#also catching the night train back tomorrow and I don't look forward to how little sleep I'll get with two nights in a row :((

[ifindus]

The Nordics have had a long and complicated love affair with each other, which is why things like SuFin SuNor DenNor work so well. But what about DenSu? Can that work?

Absolutely! I don't see why not that could be equally as possible as the other pairings you mention. Personally, I'll always think of the Scandinavian trio as brothers / more brotherly bonds, but if you enjoy them as romantic interests they all have potential for relationships.

Sweden and Denmark have been closely connected to each other throughout history and are geographically closer than Denmark and Norway. There has always been tension between them as the two major powers in Northern Europe during the middle ages, and they are the two contires in the world with the most battles fought betweeen them. They do give off a bit of France/England vibe in that department, but it's closer and more personal because their heritages are so similar and connected to each others'. There is obvious drama regarding the Kalmar union as well, and the mellowing out in more modern times with closer collaborations as very good friends.

[vabthehobbit]

The Gardener

Summary: You ask your husband if you can bring another man into your relationship just to try something new. Just a one night thing.

What happens when it doesn't go as planned and you both find yourselves falling for your neighbor's gardener?

Ch. 1: The Talk

Warning: minors, do not interact. This is a fanfic that is not suitable for those underage.

Ch. 2 Ch.3

"So," you say as you cross your knees and train your eyes on your husband's electric blue ones, "what are your thoughts?"

Erwin Smith didn't answer right away. No, he was a smart man; he had to think this through before he can give you one. His pupils dilate as he opens his mouth to respond. 

"Well, given the circumstances, I'd say that you have to give me time to think about this," his tongue darts out to wet his lower lip. 

"I totally understand," you say as your heart jumps in your chest. You bounce the leg that connects to the ground and you lean in. "Does that mean you'll really consider it?" You fight to keep the excitement out of your voice. 

Erwin lets the corner of his mouth quirk up in a smirk. He doesn't mean to do this to you all the time, he just likes the dramatics. So he gets up from his seat, his eyes never leaving yours. 

In fact, it was you who broke contact. You let your eyes slide to the chair your husband just left, your heart thundering in your chest. You felt anxious when he made you wait. You did not want to be as hopeful as you were, but that is because you knew where this is going to end. 

In the corner of your eye, you can see his shoes as he walks towards you and you try to swallow to coat your dry mouth. He stops right as he gets to you and stands there a moment, really laying on the tension in the air. You gulp as he kneels in front of you, raises his hand up to grasp your chin between his fingers and makes you look up. 

Your eyes dilate as he leans in to press his lips against yours firmly before flicking his tongue over your lower lip to ask for entrance. 

You obey the silent command and he presses his tongue into your mouth and explores it before gently sucking the wet muscle. You let out a whine as you grab for his hair, your slender fingers carding through the silky strands. 

Erwin Smith is also a little shit and likes to tease you. Before you can drag his lips back to yours, he pulls away, a strand of saliva connecting your mouths. His pupils are blown wide and he is staring directly into your soul with the devils twinkle in his eyes. 

"Give me the night and we will discuss this tomorrow over breakfast at Levi's, okay?" His eyes grow soft when you nod your head, your eyes shinning with an excitement that reminds him why he fell in love with you. He lowers his lips back to yours, the hand on your face slides down to grab your neck and yanks you forward. 

"Now, while I'm not a jealous man," his tongue darts out to lick the outer shell of your ear, sending tingles down your spine, "I am a man of honor. You're going to have to convince me to go along with your plan."

Your breath catches in your throat at his words, your cunt clenching at nothing, sending a flood of arousal to soak your panties and run down your thighs. You don't object when he scoots back and stands up, the hand holding your throat bringing you with him. The way he quirks his eyebrow told you all that you need. 

You sink to your knees while keeping eye contact. Your hands instantly work open the buckle of his belt and you use your teeth to seductively pull down the zipper of his pants. He was a sight to look at when you tease him before giving him head. 

His signature blush dusts his high cheekbones, but his eyes stay dark and strict. He brings his other hand to fist through your hair and yanks you back so that he can meet your eyes. You can feel your wetness through your own pants with how beautiful and powerful he looks standing above you like that. 

"No teasing, doll," he growls. "I want you to give me something in return for even thinking about asking to have a threesome. I want you to show me how much you deserve that reward."

He loosens his hold on your hair and retracts his arms to pull off his belt in one fluid motion. Not long after throwing it to the ground with a thump, he hooks his fingers under the hem of his pants and boxers, sliding them down until they rest on his thick meaty thighs. His dick slaps his shirt as it gets released, heavy and hard. 

His cock stood at attention, large and proud. Precum beading at the head and dribbling down to the carpet. Your eyes trail each vein and you lick your lips in anticipation. You lean in to take the head into your mouth, your tongue swirling around the thickness. 

With primal growl, Erwin fists the back of your hair again and shoves your head down onto his cock until your nose hits his pubic bone. You are only given a second to adjust before his hips are slapping against your face as you gag, saliva pooling down your chin. You relax your throat to make it better for him to use your mouth. 

"Look at me, doll," the blond almost coos. "Want to see your tears as you choke on me baby."

The need to rut against something was intense. You need friction. A whine escapes your throat. 

"Such a needy doll, needing more than just your husband to satisfy you. You're even willing to let me face fuck you for it," he eyes your throat as his dick imprints the column of your neck. He surely did love the way you look, taking him like this. Tears pooling in the corners of your eyes, face red and lewd as you slurp him down like you were a starving woman. 

If you look up the word sin in the dictionary, he is sure that your face would be the picture beside it. It is a picture perfect moment. 

You rut against the air, more desire pooling through your thighs. The words he utters are complete sin to your ears. He knows exactly how you think and how you want. 

You want to please him. You want to show him how much he means to you. You also want to make this so good that he has no choice but to reward you with the threesome. So you suck as if your life depends on it. 

His face is red and sweaty from thrusting into your warm cavern. You swear you see his eyes roll to the back of his head as you hollow your cheeks and pleasure him. You moan around his cock, your tongue flicking out to swirl around him. 

"Mm, just like that, doll, fuck, just like that," he pants, clutching your hair tighter as he fucks into your mouth at a faster pace. His end is nearing. You feel his cock swelling as he stutters into your mouth. 

"I'm gonna- gonna come and you're gonna swallow all of it. Got it, doll?" His voice is a low growl as he makes sure you look at him. 

You nod as his hips slam into you three more times before he holds you all the way down on his dick and shoots hot spurts of cum into your mouth and down your throat. You swallow it in two gulps as some floods out and pools down your chin. 

"Good girl," he pants as he slides out of you. You gasp and pant, trying to catch your breath. 

You whine when you realize that he is pulling his clothes back on and completely ignores your needs. 

He heads to the sink in the kitchen to wet a hand towel before walking back to clean you up. He smiles when he sees your fingers inching towards your needy cunt. 

"Ah, ah," he warns, bending down to swat your hand away. "You don't get to cum until I make my decision. Be a good girl for me, okay?"

"Yes, sir." You whine. You should have saw this coming. You knew he could be a cruel man. 

"Don't pout. Have patience," you could hear the lightness to his tone. He cleans you up as he continues to speak. "I'll have an answer for you tomorrow. Let's go get in the shower, yeah?"

"How about you get me off?" You groan, burying your head into his chest. 

He only chuckles as he picks you up and takes you to shower. 

Yes, Erwin Smith is a little shit. 

[alecxaheart]

Someone's Someone | Bang Chan Oneshot (1)

✎ Genre : CEO AU, Soulmate AU, Fluff

✎ Pairings : Bang Chan X Reader

✎ Word Count : 3.5k words

✎ Synopsis : We all just wanna be someone's someone that we can't live without. At this time, Chan was looking for his. And unexpectedly, he was already tied down to someone.

✎ Warnings : Explicit Language

✎. . . I actually just played my songs on shuffle then Monsta X's Someone's Someone played so.. yeah, I'm inspired. Also, this is my first post in tumblr btw. :)

✎ Parts : 1 , 2

The relaxing sounds of nature enveloped him as a whole. His shoulders less tense and eyes closed as he sat on the cooled sand, facing the burning star and calm waters ahead. Seagulls could be heard in the distance as they caught themselves a dinner to eat. The refreshing cool wind hit his body, slightly making him shiver for a second. Waves, created by the sea and wind, kisses the shore repeatedly. For once, he was far away from worries, stress, fears and regrets. Just him, contented with the company of nature.

As he fluttered his eyes open, he was met with a stunning view of the sun meeting the ocean. The ocean reflecting the sun's visuals as well as the sky above it. Even though the reflection was blurry, it's still pleasing to the eye. Just perfectly imperfect.

However in his opinion, it wasn't stunning as it seems. This secret escapade paradise of his doesn't quite appeal to him yet. A missing piece that could be anywhere on this wide world. That thought kind of bothers him every time.

Sighing, he figured that it was time to go back. He slipped onto his slippers and headed out of his escapade paradise with a head hung low. Hopping on an enormous boulder that happened to break the wired fence and fixated there, having easier access to and from the place than climbing over the fence.

With a last glance towards his escapade, he knew he'll be coming back and that next time will be the scenery he's been looking for, hopefully.

Frustrated with the task at hand, Chan ran his fingers through his blonde locks as he leaned back on his chair and head facing upwards toward the ceiling. Taking a brief break from a whole 6 hours straight of writing and staring at the monitor. Followed by him grabbing his coffee and taking a sip, eyes boring on the monitor. He was just half finished with his paperworks at the time of nightfall, which made him more in distress and felt crammed.

His eyes then wandered around his office, landing onto the view of the opposite building of his company in the end. Where he could see the workers of the Marketing Department bidding their goodbyes to one another, closing the lights and exiting the room. Oh, how much he too wanted to leave and rest right at this moment. Although his belief of 'getting things done before going into slumber' is preventing him to do so (even though he already got a lot of things done). With a sigh, he faced back in front of his monitor and papers, determined to get everything done before tomorrow starts.

" Sunbae-nim, aren't you coming with us? We're having dinner at the Chicken & Barbecue restaurant just a block away from here. " Seungmin asked, grabbing his suitcase below his desk. You leaned back on your chair while stretching your cramping arms and a yawn escaping your mouth.

" As much as I want to, Seungmin, I can't, " You started, rubbing your temples to ease your aching head. " Because our new boss literally gave me 5 thick documents to finish before tomorrow morning without any mercy. And that's just bullshit. I don't even think I'm halfway through it! " Seungmin replied with a chuckle to your short rant, an amused expression written on his soft face. You were having another small mental breakdown as you stared at your unfinished pile of work, feeling your soul escape your body.

" I think you're overreacting. "

" Well, what if I am?! "

Laughing, Seungmin leans his side on your cubicle, looking over at your messy desk filled with sticky notes, papers and pens. " I don't think it's that much. You're lucky that your boss isn't here to hear any of your complaints, " He muttered as he took a peek at one of your documents. You scoffed, not my fault that I'm not as good as you.

" Hear what? "

Frantically, you immediately hide yourself behind your cubicle and pretend that you were focusing on your work. On the other hand, Seungmin casually brushed his navy blue coat with his palms and lifted himself off from the cubicle. Making it all seem like nothing happened.

" Oh, it's nothing, Ms. Ka- " Seungmin paused as he met the owner of the voice who wasn't the person they were expecting to be there. " M-Mr. Bang?! " He stuttered, eyes widened at the blonde headed CEO. Seeing in the corner of your eyes, Seungmin bowed ninety degrees at him as a sign of respect. Even with his heated glare on you, you continued your work like no CEO even entered. Thanks to your cute height, for sure you wouldn't be spotted.

" What are you doing here? Working hours are done. "

Seungmin stood straight and scratched the back of his head. Curiosity slowly arose in you as seconds passed - since you've never met a CEO called by your colleague as ' Mr. Bang ' - although as much as possible, you didn't let go out of hand and kept your focus on the documents silently. The least thing you wanted to happen to you right now is get caught by one of the company's CEO. " I was about to head out, Mr. Bang, " Finding an excuse, he pulled up his sleeve to check the time on his wristwatch. " Uhm.. Yeah, I'm late for dinner. Sorry, Mr. Bang, I have to leave right now. Have an great night! "

With a last bow to the CEO, Seungmin dashed his way out of the building, leaving you alone with your work. The blonde head noticed how the room was still lit up despite it being unoccupied, which he thought. Heading to the switches, everything around you darkened. The only source of light you had was the monitor, and Chan caught it in the corner of his eye.

" Is someone still there? " His voice, catching a bit of foreign accent with it, echoed in the hushed area.

Baffled as he approached that light with a few slow strides, you freaked out mentally. Swiftly but silently, you left your chair and hid yourself underneath the desk next to yours. As he neared your cubicle, you held your breath, slowly starting to feel lightheaded. You don't know what are the consequences if you get caught after working hours since you're still kind of new - got hired just 5 months ago. Dumb you overthink random shit first before even going to the thing called 'common sense' and the rules you heard just goes in one ear then out on the other.

The moment Chan was about to reach your cubicle and take a glance to his right, the sound of marimba playing a soft tune echoed in the room. Stopping in his tracks, he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket and grabbed it, swiping to the right to answer the call. You let out a hushed yet shaky sigh of relief, your shoulders less tense than a while ago. In your mind played a chant, thanking whoever was your savior.

Chan narrowed his eyes at the back of your cubicle while his phone is still pressed against his ear, listening to the person on the other line's complaints. " I'm on my way. Don't do anything stupid, " Not too soon you hear heels clacking against the polished marble tiles, the noise fainting as he left the room.

It took you a good couple of seconds to get out of your hiding spot (since you had to catch your breath and calm your heart down from the thrill), slightly shaking your whole body first before heading back to your seat and continuing your pile of work. Mentally groaning at yourself.

Oh. My. Gosh. These. Eyebags.

Is the first thing you thought as you looked at yourself in the mirror. The cause of it appearing badly because you obviously lacked sleep. All due to the time allotted for slumber was consumed by finishing your 5 thick documents that will be passed this morning. You could've cared less if today wasn't a work day, which fortunately for you it was still work day and these damn documents aren't gonna pass themselves to your boss this instant.

Fumbling around in your bag, you found your makeup kit and started fixing yourself. A little bit of touch ups here and there, just a little to look like it's still more natural than a lot to look like a plastic doll barbie.

Once satisfied, you smiled sweetly at yourself just to start your day nicely and exit your household. While walking on your way to the train station, incoherent mumbling leaves your mouth. A train of thoughts clouding you about your worries if you've left something important behind. In all honesty despite of your current good looks, you look stupid or crazy for talking to yourself in public. Well, at least you aren't as worse as someone yelling nonsense.

" I have all my files, identification card, phone, wallet, pocket knife 'cause anything could happen, keys- " you paused as soon as you misplaced your shoes at the edge of the last stair, falling forward. Luckily for you, you caught yourself and regained your balance. Wide eyed, you saw a kid, a giddy smile plastered on his face as he saw your commotion with a lollipop in hand. You felt embarrassed but laughed it off anyway, a light tint of pink decorating your cheeks.

You rushed towards the gates as soon as you realized the time with the card in between your fingers. Three beeps emitted from the machine when the gates opened after you placed the card on the scanner. With a few more strides, you caught up to your train ride as it was about to leave. You sighed in relief and sat down on a vacant bench, head automatically leaning back on the window. Your eyes boring at the ceiling while taking steady breaths after your short marathon on the way.

On the other hand, across you sat Chan. His right leg crossed over the other while scrolling through his phone. He wore a button up shirt, the first two still unbuttoned revealing more of his chest. His navy blue tie hung loose around his neck while his coat is still folded around his arm. His slacks were the same color as his tie and coat and wore black pointed shoes to finish the statement of his overall clothing. Blonde hair locks were scattered around his face but still managed to look stunning and attractive.

You haven't noticed his presence, so did he to you, and the fact that you both don't know each others' appearance even though you go to the same company just adds to the reason for you two's ignorance to one another's existence.

You got yourself to go back to slumber comfortably in your current position although you know when you wake up, you'll be greeted by your neck aching. Hopefully you don't miss your stop while gaining more sleep. The train swaying you lightly from time to time that you found quite relaxing, like a cradle rocking back and forth lightly to put a baby to sleep.

A child was running around the train with a joyful smile, giggling. He only stopped in his tracks when he reached in between you and Chan. His eyes glowed like there were stars decorated around his chocolate brown pupil when he eyed you two. Looking around, he spotted a roll of red thread underneath your bench and grabbed it. He thought it was just right.

With you being the closest, he starts to tie the thread around your pinky finger. You were too tired to even feel his small cold fingers run around your fingers nor the string tighten around it. Once done, he smiled to himself, his dimples appearing on either side of his cheeks and eyes forming into small crescents.

He left your side and skipped over in front of Chan, who was now too deep in thought as he gazed outside the window and his phone tucked in his pocket. Holding the other end of the thread, he wrapped it around Chan's thumb. Chan's body shook in surprise as he felt cold fingers ghosting above his hand and averted his attention to the child. He saw him knotting the red string tightly, strange that he barely even feels the string tightened around his thumb. " What are you doing? " he questioned although the child only responded with a bright smile, followed by a giggle.

The child turned and ran away from him, more giggles leaving his lips. Chan stood up and tried to chase him. But stopped as soon as he saw the child in the distance, dissolving into little particles in thin air and completely vanished in his sight. In disbelief, he rubbed his eyes and looked for the child around his area. Thinking that he was out of his mind, he sighed in defeat. There's no way anyone could do that in reality. It's either I'm insane or living in a fantasy or a chosen one blessed to see ghosts. Maybe, all of the above.

Chan looked down on his thumb, following where the other end lead to. Then, he spotted your sleeping beauty state, the other end attached to your pinky finger. With the sun rising in the horizon, a ray of gold-like light shines through the window, casting a shadow on you. And he thought you looked mesmerizing like that, peaceful and lovely. At least he wasn't tied up with a bitch or a hag.

Your eyes slowly fluttered open as the sun shined upon you. Squinting at its brightness, you raised a hand above your eyes to see more, only finding a red string wrapped around your pinky finger. You examined it, wondering what prank is anyone even planning and why did it have to involve you out of all people. Before anything stupid could happen, you attempted to loose the knot, ignoring the curiosity for a while of where the other end was. Looping and tugging it, even tried to chomp on it with your teeth, but all attempts failed. Well, that's until you gave up, untying it was impossible, unbelievably there's a knot that couldn't be untied. Sounded like marriage when you think about it, but there's the annulment and divorce ruining the picture.

Tearing your gaze at the string, you caught a pair of bewitching dark brown eyes staring back at you. In that particular moment, everything just froze in place. Time has stopped just for the two of you, you thought.

You felt your heart melting, probably from the warmth emitting in your body or from the warmth his eyes give off as you saw little sparks decorating the pupil. Unfamiliar light feathers tickling the insides of your stomach is what you felt other than the heat and that thawing heart of yours. Your mind knew it well that you shouldn't feel this way towards someone who you just met but your body and heart reacted so differently. There's just something about him that made you feel so exposed and vulnerable in his eyes that you couldn't come up with a possible answer to your 'why's.

Both of you didn't notice how seconds turned into minutes, too lost into one another's orbs. That was until the train stopped, causing Chan to break the eye contact and lose his balance. Before his hands made contact on the metal floor, he took a step forward in order to regain his balance which he successfully did. A small chuckle left your lips, eyes turning into crescents as you saw the commotion. He narrowed his eyes at you as the train was back in motion.

Chan fixed his clothes first before asking, " Who are you? ". Grabbing the pole next to him to prevent him from falling again on the next stop.

" Shouldn't I be asking you that as well? " You replied with a gummy smile, which quickly faded when you remembered what's the problem.

" What is this on my finger and why is it connected to yours? What kind of trickery is anyone pulling? Why am I involved in this? " You kept firing questions at him while he stayed there unbothered. Unlike you who did some more attempts to remove the thread, silly you even tried aggressively shaking your hand in hopes of making it a little loose. But no prevail happened once again.

" Just get rid of it. I didn't want this too, you know. " Chan taps his foot impatiently as he eyed your useless attempts.

" I am trying! " You exaggerated. Deciding to bring out the best tool you have for the situation in hand, your hands fumbling in your bag. Once you felt the cool metal on your fingertips, you brought it out and flipped it open.

Chan's eyes widened at the sight of the pocket knife in your palms. " You carry that on a daily basis? Are you insane? "

You rolled your eyes in annoyance. " It's not insane when it's used for self-defense purposes. I'm too nice to be the murderer you're assuming, " You replied, head throbbing as things aren't going well with the charming blonde.

He responded just before the blade and thread were in contact, starting with a scoff. " Yeah sure, nice. Anyone can wear that façade anywhere. "

" You know what, " You started as you withdrew the pocket knife back and glared at him afterwards, pissed off. " You deal with this shit yourself, I'm done with my part and I could care less about this red thread anyway. You look like you don't need any of my help 'cause you look fancier than me and it seems like you're not taking any gratitude towards my kindness. Damn these crazy rich people. " You threw the tool towards his direction and looked away from him, arms crossed. Chan instinctively caught it without getting any cuts despite the fact it's closed, his eyes burning through your figure in fury.

" If I actually got wounded instead from your little stunt, I would've sued you this instant, " He growled, only to be ignored by you.

Irritated by your sudden change of attitude, Chan flipped it open and skillfully ran the blade through the string. Only for it to just fall through like the string never existed, ghost-like perhaps. " It's not cutting, what the hell, " Chan muttered under his breath as he tried a few more times again.

"It's just a string, how could a- " You spoke as you turned your head back to his direction, only to be cutted off as you witnessed the unusual. Mouth a little bit agape in disbelief. The thread didn't fall apart even while the blade was just sitting in between of it on air. Maybe that explains why you could barely even feel the thread wrapped securely around your finger. You could tell that this stunning blonde head was just as puzzled as you were.

" Sir, if you're having any problems that includes this woman, we can sort it out. Just withdraw the knife first please, " a man suddenly blurted out, his voice a little bit shaky. That's when you realized the commotion you both have caused, everyone around you two took steps back away. All had fear in their eyes.

" Wait, you don't see the thread we're trying to cut? " Chan questioned, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. At that, he was more misunderstood.

" There's no thread..? " With that, it got the two of us surprised. Is the crazy one here them, who couldn't see this string, or us, who could?

Chan tried to explain our situation thoroughly but when he was about to speak up, out of the blue, a voice spoke in the speakers. " Please mind the gap, " You immediately grabbed his arm, carried his belongings and dragged him out of the train. Leaving its passengers confused as they eyed us. They might be thinking that you two are idiots.

The doors just shut a second later when you two got out. You felt a bit suffocated for an unknown reason, your hand reaching for your chest where you could feel your heart beating. Panting, you shoved Chan's belongings into his chest. " Are you alright? " He asked as he tried to place a hand on your back, the least thing he could do to comfort you.

But his hand only stopped in mid-air when you took your last deep breath, replying. " Let's just part ways here, " Saying those words felt a bit disheartening at some point, yet you chose to disregard it.

You walked forwards, while Chan stayed in his position, wearing his coat and fixing his tie. Although, something stopped you. As in you couldn't go forwards as much as you force to. Well when you did force yourself, it only tugged Chan towards you. Turning around, he was already eyeing you. " What was that for?! "

Glaring at the thread, you thought out loud, " Is this string telling me, it can only stretch itself approximately at 7 meters?! "

Continue

[harmonizingsunsets]

I'd Rather Go Blind & Let My Body Go Numb Than To Lose You Or The Weight Of Your Love

Prompt: Jealousy and all its cousins. Fanart Credit here.

Read on Archive here.

Anthony never thought he'd be the kind of husband who needs to know where his wife is at every moment of every day.

(To be fair, he never thought about being a husband much at all until the season he'd pursued Edwina only to fall maddeningly in love with Kate).

But here he is, sitting on the couch with his feet drumming loudly against the floor, staring intensely at the door.

On the table beside the couch sits a cup of tea, cold and untouched. Anthony had someone from the kitchens prepare it for him, but his nerves made him unable to stomach anything.

Anthony looks a mess. He'd been raking his hands through his hair for the past two hours. He'd also slapped his cheeks once or twice to stay awake.

His jacket lay discarded and wrinkled on the ground near the door. He feels guilty, knowing one of the maids would have to press it. However, he can't gather the desire to move from the couch and retrieve it. 

Instead, he's glued to the couch as he considers where Kate is. A hundred different scenarios run through his mind—each scenario worse than the last.

For the past month, Kate has been disappearing at night. He hears her footsteps tiptoeing past his study when he stays up to work. He feels the weight from her side of the bed lessen as she stands and departs from their bedroom when she thinks he's fallen asleep.

At first, Anthony questioned her about it. Kate would always make up an excuse about needing fresh air or going to see Edwina. But he knows her well enough to know when she's lying.

However, Anthony hadn't ever called Kate out on her deceit. He feared the truth, especially how it might crush him to hear it.

But he couldn't take the not knowing anymore. So when he heard the door close after Kate told him five minutes prior that she was retiring to bed, he made his way towards the front of the house. Anthony watched at the window as a carriage rode away. A hole had formed in his stomach, making him feel hollow. He then sat down on the couch so he could catch her when she returned.

Finally, after what felt like ages passed, he hears footsteps approaching the door. He quickly jumps up from the couch and makes his way to the foyer. When Kate steps through the door, her eyes widen.

"Anthony!" she exclaims in surprise, putting a hand to her chest to steady her breath. "You're up late."

"So are you," Anthony says, crossing his arms and blocking her way.

"I was only walking around to get some fresh air."

Anthony raises a brow. "Really, for two hours?"

Her eyes shift anxiously from his stare. "Has it really been that long?"

"Yes," he answers through gritted teeth, anger rising within him.

"Oh well, it was such a lovely night the time got away from me." Kate stands on her toes, kissing him quickly on the cheek. "Sorry for worrying you."

As she tries to retreat, Anthony's hand lurches out to grab her elbow, pulling her back to face him.

"I've had enough, Kate," he sighs tiredly. "Where were you?"

"I just told you, I was—."

"You've been going out for fresh air at odd hours of the day for the past month. You'd think you'd have your fill by now."

Kate fidgets. "Well, it hasn't just been out to get fresh air. I've been attending engagements. I have a life outside you and this household, you know."

"Oh, I know that, but your engagements don't usually take place after dark and don't require you sneaking out of the house to attend."

"Darling, everything is fine," Kate says, pulling her arm out of his reach and giving him a nervous smile. "You've probably been working too hard. Let's go to bed."

As she tries to walk away again, Anthony pulls her back. But this time, he holds onto both of her arms, forcing her to meet his eye.

"Kate, I know you—perhaps more than you know yourself, and I know when you're lying to me," he says, his voice turning softer—more fragile. It's as if he's a vase that could shatter at any moment. "What I don't know is why."

"I promise that what I have been going out and doing is not anything scandalous or dangerous." After letting out a long breath, a laugh bubbles from her throat in amusement. "Honestly, where I've been going to is nothing to fret over. You're acting as if I'm having an affair or something."

Anthony's heart sinks in his chest. No matter how ridiculous the prospect sounds, he can't help but whisper the question that's been plaguing his mind these past few weeks.

"Are you?"

Kate's mouth falls open, her face paling. "Anthony, how could you think that?"

"It's the only explanation I can think of," he says, stepping away from her and beginning to pace. "It explains why you've been coming back so late and being so evasive these past few weeks."

"Anthony—."

His legs go weak at the affection in her voice. Anthony falls to his knees in front of her and takes hold of her hands.

"Just tell me, Kate, I cannot bear it," Anthony says, hating the way his voice wavers. "I cannot bear the thought of you finding pleasure in someone else's arms. I cannot bear you leaving our bed because you'd rather be in another's. I cannot bear the idea of someone else touching you, loving you, or kissing you."

He brushes his lips against Kate's knuckles, causing her breath to hitch. Anthony pulls his lips away, but just so his fingertips can swirl circles on her palm. When his thumb skims over her pulse, he feels her heartbeat quicken.

"Most of all, I cannot bear the thought of you loving someone else." Anthony swallows thickly, feeling a lump forming in his throat. "I'd die right now if you told me all of this was true."

Anthony has always feared time. He used to compulsively reach into his pocket to grasp his father's watch. Each time a hand on the clock ticked forward, he felt as if an ounce of his soul got sucked away.

But since Kate came into his life, that fear has dissipated. Suddenly, he didn't spend each moment of his life calculating how much time he had left. Instead, Anthony began counting things other than seconds.

He counts the number of Kate's smiles. He counts the number of laughs they share next to one another at the table surrounded by his family. Anthony counts the number of kisses that were slow, stirring an aching feeling in his chest. He also counts each hungry and passionate kiss that sets every inch of his skin aflame.

Most of all, Anthony counts how many times he's lost count around her. He gets lost in the timeless and wonderful enigma that is Kate Sharma.

Anthony feels that fear of time creeping up on him again. But now, he's not afraid of time passing and leading to his demise. Instead, he's terrified that Kate's time of loving him has run out. Maybe, she's found a more deserving man to spend the minutes with than him.

When Anthony braves a glance up at Kate, he expects to see pity. But instead, he's surprised to see an entirely different emotion reflected in her eyes.

Love.

Pure, unconditional, steadfast love.

Kate gets down to her knees in front of him. But she doesn't let go of his hands, holding them tighter.

"None of that is true, Anthony," she says firmly. "I love you, have only loved you, and will only love you."

Her words release a breath of relief from him. But, he still can't help doubting this, not knowing how else to explain her odd disappearances.

Kate must sense his train of thoughts. She smiles gently, moving one of her hands up to graze his cheek.

"I love you so much that I've been waking up in the middle of the night so I can give you the perfect present."

Anthony blinks in confusion, feeling the room that had been spinning become still.

"What?"

Kate laughs, and she rests her forehead against his. "Do you know what tomorrow is?"

It hits Anthony like a whip. All the clues that he'd gathered up to form a horrible conclusion were, in fact, clues that lead to a more justifiable and pleasant one.

"Our anniversary," he answers dumbly.

"Yes," she nods, her face beaming with a giddy kind of delight. Anthony feels lucky that he gets to see it. Her expressions are free without restraint only when she's comfortable with someone. He's glad to be one of those treasured few. "We've made it a year, can you believe it? It seems like only yesterday, I was stepping on your toes at a ball, and you acted like a madman when I got stung by a bee."

Anthony frowns, his forehead creasing. "I did not act like a madman."

"You did, but it led us to where we are now," Kate says, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. "Married and happy."

"I'd like to think it would've happened with the bee or not."

"I'm not sure. You were quite thick-headed about how in love with me you were."

"Oh, I'm the thick-headed one?" he scoffs. "After the night you fell in love with me, you gave your approval for me to marry your sister. How thick-headed is that?"

"Well, I didn't think you'd ever feel that way about me," Kate defends, rolling her eyes. "But I know very well now that you do. You show me with every kind word, every touch, every…" her words drift, cheeks reddening, "Well, you know."

Anthony smirks. "No, I do not know. Please elaborate on everything I do to you that gives you pleasure in vivid detail."

"You're insufferable," she grumbles and puts her hands on her hips. "I have a good mind not to tell you the true reason for my disappearing and keep you stewing in jealousy."

"I don't think you'd like the result of my increased jealousy."

"I don't know, your scowl was fierce, and the fire in your eyes was quite the sight," Kate teases, tracing her thumb over his furrowed brows. "Very becoming, actually."

