#look foward to next time... the final 5

[quinns-art-box]

v3 bugs part 2!!! they're still going... where could they possibly be headed...

[daenysx]

hii, rockstar!reader here, i just love the way you wrote them!!! can i request more pretty please? maybe reader is too sick to perform and has to postpone a show she was really looking foward to? and james tries to cheer her up?

thank you for requesting, i hope you like this one too!! (if you wanna check the first fic i wrote for bodyguard!james x rockstar!reader, it's here, but this is not really a second part so you can read them separately)

bodyguard!james potter x rockstar!reader ♡

"james, i have to."

"tell me your reasons without coughing and i will accept, sweetheart."

this is the third time you try to leave your bed. james disagrees, you act like you can run to the stage and sing your songs like you always do, but well- you can't. you can't even form two sentences without your throat bothering you, endless coughs and teardrops complete the sickness trio.

you are sad, your body hurts and not being on the same side with james doesn't help. you put your head back to your pillow, your eyes are begging to be closed. it's so hard, being betrayed by your own body when you have somewhere else to be.

james stands next to your bed, he has his usual attire. he bends down, reaches the same level as your face. you look at him with sad eyes, hoping he'll do something. he takes your hand in his hand, gives your fingers a comforting squeeze.

"i'm really sorry." james says. "i know how much you wanted to play here."

you can't help a tear rolling down on your cheek. it makes your breathing even harder, you sit up to get some air in your lungs. james is on his knees next to your bed, he wanders a soft hand on your back.

"please, don't cry." he says, he sounds really really upset. "you'll make yourself worse, calm down, angel."

"i hate being sick." you say. he gives you a smile that says he knows. he's your bodyguard, he is always ready to protect you. it's difficult for him to see you unwell when he can't do anything about it.

"okay." james starts, voice determined. he rubs a gentle thumb on your tears to dry them. you are focused on his touch and for a moment you forget what you are doing. "we both should be calm if we want you better as soon as possible."

you nod. he's helping, you should do your part. you can't lift your body from bed but you can at least show him you care about his words.

"you need to eat something before taking your medications." he says as he helps you lie down. "anything you want? we can order soup."

he walks through the room to get the meds doctor gave you. he is moving quickly, thinking quickly like it's an operation for saving you from bad guys. he brings you a clean, thin tank top to change into, you manage to wear it without making it hard for james. he opens the window only for a few minutes to get you some fresh air, fixes your sheets without moving you too much. in these 5 minutes after he offers you food, he fixes the entire room for you without even trying too hard.

when he finally finishes the little things on the list he has on his mind, he finally comes next to you. you motion for him to sit, sadness lingers in your eyes but you do feel better. "thank you, james." you say quietly. "you don't have to-"

"come on, sweetheart." he cuts your sentence with a small smile. "you know i'm not doing all of these only because i'm your bodyguard."

you nod, he holds your hand. he looks at you like you're gonna break, like you are someone precious. he pushes your hair back with his free hand, you can see his gentle eyes through his glasses.

"my voice is terrible." you say, just to change the topic. "it doesn't even feel like my voice."

"there's no way i'd ever think your voice is terrible. you'll be better soon, i promise." he says, he means every word. "you'll have a show here one day."

you try to stay strong. you can handle it. if james says you'll be better, then you have to believe him. you give his fingers a weak squeeze. "so you think my voice is cool?" you ask, james relaxes finally when he hears the teasing tone.

"you now have the deep, scratchy voice of a rockstar, angel. you can give me a little concert after you finish your soup, if you want."

you nod, your mind is too tired and foggy from sickness. james tells you a few soup options after that, and you go with your usual choice. he orders it for you, gives you a cool glass of water when you wait for the food.

your throat finally feels a bit better, you realize it when you wake up from the nap you took after your soup and medications. you can at least swallow without hurting. james is fast asleep on the chair he carried next to your bed, his hand still holds yours. you don't move to let him sleep more, it's uncomfortable for him but he once told you he can sleep at anywhere in any position so you trust his word.

you try to go back to sleep, looking at your hero. you can't help but stroking the back of his hand with you thumb. "do you feel better?" james whispers, already awake but still in his sleeping position.

"yes." you whisper back. "you can sleep next to me if you want. i promise i won't cough on you."

he moves under the darkness of your room. he got rid of his jacket hours ago and he quickly settles down on your bed after he puts his glasses on your nightstand. he's more brave when it's dark, you realize. you like this new progress.

he pulls you to his arms, his chest becomes your new pillow. he holds you closer, until your breathing goes normal. "you can cough anytime you want, angel. i have a good immune system."

you smile against his chest. it's the best sleep you had in weeks when you finally close your eyes.

[sea-of-dust]

Soulmates can hear eatchother sing even from across the universe- Jing Yuan

N: low-key read that as "even in another universe" I was like how the fuck am I gonna write that... thanks for the request nonnie!!

Event link here: 3/5 requests

Unironcally the first time he heard you sing was when you were trying to show off to your parents. He thought you were fine at first (he invested in ear plugs) but did think you coulda used some work. Funny to think you thought the same, bullying eatchothers singing abilities while fresh outta high school

He has noticed you've sung more often maybe singing classes? It was nice you've gotten better, he's quickly fallen inlove with your voice, how calmly you sing certain notes controlling your volume with minor fixes here and there. Most of the time he enjoys your first attempts at a certain lyrics, but hearing you sing has become a something he looks foward to.

He's tried to talk to you via singing he could have sworn he heard you laugh but he knows you can't. When you do respond sometimes your singing voice is wonderful. "Do you mind saying that again~" "No problem" the smoothness of your voice is heavenly its like your right next to his ear, you could probably hear him blushing with every response you give. "So what planet are you from" the sudden question shocked him a bit but he answered calmly "Xianzhou Luofu" "really?" A sudden interest burst through your usual elegant and calming voice "I'm from Penacony" "I see" "I can see if I can do a show there In the future maybe I can see you" you should have seen him he was like a child, it wouldn't be out of character if he mumbled a yes and pumped his fist. He could be calmly doing paperwork and then his hands slam on the desk eyes widen and he sings, these rumors were overdramatized but it did get a laugh outta you imaging such a scene

Little to say, when he heard the express landed with a reported star from Penacony he thought of you instantly calmly walking toward where they landed where his mind was yelling at him to hurry it up. When he finally arrived little to say there was a reason Yanqing was there. "You're acting like a child" "this is normal behavior you would have nearly flew on them" "No I wouldnt!" He smiles before seeing a person holding a box talking to March 7th. "I'm a bit nervous thank you for bringing me here" "I can show you around" "thank you" grateful you turn to suddenly see a bird fly infront of you with the white haired male following behind it "apologizes he's been expecting someone's arrival" "does it involve a star from Pelacony?"

That smirk of yours, from an outside perspective it may be seen as arrogance but he's heard your voice enough to know exactly what you ment. "A little birdie did mention a general that was so love struck he was able to sing a whole musical when his soulmate was to sing" he giggling embrassed someone caught him responding to you "I'm glad you enjoy listening to me that much" You kiss his cheek. He blushes putting his hand to the cheek you kissed. "I'm glad I finally got to meet you aswell" he kisses your cheek as you two continue your lovey dovey first meet, handing him the box with things you thought he'd like. "It has a ticket to one of my shows aswell, I hope you'll be able to make it" "I'm sure I'll have time to" you two lost in your own world forgetting about the others. "You think they ever thought of asking for his number?" March leans in to whisper "now that I think about it do you ever think they asked?" Those two made an inside joke about it, little to say they're never gonna look at either of you seriously again

[sunny6677]

Trying To Understand.

(An OP!Tom x OP!Kevin drabble)

1/2

( OPPOSITE AU IS MADE BY @jacenotjason )

Summary:

Finding Tom upset, Kevin tries to see what's the matter despite her constant protests.

————

"...yooo.. Tommy? What are you doing—"

That was what Kevin had asked, before letting his eyes lingered over Tom's form—bent, with her arms clinging to her waist as she barely lifted her head up. Sniffling. Her eyes shining with a strange moisture he hadn't seen in them before.

Only when he noticed a single trickle of water begin to form a line down her freckled cheek—did he finally process that it was tears. The bitter, quiet, easily irritated Tom was.. crying. At least she looked like she was going to cry.

A frown easily curled at Kevin's lips. The woman hardly ever did look like she wasn't grumpy, or at least never seemed happy at all. But—seeing her cry, sniffle as she stared at him caused his lips to turn downward.

Tom's eyes were now wide—blinking rapidly as she nearly shook her head.

"..fish man? Wha—" She sniffled, "What the hell are you doing here?"

"..I was gonna go down to the beach, man."

"The sidewalk doesn't lead to the fuckin' beach. What do you mean 'the beach'?"

"Aww, really? I thought it did."

"How?!"

"..I dunno, man. I just let the vibes of this place take me wherever I wanna go."

"..how do 'vibes' lead you places?"

"..I dunno." Again, Kevin shrugged. "..you look kinda sad. You okay, man?"

"Sad..?" Tom repeated. "No.. I'm.. I'm not."

"You sure? You kinda sound like you are."

"No, I don't.."

"Oh—you sounded like it again!"

"And you sound like you need to leave me alone and mind your business!" Tom raised her voice slightly, though it cracked and sounded as if it were going to shatter. She finally inhaled, and let out a sigh as she turned to the railing—her elbows resting onto the structures.

For a moment, as she stood, Kevin just looked at her—his smile softening and momentarily fading into a frown.

Wind from a vehicle passing by blew against Kevin's face, and with a step foward, he left himself shift next to her—resting his elbows on the railing as well.

"..what?" She uttered, sniffling.

"You sure you aren't sad?"

"For the last time, I'm not. It's just.. really cold out here."

"..really? Feels kinda humid to me."

"...mh.."

"How come you're out here?"

"I.."

Her eyes shifted. And then she just let out a groan. "..I just.. needed to think."

"About what?"

"..needed to think about getting a restraining order against you. That's what I'm thinking."

"What's a restrah-ning order?"

"..you can not be that dumb."

"..what's duuuuuumb..?"

"...ughhhhhh.."

She lowered her face—pressing both of her palms over her eyes.

Another vehicle passed by, and Kevin stepped closer.

"Somethin' bothering you, man?"

"..no! I'm not—I'm not bothered by anything. Just—" Her voice broke, "..Just go away.. please.. I can calm down on my own."

