#i go to sleep during a storm and when i wake up there's stuff from like 20 different backyards scattered all over

[wisteria-whump]

it's spring so i have to remind everybody that you can and maybe should make your characters afraid of thunderstorms!!

[screamlet]

For the Bucktommy cuddling prompts: 12 (Just waking up) and 16 (With rain outside), pretty please? 💜

waking up, falling asleep again, it's all the same thing. 💖 1.2k, post s8, buck crashing at tommy's between apartments but they're not together. and if you want yet another time i wrote about them together as buck freaks out during a storm: you can read this, too.

---

Tommy bolts awake at the knock on his bedroom door because holy shit he lives alone who the fuck—

"Are you awake?" Evan calls softly.

Right. Evan is staying in his spare room. He rubs at his eyes and calls back, "Yeah, it's open."

Tommy's eyes adjust to the light, or lack of light from the storm outside. "40% chance of rain my ass," Tommy mutters. He yawns huge and smiles at Evan, who's in sleep pants and a tank top, and holding himself awkwardly in the door to Tommy's room. "I'm awake, promise. What's up?"

Evan has his head tilted, smiling too mysteriously for this early in the morning and this late in their break-up. "I didn't realize waking up with me was the only thing keeping you from waking up like that."

Tommy knows his hair is flat on one side and probably several inches higher than it would be when he's all human and pretty (and pretty human). His brain's trying so, so hard to churn up some comebacks but it's not happening.

"You must've been knocked out," Tommy replies. "I didn't get in until about four and it—" He checks out his watch on the nightstand. "It's seven. It's seven? Christ."

"Shit, I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay, I won't mention this when your next landlord calls for a reference."

Evan laughs softly, not a laugh but a sigh of Tommy that he really can't be hearing.

The moment evaporates with a huge flash of light outside, a bolt of lightning from the storm, and a massive foundation-shaking clap of thunder overhead. Evan jumps and hits his back against the wall, his eyes wide and terrified as he stares at the window.

"Evan? Are you—"

"Can I stay here with you?" Evan asks quickly. "Just until the storm passes and then I'll—I'll make breakfast or go back to sleep or—and I won't bug you, I promise, I just—it'd help to—" Evan takes a breath. "Did I tell you about the time I was struck by lightning and died for three minutes and seventeen seconds?"

Tommy stares at him, then silently pulls aside the covers. Evan climbs in and stays very firmly on the other side of the bed, though like always he steals every shred of comforter he can get away with.

"I know this is stupid," Evan says as Tommy lies down next to him, on his side so they're facing each other. "How many favors do I owe you now? Letting me stay in your room until my place is ready, now just crashing in your bed like this?"

"You don't owe me anything," Tommy says, devastatingly honest on only three hours of sleep. "Lightning strike? A couple of years ago—that was you? No one ever said. Or, I don't know. Sorry. I didn't know."

Evan scoffs. "Why would you know? It's—yeah. It happened. And it hasn't rained like this—well, since I was at the loft, and whenever that happened I slept on the sofa because I—I don't know, it was—shit, this sounds stupid."

"No it doesn't, and you don't have to explain yourself." Tommy pauses. "Wait, yes you do. We met in a hurricane, Evan. You got into a tin can—"

"I did it for Bobby," Evan says, and the weight of that—flying into his worst nightmare for Bobby, for Athena—doesn't escape Tommy's notice. How could it?

"But the other stuff," Evan adds. "Yeah, I do need to explain myself. I mean, I'm staying at my ex's place and if that isn't bad enough—"

"Gee, thanks."

Evan kicks his shin ("playfully"). "Bad enough for me, now I've—I'm like a kid running into his parents' room or something."

Tommy wraps a hand around Evan's bicep, watching the touch ground him and his thoughts. "I never would have dared as a kid. Be a man, my dad said, to this six-year-old baby who's got the big tree in the yard knocking its branches into the window right by his bed. I get it. I don't like storms either."

Evan meets his eyes for a long moment before he answers, "Fucking sucks, Tommy. I'm sorry."

"Yeah, me too. So." Tommy sighs and doesn't know how to do this without making it about a thousand times weirder than it already is. "So—can I—do you want—"

"No, it's okay, just—just being here is enough, I promise."

"One day I'll figure out how you use the word promise, because it's so—that's not what it means." Tommy sighs. "Three hours of sleep. Get over here."

"Over?"

Tommy wraps an arm around him and pulls Evan to his chest. Maybe not as close as he might have this time last year, but enough that the body heat between them is already hot for a humid summer morning. Evan's startled but it only takes a moment before they're—here they are, like puzzle pieces reunited.

"Thanks," Evan whispers. "When it passes—"

"If you wake me up, I'm evicting you."

"Okay."

"That was a joke."

"Okay."

Tommy's exasperation deflates into sadness, just plain sadness. He'll blame the exhaustion later, if either of them has the guts to ask. That's what he'll blame for the kiss he presses to the top of Evan's head, and the one to his forehead. He rests his head against Evan's and holds him closer.

"We'll write out a tiny lease on that notepad in the kitchen," Tommy says, the heat and the weight against him lulling him to sleep again. "You don't owe me anything. Not a thing. Not rent or favors or cooking or anything, unless you want to give it."

Evan's body is relaxing against him, his breath slowing. "I do, Tommy. I do."

There's another flash of lightning, and a thunderclap that makes both of them jump and bolt awake again. "I'm sorry," Evan whispers after their legs and knees bumped into each other under the covers.

"It's okay, I've got you," Tommy whispers.

Evan nods. "I've got you, too."

They find each other again, that close-but-not-too-close hold from before. That slow drag into sleep is coming again, but Tommy blurts out, "I have disposable earplugs. Do you want a pair?"

"Oh. Yeah. Good idea."

"Great idea," Tommy says, searching inside his nightstand until he feels and hears the plastic crinkle of a pair of earplugs.

Evan accepts them and sits up. "Thanks. I guess I can—"

Tommy stares at him. "No, those go in your ears and you go—" Tommy hits the pillows and Evan laughs with a huge smile, with his whole chest, as he opens the packet. "Okay? Okay. Great."

"Stop making me laugh," Evan protests as he tilts his head to put one in. "I'm sad and scared, read the room."

"It's my house and I'm buying a big driftwood sign that says: In this house we live we laugh we love and we deflect our feelings with jokes."

Evan tilts his head in the other direction. "Last thing I'll say before I can't hear you anymore: you don't need a sign for that."

"Wow. Wow."

Evan motions to his ears with an exaggerated shrug. Tommy mouths very clearly EAT ME—but judging by the lift of Evan's eyebrows, he's better at lip reading than Tommy thought.

"Third time's the charm," Tommy says as they lie down again. There's thunder overhead again, but Evan barely notices. His quiet and his calm, that trust as he falls asleep in Tommy's arms again, pulls Tommy down into sleep, too.

[airybcby]

જ⁀✦ They Don't Know About Us

── .✦ thinking abt a secret relationship with bodyguard! sukuna

(also, this is me trying to get back into writing for jjk. also some of this is nsfw - im trying to write more types of stuff but yeah - )

bodyguard! sukuna who was paid by your parents because you're a troublemaker who doesn't know what can and can't get you in trouble.

“i’m not your babysitter,” he growls, dragging you away from a club exit where a man had his hand around your wrist. “i’m your leash. act like it.” and yet—he lets you rest your head on his shoulder in the car ride home. just this once.

bodyguard! sukuna who glares at anyone who so much as looks at you the wrong way

doesn’t speak. doesn’t threaten. just stares like a storm waiting to hit. later that night, he presses you into the wall and mutters, “you’re mine, yeah? say it, or i swear i’ll lose it.”

bodyguard! sukuna who kissed you once during a stormy night when you were scared, and neither of you have talked about it since.

except now he keeps finding excuses to be alone with you. to stand too close. to watch you when you aren’t looking. “we said we’d forget it,” you whisper. “no, you said that,” he corrects, smirking. “i’m not that generous.”

bodyguard! sukuna who fucks you like he’s angry at you for existing, then holds you like he’s afraid you’ll disappear.

calls you his “bad idea,” but bites down on your shoulder like he’s trying to claim you. and when you ask if he regrets it, he just says, “if i did, would i keep coming back?”

bodyguard! sukuna who acts cold and distant during the day, but can’t sleep unless he knows you’re safe beside him.

he keeps the hotel door locked and a knife under the pillow. you wake up at 3 a.m. to find his arm draped over your waist and his face buried in your neck. he doesn’t say good morning. he just mutters, “next time, don’t leave the balcony open.”

bodyguard! sukuna who almost got caught making out with you in the surveillance room.

you were perched on his lap, legs around his waist, hands in his shirt—and when the radio crackled to life, you both froze. “...i’m heading to the west wing. anyone in there?” sukuna shoved you under the desk with one hand, and answered in the calmest voice you’d ever heard “room’s clear. just shadows.”

bodyguard! sukuna who lets you wear his jacket when it’s cold, even though he pretends to hate you.

“you’ll ruin my reputation,” he mutters as he shrugs it over your shoulders. “good,” you smile. “you don’t need one when you’re with me.”

bodyguard! sukuna who said “i’d kill for you” like a joke the first time, but meant it a little too much.

now every time someone threatens you—even with words—they tend to go missing within 72 hours. “coincidence,” he shrugs. but he always comes home with bruised knuckles and blood on his shirt.

bodyguard! sukuna who sees you cry once and completely malfunctions.

“who did it?” he demands, crouched in front of you, rage in his eyes and his hand resting gently on your knee. you shake your head, and he doesn’t push. he just takes your face in his palms and whispers, “you don’t cry alone, understand me? not while i’m still breathing.”

bodyguard! sukuna who hates being vulnerable but kissed you like it might be the last time after you were almost hurt.

“don’t scare me like that,” he said into your mouth. “i didn’t mean to,” you whispered. “doesn’t matter. you’re not allowed to die unless i say so.”

જ⁀✦ ©airybcby

✩ likes ✩ comments ✩ and reblogs are appreciated

✦ tags ✦ @nishinoyaismycutie ✦ @megumismyhusband✦ @luvlynabi ✦ @anqelkoz ✦ join the taglist here!! (forgot i had a taglist for this but!)

[maddiesentmehere118]

The Price of Love

Eddie Diaz x plus size! reader

Word Count: 1.4k

Warnings: hurt and comfort, misunderstandings, past trauma

Author's Notes: I will have a fluff one-shot with Eddie soon!

E. Diaz Taglist | Masterlist

The fight had started over something so small, so harmless that neither of you should have held onto the grudge. However, when two bull headed people get together and fight over something this petty, it feels like it becomes a challenge of who will break first. It’s something you both have been working on, but sometimes the old habit wiggles its way back in. 

You had picked Chris up from school the previous day while his dad was out running some errands. Tomorrow was Veterans Day, and Chris was already talking about wanting to do something for his dad. His hero.

You thought it’d be a nice gesture to have Chris pick something out for his Dad. He had worked so hard and sacrificed so much for Christopher and his family without a complaint. 

If you had known that this would cause an argument, you would’ve just stuck with the card he made at school. For their history lesson today, they made cards for a veteran they knew, and if they didn’t know one, it was going to be taken to the VA for someone else. 

Chris needed a new jacket, so you decided to hit two birds with one stone. You convinced him to pick out a Columbia fleece jacket so he could match with his dad, then he could pick out something small to go with it. 

You also splurged on yourself and got a jacket, but made sure to make it different. You didn’t want to take away from the special moment between Chris and his father, but Chris wanted you to get one too. 

For the two boys to get a two-tone navy and blue jacket, and yourself a purple jacket, along with a relaxing basket for him and Chris to enjoy, you spent close to $300, which wasn’t a problem because you made plenty of money nursing. 

However, you had stupidly left the receipt scrunched up on the counter, forgotten as you helped Chris wrap the presents that night. You would be giving it to him early, since both of you had to be at work early in the morning for your 12-hour shifts.

He was ecstatic to receive the gifts, so you thought. That was until Chris went to bed, and then you got the lecture from him. 

“Three hundred dollars? Are you trying to teach Chris that love means spending money?”

That was a low blow, even for Eddie. You were beyond infuriated. 

“It was his idea to get you a gift. He needed a new coat and he wanted to have a matching one with his dad!” You raised your voice, not too loud to wake Chris up, but just enough to show your irritation. “And he wanted to get stuff you could enjoy together when you were home. I let him pick whatever because you never get spoiled.”

“Oh, so you think that I couldn’t take my son to get a new coat?”

That was the last straw. You were seeing red, tears of anger threatening to spill over. 

“I never said that! But since you now have the receipt, feel free to return whatever you want and keep the money.”

You stormed off, grabbing your new coat and purse. You had mostly moved out of your apartment, thus your personal belongings were in the Diaz home. But you didn’t care at that moment. You needed to get out of there for the night. 

He had said your name, attempting to come after you. You swung around, sending him a glare. 

“Don’t worry. Next time I’ll approve my purchases with you, Dad.” You delivered the final blow, slamming the door on your way out. 

You slept well that night, only because you had cried yourself to sleep. Your eyes were dry all day, and you had to keep putting eye drops in during the shift. 

You had gotten one message from Eddie that morning. It was two simple words. 

I’m sorry.

You had gotten swamped at work early that morning and you still needed time to seethe. 

You’d planned to text him on your lunch break, but the day got away from you.  There wasn’t time to eat or take a breather.Patients kept coming. It was a miracle that you didn’t see the 118. 

6 o’clock finally rolled around, and you were sitting in the bathroom, taking a few moments to breathe. You could practically feel every cell in your feet as they throbbed. You forgot your good pair of shoes at the house and settled on some old ones in the apartment.

Then you opened your phone and realized that you hadn’t responded to Eddie’s text. Your heart dropped into your stomach, mind kicking into overdrive.

 Had you just made things worse by playing an accidental game of silent treatment?

You type out a quick text: I’m sorry, too. I honestly forgot to respond. We were so busy, I didn't even eat lunch.

You cut your time short in the bathroom, washing your hands and gathering your belongings to head out to your car. 

You jump out of your skin when somones pushes off the wall next to the exit. 

“Woah, hey, it’s just me. I didn’t mean to scare you!”

Eddie. 

Now that there’s no immediate danger, you clutch at your chest, taking a few deep breaths to steady yourself. He gently grabs you, pulling you out of the way of the doors.

“What the hell, Eddie! You can’t be doing that!”

“I know. I’m sorry. Let me walk you to your car?”

You nod, giving a small smile. You lead the way, his hand hovering on your lower back protectively. You subtly move closer, letting his arm wrap around your waist to pull you into him. His lips linger on your forehead.

“Cap let me leave an hour early. Said I was distracted all day. Overheard that I was a jackass to my girlfriend.”

Tilting your head up to look at him, you see that his face is etched with exhaustion. You’re not sure that he slept well last night.

“I didn’t mean it— to call you Dad and insinuate you tried to control my spending. I grew up with an unhealthy relationship with money, and I don’t like to be reminded that I don’t always make the best choices.”

“Hey.” He stops in the middle of the parking lot, pulling you to stand in front of him. “I’m the one who should be sorry. I really appreciate you and Chris’ thoughtfulness.”

A pair of headlights shines in your direction, so you resume the path towards your car, silence settling between you. 

Once you get to your car, you lean against the bumper to take some weight off of your feet. Eddie stands next to you. 

“I guess I’m not used to having someone take care of me. I’ve always been taking care of other people— my parents, Shannon, Chris. I forgot what it feels like, and I reacted negatively.”

You motion for him to get closer, standing up to cup his cheek. 

“I know, but you deserve it.” You purse your lips, running your tongue across the back of your teeth. “I’m sorry for storming off. That wasn’t any better than what you did. We’re both still learning, but as long as we’re in this together, we’ll make it work.”

He reaches down to lace your fingers together, pressing a soft kiss to your lips.  You rest your forehead on his, breathing in all that is Eddie. 

“Thank you for loving him— and me.”

“It’s not hard to love you both.” You peck his lips again. “Now can we go home? My feet are killing me.”

“Yeah, I remembered seeing your new shoes once I was halfway to work, or I would have brought them to you.”

“It’s okay. At least you thought of me.”

“I always do.” He stands up tall, helping you onto your feet. “Come on, lets get you food. Carla has Chris.”