Anthony stands and pulls her up with him, leading her to the couch. "Why have you been disappearing?"

"As I said, our anniversary is tomorrow, and I was getting your gift ready," she explains. "It's almost midnight. Perhaps I can give it to you a little bit early. I had one of the servants waiting outside for my return. They came in through the back entrance and have already snuck it into your study to reveal as a surprise for tomorrow."

"How sinister of you, plotting with our staff against me."

"Nothing sinister about it. I asked, and they agreed to help me. Unlike you, they think I'm perfectly agreeable."

"Obviously, they don't know you well enough to fear the wicked inner workings of your mind as I do."

Kate stands, gracefully sticking out her tongue and making him laugh. Anthony follows her down the hall into his study. She makes him close his eyes. He feels like a fool, stumbling into the room with Kate chuckling behind him. But, he feels guilty for thinking Kate could ever be unfaithful and indulges her wishes.

He waits for a few moments, hearing her moving something across the floor, before he asks, "Can I open my eyes now?"

"Alright, you bloody impatient man, open your eyes."

As Anthony takes his hands away from his eyes, his heart stops in his chest. He gawks at the painting on a canvas stand in front of him.

"Kate," he utters breathlessly.

Kate chews on her bottom lip, hesitantly watching him observe the painting—no, "painting" doesn't seem like the right word for what it is.

It's a masterpiece, an almost perfect depiction of Kate.

The artist captured the exact fraction that Kate's lips tilt up when she smiles in amusement. Anthony often sees that expression pointed towards him when they're engaged in one of their bantering matches. The color of her brown eyes is just as deep in the painting. They're full of so much that Anthony still wants to explore even after a year of marriage.

In the portrait, Kate's shoulders are bare, the sleeves resting low on her arm. The bottom of the picture shows the scarlet bodice of her dress. But the most alluring part is how the brown curls of her hair flow freely down her neck, cascading like a waterfall.

Anthony has a strong distaste for her bonnets and how society demands she wears her hair up in public. Anthony loves running his fingers through her hair, which probably is why she posed for the painting with it down. That minx knew it would stir a feeling within him that no one else but her has been able to elicit.

"I hired Sir Granville to paint it," Kate blurts out, nervous from how long he's remained silent. "I wanted him to paint it in a private setting because it's a bit…."

"Breathtaking," Anthony answers.

"I was going to say suggestive, but breathtaking is a good adjective," Kate grins bashfully. She steps towards him, her eyes glowing through the dim light of the room. "It's a portrait for your eyes only, no one else's."

Anthony ducks his head. "I'm sorry that I thought you were...I just—."

"Foolishly got jealous of a person who doesn't exist? Yes, yes, you did."

He runs his fingers against the frame of the painting. "I have a mind to hang this in the common area, so everyone can see how lucky I am."

Kate's eyebrows snap together. "You wouldn't dare."

"Oh, wouldn't I?" he asks playfully.

"It might encourage some men to meet the woman behind the painting," Kate notes with a mischievous glint in her eyes, pretending to consider his proposal. "Who am I to oppose admirers?"

Anthony's smirk fades. "You wouldn't dare."

"Ah, there's that handsome scowl," Kate points at him in triumph.

He swoops forward, his arms going around her waist. "You're maddening."

Kate's smile widens as she looks up at him, looping her hands around his neck. "You love it."

"You're right. I do love you. And, I love this portrait," Anthony adds, bobbing his head towards the painting. "Perhaps I should hang it in here. It can serve as a reminder of what's waiting for me when I finish my work."

She leans up a bit on her toes, her hands traveling lower down his back. "You know, I could come down to your study to remind you."

Anthony begins moving his hands as well. As they skim up her body, brushing her breast, he relishes in the sound of her moan. Anthony leans closer, pressing kisses down her neck until he gets to just the right spot. Kate's fingers curl tighter onto his back as his lips apply pressure there, and her body gravitates further against him.

"You're far too distracting," Anthony murmurs against her skin. "Perhaps, the portrait is too dangerous to be in here. I'd get nothing done."

"Exactly." She leans her face back a margin, so Anthony can see that enchanting tilt of her lips the artist depicted. "Why do you think I commissioned the painting in the first place?"

"To torture me?"

"All is fair in love and war," Kate says, grinning at him. "And hasn't our relationship always been a bit of both?"

In response, Anthony kisses her deeply and thoroughly. The sound of his pocket watch ticking starts to fade away. It gets replaced with the sound of his heart, which beats for Kate more than himself these days.

[annaphoenix1994]

Masterlist Here:

Prison Montage

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018

"This is so funny..." John, who was referred to as Big John by his younger sister, chuckled from the doorframe of Mia's bathroom. 

"What's funny? My new patient is the same one whose house you're remodeling?" Mia arched her brow at her older brother. 

"Something like that," He nodded. "We should have the house completely done by next week." 

"Well, you and John have done a good job on it, but it's just so weird how small of a world this is. I'm just not looking forward to the drive, though." 

"How far away was it again?" Big John furrowed his brow, tilting his head. 

"Right at a hundred and fifty miles. I'll be staying in a hotel for the night and I'll come back sometime tomorrow afternoon. I'm supposed to have a session with him once a week for two weeks, then I'll be seeing him for three days while his primary doctor has him for the rest of the week." She explained, combing her fingers through her hair. 

"Ah, it's too bad Little John won't be able to see you before you leave." He chuckled, referring to his partner whom was also staying temporarily with her in her small townhouse in Haddonfield. 

"I know, but tell him I love him and I'll see you two tomorrow. I don't know when I'll leave, but I'll text you and maybe we can catch lunch?" 

"Sounds good. Be careful, Sissy." 

Starting her two-hour drive to Smith's Grove, she put the directions into her GPS to ensure an accurate arrival time to tell Dr. Sartain as she was due to start her new session at noon the same day.

"Ms. Harris, so nice to see you!" Dr. Sartain greeted as he had been waiting for her arrival at the security guard's shack. 

"Likewise, Dr. Sartain. Where should I park?" 

"Go straight ahead and take a left. That's employee parking. I'll meet you in my office." 

"Sounds good." 

Taking a few calming breaths, she felt intimidated for the first time in a long time. She felt goosebumps erect on her forearms after forcing herself to browse through Michael's file, stopping at the second page as she wanted to meet him and examine him blindly, hoping to fill in the cracks later on through her studies on him by reading his file. 

COMPLETELY MUTE; RESTRAINTS 24/7

EXTREMELY DANGEROUS; AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL REQUIRED

Closing his file, she forced the folder into her bag, refusing to look into his file further. To her understanding, the less she knew, the better the outcome. Stepping out from her car, she took her time walking towards the sanitarium. Meeting Dr. Sartain in his office, she chose to leave her blank notebook and bag in his office, choosing to take an alternate route towards her new patient. "Are you nervous?" He asked her as they were slowly approaching the heavy iron door that enclosed Michael himself. 

"No," She shook her head, glancing briefly at the short train of inmates being led to the lunch hall, each of them bound at their ankles and wrists, each of them treated like prisoners instead of patients, most of them mumbling their own vocabulary only they could understand. 'I haven't even been here an hour and I feel like I'm going crazy...' She thought. "It's just a lot to take in." 

"I understand. Do you mind if I accompany you for your first visit? I don't want anything to happen." 

"Sure," She sighed lowly. "I doubt anything will happen." 

"Don't be so sure, Ms. Michael is very smart." Dr. Sartain warned. 

"Exactly. If he's smart, he wouldn't do anything to land him more trouble." 

Nodding his head hesitantly at her answer, he fidgeted with his keys briefly before finding the one to unlock Michael's cell door. Instantly, the room smelled of ivory soap and glue. 'Glue?' 

White walls enclosed the now-old man, only seeing his backside as he continued to stare into his own world outside his window as the walls around him were decorated in hand-made masks. 'That explains the glue smell...' 

"Michael?" Dr. Sartain cooed, sounding like a father awakening his child in the early morning to dress for school. "Michael? You have someone here to see you that I'd like you to meet." 

Michael turned his head slightly to the right, looking over his shoulder to acknowledge the invading space in his cell. In his perspective, Mia was something new to him. He hadn't been within a ten-foot distance with a female in forty-years, since his last killing spree in nineteen seventy-eight. Naturally to Michael, Mia's presence was arousing to him, but not in a sexual sense. He had lacked the natural comfort and mother-like acts from a female and almost immediately, just for a split second, he wanted her. Just her. 

Either to kill her.

Or to become attached.

Forcing the thought from his mind, he returned to his animal-like instinct of wanting nothing but rage, thriving from the chase of the kill.

"Michael? This is Mia. She will be seeing you once a week for a little bit. Are you okay with that?" 

"I think I got this, thank you." Mia nodded, asking him to leave with her eyes.

Without a word further, Mia established her own boundary within herself, which is to not push her limits, especially with Michael.

[downwiththemutantnjnjaturtles]

Vulnerable [chapt. 1/2]

[2012 Leo x reader]

Based off of a request from an Anon: "A reader who is good at archery?" and the art is in fact mine, signature in the corner.

Leonardo grimaced as he walked. On his bad leg he still limped a bit, but he no longer was so dependent on his crutches. Every step was a twinge of pain in his knee, but he continued, bow in hand and looking for prey. The rest of the team was back at the farmhouse—he wanted to do this alone. He needed to do something. For himself and everyone else. 

He crept along the forest floor, senses hyper-aware of all of the things around him, as with his injured leg, he felt vulnerable. He jumped when a bird shot out of a tree nearby with another one hot on its tail feathers. When had he become so easy to start? Of course, as a ninja, he was trained to be skeptical. Aware. But he'd never felt so jumpy as he did after coming out of his coma, his throat wrecked and his knee in just as bad a condition. He took in a deep breath, then released it. Focus. 

He definitely felt like he was being watched. He was in a sea of trees and bush, wandering and out of his element, having come from the city. It was such a jarring change to have been struck down in a construction site on that frightening day, only to wake up three months later in a quaint farmhouse outside of New York City. His stomach churned slightly recalling what he could remember from his encounter with the Shredder and the wave after wave of Foot Bots. The cold rain, and their mortal enemy's imposing figure stood above him before going in for the kill. He shook himself of those thoughts—not now. Today was sunny. He had to look around him for a second as if to assure that there was light shrouding everything. That there were no shadows to hide in. Shifting his footing, his knee suddenly jerked forward and sent a shot up pain up his leg. He had to resist making noise, but in that moment, a shudder ran down his spine. The sheer pain, he remembered, of the Shredder's blades catching his neck. The trauma to his knee. He didn't know when he'd started breathing heavily, still and partially leaning on his bow. When would he ever be able to recall that day without it shaking him so deeply? Would the memories hit him during his next and inevitable meeting with Shredder? 

But he couldn't think about that now, not as he heard rustling in the brush ahead of him. He stilled. Crouching, he took to the large trunk of an oak and hid behind it, peering around the corner to catch a glimpse of what he was hearing. It sounded big; likely a deer. As long as he didn't engage with a buck and his fearsome rack of antlers, he would be okay. His knee ached as he kneeled there. No sudden movements, he reminded himself. 

He looked around the side of the tree and saw it. A tall, proud buck and his air of regality, eating from a plant and seemingly unaware of Leo's presence. This was his chance to make himself useful. To stick it to his cursed leg that he wouldn't let it stop him. 

Rising as slowly and quietly as he could, he lifted his bow and drew an arrow. He had to find the perfect moment. But he also couldn't wait too long, otherwise he would lose the animal. The buck paused his meal and looked up, smelling the air. He ducked back behind the tree when it actually turned its head toward him, almost as if in acknowledgement. But deer's eyes didn't face forwards—if it were looking for a threat, it would have turned its head. Ignoring that detail, Leo knew it would get his scent quickly, so there was not much time to waste as he aimed, shooting for something vital. The buck stiffened, readying to bound off. He was just about to let loose the arrow when he blinked, and suddenly, there was nothing. The buck was gone, the clearing was empty, and he was extremely confused. He stood up, letting down his bow as he stepped out from behind the tree and looked around him. It had been there one moment, gone the next. 

He jolted when a twig snapped behind him. He spun around, arrow ready to fire. Standing only but a few feet away was the large creature looking down at him, and in his surprise, Leo hesitated. He wasn't sure what to do beside lower his weapon, eyes fixated on the impressive antlers the buck donned. Those could deliver a fierce blow. 

He was backing away, opting to ditch the effort and try again another time, because the animal was certainly strong. And not with his bad leg could he defend himself as much as he would have liked—but unnaturally fast, the buck charged forward anyway. Heart pumping, Leo gasped and drew his arrow, trying to get a clear shot on the animal as it vanished around him, disappearing behind trees, reappearing elsewhere, running at him from every which way. He let out a loud grunt when he was struck in the abdomen by it, disoriented and trying to gain his footing. He tried to dodge the oncoming attack, but his knee buckled, and he fell to the ground against the mossy trunk of a massive tree. His bow was dropped elsewhere. In a last resort, he swiped his knife from his belt, eyes flitting about. He expected another blow from the strange animal, but nothing came. He was left in shock sitting there as he regained his composure, only noticing the buck out of the corner of his eye one last time. 

He watched it, brow ridge furrowed intensely as he got up and snatched his bow from the ground. The buck only stared back, his reaching presence making an imprint in Leo's mind. He knew then that there was something else to this. He had no idea, not even a clue, of where to start with it. But the creature sauntered further into the trees, disappearing into the thicket. 

"What was that?" he muttered to himself, unable to look away from where he'd last seen it. 

He returned to the farmhouse later that night, meeting you at the front porch when he dragged himself up there. His knee was irritated to all hell from the exertion, and you could tell, too; he favored his good leg when he stepped, wincing as he came over. It was then that you noticed he looked a little more rough than you'd originally thought. 

"Leo?" you said, meeting him at the stairs. He tried to give you a smile, but it was obvious he was absolutely beat, his leg was hurting, and overall, not in a good way. "Are you okay? What happened out there?" 

You helped him up the steps with an arm around him, supporting his heavy weight as he made his way into the house. He groaned, a little shameful, "I got attacked by a...deer."

He left his bow and quiver at the door. A deer? You gave him a questioning look, and he continued, "Yeah, a deer. Like with the antlers. It came at me when it realized I was there. I've never seen something move so fast." 

You were going to help him to the couch, but he shrugged your arm off with a sheepish smile, getting there himself. You sat down next to him. "So, an angry buck?" you asked. He nodded. "Weird...it's not mating season. Usually, they aren't so aggressive." 

"Well, this one was," he said, "and I know this is going to sound weird, but…" 

He knew it would be hard to explain why he suspected this was something otherworldly, due to the teleporting. He'd seen it clearly with his own two eyes. Still, it was just as confusing to him to think about as it would have been for you to hear.

"Wait, how do you know that?" he inquired. He looked over at you, blue eyes falling on yours. 

You chuckled, "My dad was into hunting, so I picked up some stuff as a kid. You learn that pretty early on; the antlers on those things can really tear you up. Though...you're lucky for having natural armor." Gesturing toward his bow and arrow, you bumped his shoulder with your own. "I'd say I'm good with one of those." 

Leo quirked his brow, curious for you to go on. He didn't doubt your statement one bit; he'd seen how you watched him practice, how sometimes, he'd catch you idly running your hand along the curves of the bow. "How good would you say you are?" 

Grinning, you padded across the room and got his bow, drawing back the string experimentally. It had been a while. You threw a glance back at him over your shoulder. "Fairly," you replied, setting it down. "I think my parents started me out when I was twelve or so. With one of those kiddie bows, the ones that are easy to pull back? I'm no master, but maybe...I could come out and help you next time? I don't think any of us should be going out alone, anyway, especially you with your…"

He noticed your eyes had fallen on his injured leg. 

"Uh, hold on. I'm not an invalid, [y/n]." 

He didn't want to be snappish, but the last part irked him a little. He could handle himself out there. How well he could was a different story, but nonetheless, he felt weirdly infantile hearing that. It should have been him telling you that and offering to help, not the other way around. 

Damn his leg. 

Still, he knew he had to swallow his pride, for now. He really was in no shape to be wandering the woods on his own. He also noticed that it was a great opportunity to bond with you more without everyone around to overanalyze it. 

"You know, I...I appreciate it. I know you're just trying to help." He tried to hide the disappointment he was feeling with himself, but it was easily replaced by more positive prospects. He hadn't ever spent that much time with you alone, as they were always going, going, going. The farmhouse and surrounding woods was a slow change of pace—a good change of pace. But even then, he still couldn't always get away from everyone else, especially Mikey and Casey. "What do you say we go out tomorrow?" 

You nodded, "I say it's a date!" 

"Y–yeah," He laughed, looking down at the floor. "It's a...yeah. I'm going to go to bed now. Goodnight, [y/n]." 

"Night," you said as he headed up the stairs. 

Mind on the kitchen for a drink before you went to bed yourself, you were slightly surprised to see April there, leaning against the counter with a curious smile on her face. "Oh, hey, April," you mumbled, reaching past her for a glass. 

"Hey," she cooed, "so, a date, huh?" A knowing grin crossed her face, along with that twinkle in her eye she got any time something like this came up. 

Face beginning to flush, you chuckled awkwardly as you filled up your glass from the tap. "Uh, it's more like a...it's not really a date. I just said that. For some reason. We're gonna go out into the woods and scope it out for a little bit." You glanced out of the corner of your eye and saw her sat at the kitchen table, patting the chair next to her. A date? Like that? No. In fact, he was likely offended to some degree that you even proposed helping him out. Not with how sensitive he was about his knee, lately, which was a hindrance to him. But you wanted to help, that's what friends were for. And maybe spending some time away from the antics of his brothers and Casey wasn't such a bad idea, either…

You were going to slip out of the kitchen, but April was set on getting the details. "Come on, girl talk!" she said, low enough so no one else would hear, but you could hear the excitement in her voice. "Did he get embarrassed? Oh, what about bringing lunch? Like a picnic, in the woods," she suggested, clasping her hands. "Quiet, away from you-know-who. It would be nice!" 

"Okay, okay, slow down there," you said. You took a seat next to her and looked behind you into the living room to make sure there wasn't anyone there, then added, "You see, I don't know for sure…" 

...if Leo felt the same way. There was a hunch, but that wouldn't do—you couldn't go off of a mere inkling, lest you ruin good friendship turning things weird. You liked him. How obvious it was, you didn't know, but you never tried to show it on purpose. 

April noticed the uncertainty of your expression and put her hand on yours in your lap. She could feel your hesitance over the subject. "You're worried that he doesn't feel the same way about you," she stated softly. "Is that it?" 

"In short," you answered with a small shrug as you kept your gaze on the edge of the table. 

She tilted her head in thought, humming to herself. "Well, I think you should go for it, if that's how you feel." 

Looking up at her, you inquired, "What if it makes things awkward between us?" That was the last thing you wanted. 

"I think Leo might have a crush on you," she said finally. "Of course, I can't tell you definitely, but...it's just the vibe he gives me."

Your heart fluttered. April's intuition had always seemed pretty on point; you trusted her judgement more often than not. The question was, did you have the guts to come out with it to him, or would it be another time gone past? Hung up on her words, you blinked. "Do you think so?" you asked honestly. 

She nodded and gave a reassuring smile. "I won't pressure you, but I still think you'll have a great time. I can put together a basket, if you want. We don't have much besides sandwiches, though." April was considerate. It was easy to feel comfortable around her; she was a gentle soul outside of combat, and supportive of yours and everyone else's pursuits (so long as they weren't harmful.) Especially pursuits of love, when they weren't directed at herself. 

You thanked her as you got up, to which she replied that it was no problem. Leo's door was cracked slightly open, you'd found out when you passed by, and inside he was fast asleep. he tended to leave it ajar out of habit; he felt that he needed to be able to hear what was going on in the rest of the house in case something happened, paranoid of ambushes. The only time he wasn't conscious of his bad leg was when he was unconscious, and even then, you had a suspicion that he dreamed about it sometimes. Maybe even had nightmares. You recalled seeing him toss and turn one night while muttering incoherent things after he'd fallen asleep on the couch in the lounge, almost rolling off the side before you decided to wake him. Both the mental and physical wound was fresh at that time, so he panicked himself awake feeling your hand lightly shake his shoulder. He apologized as you tried to help him, instead taking his crutches and left by himself. 

But Leo seemed to be having good dreams, tonight. You stopped just for a moment to watch him through the ajar door, seeing that his face was not tense, he wasn't moving around, and looked to be more at peace than he had in a while. That was all you needed to know.

"He looks pretty calm right now," a voice, Raph's, commented out from the blue next to you. He was leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he watched his sleeping brother. "Last few nights were rough. Wonder what has him all peaceful all of a sudden."

You couldn't mistake Raph's unusually soft disposition, even if he talked as gruffly as always. "Does he have bad dreams about it often?" you questioned him. Both of you knew what you were talking about, the event in New York City that landed them all at the farmhouse to begin with. 

Sighing, he answered with a light scoff, "More like nightmares." For a second, you thought he was annoyed by you asking, but he continued, shaking his head. "This just…I can't stand seein' him like this. Not like this, this, but on those nights he gets nightmares, and the hobbling around…"

"It really sucks."

"Big time." 

A silence fell between the two of you, but it wasn't uncomfortable. You both bonding over your mutual care for Leo and his well-being, brought together by circumstance. Raph went to bed. You did, too, thinking all the way that Leo deserved a good day. A normal-as-could-be day. 

You'd take April up on that picnic idea, you decided. 

——————————————————————

a/n: yeahh i find it difficult to believe Leo wouldn't have some kind of lowkey trauma aside physical after his last encounter with Oroku Saki before the Farmhouse

[haikyuuwriting]

first of all, congrats on 5k!! That's a big achievement, hope you're doing well! Second of all, please do take care of yourself and don't overexert yourself when writing!! So now I'll move on to my request hehe. Can I request the living beside each other AU & reader sees Atsumu dancing in his room to his playlist he's blasting ((his songs are so varied and some are so weird but others are so güd??)) and his dancing is so dorky and one would not expect this of one of the most popular guy in sch!

au prompt: “We live next door to each other and I can see you through the window while you’re dancing to your iPod in your flannel pajamas and disheveled hair and God you’re a dork” AU.

thank you anon!!! I’m doing well and I hope you are too 💖 I am taking care of myself and I promise I won’t over exert myself you’re so sweet 😭 I hope you like this!!!

It had taken Y/N about a day to figure out they lived next to a hot pro volleyball player. They’re apartments were separated by an alleyway— but they were on the same floor and had windows facing each other, which is how Y/N realized he was their neighbor.

They both kept their blinds open during the day to let sunlight in, but Atsumu was never home. Y/N would wander by the window and peek out only to see a blank wall through the opposite window. Never anything exciting. The one time he was home and walked by the window Y/N almost had a heart attack because they’d thought he was a ghost.

After a while, though, once Y/N started staying up later into the night, the light across the apartment would flicker on, and Atsumu would stumble into his room in what looked like workout gear or sometimes his uniform, and collapse onto his bed. From Y/N’s perspective it looked like he just let himself fall to the ground — they hoped it was actually a bed he let himself fall onto. The window would remain illuminated for a while longer until the lights were shut off. It horrified Y/N that he didn’t close the bedroom window like they did, but everyone’s different, right?

On one hotter night, Y/N cracked the window open to let in a breeze and went back to work at their desk, taking short breaks to walk around the room so as to not ache so much from sitting. After the fifth time of doing so (they were getting a bit restless) Y/N realized they could hear music.

Carefully peeking outside of their own window to not be seen, their eyes traveled to the window across from theirs.

And there was Atsumu, his window wide open and letting the music he was playing escape outside into the night. He was wearing the most ridiculous pajamas; he was wearing his her sweet and flannel bottoms, his hair the fluffiest and messiest Y/N had ever seen. Y/N was used to sometimes catching a glimpse of him outside when they left for errands or even on TV. He looked like a totally different person right now.

For one, he’s dancing. He’s roaming around his room jumping up and down to the lyrics, shaking his shoulders to the beat, even singing along to the song. And the song— Y/N recognizes it as a popular girl group song. They have to admit, he has good taste.

When that song ends another quickly begins, and Y/N stays by the window, transfixed on watching their neighbor dance. It’s almost midnight, but a few lights in the other apartments are still on. Everyone else has their blinds and windows closed, though. So Y/N is the only one witnessing this spectacle.

Each time a new song starts playing, Y/N is quick to note how different they are from the last. They all vary in genre, and Atsumu changes his dancing accordingly, violently air guitaring to the punk songs and slowly swaying to the slower ones. From the rest of his outfit and appearance Y/N would guess he’s exhausted, but his dancing does not show this. He looks free, and the look on his face is far different than the small smirk he wears in interviews or the set expression when he’s rushing out of his apartment.

He stops for a second to take a drink of water, running his hands through his already messy hair. God he looks good. It should be illegal to look that good in pajamas—

Y/N freezes when he glances out the window and stares directly at her, mid chug of water. With a small shriek Y/N ducks, collapsing onto the floor in horror. They hear the sound of loud coughing from across the alleyway, and sputtered...laughter?

Y/N peeks out the windows again. Atsumu’s leaning just head outside of it, resting his arms against it to lean forward. He gives a small wave when Y/N straightens from their spot against their own window. Returning the wave, Y/N sheepishly smiles.

“Sorry for scaring you,” they say, just loud enough for him to hear. They aren’t too far from each other.

“S’okay,” Atsumu replies, that lazy grin not leaving his face. “Enjoy the show?”

“Hard not to, your dancing is so good,” Y/N laughs at his cheeky smile. “And your music taste, too! I didn’t picture you as a bubblegum pop kinda guy.”

Atsumu laughs, and the noise is so pleasant Y/N feels themselves getting chills. The smile on his face never wavers, and his eyes stay trained on Y/N as if they’re the only thing he’s ever looked at.

“I’ll take that as a compliment. I’m going to bed now, sorry for keeping you up.”

“Oh you weren’t!” Y/N quickly clarifies, waving their hands frantically. “I’m still up doing work, but I guess I should also turn in.”

Despite their proclamations of finally going to bed, they stay at the window. Y/N awkwardly avoids eye contact, wondering how Atsumu isn’t.

“Hey, wanna go out for coffee tomorrow?” Y/N almost hits their head against the window sill as they whirl their head to look at him again. He’s still smiling - does he ever stop? But it looks softer now, and Y/N realizes they just saw this man dance around his room for twenty minutes in pajamas. He’s nothing to be intimated by. This isn’t the same guy who could easily spike off their arms with one of his hits. Well, it was, but after seeing this other side of him Y/N wasn’t the least bit intimidated. And he was even more attractive after this, even if his music taste was a little odd.

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

masterlist | 5k blogiversary celebration

[veenussposts]

Mingi as a demigod (and your boyfriend)

Mingi was always a lazy person who found it difficult to be punctual and maintain an orderly lifestyle. However, he always did things well even if he had no idea what he was doing.

And things didn't change when he arrived at Camp Half-Blood, after trying to be killed by a minotaur as he walked back home.

After being claimed by his father, the God of war, Mingi continued with his same attitude as always and, unintentionally, quickly climbed into the hierarchy of his cabin. He was just good at fighting, he was honestly the best, even though he never had any training in the art of war.

He only had fun with Apollo's sons and daughters and yet no one was able to beat him in a battle. The laurel crown was his over a year ago and no one could take it away from him.

But everything changed when you arrived.

"Who is he?" Mingi asked one of his sisters who was observing all the commotion that was forming in the camp due to the arrival of a squad commanded by you.

"He is a roman demigod, one of the leaders of Camp Jupiter, the only child of Bellona the goddess of war, destruction and devastation"

"Uff, it's a very long and intimidating name for a boy. I bet he's not that good"

With determined and somewhat haughty steps, Mingi came towards you with his chin up to ask you to a duel. The warriors under your command looked at each others scared when they heard Mingi challenging you. What did you do? You laughed at him and then completely ignored him.

Or at least that's what Mingi believed because even though it didn't seem like it, you really paid attention to him. At a glance you realized that, after being rejected, that son of Ares made vibrate some swords while walking back to his cabin.

You had a slight suspicion of why that happened but there was only one way to check it.

It was a normal day after a chat with the director of the Greek camp, you were on the banks of the great lake meditating when you felt a familiar sensation in your stomach. Someone was watching you. With a single movement, you unsheathed your sword and threw it towards where your instincts told you.

"If this were a real fight you would already be dead" Your sword was pointed at his forehead as it floated in midair. With a single wave of your hand, your sword turned towards you and came back to its place.

"What... Ho-how did you do that? You... how did you manage to stop it before... and..."

"I didn't stop it, you did" Mingi's eyes widened, looking at you in surprise. "The weapons obey you, they will do whatever you tell them to do. You can even fight with them even if you don't have them in your hands"

"But my brothers cannot do that"

"That is because only a few are blessed with the gifts of their parents. Some children of Apollo can heal, others cannot. They are gifts that have to be used and I am willing to help you, son of Ares, even if it goes against my principles as a descendant of a Roman Goddess "

And that was how Mingi, dumbfounded by the way your tan skin shone in the sun's rays, agreed to train with you.

Things were going well, too well. Mingi was more powerful than you imagined and could follow your strict training without problems.

As the days passed, your stomach felt strange sensations and it wasn't your sixth sense. It was something else.

"Am I in love with a Greek demigod? Oh my Jupiter"

On the other hand, Mingi was totally in love with you. Every cell in his body went into ecstasy every morning when he saw you, he seemed to be flying through the clouds every time he saw you smile and the mere fact of listening to your compliments when he did something right blushed his cheeks.

"He is very cute"

"I think you are the only person in the world who thinks that he is cute. Brother, every time I look at him I feel like a deer being analyzed by its predator. He's scary"

"Yeah, that's one of his many charms. Ahh, he's magnificent"

Your swords collided, they withdrew and returned to find ways to outdo each other and catch up with their opponent. A slight whistle accompanied the movement of both, indicating the speed of your movements and your location.

"I'm sorry to inform you that this fight will be won by me" Mingi said as his eyes closely followed you.

"Don't sing victory yet, redhead"

Your swords collided again and both of you continued to dance across the training ground in a fight that never seemed likely to end because neither was ready to lose.

You, who at the time were leading the initiative, attacked while Mingi defended himself. He leaped back, accurately moved his hand, and one of his two swords, which he had previously lost in a counterattack against you, shot out at top speed. You barely had enough time to turn around and dodge the attack, consequently your opponent's weapon cut a piece of your purple cloak that was part of your armor.

"Well if this was a real fight you would already be dead" The cold metal of his weapon was leaning against your neck while a silly little smile was drawn on his lips as you stood up slowly. "Can I sing victory now?"

"I don't think so" The smile on his face faded when he saw out of the corner of his eye your great sword, pointed at him in midair. "I think you are dead"

"Yeah, but dead of love for you"

Your eyes widened like saucers and Mingi's hand that didn't hold the sword opened, letting it drop to the ground. His cheeks started to turn deep red like his hair as he tried to look anywhere but you.

Hell, he had screwed up. Surely you were going to reject him, surely you would laugh at...

"In that case... I guess I'm dead too" Before Mingi could understand your answer, your strong arms were around his waist, drawing him towards you. You were so close that you could smell the sweet scent of his cologne, your noses were rubbing against each other and your lips were only a few millimeters apart. "I... I also like you, too much for my liking but I couldn't help it"

Mingi leaned his head forward and kissed you, softly at first, and then with immense passion causing you to cling to him as if there was no tomorrow. His lips were caressing your trembling lips, sending shocks of electricity along your back, causing emotions that you had never thought you were capable of feeling.

