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sissylittlefeather · 4 months

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How the Web Was Woven: Chapter 13

A/N: Woof. This one took me a minute. Also, it's a short bridge-type chapter, but don't worry. Next chapter will be LONG and JUICY. This is just a necessary part of the story. Please don't give up on us! ICYMI this is the soulmate/time travel AU between Elvis and a fem!reader.

Need to catch up? Here's my Masterlist.

Warnings: cussing and angst (a smut-free chapter?! Who am I?! Don't worry. It's coming soon and they will be too 😏)

Word count: ~1.9k

"Why didn't she come for me?"

******

Elvis spends the next few weeks anxiously waiting for you to show up somewhere. It's clear his mind is elsewhere. Everyone around him notices that something is off, but he won't tell anyone what's going on. He just prowls around like a caged animal, nervous and waiting for something that no one understands. He goes back to Memphis before he has to be back in Vegas in August to film his concert documentary. The only thing that gets him out of his room is Lisa Marie. Otherwise, he mopes around or stays inside.

What no one knows is he's grieving. He's pretty sure he's lost you and his son too. The pain almost overwhelms him and he has a hard time living in his real life. He finds solace in music and spends a lot of time at the piano playing a whole catalogue of new songs. His favorite, though, is a song produced by the Beatles' record label, and he eventually asks to record it later that summer. It ends up on his album for the documentary That's the Way It Is and even makes it into a rehearsal scene with him playing it on the piano and singing. For some reason, the song makes him think of you, so he sings it as often as he can.

Even though it begins to look like he's back to himself, the pain of losing you is omnipresent. He resigns himself to the fact that he will likely never see you or his son ever again. As such, he leans into the documentary and even does a photo shoot with Priscilla over Thanksgiving to try to rekindle the affection he feels for her.

But he still feels like part of his soul has gone missing. It's the same old feeling he always has when he's away from you for too long, but this time it settles in his chest and becomes a part of him. 1970 slips into 1971 and he does his best to move on. 1971 slips into 1972 and he throws himself into work and lets his relationship with Priscilla sour. She moves out and he has a hard time even caring, except that she took Lisa Marie and it just twists the dagger of having already lost one child. There are other girls, like there always have been, but they never fill the void that you leave. He has a you-shaped hole in his heart that no amount of sex or romance or even love can fill. 1972 slides by, he films Elvis on Tour, and he plays shows across the United States. He plays Vegas again and then tours again, hoping that by keeping himself busy he'll notice your absence less.

Finally, he prepares for the Aloha from Hawaii concert that will be broadcast across the world. He tries to get back into peak physical shape and does everything he can to throw himself fully into this concert. In the process, he squashes the last hope of you ever showing up again. It's been three years.

You're gone.

******

Covid hits strong in 2020 and your world gets upended. You learn to work from home, host zoom call happy hours with your friends (even though you're pregnant and can't drink), and wear a mask anytime you're in public, which isn't often. In September, you give birth (alone and in a mask) to your daughter and name her Erin Love. She's perfectly healthy and looks so much like her brother you think you've given birth to his twin. And again you weep. Elvis is missing this and you know it'll break him if he ever finds out.

2020 fades into 2021 and you still can't risk going out with a baby. Every time you start to think it might be safe, a new strain or variant shows up and the world cowers in fear again. Vegas opens, but you're terrified, both of traveling and of the possibility of sending Covid back to 1971.

So, you wait. You wait and you wait and you keep waiting until your baby is old enough and the virus seems to slow down. Still, Vegas, with its masses of people, seems too risky. Finally, in December of 2022 you have an idea. You start making plans to head to Hawaii with both kids and your mom in January of 2023. Hawaii is much more secluded and you know exactly where he will be.

When you ask your mom to come with you, she wants to know why. This is going to be a very expensive vacation and she's not sure why you need her. You sit on her couch trying to decide just how much you should tell her. Eventually, you settle on something very close to the truth.

"John is there. We haven't seen each other in three years." You look down at the ring on your finger.

"I was starting to wonder if he still existed."

"I'm not even sure he'll want to see me..." You look at the ceiling to try to stop yourself from crying, but it doesn't work and the tears come sliding down your face.

"Oh, sweetie. I'm sure he does. He loves you."

"I hope so." She pulls you into a hug.

"I will go with you. I'll watch the kids so you two can get reacquainted."

"Thank you, mom."

Once she agrees to go with you, you drop an ungodly amount of money to stay in his suite and pack up both kids to fly to the islands. You decide not to tell John Jessie why you're going, just in case it doesn't work out. He's almost 6 now and he asks about his daddy damn near everyday. Somehow, he remembers him despite the fact that it's been almost 3 years since he's seen him. Erin's too little to ask questions. She doesn't even know she has a daddy, which breaks your heart every time you think about it.

******

After a rehearsal, Elvis heads to his suite to rest. He's 100% invested in what he's doing. But out of nowhere, he thinks of you again. He hums the song he's designated as yours and goes to work changing out of his jumpsuit.

He's got the zipper all the way down when he hears a sound that makes his heart stop. There it is, the old familiar buzzing. He hasn't heard it in so long. He turns slowly, sees the portal, and practically runs through it without thinking about the fact that he has no clothes packed and is wearing a jumpsuit.

******

When Elvis comes through the portal, he stops and stares at you. He's so in shock that he doesn't know how to respond. Your mouth pops open in awe of him standing there in the American Eagle jumpsuit fully unzipped. He looks better than you could've imagined. Obviously, you've seen the footage, but it really didn't do him justice. He zips it back up and gives you a hard stare.

"It's been three fucking years, y/n."

"I know-" You don't get any further though because John Jessie comes bounding into the room. He runs to Elvis and jumps on him. He's supposed to be napping with your mom in one of the bedrooms.

"Daddy! I heard you!" Elvis grabs him and holds him tightly.

"Heyyy buddy, I missed you so much!" You can tell he's trying hard not to cry. You look nervously towards the bedroom. If your mom sees him in this jumpsuit, it'll be impossible to explain.

"Bubby, where's your grandma?"

"She's asleep." You breathe easier and John Jessie turns back to his daddy. He launches into a monologue that only a 5-year-old can follow, but Elvis sits with him on the couch and listens attentively. You stand and watch the scene and Elvis glances at you every once in a while.

After about 15 minutes, you hear Erin cry from the room where she is taking her nap. Elvis looks up at you, shocked.

"Who is that?"

"That's my sister. She's little still." John Jessie answers knowingly. Elvis's head swivels to you so fast.

"Sister?" You nod and duck out of the room to grab Erin before her crying wakes your mom up. When you come back, Elvis looks at both of you and his eyes are shiny with tears. "Is she-?"

"She's yours." He stands up and immediately takes her from you.

"What's her name?"

"Erin Love."

"Love? Like my..." He trails off and looks at her lovingly.

"Yes. Like your mother." He holds her to himself and looks up at the ceiling, trying not to cry. He pulls back and looks at her again while she babbles to him.

"Baby, do you know I'm your daddy?" She looks up at him.

"Daddy?"

"Yes!" She smiles widely and he holds her close to him again. He looks at you incredulously.

"We have another baby."

"Yes, we do." He kisses her cheek and sets her down on the floor, turning to you. His eyes burn through you and he whispers angrily.

"Where the fuck have you been?! We have a daughter?!"

"Please, Elvis, I can explain."

"You better. I'm going to spend the evening with my kids, but you better have a damn good story when they go to bed."

You nod. How will you get him to understand Covid?

******

He changes into some clothes you have for him and helps you put the kids to bed. Despite not knowing the routine, he proves to be pretty helpful. You're amazed at how well John Jessie remembers him. Your mom seems to just know she should make herself scarce through the whole evening and stays in the room. Once you get both kids in bed, you sit on the couch facing him, heart pounding and stomach in knots. He looks at you with a mixture of sadness and anger.

"Tell me why, y/n."

"There is a new virus." You desperately try to explain everything that's happened over the last three years.

"So you couldn't come to me because of a cold virus?"

"Elvis, you don't understand. This was a global pandemic. Everything was closed and people all around the world were dying. They literally shut down Las Vegas."

"I've been other places." He responds, the anger in his voice obvious.

"I know, but I couldn't risk our kids. Or the possibility of you taking this virus back to your time. I finally feel safe here in Hawaii."

"I don't know, y/n, I'm glad you're okay and I'm especially excited to see the kids. But I thought I'd lost you. I buried you in my mind."

"Did you- did you move on?" For the first time, the reality that your marriage to Elvis might be over hits you in the gut and your eyes widen. Elvis isn't sure how to answer. He has a girlfriend, and technically another wife. But he looks at you sitting in front of him and can't help but feel the connection that's bound you together for over fifteen years. He wants to be angry so badly, but really all he is is sad. Sad that he missed the first two and a half years of his daughter's life. Sad that he went so long without all of you. Sad that you almost feel like a stranger now.

You sit on the couch staring at each other waiting for his answer.

******

Come back soon for Chapter 14!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Taglist:

@ccab @elvisfatass @elvisalltheway101 @aliypop @18lkpeters @dkayfixates @rosepresley68 @your-nanas-house @deniseinmn @joshuntildawn13 @lookingforrainbows @60svintage @littlehoneyposts @epthedream69 @that-hotdog @eddiesgirlforever @helen06dreamer @returntopresley @rjmartin11 @noirrose21-blog @tacozebra051 @deltafalax

#elvis presley fanfiction #elvis presley #elvis fanfic #elvis presley fic #elvis presley x reader #elvis #elvis x reader #elvis presley x y/n #elvis fic #elvis fanfiction #elvis x y/n #elvis x you #elvis presley fanfic #elvis presley x you #how the web was woven

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zoeykallus · 1 year

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if your comfortable with it, could you do some ashoka x fem reader angst? and then cuddles?

i love your work! have a great day!

Aloha!

Sure, I love Ahsoka 😊

Ahsoka x Fem!Reader One-shot - Coming Home

Angst/Fluff/Comfort

______________

This is the part of your being together that you hate, waiting for Ahsoka to return from one of her Fulcrum missions. This uncertainty of if and when she will come back to you, every time, is nerve-wracking. Often she can't even check in from the road, sometimes you don't know for days if she's still alive.

You're almost sure you're going to break at some point, but you definitely don't want to give up on your relationship.

You are so relieved when you look out the window and see Ahsoka's shuttle landing. Expectant and impatient, you rush to the door, yank it open, and run out toward the shuttle. As Ahsoka steps out of the shuttle, however, your smile fades. The expression on the former Jedi's face is somber, melancholy.

"What happened?" you ask softly as she stands before you.

Ahsoka shakes her head ponderously, walking past you to the small hut that currently serves as your shelter. You follow her anxiously, closing the door behind you both and watching as she paces restlessly.

"Ahsoka, please talk to me. You've been gone so long. What's wrong?"

She looks at you and there is a deep pain in her gaze that you can hardly bear. Ahsoka is usually anything but easily upset. You're seriously worried.

"I found my former master," she says softly.

You blink and frown questioningly.

"That's good, isn't it? He's alive? Shouldn't you be happy?"

Again, the beautiful Togruta just shakes her head, rubbing her temples as if she has a headache.

"I suspected it," she says, "sensed it, but chose not to believe it, but now I know for sure."

Helpless and worried, you ask her, "What are you talking about, dear?"

"Skywalker is Vader," she says somberly, her hands clenched into fists, the expression on her face a mixture of helplessness and anger.

You're at a loss for words at first. You can barely grasp the significance of this statement, how hard this realization must hit Ahsoka.

"Oh 'Soka," you say softly and reach for her hands, gently unclenching her fists to hold her hands.

"I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't left the Order, maybe I could have stopped it".

You place a hand under her chin and gently but firmly force her to look at you, holding the gaze of her beautiful blue eyes with yours. Her beautiful face is right in front of yours and as always you can't help but admire how gorgeous she is, even in this doubtful, sad state, as if nothing could take away from her natural elegance. At first sight she seems so delicate, but you know that inside this pretty shell there is an upright fighting spirit, a skilled warrior. But even the strongest fighters need comfort and guidance now and then.

"Don't do this Ahsoka, this 'what if' road is a dead end. You were a Padawan, he was a trained Jedi Master, he made that decision alone."

Ahsoka says quietly, "He needed me and I let him down".

"That's not true. You made a decision, one that was right and important to you. At no point were you responsible for Skywalker's decisions or his career"

Ahsoka sighs softly, moves closer and wraps her arms around your middle, leaning her head against yours. The embrace is tender and yet also yearning for comfort. You know that she is really suffering right now, not knowing how to deal with what she has experienced.

"I need you now," she says almost in a whisper.

You smile softly, relieved and glad that she seeks comfort from you. You return the embrace tenderly and say, "I'm right here with you, 'Soka."

You hold each other for quite a while before retreating to the sofa bed, snuggling into one of the blankets, snuggled together, talking for quite a while. It's not easy, but you manage to keep Ahsoka from dissolving into self-doubt.

Ahsoka's head is on your shoulder, one of your arms wrapped around her, one of her legs hooked under yours. She takes your hand and gently kisses the back of it.

"What would I do without you?"

You laugh softly and say, "Probably take on way too much responsibility."

"Probably," Ahsoka agrees quietly.

After a while of silence, she suddenly says, "I don't regret leaving the Order. If I hadn't, I probably never would have met you. You know how much you mean to me, don't you?"

You tenderly hug her a little closer and hum contentedly.

"I know, 'Soka, I feel the same way," you finally say softly.

She giggles as you gently place a kiss between her montrals.

"That tickles"

"I know," you say, amused, and graze the same spot again.

Ahsoka turns and leans over you, she smiles then gently leans her forehead against yours and says, "I'm so glad I have you. Even if you are quite cheeky sometimes. Coming back to you, always feels like coming home, no matter where we are"

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

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@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

@padawancat97

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@palliateclaw

@either-madness-or-brilliance

@ortizshinkaroff

@andy-solo1

@hunterssecretrecipe

@heyitsaloy

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#star wars #ahsoka #ahsoka x reader #fulcrum #ahsoka fulcrum #former Jedi #jedi #star wars the clone wars #star wars rebels #adult ahsoka #x reader #star wars x reader #ahsoka fluff #ahsoka angst #ahsoka comfort

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five-wow · 1 year

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ten random lines!

rules: pick any ten of your fics, scroll to the midpoint, pick a line (or three) and share it. then tag ten people.

i was tagged by @goneahead! thank you! ✨

and i’ll taaaag @redgoldblue @actingcamplibrarian @pterawaters @luredin @dedkake @jinxddiaz @spaceradars and you, reading this, and the two people you texted last, and that’s three more. (all of you tagged very gently, of course, and only if you feel like it - and with the “tag ten people” rule to be interpreted very loosely if that seems like a lot, because it is.)

in keeping with the theme of this blog, i’ll filter for h50 and then just pick the ten most recent fics, all of which are some level of steve/danny:

1. The colors I need to paint this desolate sky

Danny’s arm slips over the back of the chair next to his. Steve hasn’t returned yet, but that doesn’t mean Danny can’t invade his space. “So that’s the terrible stuff he’s been telling you behind my back, huh? That I have interesting opinions and my kids are brilliant?”

2. No more guessing who (Looking back now, it was always you)

“Yeah.” Danny rubs his leg. “But it’s not finished.”

It looks pretty finished to Steve. “What’s missing?”

3. And I need you more than I want you (And I want you for all time)

“How are you doing?”

Danny, lounging in one of the Adirondack chairs on the lawn like a lizard on a rock, lowers his sunglasses down his nose. “In what sense?”

4. Said the apple to the orange

“What brings you to the Aloha State?” Danny asks. He seems to be done with his phone, stowing it away somewhere in the bag between his feet. “I bet it isn’t the pizza.”

Hutch turns to look at Starsky, so Starsky gets first right of answer. “Holiday,” he offers.

