don’t love and I don’t leave,” Mike had said in a breathless whisper. He pulled you tighter against him when he spoke. “I do what I want.”

You laughed against his chest. “I know that. You act outside of the law every night. If I had that attitude, I’d do what I want, too.”

“Why do you always bring that up?” Mike smirked. You wiped it off with another kiss.

“What were you thinking, getting involved with a future lawyer?”

He chuckled and kissed you again. He spun you around.

“Technically,” he began, “you know about my illegal activities and haven’t reported me. That makes you my accomplice,” Mike said in a low voice, directly in your ear. You shivered. You didn’t know it was possible, but he held you even tighter.

“Well, fuck,” you said with a smile, “I guess it does, doesn’t it?”

Suddenly, Mike paused. You noticed he did that sometimes, followed by a statement of fact. His attention turned somewhere to the left of you.

“Your friends are looking for you,” he said, “it’s time to go.”

“How do you know? They’re probably drunk already,” you kissed him again. His lips remained on yours, and then he pulled back slowly.

“They are,” he confirmed. “Join them, but don’t drink too much.”

“No promises,” you chuckled.

“Please be safe,” Mike said as he pulled back. You hated how cold you felt whenever he let go of you.

“I will,” you promised, “though why should I be careful when I know you’re out there?”

“Don’t think like that,” he demanded, tightening his mask. You shook your head in amusement before you watched as he climbed over the roof, and into the night.

Present Time

11:30 PM

With Mike in your life now, you couldn’t concentrate on anything.

He was still on your mind even in a loud, dingy bar, like you were now. You were infatuated, for sure. Not everyone could say they were having an affair with a masked vigilante, and absolutely no one could parade that fact aloud. But you liked keeping it a secret. It made it all the more special.

You just wished you could have him here with you, now. But that would never happen. You didn’t even know what he looked like, let alone his real name. Who knew who the real man was behind the mask? Did you even want to know who he was? He certainly knew who you were. He knew your face. You knew he was older than you.

And yet, with all these thoughts floating in your mind and with three vodka-Diet Coke’s in your system, you still danced on the dance floor like nothing was occupying your mind. Emily grabbed your arms to dance with her and you raised your cup in the air, shouting.

“That guy over there is checking you out,” she yelled in your ear. You really couldn’t be less interested, but you looked over to appease her anyway.

There was someone looking at you for sure. He was tall, very handsome with a boyish look. Like boy-next-door vibes, with his light blonde hair and white tee shirt on. Blue jeans. Completely the opposite of your newly discovered type of man-in-black-mask-vigilante-who-won’t-reveal-his-name. You were fully committed to the latter, even though you knew there was no established relationship. Which truthfully, made your heart feel the tiniest heavier.

“Go talk to him,” Emily encouraged.

“I don’t know—“

And before you knew it, you were being pushed through the crowd. It felt wrong to go over to talk to him. You felt guilty.

You stumbled into him, and Emily scurried off. I’ll get her for this.

You stumbled into him so badly, you got a huge whiff of his overpriced cologne. It clogged your nose as you coughed. You drank more of your vodka-Diet Coke to suppress the coughing. He laughed, and without asking placed his hand on your back.

“You okay?” He asked with a chuckle.

You nodded awkwardly, raising your cup again—why do I always do this when I’m drunk?! You placed your cup down and held it with your hands, swishing it around.

“Yeah,” you said, “perfectly A-OK.”

“You wanna dance?”

“Not really,” you answered a little too fast.

He flinched, but then he made a face like he knew what you meant.

“Ohh,” he said, realizing something you were unaware of. “You wanna go outside?”

“Hell no,” you frowned. “I gotta go.”

“But—“

Before he could finish, you ran off to find your friends. You laughed through the crowd and spotted Bella talking to a guy.

“Hey!” She said, “This is Andre.” She gestured to the guy who stood next to her. He had tan skin, and black hair, with a strong jawline. He definitely was easy on the eyes, and definitely right up Bella’s alley.

“Nice to meet you,” he said, holding out his hand. You shook it and introduced yourself.

You weren’t very trusting of any of the guys your friends introduced you to at first, but once you got a feel for their character, you let them in graciously. Andre, throughout the night, proved himself to be a good guy and someone who is good for Bella.

Emily and Hannah found you by the bar, ordering your last vodka-Diet Coke of the night. Emily nudged your elbow and fixed your hair. You smiled at your friends, knowing that your night out was soon coming to an end.

“How’d it go with that guy? Did he ask for your number?” She asked. Hannah also listened intently.

“No,” you shrugged. “I didn’t want it anyway.”

Emily looked a little surprised, “Really? I thought you’d be into him.”

“You thought wrong,” you laughed. It was her turn to shrug.

“Just trying to help,” she said. “We’re ready to go. Our Uber’s almost here.”

Walking outside the bar, you knew there was no way you were getting inside that Uber. For some reason, you felt something in your heart, telling you to stay. It was like you had vigilante senses—you’d bet Mike was here somewhere. You just had a feeling, you couldn’t explain it. Or the alcohol was making you feel dramatic about everything.

All your friends piled in the car, except you.

“What are you doing? Oh God, do you need to throw up?” Emily asked with worry. You shook your head.

“No, I think I’m going to stay,” you told her.

She looked confused, and then she realized something.

“That guy,” she said knowingly, “blonde with blue jeans. I knew he was your type!”

You shrugged. That’ll work. “Yeah, don’t worry about me.”

“Text us if you need us,” Bella shouted. Andre placed a hand on her knee from the passenger seat to quiet her down. Hannah was already knocked out.

“I will,” you answered. You shut the Uber car door and spun around. The music from the club was muffled and people began to shuffle out. You saw the guy Emily tried to set you up with again, but you moved past him quickly. Sorry dude, but you are not who I am looking for.

Taking a wild guess, you turned into the first alley you saw.