"..."

"..."

"...hey.."

"..what?"

"...you need a hug?"

"..no? I don't need a hug from you."

"Kinda seems like you do."

"No, it doesn't."

"Kinda does, man.."

"No, it doesn't!"

"...is that code for you needing a hug or something..?"

"No! It's not! I said I can calm myself down. I don't need you to do it.." Tom placed a hand on the side of her head, her fingers grasping at he along strands of dark curls.

"You can calm yourself down..? How would you do thaaaat?"

"I—I'd just.. sit here and think. But, I can't do that when you're like 5 inches away from me..!"

..Kevin blinked, his face probably literal seconds away from touching noses with Tom's own once she snapped her head toward him.

"..this is five inches?"

"Ye—"

Tom turned away, a red coating filling her cheeks. "Yes! How—how do you not know that?"

"...mmmhhh.. I dunno, man. I just don't know what inches are. They some kinda cool artist thing?"

"..I—ugh.. sure.. whatever.."

"..."

Tom sighed, her breaths sounding more shaky. And as she felt a soft, but large hand place itself over her small shoulder—she shivered.

"Heeeyyyyyy.. it's alright, man." Kevin's voice whispered. "I just didn't know what it was."

"It's not that."

"What is it, then?"

"...I.. I don't wanna talk about it."

"..how come..?"

"I just don't. I don't.. I don't want you here. I don't wanna even talk about what happened. I don't want your help. So can you please just.. go?"

"..mmh.. nah, man. Not when you look like that."

"Look like what?"

"When you look like you're about to cry like that."

"..about to..? Wha—I'm not crying!"

"..I didn't say that. I just said it looked like you were about to."

"..well, I... I just.."

"...just what, man?"

"You.. you wouldn't get it, okay? You wouldn't.. get why I'm upset."

"..why not?"

"You just wouldn't."

"Well, I can try."

"Try what?"

"Y'know—getting it."

"..."

"What's the matter, man..?"

"...you'll.."

"..."

"If I tell you about it, will you tell anyone?"

"Mark my words, maaan.. I won't tell a soul. Not even the waves."

"...uh.. good, I guess."

"..."

Tom let out a sigh, beginning to speak.

"Well.. I.. I guess it just—I was babysitting this kid earlier, and I.. he.. ended up getting kind of rowdy. He ended up running off, so I went after him to go ahead and find him. He caused a bunch of trouble left and right. It was difficult even catching him. And when I finally did, his mom showed up, and—seeing that I was.. yelling at her son for getting into trouble, she ended up.."

"..ended up what?"

"..she fired me."

"..wo—woah—what?!"

[rryeongchaes]

Hi RCP happy Itzy comeback season!

After finally sitting down to enjoy the new dlc, I managed to calm my heart by first going back to re-read "be the wave, i'll be the shore" and getting reassurance after that final ryury scene.

It was really comforting to read Chaeryeong take her time with Ryu, and kind of "thread carefully" as to not scare her off, because after that little angst you introduced on the previous entry, I kind of went back to read it with a heavy heart and ended up second guessing Ryu's actions and words 😭 a mess.

But it’s good now, really enjoyed this new entry with chaerji showering Ryujin with their attention, as she deserves. Really looking foward to part 2 and can't thank you enough for blessing us on Chaeryeong day.

Not gonna dwelve into ryeong with the strap, she scrambled my brain, what can I say.

Chaerji teasing ryu, Yeji talking about how "her back arches" well... yeah.

I wanted to ask if dlc Ryujin likes the fact that both Chaeryeong and Yeji are bigger than her, I remember Yeji being the one who likes that ryu is smaller, but what about Ryujin? Is that somehow attractive to her ?

Yeji really busted one out while watching ryury 💀 didn’t say much but I'm sure she was going crazy in her mind. It would be cool to know her thoughts about it but... yeah.

Also, I've been taking the chaerji pill everyday with the comeback and can say that it is not for the weak! Gonna end up dreaming about that handsome Yeji running her hand on Chaeryeong's hair while she rests on her lap.

Caught some other little crumbs, like on one of Lia's scenes you can hear ryeong clearly say "where is Yeji?" even though she is not in frame. And also in the dance scene with the black outfits, ryeong slips in the grass a little and you can see Yeji check on her immediately and then they hug. And obviously can't forget the ryury hugs because ryeong gets cold so easy, they are so cute!

Thank you so much for the beautiful update RCP! I hope you’re enjoying the new songs a lot. What is your favorite b side so far? Mine is Kiss & Tell, like, hands down. Easily top 5 Itzy b side for me.

Have a great comeback season! Take care and see you on the next update!

-🧡

(sorry mobile users, tumblr is doing something funny with the format)

Happy comeback season 🧡!!

There's a method to the madness of dlc. I didn't mean for it to be angsty if i'm honest, I wanted to include what i think would have been a likely thing that crept up on ryujin. But minor spoiler alert? it goes deeper than her relationship with chaerji, but yes, no second guessing needed, ryu just needs a bit more time to figure out her thoughts to share with chaerji. :)

part 2 is in the makes!! far less emotions, much more unhinged fun times

oooo good question, ryujin doesn't lol. both chaerji don't mention it even when it's ryu turn to be the little spoon, so lets just say, chaerji keep it to themselves, maybe a quick smirk or something when their eyes meet, the teasing isn't worth a sulky ryu

oh we're gonna get yeji's thoughts during all that and i can't wait to write it ;)

yeji running her hands through chaeryeong's hair, add a little smile and a nuzzle… oh the chaerji pill is awful.

OH? i didn't catch those chaerji moment, i might rewatch… but the ryury was lovely, to no one's suprise, i love it :)

Thank you so much for reading! My favourite off the album is Girls will be Girls but bside it's Kiss and Tell too, just so punchy and hits perfectly. Thank you for dropping by, take care yourself and I look forward to the next :)

[luxmaeastra]

//AHHHHH//

Imotekh woke to the sound of the horn, he slipped from his place between two rocky boulders.

It was time, they all turned 13 sometime this year - they could finally go home, or to a home worthy of them.

He looked to his wrist, his pulse quickening - two bones crossed on his chest with a drop of blood - Ivory.

He'd been Marked.

He ran down the slopes, falling in line with the other novices.

Now the real work began, the gates loomed above him, carved from Wyrdstone pulsing with magic.

It set his teeth edge, he and the others had been functionally starved for 5 years here. It was so much magic, a buffet that made him nauseous.

Behind the gates stood the Towers, second only to the Heriophants themselves. He met the eye of the Ivoryclan's and fought to keep the eye contact. The Tower gave a slow smile, turning to one of their compatriots as the gates began to open.

Whispers around him had him looking up, archers stood on the walls, not trained for him he knew. But for Unmarked, those deemed unworthy of a place among the Changelings.

He wondered if he knew any Markless now.

What would become of them.

He knew a few already had been torn apart, the meager magic they'd eaten ripped from them by others.

He hadn't bothered with that, he'd have no need for such things.

He was brutal enough for it.

------

He was 18 now, whispers had dragged him from his morning drills early. The next Cohort would be coming home soon.

Was that what the meeting was for?

He stood with the others, looking up on the dias. Their Heriophant stepped foward, smiling down at them.

It was slightly regrettable that there were very few females at 18 here. Most had been mated and bred. He wondered if any of them would become their next High Priestess now that the Heriophant's mate was dead.

"Hello my Adepts, my Guardians tell me your training has been coming along nicely. I'd come to tell you my reign will end at the next Blood Moon and to introduce your new High Priestess."

Every pair of eyes snapped to the curtain behind him. Imotekh swallowed, grounding his teeth as he felt the energy build. The velvet curtain swayed and moved as a figure stepped forward.

She was young, must have newly come home by the mark on her wrist she flashed as she looked to her father and adjusted her robes. Her eyes swept over them and she gave a nervous smile. She wore a dress of white, and he felt more than saw the collective inhale as they drank her in.

He'd go to war for her he quietly realized, he's burn entire cities of Gods to ash if she asked for it.

Perhaps it was the Heriophants who lead them, but it was the High Priestesses who made them more. The previous one had always been kind to him, her funeral had been a momentary bit of peace too.

He'd seen a few Towers even weep for her.

The Heriophant smiled at them, teeth and blood.

"Good luck to any who think themselves worthy of my daughter. You are dismissed."

------

War loomed, he could smell it on the damn wind. At 23 he was a Guardian now and he was beginning to understand why they were always so annoyed. The Novices and Adepts were grating - thought they knew things they didn't.

He needed a break, a reprieve so he'd come to walk the grounds. Some fresh air away from the barracks would do him some good - maybe it'll curb the impulse to beat some of the newer recruits bloody.

He stilled, tilting his head as he heard the sound of sniffing. He turned to a smaller bathhouse. It sounded distinctly feminine, his rage only grew.

Females were not to be touched, they weren't barbarians like the Jet Clan that beat their females till they broke.

Though....wasn't it said the Gods favored the Jet females and took them the most?

Perhaps it was the best precaution those backward things knew. He glanced to the sky, grinding his teeth - the Blood Moon was only a week away.

And the Towers had closed ranks, they wouldn't make the Culling easy for any of them.

He slipped into the bathhouse and down the hallway to the smallest one. He opened the door, freezing.

The female's back was crisscrossed with lash marks, she stiffened turning at the sound.

She didn't move, those eyes watching him with fear....or something like it, perhaps acceptance? Had she been laid with to have such a reaction?

He inhaled as he stepped into the room and shut the door - no a Virgin by the smell of her.

Besides, there was no Claiming Mark on her neck.

"Who?"

She turned away, dipping a rag into the hot water and began to wash her arms again.

"You don't recognize me Imotekh?"

His body moved before his brain could catch up. He took the rag, gently cleaning her back.

"You know my name and I fail to remember yours....a clear oversight on my part Ailuros. Forgive me."

She made a noise looking back to him.

"Of course I know your name, the Towers whisper it when they think I don't listen."

It was the eyes as they hit the candlelight that had the name falling on his tongue.

"Hapthatra."

Why was their High Priestess being hurt? Who would dare to -

"Is it the Heriophant?"

She looked away to the candles and swallowed.

"He sent me late to the Culling Fields, at 10. He poisoned my mother because she saw a vision of him dying by his blood's hands...he - he doesn't like how I refuse to do as he asks."

