#and literally ALL THREE OF US rolled the WORST THING ON THE TABLE

[maramahan]

Played a session of Pendragon for the first time today

Normally in games nat 20s are a good thing?

But here that is not the case.

And, of course, because of this—

Three in a row.

w h y

[thebestandworstdayofjune]

the mother hen complex

summary: clark has a habit of spoiling you, even more so when you have a rough day wc: 1.7k + a/n: this is based on a request, which can be found here! I have a few more fics in the queue that should be coming out throughout the week, so keep an eye out! I hope you enjoy, and please feel free to send any requests my way! warnings: slightly suggestive situation (very slightly), clark is a love bug who worries incessantly, you are so sweet to each other it's sickening

The first item on the Jimmy Olsen best friends agreement is free relationship advice. Clark has a habit of not taking him up on, well, any of it. “Wait at least a few hours to respond.” He’s replied to your questions about takeout in the middle of fighting a giant robot deadset on trampling half of Metropolis. “Let her come to you, man.” Clark frequently broke into your apartment to make sure that dinner was waiting for you as soon as you walked through the door. “Don’t limit yourself, play the field.” Clark had decided he was going to marry you after your first date, and there’d been a ring shoved in the back of his closet ever since your three month anniversary. Jimmy had changed Clark’s name in his phone to mother hen for a time, and worst of all? Clark couldn’t really argue against it. 

He hovered, literally and figuratively. When he was worried, he felt like he was buzzing, and the only way that he’d found to keep himself from instantly scanning the entire city was to fly in circles around your apartment. If it’d been longer than ten minutes without you getting back to him, he gave himself a pass and used his super hearing to check in. You’d never actually been in danger, usually just busy or with a friend, but he couldn’t bring himself to chance you needing him and not be there for you. 

When you were having a rough day, he hovered in the more traditionally human sense of the word. Soup made from scratch, warm baths with your favorite scented bubbles. Which is how you’d ended up in your current predicament, head burrowed into Clark’s chest while his hands traced soothing lines up and down your spine. His cheek was squished against the crown of your head and you’d unconsciously timed your breathing with the gentle thuds of his heart. 

“How ya doin’?” his voice was soft, as if he was afraid to disturb the peace that had settled around the both of you. 

Your arms tightened around his waist, and you scootched even closer to him. “Much better now. Thank you, Clark.” 

His chest shook with silent laughter, one hand moving to hold you where your head meets your neck. “Haven’t even done anything yet.” 

You pulled back, eyes wide and confused. “What are you talking about?” 

He smiled, your noses nearly touching. Your hand unconsciously rose to touch the crinkles at the side of his eyes, his dimples. You can’t help but marvel at him, this kind, soft man you’d managed to swindle into loving you by some otherworldly miracle. “You had a hard day, honey. Gotta let me take care of you.” 

Your foreheads met gently. “You’re already taking care of me.” And that was the truth. You’d come home, tears in your eyes. It had been a horrible, no good, absolutely awful day. You were running late for work, and then splashed by a cab hitting a huge puddle on your way there. Your lunch salad had gone wilty and on top of all that, you’d forgotten that it was date night until you’d seen him waiting in your living room, a fresh bouquet of flowers on the table and his button up’s sleeves rolled up on his forearms. 

And Clark hadn’t missed a beat. He changed into comfy clothes in the literal blink of an eye, and he’d put your favorite pajamas in the dryer to warm up. Then, he’d led you into the bathroom, turning on the shower and sprinkling a few drops of essential oil on the floor for you. A kiss to one temple, and then the other one for good measure before he told you to take your time and stepped out. A shower was the last thing on your mind, despite the previous puddle incident, but as the steam enveloped you, you could feel the tension draining from your muscles. When you were all done and squeaky clean, he wrapped you in a warm towel and helped you slather yourself in lotion. He’d gently guided your arms through your pajama top and helped you step into your shorts before pulling you onto the couch and settling you against him.  At this point, you were in a better mood than you’d managed all day. And somehow, Clark seemed to think he hadn’t even gotten started yet. 

He began to sway you gently side to side, his hands supporting your head. Your eyes fluttered shut with the soothing motion, a contented sigh escaping from your lips. “I have pizza on the way, and your heating pad is already on in the bed.”

All you could do was grin from where you were tucked into the hollow of his throat. “You’re spoiling me again.” 

He sighed, but didn’t dignify that with a response. “Are we thinking Singin’ in the Rain or Princess Diaries tonight?” 

“This is exactly what I’m talking about. You’re ruining me for future partners.” 

“Oh, there are going to be future partners, are there?” he asked, laughter coloring the edges of his voice. He clearly wasn’t taking you seriously, not stopping his rocking motions and only pulling you closer. 

“Oh yeah, tons.” you grumbled. He could feel you smirking against him, you knew it. 

“I guess I’m going to start using my powers for evil, in that case.” He mumbled into your hair. 

“I believe that even less than I believe I’m ever going to let you go.” 

Clark’s arms tightened around you in response. The two of you sat like that for a few more moments, quietly tangled up in the other. There was a small knock at the door, but somehow neither of you startled. “I told them to leave it at the door. Let’s give it a few seconds.” 

You nodded, breathing in his cologne and playing with the curls at the nape of his neck. You weren’t sure how that didn’t tickle, but you weren’t going to complain. Eventually, Clark’s arm wrapped around you, gently picking you up and adjusting you so that your legs were on either side of his waist. He stood, hand slipping around the backs of your thighs and holding you close. 

“You’re ridiculous.” you murmured, voice muffled against his shoulder while your arms looped around his neck. 

“Mmhmm,” Clark agreed, but made no motion to put you down as he swung the front door open and grabbed the pizza box from the small side table beside your door. He gently placed you on the kitchen counter, and the box beside you. He opened it to reveal your favorite and you were unsurprised. He was nothing if not incredibly observant. 

You grabbed a slice and took a bite, leaning against Clark for support. The silence that settled around you both was comfortable and familiar as ever. You both worked your way through the pizza, and you only caught Clark checking you over for signs of discomfort twice, which felt like a lot of improvement for both of you. 

When you were done, Clark framed your face with his hands. His eyes searched yours for a moment before he nodded to himself, clearly pleased with his assessment. He offered you a hand, helping you down from the counter. You took it easy on him and held back from pointing out that you were definitely capable of doing that yourself. 

He led you into the bathroom, and only let go of your hand when you reached for your toothbrush. You and Clark fell into your normal routine, brushing your teeth with shoulders bumping, Clark using a soft cloth to wipe away the bubbles of your facewash. You smoothed moisturizer across his cheeks and he sealed in your skincare routine with a kiss on your hairline, careful to avoid disrupting your freshly applied products. 

He pulled down the covers for you, pillows already arranged in the pattern that you favored most nights. He made a show of pulling the covers up to your chin and tucking the blankets tight against your side. You broke into peals of giggles, the gesture ridiculous when both of you knew Clark would pull you against his chest as soon as he rounded the bed. The grin that spread across his face made your heart stutter. His eyes crinkled, and it was clear he’d heard. You didn’t even have it in you to feel bashful about it. 

Like clockwork, Clark slid into bed beside you and you were quickly arranged with your back flush against his chest, one arm thrown over your stomach while you played with his fingers. You snuggled back against him, a contended sigh escaping your mouth. After what could have been a few moments or an eternity, you placed a kiss gently on the back of his hand. He squeezed you impossibly tighter against him. 

You take a breath, a thank you already on the tip of your tongue. Clark beats you to it. “You don’t have to thank me.” You crane your neck to catch his eyes, quirking a disbelieving eyebrow at him. His arm around your waist only tightened, a contented smile turning the corners of his lips up. “This was more for me than you,” he sounded sleepy, eyes half closed. 

You couldn’t help the cackle that shook your whole body. Clark held tight through it all. When you managed to calm your laughter, you turned to see him still clinging to you like the world’s most overgrown koala. “You’re a saint but I somehow find that hard to believe.” 

“I sleep better when I know you're happy.” Your heart lurched at his sleepy confession. “Sleep best when I know that I’m the reason you’re happy.” 

You turn in his arms, your forehead finding his in the dark for a moment. He still hadn’t opened his eyes, but he was beaming in a way that rivaled the sun. You tucked your head under his chin, making yourself at home against him. Your eyelids were heavy, and the weight of his arms around you was the most grounding experience of your life. “Maybe Jimmy has a point.” you mumbled. 

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” Clark whispered, mostly to himself. 

“You are whipped.” 

Clark’s only response was to place a kiss on the top of your head. “You love it.” 

He was right, you really really did. You drifted off to sleep feeling more relaxed than you had in days, and Clark soon followed, thinking about the ring he’d shoved deep inside his sweater collection.

[cutebat]

Yandere Batfam x Neglected, but Defiant Reader

What's Next?

Warning(s): Yandere themes, past neglect, a lot of swearing, stealing, violence, mentions of bribery

(This is where now you can pick your own choices in this series, so this isn't technically a chapter)

~~~~~

Two weeks went by quickly, thank God.

You arrived at school as how you could have if it wasn't for Bruce ruining your fucking break by making you spend time with the rest of the family.

You were forced to watch movies that made no sense due to its plot or whatever and went shopping, only for them to buy you things that you didn't like that all. Like, who still buys and wears things that could cause a whole closet clutter.

The worst part of all this is that Damian has to walk you everywhere around the school, except for using the restroom. Even worse is that Bruce changed your entire schedule to you having teachers who love to fuck you over. Because of this, you can't skip anymore!

Anyway, the day quickly went by, and now it was break time. As you two walked into the cafeteria, you spot your two basically only normal and only friends, Noelle and Sasha.

"(name)! There you are...-"

Noelle calls out to you before her smile slowly flattered when she spots Damian beside you.

"What is he doing here?"

She whispers to you that made you roll your eyes.

This made Damian narrow his eyes down at the two of them.

"Do you have a problem with me being here?"

He asks with a snarl that made your friends cringe a bit.

"(name)..."

Sasha mutters out to you that made you sigh.

"No, no... Damian, they're cool, don't worry."

You reassure him that luckily made him calm down.

"Oh, alright then. Come now, sister. We need to find a table."

Damian tells you which made you feel annoyed.

"Oh, uh, actually. I need to get my water bottle. I left it in my locker, so..."

You try to make an excuse to get out of here.

"No worries, I can go get it for you."

Damian said as he turns around.

"Wait, you don't know my combination!"

You call out of realization.

"I'll figure it out."

He calls back as he leaves the cafeteria.

You and your friends stayed where you were in silence.

"Isn't this great?"

You speak up out of sarcastically as you sit down with them.

"(name), what are you doing with that guy?"

Sasha asks as she takes a bite of her pudding.

"Being stuck by his side for the whole day and the entire Christmas break?"

"No, why are you hanging out with him?"

"Oh, god, don't be a bitch over this. I know he's such a pain in the ass, but I can tolerate him, okay?"

"No, we're not jealous or anything, he's actually fucking insane, (name)!"

Noelle tells you

"Insane like how?"

You ask as you cross your arms.

"Sent many guys to the infirmary, punched a guy in the throat earlier, nearly set a teacher's car on fire."

Noelle said as she started to list down all the things that Damian did.

"Wait, so all of this happened in one day?"

You ask with your eyes wide a little.

"Yeah."

"How do you know all of this?"

"I have two classes and a passing period with him."

At that moment, a guy with a neck cast walked up to your table.

"Were you guys just talking to Damian?"

He asks the three of you.

"Yeah."

Sasha mutters out.

"I hate him. He literally punched me in the throat during gym and didn't even apologize to me or get expelled. I'm pretty sure he paid off the headmaster or something."

He said with his eyes furrowed that meant he was pissed.

"See?"

Noelle mutters to you.

"Hold on, why did he exactly punch you for?"

You ask out of curiosity.

"Cause I said that you were pretty hot and told him that he was a wimp about it or something."

He said as he rubs his cast.

"Still sound normal to you?"

Noelle asks you.

"Oh, come on. That's like one of the things that's like the less worse things."

You tell her.

"'Less worse'?! I was passed out for like half an hour!"

The guy said in a defensive tone.

"Dude, that sounds like a you problem."

You tell him with a bored expression.

"Oh... Shit hurts."

Sasha said with a chuckle.

"Fuck you, guys... Stupid bitches..."

The guy mutters out as he walks away from you and your friends.

"Anyway, what can I do about all of this?"

You ask as you place your chin on the palm of your hand.

"Honestly, I don't know. You're pretty much on your own, (name)."

Noelle said as she takes a sip of her honey milk.

"What? You guys aren't going to help me?"

"We want to, but we don't know how."

"Please? Like actually, please. I have no idea what to do and I don't even know how to get away from all this."

You tell your friends in a slight pleading tone.

Noelle and Sasha gave each other a glance before they stare back at you.

"Okay, fine. As much as we don't know either, we'll try whatever we can, okay?"

Sasha said as she sets her pudding cup down.

"What are you exactly going to do now, (name)?"

Noelle asks in a soft tone with a soft gaze on her face

~~~~~

Go to your next class (Coming soon)

Skip until the end of the day with your friends (Coming soon)

Go home with your friends

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(If you want to be in the taglist, let me know!)

[sturniololuvz]

Ok, feel free to ignore this if its super weird, but I was thinking; could you maybe write about the sturniolos sister, who just got her first boyfriend and like one night all three of them + her are sitting on the couch watching a show or doing their own thing or wtv, and she just randomly says something like, "what do I do if he asks me to give him head?" and all of them turn to her and are just like "...what?" Idk if this makes sense😭

omgggg yes lmaooooo

“Wait… WHAT?!”

Sturniolos x sister

The four of them were sprawled out on the couch, half-watching a random show that none of them were really paying attention to. It was one of those rare peaceful nights—no filming, no drama, just them hanging out as siblings.

Nick was on his phone, Matt was mindlessly scrolling through Netflix, and Chris was lying across the couch with his hood up, staring at the ceiling. Y/N sat between them, casually munching on a bag of chips.

And then, out of nowhere, she spoke.

“What do I do if he asks me to give him head?”

The entire room froze.

Nick’s thumb stopped scrolling. Matt’s eyes slowly lifted from the TV. Chris’s head snapped toward her so fast it was a miracle he didn’t get whiplash.

“…WHAT?”

Y/N blinked at them, completely unfazed. “What? It’s a serious question.”

Chris sat up instantly, looking personally offended. “NO, THE HELL IT’S NOT.”

Matt’s face was blank, like his brain was buffering. “Why are you asking that? Who is asking that? WHO IS THIS ABOUT?”

Nick just rubbed his temples, already feeling a headache forming. “Jesus Christ, Y/N.”

She sighed, throwing a chip at Chris. “Relax, it’s not that deep.”

Chris dodged the chip, eyes wide. “NOT THAT DEEP? NOT THAT DEEP? YES, IT IS.”

Matt leaned forward, his hands clasped together like he was about to have the most serious discussion of his life. “Start from the beginning. Who is asking you for head?”

Y/N groaned. “No one yet, I’m just saying if it happens, what do I do?”

Chris pointed at her. “You say no. That’s what you do.”

Nick scoffed. “Or you break up with him because why is he even asking that?!”

Y/N rolled her eyes. “Oh my God, you guys are so dramatic.”

Chris threw his hands in the air. “We’re dramatic?! You just blindsided us with the most insane question of all time!”

Matt exhaled, running a hand down his face. “Y/N. Are you seriously thinking about doing that?”

Y/N shifted awkwardly. “I mean… I don’t know. I just—thought I should be prepared in case it comes up.”

Chris looked physically ill. “In case it comes up—EW, WHY WOULD YOU WORD IT LIKE THAT?”

Nick groaned. “Oh my God, I wanna die.”

Matt shook his head aggressively. “No. Nope. We’re not doing this. We’re not having this conversation.”

Chris crossed his arms. “Absolutely not. You’re too young for this.”

Y/N scoffed. “I’m sixteen.”

Nick shot her a glare. “And you’re still too young for this conversation.”

Chris pointed at her. “You are a child. My baby sister. You are NOT putting—”

“OKAY, WE GET IT,” Y/N cut him off, throwing a pillow at him.

Matt sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Look, if a guy ever pressures you into doing something you’re not sure about, he’s not the right guy. Simple as that.”

Nick nodded. “Yeah, and if he ever makes you uncomfortable, you tell us.”

Chris cracked his knuckles. “And then we kill him.”

Y/N gave him a deadpan look. “You’re not killing my boyfriend, Chris.”

Chris huffed. “Well, if he asks you for head, then maybe I will.”

Matt shook his head. “Alright, enough. This is officially the worst conversation I’ve ever had.”

Nick groaned, tossing his phone onto the table. “I need to bleach my brain.”

Chris shuddered. “I need therapy.”

Y/N rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Next time, I’ll just Google it.”

Chris gasped so dramatically you’d think she just threatened his life. “ABSOLUTELY NOT.”

Matt sighed. “I’m going to bed. This night is ruined.”

Nick stood up, shaking his head. “Same. I literally cannot process what just happened.”

Chris pointed at Y/N as he stood. “You—stay away from Google. And boys. And everything.”

Y/N smirked. “Can I at least—”

“NO!” All three of them shouted in unison before leaving the room.

Y/N just laughed, grabbing another chip.

Honestly? Totally worth it.

[bigtreefest]

Chapter 2: Ouch, That Stings

From: You Catch More Bees With Honey Series

Pairing: Mob! Bucky x Farmer! Reader

Summary: Bucky’s first day on the farm is long. Very long.

Word Count: 3,680

Content/Warnings: light mob themes, alcohol consumption, mention of brass knuckles/ bruising, bee sting, Bucky being an absolute oaf, secondhand embarrassment, minor injuries, light mutual pining?, Y/N is used once, minimal afab reader descriptions

A/N: I just finished an exam, so obviously when I should’ve been studying, I had so much motivation that went straight into this chapter. Sorry if there’s minimal dialogue, I think the next will be mostly conversational interaction. And thank you guys so much for all the support already on ch. 1. You have no idea how much it means to me. Likes, comments, reblogs, and asks are sooooo appreciated. Literally, ask me anything. Even if it’s what I ate for dinner. Anyway, thank you for reading

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

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Bucky returned to the car with his head held high. If he had to agree to this term of yours, he was going to do it with as much defiance as he could. He opened the door to the car, just to be greeted by Steve and Sam’s knowing smiles.

