#please tell me if i'm missing something and you're smarter than me because i go nuts every time i think about this and want to scream

[boxfullaturtles]

Of all the little details in Rise that get stuck in my head, the one that constantly keeps floating to the surface is that in Breaking Purple, when Shelldon talks back at Donnie, "01001" is not binary for anything.

It's nothing. It's not enough binary to make a letter, let alone a word.

Unless Shelldon's just shouting the number "9" at Donnie (binary to decimal or hexadecimal, instead of binary to text).

Even if he was just going to say "F you" he'd still need more numbers. "01100110", actually.

[that1geek06]

Hello!

Could you write something with teen!reader and the Avengers where reader got in a fight with his sibling, says something he regrets, and then the Avengers encourage him to apologize and tell reader that he's not a horrible person?

That would be awesome. If you can't, no worries! I'm excited to see what your writing style is like.

Have a good day/night

-V

AHHHH OMG YESS I love this idea, I had a big fight with my sibling not to long ago so lets see how this goes, I hope I do your daydream justice, this is my first one so I'm sorry if its absolute garbago 😭 ANYWAYS enjoyy

-SIBLING RIVALRY-

Avengers X Teen! Male! Reader (Platonic)

Warnings- Angst (I'm not entirely sure how warnings go so pls lmk if I missed one)

Y/N sat at the dining room table, the sound of the ticking clock seeming to make his nerves even more on edge then they were. He grips the roots of his hair tightly as he stared at all the study guides and previous home work assignments, hoping that it will all be engraved into his brain by this coming Monday.

He sighs heavily, finals week was always the worst especially since he has his internship on the line with these scores. Now don't get it wrong Y/N wasn't like Peter Parker, using the internship as a cover for the teen hero to help and slowly join the Avengers. No, Y/N was just a normal kid, sure he was smarter than most but he wish he could just focus on training and hacking rather than why Avogadros number was still accurate when being used in modern day chemistry.

While sitting there the front door opens, and his older sister walks in. Y/N pays no attention his head not even moving up to see who entered which he knows Nat would say is an ignorant move.

"Its nice to see you too Y/N, and thanks for asking, my day was just fantastic, how about you?" Sarah said sarcastically, standing on the other side of the table and watching with a raised brow as she waited for a response.

He mumbled a fine in response, eyes never wavering from their focus on the many papers. In which his sister scoffs, "I get your stressing about these tests but you could show a bit of respect you know."

"Please stop bothering me Sarah I'm trying to focus.." Y/N says dryly, ignoring the oldest comment.

"I would just like to actually get some attention from you, I barely see you because of our schedules and your always to busy now a days-"

"Oh my god, what is so hard to understand about the words Stop. Bothering. Me. I'm trying to focus." He snaps back, finally looking up at her with an annoyed glare. To which Sarah gives one back.

"Well sorry if I come home and I want to talk to the only family I have." Y/N scoffs at her words, "Oh so now your trying to guilt trip me."

She straightens her stance and takes a deep breath, "I just want-"

"No, just shut up, SHUT UP FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE! GODDAMN CAN'T YOU SEE I'M TRYING TO SEE I HAVE A GOOD LIFE INSTEAD OF ENDING UP WITH SOME WAITRESS JOB AND IN A SHITTY APARTMENT! I NEVER ASK YOU TO TAKE ME IN AND HONESTLY I WISH YOU NEVER DID!" He looks up and sees his sister just staring at the ground and he scoffs, "You're not even going to listen to a word I say like normal! Whatever I'm wasting my breath. I'm going to the tower where people know how to leave me alone when I'm busy."

He quickly grabs his papers, stuffing them into his bag and storming out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.

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

Y/N finally makes it to the Avenger tower and heads straight to the elevator, using his keycard to get to the upper floors.

You see, while he wasn't a hero he was still close to the team, his talent made him stand out in the lad and Tony Stark himself took an interest and introduced him to the team. Since then he's been surprisingly close the Earth's mightiest hero's.

The elevator opens to the Avengers living area, Bucky and Steve sitting on the long couch watching an old 80s movie that was still on the list of things to catch up on.

He stomps through the room, going to the empty kitchen area and taking a seat, dropping his book bag and immediately going back to studying.

Bucky and Steve share a questioning look with each other. But before they could say anything Tony and Nat walk in, both were somehow roped into the binging with the super soldiers.

"What's up with sour face over there?" Tony teases, eating a handful of freshly popped popcorn as he takes a seat on the couch.

Steve shrugs, "He just walked in like that, we aren't sure what's wrong."

The 4 of them watch as Y/N's face slowly changes from anger to guilt. His attention seeming to not even be on his work.

Bucky pauses the show and stands, walking over to the sulking teen as the others follow. They all take a seat at the table, concerned and wondering what was the matter.

"You alright kid?" Bucky asks with a worried expression.

Y/N looks away, feeling his eyes start to water as he shook his head. "I think I screwed up, big time." He says in a wobbly voice.

Natasha gives a small encouraging smile, "I'm sure it can't be that bad, why don't you tell us, maybe something can be worked out."

The rest nod in agreement but Y/N just keeps shaking his head. "No, there's no fixing this, I...I was really stressing about my studies and my sister came home. She didn't even do anything wrong she just wanted to talk."

He takes a deep breath, voice shaking as he tries to hold in his emotion, "I wasn't thinking straight and I yelled at her. I told her to shut up, how I wanted a better life than her and I wished she didn't take me in. I didn't mean it at all...I'm such a shitty brother."

Y/N's shoulders slump as he sits there, regretting everything he did.

"Listen kid, I know you think nothing will make what you did better but she's your sister for a reason, sure you made her feel bad-" Steve hits Tony's shoulder at those words, glaring at him before he goes on, "But she'll forgive you in the end, you just have to tell her your sorry."

The 4 look at Tony in surprise and he rolls his eyes, "I get I don't a lot but is me giving this advice really that unbelievable?" Y/N smiles at that, looking at them all while thinking.

"...Do you really think she won't hate me for it?"

He asks softly. Steve smiles and puts a comforting hand on the teens shoulder. "We know she won't."

With a new sense of determination, Y/N stands and grabs his things. Swinging his bag onto his shoulder, "Then I'll go do it now." He heads to the elevator and calls it up. While waiting he looks over at the 4 Avengers, a grateful look in his eyes.

"Thank you, for the advice and everything." He says, and Natasha smirks at him, "They call us hero's for a reason." Y/N laughs, and enters the elevator, the doors slowly close as he starts heading down. Ready to make things right.

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

Bucky looks over at Tony, an angered look on his face. "So are you going to take your own advice and apologize for turning my shampoo into pink hair dye?"

Steve and Natasha starts laughing as Tony groans, "Number one it was temporary so don't get those super soldier panties of yours in a twist, and number two, I'm not apologizing for something as funny as that."

Bucky lunges at Tony who quickly jumps out of his seat and starts running. He was determined to get that apology, even if he had to squeeze it out of the cocky bastard.

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

I HOPED YOU LIKED IT, I enjoyed how it came out, let me know what you goobers thoughtt,

[farfromstrange]

Do No Harm

CHAPTER TWELVE: Oh, Chaos!

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Pairing: Matt Murdock x F!Reader

Summary: You have an eventful day at work rekindling with a new acquaintance and dealing with a peculiar trauma case, but the most prominent thing on your mind is dinner with Matt, and you could really use some advice from someone who knows a thing or two about dates to keep you from canceling.

Warnings for this chapter: slight angst, self-hatred/doubt, mentions of past abuse, mentions of injury

Word Count: 5.3k

A/n: I'm sorry this took so long. I took an unexpected hiatus, and I couldn't break out of the writer's block, so this took close to a month to finish. I read this a dozen times, and I fixed what I could. This is rather "boring" compared to what came before and what I've got planned, but there is plot in there that will become important again later down the line. Just so you know what you're getting yourself into in advance. 'Kay, thank you!

Read Chapter 12: Oh, Chaos! here on AO3

Four missed calls, and twenty text messages. The chat is full of one-sided advances. ‘Claire’ is written on top, but her contact resembles an empty void in contrast. 

I don’t know what I did to deserve this radio silence, but I thought you would like to know I asked Matt out again. I like him. We’re having dinner on Friday. Do with that as you will. 

Hope you’re not dead in a ditch somewhere. 

Call me when you can. Please. 

I’m worried about you. 

Love you. 

It has been like this since Matt called you when you least expected it. Whether he was looking for support, professional advice, or just the sound of your voice, you’re not sure, but it warmed your heart to know he thought of you and no one else, and he picked up the phone to call you. 

Before, you tried telling yourself that there isn’t much between you. You tried telling yourself that perhaps, it would never go anywhere and not to be disappointed because from the start, Matt has been too good to be true, but after sharing a glimpse of your past, you feel closer to him, and you don’t want to let him go. He is the first good thing that has come to you in years. 

Claire’s radio silence hurts. You don’t want to admit it, but sending text after text to your best friend and receiving not even a ‘read’ sign both concerns and upsets you. Ever since she took you under her wing when you came to New York, you’ve—sometimes involuntarily—shared your anger with her, your sadness, your pain, and those rare moments of happiness. 

She was the one who told you to go for it, so her behavior remains suspicious. You want to ask her; you want to confront her about everything and get the truth out of her, but unless she answers your contact attempts or shows up to work, there is not much you can do. You tried from the moment you got home to the second leading up to your next shift at the hospital. So far, nothing. A few days ago, you would have called the police and said that this was nothing like Claire, but now, you’re not so sure anymore what to believe, and it is pissing you off when you should be excited.

Things are looking up. You don’t want to look down and ruin this for yourself, knowing there is a chance your thoughts will most likely turn against you again at some point. You have to enjoy it while it lasts. 

Glancing down at your phone, you walk down one of the hallways at Metro General. You shake your head. It’s been hours. Perhaps after you get off work, you will head to where Claire is staying. Just to check on her. The nagging feeling that shit is about to hit the fan won’t leave you, and it seems like the right thing to do, even if just to ask her what her problem is. 

She’s always so quick to tell you what’s good for you. She gives you advice you never even asked for, but you end up appreciating it regardless. She knows what she’s doing, and she is a lot smarter than you are most of the time. You know her as well as you possibly can after two years; Claire is hiding something, and that is unlike her. If she gets herself in danger because of something she feels like she can’t talk to you about, or if she has an opinion afraid to share with you, you need to know because it is important to you. Your mind is disordered and distorted; you are well aware that sometimes, you don’t see things as clearly as you should. Claire’s rationality is a blessing and a curse. You’re dependent on it.

“Hey, Doc,” a familiar voice sounds from the nurse’s station.

You stop in your tracks, looking up from your phone to the man standing across from you. You haven’t seen that face in a while, even though he spends a lot of time here—almost as much as he does at work. You doubt he ever goes home to sleep. 

Your face lights up, and you stuff your phone back into the pocket of your coat. “Ben!” you exclaim, your lips curving into a smile. 

“Long time no see,” he says in an attempt to match your delighted reaction.

You hate to admit it, but Ben Urich looks worse for wear. Dark circles under his eyes match the deepened wrinkles of exhaustion, and his lips are cracked in more places than one. His shirt shows the slightest of coffee stains he tries to cover with his visitor badge. You doubt he has had the time to do his laundry in a long time. And there is that expression of agony he usually knows how to hide, but the walls he once built around himself are starting to crumble. 

The sympathy you have for this man cannot be put into words—because your feelings are unpleasant most of the time, too, and unless you have been in an impossible situation, all you can have is empathy. You, however, are not a stranger to despair, and the people around you all seem to be carrying too much of it, too. 

You clear your throat, putting the file in your hand aside to shake his. “How have you been?” you dare to ask. 

He shrugs. “Could be better, but… I’m alive. Healthy,” he says. It’s a modified standard answer you do not buy for even a second. 

Your eyes soften, but you try to keep the mood light. God knows what he has been through since the last time you saw him on this very floor. “Yeah? That’s good. The Bulletin still giving you a hard time about the things you want to write?” You chuckle. 

“Ah, you know how it is.” Ben leans against the counter. “Readers these days are apparently more interested in celebrity scandals and gentrification than true crime.”

