#Signal Processing Assignment Help

[urgent-homework-help]

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[ameliagomez08]

A Lifesaver for Signal Processing Assignments! 🚀

Hey Tumblr fam, 

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[lostintransist]

Fallen Angel | Ovulation is a Bitch™ - SFW-ish

AO3

18+ MDNI - Tumblr Exclusive

CW: Sex mentioned in vague detail.

John had found a property that would fit everyone. The original house had an addition added sometime in the last ten years. The extra space roughed out to a room per person, minus Johnny who would be sharing with Simon. They took the largest room since it would be housing them both. You got the next largest room despite all arguments. John put his foot down as the ‘owner’ and assigned the rooms out. The kitchen, dining space, and living room all ran together from the front door, two bedrooms extending behind the kitchen. The other

The last of the moving boxes were getting broken down and put in the bin. Moving had been quite a process, trying to decide which of the several options of everything everyone owned you had taken Kyle aside to beg him to convince John to buy a new set of everything for the new house to avoid the headache of trying to find where to store three couches, four kitchen tables, and five separate kitchen sets. John always listened best to Kyle.

Lord only knows how but Kyle convinced everyone (but they wouldn’t let you offer up even a single piece of money) to pool in and buy the biggest couch you had ever seen and a TV to match. If your opinion on the choice of color or which table to bring home held greater weight? Well, you wouldn’t fight them on this front.

Simon would be cooking and Johnny, who was not allowed to touch the stove after the last incident, would rotate around him prepping things for Simon to cook no matter what it was. Finally, after stepping on his lover a few times Simon would pin Johnny to the counter by the hips, kiss him firmly on the lips, and send him to sit next to you as you smirked into your coffee cup. Watching those two dance around each other in the kitchen became one of your favorite pastimes.

It wouldn’t be so bad if they weren’t so fucking hot.

You were asexual. The understanding of your sexuality sat firm and undeniable in your soul. Except when you were ovulating. The bitch that is your uterus did not care that your soul and mind were finally in agreement, she wanted to be fucked into the mattress and given a baby.

It wasn’t just Simon and Johnny. It was Kyle with his skin that looked so smooth and smelled divine, Gary and his pheromones wafting off him as he slams the front door behind him after a run, and John and his fucking beard that you want to paw through like a cat as he is buried to the hilt in you.

You couldn’t ask that of any of them. The lines you had drawn after they asked you to choose were deep. How did you step over those without confusing the boundaries?

Standing abruptly, you announce to the room you are going on a walk. Kyle and Gary had entered the kitchen sometime while you were sucked into the vortex of your thoughts. Nodding once to yourself of your intentions you leave the kitchen, ignoring all the unspoken communication that must be going on behind your back.

You run into John when you leave your bedroom dressed for your walk. The slight moan that escapes your mouth when you physically slam into him is ignored on both sides.

“Going somewhere fun?” John settles a hand on your back, chest, and stomach flush with the side of his body.

Polyamory as an ace person had been such a delight. You could snuggle with any of them, offer or accept kisses as needed, tickle or tease as needed to help someone out of a funk, and never expect anything more. Right now, though? You fought the urge to rip your flesh off; John’s body against yours fired off every signal in your uterus that you strained to ignore.

“Just a walk,” you smile and step away to retrieve your shoes from the rack next to the front door.

“Sounds delightful, I’ll come if you don’t mind.” John grabbed his own shoes, settling next to you on the couch and skillfully knotting his laces.

Your find stagnates on all the knots he must know that could hold you in place while he makes you feel better. Fingers stilling on your shoes it takes John kneeling before you and replacing his hands with your own to draw you back into your skull and out of your uterus. He handles the task with the competence he does everything before slipping his hand in yours and keeping you close as you leave the house. If your bits throb the entire walk? No one’s business.

The mile loop is enough to take the barest hint of the edge off your desires. John had a way of settling you and making you laugh all at once. It would have been enough if Gary hadn’t come to find you.

Head deep in your closet looking for the vibrator you knew you had packed over from the flat you shared with Simon, you smelt him first. The raw and masculine scent of him called to you, petrichor to your parched lady bits. Biting your lip so hard you nearly drew blood you straightened up.

“Hi Gary, whatcha needing?”

Have you seen my toiletries? I know I moved them over but no one has seen them since we got back from our last mission.

Searching through your memories you can’t recall a single instance of seeing any bottles that weren’t immediately claimed.

“No, but I can show you which ones are mine and you can use those until you get a chance to order some more of yours. Does that work?” You look up at him and smile.

He nods, stepping into your room to offer you a hand up.

Taking it was a mistake.

As you stand you can see the shimmer of sweat across the width of his throat and upper chest and all you want to do is lick him.

You must freeze for too long. Gary crooks a finger beneath your chin and lifts until his questioning face matches yours.

“Gary, I need help,” you whisper.

“Anything-ng-ng,” he whispers back.

“Fuuuuck,” your eyes roll back into your head. He could have said anything but that and you would have been able to talk yourself out of asking.

Stepping around him, you trail your fingers across his abs as you reach for your door, shutting and locking it.

Curling your fingers still on him you hug him from behind, burying your nose between his shoulder blades.

“You know I’m asexual right?”

“Ye-ye-s?” Even his stutter seems to question you.

“Sometimes I still want sex. Only when I’m ovulating, but I swear it’s worse because it only happens one day out of twenty-eight,” you press your nose into him further, taking in a deep breath of satisfying man smell.

He waits. Gary had been government-trained to observe until he could draw solid conclusions.

“The help I need is sexual. I can’t find my vibrator and if I have to look at any one of you deliciously strong, good-smelling men I am going to start to bite like a rabid dog.” Your fingers tighten down on the ribbed tank top and the muscles below them. “Nothing will change in the day-to-day and if that doesn’t work for you, I won’t ask.”

His breath hitches both in your ears and under your touch. The air clicks on, the gentle rush of air entering your room now. Screwing your eyes shut you wait for rejection in the darkness you have created.

Gary’s fingers trail over the back of your hands, peeling them from his shirt. You shift from foot to foot, waiting for the embarrassment to start. Instead of him releasing your hands he brings them to his lips and kisses the tip of each finger. When that is completed, he turns and cradles your face, eyes shining as he searches for confirmation.

“Please Gary,” you whine, waiting for his decision.

He crashes into you like a wave meeting shore, lips fusing with yours.

Taking everything you can from him leaves you feeling half-satisfied. Thank all the gods you bought a new pack of condoms on your last shopping trip; the last ones had expired. It had been over a year since you could reliably have a partner, you didn’t dare have anyone over when Simon might appear at any moment. Taking care of your own needs had never been a problem until the plethora of options before you.

Gary drops a kiss on your lips as you rest in your bed. He had already cleaned you using the pack of wet wipes you kept in your bedside table drawer. They were wonderful for when you forgot to wash your face until you were already settled into bed, and aftercare apparently.

Hold on, let me see if I can get you some more help.

“Who?” you glare up at him unsure if you would prefer John or Kyle.

Dressing in his gym-sweated clothes he ducks.

Guess we will see who is home.

Sitting up you hiss at him to stop before he unlocks the door.

“Leave Simon and Johnny alone,” you hesitate to explain your thoughts. They were too new to each other to dare poke at their dynamic.

Gary nods before ducking out the door.

To your surprise, Kyle appears next. He pampers you, leaving your body shuddering. Kyle is a gentle lover. He is the first man to put his mouth to your clit, sending star across your vision and chuckling as you scramble for purchase in his hair.

He sends in John as the day slips closer to night. John comes bearing dinner. After he pulls his shirt off to settle across your body he eats with you.

“Is this why you were so sparky earlier today?” John glances up at you from his plate.

“Sparky?” You ask, incredulous.

“You looked like you wanted to chop yourself in half rather than be touched,” he dipped one shoulder in a shrug. “Sparky.”

Your mouth opens as you run your tongue across your teeth, frustrated.

“Yes.”

The admission costs you. The Cheshire grin that tugs John’s cheeks to his eyes should have told you what you were in for. He edged you for nearly an hour before fucking you like he was trying to touch your brain. At one point you cried out when you had to use both hands to push back against your headboard and further into his thrusts to avoid slamming your head. John had shushed you and lifted you and rolled to his back, so you rode him.

John settles clothes on your body, deposits you in the bathroom, and retrieves you when you are done. He hands you an electrolyte drink and orders you to bed. When you protest about the sheets he takes great pride in informing you that Kyle and Gary changed your sheets while you were in the bathroom.

“But I want to spend time in the living room,” you protest.

“Are you still feeling nippy? I bet Gary would be ready to go again.” John, nonplussed by offering one of his men up for sex, looks at you with an unfathomable expression.

You squeeze your legs together and stick out your tongue at him.

Taking your act of impertinence as an invitation John kisses you, licking into your mouth.

“To bed bird or I might find the energy to fling you around again,” he growls against your lips.

This time you listen.

Someone let it slip while you were sleeping. Johnny lay nose to nose with you when you woke the next morning.

"Why not me bonnie?" The sadness in his voice hurts you.

"I don't want to cause problems with you and Simon. I love you both and watching you in love brings me so much joy," you rest a hand against his face. The appearence of an early morning beard scratches at your hand. The sadness in his eyes lingers. "There is alway next month?"

He pushes forward, teeth and tongue and pretty little moans marking his intentions to take you next month.

A/N: well that got a bit more steamy then I meant for a SFW version...

@the-loneyest 😘 @lilynotdilly

Fallen Angel Masterlist | Masterlist

[irukasito]

the most attracted iruka’s ever been to kakashi is when he, during his term as hokage, digitizes everything in the village from employee IDs to fortifying security/access to different parts of government buildings to computers in every department and software to help streamline the mission assignment and report process to gps trackers/SOS signals for shinobi in the field, etc

+ kakashi absolutely plays into it

[linlinmoon]

"Look Of Love."

a/n : hi! just to note this isn't my best work as it is something i've done to crawl out of the deep pit of writer's block i'm currently suffering with so i suppose it is better than nothing 🙂‍↕️ i do appreciate if u suggest prompts in my ask box so i get the motivation to write and to write better 😻 enjoy!

🍰 : (they/them), fluff! riddle roseharts x reader.

The housewarden of Heartslabyul trudged his way back to his own dorm after dealing with miscellaneous events that wasn't even part of his agenda. His feet were practically dragging itself across the checkered tiles, his body so heavy he just wanted to do nothing but lay on his bed the whole entire evening after. 

It was one of the things left unsaid when being a housewarden, that you'd also have to be the one to pick up after the people who are more careless with following the rules and laws of the dorm. 

He couldn't let those things slide of course, yet fortunately he was a bit more considerate than before. After the overblot incident, he had become more lenient with certain rules, although it didn't mean that he'd let things slide way too often. 

And finally after a day of housewarden duties homework, and a lot of spellcasting on rulebreakers. He had arrived at the front of his dorm. Thank the Seven.

He opens the door to see them currently studying on the desk, the only other person that would make him feel like not everything has to be perfect all the time. The person that reminded him it was okay that his files didn't have to always be in proper order or the colors of his pens weren't in sequence according to their shades. Through them, it's also how he learned to be more expressive with how he feels and is in the process of learning how to do so in a proper manner, to  avoid any pent up negativity that would possibly bottle up inside of him.

Perhaps he was even more than lenient with them when it came to the laws of the dorm, though he'd say that it had just slipped his mind.

Definitely wasn't favoritism. ( Of course it was, he just wouldn't say it out loud )

“Ah, good evening. You're back later than usual.” they smiled, the corners of their lips tugging at their cheeks. They had taken his hands in theirs, slowly intertwining their fingers with each other's.

“Mm. Got held back a little.” he spoke, visibly exhausted. 

“Want to talk about it?”

“Please. It would truly help to let it out.”

They get up from their seat and had sat themself down at the bed and had laid on their back, pulling the housewarden down with their movement. After a few moments of comfortable silence, they shift to lay on their stomach to fix their eyes on the redhead who was to talk about the day they've had.

Riddle had rested his eyes before looking back up at their partner, giving them a knowing look to subconsciously ask them if it was alright to rant and let out whatever he could about what had happened through out his day. 

“Go on, I'm listening.” they assure, nodding a little as a signal for him to begin

“My day was usual, but it was a rather hectic with the sudden things that would come up out of nowhere, completely unannounced. As always, there would be atleast a number of students who are careless to forget certain rules. The assigned students had forgotten to wear pink when taking care of the flamingos today, they should know that by now. It's just once every week, how hard it is to remember..”

He continues on and on for awhile shifting their positions as their limbs entangle with one another. His head had rested on their chest as they ran their fingers through his hair. Eyes half lidded as they continued to listen, now just noticing this is the most he's ranted in awhile. 

They weren't complaining though, they "were" listening or they supposed to be but they couldn't help but stare while he just spoke. The way his lips would move when he pronounced certain words differently, the way how his brows would furrow when he talked about some event that irritated him or the way his eyes would shift from them then towards the ceiling as he recalled about thing that happened. Overall entranced by how... pretty, he looked when he spoke.

Riddle had noticed that they seemed to be just hum and nod in agreement at a certain pace, as if they were on autopilot or something. Noticing the way they looked at him, the way they only blinked or glanced elsewhere only if it was necessary.

“Are you listening?”

“Mhm.. huh?”

“I think you've just been staring the entire time.”

“No no no.. I was listening I promise. The doormouse had jam spread on it's nose, the herbal tea is better than any other and-”

“That's not.. Oh, you're impossible.” he stifles a laugh, playfully hitting their chest. They had moved closer to his embrace and laughed along with him. 

The sweet melodic sound of their voice rung in his ear, tinting his ears pink.  He could listen to them laugh over and over again like a broke vinyl. 

He had moved his hand onto theirs before making its way to their cheeks, holding their face in place to admire the way their features complimented one another. Riddle would be completely lying if he said he didn't like the way they would look at him, how could he? They looked at him as if he was the only one he could see, the only one in this world. Their gaze so full of love that it was overflowing, all the love that the world could hold in those eyes. And they were his, all his. They were his world, and he was theirs.  

“Sorry I can't help but stare. But I swear I listened.. to the first half I suppose.”

“Not to worry. I'd be happy to tell you all about it over and over again.”

“You would?”

“Mhm.. For you, I'd do it over and over again.”

[sturniololuvz]

Can you do one where they film blind,mute, and deaf video and reader joins mid video (reader can be any age idc)

yesssss!!!

“Baking Gone Wrong (as Usual)”

The Sturniolo triplets were known for chaos, but throwing a blind, deaf, and mute challenge into the mix while baking? That was a guaranteed disaster.

Chris sat at the kitchen island, completely blindfolded, his hands gripping the edge of the counter. “Bro, I feel like I’m gonna knock something over.”

Nick, the unlucky one assigned as mute, was already rubbing his temples in frustration as he tried to gesture wildly. Matt, completely deaf with noise-canceling headphones on, was just nodding along, oblivious to everything happening.

The video had barely started, and already, flour was everywhere.

Chris reached out, knocking over a measuring cup. “What was that? Did I break something?”

Nick waved his hands frantically, pointing at the mess. Matt, not hearing a thing, gave him a thumbs-up like everything was fine.

And then—

“YO, what’s up, losers?”

Y/N’s voice rang through the kitchen as she strolled in, taking one look at the disaster unfolding in front of her.

Chris yanked off his blindfold. “Oh my God.”

Nick spun around, sighing in relief and immediately pointing at her like help me.

Matt, still unaware, kept stirring something in a bowl as if he had any idea what he was doing.

Chris shook his head. “Why are you here?”

Y/N smirked. “Why wouldn’t I be here? You guys clearly need help.”

Nick clapped his hands dramatically, nodding in agreement.

Matt, finally noticing the shift in energy, looked around in confusion. “Wait—who are you talking to?”

Chris sighed. “Y/N. She’s here now.”

Matt blinked. “Oh great. More chaos.”

Chris grinned. “Nah, you’re joining in. Y/N, you’re mute now.”

Y/N gasped. “WHAT?!”

Nick, laughing silently, handed her an imaginary microphone and then threw it away, signaling that she officially had no voice.

She groaned but nodded, committing to the role.

Chris put his blindfold back on, Matt adjusted his headphones, and Nick and Y/N—now both mute—tried to keep the baking process moving.

It did not go well.

Chris, blindly reaching for the sugar, accidentally grabbed salt instead.

Matt, completely deaf, was aggressively whisking an empty bowl.

Nick and Y/N were both screaming in silence, trying to gesture that everything was going horribly wrong.

And when the cake finally made it into the oven—flour covering every inch of the kitchen—Chris ripped off his blindfold and looked around.

“…What the hell happened?”

Y/N, breaking her mute role, burst out laughing. “You guys should never be allowed to bake again.”

Nick held up a flour-covered thumbs-up, while Matt, still confused, just muttered, “Wait… did we win?”

Chris groaned. “This wasn’t even a competition, dude.”

Y/N smirked, stealing a spoonful of batter. “Well, if it was, I’d definitely win.”

And with that, the Sturniolo triplets + Y/N had officially created the most chaotic, questionably edible cake in history.

—

[thinkwosolife23]

Protect Her, Alessia Russo

Being a police officer was an incredibly demanding job; both physically and mentally. You had seem some things that no human should ever had to see, you were made to work stupidly long hours and everyday you were putting your life on the line.

But it was your dream job. It was you ever wanted to do. From being a little girl, you always dreamed over becoming a police officer. You dreamed of making a difference in the world, to help make the world a safer place to be in. Being a woman made the process of becoming a police officer a hell of lot more difficult. People had constantly doubted your capabillity and your quality as a police officer because of your gender. So, it fuelled you all the more. And at 22, you stand as the youngest Chief Constable of the police force.

Having your dream job was amazing but nothing will ever beat the feeling of being able to go home to your dream girl. You had met Alessia at the Euros. Along with a few others, you were assigned as security for the England Women's Team throughout the Euros. You had managed to muster up the confidence to ask her out after the Euros Final and it all went from there. Up until a few months ago, you and her were over 4 hours away from each other. Her being in Manchester and you being in London. But when she signed for Arsenal you had asked her to move in with you and it had been more than a dream to live with her. You had now been together for a little over a year.