And there he was, in all his glory.

~~~

“How the hell did I know you’d be here, somewhere?” You exclaimed loudly, a bit too loudly. Matt tensed as he waited for you to approach him. He heard you drop off your friends at your Uber, and he heard your conversation with them. Behind his mask, he squinted his eyes. He tilted his head, taking you in.

Vodka-Diet Coke, one too many. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. She’s wearing a mini skirt…and sandals. And a revealing top. Her hair is down. Her fragrance…cologne—overpriced. Did a man touch you?

“And what if I weren’t here?” Matt asked with no humor in his voice. You came to an awkward stop in front of him, crossing your arms.

“I would’ve walked home alone and expected you to find me anyway,” You slurred, though you were trying not to sound drunk. It wasn’t working.

“You can’t expect that I’ll always be there all the time,” Matt argued. “You need to be able to keep yourself safe when I’m not around.”

“And when you are around?”

“You’re safe with me,” he said simply.

“And that’s exactly why I wait for you,” you answered. The smell of the cologne was overpowering to Matt’s senses—he couldn’t stand the smell of someone else on you.

“Who’s cologne is that?” Matt asked.

You shrugged. “Some random guy Emily tried to set me up with. He wasn’t my type.” You laughed. “I’ve got someone else on my mind.”

Ignoring the last part, Matt pried more.

“Did—did he touch you?” The scent was so strong and terrible it was like you were doused in it. You shook your head.

“I drunkenly stumbled into him and he uninvitingly placed his hand on my back,” you said, then asked, “are you—first of all, I am way too drunk to know how you know there’s cologne on me, and second, are you jealous?” You asked suspiciously, and Matt didn’t need to be able to see to know you were smiling when you asked your last question.

Perhaps he was.

“What if I was?” Matt asked.

You laughed, but it wasn’t lighthearted. There was something else in your voice, almost like resentment. “What, you would’ve walked right into the bar and stopped him from talking to me?”

“No—“

“No,” you cut him off. “Because then I’d know who you are. And you have no right to be jealous.”

Matt was silent. You were argumentative in nature, and he liked that, but tonight, it felt more personal. He was already starting to hurt you. He didn’t like that.

“I’ll leave you alone from now on,” Matt stated. He turned on his heel and began to walk away, but he felt you take his hand.

“I’d walk myself into danger to get you to come and find me if you leave right now,” you said tauntingly. Matt turned around so fast, he knew it startled you. He took your wrist and held it tightly.

“Don’t. Don’t joke like that,” his voice was low, guttural even. The thought of you in danger made him furious. The thought of you purposefully putting yourself in danger was downright seething.

“I’d walk into the depths of this city alone and in nothing but a sundress and wait for you to come to find me,” you sneered in a drunken whisper.

“Stop,” Matt’s jaw clenched as he spoke, “Stop it.” He held onto your wrist tighter. You yanked it out of his grasp. He taught you how to do that.

“Why haven’t you left yet anyway? Why are you so triggered now, all of a sudden?” You argued more. Matt shook his head before he answered. It’s what I’ve been asking myself all week.

“Because I can’t get enough,” He said in a low growl as he took your chin in his hands and kissed you so hard, you had to hold on to his shirt. You held his black shirt in between your knuckles, pulling him desperately closer to you. Matt held onto your waist like he always does and moved you against the wall of the alley.

He kissed you more, in the alley, knowing no one was around. It was just you and him in the alley, kissing desperately and holding onto each other. He pinned your hands above your head but held your wrists firm.

“Touch me,” you demanded as you pulled back, gasping for air. You spread your legs so he stood between them.

“No,” he whispered and shook his head. “Not when you’re intoxicated.”

“Oh, so you’ll easily break the law every night, but when it comes to a girl allowing you to touch her, that's where you draw the line?” You laughed. He shushed you with another kiss.

“You’re not just any girl to me,” Matt’s voice softened.

“You say that to all the girls you save,” you joked. He shook his head again, holding that same serious demeanor.

“You’re the only one,” he told you truthfully. “There’s only you.”

“Your accomplice?” You asked with a smile.

He couldn’t help but smile in return.

“My accomplice.” He kissed you again.

Hell’s Kitchen

1:00 AM

Mike walked you home. And now, you laid in bed, about to dream of him all over again.

The way he told you that you were the only girl in his life… no amount of water could’ve sobered you up quicker, and no amount of lecturing could make you take the situation more seriously, the way he spoke to you just an hour ago. And there was still the lingering question in your mind of, well then, who are you?

You had bit your lip. You didn’t ask him.

Another night, you told yourself.

Tonight, you wrapped yourself in your sheets, wishing it was him instead.

#matt murdock #matt murdock x reader #charlie cox #charlie cox x reader #daredevil #daredevil x reader #marvel imagine #mcu #marvel cinematic universe #the defenders #charlie cox fan fiction #matt murdock fan fiction #daredevil born again #blind faith

[cryptidofthekeys]

i

im

im about to say somethin

that will get my burned at the stake

but hey- hey spookies- spooky month fandom

...BOTH Father Gregor AND Lila are in the wrong but also somewhat in the right

and heres why

SM 6 SPOILERS UNDERNEATH- if ya haven't seen it go watch it!

Father Gregor did have a point in saying what he did about Lila being an irresponsible mother ..NOW WAIT- BEFORE Y'ALL THROW YOUR STONES- hear me out, Father Gregor was right to some degree, bc she doooess kinda let Skid just fuckin run around unattended a LOT- i mean I grew up with technically a helicopter parent so I can't speak much on the issue

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

but Lila has legit let his ass summon a demon and play with em, let them watch horror movies at a young age, and legit lets Skid like,, go outside by himself ESPECIALLY late at night like,, that's pretty irresponsible that she isn't watching over him just a bit more

now do I think Father Gregor had a right to say well some of what he did- like the whole 'you don't even know why he's here and all you can do is drink' alladat nonsense- no,, he doesn't?? KNOW? Lila personally?

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

like fucking hell, she LEGIT just got attacked by a fucking cannibal (IF Spooky Month takes place right after Tender Treats exactly, the calendar does say November) and also can I just say that Bob was legit her last straw, girl got an actual alarm system but anyways- not to mention Bob was well technically someone Lila knew or she wouldn't have had a reaction like that

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

Also Father Gregor not practicing what his ass preaches if he be preaching the b*ble- there are SEVERAL and I mean SEVERAL instances and phrases revolving around Judgment and to not judge unto others, like yeah he was just looking at what he seen but he doesn't know what she's been through

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

now that doesn't EXCUSE her being irresponsible but like lmao I've seen a few people throw down about it (i think it was mostly playful not like ACTUALLY serious gkfldfksd don't worry) but Lila DID leave Skid over at his friend's house, which was the safe thing to do- so she could go out and drink for a while, there's nothing wrong with going out to drink even if ya gotta kid, just so long as your responsible

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

So, in conclusion, BOTH of them are in the right and wrong, Father Gregor just called the situation as he saw it which is NOT a good thing to do most of the time but also, he is right to some degree that Lila is a LITTLE BIT of an irresponsible mother letting her son just, be unattended while going out (more specifically at night- letting him watch horror movies at his age, etc but also Lila ISN'T a bad mother by no means

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

she does love Skid, she does care for him obviously- hell if she didn't she wouldn't have been out there all night looking for him to protect him from Bob and NONE of it if she didn't give a shit bout her kid- but whether the Lila Lovers like it or not- Father Gregor does have a point to a certain degree

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

also tho legit- the scene where Skid talks about not wanting to be a problem and that he doesn't want Lila to be sad and then Lila has a breakdown and hugs him close eviscerated me- and even seeing Susie being concerned when Pump seems to upset

and apparently uh it's only gonna be worse from here (someone said, which Idk if this bit is true) but someone said Pelo had said in a stream (he streams on twitch I know that much sorry) but someone said that Pelo said the next episode is gonna be even worse

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

.... but anyways lol thats just how I see the thing between Father Gregor and Lila- I'm not even that like,, attached to those characters- I'm attached to Bob, Dexter, and Frank so lmao

#spooky month sr pelo #spooky month 6 #spooky month hollow sorrows #spooky month 6 spoilers #spooky month hollow sorrows spoilers #father gregor #spooky month lila #skid and pump

[thewertsearch]

Ask Comp 25/8

Aw, thank you! Sometimes I actually think I overdo it a little - that my dives are a little too deep. This is how I consume media IRL, though, so if nothing else, it's authentic.

The Battlefield is definitely growing. The spatial warping makes it hard to measure how much it's growing, so it could definitely be exponential, especially if we keep adding higher dimensions.

As for how Jack matches up against Bec - Jack is definitely smarter, but he's also a lot more vulnerable, since losing the Ring will render him powerless. He'd have to be incredibly careful in a fight, especially against someone just as fast as he is.

I still think Bec has the edge, but his victory is far from guaranteed. I totally understand why Jade wouldn't want to risk it.

Imagine what Eridan would have said to a 'lowly greenblood' like Jade.

Yeah, there's no way trolls have therapy.

I hate to say it, but the Alternian version of therapy is probably moirallegiance. You're supposed to rely on this one person to keep you emotionally stable - and if you're not outgoing or charismatic enough to find a moirail, you don't even have that.

Of course, this system has nothing in common with the relationship dynamics of any culture on Earth. We really dodged a bullet there!

Gamzee really leans into the 'court jester' aspect of being a bard. He doesn't take anything seriously, nor is he expected to do so - he's just off to the side, dancing.

Yeah, my prediction is that Vriska is going to use him.

If she can manipulate Tavros into trying to control Jack, she might actually be able to remove his Ring. I speculated that she might use some sort of cheat to gain an advantage in their fight, and I think we may have found it.

He casually controls Becsprite later on, so I don't think he needs their goals to align.

As for why Bec didn't try to save Jade - I think he knew instinctually that someone was going to make him save her, so he didn't need to do it manually. That's Alpha, baby!

I can't tell if I've reached the controversial part, to be honest. Was there discourse about whether Tavros had done anything wrong?

Personally, I think it's hard to argue that he didn't, but other characters have done much worse - and in much more ambiguous scenarios, too.

Lord English is coming, send help plz

Thank you! It's kind of funny actually - I know that Homestuck's irregular update schedule used to drive people mad, but I'm reading it at a similar pace, with similar irregularities, and it really has been a chill experience on my end.

Maybe it's because I'm not participating in the fandom the way live readers were, and therefore, I'm not subject to the weapons-grade hiatus brain that Cat has war stories about.

Poor Kanaya - she really knows how to pick 'em. Rose is definitely less stressful to crush on than Vriska, though.

I recently saw this quote for the first time in a while. Excited to learn which of the comic's several thousand plot points it's referencing.

@spyril4132 asked: i have seen this in my youtube recommendations and must now share [s] descend but with silvagunner's high quality nuclear rip - YouTube

Legitimately amazing, and perfectly timed.

For anyone doesn't know about Silvagunner, please take a dip down this rabbit hole.

I do wonder how she's getting physical details about the Sun. Isn't it, like, fully outside of conventional reality?

Maybe the Sun is physically real, despite being in an unreal location. Technically, that's also the case with sessions.

I do like the 'music player' metaphor from an earlier ask. You don't necessarily have to use discs - a cassette player is also a good choice, or maybe an older variety of music box.

If you want to stretch the symbolism a little, your Time Player could wield something really kooky, like an iPod Nano, MIDI keyboard, or analog radio.

(Sally the Time Player would wield Rhythm Heaven for the Nintendo DS.)

It's been years since I've watched Primer, actually. I remember enjoying it, but I don't recall enough to give a proper review. Rewatch time!

Yeah, the rules for Captcha codes are all over the place. This example implies that they hold the general idea of an object, without any 'corruption' - but when John's Ghost Dad poster was defaced, its code did change.

The implication, I guess, is that defacing a poster counts as changing its nature, but spilling oil on a pogo ride does not. It's weird.

It is odd that it's marketed as a beta. Sburb and Sgrub seem almost identical, the latter's bifurcated session notwithstanding.

The human session failed, yes - but it failed due to manipulation, sabotage, and a generous helping of terrible luck. If Gamzee prototyped one of his clown posters, Jack's regicide could just as easily have happened in Sgrub.

All that said - when it comes to software development, I'd trust Sollux over Grandpa any day. If one of those games is more stable, it's Sgrub.

Alright, that one's actually pretty great lmao

#asks #full liveblog #act 5.2

[writeforfandoms]

Idk if you posted those make em swoon prompts for requests, so if it was just for reference no worries but um...

Modern not modern Pero and "pulling them on their lap"

💚

Okay I know you technically put this in before the celebration started buuuuuut

Here, have a ficlet about modern not modern Pero flustering his girl!

Warnings: Pero is a menace.

--

Picnic days were rare, honestly. You and Pero were both busy, and didn't often have time to go to the park and sit and relax.

Besides which, Pero often preferred to stay home. Aspects of modern life still freaked him out sometimes, although he'd adapted remarkably well.

So you felt zero shame in shepherding Pero out the door to go down to the park for a little while. You wanted to, and he'd just deal with that.

Which didn't stop him from grumbling, but then, very little stopped him from grumbling.

"Here," you said, once the two of you were down at the park, shoving the picnic basket into his hands. "Hold that for me for a moment."

He grumbled but obeyed, mostly because he knew there was food in there. You spread the blanket for the two of you and settled down, letting him grab food first. (He'd gotten much better, but it was still generally safer not to get between him and his food.)

A group of young men started up a soccer game not far away, and you half-watched them. Mostly to make sure no stray balls came flying your direction.

"You're distracted today." His hand landed on your knee, big and warm as always.

"Just keeping an eye on things," you told him soothingly, shooting him a quick smile. "Nothing big."

He huffed softly but didn't argue with you, just taking another big bite of his sandwich, gaze still fixed on you. You slowly warmed under that look. You knew him well by now, and you knew what that particular kind of look meant.

"No," you said firmly, before he could go getting any ideas.

"Didn't say anything," he grunted, though he was smirking.

"You're thinking it."

"Am not." His smirk only got wider.

"You're a menace." But you smiled anyway, because he was your favorite menace.

He hummed, something between amusement and acknowledgement, and nudged your foot with his. "Eat. Or I will."

That was no idle threat, and had you tucking into your own lunch quickly. His little hum was satisfied.

You both ate quietly and you packed up everything afterwards. It was a really nice day, and you were inclined to relax there for a while.

Until hands fastened on your hips, dragging you backwards.

You yelped, surprised, and Pero huffed amusement into your ear, even as he dragged you onto his lap.

"Just me," he mumbled, hugging you to him like an oversized teddy bear.

"You are such an ass," you breathed, warm under the collar now, both from mild embarrassment (at least a couple people had looked over at your sudden loud noise) and fluster.

You sometimes forgot just how strong Pero really was.

He huffed another amused noise, nose brushing the back of your shoulder. "Calm down," he grumbled. "Am not hurting you."

"No," you immediately soothed, melting back into him. "No, you just surprised me."

He grumbled softly and tucked his chin over your shoulder, cuddling you close. He was being unusually cuddly, for him. It was almost enough to make you suspicious.

And then you spotted the group of guys, the soccer players, all gathered in one spot taking a break and drinking. A few of them had looked over at you two.

Aha. Well. That made sense now.

"I doubt they were going to do anything," you murmured, amused and endeared.

He huffed. "Now they won't," he muttered, only a little grumpy.

"You're ridiculous." But you settled one hand over his, gently stroking his skin.

He didn't respond immediately, just tightening his grip on you, fingers undeniably possessive as he gripped you. "Ridiculous, hm?" He purred.

You warmed, further flustered by that tone, and then squeaked as he moved to fully cage you in, his legs outside yours.

"Totally ridiculous," you agreed, slowly relaxing into him. Okay. This was not bad. You could get used to this.

At least until he slipped a hand under the hem of your shirt and you had to fight him off. Your little tussle ended in you victorious, and a lot of cheering from the soccer guys.

You hid your face in your hands and swore you were never taking him on another picnic.

#follower celebration #2k celebration #pero tovar x reader #f!reader #born to be wild

[starfxkr]

Okay don't shoot me for these y'all! so I'm a go by character let's start with kie, I hate how the writers passed around like a fucking hot potato like give that lesbian a GOOD love story.

And I hate the rafe x kie ship, like when he apologized to her for trying to drown Sarah and not the fact that he CHOKED kie as well, like why as a community do we over look that.

The jj x kie ship feels kinda forced but it's not the worse.

JJ should be ina poly relationship with Cleo and pope, I personally don't like jj nothing personal he just is spontaneous and it overwhelms me.

FUCK THAT NIGGA RAFE, like I GENUINELY hate his character like he practically HATE CRIMED pope and went back to his colonizers roots and stole technically popes gold and popes cross.

I don't truly blame topper for burning down the chateau like he crashed out, but he was also dumb ASF for thinking Sarah was gone keep her word. She used you as a place holder whenever john bad her irritated lik why are we shocked.

Kelce is such a useless character, like I genuinely need them to do more with his character like he is so boring.

The heyward's and kie's mom are the best parents, kie's mom is just trying to look out for her only daughter but her dad can eat dot shit.

John b is underrated in his own show because of them blonde folk and it makes me sad.

Cleo came into the show and made and impact like she truly is the best character

I used to hate Sarah but she's ight.

I think that's all but I am a #proudrafehater -🍓

okay lets break it down lets break it down

AGREE i feel like kies character is wasted trying to be a love interest like shes truly at her best when she's just vibing...give her a girlfriend...they also make her annoyingly self righteous and that shit where she screamed murderer at ward during the stakeout....whatever.

riara im ambivalent towards but i think its says a lot that that little handful of interactions between them got ppl more revved up than the jiara moment

i hate tht ship so bad....fan service at its worst u can tell those two don't fw each other no more

i think like the jj pope cleo relationship thing is sooo interesting bc like...u can tell the actors like jjpope, they're the closest of all the pogues (jj and john bs relationship exists outside that realm tbh they're just brothers) and we constantly see them together without everyone else like they shoulda let it happen. also think its interesting that cleo was supposed to be with jj and u can see the remnants of that but then jiara happened so we got popecleo and i love them sm everyones so weird about them. i want the best of both worlds put all 3 together

i do really hate rafe yall like...i love writing him honestly and hes sooo good for fics but like show rafe....hell burn burn burn put him in the saw trap

topper really makes me wanna take his head off but it sucks because hes sooooooo funny like i actually like him from a writing standpoint shit just be happening to him and burning the chateau was the only time he uno reversed on the universe gotta respect him for that one

kelce is there

we loveeeee bobby heyward in this house im not playin hes my fav parent and i love how we can see that even though he talks shit about the pogues he truly does care for them like those are his sons friends and they'll always have a place with the haywards like....the banter between them is truly indicative of how much he cares he may say he doesnt like them and call em bastards but he does!!! also i have a lot of empathy for anna tbh like u can tell her behavior is born of worry and the fear of kie making the same mistakes she did but shes going through that mother feeling of realizing your daughter has to go through it to come out

john b deserves more like hes such a fucking joy to watch and he's literally so 70s/80s leading man coded and im glad the girls are coming around more john b what the fuck.

cleos the real star..people again so weird abt her and always leaving her out and use the excuse that shes "barely been there" shes been around since season 2 what do you mean. she's been helping out john b and sarah from the jump.

im a sarah cameron apologist yall could never make me hate her. she's just constantly in pain...save her

#✨.txt #🍓 anon

[myristicisms]

@sleeplesswork | Sonon Kusakabe sent;;

saying the pair had gotten off on the wrong foot was an understatement — sonon, along with almost all of wutai, had bad taste in their mouth since the war and had good reasons to. yet, to the shinobi’s surprise, zack fair, a first - class soldier, hadn’t been any of the terrible things he’d always known shinra to be. it made sense that not everyone associated with the company was terrible, but sonon never thought he’d have the pleasure of meeting that one in a million. ❛❛ and here I was, convinced you’d stay true to your word and stick it to your boss if he ever sent you back here ❜❜ sonon greets with a chuckle, albeit somewhat strained — while he may have come to like zack, there is no denying the guy brings nothing but trouble.

One would think with the privileges of being a first class operative, his word would mean something but apparently ShinRa simply did not care about Zack's input. He knows he's stewing, brooding silently as he walks familiar streets once again and surely the locals have grown used to his smiling face by now given the fact they never looked at him a second time anymore. Good, he thinks, it's nice to just fade into the background and perhaps this is a punishment for his insubordination. Sephiroth refused most missions offered to him, Zack picked up the slack and the tiredness from that had begun to show within his sharp features. Familiar faces were nice at least though, the fact that everyone seemed to come to terms with the fact that the raven haired man really wasn't here to stir the pot or cause them problems was soothing to some degree.

He only wishes he could vocalize the fact that he really doesn't give a shit enough about his job to actually do it right now, what was the company going to do? Fire their only first class that had a high mission acceptance rate? Yeah right, he was too valuable as a commander to properly punish outside of lecturing and maybe docking his pay for a period but that didn't deter him from his slowly growing anger towards his employers. He feels guilty though, seeing the familiar face of who he now knows as Sonon, the younger teen wasn't too terrible to chat with now that the open hostility had melted away into some weird understanding but that didn't exactly make them the best of friends, not that Zack expected it given his career path.

“ I know. ” He mumbles softly, a deep sigh wracking through his body before meeting honeyed hues with an apologetic smile. “ I thought after the third report of ‘ nothing suspicious boss, leave 'em alone! ’ they'd take the hint but here I am again, disturbing your peace. ” Although he'd much rather be the one sent over than a lower class or God forbid Sephiroth himself. He knows what he's doing technically could be considered treason to ShinRa and Midgar but to the mako eyed man, it was the least he could do for all the bloodshed he'd helped cause two years prior. “ On the bright side though, my next mission isn't gonna be back here so you won't be seeing my ugly mug for a solid month or two, ain't that good news Kusakabe? ”

#muse;; zack fair #sleeplesswork | sonon kusakabe #• answered ic! #// “feel free to ignore this” no 🩵 #zack is all up for hating on shinra any time #also don't squint at the mission foreshadowing//

[delafiseaseses]

Ruminations on Andy Scabb

So Andy Scabb's a bit of a weird character, ain't he? I think he is. Let's talk about him.

Basics first: Andy Scabb is a Ghoul who lives in The Gray of North Vegas Square. He's a small-time gang leader, his gang consists of him and two men simply called 'Thug' by the game (though there names are pretty clearly Fred and M.) who wear standard wasteland clothing and armed with 10mm weapons. Andy himself also wears a standard outfit, but he carries a 9mm SMG (as well as some jet and dog meat). Technically, I guess you could also say his girlfriend, Alice Hostetler, is a member in the loosest possible sense. But, yeah, that's his gang: small, poorly armed nobodies who live in The Gray.

Andy's Plan

I mentioned Andy has a girlfriend called Alice Hostetler, the daughter of Don and Becky Hostetler (Becky only gets called 'Mrs. Hostetler' in-game and this first name apparently comes from some scripts or somethin'). Mrs. Hostetler is a 'farmer' in a loose sense of the word and Don is an account manager from the Crimson Caravan Company and he also has ties to the Khan drug trade, but that's not important. What is important is that he has money and Andy wants to steal it. This is explained in the 'Henchman message to Andy Scabb' which reads:

'Looks like you were right. The Hostetler man always carries a full pouch back to their house, every night. The same pouch's empty whenever he goes work to Crimson Caravan, Fred's seen it himself. No chance in hell this is all a coincidence. He's bringing something with him whenever he leaves work. That's gotta be his daily cut from the business. Alice's gonna have to find all that dough for us. If we get caught near their place her bitch mother's gonna snap for the big guns... That'll make Crandon, or worse, Jules, come after us. I ain't too happy about risking my neck for nothing, Andy. Let's make sure Alice's a good doggie first, then do whatever you want with her once we are outta this fucking hole. M.'