The pen scratches against the chart you have to sign. “Well, just know that you will always have a loyal fan of your true crime section in me, and I would tell that to Eric’s face if you ever need me to.” You offer him a smile of pure honesty, and his eyes actually light up this time. 

He chuckles. “Can I quote you on that?”

“That depends. Am I getting paid?”

“I’m afraid the only form of payment I have is cheap office coffee.”

“You’re in luck then,” you say, “I am a sucker for cheap office coffee because it’s still better than cheap hospital coffee.”

His face contorts. “Yeah, I’m not going to argue with you on that,” he says. 

Again, you chuckle. The question rests on the tip of your tongue, but only when the silence stretches out painfully long enough to prompt a drop of sweat to run down his temple, you ask, “How’s your wife?” No pain or pity in your voice—you know he doesn’t need it. 

Ben swallows in response, scratching his fingers through his hair. “Uh, hanging in there. They told me she’s had a good day today. Lucid,” he tells you. 

“That sounds like progress. You know, with her condition, every good day is a success.”

“Yeah, yeah, I, uh… I agree. But… she’s not the only reason I’m here. Shelly called me here today to, uh, discuss my wife’s future at this hospital…”

The muscles in your shoulders tense and stiffen. You slowly lift your head. “Oh,” is all you can muster up to say. You know where this is going.

“Yeah,” he says. “I tried convincing her to keep her here a little while longer. But apparently, you guys can’t accommodate her much longer, and she wants me to look into hospice or some other form of long-term care.”

“I’m so sorry.” 

“It’s not your fault.”

But what else are you supposed to say? You clear your throat. “I, uh… Shelly’s under a lot of pressure, you know? We’re having funding issues in every department, and she is just trying to make due, but… I know your wife’s been here for a very long time, and she’s dependent on the care. Alzheimer’s can be incredibly cruel, and I’m sure hospice is a lot more expensive than what your insurance covers if she stays here, so it isn’t fair. I’m sorry.”

“Thank you,” says Ben. 

“Can I help in any way?” you ask. 

“Well, unless you can win the lottery or find a cure for Alzheimer’s in the next seven days, I’m afraid not.”

“Believe me, people are trying, but—”

“I know,” he cuts you off. “I still appreciate it. You’re one of the few doctors here who still care about the people.”

You shake your head, saying, “It’s not that easy. The system is rigged against us. We’re all aware of it, but some of us just… fall off the wagon because they think the only way through is to become what we hate the most. Selfish, egotistical money-makers always chasing recognition rather than caring about the patients we’re supposed to serve,” you explain. “These new fancy medical centers only those with millions in their bank accounts can afford are where all the funding goes, and those who cater to the underprivileged and uninsured—like us—have to suffer the consequences because we don’t chase after money. I would know; I did my residency at one of those hospitals, and I hated how some of these people treated their patients, so I always tried to use the resources we’ve got to help people, even those who couldn’t afford it. Of course, not all of my fellow residents stayed on that path with me. The more high-risk surgeries, the better the payout, even when unnecessary. Upcoding and needless tests were the standards we were held to. I’ve always hated that. Public hospitals are at the bottom of the food chain, and the patients end up pulling the short straw, but most doctors don’t start with the mindset that it’s just something we have to accept. That lethargy comes with time. And the system.”

“Kind of reminds me of that kook in the black mask,” Ben muses. “With his disbelief in the system and his…his twisted sense of justice.”

You scoff. “Well…”

Your mind flashes back to the other night in that alleyway. The way he interfered when he heard you in trouble. The cockiness he seemed to exceed, but it quickly vanished when he realized you may have risked your life to save someone else’s, but you were not going to leave another person injured. You don’t have a lot of trust in the justice system, but that man seemed… different; like the only way he could believe in justice is when he does something against the persistent injustice that so many turn a blind eye to. 

But it’s not just Hell’s Kitchen, which the Man In Black seems to gracefully ignore. He does what he needs to where he thinks he has to, but it is not just the system in his beloved city that is wired against the people it is supposed to protect and serve. It’s not just the justice system or society overall, it’s the government, too. And you truly believe he knows that, too, he simply does not have the manpower to fight all battles at once. No one has. 

Ben eyes you curiously, up and down. “What, you don’t agree?” he asks. 

You sigh. “I don’t think he has a twisted sense of justice, no.”

“Why? You met him?”

Saying yes would make you an accessory to his crimes. “I’ve heard the same things you have, Ben, and I think he really is trying to change something,” you answer instead. 

You find a sudden determination in his eyes as he leans closer. “You treat his victims, right? You’ve seen what he can do with his bare hands. Taking out entire syndicates that have been bothering Hell’s Kitchen for decades, going up against bad seeds and corporations, and he never backs down,” he says. 

“If you’re trying to say it’s a bad thing…” You trail off. 

“I think it’s a grey area. A fine line.”

“Well, as fine as that line may be, I don’t feel as much empathy for the people he puts in here because I’ve seen what they can do just a few blocks from here,” you state and close the chart in front of you on the counter. “I had to watch lives and families get destroyed. The ones responsible for serving justice either didn’t have the evidence, or they were too late, or the only witnesses died on my table, or—and that happens quite frequently, too—they just didn’t care,” you say. “The times I watched them make arrests, the legal system ended up failing the victims anyway. Now, I’m not saying I condone violence, but this city needs help. Depending on the area, police sometimes don’t even bother to check, and that pisses me off because a lot of the time, tragedies could have been prevented if first responders just got there on time. Or if the perpetrators involved in a crime suffered the consequences for their actions instead of bailing out the same day on a domestic violence charge. I know that the police can't be everywhere at once, but… A lot of people feel safer with this guy out there because they know he tries.”

Ben desperately scribbles along on a small notepad you’re not sure where he got it from. He’s not even wearing a coat. 

“It’s like David and Goliath,” you tell him, too animated to pay closer attention to your surroundings. “It’s a contest wherein a smaller, weaker opponent faces a much bigger and stronger adversary. I just… I don’t know. In this city, there are a lot of metaphorically weak individuals who don’t have the means to fight back against the big guy. Like I said, a system rigged against its people does not help the people live a safe and happy life in a city that makes them feel like all their advances are futile.”

“That’s excellent,” he murmurs.

You glimpse down at his hand, frowning. “It’s just my opinion.”

“There’s nothing ‘just’ about it. I know a lot of people feel the way you do, and yes, that’s fucked up. But that’s why we need people like you to speak up. People with more influence than the little guy. People who serve the people.”

“Ben,” you try to get a word in.

“Hear me out,” he says. “If I can get Eric to sign off on it, I want to write a think piece for the public. About the man in the mask. About Hell’s Kitchen and New York, and the things no one likes to talk about. And I’d like to get you on the record.”

“With all due respect—and I do love the concept—I don’t think interviewing me would be such a good idea.”

“Why not?”

Your pulse has inevitably gotten higher. Because if my ex finds out where I am, he’ll kill me. The thought screams like a banshee, echoing like the trajectory of a bouncing basketball. It takes you a moment to realize that the thudding is your heart. Dull, aching, and infused with a panic as old as time. 

You squeeze the pen in your fist, feeling the plastic crack under the weight. “I can’t have my name or face on the record,” you confess. “It’s a, uh… protection thing.”

The most human thing to ask would be, ‘Protection from what?’ You don’t have to read minds to know that those are the words forming on Ben’s lips the second you offer him an explanation that is not quite the truth. It couldn’t be further from it, but your truth is a tank and tanks can take down everything in their path without suffering as much as a scratch. 

You take the stage before he can ask—before you can ride yourself further into this pile of dirt and lies. “I treat people for a living, and my opinions out there… I need to protect myself if someone ever wants to file a lawsuit against me for prejudicial behavior because they could easily use an interview I gave as evidence,” you say. “I could lose my license.” Your license, and your life. 

He releases a strangled breath. “Yeah, no. Of course,” Ben says. “I knew that. But I could always refer to my source as anonymous. Most of the time, people don’t care about who said what anyway. They just want something to talk about.”

You want to scream. The alarm is blaring loud enough for the nerves in your body to hear it. The rage is so hard to swallow. Not at him though. It isn’t Ben’s fault that even now, you have to live your life as if it was never yours to begin with.

“But,” he adds upon seeing the look on your face, like a deer in bright headlights, “unless a certain Man in Black decides to leave another stranded criminal on my doorstep, Eric will never sign off on it. I’m sorry,” the exasperation in his voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard. “I didn’t mean to jump this at you. I know you have more…important things to do than worry about an old journalist who knows damn well his best days are behind him.” 

The shake of your head follows in an instant. His confidence lies drowned in the invisible puddle at your feet. “You don’t always have to go with the flow of time,” you tell him. “If you want to write something, you should. People’s tastes change, but there will always be someone out there who wants to read what you have to say.”

Ben smiles at you. “Does that mean you’ll think about my offer?” he asks.

You return the gesture. “When I’ve done my important things, maybe I will.”

And chances are, you will think about it. You will think about it, and then you will cry over a bottle of wine and wish you were never born or that, once again, he killed you when he had the chance. You will wish that you didn’t run, and you will curse John and your entire existence to hell and back because without him, you wouldn’t have to guard your heart like a maximum-security prison, and you wouldn’t have to hide who you are like a secret from Pandora’s box. In the end, though, you know you will have to decide if he doesn’t forget what he offered you—and knowing Ben Urich, when he is allowed to write about what he wants, he won’t forget the sources he tried to recruit along the way. 

You look up suddenly when the sirens start blaring above your head. 

Attention all staff, Code Red, Emergency Department. Code Red, Emergency Department. Trauma team to the Emergency Department immediately.

“That sounds bad,” Ben comments. 

You turn back to him, but before you can open your mouth and excuse yourself from the conversation (and your internal self-hatred party), one of the nurses behind the counter picks up the phone with a knowing nod. A second passes and all color fades from her skin before her features contort. “I’m sorry, what?!” she damn-near screeches.

You frown back at her. “Hey, Evie,” — you snap your fingers — “What’s going on?”

She moves the speaker away from her lips. “Um,” she stammers. “Have you ever seen Texas Chainsaw Massacre?”

“Oh, my God.”

“Yeah.”

“It’s 11 am!” you say, your eyes darting between her and the wall as if that would change anything.

Ben cuts in, “That doesn’t mean much in a city that never sleeps,” he says. “People are always crazy ‘round here.”

You scoff. “Apparently! I’m so sorry, but I’ve gotta–”

“Yeah, no. I know.” He nods, his eyes softening in an instant. “Go!”

With a grateful nod, you leave your work on the counter and head into a sprint down the hall. 

A life-saving surgery can take up to several hours. There really is no margin for error, so you tune out the noise of the world outside and focus on the chaos you have to control. You focus on what you know and what you have learned because if you don’t, the person you are cutting into with a scalpel could die at your very touch. For those few critical hours, you are nothing but a doctor, but the world doesn’t stop or disappear in real life when you cease to exist; when you come back after those few hours, the world is still falling apart, and you still have to go back home and face the reality you are forced to live in. But how can you think that when people are fighting for their lives every day before your eyes; when you can try as hard as you want to help them, but you fail more often than you do not? Mental scars often out-rule the physical scars of a trauma patient, and whenever you tell them it gets better, you feel like you are lying to them. Because it never gets better, it feels like.

People are dying and falling apart, and so are you, and it hurts that nothing ever seems to change, not even when you try to tell yourself that people are dependent on you and that your world can’t stop again because this is your job; you signed up for this. But you didn’t sign up for this kind of life. You fell in with the wrong person, craving a love like in the fairytales you used to read as a little girl. You missed the feeling of being loved because the people who were supposed to love you died and fell apart, and you were left fantasizing. It’s a downright mess in your head and everywhere around you, and you are continuously stumbling over the broken glass on your floor, falling into the shards and cutting yourself over and over again until you’re bleeding out but never fully dead. 

You spend the next six hours in the operating room, forgetting about Matt and the implications of your dinner. The one you asked him out to. You forget about Ben and his offer, and you think finally, finally, you can breathe. Human anatomy isn’t quite as complicated as this. The one thing you have been worrying most about, the person who has occupied your every waking thought for days now, fades into the shadows for a little while, but then you’re threading the needle through the skin of the man whose life you have saved, and your second to breathe turns into a riot.

