#STILL BETTER THAN CHUCK WON YA KNOW

[sallysetoncore]

i unironically think billie should have won

[marvelmaniac2000]

llForbidden Fruitll Smut

Summary: You are doing a sneaky link out with your friends with benefits for the weekend 

Characters: Steve Harrington x Fem! Reader (mentions of Billy and Nancy), ex-boyfriend 

 Side notes: This season was really good, they went off do you hear me?? these characters are a master piece 😭 it takes me forever but I finally wrote a lil somethin lol for this sweetheart :)...

Subject:  Oral sex, booty call hours, Steve eating you out, fingering, dirty talk, pet names, premature sex, (I don’t support underage sex) but only for characters circumstances I will. 

Words: 2.1k 

》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《

PLEASE NO MINORS/MATURE CONTENT 18+ AUDIENCE ONLY  

Your body drips in cold sweats as you tossed and turned in your bed. These nightmares were getting worse and worse by the night. Every time you thought you could get a good night's rest, the upside-down world plagues your mind as though it’s a playground. 

   You tossed one last time facing the window directly across your bed. 

*clink* *bonk* a pebble of rocks hit your glass window. Steve stood in the cold air hoping you would wake up. He noticed that you weren’t your usual self lately since he came back from the varsity tournament and heard from the gossip around Hawkins that you weren’t on good terms with your boyfriend. 

You deserve better, he thought...

 Steve bent down to search for another piece of rock before chucking it again at your window pane. He tried his best to be as discreet as possible since he knows how your parents are but he didn’t want to drive back home without talking to you first. He just wanted to make you feel better in every way possible. 

“Come on love” he whispered to himself. His patience was running thin and so was the bulge in his briefs. 

You sharply stood up from your pillow with sweat running down your chest. Your heart raced fiercely out of your chest. It’s just a dream… You gently affirmed yourself looking around your room. The clunking noise from your window caught your attention. You rushed out of your bed with nothing but your oversized shirt on to see your beloved friend. 

 You smile cheek to cheek finally seeing him after a long week. You unlocked your window and poked your head out. 

“Come on” Steve mouthed.

Without hesitation, you quietly found some clothes to throw on and made your way out the back door of your home.  

  The air was cool and crispy as usual on a November night.  

“How’s holiday break going for ya?”  Steve notices the restraint on your face. No one could read your face more than him. 

“It’s been pretty cool, besides all the other weird shit going on” you cross your arms to keep yourself warm. “How’s your little meathead basketball games going?” 

“You don’t even like sports, stop pretending, but it was cool we won again the second year in the row to continue a perfect streak” his voice rose with excitement. 

“I just wanted to check on you before heading home. 

I know you and lover boy are not on good terms huh?” Steve made sure to study your face as you answered. 

You pierced your lips together and gave a guilty look. “Well you know how you asshole guys are, always thinking about yourselves in the long run” 

“Well that’s not always true, some of us take a while to realize what we got already” he shrugged his shoulders. He felt a weight lifted off his shoulders no longer being at the Hawkins school anymore. His image as the once jock was only temporary, but he did hate not knowing how you were holding up at school. Sleeping with the deceased enemy's step-sister was one of your dumbest decisions yet. He just couldn’t figure out how to be in a relationship with you. 

 You cocked your head to the side a bit taking in the advice he had given. “You know what? It’s getting cold out here and I don’t want to stay out too long. I'm still afraid that Vecna is lurking everywhere. Let’s go to your place”

  Steven raised his eyebrows and knew how to read between the lines. He didn’t want to disrespect your parents but he also knew Billy and his dad hated him too. 

 “Um.Are you sure about this (Y/N)? This isn’t some cute Romeo and Juliet scenario anymore…If Billy’s dad finds out that we are even talking I’m going to be dead.” 

“You should've thought about that months ago Stevie” you rolled your eyes. He followed close behind as you walked to his car. 

“Just relax, they won’t be back until tomorrow.” You open the passenger door and hopped in.                                      ………

   Steve’s family was never home and neither was he but when he was, it was only to bring other girls over. But different emotions shifted realizing how much he wanted to devour you instead.  You were such a forbidden fruit he could not have. Your personality was witty and wholesome which made him feel comfortable. You did not feel judged whatsoever being around you. Even though he may fuck you in a million different ways, he always made sure that your mind was still at peace from all the chaos going on in Hawkins. He just didn’t understand why you always viewed him as that senior asshole. 

  “I promise you I’m ok Steve.I mean yeah he can be a jerk sometimes but I don’t think he realizes it you know?” You climb onto his bed and hug a spare pillow tight around your arms. “He just misunderstood..”

“Please stop doing that.” Steve threw his keys on his dresser. “Doing what?” You asked. 

“How many times do I have to tell you to stop letting people fuck you over, and always seeing the “good side” of these assholes. It’s only hurting the good that’s already inside you.” He shook his head in annoyance. 

“Sometimes I don’t know if I should listen to you, because you tell me shit like that but you do the same exact shit to other girls!” You threw your pillow at him. 

 He caught it at the nick of time and gently laid it at the foot of the bed. “You really should’ve tried out for the softball team—-“ he spoke sarcastically while climbing in bed with you. 

“Dude Steve stop I’m being for real” you sat up in his bed with Steve crawling his way between your legs. 

“Listen I know I’m just trying to cheer you up, but if you seriously want my advice, because you know I always have your best interest at heart. Do as I say, and not as I do ok?” Steve looked into your eyes and gently kissed your soft lips. “How about daddy make you feel better mm?” His hand traveled up your shirt and gave your hardened nipple a gentle squeeze. You let a light whimper escape your lips and gave a silent nod. Steve slowly pressed his lips onto yours giving you kiss you’ve been dying to feel once again. His hand reaches over to slowly unbutton your night gown shirt revealing your swollen buds to be devoured. You maneuver out of your gown and let him go to town on your breasts. His hot tongue gently sucked your perfectly shaped nips while playfully squeezing how soft they were. Your core progressively grew warmer watching him playfully bite and suck your nipples. 

  He wanted to take his time with you and made sure you knew who owned your body.  No one else loved pleasuring you more than him and he loved every inch of your body. Hearing your every moan and whimper was his way of getting off for himself too. “You like that?” Steve raised his head to trail kisses back toward your neck and jaw. “Yes daddy” you moan as you close your eyes in pleasure. Your hands greedily clawed onto his back wanting him to be inside you already. His every touch drove you crazy. You watch Steve climb off of you to remove his own clothes before climbing back on top of you. “You promise to take daddy advice?” He nibbled at your earlobe before licking the very corner inside it. You shiver wanting more. His hand snaked down to your panties and rubbed your damp slit over them. You moan squeezing your legs between his hips. “I said do you promise?” Steve purred one more time and gazed his eyes on yours. You nod your head yes thinking how much bliss he gives you for a brief moment. He peck your lips before slowly running his hands between your soft thighs taking in the view of your damp panties. He spread your legs wide and moaned, kissing your inner thigh. “This is all mine” he whispered before slowly sliding your fabric off. You grew more impatient noticing he purposely took his time to have you begging for every act he did. He lowered his head down to your aching slit and gave it a slow kiss. You automatically rested your leg above his shoulder and watched him make love to your salivating pussy. His hot tongue first stroke your pink flesh deep between your lips in slow motions making sure he didn’t miss any room. Your legs grew tight around his shoulders bucking your hips toward him. “Keep them open baby” he whispered and pushed your leg back to give him full access. You moan louder feeling him spread your lips open and stroke your sensitive clit in up and down motions. Your hands frankly grab hold of the sheets feeling waves of pleasure pool between your legs. Steve lowered his tongue down to your opening and stroked it in and out teasing your hole with wet warmth. You buck your hips wishing his tongue could go deeper into your entrance. Steve's dick hardens hearing you cry out for him. His dominance aggressively sent him over the edge knowing your every pleasure. He couldn’t help himself and inserted his finger into your entrance and pushed it slowly in and out of you. “Steve” you softly moaned loudly and threw your head back in ecstasy. “Mmm I gotchu baby” he added another finger in and flick his tongue over your clit sucking and teasing at the same time. You become a moaning mess crying out his name in the deep darkness of his room. You aggressively roam your hand and grip his hair pleading with him. “Right there baby please!” You buck your hips to his mouth feeling your pussy tighten around his lips. Steve kept going, feeling your cum drip down his chin. Finally, a tight release of warm pleasure swept over you leaving you breathless on your pillow. You stared up at the wooden ceiling fan in lost time. 

  Steve licked your pussy clean of your cream and grabbed a tissue next to his bed stand. You roll over and watch him join you in bed. 

 He grabbed your chin and gave you one last sloppy kiss tasting your pussy on his lips. “Feel better now?” He wrapped his arm around your naked body. You nodded yes and rest your head on his bare chest. “What time your family will be back?” He asked 

 “Not til eleven in the morning” you murmured. “Get some sleep” he pecked your forehead and reached over to turn his lamp off, so you could sleep. 

                    Next Morning….

  You woke up to a gentle nudge between your legs and feel Steve softly tracing circles around your stomach. 

“Did you watch me sleep?” You croaked. “maybe” he smiled up at you. 

Looking at you in the morning was a fascinating thing to do since he only saw you at school, and the other hookups were mostly at night.

“That’s really creepy” you rubbed your eyes to get the sleep out of your face. Steve squeezed your thigh and gave it a playful bite. “Ow!” You chuckled before hitting his shoulder.  He smiled hearing your cute laugh. “Want to do one more before I drop you off?”

“Does that really need an answer?” You giggled as he climbed on top of you and attacked your neck with butterfly kisses. 

   A sudden unusual ring came from a cellular phone in his room. He sighed and rolled over to pick up the phone. 

“IS MY DAUGHTER THERE?” Your stepdad is fuming through the line. 

Steve looked over at you with a sly smirk on his face. “Uhh no sir I think she went over to Nancy’s place for the night”

Your stepdad pinched his nose ready to burst through the telephone. “Well. If you see her tell her to give me a call.” He abruptly hung up the phone.  Steve threw the phone down and climb back on top of you. “Who was that?” You said. Steve looked at you resting on your elbows. “We’re fucked” he shook his head laughing. 

[luvnami]

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 - wahh it’s here! can’t believe my brainrot of osamu teaching a cooking class turned into this long fic lol... i hope you enjoy it!! it was fun crafting the story with my beta readers and i put a lot of effort into it!!! itadakimasu <3

𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 - @forgetou​ @amjustagirl​ (muacks 2x) + tq to everyone who helped me with the banner!!

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 - you’re suna’s younger sibling, food, heartbreak, angst but happy ending, mentions of stabbing (joke), kita dances to ‘ice cream’ by selena gomez and blackpink, mentions of alcohol, mentions of blood (brief), suna beats (redacted) up

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 - miya osamu x gn!reader

𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 - you fall in love with miya osamu once more, but you’re afraid of getting hurt again.

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 - 5535

𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 | 𝐤𝐨-𝐟𝐢

1. Cook the rice according to your rice cooker, then transfer the cooked rice to a separate bowl to cool it down.

“What ya want t’do is scorch the soy sauce.”

The class presses themselves against Osamu’s workbench as they scribble down notes on their recipe printouts. Their lips purse to ooh and aah at his cooking skills, though you’re pretty sure that they’re more interested in how his biceps flex when he flips the wok with a trained flick of the wrist. 

You stand at the very edge of the group. It’s better than getting close with a group of hungry housewives, really. If grocery store and department mall sales have ever told you anything, it’s to never get in the way of what a seasoned housewife wants. Unfortunately for you, you haven’t learnt the way of being a homemaker just yet. 

You’re unemployed, right in the middle of a month and a half-ish long transfer between jobs. You currently stay at your brother Suna’s place — which is really just an apartment filled with dirty laundry overflowing from its seams.

Turns out Suna himself is a bit of a gossip.  He told Kita who told Atsumu who told Osamu that you’re stuck at his place 24/7 with no friends or entertainment in the lovely city of Nagano. It’s just mountains and trees as far as the eye can see all around — and there’s only so many hikes you can take each week. 

“Why don’t you take a cookin’ class?” 

“Cookin’?” Your face screwed up in confusion. “ What for?”

“So that you can actually pull your weight around the house and make me something to eat.”

You chucked a pillow at his head and began to list all the things you did while staying at his apartment. Laundry, cleaning the floor, doing grocery shopping (even if it was only instant noodles and snacks), finding his disgustingly sweaty socks under the sofa and many other important chores, thank you very much.

Besides, you weren’t as eager when you saw who was the one that would be holding the classes. With his picture plastered across the front of a pamphlet, your heart dropped into the pit of your stomach. Years of chasing his dreams and training in a kitchen had done Osamu wonders. 

You had half a mind to smack Suna in the head with the yellow, glossy paper, but instead you quietly tucked it into a corner of the guest room to look at later. You were sure Suna hadn’t forgotten your history with Osamu just yet — but perhaps he assumed that enough time had passed to heal your wounds.

Either way, there’s no going back now. That’s how you ended up at Osamu’s ‘Cooking class for homemakers — you can do it too!’, except you aren’t a homemaker. You shift your weight from one foot to the other as the sound of sizzling soy sauce fills the air. Osamu pauses for a while before beginning to mix the rice with the sauce, wielding his spatula and wok expertly like weapons.

“Miya-san, you’re amazing!” someone gushes.

He lets out a bashful laugh. “This is nothing. I’m sure everyone will be able to do this by the end of class today!”

You wonder if he’s ever considered being a teacher. The demonstration on how to make shrimp fried rice is soon over and everyone returns to their benches, eager to try out the recipe. You are no different. Scurrying to your bench at the very back of the classroom, you exchange glances between the printed recipe handout and your tray of ingredients.

“Need any help?” 

Osamu’s voice and looming presence makes you jump.

“Woah! Careful there,” he chuckles, his fingers gently prying a knife out of your hands.

Unconsciously, you had raised it in shock when Osamu snuck up on you. The knife now lays safely on the tabletop and you feel the eyes of the entire class boring into you.

“Sorry, Miya-san. I didn’t see you,” you apologise meekly.

“Don’t worry about it, I shouldn't have scared ya like that. And no need for the formalities! You’re my friend’s sister, afta’ all.”

Oh goodness. You half expect the class to pick up their pots and pans and run at you right this moment. You swallow back the half hearted ‘Osamu-san’ that rises in your throat. Your heart trembles in your chest and for a second, the silence that weighs heavily between the both of you turns awkward. 

“Miya-san! Could you help me with this please?” 

You’ve never been so glad to hear Tachibana’s sickly shrill voice before. Osamu is quick to wave goodbye to you before hurrying over to her bench, a smile still on his face. You breathe a sigh of relief. 

You make a mental note to tell Suna that Osamu should just stick to placating those housewives and leave you the hell alone. The last thing you want is to have blackmail spread around the neighbourhood by these gossipy housewives, or worse, have their daughters hunt you down and chop you up into pieces.

Whatever. You’re just here to learn how to make shrimp fried rice and then go home to your annoying older brother. Besides, it’s not like you’ll be here for long. Miya Osamu just happens to be the local heartthrob, the handsome and eligible bachelor chased by anyone single and ready to mingle. You have absolutely nothing to do with someone so popular and good-looking. And for goodness sake, he’s your brother’s high school friend and your… Well, you know. 

Your face burns and you pick up the knife again, grip tightening on its handle. You begin chopping at the onions with renewed determination.

(Later on, when you bring back a tupperware of fried rice for Suna, he looks you in the eye and asks “Shrimp fried this rice?”.

You shoot him a glare.

“I fried this rice.”)

2. Prepare all the fillings that you are going to use and set aside, such as pickled plums or tuna mayo. Prepare your seaweed sheets.

What you don’t expect is for Miya Osamu to show up at your doorstep the next day with boxes of food, cartons of drinks and a very noisy brother of his in tow. 

“Rin, where can I leave the drinks?” Osamu yells.

“Rin, can I play your PS5?” Atsumu shouts.

You think that they are very different, the Miya twins. Suna takes a minute to finish putting on some clothes (you had answered the door, thankfully. No one wants to see Suna Rintarou in Pikachu boxers) before bursting out of his room.

He’s quick to smack Atsumu’s ‘dirty little setter hands’ away from his precious Playstation, directing Osamu to what constitutes the apartment’s kitchen — a second-hand fridge and the building-installed gas stove that works only if you hit it hard enough. You’re surprised that neither you or Suna haven't died of a house fire or gas poisoning by now.

It doesn’t take long for the other Inarizaki alumni to arrive at Suna’s apartment in a series of doorbell rings. Kita even brings along a large bottle of sake, to which everyone cheers loudly. You don’t understand why they had chosen Suna’s place to have a reunion party. Seriously, wouldn't Onigiri Miya or some other izakaya have been a better choice?

However, there’s free flow of drinks and lots of yummy snacks, so you decide to let the noise wash over you and stand by the food table to pick at the trays of pizza, fried chicken and other finger food. Aran even offers you a drink, smiling sweetly before going off to wrangle Atsumu from trying to initiate a beer chugging competition. Some things just never change, you suppose.

“Having fun?”

You jump and nearly drop the plate of food that you hold.

“You have a horrible habit of scaring people, Miya- Osamu.”

His first name comes out awkward, tumbling off of your tongue as you use a pair of chopsticks to carefully pile back some mentaiko mayonnaise onto a slice of tamagoyaki. Osamu settles into the crook of the kitchen counter next to you with a playful grin on his face.

“Do I really?”

“Don’t forget that the first time you did that, someone nearly got stabbed.”

You pop the tamagoyaki into your mouth. It’s delicious — the egg’s sweetness balances out the salty sauce. You wonder if there’s enough left on the tray for seconds. 

“How’s the reunion going?” you ask nonchalantly, and shuffle a few centimetres away from him.

You hope Osamu doesn’t notice that. He does, however, but chooses not to comment on it. He brings up a hand to scratch at his neck, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly. He’s close enough for you to get a whiff of whatever cologne he’s wearing. Your head spins for a second. 

“Oh, none of us have gotten drunk just yet. I’m pretty sure we’ll be playing beer pong or something later on.”

You steel yourself against the urge to look at what Osamu is wearing. Don’t look, don’t look, definitely don’t look. Miya Osamu is, has been, a dangerous man to fall in love with. You can’t afford to- 

Perhaps gouging your eyes out would have been a better choice in theory. Even a glance from where you stand beside him is enough to see that not only is he wearing a tight, black T-shirt, Osamu also has a pair of sweatpants on. Is it a sin to wear sweatpants? Probably so, especially with the way it makes your throat run dry. 

“Beer pong, huh?” You try your best to mumble somewhat nonchalantly. “Who won the last time?”

“Kita.”

“Kita?!” you gasp. 

Even that’s enough to make you forget about Osamu and his stupid (and very sexy) sweatpants. 

“Yeah, right? That was the first time he participated. All of us got left drunk in the street, so we decided to do it at someone’s place this year.”

You let out a soft laugh at the thought of a bunch of grown men piled over each other on the road. You don’t particularly like the thought of cleaning up after them tonight, though. 

The lack of words between you and Osamu descends into snorts of laughter that trickle in from the tiny living room. Aran throws his head back, drink nearly spilling out of his cup. Ginjima laughs so loud you see Omiomi cover his ears and Suna holds his phone up, filming every second of Atsumu’s defeat. 

Osamu opens his mouth as if to ask you something.

“C’mon! Yer killin’ me, Kita-san!” Atsumu yells, socked feet and waving arms trying to match the onscreen character’s movements.

Kita, on the other hand, is scoring perfect marks without as much effort wasted. You giggle to yourself as he moves his hips, shaking them here and there. A small smile quirks his lips upwards as he finishes with a flawless ending move on ‘Ice Cream’, the Just Dance characters fading into oblivion on the screen. Atsumu crumbles to the floor in defeat. 

Osamu’s lips form a straight line as he watches you laugh along, raising a hand to cover your mouth. He curses Atsumu’s birth and swallows back his embarrassment.

“Did ya see that, Osamu? Oh- Kita-san is so good at everything!” you gush.

“Atsumu just sucks.”

When you laugh, Osamu thinks something in his chest lurches. Regret makes his head go foggy and leaves a sour taste in his mouth.

3. Place cling wrap over a rice bowl. Place some of the cooked rice over the centre of the cling wrap and make a well.

“No way ya got a love letter!” Atsumu yelled.

“Ya get yer fair share. We share t’same face, why shouldn’t I get some?” Osamu retorted, rolling his eyes. 

Suna watched as the twins began to gripe and argue about who was the better looking sibling again. Nothing unusual, really, given how this occurred every odd day of the week.

“S’gotta be a prank. No way someone likes a loser like you,” Suna mused.

In retaliation, Osamu threw him a stink eye. “You two are just jealous,” he sniffed.

The letter had been written on pretty pink paper, all hearts and cute handwriting as his secret admirer asked him to meet them on the roof after school. Not that Osamu wasn’t affected by it, of course. It always rubbed his ego the right way to know that someone preferred him over Atsumu. Though, it wasn’t like he was interested in anyone then. It only took a second before Osamu ripped the letter in half.

“Woah woah woah! Yer crazy! Whatcha gonna do if some pretty girl gave that to ya?” 

Atsumu’s eyes widened in shock, almost reaching forward to grab the shreds of letter that Osamu had torn up. 

“Does it matter? S’not like I’m interested in datin’ right now,” he replied.

“Seriously? What if she’s like, super duper hot!”

Osamu’s face screwed up. “Are ya a horndog?”

Just as Atsumu was about to shout at his dear brother again, you opened the door to their classroom and hurried in. You had a bento box in hand and a cute pout on your face as you placed it on Suna’s table.

“Rin! You forgot your bento at home again!” 

“Oh.” Suna blinked. “Thanks.”

“Seriously, you gotta stop forgetting your things! I can’t be bringing them to you all the time-”

“Hey, Suna.” Atsumu perked up, referring to you. “Would ya go on a date with Samu or me? Me, right? Definitely me!”

Your face flushed with heat. “Huh? What are you talking about?”

“‘Samu got a love letter in his shoe locker this morning. Cliche, huh?” your brother said between bites of his lunch. 

“Mm, yeah. Cliche,” you mumbled. 

You looked around anxiously for any sign of the love letter. Was it in Osamu’s bag? 

“Can ya believe he tore it up?” Atsumu laughed.

“What?”

Your heart felt like a stone in your chest as you froze, your blood running cold. 

“Yeah! This dumbass doesn’t know how t’appreciate anythin’,” he replied, smacking Osamu on the back of his head.

His twin responded with a muffled growl as he continued to scarf down his absurdly large bento. You fiddled with the cuffs of your sleeves, staring down at your feet. You were quick to bid the third years goodbye as you fled their classroom as an inexplicable ache spread through your chest. 

You didn’t focus on your classes for the rest of the day. The fact that Osamu had torn your love letter, written with all your heart and soul as you crumpled draft after draft last night, tipped you over the edge of your fantasies and had you plummeting straight into reality. 

“Oi.”

You looked up from your feet, glancing up at Suna. The both of you were swapping your indoor shoes for outdoor ones, but you had absentmindedly stopped in the middle of slipping your right foot into a shoe. It was nearing the time where they closed the school gates, so there weren’t many students around save for the odd volleyball club member.

“What’re you doing? Put your shoes on properly,” he huffed.

“Sorry,” you said quietly, and slammed the locker door shut once you were done.

You walked a few feet ahead of Suna as you approached the school gate. Your head drooped with each step, tears beginning to mist your eyes. You willed yourself to hold it in till you got home, till you were in the safety of your bedroom to start sobbing your little heart out. Suna tugged on your wrist.

“Are you crying?” he questioned.  

You shook your head quickly, rubbing your eyes with the back of your sleeve.

“Oi. Answer me.”

This time, his voice was a little softer, yet held a mixture of irritation and anger behind a crumbling wall of apathy. Who had been the one to make you cry? 

“It’s nothin’,” you choked out. “Let’s just go home.”

You turned your face to the side as tears continued to roll down your cheeks, muffled cries turning into heartbroken sobs. Something inside of Suna’s head clicked. 

“It’s Miya Osamu, isn’t it?” 

You had to bite on your lower lip to stop it from trembling.