“I take it that went well,” Sam said to Bucky through the rear view mirror as he put the car in drive.

“I don’t wanna talk about it” Bucky grumbled as he hit the button to raise the partition.

Steve quickly shifted upwards in his seat to give the last word before the screen closed “We knew it was gonna come to this, boss!”

Throughout the hours-long drive back to the city, Bucky got lost in his thoughts. How could he fold to you so quickly? If he had to personally work on this farm, he was going to do his worst. He wasn’t going to give into the pull he could already feel in his heart by just talking with you once. He’d keep his head down and do the work, he wouldn’t show his interest, if anything, he’d act distinterested, grasping for the ability to appear as though he had the power in this deal.

Sam pulled into the parking garage of Bucky’s penthouse apartment and the three of them took the elevator all the way up. When they arrived, Sam and Steve plopped themselves down on the couch while Bucky poured himself a tall glass of whiskey.

“So do we get some, or??” Sam asked as he leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees.

Bucky tossed him back a glare that most definitely said no while Steve laughed, putting his arms behind his head and kicking his feet up to rest on the ornate glass coffee table.

Bucky walked over to one of the luxury chairs that sat across from the pair and set his glass on a coaster on the table.

“Steven. Feet. Down.” If Bucky was still in this mood after having hours to calm down, no one was going to be having a good time.

“Sorry, Buck. You know you didn’t have to get this fancy furniture. You could’ve gotten a wooden table like mine, and a couch that’s actually comfortable.” Steve lowered his feet and got up to pour a small glass of whiskey for Sam and himself.

Bucky rolled his eyes “I like the finer things, and I think all of this works just fine. It’s not like we’re in here much anyway. We’re always in the office or the mansion for meetings. I just wanted to see this place one more time before I abandon it for a month. And if this is any indication on how you’re going to treat my things and my operation, I’m concerned”

“So does that mean we’re really in charge?” Sam nodded to Steve as he grabbed the glass out of his hands.

“Well, technically, Steve’s in charge. He’s the new me. And you’re the new Steve”

Steve chuckled at this and looked over at Sam. “Well, Stevie, we better help Y/N’s new errand boy get packed then.”

Bucky had wanted to make the drive back out to your farm on his own, but you had insisted you’d pick him up. It’s not like one of his luxury cars had a place on dirt roads. And where was he going to go, anyway? This had to be an uninterrupted month. So he conceded.

That’s how he found himself in this situation, looking out at the land as you grabbed one of his bags out of your truck bed and tossed it at him while you grabbed the other two.

The sun was setting over the rolling hills and his distracted glance caused him to stumble backwards as his duffel hit his arms. Man, you were strong. “Keep up, James, time for a house tour.”

Bucky scrambled to the steps and followed you inside. You went straight up the stairs with his bags and he followed as you turned at the top and went to the end of the hall.

“Here’s your room for the month, bathroom is just next door and I’m across the hall if you need anything. There’s plenty of dresser and closet space for your clothes. Let’s get you unpacked, I wanna see if you’ve got proper farm attire, otherwise you’re gonna have to borrow some.”

Bucky hadn’t even realized he hadn’t spoken since the small talk the two of you had made on the drive here. He just nodded and put his bags on the bed to open them up. Suddenly, he snapped out of his trance and threw them open, proudly showing clothes that were very much not for working. You walked towards the bed and looked through the pairs of dress pants and button-up shirts that filled two of the three bags, with only a couple Henleys and one pair of jeans in the duffel.

“Is this seriously what you brought? This is a farm, not a yacht club.”

Bucky let out a small chuckle at that one. She’s fiery and funny. “In my defense, these pieces of clothing are dressed down for me. I don’t really own anything not nice. Work attire for me is strictly suits. You’re lucky I own a pair of jeans.”

You had a playful smirk on your face. What did you really expect? You were prepared for this anyway, but it didn’t mean you’d let him off easily. “What, you saying my overalls aren’t nice? Wow James, that’s low. You just earned yourself dinner duty. I’ll grab you some actual work clothes while you familiarize yourself with the kitchen. Hope my apron down there is good enough to keep your designer clothes clean.”

Bucky smiled as you turned on your heel and left the room. An actual, genuine smile. You weren’t even being sweet to him, you were being challenging and strong-headed and he loved it. He reflected on the past few years of business. Everything had come more easily once he had built his reputation in the city. People feared the name Barnes, making business effortless. Bucky hadn’t been challenged like this in years. He missed it, which made him think he made the right decision, but thinking about being challenged and actually having to do the work were two very different things. The smile was just starting to naturally slide off Bucky’s face as you called from the hallway “You’ve already seen pretty much all there is to the first floor. Meet you down there” as you disappeared into the other guest bedroom.

Although Bucky had walked through the first story of your home, it had only been in passing before. Now that he got to look closer, he saw the way you decorated your house. Your couch and chairs in the living room were worn and showed some we, but they were definitely taken care of, just like the kitchen appliances. Photos of friends and family and souvenirs from travels that he couldn’t decipher were your own or not lined the walls and shelves next to a small book collection.

He made his was to the pantry on the edge of your kitchen and looked through the ingredients. He wanted to keep it simple, but impressive, but also, not something too close to his heart. He liked you as a person, but he didn’t know you like that. Whatever he made, you were going to ask questions. You were so perceptive, and he couldn’t let himself be that vulnerable. Not yet. After grabbing some pasta, he went and looked through the fridge and found the ingredients for chicken parm. Perfect, who doesn’t love that?

Once you made your way downstairs from putting the folded clothes on Bucky’s bed, you started to smell basil wafting through the house. You made your way down to see Bucky in your apron. “Wheres a scotch or a good wine to pair with this amazing meal I’m making for you. Man, this is shaping up to be real easy”

You laughed, a deep, shoulder bouncing laugh and Bucky looked at you with furrowed brown and confusion in his eyes. Oh, he has no idea what he’s in for. “Good one, Barnes. I forgot to tell you a few rules we’ve got around here. First off, no alcohol until the weekends. We’ve got some early mornings ahead, plus you gotta earn it. Second, when we do drink, it’s almost strictly bourbon and beer. Good luck finding your high-end liquor out here without getting funny looks.”

Bucky’s shoulders fell some, but you could tell he was trying not to show a reaction. His cocky smirk was fading slowly. You knew how different your lives were, but only time and work would tell how steep this learning curve would be for him. That’s why you wanted him out here in the first place, to see the vast differences between your worlds and the effects that would come from his attempt to shove his into your space. Or more realistically, for him to attempt to hijack your land and mine tunnels with his heavy operations.

He turned away from you to finish cooking while you set the table for him, putting out tall glasses of water. “Thank you for making this, James. It’ll be good to be hydrated and carb-loaded for tomorrow. I swear you’ve never seen work like this in your life.”

Bucky woke up with a jolt to screeching outside his window. What on Earth? The sound came again and he could tell it was a rooster crowing. He thought that sound was just a cliché, and even if it did happen, it would’ve been with the sunrise. But the rooster was up, and so were you, based on the smell of eggs cooking that wafted under Bucky’s door. And now, begrudgingly, Bucky was awake, too. He tried to pull the covers back over his head. Bucky was used to not getting much sleep, with the late nights and early mornings his job demanded, but for some reason the warm bed was sucking him back in, in juxtaposition to the cool early morning air. Just as he began to feel the pull of sleep again, that rooster cawed and he tossed the covers off in frustration, just as you knocked on his door.

“James? Time for breakfast. How do you want your eggs? You’ve got until I make them to be dressed and have your heinie downstairs.” You opened the door, letting in a stream of light that blinded Bucky, causing him to groan throw and arm over his eyes. How did he like his eggs? Served hours later to him in bed, where he wished he could stay right now.

“Over easy” he mumbled

“Oh good, you’re up.” You left the door open while you walked back downstairs. Of course you were already dressed. Bucky didn’t want to know what the implied ‘or else’ of your previous statement was. He hoped it didn’t have to do with scooping poop for your many animals, and he didn’t want to risk it, so he pulled on his clothes and made his way to the bathroom to finish getting ready. Little did he know, poop scooping was already in your plans for him, punishment or not.

During breakfast, you walked Bucky through the agenda for the day. He was only half-listening, still dazed by the way he was ripped out of his slumber by your darn rooster. He had picked up bits and pieces, though. Blah, blah, blah, ‘cows,’ blah, blah, blah ‘tractor,’ blah, blah, blah, ‘farmer’s market.’ It had to be easy enough, essentially he was following you all day.

By the time you two had finished breakfast and went outside, it was first light. Bucky checked the old, leather-banded watch you had given him on top of his pile last night to see the time. 5:14 am. Ugh, he’d been up for at least 20 minutes by now. How long had you been up?

“Ok, we’re already running a little bit behind schedule and that’s only gonna happen more since I’ve got to show you around and teach everything from the beginning. No worries, though. Today’s gonna be an easy day.”

A dozen heavy wheel barrow trips to feed the pigs, chickens, two kinds of cows, horses, goats, and sheep, four dozen dairy cow milkings, and three failed attempts at riding a horse later, Bucky looked up at you from his place sprawled on the ground. This was an easy day? Absolutely not. Despite the fact that he had to fall off the horse to end up in the middle of your field, laying like this was the best part of his day so far.

Who knew there were so many kinds of animal feed? Why were they all different? And why were they so heavy? Why did your one goat love head butting him so much? Bucky swore he was going to have permanent horn marks in his stomach, not unlike the ones left in his enemies from brass knuckles. And why were his clothes now covered in unpasteurized milk? Well, he knew why on that one, but it was still crusty. What had he signed up for? His body was so sore and he hadn’t sat down in six hours, so yeah, he was going to lay here on the ground. Maybe he could pretend to be dead. Maybe then this misery would end and you’d let him out of this deal. But that was wishful thinking as he cracked an eye open to see if he’d convinced you yet. Bad timing. Bucky was greeted with the sight of you leaning over him, hand reached out in an offer to get him up. Dang, every angle was your good angle.

“Alright, cowboy, one more thing, and then lunch.”

Bucky reached for your hand as you effortlessly lifted him up. You grabbed the reins of the horses, guiding them back to the barn. “I think that’s enough of that for you right now. I’ve honestly never seen anyone have that much trouble riding Ace before.”

At that, Bucky looked down, hiding his eyes from you and felt his face get hot as he rubbed his neck in embarrassment. Bucky hadn’t been embarrassed in years. He was good at his job, it came as second nature, so doing something new and failing at it was a foreign concept he didn’t love. You were being so kind with him learning, but he could tell you were just as exasperated as him. Although, you were hiding it better. If you had tried to make Bucky ride that horse one more time, he probably would’ve told you off and lost his precious deal. He couldn’t afford that.

You were trying so hard to be patient with Bucky, but was hard when you watched him do everything wrong. He very evidently had not listened to you at breakfast this morning. He had a long way to go, but luckily he had a month to figure it out. And you guys were heading to your favorite task, you couldn’t even call it a chore. Surely, this would be an easy one for Bucky.

After dropping off the horses, the two of you started walking through your native wildflower prairies towards the beehives. Every time you went through it, you were taken back by the beauty, and by the look on Bucky’s face, he was, too. Had you been looking at him this whole time? You had to admit he looked good in the old farm clothes you lent him, left behind by your old farmhand. It was all about half a size too small, though, but you’d never complain about seeing his bulging muscles stretch the fabric. Thank goodness for muscle memory as your legs carried you in the right direction, because you realized your mind had been solely occupied by Bucky as you made your way South within the property to reach the beehives.

You walked right up to the shed as you walked Bucky through all of the safety precautions of what you were doing and how exactly the honey was harvested. You explained the history of your family’s beekeeping and how the town went crazy for them at the farmer’s market you two were hosting at the end of the week. You went into the shed to get Bucky and yourself the proper protective gear.

“Now it may be a little difficult to see through the veil at first, but that’s ok. We’re not in a rush, so take your time. Plus, the bees will be calm as long as we keep pumping smoke into the hive.”

With this final warning, you and Bucky each started tending your own beehives, identifying which sections contained honey or not and setting them aside. This took a lot of multitasking and patience, which Bucky hadn’t seemed to have mastered yet, but you hoped he’d be ok. After all, this was something you’d done since you could drive a tractor, which was a young age around here. Rookie mistake on making that assumption.

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw a quick flash of movement. You turned your head to see Bucky swat the air. Followed by another one sooner, and then once again, until his arms were turning into a flailing mess. He’d forgotten to blow smoke and calm the bees down.

You were glad you’d sprung and made him put on the suit, despite his claims that ‘people on the internet do this without all this bulky equipment all the time. Bet it’s easy.’ Just as you thought back to that, though, in his frantic retreat from the hive, Bucky tripped over his own foot and fell flat on his face, veil flying forward off his head and several feet from the momentum he’d picked up. You both watched as a single bee fluttered down to his hairline.

“James, Bucky, I’m serious right now. Don’t move. You’re not allergic to bees, are you?”

This made Bucky stop and think for a little. Wait a minute, you didn’t know he wasn’t allergic to bees? And you let him do this task when it could’ve been fatal? He whipped his head around to tell you he wasn’t, completely forgetting that you’d told him not to move. The sudden jerk startled the bee, triggering it to sting Bucky in the temple.

“OW. Ouch, ouch, ouch, that stings!!”

You rushed over to Bucky and crouched beside him, putting the veil back on his head. You helped him up for what seemed like the thousandth time today and brushed off his shoulder.

“So you’re not allergic, right?” Your eyes were urgently looking him over for more stings and symptoms, as well as other injuries.

Bucky was fired up in his hangry and fed-up state, shooting back, “NO. But I can’t believe you let me do this without that knowledge.”

He stomped back to the shed while you cleaned up both of your stations. There wasn’t a response you could give him that would really make it better. You understood he was trying and this was all a lot. Your stomach grumbled, and rather than start a fight in your own hangry state, you decided to not respond. Plus, yeah, maybe you should’ve asked about allergies sooner. You made a mental note to do that tonight. You both just needed to eat. You could come back to this later, plus, you’d already grabbed most of the honey comb from yours. That should be enough for the market.

Just as you had prepared the honey comb to take back towards the house, you heard movement in the shed. It was the small thunks made by Bucky ripping off his gloves, veil, and the rest of the suit and throwing it back on the shelves. That was followed by a loud crash and metal clang. You could tell things had tumbled down off the wall. Bucky must’ve thrown one of the pieces a little too hard in a fit of rage.

You peeked through the door of the shed, not wanting to crowd Bucky too much, checking if he was okay. The doorway, though, was filled with a pair of old boots, attached to long legs, attached to a broad body propped up against a wall opposite the shelves. You began to snicker, unable to hold in your obvious amusement. Bucky moved his head a little to figure out where the sound was coming from, but you weren’t greeted by his eyes. No, a metal bucket had landed on Bucky’s head, entirely engulfing it. And in his fit of frustration and how done he was with the day, he just left it. Your snicker morphed into a giggle, then grew into full, guttural, hysterical laughter. You couldn’t stop. This was such a perfect moment that you had to capture it.

“Bucky Barnes? …. More like…. BUCKET BARNES!” you wheezed out in between gasps for air. Bucky sat there, bucket still on his head, but shoulders bouncing with his own laughter now. How could he not, yours was contagious, plus, that was a really clever one.

Once you caught your breath again. Bucky finally took the bucket off his head and looked up at you with a meek glance and red cheeks. “Ha ha ha, very funny. I think you’ve had your fill now in indulging in my bee-related misfortunes. But speaking about fill, is it time for lunch yet?”

The two of you headed back to the house and ate in a comfortable, exhausted silence, you writing out a simple to-do list that was more Bucky’s speed for after lunch, while he ate, using a fork in one hand, his other pressing an ice pack to his temple as his elbow rested on the table.

He sat there thinking about the fact that it hadn’t even been a day yet, let alone a month. Really, Buck, what have you gotten yourself into?

Next >

Series Taglist:

@scuzmunkie

@openup-yourmind

[lavenderlemonade47]

Shev'la Verd

Relationship: Fenn Rau x Autistic!Reader (Platonic)

Summary: You were used to the abuse you suffered at your peers' hands, both overt and unspoken. So you assumed it would continue for the duration of your time in the Rebellion. The Protector of Concord Dawn, however, will have none of it.

Rating: G

Warnings: Bullying, ableism, reader has low self-esteem and a bit of learned helplessness

Word Count: 1.7k

You wished you had your helmet right now. 

If you did, you wouldn’t have to gnash your teeth at the way the fluorescent lights of the mess hall glared above you. Or the clatter of silverware and the grating chatter of your fellow rebels at the surrounding tables.

Noises that, thankfully, fell away when you hopped into your safe space—the pilot’s seat of an A-wing.

It should have been ironic. Flying wasn’t something that came naturally to you. There were too many things to keep track of: airspeed, altitude, atmospheric conditions, and engine performance, to name a few. All of which could change in an instant.

And that doesn’t even cover combat maneuvers. Had it not been for your instructor, you’re not sure you would have ever got the hang of it.

You quickly learned why Fenn Rau had such a name among the clones on Kamino. He was unlike any mentor you’ve had before. Rau was more than strict; he pushed students to their limits, testing their mettle in grueling sessions performing corkscrews and barrel rolls that would make even the strongest stomachs churn. He accepted no excuses and didn’t mince words with his criticism. It was little wonder there was such a high turnover rate among the greenhorns that trained with him in their first month.