“What are we going to eat?”

“You choose.” His fingers dig into your waist as you walk the short distance to his truck. “But... I'm going to have you for dessert.”

He wiggles his eyebrows, and you lightly shove him. 

It may not always be rainbows and butterflies—but this is real, and it’s yours. Love is rooted in growth and has its flaws. And as long as you have each other? That’s all that matters. 

[angel06babysworld]

I Blame the 6 Year Old

singledad!rafe x babysitter!reader

Chapter Eleven

╭┈┈⋆༺♡༻⋆┈┈╮

The rain had been steady all day. Not storming, not loud—just soft and constant, tapping against the windows and soaking the sidewalks until everything felt washed clean.

Inside, the house felt smaller. Warmer.

Ellie had been unusually quiet since breakfast. Not cold. Not angry. Just… quiet.

She wasn’t avoiding her, exactly. She still asked questions. Still handed over the remote during cartoons. Still offered half of her fruit snacks without being asked. But there was a difference in the way she looked at her now—longer glances. Like she was checking. Measuring. Waiting to see what would change.

She didn’t press.

Rafe gave her a soft look across the table around lunch, brushing his thumb across her knee under the table. Give her time.

So she did.

They painted in the afternoon—Ellie had asked, half-mumbling it while staring at the carpet—and she’d said yes immediately. They spread out across the living room floor, old newspapers layered beneath their feet, Ellie’s tiny hands already covered in purple streaks by the time they opened the second color.

“You made me a princess in this one,” she said, holding up a lopsided watercolor sketch.

“I made you a queen,” she corrected. “Look at the crown.”

Ellie tried not to smile. “Looks like a muffin.”

“That’s a powerful muffin.”

Rafe chuckled from the kitchen. “I’m not touching that one.”

By evening, Ellie’s usual chatter had returned—but something softer sat beneath it. Like she wasn’t just testing how things felt with her still there… but how it felt with all three of them in the same room.

The sun had barely set when Ellie climbed onto the couch and leaned into her side. “Are you going home?”

The question was quiet.

She blinked. “Did you want me to?”

Ellie shook her head immediately. “No. I just…” She fidgeted with her shirt sleeve. “I didn’t know if you had to.”

“No one’s making me leave.”

Ellie paused. Then said, even softer, “Would you stay?”

She turned to face her. “Tonight?”

Ellie nodded. “Only if you want to.”

She smiled. “I want to.”

Ellie let out a breath. A full one. Like her little body had been holding it in all day.

“Okay,” she said, sliding closer. “Can we do a movie night?”

“Of course.”

“With popcorn. And the caramel sprinkles.”

“Yes.”

“And no kissing.”

She laughed. “Definitely no kissing.”

“And we all have to sleep in the living room. It’s a rule.”

“I like your rules.”

When Rafe came back in, Ellie looked up at him with that same cautious hope. “We’re having a sleepover,” she said. “All three of us.”

He glanced at her, something soft passing between them. “Yeah?”

Ellie nodded, already pulling the big blanket off the back of the couch. ���But I’m picking the movie. And no scary stuff. And you both have to be here when I wake up.”

Rafe crouched in front of her. “We’re not going anywhere, El.”

She looked between them, almost serious. “Promise?”

“Promise,” they said at the same time.

And just like that, the quiet from earlier faded.

They made a nest out of blankets and pillows. Ellie picked a movie she’d seen a hundred times but still laughed at. Rafe didn’t protest when she poured half the caramel sprinkles directly into the popcorn bowl.

Somewhere during the second movie, Ellie fell asleep with her head in her lap.

Rafe was already half-dozing too, stretched out beside them, hand resting against her ankle.

She didn’t move. Didn’t breathe too loudly.

Because in that moment—with rain still pattering outside, the movie still playing, and both of them curled against her—she didn’t feel like the babysitter.

She felt like she belonged.

And when Ellie mumbled in her sleep, fingers reaching for hers and whispering her name like a comfort…

She knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.

tags: @amelialovesrafe @alyisdead @illumoria @blissfulbutterfliess @sydneysslove @sc04 @matthewswifeyy @meetmeintheemeraldpool @icversvoid @honeyinthesummer @dolli333 @lolabunnyworldss @sabrina-carpenter-stan-account @rafessbaby

[lesmiix]

hc for Hyun-ju confessing? I’m or out of games? Idk whatever sparks your interest ❤️

HEADCANON: Confession

Hyun-ju x g/n reader

Summary: How would Hyun-ju confess her feelings to you? (in the games and out of the games)

Warnings: None, just fluff.

a/n: English's not my first language, there may be some grammatical or orthography mistakes 😞

💗HYUN-JU REQUESTS ARE OPEN!!!💗

In the games:

You both met during red light green light, as you both helped a guy who was injured.

Since then, You've been together, talking about everything and nothing, being there and comforting each other when you were down.

You were the first person in that place that she admitted to that she was trans. And you being the first person to accept her only strengthened your relationship.

You used to sleep together, if it wasn't in the same bed, it would be in beds that were next to each other.

You once woke up in the middle of the night, and the urge to go to the bathroom kept you from sleeping, so you slowly got out of bed, not wanting to wake up Hyun-ju, who was sleeping next to you.

"Where are you going?" Her voice startled you a little.

"I have to use the bathroom"

She wouldn't let you go alone, afraid that someone would do something to you.

"I'll come with you".

You both were washing your hands, in a comfortable silence but as you looked at your reflection, you noticed the nervousness on Hyun-ju's face

"Hey Hyunnie, is everything alright?"

"Y/n... I have been thinking..." She softly muttered.

You looked at her, slightly confused.

"I think... I think I've started to fall in love with you. I know is not the right place or the right time, but... Seeing the circumstances, I guess is better to let you know." She let out a soft chuckle. "So it's okay if you don't feel the same, I don't want things to change between us." She looked onto the floor, a bit embarrassed, thinking what could be the worst thing you could answer.

Seeing that she didn't get any response from you, she turned her gaze to you, only to find you staring at her in disbelief.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have-" She started, anxiety starting to run through her body. You really found her really cute, so you didn't lose the chance and leaned in for a soft kiss.

"No no, Hyun-ju, it's okay, is just... I've never thought that you'd... like me back." You said nervously as you pulled back, not knowing how to react. Not knowing how she would react. "Actually, I've liked you too for a while now... I was trying to work up the courage to tell you."

That was the best night of your life.

Out of the games:

You and Hyun-ju have been friends for years now, since you two were kids. You had always been there for each other, even when she started her transition and her family kicked out of her house, you welcomed her into yours.

Those close interactions between you both, like you going to her bedroom at night, to ask her if you could sleep with her as you were scared of storms, watching movies on the couch, leaning on each other's shoulders and sharing the food made her star to develop other feelings for you.

One day she finally decided to tell you how she felt about you. So she decided to take you out for dinner to a nice restaurant.

You had an excellent dinner, the food was amazing and you had a very smooth and entertaining conversation. You really had a lot of fun that night.

You both decided to go for a walk, just to enjoy the breeze of the summer night.

You were walking on the beach, along the shore, the cold water crashing against your feet.

Suddenly you noticed how Hyun-ju held your hand. You didn't push her away, instead, you grabbed her hand firmly, enjoying the warmth.

"Thank you for today, Hyunnie" You said, smiling at her.

"Don't thank me, you've already done a lot for me, it's the least I can do." She let out a giggle. "You know, I really appreciate everything you've done for me these past few years... You know, with all that transition stuff, letting me stay at your house and making me feel loved every day." Her eyes met yours as she smiled back at you.

"Of course, pretty girl, I'm glad you feel that safe with me" She suddenly stopped the step.

"You don't understand, darling."

"Huh? What do you mean?" You innocently asked.

"I like you, y/n, I really do. I've done it for a while now." She shyly looked into your eyes, trying to read your reaction.

You were too shocked to react. Your body did the thinking before your brain could and you slowly leaned towards her, Your gaze lowering to her lips, and back to her eyes, searching for permission. Finally she closed the space between you.

a/n: I genuinely loved making this, I hope you liked these too!!

[lieslab]

The warmth in me is you

꘎♡━━━━━♡꘎ ꘎♡━━━━━♡꘎

Pairing: Changbin X gn reader

Summary: Your boyfriend decides to wake you up in the coldest way possible.

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 1.4K

A/N: I'm sorry for not updating a ton lately. I took some time off of writing because I just finished writing my full-length Hyunjin fic a few days ago. This one is shorter, but I'm going to go back to writing a little longer stuff and your requests soon <3

_ _ _

Hyunjin disappeared two nights ago. Booking a trip to another country for a brand deal, Changbin had the dorm alone. At least, he did until he invited you over to spend the weekend with him. 

In the comfort of his room, the tranquility of the fan humming on low. He couldn’t sleep without the white noise. You hated the cold, but you put up with it for him and for him alone. When he pushed the blankets aside, you dove in head first. 

Tucking yourself beneath the tangled warmth, you basked in his presence; the scent of spiced herbs and something alluding to pine. After balling yourself into the blankets and scooting to get comfortable, you’d curl up next to his body. He’d grumble about your warmth, but you’d shush him. Insisting he enjoyed your sudden presence, he’d huff and roll his eyes, but he did. 

He wouldn’t admit it. He put up this fake act for far too long. On the outside, it looked like he wasn’t thrilled about your presence, but you knew he loved it deep down. Why else would he wrap his arm around your body and pull you closer? Warm or not, he loved the evenings just as much as you did. 

Before eight in the morning, he left you alone. Without his body, you tossed and turned in the bed. Your arms outstretched and your limbs spread in every direction. Whether it was on your stomach and turned diagonal on the king-sized bed or upside down, your body changed directions all the time. Unaware and sound asleep, your limbs had a mind of their own. 

Outside, winter weather clouded the skies. Today? A chance of flurries. You complained about it last night during the winter storm. Hours slipped by and as they did, more and more snow built up outside. 

A blanket of white covered the dead grass. Silent and large flakes drifted. The added gusts of wind sent it in every direction. People tucked in the safety of their vehicles struggled to see. Forecasters sent out warnings. Your phone vibrated every so often with new announcements. 

The entire time, you complained. The freezing cold air, dry nasal cavities, the chapped lips, you hated all of it. Winter wonderland left you grumpy and unhappy. Changbin tried to get you to enjoy bits and pieces of it, but it didn’t really work. 

Your hands and feet grew sensitive to the temperature as you aged. As silly as it sounded, you swore your body aged faster than others. In such cold weather, your joints ached and your back hurt. No matter how many layers you bundled up in, you couldn’t stay warm. Most days, you avoided the outdoors and wicked weather when you could. 

Changbin, on the other hand, found nostalgia in snow. It reminded him of being a kid again. Back when his mom forced him into a snowsuit, thick gloves, a protective hat, and a scarf. He chased after his older sister, nearly falling over the thick insulated neon pants built into his snowsuit. 

When he fell victim to his snow boots and tripped, he hit the snow hard.  Face first, he’d jerk upright with red cheeks and wide eyes. Snow dusted his eyebrows and clung to his eyelashes. His sister pointed and laughed. In the distance, his mother would tell him to get up and brush off the snow. Amusement laced her voice and she could never stop herself from pulling out the digital camera to capture the moments. 

Those memories sat back at home. Perched on his mother’s bookshelf, leather bound album-after-album sat with photos of the family. From elementary school days to high school graduation and beyond, his mother took photos of everything. 

Changbin disappeared outside to peek at the snow. It took him a few moments to shove open the front door. Last night, the wind pushed a large snow drift against it. When he pushed open the door, he gasped at all the snow before him. 

Clad in a black t-shirt and plaid pajama pants, a hand flew to his mouth. His head jerked back to the hall, the direction of his bedroom where you slept. His eyes went back to the snow. Part of him wanted to keep the peace, but mischief bumped at his hip. 

He finally slowly shut the door and worked quickly. He grabbed his winter boots and yours. Back in the bedroom, he wiggled your sleeping form into your winter boots and squirmed into his own. When you jerked awake, no doubt you’d be pissed off, but he couldn’t help it. 

You looked so cute when you grew upset. Your eyebrows furrowed and your lips poked out. Your glare would be as cold as the winter weather, but he’d manage. Your forgiveness could be swayed with warm cuddles and soup. 

Sound asleep, you remained unaware of the icy horror awaiting you. As quietly as he could, Changbin scooped his burly arms beneath your warm body. Further and further, he took you from your warmth and headed outside. 

In the safety of the white weather, he stepped from the dorm, walked a few feet outside, picked the largest snowbank, and let go of your body. A cheesy grin filled his face, he held his breath, and then- 

“AH!” 

You shrieked and jerked upright. Cold snow soaked your pants and your t-shirt. Your legs kicked and your arms scrambled. Snow sat in every direction. Changbin’s mischievous giggle filled your ears from behind. 

Soaking through your skin, the cold weather hit your bones instantly. You scrambled to get up, arms flinging in every direction. The stinging snow painted you freezing. Your body jerked upright and you pushed yourself to unsteady feet. 

“Seo Changbin!” 

“Uh-oh.” 

“I’m going to kill you!” 

“Nuh-uh! You love me too much for that.” He cooed and pressed his thumb and index finger into a heart. Desperate aeygo shot your way, but it did nothing to settle the anger building in your bones. His cheeks poked out, his finger pressed against the side of his face. As cringy as it was, it softened your heart, but not today. 

His cuteness ended with a handful of splattered snow to his face. Between the sudden silence and shock, more laughter filled the air. He cried out and pawed at his face. The past and present collided. The difference between fifteen years flicked between boyhood and growing into a man. 

“That was mean!” 

“You started it!” 

He grabbed a fist full of snow and whirled it your way. You shrieked and dodged, falling into another pile of snow in the process. The quiet morning shattered with bickering and cries from cold snow. 

When the two of you finished antagonizing one another five minutes later, you couldn’t breathe. Your lungs ached and compressed from the cold. The warmth of your skin faded. Bright red discoloration smeared along your cheeks and the tip of your nose. Across from you, Changbin’s face matched. 

“I-” You sucked in a deep breath. “I give up. It’s t-too cold to continue and I-” 

“I can’t feel my fingers.” 

“Me neither.” 

“Let’s go!” He hurried over, grabbed your waist, and hauled you over his shoulders. You shrieked and he giggled again. No matter the time or the place, he loved to show off. 

Picking you up and slinging you over his shoulder with ease, it was his favorite thing to do. Showing off his strength felt so special to him. Not everyone could carry their significant other with ease. Usually, you’d beg for him to put you down, but today you didn’t. 

Your body fell over his shoulder, limp and defeated. The cold air frosts your lungs. Puffs of warm air drifted into the sky and blended into the snow. 

Back inside, he stomped his feet on the inside rug. Chunks of snow fell off his boots. As he kicked off his, you shoved your feet together and kicked yours off, too. Your boots hit the ground and bounced in two different directions. Once they were off, your head slumped over his shoulder. 

“I’m never going to be warm again,” you mumbled. 

“Oh, you poor thing. Binnie’s got you, don’t worry. We’re going to go take a hot shower. When we’re finished, I’ll make you hot chocolate.” 

“Can I cuddle you?” 

“If it’ll make you feel better, yeah.” 

“I’m going to crawl into your muscles and live there forever.” 

“Do not.” 

“You can’t stop me.” 

“I’ll throw you in the snow again.” 

“Seo Changbin!” 

“Hey, don’t test me!” 

The two of you bickered all the way to the shower; despite the freezing cold feeling lacing your body, he still made your heart feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

| ♡.﹀﹀﹀﹀.♡ | ♡.﹀﹀﹀﹀.♡ | ♡.﹀﹀﹀﹀.♡ |

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Ko-fi

[magicalqueennightmare]

Movie Night

John Walker x Mutant Reader (nicknamed Nyx due to mutation being the ability to control shadows)

A bad storm ends in an impromptu movie night between you and John

The first loud rumble was enough to wake John up out of a dead sleep. He hated thunderstorms. It sounded too much like bad memories, stirred up too much stuff in his head. Another loud rumble crackled and he flinched despite himself.

What a man he was, afraid of a little storm. After a while of sitting there, covering his ears and trying desperately to ignore it, he realized he forgot his headphones in the common area so he tossed his blanket off his legs so he could go in search of them. The hope was maybe just maybe the noise cancelling would work enough so he could forget the slight shake to the tower from the force of the storm raging outside.