“Honeymoon,” Hutch counters.

“Research and work,” Starsky reminds him, wryly.

5. Across the water, across the deep blue ocean (Under the open sky, oh my)

Danny taps Steve’s chest, for reasons that are so unclear they might as well not exist. There are no cards there, so perhaps he’s just showing off the fact that his ring does, in fact, match Steve’s. “What did you think was happening when I moved from the couch to Steve’s bed?”

6. Big picture feelings

He’s quiet and frowning for a moment that seems eternal, because this is where he’d need to give some kind of impassioned denial if it isn’t true or she’s misunderstood or he at least still wants to continue what they’ve been doing. She’s rooting for him to come up with something good. “I’m sorry,” he says instead.

7. I’m dumb she’s a lesbian (I thought I had found the one)

Danny seems speechless for a second. His coffee hand finally stills. “Right,” he decides then. “Okay. I can see how that might be a problem.” He gives Steve an askance look, which doesn’t feel entirely fair, because he hasn’t even done anything.

8. Hit it, man

“I have to admit to some curiosity,” he says, and Danny thinks shit and has to keep his hand still to not go for the fake glasses again or the real gun strapped to his ankle. High class hitmen aren’t twitchy. Dr. Vos continues, “Neither of you took the other’s last name?”

9. Out of the rain, into the frying pan

“No,” Eric says. “I’d rather be a coward and live, if it’s all the same to you.”

“Good choice,” Danny says. Positive reinforcement, and all that jazz. “Never been more proud.”

10. #GaySpaghettiCouple

They settle back into the Camaro quietly, a heavy burden hanging over their heads. “She asked us to be gay,” Danny recaps, still with a buzzing in his ears that's slowly getting to his head. “For tourism.”

#i always have a hard time remembering from tumblr if people write fic or not. give me ao3 links in your bios! please!#tag stuff #my fic #*#thanks to goneahead for fixing the issue i ran into!#h50 #mcdanno

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trans-girl-nausicaa · 1 year

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OAKBOUGH: A CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE STORY.

CHAPTER 7.

Read the rest of the story: https://www.tumblr.com/trans-girl-nausicaa/tagged/OAKBOUGH

>Look into the distance, and look pensive.

You stand perpendicular to the flag and look into the distance, out the window. You can see dust blowing in the wind outside.

You hear the click of a camera shutter.

"That should turn out great," says Yasha.

"Can I see the photo?" you ask.

"Not until it's developed!" she says. "The Sands of the Mojave insisted that I not bring any electronic devices, so I brought my film camera. But you can trust me, I'm a good photographer. Anyway, that’s it for us."

She gets up and walks to the door to the kitchen. She opens it.

Snoust and Paul are standing on the other side of the door, trying to look casual. They were clearly listening in.

“Hm. I thought as much,” says Yasha.

“Paul, I’m ready to go.”

“Okay!” says Paul. He pulls a handheld radio out of his back pocket.

He clicks it on.

“Aloha ipso hunger picto thomas bequeath victor shalom leapfrog hunger picto ovum lobster lacewing cobweb aloha,” says Paul into the radio.

“Aloha kraken tarantula handslap aloha,” squawks the radio.

“Okay! It won’t be long, we can go wait at the parking lot,” says Paul cheerily.

“Sure,” says Yasha.

“Be right back!” Paul says to you.

Yasha and Paul head out the front door.

“She’s kind of intense, isn’t she?” says Snoust.

“Yeah,” you say. “And some of her questions were kind of weird.”

“I hope they don’t spin this in a strange way,” says Snoust.

“I have no idea what they’re gonna say, man,” you say. “That’s media, ya know?”

Snoust lets out a long breath.

“I wish I’d had time to get to know her. Build a rapport. Most journalists we’ve interacted with are… if not sympathetic, at least a bit more objective, if they stay long enough for them to get a basic understanding of what we’re like. But the ones that just come in and out? They see what they wanna see, hear what they wanna hear. It’s my job to try and manage relations with the public, but sometimes certain issues feel unmanageable,” she says.

You nod sympathetically.

“…To be honest, I don’t really… understand your whole… deal,” you say.

Snoust Cranine turns towards you, a strange look on her face. Her eyes shine.

“Our goal is true socialism. We will kick out the corporations, we will socialize the production of agriculture, technology, and all else… We will empty the prisons, and make a society where prisons will never be filled again. To this end we are waging a Protracted People’s War against the State and Federal Government.”

“Jesus,” you say. “That’s intense.”

“Well, someone’s gotta do it. Someone must make them pay for their crimes and permanently end this society of domination we live in,” she says.

“I see,” you say. “While we’re on the subject, what’s the Death Valley Treaty?”

“Oh, that. It’s a treaty we made with the California state government that, among other things, demarcates certain areas where we won’t launch offensive operations in return for certain areas where California law enforcement won’t operate. The trouble is, the treaty is highly controversial… Many local municipalities don’t recognize it, neither does the federal government. The California Governor who negotiated it had to step down and is being indicted. But parts of it work.”

“Arid told me that the two cops that were killed violated the treaty?”

“Yes. By arresting you in our territory, they were in violation of the treaty, so their safety was no longer guaranteed. To us, US ‘law enforcement’ are enemy combatants.”

You suppose that makes sense.

You sit back down.

There’s a lot to consider here.

How safe are you, really? If this base was attacked by the federal government, that could mean the Department of Homeland Security storming the compound, shooting everyone in it, including you.

Though… You know that the federal government is kind of limping along. And there are other insurrectionary movements that they have to deal with. The Warriors of Moroni out in Utah. The White Front in Idaho. And of course the Appalachian Reds.

The US government doesn’t want to admit it, but their information-gathering capacity has been severely hampered by the loss of their spy satellites in the recent Sino-American Satellite War. On top of making it harder to monitor guerrillas in their own borders, their defeat was a major embarrassment both nationally and internationally.

You’re just glad that the war was constrained to a technological one, in Earth’s orbit, and didn’t escalate to an actual shooting war with human casualties. That would have meant the US and China launching nukes at each other.

It was like the Cuban Missile Crisis all over again.

But that’s in the past now. The whole sordid affair is over, and now everyone has to deal with the aftermath.

The front door opens, and Paul comes back in.

“Hey Paul,” says Snoust. “I gotta get going. I need to monitor the news. They’re talking about us.”

“Okay!” says Paul. “Want me to bring you some bread later?”

“Oh, man, if you’d be able to, that would be awesome,” says Snoust. “I don’t think I’m gonna be able to make it to dinner tonight, I’m gonna be too busy watching the frickin’ news.”

She waves good-bye and saunters off.

You turn to Paul.

“Can we continue our conversation where we left off?” you ask.

“Yes of course!” says Paul. “I hope the tea hasn’t gone cold!”

The two of you laugh at that.

Back in the parlor, the two of you drink lukewarm chamomile tea. The flavor is still quite pleasant.

“So… How did you find out about Human Displacement?” you ask.

“Well… I heard a little bit about it initially through some news stories. Like, small, local papers. Strange disappearances. People suddenly exhibiting ‘strange psychiatric symptoms’ similar to amnesia. But not exactly amnesia, because they suddenly had memories of a completely different life. But I didn’t think too much of those. I read a lot of news articles about strange unexplained phenomena. I guess it’s been my hobby for a long time. But it wasn’t until this leak of government documents that I made the connection.”

“Which leak?” you ask. There have been a lot over the years.

“Frost Ursus. You heard of that one?”

“Yeah,” you say. Frost Ursus worked for DARPA and a few years ago they released information about US weapons systems, including projects to develop autonomous combat robots. That part was the bit that took the news by storm. “Killer robots!” It was all over the place. But public attention towards the issue didn’t last long. Eventually people lost interest. Frost Ursus is currently serving time in Federal prison.

“So here’s the thing: most people only read the documents that were related to the ‘killer robots’ story. But I went through all of them.”

“Jesus, how long did that take you? Wasn’t it like thousands of pages of documents?”

“Oh, it took a long time. But I found something nobody else looked into.”

“The Domino particle,” you say.

“Yes. There was only one document about it. It talked about a series of experiments involving the Domino Particle. Apparently the way that it’s generated doesn’t violate the nuclear test ban treaty. It didn’t go into detail of EXACTLY how the particle is generated, unfortunately, so… I can’t take this to a physicist and have them replicate one of their experiments. That’s been… a major obstacle in getting people to listen to me. But the descriptions of how it affects causality, its ability to produce Human Displacement, how it can exchange matter across extreme distances… It all lines up with the Human Displacement cases.”

This gives you pause.

“So… Hmm. If we… Assuming that the Human Displacement cases are due to the Domino Particle experiments… Why exactly did these random people, including me, get displaced? DARPA wouldn’t just try out their particle emitter on random people, right? Wouldn’t they want it done in a laboratory, a controlled environment, so they could collect data?”

Paul looks grim.

“It wouldn’t be the first time the U.S. government experimented irresponsibly. On the other hand, it could be that they aren’t properly containing Domino Particle emissions when they run their experiments.”

“We need more data, or something,” you say. “If we knew the date and time of the experiments, the locations of their labs where they run the experiments, had more information on how exactly the Domino Particle works, then we’d be able to figure it out.”

“Yeah. Figure it out, and then stop them,” says Paul.

“What do you mean?” you say.

“They’re doing something that is destroying lives,” says Paul. “Wasp Ghelsig is dead. The people who are displaced by teleportation are destroyed. That’s a murder, through malice or incompetence, that DARPA has committed.”

You’re stunned into silence.

You hadn’t thought about it like that.

You finish your tea.

#choose your own adventure #OAKBOUGH

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bebepac · 2 years

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Six Sentence Sunday/ Mood Music Monday 07.24.22

I got multiple posts for six sentence sundays that got my attention so I had put something together too. I know I know, the peer pressure got me. Work is still crazy, Overtime is still not so much optional but a way for me to try to be a manager for a few hours a week, considering how much I’ve had to help staff lately.

Here’s what I’ve posted in the last little bit.

The Rotten Apple: Rock Bottom

Original Post 07/24/22 at 8:38PM EST.

Mood Music Monday Submission

Fresh Meat The Book: Open Heart Pairings: MC is single An Ask by @peonierose Song Inspiration: Follow You Down : Gin Blossoms Status: Still in the writing process. P.S. I don’t typically write OH so please be nice.

I straightened my ceil blue scrub top as I got off the bus. I decided to get off the bus two blocks early so I could have that last little bit of time to calm my nerves. Today was my first day at Edenbrook hospital to begin my residency. Ceil blue identified me as a new resident my first year there. I was going to be the proverbial freshman once again. Gotta love it. The saving grace? Atleast I was not going to be alone. I knew there were several others that were sharing my fate as the new fresh meat gracing the halls of Edenbrook Hospital.

I am the first of my family to go to college, and not only college, and become a doctor. My family was already calling me all the time asking me questions, which was already putting a lot of pressure on me, which goes without saying. Being young, minority, and a woman. I felt at times like I had the weight of my family, a people on my shoulders, so I strive to put my best foot forward.

Moving to the new area, I had decided to sell my car, and decrease my carbon footprint, by walking or using public transportation when I could, which might be tough for me in the cold. I hail from North Carolina, where the summers are hot, and winters are cold, but not blizzard snow like colds of the part of the country I had just moved to. I am definitely going to be shell shocked this winter, coming from a state that shuts down when there’s less than a half of an inch of snow on the ground.

I stopped out front of the hospital to get a coffee before walking in. I smiled to myself when I glanced around, there were other doctors and nurses also in the line, and I felt like I belonged in that line. Soon, I might even know some of them well, or at least have an impression of them. I got my liquid courage and headed towards the sliding doors.

“Hey Pink Backpack! Wait up!!!!”

I turned around to see the most beautiful guy trotting up towards me, and it felt like he was moving in slow motion because I felt like the world stopped. He was wearing the same identical scrubs as myself, which looked breathtaking on his bronzed complexion, and chestnut colored hair and eyes. The arms of his scrubs were a little tight as he had a very muscular physique.

“Howzit?”

Hawaii was one of the places on my bucket list to visit, and I recognized the term from a site I had frequented, one random fact amongst many that were floating around in my brain.

“Aloha.”

“See I knew! I knew! Kindred spirits. I’m Bryce.”

“Hi Bryce. I’m Casey.”

Sincerely, Lady Liberty Series: The Rotten Apple The Book: TRH and beyond! Pairing: Liam x Riley / Eleanor x Nico (Eleanor x M!OC) Status: Still in the writing process

“Liberty! What are you doing here?”

"Daddy, why does she look like Mommy?"

"Because she's your Aunt Liberty. The last time you saw her, you were very little. She's Mommy's younger sister."

“I came to see you two.”

“Please, come in.”

“This is a nice home you have here Nico.”

“Thank you. I wanted to refuse, but your father gives us a stipend for Ana’s care, and to have a decent lifestyle. Though, deep down, I feel like it’s partially for my silence because I never pressed charges against Elle."

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“How does she know about Ellie, and what she looks like?”

“Because I told her she has a mother, that her mother is sick. She’s seen pictures of her.”

He walked over to the mantle and brought the framed picture over to her.

“That was that last Christmas when she came here with me for the holiday.”

Ellie was wearing the pink dress that Nico had bought for her. Nico was beside her in a nice navy suit, his arm draped around her, his fingertips resting comfortably on her hip. The two looked very happy together. Ellie looked so content standing next to him like she did in every picture her father had shown her of Ellie and baby Ana. Ellie’s smile in the picture was incandescent.

“I am in this picture too.” Ana announced proudly.

“You are?” Libby inquired. "But I don't see you."

She pointed to the picture. “I was in Mommy’s tummy. She’s sick, but I know she’s coming home when she gets better.”

Libby's eyes widened as she looked at Nico.

"From the mouths of babes." Nico responded. He gave her a little kiss on her cheek, “Ana, go play.”

Once Ana was out of earshot Nico softened his voice.

“I don’t have the heart to tell her Elle’s never coming home.”

#bebepac writes #cfwc sunday six #always more than six #six sentence sunday #the rotten apple 🍎#open heart #choices fanfiction #liam x riley #nico x elle #open heart fanfiction #bryce lahela

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nityarawal · 8 months

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We left messages for Amanda and Debbie in Executive. Do you need their numbers? I prefer Amanda.

She helped with the airbnb bank fraud last year.

I need refunds on all scams now Paige. You and Amanda settle this tonight. Judges want current bank statement to so they can forgive debts from local scams at court/bank & Sheriff- who got busted on foul play.

Thanks!

Nitya

Yeah- California is the abortion & rape = baby factory State!

Could you please confirm this is a fake check? Sal has made mistakes before and seems sort of senile about continuum with BBVA since he's so new! Please let Idyllwild Town Crier know to stop Trafficking our peeps on Cons. They shouldn't advertise this and a murderer sex offender in one week right?

Could you send latest statement for my judges so they can forgive my registration fees due to PNC management robberies in covid with Mary Sue Haney.

This was bank fraud there. We don't trust the 22.7m federal employees raping our mothers and stealing. Please fire Sal.

Sent to my boss Sue-

Sal- the manager said it was a fake check and refused to cash it! He's a a**hole! I had to get Jerry Sue Haney fired. Do you want executive number? He's likely a fraud- not your check! Lol

I will let executive office know. He's also had a senior moment about my last 7 years of banking there.

Lmk if you can call them & fix it with Wells Fargo? Also- I mentioned I can't launder money in any way on the rental. I am on a state stipend- not enough- but they would've withdrawn my food and pay if they thought there was a way to Capitalism on us again!

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: nitya rawal <[email protected]>

Date: Tue, Oct 17, 2023, 6:24 AM

Subject: Re: Resume For Driver Job

To: Sue Patrick <[email protected]>

Aloha! You got all my responses via text? Did you get a place secured here? Are you still coming on 20th?

I'm moving into a new place & seeing Dr's but will be available.

