#YOU KNOW HOW I HAVEN'T PROMOTED MY STORE IN LIKE TWO YEARS

[shinesurge]

Webcomic rings run by people within the community are cool and you should support them

I've been loudly struggling a little bit with corporate webcomic Stuff lately so I want to mention something positive to balance it out: webrings run by small groups of creators earnestly trying to support each other are slowly making a comeback and I for one am delighted.

If you weren't around for them in the before times, webrings were just some folks who hang out a lot who feature each other on their websites. That's literally it lmao. There's generally no money involved and it only really functions the way it's supposed to if people have control over their own websites AND genuinely want to participate and get excited about other folks' work, which means the practice has pretty well fallen by the wayside over the years in webcomic culture given. Everything. In the rare event someone decides to do something like this it's usually in the form of a link list somewhere on their website; this doesn't usually indicate any sort of mutual support, it's just a list of what the creator is reading themselves.

A webring, though, is an official banner or hub that people gather under intentionally where each member is more or less on equal footing. It's essentially the concept of "a rising tide lifts all boats" put into practice, each creator brings their own audience to the table in a passive, opt-in sort of way that's different from working for a publisher since there isn't necessarily a Top Spot or a paycheck everyone's vying for, and individuals retain autonomy over both their own work and how (if) they promote each other. You're all at your own tables in an artist alley rather than fighting over the table in the front of the book store, essentially.

I have two rings and one collective for you today!

Webcomic Ring was brought to my attention AGES ago by Holly, one of the artists featured there, and I might have brought it up at some point but I'm doing it again lmao. This is exactly the kind of thing you ought to be looking for; a small group of enthusiastic folks having a good time making their weird little comics. You probably haven't heard of much in the catalog, that's PERFECT in the context of webcomics that's where the GOOD SHIT is. Finding something like this is A Gift go dig around in the longboxes for a while.

Then a few people have pointed me in the direction of the KNIFEBEETLE collective and that's neat too! Most of the comics there are already fairly well-known, but the vibes are excellent and I haven't seen a lot of talk about the collective /itself/ outside folks already in the know. I think it's important for this sort of thing to be more visible to folks who aren't terminally steeped in webcomic culture already so here I am telling you about it. You were probably reading several of these before I suggested it, but that's how a webring works! For it to do its job you should take those bigger creators' tacit recommendation of the less popular titles as a sign to go read something new and strange. Wild, I know these are practices held over from the old internet, but I think we should try and bring them back.

Lastly, I want to mention Spiderforest, which is a collective (slightly different from a webring) BUT still a very cool project readers starved for new stuff should pay attention to.

You've probably seen Spiderforest kicking around for a long time already; they're wonderful and have always been an overall positive force in the community in my experience. They really focus on building up a community, and especially welcoming newcomers and helping them get their feet under them. Full disclosure, I've been asked to apply by a few different folks over the years and the only reason I never did is I don't have the ability to participate in their forums and such as frequently as they want their creators to; it's a very good system (from my outside perspective) that might contribute to the community staying mostly healthy in ways that art communities usually don't and I appreciate it a lot!

ANYWAYS that's all I got for now, just trying to balance out some bad feelings I've been having by talking about some good stuff. Please go binge an archive this week.

[skruffie]

In light of the situation that happened with my manager, she informed us today that she is planning to move back farther south where her primary community and support system are. I think we all saw this coming; the doctor predicted it like the day after we got the news about what was going on and for privacy's sake I'm not going to expand on it here even if I'm not naming names. It's the kind of situation where nobody would blame her for wanting to no longer live in that house.

She hasn't told her boss yet. The typical situation here is that the assistant manager would take her position and that would potentially put me in as assistant manager since I'm third down from the top, but our assistant manager is not enthusiastic about this idea. He moved up to WA to go to school to be an optometrist, not an optician, but was already kind of talking about moving again maybe in a year or two where there are better schools. They wouldn't promote me to general manager from my position just yet, especially without actual management experience, but I know when I started with this industry I showed a lot of promise and there were conversations had about what I wanted my future to look like. I'm not sure if I am ready to be a manager but I would feel comfortable as assistant.

This then leaves the potential they bring in someone from a different store, which is what I would prefer over an outside hire. The tech and I were talking this evening before they went home about how they're hoping whoever will take our boss's place will still be just as queer friendly and chill with our various disabilities, and that would be ideal. I've become a much more fully embodied worker with this team where I don't have to mask any aspect of my personality with who I'm working with--do you know how rare that is at a job? An outside person isn't going to be able to put that light out, and I already said outright that if they pick someone shitty I am absolutely not afraid to leave. I love my job, but I have a feeling they're going to be hunting for someone who is a lot more aggressively sales focused since we haven't been doing too well.

What we've been trying to tell the higher management is that the demographic of the area we live in is a lot more low income than the newer locations they put out. It's not really much of a secret but part of optical, especially at retail chain locations, is exam conversion: we want you to both get your exam done and also purchases glasses and/or contacts with us the same day. Everybody gets their prescription to take home with them regardless if they actually buy anything or not, but we stay in business when people buy. That's how it is with any retail industry.

Our exam conversion is actually pretty damn good but the average amount of money that people spend is lower than other stores and we don't get a lot of new patients. It was busier the first year this place opened but then they opened three new locations farther south and east and it took patients away because now there was a place closer to them. We've been trying to market up north where there are no other locations but it's a bit more of a schelp, especially now that one of the primary routes to get from city to city is going to be closed down for four months for construction. The area of the city we're in specifically is pretty low income and has one of those stupid reputations for being the "bad" part of town. We've had some of our luxury frames stolen. It's a thing. We have these magnets on the frames but over in one of the newer, more affluent locations, their lux collection has no security tags at all.

Optical is a niche industry and whenever I have my profile set on Indeed to "available to work immediately" I'm often getting messages from people desperate to hire me. Even without a license, I can still start an apprenticeship and be making a lot more pretty much anywhere else. I've stayed here because of the location and the team and I think quietly I've been emotionally preparing for knowing that can always change. I always had a feeling our manager would leave at some point because she also has a more specialized industry she left for this one + makes frequent weekend trips down to Portland for friends and keeping her connections, but the way this is happening is the worst fucking possible way.

[hollymartinswrites]

Say Hi by HollyMartins

[ao3]

Summary:

In the mall food court, Lee Russell bumps into someone from his very recent past.

TW: Lee Russell comments on teen's weight because of course he would.

Notes:

So I’m on a Walton Goggins kick because of Fallout and I binged Vice Principals, not expecting for the amoral, selfish, dishonest, evil, sometimes arsonist that is Lee Russell to worm his way into my heart.

I don’t condone any of his actions but man, do I enjoy watching him do them. And I can’t believe there isn’t more fic about this show. Maybe the Ghoulggins renaissance will help.

Anyway, the Spring Break episode broke me when Janelle called him Uncle Lee and he gave her a kiss and said it was so good to see her. Was he lying? Probably. Do I like to believe he had a genuine soft spot for her because of Neal? Yes. Did I expect Lee Russell to be the catalyst out of my writing slump of nearly two years? No way in hell.

And now with new edits.

"Uncle Lee!"

Lee freezes, his good hand clenching around the styrofoam cup of diet soda. Thank God he had left his table of coworkers early and is now mercifully alone.

A hand touches his arm and he flinches but forces a smile as Janelle steps in front of him.

"I thought it was you," she says breathlessly, smiling.

"It's me, sweetheart," he replies, the term of endearment rolling off his tongue like it used to. He stops himself from hugging her, however. "Look at you. Looks like you finally did lose some weight."

Janelle rolls her eyes before observing, "I haven't seen you in forever."

Lee swallows. Maybe she doesn't know. Maybe she thinks he and her dad are still the best of friends and they regularly meet to bullshit and laugh and get on each other's fucking nerves.

"I've been busy," he lies. "What with the physical therapy, and now this promotion. Being a regional manager is just as hard as being a principal. I don't know who are bigger pieces of shit, high school students, customers, or corporate."

Janelle glances down at his gloved hand and he frowns.

"But do you like your job?" she asks instead.

"Course I do. I finally have a nice discount on shit I actually want to buy. You know how much I hated going to Staples."

Janelle smiles tightly and goes quiet, both very much aware that Lee has never stepped foot inside a Staples in his life. He hopes a friend of hers will pop up and whisk her away to Spencer's or Claire's or wherever the fuck teenage girls hang out in at a mall. But as the silence stretches towards awkwardness, he has no choice but to clear his throat.

"So, how's school?"

Fuck.

Janelle shrugs.

"It's okay," she admits. "The teachers aren't bad and I made some new friends. Wish Dad was still there, though."

Something in Lee's chest twists and he looks down at the sticky, outdated, and frankly ugly as shit tiles of the food court.

"Wish you were there, too."

Lee's head snaps up so fast he knows he'll have to make another visit to his acupuncturist soon. That twisty feeling in his chest tightens as he sees the wistful look on Janelle's face. He tries to offer a smile again but it feels uncomfortable on his face. Fuck. He used to be good at bullshit.

"You wouldn't want that," he insists. "Wouldn't want the other students being judgy pricks because you have an in with the principals, right?"

Janelle shrugs again. Lee has never been one for comforting but he feels a need to put his arm around her. He very nearly does until he remembers he's still holding a half-empty cup of tepid soda. And he's not about to bring his fucked up arm near her. Later, he'll wonder if this was one of those profound moments in a teenager's life where they could really use some guidance or understanding or even just some fucking acknowledgement. He has no idea because all he can bring himself to do is offer her his discount anytime she comes into his store. At this, she actually laughs.

"No offense, Uncle Lee," she says, wrinkling her nose, "but your store isn't really my style."

"Oh, and this is?" he asks, motioning at her outfit with the soda. She laughs again. Lee relaxes. This is easy. This is familiar. "What'd you do, go dumpster diving at Goodwill?"

Janelle just shakes her head and rolls her eyes again, a smirk on her face. At least she gets his sense of humor. Suddenly, a voice calls her name and Lee turns to see three teenage girls heading their way. Thank God.

"I gotta go," she says. "We gotta catch a movie."

"Alright," he says and steps out of her way, allowing her to walk past him.

"See ya," she says over her shoulder. "I'll tell Dad you said hi."

"Yeah," Lee sighs as she rushes towards her friends. "Yeah, you tell him."

[jess-moloney]

If Jess does not go to the Ice Studios Complexicon, then for certain this is all a scam. There is no way that anyone has a business to promote their merch at a convention, not show up for it. Those comments have to be bought. I don't see anyone discussing the latest Ice Studios skirt or anything from there on social media. The fact that we never see her with any clients. Her name is not listed as a co-founder. It is a money laundering or some sort of fraud scheme. Brands gain some sort of traction after at least a year or two. Ice Studios has been a new thing since 2016. If 8 years later no one in Hollywood is wearing your merch or not featured on a magazine cover, then someone needs to re-evaluate. Jess would just go on to the next scam. I wonder if that is why she got that certificate. Would not put it past her to create some fraudulent organization and probably attach Jamie's name to it.

I really don't understand what their business model is.

I mentioned prior to this that the Heaven By Marc Jacobs store seems to stock them. Sometimes. But only maybe one item at a time, in one size, off the rack. If that's all they are bothering to send to this place then they can't be popular or selling out. Also, who do they expect to buy that if say someone buys it (for whatever reason) and their friend is like, "Cute skirt how do I get one?" they can't just be like, "Oh go to this store I got it there" because there's like one of them in one size and they got the only one.

Unless their goal in this is to create some sort of false sense of urgency (like there was only one left and I got the last one I'm the greatest) I don't know what else they are doing. If that is what they are doing it's not working for them because in however many years they haven't gotten any recognition and they're business has to be hemorrhaging money.

I wasn't entirely clear on what an LLC is (limited liability corporation) which is what their studio is listed as. From my understanding, because it's an LLC they as "business owners" take little to no responsibility for the debts incurred from this business (among other things) so they really don't have much to lose if they aren't making money. This may explain why they don't give a shit enough to keep up stock or make it appealing but why they keep running it is a huge mystery. Why own this business you are running into the ground (seemingly on purpose). Just so you can claim you're in the "fashion" industry? Or do they really think if they keep doing this very weird FOMO scam they are running that eventually, they'll blow up? Because it seems their number one marketing technique is to pretend like this brand is so popular it sold out the moment they listed an item when the reality is they never had that many to start with so no one actually bought anything from them (or they only sold maybe 5-10 things).

This is really the weirdest business I've seen. Jess isn't even in the demographic that is being sold to. It isn't clear who manages this store or designs the merchandise in the store. It isn't clear who their target audience is. It isn't clear if the comments on the accounts are bots or not (I mean they probably are because most of the comments are about the same shit over and over again or random emojis). The only real comments seem to be the people asking "Why haven't you stocked this yet" or making complaints about the items because I'm sure they wouldn't pay to have bad comments on their merch.

If this isn't an outright scam then it's an incredibly shitty business run by people who have no sense of how to run a business. Something that this day and age isn't that hard to do with how easy it is to not only set up your own website but get stuff made on demand. It's losing popularity over time (not gaining) and I doubt anyone has ever heard of this brand outside of the people who follow Renell or the people who follow Jess. They also both only started to promote it more (like they think now after 7-8 years they suddenly have a chance) for....what reason?

Is it because Jess got in with Jamie and she thinks that this will boost sales or whatever? Because both she and Renell didn't seem to give that much of a shit about it before somewhat recently (and the business was started in 2016). There are so many questions about this business and almost no answers that make sense. I wish it was clear if Jess is going to Complexicon and someone could go ask her literally what the fuck is your business model because this brand is obviously a pile of shit but unfortunately no one is going to do that. I hope she doesn't have Jamie roped into this somehow because he certainly doesn't deserve that kind of publicity.