“That bastard tore up your letter, didn’t he?”

You gave Suna the tiniest of nods. He let go of your wrist and whipped around, eyebrows furrowed together. Not wanting to date was one thing, but treating your confession like dog shit was something else. Fortunately for him, the Miya twins were changing their shoes in the getabako.

“‘Samu!” Suna yelled.

The gray haired male looked up with a face of confusion.

“Suna? Whaddya want-” Osamu wasn’t able to say anything more as Suna’s fist collided with his face.

Atsumu jumped back with a yelp as the both of them crashed to the ground. Your hands flew to cover your mouth.

“Rin! Stop it!” you cried out.

You dashed over, tripping over your own feet as you tried to pull Suna away from Osamu as they traded blows. It took the work of you, Atsumu and Ginjima (who had been unlucky enough to pass by) to tear the two apart, and even then Osamu was still struggling in his brother’s arms to be let go.

“What t’hell, man!” he snarled. 

Suna wiped his nose, glancing briefly at the crimson that stained his school uniform. The adrenaline was beginning to run low and pain began to settle into his fists and ribs. His shoulders heaved with each breath, and your hands clutched his shirt.

“Rin. No more, please,” you begged, pressing your forehead against his back. “No more.”

Suna hated the way your voice trembled as you spoke. He didn’t think it was fair for you to bear the burden of pain while Osamu got to walk away unscathed, leaving you broken in pieces. His fist curled up again.

“It’s not worth it, Rin.”

Suna took in a shaky, deep breath.

You were right.

Miya Osamu wasn’t worth it. 

4. Put about 1tbsp of the filling of your choice on the centre of the rice and cover it with rice.

A week comes and goes after the annual Inarizaki reunion. You’re still finding sticky stains on the floor, as well as food wrappers tossed behind the sofa. Suna sends the group chat a video of you yelling at all of them while wielding a mop with so much fervour Aran asks if you broke it. Atsumu actually apologises and Osamu offers to come over and help clean up. The entire group chat flames him immediately.

As per last week, you walk into Osamu’s cooking class at 2p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon. It’s hot outside, droplets of perspiration rolling down your nape. The cool air-conditioning of the classroom is much appreciated and you don your apron behind the gaggle of housewives. You catch snippets of their conversation as they put their items in the cubbies provided. 

“Tanaka-san, did you see the mushrooms that were on sale this Monday?”

“My son is attending this cram school this summer. Here’s the address!”

“My father-in-law keeps complaining about the heat…”

“Good afternoon, everyone.”

“Miya-san!”

Everyone perks up when Osamu walks through the door. They’re quick to surround him, asking how his day had been. You look tired, take this ginseng drink! It really revitalises your spirits! Did you get a girlfriend yet, Miya-san? My daughter is single, you know! 

You watch as Osamu walks behind his bench, all smiles and “Is that so, Shigeru-san?”. Polite enough to please them, but not enough to make them think that he actually wants to go on a date with their 34 year-old daughter who’s a tired office worker looking out for potential husbands like a hawk. He lets out a heavy exhale, using his cap with the Onigiri Miya logo on it to fan himself.

“Hot today, isn’t it?” he chuckles.

You think that maybe he’s the one that’s making this summer so warm, especially with the way that his shirt clings to his figure and his flushed cheeks that make him look adorable. 

Wait.

You do a double take. Ah, adorable. You must have meant that heart-print apron that Tanaka is wearing today. It is pretty cute, and you wonder if you should ask her where she got it from later on. Definitely not Osamu with his perfect smile that would make anyone’s heart skip a beat, and definitely not when it’s directed at you.

“Gather around everyone! We’re going to be making gyoza today!”

The demonstration goes as usual — Osamu impresses the housewives, they gasp and someone even touches his forearm and asks “How did you get so strong, Miya-san?”. Not that you care, of course. You certainly don’t. What you’re more concerned about is how Osamu manages to make wrapping the fragile gyoza seem so easy. 

Your fingers pinch at the thick dough, eyebrows furrowed together. No matter what you do, your filling keeps spilling out of the wrapper and so you’ve opted to try out for a thicker piece this time. Not that it really matters — Suna will be the one suffering from food poisoning if it turns out bad, anyways.

“Ah, yer made it too thick,” Osamu says as he strolls over. 

You tense up as he leans over your shoulder, peeking at the chubby gyoza in your hands. You pretend not be affected by how close he is and continue pinching the wings of the dumpling shut.

“They keep bursting,” you sniff. 

“Maybe ya put t’much filling?” Osamu suggests. “Here, lemme show ya. Put tha’ one down and grab a new wrapper. Yeah, just like that.”

You stiffen as Osamu flours his hands and cradles your hands in his. 

“Here ya go. That’s t’much, scoop out some more. That’s it. Now gently…”

Blood rushes to your face as you feel the warmth of his skin seep into yours, his hands rough from years of training and cooking. Scars adorn the tips of his thick fingers and knuckles. You suddenly feel the urge to gently trace them with your thumb, to ask him how he got each one of them. 

Would he let you? Let you so close, that perhaps you would be the one to know every single thing about him?

“You did it!” Osamu says cheerfully. 

He suddenly pulls away, making you plummet back to reality. A perfectly made gyoza sits in your hands.

“I’m looking forward to tasting your gyoza later on. Now keep trying!” 

You’re left dumbfounded as Osamu walks away to help out the other housewives. They stammer and blush when they get too close, but he never holds their hands in his own, never smiles as gently as he does with you.

You place the gyoza on a pan and put the lid on with a little bit more force than what is necessary.

5. Wrap the cling wrap over the rice and squeeze and mould it into a triangle shape with your hands.

You try not to make contact with Osamu after that. Attending his cooking classes becomes a game of cat-and-mouse, where you try to tell him ‘I don’t need any help, Miya-san’ and watch him crawl away in defeat. In fact, you decide to skip the lesson on making hamburgs and instead spend the afternoon watching television.

After all, from what you’ve learnt in the past, Osamu is nothing more than trouble. You think it’s worth the sacrifice now to put some space between the both of you so that you don’t end up heartbroken a second time. 

Though, you do feel a little bad. Just a little bit. One day when Suna’s out at training, you hear the doorbell ring and Osamu’s voice ring through the genkan. You hear his feet shuffle by the door and a heavy thump outside before he leaves. You only open the door when you hear his car pull out of the apartment building’s carpark, and find a packed bento lunch for you in front.

You try to pretend that the bunny cut apples and sakura shaped carrot slices don’t mean anything.

“Ah, Suna-san! Where were you last week?” Tachibana titters as you step into class for the final lesson.

“I wasn’t feeling very well,” you lie. “I think I caught a summer cold.”

“Oh dear, that sounds terrible!” the ladies chorus together. 

You think they’re probably just glad that you didn’t get in the way of their beloved Miya-san. You tug your apron over your head, and ignore Osamu when he greets everyone. His eyes linger on you for a little too long during the demonstration — to the point that he actually burns the skin side of his salmon fillet.

Osamu skirts around your bench like a nervous puppy when the demonstration is over. You don’t seem particularly keen about talking to him, though the tips of your finger tremble when he finally plucks up the courage to stand next to you. It’s not close enough for your elbows to touch, but close enough that he can whisper to you without anyone else hearing him.

“Hey,” he begins, uncertain. His voice wavers slightly.

“Hey,” you reply, wary of what he might say. 

“Are you okay?”

You take a moment to think, tipping the sake bottle carefully to measure out an exact tablespoon of it. He wonders when your hands have seemed so delicate, so small. He aches to hold them in his own again. 

“I’m okay.”

“That’s good.”

It’s quiet, again. Just like that night in Suna’s apartment, with all the noise of the reunion going on around you, except this time it's the clanging of pans and utensils, paired with the chatter of many ladies. 

“I was thinking…” Osamu stares down at your hands, turning the measuring spoon over so that sake splashes onto the hot pan with a sizzle. “Maybe we could get a drink together after this?”

You cover the pan and watch its surface cloud up with condensation. You hide your shaking hands by digging them into the pockets of your apron. 

Osamu swallows. Perhaps he had been too direct with you; scared you off with how quickly he was advancing. Or did Suna tell you to be careful of him? That he didn’t want you falling in love with him a second time? There’s no lie about it, that Osamu had been a grade A asshole back in high school.

But he loves you now; has loved you since then. Would you be willing to give him a second chance?

“Osamu,” you breathe.

His shoulders relax slightly when you don’t call him by his last name. 

“I don’t know what to do.” 

Your voice comes out timid, scared. Osamu’s heart crumbles at the edges. He wonders if you would hate him if he reached out and took your hands in his once more. You’re both adults, perfectly capable of rational thinking if only your hearts hadn’t gotten in the way. Love hurts, they said. You want to agree. 

“We can start it out slow,” Osamu suggests.

“I’m supposed to start my new job next month. I won't be in Nagano for much longer.”

“I’m opening a branch in Tokyo.”

“I’ll be busy settling down. We might not get to see each other often enough.”

“A little is better than nothin’.”

“You’re my brother’s friend.”

“Now, yer just picking at nothing, babe. Didn’t you have a crush on me back in high school, too? That didn’t stop ya, did it?”

Your heart wrestles with your brain, insisting on comfort and that love will always come in the form of someone that isn’t Miya Osamu. You’ll find someone, but will they be better? Will they send food to your doorstep, or send you stupid photos of dogs he saw on the street? Will they chase after you relentlessly for years, will they be Osamu?

A lump forms in your throat and you wonder if this, has been, is love. You tear your heart out from within you and let it cling to your sleeve, as pathetic and scared it is. You don’t mind if it hurts. To never hurt is to never have lived, to never have loved. 

By this point, your eyes have misted up with tears and it hits you- You’re about to cry about your crush in the middle of a cooking class attended by middle-aged ladies. You’ve never been more embarrassed. 

“Really?” you whisper, looking up at Osamu with glittering eyes. 

He ignores the “Miya-san! I need your help!” that rings out in the background. He smiles gently.

“Yeah, really.”

A tear slips down your face. Osamu lets out a breathy chuckle as he swipes it away with his thumb, giving your shoulder a squeeze.

“We’ll talk properly after this, alright?” 

You nod numbly. You watch as he hurries off to Shigeru, gasping when he sees how she had completely butchered her fillet. He turns back to you, trying to hold in a snigger. 

You giggle.

Osamu thinks he wants to hear that laugh forever.

6. Remove the cling wrap and cover the bottom of the rice triangle with a nori sheet and set aside.

“One extra large bonito onigiri with spring onions!” you cry out from the counter.

Back in the kitchen, Osamu and another part-time worker scoop steaming rice out of large vats and use their hands to mould them into perfectly shaped triangles. A scoop of filling goes in and a strip of seaweed is wrapped hastily around the onigiri before it's sent to you to package. You place the onigiri carefully into a box and slip it into a paper bag with the shop’s logo on the front for a take-away order. 

The shop is filled with customers even on a Wednesday afternoon. The clock shows 2p.m., past lunch time, yet you can see a queue that snakes out of the shop and down the alleyway. 

Another long day ahead, you think to yourself. 

“It’s our turn!” a little girl squeals as she takes the bag from you, opening it up to peer at the huge onigiri inside. “Mama! ‘giri!” 

Her mother laughs and pats her head. “Don’t forget to say thank you, Haru.”

The girl turns to you, eyes sparkling. “‘Fank you, Miya-shan!” 

A cheery grin almost splits your face in half. Miya-san. Four years on and it still makes your stomach flip whenever you hear that Osamu’s last name has become yours. It was an easy decision for the both of you to get married, really. You had loved each other for years and all you wanted to do in the end was to spend the rest of your lives together.

You quit your office job just before you got married to help Osamu out with the new Onigiri Miya branches. It took some getting used to, but the familiar customers and bright smiles that you see just by serving onigiri each day makes it worth it. It’s tough work, no doubt. But doing what you enjoy with the man you love is more rewarding than it ever could be.

Though, it’s not like your relationship has always been smooth sailing. There are days when you bicker over something stupid (like how you always forget to close the lid of the rice cooker), or when Osamu insists that he isn’t overworking himself (although his eyebags tell otherwise). But love’s a recipe with a few secret ingredients, and you’ve come to master it over the years. 

“Come back soon!”

The shop is filled with the fragrant scent of freshly cooked rice and bonito flakes being stir-fried into furikake. Customers perch on tiny stools as they scarf down onigiri of different shapes and sizes, licking their fingers clean. A plush toy of Onigiri Miya’s mascot sits on the counter next to a potted plant that Atsumu bought (which is surprisingly still alive).

A photograph of the third Tokyo branch’s grand opening hangs on the wall. You and Osamu hold up a bouquet of flowers, smiling toothily at the camera, your wedding rings glinting in the sunlight. 

“One medium onigiri with tuna mayo, coming right up!”

You jump as Osamu shouts out the order suddenly and you nearly drop the onigiri that he hands to you.

“Woah, careful there,” he chuckles, a hand ghosting the small of your back.

“You have ‘ta stop scaring me, ‘Samu,” you huff and roll your eyes playfully.

Osamu grins at you and the edges of his eyes crinkle up. You place the onigiri safely into its packaging and place it on the counter for a customer to collect, before turning back to plant a kiss on his cheek. Osamu’s face flushes pink and he hurries away, mumbling something about bonito flakes.

Your heart soars in your chest.

Yeah, it has been, will be, worth it. 

7. Repeat the same steps as above to use the rest of the rice with other fillings that you prepared.

[bamfdaddio]

X-Men Abridged: 1981

The X-Men, those back-to-the-future mutants that have sworn to protect a world that hates and fears them, are a cultural juggernaut with a long, tangled history. Want to unravel this tapestry? Then read the Abridged X-Men!

(Uncanny X-Men 141 - 152) - by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, Brent Anderson, Dave Cockrum, Jim Sherman, Bob McLeod and Josef Rubinstein

While I also committed various fashion atrocities at the age of 14 (tye-die and fauxhawks, oh my), even Liberace would find Kitty’s outfits too much. (Uncanny X-Men 149; Uncanny X-Men Annual ‘81)

We dial back from the v. epic scope of the last few arcs. Instead, 1981 is just a lot of fun! We get:

Storm and Emma doing a Freaky Friday!

the X-Men vs. Magneto (again!)

A surprisingly effective Alien rip-off

An dystopian future! (OoOoOoOo)

Last year was the year of the Dark Phoenix, this is the year of Kitty Pryde. That’s not to say Jean’s death is swept under the rug: all throughout, we see her friends mourning her loss or remembering her fondly. (Scott even gets to have a demonic adventure about it.) But in general, Claremont puts Kitty in the forefront, fleshing out his YA-addition to the team. And what would a YA heroine be without a grim dystopia? Roll out the iconic Days of Future Past!

To be fair, 2013 was a dark time for all of us: What Does the Fox Say somehow got to the top of the charts and I was still watching Glee. (Uncanny X-Men 141)

How cool would it have been to see a name like Jonothon Starsmore or Eva Bell on those tombstones?

Anyway, that’s Kate. Kate’s had it rough. Mutants are at the bottom of the foodchain, most X-Men are dead and only a small cadre of resistance fighters remain, Sentinels dominate, and while she is married to Piotr, her children have been murdered. Bleak. Luckily, the rebellion has concocted the plan to shunt Kate’s spirit back in time to prevent this awful future from happening. (You’ve seen Days of Future Past, the last passably good X-Men film, you know what’s up.)

Let’s do the time warp again! 1981!Kitty’s mind gets taken over by 2013!Kitty, who promptly tries to convince the X-Men that a new Brotherhood of v. Evil Mutants will try to kill Senator Kelly, a presidential candidate who tries to put the mutant menace on the agenda. (Mutants tend to blow stuff up when he’s around.) Since the X-Men recently took a literal trip to Dante’s Infero and also befriended a cosmic world-ending entity, they basically shrug and go: “Yeah, this checks out.”

Off to Washington they go (zoommm) and there, they happen upon the Baddest Bitches in Herstory:

“How dare you hate mutants, senator Kelly! We’ll fix that by killing you!” (Uncanny X-Men 141)

This All-New, All-Different Brotherhood consists out of:

Destiny, a blind woman who can see the future. Definitely the eeriest member of this group. Badass lesbian, though that won´t be canon for years.

Avalanche. Greek who makes things shake. Is a long-standing member of the X-Men Rogue’s gallery, but rarely features in the spotlight. I think he got more characterization in four years of X-Men Evolution than he ever did in the comics.

Mystique. Shapeshifter. Ruthless and unhinged, the Cersei Lannister of the X-Men universe. Absolute legend, secretly the wife of Destiny, currently not as unhinged as she’ll be later. Immediately implied to be related to Nightcrawler: it’s the yellow-eyes-blue-skin-combo.

Pyro. Can manipulate fire, not create it. Absolute pillock, in all the best ways of the word. Originally intended as gay, but they decided to make him Australian instead. (?!)

Blob. Big, strong, immovable. We’ve seen him before.

One of the details in this fight I enjoy is that Storm is still struggling with her leadership, although she has a better grip on things than Cyclops:

Wolverine then proceeds to use those iconic but deadly claws about twice per issue for the next, oh, forty years. (Uncanny X-Men 142)

While the X-Men fight the Brotherhood in the present, we cut back and forth to the future. There, the X-Men consist out of some familiar faces - Storm, Colossus, Wolverine - and some surprises: Magneto (in a wheelchair), Franklin Richards (son of) and an unfamiliar ginger girl called Rachel. (She’ll be important later.) We even learn (one of) Magneto’s names: this is the first time he’s canonically called Magnus.

One of the strengths of Days of Future Past lies in its brevity, the way it tantalizingly taunts us with a brutal but familiar future without giving away too much. It’s single-handedly responsible for all those dark future timelines the X-lines are so fond of which will eventually culminate in time-displaced grandsons from alternative dimensions and the impossibility of a succinct answer to the question: “Who’s Cable?” Too much of a good thing and all that.

Still, what Days of Future Past does so successfully is:

Put the idea of the mutant menace back at the forefront, hammering home the metaphor of mutants being a minority. Mutants being put in camps and being forbidden to breed should - regretfully - make us think of all too many real life equivalents. (Specifically, all of the imagery harkens back to the Holocaust.)

It starkly shows what happens should the X-Men lose, reminding everyone of the stakes. The X-Men are here for a reason: bridging the gap between mutants and humankind. If they fuck up, we end up with mutant concentration camps.

It helps that the X-Men in the future almost all die horribly: Franklin is incinerated, Storm is impaled… It's brutal stuff. The only one to survive is Rachel, who wonders if their plan actually changed the future or if they created an alternative timeline. (It did the latter, sorry ‘bout it, Rachel.)

In the present, Kate chases after Destiny, who trains a gun on senator Kelly. I always wondered how this works: if Destiny saw the future, she knew that killing Kelly would trigger a terrifying future. What in the current Marvel timeline made her decide that the Days of Future Past was better? Did she see her own death? Did she see the Onslaught-crossover coming? The Chuck Austen run? What was it?

In any case, time-anomalous Kate stops Destiny from killing Kelly and the future is safe! For now. Kate disappears, Kitty returns to her body and some of the Brotherhood are apprehended. All is well, for now.

After being a key figure in DoFP, Kitty is also the main character in the Christmas special, which is basically a straight up horror and a pastiche of the Alien-movie.

Seriously, John Byrne still isn’t sure why he wasn’t sued by Ridley Scott for this. (Uncanny X-Men 143)

If you love Kitty Pryde? Read this issue. If you’re not convinced you like 80’s Kitty? Read this issue. It’s not continuity relevant and it’s basically Kitty playing the part of a Final Girl in a horror where she’s being chased by a demon, but it’s so good. It showcases all her strengths and her foibles. Kitty’s intelligent, cute (sometimes preciously so) and brave, but she’s also young, self-conscious and hot-headed. And it's not as if the other X-Men automatically adore her: Storm berates her all the time, she’s afraid of Kurt because of the way he looks (though she grows out of that) and she fights with Professor Xavier a lot. Moreover, she has a clever power-set for a young superhero who faces menaces on a daily basis: a thirteen year old who can go intangible is far less likely to have reality ensue on her and be dramatically offed because she's better at protecting herself.

I’m sure there are people who thought Sprite was hogging the spotlight, but I, for one, say she brings more to the table than, say, Angel. She’s not the Dawn Summers of this franchise.

Scott also gets a side quest. Poor guy can’t catch a break: first the love of his life dies, so he quits the X-Men, then he realizes he can’t do much else than be a superhero. He becomes a sailor on the ship of spunky captain Lee Forrester, is drawn into the sadistic plans of a demon unironically named D’Spayre and then shipwrecks in Bermuda with Lee.

The X-Men, meanwhile, are tormented by a team-up of Doom (who’s currently Latverialess and working on a comeback) and Arcade, that annoying crony. Locke, Arcade’s dom, has kidnapped the loved ones of the X-Men (Moira MacTaggart, Jean Grey’s parents, Illyana Rasputin and Amanda Sefton) in order to blackmail them into getting Doom to free Arcade. Apparently, Arcade accidentally insulted Doom and DOOM DOES NOT FORGIVE THAT FOLLY.

While the B-Squad (Polaris, Havok, Banshee and Iceman) goes to save Arcade’s hostages, the X-Men sneak into Doom’s castle. Well, except for Storm, who doesn’t give a single fuck and simply flies up to Doom, demanding an audience. Doom likes the cut of her jib and invites her to have dinner. (This is pre-Tinder, so this is a legit way of scoring a date.)

If Storm has a flaw (I said if!), it’s got to be her atrocious taste in men. (Uncanny X-Men 145)

The X-Men find Arcade’s cell empty, while Arcade casually saunters up to Storm and says hi. Storm realizes too late that this is a trap: while the X-Men are all trapped in Saw-like traps, Storm is encased in ‘living chrome’.

If you remember she’s claustrophobic, you know why this is a bad move.

While the X-Men free themselves from their traps - Polaris hilariously has to deal with a murderous merry-go-round - Storm is slowly driven mad in her prison, triggering a worldwide tempest. (She causes Lee and Scott to shipwreck.) Under the threat of Wolverine’s claws, Doom releases Storm - or rather, unleashes her.

“Instead of a Dark Lord, you would have a queen, not dark but beautiful and terrible as the dawn! Tempestuous as the sea, and stronger than the foundations of the earth! All shall love me and despair!” (Uncanny X-Men 147)

The memory of Jean brings Ororo back to herself and she starts undoing the superstorm she created. (If only climate change were reversed that easily.) Their confrontation ends by Storm easily forgiving Doom, because she apparently trespassed on his grounds without adequate cause.

Mkay.

All of Arcade’s hostages return to their homesteads, except for Illyana Rasputin, Piotr’s sister: she’s staying at the mansion for a while. Angel, who’s sort of been a part of the team since the Phoenix thing, has had it with Wolverine and his ‘tude, and decides to quit the X-Men : he doesn’t want to be a part of an outfit that has a killer like Wolverine on it. (Or maybe he’s just mad Claremont didn’t give him any storylines: his presence has been mostly pointless.) It’s too bad he left before Kitty started experimenting with her outfits: I bet he would have loved her ugly-ass costumes.

Equally inconsequential is the introduction of a brand new character, who then proceeds to disappear from the narrative for the rest of the year:

Black Tom has tried to kill you at least twice, but him sending you a long-lost daughter doesn’t give you pause? Ugh, Sean, you deserve Moira. (Uncanny X-Men 148)

Intrigued by Theresa? TOO BAD, WON’T SEE HER AGAIN ANYTIME SOON.

Another new character is the lonely, decidedly mutant looking Caliban, who can sense “people like him” and is on the lookout for companions. Like many lonely people who try and grasp at friendship, he decides to overshoot his shot and ruin the night of Storm, Kitty and Jessica Drew at a Dazzler concert. Because he tries to kidnap Kitty, the girls react a trifle aggressively. When they realize their mistake - the eerily pale Caliban is a simpleton rather than a menace - he’s already fled. No mention is made of the Morlocks yet!

There’s also another dull annual where the X-Men team up with the Fantastic Four to save Arkon’s dimension from the Badoon and yaaaaawn. Far more interesting is the landmark issue #150. Slowly, through the adventures of Scott and Lee Forrester, Claremont has been setting things up for the return of a favorite villain. While the X-Men investigate Magneto’s old base in Antarctica on a hunch of Professor X and tangle with Garruk, Scott and Lee survive Storm’s tempest, only to wake up next to a strange island that seems to have been raised from the ocean.

