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atlafan · 4 years

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Office Neighbors - Part One

a/n: OKAY! this is my new love, professor!Harry x professor!Y/N. This is a slow burn, so buckle up because it’s going to be a longgggg ride. enjoy! (also reblogs/feedback is super helpful) not proofread

warnings:none yet...I suppose some fluff? slight angst??

words: 20K

masterpost

You were all cozied up in bed, in a cocoon of blankets. Even though it was August, your apartment had central air, and it was glorious. You loved nothing more than practically sleeping in a burrito of blankets year round. It was a new place to go along with your new job.

Y/F/N Y/L/N, Adjunct Professor, Communication Department: that was your new title. You had your master’s degree, and now you could finally move on to get your PhD. Your specialization was social media and the like, but you also had background in rhetoric and film. The few faculty that served on your search committee were quite impressed with the research you had already started conducting. Your main research was about the pros and cons of anonymity online. The school was a perfect fit. You would be teaching a couple of the intro courses for the major, and some special topics courses.

Today was faculty orientation. You would be given yet another tour of the university, go through some technology workshops, and be shown to your office. You were excited because you hadn’t been able to meet all of your faculty yet, and you’d be going to your first faculty meeting towards the end of the day.

You check your phone and see that it’s going to be in the mid 80’s today. You sigh and get up to start your morning routine. Once your face is washed and your teeth are brushed, you rummage through your closet to see what would be the most appropriate thing to wear. A flowy dress, in theory, would be a good idea, but the idea of sweating between your legs didn’t sound all that great. You settle on a pair of emerald green shorts that fall just above your knee, perfectly appropriate length for school. Plus, they were just a cute pair of shorts in general. You pair it with a white short-sleeve blouse, and tuck it into the shorts to show the shape of your body. Next, you needed to tackle your hair. You could leave it down, but sweat and humidity were not your friends. You had gotten into the habit of parting your hair down the middle more, you were twenty-six now it was okay to go with your natural part. You thought it made you look more adult, whatever that meant. So, you part it, and pull up each side to make pig tails, then you create a bun on each side. You looked professional, but fun. Just the vibe you were going for. You only apply a little makeup, in fear of it melting off of you. You slip on a pair of white tennis shoes for comfort, gather your laptop and other things, and head out.

Rolling through Dunkin Donuts, you treat yourself with a vanilla late instead of your usual, it was your first day after all. You’re not feeling too hungry yet, so you don’t get anything to eat. A college habit that just hasn’t died yet: barely eating anything until the late afternoon. You park at the building where your last meeting of the day will be, always thinking ahead. You sip on your coffee and enjoy your stroll across the beautiful campus to your first meeting of the day. There were a few people in the classroom, and you shyly smile and wave as you take a seat.

Policies and procedures are talked about after everyone in the cohort introduces themselves. You notice that you’re the only CM hire, there were three math hires, two for history, one for CS, two for art, and two for CJ. Some seemed to be around your age, and other seemed older. Everyone was friendly enough. You observed everyone’s posture and body language. You couldn’t help it, you were practically trained to read rooms and people.

The campus tour isn’t anything new. This was about the fifth time you had been walked around by some students to show you where things were, but it was nice to get outside for a good walk. You’re given a break for lunch, and you opt to eat outside at one of the open picnic benches. You notice that most people wanted to eat alone. It was a lot of social time, you yourself didn’t mind the break from talking and sharing.

After lunch are the technology workshops, making sure your account was set up and that you knew how to edit your courses in moodle. It wasn’t terribly difficult, but it was something everyone had to do. Luckily, as a first year professor, you wouldn’t be given any advisees. That you were thankful for. You had taught before, of course, and you loved helping students, but you wanted to make sure you had a good handle on the curriculum before telling students what they should be taking for courses.

Around 3PM a student comes to show you to your academic building, and escort you to your new office before your faculty meeting. There’s a bit of chit chat between the two of you before they open the door to the overly hot building. You cough when you first enter from the humidity.

“Don’t worry, it’s only like this for the first couple of weeks.” She says and you nod.

She guides you straight in where the communication lounge was. Wow, an entire lounge, you think to yourself. There were a few couches and three offices on the main level. A flat screen TV projecting student projects across from one of the couches. She takes you down a spiral staircase where there were four other offices, one vacant for you. There were two computer clusters, a projects and screen, and more couches. You already liked that it seemed to be an interactive space for students.

“Looks like you got the one with the window.” She smiles. “Have a nice day.”

“Thank you so much.” You beam at the student that you’ll probably never see again.

The door was open for you, and two sets of keys were sitting on your desk. The office was bare just waiting for your interior design ideas to be splashed all over it. Your desk was L-shaped with two monitors and a laptop plugged into a docking station. At least you didn’t have to wait to be given your school sanctioned computer. You smile when you see that you were given a Mac as requested. You look at your one window and take a picture so you could find curtains for it. You open and close all of drawers just to make sure there was nothing left behind inside the desk. There were two seats on the other side of the desk for what you would assume would be for student meetings. You could get better ones. You also definitely had room for a small couch, a love seat perhaps.

“Well, look at that, I finally got a new neighbor.”

You jump slightly and turn around. There were a couple of reasons that you were slightly started. Whoever it was that was speaking to you had a deep, gravel-like voice, and they had a British accent. Not totally uncommon at a university, but still something you weren’t expecting. You were also started because no one else was downstairs with you. As you turn around, your cheeks flush when you take in the man with the toothy smile before you.

He was wearing a loose pair of jeans with a couple of rips in them, beaten up white sneakers with different color laces, and a light blue t-shirt. You barely have time to take in his tattoos, or the thick rim of his glasses before he speaks again.

“I’m so sorry, did I startle you?”

“Only slightly.” You give him a half smile. “I’m Y/N.” She extends her hand out to him and he takes it, shaking it gently.

“I’m Harry.”

“Ah! Dr. Styles, yeah. You were away when all of my interviews were happening.”

“Yes, I was away at a conference, but I heard great things. And please, just call me Harry. We’re not a very formal group.” He smirks.

“So, your office is the one next to mine?”

“That’s right.” He nods towards it, and you step out to look at his door.

Dr. Harry Styles, PhD was on his door along with a paper with his office hours printed on it.

“You’re lucky you got one with a window right away, I’m surprised no one wanted to snatch it up. The two across from us don’t have windows, but maybe some people don’t really care about that. I happen to enjoy looking out the window to see what’s happening when my eyes need a rest from the screen.”

You nod your head and peep inside his office. He had put his desk in the back corner of the room. So if students were to come see him, his back would be to them and they could easily see whatever he was doing on the computer, but you notice he also has a corner set up with a few chairs and around coffee table. Perhaps he’s able to discuss things easier this way. Many ideas pop into your head about how you might like to set things up.

“There’s a really great consignment shop downtown with quality furniture for cheap. That’s where I got those that table and chairs.”

“Thanks.” You squint at the three diplomas framed one the wall, and a couple of certifications as well. He had a small shelf with a couple of awards too. “What’s your PhD in?”

“At the base level, Media Studies, but my master’s was in Literary Dynamics. I’m a bit of a book worm as you can see.” He points to the bookshelf full of worn books and you smile. “Got my doctorate here, same as you’re doing, and they offered me a tenure position. Been here about six years total now, I love it.”

You think for a moment to try to put together how old he might be. There was a boyishness to his features, but he also had crinkles around his eyes and a few specs of grey in his hair. Then again, so did you. You greyed early, not that anyone would know since you get highlights in your hair.

“I turn thirty-two in February, if that’s what you were wondering.”

“Oh…I wasn’t, um, I-“

“It’s okay.” He chuckles. “Shall we head up to the faculty meeting? They sent me down here to get you.”

“Yeah, let’s get to it.” You quickly grab your laptop and follow him up the spiral staircase, trying not to look at his butt too much.

He leads you down a hall to a room used for meetings. A large table with people sitting around it casually, a few you recognize from your search committee.

“Y/N!” Lisa, the department chair, exclaims. “Glad Harry found you, come in.” Everyone turns their attention towards you and you smile. You sit down, and Harry goes to sit at the other end of the table. “Right, so let’s go round the table to introduce ourselves to Y/N. Let’s tell her what courses we all teach as well. I’m Lisa, obviously, I teach Game Design and Senior Seminar. I used to teach more, but so it goes when you’re the department chair.”

“Hi, Y/N, I’m Andre, I teach Communication Theory, Digital Media in the New Age, and Journalism.”

“I’m Mateo, good to see you again.” He smiles and you nod. “I teach Tech Comm, Intercultural Communication, and Strategic Communication.”

“I’m Sandra, I teach Global Perspectives in the Media, Film and Video Production Techniques, and basically any other film production courses.” She laughs.

“I’m Harry.” He gives you that same toothy smile. “I teach Communication, Media, and Wellness, Media Effects, Analyzing Screen Media, Literature into Film, and The Craft of Screenwriting.”

“I’m Janette, I teach Philosophy of Communication, Advanced Composition, and Interactive Web Communication.”

“Wonderful, thank you everyone. Don’t worry, Y/N, our admin Lucas will email you all of this info if he hasn’t already.”

“That’s alright, thank you.” She smiles.

“Why don’t you tell everyone what courses you’ll be teaching this fall and spring?”

“Well, this fall I’ll be teaching Communication and Media Studies, Media and Cultural Studies, and Social Media: Technology and Culture. Then in the spring I’ll teach the two intro courses, along with Professional Social Media, and Rhetoric and Semiotics.”

“We’re so happy to have you aboard.” Lisa smiles.

Lisa goes on to explain any policy or curriculum changes. Y/N notices how casual the group is, and also how diverse the group is. It was nice to see.

“Now, I know it’s your first day, and you just moved to the area…feel free to say no, but we’re all headed downtown to the pub for dinner if you’d like to join us.” Lisa says at the end of the meeting.

“That would be great! I haven’t gotten the chance to eat downtown much.”

“Oh, you’ll love the pub.” Sandra says. “Best nachos I’ve ever had.”

You smile and stand with everyone. You notice that everyone just simply walks downtown. You run to your car quickly to drop her bag off, and continues the walk. You all go in and grab a table for seven. You slide into the booth and Harry slides in next to you, followed by Janette and Sandra. Lisa, Mateo, and Andre all sit in the chairs across from you. You weren’t sure if you felt comfortable drinking in front of your colleagues just yet, but you order a vodka-tonic anyways just to be social.

“Sandra’s right, they do have the best nachos here.” Lisa says. “Should we just get a couple of orders of that? We could do one with chicken and one without.”

“I can just pick it off, don’t be silly.” Harry says.

“I, uh , don’t eat meat either, and I can also just pick it off.” You speak up.

“Oh, please.” Lisa scoffs. “We can get one with and one without, no problem.”

“You don’t eat meat?” Harry turns to you slightly.

“Um, no.” He was very close to you, and you weren’t sure how you felt about it. You just met him. You take a sip of your drink so your mouth doesn’t feel so dry. “My doctor told me to cut out red meat, and then I got sick of chicken and stuff, so I just cut it all out.” You shrug.

“Things were sort of the same with me, I just didn’t like how it made me feel after eating it. There’s other ways to get protein. I eat a lot of beans and nuts.”

“Right.” You were curious as to why he was being so open with you.

“Course, I feel like I’m starved half the time, don’t know if that happens to you, but I always keep granola bars in my office if you ever need one.”

“Oh! Um, thank you. Are we allowed to bring mini fridges? I’m really into overnight oats right now, so if I could just leave that stuff in there…”

“We are! It can’t be one of those huge ones though, it’s gotta be one of those ones that looks like a cube.” Harry makes a fake outlines of a box with his fingers. The waitress comes over and takes the orders for the nachos. “Excuse me, love, could I also get a separate order of chicken fingers and fries to go?”

The waitress nods and Harry smiles at her. You raise an eyebrow at him.

“Got someone at home who requested it.” He says before turning his attention to the other conversations at the table.

You wondered whom might me home waiting for him. A wife, a girlfriend…boyfriend? Harry wore a lot of rings, and his nails were painted, but a lot of men were doing that these days so you didn’t want to make any assumptions.

“So, Y/N, where’s home for you?” Andre asks.

“Oh, I’m from Boston originally.”

“Wow! And you moved up here to the mountains. Do you miss the hustle and bustle yet?”

“Not yet, I sort of don’t mind the quiet, although, when I first moved I had trouble falling asleep at night. It was almost too quiet.” You laugh. “But I’ve gotten more used to it. I’m in a great little apartment building, nice neighborhood. I think there are some grad students that I’m neighbors with.”

“Do you going hiking at all?” Mateo asks. “There are some great trails around here.”

“I haven’t gone yet, but I’d certainly be willing to give it a go.”

“We usually all go together before the semester starts.” Lisa says. It surprised you at how close everyone seemed. All different people of different ages. “There’s this really easy mountain about twenty minutes from campus with a beautiful view of the lakes region.”

“Well, I’ll certainly give it a go. Just let me know when.” You smile.

Sandra was absolutely right, the nachos were incredible. Lots of layers of chips and cheese, fresh veggies and guacamole, not to mention the sour cream and salsa. Everyone squares up their checks and heads out. Harry grabs his to go order from the bar. The sun was just barely setting, god, you loved August.

“I parked in the same lot as you, mind if I walk back up with you?” Harry asks after you all say goodnight.

“Not at all.” You smile.

“So, how was the first day? Is your brain ready to explode?”

“Only a little. I think if I take in anymore new information today I’ll pop.” Harry chuckles at that.

“I remember my faculty orientation.” He smirks and shakes his head. “I think I wore a suit, if you can believe it.”

“I’m sure you clean up really well.” You say playfully and he rolls his eyes.

“Well, you’re right about that, but it was super embarrassing at the time. No one told me how casual it was.”

“A little initiation ritual perhaps.”

“Maybe.” He looks at her. “I like your little, um, what do you call those.”

“Oh! My buns?”

“Yeah! Didn’t know if you’d still call them that, or poofs, or something.”

“Poof works.” You chuckle. “I wasn’t sure how humid it was going to be so I just did it up like that. They’re nice for keeping pens or pencils in.”

“Brilliant.” He smiles and reaches his car. “Well, I hope you enjoyed your first day. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I know being new the area and campus can be overwhelming.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.” You nod and get into your own car. You take a deep breath as you drive away. “I can do this.” You tell yourself. You enjoyed how friendly everyone was, you could definitely see yourself fitting in with everyone.

Harry gets home soon after he leaves campus, only living about fifteen minutes away. He owned a quaint ranch-style home.

“Andy, I’m home, bud!” He yells out. “Got your dinner.” He walks into the living room and sees his son playing video games. “Please don’t tell me you played all day…”

“Hey, dad.” He pauses the game and takes the to go box from Harry. “No, I didn’t play all day.” He rolls his eyes. “I went to the skate park at with Brandon, and then we swam in his pool, remember?”

“Right, I’ll have to say thanks to his parents.” Harry sits down on the couch and sighs.

“Tired?” Andy asks with his mouth full.

“Yeah, it was just a day full of meetings, then we all had dinner. Being social is draining.” He laughs. “How’s the chicken, good?”

“Mhm.”

“Let me get you some napkins…water?”

“Yes, please.”

Harry nods to his son. Harry usually got to be with his son all summer, but this year Andy asked to stay for the school year. It was a rather large discussion that Harry had to have with him and Andy’s mother, who Harry wasn’t on bad terms with, but he certainly didn’t live the one on one chat.

“I just feel like he didn’t get this idea on his own.” She whispered to him in the kitchen.

“I swear I didn’t put the idea in his head. He just asked me out of the blue if he could be enrolled at the middle school. He’s going into fifth grade, maybe he wants a fresh start. He has good friends here, Paige.”

“He has good friends at home too…” She sighs. “I just…so what, now I only get to see him on weekends? I’m his mother, Harry.”

“And I’m his father.”

“You get him for the entire summer.”

“You know it’s not enough time with him. I miss him a lot during the school year.” He drums his fingers on the kitchen counter. “Do you think…I mean…your boyfriend moved in with you, right? Do you think he feels uncomfortable with the change?”

“I don’t know, when Noah and I spoke with him about it he said he was fine with it. He was used to him sleeping over anyways. He’s knowing him for two years now, it’s not that weird.”

“I didn’t say it was weird, I’m talking about comfort. Maybe he just doesn’t want to share his space. It’s not just Noah that moved in, he has a daughter too…”

“Andy and Rachel get along really well. She’s only a year younger than he is.” She sighs again. “I don’t want him thinking he’s being replaced, Harry. What if he doesn’t want to come back into my life once he’s with you all the time?”

“I don’t think that could happen, I’ll make sure it doesn’t.”

“And you’d be able to handle him all year long?”

“Sure, I’d have to change when I’m offering my classes so I’m home at a reasonable time, but I can make it work.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I could always send him home to you if I can’t be around anyways, like how you do with me.”

“Right.” She looks into the living room where Andy had his headphones in, and then back to Harry. “That’s my little baby in there. How can I let him go?”

“You’re not letting him go, you’re letting him grow up a bit. Why don’t we tell him we’ll see how this year goes, and then we can talk more seriously about custody and all that?”

“Alright, yeah, that seems fair.”

“You only live thirty minutes away, I could always drop him off for dinner sometimes, or-“

“Yeah.” She nods. “Well, um, let’s go talk with him then.”

That conversation happened after the July 4th holiday. Andy went home every other weekend to his mother’s, and Harry always talked with him about how his time with her was. Andy would always say that had a great time. He really did just like his friends better where Harry lived, and he was getting older. Maybe he just wanted to live with his dad.

“Alright.” Harry hands him the napkins and water. “Shall we watch a movie and then get you ready for bed?”

“I’m not a baby.” He scoffs.

“You are though, you’ll always be my baby.”

“Dad.” Andy groans. “Don’t be gross.”

“Can’t help it, you’re too stinkin’ cute.”

“Please stop before I barf up my chicken.”

Harry laughs and switches the TV to Netflix. Andy looked a lot like Harry in that he had curly hair and green eyes. He had his mother’s button nose and freckles. Andy liked dressing in basketball shorts and t-shirts, but he also like using a scrunchie or bandana to keep his hair off his face the way Harry did. It was cute.

“Am I going to mum’s this weekend?”

“You are, my darling.” Harry sips on a beer while lounging on the couch during the movie. “That alright?”

“Course.” He shrugs. “I actually have a new skate trick to show Rachel.”

“Do you to go boarding together?”

“Sometimes. She’s better on her skates, though.” He munches on some popcorn. “I kinda like going there on Friday nights because her and Noah go to temple on Saturday mornings, so mum and I get up late and make breakfast together.”

“Good, I’m glad you get that quality time together. I hope you’re paying attention to the culture that Rachel and Noah are bringing into your life, though. She’ll probably have a Bat Mitzvah someday and you’ll have this big party to go to.”

“Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you ever…I mean…it’s sort of weird that you like Noah…”

“Is it?” Harry sits up. “I’ve got no problem with him. He’s a nice guy, takes care of your mum.”

“That’s just it, I have friends with divorced parents and they-“

“Well, mum and I aren’t divorced, Andy, you know that. We never got married.”

“Even still…”

“We wanted to do right by you can be good co-parents. I’d be a real brat if I was rude to him.”

“How come you and mum never got married?”

Harry nearly chokes on his drink. He clears his throat and pauses the movie. Andy never really asked questions like this. He never even saw Harry and Paige as a couple, he never knew them together.

“Um…well…we were really young when you were born. I was twenty when we found out about you, and I was twenty-one when you born, I was just barely finishing school when you came along. Your mum was a year ahead of me, so luckily she got her degree before you were born.”

“Were you together then?”

“Yeah.” Harry nods. “Mum and I dated for about two years in undergrad, and then…well…we found out about you, and we were nervous, but excited.”

“But you didn’t want to get married?”

“I asked her, but she said no.”

“Why?”

“She thought I only wanted to marry her because she was pregnant.” He sighs. “Things like that sort of get complicated when you’re older. I also had a lot going on for school, and she didn’t want me to put my career on hold, she already had a full time job and all that. We tried to make things work, but we both realized a relationship shouldn’t be made to work because of…a baby. We both love you very much, Andy, make no mistake about that, but mum and I make better friends than a couple, I can assure you.”

“Oh.”

“Do you wish we were together sometimes?”

“Sometimes.” He nods. “But only because I hate going back and forth.”

“I’m sorry.” He sighs. “We live as close to each other as we can.”

“I know.” He furrows his brows. “I just don’t like when Noah acts like he’s my dad because he’s not, you are.”

“True, but you should still be respectful. Rachel lives there full time too, so-“

“I can’t stand that either, honestly.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know…ugh, she was on the phone with one of her friends and she referred to me as her brother. Not even step-brother, brother! I’m not her brother.” He huffs.

“Andy…come here.” His son gets up and sits next to him. Harry puts an arm around him and holds him close. “You’re going through a lot of change right now, huh?”

“I guess.” He looks up at Harry. “I think Noah’s gonna ask mum to marry her…which I guess is nice for her, but I’d rather just be with you.”

“You are with me.”

“Permanently, though. I’ve felt better just going over on the weekends, it’s plenty.”

“Mum and I said we’d see how this year at school goes, and then we could decide. I want you here, but I have to respect what she wants too.” He smiles down at him. “Poor you, having two parents who just love you so much.” He kisses his forehead.

“Blegh!” He wipes the spit from his forehead away. “What is wrong with you?” He gets up and goes back to his own seat.

“What? A father can’t love on his son anymore just because he’s in the double digits?”

“Exactly, press play.”

Harry laughs and shakes his head as he starts the movie back up.

Your semester was off to a great start. You got your office decorated nicely, and you were able to make it a cozy and homey space, which was good because you spent a lot of late nights there. Balancing teaching multiple sections of three different classes while also making time for research was proving to be a little difficult. Sometimes students were hanging out in the lounge while you were working, so you didn’t feel truly alone.

You were on an incredible team. You met bi-weekly with Lisa just for wellness check ins. She knew how overwhelming the first year could be, and she recommended chatting with Harry. He was the last one to go through all of it, so he would have the best tips. Harry was often out of the building by 3PM most days. He held virtual office hours from his home office. You weren’t entirely sure why he always needed to get home so early. Well, you weren’t sure until the answer slapped you in the face.

“And this is my new neighbor, Y/N.” You hear him say as he knocks on your door. “Got a second?”

“Um…sure.” You stand up and see a young boy with Harry.

“Y/N, this is my son, Andy. He had a half day from school today, so he’s hanging out until it’s time to go home.”

“Oh! Hi, Andy. It’s nice to meet you.” You had foolishly assumed the picture of Harry holding a baby on his desk was a nephew or something since he himself looked so young in the photo.

“Nice to meet you too.” He mumbles.

“What grade are you in?”

“Fifth.”

“Oh, so you just started middle school? How’s that going?”

“Okay, I guess.” He shrugs. “Dad, can I go get a snack at the grille?”

“Sure.” Harry fishes for his wallet and hands Andy a ten dollar bill. “Don’t pig out though, I want you to be hungry for dinner.”

“Okay.” He walks away from them and Harry shakes his head with a smile.

“He’s a human disposal right now.”

“I…didn’t know you had a son.” You say awkwardly.

“Yeah! Yikes, have I not mentioned him before now?” You shake your head no. “Guess that means we haven’t spent enough time together then.” You blush slightly and Harry clears his throat, then pushes his glasses up his nose. “He, um, just turned ten in May…sort of had him young.”

“I see.”

“This is his first time being with me during the school year. He wanted to give this school system a try, couldn’t say no to that.”

“Oh…um…so his mom…?” You didn’t want to pry too much. Harry wore a lot of rings so you weren’t sure if he was married or not.

“She lives about thirty minutes away, closer to the lakes. She’s a para at a law office, does well for herself. We were college sweethearts, but it didn’t work out.” He shrugs and you nod. “She’s got a serious boyfriend and he has a daughter a year younger than Andy. I think he felt like his personal space was closing in on him, so he asked to live with me. I usually just get him for the summer when I’m not teaching, it’s been great having him around more.”

“He has your eyes.” You wanted smack your forehead for making such a weird comment.

“He does! One of the first things I noticed about him when they stopped being that weird, dark color babies have when they’re first born.” You simply nod your head. “Well, I’ve taken up a lot of your time…um…let’s plan a lunch or something sometime soon. I’d love to know how your classes are going. I know it can’t be easy teaching the intro courses.”

“I’m doing well with it, actually. I taught a lot of the first-year courses at my previous institution. I’ve just been more bogged down with my research than anything else.”

“I’d like to hear more about that too, if that’s alright. Didn’t get to hear about like everyone else since I was gone during your interviews.”

“Sure, we could do lunch sometime then.” Harry smiles at that.

“Great. You know, we get together to do a monthly game night with the faculty from the English department. It’s in a couple of weeks, I hope you’ll come. A lot of their classes double count within our major, so it would be good for you to meet them.”

“Yeah, just let me know when it is. I enjoyed the hike a couple weeks ago.”

“I was pissed I missed that.” Harry groans. “I had to take Andy-“

“Dad.” Andy comes back, handing Harry his change. He was biting into a BLT.

“Thank you, let’s go into my office, yeah? You’ve got some homework that needs to get done.”

“Fine.” He goes into Harry’s office with a huff.

“Anyways, I’ll let you know when the game night is.”

“Okay, thanks.” You smile at each other and go back to sit down in your office.

He had a kid, a ten-year-old…holy shit. You couldn’t imagine going through your master’s and doctoral program while also raising a child. Good for him, you think. Andy was a pretty cute kid, a mop of curls, just like his dad.

You gave yourself Saturdays off. Saturdays were for sleeping in, doing a quick pilates workout, grocery shopping, laundry and whatever other chores you may have. Saturdays were for curling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and good movie. Saturday nights were for you and Janette, who you have become pretty close with, to go have drinks.

“You need to find someone to bring home with you tonight.” Janette says, as you both begin your second drinks of the evening.

“Oh stop.” You laugh. “I don’t think I have the energy to pretend to be into someone enough to fuck them.” She rolls her eyes at you. “So…what’s this I hear about a game night with the English department?”

“Oh! It’s so much fun. Once a month someone different hosts it. Sometimes we play board games, sometimes it’s card games, one time we even played Heads Up, that was a hoot.” She giggles. “You should definitely come, Lisa’s hosting the next one. Her house is huge and has a beautiful view of the lakes and mountains.”

“I think I might, yeah.”

“Who told you about it? I think Lucas was planning to add you to the email about it.”

“Oh, Harry mentioned it the other day. He said it would be good for me to get to know the other faculty.”

“He’s certainly right about that.”

“I met his son…”

“Andy was in the office! Damn, I try to keep candy in my office for him. He’s so sweet. He was just a little guy when Harry started, can’t believe he’s in middle school.”

“Yeah, he was really polite. Sort of closed off at the same time.”

“Harry seems to think he’s become more self-aware. It’s a big deal for him to want to live with Harry year round.” She sips her drink. “Shouldn’t gossip too much about it though.”

“Right.” You sip your own drink.

“The students seem to like you so far, we’ve all heard good things from our advisees.”

“Really?! That means a lot.”

“Your teaching must speak for itself.”

“Students are always in the downstairs lounge, it’s nice to chat with them sometimes. They always seem to be visiting Harry. Andre and Sandra are down with us too, and they don’t have as many frequent flyers.”

“I know you’re new and all, but I didn’t think you were naïve.” She chuckles.

“What do you mean?”

“Harry perfectly fits the hot teacher trope, Y/N. He’s slightly mysterious with his tattoos and his nail polish, but still totally approachable. He’s dorky, but funny. He’s got a little muscle on him, but he’s not terribly intimidating, plus he’s fucking brilliant. You should sit in on his Literature and Film class.”

“One might think you have a crush on him from the way you speak about him.” You tease her.

“One would have to be straight, my dear.” She winks at you, and you laugh a little too loud. “However, I know an attractive man when I see one. Girls swoon over him all the time. It was really bad when he first started because he was a little closer in age with students, things have calmed down considerably though.”

“He dresses nicely too, I like his style.”

“It’s a little out there, but it works for him.”

“Sometimes I can smell the nail polish remover from my office.” You giggle. “He really hates when they’re chipped, huh?”

“God, you have no idea. Sometimes in the faculty meetings I’ll catch him chipping away at, next time I see him they’re freshly painted again.”

You take an uber home after having four drinks with your friend. You gossiped about some other people, Harry didn’t remain the topic of conversation for long. You get home and strip yourself of your clothes, and wash up before getting into your blanket burrito.

Sundays were for getting a head start on the week. Sometimes you worked from your office at home, but today you forgot something at your office at work, so you decide to just grab all your things and work from your office for the day. You were making some progress on your research and you wanted to keep riding the wave you were on.

You had a tie-dye t-shirt on under your coat that had a picture of Goofy on it, and a pair of jeans on. You didn’t need to be super dressed up for some weekend work. No one was usually in the building anyways. You get some up and put some music on while you do some reading and highlighting.

“Hey! Look who it is.”

“Jesus!” You flinch and look up. “Scared the shit out of me, Harry.”

“Sorry about that.” He rubs the back of his neck. “You’re a tad jumpy.”

“Hard not to be when you’re always coming out of nowhere.” You turn your music down and stand up to walk over to him, crossing your arms over your stupid shirt. “What are you doing here?”

“Well, Andy’s with his mum this weekend, and I needed a change of scenery from the home office, so I thought I’d come here.”

“Oh.”

He looks you up and down and smiles.

“Is Goofy your favorite?”

“Huh?”

“Your shirt.” He points to it. “Personally, I’m partial to Mickey Mouse, but Goofy’s fun.”

“This is a really old shirt, I did laundry yesterday so this is what I was left with.”

“Ah…and I suppose you weren’t expecting to bump into your colleague.”

“Correct.”

“Well, I think it’s proper cute, so no worries, I won’t make fun.” He winks and goes into his own office.

You feel your cheek and it’s considerably warmer than it was from before he got there. You shake your head and return to your seat, opting to put your headphones in to not disturb him. Just as you’re getting going in the zone again, he comes into your office and plops down on one of the reupholstered chairs you had on the other side of your desk.

“Yes?” You ask, taking your headphones out.

“I want you to come observe my wellness class this week.”

“Why?”

“Because I think you could use some time to distress. You don’t teach any 8AM’s, right?”

“No…um…what makes you think I need to distress?”

“You just look like you’re carrying a lot of tension. It’s a great class. We chat, we meditate. Sometimes students fall asleep, but I’ve told them it’s okay. If their bodies are telling them they need sleep, then they should sleep. We do a bit of yoga as well. Plus, I just think it would be good for you to observe me.”

“I was told your literature class would be fun to observe, couldn’t I do that instead?”

“And let you get out of a bit of meditation?” He scoffs. “I don’t think so, sister.” You laugh at that.

“Alright, which day should I come?”

“It’s my Tuesday/Thursday course. You can pick which morning you’d prefer.”

“Anything else?”

“Tell me about your research.”

“Are you just using me to procrastinate?” You raise an eyebrow at him.

“Hey, what happens between me and the stack of papers I need to grade is none of your business.” You laugh at him again. Harry was funny, no doubt about that. “Come on, just a few minutes, tell me what you’re working on.”

“I am researching anonymity online, the pros and cons, how social media is mixed into it, stuff like that. People carry themselves different on the various social media platforms, trying to show specific versions of themselves, but when you’re able to remain anonymous, you somehow are truly able to be yourself without fear of judgement.”

“So, what are the cons then?”

“Oh, there are tons. There’s the fear of someone finding this anonymous version of yourself and being exposed. Then there are the people that forget there’s someone else behind the screen and send nasty messages to other anonymously.”

“That’s my biggest fear with Andy. He’s been begging me for a smart phone, but I just don’t feel comfortable with that yet.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I told him when he was thirteen we could talk about it.”

“It’s funny, I didn’t get my first phone until I was fifteen, and it was one of those ones that slid open and had a keyboard. Literally had to use the family desktop if I wanted to go on Facebook.”

“Do people even use Facebook anymore? Feel like it’s just forty-year-old wine moms and Home Depot dads.” Harry snorts.

“No one uses it anymore because it’s not fun. It may as well be LinkedIn.” You scoff.

“Well, I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading what you whip up when the time comes.” He smiles.

“Thanks.”

“I’ll let you get back to it…um, feel like grabbing a bite later?”

“If you don’t disturb me for the next two hours I’ll consider getting lunch with you.”

“Oh, I love a challenge.” He grins and stands up, leaving your office.

You smile and shake your head. Perhaps your neighbor was becoming a pretty good friend.

“You’re coming to Lisa’s tonight, right?” Harry asks you as he slings his bag over his shoulder on Friday afternoon.

“I believe so, six, right?”

“Yup! Do you need directions?”

“I have this thing called a smart phone, and get this…it has an app where if I put in an address, it shows me the route!”

“I really hate it when you’re sarcastic with me.” He rolls his eyes. “Get it enough from my son, you know?”

“Will he be joining the fun as well?”

“Nope, he’s with his mum this weekend. I gotta go get him from school and get him all packed up for her.”

“Does she always pick him up?”

“She picks him up on Fridays, and I pick him up on Sundays.” He shrugs. “It just works for us.”

“Makes sense.”

“Right, well, I’ll see you later.”

“Okay.” You smile and wave him off.

After knuckling at your eyes, you head home around 4PM. You wanted to shower and freshen up before heading to Lisa’s. It was a beautiful, chilly Fall evening, so you opt for a light sweater and black jeans, and a pair of boots. You run your fingers through your hair, reapply some makeup, and grab the bottle of white you had chilling in your fridge. You plug the address into your phone, and get going.

It was about a twenty-five minute drive. Lisa lived in a neighborhood with a lot of beautiful homes. Her driveway was long and winding, and on top of a hill.

“This must be a bitch in the winter.” You say to yourself. Maybe that was why she was hosting the September game night. There were a couple of other cars there, so you didn’t feel totally awkward. You walk up to the door and ring the bell.