[jellolegos]

I really wanna start doing commissions and selling prints of my work, but I have no clue where to start 😭😭😭 any tips?

Oh this is a bit of a toughie, but I'll do my best. I haven't taken commissions in a year so I might not be the best source on that one, but I do know quite a bit about prints!

With comms: I would really recommend getting a firm pricing sheet with examples of your work (lots of artists do this so I'm sure there's plenty of examples you can look to), marketing yourself (announcing it in a post, putting it in your name [I've seen a mixed consensus on that one]), and really trying your best to take it in stride regardless of result (it's ok to start slow! if you don't get requests right away that is part of the process, its ok to take your time and use anything that inspires you to work on your craft).

With prints:

There are really two options and I'll list them out below (and some of the pros and cons) and tell you what I've done

using a 3rd party system: you've probably seen this in the form of Redbubble/InPrint/any other outside printing source- pros: upload your designs and they do all the legwork for you, super easy and you can be super hands-off cons: you cannot control the end product, what comes off of their press is what your buyers end up getting, and you also cannot control how much you are compensated for your work (at least that I know of?)

using your own site infrastructure: you can either make a site yourself or use a more hands off seller like Etsy that takes a smaller percentage of your sale/cost to list your item, pros: you have full control of the process, and can see your art before it goes off to those who buy it, you can control your own prices and sometimes see into analytics (they're limited on other sites), cons: controlling the process means you control all of the process (from the promotion to getting the prints themselves to buying the shipping material)

For me: There were a few reasons why I ended up choosing an independent store rather than 3rd party. I've been on a fairly flexible schedule and I've also been in the same place in America for the last four years (your country and audience might limit your options). I also was involved in a collegiate sport so I had to come back early from breaks to train and was pretty tied to my campus. I was very fortunate to have a local printing store close by where I could order prints once or twice a week, pack the orders in the evening and send them off in a post office around the corner. I had a few personal reasons that made me more inclined toward the latter option, and had the means to do it, so that was what I ended up with.

All of those factors made that option make sense for me, but every artist is different! I would recommend really thinking about what might make sense for you, and for you in the future. I know lots of artists who take both approaches for different reasons, and who change their minds at different points in their career (I am personally having to re-evaluate my own approach right now!).

I recognize that was quite a long winded answer, I apologize if that's not what you came for XD

[dracoangel]

Going around begging for money for your dog, when they need food and have a vet visit coming; but you apparently have the money for gaming and fanart? Glad to see what you're priorities are.

Excuse me?

Beg?

First of all, I'm not begging for handouts. I'm promoting my Etsy store. I had the other 2 options for people that may want to help but don't want to buy anything. Would it be more appealing if I promoted my store but not know what it's going toward? Is that why it's considered begging, because I'm letting people know the reason I promoting my store more aggressively at the moment?

As for the accusation that I’m spending all my money on gaming and fanart and what-ever else you think.

I haven't bought anything gaming related since before November last year (can't give you an exact date because it was a pre-order.) So well over 8months ago. Yes, I do have a $15 sub. but thats it. It's the ONLY thing I have, and I keep it because it's the only thing I have that can take me out of my own head; to keep me from staying in the dark hole I find myself in lately. And despite what you may think, $15 will not cover food.

Fanart? Again, the last time I got art was months ago (March, I believe). And that was a gift from my mother as late birthday/christmas gift. So, not something I paid for

Money is fluid, a couple months ago I wasn't in as dire straights as we are right now. It wasn't until about last month that the money belt got really tight, and with prices on, well everything, going up it hasn't let up.

I'm an online retailer, as is my husband. So any money we make we're at the mercy of customer sales for. Times have been hard on everyone, so I understand how people just don't have the luxury of purchasing the products we sale. Which, unfortunately, means we don't make the money we need. We barely scrape bill money together, and we subsist currently on pasta and bologna sandwiches (not together), and even bologna is getting to be expensive ($8 for a 16slice pack)

When it comes to knowing when to get our dog food, it's up in the air. It's dry dog food that we typically buy 2 25lb bags (2 different foods, one his normal food, the other a specialty one to help with sores he gets in the summer, we mix the two together). And he's a grazer, he goes days without touching his food, and then he'll have times where he'll just devour his food for days. It fluctuates, so it's not something we can have marked on a calendar for when he needs more. I knew he was getting low for the last month and I had been trying to just make the money normally through sales. But unfortunately, it didn't happen. My only regret it that I didn't start promoting my store more aggressively sooner. And then we ran into the issue that his brand that he likes so much is out of stock everywhere we looked. So we have to now experiment to find one he likes.

Do you think I like struggling to take care of my dog? Just for the record, I don't. I feel guilty all the time when he gets tight on his daily treats or like with his food. I feel like a terrible person when it happens, and we try our damnedest to get through it on our own. But every once in a while yes I come here to promote my Etsy more aggressively hoping to get a couple sales. Again, I'm not begging. I'm not asking for handouts. I'm fully willing to work for the money, making jewelry for it, so we both get something out of it. But I've had people come and say "hey, I'd like to help out but don't want to buy from your store. Do you have a Ko-fi or something?" So that's why I have the option for paypal or cashapp. And the reason I put up there that this was for my dog? Well because I wanted people to understand why I was practically spamming. Not to be annoying, but for a valid reason.

Do not come up in here with accusations and guilt trips without knowing what's going on in my life, when I feel guilty enough.

And I got a sneaking suspicion as to who this is, since I saw a post with the same accusations from someone I follow. So it's either them or one of their followers. So thank you for having the balls to write me on anon with your accusations.

[jennyviviandee]

Something's happening to me.

But why?

Why all of the sudden?

Why are my feelings and thoughts all over the place? When they bloody weren't before? What's changed?

It is since I want to be more like her?

You know, once I get somewhere I feel safe plus gain more of my own courage and needed cash to begin transitioning.

It is merely a squish? Admiration? But, her work persona is kinda that of an asshole.

Except towards me.

However, I don't believe she truly is one. I've seen how she interacts with her kid. How she was with me the single time we bumped into each other (not literally) outside of work.

I imagine it must be a wall she's built. Designed to protect her. Following a traumatic happening she has mentioned.

Jinkies, am I experiencing a crush...?!

Even though it has been over a decade following my last regarding any sort of non-platonic interest? It is because I have discovered we share affinities and enjoy talking with her while at work? That both of us were adopted? That both of us have been impacted by similar traumas we won't go into detail about? All of this stuff neither of us were aware of previously about one another has become divulged on the cusp of her one year anniversary at the store.

Is it mostly due to how I haven't been the same following Dad's death two years ago and I'm still grieving the unexpected loss of one of my best friends earlier this year?

Those deaths still hurt tremendously.

I have always tried to separate most of my work self from genuine self.

Yet, in this specifc instance I'm noticing that I'm blurring the two. Usually I don't do this or let such a thing occur. I sure as heck didn't at my overnight job of four years.

Then she recommended a musical film I hadn't seen in my life.

I used to watch those with Dad frequently: he introduced me to them. I had a VHS of a musical play version of Peter Barrie's Peter Pan in which he was played by a woman. That's the earliest I can recall anyways. Oliver! (1969) is pretty prevalent too though.

Her recommendation unintentionally rekindled a joy I had been denying myself after Dad died. I thought I merely enjoyed musicals because I saw them with him. 2023 has revealed otherwise.

She knows that one of my best friends passed away. She's the lone one there that's not a major position there. At the time. She has been promoted to a managerial department position as of a couple of months ago. I'm so incredibly proud and happy for her. Seeing my friends prosper is always welcomed.

Prior to, she was a transplant in multiple departments. We worked together side-by-side. She'd always demolish each shift we were scheduled for. With her, no shift ever felt insurmountable when she worked with me. She taught me stuff no one else had or would which further solidified myself as an employee that became more of a valuable asset to the company as a whole. With a couple of necessary teachings I could be a manager honestly.

Alas, I had an emotional breakdown in the break room upon coming back after taking time off for said funeral (including being a pallbearer).

I hadn't been watching nor listening to musicals like I used to do. Until quite recently. A missing piece of me she wouldn't had known about before.

At the very least I feel like she should know? Or express gratitude for having a hand in reviving the long-lost me ? Am I not truly ace...? Is this simply dysphoric?

Maybe, ultimately I just need counseling or therapy? Can I even afford either? Not sure. Everything's really damn confusing right now.

[explainyourstory]

I'm going in anonymous, but I figured I'd take you question by question as that helps my brain to keep on task

Why do i love who i love? What is it like loving men, women, both, or neither? pt 1 Well, I'm under the Ace/Aro umbrella, and some of it is due to my own ambivalence to love and people in romantic or sexual perceptions, and some of it is due to events in my life that I will not be expunging here just because I've barely trusted those events to my friends, let alone strangers on the internet. pt 2 Honestly, I'm having a hard time due to a lack of irl friends and a lack of knowledge of where and how to meet new people safely. But generally, I don't feel a need to have a partner in my life, and generally enjoy my life without a partner.

What is it like, living as a woman, a man, as neither? I'm AFAB, identifying as Nonbinary, or maybe Agender or Gender Apathetic. The point is, my gender isn't something I care about much. However, growing up AFAB has made it where being out at night is rife with paranoia. I have a pocket knife that I keep open most nights I bike home. I don't even consider where I live to be bad, it's just too risky to be AFAB, alone at night, anywhere. I'm equally paranoid of everyone I encounter, whether they're AFAB, AMAB, or other. Anyone is dangerous, thanks to the plethora of crimes they can do against a physically weak AFAB walking/biking alone at night. Generally though, life is pretty typical. I don't really run into sexism in my workplace, from my coworkers or my customers, and on the whole, I don't consider being AFAB to affect my ability to earn a paycheck equal to my coworkers or to progress in my career. I just don't want to be promoted or anything at this time.

What is it like living poor, or living rich? I grew up in a poor household. Prior to my dad and mom divorcing, my life was normal, to my knowledge. I had two loving (though debating the merits of using that term thanks to the abuse I suffered during that time and after has taken much of my mind power in the last few years) parents, and got gifts from them and my extended family. I didn't like my sibling, but that was due to me being 6-7 years old by the time the sibling made their appearance in my life, which was a long time of being the only kid before everything changed and I had no choice or say in the changes. However, when I was about 8-9, everything changed with the divorce. Growing up with my dad, we lived paycheck to paycheck, I often was turned down for many things I wanted, and christmas and birthday gifts were often postponed because of the lack of proper money. I made a friend in high school who was middle class, or rich to my perspective, and I often felt jealous. She could go to market of choice and get sushi every day, while I had to use the free lunches of my school, and only occasionally buy burgers from the nearby Mcdonalds or Dairy Queen. Growing up poor aches when you're old enough to understand, and my dad didn't help by venting about our money issues to an 8-9 year old me. I still struggle with checking my bank account due to stress, and still struggle with either splurging once I have a surplus, or aggressively squirreling the money and trying to pretend I don't have money with which to splurge (even when I do)

What is it like to live as a white person? I will only comment on this as I am white, but personally I don't know what to say. My life has been average, but I haven't necessarily had an easy life just because of my skin color. The issue between skin color has appeared more recently in my workplace with customers. I work in a store under a corporate brand, let's call them Small-Mart. I work the Self-Check area more often, which requires me to watch transactions to make sure customers scan everything, and I do it equally to everyone because my job is to make sure shrink doesn't leave the store. I couldn't care less that you're black, white, hispanic, or anything in between. If you scan everything, I will barely glance at you. If you struggle with scanning some items, I'm more likely to say "it seems the item didn't get scanned, our machines are finicky at best, you know how it is" If the item is scanned, then the issue is finished and I don't continue fucking with people, though I may continue a light hearted small talk if I've found something in common. I've had black people imply myself as racist for doing my job, and had other people complain about me hovering when I haven't been hovering, or if I was hovering, it was because I was doing my job. I believe that whatever skin color doesn't matter, I'll respect you as a person with an identity I don't know if you do the same. Why should I judge someone based on arbitrary characteristics they were born with? It'd be like assuming someone blind is actually helpless, or someone autistic is mentally brain dead. Neither assumption helps anyone, so why do it?

What is it like to live with a crippling medical condition? An injury? A physical or mental disability? pt 1/3 I don't know if this counts, but I was born with mild-to-moderate hearing loss that leaves me reliant on hearing aids to perform most normal things. I have a small range I can hear in, but most of the sounds of human speech or the world are outside of the range I can hear. It's generally okay. I can't shower with my hearing aids in, or sleep with them in, I have to buy hearing aid batteries fairly often, and occasionally I have to go to an audiologist to take care of the hearing aids or update my prescription as needed, or get new hearing aids. When I was younger, kids would ask me what it was like being deaf. I asked them what it was like being capable of hearing. I do not remember having the ability to hear, I was born like this, this is my normal. To explain it would be to explain to a sociopath what emotions feel like. It's hard, because you're having to explain a thing you have always known, with no metric for comparison. I recognize my hearing aids are different, but to me they're just another part of my daily routine, a tool I use to get close to matching normal hearing.

I have to send a second part, so this is part 1, and I'll sign off as: ~ Abyss Anon

Part 1

—————

Thank you so much for sharing! The questions were more as examples and general prompts to get people thinking, they weren’t required if you wanted to share something else, but I understand your method! That’s smart actually, I didn’t consider people answering multiple questions at a time like that, but that’s rather convenient all things considered.