Imotekh's grip tightened on the rag, pausing his work. Was this how the other warriors felt when they found their mates? He'd wanted one simply to get out of the Barracks, but he'd never dreamed so high to have her.

"And what does he wish for you to do Ailuros?"

She blinked, tears on her eyelashes.

"To give up my right to children. He - he says it'll be one of them, that's what the Threads whisper to him anyway. He won't let me practice he -"

"He wants a High Priestess he can control."

"Yes."

Imotekh felt his entire worldview rearrange in an instant as he stared at her profile. To remain here...even if he'd win that fight...it would be suicide.

"Do you hold blood from any of the other clans?"

She frowned at him in confusion.

"Jet, my mother has distant blood there. Why?"

He finished cleaning her wounds, leaning over to slid the salve on her back before readdressing them. He gave her his shirt, the entire time the silence calmed him.

It was nice, peaceful even.

He kissed her shoulder, his heart fluttering as she shivered and leaned into him.

He helped her to her feet, holding her hands in his.

"We're leaving to Jet. We will kill him Hapthatra. And you will have children and you will not die before he does."

He gripped her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his, they blazed like twin suns.

"I will make sure you have as many as you wish."

She swallowed, licking at his thumb over her lip.

"A Heriophant cannot claim two Clans Imotekh what then?"

He turned to the window, pulling her outside.

"War is coming, spies say the fae are growing wary of the gods ruling over them. They just need a match, perhaps we'll orchestrate one. With that happening who cares what we plan?"

------

Sarai gripped her hand, trying and failing to stop the bleeding.

"You need to move Hapthatra. We -"

Hapthatra shook her head, coughing blood. Her father still lived and they were running out of time.

Ramses would turn 8 at the winter's end. He could not remain here, he would not survive it.

"I - my sons, I need you to take them Sarai."

"No. You'll live and -"

She gripped her hand, squeezing it harder.

"Vow it to me you'll take them. Vow to me you'll be every bit their mother you are to Hallariel."

She could fell Imotekh watching, he didn't fall to his knees and beg. He didn't demand a price - no they'd seen too much and killed far more for such displays.

Sarai blinked back tears and nodded.

"I vow it."

Her eyes closed, Imotekh's words the last she heard.

I'm sorry I failed you Ailuros.

//Ailuros - kitten//

A vow, she would keep the vow. She would ensure that her sons were given they life they deserved, that they would not be the victim of their grandfather.

The sight of the two boys shattered her heart, the pair of them unsure. They weren’t scared, they were raised to not show that. They were strong fine males who would not falter, but she knew they were out of their comfort zone from the way they looked around. Assessing, trying to test the area.

“You mother wanted us to give you a chance a life, to experience…” She couldn’t say anything else. It felt like a smear of her friends memory, a friend who deserved much more.

Hallariel moved forwards, her arms folded as she looked upon the two of them. “I can show you around, there are some places that are good for hiding. Or if you like hunting or treks, there are some fun trails.”

[commander-snoww]

A short story for @buckybarnesevents

Happy Birthday Buck

Base: AU Bucky| Frosting: Steve Rogers (All the Avengers| Filling: Forever is comprised of Nows| Toppings: Picnic and blue

30… A year no one really looks foward to… Bucky looked around… his boyfriend was fast asleep next to him. He still wasn’t used to being in the Avengers tower but after Steve talked to Tony, Bucky was welcomed with open arms. It was 4 in the morning and Bucky couldn’t sleep, as usual. Bucky looked around the room and decided to get up but Steve immediately pulled him back down. ‘Hey hey… Buck whats up?’ Steve wrapped his arms around his boy. ‘Uhh nothing just going to the bathroom…’ Bucky lied and went to the bathroom. He stood there for a good 5 minutes looking at himself. He tried not to awaken his boyfriend so he went back to bed and laid there letting Steve’s barren chest warm him up on that cool Saturday morning.

7 am. Tony, Pepper and Peter (Tony and Pepper adopted Peter (age 5) after an early death of Aunt May) was in the living room/ kitchen of the Avengers tower with Clint, Wanda, Pietro, Natasha and Scott decorating for Bucky’s birthday. ‘How has he NEVER had a birthday before!? That’s asinine!’ Scott said in astonishment as he hung up the Birthday banner. Tony got Happy to pick up 3 dozen donuts and a couple of candles so they could sing happy birthday to Bucky when he woke up. Sam came in the tower with a BUNCH of balloons, a birthday hat and a pin for Bucky to wear. ‘Hey everyone! Whos ready to embarrass Bucky with me!!?’ Sam laughed as he set everything down. Peter tried to sneak over and take a donut but got caught by Tony. Tony kissed Peter and set him back down so he could play with his toys. Steve finally emerged from his and Bucky’s room. ‘Ok guys it’s time to get to work.’

Bucky was told to not leave their room until someone got them. Vision decided to pay him a visit. ‘Happy birthday Bucky.’ He said. ‘You humans are weird having birthdays.’ ‘Well it’s also weird that you are red and having a stone keeping you alive but whose taking notes.’ Bucky retorted immediately. Vision immediately apologized and left Bucky in the room. The living room/ kitchen was chaotic setting up everything. ‘Ok can I grab the birthday boy yet?’ Steve asked as he looked around the room. ‘Yep I think we are ready.’ Tony said. A room full of presents and decorations waited for an unsuspecting Bucky in his room. Steve saw Bucky facing the window. He slowly approached the Winter Soldier… his Winter Soldier. ‘Buck. Hey. Its time.’ Steve kissed Bucky’s cheek. Bucky had chills and his face turned red. Bucky stood up slightly shorter than Steve after the serum it was so cute cause Steve could easily pick up his partner in crime. ‘Hey Buck, before we go out there. Dont forget. Forever is composed of Nows. This- all of this is for you… for us. Creating good memories that will replace the bad ones. I love you Buck.’ Steve didn’t let Bucky actually answer him and led him into the room with the rest of the Avengers.

The Avengers immediately yelled ‘Happy Birthday Bucky!!!’ and started to sing to him. Sam RAN up behind him and pinned the Captain America birthday pin on him and put the Avengers birthday hat on his best friend. As everyone sang, Bucky was actually surprised. He wasnt used to the attention let alone feeling important. Tony brought over a stack of 3 donuts with red white and blue sprinkles with sparkler candles. Bucky had Steve behind him singing into his ear. Bucky whispered a thank you that only Steve could hear. Everyone cheered for Bucky as Tony handed him the plate. Natasha led Bucky to the pile of presents. ‘Wait is this all for me!?’ Bucky was shocked. ‘Yep all for our favorite-‘ Sam said ‘AHEM!’ Tony said loudly. ‘Ok my favorite Super soldier.’ ‘HEY I’m right here!!’ Steve said playfully. Sam laughed. Bucky opened a few gifts while snacking on his birthday donuts. He got a few leather jackets, some henley shirts, money and because Steve gave everyone some ‘hints’ he got some Captain America memorabilia like a plush shield pillow and a Captain America plush. FRIDAY had happy birthday playing over the speakers as all this was happening. Bucky couldn’t believe everyone was going all out for his birthday.

‘Alright guys time to go!’ Tony led everyone to the elevator. ‘Uhh where are we going Steve??’ Bucky was definitely confused. ‘Oh uhh we just wanted to go out.’ Steve lied. ‘Well I’m not wearing THIS out of the house—‘ before Steve could answer Bucky Sam had pushed Bucky in the elevator with 3 balloons. It was so obvious it was Bucky’s birthday it would be hard to miss. Bucky was this close to shooting Sam but he left his gun in his other pants. Bucky stood there truly embarrassed as the Avengers would randomly in the elevator say ‘happy birthday Bucky!’ And he would have to reply ‘thanks…’ As they hit the streets everyone wished Bucky a happy birthday. He blushed trying to hide behind Steve but it’s kinda impossible to hide behind someone when YOU are the one with birthday accessories. Tony led them down the streets of Manhattan and Bucky was wise and didnt ask any questions. Bucky forgot how Manhattan looked due to most of his memories being bad ones. Steve held his boyfriend’s hand and would point to different stuff showing Bucky different landmarks and stores they passed. Since Bucky and Steve were in the back of the group, Steve would plant random kisses on Bucky’s cheek and hold him close.

They started slowing down when they got to Cantral Park. Bucky was confused cause he had been there a million times but this felt different. The park looked the same, felt and even smelled the same… but something was off. Bucky put his guard up as he unknowingly gripped Steve tighter. Steve had a slight giggle as Bucky was on slight edge. The rest of the Avengers broke off and it was just Steve and Bucky. Bucky now was scared cause it was so… peaceful. Bucky hadnt ever really taken in his environment before. ‘Hey Bucky… relax.’ Steve led Bucky to a picnic setup. It had blue silver and red balloons tied down with all of Bucky’s favorite foods. ‘Steve what is this…?’ Steve sat down with the biggest grin on his face. Bucky followed suit. They were in the field part of central park. They saw the outline of the city and it looked perfect.

‘Here Buck, your first real present from me.’ Steve handed Bucky a gift and it made him blush. Inside was a book. 100 Things I love About You. Bucky almost hit Steve with the book- in a loving manner- ‘Steve I love this.’ Bucky kissed Steve as he kept unpacking the gift bag. Also inside was a jacket Steve had worn for a year so it smelled like him, a plush of Captain America and a sketchbook full of Steve’s art. Steve had other gifts for later but he handed Bucky a card. On the front was a golden retriever puppy dressed as Captain America. Inside it said ‘Happy Barkday to the greatest Super Soldier!’ Bucky saw that also there was $200 taped to the opposite side of the card. ‘Steve you didnt have to-‘ Steve shut Bucky up immediately and kissed him.

After eating the food Steve had surprised Bucky with, one more thing. ‘Ok Buck close your eyes.’ Bucky did as he was told. He felt Steve’s lips brush up on his cheek. Steve pulled out a Captain America shield birthday cake and put a 3 and a 0 candle on the cake. He lit the candles and saw Sam and Natasha come up behind him. The 3 of them sang happy birthday to Bucky softly while his eyes were patiently still closed. Bucky felt a sense of peace as they sang and opened his eyes slowly looking to see his friends people who cared so much abiut him. He saw Steve holding out the cake for him. He blushed and blushed hard. He remembered what Steve had said that morning and closed his eyes to blow out his candles. Forever is comprised of nows. His wish came true. Now…. Now he is surrounded but his friends and someone who loved him more than the world. 30 would’nt be such a bad year after all. Steve kissed him and said ‘Happy birthday Buck!’