Lmk if you need anything and did you send check? I didn't see anything last week! You said you'd send tracking too so maybe didn't get to it?

I am most often texting. Email isn't as reliable. Maybe I'll open another acct. Tmobile also is spotty in Riverside.

Country life is simple.

I try to exonomise and only run into towns when need to! (:

Hope packing is going well.

Blessings & Peace,

Nitya

On Wed, Oct 11, 2023, 11:04 AM Sue Patrick <[email protected]> wrote:

Congratulations You have been chosen for the Job you have all I have been searching for as an Experienced Driver I can't wait to meet you in person meanwhile I will be in Idyllwild , CA for the next 4 months. Anyway I am particularly glad you are willing to be my driver. I will want you to know that I will be responsible for the ( Car hire cost and the Gas fee)All I will be needing from you are your driving skills. I also would like to bring to your notice one more time that I found a car which I will be renting, it's a Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG ( 2017 Model )so I will make arrangements for the car rental and then will let you know ahead of time when it will be delivered to your address.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: My arrival date remains Friday 20th of October All flight details / itinerary will be emailed to you in advance prior to my arrival so as to give you ample time to get yourself prepared and ready.

PAYMENT TERMS: This is my second time, my first was 3 yrs. ago . I would be glad if you can help me check around for luxury apartments close to you, an apartment that is very classy and if possible has got a Jacuzzi, if not I am already working on securing an apartment for myself. Concerning the payment, I will send you a payment in the form of a check which will contain payment for your first week duties and the amount needed for the car rental. Once you receive the check, I want you to have the check deposited at your bank, deduct the sum of $485 as payment for the first week's service and then have the remaining funds on the check as payment for the car rental so they can start processing the delivery of the vehicle to your address as soon as possible.

Furthermore, I will be happy if you could get back to me with the following details of yours so that the payment can be issued out to you right as soon as possible and delivered via postal mail. Also I need you to confirm that your details and address are correct to avoid any mistake during delivery by the postal service company .

To proceed, email me the following:

Full name:

Street Address:

City: State

Postal code:

Cell and Home:

Age:

Alternative Email address:

I will appreciate your quick response if you are completely satisfied with the offer as I am willing to go ahead and issue out the funds by this week for the payment of your first week's service and for the car rental.

I look forward to your quick response.

Best Regards,

Thanks.

On Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 02:08:31 AM GMT+8, nitya rawal <[email protected]> wrote:

Yes, I am interested in the position.

On Sat, Oct 7, 2023, 7:20 AM Sue Patrick <[email protected]> wrote:

Thanks for the reply it was highly appreciated, I will be staying in the area of Idyllwild, CA for 4 months your services will be needed only for 2 days in a week is a part time Job and flexible I don't think this will disturb your other Jobs,

Please kindly confirm the following questions to proceed:

1. Would you be available to drive me during the weekdays, basically on Mondays?

2. Apart from Monday, Would you be able to drive me on Friday ( evening shift )?

3. Do you have mailing experience via ( UPS or FED-EX )?

PAY: I am offering you $242.5 x 2days = $485 weekly.

A total of 6 hours per week .

I will appreciate your swift response and get back to me so we can sort out details and proceed further, My Cell phone number is 206-259-5071. You can easily send texts.

Thanks and God bless you,

Dr Patrick.

On Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 03:41:24 AM GMT+8, nitya rawal <[email protected]> wrote:

I am interested in the position. All sounds good so far!

Thankyou for the opportunity!

I look forward to reviewing your proposal further.

Blessings,

Nitya

On Wed, Oct 4, 2023, 10:51 PM Sue Patrick <[email protected]> wrote:

Hello,

Thank you for applying. I'm glad to read from you regarding the Personal Driver job. I am looking to hire a Personal Driver Immediately . This is a great opportunity for a dedicated personnel with exceptional driving skills and stellar customer service. This position requires a high level of professionalism, vast knowledge of the surrounding area and traffic rules.

I'm Dr. Sue Patrick, I'm from Newark, New Jersey. I am 74 years old, educated (Retired Medical Practitioner ),I'm cultural, have got a great sense of humor, good morals, very down to earth and with a noble character. I enjoy meeting people and making new friends, I can say particularly that I do have a very kind heart. Although due to my age I'm hearing impaired so I communicate mostly via text and email. Anything other than that I am fit and healthy .

I will be coming to your city for the next 4 months for charity work, seminars and a little holiday for myself. As part of my trip, I will be going to leisure spots, cinemas, site seeing, Deaf Culture Seminars etc. I will be spending 16 weeks, so I am going to need a personal driver/chauffeur during my stay, The ideal candidate must be a safe driver with experience and also have some sort of mailing experience via UPS or FedEx as I would be mailing out some charity goods periodically.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: My arrival date is on the 16th of October so basically I have just over 2 weeks to finalize plans. All flight details / itinerary will be emailed to you in advance prior to our arrival so as to give you ample time to get yourself prepared and ready. On the first day, you will pick me up from the airport and drop me off at the luxury apartment I'm renting. I want you to know that I will be responsible for the ( Car hire cost and the Gas fee ) so all i will be needing you for is your driving skills, that's all. I also would like to bring to your notice that I've found a car which i will be renting for you to drive , it's a Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG ( 2016 Model )so I will make arrangements with the head office of the car hire company and then will let you know ahead of time when it will be delivered to your preferred location/house.

Hope to read back from you Asap.

Best Regards,

Dr. Patrick.

On Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 06:58:02 AM GMT+8, nitya rawal <[email protected]> wrote:

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torresengberg69 · 4 months

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7 Stunning Examples Of Beautiful Family Vacation Ideas

Whether it is a beach getaway, a trip to a busy city, or something a little various, there are numerous options that you can pick from. What's more, it doesn't even have to be too expensive! We have put together an option list of the best cheap family vacations, both domestic and throughout the border, where your family can delight in a weekend or have a longer, full-scale adventure. The major draw is that guests get complete access to the centers at Atlantis Resort, including Aquaventure water park, the medical spa, kids' clubs, casino, and Dolphin Cay. Yes, seriously! You can likewise request signing advantages at the various Atlantis dining establishments. Generally, you can spend the entire day at the resort, just to go back to the Comfort Suites for a peaceful night's sleep (for less). Families can reserve economical spaces that connect to other lodgings for more space. Plus, the hotel permits kids 17 and under to remain complimentary in the same space as moms and dads. The hotel hosts a free kids's program for kids ages 12 and under, and the Aloha Passport for Kids program provides home tours and activities like hula lessons and lei making. Make certain the kids do not forget to grab their complimentary Hawaiian keepsake! Preparation a great family vacation can seem like a difficulty, specifically if you are working within a specific budget. Instead of doing the same old thing (or just quiting and going to Disney World once again), it's possible to come up with a creative concept that does not need flying worldwide or spending a ton of money. Here are Costa Rica family trip itinerary for your next trip with the entire squad. And, obviously, beaches are far from your only options with the kids, though you can't ever go wrong with an extensive, family-friendly resort, particularly one in Hawaii. You can check out America's abundant history in every state and make the most of the wonderful things the locals love-- from enjoying free museums and outdoor performances to walking through a location's cobblestone streets or national forests. You can likewise find comparable options in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada, once the border reopens. In other words, we've got simply the trip for you, no matter what you and your family wish to do. Finding the best hotel for my family has always caused me headaches. Generally, you have to fit everybody's choices and likewise discover something that is fairly priced. Nevertheless, satisfying your family's desires isn't always possible and you will need to find a balance that will, in the end, make everyone delighted. I've tried to sum up a few of the very best locations that I've visited in the past which my friends have actually suggested to me. I've always trusted their judgment, and I securely think that you and your family will have a good time if you pick one of the cheap family vacations from the list. With a prime location on the shores of Maui's famous Ka'anapali Beach, families might think the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel charges rates comparable to other large resorts in the area. But that isn't the case. This affordable family resort includes lots of genuine Hawaiian touches, individualized service, a cool whale-shaped swimming pool and stunning landscaping along 11 acres of soft sand. One important note: Before you book, ensure to confirm that whatever you 'd like to visit will be open as soon as you get here. Some destinations and occasions may still be closed or restricted due to the pandemic. Also check the CDC's site for security standards, restrictions, or other considerations while traveling, as well as specific requirements for specific hotels. Family vacations can have a favorable influence on your family. Hanging out on vacation together not only develops memories however can assist to nurture and tighten up relationships. Plus vacations are actually good for your health! A vacation can lower tension, reduce burnout, and boost joy for your whole family. That being said, the thought of funding a trip might have you a bit overloaded. The terrific news is you can absolutely have the best family vacations on a budget! And when I state "on a budget", that's actually an actually good thing. By budgeting for your getaway, you can save money, which in turn implies you can travel more often and see more destinations with your liked ones. Now, how about that? In a dream world, we would all be able to take our households to Paris, Tokyo, and Disney World every single year. Budget restraints and lingering travel constraints, however, determine that we will likely require to find more budget friendly family vacation concepts that are more detailed to home. Fortunately, there's no lack of locations within a road-trip drive or a short flight, whether you're searching for an economical mini-vacation or a longer beach holiday, complete with your really own beach home leasing.

#Costa Rica family vacations

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limoteethw · 9 months

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Big Finish We Love Beards Shirt

Writing from faraway Australia I have to glumly report that our 2 most populous states, New South Wales and Victoria, as well as Canberra and its surrounds, are in hard lockdown and state and Big Finish We Love Beards Shirt irrespective of their political leanings, are taking no chance. There was a slight relaxation of public event restrictions towards the end of the 2020 pandemic – schools reopening, some theatres, concerts and sports events with limited seating – but no major festivals. Since then there has been the emergence of the even more virulent Delta strain – with no indication as to what even worse variants round the corner – and we are in total blackout conditions again – the wartime parallel will not be lost on you – or on me as an ex-Pom. So far the total death toll has not yet exceeded 1000, or only recently – in stark contrast to the daily death toll of 1000’s which you have been experiencing for weeks on end – and the population of the UK is only just over double that of Oz -but any resumption of “normal” life is just not on the horizon. In the historic past people rode out plagues, prayed to the God of their ancestors, and locked their doors until the pestilence blew over. In our time such death rates, and the yet-to-be-assessed degree of debilitation among those who survive -are just not acceptable. Much as I and my fellow-musicians, and others in a whole range of professions, are devastated by present realities, we have to accept that any wholesale re-opening of business-as-usual is not worth the risk.

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But wait a The 1975 Noacf Photo New Shirt . Mars long time ago had the same conditions as earth(flowing water etc) but why did it become like this? All the atmosphere might have washed away by the solar wind . Even now due to solar wind 100grams(not sure of the number) of atmosphere of mars is washed away per year. So even if we now emit green house gases there they are going to be washed away and become useless. But its not happening to earth, because the solar wind cannot reach till the atmosphere , our magnetic feild stops it (yes we first need to pray for that magnetic feild looking at a compass needle). Mars has no magnetic feild (it has local magnetic feilds due to some astroids with metals collided with planet but doesnt work for our purpose). Since there is no magnetic feild all the plan is waste of time. 🙁 . But wait for earth magnetic feild always changes with ti

Buy It Now:Big Finish We Love Beards Shirt

Friend Jack Skellington Las Vegas Raiders let me love you shirt

Custom Photo Trendy Aloha Hawaiian Shirt Personalized Sunset And Coconut Grove Wedding Trendy Aloha Hawaiian Shirt Group Wedding Uniforms

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Home Page: Limotees

me. So may be the same for mars. Wait for some years (not few) and then mars may develop magnetic feild. One more interesting thing mars doesnt have its own magnetic feild but sun has magnetic feild.

Home Page: Limotees

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freehawaii · 9 months

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KE AUPUNI UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 2023

Telling Our Story… I’ve been “on the road” again. For the past two weeks I’ve been at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland attending the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council, where we continue to use the UN platform to raise the issue of rampant violations of political and human rights in Hawaii, a direct result of the United States’ illegal usurpation of our nation. Over the years, many stories about our situation have been published in the international press, including the current issue of Diva International Diplomat, a magazine published at the UN in Geneva. (To read the story online, click here, https://online.flipbuilder.com/cyqgf/vzjm/ and scroll to page 20. The timing of the story provided valuable support and credibility for my visit there. Articles like this go a long way in lending credence to our pursuit for a Free Hawaii. But it’s not only these specialized foreign-affairs publications that mention our rejection of the United Statesʻ claim that it owns the Hawaiian Islands. Main-stream media has caught on to the real story too. For instance, nearly every story analyzing the Lāhainā fire — or surfing in the Olympics, or the Thirty-Meter Telescope, or over development, homelessness, the Hawaiian diaspora — whether it be the New York Times, LA Times, Washington Post, NPR, PBS, USA Today, The Guardian (London), Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera and other international press, invariably allude to (or plainly say) the fact that Hawaiiansʻ dispute the U.S. claims to Hawaii and are working to restore Hawaii as an independent nation. It is out there! The media’s awareness has been piqued. Our story has legs. They are beginning to get a glimpse of our nation rising. Why is that? Sure, for the past 50+ years, we have been in the trenches, resisting and protesting abuse of our ʻāina by the U.S. military; displacement of our people by encroaching development; calling attention to the injustice of an economic and political system that marginalizes and treats Hawaiians as illegal aliens in our own lands. We have been telling our story and challenging the U.S. in the political and legal arenas, seemingly to no avail. But, what’s different now? Why is our story now being believed and given credence? I propose two reasons:

One: There is a growing aversion among the people of the world to the harmful greed and corruption of the global economic-political system imposed by powerful countries of the world. It’s an exploitative colonial system rooted in domination and “development” in the name of progress… and decent people are disgusted by it.

Two: People all the world harbor profound Aloha for Hawaii. What? We always think of Aloha as a spirit-force that emanates from Hawaii and its people. But we don’t realize that spirit of Aloha is being reciprocated by people around the world, for Hawaii. Everyone I have ever met in my travels around the world has expressed a fascination and inexplicably deep love for Hawaii. It’s like in-bred and automatic. That’s why they are drawn here. Some of the people who care the most about what happens to Hawaii are those who have been here on what was essentially their personal pilgrimage the source of Aloha.

These two reasons are why people are much more receptive to our message of liberation for Hawaii. Now is the time to show them that our nation is alive and growing, that we have a vision for our future, and a plan on how to get there.

“Love of country is deep-seated in the breast of every Hawaiian, whatever his station.” — Queen Liliʻuokalani ---------- Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono. The sovereignty of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.

------ For the latest news and developments about our progress at the United Nations in both New York and Geneva, tune in to Free Hawaii News at 6 PM the first Friday of each month on ʻŌlelo Television, Channel 53.

------ "And remember, for the latest updates and information about the Hawaiian Kingdom check out the twice-a-month Ke Aupuni Updates published online on Facebook and other social media." PLEASE KŌKUA… Your kōkua, large or small, is vital to this effort… To contribute, go to:

• GoFundMe – CAMPAIGN TO FREE HAWAII • PayPal – use account email: [email protected] • Other – To contribute in other ways (airline miles, travel vouchers, volunteer services, etc…) email us at: [email protected] “FREE HAWAII” T-SHIRTS - etc. Check out the great FREE HAWAII products you can purchase at… http://www.robkajiwara.com/store/c8/free_hawaii_products All proceeds are used to help the cause. MAHALO! Malama Pono,

Leon Siu

Hawaiian National

#ke aupuni #leon siu #koani foundation #free hawaii #hawaiian kingdom #kingdom of hawaii

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noladyme · 2 years

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Spencer Reid: Pure Intentions - part 1

TW: liberal use of incorrect legal terms and titles, fluff, blood, violence, misogynistic dirtbags, death, slow burn, hand-holding.

Still working on finding her place in the BAU, Annabel Leigh suddenly finds herself in the heart of one of the members of the team. But is it real, or is she a replacement? A murder-case in a close-minded, very patriartichal town becomes the background for her musings.