Speaking of your girl, you had just got back home after a long and grueling 12 hour shift. All you wanted was to be with your lover.

"Sweetheart, I'm back home." You shouted as you made your way into your home, taking your work boots and vest off on the way leaving them bye the front door.

"I'm upstairs, Babe. I'm just on a live." She souted back to you, causing you to run up the stairs making your way to yours and Alessias shared bedroom.

There she was, sat by her dressing table chatting away to her phone as if there was nothing else around her. You walked over to where she was sat, wrapping your hands over her shoulders before kissing her forehead. As soon as she felt your prescence , she jumped up from her seat. Standing in front of you, wrapping her arms around your neck, leaning up to place multiple pecks on your lips, not wanting to show too much PDA on her live.

You went and sat where she was sat in front of her phone before patting your lap signalling her to sit. Her arms coming around your neck whilst one of yours was wrapped possessively around her waist and the other resting on her thigh making sure she didn't slip off you.

"I've missed you." You whispered to her, as you tucked your head in the crook of her neck placing a kiss there.

"I've missed you too, but babe we're on a live." She laughed slightly, her hands came to pull your head out of her neck. You immediately falshed her an innocent smile, telling her that you didn't think you were doing anything wrong.

You and Alessia spent the next half an hour on live, talking to the fans and answering all sorts of questions, before you both said bye and ended the live.

As soon as Alessia put her phone down and ended the video, you stood up with her still in your hold. You turned around and put her on your bed before climbing over the top of her. Your hands resting either side of her head, hovering you face just inches away from hers.

"I forgot how good you looked in uniform." She said whilst grabbing your top, pulling you down so your lips met hers. The kiss messy and passionate; not being able to have each other's physical touch for the last 12 hours was really showing.

"Hmm, is that so?" You questioned, pulling your lips from hers before dipping your head into her neck going for the spot you know makes her like putty in your hands.

You were suddenly distracted from your current activities when you heard a smashing sound coming from downstairs. Alessia body just froze whilst you quickly sat up, recognising that someone else was in your house. The sound of smashing and footsteps ran through your house.

Your officer instincs soon kicked in, standing up to make your way out of your bedroom to make your way downstairs.

"Less, darling i've got to go downstairs." You whispered to her, trying to make sure that you weren't heard.

"Y/N, i'm scared." She told you, the fear she held was evident on her face, her eyes becoming red showing that she was trying not to cry.

You reached over and pulled her so she was sat on the edge of your bed, you standing inbetween her legs. You hands gently grabbed her face so she was looking up at you before telling her, "Hey, look at me. I will not let anything happen to you. I'll do anything, everything to make sure I protect you. I'll keep you safe. But sweetheart, to do that, I need to go downstairs."

"Let me come with you."

"No, Alessia. I can't risk that. I need you stay up here." You told her sternly, hoping the use of her name re-enforced your seriousness.

Her arms gripping tight around your waist, her face digging in to your stomach.

"Less. I need you stay in here, I need you to call the police for me."

"No one's gonna be calling the police!" A low, unknown voice stated but before you could turn around you felt something smash against your head, causing you to drop to the floor.

You heard Alessia gasp at what she had just seen. You managed to reach for the back of your head and when you brought your hand back round, it was covered in blood.

It took you another few minutes to again understand what was happening, the impact on your head was hard enough to make you feel dizzy and confused.

You looked over one side and Alessia was still sat on the bed, completely frozen in her spot, looking down at you. Tears streaming down her face.

You turned your hear and looked to see that whoever was in your house, was face deep routing through yours and Alessias drawers. This was your chance, your only chance.

You had to keep her safe. You had to protect Alessia.

So, you managed to muster up the energy to quickly get up and run towards him and take him down to the ground.

Then, it became a brawl. You managed keep him on the ground until another spell of dizziness hit you giving him the opportunity to take control. To which he did, kneeing your harshly in the stomach. Rolling the pair of you over, so that now he was on top: you tried to fight him off but your dazed state was clearly making you weaker.

And then you felt it.

He had put a knife straight into your stomach before pulling it out meaning that a substancial amount of blood was pouring out of your stomach.

Before anything else could happen, he was quick to get up and dash out of your house. The realisation of what he had just done was kicking in.

As soon as he left the room, Alessia came running towards you. Taking her hoodie off, putting over the bleeding mess on your stomach. You groaned at the pressure that was on your stomach, the pain was becoming unbearable. You felt Alessia pull your head onto her lap, beginning to feel her tears falling onto your face.

Your vision was becoming blurrier and sounds were muffled but you could just about make out that Alessia was on the phone.

You could feel your eyes beginning to close, the blood loss becoming too much for your body to cope with.

"Baby, NO! You need to stay awake for me. The ambulance are on the way." She said, placing a kiss on your forehead. Her voice muffled, due to her crying.

"I love you, Less." You told her, through ragged breathing and slurred words.

Alessia could hear how strained your voice was, the pain you were in was clearly showing through your voice.

"No, no. You don't need to tell me that. Baby, your okay." Her tears flowing worse now, the realisation of what you were actually trying to tell her was not what she wanted to think about.

But you didn't get the chance to reply, your body shutting down due to your pain and the amount of blood you had loss.

Alessia's crying was the only sound running through your house as she looked down to see that you had closed your eyes and your body had become a dead weight on her legs.

The ambulance and police got there minutes after that. The paramedics were quick to take you to the ambulance and rush you to the hospital. The whole journey Alessia hand never left your, right the way until they had to take to you to hospital.

Alessia sat there in the waiting room waiting for news about you. She had rang her parents who were currently in Manchester so it would take them a couple of hours to reach the hospital. So, she rang Leah who was straight down to the hospital.

"Oh, Less. I'm so sorry sweet." She told her whilst sitting next to her wrapping her into a hug.

Alessia leaning into Leah's hold, the weight of the afternoon completely taking a toll on her body. Leah couldn't tell her she weren't worried, Alessia's reaction didn't exactly bring any sort of reassurement to her. On Alessia's team, Leah and Ella were definatly the ones you were closest too. The amount of double dates Alessia had dragged you on with Ella and Joe was just insane,

Alessia were waiting another couple of hours before anything happened, it was getting closer to the time where everyone was made to leave the hospital but Alessia still had no news.

"I'm not going. Just can someone please tell me whats going on." She told one of the docters, tears flowing on her face all over again.

"Miss Russo. Y/N Y/L/N, her surgery went well, she is stable but she needs rest, which is why we have put her into a coma. I suggest you go home and get some sleep before seeing her." The doctor told Alessia, re-assuring her that things went aswell as they could.

"C'mon Less, you can stay at mine tonight and we can come back tommorow and see her, yeah." Leah said, putting her arms over Alessias shoulder leading her out of the hospital.

The next few days were a blur for Alessia. She didn't go to training but Leah had explained why she wasn't there and Jonas had contacted Alessia letting her know that everyone was thinking of you and her. Her parents and brothers had got to the hospital the next morning.

Alessia spent all day by your bedside: holding your hand, telling you her favourite memories and what she wants to do with you in the future.

4 days after your surgery, the doctors were happy with how your body was healing and took the tubes away that were helping you breath. Meaning your were breathing by yourself again.

The next day, Alessia was in the hospital as early as she could be, exactly like the other days. Making her way towards your room, sitting by your bed, taking ahold of your hand.

But today was different, she finally felt you try and squeeze her hand.

"Y/N, baby. Can you hear me?" She asked you, her voice soft so she didn't startle you.

"Less?" You groaned. Your face scrunching up as your eyes were reacting to the bright light above you.

"Yeah, i'm here. I'm right here." Her eyes beginning to water, her emotional side getting the better of her.

"Please don't cry, i'm okay."

"I was so scared, I thought I was going to lose you." She said whilst crying still, both her hands now gripping yours.

"Come here, Less." You slid over to the side of your bed so that Alessia could lay there aswell.

She carefully got up onto your bed, lifting her arm up so you could rest your head on her chest. You groaned as you lent down on her, the pain was still there in your stomach. You wrapped your arms around her waist whilst one of hers gently rubbed your back, the other pushing your hair out of your face.

"Hey, it'll take more than some scrawn to kill me off. You stuck with me, love." You told her, trying to make light of the situation.

"I'm perfectly fine with that." She told you, laughing at your way with words.

"I love you, Y/N"

"I love you too, Less. So much."

[hyperion-moonbabe-art3mis]

Can't Loose You Too

Request: okay hear me out please 🤞 what if the reader got captured by the grounders and bellamy freaks out but their not like a thing yet so like friends to loverss(ish) and he gets them back and spills his feelings cause he’s scared he could lose them 🤷🏻‍♀️ if you don’t have time or just don’t wanna write this do not feel pressured to at all 💕💕 - @ravenmedows

Word Count: 3.4k

A/N: So I wrote this to be set in between S1 and S2. I feel like it just fit the best because relationships were established. I also wrote in Bellamy's POV, to help show Bellamy's emotions and his side. Although it's more like a 3rd person view. I hope you enjoy reading!

You’re assigned to go patrol and hunt around Arkadia, even though it was your least favorite assignment. It was more bearable by the fact that you’d be doing it with your friends. While most of the adults didn’t want you guys to exactly pursue Clarke, you guys had used patroling as an excuse to get any information you could. 

You head to the garage to find and meet up with everyone,”Hey, where are we headed this time?” You ask walking up to Bellamy.

“Sector 7,” He responds.

“Again? We should try looking somewhere else,” You say, knowing that you’ve had no luck in that sector.

“Sector 7 is our best chance. Besides that’s where we were assigned,” Bellamy says sternly.

“Fine,” You respond and head outside.

“Where’s she going?” Monty asks as you walk off. You head towards the horse stables and find Octavia getting her horse ready to head out.

“Don’t wanna ride in the Rover?” Octavia asks as you head to tend to your horse, Archer.

“You know I prefer to ride on the back of a horse,” You chuckle. 

You gather everything else that you need, water, your knives, and a bow and arrows. You and Octavia head out and meet everyone else at the front of the garage. Once it looked like they were ready you all ride out to Sector 7. You all make it to the edge of the forest, you stop and tie Archer up to the Rover.

“Alright everyone, you know the drill. Stay in pairs, don’t stray too far from the group, and radio if you find anything suspicious,” Bellamy says. You stick with Octavia and all head into the forest.

It seemed pretty quiet for the first few moments, until you heard a hog in the distance. You signal Octavia to let her know where you were going. After a few feet you see the hog in your view. You prepare your arrow and aim. As soon as you release your arrow, you felt a stinging pain in the back of your thigh. You felt the area and it wasa knife lodge into your leg. Before you could process anything else, you feel yourself picked up by someone on a horse. At first you thought it was Octavia but as soon as you looked up, it was a grounder.  You scream out trying to warn your friends, knowing there was more grounders around.

~ Bellamy’s POV ~

As Bellamy was looking around for anything to hunt, he hears a scream in the distance. Somehow he immediately knew that it was Y/N. He and everyone else, ran towards the scream, not caring that there may be more danger in the area. Soon enough Y/N with a grounder on the back of a horse, came into view. He started to run faster towards them as a horn warning was blown. But he didn’t stop until Octavia started to pull him away.

“Stop struggling,” Octavia strains trying to keep a hold onto her brother.

“We have to help them,” Bellamy yells.

“We can’t help them if we’re dead,” Monty says, jumping in to help Octavia and pull Bellamy to safety. They weren’t sure what the horn was blown for, since the acid fog was disabled, but it couldn’t have been good.  Soon enough it sounded like there were even more grounders out in the forest.

~ Y/N’s POV ~

You started to fade from the loss of blood, but the sound of a horn woke you up again. The grounder starts to ride faster until you got to an enclosed cave. They dismounted their horse and set you on the ground. You stayed silent and still not knowing what would happen next.  They took you off of the horse and set you on the ground. Next, they took the knife out of your leg, wrapped the wound up and bounded your hands. You could hear what sounded like a thousand footsteps and hooves outside the cave.

A few hours went by and your were suddenly woken up by a group of grounders making their way into the cave. At first they were communicating in Trig only, where you could only pick out a few phrases. “Did Azgeda hear or see you?” You pick out from the conversation between the grounders. 

“What’s your name, sky person?” One of the grounders then asked, you stayed silent. They asked once more, but you stayed silent again. Frustrated they gag you and put a bag over your head. Your body is then lifted and put onto a horse. 

What feels like a couple hours go by and you finally slow down to a stop. You were picked up once more and plopped onto the ground. The bag was taken off your head and you were greeted by the bright sunlight and a metal door slamming. A few more grueling hours went by until someone finally came and brought you food. 

They shoved it under the door and pulled up a chair. You didn’t touch the food and the grounder took notice, “Eat,” He says. You refused to take food from them, didn’t want to risk  being poisened. “What’s your name?” He asks next.

You kept your mouth shut, not wanting to give them anything. You weren’t exactly sure why grounders would be aggressive towards you and your people again, it seemed like Clarke had made sure that they wouldn’t be a nuisance again.

~ Bellamy’s POV ~ 

The whole ride back to Arkadia was completely silent. Bellamy couldn’t help but think of how he lost Clarke but also you now. Once the rover had pulled into the garage, Bellmay immediately got out.

“Where are you going?” Monty asks. Bellamy doesn’t respond and keeps walking away. Octavia follows after her brother into the map room.

“Bell…Hey Bell?” Octavia asks trying to get her brothers attention. He ignores Octavia and looks at the map to see where Y/N could’ve possibly been taken. “Bellamy?!” Ocatavia says once more pulling the rolling board away from him.

“What?!” Bellamy responds angrily.

“Slow down,” Octavia tells her brother.

“I can’t. Not while Y/N is out there,” Bellamy says.

“You can for a moment. Y/N is strong they’ll be ok until we can find them. Let’s just rest and figure a game plan. Not rush into things,” Octavia logically explains to Bellamy.

“What other grounder clans were we close by?” Bellamy says completely ignoring his sister.

“Did you hear anything I just said?” Octavia questions.

“Look Octavia. Clarke is out god knows where and now Y/N has been kidnapped by grounders.  I can’t just sit here and do nothing. We need to find them before anything bad happens,” Bellamy says walking back over to the map board. 

“I’m not saying we do nothing. I’m just saying that we slow down and figure out the best plan of action instead of rushing into things,” Octavia says.

“You’re right. I’m just– just worried about them,” Bellamy sighs.

“I am too. Let’s go get some food and chat with the others,” Octavia leads Bellamy to the mess hall.

~ Y/N’S POV ~

It’s day two since you’d been captured. You hadn’t eaten a thing or given up any information. In fact you hadn’t talked at all. They just kept asking for your name and what you knew about Wanheda. You had no clue who in the hell Wanheda was. 

“Eat,” The man says bringing you more food and taking the old food out. After a few minutes another man comes barreling in, he says something in Trig that you couldn’t understand before coming up to the bars.

“You’re not gonna talk, huh?” the man says before opening the door and yanks you out of the cell. You’re pulled over to a pole and have your hands bound around it.

“Where is Wanheda?” The man asks. You stay silent. Next thing you know you feel a punch to your stomach. The man asks the same question over and over again, with the same result, no words and some form punishment.

The man still received no answers from you by the time to sun set. They left you bound to the pole, you guess so that they can try to get answers out of you tomorrow. You still couldn’t imagine why they’d think you know something about someone named Wanheda.

~Bellamy’s POV~

It had been a long past two days inspecting the maps and going out to scout for Y/N. Bellamy has gotten barely any sleep. He’s at a loss of where Y/N could possibly be.

“Bellamy you need to sleep,” Octavia says.

“No,  I’m close. There’s only so many places left that Y/N could be,” Bellamy says, blinking his eyes to stay awake.

“I’ll sort the areas. Go get some sleep. If we want to find them, I need you at 100%,” Octavia scoots her brother out of his chair.

“Fine, but were going out first thing in the morning,” Bellamy says exiting the room.

The next morning Bellamy finds Octavia passed out at the desk, “Hey, how long were you up?” Bellamy asked his sister.

“Oh hey, uhhh I’m not sure. But I think I’ve figured out where Y/N might be,” Octavia says.

“Where?” Bellamy asks excitedly.

“Well, I remembered that Lincoln told me about this small village that was just outside of Trikru’s territory. They kind of outcasted themselves, not super friendly to outsiders,” Octavia explains.

“Let’s head out,” Bellamy says and goes to gather everyone. As everyone begins to head out they notice a group of people standing at the gate. Of course it was none other than Kane, Abby and a few other adults.

“Where are you going?” Kane asks the group.

“To find Y/N,” Bellamy answers.

“We think you’ve all spent enough time. I think it’s time we handle this before one of you is also taken or hurt,” Kane responds back.

“We know where they are, we can get them,” Bellamy fought back.

“Go back to your jobs,” Kane says in response. 

At first no one budged until Abby spoke up, “Now, unless you all want citations.”  

“Bellamy,” Kane stops him before he could get too far. “Show me where you think Y/N is,” Kane says walking with Bellamy to the map room.

About an hour went by and it had looked like the adults had taken a group out to find Y/N. After another hour or so, the group gathered and snuck out to really find Y/N. As Bellamy had directed Kane’s people in the opposite direction.

~ Y/N’s POV ~ 

The next day you were so weak front being forced to stand up. To your surprise you were woken up by someone tipping a cup of water to your mouth. Next they fed you some fruit, you tried to resist but they kept pressing the fruit to your mouth.

“You ready to give us some answers?” The man from yesterday asked. Again you kept your mouth shut. A few more hours of interrogation go by, but this time the man keeps his hands to himself. As if he was trying to give you a break.

“Someones here for you,” A woman says to the man after a few hours go by. The man reluctantly leaves the area to investigate. 

You stand there with weak legs trying to keep your body up. As you were about to pass out you feel gentle hands touch your cheeks. You flutter your eyes open and see a worried Octavia inspecting you. She quickly moves to unbound your hands, as soon as you’re unbound, your body just buckles underneath you. Before you hit the ground your body is lifted, you look up and see a just as worried Bellamy. 

“We need to get them back to camp quickly. They’ve lost a lot of blood and are weak,” Octavia says hastily. 