So, as you can see Andy and his 'Thugs' (M. and Fred) are simply planning to use Alice to rob her family and use the money to leave North Vegas. Getting into Andy's flat and discovering this note spawns the man himself. And he... is a very curious character.

Andy's Dialogue

So, Andy confronts you as you leave The Gray and you're gonna now learn why I think he's such a weird fuckin' guy. He has only a few lines, but he certainly uses 'em.

His first line is 'What are you looking at, huh? Answer me, or I'll get trigger-happy real quick.' starting with a threat, as you'd expect.

You can respond a few ways, including the classic '<Attack> I'm here to kill you.' to which he says 'Nobody threatens me and walks away alive!' but that's the dull option.

The more interesting options are like 'Relax, I was just leaving.' to which he says 'Wait right there. I don't recall seeing your pretty face before - what do you want?' or 'Wait right there. You told my men that Alice's mother was waiting for me outside, didn't you?' as a bit of reaction to how you got into his flat.

You can try to talk your way away and he says 'Hmmm... I've got my eye on you. Get the fuck off my turf.' or 'Please, I've seen kids who were better liars than you. Tell the truth now - what are you after?' the first one shows he considers The Gray his 'turf'... I don't think anyone cares enough to argue with that.

One thing I love about this conversation is that you can just leave without any speech checks or anything. There's 4 instances of that in Andy's rather limited dialogue. 'Nothing, goodbye.' 'Leaving so soon? And I thought we'd have time for a little chat.', 'Goodbye.' 'It's not polite to leave in the middle of a conversation, but I won't try to teach you manners. This time.', 'Goodbye.' 'Yeah, sure.' and another 'Goodbye.' 'That's right, and good riddance.', so, yeah, Andy makes a threat at the start, but you can just leave.

The most interestin' thing is when you actually talk to him about Alice and his plan, such as 'Yes, I did. I know about your plans for Alice.' his reaction... 'You think I give a shit? Has it crossed your mind that Alice is all the way in this with me?' and, honestly, giving a shit is very much not a thing for Andy Scabb. He really doesn't give a shit.

'Why would she be?' 'Maybe because I'm so good-looking. Maybe because her mother's trying to break her back planting crops that die from rads as soon as they're in the ground. Or maybe she's just a dupe. Why do you even care? She's happy making her own way in the world.' which is... again, caring about things too hard seems a bit beyond Scabb, but you can give a few responses to them last lines.

If you say 'She deserves to know the truth.' his response is 'And... you think that's worth her happiness? Go on and tell her, then. Watch what happens when you crush her dreams.' and... he does mean that you can go tell her. He literally only goes hostile if you attack him first.

We can also quite rightly say to Andy 'You're manipulating her into betraying her family.' to which he says the most interesting of his responses 'Family's just what the world throws on our shoulders without our say or opinion. You think Alice cares about her family? Tell her, then. Family's what drove her to me in the first place.' this is the closest to givin' a shit about anything Scabb takes in this conversation. His distain of family and his oddly poetic way of wording it. Still, he again will let you leave.

Even if you ask 'Aren't you afraid I'll blow your plans?' he'll respond 'And how exactly would you do that?' mate, Alice won't split the Hostetler cut with you if she knows you, Fred and M. look down on her?

You can also say 'A cut from the Hostetlers' money, and I might help you.' to which he'll say 'I'm glad we understand each other. Alice's at her home, getting our means out of this shit-hole. Make sure things go smoothly.', but that never happens no matter what. The quest is over after the Alice confrontation at the Hostetler House and Andy is gone no matter what happens.

Interestingly Apathetic

So... you see now why I think Andy's so weird, right? He really doesn't seem to give a shit about anything. He kind of wants to leave 'this shit-hole', but he's either far too confident in his control of Alice or he genuinely doesn't care even slightly if his plan works out.

Like, is he trying to use the idea that 'Alice won't be happy if she knows I'm manipulating' to make you not go to the Hostetler house? It's pretty half-hearted of an attempt. But I guess that's as much as Andy can muster.

The family thing is the most interesting bit. I guess Andy didn't have a good relationship with his family. He may even be a pre-war Ghoul (though that'd make his relationship with Alice even worse than it is). We'll never know.

Most minor antagonists in Fallout New Vegas have confidence and at least some passion. Barton Thorn is confident that he'll kill you after you clear out the Geckos. Logan is confident when he backstabs you. Even the other two minor enemies of Someone to Watch Over Me, Squatter Bill and Greasy Johnny, are far more passionate than Andy Scabb. But you can just tell Andy you'll ruin all his plans and he'll say "Go on then." with limited resistance.

Some Additional Bits

So, as you probably know, some people go on the internet and tell fibs. Would you believe that Andy Scabb is probably subject to such a fib? In his case it's the assertion that Scabb has Strange Meat in his room... I have looked over that room before and found nothin' of the sort. The only meat associated with Andy is some Dog Meat he has. Like, Andy Scabb is a bad guy, but he's not, but he doesn't seem to be a cannibal. Correct me if you think I'm wrong there, and I'll verify it myself and apologise for this part.

Jules knows Andy, and his line about Alice kinda implies he knows Andy is bad news 'Alice … Oh yeah. I've seen her 'round here much too often as of late. I reckon she's been hanging out with Andy and his crew.'

And one last thing: Scabb. His last name is Scabb and he is a Ghoul, this is presumably like the 'Jason Bright is a Glowing One' situation.

#fallout #new vegas #fallout new vegas #andy scabb #north vegas square #alice hostetler

[repentarium]

the truth is i've been dreaming of this tired, tranquil place tag 9/??

ao3

Eddie has this way sometimes of looking at someone, at Steve, and seeing through any walls, no matter how carefully constructed they are, reading the DNA and the writing in his bones, and acting like it's normal, like it's nothing. Like his eyes, dark until the light hits them just right and shines them up, have some kind of superpowers. In Hawkins it wouldn't be out of the question. 

For Steve, who hasn't really had anyone care in such a meaningful way, not really, not ever, it can feel huge and nearly overwhelming. 

They've been living in the apartment over the cafe for a little over two months when Steve gets a call. It's the early evening, and he and Eddie had just sat down to dinner and TV. When the phone rings, Eddie is on the way back from the kitchen with a couple of beers, so he snags the phone on the way. 

'Hawkins Morgue, you slash 'em we stash 'em, this is Eddie.' His eyes widen and his posture straightens and he says 'yes sir', then props the phone up and flips it off, whispering 'your shit dad' at Steve as he heads back to the couch. He hands him his beer on the way, then uses his free hand to ruffle what Steve is sure is calm vibes into his hair. He cheers him and flops onto the sofa, and Steve drains half of the bottle in preparation before he even stands. 

'Hello?! Steven?'

'Hi.' he says, mostly because he knows his dad hates the greeting, thinks it's 'too casual and unprofessional'. 

'Good god I thought you were in a ditch somewhere, I had to call the video store to get your number! Where are you?'

If you wanted to get really technical about it, Steve hadn't told them he'd left the Harrington house, not really. He'd left a message with his dad's office assistant and then kind of forgotten about it, honestly. 

'I moved out.' He learned long ago that short and to the point worked best with his dad; he was going to get mad no matter what, and stalling just made it worse. 

There's a long silence on the other line, and Steve meets Eddie's eye and takes another drink while he waits for his dad to process. Eddie sends him a thumbs up. 

'Out of the house? With what money?'

'With my money.'

'Well that's smart, wasting your tiny paycheck on what, some apartment? And leaving the house completely empty, too, who knows what-'

'You left it empty, Dad. I'm not the one who bought the damn thing.'

'Well you're going to get back here now so we can talk about this and you'll move your things back in. Use your head for once, your mother is worried sick.'

'We've been here for like… two months?' he looks at Eddie again, and he holds up three fingers, waggles them. 'Three, three months. And you never returned my calls and haven't said anything to me the whole time.'

'That's bullshit and you know it, Steven-' Steve hangs up the phone, delicately unplugs the cord from the back, and sits down to have dinner. Eddie gives him a high five when he sinks into the couch next to him and they don't talk about it again. 

—

Sometimes when Steve is working during the day and Eddie isn't, Eddie will bring him lunch. Usually just a sandwich and a Coke, maybe a handful of chips in a little bag, but it's one of the nicest things anyone has done for Steve and he keeps doing it. 

He always plays it off, says it's not a big deal, he needs to get outside anyway or he'll just hang around in his underwear all day or whatever, but it's a big deal to Steve. 

It's a slow day and he's sure Eddie will come by any minute, he knows it’s his day off; he's waiting around, bored, when he hears a commotion outside. At first he ignores it, thinks it's not his business as long as it's humans and it’s not his humans, but he hears a loud and dramatically enunciated 'fuck off' that he recognizes and he's past the counter and through the door before he even realizes. 

Eddie's just outside of the Family Video, hands up in a placating move even though his eyes are hard and angry enough Steve can see them from the door. 

There's a small group around him, none of them the original headhunters from when he was wanted for murder, but enough of them in Hawkins Tigers jackets Steve knows exactly what's happening as he walks up behind them. The fact that they're a new generation doesn't change the way they'll be.

'There a problem here, fellas?' he walks up behind the group, claps a hand on the shoulder of the one closest to him so he can shift him to the side and walk through. As he gets closer to Eddie, he sees a crushed little paper bag on the ground. He nudges it with his toe and looks Eddie in the eye, and they have one of those telepathic conversations that go ‘are you okay?’ and ‘yeah’, communicated in a tension in the eyes and a lifted brow. 

Steve knows he fell from grace a long time ago, but he also knows while he was in school he made enough of a name for himself that standing next to Eddie means something, even in his annoying work vest, and even against the young shitheads across from him that he’s sure he’s never even met. 

'Harrington, fuck off.' 

Okay, maybe it means a little less these days, but it's not like he's gonna leave Eddie alone out here so he stands straight, arms crossed, an inch away from Eddie's arm in what he hopes is obvious solidarity. 

'Buddy, I don't even know your name but you're barking up the wrong tree here.' He makes the mistake of glancing at Eddie and sees him mouthing the word 'barking?' back at him in disbelief and it almost makes him burst into laughter, but he's shaken back to seriousness when the mouthy one talks again. 

'What are you, his fucking boyfriend? We should have all guessed, you stick together, you fa-'

'Get the fuck out of here.' Steve escalates from annoyance to the kind of absolute anger that has him swinging a bat at a creature so scary these idiots would never imagine, biting into the leather of a demobat, slamming it against hard craggy ground. It's a fast enough transition that it's like his adrenaline is overwhelming, like he could actually fight the whole group on his own with no punches pulled even if they are human kids, just a group of a different kind of hive mind. 

He'd do it, too, in that moment, it's like his muscles are coiled and tense and just waiting for a wrong move. The mouthy one must see something in the set of Steve's jaw and the grit of his teeth, or maybe his eyes look a little wild, because he scoffs and kicks the paper bag on the ground at him, gets too close to him and shoves a shoulder against his as he passes, but he does pass, and the rest of his gang of asshats follow him off, laughing and shoving at each other and probably off to ruin someone else's day, someone who won't put up as much of a fight maybe. Steve watches them go until Eddie clears his throat, his hand on his arm making him jump a little. 

'Hey, it's okay.' 

Steve looks at him and swallows, feels shaky. 'Yeah, sorry, yeah.'

'Don't apologize, man, you probably saved me a tussle. You were a little scary though. Not, like, to me, but it felt like you channeled a little Hell Babysitter, you know. Metal.' Eddie's hand is still on his arm and he pats it a little before leaning down. 'Those monsters got your sandwich, though, I'm afraid.'

'Come back in with me anyway? It's slow.' Steve doesn't say 'I still feel weird and shaky and my stomach hurts bad enough I don't think I could eat it anyway' but he bets Eddie can tell what he means with his weirdo insight because he follows him in with a hand at his back. He tosses the crumpled up bag into the trash as they go in, and he sits with him behind the counter, feet up by the register, as he calms down a little. 

All at once it's like the adrenaline leaves his body and Steve is exhausted and feels crumpled and his stomach is still all twisted up. Eddie pulls a bottle of Coke for each of them out of his inner jacket pockets and opens them braced against the countertop with a crack of his palm, one at a time, and hands one to Steve. 

He should get stock in Coke or something, he is thinking loopily as he takes a drink, the sugar feeling sticky in his mouth. He uses it like medicine so often. His dad would call it a smart investment. 

'You okay?' Eddie is watching him with big concerned eyes over his own bottle. 

'I should be asking you that.'

'But I'm asking you. You seem a little peaked.'

'Adrenaline, man.'

'And probably PTSD.'

Steve just hums at him, takes another drink. Eddie swings his long legs back down and walks around the counter to the snacks, grabs a bag of potato chips and a couple of candy bars. He pops the chips open and brings them back around to share with Steve. 

'Thanks for sticking up for me, though. Less scary to face a horde with you on my side, you know. We could have taken them.' he makes a half-hearted fisticuffs gesture, and it makes Steve chuckle. 

'I think we could have. We have enough freak energy between the two of us that it would have given us an edge.'

'Amen to that. You're getting it now, Harrington, the appeal of the freak.' Eddie taps his bottle against Steve's, and Steve thinks he hasn't called him Harrington in what has to be months. He hums into his drink, tears open a candy bar. 

It takes him a long time to feel like his heart is consistently beating normally, between the phone call from his dad that he can’t quite shake and the guys outside and Keith yelling at him for marking more snacks as damaged in the inventory, but when he gets home Eddie has made them a sweet little snack plate for dinner, which is one of Steve’s favorite things because you can have two bites of like a million little cheeses and veggies, and it’s not so bad. 

The next day, though. The next day is hard. 

He's got the day off from Family Video, which usually means he'd find something to do to get out of being home alone. The thing is, there's a cold front, paired with a light rain, and it's so hard to motivate himself to get out of the house. 

The kids are all in school, and he only gets through to Robin for a few minutes on the phone between classes before she has to hang up, quicker than he'd have liked. It was good to hear her voice, but God does he miss her. 

He's feeling… itchy. Like his skin is freezer burnt and scratches against everything it touches, like his muscles are jumpy and his eyes are dried out. 

It used to be when he was feeling itchy, floaty and unmoored, he'd go on a date, go play basketball, maybe have a party and invite people over to play in the pool or dance smushed together, but it's never really been this bad. He thinks it's maybe because he hasn't done any of that for so long, and maybe because he hasn't seen Robin since school picked up, and maybe because he's been working full time and it's cold outside. It's probably a little bit of everything, but it's making him feel kind of bitchy and like he should lock himself in his room before Eddie gets home, not that that would help himself at all but maybe it would keep Eddie safely out of the blast range. 

He'd said he'd have dinner ready, though, and he's not going to skip out on that, so he's rushing through making it in hopes he can leave it warm on the stove and be 'asleep' by the time he gets back. 

Of course he's not lucky, he's never been lucky, really, and he’s trying to finish the pasta when he hears a pounding at the door. 

He figures Eddie left his keys or something and dries his hands on the towel on his shoulder, pulls open the door hard to get past the part where it’s been sticking since the weather turned cold, and already has a half-joke about the keys ready to leave his mouth when he realizes he’s not looking at Eddie.

‘Dad.’ A brilliant observation. 

‘So this is your new palace, Steven.’ he says with distaste clear in his voice. 

‘What are you doing here?’

‘Aren’t you going to invite me in?’ He only pauses for a few seconds before he pushes past him and into the apartment. Steve grinds his teeth and pushes the door closed, gives himself a second to shift tracks in his brain before he peels his forehead from the sticky paint of the door and spins around to greet him. 

When he turns, John Harrington is scowling at the giant popcorn standup. 

‘This is tacky.’ He mutters. He wipes a finger across the top of the tv and frowns at whatever he sees on his fingertip. 

Steve rolls his eyes and crosses his arms in front of his chest but he has this clench of fear behind his ribs and he hates it, hates that his dad still has this effect on him, but it’s there all the same. ‘What can I help you with.’ It doesn't come out like a question. Steve doesn't really want an answer, he just wants him to leave. 

‘What are you doing here?’ John is frowning directly at him, now, standing in the middle of the living room. Steve hates that he’s there, like he’s contaminating the space he’s finally built up around himself, like he’s ruining it somehow. 

‘Well, Pops, I live here.’

‘Pops.’ he scoffs and takes a step towards Steve. Steve doesn’t think he’s going to hit him, thinks he’s probably not drunk because he probably drove here from Loch Nora, but he’s got that shitty kind of anger burning up behind his eyes that makes Steve feel like he has to actively try not to flinch or step back. He tenses his fingers into his sweater instead, hidden under his arm, and hopes he looks unbothered, hopes his poker face holds for once. He doesn’t want an argument, he just wants to be left alone.

‘Where did you get my address?’

‘Nancy Wheeler’s kid brother Michael, you know he’s working at the burger joint in town, he’s shaping up to be quite the young man-’

Steve mostly keeps the scoff in but he’s a little hurt actually, not that he has ever told anyone he’s hiding from his family or anything, he’s not really. Mike.

John looks like he's gearing up to say something annoying and loud and probably hurtful when Steve hears keys in the lock. The door gets shoved through that part where it's been sticking, and Eddie is saying 'Honey, I'm home!'. He says it literally every day but Steve feels the blood flush out of his face and his skin grow cold and his eyes widen as he looks at his dad standing there, taking in the deep and kind of rumbly voice and, he's sure, Eddie's bright eyes and smile as he shrugs out of his jacket and comes fully into the living room. 

'Oh. Hello! Sorry, didn't realize we had company.' As loud and big as Eddie could be, he was usually pretty polite until you gave him a reason not to be, especially these days, but there wasn't going to be any saving face with John. 

'Who the hell are you?' 

Before Steve can say anything, Eddie steps forward to shake John's hand and say 'Eddie Munson, sir, at your service!' with a big smile. He looks back at Steve finally and he knows he can see that something foul is happening because Eddie visibly gulps and his smile falters as he takes a step back. 

'The murderer, Eddie Munson.' John is impossibly redder than he has been, maybe ever.

Steve catches Eddie's eye, sees how far his face and posture have fallen, and gestures at John. 'My uh, dad. John Harrington.'

'Oh-ho I see.' Eddie lets all of his breath out in a whoosh. 'Okay, Johnny Boy, not so much at your service actually, but if you'd like to leave I would be so happy to walk you out.' Steve snorts a chuckle at that and looks at Eddie, whose eyes look kind of fierce and pointed in a way that Steve doesn't usually see. It's like with a full change of demeanor he's become a completely different person, bigger and maybe even a little scary. 

John sputters in disbelief. Steve would bet actual real money no one has ever called him Johnny-Boy in his life. 'You can't make me leave. I'm here to talk to my son.'

'For once.' It comes from the side of Eddie's mouth, tilted cartoonishly in Steve's direction, but he knows John heard it.

Steve feels buoyed by the smartass responses from Eddie, who's now standing right at his side, shoulder pressing against his. 

'I beg your pardon.' John is flustered. 

'Oh he said "for once", like a reference to your whole absentee parent thing I think.'

John takes another step towards Steve, and he is close enough now that he thinks maybe he was wrong about not getting hit. He takes a huge breath that balloons out his chest and shoulders, but he doesn't get to say whatever it is he plans to before Eddie is interrupting. 

'Oh absolutely not, my guy. It's time that you leave.'

Eddie calling John 'my guy' is surreal. He must think so too, because he's sputtering angrily but not really saying much. 

'I'm not usually a cops kinda guy but I know a couple of ‘em who'd be happy to escort you off of private property that you don't own.' He steps behind John and bravely puts a hand on either shoulder. He's taller than John. 

'You're one to talk, you'll never own property in your life-' 

'And you're a complete jackass and a shit dad, we've all got our crosses to bear.' Eddie starts moving him delicately towards the door, and Steve wants to tell him to look out and that he can be like a wasp waiting to sting, but it must be just as shocking to John because he goes mostly without struggling. 

He's not going without talking, though, he's saying all of the things he knew about Steven, all kinds of slurs and points about how he and his little boyfriend were lower than low and not only going to hell but hopefully soon. 

When Eddie shuffles him through the doorway he says 'okay, sweetie, we will see you there, buh bye! No really, goodbye!' through the door as he closes it, flips the locks, and presses his back against it, John pounding and yelling at the door for a long few minutes. It's still less time than Steve would have imagined before he's stomping down the stairs and slamming the outside door open. When he hears the car start outside he can finally let his breath out again. 

Steve feels like he's going to throw up. 

But in all, it wasn't as bad as he'd built it up in his head. His dad was just some guy, it turns out, and something about facing monsters and death and loss the way he has the past few years has shrunken him into being Just Some Guy who sucks, absolutely, but is still Just Some Guy. 

He slides down the wall to sit on the floor, and Eddie goes to make sure the stove is off (drains the pasta too, it sounds like) before he comes and sits right next to him, their backs to the wall and arms pressed together. 

'So that sucked.' Eddie says to him, head rolled so he can look at him, probably reading his thoughts again. 

Steve chuckles. 'I was just thinking it went pretty well actually.' 

Eddie doesn't smile, is still looking at him. 'It's okay to say it sucked.'

'No it did, it totally sucked, but like. It's one of those things where in my head he was so scary and he's just.'

'Some asshole?'

'Some asshole. Like a bully. We deal with them enough, why would he be any different? You know?'

Eddie is quiet for a minute, thinking. 'It's different because that asshole was supposed to be your dad.' 

'Hmm.' Steve is feeling that old shame, the one that says 'it is because of you, your dad would be better if you were better'. 

'No, stop it. He was supposed to be your dad and he wasn't and that's on him. I know a little about that. My dad was an asshole too, remember, and it had nothing to do with me. If I said it did you'd be pissed.'

'I would.' 

Eddie grabs hold of Steve's hand. It's grounding and present and nice, soft and warm like home. 

'It helped that you were there. I've never seen him so out of his league.' Steve laughs, tilts his head back against the wall. 'He didn't know what to fucking do when you called him Johnny-Boy, the disrespect.'

'I told you, I don't have a lot of patience for asshole dads'. He grins at him and shakes his hand a little before letting go to stand. 'Let's get some food, okay? I bet something stupid is on TV.' He stretches his hand back out to help Steve stand. 

They sit and eat and laugh at some sitcom, and when they go to bed Steve doesn't have nightmares but he does have a dream that he and Eddie and Robin are sitting behind the counter at Family Video, and there are faces pressed all against the glass like a Romero film but it's Hagan and it's Carver and it's the new bullies and it's his dad. They can't get in though.

#tranquil place #steddie #steddie fic #steddie ficlet #stranger things #stranger things fic #eddie munson #steve harrington #mine

[m4rshm4ll0w-p4l]

My moonshine mob head canons!

Charlie- he's a sweetheart to the mob but to outsiders he'll tie em up and sacrifice them to a TALL cliff :) he's best friends with Saltbaker ever since Saltbaker made it up to everyone. He is husband to light bug.

Light bug- she's a sweetheart to anyone except drunk bugs (presumably the fly goons) but she still cares for them. She is wife to Charlie.

Anteater- he got that thick southern accent with a bit of joisey in there. He is the boss' bodyguard and he will not hesitate to eat the cop ants (technically not "eat" but yk)

Announcer snail- very bossy lil bitch with a joisey accent and a bit if Australian in there(?). He usually goes to bingo games and meets with some of the outsiders he's usually friends with.

Fly goons- Felix, Stuart, and Stephan. Stephan is the oldest fly goon. He is always carrying a cigar with him or he's usually a lil sassy towards the outsiders. Stuart is the younger than Stephan but older than Felix. He had a gold tooth and smokes cigars only on special occasions, he's a sweetheart and has a soft spot for Felix and Stephan. Felix is the more nervous wreck and a nervous yeller. Speaking of which when he got scared when he though the boss(announcer snail) and Charlie (the mobster spider) had presumably "got killed" even though Charlie had just been high on sugar (I think that's what it was) and his invention blew up (the mini comic was by @mintsuwu ) and caused a panic. Felix is nothing like the other two because he doesn't smoke. He's usually drunk but he doesn't drink that much. And he usually flies backwards for fun, despite his nervous demeanor, he's a toughie when it comes to protecting the ones he cares about.

These are just my head canons! If you have any, please tell me and share! :3

#moonshinemob #cupheadheadcanons #headcanons #ILOVETHEFLYGOONS

[ruthlesslistener]

you mentioned malenia being kinda like an sjw and I realized smth.. radahns like the opposite, a status quo warrior. he looks up to powerful ppl like godfrey, follows his warmongering ways, hold the stars for sellia and ended up obstructing ppls fate. we only know he wants power during the war. dont know if he wants to change the structure in any way. maybe thats why radahn attracts many dudebros who tend to be sqws that hate non conforming characters like malenia