Yet with his toughness came fairness. His instructions were clear and concise. With every lesson, he carefully noted your approach to learning and revised his methods accordingly. Sometimes, it was a change of wording—others, a different routine. His praise, though given sparingly, was sincere. Through the occasional affirming nod or solid hand on your shoulder, you were sure that he approved of, or at least tolerated, your efforts in the air.

You weren’t on such good terms with the other pilots; you stuck out like a sore thumb among the hot headed teenagers that comprised most of the cadets that Rau taught. Save for a few friendly faces like Wedge and Hobbie, your interactions with the others were marked by cautious curiosity at best and bitter judgment at worst. All hidden beneath the thin veneer of protocol.

You knew why. You were painfully aware that your difficulty in understanding social cues made you suspect among the gregarious, upstart types that seemed so drawn to the Rebellion. Knew that your tendency to take things literally made you an object of ridicule. That, and your aversion to the sensory hell that was Chopper Base in full swing during the day.

Laughter.

You were certain it was about you before you even turned your head. You didn’t even need to see him to single out the braying roar at the center of it all. Chet, a burly rookie with a smile like a rancor that joined your ranks only three weeks ago.

A face you dreaded in any proximity to you.

“I don’t know why they’re still here,” he sneered at his cadre. “They’re slower than a bantha!”

“More like a Hutt!” came Rana’s jab. The girl flicked a blonde pigtail over her shoulder. “As dumb as one, too.”

Your grip was a vise on the edge of the table. Your frantic pulse screamed at you to do something, anything , so you wouldn’t feel their mocking eyes burning into you. Escaping to the hangar sounded like a good idea. It would mean you’d get to work on your fighter. Maybe check the engine oil while you were at it. But that would mean running the gauntlet past Chet’s bench, a move that was sure to end in an outstretched foot breaking your stride and your lunch spilled all over the floor.

So you could only stay rooted in place and hope that your silence would make them relent.

Just as you always did before.

But that didn’t stop Chet’s words from hurting like they did the first time. “Do you think they’re retar—”

“Enough!”

Gloved hands slammed against the table, making you all jump in your seats. You looked up from counting grains in the laminate to the source of the sound. It was none other than Fenn Rau, visor gleaming dangerously as he appraised the now-cowering pilots in front of you.

His voice was precise and measured when he spoke next. “What is the meaning of this, cadets?”

Chet's grin faltered. A nervous chuckle escaped him. “Sir, we were just joking around–”

“I see only two of you laughing,” Rau interrupted. His gaze landed on Rana, who had taken on a striking pallor. “Would you care to explain to me the nature of your little display?”

Now it was Rana’s turn to sputter. “It was nothing, really! We do it all the time and they never say anything!”

She fell silent as Rau bristled, eyes wide as his helmeted face hovered inches from hers. His red sigil caught the light for a moment, and you were struck by the realization that he was not just a stern teacher chastising his student. He was a Mandalorian . “I asked nothing about your fellow pilot’s behavior. Only yours.”

Rau received a response in the form of silence. Neither of them dared utter a word, remaining glued to their seats as if their lives depended on it.

“I will not tolerate this. Ever.” he said fiercely. “You are part of a squad. A Rebellion. You are not to belittle your comrades on or off the battlefield. Do you understand me?”

Rana nodded vigorously. Chet opened his mouth, but whatever he was going to say was silenced by the look Rau gave him.

“There are a dozen ships in this fleet that need the carbon scoring scrubbed off of them,” he hissed. “I will return in one hour, and if they are not clean enough for flight, I will see to it myself that you never fly with Phoenix Squadron again.”

Chet gulped, eyes bulging like a scalefish. “Y-yes, sir.”

The two of them nearly tripped over themselves as they scrambled to the hangar. The confrontation weighed on you like a boulder until you stood at the sound of your name.

All the ferocity in Rau’s tone was gone. “I’d like a word with you,” he added gently. “Come with me.”

You followed him to a secluded corner of the mess where the lights were dimmer and the raucous din of the crowd quieted to a hum. You exhaled slowly and allowed your fists to uncurl.

Rau set his helmet down beside you and sighed. His brow furrowed when he spoke again.

“Why didn’t you tell me about this?”

You stiffened. Even if you couldn’t say it outright, the answer was heavy in the back of your mind. It lay in the distant memory of grade school teachers that shrugged their shoulders and looked the other way when you complained of your classmates’ insults or your belongings thrown into the dirt. 

Your years at the Imperial Academy were no better. The Empire did not look kindly upon those who deviated from its rigid model of what constituted acceptable human behavior. Bureaucrats in crisp gray suits laughed in your face when you asked for accommodations. Your instructors left you to flounder while the rest of your peers earned accolades and honors.

How could you explain that every authority figure in your life had chosen convenience over consequences, time and time again?

“I wasn’t sure if you would do anything,” you managed.

Rau frowned. “You thought I would stand by while your squadmates ridiculed you?”

“It’s different than that,” you protested. “Everything they said—it’s true! I am slow. And weird. I’ve always known it.” Your eyes burned hot with unshed tears as you continued. 

As achingly as pulling thorns from your skin, you told him about the long hours spent in a clinic when you were young. The bespectacled doctors with datapads that prattled over this reason or that which disqualified you from their help. It took years of exhausting standstills before you finally received a diagnosis—one that guaranteed no aid except in name only. 

By the time you finished, it felt as though all the air had left your lungs. "It's because I'm on the spectrum."

You could have cut a vibroblade through the silence that followed.

Rau’s expression was inscrutable.

“There is a phrase for that on Mandalore,” he began. “ Shev’la verd. ”

Your eyes widened. You looked at him, then, and really looked. Not just at the brow or hairline like you did with most people. In his eyes.

The conviction you saw in them made you feel something you couldn’t describe.

“You are not lesser because of your differences. They are your strength.”

His words felt foreign. Unlike anything you’ve heard before.

Instinctively, you objected. “It took me twice as long to learn the control panel. I am slow—” 

But Rau would not be dissuaded. “You are thorough ,” he corrected. “And deliberate. Those are admirable qualities in a pilot. 

“You memorize the schematics of a starship down to the smallest details. Not only that, you apply what you learn in ways your peers could only dream of.”

He leaned in. 

“You are one of the best pilots I’ve had the honor of training,” he insisted. “And I will not allow you to diminish your own talents.”

You couldn’t hide your incredulity even if you tried.

Never had anyone demonstrated such an unwavering belief in you for years. Something loosened in your chest, and you took a shuddering breath. “You mean that?”

Rau smiled. “I am certain of it.”

That day, you felt lighter as you took to the skies.

You were under no impression that your struggles were over. You would meet many more people who didn’t understand you, either out of a lack of knowledge or willful ignorance. There would be those that would underestimate your abilities and denigrate your differences no matter how you shone on the ground or in the air.

For the longest time, that terrified you.

By and large, it still did. But now, your fear didn’t paralyze you. 

You would persevere and hone your strengths with the knowledge that you wouldn’t be facing this alone.

You would fight your battles with a sure ally at your side.

[feroshgirlsims]

Chapter 2.1 - Happenstance

WILLIAM

"You can't cast Disintegrate on an entire universe," William grumbles. 

"Of course I can," Vlad scoffs, "I literally just did it."

“No,” William glares, “You didn't. You'd need a magical item. Specifically, the Owl of Undoing and Christopher already said you can't have it." 

Vlad raises his brows, and William understands the look: Why are you defending him? Christopher plays a paladin. You don’t even like him; you’ve been cheating on him for months. 

Or maybe that’s just the guilt talking.

"I know what he said,” Vlad takes a swig of his barley bale. “That's why I pickpocketed him three sessions ago. Check your notes. I think you’ll find you already made the decision when you let me roll for it."

Asshole. Yes, William complains about Christopher. Yes, he feels trapped. But Lairs and Llamas wasn’t the place to sort that out. "Fine," he snaps, crumbling up a page of his notes. "You do it. Your enemies turn to dust, and everything resets to a single, non-magical universe."

"That doesn’t make sense,” Candy purses her lips. "How can we be sure the world has no magic? I mean, isn't that a little like saying there are no aliens? It doesn't make sense. There probably are aliens and magic, too. We just haven't discovered them yet."

Vlad grins. “Yes, William, isn’t it possible that there are more magical fish in the sea?”

William does not dignify this with an answer. Unlike Vlad’s family of loud, co-dependent lunatics, the Reddings operate via refined passive-aggressive avoidance and socially acceptable threats.   

Christopher scoops up the dice and flings it onto the map. It skips and rolls to a stop on the worst possible number. "Natural 20!" he exclaims. "I look for a portal that takes me and my fellow paladins back in time to undo Vladislaus's spell."

"Some things can’t be undone," Vlad chuckles. “Why waste your time?”

"Because you’re wrong," Christopher insists, his gaze sharp, "Natural 20 means I automatically succeed."

“Technically—” Gunther begins.

“Nope,” William holds up a hand. Gunther joined their table after Vlad sent their last player running through the quad in tears. He was exhausting, and they’d had enough of his But the Rules speeches to last a lifetime. “Not technically. We are not doing that tonight.”

“So I succeed?” The hopefulness in Christopher’s voice makes William shift uncomfortably.

But Vlad just laughs and hums a little tune. “Oh, do tell, William. How does the natural 20 work out? Can Christopher go back in time and undo all the damage?” 

William grinds his jaw. “No. There is no such thing as magic, which means even with a natural 20, Christopher’s move doesn’t work.”

Christopher slumps in his seat. 

“So the campaign is over?” Candy asks. 

“Y-yes,” William croaks and then clears his throat. “I just want to know how your characters start their new lives while we wrap up."

"I start a conspiracy theory newspaper about aliens and magic,” Candy smirks.

“Hmmm,” Gunther rubs his chin. “I think my barbarian queen becomes a personal trainer. And then she meets this cool, casual academic with black-framed glasses who—”

“That’s enough,” William interrupts. “Christopher? Are we—er—you alright?” He swallows hard, his resolve weakening. Why is he trying so hard to protect the feelings of someone he doesn’t care about? “The end can be a fresh start. It doesn’t even have to be an end,” he finishes, ignoring Vlad’s dark look. 

Christopher surges to his feet. "Honestly, fuck you, Straud. You ruined this for all of us! Especially for Will, who planned it."

William hates being called Will. He's told his boyfriend this a thousand times. But the guilt over being defended when it's obvious Christopher has no idea what’s going on keeps him from pointing it out. "Sit down, love. You don't want to do this." 

"No, I do. I want Vladislaus to know he's fucked up and selfish!"

"He knows,” William deadpans.

"Yes," Vlad agrees, "I'm quite aware of my faults. Now," he leans forward, resting his elbow on the table to prop up his chin. "Are you defending William because you're fucking him or because you're hoping this might excite him enough to tell you he loves you?"

It's the wrong thing to say. Or maybe it’s the right thing, considering that Vladislaus thrives off of chaos. Christopher charges around the table, dragging him out of his seat. 

“Is this what you want?” he shouts.

Yes. 

No.

No. Christopher doesn’t know what’s at stake, and William doesn’t need a white knight. He needs his boyfriend to have enough common sense to know when he's being goaded. “Don’t!” he shouts. 

But he’s too slow.

Christopher cocks back his fist and punches Vlad straight in the mouth.

PREV | NAVIGATION | NEXT

(Part 2 of 8)

(Love this Lairs and Llamas set by @valhallansim! Also, my IRL dnd group is really just a spy v. spy situation where we mostly plot against each other and then sometimes band together to fight a dragon we name after bad ex-boyfriends)

[tenthcrowley]

Show: Doctor Who.

Character: Tenth Doctor.

Reader: GN reader / gender not specified.

Summary: You're so convinced this is a dream, it has to be. It's surely your brain imagining all this. While The Doctors still tries to explain and fix things.

The Prologue . Chapter one. | Chapter two | Chapter Three.

DREAMING

Chapter two

The Doctor stays silent. A bit confused to be honest but also intrigued. How would they know about his existence if he's from another universe? He literally cannot exist in another universe, but he has fans. Why? How did this happen?

"Fans?"

"What?"

"I have fans?" He slowly smiles with pride. "Woah, I mean, I know I save the world like, almost every day, but I never knew they could do this! Well, LINDA existed once" Now he's thinking out loud while he walks through your apartment like it's his.

"What?" You follow him around, watching as he enters the little kitchen and grabs a cup to look at it and leave it in the same place.

"You're a fan" His smile becomes wider. "Do you want me to autograph something?" He says in a bit of a mocking tone, but still being real.

"What? No! Well, maybe. But that's not the case" You frown. "Of course you have fans! You're David Tennant! You're The Doctor! Come on, one of the biggest shows in the UK" You roll your eyes. You're annoyed by yourself! It's funny tho, great impression of him.

He laughs. "I can't believe I have my own website" He says with a smile. Didn't last too long that he became serious again, almost a worried look on his face -totally a worried look on his face-. "What do you mean by 'show'?" He walks up to you. "Who's David Tennant?"

You just look at him, very confused. "Oh, come on man. How can I annoy myself so much?" You sigh, walking out if the kitchen to the living. He's walking just behind you.

"Show me the website"

"What for?" You sit on the couch, tired.

"Just show me!"

"Fine! Give me my laptop, it's on the table"

He quickly grabs it and gives it to you. It took you a couple of minutes to turn it on and enter the website.

"See?" You point the different things on it. "Show. Original version and modern continuation. And here you have the different doctors" He reads '10° Doctor David Tennant'.

"That's the man you mentioned" He uses the mouse to click on it. "Season 2? 3? 4? What's this?" He whispers to himself, selecting 'Season 2', opening his eyes wide when he sees his own face. "T-that's me"

You nod. "Of course! It's in Spanish so I don't think you'll understand."

"Oh, don't worry, the TARDIS translates everything"

"...Right" You click the first chapter of season 2 and skip the intro to directly to the episode and see David's face.

The Doctor gulps. "But I-I lived that! What's this?" He says confused.

You sigh, just watching the chapter for like... the fifth time. "I don't know if this is the best or worst dream I've ever had" You look at him again. You had to admit he's very handsome. I mean, you wouldn't bother bother to just look at him. Pretty face.

"Stop saying this is a dream! It's not, believe me I would pretty much know if it was! Now, explain me what's going on right now!" You jump in you place a bit. The screaming took you by surprise. You see the worrying, despair and confusion on his face. It just hurts to see him like this, almost making you forget that this is a dream, I mean, you weren't a ecpathic* monster, you know he's having a bad time.

"Fine" You sigh and look at the laptop placed on your thighs. You pause the video just when David's face pops up and point at him. "That's David Tennant, an Scottish actor and this is the show 'Doctor Who' I told you about. It's about a Time Lord that has a ship, the TARDIS" You point at it. "and travels around the universe and time" You finally look at him. He's even more confused than he was before.

"But that's my life. I lived that. I remember living this" He points the screen of the laptop. "I do travel around with the TARDIS" And points at it. A few more seconds of silent, he doesn't understands how he got here and what's this place. You don't understand why he's acting like that, but still don't want to wake up. "Oh, no. Oh, no, no, no, no, no" He quickly stands up and walks to the TARDIS. It's still broken, he has to fix it.

You just stayed there in the couch. And still tired.

"What are you doing?" You ask loudly so he can here you inside the ship.

He walks out of it to look at you.

"I'm trying to leave this place" He pops back inside. Oh, no, of course you were going to follow him.

"What?"

"See" He walks to you with a... thing, on his left hand. Probably a piece of the ship. And on the right he's holding a hammer. ", I don't how, I don't know why, but the TARDIS brought me here for some reason. This is not a dream, this is not your imagination or something. This is real, I'm real. I crashed into your universe where I seem to be fictional"

You are shocked. Completely shocked. You stay silent, looking directly at his eyes and viceversa. However the human brain is scared about new stuff that it's been drying for its whole existence. So, yeah, you don't believe it.

"Yeah sure!" You laugh out loud. Now the Doctor is annoyed and watching as you suffer a stomachache due to the laugh. "Oh god! This dream is making me so happy. I will so remember this when I wake up" You say in giggles.

"Oh, come on! This is real! My TARDIS is real!" He growls and just runs back to the center. "Why did you break? Huh!" He slams it with the hammer on his hand, but the TARDIS doesn't reacts.

You look at him and then around you.

This definitely couldn't be real. It just can't. You're dreaming. You have to be dreaming. The Doctor, the ship you're in right now, you've seen it all in the show, in a screen. You've seen the cast go around in the set. It's all fiction. It's all fake. How could this be real? It can't be, but somehow you have thus weird feeling on your chest that tells you this is just fine, this feels alright, even if your mind is telling you something completely different. Your gaze now lands on the alien-man screaming at the controls of his space ship, trying to fix whatever is wrong with it and go back home.

Maybe this was real. But how? It's so hard to believe something you've wished for so hard for so long became real.

"How can you be real? I mean. I-I've seen the cast. The exist. So does the books and all" You confusedly murmur, walking towards him.

He looks up at you, he was lying on the floor using his sonic screwdriver to look for errors on the cables it something. You didn't pay much attention to it as you wouldn't understand it.

"Look. There's many different universes. Everything can be or not different. In mine, I'm very real, believe me. In your in just a fictional character" He stops looking at you and keeps inspecting. "I need to get out if here and fix everything because of the Void. I certainly don't want to ruin a while different universe"

Wow. Okay. This may actually be real. You feel the excitement run through your veins and start shacking a bit.

How could this be real? Why? What happened? There's really many universes? The Doctor really exists in one of them? No, but the whole show you've been watching is real? How do the writers would know that? Do they know about this?

*ecpathic: the contrary to empathic.

[saiilorstars]

Chapter 7: The Wrong Witch

TVD ||  Enzo x OFC Story Masterlist | Rosalie’s Masterlist Also on: Fanfic • Ao3 • Wattpad Taglist: @ocappreciationtag@arrthurpendragon  @transformerfan97 @stareyedplanet @foxesandmagic@kmc1989 @caplanbuckybarnes

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The news spread like wildfire.

Katherine Pierce was dying.

She was dying!