Ater a long trek back to Arkadia, you can see that you’re being greeted with a group of adults from inside the gates, “Told you we could find her,” Bellamy says walking past Abby and Kane.

“Take her to medical,” Abby says quickly noticing your condition. Bellamy gently walks you to medical and lays on top of a gurney. Abby comes to inspect your injuries, “Everyone out,” Abby orders your friends to leave. At first you could see they were reluctant before Abby begins to shuffle them out.

~ Bellamy’s POV ~

Bellamy waits anxiously from outside medical. After a few hours go by, he couldn’t wait any longer and decides to make his way into the ward. Abby greets him before he could make his way through the door.

“I figured you’d be anxious to see how she is,” Abby says stopping him.

“H–How is she?” He struggles to get out.

“They’ve sustained a lot of injuries, are dehydrated and lost quite a bit of blood. But they should be ok. But they can’t leave the ward for at least a day or two, I’d like to keep an eye on them. After that they should stay inside Arkadia,” Abby tells Bellamy. 

“Can I see them?” Bellamy asks.

“They’re asleep and needs to rest. Maybe tomorrow,” Abby tells Bellamy and points him to the exit. 

~ Y/N’s POV ~

You blink your eyes open and blinded by the brighter lights of the room. You lift your head and look around. Landing your eyes on a Bellamy sitting in a chair with his eyes closed. As you make a bit more noise by sitting up, Bellamy opens his eyes and moves to the cot. 

“Hey,” Bellamy speaks softly.

“Hey,” You say even quieter as if you had lost your voice. “How long was I asleep for?” You ask.

“About 10 hours,” Bellay answers, surprising you at the long length of time. “How are you doing?” Bellamy asks. 

Before you could respond, you see a mob of your friends approaching you. Each of them asking how you are and if you need anything. Soon enough Abby shuffles her way in, “Everyone out, she still needs to rest,” Abby says gently leading each of your friends out.

“How are you feeling?” Abby says approaching you as the last one leaves.

“Still tired and weak, but otherwise fine,” You say.

“Good, I’ll run some final tests and then you should be good to go,” Abby says. You spend the next hour with Abby inspecting your physical condition and asking you to do various tasks. “You’ve cleared all the tests. Although I still want you to take it easy, until you feel 100%. So that means no physically taxing work and staying inside Arkadia,” Abby tells you.

You were about to walk off until you realized that Abby wanted you to acknowledge her orders, “Ok,” you respond still trying to find your voice.

You head out of the ward and go to the mess hall, finding yourself very hungry after refusing food for several days. You try to find a quiet corner to eat but Monty had approached you. And you felt bad refusing to sit with him since you knew that your friends wanted to know you were ok. More of your friends slowly joined your table and soon enough it was a bit overwhelming. You get up and it seemed that everyone had noticed.

“Where are you going?” Jasper asks.

“I just wanted to go lay down for a bit,” You respond.

“Why don’t I walk you,” Jasper offers getting up from his seat.

“It’s ok. Thank though,” You say and walk off before anyone else could say anything.

The next day you went to go help out around Arkadia, sticking to the lowest impact type of work. Every few hours it seemed like one of your friends had something to say about resting or asking to help. It became to much and you didn’t like how they were trying to baby you. They knew that you know your limits, so you weren’t sure why they were being such helicopter friends. Once you were able to get away from your friends prying eyes, you head to the stables. You walk into Archer’s stable to see your horse for the first time since you were back. 

“Hey, I’m home, safe,” You say to comfort Archer.

You sat quietly with Archer until you hear soft footsteps approach, “I’m fine,” You say sternly as you hear the footsteps stop at the front of Archer’s stable, standing up as if you were about to leave. “Sorry,” You apologize looking up to see Bellamy. The one person who hasn’t been bothering you all day.

“It’s ok. I was just coming to check on Archer. But since you’re here, how are you feeling?” He asks walking into the stable.

“Fine,” you quickly answer.

“You sure?” He asks, clearly picking up on your attitude and moving closer to you.

You sigh heavily, “No. Everyone just keeps checking on me. I appreciate it but I’m feeling babied. I just want to rest and get back to 100% as soon as possible. They’re just stressing me out,” You admit.

“They just don’t want you to get hurt…anymore. Make sure that you’re recovering quickly, “ Bellamy advocates for your friends.

“I know but it just kinda feels suffocating,” You confess.

“I’ll let them know to back off a little,” Bellamy says, knowing that you’d appreciate that.

“Thanks, and for checking on Archer,” You say letting out a small smile.

A few hours later you were getting ready to sleep for the night. As you were just about to get in bed to relax, there’s a knock at your door. You open it and are greeted by Bellamy.

“Hey, what’s up?” You ask letting him in.

“I just wanted to check on you. I know what you said earlier, but I figured that I’d still make sure you were ok after your first full day back,” Bellamy says. You picked up the slightest quiver in his voice, leading you to believe that there was more.

“I'm feeling better. Thanks for talking to everyone,” You smile.

“Good,” Bellamy says awkwardly. He was about to walk out but stops himself, “Actually I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to earlier but I figured you needed your space,” Bellamy says referring to your hiding spot.

“What is it?” You ask curiously. 

“I’m sorry it took three days to find you. And that you went through all of that pain. I’m sorry that you were taken in the first place, it was my fault, I should’ve been more vigilant. And I’m sorry that I didn’t come see you sooner,” Bellamy lets out. You could see the pain in his eyes, the fact that he was blaming himself for what happened, blaming himself for the pain that was inflicted on you.

“Hey, hey, hey. None of this was your fault. You couldn’t have know that there were grounders there. You weren’t expected to know exactly where I was. What really matters is that you didn’t give up, you worked your ass off to find me, now I’m safe and home,” You say and find yourself swinging your arms over his shoulders and pull him into a tight hug. He seemed to have settled himself into your  body, as if he could finally relax. 

“I don’t know what I would’ve done if I lost you too,” Bellamy confesses. 

You don’t respond to what Bellamy says, but pull out of your hug after a few minutes, finally taking a look at his face, “You look tired. Is it really true what Octavia told me? That you didn’t really sleep for the whole three days?” You ask as you can read how tired he is. He lightly nods his head, not wanting to admit it. 

You settle yourself into your bed, tired from standing so long, “ I just wanted to find you before anything bad happened,” Bellamy says, laying his body next to yours.

“That deosn’t mean that you had to put your own health at risk,” You say turning your body to face him. 

“I know, but I just needed you back. I missed you,” He softly speaks turning his head to face you.

“I missed you too,” You move to rest your head on his chest.

The next morning you wake up and turn over to find a peacefully sleeping Bellamy. You had almost forgotten that he never left. But you didn’t mind, it comforted you knowing that he stayed, “Morning,” You say softly after kissing his forehead to wake him up.

“Morning,” He says raspily with a smile forming.

[snezka-049]

Snezka and SCP-049 beginning (lore)

1. Dr. Snezhana Lewandowski lore (Snezka)

(Events before the containment breach).

In the corridors of the SCP Foundation, where secrets and anomalies are hidden from the public eye, Dr. Snezhana Lewandowski worked. Her life was full of mystery, and this is what drew her to the world of anomalies.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Name: Snezhana Lewandowski

Age: ██

Date of Birth: 27/08/ ████

Clearance Level: Third

Personnel Category: B

Specialty: IT Specialist. Psychologist.

Place of work: Zone 19

Foundation experience: 5 years

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Education

First: IT-Specialist.

Snezhana enrolled in the Faculty of Information Technology at a state university. During her studies, she specialized in cybersecurity and data analytics.

After graduating with a Bachelor's degree, then a Master's degree, she continued her education in graduate school, where she focused on research in the areas of:

1. Information Security.

2. Big data analytics.

She defended her doctoral dissertation on "Anomaly detection methods for system and big data", which attracted the attention of the SCP Foundation.

Second: Psychologist.

After achieving the success she needed in technical education, she decided to fulfill her life's main dream of working in the field of psychology. Due to some unpleasant events in her childhood, she did not have the opportunity to study in this field, so she had to temporarily change her orientation in life.

From an early age, Snezhana has shown an interest in psychology and human behavior. The motivation for this comes from a tough youth and personal traumatic experiences. Her goal was to help those who couldn't make it on their own, as she once couldn't. After enough time had passed, she managed to apply to the academy to study psychology. Upon graduating from the academy, Snezhana specialized in the areas of:

1. Clinical psychology.

2. Experimental psychology.

3. Counseling psychology.

After she got a job in a psychoneurological dispensary, gaining valuable experience and practice, a broader understanding of the inner world of people.

Invitation to the Foundation

Finding contacts and personal information about Snezhana was not difficult for the Foundation. Having noticed her abilities, the Foundation ordered to send a recruiter - ████ ██████ - into her social circle to get more information about the candidate. As a result, the recruiter ████ and Snezhana became close friends.

After some time of observation and communication of the recruiter with her, having received all the necessary information, the Board of the Foundation came to the decision to give her the invitation to work.

Realizing the risks and danger, Snezhana accepted the invitation, having resigned from her previous job after working for about 2 years.

After testing, interviewing and training, she became an employee of the Foundation with a level 2 security clearance.

Career at the Foundation

Snezhana started her career as a junior specialist in cybersecurity, a little later gaining a junior position in psychology.

Her specialization is a unique combination of programming and psychology, allowing her to look at anomalies from two perspectives: both as complex systems that require analysis, and as entities with their own consciousness and motivation.

Incident

While analyzing data, Dr. Lewandowski came across strange signals on the network. These were not just hacking attempts - they were coming from an entity known as SCP-███ She and others in the programming field developed a comprehensive defense strategy. In the process, they faced many challenges: the SCP-███ system was constantly adapting, and they had to find new solutions. Under conditions of stress and strain, Dr. Lewandowski managed to implement their real-time protection algorithm.

After that, for some reason, she was assigned more work in the field of psychology. Also, her success in the incident gave her a promotion to level 3 clearance.

In psychology

Dr. Lewandowski researches and analyzes object psychology. She develops methods of interacting with abnormal entities and helps in understanding their behavior.

Real security is achieved not only through physical barriers, but also through the emotional stability of employees. She took time to help her colleagues through seminars and psychology trainings for the staff of the Facility, trying to create an atmosphere of trust and mutual support among the employees.

For about 2 years, Dr. Lewandowski worked only with Safe Class facilities, and after being promoted to Senior Specialist in Psychology, she was ordered to work with Euclid Class facilities.

This promotion led her to meet one subject that changed her life, and in the future, his too... SCP-049 - Plague Doctor.

2. Lewandowski and SCP-049

(Events on the eve of the containment breach).

Experiment

The first days of Dr. Lewandowski and the SCP-049 subject were formal, protocol-driven. Lewandowski conducted standard interview sessions in an attempt to understand the motives and nature of his subject. The subject was cool and detached.

She knew SCP-049 was dangerous, but she saw him not only as an anomaly, but as a complex, multifaceted individual. His words were full of sadness and loneliness, imbued with longing and melancholy. She understood his logic, his pain, his desire to “help,” even if the methods were questionable, but perhaps all is not what it seems at first glance.

And yet she too had thought similar things to what SCP-049 had said, that the world was sick, humanity needed to be saved. Ever since she was a child, she had had thoughts like his in her mind.

She had a theory that there were no bad people in the world, but wounded people who had not been healed. She believed that a person becomes wounded, after being treated unfairly or cruelly, by similarly wounded people. If a person does not work on their wound, it will not heal, because there are many wounded people in the world that will scratch that wound, making it bigger. And this pain and resentment, like a virus or rot, infects his soul completely, making the person the same as the one who once inflicted the wound. Later that person carries this pain and resentment further, taking it out on others, making more infected. It is an endless cycle that cannot be eradicated completely, but can be minimized. Some can handle it, and some need help. You have to want help, you have to understand the situation and try to solve it too, because no one can help you better than you can help yourself, and that's what Snezka had to go through.

She thought these thoughts were strange, but after so many years, there was a creature that literally reflected her thoughts, with whom you can share this theory, and perhaps get understanding.

She saw herself in him, only a better version of herself, but with the same mental problems.

— How can that be!? He's just an abnormal object, why can't I stop thinking about him!? I can't stop thinking about him, his words. Maybe it's my soft nature, too compassionate, empathic, or maybe it's his anomalous action?

Dr. Lewandowski felt a kindred spirit in him and wanted to have more sessions with him, and most importantly, she wanted to get away from formal conversation, and share her thoughts with him about their common problem.

She decided to send a request to the management above about the idea of having experimental conversations with SCP-049, so that he would see Dr. Lewandowski as genuinely understanding, get comfortable with her, and tell her more about his treatment, himself, and the fever. Approval was granted, but it was a long wait. Finally she could be sincere with him.

Trust

New conversations with SCP-049, but not as formal as before, it took several such conversations before SCP-049 settled down with Dr. Lewandowski.

He told her more about the fever, about the treatment, they began to have deep dialogues about life and death, about philosophy, about society, SCP-049 even began to tell stories from his own life. Lewandowski also told him about her life, but she liked to listen to him more.

She found comfort in his monologues about the world, about death, about eternity, his stories about medicine. Her mind resisted, but her heart could no longer deny it: she felt something more than professional interest in him. It was a dangerous game, bordering on insanity. She knew it, but she couldn't stop. Lewandowski realized that her feelings were illogical, unacceptable, but they were there. Her greatest fear was that the Foundation would suspect something and restrict her access to him, which unfortunately happened...

Another conversation between SCP-049 and Lewandowski, the subject had already started addressing her by her favorite version of her name, Snezka, while she addressed him as Doctor. Suddenly the object fell silent.

— Doctor? Is everything all right?

— ...Yes. Snezka, let me demonstrate something to you, you should know....

The subject held out his hand, as far as it was possible being handcuffed for safety's sake, and nodded, offering to touch her. Sensing that this venture might not end well, Lewandowski extended her palm, and SCP-049 touched it.

— Wait, what...? Oh... My thoughts about your abilities were valid. - Was the last thing Snezka said before the cell door opened and she was summoned to leave.

Reprimand

— Dr. Lewandowski, your experimental conversations with the subject have come to an end. We have all the information we need, you will no longer have to work with SCP-049. Let's be honest, it seems you've begun to abuse your access to the facility, and the Foundation board has some questions about that.

— ...It was part of an experiment, you see.... It gave you a lot of new information, before such experiments such informative results were not observed. - said Lewandowski in her defense.

— Lucky for you that it didn't end in your death! Objects like 049 are dangerous, you can't trust them or reach out to them. Or have you forgotten what he did to Dr. Hamm? And everything was fine at first, too. This object is unpredictable! You're lucky you're a valued member of our staff, and this is the first time you've had an incident like this, otherwise we'd be forced to take action.

Separation

More work with other facilities has now fallen on her. One day, she dared to inquire about SCP-049. But she didn't get a clear answer.

Meanwhile, SCP-049 was asking the same question to the staff - when would Dr. Lewandowski visit?

— We're sorry, but Dr. Lewandowski has declined to work with you, SCP-049.

— ...That can't be true, you're lying! She couldn't have done it, I can feel it!

Subject SCP-049 became hostile to the Foundation, uncooperative and drove all attempts at contact away.

All or Nothing

— "Is the dream and freedom worth risking the lives and safety of others?" — Pondered by Dr. Lewandowski . — "Risking everything, insanity, selfishness(?). But if it's for a great purpose, for the good of all mankind..."

INCIDENT ██-████

(Latest walkie-talkie recordings)

(Static noise and warning signal sound)

Operator One: (Confused) This is operator one. Security protocol has failed! Repeat, security protocol has failed! All subjects... all subjects are at large!

Agent █: Reporting a security breach in Sector 3. Doors unresponsive, cameras disabled. Looks like SCP-███ is out of control.

Commander ███████: be careful! Confirm the presence of the intruder and take action to apprehend him.

(Noise, sound of gunshots)

Agent ██: (panic) This is crazy! Reporting SCP-███ is not alone. There are several other objects present. Very aggressive, we need help, repeat ████████████████ (interference).

Commander ████████: Come in, Agent ██, come in!!! (communication lost).

Commander ████████: Fuck...

Dr. █████: It could be SCP-███! He could have hacked into the security system and released the other facilities.

Commander ████: █████, are you sure? How?!

Dr. █████: I can't say for sure, but... (struggle noise) HOW ARE YOU!? STOP, DOCTOR... (interference).

Commander ████: All personnel to the assault! Stop the targets at all costs! What the hell's going on! Where's all the security personnel!?

(explosions, shouting)

Agent █████: They're all over the place

Agent ██: Where's the ██ squad?

Agent █████: they're holding back SCP-682

Agent ██: he's the last fucking thing we need!

SB-2: SB-1, this is SB-2! We've got-- we've got SCP-███breaking through! We can't stop him!

SB-1: Hold him off at all costs! Support is on the way.

(Siren and explosions)

Operator Three: SB-1, this is Operator Three! The ██ camera signal is gone! SCP-█████... he's out!

SB-1: All SB personnel to camera ██! Isolate SCP-█████! Repeat, isolate SCP-█████! (radio interference)

End of Calm

There has been a massive failure of the entire Foundation security system in Area 19, as well as a power failure. Security protocol, alarms, and warnings went off with a delay with most of the dangerous objects wreaking havoc in the Foundation. The alleged culprit of the SCP-“”" incident. Likely had accomplices, an investigation is underway.

During the incident, a large number of soldiers and staff died. There was a leak of several objects to freedom. The lists of dead and missing were equal. Dr. Snezana Lewandowski and SCP-049 were also listed as missing, among dozens of personnel and facilities.

The SCP Foundation, having suffered loss and damage, is doing its best to restore order after the chaos, but the world is no longer safe as before.

3. Conversations between Lewandowski and SCP-049

Interviewer: Dr. Snezhana Lewandowski, Area 19

Interviewee: SCP-049

[START RECORDING]

Dr. Lewandowski: Good afternoon, SCP-049. I am your psychologist, Dr. Snezhana Lewandowski. It's a pleasure to meet you!

SCP-049: Greetings, doctor, I hope we can work together.

Dr. Lewandowski: I think so! So, how are you feeling today?

SCP-049: (pause) I feel... A burden. A burden that is hard to describe in words. Every day I see suffering, and it depresses me.