Mingi almost went crazy when you confessed with a blush on your cheeks that he was your first boyfriend. For that reason, you weren't quite sure how to act in certain situations.

Despite being stoic, strict and not very good with words, Mingi knew that you loved him because your actions showed it. For example: the time you were training and it started to rain, without thinking twice you took off your cape to cover Mingi so he wouldn't catch a cold.

HE LOVES PLAYING WITH YOUR LONG HAIR. He could be brushing, stroking, or just playing with it all day.

"Just relax, I'll wash your hair for you"

He is capable of sending a sword flying to anyone who dares to speak ill of you.

"I'd fight the whole world for you and I don't care how cheesy that sounds"

Mingi says and does things on purpose to embarrass you for his own amusement such as calling you by cute nicknames in front of your legion or dancing while he was wearing your golden armor.

You haven't tell the others about your relationship but all the demigods in both camps know that your are a couple.

Gets giggle because of your existence and blushes when you kiss him.

The biggest cuddle bear ever.

When you had to leave Camp Half-Blood to return to Camp Jupiter Mingi did his best to keep you from leaving but, unfortunately, it was your duty and you had to leave. The first night without you he cried because he missed you.

Now, Mingi is only in Camp Half-Blood the summers, the rest of the days he lives in Camp Jupiter with you.

He sleeps on your chest because he says your skin is very soft and warm, he feels calm and protected in your arms.

"You're ridiculously comfortable"

His cellphone password is the date of your birthday and as a wallpaper he has a photo of you smiling after the daughters of Venus combed your hair in a large braid decorated with flowers.

Every summer at Camp Half-Blood, Mingi tells the new demigods how magnificent his boyfriend is, telling them that he is the most powerful person ever born, that perhaps you were the reincarnation of a hero like Hercules. Sometimes just to bother you, he tells you to go to the camp to sign autographs because everyone admires you but not as much as he does.

Worries about your safety 24/7.

"Zeus, I was very worried"

"It was just a reconnaissance mission, baby. There's nothing to worry about"

You never fight, you have a healthy and prosperous relationship, but sometimes when you have had a stressful day you ignore each other unintentionally.

In conclusion, just being with Mingi makes you happy. That redhead, son of Ares, has completely changed your life in a wonderful, magnificent and extraordinary way.

[kirishwima]

Could I get a Mysmes Highschool AU please? Including Jihyun and Saeran if you don't mind  (◍•ᴗ•◍)♡ ✧*。

yes!! this is such a cute idea~ for the sake of it let’s assume all of the mysme gang go to the same high school :D

YOOSUNG:

* He’s the kid that’s always friendly and bright when you approach him, but he’ll never come up to you first; he’ll always shout out a ‘good morning!’ when coming into the class each day, and he’ll have his own little raggedy friend group (that majorly consists of guys-he’s just too shy around girls!)

*People always say he’s nice and sweet but…that’s pretty much it. No one knows his favorite colour, what he wants to be when he grows up, if he gets along with his family…

*Well, MC decides to approach him-they’d always been friendly with him but at a distance, and something in his eye makes them want to bridge this gap between them.

*Turns out, he’s actually an absoloute sweetheart like everyone says, but he’s also so much more than that! He’s funny and bright, but beats himself up a lot-he’s a good student but lazy, and without someone to cheer him on and push him to keep up a scedhule he gets lost.

*So MC takes it upon themselves to convince him to have weekly study dates with him, rewarding themselves with cold sweet milkshakes after a job-well done; neither of them would admit it, but they’re absoloutely falling for eachother with each meeting.

*Yoosung would NEVER confess so-he’s so scared! All his friends at school tease him and ‘threaten’ to tell MC themselves if he doesn’t, but he just grumbles an excuse and leaves when they do-how could he possibly ruin this thing he has with MC because of his stupid feelings?

*Well, someone eventually spills the beans to MC because duh, it’s a high school, word gets around faster than you can say ‘pop quiz’-so MC takes it upon themselves to confess in their next study date.

*They don’t become the cutest couple at school or anything, but their friends are all very happy for them-and even teachers turn a blind eye if they catch Yoosung giving a quick kiss to MC during breaks, because well, that’s young love for ‘ya.

ZEN:

*Yes, yes, he’s the hottest guy in school (for this AU let’s say he never dropped out but he did leave his home, so he’s living on his own and works part time jobs and gets whatever acting gig he can whenever possible).

*He’s a bit of a…semi-deliquent? He’s the guy you’ll find smoking under the bleachers, be it cigarettes or weed, but he’s not a junkie nor a bully-he’s actually a very gentle and caring guy, smart too-he doesn’t study much but when exam season rolls around he tries his best to at least get semi-decent grades so he can have a good CV when looking for jobs later on.

*No one knows about his family situation-he’s kind yes, but he keeps everyone at a distance, scared of letting them get too close. 

*Jumin does know about Zen, mainly because Zen’s friends with V who’s the type of guy people just tell everything to-and Jumin tries to help Zen, often just by shoving money to Zen’s face which…really doesn’t help.

*Well, MC meets Zen once outside of school when they start working at the convinience store he also works at! They’d never talked to him at school-girls would constantly flock around him and fawn and whilst MC thought he’s attractive sure, they just never made the effort to talk to him.

*Turns out, he’s actually a hilarious guy with a temper-do NOT get him started on how much he hates ‘capitalist-loving pigs’ as he so calls them, and the curses he throws out whenever their manager isn’t looking are enough to make MC snort with laughter.

*They become fast friends, and whenever Zen sees MC at school he’ll wave and come their way to talk to them-which gets them both a lot of weird stares and glares. It’s not like anyone will come and bully MC for talking with Zen or anything, this isn’t the movies, but people are constantly asking how they know Zen, which they never grace with an answer-their extra-curricular activities are not something everyone should be privy to.

*One night they both work later than their shift ends, busy stocking up and running the monthly checks, and by the time they’re done it’s well past midnight-and they have school tomorrow.

*Zen offers MC to stay at his place for the night-he lives a five minute walk away from the store, and he’d hate to leave his friend alone to walk back home when there’s fewer buses and trains at this hour.

*So this is how MC discovers Zen lives alone-they don’t pry, but he tells them everything anyway, finally giving in and letting himself trust MC-and this is also how the two get together. 

*One minute they’re on Zen’s couch laughing over one thing or the other, the next they’re kissing, Zen’s hand cradling MC’s cheek.

*The next morning when they both go to school, MC wearing one of Zen’s t-shirts as an undershirt to their school uniform…well, let’s just say there’s a LOT of jealous people around lmao 

*(But still, no one dares say anything to MC-Zen is NOT known for his patience, and if anyone hurts his beloved then one glare from Zen is enough to send them to an early grave really)

JAEHEE:

*She’s the quiet kid-you know the one. She’s always buried in her books, sits in the front of the class (not by choice, not really-she just has bad eyesight lmao), her hair’s short because she thinks long hair’s a hassle, and has one or two superficial friends but that’s pretty much it.

*Well, one day she comes into class during a break only to find MC holding back tears as they look down at a book on their desk.

*Jaehee cautiously approaches and notices MC’s struggling with a math equation-one of the ones their teacher had assigned as homework, she reckons.

*With a soft smile she asks MC if they’d like Jaehee to sit with them-no ‘i can teach you’ or anything, she merely wants to sit beside them and cheer them on, and only offers her help if asked.

*And that’s how the two become friends. Jaehee’s not used to the affection MC shows them, how they’ll sit with them during breaks and bring them their favorite drink or snack from the cantine, how they’ll often invite them out after classes and wrap their hand around Jaehee’s shoudlers-she’ll never admit it but she was fast to develop a crush on MC, and her feelings terrify her.

*One day they’re at a park by MC’s place, sitting on the swings talking about their future. MC talks with bright eyes about all the plans they have after graduating, some completely absurd, others attainable with hard enough work and dedication.

* “What about you Jaehee? What do you want to do after graduating?” MC asks, their focus on Jaehee as they snap her out of her trance.

*What Jahee wants…? She thinks of her dream, the little coffee house with music and laughter, the smell of fresh grinded coffee beans and her behind the counter with an apron on and her hair long and tied into braids, how she’ll have regular customers she knows by name, how she’ll have someone she loves beside her-someone like MC-

* “I’ll just be an office worker I guess” she shrugs, avoiding MC’s bright gaze. That makes MC pout, getting off of the swing to sit in front of Jaehee on their knees, their hands on Jaehee’s lap, holding her own palms tight.

*MC tells Jaehee to think of what she truly wants, how she should never settle when she has dreams to follow and work on, how she owes her future to no one but herself-and maybe MC had more to say, but Jaehee will never know; for in that moment a surge of courage pushed them forward, leaning in and kissing MC mid-speech.

*They seperated quick enough, Jahee’s eyes wide, her mouth agape-would MC hate her now? Would they get up and leave? Would they-

* “That was wonderful” MC said with a grin, “but that doesn’t mean you’re excused from this conversation.”

*Anyway this is a long winded way of saying the two become the sweetest freaking couple their school has ever seen lmao

JUMIN:

*He’s…also a popular guy, but for all the opossite reasons than Zen.

*People say he’s cool and mysterious, handsome to boot and richer than the queen of england. There’s all sorts of rumors surrounding him that he never adresses, which only add fuel to the fire.

*Some girls even start calling him ‘Mr.Grey’ after *that* film comes out, which makes him really confused. He doesn’t even like the colour…? Has he ever worn a grey tie he doesn’t remember?

*Anyway, he’s secluded yes, and quiet, his only friend that’s by his side at all times being V, who’s honestly equal parts mysterious as he is handsome.

*The two emit an aura that makes them unapproachable, so people just…don’t try to get close to them, and that’s that.

*MC’s one of those people, until one day, their art teacher splits them into groups of three people to create a photography project-something about light or whatever, MC wasn’t really paying attention. They’d already turned their head towards their friends with a smile and a wink, knowing they’d spend their ‘study time’ playing and gossiping…

*….until their teacher announced they’d be seperating people into groups themselves. And lo and behold-MC had ended up in a group with Jumin-yes, just Jumin since their class was an odd number. Their teacher said they’d have more time than the others since they were only two, but there was no changing groups, that was their definite rule.

*So after class ended, MC timidly approached Jumin-who was…way more polite than they’d thought. He greeted them with a handshake of all things, and told them to meet him at his home that very same day in the afternoon to discuss their ‘plan of action’ as he called it.

*He was odd, that much was sure, but there was a sort of cuteness to his actions, like a child trying to imitate an adult.

*Well, going to his home was…an experience. It’s everything you see in the movies and more, from a massive gateway to bodyguards taking MC up to Jumin’s study hall, to a maid coming by to ask what the two would like to drink and eat.

*Jumin’s nice enough, albeit cold and distant, but there’s something about this whole situation that kept bothering MC. With a small frown they quietly asked “Jumin, are your parents home?”

*He seemed taken aback by the question, his facade fading momentarily before he schooled himself back into a neutral expression. “I only have a father, and no, he’s not home at the moment.”

*MC nodded. “You think he’ll be home soon?” they asked. Jumin seemed…irk at the question, his lips tugging downwards.

* “I’m not sure. He’s a busy man, it might be a few days before he returns home. Why do you ask?”

*Their next words shocked Jumin to hsi core, his eyes wide as he looked to the timid person across of him. 

* “It’s nothing I just…I’m worried you seem lonely.”

*Jumin never adressed the comment, merely carried on working on their plan for their art project, but it stuck with him-and it was in fact, the reason he allowed MC to slowly get closer to him.

*When they decided on what their project would be-the different ways sunlight hits trees from morning until evening, they set out on a camping trip that very same weekend, which showed MC a whole new side to Jumin-the man beneath the suits, the teenager who wore jeans and shirts, who knew how to light a fire with sticks, who was awed when he learnt what smore were and ate so many he gave himself a stomachache.

*That night in the forest as they awaited sunrise to take more pictures, Jumin poured his heart out to MC-his fears, his relationship with his father, how he worries he’ll grow up to be just like him, how he values family in a way his father doesn’t seem to share-and before he knew it he was resting his head on MC’s shoulder, their fingers intertwined just as their lives had become.

*His life would never be the same after meeting this person with their keen eyes and gentle heart.

SEVEN/SAEYOUNG/LUCIEL:

*Again, for the sake of this HC, we’ll assume Seven lives with Saeran and his mom who neglects them, and goes to the same high school as the rest of the RFA-he knows about hacking and does it as a part-time job to gather money, but he’s not an agent (yet..?)

*He’s a very weird guy-one moment he’s bright and cheerful and the next he’s solemn and cold, which doesn’t leave him with many friends, and even less people who actually care and want to find out what’s wrong, if he’s okay or needs any help.

*He’s often seen huddled with his twin-the two are practically inseperable, even though they’re in different classrooms, it’s rare to spot them away from each other druing break times, and they always seem to linger when school’s over, as if they dread going back home.

*Well, MC isn’t the type of person who’ll leave someone like that on their own. They’re concerned, no, more than that, they’re worried and need to know if Saeyoung’s alright, if he needs any help-there’s something about him that just puts them on edge, and they want to figure it out more than anything else.

*Well, trying to get close to Saeyoung is about as hard as Hercules’s trials; he’s friendly enough sure, sharing memes and joking about, but the moment a conversation becomes more serious he vanishes, finding some flimsy excuse to disappear before he needs to open up about anything. 

*But MC is relentless, and the more they learn about Saeyoung, every little bit of himself that he dares share-from his favorite colour (orange, he says, like the sunset), to his little quirks and habits (he bites his nails, he speaks so fast he stumbles over words, he’s genius to a fault but has a hard time reading-words seem to get jumbled up-), all the little things that make Saeyoung himself just swell up and fill MC’s heart and before they knew it-they’re in love.

*Saeyoung’s no fool, he knows MC likes him-and that makes him push them away all the more. Saeran notices his brothers conflicting emotions but says nothing, worried he’ll only make things worse.

*One day he snaps. MC confessed to him, and rather than saying ‘I don’t like you back’, he said ‘I can’t do this’, prodding a myriad of questions from MC.

* “Why? What is it you can’t do-Saeyoung, what are you hiding-”

* “Everything!” he yells-his hands are balled into fists, his back trembles, his eyes swell with tears; this person in front of him, the one he loves back, that’s so close yet so far-how can he drag them down into his own hell? “My family’s a fucking mess, my dad would rather have me dead, I’m barely surviving and-I’ve been doing fine, I’ve been coping but then you came along and put everything into your own unique chaos and-and I should push you away, I should I should but I can’t-”

*MC held him as he broke down in the empty school courtyard, his head resitng on their chest as he cried himself into fatigue. MC protected him from stray gazes of students finishing their EC activities, glared at whoever tried to approach them.

*They kissed his forehead, running their hands through his hair as he sighed at the action. “I’ll protect you Sae. Both you and Saeran, I promise-I’ll do everything I can to help you. No one will ever hurt you two. No one.”

SAERAN:

*Similar to Saeyoung, he’s a weird character, and one few people dare approach. He seems cold and distant, and unlike his brother doesn’t joke around even for pretense’s sake. He’s rumored to have beat up people more than once, some even saying he’s a hired mercenary, although that’s a fat stretch of a lie at best, and a malicious intent to spread gossip about Saeran at most.

*In truth-he’s none of those things. MC knows, because his gentle eyes had caught their attention since day one, and they’ve been noticing the little bits and pieces that make him the Saeran they bid as kind and gentle-how they’ll cower their head at loud noises, how he’ll trail his fingers over leaves and petals of the courtyards’ plants as he walks by-they even saw him watering them once, but were pretty sure he’s not in the gardening club-they were the head of that club after all.

*With that in mind, MC had eventually gathered up their courage and approached Saeran, who seemed frazzled at their sudden approach to his desk. They introduced themselves as the head of the gardening club and asked if he’d be interested in joining them with a bright grin.

*Saeran was wide eyed and tense, but never graced them with an answer-at that moment his twin brother Saeyoung came to the classroom’s door and called out to Saeran, who graciously took the chance to hop out of his seat and leave before MC could utter another word.

*Only then did MC notice they had caught the attention of the entire classroom, only when the twins left and the chatter returned in the room had they realised how quiet everyone had fallen when MC approached Saeran.

*That evening at the gardening club, MC was restless, their hands fiddling with the water hose they’d been using to water the trees around the garden. Had they been too straight-forward? Too intense? They only wanted to befriend the guy, not scare the heebie jeebies out of him….

*They were shaken out of their thoughts when a timid knock came to the door, a familiar pair of golden eyes looking to them with a furious blush on pale cheeks.

*Saeran stood there, his fists trembling. “Um-I’d-I want to join…?”

*MC hates to admit it, but they were so shocked they forgot they were holding an open wate hose-so they turned with such force and excitement they ended up losing control of the hose, dousing themselves with tons of water before a giggling club member turned it off and took it from their hands.

*Even soaking wet and cold, they merely shook water off of their hair as they waltzed to the door, extending a hand towards Saeran.

* “Welcome to the gardening club!” they cheered, and just like that-Saeran graced them with a small little smile that was enough to melt glaciers off of the North Pole.

V/JIHYUN:

*V is the epitomy of ‘gentle and handsome’. He’s the president of the class, firm yet gentle, his smile hiding a menace, each word calculated and cool.

*MC…they didn’t know how, but they knew this was a facade. They knew it. He was nice enough, never giving them a reason to think he’s not who he seems, but there was something twisting in their gut whenevr Jihyun smiled at them, something that said not all is as it seems.

*In the next class elections-Jihyun had been elected president once again, and surprisingly, MC had been elected vice president, which meant they’d be working closely with Jihyun, having to frequently meet him after class to discuss plans and class budgets.

*For their first meeting, he suggested MC comes to his place, since it was the closest one from school, and he had the necessary materials there already since he’d been class president plenty times before already.

*Seeing Jihyun outside of school, at home-seeing him greet his father with cold hard eyes, that gave MC the confirmation they needed-that Jihyun isn’t all that he seems to be.

*As they silently worked on the class budget, MC saw something in the numbers that made them frown.

* “Um, Jihyun-don’t you think our budget for art supplies is really low? Surely we can increase it a bit no?” they asked.

*Jihyun looked up from his papers with wide eyes, his facade cracking before he laughed, rubbing at his eyes as MC stared on in confusion.

* “I’m sorry, it was mean of me to laugh-but increase the budget for art? It’s such a useless thing-there’s no need for it. Besides, no one’s complained about it before.”

* That only made MC’s confusion grow, their frown deepening. Jihyun must’ve caught on as he moved his hand across the table to gently rest over MC’s knuckles.

* “Don’t worry too much about it-if we see there’s an increased demand for it, wihch I doubt, we’ll cut a bit from the rest of the supplies and icrease that. Okay?”

* MC nodded, but remained cautious. The way he looked down on the arts-was he always like this? Something felt…off. They knew deep in their bones that Jihyun couldn’t-wasn’t a bad person, but there was something tying them back, a grudge, or so it seemed…and they were determined to find out.

-this got very out of hand and the final stories almost developed into full fledged fics lol, I’m sorry for the sharp ending! If you’d like to see more, or individualised fics for each character-you can send in another prompt, or consider comissioning me for a lengthier fic (rules/info here)

-Send me a mystic messenger headcanon for character reactions!-

[lukasthemedic]

Tactical Love

Part 1 - Day Zero

"F. Barron" A man in uniform calls out, beckoning you forward from your position in the rows of chairs. Down the line, you are handed uniforms, bedding, materials, even your pistol -- and the feeling in your stomach begins to turn into a fire of determination. Once everyone has been in the line, they take all of your fellow training team and sort you into dormitory style rooms where you have been given five minutes to get your exercise uniform on to begin the first round of testing processes.

Oddly enough, your roommate is one of your first and best friends from elementary school on. He had moved to Hawaii from California where you guys spend high school together when his parents were moved for their jobs in the FBI. You can't help but think that they maybe had some role in this, the two of you getting to stick together after all of these years, but you couldn't be more thankful to have a familiar face to help you along the way, especially friends who know each other so well.

"Come on man, let's so crush this shit." Tucker pulls his shirt down over his head, throwing an arm over your shoulder like you guys were back on the field together in high school. You both pull weighted vests on and strap your gun to your side, taking in a deep breath to steady yourself.

Sweat beads down the side of your face as you drench yourself in more water, realizing the last portion of the testing is just the mile and a half run. The gun fires and everyone begins the last stretch in the first day of training, no one leaving anyone else behind. You feel yourself huff, trying to maintain a steady pace the further along the course you move. The sun is blocked by clouds, small drops of rain beginning to form from the sky, hitting you in the face as you concentrate on the last stretch of the run, wiping the water from your sight as you continue on. Though it's behind dense clouds, the sun is still fierce with it's unforgiving heat that parades down over the faces of all the runners. A whistle blown as each runner crosses the lines is also marked by one of the trainers on the white paper attached to each runner, presenting the passing times on everyone so far. A pale and sweaty Tucker swats your back as he crosses the line after you, tossing water all over himself and clapping with pure enjoyment.

"Nice form." A deep voice, sweet like honey says, his breath hitting you in the forehead as you watch his toned arm write something against your chest. You finally allow yourself a second to steal a look at the familiar voice, realizing at once where you know it from as soon as your eyes clash upon meeting. A wicked grin spreads slowly across his face, carefully watching you.

____

His smile shows perfect rows of pearly white teeth, his scent of faint gunpowder and driftwood, there's something about him that you just can't pin into place. You're trying your best to be concealed, considering you start your Special Agent training tomorrow at five in the morning, and drinking in the bar the night before might not be the best place for anyone to find you, especially with such strict terms attached to everything.

"So what brings you to this area?" He asks, sloshing around the remainder of his drink in the glass, and gently setting it on the table between the two of you.

"Business." You say, clearing your throat, but still unable to completely take your eyes off of the stranger, his glance held with the darkness of your eyes.

"You're all business, aren't you Fletcher." He hums to himself, glancing between you and his glass. "Do you want to take a break?" His head cocks to the side, pure curiosity enveloping his face in a careful smile. You nod your head, feeling yourself lean over the table as Maddox does the same, pulling your chin into his hand, his lips meet yours and you feel yourself melt into him. He laughs into your mouth, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "Let me give you a break." He moans hastily into your mouth and you feel short of breath. You taste him and you crave more, following his trailing hand from the crowd as you watch him take you behind him as he weaves in and out of people all around. He's all you can focus on.

____

"Miss me, Fletcher?" Maddox mumbles, intoxicating you with his proximity. Your breath catches in your throat and you feel his soft laugh vibrate around you. "You really are here on business, aren't you."

"Yes, sir." You say, staying level headed. You remember the feeling of his strong hand on your face and you keep your eyes directly under his stare. You remember how he felt under you, how he cried out your name. He didn't seem to be someone you could easily peg for working for the FBI, but then again anyone could probably say the same for you and here we are.

"Because I miss you." He growls softly under his breath, grabbing your arm on the way past you, giving it a squeeze before moving on to the next runner to be labeled.

"What the fuck was that?" Tucker says behind you, looking off into the direction that Maddox was, sticking his hands up in the air to mimic the trainer off in the distance. He growls at you playfully, rolling his eyes. "Do I even want to know how this happened?" He chuckles dryly, looking over to you.

"No, you don't." You say, running a hand through your hair, sweat pressing along the back of your head but your heart racing in your chest makes you think this is more due to Maddox and his superiority over you and less of the run you just finished. "You wouldn't believe me if I tried." You groan, tossing your face into your hands and taking in a sharp breath.

"Okay, try me." Tucker plainly says, crossing his arms. He gives a disapproving look, waiting for you to come up with something.

"Alright, fine. Listen, I couldn't sleep last night before we went out for breakfast after you called when your plane landed. Our Facetime with your parents about the training psyched me out. So I went out, I just wanted to catch some air. I ended up at some bar on fifth street and he was there. We talked, we hung out, and it was weird. He's so much warmer than I expected from someone who was going to be my fucking instructor for the most important part of my career to date." You shrug, defeated with the situation, and you hear Tucker trying to hold together a snort next to you, clearly enjoying this more than you are.

"It's worse if it was good, you know." He raises an eyebrow to you and you shove him further from you. "When you won't be able to deny him, always watching you sweat, waiting for a mistake." He whispers in your ear, trailing off with a laugh.

"Shut up, I don't need your bullshit right now, T." You scoff, wiping sweat from your brow as you take another drink of the water you've been assaulting in your fist the majority of the conversation. "This can't be happening, not to me."

"Oh but it is, my friend." Tucker kicks at the dirt on the ground around you as you glare against the sun in your face as more clouds move before the storm hits.

"I'll be back." You grumble, taking off before he can say anything else.

You make your way to the first building you come up on and swiftly navigate halls as you search for a bathroom, your stomach churning. Jumping up stairs two at a time, you make your way to the top and take a hard left, coming chest first into someone else. An arm straightens out in front of you, blocking you from moving as you back up a couple inches to look up.

"Maddox." You breathe out, watching him steady you against the wall. "I'm sorry, I didn't know." You stutter, clearing your throat as he gives you a once over.

"I'm not sorry. You're sorry?" He says critically, glancing down the hall in search of occupants. You shake your head, biting down against your lip as you feel him staring at you.

"No, I'm not. I'm not sorry." You breathe him in, longing to be back in bed with him, wrapped up together. Before he was your boss. His familiarity safe, but somehow something else lingered there too, a little bit of fear, you think. Maybe something about ruining the only job you've ever been interested in because of some new guy. Just some guy. Not, the guy. The one that you met without knowing your lines would cross in more than one way, that you felt something for immediately and now you're stuck trying to figure out how to piece this part of your life together. Yeah, no. Definitely not that guy.

He must feel something you feel and he pulls you aside into an office that he quickly locks behind the both of you, leaning against a large mahogany desk, scattered with ordered piles of paper, photos, and various other objects. "Hey." He leans into you, running a hand against your sweat soaked chest. "You okay?" He says, his lips pressing gently against yours as he comes back ever so slightly to watch you, his eyes gentle. The same warmth you saw when you first met.

"I don't want to get reprimanded, I can't lose this." You say, searching his eyes for something, for anything. He smiles, kissing you softly against the neck, humming. He breathes in, tracing the side of your jaw with his tongue.

"I promise, I won't let that happen. I can't lose you." He pleads with you, his facial features softening. "You're so special, Fletcher. That's why you're here, you know it." He says, kissing against your neck and you finally relax, turning to face him as he backs you up to the wall. You kiss him back, his hands searching all of your body as he explores every inch of you that he can take in.

He catches you off guard, and swiftly pins you against the wall, his leg between yours, putting you flush against the paint you breathe in, a gasp escaping your throat. "Welcome to training, Agent." He grabs your wrist in his hands, laughing against the back of your neck as he gives you one last kiss before heading out the door of his office, leaving you dizzy and out of breath. You straighten your shirt and walk down the hall opposite of where Maddox was headed.

You finally hunt down the door to your dorm again and find a napping Tucker. You quietly shut the door behind you and grab your things to shower. Your body loses it's tenseness the longer you stand under the hot water, your mind replays images of Maddox and you try to shake the thoughts off like the shampoo going down the drain.

The next morning, the sun is safely tucked away behind layers of storms that are passing by, but thankfully it's a classroom day anyway. You spend a great deal of hours looking at different types of evidence photos and crime scene investigation reports. One of the students breaks down as she recalls the murder of her brother thirteen years ago that stemmed her want to join something that could make her feel like she was working for her brothers voice. The group finds comfort in one another as they all give themselves way for a briefing with their friend. The class is something exceptional, that offers a perspective you didn't really think of until now. After a lunch worth skipping, you make your way out under the storm to the range, to begin some firearm training. More than half of the class has yet to have to fire or learn how to properly handle a gun. Though a short period, what feels like an eternity passes, and everyone is hitting right on target as you begin your initial training out here. It feels undeniably great.

Part 2 - Stay

The next few weeks go by undeniably slow, and training hasn't given anyone a break. You can feel yourself, as the others, getting worn out and tense, a leery aggravation atop everyone. They say this period of training is where each person is put to the test, and to themselves. It's a common breaking point where naturally those who aren't able to rise against it will give up, a threshold. You keep telling yourself that it's another hurdle that you just have to make it past, but you can't entirely shake away the shitty attitude that you have. You sit in the diner, dumping a mountain full of sugar into your coffee before dragging yourself to look out at the window. It's rainy, again, but it's the first break anyone has gotten since training started forty-two days ago. Two full days off without having to report, and you intend to use every second of it to catch up on your sleep. Your head rests gently against the table as you close your eyes and smell the cinnamon around you as fresh rolls are made, it's enough to lull you to sleep. The fraction of movement from air hitting your face is enough to bring you to open your eyes and find someone bending down to sit in the booth seat across from you. Your hand nearly hovers over your gun, something that has become natural.

"You look like you could use a good rest." Maddox says softly, taking a drink from his styrofoam to go cup and pulling out his phone to glance at the time before putting it back into his suit pocket. "My place is only an hour from the base, of course, you may recall that." He says, matter of fact. giving you a playful smirk. Your hand relaxes at your side.

"I recall, yeah." You groggily say, peeling your face from the table to take a long drink of your coffee. "You have the sleep number." You scoff, listening to his humble laughter in the background. It's hard to focus your eyes, you feel yourself becoming more tired than you've remembered being in quite some time.

"Come on, you were made for this." Maddox says to you, leaving a 10$ on the table and standing up as he waits for you to do the same. You huff, slowly standing up from your chair and following him from the cafe door to his car. You're too tired to worry if anyone is watching, and doubt you can even cover for yourself with a good enough lie at this point, so you just give up and slink into the warmth of the seat, your eyes melting closed as the soft growl of the air comforts you to relax. You feel his hand slide over to your thigh as he begins to drive, and you gently grip yours on top of his, running your thumb in a circle against his skin.

"I've been looking at your testing numbers." He says, playing with the radio dial, looking for nothing in particular.

"Oh, yeah?" You question, letting out a breath, softly rubbing a hand against your eyes.

"Fletcher, they're high. Maybe you don't understand what I'm saying. Your potential is significant"

You scoff, laughing, but mostly out of how tired you are and how ridiculous this conversation seems. "Alright, Maddox." You grumble, dismissing him and pushing yourself farther down into the seat.

"This is serious, Fletcher. It could put you in real danger in your future, trust me." He says, his driving becoming more swift, faster. You note he seems irritated, but you stare off into the distance, your eyes closing for a second as you start to drift off.

"Whatever." Your effect is flat, glaring over across the seat towards him, who, any other time wouldn't be this aggravating to you. "I don't need any more trouble than I'm already in at this point. I'm not something special."

"Goddamnit Fletcher yes you are, and I'm trying to keep you safe." He says, his tone deepening, his glance towards you quick but searing.

The rest of the ride to his house is quiet. You remember how you felt when you were here that night after the bar. You try to think of anything that seemed out of the ordinary, to be able to place him working with you, but nothing stands out. Your head pounds without a break, and you feel a cold glass press firmly into your hand, the tips of his fingers warm, touching yours.

"Hear, let me take care of you." He releases the glass and you watch him with caution out of the corner of your eye as you down the water. Your mouth immediately feels dry as soon as the glass is empty and he laughs into your neck, taking a deep breath in before he swiftly comes back with the glass again, full of more ice cold water.