,,,shit I didn't even realize that, though that's probably because I never gave much thought to Radahn (he just bores me, nothing against him. I like Morgott + Mohg and Miquella + Malenia bc they're cursed. Radahn's just a bro). Personally, I'm kind of hesitant to fully agree because the comparison I made to Malenia being a sjw was just to explain why gamerbros seem to hate her so much more than Radahn, as they're both technically noble demigods who did horrible things post-shattering, but from an outsider perspective I do think that it makes sense as to why people dislike them, even though in-game they're both pretty much the exact same person- that being a highly respected, highly competent warlord who were made into rot-ravaged nightmares on the whims of an Outer God. Lemme compare 'em for example

Malenia:

-Buff woman who whoops ass with sword, which is not what women are supposed to be like

-Fights for brother, which further inverses the usual storied gender roles of a prince fighting for his sister's defense

-The cause that her brother is invested in is challenging the status quo and offering acceptance to all of those shunned/harmed by society

-Brusque and confident in herself; does not have the gentle maternal air that other female fromsoft bosses have. She reminds me more of a rabid wolf than a woman, which I personally really enjoy but again challenges gender roles

-People seem to consider her the warmongering conquering force more often than not, which doesn't make sense because, like...they all are? That's kind of the unifying point of the demigods, their hunger for power and their inability to give up. Also the campaign to Caelid seems to have been an attempt to retrieve her brother instead of actually capture land, so there's that

Radahn:

-Big buff man who whoops ass with sword. Literally every dude's gender presentation goal, including mine. Can't fault the beef here

-Fights for his country and his men, which is again what is expected from him as a demigod prince

-Looks up to Godfrey, a brutal conquerer, and actively made attempts to gain more land. Again, this is typical of the demigods, but a lot of people who focus on Radahn's 'haha horseman' vibes seem to forget that he marched on Leyndell with the attempt to conquer it, unless they're arguing about whether or not

-Given that he's holding back the stars to prevent Ranni's fate from becoming A Thing, I think it's fair to say that he's trying to maintain the status quo. This is most likely because if Ranni's fate aligns, his chances of becoming Elden Lord become slim to none, but it's still an example of keeping up the status quo

See the contrast now? While in-game, Malenia and Radahn are just two sides of the same coin, there's one thing that lead to Malenia getting nonstop hate and butthurt ranting while Radahn was universally enjoyed, and it's that Malenia flips the norms while Radahn abides by them. Again, this isn't really something that applies in-game, since gender in the Lands Between seems to mean basically nothing, but it does explain why people react differently when they encounter them; because Radahn is the token character that you're SUPPOSED to root for, while Malenia challenges socially-prevalent ideals and thus generates a certain level of discomfort in the viewer, even if again, she and Radahn are character parallels.

#elden ring #malenia blade of miquella #starscourge radahn #i actually like radahn i just think hes boring #malenia has more of that eldritch horror and inhumanness that draws me #but on a moral scale id say theyre pretty much the same lol #anon #reply

[echantedtoon]

A Champion Time For The Heart Ch24 The Months Between

-SEPTEMBER-

Days passed as you all traveled more and more by train. Resuming your routine of sleeping on the seats during the nights and talking or watching videos during the day with your friends. Victor keeping track of your all's travels with his regional maps as you did. Days were a blur with all of you keeping up the routine and eating from your food rations and taking turns walking up and down the aisles between the train seat to keep up exercise. Silver seemed content to sleep the days away on the table between you four not that you all minded too much. You weren't sure exactly how much time had flown past since you all had left Hammerlocke. You had felt guilty for a bit after your encounter with Raihan. You....did find him somewhat annoying for how he acted towards you, and maybe you should've apologized for the hoodie attack and technically threatening him with Silver, but at least now you seemed to have made up with him and he seemed to understand your stance of 'No' with him. You would apologize to him next time you saw him, which was most likely at the Championship matches at the end of the year if you did ever see him again. Just to keep the peace and give you no lose ends to fix once you leave at the end of the year. You'd feel better once you made sure there wasn't any problems you would've caused....Even if this world was fake and just a dream...Oh. Speaking of which, you still had one lose end to make sure to tie up before you left.

Which is why Gloria blinked at you now from what you asked. "Whatcha mean by that?"

"Well....I was thinking of leaving at the end of the year after the Championship Matches are over," you explained, "And where I'll be returning too...It's not suitable for pokemon for...a lot of reasons I don't want to get into. So I need too know he'll be taken care of if I do end up leaving." You didn't want to explain that in your world there WAS no pokemon beyond toys and video games and Silver most likely wasn't going to be coming with you. But you wanted to make sure he'd be taken care of if you did left, even if nothing here was real and just a dream. Asking Gloria to take him seemed like the best option. She used him to battle before and would take good care of him in your place. "You're the only one I can trust to take care of him if I do go. His pokeball's always in my bag, so if I leave you can just take him.....Can I count on you to do that for me?"

".........I guess so! Tho I don't understand why ye can't take 'em with ya."

You were relieved that problem was taken care of. Again you were against leaving things unresolved. It wasn't until about three days later when you all were almost out of food did you four FINALLY arrived back in Postwick. How did you know? Well the familiar town and the farm houses with flocks of wooloo the shepherds were herding in the fields as you all went past gave it away before you arrived around noon at the train station. Gloria was first to excitedly get up from her seat and run to the entrance, followed by Hop and Victor with you with Silver at your feet bringing up the rear. The fresh air with the scents of flowers and freshly cut hay filled your nose again as you walked out of the stuffy train car. Thank goodness. You were starting to feel like you would never stop traveling like that but it felt good to arrive back in Wedgehurst Station for the moment. The beautiful lush green and small town was just what you needed for the moment. Walking through the station after the three of them you nearly bumped into Victor outside the station as he took in the town as well. Oh. That's right! Gloria mentioned Victor had started traveling around before she did so he must've been away from home for longer. It'd make sense for him to wanna take it all in.

"I see nothin's changed," he commented with a knowing smile looking at the surroundings before stopping up the path and hill heading up back towards his mother's home. "I wonder what Ma's up to?"

"Why don't we go find out?!," his sister piped up excitedly before turning and pushing Hop's shoulder making him wobble. Before like a rapidash she took off running away from them both. "RACE YA!!"

Hop blinked. "HEY!!" Before he raced after her. "THAT'S CHEATING, MATE!!"

Victor laughed a bit before jogging after them up the path towards Mrs. L's and Mrs. G's houses. You only sighed and with Silver at your feet just slowly walked after them. Taking in the beautiful nature around you..but you couldn't help but notice differences now. The grass around you seemed a paler green, the air seemed a little cooler, and the trees' leaves seemed to dawn an orange-yellow tint to them...Almost like it was fall time-..Wait....How long had you been traveling?! Your mind wracked for the answers as you walked, the others running ahead of you and quickly disappearing up the corner with the stone bridge leading to Gloria's house. ...Must've been traveling for most of the year actually and almost fall time. Everything seemed to go by so fast but feeling like a long time ago at the same time. You followed the dirt path up the hill along the stone fence up towards the stone bridge. Crossing it as the stream underneath you gurgled out. Silver gave a curious chirp as you crossed and looked over the side as you passed. Passed the Welcome To Postwick sign and right up to it. A cottage like in a cliche fairytale greeted you as well as leaved vines hanging all over from the roof hanging down from it. The front of the house consisted of potted plants and flower bushes, a wheel barrel with a few gardening tools inside, and a small space of fertile brown dirt surrounded by a ring of stones filled with more plants. You walked until you could fully see the front of the house and smiled at the sight. Both the twins were hugging a woman who they hadn't seem for almost a full year. Their mother. Mrs. G was standing there, happy tears streaming down her face with her bright smile, and one arm around each of the children. Hop was standing off to the side smiling but not interrupting the happy reunion. You slowly caught up walking up the steps to the front of the home and stopping just in front of the gateway with a smile on your face. Mrs. G looked exactly the same except the knees of her overalls were dirty and so were the pink floral gardening gloves she was wearing. Around her feet and near the flower beds were some fresh bags of dirt and a couple gardening tools. She must've been gardening when you all arrived.

"OH MY BABIES!!," she cried and pulled away with the biggest smile on her face. The twins smiling and looking almost on the verge of tears as well. One of her pink gloved hands reaching up to rub her teary eyes....which left dirt streaks on her face not that she cared looking at the both of them a small choked smile reaching your ears...and despite it being a happy sight....you frowned. ...You couldn't help but picture the parallels between them and your own mother...she wouldn't have hugged you or greeted you like that. She scowl, scold you, and asked what took you so long to respond. After all she wasn't gonna be around forever and she put all this work into raising you. You owed her at least a phone call after all- "I watched your matches on the telly." she said smiling and gently placed a motherly hand on her children's cheeks with pride. "You did so well. I'm so proud of you for making it this far!" Heh. Your mother would've just asked you why it took so long and again why you hadn't visited her sooner. And then criticize everything she thought you did wrong or could've done better. And THEN said you should've tried harder.

"Aw Ma! Sttoooopp," Gloria faked embarrassment and lightly waved her hand. "Yer embarrassin' me."

"Did you see my blogging updates?," Victor asked hopefully.

Mrs. G then quickly turned her smile to her son's excited face and his bright smile became wider when she nodded. "Yes! Yes I did! You caught such beautiful imagery! And those pictures you sent me of Gloria's battles are already hanging up on our wall." You couldn't remember the last time your mother praised you actually for your efforts. "You're getting so good at it!" 

He smiled prouder. "Actually it's become really popular since I've been capturin' the stories of two Gym Challengers!" He pumped a fist with a determined look. "AND ONE DAY I'M GONNA BE A FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER N' WORK FOR POKE-WRITES!!" 

This finally seemed to snap you out of your sad daze with a blink...and rose a confused brow. "What the world is Marco Cosmos?"

Hop turned to you with a smile. "Ha! Only THE number one media corporation in Galar! The company's made up of news reporters, move directors, show producers, actors, journalist, writers, photographers, and all kinds of other people in careers. They're also the ones who broadcasts the official pokemon matches and producing the magazines that Nessa usually stars in. Vick's been pinning to be one of the top photographers there."

"And I WILL be!!," Victor said determined, "All I have to do is keep on going and one day land a job there!"

Mrs. G finally noticed you all there as well and smiled in yours and Hop's directions. "Well if it isn't you too!"

You waved and Hop greeted her. "Hey Auntie G! Miss me?"

She chuckled and reached over to ruffle his head. "Yes I did, Hop. You've been doing a great job as well. I'm sure your mother and grandparents will be so proud! Have you went over to see 'em yet?"

Hop shook his head. "Not yet! But I bet they'll be excited to see me huh!?"

She chuckled. "Why don't you go over and say hi? Oh." She blinked as an idea flashed over her face before holding up a finger. "A better idea! When you go over tell them you're all invited to dinner! We can have a small dinner party and catch up on what you three's been up too!"

Hop lit up at the idea and nodded. "That's a great idea! It's been so long since we all got together anyways!" he turned and you had to quickly grab Silver and move aside as Hop ran past you. "I'll be right back!" And finally Mrs. G seemed to notice you and smiled.

"Y/n!," she greeted you and you blinked looking up at her, "I thought you wouldn't be too far behind. Victor's been telling me all about the trouble you've been helping to keep her out of."

......Gloria tossed her brother a scowl as he looked away and you sighed with a chuckle. Silver looking up at you within your arms. "Yeah...Well I can't say it wasn't an interesting experience." You slowly placed Silver back onto the ground before leaning back and crossing your arms. "Certainly had it's ups and downs. But overall it was certainly a fun adventure." You admitted with a smile because honestly...it really much was. Other than your Spikemuth incident, and the few run ins with Oleana, and what happened with Bede. But you knew Bede would be fine. After all he becomes Ms. Opal's successor after the end of the game and all. "But I see you've been well." You said gestured to her gardening tools and she chuckled.

"Well around here you have to prepare your soil for all the snowfall winter brings. It's good to get it done in early fall," she explained also confirming your suspicions, "That way you don't have to do too much during winter."

"Fall already huh? Which month is it exactly? I haven't been keeping track too well."

She chuckled. "September fifth actually. But don't worry too much about it, it's understandable you would get distracted by it all. I suppose you're all here to wait out until the finals in December?"

You nodded again. "Yeah. I mean there really is nothing else to do until they face off against Leon right?"

"You mean after they decide who gets to face off against him." You gave a small huh and she chuckled. "Silly me. You must've not know. Before the finals there's a show down between the final challenges until one comes out victorious, then the Championship Cup takes place a few days after that."

"Oh! That makes a lot more sense. Uh...Hey. Can I borrow your shower and laundry room? I could sure use it right now."

She gladly nodded and gestured to the home. "By all means. I think you all should go unpack and wash up before dinner. We'll certainly be hearing a lot from you all."

You smiled and you, Victor, and Gloria all went inside. All excited not just for dinner but for you having a small break from traveling for a moment. As Gloria and Victor went to unpack in their rooms you obliged and used the shower and then borrowed the washer and dryer for your clothes. Having to wrestle Silver's hoodie off of him to wash real quick. If it was becoming fall and then eventually winter then he'll certainly need it being a water type but you weren't just going to allow him to wear a dirty jacket. You also decided to wrestle Silver into the shower once you were dressed and ready waiting for your clothes to dry up. He was easier to bath than a cat as he liked water and didn't really move a lot when you rubbed soap on him until it was his face. Then he squirmed and chirped annoyed .....But after you promised him all the food leftover in your bag (there wasn't a lot left anyways. Just maybe two or three days left of food.), he reluctantly conceded and let you wipe his face clean with a small cloth. You were glad he was clean at least....but it did back fire a bit on you. After you were done and wrapped him in a towel...he didn't move when you got up looking at you expectantly. When you didn't immediately pick him up he flopped onto his side and let out a loud yell until you did. And with a scowl walked out with him wrapped up like a swaddled baby in your arms. And you were spotted.

"Hey Y/n what was that-...." Gloria blinked seeing your frowning form and Silver peeping out from the towel....before her cheeks puffed out. "PFFFTT!!! AHAHA!" 

"Oh ha ha. Very funny."

You somehow managed to get Silver to get out of your arms long enough to retrieve your things from the dryer and stuff them back into your bag with what little belongings you had. By the time you were done Mrs. G had come back inside and was taking off her garden gloves to find you and the others sitting down on the couch and talking. The muchlax and Toxel Gloria had sent her mother asleep in the small bed in the corner. You all continued to chatter, well the twins did as you sat there letting them talk as you finally got the chance to relax, as Mrs. G went ahead and started getting dinner ready and on the way. You weren't really too sure how much time had passed as you were in peaceful rest listening to them talk answering every so often when they asked you something, before the door rang. Gloria jumped up so fast Silver fell off the couch spook with a chirp as she raced to the door to answer. And on the other side was four other people. Hop, Mrs. L, and Hop's grandparents who also seemed very happy to see all of you. Many greetings were exchanged and hellos were said before Mrs. G directed Gloria to show them to the couch. You opted to pick up Silver and move to sit on the floor with Hop allowing the older couple to sit on the couch with Mrs. L. And they began speaking more. About their battles with the Gym leaders and what they were like. You personally thought Allister and Piers was the nicest but then again this wasn't your journey. At one point both challengers brought out their Badge Circles to show off all of their winnings. Gloria having two extras from insisting on battling every Gym Leader at least once, Gloria showing off all the pictures of the curry and poke dex challenge she was doing, she was almost done with them both too as they were both nearly all the way full. You were proud of their progress! And so was everyone else who listened with smiles on their faces as they both let them talked about their achievements, and Victor wasn't left out either! Being complimented for the fabulous pictures he took and the popularity his blog had been and you couldn't help but agree. Gloria was going to be a great champion. Confident, always jumping in to lend a hand, maybe a but oblivious but she always seemed to be able to bounce back like a rubber ball. And Hop was going to be a great professor! Smart, always thinking even without realizing it, eager to do more. And Victor would be a great photographer. Patient, always looking for the best out of anything, and level headed. Great to have in his future line of work. Everything would be falling into place soon. Which meant that very soon you'll also be able to head home soon.

"Is this the same Drizzle you two used in those battles?" You blinked out of your thoughts and found Mrs. L looking at you and Silver half laying in your lap. "Oh wait a minute. Wasn't he a sobble at the beginning of the year?"

It took a moment of just sitting there and blinking to figure out she was asking you but you did eventually speak. "Huh?.......OH! You m-mean Silver! Yeah." You embarrassedly replied. Feeling a bit silly taking so long to respond. "Yeah. He's a big boy now." He seemed to take this as a compliment and smiled from where he laid on your lap. "Wouldn't be here without him!"

"I see. So are you staying in town then?," she asked politely just making small talk.

And at this you paused.....before shrugging with a small frowned. "Uh......Kinda?" she blinked at you in slight confusion as you sighed. "I mean....I guess I would be sleeping on their couch for at least three or four months...but at the same time I don't wanna just be a freeloader y'know?" Yeah. With how hard you had to work in school, and taking on all those jobs to just help your mom pay bills, you weren't exactly one to want to go on free rides without having any work to pay the toll. It just felt...wrong. Sure you accepted a few free things on your journey like a couple meals and clothes, but those were for survival reasons and you did pay it back in one form or another other than money. "I guess I could just borrow Gloria's tent and sleep in one of the fields or in the yard or something?? I've done it before and it's fine. I mean I have a sleeping bag too."

At this Mrs. L looked at you like you were crazy. "You want to sleep in a tent? With winter and snowfall right around the corner? Child, you seem to be having a hankering for a death wish or seem to believe you're some ice type pokemon. Surely there's something else." By now everyone else seemed to turn to you as well as you shrugged.

......You shrugged. "Like I said I really don't wanna freeload or just take up someone's space and food and...and well other things without paying them back. It's...." You looked away under all the intense gazes squirming like a worm. A guilty feeling bubbling up. "I-It's how I was raised." A small silence coming from yours ....before Hop piped up.

"Hey Ma." Mrs. L turned to him with a hum as he smiled and pointed. "You moved all the storage in the basement to the shed right?" She nodded again and he brightened more. "Ya said you were thinking of renting it out to your friend. But since he changed his mind.." He glanced between you blinking totally not believing his words and his mother. "I dunno. Maybe you can rent it out to someone else? Maybe someone who's responsible and trustworthy?"

"And really helpful!," Gloria added catching on with a smile, "And nah cause a bunch of trouble!"

"And someone who helps keep these two outta trouble," Victor added with a mumbled. Causing both his sister and friend to scowl at him.

Mrs. L hummed actually thinking dawning a thoughtful look.....before turning towards your still disbelief self as you blinked. Wait...Did they just?...What were they .....HUH!? Did they just offer- A hum silenced you of your thoughts as you snapped up blinking at her. Mrs. L regarded you with narrowed golden eyes as she pondered and you found yourself gulping feeling oddly small under the older woman's gaze. Reminded you of your mother's disapproval stare at...at...well anything you did-

"Have you ever worked?" She asked and you flinched blinking.

"H-Huh?"

"Have you ever worked?," she asked casually but seriously leaning back onto the couch, crossing her arms, and crossing her legs too with the same studying look. "As in have you ever had a job?"

O-Oh. That. You shakily nodded with a gulp. "Uh...Y-Yeah I-I've worked before."

"What kind of jobs?"

"Uh....Well when I was thirteen I used to b-babysit a lot." Mostly for your mother's friends and she made you but then started making you get other more serious paying jobs when she realized you could actually help pay bills. "And I was a dog-..Uh pokemon walker." You couldn't say dog walker here when dogs weren't a real thing here. "And a bunch of odd jobs kids do. Mow lawns. Rake leaves. Shovel drive ways. Y'know that kinda stuff. Then I got a part time job at a bakery in my town for a while until I couldn't work there anymore." You really liked the job but it started to affect your school study time so your mom made you quit in favor of another much more ....stressful retail job dealing with Karens. But that's besides the point. "And my last job before I came here was working at a small convenience store for a bit."

Her pose and expression didn't change as she hummed again. "Have you ever rented a room before?"

......With another sigh you nodded. "Yep. My mother started charging me rent once I turned eighteen." Yep. As soon as you turned eighteen your mother started charging you fifty dollars a month for rent on top of using the paychecks you earned anyways to pay bills, groceries, and other things. So it's not like you haven't experienced that before. "And I've stayed in motels before and paid so it's not like I haven't ever paid for a room to stay in."

Mrs. L blinked for a moment but then looked to everyone else as the children looked hopeful, and then back to you as you watched with nervous anticipation. There was no way she was just gonna agree to this would she- "Well if I do rent out to you, I hope you realize I would expect help with the chores."

....You blinked. Wait. REALLY!? You nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't expect anything less."

"And rent would be a hundred fifty dollars a month. I wouldn't want to fight with anyone on the matter of money since I'm not asking a whole lot. That should be more than enough to cover your part of the bills."

Your eyes widened....ONLY A HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS A MONTH!? THAT WAS A FREAKING STEAL!! YOU WERE LIKING THIS IDEA A LITTLE MORE! You nodded eagerly. "Yes! I completely understand-" You froze...Money.....Oh well of course she would ask you for money for living in her home and using her things. But that was the problem. You didn't have a hundred fifty dollars let alone enough for four months!! Hell. You didn't even have most of what Leon gave you. Paying for five meals plus tips twice had drained you of most savings and only had about seven dollars and some cents left. Barely enough for a small pizza. "But...I don't really have a job or really a lot of money on me. So I wouldn't be able to pay you. Not to hassle you for your already generous offer." You clarified holding up your hands. "I'm just saying how my situation is at the moment."

"That fancy clothes store up the way there is hiring," you blinked over to the new male voice and found out it came from Hop's grandfather who rubbed his chin, "She could get one there if she really wants too."

"....T-That sounds like a great idea!," you perked up smiling. "I can see if I can get a job there sure!"

"The I guess it's settled," Mrs. L said finally breaking the stiff pose and smiling. "Go get yourself a job and we can talk about getting you settled in."

You nodded in agreement and smiled. This was great. Maybe things were finally starting to look up for you. At that moment Mrs. G had walked back in with a smile. "Hey everyone. Pasta's ready. Come eat!"

That night you had borrowed the couch after dinner and Hop's family left back to their own home. The next morning for once getting up bright and early, only cuz you heard Mrs. G cooking in the kitchen, and forced your tired self to get up with a yawn. Getting dressed and finding Mrs. G in the kitchen cooking up some kind of omelet with Silver tiredly yawning at your feet and trudging behind you with a giant yawn himself.

"Good morning!," the older woman greeted you from the stove with a smile flipping one omelet, "How did you sleep last night?"

You yawned before waving your hand. "Good thanks. It was a change from sleeping on a train at least. Where's everyone else?"

She chuckled. "I can imagine. Oh those two? They're taking the chance to sleep in. Are you planning on going job hunting?" You nodded and she picked up the fully cooked omelet with the spatula moving it to a plate. "Well here. Eat this first. It's chilly and it would do you good to go out with a full stomach."