Dr. Lewandowski: Are you talking about human suffering? About those whom you refer to as sick people?

SCP-049: Yes. The weathering is not just a physical condition. This world, this wretched piece of the universe, is forever doomed to suffer. (Irritated) Mortals, powerless over their own weaknesses, forever seek salvation in false doctrines and vain hopes. They build cities out of flimsy material, create weapons that can destroy themselves, and cling to life without realizing its true nature. I see their pain, their despair, feel their fear of the inevitable. And I know I can help them. But they don't understand. They fear me! They reject my mercy! They call me a monster, a monstrosity! I see them trying to stop me, lock me up, impose their rules. But can you limit what is beyond their comprehension? Can one defeat that which is eternal? Their attempts are futile. I will always exist. Let them resist, let them fear. It only confirms their blindness.

(A moment's silence)

Dr. Lewandowski: (Sigh)...Have you ever thought about why this “fever” bothers you so much? What exactly causes you to feel so strongly about it?

SCP-049: (sighs) I have witnessed a lot of suffering. I have seen people lose hope, I have seen them fall victim to their weakness. This makes me want to help, but sometimes I feel that my efforts are futile.

Dr. Lewandowski: Do you feel that your help is really effective? Or is there any doubt about your methods?

SCP-049: (with some irritation) My methods are the only way to free people from their suffering! I cannot afford to doubt my vocation. But sometimes... It catches up with me.

Dr. Lewandowski: It is normal to have doubts. Many people face similar feelings. What do you do to deal with these emotions?

SCP-049: I continue my work. I focus on my goals.

Dr. Lewandowski: Maybe you should take time to reflect on yourself and your feelings. It may help you better understand your motivation and calm your mind.

SCP-049: I don't think so, but... You may be right. I worry that if I stop, the darkness around me will consume everything.

Dr. Lewandowski: (Pause)...How I understand that. Sometimes you have to take a step back to see the big picture. It doesn't mean you stop fighting the disease. It can only make you stronger.

SCP-049: Perhaps...

Dr. Lewandowski: This is an important step. And remember, you are not alone in your experience. I'm here to help you make sense of it.

SCP-049: Thank you... I'll try to remember that.

[END RECORDING]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Interviewer: Dr. Snezhana Lewandowski, Area 19

Interviewee: SCP-049

[START RECORDING]

Dr. Lewandowski: Good evening Doctor, how are you feeling?

SCP-049: It would be better if I were allowed to return to my work.

Dr. Lewandowski: Don't worry Doctor, you will definitely be given that opportunity...

SCP-049: Really? Really!? I'm finally going back to work, I'm glad to hear that! When do I get a patient?

Dr. Lewandowski: ...Unfortunately, I don't have that information.

SCP-049: Maybe you could influence this situation? Explain my urgent need to progress with my treatment!

Dr. Lewandowski: I don't think I can... Doctor, you need to rest, you've been working hard. As a doctor, you should know that rest is very important for high productivity.

SCP-049: (Sighs) I wish I had something to do in these four walls...

Dr. Lewandowski: I have a suggestion. Do you like to read? I can bring you some books if the Foundation leadership says so.

SCP-049: That's a very marvelous idea.

Dr. Lewandowski: What kind of literature do you prefer?

SCP-049: I was interested in modern books about medicine, it is interesting to study what is being written about it now. It would be interesting to read something from philosophy.

Dr. Lewandowski: Excellent choice Doctor, we have the same taste in literature. Would you mind if I brought a couple more books on my recommendation for you?

SCP-049: Sounds good, I agree.

Dr. Lewandowski: See you, Doctor.

SCP-049: See you, thank you for such an interesting proposal, Dr. Lewandowski.

[END OF RECORDING]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Interviewer: Dr. Snezhana Lewandowski, Area 19

Interviewee: SCP-049

[START RECORDING]

Dr. Lewandowski: Good evening, Doctor.

SCP-049: Good evening, Dr. Lewandowski.

Dr. Lewandowski: I want to understand how you feel when you look at the world through the prism of your...your uniqueness.

SCP-049: (hesitantly) Uniqueness?

Dr. Lewandowski: I'm talking about wisdom. You have lived for centuries, watching the birth and decline of civilizations. What have you learned in that time?

(Minute's silence)

SCP-049: I've seen nations rise and fall, empires born of dust and turned to stone, ideas ignite people's hearts and turn to ash. (Pause). I realized that existence is a perpetual cycle of birth and death, a constant struggle for survival. People are so hungry for meaning, but it eludes them.

Dr. Lewandowski: Isn't this struggle, this longing for meaning, the very essence of being?

SCP-049: (With sadness in his voice) Meaning... (Pause) It wanders like a ghost through the labyrinths of our consciousness. We search for it in religion, in science, in art, but it eludes us, leaving only emptiness.

Dr. Lewandowski: But don't you see, Doctor? You create your own meaning by helping people to get rid of the disease. You believe in what you're doing, Doctor. You believe it's necessary.

SCP-049: Faith... (Pause) This is another one of those ghosts that haunt us. I see things that others do not see, and it pains me. It pains me to see the suffering that is inevitable for all living things.

Dr. Lewandowski: And you're trying to help, Doctor...

SCP-049: (Interrupting) We are but pawns in the hands of fate. Our actions are insignificant in comparison to eternity.

Dr. Lewandowski: Don't say that, Doctor. You are not a pawn. You are the creator of your own destiny. And I believe you will find your path, your meaning.

SCP-049: (Heavy sigh) But not in this place, not here, not now.

Dr. Lewandowski: (Pause) You know Doctor... I'd like to share with you a thought that has been on my mind since I was a child.

SCP-049: What is it that's bothering you?

[recording interrupted for 5 minutes]

Dr. Lewandowski: I almost forgot, the Foundation gave me permission to bring you some books.

(Took several books out of her bag and placed a stack on the table next to the subject)

SCP-049: (With joy in her voice) Glad to hear that! Immensely grateful to the Foundation and of course to you, Dr. Lewandowski.

Dr. Lewandowski: (Smiling) I'm glad it lifted your spirits. See you later, we'll be sure to discuss what we read next time.

SCP-049: I look forward to seeing you.

[END RECORDING]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Interviewer: Dr. Snezhana Lewandowski, Zone 19

Interviewee: SCP-049

[START RECORDING]

Dr. Lewandowski: Hello, Doctor! How are you today?

SCP-049: Good afternoon, Dr. Lewandowski. I'm feeling... quite well. I've been studying some of the books you brought me at the last meeting.

Dr. Lewandowski: Excellent! Which books did you enjoy the most?

SCP-049: I was impressed with the works on human nature. Their authors convey emotions and experiences in a very subtle way.

Dr. Lewandowski: Yes, literature can indeed be a great way to understand people. Is there anything that surprised you about these books?

SCP-049: I was surprised by how diverse human feelings are. Everyone experiences love, fear, and hope in their own way.

Dr. Lewandowski: Yes, humans are amazing creatures! What about you? Have you ever experienced something similar to love?

SCP-049: (Pause) I'm not sure. My life has been devoted to fighting the windfall, and I haven't given much thought to such feelings. But... sometimes I feel warm when I talk to you. (turns away)

Dr. Lewandowski: I'm glad to see your condition has improved markedly. I feel warm when we talk, too. (Pause) You are an unusually interesting conversationalist.

SCP-049: (surprised) Interesting? I've always thought of myself as rather... odd. But it's nice to hear you say that. You don't hear that very often in this place, in general... I've never heard it from you.

Dr. Lewandowski: Weird people can be very interesting! We all have our unique qualities. For example, your view of the world is something special, not strange. By the way, have you read that novel?

SCP-049: The Master and Margarita? Yes, an interesting work about the power of love and the struggle against darkness.

Dr. Lewandowski: I think there are so many layers and philosophical themes there. You know, you sound like the Master (Laughs).

SCP-049: Hmm... There's something, maybe, and you remind me of Marguerite.

Dr. Lewandowski: (Laughs) That's probably true. Unfortunately, I have to go. Don't forget, you deserve to be understood. And I'm here to help you do just that.

SCP-049: (With a slight sadness in his voice) Your support gives me strength.

Dr. Lewandowski: We all need each other's support.

SCP-049: I look forward to our future conversations.

[END OF RECORDING]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Interviewer: Dr. Snezhana Lewandowski, Area 19

Interviewee: SCP-049

[START RECORDING]

Dr. Lewandowski: Good afternoon Doctor, I would like to know what your thoughts have been occupied with lately?

SCP-049: Greetings. (Pause) Relatively recently, I've been thinking about the nature of human cruelty.

Dr. Lewandowski: Cruelty... (Pause) Unfortunately, it permeates every facet of existence, like a shadow that follows the light.

SCP-049: Yes. (Sighs) I watch people, and it makes me sad how capable they are of terrible things. There is a darkness lurking in their hearts that sometimes overshadows even the brightest impulses.

Dr. Lewandowski: As it happens, humanity is a paradox. On the one hand, it creates beautiful works of art, science and culture, and on the other hand, it is capable of ruthless acts of violence and hatred.

SCP-049: Exactly. I see how people can be kind and compassionate, but at the same time they easily cross the line into becoming instruments of destruction. It causes me deep sadness and bewilderment.

Dr. Lewandowski: I share your feelings and support your thoughts, Doctor.

SCP-049: It is most gratifying to know that, Dr. Lewandowski. My mission is to rid mankind of disease. At times I am at a loss as to what to do about this inner cruelty? How do you heal a society that is tearing itself apart?

Dr. Lewandowski: You see, many of these atrocities come from fear, ignorance and hatred. Or perhaps they were mentally wounded once, and that wound, without proper treatment, began to fester, infecting the whole mind and soul.

SCP-049: (Interested) I like the way you think. Abuse is not just physical violence. It is also words that hurt, betrayals and indifference to the suffering of others. In each of these acts I see a reflection of the disease.

Dr. Lewandowski: (Sigh) Sadly, dreams of a world where humanity can overcome its cruelty and learn to love are utopian.

SCP-049: I'm not so sure about that. It's certainly not an easy task, the whole world and one me, the road to healing is long and thorny. But the more I work at it, the closer that peace comes.

Dr. Lewandowski: (Pause) Perhaps someday people will realize that cruelty is not part of their true nature. Perhaps they will learn to see in each other a reflection of themselves and learn to care for those who suffer. Perhaps... (Pause) But sometimes you get the idea that some people are so rotten in their souls that treatment will be useless, and the only thing left to do is to rid the world of that person so they don't hurt others. This is not humane, but in such a case it is possible to make sure that this person stays alive but is not capable of hurting others.

SCP-049: (Surprised) Your thoughts make sense. We've had a rather pleasant dialog. I've never had such an in-depth discussion with anyone else. I feel much better.

Dr. Lewandowski: (Smiling) That's wonderful, Doctor, I confess I don't often have someone to talk to about this either.

[END RECORDING]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Interviewer: Dr. Snezhana Lewandowski, Area 19

Interviewee: SCP-049

[START RECORDING]

Dr. Lewandowski: Good afternoon, Doctor, how is your mood?

SCP-049: Greetings. My mood is a little down, without my work I'm having a hard time mentally.

Dr. Lewandowski: I'm sorry to hear that, Doctor. (Pause) Let me ask you something.

SCP-049: I'm listening to you.

Dr. Lewandowski: Do you have any pleasant memory from your life?

SCP-049: (Sighs) Unfortunately, there aren't many... (Pause) I do recall one. Yes, it was a time when I was out in the wild, searching for rare herbs and plants in the forest. No people and just the sounds of nature. And then I came to a field, a field of lavender. (Sighs) It's... It was a magical feeling. The field was filled with bright colors and the air was full of a light, slightly spicy aroma. I felt like I was in another world, away from my worries. I walked slowly among the flowers, watching the bees as they worked to gather nectar. The bees are not aware of the suffering that humans are experiencing, they are just doing their job, benefiting the world around them. It made me think: maybe that's what humanity needs - the simple pursuit of the good. (Pause) The whole day I was there. It was wonderful. I dream of being in that moment again one day.

Dr. Lewandowski: That's... It's a wonderful memory, very beautiful.

SCP-049: Yes... It's beautiful. You know, I feel a little better.

Dr. Lewandowski: (Smiling) That's wonderful to hear. Try to remember something else, good thoughts can smooth out your condition within these walls.

SCP-049: I'll try. Thank you for encouraging me to remember this.

[END RECORDING]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Interviewer: Dr. Snezhana Lewandowski, Area 19

Interviewee: SCP-049

[START RECORDING]

Dr. Lewandowski: Good afternoon Doctor, how is your mood?

SCP-049: Good afternoon Snezka. I guess my mood is somewhere between average and good. Good to see you, how are you feeling?

Dr. Lewandowski: I'm not bad. I have something I'd like to give you. I had a hard time getting permission for it from the foundation, but....

(Took out of her bag a small pillow with a lavender flower print pillowcase and placed it on the table in front of the subject).

This is for you. I remember that you don't need sleep, but that's not what it's for. Rather it is for coziness, and your favorable mood. This pillow is stuffed with lavender.

SCP-049: (Surprised) It's for me?! What a wonderful gift, lavender really calms me down.

Dr. Lewandowski: I'm glad the gift is useful to you. I would have brought you something else, but unfortunately the Foundation has only authorized this one so far.

SCP-049: I am honored by such attention, thank you, Dr..... Snezka. (Pause) ...How did I not notice that... Your last name is...

Dr. Lewandowski: (Interested) Hmm?

SCP-049: Lewandowski, that last name comes from the Old Polish word levanda, which means lavender. What a wonderful coincidence, my favorite plant.

Dr. Lewandowski: (Smiles) Yes, that's right, my favorite too by the way. I am amazed at your knowledge, Doctor!

SCP-049: It is a pleasure to be appreciated and understood by you. I must admit, you are not out of my mind.

Dr. Lewandowski: (Embarrassed) Oh... You know, it's mutual. Doctors aren't supposed to have favorites, but I have to admit...(Pause) You're my favorite patient.

(momentary silence)

SCP-049: I wish we could meet more often...

Dr. Lewandowski: I'd like that too, Doctor...

[END OF RECORDING]

Supplement

https://www.tumblr.com/snezka-049/766312832505626624/snezka-and-doctor-reference-and-lore-scp-049?source=share

[erikabsworld]

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[crackedpumpkin]

𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 | 𝟎𝟒 |

[ 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 ] | [ 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 ] | [ 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ]

The sound of rapid tapping fills the air, gradual annoyance settling in. You lift your head, looking directly at the source. A random student sitting nearby in the cafe you’re in has her head bowed, her gaze fixed on a textbook as her fingers tap away on the table’s glass surface.

Sighing, you look away and take another sip of your ice latte, letting the familiar taste cool your temper down. Initially, you were supposed to go to the dentist, but they cancelled at the last minute due to an emergency. Instead of lounging around at home, you decided to go and finish your assignment.

Now though, you wish you’d picked a better spot. Moving away wasn’t an option, considering how big the crowd had gotten for the lunch rush. A glance at the clock above the cashier counter reveals that you have only an hour left before heading to Papa’s Cakeria. 

Another glimpse at the quiet phone on your table draws an irritated frown from you. Since last night, Cole hasn't messaged back at all about how exactly he was supposedly going to ‘help’ you rush the order. You’d texted him again, but your pride wouldn’t allow you to send another follow-up one.

Directing your irritation and energy back to the half-completed essay on your laptop screen does help with productivity, and you find that between sips of your coffee and music blasting through your headphones, breezing through it is easy.

Another ten minutes before you have to leave. 

That time is spent texting Melody whose replies are filled with questions about Cole. You can’t really blame her for being so curious, especially after you’d dropped such a bomb so nonchalantly the other night. You’re not entirely sure if you’ve even finished processing this fact either.

What would this mean for you? Would the universe really force you two together?

You know nothing about him. 

This realisation makes you pause, the straw of your drink halfway to your lips. Exhaling softly, you place it back down, absentmindedly beginning to pick away at the skin of your thumb. 

The most you know is that he’s the Earth Ninja, likes cakes and pastries and that he’s terrible at replying to texts. Is this the guy that’s supposed to be your soulmate? Seriously?

The door closes behind you with a loud chime to signal your exit, having packed up all your stuff earlier and discarding the now empty cup.

“Hey!” Your soulmate greets you, strolling toward you with his hands in the pockets of his cargo pants. A cap adorns his shaggy black hair, shielding his face from any strangers who might recognise him as one of the ninjas. 

He stops in front of you with a friendly tilt of his head. “What’re you doing here?” You ask, taking a wary step back and eyeing his getup. He holds up his wrist, checking his watch before raising his eyes to meet yours. 

“Well, you said 2 pm, right?” Blinking once, twice, even three times doesn’t help in processing the fact that he’s here. “C’mon,” he gestures for you to follow, already heading into the crowd. 

“Wait,” You move to catch up to his fast pace, noticing how he’s slowed down for you to walk at a more comfortable pace. “Is this why you asked me what time I’d be heading down?” He doesn’t answer the question, merely shrugging in response. A tinge of annoyance bites down at the edges of your temper, but you quickly snuff it out at the thought of pastries. 

“You could’ve just told me,” You point out when it suddenly hits you that your bag is resting on his shoulder. “When did- How…?” Your reaction elicits laughter from him, his eyes filled with mild amusement. 

“You handed it to me earlier when I offered.” Now that he mentions it, you vaguely recall his outstretched hand waiting for your bag, and you’d handed it to him as if it were second nature. Your lips curl into a wince, trying not to let embarrassment flush your cheeks.

“Right, thanks.” Credit where credit is due, you suppose. It was pretty nice of him to do so. However, what scares you the most in this situation isn’t the fact that you’re both heading to the same place together. No, it’s not that at all.

It’s how easily you trusted your belongings with him. 

Biting down on your bottom lip helps to suppress the mild panic that flutters uneasily in your guts, the pain replacing it. “So, is this what you meant by helping me ‘speed the order up’?” You ask, air quotes not going unnoticed by him.

He hums in thought, tilting his head to the side. Some lint on his shirt sleeve catches your eye, quickly brushing it off of him before he notices. “Well, I figured that since I have the day off and everything, I’d introduce you to the owner. Makes things easier in case I’m busy and you can still rush the order without me being there.”