It’s apparently some ancient citadel from a long forgotten civilization with a fondness for squid statues. (I don’t know man, I’ve never been to the Bermuda Triangle, maybe this is just super-accurate.)The tentacles make Lee Forrester feel very amorous, but before Scott can tell her he is way too repressed to just have sex with an attractive someone he’s known intimately for a month or two, Magneto saves his ass by revealing he, in fact, raised this island from the seafloor.

Oh, Magneto. So extra.

My ambitious little mutant demagogue then proceeds to take the entire world hostage, showing how much he’s grown from the pompous, raving madman from the sixties. (Sure, Magneto is still a bit of a madman, but increasingly, he starts being on the right side of history.)

“I’m trying to make Magneto more sympathetic.”

“Just put him on a page with some bigger villains who are less noble, like the Vanisher, Count Nefaria, or…”

“Reagan, Thatcher and Brezhnov?”

“Er.” (Uncanny X-Men 150)

It’s obvious Magneto is being pivoted as a more noble villain, codified into the well-intentioned extremist we know and love today. Not only do we get the first hints at his past, fleshing out his motivations, he’s also not wrong. Humans are historically not great at taking care of the planet or each other.

When the Russians call his bluff and launch nukes at Magneto’s new island, he quickly disarms them. His retribution is swift and ferocious: the entire citadel is a machine that massively amplifies his powers. He sinks the submarine that launched the missiles, condemning the entire crew to death, and he casually erects a vulcano in a Russian city in Siberia.

Damn. Not messing around this time.

Despite his good intentions, Magneto is still definitely in the wrong: not only because of his methods, but as Scott points out: if Magneto unifies the world under his kind of benevolent dictatorship, all of that will simply fall apart as soon as Magnus dies.

In a way, Magneto is just as big a dreamer as Charles is: Charles believes in peace and integration, whereas Magneto believes his iron fist will be enough to make a perfect world happen. Both of them ignore the reality that acceptance is difficult and messy, because you’re trying to change essential human nature: the fear of the other. Magneto believes in big, sweeping gestures that will fix the world in move, while changing the world is also boring, hard work. One step forward, two steps back. Magneto just wants to leapfrog to his ultimate goal.

The X-Men fly over the citadel, returning from Antarctica, and their plane crashes into the ocean. (Magneto does not brook planes over his territory, humans!) The Professor is also nearby, looking for Scott with Moira, Peter Corbeau and Carol Danvers. The X-Men sneak onto the island, but to their horror, their powers are nullified by some machine of Magneto. They reunite with Scott, who formulates a plan to thwart the would-be ruler of the world.

While the rest of the X-Men go to trash the machine, Storm, Kitty and Lee infiltrate the control chamber where Storm finds a sleeping, shirtless Magneto. Once again showing her terrible taste in men, she is not weak in the knees at the sight of a sleeping Magnus: instead, she contemplates killing him.

Storm knows how dangerous he is, but she also knows that he’s a great man who’s fighting for ideals, no matter how misguided. She hesitates too long: Magneto stirs, suspects an attack and tosses her out of the window, to her death.

Magneto quickly undoes the sabotage the other X-Men have wrought to his machine. A fight erupts. Storm, meanwhile, has managed to grab hold of a ledge. She crawls back up and smashes an important-looking computer, restoring everyone’s powers.

The battle turns grim, but Scott sends Kitty away to wreck Magneto’s machinery. She sneaks off, following Scott’s orders and destroying both Magneto's power-up device and all of his plans by phasing though the computer circuitry. Magneto senses this and furiously gives chase. Overcome by rage, he attacks Kitty and disrupts her phasing power with a magnetic bolt, seemingly killing her?

Everything about this story beat is great: mama bear!Ororo, mournful Magnus and even the fact that Kitty’s godawful outfit serves a narrative function: highlighting to us (and Magneto) just how young she is. The fact that Kitty’s Jewish is just icing on the cake. (Uncanny X-Men 150)

And thus, the softening of Magneto commences. 1981 might be a year with wildly varying narratives, but it has given us at least three enduring legacies to the X-Mythos: a new kind of Magneto, a fondness for dystopian futures and the character of Kitty Pryde, who's really come into her own this year.

Ugliest Costume: Kitty! Purposefully, but still. Best costume, by the way, goes to Destiny, with her creepy, creepy golden mask. Just imagine this lady casually strolling across a battlefield, eerily calm and collected, dodging everything you throw at her. Awesome design.

Best new character: I usually pick one character - what good is having a shared award when declaring the best of anything? - but this year, it’s going to one of my favorite couples: Mystique and Destiny. Can’t wait to see more of them.

Most audacious retcon: Blob somehow retroactively becomes a member of the original Brotherhood, which is not what happened. Ever weirder is Xavier pondering that he never met Magneto before his attack in X-Men #1, while their cordially adversarial relationship rooted in a youthful friendship would soon become a cornerstone of the X-Men.

What to read: Uncanny X-Men 141 - 143 and 150 - 152

[mcwriting]

A Science Project for the Ages

Big thanks to this anon for this request! Sorry it's taking me longer to fulfill my requests from when I was in quarantine but I'm trying to get those done soon!

This is a slight continuation of lab partners but can definitely be read alone :)

Ship: SoftNerd!Tom Holland x Reader

Word Count: 1883

Warnings: one blink-and-you'll-miss it bad word

⚛︎

There was a loud buzz as your phone vibrated against the wood table in the science library.

You quickly picked it up, trying not to disturb the few other students around as you looked down at the screen.

Tom.

Though you were together now, he very rarely called at this time. He knew you always studied here before dinner time and respected that.

You grabbed your notebook and bag and shuffled into the hall to answer.

"Tom? Is everything okay?"

"Hey, um. So sorry to bother you, but you've finished your science expo project, right?"

You furrowed your brows as you slid down the wall to sit and stuff your notebook back in your bag. You knew this conversation was going in a weird direction already. You could hear a faint beeping in the background.

"Uh, yeah..?"

"Right, and what was that project over again?"

"I did an analysis on light absorption of different common solutions and then compared them to the color they turned when I lit them on fire. I thought we already talked about this the other day..?"

"Yes, yeah, sorry. So one more question before I tell you what's up. Do you happen to know how to bake?" Tom asked quietly.

Suddenly you remembered what all his project was on.

He was doing a food chemistry project, explaining certain phenomenons that happen when you bake. He had hoped giving people baked goods would make them like his project more.

"I- Tom I told you I would help you but you said it would be fine," you said flatly."

"Well..... Now it's not fine, and Alex isn't here to help me. He went to his girlfriend's."

Tom's roommate. He was usually pretty patient with Tom's clumsiness, but sometimes he just had to get out and enjoy a day off, too. Tom understood, but now the burden fell on you.

"Fine, I'll be there in a little bit. Text me if you need me to bring anything."

⚛︎

You walked in to the smell of burnt. It was overwhelming and you choked as you rushed to the window to air out the apartment.

"Hey, sorry about the smell," Tom said nonchalantly from the kitchen.

You turned to see the situation at hand, which was definitely... a situation.

It was like something out of a movie. Messy bowls and utensils littered the sink. There was cake batter splattered across the counters. Finally, the culprit still sat in a muffin tin on the bar: a dozen very black cupcakes.

You sighed.

"Forgot to set the timer?"

"Yep."

"And let me guess. This was your first experience with baking?"

"That's exactly right."

"Of course," you muttered, but then clapped your hands together enthusiastically. "Well, then. Let's try and fix this, shall we?"

You leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to Tom's cheek, then brushed past him to grab the tray.

"First on the agenda, we are going to take off the papers and chuck these off the balcony to let out some frustrations, alright?"

You were lucky in that Tom's apartment was on the top floor, and his balcony faced a wooded area. The only thing he could hit was a tree and the food would eventually biodegrade into the soil.

You both tossed them, competing to see who could throw the farthest. It let Tom blow off some steam, and also gave more time to ventilate the place before you went back in.

After the last cupcake (if you could call it that) was tossed, you got started on cleaning everything up. He had used a lot of bowls for one boxed cake mix, but you didn't ask.

It took a while to make sure things were sufficiently clean, but finally everything was ready to make a new batch.

"Oh one other thing before we start. Have you ever made a meringue?" Tom asked as he preheated the oven, which you carefully supervised to make sure it was right.

"I mean, I've made some before. Why?"

"Well part of my project was talking about how egg proteins bind. They sound pretty easy. Just eggs and sugar, right?"

Your hand covered your eyes in disappointed surprise.

"What? No. Tom, meringues are like, notoriously one of the hardest things to get right. They land just before macarons, and meringue is one of the main parts of a macaron!"

"What are you talking about? How can something with two ingredients be that hard to make?" he tried to argue, but you weren't about to let him trick you into making something so difficult.

"Did none of your research explain how moisture, temperature changes, utensils used, and method of cooking affect the outcome."

"...Uh... no."

"Were you planning on using the Swiss, Italian, or French technique?"

".....I didn't know there was more than one."

"Well then you might go do a quick search to add to your presentation while I cover the cupcakes."

While he did that, you made up the batter and got the cupcakes in the oven (set at the right temperature for the right time), then got started making some frosting.

"Hey, y/n. Did you know you aren't supposed to make meringues in a plastic bowl?"

"Yep. Plastic can retain lipids which prevent proper binding. Same reason you can't whip the yolk."

"That's what this says! How did you know that?"

You shrugged.

"I like to bake. By the way, you better credit me as your pastry chef on the presentation."

"Will do."

He made some edits on the page and found a recipe claiming to be the easiest method, so you caved and agreed to help him make them when the cupcakes were done.

As you measured sugar and got the whisk attachment ready, you looked over and admired Tom as he meticulously separated the eggs.

You couldn't help but fall head over heels for him all over again seeing how he did each step carefully, all his focus on each little egg.

Sure, he was a little clumsy sometimes, but he was precious and cared about whatever he did.

It took what seemed like hours to get the egg whites whipped properly (and lots of arguing with Tom about what "stiff peaks" meant), but finally you had them in a piping bag and on a pan to bake.

You couldn't help but wait by the oven in anxious anticipation for the meringues to come out, even though they'd be in there for a while.

Tom sat right next to you on the (surprisingly) clean kitchen floor as you stared at the oven.

"Babe?" he asked softly, leaning into you.

You hummed a response, taking the opportunity to rest your head on his shoulder.

"Thank you for coming and helping me. I know you value your library time."

You smiled and sat back up, looking Tom in the eyes.

"You know, I wasn't really studying anyways. I was watching youtube videos with my headphones in because I didn't want to go home yet."

Tom had a mischievous grin and furrowed brow.

"So you just go there as an excuse to get away from me?!"

You laughed and knocked into him slightly.

"No! I just got done with my homework and wanted to hang around campus for a while... and I had a feeling you'd call eventually."

Tom gasped.

"You didn't trust me!?"

"Now that I can answer truthfully..." you started, causing him to pout. "I'm not saying I didn't trust you at all, it's just that I had never once heard of you baking and figured I would prepare myself accordingly."

"Does this mean that Alex knew too?"

"I can't speak on his behalf, but I'm glad it was just us anyways. I like getting to spend time with you like this." You paused to peck him on the lips. "Want me to read over your project? I know those spelling errors can slip by sometimes."

Tom grinned, wordlessly getting up and offering you a hand.

⚛︎

The expo was in full swing and you nervously stood on the other side of the room as your project to watch people walk by and observe your findings.

You had already given your presentation to the judging panel and now the expo was open to the public, so you tried to avoid stressing too much as you talked with some friends.

Suddenly a pair of warm arms came around your stomach and Tom's scent enveloped you.

"Hey baby, how ya feelin'?" he asked, resting his chin on your shoulder as your thumbs rubbed over his hands instinctively.

"You know me. A little nervous." You flipped in his arms to face him. "And what about you? The judges like our sweet treats?"

"They sure seemed too. Dr. Grand liked the meringues so much she asked for another."

You smiled.

"Well either way, I'm proud of us both."

"Thanks again for helping, I couldn't have done this without you. I made sure to emphasize how difficult meringue making is during my presentation thanks to you."

Finally your friends had enough of the cutesy bullshit and convinced you and Tom to rejoin the conversation, both of you with arms around each other as you conversed.

Time passed and eventually they gave prizes to the best projects of the expo. You knew you wouldn't win anything, there were some far better projects out there that included heavy research.

"And in first place, 'Science around us: the chemistry of baking' by Mr. Tom Holland! Congratulations! If all of our winners could come pick up their ribbons and get a photo for the newsletter, that would be great."

Tom stayed casually next to you, so you had to shake him and get his attention.

"Did you hear that Tom? You won!"

Tom blinked a few times, then gasped.

"I won!? I mean, we won!!?"

You rolled your eyes and pushed him forward.

"Go on, get your blue ribbon, baker boy."

He excitedly rushed up to the table where his prize awaited (tripping a few times, but you ignored that) and bounced on the balls of his feet as someone pinned the ribbon to his shirt.

You could see the sheer delight on his face as the winners took a group photo, and he practically skipped back to meet you.

You and your friends gave him congratulations as he happily looked down at the blue piece pinned to him.

He then unpinned it and tried to hand it to you.

"Now, don't congratulate me, y/n gets all the credit for making everything."

"No, no. It was your idea and you did the research. You deserve that more than anyone else. And plus, you were right. Baked goods did give you an edge over the competition."

"Well I say it was a science project for the ages!" he exclaimed, holding up the ribbon. You and your friends cheered to that.

"How 'bout we go celebrate your win over lunch, hm? The cupcake I had isn't holding me over and I'm starving."

"Sounds perfect, darling. Lead the way."

You happily headed off towards the nearest place on campus, completely oblivious to the fact that Tom had pinned his blue ribbon to your backpack.

He quickly made up time and slipped a hand into yours.

If nothing else, he was the boyfriend of the ages.

⚛︎

A/N: thanks to the anon who sent the request for this! I really enjoyed writing it! I think I could've improved some things but overall I'm pretty satisfied with it, and I hope you are too!

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[maxineswritingcenter]

Maybe in Another Life - Dean x fem!reader part 7

My dumbass needs to stop posting parts early.

In this universe, Chuck had won, Dean, Sam, and (Y/N) were the only ones left. They must find another reality to live so they can find a way to bring back their own. But after getting separated, (Y/N) must find her Dean while working with this universe’s hunters.

Also Season 15 spoilers

-----

Team Free Will, or what was left of it, arrived back in the middle of downtown Hastings, ready to bring back everyone that was taken. Dean was just happy he didn’t have to be without (Y/N) for too long.

They parked in the same intersection they had stood when everything seemed impossible, getting out and standing near the Impala.

“Alright, kid,” Dean glanced at Jack, “You really think you can pull this off?

Jack sighed deeply and smiled. He closed his eyes, like he was listening to the world, then all at once people returned. They were back in their normal routines, as if hey had never left and no time had passed. The brothers smiled as they saw life as they knew it, better than before. As they crossed the street to follow Jack to a more quiet location, Dean grinned as the little mutt they had found after everyone disappeared was trailing behind they boy, tongue out, wagging his tail.

“Way to go.” Dean grinned, “I mean it. Way to go.” He looked around with his arms out.

“So... does this mean you're the new... I mean, what do we call you?” Sam asked awkwardly.

“Who cares what we call him?” Dean said, “Look, all that matters is he got us back online.” Jack grinned full of pride.

“Hey, what happened to Amara when Chuck...” Sam began.

“She's with me. We're in harmony.” Jack said, arms behind his back. He looked at Dean with a sad smile, “She wants me to tell you that she’s the one who brought (Y/N) here. When she saw her world get destroyed she knew what Chuck was doing was wrong. She gave us help.” Dean could only nod sadly. If Amara only brought (Y/N) here to help then... Maybe she was really gone.

“You gonna come back with us to the bunker?” Sam asked.

“What do you mean?” Dean answered, “Of course he's gonna come back to the bunker. He's the man with the plan. He's top dog. He can do whatever he wants now. Come on.” Dean started to turn back towards the Impala, “You know what? We'll spruce the place up. We'll get some recliners. We'll get you one of those big-screen TVs.” Dean turned around, seeing Sam and Jack were still standing there.

“Dean, I'm not coming back home.” He paused, “In a way... I'm already there.”

“Where?”

“Everywhere.”

“So you are Him.” Sam said. Dean walked back to the group, looking at Jack intently.

“I'm me.” Jack let out a laugh, ”But I know what you mean.”

“What if we want to see you? You know, or have a beer or whatever?” Sam asked, sad that Jack, their kid, was leaving. Forever.

“I'm around.” Jack glanced around, “I'll be in every drop of falling rain, every speck of dust that the wind blows, and in the sand, in the rocks, and the sea.”

“It's a hell of a time to bail.” Dean grumbled, disappointed, “You got a lot of people counting on you, people with questions. They're gonna need answers.”

“And those answers will be in each of them.” He answered cryptically, “Maybe not today, but... someday. People don't need to pray to me or to sacrifice to me. They just need to know that I'm already a part of them and to trust in that. I won't be hands on. Chuck put himself in the story. That was his mistake. But I learned from you and my mother and Castiel and (Y/N) that... when people have to be their best... they can be. And that's what to believe in.” He paused, getting choked up like the brothers were, “Well... I'm really as close as this.” He placed his hand over his heart. He then used that hand to wave, “Goodbye.”

The boy, their boy, turned without another word and walked away. As he walked, he began to fade until their was nothing but a breeze that followed.

“See ya, Jack.” Sam whispered. The brothers shared a glance before walking back to the Impala, the little dog Miracle hopping into the back.

-

Once back at the bunker, the Winchesters sat at the end of the world map table. With a beer in hand and a new found feeling of hope.

Sam cleared his throat, “It's pretty quiet.”

“Mm-hmm.” Dean mumbled, then raised his bottle, “To everyone that we lost along the way.” He toasted. They each took a drink.

Sam shook his head after a minute, almost in disbelief, “You know, with Chuck not writing our story anymore, we get to write our own. You know, just you and me going wherever the story takes us. Just us.” He said the last part with a certain bittersweetness.

“Finally, free.” Dean said, staring down at the plate of cookies that had been left on the table that (Y/N) had left behind.

-

When (Y/N) had faded, she was brought to a plain white room.

“Well...” She said to no one, “This wasn’t what I was expecting... Could be worse.”

“What about now?” A familiar voice asked from behind her. She turned quickly, seeing Jack’s smiling face.

(Y/N) grinned, quickly crossing the space between them and hugging him tightly, “Jack!” He hugged her with just as much strength and love.

She pulled away, cupping his face, “You did it! You stopped Chuck. I knew you would, sweet boy.”

Jack grinned at her, “All thanks to you.”

(Y/N) dropped her hands and played it off, “Nah, only a little.” She looked around, “So what’s this?”

“This.” He swept his arm out, “Is the beginnings of my new Heaven. I’m planning things out with Cas. Just wanted to get a few things sorted first.”

“You pulled Cas out of the Empty?” She smiled, “That’s great. Where is he?” She looked around him.

“He’s with the others.” He said, “Getting them caught up.”

“Well, can I help? I got all the time in the world.” She grinned.

Jack took a step back, “Actually... I had something else in mind.”

She narrowed her eyes at him in confusion, “Like what?” She chuckled.

“Like me.” A deep voice made her turn back around slowly.

The Dean that stood there was not the Dean she had left behind a few hours ago. This Dean wore a friendship bracelet that the girls and (Y/N) had made for him when he was drunk. This Dean's tattoos peaked out from the sleeves of his flannel. This Dean had scars on his face from the blast that had taken Jack from them. This Dean favored his left side after a fight with a rougarou had shattered his knee. This Dean was hers.

(Y/N)’s smile fell and so did tears.

“Dean...” She started walking towards him, “Dean!” She started to run, throwing her arms around his neck, nearly knocking him over.

“Whoa...” He laughed, hugging her tightly.

“I’m so sorry, I couldn’t- I couldn’t-” She hiccupped into his jacket.

“Baby...” He looked down at her, wiping her tears away, “There’s was nothing we could have done.”

“I know, but-”

Dean smiled, his eyes sparkling, “Baby... You did it.” He kissed her nose, “You helped save the world.”

“But I lost you.” She whimpered.

Dean let out a shaky breath, “I know. But look at me now. I’m in Heaven.” He chuckled, “Thanks to our new god.” He glanced at Jack then looked deeply into her eyes, “You deserve to live in the world you saved.”

(Y/N) shook her head, “No.” She cleared her throat, “No, I can’t.”

"You can."

"But what about you? You're mine and I lost you and I have you back now. How could I go back?"

“(Y/N), baby, sweetheart. Maybe in another life we can be together and have the perfect life." He held her hand, "That Dean and me have the same souls, same everything. Well for the most part." He choked back a sob, "Right now, there’s a me down there that deserves your love.”

“I love you.” She pressed a kiss to his lips, “I love you, I love you.”

“I love you.” He grinned, and turned her back towards Jack, “Beam her up, kiddo.”

Jack smiled and nodded, snapping his fingers.

-

Dean woke up the next morning and laid there, thinking about all the things that had happened in the last three days. They had stopped God. Jack became God. He lost (Y/N) again. He got a dog. And he had a job interview in a couple hours. Life was interesting. 

Finally getting up to meet the day, he expect Miracle to scamper in greet him like he started doing every morning. But the shaggy dog wasn’t in the doorway. Strange. He was actually starting to get used to the routine. 

“Miracle?” He called. Still nothing. He grumbled and stood up, grabbing his robe off the corner of his open door. 

“Miracle!” He called again. He passed Sam ans Eileen who was on their way out of the kitchen with a plate of... blueberry pancakes?

Dean put a had out, stopping his brother, “Are those blueberries in those pancakes?” 

Eileen smirked, “Uh, yeah.” 

Dean rolled his eyes, annoyed that he made breakfast without him, “Have you seen the dog?” 

“Yeah.” Sam nodded, “In the kitchen.” 

Dean grumbled, walking into the kitchen. He found Miracle eating out of his bowl, wagging his tail. 

“There you are, buddy.” Miracle looked up from his meal, turning and greeting Dean with a smile, or what looked like a smile. 

“Dean-Bean.” Her sweet voice called. He looked up slowly finding her standing in front of him. She was in a pair of sweatpants and one of his t-shirts, she wore an apron that said kiss the cook. Her hair was in a messy bun, flour dusted her nose and cheeks. 

“Breakfast?” (Y/N) asked sweetly. 

Dean stood up, reaching out to brush a piece of hair behind her ear, a shaky laugh leaving his lips. 

“Did you miss me?” She smirked, “It’s only been three days.” 

“Three days too long.” He leaned forward, but he was stopped by a her finger on his puckered lips. He hummed in confusion, eyes wide. 

“I need you to make me a promise.” She said, pulling her hand away, “No more hunting. You’ve done enough. We've done enough. There are more hunters who can handle all the evil." She pointed upwards, "Big guy's orders." 

Dean sighed deeply and smirked, “If that’s all I gotta do to spend the rest of my life with you? Hell, I won’t even watch a monster movie.” 

“I don’t know if I’d go that far.” She rolled her eyes. 

Dean gave her a cheesy grin and pulled her close, pressing his forehead against hers, "I love you." He whispered, "I promise you I'm going to give you the best life I can. We're gonna be the family we always dreamed of being. I promise.”

-

Their lives became what she had always pictured. Nothing fancy, just living comfortably and away from anything that went bump in the night. 

Dean got a job as a mechanic in Lawrence, Kansas. They were actually able to move into his childhood home. (Y/N) had taken a job a librarian. Miracle had livened up their home even more and was very helpful when they welcome three sets of pitter, pattering feet. Two girls and a boy. The girls, Josephine Ellen, and Charlotte Jody Winchester had their father wrapped around their little fingers and enough fighting spirit that (Y/N) couldn’t help but be reminded on the Winchester brothers. Their little boy, Robert Henry Winchester was a sweet boy that reminded them of a certain God that they knew was watching over them. 

