#in the same week too oddly enough. they didn't discuss it with each other before hand so that was a wild week

[arctic-hands]

Time and distance heals things I guess. My parents got into an abusive fight with me after i took markers and pens to most of my clothes in middle school to scribble doodles and social justice messages (most prominently, Save Darfur–which really needs to be a rallying cry again given that the genocide has kicked up again as the Sudanese civil war rages). They were worried I'd look "unpresentable" in my massively oversized boy graphic tees and baggy jeans held up only by the grace of God (this was all by choice btw, i had and have always despised tight clothing and by middle school I had shunned girl clothes all together). But now at 31 I make mention of writing messages in sharpie on new t-shirts and my mom thinks it's cool and my dad offered to buy me proper fabric markers (I declined bc the cheap shirts will prolly wear out before the sharpies fade anyway). Go figure

[castlebyersafterdark]

my favorite foah scenario:

they have been having increasingly intimate movie nights. bonding. theyre sitting closer and closer on the sofa each time, laying back, spreading out. talks end up going late into the night, well after the movie ended, and sometimes they have to go home cos its a long week ahead but sometimes they can indulge, when there's a long break ahead instead. lots of night shoots means strange schedules where they get lots of days free in a stretch (this also explains all of noah's many excursions during s4 filming!)

their post-movie chat gets really cosy, soft, and flirtatious in that sparkly, safe way. they know each other so well. they're getting to know each other even more, seeing how they've matured in more ways than one. feels like getting to know each other all over again, like a new person yet also a familiar one. uncanny magic.

noah has been enjoying the character bleed, letting Will flow through him and finally admitting to himself what parts of mike are so very much like finn, viewing him through will byers' eyes, acknowledging that will has damn good taste. lately, he's been letting off steam from all the intense shoots by buying himself some special things, extra secret delivery to his home in atlanta - small, discreet boxes, high quality, tactile and oddly pretty and so, so exciting. he actually feels sexy using them. and the storyline has got him thinking about finn - not that he hasn't before, but wondering about how he's handled fame and relationships and sexuality, too. they talk with the boys about dating while famous, but finn's always been the least forthcoming. not so lately - he's more open than ever, a softness to the energy that he can't get enough of. they discuss mike and will for work - finn listens so attentively whenever noah talks about will - but now they're talking more and more outside of work, too. and not just lighthearted chatter about who's hot and why, but deeper talk, trusting each other, speaking about experiences and even, sometimes, desires.

noah's found himself thinking about mike before, on nights in like this when he's self-indulging in the best way, but he always brushed it aside. a dream or two here and there; inevitable when you work this closely. but now, he finds himself thinking not just of mike, wielding a sword or swooping heroically in, but of finn. his face, his smiles, the way he touches noah's arm when he's listening to him talk. the way he walks, the ideas he brings to the work. the way he's so passionate about filmmaking. the way his body looked under the lights when he slipped off the robe and got into position above him, skin oddly cool and warm at the same time, fluttering nerves and shallow breaths - until, hours later, they were both so into it that they almost forgot they were filming. at least, that's what finn had said when they'd laughed about it over dinner that night, trying to process the weirdness that had been an entire day of lying in bed together in a room full of people. first times together; screen virgins; the jokes went on and on, and made the prospect of another day filming that again feel easier. but there was a softness, too, a glint in their eyes, as if they'd both reached new ground together and didn't mind at all.

one evening a while later, when they've both been walking around with a newfound smugness - seasoned actors, now, a whole mature love scene under their belts, thank you very much - and when the credits are rolling on yet another movie, the atmosphere is soft and sleepy. summer turning into fall, evenings getting cooler. low voices whispering, stretching yawns, snuggling into the pillows, too lazy to move but with so much to say. finn's eyes are droopy, mouth a wide grin. noah never wants to get up from the cosy couch. their limbs have accidentally been brushing against each other all evening, moving away at first with little murmured 'sorry's, then lingering longer and longer as the film went on. for the last half hour finn had one leg draped right next to noah's, and noah hasn't known what to do with it. part of him hates the closeness, how long this back and forth has been going on, the strange limbo of knowing how someone tastes but acting like nothing had changed between you, it wasn't real, it was just work. he hates how easily he broke the rules he made for himself when filming began, even though he'd known exactly what was coming. or thought he'd known.

when did their faces get so close together? finn's breath is a little musky, snacks they'd finished hours ago and the end of a long day, sleepiness. noah can feel the warmth radiating off of him through his soft waffly sweater. he wants to run his fingers over it, press into the small patterned squares of fabric. finn is saying something, and noah is saying something too, though he doesn't know what - teasing nothings, chatter that goes nowhere but feels like the most important thing in the world, and there's a little trembling in his belly, and finn's eyes look very dark, and not just because of the single lamp left on. noah's seen that look before, but it usually appears out of the blue, flick of a switch when they're surrounded by people and someone yells 'action!'

but now, there's no one around. just a scrolling screen of movie titles and a single lamp. their knees knock together. warm skin beneath fabric. noah's eyes are closing - is he falling asleep? he feels the soft prickle of hair, the steady touch of a nose pressing gently against his cheek, the close, almost claustrophobic feeling of someone else's face right above yours. tiny stubble against his chin, barely brushing, then soft, wet heat.

it's not that strange, is it? they've done it before. it's just a kiss. so noah kisses back, and it feels normal, easy, yet totally inexplicable. he can feel a steady hand on his waist, but then... nothing. he peeks open his eyes. finn is barely an inch away, frozen, staring down at him. noah tries to say something but it doesn't seem to matter, because something else appears, some kind of speaking that doesn't need words, and there's a flicker of a giddy smile that noah can actually feel as much as he can feel the heavy hand on his waist.

