#the knife is tiny i probably wont get in any trouble for it

[bludraws094]

my advice for meeting people and/or making friends in real life

get yourself a bag. my bag is a canvas one my stepdad got me from point pleasant, with a logo containing mothman and the text "MOTHMAN SEARCH TEAM \ POINT PLEASANT, WV". however, the specific bag does not matter, as long as you can move to step two without fucking it up (so do NOT use leather, pleather, or plastic, unless they have some kind of fabric straps that can be decorated. actually dont use pleather at all. pleather will fall apart. pleather is not built to last.)

accessorize the fuck out of it. mine is covered in pins and keychains. the more variety, the better. it needs to tell people things about you: your interests, your style, what you find funny or cool, or whatever you want

take the bag everywhere. chances are, somebody is going to see it and find it cool. most people notice the mothman logo on mine first, ask me where i got it, and sometimes they continue to ask to see my pins and keychains. its a great conversation starter, as i get to tell them about some of the things my pins represent

you can do similar things with other objects — i always wear bracelets i made myself, and they have started a grand total of one conversation, which is fine bcus theyre a lot more subtle in the way they show my interests and are really just for me — as long as they are eye catching and show things about you. bags are the easiest for me since they are functional and can be worn in any season or weather, but you can use jewelry, jackets, pants, or whatever!

go. touch grass. socialize. meet people.

this is the bag for anyone wondering

we got pokémon, kirby, chonny jash (specifically cccc), vocaloid, inanimate insanity, invader zim, and a lot of miscellaneous pins. im also hoping to one day add a raggedy ann related pin. no more keychains though i do not have room for more keychains

the kirby keychain used to be pink but the color faded a long time ago so now hes just floating in clear liquid

[classic80sand90smovieloves2]

Meeting and Dating Ace Merrill

(Not my gif)(Requested by a few anonymous askers)

- You’d been out with a few of your friends, visiting a drive in movie theater when you just so happened to catch Ace’s eye. He had to do a double take when he saw you for the first time, since when did Castle Rock have stray models wandering around?

- Well, what’s a guy supposed to do? Not come talk to you? Uh, uh, not an option. 

- So, while you were standing at the concession stand, the greaser sidled up to you, leaning against the counter and introducing himself with a charming smile. He made conversation as you waited for your food, sprinkling in little flirty comments and twirling a strand of your hair between his fingers. 

- Not too long after, the cashier returned with your order; interrupting the two of you. You gathered your purchase, a bit disappointed that you had to say goodbye so soon. 

- Just as you were trying to think of something to say, he asked if he could take you out sometime. The two of you made plans to see each other before your friends urgently called you over. You hurriedly said goodbye to the blonde, giving him a quick apology before heading over to your seat. 

“See you around, y/n/n.” 

- Once you joined back with your group, they began to warn you about how much trouble your “new friend” was. To be honest, it sort of turned you off of him and rightfully so. A womanizing criminal was not exactly the kind of guy you were looking for. 

- With your friends words in mind, you made sure to avoid the blonde, not meeting him for your date and not answering his calls. Unfortunately for you, you’d relinquished just enough information about yourself for him to be able to track you down and by that I mean, he visited your work. 

- Finally, you were forced to confront him and admit that, yes, you’d been avoiding him. He seemed more than a little pissed but he tried to be on his best behavior, especially when asking if that mean’t you “couldn’t be friends”. 

- You felt bad for jerking him around so you hesitantly agreed to, at least, be on good terms with him. Lets just say you didn’t stay just friends for very long. 

- After only a week of hanging out with him, you find yourself fooling around in the backseat of his car. Don’t be too hard on yourself, Ace is a professional. 

- You tugged your sweater back on, running your fingers through your mussed up hair as the boy lit a cigarette. He wrapped an arm around your shoulders as you settled back against the seat, blowing out a cloud of smoke before he spoke. 

“You’re mine now, alright?”

“Yeah,” you said quietly, a small smile finding it’s way onto your lips. “yeah, alright.” 

- And so, the two of you began your “secret” relationship. 

- Ace really isn’t too bad, just rough around the edges. You learn to live with his faults and just try to stop him from doing anything too against the law or dangerous. 

- He has a cold and tough exterior but his insides are... well mostly the same but with beer, some gooey parts and lots of love for you. 

- Can I just say that something tells me Ace is a momma’s boy. Like his family is pretty dysfunctional but his ma means a whole lot to him and she’s the sweetest little woman you’ll ever meet. He’s very excited to introduce you. 

- He usually calls you doll, darlin’, angel and babe. You cant decide which ones your favorite, he makes them all sound so good. 

- He’s always messing with something, whether that be a car part, knife or something of yours. 

- Constant pda. He has his hands on you whenever you let him and will try to sneak some contact whenever you wont. The only reason you wouldn’t let him was if you’re around someone you don’t want knowing you’re together.

- The looks that he gives you in public, oh dear. 

- He makes it damn clear to everyone that you belong to him so yes, you could say that he’s pretty jealous. 

- If anyone even tries to flirt with you they need to watch their backs while walking home. He’s not afraid to pull a knife on a guy in a bar, what do you think he’d do to someone when they’re all alone?

- You probably get an ‘Ace’ tattooed on you at some point. He’d usually just do something like that himself but he wants it to look nice so he’ll take you to an actual shop; unless of course, you want him to do it.

- He most likely tattooed your name on himself, making you do the first letter yourself. He thinks it’s cute when you keep apologizing for “hurting him”.

- Raunchy compliments. If you’re lucky he’ll just say you “look good” or that he “likes it” when you’ve done something new to yourself. 

- Husky morning/late night whispers. 

- Sometimes he’ll arrive home late at night, stumble around for a while and then just collapse onto you, falling asleep as you watch tv. He’s usually a little tipsy so you just run your fingers through your hair and let him nap. 

- Most of the time he’ll wake up all groggy a few minutes later, throw you over his shoulder and carry you off to your actual bed which is just a cozy tad bit too small.

- He drags Eyeball to the store with him whenever he needs to get you a gift.

“How bout roses? Girls like that kinda shit right?”

- Eyeball probably has a crush on you, he can’t help it; there aren’t a lot of girls in town who are as nice as you, not to mention as pretty. 

- All the cobras think you’re adorable and the best girlfriend any one of them could ever manage to get. They grew especially fond of you after you brought them beer when they ran out.

- Trying to stop him from messing with kids. He tones it down, mostly whenever you’re around, but never really quits. 

- Fake wrestling. It’s fun to roll around on the floor with you a little, especially when he wins which is often. 

- So much sarcasm, if you don’t know how to hold your own then you better learn quick. 

- Helping him or keeping him company while he cleans his car. He sprays you a few times with the hose because he’s an asshole. 

- He’s made you sit on the hood of his car for a picture at least once. 

 “I’ll give you two bucks if you let me take one of you topless.”

- He likes standing behind you while you cook and resting his head on your shoulder.