"Thank you." You breathe into the glass. He takes his suit jacket off and watches you as he comes in and out of the hall after putting it away. He sets a dish of cat food down on the floor and you hear the jingle of his kitten rounding the corner, meowing gently at him as she rubs against his leg. He runs a finger down her tiny head as she begins to eat her food.

"Come on." He says to you, strong, but not commanding. You limply stand up, taking his hand as he pulls you behind him, a familiar pathway. He pushes you down carefully against his bed, and you fall back into the comfort of the mountain of pillows and comforter. You feel him pull at your boots, taking care to remove each one, before pulling you up to him to discard your clothes. He pulls your chin up to look at him with a finger and he softly presses his lips to yours. He hums, and you can't help but assume he feels the same warmth that you do.

"Sleep, Fletcher." He whispers into your neck as he pulls his blankets to surround you. He lowers his dark black curtains, a fan whirling in the background, and gently closes the door as you feel your eyes close with a heaviness that leaves you more relaxed than you could have imagined.

____

"Get the fuck back down, Fletcher" He slams your face down onto the concrete. "No one told you to move, you little dirty bitch." Someone kicks you in the face, and then the stomach, but you don't cry out. You hold your breath and keep bracing the impacts that come your way. They grab your head by your hair and slam your face into the car door before they throw you into the trunk. When you're awake again you can barely move your body, and your head strings. You hear laughing in the background, and can taste dirt on your face, trying to lift yourself up from the hard, cold ground under you. Instead, you feel your shorts being ripped off of you and you will yourself not to let any noise leave your body as you stay as still as you can, your lip trembling. "I'll always find you." He chuckles, dark and low, making your stomach churn, he slams your face back harder into the ground and you cough, blood trailing down your face as you fight to move with any strength you have left. "You're not getting away that easy, sweetheart." He smashes your head down harder against the cold, smearing your face against the wet grass patches. You feel him hover over you, choking you harder and harder until you feel your eyes roll back, feeling thankful for a moment.

____

You cough, choking as you sit up, gasping and grabbing for anything around you. You feel something moving around you, and you feel strong hands grab around your wrists at the same time that a lamp clicks on next to the bed.

"Fletcher, I've got you, it's me. It's Maddox." He says, hushed in the dark of the room around you. You feel dizzy, and sweaty all at once, overwhelmed with nausea.

"Maddox." You sign out, grabbing onto his arm for comfort, reassurance.

"You're right here." He says, pushing a glass of water into your hand, holding it with you gently. "Here, some water." He mumbles out, pressing his lips against your sweaty neck. Your stomach lurches, you heave, and the glass of water slides out of your hand, smashing all against his floor. In the same motion, he quickly holds a small trash can under your face as you begin to vomit, sweat pouring down your face. He moves your hair plastered with sweat to your face and rubs the back of your neck the more you heave. Tears slowly escape the sides of your face, you look down and shards of glass are stuck in your legs, slowly bleeding down.

"I'm sorry." You softly cry out, wiping sweat that drips down into your eyes, burning. He sets the trash down, scooping you up against his side, swinging your legs atop of his thighs where he holds you as he gently begins to remove the pieces of glass, dropping them in the trash can.

"Please don't be sorry." He plants a warm, reassuring kiss against your forehead, and he begins to remove more shards of glass. "Just let me in, let me be here for you."

You shake your head, snorting at yourself for how childish and weak you must seem. You sign, looking back up to his eyes.

"I have night terrors, or whatever now. Last year, I was assaulted while I was still studying at university. Some guys jumped me by the school and took me out in the middle of nowhere. I never reported it, so they never found out who it was. He said he'd always find me, and I don't have any doubts against that." You say, clearing your throat, composing yourself again.

Maddox grabs your face in his hands, pulling you up against his own, your noses touching. You feel a warm tear run down your face, and he pulls back, watching you. "I will never let anything happen to you again." He wipes his finger against your face, and you realize the tears are his own, you've never had anyone care about you before in your life. "The scar, on your face?" He questions gently, running a hand against it. You nod to him, that's one of many scars that they left you with that night.

"Don't tell anyone about it, okay." You say, your eyes concentrating on the ground, the fear in your voice makes your voice crack, you breathe in, trying to steady yourself.

"I want you." You rub a finger against his lip, pulling it down between your grasp, realizing the feeling overwhelming you right now is something that you haven't felt before meeting him, and each time it rears up even more stronger than before. "Please, Fletcher." He moans, deepening the kiss.

You grab his face in yours, his eyes searching your own intently, sensing each other's desperation. You pull his shirt off over his head, tracing your hand down his muscles, feeling him squirm under your grasp. You bit against his lip, trailing bites from his neck down his stomach. He pulls open a drawer, hastily shoving a lube you remember too well into your hand, as you begin to apply ample amounts of pressure prepping him beneath you.

"God, yes." He hisses, his head leaning back against the bed, while you take in all of him in front of you. He groans as you slide into him, feeling his legs begin to shake under you, you kiss him along the neck and he breathes out against your skin, his hot air trailing against your neck as you wrap yourself up in him. "Fletcher." He pants as you even out speed, beginning to chase your own orgasm, feeling the full of his cock against your stomach each time your momentum soars. You feel him grab you, his fingers digging into your skin as he meets his own release, and your pace picks up, hardly able to contain yourself as he pants under you, regaining back control. You collapse onto him, sweaty, tired, and weak as your mind tries to register your happy feelings with your traumatic past. You lay there for a minute, then he pulls you up with him, careful of the glass around the bed, and brings you to the bathroom. He begins the shower, hot steam wrapping around you, the sounds of sirens in the distance from the window as the city sleeps.

"So domestic." You joke, leaning into him as the water reaches the right temperature. He pulls you into him, and you watch him watching you.

He smiles. "You could say that." He hums into your hair, pulling you closer to him. You're so caught up, you couldn't stop this relationship if you tried. You have fear for knowledge of others finding out, for losing this job that you've worked your whole life to get to, for rejection mostly. But a new fear consumes you as you realize someone you are falling for is in the same dangerous career that you are, and now you feel the fear rising in your throat, it chokes you. You wonder how far you would be willing to go to risk your life for Maddox, and you realize that you'd go a hell of a lot farther than you would for anyone ever.

"Stay with me, Fletcher." He says to you, pleading with his eyes. "Stay with me." He breathes into you.

Part 3 - Partner, Partners

"Best two days of my life. Hands down, all I did was sleep." Tucker stretches next to you as you both walk to the range. You shake your head, rolling your eyes.

"Is sleeping all that you think about?" You pose, more so as an accurate statement over a question with an option to answer. 

"I mean, no. Well, yeah okay, pretty much. Sleep is important, or maybe I'm just really lazy." He bends down to retie his boot string after stepping on it and nearly tripping.

"Really lazy." You dryly chuckle. As you stand, watching Tucker take his time, someone rams an elbow into your back as they pass by, and you figure you probably know who it is without having to even look. Elliot Rugger. He's had some problem with you since you've arrived and you can't seem to get down to what you've actually done to him, aside from absolutely nothing.

"Better watch where you go, fairy." He laughs out, looking back behind his shoulder to watch your reaction as he continues to the range entrance.

"What was that?" You scoff, grabbing him by the shoulder as he starts his next step, being pulled back slightly by your force on him.

"Keep your hands off of me." He turns around fully, standing right against you.  "As if a priss like you ever would. I knew you were a queer." He makes eye contact with you, sneering and you smirk. You grab him with fistfuls of his shirt pulling him closer to you. "I wouldn't fucking try me if I were in your position, Rugger. I wouldn't touch you if you were the last piece of shit on the planet." You mumble up against his face, willing yourself with everything you have to keep your anger down. The second you let go of his shirt, he comes back around with a right hook to your face. You stumble back, reaching your hand up to touch your nose, busted and bleeding down your shirt.

"You, fucking..." You raise your voice, running at him with full force. You throw your shoulder into his chest and send the two of you going down a small hill near the range entrance. You end up on top of him, and straddle a leg on each side of his abdomen where you're sitting. Holding him down, you slam a fist down onto his face, before you reel your hand back to hit him again. A strong grip forces your hand to stop in its tracks.

"He's not worth it." You hear Tucker saying in your ear, trying to pry you back off of him. "Not worth your career, man. Let him go." He pulls you back as Elliot stumbles to come to a full stand, his face already swelling from your impact. Your breathing becomes more of a hyperventilation, your mind a blur. Your heart races as your memory tries to connect a situation of violence with an attack looming over you. Defense, you needed to defend yourself. You keep telling yourself, trying to regain what you've lost. To come back.

"I fucking knew it." Elliot laughs sadistically, wiping blood away from his lips and spitting on the ground at your boots. You look back to him, a fire in your eyes.

"You don't know shit about me." You lunge at him again, hitting him again and again as he tries to block your fists, someone pulls you back and up by the arms and you come face to face with...

"What in the hell is going on over here, Agents." Maddox grabs for Elliot's shirt sleeve and pulls him over to him after steadying you both on your feet.

"He attacked me." Rugger snarls towards you and Tucker, who quickly stands up to your defense but is interrupted by Maddox.

"More like provocation." Dox says sternly, but quietly to Elliot, raising his eyes to make contact, but not letting go of his grip on him. " Don't let me catch you again, you'll be out of here, and I don't think that's going to make your father very happy to hear from me."  Elliot's demeanor completely changes, carefully watching him as he lets go of him, keeping an eye on him until he's inside of the range.

"Tucker, thank you. You can see yourself into the range." He nods to Tucker, who gives a small wave before starting on his way off. "And you, stay." He says to you, glancing at his watch.

"Yes sir, both of you say together." He leaves the two of you, and Maddox doesn't move from where he is until Tucker is at a faraway distance.

"You have a serious attitude problem." He says, matter of fact to you. "But I saw it in your eyes, too. The fear." He says, quieter. "Come with me, let me fix you."

You scoff, running your hand against your nose, trying to clean up some of the blood. "I don't need any help." You say, giving him a sideways look. "I can't be fixed."

"You see what I mean, why are you always trying to be so difficult." He calmly says, and starts to walk off back towards the buildings. He watches over his shoulder as he begins and you reluctantly follow him. "You have to stay level headed, people will always get under your skin if you let them. I know that this, of course, is something different." He treads lightly. "But nonetheless." Maddox trails off, holding the door open as you file in behind him. You slowly make your way back up to the office that you were once in with him, and he closes the door behind you, locking it. He opens cabinets, and withdrawals medical supplies. He runs saline over gauze.

"Sit." He orders, and motions down to a couch in his office. You sit, feeling more calm as Maddox sits next to you, your knees touching. He gently brings the damp gauze up to your nose and careful wipes and daps as he removes the blood. You stare at him, feeling airy under his touch, his hands sending electricity all over your body at the slightest touch.

"I need to talk to you, about...something." He trails off, almost looking like he's carrying around a bit of shame. You look up, his eyes meeting you and you feel a pull of connection, of warmth.

"What's going on?" You say, watching him calmly, his eyes having a mischievous glimmer to them.

He huffs out a slow sigh, then pulls away the gauze from your face and gives you a heartfelt look, but you can't help but also see the dread behind his look. "They're putting you on high profile crime cases. I told you some dangerous stuff could happen with your level of extensive knowledge and elusive ways. There's no telling what kind of stuff you'll be working on, it's an extremely high stress position that they offer. It doesn't happen often."

"What's the catch?" You say, crossing your arms in defense. But Maddox bends down to kneel in front of you and softly kisses your hands in his before standing up and walking over to put a book back on its place on the shelf.

"I don't want you out of my sight. The catch is, it's my team." He says, looking back to you, searching your face for some kind of registered emotion that he is desperate to see. A sly smile forms on your face, and you begin to laugh, out loud. Maddox looks away to the side, biting his lip.

"Wait, you're serious?" You say, the laugh echoes until it leaves the room, and he looks at you as to say if you're done, then he nods.

"You're my partner, technically." He says, his hand tracing against the line of your neck, lingering there for some time.

"I like the sound of that." You say, turning your face deeper into his hand as he holds you there. "But I can't help but feel that you somehow orchestrated this, for us to be together." You question him. He softly shakes his head, letting out a laugh that holds no true humor.

"No, I didn't do this to my advantage. I would never take advantage of you, or manipulate you in any manner. You have this offer based off of the type of agent that you are. I have had few relations in my life, due to the seriousness of my position. I would never purposely jeopardize my career, or yours. I know that this, us, sneaking around and stuff may not be for you, and I understand and respect that. You will still have a spot on my team, regardless of our relationship. Those decisions are completely up to you on your own." He says, very business professional. You can see the confusion spread across his face, and somewhere behind it you can see a softness.

"I want you. I want you more than this." You motion around the room with your hand. "I want you all of the time, not just here and there, for fun. I trust you." You say, swallowing hard, trying to clear your throat from the tightness you feel under his scrutiny.  "I can't think of anything else aside from you when you're around, I crave you, Dox." You stand, putting your mouth gently against his, your tongue running over his teeth. You grip his wrists, allowing yourself to completely let go and relax finally. You feel a weight of a thousand pounds lift off of you, your secret out in the air for him, your feelings and your commitment. He laughs hastily into your mouth, running his hand against your back as he pulls you closer to him, you kiss his neck and hear him gasp.

"Dox? I like that." He questions his new given nickname, smiling back at you. As hard as you've tried to keep yourself from falling into this mess, you can't help it. Your connectivity intensifies each time the two of you are together and you can't deny it anymore.

"Now, let's get out to that range. Show me what you've got, partner." He whispers to you, biting gently at your lip before pulling back with a dark laugh.

Part 4 - Out

You look across the range, your boots softly crunching into the dirt below you. Tucker briefly looks up from loading his gun again, offering you a half smile and a shrug at your current condition. You sigh, shrugging back, and load your own ammo as you aim for the target in front of you while the range masters walk behind the class, giving pointers as they watch. You unload your clip, hitting the target each time seconds after the first, and load in another clip as you begin the next round.

"Excellent shots, Fletcher." One of the commanders says as she passes you, looking on to your target. "Everyone, weapons on hold." She yells, looking around as the class puts their guns down and disarms them. "We're going to do something a little different today, but a good effort on your warm ups." She continues, and the group circles around one another. You can see Elliot across the circle from you, glaring intently as you await instructions. His stare doesn't break from you, but you disregard him, shifting your weight from one foot to the next as you receive instructions.

"Everyone will grab a set of gear, you'll have ten minutes to get it on and get back to field 84. Once here, everyone will be given ammunition and weapons, but this time, we're going to paintball." Maddox says, looking down a clipboard as he goes over instructions and marks down his pages simultaneously. "This exercise is to provide team work for those you are working with, as well as to secure your skill sets, and learn how to evade dangerous situations where you will have to work together to avoid being hit, where marks can be taken against your team. There are a number of problematic complications that can quickly arise in this exercise, so be sure to discuss with your team tactics and preparation as you begin, and remain in close contact as you advance. The ideal learning experience is going to show you that with pain, injury, and many stimulations happening at once, that you have to remain vigilant and unwilling to compromise on your skills and understanding as you continue to solve problems. To the left, you'll see the gear laid out, grab your things and be back to field 84 in the ten allotted minutes." Tucker meets you halfway as you begin to grab your things, and smacks a hand against your shoulder, shaking his head.

"I'm sorry about that dickhead." He says, grabbing his own stuff. "I wanted you to beat the shit out of him, but I also want to see you succeed. Fucking prick." He says, looking behind him in the direction of which Elliot is.

"I get it, I need to have better control anyway." You say, walking off towards the direction of the dorms. "He isn't worth it." You grumble, glaring against the sun in your face as small drops of rain begin while clouds crowd overhead, trying to make yourself believe your own words.

"The least he could do is decide to fucking drop out." Tucker says, throwing water on his face as you suit up, feeling the ache finally hit your face from earlier. You touch your hand gently to your nose and feel the warmth followed by the sting as you withdraw your hand.

Once entering field 84, you feel the dread sink in as you look around at the vast space, covered with many obstacles and areas that are around you. Teams are in groups of six, and as you get closer to the board, you see your name in the same group of six. The same group of six with none other than Elliot Rugger. Your stomach drops, as you try and prepare yourself for professionalism.

"Can you believe these assholes are giving us the weekend off?" Tucker whispers to you, looking over the board to find his own name. "Shit..." He trails off, running his hand down to find yours, right above Elliot. You let out a soft huff, but find the rest of your group as the instructors begin going over the rules, determined to not let this interfere with your training.

"This isn't over." A voice trails behind you, but you ignore it, loading your gun, and moving off into another direction as the round starts.

____

By the sixth round, only a handful of people are left from your class. The rest of them line the wall, covered in paint splashes that will later envelope them in large bruises, but all taking away valuable learning skills from the exercise. Beads of sweat run down your face under your coverings, and it stings your nose. Heavily breathing, you keep rounding corners, looking for other players while remaining on high alert. You can only vaguely hear boots gently hitting the ground and your own breathing as you carefully calculate your steps. You are deep into the field when you catch an eerie feeling, stopping short where you are standing, feeling the rain dropping down around you.

"Fletcher." A voice booms from behind you, something hits you in the back and you sharply pull in a breath, your side stinging. You turn around, facing Elliot, who challengingly stands a short distance from you. His gun is pointing directly towards you, and for a minute you're thankful it's only paintball.

"What now?" You scoff, lowering your weapon to your side, looking at him as the rain begins to dance harder around you, turning the dirt under your boots into streams of mud. Thunder rumbles in the distance, the sun becoming blocked by ripples of dark clouds.

"You took my position, I should have been given the top clearance job, and instead I got a Washington job, because everyone thinks you're so damn special. You don't have what it takes like I do." He becomes louder, his voice taking a sharper tone of aggression. But under that, you sense fear. A laugh escapes your lips, your eyes tighten into a thin line.

You hesitate, unsure of what to do next, and realize your mistake almost immediately. Giving him an opening. "What are you talking about?" You question, becoming more assertive. "You didn't get a top clearance job because your'e a fucking mistake." You say, and as the words leave your mouth multiple rounds are fired one after another, so quickly you can't make a move worth taking to get out of his line of continuous fire. Every part of your body is on fire, as you try to determine how to best flee the area, but the hits continue to come from what feels like every direction you turn towards. The shots cloud your mind, and in seconds he crosses his position and stops the rounds, bringing the butt of the gun to your face, slamming it hard into the side of your face, knocking you to the ground. Disoriented, you struggle to catch your breath, unable to stand and coordinate, you try to crawl to put space between you. The ringing in your ears becomes louder, booming so heavily that everything else begins to lose focus as another hit to the same area sears pain into you that you can't fathom you have felt before.

"Drop the weapon, Rugger!" You hear one of your instructors yell, her voice faint against the ringing enveloping you. You groan, putting the effort that you have into army-crawling in the mud away from the attack. "Drop the fucking weapon, agent!"

"Who's the mistake now?" Elliot laughs into your back, pressing your face into the mud with forceful hands. There is a quiet moment where everything suddenly stops, only the rain splashing down onto you as you try to lift your head from the caked mess of blood pooling with the mud, your eyes heavy. The end of his gun rams down hard into the back of your head, dropping it to the ground again, and you lay there quietly unable to move as your eyes gently close.

____

"No, no, no, no. Shit." You hear Tucker stammering, you feel a breath catch in your throat as your face coverings are removed.

Sirens softly blare in the distance, your eyes peel open slowly. You start to feel hands all over you, and you realize that your head is in a lap, Tucker's lap, who is looking down at you, rain dripping from his head onto your face.

"Goddamnit." You hear Maddox sharply exhale in the same moment your eyes track to meet his own, looming over you as his hands quickly move around you. He tears open packages with his teeth, and you feel warm pressure against your head and you arch away from it, still dazed. "Fletcher, don't move." He gently puts a hand against your shoulder, relaxing your body back towards the ground and you focus on your breathing as you start to feel pain covering you, wrapping around you like a blanket. Classmates have circled you like a protective ring, and you realize the hands that you are feeling are all over, working to put more pressure on areas of your face and head. You relax into the pain, determined not to fight it, and taste blood -- coughing as it runs from the corner of your mouth. The sirens are becoming louder, deafening almost.

"I'm fine." You mumble, choking back on the blood that pools into your mouth.

"What's he saying?" Someone frantically puts gauze up to your mouth and you spit against it, trying to clear your mouth.

"Out! Get him out of my program, out of my sight, out of my fucking training zone now!" You can hear Maddox in the background yelling commands, who shoves Elliot up against a wall where other instructors are coming around to spread between meeting with him and with you and your classmates gathered around you. Maddox firmly holds Elliot up against the wall, struggling to keep himself composed, his nostrils flaring as he glares into him watching intently. "Take him up to the main offices, Saloman, Banner, you watch him until I'm back. Get his parents here, too. Emergency meeting, and make sure all of his shit is packed before they get here." He shoves Elliot towards the other instructors, and meets the crew coming out of the ambulance as Elliot is taken off the training field.

____

Your eyes open to a faint beeping, and to dim lights against the ceiling. You groan as you try to lift your head, but compromise to just being able to look slightly to the left where someone is sitting in the chair, intently watching you on the edge of the seat.

"Dox." You huff, relieved. A small smile cracks against the dry edges of your lips, but the smile doesn't get returned from Maddox. His chair scrapes against the floor as he reaches over and puts his hands on top of yours, which were instinctively reaching out for him. You feel vulnerable, but don't try to stop it.

"I'm so sorry I let this happen to you." His voice cracks, he looks away from you for a moment. "That I wasn't there when you needed me." He shakes his head, lacking composure.

"But you are here." You whisper to him, your head pounding, you close your eyes and reach a hand up to touch your throbbing jaw. His warm hand meets yours before you're able to make contact and he strongly holds it as he lowers it back down to the bed.

"Don't." He dryly says, swallowing hard. "Trust me." He grimaces as he softly rubs his hand over your leg resting under the blankets.

"Please, let me see." Your voice doesn't sound like your own as he stares at you for a long moment before he brings a small mirror over. He hesitates as you take it in your hands, holding it up to examine your face. Your entire face is swollen, bloody and bruised. Along your jawline runs a heavy line of stitches holding your skin together. The side of your head shaved as another line of stitches is carefully crafted along the side of your head towards the back of your skull and you can vaguely remember the force that was applied to you before the pain lulled you to sleep. "What happened?" It is your own voice this time that cracks, as a tear escapes and rolls down your cheek as you look back at the monstrous site before you that was once familiar. You grit your teeth together to control the flow of tears that seems determined to escape from your heavy eyes.

"Elliot, I should have known to be watching him closer, this is my fault. He hit you so many times with the paintball gun before Banner was able to get in view of what was going on, I can't even count how many times he was able to make contact. Then, he used the barrel of the gun to make an impact with your face, Banner said you were trying to crawl away..." His voice catches, he clears his throat, adjusting in the chair. "She wasn't able to get to you before he slammed the butt of the gun into the back of your head when you initially finally lost consciousness. I can't fathom what this was like for you, and I'm...I'm so sorry after everything we already talked about that I could let this happen." He stops, standing up and walking over to the window where the sun is starting to peek out from the clouds. His hand is in his pocket, the other bracing himself against the wall. You don't fully take him in until he turns back around and with your memory a little less clouded, looking him over with all of the blood that he's covered in, your blood. "I already, professionally, explained our relationship. Normally, it might seem a little out there for something like this to be so lightly accepted, but I have a strong pull in my professional life, and my teams as well as those above me know that I would not do anything that would willingly put my career at a cross with my personal life. Please know that this changes nothing, but I want others to be aware that I am taking an extended leave with you while you recover, and I hope you stand by my decision. This will not change your position in the academy, along with your position on my team at the end of the academy." He says, matter of fact.

You break into a smile so big your face aches, but you can't help yourself. "You mean, so like, we're actually finally...together together?" You softly question, watching him come back to his chair, nodding with his own cracked smile as he takes a drink of his coffee.

"Together, together." He says, searching your face with his eyes as he gently brings your hand to his face and plants a light kiss on each knuckle. "No hiding, just us." He hums, holding his lips to your last finger for a moment longer than the rest. "They want you to stay at least tonight, to ensure your pain is under control and that no surprises arise in your current state, before willing to discharge you. I know, it's not the sleep number, but to do what is best for you." He says, staying put next to you as a nurse comes in to adjust your medication doses and alleviate some of the tremendous pain that you are in. You finally feel yourself relax as the medications begin to work and a tenseness that you had been holding onto lessens.

"I want to leave now." You say, your voice becoming groggy as your eyelids warmingly close while you battle to keep them open to watch Maddox -- who softly chuckles into your hand that he still had a hold of.

"Is that so?" He hums softly, leaning against the bed. "I think you might want to reconsider, but don't worry, that sleep number will be there when you wake up. Get some rest." He whispers to you, his low, sweet voice lulling you to sleep.

[commander-rahrah]

Alone with You - A Ride or Die Short (Logan x MC)

Pairing: MC Ellie Wheeler x Logan

Chapter Rating: T

Word Count: 3600+

Description: It’s been two years since Ellie and Logan said goodbye. And now he’s standing in front of her. 

Disclaimer: Characters are from Pixelberry’s Choices. They fully own the characters, backgrounds, etc. 

Author’s Note: 1 billion years ago I said that I had re-read Ride or Die and it made me have a lot of feelings and ideas about what happened to Ellie and Logan (since ROD2 is never going to happen?!!?!!?!). Well, I wrote it. Finally.

The two have been stuck in my head for so long -- I have a playlist for them, I have a pinterest board for them. I am so happy to finally have fully written this little short out. And who knows... if people like it, maybe it can become a little mini series? 

As always any likes, reblogs and comments are very appreciated. 

Taglist: @omgjasminesimone​ @brightpinkpeppercorn​ @choicesarehard​ (hope this is OK, I remember you three being excited for this lol)

Full choices masterlist: here

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I wanna be alone Alone with you, does that make sense? I wanna steal your soul And hide you in my treasure chest I don't know what to do To do with your kiss on my neck I don't know what feels true But this feels right so stay a sec Yeah, you feel right so stay a sec

“Ellie?”

She froze — her hands hovering on the latch for the car hood. Gulping, she snagged it with a tan finger before turning around.

It was really him.

He looked exactly the same. His brown hair, perfectly waved around his face. His puppy dog eyes were big as he took her in. A black t-shirt clung to his chest and biceps — his arms hanging loosely at his sides, his car keys dangling from his fingers.

“L-Logan?” She stammered, wiping her greasy hands on her jean shorts.

He took two giant steps, before enveloping her into his arms.

Ellie stood frozen for a moment — standing in shock. Before she blinked back to reality, and threw her skinny arms around him. He placed his forehead into the crook of her neck, holding her tighter as she hugged him back.

“What — what are you doing here?” She muttered through his wavy, brown hair. Her eyebrows were furrowed in confusion as she pulled away from him.

“I’ve just been driving — and I needed to stop and do some work,” He pointed a finger behind him to the familiar GT — that was painted matte black now. “I usually go to a little Ma and Pop like this...” He voice trailed off as he took her in. “You look good Troublemaker,”

Ellie ignored the feeling that nickname gave her, following her train of thought. “You were just driving? You didn’t realize you were getting close to my college town?”

He hesitated, “I—I’ve been driving for a while, didn’t really pay attention to where I was going.”

“Right.” She said, not believing him.

He peered over her shoulder to the white convertible she was working on. It was sitting half out of the garage, shining in the sun. “230SL, hey? She’s pretty.”

“Thanks, she’s mine.” She looked back at the car, licking her lips.

His dark brows furrowed in confusion, “What happened to the Panther?”

Ellie ignored the question, “Logan, what are we doing?”

He shrugged, not sure what she was implying. “What do you mean?”

“I mean — I haven’t seen you in two years, and we— we’re just, what? Shooting the shit at this garage?” Her voice started to raise a little — her emotions getting the best of her.

His dark eyes went wide, “Well, no—“

“Well, what Logan? I didn’t think I was ever gonna see you again. And now you’re just here and you’re asking me about my car?!” Her arms wrapped around her torso as she started to tremble.

Logan moved his hands out to touch her — but then thought better of it. He played it off instead, running his fingers through his dark waves, “Ellie... I know this is so unexpected. If you could — just gimme two hours. Two hours of just normal stuff. I missed you — more than I want to admit.”

“I missed you too.” She croaked out, her blue eyes meeting his brown ones. “We’ll trade out spots in the  garage. Take my car.”

Logan hesitated — looking back at his car with a twisted mouth.

“It’s that or you can pay like $25 an hour to park near my apartment.”

“Way too rich for my blood.” He smiled sheepishly, before unlatching his key from his belt loop.

The pair reversed and drove around each other — before Logan slid into her white convertible. His hands ran over the fine stitching on the leather seats — a smile spreading across his face as he took in the vintage car. “You have to tell me how you got this.”

Ellie swallowed as she watched him — following his calloused fingers softly touching the console and arm rests, “I bought it at an estate sale actually. This guy’s son was selling it — said his dad was working on it for most of his life. Poor guy died before he got the chance to finish it and it was way over the sons head.”

His thick brows raised on his forehead, “You low ball him?”

“For a 230SL? No. But I made sure I had enough leftover to fix it up.”

Looking over her shoulder, Ellie reversed out of the parking lot with ease and started to drive them through the streets of Cambridge.

Logan was looking through the passenger window — watching all of the brown stones whiz by, “So, you work at the garage?”

“No,” She shook her head, imagining the little two car garage mechanic shop in her head,  “I just made an arrangement with Mr. Kim, the owner. He lets me work on the car and get it fixed up when I want.”

“So you did all of this?” His mouth opened in slight shock.

“Everything but the paint.” She shrugged nonchalantly.

“Damn, Ellie.” A grin spread across his face as he was genuinely impressed with her. “You a grease monkey now?”

She smirked at him, “Mechanical engineer actually.”

“That’s what you decided on for school?” His voice was so genuine — it was killing her.

She nodded in reply, her eyes focused on the road. Her fingers were tight around the steering wheel.

“Good for you. I’m glad.” There it was again — and he was probably looking at her with those big brown eyes.

Licking her lips, she changed the subject, “You hungry?”

“Starving.”

“Good thing I know the best place to get burgers in Cambridge.”

______________________________________________________________________

“Can we get also get two doubles, well done and crispy fries? Thanks Joe.” Ellie rattled off the order without looking at the menu. She gave them a smile, but then quickly her eyebrows shot up, “Oh! And no mustard on one!” She turned around to face Logan.

“You remembered?” His heart fluttered.

“Yeah, it’s no big deal.” She shrugged, before putting the straw to her milkshake back in her mouth — chewing it slightly.

But it was a big deal to Logan. His heart was melting because she had remembered he didn’t like mustard. Two years later.

God, he was a mess.

He wasn’t sure how he was supposed to act right now. All he wanted to do was to hold her, to make her laugh again. To kiss her soft pink lips.

“EJ?!”

Logan ignored the voice, instead drawing his eyes away from her and looking out of the window at all the people walking by — all of them mostly students.

“Austin, hey.” Logan’s ears perked up as he heard Ellie’s voice. Turning around he watched as she was approached by a tall guy with a black cap and MIT hoodie.

His stomach burned with jealousy as they hugged.

The young man pulled his arms back from around her, looking down at her with a warm smile, “We were just talking about you,” He gestured behind him to a group of guys sitting at a table, “You heading to the track tonight?”