and then it's happening, they're kissing, they're kissing, and he didn't tell himself how to do this or what to do but his body is doing it, pulling finn in, touching his hair, his face, places he'd never dared tolet himself think about once the work was done. put it away in a box; it wasn't real.

so what was this? what are the sounds he can hear, can feel, what's the strange movement of finn's body on his? what is this? suddenly noah stops, overwhelmed, pulls back with small hmms and mmms. there's a feeling, a heat that's too much. he can feel it where their legs are tangled up and where finn's body weight is spread out over him, pressing him down into the firm cushions. there's a pink blush on finn's face, and he presses his lips together, eyebrows raising in that way that's been haunting noah for a while now. he's spent too much time looking at those eyebrows, hours gazing dramatically into dark eyes with a camera stuck in his face. collateral damage of the job; a mind full of useless information, like the way each individual hair in finn's eyebrows grows out of his pale, freckled skin.

he brings his finger up now, to graze against those brows. feeling the wiry hair under his fingertip, he strokes down the arch. an amused expression flickers over finn's face, and raises them again, wiggling them. noah can't help but burst into a laugh, his belly taut where their bodies are pressed together. the sudden movement means there's no denying their situation. heat floods his cheeks, but finn simply presses his leg down harder, a physical answer. now the expression on his face is almost a challenge, and yet again, it's like they've reached another ground - and suddenly nothing else seems possible except going forward. noah takes finn by the back of his neck and pulls him down, and this time his legs weave up and around, and cushions are kicked to the floor, and he lets his moans fly freely from his lips as finn moves down past his jaw and sucks a hard, hot, wet kiss into his neck.

when he trips to the front door a while later, he can't tell if he's giddy with sleep or something else. finn's laughing and smirking like he always does, but now there's a heavy hand on his lower back guiding him to the door. someone else picking his coat off the hook, collecting his bag and handing it to him. aiming a soft, shoe-less kick to his backside as he steps out of the door and heads towards his car. he doesn't dare to turn back as he climbs into the driver's seat, failing miserably to hide the grin thats splitting his face in two.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[realityescapee01]

Just Ask

Steo | Stiles x Theo

Theo made it known to Stiles that he likes him. He didn't say how much, but he did say he would look out for Stiles. No matter what. Theo would kill for Stiles.

Well, he did kill quite a few already to gain the human's trust. But he still held back just how much. Because if Stiles knew, he would know how much power he actually has over Theo. He would do anything. Anything. For Stiles. All Stiles had to do is ask.

Unknown to Theo, Stiles feels the same. When he got back from the Hunt, Stiles' perception of Theo changed.

Actually, even way before the Hunt. Stiles had liked Theo. Who wouldn't? The chimera looks real fine and smart too. Smart enough to fool everyone.

Smart enough to coax Stiles to say how he actually felt when he killed Donovan.

Stiles doesn't know why he said it to Theo. He just did. He just felt like Theo would understand. Theo would not judge him. Stiles knows that he would tell all his truths to Theo. All his thoughts. Even the deepest, darkest, and morally dividing ones. If Theo would just ask.

It would destroy him. Destroy his good image to his friends. To the pack. And he wouldn't care. As long as Theo is there with him. He felt oddly more comfortable and safer with Theo because of that. He could be Stiles. He could be Void. And Theo will still be there.

Stiles doesn't want Theo to know that. To know just how much power Theo has over him too. To know that it's okay for him to get disowned again by the pack as long as Theo is with him.

So now, they stare at each other, as they let Scott discuss the plan against their enemy of the week.

Stiles could tell Theo is not impressed. The plan sucks. Always the ideal, no one should die etc etc plan. But the enemy right now is ruthless. Nothing would fix it unless it's dead.

Stiles knows that. Theo knows that.

After the discussion, they all walked out of the pack house to enact the plan.

Theo approached Stiles.

"What do you think of the plan, Stiles?"

"It's good. It might actually work."

"The truth, Stiles."

"... It sucks. The enemy should be killed."

"Same."

They fell silent a while.

"Do you want me... to do it?" Theo asked.

"...Yeah." Stiles gave the go ahead.

Theo nodded and went to his truck. Stiles went to his jeep.

Scott's plan didn't work and they, Theo, had to go and kill the creature. Scott was upset but Stiles immediately said: Plan A doesn't always succeed.

The pack got rid of the body and was going their separate ways home.

Stiles and Theo walked passed each other.

"You're welcome." Theo whispered to Stiles.

Stiles didn't answer but let his hand slide from Theo's forearm and down to Theo's hand, letting their fingers brush ever so lightly with each other, before walking away.

-+-+-+ ( complete ) +-+-+-

thank you. more on my master list here

I also have an AO3 account

Like the gifs used here? See source under them. Reblog, do not repost. Thank you all gif creators here ♥️

[echo-three-one]

Whatever It Takes : RELOADED

Let's make the next chapter pink.

Table of Contents

Previous Chapter : Undying Admiration

Chapter 21 to another story made by Ray (echo-three-one) Comments and Reviews appreciated! I hope you enjoy! Love you all ❤️

back at it again with the piccrew

If I Remember Correctly

Maxine Winters

Safe House 110197, Brazil

Maxine looked at Samantha and smiled. They were finally together once again, as roommates, but this time, the room was huge and they were surrounded by strong men who were willing to risk their lives to protect them.

"How are you holding up?" Maxine asked.

