#that's some darn good lemonade

[kathaynesart]

Out of the frying pan and into the fryer we go.

BEGINNING || PREVIOUS || NEXT MASTER POST

Whew, finally done! Sorry it took so long, this is the largest update I've done yet clocking in at about 15 pages (compared to my usual 7-10). Also, congrats to those who guessed Todd for the distraction! Poor guy went through the last of his mystically preserved lemons just for this moment. What a bro.

#I'm probably the only person who likes Todd haha #Donnie and I both have sensitive wrists so we don't like wearing dangly bracelets #up next is finally some action #rottmnt replica #replica #save rottmnt #rottmnt #I'm not dead #just tired #this is the worst possible time to update but I don't care #kathaynesart #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #unpause rise of the tmnt #tmnt #that's a lot of mugs #Donnie cleans them all regularly #hi agent bishop #that's some darn good lemonade #cw pregnancy

[rockingrobin69]

Office AU Snip 2

Draco leaned against the doorjamb, lips quirking before settling on a smile. “Harry? What are you doing here?”

He was wearing leg warmers. Thigh high, striped, yellow-green-pink. And a t-shirt, pink too. Harry blinked and blinked and blinked. “I—erm—” what was he… “The, uh, draw. The Strictly draw, we won. The last episode apparently aired last night, I don’t… never watched it.”

“Hmm.” Draco eyed the bottle in Harry’s hands, lower lip disappearing between his teeth. “And quite the prize it is. Come in, come in.”

Harry followed, still blinking so fast he could barely see.

“You’re not just coming from the office, are you?” Draco stopped to look back, shaking his head. “It’s after eight. Harry.”

“Yeah, I know, sorry, I… the Milton case, I was going over the paperwork. Everything needs to be perfect for tomorrow.”

He tsked. “Could have asked me to stay in and help.”

“No, there was no need.” His eyes were starting to water. He’s only ever seen Draco in office clothes for months, and this was—fuck, almost funny. Almost, in a nosebleed sort of way. Leg warmers? It was plenty warm in the flat. Also… a little scratchy down his throat.

“So, what kind of drink did the company splurge on?” Draco came closer, stealing what little air Harry had been able to gulp. “Asda’s own bubbly. Wow. Fancy.”

“Plastic cups, too,” Harry said mechanically, arms stretching forward. “Nothing but the best.”

Draco’s smile was so strange in here. “If you wouldn’t mind, I have some actual glasses in the kitchen. Unless you think it’d cheapen it.”

He left (and the shorts—did Harry mention the shorts, above the darned leg-warmers? Bright green and so… tight on his backside?), and Harry still wasn’t breathing properly. The lighting was soft, a little dim, making it harder to concentrate on the details. Small, blue sofa, a tiny red armchair, a bookcase. Soft-looking rug, a standing lamp in the shape of a—

“Here,” Draco was back, gentle touch on Harry’s arm. “Chin chin.”

Harry took an instinctive sip, and bravely didn’t spit it out. “Gah. I forgot I hate this stuff.”

“I have rum in the kitchen,” Draco said, trying to take the glass back. “Or a bottle of white, but it’s been open a while—how about ginger beer? Oh, I got the most marvellous gin last week, should have some lemonade left.”

“No, no, this is fine.” Harry took another valiant sip, nose scrunched. “It’s so… bubbly.”

“Give it,” Draco laughed, shaking his head. But he came nearer, and thinking was hard, because he was wearing fucking leg-warmers and—and this was all so baffling. “Harry. You’re being ridiculous.”

“Mm, so good. Tastes like victory.” Maybe if he kept it in his hands, Draco would come even closer. Try to wrestle it out of his grasp. Keep calling him ‘Harry’ like that, with the little smile. Maybe their shoulders would brush. Maybe he was losing his fucking mind.

“Fine, have it your way,” Draco rolled his eyes. “If you decide against hating yourself, there are plenty of other drinks in there.”

He made his way to the sitting area, one leg-warmed step at a time. Sat on the sofa, said leg hiking up, so he could rest his chin on a knee.

“Well? Are you going to keep standing?”

Harry could have taken the tiny armchair, but it was rather tiny, probably not the most comfortable. And Draco’s leg on the sofa, so brightly coloured. Everything was, around him. The walls were covered with photos and posters, and Harry looked and looked, not taking anything in.

“Go on then. Ask.”

A bit of a struggle, training his eyes back to Draco. “Ask what?”

“Ask about the penis lamp, Harry.”

He nearly lost his life on a sip. “What… so. That’s what that’s meant to be?”

“Blaise thought he was so funny,” he leaned back, wine sloshing in his glass, eyes wide with laughter, and Harry’s knees went a bit weak. “Got it off of gum tree, believe it or not. This guy in Aberdeen makes them out of old tyres? Naturally when he looked at it, he thought of me.”

“Naturally.” Harry’s voice came out raspy.

Draco leaned back, looking him up and down. “So, what’s the real reason you stayed at work so late?”

“Hmm?”

“Come on. We both know everything was ready for the Miltons all the way last week. What’s eating you up?”

 “Who…” Harry took a laboured breath, swallowed something sticky in his throat. “Who said there’s something—nothing’s wrong. I just needed a little time. To review some documents.”

“So you’ve said,” Draco mumbled, with a slight air of—not disappointment, but something just as bitter. Felt like being punched. “Very well, then. Drink up, Potter.”

#drarry fic #snip of a wip #more office au #no magic just. office #tw alcohol #rated... soft M

[dearmailman]

Hello there!👋

I was wondering if you could do anything (fanfic or headcannon don’t mind) where Frank frankly takes care of a regressed villain reader?

(By villain I mean like Robbie rotten lazy town, pulling pranks,petty theft etc.) if not that’s ok

Please and thank you!

Hello little villain!

I wasn't too sure where to go with this, but it ended up like one of the episodes where Robbie was forced to realize that, just maybe, he does consider Sportacus a friend. Frank and Reader used to not get along, but one sleepover can change a lot.

It’s been a usual day of chaos and crime. You’ve spent most of the day on a lemonade stand scheme in which the lemonade they paid for is actually orange juice and grass clippings with dye - no one actually drank it, but watching their faces turn from friendly to grossed out, forcing themselves to be polite about it- Oh wow was it funny. And Howdy getting mad at you for setting up right outside the store was a hoot!

Your house is less of a house and more of a door in the side of a hollow cliff just at the edge of the trees. Your secret lair, if you will. But it’s already pink and orange in the sky above. You stare at the sky, biting your lip nervously. It’s going to get dark before you can get there. You pick up the pace, shoes scuffing on the dirt path.

Surely you can make it. It’s not too far. Your eyes widen as the fist few stars begin winking at you. You’re only at Barnaby’s?! How!? You start running, looking up at the sky. It’s almost night time. It’s almost fully dark.

“Hey!” Someone yells at you and you trip over your feet slightly, skidding to a stop. Frank is hesitantly stepping out of his door, tying his robe as he walks towards you.

“Reader, what are you doing? You know it’s not good to be out so late- Are you okay?”

When he asks, you register just how hard your heart is pounding, and just how close to tears you are. You don’t even respond to him, you just run past him and into his house. He exclaims, but doesn’t stop you, quickly shutting the door on the encroaching darkness.

You stare at each other, blinking.

“Well that’s just swell, now you’re stuck here,” he gripes. “I’m still mad from earlier by the way. You knew that acidic liquid ruins dirt, didn’t you?”

You smile shakily, still somewhat tearful, as you recall pouring orange-grass-juice on his flowers. “I don’t regret it!”

“Well maybe you should, considering you’re trapped here,” he says, crossing his arms at you.

Your smile wipes away. You hrumph at him and sit on his couch, also crossing your arms at him. “I thought you’d be a better neighbor than that, you know.”

He raises an eyebrow at you, as if to say ‘you’re one to talk,’ but then he shakes his head and tsks at you. “You can sleep on the couch, but I don’t know what else you do to get ready for bed.”

Your face lights up red and you glower at him as he grabs blankets from the linen closet, recalling your routine of bedtime stories on the radio while using your bottle and snuggling your favorite stuffie.

Your face drops. Wait, your stuffie. How are you going to sleep without him? Can you sleep without him? You stand up in panic, bumping into Frank as he was setting the blanket down.

“Gosh darn, what is it, Reader?” he sighs, frustrated. He stops, arms dropping from their crossed position. “Reader, are you okay?”

“Quiet,” you groan. You stare out at the darkness and sniffle, feeling yourself tear up even more. “Tonight’s so dumb! It’s so darn dumb! I was scared, the night almost got me, I’m stuck with the lousiest neighbor around, and- and I don’t have my bear!” You sink back onto the couch, hiding your eyes in your hands.

“Reader…”

“Don’t tease me.”

“Oh close the shades, I wasn’t going to. Unlike you, I’m not rude.” You stick your tongue out at him and he shimmies his head like he’s scolding you silently. “It’s fine, neighbor. Eddie likes bears too, he has some on our bed. I’m sure he won’t mind you borrowing someone.”

You groan at him, unsure how to explain what’s wrong. Your routine is getting to you, and as you start to feel sleepy you’re starting to feel small. “I need mine. My room, my stuff.”

“What do you need that we don’t have?” You make a face at him, and he throws his hands up, exasperated. “You can tell me, or you can not sleep.”

“I… I use a bottle, okay? I listen to a radio show that reads kid’s stories and use a bottle. You can tease me, I know you’re going to.”

Frank, frankly, looks less confused than you were expecting. “That’s all?” You nod, still waiting for the teasing. You tease him all the time, so surely he’s going to. “Reader, don’t be silly, that’s normal. Everyone has silly night time routines. Eddie drinks warm milk and listens to the radio before bed - how’s that any different?”

“Because Eddie stays grown up during it,” you gripe, rubbing your eyes.

“Neighbor,” he says. “Don’t feel bugged out, I can turn on the radio for you. I don’t have a bottle but-“

“Frank, you don’t have to-“

“I can get you a glass of milk and one of Eddie’s toys, and you can sleep. It’s alright, really.”

You feel like a jerk-and-a-half, embarrassed and going small in someone else’s home. You’re so evil to him, too, you don’t know why he’s willing to be so nice. You meet his eyes, still flushed, and only find concern and kindness there. Agh, why do all the neighbors have to be so nice!

“Fine, I- I’ll take the milk.”

Frank nods, smiling, and heads into the kitchen. You use the blankets and pillows he set out to make a little nest in the corner of the cushions and press yourself into it. He comes back in a moment with milk and a purple stuffed dragon.

“Here. It’s, um, Eddie’s least favorite.”

You snatch both of them, and he turns on the radio beside the couch. Only music plays, but it’s better than nothing. He seems pleased with your expression as it evens out into peace.

“Sleep well,” he says, and holds his arms out to hug you. He hesitates a moment and then does so. You feel very embarrassed but… you haven’t actually been hugged in a long time. You cling on a moment, and he lets you.

“Frank,” you start nervously as he separates. “ Can you- can you sleep down here?”

“Oh?”

“Like a sleepover,” you cover.

“Like friends?” he says with a slight teasing smile. You feel a pang of guilt, remembering all of the times you’ve been rude to him or pranked him. He’s being so nice though. And you don’t want to be alone after such a scare.

“Yes. Like friends I guess-“

He cuts you off by patting your head, snickering. “Like friends.”

He sets up a sleeping bag on the floor next to you, and the radio plays soft music as you cuddle up with a neighbor’s stuffie. You feel very, very small, and eventually you can’t respond as well to Frank’s conversation. He understands, and just chats to you one-sidedly until you’re both near asleep. It feels so natural, being relaxed around him. His cool confidence is very calming, like he doesn’t doubt how safe you are for a moment.

You feel oddly soothed, almost taken care of. You stare down at Frank, the lousiest neighbor around, and well- Maybe friends aren’t so bad. Just for tonight. Just until tomorrow.

Eddie wakes you two up with breakfast cooking, confused by you being there but not upset. Frank actually makes you another glass of milk, and smiles at you. Like it’s an insider secret between you two.