He stepped into the hallway and walked through the empty corridors. The wind whistled by the tower, the rain pelting the window in torrents. Out here the sound of the thunder was even worse. Did it effect Bucky like this or did the years of torture Hydra forced on him dull the effects of war?

Not like he was going to ask him. Their relationship wasn’t exactly to the point of sharing gory details of the time they’d both spent serving in the army, different wars but same hell. He tried to steer clear of any conversation along that line with any of the team. No one really cared to see his side of anything, not that he blamed them. He’d done so much wrong but now? Now it was like everything he’d endured was for nothing. His record wiped as if he’d never served. He at least had the knowledge of the hostages he’d saved. That was one thing he knew he’d done right. Those days with Lemar at his side.

He walked into the common area and spotted his headphones on the coffee table so he plucked them up and was about to head back to bed, flinching when a particularly loud crash sounded from the storm when you walked around the corner and froze. “Oh, hey John” 

You had ventured out of your room to refill your water bottle and were headed back when you turned the corner and John was standing there. You hadn’t missed the flinch from the soldier when a loud crash of thunder had sounded. Guilt washed over you because you loved when it stormed. You found it peaceful. Christ it must be hell for him. You’d never even considered it, you could have used your shadows to somewhat muffle the sounds from his room, make it a bit more bearable.

“Hey sweetheart” he greeted after a moment. You waved your bottle of water towards the window “Hell of a storm huh?” he scoffed “Yeah, hell is a word for it” he looked back at you “Sorry. I know you like this weather” you shrugged “I um I was gonna watch some movies. There’s some cheesy horror movie marathon on. Want to keep me company?”

John stood there for a moment staring at you. Were you taking pity on him or just offering? After a moment when you hadn’t flinched or rescinded the invitation he shrugged “Sure” you smiled brightly “Ok then, come on” you walked closer to him and about the time you grabbed his hand another loud rumble of thunder went through the air and he knew you felt the slight tremble. He expected you to tease him but instead your hand tightened around him “You know I’m normally wide awake during storms and I love company” you spoke as you pulled him behind you towards your room.

John followed you and felt almost like a stray dog someone found sniffing for scraps. You pushed open your door and tugged him inside “Bed is all ready, it’s stacked with pillows and blankets” 

He stopped just inside your door while you walked over, adjusting the pile of pillows you’d made for yourself to accommodate two. “You sure I’m not intruding?” he asked and you looked over your shoulder at him “I wouldn’t have asked”

You climbed onto the bed and patted the spot next to you. He walked over and sat down, a crash of thunder causing you to click the tv on and shoot him a smile “Let’s get it started”

The storm kept raging but little by little he found himself relaxing. He realized the storm was quieting and the corners of the room were getting darker at the same time.  He cut his eyes down at you as you shifted closer to him, a small yawn escaping you. “You good honey?” you nodded “I’m fine” you motioned to the screen “I’m actually not too big of a fan of this movie however, the dude is a little too freaky”

He started laughing “Oh come on, you could kick his ass five times over without even using your shadows” you shrugged “But he gives me the creeps” he shook his head and lifted his arm “Come on sweetheart. I’ll protect ya” you rolled your eyes but shimmied closer to him, laying your head on his chest “Thank you John” he pressed a soft kiss to your hairline “Yeah, thank you too”  “What for?” you asked quietly and he chuckled “I know you’re staying awake until the storm passes to keep the sounds muted. No one has ever done anything like that for me” 

You cut your eyes up at him with a smile “If I can help make anything in your life more bearable I’m going to try John. You’re not as big of an asshole as you give yourself credit for. My door is always open for you” then laid your head down on his chest, eyes returning to the screen. 

After a moment of the only noise filling the room being the sounds of the man screaming as he was slaughtered on the tv you added teasingly “You’re a decent kisser too” he shook his head “Good to know Nyx, good to know and just so you know my door is always open for you too” 

Maybe just maybe he could learn to like storms after all or at least tolerate them if they meant movie nights with you in his arms. 

In It Together

[nemumiruku]

tw: non-con, 3P, double penetration, hypnosis (bewitching branch stuffs),...

wc: 1.8k

Hilo, this was supposed to be shorter but i got carried. Anyways, enjoy the sandwich.

Wylder and Ironeye sure have a soft spot for meek maidens, someone obedient enough to never say no, even when her life’s dangling by a thread. Someone lovely, submissive. Someone like you.

You’ve been in their care since you arrived at the Shrouded Hold. They’re a powerful pair, no question. But the way they treat you…it can be a bit overwhelming.

It’s neither harsh nor anything straight up from hell. It’s just that on some days, they make you feel like a fool whenever the three of you head out on expeditions.

Perhaps it’s because you were new to the Hold, and there are always so many things to learn about. Remembering all the churches’ locations could be challenging, and you would always get lost. You couldn’t even break a single rises’ contraptions while others did it so effortlessly. And when enemies were stronger than you, you couldn’t help trembling like a leaf during a cold storm.

It was exhausting. You always thought you were a failure. Yet, giving up was never your intention. Like any other Night Farers, you want to stop the Night as much as you want to go home.

That’s why Ironeye and Wylder are there to take care of you. Whether you wanted to or not.

Ironeye’s a mature, sharp, and deeply unreadable man. He doesn’t talk unless there’s something worth saying, and he doesn’t entertain anything that drifts too close to sentiment. He's the most experienced in the Shrouded Hold, so everyone respects him. Even though the way he treats you feels kind of humiliating at certain times, you've never once overlooked what he has to say.

As for Wylder, he's got that soft-spoken, steady kind of warmth. The kind that settles deep in your bones and makes you feel safe. Big hands, soft voice, and a kind heart, even though he's a little overbearing sometimes. Since you're new to this place, he always ensures you eat and sleep well. He even double-checks your gear three times pre-expeditions and always walks behind you.

But whenever you’re paired with those two, it always leads to something else. You see, they both have this look in their eyes that is a little bit hard to read. The kind that always seems like they're up to something.

Like that time Wylder held out a strange, delicate branch and asked if it smelled like anything. You leaned in, trusting, and perhaps merely curious.

And then everything went quiet.

The moment your nose brushed the bloom, your expression shifted—subtle, but unmistakable. Your body didn’t crumple but stayed upright. However, your eyes lost all focus, going glassy and hollow. Your lips parted, like you were about to speak, but no sound followed. Just silence.

A crushing guilt followed Wylder almost instantly. He hadn’t expected Ironeye to take things this far or himself to go along with it. But the temptation…the raw, terrible thrill of having control over you, of watching your will slip away under his touch—it was harder to resist than he’d ever admit.

You looked so heartbreakingly beautiful sprawled on the ground like that, vacant eyes fixed on the air with lips slightly parted. Completely docile, and theirs to admire.

The moment Ironeye gave the quiet order for you to undress, Wylder told himself it was harmless. You’d forget, the branch would wipe everything clean once it's done messing with your mind.

So when his trembling hands cupped your soft breasts for the first time, his heart thundered violently against his ribs. Not just from desire, but from fear. A hollow, suffocating fear that you’d suddenly blink and wake up from it.

It was never wrong of him to desire you this badly. The green assassin might have a fleeting interest in you, but Wylder's in for the long run.

He stood frozen, his breath caught in his throat as Ironeye stepped forward, his gloved fingers curling beneath your chin. With casual confidence, the green assassin tilted your head up and leaned in, claiming your lips with a kiss that was anything but gentle.

It was slow at first. Then it deepened, possessive and wet, tongues sliding together with obscene familiarity. You didn’t respond, you couldn’t. You just stood there, lips parted, your breath hitching only slightly as Ironeye devoured you like he had every right.

Wylder’s fists clenched at his sides. He watched as Ironeye’s hand crept to the back of your neck, holding you in place, mouth moving hungrily against yours. The soft, involuntary sounds escaping your throat lit a dangerous fire in Wylder’s gut.

You were so still. So pliant. So unbearably beautiful in your trance, like a doll being toyed by wolves.

Ironeye’s lips barely left yours when he spoke, his voice low and laced with control. “Help him out of those,” he murmured, eyes flicking toward Wylder, whose breath caught at the order.

You turned slowly, dreamlike. Your fingers moved to the ties of Wylder’s braies, delicate and careful, brushing against the warm skin beneath. He sucked in a breath, his body tensing as he watched you kneel without hesitation.

You emotionlessly took Wylder's cock in your hand and began to have your way with it when the assassin ordered you to. Tender fingers moved in fluid strokes, rhythm steady and uncaring. The lewdity made Wylder shudder as his hips twitched, his jaw clenched. He’s pushing himself to not lose it completely under the dead calm of your gaze.

Ironeye loomed behind you, silent now, save for the slow exhale that ghosted across the back of your neck. Such a devil he was.

Without a care in the world, you lowered your head. The blunt press of your mouth landed on Wylder's tip, parting slowly around him as you took him in.

“Hahh—god—” the poor man's body jerked, a strangled breath bursting from him.

You swallowed him deeper, unblinking. Wylder groaned. His hands trembled at his sides, to hold, to worship or to be. But you didn’t offer comfort. You just kept moving, wet sounds rising between your lips and his helpless gasps, your jaw working him in and out like a marionette built for this exact task.

It didn't take long for him to come all over your face. Thick, smoldering white matter spilled across your face in hot streaks, like the last stroke to an unfinished painting.

Wylder's release was sudden, but your expression remained the same. Eyes half-lidded, lips parted, not even a blink to mark the moment. You just stared past him, still and bare, lost in that strange quiet spell the Bewitching Branch had folded around you.

From behind, Ironeye drank the scene in like fine wine with arms crossed. Something in the way your blank gaze looked back at him whenever he ordered you around, just scratch him so damn right it made his pants tight. And to think someone like Wylder would agree to such a thing, the Night's probably going to end tomorrow.

No longer being modest, Wylder’s fingers curled tighter, guiding you gently, chest to chest as he lay down and pulled you with him. His cock, still stiff with the aftermath, found your soaked entrance without resistance. He pushed in with a groan, eyes fluttering shut behind his helm as you sank down, slow and seamless, your cunt gripping him like you were made for this.

You didn’t move on your own. Your body folded easily into place, resting atop him with arms loose at his sides, legs parted without tension, and mind blanked as his hips began to thrust up. Hard. Rhythmic. Desperate.

Wylder gasped, hands at your waist, steadying you, controlling your motion as he pounded up into you. Your breath came soft and shallow through parted lips, but your eyes didn’t focus, your limbs stayed limp, bouncing with every thrust but never responding.

“F-fuck, she’s…,” Wylder gasped, hands at your waist, controlling your motion as he pounded up into you.

The man nearly died as your tits bounced with every thrust. It also scared him a little bit because your body's starting to respond, but at the same time, the thrill's keeping him alive.

Then Ironeye was there, looming behind, one hand sliding between your cheeks, the other gripping your shoulder, steadying you as he guided his cock to your other virginal entrance. Thick and unrelenting, the tight heat of your ass stretching around him with no resistance.

Your body rocked between them now. With Wylder buried in your cunt, hips slamming upward in quick, frantic bursts. And Ironeye grinding deeper from behind, fucking you slow and heavy, every thrust felt like a deliberate claim. Everything felt unreal.

Your walls suddenly fluttered, clenching without you realizing, taking both men at once, so full you could barely be moved without feeling them pulse inside you.

Then you were still, as ever, fingers curling uselessly against Wylder’s chest as your body wouldn’t stop moving. Filled to the brim again and again as you were, their rhythm never faltered. One cock grinding deep in your cunt, hot and fast, while the other pressed relentless into your ass, thicker, slower, claiming every inch of your body.

The heat inside you had built without warning, rising from somewhere far away, like a thread pulled too tight. Until something cracked.

Your pussy clenched hard, pulsing spasms rippling around Wylder’s cock with slick gushing out in sudden waves, soaking your thighs, his stomach, and dripping down to where Ironeye slammed in from behind.

Your body writhed not by will, but by reflex, hips twitching, muscles trembling with release even as your mind stayed fogged, trapped behind the wall of that trance. Your orgasm tore through you like a whisper caught in a hurricane.

It didn’t feel real. It's as if your skin belonged to someone else, as if your limbs were a puppet’s. Your eyes stayed open, lashes heavy with sweat, lips parted just slightly. You couldn’t move or speak.

The only sign of your climax was the way your cunt twitched, still leaking, gripping Wylder so tight he groaned with each thrust, teeth sunk into your neck. Ironeye just kept going, fucking you like he was pushing the trance deeper, each motion cruel.

Half-awake, half-dreaming, you were locked there, floating in that fragile space between sensation and thought, like sleep paralysis.

In a moment, your mind was yours as you couldn't believe what you were seeing and feeling right then. You couldn't help but pray that it's just a twisted dream, a dream so bad that once you wake up, you don’t think you’ll look at them the same anymore.

Until you're completely out of it again, eyes blank and mind hazy with cold sweat, body soft and pliant again under their hands as they had their way with you.

The Bewitching Branch might be the most useless thing ever agaisnt non-human mobs. But it surely is something else on cute maidens like you.

[raya-hunter01]

Not My Sister's Keeper Pt. 13 Final

Not My Sister’s Keeper

Jey Uso X OC (Kayla)

Roman X OC(Regina)

Rating: 18+

Warning: Smut; sex, fluff, couple arguing, Jealousy, infidelity, pregnancy

Roamn’s wife recently left medical school and returned home to save her marriage. Upon her return, she finds out things are not what they seem. Her sister is pregnant by her best friend Jey Uso, who is also Roman’s cousin, and her husband is acting suspiciously.

What happens when a conversation overhead on a baby monitor blows her world apart?

Five Months Later

Rebecca’s House

Rebecca’s POV

“Sweetie I’m just glad you agreed to come over to help me cook thanksgiving dinner.”

“I know you trying mama and I’m going to try to meet you halfway.” Kara said with a tired sigh rubbing her belly.

“Wait were you using the bathroom?” I asked seeing the shower in the background.

“Yes, the baby keeps sitting on my bladder and I’m peeing constantly,” Kara moaned washing her hands.

“I guess I didn’t help calling you at 7:00 a.m.,” I joked as Kara genuinely smiled.

“It’s no problem, I be up with the chickens these days trying to get comfortable.”

“It will end soon enough and then you’re going to be tired from lack of sleep.”

“I can’t wait either.”

My daughter was going to be an amazing mother. “Uh, is Josh still leaving later on today?”

“Yea, he’s gotta film some stuff but he will back tomorrow night in time for thanksgiving. Tani is going to drop me off at your house and come back and get me when I’m ready.”

“Well, that’s nice of her, I know how I ain’t on her list of people she likes.”

“Karbug, who on the phone?” I heard Jey asked as I chuckled seeing Kara turn the camera on him.

“Hey, Josh sorry to wake ya’ll up so early.”

“Nah, you good I got to get up soon anyway,” he said waving at me.

 “I know ya’ll want to spend a little more time together, so I’ll let you go. I love you, Kara and be safe coming out in this weather.”

“I love you too mama, and I will. See you a little later.”

“I felt joyful, I had my baby back and was about to become a grandma again. While fixing breakfast for Logan, our local news alert interrupted my favorite morning show. “What the hell goin’ on now in the middle of a fucking hurricane.”

Channel 10 news

“I am April, and this is Channel 10 news. Early this morning before daybreak we’ve been told three inmates escaped the Pensacola Women’s State Prison. A security breach occurred, and caused the prison to go into lockdown, but three prisoners managed to bypass the system and count of inmates.”

“Oh my god,” I gasped in shock…This isn’t happening…Not now.

“Through an emergency investigation it was discovered Taylor Green, a newly hired guard was having sexual encounters with the three women. In exchange for the sexual encounters, Green helped the inmates escape.”

“Lord, please don’t let it be her...Don’t let it be her.”

“As of 7:00 a.m. two of the women have been captured but Tia Morris is still at large and is armed and dangerous. Please be safe everyone and if you have any information, please call 911.”

“Tia…What are you doin’?”

Cutting the TV off, I rushed to check the doors to make sure everything was locked and secure.  The storm raged outside and within me as I rushed upstairs to check on Logan.