"Everything's a swirl of hazy incomplete memories. It feels like I'm mostly recalling them back, but the details are a bit mixed. It doesn't feel right that I recall Alex as someone from work, right?" she chuckled. She must've been going through a lot of things right now, and it looked like Alex successfully helped her recall most of her forgotten memories. Maybe all she needed was someone to influence her.

"Hey Sam, what kinds of things have I told you about my past? France already told me some of my unforgettable memories but they still seem too unclear." She asked, Samantha looked excited as she began recalling something from the unaltered part of her memory.

"Well, for starters you told me a lot about your little sister. However since your mother died, the two of you were always together solving the problems as a team until you both decided to enlist her in the army. You told it was both the happiest and saddest moment of your life." She said with a smile on her face. Maxine never felt anything but knowing that that was their situation, it made sense how France was trying hard to win her back. She was the only one she had. And it must've hurt that the only companion she ever had didn't even remember her.

"I… I didn't know that…" she faltered. Samantha quickly reached out a hand to hold hers.

"Just take your time to remember… I'm sure France understands the situation." Samantha replied, turning to the door as it slowly pushed itself open. Alex peeked from the said door and asked.

"Am I disturbing any girl talk?"

"A little. But I'll forgive you for now." Samantha grinned as Alex entered the room, dressed in comfortable sleeping wear.

"I made a deal with France to swap sleeping positions for tonight. Make sure skipping tomorrow's pancake will be worth it." he winked as he settled behind Samantha, the spooning was awkward as his metal leg was unbendable and heavy, but Maxine noticed the smile in Samantha's eyes and how it quickly forgot the uncomfort he was giving her. Maybe that's true love.

"Aw… I was about to add extra honey to your plate, Alex. What you did to Samantha was the sweetest thing ever. I guess France is up for a treat." She joked, making the girls giggle while Alex furrowed his brows.

"Well then, this night better be worth it." He proceeded to tickle Samantha and they found themselves rolling and rolling. Maxine took a minute to admire the scenery before her eyes slowly closed itself to sleep.

~

Ever since being brainwashed, Maxine wasn't able to dream of something, every morning she would be greeted by the same empty feeling, her thoughts would always consist of recent events.

This night was different. She vividly recalled a rainy afternoon. She and Francine stood by their mother's grave.

"I'm going to the army next week, Mom. It might take a while since I'll be seeing you again." Francine knelt and placed a small floral pot they arranged.

"Yeah Mom, your daughter finally used her toughness somewhere other than fighting me!" She remembered herself joking and nudging her sister. These were things that they did on a weekly basis, visit their mother’s grave and talk about their week.

“And since she’s out training for the rest of her life, I decided to move to California, maybe look for restaurants to work on maybe look for someone special.” Maxine mused. She could hear France giggle.

“I, on the other hand, won’t let myself fall for any of those tough army men.” France added.

“Are you sure about that? It’s like… turning down a million dollar offer.” Maxine teased.

“It really depends on the person. But while I’m in training, I’ll focus on improving.” She amended.

Then the memory faded, it felt like tv static started to consume her whole dream until she found herself awake, gasping for air.

“You okay?” Alex groggily asked her, cuddling Samantha who was sound asleep. She nodded and got up, she felt very thirsty.

Maxine hurriedly walked down the stairs quietly passing the empty command center. Oddly enough, the kitchen light was open and she could hear soft clanking of cutlery. She took a peek at Gary Sandersom, who’s sticking his tongue out and too busy making finishing touches on a cake of sorts. She knew they didn't have the right mould for basic pastries but seeing him actually holding a cake, surprised her.

“So this is the reason I wake up to missing ingredients.” She spoke firmly and crossed her arms, walking closely to Roach who scrambled and immediately hid the cake behind him.

“I’m just trying out new stuff. Baking looked fun.” He lied, stepping further back until his butt hit the sink.

“I already saw what you’re working on Gary. How did you form the shape? We didn’t have any mold.”

“When there’s a will, there’s a way.” He smiled proudly and showed her his cake. It was cylindrical, almost like that of a

“Mugs.” he explained as Maxine crept closer to his work, her eyes probed around it like a judge from masterchef.

“Wow. This looks nice. Is this for you?” she asked, feeling Gary’s body shake differently.

“Actually, it’s for you… France told me about your birthday and since I already missed it. I wanted to share one with you. You know… for uh… formality.” he stuttered. It was obvious that Gary was nervous. She felt this ever since they started cooking together, and she noticed that he was improving around her.

“Aww… thanks. No one’s ever baked a cake for me. Samantha just buys them.” Maxine chuckled and sat on the chair as Gary pulled out a candle and lit it.

“I’m supposed to give you one before we leave tomorrow. I guess you got too excited.” he laughed nervously and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. Maxine gently reached for the hand and grazed it softly, smiling at Gary’s excited face.

“Make a wish.” Gary whispered, his minty breath tickled her nose. Maxine closed her eyes as the warm flame heated her cheeks. She would have wished for something personal, but instead she wished for something she thought needed to happen first.

“I wish… that this war will be over.” she opened her eyes and blew her candle as Roach silently clapped and cheered.

“Belated Happy Birthday Maxine.” He greeted with a warm hug, Maxine slowly gave in to his embrace and faced him. Tension sparked in the air between them as the chemicals moving between them started to react to each other, drawing their lips closer to each other. It was almost automatic, none of them held back as their lips clashed into a soft yet intense kiss. Their tongues were too shy to act but the lips were eager to meet again, soft smooches filled the quiet kitchen as their hands started to climb up to their faces.

“I.. um..” Gary shyly held back, his hands parted from her cheeks as they both stepped back from each other.