- Cutting his hair for him. There’s something oddly satisfying about sitting in a tiny bathroom with him, balancing on the sink ledge and trying your best to not mess up. 

- He doesn’t give a fuck, he’ll buy you pads. Who's going to give him shit for it? His friends? He’ll beat their asses into next week. 

- Going to drag races. 

- Watching him play pool. 

- Rough kisses. 

- Hickeys, bruises, and bite marks. 

- Sitting on his lap. 

- Getting pinned to things because he likes seeing you all flustered. 

- Let’s be honest, there’s a lot of sex. The mans horny like 80% of the time. Anything you do turns him on. Thankfully, being good at sex is one of his redeeming qualities. 

- He’s the kind of guy to slap and grab your ass in public with no shame.

- Whenever you walk in front of him he tends to pull you back against him so that you’re pressed against his chest. It’s both because he can't keep his hands off of you and because it shows that you’re his to everyone around you.

- Whenever you’re in the car together, he drives with one hand on the wheel and the other on your thigh. 

- Him doing really dangerous shit and making you worry. He thinks it’s kinda cute when you do, not many people genuinely care about his well being. 

- He thinks it’s fun to annoy you so expect him to act like a little shit every now and again, putting things you need on the top shelf and stealing your clothes or towel from the bathroom while you’re showering. 

- He’ll usually annoy you until you talk to him whenever you try to give him the silent treatment. 

- Your parents found out about the two of you when they caught you making out in his car, a few months into your relationship. It certainly made convincing them that he’s actually an alright guy  pretty hard. 

- Depending on their personalities, they either made you stop seeing him for a little while as a punishment then tried their best to accept it or they just kicked you out of the house. This was the 60’s after all, most parents were pretty strict and judgmental. 

- If they decide to kick you out then you’re moving in with him, plain and simple. You're his girl, he’ll take care of you.

- Fights are rough, like really rough. There’s yelling, insults, things being thrown. It’s just overall not a fun time. Either you or him storm out at some point; if it’s him then you usually aren’t there when he gets back. You go to stay with your friend for a while. 

- He calls you constantly and tries to find you whenever you’re out in public. He’s still pissed off but he misses you and feels kind of horrible when he comes home and doesn’t find you there. He’ll usually spot you when you’re walking home and will drive up beside you to try and win you back. 

“Get in the car y/n.”

“Get lost Ace!” You shout, spouting off some rant about how you’re through and aren’t coming back. 

“That’s bullshit and you know it! We’ll be doing this till the end of time darlin’.”

“This is the last damn time Ace.”

“Come on babe, gimme another chance. Why’d you get that tattoo if you couldn’t handle me.” He joked. 

“... If I get in that damn car you promise this won’t happen again?”

“Hell, I can’t promise anything but I’ll sure as hell try.”

- When you guys are in bed he’ll apologize for real, wrapping his arms around you while you lay your head on his chest.

“You do know I’m sorry, right?”

- He’s kind of just your average dirtbag who sometimes takes you for granted, then makes it up to you in some way that makes it really hard for you to leave. You know you should probably ditch him but you just can’t, you love him for better or for worse. 

- You probably have a civil ceremony or a really small wedding. He’s not one for stuff that’s big and fancy so something private is ideal for him. 

[despairofthefuture]

HIRO GUNDAM IS IN TROUBLE BUT WE KNOW WHERE HAJIME IS UNFORTUNATLY HE ALREADY ACCEPTED (as far as we know junko could have been lying) BUT YOU CANT GO YET JUST GET PEKO PEKOYAMA AND THEN GO SHES A MASTER SWORDSMAN AND CAN HELP FEND OFF MURKRO (the alive one) HES SOMEWHERE NEAR THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING EITHER OUTSIDE OF IT OR INFRONT OF ONE OF THE DOORS JUST GO GET PEKO AND SAY ITS AN EMERGENCY AND GUNDAM IS IN TROUBLE HOPEFULLY SHE UNDERSTANDS

Hiro was walking behind Chiaki and Imposter, the two walking towards the administrative building where Hajime had gone, when he suddenly stops moving. His head shoots over to the spirit, as does Chihiro and Leon. "...What?!" Hiro says in disbelief.

"Hiro?" Chiaki calls back to him, the two living companions having stopped walking. "Is something wrong?"

Hiro turns his head to look at her, his face pale.

"I'll take that as a yes." Imposter grimaces, running over to the clairvoyant. "What is it? Did you have another vision?!"

"Not...exactly." He answers. "But I dont have time to explain. Gundham...Gundham's in danger! I-I think he's being attacked by Mukuro, Junko's sister? I-I dont know!"

Hiro was breathing heavily, and was on the verge of a panic attack. People were being attacked now? Like, he knew that if he didnt stop Junko lots of people would die, but someone was actually...being hurt.

Was it because of him?

"Hiro, calm down." Leon's voice cuts through the panicking man's thoughts. His best friend places a ghostly hand as close to his shoulder as he can. "Relax. You got this still, alright?"

"We can save Gundham and stop Junko, you j-just need to take a breath." Chihiro chimes in with a comforting smile.

Hiro looks between the ghostly apparitions of two of his closest friends and nods. The anxiety and guilt in his gut doesnt go away, but it lessens enough for him to take a breath and look to a now extremely worried Chiaki and Imposter.

"The spirits also said we needed to find a...Peko Pekoyama?" He says to them, scratching the back of his head. "They say she's a-"

"Swordswoman. The Ultimate Swordswoman." Imposter interrupts the fortune teller, having regained his own composure. "Its not a bad idea. She is extremely skilled in fighting."

Chiaki places a finger to her chin. "Maybe we could ask Akane and Nekomaru for help? They're extremely powerful fighters, too. If they were in a fighting game, they'd be a top tier choice!"

Everyone gives her a puzzled look for a moment before Leon's ghost speaks up. "We could also ask Sakura, and possibly Mondo! They'd be very strong in a-"

"No." Hiro cut Leon off with a shake of his head, and his allies give him a surprised look.

"No?" Chiaki repeats with a tilted head. "Why not?"

The underclassman frowns and rubs the back of his head. "'Cause, like....there's already a lot of people involved in this mess." He mutters. "The more we tell about Junko's plan, the more'll get hurt. Plus the more likely that a mass panic will break out."

"But if the authorities were to know, they could apprehend Junko and stop her easily." Imposter points out.

"If it was that easy dont you think the spirits wouldve suggested that?" Yasuhiro counters. "Clearly she has more power than even the police. Which is the whole reason I dont even see how I can do this!" He glances over at his ghostly friends and sighs. "But I have to at least try so...if the spirits think Peko is the best option, we'll go with her. But I dont want to drag anyone else into this, ok? Please?"

Everyone was quiet for a while, until Leon snorts. "I'm impressed. Usually you would have run away crying by now. Guess you're taking this seriously."

Hiro rolls his eyes. "I dont really have a choice. I'm still terrified and I feel like giving up with each development. But I dont want to lose any of my friends."

Imposter smiles softly at that and bows his head. "I respect your dedication, Hiro. Very well. We wont tell anyone else of your visions."