 I signed in relief seeing her still asleep. Gently kissing her forehead, I then went and checked the rest of the upstairs before going back downstairs.

“Calm down Rebecca, she probably on the road trying to get the hell outta town. Your safe and Logan is safe,” I whispered trying to calm down but deep down I felt something bad was going to happen.

--------

-Jey’s & Kara’s House

Jey’s POV

These last five months had been a dream, and it was getting harder and harder to leave Kara. She had been traveling with me some during her pregnancy, I even bought us a bus. I wanted her to be as comfortable as possible when she was with me.

She had been doing great up until these last two months though. Our son or daughter was determined to make his or her arrival early. We had been spending a lot of time at the hospital lately stopping her labor.

 Then the baby, won’t cooperate at all during the ultrasounds so we still don’t know if we’re having a boy or a girl. We don’t care though as long as he or she is healthy.

“Jey, we will be fine, you’re coming back tomorrow night.”

“I don’t want to leave ya’ll though,” I said kissing Kara’s belly. The storm raging outside making even harder to leave. I wanted to stay home in this bed with my wife.

“Well daddy, you gotta go so you can film. Then you get to come home and be with us for the next nine weeks.”

Damn right I was, my mom was going to stay with us, but I wanted to be home to be with Kara and the baby. I was going into a feud with the new bloodline so we were going to film some stuff that would air over the next two months. Then when I come back, I will be rejoining Roman and Jimmy to reunite the original bloodline.

“Doody, you heard me?” Kara said running her fingers through my hair.

“Yea, I heard you baby. I know I gotta go, but I don’t like it.”

“We will be fine, I promise.”

 “Hey, I’mma need you to stay in mama’s belly while I’m gone kid. No hospital visits, please.”

“I know right, these hospital visits with these contractions ain’t been no joke but I haven’t had any for two weeks.”

 Feeling a strong kick, I smiled and kissed her stomach. “I will take that kick as you telling yo’ daddy you gon’ be good,” I chuckled getting up and grabbing my bag.

“Let me get up-” gently pushing her back against her pillow, I shook my head.

“Nope….. Stay there, Ma will be here soon.” Leaning over to kiss her I knew I had to leave now, or I wouldn’t. “Fine, I’ll sleep a little longer,” she whispered against my lips. “Thank you for your cooperation, Ma.”

I suddenly had a nagging feeling, but I don’t want to scare her. It probably was me just not wanting to leave her.

“Be safe, we love you, daddy.”

“I love ya’ll too, and I’ll be back soon.”

Walking out of our bedroom I looked back one last time at my family quickly taking my phone out and snapping a picture of Kara laying in bed her belly on full display.

“Bye, Josh.”

“Ok, I’m gone…Love ya’ll.”

“We love you too!”

I felt like I should have stayed but I tried to push down the feeling that I was making a big mistake leaving.

---

Two hours Later

Kara’s Parents House

Rebecca’s POV

Still no updates on Tia but the prison assured me they were looking everywhere but told me to stay put. I tried to call Kara but no answer, I even called their house phone. It was best if she just stayed home and didn’t come over. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to her or the baby. “Come on Josh, pick up.”

“This is josh, you know what to do. Leave it at the beep..Yeet.”

“Josh, its Rebecca. I’ve tried to get Kara on the phone, but she isn’t picking up. Tia has escaped and they can’t find her, don’t leave the house or if you have go back!”  

CRASH

“Oh my god, No! Logan, sweetie, are you ok?!” I yelled running upstairs. Peeking in on her again I saw her still sound asleep. What the hell is going on?

Once again, I cautiously headed to check out my room.  As I opened the door, I heard a loud bang followed by a sharp pain shot through my stomach.

Tia’s POV

That was so easy, I didn’t think it would be this simple. “I told you that you’d be sorry.” I didn’t want to hurt my mother, all she had to do was listen and help me. She turned her back on me so as far as I’m concerned she’s collateral damage.

T-T-Tia, don’t h- hurt the baby,” my mother cried collapsing to the floor in pain. Not a care in the world about her own self.

“I would never ever hurt her; she’s coming with me.” I couldn’t leave without her; she was my ticket to getting what I needed out of Roman.

As my mother lay gasping for breath, I grabbed her cellphone as she tried to reach for it.

“Oh, you want help? Well, go find the phone,” I said throwing it out of the room as she sobbed in defeat. Just as I was about to go get Logan I heard the front door open.

“Ma, you ok? My phone is acting up and I saw I had some missed calls. Tani dropped me off and went to run a quick errand but will be back in a bit to take me to Verizon. I swear Jey will lose his mind if he can’t get in touch with me,” Kara rambled as she walked around downstairs looking for mama.  I couldn’t believe my luck right now.

“Oh, this is too good. I swear God loves me,” I chuckled as my mother lay gasping for breath pulling at my legs.” N- No, T- Tia.”

“Get off me,” I hissed kicking as I heard Kara coming up the stairs. “Ma, Logan, ya’ll ok?”  

I heard her go into Logan’s room down the hall. “Yea, come on in here next bitch, I got a surprise for you.” I could practically smell the worry on her from down the hall and I loved it.

All I had to do was wait for her to come down here to check on mama.

Kara’s POV

“Logan,” I whispered shaking her a little as she moaned opening her eyes. “Tee Tee, you here,” her tiny innocent voice said stretching her arms out wide.

“Yea, sweetie it’s me. I need you to get up ok, but don’t make a sound.” Making that statement alone in a mere whisper seemed to wake her up as she nodded, giving me a hug.

“Mommy here?” her tiny voice asked with worry as I nodded, holding her close. “Yea, I think so, and I need to get you out of here. Remember what we practiced?” I asked as she nodded.

“I run to Ms. Ruby house, her light on.” She whispered rubbing her tired eyes. “Yes, that’s right pretty girl, her outside porch light will be on and she will get some help for us.”

“I scared Tee Tee.” Logan cried, my heart breaking. Logan was an innocent child who didn’t deserve any of this mess.

“I know baby, but I got you and I’m not gonna let anything happen to you.” I felt helpless, that we had to teach a four-year-old how to run for help but thank God she was smart and understood.

Tia thought she was smart but the eerie silence when I came in and seeing mom’s phone laying in the hall. I knew something was up and I knew we needed help.

“I left the front door open, and when I go down the hall, I want you to tip toe down the steps, try not to make a noise. Once you get to the front door start runnin’ and don’t stop till you get to Ms. Ruby’s house, ok?”

“Tee Tee come wit me?”

“No baby I can’t run, I’d never make it. That’s why I need your help and no matter what, don’t look back or stop running until you get there. Tell her grandma is hurt and we need help.”

The fear in her tiny face broke my heart but I had to be remain calm on the the outside, inside I was losing it. After I put on her shoes and coat she once again wrapped her tiny arms around me. “I love you Tee Tee Kara.”

“I love you too baby, I want you to always remember that.”

Putting her hood on I took a breath, trying to dial 911 once again but to no avial.. we had no choice it was now or never. As I left her room, I signaled for her to go downstair. Seeing her follow my directions as she tip toed down the steps, I had a hard time controlling my tears.

“Logan, try to get dressed and I will look for grandma sweetie,” I said closing her door. Glancing over the rail, I saw she was finally at the front door. She quickly turned on the porch light and glanced back up at me.

Her tiny face filled with determination as she nodded at me and took off running as fast as her little legs would allow. “Thank God,” I whispered thankful she had escaped.

 Slowly going down the hall I could see Tia’s reflection in the huge hall mirror that was adjacent to my mother’s room. There she was standing in our mother’s room with a gun. I  felt my heart drop hearing my mother crying in pain.

“Run! Kara, get Logan and run!” My mother screamed as I took off back downstairs trying not to fall.

“Uh, not now ,” I cried feeling a sharp pain shot through my stomach. “Not yet please, just give mama a little time,” I pleaded looking for my dad’s gun.

“Looking for daddy’s gun Kara?” Tia’s cold voice sending chills down my spine. It was either me or her and in this moment and I will do anything to keep my child safe, even if it means killing my own sister.

Logan’s POV

I was tired but I couldn’t stop running. Ms. Ruby house was close, I just had to keep running.  “Ms. Ruby!” I cried finally seeing the blue house with the front porch light on. “Ms. Rubby help!” I cried knocking and kicking her door trying to make sure she heard me.

I ran into her arms the minute the door opened. “Ted, call 911 Tia’s at Rebecca’s!” she yelled as I continued to cry. “Please help my grammy and Tee Tee.”

“We’re getting help sweetie, you did so good our sweet girl,” Ms. Ruby whispered, holding me close as I cried.  

Ruby’s POV

“You ok, I got you, sweet girl,” I reassured Logan carrying her inside as my son called the police. “The lines are busy; the hurricane is messing with towers and phone lines.”

 “Keep trying Ted!” I screamed as he nodded once again trying to get help.

“Finally! Yes, we need the police and an ambulance at 1254 Greer Road. Tia Morris, an inmate that escape earlier this morning is there and is dangerous. She has two hostages.”

“I want my daddy,” Logan cried as I pulled out my cell and tried to dial Roman and after a couple of times my phone finally dialed through.

“Hey, Ms. Neslon-”

“Roman have ya’ll left yet?”

“Uh, no we are grounded at the airport until the weather slacks off, is everything ok?”

“Roman, Tia has escaped and is at Rebecca’s.”

“Logan-”

“Roman, she got out, but Kara and Rebecca are still in the house with Tia. Rebecca is hurt from what Logan is telling me.”

Putting the phone on speaker I continued to comfort Logan. “Logan, your daddy is on the phone.” Her tiny head perking up at the new information.

“Daddy, she hurt grammy,” she cried as I could hear the worry and relief in Roman’s voice.

“Daddy’s coming my baby, we are so proud of you.”

“Tee Tee help me runway,” she cried as I could hear Roman crying. “Grammy and Tee Tee Kara are going to be ok. I promise.”

Jimmy’s POV

“What you talkin’ bout Uce?” Jey asked hearing Kara’s name. “Daddy loves you and we are on the way to you.” Roman said in a panic hanging up the phone.

“Kevin, get the car back up here we need to get off this plane!” Roman yelled as I felt the room starting to spin.

“Stop and tell us what the fuck is going on!” Jey demanded as Roman wiped his tears. “Tia has Kara and Rebecca hostage. Logan ran to get help, and they have the ambulance and police on the way.”

“Kara…My Kara?” Jey asked in disbelief reaching for his phone as I placed my hand on my shoulder. “She’s gon’ be ok, they both are,” I tried to reassure him.

“Roman, call Regina and warn her,” I advised trying not to freak out as Jey kept redialing Kara’s phone, the color draining from his face each time he got a busy signal or no answer at all.

“Regina it’s me baby, I need you to listen to me carefully.”

Jey’s POV

“We gotta get there!” I yelled pulling away from Jimmy and grabbing my coat. I had to get to my wife, this isn’t happening right now.

“No, I want you to stay at the house and lock everything up. Logan is ok with Ms. Nelson. I don’t need you in any danger, Tia is insane.” “Jimmy, have you heard from Trin? I know she was supposed to help Kara and Rebecca with the food today.” I asked, the realization hitting him hard that Trin was once again in danger of being hurt because of Tia.

The silence as we all tried to call our loved ones frustrating us more and more by the second as each call was met with a busy signal or no answer.

“Pick up, pick up Trin,” he whispered dialing her number again.

“Come on baby, pick up please.” I pleaded. Damn it, where is the fucking car? I kept trying to call Kara but no luck.  I even took a chance calling Rebecca’s house phone.

 “Fuck!” I screamed getting a busy signal, but I kept calling as we made our way to the car.

“Please keep them safe.”

I knew I should have followed my first mind and not even left. The darkness, wind and rain were a blessing in disguise, and I was thankful we were still here when Ms. Nelson called.

“I knew one thing, I was going to Kill her…I was going to kill Tia if Trin didn’t beat me to it.

Rebecca’s house

Trin’s POV

Whoo, I made it. I had gone to the store to get a few more things to help make dinner for tomorrow. I even ran into Tani and told her I would take Kara later on to get her phone looked at and for her to just go home and get out of this weather.

 Hell, I really believe it’s just the weather messing with the towers. After the weather passes, I think we will be good.

“Why the hell is the front door open?” I muttered. “Kara where you at?  I saw Tani at the store and told her that she could go home,” I said walking in and placing the groceries on the counter in the kitchen.

“Trinity, we good, just leave and turn on the porch light. I’ll hit you up later.” I heard Kara yell causing me to pause.

Trinity?.....The porch light?…Why was Kara calling me by my first name, she always calls me Trin…The porch light is already on, what is sh-. ….Oh shit, Tia is here. She was giving me hints, to get the hell out and get help.

“Uh, yea sure, I’ll make sure to turn it on. I love you girly and I’ll holla at you later.” I said going back out to the car. Picking up my phone I tried to dial out and no luck.  

I then drove out the gate and parked my car out of sight a little way down the road and headed back up to the house. I had to think of a way to get back inside, I couldn’t leave Kara.

Kara’s POV

“Where is mama, Tia?” I asked rubbing my stomach as another pain jolted down my spine as she smiled. “Upstairs in her room, hopefully bleeding out or already dead,” she smiled as I gasped seeing Trin’s reflection in the patio window.

We had to get the drop on this crazy bitch, and I knew I couldn’t do it alone. I knew I was going into labor because the pain was different than the Braxton hicks I had experienced before.

“I got to get up Logan and pack her a few things. Go over there and have a seat. Looks like you’re in labor sis.”

She still didn’t know Logan was long gone and I had faith she made it to Ruby’s house by now and the police were on the way. I had to believe that. “You sure you ain’t gon’ shoot me in the back again?” I groaned trying to breathe through my current contraction.

“Nah, you safe this time, my niece or nephew is your only saving grace right now,” she whispered watching me closely as I steadied my breathing.

Suddenly another sharp pain it. “The contractions are too close,” I cried collapsing to the floor as I saw Trin looking at me with worry before taking off towards the side of the house.

“You betta hold it in, I ain’t delivering no baby. You on your own with that shit. Just let me get me kid and I’ll leave you to it.”

“I don’t want you touching me anyway, let alone passing your evil ass spirit onto my baby,” I snapped as she kicked me in the stomach. “Now watch yourself,” she hissed as I rolled into a ball.

“Ugh! Fuck you!” I cried cradling my stomach as I felt another kick, this time across my lower back.

“T-Tia stop,” I heard my mom cry as I refused to uncurl my body. I had one job and that was to protect my child.

 “Oh, mama so nice of you to join us. Look at you clawing your way down the stairs to help your baby girl,” Tia laughed as I heard the sound of glass shattering from the side of the house. Trin….Trin was back inside the house.

“What the hell?!” Tia shouted running towards the sound as I pulled myself towards my mother.  “Ma, are you ok?” I cried truly terrified seeing her covered in blood and holding her stomach.

“Yea, get Logan,” she coughed, fighting to keep her eyes open. “I did, she’s gone to get help, just hang on.”

“End it Kara….Keep Logan safe,” she moaned before she passed out from the pain. Feeling her chest rise and fall under my hand I gently kissed her forehead.

“Mama, just hang in there,” I cried. Suddenly, I heard another crash followed by a gunshot.

“Trin!” I screamed, willing myself to my feet in spite of another powerful contraction tearing through my body. I had to help her. “Come on baby, just hang in there for a little while longer,” I pleaded making my way down the hall. I saw the broken window but now sign of Trin or Tia.

“I told you bitch! I warned you didn’t I?” I heard Trin yell as I got closer. Thank God she was ok, they had apparently fought their way up to the second floor.

Grabbling the railing I slowly made my way up the back stairs to the spare bedroom.

Trin’s POV

This bitch really tried to shoot at me and then dodge up the back steps to hide. Nah, not today, you gon’ learn to head the warning.

“I told you I was gon’ show you crazy!” I yelled throwing Tia against the wall as she tried to protect herself. “I’ll kill you!” Tia screamed as I grabbed her by the throat choking her.

 “Not if I kill you first,” I hissed as Tia raked me in the eyes and punched me in the stomach. “You gon’ have to kill me!” Tia screamed, tackling me to the floor as I returned the favor by kneeing her in the stomach and elbowing her in the throat.