“It’s okay…" She whispered quickly, turning back to get herself a glass of water to calm herself from her nightmare and to cool off the heat of her body.

"I take it you're going back to bed?" Gary asked, leaning his arms across the table, looking at the cake.

"I think I can't sleep after that dream." She muttered. The reply signaled Roach to grab a fork and sit beside her.

"Dream? You're having dreams now?" Roach asked curiously, taking a slice off the cake and pointing the fork to her mouth.

"Yeah." Maxine continued with a vivid description of her dream, Roach momentarily spoon feeding her with cake every after thought.

Maxine actually stayed all morning talking to Roach, they discussed mostly about her dream and Roach was there to listen. He was what Maxine needed at the moment, a great listener who happened to be someone she's starting to fall for. She could also feel him growing close to her, that wasn't just any birthday kiss… I felt something else.

Maxine was almost jealous of Roach's colorful life. He shared so much of him that she actually felt guilty that she was only able to share one. He had lots of stories involving encounters with animals and most of it was about his dog.

"If you were to choose… Which animal would you prefer as a pet?" Gary asked curiously. The question made Maxine stop and think, admiring the slowly rising sun as she goes.

"Parrots sound fun. They talk back."

"Only if you teach them to…" Gary responded. He always does that, he's adding comments to her replies until they both agreed on a thing.

"Why do you keep doing that?" Maxine finally asked.

"Do what?"

"You know, influencing me to agree on your opinion?"

"I just want you to think I actually have something to say… Plus it keeps the conversation going… because I never really wanted it to stop." He smiled.

"Oi, Roach. Why is there no hot water yet?" Price yelled.

"Hang on Captain! The kettle isn't whistling yet!" Roach replied running to the kitchen leaving an amazed Maxine behind. A few minutes later Francine approached her.

No words were spoken as Maxine immediately wrapped her sister around her arms, she was really all she had and she was guilty that she couldn't remember her when they first met.

"I'm glad you found me… even amidst this mess." Maxine whispered to France's ears. She could feel her tears falling on her as they enjoyed the tender moment of their reunion.

"I remembered only one memory. Of us before we separated and lived independently. I think it's all I needed to truly tell who I am." Maxine said as Francine sobbed.

"I love you sis." France hugged again as they both cried.

Next Chapter : Going Dark Part 1

Notification Squad my Beloved

@smokeywhalee @samatedeansbroccoli @enderio @whimsywispsblog @beemybee @ricinbach

[tsipasce]

Same Difference Ch.17

A/N: Here is your reward for enduring last week lmao. This one is a bit long, but cutting it up just didn't seem as gratifying so I hope you guys enjoy.

Also, thank you so much for all the kudos, comments and bookmarks on AO3 and FFN-- you guys are too kind :'). I'll try posting more regularly on Tumblr too if ppl wanna read it here. Let me know what y'all think~

There was darkness, then flickers of lights and the occasional overwhelming flow of noises before it ebbed to silence and darkness yet again. First, she felt she was on a hard surface like concrete, then cold metal, then something cushion-like… a bed? Her thoughts were incoherent, presenting more as disjointed words and feelings. Anger, regret, hurt, with a sprinkle of sadness on top. Her body was heavy, every limb feeling as though the blood had been replaced with lead. Her head lolled and she heard someone suddenly shift at her side, the bed dipping under the pressure of said someone leaning on it and over her but was too out of it to open her eyes. Acquiescing, she fell back into unconsciousness.

An indefinite amount of time passed while she was in the darkness before her senses began to return fully. She heard typing, now able to feel a presence nearby. She wanted to open her eyes, but the task seemed too daunting still, simply listening would have to be enough for now.

“I can stand watch for now, if you’d like.” One voice offered, softly.

“What I’d like is to be left alone.” The other replied curtly.

“I see. We’re going to leave in the next few hours, I’ll get everyone ready.”

“You do that.”

Well this guy sounds like a treat… Nanami thought, her sarcasm unsurprisingly returning before the rest of her senses and memories. There were footsteps and then a soft thud, like a door being carefully shut. A couple moments passed before she heard what sounded like a laptop being closed, then footsteps coming towards her, and then silence. She desperately wanted to wake up, but her body refused to cooperate, causing her eyes to flutter behind her eyelids as she struggled in vain to move. She could sense the presence hadn’t left and she felt anxious as to what might happen next before hearing a sigh. She felt a sheet being pulled up to cover her arms, where goosebumps had been forming from the draft in wherever she was.

“I’ll deal with you when I get back.” The voice said with a hint of annoyance, though it was betrayed by its gentle tone. Hearing footsteps growing fainter, a door opened and closed once more. The words themselves were threatening but the way they were spoken, she felt oddly comforted. Falling back into the darkness, she decided to cultivate her energy and try her luck at waking up again later.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Emerging from the darkness again, the pain began immediately. Her head throbbed and she reflexively tried to groan but found her mouth and throat painfully full. Instantly recognizing the feeling, panic set in, the only other thing she could perceive being the desperate need for it to stop. She grabbed the tube, disassembling and reassembling it outside her body. The large obstruction dropped unceremoniously to the floor and she coughed, glad to be rid of it.

“Don’t be so rough with the equipment.”

She rolled her head to the direction of the voice, a bright light hitting her eyes as she struggled to open them for the first time since… Damn. It all came rushing back to her at once, the voice no longer a mystery. Her vision focused and she found herself looking at Overhaul as he sat at her bedside. His mask was on as he stared at her blankly. She stared back for a beat, not knowing how to begin speaking about what brought them to this point. Deciding she should be fully awake and rested for that conversation, she mentally tabled it, opting for their usual banter instead.