And if he invites you over for more sleepovers, it’ll still be an insider secret. If you still prank and tease him, Frank knows it's an act. If you two start spending more and more time together that’s no other neighbor’s business. If Frank offers to be your caretaker, after a few weeks, then he won’t make you admit to having friends. All that matters is Frank, you, a bedtime story and a borrowed stuffie, having the best time in the world.

sfw interaction only

#frank #agere #sfw caregiver #sfw agere #age regression #welcome home #fandom agere #agere fanfic #agere headcanons #agereg #special delivery #welcome home agere

[doorrobloxstuff]

*Sets this down like a plate of sugar water and you are a nest of thirsty bees. Runs away.*

Sunshine graced the skin of the unholy.

Rush watched as the sun grace the marble blue sky. A gift rarely seen except for small glimpses from hotel windows. Never on this grand scale.

Rush took it all for granted as it sipped away the citrusy yellow goodness that it’s partner called ‘lemonade.’ It watched clouds seemingly fluffy as its wool drift on by.

Its partner, Ambush was close by. It had been watching a deer carcass it torn to shreds just an hour prior roast over an open flame.

“Hey big guy?”

“Yea?”

“Ehh..Stuff’s gettin cold right?”

“Yea sorta- why do ya think it does that?”

“I dunno.”

Ambush floated over before resting its body on its partner’s, taking care to approach on its non-injured side as not to disturb it while Rush scooted a little and allowed it’s partner to nest into into its fog.

The two watched the clouds drift on by mindlessly.

Ambush snuck a sip of Rush’s lemonade. Something of which Rush quickly took notice of.

“Hey! That’s my drink!”

Ambush’s jaw creased a little bit into a ‘smile.’

“What are you talking about I didn’t steal no dr-“

Rush bonked it lightly on the head with a large hand.

“..Ow..”

“No stealin.”

“Eaugh...did you have to wack me though..?” It laid its head back down on Rush’s shoulder.

“Ya lied to to me to..”

“Yea, but your lemonade was delicious.”

“And mine.”

Ambush grumbled before setting its head back into Rush’s fur while Rush sipped on the now Ambush-tainted lemonade. Slightly more eager to drink it now that its been contested over.

Ambush stayed there for awhile like that. Resting and occasionally stirring there in Rush’s soft fog.

“Bush..?”

“Hm?”

“How much longer until whatever your makin is ready?”

“Two more hours.”

“Alright just makin sure so you don’t fall asleep and burn ya food.”

“Mmmmh..” Ambush pressed its cheek on its partner’s shoulder.

Rush fluffed up a little. “Ah shit, does that hurt you babe..?”

“Tch...nah..” Rush’s hand instinctively made its way to its scar. Which, Ambush reached for as well. But much more gently.

“Ambush..” It murmured.

“Can I..?”

“Yes..”

Ambush traced Rush’s scarred face and followed the scar’s path down its chest. Rush mutually did the same. Running its hand down through Ambush’s ratty fur.

“Your..your so soft..”

“Not as much as you Blushy..”

Rush wrapped a hand around Ambush’s waist which elicited a excited ‘kzzzt!’ out of the other as it pulled it close.

Ambush snuggled even closer to Rush. “Ya know.. I’m goin to the abandoned town tomorrow..maybe I can find somethin we can rip apart..”

“Mmm.. maybe we can find somethin interestin to do around here..this hotel is so damn quiet nowadays.”

“Yea, I’ve practically read the entire library..even eh..some of Figure’s old stuff..it’s eh..a pretty good writer..” It looked a tiny bit sad.

“Seek’s actually found Figure apparently. It told me it’s in pretty bad shape..”

“Oh shit really?”

“Yea, apparently Screech found it in a cave just lying..there..”

Ambush shrank into Rush’s fluffy chest even more. “Is it eh..is it okay right now..?” It said meekly.

“..Maybe we can go and see?” Rush said comfortingly. Brushing another hand down Ambush’s cheek that immediately got another purr out of it.

“That would be nice..” Ambush nestled knee deep in Rush’s fur. “I’m just glad itsomfkay....”

“Eheheheh..” Rush smiled took another sip of its lemonade. Continuing to watch the clouds roll on by.

Ambush peeked its head out.

“By the way big guy..I..eh..I found found your quilts! It’s so coolmfjkppphhh..!”

“Shshshsgshshhsh..nobody must know..” Rush pushed Ambush back into its fur and took another large sip.

——

I had to cut it short again. Darn it I ran out of idea juice

Don’t have much lore for these two yeeeet….

#author.txt #roblox doors #doors roblox #don’t give the admin of this blog lemonade he doesn’t like it #probably has an allergy #UPDATE: HE DID #writing #Rush #Ambush

[creepling]

OKAY SO this isn't a request but i had a scenario i started thinking about last night when i tried to sleep that i wanted your opinion on (johnny on the brain always, unfortunately) and it's just... can you imagine being like, an honorary family friend of the sawyers (your grandparents were close with their grandparents back before times got hard and they had to resort to doing what they had to do, and now, while your folks are gone now and it's just you, drayton considers you off-limits out of respect for old grandpa) and you live a little bit far off from their farmland on your own dingy little farm. it's inherited from your parents, and it's... fucked up. you've got a lot of seeds, but nothing grows, and the house needs worked on and you just *don't* know the first thing about fixing any of it. you're, admittedly, pretty oblivious to what the sawyers do---you never come around without being invited and it's usually just a quick chat with drayton at the end of the road, and on the off chance you're driving your dad's beat up old truck close to their farm and hear any screaming you just think they have some really weird goats---but your visits are always short-lived and you haven't gotten to meet the new additions to the family yet. maybe you drive by to see drayton, drop off some seeds as a gift 'cause right now nothing's growing for you and they're just being wasted, and you mention something offhand about a rusty shed door that won't open or a leaky roof and drayton, after pulling him aside and giving him a very thorough talking to (you don't want to upset grandpa, after all, and your old folks WERE really good to them when they were living) about how he better not try anything, drayton sends johnny back with you to fix something as thanks for the seeds (because let's be honest, drayton doesn't have it in him anymore and johnny is arguably the most.. casual. able to act normal, if you will). so now you've got a sweaty, attractive greaser here to fix your roof that you've never met before. you feel bad about him having to do all the work because you're just so darn *clueless*, so you might as well make some lemonade and cut some watermelon so he can get a quick break from the heat! you keep sneaking glances and admittedly he's real charming, so it's not just the texas heat getting to you. maybe he thinks you're real sweet, if maybe a little oblivious. airheaded? whatever the word for it, you're certainly pretty amusing, and you're already pretty clearly off-limits for *killing*, but drayton never said anything about testing OTHER boundaries, now did he?

omg i love this sm. the fact that reader is normal because they never got brought up in some cannibal patriarch like the sawyers. but who knows, maybe the crops aint growing bc there’s family secrets buried in the soil?👀

also yard work johnny goes through my mind constant because he reminds me of the hot pool cleaners in movies or greaser mechanics. like i just know outside of killing this man is passed about made to do yard work and fix things up. drayton paps him off to fix cars and cut grass for extra cash or southern hospitality and johnny has to begrudgingly do it. but this time his client is hot and naive and fine to look at, so maybe he wants to stick around for a while. point out a leaked pipe so he can fix it and stay for longer, hnng

if you write you should defos make it into a fic, i’d read it in a heartbeat!!

#lambofjudgement

[gerinurse]

Lemons, lemonade, and whatever is in between…..

Last time I posted I had norovirus. It hit me hard and I was sick for an entire week. This time I have influenza and again it has hit me hard. I have been off work for 2 weeks already and cannot stop coughing. But when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade and it’s meant that my diet has been super clean. I can’t eat any sugar or dairy or anything that crumbles as it causes increased phlegm buildup as well as coughing fits. I also can only drink water as everything else makes me feel horrible. I’m living on protein, cooked vegetables some mashed potatoes and a few noodles. Because if this, my polymyalgia Rheumatica is more under control than ever and I’ve lost 8lbs.

Hubby of course went back to work so it’s been tough dealing with a very young puppy while working. It’s kind of been a blessing to be home for 2 weeks. I go back to work next week and work 4 days then have 10 days vacation booked. After that I took every Friday off through the entire summer. I’ve also given work notice that I am retiring September 1st so that makes me feel much better. I can’t go to the gym right now as my schedule is not allowing for that with hubby working and a puppy. I’ve been doing some body weight exercises and spending time cleaning the yard and house. I’m not missing out on any steps and my mobility specialist says that I am making good progress.

I finished the 12 week challenge in 2nd place which is pretty darn good l and I am really proud of how hard I worked. The trainer offered me a discount on training and nutritional support so I asked her if I could use it in the fall and she agreed. Once I retire I am putting myself first and foremost and getting healthy once and for all. It’s time to prioritize me for once in my life.

The week before I got sick I was suffering from debilitating anxiety attacks daily. My mom always said that if you don’t do what’s right for your health, your body will force you to do it one way or another. Obviously getting sick was my bodies at of forcing my hand. All said and done things are not going too badly. Hope everyone here is going great 🙂.

[nevalizona]

A writing piece about Andy, my brother's oc.

Pardon any errors.

It's another boiling hot day and Andy would like to be in a pool, maybe even with a nice ice cold glass of lemonade, he smiled at the thought. His mom made a delicious lemonade, the perfect way to quench his thirst after mowing the lawn. Gosh, mowing the lawn, he used to *hate* that! It's too hot to mow in Del Rio but that didn't stop him from having to... suddenly he misses it. Pushing the mower around, trying to keep the yard neat. Gee, he'd even trim the hedges right now, his mom wouldn't even have to ask! Water the plants. He'd bring out the radio and enjoy all this mundane stuff he used to groan and moan about.

Last night there was some explosions, shook the whole darn camp. Andy has never felt his heart beat so fast in his entire life. Too close. He's been out there, on the frontlines, so he doesn't know why in the world last night scared him so bad. He's been jittery ever since.

"You good, Chavez?" A tall soldier asked, rasping him on the helmet a few times, causing him to jump. His heart hammering against his chest so hard he felt like he could faint. Why is he so worried about last night? He's fine. The camp is fine. Everything is fine.

"Y-yeah. I'm good." Andy peeked up at the tall man, his helmet knocked around a little making it hard for him to see.

"Good, just checkin'." The man chuckled, walking off from where ever he came. Andy blew some air out of his mouth. He sighed and went back to lacing up his boots, trying to figure out why he was so shaken up.

A few hours had past and Andy was in line at the mess tent. The place buzzed with chatter, seems like everyone's in a good enough mood despite the night prior. Andy thanked the chef who slapped a bunch of slop on his tray as he went to sit at his semi-normal spot. Something felt off and he couldn't quite figure out what. He pushed food around his tray, he didn't have an appetite tonight.

If he was home his mom would notice this, looking at him with a concerned look saying, 'Are you okay, son? You seem bothered.' in her native tongue. He'd tell her he's fine, because honestly, he doesn't know why he *isn't*. Thinking about his mother though, twisted his stomach into knots.

It hit him like a train, he was dreaming about home when the explosion happened. His family. They were so scared. He was so scared. Tears raised in his eyes and he tried blinking them away. Gosh he misses home so bad. He misses everyone and there's nothing he can do about it. Why are they being dragged into this war? They should be safe at home. He took a deep breath and told himself to eat a couple bites of food. Everything's okay, his family is at home and safe. One day, he will be too.

#stevie.txt #text #stevie writes #m*fia game #andy chavez #please ask me to tag if needed!

[palaceofpassion]

Human MLP AU- Applejack is a hardworker and is unusually able to handle the workload by herself. However Spike seeing her doing the work by herself decides to help Applejack with some of the work around the farm. She isn't sure about this but when he does help she is very appreciative about it.

AJ was finally hitting her limit, with several days of working straight, next to no sleep. She knew that things were getting bad. "Gosh Darn it Big Mac, why did you have to get sick now." She was almost done with collecting the apples, she was so close, but... but... "Ah can... Ah can keep going." Her body tumbled, weaving back and forth as her fatigue was finally getting to her.

"Darn it." She was going to hit the ground, but... she didn't. "What?"

"Are you alright?" A small voice called from beneath her. One she wasn't sure she could recognize, strange as it was since she knew everyone in town.

"Ah am, thank ya." She felt herself being lifted, her, AJ, the biggest girl in town. Was being carried.

"You should get some rest, and some lemonade, or something with Sugar, Twilight tends to overwork herself a lot too."