“Oh, uh,” Ellie clammed up, “No actually I have—“

“Hey I’m Logan.” He stepped forward — his calloused hands outstretched for a handshake.

“Logan?! Like hometown, Cali Logan? Nice to meet you man.” He clapped his hand to his, gripping it tightly.

“Yeah — that’s me.” So Ellie has talked about him to other people?

Ellie sidled up in between them, waving her hand at the guy in the cap, “This is Austin. He’s in eng — engineering with me at school.”

Logan scrutinized him quickly — he was a lot bigger then him. But that wouldn’t be a big deal — he had fought guys much bigger than him his whole life and usually came out the winner. “Austin” had way too perfect stubble and the vest he was wearing over his hoodie probably cost $250.

“EJ’s our resident brainiac.” Austin flashed a megawatt smile — his teeth were perfect too.

Logan’s first instinct was to hate this guy, “Sounds about right.” He said casually, looking over to Ellie who had her arms crossed over her torso.

“He’s just saying that.” She said, her eyes low.

“EJ, foods up!” The man working the countered yelled from behind them.

She sighed in relief, and quickly turned to get the bags. Shuffling back towards them she gave a sheepish smile, “All ready to go.”

“Enjoy you two. If we won’t see you at the track tonight, we’ll catch you at Ash’s birthday tomorrow?”

“Yeah, sure. Probably.” She nodded nervously, “Okay, talk to you guys later.” She waved her full hands to the table of guys behind Austin and started to walk away.

Logan followed her out, looking back over his shoulder at the group once more — his brows furrowed as he watched Austin return to the group — all of them chatting excitedly and watching them leave.

He grabbed the car door for her, before grabbing the brown bags of food so she could climb in.  Getting in himself, he couldn’t help but notice how nervous she seemed as she fumbled with her keys to start the car.

They sat in silence for a moment — the only sound was the rustling of the bags on his lap as they drove through the downtown streets. Finally he broke the quiet.

“So, EJ huh?”

She licked her lips before speaking, “Yeah. Ellie J—“

“Jane. I know.” He nodded, remembering the night she had told him her middle name. She had been curled up in his arms in his little loft above the garage — she had drawn circles on his arms as she spoke about her mother, her namesake.

“Of course...” She glanced over to him — her face was hard to read. “When I moved here I just — I wanted to be someone else. Not just Ellie. So I introduced myself as EJ.”

“So what’s this EJ like? She hangs out with people like Austin...”

“Austin’s a good guy. All of them are. We lived in the same building freshmen year.” She chewed her lip, “It’s a tough program — we all take care of each other.”

“Right.” Logan felt his stomach twist — someone had to take care of her. It couldn’t be him, he knew that.

She pulled up in front of an empty park filled with trees, and cut the engine. Leaning back in her seat, she closed her eyes as she breathed in the fresh air with the top down in her car.

He gulped as he watched her — his eyes following the line of her nose, curves of her lips and throat. Coughing slightly he composed himself as she started digging through the brown paper bags.

She handed him one of the burgers, wrapped with a napkin.

“Do you usually eat greasy take out in a priceless vintage car?”

“It’s my right as an American.” She grinned at him, before taking a big bite of her food.

Slowly unwrapping the burger, he took a bite and let out a moan, “Oh, that’s good.”

“The best.” Ellie said through chewing. Ripping the brown bag a little with a free hand, she poured out fries onto the brown bag for them to share. “Probably been a while since you’ve had decent food? Being on the road?”

“Yeah... yeah it’s been... I mean I didn’t have to do a huge drive recently. But I was trying to go from coast to coast.”

“Were you following me?” She joked.

“Right, yeah. I guess you made the same drive.” He sat the burger down in his lap and ran his fingers nervously through his hair. “But I — I didn’t make it.”

“Oh?”

Shit. Okay, he was going to do this. “I got arrested.”

“Logan, I— I had no idea. I’m sorry.” Her voice turned quiet — but genuine.

“S’okay.” He mumbled out, “I mean — it was just a matter of time honestly.” He gave her a sad smile, “I made it to Colorado at least.”

“What happened?”

“I got a lesser sentence for agreeing to be a key witness against Shaw. Served for a year, got out on remission... Served a probation order.” He nervously ran his fingers through his wavy hair.

“Wow...”

“And now...”

“You’re here.” She moved her knee closer to his — her bare skin brushing up against his jeans.

“I’m here.” His dark eyes met her light ones — going back and forth between them. He had missed them, as corny as that was to admit. “I was living in New York before—“

“Before?”

“I didn’t mean to come here.” He admitted.

“You didn’t?”  She asked — a line forming between her brows.

“Not at first. Not on purpose.” He gulped as he looked up at her, “I just started driving. And this is where I ended up. And then I thought — I could just drive by your school, through the town— just see what you see. I didn’t think I’d actually find you.”

“But you did.”

“But I did.”

They locked eyes again, studying each other.

“Do you wanna see apartment?” She asked simply.

He gulped — he suddenly felt nervous and clammy. “I — sure, if you’re okay with it.”

“Mhmm.” She said with a nod, before turning the key in the ignition and starting to drive away with one hand on the wheel and the other clutching her burger.

After a ten minute drive, she pulled up in front a row of studio apartments that were in alternating colours of brown and orange.

Logan followed Ellie up the sidewalk and into the apartment complex. They padded down the empty, carpeted hallways and up a set of stairs. Her keys jingled in her hand as she let them in to apartment 2-7.

Logan’s heart fluttered as he stepped into her apartment. He had never gotten to see her bedroom in California — and stepping into her little home now was like stepping into her mind.

It was a studio apartment — just a tiny little thing. The first thing he noticed was the big window at the back of the apartment, pouring in the afternoon light. Christmas lights were wrapped around the frame, turned off at the moment.

A little kitchenette sat off to the side — scarred wooden counter tops and vintage appliances showing the age of the building. There wasn’t any where to sit — a bed sat in front of the large window, a mattress on wheels. It was messily made with a sunny yellow duvet. Night stands on either side were made of stacks of books, and a little green plant was sat precariously on top of one. He could see a few photographs taped on the far wall — but it was too small to see from the front entrance.

It was so messily organized and soft and simple — it was so Ellie.

“It’s not much.” She shrugged as she stepped in.

“I love it.” Using his toes, Logan kicked off his shoes and followed Ellie farther into the apartment. He was trying to be nonchalant about looking around — he didn’t want to seem like he was prying. But every little detail — even the magnets on her fridge shed a light onto the young woman in front of him.

His fingers trailed on a framed photo — Ellie in her red cap and gown from her graduation. Her dad standing next to her — big smiles on their faces for the photo. He could try and determine how fake the pose was, knowing everything that had led up to that photo, but he didn’t want to go down that road.

Moving his dark eyes, he let out a chuckle as he saw an extremely organized calendar stuck to the fridge door. “I see you haven’t lost your passion for organization.” He thumbed through the pages, noticing all the stickers and highlighter.

Her face turned red as she realized what he was looking at. “You have to be with my course load. I’m taking extra classes on top of my usual work load.”

“Trying to graduate early, nerd?” He teased.

Her face fell. “Uh, no. I have to take extra courses if I want to graduate on time actually.”

He raised a dark brow at her, “What? Did you take a light course load or something?”

“Yeah — light course load. An extremely light course load.” She let out a heavy sigh, “I took off a whole semester actually.”

He almost scoffed but he stopped himself. “You love school. I highly doubt you took off a semester to travel abroad.”

“I, uh, I didn’t. I went home.” Ellie had wrapped her arms around her torso, starting to hug herself.

“You went back to LA?”

“Well, I went there for the summer.” She chewed her lip, “And then I stayed throughout the semester.”

Logan studied her carefully, “Okay, what are you not telling me?” It had been two years, but he still knew how to read her.

When she didn’t answer him right away, his stomach twisted. “Ellie?”

She kept her eyes to the worn floorboards, but finally opened her mouth. “At first, it was just for summer break. But while I was there — Dad got sick.”

“Ellie, I’m so sorry.”

“He collapsed at work — apparently it had happened before, when he was home alone. That’s when the doctors found it...,” Her voice trailed off, “The cancer.”

He crossed over to her — getting closer, but not touching. He wasn’t sure if he was allowed to do that. “What— what happened?” His voice was quiet — gentle.

“School gave me an extended absence — they held my spot and scholarship for me. Due to family distress. I — I stayed there. I took care of him, drove him to chemo... I was all he had.”

“Ellie...,” A sharp breath escaped him — imagining the pain she had gone through. The pain she was still going through. Was he...

Logan didn’t even want to think it.

“Wh—what happened?”

“He died.” She croaked, before exploding into uncontrollable sobs. She tried to speak again but all that could be heard was hiccups and gasps of breath.

Logan didn’t know what to say. He’d never been one with words.

So instead he did the only thing he could think to do — wrap his arms around her. She fell into him easily — her face burying into his chest as she started to soak his t-shirt.

As he felt her start to crumble into him, he softly lowered them until they were sitting on the edge of her mattress — her face still glued to his shoulder.

He wasn’t sure how long they sat like that for — and he didn’t care. He would sit with her all night if she wanted him too. But finally she shifted around, keeping her face tucked to his chest but she wrapped her arms around his torso.

“Ellie — I’m so so sorry.” He said softly, rubbing her back as she sniffled, “About your dad. And you having to go through that by yourself. No one should have to do that. And for what I put you two through — the wedge I drove between you and your dad is unforgivable I know that, I—.”

“We were okay. In the end.” She said through her sniffles — her voice muffled through his shirt, “We were good.”

He let out a sigh of relief.

“And I’m sorry for keeping my promise — to stay away.”

She turned her face up to his — her blue eyes wide as she listened. He stared into them — his heart beating faster as he thought about what he was going to say.  

“I wanted to be there in little ways — maybe a letter or even just to call, and hear your voice — heck, even hearing your voicemail would have tied me over. But I was so afraid. I’m still afraid.”

“Why?” She asked — her voice a whisper again.

“Because the way you make me feel, Ellie Wheeler, terrifies me.” He used his thumb to brush some of the lingering tears on her cheek away. “I haven’t seen you in two years — and the moment I saw you it felt like I had gotten a sucker punch to the stomach.”

“And I’m sure you know what that feels like — I assume  you’ve been punched in the stomach a lot.” She said, a smile forming on her lips. They let our breathy laughs together.

“I have. Look I have no idea what I’m doing, Ellie. All I know is—,” He gulped, “That the last couple hours I’ve spent with you ... have been the highlight of my life for the last two years.”

He hung his eyes low for a moment, his dark brows furrowing, “And I know that I’m scum. I’m trash. A freakin’ ex-convict... I know, I don’t deserve someone like you.”

“Logan, what are you saying?” She moved her fingers to his chin, moving it so he was looking at her again.

He took a deep breath before speaking.

“I’m saying that I love you, Ellie Wheeler. Troublemaker. EJ. Every side of you. The valedictorian. The speed demon. I love you.” He looked up at her through his brown waves, his dark eyes big as he tried to read her face — trying to figure how royally he had just screwed everything up.

“I’m sorry — I shouldn’t have said anything, I’m such an id—“ But his words were interrupted as Ellie crashed her mouth onto his.

A surprised gasp escaped Logan — not able to comprehend what was happening. Before his lips met hers again — the kiss was needy and desperate. It had been so long — too long. He almost forgot what her soft, pink lips had felt like, how she had tasted. He felt goosebumps start to cover his skin as she moved her fingers up the nape of his neck and into his thick hair. He moved his hands onto her waist carefully, pulling her into him. Their kiss softened as she parted her mouth for him, deepening it.

They sat like that for a moment, relishing in the feeling of each other until Logan felt dizzy. Their lips stuck together slightly as they pulled away. He gulped as he looked down at her — waiting for her to say something.

“I love you Logan,” She said simply, her fingers trailing down his tan jawline, “You’ve always been my ride or die.”

He couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face.

[stardust-static]

Puppy update 🥰

So if you didn't know I got to bring this guy home early which was about two and a half weeks ago now. We weren't supposed to get him till 8 weeks which was the 16th of December, but we got a call when he was six weeks saying that he's eating solid food and no longer needs his mama. Bailey and I did research and found that puppies usually still need a mama dog to learn mannerisms from and usually they're still nursing at that age. However since he was eating solids and I have three mature age dogs to teach him, & I'm an experienced dog owner who will pretty much be home with him all the time. I thought that it should be fine. Also he was sleeping outside in a pen.. these dogs are typically farm dogs and sleep outside with the farm animals to protect them at night. I was worried he might get too used to that and not want to sleep in the house.. some people get GP'S that are a little older and they usually won't sleep indoors as they want to patrol at night. We want our guy to be inside at night. These are typically working dogs that want a job, but mostly we wanted him to be a pet and his "job" is to protect my other dogs incase of coyotes and us incase of intruders. So it wasnt such a bad deal to get him when he was still so young and impressionable. We agree to come get him. Took a spur of the moment two hour drive. Got out to the farm in the middle of no where. He handed me the other boy. I knew he wasn't mine because I had been staring at this picture of my puppy for weeks. I set it as my wallpaper.

As you can see my guy had speckled nose (its fading now :( ) so he brings me my baby who was just sleeping and he's holding him up to me by his neck fat and he's crying and I grabbed him and he nuzzled his little face into my neck and that was it. We got in the car and I held him close to me and he shook and shivered half of the way and I just kept comforting him. He flinched everytime I touched him clearly not having much human contact. Half the way home he started warming up to me and was giving me kisses and wagging his tail. Bailey and I fell in love with him. We could not handle how adorable he was. Then we finally made it home. I set him in the garage and he was still so goofy and unsure of me. Then he came to me and let me pet him and love on him. Then one by one I let the other dogs in to meet him. They didn't really think much of him at first. Next we gave him a bath which he clearly never had. He smelled like urine and there was so much dirt in his fur. He was a little angel in the bath. The next day he became more confident and started to play with all his new toys and the eskies were pretty jealous. I've made sure to give them all equal amounts of love so no one feels neglected. Wally as always is a lot of work in that department. He's got his behavior problems which have heightened since the puppys arrival. We're working on that. Fast forward to today and Winston adores him. They play so cute together and Winston will actually let the baby cuddle him. Wally just.. I don't think he knows what a baby is. He's very rough and quick to anger. Bailey and I always say that he would have made a great only dog, but he's definitely not so all we can do is correct his behavior when he's mean to the puppy. The puppy cares very little about Wally's hissy fits though. I just don't want him to learn any bad behaviors from Wally. He hasn't yet. He's honestly just a big goofy teddy bear. Such a happy little guy. He's already doubled in size. Everyday I look at him and notice him getting bigger. Today I noticed that he's getting his long coat hairs coming through. He no longer fits in our kitchen sink that we washed him in the first night. Since we did get him so young he is very attached to me. I can not leave him alone. I've been sleeping on the couch with him when Bailey has to work in the morning and he's a sweetie. He snuggles up to my face and gives me kisses to wake me up when he has to potty. He's perfect. The only difficult thing is potty training. The worst part of raising a puppy for me. Especially now that we have carpet in every room. Luckily my mom gave us her commercial carpet cleaner. I put that baby to use last night. It's coming along though... Anytime now I'll have him potty trained. I had my mom babysit him today while I worked and she said he was an angel and didn't potty in her house once so thats good! I just watch him like a hawk and try to catch him before he goes. I'm always letting him outside and hopefully he'll learn how to use the dog door soon. We just got that set up for him, though we will need a bigger one eventually.

Now let me tell you about the stressful ass day I had yesterday and about how I just wanted to lock myself in my room and cry at the end of it all-- because of my pets.

First we wake up and I let the dogs out, and discover that Wally is leaving our yard. The gate on the back side of our property is a metal bar gate with chicken wire over it. Wally pushed the chicken wire out of the way and slipped his skinny little weasel body through the bars. So we went to buy a heavier duty wire fencing to put over the metal fence. Bailey said we should bring Toby cause we want to socialize him and also get him used to the car. So we bring him and on the way home Bailey says we should put him in the trunk of my suv so he could be more comfortable and because he was scratching Bailey up on the way to home depot with his little puppy claws. So we put him back there and we're on our way to get food and Toby is in the back screaming his head off. Then we go "whats that smell?" And I look in my rear view mirror and I see our puppy Toby with his feet hanging over the backseat, paws covered in shit and he's just jumping on everything back there that he can, just really smearing it everywhere. So I'm like WE NEED TO GO HOME NOW!!! just trying so hard not to puke. Bailey is laughing his ass off. Then Toby jumps over and into the back seat. I don't know with what strength suddenly. Winston and Wally have never managed to get out of the trunk space. So now he's making his way to me and I have to reach back and just hold him in place. Theres shit all over my back seat now. I'm crying. I keep gagging. Then Bailey starts to get queezy. We're both not keeping it together. So we eventually get home. Bailey cleans the car and I clean the puppy. Then I have to clean Winston because he ate my mascara while we were gone and got it all over himself. Then as I'm letting the dogs out my indoor cat bolts out of the house for the third time this week. I didn't even go after her. I just said "so be it!". I was having such an annoying day. Then Bailey goes to get us food and I put puppy in the kitchen because I need to vacuum and shampoo the carpets. Puppy screams his head off the entire time cause he hates being confined. The cat comes home an hour later. Bailey and I eat and get to work repairing the fence. Then puppy pees later on the newly shampood carpet. Then Bailey and I get dinner and put puppy in the kitchen again. We're just there at the dinner table eating our Chili's takeout, Bailey goes to get something out of the kitchen and I just hear him go "oh...no." I just looked at him and go "did the puppy shit in there?" and he goes "yup" I say "is it everywhere?" And he says "yuup..."

There was no peace to be had that day.

The dogs woke up and chose chaos.

So today Bailey went to work and so did I.

It was the first time since getting the fence put up that I let the dogs have free roam without me being there for hours. I've been really afraid to. It my number one fear right now, them getting out or stolen or somehow attacked by another animal, but I left the dog door open and just let them be for the day and took the puppy to my parents house. We're also letting the cat come and go as she wants now, because she has been so determined to leave the house. She's constantly bolting out the door and would even rather be in the garage most days. So we're letting her be and hopefully nothing happens to her. I took the bell off her collar so she can be extra stealthy. She did go into my neighbors yard and their 5 dogs chased her away and after that she's just been hanging out on our property laying in the dirt, soaking up the sun. Theres a little dog door built into the garage door that I'm now keeping open for her.

But yeah.. like I said my parents said that Toby is an angel and they'll watch him any time and I came home to the yard still intact and my dogs perfectly fine after being alone for six hours.

I enjoyed my much needed mini break from them and I'm going to go out tomorrow as well now that I feel confident that they'll be okay if I leave them sometimes.

I guess I'll end this massive post about my animals now.

✌💖

[saiilorstars]

It Had To Be You

Ch.14: Shackles of Bonds // Story Masterlist

Fandom: The Flash

Pairings: Barry Allen x Original Female Character

Pronunciation of OC’s name: Bell-en. The last syllable has an emphasis so it’s not pronounced like ‘Helen’ would be.

~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~

Chapter Summary: Belén struggles to move on after her father's death. Barry does his best to support her by doing whatever he needs to. However, in the midst of her recuperation Belén runs into some old (not so nice) friends...

Nobody move! I mean it!'

'Please, d-don't hurt-"

"Yeah, yeah, 'don't hurt me, please' I've heard the story , I don't have time for this - put the money in here-" there was a gesture of a bag,"-or then I will stuff you with this."

A massive blob of purple shot straight through the glass display at the entrance of the store, causing several people to scream.

"Money. Now."

Belén clicked pause on the video and thought for a minute of what she'd watched. Her eyes scanned every person in the convenience store looking for just one person...but came up short.

"I SAID SHUT UP!" Plasticine was fed up with the relentless whimpers and pleads from the people in the store. Out of frustration, she shot yet another purple hit across the store. It hit the wall and splattered everything nearby. Turning her perfectly covered face to the cashier, she waited for the money to be deposited in the brown bag she was holding out. "Hurry up, hurry up," she leaned forwards to see how much was already in the bag. "Oh, look at that, I got what I needed - thank you." With a big smile she made her escape.

Belén switched to the next video and proceeded to watch yet another robbery from Plasticine. However, when someone knocked on the bedroom door she quickly shut her laptop thinking it was Iris. Joe had already been kind enough to let her stay in his home, the least she could do was keep his wish of leaving Iris out of anything metahuman related.

"Bells, hey," Barry peeked through, looking almost afraid of what he'd find inside.

Belén waved him off and grabbed her laptop again. "You know you don't actually have to knock right? This is your room after all."

Barry fully stepped into what used to be his bedroom in the West house. For the last couple of weeks, Belén had taken it as a guest room until she felt well enough to return home knowing her father wasn't going to be there anymore. "I'd rather knock and avoid...certain situations," Barry cleared his throat. If it were any other moment, she would have laughed. Nowadays, she only gave a look of silence. "Listen, Dr. Wells thinks it's a good idea to start, you know, maybe training a little more? Now with, well…" he didn't want to outright say 'the man in yellow' in case she would take it even worse than he did when he was younger.

"I said no the first time, and the second time, and...yeah, the tenth time," Belén sighed. She kept the videos on her laptop mute but kept a close eye on the screen for the person she was searching or. "I don't...I can't be out there again…"

"Why not?" Barry thought it was a stupid question but it was worth it if she just talked again. None of them had had such luck in getting the old Belén back. It became tougher when she refused to use her powers and go to STAR Labs altogether.

"I'm sorry, I just can't," Belén shook her head.

"You know we can't help you if you don't tell us how you feel…"

"But that's just it, I don't know...I don't…" she looked frustrated, and so she closed her eyes and exhaled. "When you were little, and your mom's...murder happened...how did you feel?"

There were many words that came to Barry's mind then, but he settled for the one that he knew she was probably going through. "Helpless."

"Yeah, because you were a kid, and you had no way to help," Belén opened her eyes again. "Now, my Dad was murdered and I'm an adult, have powers, am more or less smart, yet I can't do a single thing to help. I don't want to say that my problem is greater than yours because it's not but I feel completely and utterly helpless right now."

"Well, see, this is why you need to come to STAR Labs with me," Barry walked up to the bed and took a seat on the side near her. "We can practice and then-"

"I can't," she refused again. "I can't even dream to catch that man. I'm not fast and I don't think my powers are good enough to go against him. If I can't use them to help you catch this guy, why use them at all? What's the point?"

What an awful way to think, thought Barry. If he said that out loud the conversation would spiral into an argument and that was the last thing he wanted. He understood anger manifested itself differently in people, and this was apparently how Belén handled it. Well, it was better than him who punched walls and people, but he still didn't like it on her.

"You're Dad wouldn't want this, Bells…"

"Yeah, well, my dad's dead so I don't think it matters what he wanted."

Barry could see this was a lost cause at the moment. There were moments where Belén seemed to be on a much more cheery mood, but then there were these days where she hit...low. It was a process, and that's what everyone around her thought. All they had to do was just help her throughout it.

"What are you doing?" he noticed she was too delved into her laptop screen at the moment.

Her eyes briefly looked into his then quickly returned to the screen. "Just...something..." She glanced at him again and felt the rush of guilt fill her up again. She understood that at the moment she was being difficult - with everyone - and yet they all showed her the utmost patience. She turned her laptop over for Barry to see the current video which was yet again of Plasticine in the middle of another heist. "Felicity hooked me up with like every footage possible of Plasticine robbing."

"You want to catch her badly, then..." Barry mumbled. He hadn't been sure where Belén was in her brother's case and he hadn't touched the subject knowing it was still too soon to even talk about.

"I...I don't know, honestly," Belén admitted and turned the laptop back to her. "I just want to know if my brother's been with her in any of the thefts she's committed. So far, only Azul and that Pixel chick have aided her on occasions."

"That's...good?"

Belén sighed. "I honestly have no idea. I don't know what the hell I'm doing, but...right now, I just...I need to know if he's been out there doing crimes like any other bad meta we've seen."

Barry nodded. "If you need anything on that, you know we're here for you."

"Yeah, I know," she went back to her laptop, indicating in her own way that the conversation was over.

Not wanting to push, Barry let it be and got up from the bed. "If you need anything, just ask, okay?"

Belén's face softened as she recalled something that had been nagging her for days now. "Wait," she stopped him midway to the door, "There is...one thing.. I've been meaning to ask…"

"Okay," Barry turned back, "Anything you need," he could tell this was something important judging by her constant shifting and fiddling fingers.

"Well, I don't know if it's important - well, it's important to me - but I don't know if it would be important to you or anyone -"

"If it's important to you, it's important to me," Barry clarified at once. He came back to her side. "What is it?"

Belén opened her mouth several times, but nothing came out. She stuck her index finger's nail between her teeth and slowly began to explain. "You know the, uh, the, um...the present you gave me for Christmas?"

"Yeah?"

"It's tomorrow night...and…I know it's...way late but..." Belén gave a light shrug as if that would explain everything she couldn't say.

"You don't want to go anymore?" Barry guessed. Iris had been telling him of her constant failed attempts to get Belén out of the house. He'd already assumed a while ago that his gift would become one of those failed attempts to get out.

"Not exactly that…" she gave a sheepish smile, "I...don't want to go...alone. See, you're the one that...that gave me the present, and...my Dad...he helped you…" she took in a small breath before beginning over again, "It would really mean a lot...if you came with me."

"Oh," Barry's eyebrows raised up in surprise.

"It's just...it would feel like a last connection to my Dad, you get me?" Belén found it hard to explain without making it awkward. She felt her face warm but she pushed through - this was important to her. "You both worked on it together and…" her courage faded in a snap and she shook her head, "What am I saying. You don't want to go to that."

"No, it's fine - I'd love to!" Barry exclaimed, although somewhat blushing himself.

Belén visibly relaxed upon hearing his answer. "Really? Because...because you don't have to. I know it's kinda weird but…"

"I understand, don't worry," Barry assured. He reached for her hand and gave her a smile.

~ 0 ~

"Wait a minute, she asked you out on a date?" Cisco arched an eyebrow, a wide smirk settling across his lips.

Caitlin, who was coming around with fresh new papers for their training session, smacked Cisco upside the head and ignored his cry of pain. "She did not, weren't you listening?" She put the papers down on the table beside Dr. Wells, who was also shaking his head at Cisco. "Barry," she said after a moment, looking a bit anxious suddenly as she looked over to the metahuman finishing up his soda, "You do know that's not a date right?" she asked cautiously.

Barry had told them of Belén's current situation of the day and couldn't help sharing her request with them either. To answer Caitlin's question, he gave a firm nod. "I know that, Cait."

"Good," Caitlin visibly relaxed. "Because I think this is very important for Bells. This is her last connection to her father and it would be incredibly inappropriate for you to even think about-"

"You don't have to finish that, Caitlin," Dr. Wells interrupted, missing Barry's grateful glance towards him. "I think Barry understands quite well the situation Miss Palayta is in."

"I do," assured Barry. "I figure this is a way to start getting her back on her feet."

"She still refuses to come to STAR Labs?" Cisco inquired.

"Greatly," Barry said, adding afterwards with great discord, "She says if she can't help catch the man in yellow then why use her powers at all?"

"That's horrible," Caitlin made all face.

"Yet quite understandable," Dr. Wells said. "It's a normal reaction to a situation like this one. We only have to help her realize that people need her. Like Barry, she has the quality that makes her susceptible to helping anyone despite her own situations. She will come around, just give her some time."

The group felt a little more confident after hearing Wells' words. Being an expert he had to know what he was talking about, right?

"In the meantime, I need to do this again," Barry got up from his chair, motioning to the training area ahead of them. "I need to be ready for the man in yellow next time."

"I think you mean the reverse-Flash," Cisco said quite proudly, and when everyone gave him looks he rolled his eyes. "He said it, not me. And he's right. Yellow suit, red lightning, and evil... the reverse of Barry."

Caitlin made another face and turned to the computers. "Meh."

Wells gave a short smile of amusement as he admitted, "Actually, I kind of like it." Cisco beamed and shot Caitlin a smug look.

"All right, I'm still ready for another round," Barry started making way for his suit. "How many more drones do you have left?"

Cisco went in the opposite direction for the remaining drones. "Two. And they've got lasers."

"No," flatly went both Caitlin and Wells.

~ 0 ~

"So listen," Iris cautiously began as she sat beside Belén on the couch, both deciding - with Iris leading by about 40% - to have a movie night, "I was thinking we could maybe go tomorrow night to the little music fest the city's having down at the park?" Belén was midway through opening her mouth when Iris quickly jumped in, fearing her idea would be shot down like many others had been prior. "It doesn't even have to be for a full hour! We can just go, see how many free meals we can get by batting our eyes at the guys selling. It's just all about being out there. So, what do you say? I heard there was gonna be some of that lemon pie…" she nudged Belén with a knowing smile. "I know it's one of your favorites…"

Belén tugged on the blanket Iris had brought down for them, lightly smiling as she said back, "I can't."

Iris, assuming it was another failed attempt to uplift her friend, began to add on more reasons for Belén to agree. "There's going to be music, and lots of food - and did I mention pie?"

"No, Iris, I mean I can't go for real. I have other plans."

"Oh," Iris blinked, wondering for a moment if she had already gotten Belén to agree to a different event and just forgot about it.

Belén could see how stumped Iris was and decided to make it easier by explaining. "Tomorrow's the date for the aerial dancing show, remember? I'm going to use the tickets Barry gave me for Christmas."

"Oh you're going!? That's wonderful!" Iris beamed and hugged Belén until she realized something important. "Hold on," she pulled away to suspiciously look at Belén, "You said tickets in plural. Who are you going with? Can't be me, I've got a shift at Jitters."

Belén dreaded her answer but saw no way to get out of it. "I asked Barry if he would come with me." Iris bit on her tongue to keep in the first thing that popped into her mind. But her growing smirk said it all. Belén sighed and looked straight at the movie, her thin pajamas suddenly becoming like an extra layer of heat. "It's not a date, Iris West, so you better not even start."

"I'm not…" Iris reached for a couple popcorn on the coffee table.

"I asked him because he was the one who gave me the tickets in the first place," Belén continued, clearing her throat. "And because I know my father helped in that and I want...that connection...to live on. It's important to me."

Iris could see it was and so, for once, kept away all her teasing. But the smirk on her lips didn't go away. She leaned back on the couch, holding her last piece of popcorn as she watched the movie. "You gotta at least let me help you get ready tomorrow night."

Belén considered the idea for a minute, looked down at her messy hair, picked at a strand and shrugged. "My hair could use a little toning up."

As Iris laughed with triumph, Belén smiled to herself while sporting a light pink blush on her cheeks.

~ 0 ~

The following morning had been taken up by an odd case of breaking into a garage of prestigious cars covered under white sheets. Barry found the garage door had been frozen by none other than a freeze gun, making it easy for the thief to break in. The odd case was that no cars were stolen. Everything was in its place as it should be, thus allowing for the conclusion that the break-in had been more of a trap for the Flash. Knowing this, Barry rushed to STAR Labs to explain to the others so they could get working on a plan.

"Captain Cold is back?" Cisco was still in mild shock. The last time they'd met the man it had been a close call. If it had not been for Belén, their plan of using a vacuum as a gun would have failed and they would have died...

"For a non-metahuman, Leonard Snart is proving to be quite the nemesis," Dr. Wells remarked, although not entirely surprised to hear Snart was back.

