#come from away totally knocked my socks off

[drgnflyteabox]

mdni - the 141 find a cozy place to stay during an op (that's definitely all that happens). implied fat!reader

(dubcon, poly, gangbang, anal, price is in charge of everyone<3)

So blizzards can happen in the blink of an eye on high, isolated mountains, right?

And the 141 have done missions in rural places, snowy places, mountainous places, right?

And there are tons of tiny little isolated towns, all over the world, built around these mountains for one reason or another - coal mining, logging, etc.

Now imagine the 141 on a mission, somewhere cold, somewhere isolated, a place that feels like the edge of the world. Desolate.

Now imagine the 141 seeing, in the near distance, a winking pale orange light. It's a good enough place as any to approach - it isn't safe to be caught in this blizzard, anyhow. Even with their gear, the safehouse is still an hour away and the snowfall seems historic...

Now imagine you're sitting in your family home, all alone, going a little crazy with cabin fever. Your woodstove is burning hot, but you're still cuddled up in knits and a thermal underneath. You're making stew for dinner with root vegetables from the basement cellar, it's bubbling and softening for you while you crochet, trying to keep your mind off the monumental shoveling task you'll have to deal with tomorrow

Until there's a knock on the door.

"Hello ma'am, I'm just wondering if me and my friends here could rest until it's safe to continue our hike?" (I love the way gaz says ma'am)

Hike? Nobody hikes up here - you've only ever seen a couple tourists in your life, thrill seeking ice climbers who came and went.

And they certainly weren't dressed in snow camo, hiding guns behind their backs.

But you were raised right, and the man at the door has kind eyes - he's handsome, too, but you'd never say it out loud. Gaz pushes the door further in when you tentatively open it, and in comes barreling three more massive men, their boots stomping and leaving a mess.

Soap smells the stew on the stove and beelines for it, lifting his helmet to inhale deeply.

Ghost sweeps the room like it might be hiding an enemy somewhere- even though it's one room total, the stove in the middle, separating the kitchen and your bed.

Price approaches you all apologetic, apologizing for "these ruffians", holding his camo helmet to his gut like it's formalwear. "Apologies, sweetheart, we weren't expecting the weather to turn on us."

You aren't quite sure how you end up sitting on prices lap, naked except for your socks, while he squeezes your stomach and grunts in your ear not to be shy when putting your weight on him. His other hand is cupped over your pussy, murming thank yous for feeding his men.

They're eating your stew, stripped out of gear, cocks tented in their white cargos.

"We're a gaggle of lucky boys, eh?" Soap says. "Nice, cozy, soft girl. Warm cabin. A man could get used to this."

You wind up pressed down on your mattress, hands held behind you by one man while another fucks you hard, spurred on by price behind them. At first, it's johnny, whining high in his throat while price guides his hips and gaz holds your arms by your head. "Need to thank her proper, boy." The obvious authority in prices voice makes your pussy clench around him, and he shakes over you, trying hard not to come too early.

Gaz reaches down from where he's holding your arms, pinching your clit until you buck against Johnny and squirt around him.

Then it's gaz, who lifts your legs and squeezes your big thighs, locking eyes with ghost. He's steady, only breaking composure when Simon praises him. "Thats a lad. Good, just like that, Kyle." He's the first to ever make you come from penetration alone, hips moving in a way that makes your abdomen tighten and tighten and tighten until you reach the longest orgasm of your life, nearly crying with how intense it feels.

Price ends up flipping you over - nudging you up on your hands and knees, the bed creaking with the combined weight of he and his lieutenant taking their places in front and behind you.

Simon slips his cock in your mouth, staring down at you through the balaclava. You can barely make out a thick scar, one that looks like it might go through his whole face. You lose focus when price pushes his fingers in your ass, though, and you squeal.

There's no where to run except further down simons cock, though, where you gag, spit running all down your chest onto the bed.

"Shh, sh," Price rubs your flank like you're a spooked animal. He squeezes the ample flesh of your asscheek appreciatively. "Jus wanna give your poor pussy a break, aye? I reckon she's tired,"

He pushes into you impatiently and it burns a little, but he soothes it with a palm over your soft, sore cunt. Rubs a thumb over your clit slowly, jostling you back and forth over simons cock.

You come once more before the night is over, tears finally running down your cheeks, mixing with your saliva, with simons come. It's a painful orgasm, wrenched from you - but that makes it all the sweeter.

They wipe you down and spoon feed you more stew, after, to recover your energy :') price has the boys tidy their boot tracks and put away leftovers while he and Simon hold you from both sides. They can barely fit with you on your bed, but tucked in like this - on top of your furs, naked as the day you were born, praised for your soft body and "What a good girl you are, babydoll."

Sigh

I'm sure this idea has probably been written but I was listening to this and couldn't stop imagining it lmfao

[katsukistofu]

not sure if ur still taking requests but if u are would u be willing to write a hawks x prohero!reader where he finds her wearing his own merch?? ty!! i came from ur coffee mixup fic and it was just soo good i sent it to one of my oomfs and we had a mutual freak out over it 😭😭🫶🫶

awww that’s so sweet and cute omg !!! thank you very much my love i’m so happy you two enjoyed it ( >▯<) <333

picture perfect

contents ౨ৎ ⋆ hawks x prohero! fem reader. fluff. cursing. slightly suggestive. reader has ice quirk. ★ your boyfriend sees you wearing his merch and just can’t get enough.

“Dooo-ve?” Keigo’s teasing, saccharine voice is laced with barely concealed amusement. He leans against the frame of your shared bedroom's door, taking in the view of you lying on your back with an appreciative look on his face.

His heart skips a beat, getting to see you on your rare day off from patrol. Watching you, sitting there all pretty in a sweatshirt with his face on it. Your hair is messy, your socks, albeit both very cute and fuzzy, don’t match in color in the slightest and the fresh coat of polish on your nails is already chipped even though he just painted them for you during your weekly spa day yesterday.

Keigo's breath catches as he stands there, and he swears he’s never seen a more gorgeous view in his life.

The numerous sunsets, the iridescent clouds he's been so close to that he could reach out and touch them, the bright stars in the sky as he flew under them, all paled in comparison to you. Even witnessing you knock a villain out cold with a blast of your signature ice yesterday on live television, still only came second to seeing you all comfy and cozy like this.

There's a soft, giddy smile plastered on his handsome face, and he makes it so, so hard to keep up your act. “What’s that you’re wearing?”

“Nothing,” you answer from your comfortable position his side of the bed. You nonchalantly swipe on your phone to continue scrolling through your feed.

Your boyfriend’s grin only widens, and his sweet butterscotch eyes are half-lidded when he speaks again. “Trust me, I know what nothing looks like and it’s definitely not tha—ow!”

He laughs when he receives a plushie of himself flying to his face, which he easily catches in his hands. Keigo’s lips fall into a cute, overdramatic pout. “You just threw me!”

“You’ve got wings for a reason, birdbrain.” You roll your eyes and stretch your arms out. “Now come cuddle me I’m cold.”

“Don’t have to ask me twice.” Keigo immediately puts the plushie aside and joins you on the bed, pulling you into his warm embrace with eagerness. You’re always cold, but he never minds. Just means more opportunities to hug you, which he gladly jumps at. “Back to my question though, is that my new sweatshirt that just came out from my merch line?”

“No?” Your tone is innocently coy, and it drives him insane. In a good way. “I think you mean my fellow pro-hero boyfriend, Hawks’s merch line?”

“Damn.” Keigo muses, playing along with your little charade. His finger grazes the hem of your collar and you shiver at his feather-light touch. “Your boyfriend’s Hawks? Lucky guy, having a pretty girl like you wearing his merch. Making me jealous over here.”

You out a giggle. "He says that all the time, actually."

"Oh? He better be, or I just might steal you away." His lip brushes over your ear as he continues to murmur. “And I couldn’t help but notice that your boyfriend looks a lot like me.”

“What a coincidence,” you tease, playfully running your hand through his soft, golden locks and bringing them to rest on his cheeks.

“God, you look so fucking perfect.” Keigo groans. You’re already a sight for sore eyes, and the feeling of your fingers in his hair nearly causes him to ascend heavenward. “Next time my marketing team drops something, you’re totally modeling it.”

“I’d rather it be for your eyes only,” you say, and the dimple that appears on his cheeks at that makes your stomach do a little flip.

“Shit, birdie.” Keigo uses a hand to fan himself exaggeratedly. “Is it hot in here or is it just you?”

“Still pretty cold actually, though that might be my quirk talking. I think you’re the hot one.” You hide a cheeky smile as you feel him he hook a finger through your belt loop and firmly drag you closer on the bed in response, forcing you to turn around until your knees hit his with a soft bump.

“Guess I need to work harder at warming you up then.”

A little while later after dinner, his hair is held back with a fluffy, pink Hello Kitty headband which matches the one on your head.

“Okay, I know you said for my eyes only but can I take a pic with you for my socials? Pleaseee, baby?” Keigo begs a little later, leaning into your touch while you carefully apply his sheet face mask on him. “You just look so good I wanna show you off.”

You frown. “I don’t want a bunch of your thirsty fans on my ass, Kei.”

"They're just jealous of what they can't have." He tips your chin up and says it in a tone so matter-of-fact it makes you let out snort.

"Pretty sure it's the other way around," you mutter, using your thumbs to gently smooth down the edges of his mask on his face, and your eyes catch his, brimming with affection so intense and unadulterated you catch yourself feeling a little breathless all of a sudden.

"What?" You tilt your head. "I'm right."

"Nah, I am. You didn’t get that award for hottest heroes on the charts for nothing.” At the comically skeptical look you shoot him, he huffs out a laugh. “I’m serious! Sweetheart,” Keigo’s voice softens. “I know you don’t believe it when the press says it, but when I’m always telling you you’re beautiful, you know I mean it, right? Every single time.”

With warm cheeks, you mumble out, “I know.”

“That’s my girl. You’re everything to me, y’know?” You nod shyly and the sweet, familiar curve of Keigo’s lips makes your insides melt into a puddle of chocolate fondue. “Good. I’m right and nothing you can say or do will change that.”

“Not even if I eat your last chicken nugget?”

“Not even if you eat my last chicken nugget.”

And he says it with such certainty that you can’t help but break into a smile of your own too.

[leonsdoll]

LOSER!SHAUNA • 📚

word count:0.5k

warnings: making out

notes: loser shauna save me....loser shauna save me...

shauna shipman was a loser, a total utter loser . yet somehow she's getting to tutor the head cheerleader, you .

she had spent a half hour deciding what she was gonna wear, she had tried on five different outfits and finally settled on baggy jeans a t shirt and a flannel, nothing too special . the drive to your house was very anxiety inducing for her, she has no idea how to talk to you . she knocked on your door with her shakey hands, you swung your open with a smile on your face, shauna looked you up and down and noticed you were wearing a jean skirt and a baby tee, she looked father down and saw white fuzzy socks

'hey shauna come in!' you beamed, she stepped into your house and followed you to your room . your room was full of posters and fairy lights, 'c'mon sit on my bed with me' you patted the seat next to you, 'uhm-uh-okay' she stuttered . 'okay so I need help with history and math, and uhm i know your really good at those things so' you said as you pulled out your school books . shauna pulled her books out with you and the study session begun

after a half hour of back to back working and reading you started to get tired and you wanted a small break, 'hey shauna' she turned her head towards your way, she pushed her glasses up and hummed, 'can we take a break? just a small one' she nodded and removed the books off her lap, 'can I do your makeup?' you proposed . 'yeah sure' she mumbled, the thought of your being close to her make her palms sweat

she sat in your chair as you straddled her lap, everything was doing good till the eyeliner, your face was inches away from hers . the thought of kissing you lingered in her mind as you continued to doll her up, you shifted in your seat making her leg twitch, you giggled at how nervous she was, you thought it was cute . 'you're so nervous shauna!' you giggled once more

your laugh made her heart sore, you were such a bright person, she looked into your eyes and sighed, you continued to fix up her eyeliner, 'do you want lipstick now?' she nodded but her eyes were fixed on your lips, 'you my want lipstick?' she mindlessly nodded hoping you meant what she thought you meant, you used your pointer and middle finger to raise her chin, 'i want a clear yes shauna'

her mouth felt dry, she smacked her lips and looked up at you, 'yes I want your lipstick' you smiled and nodded, you slowly moved your head closer to hers, your lips brushed against hers, 'you wanna kiss me?' she nodded her head, she couldn't control herself anymore, she grabbed you by the back of your head and crashes her lips against yours, she whimpered into the kiss, the feeling of your hands sliding up and down her body was euphoric

she was so touched starved just your touch was making her sweat and her cheeks flush . you trailed kisses down her neck, sucking on her skin, she was such a loser and you loved it

[webslingingslasher]

Hi Mm this is socks lmao, but could I request something with reader having a horrible day where everything goes wrong, nothing feels right, and she's tired of like carrying the world and everyone one else on her back and Peter is just the sweetest guy ever babying her and hold her while she cries? Yep that's me, but with no Peter

sowwy it took so long, i had a few requests for this and put them all in one giant pot. i also hope everyone here is feeling better ❤️

Totally broken, you just needed someone to hold you. 

It had been an awful day of an awful week of an awful month. Punch after punch, you couldn’t take anymore. Holding yourself the entire walk to the frat house, only allowing yourself to sniffle and keep a steady flow of tears, nothing too hysterical to pass in public. 

Almost tripping over a curb you choke back a sob, all you could do was manually breathe and think of the path to the house. You weren’t even sure why you wanted to go there anyways, you’d never gone to Peter before all upset and choked up. 

And knowing him, he’d hate it and send you away informing you that taking care of your crying mess wasn’t in his job description. 

Focusing on breathing, you knocked at the solid door and prayed Peter would answer, save for any of his brothers mid breakdown. But, like most of today and this week, things did not go in your favor. 

