#I didn’t have many goy friends before all of this and I now have one singular goy friend left

[laineystein]

My safta never trusted goyim. To the point that she straight up did not like them. And when she left Russia to live with us in America she practically did it kicking and screaming because she didn’t want to continue living in a place surrounded by so many goyim. She’d make comments and my brothers and I would all snicker because she’d say ridiculous things about how all of the goyim hated us and how they’d all sell us out if they could. It all seemed so extreme.

I’m not laughing anymore.

My safta was absolutely right. She’d seen the violence that comes from the indifference of goyim and she was merely warning us.

You all hate us and I trust none of you.

[quizzicalwriter]

dally Winston x reader smut

Reader is a lightweight and gets too drunk at a party and her friends drop her off at dallys but she is rllly horny

Heaven

Pairing: Dallas Winston x Fem!Reader

Summary: You’ve never handled your liquor well, good thing you have Dallas there to deal with your drunken stupors.

Warnings: Smut. MDNI. Tipsy sex (consensual!), fingering, slight degradation and rough themes.

A/N: Thank you for the request!

Word Count: 2.6k

It was supposed to be a small get-together. That’s what your friends had assured you when you’d all walked the near-mile trek to a random guy's house. Surprise, surprise - it was not small. Cars lined the street outside the multi-level estate, music loud enough to be heard the street over. Your friends didn’t seem to sense your apprehension, either that or they simply didn’t care, all of them giggling and pulling you in after them.

You’d partied, sure, but this was way out of your realm of comfort. People you didn’t recognize flooded the house, the air thick with the scent of marijuana and an absurd combination of cologne and perfume. Usually, whenever you partied you’d be with one of the guys, always with Dallas by your side at the minimum - but tonight it was just you and your friends.

“C’mon!” Shouted one of your friends, her hand firm on your wrist as she tugged you toward the kitchen where a man you didn’t recognize poured a clear liquor into a plethora of solo cups. Your friends scrambled for cups, one of them handing you one, all of you clanking the plastic together before tossing it back.

Vodka, that was vodka. You could feel the burn encompass your throat as you choked down nearly four mouthfuls, your stomach wordlessly cursing you to hell and back for even attempting to drink on an empty stomach. You’d never been known for smart decisions when it came to alcohol, it was something that bonded you with the guys and irritated Dallas to no end whenever he’d have to hold your hair back after hours.

“Fuck-“ You coughed out through a laugh, slamming the now empty plastic cup down on the counter, the motion soon followed by your friends. It would be the first of many drinks if any of you had a say, but in all honesty, you didn’t feel comfortable getting flat-out drunk without Dallas by your side. You trusted your friends more than words could express, but Dallas was like your own guard dog, it’d have been stupid for you to test fate on the one night he wasn’t by your side.

Your closest friend of the group, Connie, looped her arm around yours, pulling you toward the center of the living room where everyone seemed to be dancing to the music that blared overhead - or attempting to, anyhow. You both danced together, laughing loudly at those around you who were too inebriated to walk away from the massive crowd. It wasn’t long until you felt the liquor you’d chugged earlier working its way through your system, glossing your vision over and slurring your words together.

Time went muddy as you danced, the liquor doing its job ensuring your inability to formulate coherent thoughts or hold a conversation that didn’t end in bounds of laughter. The only thing you hadn’t accounted for was your tipsy mind realizing you didn’t have Dallas by your side, and you didn’t like that in the slightest.

It was nearly three in the morning when Connie pulled you out onto the front porch of the house, striking up a match to light the cigarette she claimed she desperately needed after dancing for hours. You moved to sit on the front steps, sighing loudly as you looked out to the lawn, mind convinced if you thought of him hard enough he’d appear.

“I miss Dal.” You whined, looking back to Connie who only laughed, taking a lengthy drag off her cigarette before moving to sit beside you, arm wrapping tight around your middle as she rested her head against yours.

“I’ll take you to his in a bit, just let me finish my cigarette.” She replied, flicking off built-up ash from the end of her cigarette. “I’m going to tell him that you haven’t stopped talking about him for two hours, by the way. You’re lucky you’re my best friend, I’d have put tape over your mouth earlier if you weren’t.”

You leaned against her side, silently thankful that you hadn’t done more shots alongside your other friends and had instead chosen to dance with Connie until your feet were sore. The scent of her perfume calmed you, the same one she’d worn for years, it reminded you of your early teenage years and how the two of you would get into countless amounts of trouble together.

“Ready?” You asked after a few minutes, having passed the time by peeling chipped paint from a nearby banister. Your question brought another scoffed-out laugh from Connie, who simply motioned to her half-smoked cigarette, but as soon as she saw you pout she rolled her eyes and moved to her feet. You moved beside her, a giddy smile on your face that made her irritated facade crack, knowing she couldn’t stay frustrated with you for too long.

“He lives-“ You started, quickly being interrupted by Connie as she covered your mouth with her free hand. “I know where he lives, dammit.”

You chuckled into her hand, pushing it away as you two continued down the sidewalk and toward Buck’s bar. With each step, the sound of the party grew fainter, until all that surrounded you was the sound of nearby crickets and the train yard. You’d taken up kicking a rock, whenever it’d steer too close to the road Connie would kick it back.

The walk had helped you to sober up, the cold air causing goosebumps to cover every inch of exposed skin. You’d’ve given up on the trek twenty minutes ago if you weren’t so determined to see Dallas, your fingers fumbling with his necklace that hung snugly around your neck, occasionally placing the cold silver against your lips.

Buck’s place was packed, as it usually was on a Saturday night. Connie begrudgingly helped you through the hoard of cars, cursing under her breath whenever you’d tumble over your own two feet and inevitably slam into the side of some beat-up pickup truck. As soon as you two entered the bar Buck looked over to you, laughing to himself before motioning toward the back staircase.

Connie’s arm looped around your middle, all but holding you up as you made your way upstairs. On the walk there you thought you’d sobered up completely, but the stairs slapped that confidence right out of your mind. If you hadn’t had her holding you up you probably would’ve passed out on a couch downstairs, but she helped you to the best of her abilities.

You could tell Dallas wasn’t awake, the lights were off and the door was shut tight. Whatever peace he’d had while sleeping was abruptly snatched from him when Connie kicked the door open, causing the man to nearly jump out of his skin as he looked to the door.

“Delivery.” Connie stated, nodding her head to you as you smiled over at Dallas, waving like a child who’d seen a cute cat on the street.

“Hi, Dal.”

Dallas looked to Connie, aggravation written clear across his face as he moved up from his bed, walking over to you two before scooping you up.

“Couldn’t have knocked?” He asked over his shoulder, earning him a snorted-out laugh from Connie who’d already begun making her departure. “You wouldn’t have answered.”

He couldn’t argue with that, instead giving Connie a goodbye under his breath as he helped you into his bed. You were being incredibly touchy during the whole ordeal, hands moving to cup his jaw, to splay against his chest, before somehow weaving them underneath his shirt and against his abdomen.

“Quit.” He grumbled, pushing the bedsheets down as he began taking off your shoes. But, as always, you didn’t listen. You kicked your shoes off, narrowly missing his knee in the process, causing him to glare up at you. Although he couldn’t stay mad at you, not with you flopping back onto his bed and lifting your hips to shrug off your jeans, kicking the fabric to the floor along with your underwear.

“Doll-“ He started, averting his gaze to the nearby window as you peeled your shirt off. He took in a shuddering breath, hands fumbling with the fabric of his boxers as you moved over to him, staring up at him through your eyelashes like a siren amidst a bay of water.

“What?” You cooed, one hand smoothing down between his thighs as the other held you upright on the bed, a coy smirk upon your lips. “Missed you all night.”

He cleared his throat, eyes fluttering as your hand made contact with his cock. Even while tipsy, you still knew how to touch him. You brushed your fingers along his shaft, taking your bottom lip between your teeth as you waited for his reply.

“You’re drunk.” He responded, gently pushing your hand away as he looked over at you, moving forward only to press a kiss to your forehead. He moved from the bed, grabbing your legs to push them underneath the covers, moving to lay beside you after.

You pouted, clearly not happy about not getting your way, so you turned over to face him. He immediately sensed your rebellious attitude, his brows furrowing together as he looked down at you, wordlessly scolding you.

It didn’t work.

Your hand wove down his front, resting over his hardening cock as you kissed along his throat, humming against his skin. Sure, you were tipsy, but you knew what you were doing and you damn sure knew what you wanted. Dallas groaned, head falling back against his pillow as his hips pressed up to meet your touch, cock twitching against your palm.

“Want you-“ You murmured against his skin, nipping against his pulse point, causing him to whine as his hips twitched. You smiled to yourself, slinking your hand into his boxers, gently curling your hand around his cock. You could feel his precum dripping down his shaft, coating your fingers as you slowly pumped him.

Any resolve he’d had faded the moment your thumb swiped across his tip. With a quiet groan of your name, he moved over you, lips finding yours in a heated kiss as his free hand moved between your thighs, fingers finding home against your soaked cunt. You kissed him back, savoring the faint taste of tobacco on his tongue as he sunk his middle and ring finger into you, plunging the digits in and out as he sucked at your bottom lip.

“Dal-“ You whined, brows screwing together as your cunt squeezed around his fingers, pulling a groan from deep within his chest as his eyes focused on yours. “Need you inside of me.”

He swore under his breath, almost toppling over you to push himself upright as he all but tore his shirt off. You spread your legs before him as he pushed his boxers down, kicking the fabric to the floor before positioning himself between your legs.

His hands smoothed up the underside of your thighs, coming to rest against the back of your knees as he shifted himself closer to you. You looked up at him, clenching around nothing as he pressed your knees to your chest, his free hand moving to grab his cock. The position was exposing, leaving you spread and on display for him, something he couldn’t help but admire with a satisfied grin on his face.

“You’re dripping.” He murmured, moving his hand from himself to trail his index finger between your slick folds, causing your hips to twitch. You watched with bated breath as he brought his finger to his lips, gaze meeting yours as he sucked the digit clean. A groan reverberated in his chest as your saccharine taste coated his tongue, leaving him craving you in a manner so carnal it felt like a sin.

“I’d make you cum on my tongue-“ He drawled out, words sighed halfway as his hand grasped the base of his cock, slapping his tip against your clit. “But you were so needy. So desperate.”

Your lips parted in protest, the words cut off by a sharp moan as he slipped his tip between your folds, pushing into your soaked cunt with a harsh thrust of his hips. You felt as though you were being split apart, his girth dragging along your walls in a way that left you grasping at his forearms for mercy he wouldn’t grant.

“Wanted this-“ He grunted, eyes focused on your flushed face as he fucked you, only adjusting himself a fraction to circle your clit with his thumb. His cock pounded into you, the lewd, slick sound of your cum coating him with each thrust echoing throughout the room. “So fuckin’ tight.”

You could only manage a strangled-off moan in reply, cunt squeezing around his cock with his relentless pace. Every movement forced air from your lungs, leaving you breathless and dizzy, mind reeling from his thumb expertly circling your clit as you tried to focus on the way Dallas stared down at you, grunting out words of praise intermingled with degradation.

“Drunk on my cock?” He asked through a laugh, loving how fucked-out you looked. Your appearance was flushed, hair plastered to your forehead, lips parted as drawn-out moans fell from your lips. He nodded, answering for you with a hissed out, “Yeah, yeah you are.”

“I-“ You whined, nodding as you babbled. “I am.”

Each word was interrupted by a short gasp, a desperate attempt to fill your lungs as he pressed himself down onto you, practically folding you in half. The closer he got, the deeper he felt. You could only whimper, feeling your cum dripping down your inner thighs and onto your ass, surely wetting the sheets beneath you.

You could feel your orgasm building in your stomach, your eyes conveying the feeling in a way words never could. He watched you, his thumb continuing to circle your clit as he fucked you. Every roll of his hips brought you closer and left your thighs tightening as his tip brushed against your cervix. You gave yourself over to the feeling with a broken cry of his name, eyes squeezing shut as your cunt spasmed around his cock.

“Good-“ He grunted, hardly able to finish his sentence as he fucked you through your orgasm, relishing in the feeling of your cunt twitching around his cock, coaxing him deeper inside of you. His hand moved to your waist, grasp so tight it’d surely left bruises in its wake. You watched on in oversensitivity-fueled abandon as he chased his release. “So fuckin’ good.”

His chest heaved as he pulled out of you, short groans leaving him in droves as he fucked his fist, cum spilling over his knuckles and onto your lower stomach. From his furrowed-together brows to the way his cock twitched in his hands, you couldn’t help but clench around nothing at the sight.

“Fuck-“ He panted out, bending over the edge of the bed to grab his discarded shirt, wiping his hand clean before shifting to wipe your lower stomach. “You alright?”

You nodded in response as he moved to lay beside you, arm encircling your waist. You’d both need a shower in the morning, and a fresh change of clothes, but you’d deal with that later.

“Stop goin’ to parties without me, doll.” He murmured against the shell of your ear, placing a kiss on your shoulder. “Or at least tell me when you’re goin’, pain in the ass.”

His words pulled a laugh from you, his protective nature shining through even in the afterglow of sex. Knowing he was being genuine, despite his crude nature, you replied with a quiet, “Alright, Dal.”

“Thank you.” He huffed. “Now go to bed, drunkard.”

A/N: Whoever requested this, I am so sorry for making you wait so long! I promise I’m getting to all of my requests, sometimes they just take a bit - I swear I haven’t forgotten or abandoned any! I hope this made up for the wait, thank you guys again for the support you’ve shown me and my work - I appreciate you guys so so much!! As always, you can find my work over on my AO3 under the username, “Unscriptural.” Thanks again!!

[ell-alexanderarnold]

Words bubble up like soda pop

Summary: Y/n gets fed up by the arguments her and Trent keeps having

Angst & Fluff

Another argument had ruined your day, small conflicts bubble up to a big argument. You can’t believe the arguments kept sneaking up behind your back every day, you’re sick of it. But neither of you cares about it, that’s the problem you can’t seem to take the matter into your own hands. It’s like an never ending loop, conflict-argument-he says he’s sorry and tells you he loves you- cuddles then it goes on.

-

“I said I’m not feeling well, why can’t you accept it?” You said, it felt like the hundredth time you’ve said it. Tonight Trent’s friend is hosting a party that he wants to go to but you have no interest of going, you just couldn’t stand him at the moment after all the words he had said to you last night plus all the nights before that. “You only care about yourself Y/n” Same sentence he brings up every fight. Not just that, your mental health has been shit as well and it blends into the state you’re at in your relationship with Trent. He knows that you’ve been fighting with your mental health before, but now when the season isn’t going well for him he has started to blame himself for a lot of things that’s happening with the team. He uses you as a wall to throw all his emotions on you- which you didn’t mind at the beginning, you wanted to be there for him but now it has become too much.

“Come on don’t be dull, it will cheer you up” Trent pleaded.

You thought about it for a minute. Maybe this was the point where you couldn’t care less, you felt like everything in your life was out of place, why not have a little fun in all this mess?

”Fine, I’ll go” You stated.

You spent the rest of your afternoon getting ready for the party, you took a shower, picked an outfit, did you makeup. You decided to go for a navy blue dress and loose curls in your hair. This was the first time in a long time you felt beautiful, you smiled in the mirror and then went down the stairs, Trent was waiting on the couch looking at his phone until he saw you.

He walked over to you and spoke “Wow baby, you look..”

“Amazing? Yea I know”

“Wish I could say the same” You teased.

“Hey!” Trent gushed as he grabbed you round your waist and kissed your neck.

You felt his warmth around you, his perfume that comforted you, you felt safe in his arms. But suddenly you remembered how he had treated you lately and decided to take a step back.

“Trent, we should go” You spoke up after a moment in his embrace.

“You’re right” He said and let go of you as the two of you walked to the hallway and got ready to leave.

In the car on your way to the party you two listened to your shared playlist and vibed along with the songs - acting like everything was okay between you two, you got flashbacks from the beginning of your relationship when you were two dumb teenagers madly in love. You think back and wondered where did it go wrong?

When you arrive at Trent’s friend house you see many cars parked outside the house and you already know is gonna be a tough night.

You entered the house and loud music is playing, people dancing and you see Trent’s friend approach you two.

“Trent, nice to see you! And this is?”

“My girl, Y/n” Trent said as he looked at you and you smiled at his friend.

You leave Trent to speak with his mates and you sit down at the bar ordering one shot for yourself. You felt the liquor burn down your throat, as Trent sat down next to you.

“Take it easy Y/n don’t lose it again” Trent mumbled.

“Excuse me?” You snapped.

“Don’t want you all wasted, just saying” He shrugged as you felt the anger rising inside of you, he could piss you off so easily and you hated it.

“Don’t tell me what to do, I can handle myself”

“Clearly not” He accused.

“Piss off Trent” You cursed back at him and walked away to get away from him. As you were on your way to the restroom you could notice someone following you, Trent. He grabbed your wrist and spoke“Where are you going?”

You didn’t answer him and kept moving forward and locked the door. You had reached your breaking point, it all crashed down on you. You were sobbing loudly but at this point you didn’t care, you were also pretty sure that the music was too loud for anyone to hear you until your phone buzzed.

Trent: I can hear you Y/n, let me in please

You slowly got up from the floor and unlocked the door, he looked shocked like he had never seen you this broken before.

“Y/n, What’s wrong? Wh-“

“What’s wrong? What is wrong Trent? I’m tired of this.” You cried into his chest as he wrapped his arms around you.

“Tired of what my love?” He uttered.

“Can’t you see? We keep having these fights every single day, it’s destroying us. Aren’t you tired too?”

“Yeah trust me I am” He chuckled as you sniffed.

“Then why aren’t we doing anything about it?” You sighed.

“Three years ago I would never have thought I'd be in a restroom with you crying over our relationship” He scoffed.

“Trent answer me”

“I don’t know Y/n, but I’m sorry it has to be this way. I really am” Trent said as you noticed his eyes began to tear up.

Great. Now you’re both crying together, what have you two done do yourselves? You knew you two couldn’t escape that you loved each other too much to break up, so that felt safe in your head. He couldn’t live without you, you couldn’t live without him, who would take care of you when you’re wasted like this? Trent would, who would take of him after he lost a game? You would.

“I love you Trent” You said.

“We’re gonna fix this Y/n, okay?” He assured.

“Okay” You said as you took a deep breath to calm down.

Trent hold you in his arms for a while, just the two of you in a restroom on a Saturday night.

“Let’s go home and watch a movie together” Trent suggested.

“Only if you let me choose”

“Of course my girl” He said and kissed you.

[lover-of-mine]

7x04, 7x04. The episode that you are. If Tim really wanted us to know it was all about Tommy then he did a poor job. This is the one episode that i see the most discussion regarding. BUT NOW, the more and more I think that’s on purpose. I think it was MEANT to. Because if the episode is truly about Tommy, why involve Eddie? Why have Tommy and Eddie be besties? It shouldn’t matter who Tommy is hanging out with right? Could have been Tommy visiting the 118 again? And hanging out with the crew to parallel 2x01. If all was for “his attention” and “it’s been exhausting trying to get it”, we sure didn’t get to see it play out on screen. What stopped buck from reaching out to Tommy after the air hanger. NOTHING? He never called or texted… also, idk if anyone realized buck Tommy knew he was goi he to hang out with Eddie, and YET CONTINUED to invite buck… why show us the last maybe minute before they begin to talk about Eddie and where Eddie is NOW in the frame. Why didn’t Tommy invite buck again to hang out? It’s a two way street. Another thing, why INVOLVE Christophe?. Buck grilling Christopher on his thoughts about Tommy? When did he care about Christophers thoughts before about his dads girlfriends or friends? Accusing Tommy of lying to get bonus points with Chris. You think he truly cared which movie is better? Why does he try to make him a bad guy to Maddie? If he truly wanted Tommys attention or liked him, why did buck say to Maddie “Chris thinks hes “so cool” and USED AIR QUOTES. Gets upset at Eddie having it on a calendar CIRCLED. Even Tommy at the end of the episode says to buck”you KNOW Eddie can have MORE THAN ONE FRIEND” and “that kid won’t shut up about you”. THE WAY BUCK FACES LITS UP. The basketball/gym scene. You mean to tell me, buck, a GROWN man, couldn’t simply go up to his bestfriend “hey, i wanna go and play ball with you guys”. I feel bad that I say no all the time”, you always invite me”. Simple as that. But no, he HAD to wait until the gym scene? And get his attention by having Eddie spot him? Order a WHOLE basketball to the station. That’s the attention buck was trying to get from Tommy?