After politely eating the omelet and grabbing Silver something to eat as well, you bid Mrs. G good bye and went off into the chilly morning towards the fancy store you remembered Lee getting you those new clothes, went in, and as politely and professionally as you could walked right up to the front clerk desk. There was only one person in there and you recognized her as the manger! So when you walked up to her with a smile and asked her about the job positions....She turned you down....WHAT!? Well it turns out the new position of cashier was already taken just a week prior and they had/didn't need any new openings. Well this was JUST GREAT!! But never the less you thanked her for her time and ended up leaving. Well now what!? Once again fate decided to throw a curve ball at you. Sigh. Oh well. Maybe you could work something else out with Mrs. L or Mrs. G? It was when you were passing by the small grocery store on your way back past the train station did you get a stroke of luck. Silver had spotted something yummy displayed in the windows he wanted and literally death gripped your pants let an chirped loud enough to wake the dead until you looked at him. Like a toddler he excitedly look between you and the window and pointed to it! You looked over...and groaned realizing he was pointing at some fruit displayed in the window.

"But you JUST ate breakfast before we left!" He puffed out his cheek and tugged on your pants leg again. "Oh alright!"

Reluctantly you gave in and trudged to the window. You had some spare dollars to spend anyways, and you could afford to buy him at least one fruit so he'd settle down. You needed to think in order to figure out what to do next and him busy eating would help. So you tired and annoyed walked into the familiar store with silver at your heels excitedly and a bell going off above your head. The inside was cool, and it looked exactly like a regular convenience store with a bunch of shelves with things labeled with prices and a few freezers stuffed with more foods. Taking a look at the aisles they seemed to stacked with the regular food you'd find in stores like back where you came from as you stood there taking it in until a small noise made you look over towards the register. You looked over to a counter and a middle aged man with dark brown hair and mustache smiled from behind the register. A thick sweater and cap sitting on his body as he smiled. Oh hey! It was the store owner from earlier this year.

"Mornin'!," he greeted with a wide smile, "Welcome to Postwick General Store! Is there anything I can help you with?"

You smiled back politely and pointed to the window and the small crate of fruit on display. "Yeah. I saw some of the fruit there and was wondering how much it costs?"

"Oh? You mean the payapa berries!" You nodded and he smiled. The berries were a purple-pink in color and shaped kinda like pears. "There was a surplus of them and we got overstock, but 'round here we don't waste anything. So they're on sale for fifty cents a fruit." He shrugged. "If I don't end up selling them I can always turn them into food for my lil furfrou at home...Are you interested in buying some?"

You nodded. Yeah! You'd be able to buy a few. You decided to grab four of them out of the basket and with Silver eagerly watching at your side you brought them up to the counter to pay for them. After all you'd only lose around two dollars then. "Just these thanks!" You said placing the fruits on the counter as the man took his time counting them up on the register.

"So what brings you out here this early in the morning?," he asked making polite small talk.

You decided to humor him and shrugged. "Well I heard there was a job opening in the clothes store but...Eh. Turns out someone else got it before I could.''

"Oh I see. Sorry for your loss then. That'll be two dollars." You reached to dig around in your pockets for the money and he turned to you to wait patiently....before he suddenly blinked and gazed upon your y/f face and f/c eyes and f/c hair....And hummed. "My memory ain't what it used to be when I was just a wee lad but you look vaguely familiar. Have I perchance seen you before Young lady?"

You nodded pulling two dollars out of your pocket. "Yeah. Earlier this year with Leon." His expression lit up in realization as you handed him the money. "Here you go."

he gladly took them from you. "Ah! You were that young lady with our undefeated champion. You two must be good friends."

You shrugged. "Well what can I say? He is a really good guy." And began passing the fruit from the counter to Silver's chirping eager self who took them from you.

The man hummed watching the exchange between you and Silver...before smiling. "Young Lady." You blinked up at him with a hum. "You said you were looking for a job here?"

"Well...only temporary. I'm planning on leaving here when the Champion Matches start."

"I see." His smile widened. "Have you ever worked in retail before?"

"Yes I have. Why?"

"The winter months are always the busiest around here. I could use someone to help this old man with the cleaning and heavy lifting around this place. How would you like the position?"

And you had gawked at him. Not really believing what the man was offering you.....but you had smiled and happily accepted. Agreeing with him to start later that week! It was perfect! When you got back the twins were already up and groggily eating breakfast and you found Hop with them too. Turns out they had been planning on going out to some of the nearby fields and trying to catch a few more pokemon and practice battling with one another. After all Hop said they'd need all the practice they'd get and you agreed. Later that day you had gone over to Hop's house finding Mrs. L working on the soil around the flower beds near her front door. She was happy to see you and greeted you politely. After greeting her back you explained the events from that morning and agreed you could go ahead and come in after gathering yours things and Silver. And you did. Politely following her inside as she gave you a small tour of the big house that you had only been in once.

"Down there's the kitchen," Mrs. L explained to you pointing to your left side to the kitchen as you stood in the door way holding your big bag and making sure Silver didn't wonder off from you. Then she pointed down to the right towards the living room where you could vaguely see Hop's grandparents watching something from the couch. "That's the living room down there. Up stairs is mine, my parents, and my sons' bedrooms. Those are off limits unless I ask for some help cleaning." She then walked over to the wooden door right next to the stairs that you had originally thought was a closet and opened it to reveal a not so scary pair of stairs leading down to the basement. "And this is the basement. Follow me please."

"Ok."

You followed Mrs. L down the stairs with Silver behind you and downstairs was a...completely empty and very dusty room with one or two electric outlets here and there and one other door that might've been a closet. At the bottom of the stairs Mrs. L look half embarrassed back to you. "I apologize for the mess. After my friend dropped out last minute we haven't really used it. We don't have much storage so it was easier to clean out the shed and move everything into there." She shook her head and pointed to the door. "But it has a completely working bathroom with a shower. "

"No no. It's fine," you assured her with a smile. "It's a lot better than sleeping outside in a tent. I don't suppose I could borrow a broom and duster?"

"Of course. Come on. I'll give you a hand."

That's how pretty much most of the month went from then. You and Mrs. L took too sweeping, and mopping and dusting the room and basement stairs until it was all cleaned up. And you borrowed some different cleaning supplies to scrub down the bathroom provided for you and the place was up and ready for you and Silver. That night spending your first night sleeping there, using your sleeping bag for a bed. That weekend you started your new job at Mr. Frederick's store and it was...pretty peaceful. Every day from Nine A.M to six P.M you'd go and help Mr. Frederick with anything he needed. From restocking and carrying things around to sweeping and mopping the floors to wiping down the shelves to even manning the register and closing some days when Mr. Frederick had to run out or wanted to spend time at home. And it was nice to be doing something with your time, earning retail wage but it was worth it! Even got the weekends off. When not at your job you were helping Mrs. L or Hop's grandparents with anything they needed. Babysitting the grandpa's purrloin, helping to do dishes, or just cleaning in general. It seemed to be going well. The only problem was that Silver sometimes butted heads with the mischievous purrloin but both were easily sated by food. Speaking of which you couldn't have him running around after you all the time so you came up with an idea. Hop and Gloria (and Victor to keep an eye on them-) would go out each day to practice battling or go pokemon hunting, so you ended up stopping Hop one day to ask him a favor of taking Silver with him from now on when he went out with the guys.

"Huh? But why?," he asked you totally confused.

"I can't keep an eye on him all the time between my job and helping your mom. Besides, this way he'll be able to be helpful if you need to use him in battle and keep him out of trouble when I'm not around."

Luckily for you Hop did agree and although reluctant Silver didn't fight back when you told him to go with them every day when you worked until they came home with Silver usually tired and just flopping himself at your feet demanding attention from you and sometimes food. The whole system was working out for you really well as the days flew past, the trees and plants dawning a variety of oranges, yellows, browns, and reds as fall came in full swing and it started to get chillier and chillier. And at the end of the month (had to keep track of days in order to pay Mrs. L the rent each month) you paid your first lump sum of rent to your...technically landlord you guessed. Things were actually starting to go well.

-OCTOBER-

Days passed, and it was pretty much the same routine day by day and you were enjoying it. The small freedom of space and privacy, a nice work environment, nice people to live around, friends, and absolutely no pressure or anyone breathing down your neck it was...nice. In fact you didn't realize it until one day in the middle of October you had just given Mrs. L the rent for that month and before you could leave she asked you to help her get some decorations from the shed. And you were so confused.

"Decorations?," You asked her raising a brow and crossing your arms. "For what?"

Mrs. L chuckled at you. "For Halloween obviously. The town's not really big enough for the traditional trick or treating so every year we have a small Halloween party here for family and friends. Considering Halloween is a week away now I could use some help decorating the house."

Oh. So that was it. You forgot some holidays from your old world existed here as well. You agreed seeing that it was a week away. WOW. Time was flying past when you were occupied. You followed her and Hop's grandfather out to the shed and opened it to lots of boxes. Wow lots of boxes. How'd they get so much stuff to fit in one tiny shed. Box after box you helped take out and lug on over to the house. Around ten in total and all were filled with various items such as plastic skeletons, various ornaments shaped like various ghost pokemon, plastic pumpkins, and a whole lot more. A bubble of giddy excitement entering you at the very thought that would be free to help them decorate! You hadn't been this excited since....since....the plastic pumpkin you were holding in your hands lowered as you stared blankly at it.....You....You couldn't actually remember the last time you actually celebrated.....anything! Your birthday, Easter, Halloween, Christmas!! Your mom always said you all couldn't afford anything and you shouldn't be distracted from your work or studies. Not candy or gifts or even a small piece of cake. You didn't need materials to celebrate but even a small card would've been nice. In fact this might've been the first time you'd actually be celebrating an actual holiday for a long time...How much have you MISSED!?!?

"Y/n?"

"Ha!" You jumped at the sudden voice snapping you out of your thoughts and your head snapped over your shoulder to Mrs. L. The woman had paused in her task of hanging up a spooky orange and black garland on the wall from her step ladder noticing you had stared off into space. The plastic pumpkin dropped back into the box in front of you with a small thud.

"Is everything alright, Dear? You looked lost in space."

"Uh..." You quickly smiled and held up a hand nervously. "Course! Sorry about that! I was just lost in thought for a moment."

"Hm...Alright then. If you say so. Would you be a dear and come help me hold this up?"

"O-oh. Sure! Not a problem!"

Hop was pretty delighted to see how you all decorated the place when he arrived back with Silver ever tired in tow and you were proud of your work. Not going to lie you were pretty excited about this small party too, Mrs. L assuring you were more than welcome to join. More days passed and you got more and more excited with each passing day you worked getting a chip in your step from the anticipation you were feeling. Until the spookiest day of the year finally arrived. Mr. Frederick was nice enough to let you have the holiday off and in turn you got to help with everything! Mrs. G, Mrs. L, and Hop's grandmother were delighted to have another lady around to talk to while making the food and you were....Having the absolute time of your life making food while Hop's grandfather started setting up some of the party games! Caramel apples! Popcorn balls! Pumpkin Pie! Home made pizza! And of course candy! It was just some random brand bought from the grocery store you currently worked at but it was good enough for you! Of course the food you made specifically came out a bit sloppy looking or a bit burnt as you weren't the best cook, but it was all in fun! There was also so much other stuff that was to be had. Hop's grandfather set up a few things. A pinata shaped like a haunter filled with more candy. A small tub with water that beheld bobbing for apples. And a few other things. So imagine everyone the teens' shock and delight at seeing everything set up and ready to go!!....Well almost. At one point while you all were waiting for the Pizza to cook Gloria took you aside and found her in what was a headband with Eevee ears attached to it and upon your confusion produced one similar to hers and slapped it over your head. You blinked for a moment...but laughed and rolled with it! It was one holiday you could dress up anyways. Turns out you two weren't the only ones either as Hop wore a plain wooloo mask and Victor adored a pair of stantler antlers.

IT. WAS. A. BLAST!!!

So much happened. Some basic spooky sounds played from somewhere as you all enjoyed the time. Victor managed to wack the pinata open blindfolded grinning like a man who won the lottery. You attempted to try and get an apple from the tub but failed and ended up sputtering on some water hacking and coughing earning a few laughs. Mrs. G tried it too but had to stop in order for Gloria to fish her mother's glasses out from the tub which you did tease at. The only one able to get an apple was Hop...and then Silver when he used his tongue to literally snatch them all from the water to eat it. A small pumpkin carving content you also decided to join cuz hey...When was gonna be the next time you would be able to carve a pumpkin? Might as well enjoy these freedoms while you have them before returning home to your mom's and college's rules. Your jack-o-lantern's face came out lopsided but you didn't a bit. You had fun! And then the food was great too! Won't bore you with the details but it was absolutely delicious! The night went on until it was nearly midnight and everything was winding down...Til Gloria decided it was a good idea to tell a ghost story.

"HEY!," she piped up all of a sudden as Victor yawned. "I gotta idea! Let's tell a ghost story!"

"Glory, it's late," Victor grumbled, "N' I'm nah in the mood ta 'ere one of yer ghost stories 'gain. If it's bout that girl with the letter from Hammerlocke again I swear I'll drown in boredom!"

"HEY! She was TOO a ghost!"

"Ye got no proof-"

"How about the story of the mysterious ghost pokemon of Slumbering Weald?," Hop suggested to keep them from fighting again. "You know. The invisible pokemon that aren't really there but haunt the deepest most foggiest parts of the Weald." Hop dawned a creepy smile holding up his hands." People say if you run into them you're never seen again!"

"Hop pal. We've heard that one SO many times before I know it word for word. And it's not Ghosts. Some people were probably just spooked by some wild ghost type pokemon and made up the story."

"What about you Y/n?" You paused in the middle of eating some kind of chocolate candy as Gloria looked at you. "Have any ghost stories from the Kalos Region?"

You perked up they turned to you. "Who? Me?"

"Yeah! Tell us a ghost story from the Kalos Region!"

Oh crap. You didn't know any ghost stories from Kalos let alone any story from any region!! .....Quick. Use a story that you've heard from your own world. Straightening up you smiled brightly. "I don't know any ghost stories from there." They looked crestfallen. "But I do remember this one ghost story I heard when I was a kid. The Headless Horsem-... Ahem*. The Headless Rapidashman."

"Ooh. What's that bout?"

"I wouldn't mind hearing a new tale myself," Hop's grandfather chimed in happily.

You smiled. "Alright then. *Ahem* Once upon a time a long time ago there was a Man called Ichabod Crane who was as skinny and looked a lot more like a gangly scarecrow. He was a traveling teacher and one day came to the town of ...uh..Poke Hollow."

You told them the story as the adults smiled amused at the semi terrified looks on the three teens faces as you acted out and hammed up your Pokemon twist on the story of The Headless Horseman.

"The next morning the remains of a smashed pumpkin were found by the old bridge's entrance. But no signs of the old schoolmaster. Only his hat found by the pumpkin's remains surrounded by hoof prints of a rapidash that mysteriously led no where. Some say Ichabod fled to another region fair away from the hollow but the locals knew that he was yet another poor soul caught by the Headless Rapidashman. Never to be seen again."...You suddenly half lunged arms up. "BOO!"

They all screamed and Victor even fell off the small footrest he sat off with an 'Oof' landing on the floor as everyone chuckled at their reactions. Even you despite their frowns. BEST. HALLOWEEN. EVER!!

-NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER-

Days passed and things went back to normal around there. Silver went with the others as you either worked at the store or helped Mrs. L around the house with anything she needed. Eventually helping to put away all the Halloween decorations some time later after the spooky holiday. November felt like a blur as everything passed, you almost asked about Thanksgiving but figured they wouldn't celebrate it let alone even know what it is. The days got colder and colder with December approaching and with it the Champion Matches and your trip back home. To your mother and your trip back to college. Oh your mother was going to flip when you suddenly showed back up after being gone for nearly an entire year....and you were dreading that outcome. What would she do? Yell at you that's for sure. But what if she decided to kick you out because she thought you 'ran away' or something?! The downward spiral of what if scenarios and thoughts made you feel queasy but shook them off. No matter. What ever happens happens. You'd deal with it when the time came to deal with it. Sometimes you'd even chat with Hop before he headed out with the others.

"Good luck shiny hunting today. And thanks again for taking Silver."

Hop nodded. "No problem. It's like Raihan said! We'll need all the time we can get to prepare for the finals!"

You blinked confused. "When did Raihan say that?"

"When he saw us off at the train station remember?"

Oh yeah. You forgot he did end up seeing you all off at the train station before leaving for Postwick. Gloria had been running ahead of you guys and Hop was right behind here with you all.

"HURRY UP!," she called back towards all of you running towards the station. "We'll miss the bloody train!"

"Wait up, Gloria! I'm coming too!", Hop called after.

"Yer both bloody nuts you are! The t-train won't come for 'nother hour!," Victor huffed with you in tow. Until you all reached the station at around eleven in the morning.

Once you all got to the station is when you all got a chance to sit down and catch your breaths. And chat since you had a good hour before the train actually came. So you opted to ask Hop how his Battle went.

"I had Raihan beat in no time!," he beamed, "Once I got my head on straight and stopped doubting every decision I made that is.." he gave a nervous chuckle. "Heh. But it was a real good show down! I couldn't stop smiling through it all!"

''And you never stopped nattering on through the entire battle. You're pretty different from the Champion in that." ......You groaned as they looked over and slowly you did too. You knew that voice, and weren't really surprised to see the Dragon Boy again walking into the station smiling lazily. Oh what now? "But your strength is genuine. As proven by the dragon badge you won from me. You came at me with the force of a raging storm and even I was blow away. "

"You?," you asked raising a brow, "What are you doing here?"

He chuckled and waved a hand to you. "Hey there, Miss! I just came to some of the actual few challengers I've had this year off. No biggy. And see how the sass master herself was doing without me.~"

You deadpanned. "Uh huh...Well with that aside, what did you wanna tell them?"

"Hm?...Oh right!" Then he turned his attention onto Hop and Gloria. "Ok. Listen up you two. Battle your way through the Champion Cup tournament to face Leon. One of you ought to. "

"I reckon I'm still the favorite to win but I'm up against my true rival, Gloria!," Hop spoke confidentially, "So I'll wring every last thing I learned during my battle with you Raihan to beat her!" Before whirling around and pointing at the girl's chuckling face. "So get a move on, Gloria! The train's waiting!''

"Hop the train's not gonna be 'ere for 'nother hour!"

....Hop blinked and slowly put his hand back down. "Oh yeah...I forgot."

Raihan chuckled also flashing one of his signature smirks that had many fans swooning. "Be sure to keep your head on your shoulders. And take all the time you can to prepare. After all Lee's called the 'Unbeatable' and 'Undefeated' Champion for a reason. You'll need as much of a chance as you can get against him."

The rest of that convo before he left was a blur and you couldn't remember all of it, but did remember you did try apologizing to him for the Hoodie incident. And technically threatening to soak you with water gun. But he just laughed it off and seemed to forgive and forget...making a joke if you really wanted to say sorry to have dinner with him before you declined sternly again and then resumed waiting with the others until you did end up leaving Hammerlocke again and coming back to Postwick. Small world huh? But anyhow, life went on. As November came to a close you gave Mrs. L the rent for that month and next month in advance since you weren't really sure when you would be leaving...Until one of the guys told you they'd be leaving the sixteenth.

"Wait. Really?"

"Yep!," Hop replied, "It's gonna take us a couple days to actually get to Wyndon City even by train, and there's a strict deadline we have to meet or else we'll be considered forfeit." He sighed sadly and reached up a hand to rub at his neck a bit. "Man. It's a shame we won't be able to spend Christmas with Gramps or Gran...Or Mum. Or even Lee. But I put so much hard work into this." He gave a determined look. "I just know I can't lose if I try my best!"

"That's the spirit! Don't worry. I'm sure everything will turn out fine in the end."

And you were pretty sure it all was going to. After all. You played through the game before....Although you couldn't help but feel like you were still forgetting something VERY important...Oh well. You were going to be home soon enough. You already had enough to deal with worrying about what was gonna happen once you get back, so you shouldn't worry about what was going on in the game world too much as soon you wouldn't be a part of it anymore. Hopefully. Having already given Mrs. L the rent for both months you'd be staying, you also gave Mr. Frederick your two week's notice in advance explaining your situation to which he gladly understood you wouldn't be working for him for too long. Never the less you still worked hard despite having to leave soon as a means to keep your mind of when you'd finally go back. Helping Mr. Frederick to stock up on plenty of supplies for the holiday rush. Helping Mrs. L and her family decorate and carry the Christmas decorations from the shed. And planning ahead with Victor before going and buying the supplies you all would need for the trip to Wyndon City. It would take a good seven to ten days by train to get there so it was best to plan ahead and get the supplies all bought and separated ahead of time. Had a hard time keeping Silver out of it though. By the tenth of December the first snowfall of the year had fallen at last blanketing the town of Postwick in snow and you all were awoken to Hop's excited whooping of joy. Groggily getting up and going to the source of said commotion in your Pjs with everyone else to see what it was all about. And you under stood why when Hop lugged what was a box about the size of a small coffee table into the living room area beaming with complete awe at it.

"What *yyaawwwwnn* is that?," you asked yawning and pointing to the box.

"Lee sent us presents early!,'' Hop shouted already prying the cardboard box apart with his bare hands to get to the inside. "He sends us a package every year when he can't join us!"

"Huh. He sent it early this year. The dear must've known you all would leave soon and wanted you to have it," Hop's grandmother reasoned and it seemed to make sense. Leon was a considerate enough guy to do that.

You watched with a smile on your face as Hop dug into the box, gasping and almost squealing in delight at pulling out other smaller things wrapped in shiny wrapping paper as the family received their gifts. ....Couldn't remember the last time you even received one gift- You shook you head. NO! Now's not the time to be thinking about those sad thoughts right now Y/n. Especially when they were in a good mood.

Hop gasped again tearing open his to reveal a....book?? He held out to show everyone. "I DON'T BELIEVE IT!! IT'S THE LIMITED EDITION OF PROFESSOR MAGNOLIA'S DYNAMAX THEORISM ENCYCLOPEDIA!! IT HAS THE ENTIRE HISTORY AND LORE BEHIND THE DYNAMAX AND GIGANTOMAX PHENOMENON!!" He immediately opened it and flipped through a couple pages before stopping at one. "And it's even SIGNED?! These sold out completely last year! Where did Lee get one of these?!"

Ah! So a book on pokemon lore. Makes sense Leon would gift Hop something like that. It's right up his little brother's ally. The rest of the gifts seemed like perfect matches for the rest of the family too. Hop's grandmother got some of her favorite cookies. Hop's grandfather received a pretty cute sweater with a purrloin on the front which he seemed to adore. And Mrs. L got one of those self pampering kits. And you soon found out they weren't the only ones who received a package as well from the next time you ran into the twins and Mrs. G. Mrs. G having some kind of small handy gardening tool kit, Victor with a brand new water proof camera, and Gloria who ran up to you excitedly with her FULLY completed curry dex book all full with at least one of every known curry. Apparently Leon heard about her trying to complete it and had graciously sent her a whole bunch of pictures of curries and pokemon she didn't have yet. Good! She was almost done with both dexes then. Wouldn't be too long before she got that all done as well. You also found out it was a habit of Leon's to send them gifts like this every Christmas. And not just them too. Sonia and her grandmother would usually end up getting something mailed to them as well as his gym leader friends. Like you said before Leon was a very considerate man. While you were a bit sad at being left out, you were happy non the less that the others were all very happy-