The first word that popped out of Damon's mouth when he heard was 'finally' and then he proceeded to get the finest stock of bourbon for the others. While Katherine was upstairs literally on her deathbed, people were toasting to her impending end downstairs.

Rosalie sat on the armrest of the couch Damon was sitting on, watching him, Jeremy and Matt get ready for a new game.

Damon was of course the leader of this game. "Rule number one: Name the worst thing Katherine Pierce has ever done. Rule number two: Toast to the glory of her impending death. Rule number three: If you come across something that's worse, which you will, repeat rules one and two." And with that, he gestured to the rows of shots and began the game. "She pretended to be buried in a tomb for 145 years, while I waited for her lying ass." He picked up a shot and drank it whole. "Wait…" He said halfway lowering his glass, "Does that beat pretending to be Elena and kissing me on the front porch of your old house?"

"I don't think so…" Jeremy said, while Matt laughed beside him.

Damon shrugged and grabbed another shot. "I don't think so either. Damn." He drank then pointed at Matt. "Quarterback, go." But Matt didn't seem to think as quickly as Damon had so he moved onto Jeremy. "Little Gilbert."

Jeremy had one ready to go. "She fed me to Silas and I died."

"Doozy." Damon gave Jeremy a shot.

"Then, she made me crash my car into a pole and left me for dead...again."

"Double doozy. Drink!"

Matt seemed to have thought of something to say so he reached for a shot on the table. "My sister's dead because of her."

"Yes she is…!" Damon was happy to remind. "Because I wouldn't have even been in town to turn Vicki into a murderous vampire if I wasn't trying to get Katherine out of a tomb she wasn't in!"

"I mean technically speaking, you turned that girl…" Rosalie said slowly, working the logic in what she wanted to say, "So wouldn't that mean that it was your fault?"

Damon made a buzzer noise at her. "No offense, Rosie, but you're too new to understand just how much Katherine Pierce screwed us over."

"Oh, yeah, I mean…what would I know about having your life ruined by someone close to you…?" Rosalie feigned a sigh, "Someone you trusted completely. I definitely don't know anything about that."

Damon rolled his eyes at her. "Dial back the sarcasm there and just have a shot already."

"No thanks," Rosalie gazed over the remaining shot glasses, her nose crinkled. "Continue."

"Thank you," Damon said and grabbed another shot glass. "Group shot!"

Jeremy and Matt grabbed more glasses and clicked them with Damon's. They were about to drink when the door opened and Elena, Caroline and Bonnie walked in.

Elena gave them all a hard look, specifically at Jeremy.

"Elena...We're were just...uh…" Matt lowered his glass to the table while the girls came around.

"I know what you're doing," Elena said then pointed at Jeremy. "You're cut off."

The room fell silent as the awkwardness began to rise. Everyone had come to learn that Elena and Damon had broken up last night. Rosalie learned through an all capital letter text message from Caroline.

Elena picked up the bottle of liquor from the table and raised it high. "If anyone is drinking to Katherine's last days, it's going to be me. She impersonated me...repeatedly." She took a shot. "Made Aunt Jenna stab herself in the stomach and she cut off Uncle John's fingers."

"He might have deserved that," Jeremy cut in with a laugh.

"My Grams died trying to close a tomb she wasn't in…" Bonnie added, though without a shot.

"Tyler's werewolf curse got triggered because of her," Caroline said.

"Klaus followed her to Mystic Falls and because of that, we lost Jenna," Elena said.

"And Alaric," Damon reminded them.

Rosalie watched them all take a collective shot. "Okay, I'm beginning to get the feeling that we are going to need way more bottles."

"That's the first thing you said that's true," Damon said, handing her the empty bottles.

"She tried to kill me at least twice…" Elena continued and was much more willing this time. The balls had been rolled.

"She did kill me…" Caroline said bitterly but then had an afterthought, "Although I'm weirdly better off."

"Never mind, I feel like I kind of have to be the responsible one here and not refill these bottles…" Rosalie set all the empty bottles down on the table.

"Oh, so you're also a party-pooper," Damon said grimly. "You just keep making yourself interesting, you know."

"It's fine," Matt said and stood up. "I can do it." He left the group to go get new booze.

"Was Katherine really that awful to do all that stuff?" Rosalie asked the group. "Amara was nothing like that. I mean, she lied and betrayed Qetsiyah but she wasn't evil."

"She's worse than the devil," Damon was happy to make clear. "And I feel like I need to apologize to the devil for even comparing them."

"You really should," Rosalie said, "You know that stuff is real, right? Not everyone makes it to the Other Side and those who don't are because they have made some truly awful decisions in their lives so they go…" She pointed down, making the group snort and laugh.

"So we definitely know where Katherine's going," Caroline said.

"All right. Knock it off or take it somewhere else," Stefan appeared from the stairs. "You guys are being insensitive."

"I'm not toasting," Rosalie raised her hands in front of her. "I'm telling them they're all going to hell."

"Oh, come on, Stefan," Damon leaned back on the couch and glanced back at his brother. "Don't let the sight of a frail, human Elena-look-alike cloud your memories of the manipulative psycho that she is." He held out a full shot glass to Stefan and although Stefan hesitated, he ended up taking it.

"In 1864, Katherine moved into my home, she compelled me to love her, seduced my brother, fed us full of vampire blood and then started a war with the town that got us killed."

"Exactly. Bottoms up," Damon drank his shot, only for Stefan to continue.

"But, centuries before that, she was just an innocent girl that was shunned by her family." The whole group collectively sighed. "So for five hundred years, she lied and manipulated and did whatever she had to do to survive. And she did. She's a survivor, right? So that's the girl I will drink to today. Cheers." Stefan drank his shot and handed it back to Damon.

"Please," Damon snatched the glass from him, "One night of hot sex with her and you're brainwashed?"

"What?!" Elena gawked.

The rest of the group went into the same state of shock, except for Caroline who felt more guilty than anything else.

"Oh my...I forgot to tell you…" the blonde apologized, "You were kidnapped and hostaged and…"

"Bottle's empty...I should…" Stefan went to grab the empty bottle.

"That's why you never send a busboy to do a man's job," Damon stood up and turned around. He stopped at the sight of Nadia standing behind them. "Nadia...the devil's spawn. Caroline, did you remember to tell Elena that?"

Caroline smacked her forehead.

"I think my mind just exploded…" Elena grabbed her shot and drank it down.

"Um, okay," Rosalie pushed herself up from the armrest and faced Nadia with a polite smile. "You're here for Katherine. She's upstairs if you want to—"

"Actually, I'm here to see all of you," Nadia corrected them, "I found a way to save my mother and I need some help."

"Nuh-uh, no way," Damon shook his head. "Even my biased brother knows I will kick his ass from here to Kentucky if he helps Katherine Pierce live one more day on this Earth. No volunteers." He made sure to give everyone in the room a hard stare so that there were no funny ideas.

"I figured as much," Nadia said calmly, "which is why I found that old safe your brother spent the summer drowning in and buried it on this property with your friend Matt inside of it. Oh – without this." She showed the group Matt's Gilbert ring, leaving a stark silence to follow.

~0~

There was a lot of snapping and arguing that all landed on Rosalie. While she had done the locator spell, given that they were already in the location Matt was and the boarding house had a long, long terrain to search for, the results were not specific. She apologized over and over, nearly to the brink of tears after Damon yelled at her, until Stefan stepped in and told them that they would just have to find Matt the old fashion way. Stefan and Elena then volunteered to accompany Nadia wherever she had to go.

That left Bonnie, Jeremy, Caroline and Rosalie to search the outside estate for Matt. Damon was going to stick around with Katherine with Caroline's mother to watch him.

"I don't see any freshly dug ground," Jeremy said on their way down the road of the estate.

"This property is massive," Bonnie said, already feeling exhausted from their search.

"I'm really sorry for not being more helpful," Rosalie said once again.

"Rose, you're good," Bonnie assured her, but Rosalie still felt awful. "Those spells are tricky and this estate is so ridiculously huge."

"We should split up," Jeremy suggested. "Cover more ground that way." Bonnie linked arms with him, giving him a wide grin that he returned.

"Oh," scoffed Caroline, "well that makes sense. You guys know you have to actually be looking to find Matt, right?"

"Caroline," Bonnie sent her a sharp look, "we wouldn't get distracted when something this bad is happening."

"Just saying," Caroline raised her hands. "I mean, you heard about Stefan and Katherine. Talk about eugh!"

"It doesn't matter," Jeremy shrugged. "We've all slept with our fair share of bad choices."

Bonnie raised an eyebrow at him. "No offense taken!"

Jeremy stopped walking immediately and turned to her, alarmed. "Obviously not you."

And then it was Caroline who stopped walking, leaving Rosalie a few steps ahead of the three. "Bonnie Bennett! Wait, did you two…!" Bonnie and Jeremy were quiet but it was Bonnie's expression that told Caroline everything she needed to know. "And you didn't tell me?!"

"I didn't think I was obligated!" Bonnie said, flushing.

"Of course you were obligated! You're my best friend! Oh my god. Does Elena know that her little brother…?"

"Erm, I don't think Elena would want to know that," said Rosalie, making a face and then shivering. "Shouldn't we keep going?"

"Oh, scandalous sex! Even better!" Caroline squealed. "God, how am I the only person on this planet that isn't having scandalous sex?" She then eyed Rosalie who immediately stiffened.

"Leave me out of this conversation!" Rosalie exclaimed and whipped her head around to keep walking.

"Yeah, let's definitely split up now," Jeremy decided and pulled Bonnie with him.

That left Caroline to follow Rosalie. Caroline was still mega excited and offended at the same time.

"Caroline, would you give it a rest already," Rosalie was careful when she stepped on some mushy ground. They were walking through the woods now which made it a dozen times harder to spy anything out of place. "I can't believe you guys talk about this stuff so openly."

"What?" Caroline snorted and laughed. "You mean because everyone else is having sex except for us?"

"Seriously, when you say it like that, it sounds even weirder," Rosalie muttered. "Where I come from, it was taboo to talk about that stuff in the open."

"Yeah, for the women," Caroline snorted again. "You really think the men didn't talk about it? The difference now is that everyone can talk about it."

"Well I don't feel comfortable talking about it so let's stop," Rosalie said, taking the lead.

Caroline watched her from her spot as she had stopped walking and then gasped. Next thing Rosalie knew, Caroline had sped in front of her.

"Wait a minute, have you never…?" Caroline's wide smirk made it that much more mortifying for Rosalie.

"I'm not answering!" The witch side-stepped Caroline and continued to walk.

Caroline spun around, even more excited. "Rosalie!" She sped in front of Rosalie again and gave her a playful push. "Really? You never—"

Rosalie turned around abruptly, nearly crashing face to face with Caroline in the process. "Just so that you won't scream it to the whole state of Virginia — I was sixteen and, trust me, bad things happened because of it."

"What?" Caroline's face fell at that. "What do you mean 'bad things' happened?"

"Exactly what I said," Rosalie said. "The Travelers were allowing me, my friends, and our families to hide with them and we were forbidden to intermingle like that because of our magic…but I didn't listen. I chose to trust a young traveler and it turned out he wasn't all that kind in the end. I paid a very big price for our indiscretion."

"Wait, what does that—"

Rosalie said quickly and turned to keep going, though now at a quicker pace.

Caroline was still trying to understand when she turned and followed after Rosalie. "What…what exactly is the deal with your powers?" She noticed there were several moments where Rosalie wouldn't, and couldn't, do some spells.

Rosalie had yet to plan how to explain to her new friends what the problem with her powers were. She thought about it but never came up with a good enough way to explain. It was just easier to say she couldn't do magic at the moment.

With it just being Caroline and her, Rosalie felt a little less anxious. Caroline was good with words — Rosalie learned that almost immediately after meeting her — so in theory, if there was anyone who would be able to help her choose the right words to explain to the rest of their friends, it would be Caroline.

"Rosalie?" Caroline called, now having cut her off on the path. She was waving a hand in front of Rosalie's face. "Hello?"

Rosalie met Caroline's gaze and decided to go through with it. She pulled her hair to the side and pointed specifically to a small birthmark on the left side of her neck. Caroline gazed at it but it seemed like an odd-shaped birthmark.

"Almost everyone has birthmarks," she informed Rosalie dismissively.

Rosalie let out a heavy breath. "I was born on a night of a red moon and back then, people used to believe a lot of things about a red moon. It didn't help that I was born along with 5 other babies at the same time and we all had different birthmarks but on the same side of our necks."

"Creepy…" Caroline blurted and blinked immediately. "I mean—!"

"No, you were right the first time. It was creepy and we sort of…well…it was all a big thing, I just…it made my family and the families of those other babies flee from our original coven."

"Why'd you have to leave?" Caroline asked.

"I believe I can answer that for you," said another voice, leaving Rosalie with a parted mouth.

Caroline gasped in true shock and spun around to stand beside Rosalie and face a man she thought she would never see again. "Klaus…"

Klaus Mikaelson grinned at her like he was right at home. "Hello, Caroline."

Rosalie was silent but both vampires heard her subtle shaky breath intake. "The hybrid…"

Caroline grabbed Rosalie's arm and swept her away. They stopped in a different part of the woods where Caroline checked on Rosalie.

"I'm fine, Caroline," the witch said, glancing around, "but I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't feel a dozen times better if that guy wasn't around us."

"Wait, you know him?" Caroline made a face at her. "You know Klaus?"

Rosalie looked at her like it should be common knowledge. "He has killed a lot of people on the Other Side and his mother is one of the worst witches over there. She took the spell that Qetsiyah and I made and used it to create vampires — literally the worst perversion of the elixir."

"Oh, well, thanks," Caroline smiled wryly at her.

"I just meant…he is not someone I would ever want to meet…" And yet no sooner had Rosalie said that than Klaus appeared behind them once again.

"I suppose there goes my chance at first impressions," he said sarcastically.

Caroline shot him a dirty look. "Sorry. Matt's buried alive. No time to chat."

"Are you not the least bit curious as to why I'm here?"

"We literally just wooshed at the sight of your face, so no!"

"Damon informed me that Katerina Petrova made a tragic turn…"

"So, you're here to gloat over her corpse-to-be? Delight in the closure of five hundred years of revenge. Great. I'm even less interested!"

Klaus hummed and began to stare at Rosalie. "Alright, then how about we talk about…"

Rosalie gasped when he was suddenly right in front of her. Caroline reacted fast and shoved Klaus away from her.

"No! You stay away from her!"

Klaus just let a little laugh out and leaned against the tree. "Don't worry, love, I'm not here for her. Even though she was once a childhood scary story."

"Excuse me?" Rosalie moved around Caroline to scowl better. "What the hell are you talking about?" She side-glanced Caroline and both silently agreed they wanted a better explanation.

"Make yourself useful and talk," Caroline ordered him.

Klaus chuckled lightly. "It's nothing, really. You'd be surprised to hear that my siblings and I weren't always so obedient as children so my mother would tell us stories whenever we misbehaved or when we refused to learn to practice magic."

"I think he's joking," Caroline said, studying his face hard. "I think he thinks we're up for jokes…"

"I'm not," Klaus said, but his amused smile made it harder to believe him. "My mother's favorite story was always the one about an ancient coven who bred a strain of strange witches. Each born with a dark birthmark right, uh…" He tapped the side of his neck.

Rosalie touched her birthmark worriedly. How could he know that?

"Esther would say those witches were dangerous because nothing could stop them. We would fall victim to those evil witches if we didn't listen to our parents."

Caroline scoffed disbelievingly. "And Esther thought she had the right to talk?" She looked at Rosalie beside her and saw that the latter was no longer alarmed nor nervous, just silent. Somehow, Klaus Mikaelson of all people, was hitting the right tracks.

"I'm curious how you came across this mythical witch, Caroline," Klaus remarked, taking a few steps towards them. "I've lived for a 1000 years and I never thought the story was real."

"They're not," Rosalie said, but he scoffed in her face. "I am not evil. That's you. You're so awful that everyone on the Other Side knows about you."

"Evil, of course, but a liar at this moment? Judging by the look on your face, perhaps I owe Esther an apology for the one time she didn't lie. You're one of those witches, aren't you?"

Rosalie could feel Caroline's eyes burning on her. "Yes but I'm not evil," she reiterated. "I was just born under special circumstances. My friends and I never wished to do any harm."

"Curious, this was a story told a thousand years ago and in that time period the story was said to be at least…" He took a few steps towards the girls, eyes set on Rosalie, "…a thousand years old at that point." He made no attempt to hide his onceover of Rosalie. "So how are you here today?"

"What, like Esther never came back from the Other Side?" she retorted.

"Rosalie created the Other Side, Klaus," Caroline declared, leaving the hybrid mildly impressed for a moment. "As well as the elixir for immortality. Show some respect and leave her alone."

"I'm just fascinated, Caroline," Klaus said with a chuckle. "It's not everyday your childhood story turns out to be true. Tell me," he set eyes on Rosalie again, "is it true you fled your coven?"

"Yes," Rosalie muttered.

"Esther said it was because of the red moon and how it affected your powers. Is that also true?"

Rosalie never met Esther Mikaelson but by God she hated the woman.

"What are you talking about?" said Caroline again. She side-glanced Rosalie for the same answer. "What is he talking about? What's with your magic?"

Rosalie bit on her bottom lip while she thought of the best way to answer. It didn't help that Klaus was also waiting for her to explain. "It's the reason my family and the others had to flee from the coven. My power doesn't come from the traditional way and witches are all about the 'traditional ways'…"

"Okay, but what does that mean? Where does your magic come from?"

"I…steal it…" Rosalie said bitterly. "I was born with very little magic of my own. I don't have the normal amount of magic a true witch should have. Neither did the other babies I was born with. As children, we realized we could draw more power from objects — pendants, and talismans; things that already have magic in them!"