She blinked, now realizing that not only was someone carrying her, but they were darned tiny. To her surprise it was... she couldn't remember his name. He was Twilight's little assistant, the one that everyone kind of avoided. She felt bad about it, but... she understood why. Even this close, she could feel the hairs on her body stand on end. A sense of danger, that she couldn't put her fingers on alerted her brain.

Even now she tried to run... but that was only stuffed by the amount of energy she had drained from her.

"Tha...thank ya."

She could at least be polite. It was rude other wise, besides, she wasn't sure why she felt this way. It was sort of like when she ran into Timberwolves. Those things were dangerous, but she could see why they were, he... he was different.

Eventually he put her under the shade, on a chair she'd set up for resting periods and breaks. Which she hadn't taken today.

TShe finally had a good look athim, a good long one... which now that she thought about, she never did. And it wasn't just because of how short he was, it... it was hard to look at him. Yet, she couldn't see anything wrong. In fact, all she could see was a young man who seemed to be lacking expressions.

Spike stared at the large gorgeous woman, even he had to admit he found her stunning. But... he could tell, he could smell it, that she was like the others. He held an internal sigh, 'Why did mother make me come here...'

Regardless... Spike liked to help people, even if that usually ended with him getting the short end of the stick. Even if he was called names, or thrown out of stores.

"Looks like you're almost done... I can help you if you want."

AJ blinked, coming out of her stutter, "No... no A'hm Fine, I can..." She tried to stand up, only for him to gently push her with a single finger, sending her back down.

"No, no I can see you're overworked... I'll uhm... it shouldn't be long."

He scratched at his chin, something about it sent AJ's skin crawling. If he noticed though, he didn't say.

He did notice of course, but it was usual.

"Thank you... uhm..."

"Spike, it's Spike. And you're welcome."

Spike didn't like being here... but he was going to help.

And AJ? She watched as he got to work, efficient was what she would call him, he moved straight to the point and harvested what was needed in the shortest possible way. It was like his eyes were scanning a path, now that was something no Pony could do... it scared her... yet she felt bad.

She felt her heart ache, because she came to a realization. She didn't know him, but he was close with her best friend... did any of them know him?

#h!spike #h!applejack #mlphumanau

[mullothekwami]

my q activities as anime characters

kaminari: i just spilled my lemonade I'm so sorry for it

toga: i have a beautiful collection of kn/ves uwu

jirou: not me listening to the same song over and over again

junko: darn theres school tmrw

everyone will d/e in my school

monoca: just ~~monika~~ monoca

nagito: wow 6 ppl said happy birthday to me irl

mukuro: theres this girl who has the same birthday as me and she got more respect and a fvcking tiara

ochaco: people who say they are very kind and nice: *exist*

you are not deku, fvck off

soda: plot twist: the duolingo bird is a monokuma

mina: deku wearing emo clothes sounds like a good idea

L: walking with dino arms in the halls is so hot

sero: 1 2 7 3 todoroki fell on the street

genocide jack: being my friend or accepted by me is such an honor how dare you not celebrate

todoroki: baahhaha imagine having a happy childhood

dazai: mental health goes brrr

asahina: i love how the german translation of toko's ultimate is super bookworm-

comments

toko: shut up swimmer girl

kyoko: shouldnt teachers know that the term 'family issues' exists? like wtf

hajime: ugh, dont you hate when your a blue face in someone elses story?

deku: WHY CANT ANYONE TALK TO SOMEONE WITHOUT BEING ShIPPED WITH THEM!

toga: i said yay to murder and these girls who sit infront of me in L&L asked if i said yay to murder and then they said "oh yea we are on good terms so i dont think u should murder me" i said i wont but-

junko: im teaching these kids the ways of despair hehehe

keebo: EVERYONE, STOP FEELING DESPAIR!!

WHY?

... BECAUSE YES!

nagito: i hate it when my phone dies instead of me

nagito: mikan, we are not gonna forgive you

why?

because killing for the sake of despair is a waste of time

you should kill for hope or love or justice

idc if she says she kill for her beloved, her beloved is literally despair so she killed for despair and not true love

kokichi: i eat bees

maki: i woke up today and chose violence

light: their home address please?

mikan: "the big letters ran away they were having an emotional breakdown and i think they needed some space :'(("

- grass

ray: burn the children

ibuki: im built different. i have 3 toes😎🥸

misa: block this user? no, i need to keep stalking them to find things to use against them.

kaminari: its ur birthday yea yea. if u touch my toes i will touch urs too

ray: pov norman is a farmer

comments

norman: i wish

emma: what-

[slicing-clovers]

@monmuses​, continued from here!

Alas, it was a day like any other— in the midst of some well-deserved downtime, Derren had managed to invite Tanith to a lunch outing at the edge of Hydro City. 

The meal was going quite amicably, too. Under the warm radiance of the high noon sun, shielded by an overhead table umbrella, Derren was feasting upon a roast beef and cheddar sandwich. Conversely, Tanith had herself a salad of ample contents, complete with blue cheese, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette. She’d even offered a good portion of it to him— something he accepted readily, and much to her delight, especially since she had already prepared more than she expected to.

However, as soon as the two had mostly finished their food and moved on to their drinks, the Cavalier soon began to realize how harsh the heat had become at that hour. He was in the midst of discussing what his sister was up to for the past week— 

—the most he managed was undoing the button down at his collar, ruffling the opening a slight ways down his neck, with a light tug at the rest of his shirt for comfort—

—and he would have continued with that conversation... had the sudden splutter and cough from Tanith caught him off guard just then. Not to mention the insane amounts of red that rose to her face...

Even the words that came from her sounded rushed. “...uh, could you repeat what you just said? I... I got sidetracked. Sorry, it was... a thought. That came to my mind!“

“O-Of course! Of course,” he managed, “it’s no big deal, though now that you mention it, it is getting rather hot out here... (goodness, as if it could get any more intense...!) though, right— I was going to see how onee-san was doing, only to find out that she just got out that pitcher of lemonade...”

As he went on speaking, though, his mind’s eye was all too focused on that darned sweat going down his neck (of course it had to be so uncomfortably cold), while Tanith was doing her best to recover from whatever had interrupted her drink.

But, that blush... lamias never really came under heat stroke, did they? Surely... was it really too much for her? In the least, he’d have to get some more ice for her drink if she wanted a refill.

The young man gave a quiet sigh as he finished up his talk, offering her a spare hand towel.  He only hoped that the cause of it wasn’t too intense... whatever it happened to be.

#//coffee and tea: ic #//mountain air: rp #//leathered edge: derren #//pomegranate berry napoleon: derren and tanith #monmuses #((he's a caring lad #regardless of whether or not he knows what's up :L

[crayonurchin]

... Why don’t I have a character I can dress in Lolita and softcore clothes?

That feels like a fault in myself.

#I have fashionable characters #but #not one I can dress in adorable outfits #with petticoats and cotton blouses and bonnets #ALSO I NEED ME SOME VAMPIRE CHARACTERS #watch this space #ima make a softcore vampire character #she works on a farm and is able to feed on livestock and very kind community donations #she wears soft dresses and sandals and huge straw hats to protect her skin #she likes baking for her friends and makes a darn good fruit pie #can't go to church but can have the town at her barn for lemonade and conversation afterwards #Oh no I think I love this girl already #she's only like #40 years a vampire in a younger body #so not CRAZY old but has some life wisdom which is very cool to see from a young face #she has so many pets #none of her animals die from feedings and she takes really good care of them #she sells eggs and veggies at the market

[dazey-aceie]

obey me! host club au

just a wip, and lemme know if you all would like extensions of mc choosing each of the brothers lol

“you piece of- hey! don’t hang up on me! solomon! solomon! i’m gonna kill him.”

you were pacing quickly all around RAD, trying to find the perpetrator of the sort, your human best friend. he had wanted you to take a break from studying, so he went as far as to hide all of your homework and even your backpack. which had also happened to have your DDD’s charger, that you were going to need soon. it was almost dead, around 26% or so. that damned solomon.

he was certainly one to worry, if anything he had been stressing over exams more thank you have, but he did an extremely darn good job at hiding it.

you pace has quickened even more as texts arrived one after the other every couple of minutes giving you clues about the where-abouts of your bag. it all happened to be some kind of riddle too, because as we know solomon’s extra like that. after a solid 10 minutes or so it all clicked.

“the music room! i’m an idiot.” you scolded yourself trying to remember where the room happened to be.

you were still brand new to your new school, not having that firm of a grasp as to where everything even at your own school was, you were trying your hardest to use whatever muscle memory you had. you took a left, then a right, then another right and then another right- and then.

“i’ve just been going in a circle!” you stated deadpanned, “i really should’ve paid more attention during those tours…” you huffed going the other direction.

It's already been a hectic morning, as you decided to leave dark and early. you still haven’t bonded all that much with your new roommates, and it didn’t seem like they wanted to either. 7 brothers, all more different than the previous, they hadn’t exactly gone out of their way to try to talk about their favorite colors or anything. You didn’t care much either way, all you had to do was get through the rest of the year and then you could return to the life you had before. But who would've thought things would’ve gotten so interesting.

You spun on your heels, trying your hardest to navigate through the large halls, after a couple more corner turns, you seemed to enter a part of the school that gave off a familiar feeling, “I think its somewhere near here…” you pondered to yourself, slowing your steps to be able to read the tags out side all the doors until finally.

Room 420; MUSIC ROOM

“...Ha, 4-20… Nevermind that, I need to grab my backpack!” you exclaimed as a way to keep your main focus fresh in your mind, then you reached for the door handle. It was cold, but in a refreshing way, like lemonade with cucumbers on a hot summer day, the air in this portion of the school seemed to feel different as well, it was airier. If that makes sense. You took a deep breath taking in that scent and opened the door.

…

you walked in to see a room much larger than you were expecting, it was just shiny, and looked so clean, there was a grand piano in the center of it all and seated there playing was a familiar black haired red eyed demon. There was a sectional to the left were 2 demons were seated, a ginger, and one with purple hair, the purple haired youngest was lying down, and a couple of girls were sitting there fangirling over him and the ginger was sharing a cake cake some girls that seemed to be losing a lot of blood… There was a pool table in with a white haired demon and a blonde were playing a “friendly match” against each-other, there were many female demons surrounding them cheering them on. lastly there was an indigo haired demon seated while quietly drinking tea with 3 girls who seemed to be making him flustered.

then back to where you were, someone made their way over to you.

“Hello and welcome to the RAD host club. I’m Asmodeus- its a pleasure to meet y…ou…(y/n)!?”

“...Hey..?” There he was the, 6th born brunette, his fringe framed his face in a delicate manner, he swept it out of the way as his shock quickly turned to excitement.

“(y/n) dear! How are you? Are you here to spend some free time before class starts? We’ll get you started right away! Who would you like to be seated with? I, of course, would be honored to take a seat and chat for a bit!”

“...huh..?”

“This is a host club afterall,” he winked with a chuckle, smiling at your obviously confused expression.

Your encounter didn't go unnoticed, as by then 6 others had made their way towards you, leaving their clients for a bit to see what their brother was so excited about.

“Asmodeus, what seems to be the matter?” the black haired 1st born questioned, it quickly being answered as he turned his head to face you.

Mammon, the blue eyed white haired brother was the second to speak, “Hey, look. Its the human!”

“We can see that.” The one whose name you thought was Levi, spoke in a sarcastic tone.

“No need to be mean about it, Levi!”

“He’s not wrong, however,” The blonde remarked, a smirk apparent on his face.

The youngest of the bunch decided to add to the on-going conversation, “Mammon, you’re just an idiot, it's as plain and simple as that,” he shrugged.

There was a ginger, who didn't seem to speak up as he was busy devouring what seemed to be his 6th slice of cake while still standing.

“Huh…?”

“Oh hun, your face of confusion, it's simply gorgeous! It makes me want to just eat you up~”

“Asmodeus, stop scaring the human.” Lucifer retorted, his eyes not straying from you.

“Hmpf.” Asmo pouted, it quickly turned to a childlike smile.

They all were now standing around you in a circle, all their eyes locked on you as if you were their prey, staring you down with smiles and grimances. These were the 7 princes of hell, so they’ve been nicknamed, but here they were, working at a host club. Atleast, that's what it seems like. The clients grew bored of waiting so they called over the demons, they seemed to glare at you while doing so.