“Trouble?”

He wasn’t your boy. 

“Is Peter here?” shoddy breaths, you’re about to collapse in a sob, you shouldn’t be here. “Actually, nevermind, I’m,” you inhale sharply, tears skip down your cheeks, “I’m, um, gonna go home.” 

Spinning on your heel a warm hand closed around your wrist tugging you inside, “no, you’re not. Parker would fucking kill me if I let you leave like this.” Wiping your cheeks and trying to pull away, “he wouldn’t want to deal with me, I should…” shaking his arm off and trying to make a dash before he caught you by the hood of your jacket. 

Gagging you pull at the neckline, “what the fuck, Ethan?” 

“Parker!” He calls up the stairs, adrenaline killing your tears, trying to pull away but useless in his grip. Jerking the fabric, trying to release it from his hold, “let go, Ethan!” 

“Parker!” Wincing at the shriek in your ear, “see? He doesn’t care, I sho-” 

Your shoes squeak on the floor, holding your jacket as far as you could from your neck when Ethan dragged you across the landing of the house, fumbling into his chest to stop the tension. He was being anything but gentle, raising his fist to pound at the wall. 

“Parker! Get the fuck down here!” 

While trying your last attempt to break free, Ethan twists the hood in his hold, causing you to pause in an awkward position, if you moved you’d be choked. “Ethan, I swear to fucking god I’ll-” 

“Park-” 

Stomps on the stairs.

“Say my fucking name one more time, Keznek, I fucking dare you.” 

Like a deer in headlights, you freeze. The second Peter hits the landing his frustration was washed into concern, not even caring his brother and best friend was watching, pouting all soft. You weren't crying anymore but the evidence showed, written all over your face was a cry session.

“My baby,” feathersoft, his words scooped you up and held you. Ethan’s hand dropped the second Peter took a second step, abandoning post and taking the stairs two steps at a time. Standing in front of you, his thumbs run under your eyes, “why’s my girl so sad, hm?” 

Suddenly, that lump in your throat you’ve been swallowing won’t stay down. Blinking fast trying to stop tears, which fails useless as your bottom lip trembles and he’s being so soft and he’s never been this comforting before. A sob escapes, the dam breaks. 

Peter’s never seen you cry before, you’ve called him once before while upset and he thought that hurt him. Watching you cry and desperate for air makes him break, he’s never had a girl come to him so broken. He doesn’t even know what to do or say, “give me a cuddle, c’mon, I know how happy that makes you!” 

Instantly you’re wound around him, exhaling shaky breaths in his chest while he scratches slowly at your back. Tears bleed through his shirt but he doesn’t say a word, he thinks he might be making it worse because you’re getting worse. 

Racking breaths made him push you away, he was genuinely scared you’d pass out. 

“Okay, c’mon. Take a breath and follow me, okay?” Choking as you gasp, his hand holds yours tight until you reach a room off the kitchen, Peter sits on the edge of a couch and holds your hands. “Deep breath, baby.” You try to do it but fail, whimpering an apology. “I’m not asking you to stop crying, I just need you to breathe.” 

It’s weak but he takes it, “one more for me,” it’s smoother this time, rubbing at an eye to clear your vision. Gulping, you force yourself to take another deep breath, this one ceasing the tears for the moment. 

Peter pushes himself backwards to sit on the couch, patting the small spot next to him you follow the command. Your butt in the small space, legs thrown over his lap. “You almost knocked yourself out, trouble.” 

He’s trying to lighten the mood but you just feel vulnerable and sad, resting your cheek on his shoulder you sniff. Voice breaking at the words, “I’m really sad, petey.” And fuck, he hates that nickname, but the way you uttered it, like a child with a terrible confession, made him want to hold you and never let you leave. 

Hands tickle up and down your legs, “wanna tell me why?” 

Blowing a shaky breath you shug, a tear falls when you blink. 

“I mean, everything?” To Peter, it sounds like you’re holding back and he won’t stand for it, not until he knows what made his girl cry like that. 

“I’m here for you to unload, I’m trying to take that,” he gestures to your body, “and put it here,” crumpling the tension into a ball and forcing it into his heart. 

“I failed my math test, I was fired from the campus store, Zoe and Lana are fighting and they want me to pick a side but I know they’ll get over it and then I’ll always be the asshole that chose a side, and to top it all off my sister called me and I felt like it was my job to give relationship advice cause,” you give a dry laugh, “obviously, I’m in the right position to tell people about their shit boyfriend.” 

A shit sandwich, you were right. Everything was wrong. 

“What can I do for you?” 

Because he feels helpless, but he’s done more than enough already. 

“Just… hold me.” 

“I can do that.” 

And he does, even a little longer after you said you were finally okay. 

[altbite]

Child’s Play

Summary: You got injured because of Konig

Konig x GN!Reader - Enemies to ?? oneshot

Readers Callsign: Socks (I like this callsign so imma ause it for the foreseeable future)

Unrelated to my last oneshot “Silly Things” (or a potential sequel lmao. Because of the same callsign, you are allowed to link them if you want)

_

“Fuck you”

“Fuck you so much. God what is wrong with you? You seriously chose to kill that guy over saving my ass?”

“You lived, didn't you?”

You scoff, “By “lived” you mean barely got away alive? sure, yea no totally. Not like I ended up with two stab wounds and a bullet in my shoulder, but no yea I’m alive. No thanks to you”.

You and Konig had been yelling at each other for the last 10 minutes after you got released from med bay. You were pissed at him. It was bad enough you two didn’t get along on base, but on field? It was a new territory that he crossed. Rules are simple: you watch each others back, no matter what.

Price had walked in before more words were spoken. “Enough. Socks, Konig, Quit it”. You both turned to glare at the older man, who had bags under his eyes that could go on for days. “But Captain, He-”, you attempted to get a word in but Price raised his hand and cut you off.

“I said enough. Konig, your job was to watch their back, and NOT let them get shot. Socks, you were meant to make sure the room was clear in the first place. As far as I’m aware, you both suck at following instructions. You are both lucky to be alive”.

You and Konig both felt uneasy with Price now yelling at both of you. It wasn’t uncommon but you didn’t enjoy getting in trouble, much less getting yelled at.

“Now with that being said, you are both suspended until further notice. I suggest you get your shit together, both of you”

You glare back at Konig, who is refusing to acknowledge you. “Yes sir”, you say, walking off. You walk down to your room, your thoughts racing while really wanting to lay your head on pillow and hope its cold. You get into your room, stare around the room whilst standing in the door frame, sighing and closing the door behind you as you approach your bed. Plopping down, you can’t help all the negative feelings piling up. You heard a brief knock on your door, and saw Soap come in. He joined you on your bed, “Captain give you a hard time?”.

“Don’t even get me started Soap”, you rub your forehead with you palm. “How you doing?”, you asked him, hoping to get a distraction. “Better than you, Socks”. He moved your t-shirt up to examine the wounds you received and their stitching. “Some sexy scars your gonna have mate”, tracing his fingers around them. You chuckled. Soap knew how to lift your mood, even for a moment. “Thanks, I tried”. 

“At least you’re exempted from training for now”, Soap chuckled. A wave of uncomfortable silence filled the room, “Soap...I got suspended”

“Oh fuck”.

“Oh fuck my ass. It wasn’t just me though. Konig got suspended too, until further notice. The fuck am I gonna do now?”, you sighed in defeat but it was the truth. You hadn’t a clue of what to do now.

“I got one for you”, Soap commented as you looked at him for his answer.

“Recover”.

[fountainpenguin]

"When they see us coming, the birdies all try and hide... but they still go for peanuts when coated with cyanide~" (x)

---

New Dog's Life chapter today! ~ 3rd Life series fan-season

Chapter 27 - “Boil Over (Bdubs, Scar)”

❤️ Read on AO3

💛 Start from Chapter 1

💚 More Pixels Imperfect fics

---

Bdubs and Grian dance around each other while planning their jungle temple base design. Meanwhile, Scott comes out to Scar about his allay hybrid side. Scar, fearing his glitchy vex code will corrupt his friend, debates cutting ties. Honest conversations are had.

(First 1,000 words under the cut)

---

BdoubleO100 - Phantom

Status: Yearning

Captain of New Star Station's phantom hybrid flock

💙  🧡  💚

By the time Grian swings open the door, wings perky and smile bright, it's too late to deny they're both gunning for something more than "casual roleplay dynamic chat" this evening. Bdubs went and stuck the scarlet feather on a gold clasp, which now hangs from a string at his neck. What are we? is a syrupy-sweet red herring overlaying the actual question of the evening, which is, of course… What are we? Or 'What are we gonna be?' if you wanna get technical.

Grian's face is flushed like he's been swooping laps around New Star all night. His eyes flick low enough to glance off the feather necklace, then bounce up again like he didn't see it. He totally did. There's too much mischief in his eyes. "Whoa," he says. He's fighting back a laugh or grin. He's losing both attempts. "You're really glittery."

"So are you," Bdubs points out.

"Mine's a squeaky clean skin," Grian tosses back. "My plumage would always look like this if I wasn't gathering messy resources and building all the time. What's your excuse?"

"Look at you! Coming on strong, poultry boy." Bdubs pushes through then, knocking Grian with his shoulder. Grian's apartment opens with the sitting area on the left - couch unoccupied - and the kitchen to the right. The floor's so shiny, it must've been freshly mopped. Or licked? Is there a mob that licks the floor? Maybe sniffers do that, though he's pretty sure there aren't any in New Star Station.

Grian's wearing socks striped red and white like candy canes. He shuts the door with a huff, then quips over his lifted wing muscle, "It's Poultry Man. But actually, it's not Poultry Man- Who's he?"

"Yeah, yeah…"

"You got a new lip scar."

"Wait- For real? It crossed over?" Bdubs' fingertips jump to his mouth. Sure enough, the vertical gash Impulse made with his sword curls from his upper lip across his bottom. Yikes. It glows white against his hand. "Well… This'll all blow over soon."

"It looks like a soul wound. Did you get-"

"It's fine!"

There are places to sit at both the bar counter and in the living area. Grian didn't specify a preference. Bdubs realizes in that moment he's never been invited to Grian's place as a proper guest before. He's glimpsed it. But usually when someone's way down at the end of phantom hour and squirreled away in a building, he sends Martyn to handle it. Bdubs hunts the streets on raw wing power, but Martyn's a specialist. When it comes to twisting through little gaps, he's the best they've ever had.

He makes a split-second decision and walks towards the living area. There's a white rug, a nice coffee table, and plenty of room to sprawl. "Hey, did'ya ever find out why we're playing early next session?"

"What?" Grian mutters, tapping after him on socked feet. Then, "Oh, no… I've no idea. It's my birthday, though. Maybe that's why?"

"Hm," says Bdubs. Back in 3rd Life, he sat out a session once for birthday-related reasons. Grian seems like he's thinking the same thing, because he pauses between the couch and an armchair, hands resting on them both.

"… You think I'll miss next week?"

"I mean, if it were my birthday, I'd prob'ly write a list of things I wanted my basing buddy to do. I'm just saying."

"Well, just because it's my birthday, it doesn't mean it's his birthday. And he's not really one to miss a recording."

Yeah, that's true. One time in Limited Life, Grian tried his best to cover when his boss wasn't feeling well enough to focus. It must've really wrecked their sync-cord too, 'cuz Grian kept coughing and lilting sideways like emotions and viruses were dogpiling from above.

Honestly, Grian jumped online long enough to establish a bare-bones presence, then crawled into free-cam and flew off to take a nap. Took ages to find him when the session wrapped up, but there was this whole other side to the map where no one was really basing, and eventually they found his purple parrot soul tucked in a tree with his head under one wing. Figures. Hopefully he'll just stay offline next time, or else call someone in to wear his skin for a day like Cleo and Pearl did when they knew they couldn't make it.

Anyway, Bdubs cocks his head. "Weird day to run the session early though, right? You might wanna write a list of materials or something I can grab in case you're gone. Maybe we need to move base."

Grian frowns, wandering his eyes across the sitting area. His cheeks look full and flushed in the lantern light. "I'd still like a break from building bases that'll just be exploded or burned. I think I'd know if he wasn't going to play, though… Although, Season 9 is ending. What if he's quitting Hermitcraft?"

"Oh, I'm sure that's not-"

The glow of Grian's eyes dims in panic, his energy needed elsewhere as his soul starts to squirm. "What if he's quitting the Life series? I mean, maybe he had a fight with someone. Maybe he yelled at his friend?" He takes to pacing. Bdubs follows with ticking eyes, not breathing a word. Grian always paces when he can't settle down. His fingers fold in front of his mouth. "Maybe he doesn't want me anymore. Bdubs, this might be it. If he's walking out on Minecraft for good, this could be the last night I ever come off AFK."

"I'm sure that's not true, G." He keeps his tone as kind as he can, hands resting in his pockets. At least he doesn't have to concentrate on keeping his wings down. It's just the tail, and that's easy to curl away so it doesn't flicker or misdirect. "It's the middle of a Life series. He's not gonna ditch you. I mean, think of the viewers!"

"I mean, he could. He could just walk out. Maybe he's dying. Or maybe he wants Two to jump in and cover for me." Grian looks down at his body then and rubs his palms across his chest. A pulse of purple sparks darts across his wings, then fizzles out. Bdubs tilts his head, but doesn't jump in. Grian's not gonna want someone baby-talking him while he's flickering. "You know, I… I think he's probably moving bases out there. And he's been playing a lot of Phasmophobia. Maybe New Star's not going to recognize me as a Minecraft player much longer. I mean, that's what happened to Netty, right? Except for her, it was Sims."