Sam, who had finished his law degree, had married Eileen and had a son of their own who they named Dean after the brother who raised him. They lived in Kansas City, which was only a short drive in the Impala for visits. 

Life goes on. Baby giggles turn to laughter. Bodies begin to ache. Near the end, Dean and (Y/N) lay in their bed, surrounded by children, grand-children, and even great-grandchildren. A new legacy. 

Heaven was perfect, aged back to their prime they were able to find friends and loved ones lost to time. They could share in this paradise forever thanks to a certain angel in a trench coat and the boy God. 

(Y/N) leaned against a beam on the porch of the Road House and smiled, watching Sam and Dean talk, catching up on what they'd missed in their time gone.

Castiel appeared at her side in a flutter of feathers. In Heaven, she could see his wings clearly. They appeared black, but were a rainbow of colors when they hit the light.

"Hey you." She nudged him with her elbow.

Grinning, he nudged her back, "Hello."

"How's Jack?"

"Jack's..." He hummed, "Jack is great. I couldn't be more proud."

"I wish I was there to see him put Chuck on his on his ass. Dean said it was glorious."

"Jack told me of your sacrifice. That was very brave."

She shrugged, "I didn't get the name till afterwards but..." She looked at the ring on his finger, "I think I earned the Winchester."

Dean took notice of Cas and smiled, patting Sam on the back and the brothers mad their way to the group. 

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes life is mostly downs. But when you have friends like they had? Well, it makes it all worth while. Especially if you have some divine magic to help. 

--------

Yay! It’s finished! Literal dream come true. Thank you all for reading! 

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A Shoulder to Cry on

Chapter 17 - Always the Bridesmaid.

A/N: This one is very Angsty I hope I haven’t over done it. Mentions of drug abuse. Sorry to be clogging up you tag notes with A&E - Alone chapter today and ATB today! I hope you like it.

Only tagging those who have asked. I hate to annoy people with tags.

Read previous chapters HERE!

Warnings: Fluff & Angst

Word Count: 2103

Pairings: Laila x Harry

Enjoy!

His house was the closest to Rem's but him bring the brother closest to her age, they had always gotten on better than the older two. Harry was at work with back to back sessions, she didn't want to bother him. He answers the door "Lai?" Her eyes are swollen and red "Lai, what's a matter?" He pulls her in for a hug "Nate, I thought I was doing the right thing!" She sobs.

"Hey! It's OK! Come on, let's get you off the doorstep. I'll make us a tea and you can tell me what is going on!" She follows him to the kitchen "Are the kids here?" She wipes the tears from her face, "No, Zeppy has gone to Vicky" he rolls his eyes at the mention of her name "And Jade has taken the boys swimming" he calls back as he makes his way to the kitchen.

A few minutes later he comes in with 2 cuppas "There you go! I can't remember if you take sugar or not"

"That'll do fine!" She smiles as he hands her the mug "So, what has upset ya?" She sighs not wanting to talk about it, but that's why she's here "It's Rem...he probably hates me. Alene has been in contact with Melissa and she wants to build bridges with Rem. I went round just now to have a word with him and he got angry and kicked me out" she sobs.

Nate rubs her back and hands her a tissue "Oh Lai! I'm sure he didn't mean it! It's just a sore subject for him, you know this more than anyone. Once he calms down, he'll realise he shouldn't have taken it out on you" Laila wipes her tears and takes a deep breath.

"I get why he is upset, I do...." Laila's phone starts to ring, she didn't want to speak to anyone right now other than Nate, so she ignored the call, a few seconds later her phone PINGS "You should get that maybe it's Rem?" she huffs pulling out her phone Harry's name appears across the screen.

"It's Harry, Alec has told him about what happened with Rem. Looks like he tried to call me too. I'll give him a call back in bit" she puts her phone away "I think Rems will be fine once he cools off. You've got to also think it's a big thing! Here he is building this new life with Alec and suddenly the past comes rolling in" She feels a little better after talking to Nate.

"So, Zeppy has gone to see her Mum?" Nate rolls his eyes "Yeah, not much I can do able that now she's 18" Nate just shook his head, he always worries when Zeppy is visiting Vic as she always comes home with an attitude.

15 Years ago

Zeppy and Vicky's mother and daughter relationship has always been up and down, but more downs than ups. When Zeppy was 3 Nate went to pick up Zeppy as usual, she would spend weekends with him, he knocked on the door and got no answer.

He knocked a few more times again, still no answer, as he opened the flap of the letter box he could see straight into the kitchen where Zeppy was turning the dials on the gas cooker hob.

That's when the smell of gas hit him, he calls out to Zeppy to stop and open the front door.

After Zeppy unlock the door he rushed his daughter out the house and into his car before going back inside to turn off the gas and in search of Vicky but there was no sign of her in the house. Zeppy's bag was packed near the front door, he picked it up and left the house.

30 minutes later a frantic Vicky calls him, after the 5th call he finally answers "PLEASE TELL ME, YOU HAVE HER NATHAN!!???" still angry she had left their 3 year old daughter in the house by herself, he decides to be cruel "Have who?" he calmly asks "WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHO?? OUR DAUGHTER!!?" she screams down the phone at him.

"No, I'm running late. I did call to tell you" this was a lie he had called her after he found she had left Zeppy at home alone. "NATHAN! SHE'S GONE!!" she's sobbing on the other end of the phone "How?" he asked, hoping she won't lie like she has on other occasions. Like when Zeppy had used Vicky's phone to call him because Vicky had collapsed. When he got there she lied saying she had the flu, but he knew better the reason why she collapsed was the same reason they split - Drugs. 

"She was in the shops with me....I turned away for a second and she was gone" this was the last straw for him. She had flat out lied to him, on the way to his, he asked Zeppy where Vicky was she told him that she had left with Scott (One of her druggie friends) and told her not to answer the door to  anyone leaving her there.

"Good job she's safe then! I have her, I was early, but thank fuck I was! Vic, she was playing with the gas cooker! What the earth possessed you to leave our 3 year old daughter by herself?"  Vicky knew she had been caught out "Nathan! You scared the shit outta me!" his blood boiled he couldn't even be bother to answer that she clearly couldn't see what she had done was wrong.

With the help of Terry and Liz, he won primary custody of Zeppy before she was 4. When Zeppy started school Nate was a single dad, so Liz would always pick up Zeppy from school as his job at his grandad's Garage was until 5PM. He met Jade on her first shift at the pub, he was covered in oil, but her smile won his heart the first time he saw her.

The next day he came to collect Zeppy he had gone home to change his clothes and shower. Liz looked a little confused when she saw Nate walk through the door clean and smart, but she soon realised why when her eyes followed the direction he was stupidly smiling in. He made the excuse that he and Zeppy would have dinner at the pub that night just so he could stay a little longer. By the end of the night he finally worked up the courage to ask her out....

2 years later.

Jade gave birth to their first son Blake by his first birthday they were married soon followed Isaac and Alfie.

When Jade had gone into labour with Blake, Vicky assumed she would automatically get Zeppy for a few days, but Nate had already planned for Liz and Terry to have her. This broke her heart, so she turned to her only friend and overdosed. Waking up in hospital, she was greeted by Nate stood at the bottom of her bed with a sad Zeppy. She smiled at her daughter as she opened her eyes, but Zeppy didn't return it "Zep? Baby, Aren't you happy to see Mummy?" she asked. Zeppy teared up, "NO!" she shouted back at her before storming off upset.

Vicky looked to Nate "I couldn't keep it a secret from her anymore Vic. She knows how you got here" the look of realizations spreads across her face, "You told her?!" she hissed, he leaned over the end of the bed "Believe it or not...she overheard the doctor. Vic this was supposed to be a happy time, but you went and shat all over it!" he walks off leaving her with nothing, but her tears.

Although Zeppy wasn't biologically Jade's daughter, she treated her exactly the same as the boys, Vicky hated this. Whenever Zeppy would call Jade Mum in front of Vicky on the supervised visits at the contact centres, she would always hiss "She's not your Mum!" Jade would ignore her.

Jade obviously knew what happened with Vicky, but she also understood she was a Mother and how much it must have hard her to hear her daughter call another woman Mum. Much to Nate's disapproval Jade always encouraged Vicky and Zeppy's relationship she even got him to change the fortnightly supervised visits to once a week. If it was left up to Nate, she wouldn't have any contact what so ever.

As far as Vicky was concerned, he thought Zeppy would be better off without her in her life. But Jade would always convince him as much as he doesn't, like her, it has to be Zeppy's decision on whether she kept in contact with her or not and if he took that away from her she would resent him for it. Zeppy kept contact in hope that one day she might have a normal Mum, one that might put her daughter and her health first.

So far that seems a long way off.

Present day

"Probably Vicky talking in her ear, but don't take it to heart, Nate" she smiles her phone rings again. She takes a look at the screen, it's Harry again "You better answer that he'll be worried about you" Nate gets up "I'll make us some lunch and you speak to your boyfriend" Laila answers the phone.

"Hey handsome!"

"Hi my love, Are you OK? Alec called me and told me about Rem's blowing up"

"Yeah, I'm OK! I'm at Nate's just talking about it with him"

"Are you sure you're OK? I can see if I can get Ollie to take on the rest of my PT sessions for today?"

She smiles at his sweetness "I'm fine now....what time do you finish? I'll pick you up in the car?"

"If you're sure? I finish at 4 today"

"Yeah, I'm sure and I'll see you at 4"

"OK 4...I love you!"

"I love you more"

Nate makes a gagging noise at his sister, she laughs as she hangs up "Things going well between you two then?" she rolls her eyes at him "Clearly!" he hands her a sandwich "Cucumber and lots of butter" she laughs, "You used to make me these for my packed lunches at school or if I was ill"

"You loved them, I remember someone telling mum not to make your lunch box because you wanted me to do it!"

"To be fair mum would normally chuck in some Jacobs crackers with butter and grated cheese, that stuff would always go everywhere! Do you make the kids these?"

"Yeah, Zeppy used to love them. Alf, Blake and Isaac still have them if they are having packed lunch"

They heard the front door slam "Jade? Zeppy?" Nate called out soon after he heard footsteps hammer up the stairs before another door slam "Zeppy?!" Laila said as she looked to Nate. He sighed and was about to get up from the sofa to deal with his daughter, but Laila grabbed his arm "Let me!"

He sat back down, leaving Laila to deal with one of Zeppy's mood swings. She knocks on the bedroom door to hear Zeppy yell "Dad, go away!" She knocks again "Zippy, it's me!" She heard her huff followed by footsteps coming closer.

The door swings open, Zeppy's eyes are swollen "Will you stop calling that Aunt Leia!" Laila laughs.

It was 3 months after Nate had found out about Zeppy that Laila first met Zeppy. She could never pronounce her name right, it always came out as Leia, it kinda stuck until she hit her teens and she started calling her Aunt Laila and she asked her to stop calling her Zippy.

"Are you going to let me in to have a chat?" she doesn't respond, she moves away from the door and wanders back into her room leaving the door open. Laila walks into the bedroom Zeppy is slumped on the side of her bed, head down looking at her feet. Laila saw her wiping her eyes, "Zep's, what's wrong?" she sits down next to her, Zeppy turns away from her "Come on, you can tell me!"

"She's using again!" she hisses towards Laila, she pulls Zeppy to her chest and she begins to sob "Am I not enough? I told her after the last time if she used again that's it...I'm cutting her out of my life"

It breaks Laila's heart to see her niece like this.

Why can't she see what an amazing daughter, she has!?

Continue reading this story here - Chapter 18.

@lem-20 @ridgy--didge @secretaryunpaid @irisofpurple​ @khoicesbyk @txemrn @tea-me-kah @casualpostqueen @gloriousalmondvoiddreamer @beautifuluknownvoid​

[seraph-novak]

Forever, My Love (15x14)

Originally posted on AO3

What if the interdimensional geoscope had given Dean a glimpse of what could be if he weren’t so afraid of his own feelings?