Caroline fell silent while she thought. "That's why you're always so hesitant to do spells…"

"I haven't been brave enough to take Qetsiyah's talisman out yet…I usually need more magic if it's going to be a big spell," Rosalie said, then apologized. "I have magic, it's just…it's hard to use sometimes. I used to draw from objects to help. Back then, I always had them but nowadays…"

"You live in a house filled with vampires…" Caroline began to understand, "No magic. But what about — you were with Qetsiyah—"

"I would use my power and when it ran out on me, I drew power from her pendant we got at Whitemore," Rosalie crossed her arms. She sent a glare over to Klaus. "I didn't expect to get outed by the one and only hybrid but thank you for that."

Klaus raised his hands. "I came for a different reason but I'm always up for side quests. It's a privilege to meet an ancient witch such as yourself."

"Well, it's not a sentiment I share with you."

Klaus' lips stretched wide but he never said a word.

Caroline looked between them, growing irritated by the second. "Rosalie, get a head start on finding Matt. I'll catch up."

"What?" Rosalie made a face at the horrible idea. "I can't leave you with him!"

"Honestly, it's not like you'd be able to do anything anyways," Klaus remarked.

"Shut it!" Caroline snapped at him then spoke to Rosalie again. "I'll be fine. You go ahead and I'll catch up."

Rosalie was still hesitant to leave. She kept glancing in Klaus' direction, just remembering all the things she'd heard of him on the Other Side.

"Rose, I'll be fine, I swear," Caroline insisted and started ushering Rosalie away. "If you need my help, just call."

"Fine, but just…be careful…he's a monster…" Rosalie threw a last glare in the hybrid's direction — to which he smirked and wiggled his fingers at her — and then started walking on her own.

~ 0 ~

Rosalie spent the better part of the day searching the woods on her own, Caroline never catching up to her. It was only when she got a fated message from Bonnie telling her that they found Matt that Rosalie started heading back to the house. She was a little irritated with Caroline for not catching up but at the same time was a little worried for her safety.

When Rosalie entered the house, Matt, Bonnie and Jeremy were already in the living room. "Tell me you guys know where Caroline is?" she said as she came straight to the couch, absolutely exhausted from all the walking.

"Wasn't she with you?" Jeremy raised an eyebrow at her. "Or did she talk your ears off too?"

"Hmm…" Rosalie flushed at the reminder of the conversion she'd been having with Caroline just before Klaus showed up. "You guys have to remember that I am over 2000 years out of my safe zone so…just go easy on me."

"What?" Bonnie chuckled.

Rosalie waved her off and rubbed her forehead. "I'm actually hungry. I didn't toast with you guys and your nasty bourbon."

"Yeah, turns out you're the biggest person out of all of us," Matt said, prompting Jeremy to say that it was besides Stefan who'd done everything he could to keep Katherine comfortable upstairs.

"I think that after, what — 500 years — it must be hard for Stefan to let go," Rosalie said. "Not to mention that according to him, Katherine helped pull him out of his PTSD."

"You just had to be there to meet her, honestly," Jeremy said, leaning back on the couch. "After she kills you twice, your perspective on her can't be changed."

"You got me there," Rosalie said and laid down on the couch, leaving her feet dangling over the armrest. The front door opened and to Rosalie's relief, she saw Caroline coming in. "Oh thank God!" Caroline's eyes were wide while Rosalie jumped to sit on the couch. "Where were you? I thought that Kl—"

"I got lost!" Caroline said quickly and loud, promptly shutting Rosalie in the moment. The witch raised an eyebrow at her, not quite getting it until Caroline zipped her jacket all the way up and took a leaf out from her hair.

It was Rosalie's eyes now that were huge.

Caroline cleared her throat and rushed to the couch to sit next to Rosalie. "So, what are we doing?"

"We are waiting for Katherine to bite the bullet," Jeremy replied.

"So...this anchor thing...Does that mean you'll be able to, like...feel Katherine's death...or whatever?" Matt asked Bonnie.

"I think so…" Bonnie shrugged, "I mean, she's human, but she's also a doppelgänger...and a traveler, apparently."

"She would go there," Rosalie confirmed. "But if she's as awful as everyone says—"

"She is," Jeremy promised her.

"—then she might not make it."

"Make it?" Matt gave her a strange look, making her groan.

"Did you guys seriously not believe me the first time? I told you, not everybody makes it to the Other Side. Some people find peace and go away, you know, but others…well…you know…" Rosalie looked straight down and hoped that would be enough.

"Okay…" Matt chuckled, deciding to leave things as they were, "so the people on the Other Side…do you get to see them all the time?" He looked at Bonnie. "I mean, do you get to see people we know?"

"I see lots of people," Bonnie answered him, "My grams, the other witches, Vicki...I just don't talk about it you know...because it's just…"

"Because it's depressing as hell…" Vicki Donovan's ghost appeared behind the couch Bonnie sat on. Bonnie was pleasantly surprised when she met Vicki's gaze. "Tell Matty I love him."

The others could tell something had happened but only Rosalie figured it out.

"I think we have another visitor," Rosalie said, taking a guess of who that might be.

"She's here," Bonnie looked at Matt, "And she said she loves you."

Matt's face softened.

"Tell him that I watch over him...and no more knocking around with that blonde Original chick who almost got him killed," Vicki said to Bonnie which just made it harder not to straight up laugh for Bonnie.

"Wait…what's happening?" Matt also chuckled; there were light tears in his eyes. "What am I missing?"

"…me." Tyler Lockwood stood by the front door, surprising everyone in the room.

"Tyler?" Caroline all but gulped on the spot.

"Rebekah says to tell you that I'm her parting gift," Tyler said to Matt as he walked over. "Hi, Caroline."

Caroline offered an awkward smile. "Hi, Tyler…"

Matt broke into a huge grin and hugged Tyler.

Stefan and Damon entered the house and joined the group. Stefan picked up one of the empty bottles on the table. "Have we really gone through four bottles of bourbon today?"

"Will somebody tell all of these idiots to lay off the booze?" Alaric Saltzman drew both Jeremy's and Bonnie's gazes.

"Alaric!" Jeremy exclaimed.

"Rick's here?" Damon looked around but of course he knew he wouldn't be able to see Alaric.

"Where the hell have you been?" Jeremy asked from Alaric. "I thought you bailed on us to go find peace, or something."

"Did you honestly think I'd leave Damon in charge and never look back?"

Damon eyed Jeremy and the dumb grin on his face. "Oh, he's talking about me, isn't he?"

"He says you're a dick."

Damon raised his new glass in the air. "Cheers, buddy…"

Rosalie watched the group go back and forth with the ghosts of their friends. She was happy to see them content with the small exchange. It had to be nice to still have a connection with them. When she was on the Other Side, she could see her family from time to time until they all eventually found peace. Now that she was alive again, she really didn't have any connections from her past life anymore.

"Remind her that I told her she had to actually start living…" Bonnie heard in the midst of the chaos in the room. Where Rosalie sat on the couch, there was suddenly another ghost.

Qetsiyah watched Rosalie with a kind smile.

Bonnie gasped lightly, not expecting Qetsiyah of all people to reappear.

"Tell her that her kindness is what's going to draw in what she deserves. It already has."

"Rose," Bonnie gently called to the witch as she was focused on the conversations around them, "She's here."

Rosalie's brows furrowed for a few seconds until it donned on her. Bonnie saw a light take over Rosalie's face as she looked around the room. With Bonnie's indication, Rosalie learned that Qetsiyah was sitting next to her and soon heard Qetsiyah's message.

Bonnie enjoyed the moment between them. At the end of the day, they all had someone they cared about on the Other Side. All was going well until Bonnie saw Katherine Pierce standing across the living room. "Katherine…" she breathed.

Damon's ears perked up at the news. "Ding dong!" he grinned. "Does that mean the witch is dead?"

But Bonnie saw as Katherine panicked and quite literally forced herself back into the world of the living.

"Wait, you can do that?" Caroline said, her face scrunched. She then looked over at Rosalie. "You can do that!?"

Rosalie blinked several times and shrugged. "I…guess so. She must really not want to die."

"Katherine Pierce will die tonight," Damon said, "Even if I have to finish the job myself." He then briefly glanced at Stefan. "Sorry, but you know someone has to do it."

They spent the rest of the evening drinking up what was left of the bourbon stock until Katherine finally passed away. Bonnie didn't feel the pain of her death and Rosalie once again threw the idea that maybe Katherine hadn't made it to the Other Side.

Late in the evening, Rosalie found Stefan in the hallway as she came up from the kitchen. She held a warm mug of coffee in her hands, sweet by what Stefan smelled.

"I figured since I didn't get to toast with you guys…" Rosalie raised her mug a little then took a sip. "Not that I'm toasting for Katherine's death, I just meant…"

"I know," Stefan nodded. "Truly, I think you were the only one not rooting for her to die."

"I don't know her enough to hate her," Rosalie said, "Well, I didn't know her enough. I felt awful for not helping her. She hated me for that, I can't say I blame her. Still, that's why I didn't bother going up to see her."

"Well, I thank you for your kindness, Rose," Stefan said, "That's something you don't really find nowadays."

"Mm, unfortunately as 'kind' as I am, I'm also really clueless," Rosalie said with a sigh. "I know it's funny sometimes but I'm dead serious. I have got to get a clue. I can't go to college, obviously, but I need to start learning about this world."

"I could help," Stefan offered, "I mean I've only lived for 150 years, so…I kind of know a thing or two."

Rosalie beamed at the idea. "I'd love that, thank you. There's no rush, though, take your time with this passing. I know your friends won't really go for it but if you want to do some kind of funeral for Katherine, I'd help you."

Stefan fully believed that she would. He smiled at that. "I'll consider it, thanks. In the meantime, I'm going to leave her where she is. Maybe Nadia might come back, you know."

"Oh, right," Rosalie gasped lightly. "Should we — I mean, do we even have her number?"

Stefan shook his head. "No, but I'm sure we'll be able to reach her somehow. This is stuff for tomorrow, though, go get some rest."

Rosalie nodded. She had a phone call she wanted to make before going to bed. She walked into her room and closed the door. For better privacy, she went into her bathroom and turned the sink on then promptly called up Caroline. And surprise, surprise, Caroline was wide awake.

"Caroline, you need to tell me exactly what happened out there and why you never came to find me," Rosalie went straight to the point.

[kevlarninja]

Batgirls is Good, Actually

I haven't just posted thoughts about a comic I've been reading in literal years. And I wanted to post a bit about the recent Batgirls series.

I first heard of it when I heard that Cassandra Caine was Batgirl again along with Stephine Brown. But I also heard that the book was "cringe" and "poorly written."

Now, of course, I have learned over the years that when something is called "cringe," especially if the leads are on the younger side of things, especially if those leads are female, it's often people being performatively mad at something they didn't even read half the time. That and, frankly, I have just had enough of social media discourse around "X piece of media is TERRIBLE" because half the time it's overblown and people just join in on a bandwagon or have the worst takes. Just exhausting. Anyway, I just saw "Cass Caine is in a book with really cool art. I have to see this.

I did not regret it.

Now, I will say, unlike a lot of recent comics I've seen a lot of people online get mad at, I can't really say it's for overtly bigoted reasons. Which is surprising (and kinda sad really) to say about a book where the three main leads are female and one is non-white.

I don't even think the criticisms are invalid, really. But I think to call the book "terrible" is too strong. I thought it was a fun time and thought I'd bring up some of the issues people bring up and my thoughts.

The Narration

Now this is something I generally agree with folks on. The narration was too much at times. In the above page, you can see the narration captions describing what's plainly obvious like this is a comic from decades earlier.

Now, this is a more comedic book, and while comedy is subjective, there are also rules of thumb for understanding it. And I feel these captions either try way too hard at times to shove in jokes, or ruin the joke they are trying to make by not just stopping and adding another line that ruins what could have been a nice sly line.

That said, this one panel was great and actually what made me want to track down a trade of this.

2. The Characterization

I've seen people talk about the characterization of the characters being wrong here. And, listen, I get it. Babs is kind of dumber than usual in this book.

But I see people talk about Cass being out of character and....

...well, I feel conflicted..

Cards on the table, I follow Marvel more closely than DC (or used to anyway, before the pandemic caused me to fall off comics for a few years). And I'm more familiar with Cass's character pre-New 52/Rebirth. So I don't know how her characterization differs in that sense.

But generally? For a book with a more comedic slant, so everyone's characterization is more broad? I think it works. It feels right (especially with my head canon of reading Cass as Autistic) that Cass is kind of blunt and socially awkward.

*Nodding intensifies*

But yeah, I think Batgirls is enjoyable for what it is and frankly a little over-hated online.

That said, one thing I did roll my eyes at, dirty pinko that I am, was the villain of the first arc, Tutor. It's basically the whole MCU Flag-Smashers "what if all the people rebelling against the status quo are actually evil terrorists?" kind of plot. This isn't a great look when you already are setting up a team of villains who are part of the police state. But it's not enough to kill the book for me either.

[onestormeynight]

The Third Saturday Night Dinner - part 1

The Harpers sat at the dinner table. Darion took a deep sniff of the taco casserole and chocoberry pie.

"Well, this smell wonderful, Penelope," he said. Annalise rolled her eyes and took her first of the three bites she promised she would take.

She didn't grimace so it couldn't have been that bad.

"I grew all the veggies," Penny said. "Well, and the chocoberries. I got the ground beef from the Finchwick Fair. I know it's not your cup of tea usually, but the ingredients are really top notch. Promise."

"It's not the worst carnival food I've had," Annalise finally conceded, taking another bite. "I can see how one might get used to something like this."

"It's not carnival food. It's single mom food."

"I mean, who's fault is that, Penelope? Oh, speaking of Ricky-"

"I literally wasn't, but boy am I glad to talk about my baby daddy."

"-I saw his new girlfriend. She seems common."

"Oh yeah, definitely want to talk about Lily right now. Nothing I love more than an awkward conversation."

"I'm just saying you could have a partner in raising your child, but you decided to leave the father. You should have gotten married!"

"There's a lot of should'ves in my life, mom. That's not one of them."

Annalise stared at Penelope across the table, judgement clear on her face.

"You know what?" Penny said. "There's one thing I love more than awkward conversations, and that's awkward silences."

((prev)) ((next))

[gorybomb]

darby's a risk taker but well known as a safe worker. tony khan is watching out for him, as well as the numerous friends he has in the business, many of whom are workers behind the scenes at aew as well as in the ring. tony said this, after the response to darby's glass spot in revolution 2024:

"It has to be something safe. Whenever a wrestler comes in and wants to try something, especially dangerous, I just want to know that there is a safe way to do it. Darby Allin, every time, he has ever had an idea for a wild highsport or a crazy move, he has had a rationale and plan. Darby doesn’t take these things lightly. Nobody would have attempted the amount of crazy, wild, death-defying stunts Darby has done in his tenure and made it this far unless they are a methodical, organized planner. In Darby’s case, he is fanatical about finding a way to pull off the impossible and do these incredible, seemingly death-defying stunts. He always finds a safe way to pull them off. He always has a rationale for why he is able to do it."

but most importantly, darby is looking out for darby. he has a stunt performance mindset and training, largely deriving from his background in skateboarding. that's where he learned to take a bump long before he was a wrestler. it's part of why tony trusts him to do these stunts safely. he does a crazy amount of conditioning almost constantly outside of the ring, from yoga to tilt tables to all kinds of crazy shit to keep his body in good condition. he's also said that he would be happier to go all out and retire sooner, instead of having a long career playing it safer.

he has had three serious injuries in wrestling, as far as i'm aware. in his self-described worst ever injury, he had a brain bleed after being concussed during a match where there was no padding on the concrete outside the ring; regarding that, he said, "I would rather break anything than have your brain be messed up." it's safe to say he's learned from this in particular.

the second was ethan page broke darby's elbow with a shovel. he still has a gnarly scar from it. somewhere between a freak accident and not really either of their fault, although i tend to think the guy wielding a shovel should be doing that carefully.

the third was breaking his foot, two weeks before he was due to climb everest. he did that during an extremely simple jump from the middle rope. during a relatively simple match. you cannot tell me that's because darby was doing anything more dangerous than literally any other wrestler.

to me it's also worth mentioning that he's an incredible seller who utilises the fact he's (comparatively) small and light; he can bounce off things in a dangerous-looking way because he's light enough to fling his body around, and he's really good at making it look like it hurt him much, much more than he does. he's rarely even bruised by the time the next match rolls around.

at the end of the day, he's taking calculated risks, in an environment supporting him doing so. he's proven time and again that he's very capable at doing the work he does. at some point you have to stop worrying about him and understand that he's a grown adult who knows more about his job than any of us.

it is positive ! darby is so cool

oh 😭 darby has so few fans on tumblr that i couldn't tell what vibe you were going for. thank you

[youreobsessedwithtoomanyfandoms]

Did It Even Mean Anything?

Words: 1682

Warnings: angst, breakup, being played, only dating someone on a bet, probably poor writing but whatever

STRANGER THINGS Masterlist Main Masterlist

Request: "Gareth and Jeff make a bet with Eddie about not being able to get a date or a girl in general. Eddie asked out the quiet girl thinking it would be an easy bet, but realize they have a lot in common. Maybe the next day at school she finds out about the bet from over hearing it from Gareth and Jeff talking to Eddie. Ending of their reaction is up to you."

I have such a love/hate with this trope dude. Like, I love it, but I hate it at the exact same time.

I also hated making Gareth be the dick that he is in this. I love that guy so much man.

*EDIT AFTER WRITING AND POSTING*

THERE WILL BE NO FUCKING PART 2! I WROTE THIS WITH NO INTENT OF ONE! THEN THIS BECAME MORE POPULAR THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD! AND PEOPLE WERE DEMANDING ME TO MAKE A PART 2 AND I WON'T FUCKING DO IT CAUSE YOU FUCKING DEMANDED IT AND YOU SHOULDN'T DO THAT! PLUS, I WOULD PISS Y'ALL OFF BY MAKING IT EVEN SADDER THAN IT ALREADY IS! IF YOU TRULY WANT ANOTHER PART THAT'LL BE HAPPY, WRITE IT YOURSELF!