“We’ll continue this later,” Lucifer stated, finally turning his back. Everyone started to walk back to their clients, except for Asmo.

“Or…” Asmo began, “You could schedule a time with one of us!”

The brothers quickly turned to see your face, still of confusion.

“So MC! Who do you choose?”

“...!?”

#obey me #headcanon #mc #obey me headcanons #obey me x y/n #y/n #lucifer #mammon #leviathan #satan #asmodeus #beelzebub #belphie got #beel #asmo #belphie #obey me au #host club au #otome #otome game #ouran high school host club #host club #SoundCloud

[fenheart87]

Like You A Latte

Marinette has a secret admirer dropping off a pick-me-up drink every morning before class. After waiting and hoping, she catches the admirer in the act. belated birthday gift/thank you gift for @chrwrites <3

"Twin, did you suddenly get a boyfriend when I wasn't looking?" Lydia teased her cousin, enjoying the adorable confused face scrunch.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, what are you talking about?"

"You cup, more like every cup has a cute doodle and hearts on it unless you're putting them there..." She trailed off, taking the empty seat next to Marinette.

"Oh, they are from a secret admirer and they're always here when I come to class. We've, uh, had a long conversation via sticky notes about me not drinking them and being suspicious because who leaves a fresh beverage every morning as a secret admirer gift? And the hot drinks are always hot and the cold ones are cold and not melted or watered down, like the refreshers they leave me. I've tried coming in early and instead I'll find the drink in my next class or a random classmate will give it to me but no clue who it is."

"Well, who else gets here early? Maybe they've seen your admirer and could help track them down." Her words made Marinette think for a moment, eyes glancing around the room until they lighted on Rose and Juleka.

"They were here early this morning... I'll be right back." The designer grabbed her cup and made her way to the couple, a friendly smile already gracing her lips.

"Oh, Marinette! Would you please tell Jules that she looks great in any color and her streaks don't matter?"

"Uh well," she fumbled for a response, ignoring Julekas amused smirk and Rose’s expectant gaze for a moment to reply, "fashion designer speaking there is some color clashing I would say to avoid but as a friend, wear what makes you happy and comfortable."

"Thanks, Marinette." Juleka offered her closed fist for a bump, smiling as Rose bounced in place with too much energy.

"I actually wanted to ask you girls something, you get here before I do in the mornings and lately I've been getting drinks from a secret admirer, I'd like to at least meet them and thank them. Maybe make a new friend if all else fails."

The shared looks between the couple spoke volumes of words only they could decipher. She waited patiently for them to decide if they would give her any hints or not. The drink in her hand caught her attention again and with a mental shrug, returned to sipping the delicious liquid. Today it was a strawberry lemonade refresher and completely delicious.

"We can't tell you since he's your secret admirer but we can help make drink requests or send messages back and forth." Rose clapped her hands together, the hearts were practically visible in her eyes as she continued, "He's a bit shy when it comes to love but it's so cute how he sings love songs and tries really hard to make sure he gets a good drink for you!"

"Oh well, then I shouldn't be nervous?" Marinette ignored the blush but by the giggle and smirk from her friends they were not. Curse her pale skin.

"No, you're both big dorks, him more than you and there's nothing to worry about except who's going to stutter more when you meet face to face."

"Juleka! Be nice, you know how hard he's worked to not be creepy about this!"

"Yeah yeah," the taller girl replied, amber gaze locking with Marinette's gaze. "Just be honest and go easy on him, he's special."

The designer nodded, feeling a lot more comfortable after talking with the couple. Excitement and nerves were slowly creeping into her tummy, another blush bleeding pink into her cheeks. With her signature squeak the petite designer returned to her seat. At least she had a couple clues and could ponder the admirer seriously instead of worrying over the person and it being a cruel joke.

This continued for a week or so before she had a doctor appointment for a persistent head cold and would've been late to school except her doctor had been able to squeeze her in and order some medicine due to someone canceling. Marinette had already told Juleka to tell her admirer that she would be late and since she wasn't feeling well something warm would be perfect. Imagine her surprise when the designer went to enter the classroom, she saw Luka leaving a bag of cough drops, a small selection of tea bags, and a note on her desk.

"He's so sweet…" Deciding she wouldn't ruin the surprise, Marinette turned around and went to visit the art room. A fit of inspiration hit and quickly the designer opened her sketchbook to create a short comic between a teacup and a coffee cup, ending with a cute little sketch where the teacup gave the coffee cup a kiss on the cheek with a caption that read 'I like you a latte!' The teacup was in shades of pinks to pair with the blues of the coffee cup.

"Oh! Did he say something?" Rose squealed, shaking her girlfriend's arm in excitement.

"No, I caught him because my appointment was moved earlier than scheduled. Don't tell him! I want to do this right."

"Oh gross, you're made for each other." Juleka complained, the small smile not going unnoticed as Marinette took playful offense and they made their way to class.

Putting her plan in action a couple days later, she faked needing to go to another doctor's appointment to make sure her cold was gone, it was just some last-minute sniffles that lent credibility to the fake appointment. Purposely, getting there early, Marinette left the finished comic on her desk and made her way to her locker to give Luka time to drop off the day’s drink. Putting away the things she wouldn’t need until later, the designer made her way only to almost run into Luka in the doorway.

“Hey.”

“Hi, thanks for all the drinks." Marinette spoke softly, a smile creeping onto her face.

“Thank you for the cute comic.” He waved said comic for emphasis, a slight blush showing under his tan skin.

“Can I return the favor and buy you a coffee?”

“Only if I get to keep buying you coffee.” Luka smiled as she giggled, she could see he was as smitten as she was.

“You already have a head start, am I just supposed to buy you coffee forever?”

“Darn, you caught onto my plan.”

“It’s okay, it’s a pretty good one.”

#lukanette endgame #pro lukamari #pro lukanette #fluff #flirting #dorks in love #marinette dupin cheng #luka couffaine #juleka couffaine #rose lavillant #juleka is wingwoman #and rose is totally fangirling too #fen writes

[verfound]

WIP Wednesday: 11/24/21 (Lemony Fresh)

So over at LBSC we're doing a little WIPvember motivational month. My goal - before the plunnies started breeding and all these oneshots popped up - was to finish up Checkbox and start posting.

...I am still determined to at least have CB written this month. Even if I'm editing and breaking it up next month, I'm at least getting this damn last chapter done.

It's seeming like a definite possibility, at least. 👀

(Fresh lemonade under the cut~)

Getting her back to the bedroom proved…a little more difficult than either had anticipated. It would have helped if he’d stopped trying to kiss her, or had picked her up in a way that had let him easily see around her, or if she had actually bothered unpacking some of the boxes. They’d barely made it back to the hallway when he tripped over one of the boxes and stumbled into the wall again.

…at least that time it was his back crashing into the wall, though the way the corner dug into his hip was anything but pleasant. Marinette giggled as his arms tightened around her, his hands moving to her ass to hold her more securely.

“Screw it,” she snickered. “You said if I got you horny enough a closet would be fine. Are you horny enough for the floor?”

“Yes,” he laughed, kissing her chest. Why hadn’t they left her towel in the kitchen? He wanted to feel her bare skin against his. He groaned as she shimmied against him, his cock still aching between them. “But…shit. I left the condoms in my hoodie. In the bathroom.”

“What?” she asked, shaking her head in bemusement as she pulled back, and he rolled his eyes.

“Penny,” he said. The hand that had been rubbing her ass paused to squeeze, and she grinned at him. “She was pretty sure we already had it covered –” he rolled his eyes when she ducked her head to his shoulder, snickering “– but she wanted to make sure…she doesn’t want to have to worry about babies yet.”

“I got an IUD, Luka,” she laughed, kissing his shoulder. His eyebrows rose, and she leaned up to kiss his jaw. “It seemed like a good idea. What with our schedules and…I didn’t want to have to worry about condoms. You know. Running out. Breaking. All…all that. Or forgetting to take pills. The IUD seemed like a smarter option. And we’re both clean, so the condoms would really only be useful for…”

His lips twitched in a smile, which only grew when she started pouting again.

“What?” she asked, exasperated.

“More research?” he asked, his voice low and teasing. He could see her face turning red, even in the dark, and he chuckled as he kissed her cheek. It was burning under his lips. “I love you. Never change, darning.”

“There’s nothing wrong with being prepared, Luka,” she huffed. She squeaked as he pushed off from the wall and spun them, rocking into her as he pressed her against the wall and kissed her. Her hands scrabbled at his back, clutching at his shoulders, and he bucked into her again. There was still too much towel in the way, and she was too high on his waist anyway, and damn it all he needed to get her to a bed…

“I told you I love it,” he panted, kissing down her neck. He tugged at her towel, slipping it past her breasts, and she moaned when his lips closed around a nipple. “Such a turn-on. What else have you been researching, hmm?”

“I’m going to smack you,” she laughed, the sound breathless as his mouth moved to her other breast. “As…as soon as we’re done. Smacking you right in…ah…right in your stupid face.”

“You love my face,” he teased, swirling his tongue around her nipple before he sucked again. She jerked against him, her fingers digging into his shoulders as her mouth dropped open.

“No I…I don’t,” she said stubbornly. “Hate it. It’s stupid.”

“Even if I…” he trailed off, sliding his hands along her thighs to gently dislodge her legs from his waist. He stepped back as she slid down against the wall, her toes bunching against the hardwood as her feet returned to the floor. He smirked at her as he tugged on the already-loose towel, and she bit down on her smile as it dropped to their feet. His hands squeezed her hips before moving to her thighs, trying to move her legs apart as he went to kneel between them, but she grunted out a protest as she reached for him.

“W-wait,” she said, shaking her head. He looked at her curiously, and she smiled. “Later? I’m already ahead of you.”

“…it’s not a competition, Marinette,” he chuckled, kissing her hip.

“Ok,” she said, nodding, “then right now I want your dick in me more than I want your mouth on me.”

He snorted and pressed his forehead against her stomach, his hands squeezing her hips as he laughed. He dropped a kiss by her navel before standing, and then she was pulling his mouth back to hers.

“When did you get so…” he trailed off, moaning a little when she started sucking on his neck. Her fingers were dancing along his waist, teasing and so close to where he actually wanted them but not drifting any lower. He thought back to that week or so before he’d left, when she’d barely been able to talk about his boner.

“You don’t like it?” she murmured, and he shook his head.

“I love it,” he sighed, rubbing her hip. “I told you I want you to feel comfortable with me. I want you to tell me what you want. What feels…”

Her hand had closed around his dick, and he dropped his forehead to her shoulder.

“What feels good?” she asked, and he nodded mutely. “Like that?”

“Bed, now, please,” he panted, and she laughed as she released him.

#wip wednesday #miraculous ladybug #luka couffaine #marinette dupain-cheng #lukanette #endgame lukanette #lukanette endgame #wip fic #ver's lemonade stand #lemony fresh #lulu lemon #just bone already #booooooooone #more than a checkbox #checkbox

[pattercakebakersman]

The Cleaner

Summary: The blood soaked into the cloth slowly. They could smell how cloyingly thick it was with sugar - apparently the only sweet thing a lemon had was its lemonade. In which Lemongrab 2 cleans up yet another of his brother's messes. Word count: 1.5K FF.net link

Cws: cannibalism aftermath, and autocannibalism. Abuse, mentions of nudity (Lemongrab 2’s first appearance in all your fault) and body disconnect/discomfort due to trauma, cleaning compulsions, olfactory (smell) hallucination. Let me know if I missed anything. 

Lemongrab caught sight of themselves in the mirror. They were turned away from it towards the bathtub with the bucket, so only the dimples of their spine were reflected in the cold glass. Their yellow skin was beginning to tighten around their ribs like wet fabric, so it looked like a skeleton was reflected back at them. They sat on the edge of the bath and turned to face themselves while their soiled uniform soaked in the bleach. 

They didn’t know when they’d first become so uncomfortable with the sight of their body - maybe it was since that first meeting. Their mother hadn’t given them any clothes, so they’d met their new brother naked. Every inch of their identical bodies on display, so he could see that they were indeed the same in every way, similar to the way butchers inspected animals before buying them. Lemongrab also noticed that the two of them were the same- even their name wasn’t their own. Maybe that was when it started. The nagging, gnawing feeling that there was something wrong. Looking into his face and seeing who they were supposed to be, wearing his clothes, riding his horse, carrying his sword around for him. Copying him like a puppet. 