Ben’s words return to your conscience; the masked individual he seems most fascinated with moves to the forefront of your fragile mind. He is all over you again, and it sends a thrill down your spine that positively terrifies you; it terrifies you that it doesn’t terrify you. He shouldn’t matter, and you shouldn’t lose another thought to him, but Ben Urich knows how to cast out a net to catch even the most unlikely adversary. 

You redial the last number on your phone. Standing in the emergency room that has grown quiet for the afternoon, you feel the weight of the world sinking back in. The clock keeps ticking closer to the end of your shift and inevitably, dinner. Forgetting is a blessing until you realize that thinking about it would have prepared you more, and now you barely have time. 

You want to cancel. You should cancel. Claire has not been picking up, and you’re worried about her. But she’s an adult, isn’t she? She pushed you into doing this, and then she bailed. A good friend would at least give you a reason for her change of mind. She hasn’t said a word because she refuses to answer, and it’s starting to leave a bitter taste in your mouth. 

“This is Claire. Leave a message,” her voicemail greets you. 

You sigh. “Hey, I don’t know why you refuse to pick up my calls, but I could use your help. I’m, uh, freaking out about this stupid dinner that wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for what you said, so the least you could do is call me back and help me pick a dress, maybe talk me off the ledge,” you say. Your voice cracks. “Please, Claire, call me back.” 

The silence is defeating. You put your phone down, staring at the paperwork before you. You have a lot more of that in your office, but you can’t be bothered to be entirely alone right now. Not when you are fighting a war with yourself inside your head. The one soldier you thought you could count on has retreated from the frontlines. 

You look up when your peripheral vision picks up on movement. “Trouble?” one of the nurses asks, motioning to your face.

“Depends on the definition,” you say.

“Hit me with it. Maybe I can help.”

You couldn’t shut up even if you wanted to. “Well… Do you know anything about proper date attire?” 

She grins, dropping whatever she was holding before to turn her undivided attention to you. “A date?” she asks. “Well, well, Doc. Who’s the lucky guy?”

“Oh, just… a guy I met. A good guy.” You smile sadly at the thought of those beautiful brown eyes, and the green forest that he hides in his irises whenever the light hits his beautiful face just right. The wrinkles, the dimples, and the faint freckles on his nose, too. He is so beautiful. 

She leans forward on her elbows on the counter of the nurse’s station. “The good guy who left your number here the other day?” 

You raise your eyebrows, flabbergasted. “Wh—” The blood rushes to your face, and you suddenly feel very warm as you gape at her. “Does everyone here know about that?” you ask, your voice bothered on a high-pitched siren of embarrassment. 

The nurse only smirks. “He is very handsome,” she states. “It’s hard to forget a face like that. And he’s come here twice. One of those times he sat by your bedside. Now, I don’t know about you, but I would marry a guy like that in a heartbeat. Bodies in the basement included.”

You hope he doesn’t have bodies in his basement. What if he does though? What if he is just another bad choice waiting to be made? What then? You can’t imagine it, and the things you’re feeling… you have only felt them in your mind because nothing you had was ever real, but you love feeling them now more than you thought possible. It’s the fact that you love that treacherous feeling so much that you feel like you’re not thinking clearly enough to make rational decisions. But you don’t want to make rational decisions, you’ve realized. Life shouldn’t be about that. You can’t turn the voice in your head off and make it stop screaming at you, but you know how to feel. If you only knew how to channel that without falling apart at the hands of your self-doubts though. If only you knew. 

You run a wary hand over your face. “Okay,” you murmur, closing your chart so you can look at your colleague. “Claire isn’t answering her phone and this date… it’s freaking me out. She said I had to get back out there, but she bailed on me,” you tell her. “I don’t know what to wear or how to behave because the place we’re going to is… fancy? And I don’t even know how to pay for it. I… I don’t know if I should go because the last time I was on a date… let’s just say it didn’t end well. So, if you could just tell me that this is a bad idea and I should take on a second shift instead so I won’t feel bad about lying to him, I would be forever in your debt.”

She shakes her head, not having missed a second of your rambling. “Oh, hell no!” she exclaims. 

You match her incredulity, propping your hands up on your hips. “Excuse me?” you ask.

Her head stops, and the way she stands there reminds you of your English teacher from high school. Tall, brunette, and sassy. “You are not bailing on that date like Claire bailed on you just because you’re experiencing anxiety,” the nurse tells you. She’s insistent. You doubt you will get a word in that isn’t an utterance of agreement. 

“You don’t understand,” you try to convince her, or are you trying to convince yourself? “I can’t do this.”

“Yes, you can.”

“Did you miss the part where I said my last date ended in disaster?”

“So what? I’ve had a lot of disastrous dates.”

“That’s not…ugh!” It is your turn to shake your head, looking at the sterile wall as though it were a screen. 

A life built on a lie is not much of a life at all. You have as good a reason as anyone to bail on this date, and it’s not just a disastrous date. You didn’t pick the wrong guy off of Hinge and fall in love with him. What happened to you was different on a level you can’t easily describe, but it also shouldn’t define you; she’s right. Your insecurities are going to be the death of you one day.

“Let me ask you this,” she says. “Do you like him? Or do you just think he’s a really good guy because he was nice to you?”

Your jaw slacks. The Audacity. “I… I think he’s a great guy. Nice. Forthcoming. That’s all,” you answer. It’s not a lie, but it is not the full truth she wanted to hear.

“Uh-huh. I may not be a human polygraph, but I can smell a lie from miles away like a bloodhound. And you, Doctor, are lying and therefore interfering with your treatment.”

“I’m not a patient.”

“Are you though?”

You sigh. You should not have confided in her, but also, perhaps it was the best choice you could have made. 

“I like him,” you confess upon looking into her eyes. “Okay? I like him. He’s not just a good guy. He’s… different, and that’s why I like him.”

She stands up straighter, a newfound energy filling her veins. “That’s more like it. Now, let’s forget the whole ‘canceling and using work as an excuse’ thing. What’s the vibe?” she asks.

The change of subject throws you off for a second. You’re walking on eggshells, fragile train tracks you could fall off and electrocute yourself with if you only take one wrong step. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take risks. 

“Fancy-ish,” you answer. You don’t have any strength left to fight. “I don’t know. It’s dinner.”

“Dinner’s romantic. Put on a silk or velvet dress because those are the fabrics with less risk of becoming a sensory nightmare, possibly some jewelry, but you don’t need much more than that. He’ll fall in love with your personality first. The rest is just… for your confidence and his imagination.”

She looks so proud of herself. You can’t deny that it’s good advice. It’s not the sound of your voice filling a voicemail to the brim or a solely blue chat history; it’s something you can work with. 

You nod slowly. “If I didn’t have mountains of paperwork waiting for me, I would kiss you,” you say.

With a chuckle, she retorts, “Save that for your date.”

“I’m not kissing him.” You grab your pile of work. “It’s just dinner. I don’t even want to kiss him.”

On your way to the elevators, you catch a glimpse of her smirk. She’s not buying it. You don’t want her to. You don’t even trust yourself to tell the truth.

“I don’t,” you say, loud enough for her to hear but mostly to yourself. “I don’t want to kiss him,” you repeat because you don’t.

You don’t want to kiss Matt Murdock.

Except that you do, and you would do anything to make that happen—if your world wasn’t so unfair to begin with. 

Tag List: @shiorimakibawrites @allllium @siampie @auroraslibrary @roseallisonparker @abucketofweird @thatonegamefish @capylore @kniselle @sumo-b98 @peachstarliight @danzer8705 @kakamixo @littlehappyperson @atemydadforbreakfast @stevenknightmarc @zheezs14 @shouldbestudying41 @kiwwia-wiwwia @writtenbyred @echo-ethe @kezibear @peterbarnes

[3rizu]

A Weeping Willow’s Dream

Wrapped around his finger

Contents: Geto x fem!reader - Gojo x fem!reader - Shoko x Utahime - explicit content: MDNI - fingering (f! receiving) - piv - clitoral play - modern au! - pet names (sweetheart, princess, honey, and etc) - ooc

Word Count: 5,049

A/N: If there’s any warnings missing please tell me

Chapter 1

From that day on, you and Suguru didn't take so much. You could only wonder who he was with during the time he didn't answer your messages. Until you opened your phone and saw that he had posted something on his Instagram, it was Kozumi and Suguru together on a date. You were angry. How could this happen after trying so hard to wait patiently by his side? How could you get angry when he was with another woman? Even though you knew this man was not yours and you had no right to feel this way about him.

Every day you'd ask Suguru to hang out with you as usual, but the answer was always the same. "I'll hang out with Zumi today, maybe tomorrow."

God, how it annoyed you that he kept talking and hanging out with her and not just using the nickname you and the girls had made up. If you weren't any smarter, you would have killed the man with how annoying he was becoming. You kept trying to get him to hang out with you, but it was no use. No matter what time or day he was with her.

Groaning filled the room; you were in your bedroom, yelling into your pillow after seeing another Instagram post of Suguru with her. You sighed as you turned off your phone, rolled over, and looked up at the ceiling. There was the soft buzz of a notification. It was Gojo. You cracked a small smile when you saw his name. You looked at the bunny you had added to his contact name because of his white hair and the way he seemed pure and innocent to you. When you opened the message, it was another cat meme.

Weirdo🐇: This is so me coded

You: I know you don't really have a personality

Weirdo🐇: You should have said I'm wrong and I have a great personality ✋🏻😔

You: Good? I'd say it's a pretty somewhat decent personality.

Weirdo🐇: You just keep hurting my feelings, honey

You: I know, I love doing it😈

Weirdo🐇: I know you keep doing it to me

You: Wanna hang out?

Weirdo🐇: Wait, really? Actually, never mind, let's hangout.

You: All right.

-

Satoru looked at you lovingly while you two were eating in a restaurant.

"Are you going to eat? Or are you going to look like a stick man for the rest of your life?"

"Wow, rude honey!"

"Oh shut up, you know I've said worse than that.”

"Yes you have, it's like your whole purpose is to humiliate me," He whined, covering his face with his hands.

"Who else is going to keep you humble? I know other girls just make your ego bigger than your brain.”

"Sometimes I love and hate the fact that you are not like the girls who are so in love with me.”

"You're just in need of girl who doesn't love you. That's what my pretty self is here for," You said mockingly, obviously joking when you said "pretty self".

He rolled his eyes at your words, "Of course I love it between us, sweetheart is beautiful, I take you out and you use me and I let you step all over me and you keep me humble.” He said jokingly to you.

"Oh please, you love it and wouldn't have it any other way, you weirdo."

"Obviously? I'm so in love with you, like step on me baby.”

"Weirdo, but I'll let it slide this time because you bought me food and you let me use your money while we were shopping."

"We? You mean you"

"Shut up, you literally said 'don't worry about it, I'll take care of it,' so don't even start.” you said, mocking his voice.

"Only because I want you to save your money and I have more than enough to spend on you, sweetheart."

You took the last bite of your food and drank some water, "Yes, I know you're rich and handsome.

"Hah! So you admit it, I am handsome." He grinned, happy that you had finally admitted that you found him attractive.

You rolled your eyes at his grin. "All right, you're not that bad looking, okay?"

"Better than you calling me a mole rat again."

-

"I had a great time today, Gojo."

"Well, I'm glad you did, I mean, I was just hoping I didn't screw up half the time." he told you truthfully, his eyes focused somewhere else, unable to maintain eye contact for too long.

"Well, you're a really sweet guy, Gojo, any girl would be lucky to have you." you would soon know which girl would be lucky to have him.

"Thank you, sweetheart, you're just as good as me, if not better, I'm sure you'll find yourself a good guy." he said, although he looked sad when he said it, knowing that he might not be the man for you.

"Well, see you some other time, Gojo, maybe I'll call you tonight," you said teasingly, knowing that he would jump at the chance to be on call.

"Yeah? That's great! I mean, um, yeah, whatever," he seemed excited as he softened his tone and brushed off your offer to call him.

"Got it, I'll call you later tonight, bye Gojo."

"Bye, sweetheart." his eyes followed you as you walked into your dorm.