Chiaki nods in agreement. "We probably wont even have to tell Peko." She muses quietly. "Just mentioning one of our friends being in danger should be enough."

Hiro nods. "Alright. Since you two know her best, why dont you both go get her?"

Imposter raises a brow. "And what are you going to do?"

"You could sneak over to the administrative building and see how things are going." Chihiro suggests.

Hiro grimaces at the idea but sighs. "I'm gonna...go to the administrative building and scope things out....stealthily."

"Do you think you can manage that?" Chiaki asks.

Hiro hesitantly nods, and after a shared look between the two upperclassmen, they say their goodbyes and hurry to find Peko.

Yasuhiro bites his lip and lets out a large breath, turning towards his destination. "Alright...let's go."

~~

When Hiro arrives at the scene, he is horrified by what he ses.

Gundham is all but leaning against the wall of the building, gripping his right arm with his left as blood drips from it. His shirt is sliced open in several places, blood splattered onto it. There's a large gash on the left side of his face, just below his eye, that flows even more blood down his cheek, and his usually styled hair has come undone, falling into his eyes as his chest rises and falls heavily.

The breeder glares daggers at his opponent as he attempts to catch his breath. "Y-you...vile fiend!" He curses at her, placing a palm on the wall to steady himself as he tries to walk forward despite his shaky legs. "You will never take down GUNDHAM TANAKA!"

"I'll admit. I'm impressed." Mukuro says, ignoring Gundham's words as she stalks closer. Hiro notices there's not a scratch on her, and that terrifies him even further. "Most people would be long dead from the wounds I've given you. You're much stronger than I anticipated." The teasing smile that had been on her face quickly falls to a frown as she pulls out a throwing knife. "But this game ends now. You will no longer get in Junko's way."

Hiro's eyes widen in fear. No...no, this cant happen! He was supposed to save their lives, not end them faster! Could he intervene? But what could he do? He'd just get himself killed!

As he wracks his brain for how to save Gundham, he notices Imposter and Chiaki running his way, and behind them, a girl with a sword on her back.

Peko Pekoyama.

Hope rises in his chest for a moment, before its replaced with despair. Leon and Chihiro understand as well.

"...they wont make it in time." Chihiro whispers, the three of them slowly turning to watch the horrific scene unfold before them.

Mukuro grips the throwing knife in her hand, readying herself to throw it. Gundham meanwhile takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, seemingly accepting his death. Smirking at this, Mukuro throws the knife and-

"Squea-!"

A hamster's squeak is cut short.

Gundham slowly opens his eyes in confusion as to why he had felt no pain. They widen in horror at what he sees instead. Maga-Z, one of his beloved Dark Devas, had been impaled by the knife in his stead, apparently having stowed away in his scarf.

"No....no!" Gundham cries out in agony as he picks up the tiny corpse of his pet, tears forming in his eyes.

"Well, that was unintentional." Mukuro shrugs, pulling out another knife. "But at least you get to taste the sweet nectar of despair before you d-"

THUD!

Mukuro suddenly falls to the ground, Peko standing behind where she had stood with a wooden sword above her head.

Hiro lets out a breath so big he almost passes out. "Oh thank Father Time!" He exclaims, rushing over to join the others.

"We got here as fast as we could." Peko says, sheathing her sword and glaring at Mukuro.

"I dont think it was quick enough." Chiaki replies softly, looking over to where Gundham was knelt down, cradling his falled subordinate.

There is a solemn silence as everyone gives Gundham his time to grieve.

Eventually he stands, still holding Maga-Z in his hands. "I thank you mortals for your assistance." He says, his voice quiet and broken. "I know you did what you could. Maga-Z gave his life to protect me, and for that he shall be remembered." He looks down to the hamster, then to Hiro. "I am aware we are in a hurry, but do you mind if I bury him? You can go ahead. I will find you."

Hiro gives him a sad smile. "Of course. And if you see Sonia, bring her along."

"Though, maybe see Mikan first?" Chiaki suggests. "You're very hurt."

Gundham simply nods before heading off.

The others watch him go for a moment before Peko breaks the silence.

"I will bring this one back to my dorm where she will cause no harm. At least until we figure out what to do with her."

"Yeah, that sounds like a plan." Hiro agrees. "Just be careful, alright?"

Peko smiles at him and nods. "I will, do not worry." And with those final words she picks up Mukuri and walks off as well.

Theres another silence, no one knowing what to say, until it's broken again. This time by Hiro.

"So...where exactly would Hajime be kept?"

A/N: So uh...I'm sorry? 😅 Dont worry I hate myself for this lol. But now you know shit's getting real! So in the next post is really when my lack of DR 3 knowledge will shine lol.

Also in case it wasnt clear, I dont want too many characters to know about Junko's plan, cause then the tension is kinda gone.

But yeah! Hope you guys are enjoying it so far! ^_^

[happys-crazy-queen22]

The Retaliation Is Served

Gif credit @angels-reyes

Chapter 5

@ilovetaquitosmmmm

Hope you all enjoy.

Shilohs P.O.V

You tried loosening the zip ties on your wrist but they wouldn't bung. Hoping someone would have to get a broom or something to clean with but no one came and it was feeling like eternity being in the closet. You wished you had your phone oh shit your phone you remembered dropping it on the floor next to the closet but someone probably took it. There was no hope. 

"I thought your calvery would have came already, I'm starting to get bored just looking at you". He got up and went towards you. You started wiggling around, trying to get free. He was not going to lay a finger on you. 

"Struggle all you want to but there's no use". He laughed was terrifying. He grabbed your feet pulling you to him, but as you neared his groin you brought your knees up and kneed him as he was crouching over you. He groaned falling on the floor. You tried to roll over him and get to the door as quick as you could but he grabbed your foot holding you back. 

Angel was walking down the halls looking in the room to see if Shiloh was in one but no sign. Then he got a idea, she went to get her phone and she may still have it on her if she's in the building so he called it. He could hear a slight noise coming from down the hall as he got closer the music of Shilohs and Riz favorite song was playing. Angel found her phone. 

"Oh fuck". He ran his hand over his head, what was he going to tell Riz? He called up Creeper telling him he found your phone. Creeper was back with RIz and they were both coming down to help. As Angel put his phone back into his pocket he heard something crash in the closet next to him. He was going to shrug it off but something in him felt trouble. He slowly opened the door. You were on the ground tied up and a man trying to get up as held himself with one hand with your foot in it. 

"You fucking son of a bitch". Angel growled, charging at the guy. You were still on the ground, you tried your best to get out from under them. Worm crawling you managed to get out of the hall. Angel threw punch after punch to the guys face. He was bloody but managed to punch Angel in the gut and throw him out of the closet. Angel hit the floor with a thud. He looked at you as you sobbed on the hospital floor. The kidnapper got the strength to walk as he walked over you and started down the hall. Angel jerked himself up off the floor and ran and jumped on the guys back. He was twirled around but his elbow did most of the work, stabbing the kidnapper in the face. Taking his fingers and gouging the eyeballs of the kidnapper. 