"He's prob'ly just wrapping up obligations so he can say good-bye to Season 9 and plan for Season 10. We have meetings and paperwork down here. I bet they have do that kind of stuff out there too. He's got friends and a wife. You wanna talk? I mean, I'm not gonna have solutions, but maybe you can walk me through your feelings."

"He has a wife." Grian sounds… dazed. Shell-shocked. Like he's been clinging to a rope for a little too long and someone just came through and sliced it clean with a Sharpness II netherite sword. Uh. This isn't news to him, right? "He's married. Do you think he has a kid? Maybe I'm a dad. Well, maybe he's a dad… I guess I won't be one unless I want to be. Maybe that's why it's been a struggle to focus on Season 9. Bdubs, you have kids, right?"

Bdubs blinks. "Huh? Yeah. I mean… yeah, my beloved does." You guys all know that, right? His beloved's kids don't have their own accounts yet. Probably someday will, and then Bdubs will do what Impulse and Jewel did and request the newbie to move to New Star, like they did with the other two. They're expecting a third pretty soon, I think. He shrugs. Golly, it's weightless without his wings. "I get emotion bleed from 'em sometimes; they play on my account. I can tell 'em apart. They're sweet."

[Full chapter on AO3 - Link at top]

[bananacorn-limeade]

1961's The WORLD of ICE and FIRE

I'm going to do it. I'm going to self-indulge!

The Roger Corman ASOIAF production post is mostly just a novelty, but since I'm me, I have a lot of FEELINGS and OPINIONS about this cast. Naturally.

Anyway. Here's how well I think the actors in my post would play their roles, from worst to best.

#19, Worst: John Ashley as Robb Stark

You know how Ben Affleck has a face that knows about emails? John Ashley has a face that knows about sock hops. Woefully miscast.

#18: Tor Johnson as Gregor Clegane

God love the big guy, but I've only ever seen him make this face. Also, despite his repertoire of roles suggesting otherwise on paper, he just doesn't seem like a mean guy.

#17: John Agar as Jaime Lannister

Another terrible choice. The only reason he's not ranked as worst is because his soulless performance would make viewers interpret Jaime as an absolutely irredeemable sociopath, which at least would be... uh, interesting, I guess.

#16 Robert Reed as Renly Baratheon

Renly, but only if he was the most boring Baratheon. Go ahead, try to picture Reed eating a peach. You can't.

#15 Dawn Bender as Arya Stark

Aw, she'd try. But I feel like her attempts at Arya's fire would mostly come off as petulance.

#14 Richard Carlson as Ned Stark

Sorry, what? I fell asleep for a minute there.

#13 June Kenney as Daenerys Targaryen

Kenney would try her level best, but you know Corman would do a terrible job incorporating her storyline with the main plot, so she wouldn't have much to do except lounge around on mildly offensive orientalist sets and talk to her force-perspective dragon puppets. (Stop-motion you say? What, you think American International is made of money?)

#12 Dolores Faith as Sansa Stark

Again, no knock to Faith, but as with Daenerys, I think a 1961 production would flatten Sansa's character away to nothing. She'd get to pine and wear some nice dresses.

#11 Anthony Dexter as Petyr Baelish

This guy can play oily like nobody's business (check him out in 1962's Married Too Young), but 5D-chess-level deviousness might be beyond him.

#10 Michael Dunn as Tyrion Lannister

Full disclosure: I'm plopping him in the middle because I've never seen him in anything! The only little person I've personally seen in Corman's movies is Billy Barty (playing an actual, literal imp), and Dunn was someone I found who was said to play much meatier roles. In general, I think the depth of Tyrion's character would seriously challenge 1960s casting directors who were used to casting little people in jokey roles or as something less than human. One of many problems they'd have with the source material, no doubt.

#9 Lon Cheney Jr. as Sandor Clegane

Here's another actor who would do the best with what he was given - which would be an essentially empty role. This Sandor would be a beast used only for jump scares, with too much rubber over his face to ever show an emotion.

#8 Glen Langan as Stannis Baratheon

Langan would be serious, but dull, with lots of droning sermonizing. In other words, perfect. Still boring though.

#7 Basil Rathbone as Tywin Lannister

Who better to play a role totally owned by Charles Dance than an actor who's even Charles Dancier? The only reason I'm not ranking this legend higher is because I do think he'd kind of sleepwalk through this role, especially at this stage in his career.

#6 Raymond Burr as Robert Baratheon

The future Mr. Perry Mason was damn good at playing hard-drinking, prowly, "beastly" men. See him in this fabulous trailer for 1951's Bride of the Gorilla (spoiler: Burr is the gorilla). Of course, for this production, he'd be about 10 years on from that virile role, but that's perfectly on brand for Bobby B.

#5 Michael Landon as Jon Snow

Landon's tortured James Dean era would be a great fit for angsty goth teen Jon, though he might have trouble keeping his feelings as hidden as Jon does.

#4 Allison Hayes as Melisandre

Should she be ranked this high? Eh, maybe not, but this woman is a goddamn B-movie bombshell goddess. Her Red Woman would be a little less mysterious, sure, but her perfectly arched eyebrows and bullet bra would do R'hllor proud all the same.

#3 Marie Windsor as Catelyn Stark

They didn't call her Queen of the B's for nothing. Windsor always did great with roles that call for strength and verve. She'd be a fantastic Cat, and - dare I dream it - an even better Lady Stoneheart.

#2 Jack Nicholson as Theon Greyjoy

Now this would be fun. If baby Jack Nicholson had half the presence and charisma he would show in later movies, his Theon would be legendary.

#1 Coleen Gray as Cersei Lannister

If I can get Tumblr to understand one thing, it's how much Coleen Gray would absolutely eat in the role of Cersei. She's beautiful. She's a schemer. She's a helpless victim. She's back for revenge. I challenge anyone to watch her insane, murderous, fierce, gorgeous, duplicitous performance in 1960's otherwise pretty terrible The Leech Woman and not come to the same conclusion. I'm serious. There would be no survivors. 👑

[lackadaisy-headcanon-supply-unit]

reader is adopted by zib headcanons? (but more of like an uncle then a parent if that's okay!!)

also wanted to say that all your posts are a really fun read!!!

Since I'm in a fluffy parental-figure mood now why not knock this one out too

TW for mention of stabbing and bleeding. (It's not what you think, I promise; Zib just sucks at making a stuffed animal)

Zib can hardly look after himself, let alone a kitten. But this scruffy little mongrel who couldn't be older than 5 reminded him of himself so much that he opened the door for you anyway.

Now-Zib is not a kitten guy. He's more of a young-adult guy. So picking up a kitten and declaring "this is mine now" on a semi-hungover whim probably wasn't the smartest idea that he's ever had. However one panicked call to Mitzi later (while leaving you to play with the old clarinet he gave you in a desperate attempt to keep you happy. Oh, his poor ears will never recover) and he more or less knows what he's doing.

First call is a toy. He's one step away from throwing the clarinet out the window at this point; so he grabs some clean socks, rips open a pillow for it's fluffy innards and stabs his paws bloody with shitty sewing skills to make you something that vaguely resembles a toy.

It, remarkably, works. The awful shrieks and creaking of a broken clarinet being played by a total novice has ceased. Now that he's not getting his eardrums blared out, he can think straight.

Step two is food. You need to eat. He's not giving a kitten the normal liquid breakfast, lunch and dinner. There's some bread in the fridge and the toaster still works, so he hopes to god that you're not lactose-intolerant and makes some toast with butter.

Step three...

He falters there. Mitzi had told him to call the police and tell them that he had picked up a homeless kitten, but he and the fuzz weren't exactly on good terms at the moment and he didn't have it in him to send this admittedly adorable little firecracker to an orphanage where they'll force them to clean up their act, wear cute little outfits and spend their days learning manners that nobody in the real world uses anyway. No, this kitten who's currently playfighting an amalgamation of socks wouldn't fit in. He'd be sending them off to be bullied into becoming a proper member of society.

They're not a proper member any more than he is.

Another call, this one to Ben. He's got a daughter at home, maybe he can think of something.

The phone call is essentially Zib going: "Hi, Ben, so I have a kitten now. No, they're not mine. I swear, Ben, they're not mine-no, they're not Mitzi's castoffs, either. Good god, tomcat, she pays you to-okay, yes, I know, she hasn't paid us yet. But-back to the point! I have a kitten here and my place is a mess. I just made them some toast. You have a girl-sorry, a daughter. I meant daughter! You have a daughter. Can you give me some pointers? What do you mean you've coming over-"

Turns out Ben's little girl is the same age you are. She's also a sweetheart. She brings some toys over to share, doesn't laugh at Zib's pathetic attempt at a toy for you (which is already falling apart) and offers to let you pick one or two toys of hers to keep.

Meanwhile Ben pulls Zib aside and the latter has an anxiety attack over what he's supposed to do with you. Bringing a kitten home when he can barely afford the basic necessities for himself? Is he crazy? He can't even blame this decision on drunken stupidity, he was completely sober (albeit hungover) when he brought you in. You'd have better luck with literally anyone else!

Ben gives him two choices. Either you come home with him, or he takes you to an orphanage. He might as well have punched Zib in the gut, since he had already gotten attached to you; so Ben makes a compromise: he takes you home, but Zib can visit whenever he wants to, he can take you out of the house if you agree to go and he'll bring you to the speakeasy so you'll at least see him every night. This sooths Zib enough to agree.

Ben keeps up his end of the bargain. After settling in to your second new home of the day, you're in a third new place-the Lackadaisy speakeasy. Zib is lazing at the bar when you see him but he perks up pretty quickly at your voice.

He has a shadow for the rest of the night. Every so often a cat will ask him if you're his and laugh, like the idea is ridiculous to even mention. Zib will just give them his rare cocky smile and ruffle your fur, saying "well, yeah, they are. For tonight, at least."

It becomes an inside joke between you. You'll attach to him like Velcro when he's not needed on stage and you'll be "his for the night". However as you grow up, you see him as more of a very strange equal than adult figure. You're on the same wavelength, to an extent.

Zib never thought he'd be a surrogate family figure of any kind. Now he's a little hard-pressed to imagine the Lackadaisy life without you in it. If he's lucky and it lasts long enough, maybe you'll be able to join Ivy in the crew and he'll see you every day, too.

Just please god don't grow up to be a rumrunner he sees the kind of stress that puts on Viktor whenever Ivy goes out

[wilcze-kudly]

Should I finish this fic about lil Kuvira's first day in Zaofu?

Found in the dephts of my notes app

The wooden waggon her family used had always been uncomfortable, being the rickety, unstable old thing that it was. But today, under the sweltering sun, it seemed particularly incommodious to her, especially paired with Father's angry ramblings.

- Your mother and I have have tried to get through to you, Kuvira, but you refuse to listen! - he admonished, repeating things she'd heard thousands of times before. - You have no discipline! No remorse for what you did! -

That wasn't true! Kuvira bit her lip. She had apologised, it had been an accident... It was Mother and Father who refused to listen! And Mother hadn't said sorry for grabbing Kuvira's wrist so hard it bruised, or for pulling her hair... Kuvira hadn't meant to throw that rock as hard as she did, hadn't meant to break Mother's ribs.

They approached the strangest city Kuvira had ever seen. Huge metal petals spread over the lush green valley, revealing tall, glistening towers that jutted into the annoyingly bright sky. This looked nothing like the village Kuvira came from, nothing like its clay houses and dirt roads.

Father continued berating her, motioning at the metal city with his chin. - There's a master metalbender here, who agreed to take you off our hands. - he said and Kuvira firmly stared down at her feet and the worn planks of the waggon. She wanted to scream. -Hopefully, she can knock some sense into you. And remember, this is for your own good.-

Kuvira sort of hated her parents at the moment, but that didn't mean she wanted them to leave her with a total stranger. She didn't want Mother and Father to drop her off here like they dropped off the pickens they raised and sold to the local butcher!

She didn't want to have any sense knocked into her, either! It didn't sound very pleasant. She swore to herself that she'd hate the evil metalbender who was going to take her away from the only home and life she knew.

She was chased out of the waggon, despite her clear reluctance. She clutched her small sack of belongings in her small, but already calloused by work hands. There wasn't much in it, to be honest. Two spare shirts and a pair of trousers, along with five pairs of socks and underwear. She had been allowed to take three toys with her and Father sold the rest the day before her departure.

She'd yelled and stomped her feet, of course, but it was no use. She might have been the strongest earthbender in the village, but she was still just eight, after all. Father had dragged her back home, grip painfully tight on her shoulder. He said he had sold her toys to pay for a healer to come take care of mother and then he told her to pack what was left of her things.

That's how Kuvira had been informed that her own parents were getting rid of her.

Father turned the waggon around so fast that Kuvira didn't even have the chance to say goodbye to Patchy, the old, balding ostrich horse that had served her family long before she had been born. Bitterly, she remarked to herself that Patchy was probably more of a family member to her parents than she ever was. At least Patchy did what he was told.

Kuvira stood in front of the weird city, looking up at it in... awe wasn't the right word, but neither was apathy. She just didn't feel like feeling anything other than the nervous gnawing at her stomach.

She didn't want to be here, she wanted to be back home! Even if Father and Mother took all her toys or made her work on the farm until her hands bled again.

She wondered if there was still time for her to bolt. Maybe she could make her own way home, or maybe she should run away altogether. Any course of action in the world seemed better than having to go with the evil, evil metalbender.

A clanging sound signaled the sealing of her fate as the odd, metal gate opened and a figure stepped out.

The metalbender did not look very evil.

In fact, she looked like one of those travelling acrobats and dancers that sometimes came to the village to perform for coin. Thin and willowy and covered in odd metal jewellery, her graceful limbs obscured by the green folds of a weird robe. With the circlet upon her head, peeking out from under wavy, jet black hair, she looked like some manner of royalty. At least she did to Kuvira, who, notedly, had never encountered any royalty.