You walked in and Shoko was in your shared dorm, sleeping in front of the TV, you smiled at that, covered her with a blanket and turned off the TV, then went to your bedroom.

-

You hummed as you called Satoru, music playing in the background. You had finally done what you had to do. You finished all the assignments that were due today and started on some that were due next week, then you studied for half an hour. After all that work, you took a well-deserved shower and then went into the kitchen to make some dinner. After the first few rings, he answered

"Honey?" He seemed out of breath, as if he had run to the phone after hearing it ring.

"Why are you so out of breath, were you so desperate to hear my voice that you ran to your phone after hearing it ring?

"Oh, shut up, I didn't."

You rolled your eyes at his obvious lie.

"Yeah right, so what were you doing then, working out for the ladies?"

"Nah, I only work out for you, honey, I have to look good for my future girlfriend."

You smiled at his words, thinking he was joking, "Is that so? You're really desperate if you're working out to look good for me."

"You'd rather I didn't?"

"Well... no, but I mean, it's not just about looks, you know?"

"Oh really?" He smiled when he heard your sweet answer.

"No, not really. Obviously you're an idiot; if you think looks are everything, then you're crazy. Sure, it's nice to have a guy who's attractive, but it's not all about that; if you like each other, you should want to commit to that person."

"Oh, you're that kind of girl? The one who's not too picky with her type of men, and you could say she's a goddess while the man looks, uh, not the best? Although you don't have to worry about that, sweetie, I'm handsome enough for you."

“Sure… You’re certainly something Gojo.”

“I’ll certainly be your everything in a while, sweetheart.”

You rolled your eyes at his dumb comment, “I promise you we will not end up together." You checked the time on your phone; it was 7:21 pm. The sun was setting, and you were a bit hungry, so you left your room to go to the kitchen.

"Ooh, where are we going?” He asked after having heard the noise of a door opening.

“I’m going to the kitchen, nosy. I want to eat something.”

—

9:37 pm

You were laying in bed watching a movie while you thought about Suguru. He still hadn’t replied to you. You paused the movie as you grabbed your phone, seeing the little bubble showing he was typing. A smile was on your face after noticing he was typing.

Suguru❤️: I was with Zumi, so I wasn’t on my phone.

You: Oh, that’s fine :3

Suguru❤️: What were you doing? You usually text me throughout the entire day.

You: I was out with a friend. :D

Suguru❤️: Oh okay, I’m going to bed gn.

You: Alright, goodnight. :P

Giggling filled your entire room after Suguru finally texted you after he had not been responding for the day. Though you were a little ticked off having seen his text of him saying he had been with Kozumi. You wondered why he had been with her; you just hoped that they did not start hooking up. Then it would’ve been pointless to have been by his side the entire time just for him to find a new toy. 

 

Though you had been with him the entire time while he slept with other girls, Kozumi was different, and you knew that. The way his gaze would soften every time he would look at her made you angry and jealous, but most of all, you were envious of her achieving the one thing you had been trying to achieve. What was worse was the fact that she wasn’t even trying to get with him; they just happened to meet each other while you were hanging out with her.

 

You could only hope Suguru would get rid of her soon, or he would get tired of her and stop seeing her. Which would mean for you that he was all yours again to keep for yourself. Though if he did, you were going to make sure that another girl would not be able to pique his interest even a tiny bit. The next time you weren’t going to take any chances with him leaving you and ignoring you. 

 

The one feeling you felt right now was worry. What if Suguru wouldn’t get over her? What if Suguru stopped talking to you at all? The thought of it made a shiver go down your spine, knowing that if he was as in love as he looked, you were so fucked. You shook your head, trying not to think of it getting comfortable in bed and trying to sleep before you started overthinking much more.

 

—

 

8:21 pm

You had woken up a while ago due to Shoko making herself breakfast and Utahime arriving at the house to hang out with her. You sat down on the table eating breakfast after having thanked Shoko multiple times. Her food was good after Utahime had taught her how to cook a lot better after Shoko almost burned down her kitchen trying to cook Utahime breakfast.

“Thank you, Shoko, for cooking breakfast.”

“You’ve said that a million times already. I’m surprised you’re still repeating the same words.”

“You already know her, Shoko; she likes to thank you profusely for the most simple things.”

“I know you’re just a sweetheart. Although Suguru does not deserve you." Shoko said to you sweetly before her voice turned cold, mentioning Suguru.

“Come on, don’t say that, Shoko.”

“You know I’m right. He doesn’t deserve you; me and Utahime have seen how he looks at Kozumi. You really think he’s going to come back to you?”

“You just don’t understand Shoko.”

“I do understand it’s happened multiple times to other friends of mine, and I will not stand by on the sidelines watching you get your heartbroken for a man who doesn’t even deserve to breathe the same air as you.”

“Hey Shoko, settle down, she knows." Utahime spoke softly to try and calm Shoko down before she tried something stupid.

“I just can’t let that happen to you. He’s going to ruin you, and you’ll come back to him because you’re wrapped around his finger." Shoko was angry, you could tell by the way she spoke, but she wasn’t angry at you; mostly it was at Suguru.

Suguru had known he was a bad man for you, yet he stuck around and let you get attached.

“Shoko, he’ll come around, I’m sure of it.”

“You better hope that he does.”

—

It was the evening of September 14. It was a bit chilly, so you decided to take a coat outside even though you’d get in your car just in case you needed to go out to get your cat/dog food and also something for yourself since you were also a bit hungry. You got into your car, starting up the engine, and driving to the store, listening to music while driving. The store came to view as you pulled into the parking lot, making sure you parked correctly before locking your car and heading inside the store.

 You looked around, looking for the aisle where the pet food was. You continued walking around to find it before you spotted someone familiar. It was Suguru and Kozumi laughing together while they were shopping. He had his arm around her waist; you were angry; how could he do this to you? You always went shopping together since you always got similar things, and you both had the time to go together, but he had decided to go with Kozumi, of course. 

 

Everything was about Kozumi; he could be drowning, but he’d say I have to reply to Kozumi's text. Gosh, you were so sick of the constant excuses. You turned around and just went to buy your cat/dog food. As you were leaving the store, you saw Gojo. 

 

“Oh sweetheart, what are you doing here?”

 

“Oh, Gojo. I was just getting my cat/dog food.”

 

“That’s nice you doing anything else right now?”

 

“Like if I’m going out or something? If you are asking that no.”

 

“Mm, that’s good, sweetheart. Wanna hang out a bit? Maybe we can go to my place to eat dinner together or something?”

 

“Actually yeah, that’d be nice to do. I was going to just watch movies all afternoon after doing schoolwork.”

 

"Boring, it’s great I’m here.”

 

"Yeah, I guess so.”

 

—

 

“Gojo, are you playing careless whisper?” You asked after having heard the start of the song.

 

“Uhh, no?” Gojo seemed guilty, acting as if he wasn’t lying.

 

“You lying ass bitch, you totally are.” 

 

"C'mon, I was trying to be romantic.” He whined, leaning his body against the wall.

 

"Yeah, you’re so romantic, Gojo." You said sarcastically while looking at him.

 

“Quit it, I hate you.”

 

"No, you don't.”

 

"No, I don't.” He said quickly, knowing what he said previously was a complete lie.

 

“Anyways let's continue I wanna eat so let’s hurry with this food”

“Of course sweetheart anything for my precious princess” He said sarcastically his gaze turning back towards the food on the stove

“Yes cook for me peasant” You said grinning, acting as if he was some sort of servant.

“Of course nothing but the best for my princess” He said as he served you dinner and placed it in front of you.

“Thanks you’re the best Gojo”

“No problem, I don't mind doing this for you. When it’s something for you I’ll do it in a heartbeat” He said acting as if you were a goddess

“You really are desperate to win me over”

“I have to work hard to win your love or else some other guy might scoop you up and take you away.”

“You’re a sweet guy Gojo. Although you deserve someone a lot better than me.”

“You don’t decide what’s better for me plus you’re my someone better in any situation” He said as his gazes softened looking directly at you.

“You’re horrible” You sighed hearing his words.

“Yet, you stick around.“

“Which other person allows me to use their card all the time”

“Only me because I’m the best option for you”

“Mm nope”

“I feel like my heart has broken into two” He said placing his hand over his heart being dramatic

“Oh shut up now let’s eat” He only frowned at your words because he wanted to continue talking.

“Yes princess whatever you like” He said, serving himself food and sitting next to you starting to eat together. To him this is the first step of his plan to get you to like him.

—

It was now a bit later than midnight and you were at home while Shoko was with Utahime staying at her place since she had gotten drunk from them going out to a club. A soft knock was heard on your front door, you didn’t want to be stupid so you checked the peephole to make sure it wasn’t some type of murder but it was just Suguru. You opened the door surprised he was here so late, especially with him always being with Kozumi.

“Suguru? What the hell are you doing here?” You were curious to know what he’d say since it had been a couple weeks when he had last come to your place.

“Oh uhm I couldn’t sleep or whatever it doesn’t matter. Can I come in?” He said he seemed a bit desperate. It was weird but who were you to tell the man you love no?

“Yeah, come inside Suguru. Want anything to drink?” You asked as he walked in while you closed and locked the door behind him.

“No, thank you.”

“Did something happ-“ Suguru interrupted you as he pulled into a kiss your arms wrapped around his neck.

“Just stay quiet please”

He pulled away grabbing onto your hand leading you towards your bedroom. He laid you gently on the bed taking your clothes off with the utmost care. It was weird to say the least when he had never been so gentle and loving.

“Is this alright?” He said looking up at you his gaze softened as if you were an angel, his thumb over your puffy clit while he rubbed it.

“Sugu, is something w-wrong?” You asked, trying to breathe steadily while he slipped a finger into your velvety walls.

“Just stay quiet and let yourself enjoy this.”

He said focusing back onto your cunt fingering it while he curled his fingers hitting your g-spot perfectly. You bit back your moans, your hands tugging on his hair. He kept his fingers inside thrusting them in at a steady pace, you whined helplessly tugging on his hair harder getting closer to your release before he pulled out ripping away your orgasm.

“Why’d you stop?” You whined as he worked on taking his pants off along with his boxers.

“If I don’t put my dick in you, I’ll cum in my pants.” He said as he cock stood up slanted a little due to the girth of it.

“Is that a good thing?” You said looking at his cock the red angry tip with pearly white precum coming out of his tip you forced your gaze onto his pretty purple eyes.

“Yeah, it’s a good thing.” He looked at you while you had your gaze on his cock, you seemed enamored with it, he chuckled at the fact you seemed to love his cock.

He said bringing you closer to the edge of the bed fixing your legs onto his shoulders. His hands held onto the shaft of his cock rubbing it against your slit covering the tip of his cock in your slick. The bulbous tip slipped into your velvety walls makes your hands grip onto the bed sheets. Although he had been inside of you more times than you could count he filled you up to the brim every time he slipped in.

He thrusted in out of you at a quick but steady pace, you tried holding back your moans covering your mouth with your hand. He looked at you with his gaze softened before taking your shirt off letting his hand wander behind your back and unclipping your bra letting your tits free. Although he noticed your hand on your mouth again.

“Nuh uh. Take your hand off now”

“S-sugu ‘s not fair g-gonna be loud” He grinned you were already fucked dumb he knew he had this type of affect on you especially if he hadn’t given you any attention previously.

“Well I don’t care” You took your hand off gripping onto the sheets while he sped up.

He hummed seeing you fucked dumb before he sped up going faster.

“Holy shit, I love your cunt” He kept his eyes shut tightly enjoying the clench of your cunt keeping him inside milking him of all his worth.

“Fuck, I’m going to cum.” He whimpered, speeding up while your hand went down to play with your clit, your finger working fast on it to cum with him at the same time.

“Wanna cum at the same time? Mm that's it?” He said softly, speeding up his release so close.

“Shit, Kozumi you’re so tight.”

Your eyes widened at his words while you sat up. “What the fuck did you just say?”

“What? I didn’t say anything?”

“Did you just call me Kozumi?!” You asked angrily, screaming at him, how could he have the audacity to come to your house? And moan another girls name.

“Calm down” He said nervously, a bit scared you had never screamed at him, always speaking softly to him and taking care of him.