You watched in horror as Angel was thrown to the ground again being kicked. You knew this was the end but the floor felt like it was vibrating and you looked down the hall Creeper was helping Riz down the hall slowly running. You smiled as Riz let go of Creeper going after the kidnapper and helping Angel. Creeper carefully undid your ties and pulled your gag off. You could finially breath once again. 

Riz and Angel got control of the situation. Riz was still in his hospital gown coming over to see you. 

"Are you okay"? He kissed your lips tenderly. 

"I'm so glad to see your ass, so glad". You giggled kissing him again. "Don't ever do that to me again". 

"I promise I wont". He pulled you up, hugging you tightly. 

"What do you want us to do with him"? Creeper asked, holding a gun to the kidnappers head. Angel breathing heavily and spitting out blood. He was beyond pissed. 

"I got one question. Why Shiloh"? 

"Eat shit Mayan". He spat. Riz punched him in the nose. 

"He doesn't want the sons working with the Mayans". You spoke, the kidnapper didn't like that as he went to go after you but was stopped by a blow to the gut by Angel. 

"Do you think he's working with Aaron? He's got prison tattoos". Creep examined the arms.

"You're working with him aren't you"? Riz got into his face. But all he did was laugh.

"You Mayans have a shit storm coming your way". Was the last words he spoke as Angel blew a hole threw his head, it echoed the hallway.

"Put him in the closet". Riz wrapped his arm around your shoulds, you held his gown together as his butt was out it made you giggle that he didn't care.

"I'll call Coco". Angel walked away.

"Really, you're going to leave me here with a dead body in a tiny space? You know how I am with space man". Creeper groaned pulling the guy by his legs into the closet.

Dee's point of view

The boys were outside doing God knows what, a couple minutes ago EZ got a call from someone and ever since then they have been like little angry fire ants. Im in the kitchen trying to get something to drink when I hear something moving outside probably just one of the guys.

I feel my way out to check up on them when I smell the familiar leather and cigarettes of the boys but this smell had something with it, didn't smell like any of the guys I know. My gut was telling me there was something wrong but I couldnt put my finger on it.

"EZ? Gilly?" I ask feeling my way to the picnic table. No answer so I feel the little pocket knife Johnny gave me for protection if i ever needed it. I took it out of my jean pocket.

"Hello again stranger." I heard a deep male voice behind me

I froze, fuck when did he get out! I know that voice from anywhere it's Aron.

We're are you guys?

"What not even a hello? That's shame. I just wanted to come see you again baby."

His words mademade my skin crawl,"I'm not your baby. I never will be you disgusting bastard." I said pissed off.

I tried looking in his direction,"I heard about your untimely accident such a shame.those pretty blues now gone. I knew he wouldn't have did it. I told him to kill not injure."

I knew this sick asshole did it. Come on guys were the hell are you?

He was close to me I could tell but I backed off,"get away from me!" I yelled hoping they would hear

"Come on babe you don't belong with these bikers."

"Im not yours! Never will be!"

EZ's point of view

"Get away from me!" I heard Dee yell

"Shit! He found her!" I said taking off running toward the back of the house

Gilly right behind me

When we got there Aron had her by the neck and hid back to us so I went behind him

"Come on babe you don't belong to those bikers." Aron said

I grabbed him by the back of his jacket Turing him facing me and punched him.

After a few minutes of punching back and forth Aron gasped then dropped on the floor. I looked down surprised there was a knife I'm his back.

I looked up at Dee who was leaning against the wall near me,"what the hell?"

"My bad." She said with a grin

I rolled my eyes and chuckled,"what is up with you Cruz's and the 'my bad' ?"

"Hey I saved your life didn't I?" She asked feeling her way to me.

"That you did but were supposed to protect you."

I looked over her shoulder and saw he was getting up,shit! Before I could pull my gun out he grabbed Dee pulling her back to him,she screamed trying to fight him off. But before I had a chance to shoot he stabbed her and took off

She fell close to me,but I grabbed her and gently lowered her to the ground "shit Gilly call 911 go!' I said running to her and taking my shirt off to put pressure on the wound,"come on Dee, stay with me please?" We're the hell are the paramedics"

After they came they took her stright to surgery.

I sat there staring at the blood on my hands and on my jeans. Then it dawned on me, someone has to tell Leti,cocos kid, they're really close. Dee practically took Leti under her wings. But I couldn't move my body felt numb, "EZ you ok?" I heard her voice

How in the hell did she get here? "Gilly called me. Wouldn't tell me but just to get here."I just stared at the ground, wanting to tell her but i couldn't find the words

"I think he's in shock,could you keep him company while I call coco?""sure."

She said then I heard footsteps walking away. Shit Coco's gonna kill me

Cocos P.O.V

Getting a call from Angel made you haul ass to your house, you dodged cars and stop signs. You wouldn't forgive yourself if something else happened to Dee. Just hoping you get there in time to stop anything before it happened. You trusted Gilly and Ez but you felt safer being there.

When you got at the house, the bikes were gone, you thought nothing about it. Dee probably had them running errands or something. So going into the house you grabbed a beer from the refrigerator and went to go sit down in your chair but the puddle of blood on the floor stopped you in your tracks. There were galez and gloves on the floor so you knew it was serious when someone called 911. Your phone vibrated in your pocket as you pulled it out it was Gilly.

"Where the hell are you guys"? You questioned.

"We're at the hospital, Dees been stabbed. Leti's here with us".

"What"? You dropped your beer to the floor and raced to your bike. Getting to the hospital as fast as you can.

Running you you went straight to the nurses desk. Banging on the desk.

"My wife she just came in with a stab wound".

"Name sir"?

"Dee Cruz". Coco felt panic set in not know what was happening.

"Coco"? You heard Gillys voice behind you.

"What the fuck happened"?

"Aaron he did it. He came in Ez and him were fighting, Dee stabbed him but he wasn't dead then he took the knife and stabbed her in the chest. They have her in surgery".

"Fuck". Coco screamed his fist balling up.

"I want this fucking dickless prick found and brought to me". He demanded Gilly.

"You got it brother. Oh Riz is in the waiting room". Gilly smiled as he walked off.

Going into the waiting room. You saw Ez covered in blood. Shiloh with marks on her wrist comforting Leti, someone must have told her. Angel, Creeper and Riz talking in the corner.

"What's happening"? You made your presence known. Leti sobbed her way to you, hugging her tightly.

"Um, the doctor just came in and said that the surgery went well the knife was about three inches from her heart and that she should make a complete recovery". Shiloh spoke holding back tears.

"How are you."? You asked her.

"I'm good, can't wait for this to be over and back to normal". She chuckled.

"Fucking same". You laughed.

"How are you brother"? You asked Riz who was coming over to Shiloh.

"Glad to be alive".

"What about the other guy"?

"Taken care of, he had something against the Mayans and the Sons working together. Probably some wanna be prospect who couldn't make it in Sons cause he's not to friendly with people of color".