"He still has the cold gun, the one he stole from us, the one I built," Cisco reminded glumly.

"Well, what does he want this time?" Caitlin asked from Barry.

"The Flash," he frowned. "If Snart wants a fight with the Flash, then I'll give him one."

He was so sure of it until Wells swayed his head. "Well…"

"You don't think I should?"

"I didn't say that," Wells clarified, "But, Barry, as fast as you are, you cannot be everywhere at once. And it becomes then a question of priorities. Now, in the last month, you have made a commitment to increasing your speed, enhancing your reflexes, and it's working. You're finally getting faster."

"Okay, but what am I supposed to do, just ignore Snart?"

"We could always ask Bells," Cisco reminded quietly, unsurprised to see the round of shaking heads st him.

"Not a good idea," Dr. Wells was the one to say it out loud. "If Miss Palayta is not focused she will only get herself hurt and perhaps even others."

"...there is always Nina," Caitlin quietly spoke up as well.

"She's not trained enough," Barry put that idea down, mostly for the sake of Nina's safety.

"She helped take you down back when you were whammied," Caitlin then said back.

"This is not her fight, it's not Bells' either, Snart is looking for me," Barry finally said what had been behind his earlier reasoning.

"The last time you had a fight with Snart, a train derailed. You were lucky to get all those people to safety," Dr. Wells began laying out the truth as it was, "And if you don't give him that fight…"

"He may just back off, and there'll be no casualties," Barry finished in a mumble, knowing fully well that was a high possibility. It just didn't mean he liked it very much.

"Look, Barry, Cisco and I will work with Joe and the police and devise a way to catch Cold-" Wells noticed the impressed look on Cisco's face and playfully rolled his eyes, "-Yes, I said it, Cisco. As soon as it came out of my mouth, I heard it."

"Yeah, we can definitely come up with ways to neutralize Snart!" Cisco exclaimed.

"Listen, Barry. Whether or not you go after Snart, that's your choice. We here, we will do whatever we can to support you. But after this past Christmas, after the events with the reverse-Flash... I just think he poses a greater threat to all of us."

Barry gave in with a small nod. "Okay."

~ 0 ~

"We're leaving in five minutes, Belén, and that's whether or not you have shoes on!" Iris gave her last firm warning from downstairs before crossing the living room to retrieve her purse. She was worried Belén was wasting time on purpose so she wouldn't have to go out anymore. Well, Iris was not gonna have that.

Someone knocked on her front door, and rather than answer it first, she hollered up to Belén that she would be coming upstairs whether Belén was finished or not to take her to the mall. When she opened the door and found Eddie on the other side, her boyfriend was in a state of surprise.

"You realize that can qualify as kidnapping right?"

Iris rows her eyes and gave him a short kiss before letting him inside. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I was gonna see if you wanted to have lunch but apparently you have other plans…" Eddie's eyes drifted towards the stairs where he assumed Belén was.

Iris apologetically smiled. "I'm sorry. I told Bells we were gonna go to the mall today and...well...sorry…?"

Eddie lightly sighed, not too surprised. "You know, if she's ready to go to the mall then I think it's high time you told her you were moving in with me."

"I've been wanting to, I promise, but...I've can't just abandon her like this," Iris trailed off, feeling like she was between the wall. She had made plans with Eddie to finally move in with him but after Belén decided to temporarily stay with her, Iris didn't have the heart to tell Belén about moving out. She knew Belén was still struggling to get back on her feet after her father's death and Iris didn't want to make her feel forced into leaving. Belén had to leave when she wanted to, when she felt ready to.

Unfortunately, this was testing Eddie's patience. He wanted to help Belén as much as possible too, but he just didn't understand why he and Iris couldn't do that while also living together. "Iris, how much longer are you going to be living here?" he asked her.

"Until Belén decides she can go back to her house," Iris answered firmly. "And then...we can move in," she smiled at him, taking his hands, "And that shouldn't be long okay? I promise."

And at that moment, they heard footsteps coming down the staircase. A minute later, Belén emerged, neatly dressed with a low pony tail behind her shoulders. "Hi, Eddie," she greeted politely.

"Hi, Belén," Eddie gave her a small hug, discreetly taking notice of how put together she was in comparison to the last time they'd seen each other. Maybe Iris was right and this wouldn't take much longer.

"What are you doing here?" Belén asked him.

"I was, uh…" Eddie faltered in coming up with an excuse fast. Thankfully, his clever girlfriend was right beside him.

"My Dad forgot something from work and Eddie was passing by for it."

"Oh, okay," Belén nodded. "I'll give you guys a moment then. Iris, I guess I'll wait outside then?"

"You bet you will," Iris pointed warningly at her. "Because we're going and that's that." Belén rolled her eyes, took her bag off the table, and went for the door. When she was gone, Iris turned back to Eddie, once again apologetically smiling. "Soon," she repeated, giving him another kiss to seal her promise.

~ 0 ~

When Barry entered his lab, he found Joe working at his desk with plenty of files spread around. "Joe, hey."

"Hey. I'm glad you're back. I've been going over Snart's files," Joe reached for a Jitters cup he had on the desk and handed it to Barry.

"Thanks. Yeah, I need to talk to you. As CSI, my work on this case is done. And as the Flash, I don't think I can focus on Snart right now."

Joe arched a questioning eyebrow. "You mind telling me what brought about this change of heart?"

"This man in yellow, the man that killed my mom, is still out there. I have to be ready to face him, which means amping up my speed. It's a question of priorities."

Something about that last sentence didn't sit well with Joe. "Your mom's killer isn't the only reason you've been doing this. You told me that if you could use your powers to save someone from a burning building, you would."

"Look, Dr. Wells and STAR Labs are gonna work with you," Barry tried to make things a little better. "Cisco thinks he has a way to protect the police against Snart's cold gun."

"Barry, I can understand if you're scared. We talked about this."

"Of course I'm scared, Joe!" Barry snapped, though regretted it a second later. He was just frustrated nothing was going right. "This guy could run into the precinct and kill everyone in here in seconds. He threatened Iris. He killed Bells' father. I won't let him hurt the most important people in my life again. If that means devoting every second I have outside this place to getting faster and to stopping him, then that's what I'm gonna do. I'm sorry. I've made up my mind."

He didn't give Joe a chance to retaliate as he left in a rush.

~ 0 ~

"Hey, Barry, come in," Iris was the one to greet at the front door. "I thought you were going to be Eddie."

"Eddie? Why?" Barry asked, mildly confused while scanning the immediate area for Belén. Her show would be starting soon, and being who he was he'd ran a little late.

"We made dinner plans," Iris closed the door behind him. "But listen, I'm glad you're here on your own cos I'm a little worried about Belén."

"What is it?"

"I'm having a little trouble getting her to come downstairs…"

But by the look on Iris' face, Barry could tell it was a little more than that. "How little?" he asked.

"She locked herself in your room."

Somehow, Barry was not surprised.

Iris shook her head, leading him towards the stairs. "She was all gung-ho until I said I'd let her borrow my purse tonight. I walked out of the room to go get said purse and when I came back, she locked herself inside! And she refuses to come out! She doesn't want to go anymore."

"We'll just see about that," Barry straightened himself up and started up the stairs.

"Please get her to go," Iris called from her spot downstairs. "Eddie's gonna be by any minute now and I just...I really think this can be good for her."

"Don't worry, Iris. It'll be fine," Barry assured. He left her to go upstairs. He came up to his old bedroom door and used a vibrating hand to unlock the door.

Belén seemed to be expecting him to do something like this as she immediately threw a notebook at him from the bed. "I thought you said you would always knock."

Barry bent down to pick up the notebook that had hit him square in the chest. "Desperate times call for desperate measures." He stood back up and placed the notebook on the edge of the bed.

She was sitting on the same side of the bed, dressed in a green and blue, plaid, dress with black tights underneath. Her hair had been put into a low, side ponytail with all her curls hanging loosely. Beside the bed laid a pair of small heeled, black boots.

"You look wonderful," Barry thought it a good place to start, though he really did mean it.

"I'm not going Barry," Belén shook her head. "I'm sorry I wasted your time, I'm sorry for wasting Iris' time but I just...can't."

"You said it was important to you, remember?"

"Yes, I do, but...it's hard."

"Of course it is."

"I mean this is the last connection I have to my Dad. After this, I won't have anything else. I don't...I don't want that to go away."

"But if you never went, then you would lose that connection without even experiencing it." Barry came over to her side. "And your father's idea will have gone to waste. Do you want that instead?"

"...no," Belén answered meekly.

"Then, why don't we go and at least give it a chance? Don't forget that while your Dad did help I was the one who had the idea. You really want to void my gift?"

"Barry Allen are you really going to guilt me into this by pouting at me?"

Barry felt childish as he pouted at her but also felt quite comfortable with her. She tried upholding her look but she scrunched her nose in defeat.

"That's not fair!" she playfully growled and crossed her arms, huffing afterwards. "You can't do that to me."

"Well, you can't expect me not to try. Up, up we go!" Barry seized her hands and easily pulled her up to her feet, ignoring her groans. "C'mon!"

"No!"

"Bells, this is ridiculous, let's go before we're really late!"

"Barry, I can't!"

Barry stopped at the door and looked back at her, more or less irritated. "Why not?"

"I don't have my shoes on," Belén pointed down to her feet.

"Oh! Sorry!" Barry instantly let her go and rushed to retrieve her boots by the bed.

"I can get them on-" Belén shut her eyes at the strong gust of wind that surrounded her in the next seconds.

"Can we go now?" Barry asked after successfully putting on each boot on her feet.

"I could have put those on myself, you know," Belén said, mocking a scolding look.

"Yeah, but I'm quicker. So, can we go now?"

"I don't have much of a choice do I?"

"Nope!"

Although Belén gave a deadpanning look, Barry ignored it and went right ahead in speeding them to the theater where the Dream would be performing at. The moment Belén saw the place she gasped and froze on her spot.

"A-are you okay?" Barry worriedly asked her, looking between her and the theater which was beginning to crowd at the entrance.

"I-I just...need a moment," Belén made a gesture with her hands and turned away from the theater.

"It's okay," Barry assured her. "You just need to take it slow. You can do this."

"My Dad used to be front row..." Belén pointed back at the theater and slowly turned to face it again. "Every show I did..." but the words failed her. It brought back so many memories she had long ago buried. She had left aerial dancing because her mother told her too, and had never quite gotten over it apparently as she came to realize now. But everything was different now - her number one supporter for aerial dancing was gone and even as she went to just watch a show she could feel it was no longer the same. Her heart hurt, and her mind whizzed.

She felt something soft take her hand, snapping her from her thoughts.

"You can do it," Barry whispered to her, gently gripping her hand.

Belén felt slightly better then, without an explanation. She allowed him to lead her towards the theater, listening to his words of encouragement. Their tickets allowed them a good seat up front.

The stage was lightly colored at the moment, but its rainbow swirls were still clear enough to brighten up the dark room. Barry was all about the science, and the facts and the logistics, and what he saw that night was not logical.

It started slow and with soft pastel colors. Three female dancers appeared first, all dressed up in cream-colored one-suits with their hair tied up in high pony tails with white flowers embedded around. Different colored silks were dropped from the ceiling, two per dancer. It was unlike anything Barry had ever seen, and that was saying something considering he was the Flash who fought metahumans on a daily basis.

Silk was wrapped around ankles as the dancers swung till their feet were high in the air and their hair flung around. At one point, Belén had to hold onto Barry's arm to keep him from swooping in as the Flash because he was so sure one dancer was going to slip and fall. This was, admittedly, making it worthwhile for Belén. She loved being back in the environment she had left and it was amazing to see so many familiar people doing what they loved up on stage. Every minute or so she would get a new memory from her times up there. It made her heart swell, no longer hurting like before.

All that ran through Barry's mind, in the meanwhile, was: Holy shit, Belén actually did this stuff. She actually got up and did this. What. The. Hell?

Every now and then, he would literally glance at his concentrated friend and try to imagine her up on stage.

When a dancer wrapped a silk around their waist and leaned impossibly back, he wondered if Belén was capable of such flexibility. Could she sway her arms so delicately like the brunette up on stage? At one point, a dancer wrapped a green silk around one of her thighs and used it to swing down and proceeded to entwine another piece of silk over her other thigh. She swung herself again in a sitting position, opened her arms and swayed them again before completing another swing so that her head was down below. She grabbed both silk pieces on her sides and flapped them wide. The crowd 'awed' and cheered at her, and no one louder than Belén. At the end of the show, both metas were so delighted with what they saw that neither of them realized they had yet to abandon the theater and were but one of the few watchers left.

"I am so glad that we came," Belén laughed to herself as she reached for her purse. "I...I haven't been to one of these in a long time, oh my God."

"I...can't believe this is actually something real," Barry admitted, still gaping at the stage where a couple of dancers were still at. "Belén, are you sure you did this?"

Belén laughed and turned around, about to respond a full 'yes' when someone else called her name. Momentarily confused, she looked about for the source until she saw a tall blonde coming towards them from the stage.

"Mark?" she blinked, unable to really confirm it was who she thought it was under the dim lights.

"Belén? Have you really come back to us?" the blonde hopped off the stage and walked up to the two.

"Oh my God, Mark!" Belén exclaimed and immediately threw her arms around the man's shoulders.

"I thought I recognized that laughter," Mark pulled away and looked over to Barry, the latter standing awkwardly behind. "She just has a specific laugh you can't really...misplace…"

"Yeah," Barry agreed weakly, looking to Belén.

The ombre-blonde smiled, for the first time, at both of them. "Barry, this is an old friend of mine from when I was on the team."

"Hi," Mark politely shook Barry's hand. "Mark Forneez. Nice to meet you."

"Barry Allen," the meta introduced himself politely.

"Barry got me the tickets to see your show," Belén explained to Mark.

"Ah, nice move," Mark gave a knowing smile that put both receiving-enders in state of flushes.

"Christmas present, friendly present…" Barry sputtered but not a complete sentence.

"Barry's one of my newest friends so he didn't really know about my past until I mentioned it," Belén tried to explain in a way that would set it clear how they were only friends and that this had been just a friendly present. "He thought it would be nice - and it was really nice," she made sure to tell Barry himself. "My Dad did well to give you the idea."

"Right, I heard about your father, Belén," Mark said, his voice softening as he looked at Belén. "The entire team did, actually. We're really sorry."

Belén gave a small nod and received another tight hug. "Thanks, Mark."

"If you need anything, please just let me know. You know where to find us, right?"

"Still practice in the building right?"

"Always," Mark gave her a nudge.

"Thank you, Mark."

"Well, it was nice seeing you again - nice meeting you Barry - but I have to get back and help with the clean up." Mark started backtracking when Belén called for him again.

It ashamed Barry to think it was high time for them to leave and with that leave they would put Mark behind as well. Belén looked pretty content for the first time and who was he to tear her away from it? In the end, Belén had only called Mark back for an exchange of phone numbers. Afterwards, the two were back out in the streets on the way home. It didn't take long to start feeling like normal, and Barry had a lot to say about the show.

Every now and then Belén would chuckle at one of his crazy comments and questions. They hadn't even thought of just speeding back to the West residence yet, too engulfed in clarifying and praising the show.

"But honestly speaking, did you really used to do that?" Barry had asked for about the fifth time, still suspiciously staring at her.

Belén swayed her head with another soft laugh. "Yes, Barry, I did. I promise."

"So you actually swung on those silks like there was no tomorrow?"

Belén had to laugh and stop to do so. She covered her mouth and looked at him. "Seriously? Like there was no tomorrow?"

Barry widely smiled, partly out of embarrassment but mostly because she was actually looking like she was having a good time. Mark was right - she had a laugh that could not be mistaken for anyone else's. He quite liked it, actually.

"A figure of speech…" Barry coughed.

"So like, you basically? You run like there's no tomorrow. Does that work?"

"Yes, yes it does!"

Belén laughed again but suddenly admitted. "If you ever do doubt my word, though, there are videos of my old performances...if you'd like to see them, you know."

"I think, after seeing all that tonight, I would very much like to," Barry said with a matching smile for Belén.

"Okay," Belén couldn't think of much more to say, and she was very greatful for the darkness covering up her blush.

"Uh, we should, um...get you home," Barry gestured ahead, as if the West house was just down the block.

He was nervous, yes he was, and he wasn't quite sure why. Belén nodded, understanding what he was trying to say. He took hold of her from the side and in a second they were standing on the front porch of the Wests'.

"Thank you for the gift, Barry," Belén said quietly, still genuinely smiling. "You were right in making me come, and seeing it all, I just…" she felt her eyes shimmer with tears and, embarrassed, shook her head. "Sorry…"

"It's fine, don't you worry about it," Barry assured, hoping she wouldn't suddenly grow grim again. "I'm very glad this helped you, because we all love you Bells. And, STAR Labs does kinda miss you, you know."

"Right," Belén chuckled to herself, clearing up some of her loose tears. "I haven't seen them in forever."

"Cisco is finishing his new suit for Nina and she's not quite happy about it," Barry confided, both then laughing.

"He's not making her a skirt right? Because Nina will beat the crap out of him."

Barry laughed. "Uh, no, I don't...I don't think so. But it is coming out pretty cool."

"I will think about checking it up," Belén said truthfully. She stepped forwards and kissed his cheek so suddenly it froze him in place. "Right after I look for those videos I now owe you."

"R-right," Barry nervously nodded in what he thought was an idiot kind of way. She looked so nice in front of him and all he could do was nod?

"Goodnight," Belén wiggled her fingers and turned for the door. She thought her shoes were doing a funny walk - did she forget how to walk?

As soon as Iris heard the door unlocking she turned off the television in the living room and jumped to lean on the couch. "So, how'd it go!?" she excitedly asked.

Belén smiled softly and felt, after weeks of gloominess, good. "It was lovely."

Iris gave her teasing smirk and warned Belén they would have to talk about it after she got some drinks for them. Belén didn't even care at the moment. She was just happy, very happy. Belén reached to push some hair back but instead spotted the ugly green patch on her wrist. Her eyes widened in horror and quickly stuffed her hand inside her coat's pocket.

She couldn't even afford to be really happy now?

Get it together, Belén. No one could ever see that. Ever.

~ 0 ~

"Here, take these," Maritza handed over a couple pills to Rayan, along with a glass of a water. Maritza tried hiding her worried expressions as soon as Angie and Noah walked into the apartment.

"I don't see my sister with you," Rayan rubbed his temples, impatiently waiting for the pills to make effect on the nasty headache he had.

Noah rolled his eyes, quite used to that greeting nowadays. It was the same or each time he came. "You know, I don't understand why you don't do the same to her," he gestured to Maritza.

"She's my sister, moron, she has other things to worry about. You, on the other hand, only have this one task. So tell me, why isn't it done yet?"

"It would be easier if you just let me bring her here," Noah began the same point he always made when they got on the topic.

"She has to come willingly, we've been over this. I want her to realize this is where she belongs...with her brother and her sister."

"Oh that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard," Angie dropped herself on the couch across the siblings. She rested an elbow on the couch arm-rest and smirked at them. "Do you really think that goody two-shoes is going to leave her life of hero for this?" she languidly gestured to the place.

"Not to mention the fact she likes her partner," Noah added and elicited a laugh from Angie.

"Right," the blonde wagged a finger in the air.

"Is one of you about to say anything intelligent soon?" Rayan snapped.

"It's true and you know it!" Noah shut him down. "You see it too you just don't want to admit it. Your sister works with the Flash, she is probably near him more than anyone else. The way in which she defends him...c'mon!" he laughed at their ignorance. "It's obvious! The good news is, is that she hasn't realize it yet or it would've been public already. Which means, there is still a chance, albeit a tiny one, but there's still one. You just had to acknowledge it and make plans around it."

Angie gave him a curious glance. "That's actually smart. I think I like you now."

Noah playfully rolled his eyes at her. He pushed her elbow off the armrest to take a seat. "Thanks."

"You two are unbelievable," Maritza spat. "Belén is difficult, I know, but she's going to realize that she needs to be with us. After all, we were all affected by the stupid Particle Accelerator. Once she knows what happened to all of us, she'll understand."

"Well, unless one of you-" Noah gestured to her and Rayan, his words laced a warning, "-gets off your high and mighty thrones to do something with us, you can forget it."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, it's time to show yourselves to her. Tell her what's going on already, then we'll know who's side she's really on."

The suggestion was troubling for both Maritza and Rayan. Rayan could only think about it so much until his head began to hurt with more force. The headaches had been coming and coming for the past months.

~ 0 ~

In STAR Labs, Caitlin searched for anything Firestorm related online. She was certainly not expecting company at the moment, considering this was something delicate.

So, when Barry came in with a polite 'hey' she gasped and jumped in her chair. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

Caitlin turned her chair in his direction and smiled. "No, it's okay. I was just kind of focused."

Barry looked at the computer and saw glimpses of Firestorm articles. "Gotcha. What's firestorm?"

"It's one of the last things Ronnie said to me before he... flew away," Caitlin made a face as she realized just how that sounded. "My dead fiance can fly. I haven't broke that to my parents yet." She shook her head and then noticed the everlasting smile on Barry's face, even as he drank from a Jitters cup. "You doing okay?"

"Mm?" It appeared Barry had forgotten he was with Caitlin as he nearly choked on his coffee. He looked down at her, momentarily flushed while she knowingly smiled.

"I forgot to ask, how did it go last night with Bells?" she asked then.

"Good," Barry tried to remain casual but even he had become aware of his lasting smiles. "It went good."

Caitlin liked seeing him happy, but she felt a responsibility to remind him of the important details that pertained to last night. "Barry, you do remember that it wasn't a date...right?"

Barry's face immediately went red. He put his coffee down and cleared his throat, all the meanwhile Caitlin studiously stared at him. "O-of course I do, C-Caitlin! How could I forget?"

Caitlin's smile softened. "I was only reminding you. So tell me, did she like the show?"

"She loved it. It was like getting a glimpse of the old Bells."

"That is very good news," Caitlin pointed at him then turned her chair to face the computers again. "I wish I had good news like that."

"What exactly are you trying to find?" Barry leaned closer to the screens, seeing multiple articles about Firestorm.

"Just, anything about Firestorm. But, nothing comes up except gibberish," Caitlin sighed. "Like it doesn't exist."

Barry tilted his head, eyes scanning the abstracts of several articles, quickly seeing it had nothing to do with what Caitlin was looking for. "What if...what if Firestorm isn't a word?" he suddenly asked.

"What?"

"Ronnie was an engineer, you're a scientist, you're both accustomed to using acronyms for works."

Caitlin then understood what he was trying to say and started retyping. "What if Firestorm isn't a word?" She typed the acronym F.I.R.E.S.T.O.R.M and this time only one article popped up. She clicked on it and out came a long reading. "Fusion ignition research experiment and science of transmutation originating RNA and molecular structures." She read aloud but got to the bottom part and sheepishly looked at Barry. "It's 800 pages."

Unsurprised, Barry stepped closer to the computers and began reading at top speed. In less than a minute he was finished. "There's a lot of stuff in there, but it mostly focuses on transmutation, which is the process of altering the structure of an element by unzipping the atoms…"

"And rebuilding it to create an entirely new element," Caitlin nodded.

"Well, the article was co-written by Jason rush, who's a grad student here at Hudson university. So if anybody knows what happened to Ronnie…"

"Maybe he does," Caitlin said hopeful. "Thanks!"

~ 0 ~

When Iris walked down the staircase, she was largely confused to find the foyer room full of empty cardboard boxes. What got her more was Belén standing by the staircase closet with another box in hands.

"What's going on?" Iris asked slowly, taking the last couple of steps down.

"You're moving out," Belén shrugged like it was casual.

Iris' eyes widened. "How…?"

"I heard you and Eddie yesterday before going to the mall," Belén elaborated as she put the box down on the floor. "Iris, I had no idea what you were planning. If I had, I would've stayed at home."

"No, this is exactly why I didn't tell you. I didn't want you to feel guilty," Iris walked forwards.

"It's the truth," Belén repeated. "It's not fair for me to bring you down in my grieving period. I don't want you to stop living your life because I sullenly stopped living mine. You are moving out because a wonderful man's patience is being tested out there and it's just morally wrong."

The two shared a small laugh and got straight to work. In about an hour, the foyer room and parts of the living room were covered with boxes, clothes draped over couches and tables, personal objects on the floor and part of the staircase.. They had even gotten Joe to help, surprising him first that it was actually going to happen now. Apparently he was quite happy Belén was staying over because that meant his Iris wasn't going anywhere for at least another while. It made the two women laugh.

Sometime in the middle, Barry showed up as well, and he was just as surprised as Joe had been when he saw all the moving-out boxes lying about. "What's going on here?"

"You came to help her pack?" Joe inquired, although unbelieving it as well.

"No, no, no. Iris called and said that she had something for me."

"Yes, I do!" Iris got up from a nearby box and walked over to pick up a red backpack from the floor. "Bells actually found this in my closet."

"I thought it was just a backpack," Belén came over, seeing how wrong she was judging by Barry's ecstatic face.

"I haven't seen this in years!" he exclaimed as he took the bag, ignoring both Joe's and Iris' laughter.

"Well, the nerd survival kit is still intact," Iris patted his arm, still teasing him by laughing.

"Hey, Rayan used to read those," Belén inched closer to Barry as he pulled out an old comic book from the backpack. "He used to get mad at me for even breathing around them. What's so good about them anyways?"

"Don't even get him started," Iris shook her head.

"Once he starts he can't shut up," Joe added.

Barry, red-faced, gave them both a mini-glare. "Alright then." Belén laughed while he put away the comic into the backpack again.

"I think I'm late for work," Iris had checked her phone. "Dad I promise I will clean this up when I get back, okay?"

"Don't worry, Iris, I got it," Belén waved it off. "Least I can do for everything you've done for me."

"Thanks, Bells," Iris gave her a quick hug before heading out.

"Joe, do you mind if I have a quick word with Barry? I have to leave anyways too," Belén said sheepishly before adding, "And don't worry, unlike Iris I will have this cleaned up when I get back."

"How about you just don't leave either so that way Iris can stay again?" Joe tried his luck for the last time, making her chuckle. "Yeah, it was a long shot." With a light sigh, he signaled he would be upstairs.

"You're going back home?" Barry assumed immediately after they were left alone.

"Mhm. It's time I stop forcing people to mourn with me," Bells nodded. "Did you know that Iris had been planning on moving out but postponed it for my sake?"

"Well…" Barry rubbed the side of his neck.

Belén tilted her head disapproving. "And you didn't tell me either. Great."

"Iris asked me not to…" Barry sighed. "We just wanted to help you as much as possible."

"Well," Belén didn't look as upset as he thought she would be, "I'm going back home. It's time to face what is now my life. But listen, that's not what I wanted to talk to you about."

"Shoot then."

There was an immediate shift in attitude in her. Her eyes seemed to shimmer, not of tears as they commonly did but of excitement. "I met with Mark this morning…"

See, something about that sentence didn't make Barry feel quite good. He was aware of it too and felt more puzzled than ever.

"...and we got to talking. He's become one of the leads of the team and, so...he has more authority than other dancers. I told him how much I realized I missed the place, the dances, my old friends...and he offered me a chance to come by and just, you know, start practicing again." There was a visible streak of shock etching across Barry's face and Belén jumped to add something more, thinking he was disapproving. "It's nothing promising, though, just...just a way for me to keep that connection with my Dad, you know…"

"Bells, I think...that's great," Barry began, and she immediately relaxed.

"You think so?"

"Yes! I mean, I think it's what you've needed, honestly. You seemed to be missing that part of your life and if, if that Mark guy is willing to help then...you know, go for it!"

The biggest smile spread across Belén's face. "I think it is what I needed. For the first time in weeks it's making me feel something besides grief. And it...it feels nice," she exhaled.

"I'm happy for you," Barry truthfully said, although a part of him wondered if this meant they would be seeing even less of her. She was already refusing to come to STAR Labs, how would this affect things?

"I'm going to go tell him yes right now!" Belén's announcement brought him back to the present. She was looking for her jacket somewhere in the mess, babbling on about setting up a meeting with Mark.

Deciding to be helpful, Barry sped around the room and put away everything in sight, leaving a neatly stack of packed boxes by the door.

"Oh that was so nice of you," remarked Belén with a sheepish smile, "But, um...my jacket was somewhere in the mess...and you probably put it away."

Barry turned back to the boxes, sighing as he went back through them, all in the meanwhile Belén stood there and laughed at his antics.

~ 0 ~

That night, STAR Labs kept true to their word and came up with designed shields that were meant to protect policemen from Snart's ice gun. Assuming the next spot Snart was to attack, the policemen, including Joe and Eddie, filed out towards the local mini-airport where Mr. and Mrs. Rathaway would be arriving with a million dollar priced artwork. Sure enough, Snart made an appearance...but he was not alone. The shields were meant to protect below average temperatures but were not equipped to protect against violent flames. In other words, they had not calculated for Mick Rory, and a heat gun, to be there as well. There were minor casualties, but enough to put some chaos in the CCPD.

Barry was one of the first to hear and immediately arrived at the building, where sure enough they were in the middle of trying to get back in order. He found Joe by the threshold of the main offices.

"Hey, are you okay!?"

"I'm fine," Joe nodded. "Snart's new partner, he's got this handheld flamethrower. Almost everyone was treated on the scene, but... We got two in the burn unit, though."

This made Barry feel incredibly guilty. He should have been there - he needed to have. "I'm sorry," he said, though knew it meant nothing now. "I should've listened to you."

"It's all good. But... The next time Snart and his pyro pal show up, you make them sorry they ever messed with you," Joe warned with a finger before whipping out his phone. "I got to call the hospital."

Barry nodded, intending on seeing it through.

~ 0 ~

"I love it," Belén chuckled as she and Mark stepped out of the theater. Belén held Mark's cellphone and was scrolling through pictures of the team. "These are so incredible, I can't believe you guys went on to New York. And England!" Mark laughed alongside her. "Oh my God, is that Casey?" she stopped at a picture of him and two blonde women in front of a beautiful garden. "I haven't seen her in years. She wasn't in the last show, right?"

"She's with her sister - she's got a new niece," Mark informed with a bright smile on his face.

"I can't wait to talk to her when she comes back," Belén gushed over the thought of speaking to old friends. She gave Mark back his phone and settled down. "I'll see you Friday, then?"

"Friday," Mark nodded, giving her a goodbye hug. "Get your silks and training clothes ready."

"I definitely will," Belén assured. With a last goodbye, they went in opposite directions. She pulled out her phone to search for any missed calls. There were, unsurprisingly, several from Cisco and Caitlin. Her fingers hovered over each of their names, unsure of how to even call back. She made it like a life mission not to step foot in STAR since her father's death. It felt like she failed her father and that STAR Labs was reserved for the heroes that were actually heroes capable of doing their duties.

The moment she stepped in front of her car - her brother's old car - she heard a whizzing noise followed by a loud crack behind. Her eyes widened at the sight of the frozen window on her driver's side. Slowly, she turned around and saw none other than Leonard Snart and, unknown to her yet, Mick Rory.

"Long time no see," Snart devilishly smirked her way. "You shoot, you dance - if you come up with a third one you could be a triple threat."

Belén's heart hammered as the second man, Mick, stepped towards her. "N-n-n-n-no! Let's be rational!" she threw her bag at them and made a run for it.

Unfortunately it didn't work out.