“Y/N!” Lisa exclaims and hugs you. “Come on in, so glad you could make it.”

“Thank you for having me. I brought some wine.” You hand the bottle to her as you step inside.

“Oh, thank you, dear.”

“Shoes on or off?”

“On is perfectly fine, it’s all hardwood.” Lisa leads you inside. “I’ll get this open.”

You wait for her to pour you a glass, and then she leads you into the living room. Sandra and Mateo were already there. You wave hello and grab a seat.

“Y/N, this is Dan, the English department chair, Alice, Joe, and Fred.”

“Hi, it’s nice to formally meet you all.” You stand up and shake a few hands.

Everyone mingles and eats the snacks Lisa puts out. Her husband was quite the co-host. Janette shows up next, and you end up sitting with her. Harry’s the last to arrive. Lisa gets him a glass of red right away. He looked handsome. A tan cardigan over a white t-shirt and a pair of light wash jeans.

“Sorry I’m late everyone, Paige was over an hour late picking Andy up. There was an accident on the highway and she got stuck behind it, it was a whole thing.”

Paige, it was the first time Y/N heard Harry actually say the name of Andy’s mother.

“No worries, H.” Andre says. “Relax, we haven’t even decided on the game yet.”

“Thank god.” Harry plops down next to you on the couch. “Janette, did Y/N tell you she observed my wellness class yesterday?”

“She did, she told me she fell asleep the second you turned the lights off.” She snickers.

“Please, keep talking about me like I’m not even here.” You roll your eyes. Harry and Janette both lean over you so they can pretend to speak closer. “Okay, okay.” You push them both away. “That’s enough, thank you.”

“Alright, everyone, I was thinking we could play charades, yeah?” Lisa announces. “It’ll keep us limber.”

“English vs. CM?” Dan asks.

“You know it.” Lisa grins.

You were pretty good at charades so you weren’t worried. The couple of glasses of wine certainly helped boost your confidence. It was fun to let a little loose with your colleagues. It was some much needed bonding. Harry was quite competitive, which surprised you because he was usually so chill about everything. It was down to the final points, Harry needed to guess the name of your film correctly.

You put up two fingers.

“Second word.” You nod and he licks his lips in concentration You pretend to open a book and write it in it. “Uhhh, book…” He furrows his brows. You look up like as if you’re reading something, and then you pretend to write the book some more. “Notes…notebook, oh! The Notebook!” You tap your finger on your nose and your team cheers. “Ha!” Harry stands up and hugs you. He lets you go and looks back at everyone. “That was exhilarating. Better luck next time.” He says to the English team.

“Wasn’t exactly a difficult film to guess.” Alice says playfully.

“I had zero control over the slip of paper I chose out of that hat.” You grin.

You all help clean up before heading out. You slip your coat on and head outside after saying your goodbyes.

“Y/N?” You hear Harry from behind you. “You’re good to drive, right?”

“Yeah, of course. Wouldn’t get behind the wheel if I wasn’t.”

“Alright.” He smiles. “Just wanted to be sure.” He walks with you outside.

“It would be pretty bad if I got so fucked up I couldn’t drive home from our department chair’s house.”

“Lisa would actually get a pretty good kick out of it.” He smirks. You get to your car and press the button to unlock it. “Well…I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

“Same to you, any big plans while Andy’s gone?”

“Not really, I try to save the fun stuff for while he’s with me.”

“Aw, no hot dates.” You wink at him. Okay, maybe some of the wine was still in your system. He blinks at you for a moment and then he bursts out laughing.

“Right, the ladies are really fighting to knock my door down.” He wipes a tear from under his eye. “Can’t remember the last time I went on a proper date to be honest with you. Not exactly a turn on when you bring someone home and they see kid’s toys hanging around.”

“Oh come on, you’ve totally got the hot single dad thing working for you.” You nudge his shoulder. “Janette I usually go out on Saturday nights for drinks, you should come out tomorrow.”

“Um…which, uh, which bar do you go to?”

“Firefly, little more adult. We don’t really see the college kids there.”

“Sure, yeah, I know that place well. Um, what time?”

“Nine?”

“I’ll be there.” He smiles.

“Great! Goodnight, Harry.”

“Night, Y/N.”

He watches as you get into your car and drive away. It wasn’t until you woke up the next morning that you realize that you essentially asked him out, and that you sort of flirted with him. You text Janette immediately and let her know he may show up.

Jan: Yay! Harry’s so much fun to go drinking with, this’ll be great!

Will it? You think to yourself. It was one thing to have a couple of glasses of wine with colleagues, but you usually got pretty drunk with Janette, always taking an uber to and from the bar. You were a nervous wreck all day, and you weren’t sure why. You were hoping all of your Saturday chores would distract you, but they weren’t.

As you get ready, you decide on a blue dress that showed a tasteful amount of cleavage, pairing it with patterned nylons, and boots. Your hair is down and wavy, and your makeup looks cute, for now. You put on your leather jacket and head out. Well, not before doing a quick shot at home. Your leg bounces the entire time in the uber. Janette is already there at your usual table. She waves you over and you sit down.

“I texted Harry earlier.” She says to you. “Just so he really knew he was invited.”

“I don’t have his number, otherwise I would have. Sorry, I feel like I should have asked first. This is sort of like our girl’s night.”

“Are you kidding?! Like I said earlier, Harry is super fun to drink with.”

After you both guzzle down your first drink, Harry arrives. He’s got a black button up on with the first few buttons undone, exposing the birds on his collar bones. He smiles when he sees the both of you.

“H!” Janette says, getting up to hug him and give him a kiss on the cheek.

“Hello, love.” He gives her a squeeze and a returned kiss. He looks at you and you give him a shy smile before giving him a side hug. “Thanks again for the invite, haven’t been to this place in a while.” He slides into the stool.

“Oh, of course!” Janette says. “I was excited when Y/N said you were coming.”

“Apparently I need to do more fun things when Andy’s with his mum.” He nudges you.

“What do you usually do when he’s gone?” You ask him.

“I usually clean up the house, stalk up on food, wash his sheets…dad stuff.” He shrugs with a laugh. The waitress comes over and smiles.

“Can I get you started with anything?”

“Rum and coke would be great, and I’ll start a tab.” He hands her his credit card and she nods.

“Nother round for you two?”

“Please!” Janette says.

“Yes.” You say with a smile.

The waitress nods and smiles. She walks away and looks back at Harry, blushing.

“Oh boy.” Janette grins. “I think you may get lucky tonight, H.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Our waitress did a double take.”

“She’s probably, like, ten years younger than I am or something. Not my style.”

“Fair enough.” She shrugs.

“What about you? Any ladies you’re trying to take home?”

“Well, if I weren’t in a long distance relationship, sure.”

“You and Sadie are still together?” He asks almost in shock.

“Of course we are! You would have known if we broke up.”

“Doesn’t it get difficult?” He frowns.

“I really don’t mind. When we’re able to be together it’s nice, but I like having my own space.” Janette turns to you. “Sadie is a photographer, traveling for National Geographic.”

“That’s incredible!”

The waitress brings all of the dinks over and you clink your glasses.

“Alright, what’s the gossip, ladies? Who are we shitting on?”

“Hmm.” Jaette taps her chin. “Perhaps Dan? He’s obviously still in love with Lisa.”

“Still?” Your jaw drops.

“Back in the day,” Harry starts, “he and Lisa were quite the item. She met Arnold at a conference. He’s a chef.”

“Ah, that’s why the food is so good.”

“Mhm, he’s retired now, but at the time she had to make this big choice between the two of them, and she chose Arnold. Built an entire life with him. Dogs, kids, big house, you name it.” Harry explains.

“And Dan’s been married and divorced twice. Lisa’s the one that got away.” Janette sighs. “Course, Lisa’s incredibly oblivious, or she pretends to be. You’d think they were simply best friends.”

“I wonder what made her choose Arnold over Dan.” You say.

“Good dick.” Janette says. “Simple as that.”

“Oh, come on.” You roll your eyes.

“You come on! Are you going to tell me you’d give up good dick?”

“So you’re telling me she was seeing both of them at the same time, and she chose Arnold because he hit it better?”

“That’s what I’m inferring, yes.” She sips her drink. “Getting to come every time you fuck is worth it, don’t you think?”

Harry nearly chokes on his drink from laughing.

“I forgot how nasty you can be, I love it.” He says and looks at you. “So, Y/N, what’s your answer? Is an orgasm reason enough to choose one guy over another?”

“Well, considering that I dated some real fuck when I was in college just so I could get some good dick, I’d have to say yes.” You say, enjoying the look on both of their faces. “I mean, it’s hard to remember how much you can’t stand someone when they’re railing you to completion.”

“Very true.” Janette agrees. “Also, Arnold is a really sweet man, sort of the whole package for her. I don’t think Lisa liked be challenged, and Dan, I heard, would challenge her on everything.”

“I’m usually up for a debate, but I get that. I don’t need to be in control of everything, but agreeable people are better.” You say.

“I wouldn’t say it’s because he’s agreeable.” Harry says, finishing his drink, and gesturing towards the waitress for another. “Arnold is smitten, not just in love, big difference.”

“How so?” You ask.

“When you’re…oh, thank you.” He smiles at the waitress brings him a new drink. “When you’re smitten, you walk around with rose colored glasses, to some that can be a bad thing, but I think when you’re that in love, you should really adore the person you’re with too. Arnold adores Lisa, Dan doesn’t. You can tell by the way they both look at her.”

It was nice discussing things like this with people who also observed people the way you did. It makes you wonder, though, what they may have picked up on about you.

After a few more drinks, you knew you needed to stop when your vision began to get hazy. Harry only had his two drinks since he drove himself. He drank some water as the night went on.

“H, Y/N lives not too far from you, help her save a couple bucks and drive her home, would you?”

“Jan…” You scold her.

“She’s right, I could give you a lift, if you want?”

“Um…well…sure.”

You both say goodnight to Janette, and Harry helps you into his car. He keeps the music low as he pulls out of the bar.

“So, where am I taking you?”

“To The Ledges, do you know where that is?”

“Sure do.” He chuckles. “Lived there myself when I first moved to the area.”

“Really?! It’s a great size place. I love it.”

“Got any pets or anything?”

“Nope, just me, myself, and I.” You grin.

“And you prefer it that way?”

“Well, after living at home my whole life, and then having various roommates over the years, I’d say that I’m quite enjoying living alone.”

“Good for you. I’m glad you’re liking it here so much. The person you replaced was such a twat.” You burst into laughter. “I’m serious! He never came to any of the outings. It was like he didn’t even care that we were trying to get him to engage. The second he got his PhD he left. Good riddance.” Harry scoffs.

“I really like it. It’s a lot different than being at a college in the city. I wasn’t sure how I’d do working in a college town, but I’m really enjoying it. I feel safe, you know? I didn’t always feel safe in the city.”

“I’m sorry, that had to have been difficult.”

“On the late nights it was. I usually had UPD walk me to my car. I don’t really have to do that here. I feel like I gained a lot of independence back.”

Harry pulls up to the apartment building, and parks. He turns the ignition off and you raise your eyebrows at him.

“What are you doing?”

“I was going to walk you to the door…”

“Oh…you don’t have to.”

“I insist.”

“Really, it’s okay. Um, thank you for the ride, it was really nice of you.”

“Thanks for the invite, I had fun.” He smiles.

“Me too.” You smile back and get out of the car.

You hear the car turn back on, and you know he waits to drive off until you’re inside.

“Paige, I get him for Christmas, why are you trying to change things?”

“You usually get him for Christmas because you don’t usually get him for the school year.” She crosses her arms as she stands outside in the frigid early December air.

“But you just got him for Thanksgiving.”

“You don’t celebrate Thanksgiving!”

“I observe!” He takes a deep breath. “His plane ticket is already paid for, he’s coming with me to London like always, and he will be back to you for New Year’s, like always.” He steps closer to her. “He looks forward to seeing my mum and Gem every winter, please don’t take that away from him.”

“It’s just…we’re hosting a Hanukkah party, and Noah really wanted him to be a part of it…”

“Shit.” Harry rubs the back of his neck. “There’s Jewish holidays all the time, couldn’t Andy be a part of the next celebration?”

“Dad! Come on, the Pats game is starting!”

“One second, just saying bye to mum!” He yells to Andy, and looks back at Paige, eyes pleading.

“Alright…he can still go with you.”

“Thank you.” Harry breathes. “His cousins would miss him terribly.”

“I know, I’d feel terrible doing that to him. I’m just trying to balance all of this. I wanna be a good partner to Noah, and somewhat of a mother figure to Rachel, but I don’t want Andy to feel like I’m favoring them over him. He comes first, he always will.”

“I’m sure he knows that.” He puts his hand on her shoulder. “Have a latke for me, yeah?”

“Yeah.” She smiles and gives his hand a squeeze before getting back into her car.

Harry heads inside and sits on the couch while Andy sits in his usual spot on the love seat, entranced by the football game.

“What was that all about? I heard shouting.”

“Could barely hear each other over the wind outside. Nothing to worry about. We were just confirming plans for your holiday break.”

“I’m still going to London, right?”

“Of course! No question about it.”

Andy smiles at Harry before returning his attention to the TV. Harry was usually very honest with Andy, but he didn’t need to worry him with any of the drama.

“You survived your first semester, congrats!” Janette says, popping a bottle of champagne as she walks into your office.

“Not over yet, I have finals to grade.”

“Whatever, the kids are gone, that’s something to celebrate.” She nods towards the plastic cups you keep in your office, and you grab two. “Any plans for the holidays? Going home at all?”

“Oh sure. Doing the Hanukkah thing with my folks, and then doing New Year’s in Boston with some friends.”

“Fun!”

“Wait.” Harry says, overhearing, grabbing the bottle for a swig. “You’re Jewish?”

“Yes?” You raise an eyebrow at him and take a sip from your cup.

“Brilliant. Paige’s boyfriend is Jewish, and I think it’s confusing for Andy. He doesn’t much like asking th guy questions, maybe he could talk to you sometime.”

“Sure.” You shrug. “Any plans for the holidays?”

“Yeah, Andy comes home to London for Christmas, and then I send him back for New Year’s with his mum.”

“You send him on the plane alone?”

“I haven’t always, but they let me walk him right to the gate, and he flies first class, so it’s very safe. They let his mum wait at the other gate too. I like to stay home for a few weeks if I can. I’m afraid I’m a bit of a mama’s boy.” He takes another swig of the bottle. “I am not looking forward to grading these papers. I really should just have each class do a presentation, can grade those right on the spot.”

“Tell me about it.” Janette groans. “My Advanced Comp class is going to be the death of me.”

“Well, clearly this champagne is going to keep us all awake enough to get through it.”

The three of you stand there laughing. You were looking forward to the long winter break. It would give you plenty of time to work on your research, and you wouldn’t be disturbed by any students popping in and out of your office, as much as you enjoyed the chats.

It was the beginning of January, there you were, working away in your office. You had a long flowy dress on, for some reason, and your door bursts open.

“Y/N! I’ve traveled across the pond for you!”

“Harry! You’re back.”

“That’s right, darling, I’m back.” He pushes everything off your desk, walks around to your and pulls you close to him. He crashes his mouth to yours.

“Oh, Harry.” You moan.

“Oh, Y/N.” He moans back before laying you on your desk. “I’m going to make you feel so good.” He rips your dress of and kneels in front of you, diving his head between your legs.

You wake up in a cold sweat, panting. Your eyes snap open and you grimace. Your legs feel sweaty, so you kick your blankets off.

“What the fuck?” You say to yourself as you sit up. Harry was attractive, but you never once fantasized about him. You reach between your legs and gasp. “Did I just fucking have a wet dream?!” You lick at your sticky fingers and shake your head in disbelief. “Shower, go shower Y/N.” You were talking to yourself, yes, but it was needed to help you calm down.

You were incredibly embarrassed. Harry was your friend, not someone you wanted to fuck, and certainly not on your desk in your office at work. Most people would be turned off, but doing it in a professional place was a big turn off for you. The idea of getting caught was also not a turn on for you. If you were ever caught you could be fired, and it just wasn’t worth it. Neither was dating a colleague. It wasn’t against the rules or anything, nor was it frowned upon, but dating in the workplace could lead to a lot of problems. You had a PhD on the line. Maybe it was time to just suck it up and go for a one night stand.

You had forgotten all about your dream by the time the January faculty meeting hit. That is, until Harry was the last to walk in. Your face flushes immediately. His hair was a little longer, and he had a bit of scruff that he normally wouldn’t have. He smiles and says hello to a couple of people, and then sits down right next to you.

“Hi.” He whispers with a smile.

“Hello.” You swallow and don’t look at him.

“How was your-“

“Can we get started?” Lisa addresses the group. “Much to go over, we need to start talking about the fall schedule.”

You were grateful for the distraction of the discussion, but you felt Harry’s eyes burn into you every few moments. He had to have known you were acting weird, you wouldn’t fucking look at him. Even if you thought to try, you just couldn’t. Two hours later, and the meeting finally ends. You gather your things quickly and head out, and down to your office. Just as you’re able to take a deep breath, you look up and see Harry standing in your doorway, hands in his pockets, squinting at you.

“Are we good?” He asks.

“Um.” You focus on the space behind him. “Yes, why wouldn’t we be?”

“Because you refuse to look at me. Even now, you’re not really looking at me.” He shifts his weight so he’s stand up normally. “Are you mad because I didn’t reach out over break?”

“What? No! I could care less about that, it wasn’t like I reached out to you.”

“So…what is it then? You make eye contact all the time, it’s not like you to not.”

“I…” You suck both of your lips into your mouth. “It’s nothing, it’s stupid, I’m being stupid.”

“If it’s stupid then just tell me.” He comes in and sits down on your loveseat.

“Harry, please.” You shake your head and sit down in your desk chair.

“Come on, Y/N. Clearly something’s bothering you.”

“Ugh.” You groan and get up to close your door. You sit on the edge of your desk. “I…had a rather odd dream a week or so ago…”

“Okay?”

“And you were in it.” You whisper.

“What was I doing in your dream?” He whispers back.

“That’s just it, I don’t know.” You rest your chin in your palm as you cross your arms over your chest.

“Well I must have done something to make you not even look at me. Did I hurt you, do something scary?”

“No…I suppose I wouldn’t call it scary, but I was certainly disturbed when I woke up.”

“What then?” A smirk grows on his face. “Don’t tell me you had a sex dream or something.” When your face stays the way it is his smile fades. “You had a sex dream about me?” You nod yes. “Where were we?”

“Here.”

“In your office?!”

“Shh!” You swat your hands in his direction. “Do you want the building to hear?”

“You had a dream that we fucked in your office?”

“Well, it wasn’t fucking per say…you sort of…I don’t know…it doesn’t matter.”

“No tell me, let’s talk this through.”

“You wiped everything off my desk, ripped my clothes off, sat me on top, and then…” You wince slightly. “You sort of…got your head between my legs, and then I woke up.” You say the rest of it quickly. “And I was utterly concerned when I woke up because I swear I don’t see you that way, Harry. You’re my friend, just my friend. I forgot all about it, and then I saw you and got all embarrassed again.”

He stands up from his seat and gives you a shy smile.

“It was just a dream, you don’t need to be embarrassed. We’re adults, yeah? Let’s act like it.”

“I just don’t want you thinking I’m some…sex maniac or something.”

“I don’t.”

“Okay…I’m sorry if I worried you during the meeting. It really is good to see you, I’m glad you’re back. We could have lunch soon, I’d love to hear about London.”

“Yeah, maybe.” He smiles, but you can tell it’s fake.

He heads out and goes into his own office, closing the door behind him. For whatever reason, your words hurt him. Just my friend rang through his mind. It wasn’t as though it were a lie, you were just friends, but you made it clear you didn’t want him to be the one between your legs in a dream. At first he was flattered, but now…well, now he just felt sad. Was he not good enough to be the one to get you off? Even if in a dream? He hears a knock on the door.

“Yes?”

You open it slowly.

“I hurt your feelings…”

“A little.” He admits. “Not sure why, though.”

“I just didn’t want you to think I was objectifying you.”

“It was a dream, Y/N, you have zero control over it.”

“But I must have been thinking of you subconsciously, right? Isn’t that how that works?”

“Okay, so maybe you were thinking of me and maybe that got mixed in with…whatever else.”

“I just don’t want you thinking I want to fuck you, that’s all.”

“That doesn’t make me feel better.” He mumbles.

“You want me to want to fuck you?!”

“Now who’d being loud?!”

“Sorry…”

“It’s just, well, how would you feel if I told you I didn’t want to fuck you, you probably wouldn’t feel too great about yourself.”

“It’s not that you’re not attractive, Harry-“

“This is making it worse.” He runs his hands over his face and looks at you. “It was just a dream, nothing to worry about, okay?”

“Things won’t be weird between us?”

“No.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

“I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have acted the way I did in that meeting, then we wouldn’t have needed to talk about it.”

“Did you tell Janette?”

“I resent that, just because I’m close with her doesn’t mean she knows every bit of my business.”

“I just didn’t know if I should be expecting some teasing from her.”

“No, none, and you better not tease me either.”

“I won’t.” He smiles. “London was good by the way…”

“Good, I’m glad.” You smile at him. “Talk later?”

“Yeah.”

“Not that I’m not happy to be out with the two of you, but why are the three of us out to dinner?” Andy asks.

“Mum and I thought it would be nice to see what you wanted to do for your February vacation. Usually you come see me and we go skiing, but mum knows how to ski too-“

“You’re canceling our trip?!”

“No! We were just thinking mum could take you this year.”

“But it’s your cabin.”

“And I don’t mind sharing.”

“Andy…I thought it would be nice for the four of us to go together. Noah knows how to snowboard, and Rachel wants to take a skiing lesson.”

“Great, so now this going to be a huge family trip? I don’t wanna do that, Mum.” Andy groans.

“Andy.” Harry sighs. “I think Mum and I have been very accommodating to you this year. Could you please just try to help us out a little? Do you know how many kids would kill to have their parents take them on a ski trip for their breaks?”

“I’m not trying to be ungrateful, I’m sorry.” He looks down at his plate and then back up to Harry. “Can’t you still come? The house is big enough.”

“It’s not a bad idea, Har.” Paige says to him and his eyes widen.

“Would Noah and Rachel feel comfortable with that? I wouldn’t want to overstep…”

“I’ll talk to them, I can’t see either of them feeling weird about it. She refers to you as Uncle Harry as it is, and it’s your cabin, I don’t think Noah would care.”

“Would you be alright with it?”

“Sure.” She shrugs. “There’s that spare room on the other end of the house, so you could have your own space and the kids could stay in the bunk room.”

“Wait, so this is happening?” Andy perks up. “You’d really come, Dad?”

“Yeah, if it’s not weird for anyone, I’m in.”

Andy gets up from the table and moves to hug both Harry and Paige, both of them looking at each other surprised. They give each other mental high fives for being able to figure things out.

“I’m really excited now.” Andy says as he sits back down.

“Okay, now that we’ve got that out of the way…” Paige grins and looks back at one of the waitresses, giving her a nod. Happy birthday starts being sung throughout the restaurant.

“Oh my god.” Harry closes his eyes and groans. “This dinner wasn’t about me…”

“Nonsense.” She chuckles. “How often do we all get to celebrate together?”

A small cake with candles is brought over in front of Harry. The singing continues and he feels thoroughly embarrassed.

“Wanna help me blow ‘em out?” He asks Andy.

“Yeah!” He leans over and blows out the candles and the restaurant claps.

Harry looks at Paige and shakes his head. She laughs and thanks the waitresses.

“Andy, go get in Dad’s lap, I’ll take your picture together. I’ve got your gift for him in the car too, I’ll go get it.” Andy crawls into Harry’s lap, and Paige uses Harry’s phone to snap the photo. She beams when she looks at it. “You should get this one printed, it’s adorable.” She gets up and leaves to go get the gifts.

“Did you know about all this?” He says to Andy giving him a squeeze before letting him go.

“She just told me we were meeting you for dinner instead of going straight to your place.” He shrugs.

Paige returns shortly with a few cards and bags.

“Alright, this is from Rachel and Noah.”

“They didn’t have to get me anything…”

“They insisted!”

Harry takes the card out and smiles. Rachel had clearly drawn him a picture, it was cute. His smile grows wider when he takes a nail kit out of the small bag.

“I was due for one of these, I’ll have to text Noah a thank you.” Harry opens the next bag and sees a card from Andy that he also drew. In the bag was a new set of pocket squares for his suits, that he desperately needed, some bandanas, scrunchies, and a gift card to his favorite clothing store. “Went all out son, thank you.”

“Thought your…what was the word you used, Mum?”

“Wardrobe.” She chuckles.

“Yeah! Thought your wardrobe could use an update.”

“Should I be offended?” He says, raising an eyebrow.

“I think you should be happy your son has your keen eye for fashion.” She slides another card over. “That one’s from me.”

“You’ve done enough.” He says before leaning over to kiss the top of Andy’s head.

“Just open it.”

Harry rolls his eyes and opens the card. He starts laughing. There was some joke about being close co-parents, and a gift card to one of his favorite restaurants.

“Thank you.”

“More than welcome.”

Andy hugs Paige goodbye in the parking lot before hopping in the backseat of Harry’s car.

“Were you surprised, Dad?”

“Very! Thank you again for the gifts, it was very thoughtful of you.”

“I’m more excited about going skiing now.”

“Sorry if we scared you. I just wanna make sure Mum gets to see you.”

“I know.” He sighs. “Hey, Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“How come Mum has Noah, but you don’t have anyone?”

“I have you.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I just…I don’t know, I don’t have much time for dating.”

“What do you do on the weekends when I’m not with you?”

“Sometimes I see friends, or I catch up on some grading, I clean up too. You’re gonna start doing more chores, that would be the ultimate birthday gift.”

“It’s okay if you wanna date, you know…”

“I don’t exactly need your permission.” He chuckles.

“I know…but I want you to know I’m okay with it.”

“Well, I appreciate that, thanks.”

When Harry walks into his office Monday morning he’s surprised to see a vase full of flowers. There’s a small card with it:

Happy Birthday, H!

- Y/N

Harry smiles to himself and smells the flowers, he couldn’t believe you remembered. He only mentioned it once when his birthday was. Thirty-two was off to a great start. He hangs his jacket up and gets his computer set up. His first class wasn’t until 9AM, so he had some time to prep and wake up a bit more before heading to the lecture hall. He sees you walk by on your way to your office.

“Oh! You’re here!” You had two coffees in your hands. “My gift wasn’t complete yet.” You walk in and hand him his coffee. “Black coffee.” You smile.

“Thank you, the flowers are lovely.”

“Not that I thought you needed more plants in here.” You joke. Harry had a fuck ton of plants in his office windowsill.

“Well excuse me for enjoying nature.” He scoffs, and takes a sip of his coffee. You sit down on the couch in his office.

“Did you have a good weekend?”

“I did, Paige and I took Andy out to dinner to talk about his February break, and it turned into a little surprise birthday thing, it was nice. Can’t remember the last time we did something like that as a family. I mean, we have shared birthday parties for him and stuff, but I think he enjoys when it’s just the three of us.”

“If you don’t mind me asking…did he ever know the two of you as a couple?”

“No.” Harry sighs. “I think he was almost two when she and I called it quits. Now look at us, we’re all going on a ski trip together, including her boyfriend and his daughter.”

“That won’t be weird?”

“Not really, I’ve known Noah a while.”

“How long have they been together?”

“Well, they’ve been a couple for almost three years, but they were friends beforehand. He’s one of the lawyers at the office she works at. He came on, like, a year after she and I split, they were friends for a while, and I think once he knew she and I weren’t getting back together he made his move.” Harry shrugs. “No skin off my nose, I just wanted her to be happy. His daughter Rachel is as cute as a button too.” He takes another sip of his coffee. “Poor thing, her mum died in a car accident when she was really little. Paige is a great mum, so it was a good fit for everyone I think. The only thing I don’t love is that Noah is, like, almost forty.”

“How old is Paige?”

“Almost thirty-four, so it’s not super weird, but…I think that’s another reason why he waited to ask her out, you know?”

“I’m surprised he doesn’t have his own cabin to take her too.”

“Nope, just a massive house on the lake.” Harry chuckles and looks at his flowers again. “Thank you again for these, it was a nice surprise.”

“Oh, don’t mention it.” She sips her own coffee and gets up to go to her own office.

“How’d you know I’d like these?”

“Everyone likes getting flowers, Harry.” She smiles and leaves.

Harry had cancelled his classes during the week of Andy’s February break like he always did. He had forum posts for them to work in in his absence. Going to the cabin wasn’t ask awkward as he thought, and it was good bonding for Rachel and Andy. Harry, Noah, and Paige could hear the two of them giggling as they watched movies at night, it was sweet. Harry mostly stuck with skiing with Andy during the day, and he and Paige took him for a run or two as well. As Andy got older co-parenting got easier, for whatever reason. Any lingering feelings between Harry and Paige had simply fizzled into a normal friendship. There was no malice between them which was good for Andy to see.

“Uncle Harry?” Rachel asks one night at dinner.

“Yes, love?”

“How come you have an accent, but Andy doesn’t?”

“Because Andy wasn’t born and raised in a country where people sound like me. Although sometimes you sound like me when you’ve been around me a lot.” Harry looks at Andy.

“My friends tease me for how I say pasta sometimes.” He chuckles. “I say that like you.”

“It’s true! You say taco like Dad too. It’s pretty funny.”

“Well, those are my two favorite foods so it makes sense.”

“How come you have so many tattoos?” Rachel asks.

“Honey, tattoos can be really personal.” Noah explains.

“It’s alright, I got a lot of them when I was younger. Think my last one was when Andy was born, got his initials my forearm.” He extends his arm out.

“Harry.” Paige clears her throat, nodding towards his mermaid tattoo and shakes her head no.

“Oop! Sorry.” He blushes. “Sometimes I forget she’s there.” He chuckles.

“Can we paint nails after dinner, Uncle Harry?” Rachel pleads.

“Sure! Brought that nail kit you and Dad so nicely got for me.”

“Yay! It’s okay, right, Daddy?”

“Of course, princess.” Noah says lovingly towards his daughter.

After dinner, Harry sits with Rachel at the kitchen table, to not make a mess, while Paige, Noah, and Andy sit in the living room watching TV. On the outside looking in the scene may be odd, but this was working well for all of them. Andy was having a good time and that was all Harry cared about.

It was a Thursday night, you both swiped right, and you met him at a bar. After a few drinks you climbed into the backseat of his car and before you knew it you were bouncing up and down on his dick while he pressed hot kisses to your neck. His name was Gabriel, and he was just what you needed right now. Or he would have been if he had been able to last a moment longer. You were so close, and he came into the condom before you had a chance to have your own release. He didn’t even ask if you got yours, he just kissed your cheek and lifted you off him.

“Care to take this back to my place?” He says.

“Think I’ve had enough for one night, thanks.” You say as you button your pants back up.

“Let me at least drive you home.”

“No, that’s okay, I can take an uber.” You get out of his car and slam the door shut. He gets out and looks at you, you turn around and look at him.

“Another time?”

“No, I don’t think so.” You say bluntly and his face falls.

“Thought we just had a nice time.”

“You had a nice time because you got to finish.” You huff as you fix your jacket. You take your phone out and order your ride.

“Thought you did, my bad.”

“Right.” The car pulls up, and you get in.

This is why you hated doing things like this. Men on these dating apps just wanted to get theirs. They just wanted a place to stick it and they didn’t care if you were left satisfied or not. You take a nice, long shower when you get back, scrubbing the smell of Gabriel away from you. You grimace when you see the kiss mark he left on your collar bone. Luckily a shirt and scarf would cover it, and it didn’t look like it would last longer than a couple of days anyways.

“Well, were you being vocal about what you needed?” Janette asks you as she sits on the edge of your desk Monday morning.

“I said things like right there or like that…he didn’t even warn me that he was coming, he just did. Then he wanted me to come back to his place with him…”

“Maybe he would have put on a better show for you.”

“The previews certainly didn’t leave me wanting to see more.”

“Preview for what.” Harry says, peeping his head in. He had a slight tan from skiing, and it was sort of cute.

“Y/N saw a really bad preview for this movie about this loser, that’s all.” Janette says. “How was your week away?”

“Actually, not too bad. I think it was good for us to all do something together. Andy had a great time, that’s all I cared about. He even agreed to be with his mum for the entire April vacation.”

“Oh? What’s she going to take him to do?” You ask.

“They’re gonna go to New York to see some shows, I thought it was a great idea. It’ll be good for him to get some real culture.”

“And that’s not a trip you wanted to join in on?” Janette smirks.

“Hmm, large cabin where I have my own space or cramped hotel room?” He weighs his option. “I’ll take the bitter cold and the cabin, thanks.”

“What do you think you’ll do while he’s away?” You ask.

“No idea, I’ve got time to figure it out. Honestly, it’s perfect timing because that’s right during advising weeks so I’ll actually be able to help my students without him sitting in the corner complaining that he’s bored.” He rolls his eyes. “I don’t what’s gonna turn my hair grey first, him or the college students.”

“Oh please.” Janette groans. “Men look so much better with a little grey, makes you look distinguished, it’s us who look like old crones when we let our greys out. I don’t wanna hear it.” She shakes her head and looks at her watch. “Gotta get ready for my next class, so you later.”

“Is it true?”

“What?”

“Do men look better with a little grey.” He runs a hand through his hair.

“Depends on the guy, I think. I mean, I’m twenty-six so a little grey wouldn’t scare me away, but I’m not exactly looking for a silver fox.” You laugh and so does he.

“I missed your sense of humor last week. As good of a time it was, I felt like I had to be very careful about the jokes I cracked.”

“Well, no need for a filter here.”

Harry nods and goes into his own office. He thinks for a moment and then peeps his head back into yours.

“So, what movie preview did you see that you didn’t like?”

“What?”

“When I first came in, you and Jan were talking about-“

“Oh! Um, it was so bad I don’t even remember the name.” You tug slightly at your scarf out of nerves.