"He was with the Brotherhood"?

"No, didn't see any tattoos. So we're guessing couldn't make it either or not enough hate".

"He had enough going after us and our families".

"Not anymore he doesn't". Angel said sternly.

Coco and Riz nodded with agreement.

"Gilly is out searching with some of the sons. We're going to find him".

"Hell yes we are, if we have to turn over every stone he will be dealt with".

Coco went over to Ez who hasn't spoken since you got there.

"Thanks brother". You sat down beside him.

"She could've died because of me". He spoke with a tear falling down his face.

"But you tried your best to protect her and you saved her life. So if it wasn't for you being there she wouldn't be here".

"I'm sorry". Ez broke down.

"It's okay brother". You rubbed his back.

"Mr. Cruz"? A doctor spoke bringing you all out of the sadness.

"That's me". You stood up.

"She's asking for you". He said with a smile.

"Give our girl love, we'll be here waiting". Shiloh said holding Leti, you nodded with a slight smile. You were nervous about seeing her. This should've be you in here again not Dee.

[bonniebird]

Sons of a Thunder Storm

Modern!Reader x Ragnarssons’

Based on this thread

AN: The translation is probably not accurate but I did my best xD Also I did not intend this part to be so long.

Thank you to my sister wives for all the ideas, in part 2 the boys learn about TV, the internet and just get into a lot of trouble.

Translation:

Hvat ef vera á? - What is going on

Hverr þú  - Who’re you

“No.” You groaned as your car made a pitiful clunking sound and started slowly rolling to a stop, glancing at your dead phone. “Why now?” You groaned. The sky cracked and the sound of thunder echoed around the field next to you.

The evening sun was unusually bright, the low clouds forcing the road to look an odd colour as you sat deciding whether to wait and see if a car stopped to offer help or if you could make it to the emergency phone further down the road.

Another bolt of lightning flashed through the sky and you shook your head, sucking in a breath before sighing and pulling the hood of your hoodie up. The rain was so heavy that by the time you opened your door, stepped out and shut it, you were drenched through.

You ran down the road to the emergency phone and groaned when it didn’t make a sound. Tapping the reviver you tried to get it to do something. “You would would get stuck half way home on a road in the middle of nowhere.” You grumbled to yourself and started to head back to the car.

You screamed when  a bolt of light flashed and hit several feet from your car. Once your heartbeat had returned to normal and the buzz of adrenaline had kicked you in, you ran to your car, checking to see if it was damaged and sighed in relief when it wasn’t.

“Hvat ef vera á?” The voice made you turn to look at where the lightning had hit.

For a moment you stared, mouth hung open because there is no way the four people before you could have come from, anywhere. Especially the tree stump that one was sat on.

“You got yourself struck by lightning and this is all just… a dream or something. They did not come out of the lighting.” You mumbled to yourself drawing their attention to you.

“Hverr þú?” The one on the left asked but you stayed perfectly still.

Another lightning strike hit between you and the four oddly dressed men and you clutched your ears and shrank even closer to your car.

“The little girl is afraid of lightning.” The one sat down laughed. The tall one in a long red coat slapped the back of his head.

“She is a woman Ivar and you would be wise to fear it too!” He chided and ruffled Ivar’s hair.

“It does not matter Ubbe, we do not know where we are.” One of the others pointed out and you turned to see if any other cars were around to help you.

“Do not think of running little one, we will catch you.” You turned to see the tree looking at the blond who was staring at you as if he was waiting for you to run away.

“I’m dead aren't I?” You asked them, utterly confused by what was going on.

“No, my brother here lost a bet with Loki and angered Thor… he has a habit of, causing issues.” Ubbe informed you and handed his bow to the blond one as he slowly stepped towards you like you were an untamed animal.

A car started down the road and you darted to wave at them to stop, looking in surprise when his hand gently gripped your arm. “My car wont work, I need them to stop.” You explained but he just looked utterly confused.

“It does not work because there is no horse.” He pointed with his free hand at the front of the car.

“You’re kidding right?” You asked as he let you go and you waved down the car.

You managed to explain what happened to your car and the people who had stopped called a tow truck for you. At this point you were so soaked through your work shoes squelched water between your toes with each step.

The truck arrived and you’d almost forgotten about the four oddly dressed men until a sword tapped the side of your car as you got your bag. “We have to come with you.” The man wearing the brown silver studded jacket said with a smile.

“Why would you come with me?” You asked, noting the fact that the sword look real and well used.

“Because the gods wish it.” Ivar stated simply as he fiddled with his own sword. “And if you don’t we will kill you.”

“Crazy murderers.” You hissed under your breath, you would meet a bunch of weirdos who live in the woods.

“Please, it would be a great help to us, besides for all we know the Gods really did give you to us.” Ubbe smiled and you winced glancing around at the rain drowned streets.

“Fine, it’s a stupid thing to do but fine.” You motioned for the to get into the truck with you.

“Fancy dress?” The driver asked as you squished into the back.

“Um… sure?” You squeaked until you realised the hot flush on your neck was Ivar glaring at you in the cramped quarters.

“What did he say?” He asked and you frowned at him.

“You didn’t hear him?” You asked and he shrugged.

“I do not understand what he is saying.” He stated and you hummed as if you’d understood but you were honestly shocked and confused, wanting to get to bed and wake up with everything as it was.

                                                      **************

“This is where you live?” Ivar grumbled from over Ubbe’s shoulder.

“It’s pretty great for my pay!” You defended the small cottage and stomped to the door with the boys following after you.

“Are you a slave?” The blond one asked and you shot him a confused look.

“Excuse me?” You asked and the other one who still hadn’t given you his name threw a arm over his shoulders.

“You are a free woman then?” He asked and you sighed, giving up on understanding what they were talking about.

“Please make sure you take your shoes off?” You asked and placed yours in the tiny foyer of your hallway before stepping into the warm home.

You hurried to your bedroom and grabbed at dry clothes, slamming and locking the bathroom door as you finally changed into dry clothes and dried your hair. When you came back into the room you found someone had rummaged through your things.

“I don’t mean to be rude but I really need to know more about you.” You sighed, frowning when you found them sat in the kitchen, th blond was glowering over the table at Ivar who was twisting a knife into the wooden top of your table while Ubbe rummaged through your cupboards.

“Hvitserk she does not have much food… we should go an catch something, she is letting us stay.” Ubbe mumbled and glanced at his brother who was biting into your block of cheese.

“Stop!” You squeaked and pulled it from his hand.” You cut off his teeth marks hand handed him the bits before wrapping the cheese and putting it back in the fridge.

“We will catch you food.” Hvitserk offered cheerfully and you gave them a look as you opened the side door in your kitchen that led to a small room where you kept your freezer.

“I have food in here, what would you like?” You asked and they crowded round. Ubbe hissed when he gripped one of the icy sides.

“What is this?” He asked as he tapped the side.