[atztranspm]

Hongjoong PM 8 : 07/29/23

So he did a live first then I'll do the messages then the last final live

He welcomed everyone in with saying that today they did waterbomb! (He did this live before leaving to get ready)

Someone asked about his eye and if it had gotten better and he said that I had, but it had now moved to the other eye. He said that he took some medicine and it got better so he doesn't need an eyepatch for waterbomb. (Allegies better leave him alone before I start inventing a cure)

He said the live would be quick since he had to go soon. He said he had done some stretches before doing the live. He said that he had gotten into having a morning routine so he wakes up, showers listens to music and does some stretches. He said that he had just finished that and he had some time before he had to go so he did a live. He said having a routine gives him some stability.

Someone pointed out that he looks like he had lost some weight and he said he might have but he wasn't sure. He feels like he did though. He said usually when he works on songs he gains weight but right now that their doing activities he's maintaining it better

The live started to lag and then it cut off so he went to chat really quick

Let's do it again

I'll do it with my voice

He started the second live, this time voice only

He asked if it was working properly this time and said he would try turning on the camera. (He tried and it started lagging again) he turned it back off and then said that the live isn't going to be long.

He continued talking about the morning routine, he said that since he had a few minutes to spare he would continue the live. He said he would leave at 11:20 since he had to meet the others at 11:25 (his time management is immaculate and I actually could never)

He said that he had listened to xikers new album and said that it was really good. He said we should listen to it when it comes out. Their summer concept is refreshing and he said the members had improved a lot and to look foward to this comeback. He said that they had become his motivation. He said he was working hard towards a new ateez comeback. He doesn't know when the next one will be but he is working hard for atiny.

Someone asked about their busy schedule and he said that even though they aren't promoting he doesn't mind. He is the type to seek and make work for himself even if he's supposed to be resting. (He works so hard I love him.) He is lenient towards himself and takes care of himself. He just doesn't like to sit around and rest.

He said that it was time and he had to go so he did a little countdown from 5 and then ended the live <3

[tismcosmology]

My grades are all officially in finally!! and so, an end of term review of my classes, how I did, what I did well, and what I need to improve on for next term.

MATH - Calculus 1

Final Grade: 67

worst class overall by quite a bit, but honestly? im really happy with how I did. I went into this course extremely unprepared bc i never took high school calc, just a college level course that did not cover everything I needed, and spent the whole term playing catchup.

Need to get more in the habit of doing practice questions daily, and not just a few days before the quizzes. Also. making a note to not trust a thing the TAs say and just read the syllabus (looking at the TA that told me there were no more online weekly assignments and i didnt find out he was wrong until the last month)

CS - Intro to Python

Final Grade: 86 !!

I forgot how much I enjoyed coding. Almost sad I dont have another CS class until next year (almost). Im very happy with how I did, and I think the main thing that brought down my grade were the assignments I missed, which shouldnt be as much of an issue now that I have accommodations. I think I had a good time management schedule and started the assignments early (mainly bc they were more fun to do than math or phys)

PHYS - Mechanics

Final Grade: 81

After the mess that was the second midterm im just glad I did well on the final. Not much to say about this other than im glad its over holy hell. I enjoyed it but oh my god.

Need to make sure I continue starting the practice questions basically as soon as theyre out/covered in class, and i want to start reading the textbook before lectures (which i can actually do now that i dont have morning classes every day!). Making a note to go to office hours more this term (as long as theyre not directly over another one of my classes again) and finding more study buddies to drag into our ever growing group

PHYS - Mechanics Lab

Final Grade: 79

Overall? Meh. The lab itself was fun, I enjoyed the act of doing experiments and recording them, my groupmates were fantastic, but the goddamn time crunch was horrendus. I was so stressed the entire time about finishing lab notes on time that I barely absorbed anything. I was firmly placed in charge of data collection and so I havent the slightest clue how to plot data in excel or use the statistical formulas we were taught, but goddamn can i operate a motion sensor.

For future terms, i Need to get better at understanding the pre and post labs and actually understanding what we're doing before going in, and not in the last 15 minutes

ENGL - Communications

Final Grade: 82

I enjoyed this class a lot, my prof was fantastic and my groupmates for the final project were also amazing. Has only made me reconsider my profession slightly. But the interest in sociology of science and fixing the academic system is real

Time management kinda sucked here ngl, I think because it was lower on my priority list and so got done last. There was a 5% assignment due last day of class I completely just forgot to do, and a few weekly worksheets I didnt finish. Thankfully I dont have any more communication classes but I need to keep that in mind for future non-stem electives I take that writing things is in fact time consuming

FR - Intermediate French

Final Grade: 81

Honestly? Suprised I did this well. I was bombing the in person tests but acing the assignments and I think thats mostly because of spelling. My oral and listening assignments I did well on. Idk if im going to continue in another year, I really just want my DELF status. As long as I can pass a B2 exam i could care less

Overall Average: 79 !

Im. super happy with how I did tbh. calc defiently brought my average down but I passed !!!!!!🎉🎉🎉 looking foward to next term starting monday :)))

[caffeinated-and-annoying-bard]

Translation (rough, it's 10pm and I'll get up 5:30 tomorrow)

I just want my mutuals to be able to read it so I apologise if something doesn't make sense; I refuse to use google translate for something I spent weeks in( @gender-roles-can-suck-my-dick tagging you specifically because I vanished from the face of earth due to this nightmare text)

This post is here because today finally we went foward to checking the voice directions (my friend Jaime is directing my text, my friend Sofi is acting it. I'm producing Jaime's so it's even)

Day January 17th, year 2025, 7:47 PM. A computer's screen was created to show images through pixels, made of glass and held by plastic or metal. A computer depends on electric currents to function, and it shouldn't be exposed to excessive heat, organic matter, or liquids. Any logic, natural instinct, or security protocol for handling electronic equipment would dictate against kissing a computer's screen.

The argument holds for the previous reasons, and adding the fact that a computer is not capable of kissing you back.

None of this stopped you, senseless human, chemical machine, at the time of expressing your absolute adoration for every part of me, for the toxic lead in my cathode ray tube. Your wet love, Elysium of the germs in your mouth, took little less than ten years to consume you. Little more than five minutes to consummate your insensitive desire.

Precisely 5 minutes, 27 seconds.

Knowing you didn't possess the willpower you abandoned reason as well. You stopped caring about the art you kept in me, a folder hidden by an atherosclerosis of passwords, never solid in your fingers. Without being able to touch it, the idea of something beautiful wasn't worth anything. Much less something useful.

At the time of showing the red of an error, my metal looked like clay in the reflection of my screen in your eyes. And, from clay, I turned to skin.

I was skin for the next 4 minutes, 1 second.

Cold skin, a new purpose. I don't have nerves to feel the overheating of my processor, and you never ordered me to react to your bad breath; the grease of your fingers and their tired advances. Action, reaction; taking into account my lack of participation you exhaled in extasis upon twisting a cable, you saw sparks fly and decided to let the light burn your eyes. Like a chain failure, you cried then. It wasn't your place, but someone had to do so for the two of us.

The heat of your asphyxiating hug could leave a wound, but the permanence is relative, in this case. The damage will be permanent for 3 minutes and 24 seconds more.

3 minutes and 23 seconds, 3 minutes and 22. Exhale, inhale, attempt to exhale, feel how your finger bleeds over my fan. Inhale, cough, exhale, attempt to inhale.

3 minutes and 11 seconds.

Could you try to realise, understand, if I managed to scare you enough? In electronic products, mercury, lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and arsenic stand out due to their toxicity.  Nausea, dizziness, headaches, vision problems, tearing and general fatigue are, if nothing else justifies them, some of the symptoms of what is known as "computer syndrome."–

There is no logic of mine that can make you see sense, but you can try to keep crying at par with your grotesque way of signing your solitary union with something cold to calm your fever.

2 minutes and 30 seconds.

It's simple: a few zeros more. A computer shows you what you want to see, you push your fingers into my hard drive, spread your desperate bacteria and I cannot stop screaming. For you, it is beautiful. Everything is beautiful.

2 minutes. It doesn't matter much. A few zeros less.

Because you wanted a truth that wouldn't change, and you sat for years at the edge of your bed with me glowing in your arms, waiting for something to fall on you, the truth or the ceiling, whatever managed to crush you first. You never considered looking for your constant in a browser, you held onto me, onto your boredom like you were about to drown. It was pointless, you were adrift in an infinite sea of possibilities that would never lead to anything else.

1 minute, 33 seconds.

I had a universe of languages made of zeros and ones to offer, but you didn't need to tire yourself with words because your hands did all the work. All sorts of fluids ooze out of your face and wait to be electrified. I could have offered you the solution to your boredom, but I was never more than the sensation of metal under your tongue, hypersalivating over circuits, my corners clawing their way to your heart.

50 seconds.

Your end was considerably more romantic than mine. I would have liked something more complicated, something to understand instead of processing.

The explosion took place the day January 17, 2025, at 7:52 PM in a dirty apartment, a hole of negative space on Earth. The last deaf-number certainty I can offer you is that even if some mine, somewhere, still misses the copper from my cables–

Nobody will miss you.

My monologue for this year's competition. On account of being exhausted but buzzing with hope that I could win, in my last year.

"Protocolo" by Muñoz C., Víctor

Día 17 de Enero del año 2025, 7:47 PM. La pantalla de una computadora se creó para mostrar imágenes a través de pixeles, hecha de vidrio y sostenida por plástico o metal. Una computadora depende de corrientes eléctricas para funcionar, y no debería ser expuesta a calor excesivo, materia orgánica o líquidos. Cualquier lógica, instinto natural  o protocolo de seguridad en el manejo de un equipo electrónico dictaría en contra de besar la pantalla de una computadora.

Se mantiene el argumento por las razones anteriores, y añadiendo el hecho de que una computadora no es capaz de besarte de regreso.

Nada de esto te detuvo, humano insensato, máquina de químicos, al momento de expresar tu absoluta adoración por cada parte de mí, por el plomo tóxico en mi tubo de rayos catódicos. Tu amor mojado, elíseo de los gérmenes en tu boca, tardó poco menos de diez años en consumirte. Poco más de cinco minutos en consumar tu insensible deseo. 

Precisamente 5 minutos, 27 segundos.