Likes/comments/reblogs are very much appreciated ♥

~~~

Dean had got into the habit of checking the geoscope every day, usually while Sam was out on his morning run, and Mrs. Butters was busy teaching Jack how to bake. He could snatch around twenty minutes of privacy, if he timed it right. It was never enough to satisfy him, but he doubted anything but a lifetime of staring through the magical eyepiece would ever be enough. Sure, it made him feel like a fucking peeping Tom, but there was something so irresistibly addictive about the geoscope; he knew he’d reached a point in his life where there was no turning back, no realistic chance of making any drastic, life-changing decisions that could spin him in a whole new direction, a better direction, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t bask in the accomplishments of his interdimensional counterparts. Even the gut-wrenching crash he almost always experienced after tearing himself away wasn’t enough to discourage him. He needed his daily fix, no matter how crappy and self-pitying it made him feel in the aftermath. He needed to remind himself that somewhere out there, in another lifetime, he’d had the balls to make all the right decisions, that he wasn’t a stinking coward in every dimension. 

With that in mind, he quietly slipped through the gap of his bedroom door, scanning the corridors left and right before slinking off towards the library, keeping his footsteps as light and delicate as he could manage. Sam’s door was already open, his bed neatly made and his running shoes nowhere to be seen. If he was sticking to his usual routine, which was normally the case on the days they weren’t hunting, he wouldn’t be back for at least another hour. 

As he made his way into the library, he could hear the distant clang of pots and pans being pulled from their various places in the kitchen; he couldn’t smell the rich, buttery aroma of pancakes yet, however, which meant he probably had at least half an hour before Mrs. Butters and Jack whipped up the batter and started making breakfast. He had plenty of time. 

With one last glance around the room, Dean pulled up a chair and positioned himself behind the geoscope, shaking out his hands and blinking his eyes to make sure they wouldn’t start stinging straight away. He hated having to pull away from the geoscope before he was ready, the gloomy normalcy of his own reality never failing to dampen the golden rush of warmth and joy that settled inside his chest while immersing himself in other dimensions. By now, he knew which ones to avoid, and which ones hit the right spot; his hands worked on autopilot as he adjusted the various buttons and dials hidden on the lidded panel beneath the eyepiece, the controls that allowed him to focus on specific dimensions. He had his favourites, of course, but he liked to switch things up now and again. Plus, the other dimensions were slowly but surely falling off the radar, no doubt due to Chuck’s celestial tantrum; he was trashing all the toys he no longer played with at an exponential rate, making it increasingly harder for Dean to find any half-decent dimensions that didn’t make him want to fucking bawl his eyes out. Without the option of being picky, he could settle on just about any dimension where the vast majority of his friends and family were still alive (Sammy and Cas were a dealbreaker) and they hadn’t all spiralled into a dark, depressive state of complete and utter hopelessness yet. 

But the dimensions that really did it for him, the ones he purposely sought out when he needed a pick-me-up, were the ones where he was actually happy. And not just him, but Sam and Cas and Jack and Eileen and even his mom, in the rare dimensions where she was still alive. He loved spying on these dimensions, not just because they were full of genuine smiles and laughter, but because they always included one thing – one insane, dizzying factor that had almost given him a fucking heart attack the first time he stumbled across it. Even now, after weeks of adjusting to the heart-stuttering notion that multiple versions of himself had managed to take the plunge he’d never even considered taking himself until recently, his breath still caught in back of his throat every time he switched to one of these dimensions, the geoscope automatically directing him to wherever the ‘other Dean’ was hanging around, and found himself in a compromising position with Cas, usually pressed up against a wall somewhere with the angel’s tongue shoved down his throat, or sometimes nestled quietly together in some private corner of the bunker, simply holding each other close. Those were the situations that really got to him, the ones that filled him with an aching sense of longing that left him walking in a trance for hours after abandoning the geoscope. Sam and Jack would bombard him with questions of concern whenever he got into one of those states, and Mrs. Butters would simply fix him with a knowing smile and slide a plate of grilled cheese towards him, a gesture that never failed to lift his spirits. 

It was a shock, that’s for sure. He didn’t really know if it even made any sense, if that was something he’d ever have the guts to do, even in a dimension where things usually went according to plan, and the good times generally outweighed the bad. But, even so, he found himself craving those crazy snippets of lust and comfort, imagining his own Cas, the version he’d continuously stomped on and treated like crap for over a decade, holding him with the same level of gentleness and care, gazing down at him with the same adoration in his eyes as he carded those long, nimble fingers through his hair... It was something the real him, the version staring desperately down an interdimensional geoscope like he was a fucking addict seeking his next high, could never possibly deserve. 

But that didn’t stop him from wanting it. 

He flipped through a few of his regular channels, a lump steadily rising in his throat as he kept coming up with nothing but darkness, the interdimensional version of TV static. There was only one thing all that nothingness could mean, but he tried not to think too hard on it. He couldn’t bear the thought of all those worlds, all those versions of him and Sam and Cas and every other sorry sucker on earth no longer existing. Had they been together when all those dimensions were wiped out? Had all those versions of him and Cas managed to share one final kiss before the end, or did they not even see it coming? Not even get a chance to say goodbye, to tell each other how much they – 

“Fuck.”

There was bile stinging the back of his throat, his eyes filling with tears that spilled down his cheeks as he scrubbed a hand over his face, the breath sweeping out of him in one long, deflating shudder. He shoved his chair away from the geoscope and closed his eyes for a moment, the blood rushing loud and hot inside his head. After a while, the familiar smell of pancakes wafted into the room, the triumphant tittering of Mrs. Butters stirring him from his reverie. He swallowed thickly and sat up in his chair. He only had a few more minutes before Jack came galloping into the library to announce breakfast, no doubt grinning from ear to ear like a little kid. This time tomorrow, it wouldn’t surprise him if every single dimension in the geoscope was no longer visible. Shit, it wouldn’t be long before their own dimension was nothing but a forgotten smear of nothingness. This might be his last chance to selfishly indulge himself in all the beautiful what-ifs of the universe, and there was no way in hell he was going to pass that up.

He allowed himself another deep breath, then dragged his chair back towards the geoscope, ignoring the burn of tears as he peered into the eyepiece once more. Fiddling with one of the dials for a few moments managed to transport him to a version of himself sitting down in what appeared to be the bunker’s dungeon, his head hanging in his hands. He was about to switch over, already sensing this wasn’t a happy dimension, when Cas appeared in the frame, slowly approaching Dean like a wounded animal before sitting down beside him, his arm sliding around his shoulders. Almost immediately, Dean barrelled into his chest, his hands clutching at the front of Cas’ shirt. He wasn’t crying, not quite, but his shoulders were shaking with silent, tearless sobs. It was like he had nothing left inside him to cry out. 

“It’s over,” he said, his voice hollow. He lifted his head and regarded Cas closely. “How long d’you think we’ve got?”

Cas pressed his lips together, arm tightening around him. “Not long.”

“Days? Hours?”

“I’m thinking minutes, Dean.”

“Fuck.”

“Chuck is done playing his games. He’s won. There’s no reason to drag this out.” He tipped his head back, eyes screwed shut. This version of Cas was apparently more powerful than his; there was a brief flash of white-blue light in his pupils as he opened his eyes again, the lines in his forehead smoothing out as the rush of power ebbed away. “I’m detecting unusual levels of radiation in the atmosphere. I think it will all be over very soon.”

Dean barked a wet laugh and nuzzled his head against Cas’ shoulder. “At least it’ll be quick. Not like it was for Sammy.”

“Dean...”

“It’s not fair, Cas. It wasn’t supposed to end this way, ya know?”

“I know.” Cas rubbed his nose against Dean’s scalp, breathing him in. It was hard to tell from a distance, but it looked like he was kissing his hair. At least this version of them had seemingly managed to get their crap together before the end. “I won’t leave you, my love. I’ll be here.”

Well, that was new.

“Promise?”

“Always,” Cas whispered, dragging his lips softly against Dean’s temple, until their mouths connected in a chaste kiss. Dean’s eyes were still closed when they parted, his hands trembling against Cas’ chest. He looked so fucking small like that, but somehow unafraid. Maybe it was the fact that dying in a blazing fire was a lot less scary than living in a world without his brother, or maybe it was the angel wrapped around him, kissing his cheek and stroking his back. Either way, he looked at peace. Or as peaceful as anyone could hope to be when the world was coming to an end. 

“Do you think... heaven’ll still exist?” Dean asked. He seemed hesitant to voice the question, almost bashful, as if he already knew the answer, but was naively hoping for Cas to prove him wrong. 

After a beat of telling silence, Cas raised Dean’s chin with the pad of his thumb and gently cupped his cheek. He was wearing a crooked smile, the one that lifted one side of his mouth with a lazy flash of teeth, his eyes lidded softly. Dean had only seen it a couple times before in his own dimension, usually when Cas was depressed or deluded or fucking possessed. It made a nice change to see it directed at him, or a version of him, with nothing but love behind its meaning. What he wouldn’t give to see his own Cas looking at him like that someday. 

“Do you remember our wedding?” Cas asked, changing the subject in an endearingly awkward way. It was only then that he noticed the bands on their fingers: Dean’s broad and gold, Cas’ narrow and silver. Some would probably call them mismatched, but they were alike in their simplicity, their understated beauty. They looked perfect next to each other as Cas threaded his fingers through Dean’s and lifted their hands to his lips, kissing the golden ring. “It was quite the occasion.”

“I remember you blowing me at the reception,” Dean replied with a grin, his eyes trained on the rings as they brushed against each other. “Couldn’t get the fucking stain outta your tie. Had to pretend it was cake.”

“No one believed us.”

“Nope.” Dean chuckled under his breath. He was getting sleepy, if the slurring of his voice was anything to go by. The impending heat of destruction was likely pressing around them, making it difficult to breathe. He could feel his own chest staggering in response, as if he was there with them. He knew he shouldn’t be watching, should’ve pulled away as soon as he realised what was going on, but he couldn’t seem to move his hands. His fingers were wrapped around the dial with a vicelike grip, his jaw tightly clenched. He had to see this through, no matter how painful it proved to be. 

In the other dimension, Cas’ gaze had turned solemn, his throat squeezing up and down. As an angel, he didn’t need to breathe, but he still appeared to be struggling. Or maybe it was the tears gathering in his eyes, saturating the usual stormy hue to a bright, glittering blue. 

“That day, I promised to love and cherish you forever,” he said, the muscles in his face twitching with the effort of keeping the tears at bay. “I promised to protect you, stay by your side no matter what. I intend to keep as many of those promises as possible.” He bowed his head, pressing his forehead against Dean’s. They leaned into each other with an ease that defied every doubt and fear that Dean had ever felt, every whispered voice in the back of his mind telling him he could never have this, every obstacle he’d placed in his own path to prevent himself from taking a step too far and losing himself in a love that would undoubtedly leave his life cold and empty in its absence, when the day it abandoned him inevitably came... The way they fell into other seemed so easy, so natural, and Dean was struggling to remember why he hadn’t been doing this with his own Cas for the past twelve years. How fucking stupid, to let the fears he’d conjured up for himself as some kind of security blanket keep him from having this. How absolutely fucking ridiculous. 

“You getting sappy on me, Cas?”

Cas laughed, a tragic sound. “Would you prefer it if I stopped?”

“Nah. Keep going.” Dean buried his face in the crook of Cas’ neck, arms coming up to squeeze his waist, a single tear finally rolling down his cheek. “Tell me you love me.”

It was whispered, fractured with vulnerability, and Cas responded in a similar fashion, his voice a low murmur just for them. “I love you, Dean Winchester. My brave man. My insufferable idiot. My saviour. My best friend.”

Dean was shaking in his arms, his face pressed against his skin. His mouth was moving, either whispering words of his own, or simply kissing his neck, drinking in as much of this moment as possible before it all came crashing down around them. It wouldn’t be long now, seconds at most. Dean could feel fresh tears pooling in his eyes, his stomach rolling with anticipation as he watched the scene helplessly, caught between grief and longing. Would his Cas be there beside him when he met his own demise? Would he hold him in his arms and swear to love and protect him until the very end? No. It didn’t seem likely, not unless Dean gave him permission to do so, let him know that’s what he wanted. And when had he ever given Cas the impression that he wanted him in that way? Never. Because he was a coward. Because he hadn’t, up until this moment, realised how fucking pointless it was to keep holding himself back from something that would make him genuinely happy, if all these other dimensions were anything to go by, when the world was literally falling to its knees. 

“I love you,” Dean gasped, kissing Cas on the lips once more as a deafening rumble tore through the bunker, sending up clouds of dust and mortar as the walls of the dungeon began to crumble. “Just hold me. Please, Cas. Don’t leave me alone.”

“I’m here,” Cas said, shushing him softly. “I’m here, my love.”

He stayed like that, kissing his eyes and holding him close, long after Dean could no longer hear or feel him. He stayed by his side until the very end, just as he’d promised, until a silent explosion of white light engulfed the bunker, temporarily blinding Dean until the feed cut out and the geoscope was bathed in darkness, finally releasing him from its hold. 

Dean tumbled off his chair with a sob, stumbling backwards down the steps leading to the geoscope and straight into the arms of Cas, his Cas, who was watching him with wide eyes, his hands instinctively flying up to Dean’s arms to steady him. He was saying something, probably asking him what the hell he was freaking out about, but all Dean could hear was white noise. Cas had died. Cas had been swallowed by white fire. Cas was gone. But he was also here, now pressing the back of his hand against Dean’s forehead, checking him for a fever. His Cas was still alive, with his tanned skin and baggy eyes and wrinkled coat and stupid, lovely voice. He looked tired, as per usual, but his concern for Dean was taking centre stage. As per fucking usual. How had it taken him so long to figure this shit out?

“Dean, what –”

“Don’t you go dying on me,” he said, his voice a pitch too high as all the sounds came rushing back. “I ain’t fucking done with you yet. There’s too much I gotta say.”

Cas was shaking his head, completely bemused. “Dean, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve only just arrived. My leads on Amara all dried up.”

“I don’t care about that right now.”

“Dean –”

“Stop saying my name!”

Cas snapped his mouth shut, adorably at odds about what to do without the ability to say his favourite word, the word that only ever sounded perfect on his lips. “I... But...”

“Just look at me.” Dean lifted a shaking hand to the angel’s face, tracing the lines of worry etched into his skin. For a guy who didn’t require sleep, he looked like he was about to keel over from exhaustion. He was a fucking mess, that’s for sure. But Dean liked him. Wanted him. There was no point in denying it anymore. He didn’t want to carry all these repressed emotions to fucking oblivion. He wanted all the mushy promises and clashing wedding rings and dirty memories to laugh about when was old and grey and farting sawdust. He wanted a happy ending, goddamnit. 

“Dean,” Cas said, apparently unable to help himself.  

Dean smiled, met his eyes. “My love.”

Cas spluttered, his cheeks flushing, and Dean smothered his mouth with a biting grin, his own face flooded with warmth. It was nice to see those words had the same effect on Cas as they did on him. Nice, also, to feel Cas’ lips moving against his own, albeit slowly, as if he was still puzzling through, trying to figure things out. Dean couldn’t blame him for being confused, but he wasn’t in the mood for explaining things just yet. They’d wasted enough time as it was. He didn’t want to get stuck grieving for a version of him and Cas that no longer existed; there was only one Dean and Cas he had any chance of saving, and they were right here, kissing for the first time in a newly-polished bunker with tears sticking their cheeks together and the smell of freshly-cooked pancakes sweetening the air. 

When they finally pulled apart, Cas was gawking at him with pinkened cheeks and a bewildered smile. Dean opened his mouth to say something, to at least make a start at explaining things, when Jack suddenly came skidding into the library, his 1000-watt smile turning even brighter when he spotted Cas. 

“Cas! You’re back! I’ll tell Mrs. Butters to make some more pancakes.”

He bolted away as quickly as he’d appeared, apparently not noticing Dean and Cas’ close proximity, or otherwise not caring. Dean loved him for that. 

“Mrs. Butters...?” 

Dean looked back at Cas, his heart clenching when he realised the angel was still clutching at his jacket, lips just a hair’s breadth away from his own. They were even prettier after being kissed. “It’s a long story. How about I tell you over breakfast?”

Cas nodded, the corner of his mouth twitching with one of those precious half-smiles. “I’d like that.” 

[bellatrixobsessed1]

From Chin To Yon Rah (Part 5)

The little girl giggles as she watches Azula tug at the turnip and topple over when the leaves come free without the vegetable itself. She lands with a soft thud and an off. Her cheeks burn to a degree that would make her fire feel cool.

The man laughs, “no, no, you do it like this.”

Azula sticks her lower lip out and folds her arms over her chest.

“You gotta take it by the base, if you just pull from the leaves then you’ll just get a fist full of leaves. I mean unless you get lucky. But let's not test our luck because that just makes it harder.” He approaches a new turnip and grips it as close to the vegetable as possible and then gives it a pull. It comes free, dirt shaking from the roots. He brushes it off and tosses it into a wheelbarrow. “Sometimes, if it’s really stubborn, you have to dig around it a little.”

Azula looks at her hands and furrows her brows. She has yet to get dirt under her fingernails and that is not part of her plan.

He laughs again, “yeah, you’re going to have to get them dirty.”

“I don’t mind getting them dirty. I just don’t want to have to dig dirt out from under my nails.”

“In other words, you don’t want to get them dirty.”

Her eyes narrow. “I don’t have to do this, you know.”

“You do if ya want old man Ojihara to pay you.”

Her pout only grows. She opens her mouth but he beats her to it. “And I’m not going to do your share for you.”

She holds her glare as she wraps her fingers around the leaves and gives the turnip a hard yank. It jerks free to reveal the most pathetically small turnip that has ever been harvested. With a sharp inhale through her nose, she chucks it into the wheelbarrow. The man laughs, “I guess that, that’s a good start.”

“Sure, whatever.” She grumbles.

“I ken eat that ‘tur’ip, it’s me size.” The little girl calls from her perch. She kicks her legs at the air. “Ken I have that tur’ip?” She asks the man.

“You’ll have to ask Ojihara.”

“Just give her the turnip.” Azula rolls her eyes. “He won’t miss one, especially not one that small. My mongoose-lizard wouldn’t even want that.” She plucks the turnip from the pile and tosses it to the girl who beams from ear to ear. At least someone appreciates her hard work.

The man chuckles again. “I take it you’re the heroic sort?”

Azula tilts her head.

“Stealing food from privileged folks and giving it to children. That’s like, classic hero stuff.”

“I’m not a hero. That turnip is simply insignificant and won’t change the world or anyone’s life one way or another. She’s going to eat it and forget that I ever gave it to her and Ojihara will never know.”

She can tell that he is going to laugh again before he does. “Are all of you Fire Nationals so serious all the time?”

“Yes.”

She yanks another turnip, this time it is worth placing amid the others. She doesn’t want to smile, because it is a really stupid thing to smile over but she does. “I got it.” She remarks smugly. “I harvested a turnip.”

“Great, only twenty or so more. Hopefully you’ll be this enthusiastic about the rest of them.”

Evidently she is at least to the degree that she has made it into a contest; if she can harvest more turnips than him then she is the superior, more skilled harvester. And that is something to take pride in. He doesn’t understand why she is so mad that he won the competition that he never knew he was in.

“I think that you did good!” The little girl declares as they pack it in.

Azula wipes a beat of sweat off of her forehead. Agni, could she use a shower and those luxurious soaps and shampoos from the palace. She smells like hard work and dirt and turnip. She hates all three odors.

“So what if he got more. Yours look better. They’re more purple.”

Azula isn’t sure that purple is the color she would use to describe them, but the compliment still stands. “You are correct.” She agrees. “I’d wager that you’re the only sensible person in this town.”

“I don’no what that means.” She shrugs. “What’s a sen-si-bowl?”

“Nevermind.” Azula sighs.

“Are you gonna stay here or are you gonna go to Chin? My dad says that yer goin’ to Chin?”

“I am, eventually.” She replies. “I’m just staying here a bit longer than I thought I would.”

“Good, ‘cause I like you and you can’t leave ‘cause I said so.”

Azula quirks a brow. “Oh? And how do you think that you’re gonna...going to  make me stay?”

She thinks for a moment. “I’ll tell dad and he’ll make you stay.” She flashes a smile as though she has had achieved some grand victory.

“If you say so.”

“I’m Caihong, who are you?”

“Rikka.”

The man appears behind her and scoops the child into his arms. He tosses Azula a pouch of coins.

“This is more than…” More than she earned, she knows that much. She is woefully horrible at harvesting turnips. And she didn’t exactly lose with grace.

“I gave you some of my share. For keeping Cai entertained.” He grins. “She really likes you.”

That day she learns what it is to be humble.

.oOo.

Azula exhales as they run the comb through her hair. The scent of cedar wood rises off of the softly steaming water and mixes with that of the incense that wafts gasps of smoke into the air. She is surprised that the serving girls remember what scents she likes, it is minute detail. She feels the comb against her scalp, a much welcomed sensation as a different serving girl massages delicate smelling lotion into her calloused palms. Another still, scrubs at her feet, carefully grinding away the roughness of a long walk. She hadn’t realized just how terribly her feet were aching until they began to work the knots out of them.

“Grapes?” Offers another servant.

Azula shakes her head, content to bask in the pampering. It has been such a long time. She almost feels as though she should be receiving such tender treatment. As leisurely as it is, it feels intimidatingly foreign to be so sublimely indulged. Somehow it feels wrong to let them work the callouses out of her hands and feet and the dirt out of her hair and pores. It is unfathomably wonderful to have them scrubbing aptly smelling soaps over her face, to feel clean for the first time in ages. Yet her stomach still flutters.

The servant tentatively sets the princess’ hand down and takes the other. The other servant is still working on her first foot. The servant with the comb withdraws, “your hair is washed, I’ll fetch some ribbons and hair ornaments.”

Azula nods.

“Would you like your nails polished?” Asks the servant working on her left hand.

She nods again. She hasn’t worn polish in ages. And her nails, chipped and broken, could use some filing and evening.

The other serving girl puts her left foot down and takes the right. This time her lips press into a grim line. “I’m going to have the palace physician look at this one.”

The fluttering in her belly swells. Admittedly, that foot has been sore but she has since grown used to it. “Why, what’s wrong with it?”

“It’s swollen and inflamed.”

Azula knows that she has tensed when the girl working on her hand pauses to massage her shoulders. She relaxes again and the girl resumes her task. Azula closes her eyes and inhales through her nose.

“Good.” Murmurs the remaining serving girl. “Just try to relax.”

She does, mostly. The physician examines her foot as the team of serving girls fix her hair up and apply a subtle layer of makeup to her face. Significantly less subtle is the amount they apply to her neck. She doesn’t stop them, looking at the scar opens the ones in her mind.

“There’s a slight infection.” The doctor declares. “I’ll get that cleaned up and get you some ointments.”

“That sounds well.” Azula replies.

He gives her a slight smile. “When you are finished here, I’d like to give you a full examination. We’d like you to be in good health for when your homecoming is announced.”

“Yes, I would like to be in good health.” She agrees. Though she doesn’t feel particularly ill, it couldn’t hurt to make sure. She supposes that she might be at least slightly malnourished, her hair doesn’t grow as fast as it used to and its color is less vibrant.

It doesn’t piece together until he has left the room; they are going to parade her in front of all of Capital City. The amount of attention that Zuko had garnered with his arrival after three years was record breaking. She has been out of the public eye for nearly six; one spent institutionalized, another two self-confined to the palace, three in the Earth Kingdom, and an additional two months trekking from Yon Rah to Capital City. Her mouth runs dry. She used to love the attention, loved standing over her subjects and looking down upon the crowd. She isn’t sure that this is still something she will relish in. She isn’t sure how they will take to her after so long. They took kindly enough to Zuko’s return…

“Hey, Azula!” Sokka greets.

.oOo.

His stomach does a little flop at the sight of her. Her servant just finishes applying a soft shade of red to her lips. It is like looking into the past; save for shorter hair, he is looking at the girl he’d pinned to the wall during an eclipse. She is styled to almost uncanny perfection; well manicured nails, soft skin--sunburns, scars, and freckles concealed, long and pretty lashes… He suppresses a shudder.

“Sokka.” She returns the greeting.

He clears his throat, “how are you?”

She is quiet for a moment. “My foot is infected.” She turns it inward and back outward again.

“How bad?” He asks.

“The physician says that it isn’t anything to worry about.”

But he has a suspicion that she is worried about something. The inquiry burns on his tongue but this time he leaves it there, lest she make another remark about how many questions he always has for her. He wanders closer and asks something more mundane instead, “it must be nice to get spoiled again.”

He catches the slightest upward quirk of her lip. And he realizes that his initial assessment is wrong; there are other differences between she and who she had been. Though her makeup and hair are fixed up similarly, her stance isn’t so rigid and her eyes are warmer. At the very least, some of the intimidating coldness has left them. And up close he can see the more prominent scars beneath the concealer. She smells nice too, he realizes. And this time without the tinges of smoke.

“Yes, quite.” She answers. “They are going to announce my arrival.”

He laughs, “I feel like that’s a given, right?”

She works her jaw, slightly sticking her lip out. “Yes, I suppose.”

“You want me to come out with you when they announce…”

She shakes her head, “that would look ridiculous.” She pauses. “I mean, I need to go by myself or I won’t be taken seriously. I am stable. I can take care of myself.”

“I think that everyone knows that.”

“Perhaps.” She replies. “But I need to know that everyone knows.”

The servants take a step back, one steps forward again and applies one final stroke of eyeshadow and holds a mirror up for her.  “That will suffice.” She says.

“If you are ready…” The physician prompts.

“I’ll see you at dinner, Sokka.”

He watches her walk away. She limps slightly and he guesses that the doctor has advised against putting her full weight on that foot. He wanders back down the hall and to his room. He wonders how Katara and the others are going to take to Azula when they finally arrive. He hopes that they will give her a chance. He can’t explain it but he thinks that it would sting to see her get discouraged and leave again. He can’t explain it, but he wants her around.

.oOo.

Tomorrow, they tell her. They will have a speech prepared and her outfit ready. Tomorrow everyone in the capital will know that their princess as come home. Tomorrow word will spread fast and she is certain that her moment of peace will have subsided. It has already done so, she reminds herself, her fingers curling around the stone in her pocket. Her thumb brushes over the engraving.

She sits down beneath the maple and lets the wind rustle the fabrics of her robes. The silk caresses her skin pleasantly, like the stokes of a lover’s finger. More like the spectral finders of a lover gone. She swallows, her lower lip trembling. She draws her legs up to her chest

The sun bathes the garden in a wash of picturesque orange. She leans her head against the tree and watches it sink. When it reaches the bottom, she closes her eyes. The night air has a chill, like a death gasp. She grips the stone tighter. She doesn’t notice Zuko taking a seat next to her. She doesn’t wake when he lifts her up and carries her back to her room. Doesn’t stir when he pulls the covers over her shoulders.

She dreams of arms around her. Of a gleeful laugh. Of a sunrise and a warm breeze. It smells faintly of turnip and pine resin. It smells of security, of hope.

[shyvioletcat]

Roommates pregnancy au but it's *Halloween themed*

Am I getting this in by the skin of my teeth? Is it still Halloween in places? I had planned to do it earlier today but it was either write or nap, and nap won.

For the sake of spoilers this happens before the incident but I still hope you enjoy it.

Masterlist for roommate pregnancy au

~~~~~

For the fifth time in 10 minutes there was a knock on the door followed by a muffled call of ‘trick or treat’. Rowan sighed angrily at the intrusion but Aelin swept by behind him towards the front door almost gleefully. “Hi, guys,” Aelin said opening the door. “Wow you all look amazing. Have some candy.” She said the same thing every time she opened the door. Rowan doubted it was actually true. Rowan hadn’t wanted to do Halloween, he wanted to leave the door unadorned and maybe even a no candy sign but Aelin had insisted. After a pretty heated discussion they’d come to a compromise. The door would be decorated and candy would be given out but Aelin had to do it all, Rowan would have no part in it. She also had to take down the decorations before leaving for whatever party she’d be attending tonight, because once she was gone he was not going to be handing anything out. Aelin ran back to her room, obviously to get ready. Rowan went back to his TV show, blocking everything else out. Then before he knew it there was another knock. Rowan paused the TV waiting for the flourish of noise, but Aelin didn’t come out.