Okay, hi, thank you for the excuse to talk about Buck, Bothered and Bewildered lol Tim did a great job at showing us that Tommy was there a device to make Buck's bisexuality the 100th episode event. They couldn't do it with Eddie, so they added a guy. Love love LOVE the way they said "looked this is guy is similar to Eddie" as the way to speedrun Buck into a crush on him. But I think the thing people fail to look at when taking Buck's words at face value (when hello unreliable narrator Buck) is the other side of the episode, the not recognizing people part of it, the not seeing people clearly part. They took the fact that they would have to recast Harry and ran. To finish the episode by saying it's about Tommy when we were watching Eddie practically glow when we are supposed to be seeing him through Buck's eyes it's the most clear way to show Buck is getting things mixed up. The gym scene gets me in so many ways because it's the one Tommy isn't really in the middle, Buck doesn't like basketball but he ordered a ball to be delivered at the station to get Eddie's attention WHEN HE ALREADY HAS A BALL AT THE LOFT. Jee plays with it in 609 and we see it behind Chris in 301. He had no way of knowing who Eddie was on the phone with. And he was acting like that. Someone please tell me how that scene equates to wanting Tommy's attention? And it's not like Buck can't just roll up to the basketball game himself, Eddie was super happy to see him there, Chim didn't hesitate to go with him. He's a grown man, he could've just fucking asked. And the wording of the way Tommy disarms Buck at the loft is insane. Why are they flirting while talking about how great Eddie is? And the fact that Tommy knows that the path to soothing Buck is assure him of his place in Eddie's life is such a CHOICE. Because Buck and Tommy didn't hangout alone enough for him to know so that's information he got second hand from Eddie. Eddie told him what the problem was and he used it. And Buck could've gotten in contact with Tommy himself. Why did he need Eddie as an intermediary? Maybe because Evan Buckley is a mess who can't identify his own feelings? And has proved that over and over again? Maybe because Buck would not handle realizing he's attracted to men while also realizing he's in love with Eddie because babyboy has never dealt with a big emotion in a healthy way ever? Maybe because even Lou said Tommy is there so Buck can work out the kinks surrounding relationships with men and Buck needed a safe place to explore that before the life-changing realization that Eddie is right there? The whole thing is about Eddie. It's infuriating almost. Buck got left in a curb and he was more worried about Eddie. Like, by god, get it together, dude. And seriously, why didn't they explore Tommy's relationship with other 118 members? Maybe because that would give him a fighting chance and the show doesn't want that? Nothing about Tommy was about Tommy because even his scenes in 709/10 were there to remind the audience of how bad Gerrard is. They even added to his personality so he would be similar to Eddie (crazy choice when they followed that with Eddie meeting a Shannon doppelganger and the whole way the show keeps their storyline parallels and the way Tommy is making Buck realizes he's bi and Kim will hopefully make Eddie let go of Shannon's ghost for real and that's what they need to finally see each other but that's another story) and they made every scene the dude is in an a parallel to one of Buck's previous love interests. But sure, let's trust Mr all my emotions are in an open cabinet but they are all mislabeled when he says he wanted Tommy's attention. Crazy.

[standbyric]

[PART I]

04: Take a Break

Pairing: Daniel Ricciardo x Female!Driver OC x Pierre Gasly Premise: Formula One, Female Racing Driver Rating: 18+; Mature themes (explicit language, death, trauma innuendos, motorsport accident, mentions of sex) Timeline: Back and forth Word Count: 5k Sum: Perth break and unexpected coincidence.

⬅️ Chapter 03 | MASTERLIST | Chapter 05 ➡️

CAME the two much-needed weeks’ break.

After securing double podiums on the doubleheader race weekends, the trip back to Perth tasted so much sweeter than honey for the Australian Honey-badger.

It was just after his compulsory over-the-break workout—well, Michael was the one who deemed it compulsory, the honey-badger was reluctant, but yeah, same shit. Like always with his shenanigan, this time Daniel leapt over the fence of his ranch in the name of parkour—because walking through the gate was for the weak, he argued—as he darted in giant steps into the house, all the way to the living room. 

Stripping off his sweaty oversized tank top before hooping it to the laundry basket, screaming a silent ‘hell, yeah! C’mon!’, complete with the victory air pumps, as he threw himself over the sofa in one loud poof.

“Gross.” Scotty James croaked at the sight of his half-naked friend sprawled over the sofa. The pro snowboarder had joined the man-child badger on his workout session. And only now, he’d begun wondering why he thought it was a good idea and said yes. Michael then followed, closing the door behind him. The two friends had chosen to be civilised and used the backdoor.

Daniel ignored the prudishness of his buddies as he took his iPad out, getting himself comfortable on the sofa. 

With one hand scrolling through Youtube, his other free hand grabbed an open bag of chips he found lying on the coffee table—must’ve been his sister’s leftover, he thought—and started munching casually.

That earned him a disapproving look from Michael.

“What? It’s half a bag, Mike, and look—less salt,” he growled in between his chomping.

Michael kept his silence, only squinting his eyes at the badger before turning away with a defeated sigh. He took the chair on the round dining table next to Scotty, deciding that the sofa sloshed with Daniel’s sweat was a no-no to sit.

Daniel’s scrolling stopped as he spotted a video from Audi’s channel with a thumbnail of Zea sporting a pair of glasses, pen in hand, looking serious.

“Didn’t know she wears glasses?” Daniel muttered, finger already pressing the video.

The video began with a shaky frame zooming out from Zea’s face. She looked extra sharp reading god-knows-what, finger continuously twirling her pen—Daniel swore she looked like one of those kick-ass eggheads from Fast & Furious—while running something that appeared hella complicated on the computer.

“Go away, Will. I’m trying to be productive here.” Her voice collided with the rapid sound of typing from the keyboard.

Must be Will Stevens…her teammate, Daniel thought.

“And how many times have I told you to stop zooming in; I can see it from the lens—Oh my God, you still suck at taking videos.” Zea stopped her typing, looking straight at the camera. “That’s gonna be another drunken footage. Don’t you feel bad for Jax? He needs to work the extra hours having to edit every footage you take. Give the man a break, mate.”

She was speed-talking again; at least, that was what Daniel had decided to call her habit. He mirrored Will Stevens’ laughter behind the camera as Zea looked at her teammate accusingly with-what her eyebrows creasing, her glasses dipping on her nose.

Cute.

What?

And then she and a couple of people whose looks screamed intellect from head to toe for Daniel to assume must be Audi engineers started discussing something he couldn’t decipher before working directly on the car. He whistled through his teeth, cracking a grin. “Damn, she’s so badass!”

The visual of Zea skilfully mechanising the car, all the while being acknowledged—like she should—by her peers, was hotter than decent to admit. He wasn’t even going to touch the topic of her tattoo breathing out all its glory through that sleeveless shirt. How many times had he mentioned she rocked that??

“Badass who?” Scotty looked up from his phone. 

“Her.”

Michael snickered at Scotty’s straight face after Daniel’s deliberate attempt at being vague—and failing shamefully so. “Let him be,” he waved his hand, “you know what he’s like when he’s crushing on a girl.”

“Am not!” Daniel shouted his protest.

“Oh! You mean the ‘we’re colleagues for now’ girl?” Scotty conveniently ignored him, finding this whole his buddy-became-lame-every-time-he’s-crushing-on-a-chick thing entertaining.

Michael laughed, throwing his head back with genuine amusement before his eyes settled back to Scotty. “Believe me; he’s totally swerved direction. He’s into smart chicks now. Like, genius-level smart,” he continued, to which Scotty snorted. “Oh, good. She’s smart. He’s an idiot. See? Balance.”

“Shut the fuck up, you two!” Daniel’s scream was again ignored as his buddies cracked up in satisfaction. Which part of being a fan did they not understand?

Daniel shook his head at the indecent roaring noises his friends continued making, trying to focus on Zea as she explained something technical to the viewers.

But he wasn’t joking.

The admiration he felt was beyond genuine. She was probably the most technically involved driver on the paddock—hell, she was on par with the engineers and mechanics; she knew her car in and out.

So he’d decided he’d be her fan. What was so wrong with that? Especially after that ballsy stunt she pulled back in Hungary.

Daniel’s mind reeled back to the cool-down room after Zea’s  dramatic win.

24 July 2016. 3.17 PM. Cool-down room and the subsequent press conference post-Hungarian Grand Prix.

[From left to right] Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) and Zeahire Sinaga (Audi) 

Zea flinched as soon as she entered the cool-down room.

That was probably one of the few times she’d felt Lewis and Daniel to be so much bigger than she was. The three of them were already in a staring match; theirs fervent, hers victorious. Hers definitely was nowhere near helping subdue the intensity of the situation, not that she intended to anyway. Let a woman revel in her poignant victory. And thank goodness cameras seemed to be absent for this weekend’s cool-down room. 

“Heyyyyy,” her greetings trailed, awkward and defensive, aimed to simply break the silence. But Daniel and Lewis were still busy catching their breath—and mind, let’s be honest—to respond.

“So, uh… I guess congratulations on the podium, boys. Yay…”

Silence once more proved to be the sole reply available as both Lewis and Daniel busied themselves with wiping their sweat away. Heavy breathing, the look in their eyes was still intense. 

Okay.

One. Maybe that little wave she gave them was unnecessary, just to fill her quota of being an arrogant prick. And two, she pulled off that theoretically difficult move flawlessly, which may or may not tickle their self-esteem—the former seemed to be more apparent. But hey, we have already established she could be the worst person alive and a horrible rub-the-entire-bottle-of-alcohol-to-the-open-wound kind of opportunist, so save the judgment.

But come on. The silent treatment? Really? And they say her species was the dramatic one.

“Okay. I am so sorry, boys.” She’d raised both arms, renouncing her surrender—no harm in being the bigger person here. 

“I admit that wave was so unnecessary. That was me being an absolute…jerk. Forgive me.” She hoped she’d sounded sincere enough because, while it must’ve brazenly pricked their pride a little too deep somewhere—what did they say about men and pride again—they still had to admit what she did was fun, theatrical, and entertaining. Especially for the thousands of spectators watching. 

“So, can we hug it out?” That was when Zea squinted her eyes, trying to minimise her contact with the two fuming drivers across her.

Still no response.

Zea swallowed a sigh.

“Really? You two are seriously just gonna leave a girl hanging?” How very gentlemanly. But then again, she heard from the grapevine that chivalry was in danger of facing the same fate as Dinosaurs. Yep. Extinct.

Zea wagged her open arms, evidently waiting for a hug back. Or at least a fist bump? Signalling they were cool? Come on; one can only be so petty. And had she mentioned she wasn’t born with a side of patience in her DNA?

Lewis was the first to finally relax his expression. Good lad.

He exhaled hard; the annoyed look he’d been wearing was now replaced with curiosity.

He put down the water bottle he’d been drinking, tipping his head toward Zea. “How did you do that?” he prodded. “How did you find the right timing to hit the throttle? You could’ve come home without any tyres left.”

Daniel’s ears spiked up. He wasn’t going to lie; more than being pissed at her shenanigan was his interest in how she made that last move, well, worked.

“I really wanna say practice, but that was honestly the first time I’ve ever done anything like that and believe me—something I will never do again; so, yeah, math.” Zea wasn’t lying there. “It was a risky move; that’s why I first asked Marq for the rate of my tyre degradation.”

“No fucking way. You did not drive and count something else at the same time, woman.”

“What—the math?” Zea shrugged, her innocence oozing from every pore as she batted her lashes at Daniel. “Yes, fucking way. You can drive and count something else at the same time. Now that I mastered with practice.”

A slight grin edged at Daniel’s lips, his eyes darkening as his mood seemed to shift from pissed off to intrigued. Like he couldn’t quite believe she had it in her. He’d come to acknowledgement she was smart, but this smart? She was almost a genius. 

Lewis chuckled. “Aha! So it was code for tyre degradation! Great. Now we’re on to something.”

Zea blinked twice before laughing after realising she’d given out her cryptic code on her own. Lewis followed with a giggle like he’d caught her red-handed.

“I’m sorry. I was really struggling with pace, and you guys were closing in with DRS; I had to make that gamble. And hey, you’re leading the championship now, Lew; I’d say it’s a fair trade?” Zea cleared her throat before continuing. “Even though you lost to me and only leading by three points ahead of Nico,” she grinned as Lewis once again threw her a disgruntled look.

But with the giggling and her joking around with Lewis, Daniel soon followed to regain his composure. There was just something about it that soothed his hot temper after being played. But then again, they were racing fair and square—there was no need to drag this on. So he scurried closer to her.

“Hugs?” she said, noticing him inching closer. Daniel stared. Still intrigued by the way her mind worked. 

“Nope?” she made that pop sound with her nope, and Daniel kept his eyes steady on her.

“Okay. It seems you’re still mad. That’s alright. It was indeed a shitty move. I’d be mad, too, in your shoes. Take your time to forgive me.” No, Daniel wasn’t mad or anything; he was actually thinking of something else along the line she calls him Lew?? When did they get so close?

“Come here; let’s hug it out.” That was Lewis offering Zea a hug, but just before the deal was done, Zea pushed the Merc boy to a halt. “On second thought, I’m good. Let’s just say we’ve hugged it out. We’re cool now, yeah?” The laugh from Lewis was spontaneous upon seeing Zea over-dramatically pressing her nose, groaning.

That gave Daniel an idea.

In one swift move, he locked her neck, forcing her face against the nook of his armpit.

“Oh sh—HOLY SHIT! You piece of disgusting human!” Her muffled scream got both Daniel and Lewis laughing out in satisfaction. They even went so far as to stamp their ‘genius’ move with a fist bump. 

“Now we’re cool, woman!”

Not surprisingly, Zea had to enter her geek mode as she attempted to explain whatever she did in that last lap that got her rear wheels slightly smoking and her unannounced pit-stop in English terms without sounding like a conceited cunt during the subsequent press conference.

“Do you mind sharing, then, when the pit stop code happened?”

“Nah, we’re not that cool; we could only handle being so cryptic. We’ve already discussed this back in Silverstone—hey, we had double DNFs in the first lap; talk about so much free time.” Zea rolled her eyes, sarcasm thick in her voice.

Ironically, the room seemed nonchalant, so instead, they laughed in response. Talk about being so shallow.

“We agreed that if all six of them start with Super-softs, then I’d pit at forty—no questions asked—because the earliest window to pit for the others would be lap forty-four.

“But then so much happened. The Quali yesterday was a mess, too; we haven’t really had the chance to discuss it again. So I crossed my fingers and prayed they were ready… they were. Basic undercut strategy, nothing fancy, really.” Yeah, only with insane precision, thanks to Zea’s head.

“Zea, just trying to take your opinion. You are currently in fourth and Stevens at ten in the driver’s standing. Do you maybe see Audi has the potential to fight for the constructor's title sometime in the future?”

“Oh?” Zea stopped fumbling with her fingers, finding it interesting how the question opted her opinion for the Constructor’s Championship instead of the Driver’s, as if they’d already established she’d never had a chance of winning anyway—no point in asking.

“Interesting question.” Zea chuckled before her voice turned serious. “I personally think Audi as a constructor, is a powerhouse. They didn’t win rallies and endurance out of fluke; come on. But I believe transition needs time. A team is not built in a year or two; this is only our second year. Give it another two or three years and trust me—we’ll be contending for the title.”

The remaining of the conference went surprisingly enjoyable, even when things got a bit heated up upon queries on Zea’s escape from penalty even after being held for three hours and forty minutes for that double yellow issue.  

“But it’s not, definitely not, about Zea’s penalty; it’s about the safety issue and being clear for us.” Lewis made an effort to annunciate clearly, sitting up straighter in his chair to stress his points. “The fact she didn’t get penalised means the message we’re sending to the lower series is that it’s possible to lose only a tenth of a second in lap time in the double-waved yellow flag.”

“Can I speak up about this?” Zea raised her hand, to which the press line-up nodded.

“I do second Lewis, actually.” Zea glanced at the Brit. “It’s a fact that the double-yellow rule hasn’t been the clearest. But I do need to clear out the reason why I wasn’t penalised.

“The rule requires us to significantly slow down. By the time I was out, the track had fully dried, which definitely wasn’t the case for these two gentlemen. Dry track means I went so much faster on every corner, so that timing you talked about with Nico yesterday? Hell yeah, extremely important.” Zea could see Lewis nodding his head slightly from the corner of her eyes.

“But where the wordings ‘significantly slower’ was not defined, we looked at percentage—significant being more than 50%, let’s say. This means if I run at 200, I should’ve immediately run at 80—that’s 60% slower.

“My telemetry showed 290-294, which means I should immediately hit…” Zea angled her head a little, possibly calculating, “116-120; you don’t need to bother using your calculator, darling. The numbers are published in the FIA report. It’s online.” That got the room chuckling as Zea vocalised her notice of one reporter looking visibly sceptical at her quick mentions of numbers.

“My speed was 113 at turn 8—that’s 61% slower. For comparison, Lewis and Daniel were 67% slower. So, yeah, it was a straightforward case for the stewards; I lifted enough, and then I had gone quick enough on the other corners to make up for the lost time.” Hopefully, that was enough to settle any more nonsense the press might capitalise on that incident because not only it was incomparable to Jules’ accident, but it was also disrespectful to him. 

And then afterwards, Lewis had his giggles back on; Daniel went jester mode, as usual—seemed very happy about his podium finish. Until that question was raised. 

“Back in 2013, Sir Stirling Moss said women lack the mental aptitude to compete in F1. Earlier this year, before the season begins, Mr Ecclestone said that women drivers are not physically able to drive quickly enough in Formula One.”

Oh shit. Zea didn’t like where this was heading. Her raised eyebrow and a slight shift in her chair gave enough indication.

“In fact, his exact words were, ‘I don’t know whether a woman would physically be able to drive an F1 car quickly and they wouldn’t be taken seriously.’ Question to all drivers, do you believe that’s truly the reason for the lack of women in Formula One?”

Oh shit. Gotta give it to Ralf for being ballsy. As usual. Maybe that was why the paddock kept him around for every press conference. He squeezed the juice where it was the sweetest.

Daniel immediately glanced at Zea, only for his eyes to meet contact with Lewis. The Brit had apparently thought the same. Interestingly, the two share a similar vigilant look in their glance. 

But to their surprise, Zea didn’t show emotion, like her feelings were in a sudden vacuum. 

“Zea, perhaps you want to start?”

A smile shot up almost instantly on Zea’s face. But if there were one thing Daniel would notice was that her eyes didn’t fold into the usual twin crescent moon.

“Aww, well, that’s unfortunate.” The soft tone of her voice could’ve almost deceived Daniel into a sense of calm if he didn’t catch how hard her fists were clasped into a ball underneath the table. “Well, can’t say he’s entirely wrong, ‘cause I don’t remember having balls….” It seemed like she chose to twist a joke.

It worked. Everyone started giggling. 

“So this whole time, none of you guys have taken me seriously, then? Not even the both of you?” She took Daniel by surprise when she alternated her head between himself and Lewis without losing her smile, her tone humorous. 

“Evidently, you just beat us here, fair and square. Pulled a move I didn’t think was possible unless you’re either fearless or confident enough in your skills,” Lewis spoke up. “I don’t think we have any reason to not take her seriously?” He cocked up his head, glancing at Daniel.

Zea fought a smirk from creeping up not-so-discreetly on her face. 

Good. Go on, Lew.

“Absolutely, mate,” Daniel responded. “You heard her talking technical. You saw how she drove. If anything, we should be upping our game.”