Don’t worry about your hearing loss counting or not! There is no qualifying basis, you are free to tell me about anything under the sun, you can answer all or one or any of my questions, or you can share something I didn’t think of when making my list, all I want is to hear your perspective and your story. So once more, thank you for sharing <3

[twitchfollowerhere]

Tips for Becoming a Twitch.tv Affiliate

A Jerk member is a decoration that has arrived at specific rules to bring in cash from promotions, subs, and pieces. Numerous decorations need to become subsidiaries and afterward become cooperated with Jerk to procure promotion income and transform gushing into a "vocation".

In this article, I will give you tips to turn into a Jerk partner and how I arrived after around two months. I had a great deal of supporters over the course of the years in light of the fact that cooperate on Jerk channels however I haven't had the option to stream up to this point.

Free Twitch Followers

How You Get everything rolling The principal thing you want to do is register for a Jerk account. You register an email address and check it. Then you pick your username and set up the record.

After you set up your record you can set up your profile picture. After your record and profile picture are set up, go snap the video maker button.

Click the "Maker Dashboard" button and afterward click "Streaming Devices". When you open "streaming devices" pick the streaming programming that requests to you. I use Streamlabs OBS yet there is an assortment of streaming programming to browse.

Interface Your Jerk Record To Your Streaming Programming Jerk record to your streaming programming by utilizing the Streaming key gave to you by Jerk. Go into your Maker Dashboard and snap "settings" and select "stream", click the "duplicate" button on the "Essential Stream Key". Kindly don't show this to anybody in light of the fact that the Essential Stream Key is the key that allows you to stream to your record. Glue your stream key into the stream key setting in your product except if the product gives you the choice to associate with Jerk straightforwardly in the product.

Well known games gushed on Twitch.tv. Well known games gushed on Twitch.tv.

Modify Your Stream Design When you introduce your preferred streaming programming you can cause situations to add overlays, alarms, the chatbox, and webcam and catch your ongoing interaction.

You can either make designs yourself or you can browse free Jerk overlays in the event that assuming they are accessible for the product you're utilizing. You can likewise pay individuals on the Web to cause you a custom overlay on the off chance that you to want to put cash into your overlay.

I use Streamlabs and they have free Jerk overlays accessible on their site alongside paid overlays assuming you buy into them. I modified a free overlay that I browsed Streamlabs and I like my design a ton.

Ensure when you change your sound settings to embed an increase channel on your work area and mouthpiece sound. I was streaming and I was let by my crowd know that my voice wasn't exceptionally clearly regardless of having my volume up. I found the grain settings in Streamlabs and made the volume of my receiver stronger. I had the option to fix my sound and presently I don't need to stress over my volume settings any longer, so you ought to fix your sound settings and record a test video on your web based programming and pay attention to it.

Add another scene to redo your stream format.

You can add custom cautions to your Jerk stream utilizing various destinations. You can utilize the locales and interface them to your Jerk record and utilize either the site defaults or modify your cautions utilizing your own sound that you have on your PC.

Your cautions appear on stream when somebody follows you, buys into you, presents a membership to somebody in your talk, gives or gives you bits, or purchases stock from your stream store, contingent upon your streaming programming.

I made a few custom cautions that I use on my stream and they look and sound extremely pleasant. It took me daily to get everything set up yet they work perfectly on my stream. You can change your alarms or add all the more any time you need, contingent upon the product you're utilizing.

Add a chatbox in your scene to show your Jerk visit on the stream. You can tweak Where it shows up on your stream and how lengthy it keeps awake.

You can add a tip container for your watchers to send you pieces or gifts. It's an exceptionally decent way for them to thank you, yet you will not get tips that frequently except if you're famous.

Pick the Game You Need to Stream So you've taken as much time as is needed to set up your streaming programming, your designs, your gadgets, and your cautions and associated your Jerk account by means of your Stream Key or associated your Jerk account through the product you're utilizing.

Presently you need to conclude what game you will stream.

My own proposal is to stream something you truly appreciate. Assuming individuals notice your most memorable stream and they come in and see that you're getting a charge out of the thing you're playing, they'll see you having a ball and they'll remain and visit and follow you.

If you have any desire to begin your stream playing the freshest delivery, that is fine, however recollect that every other person on Jerk is streaming it as well, and since it's your most memorable stream you'll be battling different decorations for watchers' consideration.

Try to put the words "First Stream" in your title, it will grab watchers' eye and they may be interested to look at you.

At the point when you pick your game, simply make sure to have a great time. Assuming you are having some good times individuals will partake in your stream and stick around.

The prerequisites for arriving at Jerk Offshoot are:

Arrive at 50 adherents Stream for 8 hours Stream on 7 distinct days Have a normal of 3 watchers

You need to do this reliably for 30 days. Presently the hardest part of arriving at Jerk member that I had was getting the 50 devotees and having a normal of 3 watchers in my streams. In any case, you could have an alternate test. Simply be predictable with your timetable and you'll have the option to turn into a subsidiary in a matter of moments by any stretch of the imagination.

You'll need to invest energy into turning into a partner and it's consistently the initial step that is the hardest to traverse.

Prerequisites to Arrive at Member Be dynamic in the networks of games you like to play. I play the portable game Destiny/Terrific Oder so I'm extremely dynamic locally, I watch a ton of streams and watch a ton of Destiny/Stupendous Request players. I additionally play different games however I just watch decorations that I'm keen on.

I collaborate locally a great deal and I have had certain individuals that I have streamed follow me on Jerk, and at times individuals that I watch strike me. It's ideal to be a piece of a local area before you begin streaming, individuals will perceive your name on the off chance that you've watched a ton of streams.

Be dynamic in your game's local area and they will make an appearance to watch you assuming that they see you are in others' streams. I will caution against being too self-special in others' streams, I make an effort not to advance myself an excess of in light of the fact that I would rather not appear to be pushy.

Other decorations' Friction servers will have a "self-advancement" part of their Strife so you can go advance yourself there.

Jerk Studio beta for spilling on Jerk. Jerk Studio beta for spilling on Jerk.

Peruser Survey

Have a Timetable Have a timetable and on the off chance that you consistently stream you will develop your crowd. Set a timetable that works for you. There's likewise a get-away choice so you can tell your watchers that you're not spilling on Jerk. Simply ensure you don't give out undesirable data about yourself.

Make a timetable that works for you so you don't transform spilling into something that isn't a good time for you.

Be Dynamic in the Networks of the Games You Play Be dynamic in the networks of games you like to play. I play the versatile game Destiny/Fantastic Oder so I'm exceptionally dynamic locally, I watch a ton of streams and watch a ton of Destiny/Great Request players. I likewise play different games yet I just watch decorations that I'm keen on.

I cooperate locally a ton and I have had certain individuals that I have streamed follow me on Jerk, and at times individuals that I watch strike me. It's ideal to be a piece of a local area before you begin streaming, individuals will perceive your name on the off chance that you've watched a great deal of streams.

Be dynamic in your game's local area and they will make an appearance to watch you on the off chance that they see you are in others' streams. I will caution against being too self-special in others' streams, I make an effort not to advance myself an excess of on the grounds that I would rather not appear to be pushy.

Other decorations' Disagreement servers will have a "self-advancement" segment of their Strife so you can go advance yourself there.

Your Adherents Will Come You probably won't see a ton of improvement when you start, it could require some investment for you to get the necessary measure of devotees to turn into a Jerk member. Cheer up, individuals will come assuming that you're steady and stream frequently.

Set a timetable for you and to enjoy some time off you can change your timetable to accommodate your life. However long you are predictable you will actually want to turn into a Jerk partner.

[freetwitch]

Tips for Becoming a Twitch.tv Affiliate

A Jerk partner is a decoration that has arrived at specific rules to bring in cash from promotions, subs, and pieces. Numerous decorations need to become members and afterward become joined forces with Jerk to procure promotion income and transform gushing into a "vocation".

In this article, I will give you tips to turn into a Jerk member and how I arrived after around two months. I had a ton of supporters throughout the years in light of the fact that collaborate on Jerk channels yet I haven't had the option to stream up to this point.

How You Begin The principal thing you want to do is register for a Jerk account. You register an email address and check it. Then, at that point, you pick your username and set up the record.

After you set up your record you can set up your profile picture. After your record and profile picture are set up, go snap the video maker button.

ALSO VISIT:-RhexisGaming

Click the "Maker Dashboard" button and afterward click "Streaming Instruments". When you open "streaming instruments" pick the streaming programming that requests to you. I use Streamlabs OBS yet there is an assortment of streaming programming to look over.

Associate Your Jerk Record To Your Streaming Programming Jerk record to your streaming programming by utilizing the Streaming key gave to you by Jerk. Go into your Maker Dashboard and snap "settings" and select "stream", click the "duplicate" button on the "Essential Stream Key". Kindly don't show this to anybody in light of the fact that the Essential Stream Key is the key that allows you to stream to your record. Glue your stream key into the stream key setting in your product except if the product gives you the choice to associate with Jerk straightforwardly in the product.

Well known games spilled on Twitch.tv. Well known games spilled on Twitch.tv.

Alter Your Stream Format When you introduce your preferred streaming programming you can cause situations to add overlays, cautions, the chatbox, and webcam and catch your ongoing interaction.

You can either make designs yourself or you can browse free Jerk overlays in the event that assuming they are accessible for the product you're utilizing. You can likewise pay individuals on the Web to cause you a custom overlay on the off chance that you to want to put cash into your overlay.

I use Streamlabs and they have free Jerk overlays accessible on their site alongside paid overlays assuming you buy into them. I modified a free overlay that I browsed Streamlabs and I like my format a great deal.

Ensure when you change your sound settings to embed an increase channel on your work area and mouthpiece sound. I was streaming and I was let by my crowd know that my voice wasn't exceptionally clearly regardless of having my volume up. I found the grain settings in Streamlabs and made the volume of my receiver stronger. I had the option to fix my sound and presently I don't need to stress over my volume settings any longer, so you ought to fix your sound settings and record a test video on your web based programming and pay attention to it.

Add another scene to alter your stream format.

You can add custom cautions to your Jerk stream utilizing various destinations. You can utilize the destinations and interface them to your Jerk record and utilize either the site defaults or tweak your cautions utilizing your own sound that you have on your PC.

Your cautions appear on stream when somebody follows you, buys into you, presents a membership to somebody in your talk, gives or gives you bits, or purchases stock from your stream store, contingent upon your streaming programming.

I made a few custom cautions that I use on my stream and they look and sound exceptionally decent. It took me daily to get everything set up yet they work perfectly on my stream. You can change your alarms or add all the more any time you need, contingent upon the product you're utilizing.

Add a chatbox in your scene to show your Jerk visit on the stream. You can modify Where it shows up on your stream and how lengthy it keeps awake.

You can add a tip container for your watchers to send you pieces or gifts. It's an extremely decent way for them to thank you, yet you will not get tips that frequently except if you're famous.

Pick the Game You Need to Stream So you've taken as much time as necessary to set up your streaming programming, your designs, your gadgets, and your alarms and associated your Jerk account by means of your Stream Key or associated your Jerk account through the product you're utilizing.

Presently you need to conclude what game you will stream.

Look to Proceed great open air adornments for-christmas 95+ Great Open air Adornments for Christmas take-redirection to-escape-a futile way of life Take Redirection to Get away from a Futile way of life andrew-tate-exhaust carlson-the-interview-a-womans-point of view Andrew Tate - Exhaust Carlson; the Meeting: a Lady's Point of view My own suggestion is to stream something you truly appreciate. Assuming individuals notice your most memorable stream and they come in and see that you're getting a charge out of the thing you're playing, they'll see you having a ball and they'll remain and visit and follow you.

To begin your stream playing the most current delivery, that is fine, however recollect that every other person on Jerk is streaming it as well, and since it's your most memorable stream you'll be battling different decorations for watchers' consideration.

Make a point to put the words "First Stream" in your title, it will grab watchers' eye and they may be interested to look at you.

At the point when you pick your game, simply make sure to have a good time. On the off chance that you are having a good time individuals will partake in your stream and stick around.

The necessities for arriving at Jerk Associate are:

Arrive at 50 supporters Stream for 8 hours Stream on 7 unique days Have a normal of 3 watchers You need to do this reliably for 30 days. Presently the hardest part of arriving at Jerk subsidiary that I had was getting the 50 adherents and having a normal of 3 watchers in my streams. In any case, you could have an alternate test. Simply be predictable with your timetable and you'll have the option to turn into an associate in a matter of seconds by any stretch of the imagination.

You'll need to invest energy into turning into a partner and it's consistently the initial step that is the hardest to traverse.

Necessities to Arrive at Partner Be dynamic in the networks of games you like to play. I play the versatile game Destiny/Great Oder so I'm extremely dynamic locally, I watch a ton of streams and watch a ton of Destiny/Stupendous Request players. I likewise play different games yet I just watch decorations that I'm keen on.

I connect locally a ton and I have had certain individuals that I have streamed follow me on Jerk, and in some cases individuals that I watch strike me. It's good to be a piece of a local area before you begin streaming, individuals will perceive your name in the event that you've watched a great deal of streams.

Be dynamic in your game's local area and they will make an appearance to watch you assuming that they see you are in others' streams. I will caution against being too self-limited time in others' streams, I do whatever it takes not to advance myself an excess of on the grounds that I would rather not appear to be pushy.

Other decorations' Friction servers will have a "self-advancement" part of their Strife so you can go advance yourself there.