Her gasping for breath bringing me great joy. “I’ll be happy to make your wish come true bitch!” I yelled climbing on top of her wrapping my hands back around her throat as I slammed her head against the floor. “Ow,” she hissed grabbing the back of head as I kept on. “I told you not to touch my sister, you just don’t listen.”

“Trin, I can hear the cops” Kara said as I punched her again for good measure before getting up to check on Kara who was now bent over in pain.

“Are you ok?”

“What do we do Trin?” Kara cried as I hugged her closely. “I’mma whoop her ass till the cops get here, and they gon’ take her ass back to jail,” I said trying to calm her down as Tia writhed on the floor in pain.

“She could get out again Trin! We can’t keep doing this! What do we need to do?!” Kara cried as I felt helpless. I knew what we needed to do for us all to have some peace, I just hoped Kara felt the same way.

 Grasping her chin, I made her calm down and look at me. “I’ll tell you what we do. We end it, Kara, you hear me? We end this shit once and for all, that’s what we do,” I said making sure she understood what I was saying.

As we both looked down at the gun in her hands, we knew what we had to do. “Ya’ll ain’t got the balls, don’t worry though, I’ll find a way back out,” Tia gloated as Kara put down the gun.

Kara’s POV

“Kara, what you doing?” Trin asked as I stood up trying to gather myself. “It has to look like an accident,” I mumbled not believing the words coming out of my mouth. I said it so low; I didn’t even know if Trin heard me or not.

“Let’s do it,” she said without hesitation as I nodded as we looked at each other knowing if we wanted this to truly be over Tia had to go.

I wanted no room for error or a trial.  Suddenly Trin attacked Tia again as I wiped my fingerprints off the gun and put it in the center of the floor.

I knew Tia would go for it and put her prints back on the weapon. “Stupid bitch!” Tia yelled trying to grab Trin by her hair, coming up short as Trin gripped her by the neck and threw her onto the dresser shattering the glass. “Trin now!” I yelled as she looked at me taking a step back as Tia crawled towards the gun and grabbed it.

“Don’t move,” Tia gasped trying to point the gun at Trin but couldn’t focus. Trin had rocked her and she was unsure of her surroundings. I managed to sneak behind Tia as she stood up preparing to try to attack Trin with the gun. Quickly I grabbed her from behind extending her arms in the air as the gun went off again.

“Trin now!” I screamed as Trin ran towards us.

Jey’s POV

“Uce, there’s the cops,” Jimmy said pointing at the three cop cars surrounding Rebecca’s house. “Thank god!” Roman cried as we jumped out trying to get closer.

“Hey, we got a situation, now stay back,” a cop said as felt myself losing it. “My wife is in there and ya’ll need to get her out or I’ll do it my damn self!” None of us giving a damn about the storm at the moment as the rain seemed to be falling even harder than it had been all morning.

“No, no, no, Kara! Trin!” Roman yelled as I looked up to see Kara, Trin, and Tia tussling over a gun on the small balcony. One of the cops was trying to get a clear shot but Kara was in the way.

Tia suddenly lost her footing, going over the railing still holding on to Kara. “Kara, No!” I cried as Kara cried out.

“Pull Trin!” Kara yelled as Trin tried to pull them both up but this crazy bitch started laughed trying to pull Kara over the rail with her. “It’s over Kara!”

“Shoot her fuckin’ ass!” I screamed as Roman, and I tried to get past the cops.

“Let go, Tia!”  Kara screamed as Trin held on to her tight, trying to pull her back as the rain continued to bombard us all.

“I know ya’ll seeing this shit, she trying to kill’em both! Shoot her ass, what ya’ll waitin’ for?!” Jimmy pleaded as it seemed to be a tug of war with Trin having a tight grip on Kara, and Tia trying to pull her over the railing with her.

“I’m taking you with me bitch! You don’t get a happy ending!” Tia screamed. “Shoot her ass!” I yelled my eyes bouncing between Trin struggling to keep a grip on Kara and Tia’s joy at Kara’s pain.

Seeing Kara’s belly pressed up against the railing as she cried out in pain was all I could take. My wife and my child were hurting, and nobody was gon’ stop me from getting to them.

“Bite her ass Kara!..... Is ya’ll gon’ do something or not?! You know what? Move out the fuckin’ way!” I yelled, pushing through the cops and running inside as Roman blocked their path.

As I made my way in the house, past the EMT’s working on Rebecaa, I heard a blood curdling scream and a huge thud.

“Help us!” I heard Trin scream as I took the back steps two at a time trying to get to them busting in the room and seeing the wreckage. I knew a war had taken place in here and I knew Trin had held it down for Kara.

“I- I- Its….. It’s over,” Kara sobbed as I breathed a sigh of relief seeing my wife curled up in Trins arms as they held each other tight sobbing.

“It’s over, sis.” Running over to them I did the only thing I could and that was hold them both in my arms. It really was over…It was finally over.

“I am so sorry I left you, I should have followed my gut,” I cried as Kara shook her head. “You’re here now and you couldn’t have known baby.”

“I was so fuckin’ scared, Kara I had to get to you.”

“We’re ok.”

“Is Logan, ok?” Trin and Kara asked at the same time as I smiled at them. “Yea, she’s fine. She did everything ya’ll told her to do and got help.”

“I knew she would, is my mom, ok?”

 “Yea, the EMT’s are working on her,” I whispered as Kara nodded, wincing in pain.

“Are you good?” I asked rubbing her stomach as she groaned.

“Yea, I’m good but I’m in labor.” Kara hissed trying to breathe through an apparent contraction.

“Wait what!!”

Roman’s POV

She was dead, Tia was finally out of our lives and I felt bad at the relief that filled my body as they covered her up with a sheet. Logan was free of her, we all were free of her.

“Daddy!”  

Nothing ever sounded so sweet than to hear her voice. Smiling, I turned just in time to catch her in my arms. “Daddy you here!” She yelled as I cried, holding her close. “Daddy is here baby, and I’m so glad you ok Lo Lo.” I said walking down the driveway, and away from the crime scene. Last thing I wanted was for Logan to be traumatized seeing her mother’s dead body under a white sheet.

I know she didn’t know her well but that wasn’t something a four-year-old should have to see. Thankfully the rain had finally stopped for the moment.

“Tee Tee save me daddy.”

“I know baby, I know. ..Thank you, Ms. Nelson,” I said giving her a hug as she scoffed. “No need, this little one is everyone in this neighborhood’s grandbaby. You ain’t never gotta worry when she’s here.”

“I still can’t thank you enough.”

“Gram hurt daddy,” she said pointing as the EMT’s loaded Rebecca in the ambulance as we moved to the side of the road to let another ambulance in.

“Yes, she is but the EMT’s are taking care of her. I don’t want you to be scared,” I said as Jimmy embraced us both. Before running to meet Trin as she came out of the house.

“Jurdy!” she screamed jumping in his arms as he held her close. “Don’t ever do this to me again,” I faintly heard him say they cried together. Where was Kara?

A few seconds later I saw the other EMT wheel Kara out on a stretcher with Jey holding her hand coaching her through a contraction.

“No way,” I said as Trin smiled. “Yes way….Kara’s in labor,” she said giving Logan and I a hug.

“Tee Tee be a mommy?” Logan asked as Trin kissed her on the check. “Yea sweetie, your Tee Tee is about to be a mommy.”

---

Pensacola General Hospital

Jey’s POV

“Come on baby you got it, just bear down.”

 “I can’t, wait I can’t push!” Kara screamed laying back on the bed as I wiped her forehead.

"Kara, the baby’s head is almost out. On your next contraction I need you to take a deep breath, bear down and push with all you got," Dr. Rivers instructed. “No, I wanna take a nap. Tag you it, you take over, Jey,” I cried as Jey gently kissed me.

“If I could, I would baby, but only you can do this. I know you can do this, and I’m right here wit you.”

“I know and I love you.”

 I love you more, now let’s meet our baby. I bet he or she has your beautiful eyes.”

“And your nose,” Kara whimpered as I kissed her forehead and then her lips once again for good measure.  “Let’s go Mrs. Fatu,” I encouraged as she grunted through another contraction pushing with all her might. “Look Kara, it’s the baby. Come on baby, keep pushing.” I had never seen anything so amazing.

“Ahhh! Get it out! Get it out!” Kara screamed, and finally after ten hours of labor the most beautiful sound I have ever heard filled the room.

“Congratulations, it’s a boy!”

His tiny wails bringing forth my own tears without shame as they placed our son on Kara’s chest.

“He’s so beautiful, look at him Jey,” Kara cried as I fell in love all over again with her, and our son…. We have a son “I love you so much… I love ya’ll so much.” I cried just full and so happy as I kissed my wife and son.

“We love you too, daddy.” I don’t know how Kara knew, but I really needed to hear that. I had almost lost them both today and I just really needed to hear it.

“What are we gon’ name him?” I asked as Kara looked at me and smiled.

“How about after his dad?” she asked as I felt like my heart was about to explode. “Joshua? Like you really want to name him Joshua?” I asked as she nodded placing him in my arms.

“Yea, I can’t think of any better name…Can you?” She whispered reaching up and wiping my tears.

“Joshua, daddy loves you very much and I promise you and ya’ ma gon’ have the best of everything,” I promised as he opened his eyes and looked me.

“He’s looking at me Kara, and he looks just like me,” I said my voice breaking. “I know baby, I know.”

__

Roman’s POV

“Ms. Regina, can we go eat?” Logan asked as Regina scooped her up in her arms. “Of course, you deserve a hero’s dinner after what you did today, lil lady,” she said as Logan gave her a hug.

“Thank you for taking her,” I said as Regina gave me a chaste kiss on the lips. “You stay here and find out about Rebecca, I got Logan.”

I felt thankful, thankful that Rebecca and Kara had a plan in case Tia came back. Thankful for Regina coming into my life and loving Logan. These last five months just kind of hit me out of the blue. I wasn’t looking for anything or anyone and up pops Regina.

Very headstrong, has her own business and she puts my ass in my place when I need it. She met Logan last month and since then they have been joined at the hip. “You want to join them, Bill?” I asked as shook his head.

“Nah, I’m ok. I mean we’re on the outs, but I need to be here to make sure the old bat is ok,” Bill said as I chuckled to myself.

“Ok, I see your point.” I said spotting the doctor heading towards us.

“Oh, I know him…Tim how is she?” Bill asked shaking the doctor’s hand.

“She’s good, we got the bullet, and it didn’t hit any main arteries. She’s in recovery but will definitely have to take it easy for awhile.”

“Thank you so much, and we will make sure she does just that,” Bill said as I looked up and saw Jey coming from labor and delivery.

“How is Kara?” I asked as he smiled pulling out his phone. “She’s good and so is our son.” He said showing me a picture of Kara and the baby.

“A boy…How about that,” I said smiling. Kara looked so happy. “Tell her I’m happy for ya’ll.” Jey nodded, giving Bill his phone.

“There’s my boy,” Bill gushed as Jey beamed with pride. He was going to be a great dad and husband to Kara. That much I knew, and I wished them well.

“How is Rebecca?” Jey asked as Bill scoffed. “That old bat is tough as nails, she’ll be ok,” he said as Jey laughed. “Well, that’s good to hear, Kara was worried.”

“Tell her that her mama has eight lives left,” Bill said as I shook my head.” I will even though she gon’ wonder why in so many words you calling her mama a cat.”

“I prefer the term bitch in heat, but enough about that. What did the cops say?” Bill asked as Jey smiled. “No charges for Kara and Trin, it was self-defense.”

“Thank god, last thing we needed was another trial,” I said as Bill and Jey agreed. It was over…It really was finally all over.

Kara’s POV

Watching Trin with my son, I knew I couldn’t have asked for a better sister or aunt for my child. She took control and kept me grounded. Geez, I can still hear Tia’s body hitting the ground.

“Jey’s coming, I saw him push pass the cops. It’s now or never, let her ass go,” Trin whispered as I screamed for good measure making it seems as if Tia was slipping.

The look of shock on her face as I let her go was things instant karma is made of. She knew she was about to meet her end and the only thing she could do was scream.

Closing my eyes, I cringed hearing her body hit the ground bellow as Trin pulled me back in the room as we collapsed on the floor in an exhausted, thankful heap.

“Trin, thank you,” I cried as she shook her head engulfing me in a hug. “Don’t thank me….We did what we had to do.”

We walked away with some bumps and bruises, but the most important thing is that Tia is gone.  She’s gone and can’t hurt the people we love anymore.

“Trin-”

“Don’t say it Kara…It’s ok,” she whispered placing Joshua back in my arms.  

“But we-”

“Did nothing wrong, and the cops agree. That’s why there were no charges filed.”

“I know, I just hate I had to involve you in my mess.”

“I told you a long time ago you my sister, and I meant that.”

“Trin, I’m just-”

“Overthinking, when you should be enjoying my nephew,” she said as I smiled looking down at my son.

“To the grave,” I whispered extending my pinky out as she chuckled. “To the grave,” she said as we pinky promised to never talk about what happened again. After I fed Joshua and put him down I noticed Trin on her phone.

"What's got you smiling?" I asked climbing back in bed.

"Dear brother posted the baby, let me comment," Trin said full of excitement.

"Glad he didn't post me, I look a mess."

Girl, shut up, you look as beautiful as ever," she scolded giving me a hug.

 In the end, I guess I really was my sister’s keeper after all…And I didn’t mind it at all.

Trin was my sister in every way that mattered, and I would always have her back like she had mine.

-----

Four Years Later

Pensacola Pediatric and Internal medicine

Kara’s POV

“I want to thank you all for coming today as we get ready for our grand opening next week. I want you all to know that without you all there is no me. Thank you all for loving and supporting me.”

The happy faces of my family as I stood in front of my first practice is something I will never forget. Residency was hard but the completion and certification was well worth it.

“Hey lil man,” I whispered picking up Joshua as Jey put his arm around Logan making sure she was ok. “Mama, we eat now?” Joshua asked as I sighed. “In a few minutes we will eat lunch, ok?”

 His little pout as he laid his head on my shoulder making me smile. “Tee Tee, this is so neat,” Logan said giving me a hug. "Thank you sweetie."  Logan just turned eight a few weeks ago and growing up so fast and is already an amazing young lady.

 After Tia’s death, I felt responsible but every time I looked at this beautiful little girl, I knew. I knew we made the right decision for her, and I would always be there for her and so would Trin.

She also had Regina who has been a huge bright light in her life as well. She was good for Roman, and Logan. Hopefully one day he will take that step and try marriage again.

“Are you staying with us tonight, Logan?” I asked as Roman smiled at Regina. I knew he was loving the possibility of them having some alone time.  

“Yes, I wanted to spend the night if it was, ok? Is uncle Jey still grillin’?”

“Yea, I am, and you can stay whenever you want Lo,” Jey said hugging her as she smiled. “Thanks, uncle Jey.” Logan always relished in the attention and love that Jimmy and Jey showered upon her and I can’t say that I blame her. They loved her dearly and she loved them.

“Well, you can get Janiya too while you at it,” Trin said pointing at her three-month-old daughter, who currently had her father wrapped around her little finger speaking baby talk to her.

“Uh, no that baby is spoiled and gon’ holla for Jimmy all night. No ma’am, we pass until she gets a little older sis,” I said as Trin shrugged her shoulders. “It ain’t me, it’s him. See what you did Jimmy?”

“Aye, get off my back. It’s our first one,” Jimmy said smiling at his daughter.

“I guess you get a pass.. You look so cute being in Daddy mode,” Trin teased as my mother gave me hug. “I’m proud of you baby,” she whispered as I held her tight. “And I’m proud of you.”

“Ya’ll proud of me too, right?” my dad asked, jumping in our hug as we laughed. “Yes, we are very proud of you too, dad.”

My parents never got back together, but they are nice to each other and survive our family get togethers. That’s a plus for me.

“Ok, can I love on my wife now?” Jey asked, tapping my dad on the shoulder. My dad couldn’t get out of the way fast enough for me as I jumped into my husband’s arms.

“ I love you so much and I'm proud of you,” he whispered as I smiled truly happy that I had did everything I set out to do. Everything had been worth it, and a new journey was beginning for us.

"I love you more and like I told you, we did this together." I reassured him as my mother picked up Joshua.

"I was just about to pick him up Rebecca."