“And if I’m not mistaken, Indycar has no power-steering? I remember seeing quite a few women driving there.”

“Oh yeah, you’re right!” Daniel snapped his finger at Lewis’ question. “Should’ve been much more difficult to drive, but it’s been quite some time since female drivers are involved in Indy.”

The edges of Zea’s mouth curled like she was suppressing a smile as her two colleagues behaved according to her bait. You see, sometimes, it is more effective to make a point by using others’ mouths. Look at her two colleagues proving her point. She didn’t even have to lift a finger.

But it was only natural; because only experts could appreciate the worth of another expert. What the hell did Mr Ecclestone know about driving anyway.

“Do you guys not take me seriously, then?” Zea finally spoke, directing—almost in a challenging tone—her question to the press.

“N-no! We do. We most definitely do,” was murmured roughly after. 

Zea kept her smile, but the look in her eyes changed, and her tone dropped lower. “Exactly.”

Daniel’s eyes stayed on Zea, watching her ease back into her chair.

“So. What other compliments did they have for us women?”

She was smiling. Beautifully, might he add. But something was intimidating about it that Daniel couldn’t put his finger on. And he knew that the press had felt it, too, because look at them gulping. 

The elevator ride down after the conference was even more interesting. It made Daniel wonder if Zea, along with Irza—he’d taken his turn to accompany his twin instead of Margareth this time—and Elijah, seemed to have forgotten entirely about Lewis and Daniel riding in the same elevator.

“So, uh, remind me again. How much of a crime is it to… blow up someone’s car?”

Daniel could barely hide his eyes widening in surprise. Never in his twenty-seven years of life had he heard a criminal plot discussed openly like this.

“In terms of…?” The fact that Irza responded calmly just heightened Daniel’s curiosity.

“Uhm… paperwork for you?” 

“Just the car? Or with the owner inside?” That was Elijah inquiring. And by now, Daniel was convinced that discussion on something along the line of this topic had been a regular thing. Should he be concerned?

“Well, the latter sounds incredibly tempting….” Was she being sarcastic? But Daniel couldn’t find any hint of playfulness in her tone.

“Well, if the person ends up dying, then—“

“—Obviously, yes. I know, Irza. I know.” She wasn’t facing him, but Daniel could’ve practically heard the eye roll she’d put on when saying that.

“But we’ve long established I’m an arse anyway.”

“Then it’s gonna be a lot of paperwork. For Alby and me.”

Zea sighed softly, her voice with just a hint of sadness. “But what if you can’t trace it back to me?”

A short pause from Irza as he tilted his head to the side, perhaps thinking. “Still a lot of paperwork—wait, actually, more. Extra, ‘cause then we’d need to cover up your track.”

“Just out of curiosity, Z, whose car? The Eccle-something guy? Or the Moss guy?” Elijah probed.

“Well, I’m sure we can throw the Moss guy somewhere in Maracanã Stadium, where dozens of football players would rightfully stomp him. But my conscience doesn’t allow me to harm that Eccle guy…directly?”

“Girl, you better make a decision??”

“Surely the Eccle guy has a son? A daughter? Who has a car? Wait, he is wifed, right? How old is he again?”

“I don’t know. Might-soon-die-of-a-heart-attack years old?” Daniel covered his face as he felt laughter bubbling in his throat. He heard Lewis and Michael scoffing as they, too, tried to swallow their laugh from Elijah’s remark. 

The elevator dinged, and the metal doors opened up.

That was when Zea turned around, catching her two colleagues off guard.

Oh. So apparently, she had been aware they were in the elevator together. 

“I haven’t said thank you for what you guys did back there, whatever your intention was. Thank you.”

Then, the three Audi personnel immediately jumped off, leaving Daniel and Lewis, along with their respective teams, in a mix of confusion and stifled laughter.

“What was that, man?” Lewis was beyond flabbergasted. 

Daniel was already rumbling in laughter. He threw his head back and laughed, his voice bouncing off the metal walls as he took a second to compose himself. “She’s fuckin’ ruthless, mate! That’s what it was!”

If that were the kind of conversation she’d share with her brother daily, then damn. 

Damn. 

How much more intriguing could she get?

Daniel chuckled, shaking his head at the memory and decided to pull up another video, still ignoring his buddies making fun of him in the background—they were still convinced he’d had it bad for her.

He kept scrolling, starting to discover how Audi would release a short two-minute video of their drivers doing a random mini-challenge for every race week.

Grabbing a handful of chips and chugging it down, Daniel tuned in to their newest challenge video, where Will Stevens donned a black, tight bodysuit paired with yellow flippers.

Daniel immediately burst out laughing. “Holy shit! What the fuck is he wearing?!”

“The things I do for views.” Will Stevens’ voice was subdued by Zea’s delightful laugh, matching Daniel’s. “What the [beep], Will?! Why do you look like a giant black [beep] sperm?!” Daniel laughed out louder, clenching his stomach at the exact description Zea had blurted.

“Mate, seriously, what the fuck are you watching?” Scotty started to sound concerned.

“He looks like a giant black sperm! Hahaha!” Daniel responded in between his laugh. He was laughing so hard his breath had started making hitching sounds. 

“What?!” Scotty’s worry was ignored as Daniel continued to laugh uncontrollably, feeling more and more tears bubble up his eyes.

“Do I just start painting his face?” 

“Don’t you dare mess it up.”

“You already look messed up.”

“[Beep] you. And why are you laughing again?”

“Mate, your face anatomy is literally 70% forehead.”

“What—Nonsense! What do you mean 70%—then my forehead should reach up here!” Stevens pointed at his nose, which only made Zea laugh even louder. 

“Wait, hold on. I don’t exactly remember how Daffy Duck looks.” At that point, Daniel couldn’t take it anymore. His laughter turned to giggles, which were quickly overtaken by a series of loud, boisterous cries. “Hahahaha! Oh shit, oh God, I can’t breathe.” He wheezed out between giggles as he watched Will Stevens turn more and more unrecognisable.

The video ended with Zea being reduced to the floor from laughing because of how ridiculous Stevens had ended up looking. 

Daniel tried his best to regain control over his breathing as another fit of giggles erupted from him. When it finally subsided enough for him to catch his breath, he turned back to Scotty. “Maybe Red Bull should start doing these nonsensical challenge videos. That was so fucking funny.” 

Scotty looked at Daniel; his eyebrows creased, judgment apparent in his face. “Mate, whatever this is,” he gestured all over Daniel, “—this is a new level of sad.”

“Shut up. Your judgement is not welcomed here.”

“I mean, look at you, mate. Getting desperately horny over your… colleague?”

“Who the fuck is—I’m her fan!”

“Yeah, right.”

“And don’t talk about her like that!” Daniel threw a pillow over to Scotty, who laughed his arse off.

“Hey, you two! Language!” Michelle, Daniel’s older sister, came from the kitchen, carrying one-year-old Noah. “What’s going on? I heard yelling,” she exclaimed, placing Noah in his baby chair next to the dining table.

“Daniel was being, uh… questionable,” Scotty told her with a smirk before continuing. “And now he thinks his behaviour is a ‘fan behaviour’.”

Michelle raised an eyebrow, and Daniel rolled his eyes and returned to his iPad. The three kept silent for a few seconds before Scotty spoke again. “He's crushing so bad it's painful to watch.”

"Oh..." Michelle finally registered what the heck was happening to her little brother. "It doesn't have anything to do with a certain woman, who's a racing driver, who recently won in Hungary, is it?" she asked with fake innocence.

That got Michael, who was busy texting on his phone, laughing hard while Daniel pouted his lips when he registered his sister’s teasing tone.

"You know she's in Perth, right?” Michelle added.

“What?” 

“Oh!” Scotty snapped his finger, “for the Audi launching thing, isn’t it? I forgot it’s today!”

“What??”

Michelle shook her head, snickering at Daniel as she turned on the TV, cocking her head to tell her brother to watch. 

“So, do you consider Australia to be your home?”

It was Zea on the TV, a live interview that immediately got Daniel’s attention. “Oh, shit. She is in Perth!” he exclaimed.

“I can’t deny it, can I? I did spend a good chunk of my childhood in Melbourne, so…yeah. But I have to say this is my first time visiting Perth. I had to move to Europe with my brothers to pursue my racing career, so, yeah… haven’t had the chance to come here.”

“Text her or something. Ask her out. Grab a beer?”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” Daniel sighed in defeat. “Just to set the record straight, I don't have feelings towards her. Except for admiration as a fan.”

“Sure you don’t,” said Scotty sarcastically.

Daniel ignored him.

The interviewer started talking again, and Michelle switched the channel to a kid’s show just as a commercial break started. She glanced at Daniel, who was now deep into his iPad again, looking very invested.

“So, are you gonna text her or not?” Michelle asked, breaking Daniel’s attention. 

The siblings looked at each other briefly before Daniel sighed. “I don’t have her number.”

“WHAT?!” Both Scotty and Michelle exclaimed at the same time.

“Holy shit, mate. I called it—this is a new level of sad!”

“Shut up!” Daniel snapped at them, turning away. They could practically see steam coming out of his ears. They roared in laughter.

“Uh, mate? I think you might be in luck?” Michael spoke up. “Remember Adrian? And his girlfriend Katey Ash?”

“Katey Ashley, the professional billiards player?”

“Yep,” Michael nodded at Scotty. “He’s asking me if we’re back in Perth ‘cause he’s meeting up with, check this out: Irza. Apparently, they’re friends.” Michael looked up from his phone. “And Katey is, guess what, friends with Zea, so tonight they’re meeting up in Pot Black, you know, that billiards bar.”

“Fuck. That’s like a 20-minute ride from here.” Daniel grunted; he couldn’t stop the grin slowly forming in his mouth. Was the universe really attesting to his agenda of getting closer to her?

As a fan, he meant. 

“Ooh~ Look at you~ Looking so radiant now~ Who was it who said I don’t have any feelings for her~” Scotty teased. He received another pillow thrown by Daniel, and the rest of them burst into another round of laughter.

Oh.

Seemed like an interesting night might be in the bag.

⬅️ Chapter 03 | MASTERLIST | Chapter 05 ➡️

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Finally back! I think I have something with the train ride back home, always getting ideas there haha. Anyway, I hope this one is a fun read. I'm trying to get my chappies below or like max 5k. Might be hard on chappies with races, though. Aaaand I had a lot of fun with the manip 🤣 Wanted to do one with the three of them together (Zea, Dan, Lew) but I think maybe sometime later… Anyway, thank you for showing love for my writing. It means a lot ❤️

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Tag list:

@scotlynaurora @squidwardsluverxx

[thesecretwriter]

is this lust or love? (tasm!peter parker)

Disclaimer: This blog is strictly 18+, minors please do not interact as that is not something I am comfortable with. Thank you!

Pairing: tasm!Peter Parker x female reader

Summary: You and Peter have been friends with benefits for a few months now. One night when you and him go to a club, your best friend helps give you the push to make Peter go almost feral over you.

Warning: Fluff - flirty Peter, smut - implied smut at first and then eventual smut at the end (minors dni), friends to lovers type of love, OOC Peter Parker

Side note: I’ve been reading a little tasm!peter parker fics and wanted to jump on the bandwagon of fun. All parties in this fic are off legal age. Happy reading.

Marvel masterlist.

“A little warning next time.” You say against Peters lips as he undoes the buttons on his shirt.

“Was me rushing you out of the restaurant not warning enough?” He smiled down at you.

He was now shirtless and looking at you with hungry eyes.

“Turn around.” He instructed.

You both had just been having lunch with a few friends, Peter took your little teasing game a bit too seriously and came up with a ridiculous excuse to leave early when your hand was wandering around his thighs.

He unzipped your dress and did away with your bra. You were surprised your dress was still in one peace by the time he took it off you.

“No panties.” He stated when examining you.

“To make it easier for you.” You looked to him feigning innocents.

Peter was close to losing his mind.

He pulled your flush against him; you felt his chest on yours. The beating of his heart was noticeable with him being this close to you.

“Are you still taking the pill?” He asked making sure.

“With the way we’ve been going at it, I have to.” You whispered.

He smirked recalling the many times you two had done such activities.

“Good girl.” His lips were then on yours and his hands were exploring your body. He loved the feel of your body. It drove him crazy the way your body was so perfect to him.

You grew more wet with each kiss and look he gave you.

He then lifted you up so that your legs were wrapped around his waist.

“Bedroom?”

“Bedroom.” You agreed.

You soon felt the softness of the bed beneath you. Peter’s lips left yours as he pulled back to gaze down at you.

“So fucking beautiful.” He muttered before undoing his pants.

“What do you say about tonight?” Your best friend asked as you both walked into your shared apartment.

“I’ll check with Peter and see what he’s doing.”

“Hmm, checking whether its okay with your man.” She said wiggling her eyebrows.

“Stop nooo, we’re just friends. His made that clear.” You said walking to the kitchen.

“With the way he looks at you… I highly doubt it.” She took her things and walked off into her room.

It was moments like this that didn’t make sense to you.

Your best friend and other friends had said this many times before. If Peter did have feelings for you then he would have made the move to take your little friends with benefits relationship to the next level.

You fish out your phone from your bag to message Peter about tonight.

Hey, y/b/n wants to go to the club tonight with some of our friends. Wanna joins us?

You had enough time to get ready if he took some time to reply.

The club?

Peter looked down at his phone in wonder. Its not that he was against it. It had just been a while since you all had been to the club.

Sure. I can meet you at your place before leaving.

A few hours passed and you had been relaxing for a little till you had to choose something to wear.

“Y/b/n! I don’t know what to wear.” You called out to her.

“I’ll be there in a minute.” She called back.

She walked in your room with a couple of dresses in her hand.

“I got you some options.” She laid them out on your bed, you sat up and looked through them.

“All of these are going to barely cover my ass or boobs.” You say going lifting one up for her to see.

“That’s the point. Tonight’s the night we’re going to make Peter crack.”

“Crack? Why?”

“You two have been going on for too long not doing anything about your feelings for each other. Don’t think I don’t know about the two of you.” She said jokingly narrowing her eyes.

Your open your mouth to say something but are at a lose for words.

“I found out when I came home one night and heard you two in your room. You guys are loud.” She laughed out loud.

“Oh my god.” You cover your face in embarrassment.

“Nothing to be ashamed off, if Peter is rocking your world you have to let the world know about it.”

If your face could heat up anymore it would explode.

“Lets just get back to picking a dress.” You whine.

After many different outfit changes and arguing over what to wear, you settled on a chiffon cream dress which stopped mid-thigh, the dress dipped down quite a lot in the middle, which showed off your cleavage in a flattering way.

“Now that is going to make him lose it.” Y/b/f said taking out some gold drop earrings for you to wear.

You kept the makeup light and simple, the dress took most of the attention so keeping the rest simple would be good.

Looking at the time your best friend informed you to tell Peter to be there by 6pm and do a little pre-drinking before leaving at 7pm.

You messaged him informing him about the arrangements and went to sort out the drinks for when everyone came by.

You were pouring your other friends some drinks when Peter arrived, he looked good in what he was dressed in. He hadn’t seen you as yet, he was still busy greeting other friends.

You decided to be the one to approach him, and goodness when his eyes settled on you, it was like Peter was in high school all over again afraid to even look in his crush’s direction. He liked what he was seeing, your body looked so appealing to him that he forgot to blink.

“Surprised Parker?” You said handing him a drink.

“If this is a surprise, then I am beyond it. You look sexy.” He looked down at your body and then back to your eyes. The tension between you two was noticeable.

“You don’t look so bad yourself.” You take a sip of your drink and give him those eyes which drove him closer to insanity.

“Ready to have some fun tonight?” You ask him as you walk to the kitchen counter.

He follows you over as he waves to your best friend who had smiled at the exchange between you two.

“I sure am eager to see where tonight goes.”

“You and I both.”

You both had continued to converse for a little until you had to leave for the club.

As the two of you walked out of your apartment with everyone else, Peter made sure to keep an arm around your waist keeping you at his side.

You two weren’t as affectionate with one another around your group of friends, you friends with benefits relationship were very hush and you tried to be as quiet about it as possible.

You all had used uber to ger to the club, none of you had the intention of the designated driver as it had been a while since you all went to a club.

“How much are you planning to drink tonight?” Peter asked as you exited the vehicle.

“Just enough to feel a light buzz. I think I’m way passed getting black out drunk.” You stated with a laugh.

“Oh yes, we all know how that was the last time.” He acknowledges the last time you had drank; it was a lot to say the least.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be a good girl for you tonight.” You send him a playful wink.

Just hearing you say those words only for him to hear made him want this night to end so that he could have you all to himself.

“I hope you keep to your words.” He said matching your tone.

You loved how Peter had managed to always match your energy and understand you so well. Its stuff like this which made it close to impossible for you to not have some sort of feelings for him.

You harboured something for him but knew you both had other priorities to concentrate on and the last thing you wanted to do was hold him back.

“Its packed in here tonight.” You yell over the loud music.

“It’s Friday night baby, what do you expect?” He chuckled and guided you over to where everyone else had situated themselves.

There were only a few occasions when he would call you such pet names, and every time he did it, your heart would grow happy. It was an intimate thing to you that only the two of you shared.

“I expect you to keep me company all night.”

“I wouldn’t want you to expect anything else.” He murmured pulling you close to him as his hooks his fingers behind you so that you have to settle your hands on his chest.

You gently run your hands up his chest and relax them around his neck, pulling him down to your level so that you can whisper into his ear, “I’m not wearing any panties again.” You smile at him cheekily.

He suppressed a moan when recalling the last time you wore no panties, that was quite the night indeed.

“Maybe you’re not such a good girl after all.” He teased as his hands inched lower.

“For you I can be both.”

About two hours had passed since you and Peter had a moment of intimacy. It was interrupted when your friends called you over to order some drinks. Since then, you had a few shots and munched on some snacks the bar had the curtesy of arranging for you.

“I see my little plan is working.” Your best friend stated taking your hand and spinning you around as you both danced in the middle of the dance floor.

You chuckled at her words and continued to dance with her. Peter had been sat at the table with the rest of your friends making small conversation here and there.

You tried getting him to dance with you, but he insisted that you go ahead and have fun, and you sure were having fun. He watched the way your body moved as you swayed with the rhythm of the music.

His gaze was heated, taking in every movement you made.

As you maintained eye contact with him, you felt hands wrap around your waist roughly pulling you against someone.

Growing tense, you push their hands off you and turn around to give them a piece of you mind, but that is already being done when Peter is at your side.

“Keep your hands off her.” He warned the drunk man.

“When she’s out here dancing like that?” He slurred.

“When she or anyone else is doing anything else, learn to keep your hands to yourself buddy.” Peter pulled you closer to him.

“Whatever.” The man muttered and walked away.

“You okay?” He asked concerned.

“Yes, just a bit shaken.” You give him a smile of reassurance.

He can tell you’re bothered by it; he knows just how to make you forget it.

“Dance with me” He let his hands settle on your waist, turning you around so that his chest was against your back.

“I thought you didn’t want to dance.” You murmur teasingly.

“I wanted you to dance for me, now I want to dance with me.” He emphasized the words.

You didn’t reply and just let your body move against his. You could feel his erection growing against you. The power you held over him made you confident. You managed to make someone like Peter come down to his knees for you. He did just the same with you.

You turned around so that you were facing him, your hands made their way from his wrists to his shoulders and then to his neck. The feeling of your fingers on his skin caused him to feel goosebumps.

You slowly pulled him forward so that his lips would meet yours. It was slow at first, but then it grew more passionate as his hands cupped your face. You broke apart when you heard the very loud cheers of your friends.

You had forgotten they were there; they now obviously knew that you can Peter had something going on.

“They’re never going to let us here the end of this.” You chuckled and looked into his lust filled eyes.

“You’re right about that… you wanna get out of here?” He asked.

“Someone’s eagers. Sure, let me just let y/b/n know I’m leaving. Are we going to your place?” You asked taking his hand in yours and going over to your friends.

“Yeah, no one’s home tonight.” He said with a suggestive tone.

You rolled at him.

As you made your way to your best friend, she looked at you with a smirk.