They felt along their cold, bumpy skin for the sagging bitemark on their side. A perfect half moon of scabs printed just above their hip, where he’d got them like a shark. He’d shaken them in his jaws a bit, so the wounds had been ragged, and bled more than usual. They had acted quickly and been able to stop the bloodflow by pressing their shirt down over it, thankfully. The marks were already regenerating, they had other teethmarks up and down their body, some self inflicted, and soon this one would be a memory like all the others.

After their uniform had been sufficiently bleached they put their gloves back on and gingerly lifted the wet item from the chemicals. The tap was turned on, and they pushed it into the clear stream running from the metal nozzle. Bubbles of bleach gurgled down the drain into the sewage system, and it brought them peace. They liked the way the chemical smell faded under the water as the cleanness pushed out all the artificial cleaning agents, leaving behind purity. Like it had never been dirty. 

“Beautiful...” 

Next came a part they didn’t like, having to wring it out. They didn’t like creasing the fabric or the way the wetness held the creases. It wasn’t perfect anymore. They clipped it to the washing line suspended above the bath and left it dripping there- they would have to iron it later. Ironing felt good too. Smoothing out all the creases, the steam felt so hot and nice like sunshine, and at the end when they put their warm uniform back on it felt like what they imagined being hugged felt like. Yes, ironing was nice. Ironing was acceptable. 

They'd have to darn the teeth holes shut as well, they reminded themselves. 

They picked up the bleach and the bucket, and shuffled out of the bathroom, down the corridor. Their brother had probably left hours ago but they put their ear to the door and nosed it open silently anyway. Empty. Once inside they shut the door behind them and started searching along the floor. 

In the moonlight the puddle of blood didn’t look like blood. It looked like a puddle left after rain in the courtyard, the sort that reflected the sun and collected leaves that skidded around on its surface, like the boat their brother had taken them out to sea on, back in the days they still lived by the ocean. That was before Lemon Jon moved the earldom. They wished he hadn’t done that, they missed the smell of the sea. All the liquid stretching out for miles and miles… So fresh, and so clean. 

They knelt down beside the puddle and began to mop it up with a rag. The blood soaked into the cloth slowly. They could smell how cloyingly thick it was with sugar - apparently the only sweet thing a lemon had was its lemonade. They could imagine what a taste sensation it was to crunch through the thick sour skin, and have your mouth flood with the sugary goodness inside. Like biting into a bee’s nest, and having the honey leak into your mouth. They rung out the cloth into the bucket - a few droplets splattered into it like rain, ringing on the metallic bottom - then reapplied. They repeated this rhythmic gesture, wipe, squeeze, wipe, squeeze, until the puddle was gone, and all that was left was the stain and a dull ache in their wrist. 

They squeezed the last of the blood into the bucket. They tried to squeeze as much as they could into it, they wanted to get the cloth as clean as possible, but they couldn’t squeeze out the yellow stain. They would have to bleach it. The droplets now made a splashing sound when they fell into the half full bucket. It was amazing how much blood a person could lose without feeling it. They had hardly noticed. They had been preoccupied with other things at the time. 

When they were younger they had picked blackberries in the summer. You had to reach your fragile hand into a nest of thorns, snake it through for the tiny fruit that hung in the dark and pick it, then carry it back. The blackberry juice would mingle with the blood from their cuts as it ran down their wrist. This was in the days when they hadn’t minded being dirty. Now they couldn’t stand it. When they were younger they had sneaked their mother’s lipstick from her room and applied the colour to their lips like a stain. She wasn’t happy with them, but some things were worth the pain. 

They could see their face reflected in the blood in the bucket’s bottom. They placed a hand on either side of the cold metal and lifted it up like a chalice. They poured a spoonful into their mouth and set it back down. It felt cold like a frog in their mouth, and their tongue tingled underneath it. Sweet and sour. 

“If I were the heir to the throne and the head of a household, and an older brother and a father,” they thought as they swilled the liquid around with their tongue, “would I destroy my brother’s life for this taste?”

They supposed it tasted better hot, fresh from the source. Brains would squirt adrenaline into the bloodstream during times of stress, as well as endorphins. They were supposed to help block the pain out so you could keep struggling even if you were in agony. Maybe that had something to do with it too, maybe it spiced it up somehow? Made it taste better. 

They swallowed. It was made of them, so they thought it would feel a bit like coming home- like how they’d feel if they ever got to see the sea again, but it didn’t feel like anything had been given back to them. It felt like they’d swallowed bleach. And it burned a hole down their throat, settling as a painful lump in their stomach. 

They unscrewed the bleach bottle’s nozzle and dribbled some in between the tiles, where the blood had stained the mortar. They let it soak in. The smell of chemicals immediately covered the other smell. Now the room smelled artificial and clinical, like a hospital with fluorescent lights. Their favourite thing about bleach was that it was so inedible. So unappetising. 

After it had soaked, they wiped again. When it dried it would be like nothing had happened. The only remnant of the evening was the soiled bleach cloth, and the ring of teeth marks on their side. At least one of those was easily dealt with. They’d pour the blood down the bath drain like they always did, and refill the bucket with watery bleach, then drop the cloth in. Behind them, their reflection would get out a wooden pole and stir it around. They’d stand with their backs to each other, two identical figures, stirring in unison. 

After that, their reflection would leave and try to go to bed. They’d lie on the opposite side of a double bed and toss and turn under a reflected moon. The sun would rise in the west and they would get up, and go about their day. Sit on their brother’s right as if nothing had happened, and their brother’s reflection, who was probably a lot like him, would act as if nothing had happened either. 

Eventually they’d go back up to their playroom, and the games would start again. But they would glance over their shoulder at where the stain was. That was the thing about it. It always seemed to them that the mortar was just a tiny bit darker than it should be, that the tiles were faintly yellower than the ones around them. It was all in their head most likely, brother certainly didn’t notice, but being a cleaner was like being a magician, once you know how it’s done you can never believe in the magic. And no matter how much bleach they poured, they always swore they could still smell blood. 

#yeahhh #my writing #Lemongrab 2

[wiypt-writes]

Stark Spangled Rebirth

Chapter 1: Flowers In The Window

Summary: Steven Grant Rogers, the dumb kid who was always too stubborn to run away from a fight, was never gonna allow a bunch of no-good low-lives to hassle a dame in the street, even if it was going to lead to him getting his ass kicked. For once, however, the ass kicking has an upside as the dame in question seemed particularly grateful, a fact she displays a few days later at the Stark Expo.

But it wasn’t the only encounter that fateful night that seemed set to change his life when Dr Erskine throws him a bone, meaning Steve can finally do the one thing he’s been desperate to do for years.

Join the army.

Warnings: Bad Language words. Nothing much… Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

A/N:  So here it is…my take on what would have gone down so to speak should Katie have been part of the CA: TFA timeline and my contribution of sorts to the CATF 10 Year Anniversary Challenge. I’ll be trying to keep this fic as accurate to the time period and the movie as possible, just like with the other SS fics.  I really hope you enjoy this, there will be some creative license because, let’s face it, what is Fan Fic other than self-indulgence?

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

SSR Masterlist // Main Masterlist

June 1943

It started just the same as any normal Friday morning for Steven Grant Rogers. He unlocked the back of the Grocery Store on the corner of Berry Street in Brooklyn, using the entrance down the alley way reserved for staff. Once inside, he grabbed his beige coloured linen apron off the hook and smiled at the items he had to work with today. Fridays were always a treat as they took the rare delivery of freshly cut flowers ready to be sold for the weekend. This week there were boxes of bright white gardenias with their waxy petals and shiny, leathery dark green leaves, bunches of bright purple heliotrope which always reminded him of one of his mother’s scarves, and plenty of white, blue and purple asters. Steve bent down to take in the strong, vibrant fragrance of the gardenias, closing his eyes. It was easy to imagine he was in some garden somewhere, or even the middle of central park…not some little shop in Williamsberg.

“Don’t be inhaling enough of that to set your asthma off!” Mr Tromley, a kindly faced, portly man in his fifties greeted, and Steve turned to look at him, smiling a little shyly.

“I won’t Mr T,” he assured him, “they’re just so darn pretty…”

“Well set yourself a few aside.” Mr Tromley smiled, “you can take them home and sketch them.”

“Oh, I couldn’t.” Steve protested, the way he always did when Mr Tromley tried to slip him something for free be it scraps of meat he couldn’t sell from the counter that would be given to dogs, bread that wasn’t as soft as it had been in the morning and would be fed to the birds, milk that was going to turn, cheese that was slightly past its best. Mr Tromley ignored all his protests though, usually threatening to sack Steve if he didn’t take it. The man knew what it was like to come from a hard background, which was part of the reason he’d taken a shine to that sickly, twenty-two year old orphan with a degree in fine arts that had come begging for a job some three years ago. He couldn’t pay him much but he could do other things to make sure he got by.

“Well if you don’t take ‘em Steve they’ll just end up withering and a-dyin’, so reckon you’d be doin’ em a kindness.” Mr Tromley shrugged “Now, my Ada has some coffee going, you want a cup before we open the doors?”

Steve glanced at the clock above the counter, more out of habit than anything as he knew full well that he arrived with an hour to go.

“Mr T that’d be swell.” He smiled.

“Okay, you get started and I’ll fetch it down.”

Steve began in the usual way, pulling some simple bouquets together, varying in size and price, ready for the busy men to pick up on their way home from work, a nice present for their dame’s for the weekend. Once the stalks and lower foliage were trimmed and stripped, he fastened and tied them in simple brown waxy paper using plain brown string. Steve always insisted on using plain wrapping as anything else would detract from the beauty of the flowers. He placed the finished bouquets into one of the green buckets of water Mr Tromley fetched from the back, before he then carefully and delicately trimmed down the remaining flowers before placing them loose in their own buckets according to type, ready for the ladies, and occasional gentleman, who had the time and desire to create their own bunches.

Impeccably organised, as ever, Steve finished his work fifteen minutes before the store was due to open. He then set about helping Mr Tromley as they arranged the buckets outside the shop window on the sidewalk, before they set up the other stalls of seasonal vegetables. There wasn’t much fruit to go by at the moment, but that was a sign of the times really. But what they did have, namely a selection of apples and oranges, they set those out ready too. Once that was done, Mr Tromley handed Steve a thick wedge of fresh bread which had been delivered that morning from the local bakery, along with some of his wife’s home-made jam which was sold from their shop. Steve took his breakfast with a mumbled thanks, averse to taking the daily handouts as ever, and Mr Tromley sighed.

“Steve, when are you going to realise that a piece of bread and jam for breakfast ain’t gonna bankrupt me?”

“I just don’t want to appear to take advantage, that’s all.” “Ah quit it.” Tromley waved his hand, shaking his head “If I didn’t want you to take advantage of it, I wouldn’t offer it would I? Now, eat that and get behind the counter.”

The morning passed much the same as they always did. A flurry of activity at opening, a steady stream of locals and regulars through to the usual peak of activity just before lunch. Like clockwork, Mr Tromley closed the doors bang on midday for an hour and Steve gathered his sketchbook along with the brown paper bag which contained his cheese and bread, and headed outside into the sun. At Mr Tromley’s instruction he selected an apple from the display and crossed the road avoiding the yellow cabs and cyclists and trams, taking up seat on the bench which sat directly opposite the shop front.  He chewed his lunch, washed it down with the tin bottle of lemonade that Mrs Tromley had filled for him earlier, and then once he had finished his apple he tossed the core over to a pigeon who instantly began pecking at it. He then untucked the pencil that was behind his ear, opened his sketchbook and resumed the detailed landscapes he was doing of the buildings surrounding the shop front. Drawing was his escape, something he did any chance he got. He dreamed one day of travelling the world, drawing all the different sights he could, but that was out of the question. Well, until he finally got into the army. With four failed attempts under his belt already, most men would have given up but not Steven Rogers. Stubborn, tenacious and plucky to a fault, he was already planning his next attempt at enlisting, this time he was going to hail from New Jersey. Well, as good a place as any.  