I'm not trying to be an asshole I'm just tired of people asking for it when I have told them in the comments AND THE REBLOGS that I wasn't sure about it. But now I've decided to not.

But please, read this and continue to like it.

Anywho, enjoy

Eddie smirked at Y/N as he leaned against the lockers next to hers. She was quiet. Well, more reserved than most of the other girls that he knew of. And he knew that she had a crush on him. "So? What do you say, princess? Tomorrow, 7 o'clock? I pick you up at yours?" She stared at him with wide eyes before smiling softly and nodding. Eddie let out a small laugh, "You gonna use your words, darling?"

She felt her face heat up before letting out a soft, "Yeah." She cleared her throat and spoke a little louder, "Yeah, I would like that a lot."

He smiled, "Good. See you then." She nodded as he walked away.

And as he walked away, she turned to her locker and grabbed all of her books and piled them into her back. She couldn't believe it! Eddie Munson, the guy she had had a crush on since she met him her Freshman (his Sophomore) year, had just asked her out. She was ecstatic.

But she was also surprised. Eddie knew who she was? They had only ever spoken to each other 2 times. One was when he had asked her for a pencil. And the other was when he had asked what he missed in Mrs. Click's class because he had missed the past three days.

But that was 2 and a half years ago.

However, she stopped her worrying and walked out to her car. Excited that literally anyone had just asked her out. But she was also nervous because she had never been on a date before. So she had no idea what to do or wear.

However, unknown to her, Eddie was walking into the Hellfire room with the biggest shit-eating grin he had ever had. He opened the door, and with his luck, only Gareth and Jeff were there. He slammed his hands down on the table. "You two boys now owe me a hundred dollars each."

Gareth raised an eyebrow, "Why's that?"

"Because I just got my ass a fucking date."

Jeff scoffed, "Yeah? With who?"

"Y/N Y/L/N."

His friends started laughing. "Y/N Y/L/N? The girl who had literally had a crush on you since she met you?"

Eddie smirked, "You didn't say it couldn't someone easy. So pay the fuck up." Gareth and Jeff looked at one another and Eddie groaned, "Now what?"

"Date her until the end of the school year and you'll get your money."

"That wasn't the original fucking plan!"

Gareth shrugged, "Yeah, but we realized that you'll just go on one lousy date with her. Maybe even try to sleep with her. Then toss her to the side. Because we all know that you can't commit."

Eddie groaned, "You guys are literally the fucking worst."

They both shrugged this time, "You chose to befriend us, Eddie."

Eddie rolled his eyes, "Whatever." He ran a hand through his hair, "So I just have to date her until May 25th?" The other two nodded, "Fine. I guess I can do that."

Unfortunately for him, he would realize just how much he would fall for Y/H/C girl he just asked out on a bet.

-

Eddie was sitting next to Y/N in the back of his van at the Drive-Thru. Neither were really even watching it as they were just talking to each other. He was surprised to find out that she liked a lot of the same things he did.

"Actually, Rocky Horror is gonna be showed a town over in two weeks. I was planning on going, maybe, if you wanted, we could go together." The smile on her face as soft as she asked him.

He returned the smile and nodded, "That would be fun." He leaned back, against the side of his van. "One question. Do you dress up?"

She laughed, "Of course I do! Usually I do Janet as that's all that I really have clothes for. But I recently found a old maids outfit that I'm gonna fix up to look like Magenta. Hopefully it'll be ready in time."

He grabbed a piece of popcorn and popped it into his mouth. "I bet it will be."

He laughed lightly and she smiled at him confused. "What?"

"I just...I don't get this. You're literally so...perfect. I mean. You're so nice, you like the same things as me, and you're hot." She felt her face heat up at the last comment. "You're like a dream come true Y/N Y/L/N."

She smirked, "What? Did you think that I was gonna like a lot of popular stuff?"

"Kinda?"

She laughed, "I do like some of it. There are some chick-flicks that I love. Some music. I just like whatever I like."

He nodded, "What's your opinion on DnD."

"I've never played. But it seems pretty interesting. I don't really understand why people say it's 'satanic'. And that people who play it are 'devil worshippers' and 'evil'. Games don't make being evil. It's what they're surrounded by that do it."

He smiled, "I like your thinking."

For the rest of the film, the two of them continued to just talk about different things that they liked. And Eddie continued to be surprised that the two of them liked the same things as each other.

But the guilt that he just asked her out on a bet grew more and more.

-

The two had gotten together in January and now March was ending and April was starting. Eddie had truly started to fall for Y/N after a week. But he kept feeling guilty that this all started because of a stupid bet he had made with his friends. He had felt like he was using her this whole time. But he knew it wasn't true. Everything he had said and done had been true. And when he told her that he loved her. He had meant it.

But he knew he would have to tell her the truth at some point. Even if he knew that he would hurt the both of them. But he wasn't going to do that until after he talked to Jeff and Gareth and called the bet off.

-

Y/N walked down the hall to the Hellfire room. She had to ask Eddie if she had left her jacket over at his trailer. But she felt her blood run cold when she overheard a conversation that she knew she shouldn't have.

"-You can't do that dude! You calling off the bet means that you have to pay us! I thought that you hated losing!"

"Yeah? Well I didn't plan on actually falling for her! I can't go through with the fucking bet! It'll just hurt her!"

"That's your fault bro. You knew that this could happen, but you went through with it. You asked Y/N out on a bet, knowing that you easily could fall for her."

She hadn't realized that she walked into the room fully until she dropped the books in her arms and the three boys turned to her. Guilt covered Eddie's face when he saw her. And he was barely able to get her name out before she ran out of the room. He cursed under his breath and turned to Gareth and Jeff. "The bet is over. I'll pay you two tomorrow." And then without even giving them a chance to respond, he ran out to find Y/N.

He had a good idea where she would be. He remembered something she had mentioned once about a place in the woods. Different than the place he would meet people for deals. She had shown him it once. And when he made it to there, he felt his heart break. He heard her crying. And it pained him to know that she was crying because of him. Because of what he had done.

As a twig snapped under his foot, her head snapped around. She wiped the tears away from her eyes. "Leave me alone."

"Princess-"

"No. No don't. Don't do that." She stood up, "Don't sit there and say 'princess' and act all innocent. Act-act as if...as if this isn't all a lie!"

He shook his head, "It isn't a lie! I do love you! More than anything!"

She shook her head, "I was nothing more than a fucking bet. You asked me out just so you could...could what? Get money? Prove that you aren't a fucking loser?"

"Y/N I-"

"Was any of it even real?"

"What?"

She walked over to him and poked his chest, "Any of it? Was. It. Even. Real. Did you mean any of it? Or was it all apart of the fucking bet?"

"I meant everything I said and did!"

She let in a shaky breath, "Why me? Why did you choose me to be the fucking victim?" She laughed, "Actually. No wait, let me guess. You asked me because you thought I would be easy. Because you knew I had fucking liked you for years. Am I right?" He stayed silent. She was right. He had originally asked her because he knew that she would say right. She let out a small, dry laugh. "I should have fucking known. It was all too good to be true. I mean, why else would Eddie 'the freak' Munson ask me out? Why else if I wasn't just supposed to be another notch on his belt?" She looked at him, "Well, go find yourself some other girl to fuck with. Because we're fucking done." She pushed past him, but not without saying, "God, I wish I never had been seen with the freak of Hawkins."

And he watched as she walked away and felt him heart tear into a million pieces. He knew he had fucked up. He knew he should have told her the minute he gained feelings. But he didn't and now he had fucked everything up.

And now the one person who he had actually fallen for, hated him more than anything.

[bingbongsupremacy]

The Letter Pt. 1

Pairing: Ellie Williams x fem! reader

Warnings: She/Her pronouns used, Outing

Summary: Ellie and Y/N are in two very different social groups at school. One day when Y/N's crush is cruelly exposed in front of the whole school, Y/N is brutally shot down. Finally, five years later the two run into each other again.

High School AU

Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3

*Not Proof Read* TLOU Masterlist

*****

Ellie. Williams.

Star basketball player and Student Council Vice President, all while being in multiple clubs. There's nothing she can't do.

Ellie's done literally everything. She's played every sport, been in every club, been in multiple art shows. She's one of the coolest people there is. Obviously everyone loves her. Who wouldn't? She's talented and pretty.

" You're staring again. " Dina teases.

" Oh shut up. " I grumble, poking at my suspicious school lunch. I'm not quite sure what it is but I don't think I want to find out.

" Just go ask her out already. What's the worst that can happen? " Jesse asks between mouthfuls of a sandwich. " I mean, I asked out Dina and here we are three months later. "

I roll my eyes. " It's different. I don't even know if she's into girls. "

" Just ask. " Jesse states in a 'duh' tone.

Dina shakes her head. " Jesse stop. Let Y/N take her time. "

I glance back at the long table across the room. Ellie eyes crinkle slightly as she laughs at something one of her friends says. She slaps the guy on the back, her short hair falling into her face.

She's so pretty.

I've heard rumors from my classmates. I've heard about her hooking up with a couple of the cheerleaders after games. She's never had a girlfriend though. At least one she's talked about.

Even if they weren't rumors, would she go for a girl like me? We run in two different circles. She never hangs out from anyone outside of her clique unless it's to help tutor other students.

Even then it's because it looks good on college applications, not because she wants to. She's admitted it when helping me out with science homework.

The bell rings and students begin to scatter. I make my way towards one of the small rooms behind the library where our study sessions our held. I pull out my notebooks and get ready to see Ellie.

I pull out my sketch book, flipping through the pages. One page catches my eye.

The Letter.

I spent all night working on it, figuring out the perfect thing to say. I ended up deciding not to give it to her when I saw her hanging out with some guys from the football team. I chickened out.

Maybe some day.

I turn to the next page, deciding to doodle while I wait.

" Hey! Sorry I'm late. " Ellie drops her bag onto table next to me, starting me. " Had to grab my books. "

" Fuck. " I mutter, blinking.

Ellie smirks at my shock.

" It's fine. " I shut the book, pushing it to the side.

Ellie sits down next to me, pulling her chair next to mine. " Alright, where were we? "

_____Third P.O.V._____

" I'm gonna go to the restroom. Be right back. " Y/N hops up, heading towards the door.

Ellie nods, not bothering to tear her eyes away from the textbook in front of her.

" Hey, Els. " A voice greets.

Ellie glances up to spot one of her friends. " Oh hey, Viv. " Ellie greets.

Vivian glances around the room. " Tutoring another dork? " She asks, picking at Y/N's items.

Ellie frowns slightly. " Well, yeah but I think she's okay, ya know. Like, she's pretty smart. Just not doing so well with AP physics. "

Vivian rolls her eyes. " You're too...nice, Ellie. You're too kind to say what everyone thinks. " Vivian lifts up a small black book. She flips through the pages in, clearly unamused at what's inside. " She's no Davinci. "

Ellie's unsure what to say. Sure, what Vivian's doing is fucked up. She'd hate it if someone looked through her shit, but she worked so hard to make it into the popular group. She spent months trying to fit in. She wasn't going to lose it now on a random girl because she feels a little bad.

Deciding not to feed into Vivian's antics, Ellie remains silent.

" Oh my god. " Vivian's eyes widen as she pauses at a page.

" What? " Ellie asks, curiosity getting the best of her. Whatever Y/N drew can't be that bad, right? Then again, she didn't really know the girl. Maybe she had some fucked up mind or some shit. She seemed normal though. How bad could it really be?

Vivian shakes her head, a giggle slipping through her lips. " This is Y/N's book, right? " She tears out a page from the book before setting the book back where it was before.

Ellie slowly nods. " Yeah...why? "

Vivian smirks. " No reason. You'll find out at the assembly. Speaking of assembly, I've gotta get to the gym. It's gonna start soon. Be there. Make sure Y/N's there too. " Vivian turns to leave. " She's not gonna want to miss this. "

Ellie doesn't respond. She watches as Vivian leaves the room with the paper in hand. What the fuck was on that paper?

Y/N makes it back into the room a few minutes later. " Alright. " She grins. " Let's get the worksheet done. "

Ellie nods, her mind otherwise occupied.

The next ten minutes seem to fly buy quickly. All Ellie can think about is the paper. What was Vivian going to do? What did Y/N have on that paper? Should Ellie bring Y/N to the gym? If she didn't, what would Vivian do?

The bell rings, signaling the end of study hall. Y/N and Ellie gather their things.

" Hey, are you going to the Assembly? " Ellie asks, trying to keep her tone calm.

Y/N shoots her a smile. " Yeah! I am. My friend's in the orchestra."

Ellie nods. " Nice. I'll see you there? "

Y/N's heart begins to quicken. Usually their conversations don't stray further than homework or classes. " Yeah. I'll keep an eye out for you. "

Ellie shoots Y/N a small smile, causing butterflies to erupt in Y/N's stomach.

The two break apart for their next class, both of their minds racing. One mind full of excitement at the thought of possibly running into Ellie at the assembly and the other full of dread at what's to come from the assembly.

------- First P.O.V.-------

I look around the gym, my hands slightly clammy. I eventually spot Dina in the corner, preparing her violin. I quickly send her a small wave before returning to my search.

" No need to search. You're favorite person's arrived. " Jesse jokes, taking a seat next to me.

I roll my eyes. " Ha ha. You're just who I was looking for. "

Jesse's eye brows quirk in surprise. " Really? "

With a laugh I shake my head. " Fuck no. "

" Ouch. " Jesse places a hand over his heart. " Straight to the heart. "

I grin. Finally I spot a familiar auburn haired girl a few rows below. Beside Ellie is the Vivian Logan, the student body President. Aka the school's resident bitch.

Ellie doesn't seem to notice me. She takes a seat next to Vivian, immediately crushing my soul.

I knew it was a long shot she'd sit next to me but a girl can dream, right?

" Finally. It's starting. " Jesse grumbles impatiently.

The orchestra and band play their pieces ending in the school erupting in applause. Finally, the principal makes his way towards the center of the gym.

" Students! Thank you all for joining us today! I'd like to welcome this year's student body who helped put together today's assembly! Give them a hand, will you? " Principal Clark claps while the student body filters down to the middle of the gym. " Now, your president, Vivian, has a few words to say. Take it away, Vivian. "

Principal Clark hands the microphone over to Vivian who accepts it happily.

" Hey guys! First of all, I just wanted to say I'm so excited to be up here today! " She excitedly states.

" So excited! " Jesse mocks.

I gently slap his shoulder. " Be nice. " I chuckle. " She hasn't done anything. "

" Yet. " Jesse mutters. " She always pulls something. How the fuck did she get elected? "

" Because she was voted hottest on the hottest vs nottest list last year. " I remind him. Stupid list. Why the fuck would someone waste their time making something like that?

" Guys...I know last week was the talent show but we have a late entry. A very late entry. " Vivian pulls out a small piece of paper. On the back is a familiar drawing.

A snake.

My heart stops.

No.

No fucking way.

How the hell could she get it?

It has to be a different paper. Right?

Unless...

" This person wrote something so beautiful I just had to share. This is actually to you, Ellie. " Vivian looks over to Ellie who furrows her eyebrows in confusion. " Lucky ducky. "

" Jesse. " I whisper.

" What? " Jesse asks in confusion.

I never told him about the note. I never told anyone. Fuck fuck fuck.

" I wrote that. " I begin to panic. " I fucking wrote that. "

Jesse's eyes widen. " What? Fuck, are you sure? How do you know? It could be anyone's. We haven't even heard it yet. "

" It's mine. Jesse it's fucking mine. "

Everyone's going to know what I fucking wrote.

Vivian clears her throat. " Let's begin. " She smiles brightly. " Dear Ellie, gosh, I'm so nervous writing this to you right now. I just can't keep it in. I feel like I need to tell you. I've thought about telling you for months. Actually for a couple years. I've just been so nervous. " Vivian mocks. With every word she acts it out, her words exaggerated. " I really like you. I don't know if you like me back. I just feel like I need to tell you. Whenever I see you my heart begins to race. I really like you Ellie Williams. And if there's any chance you possibly like me back, please let me know. Sincerely, Y/N. " With that, Vivian points at me.

I feel the stares of everyone around.

Giggles and whispers flood the room. The sound of people mocking me bounces off the walls.

" Fuck, Y/N... " Jesse says, obviously mortified for me.

None of that matters though.

All I can focus on is the horrified expression on Ellie's face. Her eyes stare straight into mine, burning a hole into my body. Her body is tense and unmoving underneath her jeans and open button up.

Vivian's laugh brings me back into reality. " Ellie, what do you have to say to this out burst of love. Do you feel the same? Personally, I think it's cute. She has a little crush. A little cringy but hey, it's flattering. " Vivian shoves the microphone in front of Ellie.

Ellie's cheeks turn a dark shade of red. She blinks. " No! Fuck no. " Ellie shakes her head, taking a step back. " Y/N, this would never fucking happen. " She gestures at the two of us. " No fucking way. No, Y/N. You're not my type. "

My heart shatters. She's not gay. She doesn't like me. Fuck.

Suddenly everything feels worse. The laughter gets louder. The points and stares become more obvious. The room seems to close around me, leaving me trapped in a room full of people making fun of me.

" That's enough! " The principal shouts.

His voice seems far away.

It's too late. The damage has already been done. Everyone knows I like Ellie. Everyone knows I like girls. What the fuck am I going to do?

I feel a strong arm pull me up.

Jesse leads me down the bleacher stairs. He pushes open the doors and ushers me out. The laughter of my classmates slowly dies out as the door shuts. Not completely though. I can still hear bits and pieces.

" Fuck, Y/N. Are you okay? " Jesse asks while rubbing my shoulder to console me.

I shake my head. " My life is over. "

My life might not have actually been over but at that moment it truly did feel like it was.

[punk-in-docs]

Hi! What do you think of an idea of Eddie as a secret admirer? 👀

❤️My Funny Valentine❤️

The sickly horror of St. fucking Valentine’s Day. Ugh.