“You’re welcome.” She winked.

You chuckle at her and inform her about yours and Peters plan to leave.

“Use protection, but I’m sure you two already have that covered.” She whispered to you.

“Y/b/n.” You scolded her.

“I’m just looking out for you.” She raised her hand up in defense.

“Let me know when you get home. I’m sure you’ll be taking him home.” You glanced to your best friend’s crush, she blushes at your words and shoos you away.

“C’mon, we can leave now.” You said taking Peters hand in yours.

“Lets go.”

Your back was now against the sofa in Peter’s living room. He couldn’t wait till he got to his bedroom and just pounced on you the moment he locked the front door.

“You look so ravishing in this dress baby, always so pretty.” He muttered as he undid the dress and stripped you.

He was still very much dressed, but you laid there naked as the day you were born. Although, he soon got rid of his shirt which you sure was thrown across the room.

“So wet for me.” He said exploring your most intimate part.

You breath hitches as the contact, he gently drew circles on your clit as his lips trailed kisses from your lips to your neck.

“Only for you.” You whimpered out.

“That’s right baby, only for me.” He groaned out feeling his pants tighten further as his fingers dove inside you gently.

“Wanna cum on my fingers baby? I’ll give you anything you want. You just need to ask.”

You tried to form words as his fingers moved in and out of you skilfully.

“Are you too lost in pleasure to form any sentence… aww poor baby. Does it feel too good for you to handle?” He murmured against your ear kissing along your hairline.

“N-no, I can handle it. Please don’t stop.”

You would usually be embarrassed by how close he had you over the edge so quickly, but you paid no mind to it feeling to consumed by the pleasure.

“Faster please.” You begged.

“Anything for you.” He smirked and kissed you once again.

His fingers moved vigorously with the motion of your hips pushing against his hand. When you finally met your high, you moaned into his mouth with a plea of pleasure.

“That’s it, you did so good for me princess.” He praised you.

Still hazy with pleasure, you lazily woke up from the sofa and situated yourself so that you were now standing in front of Peter. Without warning, you dropped to your knees and started undoing his pants.

“You gonna such my cock like a good girl for me?” He asked stroking the side of your cheek and moving your hair out of your face.

You nodded in response and took his dick in your hand, moving your hand up and down a few times before taking him in your mouth.

Peter groaned at the feeling; you weren’t holding back. You gently kissed the side of his cock as you spread the precum on his tip.

When you gazed up at him Peter had his head thrown back in pleasure. In that moment you took him whole into your mouth.

“Oh fuck- princess.” He gasped out.

You continued sucking him, drawing out more moans, groans, and whines from Peter.

Your jaw began to pain at the feeling of been opened that wide, so you alternated between moving your hand up and down his cock to kissing and licking the tip.

“Stop or I’m going to cum.” He warned.

You did as he said and took your mouth off his cock. He took hold of your shoulders and pulled you up so that you were standing. His lips were on yours, tasting himself on your lips.

He kicked off his shoes and pants so that he was now fully naked like you were.

He sat down on the sofa, allowing you to put your legs on either side of him.

“Slide me into you.” He commanded.

You took hold of his cock and slowly slid down it, making sure to look him in the eyes. He watched as you gasped at the feeling of getting filled with his cock.

“So big.” You whined and held onto his shoulders for support. He dizzily smirked at your words and settled his hands on your hips moving you up and down.

Your eyes hadn’t left his, this way you got to see every emotion that ran through his eyes as he was deep inside you.

You began to move you hips up and down a little faster, Peter also started to thrust upward. The feeling of the both of you moving together brought out sounds that neither of you had heard from one another before.

His eyes began to close as he concentrated on bringing you both over the edge. He was controlling the rhythm of your hips while also thrusting up into you at a fast pace.

“This is more than just lust for me.” He managed to moan out.

Your eye widened at his confession.

You were about to reply but was too distracted but he familiar feeling of your orgasm drawing closer.

“Rub your clit for me baby.” He stated.

Your fingers made their way down to your clit and it was only in a few minutes before both you and he were cursing and moaning each other’s names.

Your breathing had sped up, you were covered in a thin layer of swear and your mind was hazy from the orgasm as well as Peter’s words.

It took you two a moment before being able to say anything.

You were the first to break the silence.

“This is more than just lust me too… its love.” You said softly and slowly.

Peter processed your words, and his lips were once again on yours.

[cozycottagetarot]

Who's Coming In & Why? (General)

Here’s the thing… I'd love to tell you this is all love and friendships, but it’s not. It’s more of a who’s coming in to help you move forward.

Still, I’m posting it because it may still resonate with some people.

However, I will do a second reading of the same topic in the future focusing on love and friendships in particular.

Check out my Paid Readings ✨

PILE 1 — The Inspiration

Energy surrounding them: Queen of Pentacles

I see this as being some person you need to move you forward, be it a general mentor, someone with a career, or someone to get you motivated to get up and take action (the latter comes through strongest) . They could be well off, not necessarily lavishly rich, but more so in the sense of being a better situation than you. There could be a nurturing or gentle energy to them as well.

The vibes I get: Vision boards, goals, goal setting, power move

Why they’re coming in? The Empress, Judgement, The Tower (all reversed)

There may be some kind of disharmony in your life, particularly with you. You may be too much into your masculine energy (logic and material) and neglecting your feminine energy (nurturing, intuition). It could be a matter of self confidence and unhappiness with how your life is going. This person is coming in to put you back on track, and shift your perspective. Them entering your life will help you to face your fears and release any self doubt you may have. They may help you to avoid ending up in a bad place. Because all your cards keep coming out reversed (even though I didn’t want to take all reversals) I see it as a sign as well to don’t be afraid to start anew, instead of trying to situate everything exactly the way it was in the before. Like that quote/saying that goes something like-- "don’t be afraid to start over because this time you’re not starting from scratch, your starting from experience?"

How they'll help you? 10 of Swords, 9 of Wands reversed

The only place to go from here is up, but you need to stop being so stubborn about it. This person coming in is going to help you get your back you drive to 'fight' so you can pursue happiness/goals in a new way.

Potential Struggles? Knight of Wands, The Star reversed

Be careful your inspired action is not really impulsivity . You’ll have to do some inner work as well. You may compare yourself to this person and risk falling back into the same state again. You need to take responsible actions, get in tune with your emotions and work on your confidence and any anxieties you may have. Healing from the past as well, because your past isn’t your future.

PILE 2 -- The Therapist

Energy surrounding them: The Star

The energy surrounding the person coming in is one of calm and stability, and that is what they will bring to you. This person is going to help heal you, be it professionally (a therapist or psychologist) or unintentionally (someone who triggers our healing). This person is going to feel like everything will be okay.

The vibes I get: therapy, a guiding star, two people sitting and talking, letting your soul speak

Why they’re coming in? 6 of Wands reversed, The Moon, 6 of cups reversed

This person is going to help reveal the truth about a situation. Particularly if you haven’t had the best things happening a) in most of your life, or b) in this particular chapter or your life. This person will help you realise the things that weren’t your fault, the things you can change and the things that all come down to your beliefs. You may come to realise with the help of this person, that a lot of fears and limitations you have are self imposed. Not only that, but this person may help you figure out what your positive inner voice sounds like and help you to embrace it. Any dreams you’ve had hidden away (sleep dreams or goals-dreams) may also become more clear to you. After this you’ll be able to move forwards in live. The past won’t hold you back anymore. You’ll be able to move on or view these events that took place through a new lense.

How they'll help you? 3 of Wands, 8 of Swords reversed

The blindfold is going to come off. You’re going to be able to move forward in your life. The work you put in is going to help you move forward with a new found confidence and belief in self. You’ll be able to take your life into your own hands.

Potential Struggles? king of pentacles & ace of swords

You may struggle with the whole process of breaking through and envisioning a different future for yourself. Also, seeing your growth and how mature and stable (as in the different areas of your life) you may have become may take you some time or be difficult.

Pile 3-- The Sage

Energy surrounding them: The Emperor

The person coming into your life has a strong energy to them. They are most likely older than you or at the least has a very wise energy to them. They might not be the most emotional or expressive, but they are reliable.

The vibes I get: Someone with an otherworldly energy or wisdom. Someone established. You can't help but notice them.

Why they're coming in? 4 of Pentacles, The Chariot, Page of Cups

This person is coming in to show you how to find and build security in many aspects of your life the right way. You may be holding onto things that aren’t good for you and this person is going to come in and force you to ask yourself why. Also potentially isolation may be something you need to deal with. You may be currently playing defence. But once you allow yourself to let go, you may find new things, people, and opportunities come in, better than you image. You may find yourself becoming someone you really want to be as well as finding yourself in the beginning stages of tapping into your emperor energy.

How they'll help you? Strength reversed, Knight of Swords

They’re going to help you tap into your inner strength so you can take the necessary actions to help yourself. They’ll help trigger the arrival of big changes in your life.Things will finally start to flow.

Potential Struggles? Judgement, 6 of Pentacles

You may feel resistant at first, feeling as if they don’t know what they’re talking about and are just trying to bring you down. You may be hesitant to take their advice or trust that they have your best interest in mind.

** Gandalf. Gandalf came to me but I don’t know why as I know practically nothing about him. 😬 Maybe you do!?

Pile 4-- The Charmer

Energy surrounding them: 8 of Cups reversed

The person coming in is going to scare you, but not in a bad way. You may have this happy, “I’m put together” facade, and this person is going to be able to see right through it. They have the ability, literally or metaphorically, to bring you into something better and that may leave you feeling afraid.

The vibes I get: Someone clever and charming. Feeling flustered. Oh no, I have a crush.

Why they’re coming in? Temperance, 9 of Pentacles, 8 of Swords

They’re coming in to show you that if you stop allowing fear to keep you where you are, peace, balance, and contentment will find you. The situation you may be staying in may not be a result of your actions, and taking the steps to get out of it may be difficult, but this person is one hundred percent here to challenge your reasoning for why you can’t.

How they'll help you? The Magician, 10 of Swords, The High Priestess reversed

They’re going to show you magic. I’m feeling like you might develop a romantic or platonic crush on them. There’s just that vibe. They’re going to show you how amazing you truly are. They’re going to show you that you have the ability to make things happen. They’ll help you create that ending and see your new beginning.

Potential Struggles? Knight of Cups reversed, 2 of Wands

This person most likely isn’t going to stay long and that may throw you off guard. This all feels very fast paced so their quick arrival and departure may leave you feeling a little bit broken hearted. Be careful you’re not investing too much headspace and emotion in this person.

Pile 5-- The Cheerleader

Energy surrounding them: 3 of Swords reversed

This person has a very calm healing energy to them. I feel like if you’re going through a heartbreak in particular, the prominent pain of it is going to start disappearing. I actually redid your reading and the vibes I was getting before were not good ones. I felt like I was trying to shoo it away, and the reading felt like it was about someone leaving you who had hurt you so I think that’s what this could be. This could also be someone from the past. An old friend in particular.

**As for the person from the past, to help you figure out if this reading is for you— i was thinking back of the cards I pulled and this person felt emotionally immature and manipulative, though I’m not sure it’s intentionally. Were you trying to fix them? To make them feel better? But they were so stuck in their toxic habits/mindset that they just ended up sending your world into turmoil? Because that came through strongly just now.

The vibes I get: thank you, troubles disappearing, a sigh of relief

Why they’re coming in? King of Swords, King of Cups reversed, 4 of Cups reversed

This person is coming in to help you move on from the pain and worries that you have been in. You’re ready to get back to business and this person will be there for you. Cheerleading came to me as well, so that’s what they’ll be— your cheerleader. You’re also going to be stepping into a new chapter of maturity and level headedness. Any responsibilities or ideas you’ve been putting off, this person is going to help you with them.

How they'll help you? 9 of Wands, The Empress reveresed

Like I mentioned before, they’re going to help ease your anxieties, pain and sadness. With The Empress rx, ‘makeover’ came to me as well and I got super excited, so maybe that’s what you need and this person will help you with? They’re going to help you sort your emotions, make sense of everything and feel confident, attractive and capable again.

Potential Struggles? The World, Page of Wands

Setting your world back in order is going to take some work, but the results will be worth it. The only caution would be don’t rush your actions, without thinking about the consequences fully.

———

Disclaimer: I read tarot for self reflection and guidance purposes, but as always, this reading is for fun and entertainment purposes only. I may include advice for if you find a particular topic resonating, but it is in no way meant to replace any kind of professional advice. Any reading I post is in no way meant to act as or replace professional advice of any kind. You know yourself and what’s going on in your life best so I ask that you trust yourself above all else. Prediction readings are to be seen simply as a potential outcome. Finally, please take only what resonates from the reading which may be some of it, all of it, or none at all.

[ballorawan740]

SCP Scenarios: Yandere!SCP x Evil!Reader

Requested by: @Charlie_Sharlotte

Main Masterlist | SCP Scenarios Masterlist | My Works Masterlist | Rules | Request | Socials | My Original Post

So a little bit of context here:

Yes, I've done a Yandere!SCP x Reader before, but this one has a slight twist to it as requested by the user

The reader is just an ordinary human, just like my other post (you can get quick access HERE)

The only difference being how the Yandere!SCPs would react and the reader is evil

I'll be basing this off my other post, if you see something that's rather similar, that's why

SCP 073 (Cain)

When you first met Cain, neither of you had thought of much at first and just greeted each other as usual

Then, of course, you both became really good friends

Some would even say you both were inseparable as wherever they see with of you, the other would be close by

Not long after, you both just started dating which just happened

His yandere traits would gradually come through, but since it wasn't much different to his usual self, none of you would've noticed the change

Apart from you, of course, cus this man wouldn't let you be in harm's way and if you were, he would have to be with you the whole entire time

When Cain discovers that you work for another GOI, he was shocked and tried to -forcefully- make you stay loyal to the foundation which didn't work well

You stayed loyal to the Serpent's Hand and Cain warned the other members of the foundation

Not only did you find out about the news, but you were also very much aware of Cain's yandere tendencies in which you warned your team about this

The news that you were working with the Serpent's Hand got to the O5 council to which they kept a close eye on you

However, some would even call them bluff as you had made your way through the rankings in less than a year, displaying your intelligence and 'loyalty towards the foundation

As well as this, you were able to deceive most of the staff at the foundation, so you would be the last person anyone would suspect if there were an issue between the Foundation and the Serpent's Hand

Due to the love-hate relationship between both parties, the O5 Council had announced you as the 'bridge' between both the Foundation and the Serpent's Hand if either party were in need of help, within the reason of course

As for you and Cain, you tried to distance yourself but Cain's yandere tendencies forbid from that happening

And so you stayed, thinking that you could use him as a scapegoat

SCP 076 (Abel)

Abel gets slightly physical when he's a yandere

Like hella physical to the point he'd tie you up in his box and go on full rage mode if anyone tries to help save you or even question about your whereabouts

However, since you were one of the hostile type SCPs used by the Serpent's Hand, you knew that you could use Abel's yandere traits to your advantage

Since you weren't a yandere yourself, you would more often than not, find yourself trapped in his box

But since you had the ability to summon just about anything out of thin air, just like Abel, you were able to record and complete your tasks without being disturbed

Even though Abel knew that you were a hostile SCP, he was somehow oblivious to your abilities and your secret mission in the Foundation

The O5 council were concerned and intrigued that you were willing to be trapped inside his box and when asked, you kept silent

Abel would do anything to keep you by his side which was annoying if you had something to do, but you were a master manipulator so you were able to bribe him

As for the foundation staff, you could play off as not so hostile for now type SCP unless you were provoked, so most of the time, they'd just leave you in your containment room

During one of the containment breaches, Abel discovered that you were working for another GOI and attempted to question you about this but to no avail

As for the O5 council, they were able to get some information bout you from Abel, but it didn't help very much other than the fact you worked for a GOI

Neither the O5 council nor Abel knew which group you worked for and the council debated on whether to terminate you or not

They have come up with a conclusion to not terminate you for now as you were able to stop Abel from breaching the foundation

However, they had to keep a close eye on you both due to your activities with another GOI and may manipulate Abel into assisting you

SCP 999 (Tickle Monster)

This adorable little yandere orange blob here is the reason why most people in the foundation would suspect you as an enemy to the foundation

As in, either trying to destroy the world, working for another GOI or both, type of way

When 999's yandere traits kick in, he'd definitely be slightly possessive when he'd jealous but no more than that

999 would most definitely be oblivious to your evil traits until he sees it for himself, just like Abel

I feel that the foundation staff also wouldn't suspect a thing since you have that pure, innocent vibe

Since you give off those vibes, you tend to get away with thingy hella easily, sometimes it would go right under the noses of the O5 council, even though you're doing it right in front of them

I have high doubts that anyone would've caught you in the act of betraying the foundation or kidnapping the SCPs

And even if they did and was absolutely certain it was you, most of the others would call them delusional

There was that one time where 999 caught you with another SCP and got hella jealous but you were able to persuade him to stop ignoring you

The second time he caught you was when you were in the middle of releasing some Keter and Euclid class SCPs but wasn't able to stop you or warn the others in time

When the doctors found out, it was too late and you were with the Choas Insurgency

SCP 682 (Hard to Destroy Reptile)

This little sh- right here would literally threaten to kill everyone you've ever cared about right in front of you and he would do it again and again

Luckily, you were cunning and deceitful, some would even say that you come across as suave in what you're doing

And in this case, you would play along with 682 like a game and this giant MF wouldn't even know (cuz he do be thicc)

The foundation is well aware of 682 being such a yandere and it's not like they could do anything other than observe

However, what's even scarier is you being able to multitask in various fields, making you a perfect doctor/agent they have

You were also planning on releasing the SCPs just for your own gain and would even go as far as deceiving the other GOIs just for some helping hand and gathering some intel

Not only that, you have used 682 as your scapegoat many times since he was known for causing various breaches

During that time, you were able to free most SCPs with a little help and those agents would soon be declared missing or dead under mysterious circumstances

Nobody would ever suspect you since you put on such an innocent facade and portrayed yourself as just someone who did as they're told

SCP 049 (Plague Doctor)

As a yandere, 049 would most definitely be similar to 035 and tie you up as a punishment

Sometimes, he would even go as far as using his 'subordinates' to monitor you while you were being left alone in a room while he's doing something

Normally, 049 would avoid punishing you and would explain to you what you did wrong with a harsher tone as if to intimidate you

However, as time went by, you've learnt a lot from the doctor and was able to adapt to various situations just like him

Being an ordinary human being, you'd constantly have to avoid touching his hands with yours or if you ever remembered, you'd wear gloves in case 049 would hold yours out of nowhere

If there were any breaches, the first thing he'd do is to look for you and make sure that you're by his side constantly

Little did he know, you were the corporate behind the breach as you wanted to seek revenge on the foundation for taking your family away and killing them all

And of course, you've learnt from the best from those around you, especially 049

In your head, you planned to use 049 to your advantage like always, but instead of using him as a scapegoat, you were planning on getting him to go against the foundation's will and join you

However, a part of you also wanted to use him as a scapegoat since all he does is dote around you and be possessive af

SCP 035 (Possessive Mask)

This yandere right here is not only possessive but manipulative af  and if you didn't know any better, you would've been wrapped around his fingers

But you did know better, so like many other 'evil people, you used this at your advantage since you know that 035 is all over you

You were amazing at seducing both men and women, but mainly guys, hand to hand combat, hacking, weapon knowledge and even cross-dressing, but you'd much rather not do that and hide in the dark (you introverted shy mf)

From time to time, you were able to make 035 leave you as you had "behaved well and should be rewarded" as 035 puts it

During that time, you'd hack into the Foundation's most secretive files and grab all the information you needed in order to achieve whatever goals you intended to finish

Not even 035 or the Foundation knows about this and if they ever catch on about the hacking incident, they wouldn't even take a second thought that it was you (since you have such a pretty face and nobody would suspect a thing, you're welcome for the compliment)

Since you were reliable, independent and trustworthy in the Foundation's eyes and you were able to adapt to 035's persona and adopt it into your work, you'd occasionally be sent to the other GOIs as an undercover spy