“Too bad, I could’ve searched it and had a good laugh.” He shrugs and leaves again.

Sometimes you wondered what Harry’s dating life was like, not that it was any of your business. He had mentioned a couple of times he didn’t make a lot of time for it, but what about one night stands? Did he make sure women got theirs when he was with them?

“I’m going to look like a fucking idiot compared to all of you.” You pout as you get your robe and hood on.

“You will not. Sort of miss the master’s robe, honestly, they’ve basically got pockets. You’ll have your doctoral one soon enough.” Harry says, putting on his own robes.

“I can never get this thing right, could you help me?”

“Of course.” He steps behind you and adjusts the blue hood for you.

“Do I need the cap? It’s just an honor’s ceremony.”

“You certainly do, and get used to it. This is one of three times a year you’ll need to put this on.”

“Three?”

“Grad commencement and undergrad commencement are separate ceremonies.”

“And we have to go to both?”

“We do.” He sighs. “You’re also not the only professor on this campus that isn’t a PhD yet, so don’t get down on yourself, yeah? You’re working towards it.” You turn towards him and his hands place gently on your shoulders.

“Thanks, Har.”

He smiles at the nickname and lets go of you. You and the other CM professors head over to the CM Honors Inductee Ceremony. It was a nice event for the honors students within the major. As soon as it ends you rip your cap off. You didn’t enjoy wearing it at all. You mingle with a few parents and take pictures with some of the students that wanted you in their photos.

“Y/N?” One of your students, Kayla, says.

“Yes?”

“I was wondering…for our final assignment, instead of writing you a paper about signs, could I make you a video instead?” She was in your Rhetoric and Semiotics class.

“Hmm, I think that could be really interesting. What would a video entail?”

“Well, I thought I could go to the grocery store and show unwritten rules, like how someone will put a divider down on the belt without having to be asked, or how when you go up to the deli you just grab a ticket, how branding works, stuff like that.”

“As long as you still send me a references page I think that could be fine. Of course, I’d have to show it to the rest of the class.”

“Deal.” She smiles. “Thanks.” You nod and then she walks away.

You head back to your office to hang your robe and hood up in your closet. You grab your back and smack right into your Harry.

“Jesus.” You say and back away. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even see you.”

“No, that was me, I was walking too fast.” He unzips his robe and hangs it up same as you in his own closet.

“Why were you in such a hurry?”

“Single mum at the ceremony got a little too liberal with the hugging, had to get out of there.” He chuckles. “You hungry?”

“I could eat.”

“Wanna go down to the pub? I don’t have Andy’s still in New York…”

“Sure! That sounds great, actually. Let me just drop all this off in my car.” He nods and you both walk down to the parking lot before walking the rest of the way to the pub.

You both sit down at the bar and order drinks. You both end up getting Mediterranean wraps, not feeling quite hungry enough for nachos this time around.

“Any summer plans yet? I know it’s early, but-“

“Paige and I need to sit down with Andy to figure all that out. He got to stay with me all year, so it would be make sense for him to be with her for the summer, but I have a feeling he won’t like that. School gets out in June for him so I’ve got some time…but I have a feeling it’s not going to be easy.”

“Why do you think he wants to be with you so much more?”

“I just think he’s at an age where maybe he feels more comfortable being with me. He’ll be eleven soon, changes are starting to happen.” He chuckles. “Maybe Paige and I could split up the summer or something.”

“How have his grades been? Wasn’t that part of the deal?”

“His marks have been great, he’s doing well. He has some great friends and he loves his teachers. He really enjoyed playing basketball this winter in the town league too.”

“Not that I’m an expert on custody agreements, but couldn’t you do what you’re doing now? Wednesdays and every other weekend with Paige, and the rest of the time with you?”

“He hates the back and forth in the summer, that’s why we agreed on summers with me. I mean, she still sees him in the summer, obviously, but he usually doesn’t have to go every other weekend. We’ll see.” He sighs. “We try to give him what he wants to not make waves, but at the end of the day we’re the parents and he’s the child and what we say goes.” He finishes off his drink and asks for another. “Need a refill?”

“Sure, I could probably handle two.” You shrug.

Two turned into three, then, four, and finally five. The sun had gone down and it was dark outside. You two had split a chocolate lava cake. The bar was starting to fill with college students.

“Holy shit, it’s almost ten!” You say. “Should probably go before some of these kids try to buy me a drink for a passing grade.” Harry laughs at that and agrees. You split the bill, and nearly lose your balance as you hop off the bar stool, clutching as his bicep.

“Wanna split an uber? I can’t drive, and I don’t think you can either.” He chuckles.

“Yeah, good idea. I’ll order it.”

“No, I’ve got it.” He takes his phone out as you both head outside. The car pulls up after a couple of minutes and you both get in. “We’ll drop you off first.”

“Alright.” You smile. “This was fun tonight. I like when we get to hang out.”

“Me too.” He smiles at you. “Can’t believe your first year is almost done.”

“I know, it’s really flown by.” You crane your neck from side to side and sigh. “Maybe now that I know the area better I’ll feel more comfortable trying to really meet someone.”

“Meet someone for what?” You look up at him, making a face as if the answer is obvious. “Oh! That’s cute you think you have time for a relationship.” He laughs.

“Excuse me?”

“Y/N, you spend all your free time on your research.”

“I just spent some free time with you, didn’t I? Janette and I go out, and-“

“Janette travels with Sadie in the summers.”

“Guess that leaves me stuck with you then.” You nudge him. “Actually, I’m hoping to go to Boston for a bit, visit friends and family. I’m hoping to get to the beach too. I love summer.”

“You should come hiking with me. Despite the black flies, May is great because it’s not humid yet.”

“Might have to take you up on that, I really enjoyed it this fall.” The car pulls up in front of your house. “Have a good night, Harry.”

“You too.” You both reach over and hug each other. “See you Monday.”

“See you Monday.” You smile and get out.

Once the school year was over, you sat with Lisa and went over your course evaluations. Overall you did really well, and she reaffirmed how happy she was that she hired you. She wishes you a happy summer, and that’s about it. You ask if you’re allowed to use your office in the summer, and she says yes but it gets really hot so it’s not as great as you may think.

Saturday night as you’re having your last girl’s night with Janette you get a text.

Harry: Hey! Know it’s last minute, but I’m taking Andy up Rattlesnake tomorrow morning, care to join?

Y/N: sure! As long as he doesn’t mind…

Harry: got his permission already, we’re all set ;)

You bite your bottom lip and smile, and Janette peaks over your shoulder to see what you could be smiling at.

“God, what a gift it would be if I come back in the fall and you two are dating.”

“Oh, stop.” You nudge her. “We’re friends.”

“Would it be bad to be more?”

“I don’t really think it’s a good idea to go out with someone you work with…”

“Good luck finding anyone else who’s decent around here then.”

“I could meet someone in Boston, do the long distance thing.”

“That gets old.”

“You’re doing it!”

“Yeah, but I’m more of a free spirit. Sadie and I don’t care about marriage or kids or a house in the hills. You, my sweet friend, would like all of those things.”

“True…” You finish your drink. “Well, if I don’t want to puke on this hike tomorrow I should probably get going.” You both stand and hug and kiss and wish each other fantastic summers.

You get a restful night’s sleep, and get yourself ready in the morning. You had invested in a pair of hiking boots in the fall, so you were feeling prepared. You put on a pair of spandex shorts, and put on some mesh shorts over those. You opt for a sweat resistant short sleeve shirt, and pull your ponytail through a baseball cap. You get everything in your small pack that you’ll need: sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, granola bar, rag, and bug spray. You drive out to the trail and park, lathering your arms and legs with sunscreen. You see Harry’s car pull up, and Andy hops out, bandana and clip keeping his hair back, just like Harry’s. Harry had a sleeveless shirt on and you could really see the definition in his shoulder muscles. You put your sunglasses on and head over to them.

“Morning, boys.” You smile.

“Morning.” Harry smiles back.

“Hi, Y/N.” Andy mumbles shyly.

“Hi, Andy. Dad told me you’re doing well in school. Bet you’re about ready to be done, huh?”

“Yeah, only a few more weeks.”

“Can’t believe he’s going into sixth grade. Makin’ me feel old.”

“You are old.” Andy giggles.

“Mhm, thanks.” Harry rolls his eyes. “Let’s get going, shall we?”

Andy walks a few paces ahead of you and Harry.

“His birthday is soon, yeah?”

“Yeah, next weekend, actually…um…Paige is hosting his party this year.” Andy looks back at Harry making a face, and Harry makes a face back at him.

“That’ll be fun.” You say, not noticing the exchange as you look at the various trees surrounding you.

“Yeah…it will be. Um…it’s Saturday afternoon…”

“Weather looking good?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s great. Probably still cold to swim at the lake, though, right?”

“Yeah, but the kids will still have a water balloon fight.”

“Dad, just ask her!” Andy groans as he turns around again.

“Ask me what?”

“He wants you to go with him to the party.”

“Andy!” Harry snaps at him. “Keep walking.”

Andy rolls his eyes and continues to walk ahead of you.

“Is that true, you want me to come?”

“Is that weird?”

“Not really.” You shrug. “Although, I’d only know you and Andy.” You chuckle.

“See…it’s just…Paige’s parents will be there, and that’s fine, but Noah’s parents are coming too, and it would be nice to have a buffer other than my son. He’ll be off playing games and eating junk good, I don’t want him to think he needs to babysit me…”

“I totally get it. I don’t think I have plans, I could go for a little while.”

“Really? I’m not asking too much?”

“Not at all, what are friends for?” You smile and he smiles back.

You walk a few paces ahead of Harry, but still behind Andy, giving Harry the perfect view of your bum in your shorts. He wasn’t staring, but he certainly wasn’t not looking. When you get up to the top your jaw drops. The view of the mountains and the lakes were even better in the late spring. You snap a few photos, taking one of Harry and Andy, Harry taking one of you looking out, and then you all sit down for some water and snacks.

“Andy, do you enjoy hiking with your Dad?”

“Yeah, it’s a lot of fun. We go a lot over the summer.”

“Andy’s hiked two of the 4,000 footers, hoping to get a couple more done this summer.”

“Wow! That’s incredible.”

“You should come with us, Y/N. We’re going to camp overnight at one of them.”

“Oh, you don’t wanna go camping with me, I’m a real snob. I need running water and indoor plumbing.”

“It has that.” Harry says, taking a sip of his water. “There’s bathroom, no shower or anything, but working toilets. You bring all your own camping gear. It’s pretty cool.”

“I’ll consider it. Think I should probably go on hikes that are longer than a mile up.” You laugh.

“You guys can do during the week now that school’s over, right?” Andy says.

“I wouldn’t want to exclude you, Andy.” You smile.

“Don’t worry about me.” He crunches down on his granola bar. He shares another look with Harry, but again it goes unnoticed by you, too busy looking out at the beauty of the mountains and lakes.

You all hike down the mountain in not time and say your goodbyes. Harry tells you he’ll text you with more details about the party later in the week.

“I told you she’d say yes.” Andy says from the backseat of the car.

“I wish you had let me work up to it a little more.”

“You were taking too long. Sometimes you just need to pull the trigger, Dad.”

“Is that so?” Harry laughs. “Things are a little more complicated at my age. Sort of awkward asking a colleague out on a date.”

“If you two are friends does that make it a date?”

“Well, she’ll be attending with me, so that makes her my date.”

“Does that mean you’ll kiss her goodnight?”

“Andy!” Harry looks back for a moment and then gets his eyes back on the road. “No, I’m not going to kiss her. You heard her, what are friends for, that’s all she sees me as.” He sighs to himself.

“That’s why you need to step up your game.”

“Son, do me a favor?”

“Yeah?”

“Just, shut up for the rest of the drive home.”

Andy bursts out laughing, but does as Harry asks, knowing he’s being a bit annoying.

It was a beautiful day on Saturday, but you were worried about being cold out by the water, so you opt for a pair of high-waist jean capris that flare a bit at the bottom. You find a sleeveless white blouse and pair it with a blue cardigan. You put your hair up in your two buns, and throw on a pair of wedges.

Harry: I’m outside

“Shit.” You say, just finishing your makeup. You run around, grabbing your purse, and the box you had wrapped for Andy’s gift, and head out.

You open the passenger seat and get settled, smiling at Harry.

“You didn’t have to get him anything.”

“I know, it’s just a new basketball. I saw it at WalMart when I was picking up a card. I hate showing up to these things empty handed. What did you get him?”

“A new bike.” He grins. “It’s in his mum’s garage already.”

“Oh! He’ll be so excited. He skateboard too right?”

“Yeah, I really don’t know where he gets his coordination from. Other than skiing I’m pretty clumsy.”

“Don’t you go to a boxing gym?”

“Yeah, and I look like a proper oaf.” He laughs and looks at you. “You look nice by the way. Your outfits are always so put together.”

“Oh, um, thanks.” You blush slightly. You wanted to tell him that you did your hair the way you did because you know he sort of likes it, but you thought that might be a weird thing to say. “Does, um, Paige know you’re bringing me?”

“She does.” Harry nods. “You’re not, like, nervous to meet her are you?”

“No.” You scoff. “Why would I be?”

“I don’t know.” You shrug. “What did you say to her about me?”

“Well, before I got a chance to say anything last night when she picked Andy up, he spilled the beans.” He rolls his eyes. “So I told her you’re a friend from work…is that okay?”

“Yeah, that’s what I am so it makes sense.” You drum your fingers on top of the box to the beat of the music. “None of your family will be there?”

“They’re going to FaceTime in for it. They came for his tenth birthday since it’s a bit more sentimental.”

“Do you miss them?”

“Oh sure, but I love here too much to go back permanently. I like going during winter break, that’s enough.”

“You don’t go during the summer?”

“Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. Sometimes they come to visit here during the summer too. My sister has two kids of her own so it’s not always easy to travel.” You nod your head. “You know, I’ve known you almost a year and I don’t know a thing about your family.”

“What’s there to know? My parents are still together, somehow, I’ve got an older brother who’s a sous chef at a restaurant in Boston. He’s not married, but he has a partner and he’s just lovely. I usually stay with them if I go home for a visit.”

“That’s great! How much older is he?”

“He’s around your age, actually, so not a huge age difference.”

“And when’s your birthday?”

“Beginning of August.” You grin.

“Wow, so you had just turned twenty-six when you came to us.”

“Pretty much, got hired at twenty-five, not too shabby.”

“Not at all.”

The conversation went on for the entire drive. That’s how it always was with you two, always a lot to talk about. When you get out of the car you’re able to get a good look at Harry’s outfit. His outfits were usually well crafted, you’d call his style dad-chic. He was in a pair of tan slacks that he had cuffed at the bottom, a pair of white loafers to go with them, a white tank top tucked in with a floral open short-sleeve button up. Very handsome. You smile at each other and then he leads you around back to where the party was. You weren’t the first people there, but you weren’t the last either.

“Dad!” Andy exclaims and runs over to you both. Harry picks him up and swings him around before setting him down.

“Happy birthday, kiddo.”

“Thanks! Look, all my friends from school came.” He points over to them. Harry recognizes Brandon and his father out of the bunch.

“That’s great, bud, let us come in and say hi to everyone, can you say hi to Y/N?”

“Hi, thanks for coming.” He gives you a surprising hug.

“Oh! You’re welcome, Andy. Happy birthday.”

He runs back over to his friends and you walk further into the backyard. It was stunning. Grass that led to sand that led to the lake water. A boat parked further down by the docks, and just gorgeous views for miles. The house itself was huge, you couldn’t believe it.

“Harry!” A woman, who you would assume is Paige, comes waking over. She was beautiful. Shoulder length blonde hair, sort of thin, but not quite a stick. She was wearing a yellow sundress. Her and Harry share a slight hug. “He’s eleven.” She pouts.

“He’s eleven.” Harry agrees with a sigh. “Oh, this is Y/N. Y/N this is Paige, Andy’s mum.”

“It’s so nice to meet you.” She says to you. “Let me take that for you, thank you for bringing him something. I’ll put this with the others.” She takes the box from you. “There’s wine and beer for the adults if you like, but we also have soda and water if you’re not up for drinking. I certainly had a glass after my folks showed up.”

“Did your mother put her white glove on and see if there was any dust?” Harry teases her.

“She may as well have.” Paige rolls her eyes.

Harry puts his hand on the small of your back and leads you closer into the party.

“This is a lovely home.”

“Oh, thank you. I sort of inherited it. It’s was my grandparents’.” She sets your gift on the table with the others. “There’s snacks inside and outside. Feel free to hangout wherever.”

“Where exactly are your parents?” Harry asks.

“Up on the deck.” Paige points up towards it. “Feel free to avoid them as long as you like. They’re speaking with Noah’s parents at the moment. My sister should be here soon.” She looks at her watch. “I’m gonna go check on some things.”

“Alright, love, thanks.” They smile at each other. You get a bad taste in your mouth hearing him call her love, for whatever reason. “Wanna meet some of the parents. I know that guy, Ed, the best. He’s Brandon’s dad, Andy’s best friend.”

“Sure.” You nod and Harry leads you over. “I never quite understood why some parents stay at kids parties.”

“Well…look around you, wouldn’t you wanna hang for a bit?”

“Got me there.”

“Harry, hi.” Ed shakes Harry’s hand.

“Good to see you, this is my friend Y/N, we work together at the university.”

“Hi.” You shake his hand.

“Great to meet you. Brandon was so excited when he got the invite. He and Andy get along so well.” The three of you watch them and the other kids playing tag.

“Born to be friends I’d say.” Harry says.

“Uncle Harry!” A young girl comes running over to Harry and he picks her up, kissing her check, and then setting her down.

“Hi, Rachel, can you say hello to my friend Y/N?”

“Hello.” She beams up at you, a couple of teeth missing. “My grammy and grampy are here.”

“Are they?” Harry says.

“Mhm, I love them a lot.”

“I’m sure they love you too, sweetheart. Are you having a good time for Andy’s birthday?”

“Yeah! We’re going to have a water balloon toss soon.”

“Oh, that’ll be fun!”

“Daddy said he’d be on my team for it.”

“Well, that’s good.”

She smiles again and then runs off.

“Your ex’s boyfriend’s daughter calls you Uncle Harry?” You ask.

“Yeah…she sort of started doing that on her own. She knows I’m Andy’s dad, but I don’t think it quite registers with her yet how we’re all mixed together.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

“A glass of white would be great, thank you.” Harry nods and leaves you standing with Ed.

“So, how long have you and H known each other?”

“Well, I started working at the university last August, so less than a year. We’re office neighbors.”

“Ah, how nice. He’s a really great guy, isn’t he? I coach the boys’ basketball team and he was the first to sign up for snack duty.”

“He’s definitely always thinking of others.”

“How long have you been seeing each other?”

“Oh, um, we’re not.” You shake your head. “He just asked me to come with him, ex in laws, you know?”

“Shit, I’m sorry for just assuming.”

“It’s alright.” You assure him. Harry comes over with a glass of wine for you and a bottle of beer for him.

“Sorry that took a moment, I ran into Noah inside and had to do the hellos. Still managed to not bump into Paige’s parents though, so that’s good.” He chuckles, taking a sip from his drink.

“Bad blood?” You ask.

“Even though things between Paige and I are perfectly fine, in their eyes, I’m always going to be the guy that got her pregnant and didn’t make an honest woman out of her.”

“That’s annoying.”

“Very.”

An hour or so passes and then Paige announces that the balloon toss will be beginning soon.

“Dad, be my partner?”

“You got it, buddy. Mind holding my drink?” He says to you.

“Not at all, have fun.” You smile.

More people had come down off the deck so they could watch. Some parents partnered with their kids, and other kids just partnered with kids. Everyone starts about a foot apart. This should be fun, you think, knowing Harry’s competitive nature.

“Would you look at Harry, he looks like an old man from Florida.” You hear a woman scoff.

“Notice how he’s been avoiding us, always a child.” You hear a man say, and this makes you turn towards them. They must be Paige’s parents.

Everyone playing was further apart now, some balloons had popped, but Harry and Andy were still in the game. The balloon pops at Rachel’s feet and she giggles loudly. There were only a few people now. You watch as Harry lobs the balloon perfectly to Andy, and Andy catches it with ease. It was Brandon and his dad vs. Harry and Andy now. Brandon overthrows it, causing the balloon to pop on the sand.

“We won!” Andy shouts running towards Harry.

“Great job.” Harry jostle’s Andy’s hair. Everyone cheers for them.

“What do you say, honey, cake and gifts now?” Paige asks Andy.

“Yeah.” He smiles.

All of the kids sit around a large glass table while Paige goes inside to get the cake. Harry walks back towards you and you hand him his beer.

“What were you saying about you have no coordination?”

“I had to win, it’s his birthday.” He laughs and then stops when he sees Paige’s parents. “Lydia, Nathan, how are you?”

“Oh, are you speaking with us now?” Lydia says playfully, giving him a hug. Harry shakes Nathan’s hand.

“You know how it is when you first get to a party, lots of excitement. I’d find you eventually.” He clears his throat. “This is Y/N, we work together at the university.”

“Hello.” You smile and they both look you up and down.

“How nice for you to bring a friend.” Nathan says, his tone laced with sarcasm.

“I’m gonna go see if she needs help with the cake.” Harry says to all of you, and you also decide to move away from the rude people you were standing with.

Paige and Harry stand on either side of Andy’s chair as everyone sings happy birthday. After cake the gifts come out. Noah takes Harry into the garage to grab the bike.

“Alright…this one is from…Y/N!” Paige says brightly as she hands the gift to Andy. He tears the wrapping paper off and gasps.

“Alright! A new basketball, thank you!” Andy says looking in your direction and you nod with a smile.

“Okay, Andy, Dad and I got you something really special.” Paige says pointing over to Harry who was wheeling the bike over. Andy’s jaw drops.

“Are you serious?!” He stand up and walks over to the bike.

“Know you’ve been wanting it for a while, and your grades have just been so good this year, we just had to do it. Mum’s got a new helmet, elbow and knee pads for you in the house.”

“Thank you so much!” He hugs Harry and then he hugs Paige.

“You’re more than welcome, baby doll.” Paige says to him and then he squirms away from her.

“Mum.” He huffs.

“Right, sorry, not in front of your friends.”

Paige’s sister helps her clean up the remains of the cake while the kids continue to play yard games. You find yourself sitting in a lawn chair when a man you have yet to meet takes the chair next to you, but you recognize him as Rachel’s father.

“We haven’t gotten to meet yet, I’m Noah.” He shakes your hand.

“I’m Y/N, nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” He smiles. “I was happy to hear Harry was bringing someone with him. Takes a bit of the pressure off.”

“Exactly.” You nod.

“How’d you meet?”

“We’re office neighbors, I started working at the university less than a year ago.”

“Oh! Right, you went hiking with them last weekend.” He says in understanding. “Andy told us. He’s quite the gossip.”

You observe Noah as he speaks. His hair has turned to salt and pepper, definitely had crow’s feet, also wore glasses, but he had a warm and inviting smile, similar to his daughter’s.

“He certainly speaks his mind.” You chuckle. “He’s very sweet though, I have to say.”

“Very sweet. He’s a good kid. It’s nice for Rach to have someone to grow up with a little She adores him, definitely sees him as a big brother.”

“That’s good. I’ve always found blended families to be interesting. You all are doing it well.”

“Took us a while to get to this point, but it’s all been worth it.”

“Y/N?” You both turn to look at Harry. “Party’s starting to dissipate a bit, are you about ready to head out?”

“Sure!” You stand up. “It was nice talking to you.”

“Same here.” Noah stands up and gives Harry a thumbs up without you seeing.

You both say your goodbyes, Andy gives you another hug and says thank you again for the gift. Harry tells him he’ll see him Sunday night, and then you head to his car.

“Hope you didn’t mind when I had to leave to chat a couple of times.”

“Oh, it was fine. I enjoyed just hanging out. It was a beautiful day.” The sun was just starting to set.

“Yeah, I’m glad the weather was nice. I think it’s supposed to rain tomorrow.” He looks at you and then gets his attention back on the road. “You really did look nice today.”

“Thank you, Harry.” You smile and give his shoulder a squeeze.

“Am I…taking you straight home?”

You blink a couple of times before looking at him.

“Where else would we go?”

“Well, I’ve got a back deck of my own. We could sit out, enjoy the sunset…if you want.”

“That sounds nice, actually. Yeah, let’s do that.” You smile.

“Great.”

You notice his jaw and shoulders relax. Were you making him tense? You both listen to the music on the radio as he drives you to his home. You smile as he pulls up. It was a decent size ranch. Cream color paneling and red shutters, very cute.

“Here were are.” He says awkwardly as you both get out.

“Do I get a tour?”

“Of course!”

He unlocks the front door and leads you inside. There was an open concept kitchen and living area. The house smelled like fresh coffee. He noticed you taking a whiff.

“I have an automatic air freshener.” He says and you nod.

“I like it, should get one for my place.”

“There’s a full bath down the hall, Andy uses that, and then I have my own bathroom. Three bedrooms totally, and then you can see I technically have two levels, that’s what I use for my office.”

“It’s a huge loft.”

“Yeah, it’s partially why I bought the place. I didn’t feel cramped. Basement’s partially finished which will be great for Andy when he’s over if he wants to have parties or whatever. Uh, and then the deck is this way. Can I get you anything…I only have red wine, I know you like white…”

“Red’s fine, maybe just put an ice cube in it for me?”

“Can do, make yourself comfortable outside.” He smiles.

You slide the glass door open and smile. It was a decent sized deck. There was a small glass round table with chairs, a grill, and some Adirondack chairs as well. You sit in one of those after taking a glance at the flowers and plants he had in pots. You also notice the various flower beds he had in the yard.

“Here you go.” He says, sitting down next to you, handing you the glass of wine.

“Thank you.” You smile and take a sip. You cross your cardigan over yourself.

“Are you cold? I can get a blanket.”

“Oh, no I’m fine, thanks. It’s beautiful out here.”

“Thanks, took me a while to get it landscaped the way I like.” He lights the citronella candle on the small table between you to help keep any bugs away. “I’ve been thinking of getting an above ground pool for Andy, he loves to swim, but it’s a lot maintenance, and his mum as the lake right there.”

“That house is incredible.”

“Noah’s helped her revamp it quite a bit, and the boat’s his.” He takes a sip of his drink and looks at you. “Thanks again for coming today.”

“Of course, I had a really good time.” You smile.

“You’re not just saying that?”

“Not at all. It was nice to finally meet the people you’ve told me so much about.”

“Are you hungry or anything? I could bring some-“

“Harry.” You put your hand over his that was resting on the arm of the chair. “Relax, yeah? I’m all set, thank you.”

“Alright.” He blushes and looks straight ahead. You notice him check an app on his phone. “Are you free Tuesday morning?”

“I think so, why?”

“Weather’s looking good, how about we go on one of those longer hikes?”

“I’d like that.” You smile. “Anything special I’d need to back.”

“Just a lunch, maybe some T.P.”

“You’re funny if think I’m going to take a piss in the woods.”

“Everyone does it.” He shrugs. “Don’t worry, I’d keep lookout for you.”

“You men have it so easy, you can just whip your things out, go quick, and you’re all set. Me, I’d have to roll my pants down, squat, hope none of it got on my shoes, wipe, and then get dressed again.”

“I’ve had to do that before, sometimes you just need to take a shit in the woods.” You burst out laughing at that. “Course that only happened because I went out drinking the night before.”

“Good to know.” You wipe a tear from your eye. “But seriously, I’d love to go hiking with you Tuesday.”

“I know it was more so Andy that invited you on our little camping trip, but you’re welcome to join in on that if you feel comfortable.”

“I would just feel like I’m intruding on your quality time.”

“You wouldn’t be, he likes you…um…I like you.” Your head snaps in his direction and your eyebrows shoot up. “I mean, like, I like hanging out with you, is all.” He was internally cringing at himself.

“I like hanging out with you too.” You swallow. “I’m glad we’ve gotten to know each other so well. You’ve been a great help with my classes. You’re so progressive, not always using the same syllabus and being willing to make things work for the students. It’s refreshing.”

“Please, go on, the narcissist within me is loving it.” He smirks and you roll your eyes. “Don’t sell yourself short, you’re doing really well. I enjoyed observing your rhetoric class. It was a nice refresher. I hope you won’t work yourself to much this summer. I know it’s more time for research and writing, but it’s also time for you to clear your head.”

“Thanks, I’ll try to keep that in mind.” You finish off your wine just as the sun it setting, the light from the candle being the only thing to keep things bright enough to see.

“I can, uh, bring you home now if you want.”

“I could just get an uber so you don’t have to go out again.”

“Don’t be silly, it’s no trouble.”

Harry drives you home, and you find yourself lingering in the car.

“So…Tuesday?”

“Tuesday.” He smiles. “Bright and early.”

“How early?” You raise an eyebrow.”

“How’s six sound? I’ll come pick you up, we’ll get to the trailhead by 6:30. It’s always better to summit earlier in the day.”

“You’re the expert.” You shrug. “Works for me.”

You both lean across the console to give each other a hug a goodbye, like you normally would, only this time…you press your lips to his cheek before getting out of the car. His gaze stays fixed on you, and it’s not until you’re inside your building where he lightly presses his fingers to his cheek to feel where you kissed him.

#harry styles #office neighbors #harry styles series #harry styles au #harry styles imagine #harry styles fic #harry styles fanfic #harry styles x reader #harry styles x y/n #harry styles y/n #harry styles fluff #harry styles angst #harry styles smut #professor!harry #singledad!harry #professor!y/n

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autisticshadowthehedgehog · 4 years

Text

Filmverse!Knuckles is gonna be Tikal’s Little Brother and if he’s not I’m suing Sega

[ID: Two images; one of clipart of Knuckles the Echidna beside a poster for Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), and another from Sonic X of Knuckles and Tikal together while Tikal is injured. End ID.]

Thankfully, this might be shorter than my last couple theory posts but unfortunately I am possibly more passionate about it because this could conceivably happen and if it doesn’t I don’t know what I’m gonna do.

So in this theory, I will endeavor to prove these points:

Knuckles will very soon be present in the filmverse.

In the Filmverse, Pachacamac (and by extention, Tikal) are no longer four-thousand years gone, but exist at the same time as Sonic.

Knuckles is going to be in this clan not just as any member, but as Tikal’s brother.

We’re going off the rails and I’m going to tie this all in to the Chaos Emerald Filmverse theory.

Who’s ready to go? Everything under the cut.

1. Knuckles is Coming #2k22

[ID: Another edited photo, placing clipart of Knuckles beside a promotional photo for Sonic the Hedgehog (2020). End ID.]

This will probably be a short section but... there’s no way Knuckles won’t be in the filmverse very soon. Likely, in the second fucking movie.

Let’s start with the basics: Knuckles was originally going to be in the first movie, but was cut in order to better establish the Sonic vs Robotnik rivalry. Director Jeff Fowler made the following statement:

“For this first film, we really were just looking at the 1991 game and just see where it all started and keep it simple…Just really try to nail Sonic and Robotnik and just set up their rivalry because you don’t…I mean, I love…There’s a lot of great characters in Sonic universe, but it’s the most important thing is just to get Sonic set up and just tell a little bit of an origin story with him, and just do it in a way that really makes everyone fall in love with him as a character and just be rooting for more.

And then, if all that goes well, then we can kind of open it up and bring in some of these other characters that fans know and love. And yeah, I mean, no one’s more excited than me to have that opportunity.”

[x]

As well as this, co-writer for the film, Josh Miller, has stated he really wants to bring in Knux.

“I will only hint that we wanna bring in some of the other characters from the games. But, really, it’s all about Knuckles’ love.” [x]

Second, voice actors have, reportedly, already been considered for Knuckles’s voice, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. [x, x]

And third, Mushroom Hill.

[ID: Two photos; one of the Mushroom Planet from Sonic the Hedgehog (2020). The second is a screenshot from Sonic & Knuckles, where Knuckles is running through Mushroom Hill. Both photos feature gigantic mushrooms resembling trees and an orange tint. End iD.]

The “Mushroom Planet” is a direct reference to the first level of Sonic & Knuckles. The first level of.... the game with Knuckles’s name in it.

So, you wanna hear something funny? What’s the first thing Knuckles does in the game timeline?

[ID: Screenshot from Sonic & Knuckles. Sonic is standing on the left side of the screen, beneath a mural of something holding an emerald towards something that looks like SuperSonic. On the right side of the screen is Knuckles, ready to fight Sonic. End ID.]

Well... Robotnik shows up, convinces him that Sonic and Tails are gonna try to steal his emerald, and sends him off to fight them.

And where’s Robotnik at the end of the 2020 film?

[ID: Robotnik on the Mushroom Planet in Sonic the Hedgehog (2020). End ID.]

While the Mushroom Planet may not be where Angel Island is in filmverse, the direct reference would definitely generate fan attention. And it implies that Robotnik, wherever he is or is going, is headed towards Knuckles. And with the game inciting incident of Robotnik having Knuckles fight Sonic for him... well, wouldn’t that be a wild introduction? Especially for casual fans who don’t have Sonic Lore memorized and may not know that Knuckles was originally an antagonist/rival to Sonic.

Oh, and there’s one more piece of evidence that Knuckles is gonna show up... the fact that his tribe already has.

And among them, by the way, are Pachacamac and Tikal.

2. Pachacamac and Tikal are no longer 4000 years old

So. Let’s talk about the opening scene of Sonic the Hedgehog (2020). As many of you have probably noticed, Sonic and Longclaw are attacked not just by any masked intruders, but by... the Knuckles Clan of Echidnas.

And we’re sure they’re not any other clan, because they have the trademark Knuckled Gloves.

[ID: Multiple gifs of the echidnas attempt to attack Longclaw and Baby Sonic. They are dressed in vaguely tribal wear, and have gloves featuring pointed knuckles, signifying them as the Knuckles Clan. End ID.]