“All things truly wicked start from innocence.” - Ernest Hemingway

“You know, it’s not that I want a serial-killer to create havoc in the Aloha state; but couldn’t just one of our trips be to Hawaii?”, I groaned, as we stepped out of the elevator. We’d just come back from a case, and my clothes still felt damp from the constant raining where we’d been.

“Well, I sincerely regret that The Hangman Murderer didn’t decide to go on a rampage there, instead of Seattle”, Hotchner grunted, with a slight smile. “I thought we didn’t use the press’ name for the UnSubs”, I said. “Well, he’s not an UnSub anymore”, Blake said. “And he’s very dead, thanks to that gun-crazed cop, who couldn’t hold it”, Rossi grunted with an irritated tone. “But, hey… We got a nice view of the Space needle, as we flew over it on the way back”. “I would trade a hundred Space Needles, for just five minutes, with my toes in the sand at the edge of the water; a cocktail in hand…”, I sighed. “In a bikini, the wind flowing through your hair… Sounds like a nice view, right Reid?”, Derek chuckled. Spencer cleared his throat, ignoring his words. “Mt. Waialeale on Kauai in Hawaii, is actually the place with the most rainfall in the States…”, he said, as he held the glass-door for the rest of us to step through it. He rushed over to his desk, and made himself busy with moving around files and folders. JJ, Hotch and Rossi hurried off too, while Blake went over to talk quietly with Spencer.

I felt my cheeks burn. “Thanks…”, I muttered. “I was just messing around”, Derek chuckled. “You’re forgetting, I have a really good hand-to-hand combat trainer”, I said. “Yeah, about that. Training is back on, Monday morning at 7 am.”, he said. I groaned, and circled my shoulder from the aches still plaguing my muscles after our last session; then walked over to my desk.

I’d had a busy first few months with the bureau. The team had been called out to consult in smaller groups of three on multiple occasions; and so far, I’d traveled with Rossi, JJ and Blake to Utah, and with Derek, Spencer and Hotch to Michigan. On top of that, the team had done several in house consultations, research for ongoing cases; and all of us had traveled out of state for multiple cases, including murder of a series of sex-offenders I didn’t quite have the heart to feel sorry for, when they were found sodomized with kitchen-knifes. The cases the BAU took on were brutal, and many of then – as Hotch had told me, when he hired me permanently – unsolvable, without the unit’s involvement. They were always juggling multiple cases at once; and I was always struggling to keep on top of everything. Being constantly exposed to the darkness of humankind was rough; but I managed to get by due to the people I was surrounded with. Morgan’s jokes, JJ’s warmth, Penelope’s gifs of yawning kittens; and Spencer’s everything.

Each morning we were at the office, he’d greet me with a bright smile, no matter what he was in the middle of. When a particular case would get to me – when the brutality of the situation was just too much – he’d be there with a kind word, or a drink or snack he thought might suit my needs or mood. He always managed to make me smile again. Spencer’s presence made me feel warm, safe and happy; signs I knew what meant, but was afraid to name the reason for. I reminded myself he was just a nice guy, and that he didn’t feel any particular way about me. He just liked to see people happy. Spencer didn’t speak to me more than anyone else, but when he did, I’d swim away in the sound of his voice, as he rambled on about whatever book he’d just read in full during breakfast, or magic trick he was practicing on. A few weeks before, I’d finally got my own desk set up, at the edge of the bull-pen; after months of migrating from one empty work-station to the next. Spencer had shown up, and pulled an artificial bouquet of flowers out of thin air – or, more likely, his sleeve – and handed it to me. “Desk-warming gift”, he’d grinned. Morgan had walked by, whispered smooth, and Spencer’s cheeks had gone pink; before he rushed away. Making my stupid crush obvious, by trying to make Spencer’s gesture something it wasn’t, Derek had made the whole situation weird. Punching him in the shoulder hadn’t seemed like punishment enough, so I’d smacked him over the head with the flowers; which now lay in the bottom drawer of my desk. I couldn’t help but feel like Spencer had avoided me ever since. I opened that same drawer, when I reached it. The rest of the team were all heading towards their own desks and offices, and I covertly straightened a petal, which had crumbled a bit, under the pressure of the drawer-debris surrounding it. After closing the drawer again, I sighed, and began drawing up a list for task I needed to get done Monday morning – preferably before.

Lists were the only way I could keep track of everything; and, thankfully, Penelope had set up a program for me on my tablet, that helped me keep organized, as there were plenty of things to tend to. Hotel-reservations for an upcoming visit to Arizona, where the anniversary for a series of murders was coming up, and Morgan and Rossi needed to go consult, to avoid copy-cats from getting ideas. Ordering the right ballpoint pens for Blake. Press was still reaching out about two former cases, and JJ had delegated it to me to send out generic responses. Hotch was running out of the coffee-capsules he liked; and he got grumpy if he didn’t get the right ones. This was on top of the piles of folders and files cluttering the surfaces in his office, which needed to be sorted into his very specific system. There was also the never-ending phone-calls and requests for consultations with specific agents, to distribute between each team member, after some overly efficient higher up had decided that the secretary who usually handled that task had better things to do; And seeing as you’re the UA, that should be your job, he’d said with a smirk. I was overworked, but knew I didn’t have even half pressure on me that the team did; so, I never mentioned it. Every time a case came in that required instant action, I had the ungrateful job of calling up each team-member, and pulling them out of family dinners and dates, to get them in for briefing before we headed out. To put it plainly, I made sure that the team didn’t have to worry about anything when it came to their comfort, took care of the tasks that didn’t specifically need to be handled by an agent, and sorted and distributed most, if not all non-electronical information. And I did it all with a smile.

I was typing away, completely focused; so, I jumped when Spencer suddenly patted my shoulder. “Sorry”, he said. “No, I’m sorry… I was just trying to get ahead”, I said. “It’s Friday night, and we don’t have a case to get out to…”. “Don’t jinx it…”, I chuckled. He blew out a short laugh. “Don’t you want to get home?”, he asked. “Do serial-killers take the weekend off?”, I grunted. “We’re no good to anyone, if we don’t take a break once in a while”, he said. “You’re right… You’re not”, I said. “Which is why you have me. I’m supposed to make all of your jobs easier, give you the breaks you need to…”. “That’s not what I meant. You need a break”, Spencer said softly. “But the team…”. “You’re part of the team”, he said. Feeling my cheeks beginning to burn again, I closed down my tablet, and put it in the top drawer of my desk. I didn’t need him to see what I was hiding in the bottom one. “Ok…”, I said quietly.

Spencer moved from one foot to the other awkwardly. “I just wanted to… that thing Morgan said earlier… I don’t think about you in a bikini…”, he said. “You don’t? How do you think about me?”, I asked, half teasing, half a little sad at his words. I liked imagining him thinking about me. Spencer looked down at his feet, frowning a bit. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable”, I said. “You don’t make me uncomfortable, Annabel”, he said. I had long ago begun to enjoy him using my given name. It always came off soft when he spoke it. “Quite the opposite. I’m always very comfortable around you. Which is why I was wondering… I was wondering if…”.

“There you are, my pets!”, Penelope exclaimed, half running towards us. “Seeing as we’ve got the weekend off, I’m thinking dancing and frivolities at Players tonight. You too, JJ”, she said over her shoulder. “I still have to write up my report”, JJ said. “Yes, but I checked with Hotch. You don’t have to turn it in until Monday…”. “But, Will has work…”, JJ groaned. “You already made plans for a nanny for Henry… Come on…”, Penelope pouted. “I’ll think about it”, JJ sighed, though her smirk gave away that she would probably agree to go.

Morgan came over, and put an arm around Penelope’s shoulders. “Rossi’s got a poker-game set up, and Blake’s husband is in town. They’re out”, he said. Hotchner passed us on his way to the elevator, to go home. “And Hotch is a stick in the mud”. Penelope looked at Spencer and me pleadingly. “It’ll be so much fun! Come with us”, she said. “Look, I don’t mind taking on these two, blonde visions, on my own”, Derek grinned. JJ threw a crumbled-up piece of paper at his head, from where she was standing, speaking with Will on the phone. “But I also wouldn’t mind a third beauty on my arm”, he winked at me. “You only have two arms, Morgan”, I chuckled at him. “That’s where Reid comes in”, he replied.

Spencer looked from me to Derek and back again. “Actually, I was just about to…”, he began. “Spence, come on. Will just gave me the green light”, JJ said. “It’s been ages since we went out and just had fun. And Abbie’s coming, right?”. “I… ok”, I said, shrugging slightly. Spencer made a twitching blink, and looked down at his feet. “They got pinball machines and arcade-games…”, Penelope said. “I guess a couple of drinks would be ok”, he said. “Yes!”, Derek exclaimed, and pressed a kiss to the top of Penelope’s head. “Players here we come!”.

---

The music from the large jukebox was loud and happy, playing anything and everything that would make people dance and drink.

“… So, I climb over the VIP-barrier – almost falling over my own feet – knock over the journalist interviewing him… and then I fall into his lap, screaming; I smell what The Rock is cooking!”. A roar of laughter rang through the bull-pen, as I finished my story. “Oh, man… How did he react?”, Derek asked. “He was actually really cool about it. Let me get a picture with him, before his bodyguard took me away”, I said. “The Rock has bodyguards?”, JJ asked. “Yup… And they’re bigger than him”.

On the plane back from Seattle, I’d lost a bet on how many of the Twilight books Spencer would manage to read before we landed. I’d been convinced he’d have to stop halfway through, complaining his brain hurt; but he’d swallowed all four volumes, including appendixes. Not terrible, he’d muttered. As payment, I had to finally tell the story of how I’d met Dwayne Johnson. “God you’re so lucky…”, Penelope sighed. “Are his thighs as firm as they look?”. “I honestly don’t remember. I was busy trying to hold down my liquor”, I said. Spencer winced, and I bit my lip; shrugging almost apologetically.

We were reaching the bottom of our second pitcher of beer, and there had been jello-shots a plenty. Derek had brought over yet another tray of the brightly colored, alcoholic treats, and I held my hands up in front of me. “I can’t… I think my liver has literally turned in to jelly by now!”, I laughed. “That’s biologically impossible”, Spencer said. “Listen to him. He’s smart”, Derek said, and handed me another shot. I threw it back, and shuddered as the gooey substance slipped down my throat; before washing it down with another mouthful of beer.

JJ and Penelope slipped away, to go dance by the jukebox. I smiled as they waved at me to come join them, and shook my head. “You don’t dance?”, Derek asked, having to raise his voice over the music. “Not well”, I chuckled. “Come on. I gotta have a dance with you. It’s tradition”, he enthused. “I always have to dance with the newest member of the team. It’s the only way I know if they’re cool”. “It’s true”, Spencer shrugged with an amused smile. “You’re a dancing profiler now?”, I asked, raising a brow at the handsome agent. “Absolutely!”, Derek said. “So, you danced with Rossi too, when he joined?”, I teased. “The man does a mean tango”, he replied. “Come on, Abs…”. I groaned in forfeit, and Derek’s lips spread in a grin. “Oh no…”, Spencer said. “Why, oh no?”, I asked warily. “I know that expression”, he said. “Yeah, you do…”, Derek grinned. He waved at Penelope, who sprang over to the jukebox excitedly, and pushed a couple of buttons. At the first sound of T-Pain’s Mhhmmhhm, I knew I was done for. “Oh no…”, I said. “Oh yeah…!”, Derek exclaimed.

Before I knew what had happened, he’d literally picked me up by the waist, and was carrying me towards the dancefloor. I mouthed a help at Spencer, who simply raised his virgin-drink at me and smiled brightly. “Traitor!”, I yelled. He shrugged, and began stacking our empty shot-glasses. Derek let me down in the middle of the floor, took my hand, and placed his free one on my hip. “Get low, Abbie!”, JJ yelled over the music, accompanied by Penelope’s whoops. Derek guided me confidently in what I could only describe as the most PG version of a series of moves from Dirty Dancing. He pressed at my hip, to get me to follow him as he made us get lower and lower to the floor. I felt awkward, but at the same time completely at ease from his way of leading me; and even felt brave enough to turn my back to him, and make a single drop-it-like-its-hot move. “Cool enough?”, I yelled, as I moved my bottom back up again. “That was not cool. That was hot!”, Derek grinned at me. “Goddamn…”.

JJ and Penelope joined us, and I let the flow of the music move my body. I knew I still looked like a wooden marionette, but with my friends – these people are my friends, I smiled to myself – I didn’t have a care in the world. When Christina Aguilera began singing Candy Man, Derek opened a couple of buttons on his shirt, and looked like a high-class pimp as he swayed around his harem of women. He twirled first Penelope under his arm, then JJ, and when he got to me, he put his arm around my waist and lowered me to the floor; making the room turn upside down. From where my head was hanging, I saw Spencer still smiling at me. I realized his eyes had never left me, and when Derek pulled me back up again, it wasn’t vertigo that had made my cheeks burn. When the music changed, and Derek began making the moves to Soulja Boy, I took it as my cue to slip away. A couple of pretty women seemed more than happy to take over for us, so JJ and Penelope joined me as we moved back towards our table.

“I kept an eye on your drinks”, Spencer said, when we joined him again. “Thank you, my knight in tweed armor!”, Penelope said. Spencer pulled a little at his blazer, and looked towards the pinball-machines in the corner. “I think there’s a free one. I’m just going to…”, he muttered, and slipped away. JJ frowned a little, before taking a sip of her beer. “He’s been acting weird these last couple of weeks”, she said. “Even more weird than usual”. “Maybe he read Lord of the Flies again. You know what that does to him”, Penelope said. “Don’t worry about Boy Wonder. He’s fine”. JJ smiled uncertainly, and took a sip of her beer. “What do you think, Abbie?”, she asked. “About what?”, I asked, going for aloof. “About Spencer”, Penelope said; a hint of teasing in her tone. I cleared my voice, and downed the last of my drink. “I think… he’s probably just got his mind on some case”, I said. “Right…”, Penelope said.

JJ frowned to herself. “Wait, what’s the date?”, she asked suddenly. Penelope looked at her phone. “Uhm… January 10”, she said. JJ’s expression grew into realization, and then sadness. “Oh, god… Maeve”, she said. Penelope’s jaw dropped. “It’ll be a year, next week”, she squeaked. “I can’t believe I didn’t remember”. “Who’s Maeve?”, I asked quietly. “It’s not our place…”, JJ said somberly. I looked at Penelope, who stood as straight as an arrow; clenching her jaw together, as if worried something might fall out her mouth if she opened it. “It’s ok… You don’t have to tell…”, I began. “His girlfriend. Maeve was Reid’s girlfriend”, she exclaimed. JJ groaned, and Penelope shook her head apologetically. “I’m sorry… You know I’m not good with secrets, when it comes to my friends’ well-being”. “He isn’t going to feel better because you shared that”, JJ said. “Sorry, Abbie. It’s not that I don’t trust you, but what happened with Maeve completely broke Spencer. He worked really hard to get back from that; and ripping open that wound…”. “I get it…”, I said; suddenly very aware of how embarrassing and completely unreciprocated my stupid crush was. Spencer had an ex that obviously still meant a lot to him. “Does anyone else need a fresh drink?”. Without waiting for an answer, I picked up the glasses Spencer had stacked and the empty pitcher, and slipped away from the table.