Everywhere at school is all fluffed up and candied. Tongue red and rose pink with Valentines Day mushiness. The worst. The hallways are lined with craft paper cut out hearts and tacky glittering sentiment.

You’d rather eat pebbles.

You’d not wanted to take part in this ridiculous farcical holiday. Really it was hideous enough that your mom giggled like a ten year old girl this morning when your dad slid her a candy pink envelope. Her name looped on the front. Feigning surprise that she has a mystery man in her life.

They shared a silly kiss that has you cringing into the bowl of your honeycomb cereal. Slinging your eyes up and rolling them over. School was bad enough. Suffering the indignity of romance over the breakfast counter too, was just entirely nauseating.

You literally have to shoulder your way past couples making out to get to your locker. Some springy haired cheerleader and her letterman clad jock. There’s posters up about the Valentine’s Day dance in the Gym. It will be wall to wall slow dancing and pink confetti and red foil curtains shimmering off the walls. Those sad foil wrapped heart-shaped chocolates on the tables.

It’s all going to be predictably over stuffed with couples. One of which you are not and you’ve never felt it more keenly than today. Everywhere else is pink hearts. Yours is content to remain throughly charred black and miserable.

You manage to peel your locker open. Batting away the paper hearts. Let’s be real, you wanted to rip them up really.

You won’t get asked to that dance. You won’t get any invites or cards- or anything. You’re resigned to your singledom.

That’s the worst thing of it all. If you had someone to share it with, you may have been able to hate it less.

A small slip of wonky paper flutters out your locker and dances, arches and dips, across the air to land at your sneakers. Puzzled, you heft your books down and reach down to grab it.

When you lift it up you don’t recognise the hand. But there on the jagged paper is a line of spidery scrawled words in chicken scratch red biro. Your stomach swells and swoops with the words:

“Hey cutie. Wanna go to the dance with me? EM.”

What? EM. Your brain flips and rattles around like that Rolodex your mom uses. Sheets of card and names and flicking around trying to locate one.

EM? Who is EM? And why do they want to go to the dance with little old you-

You weigh the paper in your hand and dart your head over your shoulders. Twisting around to see if you can catch sign of anyone. Anyone at all.

Lip locked couples around you. Gaggles of friends huddled close. Chatter and bubbling noise and sneakers on Lino filling your ears. Laughter and gum chewing and gossip and-

Oh-

About ten lockers down from you, someone is leaning against theirs. Arms folded. Eyes flicked fully forwards to land on you.

You know full well whose that locker door is from sight alone. The one plastered in heavy metal bands you’d never heard the names of. Rock star. Devils, skulls, forked tongues and Hellfire-

Eddie Munson is stood there with his puppy dog brown eyes and a completely smug grin on his smart mouth. Such a pretty mouth. His face is entirely framed by that spill of wild dark curls. Big broad leather-denim meshed jacket made his scrawny frame look good.

You catch his look and it’s purely confident. It oozes with charm and you swallow all sticky cause. Holy shit is this boy cute.

He jerks a nod to your hands where the paper is. You look down and at his urging turn it over seeing you had three options sat by the wonky row of boxes. No, Yes, and Hell yes.

You laugh at the absurdity of it. Your cheeks fill with naked heat and he’s stuck his eyes to the line of your teeth in your dazzling smile. Gorgeous.

When you look up. He raises his brows. Slanting them up under his wonky bangs. An expression and a question sloped into one.

You cannot bobble a nod at him fast enough.

Oh and he grins and your stomach is thrown into a sudden lurching tilt-a-whirl. Arcade music and fun and games, and cotton candy.

You look down again at the note and rub your thumb over the letters. You’re going to the Valentines dance with Eddie Munson. Dreams do come true-

A cool shadow falls across you and you only register it’s him when you look up, and he’s close and he’s mesmerising to be so near. Leather and brown eyes and swirling cigarette ash. Spun on that sugar coated smile. He whispers to you and you alone.

“I’ll pick you up at eight, Valentine.”

~

Needless to say, he’s ten minutes late to pick you up but god love the boy, he made an effort and dressed up real nice. Sneakers and an old suit. It’s my uncle’s. Had to dust it out of mothballs.

He may have been forcibly wrangled into a suit. But there’s no doubt he made it his own rocker style. Still wore his wallet chain, and his bow tie was black with little white skulls on it. He ran a brush through his curls - made them fluffy. And slapped a handful of stinging cologne on his cheeks.

He buys you a corsage with peach and pink flowers on it. You never want to take it off.

He kisses you on the cheek and lingers a second as he opens the van door for you. Too sweet for words this metal head.

He spikes the punch with vodka. Shows you the bottle. Brings it out and wiggles it at you as he waggles his brows. Drawing it from the place in his jacket pocket. He slow dances with you to Simple Minds and Cyndi Lauper.

Your arms looped around his neck as time after time blares through the gym hall. Hands resting near the nest of his wild hair. He kisses the inside of your wrist and holds your elbow. Looks you deep deep in the eyes. You’re awful glad he’s holding you up, actually.

I’m really glad I asked you. Valentine.

Your heart glows.

My dress is horrible isn’t it? You ask him with a scrunched nose and a grin. Cause it was. It was a duck egg blue ruffled monstrosity your mother paid for and insisted would be just lovely.

Nah baby. It’s cute cause it’s got you in it. He smirks. Cups the back of your hair all gentle and you swear, he’s like a drug to be hopped up on. And you never wanna quit him. Shoot him directly in your veins.

Then, he scoops you outta there, your hand clutched in his. Warm skin. Cold rings. You both share a sneaky smoke in the parking lot. And then he spends the rest of the night kissing your damn lips off as you stargaze at skull rock.

Listening to shit crackling seventies golden oldies on the static flickering radio. He dances with you then too. Skanking it around to The Clash. Police and Thieves. Sipping more warm vodka til it starts to slip down way too easy.

You don’t dance pretty and neatly, you thrash around like idiots and you both laugh your heads off. And it all ends in sultry slow kisses that taste like Marlboros.

He returns you home way past curfew. And you’re giddy, a little wobbly drunk, heels in hand, and you’ve taken your hair down.

You’ve laughed and smoked a cigarette and danced with him holding you close by the hips. Sure you’ve slurped vodka from the slim bottle smuggled in his pocket tonight, but you’re way way more dazzling drunk off the sensation of kissing him.

Maybe St. Valentines Day isn’t so bad after all.

~

More Eddie stuff? Come take a look-

[yourlocalartsonist]

ROTTMNT Moths Fly In Packs - Chapter Three

A/N: HEY IM ALIVE. I am so sorry it’s been two literal weeks I got stuck in a rut and then like couldn’t figure out how to write from there for the life of me 🫠 BUT HEY I figured it out eventually and Ngl I think this chapter turned out pretty fun and cute! It is the first time I wrote Mikey for a long period of time and a little bit of Donnie too so like, apologies for any OOC moments. I’m still learning TvT But yesyes, enjoy the read and thank you for your time <3 Also I’ve decided Mikey and Salena’s duo name is gonna be Pink Tangerine anyway byeeeeeeeee

Next Chapter

Previous Chapter

Chapter One

Disclaimer: Chapter involves light manipulation, light sexual harassment, curse words, and violence. If you’re sensitive to that stuff, scroll past and stay safe <3

The mushy brown grub splat down on my tray.

I stuck out my tongue in disgust. School lunch might honestly be the worst thing known to man, the bar is so low the devil plays limbo with it. Yet somehow this school still puts everywhere else to shame.

I overheard from some of the upperclassmen a while back that the food used to be on par with others, apparently it got worse after they hired a new lunch aid. No one ever told him anything, though. We’re all way too scared of him.

We sat down at a table and I began poking the food with my fork, mentally preparing to stomach it down. Jaiden looked at me with similarly dead eyes from our meal.

“God, this is so gross. I get that this lunch is supposed to be healthy and all but sometimes I’d rather just eat burger grease.”

That was the second reason I never said anything to the lunch aid. As much as I shit on the food, it’s actually healthier than the usual microwaved fries and stuff. I’ve noticed the effects too, ever since I joined Roosevelt High last year my body admittedly felt much less sluggish.

“Well, food is food. Let’s just be grateful it’s even human food at this point.”

They giggled and scoffed. “Yeah, barely.”

Trying to distract myself from how squishy my mouth felt at every bite, I focused on Jaiden instead. They don’t really emote often, they’re the type of person to have a resting-bitch-face 24/7. But of course, one of life’s greatest ironies was blessing Jaiden with one of the heartiest smiles I’ve ever seen.

For a moment their lips curve, their forehead wrinkles, and their tooth gap is on full display. Eyes shut, all their thoughts were too focused on whatever brought them so much glee, completely forgetting to worry about how they looked or were being perceived. I wish they could be like that all the time.

“Hello? You’re staring at me like a creep again.”

“I know, I know. I’ll stop.” I rolled my eyes, knowing they didn’t actually mind.

“You really should smile more often, though. You’re gifted with such a pretty smile but you never show it off, Jay.”

It went quiet. Before I could spend too long worrying if I said the wrong thing, they broke the silence.

“Hey, can I talk to you about something?”

“Is that even a question? You know you can tell me anything.”

“Well yeah but…it’s kinda relationship related.”

Oh dear. I straightened up and focused all my attention on them. I may be ass at understanding romance but by god, I still tried my best to help Jaiden with theirs.

“So…Was he distant again?”

“I mean, yeah technically. But it’s not even just him anymore, I haven’t been the best at reaching out either. I don’t want anyone else to know this so you better keep it a secret.”

I nodded and they continued.

“I guess I just can’t find any reason to catch up with him. He barely talks to me, stopped complimenting me, and I just can’t like him like that when it feels like he doesn’t even remember we’re dating. I haven’t felt happy with him or confident or anything cause he doesn’t! Talk! About! Me!”

“Ah y-yeah, that’s…that’s pretty bad.”

“He knows how I feel about this stuff. I’m worried he’s not into me anymore. I haven’t felt beautiful in so long because of him. I feel invisible Salena.”

I thought back to our old school. Jaiden had a huge crush on one of our classmates and miraculously got asked out by him just a year later. It was quite the celebratory moment, we stayed up for hours gushing about it over the phone that night. That memory still makes me feel warm.

“What are you gonna do now?”

“That’s what I don’t know. I’m not sure what to do or how to take all of this. Nothing really feels the same anymore.” Their face fell back to its usual deadpan stare. “Honestly, I’m wondering if it would be better to just break things off.”

“…Well, whatever happens, I’m here for you.”

We sat in awkward silence. I wish I was better at comforting people. Jaiden isn’t a huge hugger either so I can’t even try that.

“By the way I…I think I’m starting to like someone else, actually.”

Their voice was barely above a whisper. Before I could ask who, a tray slammed down between us.

“Hey, guys - Jaiden move over a bit - what’d I miss?”

“Hey Zane!”

“Hiya Zane.” I gave him a small wave and Jaiden and I made room for him between us.

I started zoning out a bit while Jaiden and Zane caught up with each other. My mind wouldn’t stop thinking about what Jaiden said. That they like someone else. I mean, it’s not a wild idea considering how they and their boyfriend barely count as a couple anymore but still. Last I checked, Jaiden pretty much loathed the kids in our grade and neither of us get crushes that easily so I wonder who actually got their heart all soft.

I jumped from a sudden sharp pain in my legs. Jaiden and Zane’s conversation paused as they redirected their attention to me and my agony.

“Hey dude, are you okay?”

“Yep! I’m fine, just been working my legs a bit too much I suppose!”

Damn it Leo and your stupid persuasiveness.

What he promised would only be a “weekend thing” turned into an “almost every night thing”, leading to my legs cursing me out from how much pain consistent parkour brings them. Worst part is I can’t even blame him entirely, I’m a druggie for dopamine and caved in at the first mention of doing it more often.

“Are you sure you’re alright? Your legs keep hurting lately. Do you need painkillers? Or do you wanna go to the nurse? I can take you there!” Zane reached out and grabbed my hand.

I could feel the hair on my arms rising for the wrong reasons. Panicking, I pulled my hand back and rushed to reassure them both I was perfectly okay. Thankfully, we moved on and Zane started to ramble about some guy in his class annoying him today.

Or at least, he moved on. I was still trying to recover from the contact. I mean, this isn’t the first time he’s held my hand, our friendship was always very physically affectionate. But I just haven’t been able to handle any touch from Zane for a while. I hate that everything feels so different now knowing that he likes me. It’s not like he can control it, why do I have to be so weird about it? A little hand-holding shouldn’t get such a repulsed reaction from me.

I decided to stop my brain’s downwards spiral and calm myself down. I took a quiet breath and joined back in the conversation.

I caught Jaiden glancing at his hand. They were quieter than usual after that.

***

I walked out the building as the school day ended, the afternoon sun lit up the schoolyard. The weather was getting pleasantly warmer as spring truly settled in.

Zane walked beside me with a lollipop in his mouth as we both waited for Jaiden. The two of them have an elective today but Jaiden had to run a quick question by the teacher and told me to keep Zane company for the time being. I had my own plans but it’s no biggie, all electives start ten minutes after school ends so we’ve got time. I already let Mikey know I’d be running a little late.

“I know I’m not Mr. Sunshine or anything, but I’d be lying if I said it isn’t gorgeous out today.”

“Hm? Oh, yeah, it really is!”

“...You’re still thinking about Jaiden aren’t you?”

“Y-yeah sorry.”

I could tell Zane was getting a bit irritated. My attention hadn’t really been on him much today, I just couldn’t shake the feeling something was wrong with Jaiden. I know they don’t really talk much but they got abnormally quiet after lunch even for them.

“I told you they’re fine Salena. I even checked in twice for your sake.”

“I know it’s just… Nevermind, you know me, I get paranoid easily.” That’s only half true. I’m paranoid but I’m not stupid.

“Hey actually, I was wondering.” He leaned closer and started playing with a loose strand of my hair, prompting me to lean away “Jaiden seemed really tired today so maybe they’d wanna go home early and rest. Do you want to-“

“I’m here.”

They stared at us with a frown on their face. Their voice was monotone. It was always monotone but usually it’d have a bit of charm mixed in with the whole dead-inside vibe. Something wasn’t right.

But no matter! They’re both here now and I should honestly get going. Zane’s here with them so I can worry about Jaiden tomorrow.

“Great! Seeing as you two are ready to go, I shall take my leave as well. Bye guys!”

“But-“

They cut him off. “Bye Salena.”

I don’t know what I did but something definitely happened with Jaiden.

Even though I didn’t manage to fully suppress my thoughts, the walk to the alley where we agreed to meet drifted my attention back towards the beautiful sunny day. The sky was cloudless, a soft spring breeze. For once the air wasn’t clouded with the stinging scent of garbage and car smoke and instead smelled fresh. Woodsy even. Don’t really get a day this perfect often here. It must’ve been fate for today to be the day I’m actually spending time with one of the guys.

Thanks to Leo’s reassurance that night, I gained some confidence and took his advice on talking with them more often. Mikey was definitely the most receptive to that. He and I bonded pretty quickly due to us being the same age and having a similar (and superior) artistic taste so obviously I had to say yes when he asked to hang out, even if it took a while for our schedules to line up.

I did one last scan to make sure no one was around before texting Mikey of my arrival. He popped out from behind a dumpster, eyes matching the bright blue sky.

“Hey hey hey! Ready for the world’s most epic hang out ever?”

“Hell yes I am! I’ve been waiting for this all week! But uh, you’re 100% sure being out in public during the day won’t be a problem considering…this whole situation?”

“We’re fine, chill. No one will recognize me with my super amazing Raph-approved disguise on!”

…His disguise was a hoodie and pants.

I mean, I guess it is New York so no one will probably care enough to notice. Or care even after they do notice. I think I’m just a little nervous since it’s my first time out in public with him.

Besides, his fit was on fire! He wore a cropped orange hoodie with white accents matched with baggy, light cargo pants. He actually looked a little taller from the pairing, maybe I should take fashion tips from him. He did remind me a little of those orange-and-creme popsicle sticks though.

I heard thumping in the distance and cocked my head to hear better.

Clomp, clomp, clomp.

Footsteps? Loud, heavy ones. They remind me of…

“Mikey, you have to hide! S-someone’s coming!”

“But I’m disgui-”

“Trust me just go!”

As he jumped back behind the dumpster, Zane came around the corner and found me leaning against the wall pretending to be on my phone. I mentally high-fived myself for the spot-on guess.

“There you are.”

“Hey! Did you need something?”

“Oh, no. Or well, yeah actually but first, what are you doing next to a garbage bin?”

“I’m waiting for my friend. We have plans today.”

“W-what?” His brows furrowed, pained eyes pierced mine “Plans? With who? Jaiden isn’t even free today.”

“I have other friends too, Zane.”

He scoffed and shoved his hands down his pockets.

“Like, who? Druggies?” …Homie what the hell?

“What kind of people are you friends with that have you meet up with them here?”

“Uh, why are you getting so mad anyway? I’m just meeting up with someone.”

“Well, I don’t want that someone to be dangerous! I’m just looking out for you.” He sighed. “And also because I was gonna ask if you wanted to hang out with me today.”

Confused, I stared back at him. “But you and Jaiden have an elective today? The one I just left you two at?”

“Yeah and I told Jaiden I was gonna skip. It’s a nice day, I wanted to be with you. Looks like I did all that for nothing.” Another sigh.

“Oh. I-I’m sorry, I didn’t know- Wait, hold on, you left Jaiden?” Oh god. I subconsciously started biting my nails. “Zane, they were already visibly upset today! They need someone with them!”

Stomping my feet, I tried searching for a solution. I couldn’t just cancel on Mikey, we’ve had this planned for so long! But I can’t leave Jaiden on their own either. They have certain tendencies and I can’t risk that again. Ugh, everything would’ve been okay if at least Zane was with them!

“Zane, you have to go back. Jaiden needs company and I’m busy today anyway.”