Now, that’s not evidence of Pachacamac/Tikal itself; we know the Knuckles Clan lasted at least long enough to spawn our Knuckles. What is evidence, however, is in the specific Echidna who shot Longclaw.

[ID: Gif of the Echidna who shot Longclaw, isolated in the frame. End ID.]

Look familiar?

[ID: The echdina who shot Longclaw in the 2020 film next to a render of Pachacamac. The mystery echidna’s helmet has the same forehead markings as Pachacamac, along with a design that looks like his mustache. End ID.]

And fun fact: this isn’t me reaching for once. This was confirmed by Tyson Hesse, film character designer and savior of Sonic, on his twitter.

[ID: Tweet from Tyson Hesse, showing the pictures of the Echidna and Pachacamac. He says, “Late to the #sonicwatchparty but this is an easter egg I haven’t seen many people catch.” End iD.]

Pachacamac is canonically in Sonic 2020. As director Jeff Fowler has said he believes Sonic as ~13 during the events of the film, we could say he’s about three years old in that intro. And we know this because it is specified specifically that the main timeline takes place ten years after the prologue.

[ID: Screenshot from Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), the first shot following the logo. It is a landscape shot of a street in the middle of a green field, and the caption reads, Green Hills Montana: Ten Years Later. End ID.]

Meaning... Pachacamac was alive ten years before the film takes place. Quite the departure from the four-thousand year time jump in the gameverse. Seeing as Pachacamac is alive so close to this timeline, we can reasonably assume that Tikal is, too- she’s his teenaged daughter, canonically ~14 when she is turned into a spirit, which would put her as solidly alive during this timeline.

...wanna know who else would be alive in this timeline?

Knuckles, who is only a year older than Sonic.

And, um, obviously a member of the Knuckles Clan.

3. Where is Knuckles in this Filmverse Canon?

Okay “Knuckles” is going to stop sounding like a word so can we just call the Knuckles Clan the KC rn? okay? Okay.

Knuckles is canonically a year older than Sonic- listed as 16 while Sonic is 15. So if Sonic’s alive, Knuckles is alive. Basic logic there.

In the gameverse, Knuckles’s backstory is as thus, paraphrased from Sonic Wiki:

Knuckles was born and raised alone on Angel Island as the last surviving member of the Knuckles Clan, a long-lost race of echidnas devoted to protecting the Master Emerald from being abused. However, Knuckles’s own past was a mystery to him; he knew nothing how he came to be and believed himself to be the last of his kind entirely. The one thing he did know was that he had always been living on his island, protecting the Master Emerald. Knuckles knew from an innate knowledge that his duty was his fate, and he was content with that.

While we can’t expect his backstory to stay exactly the same, seeing as Sonic now has a dead owl mom and knows how to Fortnite dance, but Knuckles’s backstory does fuel a lot of his character and decisions in the games. Here are what I believe to be the two main points of this backstory:

Knuckles is, or at least believes himself to be, the last member of his race

Knuckles considers it his sacred duty to guard the Master Emerald

[ID: Screencap from Sonic X of Knuckles the Echidna holding the Master Emerald above his head. End ID.]

Now... if Sonic was three during that backstory, the KC was around at least when Knuckles was about four. Most children don’t develop long-term memories til then, but if 3yo Sonic could remember his backstory in Green Hills near-perfectly, then clearly mobians are a bit different. We can reasonably assume that Knuckles would then remember at least part of his tribe or family, so that’s a definite change.

Thing is, what would be the reason for this change? Even ignoring Pachacamac, it was definitely intentional for the clan attacking Longclaw and Sonic to be the KC, which does change quite a bit of Knuckles’s backstory. Which isn’t a problem, you see- it’s a drastic change, but character changes aren’t bad if there’s a reason behind them.

So what would be the reason for Knuckles having memories of his tribe?

Well... how easy would it be, then, to get that Sonic Adventure flashback via Knuckles instead of a glowing ball of Tikal/Navi?

[ID: Screencap from Sonic Adventure, showing Knuckles the Echidna staring down Chaos and the glowing ball of light that symbolizes Tikal. They are standing in front of the emerald shards. End ID.]

Would be an easy way to get any chaos emerald/Master Emerald exposition out of the way, as well as establish some basic and early Sonic Lore- Chaos, echidnas, chao. And if Knuckles, um, remembers his entire race being massacred by an elder god?? That would definitely affect him in a way that he’d consider protecting the Master Emerald, the controller of the power Chaos used to do such a thing, a duty for himself.

And... what would be the best way to get that backstory out?

4. Knuckles is Tikal’s Baby Brother

Here’s the thing- the KC citizens don’t seem to know much about what’s going on outside of Pachacamac’s orders. From talking to them in Sonic Adventure flashbacks, we can see they’re quite a bit... confused, I think is the best way to put it.

[ID: Dialogue screenshots from Sonic Adventure that I had to nab from a Game Grumps video because nobody else had these online. The echidnas say, “The daughter? I saw her in front of the shrine.”, “Well... I.... I just can’t sit still!” and “I think, therefore I am.” End ID.]

So if Knuckles was just an ordinary tribe member, it’d be unlikely for him to know enough to provide the necessary flashback details. And if Knuckles’s past was changed in order to provide an easier connection to the SA lore, he’d need to be very near to the action. Of course, he could just be a curious child, but even then, he’d likely be left out of several conversations surrounding Tikal.

Most of Tikal’s flashbacks are spent alone- she only has a few arguing with her father, but most of her scenes are spent with the Chao and Chaos themself in the Chao Garden. Considering Tikal seems to be the only echidna frequenting the Chao Garden- the chao are afraid of her when she first approaches, Pachacamac arriving is basically seen as a declaration of war- there’d be no reason for an echidna to be there unless she brought them herself.

Who would she bring with her? Perhaps... her little brother.

[ID: Screencap from Sonic X of Tikal, surrounded by flying Chao while at the Master Emerald Shrine. End ID.]

First off, let’s get over the age thing-- I know you’re gonna say “Knuckles is 16 when Tikal is 14,” HOWEVER, TIkal did not age while inside the Master Emerald. She could go in at any point in Knuckles’s life, which means she could be anywhere from ten years older than him to a twin sister to two years younger.

There’s no real concrete evidence of how old Knuckles would be in filmverse when the SA events happen, seeing as we have only seen Pachacamac existing and have no idea where this is in his timeline. However, from a writing standpoint, if you want to keep a bit of Knuckles’s backstory of living alone for a good chunk of his life, I’d say the massacre happening when he was ~8 seems likely. Old enough to have clear memories of the SA events but young enough to have his life completely sidetracked and feel like he raised himself.

It’d be very easy for the flashbacks to feature Tikal taking a baby Knuckles to the Chao Garden, just telling him “don’t tell Dad, he won’t understand,” to talk to him about the grandmother he doesn’t remember who used to teach peace, to explain Chaos and the Master Emerald to him.

And it’d be very easy angst for Knuckles being dragged along with the rest of the clan to take the emerald(s), watch his father basically doom his sister and his tribe murder innocent chao, and then see everyone he’s ever known murdered by Chaos, with his older sister stopping the rampage only by sealing herself and the destructive god in that emerald, leaving Knuckles completely alone. That’s all severe angst that pretty much no writer would pass up.

Especially because it means Knuckles guarding the Master Emerald has now turned into Knuckles guarding his sister.

[ID: Sonic X screenshot of Knuckles and Tikal looking up, surrounded by fire. End ID.]

So that’s the general theory. But let’s talk about something more fun: how it all ties into the Chaos Emerald Filmverse Theory.

5. It all ties into our Chaos Emerald theory shh

If you haven’t read Cori’s manifesto on the Chaos Emerald Filmverse Theory, allow me to summarize:

Sonic is definitely a living Chaos Emerald, meaning that there are six other living Chaos Emeralds running around that we’re gonna need to track down. At least one of them’s Tails.

First thing’s first... Robotnik going after Knuckles then makes perfect sense. If Robotnik somehow figured out exactly what Sonic was, he’d want a way to dilute his power. And the Master Emerald literally nullifies the power of the chaos emeralds. So whoever has the Master Emerald can severely nerf Sonic. Imagine Sonic getting within the boundaries of the ME and then immediately losing speed and falling flat on his face. Big oof.

Second, it’s possible that Knuckles will also know what Sonic is. Because, well... what was Pachacamac after in Sonic Adventure?

[ID: Pachacamac attempting to talk down Tikal, who is t-posing in front of the Chao Garden in attempt to keep them out. Behind him is an echidna army, ready to attack. Pachacamac is saying, “We need those seven emeralds to give us total power!” End ID.]

The Chaos Emeralds. In order to use their power as weapons.

And what was he after in Sonic 2020?

Sonic.

Interesting, huh.

Conclusion

Knuckles is gonna be the last member of the Knuckles Clan, guarding his older sister’s spirit inside an insanely powerful emerald, and will definitely be manipulated by Robotnik into using his Master Emerald to fuck up Sonic.

And it’ll be really awesome.

[ID: Sonic X screencap of Knuckles giving a thumbs up. End ID.]

#sonic the hedgehog #sonic 2020 #knuckles the echidna #tikal the echidna #sonic adventure #mine #connie theories

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gifted-burnout-archive · 4 years

Text

Jim’s Best Friend

Part Twenty Two - Talking Technology, 2/2

Word Count: +3.2K

Author’s Note: Agh, here it is! I was struggling to edit this chapter, get it just right, but I hope you like it! Bit of Jim x Reader fluff for you, not a lot of plot for this one, but Dinner Party is coming soon, but some more Y/N drama sooo... stay tuned.

Warning: none

For previous chapters, click here.

March, 2008.

"Today is the launch party, and I can say with a whole lot of certainty I don't actually want to stay late tonight." Y/N said to the camera, looking over at Jim, who was sat to her left, their hands brushing against each other. He smiled at her words, at her laugh.

"Ryan's party is happening tonight over conference call. And we were planning to appear for exactly 9 minutes and 32 seconds-" Jim began to laugh, Y/N practically bouncing in her seat.

"It's statistically the most comfortable point to leave a meeting." She exclaimed with pride. "Ever since I became receptionist, I started noting down reactions during meetings. 100% the best time to leave anything you don't want to be at is 9 minutes and 32 seconds in."

"Anyway. There's a movie marathon going on at the cineplex, we thought we could spend our night doing something that's actually fun." Jim nodded as he spoke, finally taking Y/N's hand in his and giving it a squeeze.

"Oh, meeting Jim's parents?" Y/N repeated the producer's question, going a little red in the face. "I think they like me, which is great. I don't know what I would do if they didn't." Jim rolled his eyes.

"They love her, just like I..." He trailed off, the pair both blushing. Jim quickly smiled to the team, leading Y/N out into the bullpen, the pair bursting into laughter as they left.

Tonight was the Launch Party for the website, and the past week had been constant prepping and planning on your part. While Angela had been in charge of the party itself, Ryan had brought you on as a languages assistant, as bizarre as it sounded, to make sure translations into other languages were fluent and accessible. You had checked everything out from top to bottom, the task taking up a lot of your evenings, and you were more than glad that you could now just focus on copying files and sending out emails, forwarding calls.

The day of the launch, you sat in the break room, Jim by your side, taking a chance to have a coffee and a catchup. Both you and Jim hadn't seen each other outside of work since the Saturday morning before, your extra hours mixing with something Jim was planning, though he wouldn't say what. Now, having officially signed off papers with Toby to make your relationship official, you could hold his hand in the office without fear of being caught.

"So, uh, I don't know how to tell you this..." Jim started, your face falling immediately. His usual playful tone wavered, his hand squeezed yours tighter. You couldn't help but expect bad news. "Dwight and Angela... They've been dating for like, eight months now." Jim stage whispered, taking a deep breath as he got it off his chest, his undeniable smile returning. And you had to laugh: a mixture of relief and the fact that Jim was totally off the mark. "Yeah, I was going to wait to tell you, but I've been holding back."

"Well, Pam told me otherwise." You responded, taking a drink of your coffee, a smirk on your lips. "Try two years... And they broke up."

"What? When? How?" Jim seemed astounded. "How could you not tell me?"

"You didn't tell me..." You retorted, biting your lip to hold back a giggle. "Before your barbeque, if you can believe. And, from what Pam has reported, it was all sorts of chaos. But, to sum it up, Dwight mercy killed Angela's cat."

"Dwight killed Sprinkles?"

"Dwight killed Sprinkles."

"Wow..." Jim muttered, running a hand through his hair. He had trimmed it again, even taken the time to style it that morning instead of his dashin Boy Charming look he usually went for. Before the pair of you could discuss more, Phyllis knocked on the break room door, and you removed your hand from Jim's, waving her in.

"Phyllis, you don't need to knock, it's the break room." You reminded the older coworker, who smiled and looked you over.

"Your new shoes are nice, Y/N." Phyllis complimented you, and you smiled. "Just so you know though, when a new client calls you can't just transfer them to Jim, there are other salepeople on the floor. You can't base everything off of your sex life." The insult came quick, and you did your best to keep the smile on your face, nodding and waving as she disappeared again, you and Jim sharing a look. It only took you a few more moments to finish your coffee, standing from your chair and dumping the cup in the trash.

"I should go, I have calls to transfer to everyone but you." You said with a nervous laugh, heading for the door before Jim quickly grabbed your hand, spinning you back to face him.

"Don't work too hard, ok? You deserve a break, the last thing you needed was Phyllis on your tail." Jim comforted you, giving your hand a final squeeze before you headed back out to the reception desk, taking your seat, calling back the first voicemail on the machine.

"Of course sir. I can transfer you to a salesperson now." You said after a few minutes on the phone, transferring the call straight to Phyllis, hoping it might get her off your back. By the smile on her face, you had managed to acheive the hoped for outcome.

"Y/N, my dear, sweet Y/N." A voice called to you, Michael stood at his office door, his eyes bloodshot from a distance. "Will you come in here?" He asked, and you quickly grabbed a notepad, used to Michael's ramblings. Last week he had asked you into a meeting to jot down a new casserole recipe. "That won't be needed." He said quickly, walking back to his desk, urging you to follow him. You walked into the office as Jim walked back out of the annex, you sending a shrug his way as you locked eyes.

"Michael, what can I assist with?" You asked, closing over the door and taking a seat. The tissue pile on his desk made it abundantly clear he had been upset. "What did Jan do?" you asked, leaning forward and holding out a hand, with Michael quickly took. Ever since he and Jan had gotten together again, which you often reminded yourself was because of Jan's boobjob, Michael's life had slowly spiralled downhill. He wasn't as happy as usual, he had even sold the Sebring, though he wouldn't say why. Jan wasn't in New York anymore, currently unemployed, and Michael was the sole income maker in that dreadful condo.

"I'm meant to be at this New York for this party tonight, VIP, exclusive, and Jan won't come with me. Said it was stupid..." Michael huffed, throwing a tantrum like a four-year old, causing you to sigh.

"What do you need me to do? Tell her you're in meetings all day?" You asked, and Michael shook his head.

"Would you come to the New York party with me? Be my plus one? I don't want to look like a loser." Michael begged, and you couldn't help but glance at the door. You had noticed the movie tickets on Jim's desk earlier, he had already gone to the toruble of buying them. You looked back at Michael and smiled, quickly standing up.

"Can I get back to you at lunch?" You asked, and Michael nodded, still looking sad. "Thanks, Michael." You smiled briefly, slipping out of the office and being met by Jim's smile, his chair turned to face you.

"No inappropriate conduct in the workplace." Dwight said in a drawl, his eyes not moving from his screen. It might have been the first time you had seen Dwight unshaven, his tie loose and his shirt buttoned wrong. Both you and Jim chose to ignore him.

"What happened in there?" Jim asked, and you took a seat on his desk.

"Michael needs a plus one for the New York party, asked me to go..." You said softly, Jim's hand coming to your leg, rubbing a circle on your thigh. "I think I have to cancel date night. Any chance you can get those tickets refunded?"

"This doesn't sound like taking work easy." Jim said with a smile, and you sighed. "No problem, we can go tomorrow." He assured you, the fax machine beeping and forcing you back to work. It was the last thing you wanted to do, but Jim sent you off with a pat on the leg and a lopsided grin, silently promising you it was alright that you went to New York.

You headed back to your desk, reading the fax from Corporate over quickly, waving Michael out of his office. He moved with little enthusiasm, taking three times the usual amount of time to get to your desk, and huffing as he stood across from you.

"Michael, the Corporate press release." You passed the fax over to your boss.

"The what?"

"I emailed you on Tuesday about it? Ryan wants you to share it with everyone." You reminded him, taking a deep breath and forcing a smile. "Also, I made sure I can go to New York tonight. I'll drive us." You added, hoping to lift his spirits a little.

"He wants me to share it, does he?" Michael asked, a small smile forming as he processed the information you gave him.

"Yes, he does."

"Mm... Ok." Michael sighed, turning to the rest of the office. "Attention Earthlings. I have some news." He started to make beeping noises, and you tried not to groan too loudly. "Ok. Today's the big day that I'm heading to New York to attend a party with sushi and important people. On an unrelated note, if anyone has an interesting anecdote that is not boring and easy to memorise, please drop by my office before I leave. Thank you."

"Whoops." Jim said, his eyes having scanned over the fax in Michael's hand as he spoke. "Was that really what Ryan wanted you to tell us?" He asked Michael, sending a wink your way as you replied with a grateful smile.

"And..." Michael glance at the note in hand quickly. "Today the Dunder Mifflin Infinity website officially launches. The comapny is projecting record high sales, and that by 6 o'clock, the website will be the new best salesman in the company." Michael finished, heading back for his office. "Wow, watch out Dwight."

"That's ridiculous." Dwight responded, monotone. "I'm not gonna be beaten by a website."

"Actually, it sounds like you are." Jim cut in, teasing his coworker.

"Really?" Like always, Dwight fell straight into the trap, getting defensive. "Cause Ryan says so?"

"That's from Ryan?" Kelly asked. "Does it mention if he's seeing anybody?" The last time Ryan had been in the office, Kelly had lied about being pregnant. It was fun to watch Ryan become flustered, you weren't going to lie.

"No, it doesn't. I'll find out tonight." Michael said quickly.

"Yes." Stanley rolled his eyes. "Please let us know." He said sarcastically, causing you to bite back a laugh.

"I can make more sales than a computer." Dwight announced, pulling attention back to his point. "In fact, I challenge that website to make more sales than me today."

"Waste of time..." Angela spoke up, her head in her files, drawing a frown from Dwight's expression.

"What's that, Pipsqueak?" Michael asked, taking a chance to taunt the petite woman. You weren't bothered by it, Angela had said more than enough about you to make you dislike her.

"Waste of time." She reapeated. "The website's going to win."

"You believe a computer can beat me?" Dwight looked genuinely hurt by the insinuation.

"I don't care, but yes."

"Well, I will prove you wrong."

"I don't care and you won't." The two ex-lovers went back and forth, and a text pinged through on your phone.

That's a healthy relationship right there... xx

Jim had texted, and you sent a playful glare his way, making him smile a little wider. The next thirty minutes focused on Andy and Dwight drawing up a plan of attack for Dwight to beat a computer, a computer, at selling paper, Jim taking every opportunity to wind them both up. Angela and Phyllis were focusing on set up for the satellite party, and you pretended your very hardest to look busy, so as to not get roped into anything. Angela and Dwight were both unpleasant to begin with, you didn't need any of it directed at you that day.

Jim came over to your desk just as the website went live, hands in pockets as he walked over to your desk, just as you finished up a call.

"What would you say if I told you we could pull a prank on Dwight and, at the same time, not be working?" Jim asked quietly, quickly adding on to it when your brow furrowed. "You need a chance to chill today, and if we can't do movies, this is a good alternative." He offered. With a smile like his, you could never say no, you knew that. He knew it too.

"Jim, he's just been dumped." You tried one last time to convince your boyfriend it might not be a good idea.

"Yeah, I'm aware of that. But's he's also being super anmoying, and I'm not a perfect person." A sudden air horn followed Jim's words, and your eyes widened.

"What do you have in mind?" You asked, Jim explaining the ruse to you while picking up a file, doing his best to be discreet. You quickly opened up the office's instant messenger system, signing in as 'DunMiff/sys'.

You had a few hours to kill before driving to New York, and the smile Jim gave you as he headed back to his desk, so proud of you both, it made the next few hours of torment seem a lot more fun.

You were kind of glad to leave the office early, even if it meant driving for two hours to New York, and bailing on date night with Jim. You both knew Michael needed to boost, and after Dwight had told you to fuck off in binary code, it seemed like a good idea to leave before it turned ugly.

You were leaving Pennsylvania as the ringing from the bear horn finally subsided from your ears, and glanced over to see Michael reading 'Green Eggs and Ham' by Dr Suess to your right.

"Have you read this?" Michael asked, and you nodded, keeping your eyes on the road.

"When I was four I did, yeah. It's a kids book." You replied, kind of confused why Michael had brought it with him.

"I got it for Ryan. I wanted to get him 'Oh The Places You'll Go' but they were sold out at Barnes and Noble."

"You realise the books are really, really not the same right?" You let out a little laugh, shaking your head. Michael was oblivious at the best of times, and you were quite glad that no-one else in the office was having to ecperience this conversation in your place.

As you finally left Pennsylvania, Michael suddenly blew two kisses into the air.

"It used to be one." You commented. "Whenever you left, you always have blown one before."

"One for me, one for Jan." Michael explained, and you nodded in understanding. "You know, you and Jim should come over for dinner sometime."

"Oh, uh, I don't know Michael."

"What about next Friday?"

"You know Jan and I sort of fell out..." You said honestly, and Michael decideed not to push the subject further. For the past year, Jan and your relationship had been rocky, and you, quite frankly, didn't like the way she treated Michael one bit. "Can you start giving me directions? Tell me where we're going?" You asked, changing the subject. It seemed to be a good idea, Michael perking back up as he read out the information from a printed sheet of paper.

"I can tell you right now, and shall, my good friend. It's a club called Chatroom, and there's a password to get in, which is actually 'password', so..." Michael nodded as he read along, and you let out a sigh, quickly pulling off at the next turn off. "What are you doing?"

"Are there 'w's before the name of the club, Michael?" You asked, pulling into the rest stop and parking the car.

"Yes, why?"

"It's an invitation to the online party..." You said, pulling out your phone to call Jim.

"But... I need to call Ryan." Michael decided, stepping out of the car. You quickly dialled jim's number, glancing at the time. If you were lucky, you might be able to make that movie marathon still.

"Well, hello. What do I owe the pleasure? Aren't you driving?" Jim asked, and you let out a strained laugh.

"It was an invite to the online party, Michael is shouting down his phone to Ryan now... I have a feeling I'll be back in Scranton by the time that satellite party starts, and I really need something fun tonight." You confessed, finally agreeing with Jim. This whole launch had done nothing but stress you out. The dashboard clock hit 6 o'clock.

"I still have the tickets for the movies, and a surprise for when you get back." Jim assured, and you smiled.

"Hey, how did Dwight do?" You asked, and Jim took a moment.

"He won..." The disbelief was real, and it made you smile. Jim always made you smile.

"Is Angela getting on at him?"

"A little."

"Does he look sad?"

"Yeah."

"AI systems are fair players Jim... He needs to be congratulated." You instructed, saying a quick goodbye as Michael got back into the car. "Everything good?"

"Back to Scranton... I have a party to upstage." Michael declared, and you sped off back west, trying to hold onto the idea of a movie date with Jim instead of focusing on Michael's rage-driven ramblings about Ryan.

By the time you got back to Scranton, it was maybe fifty minutes or so until the party began. Michael began marching around, ordering Angela about to make the Scranton brnach party better than the New York corporate one, but by this point you were tired, so mentally exhausted from extra work and the nonsense of the day that you began collecting your stuff, just desperate to get out of the office.

"So, I know you said that you leave 9 minutes and 32 seconds into a party, but is there any chance I could convince you to leave 46 minutes and 13 seconds before one instead?" Jim came up to your desk, placing the movie tickets in front of you. "We could get Alferdo's beforehand, make a proper night of it?" He offered, and Michael seemed to have overheard.

"What are you two lovebirds talking about?" Michael asked, and you and Jim shared a look, rather desperate to not be roped into staying.

"You should order Alfredo's for tonight." You blurted out quickly, and Jim nodded in agreement.

"Alfredo's, huh? Interesting..." Michael muttered, jogging back to his office.

"Go now?" Jim asked, walking to his desk and picking up his shoulder bag.

"Now." You agreed, the pair of you grabbing coats and heading out the door before anyone could call you out on it.

By Monday, the pair of you would be filled in by Andy and Kelly on everything you missed: from Michael's speech calling out Ryan to the abduction of the pizza delivery kid, followed by Andy serenading Angela and Michael heading to New York after all with Dwight. In truth, you couldn't care less.

You spent that launch party night eating good pizza, Alfredo's Pizza Café, and catching a Indiana Jones marathon at the movies with Jim... Followed by other events you would rather keep private for now.

Truth was, Jim knew how to make you happy, and he had proved himself time and time again. It was why you knew you loved him.

Tags: @imsuperawkward @poppirocks @rosie2801 @onceuponahuntersrealm @aziggya @suitelifeofafangirl @legendaryoafhairdozonk

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wafflebloggies · 4 years

Text

A Favourite Idea

Figment, light as a feather in the updraft, half-bounced and half-fluttered across the maze of beams in the workshop’s high vaulted roof until he reached the middle.

If anyone below had happened to look up, they would have seen a wide, airy warehouse ceiling, criss-crossed with beams and strong gunmetal-gray supports. They might also have seen a scrap of yellow, a hint of chrome, or a suspicion of sweatpants. Nobody looked up, so nobody did.

The Captain sat on a central span with his legs crossed, his back against the top of the centre-most column. At floor level, each column was a handy storage-post for something or the other, hanging tools, shelves, blueprints on pinboards. Up here, there was nothing but patchy paint and dust, and the Captain, chin propped on his hand, watching the ground below.

It seemed rude to just plonk himself down right next to him, so Figment parked himself a few feet from his side- just close enough to be convenient for conversational purposes- and cleared his throat politely.

“Hek-hempf.”

No response. Figment edged a couple of inches closer, and coughed again, but the Captain seemed to be set on watching the workshop floor, without much expression beyond a small irritable crease at the top of his nose. Figment tried to follow his gaze, but he couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary down below. Only Blair, working, shirtsleeves rolled up amidst the chaos, buried up to his elbows in the Dream Machine’s complex workings, and Alan on the old couch, his laptop on his knees, cross-legged in an attitude pretty similar to the Captain’s. As Figment watched, Alan looked up from his screen and said something- unintelligible, from this distance- and Blair pulled his head out of the tangle of machinery and laughed.

Figment smiled, bright and wide, because seeing people happy made him happy, and seeing Blair happy was best of all. Then he noticed that the furrow at the top of the Captain’s nose had deepened, turning into a Definite Scrunch.

Well, if the Captain needed cheering up, Figment had the perfect thing. The little dragon scooched another inch closer, coughed a third time, and began-

“Hey, Captain, what lies at the bottom of the sea and shivers?”

“What does he think he’s doing?”

Figment blinked and shook his head. “No, you’re supposed to say ‘I don’t know, Figment, what lies at the-’”

“It’d drive me crazy, someone sucking up to me like that.” The Captain waved a hand. “It’s so obvious- look at them! He follows the Dreamfinder around like some kinda… lost puppy. I mean, doesn’t he have any standards?”

“Uh…” Figment, watching the two humans below, tapped his two index claws together, making a blunt, uneasy little noise. “I don’t think he’s-”

“It’s so transparent. Honestly, Figment, it’s pathetic.”

Figment’s big, luminous eyes looked troubled. If he felt like it- and honestly, right now, he did- he could drop down out of the dusty rafters, free as air, and curl round Blair’s shoulders. He could tell Blair his awesome joke, and Blair would probably think it was a riot. It occurred to him, vaguely, that for some reason the Captain didn’t have the same sort of freedom, and not just because he was bigger and human-shaped and would knock Alan flat if he tried landing on top of him. No, it was part of the whole Thing that had Blair so worried. The Thing that Figment wanted to understand… and help with, if he could.

The Captain was a spark, just like Figment. Figment felt that this should mean that there were things that they could talk about between them, things that maybe the Captain found hard to discuss with Alan. This seemed even more likely to him because, from what he’d seen lately, the Captain and Alan didn’t really talk. The Captain demanded things, usually sounding more like he was telling off an irritating house-pet than anything else, and Alan mumbled monotone agreement. As far as Figment could tell, it wasn’t really an open exchange of ideas.

“Is this… because Alan isn’t helping with your show?”

“It has nothing to do with Alan not helping with-” The Captain looked as if he was trying to swallow a kiwi whole. “-with our show. Just because he doesn’t understand the meaning of a commitment-”

Figment craned his long neck over the edge of the beam, looking closer, trying to confirm for himself what the Captain was studying so intently. Nothing stood out to him, so he scratched his horns, scootched a bit closer still and tried to sit himself cross-legged like the Captain, in case that helped his point of view, and began again.

“Come on. What’s up, Captain?”

“Us,” said the Captain, in a distracted voice.

“I meant-” started Figment, but before he could finish the Captain looked right at him, as if he’d only just realised he was there.

“What’s the first thing you heard him say?”

“Huh?”

“The Dreamfinder. The first thing you ever heard.”

“Oh!” Figment cheered up immediately, beaming happily at the memory. “Well, he didn’t say it out loud, but he thought, ‘I’m gonna make a friend!’ And then he did. And then, when he needed me, he found that memory, and I was right there with it! The first thing he actually said was ‘Oh, good Lord,” but the actual, factual, first thought… that was the thought that turned into me!”

“’I’m going to make a friend,’” repeated the Captain.

“Yep-yep! I’m his spark- his favourite idea. You know- just like you’re Alan’s!”

The Captain made a noise like a cough with a strangled huff in it. Figment’s smile fell a little, as he sensed that while his answer had been true, it hadn’t been very welcome.

“What about you, Captain? What was Alan’s idea?”

The Captain stood up, suddenly enough that Figment flinched and slid off the beam. Righting himself in the air, the little dragon looked up at him, alarmed.

“’Please do what I can’t,”’ he parroted, somehow managing to sound sing-song and flat at the same time.

“Huh?”

“Favourite idea, ppff, right. I’m not here to be his friend, he didn’t-” He stared downwards, a hitch of distaste at the corner of his silvery lip. “He didn’t make me for that, he made me because he needs me to do all the stuff he can’t do. At the end of the day, he’s not a superhero, he’s not a- a super-successful Shorty-winning Youtube sensation, he’s just some guy! He’s just- he’s just human!”

Figment thought. “Blair’s the Dreamfinder, and a Portal Master,” he said, “and the Last Keeper of the Dreamport- or he will be, when we find it! But… he’s human, too. I don’t know that there’s any just about it, Captain.”

“Ugh,” said the Captain, and it sounded like an ugh right from the depths of his soul. “Humans, they’re so… glitchy. Do you have any idea what it’s like to be in that body? I was in it for less than an hour and I basically wanted to explode! When Alan even thinks about talking to a room full of people, his entire body tries to kill him so he doesn’t have to do it. You wouldn’t believe how much he sweats, and his stomach goes crazy, and it’s like his throat gets really-” A hard swallow. “The point is, Alan can’t stand in front of an audience or, or a camera and say stuff… even if he wrote it! But someone has to. I have to- I have to do what he can’t!”

“Sure, but-” said Figment, but the Captain wasn’t done.

“So if he can’t do all that stuff, the least he can do is…” He sat back, tucked a hand under his chin again, grumpily, and waved the other in a vague, dismissive manner. ��You know… the stuff I don’t want to. Without getting an attitude about it!”

Figment cocked his head. It seemed to him that there were an awful lot of things the Captain didn’t want to do, all the way across the spectrum of tasks from fetching snacks to intensive editing, scriptwriting, musical composition, finances, web administration, correspondence, and his own laundry. He thought about saying something to the point, but right when he opened his mouth, the Captain looked at him again, hiking an eyebrow as whatever train of thought he’d been following pulled laboriously to an end. Not a great end, if the look on his face was anything to go by. Just for a moment, in fact, he looked just as tired as Alan.

“A nervous wreck,” he said, and then- as he seemed more and more inclined to do, lately- he fizzled into a vaguely Captain-shaped array of bright cubes that spread and spilled away upwards, vanishing into thin air.

Left alone in the rafters, Figment sighed, fidgeting uneasily with the ends of his two-spiked tail.

“Well… I thought it was funny.”

#figment #figment the dragon #captain disillusion #alan amelik #The Dream Team #dream team #the dreamfinder #my writes

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noonaduck · 5 years

Text

SeXd (sex ed) Pt.5

Pairing: BTS OT7 x reader genre: Fluff,smut, non idol Au Warnings: female and male masturbation Words: 3014 + 1896 A/N: Whoop Yoongi is going to have two chapters because if I didn’t cut the part where I did it wouldn’t be so smooth. Is hell already full? EDIT: I decided to combine Yoongi’s second part into this chapter.

Summary: Y/N is a woman who is inexperienced in anything when it comes to relationships and sex. Luckily her friend Jimin along with his six other friends decide to show her what she has been missing.

4. < 5. > 6. If you wanna be tagged msg me or send ask. I wont tag you if you ask on comments.

tags: @lylanie12 @hopeivx @vannilacake @mina-messed-up @lonely-hufflepuff @soularbangtan@all289854 @hobitoons @vanessalovesonedirection @bbjel @doki-do-ki@yoongleskitten @chaitaewithkookies @hellosweety94 @exochanyeoltao@brokencrownqueen @hitit-thesecond-audition @kookiemonstersugatea@treetops68 @mylittlestrangeandsweetworld @lanu-la @d-noona@serendipity-secrets @recs-by-raamish @jojolovesbangtan @fanficreblogaaaa@creepysweet @nosnakeuthankyou

[gifs belongs to their rightful owners]

Hoseok took you on small date to the park. Despite your lesson being done for he had insisted that he should keep the promise about taking you out. You had small picnic next to small lake where ducks had habit of swimming. You goofed around and took pictures together. Your favorite picture about you and Hoseok has ended up to your phone wallpaper. Hoseok's hand was tied loosely around your waist and he pressed his lips on your cheek when you looked to the camera smiling widely on the pic. You were looking at your screen and smiling fondly to your memories when tap on your shoulder disturbs your daydreaming. You turn around and see widely smiling Jin in front of you. You had decided to take your lunch break at nearby sandwich restaurant instead eating on theater's break room.