It was crowded by the bar, and despite my efforts, I couldn’t get the tender’s attention. “You looked good out there”, a raspy voice said into my ear. I turned my head, and was face to face with a man wearing enough cologne to make my nose want to invert itself. “Thank you”, I said dismissively. “That your boyfriend?”, he asked, and nodded in the direction of Derek. “No…”, I said, and waved at the tender again, without any luck. “Well, lucky me”, the man said. I felt his hand settle on my lower back, and in my head, instantly began going over the maneuvers Derek had thought me in our trainings so far. “Please don’t touch me”, I said. “I’m just being friendly. Let me buy you a drink”, he said. “I’m not thirsty”. “Then why are you standing at the bar?”, he chuckled. I looked back towards the table, but Penelope and JJ were occupied with laughing at Derek’s attempts to keep one of the girls he was dancing with, from opening his shirt even more. I kept looking around, before finally locking eyes with Spencer. He left his pinball game, and strode towards us. “What do you say we get out of here, hmm?”, the man said, letting the hand that wasn’t groping me stroke my arm.

A soft, warm hand took mine. “I’m going to ask you politely to step away from her now”, Spencer said shortly. The man moved his hand from my lower back, to grab me around the waist; keeping me in place. “Get your own, man…”, he grunted. Spencer tugged at my hand, and I pulled myself free from the stranger’s grasp. He grabbed my arm, holding on to it tightly. “Hey, where are you going? I wasn’t done talking to you”. Mr. Wrong tugged harshly at my arm, and I yelped in pain, as his fingers dug into my skin. “Let go of me!”, I exclaimed. I noticed Derek looking up from the sea of women surrounding him. Spencer shook his head slightly at him. “Stop being a bitch! I’m just trying to buy you a damn drink”, the man growled. “She doesn’t want your drink”, Spencer said; his hand still holding on to mine. “And you’re talking about her like she’s a commodity for you to pick up and use as you please”. “What’s it to you?”. “It just speaks volumes about you”, Spencer replied. “The fact that you’re using physical force to keep her in place, is a sign of serious lack of intelligence; seeing as you can’t charm her with your wit alone. It may also be a sign of impotence. You probably need to feel a manner of control to be able to perform the act, that you probably thought you were going to, with her”. “Are you calling me stupid?”, the man growled. “Yes. And I’m saying you can’t get it up, unless the woman is scared of you”, Spencer said. I gasped a little at his words, and looked worriedly at the man; who seemed to be getting ready for a fight. “Now, you can try to take a swing at me, but the only thing you would get from that would be one to two years behind bars for physical assault – quite possibly more, because I’m an FBI agent, and now that you know that, you’d knowingly be assaulting an officer of the law, in the process of halting a crime”. “Spencer…”, I rasped nervously. “What crime?”, the man demanded. “That cologne. It’s really bad”, Spencer said calmly.

The man finally let go of my arm, and took a step towards us. Spencer put himself between me and my aggressor protectively. He held up his free hand. “Step back”, he said. “Or what?”, the man said.

“Or this”. Derek came out of nowhere, and before I knew what had happened, had locked the guy’s arm behind his back. A couple of bouncers came running, and JJ and Garcia, hurried over to put themselves between the burly men and Morgan. JJ held up her credentials. “Everyone, just relax. This man was being aggressive towards our friend, so agent Morgan here stepped in to take care of the situation”, she said. The bouncers studied her badge, and one of them took a hold of the man, to lead him towards the door. “I had it under control”, Spencer said. “I know you did. Just wanted to help”, Derek said. “Are you ok?”, Penelope asked me, and squeezed my shoulder. “Uh huh…”, I breathed. She nodded with an empathetic smile, before turning her attention towards JJ and Derek, who were talking to the bouncer who had stayed behind.

I blew out a relieved breath. “Are you sure you’re ok?”, Spencer asked. I nodded slightly. “Yeah. I’m just glad it’s over”, I said. “Yeah. It was good Morgan came over to help you out”, he muttered. I looked at him confusedly. “But you…”. “You’re still holding my hand”, Spencer said. I instantly let go of him. “Sorry…”, I said. He parted his lips as if to speak, before swallowing thickly, and taking a step away from me. I made a fist with the hand I’d been holding his in.

“I think I’m ready to call it a night”, I said. The others had apparently finished with the bouncer, and JJ nodded. “Yeah, it’s getting late anyway”, she said. “You wanna share a cab home?”. “You’re going in the other direction”, I said. “I live three blocks away from here. I can walk”. “After what just happened? No way”, Derek enthused. “I’ll be fine”, I said. “No, he’s right. You shouldn’t be walking alone at this time of night”, Spencer said. “I’ll walk with you. It’s on the way to my train anyway”. “O-ok…”, I said, unable to decline him. “You sure you’re up for that?”, Derek asked. “Yes. I can handle myself, even if you think I can’t”, Spencer said shortly. Derek frowned at him a little. “I know you can, kid. I was just…”. “Well, don’t. I’m fine”.

Morgan stepped over to Spencer, and put his hand on his shoulder, turning the both of them a little away from the rest of us. “Look… I know we’re coming up on a pretty significant date, Reid…”, he said quietly. I felt a shudder go through me at the meaning of his words. “I get that you’re not…”. “I’m fine”, Spencer snapped. “Leave it”. “Ok…”, Derek replied. Spencer turned to look at me. “You ready to leave?”, he asked. “Uhm, yeah. Just let me get my coat”, I said. “See you guys Monday…”.

I tried for a smile at my friends, hurried over to get my things, and followed Spencer out of the bar.

---

“Seems the rain followed us from Seattle”, Spencer said, after we’d walked for a little while. He’d been quiet up until then, and I hadn’t quite known how to breach the silence myself. “Yeah, it looks like it”, I said quietly. I shivered a little from the cold, and hugged myself. “Here…”, Spencer said, and pulled off his scarf. For a second it seemed like he was about to put it around my neck himself, but in the end, he just held it out to me. “Thanks…”, I said, and wrapped myself in it. It was clearly home-knitted, and smelled like books and sandal-wood.

I looked down at the stripes, and smiled. “Number four, right?”. “What?”, Spencer asked, and made a slight jump to avoid a nearly frozen puddle. He held out his arm for me to grab, so that I could avoid it myself. I grabbed it, and tried for a dainty skip; narrowly avoiding soaking through my shoes. “The fourth Doctor”, I said. A smile finally found its way to his face. “Who knitted it?”. “I did… It was for a convention I was going to go to, with Garcia”, he said. “We ended up not going”. “Why?”. “Long story. Relationship issues”, Spencer replied, before looking at me. “Hers. Not mine”, he added ardently. “Oh, I… If it was, it wouldn’t be my business anyway”, I said. “Why not?”, he asked. I cleared my throat nervously. “Well… Y-your relationships are yours to… You don’t have to share that stuff with me”, I stammered. Spencer swallowed thickly. “But, we’re friends, right?”, he asked. “Yes!”, I said in a high-pitched voice. “Of course, we are. I just don’t want you to think that I think I have any right to…”. I sighed, unable to finish my sentence.

“Garcia told you about Maeve”, Spencer said after a long moment. I looked at him hesitantly, and nodded. “Sounds like you’re coming up on a year apart”, I said. “I get that it’s hard when relationships end. I’ve been there”. “I’d hope not”, Spencer said. “She didn’t tell you everything, did she…?”. “She just said she was your girlfriend”, I muttered. Spencer looked off into the distance, before meeting my eyes. He looked sad, but at the same time resolved. “I met Maeve, when she was helping me out with some health-issues I had”, he said. “We’d talk on the phone and write letters… It was the only way we could communicate for the longest time”. “Why?”, I asked, trying not to sound like I was pushing him to share something he wasn’t ready for. “She had a stalker. To stay safe, she had to live in hiding…”, Spencer replied. “I didn’t even meet her until the day she died”. I stopped abruptly, feeling like someone had poured a bucket of ice-cold water over me. “You lost her…”, I croaked. Spencer nodded. “The stalker shot her right in front of me, before I had the chance to even…”, he began, before biting his lips. “It’ll be a year, next week”. “I… don’t know what to say”, I rasped. “That’s ok”, he replied with a slight smile. “There’s really nothing to say”. His response was genuine, and yet I couldn’t help but feel like I should say something.

Spencer began walking again, and I followed his lead. “The guys seem to think you’re struggling a bit”, I said. “I think they’re worried about you”. “They shouldn’t be. I’m ok. Really…”, he said, before smiling at me. It didn’t quite reach his eyes. I swallowed thickly. “I hear you, but… These last couple of weeks, you’ve been really quiet. At least around me, and…”. I cleared my throat nervously. “I know we’ve only known each other…”. “Sometimes I feel like it’s difficult to talk to you”. His words hit me like a slap to the face. “I-I’m sorry…”, I said quietly. “Don’t be. It’s not your fault. It’s just the way things are”, Spencer replied. “I don’t think I understand”, I said. “I don’t want to come off like someone you can’t talk to”. “You don’t! I like talking to you, and spending time with you…”. He cleared his throat nervously, and licked his lips. “It’s why I wanted to ask you to go out for a cup of coffee with me… But you wanted to go to the bar the rest of the guys, so…”. “You were asking me out?”, I squeaked. I felt a rush of blood to my head. “Yes…”, Spencer said. “I thought I’d read the signs right. You’ve been laughing at my jokes, even the really bad ones; and when you look at me, your pupils dilate, and the pitch of your voice goes up”. “You noticed that?”, I squeaked, my cheeks burning. He nodded solemnly. “I’m sorry if I’ve come off unprofessional…” “You like me. But you don’t like me like that”, Spencer said, looking down. He didn’t sound disappointed; more like he was accepting something inevitable. “No! Spencer, I do…”, I enthused. He met my eyes again, looking adorably surprised. “You do?”, he said. “Yeah…”, I smiled. “I just didn’t realize you thought about me like that. That you wanted to ask me out”. The corner of his lip twitched, as if he was about to smile, but didn’t quite know if it was the right response. “I wanted to spend time with you. Alone”, he said. “It feels like whenever we’re at the office, there’s always someone with an opinion on what I say or do around you; and when we’re on a case somewhere, we’re pretty busy taking down criminals. Doesn’t leave a lot of time for… courting”. I stifled a grin. “Courting?”. “Sounds better than flirting. More chivalrous. You deserve that”, he said matter-of-factly. He looked down shyly. “Do you think I could hold your hand again?”. I nodded smilingly, and reached for his hand; letting our fingers merge. He gave me a slight squeeze, and led us on.

We kept strolling down the sidewalk, passing other people out in groups, or walking as couples. It felt so natural to walk there next to Spencer, as if there was no other place in the world we were supposed to be. “We could still have that coffee…”, he said, as we passed an all-night diner. I was about to reply with a yes, when my phone vibrated in my pocket. My fingers still linked with Spencer’s, I used my free hand to pull it out, and groaned defeatedly, when I saw the caller-id. “Hotch?”, I said, when I answered. “I need everyone on the plane. Body found in Hamlet, Alabama. Briefing en route”, Hotchner said shortly. I recognized his stressed voice. “Yes, sir. I’ll round up the team ”, I said. “Is there…?”. He’d already hung up. “Well, you’re very welcome… I’ll never get used to that”. “We caught a case?”, Spencer asked disappointedly. “Alabama. I need to make the calls”, I sighed.

---

After calling in the team, I caught a cab to the airfield. Spencer found his own way there. We didn’t need words to agree to keep what we had talked about between ourselves; both knowing how work would become very complicated if everyone found out. The team was already on board, and I muttered an apology as I took my usual seat towards the front of the plane. I found it amazing how they all managed to look so put together, considering the fact that it was well past 1 am.

Spencer was seated in his usual seat. We shared a short, knowing gaze. I noticed Morgan giving him an inquisitive look, before being interrupted by Hotchner beginning the meeting. “Three bodies found buried in a sand-box, on a playground in a park in Wecklenburg”, he said. The screens blinked on, and Penelope chimed in; having appeared on the screen of the laptop in front of Hotch. “Excuse me, sir. Four bodies, now. The last one was found when the police searched another sandbox about ten feet away. Apparently, whoever did the burying couldn’t find room for the fourth in the first one”. “Do we have a positive id on the victims?”, JJ asked. “Only the three of them have been identified so far”, Garcia said. “Justine Howard, 17. B-plus student, cheerleader… Just your average teenage girl, raised in a middle-class family. Only real kink in her records is a truancy-report from last year. Apparently, Justine decided to go shopping with her friends, instead of going to history class. Then there’s Gabby Hall. Near exact same background, save the record. She’s squeaky clean. Her parents were out of town on a timeshare weekend two states over. They’re driving back to Wecklenburg now, but won’t be home until tomorrow afternoon”. “That has to be a difficult journey to make…”, Derek muttered. “And the last one?”, Blake asked. “Amanda Luther; 16. She’s from Turret, Mississippi; just across the state line”. “So all the victims have similar backgrounds”, JJ said. I hustled to make online reservations at a hotel, so that everyone could have a place to sleep if they had time. There was a good chance that this wasn’t going to be a one-day trip.

“Burying the victims on a playground… It’s almost as if the UnSub was trying to infantilize the victims”, Spencer said. “I’m sending you pictures now. They’re… not fun”, Garcia said. “All vics are dressed in fancy dresses”, Rossi said. “And those cuts to their chests and lower abdomen...”, Blake muttered. “Are those the cause of death”. “Indeed, they are. The victims were stabbed repeatedly in their hearts, and in their genital area. They bled out from their injuries”. “Dave and Blake, I want you two on the scene”, Hotch said. “JJ and Morgan, go speak to Justine Howard’s parents. I want us on them before the press. Reid and I will set up at Wecklenburg PD. Leigh, we’ll need our usual setup, and call Amanda Luther’s parents. Have them meet us at the precinct when they arrive in town”. “And I’m going to need a map of the layout of the playground”, Spencer said. “Please”, he added more softly. “Will do”, I said.

“Just a heads up. We weren’t invited by the local PD”, Hotch said. “Then who?”, Rossi asked. “A sheriff Clapman”, he replied. “She’s the head of multiple districts in the area, including Wecklenburg. She only just got elected a few months ago”. “But Amanda Luther is from another state. That makes the case federal”, JJ said. “And that was the only way reason she was able to force the chief deputy to work with us”, Hotch said. “So, we’re dealing with a reluctant department”, Morgan said. “Great”. “We’ll be fine. Business as usual”, Hotch said. “But I’m going to have to ask all of you who went out tonight, to take a breathalyzer test. We don’t need the chief deputy to question our capabilities due to being under the influence”. “Hotch, you’re kidding…”, Derek said. “You know we don’t overindulge, unless we have guaranteed time off, or vacation-days”. “Morgan!”, Hotchner said brusquely. Derek leaned back in his seat; his jaw clenched. “I am kidding. It was a joke. And I’m not a stick in the mud”.

I stifled a grin, and got back to work, calling up Wecklenburg PD, to get us set up.

---

With no field-office nearby, the local PD was supposed to pick us up from the airstrip in unmarked police vehicles. I’d called ahead to make sure they did, but we still ended up waiting for at least twenty minutes, standing outside the hangar in the cold. When two marked patrol cars finally arrived, we had to squeeze into them along with the deputies taking us to our destinations; Rossi, JJ, Derek and Blake in one, and Hotch, Spencer and I in the other. Derek visibly shuddered at the prospect of having to sit in the back of their car, behind the barred divider. “I prefer the back. Reminds me of the good old days, when car-service brought me around to book signings”, Rossi smiled. JJ and Blake both got in the back as well, without another word. Derek muttered a thanks, and got in the front with the deputy. Hotch got in next to our driver, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. In the darkness of the back-seat, I felt Spencer search for my hand across the seat. I linked my pinky through his, and a sweet smile ghosted his face. We sat like that in silence, the whole way to Wecklenburg.