“It’s still intact isn’t it?” She cleared her throat, massaging it as she continued, “How long was I out?”

“Three days.”

“THREE DAYS?” Her eyes shot wide, another coughing fit beginning as she raised her voice after not speaking for days.

“Yes, that’s what I said.” He grimaced, moving back a bit at her sudden outburst, “Cough in the other direction.”

“No surprise that your bedside manner could use some work.” She sighed as she adjusted to raise herself up, wincing as her sore muscles tried their best to comply. He promptly rose, putting a pillow behind her as she sat up, his expression blank yet attentive, “Thanks.”

He nodded as he took his seat again and the silence continued, painfully. It felt like their first meeting all over again, neither knowing how to broach the awkward topic. Looking back, Nanami was angry at how insufferably rude he could be but couldn’t ignore her own part in this. A pang of guilt sat heavily in her chest when she remembered how easily she let her emotions get the best of her; she hadn’t told someone off like that in ages. In her mind, it in no way absolved him, but to say it was all his fault would be a lie. In that moment of rage, she… What did I do anyway? She glanced down, now more confused than anything, her brows furrowing before looking at him.

“Let’s chat.”

He readjusted in his chair, leaning back as he crossed his legs and folded his arms across his chest, “Let’s.”

His body language oozed condescension as though she was about to be scolded like a child and she hated it, “Why’d you attack me. Again.”

His eyes narrowed, displeased with how she was beginning their talk,” That was going to be my question to you. I thought we had a deal.”

“What are you talking about? We did—we do—I did not attack you.” she defended. Nanami knew they were both wrong for getting so worked up, but she wouldn’t stoop that low over an argument. “I was wrong, we both were for getting so heated, but I wouldn’t just start throwing hands like that. So again, why did you attack me? I thought… I thought we got passed all that.”

His brow furrowed at the implication, his jaw clenching uncomfortably at the hurt in her voice, “We are. We’re far passed all of that.” He intoned with a level of sincerity that seemed foreign to him. Having spent the past three days chastising himself for putting her in this position, wishing the exchange could be taken back, it was difficult to sound detached. He’d been angry, but harming her had been something he’d put out of his mind some time ago, “I didn’t attack you either…”

They both shared a moment of sincere confusion. Overhaul hadn’t come out unscathed either, having to heal his own head injury as well as a cracked vertebra from the impact once he came to. “Then what the hell happened?” Nanami asked, speaking the question they were both wrestling with. She looked around the room for her bag at the same time Overhaul reached for his laptop.

“We should run tests.” They said in unison. He handed her her notebook from the bag and a pen as they began noting exactly what happened leading up to the explosion.  As she recalled the events, there were a number of theories that came to mind, as well as ideas on how to safely perform reenactments of what transpired, but she also remembered the argument beforehand. He was somehow even more quiet than usual, and she could tell his gears were turning that morning, but the hostility seemed so out of the blue. Putting down her pen, he glanced up at her, noticing the sound of her writing had stopped and she was staring down thoughtfully.

“Did you think of something?”

“…Yeah. I did. Why’d you pick a fight with me that day?”

He looked back down at his keyboard and continued typing, “I don’t know what you mean. That little tiff was a joint effort.”

“No, no, no. It may have ended up that way, but you blew up at me after an entire week of solid teamwork. I expect the snide comments and the general air of grumpiness, but that was different… What happened?” He made the mistake of making eye contact with her. She didn’t look angry, just hurt.

Taken aback, all he could manage was “… I don’t know.” He wasn’t sure how to respond to that “emotion” nor did he have any plans to discuss feelings. If he was being honest, he wasn’t even sure why he did it himself. Perhaps it was self-sabotage and he was pushing her away, but to accept that would mean acknowledging they had gotten close; that he had, at some point, made the subconscious decision to stop viewing her as a pawn or even just a colleague, and to indulge the need for far more than their formal arrangement. He wasn’t ready to come to terms with the possible loss of his objectivity when it came to whatever went on between them, but he knew he’d have to confront the undercurrents of their relationship at some point. Right now, they had discovered a possible breakthrough in their research and there was no room for delay. With a ghost of a plan in mind for how to move forward with Nanami, he decided it would be more logical to smooth things over in the immediate moment with Dr. Watanabe; separating the two identities giving him the illusion of control. He continued” But I do know it won’t happen again. That was…unprofessional. How is your head?”

She bit her lip and exhaled, seeing the switch flick in his eyes knowing the wall had been put back up. “It’s... it’s fine. Just a little—no, really sore.” She confirmed with herself, rubbing her hand over the source of the pain to find stiches. Why wouldn’t he just overhaul this? “So, you decided to fix this the old-fashioned way, huh? The stitchwork is impeccable, but why go through the trouble? You could have just—”

“I didn’t want to touch you.”

“… Ouch.” She winced, glancing away as the abrupt response hurt a bit more than she expected.

Realizing it hadn’t been received how he planned, he clarified,” I meant I…didn’t want to use it on you. I was under the impression we had somehow attacked each other and assumed you might not find the prospect of me handling you in that way all that appealing.”

“…Oh. Well, thank you... I don’t mind if you touch me now” he rose a brow at this, “—I mean like to heal or—Oh you know what I mean.” She rolled her eyes before crossing her arms and continuing, “Just… just do it, please.”  The last word tacked on with a mumble.