''Oh hi Jin, what are you doing here?'' You ask when Jin sits with his food on free chair next to you. Jin is wearing loose white shirt with blue pants used by doctors. ''I'm going to meet Namjoon here for lunch but instead I pumped into you.'' Jin smiles happily for seeing you. ''Like usually he is running late.'' His smile turns into frown. ''That sucks.'' You take a bite from your sandwich and smile sympathetically. ''Well I'm used to it. Namjoon has been like this since high school.'' ''I didn't know that you guys have known each other for so long.'' You are surprised. Jin leans closer. ''Wanna hear a secret?''

''Sure, go ahead.'' You are excited. ''Me and Namjoon used to date on high school.'' Jin winks and pulls away. You almost choke to your bread and begging couching. ''Oh my god I'm sorry.'' Jin panics and is ready to stand up but you signal him to wait and take big gulp from your drink. ''It's okay.'' You assure clearing your throat. ''Is Jin trying to kill you?'' familiar voice comes from your behind and Namjoon stands behind you smiling widely. Whats it with men sneaking behind you today without you noticing? Namjoon is wearing black suit-pants with matching jacket and baby blue shirt underneath it. ''I hope not.'' You answer and Namjoon pulls chair for himself. ''I'm sorry that I'm late. My meeting took longer than I first expected.'' Namjoon tells and grabs extra sandwich from Jin's tray. He peels the wrap of and bites his bread hungrily. He lets small moan and closes his eyes. ''I really needed this. So Jin what you said to Y/N to make her choke?'' ''I told about our dating history.'' Jin says innocently. ''I see.'' Namjoon smirks. ''It was long time ago and we ended up separating when our lives pulled us in different directions. Jin wanted to become a veterinarian and I left to business school into another city. I only returned here two years ago.'' ''So you guys are into women as well?'' After all they had asked you on date... ''Yep.'' They both say in unison. ''It seem to be quite common to like both genders in your group of friends.'' you think out loud. ''Well Kookie, Tae and Hobi are all straight. Me and Namjoon are bisexuals, Yoongi gets interested on someone based on their personality not their gender and Jimin accepts everything when it comes to sex. I have heard that he had dated only women though.'' Jin tells generously. ''So he has actually dated someone?'' You ask curiously. Jimin hasn't been quite open about his dating life. ''Yeah, long time ago. I think its his story to tell and not ours.'' Namjoon smiles apologetic. ''Its okay,I'll ask him about it then. Look it was really nice to see you guys but I have to go, my break is almost over.'' You tell glancing your watch. ''Bye Y/N, it was nice to see you even if briefly. I'll ask you out soon, but right now I'm too busy with work.'' Jin tells. His words makes you excited, soon would be his turn to take you on date and perhaps give you some lessons... ''I have same problem. When I'm able to close my current business deal I will contact you.'' Namjoon sighs in defeat. He looks really tired because his work. ''There is no need to rush. I will look forward our dates.''

You feel like a rock when you fall on your bed. You had late night sift and you had to keep fake smile on your face while selling tickets. You are ready to doze of when your phone beeps. You had forgotten to mute your phone and curse yourself. You reach for your phone with deep sigh ready to turn it off when a notification catches your interest trough your tired state. You open the screen and message from Yoongi pops up to your screen. Yoongi: If you are interested what my streams are about I'm going live in five. sugapop.live.com

your curiosity takes best of you like always and you open the link. You have entered into chatroom with plank video player above the chat box. Popup window demands you to make an account or log in to website so you can proceed. You click the registration button and make and account with username sex3dstudent. You chuckle for your own lame joke when the blank screen changes and Yoongi appears on the screen. He is wearing white loose shirt, which is slightly see trough, with black tight boxers alongside black choker on his elegant neck. Yoongi is sitting on wide bed with blood red satin sheets and behind him is window with same colored curtains covering the window. The camera focus is on the bed and you can't see the other parts of the room. The chat goes wild when Yoongi appears. h0eforsuga: *Suga looks extremely good like always.* manwhore3: *I wish I could lick his body :P* sugamonster: *gimme some suga, my sweet tooth is itching.* Soon the first three comments are buried under the thirsty messages which turns even more hornier as time goes by. You blush when you are reading them and decide focus on Yoongi instead. Like on cue Yoongi grins slyly when your eyes are focused on his figure. ''It seems that I have been missed. Have you guys been good?'' His voice is low coming trough your speakers. Choir of yes answers fulls the chat and Yoongi's smirk grows wider when he reads the replays. You have a hunch now what kind on content Yoongi is making and you can't wait to see more. Yoongi's hands goes for his shirts highest button and his fingers lingers above it. ''You must been surprised for today's free show, but It's special gift for someone. You are curious for who? Well of course for my master.'' Yoongi winks. ''What you would want me to do today master?'' He tilts his head innocently and you are caught of guard. You never thought that Yoongi is on submissive side. Yoongi reads again the answers on the screen. ''So you want kitten come to play is that it?'' Yoongi bites his lip seductively. ''Then you have him.'' Yoongi reaches out of the screen and soon returns with pair of fluffy white kitten ears top of his head and holding something in his hands which is dangerously similar to butt plug attached to fluffy tail. Your breathing hitches and you are turning hot despite the fact that you are only wearing loose shirt with pair of panties. You look with lustful eyes when Yoongi finally begins to open his buttons slowly one at the time. His pale skin comes more visible along the every button he opens. When the final button is opened the shirt falls of his shoulders. Yoongi's body is slim but not without any muscles. All his body hair is shaved of and there is only bare soft skin visible. ''Master I have been good boy, can I take my boxers of? I'm turning so hard when I think of you'' Yoongi's innocent but lustful eyes makes you feel that his desires are only focused on you, his stare pierces you trough the camera. ''Ah why not? You want me to play with my nipples first?'' Yoongi seems to follow always the most popular demands or the comments which are voted the highest. On the site are two small chat boxes, first one is the live chat ,which is going wild, and second smaller one next to the video player where you can see the most popular messages. Yoongi puts his fingers on his mouth and licks each of them carefully keeping eye contact with the camera. He slides his fingers slowly along his neck until they reach his left nipple which he pinches between his fingers. small mewl leaves his soft lips and you gasp. He looks extremely delicious. ''Mmh, master you make me feel so good.'' Yoongi whines and closes his eyes. He rolls his nipple between his thump and index finger and repeats the whole process with his right nipple. Yoongi opens his eyes again slowly and slides his hand along his body right above his boxers. ''Can I touch myself now?'' Yoongi smiles happily for permission he has gained and his hand disappears into his pants. You have had enough. You close the tab quickly while heat climbs on your face. You feel too hot and bothered and have no way to relief it. Sure you could try to masturbating but you didn't know exactly how. If you would have kept looking Yoongi you were sure that your situation would turn even worse. You shake your head trying to clear your mind. Your tiredness is long gone and you decide to head for cold shower. ~ You are grateful that its your day of when you wake up from your slumber. You were barely able to get any rest because every time you closed your eyes image of half naked Yoongi arching his back attacked your poor soul with full force. You slouch to your kitchen and open your fridge but you are greeted only with the fridge's light. You have forgotten to go food shopping, again. You sigh in defeat and close the fridge with slam. Its time to you go to eat breakfast out. When you head back to your sleeping area an idea pops to your head and you reach for your phone. Yoongi answers after few beeps. Yoongi: ''Hi Y/N, missing me already?'' Yoongi's voice is raspy from sleep, you probably woke him up or at least he haven't been awake for long. You: ''After the show you pulled last night you bet.'' Yoongi: Ah, so you were watching. I hope that I didn't shock your little innocent mind.'' Small chuckle leaves from his lips. You: '' To be honest I wasn't able to watch it till the end. Your stream got too...intense.'' Yoongi: ''Hmm, I see. So why did you call me so early this morning?'' You: ''I was wondering that would you like to go eat breakfast with me?'' Yoongi: ''Sounds fun, sure. Where do you wanna go?'' You: ''Actually I was hoping that you have some ideas.'' Yoongi: ''Okay, in that case I have a great idea. I text you the address. How about we meet there hour from now?'' You: ''Sounds good. See you then.'' Yoongi: '' Bye, see you soon.'' Yoongi hangs up the call and jolt into action. You are truly grateful for yourself that you don't have to hurry for wash up because your late cold shower yesterday. You open your closet and begin to go rapidly trough your clothes. After thinking for little while you end up with brown checkered dress with white undershirt, black knee length socks and pair of black ballerina shoes. You only add slightly mascara and light lip gloss and put your hair on loose braid. You put your essentials on your small back bag familiar from Taehyung's date and head out. When you arrive to the address which Yoongi has given to you he is already sitting on the furthest corner booth which he has been able to find from small restaurant. There is quite lot people despite the early hour, so you assume that the place is quite popular. The restaurant is small with cozy feeling. The walls are painted in half with soft orange and the other half is covered with dark wooden panels. You sit opposite of Yoongi which is leaning on the wall his eyes closed. grey beanie is pulled over his messy black hair and he is wearing loose black hoodie with blue sweatpants. ''Hi.'' You greet Yoongi and he grunts in response. ''Didn't you sleep well?'' You are starting to feel that early breakfast wasn't the best idea with Yoongi. Yoongi must hear your uncertainty from your voice because he opens his eyes slowly. ''I'm not used to get up this early, I slept just fine.'' Yoongi yawns and rubs his eyes. A waitress comes to your table wearing white apron over her clothes. The woman is on her late fifties, her face covered with too much make up and her brown hair has definitely too much hair spray. She chews gum in her mouth loudly when she pulls notebook and pen from her pocket. ''Good morning Yoongi, am I finally seeing your girlfriend?'' The waitress asks and smiles widely so her teeth is showing. ''Morning Dora, no this is Y/N my friend.'' Yoongi chuckles softly and you blush slightly. ''Then what the hell is wrong with you? She is pretty lady isn't she?'' Dora asks and makes fake gesture almost smacking Yoongi's head with her notebook. Those two seems pretty close. ''Tell me Y/N what you think about our Yoongi here, isn't he the most sweetest?'' ''Yeah,he is sweet like a suga.'' You giggle to yourself and Yoongi sends warning glare towards you. ''He is indeed, anyway what I can get to you darlings?'' Dora changes the subject and clicks her pen ready to take your orders. ''Actually we didn't look the menu yet.'' Yoongi tells and Dora sighs. ''You take the same thing anyway, a coffee, black no sugar, huge omelette paired with two slices of toast and glass of water. Am I right?'' Dora lists with her fingers. ''Well you are right, but Y/N is here for the first time.'' ''May I recommend something for you sweetie?'' Dora asks for you and you nod. ''Try our chocolate chip pancakes paired with orange juice and if you are friend of coffee our coffee is famous for its rich aroma.'' ''Well everything else sounds good, but I don't drink coffee.'' You are quick to agree. ''Let's go wit these then. I will be back shortly with your food.'' Dora tells and hurries towards kitchen. ''You seem to come here quite often.'' You point when Dora is away. ''Yeah, I live on the third floor of the building.'' Yoongi shrugs. ''Quite handy.'' You admit. ''It is.'' Yoongi agrees. ''So, about my show yesterday, did you like it?'' ''You are going straight to the point.'' You are jealous how easily Yoongi speaks about sex related stuff, maybe you would too if you would expose your body to strangers for living. ''To be honest I didn't think you are submissive.'' You tell your thoughts. ''I can be very dominant if I want to.'' Yoongi whispers leaning closer in way that his lips almost brushes yours. You feel how you turn bright like tomato and Yoongi chuckles pulling away. ''To be honest I have tried that dominant stuff on camera, but it wasn't as popular as me playing sweet and innocent. People enjoy the contrast of me looking like mean bastard but acting like innocent lamb.'' Yoongi continues with low voice. ''I-I see.'' Is all that you can answer. What Yoongi told explains a lot to you. You have always felt the need to not make him mad when you are around him. ''I heard that Jimin's play is premiering on next Saturday.'' Yoongi has mercy on you and changes the subject. ''Yeah, I'm excited for it. i have seen bits and pieces from here and there but I haven't bee able to see it as whole.'' You tell smiling widely when you think about how much you are looking forward to your friend's debut on stage. Dora arrives with your food and you are amazed how she is able to carry both of your order all at once. ''Enjoy your food.'' She winks to both of you and sweeps to serve other customers. You are barely able to say your thank yous when she is gone. You take small bite from your pancake and moan. It's so sweet and delicious that you regret that you haven't tasted it before. Yoongi glances you with unreadable expression when he takes a sip from his coffee. You eat in comfortable silence and neither of you feel the need full the space with meaningless chitchat. When you are ready Yoongi insist on paying the bill and you have no other choice than obey when he slips the bill to Dora alongside her tip. Yoongi takes your hand and lead you outside of the restaurant. Even tough his fingers are slender his hold is firm. Yoongi rounds the building and arrives to front door which leads to residential floors of the building. Suddenly he halts and you look him curiously. ''Shit, I forgot to ask you that do you wanna even come up. I was just going to drag you to my place.'' Yoongi chuckles awkwardly and lets go of your hand. ''Well I'm following you , aren't I?'' You tease and Yoongi sighs in relief. ''So you coming?'' ''Of course, I wanna see where the all mighty Min Yoongi lives.'' You tell and Yoongi rolls his eyes to your words. ~ Yoongi lives in large apartment with four rooms. You have good view to his apartment from his entrance. Hallway straight from the entrance leads to his living room and alongside of the hallway is two closed doors and one open doorway leading to his kitchen. The hallways walls are plain white without any decorations, but what you can except from a man who lives alone. You follow Yoongi to his living room where TV in front of window and old looking leather couch heading towards it. Next to living room window is a door which leads into small balcony. ''So you enjoy minimalist style?'' You try to joke. ''Hahaa, no. I'm not good with decorating.'' Yoongi admits rubbing his neck. Yoongi sits on the couch and you follow sitting on the free spot next to him. ''Soo what now?'' You ask when Yoongi keeps staring the black screen.

''I'm trying to think.'' ''Think about what?'' ''How to start our lesson smoothly.'' Suddenly Yoongi grins wickedly and turns sideways towards you. ''Our lesson?'' You are taken by surprise. ''Yes, are you sure you can handle me kitten?'' Big gulp leaves from your throat when you nod. Yoongi gets up from the couch and offers his hand. ~ Yoongi leads you into his bedroom and pushes you gently to his bed. You aren't in the same room where Yoongi's camshow has taken place, instead you were in bedroom with lime colored walls. This room was more decorated than all the rooms combined where you have been before in his home. Yoongi's bed frame was made of painted black wood and his bed sheets were plainly white. On the floor was round black carpet and on the bedroom walls was tons of posters about bands and people that you have never even heard of before. Your mind mapping of the room is disturbed when Yoongi sits next to you on the bed. Somehow you have missed when he had taken his hoodie of and he is only wearing white loose top and his sweatpants. Yoongi begins to pet your hair softly. ''Have you ever been naked in front of anyone before?'' Yoongi asks suddenly and you tense under his gentle touch. Surely you knew that you had to be naked for sex but it was a part you didn't wait with excitement. ''No.'' Comes your tense answer. ''Would you be willing to get naked in front of me?'' Yoongi doesn't stop his petting on your hair. ''Well... Only if you do the same.'' You agree after little bit hesitation. ''Sure I don't mind. After all I get naked in front of camera daily.'' Yoongi chuckles lightly. ''What's with that anyway, I mean why you want to have sex in front of camera?'' You ask curiously and get on sitting position. Yoongi stops the petting and looks into your eyes. ''When I was younger I was super uncomfortable with my body. I thought I wasn't good enough, I don't gain weight easily and all over media men are bumped up hunks and that surely didn't help me. To say it bluntly I was one day watching porn and I ended up on live sex site. I was amazed how confident the actresses and actors looked and behaved on camera. They felt no shame over themselfs and there was everything for everyone. I returned to that site over and over again, sometimes I didn't even jerk of for the material I just enjoyed watching their confidence. I become regular viewer of camshow by guy named Mark. I was surely surprised when I found out he lives in the same town than I do. I collected all the courage what I had and send him private message. We met face to face and we talked a lot. Even that was surprising to me that Mark was quiet and calm, which was far form his camera persona. Anyway... My first live shows was with Mark until I was brave enough to do it on my own. '' Yoongi speaks more than ever since you have know him by one sitting. ''Wow.'' Is only thing you can get out of your mouth. ''I'm not saying that you should start have sex in front of camera, but you never get confidence about your body If you just hide under all those clothes.'' Yoongi smiles softly. You know that he is right, of course he is. ''Okay.'' You take a deep breath and reach for the hem of your dress. You pull it of and are left in front of Yoongi only wearing your undershirt, panties and knee length socks. You feel extremely shy and try avoiding Yoongi's gaze. ''Hey, you have nothing to be ashamed of.'' Yoongi tells and pulls your shin up with his index finger. Nothing but pure sincerity shines trough his eyes. Yoongi lets go of your shin and pulls his top of. ''It's only fair that I'm half naked as well.'' Yoongi offers you crooked smile. ''Are you willing to take that shirt of?'' Yoongi ads this time gently. You hesitate only little when you pull your undershirt of as well. Your bright red bra doesn't match with your black bra but Yoongi doesn't seem to mind. Yoongi takes your hands on your sides and put them on your breasts. You look him surprised. ''What are you doing?'' ''Today's lesson is about touching yourself.'' Yoongi smirks. Yoongi's mood seems to change today from zero to hundred in seconds. ''I bet that you didn't touch yourself while watching me.'' His voice is getting lower and huskier. ''I wish you did.'' He sighs. You feel blush reaching your cheeks and look your hands on your breasts with wonder. '' I wanted to.'' You admit shyly. ''Good. First I want you to squeeze your breasts gently, just feel them.'' Yoongi demands and you follow his instructions. Sure you have touched your breasts before but never when someone else is watching. The idea being watched turns you slightly on. The feeling is familiar form your's and Taehyung's date. ''Swipe your nipples gently over your bra.'' Yoongi adds and you brush your nipples slightly. Slightly ticklish sensation follows the action. ''Can you do the same without your bra?'' Yoongi asks gently. ''O-okay.'' You reach for the clip behind your bra and slide it of from your shoulders. As soon as cold air hits your bare mounds you cover yourself. ''I feel so ugly.'' ''Hey, I'm taking none of that shit. Y/N you are fucking beautiful.'' Yoongi frowns and puts his hands on your wrists and tug them gently. You take deep breath and let him pull your hands away. ''So pretty.'' Yoongi swipes your right nipple gently while admiring your body. His hands leave you too soon and you look him unhappily. ''This is about you learning to touch your body and enjoying yourself, not me doing it for you. At least this time.'' Yoongi winks and you feel butterflies going wild in your stomach. This time? Yoongi coughs and tries to regain his composure. ''Put you hands back to your breasts again.'' Yoongi tells and you obey him with little more confidence after his compliment. ''Squeeze your breasts and swipe your nipples again, after that take your nipples between your thump and index fingers and pinch them gently.'' You do what you have been told and you feel how your nipples turn more erected and how heat begins to pool in your belly. Yoongi's eyes darken when he follows your actions. ''Put your thump and index finger in your mouth and swipe your tongue around them. Good, shit, then suck them and roll your nipple with your wet fingers.'' Small mewl leaves your mouth when you follow Yoongi's directions. ''Now repeat with other hand and breast.'' You make the mistake of looking up Yoongi and your actions halt. He seems to be as much affected as you even though no one is touching him. His hands are squeezed in tight fists so his knuckles shine trough his pale skin. His gaze is darker and he is biting his lower lip lustfully. The most oblivious sing of his arousal is his hardening dick in his pants. ''I didn't tell you to stop kitten.'' Yoongi chuckles darkly. ''or perhaps you are ready to go little bit more South, is that it?'' Yoongi's smirk makes him look like a cat who is enjoying it's prey. Yoongi takes your hand and leads it to rim of your panties where is clearly visible wet spot. ''It seems you do.'' Yoongi says when he notices the wetness in your underwear. ''Hold still.'' Yoongi commands and reaches his nightstand's drawer. He pulls out tube of lube. He waves it front of you and smirks for your awkwardness. ''Even tough you are getting wet I wan't to make sure that this isn't going to be painful to you.'' Quick gentle smile visits his face but lustful look replaces it quickly. Your other hand is still between your crotch and your other hand is supporting you on the bed. ''Are you ready to take those panties of?'' ''I have came this far, it would be a shame give up at this point.'' You admit and reach for your pantyline. Despite your confident words your hand is shaking. Before you can regret it you push your hips slightly up and remove your underwear. Only piece of clothing remaining on you is your socks. ''Fuck. You are so hot, your pretty pussy is already glistering.'' Yoongi gets up from the bed and pulls his pants and boxers down in one go. His hard dick pops up in view and you swallow. You don't know how someone as beautiful as Yoongi has been able to feel uncomfortable about his body, but that's how feelings works. Yoongi sits back next to you and pushes your back against the bedpost. ''Spear those legs for me, will ya? Remember how you pinched and rolled your nipples, this time we do the same to your clit.'' Yoongi guides your hand between your legs. You roll your fingers slowly around your sensitive nub and your breathing turns irrational. Yoongi watches little while while you work your clit until he interrupts you. ''Give me your hand.'' You obey and Yoongi pours lube on your fingers. ''Now slowly insert your finger inside of your hole and pull and push it slowly inside and out.'' You have never fingered yourself and the feeling of your own index finger entering your heat feels shameful and extremely good at the same time. Surely you were wet already but you were grateful for the lube which warmed fast on your fingers. ''If you are comfortable enough you can.'' Yoongi gulps. ''You can add second finger.'' So you do. Even though the stretch is wider this time you get used to it after while thanks to Taehyung's skilled fingers ,which visited your heat when you visited Aquarium. You feel the familiar knot tightening but still you aren't quite there yet. ''Yoongi, I need something more.'' You admit between gasps of breath. ''Fuck it. I have changed my mid, I'll help ya.'' Yoongi curses and puts his thump on your clit adding pressure to it. With the help of Yoongi's action and visual stimulation, which is Yoongi's fucked out face and naked body, you feel yourself falling apart. If you weren't leaning on the bedpost you would have collapsed on the bed legs shaking. When you come back your high your eyes, which went closed during your climax, opens slowly. Your eyes turn wide when you see Yoongi jerking himself of next to you. His eyes are tightly shut and he is bumping his shaft which is coated with lube. The slick sound which is leaving from his jerking of makes you heated despite the fact you just came. Yoongi grunts loudly when he finally comes his hips slightly rising of the mattress. Spurs of seed coats his hand when he finally opens his eyes panting heavily. It takes only little for Yoongi to recover when he gives you his familiar gummy smile.

You are panting on your bed recovering from your high. You had bee watching Yoongi's live show and you were finally able to watch it till the end because now you knew how to relive yourself. You would have never thought that pleasuring yourself could feel this good. Your phone dings next to you on your bed and you roll over reaching for it. You are still shaking slightly from after waves. *Dear L/N Y/N, Your shipment has arrived to package vending machine on address ***********. You are able to receive it by code 123435fx2.* You grin widely, your new vibrator has arrived.

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raidbossmadi · 4 years

Text

People Like Us Chapter 1

Witch of the Woods

Early morning light filtered in from the window, shining down precisely where a lizard-like fox creature happened to be sleeping on the floor. The creature awoken by the warmth hopped to its feet and screeched running around in a circle before rolling on its back in the sun beam.

“Ugh Persphone, not again.” A pillow was flung off the bed in the direction of the creature who caught it in its mouth and brought it back to where it came from.

“Why are you always like this?” Sloane asked as she uncurled from her nest of blankets and brushed her messy brown hair out of her face. “It’s way too early for this shit you know.” She sighed looking down at Persphone who wagged her tail and tilted her head expectantly. Sloane followed her into the kitchen blinking in the brightness as she’d forgotten to shut the curtains the night before, at least to her relief there wasn’t anyone peering in through the window.

“Are you only ever this friendly when you want food? Do I not do enough for you to warrant some love and affection sometimes?” She asked again as she rummaged through the cabinet before finding what she was looking for pouring the food into Persphone’s bowl before pulling out an apple for herself.

Sloane went back to her room to grab her Echophone, checking the time and seeing it was nine-thirty, too late in the morning to go back to bed if she wanted to be productive today. She pulled her art supply box off the table in the kitchen and called to her pet as she held the front door open then headed out herself. She looked to the woods that surrounded her quiet little house and chose the patch she wanted to paint this morning. She set down her supplies and easel then gestured and a vine wrapped around the stool sitting near the door and dragged it over.

She watched as the glow of the siren marks on her right arm faded to normal muted blue and went to work. She could really lose herself in her art on days like this when the weather was fair and the sun filtered lazily through the canopy of trees. She was laser focused only looking up from the painting when Persphone hopped into her lap to beg for pets before being set back down by a vine.

Noticing that it had been several hours now and the painting had come together in a way she liked, she decided to leave it out on the easel to dry in the midday sun. She headed back into the house to make lunch and just as she had finished the sandwich she’d made she noticed a dark figure in the yard.

“Ugh this again.” She murmured heading out the back door of the house cautiously. The people of Eden-4 had taken the appearance of a Siren on their planet as a sign that they had been blessed by a god and as such they liked to make Sloane’s life difficult. She lived in this clearing not only because it was close to her element but because it was out of the way of the towns and usually meant she didn’t have to worry about being bothered by people who wrongly assumed she wanted their worship.

She slunk around the side of the house towards the front again, she watched as Persphone yipped and ran in circles around the invader though she kept her distance and Sloane was glad to see that the invader was content to leave her pet alone. Their attention was however on the painting she had left out to dry.

“Oh god dammit.” She hissed under her breath, her art was usually the focus of the worshippers. They would take it and add it to strange forest shrines that they thought would earn them her blessing, all it really did of course was make her wish she had any other talent.

“Hey wait!” Sloane reached to grab at the intruder who had swiped her latest painting off the easel but they had already rushed off out of reach. She sighed, they never did like to listen. The tattoos that adorned her right arm began to glow as she reached out with her powers and bent the trees over the path blocking it.

She approached cautiously, though she had the upper hand here she wasn’t an idiot. “ I don’t want to hurt you.” She said calmly “I didn’t want to have to use my powers at all but you really didn’t leave me any choice. Can I please just have my painting back?”

“But how can I build a shrine without a blessing from our Siren?” The worshipper cried. Sloane sighed this was always a hassle to deal with but she supposed she really should be used to it by now.

“Alright, Alright hang on.” She took the painting back from the worshipper and to her side a vine slithered out holding one of her older sketch books. “Here take this, it’s got a lot more than one picture in it.” It was hard to part with any of her work but if they were going to take it she’d prefer they take it on her terms. She released her hold on the trees watching them spring back into place.

“Thank you, I will tell the others of your generosity!” The worshipper ran back down the path disappearing from sight.

Now that had been dealt with, Sloane went back inside, sinking into the couch to relax for a minute before returning to her fridge and retrieving the list she had stuck on it with a Skag shaped magnet. “Right, so I guess I can cross deal with crazy fanatic shit off the to do list and get onto the actual important things I need to do today.”

She grabbed her bag off the counter and headed into town. Thankfully the town was pretty chill so she could have regular interactions with people instead of having to worry someone might start groveling at her feet because they messed up when giving her change, or didn’t have a shirt in her size. She didn’t get what all the fuss was about in the first place, yes, she was a siren but it wasn’t like her power was anything to write home about. She could make plants move, not the biggest deal in the world, but to the people of Eden-4 it seemed like it was.

The bell above the general store door chimed as she pushed it open. She noticed the store was pretty empty which was strange for this time of day, even the counter was empty of employees. As the door shut behind her a familiar redheaded shopkeeper in an apron came out from the back room.

“Oh hey Sloane.”

“Hi Maggie, where is everyone? I don’t think I’ve seen this place so dead well...ever.”

“Didn’t you see the news, everyones out preparing for the visitors.” Maggie said, pulling out her Echophone seemingly to pull up the news.

“We’re getting visitors? No one ever visits Eden-4, who are they?“

“The Calypso Twins.”

Sloane quirked a brow, the name sounding familiar. “Wait wait what? Like the Echonet streamers, with billions of followers? What do they want with this backwoods planet?”

Maggie set her phone down on the counter and slid it towards her. Sloane looked down at the screen where a video on Echotube waited for her. The thumbnail being a picture of the aforementioned Calypso Twins shrugging at an edited picture of Eden-4. The Title of the video read ‘Our next stop’.

She clicked the play button and Tyreen’s voice filled the shop. “What’s up my brothers and sisters across the six galaxies. God-Queen Tyreen coming to live from the Centurion’s bridge, Troy and I wanted to announce that in a day’s time we’ll be blessing our followers on Eden-4 soooo if you’ve ever wanted to see your God-Queen in person and you’re on Eden-4 it’ll be your lucky day. To the rest of my devoted followers we’ll probably be stopping by your planets soon enough, stay bloodthirsty!” The video cut off after a moment of Tyreen smiling at the camera and making a heart with her hands.

“You don’t think they’re coming here to look for the vault do you?” Sloane asked her shopping all but forgotten at this point.

“Dunno, maybe? Tyreen’s a Siren isn’t she, that’s all your ballpark I’m afraid girly. Why are you thinking of handing it over to them if they asked for it?”

Sloane’s brow furrowed, when she had gained her Siren powers the historical society of Eden-4 had handed over the location of Eden-4’s Vault and key telling her that as a Siren it was her duty to protect it. It had wound up being another responsibility she hadn’t asked for but luckily for her the vault hunters seemed to stick to Pandora and far away from the Eden system. She doubted that many people even knew Eden-4 had a vault and as far as she was concerned the people who did know were more than enough.

“Yeah I don’t know. I suppose I’ll just have to see what happens. Thanks for your help Maggie. I appreciate it really.” Sloane said heading out the door before it could be pointed out that she didn’t even bother to buy anything.

When she returned home she sat down at her computer and began to comb the Twin’s Echotube channel, their Let’s Flay streams and any other information she could find on them. She of course had been aware of their existence, it was hard not to if you spent any time at all on the Echonet but Sloane had never been one for streams. However after watching a few of the Twins she found that she maybe should have, Tyreen was charismatic and electric in her personality on top of that she was pretty cute. Troy on the other hand was harder to get a lock on given that he was usually the man behind the camera but from what she could tell about him he was equally as charming as his sister, if not more so and he was quite the looker too.

What really held her attention though was the fact Tyreen was a Siren, being that there were only six sirens in the universe at a time the chances of meeting another one seemed slim. Sloane was intrigued to see what the other siren knew about what they were.

#People Like Us #troy calypso #Tyreen Calypso #Sloane the Siren #My Writing #My HCs #calypso twins #Circleverse #Its here #Its time #If you want spoilers the first 5 chapters are on Ao3 but imma be posting one a day here until I catch up

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kuroganeslayer · 3 years

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How did you get into RP?

// The villians made me do it. Axel, Piccolo, Vegeta, Yami Bakura, Yami Malik, Renji, Grimmjow, hichigo, Gajeel, Cobra/Erik, Midnight/Macbeth, and Laxus.

[[MORE]]

That is hard to remember as it happened along time ago when I was watching yugioh for the first time when WB had it on tv. Then I grew attached and got the japanse ones including the manga books. I noticed a huge difference between the anime dubbed and the oringal. But sometimes I could understand why they change things, but people pointing your fingers at you which were oringally supposed to be guns was really stupid. Then changing the cards, editing the millienium Rod where Yami Maik is holding it in a wiered angle instead of seeing the dagger so stupid and even editing Zork, because he looks like he has a huge cock, but they edited It and made it worse for the dub. Shit they could of created smoke circulated around him and no one would of noticed it.

That is where I got my inspiration on writing fan fiction, then I hopped on rp on forums on breaks during my internet class. I used to know how to do lots of html stuff, but now am really rusty with it. When I was in the yugioh fandom, they had a forum where you could look up spoilers, but I got into when you could rp with any other anime character you wanted I would rp as Yami Bakura and Yami Maik, as they were my favorite characters in the show even though they actually dueled against each other, but then took out the dueling part where me and a selected group had all of them go adventures and these two villians would cause chaos.

A few times I also rped as Piccolo, but that was hard to pull off.

Then I got into the Kingdom Hearts fandom on a different site and rped as Axel and then things started to get hectic as me and a friend were harassed personally just because we wrote paragraphs when we rped. However the other group would god mod a lot so it just wasn’t a fun environment anymore Including the site getting hacked by a moderator who erased all the rps so I found my way to tumblr. At first I would just scroll and type things of my interest then I saw people rping and it looked like fun to me. There was another person who I quickly became friends with and she was a Axel rper and we would rp together. Then I found a Reno rper who has a butt load of other blogs as muses and we became friends. I would rp with almost all his muses. Eventually he and my Axel began shipping together. Then he disappeared and said he needed time away from the fandom and I understood that. Then he introduced me to Bleach and that is where I feel in love with Renji, Ichigo and Grimmjow. I currently have an Renji and Ichigo muse to this day, but I only go on there when I feel muse, but sometimes other people complaining about the manga doesn’t help or even the anon hate either. Also there was drama in the Bleach fandom and it started to get toxic.