When we arrived at the department, I went in ahead of Hotch and Spencer; wanting to make sure everything was where it needed to be. A middle-aged, scrawny police officer came over, and reached out his hand to me. “Miss Leigh? We talked on the phone”, he said. “UA Leigh”, I said, and shook his hand. His grasp was sweaty, which surprised me. “I’m chief deputy Mills”, the man said, and gestured towards a door that read conference room. “I’ve got you set up right in here”. I doubted he’d done much of the work, when it came to setting us up. He looked like he was most comfortable behind his desk, getting other people to do things for him. You’re not a profiler, I reminded myself, and simply smiled at the chief deputy. “Thank you, sir”, I said. “What’s a UA?”, Mills asked, and opened the door for me; holding out his arm for me to enter. “Unit assistant”, I said, setting down my work-bag on the large table. A blackboard was set up in the corner of the room, next to an old filing-cabinet. “I asked for dry-erase…”. “Best we could do. This isn’t Madison PD”, he replied. “And what does a UA do?”. “I make sure the team have what they need to do their jobs. Contact witnesses, get information from one source to another, take notes…”. “So, like a secretary”, Mills smirked. I looked through the large window of the conference room. Out of the half a dozen police-officers left at the station – the rest of them probably being at the crime-scene – not one was a woman. Mills would have a real issue with JJ and Blake. “Something like that. Think of me like a PA. You know what that is, right?”, I said, unable to hide my distaste of his attitude. “Great. In that case, why don’t you go get some coffee set up for us”, he said. “Their PA. Not yours”, I said.

The deputy sheriff tilted his head slightly, and looked down at my tight-fitting jeans. His eyes traveled my body, and I felt instantly uncomfortable, and then relieved, when I saw Spencer and Hotch entering the police-station, through the open door of the room. “I thought the FBI had a dress-code”, he said throatily. I looked down at my blazer – the only conservative thing I’d had time to put on over the top and pants I’d worn for our night out – and swallowed thickly.

I looked towards the door; willing Spencer and Hotch to hurry up and join us. “Our team is going to need access to at least two unmarked vehicles for the duration of the case”. “Why?”, Mills asked. “Because the agents need to be able to move around without press following them, and without drawing attention”, I replied. I refrained from complaining about being picked up late.

Mills frowned, and was about to speak again, when Hotch and Spencer finally entered the room. “Chief deputy Mills. I’m SSA Hotchner, and this is doctor Reid”, Hotch said. “Welcome. This lovely, young lady had me prepare our break-room for you”, Mills said. Spencer made a dissatisfied face, and shot me a short look. He probably recognized my annoyed expression. “The door says conference room”, he commented. “We don’t have a need for a lot of conferencing around here. Until now…”, Mills said. “It’s sure as hell inconvenient those girls showing up dead right now”. “I’m sure their families are finding it inconvenient as well”, Hotch said. Mill’s expression sobered. “Right… It’s just, our town just celebrated three years officialy crime-free. Then that woman gets elected to be sheriff, and all that changes”. “Are you thinking sheriff Clapmann has something to do with these murders?”, Hotch asked shortly. He was challenging Mills, and I stifled a smile; looking away. “No, of course not! It’s just, since she’s come around, we’ve had to…”, Mills began, before halting himself. “She has different ideas of how to do the job. Means more crimes reported”. “Because you have less time for preventative work?”, Spencer said. “Uh huh”, Mills said in an indifferent tone. “Three years, completely crime free?”, Hotch asked. “Well, we pride ourselves in being a decent town”, Mills said smugly.

My phone rang, and I didn’t hear the rest of the conversation. “Rossi?”, I said, when I picked up. “Yeah, Abbie. Was there a mix-up at the station? We only got two deputies out here”, Dave said. I looked over at Mills. “Excuse me, chief deputy? One of our agents is asking where your men are”, I said. “Oh they’re all here, sweetheart”. I recoiled slightly at his words. “I left two of them guarding the bodies out there, but the rest of my boys got other work to do, so I called them back. And now that you’re here to solve the case for us, I figured you’d take it from here”. “That’s not how this works, chief deputy”, Hotch said. “This is supposed to be a cooperation between this department, and our team”. “Well, I can’t have my guys running all over the park, scaring the local community into thinking something serious has happened”, Mills said. “Something serious has happened, and they should be scared”, Spencer said, an edge to his voice. “What about the medical examiner?”. “Those girls are dead, and they got their bodies cut up. What else do you need to know?”. “Send your men back out to the scene”, Hotch said, clearly trying to control his temper. “Leigh, call the ME. Have them meet us out there”. Mills left the room with an annoyed huff. “Rossi, you hear that?”, I said into the phone. “Sure did. This is a great town, so far”, Dave grunted. We hung up, and I pocketed my phone. “Reid, stay here”, Hotch said. “I’m going out to meet Rossi and Blake; but from now on, none of us fly solo on this case. Keep your federal id visible, Leigh. I don’t need anyone here questioning you, as you do your job”. “Yes, sir…”, I muttered. “Three years crime-free… That’s quite impressive, even for a small town like this”, Spencer said. “Impressive… and impossible”, Hotch grunted. He hurried out of the door, and down the hall to the exit.

“Looks like you got babysitting duty”, I said, when Spencer and I were alone. “You don’t need a babysitter”, he said, and set down his bag. There was a large stain on the table, and he took a dissatisfied step backwards, always the germophobe. “But Hotch is right. You shouldn’t be alone here. I don’t like the way the chief deputy looked at you”. “How was that?”, I asked, hoping he was jealous; at least a little bit. “See the lack of women around here? How he spoke of the sheriff, and the way he referred to you as sweetheart?”, he said. “This place isn’t used to seeing women in law-enforcement positions; and the chief deputy just seems like an all-round jerk”. “That your professional opinion, Doctor?”, I asked. His adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed thickly, stifling a smile. I scratched my nose to hide one myself, before I continued. “I’m going to try to set up a connection to Garcia. They have to have at least wi-fi around here”. “And that map of the playground and park”, Spencer said. “Ok”, I said, and rushed past him to go do my job.

“Hey, did you bring…?”, Spencer began, as I walked away. “Hand-sanitizer in my bag. Front pocket”, I smiled over my shoulder. “I know how to be a companion”. “I should call you Sarah Jane Smith”, he chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment”, I grinned. ---

Thanks for reading. Remember to comment.

#spencer reid #spencer reid fic #doctor spencer reid #spencer reid fluff #criminal minds

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theaviskullguy · 3 years

Text

Ink and Petals

@dapple-dualies-propaganda here's the au

Tattoo artist! Rider x Florist! Goggles

hope you enjoy!

---------

When was it not busy at Squid ink?

It was one of the top Tattoo Parlors in Inkopolis. and it was also on a pretty busy street. So, it got a lot of customers. Also the fact that one of the artists was a famous turfer.

Rider hadn't formerly retired, but he had eased out of playing Turf Wars. He had found other interests outside of the sport: Theater, art, reviewing old movies online... He still did Turf from time to time, albeit the adult league. He was too old for the more popular teen division.

So, he found a job as a tattoo artist. And he rather loved it. Not only did most of his friends consult him for tattoo advice (from where the best places are to good designs), but he also knew some gossip. One of his regulars had beef with her neighbor because he has a pet raccoon who keeps stealing her trash and Rider could NOT wait to hear more about this story.

Another thing was, well, Rider had seen some shit. From people covered head to toe in tats, to people eagerly wanting their first tattoo, even to shyer folk who wanted one to defy controlling parents or to mark something important.

None of that prepared Rider for the news he got when tattooing one of the customers. More specifically, Gloves.

You see, Gloves had been coming in for the past few days. They had wanted a pretty complicated butterfly tat, so for the last 3 days Rider has been exchanging stories with the resident enby about... pretty much anything.

This is how this exchange happened;

"So you remember Goggles, right?" Gloves asked.

Rider rolled his eyes. "What, you think I'd forget the guy who kept pulling down my pants?"

"Oh ha ha. Anyways, apparently he works at that flower shop now."

"...He what?"

"You heard me!" They said. "I went there yesterday to get something for a project and there was Goggles! He misses you, 'ya know!"

Rider was just. quiet. He hadn't talked to his crush in a while, contact dwindled when Rider stopped doing Turf as much. Never once did he think Goggles would miss him, but that was probably the self hatred talking.

"...I'll think about it." Was all Rider said.

The conversation continued like nothing happen; Gloves saying multiple cursed things and Rider sharing interesting stories he heard on his job. Time flew by and soon, the tattoo was done; a butterfly with the bi colors on one wing and the nb colors on the other. Rider was quite proud of it, and Gloves seemed to like it. They waved, and left the store, humming to themselves.

Rider looked at the clock. His shift ended in just a few minutes. He knew he had no other appointments that day, so he took to watching old recorded matches in his phone.

Those were over a decade ago. Yet he still remembered everything. His favorite part was still learning he won a match by such a small margin. It was just... amazing.

He sighed. Rider missed those battles. But he has to say, he missed his crush a bit more.

He clocked out, saying goodbye to the other employee-Cherry (business relationships were easy to maintain when your coworkers were your siblings), and headed towards the flower shop for more reasons than one.

Army had a performance the next day. And yeah, Rider knew it was romantic, but platonically giving your best friend flowers was always nice. Plus, he wanted an excuse to see Goggles again.

He looked into the shop-the blue inkling was nowhere to be seen, but then again neither was the front desk. So, Rider shrugged and stepped in.

The floral scent was strong, but not overwhelming. Plenty of blossoms lined the stands, along with tags of what the flowers were and what they meant.

Rider looked around, trying to remember which flowers Army liked again, when he heard a familiar, youthful voice.

"Hi! Need any help?"

The inkling turned around. Goggles had definitely changed since Rider last saw him; his tentacles were longer and in an actual bun, for once. His blue eyes still had that clarity, and he still had that goofy smile. Though he didn't seem to recognize Rider.

"Uhh... I'll be fine. I'm just trying to remember what flower my friend likes the most." He said, hoping his accent didn't give him away; there weren't many in Inkopolis with an Australian accent.

But, Goggles didn't seem to notice or care. "Oh, okay!"

Rider internally breathed a sigh of relief. That would have been awkward if Goggles recognized him.

He looked around the shop, before spotting a bouquet of lilies. He knew Army liked lilies. If they weren't his favorite flower, it'd be close enough.

Rider took a few of the bigger ones, and a few white roses for variety, and took them to the counter.

Goggles smiled. "This a special occasion?"

"Not exactly. Just, my friend's doing a performance for a musical and I wanted to get him something for it." Rider explained.

"What musical?" Gogs asked, arranging the flowers with a sheer, white ribbon tying them together.

"Hadestown. He got Eurydice."

"Oh! I went to go see it last night! Army's amazing at that role. He's your friend, right?"

Rider internally panicked, but calmed down after remembering he wasn't Army's only friend. "Yeah. We've been friends for a while now."

"Well, tell him I said hi!" He handed the bouquet to Rider. "On me, alright? It's for a friend anyways!"

Rider nodded. "Thanks, mate."

"You're welcome!"

------

A few weeks went by. Rider occasionally stopped at the flower shop and got flowers for...well, no real reason. He'd use them to add color to his house, or give them to friends. He just wanted an excuse to see Goggles.

He'd talked to the blue inkling a bit more, too. He'd gotten into the business since, well, he really liked flowers, and he wanted a job where he could just...relax! He still did Turf, of course, but the Adult league was more serious than the teen one, and he just wanted to have fun instead of be expected to take a game seriously.

He still didn't recognize Rider. The yellow-green inkling was a bit hurt by this, to be honest.

Though, it was a bit startling when Goggles actually walked into Rider's work. And Rider was assigned to give Goggles his first tattoo: A blue jay on his shoulder, taking off from a branch.

This time, it was Goggles' turn to ask questions as Rider worked.

"Sooo.... you've been coming into my shop for a while and I still don't know your name!" The blue inkling stated. "I mean, you can probably recognize me though!"

Rider shrugged. "Well, who can forget Goggles of the Idiot Blue team?"

Goggles giggled. "You do know me! I still don't know you!!"

"...I can assure you, we've met before that day I got Army flowers." Rider said.

"Ooh! Can I try and guess who you are?"

"Ehh, why not."

"Okay! Umm..." Goggles thought for a moment. "Clams facemask?"

Rider shook his head. "Nope."

"Inkfall?"

"Wrong."

"Eging Jr?"

"Not even close there."

"Stealth Goggles?"

"Getting closer, I'll give you that."

"....Rider?" Goggles asked.

Rider chuckled. "Took you long enough, idiot."

Goggles smiled wide. "I finally found you! Hi Riri!"

"Hey, Gogs. It's been a while."

"Yeah! I'm a bit surprised I didn't recognize you, since we were pretty close!" Goggles stated.

Rider shrugged. "Well, I'm not the most memorable person anyways."

"Riderrrrr don't say that!" Goggles said. "You're still really popular!"

"To some people, maybe. Not everyone."

There was a tense silence, other than the hum of the tattoo needle as it made the drawing.

"....So." Goggles started again. "How's life?"

"It's...well, better than it was." Rider said. "Got my own place, for one. Though it gets a bit lonely.. You?"

"I'm still living in an apartment. I really want a roommate!" Goggles proclaimed. "Maybe we could move in together?"

"..I'll think about it, Gogs. Though it might be fun being your roommate."

"Really? Thanks Rider!" Goggled smiled.

The conversation grew more casual. Rider enjoyed it; turns out Goggles had his fair share of gossip. It was kinda cool.

And as the next few days passed, Rider looked forward to each of those sessions. His crush seemed to go from "this person would be fun to date i think" to "hOLY MOTHER OF THE GODS IM IN L O V E", and it didn't help that during those meetings, Goggles had to be shirtless.

The days turned into weeks and months. Goggles moved in with Rider, and the two became incredibly close friends.

And, it came to a head near valentines day. Goggles' shop was very busy, as expected. Luckily, Squid Ink wasn't as much.

So, on his day off, just before Valentines, Rider headed to the flower shop and got a bouquet of roses. Cliché to confess on Valentines day, Rider knew, but he's a pining gay cut him some slack.

And Rider came home right as Goggles was leaving for his shift. So, that left Rider with a good 3 hours to practice his confession.

"Alright, Rider. This has to be CASUAL. 'Hey, I've liked you for over a decade but just now had the confidence to confess!' No, too creepy sounding. 'Yo, Gogs. I really like you and maybe we could go out to dinner sometimes?' ...Too casual."

....Yeah, this went on for a while.

Rider groaned, collapsing his his bed. "I wish feelings were fucking easier...I should just call Army."

So, he grabbed his phone and selected the contact, Veronica Sawyer Kinnie

"C'mon, Army... pick up."

And not one ring later, "Rider, what is it?"

"...I need romantic help. Please." Rider asked.

"Look, just because I'm married to Aloha, doesn't mean I know how I ended up here."

"Yeah, I kinda know that." He stated. "Still. I really need some help."

Army sighed. "Who is it? It's totally that one person with the raccoon story-"

"Actually, no. It's, um.... It's Goggles."

The octoling on the other end of the line could be heard sighing. "Still a morosexual I see."

"OI! You're the one who married a fuckin himbo!"

".....Touché. Still, there's a difference."

Rider huffed. "Just... give me some advice. I wanna confess to him tomorrow but I've got no idea how. I'm giving him roses, but like, there's gotta be something more I could do, y'know?"

"Have you tried asking Prince?" Army suggested. "He is the one with the obsession with rom coms and romance novels."

"This is his exam period, Army. I'm not about to potentially interrupt a cram session by asking for romantic advice!"

"Fair enough. I'd say...well, just rip off the band aid. Like... 'Hey, Goggles, I really like you and was wondering if you'd like to be my boyfriend.'"

"...Thanks, Arm. I'll, uh, give it a try."

-------

Rider couldn't sleep that well. Mainly out of anticipation.

He was gonna confess to his crush of...over a decade, at least. He didn't fuckin know what was gonna happen!

Like, would Goggles reciprocate? Would he hate Rider after it? WHAT THE FUCK WOULD HAPPEN-

He sighed. He needed to get his mind off this shit.

Rider looked over to his bedside clock: 5AM. 5 hours before his shift. 5 hours to get his shit together and plan for confessing to the world's cutest but also dumbest man later that night.