“Can you get that one?” Aelin called from her room. “No,” he said back, scrolling aimlessly through his phone, waiting for quiet. “Please?” “That wasn’t the deal,” Rowan called back. The kids knocked again and hollered trick or treat a little louder. “I really don’t want to answer the door to a group of children with my boobs out so could you please get this one,” Aelin practically yelled at him. “Not my problem!” Rowan yelled back. There was an exasperated sound and then stomping and the banging of Aelin’s door being flung open. Rowan turned to see the solution to Aelin’s problem. She’d thrown on a loose sweater, arms folded over her chest. Aelin went through her ritual and closed the door a little harder than she usually did. And then glared at Rowan. “I don’t see a problem,” Rowan said meeting her stare. “The problem is that I had my hair done and was about to put on my dress, but I had to put something on so I didn’t answer the door half naked but didn’t want to disappoint the children so I chucked on the first thing I could find. Which was this. Which ruined my hair.” Rowan looked at her hair, he hadn’t noticed but Aelin had done something to make it look paler, almost white and the braids she had done were now loose and askew. “Well better get to it before there’s another knock,” Rowan said as he resumed his show. As Aelin went past she hissed, “Prick.” The next activity at the door wasn’t a knock from trick or treat-er, but Aedion arriving to pick Aelin up. “Hey man,” Aedion said as he closed the door behind him, he was dressed at Thor, cape and everything. “Hey,” Rowan said back. Despite his less that cordial relationship with Aedion’s cousin, Rowan and Aedion were quite good friends. “Aelin, hurry up!” Aedion called from the kitchen before inspection the fridge. “Shut up Aedion!” Aelin called back. There was a knock on the door and Aedion went to answer it. As he opened it there were audible gasps and a few ‘whoas’ as the kids took Aedion in. “Are you really Thor?” One kid asked. Aedion didn’t miss a beat. “Yes.” There were giggles and squealing then the door was closed. Rowan himself went to the kitchen to grab a drink from the fridge, as he turned to head back to back to his spot on the lounge Aelin emerged. She was in a dress that had a white pleated skirt that hung low on her hips, it was attached by pieces of what looked like blue leather that crossed over her chest and then fanned out to created a small sleeve. The cups of the dress were the same colour of the skirt but textured to look like dragon scales. The way the dress was cut left Aelin’s sides bare and a diamond cut out over her taut stomach. She was dressed as Daenerys Targaryen. Lorcan’s most often used nickname for his roommate came to Rowan’s mind. Fire-breathing bitch queen. “Put a coat on,” Aedion said from his position by the door. “Don’t be a prude,” Aelin snapped back. “I’m not, its freezing outside,” Aedion said. Aelin sighed. “Ugh fine.” Aelin disappeared back into her room and Rowan heard Aedion step up beside him. Then there was a swift slap to the back of his head. “What – ” Rowan’s hand was immediately over the hurt. Aedion gave him a look. “That’s my cousin. Don’t even go there.” “I didn’t…” but Rowan stopped. Yeah, he had to admit he had been checking her out. Aedion’s look turned knowing. “Alright lets go,” Aelin said with her coat over her arm. She went straight for the door not bothering with goodbyes. Aedion followed Aelin out with a ‘see ya’. With the apartment now to himself Rowan resumed his evening of TV watching. He’d just settled into the perfect spot when there was a knock on the door. Rowan sat up. She didn’t… Aelin had left the decorations up on the door, no doubt on purpose as petty payback from him not getting the door while she was getting ready. Rowan groaned as he got up to answer the door, he put the candy in the bags before the kids even had a chance to say their line, and then he was ripping off the paper pumpkin cut outs and fake spider webs. The kids looked at him a little startled but then ran off to the next door. With the decorations under his arm Rowan stormed to Aelin’s room and scattered them over her bed for her to deal with when she came in wasted at whatever ungodly hour she got in. If she wanted to be petty about this it was fine, so could he.

~~~~~

I know its kinda technically not part of the main story but I’ll tag everyone anyway.

@fucking-winchester-trash // @literary-licorice // @galyxsy // @tangledraysofsunshine // @highqueenofelfhame // @3am-reading // @soup-that-is-too-hawt // @aelinfire-bringer // @nalgenewhore // @highladyofthesith // @http-itsrebecca // @sleeping-and-books // @average-girl-at-best // @alifletcher2012 // @westofmoon // @ttakeitbacknoww // @tswaney17 // @starseternalnighttriumphant // @rowaelinforeverworld // @theoverlyenthusiasticwriter // @they-call-me-cuatro // @musicmaam // @secret-lil-rendez-vous // @armixers-unite // @mariamuses // @chocolate-eating-bitch-queen // @velarian-trash // @queenofxhearts // @princess-galathynius // @heroesofterrasen // @ladyofstoriesandmusic // @tothestarswholisten // @chemicha // @therapeuticrambling // @mydarlingfireheart // @mybbyfeyre // @unassumingsodalovesherbooks // @amitynotpity // @loysydark // @queenophelia // @empire-of-wildfire // @crackedship // @camerooonchiu // @worldoffae // @notaddictedtoanything // @sierrareads // @lowhangingtreebranches //

[aion-rsa]

Holiday Gift Guide 2020: Books for Geeks

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The holiday season is probably going to look very different this year, but there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: the sacred ritual of gift-giving. While we might not be able to gather in the same way for the 2020 holiday season, we can still let the people in our lives know how much they mean to us with the perfect gift (and maybe get ourselves something nice while we’re at it—we deserve it).

We here at Den of Geek believe there is no better gift than a good book and, with nerd culture still very much mainstream culture, there is no shortage of geeky books to get the nerd in your life. From Star Wars and Star Trek to Outlander and Wheel of Time to those speculative fiction books that broke into the zeitgeist this year without a franchise to support them, here’s a list of books we recommend for every kind of geek…

Editor’s note: Den of Geek may receive a small commission from items purchased through the links in this story.

The Eye of the World 30th Anniversary Edition by Robert Jordan

For the “Wheel of Time” fan in your life.

We’re all excited about the forthcoming Amazon Prime adaptation of the Wheel of Time series, especially long-time fans of Jordan’s fantasy epic. It’s been 30 years since the series launched, and this special 30th Anniversary Edition of the first book in the series, The Eye of the World, helps capture all the magic of reading the book for the first time. This edition features a new introduction by Brandon Sanderson, a hardcover stamp of the snake-wheel symbol so important to the series, redesigned jacket art, and a ribbon bookmark. Whether you want to give this to a longtime fan or whether you’re hoping to hook an epic fantasy reader on the series, the high production value on this special edition makes for a great gift.

Buy The Eye of the World 30th Anniversary Edition by Robert Jordan

The Wintertime Paradox: Festive Stories from the World of Doctor Who by Dave Rudden

For the Doctor Who fan in your life.

This spin on Doctor Who features twelve stories in the “Whoverse” all set on or around Christmas. While the holiday doesn’t play an important feature in many of the stories, visions of the Doctor’s Christmas Past, Present, and Future are sure to entertain. Though most likely to appeal to fans of the series, this is also a collection marketed toward children, which makes it possible to share your love of the series with a young person in your life.

Buy The Wintertime Paradox: Festive Stories from the World of Doctor Who by Dave Rudden

Heroes’ Feast: The Official Dungeons and Dragons Cookbook

For the gamer in your life.

While cooking these recipes isn’t as simple as casting the titular spell, it does contain eighty recipes for fantasy inspired feasts. In addition to the recipes—some of which may be a little challenging for beginners, as they start from scratch rather than premade ingredients—the foods come with lore about the foods from the familiar Dungeons and Dragons cultures. Included are recipes for Feywild Eggs, “Orc” Bacon, Dwarven Mulled Wine, and Halfling Heartland’s Rose Apple and Blackberry Pie. Making some of these for game night might be a challenge, but Halfling-style Melted Cheeses with Chunky Tomato Broth sounds so good, your giftee won’t even mind if some spills on their character sheet.

Buy Heroes’ Feast: The Official Dungeons and Dragons Cookbook

Rebel Sisters by Tochi Onyebuchi

For the anti-war, YA fan in your life.

It’s been a big year for Onyebuchi, with this second book in his “War Girls” series and his first adult novel, Riot Baby, hitting the shelves. Onyebuchi’s Afrofuturist YA features nineteen year old Ify as a respected medical officer on the Space Colonies, and Uzo, a synth who’s working to preserve the memories and history of wartorn Nigeria. When a virus hits the Space Colonies, Ify must return to Nigeria for answers—even though she’d pledged to leave her homeland behind. For readers who love strong Black girls leading the action in a space-bound future, this is a fantastic pick.

Buy Rebel Sisters by Tochi Onyebuchi

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

For the Eragon and space opera fan.

Fantasy readers remember Christopher Paolini from “The Inheritance Cycle,” published for YA readers, which were filled with dragons and magic. But Paolini’s first adult novel heads into space, introducing the Fractalverse setting, and focusing on a xenobiologist whose encounter with an ancient, alien artifact sends her across the galaxy, where the fate of humanity rests on her shoulders. This is a great choice for fans who grew up on Paolini’s YA novels, or for readers who like doorstopper sci fi.

Buy To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

The Hollow Ones by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

For fans of The Strain.

The Strain had four seasons on FX, and the horror drama procedural won fans and awards. The show was based on a trilogy of novels from master of horror Guillermo del Toro and literary heavyweight Chuck Hogan, who have now reunited on a fresh series. The Hollow Ones follows a young FBI agent who discovers an otherworldly evil when it takes over her partner—and forces her to kill him in self defense. For fans who love their procedurals with a heavy dose of horror, this is sure to keep their spines tingling.

Buy The Hollow Ones by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian by Phil Szostak

For fans of Baby Yoda.

The Mandalorian has clearly been a breakout show for Disney+, putting new life into the Star Wars universe, and featuring everyone’s favorite new character, The Child (aka Baby Yoda). The end of each episode features concept art designed for the show, and for viewers who love seeing where the ideas germinated, The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian is a fantastic way to dig into the details of the first season.

Buy The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian by Phil Szostak

Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas

For queer paranormal romance lovers.

Yadriel is determined to prove himself as a brujo—even though his family hasn’t accepted him as a boy. But when he raises the wrong spirit while trying to solve the mystery of his cousin’s death, everything gets more complicated. In our review, we praised the book for its groundbreaking depiction of trans identity in Latinx culture and called it “a riveting, romantic read filled with paranormal wonder.” Fans who loved the queer romance reveal in She-Ra won’t be able to stop turning pages.

Buy Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas

Seven of Infinities by Aliette de Bodard

For the lover of science fiction sleuths.

This latest in de Bodard’s Xuya universe features an unlikely pair of detectives teaming up to solve a murder. Vân is a poor scholar hiding her possession of an illegal implant. Sunless Woods is a mindship who is also a thief and master of disguise. The pair have to work together to solve a murder—and unravel their own secrets. For readers who enjoyed de Bodard’s previous The Tea Master and the Detective or enjoy a good detective tale in space, this is a sure hit.

Buy Seven of Infinities by Aliette de Bodard

Super Mario: Manga Mania by Yukio Sawada

For the NES nostalgic.

It’s the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros! This is the first Super Mario manga ever available in English, and for classic NES fans nostalgic for the good old days of their vintage system, the zany adventures contained in this volume hit all the right notes.

Buy Super Mario: Manga Mania by Yukio Sawada

Sal and Gabi Break / Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

For the young reader in your life.

The Sal and Gabi duology (Sal and Gabi Break the Universe and Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe) are ostensibly about a boy who can reach through the multiverse and bring things through to his part of reality—but they’re also about friendship, finding common ground, being your best self, and sentient AI. Most middle grade books depict middle school as an evil horrible place, as much an antagonist as the book’s real villain. The Sal and Gabi books do away with all of that. Not only is Culeco Academy the coolest middle school ever, the series manages to ramp up all the tension and drama needed without having an actual villain. (Even the people who seem villainous at first turn out to be different from expected.) These are a delight for adult readers who love middle grade fiction, but they’re even more important for middle schoolers, who deserve to see kids their age saving the multiverse in communities full of hope and love.

Buy Sal and Gabi Break / Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

Outlander Knitting: The Official Book of 20 Knits Inspired by the Hit Series by Kate Atherley

For the crafter in your life.

For fans of either Diana Gabaldon’s time-travel romance novel series or the hit Starz adaptation, this collection of patterns inspired by the show will transport your crafting friend into the Scottish Highlands. Featured among the projects are clothing, accessories, and decorations for the home.

Buy Outlander Knitting: The Official Book of 20 Knits Inspired by the Hit Series by Kate Atherley

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

For horror fans.

Compared favorably to horror-master Stephen King’s It, this classic revenge horror seamlessly combines elements of social commentary and drama. The story follows for American Indian men who, as childhood friends, experienced a disturbing event together. Now, the past has come back with a vengeance, and there’s no avoiding the violence they tried to leave behind. Jones is making his mark in the world of horror, and this is a not-to-be-missed thriller.

Buy The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

Teen Titans: Raven and Beast Boy box set by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

For DC fans.

Garcia and Picolo’s Raven and Beast Boy origin stories reinvent the characters for an audience who may have already met them in kid-friendly Teen Titans Go! or adult-aimed Titans. While the comic versions presented here draw on those previous incarnations, the stories are self-contained, giving readers both familiar and new to the DC series a chance to experience them for the first time. This hardcover box set gives the books an extra gift-worthy feeling.

Buy Teen Titans: Raven and Beast Boy box set by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

Thorn by Intisar Khanani

For the friend who needs a fresh fairy tale.

In this retelling of “The Goose Girl,” reluctant Princess Alyrra is happy to have escaped royal life. But when she learns of a plot against the prince, she must decide whether to reclaim the heritage she wanted to leave behind, or let the kingdom fall. This beautiful hardcover edition also features an additional short story set in the same world.

Buy Thorn by Intisar Khanani

Dinosaurs: The Grand Tour, Second Edition: Everything Worth Knowing about Dinosaurs from Aardonyx to Zuniceratops by Keiron Pim

For Jurassic World and other dinosaur fans.

While the 2020 entry into the Jurassic World franchise, Camp Cretaceous, was geared toward younger viewers, plenty of adults never grow out of their love of dinosaurs. And why should they? These prehistoric terrors continue to be amazing—and modern scientists continue to make new discoveries on an almost weekly basis. This huge guide to dinosaur species offers references for more than 300 species full of colorful illustrations that show these titans in all their (feathery!) glory.

Buy Dinosaurs—The Grand Tour, Second Edition: Everything Worth Knowing about Dinosaurs from Aardonyx to Zuniceratops by Keiron Pim

The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin

For the SFF connoisseur.

This series starter is set in a contemporary New York—but the city is coming to life. But a city killer is trying to stop New York from evolving, and the city’s mortal avatars are the target of its plans. It’s not uncommon to hear people considering N. K. Jemisin the best modern writer of speculative fiction, bar none, so picking up The City We Became, her most recent novel, is a no brainer if you’re buying for someone who likes smart, quality SFF.

Buy The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin

Cyber Shogun Revolution by Peter Tieryas

For the mecha enthusiast.

This triumphant conclusion to Tieryas’s United States of Japan trilogy, which can be read as a stand-alone, takes place in an alternate reality where Japan and Germany won World War II and divided the United States between them. An assassin known as Bloody Mary is determined to eliminate corruption from within the United States of Japan, regardless of the cost. It’s up to a secret police agent and a star mecha pilot to stop her, but determining enemies from friends is almost impossible. Tieryas balances the super cool world of mecha battles and spy action with searing social commentary and ethical questions, making this a challenging but imminently worthwhile read for fans of Pacific Rim.

Buy Cyber Shogun Revolution by Peter Tieryas

Star Trek: The Wisdom of Picard by Chip Carter

For the Star Trek fan in your life.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard has always been quotably wise. In this collection, Chip Carter pulls together some of the greatest lines, featuring Picard’s thoughts on leadership, justice, and space exploration. The quotes are accompanied by photography from iconic scenes of The Next Generation, making this a perfect gift for the Star Trek fan who already has everything.

Buy Star Trek: The Wisdom of Picard by Chip Carter

Axiom’s End by Lindsay Ellis

For fans of Arrival and Stranger Things.

This first contact story from Hugo-nominated video-essayist Ellis is set in an alternate 2007. In the world of the novel, Cora’s father has blown the whistle on the first contact cover up. Cora herself wants nothing to do with aliens, but when one of the aliens decides Cora is the only human he’ll talk to, she’s stuck in the middle of everything. For lovers of aliens and conspiracy theories, this is one to pick up.

Buy Axiom’s End by Lindsay Ellis

Court of Lions by Somaiya Daud

For lovers of YA court intrigue.

In this sequel to Daud’s Mirage, Amani, who has been forced to serve as the body double for Princess Maram, is on her last chance. The princess discovered Amani’s connection to the rebellion, and now Maram is suspicious of anything Amani does. Yet Amani is dedicated to the cause of seeing her people free, which means she has to make a choice: continue to work from within the palace and risk her life, or flee and risk her people. For a female-centered plot that deals with consequences of colonialism, this series conclusion and its predecessor are a sure hit.

Buy Court of Lions by Somaiya Daud

Star Wars From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back

For the Star Wars fan.

Called “one of the best Star Wars books released this year” in our Den of Geek review, this anthology is packed with stories from authors both well-known and unfamiliar, whose works delve into the lives of central and side characters from The Empire Strikes Back. While some explore relationships between key characters (Luke, Leia, Obi-wan), others tackle the points of view of previously unnamed creatures (Sy-O, the space slug that swallows the Millenium Falcon). The stories are sometimes delightfully weird, other times grim or tender, and all a good gift choice for the Star Wars fan whose favorite film is still Empire.

Buy Star Wars From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back

Remina by Junji Ito

For the manga fan.

This science fiction horror story centers on Dr. Oguro, who discovers a planet that has emerged from a wormhole and names it after his daughter, Remina. But as the girl Remina rises to fame, the planet shifts its course, threatening all life on Earth. Could Remina herself be the cause? This chilling story is a classic from Eisner-winner Junji Ito newly released for an English-reading audience.

Buy Remina by Junji Ito

Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee

For the martial arts enthusiast.

For friends who like a little more grounded, real-world take, this exploration of Bruce Lee’s philosophies, written by his daughter, offer insight into the legendary martial artist. Although this title offers no martial arts tips, it is full of philosophy, untold stories, and inspirational takes from the cultural icon.

Buy Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

For the lover of gothic horror.

When her cousin begs her to come rescue her from a mysterious doom, Noemí heads to a house in the Mexican countryside. As she looks into the secrets of both the house and her newly-wed cousin’s husband, Noemí finds that there’s more danger—real and supernatural—than she ever imagined. Set in the 1950s, this supernatural horror blends elements of Rebecca and science fiction for a chilling novel perfect for lovers of classic gothics.

Buy Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Marvel Greatest Comics: 100 Comics That Built a Universe

For the Marvel fan.

In a collection that spans the entire history of Marvel comics, characters like the Human Torch, Spider-Man, the Avengers, and the Guardians of the Galaxy show their historical origins. If you have a fan who’s waiting impatiently for the next MCU offering, this collection of some of Marvel’s defining comics from the company’s history may be just what they need to tide them over.

Buy Marvel Greatest Comics: 100 Comics that Built a Universe

Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar

For lovers of mythology and fairy tales.

Billed as Neil Gaiman’s Stardust meets Hindi mythology, this debut novel centers on the daughter of a star and a mortal. Sheetal tries to be normal, but when her starfire accidentally hurts her mortal father, she must travel to the celestial court in order to save him. The combination of court intrigue, mythology, and a fairy-tale like tone is perfect for YA lovers.

Buy Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar

Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews

For the romantic who needs a great stocking stuffer.

Although better known for the popular Kate Daniels series, the Ilona Andrews team (husband and wife Ilona and Gordon) has knocked it out of the park with the most recent installment in their “Hidden Legacy” series. There are now five novels and a novella in the series, with Emerald Blaze as the second book of a second arc, but while the book is most likely to resonate with readers already introduced to the character, it’s also a stand-alone magic-spy-action-adventure-romance. Despite that blend of genres, Team Andrews melds it all together in a world with both super cool magic and an alternate-reality Instagram, featuring characters you want to hang out with regardless of the stakes. The mass-market size also makes it perfect to slip into a stocking!

Buy Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews

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[theultimatefanficwriter]

Ryoma Hoshi x Reader-Reason to Survive

"Spying on people is pretty uncool, you know?"

You jumped as Ryoma Hoshi, your best friend and secret crush turned his head towards where you were standing. You smiled nervously as you made your way from the doorway. "Sorry, Shortstack." You apologized as you made your way into Ryoma's lab.

Ryoma narrowed his eyes at the nickname. "Thought I told you to stop calling me that." He huffed.

"Thought you quit tennis." You rebutted, gesturing to the tennis racket in the man's hand. You tilted to the side and glanced at the tennis ball machine that was still spitting out balls. You looked to your friend with a smirk. "Knew you still liked it."

Ryoma scoffed and rolled his eyes. He made his way over to the tennis ball machine and shut it off. He placed the racket he was holding on a table. "'Course I still like it." He mumbled, chewing on the candy cig in his mouth. "I've been doing it for as long as I can remember. I just needed to get it out of my system is all."

You frowned. "Well that's too bad." You sighed.

Ryoma glanced at you, raising an eyebrow. "Why? Liked what you saw?"

You felt yourself blush at the comment. You were sure Ryoma meant something innocent, like you enjoying watching him play. And while you did enjoy that, you liked something else you saw, too.

Ryoma noticed your blush and smirked. "I'll take that as a yes." Without another word, he grabbed the tennis racket again and tossed it towards you. You fumbled with catching it, surprised, before holding it in your hand. You raised an eyebrow questioningly as the short man grabbed a racket for himself. "Thought we could play a round." He told you, grabbing a tennis ball off the floor and throwing it into the air a few times.

Your eyes widened as Ryoma slowly walked to the center of his side of the court. "W-wait, Ryoma!" You stammered. "I'm the Ultimate Baker. I don't know anything about tennis!"

"Then I'll teach you." The man shrugged. "Hit the ball." You didn't have a chance to respond before the Ultimate Tennis Pro threw the ball into the air and hit it with his racket. You let out a frightened squeak as the object hurtled towards you. You instinctively raised the racket to protect your face. You heard a dull thud as the ball connected to the racket and fell to the floor. You glanced over to Ryoma and noticed he was chuckling. "Well you're supposed to hit it back to me." He teased. "But I guess that's a start."

You frowned at him. "Warn me before chucking an object at my skull next time, Shortstack!" You exclaimed. "What if it had hit me?! It could've killed me!"

Ryoma rolled his eyes. "Relax. If I had meant to hit you that hard you'd be dead already." You bit your lip as you remembered that Ryoma had indeed killed people before using his talent. The man noticed your reaction and sighed. "Took you long enough." He muttered. "I've told you countless times before you shouldn't hang around me. I'm surprised it took this long for you to get it." He waved his hand towards the door. "You can leave, if you want."

You shook your head. "Ryoma, stop that." You scolded him. "Yeah, you've killed people. But you know who those people were? Bad people. You shouldn't put yourself down for killing mafia members."

"Bad people or no, I still took a life, Y/N." He countered. "Doesn't matter if they were in the mafia or in the church. I stole lives." He turned his back to you and stuffed his free hand in his pocket. "It makes me just as bad as them. I'm no better-"

Ryoma was cut off by a soft object pelting him in the back of the head. Rubbing the spot that had been struck, he turned around to see you glaring at him, your hands tightly gripping the tennis racket. "Shut up, Hoshi." You hissed. "Don't you ever say that about yourself again, you hear me?" The small man opened his mouth to respond, but you spoke first. "Yeah, you took lives. But so had they. They took the lives of your family. And honestly, probably more than just your family. You took care of a problem. Yes, a life is a life. But that life that was took was only taking away more lives. You're a hero, Ryoma."

Ryoma stood in silence for a moment, before a soft laugh left his lips. "Well, I dunno if I'd say that." He looked up you, a small smile on his face. "But thanks, Y/N. It's nice having someone to put me in my place every now and then." He leaned down and grabbed the ball that had hit his head. "Wanna try again?"

The two of you spent the rest of the day playing tennis. It's needless to say Ryoma won every match, but you both had fun nonetheless. Before you knew it, the nighttime announcement came on the monitor, earning both of your attention. Ryoma grimaced as the screen went dark again. "Damn, that's right." He muttered. "I had forgotten we were in this hellhole."

You nodded sadly in agreement. "Yeah, I had too." You smiled at him. "We should hang out more. It helps gets our minds off of this killing game."

"I wouldn't mind that, as long as you don't want to spend time with someone actually worth your time." Ryoma responded, smirking as you chucked the ball you were holding at him and brandished your racket threateningly at him.

"Talk bad about yourself one more time and there's gonna be another body discovery announcement." You warned him.

"Alright, alright." Ryoma held his hands up, his smirk staying on his face. "You win."

You nodded smugly. "Damn right."

Your friend rolled his eyes at you, but if you didn't know him better, you could've sworn you saw a tinge of pink on his cheeks. But that was probably from running around the court

Soon the two of you had put up all of the tennis balls and rackets and began making your way to the dorms. Neither of you said much, but you didn't mind. Just walking with Ryoma was calming. As you neared your rooms, you turned to look at him. "So, Himiko and Angie asked me to help them set up a magic show." Your companion nodded as you continued. "You should come by and see it."

He didn't answer at first, and you opened your mouth to repeat yourself when he cut you off. "I may as well. If you have a hand in it, I'm sure it'll be great." You blinked in surprise as you stared down at him, but his expression remained unchanging, as if he hadn't just said something that made your heart do a thousand flips. Before you could respond, he stopped walking, and you realized you had made it to your room. He glanced up at you, his stoic expression never changing. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Y/N."

You only nodded, still shocked from what he had said earlier. "Y-yeah. See ya, Shortstack." You didn't give him a chance to tell you off for using the nickname before you opened you door and quickly entered your room.