~ 0 ~

Iris set down two mugs of cofee for a pair of customers at a table, asking them if there was anything else they would need. Upon a 'no' she turned back for the counter, and as soon as she looked up to the incoming customers, she found Maritza coming in holding the hand of her son Axel.

"Maritza, hey," Iris greeted, unable to mask her surprise in her tone.

"Hi Iris!" Axel greeted much like a four year old would, with excitement.

"Hello there, Axel," Iris smiled at the boy and headed back for the counter.

"I know it's strange seeing me," Maritza said quietly, understanding perfectly well the resentment she'd been getting due to her distance of her family. If they only knew why.

"Well, I just think when one of your parents die, it's customary to be close to your siblings," Iris said, rather coldly, not that she cared.

"We all mourn in different ways," Maritza said weakly.

"But family is important, too. They stick together in tough times, and you chose to wallow in your grief alone, leaving your sister alone in the process."

"I know it was bad, and that nothing I say can make it better," Maritza sighed. "I just...I just want to see my sister but no one was home."

"That's cos she's been staying with me and my Dad," Iris revealed, although there was something about her tone that put Maritza on edge. It was no longer cold nor anger seeping out.

"But…?" Maritza drew out.

"It's just...I haven't spoken to Bells since yesterday."

"What do you mean?" frowned Maritza. "Have you tried calling her?"

Iris bit her lip, her eyes discreetly glancing towards the wall clock that struck one p.m. and she now knew she couldn't keep thinking it was nothing.

~ 0 ~

Barry, Cisco and Dr. Wells were hunched over the desk computers in Labs, listening to Cisco's newest discovery over the cold gun and the heat gun.

"See, when the heat gun was fired, it increased the surrounding temperature of the air dramatically, sort of like an extreme heat wave," but Cisco had to stop for a moment as a new realization struck him. "Heat Wave."

"Stop doing that," Dr. Wells scolded but there was no actual meaning behind it.

"Okay. I measured the temperature output of both the cold and heat guns, right? And while the cold gun achieves absolute zero, the heat gun successfully reaches absolute hot, or the hottest temperature an object can reach."

"Planck temperature," Barry understood fast.

"So potentially, these two guns could cancel each other out," Wells liked what he was hearing.

"Yeah, but to do that, you'd have to make them cross streams," Cisco glanced over to Barry.

"You mean like Ghostbusters?"

"That film is surprisingly scientifically accurate. And really quite funny."

Barry rolled his eyes at him, leaving it at that because his phone was ringing in his pocket. He pulled it out, saw Iris' name and took the call. "Iris, what's up?"

~ 0 ~

"Hey, Barry, listen, I was wondering if you knew where Belén is?" Iris turned her back on the counter, lowering her voice so that the nearby Maritza wouldn't hear her. "I haven't spoken to her since yesterday, and, well...at first I thought it was nothing but now Maritza's here and-"

"Maritza is there? What is she doing there?"

"She's come to see her sister obviously. But the point here is she stopped by Bells' home and she wasn't there either."

"Maybe she just overslept or something," Barry suggested. "Or maybe she's at CC Pictures."

"That's what I thought in the morning but, well…" Iris trailed off, biting nervously onto her nail.

"Well?"

"I went into your room, Barry, and she wasn't there. The bed - it was untouched. It was like she hadn't slept in it."

~ 0 ~

That put Barry on alarm as well. He glanced at Cisco, the latter conversing with Dr. Wells over future plans with the guns.

"Do you know if she slept over with someone else?" Iris asked then. "I thought Caitlin-"

"No, Cait went to have a word, um...she's not with Caitlin," Barry felt it was not his place to divulge information on Caitlin's whereabouts last night seeing it had to do with Firestorm.

"Okay, now I'm feeling bad because I waited too long. I swear I thought she was with Caitlin or something…"

"Don't worry Iris, I'll figure it out," Barry assured, although he wasn't too sure himself. It wasn't adding up.

"I'll keep Maritza busy I guess," Iris said glumly before hanging up.

Barry hung up afterwards and looked around, trying to come up with quick places he could check easily. Just as he was going to put away his phone it vibrated again. Thinking it was Belén, he hurried to answer without checking the ID.

"Bells!?"

"Barry-" it was Joe, "-you need to get over here. Fast."

~ 0 ~

Out in the parking lot of the local community theater, the CCPD had put cautionary tape around Belén's car. Barry went straight past the officers, up to Joe.

"Joe, anything?"

"There's no sign of Belén anywhere," Joe shook his head, moving aside so he could see the car behind. "We found her bag over there-" he pointed a few feet from them, "-but nothing else."

Shattered ice pieces were left near the car, some of them coming from the iced, cracked window. "Oh my God," Barry whispered at the sight, running a hand through his hair. He could see nothing that could tell him whether or not Belén was severely hurt on the spot, but nothing guaranteed she wasn't now. Determined, he turned back to Joe. "We're getting her back. We have to find Snart."

"Damn right we do. Come on, let's go," Joe gestured for them to get a move on.

And so they returned to the CCPD to continue the investigation. The moment they arrived, they were greeted by Eddie with a new file in hand.

"We got a hit," he announced, "A second pair of prints," he handed Joe the manila file, "They belong to a Mick Rory."

"Who is he?" asked Barry.

"Big-time arsonist," Joe explained. "He and Snart worked a job last year that went bad. Half of Rory's body was burned in a fire that got out of control. He escaped from an ambulance on the way to the hospital, hasn't been seen since."

"Why would they kidnap someone like Belén?" Eddie frowned at them, utterly lost.

Singh came out of his office with a finger pointed at the higher placed televisions. "Joe, Thawne, it's on every station."

They all looked up to the unmuted television that sure enough was broadcasting an unusual stream. Snart was up-close and personal on the screen, while Mick held onto Belén.

'Greetings, citizens of central city. I am Leonard Snart. But you can call me Cold. I'm gonna make this very simple for everyone…'

~ 0 ~

"Oh my God..." Angie's mouth fell open at the television screen and immediately turned up the volume. "RAYAN!" she called for the man in the hallway. "You have to see this now!"

Rayan came out grumbling, about to tell her off for disturbing his sleep when he saw his sister on screen with two well known criminals. "What...?"

'...That red streak you've been hearing whispers about, the one mysteriously saving people these past few months? Well, surprise, he's real...'

~ 0 ~

"Is that…" Maritza looked up to one of the Jitters televisions, seeing past Snart's face to Belén in the background.

"What in the…?" Iris stopped pouring coffee to look up as well.

'He calls himself the Flash. Porter and Main, tonight, sundown. Come out, come out, wherever you are, Flash. Show the whole world you're real...'

~ 0 ~

'...Or this woman dies."

Though Belén was being pointed at she didn't care. She wasn't thrashing against them, nor looked the least bit afraid anymore. Once she learned their plan she knew there was no reason to be. They weren't after her. She was just a means to get the message through.

She met the camera with a straight face. "You don't have to," was all she said to the camera, hoping to God Barry would understand she would get out of it herself. She didn't want to force him to expose himself to the city.

The problem was Barry had made his decision before the transmission even ended.

~ 0 ~

Angie boredly stared as Rayan threw the television control at her television. "I'm gonna have to bubble wrap everything in this goddamn place," she muttered.

Rayan stalked into the hallway and Angie got up to follow. "What are you going to do?"

"FIND MY SISTER!" he screamed in her face and went into his room, slamming the door on her.

Angie felt no guilt whatsoever in hoping that they never did. She was becoming a nuisance, honestly.

~ 0 ~

"That hurts!" Belén hissed when Mick tied her second wrist down to the chair. She hated the rotten smell the warehouse they were in gave off, and she hated the two men around her who seemingly wanted nothing with her but to use her as bait. Mick ignored her and squatted down beside her, eyeing her. "What?" she snapped, meeting his look.

"You're a friend of his, huh?" Mick asked.

"You can say that," Belén smirked crookedly. "And I nearly shot yours."

"Nearly," Snart called from his spot across, hunched over a table.

"He's fast... Like fire," Mick suddenly said, whipping out a lighter and slowly waving it between him and Belén. "Fire, it's undefinable. Heat, light, energy. It's an evolution when things burn."

"Go get help," Belén concluded and looked away momentarily. "You're sick, do you know that?"

"Maybe you're the sick ones. You ever think about that?"

"Oh, good comeback," Belén rolled her eyes. "What's wrong with you anyways?" she eyed his burned skin. "You didn't ever think going to the hospital might help all that?"

"The fire revealed my true self, showed me who I really am. I wonder what your Flash will reveal when I burn his suit and skin off," he smirked at her, but it made no difference for her.

Belén leaned closer to him. "You won't be able to lay even a finger on him."

"So sure?" Mick challenged her, but she didn't falter.

"Absolutely. I'd say leave him alone but after what you did he's coming, and when the Flash is angry...watch out," the light smile on Belén's face only irritated Mick more.

"You're so sure he'll come to help you yet you told him not to," Snart turned from his table. "Which is it?"

"I hope he doesn't," Belén admitted. "But 99.9% of me knows I'm lying to myself if I think he's staying put."

Snart rolled his eyes and moved onto business. "Mick, time to go." Mick gave one last smile to Belén, who glared in return, and got back on his feet.

Mick rose up but not before pressing a red button on a small device strapped to the bottom of Belén's chair. "You better pray the next people that come through this door is us." He made sure to tie a gag around her mouth tightly.

"Nice to see you again, shooter-girl," Snart called and Belén tried to insult him through the gag.

When they two criminals had gone, Belén calmed down and let her vines wrap over the gag until it was untied and fell to the ground. The same thing happened with her wrists and feet. She was free, but she couldn't make her move without setting off the device under her chair.

"Just...great," she huffed at her predicament.

~ 0 ~

Momentarily alone in the cortex room, Barry stood in front of his suit on display. He was just waiting for the 'go' sign from Joe. The entire city was probably waiting for him and that...that put him on edge.

"She said you didn't have to," Caitlin's voice made him jump on his spot. She and Dr. Wells were the only ones left in the building since they would be monitoring him in the street. Cisco and Joe were tasked with finding Belén.

"And you think she meant that?" Barry asked her, meeting her soft smile.

"Yeah. But I think we all knew you wouldn't do it."

"If roles were reversed she would be doing the same," Barry said with the utmost certainty. "We're partners. I told her I'd have her back and she said she'd have mine."

Caitlin nodded, seeing there was nothing left to say on the matter. "Then go get them."

A second later, Barry's phone buzzed from his pocket, and when he answered it was Joe. "Okay, you're on," the man said with a tinge of fear. "Good luck, son."

"Thanks," Barry moved to hang up when Joe added as a final warning.

"Barry, after tonight, everyone's gonna know that the Flash exists. Are you ready for that?"

Barry understood completely the implications and still stood by his decision. It was worth it. She was worth it. "I'll see you soon," he said to Joe and finally hung up. He put away his phone and looked at his suit again.

"I'll go get Dr. Wells," Caitlin wished him good luck and went on her way.

Barry glanced to the side where Belén's green suit had been placed weeks ago and left untouched. He didn't realize it till then how much he missed seeing her in it, having her working beside him. Well, there would be a next time, he thought. There was no way in hell he was going to lose.

~ 0 ~

Zipping through the night streets of the city, Barry was very punctual in meeting Snart and Mick. The precise street had been evacuated and policemen, including Eddie, were on standby watching.

"The Scarlet speedster. Any preference on how you'd like to die?" Snart was the first to make a greeting. He waved his gun with the biggest smirk on his face. "The flame or the frost?" Barry only stared, though his mask covered up his anger it was pretty evident how he felt. "Not in the mood for chitchat. Gotcha. Ready when you are." Snart powered up his gun, as did Mick, and both shot forwards their respective beams.

Barry went right past them, easily dodging said beams. He gave only a second of a gap before he zipped right past them, disorienting both thieves for a minute. The second time around, the thieves had caught on. Snart caught Barry on surprise and, instead of directly hitting Barry, he formed an ice wall in Barry's direction. The speedster screamed in both horror and terror as he went straight first into the structure of ice. He tumbled on the ground, landing against a thrashed car.

"Barry?" he heard Dr. Well's voice through the comm. "Barry, are you okay? You know what you have to do."

"Yeah, get them to cross their beams and cancel their guns out. I know."

Mick stepped forwards and blasted flames from his own gun, causing the car Barry was hiding behind to explode into flames. Barry sped right out of it and onto a lonely side corner where he could catch his breath.

"It just not as easy as it sounds," he told Wells afterwards.

~ 0 ~

Belén was, shamefully, bored waiting to be rescued. She liked fairy tales, but she wasn't exactly liking having to once again be helped as if she couldn't do anything on her own. "What good is it to have powers if you can't use them," she sighed to herself. Maybe if she'd been practicing like Barry had told her over and over she would have more creative ideas to use her powers.

She heard a noise from the front doors and thought it to be someone else, seeing they were trying to bring down the locks. She heard a freezing noise, and for a minute thought it was Snart again. But the doors blasted into icy pieces and in came a familiar voice.

"Boy you sure love to get yourself into trouble, don't you?" Azul strolled in.

"You?" Belén frowned.

"Try not to conceal your disappointment," he rolled his eyes. "I'm not Flash but I do make an effort here. Would you like me to dress in red?"

"I can't...I can't decide if that was flirting..." Belén blinked, honestly having a hard time deciding.

"Is that disappointment I hear again?" Azul's smirk irritated the hell out of her.

"What the hell is wrong with you!?"

Azul laughed and started coming for her when she shouted again. "No! Don't come any closer! They put a bomb on the chair!"

"Why don't you just use your powers to escape? I thought that was the point of them."

"Escaping is no problem for me, idiot," she raised her free hands. "It's me getting out before the bomb goes off that's the complicated part."

"Thank goodness we've got someone better," Azul shot her wink. "Come in!"

Belén heard new footsteps and strained her neck to see who it was, as her chair was facing the other direction and she couldn't risk moving the bomb strapped underneath "Who's that?"

It was a tall man, dressed in black and grey leather, walked in. He wore a black, half-mask. However, the mask didn't stay on for long, as his hands reached up to take it off. Belén gasped loudly, unable to decide if she wanted to scream or cry at the same time.

"Hello my dear sister," Rayan greeted with the kindest smile ever, one that made Azul stop to question if this was the really the man he'd been working with. "Long time no see."

~ 0 ~

With the crazy shooting his way, Barry had no choice but to run up alongside buildings to dodge them or at least reflect them. However, on one of those he was struck by one beam and fell to the ground.

From the sidelines, Captain Singh ordered the other officers to get moving. "The fight is spreading beyond the evac area. We need to expand the perimeter."

"We can't," Eddie said determinedly. "We can't let this spread." He snatched up one of the designed STAR Labs shields and ran off, ignoring the calls of his name.

~ 0 ~

"It's okay, I can get you out," Rayan assured his younger twin. "This might feel a little weird, okay?"

"Weird how - AH!" Belén yelped in surprise as her body literally levitated off her chair. She turned her head frantically to see herself floating towards her brother and Azul. "H-how are you doing this!?"

Rayan hid his struggling face as he answered. He'd been having minor pain when using some of his powers but this was pain. He wasn't liking it, and he definitely wasn't going to show it. "With much love, Belén. I got you, don't worry."

"You're a telekinetic!" Belén exclaimed, gently dropping into his brother's arms.

"And you're a poisonous meta," Rayan's matching brown eyes met his sister's. "We've both changed."

Belén was put down on her feet. Her eyes shimmered with tears as she took in the fact her brother was right there in front of her again. She gave him the biggest hug possible. "I missed you so much!" she stifled a cry.

"As did I," Rayan admitted, relishing in the moment. "But, don't you think I've ever stopped watching over you."

Belén pulled away and smiled what she thought was probably the ugliest smile ever as it was covered in loose tears and dirt from her kidnapping. "I needed you, Rayan. Dad...he's…"

"I know," Rayan's eyes glistened as well. "And I want you to know that I will catch this guy and I will make him pay for what he did."

"It wasn't the Flash, did you get that message?" Belén asked quick. "It wasn't him, okay? It was a different speedster. They call him...the Reverse Flash apparently. It was him. He killed Dad because of some tachyons."

Rayan took Belén's hand and started leading them for the broken doors. The warehouse was not too far from the beginnings of the city.

"We're gonna find him, Belén. I swear."

"Why did you come for me?" Belén looked between him and Azul. "You say you've been watching over me, but when I needed you most you weren't there."

Rayan sighed. "It's complicated, Belén. But I wanted to be there. Things are…"

"Complicated," Belén finished for him. She glanced at Azul with nothing but disapproval. "You've been hanging out with the wrong crowds, Rayan."

"A lot's happened since the last time we saw each other," Rayan cleared his throat. "I was kidapped by some...gang, and it took me months to escape."

"I know, but why didn't you come back home?" Belén asked softly. "I've been looking everywhere for you and...you've just been playing hide and seek. You had your freaky metas come after me! You had them shoot me!"

"I didn't know it was you behind the mask!" Rayan immediately clarified. "Pixel got hell for that after I realized it was you."

"Rayan, what's happened to you?" Belén looked her brother up and down. She felt something was off about him, besides the new abilities and the evil crowd he was with.

"I survived," Rayan said coldly. "The Particle Accelerator did this to me. It did this to all of us," he gestured to the trio. "What I've done, I've done because of them. They have to pay for what they've done-"

"What?" Belén blinked. "You mean STAR Labs? No-"

Rayan reached for her hands and cut her off. "I want you to come with me. Your abilities are extraordinary, but you are wasting your time with the Flash and all the other accomplices. You belong with me, with your family."

Belén looked at the city and suddenly saw two distinct rays of orange and blue shooting into the sky. "The Flash…" she went wide-eyed at her brother and Azul, "...he's...he's fighting the two that kidnapped me. We...we gotta help him."

"Belén, you're not listening!" Rayan snapped, unusually harsh. Her widened eyes laid on him again and showed, frankly, some fear. "You need to come with us!"

"I am not going anywhere with your nor your little band of criminals," she snapped. "They're thieves! Murderers!"

"You've been looking for me, Belén, and here's your chance to reunite with me. We can take down the bad guy, and we can take revenge on those who have wronged us. Most importantly, we can be a family again."

"Rayan-"

"Don't call me that," he shut his eyes for a moment. "I want...I want to be called Neuro."

"What?" Belén's eyebrows raised together. "No, your name is Rayan and you can help. Please, we need to go help my friend."

Rayan gripped her hands, imploring her to listen by tugging her closer. "I came out because you were in deep trouble, Belén. I wanted you to come to me because you wanted to. So please, I'm asking you to come with me now, and forget all that you know from that Flash, that...that crazy idea you can be a superhero."

"Rayan, I-"

"Don't you want to be with your family?"

"Don't...don't do this…" Belén could see the decision she was being forced into, or at least unfairly by the circumstances. "Rayan, I love you, and I want to be a family again…" but her eyes drifted to the city again, where the gun beams were growing wilder.

"Then let's go," Rayan said quickly. "Now is the time for you to get out. Come with your brother."

Belén swallowed hard and let her eyes fall on the city again. Her heart beat rapidly as she thought of Barry fighting off Snart and Mick on his own. They were partners and this was what they'd promised to do, help each other. She'd been nothing but difficult lately and, even though she deserved to be alone, Barry had been there trying to cheer her up nonstop.

She took back her hands from Rayan, and with tears falling down her eyes, she shook her head. "He's been there for me and now I can be there for him. I want to be there...and I want to help people. I've just been so obsessed with you that I forgot about me. I can't keep doing that."

"Belén..." Rayan was definitely not liking where this was go.

"Dad would be so disappointed," Belén continued, her voice frail yet assertive. "In you. Not me." That wounded him, Belén could see it all over his face. "If you really want to be a family again then you'll leave all of this and come with me right now to help my friend. It's your decision now."

Rayan gaped at his sister, but she did not budge from her stance.

~ 0 ~

From his abrupt fall, Barry could not quite get up yet, even as Snart and Mick approached him. Just when the two were about to shoot their respective guns, Eddie managed to get through and shield him and Barry from the beams.

"I've got you!" the blonde officer exclaimed, though struggled to uphold his word.

With little energy, Barry sped them out of the way to safety. He left Eddie and returned to the street. "I can't get them to cross streams," he spoke into the comm. "Speed isn't getting it done."

"You're right," Wells said, as if just realizing it himself. "Maybe the way to do this is not by going faster."

"It's going slo-"

Someone else shouted from across, close to where Snart and Mick were. Thick vines had wrapped around a figure, revealing to be 'the Azalea' - and she was not happy. One thick, strong vine went straight for Mick, punching him across the face and knocking him to the ground.

"What's the matter?" she called to Snart who was taking in the uninvited opponent. She was furious, and it wasn't totally with him which only made things worse. Because she was in civilian clothing - though wearing a makeshift mask of her vines and azaleas - the blotches of green were trickier to hide. Belén could feel that uninvited rush of powers washing over her.

Go away, she desperately wished.

A low growl slipped through her mouth, indicating she was losing the internal battle. Before she knew it, she thrust a tendril of vine directly for Snart. The man barely dodged it but Belén was quicker in her state. She snapped the tendrils like lassos and forced him to continue jumping to dodge. He directed his gun at her and began to fire several times.

Relieved to see her, and a bit afraid for her life, Barry zipped across the street and got Belén out of the way. He hid them behind another car. "Bells?" he noticed she wasn't quite herself but blamed it on her kidnapping.

Belén gasped and came back as herself. Her eyes darted to ever inch of her body and was grateful to see the green had gone...she was just left wondering for how long.

"Belén?"

She met eyes with him and remembered where she was. "Oh...oh! I had a plan!"

"I kinda had one too...you shouldn't be here," Barry could hear Caitlin repeatedly telling him to tell Belén to get back to STAR Labs for a check up.

Belén shook her head. "Nope! I have a plan and it's quite easy too! It involves no more burned suit…" she was having a good eye on his tarnished suit, even making a face.

"New partner, Flash?" Snart called to them.

"They're allowed," Belén popped up from behind the car. "Now choke on this!" she sucked in a breath and released the familiar mist of pink poison towards him and Mick.

"Azalea!" Barry feared for a minute her anger would get the best of her and make her do something she would later regret.

Snart started coughing, forced to drop his gun as he clutched at his throat. "Dark…" he smirked nonetheless her way. The same was happening with Mick.

Belén jumped onto the car and watched with pride. "But not a murderer. The poison is enough to make you weak, but you'll be fine." She swung one arm to the right and slammed Mick with a tendril of vine against a closed shop's door. She snatched the heat gun then swung her other arm to the right and left Snart lying against a mailbox. She picked up the cold gun and brought both guns into her arms.

Barry got on his feet and looked at the sight Belén had left. "Did I mention I love having you as my partner?" he moved around the car and helped her get down. Before he could see her teary eyes she threw her arms around his neck for a well-needed hug.

~ 0 ~

"What do you mean she...chose another?" Maritza was appalled to hear such a story from her younger brother. The two were sitting inside the warehouse that had been hardly touched since Rayan's headaches started.

"Exactly what I said. Belén made me choose," he said, sounding truly offended of the matter.

"Well, I'll give her points for being a lot tougher than we thought," Maritza ran a hand through her hair. "I mean...I guess we didn't really think about what she would say."

"How could we? Neither of us are with her enough to know her," Rayan shrugged. "We've left her with some new people who...who are changing her every day."

"Then maybe that's what we need to work on," Maritza resolved. "We need to remind Belén that family is everything. She's always been family-driven so it shouldn't be that hard."

"You think so? Because I saw a different light in our sister's eyes. She actually wants to become a hero," Rayan shook his head. "Imagine that?"

"I do, but that's where we'll need to show her how awful STAR Labs actually is. It's just a matter of reminding..." Maritza put her arm around her brother's shoulders and gave a smile for both of them. "We can do it, Rayan."

But somehow, internally, she wasn't exactly sure.

~ 0 ~

The next day, Iris had finally finished packing and was now watching Eddie and Barry carry down her last box from upstairs. She didn't think it was all that heavy but apparently the two had disagreed.

"I think that's it," she said cheerfully nonetheless.

"This better be it," Eddie mumbled as he placed the box down with Barry.

"Well, like you said, you're ten minutes away, so if you forget something…" Joe had began to say when his eyes teared up.

"Okay, Dad," Iris gave him a tight hug.

Joe laughed. "I can't say it enough. I'll miss you."

Eddie walked over to the two. "You know you can come around anytime, Joe. Just give us a heads-up." But the look on Joe's face made him reconsider. "Or not. Come around whenever. You want a key? I'm gonna go." He quickly went back to the box and on his own picked it up. "I'll wait...in the truck." On his way out, he bumped into Belén, making her stumble back a couple steps. "Sorry, Belén!" he apologized but she laughed and stepped aside for him to keep going.

"Careful on the last step!" she made sure to warn before stepping inside. "Are you all set then, Iris?"

"Definitely," Iris said.

Belén was able to see the twinge of guilt in Iris' words and shook her head. "Iris, I'm gonna be fine, honest. I just...actually came for some things I left upstairs."

"You already left?" Barry asked, surprised of this. It had been late in the evening when Belén was able to return from the police department after giving her formal statement.

"This morning," she nodded, speaking quietly and averting her eyes from him.

"I guess...there's nothing left to say then," Iris stepped up and hugged her friend. "You know I really am ten minutes away, right?"

"Yeah, I know," Belén tried to remain happy for Iris, because she was, she just couldn't help feel like the loneliness would be more challenging than she thought.

"I gotta go," Iris looked at her father and Barry. "I'll see you guys later, okay."

Belén awkwardly smiled as she gestured to the stairs. "I left my laptop upstairs earlier. I'll be out soon too, promise."

"It's fine," Joe smiled her way.

"Thank you for everything," Belén honestly said and started up the stairs when she remembered. "Actually," she turned to the side facing the two men, "I don't suppose you thought about my suggestion from earlier?"

Joe raised his eyebrows, apparently having thought about it. Confused, Barry waited for some explanation but it never came. "Uh, what, uh, what explanation?" he finally asked.

"Belén was making a couple good points that I thought were...true," Joe began, but had trouble to finish.

"I said that maybe you could move back in," Belén contently finished for him. "I have never been to your place but everyone says it's a death trap-"

"It is," Joe made sure to leave clear. Barry shot him a small glare.

"I was just thinking maybe it could be easier for both of you…" Belén said kindly, leaning on the banister. "And I promise I didn't girly your room up. I didn't touch anything...I didn't understand what many things were, especially that one with a little mirror." She made the gesture of a circular mirror with her index and thumb.

Barry chuckled and glanced at Joe. "You know, it is getting hard to hide the blasting in and out of my apartment at all hours of the night from my neighbors. I suppose it would make sense for me to move back in. I mean, I am a millennial. That is what we do."

Belén rolled her eyes. "Well, you guys can figure that out. I will go get the rest of my things."

"Do you want some help?" Barry was too quick to volunteer, but he was surprised to have such a faster rejection from her.

"No, I'm fine, thanks," she made a hasty retreat to the second floor.

Barry glanced back to Joe, making a confused gesture. Joe just shrugged and went on with the topic.

"So, what do you think?"

"I think...roomies, definitely," the choice wasn't difficult for Barry to make. Still, as happy as he was to come back home, he couldn't help wonder what was up with Belén.

There was still the unaccounted way of how she managed to escape from wherever it was Snart and Mick had put her away in. After getting to STAR Labs, they helped heal her and whatnot but they could not get her to speak about her escape. She wouldn't budge. There was something that happened and she didn't want to say it - in fact, she didn't want to remember it.

[leelee10898]

Chikara: Ojike (3/?)

Summary: Ellie finally moves forward with her life, and something goes horribly wrong. Ojike translates to Fear.

Warning! This chapter contains violence, pain and sexual violence. Read at your own risk.

Series Raiting: Mature. Angst, character death and violence, Nsfw content.

Catch up HERE

** I apologize in advance. Line break is not working

"Again." He ordered. Ellie got into position as Colt charged her, she quickly ducked under his punch and jabbed him in the side. Colt turned around and faced her, this time his leg swept out and Ellie quickly jumped out of the way, taking out his other leg. Colt fell to the ground,  but not before he grabbed hold of her ankles taking her down with him. He pinned her down on the ground, his face inches from hers. "Damnit Ellie. Remember always watch your opponent's movements. It could be a matter of life or death." She rolled her eyes "Is this really necessary?"

Colt let go of his hold on her, Ellie used her body strength to flip Colt over. She straddled him pinning his arms above his head. "Always watch your opponent's movements." She smirked at him. "Cute." He chuckled. She pressed her lips to his, as he wriggled his arms free, his hands stroking her sides.

"Ok, let's work on another sequence."

Colt jolted up from a dead sleep. It was just a dream, but damn if it didn't feel real. Shortly before Ellie went to Riyas, Colt taught Ellie some self defense. Every member of the Kaneko family was made to take different forms of martial arts. Teppei may not have wanted Colt to take the helm of the MPC, but he damn sure insisted he have the same training. He looked at his phone, 8 pm which mean it was 11pm Eastern time. He crept from the couch, and walked out the back door taking a seat on the steps. He punched in his passcode and opened his photos,opening the one album that got him by, Ellie.

There weren't many, mostly of prom. A few from their time together at the garage, the times they spent sneaking around with each other.  He missed her so much it hurt, the days were ok he kept himself busy, but the nights wore the worst. He told himself not to do it, but his needs got the best of him. He punched in the number he memorized by heart, blocking the number of course. He held it to his ear as it rang on the other end, 3 times before he heard it

Hello?

He felt like the air had been sucked out of his lungs. Such a sweet sound, a sound that could bring him to his knees.

Hello? She said again.

He couldn't speak, but god did he want to. He wanted to tell her that he loved her and missed her so much. He wanted to tell her that he was coming there, to be with her, to protect her, but he just couldn't. He shouldn't have even called.

Colt? Colt is it you? He could hear the desperation in her voice.

He panicked, quickly hanging up the phone.

"Hey, there you are? How's that side feeling?" A voice came up behind him. He quickly wiped the tears that had been pooling in his eyes "Hey x, yeah im feeling a little better. I'll be heading back home tomorrow. " he stood averting her gaze so she wouldn't see the sadness he couldn't shake. He stepped into the house, ximena following behind. After he was attacked he went to the only place he thought he could get help, ximena. He filled her in on what happened, And how the assailant told him that Wallace sent him. Colt was planning on going after them, hunting them down and taking care of them once and for all.

"I know you miss her Colt. But you're going to burn yourself down before you can even make it to her. Get out of LA, got be a normal guy." Ximena ruffled his hair with her fingers. "I don't know how to be a normal guy X. And if the brotherhood is out there still, it's not safe for me to be around her, not yet." He flopped down on the couch,  wincing in pain as he forgot about the fresh gash on his side. "I just hope you know what your doing kid."

******

East Coast.........

"Colt. Colt is that you?" Ellie panicked,  desperate to hear his voice, but she was met by the end of the call.

"Hey, whats up Ellie? Ingrid came to find her as she had stepped away once she noticed the blocked call flashing on her screen. It had to be him, he would be the only one to call her blocked, but why wouldn't he say anything?

"I think Colt called me blocked." Ingrid gave her a stern look. "Did he say anything?" Ellie shook her head no. "Well how do you know it was really him? I think you need to put your phone in your purse." She took the phone from Ellies hand, and slipped it into her purse. "And enjoy the movie with us. Nick seems to really like you." Ingrid grinned looping her arm in Ellies. "Yeah, You're right. Ok I can do this." Ellie took a deep breath and rejoined the two men for the movie.