"Tani, you snooze, you lose. And how bout you finally admit that you don't hate me as much as you used too?"My mother asked as Tani rolled her eyes. Shaking my head I buried my head in Jey's neck.

"I can admit it, doesn't mean I have to like it."

"Please, you love sharing grammy duties with me."

"Them two a trip," Jey said shaking his head at their exchange. It's never boring, I can tell you that much.

"Think we should tell'em they're going to have another baby to spoil in a few months?" I asked as Jey smiled at me.

"Nah, they can wait a few more weeks. I ain't ready to share you just yet."

"Agreed, we need some peace and quiet for awhile."

"Damn, we really made it here,huh?" he asked still in somewhat shock, caressing my face. "Yea baby, we really made it."

The end.

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[badkitty3000]

Can you please do a soft physical touch five x vivi story? Not smut, but just sweet stuff, like laying together watching tv, or reading together, or just little handholds in public ykwim

So, this was a fun request! I really enjoyed writing this. I wasn't quite sure how to connect a full story together, though, so I made a few little vignettes of Five and Vivie during their normal day-to-day married life. I hope this is still along the lines of what you were hoping for. Let me know! 😽❤️

Your Touch

Five x OC one shot, 3,318 words

Warnings: None

It was early in the morning and the dark clouds covering the sky were blocking out any of the morning sun that would usually be casting cheery rays across the bed. The sound of the rain just beginning to fall and the wind the storm was bringing in could be heard just overhead on the roof above them. It was cozy and warm under the covers and Vivian blinked a few times into the dimness of the room. When she realized it was early but she didn’t have to get up for work, she nestled deeper into the blankets with a relieved sigh. Then, about two minutes later, her eyes popped open again. Of course, she couldn’t fall back asleep now.

“Figures,” she muttered angrily.

Then she turned to where Five was sleeping peacefully and undisturbed next to her. A bolt of lightning flashed outside the darkened window and a loud clap of thunder quickly followed it, shaking the panes in the frame. Viv jumped but Five never even moved. She looked over at him with a frown.

“Man, that’s annoying,” she said to herself.

Five might have terrible nightmares some nights and would wake up in a blind panic, but the majority of the time he slept like a rock. He told Vivian it was because he had to get used to sleeping in all kinds of conditions, both in the Apocalypse and during assignments with the Commission. When Viv had questioned him as to how a supposed assassin could sleep that soundly, he explained that if there were any real danger, he’d be sure to wake up. She had her doubts.

Seeing as how it looked like she wasn’t going to be able to sleep any longer, Viv decided to get up and make some coffee. She tossed the covers back and sat up. When she put her feet on the floor, she felt an arm slip around her waist. She looked behind her to see Five, partially awake, but with his eyes still closed.

“No, stay,” he murmured as he tugged her back onto the bed. Viv smiled and let him pull her in closer, wrapping both of his arms around her. “You’re so warm,” Five said with a sigh.

“Are you just using me for warmth?” Viv teased, even as she snuggled into him.

“Yes,” he answered with a tiny upturn of the corner of his mouth.

“If that’s the case, I’m getting up,” she said, pretending to pull away from him again.

Five immediately grabbed her tighter. “Nope.” Then he opened one eye and smirked. “It’s dark and there’s a storm. Didn’t you hear that thunder? You’re staying right here.”

“Faker!” she cried with a giggle. “I thought you were sleeping this whole time.”

“I’m very good at playing possum. It’s a defense tactic,” Five said as he adjusted his body so Viv could rest her head on his chest and he closed his eyes again. “Have to catch your enemies off guard.”

“I’ll remember that the next time you’re supposedly napping when I need you to take the garbage out.”

“Damn it, I just blew my cover,” Five chuckled. Then he kissed her on the forehead and sighed happily. “Let’s just stay here all day.”

“I won’t object to that,” Viv answered. Then she looked up at Five with a smile. “You’re so cute, you know that?”

He furrowed his eyebrows. “I am not cute.”

“Yes you are.” Viv poked him in the chest. “You’re adorable.”

Five had no response to that except for a huffy exhale. They laid there in silence for a couple of minutes, just listening to the patter of the rain and the distant rumble of thunder. Five stroked her hair idly and Viv traced patterns with her fingertips across Five’s chest and arm. He rubbed his cheek across the top of her head.

“I think if this were my last day on earth…again…and I got to spend it like this, I’d be ok with that,” he mused.

Viv smiled and snuggled in closer. “While I certainly hope we have many more days ahead of us, I think I’d be pretty ok with it, too.”

❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️

“What are you reading?”

Vivian walked into their living room where Five was intensely studying the book in front of him; a glass of whiskey sitting on the side table next to him. He didn’t look up when she came in.

“A book,” he answered.

Viv rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I got that. What’s the book?”

Five glanced up quickly. “Modern Canonical Quantum General Relativity.” He looked back down at the book again.

“Sounds like a real page turner.”

Five shrugged, not picking up on the sarcasm, but didn’t look up. “Not really. It was published in 2007 so it’s pretty antiquated. And some of it is just laughably incorrect, but every once in a while, I stumble across something interesting.”

Viv snorted, trying to contain her laughter. “It’s a good thing you’re hot, because wow, are you a giant nerd.”

He gave one more quick glance up at her, his eyebrows knitted together. “Is there something I can help you with, or are you just here to bust my balls and interrupt my quiet time?”

She shrugged and plopped down onto the cushion next to him. “Pretty much just to bust your balls. But I was going to put a movie on unless that’s going to annoy you too much?”

Five gestured vaguely in front of him. “Knock yourself out.”

Viv looked over at her husband, who was deep in concentration while reading a book no other human alive would ever want to read, and she smiled to herself. He ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back off his forehead and flipped the page. She loved these little candid moments when she could just watch him and all of his little quirks that made him undeniably Five. And she loved that he never felt the need to hide them from her.

She turned the TV on and chose an old movie that she’d seen a thousand times before. Settling in, she swung her legs up and propped her feet onto Five’s lap. He moved his book out of the way to make room, giving her the side eye, and sighed dramatically.

“Must you put your stinky feet on me?” he grumbled, although he made no move to push them off.

“They’re not stinky!” She wiggled her toes to show off her purple cat socks. “They’re cute.”

Five made no comment, just gave an exaggerated eye roll and returned to his book. His free hand came to rest on the top of her foot, which she noticed with a small grin but didn’t say anything.

After a few minutes, he started to rub her foot with one hand, while holding his book in the other. Viv didn’t turn away from the TV screen, but she let out a soft little sigh as he massaged her sole and applied pressure with his thumb. After another few moments, Five finally set his book down on the table and turned his attention to the TV.

“So, what dumb movie is this?” he asked, as he started using both of his hands to knead her feet in earnest.

“Talladega Nights. Haven’t you ever seen this before, it’s a classic!”

Five just gave her a withering look and when Viv saw, she winced and smiled sheepishly. “Right. Apocalypse. Well, I keep saying you need to catch up on pop culture, so watch it with me. It’s hilarious.”

“It looks moronic.”

Viv sighed. “Yeah, that’s kind of the point. Now shut up and keep rubbing my feet, old man.”

“Pain in my ass,” Five grumbled under his breath, but continued his foot massage and shut up like instructed.

Halfway through the movie, they had moved so that they were both sprawled out on the couch, with Five spooning Vivian from behind. An old, soft blanket was thrown over the top of them. He rested his hand on her hip and would occasionally run his fingers up and down her arm or give her a quick peck on the shoulder.

Even though he mentioned several times how dumb of a movie it was, Viv caught him laughing during a few parts, which made her laugh even harder. She loved when he could finally relax and admit that even stupid shit like this was funny.

“Ricky Bobby reminds me of you a little,” Viv said with a giggle, referring to the idiot main character of the movie.

“What in the world are you talking about?”

“When he says ‘I wake up in the morning and I piss excellence’. Sounds just like you.”

As she snorted at her own joke and cracked herself up, Five huffed and pretended to push her off the couch before catching her at the last second when she shrieked. He pulled her in tightly against him, his arm around her waist, giving her a squeeze.

“You know, you’re not nearly as hilarious as you think you are,” Five told her as he poked a finger into her side, making her squeal. “I do piss excellence, though, that’s not a lie.”

“Oh boy…” she answered with a loud exhale. Then she took his hand in hers, drawing his arm even tighter around her. Five nuzzled his face into her hair.

“So, what bad movie are you going to make me watch, next?” he asked her with a soft kiss on top of her head.

“You want to watch another one?”

He nodded, closing his eyes with a smile. “I’ll watch whatever inane thing you want me to if you stay cuddled up with me like this.”

Viv turned her head toward him, putting a hand on his cheek and kissing him. “My sweet, snuggly, teddy bear of a stone-cold killer,” she said with a soft laugh, before turning back again and getting comfortable.

Five chuckled. “Don’t you dare tell anyone.”

Viv squeezed his hand and brought it up to give it a quick kiss. “Your secret is safe with me. Now, let’s watch Anchorman. You’ll love it.”

He sighed that sigh that meant he couldn’t believe how this woman had turned him into such a soft pushover. “Ok, darling. Whatever you say.”

❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️

“Do we have to go to this thing?” Five asked with a slight whine to his voice. He was standing in front of the full-length mirror in their bedroom, putting on his tie. “You know I hate this shit.”

“Yes, we have to go,” Viv told him for the tenth time as she fixed her earring. “We can’t be the asshole neighbors that ignore everyone else and don’t socialize at least a little bit.”

“Why not? I have absolutely no problem being that type of neighbor.”

Viv walked up to him, turning him to face her with hands on his shoulders. She started to straighten his tie and fix his shirt collar. “May I remind you that you are the one that wanted to move to the suburbs? This isn’t like the city where you can just blend into a crowd and not talk to anyone. We are expected to be cordial here.”

Five scrunched his eyebrows together. “Well, no one told me that. That may have factored into my decision, had I known.”

Viv smiled and shook her head as she patted his chest. “You’ll be fine. It’s just for a couple of hours.”

“And what kind of adult throws themselves a birthday party for turning 50? It’s absurd.” There was a pause and Viv braced herself for what she knew was coming next. “Do you know what I was doing for my 50th birthday?”

“Christ, here we go…” she whispered under her breath as she turned away.

“Digging a fucking hole in a dried-up riverbed with a worn-down stub of a shovel and my own two hands! Just to get some water to drink. Not throwing myself a stupid party.”

“Well, maybe you should have. Dolores probably could have used a break from your bitching,” Viv muttered before turning around and seeing his face. She broke out in a grin when she saw him standing there with his arms crossed, his head cocked to the side, and his lips pressed into a thin line. “Sorry. But I really think you’re over-reacting. It’s just a party.”

Five stalked over to the bed and grabbed his suit jacket, shoving his arms through and shrugging it on. “Fine. But when I want to leave, we’re leaving,” he barked with a finger pointed in her direction for emphasis.

Viv approached him and took his hands in hers, looking up at his stressed-out face. “I promise we won’t be there too long, ok?”

Five’s muscles relaxed a little. “Ok, but don’t leave me alone for too long. I get…twitchy.”

She nodded and rubbed her thumbs over the backs of his hands, feeling the raised map of tendons and veins that traversed over them. “I know you do. But I won’t leave you. And if I see you’re getting too anxious we can leave.”

He gave a terse nod. “Alright. Now let’s go to this stupid fucking thing before I change my mind.”

The party was at a house down the street, so they walked over. As soon as they entered the crowded house, Viv heard Five groan next to her. Everything was decorated in streamers and colorful balloons, like a kid’s party, and many of the adult guests were wearing paper party hats. She grabbed his arm and gave it a squeeze as a warning. The host of the party had started making their way over to them, wearing a giant sash that said “Birthday Girl” on it, at just the precise moment that Viv felt the staticky sensation of Five’s powers prickling against her skin.

She leaned in a little closer to Five and whispered through clenched teeth. “Don’t even think about it.”

He grumbled something unintelligible under his breath, but then the brief electrical pulse faded away and he plastered on a fake smile.

“Happy birthday!” Viv told the newly 50 year-old as she gave them a hug.

“Yes, happy birthday,” Five echoed dryly. “What a great idea to have a party like this. Like a toddler.”

Viv shot daggers at him, but their neighbor apparently wasn’t picking up on Five’s sarcasm.

“I know! I figured any excuse to act like a kid again and pretend I’m not old as dirt is a good one. There’s even a pinata in the back!” they laughed while clapping excitedly.

“Fucking hell,” Five exhaled quietly, with only his wife picking up on it.

Viv quickly intervened. “Thank you so much for inviting us, we’ve really been looking forward to it.”

“Of course! Now, help yourself to anything. There’s plenty of food and drinks. The bar is over there,” they pointed to an area towards the other side of the room that appeared to be staffed with a professional bartender.

“Thank you,” Viv answered.

“First bit of good news tonight,” Five said out loud, forgetting to be quiet.

Luckily, the host had already turned away and was on their way to greet someone else, so they missed the snarky remark. Viv looked up at Five with a scowl.

“Would you cut it out? You’re being rude.”

He sighed. “You’re right, I’m sorry. But can we go get a drink?”

She nodded. “Yeah, let’s go. I could use one, too. I hate to admit it, but this party is a little weird.”

About an hour and two Manhattans later, Five was being cornered by another neighbor from across the street. The man was trying to sell Five on the importance of having a legal will drawn up, in the event of an untimely death.

“You don’t want to burden your loved ones with all of that responsibility when the time comes. And you never know when that will be, either, that’s the kicker. You could be walking down the street one day, and BAM!” He clapped his hands loudly for effect. “You get hit by a bus.”

Five took a sip of his drink with glazed over eyes. “Or you could watch yourself die right in front of you while the world collapses in on itself and you have an existential crisis.”

The man paused and tilted his head. “I don’t get it. Is that like a metaphor or something?”

Five swallowed and looked around the room for Vivian. “Something like that,” he answered blandly.

He finally caught Viv’s eye across the room. She was in the middle of a conversation with someone, but as soon as she saw Five’s situation, she excused herself and walked over to him. He had been standing with one hand in his pants pocket, and when she approached, she looped her arm around his. She immediately felt the tension in his body release. Five smiled down at her while the other man seized the opportunity to unleash his sales pitch onto another victim.

As Viv stood there, politely smiling and nodding along, she crept her fingers up under the cuff of Five’s jacket and slid them onto the inside of his wrist. Finding the area she knew was tattooed with the faded black Umbrella Academy symbol, she traced light circles over it. Five let out a quiet breath of air as some of his anxieties started to wane. After a few minutes of listening to the man’s ramblings, Viv cut in.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt, but I just remembered we have to go let the dog out.”

The man frowned. “I didn’t know you guys had a dog. I’ve never seen it.”

Five jumped in, more than happy to play along with his wife’s lie if it meant he could get out of there. “Oh yeah, had it for years. Big giant thing, barks its head off all day.” He turned to Viv. “Well, dear, should we get going? Don’t want to keep Mr. Pennycrumb waiting.”

Viv blinked up at him with a smile and bit her lip to stop from laughing. “No, we don’t.” Then she turned back toward the very confused looking neighbor. “It’s been really great talking to you. Very informative.”

After a few hasty goodbyes, with Viv still attached to Five’s arm, they finally made it back out into fresh air and on their way home. Five slid his clenched-up fist out of his pocket and unfurled it to intertwine his fingers with hers. Viv briefly leaned in and rested her head on his shoulder as they walked along.

“You survived. Just like I knew you would,” she told him.

“Barely,” Five answered.

They were silent for a minute, their dress shoes clipping along the pavement while they walked hand in hand.

“Thank you, Vivie,” Five said quietly as he looked over at her. “I don’t know how you do it, but thank you.”

Viv stopped, standing in front of Five. She reached up and brushed a piece of hair out of his eyes. “You’re welcome.”

Five took her hand and held it to his cheek before kissing her palm with a smile. “You know I’m a mess without you.”

She shook her head. “No you’re not. Sometimes you just need a little reminder that you’re not alone anymore, that’s all.”

Five drew her in for a hug and she wrapped her arms around his waist. “No, it’s more than that,” he said. “More than you’ll ever know.”

He leaned down to kiss her before they started back on their walk home.

“Just so we’re clear, though. If we’re ever invited to another one of those things, it’s been nice knowing you, because I’ll have jumped as far into the future as I can manage.”