"Y/n! There's a package for you!" You were snapped out of your daze when Hop beamed at you and held up a smaller box that had been delivered separately from their own gifts. The small box Hop held was just an ordinary square box that looked no bigger than a toaster. On the side of said box was your name as well as the address of Hop's house. "You didn't think Lee would forget about you did ya?"

You continued to stare at the box as every one watched, until you slowly reached over and took the box from him. The plain cardboard felt light in your hands and when you shook it, you could hear something lightly shaking from the inside. Leon..sent you an early Christmas gift as well? Well you certainly weren't expecting that. It was really nice of him but again he didn't have to do anything this extravagant. But your curiosity got the better of you so you decided to open it and look inside. F/c eyes going wide at the sight..before you slowly reached in and pulled out a scarf. A blue scarf and right with it was a matching blue hat perfectly knitted that looked like an adorable sobble, and under both of those was a small tin of chocolate chip cookies. 

"Aw. That's adorable. What a thoughtful gift," Mrs. L cooed seeing the little gifts in your hands.

You however still stared at the gifts..before smiling. Happy tears coming to your eyes at your first proper Christmas gift for in a long, long time. After that things were still peaceful. Until the day finally came that you all would leave for Wyndon on the sixteenth. And like the other three who were giddy with excitement, you made preparations. Going to the store to help out with cleaning down practically everything and restocking as much as you could before leaving for good as a thank you to Mr. Frederick for helping you out and going back at the end of the day as you had a few other things to do. The first thing being when you got back to shower and afterwards borrow some cleaning supplies from Mrs. L to deep clean her basement and it's adjourned bathroom as a last thank you as well. And after all you didn't want to come off as a bad roommate to the family that showed you so much kindness. Having paid for this month in advance you weren't worried about paying for December rent. When all was said and done, you did the last few tasks of helping out Mrs. L if she asked for anything of you and repacking and making sure you had everything of yours ready to go, as well as making sure Silver would have enough room in your backpack to sit in again. He could use a break from the cold from you making him go out with the guys all this time. By the end of it all you were absolutely exhausted, and easily fell asleep into your sleeping bag. Dozing off for your trip tomorrow....Which...came sooner than expected when you suddenly found yourself woken so early in the morning by someone relentlessly shaking you like a dumb maraca!

"Y/N!! WAKE UP!!," someone shouted really loudly into your ear shaking you harder than a leaf in a tornado.

"AH!!," you ended up wrenching yourself up blinking and half expecting it to be your mother which caused the mild panic you felt...before deflating with a groan when you realized it was just Hop smiling before you. He was already wrapped up in a winter coat, scarf, and other things to keep himself warm. "Darn it, Hop..*yyaaawwwwnn*" You mumbled reaching an arm up to wipe at your eyes. "What time is it?"

"Five in the morning." You stared at him. "......What?"

"FIVE in the MORNING!?," you asked gobsmacked. You must've look a sight all tired eyed and messy haired. "Hop, the sun's not even out! For what reason are we having to get up THIS early?"

"You need to wake up or we'll miss the morning train out of town," he explained like it was the most casual thing in the world.

"Train? Train to where?"

"To Wydon City of course! If we wanna make it to the matches on time we have to leave!" He lightly tugged on your arm to get your still half awake self up. "C'mon! The others are already waiting for us at the station!"

He turned to run off leaving you sitting there for a long pausing moment blinking tiredly at the wall as Silver groggily got up next to you...Before your eyes suddenly widened at the slap of realization. OH CRAP!! THE TRAIN TO WYNDON CITY!! THE CHAMPION MATCHES!! YOUR TICKET H O M E!! DUH!? And it was about to leave! Quickly scrambling up you scrambled around to throw on a pair of clothes that weren't pjs and a coat. Rolling up and packing away your sleeping bag. Silver let out a loud chirp when you picked him up and practically shoved him into your bag before hoisting him over your shoulders. Wobbling a bit not used to the added weight after so long. After all you hadn't carried him like this since Circhester. Making one last sweep around the place you made sure you had gathered everything and everything was in it's place before leaving back up the stairs. Finding Hop and Mrs. L decked in her own winter wear waiting for you.

"There you are Y/n. Are you ready to leave?" You nodded. "Oh good. Let's all be off then. I'm seeing you all off. "

Flashlights in hand being your only light other than the other buildings against the early dark morning as you all left through the snow, cold hit your face as soon as you stepped out the door, and snow crunched under your feet as the three of you left off carefully trudging down the roads to the station. Being careful not to slip down the hill as you all walked down it and across the bridge over to the station. Snow clinging to your bodies as you all walked up to the door and went inside. The inside wasn't really any warmer than the outside having an open area for passengers to just bored and get off the trains at will. And in there on some of the benches were the twins and Mrs. G decked out in winter wear and ready to go with their bags full. Having turned their heads towards your light when the door opened.

"HOP! Y/N!," Gloria greeted with a big smile on her face standing up. "You made it."

Hop nodded before turning his attention to the clock on the wall. "...Five fifty four. Almost time for the train to arrive! OH MAN!! IM SO EXCITED!!" 

"I KNOW!!" Gloria held a fist up. "I'm so pumped ta be goin' ta the finals and showin' all I can do out there! I know we can do it-"

Your mind clouded out the rest of what everyone was saying as you stared off into space. So this was it huh? All the work you did with traveling and helping them avoid danger and even on a couple cases winning battles like with Raihan with Silver's help. ..And all of this would all be ending just at the very end of this month. That was about two or so weeks and then...Back to walking on eggshells around your own Mum, no more celebrating holidays, and going to college working a bunch of jobs to hopefully pay your student debt for a degree you came to conclude you didn't want. And possibly losing your home and having a big fight with your mum if this somehow wasn't a dream and you've actually been teleported to some world for a real long time. You were lost in thought and didn't even notice the loud noises of the train coming in or the good byes the mothers were giving the guys. Even if you did notice you would've most likely had only felt sadness.

"C'MON Y/N!! THE TRAIN'S 'BOUT TA LEAVE!!"

That finally snapped your attention back to the present blinking. A loud train horn sounded off startling the four of you into turning to the train, then you happened to glance at the clock hanging upon the wall and noticed that it was six in the morning. As the mothers waved good bye, the four of you went towards the gate and watched as Gloria slipped a single dollar into the slot of it. It made a ping noise and you guess it unlocked because the three of you easily slipped by and towards the train. The grey and yellow train's doors slid open with a whoosh sound as the three of you entered just as another horn sounded off startling you a bit. Inside was who you assumed to be a train conductor who gestured for you all to exit through another door to the right which lead to the passenger cars and other people who happened to be on the train with you three. There was about fifthteen other people with you so the four of you had to go to one of the back seats. Yellow painted metal bars were everywhere along with Blue seats with a table between the two of them. Above each pair of seats was a small area to put luggage. You three sat down just as the train was starting off. Looking out the window and waving their goodbyes even though you were sure their mothers couldn't see them anymore. You sat there with the reality all laid out on the table for you to look at ....and you inhaled deeply before exhaling. This was it. The champion matches. The final endings of the game. Gloria would become the new Champion and then the game would come to it's final conclusion and then after that. Surely....SURELY!! You would wake up from this dream. Back to your mother. Back to your college plans. Back to normal reality. You were going home.

.....But then......

Why didn't the idea of that make you happy?

#a champion time for the heart #pokemon leon x reader #reader x leon #leon x reader #pokemon leon #pokemon shield #pokemon swsh #pokemon sword #pokemon sword and shield

[thatgordongirl]

Fanfic ask! 🥺 🤡 🛒💋🤩🤗

Thank you so much for the ask! If anyone else wants to send one, the list is here

🥺 Is there a certain type of moment or common interaction between your characters that never fails to put you in your feels?

Most of the time, I write singular character focused stuff, but Julian being uncharacteristically kind to someone has always been endearing to me. Whether it be taking Captain outside to avoid loud party music or reassuring Pat that it’s not his fault he got cheated on. Hugging his wife or hanging out with his daughter, stuff like that. 

🤡 What’s a line, scene, or exchange you’ve written that made you laugh?

I technically haven’t written it yet, but there’s a scene I’m planning for the fic where Julian and Pat live, and Pat finds some of Thomas’ poetry online, though it isn’t attached to him. Pat shows Julian and the conversation basically boils down to:

Pat: Well it really spoke to me….

Julian: it’s about worms

I don’t write a lot of funny stuff, I usually write when I’m sad, or if an idea suddenly hits me. 

🛒 What are some common things you incorporate in your fics? Themes, feels, scenes, imagery, etc.

I’m really attached to Captain and butterflies, not only does it symbolise his transformation, but also his disconnect from his former self. A caterpillar looks almost nothing like a butterfly, but it becomes it’s true self when it changes in such a way. Julian and alcohol intertwine quite a lot, but that’s probably due to my own experiences with people drinking. Stories involving Thomas usually have more similes and metaphors, or colourful descriptions because that’s how I think he would describe it in his head. He’d try to make a poem and end up comparing one thing to another in no particular pattern. I try to make it sound more pretty? If that makes sense? Like 1800s novels I’ve read. I know he’s from 1824, but I drew a lot of inspiration from The Picture of Dorian Gray when writing Thomas stuff. 

💋 First kiss fics. Love em or hate em?

I love reading them, even if it’s a ship I don’t like because how it comes about is interesting regardless. But I cannot write them to save my own life, I’ve done it before and it never seems to go well. It’s so much more natural for me to write love that can’t be expressed like Captain or complicated like Julian or Thomas. I’ll get used to it eventually, but for now, I’ll just enjoy other people’s lovely works. 

🤩 Who is your favorite character to write? 

Captain feels the most natural because he’s the first Ghosts character I ever wrote and probably the character I’ve wrote the most for, but I don’t know what more I can explore about him that someone else hasn’t already written, considering he’s so popular. I feel bad throwing my own Captain onto everyone else’s good Captain fics. Julian is really fun to write because me amuses and frustrates me so much as a person. The best way to describe what it’s like to write Thomas is flowery and I love it. 

🤗 What advice would you give to new fanfic writers that are just getting started?

I don’t know if I’m qualified enough to give advice, since I’ve only been posting a year or so, but I’ll throw my two cents in anyway. Don’t feel obligated to post or finish a story just because you think it’ll disappoint someone if you don’t. Engage with your readers and fellow writers, @ginevralinton always leaves wonderful comments on my fics and writes fantastic ones of her own. You’ll feel more connected with the fandom your write for. 

#Ask game #bbc ghosts #the captain #julian fawcett #thomas thorne #pat butcher

[pokeexehasstoppedworking]

A Champion Time For The Heart Ch24 The Months Between

-SEPTEMBER-

Days passed as you all traveled more and more by train. Resuming your routine of sleeping on the seats during the nights and talking or watching videos during the day with your friends. Victor keeping track of your all's travels with his regional maps as you did. Days were a blur with all of you keeping up the routine and eating from your food rations and taking turns walking up and down the aisles between the train seat to keep up exercise. Silver seemed content to sleep the days away on the table between you four not that you all minded too much. You weren't sure exactly how much time had flown past since you all had left Hammerlocke. You had felt guilty for a bit after your encounter with Raihan. You....did find him somewhat annoying for how he acted towards you, and maybe you should've apologized for the hoodie attack and technically threatening him with Silver, but at least now you seemed to have made up with him and he seemed to understand your stance of 'No' with him. You would apologize to him next time you saw him, which was most likely at the Championship matches at the end of the year if you did ever see him again. Just to keep the peace and give you no lose ends to fix once you leave at the end of the year. You'd feel better once you made sure there wasn't any problems you would've caused....Even if this world was fake and just a dream...Oh. Speaking of which, you still had one lose end to make sure to tie up before you left.

Which is why Gloria blinked at you now from what you asked. "Whatcha mean by that?"

"Well....I was thinking of leaving at the end of the year after the Championship Matches are over," you explained, "And where I'll be returning too...It's not suitable for pokemon for...a lot of reasons I don't want to get into. So I need too know he'll be taken care of if I do end up leaving." You didn't want to explain that in your world there WAS no pokemon beyond toys and video games and Silver most likely wasn't going to be coming with you. But you wanted to make sure he'd be taken care of if you did left, even if nothing here was real and just a dream. Asking Gloria to take him seemed like the best option. She used him to battle before and would take good care of him in your place. "You're the only one I can trust to take care of him if I do go. His pokeball's always in my bag, so if I leave you can just take him.....Can I count on you to do that for me?"

".........I guess so! Tho I don't understand why ye can't take 'em with ya."

You were relieved that problem was taken care of. Again you were against leaving things unresolved. It wasn't until about three days later when you all were almost out of food did you four FINALLY arrived back in Postwick. How did you know? Well the familiar town and the farm houses with flocks of wooloo the shepherds were herding in the fields as you all went past gave it away before you arrived around noon at the train station. Gloria was first to excitedly get up from her seat and run to the entrance, followed by Hop and Victor with you with Silver at your feet bringing up the rear. The fresh air with the scents of flowers and freshly cut hay filled your nose again as you walked out of the stuffy train car. Thank goodness. You were starting to feel like you would never stop traveling like that but it felt good to arrive back in Wedgehurst Station for the moment. The beautiful lush green and small town was just what you needed for the moment. Walking through the station after the three of them you nearly bumped into Victor outside the station as he took in the town as well. Oh. That's right! Gloria mentioned Victor had started traveling around before she did so he must've been away from home for longer. It'd make sense for him to wanna take it all in.

"I see nothin's changed," he commented with a knowing smile looking at the surroundings before stopping up the path and hill heading up back towards his mother's home. "I wonder what Ma's up to?"

"Why don't we go find out?!," his sister piped up excitedly before turning and pushing Hop's shoulder making him wobble. Before like a rapidash she took off running away from them both. "RACE YA!!"

Hop blinked. "HEY!!" Before he raced after her. "THAT'S CHEATING, MATE!!"

Victor laughed a bit before jogging after them up the path towards Mrs. L's and Mrs. G's houses. You only sighed and with Silver at your feet just slowly walked after them. Taking in the beautiful nature around you..but you couldn't help but notice differences now. The grass around you seemed a paler green, the air seemed a little cooler, and the trees' leaves seemed to dawn an orange-yellow tint to them...Almost like it was fall time-..Wait....How long had you been traveling?! Your mind wracked for the answers as you walked, the others running ahead of you and quickly disappearing up the corner with the stone bridge leading to Gloria's house. ...Must've been traveling for most of the year actually and almost fall time. Everything seemed to go by so fast but feeling like a long time ago at the same time. You followed the dirt path up the hill along the stone fence up towards the stone bridge. Crossing it as the stream underneath you gurgled out. Silver gave a curious chirp as you crossed and looked over the side as you passed. Passed the Welcome To Postwick sign and right up to it. A cottage like in a cliche fairytale greeted you as well as leaved vines hanging all over from the roof hanging down from it. The front of the house consisted of potted plants and flower bushes, a wheel barrel with a few gardening tools inside, and a small space of fertile brown dirt surrounded by a ring of stones filled with more plants. You walked until you could fully see the front of the house and smiled at the sight. Both the twins were hugging a woman who they hadn't seem for almost a full year. Their mother. Mrs. G was standing there, happy tears streaming down her face with her bright smile, and one arm around each of the children. Hop was standing off to the side smiling but not interrupting the happy reunion. You slowly caught up walking up the steps to the front of the home and stopping just in front of the gateway with a smile on your face. Mrs. G looked exactly the same except the knees of her overalls were dirty and so were the pink floral gardening gloves she was wearing. Around her feet and near the flower beds were some fresh bags of dirt and a couple gardening tools. She must've been gardening when you all arrived.

"OH MY BABIES!!," she cried and pulled away with the biggest smile on her face. The twins smiling and looking almost on the verge of tears as well. One of her pink gloved hands reaching up to rub her teary eyes....which left dirt streaks on her face not that she cared looking at the both of them a small choked smile reaching your ears...and despite it being a happy sight....you frowned. ...You couldn't help but picture the parallels between them and your own mother...she wouldn't have hugged you or greeted you like that. She scowl, scold you, and asked what took you so long to respond. After all she wasn't gonna be around forever and she put all this work into raising you. You owed her at least a phone call after all- "I watched your matches on the telly." she said smiling and gently placed a motherly hand on her children's cheeks with pride. "You did so well. I'm so proud of you for making it this far!" Heh. Your mother would've just asked you why it took so long and again why you hadn't visited her sooner. And then criticize everything she thought you did wrong or could've done better. And THEN said you should've tried harder.

"Aw Ma! Sttoooopp," Gloria faked embarrassment and lightly waved her hand. "Yer embarrassin' me."

"Did you see my blogging updates?," Victor asked hopefully.

Mrs. G then quickly turned her smile to her son's excited face and his bright smile became wider when she nodded. "Yes! Yes I did! You caught such beautiful imagery! And those pictures you sent me of Gloria's battles are already hanging up on our wall." You couldn't remember the last time your mother praised you actually for your efforts. "You're getting so good at it!"

He smiled prouder. "Actually it's become really popular since I've been capturin' the stories of two Gym Challengers!" He pumped a fist with a determined look. "AND ONE DAY I'M GONNA BE A FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHER N' WORK FOR POKE-WRITES!!"

This finally seemed to snap you out of your sad daze with a blink...and rose a confused brow. "What the world is Marco Cosmos?"

Hop turned to you with a smile. "Ha! Only THE number one media corporation in Galar! The company's made up of news reporters, move directors, show producers, actors, journalist, writers, photographers, and all kinds of other people in careers. They're also the ones who broadcasts the official pokemon matches and producing the magazines that Nessa usually stars in. Vick's been pinning to be one of the top photographers there."

"And I WILL be!!," Victor said determined, "All I have to do is keep on going and one day land a job there!"

Mrs. G finally noticed you all there as well and smiled in yours and Hop's directions. "Well if it isn't you too!"

You waved and Hop greeted her. "Hey Auntie G! Miss me?"

She chuckled and reached over to ruffle his head. "Yes I did, Hop. You've been doing a great job as well. I'm sure your mother and grandparents will be so proud! Have you went over to see 'em yet?"

Hop shook his head. "Not yet! But I bet they'll be excited to see me huh!?"

She chuckled. "Why don't you go over and say hi? Oh." She blinked as an idea flashed over her face before holding up a finger. "A better idea! When you go over tell them you're all invited to dinner! We can have a small dinner party and catch up on what you three's been up too!"

Hop lit up at the idea and nodded. "That's a great idea! It's been so long since we all got together anyways!" he turned and you had to quickly grab Silver and move aside as Hop ran past you. "I'll be right back!" And finally Mrs. G seemed to notice you and smiled.

"Y/n!," she greeted you and you blinked looking up at her, "I thought you wouldn't be too far behind. Victor's been telling me all about the trouble you've been helping to keep her out of."

......Gloria tossed her brother a scowl as he looked away and you sighed with a chuckle. Silver looking up at you within your arms. "Yeah...Well I can't say it wasn't an interesting experience." You slowly placed Silver back onto the ground before leaning back and crossing your arms. "Certainly had it's ups and downs. But overall it was certainly a fun adventure." You admitted with a smile because honestly...it really much was. Other than your Spikemuth incident, and the few run ins with Oleana, and what happened with Bede. But you knew Bede would be fine. After all he becomes Ms. Opal's successor after the end of the game and all. "But I see you've been well." You said gestured to her gardening tools and she chuckled.

"Well around here you have to prepare your soil for all the snowfall winter brings. It's good to get it done in early fall," she explained also confirming your suspicions, "That way you don't have to do too much during winter."

"Fall already huh? Which month is it exactly? I haven't been keeping track too well."

She chuckled. "September fifth actually. But don't worry too much about it, it's understandable you would get distracted by it all. I suppose you're all here to wait out until the finals in December?"

You nodded again. "Yeah. I mean there really is nothing else to do until they face off against Leon right?"

"You mean after they decide who gets to face off against him." You gave a small huh and she chuckled. "Silly me. You must've not know. Before the finals there's a show down between the final challenges until one comes out victorious, then the Championship Cup takes place a few days after that."

"Oh! That makes a lot more sense. Uh...Hey. Can I borrow your shower and laundry room? I could sure use it right now."

She gladly nodded and gestured to the home. "By all means. I think you all should go unpack and wash up before dinner. We'll certainly be hearing a lot from you all."

You smiled and you, Victor, and Gloria all went inside. All excited not just for dinner but for you having a small break from traveling for a moment. As Gloria and Victor went to unpack in their rooms you obliged and used the shower and then borrowed the washer and dryer for your clothes. Having to wrestle Silver's hoodie off of him to wash real quick. If it was becoming fall and then eventually winter then he'll certainly need it being a water type but you weren't just going to allow him to wear a dirty jacket. You also decided to wrestle Silver into the shower once you were dressed and ready waiting for your clothes to dry up. He was easier to bath than a cat as he liked water and didn't really move a lot when you rubbed soap on him until it was his face. Then he squirmed and chirped annoyed .....But after you promised him all the food leftover in your bag (there wasn't a lot left anyways. Just maybe two or three days left of food.), he reluctantly conceded and let you wipe his face clean with a small cloth. You were glad he was clean at least....but it did back fire a bit on you. After you were done and wrapped him in a towel...he didn't move when you got up looking at you expectantly. When you didn't immediately pick him up he flopped onto his side and let out a loud yell until you did. And with a scowl walked out with him wrapped up like a swaddled baby in your arms. And you were spotted.

"Hey Y/n what was that-...." Gloria blinked seeing your frowning form and Silver peeping out from the towel....before her cheeks puffed out. "PFFFTT!!! AHAHA!"

"Oh ha ha. Very funny."

You somehow managed to get Silver to get out of your arms long enough to retrieve your things from the dryer and stuff them back into your bag with what little belongings you had. By the time you were done Mrs. G had come back inside and was taking off her garden gloves to find you and the others sitting down on the couch and talking. The muchlax and Toxel Gloria had sent her mother asleep in the small bed in the corner. You all continued to chatter, well the twins did as you sat there letting them talk as you finally got the chance to relax, as Mrs. G went ahead and started getting dinner ready and on the way. You weren't really too sure how much time had passed as you were in peaceful rest listening to them talk answering every so often when they asked you something, before the door rang. Gloria jumped up so fast Silver fell off the couch spook with a chirp as she raced to the door to answer. And on the other side was four other people. Hop, Mrs. L, and Hop's grandparents who also seemed very happy to see all of you. Many greetings were exchanged and hellos were said before Mrs. G directed Gloria to show them to the couch. You opted to pick up Silver and move to sit on the floor with Hop allowing the older couple to sit on the couch with Mrs. L. And they began speaking more. About their battles with the Gym leaders and what they were like. You personally thought Allister and Piers was the nicest but then again this wasn't your journey. At one point both challengers brought out their Badge Circles to show off all of their winnings. Gloria having two extras from insisting on battling every Gym Leader at least once, Gloria showing off all the pictures of the curry and poke dex challenge she was doing, she was almost done with them both too as they were both nearly all the way full. You were proud of their progress! And so was everyone else who listened with smiles on their faces as they both let them talked about their achievements, and Victor wasn't left out either! Being complimented for the fabulous pictures he took and the popularity his blog had been and you couldn't help but agree. Gloria was going to be a great champion. Confident, always jumping in to lend a hand, maybe a but oblivious but she always seemed to be able to bounce back like a rubber ball. And Hop was going to be a great professor! Smart, always thinking even without realizing it, eager to do more. And Victor would be a great photographer. Patient, always looking for the best out of anything, and level headed. Great to have in his future line of work. Everything would be falling into place soon. Which meant that very soon you'll also be able to head home soon.