So I found a different outlet, but it wasn’t until I saw Fairy Tail on Netflix so I watched it because I give anime a chance of at least 8 episodes or more. The story was hilarious and I decided I would keep watching it trying to find a favortie character that came along. Laxus was awesome and I liked him and his attitude, but also Natsu was completely funny and so was Grey. However when Gajeel came onto the screen I just fell in love with this bad ass. He was a villain and I love villains and I have always have in most cases when it comes to lots of animes. I root for them instead of the heros. Also I have always loved dragons so Fairy Tail became a favorite and him being a dragon slayer like Natsu was pretty awesome. Damn Gajeel was such a bastard dragonslayer and he wanted to kill Natsu. Then I found out that Laxus was a dragon slayer also. I was thinking holy shit how many are there? So yes that intrigued me also. Gajeel being part of Fairy Tail still baffles me. Makarov making it happen by basically trapping him against his will. This really set off Laxus and he wanted to take over the guild because of dark guilds besides the econsidering his guild weak. Then after the Fantasia arc was over and Laxus leaving his thunder legion behind. I went to look for more episodes. I caught up and was a little upset that Gajeel wasn’t in the Oracion Seis arc and I still hate the creator for doing that because it would of been so much interesting in my opinion to see if Gajeel would turn on Fairy Tail or not. I secretly was hoping he would because I never thought he would become a redeemed villain that earily in the series. With how hes treated now as a comedy relief and joke I wish he never was part of fairy tail.

I even thought about boycotting that saga just because it didn’t seem that interesting. However that quickly changed when I noticed the villians. There were two guys that quickly grabbed my attention Cobra and Midnight. It was during the opening So I continued to watch despite the fact I had a problem of Wendy being exposed to a criminal underlord, guild a dark guild. Sorry, but that made no sense to me to expose a newbie with no fighting experience over someone like Gajeel, Juvia who has experience with fighting guilds. I wondered what the hell was the creator thinking. How come Gajeel wasn’t in this saga at all? It would of been right up his ally. So stupid and lame. Then I was thinking he was purposely excluded for some reason. I still feel for that as it wasn’t just a spy for Raven Tail thing because Gajeel already gave Makarov the information for being a double agent for the dark guild Raven Tail. Juvia also wasn’t in this saga either even though she has been with Natsu’s team when they were dealing with Jellal. I pondered this as well, both members part of Phantom Lord, supposedly a rival of Fairy Tail, however to me it never seem like the case. It was more than that especially if you read the japanese portion of the manga and anime (not the dubb) that evil Saint Wizard Jose wanted that guild terminated, everyone dead, jealously my ass. Much like dark guilds hate light guilds. Gajeel and Juvia were a threat to Fairy Tail and Makarov knew it, so he kept them out of it. Probably for the best, but I digress.

So I rooted for the other side, the Oracion Seis wanting them to beat the light guilds. Midnight was pretty interesting especially when he was sleeping on a carpet. The Cobra guy with his monstrous snake definitely had me hooked. There was something about those eyes and those fangs of his that seemed familar and it reminded me of Gajeel’s, Laxus and Natsu. Then his mind ability to hear anything and go through memories through me a loop. Shit I loved this guy kicking Natsu’s ass and it was just fascinated to watch. Then learning he was also a dragon slayer made me think of how well he and Gajeel would have been fun to team up in the series cause trouble loved to have seen especially to see how they faired against Natsu together. Unfortunately Gajeel and Cobra only teamed up in Fairy Tail Gaiden Rhodonite which I hope in the future its gets an anime adaption. It's about the only time Gajeel actually worked with someone (besides Pantherlily his bad ass black panther exceed) who could hold his own in a fight without interference from a third party. And actually respects him.

#mun stuff #tags are back

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fijiangecko · 5 years

Text

High Notes

A/N: After a long hiatus (once again), here’s my latest piece. It isn’t super well edited, but I hope you all like it!

Katsuki Bakugou x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 5,100+

Weed. Mary Jane, grass, marijuana, the crooked rope, the wacky tobacky - whatever you call it, you've got it. Unfortunately, that means hiding it during room checks at the dorms, but it wasn't hard in any sense to hide it. Iida doesn't have a keen eye for drugs as he has no experience with them (and he'd like to keep it that way). On the other hand, Sero helped you disguise the scent and gave you a few tips on how to keep everyone off your tail. Weirdly enough, when school started you immediately caught on that he was a stoner, but it didn't seem like anyone else caught it. Not even the Bakusquad, which both of you were apart of.

"So are we smoking tonight?" Sero whispers as he walks alongside you to lunch. You were lagging behind the rest of the group.

"That's the plan." You respond. He nods. Everyone had decided to go out for lunch since it's the weekend and your only time to relax. The mall wasn't busy per say, but it's wasn't slow. The crowds were sparse so it was easy to keep up with Katsuki, who was leading the group.

You watched him carefully as he moves; anytime his head turns back and you got a profile view of his face your stomach does flips. How can someone be so handsome and yet act like a demon. Even though he was a cocky son of a bitch, you respect his drive and motivations. You just wish that you could get him to notice you. In class you were just average, and everything about him was exemplary. It sucks even harder because you put everything you have on the table for school, and it's just not good enough. You feel inadequate: for his attention, for the school and most importantly to become a hero. And that's why you smoke.

It takes the edge off whenever things start heading downhill. It helps ease the pain and let's you forget about the world for a moment. Especially when Sero's around. People may not see him as front and center but that dude's funny as fuck. He's quick to a joke and always knows the best comedic timing. He's a really nice guy and you're glad he's your best friend.

"So where we eating Mina?" The pinky turns to you with a wide smile.

"There's this really yummy ramen place just up ahead. They got it all, I'm telling you."

"It's really good you'll like it." Kiri chimes in.

"Oh, so I see you two have been here before… perhaps together??" You wiggle your eyebrow suggestively.

"BRO ARE YOU GUYS FUCKING?!" Kaminari can't handle sexual tension. Kiri slaps him in the chest.

"Shut up man someone could hear you, and no. We aren't. I came here with my parents." You, Sero and Kaminari were laughing your asses off as you entered the restaurant, trying hard to contain the fits of giggles so it wasn't distracting to other patrons.

You all sat down in an unfortunate position. You got a corner seat with Sero to your left, but Katsuki in front. His scowl was unchanged since arriving, but somewhere deep in those scarlet eyes you can tell he's having a good time.

Dinner goes off without a hitch. Everyone enjoys their noodles and has a good time talking. Every now and then you steal a glance at the blonde, but he is always looking elsewhere. It's not like you want to get caught staring at him so he's finally get the idea you were in to him ... course not.

"You need to stop being so obvious dude." Sero talks with a mouthful.

"Shut up I'm not obvious. I'm just looking around." His face dead pans.

"Uhuh." You both laugh to yourselves and don't catch the jealous look on Bakugou's face.

After dinner the group heads back to the dorms to have a movie night, but first you were gonna go change into PJs. Everyone separated to their rooms to get changed.

"I'm just going to bed." You caught Katsuki talking to Kiri.

"C'mon man! It'll be fun! You never bail on movie nights even though you claim to hate them." His scowl deepened.

"No. I'm not hanging out with you shitheads I wanna get some quality sleep."

"Says the guy who goes to bed at 8 every night. It's the weekend! Hang out with us!" Kiri's plea’s don't seem to be doing much, but you decide to step in.

"Movie nights not the same without your snarky comments, you can't bail on us Bakugou." You stick your lip out slightly and slump your shoulders in a pout.

"God, fine! Stop fucking pestering me." Everyone erupts into hoots and hollers while missing the small blush on Katsuki’s face. The time had come for everyone to split up and put on PJ’s , so you opted for the stairs since you ate some extra food tonight and Sero follows you, which Katsuki notices.

"Should we hit it now or later?"

"Uhh, I guess now. I'm prolly gonna pass out towards the end of this movie anyway."

"Sure [Y/N], Mrs. 'I can't handle more than two hits without going fucking insane' ". He snickers at your face starting to turn red.

"Damn dude, wasn't expecting to get fucking roasted tonight. Shit." Embarrassment levels are skyrocketing but it's all in good fun. He wasn't wrong though. You usually get all active when you smoke more than normal. "I'll just have to show you up then." You smirk at him.

"Oh a challenge!! You're on! Hopefully the others don't catch on." He wiggles his eyebrows.

You scoff at the thought, "they haven't caught us yet," you walk through the door from the stairwell to the 3rd floor, "and I don't think they will." You both laugh. An elevator sing catches you off guard.

Katsuki had just gotten off to go to his room and heard you two talking. His face flushes red, eyes burning with anger. He doesn't say anything as he stomps to his room. Your heart is pounding and the impending doom of a major fuck up in your (nonexistent) relationship slams into you like a car.

“Fuck,” your knees give out and you fall to the floor, staring at the carpet. “God damnit Sero. GOD DAMNIT!” Tears start to well at the bottom of your eyelid.

“Hey,” Sero knells next to you, “it’s okay. I bet he only caught part of the conversation.” He grabs your shoulders and tries to get you to stand up. He walked in a few seconds after you and didn’t fully see what was going on at first.

“I don’t think you understand, he caught the last sentence. He looked like he wanted to kill me.” Sero’s eyes soften at the explanation; he’s known about your crush since you became best friends. In fact, that’s the thing that probably qualified him as your best friend. No one else knew about it and he wasn’t intending on telling anyone soon.

“Let’s get to your room and forget about it for now. Everyone’s gonna be waiting on us if we take too long. It’ll be good to forget about this and figure it out later.” He finally hoists you up and the both of you linger to your room where you change in the bathroom and he changes with an extra set of clothes he left at one point. After getting all changed, you pull out the bong and the little tupperware container of weed and take a couple hits.

...scratch that. A lot of hits; you smoke almost the whole container and Sero takes little to none of it.

“[Y/N], hey. Chill out a little. We’re just trying to have a good time, not get caught.” He takes the bong and starts to clean up a bit.

“You’re right,” you nod while shutting your eyes, trying to let it sink in (even though you know it’s gonna hit hard in a couple minutes). “Let’s go have fun, with our friends and forget that my crush thinks that we’re fucking.”

“You got it.” He leads the way out of your room, but not before you swipe your wax pen and shove it in your sweatpants.

You decided to take the elevator, and much to your surprise, when it opens you see the spiky blonde hair sitting on the couch next to Kiri.

“Hey guys! Took you long enough.” He flashes his spikey teeth in a wide grin.

“The stairs really fuckin’ winded me, sorry. Took me a second to get to my room.” You felt a giggle start to bubble in the pit of your stomach, but you suppressed it for the time being.

It was definitely kicking in.

Sero caught your jaw muscles clench in an act of suppression, and only smiled in response. To an onlooker (*cough* Katsuki *cough*) it looks like Sero just blatantly checked you out. Rage starts spreading throughout his body.

How the fuck can she fall for him?! What did I do wrong? He faces away from you all. "Turn on the fucking movie already."

Everyone sits down and gets comfy. Mina, Kiri and Bakugou sit on one couch and Kaminari, Sero and yourself sit on another. You take a blanket before sitting down and spread it over your group. The movie starts to play and everyone has their eyes on the screen. Well… almost everyone. Katsuki continues to glare at Sero as he thinks about what he has that he himself doesn't. It's not like he's jealous or anything… totally not that.

Sometime during the movie you lay your head down on Sero's lap and take out the wax pen from your pocket. Using the blanket as a cover, you take a small hit and turn to him and blow what little smoke there was to his face.

"Dude, you're gonna get us caught." He whisper yells as he slaps his hand over your face. Seeing him trying to act stern with you causes the giggle to erupt out of nowhere. The whole group looks at you two.

"Tapearms, you trying to suffocate her?" Katsuki growls. He instantly removes his hand from your face and the giggles won't stop. Now you're full out cackling and you can't stop.

"[Y/N], you okay babe?" Mina asks from across the room. Your face is red and it's getting harder to breath, not to mention your and are starting to hurt. You can't form words and it's starting to get to be too much.

"Shut the fuck up, we're trying to watch the movie." Katsuki stares at you, but there's no malice behind his eyes. You try and stand up to walk to the kitchen, but your knees buckle and you fall about halfway through.

"Good God man." Sero hops out of his spot and helps you to the kitchen table. It takes a couple of minutes but you get there and when you do the wax pen is once again pulled out. "No [Y/N]. No more for you." He attempts to grab the pen but you raise it up high before.

"Fuck you. It's mine and I bought it. I'll do what I please."

"Not if it's gonna get us caught. Now hand it over." You stick your lip out and pout, then slowly you bring the pen down. Before you turn it over you hastily stick it in your mouth and start to take a drag.

"DUDE!" Sero whispers shouts (more shouts) and swipes it out of your mouth. You start to cough up a cloud and he rips the pen away. Now in panic mode, Sero starts to flail his arms around to get the smoke to disapparate. You laugh at your doofus best friend and continue to cough, loudly.

"Can you two be quiet for like, two seconds?" Kaminari shouts from the couch.

"Seriously guys, we love you but we're trying to watch it." Mina sounds disappointed.

"Nah, they've ruined movie night. I'm going up." Your crush stands up and shoots a deadly glance your way.

"Bakubro, c'mon. They're a little annoying right now but it's nothing you can't handle. What if we play Mario Kart?" Kiri tries to reason. Mina and Denki look a little upset, and begrudgingly agree to the new plan.

"No. I'm fuckin tired." Watching him turn his back makes you panic. Does he hate me?

"I bet I can kick your ass in Mario Kart, Bakugou." Everyone looks in surprise at who's challenging the beast. Sero looks back at you and winks as he saunters over to the TV and sets up the game. "What do you say, Kacchan?"

He's done it now. Katsuki stomps his way back into the living room and fumes at the thought of an extra like tapearms actually beating him. "You're on fuckface." The rest of the room cheers for Bakugou's return and Mina walks over to you.

"I think I'm just gonna let the boys play this one out. Looks like Bakugou's ready to kill someone."

"Yeah, wasn't expecting Sero to challenge him. Especially when he's shit at Mario Kart." You laugh at the thought.

"Well since we're the odd ones out, how bout we grab the speaker and play some tunes." You smile at her and grab your phone to pick a playlist.

After grabbing the speaker and putting on some music (much to Katsuki's distaste) Mina and yourself go to the kitchen and start making some snacks. "So are you and Sero…?"

Your face turns into a tomato, "No, God no. He's my best friend and I could never think about him in that way."

"Mhm, well Bakugou mentioned that you guys were talking about 'not getting caught' in the stairwell." You heart nearly implodes at the mention.

"Fuck no! Absolutely- no- Mina I swear to you that that was not what we were talking about. Bakugou just caught us talking about the absolute worst time." You were stuttering and stammering to get the explanation out.

"Okay, well if you weren't talking about that, what were you talking about? What didn't you want us to find out?" Fuck! There's no way out of this one.

"If I tell you, you have to promise not to talk about it. You can't tell a fucking soul, got me?" You jab a finger into her sternum and your eyes care importance in them.

"Damn [Y/N], you're acting more like Bakugou." She laughs a little to lighten the mood change.

"I'm dead serious Mina, if this gets out Sero and I are fucked. Big time. No coming back."

"Shit, okay. I got it. This stays between us." By looking into her eyes, you can tell she way being serious.

"Okay," you take a deep breath, "Sero and I smoke weed together. Like, on a weekly basis and I'm high as fuck right now." She looks shocked, but only for a couple of seconds.

"Now that you mention it, that actually makes a lot of sense." She puts a finger on her chin and taps it inquisitively. "Wait, you're high right now?"

"Yeah, had more than I should've cause I saw that Bakugou caught us saying cryptic things and now I'm pretty sure he hates me."

"Well, you should've seen him when he told us. He was furious because he was certain you guys were friends with benefits." Speaking of the devil, he shouts in victory across the room and the other boys tell him not to rub it in.

"God he's so hot." You don't realize what comes out of your mouth until it's too late

"I KNEW IT!" Mina starts doing a happy dance. "Kirishima owes me 10,000 yen!"

"You guys fucking bet on it!?"

"Hell yeah we did. You aren't sly at all! We totally caught you staring at him, multiple times in and out of class." God, am I really that obvious?! You try and suppress the embarrassment starting to appear on your face, once again.

“Okay, well you gotta keep your mouth shut on this too! He doesn’t seem to know and I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Just tell him [Y/N].” She got back to finishing up the snacks and proceeded to walk over to the common area.

“Hell no. You think I’m fucking crazy?!” You grab the other bowl of snacks and follow her.

“Considering you’re high? Yes, I think you’re crazy.” She half turns and gives you a look. “Plus, you shoulda seen the way he was talking when he told us what happened. He seemed furious at Sero when he was explaining.”

“Just because he was angry when he was explaining something doesn’t mean he likes me back. He’s angry all the time. Also, I don’t feel like being the class clown anytime soon, that job is reserved for Kaminari.”

“What are we talking about, ladies?” Denki peers over the couch. “Couldn’t help but hear my name.”

“Not much, actually.” Mina starts, and his face falls immediately. “Just talking about who’re the clowns in class.”

“Well you can count these three.” Katsuki points to the boys around him as he approaches you. You’re heart rate picks up and you lock eyes with him, but only for a second. He swipes some food from your bowl and walks to the kitchen to get some water. You’re surprised that your heart stayed in your chest as Mina gives you a supportive pat on the shoulder.

“So are you gonna play?” Sero moves the controller in your direction.

“Nah, don’t feel like getting my ass kicked.”

“See. She knows what’s good. Don’t mess with me.” Katsuki plops down on the couch and gets another race going. As he was doing that, the strum of a guitar fills the air and your eyes go wide with immediate recognition.

“No, nope. You’re going to bed.” Sero knows what’s about to happen and tries to pull you with him towards the elevator.

“Fuck you, Mina wants me to stay. Right girl?”

“Hell yeah.” She gets up and uses your other arm to start a tug of war. Your body being the rope, of course.

“Could you extras take this somewhere else?! We’re trying to fucking play a game.” Katsuki’s eyes start to twitch.

“Sorry babe, but I’m bout to sing my heart out and you’re gonna enjoy it. M’kay?” You jerk your arms back to your sides and point an accusing finger at the blonde who stares back at you in slight shock. In fact to room stares at you in shock, but you couldn’t care less.

You loved singing, but rarely ever did it due to embarrassment. Obviously when you were high, there wasn’t much embarrassment to be had unless it was something super sensitive. If someone caught you singing it wouldn’t be the end of the world, but if someone caught you talking about Katsuki’s abs… yeah, you’d just about die.

“You, you love it how I move you,

You love it how I touch you,

My one, when all is said and done,

You’ll believe God is a woman,” You sing breathily and precisely, hitting every note as the song progresses. Unknowingly, you sway your body to the music and swirl your hips to face Mina. You stick out your hands and she hastily takes them, knowing what is about to happen. You both move closer in to one another and start to grind, dancing in front of the game screen which has been long forgotten as the horny teens take in the scene in front of them. None of them knew either of you danced, and they sure as hell had no idea that you sang like an angel. Well, more like a seductress in this situation. Even in just pajamas, the way your hips moved caused light blushes to appear on all of their faces, except Sero’s. Katsuki didn’t even bother to look at Mina as he ravaged you with his eyes, taking in your form and committing this moment to memory. He starts to get all hot, and can’t help but think impure thoughts as you dance around the room with Mina.

This continues on for a minute more when you suddenly lock eyes with Katsuki. “I'll tell you all the things you should know

So, baby, take my hand, save your soul

We can make it last, take it slow, hmm

And I can tell that you know I know how I want it, yuh

But you different from the rest

And boy, if you confess, you might get blessed” His blood is running like lava through his veins. He doesn’t want to break eye contact with you, but he so badly wants to look at your hips and whatever glances he can of your skin when your shirt rides up.

“See if you deserve what comes next

I'm tellin' you the way I like it, how I want it” Mina giggles and cheers you on while matching your hip movements and rolls with you.

Kiri leans next to Katsuki and whispers, “Bro, just man up and ask her.” He doesn’t even look at his friend and keeps his eyes trained on you, waiting to see what you do next.

“She made direct eye contact with you, basically during the most sexual part of this song! If that doesn’t mean something, then I don’t know what does.” Kiri nudges his arm, but doesn’t get a response once again. Thinking that Bakugou’s just embarrassed, he continues to whisper, “If her and Sero really are… you know, then she would’ve looked at him!” The blonde smacks Kiri on the chest.

“You better shut the hell up before I make you. I can’t fuckin’ hear her sing when you’re running your mouth like that.” Again, his eyes don’t leave your body once. Kiri backs off and goes back to watching you.

The chorus hits a third time and this is where things get fun. Several different harmonies play at once, and you join Ariana in singing the falsettos. “You, you love it how I move you

You love it how I touch you

My one, when all is said and done

You'll believe God is a woman

And I, I feel it after midnight

A feelin' that you can't fight

My one, it lingers when we're done

You'll believe God is a woman, yeah, yeah” Kaminari, Kiri, Sero and Mina all erupt into cheers as you finish up the song, breathing heavily as you do so. You can’t help but smile wholeheartedly at the fact that you just sang God is a Woman with perfect pitch, while dancing and while high. Not to mention you totally flirted with Katsuki during the middle of it and he didn’t even blink while you locked eyes…

Holy shit you flirted with Katuski during the middle of the song and he didn’t break eye contact with you. What the fuck is going on?!

“You were amazing [Y/N]!! I didn’t know you could sing like that!”

“Haha, yeah,” you start to rub your neck and walk over to grab a glass of water.

“Why didn’t you tell us you could sing?” Denki nearly bursts with excitement as he strides next to you.

“I didn’t think it was relevant? I mean we’ve never really talked about it so I never brought it up.” They all agree with that statement to some extent. A wave of exhaustion washes over you, and you stumble a little when walking back to the couch.

“Fuck,” you attempt to speed over to the paper towels, but a hand stops you. Bakugou grabs some and cleans up what you spilled. “I’m pretty tired guys. I think I’m gonna head up.”

“No shit, you practically spilled your drink all over the damn floor.”

“It was just water, and I didn’t ask you to fuckin’ clean it up for me.” He growls in response, but continues to clean. Sero gets up from his spot.

“I’ll go ahead and make sure [Y/N] gets to bed okay. Who knows if she’ll pass out on the way up.”

“I’m taking her up. Sit down tape dispenser.” Bakugou’s gaze clashes against Sero’s, who looks more concerned. He looks to you for approval. Your heart, once again, is trying to pounce out of its cage, but you figure it’s just Katuski trying to go to bed without anyone stopping him this time. You nod slightly, and Sero sits back down.

After throwing away some soggy paper towels, Katsuki leads the way to the elevator and you both step in. Your cheeks heat up, and you turn your head so you don’t face him fully.

“So where’d you learn to sing?” His voice is soft and calm. This is a side of him you’ve rarely seen, meaning that his is a very special moment and you sure as hell can’t fuck it up.

“My mom used to sing, so she taught me some when I was younger.” You glance at him, only to find that he’s staring right at you. Quickly you turn away and clear your throat.

“Well, it sounded good from where I was sitting.” You feel his vermillion eyes on you, but don’t look.

“Thank you.” The soft chime of the elevator indicates it’s time to get off, and you both proceed out and walk into the hallway. Much to your surprise, he continues to walk with you to the girls side of the dorms.

“Uhh, Bakugou-”

“Katsuki.” Your face is definitely a cherry, and your heart is skipping every other beat. Upon looking at him, he gives you a soft smile that makes your stomach and chest clech in adoration and pure love.

“Right… Katsuki, isn’t your dorm on the other side?”

“Yeah, but I wanted to see you off.” As of now, you reach your dorms door, and you’re forced to turn and face him fully.

“Well, thank you. I’m sorry movie night was ruined. I’ll be sure to make it up.” You bow slightly.

“Don’t worry about it. That movie was shitty anyways.” A small shade of pink rises on his cheeks, but you’re not sure if it’s actually him or your mind playing tricks on you.

“Have a good night Bakug- Katsuki.” You smile smally and he hums in approval. It’s now or never [Y/N]. Before he walks away, you place a hand on one of his checks and lightly kiss the other one. You rush to turn around and walk into your room, but before you can do that he catches your wrist.

“Go out with me.” His voice sounds worried, but it’s more of a statement than a question. The grip on your wrist isn’t tight by any means, which means he’s giving you the option to walk away. You turn slowly to face him, and see that his body is all tensed up. His eyes are laced with anticipation, worry and hopefulness.

“Yes.” It comes out more of breath than an actual word, but it gets the job done. His body visibly relaxes and he releases your wrist.

“Thank fucking God. I thought you were going to say no.” He laughs, actually laughs. Again, one of those rare occurrences that you immediately soak in.

“Is it cause you thought Sero and I…?”

“Yeah. I was not happy about it.” This time you laugh.

“Mina told me. I thought for sure you weren’t gonna talk to either of us ever again.”

“Sero, maybe. You, no. I don’t think I could not listen to your annoying voice.”

“Ouch.. but thanks I guess?”

“Don’t mention it. Anyways, what the fuck were you guys talking about if you weren’t trying to hide that you were porking?”

“Uhhh, well you probably won’t like it anyway, so I don’t know if I should say.” You rub your neck again.

“What the fuck?! We’re dating and now you won’t tell me shit?!”

“Dude, we haven’t even gone on a date do don’t say that ‘we’re dating’.” He grumbles.

“Just fucking tell me. Whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.”

“You can’t tell anyone, okay? I could get into big trouble.”

“Just get on with it.”

“We were talking about smoking that sticky icky.” You pop an eyebrow up smuggly to see if he picked up what you were putting down.

“ ‘Sticky icky’? Is that seriously how you’re gonna break to me that you smoke weed?” He asks in disbelief. You laugh at his reaction. “Be grateful your cute or I would’ve dumped your ass right here right now.” Your glad no one else is in the dorms right now, because you cackling.

“Bro, we aren’t even a thing. Chill out.”

“Tch, we will be soon.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and the blush reappears on his face.

“Awww, that was cute.” You peck his cheek again and his face gets as red as his eyes.

“Whatever.” A yawn racks your body.

“Okay, well I’m pretty tired so I'm gonna head to bed, but tomorrow we should talk about the date, yeah?”

“Why don’t we just go tomorrow?”

“Sure, it’s a Sunday so why not? What time?” You yawn again.

“How about you go to bed, and whenever you wake up and get ready is when we’ll go? I’ll be up before you anyways.” You sarcastically scoff.

“I’ll have you know that I get up at a reasonable hour. You just feel the need to get up early for God knows why.” You huff.

“Sure. Getting up at 11 in the morning is ‘reasonable’.” He air quotes.

“Do you know my sleep schedule?”

“No! I’m not a creep you weirdo.”

“Uhuh. Sure Katsuki.”

“Whatever! Go to fuckin’ bed so I can take you out tomorrow!” You giggle and, for a third time, grab his face and plant a kiss on the corner of his mouth.

“Night.” Then you disappear into your room. You see the shadow of his feet in front of your door, but they move on after a couple of seconds. Your mind races about what just happened in the last 10 minutes and how you weren’t even thinking for most of it. If you weren’t high, you don’t think you would’ve kissed his cheek and the rest wouldn’t have happened.

Lying down on your bed, you take a deep breath and let your body sink into the mattress. Whatever tension was left has dissipated leaving you in a state of total relaxation. Slowly, your mind bleeds into a dream realm where you can’t wait for tomorrow to come.

“Fuck, Sero still has my wax pen!”

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twracehorse · 5 years

Text

Cringing at my own videos

Training Videos Edition!

I got bored, needed motivation to start editing, went back to take a look at my older videos, and now I judge and cringe at them because that’s a given at this stage

Under the cut to keep your dash shorter :3

Determined Horse Training, the title I came up with to be a little unique. I obviously couldn’t use something akin to Northena’s “Training Is Fun...Right?” and I wanted to give it a proper title knowing this would be a series of videos. I thought, and thought, and came up with the title after thinking of Undertale and how you are filled with determination in the game. “I am filled with determination to train these horses!” is what I thought and so the title of the series became that!

I use // as a way to separate different topics I’m talking about

Brave Rebel- First off...the thumbnail. He was originally themed sort of after Nathan Drake from Uncharted, since I was into that series at the time. So the map was, you know, for the treasure hunting. But I didn’t want to stretch the map to fit and somehow decided that a brown background was a good idea?? // AH THE CLOTHES! THE NECK!! AHHH GATORADE OCEAN BLEHH. // Oh yeah I have a spelling error in the video “Let’s go defeat this traning day!”. // Been training with Sage from the start of the series. I wonder how many fails of their’s I’ve caught XD // Ah the rocks, the rocks that I caught Sage stumbling out of in a later training video. // Let’s not forget the double mouse thing going on that makes its appearance in many videos before I figured out to click off of the web pages (which had a music playlist going while training). // Omg there’s someone with the club name The Babies standing nearby when I turn in the final race. // Low-key still love this horse. He was my first true Soul Steed before we were designated to our starter. I don’t take him out much, the difference in horse animations from new to old is getting bigger and for dynamic photos, it just doesn’t look good ( @~@)

Cool Hero- The horse based off of Markiplier back when he had red hair. I also uploaded the video on his birthday! // The song choice....I mean it fits the theme, otherwise I’d pick a better song. // The mini references I’m still low-key proud of. // There’s quite the amount of gliding pons in this video and some horror texture pons. // I obviously had to max Markimoo at the observatory! // I also mimicked Mark’s outros where an image is boomeranging. It took a couple tries with my friend in the background, but it was worth it!

Violet Mystery- I hope when I introduced her as “The winner of the Jorvik Wild horse competition” I mean, she was the first coat to be picked. Back when it was only one horse coat is being made. They added the top two coats afterwards. // Oh yeah the character’s whole head would move to the side to keep eye contact with the camera. // It’s so weird to think that I caught a bit of footage of Swifty just before meeting her. Then again I remember NOT editing this training video until months later and uploaded it in September. Mind you that I got Cool Hero and Violet Mystery at the same time and Cool Hero’s video was out in June...oops. // Ironic that I have the pandoric cracks around when the horse is based off them. // People running up from the riding arena, ah the fog glitch that would happen when you left your horse in the riding area, ran all the way to the dino valley elevator, took it, and there was no fog in the valley!

Megalove- Ah the first Undertale horse! I mean technically still the only Undertale themed horse I have, but I do have others planned. Haven’t gotten them yet and some plans changed. // The thumbnail....why did I make the stickers super tiny?? // Finally changed Elsa’s hairstyle to the ponytail I still wear to this day. We need updated ponytails with side bangs! I know we have the awesome braided ponytail in Mistfall, but there’s too much forehead! // Also the first training footage with the meet up....was 4 hours long. This was back when I recorded all stages of training and went through the footage in real time....I’m glad I changed strategy. // Can’t remember if crashing into a jump and the jump of the music timed at the same point was on purpose or if it was editing magic. // Oof cringing that I put comic sans as Sans “talking” in the video nnngghhhhh! // Ah my old club name Royal Ambassadors. I gave that club over to my side account Chiara Monsterhope for obvious reasons. // Annoying Dog in the credits, I still love that

Lucky Hero- I’m still proud that I came up with his nickname Vien short of Vienna where the famous riding school is. He, along with Brave Rebel, are my top horses. Please get an update eventually boys! // Finally Mac users had clear water! I was so happy over this you do not understand XD // Warriors by Imagine Dragons fits this horse, but quite a pain when I got Dark Warrior and didn’t want repeating songs. // Oh yeah early on, the Lipizzaners had a weird reflective tail glitch going on. // Vien was the first horse of mine that I got the day of release, bright and early in the morning! // I love how in the face of danger, an approaching bull dozer, I just stare at it. It wasn’t even a “oh no I should get out of the way” and instead was “huh that’s a thing”. // ALLY CHUM! I forgot that was a nickname to good friend!

Grey Ghost- OH BOY HERE WE GO!! Honestly my favorite training video. It was so much fun to edit with the music and the Halloween stickers hidden around the screen! Despite waking up at 5am to train for that aesthetic™. // Okay but that mushroom with the dark green sign did legit give me a spook. My body froze for a second and then I remembered that Slenderman doesn’t exist in Star Stable XD. // Ngl two of the stickers are hard to see cause of their surroundings. // GALLOPER THOMPSON MY MAN! Honestly I waited till midnight for him to be in Goldenleaf forest, just to see what would happen if you were racing and he caught you. By the gods of editing magic, the song was at a good point that fits perfectly with that scene. // For the scarecrow race I did actually take two different takes. I failed the first one and when I was editing I noticed that the two runs looked similar. So I put the first part of run 1 and cut before I failed and then put the remaining of the race with run 2. Looks almost seamless!