Viv grinned up at him and took his hand again. “Well, take me with you next time, because that really was a horrible party.”

❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️❤️☂️

Thanks for reading! I'm open for requests or just to shoot the shit about Five. Please reblog if you like it! 😽

Here's a link to my Masterlist

[chubbybunny25]

Crossing the Bridge

For @proscrix based on this ask.

This is a oneshot that got out of hand 😅It's been a while since I wrote Will's character. I'm not that good with dialogues and talks about healing and stuff, but I hope you'll enjoy reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

“Will…”

With heavy steps, Percy enters the medic’s office in the infirmary. Will’s back is turned towards the door. He seems to be fixing something in one of the drawers. The movements of his shoulders are barely noticeable, but as a son of Poseidon, Percy senses the silent flow of tears from the healer’s eyes.

The son of Apollo takes a deep breath, probably to steady himself, but he doesn’t turn around. “Sorry, d—do you need anything?” There’s a tinge of bitterness in his voice.

“About Micheal I—”

Will slowly turns around, almost trembling.

“Please stop right there, Percy,” he breathes quietly, his voice like a sharp knife cutting through the silence—a dangerous calm before the storm:

“You can apologize all you want, feel bad about it all your life, but it won’t bring him back. Nothing you do would bring him—them—back!” He fixes his gaze on Percy, those blue eyes that have always seemed to be filled with warmth and kindness, now steely and almost icy. “So you can save your apology for another day or another year—for all I care—but I can’t do this right now.” He takes a deep breath again, “Now, do you need anything?”

Percy wakes up.

That dream again.

That memory. Again.

“Is it me again?”

Percy turns to the other side of their large bed and hears the same voice from his dream albeit more gentle, more loving, more… real. He buries his face on the other man’s chest, his voice muffled when he asks, “How have you ever forgiven me?”

He feels his boyfriend’s arms wrap around him, as if protecting him from all the hurt, the guilt, the regret. Will Solace’s embrace has always felt like a safe home—warm and cozy, comforting and grounding. Percy has always agreed with Nico on how Will’s presence is like the rising of the sun in the morning (even if Nico isn’t really a morning person)—bright, promising, reassuring.

Which is just ironic because it’s enough to lull Percy back to sleep. And if his eyes aren’t too heavy, his mind isn’t too sleepy, he would have heard how Will responds:

“There was nothing to forgive, Perce.”

࣪ ִֶָ☾.

Will would never forgive himself if something ever happened to Percy. It isn’t like the son of Apollo to let his emotions get the better of him and lash out on someone—especially not on a very good friend like Percy. Not on the hero who led them to victory and saved them from a world-ending war.

But he supposes the old saying isn’t really that old: There’s a first time for everything.

The night after the war, he’d never felt filthier and more unworthy in his life, taking up the role of his deceased elder brother. Living had never felt more agonizing. Coming from someone who’d given up himself to save other people’s lives, that was saying something.

As if things weren’t terrible enough, Will would have to go and develop feelings for the one who’d failed to keep his brothers and sisters alive. He’s been great friends with Percy before the war. He’d teach the son of Poseidon some basic first aid, just in case Percy couldn’t find a nearby source of water right away when he’d get injured during his quests. Since Percy didn’t need a lot of time to heal, he’d become a constant help in the infirmary once he’d rested enough. 

Some nights, he’d wait for Will and they’d talk about many things, exchanging stories about Percy’s quests and daily camp activities that, according to Percy, he wished he could experience more often. They’d talk about their moms, how it must have been difficult for them to raise a demigod son and whenever they’d touch the subject of Percy’s first stepfather, Will would be there to lend the other demigod his ears and offer comfort.

It had been easy—too easy—for Will to just let himself… fall.                                             

After the Battle of Manhattan, despite its favorable outcome, everything had felt so wrong.

He wasn’t just angry at Percy. No, he was angry at himself. He felt like a traitorous spectator to the death of many of his siblings—of Michael Yew.

It felt so utterly wrong to want to be there and comfort the very same person who was  part of the reason why their former Head Counselor couldn’t make it.

Yet here he is, frantically pacing inside his office, extremely worrying for the missing son of Poseidon. He almost jumps out of his skin when someone knocks on the door.

“Will?” Kayla pokes her head in. “I think you’re needed here.”

His head clears immediately and he’s automatically on his doctor-mode, hurrying outside. “What’s the problem? Did they find Percy?” By the gods, if he’s in great danger—

“No, it’s Nico.”

࣪ ִֶָ☾.

“How do you do it?”

Nico stops stuffing his backpack with the supplies he’s got from the infirmary. He’s already wasted a day and a half, and he can’t wait to leave and start looking for the lost hero again.

However, during the time he’s stayed in the infirmary, he can’t shake the fact that Will has been meaning to ask the exact same question. Nico has been meaning to tell him:

“Is that really a question for me, Solace?” A pause. “Or a question you’ve been asking yourself?”

“I have no idea what you mean, Nico. I was just trying to—”

“—ask me how I still care about him when I’m supposed to hate him?” he supplied. “Why I keep looking for him, when I should blame him for losing the only family I had?” Nico ducks his head to hide the tears that might begin to fall anytime soon, and murmurs, “That’s because I don’t want to lose him, too.”

The son of Hades vaguely registers the other demigod hugging him. He lets him. Truth be told, Will, as strange as it is, might be the only person who can understand him fully right now. “I—I’m sorry, Nico. I didn’t mean to…”

“I know you’re confused, Will, and you’re deeply hurt. I know how it feels to be so lost and so angry, and I don’t really expect you to let it all go easily. But,” Nico pulls back from the hug and meets Will’s eyes, “I also know how it is to care for him and feel like betraying them—Bianca, your brother—it’s almost maddening. But the people who left us, they’ve left in peace, confident that somehow, their sacrifice would help create a better world. I think we at least owe them that—and if they’re here, they’d be proud to see us happy again.”

It’ll be a long while before they’ll see each other again—long enough for Will to think things through.

࣪ ִֶָ☾.

Death is a cruel reality.

More cruel still when you’re a demigod.

But what’s more cruel, Percy has often wondered, dying amidst a war, or living after one?

For Percy Jackson, celebrated hero and savior of Olympus, death would have been a less cruel option.

Sure, he’s been grateful he’s still alive. He’s been able to cherish the people he loves, has got to go past the age most demigods don’t make it to.

Yet intertwined with gratitude, with vitality, has been the depressing amount of guilt and shame, the unnerving feeling that he shouldn’t be here. 

For a very long time, he’s felt like this until—

A warm hand intertwines with his left hand. Another one—a cold one—takes the basket of flowers from his right in lieu of holding his hand. 

Every year on this day, he’s supposed to celebrate another year of his short demigod life. His mom would bake her traditional blue birthday cake and after a quick celebration at camp, he’d celebrate more peacefully, more quietly with the only person who’s ever understood what this day has truly meant for him since they’ve defeated Kronos.

In the past years, after blowing his cake, his mom would hand out what she had prepared beforehand—a basket of roses, lilies, forget-me-nots, hyacinths—and give him a tight hug. With her around, Percy would feel less pathetic and somehow stronger, braver. What he’d been doing every year would seem more like a heroic act, rather than a poor attempt to honor the people he had failed to save.

Now, he not only has his mom, but two of the most important people Percy’s had been allowed to have in his life. He reaches his destination with Will and Nico. The East River.

He feels Will give his hand a reassuring squeeze, before putting his arm around Percy’s waist. When he looks at Nico, the son of Hades has a soft look on his face, comforting, encouraging.

A few meters away, they spot the infamous bridge where several demigods had risked and lost their lives during the equally infamous battle with the Titan Lord of Time.

Though technically, the battleground had been the whole of Manhattan, Percy and his boyfriends feel it just right to pay their respects here. Water has always become a magnificent passageway for souls that traverse from the here and now to the afterlife.

As Percy lets the silent current of the river take their meager offering, he snaps his fingers. A few droplets of light rain pass by—which people may have found curious on a supposed warm summer day in the middle of August—and Percy lets his heart mourn. Truly, deeply mourn.

Will lets a sunbeam dance along the droplets of rain, while Nico offers a prayer to make sure their dead friends and comrades get their message.

As a band of colors begins to stretch across the clear sky, Percy remembers Nico telling him once that it serves as heaven’s promise to the pilgrims who valiantly walk this earth—who have lived lives worthy of eternal happiness.

For Percy, however, it serves as his own promise. His promise to those who have offered their lives, firmly believing in more days filled with joy and hope, with healing and love—his promise that he’ll always try to find happiness in the here and now. That he’ll never forget the past, but he’ll still move forward.

And when he and these two beautiful people he loves most get to go home to their apartment, quietly cuddling in their too large bed, it’ll not be so hard to believe that indeed, healing might take forever but—

Their happiness can start now.

[stormblessed95]

https://www.tumblr.com/stormblessed95/784561216490209280/so-i-am-going-to-list-down-a-few

If you don’t mind I’d like to have that civil discussion with anon. I don’t fully disagree with them but think there’s other ways to see their points.

1. They are filming talking to an audience, not just each other. Jk explaining he prefers firmer bed is not necessarily just for jm’s information, like everything they over explain or exaggerate when there’s cameras. We’re not watching their private conversations, we’re watching them make reality tv.

2. Same as 1. The story about his depression jm is telling us. There’s no reason to believe it’s the first jk hears of it. More like he is there to support. Jm’s friend being involved in the story instead of jk, not really telling us anything other than he has a supportive friend in his life. Good. They’re not telling how aware jk was and his reactions to me doesn’t look like he didn’t know.

I kinda agree the part about jk not knowing if jm been waking up in the morning or afternoon, it does sound like he hasn’t been so involved in his daily life lately. But we don’t know how long a period they’re talking about, or why they stayed separate. Or again if they’re just asking questions and giving answers for the viewer’s sake.

3. “I’ll bring my shower stuff and come to yours” yes, indicates he doesn’t have his shower stuff already at jm’s. could mean he doesn’t stay there often, or he has specific products and prefers to take them with him anywhere he goes instead of buying multiple and put in different places or smth. lol

Face schedule and their interaction in jm live in the car looks weird if they’re a couple yeah. I could still think of alt reasons, like sometimes the people you’re closest to are the ones their day to day stuff get mixed together the most because you’re too close to it all. Or jk’s personality not the best at keeping track of things. We also don’t know details of jk’s mental state, health, sleeping schedule and everything during that time, or why he might have been more in his own bubble. Or if they decided to take some space, many options.

4. Jm and jk commenting some stuff that sounds not involved, yes I agree. They are weird like that tho. Sometimes drop something formal like they’re pretending they barely know each other for the bit. Their random role plying meeting each other in ays and overly formal way jm asked jk to sing on letter alike. It looks like something they put on when filming or for fun. Being inconsistent and weird like that can either give the impression they aren’t that close if you already assume they aren’t, or if you assume they are very close or a couple it could indicate they’re doing it on purpose.

I think jk and th hang out and talked a lot back then which is nice. Their dynamic when in front of fans is quite different to jm and jk tho, could come across as rude sometimes but to me looks like normal friends being friends. Being different from jm and jk could be not they’re closer but they don’t have anything to hide.

5. Idt I agree there, watching jm content on live doesn’t tell me much about what he was caught up with, or relationship status. Just that he wanted to do that with fans. I wouldn’t call it romantic, but sweet to see he did a jm focused live, as a friend, partner, member, anything. Also again, not sure how much they saw each other during this time or reasons for that.

6. Agree with storm, them not meeting up might not be the whole truth even though they said so in ays.

imo nothing strange with thinking the way anon is. Taking jm and jk at face value is good. If we’re discussing being a couple or not it’s not always that simple tho. It could be more complex behind the scenes than we see. All is making different assumptions forming opinions from whats seen and knowing relationships don’t look any one way we can’t know. But I don’t see any of this as definitely debunking.

Opinions.

[siyooungi]

HELLO MY FAV WRITER!! ive miss u sm!! HSJAHSGS i act have a request!! hmmm ot5 lesserafim x reader,,where reader is a student and she just recently started college. they knew how reader take their education seriously LIKEEE VERYYY SERIOUSLY cause theyve seen reader being burnout n overworking n all while she were in hs. then theres this day/ week,they saw reader waking up at 3am or sum just to study and stressing and shi😭 barely sleeping at all..if you cant do ot5,,it can be sakura/chaewon !! thank you so much my fav person <33

A/N: i hope this is up to your liking because i really didn’t know what to do!?/$:! BUT you are so sweet, ily and i take great honor in being one of your faves!! <33

Pairing: OT5 X Fem!Reader

Group: Le Sserafim

Warning(s): None!

You recently embarked on your college journey and initially, you were excited, but that changed rather quickly when you became adapted. You were already well aware of the tough workload that was going to be thrown your way, but that wasn’t out of the ordinary for you. Would you consider yourself a dedicated and ambitious student? Yeah, that would be most fitting. You took your education very seriously.

The girls had witnessed firsthand how seriously you took your education. You often pushed yourself to the brink of exhaustion during your high school years, and they had seen the toll it took on you, as burnout and overworking became all too familiar.

Though, you’ve always had such a great support system because of them. The girls were determined to support you in any way they could. They literally formed an unbreakable pact without you knowing. The five girls vowed to be there for you, providing comfort, solace, and a much-needed distraction from your studies whenever you needed it most.

On a particular day, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the world around them fell into a peaceful slumber, Sakura being the only presumed one awake at the time, noticed something amiss. She walked past your room to go to the bathroom, but retracted her steps when she heard faint music coming from your room. She quietly opened your door, the sound falling on deaf ears as you were entirely fixated on your books and notes.

You were awake at an ungodly hour, your face etched with stress and fatigue. The sight struck a chord deep within her heart, and she knew they needed to intervene. The very next day, she told all of the girls and they were more than ready to take action the next time they caught you, which they knew would be relatively soon.

On that same day, with a shared determination, the girls stealthily gathered their resources, concocting a plan to put an end to your late-night study sessions. They wanted to remind you of the importance of self-care and that they would always be there for you.

As the clock struck 3 am, the group of girls made their way to Kazuha’s room, where they ordered you to stay when you got back to the dorm. You tried questioning them, but they didn’t leave any room for that and ushered you into her room. Sighing, you brought all the stuff you needed for studying that night, into the room. Eunchae was the one to creak the door open, allowing them to peek in. Like the night before, you were nearly falling asleep as you continued to go over the material.

Sakura, being the first to catch you in this state, took charge. She had prepared meticulously crafted flashcards and notes that would not only make studying easier for you but also inject an element of fun into the process. Each note was laced with encouraging messages and colorful illustrations, designed to uplift your spirits.

Meanwhile, Chaewon and Yunjin busied themselves in the kitchen, cooking up a storm. They knew that a well-fed mind would thrive, so they prepared cuisine meant just for you. Delicious aromas wafted through the air as they whipped up your favorite dishes, carefully arranging them on a beautifully decorated tray. Though, there were moments where Chaewon occasionally scolded Yunjin for messing around and eating some of the ingredients, of course. Next time the younger girl tried to get a bite, she quickly swatted her hand away.

Kazuha and Eunchae, the mischievous duo, had a different plan in mind. While you were on campus, they took your mountain of homework and assignments, determined to alleviate your burden. Thankfully, you didn’t bring them with you and instead, only a notebook for your notes. They were set to work, meticulously completing your tasks with precision and care. Some assignments were required to be done on a laptop and they nearly panicked trying to guess your password.

Luckily, they were dealing with a forgetful person who happened to write her password on a sticky note. Kazuha pointed to the note on the desk once she spotted it, causing Eunchae to sigh out of relief. They both erupted into a fit of laughter once they realized you left it out in the open and they were panicking for nothing. Although, they cut it really close to when you came back to the dorm, scrambling to leave your room how it was and as if nothing was out of place.

They walked past you, doing their best not to act suspicious, but you felt that something was off and squinted your eyes at them. Shrugging, you continued your path to your room. Once you were out of sight and they heard the door close, they giggled and fist bumped before going their separate ways.