Letting out an amused breath, he rose, motioning her to turn so her back faced him as he removed his gloves. She quickly brushed her hair to the side, missing a few strands. She tensed as he was much closer than she was prepared for, feeling the warmth of his hands against the nape of her neck as he gently gathered the stray hairs and handed them to her to gather in front. Smoothing down the part, he leisurely ran his hands through her hair, losing himself for a second before noticing the tops of her ears had reddened and her breath had quickened at his ministrations. Refocusing, he disassembled the stitches before immediately healing the wound knowing even a millisecond of delay would prove very painful. “Done.”

Cracking her neck and rolling her shoulders, she felt normal again and ready to get out of bed as her muscles had been unused for the better part of three days. Checking the time on her phone on the nightstand she saw it was only 6 am, “So, you wanna go for a run?”

“That’s not funny.”

“Fine, fine. But on a serious note, I think we should head to the lab. I know the deal was 2 weeks bu—”

“You don’t have to bargain. Get cleaned up, I’ll start preparations for testing tomorrow.”

She turned to him, brows raised in surprise, “Well okay then. I’ll see you back at the house.”

“See you there.” He said before exiting her room, shutting the door softly.

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After a thorough scrubbing and stretching, she felt ready to get back to her remaining paperwork, putting on her favorite chunky turtleneck and sweatpants effectively pulling off the lazy-but-still-fashionable look. Brewing herself a cup of tea and pulling out her workbag, she thought it best to not dwell on all the Feels ™ that had continuously threatened to surface, which was undoubtedly exacerbated by their current living situation.

She was woman enough to admit she stared just a little too long, smiled just a bit too enthusiastically, and was way too excited by even the smallest bits of physical contact with him… But it’s just a crush. She lied to herself as though he hadn’t been the most intellectually stimulating person she’d had the pleasure of talking to. As though she’d ever felt silence more comfortable than their time in the lab or simply sharing meals together. As though— Girl if you don’t concentrate... She chastised herself before attempting to neatly compartmentalize her feelings, refusing to acknowledge just how much more difficult keeping them in check had become. It’s just because you’re all up under each other, it’ll pass.

Refocusing on the task at hand, she opened her laptop and pulled out a well-worn file folder, her gaze turning somber as her fingers traced the bend of it; evidence of the many nights she’d revisited it only to close it when the answers didn’t come. In the past month she’d taken on a patient who seemingly had nowhere to go. Many of her colleagues had turned him away, seemingly too jaded to go through the trouble of dealing with such a case. Nanami herself was puzzled when she reviewed his file, but she knew there was no other option; she had to at least try.

Kenta was a very jovial, large person with a personality to match. Built much like a strongman with tusks not unlike a walrus, he was hard to miss. Before he became her patient, she’d see him making small talk with the other patients, encouraging them though he himself was on the way to chemotherapy, his weight dwindling by the day. The previous doctors told him that he had osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. It was seemingly exacerbated by his quirk that gave him dense bones; they were perfect for diving, but apparently came at this very high price. The treatment had shown mild success, but her predecessors had decided his condition was becoming too advanced and an amputation was in order. After that visit, he attempted to keep his jovial nature, but his physical appearance continued to deteriorate, the medication and tests taking their toll. Full-hardy laughs were interrupted by coughing fits, round cheeks flexed into a habitual smile were replaced with gaunt hollows. Nanami couldn’t help but feel was cruel to be given such great power and still be unable to solve this problem.

She agonized, sincerely perplexed as to why someone as healthy and active as Kenta could have developed such an aggressive and rare form of cancer so quickly. It didn’t helped that after the first doctor’s diagnosis, the subsequent three doctors took little to no efforts to confirm said diagnosis, so she remained thoroughly unconvinced. She was a prodigy in her own right, but that alone couldn’t negate seniority. To go against the other doctors, she would need substantial proof of her theory—and also a theory to begin with.

Nanami was stirred from her thoughts by the sound of the silo being activated, as Overhaul stepped out. It had been hours since she had last gotten up as day turned into late night, too engrossed in her task. She glanced up for a moment, giving an absent-minded “hey” before returning to her work. It was unlike her to brush him off so quickly, and he assumed there were still hard feelings from earlier. Approaching her, he was about to speak before he caught a glimpse of her screen and notes, the file folder and its contents now haphazardly splayed on the coffee table, a few with drops of moisture on them.

“Didn’t I tell you no drinking in the living roo—” he stopped short, hearing a small sniffle escape her, before she attempted to cover it up by clearing her throat.

“Sorry, yeah, no drinking in the living room.” She laughed emptily, gathering the papers that were stained.

Seeing people cry was usually... uninspiring to him, to say the least; he couldn’t understand it, the need for such dramatic displays as an adult. But he found himself making exceptions more and more; she wasn’t one to throw herself on the floor in a tantrum—at least not seriously. Her tears were stifled, indignant, and his curiosity—yes, we’ll call it “curiosity”— got the better of him.

“What are you doing? Crying?”

“No!... Maybe.” She stubbornly corrected, further averting her gaze, hoping to use her hair as a curtain to obscure her face. Pausing for a beat, his attention turned to what he presumed was the source. He read over it as she attempted to fix her face. His brow furrowed, and Nanami turned back to see what he was doing. “Why do you care?”

“Osteosarcoma seems like an odd diagnosis for someone with his age and history.” He noted, choosing not to answer her question.

“That’s what I said!” she instinctually replied before remembering herself, “I mean quit snooping, this is patient-doctor information. It’s illegal to share.”

“Yet you brought it outside your office, to a yakuza base.” He deadpanned, pointing out the hypocrisy, taking a seat next to her on the couch. She pursed her lips, continuing to mull over theories, assuming he’d get bored and leave her be. “If not osteosarcoma, what do you think it could be?”