Silent Promise- My favorite mare in my stable! She ends up being my AoT cosplay photo horse...until I get the actual themed horse XP. // Shadows were a little glitchy at first. // Why am I using Rud instead of Rude. Like I know why cause that’s how we got around the filter, but I didn’t need to put it like that in the video. It’s like back in my WolfQuest days where I learned to use Cuz as a short version of Cause and it bled into my text vocab. // The witch bombs...I wanted to make it dramatic, but in hindsight it’s just tasteless really. Also to note that the sound which was fine before uploading, got more rough once it was on YouTube

Small Potential- Real cringe theme here, Hetalia. It was fun while watching and all that, but since then I’ve seen some well done anime! Growth! // I love the nickname Finny. Not too sure if I want to keep this pony or not, sadly. // The Christmas remix song is because I had no other ideas XD

Brave Eagle- Oh this is another slight cringe theme. Even more cringe is the fact that I had to re-upload this training video since it got blocked all over the world! due to the Hamilton musical songs. So I....had to layer over the songs with other songs....it’s a whole mess and was a whole pain since I had to re-edit the sound effects. // I’m proud of the thumbnail though....that’s it

Winter Dust- Why did I make the “there’s a new app with these foals you can train” with the dramatic music? // I think because I had less levels to train, I tried filling that space with “cool looking shots”. // Ah, yes, my How To Get Over A Jump wikipedia step by step

Hollow Phantom- Had to bring a creepy vibe even though it was February. So he’s like a Halloween not Halloween horse. // Can you believe that I found the main song from a Haikyuu!! crack video? XD. // That zoom on the pony surrounded by magic shires was weird. We’re saying “SO TINY” but the clip was so short it was done and over without much sense. // Mmm that slight irritation that the music and clip didn’t match with the drop. // Tried to blend the music together with itself....it’s obvious. // Of course had to max the Galloper horse where I first met the phantom himself

North Guardian- I wanna talk about the thumbnail....that background...is literally just the horse’s hindquarters. I wanted something mossy since the horse is sort of based off of Pelagia from Shadow of the Colossus. I couldn’t find good enough backgrounds, so I used the horse itself. // Again that urge to want to make the clip and music match but ahhh

Lucky Lucky- Still wish I could name this horse Gold Luck or something. // I think one of the camera turns during a race was just to show off the rainbow nearby. // Ahh! back when we could say “demon” in the chat. // Hmm instead of letting the clip run, I could’ve just cut to Reed calling the askew fence “a disgrace”. // Text was onscreen for just too long. // Trying to do the riding arena jumps with a good camera angle. But at that point, the camera kept moving and wouldn’t hold still. I’m glad it’s better now. Maybe I’ll try it again with a future horse. // Huh, forgot to add sound effects when I hit something on the last race

Silent Surprise- Cause I had to let the people know that I bought the horse after watching the Belmont. // AH STILL THE NECK! // 2 minutes in and we haven’t even gotten to the actual training yet. // Another day, another SSO glitch, this time it’s shadow rocks. // Oop missed a sound effect

Hot Spot- THE MUSTACHE! // I forgot I put a filter over the video to give it an old timey look. I should do more like that if it’s in theme. // Of course I had to have The Wanted be playing with this song since it’s old west sounding. // What was the purpose of editing the scarecrow race like that? XD. // Random running clip. // Walking the whole bobcat race would be nice if I didn’t keep moving the camera

Pumpkin Candy- As much as I love my Halloween horses, this training video isn’t up to the standards that the first Halloween training video set up. It’s still got Halloween themed music, it’s still got stickers hidden in the video, but it doesn’t feel the same. // Having text be their default instead of making them the same agh. // The spooky filter I overlayed the clips with changes at times. Would be nice if it stayed consistent

Dragon Dawn- Hmm now that I have more songs to choose from (getting into another artist as much as I did with The Wanted), I would have another song playing to fit the horse better. Maybe Euphoria or Mikrokosmos. Oh well those will be for future horses eventually! // Didn’t drop with the music...disappointed

Thunder Spirit- The horse that trains through three months. You can easily tell by the Valentine race, the rainbows of March, and April Fools. // Man I really need to work on making the text not be so BIG. // The first rainbow race had lots of sound effects. After that one I was just like “yeah not doing that again”

Sun Chaser- Eh the slowed down music is not the best idea. But I think it was also an intro to a remix of the song. So it was only so long and I had a bit to say for the intro of the horse. // The second clip of the mysterious Icelandic cryptid you can’t see them once it zooms in....annoying. // Too much of a slow build up with another cryptid spotting. // Also using the same sound but slower after just using it...smooth (not). // You know the very last clip of the horse as he’s turning around on the beach? Yeah that’s the exact moment I did the intro for the horse XD

Dragon Warrior- The contrast between me and Sage’s bantering vs the sadder song (I found the song because of a Zeno AMV) well it’s kinda weird having laughs and then sad melody. // YouTube again ruins the quality of the mic as it sounds fuzzier than it was pre-uploaded. // Low-key recording voices was fun aside from having to make sure the clips matched the voices and clicking of the mouse. // I’m still annoyed I couldn’t find the perfect snoring sound effect when Sage’s Connemara is sleeping and starts gliding away

Smoke Mirror- A little too much of a pause between text in the intro. // I love how I’m wearing a Halloween shirt because no other shirt matched with the blue of the hat except for the dress it came with THAT I GOT RID OF!

Obsidian Mystery- I love the thumbnail for her training video. It’s so spooky and cool! Favorite thumbnail of the entire series right there. // Ironic that with the three Halloween horses I’ve had. The two with the upbeat music are the ones where Galloper was present that year. The one where Galloper was missing that October, the music was softer, generic Halloween music. Not intentional, but it works. Though the first Halloween training video still gets the trick-or-treats because it has nostalgic music. // Some text isn’t easily visible

Dark Warrior- The horse I wish I could name Secret Warrior cause that would make SO MUCH MORE SENSE than Dark Warrior, but here we are. // Since Warriors by Imagine Dragons was in a previous training video, I had to search for another song to fit the horse. I literally went through those anime character theme song videos to find one! That was a terrible jump cut of the song

Ember Flame- Coming Soon

#Star Stable #Star Stable Online #SSO

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originalcharactersandmore · 5 years

Text

I wrote something! It’s probably still a little rough, as all I’ve done for editing it fix the spelling mistakes... but I wanted to post it anyway! This is a The Arcana Game AU! I will probably also post is on my AO3 too.

I was looking around for more mermaid AU stuffs and I couldn’t find any that I wanted and then I remember I was a writer and that I could write my own! This is inspirited by some headcanons that I don’t remember who did them, the headcanons where reversed where it was mc in the tank, but I wanted to do one where it was the arcana as mermaids. So here you go, I hope you enjoy!

You weren't too sure what to believe when you read that newspaper ad.

'Finally after years of searching, we've found one! Come to Robinson's Aquarium to see the first ever captured Mermaid!' with a picture of a shadowed figure that could of been a Mermaid, but could also have been someone dressed up as one.

You figured it was a load of baloney, put it aside and went on with your day. However, no matter where you went, people where talking about it. On the radio, in the shops, even in your favorite café. You where thoroughly done with hearing about it when you turned your TV on later that night, only for the news channel to be talking about it. You where about ready to turn it off and go to bed when the screen switched to just outside the aquarium in question, where a news reported and a person was seemingly being interviewed about their time inside.

You kept the TV on, because as much as you hated to admit it, after hearing about it so much your interest was piqued. They went on to describe the experience and at the end on it, you left like you where being played. Really, how many people did this Robinson guy pay off just to get some publicity for his aquarium? You turn off the TV and go to bed.

Three months pass, where everyone keeps talking about it and no one posts pictures at all, you think to yourself bitterly. You read an article about that, apparently Robinson is very strict about no pictures, to the point where he hired guards. He claims it's because he wants everyone to have a fresh experience. You call bull on that. The whole situation it very suspicious and after three months of non stop news and people going to see this mermaid and coming out satisfied, you're at your wits end. So with some vague feeling of disgust, you drop your money on a ticket and drive your way there.

You're pretty lucky to live relatively close, it's only an hour and a half drive. The entire time, you're arguing with yourself, part of you wanting to turn around and go back, the other part countering with the money you just spent. After all, you spent the money on it, might as well go, right?

With that thought in mind, you pull into parking spot and walk in. The door jingles like you just wanted into a small café and the receptionist looks up. Their eyes go wide and they immediately stand up, back straight like you're their commanding officer.

"Mr. Robinson has told us about you and we are to let you through and give you this," They walk around their desk, holding out an envelope. You take it out of habit and tear it open pulling out a letter.

'Dear ________,

I have always been a big fan of your research papers, especially your latest one featuring clues on how to find Mermaid homes. Using your knowledge, I was able to find and capture one, so that I could prove to every nay sayer that you where right. As a token of gratitude to you, who helped me locate the Mermaid I have put on display, I have included a V.I.P card, so that you may come and see the product of your research as many times as you'd like.

Sincerely,

Mr. Robinson'

That vague sense of disgust you where feeling before? Yeah, it's full force now.

Yes, you use to be a researcher, leading a team on a hopeful journey to discover Mermaids. You thought it was bogus at the time, but had to go with it anyway because money ruled the world. You weren't expecting it to go anywhere, but then you started to discover unexplained stuff, like scales that where far to big for any fish, or a sharp tooth that didn't match any shark they could find, coral formations that looked almost like a room in a house. You started believing that maybe mermaids were real, just hiding really well.

However, after you submitted your report and it got posted, the government changed office and cut your funding, meaning you had to disband before your research really even got the chance to take off. If that hadn't happened, you might have discovered Mermaid's yourself and you would have put protective measures in place, so that they wouldn't end up in tank at an aquarium like the one that's being held captive right here.

"Mr. Robinson would like to speak with you, but he has requested that you go see the Mermaid first" The receptionist voice almost makes you jump, you had forgotten they where standing there in your short trip down memory lane. You pull the ticket out, giving it to the receptionist. They look hesitant to accept it, having just given you the V.I.P card but you insist. You did spend the money already and this aquarium had a 'no returns' policy. Plus, you weren't about to call down their manger just for this. They take the ticket and direct you to the door into the aquarium.

Inside, there are a few people here, but not too many. It's closing soon, so there are not many people around. Plus, the hype over the mermaid has worn off quite a bit now.

There are signs pointing you in the correct direction and you know you've found it when you see a door being guarded by two people in security uniforms. It seems the stories mentioning Mr. Robinson's caution was correct. The guards take your phone and your bag before letting you in. The room is circular and well lit, with a big circular tank in the middle, fences surrounding it. There are several guards stationed along the wall and you feel like you stepped into a spy movie. There are two other customers here, pressed up as close as they can get with the fences in the way. You walk up to an empty spot, looking into the tank with a sense of hesitance. All of your research, right here in person. Just not in the way you wanted it.

Your eyes scan the tank, looking for the figure and you spot them near the bottom. With a sudden rush of bubbles, the Mermaid smacks their hands against the glass, near where the other two customers are. The two oohhed and aawwed, looking amazed at the Mermaid's show of speed. You're the only one who seems to notice the act for what it is. Desperation and fear.

The Mermaid has thick curly white hair and beautiful brown skin. Their scales are pink and red, swirling around their hips and down their legs, with alternating white blots. They have scales of the same colors down their forearms and hands, their fingers tipped with claws that might have been sharp before but are dulled now, probably shaved down by the staff here. Their ears are webbed, a blue and purple color swirling much like their scales. The gills on either side of their neck are the same color as their webbed ears, scales spreading out around them and down their neck, over their sides. They had fins along the backside of their tail and on their forearms too. As if that action had taken all of their energy, the Mermaid floats down from the glass toward the bottom of the tank.

You are immediately concerned. Now that the surprise and shock has faded, you can see just how weak the Mermaid looked and you could just see how red and puffy their gills where. Was there something in the tank causing irritation? You look around the tank and notice just how dirty it was, expertly hidden but still there. No wonder the Mermaid looked so sick, they probably were! Was the filter not working?

As you examining the tank with a growing feeling of horror that is probably showing your face, the Mermaid suddenly becomes aware of your presence and sharply turns toward you. Your eyes meet and you find yourself staring into beautiful purple eyes. The black sclera is a little unnerving but their pupil and iris look very similar to that of a human eye, so you can ignore the black sclera as a bit of dust or something.

The Mermaid is glaring in you general direction and while you feel like you deserve it, after all you are the one who wrote the paper that apparently gave Mr. Robinson the information he needed to find and capture this Mermaid, it becomes apparent who their glaring at when a hand lands on you shoulder.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

You turn to see a man there, dressed in a three piece suit and looking like a cat that got the canary. You would explain his features, but all you could think about was those posts listing all the white male celebrities images together and his picture would fit right in.

It seemed like he was waiting for you to answer, so you answered the direct question keeping all of your complaints to yourself for now. Plus, how he refereed to the Mermaid as an 'it' rather then 'they' really rubbed you the wrong way.

"Y-Yes, sir." Your voice cracked and you have to clear your throat before you could continue.

He laughs heartily, and slaps your back hard enough to send you flying into the barrier. Hunched over the barrier as you are, your eyes met the Mermaids again. Their not just glaring now, their fins are flared up, their hands clawing into the sand and they're barring their dulled teeth in a show of defiance. Mr. Robinson scoffs, before walking off.

"We have much to discuss, so let's get to it shall we?" He throws over his shoulder. Taking a look around the room, the two customers are gone, probably having been shooed out by the guards when Mr. Robinson walked in and they are all standing at attention in the presence of their employer.

There's a small tap on the glass and you turn to see the Mermaid right there, hand splayed on the glass, the amount of desperation in their eyes breaking your heart. You can't reach the glass and you doubt the Mermaid would be able to hear you through it, so you hope your eyes convey your message:

I'll come back for you.

With that, you turn quickly and follow after Mr. Robinson. It would not do to angry such a wealthy man.

———————————

Mr. Robinson leads you to his office, beautiful ornate doors and impressively clean carpet, and furniture from the Rocco type. This was a man with a lot of money to spend. He takes a seat at his desk and gestures to the chair directly in front.

"Please, have a seat," He waits for you to sit and settle in before continuing, " Someone of your learning and intellect has probably already noticed the sate of the Mermaid's tank, yes?"

"Yes, I have," You wonder how anyone could not notice it, but you digress.

"Good. You see, the Mermaid is very difficult. We have a hard time cleaning it's tank because it is so aggressive toward us. You saw how it had tried to attack the customers."

You nod along as he talks, listening and hoping that none of you're inner feelings are showing. You pretend you're making a speech about your research, needing to keep your face from showing your true feelings and it works well enough. He stops talking, presumably to let his words sink in, but then the silence stretches and you realize he's waiting for you to talk.

"I-is that what you want to discus with me?" You voice comes out surprisingly steady, after rushing to talk to keep the moment from getting awkward. You're not the best at social interactions, especially with people who had enough money to pay for your killing and a lot left over.

"Yes, that's correct. Someone like you, who has done much research on marine animals, plus your brief research on the Mermaids, will be trained enough to be able to deal with it's mood swings and aggression. So, my proposition to you is, come work for me as the caretaker of the Mermaid. This way, you can continue your research, get payed for it and my aquarium has a clean tank for the Mermaid to live in. What do you say?"

As much as you wanted to spit in his face and say 'no', doing so would probably put you on his shit list and take away the V.I.P card you just got, so that was a no go. And besides, you had just promised the Mermaid that you'd be back, even if the promise was more to yourself then to them. And if you worked here, you'd be able to help the Mermaid, like you wanted to and maybe discover a way to break them out of captivity. Okay, so that was your more lofty goal, but you gotta aim high, right? And you'll also get the opportunity to study them, the little researcher in you squealed. Okay, so maybe you where a little selfish, but your main goal was to help the Mermaid.

So with a smile you hoped looked real, you held out your hand and said, "I would be happy to work for you."

Mr. Robinson's lips curled into a smile of his own, looking like a cat that got the canary as he took your hand and shook, saying, "It will be a pleasure working with you."

#text #the arcana game #the arcana asra #asra alzanar #asra #fan apprentice #fan apprentice x asra #mermaid au #the arcana game au #soulmate au #that last tag is something that will come around later #if i write any more #this is inspired by some mermaid head canons and also that one comic with the green mermaid

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emotionalcello-makefanfics · 5 years

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Chapters: 1/6 Fandom: ヒプノシスマイク | Hypnosis Mic (Albums) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Aohitsugi Samatoki/Yamada Ichiro, slight Busujima Mason Rio/Yamada Saburo Characters: Yamada Jiro (Hypnosis Mic), Yamada Ichiro, Yamada Saburo, Aohitsugi Samatoki, Aohitsugi Nemu, Jinguji Jakurai, Izanami Hifumi, Kannonzaka Doppo, Mentioned Doppo's brother, Iruma Jyuto Additional Tags: Yamada Ichiro-centric, Probably ooc, Definitely OOC, Cringe, Cheesy, Romance, Angst, Fluff, Self-Indulgent, Very brotherly Ichiro, Not the canon Ichiro that neglect his brothers at first, No Mic, Alternate Universe - No Powers, No literally crushing each other with fire raps please, Alternate Universe - Normal Life, The Author Regrets Nothing, Red String of Fate, Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Not Canon Compliant, Dress Up, You'll know why I put that tag, I love Jyuto's red gloves, Graphic Wounds Series: Part 2 of Hypmic Red Strings of Fate : The Yamada's Summary:

Side story of 'All I Ever Wanted'. Can be read separately. I think.

A story covering the background of Ichiro and Samatoki's relationship. They're soulmates, but in front of his brothers, the pair always fight until they draw blood. They're supposed to be perfect together, but they never meet again when after that one fight.

A story takes Ichiro's perspective of the relationship, things that his brothers will ever know. It's been five years since the fight, and they never meet after that. Things he didn't want to remember came in dreams, like punishment for leaving his soulmate and sleeping with another. Dreams about the days before shit happens, before they have to separate, before all the disagreement, before they are forced to choose between each other or their family. In reality, Samatoki is not here anymore, so Ichiro tried to get by, no matter how he regrets how he left his soulmate.

----

The soulmate universe is inspired by “You would make a good soldier.” by 6fortius9, check it out!

Click Keep reading to read it on tumblr

Ichiro is used to a full house filled with noise. The only calm he had back then is when he woke up first thing in the morning to get ready ahead of time and prepare breakfast for his brothers. Sometimes for his aunt too when she has the day shift, and sometimes his uncle when he’s home from a long business trip. Even though his aunt and uncle didn’t join the table sometimes, it’s still full of life with Jiro and Saburo are bickering.

Sometimes it’s about a missing jacket they accused each other of stealing when it’s actually in the laundry, fighting over the warm shower, or any other thing they manage to disagree on.

Most of the reason they fight are petty things that get too far. Like games, and they support an opposite team in sports. Then he will come up from mid cooking with a spatula in hand and threaten them with no food if they don’t make up. Or if Ichiro wasn’t cooking, he’ll grab anything in the room and threaten them with that.

It works most of the times, sometimes the fight is so bad that one of them leaves the room or not talk to each other, but they always manage to go around it. They all do. His aunt is grumpy without her coffee when she wakes up and often pass out by the entrance when she came home. His uncle will pass out on the table in the morning when there’s no breakfast, and when he’s home, he pass out in random rooms too. How did they survive before Ichiro and his brothers came along? He has no idea.

He misses Saburo who went to school in Hokkaido and moving in with Riou, his soulmate. He misses Jiro who’s on an internship abroad so he’ll be closer to his long-distance girlfriend. Ichiro also misses his quirky aunt and gentle uncle.

Ichiro is also grateful that his aunt and uncle came around when their father left. He loves his aunt and uncle, but he misses his dad. He was not a good dad, but Ichiro still misses his dad. He misses his loving and kind dad, the one before his mom died, but it seems like no one else did.

Whenever he feels lonely, he instinctively looks at the red line on his finger, then immediately cursed at himself for looking at it.

“You’re okay?” Ichiro felt his heart leap at the sudden interruption of his daydream.

In front of him is a screen playing a video of an action clip and sound waves at the bottom that he only gets to edit on the first half.

The owner of the deep voice is Jakurai, his purple hair is tied up in a messy bun. His sharp and elegant face seems like he didn’t get too much sleep. Ichiro shrinks under the project manager’s gaze, especially when he just spent a wasteful amount of time daydreaming.

“I’m fine sir, just need some coffee, it’s not done yet,” he says apologetically.

“I’m not here for that, the others are buying Ramen from Kyoko’s stand, you want one?”

At the name of old grandma Kyoko, all his sense rouse excitedly, especially imagining her rich ramen broth and the perfect chew of her noodles and the tender pork strips, oh and the must-have gyoza... the rich and tender filling... light, a little burnt, and crispy on the outside.

“Yes,” Ichiro moaned, a bit too sexually for food.

His project manager, who thankfully already used to his antics, just shook his head and smiled amusedly. He picks up his phone and types away.

“Be down in 20. And take a break Ichiro, you look horrible,” he said, looking horrible himself, and walks away from the room.

Ichiro only now just noticed that he’s alone in the sound editing room. Everyone else must’ve been out to have lunch.

He looks down to the clock on the bottom right of his screen, three pm already, everyone is either having a late lunch or Jakurai is letting them have a longer break, which is impossible. That guy will so far lock the doors to make them all finish according to the deadline. Even so, he’s a respectable leader, and lock himself up with the rest of them.

Ichiro likes it here in Tokyo, working in a film making industry. It’s not far from his aunt’s and uncle’s home, but they’re busy too. It’s been two years since he worked here, he could’ve gone back and forth from Tokyo and Ikebukuro, but it’s more convenient to stay close in a walking distance. As the consequences, he’s homesick often. He misses everyone. He can only put so much family photos on his desk.

There is a picture of him and his brothers with his aunt and uncle on the beach. Ichiro is the one completely buried in the sand, Jiro is in the middle of giving him sand boobs and looks like he’s groping him. Saburo is making his mermaid tail, his aunt is doing a slav squat and pressing her palm together beside him and his uncle is taking the selfie with all that mess. It was funny, and somehow even though Ichiro is the one with boobs, Jiro is the one most embarrassed about this picture.

Then there’s Jiro’s high school graduation with all of the family, and Saburo’s Middle school graduation minus his uncle that can’t leave his work in Egypt, but Riou was there.

Beside it, is a picture of the three of them plus Riou, when he and Jiro went to Hokkaido to visit Riou and Saburo. It was taken on a flower field. He forces Jiro to make a heart together with him and makes Saburo and Riou poses in the middle of the heart. They protested at the cheesiness of the picture but Ichiro knows for a fact that this picture is Riou’s phone home screen.

Behind all that framed photo, he spots one he rarely sees. A picture of him, Jiro, his dad, and his pregnant mom. After Saburo was born, his dad doesn’t want them to take a picture together. Ichiro misses his mom the most, and he still feels like he’ll tear up every time he remembers her. But then he remembers Saburo, that little genius, brave, strong and stubborn little kid that he loves, and Jiro, another stubborn, hot-headed and strong-willed kid.

Maybe she’s gone, but she gave him his precious brothers. For them, he thanks her. He promised her that he’ll take care of them, keeps them safe, and Ichiro will do everything necessary to do so.

He looks at his hand again, the red string on his finger is as stark as ever.

His heartache for a bit, remembering all these things. He picks up his phone and dialed Saburo without any hesitation. Saburo picks up on the second ring.

“Sup Ichi-nii?” he sounds chipper, and that’s honestly all Ichiro needs.

“Just checking in.”

“Uh-huh, you’re lonely aren’t you?”

Ichiro melts on the inside, “Hope I didn’t catch you on a bad time?”

“No, you didn’t. How are you even calling at this hour? Jakurai isn’t breathing down on your neck this time?”

“Strangely he’s not! I’m alone in the room now, everyone is getting lunch.”

“At this hour???”

“Yes, at this hour, c’ mon, my odd hour isn’t news.”

“No it’s not, but you know what’s news?”

“What?” Ichiro finally feels intrigued.

“This New Year holiday I’m coming home with Riou! He finally has New years off.”

“That’s great!” Ichiro exclaimed, grateful that no one is here or he would’ve made ten or so people deaf. “It’s been so long since I met him, you guys doing good?”

“Yeah! I visit his grandparents grave last weekend, and turns out there’s a romantic story behind it.”

“You went to a cemetery and it was romantic, it’s a bit too late for a goth phase, isn’t it?” Ichiro teased.

“Just listen to me first!”

“Alright alright, I’ll listen!” Ichiro chuckled.

“Okay, remember the dog tag that Riou always wears?”

Ichiro remembers, Saburo told him about it years ago. Riou always wears this dog tag, and Ichiro assumed it was his because the man is an ex-navy. Turns out, the dog tag was not Riou’s, it was his grandpa’s, who gave the dog tag to his wife. His wife, Riou’s grandma, already died when he met his grandpa, and then gave the dog tag to Riou so he’ll know that his grandpa loves him even though Riou only meets him for summer break in Hokkaido.

“He thinks he didn’t have a soulmate, until he’s 14 and I came along of course. But when he was a kid he was sad about it, so his grandpa gave him the dog tag. His grandpa told him it was a reminder that he’ll find someone for him even though he didn’t have a soulmate. Because you know, I told you already about Riou’s grandparents right?”

“That they’re not soulmates?”

“Right! His grandpa told him he can return the dog tag to his grandma when Riou finds someone he loves. When we came to their grave, guess what he did.”

Ichiro gasps, “He gave the dog tag back?”

“He gave the dog tag back! I swear that man will be the death of me!”Saburo then squealed, Ichiro chuckled at his little brother’s antics.

Riou’s grandma and grandpa were not soulmates, but they’re happily married for decades and his grandpa still had the red string on his finger until the day he died.

Ichiro already knows this story back when Saburo told him in tears. It was the first time Saburo met Riou, and Riou told him that his little brother doesn’t have to choose him if the age between them is too heavy to bear for Saburo. Even though all that Riou wanted is a soulmate.

In the end, Saburo chooses him. It was the common fairytale-like red string of fate story. Ichiro is glad that Saburo gets to have them. But the story gave hope to someone probably not to someone that Riou might have predicted. It gave hope to Ichiro.

“Ichi-nii?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you really okay?”

He wonders sometimes, but don’t we all? Sometimes we ask ourselves somewhere in life, if we’re okay, or if we’re happy, or if this is the life we want to be having, or if you’re making good choices.

And Ichiro just doesn’t know.

“Yeah! I’m just a bit swamped at work,” Ichiro isn’t totally lying about that.

“Are you sure?” Saburo didn’t sound convinced, of course he doesn’t.

This one particular brother of his is incredibly sharp that it’s scary. He can sniff your emotions no matter how good your lie is. Ichiro is never an exception. Ever since he was little, Saburo was always the first to notice when Ichiro is not his best.

Ichiro debates whether or not he should tell the truth, guess he’s just gonna go for it.

“I’m looking at our family pictures, and I don’t know.”

Saburo sighs at the other end, “Sometimes I worry about you Ichi-nii.”

“Hm? Really, why?”

“You gave up a lot of things for us, and you never let us do the same,” Saburo’s words stir him.

He bites his lips, deeply feeling the guilt that resurfaces.

“I really didn’t,” Ichiro says instead.

“You know Jiro and I are cool with it. You don’t have to protect us anymore.”

Ichiro bites his lips tighter, and it really breaks his heart more than it touched him.

“I know.”

“I’m sorry for bringing it up, we just want you to be happy.”

Ichiro smiled at that, he really does raise his brothers well. That’s all Ichiro needs.

“I am happy.”

+++++++++++

He drops by the 3D animation office before he’s off to walk back to his apartment. Some of the desks are already empty this late, but there is still a few that stays, including his roommate. A ducked redhead sticks out like a sore thumb in the middle of the room filled with rows of messy desks. Ichiro walks over to the man who had his eyes open and glued to the screen. So focused that he didn’t notice Ichiro is already in front of him.

“Doppo,” he tried to call gently, but the man jerks away like he’s been shocked by a thunder. He was doing a meticulous work on a woman’s face with Blender app. Yesterday it was only a blop of circle. Ichiro will never know how the heck 3D modeling works.

Doppo had bags on the bags under his eyes, it’s a hard case of bags-ception. It’s been there since Ichiro first meet him, and only had been gaining in color and weight since then. The mug on his desk is half empty and stained badly, the stain wasn't there yesterday.

“It’s 10 PM, are you going back today?” he asked.

Doppo groaned, rubbing his face on his palms roughly.

“I don’t think I ca-”

“Yes! He’s going back with you.” A blond shoots straight upwards from the bunch of desks. Hifumi, allegedly Doppo’s best friend and former roommate, came barging through the desk and chairs in loud clatters and pushes Doppo off his chair.

“No!” Doppo yelled, and get a lot of ‘shh’ noise from the rest of the people there.

“I can’t go back, I have to finish this by today or-”

“You can finish it tomorrow! You’ll sleep on your desk anyway, just go back!” they bicker in a hushed voice.

“I agree, Doppo,” Ichiro grabs Doppo’s jacket that hanged on his chair, “You need to take a warm bath and sleep on a soft surface,” he puts the jacket on Doppo’s shoulder and grabs him by the shoulder, the man in his arm sways as he walks. Yeah, he really should go home.

“I’ll leave him to you!” Hifumi waved, Ichiro gave him an understanding nod and they’re off.

Two years ago, Hifumi wouldn’t even let Ichiro touch him without sending a threatening passive-aggressive comment. He didn’t know when or why he finally stops but Ichiro is relieved a little. Hifumi always said that taking care of Doppo has always been his job ever since they’re kids. But it’s not like Ichiro wanted to replace Hifumi, but what else can he do? The guy is his roommate, he can’t just let the guy drop dead.

Also, kind of a hypocrite of Hifumi to disapprove him in that first days when the guy himself, that let him room with Doppo, moves out from his allegedly precious childhood friend with his soulmate. Though Ichiro can’t really blame Hifumi on that one.

Doppo is unsurprisingly a slob. Hifumi kind of hyped Ichiro up at how much of a slob Doppo is. Shockingly though, it was not as bad as his house. When you live with two busy and always tired adults, and two teenage little brothers in puberty, Doppo is not that bad.

Doppo barely talks to him at first too, but you’ll be surprised how much simple care and attention do to a person. Also, patience, because Doppo doesn’t always reply to you in stressful days. Sometimes he doesn’t want to talk at all for no reason, and it can be frustrating.

Even though right now they’re walking with Doppo’s hand around his shoulder, they’re in no way closer than just good friends. They gave each other respected privacy and doesn’t probe.

One thing that surprised him about Doppo, is that for all the two years he lived with him, not once did he asked about the red line in his pinkie.

Ichiro sits Doppo beside the kotatsu table and the man just plops his head on top of there.

“Don’t sleep yet, I’m preparing the hot bath, have you eaten?”

“I’m not hungry.”Doppo dismissed with a low and tired voice.

“I’m making you eat, I’ll make a...” Ichiro walks over to the fridge and sees what’s left inside he can work on, “Curry it is.”

“I don’t want to eat,” Doppo says firmly this time.

“You will eat, or I won’t wake you up tomorrow.” And that was enough to make Doppo agree, not without showing his dissatisfaction though.

“Fine,” he grumbles.

“Good, I’ll prepare the bath.”

Their apartment is small but it’s enough. The open ‘kitchen’ that only consists of a fridge, a microwave that sits on top of the fridge and the electric stove, and they are pressed against the wall of the bathroom. There’s a small kitchen island that’s as wide as the length of the bathroom wall for cutting stuff and condiments. The bathroom is also painfully small and the only discomfort they have. Just because the bathtub is too small and they can’t completely extend their legs.

The living area only consists of the kotatsu and a small flat-screen TV that they only use on weekends. They have a PS4 console though, through winning the office’s lottery, and they play whenever they can. They only have one bedroom, and they sleep on a futon. The closet is small, barely manage to contain all of Ichiro’s clothes. Can you blame him? He likes cool clothes, and thankfully, Doppo doesn’t have much in that department and allow him to have more closet space.

Some might say it’s awkward for two men to be in one bedroom at night, but Ichiro doesn’t agree with that, at least not with Doppo. When they have their needs, they have a quiet agreement that they need to take it to a love hotel or the place of their partner for the night. Or if they don’t feel like having anyone, take care of it in the bathroom, quietly.

He rarely ever sees Doppo goes out though, when he does, mostly because he sleeps over at the office, but then again, they don’t probe on that stuff.

Ichiro returns from the bathroom to Doppo blinking heavily.

“Don’t sleep yet, the bath is ready.”

Doppo hums, he strips then and there, being butt naked before he walks into the bathroom, leaving a trail of his clothes. He’s not usually like that though, only when sleep-deprived, even so, Ichiro is used to it.

While he’s in the bath, Ichiro makes simple vegetable curry with instant curry block for one plate. Doppo steps out of the bathroom when the curry is done. He’s awake enough to pick his clothes up from the floor and put it in a laundry bag.

Ichiro placed the hot curry with potatoes and carrots on the kotatsu, and Doppo sits there when he’s clearly still wet and only have a towel on his lower half.

“What about you?”

“I already ate lunch and dinner, unlike you, and change to your pajamas before eating,” Ichiro scolds.

“You can’t make me.”

“Are you willing to bet on that?” Ichiro crosses his arms, looking down at Doppo who looks completely exhausted. Ichiro gave up.

“Fine, don’t blame me if you got a cold tomorrow.”

“Please drag me if that happens.”

“Nah.”

“Ichiro!” Doppo groaned.

“No!”

Doppo frowned and reluctantly stood up and walk to the bed room. But then he stops, and he looks back, “Thank you for taking care of me today,” he said.

Ichiro smiled, “You’re welcome.” Then he steps into the bathroom.

Ichiro showers clean and quickly for the long-awaited warm bath. It feels like all the muscle in his body just expands and let loose by the warmth, except his knees that poke out on top of the water. Stupid small bath.

He relaxed for a while, letting his mind think of anything but work. He splashes his knees with the hot water and startled when he sees a lot of red on his arm.

A brand new gush of a scar on his forearm, he can see his bones, and rips of flesh starting from his wrist down to his elbow. Ichiro knows it’s not his because, despite the open and gushing flesh there, he didn’t feel any pain.

His heart pumps a bit harder at the sight. Then not long after, he sees the wound close from the bottom working up to the top. There are two little red dots on each side of the closed wound, he must be getting stitches.

This isn’t the first scare he gets over a scar of his soulmate. The most heartbreaking one was the one on his back when he was eighteen. A thin and long trail of red lines and splotches of red that form a picture of a samurai with a face on an Oni mask surrounded by sakura flowers and peonies.

The wound had healed and disappears without a scar from Ichiro’s back, but the ones on Samatoki’s will leave a scar that lasts forever. As long as he has that tattoo, none of them are safe together, for them and the people around them.

So, Ichiro did what he had to do.

He told that to himself, before his longing gets too deep and turn into regret.

#hypmic #ヒプノシスマイク #hypnosis mic #hypmic ichiro #yamada ichiro #ichiro yamada #hypmic fanfic #samatoki aohitsugi #what's their ship name?#ichisama #Ichisama fanfic #Don't let me drown in this fanbase more than I should #emocel's

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ofchasse · 6 years

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Jailbreak // Chatzy Log

Them rescuing supernaturals, including Shilo and James. Too lazy to properly edit.