- You must be Kuvira. It's nice to meet you. - the lady said cordially, the corners of her sharp but gentle eyes turned upwards by a soft smile that formed on her lips.

Kuvira remained obstinately silent, lifting the dirty sack to her chest, as if it could somehow protect her from her uncertain future.

The lady crouched down, so she was more or less at Kuvira's eye level. Her smile wavered a little, though it didn't leave her face completely. - My name is Suyin. But you can call me Su. - she tried again, reaching a dainty hand out for Kuvira to take.

Kuvira stayed still, furrowing her brows. The lady seemed nice, but Kuvira was here to have some sense knocked into her, if Father's words were to be believed. She didn't trust the lady, no matter how nice she seemed. After all, she was still taking Kuvira away from her home and family.

- You'll be safe here, I promise. - Su assured, as if she could read Kuvira's mind. She seemed so calm, content to stay crouched before Kuvira indefinitely, until the little girl was ready to take her hand.

Kuvira hesitantly took Su's hand, making her smile widen. Though Su's hands were much smaller than Father or Mother's, her thin, deft fingers still wrapped completely around Kuvira's tiny hand.

The woman stood slowly, making no sudden movements, as if Kuvira were a small animal that could be easily startled into turning tail. She gently led Kuvira towards the gate and into the metal city.

So maybe this was not the worst course of action in the world.

----+

Kuvira should probably have been looking around the city more, but she couldn't bring herself to spare it more than a cursory glance. Most of the buildings had a lot of metal incorporated into them, the clean streets were littered with small shops and full of people who wore robes similar to Su's.

Su had been walking rather slowly, letting Kuvira look around at her own leisure. Not like Father, who walked so fast that Kuvira had to constantly jog behind him, so her little eight year old self wouldn't be left behind.

Eventually, they reached a train station and Su beckoned her onboard. Kuvira had never been on a train before, and she couldn't help but kneel on her seat, nose pressed to the windowpane as the train pulled out of the city and made its way towards a similar, smaller metal flower.

She turned to look at Su questioningly. The woman followed her gaze, before explaining. -The city is made out of a few sectors and the monorail connects them. - she said, then she pointed to the 'sector' they were currently headed to. - That one there is where my family and I live, and so will you. -

- Family?- Kuvira asked incredulously. It hadn't occured to her that the metalbender could have a family.

Su beamed. - Oh yes, my family. My husband and our children. Your new siblings. - she added and Kuvira mulled her words over. She wasn't sure if she wanted any siblings. She opted to once again focus on what was behind the window.

Wide expanses of green, lush meadows with flowers dotted here and there and a far off river in the distance. And, of course, the form of... well, of Kuvira's new home, apparently, glinting in the sunlight.

The train reached its destination much sooner than Kuvira would've hoped it would, but she compliantly hopped off her seat. Su reached to pick up Kuvira's sack for her, but the little girl hurriedly snatched it away. It was her sack, her things! Su arched an eyebrow, but didn't say anything, simply motioning for Kuvira to follow her.

They stepped out of the train and onto a large courtyard, filled with vibrant greenery and stone or metal decorations. At the far end of the area was a huge house and apparently that's where Su and her family lived.

- I took the liberty of picking out a room for you, I hope you don't mind. - Su said as they walked to the house. Kuvira shook her head, and the metalbender continued. - It's rather close to mine and my husband's, so if you need anything, don't be afraid to knock, alright?-

- Alright. - Kuvira answered absentmindedly as they reached the door to the house.

Su smiled at her and stepped into the house, Kuvira right behind her. The metalbender stood still for a moment, cocking her head, before turning to her small companion. - My family are in the living room right now. - she announced and Kuvira frowned.

- How do you know?- she asked suspiciously.

Su smiled mysteriously. - Seismic sense. - she answered airily, leading Kuvira down the hallway. - I can use earthbending to 'see' my surroundings and tell where things are.-

Kuvira's eyes widened and her jaw dropped just a little. - You can do that?-she breathed. She'd, of course, been told that this woman was a master metalbender, but Kuvira hadn't exactly considered what such mastery entails.

Su chuckled softly. - Yes. My mother taught my sister and I when we were very young.- something sad and wistful crossed her relaxed features, lips curling ever so slightly downwards.

But Kuvira paid that no mind, too engrossed in the next question that tumbled from her lips. - Can... Can I learn to do it?-

Su ruffled the girl's hair, smile eclipsing the sunlight that wafted through the wide windows. - Of course, sweetie. As soon as you get comfortable living here. - she assured and that gave Kuvira more stability than she'd ever had. - Would you like to meet your new family now?-

Kuvira chewed her lip. She supposed she'd have to meet the rest of the house's inhabitants at some point... And Su seemed to really love her family. Kuvira didn't want to offend the woman and have the offer of learning seismic sense retracted the moment it had been given to her.

She nodded faintly and Su beamed, clasping her hands together. - Perfect!- she exclaimed, gently steering Kuvira down another corridor. - They already know you're coming, so you don't have to worry about being a surprise.-

Kuvira wanted to ask how many kids Su had, or anything else of the sort, but her attention was quickly drawn to voices, muffled and quiet, but rapidly becoming louder and more clear.

- Junior, dear, don't chew on your pencil.- a man's soft voice admonished quietly.

- Sorry, papa. - came the sheepish answer of a young boy.

- Papa, keep reading!- urged a little girl's voice. The man chuckled.

- Well, Opal, why don't you help me read it?-

- No, papa! I wanna listen to YOU read it!- the girl squealed, just as Su and Kuvira reached the door.

Su confidently swung the door open, to be met by a chorus of many little voices exclaiming: 'Mommy!!!'

- Hello, darlings! - Su gracefully slipped through the door, Kuvira hot on her heels, almost hiding behind the woman, in the folds of her robe.

- Good to see you, dearest.- the man said softly, his voice was warm and steady. - Did...-

- Yes.- Su replied his unanswered question, stepping aside a little, revealing Kuvira to the world. Immediately, several pairs of moss green eyes settled on the newcomer and suddenly, Kuvira wanted to leave very much. But Su placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. - Everyone, this Kuvira. She'll be part of our family from today. -

- It's very good to meet you, Kuvira. - the man was sitting on a couch, with a kindly, inviting smile. He closed a thin, colourful book and placed it in his lap. He leant in a little. - We've all been very excited to meet you, right kids?-

A couple awkward murmurs sounded from here and there. Kuvira shuffled her feet in discomfort. - Hello. - she finally hummed, tightly gripping her sack. Su lightly patted her back, as if commending her for finding her voice.

Someone approached Kuvira from her left and she snapped her head to look up. It was a boy, her age, with shaggy dark brown hair falling down onto his sun-kissed forhead and curious green eyes observing her from behind angular glasses. - Hi... uh, hello, Kuvira. - he smiled, extending his hand. - I'm Baatar. It's nice to meet you.-

Before Kuvira could even consider shaking his hand, another, more high-pitched voice corrected: - Your name isn't Baatar! It's Junior!- it came from a small boy, no older than three, who was cheerfully and confidently trotting up to the pair of older children.

- Shut up, Wing.- Baatar hissed through his teeth, before glancing at Kuvira and faltering. - I'm actually Baatar Jr. - he admitted sheepishly.

- And I'm Wing!- announced the little boy, flinging his arms around Kuvira's waist with a huge, toothy grin. Kuvira stiffened, but didn't exactly want to push him away in front of his parents.

- And that's Huan!- he motioned towards a gloomy looking boy, who was seated in an armchair, limbs splayed out haphazardly. At least, Kuvira thought he was a boy, his hair was somewhat long and she couldn't really tell with those long, odd robes everyone was wearing.

In lieu of a greeting, Huan offered a grumble, before turning back to whatever strange metal item he'd been nursing in his hands. Rude.

Wing tugged at the hem of Kuvira's shirt to get her attention again. - And that's Opal! And Wei! - he pointed at the two little tufts of jet black hair, crowding against their father.

The first was the only girl, hiding behind the biggest stuffed toy Kuvira had ever seen. The huge fluffy air bison almost completely obscured her small frame. There was also a boy, identical to Wing, curious mossy eyes peeking over his father's shoulder. Su's husband smiled, gently nudging the pair towards Kuvira. - Come on, you two, say hello to your new sister.-

- She's not my sister!- Opal snapped suddenly. And though Kuvira kind of agreed with her, she could tell by the look in the younger girl's eyes that it was meant as an insult. Kuvira scowled at her new 'little sister' who did much the same.

- Now, Opal, be nice. - Su gently berated, crossing the room and settling next to her daughter. - Kuvira joining our family doesn't mean we love you any less. - she reminded gently, hugging the girl.

For the first time, Kuvira wasn't next to Su and she was mortified to realise that it frightened her. She held onto her sack for dear life.

- Wei, would you like to say hello to Kuvira?- Su's husband asked gently. The boy who looked like Wing nodded slowly. He gave Kuvira a shy little wave, before shuffling behind his father again.

- Don't mind them. - Baatar Jr comforted, adjusting his glasses. - Opal's just jealous that she's not going to be the only girl anymore.-

- Not true!- shrilled Opal, mustering a surprisingly fierce glare.

- Totally true! - Wing chirped, still glued to Kuvira's side. He glanced up at her curiously. -Hey, can you earthbend? Mommy said you can earthbend!-

It took Kuvira a moment to find her voice again. - Yeah, I can earthbend.- she confirmed, though she hadn't done so since the incident with Mother.

Wing cheered incoherently. - Cool! Can I see? Can you metalbend? When did you learn? Huan can bend, but he does it boring and he never shows us anything cool! Do you do fun bending?!- he went on a tirade, disregarding an offended gasp from Huan. Kuvira's brain barely kept up with him.- I haven't started bending yet, but I will and then I'll be just like mommy and grandma Toph!-

- Me too! Me too!- announced Wei, his shyness defeated by the prospect of a sibling that did not use bending just for 'boring things'. He clambered out from behind his father, wide eyes locked onto his twin and newly adopted sister.

Baatar scoffed, crossing his arms. - Like you two aren't enough trouble without the ability to throw boulders around with your minds. - he grumbled, rocking on his heels.

Wing rounded on his brother, releasing Kuvira and hopping about the room. -You're just jealous because you can't fo ittt~ he singsang mockingly, bounding in circles around the two older kids.

Baatar smacked him up the head. - See, you know nothing about general history. - he took a deep breath and lifted his index finger. -While non earthbenders can't throw boulders via traditional means, technology bridges the gaps between us more and more. Like the catapults that the Fire Nation used during the Hundred Year War. Those launched rocks, no earthbending required. - he recited as if he were reading from a book, looking down his nose at Wing.

Wing was not impressed. - Boring! - he decided, still spinning around. - Grandma didn't use cata.... cata... - he furrowed his brows, clearly struggling with the new word. -... the things! I'm gonna be an earthbender like her and then I'm gonna be the strongest!-

Something vaguely malicious crossed Baatar's face, a menacing arch to his brow. - Oh yeah?- he lilted, leaning in. - You're gonna be the strongest?- he teased, grabbing Wing under the arms and tossing the three year old into the air before catching him. - You've got a long way to go then!-

Wing shrieked, kicking his legs and flailing his arms in futile attempts to escape his big brother's hold. Baatar Jr laughed madly through his smug grin.

Behind a discombobulated Kuvira, Huan muttered something condescending and rolled his eyes.

Wing's luck turned when Wei came to his rescue, leaping from the couch, straight onto Baatar's back with a shrill battlecry. The force of his charge sent the trio sprawling onto the soft carpet, still locked in a fierce wrestling match. For a boy outnumbered, Baatar was doing pretty well for himself, until Wei sat on his arm.

[annahxredaxted]

Bonding

Characters: my love & Huxley

Tw: speak of Anton, slight angst, comfort

Desc: their siblings bc I said soOooOoo/ this is set a little after Anton’s HBS

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

I heard the knock on the door as I was watering a succulent. my head shot up, thinking about how I wasn’t expecting anyone.

I suspiciously headed over to the front door opening it as I saw my brother— Huxley. I smiled opening the door wider

He was holding a plant- it looked like some type of cacti.

“Hey dude!” He said bringing me closer for a hug, slightly picking me up off the ground.

“Hi hux.” I mumbled as he set me down

“Is Damian with you?” I asked, brushing my clothes. He sighed shaking his head.

“He said it would be better if I went alone,” he stayed quiet for a second “,how are you?” He asked breathily.

I nodded “oh.” I looked down, “I’m hanging in there.” I explained- not wanting him to worry about me.

But of course he saw right through me, gently patting my shoulder in consolation.

“Im sorry dude— if Damian went away for that long.. fuck.. I wouldn’t be able to handle it at all.” He admitted, looking deep in his head.

I nodded, “yeah, I’m sure.” I said with a fake smile.

“Oh, dude I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-“ I cut him off.

“Oh dude don’t worry it’s totally okay I get it.” I said with a gentle smile.

“Oh shit Huxley come in.” I chuckled opening the door and closing it behind us.

All awkward conversations aside. I really was glad Huxley was there. Without Anton, I was glad to have some company. With how often he left it was easy to feel lonely.

Huxley was always there for me- and I try to be the same for him.

“Have you had lunch yet?” He asks, making himself a cup of water. I shook my head.

“Breakfast?” He asked again.

I looked down, staring at my polka dot socks, flexing my toes as he sighed.

“Dude..” he whispered before clearing his throat.

“Whatever I’ll make you something.” He said, not making me feel bad or anything but I was easy to tell he was worried.

But weirdly enough I was grateful for that. It was nice to feel cared about.

•••

Huxley ended up staying all the way into the night. It was 7pm and we were just goofing off. We’d played uno, watched Hamilton and made dinner together.

We talked about certain plants and bonded over liking similar things. It had been nice to hang with him. We’re always so busy, and getting to spend some 1 on 1 time with him is nice. But all nice things end somewhere.