“What’s wrong with you!? You come into my house and moan another girl's name?! Especially hers!?” You were angry, although angry was an understatement, it was one thing for him to start ignoring you to be with her, but to say and moan her name while fucking?

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to!”

“Get the fuck out. I’m sorry Suguru, I'm so sick of your shit! I have stayed loyal to you time and time again even when you ignored me to entertain other women but this? No.”

“Don’t make me out to be the bad guy! Did I ask you to stay loyal to me? No, you did that because you were so infatuated with me. It was you who didn’t mind waiting for me even if it meant you’d see me with other women”

You stayed quiet, he was right. Suguru never asked you to stay loyal to him, this was your fault you allowed yourself to get hurt.

“Well yeah you’re right! But this time I am not putting up with your bullshit!”

“Good! I was getting sick of you anyway!”

“Get out, Suguru!”

His phone buzzed with a notification silencing the both of you. It was her Kozumi asking if he could come over and watch a movie with her.

“You know what Kozumi is way better than you”

“Just get out of my house, Suguru. I can't be with you anymore” Tears fell down your cheeks his words hurt as if he had twisted the knife he had already stabbed in your heart.

“…” He stayed silent, he felt guilty for making you cry even though he had said those things to you no woman could compare to you but he would die in a ditch before he would admit he was wrong and he wanted you as his girlfriend. Either way Suguru knew there was going to be no coming back from this.

Meanwhile you cried helplessly, you felt pathetic. How could you let him hurt you this way? Shoko warned you but you didn’t listen, this was your own fault. You kept sobbing hiccuping every once in a while. Although you kept crying for an hour till you fell asleep.

-

4:02 am

Shoko and Utahime arrived at the house, they saw your room open. Utahime led Shoko to her bedroom before going to check up on you, seeing the dry tears on your cheeks she knew what had happened, especially with how you were naked barely covered by the bed sheets. Utahime put a blanket over your body so you wouldn’t freeze overnight, you felt your body warm up and shifted while asleep.

Utahime left your bedroom to turn the heater up a bit so you and Shoko wouldn’t freeze. Although it was also a good thing because then it would be warm in the morning especially with it starting to become more cold.

-

8:12 am

Shoko had just woken up after Utahime woke her up, she knew she’d have to deal with one hungover person and another heartbroken person. Utahime had left you in the bathroom to shower while she took care of the rest cleaning up your bedroom although she hated knowing what had happened previously, but you were her friend too and you needed some support right now.

“Thank you, Utahime. You’re so sweet to me” You said as you looked at your clean room everything was organized properly.

“No problem, I can tell you had a tough time last night… Do you want to talk about it?”

“Uhm, are you sure?”

“Why would I ask if I didn’t want to hear?” Utahime asked as if it was stupid that she’d say anything and now want to listen.

“Well, she was right. Suguru moaned Kozumi’s name last night when we were having sex and then to put the cherry on top he left to go to her place.”

“Oh my gosh. Are you alright? I know that must’ve been hard to deal with, especially if you didn’t like her.”

“No, not really. It just feels horrible.” You started tearing up, remembering what had happened and how you felt while Utahime came by your side, comforting you. She held onto you, hugging you, although you hadn’t changed, and your hair was soaking wet.

“You know your hair is so wet it’s wetting me,” she said, chuckling as she tried to lighten the mood. It worked; you chuckled a bit before looking back up at her, the corners of your mouth betraying the heaviness in your heart.

“Sorry,” you murmured, wiping your eyes with the back of your hand. “I didn’t mean to get so emotional. It’s just… everything feels so overwhelming right now.”

Utahime nodded, her expression softening. “I get it. It’s okay to feel that way. Sometimes, it’s easier to hold everything in, but it just builds up until it spills over.”

You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. “I thought I could handle it. I really did. But when I saw him leaving to be with Kozumi, it just hit me like a truck. I didn’t expect to care so much.”

“People have a way of surprising us,” she replied gently, her fingers playing with the ends of your damp hair. “It’s normal to feel hurt, especially when it comes to someone you thought you could trust. It’s even harder when they move on so quickly.”

You sighed, the weight of her words settling around you like a warm blanket. “It’s just that I thought we had something special. I thought he saw me the way I saw him.”

“Sometimes, what we want and what the other person wants don’t align,” Utahime said, her voice steady. “It doesn’t diminish what you felt. It just means that the timing or the feelings weren't mutual.”

The rain continued to patter softly around you, a soothing soundtrack to your thoughts. You took a moment to gather your emotions, feeling the warmth of Utahime's embrace grounding you. “I just feel so foolish. Like I invested so much into something that was never real.”

“Don’t say that. Your feelings were real, and they were valid. Just because someone doesn’t reciprocate doesn’t mean your emotions were wasted. You loved, and that’s a beautiful thing—even if it hurts right now.”

You looked up at her, gratitude swelling in your chest. “How do you always know the right thing to say?”

She shrugged, a playful smile creeping across her face. “Years of practice. Besides, I’ve been in your shoes before. It’s a tough lesson, but you’ll come out stronger. Just give yourself time to heal.”

You nodded, feeling a flicker of hope amidst the pain. “I guess I just need to take it one day at a time.”

“Exactly. And when you feel ready, we can go out, do something fun. You know, take your mind off things,” Utahime suggested, her enthusiasm infectious.

“Like what?” you asked, curiosity piqued.

“Maybe a trip to that new café downtown? I heard they have amazing pastries. Or we could hit up that arcade you love,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“An arcade sounds perfect.” You said, feeling a smile tugging at your lips. “I could use some distraction, and I know I’d have fun with you.”

“Great! Just promise me you won’t dwell on her while we’re out. Let’s make it a day to forget about everything else,” Utahime said, squeezing your shoulder.

You took another deep breath, feeling lighter. “Deal. I’ll try my best.”

As the rain began to lighten, you both stood there for a moment, enjoying the rhythm of the world around you. The air was fresh, and the dampness felt rejuvenating. It was as if nature itself was washing away the remnants of your heartache.

“Hey, look at it this way,” Utahime said, grinning. “Every time it rains, it only means the sun will shine brighter afterward. Just like you. You’ll shine again, I promise.”

“Thanks, Utahime,” you replied, your heart swelling with warmth for your friend. “I really don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Just remember, I’m always here. Now, let’s go grab some dry clothes and plan our arcade adventure!” she said, pulling you along, her laughter mixing with the sound of the rain, a melody of hope and friendship.

Finally Utahime left, leaving you to change into actual clothing. You felt a lot better knowing she was going to be there to help you, and you already knew Shoko would be angry at Suguru for breaking your heart in such a cold hearted way.

[winterrrnight]

hi bestie!! i love you and im so proud of you!!

can i get meet me in the hallway with zach & prompt 16 🤭

ahh thank you sm bestie!! I loved writing this and I hope you like it too!! ❤️❤️

he isn't you

PAIRING: zach maclaren x gn!reader

SUMMARY: you tell your best friend what you feel about him.

WARNINGS: nothing, reader has a boyfriend, and reader also cheats on said boyfriend but we want that to happen guys 😏

EDITH SPEAKS: im back from the dead!! what a way to start with the new year honestly. I feel a bit rusty so this may not be as good as the rest of my stuff, but I think its pretty good :) I hope you all enjoy! please vote & comment if you enjoyed <3

PROMPT REQUESTED: "he treats me well-" "okay good for you." "- but he isn't you."

You kick your shoes off your feet as you close the door behind yourself, sighing out loud with the tiredness basically crushing you underneath itself. You had a pretty tiring day at your university today; classes at a longer stretch and much more boring than usual.

You hear the doorbell of your apartment ring before you can relax on your couch and take a proper breath. You walk back to the door and see your boyfriend River on the other side, smiling. 

“Oh hey River,” you give a tired smile. He leans in to press a kiss on your cheek. 

“You sound tired, you okay?” He asks, as you finally get to sit on your couch. You groan as you stretch and prop up your feet on your coffee table. 

“I'm fine, just a long day of classes today,” you say, yawning. You look up to see him standing next to you. “You're not going to sit?” 

“Uh, I was actually wondering if you'd want to spend the evening out, there is this art exhibit only for today and I really thought you'd like to go,” he says sheepishly. 

“Oh River,” you say, getting up, “I wish I could but I'm just so so tired, and the amount of assignments and readings I have to complete isn't helping at all,” 

“So you're just going to blow me off again?” 

His words take you by surprise. “What do you mean?”

“Last week you missed our date-”

“That was because I had to urgently go to my parents home, I told you that,”

“And the week before you didn't come to the carnival with me,”

“It was during mid terms week and I was really behind,” 

“And what about that one time I was planning to take you to this French restaurant but you didn't come?” 

“Zach was sick! He was at the hospital River, and that was the night his situation had gotten so much worse!” You say, completely exasperated. “This is too much right now, I've always had a reason to not come to our dates. What about that one time I wanted to take you to a dinner with my family and you blew me off and never even told me where you were?” 

“Wait that time I-”

“And do you even remember when you told me you were busy to have a movie night with me and then a friend told me you were actually at a party? Huh? I never avoid our dates if I don't have a big reason to miss them, but you miss them and don't even care to explain why you didn't come?” 

That shuts him up, because he's looking everywhere but you, his jaw clenched tightly. 

“I'm sorry River but I can't come with you today. I would like to rest and have an early start to my day tomorrow,” 

You can see he wants to say something; a lot of things actually - give you an earful, but he opts for the smarter choice and doesn't say anything, silently making his way out of your house. But he still needs to display the extent of his anger, so he slams the door loudly on his way out. 

You plop back on your couch, wanting to distract yourself with some movie. You get your tv remote and start to scroll through Netflix, trying to find something which attracts your eye, but your doorbell rings again, agitating you. 

You wonder if it's River again, but much to your surprise it's Zach, holding two completely filled take away bags. 

“I saw you leaving uni really late when I was at my football practice so I thought you may need these,” he chuckles. The brightest smile pulls your lips and you instantly hug him, catching him off guard but he hugs you back. 

“That's exactly what I needed right now,” you say, taking one bag from him and letting him in. 

You proceed to your kitchen to get plates and rest of the cutlery, but Zach stops you right in your tracks. 

“Ah let me do that, you go and sit,” he insists, taking the bag back from you. 

“Are you sure-”

“Yes yes, I know my way really well around here,” you giggle and go back to your couch, continuing your search for the perfect movie. 

In the meantime Zach brings the food and places it all in front of you, the aroma wafting up to your nose and making you feel hungrier. But you still haven't found what you want to watch. 

“Why is nothing attracting my eye?” You say, your mouth now full with food. 

“Why don't we just talk?” Zach suggests, and you ponder over it for a moment, realizing it is the better thing to do right now.

“Well, what do you want to talk about?” You ask, turning to face him as you fiddle around with the food on your plate with your fork. 

“Well, feel free to not answer this question,” he starts, “but I've been wondering about this for quite some time and I just want to let it out; I haven't seen you with River lately, usually you used to be hanging out with him so much, always on dates and uni’s football and basketball matches, but I just, I haven't seen you with him often,”

Your focus is completely on your food, the way each vegetable is placed on your plate suddenly becoming the most interesting thing. 

Zach wonders if he's messed up asking this question when he sees you completely shut off and silent. “I'm, I'm sorry, I don't want to ask you something you don't want to discuss, but I just need to know if you're happy with him or not. Nothing matters more than your happiness,” his voice reduces to a soft mumble, which only just relaxes you instead of making you feel anxious on having to discuss such a heavy topic. 

“It's, it's okay, I guess. I don't know… we've been trying to make plans but one of us usually has some other more important place to be. I always make sure to tell him why I can't come, and it's always something unavoidable, but he, he never cares to tell me why he won't be coming. It's just always ‘oh I'm sorry babe I just had to go somewhere else.’ Where? I never know. 

“And it's not just that. He always gets offended when I cancel on him but that's never the case when it's the other way round. His focus on us, it isn't, it isn't the same, and he isn't as understanding as he was before.”

Just as you finish speaking, you feel like a big load is lifted off of you. Your mind has been bothered by it since days ago, and it was starting to affect your everyday activities. But talking about it, letting it all out makes you feel relaxed. 