His thoughtfulness is actually rather heartwarming. “Oh.” Here you were, being all huffy over his sudden presence that you didn’t stop to consider it's his way of being considerate. “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

Silence falls between you both, but this time you’re the one to break it. “It’s for my dad.” He glances down at you at the mention of your father, and you direct a small smile at him as you explain. “His birthday is coming up, and every year I alternate between baking a cake and buying one from the store. It’s kind of a tradition.”

He nods, a silent encouragement for you to keep going. “There was a time I got mad at him though, so instead of sugar I used salt. But he still ate it.” a chuckle falls from your lips, grinning at the memory. 

“I get that,” He says wisely with a nod. “Once, Kai pissed me off so I asked Zane to make dinner and swapped out the pepper in his bowl for chilli powder. He had a stomach ache for a month.” 

Wincing replaces the grin on your face. You can’t even begin to imagine the torture that must’ve been for Kai. That poor toilet must’ve seen unimaginable horrors… Dismissing it with a shake of your head, you catch a glimpse of the store sign that resembles that of the Google Maps image you’d used as a reference. 

“Oh my god.” Before Cole could blink, you’re already pressed against the window, wide-eyed at the cakes displayed. You turn your head at the sound of his chuckle, practically buzzing with excitement to go inside. 

Once you spot the amusement in his eyes, a jolt of realisation strikes your chest. Clearing your throat, you stand back up properly and place a hand on the door, pushing it open and walking inside with the little dignity you can muster. 

He notes the stiffness in your gait, following you inside with a shake of his head and hiding his smile by turning away, greeting the young cashier with a nod. “Hey Cole,” She greets with a beam.

“Who’s your friend?” She asks, nodding at you curiously. “She’s pretty.” 

“She’s alright,” Cole replies as soon as you part your lips to respond, stopping when he cuts you off and instantly directs a glare his way. He flinches, clearing his throat. “Is the boss in?”

She crosses her arms, the curiosity in her gaze holding strong when he doesn’t give your name. However, she lets it slide. “You know he doesn’t like being called that.” He sighs in defeat, an embarrassed tinge to his words as he corrects himself.

“Is Papa in?”

You pause, processing what you’ve just heard. He avoids looking directly at you, arms crossed and cheeks dusted red as he glares at the cashier with a scowl. The corners of your cheeks lift without your notice, smiling from ear to ear. 

Charlotte (you’d finally read her name tag) hums, satisfied with Cole’s reaction. She winks at you mischievously. “I’ll go get him.” She leaves through a door with a sign marked ‘STAFF ONLY’, and you spot the various industrial-sized mixing stands and ovens before it closes behind her. 

“So,” you start, moving to stand next to him. His fingers dance nervously on the countertop, avoiding your gaze at all costs. Suppressing a grin, you match his rhythm, drumming your fingers nearby.

He clears his throat, finally mustering the courage to look at you. “So…”

“I hear that the Bahamas are good this time of year.” You say airily.

His eyes widen momentarily, the tension in his shoulders easing when he realises it’s not a jab. “The Bahamas?”

“Yeah,” you reply casually with a shrug, “It’s great for camping. You should definitely visit,” you add, deliberately pausing to inspect your nails, all the while keeping a watchful eye on his reaction. “Have a little father-son bonding time.”

The amount of time it takes for him to react is nothing short of a millisecond. His lips press together, forming a thin line while his hand comes to a still on the countertop. He holds your gaze, the shared stubbornness in both of you refusing to break. 

The corners of your mouth twitch, trying not to let the pure hilarity of it all get to you. Internally holding the reins tight on your composure is nothing short of keeping you from making another joke at his expense. 

“For your information,” He says eventually, breaking the silence between you both. You nod continuously, encouraging him to continue so he can embarrass himself further. “He insisted. And if you ever bring this up to anyone, our deal is off.” 

The threat he poses is equivalent to that of a small hamster trying to threaten a chair. This mental comparison elicits a snort from you, unable to hold back any longer. “Right,” You struggle to find the right words to say without dissolving into laughter right then and there. “Totally.”

“I mean it,” He warns, leaning against the counter with a frown. “And stop laughing! It’s not that funny!”

“You’re right, you’re right. It’s not funny.” You sober up, keeping a straight face when the door opens and Charlotte comes strolling out with an older man behind her. You lean toward him, shoulder brushing against his as your voice lowers to a whisper. “It’s hilarious.” He parts his lips with an offended gasp, only to rearrange his features into a warm smile when the man stops in front of him. 

“Cole! It’s good to see you again, son.” The man you assume to be Papa hugs Cole tightly, the latter scowling at you and mouthing another silent threat before changing it into a grin once he pulls away. 

Somehow, you manage to keep a straight face. Charlotte busies herself with the cashier, seemingly finished with human interaction for the day. You don’t blame her though, past experience of being a barista at a cafe is more than enough to make you vow to never go back.

“Welcome, welcome! I’m Papa Louie, but any friend of Cole’s is a friend of mine. So you can call me Papa!” He welcomes you with a chuckle, opening his arms for a hug. You hesitantly step into his embrace, awkwardly patting his back before he releases you. 

“That’s right, you can call him Papa.” Your entire body stiffens, dread crawling up the cliff of your spine with its little hands digging into your skin. “Go ahead,” Cole gestures to Louie who’s already waiting with an innocent smile. 

Filial piety already drums away at your heart, unable to bear the pressure of every second that passes. Finally, you relent against your own will but silently curse with every fibre of your being directed at Cole.

“It’s nice to meet you….Papa.” 

The sharp inhale Cole sucks through his teeth makes your hair stand on edge, hands curling into fists. Unlike your coward of a soulmate, you meet his gaze headfirst, suppressing a glare when Papa Louie grins brightly. “What can I do for you today?”

Right. Cake. Do it for the cake. And your dad, of course. But also, cake. 

“She’s here to buy a cake for her dad’s birthday, and I was hoping you’d be able to help skip the queue, given our history together.” The chef’s reaction is immediate, pure delight in his innocent smile as he grabs your hands. 

“Of course, my dear! Let us organise it, especially for such a filial daughter like yourself.” He guides you over to the counter where he promptly whips out an order form, passing it to you. “And for you, half price. First order is special,” He adds with a fatherly wink. 

“Thanks,” it’s the only reply you can muster, taken aback by the amount of generosity shown. Sneaking a glance at Cole who’s left you to your own devices and is now chatting to Charlotte, you notice how at ease he seems around the two of them. 

“He’s a very good partner to you, I assume?” 

What.

Your eyes snap back to Papa Louie’s grin. “He’s not-” The sudden weight of his hand on your shoulder makes you flinch, unable to shrug it off because of what’s at risk, but also because of his next few words.

“Thank you for taking care of him,” his voice is low, yet filled with parental affection as he looks at Cole. “The poor boy’s been through a lot.” 

You part your lips, still trying to comprehend how deep this misunderstanding seems to have gotten. Instead of retorting or clarifying the situation, however, you press your lips together, looking down at the order form and scribbling down the specifics of what you want. 

A shadow covers half the paper, and you look up to see Cole staring down at it. “You done yet?” 

“Just finished.” Handing it back to Papa Louie, he personally settles payment while insisting that you receive the heavily discounted price. Your protests fall on deaf ears, begrudgingly accepting his kindness.

He doesn’t allow you to leave empty-handed either, passing you a parcel of cookies he claimed to be freshly baked, Cole and you are ushered out of the store by Charlotte. The ninja himself had also gotten a few tarts, probably to bring back home. 

Unfortunately, you had been forced to say goodbye using the term the chef specifically likes to be called, trying to force away the pure cringe and remind yourself of the kindness he’s displayed so far.

It didn’t mean it was any less easy to do so in front of Cole, of all people. 

But of course, who better to see me at my worst than my supposed soulmate?

Stepping out into the cool evening air makes the heat in your ears and neck feel more prominent than before, the door closing behind you both with a soft click. You spin on your heel to face Cole who has the biggest shit-eating grin on his face. 

“We shall never speak of this.” You state decisively, ignoring the curious stares from passersby. 

“Of what?” He tilts his head with faux innocence, mischief in his gaze. 

You part your lips, about to utter a retort when you think twice about it. However, there’s no way you’d let him have the last word. “Good.”

“So, what’re we having for dinner?” 

“How do you feel about ramen?” Steps slowing to a halt in the middle of the street, realisation strikes. You lift your eyes to meet his curious ones, cold horror gripping your chest as it occurs to you how naturally the conversation had turned to eating together.

He lifts a brow at your blank face, waving a hand in front of you. “You there? Do you hate ramen or something? If so, why suggest it in the first place?” A frown takes over, finally noticing that something’s off. “What’s wrong?”

His genuine concern throws you off, flinching away at his outstretched hand that he’s placed on your forehead, checking the temperature. He withdraws his hand, hurt flickering across his face with a hint of frustration. 

“S-sorry. I just…” Words. Where are words when you need them? “I’m just a huge ramen fan.” You finish lamely. 

He exhales slowly, probably sensing that you’re not being entirely honest. You brace yourself for questions, already trying to find excuses to leave. He tilts his head, gesturing to a street nearby. “There’s a good ramen place down that way.”

As you force yourself to walk with him, you spot your bag still on his shoulders, the top of the bag of cookies neatly tucked away inside. Guilt seeps through the little cracks of your stony facade, stumbling back slightly when he suddenly turns to check on you. 

“You’re paying for dinner. Take it as payment for introducing Papa to you.” 

The simplicity of his words is clear-cut, but you recognise the intention behind them. The guilt from earlier melts away, finally cracking a small amused smile. Maybe he isn’t such a bad person after all. You hurry after him, watching as he slows down once you catch up. “For introducing who?”

“I identify as a feminist, so I’m legally allowed to hit you.”

“Ninjas don’t harm citizens, do they?” 

“I’m off duty.”

[rosesareredrosa]

Show You How Much I Care

Lorenzo Berkshire x fem reader

Summary: Little things Lorenzo does to show y/n how much he cares

w/c: 1069

Lorenzo Berkshire, the charming and enigmatic member of the Slytherin crew, had always had a knack for reading people. Yet, when it came to Y/N, a girl who seemed to shine with an inner light, he found himself captivated. Unlike many others at Hogwarts, Y/N was genuine and kind, navigating the social landscape with refreshing authenticity. Lorenzo admired her from afar and, over time, felt a growing desire to show her how much he cared.

The Care Package

One day, after overhearing Y/N mention her struggles with schoolwork, Lorenzo decided to help. He discreetly gathered a selection of books and notes that could aid her studies. Alongside these, he added a few of her favorite snacks—a small detail he had picked up from observing her during meals.

That evening, Y/N returned to her dormitory to find a basket waiting for her. Inside was a note written in Lorenzo's neat handwriting:

"For the times when things get tough. Take care, Y/N. - Enzo"

Y/N felt a warm flush spread across her cheeks as she read the note. She had always seen Lorenzo as the laid-back, cool member of his group, but this thoughtful gesture revealed a depth she hadn't expected. It was a small act, but it showed that he had been paying attention and cared about her well-being.

The Potions Class Incident

During a challenging Potions class, Professor Snape assigned the students a complex potion requiring precise timing and careful handling. Y/N, who generally enjoyed Potions, found herself unusually nervous, fumbling with the ingredients. She glanced at her notes, trying to recall the exact sequence, but her anxiety clouded her memory.

Lorenzo, at the next table, noticed her distress. He watched as she hesitated, holding a vial of powdered unicorn horn uncertainly. Understanding the importance of timing, Lorenzo quietly tapped his quill on the edge of her table, a subtle signal they had developed for moments like this.

Y/N looked over, catching his eye. Lorenzo gave a slight nod, glancing at the clock. She understood and added the powder just as the potion turned the right shade of blue. Lorenzo continued to help subtly, passing her a vial of powdered moonstone when she realized she was running low and mouthing a reminder about the temperature adjustment.

As the class ended, Professor Snape evaluated their potions. He paused at Y/N's cauldron, inspecting the brew with his usual critical eye. "Adequate," he muttered, a rare compliment from him.

Relieved, Y/N turned to Lorenzo as they packed up. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes filled with gratitude. "I was so nervous."

Lorenzo smiled, a warm, reassuring look in his eyes. "You had it. Just needed a bit of confidence."

Y/N couldn't help but smile back. His quiet support had been comforting, making her feel seen and valued.

The Herbology Lesson

Later, during a particularly tricky Herbology lesson, Y/N struggled with a difficult plant. Lorenzo, who had a surprising knack for Herbology, noticed her frustration and stayed behind after class.

"Need a hand?" he asked, offering a friendly smile.

Surprised, Y/N nodded. Lorenzo patiently guided her through the process, showing her the correct technique. Under his calm guidance, the plant responded, and Y/N felt a wave of relief and accomplishment.

"Thanks, Lorenzo," she said, grateful for his help.

He shrugged modestly. "Anytime. Can't let you struggle alone."

As the days passed, Y/N couldn't help but notice all the little things Lorenzo did for her. He'd save her a seat in the library, offer to carry her books when they were headed in the same direction, and even conjured a small bouquet of flowers during a particularly rough day. These small acts of kindness were so thoughtful and consistent that she found herself wondering why he was doing them. Was it just his nature, or was there something more?

The Astronomy Night

Knowing Y/N's love for the stars, Lorenzo planned a special surprise. One clear night, he invited her for a walk. They ended up at the Astronomy Tower, where he had set up a blanket and a small telescope.

As they lay under the stars, Lorenzo pointed out constellations and shared stories. His effort to create this moment touched Y/N deeply, revealing a thoughtful and caring side she had come to cherish.

"Lorenzo, this is wonderful," Y/N said, moved by his gesture. "Thank you."

He smiled, his eyes reflecting the starlight. "I wanted to do something special for you. You deserve it."

Y/N felt warmth spread through her. She hesitated, then asked the question that had been on her mind. "Why do you do all these things for me, Lorenzo?" she asked softly, turning to look at him directly. "You've been so kind and attentive... it's more than anyone's ever done for me."

Lorenzo paused, his expression thoughtful. He met her gaze, his eyes sincere. "Because you matter to me, Y/N," he began, his voice gentle but firm. "I've seen how kind and genuine you are, and I admire that. I wanted to show you that someone appreciates you for who you are, not just for what you do or what house you're in. And... because I care about you. A lot."

He paused, gathering his thoughts. "I know I'm not the best with words or grand gestures, but I believe in showing my feelings through actions. That's why I wanted to show you how much I care, in my own way. Whether it's helping you in Potions, making sure you have what you need, or just spending time together like this. It's all because I want you to know you're special to me."

Y/N's heart fluttered at his words. There was a sincerity in his voice that made her believe every word. She felt a mix of emotions—surprise, joy, and a deep warmth she couldn't quite describe.

She reached out, taking his hand. "I had no idea," she admitted, her voice soft. "But... I'm glad. I appreciate everything you've done. It means more than you know."

They sat there, hand in hand, under the vast night sky. Lorenzo's quiet, thoughtful actions had finally come to light, revealing the depth of his feelings. It wasn't about grand declarations or dramatic actions; it was about the little things that showed he genuinely cared. And in that moment, under the stars, Y/N realized just how much Lorenzo meant to her, too.

[lilacxquartz]

taking chances;

gn!reader x fiddleford h. mcgucket

summary: tensions were an all time high with your college roommate, so when you both found yourselves pushed together at a party, things started to make even less sense — themes: mutual pining, gender neutral reader, first-time kissing, eventual smut — w.c: ~5k • ao3 • masterlist

a/n: by request, i hope this fulfills your vision after everything that we’ve discussed, i tried my best with it. <3 let’s put him at around 20-22 here.

It was late summer—just the first week of September, in fact. The air outside was still warm and the skies were still welcoming, bright, and full of promise. College was going to be your to be your much-needed fresh start from a life you hoped to leave behind—it just took you a while to get there, you supposed. And now here you were, ready to start life anew in the dead center of Backupsmore College, ready to take on whatever it threw at you.

You were moving in alone, without the help of a relative or a friend, and albeit uncomfortably, lugged your suitcase up the three sets of stairs to your assigned dorm. Number 321, it was. You found it funny, that to go forward, you were to be living in a room that signaled the opposite. Three. Two. One. Not one, two, three. A bittersweet perspective perhaps, but it was what it was and you were always good at that—noticing what went on between the lines—except perhaps where it should have mattered.

Your hand pressed down onto the door handle, not quite sure what to expect as you pushed inside. There was an option to go for a solo room, but you told yourself that if it was going to be different this time—then that meant no more closing yourself away—no more running or isolating, you were going to push through, even if it meant being uncomfortable through a lot of it.

You only started to notice such a thing after you graduated, after all, that pretty much everyone in high school was just as lost as you were, but they pushed forward, simply because that was the only choice. It took you a while of internal loathing and self-inflicted sabotage to get past that point, but now you were ready.

(Because if not now, then when?)

A lanky figure stood before you, dropping something out of a box that they were in the process of unpacking. The first thing you noticed about him was the way his glasses sat crooked against his nose and the way that his shirt messily spilled out of his mustard-yellow jumper, which you noticed, by the way, was perhaps actually stained slightly with real mustard. You found all of those select little details to be oddly endearing in your first impression.

Just like you, there was an equally awkward and lost individual right in your personal space—a comfort like no other—you were so alike (and perhaps more than you both even knew).

Your new mystery roommate seemed startled at your sudden entry, his shoulders stiffening as he frantically whipped his head to the side to take a good look at you. Before you intruded, he was hunched over a desk that was a mess with wires, screws, and an odd sort of contraption. His glasses slipped slightly down the bridge of his nose with his mouth propped ajar as he searched for a response, his mind faltering for a moment.

You could almost see the mental cogs in his brain turning, trying to figure out how to be a normal human being in such a sudden moment. You were doing the same, after all.

“Oh, uh, hey,” he spoke up after a hot minute, his accent letting slip a little to hint at where he might have been from, “you must be… my new roommate?”

“Yeah, that’s right,” you managed, sounding equally nervous.

“I’m Fiddleford,” he replied, extending a shaky hand towards you before clearing his throat, “Fiddleford McGucket.”