Little did everyone know, you used every bit of tool and would even use your position as an undercover to blackmail and even spill out the secrets of your mission just to get to where you want anyone to be

The Foundation would never have guessed your goals and would consider this incident as a slip-up and allow you to continue if you were able to keep everything under control

Not only that but they were soon informed that wherever you go, an individual or a whole team of people from the GOIs, including the Foundation's, would go missing or dead

Nobody knows why and they wouldn't even dare to question your authority since you were so high up

SCP 096 (Shy Guy)

You were just one of the cleaners at the Foundation which so happened to bond well with 096 despite him being a yandere

096 as a yandere wasn't as bad as the others as he'll only go into depression or possessive mode, but even then, he was still handleable (IT'S CUZ HE HAS THAT MFING FACE THAT NO MOTHER COULD LOVE)

Anyways, I doubt that 096 would have enough intelligence to gather that you're evil for quite some time, but that doesn't mean that he's completely stupid

Moreso oblivious since he wouldn't believe anyone who says that you're working for another organisation and that you're just using him

When he went back to his cell, you came to check up on him and heard him crying, so you asked what happened

He told you all the 'lies' about you working for Chaos Insurgency and you quickly dismissed that with ease, knowing that 096 will only listen to you

You had informed your captain/team leader about the Foundation catching on and they made sure that you're still 'clean' and sent a couple of others to aid you

Once everyone got a hold of your plan, 096 quickly came out and snatched you, but not before killing all the agents

Basically, he's your personal bodyguard and servant who just happens to be depressed and slightly possessive

SCP 105 (Iris)

Oh dear oh dear oh dear

Iris is beyond possessive

She'll basically tie you up for days if she wanted to and you would have to try and outwit her since she has military training

Outwitting her would be hard since she's rather intelligent too

So what you did was to listen to her for quite some time in order to buy some time for your crew to sneak in and grab whatever they need before they flee

You made sure to be extra kind and sweet to our Iris here since she somehow managed to regain access to her camera

Your team was quickly notified so they proceeded with caution

Just because you managed to fool Iris doesn't mean you could fool the Foundation

As the Foundation proceed to warn Iris, you attempted to reassure her that it's not what it looks like, but she's not stupid at all

Depending on the situation, she might tie you up for days if not weeks and let you consume the tiniest amount of food and water

However, if you somehow managed to free yourself, defend yourself if she fighting you or outwit her, you would run back to your base to never be seen again

SCP 106 (Old Man)

An old yandere like 106 would make ordinary people think he's just old, crippled and possessive as well as perhaps a sugar daddy (Sorry, not)

Anyhow, aside from him being such a yandere, he wouldn't exactly notice you being evil and all unless it's explicitly shown in front of him and even then, he wouldn't believe it

The researchers, however, did manage to catch onto your evil side as you were midway through releasing various SCPs, including 682, 939 (FREE MY PET PLS), 049 and a couple of other well known Keter and Euclid class SCPs

They tried to arrest you and take you into full custody and interrogate you with the help of 105 and you found out soon that they both had a deal

The deal was that the researchers would get as much information out of you before disposing you to 106

You took advantage of this deal and managed to send a message to your team about it just to make sure that you're protected and someone would be sent to help you

Once you've done your mission in freeing certain SCPs, you were tasked to shut down or destroy the Foundation but failed

And not only that but your team were also caught in assisting you and breaking free the SCPs and were then killed on site

Since you were caught, your team leader sent down another dispatch to kill you and retrieve all the necessary information they needed

But since you didn't tell the Foundation everything you knew, they made an agreement with you by telling them everything you knew in exchange for your safety and you obliged

You also went to 106 and made him have a deal with both you and the researchers, but knowing the old man, you're more likely going to be killed by that SCP than by your team

Dr Simon Glass

This mf softie of a yandere right here would definitely know you're up to something

I mean, he's a psychologist, so of course, he'll get inside of your head before you would even blink twice

He wouldn't call you out just yet since he doesn't know the full extent of you working under someone or if you're working for yourself and using others to your own advantage

As for you, you knew that Simon wouldn't just let you go if he ever found out on what you're plotting and nor would he help bail you out just because you asked so nicely

So to avoid this problem, you asked your fellow subordinates from Dr Wondertainment to help cover for you

The MTFs caught on that there was newly discovered SCPs on their site and were quickly ordered to exterminated, neutralise or capture them for the safety of them and the others and to conduct further research

Little did they know, it was your little stunt to just get closer to Dr Glass and to use him in your plans

After many months of studying each and every SCPs and conducting a plan for your team, the researchers finally discovered that it was you behind all the mess with the help of Simon Glass

Realising that it is too dangerous for you to be working along in the Foundation, you fled,, leaving Simon Glass all alone and wanting to keep you in his room forever

Simon demanded a search party to find you but was denied

Since you've been caught already, you sent somebody else to do the work for you

And that assistant just so happens to look just like you (totally not your evil twin or anything)

Dr Jack Bright

Jack Bright had you locked up in a chamber below the Foundation when he had discovered you being the culprit behind the recent breaches and other related incidents

You were just as vicious and deadly as most of the best agents the Foundation ever has and staying in the Foundation had just turned you insane and just as sadistic

You enjoyed causing so much chaos, leaving all the innocent, cheery memories behind and new friends and family you've made along the way was long gone

Bright wasn't stupid, he may be goofy and somewhat chaotic at times, he'd been in the Foundation for longer than anyone (he'd also be earning more than the amount of money in your bank account)

He's definitely one of the most intelligent doctors and most definitely has access to most files and holds more secrets than any seniors in the Foundation

There's no doubt that he would find out about you and lock you up in no time

Knowing you, he's very much certain that you'll wreak havoc on the Foundation within a matter of hours for no apparent reason

The other staff would deem you as an SCP but Bright dismisses that and nobody has ever heard of you since

He tortured you for hours and its no wonder why you'd become so visibly and mentally insane

Dr Alto Clef

Clef was able to somehow find a way to unlock your secrets about you working with another GOI named Church of the Broken God

And despite having to work together with a handful of times, both GOIs remain enemies, so Alto would have to keep a close eye on you

On occasions, he would blackmail you, chain you up and inflict pain on you just to get some intel off from you

However, little did he know, you've learnt from the best liars and was able to conceal the truth from him

Clef may be good at finding information on a person and threaten others, but you were able to adapt as quick as the speed of light and was manipulative just like him

Unlike the others, Clef would most definitely snitch on you, but that's no surprise since you've done just that to him with the Church of the Broken God

Moreover, Clef didn't know that you were married to someone working for the very same GOI and was shocked once he found out

The Foundation found it difficult to track you and your spouse since you're both highly trained along with the data you've gathered on the foundation staff and SCPs

Dr Benjamin Kondraki

Benjamin Kodraki, another softer yandere, would have never known that you worked with the Deer College if it wasn't for his butterflies

He would give you the benefit of the doubt at first, but when you kept doing his questions and threats, he would give in and tell the O5 council

They would dismiss Kondraki at first, but once they've discovered a chain of unusual events happening at the Foundation, they knew it was much more than just a coincidence and took action

Kondraki aided them in finding you, but to no avail, except for one of your long term friends (you have friends?! what a shocker)

He had chained up your friend and they exposed your hideout spot which just so happened to be right underneath the Foundation

When he had found you, he forcefully dragged you up to his room and tied you up as you saw your friend's lifeless body beside you

You hated him because of his yandere tendencies and tried to break free

Luckily for you, the professors at the College managed to set you free, fleeing with you before Kondraki and the other members of the Foundation could do anything

Later on, Kondraki soon realised that you were in the Deer College just to gain additional knowledge and to retrieve some samples of the SCPs in the Foundation to conduct your own research and art collection

Not only that, you were exceptionally good at history and social science and Invocations and Summoning which was why you picked both subjects to study further with your creativity in the art department as your hobby

[b612sunsets]

Me to my brain after watching the tragic events of episode 12:

But what I’m doing instead? Yes, having to watch it again to make this analysis. F*ck my life. I didn't sign up for this, only for the fluff Gahan moments T-T *sigh* Alright, c’mon. Let’s rip it off like a band-aid. It will be a quick but long one, the angst is too much and the lawful husbands/family moments are just a few.

If I had to sum up episode 12 I would say it's an episode about the process of a couple, that love each other very much, breaking up. They had to go through it to understand their love and importance better and reunite again in the future without any doubts, remorse and regret remaining in their hearts:

I know the best friend meant well and I love you K, but you didn’t know that by staying with Yohan, Gaon has Yohan and Elijah. He wouldn’t lose everything. But I do get your point and the rest is valid.

Yohan sounding like a jealous/protective husband, their fragile state and emotions culminating into a fight and when Yohan notices Gaon is at his limit and implies that staying with Yohan is hard, he gets desperate of not losing Gaon and tries to make him stay while saying the wrong things at the wrong time because he doesn’t know how to deal with emotions and people very well, which leads to a break up that leaves both of them empty and heartbroken:

Another way of interpreting this “You can’t be my husband and be with her at the same time.” We see Yohan’s hopeful expression and the exact moment Gaon’s heart breaks after he processed that Yohan made him choose and he would start losing things/people like K had told him.

It pains him that the only way out is leaving Yohan for now and having to break his heart too.

The clenched fist.

Elijah heard their argument and was trying to find out what happened. She thought she finally had a functional loving family with two dads but they had a fight and one of them is moving out. Gaon felt sorry and tried to comfort her, inviting her to come visit from time to time but she’s upset and angry with him for wanting to leave their home (yes gaon, home is where your heart is and not the house you only talked about and remembered having at that moment), leave them. It breaks her heart too and Yohan feels even more hurt because it’s like he is failing them as a husband and father/uncle:

You guys do realize that what Gaon said here is what he wished he had told Yohan too, right?

I love subtext. Another way to interpret is Yohan convincing himself of it too, “He’s not my partner. I’m going to get hurt if I think that.”

I'm going to add the drawing wasn't from the moment Gaon was chilling with Yohan in his office like I saw some people saying. It was the moment Elijah talked with Gaon and approached him with the intention of becoming friends in episode 4.

It's not anyone's fault, all sides are understandable except for the villains that are only doing their roles as the villains, but as the wise fox from my favorite book The Little Prince once said "You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed".

The Prince tried and succeeded in taming the fox (and another little one), just to leave him for the rose:

Before all this happened the rose had abandoned the prince, so it seemed a little in vain to leave the fox for her. Funny thing, I only noticed the roses in the background after watching the scene again, I write most of the breakdown before taking the screenshots. Coincidence? I think not! There’s been so many real and fictional stories references in the Devil Judge, I think The Little Prince could be one of them:

Here the rose had confronted the fox and tried to make him leave the Prince before their break up:

Subtext again. The fox answer was “let go (of the car)” but he meant “let go (of Gaon)” too and she understood it.

There's the painful post break-up, they keep thinking about and missing each other, feeling sad. The prince made his choice, but tried to contact the fox instead of going after the rose to fix things with her and tell her it’s all over. Is he regretting his choice already and realizing his heart belonged to the fox all along? That the two foxes are his new world just like he is to them?

The Little Prince said “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” And the nanny (mother in law):

The husbands try to defend and speak up for the other to the same person (the annoying father in law):

Yohan is like “Just because I was Gaon’s daddy, doesn’t mean Gaon isn’t an adult, sir. That would be wrong and gross.”

Now he’s like “You heard about us from someone that is an outsider? The girl that has a one-sided love for him?”

One more, “I guess it’s more than that: you are in love with each other.”

Meanwhile, they almost die because apparently the world hates that they're apart as much as we do and makes all type of misfortunes happen at the same time (with a little help of a certain snake/Sunah and the president, that are trying to put an end to the prince and the fox):

That's it. That's episode 12 of TDJ.

As a final thought, Soohyun and Jungho: they judge based only on what they see, like Yohan said about Gaon. I don't hate them, but I also wouldn't miss them if they weren't in the drama anymore. I can sympathize sometimes, more because of Gaon who cherishes them a lot and if I was him, I'd do the same with a best friend and father figure whatever their flaws are as long as it's a healthy relationship.

Episode 13 preview: I'm dreading it but at the same time trying to not think about it until the day comes.

Who do you guys think Yohan will call to help him? He doesn’t have K anymore and Elijah wouldn’t be able to do it. I’m hoping he will call Gaon but Gaon is trying to run for his life too haha

Have the lawful family still happy and together to comfort your hurting souls, it was a remedy and soft moment for our hearts in the episode, very bittersweet:

Hope this cute little enchantment worked.

[shortpplfedup]

ITSAY Rewatch Anatomy of a Scene Shining In Your Eyes, or how did these two simps not talk to each other for five whole years?

In which Teh and Oh Aew make hearteyes at each other for three minutes straight.

I Told Sunset About You, Episode 2 Director: Boss Naruebet Kuno Writers: Boss Naruebet Kuno, Goy Arachaporn Pokinpakorn, Kate Karakade Norasethaporn, Junior Naron Cherdsoongnern Cinematographers: Tang Tawanwad Wanavit, Lin Rinrada Pornsombutsatien Score: Vichaya Vatanasapt Cast: Billkin Putthipong Assaratanakul and PP Krit Amnuaydechkorn

Why are you bringing all the toys out?These are flash cards. I carry them with me to recite every day. 1 set contains 20 characters. All of this contains 1,200 characters. I'm giving them all to you.Are you sure?I’m afraid that I’ll get too good if I keep these to myself. Yeah, take them. When you’re free, you revise - or even while you eat. But after the revision, you have to come back and practice Chinese handwriting. And that’s not enough. Every time you see me, we have to revise these characters, and translate them, and also work on pronunciation. I guarantee you, you’ll be able to memorize it. If you don’t want it, it’s fine--Hey! I do.Well, you seemed to be not responding. I thought you didn’t want it.Well, I was just thinking…it's no surprise why you’re so good at studying.I should take that compliment from someone else.Please help me until I get in.I'm so glad.Glad?I don't know. But I like it. Just keep saying that.Please help me until I get in, please help me until I get in, please help me until I get in.Too much too much…I gave you many things already. Can I ask you one thing?...

I struggled in choosing just one scene to analyse for episode 2. I had forgotten how emotionally deep this episode was, how much of it is basically Teh telling on himself, Teh getting mad at Oh Aew for ignoring the flirting he is ABSOLUTELY NOT DOING HE HAS A KINDA GIRLFRIEND HE IS NOT FLIRTING WITH HIS BESTIE, and Oh Aew huffing a deep sigh before explaining Teh's own feelings to him, over and over. Because Teh ain't slick, not in the least. He wears his every thought on his face, wears all his emotions on his sleeve, and the filter between his brain and his mouth is pretty much nonexistent. Basically, if you want to know what's going on with Teh, all you have to do is sit and wait five minutes and 'what's going on' will present itself.

In this scene, 'what's going on', is the glee Teh feels now that Oh Aew is his friend again, the desire he has to give him everything in the world, and the feelings that are beginning to stir in his heart. When Oh Aew compliments him, when Oh Aew needs his help, when he can give Oh Aew things that nobody else can...I'm so glad, I don't know why, but I like it. Just telling on himself.

The face acting here is so good, the way Teh is just BEAMING, basking in Oh Aew's presence, and the way Oh Aew's eyes are shining looking at Teh like he invented Chinese (seriously, kudos to the lighting director because those eye lights on PP are doing WERQ). These two are just full simping at each other in this scene. It's a pivotal moment, their first private conversation since they made up on the beach, and it's so intimate, despite being pretty banal in subject matter. It's one of those conversations they're having on two levels, where the words coming out of their mouths have nothing to do with what they're actually saying to each other; the real conversation is between Teh's cheesy grin and Oh Aew's shining eyes.

[angelatmidnight1]

Barked Up The Wrong Tree

A/N: This is part two to Let Sleeping Dogs Lie . I hope you like it.

No one disturbs Ole Fusey from his nap, and he’s out to teach Octane and Rampart a lesson. But, the pranksters’ alliance falls through; instead, both Walter and Ramya tickle Octavio.  

“Oho, man. That was awesome!”

Octane cheered, rounding just one more corner to make sure that he was far away from Fuse. Rampart brought up the rear, still laughing, and plopped down to the floor to catch her breath. 

“You’re tellin’ me. And here I thought Salvonians were known for kickin’ asses and takin’ names. Never thought that a lil’ tickling would have him bawlin for his mum.”

Octavio chuckled. “Think that’ll go down as the funnest prank I’ve pulled yet!” He continued, sprinting into Ramya’s workshop, which was their next destination. Since he didn’t have any games scheduled for a few days, Ramya offered to spruce up his legs a bit. Octane had so many cool mod ideas that he’d love to see on his legs; rockets, grenade launchers, maybe rockets and grenade launchers. 

It was even better that Ajay, who’d been scheduled for games the entire week, would be too busy to complain about what he added to his legs. He cared for his best friend deeply, but if he were being honest, she could be a real killjoy when she wanted to be. So, it felt really good that he could add some more pizazz to his babies without having to deal with her nagging. He was already yanking his left leg off when he noticed Rampart stopped in the doorway. Her brow was arched, and she had one hand on her hip.

“The best prank you pulled? I vaguely remember lendin’ you a hand…” She scoffed, heading to her workbench to gather the tools she needed. On her way over there, she snatched Octavio’s leg out of his hand. “I mean, let’s be real here, you would’ve mucked up the prank from here to Sunday if I didn’t help ya out.”

Octavio gave her an incredulous look before laughing. “Amiga, all you did was hold the feather! That’s not exactly what I’d call hard work.” He responded, preparing to pull his right leg off next. He was still riding high off of the adrenaline from pranking Fuse, so he had no issues in saying what he said next. “I guess I can see why it’d be a big deal to you, though. I know there ain’t much you do without Sheila.”

He heard Ramya drop something, most likely a wrench. His grin widened as she stared at him, dumbfounded. 

“What’d you say?”

The speedster snickered. “You heard me! I’m surprised you had the time to help out at all, since I know how much su bebé (your baby) keeps you busy.” He continued confidently. He knew he was headed into dangerous territory, but so what? What was she gonna do about it? If she grabbed Sheila to teach him a lesson, it’d prove his point. “Don’t get me wrong! Sheila is awesome. But pranks are where I shine, amiga. So you better not forget that.”

Ramya growled and marched from around her workbench, taking his leg along with her. “If that ain’t the biggest crock of shit I’ve heard--only thing you’re good at is running!” She argued. She got within a couple feet from him, ready to throttle him, but then she had a better idea. “...Which ya can’t do much of now, can ya?”

“...What?”

Octane gave her a bewildered look. But, before he could ask what she was talking about, she started to back away from him. And, he noticed, she moved his limb from one hand to the other. 

“Listen, mate. I don’t know what cliff ya dived off recently, but your leg here is banged up good. So, I’m just gonna hang onto it for, ya know…safe keepin’.”

Now Octavio wasn’t laughing. He quickly put his right leg back on and got up, albeit awkwardly. “Chill, Ramya. I need that!” He said, making a move to take the leg back. Rampart got out of the way, causing him to fall back down with a crash. She burst out laughing.

“Yikes, you’re quite the klutz, huh? Relax, I ain’t gonna keep it forever. Maybe just a few weeks?” Ramya grinned widely at the look on his face.

“Hell no! Give me my leg back!”

Now, Rampart wasn’t actually going to take his leg. She just wanted to keep it long enough until he offered her an apology, or until she laughed herself silly from watching him hobble around like a pirate. Ramya laughed hard enough to snort while he attempted to take his leg back. And each time, just before he could get a grip on it, Ramya would pull back and watch him tumble. Octane got tired of it and the next time he lunged, he went for her instead, which she wasn’t expecting. The modder didn’t move out of the way in time, so when his fingers jabbed into her ribs, she let out a loud scream. She dropped the leg, holding her arm against her side.

“Alright, alright, take your bloody leg back.” Ramya grumbled, rubbing where he’d poked. “I was just messin’ around.”

Octane put his leg back on and stared at her. He didn’t poke her that hard, so why’d she scream? The gears in his head turned as he poked her again, this time in her side, and she slapped his hands away. 