“A freezer… you store food in it so it keeps longer.” You explained and he nodded, Ivar started pulling it out of it’s place and inspecting it.

“I want these.” Hvitserk told you and when you looked at him he’d grabbed as much as he could hold.

“How about chicken nuggets and chips?” You asked as you tried to convince him to put most of it back.

“Sigurd start a fire.” Ubbe told the blond one who was looking bored.

“Wait!” You gasped, deciding that if the strange but friendly men did indeed stay you would need to have a serious talk about fire. “I have an oven.” You headed back to the kitchen and switched it on at the wall as you fiddled with the dials.

“What does it do to the food, there is no fire?” Hvitserk asked and you opened the door as you slid the tray of food in.

“It works like a fire I guess… it cooks the food.” You stepped back and went to get them towles, leaving Hvitserk to stare suspiciously at the oven.

Sister Wives:

@odins-missing-eye  @skywalkingdixon  @ivarthebonelesss  @princess-sweatpants @tiyetiye @synnersaint  @ivarinleatherpants  @redheadedtrollop  @float-autumn-leave @underthenorthstar @brightlycoloredteacups @wristic @dangerousvikings @jordy—9 @whenimaunicorn  @rachiieee @inthenameofodin @ivartheboneme   @raekenimages @cherrytrinkets @ivarsvalkyrie @belle-scarre @skywalkingdixon @wonderland-royalty @pokeasleepingsmaug @ceridwenofwales @synnersaint @odinsnipple  @ivars-pet @wastelandsheep  @captainpoopweinersoldier @premiere-gaou  @nekodalolita @littlesnorlaxx @geminized @squirrelacorngliterfarts @mads—world  @burntmythroatskullingmytea

Vikings Tags:  @theasparagusawakens, @archer-whovian-violinist,  @cute-thingy,  @umwhatandrea, @belleorleslie, @sugakookiexx, @bluearchersstuff, @crazy-fandom-girl1, @odins-missing-eye, @delightfulnightmarecupcake, @laurel-celestial,  @penguimo10, @chirukye,  @itsall-inmy-head

[3one3]

The Sequel - 871

Playing Dragons

André Schürrle, Juan Mata, other Chelsea/BVB players, and random awesome OC’s (okay they’re less random now but they’re still pretty awesome)

original epic tale

all chapters of The Sequel

“I love your body, Prinzessin. I don’t understand how it works. Your skeleton must be so, so tiny. You have squish on top of the bones but your exterior is also tiny. I can poke my finger into your skin and it goes down. Other small girls, you poke your finger and it just stops. It’s skin and then bone. You have beautiful squish, but not any fat. None. And no bulky muscle. So your bones must be really close together or something. I don’t understand it.”

“Are you high?”

André’s bizarre monologue ended when Christina turned around to look at him like he was nuts. She was sitting up Indian-style in bed and he was lying down, gently rubbing her back while she tried to finger-comb and gather her hair back into an elastic high on her head, away from her neck. His earlier speech, about her favorite things and why she thought he’d forgotten them, was taken up as a challenge. He said he still did her favorite things that used to evoke that cute squeak from her that he adored so much, and that she just didn’t experience them the same way anymore because she was so close to Juan instead, and that she couldn’t have that level of intimacy with more than one person at a time. He said his kisses and touches used to feel so special to her because she didn’t feel them from the inside anymore- the idea being that she felt them in her heart, not just on her skin. Her husband told her that she let Juan fill the only space in her heart- that she opened herself up to him, and was more connected with him- and thus could experience only his physical love from the inside out that way. The rider refuted the whole theory. She insisted André had not been displaced from her heart, and she vowed to try to be more open and giving of herself so that he could still make her feel the way she loved most. They agreed to practice right away, despite her painful wound.

“No, I’m just confused,” the player shrugged, his hand still flat on her back- a safe distance from the bandage covering the cut. Since thoughtless tickling in the region of said cut was what sparked the fight that got to the “favorite things” discussion, he was vigilant and careful about not hurting her further when she let him take her clothes and accepted the invitation into his lap. Christina turned and leaned down to smooch his innocent and indeed confused looking face.

“I want to lay down but I’m afraid it’s going to hurt,” she told him, nose wrinkled up in displeasure. A naked blonde hunk of a man reclining comfortably on layered satin pillows with messy bed-head, a lazy smile, and peace in his eyes was a most inviting proposition. She just didn’t know how to install herself without putting pressure on her tree branch cut. Her back was constantly reminding her that she hadn’t given it a break since she got hurt.

“Lay on your side. Here, like you usually do.” André lifted his right arm to make room in his wife’s usual spot. The wound began on her right side and reached a few inches around her back. Her regular position at and on his side would keep it free of danger as long as her cuddle partner remembered not to rest his forearm on it. He was still trying to figure out if she enjoyed making love or not- or really, if she felt anything significant, and experienced the love he gave with his lips and hands and voice the way she lamented missing. The previously commonplace squeaking sound they spoke of didn’t happen, so he was pretty sure he was right about her inability to give herself up completely to two different people. That was what he thought brought on the squeak, always. Christina let all shields down, took off every piece of armor, trusted him, and allowed herself to believe all the things he’d ever said to her and the promise made by every look, smooch, hand-hold, and sigh. Only then could she truly enjoy the deepest level of sexual connection with him, he was sure. Love was the key to physical ecstasy- comprehensive, unguarded, vulnerable, intimate love. The BVB man was equally as sure that no one could ever maintain that specific connection with more than one partner at a time. He knew when it was broken between his wife and himself, and he knew why. The orgasms that night were strong, but the precious link was still weak.

“I need to pee first.”

“Don’t put anything back on,” he warned with a calm wink. His girl smooched his cheek and then got up, leaving him to yawn, stretch a little, have some water from the bedside table, and check his phone. It wasn’t particularly late yet but he was tired, and especially sleepy. He didn’t tell Christina not to restore her clothes because he intended to “practice” more. He just felt like cuddling with her naked body, which really did amaze him in so many ways. The most important in that moment were its warmth and softness and the feeling of security he enjoyed when he could hold it close- safe and sound and just for him. That body rejoined him in bed very gingerly and tentative. The player tried to be as welcoming and accommodating as possible, adjusting himself for her so that she could be still.

“I’m tired,” she yawned once they were both settled. “Are you gonna hold me up all night so I don’t fall over and wake up screaming in pain?”

“Yes.”

“You’re hairy.” The Olympian twirled some almost invisible fuzz around the very tip of her right pointer and nodded her head a bit to see if she could feel the hair on her cheek too. André’s blonde chest fuzz only seemed to grow right in the middle though.

“The electric razor needs new blades. I get bumps the last few times I use it for my body,” he yawned. They were going to keep passing the yawn back and forth. “Do you want to put your show on? How many episodes do you have left?”

“About 20, and yes please. I’ll probably fall asleep, but that’s okay.”