Steve glanced up, checking the detail of the window to the cobblers next door, and that was when he saw her, just walking down the sidewalk. She wore a red high-collared, cap sleeved tea-dress which flared out slightly from her hips and finished just below her knee. It was cinched in at the waist with a black belt, and was detailed round the hem and sleeve edges with pretty white lace. On her feet she wore a pair of simple, elegant black block heel courts with a T-bar buckle. Her hair was a silky, shiny chestnut which hung around her face in bouncy waves and she had a soft, gentle profile with high cheekbones, slightly flushed cheeks and ruby lips. She stopped outside the shop, examining the flowers with a smile, and then she looked up at the shop door and saw the CLOSED sign in the window. She can’t be from around here, Steve thought to himself, everyone in the neighbourhood knew when Tromley closed his doors and opened them, you could set your watch by it. Still, she hung around, softly picking up a gardenia and holding it to her nose, smiling to herself as she inhaled.

Steve found the innocent act breath-taking. He felt a little, well, shameful in a way, to be watching her so, intruding on what was clearly a private moment but he couldn’t help it. She was beautiful, grace personified, and he felt a little sad as she replaced the flower, gave the buckets one last look, before she continued on her way. Steve sighed, wishing to God that the shop had been open, it would have given him an excuse to maybe see her a little more closely. Perhaps talk to her. Or not as the case maybe, Bucky was always telling him how useless he was when it came to striking up conversations with ladies. But, for now, he had to settle for watching her walk away. Only he wasn’t the only one.

“Hey pretty thing…” Steve heard a voice and turned to his left where a group of men, most likely in their late teens or early twenties, had spotted her. As Steve watched he saw one of them push himself off the lamppost he’d been leaning on and cross the street towards her. The lady stopped, looking at him with her eyebrow raised. He spoke to her again, Steve couldn’t hear the conversation but a smile tugged at his lips as the lady looked the boy up and down, disdain etched all over her pretty face before she shook her head and laughed. She made to move past the kid but he reached out and grabbed her arm.

And Steve just couldn’t help himself.

“Hey!” He called, jumping up and hurrying across the street. “Let the lady go.”

“Back off, this has nothing to do with you.” The man rounded on him, looking at him before he snorted at Steve’s stature. “Besides, what you gonna do about it anyway? Runt.”

Steve took a deep breath, he was used to people looking down their noses at him, both figuratively and literally. That was part and parcel of being only five foot four inches tall. He also knew that at hundred pound give or take, he didn’t cut a formidable figure either, but he was damned if he was going to let this bully manhandle a dame in the middle of the street.

The woman wrenched her arm away from the man’s grip and glared at him, furious green eyes bored into his as she snorted and looked the guy up and down. “He’s clearly twice the gentleman you’ll ever be. Didn’t your mother ever teach you basic, good manners jack ass?”

“What did you just say?” a sudden darkness crossed the man’s face as he looked down at the woman who stood, un-yielding, clutching her purse as it hung around her shoulder.

“You heard me, well unless you’re deaf as well as ugly.” She shrugged slightly. At that Steve really couldn’t hold his face straight anymore and he felt the side of his lips curl up into a smirk. He was sure the pretty dame’s eyes flickered to his but he must have imagined it as when he stole a glance back at her she was staring straight back at the man who’d been giving her the trouble.

“Mouthy little broad you ain’t ya?” He snarled.

“Show some damned respect.” Steve shot out, and this time the man rounded on him. Steve stood stock still, his mother’s words echoing clearly in his head- you start running, they’ll never let you stop and he was aware in his peripheral that the other 2 men who’d been observing until now were starting to circle like sharks who had just had their first taste of blood.

He braced himself, ready for the inevitable fight, legs slightly apart, hands balling into fists by his side. But it was no use. He was never going to be fast enough or strong enough for one of these guys, let alone three, and as the fist connected with his face he heard a scream and a yell as he fell backwards into the display of oranges and apples which he had lovingly helped Mr T prepare before.

Steve staggered to his feet, readying himself for another hit but it didn’t come. Instead one of the guys was sent sprawling to the ground besides him, shortly followed by the other. He wheeled round to see Bucky had the one that was left standing pinned up by the collar against the brick wall to the side of the shop and Mrs T was on the door step brandishing a broom handle, a string of Italian expletives leaving her mouth.

“Get outta here!” Bucky shoved the one that he was holding harshly into the road where he narrowly avoided colliding with the side of a yellow cab. Then turns to Steve and pulls him up.

“Seriously?” Bucky groaned and Steve shook his head, dusting himself down “You pick a fight with three at once?”

“He didn’t pick a fight with any of them.” A soft voice spoke and both Steve and Bucky turned to look at the dame in the red dress who was dusting herself down as her eyes flitted from Bucky, to Steve, then back again. “He came to help me when one of those bozos was getting a little too familiar.”

“That’s Stevie, a regular Knight in shining armour.” Bucky ruffled Steve’s hair as he gave an exasperated sigh, pushing himself away from his best friend. “Especially when there’s a beautiful dame involved.”

 The lady looked at Bucky, arching an eyebrow before she looked back at Steve and he gulped slightly as for the first time he took her in properly. There was nothing else to say other than she was drop dead gorgeous. Deep green eyes that sparkled like emeralds looked back at him from a heart shaped face, nose speckled with freckles which twitched a little as she smiled revealing a row of perfectly straight, white teeth

"I guess I should thank you Stevie." She spoke, and Steve felt the heat rise in his cheeks.

"It was nothing...I just.." he stopped dead as she reached out and straightened his tie, long eyelashes blinking against his cheeks as she smoothed over his shoulders and dropped a kiss to his cheek.

"My hero"

Steve swallowed and looked at the woman as she stepped back, smiling at him.

“I err, it was…my pleasure.” Steve stuttered and the lady arched an eyebrow, a grin on her face.

“Interesting choice of words.”

“I mean, not pleasure, obviously. No one likes seeing a beautiful dame getting hassled, I mean woman, not that…” he shook his head, as Bucky nudged him. He was rambling, as per usual. “I err, I should…”he gestured to the shop as Mr and Mrs Tromley were now looking at the mess of fruit all over the floor.

“I’m sorry about that.” She turned to the shopkeepers who looked at her, Mrs Tromley waving her away.

“Not your fault, dear.”

“Can I at least buy some of the flowers?”  She asked, a little shyly. “That is what I actually wanted to do after all.”

“Of course, Steven, can you…” Mr T nodded to Steve and then his eyes fell on Bucky “James Buchanan Barnes, what are you doing here?”

“Got a week or so’s furlough, Mr T and Ma sent me for some stuff, I gotta list.” he nodded, fishing it out of his pocket.

Tromley took it from him, scanned it and then turned to walk into the shop, beckoning for Bucky to follow him. Steve’s eyes followed his friend’s broad back as Bucky paused in the doorway and stopped, turning back to the woman. Steve groaned inwardly, he knew that face, Bucky was about to turn on the charm and she was no doubt going to fall in a pool at his feet, just like most of the other girls in the neighbourhood.

“You’re not from round here, right?” Bucky asked.

“What makes you say that?” She countered with a question of her own, looking Bucky up and down as she spoke.

“Never seen you before.”

“Know all the girls in Brooklyn, do you James Buchanan Barnes?” She asked, and Bucky gave a chuckle as she repeated his name to him and winked.

“Only the pretty ones.” “Well I suppose with most men joining the army the moment, even the pretty ones can’t be choosers.”

At that Steve let out a snort of laughter as Bucky blinked in surprise. “Ouch.” He gave a little scoff and shake of his head before he turned to walk into the shop.

“He always like that?” The lady looked at Steve who took a deep breath and smiled a little.

“Yes Ma’am. And to be honest it normally works.” Steve glanced at Bucky before he looked back at the woman who was looking at him, her eyes twinkling. “Most girls just can’t seem’ta say no!”

“Well, I’ll let you into a secret.” She grinned and leaned closer to Steve. “I’m not like most girls.”

Steve swallowed again, nervously brushing a hand through his hair as she straightened up and smiled at him. “I’m Katie by the way, seems only fair you know my name seeing as I know yours.”

“I err, that’s a pretty name.” Steve smiled and then inwardly cursed himself again.

Pretty name? Really? That’s the best you can do?

“Thank you.” She giggled, and then she turned to the buckets “So errr, do you wanna make me a bouquet Steve? Something pretty for my room.”

Glad of the distraction, Steve nodded and turned to the various bunches of flowers. “I err, I noticed you were admiring the gardenias, so…” “You were watching me?” she spoke and Steve looked at her, ready to start protesting that wasn’t what he’d been doing when he spotted the glint in her eyes and he shook his head giving a sigh. She grinned “I love gardenias, lilies are my favourite but gardenias are pretty too.”

“Yeah we don’t have any lilies, unfortunately.” Steve shrugged “They were my Ma’s favourite too.”

Steve set about gathering a generous bunch of flowers as she instructed him to make it a large bouquet and then she followed him into the shop where he wrapped them in brown paper and string as Bucky was leaning against the counter, chatting to the Tromleys, Mrs Tromley laughing loudly at something he’d said.

“You are a cad, Bucky Barnes!” She looked at him, shaking her head “Isn’t it bad enough you joined the army? You’ll give your ma a heart attack one of these days.”

Bucky shrugged “It wasn’t so bad, he never caught me. Even on a bum ankle I was faster.”

“You been caught in places you shouldn’t be again Buck?” Steve looked at him and he shrugged, grinning.

“You know me, Stevie!”

“Yeah, yeah I do.” Steve rolled his eyes before he tied off the bouquet with the string and then handed it to Katie. She smiled.

“You have talented hands.” She spoke gently and Steve flushed once more, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Yeah, he’s good with them.” Bucky spoke and Steve glared at him. Katie turned to look at Bucky again, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Makes a change, in my experience most men don’t know the first thing about how to use them.”

Mrs Tromley choked a little on her coffee as she looked at the younger woman, flashing her a wink. Katie bit her lip, her mouth curling up into a small smile as she rummaged in her purse, pulling out a small leather wallet.

“How much do I owe you?”

“No charge.” Mr Tromley spoke suddenly but Katie shook her head.

“I insist, I was responsible for your display getting trashed, least I can do is pay for these.”

“Oh trust me,” Mr Tromley smiled, “seeing you put that toe-rag into them was worth it.”

“Yeah, you had some pretty vicious moves for a dame.” Bucky looked at her and she shrugged as Steve frowned.

“Wait, you…” “Don’t look so surprised.” Katie smiled “A girl should always know how to defend herself. But if I’m honest, it’s always nice to have a man do it for you.”

At that she smiled and slapped some money down on the counter, stepping back. “Keep the change in insist.”

Mr Tromley looked at her, then at the note, his mouth falling open a little.

“Thank you again Steve.” She picked up the bouquet. “Maybe I’ll see you around.”

“I hope so, I mean…yeah…come back soon.”

She smiled and with a final look in his direction she left, the bell ringing as the door opened and shut behind her. There was a pause until Bucky turned to Steve.

“Come back soon?” he looked at him “Really? That’s the best you could do?”

Steve groaned. “Piss off Bucky.” He shot, giving a yelp as Mrs T swatted at his head.

“Language, Steven!” She scalded, as Mr T chuckled and slid the money she’d left to Steve across the counter. Steve blinked and looked at it, before he shook his head. Mr Tromley glared at him.

“You don’t take that you’re fired.”

With a groan Steve folded the $5 note up and slid it into the pocket of his slacks. Mrs Tromley muttered something about going to check on her scones which were in the oven upstairs and Mr Tromley headed into the back, leaving Steve and Bucky alone.

“You know, that dame was practically begging for you to ask her out on a date.” Bucky picked up the paper bag containing the groceries he had come for and Steve looked at him, snorting.

“You’re joking right?” the smaller man shook his head “Dame’s like that don’t want a guy like me.” “Clueless.” Bucky shook his head “Absolutely fucking clueless.” Steve watched him head to the door, before he stopped and turned back. “Oh that reminds me. Ma’s expecting you about 6 for dinner. She’s making meatloaf and told me that if you refuse she’s gonna, and I quote.” Bucky cleared his throat and spoke in a light, airey impression of his Ma, “march round to his house and drag him outta that apartment by his ear.”

Steve rolled his eyes well naturedly. He hadn’t been to the Barnes’ for dinner for a week so he wasn’t surprised Winnie had sent Bucky with an invitation that was more of an instruction than anything. “Okay, thanks Buck.”