“I said I was joking, ya idiot.”

Octavio grinned. “I heard you. I was just thinkin’ how Elliott had mentioned how ticklish you were, but I didn’t believe him.” He explained. He hurried towards the modder to close the distance. “Thought he was just talkin’ loco. But it looks like he was right, huh?”

Rampart glowered and smacked his hands away again when he went to poke some more. “I couldn’t give a toss about what that plonker said! But you better quit pokin’ me, unless your mate can get you some new hands too…”

Octane paused, looking at both of his hands. He could have metal legs and hands? Why didn’t he think of that! He’d definitely have to blow his hands off next. But, for now, he was standing in front of a ticklish Legend who tried to steal his leg. A punishment was in order!

The speedster didn’t have the patience for a buildup, so he made yet another jab at her ribs. Rampart threw a hand up to stop him, just like he expected, which allowed him to grab her wrist. He held it away from her and, before she could block him with her other hand, he pinched at her lowermost rib. Ramya screamed, her face getting redder by the second, and she swatted at his hand multiple times. 

“Stohop! You prihick!” She gritted her teeth, trying not to laugh. She pushed her shoulder into his chest, wanting to push him over, but he wasn’t having it. He let go of her wrist so he could wrap both of his arms around her torso and scritch all over the length of her rib cage. The modder violently jolted and broke out into loud laughter. 

“YOHOUHUHU FFF--HAHAHAHAHA!” Ramya pounded on his hands, thrashing about in his hold. “LEHEHET GOHOHOHO!”

Octavio refused and, laughing, he pulled her down onto the ground with him. “Haha, I knew it!” He cheered. She’d swatted at his hands one too many times, so he gathered up her wrists in one hand, holding them above her head. “Elliott was right; you are crazy ticklish!”

Instead of staying on her sweet spot, he jumped to her side and kneaded along it. Then, he poked at her stomach, making her squeal, before his hand finally dug into her armpit. Ramya was cackling the entire time but, when he focused on her armpit, she giggled uncontrollably. It wasn’t as bad a spot as her ribs, but it was definitely sensitive. 

“I’m gohohohohnna kihihill yohohohohu!” She yelled, pulling against the speedster’s grip. “Juhust wahahait! I’ll kihihihck yohohour ahahahass wihihhth your own bloody lehehegs!”

Octane snickered and jabbed his nails into the center of her armpit, making her laugh harder. “Oh no, anything but that! Por favor!” He mocked, grinning. He took his thumbs and scratched at the hollows in circular motions. “And whatever you do, don’t sic Sheila on me! I know just how much you lean on her.”

Rampart yelled in protest as the speedster descended back into her ribs, tickling at the spaces between them. She thrashed against the ground, hollering with laughter. All of the commotion caught the attention of Fuse, who’d awoken from his nap a while ago, and was out to dole out some good ol’ Salvonian justice. He stepped into the workshop at a leisurely pace, smirking. Octavio was too invested in tickling Ramya to notice, but Ramya did. She fought against his grip, trying to warn him, but she fell into hysterics when he tickled even faster. 

“SAHAHAHAHAHA! HE---HE’S---OCTAHAHAHAHAHAVIO!”

Octavio snickered and dug his thumbs into the base of her ribs, making her laughter go silent. “Not so funny anymore, is it chica? That’s what you get for—”

He abruptly stopped talking, feeling a cold hand grip his arm. He was then lifted as if he were weightless. He yelped and struggled in the hold, moving to push at the arm, and that’s when he realized who it was. His eyes snapped up to Walter’s, and the Salvonian’s smirk only broadened. 

“G’day, mate. I was wonderin’ where you pups ran off to.” He said, easily scooping the speedster’s other arm within the same hand. “I hate to interrupt you kids’ fun, but I reckon we’ve got some unfinished business, ay?”

Octane immediately shook his head. He struggled to wrench his arm free out of Walter’s literal iron hold, but the explosives expert lifted him higher, so that he was dangling just above the ground. “Wait! Hold ohohohn!” He interjected, yelping when Fuse prodded at his sides. The severity of what was about to happen crashed into him, making him want to high tail it…but all his legs did was kick around in the air. 

“Nohoho! Dude, come ohohohon!” Octane tried to make his case, but Walter wasn’t hearing it. “It wahahas a johohohke! Whyhy cahahan’t yohuhu tahahake a JOHOHOKE—”

Fuse scratched at the speedster’s tummy, making him scream and arch his back. He chuckled. “I can take a joke just fine! What I can’t take is havin’ you lot botherin’ me while I’m gettin’ me beauty rest!” He retorted, pinching each of his hips before he returned to his stomach. Octavio cried out and sucked in his stomach to try and escape the tickling. 

“IT WAHAHAHSN’T JUHUHUHST MEHEHEHEHE!” He yelled, bucking his hips when Walter poked at his belly button. Walter smirked, wiggling his finger inside the spot some more, and he glanced at the recovering modder. 

“I know, I didn’t forget about your partner in crime. She’ll get what’s comin’ to her.” He answered. He continued scratching in and around his belly button, drawing out more panicked laughter from Octavio.

Rampart, however, had other plans. Once she caught her breath, she got off the floor and marched right up to the men. “Or, you can let me at this plonker right now.” She cut in, gripping Octavio’s sides and digging her thumbs into them. “For thinkin’ he can get one over on me.”

Octavio’s eyes snapped wide open and he yelled before laughing even louder. “NONONOHOHO! DOHOHON’T TOHOHOUCH MEHEHE, RAHAHAMYA!” He demanded. He twisted his torso around in Fuse’s hold, trying to shake her hands off, but she easily kept up with him. Fusey snickered; considering what he’d witnessed before he entered the scene, he wasn’t surprised that Rampart had a bone to pick with him. But, it was still amusing to watch their alliance crumple apart.

So, much to Octane’s shock, Walter didn’t stop her. He moved his hand up higher, poking between his ribs, while Ramya found every ticklish nerve along his sides. 

“Wahahahalter! Dohohohohn’t lehehehet hehehr dohohoho thihihihs!” He pleaded. He tested the man’s grip, a foolish thing to do with his metal arm, and was only answered with a smirk. 

“Nah, I feel she’s justified, mate.” Fuse chuckled, swiping all of his nails down his ribcage before he pinched at each one. “Sure ain’t off the hook, but I don’t blame her for wanting a lil revenge of her own.”

“WHAHAHAT?!”

Octavio couldn’t believe what he was hearing; for starters, he didn’t act alone! But most importantly, Fuse didn’t even see what Ramya did before he got there. He opened his mouth to protest, but he let out a screaming laugh instead when the modder scribbled her fingers along his tummy. 

“Besides,” Ramya grinned, spidering her nails into the sides of his stomach, where he seemed to be especially ticklish. “The whole thing was your show anyway, right?”

“NAHAHAHA! THAHAHAT’S SUHUHUHCH BULLSH--AH!”

All of a sudden, Fuse dragged him to the floor, with Rampart following immediately after. He did this for two reasons; one, to make it easier for Ramya to join in on the fun. And two, to make sure she didn’t get accidentally kicked. Octavio’s legs had been moving a mile a minute, maybe faster, and Walter knew for a fact that one blow from those could cause a serious injury. With Walter keeping Octavio’s arms pinned and Ramya taking a seat on his waist, the speedster was royally screwed. The explosives expert went back to pinching at each of his ribs, while Ramya honed in on the area just above his belly button.

“SAHAHAHAHA! SHEHE--SHEHEHE STAHAHARTED IHIHIHT!” Octane whined. He was referring to what happened before he’d tickled Ramya, but was laughing too hard to elaborate. And, he wasn’t even being tickled on his worst spot. Not yet, anyways. Ramya grinned a smug grin and wriggled a finger back into his belly button. 

“Pfft, don’t get shy now, mate! You were mouthin’ off about how great this prank of yours was.” She chided. She made sure to get in deep, twisting her finger around like a screwdriver, and the speedster howled with laughter. She glanced at Fuse, still grinning. “You shoulda heard him. He said, and I quote ‘that’ll go down as the best prank I’ve pulled! Hell, maybe the best one in the Outlands!’” 

“I DIHIHIHD NOHOHOHOT!”

Now she was twisting his words! Octavio’s legs drummed against the floor as he flopped against the floor. He felt Fuse getting closer to his armpits, and he felt a deep seated panic in the pit of his stomach.

“WAITWAITWAIT! POR FAHAHAVOR, WAHAHAIT!” He pleaded, his entire body tensing up. Fuse, and surprisingly Rampart, both obliged. He breathed heavily, still giggling, especially when Walter flexed his fingers just underneath where his armpits started. “Plehehease dohohn’t tickle my armpihihits. Ramya’s twisting what I said, but I prohohomise I wohohon’t dohoho it AGAHAHAIN---”

Rampart didn’t let him finish; she ducked and blew a raspberry right in the center of his stomach. Octavio shrieked, making both Ramya and Walter laugh, and Walter dug underneath his left arm anyway. 

“Oh, I doubt that very much.” Fuse smirked, spidering his nails from one side of his armpit to the other. “Especially comin’ from you. You’re the very essence of trouble.” 

“Sure is.” Rampart chimed in, blowing another raspberry over his belly button. Octavio’s cackles filled up the entire workshop. He writhed in Walter’s hold, and bucked his hips as Ramya kept on blowing on his stomach. But despite his struggling, he couldn’t move away from the tickles, and it really tickled. 

“NOHOHAHAHAHA! STAHAHAHAHAHAP!” He screeched, laughing even harder as Fuse dug deeper into his hollows. Now, he was focusing on the center of his armpits, while Ramya dug her thumbs into his hips and waist. “POHOHOHOR FAHAHAHAVOR! I WOHOHOHOHN’T DOHOHOHOHO IHIHIHT!”

“Nah, I’ll have to think it over. Your track record says otherwise.” Walter insisted. He jumped to the speedster’s right armpit, earning another squeal, and used two fingers to scritch along the length of the spot. Octavio threw his head back; his right armpit was more sensitive than his left one, and he strained to pull his arms down. 

“NONONOHOHOHOHO! I SWEHEHEHEHEAR!” He pleaded, struggling with a renewed sense of energy. Fuse arched a brow; this time, he wasn’t even tickling that hard, and it seemed like Octavio wanted to pull his arm out of its socket, if it meant it went down. 

“Oh, c’mon, I’m barely touchin’ ya!” Fuse scoffed, poking his uppermost rib before he returned to the armpit. Ramya looked up from what she was doing; she thought the plonker’s stomach was his worst spot, but it looked like she was missing out on the real action!

“Yeah, he’s really laughin' up a storm, ain’t he?” 

That’s all Octane heard before he felt Ramya scoot up his waist, and bury her fingers into his left armpit. This next scream left him hoarse, and after that, all he could do was laugh and laugh. One hand on his armpits was bad; two were arguably unbearable. 

“PLEHEHEHEHEASE! STAHAHAHAHAHAHAP!” Octavio’s pleading finally gave way to hysterics as he kicked his legs against the ground. Walter opted for light, quick scratching along his right armpit. But Ramya was jabbing and poking all over the left one, so he couldn’t get used to either sensation. The tickling went on for a good five minutes; after that, Walter decided to ease up on the kid. His laughter had gotten silent, and he didn’t wanna kill him. 

“Alright, let’s give him a breather, ay?” Fuse stopped tickling him and gently nudged Ramya’s hand away. Rampart pouted; she was having a blast, but air was kind of important, and it looked like Octane needed a bunch of it. 

“Fine. Can’t have people dyin’ in here anyways. It’s bad for business.” She responded, snickering. She lightly ran her nails down Octavio’s tummy a few times before climbing off of his legs. Octavio snickered and panted, his chest rising and falling with each breath he took. 

“Bohohohth of yohuhu suck…” He complained, moving to pull his arms down…only to realize that Fuse hadn’t let go. Fuse grinned and looked down at the still-pinned speedster.

“Oh, ya think so? That’s alright, cause I never said I was lettin’ you go just yet.” 

It didn’t take very long for Octane to regenerate stamina, but all of that air he worked to bring in left him in one loud gasp. 

“No, doOOOHN’T--”

Walter poked his side, making him yelp, and he chuckled. “Hey, I was crystal clear! I said a breather. What, you thought you’d get off that easy?” 

Rampart blinked, not expecting the turn of events, but she was more than happy to continue. She plopped back down onto his legs, pressing her fingertips into his ribs, and wiggled away. 

“Nohohoho guhuhuhys! I’m sohohohohorry!”

Octavio’s apology fell on deaf ears; ole Fusey was bright eyed and bushy tailed, so he wouldn’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

[tallyovie-writes]

Pictures of Us | f. w. Part 2

part 1

Summary: all the paintings choose a student to patron, the Lady chooses you and watches as you and Fred Weasley grow in the same direction

Warning:none, might contain little angst, nothing serious

2k words

@sirenswhispers @discoverablefeelings @capture-the-moment-on-camera @sophieswizardswheezes

Sixth year, December

The corridors buzzed with excitement. With only less than two weeks to the Yule Ball boys were running around in desperate need of finding partners while girls were frantic about not being asked. Of course the already paired ones watched the madness spread with a smug smile on their lips.

The Paintings also had the time of their lives, the new puppets on their chessboard gave back a little life to their fading colours. Now they could play matchmaker from an even bigger selection.

The Lady wanted to be proud to say she did not take part in such childish acts, but she had a mission with those two before the second task. It's not like she could do much, but occasionally if she heard a french boy talking about inviting her patron to the dance she faked sadness as she gave the poor boy the news that you were indeed taken.

You weren't indeed taken.

Madness has yet to engulf you, but you weren't calm either. Collita was asked by a bulgarian boy, but you had doubts whether there weren't threats made by her that overpowered the poor boy's common sense.

You would have been fine with the two of you going together, but now that she had a partner, you weren't planning on being the third wheel.

You forced these thoughts out of your mind for now. You had more important things going on.

The Lady's corridor was full of students as usual, so you weren't surprised when you entered the DADA classroom someone almost knocked you off your feet.

"Watch where you are goi.....oh..." you started telling off your attacker, but as you looked up Fred Weasley held eye contact.

Ever since that encounter in the potions storage room things have changed. You haven't really met after that, the two of you gave a wide berth to one another. No funny business, no prank. When you did run into each other, a sudden awareness filled your body. He made no snarky comments, his usual sarcasm nowhere to be found. You didn't bring up the secret of the castle, and he didn't bring up the date. Like an unspoken deal has been made without either of your knowledge. It was awkward at best. You didn't think anyone noticed, there was only bad blood between you before.

He didn't reply, he didn't apologize for running you over. He took a long look at your face, lingering on details only he could see. Without his usual grin, he left the scene as fast as he came, robes flying around him.

"What was that? Has something happened between you two?" seems like someone noticed after all.

"Nothing besides me agreeing to a date, him agreeing to let me in on a secret, and our mutual ghosting. How is your french boy by the way?" you feigned innocence.

Collita's jaw hit the floor.

"I'm joking. Don't get your knickers in a twist."

"You know I wouldn't even be surprised. With all the sexual tension you two radiate, I wouldn't put it past you that I could find you in a broom closet with him."

Now it was your turn to let your jaw hit the floor.

"Well then, good to know nothing is going on..."

Boy, if you'd known...

Sixth year, yule ball

It wasn't that bad of an evening. You could say it could have been quite magical. The house elves outdid themselves, even the usual house rivalry crawled back to its gloomy hole.

The icicles lost their naturally given cold arua just like the stone walls' usual grim facade. White dominated, but was quickly swept by the wide range of colourful dress robes, Dumbledore's glittery lilac fabric showing how it's done properly.

It really wasn't your date's fault either that you didn't really enjoy yourself. The poor boy tried everything, but besides polite conversation you weren't capable of anything else.

You were standing alone by the food table, the ravenclaw boy left a while ago to try his luck somewhere else, probably with bigger chances.

You saw Collita bent over from laughter silent tears running down her face, her date was watching her with parted lips in amazement. Eyes big, positive surprise written on his face. Collita did that to people. She was naturally gifted with a charming personality, she drew you in, spoke to you like you were on a pedestal.

She made you feel seen. A secret talent that you were rather jealous of on several occasions.

Suddenly you felt sick of the swirling mesmerized faces, the colours were too vibrant, the music too loud, too many bodies pressed together.

Before the walls started closing around you, you left your previous position and made your way to the exit that led to the gardens. The only sound that was registrateable to your ears were only your own footsteps.

Fresh air cut your rapid breathing shorter. You slowed down, the Great Hall's chokingly sweet smells started to fade away into the night.

"Wouldn't say rushing to the night with only a light silk material covering you was a smart choice, wasn't it? I took you to be a lot smarter than that, love. You're gonna get sick." a soft voice interrupted you.

Fred Weasley stood next to the bushes.

"Well, being sick would mean I wouldn't have to see your ugly face in class, so..." you replied but your voice lacked its usual fierceness. You were too tired.

He chuckled at your reply.

"I don't wanna go back there.." you started in a low voice, barely understandable, but gathered your poise and frowned as you said the last sentence. "They are too happy in there anyway."

"Is that jealousy in your voice?" he found so goodly which strings of you he should pull.

"And what if it is?" you snapped at him.

A ghost of his usual smug grin appeared on his face.

"Get your big nose out of my business by the way!"

"Well love, you know what they say about big nosed guys..." he lazily shrugged, hands in the pockets of his robe.

"Get lost, Weasley, I'm not in the mood today."

Maybe it was the hint of desperation in your voice, or the pathetic look you might have presented, but he stopped picking your brains.

"Come in, Y/S/N, you might even find the bloke of your dreams tonight." Fred tilted his head to the side.

"I'm not interested in 'finding a guy' to be my only goal." you scoffed at his remark.

"Well then, as the only guy you talk to right now, I feel obligated to spare you from the clutches of the cold and sickness, so pretty please get your ass in here."

"I'll stay until I decide it's enough. But thank you for your concern. Bye Fred Weasley, 'find the girl of your dreams' tonight." you rolled your eyes at him.

Little did you know, he already did.

Despite the cold, the Lady felt your frozen heart start melting, even if you haven't realized yet.

Sixth year, few days after the Yule Ball

"I don't understand why you thought it was a good idea to freeze your pretty little ass out there in a low cut silk dress in winter."

You groaned out in frustration.

Collita didn't spare you despite the fact that you were bloody sick, and fuckin hurting everywhere.

"Madam Pomfrey said you won highest fever of the year." she mentioned between stealing a few of your get-well sweets. "At least you finally won something." she winked at you.

"Get out, and let me suffer alone you bimbo!" you hissed at her, but the sharp pains shooting down your neck really destroyed to effect you were trying to achieve.

"Alrighty, my little pathetic friend, I suppose I can leave you to your demise. Be a good and obedient patient." she sent you a kiss and strolled out the Hospital Wing.

**

In the Hospital Wing, after curfew

After Collita left you to suffer on your own Madam Pomfrey gave you a light sleeping tonic. You welcomed the sweet oblivion in the place of pain.

A light noise disturbed the calming darkness. Opening your eyes was a too heavy task, so you relied on your hearing. A soft fumbling could be heard, but the person near your bed executed the deed quite clumsily as the most colourful swearing left their mouth.

Fighting against the tonic's luring effect, you tried opening your eyes. When you did, you almost jerked back in surprise.

Fred Weasley stood there with an innocent smile on his face, like a child caught in a naughty act, his hands were midair frozen on the spot hovering above your stack of sweets.

"What the fuck are you doing in the middle of the night standing near my bed?" you demanded and pulled your blanket further to your neck. "Are you setting up a prank?"

"Have a little faith in me, Y/N...if it were a prank you would only know it before it happened and that's already too late. Can't a bloke visit his sick classmate? The classmate he warned against the cold?" you scoffed at his pointed stare.

"In the middle of the night?"

He started scratching the back of his neck.

"Good point. A point I should probably elaborate on." he didn't seem like someone who wanted to elaborate.

"Don't let me stop you from doing that..." you rolled your eyes at him.