Jerk Studio beta for spilling on Jerk. Jerk Studio beta for spilling on Jerk.

Peruser Survey

Have a Timetable Have a timetable and in the event that you consistently stream you will develop your crowd. Set a timetable that works for you. There's likewise a get-away choice so you can tell your watchers that you're not gushing on Jerk. Simply ensure you don't give out undesirable data about yourself.

[defensemechanism]

Ben was not a worrier -That was more Matty's thing- but he couldn't stop worrying about you. He didn't understand the why of it exactly, but he knew that he had hurt you, because you had never stayed away from him for this long. In all your years of friendship there had been arguments and hurt feelings before, but taking no more than a day or two apart had always been enough time to cool off and prepare yourselves to apologize.

At this point it had been over a month since you spoke. You actively ignored him when you saw him in the hall or on the street and you had definitely blocked his number. He didn't know how to do this, how to be away from you. You usually texted through out the day and called when you got off of work. You saw each other every day and hung out almost every night. What the hell was he supposed to do now? He could have gone and picked someone up at a bar. It would have been a good distraction for a few days, but now that he had finally admitted out loud what he'd always believed - that he was meant to be with you- the idea of sex with a stranger didn't appeal to him at all.

An awful ache had taken up residence in his chest from missing you. The career that he loved wasn't bringing him quite the same joy it usually did. He lost interest in his hobbies, likely due to the fact that they were mostly activities you enjoyed doing together. It didn't help that all of your friends were mutual friends. He kept showing up to everything they planned if only long enough to see if you showed up too. You didn't. He saw a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel however. Ziff's birthday was coming up and he doubted you would snub Ziff just to avoid someone you were mad at.

On the night of the party, Ben took care with his appearance. He wore the navy blue henley you had gifted him some birthday or Hanu-mas ago and the watch he always wore, the one you got him when he got promoted. It was strange, he was anxious to see you and yet he suddenly was as nervous as he'd been going on his first date in high school. He stopped by a liquor store and picked up a 12 pack of a local brewery IPA before heading to Jess's apartment.

He greeted everyone he knew, keeping his eyes peeled for you in the small pver crowded space.

"You left without me." Matt complained his expression one of disappointment.

"My bad. I have a lot on my mind." Ben knew his apology sucked, but it was honest.

Ziff caught sight of him and came over to him.

"Hey, man. Haven't seen you in a while."

They clasped hands briefly.

"Hey, Happy Birthday." Ben managed a smile.

"Thanks." Ziff grinned. "So, you guys gonna do a shot with me or what?"

Matt gazed warily at his brother.

"Alright.Just one." Ben said easily.

Matt frowned.

Ben set up the cups and Ziff poured a generous amount of vodquila in each cup.

They tapped their cups against each other and downed the shots.

"Shit." Matt griped. "What was that?"

"The ultimate buzz." Ziff chuckled.

Jess took hold of his arm.

"Sorry guys, I need to borrow him for a second." She flashed her white teeth at them in a perfect smile before she led him away to greet guests.

It wasn't until after Ben had transferred his 12 pack into an ice chest that he heard your voice coming from somewhere behind him. He froze for a second, dreading the moment you would see him and give him the cold shoulder. Then Ben turned and his nervousness, his anxiety of you rejecting him yet again disappeared at the sight of the man by your side. His intense dislike of Poe Dameron overshadowed it all.

He left the kitchen, Matt trailing along behind him as he headed toward you.

"I have a bad feeling about-" Matt started to say, but he interupted.

"Dameron." Ben called the attention of the older man.

Poe's eyebrow raised as he saw who had called his name.

"Didn't expect to see you here." He added.

"With her, you mean?" Poe stood a little ahead of you as if to protect you. "Nothing unites people like a common enemy."

Ben scoffed at that.

"I told her the entire time we were together that you weren't a real friend that you wanted to fuck her and she told me I was nuts for thinking that way.Guess it doesn't seem so crazy now." He bit off.

"Poe!" You admonished.

But Ben's focus was drawn to one phrase and one phrase only. 'We were together. Were.'

"I'm in love with her. There's a big difference between wanting to fuck somebody and loving them, but of course you wouldn't know that."

[100yearoldcomics]

July 9, 1922 The Gumps by Sid Smith

TOP PANEL [ID: A notice is pinned to the top panel, reading: "Wanted: A governess who writes shorthand to take down the clever sayings of our child. Andrew and Minerva Gump." Below the notice is a picture of the two Gumps waiting impatiently and overheated on the porch. Andy stares at his hand shrouded in a handkerchief while Min fans herself, looking bored. /end]

MAIN COMIC [ID: Andy stands in the living room, looking out the window into the yard where his son Chester plays with a pair of stilts. /end] Andy: There's that kid out there playing. Gee, it's great to be a kid. No worries. Play the live long day. Never grows tired. It's about time I gave that boy a little advice; called him in and talked to him about his future.

[ID: Andy sits on a wicker armchair on the front porch, talking with Chester, who stands on his stilts outside the porch railing. /end] Andy: Chester, did you ever stop to think while you're playing around, what you're going to be when you grow up? What vocation you'll follow? Whether you're going to be a doctor or a lawyer or buy and sell goods and be a merchant. Chester: Well, I've made up my mind I want to be a policeman.

[ID: Andy stands up and walks off the porch. Chester steps off the stilts and holds them upright. /end] Andy: You know, life isn't all play. There is a serious side to it, too. You haven't come to that yet, but you will pretty soon. And the sooner you start, the better fitter you'll be. And the better fitted you are, the easier the task. Just like working with good tools.

[ID: Andy kneels down and attempts to embrace his peeved son. /end] Andy: The better the tools, the easier and better the job. With a trained, educated brain, you'll have the advantage of other boys. If you take advantage of your opportunities, when you get to be 21 years old, you'll have a store-room of knowledge that will make the encyclopaedia look like a blank book. And the rest is easy.

[ID: Andy lifts the mildly annoyed Chester onto his lap. /end] Andy: Whatever you do, you ought to try to excel. Do just a little bit better than anybody else. This is the age of specialties and specialists. Find out what you want to do and do it well.

[ID: Andy turns Chester to face him. /end] Andy: Is there anything you can do better than any one else in the world? Chester: Yes, sir. I can read my own writing.

[ID: Andy stands up and talks to Chester beside two large sunflowers. /end] Andy: How are you getting along in school? Are you keeping up in your studies? I want you to be promoted, you know. Chester: I got 100 yesterday.

[ID: Andy puts a foot up on the back steps and leans on his thigh parentally. /end] Andy: One hundred? Do you mean to tell me you got 100 in school yesterday? Are you sure? Chester: Yes, sir. I got 50 in arithmetic and 50 in spelling.

[ID: Andy sits down on the steps and continues gently lecturing his disgruntled son. /end] Andy: And another thing. I want you to learn to be generous with your playthings. To think more of other people's comfort. To share your toys with your little friends, not be so selfish.

Andy: I remember that sled that Santa Claus brought you last winter. I remember how you treated little Al Loewenthal. You wouldn't let him play with it at all. I watched you. Chester: Yes I did, Papa. He had it over half the time. He had it more than I did. I let him take it all the way up the hill, I only slid down on it.

[ID: Andy stands and gestures animatedly at his son. /end] Andy: And look at your face. Just look at it, black as coal. Come into the house and give yourself a good wash. I want to introduce your face to a good bowl of soap and water.

[ID: Andy turns on the sink and turns around to look at his frustrated son. /end] Andy: Don't you ever look in the mirror to see if your face is clean? Chester: No, I just look at the towel.

[imagininghim]

Three's a crowd

A/N: Hello my lovelies, I am so sorry it has taken me so long to write but I have just been so busy with life and work, I was recently promoted at my job and am about to be running our newest location which I am so excited about!

This was requested by anonymous: "If you do poly relationships Maddy x Nate x Reader. Nate and Maddy love each other but they're in love with the reader. When Nate and Maddy start hanging around Cassie she starts to get mad and jealous so she starts hanging with Fez and Rue and making excuses to not see them. At school one day Nate and Maddy start walking towards the reader the reader then turns around trying to get away when Nate picks her up and flings her over his shoulder. Then the three of them have a heart to heart. (Angst to Fluff)."

The story will be narrated by Rue (anything in italics)

This does not follow the show's storyline.

I will soon be posting who I write for, what I will and will not write about, etc... As well as, an updated master list!

Requests are open for Euphoria and Scream (1996) - Mostly Billy Loomis and Stu Macher but send your requests in and I will see what I can do.

This is my first time writing for a poly relationship so please excuse the terrible writing. I hope you enjoy!

I DO NOT own any characters, or give permission for my stories to copied and posted elsewhere.

Like, comment & reblog!

Maddy and Nate have been inseparable since the beginning of junior year. (Y/N) had moved to East Highland at the beginning of senior year and that was when the fun really began. See, the thing about Nate and Maddy they were always off and on again and when they were off they both happened to be seeing (Y/N) on the side but neither of them knew that but that changed rather quickly when Maddy seen messages from (Y/N) on Nate’s phone, she had put two and two together. This would lead into an eventual fight between the two lovers, Maddy would slip up and say she was sleeping with her too and they would makeup before coming to the conclusion they wanted to pursue a relationship between the three. And this is where our story begins well more like continues… I think… I don’t know man, I’m too high for this shit. “You want me to what?” I questioned closing my locker and staring back at Nate and Maddy in confusion. “We want you to join our relationship. Like a three way.” Maddy said reaching out and twirling  the ends of my hair between her fingers as Nate stepped behind me and rested his hands on my waist. I was shocked by their request but also a little turned on. “Uh-erm I’m not sure.” I said tightening my grip on my textbooks. “Oh come on (Y/N), you’ve hooked up with both of us plenty of times before. Now, you’ll just belong to us and we’ll belong to you.” Nate said leaning down to whisper into my ear as his warm breath shot shivers down my spine. “Alright, but I want to start slow.” Maddy squealed in excitement, taking my hands in hers and leaning in to give me a peck on the lips before reaching up and giving one to Nate. “Okay, I’m heading to class now but I will see you both later.” Nate and I nodded waving her goodbye. “Do you want me to walk you to class?” He questioned as I turned to look at him. “Yeah, that sounds nice.” I said with a smile, intertwining my hand with his and making our way down the hall. Time Skip: It had now been six months since I agreed to dating both Nate and Maddy. Everything was going great, right up until McKay’s party. “Yo (Y/N), how you been?” I looked over to see Fez sitting on a couch outside, smoking a blunt with Rue. “Oh my god, Fez! I’ve miss you!” I yelled out, making my way over to him. I took a seat in between them as I reached out and took a hit of the blunt.

"Yeah, I haven't seen you around the store in awhile since you been hanging wit Maddy and playboy." I nodded, passing back his blunt.

"I know, we sorta have this thing going on and with school and everything else, I just haven't had time." Fez looked over at me with a confused look.

"What thing?"

"Uhm... Well, you knew how every time when Maddy and Nate would break up, I would hook up with either her or him." He nodded, attempting to follow along. "Well, once they got back together, they found out that they both had been sleeping with me and instead of being mad about it, they confronted me and asked if I wanted to be a thing with them." Fez stared back with a blank look on his face as per usual.

"So wait, you're telling me you're into both girls and guys?" I mentally rolled my eyes at him.

"Fez, we've been over this. I told you forever ago I was bisexual, don't you remember?"

"Shit, you probably did. Well congratulations on coming out." He said reaching up to take another hit.

"Ah.." Just as I was about to speak up again Rue tapped on my shoulder and gave me the motion to not to try to explain anymore.

"So, you're dating Maddy and Nate?" Rue questioned, directing my attention from Fez.

"Well, not officially but we are exclusive to each other and all that shit." Rue nodded, her attention being directed too across the lawn.

"Do they know that? Because they look like they're getting awfully comfortable with Cassie." Rue said, pointing to Nate, Maddy and Cassie sitting on lawn chairs as Nate kept his hand on Cassie's thigh. I felt a surge of jealousy run through my veins but I brushed it off.

"I'm sure it's just nothing." Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling.

Over the next few days at school, Nate and Maddy stayed close with Cassie. Spending lunch with her, walking her to class, and even driving her home.

Eventually, it got to the point where I was avoiding them at all costs, not responding to any texts, calls or attempts to see them at school.

It had been about two weeks since (Y/N) last seen Nate or Maddy, she had been avoiding them at every chance she got and started hanging out with Fez and I again, helping out with the shop or just getting high with at Fez's place.

You see, (Y/N) wouldn't claim she was avoiding them but she clearly was, she had caught them hanging with Cassie at McKay's party and it had sparked something in her. Most would call it jealousy or anger but (Y/N) claimed it as nothing but we all knew she was in denial.

"I am not in jealous and I am not avoiding them. We aren't even officially together so why would I care if they hang out with her!" I exclaimed to Rue who stared back at me with a dazed look on her face.

"All I'm saying is, you've been in a mood since you saw them with Cassie at McKay's. You haven't been answering any of their calls or texts and you make a run for it if you even hear one of their names being mentioned. To me, that sounds like avoidance."

"That's bullshit! I just needed some space." I exclaimed as a smirk came across her face.

"Oh really?"

"Yes, really!" I said crossing my arms onto my chest with a huff.

"Well, heads up because here comes Nate and Maddy now." My eyes nearly bulged out of my head when I turned to see them making their way towards me, making direct eye contact.

"Fuck." I muttered under my breath, I was about to speed walk past Rue when I felt to strong arms take ahold of my waist and lift me off the ground.