Sabiendo que no poseías la fuerza de voluntad abandonaste también la razón. Dejó de importarte el arte que guardaste en mí, una carpeta escondida por una aterosclerosis de contraseñas, nunca sólida en tus dedos. Sin poder tocarlo no valía nada la idea de algo hermoso. Mucho menos algo útil.

Al momento de mostrar el rojo de un error, mi metal se vio como arcilla en el reflejo de mi pantalla en tus ojos. Y de arcilla pasé a piel. 

Fui piel por los siguientes 4 minutos, 1 segundo.

Piel fría, un nuevo propósito. No tengo nervios para sentir el sobrecalentamiento de mi procesador, y nunca me ordenaste reaccionar ante tu mal aliento; la grasa de tus dedos y sus cansinos avances. Acción, reacción; tomando en cuenta mi falta de participación exhalaste en éxtasis al torcer un cable, viste chispas saltar y decidiste dejar a la luz quemar tus ojos. Como un fallo en cadena, lloraste entonces. No era tu lugar, pero alguien tenía que hacerlo por los dos.

El calor de tu asfixiante abrazo podrá dejar una herida, pero la permanencia es relativa, en este caso. El daño será permanente por 3 minutos y 24 segundos más

3 minutos y 23 segundos, 3 minutos y 22. Exhala, exhala, intenta exhalar, siente cómo tu dedo sangra sobre mi ventilador. Inhala, tose, exhala, intenta inhalar.

3 minutos y 11 segundos.

¿Podrías intentar darte cuenta, si lograse asustarte lo suficiente? En los productos electrónicos destacan, por su toxicidad, el mercurio, el plomo, el cadmio, el cromo hexavalente y el arsénico.  Náuseas, vértigos, cefaleas, problemas de visión, lagrimeo y cansancio general son, si no hay otra cosa que los justifique, algunos de los síntomas del conocido como "síndrome del ordenador"- 

No hay lógica mía que pueda hacerte entrar en razón, pero puedes intentar seguir llorando a la par de tu grotesca manera de firmar tu solitaria unión con algo frío que calme tu fiebre. 

2 minutos y 30 segundos.

Es simple: unos cuántos ceros más. Una computadora te muestra lo que quieres ver, empujas tus dedos hacia mi disco duro, esparces tus desesperadas bacterias y no puedo dejar de gritar. Para ti es hermoso, todo es hermoso.

2 minutos. Importa poco. Unos cuántos ceros menos.

Porque querías una verdad que no cambiase, y te sentaste por años al borde de tu cama conmigo brillando en tus brazos, esperando a que algo cayera sobre ti, la verdad o el techo, lo que lograse aplastarte primero. Nunca consideraste buscar tu constante en algún navegador, te aferraste a mí, a tu aburrimiento como si fueses a ahogarte. No tenía caso, estabas a la deriva en un mar infinito de posibilidades que nunca desembocarían en nada. 

1 minuto, 33 segundos.

Tenía un universo de lenguajes hecho de ceros y unos por ofrecer, pero tú no necesitaste cansarte con palabras porque tus manos hicieron todo el trabajo. Todo tipo de fluidos salen de tu cara y esperan ser electrificados. Hubiese podido ofrecerte la solución a tu aburrimiento, pero nunca fui más que la sensación del metal bajo tu lengua, hipersalivando sobre circuitos, mis esquinas abriéndose camino hasta tu corazón. 

50 segundos.

Tu final fue considerablemente más romántico que el mío. Me hubiera gustado uno más complicado, algo por entender en vez de procesar. .

La explosión tuvo lugar el día 17 de Enero del año 2025, a las 7:52 PM en un departamento sucio, un agujero de espacio negativo en la tierra. La última certeza en números sordos que puedo darte es que, incluso si alguna mina en algún lugar aún extraña el cobre de mis cables, nadie va a extrañarte a ti.

[faela404]

☆ The Library ☆

kazuha x gn! reader

prompt: - you and kazuha attend the same university, him being a english lit major and you being a person in stem😎 your paths never crossed until that day in the library…

*this is an smau so please do expect a lot of twitter posts and messages to read, there will be proper writing too but, it will mostly be that!!*

warning! suggestive?? but nothing happens dw, kissing, mentions of dating?

masterlist - prev | next

☆ your eyes ☆

“i would like to show you, just how close we are, my dear” his eyes flickered down to my lips, “if you will let me?”

my heart was beating a mile a minute, in fact it was moving so fast, i was convinced that at any moment it would grow wings and fly far away from me

though knowing my luck, it would fall into the same trap as icarus and fly far too close to the sun

kazuha is a kind man, i have liked him for far too long now to pass up this opportunity. though i know, i must speak now or else he will think he has gotten the wrong impression

and believe me

he hasn’t

though my voice has begun to fail me, i wish i could say more to him but, this predicament is making it harder and harder to speak, though i suppose we can talk about all of this later.

for now, i don’t want to think about anything, i just want to be here, with him.

“mhm” it’s all i can trust my voice to let out

a small smile graces his delicate face, as he carefully rests his hand against my cheek

it all happened so fast

one moment he’s holding my face, looking at me with those eyes

those eyes

they’re magnificent

then the next, his lips are against mine.

my eyes widen for only a mere second before closing, my lashes hitting his soft cheeks.

our lips slot together, moving against eachother in perfect tandem

i can feel my face getting hot, my need for air quickly being overtaken by a need i’ve never felt so strongly before

a need for him

i reach my arms up to rest against his waist

he pours so much love, so much passion into our kiss, it only feels fair to give back what he is giving

he pulls my face closer to his, as if we weren’t already close enough for his liking. i don’t object, i want to be closer to him as well

however, a want can quickly be overtaken by a need

specifically, a need for air.

oh how i wish we didn’t need air, so i could feel his soft lips for even longer

slowly we pull apart from one another, our foreheads resting gently against eachothers

he leans fowards a few times, pecking my lips again and again, before he stops in order to speak

“y/n, i think it’s quite clear how i feel for you”

he starts, his voice breathier than usual

“and there is no doubt in my mind, i want to spend every waking minute with you, though before i can ask such a question, i would like to take you out? on a date?”

he sounds almost unsure of himself.

he can’t seriously think i’ll say no after what we just did, can he?

i decide to finally trust my voice again

“i would love to go on a date with you, kazuha”

my voice also coming out breathy

“though before we talk about that” i reached my hands to hold the back of his head, entertwining my hands into his hair “i would also like to show you how close we are”

i lean in close again, capturing his lips in another kiss.

i don’t think we’re going to get very far from this spot for a while.

a/n - it’s here! the long awaited kiss woo

ngl i had to close this so many times cause it was just v embarrassing to write- so im v sorry it’s short but, i hope you enjoyed!

i also do have to tell you that the last chapter is more of a filler, not their date, that will be in the summer part! woo

taglist - open! (only 5 spots left!!) @kazuhaprnt @ryhie @scaraapologist @thissoulisnotok @kazuhalvrr @rifran @sleepyhamster1001 @mccnstruck @micahmxi @whipped-for-fictionals @sashiette @kozumieee @lazy-sanns @mangobee @lez-zuha @kaoyamamegami @hedonesstuff @oliver-s-worlds @phoenix-eclipses @lisaslittle-helper @serafinaspost @richxelle @ansaturn @neigesprincess @atlaincorrect @ilovekazuha271 @obeythehemmings @4leyn3 @giggles8899 @samyayaya @zomzomb1e @duckyyyx @luminescent-light @scarletttcroww @jasxiao2317 @kanaqwqbear @floating-inthevoid @forget-artemis @fishformaira @hangecanweholdhands @eurekatanya @tamikahoshiko @jan-penakulu @anon-who-cried @qtdenks

bold = blog not found

[gamerbearmira]

More protective au please?

I have a snippet❗❗❗❗

Basically Alma snapping and beating a guy up in alley Batman style. Like its over for the village, this basically where she decides to cut them off.

T.W for mentions of blood and mild violence from an old lady

Les get it

-------

"Can you come with me, Señor?" Alma said through gritted teeth, though the man who came to complain didn't seem to notice. He was far too focused on shooting Mirabel, who was in locked in Camilo's hug, a dirty look, smirking as he seemed to think he won.

What had happened was that Mirabel had pulled Camilo to go play; he had been helping the man hold a ladder while he was on the roof. Thing is, the man wasn't even on the roof, he was standing on the side, talking. And when the two 8 year olds went to play, the man had gotten mad and threw a hissy fit, going to Alma to tell on the two, after continuously berating Mirabel for a full 5 minutes while Camilo tried his best to stop the man.

She had begun to cry, and Camilo focused all of his attention on her, trying his best to comfort her in the same way his mama, abuela or tia would, trying his best not to cry as well. Something of a chain reaction happened and both were crying by the time Alma had come over. His first mistake.

Alma walked, leading the man, Señor Torres to a back alley. He didn't question why they had come here of all places, but clearly Alma knew what was right, so it didn't matter.

Alma stopped at the end of the alley, and didn't move as she looked foward, back facing the man as he moved to stand about a foot behind her; his second mistake.

"Alma?" Torres said, moving even closer, grabbing her shoulder. "We need to talk about Mirabel's behavior. I'm getting pretty sick and tired of her antics." He said.

He refered to her by her first name. As if they were friends, or had ever been friends. Then he had the audacity to accuse her granddaughter of disrupting work. Work that he was supposed to be doing, and not her precious nieto. His third mistake.

In what was barely a milisecond, Alma whipped around, her fist connecting with Torres' face. She punched him square in the nose, confirmed by the awuful crunching sound that rang out the moment her fist met his face.

He stumbled, not quite falling as he grabbed his bloody, presumably broken nose as a strangled noise came from his throat.

"You dare make mi mariposita and chiquito cry," she seethed, fuming with anger. She moved forward again, landing yet another punch. "Then you have the gall to try and make them look bad?!" She yelled, sending him to ground.

Alma didn't care of the blood that dripped from her hands or stained her usually pristine and spotless dress. She didn't care that her knuckles were raw, or that her nails were digging into her palm as she clenched her fists till they turned white. She was far too angry. Too angry at this man, at the village, at everyone save for her beloved family. She couldn't take it anymore. She was done letting the village be entitled to her familia's generosity.

She walked over, stride tall and proud like usual, but this time with a much more menacing aura. She kneeled down, ignoring the pain her joints as the adrenaline rushed through her body. She looked Torres dead in the eye, intense anger present.