We were chatting as he checked his watch, eyes widened and he chuckled. 

“Well dude I need to head out soon.” He said with a laugh. I nodded, slightly upset but I understood.

“That’s okay, say hi to Damian for me. Oh and you guys can come over anytime, of course.” I mutter as we stand up, I hand him his jacket and hat as we walk to the foyer.

As we walked over I could tell he kept looking at me. Pity radiated from him.

“Are you sure your good?” He asked, sliding his jacket on. I nodded with a sigh.

“I’ll make it through. Thank you Huxley.” I smiled, genuinely grateful for his presence in my life.

“Of course dude!” He pulled me in to a tight hug, again lifting me off the ground. I patted his back grinning.

He set me down, opening the front door.

“I love you dude, call me if you need anything.” He offered waving at me.

I nodded “of course- love you too, drive safe.” I said compassionately with a smile from ear to ear.

It felt like it was gonna hurt a little less.

•••

Taglist: @itsdaifuku @shellssstuff @youisagayhooman @darlin-collins @verrverii

••

Just a little idea.

[bee-saucee]

We R Who We R | Denki Kaminari Character Study

A short Denki character study with a little bit of ShinKami! This is one scenario of what I'm hoping will be a full character study I'm doing in preparation for my next fic as I'm wrapping up my current WIP!

While Denki loved his friends, there was no way in hell he was going to the club after work today. He is usually a master at brushing off the critiques and knocks at his ability, but it was different when the comments didn’t stop and half of them were coming from…him.

Denki groans and kicks off his shoes. He quietly thanks the universe that all three of his roommates had opted to go out so he had the place to himself. He shucks off his office clothes and changes into his fluffy Pikachu pajama pants and favorite baggy top. They both had holes in them, but do you really expect him to throw out his comfort pajamas? Yeah, there’s no way in hell that’s happening.

The craving for hot chocolate hits him like a truck so it’s straight to the kitchen to grab his favorite hot chocolate mix. But of freaking course Shinsou was always the one who would pick up the fancy tins from his favorite coffee shop for Denki each Christmas. He shifts the tin out of sight at the back of his cupboard. Not today. He should treat himself even more than usual today anyway so Bakugou’s fancy hot chocolate it was.

He pulls up his notes app and scrolls until he finds the recipe that Bakugou had sent him after a year of asking him to always make it.

As he heats up the milk all of the comments that chipped away at his esteem over the day come rolling back in.

“Denki, can you please try to focus a little bit? These mistakes are all so simple. I know you get distracted easily, but I also know you can do better than that.”

Denki bangs his head against the cabinet. He could deal with the jokes, but Shinsou didn’t joke. He only told the cold, hard truth and today the truth was that Denki made a shit ton of dumb mistakes. The truth is that he’s also falling for the jerk like crazy.

“Being mean is so not sexy,” Denki grumbles and adds in the cocoa powder and sugar.

Except his lizard brain totally thought that Shinsou with all of his dry humor and painfully accurate comments was sexy as hell. What the fuck, lizard brain?

Right now was Denki time, though and he was not about to spend all of it worrying about the bitch ass commentary from his crush. So, his good bitch Kesha it was.

It was almost a ritual at this point. Linking up his phone to his bluetooth speakers. Testing out how slidable the kitchen tiles were beneath his fluffy sock-clad feet. And, of course, preparing to shake some major ass. 

He tosses his phone against the counter and starts to rap the first words he’s imbued with true confidence all day.

Hot and dangerous

If you’re one of us, then roll with us

'Cause we make the hipsters fall in love

The ass shaking starts as he revs himself up for the chorus and he tries to let the events of the day roll off his back.

Got that glitter on my eyes

Stockings ripped all up the side

Looking sick and sexified

Even if no one else would gas him up, Kesha always did and he would too. He made a killer cup of homemade hot chocolate and was funny as hell. Tonight was for puffing his chest back out and being okay with all of the dumb mistakes he makes. So just for tonight, fuck Shinsou and his opinion.

You know we’re superstars, we are who we are

Thanks for reading! ( ͡ಥ‿ ಥ)━☆ﾟ.*･｡ﾟ

✰like ✰ reblog ✰ follow ✰ comment ✰

[myheroacademiaweeb]

Fiery Spark

Chapter 1- The Meeting

Dabi x Female Reader 

2K WORDS 

Warning: MINORS DNI 18+ ONLY Fluff, alcohol, slight sex talk(?), slight talk about Dom/sub(funishment) 

Summary: Youre a new member to the LOV brought in by Giran. One guy who you’ve seen on tv before due to his crimes seems to have you in his sights for some reason but before you can figure anything out it’s almost time for your first mission with the LOV. 

“Giran?” You ask walking down the hallway. 

“What is it?” He questioned looking back behind him at you. 

“Surely, they can't use someone like me. I mean I’m a total klutz for one, second shouldn’t they already have someone who can heal them?” your heart pounding nervous. 

Giran smirks and chuckles seeing you are nervous about meeting the League. Giran wrapped an arm around you and opened the door to a bar area. The lighting was a dim yellow light. Standing before you were 7 people. All 7 of the people you recognized, Toga Himiko, Twice, Dabi, Shigaraki, Mr. Compass, Spinner, and Kurogiri.  Each of them had their own reputation and crimes they have done to become wanted criminals and villains. Each one has their own quirks. Realizing there was no one else there in the group made you think Giran really was telling the truth about them not having someone with a healer quirk. Dabi choked on his glass of whiskey he was sipping the instant he looked over his glass at you. You were dressed in a black skirt, a teal tank top, knee-high socks, fishnets and converse. He tried to regain his composure and look away.  

“Shigaraki!” Giran exclaimed, “I got you someone new to join the League.” 

“Oh?” Shigaraki turned towards you and Giran, “What can you do dear to help out the league?” 

Giran looked at you and patted your shoulder, “Go on.” 

Stepping from behind Giran you held up your hands, your right hand engulfed in a black flame and the left glowing a seafoam green. “Black flame and healing touch. But I've honed my abilities to more than just healing with my left hand. I can also destroy a person's nervous system and cells.” 

Shigaraki smiled evilly, “a healing quirk, very nice Giran. A well needed person for sure. What’s your resolve dear?” 

You growled clenching the flame engulfed hand to a fist, “I plan on destroying the Heros that allowed my parents to go fight by themselves with no back resulting in them being killed.  

“Excellent. I think you will make a great asset to the League.” Shigaraki looked at Giran and nodded, his sign that he could leave now. 

Shigaraki threw you a set of keys to an apartment in the warehouse. You were amazed at how much remodeling had gone into this run-down-looking warehouse on the outside. It seemed like everyone had their own apartments inside it.  

“Make yourself at home.” Shigaraki smiled 

“Thanks.” 

“Dabi, Shes got the apartment beside you, why don’t you show her where it's at.” Shigaraki turned to him. 

Dabi’s cerulean eyes looked over the glass at him then at you. He took his last swallow and walked up to you. Your heart fluttered at his presence. His tall frame towered over as you. He had a very intimidating demeanor about him. You could feel his body heat radiating off him when he got close to you. The smell of smoke and cedar washed over you and you noticed you relaxed near him for some reason.  

“Come on doll.” He looked down at you tapping your shoulder to move. 

You followed behind him down the hallway a few feet away. There was just silence during the walk down the hallway. Dabi stopped in front of a door, “This will be yours, mine is just right next door. If you need me just knock on my door.” He turned and headed towards his apartment. 

You unlocked your door and walked in to your apartment, taking back by the details and design in the apartment. For a villain Shigaraki has an eye for interior design. The kitchen had white marble counters with white cabinets. Dark gray hardwood went thru out the whole apartment. The living room had a black couch and black coffee table set with end tables. A black entertainment center sat in the middle of the living room with a huge tv on it. The bedroom had queen sized bed in it, and a black bedframe with headboard and foot board, black night stands on either side. You laid across the bed relaxing before dozing off for the night. 

The weeks passed, missions successful, and you were slowly starting to feel like a part of the league. You and Toga were getting close as well as you and Twice. They would come and hang out in your apartment at night.  Eventually everyone was coming to your apartment to hang out after missions, watch tv, and eat together meals you’ve made for everyone. Only two did not show up that night, Dabi and Shigaraki. Shigaraki probably got caught up with the next mission’s details, as for Dabi he had yet to come over. You felt as if maybe you had said or did something that made him mad and want to avoid you, but that was about to change. After everyone ate a hot meal, they all went to their own apartments to get some rest. You stood at the kitchen island drinking straight from your bottle of crown. Once it finally hit you, you went to change into a silk blue tank top and black boy short panties and laid down for the night. 

The next morning you stirred in your bed to find your cat you had gone and brought back after getting your apartment with the League was laying with you. You were confused on how he got in there, you were sure you had shut your door. Getting up you grabbed your water glass and opened the door to your bedroom. Stopping in your tracks, “Dabi!” you yelled dropping the glass and it shattered on the floor. Dabi turned and looked at you, “Well good morning doll.” You stood there stunned, “how did you...”  

“Your door was cracked opened and that little guy was sitting there meowing like crazy. I walked in and didn’t see you and saw his bowl was empty so I filled it up.’ 

“Shit, I forgot to feed him last night, I'm sorry Hoshi.” you looked at him in your arms. 

“hey don’t move I'll get the glass up.” 

Dabi walked around the island causing your breath to stop. He was dressed in gray sweatpants and a plain white T-shirt. He grabbed your broom from the closet and started sweeping up around you. Once he got all the glass up, he grabbed Hoshi and sat him in his bed beside the couch. Walking back around the island he looked at you, “come sit down I made you breakfast.” 

“What?” You looked at him puzzled, did this man really just say he made you breakfast. Sitting down at the island he sat a plate of French toast in front of you. It was covered in strawberries, syrup, and butter. “You cook?” You giggled a little, mouthwatering. “This looks and smells amazing. Thanks, but you didn’t have to do that.”  

“You were asleep when I came by to talk about our next mission and I saw your kitchen was a mess so I cleaned it and decided to make you something to eat. You had everything to make that from scratch.” 

“Well thank you.” you smiled. No one has ever done anything like this for you. You were used to doing everything on your own. You never stayed with anyone longer than six months either, mostly one night stands to just avoid being hurt by anyone.  

Dabi looked over his shoulder and smiled at you while he was washing up the few dishes, he got dirty while making both of you breakfast. You looked at his plate that has yet to be touched. 

“Dabi, I got that, eat before it gets cold.” 

“it's fine doll. I made the mess I will clean it up.” 

“Whatever.” you huff and go back to eating  

Before you realized Dabi was stretched across the island with your chin in between his index finger and thumb tilting it to look up at him. He had a grin across his lips and chuckled. 

“Better watch the little smart-ass remarks. Might get you hurt one day.” 

Your heart was pounding out of your chest now and could feel it under his fingers. He was never this close to you let alone would you have ever though this tall, dark haired, blue eyed, scarred man would have made you breakfast.  You scuff “yeah right”. You could see Dabi's shoulder twitch at your remark and smile. He pulled you closer to him as he slid your plate to the side so your hair wouldn’t get syrup in it. He was inches from your face, staring into his eyes it felt like your heart sank to your stomach. Your face was now turning red slightly. He chuckled slowly inching his way to you stopping right before his lips were touching yours. 

“Oh, doll you just have no idea. Keep on and I may have to fix it myself before anyone else can get ahold of you.” he smiled pressing his lips against yours causing your breath to choke. It was soft and tender. He let go of your chin causing you to sit back in your bar stool. He slid your plate back to you and winked before grabbing his own plate and started to eat. You looked down at the plate for a minute to comprehend what just happened blushing in the process and then continued to eat. There was a fire, a spark, that had just ignited that you had to chase after now. He stayed behind the bar due to the fact of the heat between the kiss causing him to get aroused.  

After breakfast, Dabi grabs your plate to turn around and wash them and set them in your drying rack beside the sink. Walking into your room and shutting the door behind you. You leaned against the door trying to regain composure from Dabi kissing you. What the hell had just happened. Constant thoughts ran thru your head on what made him do that. Sliding down to the floor you looked over in your closet where your hero costume was sitting. Finally getting up you walked over and changed. The costume was pitch black with hints of seafoam green details such as bracers up your arms and over your legs up to your knees that were connected to your boots. Black skin tight leggings were under the boots and under a seafoam green top. The colors were to match the colors of your quirks. Opening the door to your room, meeting eyes with Dabi, he looked at you up and down choking on his glass of water causing water to come up his nose. You giggled at him and smiled. 

“God damn y/n”   

“What? Like it? Or is it too much?” you asked, looking over your outfit almost in a panic. 

“No, hell no. It's perfect. It matches you perfectly.” 

You blushed at his response smiling. You sat on the couch watching tv, a broadcast about the league was on about their last mission at UA High. Dabi came up behind you and leaned down watching it as well. Looking over your shoulder seeing Dabi behind you causing your heart to skip. You felt his hand run up the back your head and play in your hair resulting in you leaning into his hand with little effort. He made you feel at peace somehow. You couldn’t figure out what it was about this man that kept you on edge yet calm at the same time in his presence.  

“5 o’clock were all heading out for our next mission. Shigaraki is expecting you to be with us since it will be your first official mission, so don’t disappoint doll.” his hand leaving your head causing a whimper come out.  

“Right got it.” you replied and slumped down into the couch as Dabi walked out the door shutting it behind him.  

That night was the start of your first mission with the League of Villains and the start of some confusing feelings in your gut with Dabi... 

To Be Continued in part 2!! 

[stevethehairington]

9. things you said when i was crying - platonic Steve/Robin ((thanks!))

hellooo!! thank you so much for this one!!! i may have gotten a bit carried away with this one, it is. almost 2k skflsjf i guess i just had a lot of platonic with a capital p feelings. i hope you like it!!