"Oh no you don't" I heard Nate say as he threw me over his shoulder and continued walking down the hall. "We've been looking for you everywhere, we need to talk. Now." I knew there would be no fighting him so I just sighed and looked back up at Rue.

"So uhm Rue, I'll catch up with you later." With a chuckle, she gave me a thumbs up. The three of us walked until we reached Nate's truck, to which Maddy opened the back door and Nate laid me on the back seat. The two of them then proceeded to close the door and make their way to the front seats before hopping in and taking off.

We drove in silence for a while before we came upon a lake, there was picnic benches set up around and in the distance you could see a Ferris wheel and other rides being set up for the upcoming carnival. Nate parked his truck and opened his door with Maddy and I following suit. We walked over to a bench and took a seat.

"Do you know why we brought you out here?" Nate questioned looking at me.

"Hopefully not to murder me." I said letting out a small chuckle hoping to cut some tension, when neither of them laughed or cracked a smile, I sighed. "I'm assuming to ask me why I have been avoiding you both?" I questioned.

"Yeah. Do you like... Not want to be with us anymore?" Maddy asked, a hint of sadness hidden in her tone.

"Yes, of course!" I exclaimed.

"Then why have you been avoiding us?" It was Nate who spoke up this time. I looked at him to only see a pained expression on his face. I felt my heart break a little.

"Well, I seen you guys starting to hang with Cassie at McKay's and then again at school, it got to the point where I thought you were trying to replace me with her." I said looking down at my hands, fidgeting with my fingers I continued. "I know we never really made it official but I always thought we were exclusive and I-I'm falling for you both and I just don't want to get hurt." Without looking up, I felt them stand up and come to sit beside me.

"(Y/N), we would never! Cassie has been seeing McKay and she just wanted some advice. We have been helping get them together, we're not trying to replace you!" Maddy exclaimed wrapping her arms around my shoulders.

"We only want you, no one else. So, what do you say?" Nate began. "Will you be our girlfriend?" A smile spread across my face.

"Yes, of course!" I pulled them both into a hug before pressing a kiss to Nate's lips and then Maddy's.

"So, it's official!" Maddy exclaimed, stretching out her phone to snap a selfie of the three of us. "And soon it will be Instagram official." I giggled at her.

"(Y/N)?" Nate questioned.

"Yes?"

"You're falling in love with us, huh?" He said with a smirk.

"Baby steps, Jacobs." I said letting out a chuckle.

[quillsanddaydreams]

teddy bear

fred weasley x reader

—author’s note: I really have no explanation for this except that I saw an old fic of mine and the idea just struck. This is a re-imagined version of 'don't say goodbye' from my main i.e. @with-love-anu Fred had been spending lesser and lesser time with you every day and you couldn't take it anymore.

—warning(s): mentions of food and drinks, break up, angst but it's hurt and comfort, low-key descriptions of anxiety attack. gender neutral!reader (pronouns haven't been used throughout the story) 

—wordcount: 2,190

The fire crackled orange and gold, painting the dark walls. You were sitting right beside the mantle looking at the wall ticking. It was 11:35pm. Fred should’ve been home hours ago.

Tilting your head, you ran your thumb through the sharp edge’s of the photo frame. Friendly— happy faces smiled back at you. It was you and Fred from your 6th year. He had an arm around you, kissing your cheek before winking at the camera. Oh you remembered that day. Vividly. The two of you had just started dating after months of pining. Fred had been an absolute sweetheart. One date led to the next and you didn’t realise you two had spent years together. From graduating from hogwarts, to working your way up on your jobs, moving in together… You were madly in love and nothing else seemed to have mattered.

Everything looked great. Looked. Your parents often told you about ichs. A common rash. Ignore it and it will go away. Scratch it, and it will make your life hell. They never told you however, how long it takes. And you had been shutting your eyes to this one far too long. Fred was never there. Never. Both of you had jobs. Demanding jobs. Yet it seemed Fred was the only one without a moment to spare.

Your morning began with you getting up and ready for your day. Freshening up, making breakfast for the two of you— storing Fred’s with a quick warming spell and a note because you knew you’ll be gone by the time he woke up. Never having the heart to rouse him you simply smiled and pressed a kiss to his forehead, apprating to the ministry. When you came back, he would still be at the shop, working late into the night. Exhaustion caught you, you were unable to keep yourself from falling asleep after 12.

Heaving a sigh, you pushed your head back staring at the ceiling above. The thing was that you missed him. Terribly. You couldn’t even remember the time he held you, let alone ask about your day— it had been months. There had been a hundred times, sitting alone having dinner or seeing his side of the bed empty. Loneliness caught with you reminisened all the times he would pull you over his lap, pressing kisses all over your face. Telling you about the newest invention at his shop. All confrontations with him about the same had ended the same way. With him promising he would try. He never did.

Glancing at the clock again, you felt your body grow hot with anger. It was nearly midnight. You had left him a note to come home early that day. Promotion at work had flashed like the perfect occasion to catch up. Happiness had been bubbling through you all day. Although as time passed, your excitement dulled. The food turned cold and ice in the firewhiskey bucket had melted. Your eyes pricked with tears as you felt your stomach churn. There was a pop as the door opened to reveal a disheveled Fred. He gave you a small smile before moving straight towards the bedroom.

“Fred,” you called out, clearing your throat and wiping away the tears. Did he really not notice? “Did you get my note?”

“Hmm?” he said, shuffling through his drawer. “Oh! Yes I did, sorry but work came up love, couldn’t make it.”

You clenched your jaw.

“Work?” you asked, agitated. “What work keeps you out until midnight Fred?”

His answering sigh infuriated you further.

“You need to change your work schedule, Fred,” you said, crossing your arms. “George comes back to Angelina before 8. I’m sure you can manage before 9. I don't see you Fred. I don't get to talk to you or spend a moment with you. It's like I'm living alone— I spent more time with you before we moved in!”

Fred squeezed his eyes shut, tired.

“I’ll try, I promise,” he said after a minute. “Let’s eat first, shall we?”

“No, Fred. You promise me that every time,” you hissed. “I want you to tell me you’ll be home tomorrow before 9. Like a normal person.”

“What do you want me to do, huh?” Fred snapped. “I thought you would be more supportive of me and my business.”

“Don’t you dare say that,” you threatened. “I’ve been there for you every step of the way. What I am asking you is for you to take out some time for me. I need you to be there for me too!”

“Well excuse me for wanting to earn enough money for our future. For wishing you didn’t have to work to live a happy life.”

“Fred,” you said, your voice a dangerous whisper. “You know exactly how much I love my job. I’ve always been happy working. What has gotten into you? You were always so supportive of me!”

Something crossed Fred’s eye and he took a step back, shaking himself. He took a deep breath.

“Listen,” Fred said calmly. “It’s late now, we can talk about it tomorrow.”

“When, Fred? When? In the morning, when you are asleep or at night which is the time right now?”

Fred remained silent. It felt like you were bursting. All the frustration, sadness and disappointment poured in.

“It hurts, Fred. It hurts and it feels like I’m alone in this. People ask me how we are doing and I don��t know what to tell them. I have no idea what’s going on with the person I live with. I don’t even know where our relationship is goin—”

“You know what?” Fred said, finally losing his cool, throwing his hands in the air. “If you feel so alone, maybe you wouldn’t find a difference if we even separate.”

You gasped.

“I’m going to give you a moment to take that back,” you hushed. Fred crossed his arms. “Think about it before telling me you meant it.”

“Listen, you know I put my work above anything else,” he said, gritting his teeth. “I’ve always wanted to be rich enough so people like Malfoy wouldn’t dare to insult me or my family. That shop. It’s my life. It’s everything that lets me afford the things I never could.”

“So the shop’s more important to you than having me stay?” you said, your throat heavy. Digging your nails into the palm of your hand you searched Fred’s face. The face you had fallen in love with, the one that didn’t quite meet your eyes now which forebode tears. No you couldn’t cry now. Not when he disregarded your job you had been so passionate about, not when his status in life was more important to him. When Fred didn’t say anything, you let out a dry laugh. Shaking your head you moved towards your wardrobe, your head thumping. You took out a couple of your clothes, money and some documents, packing up a bag. Fred stared at you wide eyed as you went for the door.

“What are you doing?” he demanded as you opened the door moving out.

“Well, since you don’t care if we separate and your shop is the only thing you’re living for; it only seems fair that I leave,” you said, furiously rubbing away the tear that fell down your cheek. “Oh and Weasley? I hope you become the wealthiest wizard in the country.”

The last thing you saw was Fred’s shook form before a familiar house came into view. Knocking on your best friend’s door, you wondered whether you should have taken a hotel. It was very late after all. Before you could turn back and leave, Ruhaan opened up. He looked sleepy but his expression changed on seeing you.

“Hey, are you alright? What’s the—”

“Can I stay here tonight?” you blurted. “I’ll crash on the couch... ”

Ruhaan wrapped an arm around your shoulder, leading you in.

“Of course you can,” he said as your throat felt heavy. “You’re always welcome here, what happened?”

“I… we broke up,” you croaked. Admitting things aloud often made things real. Stating your breakup to Ruhaan made you really assess the situation. Blood rushed to your head as you realised you really just left back someone you had loved for six long years. Still did. Your legs wobbled making you lose your balance but Ruhaan held you steady.

“I can’t believe it… I… love him…” you gulped.

“Let me first get you some tea,” he said, rubbing your sides.

-♡♡♡-

Fred was a mess. He fell on the floor with a thump, realising what happened moments ago. You left. The person he had loved all his life had left him. And it was his fault. All those months he had been trying to get the latest product to work. George had given up on it long ago knowing well how dangerous it was to work on. Yet he stood back, working extra hours determined to get it done. It made him lose sight of what was important, you. His heart constricted as he felt like he couldn’t breath. Hot tears fell down his cheeks as he let out a frustrated shout. He had finally lost everything.

For the next few days, Fred worked as an auto pilot. Numbness had caught up to him. He couldn’t bring himself to eat or sleep. Your thoughts plagued him. It was like he was watching your face fall as you moved out over and over again. The apartment felt devoid of spirit— dark and cold. Fred missed you, your smile as he sleepily joined you in bed, pulling you closer; your notes with little doodles telling him to take care… George vaguely knew about what happened, he couldn’t bring himself to talk about it. Visits to your best friend’s place have always gone the same. Ruhaan told him you weren’t there.

Fred wanted— needed you. He loved you. Always did. And he would be damned if he failed to show you. Again. Washing his face, he apparated to Ruhaan’s door again. Biting the inside of his cheek, he waited as a familiar face came into view sighing on spotting him.

“Fred,” he said, taking a deep breath. “I’ve told you…”

“Please,” he said, cutting him off. “Please, I know what I’ve done. Terrible won’t start to describe it. Just give me a chance to talk. I won’t push. I won’t. I am really ashamed of the things I did. At least let me make it right…”

Ruhaan searched his face, mentally debating with himself. Fred was pleading, begging. He would do anything to make this right.

“Alright, don’t screw this up,” Ruhaan said, ushering him in directing him towards your room. “The first door on the right.”

Fred nodded, moving briskly to where he indicated. Heart pounding, he knocked. Your voice came throaty, calling him in. When he saw you, his breath caught up. You looked terrible. Dark circles under red puffy eyes, nestled up in blankets. Noticing him, you sat up straighter.

“I told Ruhaan I didn’t want to see you,” you muttered. Fred moved to sit beside you. You looked away.

“I…” he began, not finding the correct words. “I brought this for you…”

He fished out a small box out of his pocket, handing it to you. It transformed into a teddy bear as the pack touched you, splaying itself over your hand like a rock. You narrowed your eyes at Fred.

“I’ve been working on this in secret for the last six months,” he rasped. “A teddy bear for blue days. The more I worked on it, the stiffer it became. I could not imagine what exactly I was doing wrong. I tried charming it, transforming it, twisting and twerking it around...”

“Fred,” you said, cutting him off. He blinked as streaks of heavy tears fell down his cheek.

“I was so fucking angry and determined to make it work that I couldn’t see anything else than that,” he sobbed. “I’ve said and done things that I couldn’t forgive myself for. I’ve made promises I never followed and I’ve let you go. I… I know that there is no reason for you to even hear me out right now. But I can’t lose you. I can’t… I can’t. I’ll do whatever it takes to have you back but I don’t want to say goodbye to the best thing in my life. Please. You don’t have to excuse me but give me one opportunity to make it up to you.”

You inhaled sharply.

“You’ll come home before 9?” you asked.

“At seven everyday.”

“You’ll spare time for me?”

“Dates every other weekend.”

“You’ll cook everything for the next 3 weeks?” you said as Fred let out a breathy chuckle.

“Only your favourites.”

You looked at his face, wet from crying. Eyes praying for your answer.

“You’ll kiss me right now?” you said as a dull surprise crossed his face. He cradled your face, kissing you softly. You closed your eyes, body relaxing for the first time in days.

“I’m sorry,” he said again, his voice low. You held his hand, squeezing it.

“I know.”

—as for the taglist: I don’t make taglists, I have a blog @from-my-quill ​ which is updated whenever I post fanfiction. You could have the notifications on for it and it will work just like me tagging you.

⟨⟨REBLOGS AND FEEDBACK ARE APPRECIATED⟩⟩

[writingkeepsmewhole]

My Famous Mystery

New story I know it's been a while and I should finish my old ones but I haven't written in a while and I had this dream I had to share. I thought it could be an interactive story. That way I might finish this one haha. Let me know if you want more.

This is based off a dream. I don't know who the guy is so maybe you can help me with that.