Bucky gave him a salute before he headed out of the store, whistling to himself. Steve took a deep breath, shook his head and turned back to his work, pushing all thoughts of the stunning young woman in the red dress out of his mind.

*****

“You just don’t know when to give up, do you?” She taunting voice of his opponent rang in Steve’s ears as he staggered to his feet. This wasn’t how he’d planned his trip to the movie theatre going, not one iota. But when the loudmouthed asshole had done nothing but show total disrespect to those fighting overseas as the infomercial was showing, his temper had gotten the better of him and once more had led to him getting into a fight. As far as Monday’s went, this one was pretty crappy.

Which of course he could never walk away from.

“I can do this all day.” Steve huffed, swinging his fist at the guy again. The jerk easily blocked Steve’s feeble punch with his arm, delivering a huge jab with his left which sent Steve sprawling straight into the side of the trashcan from which he’d picked up the lid before. As Steve lay dazed, he heard a familiar voice breaking through the fog.

“Hey! Pick on someone your own size.” Bucky yanked the guy backwards by his jacket, shoving him a little down the alleyway. The guy swung at Bucky who dodged it almost lazily, before delivering a punch of his own, placing a firm boot up the guys ass as he retreated hurriedly. Watching as he scooted away, Bucky turned to Steve who was stood with his hands on his knees, steadying himself.

“Sometimes, I think you like getting punched.”

“I had him on the ropes.” Steve replied, pressing the heel of his palm to the cut above his eyebrow, wincing a little from the various blows he’d taken.

Bucky said nothing, instead he bent down to pick up the enlistment form that had fallen from Steve’s pocket and with a sigh he glanced at it.

“How many times is this?” His eyes scanned the information and he arched an eyebrow “Oh, you’re from Paramus now? You know it’s illegal to lie on the enlistment form. And seriously, Jersey?”

Steve ignored him, and then for the first time looked up at his friend to see him stood tall in his full army uniform. Which could only mean one thing. “You get your orders?” he frowned a little.

“The one-o-seventh. Sergeant James Barnes. Shipping out for England first thing tomorrow.”

Steve sighed, great. Just what he needed to hear. “I should be going.” He shook his head dejectedly.

Bucky looked at him sympathetically before he smiled, and looked an arm round his shoulder, pulling him closer in a friendly gesture as they both began to head back down the alley towards the main road.

“Come on, man, it’s my last night! Gotta get you cleaned up.”

“Why? Where are we going?”

“The future.” Bucky handed Steve the newspaper he was holding. Steve opened it to see the ad for the World Exposition Of Tomorrow.

“Buck…” he began to protest but Bucky stopped him.

“Seriously? My last night before I ship off to bust Nazi’s and you’re already tryin’a bail?”

“No, I just…” “Stevie!” Bucky whined. “Since I got my draft last September, I’ve hardly seen you other than when I’ve been home…”

“I know, but…” “No buts, man! I mean who knows when I’m gonna see you again now I’m actually being sent into combat and not just back to Camp McCoy. You know, London is a little further afield than Wisconsin “

“I’m well aware of that.” Steve rolled his eyes.

“So come on! Let’s go, have some fun. Cut loose a little. It’ll do you good.”

Steve looked up to see Bucky’s eyes shining with mischief, his handsome face grinning at him and he rolled his eyes “Fine, but you’re buying the hotdogs.”

“What else is new?” Bucky grinned, grabbing Steve in a headlock and ruffling his hair a little.

“Jerk.” Steve said furiously, pushing him away.

*****

A couple of hours later the two of them entered the Expo, Steve taking in the sights around him. It was crazy busy, a buzz of excitement around the air and it was hardly surprising. Howard Stark, the guy at the centre of it all was somewhat of a celebrity. He’d founded his company some four years ago at the age of twenty-two, and it had grown from strength to strength, with numerous pioneering technological advances to his name. Steve would be lying if he said he wasn’t a little excited to see the latest and no doubt flamboyant invention the guy had come up with, but his mind was still on his failed Army application, the feeling of inadequacy exacerbated even more by the fact Bucky was going to be leaving him behind to serve his country, something that Steve felt he should be doing right along with his best pal.

Sensing his brooding nature, Bucky nudged him and opened his mouth no doubt to make some wise crack, but Steve shook his head.

“Buck, just don’t”

“I don’t see what the problem is.” Bucky shook his head as they wandered down the steps towards the main pavilion area “You’re about to be the last eligible man in New York.” Bucky grinned, and Steve sighed heavily. Yup, there it was. “You know, there’s three and a half million women here.”

“Well, I’d settle for just one.” Steve muttered and Bucky grinned, Steve allowing a little smile to spread across his face at his own joke.

“Good thing I took care of that.” Bucky grinned and waved to two girls, a blonde and a brunette, who stood a few feet away and Steve stopped dead as one of the girls waved back, calling out to Bucky.

Great, here we go again.

“What did you tell her about me?” Steve groaned. “Only the good stuff.” Bucky smirked as they walked towards the girls, Steve brushing his hand through his hair, making sure it was as tidy as he could.

Bucky introduced the girls as Connie and Bonnie. It was obvious from the start that Connie was the one Bucky was trying his luck with, although to be fair Bonnie might as well have been with Bucky too for all the attention she paid to Steve. As they wandered into the Pavilion, Steve stopped to purchase a bag of sweets before he followed on behind the other 3, glancing around at the various exhibits.

“Welcome to the Modern Marvels Pavilion and the World of Tomorrow.” The expo announcer spoke “A greater world. A better world.”

There was a little bit of murmuring from people in front of them as they stopped, glancing at the large stage in front of them which was currently dark, but then there was movement, music struck up and Connie grabbed Bucky’s arm in excitement.

“Oh, my God! It’s starting!” She squealed and yanked on Bucky’s hand, pulling him closer. As Steve stood behind them he saw the stage light up to reveal a row of women all dressed in black and white striped waistcoats, short jackets and top hats. One of them walked across the front of the stage, smiling as she spoke into a microphone

“Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Howard Stark!”

Smooth and cool as a cucumber, Howard Stark strode onto the stage, taking off his top hat, whilst he smiled, handing it to the announcer before kissing her as the crowd cheered. Howard smirked a little, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket which he used to dab at his mouth before he addressed his audience.

“Ladies and Gentlemen!” at that point Steve held the small paper bag over towards Bonnie who looked at it, then him, almost scathingly as Howard continued his speech. “What if I told you that in just a few short years, your automobile won’t even have to touch the ground at all?”

“You know…” A vaguely familiar voice spoke and Steve looked up from where he had been examining his bag of bonbons, wondering what was wrong with them, to see the woman from the shop a few days ago, Katie stood to the side of Bonnie. She was dressed in a simple grey dress which sported a pencil style skirt, with a light blue cardigan covering her shoulders. “When a gentleman offers you a sweet and you don’t want one, there’s really no need to be such a rude bitch about it.”

Her eyes were narrowed as she gave Bonnie a scathing look. Bonnie floundered a little as Katie reached out, dipping her red nailed, manicured hand into the paper bag and taking a bonbon. In doing so, she jostled Bonnie forward a little with her elbow, and turned to the stage, popping the bonbon in her mouth, giving Steve a little wink. Steve felt his cheeks flush as Bucky turned, his attention drawn to the slight scuffle behind him. He saw Katie stood next to Steve and he grinned.

“Hey Dollface!” Katie turned her head and looked at Bucky as Steve rolled his eyes. However, just like at the shop, she payed Bucky no attention other than a flick of her eyebrow, before her eyes moved back to the stage, Steve doing the same to see that Stark was now stood by some sort of podium.

“With Stark robotic reversion technology, you’ll be able to do just that.” Howard spoke, and with that he turned to fiddle with a few switches on the podium and the car started to hover ever so slightly off the ground. Steve felt his mouth drop open in awe as in front of him Bucky let out an astonished mumble.

“Holy cow!”

But he spoke too soon, as the jets making the car hover suddenly malfunctioned and the car fell back onto the stage with a loud crash, sparks flying out round it.

Bucky turned to look at Steve, smiling as Steve’s eyebrows raised, and besides him, Katie gave a snort.

“I did say a few years, didn’t I?” Howard laughed, leaning on the bonnet of the car.

“Few years my ass.” Katie mumbled and Steve looked at her.

“What?”

“Nothing, doesn’t matter.” She shook her head. “Listen, I gotta go-”

“Oh, ok.” Steve tried not to sound disappointed but Katie smiled at him softly, cutting him off.

“Meet me at the Cider cart in an hour.”

“I err…” Steve stuttered, before he frowned. “You sure, you wanna meet me?”

“If I didn’t I wouldn’t have said so.” Katie grinned. “One hour, don’t you dare be late.”

“Yeah, an hour, got it.”

Not quite able to believe his luck, Steve watched her go, smiling to himself before he glanced around and his eyes stopped on the familiar Uncle Sam poster pointing at him, with an arrow directing him to a recruitment centre. What the hell, he had nothing to lose…and an hour was plenty of time. Decision made, he followed the signs and jogged up the steps into the building, pausing to take a look around as people were milling in the carpeted hallway.

“Come on soldier!” a woman giggled at her male company, pulling him away from a mirror making him look like a soldier. Once he was gone Steve stepped in front of the mirror but he was too short to fill out the face. His shoulders slumped and then suddenly, a strong hand gripped his right and Bucky chuckled.

“You’re kind of missing the point of a double date.” He said, shaking his head as Steve stepped away, turning to face him “We’re taking the girls dancing.”

“You go ahead. I’ll catch up with you.” Steve replied, hands dropping into his pockets.

“What, you had a better offer? From Dollface?”

“Her name is Katie.”

“Oh my God I’m right!” Bucky laughed. “Good for you, Punk!”

Steve rolled his eyes and then watched as a man strode past him in an Army Uniform and when Steve looked back at Bucky, his friend’s face now sported an exasperated expression as he’d clearly realised what Steve was planning. “You’re really gonna do this again?”

“Well, it’s a fair. I’m gonna try my luck.” Steve answered with a little shrug.

“As who? Steve from Ohio? They’ll catch you. Or worse, they’ll actually take you.” Bucky’s voice was frustrated and Steve gave a little smile.

“Look, I know you don’t think I can do this, but I’m more-“

“This isn’t a back alley, Steve. It’s war!” Bucky cut him off.

“I know it’s a war. You don’t have to tell me that-“ “Why are you so keen to fight? There are so many important jobs.” “What am I gonna do? Collect scrap metal-“

“Yes!”

“-in my little red wagon?”

“Why not?”

“I’m not gonna sit in a factory, Bucky.” Steve argued, shaking his head.

“I don’t…” Bucky protested once more and Steve cut him off.

“Bucky, come on! There are men laying down their lives. I got no right to do any less than them. That’s what you don’t understand. This isn’t about me.”

“Right. Cause you got nothing to prove.” Bucky said gently and Steve took a deep breath. But before Bucky could say anything else Connie called out to him.

“Hey, Sarge! Are we going dancing?”

Bucky turned back to the girls, his arms held out to the side. “Yes, we are.” With that he turned back to Steve, shaking his head a little, his shoulders slumped in resignation. “Don’t do anything stupid until I get back.” He instructed as he started to walk away.

“How can I? You’re taking all the stupid with you.” Steve shot back and Bucky shook his head, giving a snort.

“You’re a punk.” He walked back towards Steve and hugged him goodbye.

“Jerk” Steve said gently slapping Bucky’s back. “Be careful.”

With a pang of sadness, Steve watched his best friend walking away, not quite sure when they’d see each other again, if indeed ever. He licked his lips and then called out to Bucky once more. “Don’t win the war till I get there!”

Bucky stopped and saluted him before he strode down the steps, “Come on girls. They’re playing our song.”

With a deep breath, Steve headed into the recruitment centre, past an older gentlemen in a brown suit. He was given the usual forms to fill out, this time going with Ohio as his place of birth-thanks for that one, Buck- and he was shown to the medical examination room. After the short physical was over, he was just fastening the sleeves of his long shirt up again when a nurse walked into the room and whispered something inaudible to the doctor.

“Wait here.” The Doctor turned to him, moving to the curtain.

“Is there a problem?” Steve asked, frowning a little.

“Just wait here.” The doctor repeated his instruction before he walked out.