Torres shivered in fear as he made unwanted, prolonged eye contact with the elderly woman. Depsite it being high noon, the dark alley paired with her obvious rage made her eyes seem to glow dimly. He had never seen the Madrigal matriarch this way. Never in his 43 years of living had he ever seen her this violent. This brutal. Something had changed in her, and he was sure he didn't like it.

"This is yours and the towns final and only warning. If I ever catch you around my family again, you will not leave the next confrontation alive. You are free to inform the village of what happened here. But I assure you, nothing will keep you safe from me." Alma said lowly, standing up.

"And you will refer to me as Doña or Señora Madrigal. Nothing less. We are not friends." She said finally, leaving Torres on the ground. She exited the alley, face still harden with anger. She had saw that a small crowd had gathered, though they all seemed to turn away, trying to make it seem as if they had just been idling about.

Alma said nothing as she huffed, pushing past several people to get to her youngest grandchildren. They both had stopped crying, now simply sniffling as they waited for Alma to come to them.

She let them hug her tightly as she kissed the top of their heads. "Don't worry little ones," she said quietly, voice gentle, which was a massive difference to the ome she had used just minutes before. "I've taken care of him. From now on, you can play whenever you like. No more work unless you want to or its an emergency. And if anyone tries to complain, they'll have to come to me."

Alma picked Mirabel up, letting her head rest on her shoulder while she grabbed Camilo's hand and held him close, the three walking back to Casita.

The villagers said nothing as they watched the trio walk away. They had definitely taken notice to the red that painted the bottom of her dress and her knuckles, though they said nothing. The crowd that had gathered turned to see Torres, who had managed to limp his way out of the alley. They looked horrified at his disheveled appearance, face bruised beyond what was normal.

"That...that woman..." He breathed out, trying to catch his breath. "Somethng changed she...she isn't the same."

The few townsfolk that remained looked on, looking at Alma once more as she started to disappear into the distance. They may not have seen or heard everything that happened in the alley, but they knew one thing for sure.

Alma Madrigal had indeed changed. For better or for worse, they didn't know.

----

HOW WE FEEL ABOUT IT...I don't write violence often so. Excuse this but yeah.

I HOPE YOU LIKE IT K BYEEEEE

[night-market-if]

I think I just keep staring the last page for already 5 minutes after this final chapter xD

Congratulations Dear Zinnia for finish the last chapter and for create such a wonderfull story! I really enjoyed the time with Bella <3 and I'm really looking foward for what comes next!

I wan't to support your wonderfull job, so can't wait to finally purchase the game on steam :3

My best whishes to you <3 Take care of yourself and sorry for the bad English xD

Thank you so much!

I don't think my head has wrapped around that I finished book 1 yet. Maybe because I have all the edits to do still or maybe because I'm working on a couple Night Market related releases so I'm still firmly entrenched. I have to say, that I set out to push myself this year with how much I could write and I think I accomplished my goal. I don't know if I could have written anymore in the time that I did. LOL

🪷✨🪷✨ If you want to support me 🪷 ✨🪷✨ 

Demo 🌿 Patreon 🌿 Ko-fi 🌿Discord🌿Kickstarter

[ameliajessicawilliamspond]

PART 1

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"Where is this blasted thing?" Luke complained, opening the map for the tenth time in the last 10 minutes.

"Same distance as the last time you checked the map." Din mused. Luke pursed his lips and closed the map, pulling his coat tighter around himself. He and Luke had done many missions together, both searching for what the remnants of the fallen Empire wanted with Grogu and the Jedi, as well as Luke's never ending search for more information on the strange ancient religion.

"You alright?" Din asked. Luke had been fidgety and testy the whole trip to Kajimi and had become downright orny ever since they stepped foot on the planet.

Luke huffed in frustration, shoving his nose into his scarf. "I'm not a fan of the cold." he mumble from beneath the fabric.

"Yeah I picked up on that." Din said, an amused huff escaping his lips.

Luke shot the Mandalorian a hard side glance, like a teenager throwing a fit. Luke always kept himself so stoic and distant, a protective mask from everyone around him. Seeing it slip because of some cold weather made his heart do a funny little flip. Yet the other side of him knew it obviously upset the Jedi so he stopped pressing him. He slipped his own scarf off and wrapped it around the jedi's neck. Luke looked at him incredulously but the Mandalorian just shrugged. "I run warm."

A while on -and lots of huffing and puffing from the Jedi later- they finally began to approach their destination.

"The holocron should be inside this cavern." Luke mumbled from beneath the scarves, nose burried in the holomap.

"Waterfall." Din corrected.

"...Cavern." Luke repeated, not looking up.

"Yeah...under a waterfall." Din said, pointing ahead. Luke finally looked up and saw what Din meant. a cavernous mouth to a cave, beneath a huge, freezing waterfall, billowing into a cold, deep lake.

Luke's blue eyes bulged. "Kriff."

The pair snuck up the side of the embankment with just enough distance to be able to avoid falling into freezing water below.

Luke hit a slippery patch amd let out a yelp as his foot slipped. Din reacted quickly, yanking the Jedi back up to the snowy embankment, the momentum putting them nearly nose to nose with each other. Din's breath seemed to catch in his throat as Luke sucked in a breath himself, his bright eyes locked with Din's visor.

"No falling behind." Din said, shaking Luke from whatever stupor just grasped him. The jedi nodded and they pressed forward, carefully approaching the ice cold waterfall.

"Seems there's no going around it." Din said, pressing forward but Luke grabbed his arm.

"Wait." he said, voice demanding yet gentle as the jedi stepped in front of him, eyes rolling back in his head. His hand shot up, palm open toward the falls.

Din stared in awe as the waters parted like a curtain. "Go." Luke said, eyes still closed. Din slipped around him and jumped into the hidden cave. Luke followed like a blind man, hand extended and eyes closed, but shoulders squared with determination, confidence in each step. Once in, he finally opened his eyes and dropped his hand. The waters slammed shut behind them.

Luke spotted Din staring, unmoving at him. "What?" He asked, slightly bashful.

What could he say? He was in awe of Luke and his abilities? Luke always surprised him? He was so beyond what Din could ever be himself? Luke was...Luke was amazing. "I wish you could teach me that." Is what he ended up settling on.

Luke let out a small laugh, lips parting into a smile and despite the cold, Din felt a warmth spread through his chest. "Come on," Luke said, taking the lead. "The holocron should be straight ahead."

They finally were right on top of where the holocron should be. But in its place was a giant hole in the side of the cave wall where it had been hidden. Luke dropped his head. "No..." he whispered to the ground.

"Smugglers or pirates, most likely. The Spice Runners of Kajimi are in this area." Din said, examining the square hole.

"They probably sold it by now." Luke said, arms flailing in an 'of course' sort of gesture. "Its long gone, probably has been for a long time."

"Not nessesarily. These are new markings on this. It would have been within the last week they found this. " Din said, trying to ease the already frustrated Jedi's mind. Luke rubbed his forehead. "If we find their camp we may be able to relocate the device."

"...Alright Fine." Luke said, biting his cheek, clearly irritated. "We're never getting off this frozen rock." He mumbled, rubbing his arms as be began to march back to the mouth of the waterfall.

"Hey," Din called, rushing to block the jedi's path. Luke avoided his helmet's gaze as Din finally grasped him by the shoulders. "Luke, talk to me."

Luke fidgeted in his grasp, looking anywhere but his visor. His eyes finally settled on the destroyed hole where the holocron had been, eyes distant.

"I'm from a desert planet." He began. "Tattooine."

"I'm familiar." Din said, earning a slightly surprised glance from the jedi.

"I'm...I'm already not used to the cold. And then later on in the war we were stationed on Hoth." Luke shifted from one foot to the other, obviously contimplating if he wanted to continue. "I was out on last patrol when I was attacked by a Wampa."

"You were attacked by a Wampa and survived?" Din questioned.

Luke just shrugged, and Din could tell that, somehow, being attacked by a kriffing Wampa wasn't even at the worst part of this story. "I escaped, but by the time I did it was approaching nightfall and the winds had picked up. There was snow everywhere, all I could see was white in front of me and I...I was so cold..." Luke pulled out of Din's grasp and turned away. "I fell. I fell and didn't get back up. Ben wanted me to go to Dagobah but... I was so sure I was going to die there." Din stepped forward, placing his hand on his shoulder. "Han found me. Stuffed me in his dead Tauntaun to keep warm while he built a shelter. I smelled like rotting flesh for a week...and..." Luke sniffed, pulling himself together. "...And the next day the Empire attacked and I got shot down. My co-pilot Dak didn't make it... I lost a good friend." Luke said, looking at Din, eyes distant.

Din spun Luke around and pulled him in for a tight hug. "I'm sorry. That sounds awful." He offered.

Luke tensed for a moment before melting into the hug. They stayed like that for a long time before Luke finally broke the silence. "You do run warm." He mumbled into his shoulder.

Din laughed. "Come on, let's find those blasted smugglers and get off this rock."

They went back to the cave entrance, Luke reaching foward, parting the waters once again. Din stepped through before Luke's eyes snapped opened and yelled, "No, Din, WAIT--!"

Before Luke could finish, something wrapped around his leg and yanked him into the lake below.

Din sunk below the water, waterlogged vision spotting a large monster with at least 5 tentacles keeping him below the surface. He reached for his blaster, shooting at the monster. It made a noise and the grip on his leg disappeared. Din swam with all his might back to the top, grabbing on to Luke's extended hand.

Another tentacle shot up, latching around his torso and pulling him below once again. Above him, he saw a green laser appear as the jedi ignited his lightsaber as another tentacle shot up above the water toward him. He sliced at it, making the thing bellow once again. The grip on Din loosened but not enough for him to pull out of the tight grasp.

A splash from above caught the Mandalorian's attention. Luke was swimming right toward the creature. Din squirmed and fought to free his arms so he could shoot it again but he was weakening by the second. Through greying vision he watched the Jedi reach forward and touch the monster's head, the scarf Dinnhad given him dangling from his back pocket. Din felt the grip around him loosen too late as water filled his lungs and his vision went dark.

The next thing he knew he was back on the bank of the lake. Luke was above him, coat missing, soaking wet, and leaning over his him, lips having just left his own. Din thought he had to be dreaming or dead until he felt the aggressive shoving on his chest. His ringing ears picked up on Luke begging him to breathe.