You took hold of his hand to shake it. His grip was a little too firm, yet somehow clumsy, but it was warm and you could tell that beneath the nervous demeanour that he let on, that he was kind.

You introduced yourself next, giving him your full name before flicking your eyes back to the mess he caused on his side of the room. “So, are you, um, working on something there?”

“Ah,” Fiddleford replied, his eyes widening as he stepped over to block out the sight with his body, trying to desperately avert your gaze to other matters, his voice trembling as he couldn’t help but stammer out a slurry of scatterbrained responses, “j-just a little, uh, w-well, it’s nothing real fancy. I’m just trying to… rig up a uh, an old radio to work with some other equipment I have, it’s n-nothing too exciting.”

Perhaps it was your fault for letting the conversation die, but you got the impression that he didn’t want to talk about what he was doing, so you didn’t press the issue further. Instead, all you did was clear your throat and tell him that you were going to be back to collect the rest of your stuff, finding it almost hurtful that by the time you returned, he wasn’t there.

Just faint fragments of him remained; his suitcase was there, and his stuff was unpacked, but he moved away his project off to somewhere else.

(Did he think that he was bothering you?)

All potential interactions fizzled down after that first meet and the two of you, despite seeing each other every single day. The two of you both settled into your respective corners of the room and that seemed to be the end of your initial pleasantries. Slowly, your side started to feel like more of your own, while a cold, unfamiliar side filled out the opposite end—your roommate who was more of a stranger—locked himself up in his own little world, unwilling to share beyond what was was already said.

On occasion however, you stole half-asleep glances at Fiddleford as he tinkered around during the odd hours of the night when he thought you weren’t watching. When he thought you were asleep. You liked watching him work on whatever it was beyond the clinical glow of his work lamp, finding all of those focused mutterings that escaped his lips to sound oddly sweet, even finding the satisfied smack of his lips when something went right to sound cute, rather than something bothersome.

He was fascinating in a quiet, unassuming way but that also made him frustrating, because something about him had also made you hesitate—leaving you unsure as to how to bridge the gap between you—that over time, kept moving further and further away.

Days of this later turned into weeks as the two of you settled into the every day of college life. The two of you lived quietly within each other's company, ate in the same canteen and even attended the same overlapping classes—but it was like there was an invisible wall keeping the two of you apart. Every interaction you had was a little too curt—a little too formal. He was far too polite and you were far too cautious, but beyond that, you couldn’t help but feel that there was something more to it all.

Like a buzzing sort of electricity when you were both together, a current that was blocked off by something in the way, yearning to trickle free, buzzing restlessly beneath the surface.

It was especially evident and highly suspicious when in the early mornings, you’d both try to get ready in as much of a rush as possible. You’d both avoid eye contact and dress in the corner or the communal bathroom instead and in class, you’d sit several rows apart, stealing occasional glances from each other, both of you quickly turning your heads away rather than letting the friendly gaze linger.

The evenings were the most difficult though; the small dorm room when packed with two people that you were by then certain, were at least curious about each other yet neither brave enough to make the first move, was a suffocating experience.

Something about it all felt strangely… intimate?

Sometimes, he’d break the silence with what sounded like a weak attempt to make small talk, often about the weather if it suddenly changed outside or idly complain about the class assignments but not making too much sense. At times, you’d indulge and reply, only for the few words exchanged to falter and drop again.

It wasn’t that you meant to be this self-destructive, because if anything, you wanted nothing more than to get to know everything about him—but every time you made the conscious effort to reach out—the words you delicately crafted caught in your throat, dissolving into something unintelligible.