You awoke the next morning to see something called a KubsPad sitting on your table. Curious, you picked it up and turned it on. You nearly dropped it when Ryoma's name showed up on the screen. You quickly realized this is supposed to be the next motive and started to turn it off, not wanting to pry into your friend's life and not caring about any motive Monokuma might give. Before you could, the screen changed to one with a dejected looking Monokuma. Curiosity getting the better of you again, you continued to watch.

You felt your heart break as Monokuma's voice told you that Ryoma, your closest friend, had nobody he cared about in the outside world. Placing the KubsPad back on the table, you quickly exited your room and made your way to the dining hall.

You were informed that everyone had received a motive video meant for someone else. Everyone came to the conclusion to not share their videos, though as you glanced to Ryoma, you could tell he wasn't happy with this outcome.

Time skip brought to you by Kaito Momota, Luminary of the Stars!  

You had decided to spend more time with the small man in his lab, hoping you could raise your spirits and get your mind off of the motive videos. It seemed to work, as the two of you talked about your talents and what you enjoyed doing in your free time. Eventually, you noticed something out in the hall. As you looked, your eyes widened as you saw Gonta with what you could only describe as fury in his eyes. Ryoma noticed your change in demeanor and looked out as well. You noticed sweat drop from his forehead as Gonta glanced over in your direction.

Before you even had a chance to speak, Ryoma had grabbed your wrist and began to sprint down the hall. You could barely keep up as he practically dragged you away from the giant. "Ry-Ryoma!" You called, trying to get him to slow down.

"Something's up with Gonta. We gotta go." He said plainly. You glanced over your shoulder and nearly fainted when you saw the Ultimate Entomologist gaining on you. You screamed, causing the tennis player to look behind him as well. "Shit!" He cursed, gripping your wrist tighter and running-somehow-even faster than before.

You tripped over your feet several times before Ryoma finally slowed down. He opened up a door and basically shoved you inside before following and locking the door. After you managed to catch your breath, you glanced around the room you were in. Your eyes widened when you noticed it was Ryoma's room. You glanced over at your friend, who annoyingly enough seemed to have barely been effected by the long run. Ryoma glanced at you for a moment before looking away, pulling his hat lower.

"We should be safe here." He said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "If Gonta really is a gentleman, he won't go breaking down people's doors."

You nodded slowly, taking in your surrounding. You stopped abruptly when you noticed a KubsPad sitting on the table. Ryoma followed your gaze and sighed. He picked the device up and turned to you. "I know we aren't supposed to be sharing these..." He started. "But I feel like the owner of this pad would wanna see what's in it."

You rubbed the back of your neck. "Who's...who's is it?" You asked.

"Yours." He replied bluntly.

You felt your face turn white. "Did...you watch it?" You whispered. When the man nodded, you bit your lip, glancing at the pad in his hands. You were tempted to take it and watch it, but the promise you had made to the others rang in your head.

The man must have noticed your dilemma. He sighed and shook his head, holding the pad out to you. "Just watch it." He murmured. "I won't tell anyone you did." Your heart skipped a beat as you took the KubsPad. Before you could watch it, Ryoma spoke up again. "I'm sure you don't, but I have to ask. Did you get mine?"

Your pale face was all the answer he needed. He chuckled darkly. "How lucky." He said dryly. He gave you a sideways glance. "I don't suppose you have it on you?"

You shook your head. "B-but even if i did...I don't think you should watch it." You told him.

He narrowed his eyes. "Why not?" He questioned. "If it has someone I care about, then it could give me a reason to live and escape with all of you."

You winced. "That's...the problem." You whispered. When Ryoma tilted his head in confusion, you sighed and made your way to the door. "I'll...be right back." After making sure Gonta wasn't in sight, you sprinted from Ryoma's room to yours, quickly opening it and dashing inside. You grabbed the KubsPad and made your way back to your friend's room. As you did, you noticed Kokichi heading into Shuichi's room. Pushing your suspicions to the side, you walked back to your friend, making sure to lock the door behind you. Ryoma looked up at you, relief washing over his face before quickly settling back to his unreadable expression.

"Before you watch this..." You started, handing the device to Ryoma. He glanced at it before looking at you, waiting for you to continue. You took a deep breath. "I just want you to know...you're my reason for living."

The tennis pro's eyes widened as he stared at you. "...What?"

You winced and looked away, feeling your face heat up. "I don't care what is in my video. As long as I have you, I don't need another reason." You backed up to the bed and sat down, watching the confused man as you did. "I guess what I'm trying to say is...I really like you, Ryoma." You covered your face with you hands in embarrassment. "Oh god, what did i just say? I'm such an idiot."

There was a silence in the room. Then you heard the sound of footsteps and felt the bed dip slightly. You moved your hands and glanced over to see Ryoma sitting beside you. You felt yourself blush even harder and went to cover your face again, but you were stopped by a hand on your arm.

"Stop that." The man's deep voice said sternly. "If I'm not allowed to talk down on myself you can't either. You hear me?"

You sighed and nodded, forcing a smile on your face. "You're right, Shortstack. Sorry." You gestured to his motive video. "Go ahead and watch your video. Forget I said anything."

Ryoma looked down at the device in his hands before throwing it to the side. "No." You looked at him in surprise. Before you could say anything, the Ultimate Tennis Pro leaned up and pressed his lips against yours. Your eyes widened. He pulled away before long, and looked into your eyes. "I don't need that video. I never did. It just took me too long to realize that my reason for living was here the whole time." Your mouth fell open in shock, and Ryoma chuckled. "I realized it after you continued to get on to me for badmouthing myself. And I realized that I didn't feel like a waste of space around you." He reached up and gently touched your face. "So screw that video. As long as I have you..." He gently pulled you into another kiss, smiling as he pulled away.

"I have a reason to survive."

I take requests! Info on that in my description!

[artisticestheticreads]

ROXANNE: Chapter Two

 A/N: Y’all won. Y’all got another series out of me. Happy? Anyways, here in the second chapter of ROXANNE. In this chapter, Erik gets to see Roxanne in action and they get to know each other a little better.

TO CATCH UP, PRESS THIS.

For Character Face Claims, PRESS HERE.

WARNING: Street racing, weaponry, drinking, smoking and gambling with cursing. Also, I used Google Translate so dialogue may not be accurate and the English translation is in bolded.

SONG RECOMMENDATION: The Box by Roddy Ricch

WORD COUNT: 4660

“RayRay, where my Nikes at, cuh”, Roxxx hollered down her hall of the one story home as Nipsey Hussle’s Question #1 played loudly. She wore her natural red hair in a high puff with curls tucked behind her ear. RayRay was in his room smoking a blunt and playing Call of Duty on PS4. The air was filled with the smoke making it gush under the door. Roxxx knocked on her little god brother’s door loudly. “RayRay, you seen my Nikes around here?”

“Which ones?”

“Negro, the one with the baby blue drip on the check sign. You already know what day it is, bro.”

“Nah, I ain’t see em. Sorry, sis”, he said in a nonchalant tone. Roxxx smacked her lips as she folded her arms. “Muthfucka, yo hood rat ass bitch better not have them or I’m rippin’ her fucking spine out that loose ass pussy of hers. And I know it’s loose because whenever y’all fuck, all I can hear is air and shit.” RayRay rolled his eyes still looking at the game and said “check the backdoor.” Roxxx placed her hands on her hips and said “why would they be there?” All of a sudden, a 6’2 sixteen year old with a goatee opened the door with a white shirt and basketball shorts on stood there. His hair was short and tapered around with bleached tips. “Because you asked me to wash them for you along with ya other sneakers, remember”, he said before pointing to the back door. There were her sneakers she had been looking for all day and more. Roxxx looked up at her brother as he smiled and said “don’t make me smack you.” She pulled him by his shirt to kiss his forehead and push it back. “Thanks, cuh. I’m about to head out to handle some business but I want you to look out for my package. I got some more sneakers and paint coming in. You know what to do when it hits the porch.”

  Roxxx gave RayRay dap and went back to her room to finish getting ready. She fluffed out hair before putting half up with curls by in front of her brows. She filled in her brows with her Fenty brow pencil and glossed her lips from the same line of cosmetics. She placed on her baby blue halter top with matching biker shorts and fanny pack, pushing it to the back. She stood in the full length mirror admiring the fit and her curves. She grabbed her money, gloss, and license in her fanny pack before putting her Swiss army knife in her tube sock. Roxxx stepped into her sneakers and her small leather bag before knocking on Ray’s door and leaving.

  Roxxx hopped in her Angel and fixed her hoop earrings. She drove through the Baldwin Hill streets and made her way to the local hang out for her street team, the Jungles. Every Sunday was the time to meet and talk about where to meet for and after the races. Also it was how she got her pay without any one trying to take her out in the process. She pulled up into the parking lot and noticed all the flashy cars, smiling to herself. She was the only woman in the group which meant she had to prove her title of the triple threat; Sexy, Smart and Speed racer. She was also one of the youngest at twenty six years old which meant people would try to get in her but she was too smart for that.

  One man with onyx skin looked her way. He had gold caps on his teeth, with all black on and fade haircut. “There she is. What it do, little sis”, he said with his arms out to the side and smile on his face. She hugged and they did their own handshake/salute. “What up, Chi? What’s the move for today?” They walked back to the group and she gave the others dap. “Nothing, really. But it’s time for y’all pay day. First up, Roxxx. You did well, girl. Proud of you as always. Minus my cut, you got a cool 450 thou.” He handed her stack of money and she placed the rolls in her bag. Chiron looked over at Deeno and said “aight, bruh. You and I already talked so you know how I feel about you placing 3rd, so you only get $45,000.” He handed the brown skin man the money, watching him stuff it in his duffle bag. After he gave everyone their cut, Roxxx began to speak. “Aight, y’all. Go ahead and handle y’all business and make ya way to my place.” Chiron added “and bring whatever y’all need. We gonna be there for a while.”

“Yeah, I gotta make sure y’all muthafuckas don’t embarrass me”, she said laughing.

 It was a basic Thursday afternoon when Erik was at the gym. He was working on his chest and triceps while wearing only black sweats and an old pair of off white Chuck Taylors. His scattered keloids always drew attention but he didn’t care; he was simply just say “keep staring and you’ll become one.” He stared at his reflection watching all the veins push up under his chestnut skin, muscles flexing.

  He began to do a few sets of sit ups to further chisel his abs as he gained the attention of a few women but he made them no mind. As he stood, to drink his water he couldn’t help but think of Roxanne. That woman was like no other. She lived life to the fullest, independent with an intriguing taste in cars. He wiped the sweat from his lip, just thinking about her made him get hotter every second; he had to focus so he can finish his last set.

  He stepped away from the machine with Bluetooth headphones in about to change the song but his fingertips had another idea. His thumb hovered over the car text from Roxxx. They had met last Saturday night but something was stopping him from texting her. He looked to the text again and leaned against the machine.

Across town, Roxxx was there on the porch of her one story home with surrounded by the other racers. They all sat around her as she had Deeno in between her thighs, braiding his hair in neat cornrows. She had a blunt hanging from her lips before passing it around.

“Alright, y’all. As we all know, tomorrow night is like any other. So, we got a bunch muthafuckas who sneak dissin and I ain’t with that shit at all so it’s time to put their money where they mouth is”, said Chiron in a serious tone. He looked around as licked his gold caps and continued. “Y’all already know the line up. Deeno, Big Tim, Justin and of course Roxxx”. Roxxx nodded her as she continued braiding.

“So, Chi. Where the meet up at? Is it still at the bridge in Inglewood?” Chiron nodded his head while smoking his blunt and said “these old cliche ass muthafuckas. Think this is Grand Theft Auto or something.” The group laughed as Roxxx shook her head. Before she knew it, her phone vibrated against her thigh. She looked down to see the text and rolled her eyes with a smile. She finished up the last braid on Deeno’s head.

Back at the gym, Erik was busy doing his chest press when the sound of his ringer went off. He placed the 300 lb bar back and sat up, picking up his phone to respond. Deeno tilted his head towards his teammate and rolled his eyes as she giggled at the screen. Erik stared at the text with a smirk and found himself typing.

    Roxanne placed her phone back down on the porch as she finished up Deeno’s last twist. She pushed at his shoulders for him to get up and Chi replaced his spot. As he sat, he stated how her phone was being blown up. She began cutting his hair, clippers and bent down in front where the member can see her thick bottom; Chiron noticed and gave them all a dirty look. “Don’t trip. It’s a dude that I met while racing.” The men all stopped and Justin asked “yo ass talkin’ to the competition”.

“Nigga, no. The fuck I look like trying to get wit them weak ass niggas. What y’all think I am? Some street car ass hoe”, she looked to them as she lined up the back of his head. They all said their nos except for Deeno...of course. “I mean I wouldn’t be surprised. Probably why you always winning.” Justin looked to Chiron and Roxxx shaking his head. Roxanne cracked her hand as she turned the clippers off to hand them to Chiron. “What did you just say”, she asked slowly walking to him and she stood in front of him.

“Man, don’t be like that Roxxx. I’m playin’ with yo cry baby ass.”

“Nah, it sounds like you got a problem because ya ass don’t know the difference between the gas pedal and brake.”

  Justin snickered but seized when he noticed Deeno looking at him. Deeno looked at her up and down and said “you lucky you a female because if you wasn’t-.” All of a sudden, Roxxx pulled out the glock she had hidden from the back of her waist band, holding it under chin while pulling his head back; they were eye to eye. “What ya gonna do, D, hmm? Beat me up like a nigga? We all know ya punk ass can’t fight for shit, cuh. You see the difference between you and I are, is that you all bark and no bite while I can talk the talk, walk the walk, and still kick a nigga’s ass or two. I can back up my shit talking and you can’t. How come I’m the only bitch in the group but got bigger balls than you?”

   Chiron nodded his head while drinking his Henny, watching and smiling. Roxxx made her way back to Chi with the gun still in her hand but stopped when he heard “yo ass wouldn’t shoot me no way.” Roxxx held the gun pointed to his, pulled the trigger making him flinch but he then realized, when he heard the click, the safety was on. Tim shook his head, chuckling and said “ol’ scary ass. You know Roxxx wouldn’t hurt her fam. She too sweet on us. She rather shoot niggas who fuck with us.” Roxxx gave her big brother, Tim, dap and went back to cutting Chi’s hair when she decided to check her messages.

   ______________________________________________________________

SATURDAY NIGHT

  Erik pulled up in his camouflage joggers, jean jacket, white tee and white All Stars when he noticed all the edgy yet expensive automobiles parked around; they even made his Jaguar look like a busted 2002 Nissan Altima. He also noticed the sea of people that stood around smoking, drinking and placing bets with huge wads of money. He looked around to see if he can spot Roxxx but she was nowhere in sight; he stood with the crowd as they all heard the siren on a megaphone go off.

There stood an albino woman who had a big, black fro, dark brows with slits in both and freckles. She wore a yellow jumpsuit with black combat boots and a matching leather jacket. “Good evening, everyone! And welcome to the best muthafucka night ever made. IT’S-“

“BET NIGHT”, the crowd, beside Erik, screamed before barking like dogs then seizing when she held her hand up. “Now, before we get started just know the rules. There is no rules except for no crashing into each other.”

Everyone cheered and she began to announce the racers. A few racers later, Mickey said “aight, this young lady come from the Jungle. Coming straight out of Inglewood, give it up for Roxxx a.k.a Lion Babe.” Roxxx drove her Lambo slowly as the guys followed behind on foot. She stepped out of her car standing and looking at the huge crowd; it looked as if she had on golden cat eye contacts. Her hair was blown out with braids on one side of her head going into the puff. She wore a white halter top, blue and black plaid shirt around her waist and black biker shorts. She also had on her white Air Force ones with the check sign dripping blue.

Erik clapped for her slowly as she flashed her golden fangs to the crowd once she used her pinkies to hold her bottom lip down. They chanted her name as the competitors all huddled up for the course plan. Chi looked over at Erik who watched and rose his brow once he noticed she was being watched. Chi leaned into Roxxx’s ear and said “we being watched, Roxxx.” She looked up at him to see his head tilted towards Erik.

Roxxx nodded at Erik and leaned onto Chi’s solid chest and whispered. “Don’t trip. He cool. That’s the same dude from night’s ago that I raced. Seems chill.” Chi nodded once as the huddled separated. Roxxx made her way over with hands in her pockets, standing in front of Erik. “I see ya found the spot.” She looked him up and down with a grin saying “ya look good.”

 “You do too”, Erik grinned back until he saw the group of men approaching them. All dark skin, tall and intimidating but to Erik; Roxanne liked that. She cleared her throat and said “Erik, these are my bros. Chiron, Tim, Deeno, and Justin. We all known each other for a while. They knew D’Angelo before he got murdered.” They all made a cross while closing their eyes and looked back at him. Erik nodded to them and said “nice to meet y’all, man. D and I went to school together. He was cool people.” They all nodded until Chi said “alright, Roxxx. The cameras are all set up and we got ya on mic so we can see ya feeling.” 

  Tim passed around the Henny bottle and Roxanne took an extremely long sip of it before passing it to Deeno; Erik was impressed. Roxanne did her salute to the group and made her way to the car, getting in and buckling up. The drivers began to take their places as Mickey took hers, holding the long yellow flag in the air. Everyone revved up their engines as they waited. Roxanne looked over at her group who nodded at her then she looked over to the cross dangling from the review mirror and finally at the pictures on her dash board.

   One had a smaller girl, about four in a fluffy dress and a pair of afro puffs her hair color. But that wasn’t the only person in the picture; there were two others. An older man held her left hand, with dark skin and a wide smile. His hair was in ginger toned dreads and the same cross was on his chain. The other child’s hand was held in the hand of a curvaceous woman. She was a plus size beauty with a huge fro that covered her forehead and she also wore a white smile; Roxanne smiled remembering them and kissed her fingers to place over their faces. She looked to the the other side and saw the huge faces she and a younger man wore. They were at the community pool after playing in the water all day; they were at least eighteen and a half in that picture. “This is for you, D’Angelo. Let’s get first place in this one, baby boy.” Her face harden as she watched the flag move in slow motion while she said her prayer.

“Your love and faithfulness, 

along with Your goodness and mercy, 

surround me daily, 

so I will not fear whatever might come against me. 

My trust is in You, God, 

and I give thanks to You for Your love and protection. In Jesus' name, 

Amen. Grant, O Lord, 

thy protection and in protection, strength.”

   The flag flowed and the race was off. Mickey watched as they were off and ran to the guys, crouching beside Chiron. “She looking good tonight”, she said and Chi agreed Erik watched Roxanne’s camera to see how she was doing, she was passing all of them up. “Roxxx, how you doing”, Tim asked and she responded. “Good so far. This muthafucka from the latin gang is on my ass though, bruh. Look like he tryna crash into me”, she sound a tad frustrated but couldn’t let it show. Justin shook his head and said “yeah, one of them niggas tried to get me during the bike race. They grimy as hell, man, but you got this shit, Roxxx.”

   The camera on her face showed her smile with the fangs and it made Erik smirk a tad. Roxanne began maneuvering in  moves that the other guys couldn’t catch on to. All she could hear was her God Mother’s voice saying, “keep it clean, baby girl, but make them fall.” She did just that as she turned a sharp turn on the course. Mickey hollered and said “so far, The Latin kings are last with Money Talks at fourth, Elm Street in Third and The Jungle in second and Crenshaw in first.” The crowd roared in cheer with a mixture of curses from people they were slowly losing their money.

   Roxanne kept her hands still when she heard the announcement as she kept her eyes on the winner so far. He was a few cars away but that wouldn’t stop Roxxx from getting to him. “Mickey, you gonna be saying The Jungle in first in a sec, love.” She began moving in between cars at ease and, right when the light turned red, she drove through traffic, losing the others. She was about to pat herself on the back when she heard the police driving behind the winning car. “Shit, you gotta get outta there before 12 call they niggas in”, Chi said. She had to make a move and make it fast. 

  That’s when Erik saw an alley coming into view. “Roxanne, take the alley. They won’t find ya in there and it’s on course. Take that and you would remain in the lead”, he said as he pointed at the screen. She took his advice and began driving back on to the course, in a different route. Chi looked to Erik and nodded before he went back to the screen. “Erik, how did you know that would work,” she asked and he said “trust me, I have had my share of hiding from the pigs”; that made her laugh. Before she knew she was back on course and ahead of the other drivers; they all soon pulled back in to the meet up at the Bridge and they crowd went off. Mickey grabbed her megaphone and said “THE WINNER IS ROXXX”; the crowd cheered but the Latin Kings were upset. “Man, fuck this! She cheated!” Mickey rolled her eyes and said “ok, how did she cheat?”

“The nigga with the dreads told her where to go.”

   The Jungle group looked to the other and said “man, fuck outta here. Every muthafucka in dis bitch help one another for one and two, you better be careful with that word”, Tim said wrapping his arm around Roxanne’s shoulders. One of the girlfriends from the rival team said “no, eso no es justo. Esa perra hizo trampa y todos lo sabemos. Probablemente esté chupando todas estas pollas negras y le dejaron ganar el culo. (No, that ain't fair. That bitch cheated and we all know it. She probably sucking all these niggas’ dicks and they let her ass win.)” Chiron looked to Roxanne who cracked her neck slowly walking to the group as the others watched. Roxanne stood in front of the girl with her knife in hand, slowly waving it as she said “en primer lugar, mi nombre es Roxxx. No perra En segundo lugar, no hice trampa porque ese callejón estaba en el camino y tercero, si escucho a alguno de ustedes decir nigga nuevamente, cortaré una herida tan profunda en su garganta, cualquier hombre que ponga su polla en su boca tendrá La mejor experiencia de garganta profunda que hayan tenido en su vida (First off, my name is Roxxx. Not bitch. Second, I did not cheat because that alley was on the course and third, if I hear any of y'all say nigga again, I will cut a gash so deep in your throat, any man who puts his dick in ya mouth will have the ultimate deep throat fuck experience they ever had in their life)”. Roxanne used her blade to cut a huge chunk of the girl’s hair with just the blade itself and that made the girl cry. 

   The crowd chuckled as the losing team left and everyone congratulated all the competitors; that was the ending. Roxanne looked to Erik as Chi talked to the other men. “What you doing now”, he asked and she shrugged. “We usually go out to our hang out spot and eat. You can come if you want. That’s if ya don’t have a dick appointment waiting for you.” Erik chuckled with his hands in pockets and said “nah, beautiful. I’m free tonight.” She rolled her eyes, smirking before they all met up at the diner.

   At the diner the guys all sat at one booth while Roxanne and Erik shared another. She sat across from him with her contacts out, back to their original oak wood color. Her eyes were on the menu but Erik’s were on her. Noticing how her plump, glossed lips looked in the dim light. He couldn’t help but to stare. Even if he tried to keep them away, they always fell back to her.  “Do you always like staring”, Roxanne said still looking at her menu. Erik’s eyes went for his and back to her face to see that she was looking at him. “Nah, you had something on your face.” She laughed once saying “I had something on my face?”

“Yeah, it’s gone now.” She rolled her eyes with a smirk as she folded her hands on the table and said “must have been real interesting because you were surely staring for a while, Erik.” Erik placed his menu down, still looking at her and said “it still is interesting.” Roxxx licked the inside of her cheek to hide the blush she gave. “Such a charmer, I see. I bet ya make females panties drop, huh?” She closed her menu and placed it to the side. Erik rested his arms on the booth and leaned back. “Not saying. Just know that no one claiming and neither am I.” She placed her leg on the booth and leaned her back onto the wall. Erik bit his lip as she looked at her and asked “why you single, hm? No niggas wanna be with someone as beautiful as you?”

“Because I don’t need a nigga”, she side eyed him and went back to her phone. Erik chuckled nervously, saying “I didn’t make you mad, did I?”; she shook her head. “Nah, I get that question a lot. But I just ain’t looking at the moment.” He nodded as the waitress came to their table with fries as their appetizers and took their order. “Can I get pastrami burger, well done with grilled onion and a lemonade with onion ring on the side, please”, Roxanne ordered after handing her the menu. “Sure, doll. And what can I get for you handsome”, the waitress asked Erik; Roxanne smiled while biting her bottom lip and shaking her head slowly. 

   Erik told her “I wanna get the breakfast special, steak medium rare, with wheat toast, scrambled cheese eggs, grits on the side and hash browns as well” before handing her the menu to her with a wink and smiled to the side. Once they lady walked away with heat rushing to her unknown place, Roxanne held a hand to her ear. “Do you hear that”, she motioned her hand going down and said “panties dropping.” Erik threw his napkin at her as she laughed. 

   Their food came out minutes later and he asked “so, where ya from? When you talk, I hear a slight accent in there.” She looked up at as she cut her burger in half and looked back at her plate. “You are very curious person.” He ate a piece of his steak and said “nah, just very observant.” She bit into her burger when she felt the other guys watching them as they ate. She sipped her drink and said “Jamaican. But I was born out here.” Erik can tell something was wrong when she looked around and saw that her leg was shaking a little. “Roxanne, you good”, Chi asked once he stood by the booth; she nodded and he said “Aight, I’m finna go finish this blunt with Tim outside.” Deeno and Justin watched from across the way and Roxanne felt all eyes on her as she ate. She cleared her throat before asking “so, Erik... why ya nickname Killmonger?”

  Erik looked up at her and saw that she was looking at him as she ate. “Well, that was my code name in the army. One of the boys at the platoon gave me the name. It was a joke a first because I would be getting all types of goo goo eyes from the ladies anywhere we went but then it became more.”

“What you mean?”

  Erik looked at the guys then at her and finally said “I killed a lot of people. Innocent or not, they were gone. You see every mark on me”, he asked and she leaned back, nodding. “Well, they are basically a mark for each person I murdered.” Her eyes looked over his arms and part of his chest that showed. Erik watched as her fingers got closer to his hand. “Can I touch them”, she asked with curious eyes; he nodded and her fingers danced up his arm slowly. She utter out loud “they’re really...”

“Weird?” She looked up at him and shook her head. He saw the warmth in her eyes, like a star trying to get through. She looked down at her hand, caressing the skin and said “soft and amazing.” He could only smile at her as she leaned back and looked to the guys. “Eat before y’all food get cold.” Deeno kissed his teeth and said “you can’t tell us what do.” As she ate, she pulled out her blade and placed it on the table close to the edge; the other men began eating as Erik chuckled.

   After the night meal, her group was all gone, leaving the pair alone. “So, what ya doing tomorrow? You trynna hang again”, he asked and she folded her arms. “I see someone is feeling me”, Roxanne said. He rolled his eyes and said “ha ha, funny.” She giggled and said “well, to answer ya question. I’ll be busy making moves and what not. But we can hang sometime next week. If ya up for it.”

“I got you. I’ll text you.” She nodded, held her hand out for him to shake and he accepted it. They shook hands but then all of a sudden, she kissed his cheek. “Good night, Erik. Stay black”, she said making him laugh. “I wouldn’t want to be anything else but black.” She let the door down and watched as he got into his car. Roxanne began to drive off when she got a call, and smiled. She placed her airpod in and said “I see someone missed me already. Of course, I miss you. You know that. Yeah, I’ll be home in a few. Aight, baby. Love you too. Bye.”