"Is this the same Drizzle you two used in those battles?" You blinked out of your thoughts and found Mrs. L looking at you and Silver half laying in your lap. "Oh wait a minute. Wasn't he a sobble at the beginning of the year?"

It took a moment of just sitting there and blinking to figure out she was asking you but you did eventually speak. "Huh?.......OH! You m-mean Silver! Yeah." You embarrassedly replied. Feeling a bit silly taking so long to respond. "Yeah. He's a big boy now." He seemed to take this as a compliment and smiled from where he laid on your lap. "Wouldn't be here without him!"

"I see. So are you staying in town then?," she asked politely just making small talk.

And at this you paused.....before shrugging with a small frowned. "Uh......Kinda?" she blinked at you in slight confusion as you sighed. "I mean....I guess I would be sleeping on their couch for at least three or four months...but at the same time I don't wanna just be a freeloader y'know?" Yeah. With how hard you had to work in school, and taking on all those jobs to just help your mom pay bills, you weren't exactly one to want to go on free rides without having any work to pay the toll. It just felt...wrong. Sure you accepted a few free things on your journey like a couple meals and clothes, but those were for survival reasons and you did pay it back in one form or another other than money. "I guess I could just borrow Gloria's tent and sleep in one of the fields or in the yard or something?? I've done it before and it's fine. I mean I have a sleeping bag too."

At this Mrs. L looked at you like you were crazy. "You want to sleep in a tent? With winter and snowfall right around the corner? Child, you seem to be having a hankering for a death wish or seem to believe you're some ice type pokemon. Surely there's something else." By now everyone else seemed to turn to you as well as you shrugged.

......You shrugged. "Like I said I really don't wanna freeload or just take up someone's space and food and...and well other things without paying them back. It's...." You looked away under all the intense gazes squirming like a worm. A guilty feeling bubbling up. "I-It's how I was raised." A small silence coming from yours ....before Hop piped up.

"Hey Ma." Mrs. L turned to him with a hum as he smiled and pointed. "You moved all the storage in the basement to the shed right?" She nodded again and he brightened more. "Ya said you were thinking of renting it out to your friend. But since he changed his mind.." He glanced between you blinking totally not believing his words and his mother. "I dunno. Maybe you can rent it out to someone else? Maybe someone who's responsible and trustworthy?"

"And really helpful!," Gloria added catching on with a smile, "And nah cause a bunch of trouble!"

"And someone who helps keep these two outta trouble," Victor added with a mumbled. Causing both his sister and friend to scowl at him.

Mrs. L hummed actually thinking dawning a thoughtful look.....before turning towards your still disbelief self as you blinked. Wait...Did they just?...What were they .....HUH!? Did they just offer- A hum silenced you of your thoughts as you snapped up blinking at her. Mrs. L regarded you with narrowed golden eyes as she pondered and you found yourself gulping feeling oddly small under the older woman's gaze. Reminded you of your mother's disapproval stare at...at...well anything you did-

"Have you ever worked?" She asked and you flinched blinking.

"H-Huh?"

"Have you ever worked?," she asked casually but seriously leaning back onto the couch, crossing her arms, and crossing her legs too with the same studying look. "As in have you ever had a job?"

O-Oh. That. You shakily nodded with a gulp. "Uh...Y-Yeah I-I've worked before."

"What kind of jobs?"

"Uh....Well when I was thirteen I used to b-babysit a lot." Mostly for your mother's friends and she made you but then started making you get other more serious paying jobs when she realized you could actually help pay bills. "And I was a dog-..Uh pokemon walker." You couldn't say dog walker here when dogs weren't a real thing here. "And a bunch of odd jobs kids do. Mow lawns. Rake leaves. Shovel drive ways. Y'know that kinda stuff. Then I got a part time job at a bakery in my town for a while until I couldn't work there anymore." You really liked the job but it started to affect your school study time so your mom made you quit in favor of another much more ....stressful retail job dealing with Karens. But that's besides the point. "And my last job before I came here was working at a small convenience store for a bit."

Her pose and expression didn't change as she hummed again. "Have you ever rented a room before?"

......With another sigh you nodded. "Yep. My mother started charging me rent once I turned eighteen." Yep. As soon as you turned eighteen your mother started charging you fifty dollars a month for rent on top of using the paychecks you earned anyways to pay bills, groceries, and other things. So it's not like you haven't experienced that before. "And I've stayed in motels before and paid so it's not like I haven't ever paid for a room to stay in."

Mrs. L blinked for a moment but then looked to everyone else as the children looked hopeful, and then back to you as you watched with nervous anticipation. There was no way she was just gonna agree to this would she- "Well if I do rent out to you, I hope you realize I would expect help with the chores."

....You blinked. Wait. REALLY!? You nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't expect anything less."

"And rent would be a hundred fifty dollars a month. I wouldn't want to fight with anyone on the matter of money since I'm not asking a whole lot. That should be more than enough to cover your part of the bills."

Your eyes widened....ONLY A HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS A MONTH!? THAT WAS A FREAKING STEAL!! YOU WERE LIKING THIS IDEA A LITTLE MORE! You nodded eagerly. "Yes! I completely understand-" You froze...Money.....Oh well of course she would ask you for money for living in her home and using her things. But that was the problem. You didn't have a hundred fifty dollars let alone enough for four months!! Hell. You didn't even have most of what Leon gave you. Paying for five meals plus tips twice had drained you of most savings and only had about seven dollars and some cents left. Barely enough for a small pizza. "But...I don't really have a job or really a lot of money on me. So I wouldn't be able to pay you. Not to hassle you for your already generous offer." You clarified holding up your hands. "I'm just saying how my situation is at the moment."

"That fancy clothes store up the way there is hiring," you blinked over to the new male voice and found out it came from Hop's grandfather who rubbed his chin, "She could get one there if she really wants too."

"....T-That sounds like a great idea!," you perked up smiling. "I can see if I can get a job there sure!"

"The I guess it's settled," Mrs. L said finally breaking the stiff pose and smiling. "Go get yourself a job and we can talk about getting you settled in."

You nodded in agreement and smiled. This was great. Maybe things were finally starting to look up for you. At that moment Mrs. G had walked back in with a smile. "Hey everyone. Pasta's ready. Come eat!"

That night you had borrowed the couch after dinner and Hop's family left back to their own home. The next morning for once getting up bright and early, only cuz you heard Mrs. G cooking in the kitchen, and forced your tired self to get up with a yawn. Getting dressed and finding Mrs. G in the kitchen cooking up some kind of omelet with Silver tiredly yawning at your feet and trudging behind you with a giant yawn himself.

"Good morning!," the older woman greeted you from the stove with a smile flipping one omelet, "How did you sleep last night?"

You yawned before waving your hand. "Good thanks. It was a change from sleeping on a train at least. Where's everyone else?"

She chuckled. "I can imagine. Oh those two? They're taking the chance to sleep in. Are you planning on going job hunting?" You nodded and she picked up the fully cooked omelet with the spatula moving it to a plate. "Well here. Eat this first. It's chilly and it would do you good to go out with a full stomach."

After politely eating the omelet and grabbing Silver something to eat as well, you bid Mrs. G good bye and went off into the chilly morning towards the fancy store you remembered Lee getting you those new clothes, went in, and as politely and professionally as you could walked right up to the front clerk desk. There was only one person in there and you recognized her as the manger! So when you walked up to her with a smile and asked her about the job positions....She turned you down....WHAT!? Well it turns out the new position of cashier was already taken just a week prior and they had/didn't need any new openings. Well this was JUST GREAT!! But never the less you thanked her for her time and ended up leaving. Well now what!? Once again fate decided to throw a curve ball at you. Sigh. Oh well. Maybe you could work something else out with Mrs. L or Mrs. G? It was when you were passing by the small grocery store on your way back past the train station did you get a stroke of luck. Silver had spotted something yummy displayed in the windows he wanted and literally death gripped your pants let an chirped loud enough to wake the dead until you looked at him. Like a toddler he excitedly look between you and the window and pointed to it! You looked over...and groaned realizing he was pointing at some fruit displayed in the window.

"But you JUST ate breakfast before we left!" He puffed out his cheek and tugged on your pants leg again. "Oh alright!"

Reluctantly you gave in and trudged to the window. You had some spare dollars to spend anyways, and you could afford to buy him at least one fruit so he'd settle down. You needed to think in order to figure out what to do next and him busy eating would help. So you tired and annoyed walked into the familiar store with silver at your heels excitedly and a bell going off above your head. The inside was cool, and it looked exactly like a regular convenience store with a bunch of shelves with things labeled with prices and a few freezers stuffed with more foods. Taking a look at the aisles they seemed to stacked with the regular food you'd find in stores like back where you came from as you stood there taking it in until a small noise made you look over towards the register. You looked over to a counter and a middle aged man with dark brown hair and mustache smiled from behind the register. A thick sweater and cap sitting on his body as he smiled. Oh hey! It was the store owner from earlier this year.

"Mornin'!," he greeted with a wide smile, "Welcome to Postwick General Store! Is there anything I can help you with?"

You smiled back politely and pointed to the window and the small crate of fruit on display. "Yeah. I saw some of the fruit there and was wondering how much it costs?"

"Oh? You mean the payapa berries!" You nodded and he smiled. The berries were a purple-pink in color and shaped kinda like pears. "There was a surplus of them and we got overstock, but 'round here we don't waste anything. So they're on sale for fifty cents a fruit." He shrugged. "If I don't end up selling them I can always turn them into food for my lil furfrou at home...Are you interested in buying some?"

You nodded. Yeah! You'd be able to buy a few. You decided to grab four of them out of the basket and with Silver eagerly watching at your side you brought them up to the counter to pay for them. After all you'd only lose around two dollars then. "Just these thanks!" You said placing the fruits on the counter as the man took his time counting them up on the register.

"So what brings you out here this early in the morning?," he asked making polite small talk.

You decided to humor him and shrugged. "Well I heard there was a job opening in the clothes store but...Eh. Turns out someone else got it before I could.''

"Oh I see. Sorry for your loss then. That'll be two dollars." You reached to dig around in your pockets for the money and he turned to you to wait patiently....before he suddenly blinked and gazed upon your y/f face and f/c eyes and f/c hair....And hummed. "My memory ain't what it used to be when I was just a wee lad but you look vaguely familiar. Have I perchance seen you before Young lady?"

You nodded pulling two dollars out of your pocket. "Yeah. Earlier this year with Leon." His expression lit up in realization as you handed him the money. "Here you go."

he gladly took them from you. "Ah! You were that young lady with our undefeated champion. You two must be good friends."

You shrugged. "Well what can I say? He is a really good guy." And began passing the fruit from the counter to Silver's chirping eager self who took them from you.

The man hummed watching the exchange between you and Silver...before smiling. "Young Lady." You blinked up at him with a hum. "You said you were looking for a job here?"

"Well...only temporary. I'm planning on leaving here when the Champion Matches start."

"I see." His smile widened. "Have you ever worked in retail before?"

"Yes I have. Why?"

"The winter months are always the busiest around here. I could use someone to help this old man with the cleaning and heavy lifting around this place. How would you like the position?"

And you had gawked at him. Not really believing what the man was offering you.....but you had smiled and happily accepted. Agreeing with him to start later that week! It was perfect! When you got back the twins were already up and groggily eating breakfast and you found Hop with them too. Turns out they had been planning on going out to some of the nearby fields and trying to catch a few more pokemon and practice battling with one another. After all Hop said they'd need all the practice they'd get and you agreed. Later that day you had gone over to Hop's house finding Mrs. L working on the soil around the flower beds near her front door. She was happy to see you and greeted you politely. After greeting her back you explained the events from that morning and agreed you could go ahead and come in after gathering yours things and Silver. And you did. Politely following her inside as she gave you a small tour of the big house that you had only been in once.

"Down there's the kitchen," Mrs. L explained to you pointing to your left side to the kitchen as you stood in the door way holding your big bag and making sure Silver didn't wonder off from you. Then she pointed down to the right towards the living room where you could vaguely see Hop's grandparents watching something from the couch. "That's the living room down there. Up stairs is mine, my parents, and my sons' bedrooms. Those are off limits unless I ask for some help cleaning." She then walked over to the wooden door right next to the stairs that you had originally thought was a closet and opened it to reveal a not so scary pair of stairs leading down to the basement. "And this is the basement. Follow me please."

"Ok."

You followed Mrs. L down the stairs with Silver behind you and downstairs was a...completely empty and very dusty room with one or two electric outlets here and there and one other door that might've been a closet. At the bottom of the stairs Mrs. L look half embarrassed back to you. "I apologize for the mess. After my friend dropped out last minute we haven't really used it. We don't have much storage so it was easier to clean out the shed and move everything into there." She shook her head and pointed to the door. "But it has a completely working bathroom with a shower. "

"No no. It's fine," you assured her with a smile. "It's a lot better than sleeping outside in a tent. I don't suppose I could borrow a broom and duster?"

"Of course. Come on. I'll give you a hand."

That's how pretty much most of the month went from then. You and Mrs. L took too sweeping, and mopping and dusting the room and basement stairs until it was all cleaned up. And you borrowed some different cleaning supplies to scrub down the bathroom provided for you and the place was up and ready for you and Silver. That night spending your first night sleeping there, using your sleeping bag for a bed. That weekend you started your new job at Mr. Frederick's store and it was...pretty peaceful. Every day from Nine A.M to six P.M you'd go and help Mr. Frederick with anything he needed. From restocking and carrying things around to sweeping and mopping the floors to wiping down the shelves to even manning the register and closing some days when Mr. Frederick had to run out or wanted to spend time at home. And it was nice to be doing something with your time, earning retail wage but it was worth it! Even got the weekends off. When not at your job you were helping Mrs. L or Hop's grandparents with anything they needed. Babysitting the grandpa's purrloin, helping to do dishes, or just cleaning in general. It seemed to be going well. The only problem was that Silver sometimes butted heads with the mischievous purrloin but both were easily sated by food. Speaking of which you couldn't have him running around after you all the time so you came up with an idea. Hop and Gloria (and Victor to keep an eye on them-) would go out each day to practice battling or go pokemon hunting, so you ended up stopping Hop one day to ask him a favor of taking Silver with him from now on when he went out with the guys.

"Huh? But why?," he asked you totally confused.

"I can't keep an eye on him all the time between my job and helping your mom. Besides, this way he'll be able to be helpful if you need to use him in battle and keep him out of trouble when I'm not around."

Luckily for you Hop did agree and although reluctant Silver didn't fight back when you told him to go with them every day when you worked until they came home with Silver usually tired and just flopping himself at your feet demanding attention from you and sometimes food. The whole system was working out for you really well as the days flew past, the trees and plants dawning a variety of oranges, yellows, browns, and reds as fall came in full swing and it started to get chillier and chillier. And at the end of the month (had to keep track of days in order to pay Mrs. L the rent each month) you paid your first lump sum of rent to your...technically landlord you guessed. Things were actually starting to go well.

-OCTOBER-

Days passed, and it was pretty much the same routine day by day and you were enjoying it. The small freedom of space and privacy, a nice work environment, nice people to live around, friends, and absolutely no pressure or anyone breathing down your neck it was...nice. In fact you didn't realize it until one day in the middle of October you had just given Mrs. L the rent for that month and before you could leave she asked you to help her get some decorations from the shed. And you were so confused.

"Decorations?," You asked her raising a brow and crossing your arms. "For what?"

Mrs. L chuckled at you. "For Halloween obviously. The town's not really big enough for the traditional trick or treating so every year we have a small Halloween party here for family and friends. Considering Halloween is a week away now I could use some help decorating the house."

Oh. So that was it. You forgot some holidays from your old world existed here as well. You agreed seeing that it was a week away. WOW. Time was flying past when you were occupied. You followed her and Hop's grandfather out to the shed and opened it to lots of boxes. Wow lots of boxes. How'd they get so much stuff to fit in one tiny shed. Box after box you helped take out and lug on over to the house. Around ten in total and all were filled with various items such as plastic skeletons, various ornaments shaped like various ghost pokemon, plastic pumpkins, and a whole lot more. A bubble of giddy excitement entering you at the very thought that would be free to help them decorate! You hadn't been this excited since....since....the plastic pumpkin you were holding in your hands lowered as you stared blankly at it.....You....You couldn't actually remember the last time you actually celebrated.....anything! Your birthday, Easter, Halloween, Christmas!! Your mom always said you all couldn't afford anything and you shouldn't be distracted from your work or studies. Not candy or gifts or even a small piece of cake. You didn't need materials to celebrate but even a small card would've been nice. In fact this might've been the first time you'd actually be celebrating an actual holiday for a long time...How much have you MISSED!?!?

"Y/n?"

"Ha!" You jumped at the sudden voice snapping you out of your thoughts and your head snapped over your shoulder to Mrs. L. The woman had paused in her task of hanging up a spooky orange and black garland on the wall from her step ladder noticing you had stared off into space. The plastic pumpkin dropped back into the box in front of you with a small thud.

"Is everything alright, Dear? You looked lost in space."

"Uh..." You quickly smiled and held up a hand nervously. "Course! Sorry about that! I was just lost in thought for a moment."

"Hm...Alright then. If you say so. Would you be a dear and come help me hold this up?"

"O-oh. Sure! Not a problem!"

Hop was pretty delighted to see how you all decorated the place when he arrived back with Silver ever tired in tow and you were proud of your work. Not going to lie you were pretty excited about this small party too, Mrs. L assuring you were more than welcome to join. More days passed and you got more and more excited with each passing day you worked getting a chip in your step from the anticipation you were feeling. Until the spookiest day of the year finally arrived. Mr. Frederick was nice enough to let you have the holiday off and in turn you got to help with everything! Mrs. G, Mrs. L, and Hop's grandmother were delighted to have another lady around to talk to while making the food and you were....Having the absolute time of your life making food while Hop's grandfather started setting up some of the party games! Caramel apples! Popcorn balls! Pumpkin Pie! Home made pizza! And of course candy! It was just some random brand bought from the grocery store you currently worked at but it was good enough for you! Of course the food you made specifically came out a bit sloppy looking or a bit burnt as you weren't the best cook, but it was all in fun! There was also so much other stuff that was to be had. Hop's grandfather set up a few things. A pinata shaped like a haunter filled with more candy. A small tub with water that beheld bobbing for apples. And a few other things. So imagine everyone the teens' shock and delight at seeing everything set up and ready to go!!....Well almost. At one point while you all were waiting for the Pizza to cook Gloria took you aside and found her in what was a headband with Eevee ears attached to it and upon your confusion produced one similar to hers and slapped it over your head. You blinked for a moment...but laughed and rolled with it! It was one holiday you could dress up anyways. Turns out you two weren't the only ones either as Hop wore a plain wooloo mask and Victor adored a pair of stantler antlers.

IT. WAS. A. BLAST!!!

So much happened. Some basic spooky sounds played from somewhere as you all enjoyed the time. Victor managed to wack the pinata open blindfolded grinning like a man who won the lottery. You attempted to try and get an apple from the tub but failed and ended up sputtering on some water hacking and coughing earning a few laughs. Mrs. G tried it too but had to stop in order for Gloria to fish her mother's glasses out from the tub which you did tease at. The only one able to get an apple was Hop...and then Silver when he used his tongue to literally snatch them all from the water to eat it. A small pumpkin carving content you also decided to join cuz hey...When was gonna be the next time you would be able to carve a pumpkin? Might as well enjoy these freedoms while you have them before returning home to your mom's and college's rules. Your jack-o-lantern's face came out lopsided but you didn't a bit. You had fun! And then the food was great too! Won't bore you with the details but it was absolutely delicious! The night went on until it was nearly midnight and everything was winding down...Til Gloria decided it was a good idea to tell a ghost story.

"HEY!," she piped up all of a sudden as Victor yawned. "I gotta idea! Let's tell a ghost story!"

"Glory, it's late," Victor grumbled, "N' I'm nah in the mood ta 'ere one of yer ghost stories 'gain. If it's bout that girl with the letter from Hammerlocke again I swear I'll drown in boredom!"

"HEY! She was TOO a ghost!"

"Ye got no proof-"

"How about the story of the mysterious ghost pokemon of Slumbering Weald?," Hop suggested to keep them from fighting again. "You know. The invisible pokemon that aren't really there but haunt the deepest most foggiest parts of the Weald." Hop dawned a creepy smile holding up his hands." People say if you run into them you're never seen again!"

"Hop pal. We've heard that one SO many times before I know it word for word. And it's not Ghosts. Some people were probably just spooked by some wild ghost type pokemon and made up the story."

"What about you Y/n?" You paused in the middle of eating some kind of chocolate candy as Gloria looked at you. "Have any ghost stories from the Kalos Region?"

You perked up they turned to you. "Who? Me?"

"Yeah! Tell us a ghost story from the Kalos Region!"

Oh crap. You didn't know any ghost stories from Kalos let alone any story from any region!! .....Quick. Use a story that you've heard from your own world. Straightening up you smiled brightly. "I don't know any ghost stories from there." They looked crestfallen. "But I do remember this one ghost story I heard when I was a kid. The Headless Horsem-... Ahem*. The Headless Rapidashman."

"Ooh. What's that bout?"

"I wouldn't mind hearing a new tale myself," Hop's grandfather chimed in happily.

You smiled. "Alright then. *Ahem* Once upon a time a long time ago there was a Man called Ichabod Crane who was as skinny and looked a lot more like a gangly scarecrow. He was a traveling teacher and one day came to the town of ...uh..Poke Hollow."

You told them the story as the adults smiled amused at the semi terrified looks on the three teens faces as you acted out and hammed up your Pokemon twist on the story of The Headless Horseman.

"The next morning the remains of a smashed pumpkin were found by the old bridge's entrance. But no signs of the old schoolmaster. Only his hat found by the pumpkin's remains surrounded by hoof prints of a rapidash that mysteriously led no where. Some say Ichabod fled to another region fair away from the hollow but the locals knew that he was yet another poor soul caught by the Headless Rapidashman. Never to be seen again."...You suddenly half lunged arms up. "BOO!"

They all screamed and Victor even fell off the small footrest he sat off with an 'Oof' landing on the floor as everyone chuckled at their reactions. Even you despite their frowns. BEST. HALLOWEEN. EVER!!

-NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER-

Days passed and things went back to normal around there. Silver went with the others as you either worked at the store or helped Mrs. L around the house with anything she needed. Eventually helping to put away all the Halloween decorations some time later after the spooky holiday. November felt like a blur as everything passed, you almost asked about Thanksgiving but figured they wouldn't celebrate it let alone even know what it is. The days got colder and colder with December approaching and with it the Champion Matches and your trip back home. To your mother and your trip back to college. Oh your mother was going to flip when you suddenly showed back up after being gone for nearly an entire year....and you were dreading that outcome. What would she do? Yell at you that's for sure. But what if she decided to kick you out because she thought you 'ran away' or something?! The downward spiral of what if scenarios and thoughts made you feel queasy but shook them off. No matter. What ever happens happens. You'd deal with it when the time came to deal with it. Sometimes you'd even chat with Hop before he headed out with the others.