(And if you were reading him correctly, he was struggling with the same damn thing.)

~~~

One fateful evening, deep into the semester, you found yourself at a party, believe it or not. One of the dorm residents, Stanford Pines, convinced (or rather, bullied) you into accepting what he described as one of the biggest parties of the century, swindling you into going, saying that it would be good for ‘someone like you’ and feeling caught out, you reluctantly accepted it. The party itself wasn’t your scene, not by a long shot, but you stuck around as if wanting to prove something to yourself—perhaps to others, too.

The dim lighting flickered against your eyes, making you feel woozy, especially when coupled with the cheap beer that was shoved into your hands, but you were there. You were at a party. In college. That was the dream, right? That’s what people most looked forward to when they were there… right?

The house was packed but also, you were unsure as to whose it was. The party was supposedly organised by Stanford Pines, but he left very little answer as to where this place even came from. Nobody else seemed to mind, however, with everyone else happily drinking and dancing to a tune that you didn’t even recognise. In fact, you couldn’t recognise anyone here either. You were alone… until you weren't, locking your eyes onto a familiar face just across the living room.

Fiddleford. Standing all alone in a corner with a half-empty drink in his hand, looking less than thrilled to be there. Just like you.

You pretended to not see him however, as if to not give him a reason to leave, but on occasion, you’d flick over little glances at him that you were certain he caught onto. It felt like that, in a sea of overflowing confidence that ensnared around you, your mutual nervousness fed off of each other, creating something once again stagnant, pushing you both apart yet again.

Just as you were about to drift off to another room, however, Stanford Pines’ voice cut through the room, somehow overriding his presence through the chaos, “Alright everyone, listen up. We’re all, we’re…” he slurred a bit through his announcement, seeming more than just ‘drunk’, “we’re gonna play a nice little game of spin the bottle.”

“Bit childish, don’t you think?” a voice shouted out—you didn’t recognise whose it was.

“Ah, to hell with maturity,” Stan replied, waving his hand in a dismissive gesture, “gather ‘round, we’re gonna,” he hiccuped mid-sentence before continuing, “we’re all gonna get to know each other.”

The crowded house collectively both groaned and cheered at the same time, leaving your stomach churning with dread. Almost instinctively, you started to back towards the front door, but then you felt Stan’s hand clamp down against your shoulder before you could make your escape.

“And where do you think you’re going?” he asked.

“I-I uh…” you trailed off as you stammered, “I’m really not cut out for this kind of thi—”

“Nonsense,” he huffed, although in a teasing way, interrupting you mid-sentence, something about his tone was less taunting and more friendly as if struggling to convey that he was plotting something deeper than he let on. “You’ve gotta have fun at least once in your life and you’re not exactly helping yourself standing around on the sidelines like that.”

Before you could protest further, Stanford dragged you over to the floor, propping you down right in between a stranger but also right next to Fiddleford. The circle spanned surprisingly far and all sorts of people were pushed up to the shoulders against each other as you barely kept up. The chaotic slur of both laughter and conversation alike had already dizzied you, leaving you feeling painfully out of place.

And then, it all somehow got worse when the bottle that Stanford spun had landed right on you, almost abruptly so, somehow stopping mechanically, as if controlled. Just like in a nightmare, the whole crowd of unfamiliar faces snapped right at you, focusing the spotlight of unwanted attention where you didn’t want it to shine.

Stanford clapped his hands, seeming almost giddy. “Truth… or dare?” he asked, a mischievous glint playing in his eyes.

“T-truth!” you exclaimed almost immediately—there was no way in hell that you would have him make you do something even potentially humiliating.

“Yeah?” he smiled, thinking to himself for a moment. “Alright... Do you have a crush on anyone in this room?”

Suddenly, you gulped. “H-hey, that’s not fair…”

“It’s not a fair game,” Stan dismissed with a shrug, “you picked truth - so that’s on you.”

You stammered, only to be cut off, “B-but—”

“—No buts,” he shut you up, “rules are rules.”

“N-nobody?” you weakly responded, trying to will yourself to disappear.

“Aw, come on, don’t be like that,” Stan encouraged, “it’s just a game, you can say anyone, really.”

You warily looked around as you tried to pick a ‘safe’ option, only for your eyes to fall upon Fiddleford who was looking at you with wide eyes. It was only a couple of seconds, but your gaze lingered for a little too long, hinting at the obvious truth that you had long refused to acknowledge. Stan, however, was having none of that, picking up on your longing right away.

“Ah, what’s this?” he piped up. “Looks like there is someone after all, huh?”

“W-wait, I didn’t say anything—” you stammered again, only to be predictably cut off once more.

“—Fiddleford, huh?” he continued, watching with some amusement as you buried your sights into the floor, with Fiddleford mirroring you, looking away from you in a rush of embarrassment. In Stanford’s mind, he always knew deep down, you both had something going on, and perhaps he was doing the wrong thing by pushing you both together like this, but he also knew that if you weren’t ready now, then someone like you was never going to be ready without a little push to begin with. It was a necessary push of evil, where he’d get to play the bad guy that would hopefully, leave you with a good end.

This also meant that of course, he wasn’t finished meddling, at least not yet.

Continuing, Stanford got up from where he was sitting, walking over to yank you both up by the collar. “Alright, alright, you’re both gonna figure out whatever… this… is,” he announced, dragging you both towards another portion of the house, shoving you both into a closet.

“W-wait a minute,” you and Fiddleford both protested in unison, your voices sounding completely panicked at the thought and yet, the protests were useless as they fell upon willingly deaf ears. The crowd was clueless as they watched on, yet encouraging as they cheered for the two nerds who were impromptu shoved into a small space together, likely imagining all sorts of things.

The door then slammed shut and before you could both finish voicing your concerns, the lock clicked into place, leaving the two of you sealed in a closet full of coats and in the dark. There seemed to be a light switch, but it didn’t work, leaving you pushed up against each other in a pitch-black space.

You stood stiffly with him for a moment, awkwardly trying to shuffle around the area, only to bump into him several times. Fiddleford did the same, unable to direct himself at all.

“S-sorry,” he muttered out, even now, sounding a touch bit too polite.

“It’s… fine,” you quickly replied, sounding just as formal as you always did.

A mutual silence then brewed between the two of you beyond that short exchange. It was heavy and suffocating, perhaps even more so than the tiny stretch of space between the two of you. Just outside the door, the party continued without you, the sound of clapping and cheering steadily ongoing. Some people chanted for others to chug whatever, while the creak of beds could be heard just upstairs.

“D-do you think they’re letting us out anytime soon?” Fiddleford warily asked.

You shook your head before realising he couldn’t see you, then sighed. “No, I-I don’t think so. Stan locked the door and just… left us here, so, probably not after some time…”

“O-oh,” he fretted.

Another silence followed once again, with neither one of you willing to break the tension apart. You could tell that he was fidgeting as the picking of his nails intensified and his breathing grew nervous. Both of you were lodged in this dreaded place, both seeming uncomfortable beyond your limit.

But then finally, he spoke. His voice sounded a touch hopeful. Something at last changed and Stan’s plan was in motion, “So, did you mean it? …D-do you really like me?”

The question caught you off guard for a moment and if you were anywhere else, you would have tried to run from the question, but you supposed that you couldn’t. Forced to face the truth, you decided to hell with it, and confessed to him at long, long last. “Yeah, um. Yeah, I do. I think I always did.”

You could hear Fiddleford gasp in what almost sounded like disbelief. He tried to reply to you a couple of times, but his words fell flat from the moment he uttered them, and then, after a while, something coherent finally stuck. “R-really? I mean—I thought that maybe you didn’t, especially after you left so suddenly after when we first met… Really?”

“Ah, yeah, I’m sorry,” you backtracked, “I guess I was just as nervous as you and… I didn’t really know how to continue the conversation,” you admitted, hating in a way at just how vulnerable you sounded, “I’m not good with this—I’m not good with people, but I… liked you, yes, from the very moment I saw you.”

The sincerity in your voice caught the two of you both off guard, enough so to even make him stop fidgeting. You listened in as he tried to form a response, the numbing darkness somehow feeling almost loud, leaving you feeling a little overwhelmed from the situation at hand.

“I, uh,” Fiddleford hesitated, letting the silence linger again—even if something about it did feel different this time—it was less heavy and more charged with something else, perhaps that faint spark you once felt, desperate to burst free. “I guess this is the part where I’m supposed to say something smooth, but I’m not that type of person either.”

You cracked a smile, leaving a breathless laugh to roll off of the slip of your tongue. “That’s okay. I’m fucking awful at this, so…”

The silence was at this point, as frequent as it could get, and then suddenly as if by some unseen force, that gap that had been developing between you both had finally dispersed, an unseen force pushing you both together. It wasn’t particularly graceful and it was, very much clumsy, but your lips brushed against his own at long last. You both tasted like stale, cheap beer, and if even for just a moment, the world around you went quiet. Nothing else mattered. The party just outside seemed to fade away, the suffocating void you were both locked within felt lighter, and suddenly, you felt something else arise within you—not just want—but need, too.

“S-sorry, I didn’t mean to—” Fiddleford immediately backtracked, but you were done running from your life, so you didn’t let him run from his feelings either.

“It’s okay,” you hushed, trying to calm him. Cautiously, you then reached for his hand, leaning your face in again, although this time with more certainty than before. You wanted this just as much as he did.

The second time you kissed him, it was longer, warmer and when it ended, you felt like a part of you was missing and perhaps it felt that way for him too, because he found himself kissing you again. And again. And again. Each time, it felt all the bit more natural, like it was the only thing in this crazy world that made sense.

You surrendered yourself to more of him, not waiting for a second further as you gave in, but then he pulled back slightly, right before the heat of the moment got too hot, too fast.

“O-oh god,” he shakily murmured out, his breath hot on your lips, “w-what if they hear?”

You paused and considered, listening to the cheers just outside; the drumming on the floorboards for something unrelated and the like. “I don’t think they will… so we might be safe, besides… maybe we shouldn’t care for once?”

“I-I just… I’m worried about the aftermath, I guess,” Fiddleford admitted.

“Ah…” you considered, wondering just what sort of mess would spill around the college if news of such an encounter got out, thinking back to all such other ‘scandals’ between other people, “I think we’ll be fine. The news lasts for a week at best… and besides, do we really both want to continue living in fear…?”

“I… that’s a fair point. I guess not…” he admitted. “Do you really want to do this?”

You half scoffed, leaning into his lips again. “Yes,” you replied in an almost exasperated tone, “I like you and I want to do this… but only if you also want to.”

“A-ah, yeah… I just needed to make sure, I don’t want to pressure you into anything,” Fiddleford fretted again, but ultimately calmed down at your continued reassurance.

You still couldn’t see a single thing in the dark, but you could feel the heat of his body radiating from being parked so close by. His hands fumbled around your frame in the darkness, groping, feeling and exploring but never quite lingering just yet.

“I-I have never done something like this before,” he admitted again, yet still continuing to reach around you.

Your hands shook as they reciprocated his caressing motions, mapping around the unfamiliar contours of his flesh. “Me neither,” you confessed, having no real idea if you were doing anything right or not, “we’ll just do what feels right, I suppose.”

“Y-yeah, sounds like a good plan,” he admitted, continuing to reach around you and feel wherever possible, caring less and less wherever his touch landed.

You both shuffled out of the restrictive clothing you both wore, not quite fully undressing but loosening up however possible. His skin soon met with yours and you leaned in close, your mind racing with how on earth to continue. His arousal was apparent, poking up against you within the limited confines, his fingers dipping a touch lower, reaching to press against your sensitive sex, his movements growing more eager with each passing second and yet, still playing it safe.

You, almost on impulse, grinded into his hardness, feeling your stomach tighten in anticipation. A warm slurry of comforting warmth overcame you, rendering you into a flushed mess all the more that you explored; trailing your touch further down, over to his stomach, his hips and finally… just below.

“C-can you touch me?” he let slip, a sliver of confidence peeking out. It felt so refreshing to hear to be wanted back, for him to need you specifically to return such feelings. It made you react in a responsive manner, feeling your own arousal heighten.

Swallowing hard, you tried to proceed with ease, only to deliver it clumsily instead. You dipped your hands into his trousers, pushing down the unzipped pair. Albeit cautiously, you then wrapped your fingers around his length, feeling it grow hard in the palm of your hand. Fiddleford shook out a stream of stuttered out, ragged breaths, leaning his chin into your shoulder as you started to move your hand in languid motions against his now, fully erect cock.

He moved closer towards you, dropping the clothes you wore to the floor as well, positioning himself right against your sex, guided by his quickly building arousal. Fiddleford still had zero idea how to properly proceed, but did what felt right instead, taking your words to heart.

You reached to tangle your fingers in his hair, your voice sounding somehow both confident yet nervous at the same time, “I-I think I’m ready if you are,” you whispered.

“R-right,” Fiddleford followed on, gripping at your hips to get a good hold on you.

Slowly, he searched around to find entry, easing into your core with one strained slip. Although unseen, his eyelids fluttered in the dark and his lips let out a guttural moan as the sensation of heated pleasure took him over for just a moment. Such admission of being so involuntarily turned on awoke something primal in you and you lifted one leg up, allowing for him to press into a more comfortable position—hopefully letting him move around with more ease, given the constricting circumstances, at least.

“This feel okay?” he quietly murmured, trying his best not to hurt you.

“Uhuh,” you muttered back, placing your hand around his shoulder, trying to hold onto him as best as you could before things took a whole new direction. You wanted this. You wanted this so much. Right here and with him.

“So, I’ll just…” he continued, talking to himself more than you, as if to soothe his fluttering heart—he leaned his hips forward, allowing his length to be swallowed by you, letting himself stand there for just a moment and allowing for you to adjust.

After a moment, Fiddleford then began to move. His initial motions were clumsy at first, with no real idea as to what he was doing, but after some time of you both just feeling around each other, of finding the right position and getting comfortable—it all started to feel so right. The found pace felt natural, good, even. His hands clamped around your waist, bucking into the hilt of your depth with strained composure.

“D-does this feel good for you too?” he whispered, unable to find his voice.

You couldn’t reply with any shred of coherency any longer as your face leaned into the crook of his neck where his shoulders met, something similar to a “yes” might have slipped out, but it was barely audible. Instead, you pulled him closer, feeling as your lower stomach began to feel impossibly coiled—like a wound up spring threatening to break free—you felt so good, so damn good.

The sounds of breathless moans—of skin smacking—of the walls creaking started to fill out the small space. His lips on occasion sloppily reached to kiss on your own, needing somewhere to direct his affections, still riding the high of the recent confession.

“This… does this still feel good?” he asked, sounding more coherent that time.

A hum of agreement left your lips, although it sounded strained on delivery as your peak approached. It was very obvious with just how barely he held onto his crumbling composure, that he too was just as close as you were, with his legs stuttering and his breathing uneven, sounding all the more laboured with each passing moment.

“I… I’m close,” you warned, his hold around you growing intense upon your confession. There was something raw about this whole situation; from the feelings exchanged to the intensity of the situation—everything felt almost dizzying, especially as you (both) reached the point of no return.

Fiddleford followed up next, his hips giving out as a final, pushing thrust let spill of all of his pent up want and need. You felt him twitch inside you, releasing fully into the filled out void of your center. A low groan shuddered out of his lips, with his forehead leaning against the wall. The two of you were just barely able to recollect yourselves, feeling depleted from the aftermath.

“Was… was that good? Did I do good?” he kept asking, his words repeating in a slurried babble, his tone suddenly so tender, yet unsure and even a little afraid—as if he was terrified to hear anything otherwise.

Oh, Fiddleford. Although you couldn’t quite catch a glimpse of his face just then, you could already imagine his eyebrows knitted in anticipation, his eyes nervously scanning over you to gain that validation he so rightfully deserved. This was also new for you, but you felt good after—you wanted to do this again and again, in fact, but only with him.

A breathless nod was all that you could reveal for a moment, the words rolling off of your tongue still slightly disjointed, “Yes, yes. So good. Definitely good. Everything was perfect… you were perfect,” you gushed, pulling yourself back after a moment had passed, lazily fumbling with your clothes to pull them back up.

And for a while, it was all quiet again, but not in an uncomfortable way. It was a mutual silence in which no pressure had transpired between the two of you, allowing for the both of you to recover at your own level before heading out to face the real world again.

Fiddleford tried the door first, finding that to his surprise (and yours), the closet was now unlocked. The two of you had the same racing thoughts flood your mind: when? Had someone heard? Perhaps even seen…? The two of you then thought back to how freeing such a confession felt and how good everything else that followed after, felt good too—so perhaps the fear of being discovered was baseless, or at least, it didn’t quite matter so much anymore.

Whatever would happen next, you would at least not have to deal with it alone.

“Are you okay?” you asked as you squeezed at his hand.

Fiddleford’s voice was still trembling just a little, but his words came out with a newfound sense of confidence, sounding much more certain than he ever did before, “Y-yeah, I think so. I feel fine, but it’s just… the idea of returning to a loud house party orchestrated by Pines is not my idea of a good time.”

You laughed, fully understanding his concerns. “Yeah, it’s… quite something. We can try to beeline for the exit and recover a little in our dorm?”

“Sounds good,” he half laughed, feeling relieved that your mind was in the same place as his before adopting a more serious tone, “so, are you ready to deal with whatever comes next?”

“I am,” you assured, equally abuzz with what could happen, for once in your life not quite caring about how it all looked. The accusations, the given approval or even the lack of it—all of it—for once in your life, you didn’t care about what other people thought because as long as you were by his side because then it would all be worth the trouble.

For once in your life, it was all going to be okay.

You were sure of it.

[kyungjungirlies]

Night Has Come FF (Kyungjun x reader)

Part: One 

YOUR OCCUPATION IS: POLICE OFFICER

You stared at your phone screen, mostly bemused and a little perplexed. You had played mafia with your family as a pre-teen often. So, this strange game app version of the game brought up in you a feeling of pleasant nostalgia. 

You looked over to your classmates. 

"What is your occupation?" a girl from your class asks with a grin. 

"What's the fun in telling each other?" another one said. 

You smiled at that. But then something hit you. 

"How are we playing this game?" you ask slowly, looking around the circle of classmates around you. 

"What do you mean?" girl Nahee asks. You check the icon at the top of your screen to make sure before you answer.  

"We have had no internet since coming here, and no signal," you reply.  

"Maybe it's part of the game.?" one girl asks. You think it over for a moment. It's possible, but there's a small yet unavoidable feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach.  

Before you can respond, your phone buzzes. 

GROUP MESSAGE:  

Heo Yool: MY TIME TO SHINE GUYS 

How can there be a group chat with no signal? You frown at the screen. Then try to restart your phone. But it simply doesn't turn off. You press and press the off button, but nothing happens. Then another buzz from everyone's phone.  

¨KIM SO-HEE  HAS VOTED FOR HEO YOOL ¨

¨NAM YEON-WOO HAS VOTED FOR HEO YOOL ¨

¨IM EUN-CHAN  HAS VOTED FOR HEO YOOL ¨

the notifications went on. Almost everyone had voted for Yool. It wasn't that odd really. He was a prankster, and a bad one at that.  

"Look. Everyone is voting on Yool. He probably made the game no?" Na-Hee said.  

"Yeah, looks like something he would do." Another girl agreed.  

"We should vote for him too, right?" Nahee asked. You shrugged, "Yeah why not?" 

You all voted for Yool too.  

"He'll be so pissed." one girl giggled. You smiled too. Yool would be pissed. He lived for this type of thrill. Being out of the game this soon would be a bummer for him, but if he did really create the game then maybe he would end it and we could go back to our trip.  

You got up then with Nahee to find something to eat. You arrived on the 3rd floor at the snack bar and arcade. It looked deserted and closed. The whole snack bar was locked behind a large orange garage door.  

"I didn't know they closed this early." You said, staring at the door.  

"Yeah, staff maybe took a break?" Nahee suggested. You nodded. You both took off down the silent halls again.  

Nahee voiced what you'd been thinking. "Where are the staff anyway? I haven't seen anyone since our teacher left." 

"I know. And it's almost 12 by now." you agreed, walking past classmates. A door opened to your left and Yoonseo and Jeongwon and the class president, Junhee walked out. Yoonseo looked rattled. You touched her shoulder. "Het are you alright?" you asked scanning her face. Jeongwon gave you an odd look. Yoonseo nodded, "yeah, thanks y/n." She smiled at you, but then glanced back to look at Kim Somi, the vice president of your class.  

At Somi's expression Nahee cursed. "What did she do this time?"  

"Nothing. It was nothing." Yoonseo says but you're not convinced.  

"Class president! Our teacher isn't back yet. What do we do?" someone asked.  

Junhee stopped walking and addressed everyone with one hand on his hip. Somehow, he had authority. Even Kyungjun and his rats turned to listen.  

"It's late, so for now let's all go to our assigned rooms, and I'll go out in the morning to look for help." Junhee said. There were some grumbles, but everyone seemed to agree.  

You were all in the process of shuffling to your rooms when a sudden blaring alarm sounded all around you.  

You instinctively covered your ears. Everyone looked confused. Then a female robotic voice sounded.  

¨VOTING HAS ALMOST ENDED ¨

You look at your phone to see a timer counting down time.  

At the end of the hall, you spot Yool and his friends. He seems annoyed.  

You all decide to just stand there and wait it out. Other kids are pointing fingers at Yool and laughing.  

Then the alarm and voice come back.  

¨VOTING HAS ENDED. HEO YOOL WITH THE MOST VOTES WILL BE ELIMINATED.¨  

Your phone suddenly buzzes.  

CHECK THE OCCUPATION OF ANOTHER PLAYER.  

You sigh and click a name at random. Nahee's name.  

AN NA-HEE IS A CITIZEN  

You smile at the screen. Of course, your best friend wasn´t a mafia. 

You hear another noise then. Your gaze snaps back to the end of the hall. Yool looks to be in pain. He's clutching his head like he wants to pop it open. You frown and take a step towards him. The sight sets your heart racing. And when he looks up you scream with the rest of some of the students.  

Yool's eyes are completely white. No pupil. No iris.  

He then proceeds to drop to the floor and pound his head into the stone tile. You scream again as his blood splatters in all directions. He doesn't stop. He keeps going even as you all scream his name.  

Then he runs, so suddenly, past you in a blur. He runs through the glass windows at the end of the hall and falls. Dead.  

¨HEO YOOL WAS A CITIZEN¨

You stand there, frozen in horror. Your mind can't comprehend anything. You glance up. Across from you is Kyunjun. His eyes are wide with horror. It´s an expression you´ve never seen on him before. Your eyes meet briefly.

Then everything goes black. 

■□■□■□■□■□

Thank you for the likes 🙏

part two.

[wordsofvelvet]

A silly drabble requested by my BB as a way to test out my new keyboard ^^

Hopefully some updates will be to come soon.

Red looked down at the dish Chloe had handed her with a frown of uncertainty. The greenish chops of food didn’t look appealing in the slightest, but Chloe was still standing over her expectantly.

“C’mon Red, just take a bite, it’s not going to attack you.” Chloe tried to reason with her but Red only gave her a look of incredulity.

“Are you <i>sure</i> about that Princess?”

The blue haired Princess had decided to take a home economics course that semester as an extracurricular. That day, they had prepared boiled cabbage for their assignment and the Caregiver had brought some back to their dorm, as she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have her foreign Little try another Auradonion dish.

“Positive.” Chloe rolled her eyes at her girlfriend’s dramatics.

“I don’t know…” Red used the fork the other girl had provided her with to pick at the food like it was some strange substance under observation.

“Please Red? Will you just try it? For me? If you don’t like it, you won’t have to eat it again. I just need to know.”

Red of course felt that familiar urge to just please her caregiver and do as asked, but she <i>really</i> didn’t want to have to endure the texture and taste she was already projecting the food to have.

“No thank you.” Red tried to hand the dish back but Chloe didn’t let her.

“C’mon Love, it’s just <i>one</i> bite. That’s it. You can do <i>one</i> bite for your Bluey, can’t you?” The princess lilted her voice softly and Red narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her.

“I know what you’re trying to do and it’s not going to work. I’m not going to slip just so you can get me to eat this.” Red informed her.

“You don’t even have to eat it! You can spit it right out if you hate it!”

“I don’t care! I don’t want it in my mouth!”

Chloe’s lips pursed as she studied the girl sitting on her bed with a conspiratorial glare before she struck.

She reached for the fork attempting to take the redhead by surprise, but Red’s reflexes were just as sharp as ever.

The redhead jolted back, pulling the dish out of her reach at the last second causing Chloe to lose her balance and fall onto her.

The pair struggled against each other, the food miraculously just barely staying upright in Red’s outstretched arm as Chloe straddled her, reaching out.

“You’re going to try this today Red! Stop fighting me on this!”

“No!”

“You don’t even have to like it!”

“No!”

“Is that all you’re going to say?”

“No!”

The two wrestled for a couple more minutes, before Chloe huffed out exasperatedly.