Steve paused for a second, glancing over his right shoulder at a sign warning against lying on enlistment forms before he glanced at the curtain, cold dread filling him. Shit, Bucky was right, they’d caught up with him. Jumping down off the bed he sat heavily in a chair and began to pull on his shoes when someone entered the cubicle. He glanced up and saw a Military Police officer looking at him and he swallowed a little nervously. But before he could say anything another man entered, the man Steve had walked past about forty minutes or so previously in the foyer, and he was clutching a file in his hands.

“Thank you.” The man spoke to the Police Officer who left, pulling the curtains closed behind him. Steve watched as the man turned to face him, his hands behind his back. “So, you want to go overseas.” The man pulled the file from behind him, opening it “Kill some Nazis.”

“Excuse me?”

“Dr. Abraham Erskine.” The man closed the folder and walked over as Steve stood up, shaking his hand “I represent the Strategic Scientific Reserve.”

“Steve Rogers” Steve nodded, noting the man’s accent as he placed the file on the medical bed and started to look through it. “Where are you from?”

“Queens. 73rd Street and Utopia Parkway. Before that, Germany.” He adjusted his glasses as he glanced at Steve “This troubles you?”

“No.” Steve replied honestly, shaking his head.

“Where are you from, Mr. Rogers?” Erskine asked, resting both his hands on the bench “Mmm? Is it New Haven? Or Paramus? Five exams in five different cities.”

“That might not be the right file.” Steve began to try and get out of whatever trouble he was in but Erskine was quick to cut him off.

“No, it’s not the exams I’m interested in. It’s the five tries.” Erskine closed the file, picking it up “But you didn’t answer my question.” He strode over and stopped in front of Steve “Do you want to kill Nazis?”

Steve glanced to the side before he looked at Erskine “Is this a test?”

“Yes.” The man replied bluntly and Steve took a deep breath, before he answered as honestly as he could.

“I don’t wanna kill anyone.” He shook his head, raising his eyes to meet Erskine’s “I don’t like bullies. I don’t care where they’re from.”

“Well, there are already so many big men fighting this war. Maybe what we need now is the little guy, huh?” Erskine smiled before he turned to leave “I can offer you a chance” he said, whipping the curtains open “Only a chance.”

Steve couldn’t believe his ears. Was this Doctor guy actually telling him he’d done it, that he’d finally made it into the army? He had no idea what the Strategic Science Reserve was, or why Erskine had questioned him so, but right now he didn’t care.

“I’ll take it.” He said, hastily grabbing his belongings and following Erskine out.

“Good.” Erskine placed the file down on the desk and picked up a stamp, before replacing it and reaching for another “So where is the little guy from, actually?”

Steve smiled “Brooklyn.”

Erskine smiled back, stamped the form before closing the file and handing it to Steve. “Congratulations, soldier.”

Steve hastily opened it up and did a double take as he saw the stamp was a 1A this time, not 4f. He let out a deep breath and glanced up to thank the man, but he’d already left.

“You’ll be sent your papers and instructions shortly” Another man spoke to him, taking the file off him and handing him back the recruitment slip. Steve nodded. “Be ready, the SSR are on a schedule.”

Steve nodded, before he was shown out of the room. Still in a daze he clutched the piece of paper in his hand and wandered back to the area where he’d left Bucky before. And then he remembered Katie.

Shit.

He hastily made his way outside the building and headed back to the pavilion, weaving his way through the crowds. He found the cider cart and saw her waiting, chatting to the man behind the counter, her brown hair hanging round her shoulders, rouged lips which curled up into a smile as she spotted him approaching.

“You’re late.” Katie looked at him and Steve flushed. “I was beginning to thing you’d stood me up.”

“I wouldn’t do that, my ma taught me better.” He gave her a small smile “I was just...” he waved his enlistment paper at her and she frowned a little

“You enlisted?”

He nodded “Yup.” “Wow.” Katie blinked, “Erm, congratulations, I guess. Is that the right word?”

“It is when you’ve tried and been rejected several times already.” Steve shrugged before he snorted “Story of my life.”

“That girl before was fuckin’ rude.” Katie’s eyes narrowed and Steve blinked at the profanity coming from her mouth before she rolled her eyes. “Don’t look at me like that!”

“Like what?”

“Like the fact I swore means I’m gonna go to hell.” She snorted “If it does, then I got that particular ticket a long time ago.”

“Sorry, I was…” he took a deep breath. “For such a pretty woman you certainly…er…”

“Have a filthy mouth?” She asked and Steve snorted, shrugging as he looked away, his lips curling up into a crooked smile as he raised his eyebrows. She leaned closer to him, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered “You have no idea.”

Steve swallowed at the blatant innuendo causing her to laugh at him even more before she nudged him with her elbow “Come on soldier, what do you want to drink?”

Soldier…that was the second time in ten minutes he’d been called that, and Steve liked it much more coming from her. He watched her for a second before he realised he was staring and she jerked her head towards the stall.

“Cat got your tongue, Stevie?” She grinned and he took a deep breath. “What do you want?”

“Erm, an ale…please…hang on.” He began fishing in his pocket but Katie gently wrapped a hand around his wrist.

“No need.” She smiled, as the man behind the counter held out the ale for Steve along with a cup of cider for her. She took it with a thanks and smiled, taking a sip. “Put it on the tab, will you?”

The stall attendant snorted and nodded “Whatever you say, Katie.”

She turned away and started walking slowly over to an exhibit, Steve falling into step besides her.

“How does he know ya?” Steve asked. Katie looked at him as she swallowed a sip of her cider

“Because I work here,well, I do at the moment.” She smiled as Steve looked at her blankly “I helped organise this.” She waved her hand around.

“You work for Howard Stark?”

“In a fashion.” Katie shrugged. “Now come on, I’m not working now and I wanna see how everything looks.”

They walked around the expo grounds, taking in the sights and various attractions. Steve was surprised to find his awkwardness ebbing away with each minute he spent in Katie’s company. She was down to Earth, easy to talk to and made him feel comfortable about himself…although his good spirits might have also been due to the fact he’d finally made it into the army. His meeting with Dr Erskine had baffled him a little, all truth be told, but he’d liked the man. There was something about him that told Steve he could trust him, and Steve was normally a pretty good judge of character.

By the time they’d done pretty much a lap of the main area of the Pavillion, stopping to examine The Synthetic Man in great detail, Steve was surprised to find that he’d spent over an hour with a woman who hadn’t been seeking to lose him at the first opportunity, quite the opposite in fact. On more than one occasion he noticed men looking in her direction, then to his with puzzled expressions on their face, and he had to admit was it the other way round he’d also probably be slightly surprised to see them together. She was a good two inches taller than him, but he was used to that, she was pretty, vivacious…well out of his league all things considered. But she was good company, and he was thoroughly disappointed when they seemed to be heading back towards the place they’d started, signalling their time together was likely coming to an end.

“So, do you need to find Barnes or…” she looked at him and Steve chuckled.

“Er no, no. He’ll be busy.” Steve shrugged

“What, he just ditched you for those girls?” Katie frowned.

“No, not entirely. I ditched him, well, I went to join the army. He doesn’t approve.” Steve finished, explaining slightly.

“Approve of what?”

“Me signin’ up.

“Why not?”

“Doesn’t think I can cope.” Steve shrugged. “I wasn’t exactly a healthy kid so…”

“Well they let you in so you can’t be that bad.”

Steve wrinkled his nose and shook his head slightly. “Some doctor in there offered me a chance, what can I say? Said that there were so many big guys fighting, maybe they needed a little one.”

At that Katie stopped walking and looked at him. “Wait, it was a doctor that accepted you?”

“Yeah,” Steve frowned

“You mean one of the Medical Recruitment Officers?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Steve’s frown deepened “He was with some Scientific Division.” He looked at Katie, who was looking right back at him, her eyes wide “Wait, is there something wrong?”

“No, nothing, just surprised me a little, that’s all.” She looked around, as if she was searching for someone and Steve watched her, a little confused as she chewed her lip with an air of contemplation before she looked back at him, her green eyes locking onto his with a softness in them that made him go weak at the knees, well, weaker than normal. “Thank you for keeping me company tonight Steve, I had fun.”

“Me too.” He said earnestly. “Hey, if you want, I mean only if you want, we could maybe meet up again, you know, before I get my posting?” At that Katie’s face fell and Steve sighed, he’d blown it. She’d only asked him to accompany her round he expo out of politeness, duty even as a thank you for his intervention on the street a few weeks back, and now he’d put her on the spot. “It’s okay.” He started to back track. “I get that you’re probably busy and get asked that all the time…”

“No, it’s not that.” She shook her head “I’d love to go out with you Steve, but I leave town tomorrow. I’m needed back at, well, my other job.”

“Oh, okay.” Steve popped a shoulder up, trying to hide his disappointment. “Well, I err…good luck. With whatever that job is.”

Katie laughed. “It’s me who should be wishing you good luck, trust me.” She cocked her head before she took a deep breath. “Just remember Steve, the world needs men like you, be a shame if we lost you all in the war.”

At her compliment he felt himself once more flush, and the heat in his neck rose even more as she leaned down and pressed her lips softly to his cheek. She pulled back a little, locking her eyes onto his and he swallowed, the lump in his throat now only rivalled by the one he was starting to feel in his slacks. And then, he had no idea how it happened but her lips were suddenly pressed to his. He froze momentarily, but then he went with his instinct and mirrored her movements, his eyes fluttering closed. Her hands gently curled over his shoulder, his automatically falling to her hips, shaking a little against the fabric of her dress as the kiss deepened slightly, the warm edge of her tongue flicking at his lips. He parted his mouth a little, allowing her to curl her tongue against his, a movement that made him shudder and he was beyond disappointed when she pulled away. She smiled against his mouth, her nose bumping his slightly as his cheeks felt hotter than the sun. He knew he was blushing, furiously, having just had his first proper kiss in the middle of a huge exhibition, but Katie seemed completely nonplussed as she smiled at him.

“For luck.” She whispered, stepping back slightly, before she turned and headed away, casting a glance back over her shoulder at him, flashing him another cheeky little wink. “See you around.”

Steve floundered a little, mouth gaping as he watched her disappear into the crowd, and with a final shake of his head and a deep, steadying breath he headed for the exit.

*****

 As it turned out Steve didn’t have long to wait for his posting at all. The following day he received his papers assigning him to Camp Lehigh in New Jersey as part of his recruitment to the SSR’s “Operation Rebirth” programme, whatever that was. He assumed he’d receive more details upon arrival. It wasn’t that which surprised him the most however, it was the date upon which he was ordered to report. Wednesday. As in, tomorrow. Whilst it didn’t give him much time to prepare, it didn’t bother him too much. He had meagre belongings anyways and anything he didn’t want to take with him he packed up into smaller boxes with the help of Bucky’s teenage sister Rebecca, Buck’s dad promising to keep it safe for him until he got back.

Winnie was beside herself when Steve broke the news that he too was enlisting, but she wished him well and made him promise to write. As did the Tromleys, who both took the news even worse than Bucky’s family had. Ada having first burst into tears then hugged him so hard he thought she was going to crush him half to death, whilst Mr Tromley had shook his hand and warned him that if he didn’t come back alive, with all 4 limbs, he’d kill Steve himself.

The morning rolled round ridiculously fast and both the Tromleys and Mr and Mrs Barnes insisted on seeing him off.  Once more Ada and Winnie hugged him tightly before Mr Tromley and Mr Barnes shook his hand, the latter promising Steve he would sort out everything with his landlord, taking the key to his small apartment in the tenement building where Steve had lived in all his life. Steve felt a little pang of emotion at that point, this was the last physical tie he really had to his mother but he took a deep breath letting it go slowly. She’d been dead now for seven years and anything that remained of hers in the building was all safely stored.

No, Steve had absolutely no doubts about what he was doing. This was all he had ever wanted, to follow in his father’s footsteps and so, at six am on the 16th June 1943 Steve Rogers boarded the Army bus that arrived at the bus station to take him and a number of other recruits to New Jersey, leaving the place he’d called home for his entire life behind.

**** Chapter 2

#Stark spangled rebirth #steve rogers #Katie Stark #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers fic #steve rogers x ofc #steve rogers x original female character #mcu #mcu fanfic #chris evans #chris evans characters