POV You have a photo shoot with a famous man.

I could see so much smut coming out of this story and I can't wait for it. Let me know who you think the mystery man is.

I knew who he was the moment I walked passed him. I think everyone knew he was judging by the way they stood in front of him and took pictures. He sat there in a chair behind a barrier in a storefront God knows I couldn’t afford.

He was polite to the people that walked passed, talked to the ones he could make out over the crowd. I wasn't sure what he was promoting but behind the smiles and waves he looked miserable.

Even behind his beauty, his dark hair and nice suit you could tell he felt out of place. Or at least I could.

My once a year treat myself to walk amuge the rich of the world got on a complete standstill when I laid eyes on him.

I wanted to speak to him of course but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Why would a man like that want to speak to someone like me.

So instead I turned the other way and started to return to what I was doing. But something stopped me. Something I couldn’t put my finger on.

Turning back to look at where he sat across the street I was shocked to see that he was alone.

In a blink he was still there but the crowd of fans was gone.

Swallowing down my fear I crossed the busy street and slowly walked up to him. I watched him paint a smile on himself as I approached him clearly just wanting to be alone.

Before he could even speak I bet him to it.

“Are you okay?” I ask him kindly.

I watch his brow wrinkle in confusion, him not expecting that answer.

“I..” He stumbles out, unable to answer it seems.

“You seem miserable.” I say as I walk closer to him. I stop at the side of the barrier. The mettle bar kept me from getting closer to him.

He looks at me with surprise once again and takes a breath.

“I just wish things were how they were when I wasn't famous.”

“Too many people.” I state quietly.

“All the time.” He says bending his head down and pinches his brow bone. His dark hair falling in his eyes just a bit  as he does.

“You should take a break and disappear for a while.”

“It’s not that simple.” He says looking at me, his eyes making me feel like he was trying to tell me something.

I glance around, seeing two large men just inside the store behind us. They were trying to look casual but were watching us like hawks.

“You're being watched…”

“All the time…” He says softly, surprising me with his confession.

“I miss the days when I was a cover model for romance novels and no one knew who I was. Now they use me to promote anything whether I believe in it or not.”

“That’s horrible.” I say glancing down at my feet.

I pause at the shopping bag in my hand. My best friend asked me to pick up a mask for her photography project. It gives me an idea.

“If I could give you a chance to get out of here for a day would you take it?” I ask looking up at him.

He wrinkled his brow once more, his intense eyes meeting mine.

“How would you do that?”

“I’ll go inside and cause a distraction. You can take off. My friend owns the Mexican restaurant a street over. I was actually heading there when I saw you. Call it what you want but maybe something wants me to help you get away for a day.”

“Thanks, but I would get recognized the whole way there and would be found.”

“Not if you have a disguise.” I say smiling at him.

“That’s a nice thought but you can’t hand me anything. They will come and search it for anything dangerous.”

“Trust me. Take this and meet me at the restaurant. Or don’t. It’s your choice after all.” I say, setting the bag down where he could reach it.

I quickly went up the stairs and into the very fancy clothing store. As soon as I laid eyes on the body guards I made a beeline for them.

With one fake asthma attack and them realizing their word was gone I left the store quickly taking off towards the restaurant.

It wasn’t hard to find who I was looking for because I knew what to look for. Seeing a man with dark hair, trench coat and a plague doctor mask. I pick up my speed and stop to loop my arm through his making him look down at me.

“We gotta go.”

“They are looking for me.” He states, sounding sullen.

“Yeah but I’m sure they won’t find you. Come on, let's lose them just in case.” I say letting go of his arm only to grab his large hand and pull him along with me.

I take off running. It distracts me from the thoughts that should be swimming in my head. I should be freaking out about everything but I found myself enjoying it instead. Everyone always told me I was too impulsive for my own good.

I rush into the doors of my friend Rose’s family restaurant. They haven’t opened yet, it is still early. But the staff was getting things ready.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa slow down Y/N for your run someone over.” Rose says as I run up to her amongst the tables. Her dark eyes meet mine. She had her curled hair up in a bandana on her head matching her red dress. 

“What are you doing here so early and who is this? Is he wearing the mask I ordered?” She questions me.

“Don’t worry about who it is, I found you a cover model.”

“I asked you to buy a mask, not a person.”

“I didn’t buy him, trust me you couldn’t afford him if I did… But not the point, it's better than using your brother, that's just weird.”

She sighs and looks him up and down. I’m shocked when I feel him squeeze my hand, reminding me we are still holding hands.

We all know she would say yes without a doubt if she knew who he really was but that was the fun of it right?

“Fine, I’ll give your friend a shot but only if you are his partner.”

“What?” I ask my head snapping up to look at her.

“Come on, you know I based the main character off you anyways.”

“And you wanted to use your brother as the covor model, what are you trying to tell me?”

“Oh shut up!” She says waving me off.

I laugh and shake my head.

“I can’t be on the cover, look at me.” I say looking down at myself.

I was dressed in jeans, boots, a black t-shirt and a black jacket.

“Exactly you look perfect.”

“..Fine… But I’m only doing this because I’m nice.” I say trying to hide the fact I was nervous.

I was about to go take a picture with a man I’ve found attractive for years. Not just a meet and greet picture but a romance novel picture.

“Go stand over there and let your hair down.” She instructs me as I walk over towards the beautiful painted wall.

It looked like you were standing in mexico. Even more so in pictures.

Sighing I free my hair and push the hair tie in my pocket.

“What is this book about?” I faintly hear him speak.

“She won’t let me read it till it’s published, something about a sexy plague doctor.”

“Interesting.”

“True.” I say shrugging.

I turn back towards the sound of noise seeing Rose trying to carry a tripod, and ring light and camera.

“You could have asked for help.” I say, as I walk over and help her set things down. Her family cleared out some of the tables to give us room.

“My dad gave us an hour.” She says sitting up her camera while I plug in the light.

“Sounds good.” I say, us both knowing her family was used to her random photo shoots.

“Since Y/N never introduced us, what's your name?” She asks, looking at him.

“Oh umm John..” He says, lying but I didn’t blame him. He didn't want to be famous today. 

“Nice to meet you John. I'm Rose and I know you know Y/N already so this shouldn’t be awkward for you two to make this sexy.” She says, making me blush.

If only she knew who she was talking to.

Trying to hide the fact I knew I turned away from her.

“So we are making it sexy right?” I ask walking back to my position next to “John”.

“Yes, we want it to sell after all.” She says, making me laugh.

“Alright.” I say reaching up towards his shirt.

“May I?” I ask, looking at the eyeholes of his mask.

He nods, making me smile in return.

I unbutton the first few buttons of his white shirt and turn to face the camera.

We take a couple shots, us just standing next to each other. All the excitement from earlier is fading away leaving a ball of nerves in my stomach.

“You two look so stiff just relax.” Rose says, looking at me.

I take a breath when he wraps his arm around my waist pulling me towards him.

“She's right, just try to have fun. I’m just John, remember?” He says leaning down to whisper to me.

Which she takes a shot of.

Sighing, I nod.

He wasn’t just John but I wanted him to feel normal so I placed my hand on his stomach.

“More sexy please, they look like prom pictures.” Rose says giggling.

I glare playfully at her and take a deep breath. Biting my lip and the thearicay bullet I pushed everything out of my head.

Just focusing on having fun I place my left hand on his exposed chest. He pulls me closer to him, making me arch my back so our lower halves touch each other.

My right hand hidden behind his back grips his coat tightly.

“Relax.” He whispers.

It is barely audible to me so I know Rose didn’t hear it. I unclenched my fist so he knew I heard him.

After he slowly dips me he pulls me back up, I know he is helping me get into different positions which I welcome the help. 

Turning me slightly toward him, my left hand on his chest disappears up into his button up my hand on his right peck, my fingertips touching his collar bone.

He wraps his arms around me, tightening his grip on the back of my jacket. I do the same to him with my right hand.

“Look over your shoulder then up at me.” He whispers.

I do as he says, giving Rose a few moments to take a few shots then look up at him. Him looking dead at the camera.

Despite not seeing his face I can’t help but admire his beauty. He truly was a handsome man.

We take shots of my back to his chest, both of us looking at each other, us giving the camera a side view. All the while no one spoke. 

“Can I ask you to try something?” He asks, making me almost jump from the sudden words.

The last ten minutes were filled with just the sound of Rose’s camera.

I nod my head, nervous as to what he wanted to try. He wraps his arm around me, pulling me close to him like he did before. Only instead of dipping me he held me so I had to arch into him. With his left arm holding me up he used his right hand to push his mask up. My heart started to pound wondering what he was doing but when he only exposed his mouth and stopped I took a breath.

He leaned down closer to me, my heart picking up for a different reason. My left hand drifting up to lay on the back of his neck I felt like I was going to faint as his mouth stopped millimeters from mine.

I could feel my chest rise and fall, touching him with every breath I took.

“Kiss me if you want.” He whispers so faintly I barely heard it.

I couldn't resist the urge, the pull I had towards him. It felt the same as earlier on the street. With just a slight tilt of my head my mouth met his.

The heat from his lips burned through me. I felt it settle in my chest. The taste of chocolate filled my mouth as he gently parted my lips with his own.

I felt my body come alive, felt it feel like it was floating and on fire at the same time. I couldn’t put the kiss into words if I wanted to. 

It was supernatural.

My eyes fly open when I feel something smack me in the chest.

“Are you even listening to me?” Rose says, making me turn towards her.

We were on the sidewalk outside, busy downtown traffic speeding past us.

“What?” I ask, looking at her feeling confused and lost.

Wasn’t I just in her restaurant? With…? No it couldn’t be right?

“I asked what you were staring at?” She says making me look back the way I was facing.

I looked across the street to see the store from earlier but he wasn’t in front of it. No one was in fact it was closed down. Guys in hardhats are most likely talking about how to tear it down.

“I.. umm.. I don’t know.” I say feeling very out of place.

“Are you feeling okay? Do you want to go lay down?”

“No, I’m alright… Just lost in thought I guess.” I say smiling at her.

“I must have been daydreaming while the light changed.” I tell her as we  start walking across the street.

“Well it must have been a real good day dream.” She teases me.

I smile at her following her as we continue shopping. Despite nothing else weird happening the rest of the day I couldn’t shake the feeling or thought of what I saw.

By the time I get home I feel so ehsaused I head straight to bed. My thoughts, swirling in my mind, I can't shake them.

I lay in bed staring at the wall until everything fades to black, but not before I hear a familiar voice call my name. 

[jitter-bug]

Just Like Me

Taglist: @artemisfowl11

Nines x Reader (Detroit: Become Human)

A/n: Did I hear costumes with a plot twist? And 10x scary???👀 so that the request wouldn't be too short ???🔫👀 I certainly fuckin' did. This one is too long. Sorry for rush. I love you :') plz enjoy(plz) I have so many request. And I am getting around to all of them. So don't worry for anyone that's waiting for your request, they will get done I promise! (Plz don't hurt me--)❤ enjoy- p.s I also had a hard time choosing the costume. I wanted something race neutral because as a person of color myself. There's not many couple costumes out there, that...you know. So 😌 uh. I had to run off a limb here for all my POC readers. (Gang gang 😩) (give me feedback if you any more of this, I know some people messaged me about continuing Fear. I don't do series. But I'll do em' we lit over here😩😪💅) p.s.s I edited it to gender neutral, so sorry for any errors-- (donthurtme)

-

"What do you mean, no?" The defeated tone of the detective echoed through the bullpen. Arms crossed as they stared at Hank. He was sitting at his desk. A hand placed on the desk as he stared at the terminal. In a way so he wouldn't have to stare at the perplexed expression of Y/n. 

"Kid. I'm too damn old to be dressing up in costumes." Was his reply. 

Y/n had woken up that very morning. An idea engraved in their brain like their body threatened them to remember it and not let the wonderful idea go. 

The DPD was throwing a Halloween party. Which was really a celebration for Chris, he was finally promoted to being an official Detective, and for his celebration. There would be a themed party. Considering the fact that Halloween was creeping in around the corner. Y/n soon thought that they wanted to wear a costume, with someone that is. They thought sharing laughs or even going to the party dressed as characters would be fun and yet entertaining. Their first thought was Hank. But, he undoubtedly shot the idea down. And declined. Hank saw the unamused expression on their face when he tore his gaze from the terminal. Their fist was planted on his desk. As their hand was on their hip. Their eyebrows furrowed. Giving him a look that he was used to seeing when they helped him speak with suspects in the interrogation room. Though, their expression was not as hard and more so serious.

Connor, who was sitting at his desk. Across from Hank. Stared between the two. His LED teetering back and forth from yellow to stark red. 

"Go ask Gavin." Hank brought up the name that seemed alien to him as he scoffed slightly at his name. Y/n quickly lost their expression before shaking her head. They couldn't say Y/n and Gavin were enemies. But they haven't interacted with each other to a point where Y/n would see themself asking him to join them on their dress up crusade. 

"No." They replied. Hank has been staring at the ceiling. Arms crossed. Once hearing Y/n once again. He landed his gaze back onto them. His index finger tapping his arm. 

"Go ask your partner."

-

Nines stared at Y/n. The two staring right through each other, but Y/n could feel themself crumble under his steel gaze. His eyebrows furrowed slightly. In an attempt to see through Y/n. 

Nines originally was Gavin Reed's partner. Until Chris was recently promoted to a Detective and made to be Gavin's partner. Which pulled Y/n from Hank and Connor, into being Nine's newest partner. 