Erica

Erica just considered themselves lucky that none of the guards likely had supernatural senses -- that they were all human -- or else the small group of them gathered in the woods close enough to see the spotlights would've meant the end of the line very quickly. She's looking to Stiles' brother -- Stuart ( she still wasn't used to seeing Stiles' features on a much more stoic face ) -- who was hovering over a small tablet in his hand, the glow of it illuminating his features. "What's the plan, bossman?" she's asking him in a whisper with the hint of a smirk -- Stuart looking to her with a fleeting look of what seemed to be confusion and bemusement before back to his tablet, "What? You're the one with the brain full of computer shit -- your ballgame, right?"

She's looking to the doorway, flickering her gaze over it before back to the others where Marco was lingering in the back -- closest to Blake -- with his eyes seemingly glued without moving to the building.

Stuart

Stuart huffs out a low breath at the blonde, a finger sliding over the screen, "Sinon sent me blueprints of the complex," he's murmuring, "We can't just rush in there without a clue of where we are going. We're getting all of them out, if we can help it, and it won't do anyone any good to just start mass chaos. We need a plan of action -- I'm looking for the control room; Allison and I --" he looks to the huntress before back to his tablet, "Will go there. Shut down the alarms, and spring the cells. Blake and Marco will find Marco's sister -- on record, she seems to be the only banshee in this facility; and -- according to Lydia and Tabitha -- she's more likely than not going to be out of it --" Which was a nicer way to say half catatonic. With the collar preventing her from screaming, the voices likely caused her to shut herself out in defense. "So Marco and Blake will carry her out if needed; and look for .. James, right?" he looks to Blake then before back down to the tablet, flipping through names, "Shifters are on another hallway -- Shilo seems to be on the laboratory hallway, which has less security --" Stuart knew this by experience, but he seemed to be outwardly coping well with the reminders.

"And then Erica will play sheepdog ; the supernaturals in that building, once out, will be confused and panicked. They need guidance to get out of the building and to Satomi and her group."

Allison

If she hadn't already been in 'ready to go' mode, then Allison would have laughed at the way that Stuart seemed both annoyed and perplexed with being put in charge. Erica was right, though - he was the one with the plan that they needed to get in there and get out safely. Hopefully. She's focused on the door and the area around them, gun held in her hand like a vice that she couldn't give up. She'd considered her bow for the silence it provided, but an arrow wouldn't win in a gun-fight.

When he speaks about the building, she looks to him, eyes tracing his features for signs of distress. It hadn't been that long ago that they'd been breaking him out of here - not even long enough for both of their wounds to fully heal. He seems okay for now, but Allison feared that he might break down at some point.

Blake

It's good for Blake that they decided to stick her and Marco on Shilo duty together - she wasn't sure that she could get in there and out alive if she didn't have someone to keep her feet under her. If she wasn't able to find James - or worse, found him in less than the state she wanted to find him in - she wasn't sure she could recover from that. But it wasn't just James that she was there for. She had others to take care of, and it included Marco and Shilo. They both needed to be safe before she could lose it, if they didn't find James.

Her posture shifted, stiffened, as Stuart spoke. She nodded just slightly when he looked to her, confirming that he had James' name right. Stress seemed to radiate from her body, heart already racing despite the fact that they hadn't quite gone into the eye of the storm yet.

Marco: Marco felt strangely on the outside of it all ; he was here for Shilo, it was merely just luck that there happened to be so many supernaturals inside. Yes, of course he wanted to help them all get free -- he felt selfish in the matter, however, that his first priority was Shilo. And then everyone else. Albeit, he kept that to himself. Outwardly, he was sure the ones with heightened senses could smell his anxiety ; his fear. Marco had only shifted once, and it was when he had had his collar removed by Lydia ; Satomi and Deaton in the room for safety, and the older Alpha had had to calm the man down -- bring him down from his shift. He didn't quite yet know what he was capable of, and the senses outside of the enclosed underground was nearly overwhelming -- darkened gaze on the main doors where one man stood armed. I think that I know him -- he mused bitterly to himself, before he was saying as much aloud, "I know .. the man. The one who is standing guard," he's whispering under his breath, Erica and Stuart's focus now on him, "I had served with him overseas. He was in my troop, for a time --..." Marco is frowning and Stuart is lowering his tablet just a little.

The alpha shakes his head, "I will take care of him - one way or another. I will go up - alone - and talk to him. See if I can get him to stand down. And if I cannot...-" He trailed off and gave a meek shrug of one shoulder. "He will not stand in the way of all of the innocent supernaturals inside. When he is down, we need in quickly."

Erica

Part of her - as her gaze catches the weapon in Allison's hand - wanted to comment on it. Wanted to comment on the lines that used to be drawn between them and the chasm that had been built between werewolf and huntress while they were in high school. However, Erica was not the teenager she had been when her live had been robbed of her. What she went through with the Dread Doctors, and her life she lead in Nevada with The Phoenix Tail rebellion, Erica had changed. Allison was not her enemy, and she knew this, and she would not cling to petty grudges that were more than half a decade old. So, she purses her lips and cuts her gaze away from Allison to Marco as he speaks before looking to the man in question ; eyes illuminating a soft gold color before it flushed itself out.

"Which way am I going, geek monkey?" she asks Stuart, eyes still on the man as if she was making sure they were not heard.

Stuart

Stuart watches Marco for a long moment ; it wasn't that he did not trust the alpha -- he did, everything matched up -- it was that human emotions were messy, and Marco looked troubled. Albeit, family bond -- blood or not -- was a powerful thing, sometimes more powerful even than the supernatural, so he let it go; deciding to trust that Marco would do what he needed to do when faced with someone who stood in the way of his sister. His lips noticeably thin in the light of his tablet before he's looking down at it ; he seems to be, for the moment, avoiding Allison's gaze as Allison was likely the only one who knew how effected he might be -- and, in that moment, he truly just needed to focus.

"Second floor, Erica, is where the shifters are kept. Lead them out the back entrance once Allison and I spring them, then double back to the third floor -- there are a few vampires and two witches there." The blonde merely nods in response.

"Marco and Blake - the lab is on the first floor, two rights in the hallway. James is on the floor with the shifters, right above your head -- " he taps a small radio at his hip before gesturing to one Erica held, "Erica, if you see James, contact Marco and Blake and try and send him downstairs to them. We all have to go under the assumption that all of these supernatural are handicap. But, even without their abilities, they greatly out number the guards and scientists inside as long as they are out of their cells -- if a fight does break out."

Allison

Allison wasn't entirely certain how she felt about Marco yet - the alpha was so new to his abilities that she wasn't sure she would trust him to go in but they hadn't much other choice. It was because of him looking for his sister that they'd found all the other supernaturals in there - that they had a chance of getting them out and to safety. Still -that didn't mean that she trusted him to keep his cool. Though she wanted to speak up when he said he would take care of the one at the door, she remained silent. He had been in the military, maybe he had it in him.

She continues to remain silent as Stuart avoids her gaze, listening as he doles out instructions in a way that proved that he was the right one to look to for direction in this. Anxious to get going, Allison checks her gun one last time before her gaze is back on Stuart - waiting.

Blake

Blake almost wanted to protest when Marco spoke - but not for the same reason that anyone else might. She wasn't sure she could watch him kill someone, having to see that last bit of her childhood spill blood in a true confirmation of how damaged her life had become. Ultimately, it wasn't her place to speak against his wishes, and she remained begrudgingly silent, eyes moving to him as though to confirm whether or not he truly was okay with what he was offering to do. He'd not just be killing anyone in his way, he'd be killing a friend - because she was not naive enough to believe that the man would stand aside for them.

Stuart pulled her gaze from Marco, gaze going to him and then to Erica. "Tall, blonde. Basically the male version of me." She told Erica, to confirm that the other knew what she was looking for - but it wouldn't have to be hard. Werefoxes were few and far between, and they smelled different to wolves. It killed her that she couldn't go look for him herself, but she knew that Marco needed her help.

Marco

Marco falls quiet for the moment -- to let the others weigh in on what he said -- but when no one seemed to outwardly depute him, he made the decision that he would do what needed to be done -- regardless of the fact that this man ( Richard Falls, Staff Sergeant ) had been his friend at the time. He lets everyone else finish up speaking, handing his own radio to Blake for the moment -- as each group had just one -- before standing to his feet once everything was settled.

He knew that there were enough shifters -- Erica and Blake -- with them for them to eavesdrop just in case something did happen. In case he did lose control ; or in case Richard was not the only one up there. Erica seems to be giving him a cautious glance as he was taking the long way ( notably to Stuart, which meant he seemed to be trying to not give away their position ) before approaching the man -- palms up to show he was unarmed. ( Not that it truly mattered, with what he was, but Richard likely didn't know this yet. )

Erica

Erica laughs slightly -- but, unlike in her teenage days, it didn't seem to be thick with malice; hands grasping at her hair to tie it up on the top of her head to get it out of the way. "I can smell your scent stronger than anyone else's here, honey. I'll find James -- trust me." Despite her words, the chimera does seem to give Blake what she hopes to be a reassuring smile. "We will get Shilo. And James. And everyone else out of there safely."

She then falls quiet when Marco stands -- eyes following him carefully; molten gold once more overtaking her features as she creeped a little closer, but still outside of the man's range of sight; clearly now focusing all of her senses on Marco and the man.

Stuart: Stuart waited to make sure that everyone was on the same page before he was watching the alpha stand and make his way to the door -- tucking the tablet safely away; which he would also later use to try and rip whatever data he could out of the control room inside. He took is standing straighter, adjusting his radio and keeping himself a few paces behind the blonde ; eyes on the door and the alpha as he feels a warm heat of his magic drumming under the surface of his skin.

Guard: Everyday was usually the same - quiet and long. But today was different. The second he heard the other approaching, Richard was on alert - eyes finding someone that belonged much too far in his past rather than in front of him with his palms upturned. "Russo?" He questioned, gripping his gun because you could never trust anyone in this world - not anymore. Not when his very neighbour had killed his wife and kids.

Marco: Marco stopped a good few feet away from him -- and, for the moment, he kept himself completely human. He didn't want to push him if he didn't have to. He slowly lowers his hands, even with the barrel of the gun still on him. "Falls -" he breaths, ducking his head in acknowledgement before taking just a single step closer. "You know why I'm here -- don't you? You know she's in there."

Guard: "Yeah, I know." His expression is hard, unwelcoming to Marco. "I can't let you go get her." She was a danger to the world - maybe he was too.

Marco: Marco huffs out an uneasy, sadden laugh as he shakes his head, "I am not asking permission, Richard," he starts slowly with a small roll of his shoulders. "Don't make this difficult."

Marco: * saddened

Guard: "You're one of them too, aren't you?" Richard asks, finger going to the trigger of his gun as he took a step back - back hitting the door as he did so. "Don't make me shoot you Russo - I don't want to but I will."

Marco: His eyes flicker down for a moment to Richard's trigger finger before flickering back to his features ; merely taking a few more slow steps closer to him. "And I don't want to hurt you - but I will," he told him instead of answering the question. "If you stand between me and my sister, then I will."

Guard: "Russo - I mean it. Stand down - you're sister isn't getting out of here. Even if you get past me there are a hundred more guards in there!"

Marco: He let out a humorless chuckle, his eyes dropping down for a moment as his jaw tightened. "- I was injured, you know. Paralyzed. And because of that, the government cast me aside, despite everything that I did for them ; despite them being the reason I was like that in the first place. And when I was attacked -- they just collared me like they would anybody else. They never even gave me the chance to process what happened to me; or even let me heal. I was still barely walking by the time that I was collared." He raises his eyes back up to Richard at this point, chocolate hues simmering a bright crimson before fading for the moment. "I will get my sister, one way or another -- don't make this difficult. You were my friend -- you going to let some bullshit they have shoved down your throat change that?"

Guard: Richard clenched his jaw - he had known what had happened to Marco. They had talked about him when his sister showed up, had laughed at him. He hadn't heard that he'd been bitten, but it was obvious now that he had. If his walking weren't clue enough, his devil's eyes were confirmation. "I'm sorry, Russo - I can't let you." He spoke, before taking aim and pulling the trigger - someone would hear the shot.

Marco: When the shot rang out, there was a small cry of pain from the man -- taking a stumbling step back as a hand went to his shoulder where it had ripped through the bone. The cry of pain almost had a lupine-like growl to it as his eyes flashed once more; grunting before he was looking up at the other man. He shakes his head again, this time his eyes not fading, "You should not have missed," he breathed, voice soft before his hand came away from his shoulder -- already covered with his own blood -- and was grabbing at the wrist that held the gun; shoving him back with the grip and up against the wall, twisting his arm back and behind him as he used his knee to shove him into the wall from his back -- hoping to cause him to drop the gun.

Guard: The shot missing its mark was likely one of the most horrific moments of Richards life - but then again, it wasn't near as horrific as losing his family had been. And with that, he tried to get off another shot before the man that had once been his friend was grabbing him and twisting his arm. "You'll die in there, Russo. They'll kill you like the dog you are." He hissed at the man, as the pain in his arm made him release the gun with a clatter as it dropped to the ground.

Marco: His claws had dropped, and despite how much easier it would be to incapacitate Richard if he used them, he was still merely using his strength to hold the man up against the wall; even if his anger made him shake and his vision run red -- blood beginning to run down his arm and stain his shirt. "I would not worry about my fate too much, Richard -- I will give you one last chance. I can let go, and you can run. Or I will get past you to get my sister. Will you let me past? Do not lie to me."

Guard: Richard's expression steeled as the other spoke, "No." He answered, "If you have to kill me then do it - I'd rather not live in this world anyways." He growled. Never would he let any of them escape willingly.

Marco: Marco swallows thickly for a moment ; closing his eyes as he fell quiet. He listened ; listened to Richard's heartbeat, before pushing past it and listening to the heartbeats of every single person inside of the facility -- meshed with the heartbeats of his team. Somewhere in there, one of those heartbeats was his sister's. He lets out a quiet growl, the hand of his injured arm coming up to press against his throat - to dig claws into the skin, " -- they have fed you lies that we are monsters; and I do not believe that I can change your mind. I didn't want to do this, Richard. I hope you understand that - that I can't let your life stand in the way of Shilo's, and every other innocent supernatural creature inside." He hesitates another beat before a slow, weak heartbeat stood out from all the others -- one that pushed and pulled at him before he was ripping across Richard's throat in one, quick swipe and stepping away to let him fall.

Erica

Erica watched with caution from the sidelines -- listening carefully as her eyes continued to be a soft, gold beacon in the night, fingers curled around the bark of the tree as if she was anchoring herself down and readying herself. But, as she watched the exchange, a shot was fired -- she went to move, but Stuart grabbed her by the wrist ( "Wait, look -- give him time," Stuart was whispering. ) before she watched him shove the man against the wall, talk to him for a moment longer before the man fell.

Erica could smell guilt and sadness from the man who hovered over the body -- but, what was important in the moment was that she smelled emotion. The lack thereof would mean he was losing control, but he just felt ... sad. "He's good," Erica started, "Quick, he said, we need to move."

Stuart: Stuart was nodding in agreement with Erica when she spoke, "She's right -- people inside, the wrong people, would've already heard gunfire; we need to get moving quickly." He's finally looking to Allison, giving her a small nod before he was beginning to move out of the tree line, making sure his radio was on -- but low enough to not be heard outside of his own ears -- and trusting that everyone else would follow as he approached where Marco stood ; the alpha soon shaking himself out of his stupor and following Stuart and Erica in -- hanging back only slightly to wait for Blake.

Allison: Allison met eyes with Stuart before she was moving just slightly behind him, gun at the ready. She gazed at the alpha as she moved closer, studying the way he seemed to shake himself out of whatever head space he was in. Her eyes turn towards the door, knowing there is nothing she can do to comfort him or the obviously distressed werefox behind her. She keeps herself focused on what she can control - and at the moment that is keeping Stuart safe.

Blake

Blake could barely watch the interaction, eyes tearing away from the scene only to be drawn back like a horror movie. Allison had to grab her forearm when the gun shot echoed in her head, rattling around like a bad movie soundtrack. She gripped at the bark of the nearest tree until its rough surface cut into her palm and the man that Marco had known fell to the ground dead. It takes all she has not to run to Marco, to make sure that he is okay.

Instead she takes a deep breath and wipes at her eyes, looking away from the group now approaching him for the merest moment. It would likely not be the only person Marco had to kill that night, but it doesn't stop the way Blake feels terror rush beneath her skin for him. She steels herself and finally follows behind them, at a slight jog to catch up. When she reaches them, she has to suck in a breath to steady herself before she looks to Marco - confirming that the wound is already healing, eyes brimming with concern that she swallows down in preparation for whatever they're about to face.

Marco: As he hung back to wait for Blake, his attention did pull to the still pulsing injury on his shoulder ; shoving his ruined sleeve up to look at it -- he didn't have time to be in awe of how quickly he was healing ; how the wound was almost closing before his eyes, and all that would be left of it in a few moments would just the blood -- it was his hand skittering across it gently that made him realize his claws were still out ; stained with his own blood, and Richard's. He's inhaling sharply and jerking his hand away as if he had been burned, forcing the claws back in in time to look up to see Blake. He sighs -- looking to Stuart for a brief moment, nodding to him before gesturing down the hallway that Stuart had instructed them to go down.

Stuart

He paused to make sure that everyone was in, keeping one hand free at all times in case he needed to fight before they got into the control room -- taking stock of the small team before looking to Allison, watching as Erica gave him a small look before heading for the stairs -- watching her glowing eyes before she disappeared out of sight.

He grasps at Allison's wrist, squeezing gently, "Left, and then a right --" he whispers the directions to her, in case they were somehow split up in the small distance between here and there.

Allison: Allison looks to Stuart and gives him a small smile, "I'm right on you," She told him gently, as though to say that she wasn't going anywhere. She had no intention of being split up from him - they were doing this together and making it out safely this time. Without any extra bullet wounds.

Blake: Blake catches a breath before she is pulling her gun from its holster and checking it over. She may have claws, but a gun is going to help much more when she's across the hall from her opposition. She watches Erica go with a quiet frown, looking to Marco now for his lead.

Marco

Marco inhales a shaky breath, looking back to Blake for just a moment before glancing down the hallway. His senses were still vastly unfamiliar to him, and it took a moment to try and narrow in on what he wanted. No -- needed, not wanted. Because what he wanted was to try and hone in on Shilo's heartbeat. But what he needed was to make sure that there was no danger between them and her. Listening down the hall for out of place heartbeats.

"--- I think we are clear for now," he whispers, voice scarcely audible as he knew her ears would pick it up before beginning to follow Stuart's directions down the hallway, eyes glowing a soft red as he did.

Stuart: He merely gives a mute nod to Allison when she confirms that she's right behind him, feeling the red hot heat of his magic on standby as he kept himself as close to the wall as possible. While he could do a lot, they didn't have the advantage of superhuman senses like the rest of the team. He took the directions that he had given Allison, making sure she was still on him, before coming to a door ; quietly trying it before gesturing to her to watch his back - he needed to pop the lock.

Allison: Allison followed behind Stuart, her training kicking in like it had only been hours since her last training session. She didn't have superhuman hearing, but she knew what to listen for - footsteps and casual chatter. When Stuart nodded to her, Allison stands close by and keeps her gaze scanning the area around them, occasionally glancing to the door. It was likely that there was someone inside that room, but they wouldnt know until they got the door open. "Careful," She warned him softly.

Blake: Blake follows silently down the hall, her gun at the ready as she keeps an eye on their backs, letting the others cover in front of them. She stays close to Marco, not staying more than a couple of feet behind him in case he picked up Shilo's presence. All the while she was listening for James to no avail.

Marco

He's quiet all the while, listening to whatever signs that he could pick up -- albeit, after a while, he picks up the same, slow heart beat as before; and his breathing stutters as he stops in the hallway ; red hues fluttering shut as he slowed his breathing to try and find the direction that the heart beat was coming from. It was her--, it had to be. He was still for a very long moment -- scarcely not even aware that what he was listening to was a pack draw -- before he was opening his eyes again, "Two doors on the left," he whispers, gesturing forward before going for the door ; feeling the resistance of the lock.

"I'm going to break the lock," he then tells her, already beginning to put a little more force behind the doorknob as he hears metal begin to groan.

Stuart: He merely nods mutely at Allison -- knowing that the control room was likely not unmanned. He wraps his hand more firmly around the metal of the doorknob, a flash of purple in his eyes before he was closing them ; focusing on the lock. " -- whoever is in there is going to hear it," he breaths, "We need to be ready as soon as it opens." Seconds after he spoke, the lock is clicking open and he's opening the door quickly, eyes still flared up purple as he steps to the side to give Allison room ; at her back to defend her if he needed to.

Allison: Allison is moving into the door slowly as soon as Stuart moves aside, and she spots her a second too late - a flash of dark hair in the corner of her peripheral vision that jumps at her. She's pushed to the side as she's tackled, gun clattering to the floor as it's shoved out of her hand. Allison struggles, tumbling to the floor with the woman, ignoring the pain that flares up in her shoulder.

Blake: Blake nearly runs into Marco as he stops suddenly, turning around to face him as he seems to be trying to find Shilo. She knew that connection like the back of her hand - she'd had the same thing with James since the day she was born. It had nearly killed her the day he'd gone missing. She nods as he moves towards a door, and when he speaks she doesn't say a word, merely watches the hall around them and readies her gun over his shoulder into the room, just in case.

Dev: The door clicks open and Dev is ready, knife in her hand as she launches herself at the dark-haired woman coming into the room. She moves to stab the woman as they tumble to the floor but the knife hits the tile beside her head and sticks - abandoning it she goes to her throat with a hand, trying to gain enough leverage to at least force her to pass out. She winces as a foot connects with her shin, before she's toppled over and the woman is on top of her.

Marco

He feels his strength in ways he never had before -- barely even *straining* as he felt the lock groan more so until it *snaps* inside of the door; releasing the handle as it merely swung open. Marco takes a moment -- just a moment -- to compose himself before he's throwing it the rest of the way open ; and his eyes flicker back to human in a mere heart beat. "Shilo ...-" he is whispering, temporarily sounding much *younger* than he truly was.

There was no one else in the room, mercifully, just her. He couldn't tell if she was aware or not where she was sitting up against the wall -- no longer hesitating even slightly as he rushed into the small room and crashed to his knees by her; a hand on her shoulder as he spoke in quick, panicked Spanish, "Shilo -- little sister.... It's ... It's Marco... I -- I am so sorry, can you hear me?"

Stuart

Stuart hisses out Allison's name as the blur of black hair flickers through his vision, eyes flaring up even brighter as the two woman grapple to the ground -- trying to find an in without hurting Allison. He knew that Allison could easily take care of herself, even against supernatural, but he wasn't sure what this woman was capable of.

So, instead of pushing too much, he's merely jerking the knife out of the floor -- pocketing it so that it wasn't in the stranger's reach.

Allison

Allison grunts as she leverages herself on top of the Hunter - clearly one by the way she fights, though she is sloppy. Still, she catches her in the face with a fist and Allison grunts in pain, the two struggling for a few moments longer before Allison gives up trying to pin her. Reeling back with her good shoulder, Allison punches the girl right in the nose, wincing with the pain in her hand from the punch - followed by another. She feels her go limp beneath her and rolls herself off the other girl, standing and retrieving her gun just in case the other wakes up.

Gun pointed at the Hunter, she looks to Stuart, "What do we do with her?" She asks.

Blake: Blake moves into the room behind Marco, staying near the door to watch for anyone coming down the hall as Marco tried to rouse his sister into lucidity - "We need to go soon, Marco," She warned him softly, "You're going to need to carry her."

Dev: Devana struggles the best she can, catching the woman in the jaw with a stray punch before her face is lighting up with pain. Soon after, she's seeing stars and then her world goes black.

Shilo

A sound seems to come from somewhere in her world, but sounds have long since become her jailers. She tries to swim through the void of sound to figure out what this new one is, and it is the touch of skin on her own that seems to lead the way - the sound of her native tongue spoken to her in rushed tones that helps her blink back enough of the fog to see the face so close to her own that if she could lift her arms she would just to confirm its reality.

"Brother?" It seems unreal - she'd long since lost count of the days since she'd seen his face. Perhaps she had finally died? Her voice is hoarse, cracked from the crying that was all she could do to appease the screams that wanted to burst forth.

Marco

He almost doesn't hear Blake's voice as he tries to pull his sister back to him, a hand coming up -- shaky as it was -- to press against her jawline; soothing his thumb over her skin, over the dried tear lines, as he watched her. As his breath shook and he realized there were wet tears on his own cheeks that he didn't even know when they started. Pleading gently under his breath before was speaking.

A sob broke out of his chest, dropping his head down against her for a moment. "Shi --- I am so sorry, Shi. It's me, I'm here. You're safe now, I promise. We -- we don't have time. I'm going to carry you out of here, okay?"

Stuart

Stuart merely watches helpless from the side for a moment before huffing out a small breath when the stranger is knocked unconscious -- stepping into Allison's space to rest a gentle hand on her shoulder, affirming that she was alright. "Tie her up in the corner -- if she's in here, she's important. She knows things we need to know. We'll take her back to the Underground. Have Satomi see if she can get anything out of her." From there. .. -- he wasn't sure. They weren't the torturing type, and he wasn't sure what other methods Satomi had up her sleeve.

He was turning away from Allison, because they didn't have much time, before sitting down at the computer -- plugging in his tablet before beginning to pull up programs -- "Radio the others, let them know we're in and to give me a few minutes."

Allison: Allison had been prepared for this, pulling her backpack off and digging in it for the rope she'd packed. She set to work tying up the Hunter while Stuart began his work. When he speaks, she nods, and pulls out her radio - "We're in. We need a few, I'll radio when we're ready - if it's longer than five minutes then go." She tucks it away again before finishing tying up their new captive. Her knots are tight, and she makes sure of it - there's no room for a mistake here.

Blake: Blake hears her radio crackle to life and she sighs, anxious to get going, but she pulls her radio out and confirms Allison's message - letting them know that they were safe. She tucks it back away and glances back at Marco, her heart hurting for him in that moment.

Shilo: Shilo doesn't speak, she merely nods at his words - fresh tears rolling down her cheeks. Each muscle in her body screams as she tries to move, strained too long with the pain of the handicap preventing her from screaming. "I can't move," She speaks softly, apologetically.

Marco

His bottom lip trembles slightly despite himself, kissing her forehead before he was nodding, "It's okay," he promises, smoothing her hair from her features, "I can carry you, it's okay -- I'm going to get you out. I'm going to get you somewhere safe, and we're going to get that thing off of you, I promise." He soothes that hand through her hair before speaking again, "I'm going to move you now, okay?" He gives her a moment to comprehend that before he's gently cradling her, one arm under her legs, and the other around her shoulders before he's standing with her; amazed at his strength, at how she felt weightless as he cradled her against his chest, looking to Blake.

Now they waited for the cells to be sprung so Erica could direct James down to Blake and they could leave. Because he wasn't leaving without Blake, either.

Stuart

He spares a small glance to Allison before looking back to the computer -- starting a download onto his device of data before he was beginning to look into the security files, releasing each and every one of the data files on the "patients", as they were called ( it made him sick ).

"Alarms disabled," he spoke as he continued to filter through things, his voice scarcely audible over the sound of him typing and opening different files. He was quiet for a moment longer before huffing out a breath, a very fleeting smile on his lips before it was gone, "Cell doors should be opening."

Allison: Allison listens and watches, waiting for Stuart to work his magic before she pulls out the radio again. "Cells should be opening now." She breathes into the radio, tucking it away again as she waited for Stuart to be done so they could get the hell out of there.

Blake: When Allison speaks into the radio again, she feels a small sense of relief that is only fleeting - they still have a long way to go before they are in the clear. She glances back to Marco and Shilo, gaze flitting over both of them before she is looking back to the door, gun held up and ready to shoot anyone coming through that door with a gun.

Shilo: Shilo merely nods, closing her eyes as he lifts her, hiding the pain poorly but still attempting to hide it. She catches her breath when he finally has her cradled against his chest, breathing short and harsh.

Marco

He can smell the pain radiating off of her -- all of his senses still so startlingly new that he was surprised he was able to identify what he was sensing. Regardless, he was resting a hand on the back of her neck ; holding her steady against him as he did what he had only been told that he was able to do -- breath hitching as he began to draw her pain out. He could take it, he had been in pain for over ten years -- and, for the first time, he wasn't; he could shoulder Shilo's.

"Floor two clearing out -- heading your way, Red Leader," came Erica's voice, addressing Satomi before, "Red Heeler, Metztli -- plus one friendly headed your way." James was headed their way --

Stuart: "A few more seconds--" Stuart was whispering, standing to his feet so that he could be ready to pull out his tablet and leave, "Can you carry her by yourself, or will you need my help?" he's asking, looking over his shoulder and pausing merely to listen to Erica's voice over the radio. They could do this --, but he didn't have time, at the moment, to relish the hopeful approaching victory.

Allison: Allison smiles as she hears Erica's voice over the radio and as Stuart stands, she is moving towards the unconscious hunter. She tested her weight, lifting her up over her shoulder, "Yeah, I've got her - just not for an extended amount of time." She wasn't too heavy, Allison would be fine for now. She moves towards the door, readying herself to leave as soon as Stuart is ready.

Blake: Blake's heart leaps into her throat as she hears Erica's voice over the radio, before she is feeling him all but running towards their location. A half-sob leaves her throat, and she is met after a minute with her brother's strong scent as he turns the corner and they collide into a hug that sends her reeling backwards just a little with the force of it. "James," she laughs disbelievingly against his shoulder and allows herself one more moment of contact before she pulls back and retrieves her radio, "Friendly received," She confirms, sounding breathlessly happy.

Shilo: Somehow, Shilo's pain seems to dissipate with her brothers touch and she's not sure why - but it is still not enough. She remains still save for the shaking of her body in his arms, not lifting her head from his shoulder - trusting that he will get her to safety. She knows that if he's made it this far to get her, he won't fail.

Marco

Marco keeps his eyes out down the hallway as James and Blake reunite -- a small, hidden smile on his lips as he holds Shilo just a little tighter, nodding as she radios back Erica and making brief eye contact with James ; deciding to reintroduce himself once they were out of here.

"Clearing out floor three -- three minutes, I will be right behind floor three, copy Red Leader?" came Erica's voice over the radio, answered quickly by Satomi.

"It is also time for us to leave," Marco was telling Blake and James. "Quickly ; even if Stuart disarmed the alarms, Richard's gunfire was enough to get attention. I am surprised we have no been attacked yet."

Stuart: "Just let me know when you need me to take over," he tells her, gently taking the radio from her hip as he listens to Blake and Erica and Satomi. "Juliet and Pariah clearing out -- radio silence unless you need assistance," he spoke quickly, nodding to Allison before he was leading the way out of the control room.

Blake: Blake nods, gun at the ready as she looks back to James and Marco, "Just stay close," She tells them, leading the way out of the room and down the hall back the way they'd come. They were so close to getting out of there that it almost felt like a victory, but she knew better than to count her ducks before they hatched.

Marco: Marco nods to her, keeping Shilo cradled close to his chest -- letting Blake lead the way this time, as he couldn't fight as easily with Shilo in his arms. He didn't want to drop her, not when she was in this state -- he had to protect her, when he hadn't been able to for the past four years. "Keep your ears open-" he whispered.

Blake: Blake half-smiles at his words, because she never closes them. They move at a good pace through the halls, back to the door that they entered through and out into the fresh air - one step closer to freedom. She can't wait to have James safe again.

Marco: He follows them more so as they get closer to the entrance, trying not to jostle Shilo too much as he did so. Albeit, they were almost at hte door when Marco's jaw tightens, "I think there is people outside," he whispering, eyes glowing as he tightens his grip on his sister.

Blake: "I'll go first," Blake whispers, readying her gun as she gently nudges the door open with her gun held at the ready - James close behind her. The people outside are not what she expects, and for a moment she pulls up short, shocked into silence.

Marco

Marco slowly edges out behind them, Shilo still cradled in his arms -- the people across the area looked *cautious* of them, but curiosu as well. And Marco's eyes narrow, looking over his shoulder as his heart hammers. He hears slight fighting in the distance, but there is no sound over the radio -- so he assumes that it was on Erica's side of things, and Satomi's group has it taken care of.

"-- who are these people? These are not security."

Blake

Blake holds her gun up at them despite their lack of weapons or aggressive behaviour - she isn't going to be caught off guard. She frowns at them, keeping herself between them and her companions.

"I don't know -" She manages to get out before she notices a camera - "They have a camera -" She hisses out to Marco, too quiet for anyone but their own ears and James' to pick up.

Marco: Eyes skitter back behind him where he can still hear the commotion of the fighting -- before flinching harshly when the alarms finally click on; blaring against his senses and causing his breathing to stutter before he's looking back to Blake and James. It seemed apparent that Erica and the others - of Satomi's group - were acting as a distraction and the people at the facility didn't even seem to bother to check if anyone left out the front. "Take Shilo, you and James leave -" he whispered back to her ; keeping himself close to their small group.

Blake: Blake paused a moment at his words, not wanting to leave him for the life of her, but she knew it was best - they wouldn't be watching her go off if he distracted them and then she could get him out of there. She tucked her gun away, tenderly taking the girl from his arms and giving him a look that screamed I will get you out of here before she was motioning to James and running off into the tree line with him.

Marco: "I'll be fine," he whispers under his breath when he hands Shilo off gently; trusting the Blake would get his sister to safety.

Blake: Once safely inside the tree line, Blake grabs her radio from her pocket while James helps hold Shilo - "Pariah, we need backup - reporters or something on Metztli. We need a distraction to get him out of there."

Marco: His gaze is flickering once more to the door that was still wide open -- and he seems to be approaching the reporters. "Reporters?" Stuart is responding quickly back over the radio. There is a moment of silence before he was likely speaking with Allison -- telling her to watch his back. "Circling back -- I'll get them off of him."

Blake: Blake stood by with her breath held as she watched and waited with anxiety for Stuart to get the reporters off of Marco - to get him back into the safety of the shadows.

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