As the girls executed their plan with utmost devotion, they finally unveiled their surprise to you. They had taken you from Kazuha’s room without any protests. You were beyond tired and just chose your rest your head on Sakura’s shoulder as she and the others guided you back to your room. You had no energy to question theme

Opening your bedroom door, you were met with a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Soft music played in the background, the room adorned with twinkling fairy lights, and the intoxicating aroma of your favorite scent coming from candles.

Overwhelmed with emotions, your eyes welled up with tears of gratitude. Your friends, your pillars of support, had transformed your ordinary night into a magical one. They had gone above and beyond, pampering you like a princess and showing their unwavering love and care.

Sakura handed you the thoughtfully prepared flashcards, encouraging you to take breaks and enjoy the journey of learning. Chaewon and Yunjin presented you with one of your favorite dishes, urging her to savor each bite and nourish your body and soul. Of course, they put the others in the fridge. Kazuha and Eunchae revealed the completed assignments, relieving you of the heavy weight that had burdened you.

Not knowing what else to do, you brought them in for a group hug, mumbling and repeating a ‘thank you’ into Sakura’s shoulder, considering she was the first to accept the hug before the others quickly joined.

From that night forward, you experienced a newfound balance in her life. You continued to excel academically, driven by your passion and support from your friends. But you also learned the importance of self-care, knowing that your mental and emotional well-being were just as crucial as your academic pursuits.

With that being said, would you still occasionally drive yourself to the brink of insanity dealing with the stress that was awaiting you for the rest of your college years? Yes, yes you would.

[themrswallace]

I just expanded the nightmare thing like imagine it’s when they’re finally together, not sharing a bed yet but they’re beginning the relationship and it’s a stormy night again like before, Wallace has the memory and goes to find DL but they’re not in the loft at all (sometimes they either can’t sleep or use the noise of the storm to get some housework done because no one is gonna hear it over the rain) and he panics, runs through the house until he finds them either in the kitchen preparing stuff for breakfast or on the sofa watching their shows because the weather is affecting their bad knee and keeping them awake.

he sees the brace and the flashback of them falling during the chase fills his vision, Wallace comes to check on them and make sure DL is okay, even when they explain it’s just a dull ache in their joints he desperately fumbles for a screwdriver to adjust the brace with, becoming a clumsy mess until he throws the thing away and clings to them because he’s so afraid of what could’ve happened. He’s even risking being caught by Gromit because Wallace is just so manic from his nightmare.

“Hey, hey, hey. What’s the matter? Talk to me, Wall”

The poor man blubbers a series of apologies against their skin, holding on for dear life.

“I’m alright. Cmon, sit next to me…Babe”

Upon hearing that Wallace gets off the floor and takes a seat next to his partner, unable to take his hand off their knee.

“It’s the storm. You know how I get. Something pops out or comes loose or bends the wrong way. I’m alright. You don’t need to worry about me”

“It’s not that…I had the ruddy dream again”

“What one? The rabbi—Wallace. That was years ago”

“It doesn’t feel that way! Like just yesterday—I can’t even bring me-self to think about it”

“Then don’t! Wallace, it’s happened, we’ve come through it”

“But you almost didn’t! I almost—can still hear your screams in the back of me head…you were petrified of me”

“Well you tend to be when someone’s chased you half a mile through dense woodland”

‘Wallace doesn’t find it funny’

“Precious, i know that wasn’t you. I mean it was but…I know deep down, you’d never hurt me. I knew it then, but the heat of the moment…I was scared. You were so angry and upset, I blamed myself so much for what you’d become…i did it more out of fear for what would happen to you. Also I wasn’t really fond of the idea of being stepped on”

“Your face…i can’t not see it”

“Look at it now. I’m here, and I’m fine, and I’m with you. That’s the main thing. You didn’t hurt me, we came through it, you haven’t had an episode since”

“But what if I do! What if-“

“If we worry about the what ifs, we’ll drive ourselves insane. Alright. Calm down. Why don’t you go back to bed and try to get some sleep”

“I’m not getting to sleep like this, me minds too-“

“Rabbity?”

“It’s too early for those sorts of jokes, lad”

“How about I make you some snoozy choc and touch your naughty bits”

“…with the others-“

“I’m kidding! Oh my Christ. Why don’t I make us both some grilled cheese and then we settle down on the sofa for the night. How’s that sound?”

“Is the touching still an option?”

“You’re as bad as I am! If you promise to be quiet I might consider it. But strictly over the clothes stuff”

“Even that one thing”

“If I do that, you’ll wake the whole house up!”

[a-fistful-of-birds]

The President is a What?

Chapter 3

Word count: ~1,700

The piercing scream of her alarm ripped Sayaka out of her sleep.

5:00am. Awake and ready for the day early as always, Sayaka made sure of it.

However, today she knew she would not be assuming her usual position in the student council room but rather helping the rest of the council clean up after last night’s celebration. Waking up a few hours early was no issue for Sayaka, she hopped up and turned off her alarm before grabbing a clean uniform and heading to the bathroom, giving Midari’s bedroom door a few hard knocks on the way to make sure the girl was awake. A loud groan sounded out and Sayaka grinned knowing there wasn’t much Midari could do other than complain. She had reluctantly agreed -or was rather forced by Runa- to accompany Sayaka to campus in the morning to help clean up the aftermath with the rest of the council.

Midari had resurfaced from her room by the time Sayaka had finished getting ready for the day, and the pair made their way to the bus stop after Sayaka stored her maps of the school away safely in her bag. She was stubborn in not losing them and had begun to memorize the layout in her mind, already planning to find the rooms by tapping along the school’s walls as she helped clean around the halls.

The shrieking squeal of the bus’s brakes alerted the girls to prepare for departure, mounting the stairs with student IDs in hands to present to the driver. The skies were noticeably darker this morning, with clouds seeming to slowly roll in while the sun still threatened to dominate the skies. ‘Looks like we may have a storm this afternoon, I will have to make sure the council doesn’t neglect to search the campus lawn for trash before noon.’ Sayaka looked over towards Midari, who was leaning her head against the seat in front of them, a slight bit of drool threatening to fall to her knees.

Sayaka rolled her eyes but couldn’t blame Midari, waking up at 5:00am was asking a lot even for Sayaka, who preferred the extra two hours they usually had during most weekdays.

A few minutes went by before the bus lurched into the parking lot of the school, jolting Midari awake from her impromptu nap. Dismounting from their seats, the girls quickly found their way inside. They separated to go their own ways, Midari towards who knows where to most likely ‘search’ for unopened beer cans and other less tasteful unattended items, and Sayaka straight for the council room. The girl frequently left her school bag in the council room when she was required elsewhere not for class, and had opened the doors to the room to safely store her stuff in one of the filing cabinets when her heart skipped a beat at a certain voice.

“Say-a-ka,” the president mused, immediately noticing the girl’s urgent entrance into the room. The girl in question froze, she was always the first one to the council room and certainly expected to be the first when it was so early in the morning today. Why was the president here so early by comparison? Was she looking for Sayaka? Maybe she never left the school last night to begin with, Sayaka recalled Kirari not making any indication to leave when she coaxed the other girl to go home.

“Y-yes, president?” Sayaka avoided eye contact with the older girl, still nervous to lock eyes with her after last night’s light teasing. A blush dusted her cheeks remember their exchange. The girl’s feelings for the president weren’t not obvious, Sayaka was terrible at hiding her emotions, which only worked to further provoke the president’s teasing.

“I know you always come in early, but you seem much more urgent than usual. Are you still thinking about our little discovery from last night?” Sayaka didn’t respond, still processing their sudden encounter.

“I- uh…yes, president.”

Kirari smiled at the girl. “What are your thoughts about it? Any considerations for maybe why someone would go through the trouble to close off certain parts of the building and hide them away from the world for years?”

Sayaka recalled the lack of any real information she found on the building’s history, just that it was an older building which belonged to the same family and was never officially marked as sold, but that it yet somehow still turned into the current academy. The building also was not old enough to likely hold anything of great value either, when compared to other infamous historical buildings around Japan.

“I’m not sure. The building isn’t old enough for someone to hide valuable items in, and the owner just as easily could have taken any family heirlooms with them or have hidden them off site or even kept them in a safe. Hiding something away in the walls of one’s home would feel more akin to the western world with its citizens hiding alcohol within the walls during prohibition,” she paused, “or someone hiding drugs. In both instances, the walls of the home were used to hide taboo or illegal substances.”

“Interesting. Well then, what do you propose the owner of this home was hiding from the rest of the world?” Sayaka hummed in thought. “I don’t know, president.”

Sayaka felt a hand graze her chin, forcing her to look into the president’s eyes. “I trust you will find more information as you look around the school, you’ve already located every hidden room it seems judging by the map in your bag, dear.”

Kirari slipped the map out of Sayaka’s bag to get a closer look but was instead met with a large phallic depiction and certain cardio activities drawn in the corner of the page with red crayon.

Sayaka’s face flushed.

“Seems rather adventurous for your tastes, Sayaka.”

“It’s not like that, I swear,” Sayaka didn’t know what to say, “I would never dream of that.” She mentally kicked herself for wording it like that. “Oh? Dream of what exactly?” Kirari pried playfully, not so patiently waiting for the girl’s answer. An answer she was interested in knowing, as it would give Kirari the chance to know if she truly had a shot with Sayaka, as she never gave any hints or indications to which way she leaned. The girl never entertained entering relationships, so any information to that side of her was unknown, something Kirari, who always knew the exact way others’ lives would play out, was not used to.

Kirari reached her hand out towards Sayaka.

Sayaka brisked, “It’s nothing,” backing away to finish putting her bag away in one of the cabinets, she could collect the map from Kirari later as she already had the contents completely memorized. Sayaka started back towards the double doors, not wanting to interact with the president any longer. A finger snagged Sayaka by the collar and brought her back to face Kirari, her facial features darkened, “You’re not leaving this room until you’ve answered my question, dear.”

Sayaka didn’t know how to react, hiding her face as best she could in the crook of the president’s neck.

She gave, her voice hushed. “I would never dream of defacing any materials,” Sayaka was met with silence indicating the other was waiting for her to finish her response, “or partake in any activities with the opposite sex.”

Sayaka responded so quietly that Kirari had a hard time hearing the girl but managed to process what was whispered. She unhooked her fingers from the girl’s uniform and stepped back, taking in the other’s expression.

“Tell me then, what do you dream of?”

Sayaka winced, she was not prepared to be having this conversation with the president at such a time and place. “How about we continue this conversation another time, okay president?”

Kirari remembered how Sayaka wanted to search around the school, “yes, we can do just that,” Sayaka sighed in relief, “but only if you gamble with me.” Sayaka’s face dropped as Kirari smiled. Oh god. Kirari knew about Sayaka never wishing to partake in a gamble so why try and lure her into one now, and over such a small occurrence? She wasn’t planning on keeping her sexuality hidden from the president, but she never pictured what telling the president would look like.

“We can negotiate the rules later, I know you are eager to explore the school, Sayaka. There is a small toolbox in the council room closet and you already have access to the various janitor closets around the school if you need quick access to any tools. I trust you will be clean about damaging the dear walls and integrity of the school.” Kirari handed the map back before stalking back to her seat, “Report back any findings.”

________________________________________

“Oh come on, already! Why do I have to be the one to carry all of the supplies while you go around knocking on the walls? I want to get this over with and bust these rooms in so we can find the fucking treasure and make so easy cash!”

Midari groaned as they walked down the halls, carefully marking and drilling small peepholes through walls deemed fake. “We were instructed to conduct our searches with as little damage done to the interior as possible. It does not matter that the walls are fake, Midari, there is still the threat of discovering asbestos and releasing it into the main body of the school! Plus, you are in charge of holding all of the supplies because you were the cause of my most awkward encounter with the president yet!” Sayaka balanced the drill back into the stack Midari was carrying before looking through the small hole she drilled, once again met with empty space. They were beginning to lose hope for finding anything interesting, so far there were three small empty gaps no wider than four feet between the interior and original walls with nothing of any value spotted save for a couple of lost bolts from the construction workers who were the last visitors. Sayaka slumped and shook her head, letting Midari know it was another dud and they continued walking.

Midari laughed. “Hey, maybe you could consider it as me helping you out! I know you’ve liked that chick for a few years now, how come you two haven’t banged yet?”

Sayaka huffed as her face turned beet red, “First of all, keep it down! Secondly, I doubt the president is even into that and I don’t want to be responsible for making our professional relationship awkward lest I have to put up with such tension for any more than a day.”

Another hole began drilling into the wall but was met with greater resistance; a stud. “Ah crap,” Sayaka let out. “Be ready to switch places if I can’t remove the drill bit, I hit a stud in the wall.”

Sayaka braced her right knee and hip against the wall and she reversed the tool’s rotation and backed out of the hole, a small thump sounded from the other side, quickly grabbing the attention of both girls. Blowing into the hole to remove any leftover sawdust, Sayaka cautiously peered in. “Looks like there are secrets to this place after all, take a look,” Sayaka stepped back and let Midari get a peak. “Well it’s no treasure but after a few hours of looking at nothing, I guess it’s sorta cool. Care to retrieve it or..?” Midari’s expression made it clear that while she didn’t care for the contents of the room, she badly wanted to partake in destruction of property.

“Yes, I do,” Midari met Sayaka’s eye, causing her infectious grin to affect the girl as well, “...Yes, you can make a larger hole in the wall, but don’t hurt the book!”

A loud crunch was heard before Sayaka could continue her speech. Splintered drywall lay scattered at the secretary’s feet. The pungent smell of old books and dust filled the air, causing a violent but short coughing fit to erupt from her lungs, she wasn’t used to inhaling so much dust and the miniscule particles which violated her throat burned. Sayaka doubled over, using a hand to steady herself against the wall to not drop any further into the oppressive cloud of ancient air and god knows.

“Here,” Midari held the book up the Sayaka, “this is the only thing in the room.” Sayaka accepted the delicate work and wiped any remaining dust off its cover while recovering from her fit of coughing turned sneezing. The title was illegible but the name was barely visible: Ovid.

What the hell?

Sayaka flipped the cover over and examined the contents, it did not appear to be any valuable or original copy, lowering her direct desire to protect such a worn item a little further down in her priorities. Most of the pages were torn, almost completely faded away, or missing. A few pages were blocked out in a deeply satin ink as well as parts of the front and back covers to the book, whoever spilt ink had done so while this work lay open.

Midari stood and began dusting herself off, “So, anything good?” Sayaka thought for a moment before gently shaking her head. “No, this book is badly damaged and doesn’t appear to be any sort of first edition or original work, it’s obviously been published by press or machine. I can’t make out the title and the author’s name doesn’t ring any immediate bells.”

The beautification council president shrugged, signifying her question to Sayaka. “We will still need to present this to the president of course,” Sayaka stared at the cover, “just not right now.”

“Oh, keeping secrets of our own are we?” Midari jested.

“I’m not keeping this a secret! I want to conduct a bit of private research before handing it off to the president. For once, I am unfamiliar with an author’s name and I don’t want to disappoint if asked point blank if I know anything about this book, much less if it has anything to do with this school.”

Sayaka was only met with a facial expression rapidly growing in amusement, oh how she wished she could wipe the shit eating grin from the other girl’s face at times.

Pulling out her phone, she checked the time. “It’s getting late, we don’t need to be missing the bus home again. Come on, let’s clean up and get going.” Midari looked back at the mess littering the floor and groaned, “Aw come on! Do we have to? We can say a fight occurred and a kid got shoved too hard into the wall!”

The other hummed before a smile of her own adorned her features, “here, how about you clean this mess up since you made it and I take the rest of the supply back to the council room? You sure complained an awful lot about having to carry everything the entire way, consider this as my way of helping relieve you of such duties.” Sayaka smiled as Midari’s face fell.

“God I really despise you sometimes.” “I know.”

________________________________________

Sayaka walked all of the supplies provided to her by the president, save for a dustpan and broom left with Midari, back to the council room. The two girls had spent the entire day at the academy cleaning, attending to normal day-to-day activities, and getting a start on scouting the building. The doors to the council room cracked open as Sayaka pushed herself into the room with her foot holding the door open, the room was completely empty save for her personal belongings. Sayaka stowed her belongings in the council’s private janitor’s closet, and walked towards the filing cabinets to grab her stuff.

Her eyes were met with a small blue sticky note sitting atop her bag, it read one word: ‘Metamorphoses’