“Don’t panic so much, they said they’d be fine.”

“And you believed that? You know they’ve lied about that before. Several times before! They didn’t seem okay, I need you to be them.”

“But I want to be with you. Not Jaiden, you. You can’t expect me to just control these things, Salena.”

This dude! Why is he being so difficult?

Okay, calm down Salena. Not a time for anger.

“I-I know, but it’s just one day. Jaiden’s your friend, too. And besides, you’ll both have fun this way!”

My attempts to shoo him away changed his angered face. He suddenly looked so disheartened I can’t tell if it was better or worse. I’m a little annoyed he left Jaiden on their own but he must’ve planned this out for a while if he seems this disappointed. I guess I’d be upset too if I was in his shoes. Though I also would’ve asked the other person ahead of time but different people, different mindsets I suppose. I softened my tone.

“Hey, Zane? I promise we’ll hang out tomorrow. I’ll make it up to you. And we can even call when I’m done, okay? But right now Jaiden needs you. And I need this. Just…can I please have a few hours away today?”

He looked at me, conflicting eyes switching between both of mine. Third sigh, more whispery than the others “...Fine, you know I can’t say no to you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He pat my head, slightly ruffling my hair “Don’t forget to call me when you’re free.”

Hearing the heavy steps fade as he got farther and farther away, I let out the biggest exhale of my life as my body slumped over.

“Ooh mama, that was rough.” Mikey, somehow already next to me, matched my relief. “Does he always act like that?”

“Well, ‘always’ is a strong word…”

“And you’ve never told him how you feel about it? Never, you know, put down boundaries?”

My eyes scampered around to focus on anything but his face while my body shrunk. Guilty as charged.

He sighed and whipped out a pair of round glasses, swinging his arm over my shoulder “So, I know Dr. Feelings is supposed to be on vacation for the day, but since you’re a friend you get special privileges!”

“Um…D-Doctor who?”

“Tell me about this guy, Salena.”

After recovering from the reveal of his secret therapist mode, I told Mikey about Zane and our friendship as we made our way to an ice cream parlor. According to him, talking about your feelings is always better with a sweet treat to distract you from your crushing crippling depression.

“Wait wait, before we start, what flavor?”

“Oh, chocolate obviously.”

His eyes lit up as he happily hummed “A person of culture! Begin~” He handed me a chocolate cone and got the same for himself.

I felt a little guilty for using him on a day we were meant to relax but at the same time, the thought of having someone to talk to about my weird dynamic with Zane made it weirdly hard to resist. Plus, Mikey just has a very calming presence to him, one that makes it so easy to open up and word-vomit your entire life story to.

Still, I tried my best to not overshare and disrespect Zane’s privacy so I kept things brief and broad, only mentioning what I felt was note-worthy. And probably better to keep his crush on me hidden for now, at least.

Instead, I briefed him about Zane’s home life being the classic “rich kid with absent and narcissistic parents” trope and how much his older brother, or better known as the golden child, emotionally abused him growing up. I could sense Mikey softened a bit at that.

I mentioned Zane’s anger issues, habitual bullying, fear of abandonment. His slowly-developed kleptomania. I told him about the people Zane hung out with and of my secret disapproval of them. If Zane seems bad, those guys make him seem heavenly.

And lastly, I talked about our unlikely friendship. How he gradually became nicer to me. How he told me how different I was to him the day I asked why he stopped bullying me. How unexpectedly sweet and protective he can be.

And how scared he’d get sometimes that one day I’d just ditch him like everyone else did.

“That’s awful! It must’ve been hard for him dealing with all of that.”

“It was. That’s why he’s so clingy towards me. He feels like no one understands him the way I do or even wants to try.”

“I’m guessing that’s why you deal with it.”

I quietly nodded. “I know he can be a bit much sometimes. But I don’t ever want to leave him. He’s like family to me, it just wouldn't be right if I abandoned him.”

Mikey smiled at me “Yeah, don’t worry, I get that.”

He took another bite of his cone and stared out the window. He looked strangely timid, I’ve never seen Mikey so mild-mannered before.

“Do you remember when I told you about our dad Draxum?”

“Oh yeah, the sheep guy! You mentioned he had a ‘bad boy’ phase. Heh, ba-a-a-a-a-ad.” I giggled to myself mimicking a sheep as Mikey looked at me with horrific disgust.

“Leo must love you, doesn’t he.”

“Oh hush, it was funny. Anyway, you were saying?~”

“Well during his ‘insert ruined joke here’ phase, Draxum used to try to kill us like at least once a week. He went on and on about wanting to ‘destroy humanity’ and ‘protect Yōkai kind’ and we were made to do that.”

We started walking outside as he continued his story.

“But, my brothers and I could never. We love humans, I mean you guys literally invented art! And even though Draxum made us, he wasn’t attached enough to not brutally murder us for that disagreement. He threw Leo off a roof once, too.”

“Sorry, what now?” It’s making sense now why Leo was so careful about me not falling when we hang out.

“Yeah, I felt so bad! I mean, Raph gets to see something as cool as that happen but I’m stuck being used as a tug-of-war rope for a giant spider lady! The universe can be so unfair…”

“Your priorities are confusing but go on.”

We made our way on to a roof to enjoy the city’s view. Mikey went on a tangent about all their adventures stopping Draxum and the poorly-named Foot Clan from assembling this mythical shredding monster guy. Whoever named these guys needs originality lessons.

“Then after they finished making the Shredder, they betrayed Draxum. They only wanted to use him so the armor thing would work. And I know that we’re supposed to hate him and stuff, but I felt really really bad for him.”

I thought back to how I felt every time someone I thought was a friend ended up stabbing me in the back “Honestly, I would too. Villain or not, betrayal still sucks.”

“Exactly! And to make matters worse, I found him living on the streets later! He’s a wanted criminal in the Hidden City and had nowhere to go in New York. So obviously, I set him up with a nice, top tier home and helped him adjust to humanity. My brothers doubted us a lot but he’s doing great now. He even has his own job as a lunch aid!”

His bubbly smile dropped as he looked off to the distance. Up until now, Mikey’s been pretty animated when he talks, using his hands and sometimes whole body to enhance his speech. Right now though, he was still. Very still.

“But back then, sometimes even I thought I was crazy. I was trying to change a guy who’s fear-response was genocide, that’s not an easy thing to do. So many failed attempts at getting him to like humans, so many failed attempts of him trying to throw kids when they got on his nerves. Don’t get me wrong, it’s more than worth it in the end but when you’re actually doing it? It’s so exhausting.”

Exhausting. I never realized how fitting that word sounded until he said it. Exhausting.

“That sounds like a literal nightmare. Especially without any external support…” Oh god this was hitting too close to home. Abort! Abort!

“Wanna know what kept me going?”

“Yeah?”

He turned towards me. His blue eyes were illuminated by the sun. Actually, there were some new spots on his body that were glowing, too?

“Draxum made us. He was family to me. It wouldn’t be right to just abandon him.”

Oh.

He turned back to look at the sky. “I know you care about Zane and I can empathize with that so I’ll say this as nicely as I can… ZANE IS A WHINY PIECE OF SHIT.”

I forgot how loud Mikey screams oh god.

“He’s clingy, he’s rude, he called me a druggie for choosing to meet up in an alley, I mean what’s wrong with either?!”

“Micheal my ears, please.”

He took a deep breath and by the grace of heaven itself he calmed down.

“Look, I don’t know if you can help Zane the same way I helped Draxum. Some people don’t want to be changed, that was my biggest fear with Drax. But that’s not my point.” He put a soft hand on my shoulder, the tone of his voice sounded different. “What I’m saying is, I get it.”

My throat felt itchy. I hadn’t heard words like that in years. Having someone say they understand me, not being judged or getting weird looks for feeling the way I do. And I can’t even help believing him, after everything he’s told me it sounds like he meant it. I don’t really know how I feel right now. But then again, maybe I don’t have to know.

We stayed in comfortable silence listening to the city below.

There weren’t too many people out right now, everyone who had been outside enjoying the nice weather before were returning home from shopping or leaving cafés. Not many cars on the street, either. All in all, a nice and peaceful day.

Until, of course, it wasn’t.

A giant pink food truck with a weird stake on the top raced by definitively over the speed limit. Another large vehicle following it. It was green with a disk on the back, it kinda looked like a shell? Or maybe I’ve been talking with turtles too often-

“The Turtle Tank?”

“YOU GUYS HAVE A TURTLE TANK?!” Oh my stars! They just keep getting cooler every day I see them!

“And Meatsweat’s truck!”

“Oh, it’s Mr. Oinkerton.”

In the distance we could hear a familiar angry voice screaming vulgar words at the pig mobile through an oversized megaphone. How’d Donnie even get in this situation?

“So like…should we check in on him?”

“Nah, Dee’s probably fine.”

“Okay fair, but he’s partaking in chaotic activities without us.”

“...You know what, I like the way you think! Come on!” He rolled up his sleeve revealing a black band on his wrist and excitedly spoke to it as we both started running to catch up with the trucks.

“Hey Dontron! Why’re you on a chase with Meatsweats?”

“Mikey? You can see me? Are you in proximity?”

“Yeah! We can see you from the rooftops. I’ll wave!”

“Ugh, good I could use the help, Meatsweats upgraded his stupid truck so now it’s too fast to keep up with! Listen, he kidnapped some guy off the street and I don’t know what he’s gonna do so if you could assist-”

“On it, Dee!”

Seeing Mikey speed through the roofs was astounding! He bounced from building to building, doing flips and spins whenever he could. He looked so graceful while doing it, too. Kind of reminds me of ballerinas. Compared to him I was a heaving mess in the back. I’m faster than I was before, that’s for sure, but still had a really hard time keeping up with him. I’m starting to think Leo went easy on me…

But compared to the car chase down below, even Mikey could barely keep up.

“Man, Donnie wasn’t kidding when he said the truck got upgrades. Meatsweats was never this fast before.”

“Mikey, how long are we just gonna tail them? We’re not really getting anywhere like this.”

“Well we can’t run fast enough…” he looked at Meatsweat’s trying to fight Donnie off, leaving the back door to his truck wide open. His eyes lit up “But we can fly fast enough! I’ll swing you!”

Donnie’s voice returned to the comms “Mikey where are you? Could really use that help right now!” Meatsweats was starting to close the door.

Seeing this in my excited adrenalined nature, I rushed to approve the plan. “Okay, let’s do it!”

One of his nunchucks wrapped around me and my legs left the ground. I cut through the air getting flung right into the truck, somehow not breaking any bones after crashing in. Probably should have thought about that before.

I looked out and met Donnie’s panicked glare. “SALENA?!”

“Hi Donnie!” The door shut and my attention turned toward Meatsweats and a terrified boy with a bag covering his head in the corner.

“Who the hell are- oi, you’re the annoying lass from before, aren’t you?” Oh damn, he remembers me. “What’s with you and ruining my dinner plans?”

“Wait, dinner plans? You’re gonna eat him!?”

He looked so unbelievably offended at that, because of course it was such a stretch to come to that conclusion “What are you, stupid? I was a human before getting mutated. I was a world renowned chef, Rupert Swaggart!”

“Your name was Rupert? Ew.”

“SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!” Oh right, this is a hostage situation.

“Sorry, sorry, distractions. So what you’re saying is, you’re not gonna eat him?”

“No, of course not, human meat is an atrocious flavor.” That’s a relief! “However, they make a lovely meal for mutant livestock. And now I can feed twice the amount.” Oh.

He charged at me with his enormous tenderizer and I quickly got up and prepared my body for the attacks.

Go left! Now right! Right again! DUCK! He’s so swift with his strikes it’s almost too much for me to handle. I tried looking for any openings out but it was useless! All the doors are locked and he’s blocking the switch.

“How come he gets tied up but I have to be killed now?”

“Personal grudges.”

I got backed into a corner and narrowly avoided a butcher knife thrown straight at my head. Whatever greater force is keeping me safe, I owe you my life.

Wait! He threw a knife!

Genius struck me as I pulled the blade out from the wall. I charged at him, getting all my energy ready for the blow. Meatsweats chuckled.

“Aww, you really think you can fight back with a tiny cleaver?”

“Not quite.”

Instead of the slice the idiot pig prepared for, I planted my foot firm on the ground and swung the sharp blade to the left, smashing right through the window.

“What the-”

Perfect! Now to take care of the swine.

I darted around the room taunting him, now being the one to control where he’d strike. My heart was beating at the speed of sound, legs quick and light. My reflexes took over completely. It’s crazy to say this but I feel like I’m really in my zone!

Once I annoyed him enough to turn his blows even more aggressive than before, I ran right behind him, clinging on to his back. He took the bait and smashed down. The metal hammer hit him smack dab on the head as I dodged away, knocking him out.

Cutting my celebrations short, I rushed over to the boy and helped him up. He flinched at my touch, the bag still blinding his sight.

“What’s happening?!”

“Your rescue, that’s what. Now, come on!”

I helped him avoid the loose shards on the bottom while getting his body out the window. I stuck my head out and yelled for Donnie, who was still right behind us relieved to see me in one piece.

“Donnie I’m throwing him out the window, tell me when Mikey’s ready!”

“I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WERE RESCUING ME!”

After getting the thumbs up from Donnie, I pushed the boy out to the streets and sure enough, Mikey’s chains caught him and pulled him up to wherever he was on the roofs.

I heard a grunt behind me. Meatsweats was awake already? God I can’t believe I was scared I actually hurt him.

I scampered up to the roof of the truck. Unfortunately got jumpscared as the vent flung open and Meatsweats tried going through it. My bad for wanting to catch my breath, I guess.

“Salena jump!”

I took his suggestion and ran forward, avoiding the grimy mutant pig, and leaped over to the tank. A hole opened up and allowed me inside with Donnie looking back, setting the tank to autopilot and checking me for any serious injuries.

“So which one of you dum-dums thought it was a brilliant plan to send the untrained non-mutant human into the murderous chef’s vehicle?”

“Oh, was that bad?” Well, at least it’s over now.

Mikey’s voice came through Donnie’s own hand wrap. His were larger than Mikey’s, covering his entire palm compared to Mikey’s wrist bands.

“Donnie! Is Salena okay?”

“Physically or mentally.”

“Yepperoni. I’m right here, Mikey.”

“Phew good! And uh, by any chance, are you guys still following

Meatsweats?”

“Uh, I’m about to stop the tank, why?”

He nervously laughed “So um, you know the person we just saved right? Apparently he had a really important USB with him and he thinks it fell out in the truck…”

“OH COME ON!”

And so the chase continues as we scrambled to find answers.

“Are we really going to keep tracking Meatsweats for a USB drive? Who even uses them anymore!”

“He sounds super panicked so it must be bad, Dee. What if it’s something dangerous?”

“He’s a teenager, Micheal, why would he have dangerous intel?”

“Aren’t you two teenagers?”

“We don’t count!”

“How do we even get it from Meatsweats’ truck?”

Donnie switched over to the control manual and got a bunch of missiles ready “That’s it! I’m going lethal!”

Mikey’s face appeared on the monitor “Donnie don’t! You could destroy the drive thingie.”

“But my moment…”

“Donnie!”

Red lights started blinking, warning about the tank’s declining gas.

“Fine but we’re running out of time, what else can we do?”

“Want me to jump back in?”

“Do you want to die?”

“Sometimes.” They stared at me wide-eyed as I had the dawning realization “Oh wait that was rhetorical, wasn’t it?”

I forced my three brain cells to try and be useful.

C’mon, brain. Think, Salena! Think!

I saw the cleaver I still had in my hands and got an idea.

Bingo!

“Donnie! Drive to his right!”

“What? Um okay. Wait, where are you going!?”

I climbed back out the hole on the top. “When I count to three, stop the Turtle Tank.”

“CAN ANYONE COMMUNICATE THEIR PLANS WITH ME BEFORE IMPULSIVELY JUMPING IN?”

I threw my hair back letting the rushing keep it out of the way.

“Ready Donnie?”

“No.”

I aimed the cleaver for the front right tire and began counting “One…”

Pulled my arm back, getting ready to throw “Two…”

I took a deep breath. Arms don’t fail me now. I swung forward and felt the handle leave my grasp.

“Three!”

The tank jolted to a stop, knocking me forward. Donnie came out and helped me to my feet.

“You good?”

“Well, I’m alive so.”

We looked up and saw the blade successfully puncture the tire, sending the truck skidding to a crash at a light pole.

“Great Galileo, you actually did it. I’ll confess, I’m impressed!” Is this what validation feels like?

The round tangerine joined us not too long after with the boy strapped to his back and came running towards me.

“Salena, you were amazing!” Validation and a hug on the same day? Have I been blessed?

“Hey can someone get this thing off my head now?”

I looked at the boy, then at the horrific scenery behind him. “Uh…maybe we should get to a less chaotic place first.”

Mikey handed me the USB he found in Meatsweats’ truck. ”Sorry our day got interrupted Salena. You can always come back after helping him!”

I was about to agree but felt a buzz on my skirt pocket. I took out my phone and saw a pestering text from my aunt as well as the time being 5:00pm.

“I would but, I should probably get home anyway. You guys okay with um…all that?” I pointed to the passed out pig in his broken down truck.

Donnie pat my head with one of his extra robot arms “No probbles, we’ll take care of it. You’ve helped enough.”

I guess he’s always been nice-ish to me but still didn’t expect affection from him.

I saw him and Mikey chatting while cleaning up the mess, Mikey beaming as Donnie ruffled what would’ve been his hair if he had any. I smiled. Maybe I just never looked close enough at Donnie. Seems like he’s always been this way.

I lead the boy away from the mutant havoc and into a more public area before taking the bag off his head.

“Are you okay?”

He blinked and I studied his features a bit more. Dark eyes, short black hair, and round glasses. “Yeah I-I think. Thanks for saving me.”

I handed him his pen drive and after a few more thank-yous, he left. As promised, gave Zane a call. He didn’t pick up though. I shrugged it off and started walking back home. What a day today has been!

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