There was disappointment between husband and wife, and neither was wont to discuss it. Putting another episode of Game of Thrones on and seeing who would fall asleep first was easier, and less stressful, and less depressing. Christina realized that André was right. His lips on the best places in the best way didn’t feel like her favorite thing. They certainly didn’t feel bad, but they didn’t feel overwhelming. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine the disconnect was her doing. Never did she think the problem could be fitting two footballers into her heart. She always thought the problem was splitting herself in two to fill the space in the heart of each one of them. It was her staunch belief that the space in her own grew to accommodate them both. That never felt entirely right. There was always something off from the crowding. But until André tried to convince her that it was impossible for two men to occupy the same space within her, Christina never even considered it- nor considered that she didn’t love them equally. She thought they didn’t love her equally. It was very unpleasant to have his theory of the case demonstrated for her, by her. It was always difficult for her to admit she was wrong about anything. To admit it about that would have been a terrible conversation. And she knew her fuzzy-chested pillow knew it anyway. It wasn’t necessary to admit it aloud. Her lack of sound was actually an admission. He felt no need to do a victory lap, since they were technically both losers.

Nothing was any different in the morning. Christina woke Lukas and switched him from his overnight diaper into his pull ups, sat with him in the bathroom for a little while to see if he needed to go, helped him pick an outfit for the morning, and then made him Mickey Mouse-shaped fried eggs with the in-pan mould Espen picked up somewhere, a mini croissant he could tear apart himself, and some apple slices he could pick up with his hands. His favorite meals were ones equally divided between knife and fork foods and finger foods, because he liked to show everyone that he could handle his silverware capably but also enjoyed the satisfaction of shoving food in his mouth and thus getting it from plate to palate much more quickly. His dad stumbled sleepily into the kitchen before he was finished- just in time to be handed responsibility for him so that his mom could go work out, and a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice for his trouble. He was too tired to make a big deal out of it, but André really resented the “ships passing in the night” nature of mornings in his home. He resented that he walked into the kitchen, got juice and a kiss on the cheek, and Christina left, often without much more than a “good morning” and a “thanks”. Usually he supervised Lukas for a little while and then either passed him back to Mommy and got himself ready to go to training, or passed him off to Espen and got himself ready to go to training. He was having breakfast with his teammates at Brackel instead of with his family, and that meant less interaction with them every day. It was nice on Tuesday morning to remember that his schedule was different thanks to the international break, and he was taking Christina out for breakfast before the grocery shopping.

“What will it be, Prinzessin?” he asked her after giving her a solid three minutes to study the chalkboard menu at the cafe and restaurant they frequented when she first started spending time in Dortmund. It was in the expensive neighborhood where many of his teammates lived, and where he was staying while he waited for her and the cavalry. There weren’t that many things on the cafe menu to study, but Christina wanted everything so it was hard for her to make a decision. Her breakfast date found the serious and contemplative manipulations of her face rather adorable, despite the length of time required to cycle through all of them.

“I think...the banana bread with espresso mascarpone and honey, and an iced coffee.”

“A sweet breakfast for a sweet Prinzessin? Alright. Go pick a table.”

“Nothing could be as sweet as your overly saccharine adoration this morning,” she told him with skeptical eyes.

“I don’t know what that means.” André shrugged at her and kissed her forehead. She shrugged back and spun around to collect silverware, napkins, and straws to take to whichever table looked good, and he laughed at the way her long, wavy ponytail swung side to side with her steps.

“You didn’t call me last night :(“ the rider texted to Juan while she waited for his former teammate to order their food and bring their numbered block of wood to the table so that the runners could find them when her banana bread and his sweet potato waffle were ready. Much to her surprise, Juan got back to her right away.

“You said to call when I was alone. I wasn’t alone.”

Is he trying to make me jealous? Or hurt me? Or remind me that he has other opportunities? Why even say this, she wondered. He could have just said he forgot, or he was out late and then went to sleep. Why passive-aggressively inform me that he didn’t spend the night alone while on a mini holiday to France with Taylor? Boys are dumb. Except Dirk. I know I said I was giving him a long vacation, but I miss sitting on him so much. Today is for working on Cartagena’s attitude about slowing down though, and getting Kimi to go long and low and let go of some of that tension he’s got in his topline out of nowhere, and...something with Socksyface. I don’t remember but I know I wrote it in my notebook. Calvin will probably need a consoling hack inside today too so he’s not emotionally scarred for life by the bird strike and solo run home. Le sigh. Boyfriend’s collarbone cleavage looks hot in that shirt, Christina added as idle commentary as André approached with their drinks. He usually looks stupid in those t-shirts with the huge necks. Maybe this one is okay because it’s a dark color.

“There’s more milk up there if you want it,” he told her after putting down her coffee. He added enough milk to make it the color he thought was right.

“Thank you. You look good in that shirt.”

“Thank you.”

“What are you drinking?”

“Chai latte.”

“Ew.”

“I ordered some scrambled eggs on the side for you so you don’t get hungry in an hour.”

“Why are you being so charming today, hm?”

“I’m charming every day.”

“Uhhuh.” Our home was a charm-free zone for the entirety of last week.

“What are you doing today after shopping?”

“Taking pictures of my ponies playing in their paddocks, braiding their manes, and riding around on Dirk pretending he’s a dragon, or at least pretending that we’re running from an army in Westeros or something.”

“Really?”

“No,” Christina snorted. “I have shit to do.”

“Like what?”

“Like real riding. Things I have to fix with the horses.”

“Says who?’

“Me.”

“Do you want to spend the day taking pictures of them and braiding their manes and pretending Dirk is a dragon?”

“It wouldn’t be the worst way to pass a Tuesday.”

“So why not do that then? Which one of them is irreparably harmed by having a day off in the field to just be a horse instead of having one of his problems fixed?”

“If I thought that way all the time, they’d all be useless.”

“Yeah, but we’re not talking about all the time. We’re talking about today. And you probably shouldn’t ride seriously yet anyway with the cut. Your Olympics experience should have taught you two things-“

“That’s it? Only two?”

“Shh. You should have learned that life and sport don’t always reward perfection. You were perfect there and you didn’t win individually. And you got there and succeeded there without being perfect and making the rigid choice at every question, yeah? Do you think if you had trained more and taken fewer days off you would have been a second faster and won two golds instead of gold and silver?”

“No.”

“Then you can put off fixing your horses’ problems today and do what you want.”

“What if I want to train more than I want to play dragons?”

“That’s fine too. Do that, then. I think the thing you should take from both lessons is that you can trust your judgement, Olympic Champion Prinzessin. Do what you feel like doing. It’s probably going to be the best thing, most of the time.”

“What if I feel like blowing straw paper in your face?” Christina snickered before hitting the uncharacteristically philosophical football player square between the eyes with her paper weapon.

“Your dragon will accidentally singe your ponytail off for that.”

“Nuh-uh. He’s my dragon. He’d never hurt me.”

“Christina, Mother of Horses Pretending to be Dragons?”

“I mean technically I’d be the one pretending he’s a dragon, not him, so...”

“Why do I sense an incredibly ill-advised Dirk-dragon music video coming?”