Zach looks at you with a soft look in his eyes, not knowing what you've been going through all this time. 

“But, he's also there for me, you know? That one time I fell down from the stairs, I called him and he came so quickly, and I know I can count on him to get me anything I need at any time,” you continue, feeling so torn about what you're actually feeling about him. “I just, I don't know where we are leading to right now. I think I may need some time away from him, just being with myself and not seeing him as often as usual,”

You look at Zach whose focus is entirely on you and your words. Sometimes you wish he's the one you're spending your time with. He gets you in a way no one can, not even River even if he tries for a billion years. When you feel sad about something, you prefer to call up Zach than River, because he listens to you better, and makes you feel important. 

“I think it would be nice for you to spend some time with yourself, to do some things you've thought of doing but couldn't, starting with new hobbies, or the ones you haven't picked up in some time,” Zach starts. “It'll help you introspect more into your personality, and generally just make you feel better. Maybe he's going through a difficult time right now, and being apart for some time might help him too,” 

“You're right,” you say, “maybe being apart will do us some good. I mean, he treats me well-”

"okay good for you,"

“- but Zach,” you look up at him as you cut him off, your eyes sinking into his, “he isn't you.” 

The last words come out as a whisper, getting lost in the air around you two. For a second you're worried that he didn't hear them, because you think you can't muster up the courage to repeat those words. But the widening of his eyes, him breaking your eye contact, and his sped up breathing makes you think differently. 

“Zach, you mean so much to me than he does. You listen to me better, you understand things in a way he doesn't. I will always prefer you to talk about things than him, because he tends to shut me off but you never do. What we have is so special to me,” you let out. 

It's the last year at your university, and you've been feeling this way about Zach since the very start. You've wanted to admit it all to him, but before you could, River came into the picture. And for a while there, you felt as if you didn't need Zach. River seemed perfect; everything you could've asked for. 

But now, you finally have the chance to develop something with Zach you've always wanted. 

Zach calls out your name softly, your heart beating faster with the way your name falls off his lips. “You mean the whole world to me. I’d take you in my arms and protect you from all the harm in this world if I could. I've never liked River anyways, he seems stuck up and doesn't give you the attention you deserve. He should treat you like an angel, not the way he actually does,”

He moves closer to you, his hand now resting against your cheek. 

This feels so right. 

You lean in, and he does too, meeting his lips halfway as you allow yourself to get lost in him; in his smell, his taste, his lips. 

Oh, his lips. 

Soft and sweet as nectar; nectar which can make the flowers bloom and just set everything in your life right. 

His arms, wrapped around your waist as he pulls you closer to him, yours around his neck as you close even the smallest distance between you two. 

He pulls apart from you, your forehead resting against his as you breathe a little heavily. 

“I think,” you whisper, “I think I've fallen for you Zach.”

↶ೃ✧˚. ❃ ↷ ˊˎ-

TAGLIST: @runningfrom2am @saccharinesammie @maybankslover @totalswag @madelynie @chenslucy @ietss @elle-mp3 @viawritesstuff @wallsdreams @tahliac11 @sadfury @newsies-pape-girl @jamesbuckybarneswify @xxxlaura @thatsthewaythechrissycrumbles

[starandcloud]

Drabble

A lil drabble that MIGHT be fleshed out-

This was originally going to be Y/N being a petty bitch but I also wrote this while overthinking that my boyfriend didn't love me anymore, so I 100% projected onto Y/N here

Like they're at school and no one knows that the twins are dating Y/N so this exchange student (I dunno bare with me please-) is actively flirting with Myles and Miles and it's really starting to piss Y/N off. Don't get me wrong, the boys are loyal and rejecting her advances. It was (42) Myles who noticed you getting upset first and literally walked away mid-conversation and sat in front of you. Crossing his arms on the desk and laying his head there.

"Mami? What's wrong?"

Which caught Miles' attention, making him come over and move a desk to face you.

"Cariño?"

Your face was tense as you ignored them. The twins looked at each other, knowing damn well something was bothering you but didn't know what. So for the next ten minutes they took turns pet naming you.

"Amor?" "Precioso?" "Ángel?" "Cariño?"

"Querido?"

They asked at the same time, which broke your vow of silence and you whined softly as they both smiled at you.

"What's wrong Mami? What's botherin' our girl?"

Myles asked, his voice soft and gentle as he gently held one of your hands.

"Did someone say something to you?"

Miles asked as he took your other hand, rubbing small circles into the back of your hand as Myles tightly squeezed your hand.

"Tell us Cariño, we can't help you if you don't tell us what's wrong..."

Myles said as he stared into your eyes.

"That girl... She keeps flirting with you... I-I don't like it..."

You said as you looked down as tears welled in your eyes. You weren't typically the type to feel invalid in your own relationship because of another person but... She was just so much prettier than you and was smarter too, the top of your class, so you couldn't help but feel invalid. You didn't notice the terrifying stares both boys gave the girl as Miles grabbed his and his twins bags as Myles grabbed yours and messaged their uncle something before leading you out of the room. It wasn't exactly like people weren't aware you were the twin's girl but they weren't expecting this. The two boys walked you to the office and Miles signed you out as a familiar car rolled into the parking lot. It wasn't until you were in the car and cuddled up to Myles' chest you realized who's car it was.

"So I heard you were havin' a bad day Y/N, everythin' okay?"

Uncle Aaron asked and you just buried your nose face in Myles' chest making the twins, and their uncle, frown. Myle's rubbed your back as the younger of the twins scrolled through his phone before leaning up to his uncle and whispered something in his ear. When the car rolled to a stop outside of a store and Miles slipped out of the car with Uncle Aaron. Myles rubbed your back and whispered sweet affections into your ear as he left soft kisses on your cheek and neck. Those soft actions made you relax into him, about twenty minutes passed and the car doors opened and slammed signaling that Miles and Aaron were back. Cuddling into Myles more, you nuzzled your nose against his neck and whispered.

"I'm missing math..."

Your comment made Myles laugh as he held you tight.

"We can get the notes tomorrow Corazón, right now. We're gonna focus on you, and how you're la chica más perfecta que he visto"

You blushed darkly as you lifted your head to pout but Myles captured your lips before you got the chance to complain. You whined softly until Miles gently pulled you away from his twin and kissed you as well.

And the bickering ensued.

"I wasn't done kissing her." "I don't care, you held her the entire time Uncle Aaron and I were in the store." "That's your fault for going in with him" "Uncle Aaron doesn't know what la Princesa likes."

Their bickering made you laugh and give them both a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"You two are adorable..."

You whispered out before Miles pulled you from Myles' lap, making you playfully scream and laugh loudly.

"Hey you three, don't be causing to much ruckus, it's a distraction to the driver"

Aaron warned and the three of you obediently nodded. The rest of the ride was more or less quiet as the twins took turns kissing your cheek or neck, they weren't to picky, and telling you how perfect you were.

[sjywrites]

Hii can I request Sophia x reader academic rivals? 🥺 u can do whatever u want w the plot pretty much please and thank u so much <3 :)

༊*·˚ ACADEMIC RIVALS LOVERS?

𝓢ophia 𝓛aforteza x 𝓖n!reader. (no pronouns used). 𝓖enre. fluff, angst if you squint 𝓢ypnosis. our two favourite academic rivals have a lil fight, but the situation turns bad, and people realize their feelings. 𝓦𝓒 . 824 𝓒𝓦 . mentions of being hospitalised (sophia), a little angsty!

𝓝ote! this is a little messy since I wrote it during one of my breaks, but please lmk if you want like a part two cuz I really liked this plot!

---

This is purely fiction and is not meant to interpret how the idols act in real life!

,, not proofread + english is not my first language ! ೃ⁀➷

At this point it didn’t even matter if you were better than everyone, you just had to be better than her. It started off very simple, both of you wanted to be better than everyone, academically that is. Eagerly waiting to get tests back and see who got a higher score, a smug grin on one's face when they got a better result than the other. No harm in that right? Wrong, that’s what started all of this.

Sophia walked towards me with her head held high, her uniform as neat as ever and her hair styled in a way making her look almost angelic. Wait, what? “What were your results?” She said, slamming her paper on top of my desk, I shook out of my daydreaming to answer her. “96.” I said while looking down in my maths book, trying to solve an equation but still focusing on what she would respond. She looks away and a teasing smirk spreads on her lips, and moves the finger that covered her results, 97. “Guess I’m just better than you huh?” She said proudly, staring down at me “Just because you got one point more than me doesn’t mean you’re better than me.” I said, pouting a little at her accusation.

Lately I’ve been feeling kind of… weird? Even if Sophia gets a higher score than me, I can’t find it in me to give a fuck. “Well, you’ve been slacking off a lot lately, I’ve gotten higher scores than you on the last four tests. So, I think that makes it obvious who's smarter!” Sophia states like it was the most obvious answer to what I said. Staring at her for a moment, I reply. “I've been busy okay, not everyone has that much free time to spend on studying, and you're talented in general, no wonder you get high scores” She looks shocked at my statement, then she smirks a little, “Did you just admit that I'm smart?” She looked proud in some way or another, “Not what I meant Sophia, but whatever floats your boat.” I grab my things from the desk and walk outside the classroom to my locker, a little frustrated at the whole situation. I did miss her response,

“I study that much so you won't think I'm stupid.”

A week goes by, no Sophia in sight. She missed two assignments, she's usually here every day. Even if she's sick, which I don't get why she does, but still. Did something happen to her? Was it something I did?

“You've been zoning out for the past like, three periods, what is going on with you today?” Lara, my best friend asks. “Do you know where Sophia is?” I ask, not really thinking before I ask. “Why do you want to know, don't you guys like, hate each other?” She looks at me with a very questionable look, suspecting something I cannot grasp, “Yes? No? I don't know Lara, but do you know where she is?” I say, a little confused and concerned. She looks at me with sad eyes before replying, “Y/N, Sophia got really sick out of nowhere, I heard she's at the hospital.” My eyes blew wide at the shocking news, why didn't she tell me? No, why would she do that? We're not even friends.

—

Am I really doing this? I think to myself as I open the hospital doors and stumble up to the kind-looking man in the lobby. I strike up a casual conversation with him as he guides me to a room, I thank him quickly before he scurries away.

There in the little window on the door I see her, Sophia's sitting down on the bed. Her hair is a mess and her clothes look ridiculous, it looks like she hasn't slept for a few days too. I gently open the door and her gaze falls upon me, it's easier to see her face now. She looks tired, really tired. “Hey…” I say, she looks away from me and cuddles up in her sitting position. “What are you doing here?” she tries to sound annoyed, but it just comes out in a tired huff. “I heard what happened, I… was worried about you. I brought some notes from the classes you missed.” She looks shocked at my confession, she relaxes her posture and her gaze becomes soft. “Thank you… I really appreciate it.” She smiles a little as she grabs the papers I handed her, our hands touching softly.

I look at her, really look at her. For the first time actually having time to admire how pretty she looks, how perfect her flaws are. “I just came to give you that… so if you don't need anything else, I'll go.” I turn around to walk away, grabbing the door knob and turning it around, “Wait! Will you… please stay with me a little longer, I need it.

I need you.”

this is so messy I'm sorrrrryyyy!! I wanted to post something today at least :((

[mysteriouslover1516]

IMAGINE:

I took care of it.

The young hacker sighed as he sent the message, he hoped it would give MC at least a small sense of comfort. He had already noticed that she was being somewhat cyber bullied by strangers. Oh god, Lilly. What did you do? What a mess you created.

That's great

MC was safe for now, at least as safe as he could manage. He himself; however, that was another story. He needed to start packing, time was of the essence, it was time to go on the run again.

But you didn't threaten her, did you?

Jake paused, packing had to wait. There was no way he was going to leave while that awful thought was being entertained inside MC's head. Why would she even think that? Didn't she trust him? Didn't she know him, know that he would never do something like that?

What? No, of course not. I talked to her.

No, of course she didn't know. It was like he was pulling her in just enough so that he could ultimately push her away once more. It was an utter mess of confusion, of hidden feelings, vulnerability, secrets, and self-preservation; and he was the cause of it.