*𝕋𝔸𝔾𝔾𝔼𝔻 𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼𝕊*

@muse-of-mbaku @im5ftbutmythroat66 @chaneajoyyy @melanin-samii @theunsweetenedtruth @doux-ciel @unicornluvin8765 @vikkidc @wakandantings @thadelightfulone @mzamethystp @simbiann @tropicalsun10 @babydoll756​ @notoriouslynay @vminax @quinsly @pinkdemolition @quietstorm-73​ @chaoticcashfancroissant @bugngiz​ @chocolatedippedinhoney​ @yafavcocoa @lostgalaxies​ @mbakuwife @youreadthatright​ @babygotl01292003 @acceptyourselfloveyourself @madamslayyy​ @yoyolovesbucky​ @theogbadbitch @wakanda-inspired @bitchacho25 @toniilaney @wakandascrystal​ @girlsneedlovingfanfics @raysunshine78​ @melodyofmbaku @hearteyes-for-killmonger @silenceisplatinum @thickemadame​ @shookmcgookqueen​ @heykillmongerluhme​ @fonville-designs @cutewylie @allhailqueennel @10bsatatime @nickidub718 @lildashofmelanin @allhailqueennel @amirra88 @hakunalive4eva @thickemadame​ @ghostfacekill-monger @cherrystainedlipsbaby​ @nahimjustfeelingit-writes​ @fd-writes

[elavoyy]

Worn Wear Won Wars (aka Chuck Hansen Birthday Fic)

Chuck’s 17th birthday started as uneventful as any other day he spent in the shatterdome. He had woken up, trained, walked Max, showered, had breakfast, then trained some more.

The atmosphere in Sydney Shatterdome was filled with an undercurrent of anxiousness and anticipation, and a routined busyness as always. Everything seemed the same as yesterday.

He didn’t expect to see Herc before their afternoon combat training session, but there he was, sitting at their table in the mess hall at lunch, having a seemingly pleasant conversation with one of Striker’s J-techs.

If Chuck had learned anything during the past year of drifting with his father, it was that Herc hated when Chuck publicly demonstrated how disfunctional their relationship was. It hadn’t much to do with shame or pride, no. Rather everything to do with how private a person Herc was and how much he hated assumptions, particularly on their father-son relationship, and how the soldier in him expected his son to act like one at all times.

So Chuck cursed to himself inwardly and made way to where his father was sitting, tray in one hand and Max’s leash in the other. He took the seat with a mumbled ‘hey old man’, then picked Max up and dumped him in Herc’s lap. Almost a peace offering as good as any.

‘Hey kid,’ Herc replied, scraching behind the tail-wagging bulldog’s ears without any protest to the deliberate greeting, which really was a surprise to Chuck. But he made no comment on it, instead picked up his fork and started attacking on the egg salad.

It wasn’t often that he and Herc ate lunch together when their schedule didn’t overlap in the morning. Chuck preferred to get ahead the busy lunch rush and finish eating as quickly as possible while Herc usually waited until the last fifteen minutes before they stopped serving. And in his stubborn mind Chuck had always thought Striker’s team being seen together was more for appearances’ sake than them actually wanting to spend time with each other.

Which was why he couldn’t help feeling a little alert when Herc made no move to leave after he had obviously finished his food. He could feel the old man’s attention focusing on him even though he was still idly chatting with the J-tech across the table.

That was another thing with sitting side by side with your drift partner, no wire or machine was needed to feel the other’s existence in the back of your mind, nor does every intention need to be read through body language or eye contact.

Finally Chuck broke his silence when the J-tech left the table and Herc showed no sign of following, ‘Don’t you have something better to do than sitting around, old man?’

Herc glared at him for a second and said: ‘Don’t call me that.’ Then he looked down at Max, clearly avoiding eye contact, which he rarely did and that just got Chuck more on edge.

Now that Chuck actually turned to look at him, he could see the slight awkwardness on Herc’s face. The typical “I have something to say but I don’t know how” face which could only mean the next thing that comes out of his father’s mouth would be either extremely infuriating or tremendously embarrassing. Great. Chuck regretted not just take his lunch and leave when he had the chance. He was having an okay day until then and really wasn’t in the mood for emotional conflict.

He was just about to get up and leave but of course Herc sensed his retreat and stopped him before he could.

‘Striker’s crew wants to throw you a party.’ Herc said, in a carefully neutral tone.

‘What?’ Chuck asked. Because none of the words Herc just said made sense to him.

Looking at Chuck’s furrowed brows and genuinely confused face, Herc sighed, ‘They knew it’s your birthday today. And they wanted to celebrate. They asked me to ask you if you were down.’

Chuck looked at Herc like he’d just lost his mind. ‘What? No! Why?’ Then he realised he was probably over reacting a bit, so he lowered his voice, ‘No. What were they thinking? This isn’t a fucking summer camp. And why didn’t you just tell them that?’

Herc, surprisingly let the swear word slide, just shrugged. ‘I told them a surprise party would be a very bad idea. And that you probably won’t say yes.’

‘A surprise party.’ Chuck repeated dryly. Just saying these words out loud made Chuck want to grimace. Yes it’s only been a little more than half a year since he started working with these people, but nevertheless they should know that Chuck passionately hated both socialising and surprises. A surprise party. If Chuck didn’t know better he would think they were trying to get back to him for breaking Striker’s fingers on their last drop.

‘They mean well.’ Herc said, ‘And you can’t blame them for finding every excuse to let loose a bit, eh?’

That last comment brought up some unpleasant memories for both of them, and for a short moment Chuck didn’t know what to say.

‘Besides, it’s your first birthday as a Ranger. Reckoned you’d want to celebrate.’ Herc stood up and made to collect both their empty trays. ‘I’ll just tell them that you don’t then.’

Chuck picked up Max’s leash and followed his father’s movements without thinking, still feeling a little off balance with what Herc just said, though he couldn’t quite figure out why.

Herc turned to face him at the door way and hesitated, but in the end he just clapped Chuck’s shoulder and said: ‘see ya later, eh kid?’ Then walked away.

————————

Their training session that afternoon went as well as training sessions could go, leaving them with sore muscles and aching bones and a wonderful aftertaste of adrenaline rush. To Chuck’s relief, Herc didn’t mention anything about birthdays or parties or surprises again, so all in all Chuck was quite happy with how this day ended, now all that left to do was to shower, get some food, then go back to his bunker and do some reading before bed while cuddling with his dog.

Chuck was about to go pick Max up from his sitter—a nice mechanic lady who works in the workshops in the hangars, before heading to the mess hall, when Herc called out to him.

‘Chuck, wait.’ Herc strode down the hallway and gestured for him to follow, ‘Come for a sec, got something for ya.’

‘What now, old man?’ Chuck’s tone was sceptical and wary, as he seamlessly fell into step with his father, ‘This isn’t about that party bullshit again, is it?’

‘Watch it kid.’ Herc warned without really meaning it. ‘No, it’s not. I got something for your birthday, you little wanker.’

Now Chuck wasn’t expecting that. See, after Angela had died, the Hansens just didn’t do birthdays anymore. Mostly because they were usually apart at the times, and evidently calling to say “Happy Birthday” was beyond their capabilities. In the past six years, Herc had gotten Chuck exactly one birthday gift, and that gift was probably getting a belly rub from a nice little lady in the mechanic shop at this moment. So Chuck really didn’t know how to respond, except with his usual “when confused with emotions, act like a little shit” tactic.

‘Since when do you care about anyone’s birthdays?’ Chuck scoffed as they came to a stop in front of Herc’s room, ‘Is it a head injury or just being old?’

‘For fucks sake, Chuck. Can you stop being a brat for one second and accept that people actually care about you?’ Herc pulled the metal door open with an unnecessary amount of force, and purposely ignored the loud noise when it smashed against the wall. He rolled his eyes when Chuck was startled at the sound. ‘And I’m not even forty. Get in.’

Chuck sat on the desk chair and watched Herc close the door behind him, then went straight to pull something out from the cupboard in the corner.

‘Here, try it on.’ Herc threw the jacket at Chuck’s head, but Chuck’s reflex was way too fast to get hit.

It was a leather bomber jacket, dark coloured with short faux fur lining the collar. The leather dull but thick and resilient, the weight heavy and the touch soft. Striker’s logo was sewn onto the right upper arm, its colour vibrant and stitches new, a jarring contrast to the old leather. But Chuck’s eyes were caught on the back, where a little Kaijiu head was spray painted to the left.

‘You got me a second hand bomber.’ Chuck was trying to sound judgmental but he couldn’t stop himself from tracing his hand along the Striker logo and the soft leather over and over.

‘I wore it in Hong Kong.’

Chuck looked up at Herc, there was reminiscence in his eyes, which quickly dissolved into smugness when he saw how carefully Chuck had caressed the garment.

‘It’s probably a bit big for you now, but you’ll grow into it, hopefully.’ Herc said with a smirk.

‘Yeah yeah, and soon it’ll be too small.’ Chuck grinned in that way when he knows he’s being a brat.

‘You wish.’ Herc chuckled, shook his head, then opened the door and waved a hand, ‘Now get out of here and go eat your veges.’

Chuck folded the jacket over his arms and walked through the door, then turned back to look at his father, who was looking at him with the same expression as at lunch, and said: ‘Thanks, dad.’

Herc smiled at him, and for some reason, looked almost relieved as he replied: ‘Happy birthday, Chuck.’

Chuck nodded once and walked away, he never heard the loud clang of a metal door before he turned the corner.

Fin.

[honeybearexe]

Tough love 💕 (2) || Seo Changbin

Paring: Seo Changbin (jock) x reader (nerd)

Warning: Angst 💔, Changbin still acting like a dick towards the reader. Teasing, a little bit of fluff

Summary: you always tried to involved the college jock Seo Changbin what happened when you get partnered up to do a science project together will you be stuck doing it by yourself or will Changbin have a Change of heart.

Part 3

~~

A/N: Thank you so much for all the love and support on the first chapter of tough love and thank you for waiting patiently enjoy part 2 my cubs or bby cubs special thnx to my love 😍 @kpoptookmysoul27 for always poof readying my fanfic before i post them and helping me fix my spelling errors.

~~

You wake up blinking a few times to adjust your eyes to the bright white ceiling with bright lights. You groan lifting your hand up to cover your eyes from the light, you look around the room noticing that your not in the girls bathroom anymore that you’re in the nurses office.

You hear footsteps coming into the office you look and see that’s it Miss Kim the college nurse. “ Oh Your finally awake” You look at her confused and ask: “H-how did I get here?” She looks at you with a soft smile saying:“ A nice young man brought you here.” You confused thinking to yourself: “ A nice young boy?..I wonder who that could be?”

In a confused tone you ask Miss Kim: “ I-I locked the door. How did the young man get it?” Miss Kim looks at you saying: “ The young man told me that there were a group of girls at the bathroom door, he said that they said they couldn’t get in. So he helped them by breaking down the door. He saw you on the floor unconscious and brought you here.”

You nod your head. “Glad to see your awake Y/n.” You look up to see Changbin leaning against the door frame with a pissed off glare, but as soon as Miss Kim turns around he put on a soft smile standing straight up.

Miss Kim looks happily at you saying: “Y/n this is the young man i was telling you about. The one that brought you here.”

You look at Miss Kim with wide eyes, you couldn’t believe what you were hearing. “ Miss Kim I-.” You tried to speak but you were cut off by Changbin. “Professor Jung told me to come retrieve y/n and bring her back to class if she was able to.”

“ Y/n is free to go back to class. Here’s a note to give to Professor Jung. Take it easy with your head okay. Take pain pills if you need to and if its gets worse to go the hospital okay?” Miss Kim says smiling at you, you grab the note from Miss Kim getting up from the bed, walking towards the door where Changbin is waiting for you.

The walk back to class was quite as you guys were walking down the steps. You were ready to turn the corner when you felt a strong grip pull you back and slam you hard against the wall. You tried to reach up and touch your head that was throbbing with pain but a hand stopped you from doing so. You looked up and saw Changbin had pulled you in the alcove behind the stairs.

“ Trying to get out of doing the project huh little nerd?” He says with his black eyes staring deep into your brown ones. “ I-.” You were cut off by Changbin slamming his hand close to your face making you flinch with fear. The grip he had on your wrist got tighter by the second and you wanted to scream out in pain but you were to scared that you might piss Changbin off more than he already is.

“ I-I w-wouldn’t b-be i-injured i-if it weren’t for you.” You say. Changbin was shocked, his eyes were wide he never thought he would hear you stand up to him especially in the situation he has you in right now.

You take advantage of Changbin shock state by pulling your wrist out his hand and trying to walk away but as soon as you do he pulls you back against the wall. You look at him with a glare saying: “ Let me go or I’ll scream.”. Changbin looks at you letting out a deep low chuckle and began to say: “Go ahead.” He leans down coming close to your left ear “ I’ll give you something to scream about.” He pulls away looking at your shocked face. He grins at you knowing he won this battle.

His next move takes you by surprise as he plants a kiss on your forehead. He pulls away smirking at your flustered face. As he begins to walk away he shouts: “Ya, it’s not like you to be this late to class you coming or what?”

You push yourself off the wall catching up to Changbin as he looks back at you smirking.

You turn your head in the other direction. Once you guys make it to Professor Jung’s class you walk up to Professor Jung desk.

“ Ah! Y/n glad to see your okay. How your head?” “ It’s fine Professor Jung i feel better now”. “ How was Changbin? Was he behaving well?” Professor Jung asks you.

You look over at Changbin who is sitting with his friends.

He looks at you smirking. You feel yourself blushing as you turn around to answer Professor Jung question.

“ He was on his best behavior.” You say giving a half smile. “ Ah that’s good to hear.”

You smile nodding your head going to your seat. Professor Jung stands up. “ Alright class it’s time to team up with your partners”. You turn your head to see Changbin still sitting at his seat with his left leg propped up against his desk looking at you.

“ Seo Changbin why haven’t you moved next to your partner yet?” Professor Jung asked.

“ Because I’m waiting for my partner to be a good girl and come to me.” He says looking directing at you smirking.

The whole class goes “ OOOOO” as Professor Jung yells: “ SILENCE! ” “ Seo Changbin this is your last warning or I’ll-.” “ I’ll go Professor Jung it’s fine”. You cut off Professor Jung off.

You make your way to Changbin as you hear whistles from Changbin’s friends.

“That’s enough!” Professor Jung says as he begins to explain the chemistry project.

Changbin leans over whispering: “ I knew my nerd would be a good girl for daddy and come to me.”

You choke on your spit trying to clear your throat as Changbin chuckles to himself “ Y/n are you okay?” Professor Jung ask with a worried face and you nod your head. Professor Jung nods his head back then continues with the lessons.

Once the lesson is over Professor Jung dismisses everyone. While making your way out of class you realized that you have none of your supplies with you, not event your bag.

You groan ready to go to the lost and found to go find your things. As you were walking down the hallway an arm snakes it’s way around your waist spinning you around.

You stumble into the person chest smelling a scent of vanilla.

You feel the vibrations of the person chuckling.

“You already can’t stand on your two feet and I didn’t get to wreck you yet.”

You look up to see Changbin looking down at you smirking. You pull yourself away blushing.

“I got something for you little nerd”.

You look at him confused as he pulls your bag from behind him. You tried to reach for it but Changbin pulls it back towards him.

“If you want your bag back...be a good girl and give daddy a kiss.” You can hear his friends chucking behind him.

“Come on Changbin just give me my bag back.” You whine. “Give me a kiss.” He says.

You tried to come up with a excuse but you keep stuttering on your words.

You hear footsteps as another person comes up behind Changbin snatching your bag out of Changbin’s hand. “Ya!” “I think she had enough excitement for one day.” The person says handing you your bag. You let out a soft “Thank you.” Looking at the handsome black haired boy she couldn’t help but to stare into his sharp auburn eyes. Its was then you notice that he was hyunjin, another member of Changbin’s squad.“ No problem.“ He says smiling at you. He looks over to Changbin then says: “Let’s go hyung give y/n a break.” Ruffling Changbin’s hair as he walks away.

“ Y-ya” Changbin said catching up to Hyunjin. You stand there watching their interaction with each other while walking back up to their squad. Changbin looks back at you sending you a wink before disappearing with his friends.

You sigh making your way back your dorm. Once you made it back you go straight to your bedroom flopping on your bed. You roll over starring up at the ceiling ‘today was a long day’, you thought to yourself. You wondered what was next to come for the next two weeks.

[philosophorsfosterhome]

Something about Noodles and Love

Show: Tales of Arcadia Characters: Celeste Millway(OC), Hisirdoux Casperan Word Count: 2332 Summary: Hisirdoux is confronted with the fact he may have a problem with noodles.

Okay so, this one is legit just me distracting myself from a slight trigger i put on myself the other day, and it’s absolutely nothing but pure fluff. Please bear with me, i just needed to feel good inside

   “I'm home!” Douxie called out as he entered the house. A kinda small house, but the perfect size still. He heard laughter from the living room, the sound got closer and Celeste stood in the doorway to the entrance.

   “You've been gone, for fifteen minutes Douxie” she laughed and leaned against the door frame.

   “Aw come on, indulge me” he said with a smile and walked over to her, putting his hands on her shoulder. “I'm home~” he said softly and kissed her forehead.

   “Welcome home love” she chuckled and kissed his cheek. “Did you get the snacks?” she grabbed the grocery bag and looked inside it.

   “I tried to remember everything, but I also got-”

   “Some fucking cup noodles oh my god Hisirdoux I thought you were trying to stop” she laughed and took the noodles out. “these aren't even the good expensive ones! Douxie these are literally just air!”

   “Aw come on! I've kept myself clean for a whole two days! Not a single noodle have I eaten” he grabbed his girlfriend and swung her around. She squealed and tried to keep him from getting the noodles from her hands. A little difficult seeing as how all of his limbs had a distinct advantage of being significantly longer.

   “We have, a whole fridge full of food! Leftovers even! You just have to chuck them in the microwave!” Celeste got out of his grip and managed to snatch the noodles back. “you promised you'd try to stay away from Noodles for a week! At this point it's like you're actually addicted”

   “Two days is almost a week!”

   “It's like under a third of a week!” Celeste ran through the house with the noodles in her arms. “I'm locking these up before you can eat them!”

   “Oh no you don't!” Hisirdoux took off after her, long limbs almost getting tangled up and making him fall over himself. He could hear her squealing with delight as he chased her. He couldn't for long though, somehow it seemed he ran out of gas too fast.

   “That's what you get for existing on nothing but instant noodles!” Douxie had lost sight of her but he knew exactly where she was once he had the thump of a shutting safe door.

   “Aw come on!” he made it to their bedroom and saw her proudly standing by the small magical safe she had on her desk. “how many noodles do you have in there by now?” he walked over and tried opening the door. He knew the code, sadly he had no idea what infernal spell she'd managed to put on it that kept him from actually opening it.

   “Enough to feed all of Asia at this point” Hisirdoux felt a little better when he realized she was out of breath as well.

   “It's not that bad” he scratched the back of his head. He couldn't be that addicted to noodles, could he?

   “Not that bad? Douxie, Douxie” she laughed and patted the safe. “there's practically nothing but noodles in this! I've had to empty it to make room for more noodles”

   “Wait did you just throw them out?” Douxie was somewhat offended. Both that his girlfriend would toy with his noodles like that, and that she'd just waste food in such a way.

   “Of course not” Celeste rolled her eyes. “I gave them to Jim, and it was just the cheap generic ones, Malai eats those like chips”

   “Oh so when your sister wants to eat crunched noodles like it's cereal it's Okay, but when I wanna do it I 'have a problem' and 'need to cut down on my sodium intake'” he put up his fingers for air quotes and put on a thick sarcastic tone. Although he couldn't keep a straight face. Both him and Celeste laughed, he even saw her wipe her eyes a bit.

   “The difference, my dear boyfriend, is that Malai... actually eats a varied diet alongside the noodles” she faked a gasp and put her hand in front of her mouth. Douxie just rolled his eyes and pulled her close. “Not to mention that uh, Jim, is the one cooking for her usually? You know, the best fucking cook in Arcadia”

   “Don't let Mr. Benoit hear you say that, he might fire me for it” he chuckled. Celeste just rolled her eyes dramatically. “but like, seriously, how many noodles have you given away?”

   “Oh my god” she snorted and pushed at his chest. “Relax, I check the thing weekly for expired or expiring noodles and I give those away, I'm not that cruel”

   “I think I'd beg to differ, you are keeping me away from my drug of choice”

   “Oh so you admit you have a problem?”

   “... Alright, you got me there, i'll give you that one” he let go of her and held his hands up in defeat. “Maybe, just maybe, I do need to cut down on the noodles, in my defense it's the only thing I've known how to cook for, let's say a good few decades” he looked at the safe again. He knew there were some noodles in there he really wanted to eat. He heard Celeste sigh. She seemed to have noticed his longing stare at the safe.

   “Listen” he instantly whipped his head to look at her. This was the sort of tone that told him he was about to be given a rare gift, a gift from the goddess herself.   Mercy.

   “One fucking pack” Celeste held up one finger. “One pack today, maybe another tomorrow, but only one pack a day, maximum, and no that's not accumulative, i'm not gonna let you fast for a week and then overdose every Sunday”

   “Sou say that like I do that all the time”

   “Hey, guess what, you would, I know you Casperan” She opened up the safe door and stuck her whole arm in there. The safe itself wasn't that big. Honestly it couldn't be, as it was situated on top of a standard wooden desk. He knew she'd enchanted it to hold a lot more than it should be able to, like the weird safe Merlin had in his study at Camelot way back when.   Although this one had a different lock system, one Hisirdoux had yet to crack. And when he did, then yeah maybe he was gonna overdose on noodles, he wasn't sure.

   “But, I'm gonna throw you a bone” he was taken back to the real world when he heard the crinkle of a noodle pack emerge from the depths of the safe. “I'll even, let you have one of the good ones”

   And out she pulled, a spicy shrimp package, a really fancy expensive one with actual bits of dried shrimp for topping.   Douxie knew, that he had not bought that one. He had never seen that one anywhere but his dreams. And a few websites he'd browsed to see what kinds of noodles were out there.   But there it was, right in front of him, it was real and Celeste was gonna let him eat it. But that only brought up one question in his mind.

      “where'd that come from?” he took it and looked it over. It didn't feel like a reseal, he could feel the packets and noodles inside, there was a reasonable amount of crushed noodles inside.   As he thought all that, it did dawn on him that maybe he was a little too intimately familiar with the contents and feeling of a standard, non tampered with noodle package.   Which also brought to light that Celeste had tampered with enough to make him familiar with that as well. And lastly, that Celeste was definitely right, he had a problem.

   “I think, amazon?” Celeste shrugged. “I don't remember exactly, but like, it was on your wishlist, why, do you not like it?” she cocked her head. He could hear in her voice that she was very certain he did indeed like it.

   “Okay but why did Amazo- wait you bought this, and I assume more, for me?” he was now even more confused. Why would Celeste, who so vehemently tried to get him to stop consuming so many noodle packs, voluntarily bring more into the house, and especially ones of this price range.

   “Well” she walked over and stood on tippy toes to kiss his cheek. “Sometimes I gotta spoil ya, or you'll just leave me” she walked out of the bedroom and Douxie just stood there.

   “If you're implying that my love for you, is measured in how many noodles you let me eat... you're not entirely wrong but also that's a bit offensive” he walked after her and read the cooking instructions on the back. They were in japanese, but he did have a translation spell easily on hand.

   “I was joking” they split up as Douxie continued to the kitchen and Celeste slouched down on the couch again. “Although that does make me worry, but also if you leave you won't get the rest of your noodles”

   “I'll find a way to crack that safe!” he put the water over to boil, he was gonna tempt fate this time and actually use a pot, the noodles were of such quality that they deserved it. He decided to look through the fridge while the water came to a boil. Celeste hadn't been joking about the status of the fridge, it was indeed full. He did honestly feel a little bad, but he good to honest could not cook anything without something going wrong.   He'd tried, many times. Always failed, one time he's managed to explode an egg while boiling it.

   “Are you two arguing about noodles again?” Douxie heard Archie say from somewhere, then he heard two soft thumps from the office room and the shapeshifter came walking in. he was currently a cat, while he could easily just walk around like a dragon, he'd found it was easier to navigate the house as a cat, a standard house pet.

   “What gave you that idea?” Douxie asked and put the flavouring in the pot.

   “The screaming and running through the house mostly” Archie stretched and Douxie could hear him step into the living room, his soft paws tip tapping on the ground. “It can't be, Douxie finally won a game of Noodle Chase?”

   “Nah, I won, but I decided to be merciful and give him some noodles, poor man has suffered for a whole two days after all!” Celeste laughed and Douxie could hear Archie start purring.

   “You won't be laughing when I crack that safe of yours!”

   “Oh please! You'd have to navigate it! Given the problems you have finding the keys in my purse I have no worries”

   “I have always been curious, how come it takes you so long to find the keys in her purse? I thought it had a bright neon blue attachment on it?” Archie asked.

   “Listen Arch, you cannot comment on that until you've tried yourself” Douxie put the noodles in the pot, now he just had to pray that nothing would set on fire and he'd be golden. “One of the greatest mysteries in this world, is the ability that women seem to have when packing their purses'' he walked to the kitchen door and looked out at them.   “Same thing with Zoe, I once tried to find a box of matches in her purse, don't ask why, I couldn't find the bloody things and she just looked into it and pulled the suckers right out! I dont think i've ever seen a more clear look of 'you're as blind as a bat' as I did in her eyes that day”

   “You wanna know how? Women do this thing called, organizing, in our purses”

   “Ha ha, very funny love” Douxie walked back to his noodles and poked them. They were still too hard to pull off the heat. He was getting impatient and hungry. Although he wasn't sure if the noodles would actually satiate his hunger for long. That was another thing he could never say out loud, he knew noodles weren't the best, but damn if those suckers weren't satisfying still.

   “You done soon? Movie's about to begin!” Celeste called from the couch. Douxie froze up for a second, he had absolutely no idea what she was talking about. He tried remembering as hard as he could, and it did hit him.   

   He'd gone out for snacks because a movie was coming up they were gonna watch. An old horror movie that Celeste had been excited about.

   “Yer fecking forgot about the Moovie didn't ye?” Douxie cringed a little at the Scottish accent creeping into Celeste's voice. Although it didn't last long, she began laughing. “oh relax, I can practically hear your muscles contract from here, just get your ass in the seat”

   “Don't scare me like that” the noodles were finally soft and he poured them into a bowl. He hurried inside and sat on the couch next to Celeste. Archie was in her lap, well half in her lap and half on the couch, she had one free hand stuck in a bowl of popcorn.

   “Did you forget to turn the stove off?” She asked, eyes glued to the screen. Douxie quickly snapped his fingers and the stove clicked a few times from the kitchen. “one day, you're gonna burn down the house, I can feel it”

   “Nonsense, I'll just fireproof the house like Merlin did the bookstore!” he took a slurp of the noodles. The movie began and Douxie looked to his side.   As he looked at his girlfriend, and arguably the closest he'd ever had to a brother sitting in her lap, his heart swelled in a way he hadn't felt before. He was pretty sure, it was pure untainted happiness.

   “I love you” he said and kissed Celeste's cheek. She turned away from the screen, smiling at him before pecking his lips.

   “I love you too, yer fecking noodle maniac”