He seemed a little awkward and you could barely hide your amusement. It is not every day a Weasley gets a little intimidated and loses his usual cockiness.

"You see..." he started but his gaze was still fixated on his hands. "...I felt a tad responsible for you catching a cold.

Your eyebrows raised in surprise.

"If it weren't for me dancing on your nerves in the garden making you irritated enough to stay outside longer than intended, you wouldn't be here right now." he sounded a little guilty and you couldn't help the warmth that started spreading in your stomach.

You started to chuckle.

"Weasley. It's alright." you felt a sudden bravery envelop you as you said the next words nonchalantly. "You owe me another secret and we are even."

You waited for his reaction.

He didn't disappoint. He lifted his head, brown eyes locking into your own. Now you weren't sure if it was a wise idea to make him remember your deal back in the potion storage room.

"And here I thought I could bribe you with chocolate that I nicked from the kitchen...you are not a woman easily pleased." he didn't seem that sad about this fact.

"Where would be the fun in that?"

"Right."

Silence fell upon the two of you. Eyes still interlocked, you weren't sure if minutes or hours passed by. The Hospital Wing's darkness faded, and the freckles splattered across his face became more contrasted than before. He tilted his head to the side, his gaze burned your skin.

Suddenly becoming aware of the weirdness of the situation you cleared your throat and looked away.

"Since the tonic made me hungry like a wolf, I'll accept that nicked chocolate." you said, trying to break the silence.

Fred smiled and threw you the bar he fumbled around with before. Your catch was nothing sort of graceful and you felt embarrassment tint your cheeks.

Looking down at the bar in your hand you felt your eyes grow big.

"How did you know this is my favourite?" you asked astonishment, creeping into your voice.

"Lucky guess." he shrugged. You didn't need to know that every time the Grand Hall's tables were filled with this, he couldn't look away from the joy radiating on your face. Just like now.

"Your taste is impeccable, I gotta say."

Oh yes, his taste was indeed impeccable, but not just in chocolate.

[mymanreedus]

Kicking Back with Norman Reedus

The actor reflects on his starring role in one of the past decade’s most iconic TV series

By Justin Heckert, April/May 2022 Garden and Gun

There are memorable protagonists in postapocalyptic fiction, but few have the legacy or longevity of Daryl Dixon. After eleven seasons of AMC’s The Walking Dead, the character, with his crossbow and eagle eye, has become a hero in one of the most popular TV shows in history, brought to life with Norman Reedus’s effective glower and soft-spoken care. The Florida-born actor, fifty-three, now splits his time between New York City and Palmetto, Georgia, near where the series was filmed. Also a photographer and a motorcycle enthusiast, Reedus has his own AMC series about bikes, Ride with Norman Reedus, on which he takes celebrity friends like Robert Rodriguez and Josh Brolin on two-wheeled excursions all over the world. And while The Walking Dead just wrapped filming the last season of its epic run, Reedus is still revving up—his first novel, The Ravaged, comes out in April, followed later this spring by his new whiskey, Big Bald Head. Daryl Dixon is also getting a spin-off show. And Daryl’s iconic vest, soiled by the woods and years of zombie blood, complete with crossbow, is in the Smithsonian. 

What’s life in Palmetto like?

I have a house that’s in the country, down a long dirt road. Everyone waves to me. I wave to them. If my package ends up at a house down the street, it’s not an inconvenience to go say hello and get it. I have an old Camaro that I drive around here. Or I get on a bike and head in a direction I’ve never been before. Everyone’s like, “Are you going to sell your house once the show’s over?” I don’t think I’m going anywhere. My backyard has a little creek going through it. Right before my dad passed away, he went back to his house in Raleigh. He loved magnolia trees, so I got one and planted it right outside his bedroom window so he could smell the flowers. Right next to my daughter’s little castle in the yard here, I planted a magnolia tree. It’s just now starting to get tall. Every time I look at that, it reminds me of my pop.

The Walking Dead has been part of your life for twelve years. How do you feel about it ending?

I’m a nervous wreck. Most television shows never go this long. And very few have as big an impact as this show has had, in pop culture, society. Part of me is just going to be sitting on the bathroom floor, with a drink, in tears. It’s bittersweet. And it’s a great accomplishment.

What has it been like playing a now-iconic TV character?

It was around maybe season two or three, when I was like, holy shit, this is big. I went to the CMA Awards in Nashville. They had me on a flight to go there. But I’m looking over at my motorcycle, and I’m like, f*** it. And I took a backpack and shoved a suit in it and started driving to Nashville. I didn’t know where I was going. I didn’t have a GPS. I wrote the directions on my arm in marker. I hit a crazy rainstorm and they washed totally off my arm. I’d stop for gas and directions, and one person would ask for a selfie…then I’d stop at another place, there’d be five people…then, at the next, ten. I guess people knew which road I was on. I finally went by a McDonald’s, and I looked up at the marquee, and it said, we love you norman reedus. I felt like Forrest Gump running across the country. The character has spawned a dozen TV commercials, a dozen video games. I have not really wrapped my head around it, to be honest.

Your new novel, The Ravaged, is somewhat of a road adventure. What inspired you to write it?

It’s three different story lines of people who were thrown out, or are searching for something. And they sort of find people along the road who change them—maybe indirectly because of The Walking Dead, and playing this character who finds that sense of home out on the road with strangers, and a sense of family. I’ve met so many people, and I’m a good listener. Sometimes, I’ll take someone’s story and think about it going in this direction, instead of that direction.

How did your new whiskey come about?

You play a country boy on a hugely successful television show and you ride motorcycles, you get a lot of the same endorsements: You want to make a motorcycle boot? You want to make a motorcycle vest? They’re all too obvious. I know a lot of motorcyclists in a lot of motorcycle clubs. And whiskey is the drink. I’ve had thousands of nights with my friends over the last couple decades where we’ve had a whiskey and really got into a heart-to-heart. And that’s where it all started. This whiskey is very smooth—the kind you drink and you want to be in your socks in front of a fire.

In an episode of Ride with Norman Reedus, you went to Asheville and rode the Blue Ridge Parkway. It seemed like a life-changing experience.

That road is so winding, and the first time I did it, it was in the back of a van. I thought I was going to throw up. But on a motorcycle, it’s like you’re the Silver Surfer. When you get up in those views, it’s a different feeling than riding in the city. I’ve done episodes in Tokyo, I’ve done episodes in Manhattan, and you know they’re fun, and it’s cool to see, and it’s all lights and beep beep beep, but the country rides are my favorite. And doing a ride like that, you really bond with that rider, and the conversation opens up.

What is it about being out on the open road that calls to you?

I don’t get free time. I’m always on a schedule. When I get a chance to be by myself and put the helmet on, there’s no phone, no pressure—that’s why I like to take rides without knowing where I’m going. To get on and just head toward the sun, until it goes down. Then stop somewhere, I don’t know where, and then come back and turn around when the sun comes up.

Garden and Gun

[shadowstalker732]

ALRIGHT LETS GIVE THIS POSTING THING A GO

MY REVAN TIME (one of them at least)

Also spoiler warning a guess for a game over a decade old? (Am I meant to say spoiler warning? Who knows not me)

(Please don’t yell at me about stats I do what I want)

Anyway first playthrough where I don’t stop and hard restart Tarris or Dantooine 13 times because choice reasons and me forgetting that stealth is useless and just letting the game auto level for me (learnt that the hard way), I’ve basically done Tatooine but I haven’t beaten the dragon yet cos I wanted to bugger off to another planet first and chose Kashyyyk. And I’m down in the shadow lands now (do not worry Zaalbar I WILL GET YOU BACK) and yeah that’s where I’m at.

ANYWAY, Shay or Shar Stalker (because the game won’t let me do non-binary) is a light side Revan. Good of heart dumb of ass and yet will still rob you dry if you place bets on a strategy game against them. Height wise around the 1.6m mark (5′3″ for the Americans). Prefers the double lightsaber look (currently got a short green one and a normal blue one for amnesia version). Not a flirt but definitely had something going on with my Exile in the past but that ended in the Mando war at some point… teenagers in war don’t usually do well mentally wise.. back story and post events of Kotor under the cut (also warning it’s long, like super long, and goes into their future story? As well)

SO BACKSTORY,

Shar got some Mando blood floating in their veins from some ancestor and that causes them to go full buir sometimes hence why Mission, Zaalbar, HK-47, T3-M4 and Juhani get bed time stores aboard the Ebon Hawk and chocolate space milk whenever they stop (Rev gets some too because who doesn’t love some good old Choccy milk), droid duo get cleaned basically daily while Bastila gets the bird for even thinking that this is a waste of time and resources.

Wait I said backstory… TEMPLE LIFE!

Rascal trio with Exile and Alek at their heels. All three, good of heart dumb of ass. Shar was a prodigy and excelled in basically all Jedi subjects at the time, was pretty popular with most people and just a nice person who didn’t stand for bullshit. Got into a few “heated” (honestly that’s an understatement) arguments with council members about how some things in the galaxy were handled but mostly had a positive response from people. At this time their main saber was purple and their off hand a short cyan. Joined the Republic in the Mandalorian wars a few months before their 17′th birthday. Didn’t not return to the Temple once after leaving for war.

The War 

(I should mention I get most of my knowledge from wiki skims (not deep reads) and other Tumblr posts so if it’s off canon… it’s my story and Star Wars is my sand box so I MAKE THE RULES HERE BABY!)

After many battles and the relationship between the battle trio growing stronger with time it was also weakening. At one point Shar and Exile had a romantic relationship going but only kept that going for a few months, they both decided that this was not the time to be doing this and if they both survived would actually give the lovers thing a shot (doesn’t happen). Throughout the war all three realise that they must make sacrifices to stop the war, the old saying “sacrifice one to save the many” is said often between the three at first before it becomes second nature. During one of the battles Shar’s cyan lightsaber is completely destroyed including the crystal being completely shattered. After taking the mantle of the Revanchist only uses the name Revan and never removes the helmet unless it’s only the trio and only then will respond to their old names. All three are slipping mentally in this war but have all managed to hold onto the Light side by trusting each other. After the mass shadow generator event Revan looses all contact with Exile (force and otherwise) and assumes death, despite it being Revan’s own order it’s a major pushing point towards the dark.

The End of the War

Revan faces off against Mandalore the Ultimate and slays him, in his dying breathe speaks of the Sith Empire growing in the Unknown Regions and how this war wasn’t only about giving the Mandalorian’s a good fight but also to weaken the republic for Ultimates Empire allies. Not many Mandalorians knew of the Sith truth behind the war and just followed their Mandalor’s word that this war would bring them the honour of a good fight, and it did in a way. After Revan learns of the empire growing hidden amongst uncharted routes, knew that the council would never believe them and so took matters into their own hands. Taking a fleet and insisting it was to chase down the last of the Mandalorian high command, Revan left for the unknown regions.

The Unknown 

Yeah everything went to shit. Rev and Alek get captured and Sith tortured and kind probed by old man Sith Emperor but in that time Revan gains acute knowledge via reverse mind prob, of how the Sith empire is running, where resources are coming from and key weak points. During this time Alek falls completely and Revan fains it for now. Torture continues for a good while until Revan makes the choice that they have been making all through out the war “sacrifice one to save the many”… Revan embraces the dark side and makes a plan, a plan to empower the known galaxy enough to destroy the “true” Sith empire by uniting it as their own Sith empire. Revan knows light will always rise to face the dark and that the light side is strong, someone will rise to take them down after the “true” Sith empire is defeated and only in death will Revan have fulfilled their promise to the unknown Mandalorian and finally be able to be one with the force. Revan embraces the dark fast and is soon sent off by the Sith emperor who thinks Revan is under his control to take control of the star forge and start building the Sith army in the known galaxy, Revan assumes command with now Malek as their right hand.

Beginning of Darth Revan

Basically what is described in the first Kotor game, Darth Duo go find star maps, get to forge, start fucking up the galaxy yadeyadeya. Malek pulls a sick move and fucks up Revan’s plan to stop the Sith Emperor and boom Amnesia time baby. Oh also during Sith times used a red and their old purple lightsaber but when they got captured by Bastila both lightsaber’s goy yoinked and locked up on Coruscant for simple reasons. 

No Memory Time Baby

Council is smart as fuck and call them Shay Stalker AKA their old name to see if that will reawaken light memories or thoughts in Revan and basically try and nudge amnesia Rev to stay lightside cos they don’t want to see their lost padawan fall back to the dark, (Jedi are a complicated subject), also ONLY SHAY no mention of their other name Shar at all! So that will cause problems later for poor Rev when they start remembering things :), basically the game from here on. Memories of a calm life on a farming planet before joining the military, lost both their siblings (AKA Alek and Exile) while away on service. Joined to stop the Sith from taking any more innocent lives. Throughout the game Shay try’s to help as many people as they can and choose the option that will benefit good and innocent people, constantly says fuck to corporations and nasty people, is not afraid to kill a bitch. As I haven’t completed the game fully (but I am planing a lightside finish and I’m not exactly sure when the “I am Revan” bit comes in I’m gonna leave this as it is. Oh and blue main saber and a short green saber with a crystal they managed to purify (AKA was red but returned to its natural colour through meditation and force cleansing, also helped by Bastila)

Memories

Like I said I haven’t finished the game yet BUT after the whole “oh fuck oh stars IM REVAN?????” Lots of shit starts to make sense and the force “spell” (I’m gonna call it spell) that repressed Revan’s memories had already begun to weaken somewhat before this point but this kinda opens the flood gates but not too far just enough for it to not make any sense at all. Team is there for Rev and the game finishes lightside. (Also I know I said this rev not gonna romance but this is post game stuff now and I just don’t wanna romance Bastila in game so yeah) ANYWAY, Revan and Bastila build a healthy relationship together and Revan starts to regain a lot of memories that their friends help them through. Revan remembers why they took the name Revan and actually goes to Coruscant to the high council to explain why they put on the helmet in the first place and the Council adheres to Revan’s request and returns the original helmet. The Star forged one stays in storage for now. Revan also requests their old armour and lightsabers to help regain memories as to why they fell, the council is hesitant at this request and only allows Revan to meditate with their old things at the main temple with a council member present. Over one or two years a lot comes back but there is still a few key dates, names, moments and details missing. Oh and Revan uses force powers to make Bastila preggers. IF BOBA FETT CAN SURVIVE A SARLAC AND PALPATINE CAN EXIST IN THE SEQUELS. REVAN CAN PULL FORCE BULLSHIT TOO!

The Unknown part 2: Electric boogaloo 

Revan finally remembers what made them go dark and realises they fucked up their own plans pretty bad and the Republic IS WORSE OFF THAN HOW IT STARTED COS OPPS REVAN ACCIDENTALLY KILLED A SHIT TON OF FORCE USERS LIGHT AND DARK SO yeah. Bastila was holding the brain cell of the force bond in this moment and Revan decides the best course of action is to go face the Emperor alone… fucking brilliant Revan how the fuck did you win the Mandalorian wars again my good sir? Revan tells Bastila that they (Rev) has been assigned a mission to infiltrate the remanence of Revan’s old Sith Empire and basically destroy it from within and that this mission is basically so hush hush that Bastila isn’t meant to know but Revan thought it only fair to say that they would be gone for potentially a long time for this mission and Bastila, unaware that this would be the last time she saw them, accepted this goodbye and hoped they would return before their baby was born. But Revan has always been a good lier… even to themselves. Without anymore fuss they left the Known Galaxy leaving all their friends and family behind never to be seen again to face off against the bitch that started it all. (I haven’t read the novels or played the SWTOR game and never plan to do either so again I say this is wiki knowledge that I’m doing what ever I please with that knowledge because Star Wars is a sand pit and I’m the kindy kid that’s decided to sit and play with it today)

Mmmmm Watcha SaaaaaaaAy

Revan gets their ass handed to them and imprisoned for three hundred years and tortured and mind probed AGAIN. Also cut off their connections to any other force user to ensure old dude couldn’t get to them as well. Absolutely not having a good time here. After the 300 years of PAIN the force within Revan gets so fucked up that their physicality splits into two entirely separate beings, Dark Revan and Light Revan. When this happens the prison breaks and Light Revan makes their escape and gets out barely alive while Dark Revan hangs back and swears allegiance to Sith Empire and starts plotting to overthrow old dude cos Sith. Light Revan makes it back to the council and they heal them and have a very hard time believing they are Revan until Revan perfectly describes a gift they gave Bastila before they left that now a descendent of Revan now owns. The council doesn’t understand how Revan split into two entire different beings but accept “the force acts in mysterious ways at times”. Revan is FINALLY given knighthood and helps prepare the republic for the Sith Empire that hasn’t attacked yet but definitely will soon. And this is where Tarre comes in.

Mando Time Yeah!

My Tarre will get his own beefy post (def not as big as this one) maybe tomorrow or the next day so for now it’s just what Tarre does and means to Revan. ANYWHO, Tarre becomes Light Revan’s padawan. (I should mention that Light Revan despite being called Light Revan is leaning towards a grey area within the force but isn’t down right evil like dark Revan is. Dark Revan is killing puppies of an endangered species cos their bored evil). Tarre is Revan’s padawan and becomes a knight. Revan enjoys teaching Tarre about the force and understanding how Tarre was brought up a Mandalorian and with the peace between Jedi and Mandalorian’s at this point was welcomed into the Jedi temple later than most. Revan raises Tarre like he is their own son/little brother and they form an extremely powerful force bond because of it. I’ll go in depth on Tarre’s post but Tarre still gets Mando training for 4 months of the year but the jedi training is the rest of the year. Revan joins Tarre when he return to Mandalore to continue his Mando training and learns more about Mandalorian history and culture while there. While on Mandanlore Light Revan truely feels relaxed for once despite random Mando’s sometimes jumping out and challenging them to fights because apparently Revan is now a ghost story and a feared mighty warrior legend and when anyone finds out that Revan is “alive” immediately tries to prove that they are stronger than Revan (which they are not). A few years after Tarre is knighted the war with the True Sith Empire begins.

I don’t know what to call this bit sooooo UWU

Battles, fights, old shit, it’s a war. Revan proves to be supper fucking useful in leadership but doesn’t do as much “sacrifice one to save the many” moves anymore. Revan keeps predicting what the Sith are gonna do an THATS cos Dark Revan is leading the, and Revan knows Revan best but not the reverse. Light Revan knows how Dark Revan will act but Dark Revan doesn’t know how Light Revan will act since Light Revan technically includes Shay/Shar, Mandalorian War Revan, Amnesiac Shay, and post Amnesia. While Dark Revan is only really Darth Revan and post Amnesia so Light Revan technically outweighs Dark Revan. I’ve probably butchered that explanation or done it too late but that’s how it’s gonna be cos it’s midnight and I wanna finish this and post it today. ANYWAY, final battle between the Revan’s. They have a massive duel on the battle field and eventually Light Revan strikes Dark Revan down but also receives some pretty nasty injuries. Light Revan understands the need to be whole again and as Dark Revan “dies” reunites with that half of the force and Revan returns but Revan is so done, so fucking done with living and trying and they had a good run and now they have what was Dark Revan’s and Light Revan’s injuries all on one body and sure if Rev really tried they could probably suck the life force out of some Sith warriors to keep themselves alive but… they just don’t want to. Eventually Tarre finds the fallen Revan reunited at last and stays by their side as Revan finally lets go and becomes one with the force. After the battle Tarre brings Revan’s body back to the Temple to be burnt as Revan had requested but their armour, lightsabers, and other possessions would be taken to a place only Tarre knew of to be sealed away until a far descendent of Revan’s comes along to claim them as their own. The war isn’t over and Revan’s passing only fuels Tarre further into defeating the Sith empire that the republic eventually does after 20 years of war. 

Conclusion 

And that’s the overall story of this Revan, I know very long, very deep, wtf this is your second post after a what? 1 year break? Actually let me check… yeah nope about a year has passed since my Crash post. If you have made it this far thanks for reading my first ever “decent” post about something I’ve been developing for a while now in bits and pieces. Sorry it was so long but then again I did miss a lot of shit. If you want to interact and ask more questions about this Revan go ahead my ask box is open (don’t be weird tho and just cos I post long doesn’t mean you have to ask long unless it’s legit). I’ll try and get the Tarre post out tomorrow around this time too or earlier depends. Thanks again for taking the time to read my word vomit. Also sorry if there are any spelling mistakes I have missed.