Please don't lie to me

"I'm not lying, MC." He muttered, one hand finding refuge in his black, wavy hair; slightly tugging on the strands in frustration.

That was way too fast

He sighed, what would he have to say to make her believe him? Despite his mistakes, he was a man of integrity, or at least he thought so, hoped so, knew so.

I am telling the truth MC. I filled her in on something. One day I am going to tell you too, I promise you that.

Yes, Lilly was now in possession of somewhat slightly incriminating evidence against him. Something that would thoroughly involve him in Hannah's disappearance. Something that would finally state the connection he had to the missing Donfort girl.....

I've been hearing that since forever.....Jake, please.

Jake groaned, Ugh, she was right. MC deserved to know the truth, He didn't know what would become of himself, what his fate held, whether he would ever get the chance to tell her in the future...it had to be now. Yes, MC was right, once again undeniably right. Damn.

MC, I am wanted by the government.

Probably not the most tactful way to start this conversation, but at least it was now out in the open. He felt the sudden urge to close his eyes, hesitating to read MC's response. What would she say?

You are WHAT?

Jake's fingers flew across the keyboard. He needed to reassure her, he couldn't lose her trust, he couldn't lose her, not now, not ever.

Yes. But I am one of the good guys. If you can call it that. I meddled in some things that were never supposed to get out into the public.

Why haven't you ever told me?

The hacker stopped, was she really asking him that? Wasn't it obvious? If he had started it off as "Hey, I'm considered a criminal that is wanted by the government, I need you to trust me" she would have literally flipped out. Come on, MC. You're smarter than this, I know you are, don't play dumb with me.

Because I was afraid that you would stop trusting me.

Yes, understandably so

Jake sighed, he was getting off topic, he needed to focus. Time was waning, he had no doubt that the FBI was already hot on his trail.

In any case, Lilly has published some serious information about me now. And any piece of information about me, no matter how small of a detail it is, Could help the people that are after me find out where I am.

That sounds awful

It was awful.......but to be honest.....he found himself no longer caring.

To be honest....Ever since I met you....I actually have hope again. And I thank you for that, MC.

MC made him comfortable, made him forget his present circumstances, made the trauma of his past fade out of view as the time and the conversations with her increased. He found himself falling, falling for her. And just as he was finally coming to the realization of that fact, it was too late to tell her, not now at least. They had more pressing matters to attend to, such as.....

As much as I regret it, I will now have to make some arrangements to ensure my safety first. I have to assume that the people hunting for me are hot on my heels by now. They may even be close to finding me. You might be on for you own for some time.

What, you are leaving me hanging?!

A small, dark chuckle escaped his lips. It certainly did seem like it, but no, he would never, besides.....he physically and mentally couldn't. There was no way in heck he was going to let her go.

No, of course I won't do that. If you really need me, I am going to be there for you. From now on you are going to have to take the lead.

Ok

Another sigh filled his ears, he hated this. He hated having to leave her like this. A while back he had told her he found it hard to pick up on emotions over text, but right now, he could sense it perfectly. MC was upset, fearful, perhaps even angry at Lilly, maybe even angry at him himself; but deep down he could tell she cared, deeply.

I know that I can always count on you. You've shown it to me more than once.

He paused, then once realizing she wasn't going to reply, he immediately started to type. He hoped his next message would make her laugh, at least smile a little bit, ease her sadness. He didn't want to have to leave her with a heavy heart; even though he knew that was an impossible wish to have.

And something good comes out of this whole thing: I won't be able to read your private chats anymore.

No response, damn. She was taking this hard, wasn't she? Ugh. He wished he could take more time to comfort her, to ease her nerves; if only he had the time........as it was right now he needed to flee, and the time to rewind back to about ten minutes ago.

My time is running out.

MC needed to focus, she needed to continue on in their investigation during his absence. She was the key to the puzzle, he needed to be able to depend on her.

Do you still remember, what our last lead was?

Yeah, I remember. The mysterious "Jennifer"

A faint smile flitted across his lips, in spite of all the chaos, she still remembered. Further proving to him that she could indeed keep a level head, despite the circumstances.

Right. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to look into it any further. But I think you are just as capable of doing it as I am.

For real?

Ahh, there was her sense of humor. That emojie.....what even was that? A sweaty grin? Ohhhh, wait, a nervous laugh.....yes, that was it.

Yes. Of course. You have five friends from Duskwood. Thomas, Cleo, Jessy, Richy, and Dan. I want you to choose one of them and then ask them about our mysterious Jennifer.

And you don't care who I choose?

Jake bit his lip, of course he cared. He hoped MC would choose someone who had been a resident there for years, perhaps even their whole childhood, someone who had lived there when the "terrible incident" took place ten years ago. But who would she choose? MC was very close to Jessy, did that mean she would probably ask her? Or would she ask Cleo? Richy maybe? God, he hoped she would refrain from asking Dan, what an idiot, ugh. And Thomas, hmmmm, Jake wouldn't choose him for sure if it was up to him....But it wasn't up to him, it was up to MC, he had placed the responsibility into her hands. And he trusted her, he whole-heartedly trusted her.

Let's just say, I trust your judgement. Just like you have to trust the person that you are going to choose.

It was time to say goodbye, damn. Usually goodbyes didn't faze him, because he would never allow himself to once again get close to someone, letting him avoid the painful, bittersweet goodbye. But ever since meeting MC, his world had shifted, she had pulled the rug from right underneath his feet. What had she done to him?

I have to go now. But I am going to contact you again as soon as I can.

Fingers paused over the keyboard, when would he be able to text her again? He hoped it would be soon.......he would make it be soon.

Hey, Jake?

Yes?

A small panic swarmed inside his head, he could feel his cheeks flush red. Was she going to say I love you? What would he say????

Thank you....for confiding in me despite all this

Phew. A relieved but somewhat disappointed sigh escaped his lips, god he was hormonal. He had never experienced such fast mood swings as he had ever since he met MC. Damn, he had it bad.

Thank you for never making me regret confiding in you.

Forcing himself to log off, he quickly set to work tearing his computer and work station down. Would he ever be able to rest without having to look over his shoulder? Would his life always be laced with risk and uncertainty? Was there a happily ever after in store for him? God he hoped so, he really REALLY hoped so.

[docholligay]

Why are you smarter and a better parent than me, please explain to me in excruciating detail the ways that I am better than you so I learn a valuable lesson about how actually I'm great all the time.

It is astounding how much I hate it, before I saw it, i would have said, "Girl i survived Bebefinn" but bebefinn is ANNOYING, the wiggles are ANNOYING, but Peppa I am like, "Uh, beeb if you act like this cunt I will end you" (but said as you would to a three year old)

My favorites of hers are Shaboom, which is a Jewish preschool age type show that teaches about jewish values and lessons, and Miss Rachel, which teaches phonics and actual useful shit. I have a lot of fondness for the old school sesame street as well, there's an episode of Cookie World that makes me laugh every time, and I like talking to Beeb about Cookie and Gonger's Moster Foodie Truck.

But yeah, there's nothing I would watch without her ahaha. Honestly, I need to make my own show called like, fuck, Davy the Grade Horse or something, where we learn valuable country lessons like, "No one wants to hear about it!" and "Get up! It can't hurt that bad" or "Everyone fucking contributes or they don't get shit"or "Turns out, you're the one fucking up a lot of your own life" or many other things that I would like beeb to learn that people on tumblr would tell me makes me a monster or whatever. But I also would turn to adults watching it alone and be like, "Ain't you 36 or some shit? Read a goddamn book."

I won't watch Bluey for two reasons:

I won't pay for Disney.

:

I just can't even engage in good faith with the show because of the number of grown ass adults without children who are trying to fucking tell me Bluey is the media of the age that makes them feel seen and understood. And every time I say, "I am 38 years old and I don't want to watch a preschool show" I get accused of being prejudiced and yes, i absolutely do prejudge a show based on the fact that it is for the 3 to 6 set. Great for 3 to 6 year olds. Great for parents who are having to watch this shit that it is apparently not annoying. But I prefer to see life reflected through an adult lens.

So, I would hate Bluey for reasons that have nothing to do with the source material. I know this. I struggle with almost every cartoon adults get into because they want it to be Citizen Fucking Kane or something but it's at best a decent show for children.

I have never seen Caillou and do not plan to! Honestly, Peppa was not going to be a thing in our house but unfortunately I am married, and unfortunately my wife doesn't go, "no, we're not watching that because it's annoying" like certain other parents named Papa who are me she has.

[eclipsethemagic]

When you're sad I'm sad |JHS|

Paring: Idol!Hoseok x!female reader

Summary: breaking up with Hoseok was hard, but when y'all meet up again all of the feelings you had for him rushes back.

Genre: angst

[m.list] [JHS m.list]

"Don't cry.." Hoseok mumbles looking at you. Tears fill your eyes as you stare at him. You sob uncontrollably trying to catch your breath. You thought you did everything: being a good girlfriend and mom—a good supporter. You thought you pleased him. At the end of the day, you didn't.

He tries to reach out but you move him away wiping your eyes but the tears keep falling. "Fuck you. Damnit fuck you." Cheating was something you never thought Hoseok would do. The feelings you had when you found out rushed through you once again when you went to go drop off your son. Hoseok and You stopped communicating completely after the breakup, only being together for 3 years having a kid wasn't a part of the relationship but you kept him. You were scared of being a mother, shit Hoseok was scared of being a father but you both went through it, had Jae and y'all was a happy family.

That's what you thought. "Hey JJ go ahead and go upstairs and play with Mickey okay?" Hoseok tells his three-year-old son who nods and waddles up the stairs, Mickey right behind him. "Come on let's sit..please Y/n." His Korean mixed with his English, tells you how serious he is right now. So you do. You sit on the couch next him. No one speaks, the only sound being heard is y'all son playing upstairs. "I'm sorry..damnit I'm sorry baby." For the first time since that night, you look at him. The man you loved the first night you met him. Outside that club your friends made you go. You don't regret it now then you should. Mostly because you miss him.

He misses you too. You know he does. His dark brown eyes are now filled with tears, his voices cracks as he stares at you. "I shouldn't have cheated on you, I shouldn't have slept with that girl. We got a kid and I threw away you and Jae away like y'all didn't matter." You shake your head before letting out a chuckle. "You did it because you wanted to. You did it because deep down you knew or you thought I wasn't going to find out." Damn right, he thought that. He hid the evidence, hid it so well you didn't notice he was cheating on you with a woman, a girl you never knew or met before in your life. If it wasn't for Jungkook telling on him he would have gotten away with it too.

"It isn't about me. It's about Jae Hoseok. It's about your son who you love so much. Think about him." Hoseok think about him. You sure if he had the chance Hoseok would be working right about now, filling himself with promotions and practice that he wouldn't have to see Jae. Why? Because Jae looks too much like you. it hurts, it's like a dull pain that keeps coming up now and again because he covers it up by sticking his dick inside every female he sees. But that's Hoseok. A man you fell in love with, a man that if you see cry you cry too. Because if you believe it or not you both were connected.

"And I have been thinking about him. Why you think I asked to see him? Y/n don't pin this all on me." He switches to Korean faster than ever. He always did it, no matter what it was from defending himself or just to make himself sound smarter because he knew he was wrong. Hoseok had a way of words, believe it or not, he could make you look stupid in front of everyone but you knew how to make him stubble over his words when it came to Jae. "You wouldn't have wanted to see him anyway. I know you hobi. I know how you work. If Jae didn't tell your mom he wanted to see you, you wouldn't of." Hoseok scoffs at that, his heart-shaped lips are now thin. He's mad, which you only laugh at. Got you. "Spend time with him." That's all you say before you get up and walk to the door. You look at Hoseok one last time and open the door, shutting it behind you.

If seeing Hoseok will end up bring up your tears, then it was worth it for you and Jae.