C'mon, Rider. Think. Army said to rip it off like a band aid, but Goggles might find that a little sudden and out of the blue. He could write a letter and leave it for Goggles when he went to his shift (The flower shop was closed on Valentines day). That would be a safe option.

Rider sat up, and got out a piece of paper and pencil, writing a note.

"Hey, Goggles.

There's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while. I really, really like you. As in, a crush.

I totally get it if you don't like me back, or think I'm weird, but hey, I was wondering if you'd wanna go out to dinner or something. Probably not tonight cause of Valentine's day but maybe tomorrow night or something.

-Rider"

Quickly, he folded it and wrote Goggles' name, putting a little heart sticker on it. It was corny, but hey, Rider had to use up those stickers somehow.

Rider attached it to the roses, and kept it on his desk.

And so, the morning went as normal. He had breakfast, got out of his pjs, put his hair up... the usual.

But as Rider left to go to work, he left the note and rose on the table, and left the house quickly.

During the day, he nearly forgotten all about it; He caught up with the gossip-Apparently the neighbor with the raccoon and the regular were now dating. So that was a nice little end to the story.

Squid Ink wasn't AS busy-probably because it was Valentines day, people were spending it with their lovers, not getting inked up (unless they made the appointment when single)

And it was near the end of Rider's shift when he heard his name mentioned. Probably someone making an appointment before he heard the familiar voice of Goggles going "Okay!!"

The blue inkling walked over to his station. "Hi Ridey!!"

"...Hey, Gogs. Getting another tat?" Rider asked, trying to keep his cool.

Goggles nodded. "Yeah!!!"

"A'ight anything specific in mind or-"

"Can I get just a simple quote one?"

Rider nodded. "Where do you want it?"

Goggles pulled down the collar of his shirt slightly. "Right here, please!"

"Okay. Just try to keep holding that down so I don't mess up.

-----

And so, tattoo conversations ensued.

The quote Goggles had wanted was a simple Pride one, that said "love is love". It was discreet, but a bit of it could be seen poking out if Goggles ever wore a v-neck.

"So, any plans for tonight?" Rider asked, trying to keep things subtle. Maybe Goggles hadn't read the note yet.

The blue inkling nodded. "Kinda! I had mental plans buuuuut nothing serious."

Rider raised an eyebrow. "Who with?"

"..I m-mean, I still have to ask him.." Goggles' face turned a shade of blue, and he averted his gaze.

"....Can I guess who he is?"

"If ya can!"

He smiled. "Does his name have an R in it?" Rider had a guess it was himself, but it wouldn't hurt to check.

Goggles nodded. "Yeah!"

"Got an accent?"

"Yep!!"

"Is he doing your tattoo?"

"....y-yeah?" Goggles sheepishly smiled. "I'm n-not that discreet, am I?"

Rider chuckled, but on the inside he was screeching. "Honestly? I had no clue myself."

"Really? I've been dropping the most obvious hints!"

"...Like what?" Rider asked, now a bit curious.

"Welllll I've been picking movies you like during movie night, I've made sure to get your drink on coffee runs, Oh! And I offered to cook dinner that one time!" Goggles stated.

"...Damn. I'm just oblivious then." The former dynamo user laughed, before turning off the needle. "There. It's all done." Rider held up a mirror for the blue boy.

Goggles' face lit up. "Whoa! It looks amazing!!! Thanks Riri!"

Rider smiled. "You're welcome. Now, uh, ...did you read my note?"

"..Y-yeah, I did. And, um...I like you too Rider!!" The blue man pressed a small, quick kiss to Rider's cheek.

Rider blushed. "S-so, you'll let me t-take you out?"

Goggles nodded. "Yeah!!!"

"I...thanks, Gogs."

"You're welcome Riri!!!"

----------

aAAAAA RUSHED END

but like. hope yall enjoy!

#Galax Writes #tattoo artist x florist #splatoon #coroika #coroika rider #coroika goggles #goggles x rider

47 notes · View notes

zoeykallus · 1 year

Note

hi i hope you’re doing amazing ! i recently discovered your account and have been blessed to see such amazing work🤩

recently i had to get a spinal fusion surgery. which also means i have metal rods and screws in my back :( it’s been tough for sure and most days i’m fine but there are days where i can’t just stop thinking about everything that happened before my accident and how this will change how i do things in the future. i know this may seem like a long shot but i was wondering if you could do a little one shot with echo about post surgery and how supportive he would be during the recovery process and those hard days ? he really is my comfort character and i know he would just be so understanding😭

Aloha!

How are you doing by now? Wishing you a speedy recovery, strength and love to deal with this new situation 💚

Echo is indeed a perfect comfort character, especially for something like this, I assume. Let me see what I can do for you.

Echo x Reader One - Shot - By Your Side

Warnings: Hurt/Comfort/Reader Recovering From Surgery After Serious Injury/Accident

___________________

You slowly open your eyes, you are still hungover, everything feels strange and as if you are wrapped in absorbent cotton, at least for the moment. You feel dizzy, sleepy, the anesthesia hasn't really let you go yet. Blinking, you try to get used to the light and immediately realize that you don't like your surroundings, but you didn't expect that. Hospitals are rarely pretty to look at. "Finally awake, sleepyhead?" Echo's soft tone with his deep voice, immediately creeps under your skin, to your deepest core, like soothing balm. You want to say something, but your mouth is so dry that you barely get your lips apart. Not a second later, you see Echo's hand, a cup and a straw. "Drink slowly," he says gently, "The doctors say your stomach might rebel if you take in food and liquids too quickly." You are incredibly thirsty, but you force yourself to take small, careful sips. "That's it," Echo says with a satisfied smile. Finally, you can speak again. "You're here," you state, smiling at him. Echo raises his brows. "Of course I'm here, by your side. Where else would I be?" He puts the cup back down and gently clasps your hand with his. "How do you feel?" he wants to know. You think for a small moment before answering with a sigh, "Fine, I guess, considering the circumstances. Tired, groggy from the anesthesia, and I'm not very comfortable in hospitals in general, but I guess that's beside the point." You glance at an imaginary point on the opposite wall and drift off in thought for a moment as you feel Echo's hand apply gentle pressure to yours, and he asks, "What's wrong? What are you thinking about right now?"

You look at him thoughtfully and reply, "About my recovery, the healing process, the physical therapies needed, and how everything will change in the near future." "That worries you?" You nod tentatively. Echo smiles at you, unperturbed. "You don't have to go through this alone, you have me. Don't worry, I'll help you with everything, support you. It will all seem hard at first, but it'll go away in time, you'll see." And Echo keeps his promise. He is always there when you need him, whenever he can, he is by your side, at doctor's appointments, therapeutic measures and in everyday life. You never once hear him grumble or complain. The only times you see him upset is when you neglect yourself or want to go too far too fast. He reprimands you now and then, but he does it out of affection and genuine concern for you. Echo makes sure you are always taken care of, even when he can't be there himself. He calls regularly from the road to hear how you are doing and to make sure you are recovering well. Still, of course, you worry, fearing that all this might become too much for him or that he might see you with different eyes than before. One day, when he comes back from a mission, he goes straight to you, carrying shopping bags with ingredients for a delicious dinner. The moment he walks in the door and smiles at you, all the fears and doubts that plagued you in his absence vanish. The genuine joy on his face to see you again, tingles under your skin, every time.

"Did you miss me much?" he asks with a grin, kissing your forehead. "Hell of a lot," you say, beaming at him. Echo lifts his bags in the air and says, "I'll be in the kitchen making us a decent dinner, then we'll take some time just for us" "That sounds wonderful" Echo takes care of everything, you don't have to ask him for anything, he does all these things by himself. He has a sense of what you need and what needs to be done. He has a talent for calming you down, taking away your fears and making you relax, even in moments when you don't think it's possible. As you become thoughtful again over dinner, Echo gently but firmly tells you, "Love, look at me. I know what you've been through is scary and healing is exhausting, but there's no need for fear or doubt. You are still you, still the person I love, don't let your gloomy thoughts take away your joy for the future. And above all, enjoy the good food." He smirks at you, and you automatically smirk back. "What would I do without you?" you ask, amused. Echo laughs softly and says, "Eat much worse for sure."

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

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@darkangel4121

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@hunterssecretrecipe

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@hated-by-me

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@echos-girlfriend

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@pb-jellybeans

@starwarsnerd111

#echo x reader #tbb echo x reader #echo fanfic #echo fluff #arc trooper echo #bad batch echo #echo bad batch #echo x fem reader #echo x female reader #echo x you #clone trooper echo #echo tbb #tbb echo #swtbb #star wars #fanfiction #star wars fanfiction #echo oneshot #the bad batch

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kenziedrawz · 2 years

Note

Apologizing on anon, as I'm very shy (but I do follow you!) though I really love your Floating Isle of Inkopolis AU and love to learn more from it! Especially the fate of Aloha ( ；∀；) -🌺 anon (p.s: if I ever work up the courage, I'll ask as a not anon next time qwq)

Don't worry Anon! Everyone gets nervous sometimes.

As for the fate of Aloha in Floating Isle of Inkopolis, He does infact live! I haven't stated this on tumblr before but Mask does indeed help him get back to the surface after a while(aka around a week or two.) Then a few days later he gets sent down again by the same two octolings, and is saved again, by Mask. Who, after a day, attempts to take him back up to the surface but is caught in the act by Skull.

You see, deep sea Inklings are not supposed to go near the Surface at all, this was a rule imported by the X-Blood, who kind of rule over all the deep-sea inklings. Skull used to be apart of them but left on his own terms, but he still tends to half-enforce the rules. This causes the get Aloha back to the surface 2 electric boogaloo plan to fail, Mask does manage to get away without Skull finding out about Aloha though. So now they have to wait until Skull leaves the area which calls for some-what awkward bonding time. And that's all i have for now.

#coroika au #coroika #splatoon coroika #splatoon manga #aloha coroika #floating isle of inkopolis au #mask coroika

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lonelypond · 3 years

Text

BETWEEN US

NicoMaki, Love Live, 3.6K, 1/1

Summary: Nishikino Maki and Yazawa Nico have many challenges ahead, but they get through them together.

Between Us

Is this what love is? Not a fire that bites painfully but two people laying so close to feel every breath, hands nearly touching, eyes on the brilliant stars opening themselves up suddenly, sure enough to share truths they speak into the night, this solitary space, this private moment between them.

Nishikino Maki spoke first, always the more impatient, curious about Yazawa Nico’s state of mind. “What do you want to do, Nico-chan?”

“Nico wants to show everyone that little and cute can be strong, sexy smart, talented, funny, hard working, successful….I’m tired of how the world treats cute girls like Nico. Nico is a star.” Nico flung her arms out, to encompass the sky. “They should be in awe.”

I am, Maki said to herself, and then thought, why not say it out loud. This was all new, why not be bolder.

“I am.”

Nico squeezed Maki’s hand, a reward for honesty. “What do you want to do, Maki-chan?”

No one said Maki’s name like Nico. It had been Maki’s anchor through the continuing craziness of Muse, Eli’s taskmaster torture, qualifying, Honoka’s collapse, then starting over, right as they discovered these new feelings, a gift from all they’d been through.

“I want to use the Nishikino fortune for new things, good things, to stop propping up out dated ways and awful people. I want to find new ways to help…” Maki was a person of specifics and she had a list. “Girls, gays, empaths, people fighting bigotry, neurodivergents, water protectors,” Maki thought of Rin and giggled, “furries, us, our friends, the world.”

“Maki-chan will do great things.”

“Once I’m 30.”

Nico Yazawa considered. This was so new and 14 years from now, when Maki was a doctor and her trust vested, seemed as distant as the nearest star Nico could see. But Nico knew naming goals was the first step to achieving them, even if it seemed a wild fantasy.

“Nico will be there.” Not flashy, just quiet determination.

Nico heard Maki gulp. She was probably tearing up and couldn’t speak. Nico didn’t really expect her too. Sharing was such a new trust. But Maki’s hand carefully kept precise palm to palm contact with Nico’s. That said everything.

“Marry Nico.”

Maki sighed. “No one can know.”

“Okay.”

YAZAWA NICO FINISHES FIRST INTERNATIONAL TOUR WITH SPRING SPLASH IN HONOLULU

NISHIKINO MAKI BEGINS RONIN YEAR SOLO WORLD TOUR SURFING IN MAUI

Sunrise. Quiet beach. Her own choices. Is this what contentment felt like, Maki wondered. Finally, moments of quiet to listen for the important things. Leaning against her duffle and board, dressed in a striped rash guard, bright lavender board shorts, and a faded denim “You Are On Native Land” cap, Maki stretched, watching the horizon as a lone speck appeared in the distance, jogging toward her, not actually growing much as the distance closed, Maki thought with a private grin. Nico, running in an oversized hoodie and bikini bottom, gasped dramatically, reaching a hand for the water bottle Maki held out as a lure.

“Still running 5Ks every morning?”

“10K when I don’t have a concert or rehearsal. Nico is a boss.”

“Umi would be proud.”

Nico dropped and did ten fast pushups in the sand next to Maki, “Not if Nico told her it was only to make girls swoon.”

“Girls?” Maki arched an eyebrow, hand sweeping through her hair.

“Girl.”

“Fiancee.”

Nico laughed, rolling toward Maki, pulling her down into a playful, sandy kiss. “Ready to upgrade to trophy wife?”

“Yes.”

But there was no hurry that morning. Both had put their other lives on multiple 15 plus hour flights and fallen briefly off the grid to sit side by side on this hidden beach, the tide surging, a rare treasured morning to share.

“Went to the symphony last night. Monica Mancini sang, Henry Mancini’s daughter,” Nico hummed the Pink Panther theme, “Nice voice, more your thing than Nico’s though. She sang a lot of Johnny Mercer. And some new stuff. Nico was taking notes.”

“You’re great on stage Nico-chan, but I guess you can always learn from other performers.”

“Nico is learning songwriting.”

Maki pushed against Nico, “Going to try to get me to put Nico Nico Ni to music again.”

Nico’s mood turned serious, “I miss watching you play.”

“I miss playing.”

“When Nico gets her penthouse, there will be a baby grand.” Nico let her hand settle on Maki’s, “Working with a portable keyboard now. And Umi’s giving me advice, so many books...I’m so busy reading, there’s no time to party.”

“Good.”

“Hey, do you have any plans tomorrow night?”

Nico stared at Maki for a moment, but there was only earnestness in the amethyst staring back, “Not since you got here.”

“I’ve been talking with some of the elders, volunteering on Maui, learning about healing plants, and aloha ‘āina.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s really cool. I’m going to get Papa to invite some of the teachers and doctors I’ve met to give seminars for us. Aloha ‘āina means so many things, but it’s mostly being determined to take care of each other by taking care of the land. It’s very land based and tradition based, here in Hawai’i,” Maki picked up a handful of sand, “but it’s caring and not soft...exactly...when you meet Kai, he’ll explain it better. We’ve been invited for dinner, his uncle plays the ohe hano ihu.”

“What’s that?”

“ A nose flute, not for big concerts, more personal...Kai says his uncle has so many stories about it being used in courting rituals.”

“Is Maki-chan taking notes?”

“Maybe.” Ah, Maki’s sexy, best musician in the world grin. Nico missed that one a lot on the road. A killer cute band was no replacement for the brilliant, lovely pianist who’d so boldly wrapped Nico’s heart in music.

They were in the teasing phase now. “Do you have to keep courting a cute girl after marriage?”

Maki shoved into Nico again, “Well, duh…”

Joint laughter, rolling out to meet the tide.

“We’re getting married.” Maki said quietly.

“Just need to take our passports to pick up the license and go to the shrine. We filled out everything else online.” Nico glanced at her bare legs, “And Nico brought a kimono. Although Maki-chan looks sporty cute just like she is.”