Before then. They hadn't really interacted with him. Occasional greetings and ludicrous jokes between Y/n and Gavin. In which the rk900 ignored, he never cared to learn much about Y/n- or anyone at the station at that. He was reserved, observant, stern and very stoic. He...lacked certain things other deviant androids had. 

Emotions. 

People around the prescient knew about him. But never spoke to him, reasons being his lack of expressing himself gave people the assumption that Nines was genuinely just a rude android. Which...Y/n could see why. He didn't tolerate childish behavior, at all. Rarely participated in any outings the station threw, such as celebrations if someone was promoted. Birthday parties. Or just a genuine outing to celebrate and catch up with one another. Nines was always at the station, he - In a way deemed to separate himself from others. His eyebrows were always furrowed. In a way to resemble a scowl of some sort...which he always did. 

Of course, Y/n could somewhat tolerate him, once they were paired together, Nines was non-stop pestering Y/n with things they needed to get done, things that weren't done right. He always pointed out the imperfections and mistakes rather than the good. Y/n couldn't say they were exactly friends with the rk900. He made it hard for it to be anything other than being partners. But, today was the day, Y/n decided it would be best to try and find a way through his cold exterior. 

Nines didn't say anything. Y/n held her hands behind her back. The slightest smile trying to make its way onto their face. "So...I was thinking." 

They started. They didn't feel nervous. But rather awkward from the sudden request. Nines didn't say anything. Instead keep his arms behind his back as Y/n slowly sat down on the desk. Planting their hands on their knees. "I was thinking, maybe me and you should go to Chris's celebration together tomorrow night, you know. As partners? Amigos? Buddies?" Y/n reached up. Placing a half-heartedly punch on Nine's shoulder. 

"And. You know. Dress up? Costumes? I'd think you'd enjoy it. You know, you've been really working your heart out for these past few weeks Nines, and I think maybe you would like a break. You know, wind down." They explained. In their head. The explanation was fool-proof. Nines had been working a lot. In fact. The whole station was. With the new cases of Red Ice popping up around Detroit. Everyone had constantly been on their toes. 

"I'm incapable of getting tired, Detective." Nines replied. He turned to fully face Y/n. His arms that were once behind his back, now by his side. 

Y/n felt themself run into a dead end. 

"I know that Nine's I'm not stupid." She muttered. Instead of replying. He only stared at her. Blinking once, that was so it took. Y/n could tell what he was thinking. They sneered.

"That's not funny, I'm serious."

"My apologies. I was unaware I was making a joke--"

"Anyway!" Snapping their fingers to get back on track. Y/n sighed. Rubbing their temple before looking back at Nine's form.

"If. You go to the party with me, and agree to wear a costume with me. I promise I'll stop fooling around on the field." They tried to compromise watching as Nine's was already turning away from her to walk over to his desk. 

"I'll even stop making those lame ass jokes for an entire week. I can't say for..forever, But I mean a week has to be at least decent." They spoke up. Raising their voice so he could listen. 

"A month." Nines said. His back turned from them. But Y/n could see him grabbing stacks of papers and placing them in their designated manilla folders. Y/n stared at his back. Eyebrows furrowed as they tried to piece together what he meant, the rk900 seemed to be aware of how perplexed she was. 

"You'll focus on the assigned case you have, without constantly getting distracted, for a month. If you can agree to that. Then you've found yourself someone to go to the party with."

He explained. Y/n jumped slightly, the excitement shot through them like electricity, sparking them to life. This was new! Certainly new!

"Wait, are you serious? Oh my god!" They squealed. Kicking their feet so hard Y/n was afraid their shoe would fly off, flying across the room. As funny as the scenario might sound, Y/n was too distracted with the offer to worry about anything else. 

"1 month?" They asks. 

"1 month." He repeats. 

"I mean...what about 2 weeks?" They bargained. A month, where they couldn't bullshit around at work. It felt like a sin to Y/n.

"1 month."

"But...Nines that's too long." They tried to whine. But Nines turned around. Holding the folders in his hands. 

"1 month." He repeats.

"2 weeks?"

"1 month."

"....3 weeks?"

"1 month."

"No! Come on. 2 weeks. Take it or leave it!" Y/n shoots their hands in the air. Drastically expressing their distress. But Nines didn't seem to show an ounce of sorrow or care for the matter.

"Do I hear 2 months?"

"Okay, no! 1 month!" 

With what Y/n assumed would be the end of the discussion to Nines. He nods. 

"Okay then. Now. What is it that you have planned?"

-

"Okay. So. I think maybe we should do something scary. 2 years ago. Me and Hank dressed up as clowns, and scared the hell out of Gavin. It was hilarious." Y/n absently spoke. They searched through their phone for ideas that may spark interest in them. Deciding on creating something new and from scratch. 

Nines was busy placing items in Y/n's bag so the two could leave the station and do whatever it was Y/n had in store.

Nines zipped up the bookbag before turning away from the desk to face. Only to find them already examining his form. 

The yellow soon took the place of the blue on his LED. His eyebrows furrowed. 

"What?" He asks. Y/n hummed. 

"I was thinking of what would suit you." They replied. As they spoke Nines handed Y/n their bookbag, which they thanked him before slipping it on over their shoulders. 

"We can head to my house and see ideas from there." Y/n started. Adjusting the straps onto their shoulders as they took several steps forward towards the exit. They didn't have much time from now till tomorrow night, the gears in Y/n's head were turning. What should they do? What should they dress as for their costumes? And most importantly. Make sure Nines had a good night out for his first ever outing. 

Y/n placed the phone back in theirpocket. Before reaching over to unlock the door. They felt Nines walk behind them, swatting and flicking their hand away from the latch to open the door. 

"I'm driving. You get to the passenger side and think about what your plan will be." Nines spoke. Y/n flinched their hand away from the latch. 

"Ow, okay, okay--" they made their way around the car to the passenger side. Y/n was positive the only real reason he wanted Y/n to sit out on driving was because last time they were behind the wheel, a favorite song of theirs that they vaguely remembered from some time ago came on the radio station when they were patrolling the downtown area of Detroit. 

All Y/n could say was how Nines was extremely pissed with their screeching out lyrics that he wasn't paying attention to. More of Y/n's abrupt screaming. Which is why he didn't want them touching the wheel while he was in the car with them.

Slipping inside the car. Y/n closed the door. Hearing from their opposite side that Nines was in the car as well. 

"Keys." He spoke up. Y/n automatically reached in their dress pants pockets in search of the keys. Once feeling the cool metal against their digits. They handed them to Nines. Where as he started the car. 

Y/n slide off their bookbag. And turned to toss it in the back of the car. Where a paper bag was seen lazily balled up on the floor. Seeing the Red Ice cases increased exponentially, there were many stakeouts that Y/n and Nines were assigned to. Sitting out in the car for long periods of time did spike up an appetite in Y/n's stomach every once in a while. Of course, Nines scolded them for not eating before arriving on the scene, but that didn't stop them from getting food. 

Once situated and Nines driving down the street. Y/n slipped their phone back out. 

"So. How do you feel being a butcher?" They asks. Nines stared at the road. Silent for a moment as he contemplated what Y/n said. 

"A butcher..? Odd, how would that in any way be a good costume?" He asks. Y/n placed their phone their lap. 

"Bloody butcher. You know. Kill people? Chop chop? Blood. Chains and all that jazz." They replied. Flipping through the many photos of cheap costumes that would wear out in later than a few months if they were to purchase one.

"I can't make a firm decision on what to wear. You do that." He spoke up. Y/n hummed in acknowledgment. As much as they wanted Nines to choose for himself. He often had a hard time doing so. Of course he did things his own way, but only for a purpose of doing his job. Completing his mission. 

"Well then. Butcher it is," they replied. 

Once making it into the warm house that groped around Y/n with its comforting warmth. Y/n dropped their bookbag on the ground by the couch. Plopping down onto the cushion. And letting out a long needed sigh. They heard Nines close and lock the front door. 

The tension in Y/n's muscles slowly eased its way into relaxation. This wasn't the first time Nines had seen Y/n's place. Only resorting to be at their doorstep to wake them up at ungodly hours for emergency crime scenes that so happened to pop up out of nowhere. Or to drive them home when they are tired to do it half the time themself.

The TV was still on playing from earlier in the morning when Y/n left. On the same channel and same soft spoken volume. 

"Alright. Come on. Sit." They finally mustered up the energy to speak. Nines - who was standing next to the couch, took a seat next to Y/n as they opened their phone once more. 

"So. I was thinking on the way here. A bloody butcher. Both you and I. I think that would be fun." They proclaimed it was some extremely good news. But to Nines, it was more of good news to Y/n, but he didn't say anything. His pale optics pierced Y/n's face. His eyebrows raised slightly. Y/n gave him a smile, one of reassurance. "Oh come on, don't worry. You'll love it. I saw you have a knack for violent things." They chuckled. Moving over to their coffee table to pick up the laptop that was sitting on it. Nines LED flickered a stark red. 

"I'm assuming you would think I'm a violent person because of how I handle things on the field?" It didn't sound like much of a question.

 "Well duh. You do tend to man-handle the hell out of the suspects." Y/n replied. Nines didn't say anything else. Instead, watch as Y/n typed into the computer. After a while. They sat back on the couch and glanced at Nines. 

"This should work out. Not to mention be a good sight for my budget." They said. Y/n turned the laptop around and showed a photo of the costume, which was just general ideas of what items they planned on looking for. 

Nines stared at the screen. His LED circling around. Once. Twice. Before turning yellow. 

"Are you purchasing these from a store?" He asks. Y/n nods. Nines nods as well. 

"Yeah. Tomorrow after work we both are going to go gather the materials to put together the costume. Oh, this should be fun! Believe it or not. Gavin is such a scary cat. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to scare the hell out of him!" They gave a laugh before setting the laptop on the table. 

"But, really Nines. Thanks for agreeing to do this with me. I promise. That when this is all over. I'll not goof around for 1 entire month." They said. Y/n lifted their hand, poking out their pinkie finger. Nines stared at their hand before looking at them.He lifted his hand before pushing Y/n's hand away with his back hand.

"I'll take your word on it, Detective." He says. 

"Oh come on. Don't be like that. Smile for once. My gosh." Y/n lets out a chuckle. Lifting one hand to pull at his cheek. Her thumb tugging at the corner of his right lip in an attempt to tug it upwards. Nines - once again, swatted their hand away from his face. A scowl interrupting his blank expression.

"Stop."

"Whatever, tomorrow. It'll be great, you'll have fun, I promise."

-

Nines watched as Y/n stated at the rack of clothes. Having trouble deciding what Nines would best fit his costume. They decided to purchase his first. The two left the station an hour ago, to get ready for the party that was only 4 hours away. And time was ticking rather quickly with Y/n staring at the rack of clothes as if they had a hard time finding what to wear. 

Nines felt his hand lift up. Rubbing at his temple. His elbow resting on his other arm which was across his torso. 

"Y/n..."

Y/n let out a hum, signalling they heard what he said but kept their gaze on the rack.

"I think this would go by much quicker, if I were to pick out the clothes, and when you get home. You can put them together." He spoke. Y/n turned to face Nines. He saw them cross their arms. 

"Are you calling me slow?" They asks. But, he could tell Y/n wasn't offended by their ack of anger that he so happened to be acquainted with. 

"More, indecisive." He corrected. He saw their eyebrows furrow. But they quickly rose up as they understood what he meant. 

"I'm not having a hard time picking...just--look, this is supposed to be a me and you thing. Partner to partner, friend to friend. You know. So we can spend more time together instead of always yelling at each other like at work."

It was true. Nines and Y/n rarely got a long at work, Nines being a reason for the constant start of an argument between him and Y/n. That being either working on a case. At the station. Or even at a stake out. He always seemed to feed the flame just to spark Y/n's anger into nothing more than a hungry flame ready to lash out at anyone. But that was because Nines wanted things done the way he wanted them done. And Y/n rarely gave him what he wanted...and that was being serious on the job. But the explanation did make sense. More time spent outside to get to know more about each other...or rather spend more time with each other, could lower their rate or going after each other's throats. 

"So, you know. Come on. Let's Both pick our stuff out together." A hint of hope was evident in Y/n's voice. Nines nods, taking several steps forward, to analyse the rack. 

"I think you can do something with this."

-

"Ow! Stop! Stop!" Y/n hissed in pain, feeling Nines peel off the face mask from their face. They tried lifting their hand up to push his hand away. But he was one step ahead. Smacking their hand away for the upteempth time that week. The two finished picking out the clothing and items for their costume, only had 2 hours left to get dressed and ready, a lady that was an entrepreneur and had a clothing line. Gracefully gave Y/n and Nines a discount on what they needed for their costumes. Finding the generous offer kind, Y/n paid more than needed for the clothes, and spent almost half an hour speaking to the woman. Which knocked off much more time than needed. And Nines didn't want any delays in getting dressed - so almost immediately once the two reached Y/n's house. He started laying out stuff so the two could get ready. 

The first step being to peel off the face mask for Y/n so once they put the make up on their face for the costume it wouldn't be mixed with any bacteria and dirt. Which also was a pain in Y/n's ass to feel the mask pulling at their skin. And how Nines didn't seem to care much, instead. Resulting in him snatching off the mask piece by piece.

"You asshole! You're doing that on purpose!" Y/n barked. They reached up to punch Nines in his chest. But was interrupted by him snagging at the mask on their face once again. Placing the pieces in a trash can he took from the kitchen. 