"Good luck shiny hunting today. And thanks again for taking Silver."

Hop nodded. "No problem. It's like Raihan said! We'll need all the time we can get to prepare for the finals!"

You blinked confused. "When did Raihan say that?"

"When he saw us off at the train station remember?"

Oh yeah. You forgot he did end up seeing you all off at the train station before leaving for Postwick. Gloria had been running ahead of you guys and Hop was right behind here with you all.

"HURRY UP!," she called back towards all of you running towards the station. "We'll miss the bloody train!"

"Wait up, Gloria! I'm coming too!", Hop called after.

"Yer both bloody nuts you are! The t-train won't come for 'nother hour!," Victor huffed with you in tow. Until you all reached the station at around eleven in the morning.

Once you all got to the station is when you all got a chance to sit down and catch your breaths. And chat since you had a good hour before the train actually came. So you opted to ask Hop how his Battle went.

"I had Raihan beat in no time!," he beamed, "Once I got my head on straight and stopped doubting every decision I made that is.." he gave a nervous chuckle. "Heh. But it was a real good show down! I couldn't stop smiling through it all!"

''And you never stopped nattering on through the entire battle. You're pretty different from the Champion in that." ......You groaned as they looked over and slowly you did too. You knew that voice, and weren't really surprised to see the Dragon Boy again walking into the station smiling lazily. Oh what now? "But your strength is genuine. As proven by the dragon badge you won from me. You came at me with the force of a raging storm and even I was blow away. "

"You?," you asked raising a brow, "What are you doing here?"

He chuckled and waved a hand to you. "Hey there, Miss! I just came to some of the actual few challengers I've had this year off. No biggy. And see how the sass master herself was doing without me.~"

You deadpanned. "Uh huh...Well with that aside, what did you wanna tell them?"

"Hm?...Oh right!" Then he turned his attention onto Hop and Gloria. "Ok. Listen up you two. Battle your way through the Champion Cup tournament to face Leon. One of you ought to. "

"I reckon I'm still the favorite to win but I'm up against my true rival, Gloria!," Hop spoke confidentially, "So I'll wring every last thing I learned during my battle with you Raihan to beat her!" Before whirling around and pointing at the girl's chuckling face. "So get a move on, Gloria! The train's waiting!''

"Hop the train's not gonna be 'ere for 'nother hour!"

....Hop blinked and slowly put his hand back down. "Oh yeah...I forgot."

Raihan chuckled also flashing one of his signature smirks that had many fans swooning. "Be sure to keep your head on your shoulders. And take all the time you can to prepare. After all Lee's called the 'Unbeatable' and 'Undefeated' Champion for a reason. You'll need as much of a chance as you can get against him."

The rest of that convo before he left was a blur and you couldn't remember all of it, but did remember you did try apologizing to him for the Hoodie incident. And technically threatening to soak you with water gun. But he just laughed it off and seemed to forgive and forget...making a joke if you really wanted to say sorry to have dinner with him before you declined sternly again and then resumed waiting with the others until you did end up leaving Hammerlocke again and coming back to Postwick. Small world huh? But anyhow, life went on. As November came to a close you gave Mrs. L the rent for that month and next month in advance since you weren't really sure when you would be leaving...Until one of the guys told you they'd be leaving the sixteenth.

"Wait. Really?"

"Yep!," Hop replied, "It's gonna take us a couple days to actually get to Wyndon City even by train, and there's a strict deadline we have to meet or else we'll be considered forfeit." He sighed sadly and reached up a hand to rub at his neck a bit. "Man. It's a shame we won't be able to spend Christmas with Gramps or Gran...Or Mum. Or even Lee. But I put so much hard work into this." He gave a determined look. "I just know I can't lose if I try my best!"

"That's the spirit! Don't worry. I'm sure everything will turn out fine in the end."

And you were pretty sure it all was going to. After all. You played through the game before....Although you couldn't help but feel like you were still forgetting something VERY important...Oh well. You were going to be home soon enough. You already had enough to deal with worrying about what was gonna happen once you get back, so you shouldn't worry about what was going on in the game world too much as soon you wouldn't be a part of it anymore. Hopefully. Having already given Mrs. L the rent for both months you'd be staying, you also gave Mr. Frederick your two week's notice in advance explaining your situation to which he gladly understood you wouldn't be working for him for too long. Never the less you still worked hard despite having to leave soon as a means to keep your mind of when you'd finally go back. Helping Mr. Frederick to stock up on plenty of supplies for the holiday rush. Helping Mrs. L and her family decorate and carry the Christmas decorations from the shed. And planning ahead with Victor before going and buying the supplies you all would need for the trip to Wyndon City. It would take a good seven to ten days by train to get there so it was best to plan ahead and get the supplies all bought and separated ahead of time. Had a hard time keeping Silver out of it though. By the tenth of December the first snowfall of the year had fallen at last blanketing the town of Postwick in snow and you all were awoken to Hop's excited whooping of joy. Groggily getting up and going to the source of said commotion in your Pjs with everyone else to see what it was all about. And you under stood why when Hop lugged what was a box about the size of a small coffee table into the living room area beaming with complete awe at it.

"What *yyaawwwwnn* is that?," you asked yawning and pointing to the box.

"Lee sent us presents early!,'' Hop shouted already prying the cardboard box apart with his bare hands to get to the inside. "He sends us a package every year when he can't join us!"

"Huh. He sent it early this year. The dear must've known you all would leave soon and wanted you to have it," Hop's grandmother reasoned and it seemed to make sense. Leon was a considerate enough guy to do that.

You watched with a smile on your face as Hop dug into the box, gasping and almost squealing in delight at pulling out other smaller things wrapped in shiny wrapping paper as the family received their gifts. ....Couldn't remember the last time you even received one gift- You shook you head. NO! Now's not the time to be thinking about those sad thoughts right now Y/n. Especially when they were in a good mood.

Hop gasped again tearing open his to reveal a....book?? He held out to show everyone. "I DON'T BELIEVE IT!! IT'S THE LIMITED EDITION OF PROFESSOR MAGNOLIA'S DYNAMAX THEORISM ENCYCLOPEDIA!! IT HAS THE ENTIRE HISTORY AND LORE BEHIND THE DYNAMAX AND GIGANTOMAX PHENOMENON!!" He immediately opened it and flipped through a couple pages before stopping at one. "And it's even SIGNED?! These sold out completely last year! Where did Lee get one of these?!"

Ah! So a book on pokemon lore. Makes sense Leon would gift Hop something like that. It's right up his little brother's ally. The rest of the gifts seemed like perfect matches for the rest of the family too. Hop's grandmother got some of her favorite cookies. Hop's grandfather received a pretty cute sweater with a purrloin on the front which he seemed to adore. And Mrs. L got one of those self pampering kits. And you soon found out they weren't the only ones who received a package as well from the next time you ran into the twins and Mrs. G. Mrs. G having some kind of small handy gardening tool kit, Victor with a brand new water proof camera, and Gloria who ran up to you excitedly with her FULLY completed curry dex book all full with at least one of every known curry. Apparently Leon heard about her trying to complete it and had graciously sent her a whole bunch of pictures of curries and pokemon she didn't have yet. Good! She was almost done with both dexes then. Wouldn't be too long before she got that all done as well. You also found out it was a habit of Leon's to send them gifts like this every Christmas. And not just them too. Sonia and her grandmother would usually end up getting something mailed to them as well as his gym leader friends. Like you said before Leon was a very considerate man. While you were a bit sad at being left out, you were happy non the less that the others were all very happy-

"Y/n! There's a package for you!" You were snapped out of your daze when Hop beamed at you and held up a smaller box that had been delivered separately from their own gifts. The small box Hop held was just an ordinary square box that looked no bigger than a toaster. On the side of said box was your name as well as the address of Hop's house. "You didn't think Lee would forget about you did ya?"

You continued to stare at the box as every one watched, until you slowly reached over and took the box from him. The plain cardboard felt light in your hands and when you shook it, you could hear something lightly shaking from the inside. Leon..sent you an early Christmas gift as well? Well you certainly weren't expecting that. It was really nice of him but again he didn't have to do anything this extravagant. But your curiosity got the better of you so you decided to open it and look inside. F/c eyes going wide at the sight..before you slowly reached in and pulled out a scarf. A blue scarf and right with it was a matching blue hat perfectly knitted that looked like an adorable sobble, and under both of those was a small tin of chocolate chip cookies.

"Aw. That's adorable. What a thoughtful gift," Mrs. L cooed seeing the little gifts in your hands.

You however still stared at the gifts..before smiling. Happy tears coming to your eyes at your first proper Christmas gift for in a long, long time. After that things were still peaceful. Until the day finally came that you all would leave for Wyndon on the sixteenth. And like the other three who were giddy with excitement, you made preparations. Going to the store to help out with cleaning down practically everything and restocking as much as you could before leaving for good as a thank you to Mr. Frederick for helping you out and going back at the end of the day as you had a few other things to do. The first thing being when you got back to shower and afterwards borrow some cleaning supplies from Mrs. L to deep clean her basement and it's adjourned bathroom as a last thank you as well. And after all you didn't want to come off as a bad roommate to the family that showed you so much kindness. Having paid for this month in advance you weren't worried about paying for December rent. When all was said and done, you did the last few tasks of helping out Mrs. L if she asked for anything of you and repacking and making sure you had everything of yours ready to go, as well as making sure Silver would have enough room in your backpack to sit in again. He could use a break from the cold from you making him go out with the guys all this time. By the end of it all you were absolutely exhausted, and easily fell asleep into your sleeping bag. Dozing off for your trip tomorrow....Which...came sooner than expected when you suddenly found yourself woken so early in the morning by someone relentlessly shaking you like a dumb maraca!

"Y/N!! WAKE UP!!," someone shouted really loudly into your ear shaking you harder than a leaf in a tornado.

"AH!!," you ended up wrenching yourself up blinking and half expecting it to be your mother which caused the mild panic you felt...before deflating with a groan when you realized it was just Hop smiling before you. He was already wrapped up in a winter coat, scarf, and other things to keep himself warm. "Darn it, Hop..*yyaaawwwwnn*" You mumbled reaching an arm up to wipe at your eyes. "What time is it?"

"Five in the morning." You stared at him. "......What?"

"FIVE in the MORNING!?," you asked gobsmacked. You must've look a sight all tired eyed and messy haired. "Hop, the sun's not even out! For what reason are we having to get up THIS early?"

"You need to wake up or we'll miss the morning train out of town," he explained like it was the most casual thing in the world.

"Train? Train to where?"

"To Wydon City of course! If we wanna make it to the matches on time we have to leave!" He lightly tugged on your arm to get your still half awake self up. "C'mon! The others are already waiting for us at the station!"

He turned to run off leaving you sitting there for a long pausing moment blinking tiredly at the wall as Silver groggily got up next to you...Before your eyes suddenly widened at the slap of realization. OH CRAP!! THE TRAIN TO WYNDON CITY!! THE CHAMPION MATCHES!! YOUR TICKET H O M E!! DUH!? And it was about to leave! Quickly scrambling up you scrambled around to throw on a pair of clothes that weren't pjs and a coat. Rolling up and packing away your sleeping bag. Silver let out a loud chirp when you picked him up and practically shoved him into your bag before hoisting him over your shoulders. Wobbling a bit not used to the added weight after so long. After all you hadn't carried him like this since Circhester. Making one last sweep around the place you made sure you had gathered everything and everything was in it's place before leaving back up the stairs. Finding Hop and Mrs. L decked in her own winter wear waiting for you.

"There you are Y/n. Are you ready to leave?" You nodded. "Oh good. Let's all be off then. I'm seeing you all off. "

Flashlights in hand being your only light other than the other buildings against the early dark morning as you all left through the snow, cold hit your face as soon as you stepped out the door, and snow crunched under your feet as the three of you left off carefully trudging down the roads to the station. Being careful not to slip down the hill as you all walked down it and across the bridge over to the station. Snow clinging to your bodies as you all walked up to the door and went inside. The inside wasn't really any warmer than the outside having an open area for passengers to just bored and get off the trains at will. And in there on some of the benches were the twins and Mrs. G decked out in winter wear and ready to go with their bags full. Having turned their heads towards your light when the door opened.

"HOP! Y/N!," Gloria greeted with a big smile on her face standing up. "You made it."

Hop nodded before turning his attention to the clock on the wall. "...Five fifty four. Almost time for the train to arrive! OH MAN!! IM SO EXCITED!!"

"I KNOW!!" Gloria held a fist up. "I'm so pumped ta be goin' ta the finals and showin' all I can do out there! I know we can do it-"

Your mind clouded out the rest of what everyone was saying as you stared off into space. So this was it huh? All the work you did with traveling and helping them avoid danger and even on a couple cases winning battles like with Raihan with Silver's help. ..And all of this would all be ending just at the very end of this month. That was about two or so weeks and then...Back to walking on eggshells around your own Mum, no more celebrating holidays, and going to college working a bunch of jobs to hopefully pay your student debt for a degree you came to conclude you didn't want. And possibly losing your home and having a big fight with your mum if this somehow wasn't a dream and you've actually been teleported to some world for a real long time. You were lost in thought and didn't even notice the loud noises of the train coming in or the good byes the mothers were giving the guys. Even if you did notice you would've most likely had only felt sadness.

"C'MON Y/N!! THE TRAIN'S 'BOUT TA LEAVE!!"

That finally snapped your attention back to the present blinking. A loud train horn sounded off startling the four of you into turning to the train, then you happened to glance at the clock hanging upon the wall and noticed that it was six in the morning. As the mothers waved good bye, the four of you went towards the gate and watched as Gloria slipped a single dollar into the slot of it. It made a ping noise and you guess it unlocked because the three of you easily slipped by and towards the train. The grey and yellow train's doors slid open with a whoosh sound as the three of you entered just as another horn sounded off startling you a bit. Inside was who you assumed to be a train conductor who gestured for you all to exit through another door to the right which lead to the passenger cars and other people who happened to be on the train with you three. There was about fifthteen other people with you so the four of you had to go to one of the back seats. Yellow painted metal bars were everywhere along with Blue seats with a table between the two of them. Above each pair of seats was a small area to put luggage. You three sat down just as the train was starting off. Looking out the window and waving their goodbyes even though you were sure their mothers couldn't see them anymore. You sat there with the reality all laid out on the table for you to look at ....and you inhaled deeply before exhaling. This was it. The champion matches. The final endings of the game. Gloria would become the new Champion and then the game would come to it's final conclusion and then after that. Surely....SURELY!! You would wake up from this dream. Back to your mother. Back to your college plans. Back to normal reality. You were going home.

.....But then......

Why didn't the idea of that make you happy?

#Leon #Leon x reader #reader #reader x leon #Pokemon reader #pokemon reader x leon #pokemon leon x reader #pokemon leon #pokemon shield #pokemon sword #pokemon swsh #pokemon sword and shield

[fictionfixations]

man im gonna miss the owl house.

its a fucking masterpiece. that ending. Its all wrapped up in a nice and pretty bow and im so happy and im actually crying its precious to me like how gravity falls was, and amphibia (i admit im not the biggest fan of amphibia, with as fear of bugs and also holy shit thats a lot of 'filler' thats technically not filler because they DID have to wait like months to be able to venture outside but eHHH) gravity falls and its entirety was precious and nothing can match watching it for the first time amphibia was pretty and quirky with characters i genuinely cared about and the world building was cool and the owl house is a whole... IT HAD GAY, it had magic, it hAD BOOKS, it had so much stuff that i really liked and im so happy about it. and all of their endings made me cry and im still crying shut up oh my god and i didnt watch the episode like yesterday because i forgot and got distracted (haha sorry) and i want to make something to never forget but i already have the amity necklace, the season 1 poster (because season 2 had sold out by the time i checked sob, huNTeRRR) AghH but its in a pretty bow now and i have nothing to write about it. the perfect show honestly has to be the one that there's nothing that you can add to it because its perfect.

theres nothing that makes me want to add on to it, nothing to build out angsty and sad scenes (i mean it had everything i wanted LMFAO. anything else would have to just be like either a drabble, or like canon divergence and therefore hunter pov. because i am the writer who mainly writes male pov, clap clap) AND IM HAPPY FOR HIM HE HDWUISAHDIUA oh my god i just saw the flapjack grave oh my god it just spawned a new set of tears (I HAVENT FINISHED WATCHING THE CREDITS I HAVE WORDS TO SAY)

OH MY GOD AMITY (THEY ALL LOOK NICE. also can i backtrack and talk about how gus reunited with his father, with the illusions of multiple hims and then his dad was just hugging them all and that made me so happy??) also back track further LUZ WAS ROCKING THAT TITAN STYLE and she still has the litlte marks on her eyes (it was probably makeup though maybe? i dont remember if she had that after she turned back i dont think she did? idk) OH OH OH DARIUS (thats abomination coven guy right. oh my god i forgot what their rank was already LMFAO) NAD AND AMITYS DAD ?????? RAINE YOU LOOK SO PRETTY EM(ira? I FORGOT HER NAME. I JUST REMEMBER ED AND EM NAMES ARE FAILING ME RN) OH MY GOD THEIR DESIGNS next thing you know on youtube: nolstalgic the owl house lofi HOLY SHIT IS THAT GUS?

YEAH THATS HIS PALISMAN- HOLY SHIT ??? OH MY GOD EDA. AND SHES WEARING RAINES EARRING THING *SOB* AND HER ARMS A HOOK. OH MY GOD I LOVE HER /P AND THE LIGHT GLYPH im rewatching this so many times im so happy, this is like a literal timeless show in my eyes (like how you can watch gravity falls over and over AGHHH)

OH DEAR STEVE--- its just so perfect and im repeating myself and AGHHHH also can we talk about how they taught the collector what mortality was? i think thats the right word (i was about to say morality haha) LUZ JUST BRRR but like halfway through i remembered that papa titan (like the one from. i think it mightve been the first of season 3...? like when they go through theres that waving guy who sounds like hes running and panting and yelling 'hey' in the background, and i remembered 'OH IS IT HIM') and just oh my god *exaggerated hand movements*

oH MY GOD (and i know thats not the actual light glyph we had before- i know this because i tried drawing it once)

LOOK AT THE LITTLE HORNS AND THE DIAMOND SHAPE ADNWUIAS HDAIUD YEAHHHHHHH MORE LEARNING

i need to take a moment before i cry again my hands are shaking. im going to miss this show. i really hope i can find out what to write in the future (AHAHA unintentional pun to the episode 'in the future') EDIT: NO ITS FOR THE FUTURE, IM SO DUMB ahhh i want to immortalize it. i have this bad habit of forgetting things easily (on the plus side, YEAHHHH i can finally put my half a semester of spanish classes to use for luz!!)

#the owl house #the owl house spoilers #toh spoilers #toh #toh s3e3 #toh s3 #the owl house season 3 #thoughts #toh thoughts #ending #the ending #honestly its just me going 'its perfect'

[themculibrary]

Bisexual Sam Wilson Masterlist

An Intervention (ao3) - Anonymous steve/natasha/sam E, 2k

Summary: Steve, in his unyielding attempt to get Bucky back, has run them ragged. Now, Sam and Nat strike back - in the sexy way.

another way to fly (ao3) - newsbypostcard steve/sam E, 8k

Summary: Maybe that’s why it hurt so goddamn much, being in love with Steve Rogers: knowing that this was another one he probably wouldn’t be able to save.

(Or: feelings are complicated and nothing makes sense, but the one thing Sam knows for sure is that he’s definitely in love with the bastard, even when he doesn’t fucking like him very much.)

a stranger to my eyes (ao3) - jaih0 sam/bucky T, 50k

Summary: He should have expected it, but somehow, he still let himself feel a certain amount of shock upon seeing the door of his apartment ajar. The new supplies were placed on the floor with a gentleness that could have only been due to the fact that Alpine was in one of those supplies. Technically, there was no point in being stealthy now, given the grace and finesse he had used to trample up the stairs with the fruits of his shopping spree. Still, old habits die hard, and people who sneak into apartments die harder.

In which Sam saves Bucky, Bucky saves Sam, and they just can't seem to figure out what it means.

Bruises (ao3) - alienspronkles sam/bucky N/R, 1k

Summary: When Sam shows up at Bucky’s apartment bruised and bloody, Bucky patches him up

Bucky has Opinions about Sam being Captain America (ao3) - Firebird_wilmon sam/bucky G, 1k

Summary: Bucky has opinions about Captain America and makes sure everyone knows them. He wants people to understand that Sam is the perfect person for the role and that shouldn't doubt him for a second. He make sure everyone knows what a good man Sam is.

or

Bucky being a supportive boyfriend and in love with Sam Wilson.

Drunken confessions (ao3) - alienspronkles sam/bucky N/R, 1k

Summary: After Sam drinks, a lot, he ends up telling Bucky how he really feels.

First Time (ao3) - Siancore sam/bucky G, 1k

Summary: The first time that Bucky Barnes admitted to himself that he liked guys the same way he liked gals was exciting, but a little nerve-wracking. What would people think? Nothing nice. What would they say? Probably mean things.

Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me (ao3) - LittleSixx sam/bucky M, 1k

Summary: After a long day as Falcon/Captain America, the only thing he wants is to go home and be Sam.

I'll Use You As A Warning Sign (ao3) - WilderMind steve/sam N/R, 1k

Summary: It's hard to find peace, even if you deserve it.

And Sam Wilson, well, he's been through more than most. Sometimes it takes a real hero to help find someone the serenity they deserve.

Investigative Journalism (ao3) - TenSpencerRiedPlease tony/sam, minor steve/bucky N/R, 3k

Summary: Sam sits back as Bucky and Steve argue for a few minutes before he turns to Natasha. “What are they arguing about? They look pretty into it,” Sam says, looking at the two arguing outside.

“They’re arguing about what Tony Stark is like in bed. Bucky thinks he’s kinky, Steve thinks he’s secretly romantic,” Natasha says and Sam frowns.

Sam rolls his eyes, “well he’s both, I don’t know why they seem to think it’s one of the other. I mean if I knew. I’m just guessing,” he says, remembering that technically no one knew about their relationship.

invisible string (ao3) - geekyziam sam/bucky G, 1k

Summary: Sam and Bucky believe in fate and are soft boyfriends

i've never fallen from quite this high (ao3) - tavana_lee sam/bucky G, 5k

Summary: "I've been waiting for you to notice me for quite some time."

Kiss Until We Crack (ao3) - TheUltimateUndesirable m’baku/sam E, 1k

Summary: Sam knows Alphas, ignoring the fact he is one. If it’s an Alpha problem he knows about it because that’s what bartenders do. They listen. Some are more difficult to understand than others though, including a semi regular customer that he knows if he just waits might just take care of his own Alpha problems. Namely the one in his pants.

Put ‘Em Up (ao3) - Spooteh (Pawfoot) steve/sam T, 3k

Summary: The only problem with the press outing Steve and Sam as a couple is that they aren’t really a couple.

The Mating Habits of the Modern Falcon: A Field Guide (ao3) - chicklette sam/bucky E, 48k

Summary: Samuel Wilson has his shit together.

Not in this fic though. In this fic, Sam has a roommate (Steve), a fuck-buddy (Bucky), a full class load (and some student loans), an internship at the VA, a tense relationship with his sister, and no idea what he’s doing.

But he’s working on it.

The Novelty Pumpkin Proposal (ao3) - Writer_Lethogica sam/bucky T, 6k 

Summary: Sam had gotten dressed for this. He had put on a button-down, nice jeans. He wanted to give this Bucky guy a good impression. Now he was wondering why.

The well-fought fight (ao3) - Sororising steve/sam T, 2k

Summary: “Hey, can I ask you something?”

Steve reluctantly turns his head from where he’s lying in Sam’s lap so that he can look up at his boyfriend. Who is staring out of the window, so that was pointless.

“Course,” he says, and his voice comes out in that sleepy, comfortable drawl that he only seems to get around Sam.

“Who was the first person you told you were bi?”

Unexpected Houseguest (ao3) - faeryn sam/bucky M, 20k

Summary: When Sam comes across Bucky in the strangest of places, his first instincts are to run, and to call Steve. He does neither, and in doing so manages to form a strange bond with the Soviet assassin who once tried to kill him. Bucky is broken, a shell of his former self, and Sam wants nothing more than to help return him to himself. But can he maintain a respectable and responsible distance from the man, despite how Bucky draws him in, in order to help him? Or will he falter, and shatter all the progress he has made by giving in to his own desires?

#themculibrary #mcu #marvel #sam wilson #bisexual!sam #bisexual!sam masterlist #bisexual #masterlists