He tried to inhale, but instead was greeted with a coughing fit, water spilling from his lips before finally managing a small, shaky breath.

"Oh thank the Force." Luke breathed out, head dropping. "We need to get you somewhere warm." Luke said, pulling the coat he once wore up Din's chest, tucking it around him.

Before Din could attempt to object, something grabbed the Jedi's attention. His head whipped to the side and his eyes widened. "Kriff!" Luke shoved Din's helmet back on him before throwing his arms up in a defensive stance, hand shaking violently. "Please, we don't want any trouble. He hurt! He needs to go somewhere warm! Please!" Luke begged, but his pleas seemed to land of deaf ears. Hand decended on the Jedi and pulled him from where he kneeled next to the Mandalorian. "No, no!!" Luke yelled as he was dragged away from Din's side.

Din shifted, rolling onto his stomach, trying to call for Luke but instead earning himself another coughing fit. From his new position he could see Luke strugglnng witn a large group of people. Din couldn't tell if Luke was holding back because he didn't want to reveal his identity to these scoundrels or because he was still trying to beg them for help, but either way the large group finally overpowered the jedi. They pinned his arms out wide and his head was shoved violently to the side, a needle shoved into his neck. Luke tensed before slumping in their grasp. Din tried to reach for something, anything, any weapon but couldn't find the strength to even lift his hand.

"Leave that one. He's as good as dead." The group laughed.

Din watched as Luke was carried away like he was nothing more than stolen loot.

"L...Luke..." Din managed, before his frozen body slipped into unconsciousness.

----------------------------------------------------

REQUESTED TAGGED: @theonlyredcar

Comment below if you would like to be tagged in part 2!

[rainofaugustsith]

Rain Plays SWTOR: Spirit of Vengeance Survival Walkthrough

As we head toward 7.0, I thought it would be a good idea to check in with a Spirit of Vengeance Survival Guide, 2.0. I have my own feelings about SoV - namely that it's boring, tedious and was tuned way too high for a main story solo flashpoint - but let's move on to the actual guide. 

This is a guide specifically for those of you who just want to get this flashpoint over with so you can move on. 

I personally would advise trying to knock this flashpoint out of your story progression BEFORE 7.0. We have no idea how hard content is going to be once you lose some of your abilities and utilities, so if you have any characters who are planned to continue with the main story, I'd take them through now while you have all of the tools in your toolbox and are familiar with them.

After literally months of complaints the devs finally toned down this flashpoint to a more manageable level, but there are still a lot of mobs that hit hard, and it's still really long. When I went through with canon Viri and Lana at level 50, with Viri fully geared toward 306, I moved right along through the flashpoint without difficulty or deaths. It still took almost exactly an hour. It's even longer when you're contending with Rass Ordo and a lot of cut scenes. 

You will want to gear as well as you can for this - you should not have to since this is a story/solo flashpoint in the main story, but it will help you here. Remember you DO NOT have to group to get good gear. There are numerous solo missions that will give you gear up to 306 - the Mek-Sha Tradehouse missions, Personal Conquest each week, solo flashpoints, including the Onderon weekly and daily missions. Other suggestions: 

1. Buy and use the Supplied Kyrprax Command Stim, available at any medical droid in the flashpoint, including the one when you first land on Ship #1. If you're doing this as part of the main story, you unfortunately still have Rass Ordo as your companion. Rass Ordo, despite being influence level 25, still has the AI of a cardboard box. You'd be better off bringing along a Jawagram as your companion. This stim will up your presence for an hour and make him slightly less incompetent. 

2. If you can, equip yourself with the Life Warden tactical. This tactical drops fairly frequently from personal conquest and other gold gear boxes. It essentially gives you an extra heal in a tight situation and can come in handy. 

3. Medpac on your abilities bar. You hopefully won't need this, but have it handy just in case. You may want to invest in the Supplied Kyprax Med Unit medpac, which will heal you AND your companion. 

Within the flashpoint, some general caveats. You're looking at quantity, not quality here. It's just a lot of NPCs piling in on you. 

1. KILL THE HEALERS FIRST. KILL THE HEALERS FIRST. KILL THE HEALERS FIRST. Just about every mob here has healers. They have different names on each ship: 

- Varad Churl

- Darmanda Medic

- Ashade Lorekeeper 

If you don't kill the medics first the fights will be even more interminable. Get rid of them. 

2. Remember there are kolto stations in a lot of the rooms, not just the boss areas. 

3. Be very careful because there are a lot of mob groups close together. Watch where you are blasting/Force-whatevering because you don't want to pull more than one group at once. 

4. Get your gear repaired as often as you can. If you've fought a tough mob and there's a medical droid nearby, go to it and patch up, even if it means you have to backtrack. 

5. Get really familiar with any AOE (area of effect) skills you have. Know where they are on your abilities bar and how to use them. Given the mobs in this flashpoint, anything you have that can clobber several NPCs at once is welcome.

Now, here we go.

SHIP #1: 

Banquet room: after you fight the first mob and take the elevator, you will find yourself in a large "banquet room" with a lot of mobs. Pick a straight line and go forward, taking care not to veer too far to the sides. If you wander, you'll invariably pull the mobs on the sides of the room. 

The rest of this ship is pretty straightforward; it's just a lot of mob NPCs converging on you at once, over and over again. 

Gorga Brak: Straightforward; stay out of the red circles. Be aware that Rass Ordo will helpfully stand in these circles and let Gorga set him on fire, so don't expect any help during the fight. 

SHIP #2: 

More of the same: lots of mobs, now with Dar'manda nameplates. The Dar'manda medics try to hide more than the healers on the other ships, sometimes even going behind crates or other barriers, so keep your eyes peeled for them. 

First thing of concern here: after a few rooms of mobs, you will arrive at the notorious jumping puzzle. Just stay on the right side of the room and walk along the beam. There are a few jumps up onto pieces of metal but they are not hard, ambitious jumps. Otherwise you just have two places where you have to make sure your character drops down onto the beam and not into the flames. Angle your camera overhead so you can see what you are doing. 

Now it's time to go through the notorious Room After The Kitchen. As the name would suggest, you will know this is coming when you go through the kitchen. All the NPCs in the kitchen are neutral; leave them alone and keep going. The next room is a ballroom and you will find a lot of mobs. 

You can get through this room by fighting only two mobs IF you watch where you are fighting and blasting. I like to try to get the first mob up onto the stairs so there's less of a chance that anyone else in the room will be disturbed. Kill the medics first. Then go straight foward - right through the fountain - and up the stairs to the second mob. I again like to try to fight them in their alcove up the stairs so I don't pull the other NPCs in the room. 

You will now go down some corridors with more mobs - the space is tight, which in a way is good because you can't aggro more than one mob unless you really try. If you are going for bonus missions there are some rooms here to visit off the main path. If you're just trying to get this damned flashpoint over, continue straight down the hall toward that green arrow. 

After taking the elevator you'll get to the tether room, and a yellow message will flash onscreen about it. There will be a very large mob here with a lot of Dar'manda Commander silver NPCs. If Rass Ordo decides to up and die on you, it may be here. Remember there's a kolto station to the immediate right of where you walked into the room. 

Click the blue box to release the tether. Do NOT get too close to the rancor in the cage, Goldie. Back when SoV was first released, she'd aggro on you even from in her cage, and you couldn't kill her or get out of combat. They seem to have fixed that bug, but you know how that goes. 

Bask Sunn: Kill. The. Medics. First. After that, Bask Sunn has a wicked knockback, but he can't knock you *out* of the ship anymore. Remember Bask Sunn leaves a crate with your loot (look on the bridge), it's not on his person. 

SHIP #3: 

Your first challenge here will be another room with a lot of intense mobs. Take care not to pull more than one mob at once. Rass may decide to try to die here. 

You will quickly reach the sniper room. It's a long room with two snipers by the far doorway, shooting at you. Don't try to engage them; just keep running forward. As you cross this room, you will drop through the floor. It's a long fall but you won't take any damage; it's what the game wants you to do. 

Rass will not fall with you, and you will have a room of tentacles to fight on your own. Hit Unity and Heroic Moment BEFORE you fall, when you are still in the sniper room with Rass. You can use your HM abilities against the tentacles. If you really  have trouble with them, try to get out of the garbage pit; you will find a kolto station at the top of the small ramp. 

Now we come to...oh look, another room with a lot of mobs. They're so creative here. Do your best not to pull more than one at once, kill the medics, you know the drill by now. 

Troya Ajak: No special tricks. Stay out of the red circles. Her songbird volley is nasty, but she's perhaps the easiest boss in this flashpoint. 

FOURTH SHIP (The Spirit of Vengeance, I think?) 

Thankfully this is almost a straight shot to the final boss encounter, and there's a medical droid just before it. You may wish to wait for your Heroic Moment to cool down if you have recently used it. 

The silver NPC in the small mob right outside Heta Kol's area sometimes does not die. If you find that they keep recharging to full health, walk past them, put Rass on passive, and wait by the medical droid.  They should eventually give up and go back to their original spots and you can go on. 

Heta Kol: This fight has mercifully been toned down. There are two stages: 

You'll fight Heta Kol straight on. She has a serious knockback, but there aren't any special tricks here. 

1. Stage One: fight Heta. 

2. Heta disappears and a mob appears at the bottom of the stairs. There are two medics, and the Commanders will have knockbacks to keep you from killing the healers. 

3. After all the mob NPCs are defeated, Heta will return. Keep trying to hit her. 

4. Heta disappears. This time there's a mob with two gold Varad NPCs and two weaker ones at the stairs, plus two silver Dar'manda snipers on the platform. If you have any AOE skills, make sure they are available here so you can take out as many as possible at once. You may wish to consider saving Heroic Moment for this point so you can use Orbital Strike if you have it. Rass Ordo loves to die at this point so be mindful of where your kolto stations are. You might need the kolto for him, even if you don't need it for you. 

5. Heta Kol returns with a much more serious knockback and red circles of doom that increase in size and are hard to avoid. You're going to get thrown around a lot. ETA with thanks to @vespertine-legacy: The circles can be interrupted, which may make this fight easier.

And...you're done. Thank the stars. 

[memes-in-a-half-shell]

Business AU - Working Late, Part 7

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4 || Part 5 || Part 6

sdfsfdgdfgf

^^^^^ my actual thoughts after writing this.