Knowing discretion was one of his strong suits, she decided to humor him. “I’m not sure. The tumor grew extremely fast and they began chemo almost immediately, so I didn’t get the benefit of a fresh diagnosis. He’d been perfectly healthy otherwise and his line of work kept him pretty active.”

“What’s his occupation?”

“He’s a commercial diver, it’s pretty fitting since his quirk gives him a lot of walrus-like qualities.”

“Sounds hazardous.”

“You’re one to talk. He’s practically made for it so drowning or being crushed under the pressure is near-impossible for him.”

“I was referring to all of the equipment. The fact that he’s kept all of his limbs up to this point is impressive.”

Slowly turning to him, a tired look on her face, she replied “… Your compliments are so very strange.”

Shrugging he continued, “It’s not that odd. The number of divers and sailors I’ve seen at port with mutilated legs is not small.”

Nanami was mid eye-roll when an epiphany struck her. Her eyes went wide, and she began frantically rummaging through the paperwork. "Shit-- wait, online!" grabbing her laptop, she began typing in a frenzy as Overhaul watched calmly. Finding Kenta's online records in the hospital database, she read a file from a month before his diagnosis stating he had been in a diving accident that severely fractured his leg where his tumor now was. She let out a shaky breath of excitement, "MO. It's fucking Myositis Ossificans! This explains why the 'tumor' grew so quickly. It's because it wasn't even really a tumor, just his body's response to a traumatic injury-- This is amazing!" 

He felt the corner of his mouth tug upward, as she practically wiggled in genuine excitement. “That diagnosis sounds much more appropriate.”

Facing him on the couch, she reflexively grabbed him by his shoulders, lost in excitement, before realizing what she was doing. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to just grab you like that,” she hurriedly removed her hands before he waved it off. “It’s just... I’ve been poring over this since I got this case but hadn’t thought to make that connection since he never mentioned the injury.” Thinking back for a moment, it dawned on her, “... how did you know to ask?”

 “What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb, it doesn’t suit you.”

Smiling, he rose, walking to the kitchen, “Would you like a cup?”

Very aware he was evading her question, she rolled her eyes smiling in kind “Sure. Of what?” She wrote down her final notes before putting away the files, tucking them and her laptop away as she waited for an answer.

Bringing over two cups of sake and the bottle, he sat next her with his own before sliding over her cup. She gave him a look and he sighed, “Consider it your reward for your work today. But don’t get used to it, my living room consumption rule still stands.”

She raised her hands in surrender, chuckling before taking a sip. “Oh! Let’s play a game.”

His brows furrowed as he continued to face forward still enjoying his drink,” Do I seem like a man who plays games?”

“Well, judging by the shogi board, I’d say yes.”

“… Just set the board.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a bit before starting the odd conversation, chatting and playing until they were on their fourth cup. Nanami was admittedly tipsy by this point and decided to ask something that had been on her mind for a while now with the aid of her liquid courage. If ever there was an opportunity, it was now, “Hey, why didn’t you ever become a doctor?” The question caught him off guard as he stopped drinking and peered off into the distance thoughtfully. His lips parting for a moment to speak before closing again to consider his answer.

“It would be difficult to treat people you can’t touch.”

“Hm… sounds like a copout. I wear gloves on the job at least 80% of the time and a lot of the non-surgical work that requires touching could easily be done by a nurse. So, what’s the real reason?”

“Well, you’re awfully bold tonight.”

“Eh, it’s your fault anyway,” she reminded him, toying with the sake glass. “So, are you gonna tell me or not?”

He considered her for a second before answering, “Win this game and I’ll tell you.”

“Easy.” She shot back before considering another outcome, “and what if I lose?”

He smiled easily, her stomach flipping as a glint of mischief was evident in his eyes, “Just try your best to win.”

Nanami was determined, or at least she convinced herself she was, not wanting to confront her curiosity at what he would do if she lost … or what he would do to me… Ok, let me put down this sake before I get a life sentence to horny jail. Recomposing herself a bit, she observed the board, stifling a smirk when she saw her path to victory. It was a moderately long game, but the outcome was in her favor as she took his king. Raising the piece betwixt her fingers, she smirked, “Now spill the beans.”

He stared into the proverbial abyss, slightly peeved at the loss, priding himself as a more-than proficient player before tonight. “Give me a moment.” He said casually raising a finger as he cleared his throat. Taking a measured sip from his cup before locking eyes with her, “I have a duty.” Nanami shot him an unsatisfactory look before he clarified, continuing, “Pops took me in when I had nothing to offer. This,” he began as he leered at his hands, recalling the destruction they regularly wrought, “is what I was meant to become in order to repay him. Bringing the yakuza back to their former glory and carrying on his legacy are my primary objectives. My time is limited since he’s not as young as he used to be. The years of schooling it would take to reap the benefits he deserves would prove much too long. Indulging in a dream like that is not in my nature, even if I did have the time. That is why.”

Her smile dulled as she processed his response. She wasn’t self-righteous enough to impose her own ideals on him, but it seemed like such a waste. His leading questions tonight were just one of many examples of his expertise. Even without the formal schooling he had a level of mastery that could easily earn him a degree, and coupled with his research skills, he could do a world of good. But instead here he was, content with just the opportunity to pay his debts. For someone so arrogant, he thought surprisingly little of his own nature.  Maybe someday someone could convince him he didn’t have to carry around this weight all the time. Still very tipsy, she responded,” Well, if it’s a dream of yours to begin with, your nature can’t be all that bad now can it?” At this he knitted his brows, trying to accept the possibility. Seeing his hesitation, she continued, “You can do both, you know. Give yourself some more credit, bird brain.” She slurred the last insult, finishing her sake off with a gulp, not wanting to sound too soft. Feeling the consequences of her actions, she swayed sleepily in her seat before closing her eyes.