9. things you said when i was crying

“Steve?” Robin’s voice carries down the hall, close enough that Steve can tell she’s only a few paces away, that she’ll be outside his door in a matter of seconds.

Steve hadn’t thought to close it all the way when he slipped away from the party. He just needed a minute to collect himself, that’s all. He thought he’d be in and out — take a few deep breaths, splash some water in his face, shove it down deep to be dealt with later. After the fun was over. After everyone left.

He hadn’t expected this. He hadn’t expected to take one look at himself in the mirror, to watch his face screw up without his permission, to stagger back as the sob caught in his throat, held back by his clamped teeth and the hand over his mouth. To slide down the wall, hidden behind the still open door as the tears he’d tried so hard to stave off finally fell. 

“You know,” Robin sing-songs, and she’s closer still, “you are the one that put this little shindig together, so if it sucks bad enough for you to ditch, that’s totally your fault. I will not take the blame for that, even if it is, technically, my party.” 

The footsteps stop just outside of the bathroom door. Steve holds his breath. Wraps his arm tighter around his middle and bites the meat of the fist he’s got shoved against his own mouth. It’s done enough thus far in stifling his cries. In silencing his tears. He only hopes it won’t fail him now.

But this is Robin. It’s Robin, and she’s got some sort of weird sixth sense for Steve. (The very same one Steve’s got for her, so really, he should’ve seen it coming.)

A light knock on the door. “I know you’re in here,” Robin says, and her voice is softer, gentler. “I’m coming in, this is your warning.”

The hinges creak as the door inches open even further. Slowly, carefully. It only stops when it comes into contact with Steve, still curled up on the floor half behind it.

There’s a soft rustle as Robin slips through the small opening. She closes the door behind her, like she already knows whatever this is, it’s going to be private. It’s going to be between the two of them and no one else.

“Steve,” she says, turning finally.

When her eyes land on him, her face crumples.

It’s too much — the crease between her eyebrows, the droop of her eyes, the frown of her lips, the concern written so plainly across her features like that. Steve can’t look at her.

It makes him feel guilty. Guilty for feeling like this, guilty for ruining her night.

Because that’s what he’s doing, isn’t it? Ruining her night. Pissing all over the fun she’s supposed to be having. Dampening the celebration.

Robin got into college. Not only did she get into college, but it was her first choice college, too. And she’d gotten a scholarship. Tonight was supposed to celebrate that — to celebrate her.

But it turns out that Steve can’t even throw parties anymore, either.

Robin sinks down to the floor across from Steve, her back pressing probably uncomfortably into the cabinet beneath the sink. She doesn’t seem to care though. Her arms wrap around her knees, mirroring Steve, and she studies him with those careful eyes. Weighs her words. Considers her next move.

“Steve,” she tries, and the side of her socked toe nudges against his. “Steve, what’s wrong?”

Steve shakes his head. Sniffs hard, once, and hastily wipes at his eyes with the heel of his palm. He shifts in his spot, straightens his spine, and shakes his head again. The mask is lowered back down. “Nothing, nothing’s wrong. I’m fine.”

It’s bullshit, and she sees right through it, of course. 

“Steve,” she presses. “You’re not fine. You’re crying in the bathroom. You’re— god, you’re being me.” She laughs, a fluttery little thing, and she cracks a tiny smile, hoping it’ll make Steve do the same.

It does, briefly — Robin always knows how to make him smile, even when he doesn’t want to, even when he’s feeling like this. She’s got some sort of best friend magic juju or something — but it also makes another sob rise up in Steve’s throat because fuck, he’s not going to have this for very much longer.

He buries his face into his knees again. The tears are silent as they run down his cheeks, but his shoulders shake.

Steve doesn’t register that Robin has crawled across the tiles to situate herself right next to him until he feels her hand against his back, rubbing broad, soothing circles through his shirt. It helps, a little.

“Talk to me, Steve,” Robin says, “please.”

And now she sounds upset, and that makes Steve feel even worse.

He doesn’t want to say it, doesn’t want to make Robin feel bad. She’s been so excited ever since she got the letter in the mail, going on and on about the program she’d been accepted to, the campus, the surrounding city. Steve doesn’t want to rain on that parade.

But he knows that she’s going to wheedle it out of him eventually. Might as well rip the bandaid off now.

“You— you got into college, Rob. You’re going to leave,” Steve finally says. Whispers. He can barely bring himself to say it. It hurts too much to acknowledge. But he does, because he has to. Because he will have to.

“Oh, Steve,” Robin says, and she presses herself closer, close enough that she can curl her arms around Steve’s bicep and tip her head onto Steve’s shoulder, hugging onto him as best as she can in their current position. “Is that what you’re— is that what you’re crying about? Me getting into college?” She asks, and it’s gentle, the asking. She’s not teasing. She’s not making fun.

Steve lifts his head from his arms and nods. “I— it’s— I didn’t mean to. To cry,” he starts, and sighs. “Not yet, anyways.”

Robin tilts her head. A silent question.

“I wasn’t going to cry until— until the day you left,” Steve explains. “That’s what I told myself. I didn’t want to… it’s stupid…” he trails off, but Robin fixes him with a look that demands to know and chastises him for discounting it in the first place, so he continues. “I thought… I thought that if I could just pretend that I wasn’t— losing my best friend until the very last second I would be fine.” 

A heavy breath spills from Robin, and her arms slip from Steve’s arm so she can wriggle them around his middle instead. She smushes herself against him, holding him tight. “You’re not losing me,” she murmurs into his chest. It’s muffled, but her words sound a little wet, like she might be crying now too.

Steve brings his own arms back around Robin, holding her back just as tight. He tips his face down, against her hair, and does his best to hold himself together. To be strong for her now.

“You’re not losing me,” Robin repeats. “And I’m not losing you,” she adds, insistent. “That’s not happening.”

“You’re going to Boston, Rob,” Steve reminds her.

Robin’s head jerks back up at that, displacing Steve. Her eyeliner is smudged a little at the corner, and wetness glitters at her lashlines and in a thin trail down her cheek. Her eyes are big as she fixes them on Steve. “So?” She asks, a little wildly. “So what?”

She twists in place and reaches out to take Steve’s face between her hands. Her thumbs draw across the soft skin beneath his eyes, sweeping away the tears. “I’m going to Boston, Steve, I’m not dying,” she says, and they both wince at that. 

But it’s true.

“976 miles I looked it up already,” Robin tells him, and the corner of her mouth quirks up. “Sixteen hours by car, a day by bus, only two and a half hours on a plane. Or, hell, we’ve got bikes, don’t we? Shoes?”

“Shoes?” Steve repeats, face scrunching up and a small laugh tumbling out.

Robin nods. “Yeah, shoes. I’ll walk back to Hawkins if I have to. I’ll make you walk to Boston if I have to.”

That makes Steve laugh again, and a smile cracks onto his face — the first real one since he’d stepped into this bathroom.

“And I’ve already started saving up quarters,” Robin adds.

“Quarters? For what?”

“For the payphone, dingus,” she answers, flicking Steve gently in the middle of his forehead. “I don’t know what the phone situation is in the dorms, but there’s got to be a payphone somewhere close by, and I’ve already started thinking about what times are best to call at — I won’t know for certain until I’ve seen my class schedule, and I’m sure your Family Video schedule will change too, but we’ll make it work. There’s no time difference, so we don’t have to worry about anyone losing sleep, but I would, if I had to. Lose sleep, I mean. If it meant I got to talk to you.”

An overwhelming rush of love surges up, fills his whole entire heart and spills over, floods his veins and clogs his arteries and spills into every little crack and crevice between his bones. He throws his arms back around Robin, hugging her tight.

“I love you, Rob,” he murmurs into her shoulder.

Robin’s arms come back around Steve, and she kisses his temple. “I love you too, Steve.”

He feels better now, he really does. It still hurts to think about Robin leaving, but he knows she isn’t leaving him. It’s clear that the universe has got to try something a little harder than distance if it wants to split them apart.

When they pull apart, Robin knocks her shoulder into Steve’s. “You ready to go back out there? I think Eddie wants to cut into the cake soon. He’s been eyeing it all night.” She laughs.

Steve smiles. “You go on,” he tells Robin. “I’ll be out in a second, I promise.”

Robin presses her lips together. “Nah, I’ll wait with you,” she tells him. “I said I’m not leaving you and I meant it, Steve Harrington.” A grin pulls at her mouth. “In fact, I’m sticking right by your side until it’s time for me to go. You’re going to get so sick of me you’ll be ecstatic to send me off to Boston. You’ll be counting down the days!”

Steve laughs. Shakes his head. As if he could ever get sick of her.

He knows it’s going to be hard when she does actually leave — like, insanely difficult, harder than Miss O’Donnell’s final kind of hard — but it isn’t forever.

Their friendship? That is, though.

send me a pairing and one of these and i'll write a mini fic

[sheepwithspecs]

Fic Writer Interview

I was tagged by @slusheeduck for this! Thank you for the tag :) I tag @lynmars79, @shivasdarknight, @risingsoleil, and @haku23 (as well as any writer mutuals who want to do it! I can't remember who all posts on Ao3 and who doesn't, lol)

How many works do you have on AO3?

66!

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

733,508!

3. What are your top 5 fics by kudos

Apology: my very first Coco fic, written after I returned from the theater

Week of the Full Moon: a Hellsing fic that's on semi-permanent hiatus until I rewrite it in full (why do people like this one so much?)

Coming Home: another Coco fic

Shadows: yet another Coco fic LOL

Knock Her Socks Off: the only Kill la Kill fic I ever wrote (shameless gamagōri x mako fan)

4. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I try to respond to comments, even if it's just "thanks! glad you enjoyed it!" or something like that. Of course, if people ask me questions about the plot or make specific comments, I will always do my best to answer them (though maybe not always in a timely fashion...)

5. What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

I would say probably Paramour. Not to give too much away, but near the end Darklaw has to make a very hard choice. It's up to the reader to decide whether the choice was right/necessary or not.

6. What’s the fic you’ve written with the happiest ending?

I usually end up writing best case scenario fics... I think I would choose Surrender, though that might surprise some readers. I think that's the most realistic happy end that this couple would have (realistic = in terms of canon-compliance).

7. Do you write crossovers?

Does it count if you're writing for a crossover game? [Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney] Probably not.... I'm more prone to write AUs than crossovers.

8. Have you ever received hate on a fic?

LOL yeah.... there are a few that I can think of off the top of my head:

when I was actively writing Hellsing on ff dot net circa 2013-2015 there was this bozo who kept telling me I was going to hell for writing about this evil twisted demonic... vampire anime

comment on a fic with a clearly stated master/slave femdom tag "I tried to read this but it's too much like a degrading bdsm slave relationship!" (woah... really???)

"your ocs are really lame!" thanks so am I 👍

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

aren't there jokes about ace people writing the nastiest smut or something... yeah of course I write it! I actually struggle with it though because I'm ace so I don't really... know what people find sexy? Readers have told me "this was so hot" and I'm literally like "thanks! (was it????)" I love reading smut though so I do what any good art student does (study masters, then try to fit my own style to what I learn).

I really like gfd (gentle femdom) so my writing tends to slant in that direction... What could possibly be more sexy than a loving exchange of power? Especially if you add enemies to lovers to the mix and that exchange involves a larger-than-normal amount of trust and vulnerability > i.e. "yes we literally fight to the death every Tuesday but you're the only person I trust to have me tied up like this" No one asked but personally I think I did very well with the rewrite of All Bets are Off... every time I read it I'm just like "wow op made this so yummy"

10. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

If I did, I don't know it. Funny enough though someone once tried to flag me that someone stole my work... that someone was me under a different pseudonym... so I've stolen from myself!

11. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yes! I have a pretty laid-back policy; as long as you name me as the original author + give me a link to the translated work, you're allowed to translate my writing into any language.

12. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes, but I'm not sure if any escaped the Skype logs... I don't even know if they're accessible now. But I did co-write fics back in the day with friends! I'd love to do so again sometime.

13. What’s your all-time favorite ship?

Franken Stein x Marie Mjolnir from Soul Eater (For the record i also like Stein x Medusa bc I read either "I can fix him" or "I can make him worse" depending on my mood)

14. What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?

Pas de Deux. It's not that I don't think I'll finish, but more that I'm not at the skill level I want to be yet so I can't bring myself to work on it.

15. What are your writing strengths?

Readers say that I'm really good with dialogue but I'm not sure... personally I can't say if it's a strength but I love when I can deep-dive into a character's emotional state and tear apart their personal fallacies while also pretending they are truths for the sake of the narrative... I hope I'm good at that.

16. What are your writing weaknesses?

Action scenes. I can't write fights to save my life. Also setting descriptions.

17. What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

Personally I learned a lot from reading blogs like Writing with Color and Writing with Disabilities etc. about how to write non-English dialogue (or maybe a variant like ASL). I've tried to incorporate what I've learned in my writing and now I notice things, like when someone overuses foreign language or they write with a very strong accent for the character. Some things I've learned are also contextual! For example, FFXIV writers include accents in their dialogue boxes. That's why I allow Rhoswen to speak with the "ye / fer / n' / 'o" etc. in her dialogue in my fics. But for a character like Father Anderson, in my rewrites it's easier to mention he has a Scottish accent, then maybe include one or two variants in the dialogue rather than having the entire thing be nigh-unreadable.

18. What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Unpublished: A Bug's Life. I wrote a fanfic comic for my younger brother on notebook paper one day when we were kids

Published: Hellsing. I published a fanfic in 2012 with an OC main character not realizing that people thought that was cringe (but I still got a lot of positive comments for it so!!!) I started revising it in 2015 so there's an unfinished version you can read here.

19. What’s a fandom/ship you haven’t written for yet but want to?

I keep saying I'm going to write for the Paper Magician series but it's genuinely so good that I don't know what I could possibly add to it.