“That’s BRILLIANT!”

“Oh no...”

“Oh yes! You’re a genius, boyfriend.”

“You’re not allowed to watch the show anymore. I’m cutting you off.” André crossed his arms and leaned back from the table, a phony look of disgust lighting up his face in response to the bright light shining from his girl’s. He hoped she was enlivened by banter and flirting with him, and not by the idea of producing some cheesy dragon-concept video with her Holsteiner.

“I could continue this war of words with a slew of dangerous Thrones puns but I would really rather talk about what you want me to feed you for dinner tonight that will ensure the peace and confidence I require.” She folded her arms across her chest too and tried to counter his phony disgust with phony slyness. That lasted for about two seconds before she gave it up in favor of trying her cold brew.

“You’re still doing it. You’re talking like the people on the show.”

“Just tell me what you want to eeeeeeeat,” she whined.

“Why? Why do we have to talk about practical things? I’d rather hear your imagination and impulses.”

“You know, it doesn’t feel authentic when you totally change your behavior the morning after I complain about a list of things.” The rider’s eyes dropped from the contest and focused on the protective sleeve around her plastic cup. She’d taught André that they weren’t just for hot cups. They can soak up condensation from cold drinks and save one from dripping wet fingers. She was afraid he learned from her during their talks on Monday that she was bored and frustrated with their regular interactions- that he took from her perception that he forgot her favorite things that she meant silly conversations and flirt-fighting too, not just lollipops and kisses.

“I literally can’t do anything right for you, is that it?” André questioned back, his tone measured and unemotional. “You say you’re unhappy about certain things so I try to do better, or change, and then you’re unhappy that I listened? It only counts if I know what’s wrong on my own and fix it before you tell me?”

“No, it’s just- I don’t know. It feels like an act you’re putting on today, being all sweet and cute, and telling me my instincts are always right and I should take a day to goof off instead of train, and-“

“Why would it be an act? I believe everything I said. How would I even think to say it if it didn’t come to me? You’ve closed a chapter now and you can afford to try different things before you write the title of the next chapter,” he shrugged, moving his drink and knife and fork out of the way as he saw his breakfast approaching. Christina saw the tray of food too and waited to respond. Her banana bread, smeared with an unhealthy amount of espresso-tinted mascarpone, sprinkled with toasted buckwheat pearls, and drizzled with organic honey, looked delightful and indulgent. It was something she never would think to make at home, so it had extra appeal. Her partner, less dazzled by his still very nice looking sweet potato waffle adorned with bacon and glazed Brussels’ sprouts, kept talking since she hesitated after the server took the empty tray and the wooden number block away. “If you just train with the horses every day and plan your competition schedule as usual, you might speed right by this chance to maybe consider a different kind of goal, or opportunity, and I don’t even just mean outside of riding. Within it too. I don’t know what else there is but I’m sure you do. Maybe you want to focus more on the younger horses, or you want to do more of the big derby classes, or go to competitions you’ve never done before- I have no idea. I want you to give yourself a chance to make sure you know. Maybe you want to spend more time with Mausi before he’s old enough for kindergarten. Don’t go right back to your routine and the same mindset that you needed to get to Tokyo. Use the chance to see if you want anything different. I didn’t mean for suggesting to take one day off to play dragons and give your imagination a chance to stretch its legs for something other than problem solving to be a major deal, actually. I just thought it would be nice for you, and for them too.”

“I’m sorry for doubting, then,” the rider conceded with her mouth half-full. How sad is it that I thought him incapable of just being sweet on his own, and being thoughtful about what I do with my time? He’s clearly thought about it as much as I have, she admitted to herself. We’re just thinking about different things. I’m thinking about exploring the world outside of horses with Juanin, and he’s thinking of much more logical futures. That thing about doing more derbies isn’t a bad idea, really. And neither is going to new shows. I’d still like to go to Spruce, and maybe a few weeks in Florida this winter. My preliminary vision was to show slightly less and travel slightly more, which I could do by cutting down on the number of big classes Nicky does, which is good for him anyway because he’s an old man, and letting Kyle show Calvin more because he deserves that chance and it’ll make Calvin even more rideable. Holger can help him at shows I don’t go to. They don’t necessarily need me. Or I could scrap that entirely and take Calvasaurus to the events with super difficult derbies. He loves them. Dirk is so good at them too though. I suppose there are enough of those to go round. What I do know for sure is that Cartagena doesn’t need me to keep moving up. Kyle is doing fine with him even though he looks ridiculous with that tall upper body. Stef could even do him too. I think in general it would be good for me to have one less horse to factor in.

“What are you thinking about while you devour your dessert-breakfast?” André interjected into her introspection. He could tell she was absorbed in some topic in her head, but he wasn’t sure if she was contemplating the ideas he presented to her or that he presented them. His hope was the former. Their relationship, and their daily conversations, especially, weren’t supposed to require that much strategic or analytical effort. Christina half-smiled at him.

“All the healthy food I’ll have to eat later to offset the calories,” she said.

“I think you should make the spicy shrimp on the barbecue with the coconut rice. That was a good experiment. And it’ll make the boyfriend thirsty, he’ll drink a lot, and probably embarrass himself.”

“You’re supposed to be telling me what you want me to make for you to buy your good behavior, not to conspire against the poor guy.”

“I’ll be on my best behavior, within reason,” André winked. “Even though you lied to me.” His girl looked at him with incredulity, and cheese on her face that made him laugh. “You weren’t thinking about calories before.”

“Yes I was! You should too. That’s a lot of bacon. Maybe I should eat some, to protect you from the calories.” Christina eyed his fried pork belly and nonchalantly picked up her fork. He rolled his eyes and cut her a piece before she could just steal it.

“Thank youuuuu, and thank you for the scrambled eggs too. They’re pretty good. And also for being...you.” She poked at the bone sticking out of his right wrist and watched his eyes move about his plate. She could have said “for being sweet”, or “thoughtful”, or “charming”, but she consciously chose to highlight that being those things was being himself as she knew him. So much of her disappointment and dissatisfaction over the previous year stemmed from him not being those things, and what she deemed not himself.

“You’re welcome.”

“And thanks for the dragon video idea. I’m totally doing that.”

“I know when you’re full of it, pretty girl,” the BVB man reminded, hoping his girl understood that he was still talking about her earlier response too, about offsetting calories. She can talk out of and around it all she wants but I know she was thinking about something important, he reiterated inside, acknowledging the fact but stopping short of getting upset about it. I’m almost used to her keeping the important things from me. That’s part of our problem. I can’t force it out of her though. I can only keep showing her that it’s safe and helpful to share with me. And try to share more with her too. Oh, hey... “Would you like to use my nice camera to take pictures of the horses?”

“Yeah, maybe. I was mostly kidding about the pictures but I actually would like some candid photos of them just hanging out at home. We don’t have any that aren’t in magazines about the barn.”

“I’ll get it for you before I leave.”

“Thanks.”

“I might even show you how to use it.”

“Does it have any dragon filters?”