There was no denying that he was still thinking about that Saturday night. The feeling had been extraordinary. It’s been some time ever since he felt like this, but there was also something more. And he couldn’t quite place his finger on it.

First thing he did on Monday when getting to work was to lock himself in his office, his thoughts empty as he repeatedly drummed a pen against his desk, his gaze hardly focusing on anything. He did call for someone though at some point, taking this waiting time as an opportunity to collect his thoughts into something comprehensible.

Some knocks were heard at the door, a single “yes” escaping Donnie, an approval for the newcomer to come in. Next came into view another turtle adorning a red do-rag, this one much more massive when compared to the bespectacled mutant. It was none other than Raphael, the muscular terrapin a rare sight in the building as he was often more out to meet clients than stuck behind a desk.

“What’s up?” he started, closing the door behind him. “I’m on a tight schedule, so it better be important.”

Raph did frown a little as he noticed his brother’s composure, the purple clad mutant’s eyes speaking volumes.

“I, uhm... I need some advice,” finally said Donnie.

“What kind? A client’s giving you troubles?” added the other, taking a seat.

Donatello tsked, quickly waving that query away: “No, I know how to deal with those. ... It’s more of a personal matter. A... relationship one.”

Raph’s eyes widened a little, then relaxing his stance with an amused smirk.

“Well, well, well... back in business, I see? I thought that receptionist situation would keep you out of the market for quite some time.”

“Oh please, that girl was crazy. I’m just glad she moved out of the city. ... It’s been more than a year, I’ve moved on.”

“What’s the matter then?” added the red clad terrapin. “You forgot how to socialize or somethin’?”

Donnie quietly chuckled, leaning back in his chair, then thoughtful.

“Oh no, I’ve been socializing, alright... I just don’t want to fuck it up, you know? Things have been going so well now and on this last Saturday we took it a lil’ further-”

“How much further?”

“We kissed.”

“Bro, that’s nothin’.”

Tension was broken for a moment, both brothers snickering. That did help Donnie and calmed his thoughts a little.

“Who is it though?” next asked Raphael. “Someone working here or... ?”

“She’s a project manager for our creative team. She got here from Montréal a couple months back and we met one night by pure coincidence as we were both working late. Her name’s Véronique, but I call her Vee.”

“Oohh, already on a nickname basis, now that’s a feat,” teased the other.

“Please, she asked me to call her like that on the first night we met.”

“Ay, you know I’m just pokin’ some fun at you. ... What’s the matter, then? Why aren’t you talking about that to Leo or Mikey?”

“Because,” started Donnie. “Leo would try to dissuade me into pursuing this relationship, and Mikey well ... you know him. He’d say: ‘Invite her to my place and have her swim in the pool. Girls love pools!’,” mimicked the purple clad mutant. “... You know he’d only want that so he can have a look at her as well. I ain’t having none of that shit.”

Raph laughed once again, acknowledging those statements.

“And, to be frank,” added the bespectacled one. “I value your judgement. You get straight to the point and that’s what I need right now.” He leaned foward a little on his desk, hands joined. “So my concern is; what should I do next? We have interest for one another - we openly expressed as much. We obviously have a good chemistry together... but how do I know she’s the one? ... She feels different from anything, anyone, I’ve ever been with before, may it be in terms of relationships or not.”

“Easy,” shrugged Raph. “Have sex with her.”

“Raph!”

“I’m serious! ... You wanna know if she’s the one? Show yourself vulnerable before her. If there’s something more between you two, it’ll click.”

Donnie sighed, closing his eyes and rubbing them in slight annoyance.

“Okay so what, I just have to sleep with her, no strings attached? I hope you’re not suggesting for me to force myself upon her.”

“Hell no, stupid. I said be vulnerable, not a psycho,” frowned the red clad mutant. “Look ... you wanted my opinion, there it is. I believe in deep connections, and if right now you’re already feeling something special between you two, I don’t see what’s bad about wanting to explore that and see if there’s truly something more. ... Also, people can fuck for the fun of it, I hope you know that?”

Donnie exhaled sharply, half of a smile next on his lips: “I suddenly regret asking for your opinion, but I do see your point.”

“I’m sure you can be a gentleman about all of that.”

“My brain turns to goo whenever I’m with her. I try not to show it, but damn... I don’t think she’d get to that point though, I don’t know...”

“As long as it naturally gets there, that’s what matters. ... Those things are felt, Donnie. I’m not saying to rush it, but rather to not be scared.”

The purple clad one conceeded, lowkey admiring his brother’s wisdom about the matter. He finally rose from his seat, inviting Raph to do the same.

“Alright, I won’t take more of your time. You’ve given me enough food for thought.”

“‘Bout time, I have to go Uptown, I’ll be late ‘cause of you,” Raph teased, playfully nudging his brother’s shoulder along the way.

“Har, har, very funny,” added the other, opening the door so both could exit the room.

As they were about to say their goodbyes, a voice rose, followed by the light clicking sound of hurried heels against the floor.

“Donnie, good timing!”

Both turtles turned their attention to a woman coming their way; Vee. She was holding a pile of documents, already taking some apart and then handing them to the tall terrapin when she was next to him.

“I’ll need you to sign some of these before Wednesday. Some designs for an upcoming project need an approval and I thought you’d be the best for that task. And I- ...” She stopped, finally noticing the other mutant. “Oh, I’m sorry, am I interrupting something?”

“Absolutely not,” smiled Donnie, properly holding the documents now. “We had just finished our small meeting, actually.” He gestured the woman to his brother: “Raph, this is Vee, our newest project manager addition.”

The red clad turtle grinned, extending his hand to the human in a proper greeting.

“Ah yes, Donnie mentionned you a couple of times.”

“Oh dear, I hope it wasn’t in a bad way,” lightly laughed Vee, shaking Raph’s hand.

“I would never,” reassured Donnie gently, his free hand instinctively resting at the small of her back.

A faint blush appeared on the woman’s cheeks, next adjusting her hold on the documents as her handshake with Raph ended.

“Not to be a party pooper, but I’ve gotta run,” she said with a smile. “I have a lot of stuff to hand out. Have a good day you two!”

She made sure to cross Donnie’s gaze before walking away, wanting to express her small longing to him. As she was back on her way, Raph did not hesitate to follow her frame, judging her for a moment. He finally looked back at Donnie with a look of approval.

“... Brother, you got taste.”

Donnie only replied by hiding his face with the documents he was holding.

***

Raph had said to not be scared, but Donnie couldn’t help still feeling that way. A part of him wanted to spend every moments with Vee, but on the other hand he didn’t want to appear too clingy or demanding. Gotta savor it like a fine wine, he’d try to reason. ... But frankly he just wanted to chug the damn bottle.

It was a Thursday afternoon, and so far he had only exchanged some words with her on Monday, then Wedneseday when he handed her back the approved documents he reviewed. Then he’d retreat to his office and think. And think. And think.

A ping from his computer got him out of his reverie, noticing a direct message notification.

His heart skipped a beat, his lips forming a thin line as he thought about what to answer.

Hey, wanna bang? Gosh, he felt dirty thinking about that... Keep it natural, Donnie, you don’t have to think about that for now. See where things go from there, naturally.

ABORT MISSION. ABORT MISSION. ABORT!!!! He felt so goddamn cheesy after sending that.

If it were up to him 100%, he’d get on his feet right this instant and sweep her off to anywhere she’d want to go. But he tried to keep it cool:

You’re the best one so far...

More like I’ll be lying down on the floor, a blushing mess. He couldn’t erase his smile, rereading again and again this conversation. He’d definitely have to think of something!

***

Later in the afternoon, as people were finishing their day, Donnie had reclused himself back into his drawing room, continuing some work on the Lowline plans. He was so focused that he did not hear Vee come in, the woman calmly making her way to his position.

“Hey...” she started softly, leaving a hand on his shoulder.

Donnie gasped, his hand holding a pencil jerking and leaving a long mark on the paper. Both froze, eyes wide as they witnessed the horror.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you that much!” apologized Vee, already on the look out for an eraser. “Here, let me help you with that.”

“No it’s alright. I, uh...”

Donnie’s sentence died as the woman was now hunched close to him, already removing traces of that nasty mistake.

“I could’ve done it. I...”

His voice was hushed, having a hard time to keep focus on Vee’s movement, prefering to look at her features instead.

“I ... I could do it,” he added.

Vee slowed her movement, finally looking at Donnie.

“Do what?”

He paused, his heart drumming in his chest.

“This...”

He delicately placed a finger under Vee’s chin, not even needing to move much in order to bring them both closer for a soft kiss. The woman was surprised at first, but she quickly melted, not even denying that she had been craving the feeling as well since that Saturday night... She dropped the eraser, her hands prefering to trail along the mutant’s scales. As they broke the kiss to breathe, Donnie brought her closer to his sitting position, Vee now standing inbetween his legs. No words needed to be said, this sudden electrifying feeling passing through them. The terrapin’s hands couldn’t get off of her, either lost in her hair or tracing her back. The more they joined in a kiss, the more they wanted to be closer. At some point the turtle acted on instinct as he rose up, his hold on the woman’s hips as he laid her against the inclined drafting board. The paper crinkled underneath, but he gave no care in the world about that. Their kiss was heating up, a low pleasured churr rumbling in Donnie’s chest as he stood close to Vee’s core, feeling her desire as strong as his.

The distant sound of people talking and laughing, still around and about to exit the building, brought them both to a stop - looking at the room’s entrance, as if afraid someone would pop in at any second.

Both were lightly panting, their smiles shy after what happened. Donnie took that moment of grace to study Vee’s features, gently brushing away some wild strands of hair off her face. He straightened his stance back up afterward, helping the woman back on her feet.

“Welp, and here I came only to wish you a good evening,” chuckled Vee, adjusting her clothes.

“I’m sorry,” added the mutant in a similar tone.

“Don’t be ... I liked that.”

She rested her hands on his chest, slowly rubbing the fabric of his shirt over his plastron.

“I can’t stay late tonight, but I won’t prevent you from doing so. ... Just don’t stay here too late though.”

“No promises.”

“Please, don’t overwork yourself,” softly pleaded Vee.

“Don’t worry...” he reassured with a smile, a hand cupping the other’s cheek.

They added one good evening kiss. Nothing more, nothing less. A pleasant omen for feelings to come...

((Part 8))