20. What’s your favorite fic you’ve written?

There's no way I can choose just one fic, so here are my top three:

The Rites of Spring: I think these two should kiss and also dance in the town square. I hope OP finishes it one day.

A Curious Attraction: The original had more words than a standard novel. I hope OP finishes it one day.

Architects of the Ashes: Zenos should not be fixed but he should be put in a sandbox sim. I hope OP finishes it one day.

[lostmyshadesanon]

🦊 Here with my yearly contribution to the melting of @teyvat-writer 's braincells. A lot less set up to this one compared to last year, I hope you can forgive me, and I hope you have a lovely 🍰 day and many a good fortune! This one is early so it's not their bday yet everyone.

Stefano Valentini x Male!Reader (Part 1/?)

Tags: NSFW. No smut this chapter unfortunately. Violence. Blood. Death. The rude public. It's Stefano guys come on.

You stood outside the Krimson City Gallery freezing your ass off. You were shivering harder than that poor Chihuahua that passed you tucked away in it's owner's Gucci handbag.

Tonight all the rich and richer were gathering at the gallery to watch the grand unveiling of an artist you hadn't quite caught the name of. But you felt that you should be cut some slack considering that you were running on five hours of total sleep in the past three days, a stomach load of that vile tar the break room called coffee, and enough spite to reanimate the dead.

The "perks" of being the new rookie cop for the Krimson City Police Force meant that you were everyone's bitch. Or the more polite term would be the team gopher. Go for this and go for that. Get these files scanned in before lunch newbie, go get coffee for the detectives newbie, call the 80 year old technophobic witness who screams in your ears for hours newbie, and you could go on but you're afraid you'll knock yourself out reciting the mundane list of tasks.

And now to add to the list you were acting as line security during the dead of winter checking entrance seeker's tickets, and taking the brunt of those in lines irritability due to the cold. It had been a last minute assignment by the chief to add you to the group participating in the gallery's security and because of that your wardrobe was vastly unprepared.

You were supporting just the basic KPD uniform, which was more suited for the spring or fall, a red scarf you had just had the for thought to snag from your locker before being whisked out the door, your uniform's hat that didn't even brush your ears leaving them a bright red due to the biting cold, and your thermal socks desperately fighting to keep your toes from becoming ice blocks.

You squinted your eyes against the piercing wind, customer service smile plastered on your face, as you stamped the entrance ticket for another guest, that's coat cost more than your monthly rent as they angrily ranted about how long they had to wait in line, and did you know who they are?!?!

Externally you bowed your head in apology, and gestured them off to the next officer in line that was fortunately for them, and filled you with jealousy, inside the door to take their coat to check for weapons. Internally you glanced down at the rude event goer's red soled stilletos and contemplated how easy it would be run the point heel into the top of their foot on "accident" not enough to break the arch but enough to leave a bruise for DAYS.

Your smile just that much more plastic you turned to the next person in line. Locking eyes with very amused brown ones. You jolted up into formal posture trying to raise your shaking limbs into a salute, but they couldn't stay still long enough to hold the posture.

"Detective Castellanos!" You stuttered teeth chattering.

His eyes raked over you quickly before he whistled and shook his head at your appearance. "Damn, they're really running you hard aren't they newbie? Hand off your gear to Kidman here. She'll take over. And we'll take you to the break room to get warmed up."

You were ready to cry with gratitude if you didn't think it would freeze your lids shut. Carefully you handed off the stamp and entry list to Junior Detective Kidman and stumbled after Detective Castellanos.

Once inside the gallery he swiftly lead you through a side door and into a break room full of officers, a white board full of scribbles and grainy printed off pictures, and what looked like a table full of catered snacks. Detective Castellanos dropped you off in a chair next to the heater before detouring back to the whiteboard.

"All Right!" Castellanos called out silencing the idle chatter amongst the officers. "You all know why we're here, but just as a recap. There is a murderer going around pretending to be the next Van Gogh. He's kidnapping the rich and the beautiful before brutally mutilating them and then murdering them. He leaves photos at the crime scenes of the victims last moments before death, and what our analysts say is his form of a signature on his "art". A big show like this art exhibit is a prime space for him to kidnap a new victim, or and our analysts believe he has enough of an ego, to try and hijack this event and show off his "art" in place of Mr. Valentini's. Stay on your toes! That is all."

The crowd of officer started to disperse towards their assigned tasks, and thankfully to your nearly clutching the heater had warmed you up enough that you only had slight numbness and tingles in your extremities. Detective Castellanos popped up in front of you again grabbing you by the back of your uniform and bustling you out of the room. "Your with me newbie. Time to learn!"

Excitement hummed through your blood. You're sure with the amount of officers on the premise that, the newspaper appointed Photo Killer, wouldn't dare try something tonight but it's the most exciting thing that's happened to you all week! Carefully following Detective Castellanos around the Gallery as he pointed out places of entry, suspicious activity of viewers and what it could mean, and the rotation of officers in and out of the building.

Throughout the evening you had gotten close enough to Detective Castellanos for him to allow you to call him as just Detective or Sebastian, apparently Castellanos reminds him to much of when his mother would scream at him across the house when she was mad he released frogs indoors. You also learned about some of his past like he was divorced, and when he took on his new partners Joseph and Kidman. He even ruffled your hair at some point in the night though you jammed him in the side for that one, freezing for a moment in fear at the blatant disrespect before relaxing when Sebastian laughed through his wheezing, due to the pain.

You were filled with the determination to learn and a subtle need to please the Detective that seemed to be taking you under his wing! If you did well he might add you to his team which would be a fast pass to becoming a detective. At least you were determined for the first few hours by the time it was pushing close to midnight and you were now at close to four days without sleep you were about at your limit.

You could tell Sebastian was getting close to suggesting you call it a night, when the bell tolled midnight, and the lights cut out with a sudden pop. Screaming filled the venue when you felt Sebastian grab your arm firmly and start pulling you closer to a wall so as not to get separated. He was barking into the walkie talkie demanding to know what was going on.

As you were being pulled forward you swore you could taste something metallic just in the back of your throat. It reminded you of pennies you had been dared to put in your mouth back in your play ground days but where was it coming from?

Just as suddenly as the light went out a spot light appeared in the direction Sebastian was dragging you. A woman doing the splits was within the lights, her hands tied up above her head similar to a ballerina's pose her red soled pointing towards the cieling easily visible, her terrified but familiar eyes locked with yours before the lights clicked off again. A camera flash illuminated her for a brief second, and you saw a man standing over the woman with a knife, before the lights flooded the venue back to full brightness once more.

The woman was dead at your feet, blood pouring from her throat and stomach staining her outfit, in a manner similar to a tutu, a dark red and spreading slowly outwards to cover your feet. You knew her. It was the rude woman from the line. The one you could vaguely remember daydreaming about stomping on her foot with the very heels you could so clearly see now. Distantly you heard Sebastian curse as all hell broke loose behind you as gallery goer's screamed and tried to run for the exists.

"Newbie!" Sebastian yelled, "Secure the crime scene! Don't let anyone touch her. I have to make sure that no one leaves the premise! Our killer's here!" Sebastian repeated his orders into the walkie talkie as he sprinted towards the main entrance.

You didn't have to do much everyone was giving the woman a wide birth, if they were anywhere close at all. Carefully observing her while your fellow officers rushed around the scene. You jolted in shock when a man got close to you from behind.

"Sir you can't get any closer this is a crime scene!" You hurried exclaimed while turning around your eyes immediately connected with an intrigued blue grey eye, the other covered carefully up by dark brown hair.

"I wasn't going to disturb her." The man said his voice more of a pur. "But I admit I was a bit curious about the beautiful man appraising her so closely when he didn't take a single look at my gallery all night, and to learn what about her intrigues him so?" Icy eyes staring deeply into your own his head tilting in question and a rogueish smile tilting the corners of his lips pulling at the barely visible scaring under his fringe.

"Oh! You must be Mr. Valentini! You saw me? How? I mean how did you see I didn't admire your work?" You stuttered out about to continue asking the man to back away from the crime scene when he caught your gesturing hand and brought it to his slightly chapped lips.

"For a beautiful treasure such as yourself I am Stefano, and your scarf... it's as red as blood if you'll forgive the comparison and quite easy to track in a crowded hall such as this, and you dodged my question treasure." The question pulled from deep in the back of the artist's throat.

"Oh well," You stumbled over your answer a combination of nerves due to the inappropriate nature of your answers, and not wanting to offend the attractive man in front of you.

"Don't worry, treasure. I'm am artist any instructive criticism of my work is always welcomed." You flushed at the continued use of the pet name, and also the continued stroke of his gloved hand over your pulse as he retained ownership of your own. Though you had this small niggling feeling that the artist's words had more meaning than you thought.

You glanced around at all the paintings hung proudly around the Gallery. Before a brief flash of light drew your eyes down to a Polaroid of the poor victim floating softly in her blood. Guilty you glanced down and back up at him before stating, "Passion."

Stefano blinked slowly like a cat before mouthing the word. "Passion?"

You nodded swallowing thickly before continuing, "Your work is pretty. Don't get me wrong. Mr. Valent... Stefano! But it's kind of lifeless... That sounds terrible. It's just doesn't really have any feeling or passion in it."

Stefano continued to stroke your pulse with his thumb gesturing for you to continue but you could feel his grip become stronger his thumb pressing firmer against your wrist.

"But whomever the Photo Killer is. There's no denying his passion. It's terrible to say but each of his victims in their photos do look beautiful in a macabre sort of way... If he could get the same result without killing people I'm sure he'd be world famous because people would be moved by the passion he possesses for each of his works..." You were starting to feel a little uncomfortable as Stefano's grip continued to tightened the swiping thumb becoming faster and faster. You felt like you had tingles running down your spin from how intently he watched you.

"Yes," Stefano said in an almost could you say mournful voice? "If only such materials existed to communicate such art... Legally."

"Newbie!" The shout from Sebastian broke your staring contest with the artist. "Good you kept Mr. Valentini for questioning, and secured the crime scene." Sebastian carefully extracted you from Stefano's hold rubbing your wrist before directing you towards the door. Sebastian's eyes narrowed in distrust towards the artist's avid attention towards you.

Sebastian turned his head back to you. "Joseph just arrived why don't you give your statement to him, and head home I know you've been up for almost a week."

You nodded in understanding turning a way from that burning gaze and headed towards the door stopping only once at Stefano's call. "We should meet again soon, treasure. Our discussion on artistic perception was very enlightening."

You turned back enough to nod in understanding before continuing forward. You couldn't get your wrist to step tingling even after giving your statement to Joseph and you could feel that gaze tracking you everywhere.

Even when you get home and peeled off your uniformed. Only giving a brief thought to where your red scarf had disappeared to. You were more entranced by the clear ring of bruising around your wrist in the stark form of a hand print.

A/N:

Can I just say how much I hate that they spelled Stefano with an F instead of with a PH. Drives me insane.

I'm also a liar. I said there would be less setting for this one, and look at this a whole part one? What is this nonsense???

Once again Felix I hope you are doing amazing and if you want this edited at all to fit your preferences more just let me know. Just tell me if it's to much gore.

[aberrant-webnovel]

Chapter 8 - Back to HQ

Chapter 8 - Back to HQ

My alarm started blaring early in the morning. 7AM. I slapped the bar on top and silenced it before lumbering out of bed. I needed a few seconds more to clear the fog from sleeping.

After switching the snooze off from the alarm and disabling it, I set it back down.

"Time to get ready."

I spent a bit collecting an outfit together for the day. Green tank. Sand colored cargo pants. Combat boots.

"Maybe not."

I thought for a bit about it and changed out the shirt. I didn't want to wear exactly what I saw that woman from yesterday wearing. A black tank would be better.

After getting clean underwear and socks, I found a clean towel.

"Let's get ready then."

I left my room with my outfit and towel. I slept in sweats and no shirt so I just stayed like that.

There was a bathroom with a shower upstairs and downstairs, but I could hear the shower upstairs in use. Mom sometimes got up at this time, too. That might be her. I'll go use the downstairs shower.

I took the stairs down and meandered passed the dining room and kitchen to the bathroom.

I knocked just in case. No answer.

Safe to open, then. So I pushed open the door and entered.

My clothes were best left on a nearby shelf and I hung my towel on a hook next to the standing shower. It's a big glass box with opaque walls. Can't really see inside very well even if there isn't steam. Once the shower was hot, it was totally impossible to see into.

I stripped and left my pants on the shelf with my new outfit. I didn't have anything else on.

The door squeaked when I opened it. Wasn't too loud. Shouldn't bother Silva's sleep.

The tile flooring inside was cold. We can change that by running the hot water though. Better turn it on right away.

I turned the water on and waited outside the box for minute while it heated. Then once the steam was coming through, I entered.

I was still half asleep, but this should wake me up pretty quick.

Ten minutes later, I was out of the shower and toweling off.

Curious about my healing, I looked myself over in a mirror over the sink.

I lifted my arms and looked at my torso. There was no damage to be seen. No bruises. There was no pain either. But one major change did occur.

My muscles were insanely toned compared to the day before. My abs were cut into a clear six sections. My pecs had clear definition around them now. Both of these features were pretty lean just yesterday.

I looked my arm definition. My shoulders were wider, biceps and triceps clearly defined. My forearms weren't bulging, but had a significant amount improvement.

My thighs and calves showed very similar growth. Not too many changes in my face other than my skin growing a bit clearer. My hair didn't change, either. Still kinda short, but wavy and a bit of an orange-blonde.

Of everything I just observed, I felt only one major concern.

"I couldn't have grown any taller though?"

Despite everything, I really did wonder why I didn't grow any taller. I was the same height as always when I looked into this mirror. 5 feet 8 inches.