Have a good one!

[laineystein]

“This is new.”

The Boy™️ and I went out for his birthday on Thursday night. His favorite restaurant happens to be close to where we both grew up so we drove through the same neighborhoods that raised us - streets we walked to get to school or back and forth from the houses we grew up in. Of course, we ran into three separate people we knew. This seems to be a trend lately. It’s like our past, every little detail we’ve been so good at keeping hidden, keeps rearing its head, demanding to be dealt with. One of the people we ran into was a teacher we both had in yeshiva and they commented “oh, this is new!” And we both smiled and laughed and wished them a good shabbat. We didn’t talk about it then but we spent Shabbos together – alone – and we spent most of the night unpacking all of it.  

 This wasn’t the first time we’d heard it. It’s all anyone seems to say lately. When I had a ride to the airport at 4am and my mother strong-armed me into admitting who it was she said “oh, that’s new”. When his Modox parents were a bit passive-agressive toward me earlier in the summer because suddenly I was *everywhere*, I finally got his mother to admit that she worried about our relationship simply because it “came out of nowhere”…because “it’s new” and a lot of our “decisions seem impulsive.”

  No. This isn’t new. We’re not new. Our relationship is 15 years old. This has been a thing - many things, actually - for a decade and a half. I have been in love with this man for half of my life but to the world, even the people we love the most, yes - this is new. And I can’t argue with them. We don’t. We have no idea how to handle this. 

  We were fifteen and sixteen. Simply put - being a teenager means being young and dumb and somehow being terrified and craving happiness in equal amounts. He was (is) my best friend’s brother and they’re extremely close. On top of that, he’s Modox and I wasn’t and am not. His family never treated me differently, even when other families did - especially early on at yeshiva when it was very clear that I was raised differently than most of my classmates. But I loved them and they loved me. They loved me as their daughter’s best friend. It didn’t make sense to explain that I was more than that with their son - especially because we didn’t know what that was. 

We were teenagers! We were intense and fearless and manic and we were absolutely terrified of letting anyone down. We’re both the first born in our immigrant Jewish families. There has always been so much pressure on each of us to be the best - the smartest, the most hardworking. For him - the most devout. We both had to marry well and have big Jewish families. We were the product of generations of trauma - children and grandchildren of families that had consistently escaped persecution and now we were seemingly well adjusted teenagers in America, finally free to live the lives everyone who came before us fought so hard for. It was a lot of pressure, all the time. But together? No pressure. The things I struggled to tell his sister - how much I hated my yeshiva uniform, how marriage and children weren’t in the forefront of my mind yet…everything I couldn’t tell anyone else in the world, I told The Boy™️.

That’s where the name comes from - and those of you who used to follow my studyblr know I talked about him often. I never talked about him by name. His sister always thought I had someone in Israel that I had this big crush on. And I did. When he was in Israel with me I had a huge crush on him. But I loved him in Brooklyn too. I loved him when we traveled to France and Amsterdam and Italy. I spent four out of my five IDF civilians (time off from the military) with him and no one knew. We have lived so many lives together. We’ve experienced so many things, side by side, and no one had any clue. And we watched each other love other people and try to make it work with people that weren’t us. But ultimately he was the one who helped me through breakups and med school. He was the person that literally saved my life in 2020 when my shifts at the hospital during COVID had me so mentally and physically exhausted that I could barely get out of bed…literally. Then when things calmed down I realized, it didn’t matter what was going on in the world, he’s always been my biggest supporter and I cannot and will not live without him and the fact that we weren’t sharing this thing that made us both so undeniably happy just felt ridiculous and unfair.

But we didn’t know how to even explain everything so we kind of…didn’t? It was never “this is my best friend and we’re in love” it was “I’m going to Israel and he’s coming too”. We alternated Shabbos between his parents’ house and mine. All the while everyone is hesitant, almost nervous - this is new, this is new, this is new. It’s not new. But this is the first time we’re admitting how we feel and what we are to the people we love. He’s not just my friend’s brother. He’s not even just my best friend or my boyfriend. He’s the man I want to marry and have a family with. I get why our families are so confused. They have no idea all we’ve done and how so many of the things they celebrate in us - our jobs, our successes, our faith - is because of the other.

  So we have to start being honest. They’ll never truly get it if they can’t see how deep it is, if they can’t acknowledge the history. But how do we explain it? We are who we are because once upon a time we were both really struggling with our faith. We thought we were terrible Jews because we didn’t want the things our parents wanted. I didn’t believe in tzniut. Some days he didn’t either. We were doing things we were told kids in yeshiva don’t do! We were having sex and smoking weed and going to bars in the city because we could. But it wasn’t about being a part of the goy world. We didn’t want that. We just wanted to be who we were in the Jewish world and we had no idea how to do that. For so long it felt like it was us against the world - Jewish and gentle. We didn’t fit in with either but we could be who we wanted to be, together, in this weird in-between. He’s safety. He always has been. When I have a thought and I know no one in the world will understand it, I know he’s the exception. We always felt like we were judged, even inadvertently by people who swore they were being open minded and supportive, but together that was never a worry. So how do we explain that? 

We don’t. We won’t. We need to be honest about some things: about how far our friendship goes back, about the depth of it - then and now. Everyone else is free to make their own assumptions. They can draw their own conclusions or they can just learn to accept us as we are now. The weird part is that everyone has been much more accepting than we imagined - especially his sister. She loves our relationship so much, to the point that we feel bad for keeping it from her for so long. But we don’t know if we’d be who we are now if we hadn’t lived this other life together. We weren’t wrong. Having this one thing in life that is untouched by the world was magical. We still have days where we miss it, especially now as questions of marriage and children flood in. But we’ve agreed that we’ll be honest with our children. All of it. 

I guess a lot of this for us wasn’t just about *us* but about who each of us are as people. We’ve always worn so many labels. We’re completely opposites but we have fundamental similarities. We both love being Jewish. We’re loud and proud, unapologetic Jews. But we weren’t always! And the secret nature of our relationship aside, that’s what’s the most difficult for us to acknowledge publicly - myself in particular. I get a lot of that - often from many of you. I am so so honored that where I am with my faith today, at 31, is something so many of you admire. I can’t even begin to explain to you how much that means to me. But I guess it’s important to note that this was a journey. I was a mess. I always loved being a Jew but for several years I didn’t know what that meant. I didn’t know that I had the power to write my own narrative and live my life as a Jew on my own terms. The strength and confidence you see now is because all of the bullshit I went through before. Even now I am constantly learning. Every day I become more and more secure in my role as a Jewish woman, now that I can define what that means for me. 

And that’s all I want for any of you! Live your Jewish truth! We are all products of so much hardship. We really do deserve to be the best version of ourselves. We deserve happiness and security in our relationships, in our careers, in every aspect of life possible. And if you’re not there yet - if you wake up wondering where you fit into the Tribe, that’s okay! You will get there! Being a Jew is a super power!!! You just need to figure out how to be a Jew in a way that makes the most sense to you. There truly is no one way to be a Jew - no wrong way to be a Jew. Being a Jew, in any capacity, makes you an awesome Jew. I wish I had someone to tell me that but I didn’t. It took me many years to be where I am now. So for anyone who needs to hear it: you’re an awesome Jew and I’m so proud of you! 

[hutchhitched]

Walk Back

Written by: @hutchhitched​

Prompt 143: The girl of my dreams asked me if I needed a ride home from campus so I obviously let her drive me home then walked back to campus a couple of hours later to get my car. [submitted by anonymous]

Ratings/Warnings: G

A/N: I’m continuing to post the nine @everlarkficexchange prompts I took and then sat on throughout the early months of the pandemic. This is the sixth of the nine. Thanks for your patience, and I hope you enjoy. Huge thanks to @javistg for understanding the delays. Only three more to go!

 Peeta Mellark knows he’s got it good compared to a lot of people. He really does, but that doesn’t stop him from wallowing in pity every once in a while. He’s in college, the first in his family, on a hefty scholarship; his grades are good; he has a lot of friends and a good work study job that actually does give him some time to study. Those are all good things. They really are, and he doesn’t dispute it, but…

 He’s also had a rough home life with a mom who’s never satisfied with anything he does and a father who loves him but can’t stand up to his wife long enough to protect his three sons from her emotional abuse. He’s a first-generation college student who’s excelling in courses for his major but isn’t doing so great in all his other general education courses. He has to work a lot more than he should for someone with his course load. Worst of all, though, he’s madly in love with a woman who likely doesn’t know his name. Well, that’s probably not true, but still. She’s certainly not crazy about him the way he is mad for her.

 There’s just no way Katniss Everdeen, fellow Panem University student and the smartest girl in his biology lab, would ever give him the time of day. Not when she already has a boyfriend, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Rugged, who’s about to graduate with a promising career. That’s unlike Peeta, an art major. He’ll never amount to anything, or so his mother likes to remind him every time he’s stupid enough to visit his family.

 Besides, Katniss is beautiful and sassy and shy and so many other wonderful things. She has no idea the effect she has on him or any other male within a mile radius, including their biology professor who’s proclaimed her the most brilliant student he’s had in his twenty-two years of teaching. Peeta spends the better part of their class together watching her from across the room, which is probably why his lab partner hates him and his grade in that class absolutely sucks.

 So, while Peeta knows he’s got some things going for him, it’s not surprising that he finds himself a little down in the dumps occasionally—especially on days when his crush shows up at his workplace. It’s even worse when his co-worker knows about his hopeless infatuation and has no shame. Johanna Mason may be his least favorite person on days like that. Today happens to be one of those days. He’s cursing his life when Jo comes up behind him and leans down to whisper in his ear.

 “Oooooooooh ooooooh. Katniss is pretty, isn’t she? Look at her over there. So serious. What do you think she’s getting ready to check out, and is there any way to make it sexual when gets over here?”

 “Shut up, Jo,” Peeta hisses as his cheeks flush, and he curls into himself, trying to hide behind the circulation desk so Katniss won’t see him.

 The last thing he wants is for the girl he’s been crushing on for months to hear his co-worker tease him about his hopeless attraction. The problem is that he told Johanna in a fit of self-loathing, and she coached him through it, built him up so his ego was a little higher than the floor and prepared him some for what to say to a girl when he likes her. While it was very kind of Jo to offer, Peeta isn’t that hopeless. He’d had a number of girlfriends in high school, but none of them compare to Katniss Everdeen. She is a goddess.

“What time’s your shift done today, hot buns?”

 “Don’t call me that! What is wrong with you?” he hisses. “Why are you so terrible?”

 “Terrible? I’m trying to get you laid, buddy. It’s certainly never going to happen if I leave you to your own devices, although I’m sure you’re taking care of yourself plenty. You’re a guy, after all.”

 Peeta’s face floods with heat, and he wants to slide onto the floor and hide behind the counter. She’s not wrong—he is a healthy, twenty-one-year-old man who hasn’t dated in a while—but Peeta doesn’t want his co-worker to know that. She’ll probably tell the whole world if he confirms what she suspects. Or say something to Katniss, which would be horrifying.

 “Why do you want to know?” he asks, suspicious.

 “Knowledge is power, my friend. Knowledge is power.”

 Still not convinced, he welcomes a patron and scans the student ID he’s handed. “Exactly ten minutes,” he mutters as he types in the bar codes of the pile of library books in front of him before sliding them across the counter. It’s almost midterm, so everyone’s trying to finish projects and bibliographies for research papers before they leave for spring break. The library’s been slammed for days.

 “She’s on her way over here,” Johanna nudges him.

 He whips his head up, and his eyes widen as he realizes Jo’s right. Katniss pages through a book as she strides toward the circulation desk. Johanna turns to busy herself with a pile of returned books, and he squeezes his legs together under the desk. If he can just stop his hands from shaking, things will be great.

 “Hi, Peeta,” she says with a guarded smile as she hands him her student ID. “How’s it going?”

 “K-katniss! Hi!” His voice squeaks, and he cringes internally. He sounds like an idiot. “It’s good. I’m good. How are you?”

 “Fine. I’m fine.” She hands him her student ID, and he glances down at the book she set on the counter.

 “History of Sculpture? That’s…”

 She laughs wryly and nods. “Yeah, I know. I’m not sure how I managed to get myself into it, but I signed up for an art appreciation class. I have zero artistic ability, so it’s painful.”

 “Oh,” he says. “That’s…yeah.”

 Johanna snorts behind him, and he tosses her a warning look. He should have known better. The woman doesn’t have a tactful bone in her body. Instead, she comes to stand behind Peeta and surveys Katniss.

 “You know, Peeta here is an art major,” Jo announces with her hand on his shoulder. “I bet he could help you with your art appreciation class. He’s great at that kind of stuff.”

 “Are you really?” Katniss asks, her eyes widening in pleased surprise. “I didn’t know that.”

 “I am,” he confirms. “I’m more of a painter than anything else, but I know quite a bit about all the different media. It’s kind of in the curriculum for my major.”

 She looks impressed, but she shakes her head as she picks up her book and tucks her ID into her pocket. “I couldn’t ask you to help, but that’s cool. I thought you were a biology major like me.”

 Johanna smacks him on the back, and he glares at her before wiping his expression clean and flashing a closed mouth grin at Katniss. When nobody says anything, Katniss turns to go.

 “Nonsense!” Jo cries. “Peeta’d be happy to help. I’m sure there’s something you could do for him to repay his generosity.”

 He swears under his breath and elbows Jo in the gut.

 “Oh, I don’t think there’s anything I have that Peeta wants—”

 “A ride home?” Jo interrupts. “Peeta’s car’s in the shop. He asked me for a ride, but his shift is over now, and I’ve got another two hours before I can leave. Poor guy. He’d really appreciate the lift.”

 Relief colors her face, and she nods. “I’d be happy to do that. My car’s on the street. I snagged one of those metered ones that are always full. Must be my lucky day.”

 “Oh, I’d say it certainly is,” Jo says, a wide self-satisfied smile plastered on her face. She practically shoves him out of his chair and adds, “Peeta, why don’t you go clock out. I’ll finish this up for you.”

 “I can—”

 “No, you can’t. You’re too close to hours. Besides, you wouldn’t want to keep Katniss waiting, now would you?”

 “You really are the devil, aren’t you?” he hisses as he grabs his stuff. “My car’s in the parking garage, not the shop. What the hell are you doing?”

 “Getting you some time alone with the girl of your dreams,” she explains with a withering look. “Now, let her give you a ride home so you can schmooze her.”

 Still disgruntled, he shuffles to the door and meets Katniss on the steps. She shifts uncomfortably, tugging on her braid and hunching her shoulders. He wonders if she’s trying to hide or if she’s cold in the chill of the early spring day.

 “I really appreciate this,” he says.

 She nods and leads him to her car. “No problem. It’s the least I can do.”

 “You don’t have to do anything at all.”

 She’s silent as she starts her car. Hesitating, she glances over at him and asks, “Does that mean you don’t want to tutor me? I understand if you don’t. It’s asking a lot for someone you barely know, especially since I can’t really afford to pay you.”

 “Except in rides.”

 “Well, yeah. I can do that.” She smiles at him tremulously and shifts the car into gear. Glancing over her shoulder, she signals and pulls out of the parking spot and onto the street.

 “You could help me in bio,” he blurts and his cheeks heat.

 “Really?”

 He cringes and shrugs. “Yeah. I can’t seem to get the hang of it. I think I’m one of those people that understands it in theory but not in practicality. I’m doing fine in the lecture, but lab is really confusing.” He doesn’t add that most of that is her fault, but not really, because he can’t stop mooning over her.

 “I can do that.”

 He glances at the pleased curve of her lips and wonders how he can make it happen again. The joy of seeing her happy sinks into his bones and gives him life. It’s ridiculous, but it’s true. He has no reason to think he should except common human decency matched with his overwhelming crush. He feels like a middle school boy who’s just figured out that girls and boys have different parts.

 Katniss stops at the intersection and glances over at him. Bashful, she admits, “I don’t know where I’m going.”

 Peeta’s eyebrows furrow and he motions out the windshield. “South?”

 “No,” she answers with a nervous laugh. “I mean, I don’t know where you live.”

 He’s an idiot. Of course she doesn’t know where he lives. “Sorry! Sorry. Turn left here. I wasn’t thinking.”

 “If you want…”

 “If I want?” he prods.

 “Well, maybe, if you don’t mind, that is.” She clears her throat and then words burst from her in a torrent. “I know a coffee shop that no one else really goes to. It’s quiet and the coffee’s good. They know me there, and I have a table they kind of save just for me. If you wanted to go over some of this sculpture stuff today, that’d be a good place.”

 “Oh. Okay,” he answers, fighting to keep his face clear of the glee he feels. Katniss Everdeen just asked him to go out with her. Well, she asked him to go somewhere with her, but that was more than he’d dreamed would happen any time he imagined actually speaking to her. Not only is he going to sit at the same table with her in a public place, but he’s at her mercy with transportation. She’s got him captive, and he approves.

 “Maybe I can take a look over your lab notes with you, too. You know, if you want.”

 Oh, he wants. That’s never been in question. He absolutely wants when it comes to Katniss Everdeen.

 “That’d be great. Really great.”

 The place itself is an independent coffee shop in an older area of town called The Seam. The properties tend to be more run-down than those closer to campus, but the café is cozy and humble and has great choices in both coffee and tea. He chooses a black peppermint he’s loved since his father made it for him when he was sick. His father had also snuck cookies to Peeta despite the disapproval of his mom. He adds sugar before taking a sip that transports him back to childhood. He breathes in as he swallows and blows out a heavy sigh.

 Amused, Katniss asks, “That good?”

 Nodding, he inhales the aroma and smiles softly. “Yeah. It’s that good. Thanks for bringing me here.”

 Pleased, Katniss drops her head and shuffles in her bag for the book on sculpture and her class  notes. They work together for over an hour before reviewing information from their biology lab. He finds she’s a good tutor, knowledgeable and skilled at breaking down the concepts into sizable chunks that seemed overwhelming previously. When he compliments her on it, she waves him off but returns the sentiment.

 “I already feel like I appreciate art more.”

 “Glad I could help.”

 “That doesn’t mean you’re off the hook, though,” she teases. “I’ll still need you after break’s over, but I think I can pass the final now, anyway.”

 He shivers at her claiming she’ll need him. It’s closer to genuine interest than anything he’s ever gotten from her, and it gives him a small thrill of hope.

 Reluctantly, she packs up her bag and sighs. “I really need to get home, but this was fun.”

 “Yeah, I should be getting back, too. Got a lot to do before bed.”

 They’re quiet as they slide into the car. Contemplative, Peeta almost forgets to provide instructions so Katniss knows where to take him. As he guides her through unfamiliar streets that turn into those he sees every day, he sends silent thanks to Johanna for her brashness and refusal to let things go. He only hopes he doesn’t have a ticket on his car when he retrieves it—hopefully before it’s towed.

 “This is it,” he says with a wave at his front door. None of his roommates are home, which means he’s stuck until they return. He doesn’t want to say goodbye, but she’s antsy, unsure what to do with her hands or where to look. “Thanks again for the ride. Come find me at the library after break, and we’ll do a repeat of tonight.”

 “Sounds great,” she says warmly. “Hope you get your car back soon.”

 “Yeah, me too,” he grumbles.

 He watches her leave, lifting his hand in farewell until her car turns the corner and heads back the way she came. Fishing his cell out of his pocket, he sends his roommates a group text asking when they’ll be home and if one of them can give him a ride back to campus. As each of them gives a reason for their absence, he realizes he’s on his own. He does stow his bag inside and grab a drink before heading back outside. Squaring his shoulders, he shoves his hands in his jacket pockets and begins the walk back.

 It takes an hour, and he does have a parking ticket. Still, Peeta has no regrets. The afternoon with Katniss was the best of the year with the promise of more to come. She’s worth the inconvenience.