The next thing she knew, she felt herself being nudged awake, “Come on, get up. You need to get into bed.”

“But it’s sooo comfy here. Why are you being such a buzzkill, Kai?” she whined as he grasped her forearms, encouraging her to rise from her seat.

Stopping in his tracks, he asked a bit taken aback, “Where did you hear that name?”

“Your Poppy Pops told me” She almost sang, a grin plastered on her face.

“…Do not ever use the phrase ‘Poppy Pops’ again. Also, if couches were meant for sleeping, beds wouldn’t exist.” He responded irritated, though he handled her like porcelain, still remembering how unpleasant the last three days had been. Guiding Nanami to her room, he finally got her to lay down after tuning out a slew of other ridiculous nickname proposals, the drowsiness setting in as soon as her head hit the pillow. Knowing it would be too much work convincing a now drunk Nanami to get under the covers, he begrudgingly put a spare blanket over her. Before leaving, he looked back at her sleepy form. As much as they could grate each other’s nerves, no one had ever thought to encourage him or challenge his own thinking besides his father. He had never been a warm or sentimental person, having to try thrice as hard to grasp emotions that came so naturally to others, but she had planted a seed of doubt. Having always been so confident in his own lacking, he found a part of himself excited to be proven wrong for the first time. Before closing the door softly, he spoke “Thank you, Nanami.”

[ghostlight-express]

Another ns4t ramble, not really explicit but discussing Rena's "first time" when she was in high school, then a very vague timeline of how Rena starts dating her bosses.

So for a while I was thinking that both Sol and Rena are virgins before dating the twins. Sol was an outcast growing up, no human friends, didn't do the gym challenge until high school, too busy taking care of her bitch of a grandmother after that, too awkward to try to make friends in Nimbasa outside of work. The only reason she even became friends with the twins was because they found her to be interesting & Emmet took the initiative.

I kinda want to change Rena's situation though. She's always been an introvert & she was the top of her class in high school, but I think I do want it so she did have a couple friends, even if they weren't *best* friends. I was super shy in high school & still managed to make friends! But anyway, maybe one time on an overnight school field trip one of her friends convinces her that it's the perfect opportunity to have sex for the first time. The teachers didn't put boys & girls together in the same rooms to avoid any hanky panky, but they certainly wouldn't expect two girls to get it on anyway. The friend tells Rena that they're just experimenting, just to see what it's like. Just to get the experience of having tried, & Rena is anxious about it at first of course, says that they shouldn't be having sex on a school trip, but she can't deny that it would for all intents and purposes be an educational experience. Up until now Rena has convinced herself that she has no interest in having sex, even though she has been known to read her mom's raunchy romance novels in secret.

Of course the girls' attempt is awkward, though the friend does have something close to practical experience (she may be a virgin but that doesn't mean she hasn't gotten handsy in prior relationships, and unlike Rena she does masturbate). They do both manage to get off though (the friend knows how to get herself off so she instructs Rena & applies it to her as well) and it kinda unlocks something in Rena. Not only was it "educational", but she enjoyed it.

The status of their friendship is in the grey after that night. Rena isn't really close enough with any of her friends to hang out with them outside of school/clubs & the friend doesn't try to pursue a relationship with Rena either (though she secretly kind of wants to, she thinks Rena isn't interested & doesn't want to ruin their friendship).

When Rena moves to Nimbasa, she considers hook ups. Her libido is higher than she'd ever willingly admit, but she isn't looking to be in a relationship. She moved to Nimbasa hoping that being in the entertainment capital of Unova would motivate her to pursue her dream of being a singer.

I think it would be funny if one of her first hook ups, before she gets a job as a Depot Agent, is with Emmet, and then like a week later she gets a call back from Gear Station to interview her & when she goes in & finds that the people interviewing her are the guy she hooked up with last week & his twin brother, she briefly considers just walking out. But she needs a job & the station is very close to her apartment & pays well.

She aces the interview & Ingo says after the interview that they should definitely hire her. Emmet is oddly hesitant but agrees that she's a good fit for the job (after Rena is officially hired she messages Emmet saying that while she did have a good time, she's not comfortable with the idea of fucking her boss, and they pretty much just act like it never even happened) & it isn't till YEARS later, after the polycule are all living together that Ingo finds out about the hook up.

I still need to figure out the exact timeline of when everyone starts dating each other. I know that it starts out as just Emmet & Sol, and though for a while I was thinking that Ingo ends up also dating Sol, then he asks out Rena, & after they've been dating for a while Rena ends up really being part of the polycule & dating Emmet & Sol as well, but I'm having a hard time with the idea of Ingo asking Rena out when he's already in a relationship with Sol (and I imagine Emmet might tease him about Sol not being "enough" for him), so maybe instead of it being Sol/Emmet then just adding on +1 +1, maybe it is just Sol/Emmet, Ingo has a crush on Rena & while he doesn't want to ask her out because he's her boss he's a little jealous of Sol/Emmet so he eventually does confess to Rena & she knows that Ingo isn't the type to use his position as her superior to manipulate her so she's like "yeah I'll go on a date with you." So Ingo & Rena end up dating, after a while they end up doing double dates with Sol & Emmet, which eventually turns into someone (probably Emmet) suggesting a foursome, which in turn leads to the polycule.