"I gotta show Silva. But first, pants."

I made sure I was totally dried off and then slipped on my undies and pants. The rest can wait. I'll just leave it here and get dressed later.

I shot out of the bathroom and through the house towards the stairs. Carefully, I ran up the stairs. Then I moved to the guest room and opened the door. I didn't bother knocking.

Silva was frozen in shock in the middle of the room. Looks like she just got up and was about to get ready. Luckily, she was in a very modest night gown.

"Sorry, shoulda knocked."

"I'm still asleep."

"Huh?"

Silva blinked a few times and just stared at me without moving or changing expression.

"A very muscly man who looks a lot like Ymir came into my room without knocking. I must still be dreaming. It's all too weird."

"If you're dreaming, then I'm dreaming too. But I'm pretty sure this is real."

"No way."

"Yes way."

A few more seconds of awkward staring.

"I'm awake and this is real?"

"Yes! Just stop looping!"

"Did the stim do this?"

"I don't know. Maybe. I'm going to see Dr. Eugene today."

"What the…?"

We stood in silence for a short bit until Silva got a hold of herself.

"If you're heading to HQ today, then I'll come with. Wait up for me?"

"Sure. I'll get breakfast ready."

"Get dressed first. The muscles are creeping me out."

"Fine."

I went back downstairs. Made way to the bathroom and collected my clothes. I changed into my outfit there, but left my sweats from last night on the shelf. I'll collect them for laundry at some point later. Gotta make breakfast first.

I get to the kitchen and check the fridge and cupboards. Not too many options. I have uncooked rice and a few fresh veggies. Six eggs. There's still some leftovers from last night, too.

Omelet with veggies. I'll steam the rice. What we don't eat, I'll just have extra to cook with later.

Gonna have to leave mom with just leftovers until I can bring back some groceries. I planned on picking up some yesterday after the testing, but things went a little bit crazier than I had anticipated. Either way, I'll do that after I see the doctor. I'll be sure to buy extra since Silva is going to be staying with us.

I get to cooking. I'm comfortable in the kitchen. Feels good to move around and make food.

While I'm cooking, every action feels just extra easy. The pans are lighter. I'm moving quicker. I feel more aware of everything I'm doing.

I spent about fifteen washing the rice until the water was perfectly clear. We had a rice cooker that I pulled out and got the rice in there with enough water. About right as I was turning it on, I saw my mom start walking toward me.

[Is there enough there for everyone to eat?]

"There is, yeah. Need to shop later though. Gotta stock up with Silva here for a few days.

[You look different. What is it?]

"Oh, well it's a few things."

I walked away from the kitchen. The stove wasn't on yet and the rice would take a bit. It was fine to ignore breakfast a few more minutes and just talk to mom.

I got near and flexed my arms to show the growth and grinned a big smile.

"Woke up with some changes. Abs and legs are all toned up, too."

[Creepy.]

Mom had kind of a weird look on her face. Disgust and confusion.

"Silva said that too. I doesn't look that bad, right?"

[You don't look bad? But it's a big change. Happened too fast.]

"I'm gonna see a doctor at HQ today. Might know something."

[Definitely find out.]

"Now go relax and wait for breakfast. I'll get Silva when I finish up."

[Yes, sir!]

Mom signed that with a goofy smile and gave me a sloppy salute. Then she went into the living room. I could hear our display turn on and a newscast start. Didn't know what was being said, but mom did like to stay on top of what was going on around us.

The rest of breakfast wasn't hard to get ready. I've made omelets plenty of times. So once those were finished, I paddled out some steamed white rice.

"Okay, mom! Food is ready! I'm going to go get Silva."

I walked to the stairs and passed mom on the way. She gave me a quick peck kiss on the side of the head before I went upstairs.

"Yo, Silva. Food is ready."

I knocked a few times on her door, but got no response. After a few seconds, I could hear the shower running. She did want to come with me today. Makes sense that she would want to shower.

I knocked on the bathroom door and cracked it just enough to yell inside.

"Food is ready! Finish up and come eat!"

"Huh? Oh sure. I was getting out in a minute. I'll be right there."

I could hear her squeak the handle and turn off the water. I closed the door before even hearing the shower door open, then went downstairs.

Mom had collected all our plates and set them on the dining table with utensils for us. I sat down at the table with mom to my right at the head seat. Silva had a spot set for her on my left.

Rather than starting to eat right away, my mom and I just started a casual conversation. Mostly just figuring out what today would include for us both.

A couple minutes later, Silva had made her way downstairs. She was fully dressed for the day, but still had some wet hair. Might have to let her blow dry it before we leave.

Silva had a very modest and cute style if I had to say so. Blue was her favorite color so she made it a big part of her look. Her shirt was a white button up with frilly blue trim on it. She wore a short tie that was also blue. Blue skirt that goes down to her knees. Thigh high white socks. Blue flats to walk in. Right now her long hair was tied back with a white ribbon.

The whole family was assembled now! Time to eat!

"Thank you for cooking, Ymir."

"Of course!"

Mom tapped me on the shoulder while I responded to Silva.

[As always, thank you. It looks good.]

I saw her sign that to me when I turned back to look at her.

"I'll cook something even better for dinner tonight. Silva can come shopping with me so I can bring home even more"

"Sounds fun. Haven't had to go shopping in a while. Mom usually does it."

We continued to enjoy our time together. Once everyone started eating, conversation slowed down quite a bit.

Hard to speak or sign while trying to eat. Thank you, everyone. For loving my food.

My mom waited for both Silva and I to finish and then collected the dishes. She usually washed the dishes after every meal.

[If you cook for me, I want to clean up for you.]

That's how she put it back when I started cooking. It just kinda stuck as our routine.

"I've got a couple things to pick up around here before I'm good to go. You gonna be ready to leave soon?"

"Yeah, just need to fully dry my hair. It doesn't look great when it's wet."

"I'm going to collect sheets and stuff for the wash. You mind if I grab the sheet from your room?"

"Go for it. I'll be upstairs in the bathroom."

We parted ways at the table. Silva went upstairs right away. I stopped by the bathroom downstairs and collected my pants. After that, I went upstairs to get the sheets from my bed and Silva's. It was easy to collect mine, but Silva somehow gets everything tangled in a huge mess so I had to fight it a bit.

Laundry obtained! The washing units were in the upstairs bathroom so I just left a basket over by the door. A hair dryer could be heard inside so I thought it'd be best to just let her finish up being going in there.

I just went back to my room. A few of the notes on my desk were placed haphazardly. Might as well tidy up until I can do laundry. I just picked up and organized for a few minutes.

Two knocks.

"Come in."

Silva opened the door. He hair was perfectly fluffy and dry now.

"I saw the laundry outside the door so I started it for you. I'm ready to go now if you are."

"If you already started the laundry, then I'm fine to leave. Let's get going.

Silva and I hurried downstairs. Mom was in the living room watching newscasts. I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her in a hug. I kissed the side of her head and then let go.

"I love you, mom. I won't let them keep me too late today."

[Wait up, Ymir. I have something for you.]

"Hm?"

Mom got up from the couch and grabbed a small wooden case that was in front of her on the coffee table. She handed that to me.

[Open it.]

I saw her sign that and opened it right away. Inside are metal tags on a steel chain. I picked them up and read them aloud.

"Captain Magni Sorenson. B-Rank. Runner Corps."

Second tag.

"Fighting for my wife Delilah and my son Ymir."

The tears were about to break the dam! Close the flow! Stop it! Now!

"Mom, these are dad's tags."

I looked up at my mother. She was sobbing and smiling at me. Her hands were a bit shaky, but she still got the words out.

[Please carry your father's love with you. Let him protect you.]

At this point, the tears didn't stop. I hugged my mom again. Much tighter. I kissed her cheek. After pulling away, I took the tags out of the box, closed it, and put the box on the table. The chain was easy to unlink and then clasp back together around my neck.

The steel hung down and I could feel the chill against my skin. The tags were just over my tank top, but the chain was cold.

"Dad's coming with me everywhere from now on, Mom."

[I'm glad.]

"It's time for us to get going."

[Yeah.]

I hugged her again and started to head towards the door.

[Take care! I love you both!]

Silva saw that sign and called out to her.

"Thank you for letting me stay here again, Auntie Del. I love you, too!"

Everyone shared smiles and waves before it was time to head back to HQ. Silva and I departed from my home and were on our way.

The walk to the tram station wasn't too far. We did, however, make sure to bring the wheelchair along. I just pushed it in front of me as I walked with Silva at my side.

Once on the tram, we walked back towards the same spot were rode yesterday. However, our unfriendly acquaintance had already seemed to board the tram and was on the same space she was last time. With the time of day, though, this tram was full of people. I just hope she doesn't recognize me and start something here.

The ride wasn't the most comfy because of the lack of free space. Nobody was allowed to stand while the tram was moving, so we squeezed together on the seats when it got busy.

Silva leaned in and pretty much just laid on my shoulder for the ride. Better than letting her get squished between me and some other stranger.

The tram reached its destination after not too long and we would depart from there. HQ wasn't far.

We hurried along so as to avoid the lime-haired woman from yesterday.

After about five minutes, I turned around to just check behind us while we walked. She was there.

Just walking behind us and matching our pace. When our eyes met, she kept walking towards us.

"Silva, take the chair and head back to the HQ, alright?"

"Don't do anything stupid, okay? No fighting."

Silva grabbed the chair and kept going.

"Tell Dr. Eugene that I'm on my way."

"Kay."

Silva left.

The lime-haired woman stood to face me now. She was tall. I didn't take too much notice before. She stands at over 6 feet tall. 6 feet 3 inches maybe? I had to look up at her. But I got a real good look at her face this time. She had light skin, but it was still a bit tanned like most who live anywhere in the Desert Sector. The same color of lime was in her eyeshadow, but her lips were a pastel lilac. She had plenty of jet black piercings in her ears, brows, bottom lip, and nose.

She also had the exact same outfit as I had on. Black tank, desert camo cargo pants, combat boots. I hate having the same clothing sense as such a mean person.

"You get juiced up or something overnight?"

"Trying to figure that out."

"It's creepy."

"That what I've been told."

"You're not fooling anyone with the muscles. It's obvious you aren't augmented."

"No tricks. But I am still a C-Ranker."

"Fuck off with that."

"I won't."

"Then just fuck off."

"Then I'll just see you at HQ sometime. What's your name anyway?"

"I don't tell that to civvies."

"Whatever. See you around."

I turned away from her. She wasn't cooperative at all. Why the fuck did she have such a problem with me? I know it's not the most believable event, but the hostility is just too much.

I didn't hear a response. I didn't even bother turning around. I wonder if she was going to follow me while I caught up with Silva.

Five minutes of walking brought me to the front of HQ. I found Silva waiting there for me. I guess she didn't want to go in without me.

"Yo!"

I called out to my cousin and approached her.

"You didn't go in?"

"You don't have an access card yet. I don't have my own either. Just have one that dad slipped to me to use if I need it. Figured you'd be stuck out here if we don't go together."

"Oh shit! You're right! We should stop by an admin desk to get our cards today. Yesterday was too hectic and I forgot."

"Then let's get going. We can stop by the front desk on the way to the Medic corps offices."

And so that's what we did. Silva got us inside and then we moved into the lobby area. There was a lot going on in here so nobody took notice of us right away. Almost everyone was dressed in uniform, however, and we were in civilian clothes. Even if we weren't being gawked at, I feel like we were still noticeable.

We just made it over to the front desk and explained we forgot to get keycards yesterday after testing. Silva made something up about Dr. Eugene letting us inside so we could get our cards before our meeting with him. The clerk fell for it, it seemed.

Even if she caught the fib, she located our information in the system and started to process new keycards for us. After reviewing the information, she gave me a concerned look before handing over my card.

"Don't lose your card again. It looks bad for C-Rankers to be forgetful."

"It's my first card actually. I'm starting soon."

"What!?"

She started to go through my file with a shocked face.

"What's the Chief thinking…? I guess, welcome to the Vault Breakers. Both of you. Ymir Sorenson and Silva Dirge."

With our names being said aloud, a few glances came our direction and locked onto us.

The clerk girl seemed really thrown off by everything. Maybe I'm just not taking my rank as seriously as I should be.

"Thanks. I'll see you around. What's your name?"

"Huh? Me? Umm… Camille."

"Then til next time, Camille."

Silva and I left the desk and the stares slowly broke off from us. Silva checked behind us as we left.

"She's blushing."

"Hah! No she isn't."

"Beet red."

"Nope."

I didn't have any appeal to anyone before. No way that I had an effect on someone so suddenly.

Silva and I just made our way at a steady pace over to Eugene's office. I knocked on the door and waited for an answer.

"Come in."

Good. He's in the office.

We entered together. Silva moved the wheelchair off to the side of the room and stood next to me.

"We came back just like you asked, doc."

"And with some serious changes, I see. This is… creepy."

"Would everyone stop calling me creepy?"

"It's creepy though. Especially since I saw you yesterday."

"Fine."

Eugene stood up and just walked around me in a circle. Silva moved out of the way stood off to the side by the wheelchair we brought back.

"Are you okay with receiving a basic physical? I might need to take a blood sample too.

"I'm willing to do what's needed to get to the bottom of this."

"I won't get results right away. It's just a place to start. I'll coordinate further testing with you. Probably going to need to get R&D involved once I have enough data to share with them."

"Like I said. I just want to figure things out."

"Sure, sure. Silva, I'm gonna ask you to leave the office for the examinations. I think I saw Varun in the labs. He's up and active. You have plenty of clearance to pay him a visit."

Eugene said that and I could see Silva smiling in response. I knew she missed her dad.

"Yeah, I'll go see him. Come find me later. Okay, Ymir?"

"Sure. Tell Uncle Varun hello for me."

With that, she left the room and I began the exams with Dr. Eugene.