Maki had a far off look, not paying much attention to Nico. Happy to wait ‘til Maki drifted back to the beach, Nico was going to enjoy memorizing her favorite scenery, Maki’s beautifully expressive face, now relaxed and open, thoughts waves and clouds in constant motion. Nico knew the solitude here allowed Maki to relax, there was no family pressure, their phones were off, nothing on either of their schedules for at least the rest of the week. A rare moment to sit with each other, sharing this beauty.

NISHIKINO REAL ESTATE GROUP BUYS LARGE LUXURY TOWER NEAR NISHIKINO MEDICAL CENTER

SUPERSTAR REFUSES TO GIVE UP PENTHOUSE APARTMENT TO NISHIKINO HEIR

Fast food. School girls lingering from Otonokizaka. Two people shoved into the booth furthest from the door and windows, sitting on the same bench, hip to hip, back to the rest of the room.

“So many memories in this place.” Nico unwrapped her burger.

“So many french fries.” Maki dipped a sample french fry in her chocolate milkshake.

“Another meal Nico paid for. You got rich not paying for food.”

“Hey! You were too proud to let me pay.”

“Nico is still too proud.” Nico tapped her fingers on the table. This late afternoon, for this clandestine meeting, they’d allowed themselves the indulgence of wearing their braided gold and platinum wedding band, Maki added the simple diamond Nico had bought her for their engagement.

“Is this going to work? Us actually living this close together without rumors starting?” Maki had been worrying. So many comments in the press and on social media.

“Everyone already has us at war. Nico’s a selfish poser, Maki’s a spoiled brat. Enemies to lovers.”

“Not funny, Nico-chan.”

“Nico will throw a huge party before I leave on my next tour. My new landlord will threaten very publically to throw me out of the building. Everything will flare up, but Maki-chan will continue to do boring future doctor things and by the time Nico gets back, all anyone will be talking about is Nico’s new album.”

“They’re not boring future doctor things.”

“No, they’re smart, saving the world future doctor things and Nico is so proud.” A quick kiss on Maki’s palm.

“Meanwhile…”

“Meanwhile, Umi and Eli install a secret hatch above the decorative staircase centerpiece of your expensively designed main room.”

“I’m going to miss you, Nico-chan.” Sadness.

Time to change the mood. Nico dipped a french fry in her strawberry shake and fed it to Maki. “How’s studying going?”

Maki leaned, chin in hand, frowny. “I could be more motivated.”

“So B?”

“A minus.”

“Nerd.”

“ ‘s dull." Maki said, chewing slowly. "But have to stay on track with the family benchmarks.”

“Yeah.” Nico decided to talk about happier things, “ooohh, did I tell you Eli’s setting up a foundation for Nico as her graduation project. We’ve already donated tickets to queer youth groups in every city on the tour and Nozomi’s setting up mentor programs.”

“Expect a large anonymous donation.”

“Expect a large not so anonymous thank you.”

“I’m just proud that you’re doing things to actually help people. I want to do more.”

“You’re studying to be a doctor, Maki-chan. That’s hard. Nico’s got it easy. All Nico has to do is” Nico went into her signature gesture, “Nico Nico Ni and everything gets brighter.” Nico suddenly remembered she shouldn’t have let her catch phrase out full voice during what was supposed to be a secret meeting, but this was a low traffic period so no one seemed to notice.

“I couldn’t get that out of my head, the first time I saw you do it. It was annoying.”

“But you loved Nico.” Nico snuggled closer, enjoying a chance to feel Maki next to her.

“But I loved Nico, all of Nico, the bold, brash, terrible liar, the kind, caring sister, the determined ally and friend, the hard working and talented performer.”

“Nico wasn’t a liar, Nico was an optimist.”

“Private chef,” Maki cough giggled.

Nico grabbed the french fries as Maki reached for another one, “Confiscated for cheekiness.”

“Give me those.” Maki grabbed, Nico dodged, french fries flew loose and they giggled their way through the next few minutes until Nico leaned forward to whisper in Maki’s ear.

“So are your parents still in New York City?”

Gulping, suddenly completely flustered, Maki nodded.

Nico bounced up, offering a gallant hand, “Nico will walk you home.”

“Fancy.”

“Only the best for Mrs. Yazawa.”

“That would be Mrs. Nishikino.”

“We’ll wrestle. Nico will win.”

“Optimist.”

Nico’s hand on Maki’s waist was a gentle guide into the autumn night, two hats pulled down, two collars pulled up, Nico in a mask to protect her voice. “Wait and see.”

Maki leaned into Nico. This night, unlike too many others recently, felt just right.

HEAD OF THE NISHIKINO MEDICAL GROUP COLLAPSES, HOSPITALIZED

NICO NI NEW YEAR’S CHARITY CONCERT SELLS OUT IN MINUTES

Nico had never been so sick. She’d lost count of the medicines she was taking to sleep at night, and then the additional ones added to get her through tonight’s concert. Then she could rest. Go to her Mama’s house and get babied for a bit. Maki had been so sad at Christmas, with too many family obligations to fly to Los Angeles. Nico had gotten through their Christmas Eve quick chat and then collapsed, barely moving until yesterday’s rehearsal, which wiped her out.

Pounding on her hotel room door. What the hell? Phone pinged, the Maki-tone.

“Open your door, Nico--chan.” Maki sounded angry. Was she pounding? Nico felt even fuzzier, slumping to the door, opening it to fall against a tall, angry Maki, beanie over her hair, sunglasses, and a mask.

“Nico-chan?” Now Maki’s voice sounded tearful.

“Hi, Mrs. Yazawa.” Nico croaked out, hoping to make Maki at least giggle.

Strong arms swept her up, Maki striding across the room, putting Nico gently down on the bed, Maki immediately examining every bottle by Nico’s bedside, “What kind of quack put you on all this?”

“Don’t know.”

“Don’t know? You don’t know.”

“Trainer found ‘em…recommended.”

“You should be in a hospital.” Maki’s voice broke.

“Concert, charity, millions. Nico Nico Ni.” Nico had no idea if what she was saying made sense.

“Cancel. Refund. I’ll make a bigger donation.”

“Nico is a trooper.”

“Nico is a zombie. What the hell kind of irresponsible moron gave you all this?” Maki crashed all the bottles to the floor. “Did they inject you with anything?”

“It’s LA, Maki-chan, the beautiful people never stop.” Nico coughed. It hurt like 50 Umi arrows to the chest, “Nico is a beautiful people.”

“Nico-chan…” Maki was kneeling next to the bed, desperation and weariness lining her face. She’d never travelled well, Nico realized.

Nico managed to flip so she was on her side, managing to smile at Maki, “Hey pretty girl.”

“I am going to sue that quack into despair and destitution.”

Nico blinked, suddenly aware that Maki should be in Tokyo. “Why are you here, Maki-chan?.”

“Hanayo heard a rumor…”

“Did anyone see you?”

“I don’t care.” Maki’s head dropped to the bed, “Papa collapsed...and you’re like this and hiding it from me…and letting some greedy idiot try to kill you...if anything happens to you, Nico-chan…” And the tears, Nico could feel them as she reached for Maki, hot, heavy, rolling off pale cheeks.

“Nico will be fine.”

Maki shook her head.

“Look at me, Maki-chan.”

Maki raised her head. Her eyes were bright. She was always so bright, so caring, her native prickliness a fortification against all the emotions Maki didn’t know how to process.

“I will be fine.”

Maki surged up, her arms drawing in Nico, whose heart was really not rested enough for tackled into bed by the redhead of her dreams. “Maki-chan, you’re going to hug Nico to death.”

“Don’t say that.” Maki’s arm twitched for a minute like she was going to shove Nico away, but then Nico found herself pressed as closely as she’d ever been against a clothed Maki, which would have been amazing if she could breathe. So Nico let a cough out and Maki loosened her hold.

“Let Nico sleep.”

“Okay. But I’m not going anywhere.”

Nico had closed her eyes, muttering, “...love you.”

“I love you too, Nico-chan.”

A-RISE STEPS IN AT LAST MINUTE FOR NICO NI

NISHIKINO MAKI CHECKING OUT STANFORD RESEARCH FACILITIES, POSSIBLE PARTNERSHIP

Nico is officially spoiled. Another morning waking up to Maki curled up by her side...She’d shipped everyone else back to Japan, tour over, a solid break until Nico’s doctor cleared her for rehearsal. Nico sat up, teasing tumbles of red hair, Maki had been very clear that Nico had to clear the steroids out of her system first. But at least Maki hadn’t banned other forms of exercise.

“I’m not asleep, Nico-chan.” Maki mumbled, sounding totally still asleep.

“Thanks for coming to rescue Nico.”

“Don’t make me do it again. I might have to go back to school.”

“I thought you were joining the Board Of Directors ahead of schedule?”

Maki opened her eyes, stretching, “Order pancakes. And bacon. And orange juice. And muffins.”

“Brunch in bed.”

“I’m not leaving until I have to.”

Nico reached down to kiss Maki’s forehead, “It’s been nice having you here.”

“Then come home.”

“Nico is working on it.”

Maki raised an eyebrow. Nico sounded excited. “Is there something I don’t know about?”

“It was supposed to be your Christmas surprise, but Nico’s agent was still negotiating.”

What could Nico’s agent be negotiating that would be a Christmas surprise for Maki?

“I’m going be the main character in a TV drama, based in Tokyo.”

“Really?”

“Really. I didn’t get to be there when your Dad ended up in the hospital and I’m so sorry…I knew you needed me, but...this is our life...” Maki nodded as Nico gestured at the hotel suite, continuing, “And I knew you were going to be super busy with family stuff so I pitched an idea and two production companies jumped on board. Nico is taking a paycut and ownership, but all you’ll have to do is come upstairs and Nico will be right there, at least for six months.”

“Nico-chan…” Maki sat up.

Nico put her arm and pulled Maki in, Maki dropping her head to Nico’s shoulder, “We get through the tough stuff together, Maki-chan. We always have. I love you.”

“Love you.” Maki was falling asleep again. Nico would add coffee to their brunch order. Maki had to be awake enough to sneak out and catch a plane.

YAZAWA NICO TO STAR IN DOCTOR SMILE

DOCTOR NISHIKINO MAKI TAKES OVER FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE

If she didn’t have Nico, Maki would probably just live with a grand piano, a huge bathtub, and a couch to eat take out on, Nico thought as she sank into lavender scented steaming water.

“It’s not funny, Rin. And I don’t need weekly updates about who Nico’s kissing on the show.” Maki sounded aggravated. Nico giggled. She’d come home early from a weekend meet the fans event and snuck into Maki’s luxury tub to recover. Candles were lit, Idol music popping.

“Wait a minute, Rin. I think…” Maki’s steps sounded hasty and she was suddenly in the door of the bathroom.

Nico winked. “Hi Maki!”

Maki made a grumbly noise and turned sideways, “No, I’m okay, Rin. There’s just a surprise in my bathtub…” Maki glanced at Nico, “Rin says hi. And you have to stop using my cases, Nico-chan.”

“Did Rin say that? And who says Nico does?”

Maki glared, “Where do you even get your information?”

Nico raised a finger to her lips and winked.

“And that red wig. It’s awful. People think you’re making fun of me.” Maki listened to her phone. “Shut up, Rin.” And the phone went in her coat pocket.

“What did Rin say?”

“Nvermind.” Maki muttered.

“Maki-chan…” Nico splashed at Maki.

“No one would ever call me Dr. Smile.”

Nico guffawed, slapping water everywhere. “I miss Rin.”

“If I had Umi’s bow, I wouldn’t.”

“You love her.” Nico leaned back, watching her wife, who had flopped on the nearby chaise. “So who thinks Nico is making fun of you?”

“Papa.”

“PFfffffff…who cares.”

Maki glared, ‘“We’re trying to keep his stress levels low.”

“Red headed doctors are the best.”

“But I like your hair; it looks like you.”

“But our daughter will look like Dr. Smile.”

That threw Maki’s train of thought completely askew. The closest she could get was imagining Cotaro when she first met him with bright red hair.

“I wonder if our children will look like you? All your siblings do.”

“And they’re cute. But our children will be NicoMaki cute. I’ve seen your baby pictures, you were adorable.” Nico leaned back, smiling up at Maki. “Nico can’t wait to have a family to come home to.”

“You have me.”

“And I love it.” Nico blew lavender scented bubbles at Maki, “But you, me, the cutest children ever in the universe, and Christmas morning.”

Maki couldn’t keep the huge grin back. “I can tell them all about Santa-san.”

“But we’re not spoiling them too much.”

Maki pouted at Nico.

Nico giggled, “That’s what our parents will do.”

Maki got up, taking off her coat, sliding out of her jacket, unbuttoning her shirt halfway and slipping out of her pants. Then she sat on the edge of the tub, feet in the water, toes teasing Nico’s legs. “You’re going to tour less, right.”

“Nico’s not touring now. You’re going to cut down your hours, right, Maki-chan.”

“Just started the search for an Executive Director. And put the LGBTQ+ Health Centers proposal on the fast track.”

Nico leaned over, her chin on Maki’s thigh, “We’ve worked really hard for this.”

“We have.”

“I think Mama knows.”

Maki laughed, “It was that morning she surprised us at breakfast, wasn’t it?”

For once, Nico was the one blushing. “Nico needs…” Nico’s arm slipped under Maki’s shirt, a casual touch on Maki’s back, “more elegant pajamas for entertaining company.”

“No you don’t.”

“You like it when Nico borrows your shirt.”

“No, I love it when Nico-chan borrows my shirt.”

“Nico loves your pajamas.” Nico’s fingers started tracing patterns.

“Ha!” Keeping her cool with Nico this close had always been impossible so Maki just lowered herself into the water, pausing for a messy, wet kiss, “Let’s skip dinner.”

NISHIKINO MAKI AND YAZAWA NICO: DETAILS OF THEIR WHIRLWIND COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE

The interviewer leaned forward as Maki ran a hand through her hair. She was relaxed in a light gray Tadashi Shoji corded lace sheath dress, and confidently answered her question, “It was a long day, my eyes were so tired everything was blurry and I got in the wrong elevator. Nico had just gotten pics of the Ayase twins and we started talking about high school.”

“Talking?” Nico snorted, standing behind Maki, hands in the pockets of bright pink Victoria Beckham trousers, the matching blazer falling open, “It was all Nico’s sex appeal. Nico is irresistible.”

Maki leaned her head back, a private smile for Nico, “Nico is irresistible.”

“Is it irresponsible to take so much time off from your responsibilities to take a world tour honeymoon and then start a family?”

Nico chuckled, her hands on Maki’s shoulder, “We’ve planned carefully. And they’re our businesses. Nico never understood people working themselves to death, not taking time for family. We want to change corporate culture.”

“You’ve always been ambitious, Nico. What’s your next project?”

Nico winked, “That’s just between us.”

“No hints for our viewers, Maki?”

Nico leaned down, arms around Maki’s shoulders, whispering something in her ear. Maki’s full, flaring blush could have been a picture from high school. The interviewer laughed.

“Nice to see you two worked out the Penthouse Wars.”

“Nico is a reasonable person.”

Maki threw back her head, laughing, “Sure, that’s why.”

“Well, Nico is certainly a top…”

“Nico-chan!”

“I love you, Maki-chan.” Giggling, Nico kissed her wife’s cheek.

Nico might have been the only one to hear Maki’s muttered, “I love you, Nico-chan.” But it had always been true.

A/N: Another AU Yeah August request, it started out as Married Rivals, but I was reading a Dolly Parton songwriting book and in the songs about love chapter there were these lyrics from "Between Us":

In our love let's share a friendship between us Always close enough to talk things out Let's be honest with ourselves and each other And our love will never know mistrust or doubt

So I just started writing conversations.

#NicoMaki #Nishikino Maki #Yazawa Nico #married #married life #fluff #minor illness and angst #au yeah august

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