Over the next couple of weeks Ellie spent most of her free time with Ingrid, Kyle and Nick. She knew Nick liked her it wasn't much of a secret, Ingrid made sure to tell her every chance she got. She also broadened her horizons by taking a few dance classes, and not the classical training ones her father forced her into, since she enjoyed learning from Logan. It was two days before Christmas break kicked off.  Ellie had just finished her last paper and pressed send, closing her laptop when ingrid busted into the room. "Get up, were going out."

She demanded, throwing open Ellie's closet. "Ah. Ok where are we going?" She came up beside Ingrid, who was frantically searching through Ellies clothes.  "Nothing. You have nothing here. Guess you'll have to wear something of mine then." Ingrid sighed. "Ingrid, slow the hell down, where are we going?" Ingrid stiffened rolling her eyes as she turned towards Ellie. "Ellie. It's the sigma beta sigma holiday mixer. The most important of all holiday parties on campus, and we scored an invite." Ellie knew a few of the sigma brothers, she helped a few of them writing reports for them.

"Yes. Yes this will work beautifully." Ingrid held up a bright red short flare dress, with a squared neck and spaghetti straps.she handed the dress to Ellie, and motioned to change. It fit like a glove, she paired it with a pair of black tights and booties, colts leather jacket the finishing touch. She scrunched her hair,  giving the illusion of perfect beach waves. Ellie looked at herself in the mirror, it had been a while since she got dolled up, but she felt good. "Ok, time to take a selfie." Ingrid grinned as she slid up next to her, both posing for the picture. "

She posted the photo to Instagram, tagging Ellie and they headed for the party.

Once there Ellie enjoyed herself dancing and chatting with some people she met in a study group. She broke into a smile when she spotted Nick approaching with two red solo cups. "Hey you." Nick handed her a cup. "You look stunning Ellie." She held the cup in her hand, staring down at the contents. "You're not going to end up drunk off one drink. Its holiday punch." Nick teased as Ellie lifted the cup to her ruby lips taking a modest sip. She immediately grimaced at potent concoction she ingested. Nick snorted at her expression. "Ok, that was downright disgusting." She gagged.

She shared a few dances with Nick, before she knew it it was almost 12. She went in search of Ingrid to let her know she was leaving, she had a ton of packing to do and her flight left at 10 am. She looked everywhere she possibly could before giving up her search. "Can you tell Ingrid I had to leave. I can't find her anywhere." She asked Nick who was nursing a beer in the corner of the room. "Yeah, sure.  Do you want me to walk you home?" He searched her eyes for any kind of sign "No, I'll be alright. Thanks though. You're such a good friend Nick." She stood on her tiptoes placing a kiss on his cheek. "Yeah, good friend." He half chuckled. "Merry Christmas Nick." She smiled as she headed for the door.

It was a couple block walk back to the dorm. She pulled colts jacket tightly against her body, to shield herself from the bitter wind that slashed against the sheer fabric of her legs. It had just snowed a few days prior, so she had to be careful walking not to slip in ice with the slight heal on her boots. She made it a block from the frat house before she noticed a shadow trailing behind her. A chill rippled through her body, but not from the cold. She picked up the pace, trying to put some distance between her and the uneasy feeling of the stranger behind her. She crossed the the other side of the street in hopes the other person would stay on the opposite side, and when they followed she felt her heart drop and pulse race.

Just 2 more blocks to go, but the uneasy feeling grew as the person picked up their pace. Ellie broke into a sprint as they headed for the dimly lit alley that separated her from the town and the campus.  If she could just make it onto school property she would be ok. She walked into the alley, a dead end. Her nerves getting the better of her, she took a wrong turn, there was only one way out and the person following her, a man, was now right in front of her, blocking her only exit.

"Man, you're a hard one to get alone." He spoke, as he gave her a crooked smirk. "St- stay back. You. You don't know who you're messing with." Her voice betrayed her. "Heh," he laughed. "I know exactly who you are Ellie wheeler. Man, Jason said to take care of you." He began to move forward, Ellie cowering away backing into a wall. "You're a lot cuter than I expected. I think I'll have myself a little fun before I kill you."

"Jason? No. He's in jail." Ellie whimpered in disbelief.  "Oh. You didn't hear? He escaped. And he wants retribution for your betrayal." The man lunged for her, somehow she remembered the training she got from Colt, her father and Logan.  She stepped to the side slightly, bringing her knee up and slamming it into his groin hard. He crumpled to the ground with a loud grunt as Ellie ran towards the opening of the alley. "No you fucking dont." He reached out grabbing her leg, pulling her down to the cold, unforgiving pavement. She picked herself up quickly,  shaking off the stinging pain of her hands.

Her assailant gripped her by the hair spinning her around and slamming her into the brick wall, hitting her head. A small trickle of blood ran down her face, As she screamed out. His hand gripped tight in her hair he spun her around to face him. "My. My father is a detective,  he will see you in jail. And my. My friends, the MPC. they'll kill you." She sobbed out the man looked at her with a wildness in his eyes. "I'll be long gone by the time they find you sweet thing. The brotherhood stays hidden." He began to push her dress up. Panic set in, she flailed wildly as he cupped her mouth drowning out her screams. She moved her head biting down on his hand hard, eliciting a scream from the man. He lifted his hand and back handed her, sending her to the ground again. "You little bitch. I'm going to enjoy this." He spoke as he grabbed her legs, pulling her towards him. Ellie thrashed her legs frantically, freeing one and kicking him into the stomach. She stood, adrenaline pumping,  anger coursing through her veins. She kneed the in his jaw as he doubled over in pain from the kick to his abdomen. She should have ran, she should have screamed for help but the only thing on her mind was hurting the man who attacked her.

As she landed blow after blow she felt herself being torn apart, the shy sweet nerd she once was falling away, leaving something behind she didn't quite recognize. The man collapsed on the ground, face bleeding badly from where Ellie punched repeatedly. With some strength he grabbed hold of her ankle yanking her to the ground. He hovered above her grabbing her head on either side and slamming it back into the pavement with a sickening thud. Her eyes flickering shut she seen a figure ran into the alleyway pulling the man off of her. The last thing she heard was her name being called repeatedly as she slipped into blackness.

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[evilrubberducke]

Fanfic Request: IzuMina; Mina running on a treadmill while connected to a heart monitor as part of a stress test, the stress proving too much for Mina's heart, resulting in a massive heart attack and Izuku must revive her. Feel free to tweak this to your liking.

Thanks so much for the request. This ended up being so fun to write, I went a little bit longer than I intended. I hope you enjoy nonetheless, and have an excellent day!

Disclaimer: I have 0 medical knowledge, so any medical escapades should be taken with a massive grain of salt, and not attempted at home.

Summary: Preparation for midterms has left the entirety of Class 1A stressed out, but for one particular couple the stress is just the beginning.

Trigger warning: Heart attack

Also on AO3!

Izuku thought to himself for the thousandth time. He slammed his palm into the wall in frustration, cracking the plaster. After more than two years of intense training, even his unaugmented blows were a force to be reckoned with.

He sat outside Recovery Girl’s office on a small and surprisingly comfortable bench. He didn’t feel it though. His mind was stuck firmly on the girl lying in the office right now, wishing desperately that he could do something to help her

The signs had been there for days now, but he hadn’t heeded them. He’s let himself be brushed off, be distracted, be fooled. And now she was paying the price.

It was exam season at UA, and Mina had been both nervous beyond belief, and dedicated to the extreme. Coming into the midterms of their second year had left them all with a lot to prove, but Mina had even more reason to fight. She had been one of the few to fail the exams the first year, both written and physical. She’d come a very long way since that point, and the girl who now attended UA would have been difficult to recognize when compared to her past self.

She had thrown herself into training with great gusto, putting in extra time after classes wrapped up for the day working on both her physical strength and sparring. The class had gained a healthy respect for the pink girl’s talent and reflexes when it came to hand to hand. She wasn’t winning every fight, but she was winning a majority, and in their class that was worthy of great respect.

Done with the physical part of the day, she would bury her nose in a textbook while she ate. She somehow managed to make conversation while doing this, but it was half hearted at best. Her usual bubbly presence had dimmed, and it brought the mood of the entire class.

For Izuku, it was particularly difficult.

The pair hadn’t been on a date in two weeks, which was unusual for them. Mina loved coming up with ideas for them to spend time together, even if it was just a brief jaunt to a shop she had heard of near campus that had just opened.

She still cuddled with him in the evenings, like usual, but even that had taken on a different air. She did her best to steer the conversations, trying to get him to talk about the hero battles he had watched religiously growing up. At first he had been relieved, thinking this was a new method of stress relief she was trying. Eventually he realized that this was just another study method for her.

A part of him had wanted to say something, but every time he tried to, he stopped short. Her training was beyond intense, yes, but was he really one to talk. His own training for UA had been very draconian. So instead of saying something, he tried to be there for her as best he could, slipping in jokes and funny stories as they talked into the evenings while he ran his fingers through her hair.

It was two days before the exams were set to start, and Mina was looking run down. Her skin had lost a lot of its usual luster, and her eyes were half open at the best of times. The entire class had noticed, and had tried to bring it up gently to her.

She brushed it off, making a crack about Izuku keeping her up too late the night before, wiggling her eyebrows all the while.

Most took the joke as a good sign. It was a return to form for their friend, if only slightly. Besides, there was only two more days till exams. After that, everything would be fine.

Izuku was even more worried though. He’d had to practically throw her out of his room the night before, trying to get her to go to bed. She had promised him she would go right to sleep. She didn’t know that he’d followed her up later, and had seen the light coming from under her doorway as she studied. She didn’t know he’d heard her muttering, telling herself that she needed to push harder to keep her place, to stand on the same stage as her classmates. To fight on the level of the boy she loved.

He hadn’t known what to say. He didn’t have the words to reassure her, because he knew those questions all too well. Knew how they ate at you in the dark hours. Knew how they pushed you to fight, for fear of what answering them meant.

So he had turned, and left. And later, he would regret that decision immensely.

“Mind if I join you?” Mina asked, breaking Izuku out of his funk.

He’d been taking a rare opportunity between classes to put in some extra training time of his own before exams. He was confident when it came to academics, and had a few tricks up his sleeve for the practical portion, but a little extra strength training never hurt.

He slowed the treadmill down to a much more sustainable pace, and nodded at her. He was panting to hard at the moment for any real conversation to take place.

Mina fired up her own treadmill, quickly matching his pace. The couple had trained together quite a bit during their time at UA, so matching each other had become almost second nature.

They ran in silence for a few minutes, the only sound being their panting breaths.

Finally, Izuku could take it no longer. “Mina, can we talk for a moment?”

“Sure” She said, panting heavily. Her eyes were trained forward, but Izuku could see she wasn’t really focused on her movements. She seemed to be drifting.

“I….I’m worried about you. I get that you want to do well on the exam, but it feels like you’re pushing yourself way too hard.”

“I’m fine” she said, raising the speed on the treadmill a few notches. It takes her from a steady jog to the barest edge of a sprint.

“Mina, I haven’t seen you take a break in days. The exam is tomorrow. You need rest.” He’d said it as gently as he could, but it only seemed to make things worse.

“I don't… have time… for a break.” Mina panted. She’s running too fast, form starting to break down. Even still, she kept increasing the pace, not caring about her running form any more.

“Mina, you’re going to do fine tomorrow. You’re going to blow the test out of the water. But only if you rest.” A quick button press brought the treadmill he was using to a halt.

He turned to face Mina, taking in her loping strides that are just barely keeping pace with the treadmill. He takes in the arm held tight to her chest to fight against the pain she’s feeling. Her normally vibrant skin has faded and dulled, making her look more haggard than he’s ever seen.

He takes a moment to glance around the gym, thankful that they’re alone for once. He turns back to his girlfriend, and pulls out his last trump card.

“Frosting, can you stop for me?” It’s a private nickname, one the rest of the class will never hear uttered by either of them. It’s a name he only uses when he’s holding her close, said in whispers only she can hear. It’s a name that shows how much he cares for her.

It takes a moment, but she stops. The whir of the treadmill fades away, as do the thud of her footsteps, leaving only her gasping breaths.

It was then that Izuku realized something was very wrong. They had fought together and against each other many times over the last year and half. He knew what she looked like exhausted, and this was something very different.

“I-Izu I…..I don’t…. Something’s…..” She didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence before she dropped like a stone.

Izuku lunged forward, barly catching her shoulder and keeping her head from smacking into the ground. Her horns scraped against his shoulder, but he paid it no mind. His thoughts were on something much more important.

“Mina! Talk to me! Mina!”

She isn’t moving, head lolled back, eyes unfocused and unreactive.

“Mina!” He shook her as hard as he dared, but she didn’t respond. He placed his fingers on her throat and found only a weak pulse, her breath barely discernible.

His mind kicked into overdrive. He didn’t have anything resembling medical training, but he was sure this wasn’t a normal illness, or even exhaustion. This was something serious, and something he didn’t have the capacity to handle.

He scooped her limp form into his arms and called on his Quirk. Red lines of power surged across his limbs, resolving into bolts of green lightning. Strength rushed through him, and he broke into a flat out sprint, not caring about the small cracks he was leaving in the floor. They could be repaired. Mina could not.

His experience with Shoot Style payed dividends as he ran, letting him easily kick open doors as he went without breaking stride. He made a beeline for Recovery Girl’s office, leaping around and over students and other obstacles. He thought he heard some familiar voices calling his name, but couldn’t spare the time to see who it was.

It takes far too long to get to Recovery Girl’s office in Izuku’s opinion. Sure, with how much force he put behind every leap, the entire journey can’t have taken more than a minute, but that’s a minute that Mina might not have been able to spare.

He tried to kick the door open, forgetting that this one was a sliding style entry, rather than a swinging door. It flew off its hinges and crashed into the wall beyond. He mentally added it to the tab of things he was going to catch hell for later.

The office was well light, open, and completely empty. Recovery Girl was nowhere to be seen. Izuku felt his pulse quicken even more than it already had been. He’d been counting on her being there, to help Mina, or to tell him what to do.

A soft gasp from Mina drew his attention to her once more. Her eyes had rolled back in her head. Izuku checker her pulse, and his stomach dropped. He couldn’t feel anything.

He spun around, searching the office desperately for something to help, but found nothing. The instruments were all entirely foreign to him, and he couldn’t even begin to guess at their function.

“Midoriya?” Came a voice from behind him.

He turned, and saw Uraraka, Jirou, and Kaminari standing in the doorway, worried looks on their faces.

HIs eyes snapped to Kaminari, and in that moment he concieved a desperate plan. He lunged forward, grabbing Kaminari’s arm and dragged the boy into the office with him. He set Mina on the bed as quickly as he could without hurting her, then turned to his blond classmate.

“Mina’s heart stopped. I need you to shock her, right now.” His voice has an edge to it, that pierces through the panic. It lends an air to his words, that lets those who hear them know that what he’s saying isn’t a request, but an order. In the moment, none of them can quite place where they’ve heard such a tone before.

It’s only later that they will remember hearing it from their teachers in the many times that they’ve been in peril, or from pro heroes in dire straights.

It’s the tone of a Hero who’s saving someone’s life.

Kaminari blanches. He may be hearing the words, but the meaning behind them paralyzes him. He’s never attempted anything like this, isn’t even sure he can do it.

“Midoriya I-I can’t. I don’t know how to.”

A dozen scenarios run through Izuku’s head. He might be able to convince Kaminari to try, might be able to talk the blonde through his panic, but it will take much too long, and Mina can’t afford to wait that long. Instead, Izuku opts for the strategy that will get her the most help quickly.

It’s a quick calculation, weighing the damage it will do to his relationships and friends against the possibility of Mina suffering for even a second longer than necessary. The risk to his own body doesn’t even enter into the calculation.

Izuku keeps a file on every Quirk user he encounters, cataloging any strengths and weaknesses he observes, and remembering them in case he encounters a similar Quirk in the future. In doing this, he’s amassed quite a lot of observations about his classmate’s Quirks. He knows that Dark Shadow wilts in the light, that Tsuyu shuts down in the cold, and that Jirou is vulnerable to loud noises. Most importantly, he knows that Kaminari activates his Quirk instinctively when he takes damage unexpectedly.

Izuku placed his left hand on Mina’s heart, and grabbed Kaminari’s hand in his right. He activated One for All once more, counting on it to help him absorb most of the voltage that was  about to come. He sent a silent prayer that his resistance would be just enough to limit the damage, but not enough to block the electricity from reaching Mina entirely.

Then he broke Kaminari’s finger in one swift motion.

The effect is immediate. Electricity coursed through all three of them, and Izuku grit his teeth through the pain. It tore at his senses even as it coursed through his body, but he was more than passingly familiar with pain. After you’ve torn your body to pieces willingly to land a single punch, you learn how to deal with pain.

After a long second, he put as much willpower as he could muster into opening his hand and releasing Kaminari. The blond stumbled back, face devolving into a idiotic grin as the electricity began to fade.

Izuku only had eyes for Mina though. A long moment passed where nothing happened. Then Mina convulsed, and gasped. Objectively, it was a horrible, rattling gasp that should have sent shivers down Izuku’s spine, but in the moment it was the sweetest sound he could have heard.

The combination of relief and electrical shock finally overwhelm him, and he fell backwards, slamming painfully into the floor below, not even making a move to catch himself.

Uraraka rushed forward to help her friend, and Jirou did the same for Kaminari. The rapid fire events had left them reeling, and they were only just now catching up.

“What happened in here?” Recovery girl asked as she stepped through the destroyed entryway. She looked more than a little upset to see her carefully tidied office in shambles. When she caught sight of Izuku, she sighed deeply. “I should have known. I step out for five minutes and you’re creating chaos. What’s happened this time? Have you managed to break even more of your bones?”

Izuku shook his head weakly. “Mina” He pointed to the gurney next to him. “She stopped breathing. Used Kaminari to shock her.”

Recovery Girl’s eyes went wide, and she moved over to Mina’s side. She quickly examined the girl, checking her heartbeat, breathing, and pupils. When she was done, Izuku had managed to shake off most of the lingering effects of the shock.

“I hate to say it, but I think in this situation, you made the right call.” Recovery girl said, settling into her chair. “It seems Young Ashido suffered a heart attack, likely due to severe stress. She seems to be suffering from malnutrition and dehydration as well.” She shook her head sadly.

She kicked them out immediately following her exam, pausing only to heal the damage Izuku and Kaminari had taken, telling them to go to class, and not to worry. Thanks to her healing, all Mina needed was a bit of rest before she felt a lot better.

Izuku couldn’t just go back, not when Mina was right there. If she needed him, he wanted to be there. He parked himself on a convenient bench across from the office, not responding to any of his friend’s questions or attempts to speak to him. He simply sat and stared at the door.

Izuku could afford to skip class, but the rest weren’t quite so lucky. They reluctantly left their friend sitting there, promising to return when class was done, and to let everyone know that he and Mina were ok. Izuku nodded slightly at that, which they took to be a good sign.

When Recovery Girl emerges from her office, she doesn’t look surprised at all to see him sitting there. She looks resigned instead.

“She’s waking up now. It will do her good to have a friendly face when she does.”

Izuku practically bolts out of his seat to enter. Mina is still lying on the cot where he placed her before, though Recovery Girl apparently took the time to cover her with a thin blanket.

He could see her eyelids fluttering as he stepped closer. He reached out and gently took her hand. A moment later, she squeezed it lightly.

“Izu?” Her voice was faint, and more than a little confused. “What happened?”

“We were working out, and you collapsed. I brought you to Recovery Girl. You…” He paused, not quite sure how to break it to her. “Mina you had a heart attack.”

She shocked Izuku by laughing weakly. “Guess I really screwed up, huh?”

“Quite” Recovery Girl said from her desk. The elderly hero was filling out paperwork, probably relating to Mina’s condition. “You’re not the first student to exhaust themself before exams, but yours is one of the more extreme cases. I’ve healed the damage from the attack, as well as your sweethearts impromptu treatment, but you still need rest. I can only heal the effects of illness, not the cause.”

She ripped the lower half of the paper shed been writing on off and handed it to Izuku, then faced Mina. “Three days of rest with NO TRAINING. Study if you must, but keep it to an absolute minimum. I’ll speak to Aizawa about getting you an exam extension. Keep in mind that this is a one time deal, and only because this is the first time I’ve seen you in my office all year, unlike someone I know.” She aimed a pointed glare at Izuku who even now was her most frequent visitor by a country mile.

A pager on her hip heroes loudly, and she snatched it up with a sigh. “And yet another poor soul needs healing. Please excuse me, but stay until you feel completely better. And remember, no training!” With that, she strode out of the door, which had been clumsily reattached, closing it behind her.

“Well, there goes my ‘least time in the nurse’s office’ record.” Mina said ruefully.

Izuku didn’t respond, and she turned her head to look at him. He still held tight to get hand, but there was a very distant look in his eyes.

“I’m kinda disappointed actually. I liked holding that over Kirishima’s head.”

Izuku nodded slightly at that, and Mina got the distinct impression that he wasn’t listening to a word she was saying.

“I guess now would be a bad time to tell you that I’m pregnant, huh?”

This time he didn’t even nod, just continued to stare into space. Mina rolled her eyes, and flicked her boyfriend in the forehead. It was unusual to see him spaced out without a stream of muttered observations streaming out of him.

“You know, it’s considered polite to listen when people are talking to you.” She teased. She was feeling stronger now, almost back to normal. Or at least as normal as she had felt in the last few weeks, which meant gritty, run down, and struggling to keep her eyes from folding closed.

He blinked, coming back to his body. He looked at her for a moment, and then his face crumpled. All of the emotions that he had been holding inside came flooding out, and his eyes overflowed with tears. It wasn’t the first time Mina had seen him cry, but the fat droplets surprised her every time.

“M-Mina I was…I was so worried!” He sobbed, planting his face into her shoulder.

She reached her arms around his shaking shoulders and pulled him close. She felt a prickle at the back of her own eyes. The collapse had been traumatizing for her as well, and when combined with all the stress she’d been under, it was a heavy burden to bear. She’d been unconsciously dealing with it in the same way she had been during the last week, pushing the feelings down and hiding under a layer of humor.

Now, given a chance to release, she cried too, tears coming close to matching Izuku’s. In short order, they each had a large wet patch on their shirts from the other’s tears. They didn’t speak, merely held each other close as they let all their feelings out in one long burst.

Eventually, they both ran short of tears. They pulled back slightly, but neither was willing to let go completely. They linked their arms, and leaned against each other, taking comfort from the other’s warmth.

“I’m sorry” Izuku said softly.

“Don’t be.” Mina replied. “It was….I needed a good cry. It helped.”

Izuku nodded, understanding exactly what she felt. He felt exhausted, but relieved, like a weight he hadn’t known he’d been carrying had finally been lifted.

“It was hard. Seeing you like that. I didn’t know what to do, or how to help you. I was scared.”

She squeezed his hand in a comforting gesture, but she could feel a smile tugging at her face. “I’m sorry? Mr. Self Sacrifice found it tough to see someone he cares about hurt? Welcome to my world.”

Izuku smiled as well. He knew he had been tough on Mina in the past, and given her more than one hospital scare.

“I know, now more than ever. I’ll try to be better in the future.”

“Only try?”

“I am what I am.” He said with a shrug.

Mina laughed at that, a full body stomach laugh this time. Izuku joined in a moment later. It was difficult having a reputation as class problem child, but Izuku had come to embrace the role.

“I love you Sparks” Mina said softly.

He pulled her close, and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Love you too Frosting.” She flushed a little. A part of her always loved hearing her call her that. He said it in a way that made her feel like the most special person in the world.

As much as she wanted to stay like that forever, Mina knew they should get going. She may have a mandate to avoid studying, but Izuku doesn’t. She groaned as she stood, flexing her back to work out a few of the kinks that had developed while she slept. Izuku stood as well, watching her carefully for signs of relapsing.

“Let’s head back to the dorms.” Mina said. “Everyone’s in class right now, so we’ll have the dorms to ourselves for a while.”

Izuku raised an eyebrow at that. “There’s still Modern Heroics left today. I probably shouldn’t skip more class this close to exams.”

Mina let a mischievous grin cross her face. “You sure about that? You know how easily I get bored when I don’t have someone to talk to. I might even decide to do a bit of training to relieve my boredom…”

“Don’t you dare!” He said in mock outrage. He knew she was sensible enough not to try anything, but still felt it prudent to stop that line of joking right here and now.

“You’re gonna have to cuddle me if you want to be extra sure.”

He smiled a wide and honest smile that always lifted Mina’s heart when she saw it. It was bright, and good, and so very beautiful. And it looked perfect on her boyfriend’s face.

“Now that, I can definitely do.”

The couple walked arm in arm, ready to enjoy some much needed R&R, perfectly content to be in the arms of their lover once more.

[pbandjesse]

I love my scarf so much. I did not actually wear it outside at the house. I wear a jacket. But I've had that scarf on pretty much all day. It is the best scarf even if it sheds a lot.

Today was a good day I did not accomplish everything I wanted to accomplish but I did a lot. I slept really well last night. Had very bizarre dreams. But I got up and felt good. I woke up and had biscuits for breakfast. Got dressed and walk to the grocery store. I brought my grandma card and bought lots of food for the week. I am trying to eat at home more this week. Especially since my hours are very weird. I wandered around for a bit and then went home. I am packed everything and then I had it over to Eddie's to get a couple things I can't get at streets Market. I biked over to Eddie's though and was only there for a couple minutes. I still need to get milk and I'll probably have to get eggs at some point but for now it's fine. I used my heart boiled egg cooker to while I was gone and didn't check the eggs but I'm assuming they're okay. I'm very excited about my hard-boiled egg maker though and I really hope that I can figure out the best time frame to leave them in there to cook.

Once I got everything unpacked I made lunch. I rested for a little while and made some plans. And then I headed out to go catch the bus. I left a little bit earlier than I really need to because I wanted to get the earlier bus just in case. I think I am going to be able to get away with getting the 12:30 bus. But just so that I get used to when I'm getting off going 20 minutes early. It's nice that that bus runs so often though.

It was nice and sunny out. There's a chill in the air but I was never uncomfortable or anything. In either direction. Hot or cold. I had a nice talk with an old man at the bus stop. And then the bus came. And it was a nice ride. It's like a 25-minute ride and it's very comfortable. I got up to Wildwood and like I said I was like a half an hour early. So I walked around the neighborhood.

The neighborhood very much reminds me of Mayfair in Philadelphia. It's mostly row houses with little front yards. Lot of Old Stone. In the direct neighborhood it's all houses in churches. There's not even a corner store. I think maybe at some point I'll try to wander out a little bit farther and see if there's somewhere to eat. Now that I really plan on it but just in case something happens and I have to get something close by.

When I got there Fitsum was already there and said that Tiffany wasn't in yet. So we sat in the waiting room and talked. We accidentally both were wearing the same outfit. Well not exactly. We're both wearing brown jackets and are in shirts. And I made us laugh. It seems like we are going to be together but it's still unclear at this point. I hope we do though because he's a sweetheart. Tiffany came and found us because it turned out she was there. But it was no big deal. We went back to your office and did a bunch of paperwork. Went through how are lesson plan is going to work. And I feel so excited about it. I was pretty nervous at first but now that all my questions are answered I'm like excited. And I have so many ideas. I've written 8 months of vague themes and topics in my tablet. I think I'm just going to keep everything on my Google Drive since now I paid for it for the year anyway. I was considering getting a Chromebook since I'm going to have to be doing a lot of writing. But instead since my tablet doesn't work very well I just decided to buy a Bluetooth keyboard for it. So that should be here on Thursday. And then I can actually do my lesson plans for real. I feel very excited.

We just did a lot of going through packets and making sure all of our paperwork was good and it was just nice to be able to honestly answer questions and not have to feel silly for wanting clarity. I got my direct deposit setup and we have to take 15 hours of professional development courses over the school year. And so she help me setup my account for that. And I was able to get into the CPR first aid training class on Friday morning. So I get my first three hours of PD in and I'm excited to have that certificate my record. Even though it was a little bit of a hassle trying to figure out how to make an account for some reason. They make it like all secret like.

After we finished all of her paperwork and spent a lot of time discussing how things go. We did another walk around the building. This time we actually got to meet the other teachers that we may be working with or will be the team with the 5th graders. They were both really nice and I would be equally as excited to work with them. I think it might be nice though to have a blank slate with the new class with fitsum and there won't be a weird power Dynamic there. Of having a current teacher and a new teacher. But regardless the students were there too. They were all so sweet. They liked my jacket and they asked me if I could teach him how to sew and they asked me about other different projects that they were interested in doing. And it was just so cool they were so engaged and so sweet. I'm really excited to get to work with them. There was a couple big personalities but in the best ways. I'm very excited for this opportunity. I really think that this is going to be the exact thing I've been looking for. The rest of my jobs and lives are going to have to sort themselves out. Maybe I'll slow down my work at the BMI and take my mornings for myself. Or maybe I won't and maybe I'll still do exactly what I'm doing now. I just don't want to burn out. I want to really enjoy being able to teach and museums and do all the things that I do. But today really made me excited for going forward.

Fitsum was nice enough to give me a ride again. I'm going to have to figure out a way to tell him I will give him money. Because him giving me a ride back is saving me like $16 every time. It's like even if I throw him like 20 bucks a week or something. It would be worth it to me. You also just lose them walking into my apartment though so I think he just it is being kind and just giving you rides. But I don't want to take advantage he's so nice. I really just hope that we become friends too cuz I think he's a really cool guy. He was telling me some about working in Ethiopia and the culture there. And I'm curious to learn more.

Once I got home I have kind of a going back and forth doing things all night. I watched the new Shane Dawson documentary series. And I ate snacks. I've been eating snacks all night. I work in my studio for a while. I played with the new Furbys. They both had some corrosion inside of them from their batteries leaking so I had to clean that up with vinegar. But they're both working just fine and they were chatting with each other. They do make that high-pitched screeching sound that I read about. So I may take them apart and disconnect the wires. Honestly I might disconnect all of their speaking wires because I'm not super a fan of their voices. But I still think they're very cute. I like the way that they move they're very active. So I think painting with them is going to be really interesting.

I talked to James for a little while he's at his apartment having a D&D night. I think I just have too much social anxiety to participate. I told him I would be a guest are at some point but I just don't know if I could play with them and feel comfortable enough to do it. But we'll see I don't know. I like doing it one on one with James that one time though I hope we can do that again cuz I did enjoy that.

I did fall down the stairs. I hurt my hand a little bit but I'm okay. I mostly just scared me. I took a shower and wash my hair. And it's just chilling at my apartment and I'm wearing Chenille socks and leggings and I feel very cozy. I think I'm going to switch my stuff for work into my new work tote bag. That I have gotten from my causebox. It's such a pretty bag and I think it's going to be perfect for carrying all my papers and things. And it stands so I feel like if it gets paint on it and stuff it'll be cool. I think now though I'm going to start winding down for bed. I have to wake up early tomorrow and try to get some more done. And then I have to go over to Northern Parkway to get my fingerprints done for the city to get an ID and a background check. And then I have to go to Wildwood at 12:30 for staff meeting. I'm very excited for that I think it's going to be very fun. I'm excited too more formally meet everyone. So I hope it's just another really nice day. I hope you guys all have a great night and sleep well. Be safe out there. Be kind