“This is your last chance Little Love before I bring out the big guns.” The Caregiver warned her, but Red showed no signs of conceding.

“Alright, don’t say I didn’t warn ya.” Chloe switched tactics and instead of making another grab for the food, she began attacking the girl’s side’s with her fingers.

“EEEE!” Red squealed loudly before breaking out in a fit of laughter as Chloe tickled her mercilessly.

The bluenette’s tactics worked like a charm and in the next second Chloe was holding up the dish victoriously while straddling Red’s waist.

“Aha! Now just tell me if you hate it!” She said not wasting a second as she scooped up a forkful and plunged it into the shorter girl’s mouth.

Red grunted in shock as she instinctively closed her mouth around the fork and Chloe watched her start to chew with bated breath.

Red’s brows furrowed for a moment as she seemed to be processing the information her tastebuds were signaling to her brain, before chestnut eyes widened in surprise.

“Mm!” She made a small noise of delight and Chloe arched a brow down at her.

“So you like it?” She asked for clarification as she climbed back off her girlfriend and helped Red sit up.

Once she was upright, Red took the dish back from her hands and was already going for another forkful.

“This is delicious, Princess!” She shoved the food in her mouth then spoke around her chewing. “Ten out of ten! Good job.”

She continued to munch on it happily as Chloe let out a tired sigh and slumped down on to her own bed across from Reds.

“See? Was that so bad?” She asked exasperatedly.

Red nodded in acknowledgement.

“So will you just <i>try it</i> next time?” She asked and Red finished swallowing.

“Let’s be real, Princess. Probably not.” She answered truthfully and Chloe groaned.

At least the girl was being honest.

[clarisse0o]

Camp Wiegman-Part 25

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe : Military School

Words: 5k

Masterlist

———————————————————————

Friday, December 18; 11:00 AM - School.

The bell rings, signaling the end of classes. I finally leave the classroom, leaving behind my last lessons of the year. They were certainly the longest I’ve ever endured since my last exam. I’ve never been so excited to get out of here. My things were already packed even before the final announcement. I run out without waiting for Alexia, who’s desperately calling after me in the hallway. I manage to avoid the rush and arrive in record time in front of Lucy’s office. I immediately scan the room for her, but she’s nowhere to be seen.

“Where’s Bronze?” I ask, out of breath.

“Hello to you too, Ona,” Engen greets me. “She had to go to administration. She shouldn’t be long.”

“Thanks!” I say as I turn to leave.

“Hey! No running in the halls!” Engen reprimands me.

Her warning doesn’t stop me from continuing my sprint toward the entrance hall. I smile when I see Lucy making her way through the students rushing to leave. I dash towards her, causing her to frown as soon as she sees me. Before she has the chance to scold me, I leap onto her.

“What are you doing, Ona?” she growls sternly.

She tries to shake me off, but I tighten my legs around her waist. I’m too happy to care about the attention we’re drawing.

“I did it, Bronze! I did it!” I shout excitedly.

“What are you talking about?” she grumbles. “Let go of me!”

“It’s thanks to you! I passed almost all my subjects!”

My words stop her in her tracks. She stops struggling and looks me straight in the eyes. Her expression changes dramatically, making me beam with joy. The wait to show her all my makeup test scores that my homeroom teacher gave me during my last class was unbearable. I release my grip on her now that I have her full attention.

“Even though this is good news, never do that again… in public,” she scolds me. “Am I clear?”

“Yeah, yeah,” I reply indifferently.

I rummage through my bag and pull out all my makeup test papers. I put the first one we worked on together at the top—the one with the math equations. My teacher handed it back to me along with the rest since I was sick when it was returned and he forgot to give it to me earlier.

“Here, look.”

She sighs in annoyance and snatches the papers from my hands. She squints as she examines them. Her features soften, and her tense jaw relaxes. She looks back and forth between me and the first paper several times.

“An eighteen!? When did you take this one?”

“It was the first one you helped me study for. The equations, remember?”

“Uh-huh.”

“I got the highest grade,” I say proudly.

She smiles as she flips through the rest. I smile too, noticing that she’s genuinely interested. My grades range between eight and sixteen. They’re nothing like the ones I used to get, which ranged between three and nine. Thanks to her, my averages are going up, maybe even doubling if my last assignments of the week turned out well. It’s a huge leap forward.

“See, I told you there was no reason to worry. You drove yourself crazy for nothing, and you drove me crazy in the process!”

The pressure I had been carrying is released in a nervous chuckle. She surprises me by pulling me into a hug, even though a few students are still passing through the hall. I won’t complain and just let myself enjoy it. All my efforts have finally paid off.

“I’m proud of you.”

I smile against her shoulder, savoring those simple words. It’s hard to remember the last time someone said that to me. The fact that it’s coming from Lucy warms my heart. The emotion and relief are so overwhelming that a few tears escape without me realizing it. I step back to avoid breaking down and quickly wipe my eyes to hide any evidence of recent tears. Unfortunately, it seems she noticed, as she gently wipes the dampness from under my eyes with her thumbs.

“It’s all thanks to you…”

“I didn’t do anything special,” she says with a sincere smile.

“Yes, you did. You helped me, supported me… You’ve been there from the start and never gave up on me.”

“That’s not what you said when you first arrived.”

A throat clearing interrupts our moment, startling us. Our intimate moment could have been witnessed by anyone, but we relax when we see it’s only Engen.

“You’re both so reckless! Doing that in front of everyone! Imagine if Wiegman had seen this scene!”

If Engen weren’t so angry, I’d probably be laughing. It’s the first time I’ve seen her so mad. She’s usually in a teasing mood. Lucy doesn’t seem fazed; in fact, she seems amused by the situation.

“The chances were slim since I just came out of his office. But thanks for being so concerned.”

“Yeah, whatever,” she grumbles.

“Anyway, here, go eat. They’re waiting for you.”

I nod as I put my papers back in my bag. I wish them a good lunch before heading to the cafeteria. As I expected, everyone is already at the table. No one seems bothered by my delay. I’m sure Ale explained why. She knew I wanted to show my grades to Lucy. Anyway, everyone is too preoccupied with their upcoming holiday plans to notice my absence. In a few hours, we’ll all finally be home.

“Did you manage to ask Mapi about New Year’s?” Ale asks me.

“Well, no, I didn’t get the chance. She wasn’t feeling well, so I didn’t have the opportunity. I’ll ask her during the week and let you know.”

“Okay, we’ll go with that. We’ll be in touch anyway, right? Unless you decide to go radio silent for two weeks…”

“That wasn’t my plan,” I reply with a small smile.

“Phew! Because I’d miss you! Well, except maybe your snoring.”

“I don’t snore!” I protest.

“That’s what you say,” she teases.

“It only happened when I was sick because my nose was blocked,” I defend myself. “It doesn’t count.”

“You snore even when you’re not sick. I swear! Where’s Bronze? She’ll confirm it!”

“She wouldn’t know that,” I mutter.

“She watched over you all week. Of course she knows.”

“Ridiculous,” I roll my eyes.

Alexia laughs while I’m clearly annoyed by her claim. There’s no way I snore. Mapi can’t stand snoring. She would’ve said something if I did.

“So, is it true?” Alessia asks.

“Of course not,” I insist. “My ex would’ve kicked me out of bed if it were.”

“Seriously, she would’ve done that?” Alexia giggles. “Oh my God, I really need to meet her!”

“Who are we talking about?” Alessia asks, looking quite curious.

Alexia glances at me, biting her lip. Her slightly too obvious comment didn’t go unnoticed. Surprisingly, I don’t mind. It’s not like most of the people around the table don’t already know about my orientation. Alexia had encouraged me to tell them a while ago, so I did. However, she’s the only one who knows about Mapi.

“Mapi” I say hesitantly.

« Mapi as Mapi your best friend ? » Alessia ask.

I rub my neck, feeling awkward. No matter how many people know, this topic is still uncomfortable for me.

“It’s complicated. The only thing you need to know is that I m lesbian and we used to date but we broke up a long time ago.”

“Sorry,” Alexia grimaces. “It slipped out. I know you don’t like to talk about that. »

“It’s okay,” I say, offering her a reassuring smile.

She seems relieved by my words. Alexia is someone who doesn’t always think before she speaks when she’s excited. I can’t really blame her for being herself.

“You know, there’s no need to feel ashamed,” Alessia tells me. “I know it’s hard to come to terms with it—I’m a lesbian myself—but you get there with time.”

“Everyone is who they are. We don’t accept the same things or have the same background” I say more coldly than I intended.

We maintain eye contact, neither of us backing down. Her reaction slightly irritates me. What does it have to do with her anyway? It’s not like we’re close or she knows me well. She looks away, clearly hurt by my response. The table falls silent. Patri finally breaks the tension with a throat-clearing.

“So, what’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get home?”

Her subtle change of subject successfully shifts the mood. Everyone starts talking about their plans, and the conversation picks up again, excluding me. I hope I made my stance on my orientation clear. The last thing I need is rumors. If that happens, I’m sure the gossip about Lucy and me will only intensify. That would be unfortunate, especially now that she’s just starting to open up to me. My attention is drawn back to the table when I hear them discussing New Year’s again. Thanks to Ale’s comment, everyone now understands that Mapi is my ex. This new information doesn’t seem to have changed their minds about inviting her. If anything, they’re even more eager to meet her now. After that, we finally head back to our rooms. Alexia hasn’t stopped apologizing on the way back. She clearly feels guilty.

“Seriously, I really regret letting that slip.”

“It’s fine, I promise.”

“Why aren’t you mad? I don’t know, say something. You’re worrying me even more!”

“What was said?”

We turn towards the door as Lucy walks in. She looks at us curiously, as if she just realized she interrupted an important conversation.

“That Mapi is my ex. The others didn’t know.”

“Oh. And is that a problem for you?”

“No, but Alexia doesn’t seem to get it. She thinks I’m going to explode at her any second.”

“Wait… What? Bronze knows!? Since when? Don’t tell me she knew before I did!”

“Oh, Ale.”

I roll my eyes in exasperation. This girl never ceases to amaze me with her sudden mood shifts. Lucy, watching this unfold, smiles in amusement, probably noticing my frustration.

“I hope for your sake I knew before her,” she says, barely containing her laughter. “I’d be really offended if I didn’t.”

Lucy exaggerates the gesture, placing her hand over her heart to accompany her words. I respond to her joke with a middle finger. Then, I continue gathering my last belongings into my bag. I barely have time to grab anything before I find myself unceremoniously sprawled on my bed. I try to get up, but she quickly pins me down, leaving me unable to move. I recognize Lucy by her long brown hair tickling the tip of my nose.

"I'm not your friend here, so do that again and you'll regret it," she whispers in my ear. "Did I make myself clear?"

I groan, struggling against her unpleasant hold. All I manage is to tighten her grip on my wrists and legs. Her body traps me completely.

"Did I make myself clear?" she repeats. "You don't get to disrespect me like that."

"I understand. Let me go now," I plead. "I won't do it again."

My plea works. She gets up, releasing me. I stay on the mattress for a moment, regaining my senses with my eyes closed. Damn bad memories. I eventually get up, putting my headphones and phone in my bag. I gather my courage when it's time to face them. I don't even have time to react before Alexia pulls me into a hug.

"You better make sure to come for New Year's."

"I'll keep you posted. Have a good holiday."

"You too, sweetheart."

She kisses my cheek, lingering. I kiss her back before grabbing my luggage and leaving with my supervisor. She's the one taking me to the airport today, so I can't really avoid her right now. I’ve been out of it since we started walking. I haven't even looked at her yet. It's her arm around my shoulders that brings me back to reality.

"Hey. Is everything okay?"

"Hmm."

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not lying."

"Is it about earlier? You've been acting strange since then."

"No," I mumble.

"Ona," she scolds me.

"Okay, fine. Maybe," I admit.

"Sorry, I had to act. Being here, we're sort of teaching you to enter the working world. If it had been your boss, you would have been fired. I'm not your friend here."

"I know, it's fine. I won't do it again."

"Tell me what's bothering you. Did I cross a line? I know very well that you have a problem with physical contact."

"How—"

"I notice your behaviors," she cuts me off. "I observe you, you know. You hesitated for a long time before letting me help you shower the first time. And you only allow closeness to people you trust or feel close to."

So she's been observing me… She must have noticed it a long time ago. I sigh, shaking my head. She knows I care about her. The only people whose touch I allow here are Alexia and her. It's unsettling to know she knows. She ruffles my hair.

"Sorry. I can't help it," she says with a soft smile.

"It's no problem…," I murmur.

We arrive at her car in silence. She parked it in the same outdoor lot as last time. We load the car, then hit the road. The music breaks the silence that had formed. I hum along to relax the atmosphere, and certainly to relax myself as well. When we arrive at the airport, she takes the time to help me and accompany me to the boarding gate, just like last time. It feels like a new, very pleasant routine is forming.

"Take advantage of the holidays to rest and clear your head. You need it after these last few weeks."

"That was my plan."

"Try not to forget me, either."

"That's not likely," I chuckle.

The intercom, which I now know by heart, calls me to order. I bite my lip as I look at Lucy. I don’t know how to say goodbye. She answers my question by pulling me into a hug.

"I'm going to miss you," I whisper.

"Write to me if you need anything."

"Can I write to you even if I don’t?" I ask, making her laugh.

"Of course. I'll respond as long as you don't overdo it. Send me a message when you arrive."

She surprises me by kissing my forehead. I close my eyes to savor this little moment before reluctantly pulling away from her.

"Have a great holiday."

"Thanks, you too," she replies with a smirk.

I head to the boarding gate. I use the waiting time to pull out my headphones and phone. When I reach the turn, I look back one last time to see if Lucy is still there. Seeing that she is, I give her one final wave before continuing to board the plane. I find the flight attendant I’ve befriended on previous flights. I greet her with a smile before taking my seat. And so it begins—two hours of flight ahead.

Friday, December 18; 11:00 PM - Barcelona Airport

I'm woken up by the young flight attendant who seems to enjoy taking care of me. We chatted a bit during the flight. I learned that her name is Shay. She asked me what I do for a living to be making so many trips back and forth across the continent. I answered that it’s for my studies without elaborating further. She’s really nice. As I exit the plane, I wish her a happy holiday. It's now time to meet Hector and Mapi. I smile when I see them. Mapi jumps into my arms the second she can. I hug her as tightly as I can. I quickly notice that she hasn’t bothered to wear makeup. That’s a sign she’s really not doing well. It’s rare for her not to put make up on. I wrap my arm around her shoulders before moving towards Hector, whom I greet with a big smile.

On the way back, Mapi didn’t want to talk, so I just kept her in my arms. That seemed to suit her. I took advantage of the quiet to notify Alexia and Lucy of my arrival. When we arrive at the house, I relieve Hector of his duties, telling him not to bother with my suitcase. I’ll take care of it myself tomorrow when the time comes. For now, I just want to get to my room as quickly as possible with Mapi. When we get there, I'm surprised but pleased not to see Joan. I would have liked to see him, but at least this way I can take care of my best friend properly. She remains very quiet. She sits on my bed while I find us some t-shirts to use as pajamas in my closet. She changes in the room while I go to the bathroom. I should shower, but I’ve decided to do that in the morning when Mapi will probably still be asleep.

Once ready, I return to the room to find Mapi under the covers. I glance at my phone, where I notice messages, but I decide to ignore them. I’ll respond tomorrow. I lie down next to Mapi, who immediately snuggles into my arms. I gently hold her, stroking her hair. It’s been a long time since we’ve been this close in bed. Lately, Joan was sleeping between us. Lucy was right about my issues with physical contact. The only people I can sleep with since I came back are Joan and Mapi. I’ve never tried with anyone else, but I know I wouldn’t be able to. My thoughts are interrupted by pressure on my lips. In a moment of panic, I push Mapi away to end the kiss.

"S-sorry," she stammers.

"What was that?" I ask, not delicately.

I can’t control my tone, taken aback by the surprise. I calm down when I see tears at the corners of her eyes. She’s so distraught.

« Map—"

"I'm sorry, I didn’t mean to! I just needed comfort. I don’t know what came over me."

"Okay, hey, calm down. It’s not that serious..."

I relax and open my arms for her to come back to me. This time, I think it’s for real. She clings to my t-shirt, soaking it without restraint. I take a deep breath and kiss the top of her head.

"It’s okay, let it all out," I whisper.

I hold her a little tighter as she finally lets her sobs go. It was about time she broke down. I stroke her back to reassure her.

"You’ll find someone else, Maps..."

"You don’t understand! You’re the first person I got serious with. When you left, I knew it would be hard to get into a new relationship."

"Map—"

"No, let me finish," she interrupts. "I trusted her and opened my heart to her again! She knew all about our history without knowing who you were. If she had dumped me for a reason, I would have understood, but no. That bitch couldn’t find anything better to do than cheat on me with your damn ex! I don’t even know who I should be angry with! What did I do to that puta to ruin all my relationships?"

I tense up, realizing who she’s talking about without her needing to name her. An inexplicable rage wells up inside me. But I quickly calm down when I see Mapi’s tear-filled eyes staring into mine. I feel so small.

"I-I’m so sorry," I say.

"It’s not your fault," she shakes her head.

"No, really. I want to apologize for what I did to you. I left you for someone else. I chose the easy way out instead of fighting against my depression, fighting for us."

I knew she had a hard time dealing with our breakup. It’s the first time we’ve talked about it since we reconnected. Of course, I had already apologized for leaving, but I had never apologized for breaking up. Her eyes soften.

"Ona..." she whispers.

"I-I feel so guilty for hurting you so much," I continue, my voice breaking. "If I hadn’t been a coward, maybe we’d still be together now. You deserved and still deserve so much better. You have no right to feel bad about all this crap. If anyone deserves happiness, it’s you!"

She smiles softly before snuggling back into me. I rest my head against hers, feeling relieved to have gotten this off my chest. It’s something I should have done a long time ago.

"I never blamed you, Ona... You may have made bad choices, but I understood them all with time. All that mattered to me was getting you back as a friend because I missed you terribly."

"I missed you so much too, Mapi. There wasn’t a moment I didn’t think about you."

"The best thing I ever did was write to you on your birthday a year ago. If I’d known it would bring you back, I would have contacted you sooner," she giggles.

"I might not have reacted the same way if you’d done it earlier..."

"Doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you’re here now and that you’re trying to get better... By the way, reassure me," she says, sitting up. "You don’t want anything more than friendship between us, right?"

"You’re the one asking me that?" I chuckle. "I’m not the one who kissed you five minutes ago."

"Yeah, well, um... I’m sorry about that little lapse... I was just upset. I wasn’t thinking about more. I really appreciate the new relationship we’ve built. I feel like we’ve become inseparable."

I smile at her and nod. She’s right. We were already close, but it was different. We were younger and bolder. I already saw myself spending my life with her, traveling the world. We’ve grown up since then, matured even. Right now, I don’t feel quite like an adult yet, even though I should start becoming one at my age. However, if I’ve learned anything in recent years, it’s that I shouldn’t distance myself from people like Mapi. Our feelings for each other have evolved, but that doesn’t stop us from being close. She’s become indispensable to me. If something were to happen between us again, in my opinion, it should have been when I returned. But that would have been selfish of me, knowing that I was the one who left her. So I simply accepted the friendship she offered me. It wasn’t a negligible support given the situation I was in when I came back home. It was probably the best decision of my life. I believe that even more now, seeing where we are today. Inseparable, that’s the word. If there’s one thing I don’t want, it’s to lose her or hurt her again.

"We are," I murmur. "I don’t want our relationship to change."

She smiles at me before nestling her head into my neck. She lets out a contented sigh. Yeah, this situation couldn’t be better; we both know it. We won’t abandon each other again, no matter the circumstances.

- "No offense, but I never liked Ana," I admitted.

- "I knew that," she chuckled softly. "Why don’t you ever tell me these things?"

- "She was your girlfriend, and you seemed happy. As long as you’re happy, I don’t care who you’re with, and I’ll support you no matter what. But don’t be too upset that this relationship didn’t work out. I know it’s painful, but I’m sure you’ll find the right person when the time is right."

- "Hmm, not right now, at least. I’d rather take a step back."

- "I forbid you from going back to your one-night stands," I grumbled.

- "That wasn’t my intention. I think I really need to find myself, you know?"

- "Yeah…" I sighed.

A soothing silence settled between us. This conversation had been quite enriching. Mapi was finally relaxed. I could hear her gentle, steady breathing. Unfortunately, my curiosity risked breaking this moment of peace.

- "How did she meet Feli?" I asked gently.

- "I get the feeling she’s been coming to my parties more and more, like she’s looking for you."

- "Oh..."

- "I don’t even know who’s to blame between the two of them," she growled. "I think I hate them both. Anyway, enough talking," she said, sitting up. "You’ve got two weeks to distract me! How about we start by going to the amusement park tomorrow? I bought tickets. We’ll bring Joan; he’ll love it."

- "Why not, sure. I have a suggestion for you too. I was going to wait to ask, but now that you’ve brought it up, this might be the best way to get you out of here."

- "Well, I’m listening. What do you propose, Onita?"

- "My group of friends from school is celebrating New Year’s together in Manchester. They’re inviting us to join them... Alexia really wants to meet you, and I really want to go... Please, say yes!"

- "Alexia, huh? She’s the one who’s taken my place over there, admit it! Or no, wait. Even better, it’s Bronze!"

- "Don’t be ridiculous," I rolled my eyes. "No one can take your place, silly. Come on, it would be the best way to meet my new friends. I’m sure you’ll love them."

- "I don’t know…" she pretended to think. "I’m sure you’ll abandon me and leave me on my own all night."

- "Liar," I giggled. "We both know it’ll be you who abandons me as soon as you feel comfortable."

- "Yeah... You’re probably right."

She laughed heartily, making me smile. Maybe I’m not so bad at cheering people up after all. At least I managed to make her laugh.

- "You’re so silly. My answer was already yes as soon as you asked. We’ve got nothing left to do here anyway. And we’re not risking a night out if Feli is after you."

- "Yeah..."

- "Plus, I’ll finally get to meet your new friends. It’s an opportunity not to be missed, right?"

- "Uh-huh," I said with a smile.

- "Can I meet your supervisor too, since we’ll be in Manchester ? I’d like to see what she looks like."

- "How would we do that? I have no contact with her outside of school."

- "You’ve got her number."

- "So? She’s not my friend, she’s my supervisor. She wouldn’t want to."

- "Oh come on, there’s definitely more between you two, considering how she took care of you during your withdrawal and flu. She even gave you private tutoring sessions for your exams. We all know what ‘private tutoring’ means these days," she said, miming air quotes.

- "Good Lord, Maps," I protested. "That’s not it at all!"

She burst out laughing at my reaction. I didn’t find her implication very funny. If I’m getting comments like this here, what must the students at school be thinking? I’m starting to regret telling her everything.

- "Get that idea out of your head," I grimaced. "And don’t you dare say anything like that in front of others when we’re in Manchester."

- "Oh my God, that’s right... We’re actually going there."

This girl exasperates me. She never thinks things through. Sometimes I wonder how she managed to get to her third year in mechanical engineering. I’m not going to complain because it’s her carefree attitude that saved me. Without her crazy plans, I’d probably still be moping in bed every evening after coming home from rehab.

- "But, but, how are we going to do this? I don’t have the money to buy a ticket!"

- "Calm down," I chuckled. "I’ll pay for the trip. Consider it part of your Christmas gift."

- "I can’t accept that."

- "It wasn’t an option. I have a yearly pass, so I get tickets cheaper, and it’s my mom’s money anyway, so I’m not the one directly paying," I shrugged.

- "Alright... By the way, speaking of Christmas..."

- "Yeah?"

- "My parents left to visit family for two weeks. I was supposed to spend the holidays with Ana and her family... She wanted to officially introduce me."

- "Oh... Well, you can stay here. At least I won’t have to endure my fake family alone."

She giggled immediately. "You’ve never accepted them."

- "Whose fault is that?"

- "Let’s not talk about things that upset us. I don’t want us to argue right now."

- "A very good idea. I’ll tell Sam to set an extra plate for you."

- "Are you sure it won’t be a problem?"

- "Of course not. You already know everyone anyway. I don’t care if they complain. My mom won’t say no after our last conversation."

- "What conversation?" she frowned.

- "Nothing important. We argued when we talked about my withdrawal. I kind of hinted that she never trusted me."

- "You didn’t tell me about that..."

- "No, I only briefly mentioned it to Bronze. I didn’t really want to talk about it."

- "Hmm, Bronze, huh!"

- "Stop it," I groaned. "You win, it’s time to sleep."

- "I was joking," she chuckled.

- "Well, it’s not funny."

I turned over to turn off the light and lay down, ready to sleep. But Mapi didn’t seem to get the message as she climbed right over me to turn my lamp back on. I groaned to show my annoyance.

- "What now?" I grumbled.

- "It was a joke! I didn’t know you were so sensitive."

- "I’m not sensitive," I sighed. "I’m just already tired of the rumors at school. I don’t need you adding to them here. There’s nothing between us, OK? She just gives me everything that no one else ever has, that’s all. That’s the only reason she’s special to me. I’m not interested in her in the way you think."

- "Alright, sorry. I won’t tease you about it anymore."

- "Thanks."

I grumbled when she climbed over me again to turn off the light. She snuggled up against me, trying to find a comfortable position. I smiled at this.

- "Mapi. You know I don’t like sleeping on my back, right?"

She groaned in frustration, realizing I wasn’t planning to stay in this position just after she’d found hers.

- "Fine... But can I still sleep in your arms, or is that too much to ask?"

- "Of course you can."

I rolled onto my side and opened my arms. She nestled into them, making sure to tuck her head into my neck. It had been a long time since we’d slept so closely together. I have to admit, I missed it. We finally wished each other good night, and I drifted off with a small smile on my face.