"It shouldn't hurt that bad, stop whining. Or else this will take much longer than needed." He finally spoke up. Y/n sneered slightly as they felt him tilt their head so he could get the rest of the god-forbidden mask that seemed to be glued to their skin. 

After finally getting the pieces peeled off and placed in the trash. Nines stood up to take the trash back to its original spot in the kitchen. Y/n rubbed at their face. The skin feeling somewhat smoother, her pores finally able to get air comfortably. 

"Okay. Happy? The horrible dreadful part, as you quoted, is out of the way." Nines said. As he spoke Y/n mumbled a 'fucking finally' - and stood up. 

"Okay, we have plenty of time, Oh my god, this is going to be fun. Okay!" Almost immediately, Nines saw the excited expression overtake their expression again. Watching as they grabbed one of the bags and tossed it over to Nines. 

"Get dressed. I'll come back in here when I'm done."

Y/n was surprised with how their costume came out. The idea in their mind wasn't as exciting as they once was thinking. But seeing the white knee length apron. Black dress shirt, the tattered jeans that were tucked into the dark rain boots showed that the costume was supposed to resemble some sort of butcher. A few things are missing here and there. But was still proud of how it came out. 

Deciding on going back in the living room to get the last back on the coffee table they remembered leaving on the table. Which contained the makeup and fake blood for the costumes...which of course was supposed to be added last. 

Walking down the hall and into the living room. Which was empty, in which Y/n didn't seem to take surprise. Thinking Nines went off somewhere in the house(such as the bathroom) , go get dressed. They didn't bother calling out for him. Instead, picking up the bag on the table to look through it. Seeing the many items in the bag, having a hard time choosing what to use first, they stared at the back in contemplation. Unaware of the sauntering figure that was creeping up behind them.

Deciding on finding it to be best, wait for Nines to come back and help with choosing what happens next. They places the bag on the table once again. They turned around to go and look for Nines. Only to quickly pause in their movement upon seeing the figure behind them Y/n jumped slightly. Their calves hit the coffee table. 

It was Nines, dressed in the costume, the black apron tied to his waist tightly, instead of a dress shirt that Y/n sported, Nines had on a black turtleneck, which really fit with the costume. Y/n could see the chains wrapped around his wrist, the sound of the metal clanking against each other. 

They saw the pig mask, the one Y/n picked out because Y/n found it oddly suiting Nines. The boar's head seemed pretty realistic, the blemishes and red markings on the facial area wavered Y/n's sense of security. They could barely see his eyes through the mask...where the eyes are of course.

"Jeez. You scared me there for a second." Y/n mumbled. 

But, Nines didn't say anything. The feeling of his form towering over Y/n, made them realize how some suspects the two brought in everyday had to face his wrath in an interrogation...or just a simple ass kicking. From what Y/n remembers. Nines never lost in a single fight. 

"Is this your way in trying to scare me? If so. It's not working." They let out a chuckle, which was half-heartedly. Nines - instead of replying. Let out a grunt. Which Y/n could deem animalistic. Y/n flinched. Shooting him a glare in a way to get him to knock off whatever he was pulling. 

"The hell? Did you growl at me?" They spat. Instead of - once again. Not replying. Nines turned around to walk off down the hall where the bathroom was located. 

"Where are you going?" They asks. There was no reply. Only the sound of the chains clanking against each other and the squeaking of the rainboots answered them question. 

"..." Y/n felt their eyebrow twitch. Almost a second letter. Nines came back out the hall. Looking the same, except holding the boars mask in his hand, which he didn't seem to have any interest in wearing. 

"Dude, what the hell?" 

Nines looked at Y/n. His LED flickering to yellow almost instantly. He raised an eyebrow; "is there a problem?" He asks. Y/n scrunched their nose up and nodded. 

"Uh, yeah. You were just out here - not even a minute ago. You just walked off. Not to mention, growled at me." They answered. Y/n saw the LED on Nines temple slowly circled to the stark red, his eyebrows furrowed. 

"I was in the bathroom all this time." He said. Y/n only gave him a blank expression. Which only remsebled an expression that they didn't believe what he said. 

"I was--"

"Anyway. Come on. Let's put this last bit of stuff on so we can leave."

-

"You're getting blood everywhere." Nines informed. Watching as Y/n drove down the ride they tried sitting themselves in the seat comfortably so the fake blood on the apron wouldn't smear on the car seat. It would be a pain to get it out. 

"I know that, Nines. Shut up, pighead. Besides, it's not even real." They muttered. Nines lifted the corner of his lip in a way to sneer. 

"Hilarious. I almost forgot to laugh at that one."

"You forget to laugh everyday." They quickly shot back. Nines only rubbed his temple with a sigh. "You truly are a mess." He sighs. Y/n laughed, keeping their eyes on the road. 

"You're damn right, a hot mess. Trust me. Tonight will be fun! Don't worry, really!" Nines didn't reply. Instead watched the road and the many buildings that passed by. His gray optics flickered over to Y/n. Spending an entire day with his partner did have its ups and downs. But it wasn't as life-threatening as he thought it would be. 

"So. Are you enjoying yourself so far? You know. Being costume twins and all. I think it's fun." Y/n asked. Nines tapped his index finger in his knee. 

"Rather childish. But if it can get you to stop quiping me about dressing up with you. I guess this won't be too bad." He responds. Hearing Y/n tap the wheel with their fingers. 

"Thanks for doing this with me, really. Maybe tonight you and I can go and get something to eat."

"I don't eat."

"....I mean. You could at least act like you do. Like jeez, what the hell." They muttered. Once again, complaining. Mumbling about. "Just stuff the food in your mouth and spit it out. Make it seem like you can or something--"

"Alright--okay. I'll take you out to dinner tonight. Is that what you wanted to hear?" Nines finally spoke up. Interrupting her from her charades of complaining. Almost quickly, a smile replaced their frown. 

"Yes, sir. That's exactly what I want to hear. You. Nines. My partner. Taking me to get dinner." They quipped. Nines glanced at them. Shaking his head slowly. 

"Holy shit!" Gavin stared at the two. Watching as Nines was busy behind Y/n speaking to Hank from behind the boar's mask. A smile graced Hank's lips. His hands on his hips. He didn't dress as anything like the majority of the people did. Instead...well...showing up in his casual clothes. 

"Wow. Next year. Me and you and dressing up together." Gavin nudged Y/n's shoulder. Causing them to chuckle. 

"I mean. I was going around the office asking people. And they either were dressing up as something already, or were dressing up as something already. Same thing. I know." They grinned, already knowing what Gavin was about to say. 

"You didn't ask me you little shit!"

"Oops?"

Gavin rolled his eyes. Swatting his hands in a way to shoo the conversation away. "Nines look terrifying as hell." He looked over at their partner who was still speaking with Hank. Y/n nods. 

"I'm not surprised. You're scared of everything." She said. Gavin shot her a look. 

"Hey, plastic-prick. Over here!" Gavin snaps his fingers. Y/n saw Nines look away from Hank. And over to Gavin. Hank looked over as well. Nines walked over to the two. Once in earshot he turned his head away from Y/n to look at Gavin. 

"Yes?" He asks. Gavin flicked the boar's snout.

"Sup." 

"I don't know what I expected wasting my time walking over here." Nines muttered. Gavin laughs. Almost immediately, Nines jumped towards Gavin. Which also startled Y/n. The two shrieked at the sudden action from Nines. Hearing Hank laugh in the background was what pulled Gavin from his pose. Which he moved to grip Y/n's shoulder. In a pose like he was hiding behind them.

"You Jackass!" Gavin shouts. Hank howled with laughter. Walking over to give Nines a pat on the back. 

"Good one!" 

Y/n felt their heartbeat in their chest like drums. They couldn't find an exact reason why they got jumpy. Letting out a sigh as they placed a hand on their chest. Hearing Gavin bicker in the background along the lines of "I'll fucking end you!"

Meanwhile, Y/n stared across the street. Which had a good view of an alleyway. Seeing two figures facing each other. Once being noticeably shorter than the other.  The short figure...which the two really resemble the silhouette from the lack of light in the area (considering the sun had set) the short figure seemed to be pointing its finger at the taller figure's chest. From the body movements the person seemed to be angry. As on the other hand the taller figure - standing still and stiff as a plank just stood there. 

Y/n watched for a few more moments. Whatever commotion they were hearing on their side of the street was muffled to them.

Soon, the short figure head turned towards the direction Y/n was in - across the street. Which the taller figure took notice of. The two stared at them. The tall figure seemed to tap its leg. Causing the short figure the scurry off somewhere in the shadows of the alleyway. 

Raising a hand. The tall figure that was left in the alleyway waved. Y/n furrowed their eyebrows. 

Who the hell was that?

"Y/n! Come on, get your ass in here before you freeze!" Y/n heard Hank shout from the door. Y/n quickly snapped from their clouded reality. Looking at Hank who was holding the door open. Shoot a gaze back at the alley, only to see nothing. 

-

"And I said. Give me my shit. Or I'll put a foot up your ass." Gavin said. The booth that was placed in the back of the room, either chuckled, laughed or said commented on his story. Which was Chris. 

"Honestly. I wouldn't be too surprised if she got a restraining order on your crazy ass." Chris chuckled. Gavin only shot him a large grin. Chris's wife smiled at the two. Shaking their head. The majority of the party dressed up. Either it being werewolves, vampires, zombies. It was something...despite the fact that one of the officers came with a macaroni box. 

The booth sat, Connor, Hank, Nines, Y/n, Gavin, Chris and his wife. Drinks were passed, and also laughs. (Will except from Nines of course)

The night was smooth. And not to mention fun. 

Y/n, still kept tethering back and forth from the odd altercation at home with Nines. And from what they saw in the alleyway. 

Nines sat next to them. Listening to Gavin speak. On and on. 

"So. Are you two still together or not?" Chris asked. Gavin's and his significant other had...somewhat of a toxic relationship. Constant fighting, either it be verbal or...from what Gavin didn't want to admit. But it was obvious. Physical. From both parties. But, Y/n never really intervened. It wasn't their business. So they didn't care much about it. Though the stories were funny. 

Digging into their pockets in search of their phone. They didn't feel it. Taking note they must have left it outside in the car. 

"I'll be right back. I have to go get my phone."

-

Sitting in the driver's seat. Y/n checked to see if the device was at a proper percentage. She closed the car door and sighed. Scrolling through it sees nothing new. They turned around to face the building to return. They stopped and looked up. Seeing a figure by the light pole in front of them The figure had the same costume as Y/n. The apron. The boots. Pants. Looking up they saw...the same face. It was Y/n!

The dark circles under the eyes were much noticeable. The blue surgical mask covered the lower half of the person's face. But Y/n wasn't stupid. They saw themself many times in the mirror to tell who it was. And every strand of hair on the person's head. Could tell that certainly was Y/n. 

The e/c eyes stared at Y/n's form. Boring into their face. A feeling they similarly got only from Nines.  But the gaze coming from..them, made Y/n freeze.

Staring at the person. It was like an exact replica, a doppelganger. 

Y/n could hear the sounds coming from the person. A muffled purr of some sort, scuffling shoes. It couldn't seem to stand still.

"...who are you--" Y/n was cut off by the doppelganger launching itself towards them - gripping the side of their face. It's nails digging into their skin. Y/n let out a surprised scream. Hearing the strained grumbles and grows coming from the thing on top of them.

Y/n felt themself land on the ground. The concrete knocking the wind from their body. Y/n was more surprised than scared. Of course they had many hand to hand combat on the field. But this didn't feel right at all.

Acting quick and raising an arm to shove off the doppelganger. Switching sides as they were now on top of the person, straddling it by the hips, Y/n felt it shift and swing an arm. Y/n quickly backed off of the person in an attempt to not get hit. It had a knife. Making it clear that it was meaning to harm Y/n. Y/n quickly backpedaled and stood up.  The sound of their huffing and puffing. And both of their shoes scuffling on the pavement. The person stood up. Shaking itself as if to remove the dirt that collected on its shirt from the pavement.

"Y/n. What's ta-"

"Okay, so Nines! There's some weird shit going on!" Y/n jogged over to the door that Nines held open. He was now staring at Y/n's doppelganger who quickly had stood up staring at the two. Once it made eye contact with Nines. It seemed to stop in its former actions and stare, before scurrying away down the sidewalk. 

"Who was that? What's going on?" He asks. Y/n shoved Nines into the building as he spoke. 

"I don't know! But we have to do something!" She shouts. The LED on Nines temple was flickering from red to yellow. Y/n was already making their way towards the booth. 

"Hank. You would not believe this. But I just got attacked by my own self. We need to find out what's going on." Y/n interrupted whatever conversation he was having with the group at the table. Connor was the first to look over. 

"Yourself?"

"Yes! Now come on. This is serious." Hank could tell whether or not Y/n was joking or not. Which...truly wasn't that hard to tell if they were. He stood up from the booth, luckily he was seated on the outside. 

"What's going on?" 

Nines soon made his way over to the table. 

"I was attacked by someone who looked exactly like me. Which, that can explain what happened earlier today. But! I have a crazy ass doppelganger!"

"Oh Christ." Hank muttered. Crossing his arms and looking at Y/n and then at Nines. And back at Y/n.

Gavin soon stood up.

"Oh, I have to see this." He spoke up. Hank ignored the man and looked back at Y/n. "Where did you last see this person."

"When I was outside. It attacked me--"

"The hell? Did you go after them?"

"No. They ran away before I can even do anything." Hank nods. Snapping his finger and pointing towards the exit.

"To the car. Let's go. Connor. Come on." Connor stoop up and stood next to Hank.

"Looks like we got some searching to do."