[larabiatasstuff]

Part one here

Part four 🖤

" How could I have not noticed that our girl was suffering so much? I mean I'm her mom. " " Princess you're the best mom anyone could wish for. This is not your fault, she didn't talk to me either." "How can someone like this teach children? I'm so aargh I can't describe how furious I am." after a ten minute drive we arrived at the school we both stormed into the building straight to the teachers lounge. I knocked on the door and the principal opened. "Oh Mrs L/N what can I..." but I cut her off . "We need to talk to Mr Harper." "Oh well of course come in we just finished our conference for the day. This way please." she led us into some kind of conference room where Harper was about to pack his documents into his bag. "Oh Hannah's parents. Do want to pick up her homework?" "No I want to talk to you about something." he put the strap of his bag over his shoulder "We should make an appointment and..." that was enough for me. I stomped towards him, my blood boiling. "No we will discuss that now! So tell me, why does my daughter have to stand in the corner in your classes?" suddenly all the color left his face and he started to stutter

"W-w-well she... I..." "What? She was smarter than you? My daughter is a very intelligent girl and of what I heard she had to correct you a few times!" "Yes but..." "No buts you punished my daughter for showing you mistakes , my girl is six years old for gods sake! Someone like you shouldn't be allowed to teach children." the principal stood next him listening to our conversation before she spoke up "Mr Harper is that true? That kind of behavior is unacceptable Hannah is one of our best students and you should encourage her instead of giving her a punishment." "I know... principal Snider I promise that won't happen ever again.I love my job. " Well you should have thought about that before you punished a student because of your hurt ego. " then she turned to me" Mrs L/N I will take that from here. Mr Harper will face serious consequences for his actions and I'll make sure that he won't be able to teach anywhere again. Please send Hannah my regards and that we all miss her. She doesn't need to be afraid to come to school anymore. " I looked between her and Harper before I spoke again " I hope so. You have no idea what my little girl is going through. You can be sure that I'll keep an eye on you and I promise if I ever catch you just looking at her or another child again I'll be not so friendly. " with that I stormed out of the building and jumped into the truck,leaning my head back, my eyes closed.

" Wow princess that was... pretty scary. " Sweet Tooth said and I couldn't help but laugh" Oh yeah I'm the scary one in our relationship. " " No for real I never saw you raging like that before. I must admit I'm a little impressed. " " I don't know Sweet Tooth it was just... I was so angry and sad and I felt guilty... All that just made me snap. " " That guy thought you were about to kill him that anxious face was hilarious. "" He deserved it. I don't want to think about how Hannah felt, I can't wait to tell that everything is okay and that she can go to school without any worries. " " Yeah she will be so relieved. I hope she will be as strong as you when she's grown up. " " Awww that's so sweet of you babe. " " Of course I'm the sweet one, that's why you married me in the first place. " I laughed" Yeah you're right. Let's go home I wanna cuddle my baby girl. " " As you wish. " with that he started the engine and we made our way back home.

[a-flickering-soul]

i am considering changing my major to engineering but I have basically no experience with it. any thoughts about what someone should expect maybe pros and cons or something. you don't have to respond lol I can always do more of my own research instead, sending this ask was kind of an impulse ig

Hi, thank you so much for the ask! I miss doing engineering and talking about it, so I'm always happy to answer any questions about my experience doing engineering in college.

Engineering as a college major is exactly as hard as everyone tells you, but if you know that going in, it helps a lot. I was perfectly happy to spend most of my free time doing homework and very carefully managing my time to allow myself breaks and time for hobbies, but for many people that's either not feasible or not pleasant. What helps a great deal is finding support systems (friends to study with/share answers, extra tutoring, Chegg) and really getting smart about where your weaknesses are as a student (mine was figuring out exactly what I didn't understand and attacking it). Expect to get nominally terrible grades, but with a generous curve.

Cons would be the workload and the expectation that you really should get real-world experience through summer internships or co-ops, making it difficult to find any sort of downtime (I genuinely cannot stress this enough, you will be hustling your ass off). Pros would be (and I also cannot stress this enough) very, very reasonable job security. While I am not working a nominally engineering job, my engineering degree made me a very competitive candidate, and this holds true for a lot of professions. While, of course, it is not a 100% guarantee, engineering majors do make pretty good placements for decent salaries and for me that was very important. Also, when I actually did engineering stuff and not coursework, I really liked it! You don't have to be particularly smart to be an engineering student-- you just have to work hard and be able to think constantly. I really loved the content, getting to run through the reiterative process of design with a team, and being able to have a tangible product to show for our work. If that's something you like, then you might want to consider it, because once you get through the pre-reqs to focus on your interests, it's really damn fun.

I will say though as a more specific note-- you mentioned you're changing your major into engineering. I don't know from what field you're transferring into, or what year, but it's important to know that all engineering degrees have a substantial amount of pre-reqs to take as a freshman/sophomore before you even think of taking a major-specific engineering class (usually Physics I & II, Chem I & II and maybe Orgo, and Calc I-II). These pre-reqs will wipe you out, even if you do them all on-schedule. They are purposefully weeder courses because academia is hell and engineering academia is an even deeper layer of hell. It's definitely doable to take these pre-reqs while not being a freshman and still graduate on time-- I have a few friends that were able to manage it-- but you will hustle and it will most likely not be pleasant, unless you are smarter and more hard-working than I am. It can be done though, and I would suggest talking to either an academic advisor about what you need to do or with people you know that are engineering majors already.

Of course, this is just my two cents-- any other engineering folk, please feel free to add on. If you want to ask follow-ups or DM me directly, by all means do so! I hope this helps!

[laxuscouldnever]

Stiles Stilinski x Wheelchair!Reader

Stiles slowly made his way down the hospital halls. His boyfriend, Y/N had gotten into a pretty serious... "car"accident and had been hospitalized for a couple days. Stiles had been away for about a week, so this was the first time he was able to visit Y/N.

Room 238, room 238, Stiles repeated in his head. Every number he looked at made him more and more anxious about what he would find once he got to Y/N's room. 

Stiles stopped walking as he reached the room. The door was closed and the blinds in the window were down. If he wanted to see what was inside, he would have to go in. Stiles reached for the door handle and let it rest there for a moment. Did he really want to know how bad it was? What if Y/N had lost a limb? Or maybe had burns somewhere on his body?

Stiles took a deep breath and slowly turned the handle.

A nurse was helping Y/N into a wheelchair. The noise of the door opening caught the attention of both Y/N and the nurse. 

"Hey..." Stiles said shyly. Y/N gave him a soft smile.

Y/N had really missed Stiles. He felt a little guilty because he hadn't contacted Stiles since he woke up and knowing his boyfriend, he knew that Stiles was worrying as much as he could. 

"I'll leave you two alone," the nurse said and left. 

"How are you feeling?" Stiles asked nervously. 

"My head doesn't hurt as much as before, so that's a plus. They want me to stay in this wheelchair for 3 weeks until my legs are ready for physical therapy," Y/N explained.

Stiles sighed, relieved that the wheelchair wasn't a permanent thing.

"So, I doubt a car accident is what actually happened knowing what goes on around here. What actually happened?" Stiles asked.

"Werewolf, obviously. I went out for a jog and he attacked me. He crushed my legs. I think he was gonna kill me, but a group of guys found me before he did. I didn't recognize him either," Y/N said. 

"Don't worry, I'll call Scott and make sure that bastard has his legs removed." Y/N giggled.

"You're so cute when you try to be scary." Stiles felt his face heat up. 

"H-Hey! I'm scary. Just because I'm not a werewolf doesn't mean I'm not scary," Stiles said, crossing his arms. 

"You know, I feel kind of guilty," Y/N said, changing the mood.

"Why's that?" Stiles said, his voice softening immediately. 

"Well...I-I don't know. I wish I would've been able to take care of myself so I wouldn't have to worry everyone when I get hurt. And now for 3 weeks, and possibly even more, I'm gonna be so high maintenance. It makes me feel...pathetic," Y/N said, his voice faltering every once in a while.

Stiles stood there in silence, in complete shock that the person he loved more than anything was feeling bad for something he couldn't control. He didn't know what to say to make Y/N feel better.

"Sorry, that totally brought down the mood. I shouldn't have said anything." Y/N quickly took back his statement and tried to push it away. 

"Please don't feel like that. It's not your fault that you got attacked. How were suppose to take care of something like that? Werewolves are strong. You're human. No one expects you to be as strong as someone like Scott or Derek. Don't think you're pathetic just because you can't fight off a werewolf of all things."

Y/N didn't respond. He had went so long thinking the opposite. He wanted to believe Stiles, he really did, but something in him was telling him that it wasn't true. 

"You're smart, way smarter than most people. You've helped everyone so many times, in the human world and the werewolf world. You are so much more than you think and I won't give up until you believe that as much as everyone else does." Stiles knelt down in front of Y/N and grabbed his hand. 

"I love you, Y/N. Never forget that." Stiles leaned over and placed a soft, slow kiss on Y/N's lips. Y/N reciprocated it immediately. 

"I love you, too, Stiles," Y/N said once they pulled away. Stiles gave Y/N a soft smile and stood up. 

"Now, everyone is waiting for you at my house, so we're gonna go there and have a good time. Movies, food, you name it." Stiles took a hold of the handles on the back of the wheelchair and began pushing Y/N through the halls. 

"How fast do you think I can run while pushing you?" Stiles leaned down and whispered in Y/N's.

"Don't even think about it, Stilinski," Y/N warned. Stiles chuckled. 

"Alright, alright. But once you're out of this thing, I'm taking it for a spin myself."

[rphelperblog]

Gotham Tv Show Rp meme

inspired by @insania - feel free to edit or change for rp purposes

“What they want is a hero, and tonight I will give it to them.”

“To family. In the end that is all that matters.”

That’s the spirit, boys. Think big, and kinky.”

You’re a smart monkey, but you’re a monkey. And I’m the zookeeper.”

Friends don’t owe friends, silly. They just do favors because they want to.”

“Im not a criminal, you know? Jut...insane.”

“You're just a little sinner like the rest of us. I'm almost kind of sad about that.”

“When you know what a man loves, you know what can kill him.”

“The best cure is a laughing cure.”

To truly build something, you must first tear down what is already there.”

“We have one simple choice. We die here alone on our knees or we stand up, and we fight with our family.”

“Hit me, and I’ll let you kiss me.”

I’m more than a man. I’m an idea, a philosophy. And I will live on in the shadows within Gotham’s discontent. You’ll be seeing me soon. Au revoir.”

“There’s nothing more contagious than laughter.”

Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”

“ The city’s sick. Sick in a way I hadn’t realized.”

“This is who I am. It was just finally admitting the truth to myself. Well, that and murdering some people.”

“wow, you miss a lot being dead.”

“The cupcake is sweet, the bullet is deadly. A beautiful woman’s a dangerous thing.”

“We all could go insane with just one bad day.”

“A man with nothing that he loves…is a man who cannot be bargained. A man that cannot be betrayed. A man who answers to no one… but himself.”

“Haven’t I told you to stop creeping up on people like that, it’s bloody rude!”

I can’t be bought, but I can be stolen with a glance. I’m worthless to one, but priceless to two. What am I?”

Foolish arrogance led me astray. But I learned my lessons. I’ll be back, stronger and smarter than ever.”

“For the first time in a long time, I feel alive. I remember who I am. I remember why I’m here.”

“Somebody takes a cop’s gun, you shoot him. That’s basic.”

“Hope is a carrot easily dangled in front of the desperate.”

“Lunatics and idiots? Ooh, my kind of people.”

“I don’t want revenge. I want to understand how it all works.”

“The less you have, the more they’re worth. To friends.”

“Taking a punch is just as important as throwing one.”

“Everybody has to start somewhere.”

“Please don’t think too badly of me. We are what we are.”

“It’s good you’re changing. Just don’t change too much.”

“everyone needs a hobby.”

“Fear doesn’t need conquering. Fear tells you where the edge is. Fear is a good thing.”

“When crooks become more popular than cops, that’s anarchy.”

“You make a life of crime sound very noble.”

“You have a little danger in your eye. I wonder what you plan to do with that.”

“What’s the secret to good comedy? Timing. And what’s courage? Grace under pressure. And who’s the boss? I’m the boss.”

“We can’t change the past, but there’s a difference between moving on and letting go.”

“What do a dead man, a cruise ship and emu have in common? Correct, nothing.”

“I promise you, however dark and scary the world might be right now, there will be light. There will be light”

“Pick your battles. Don’t let them pick you.”

“Cops have feelings, too. It’s not unprofessional to show your feelings.”

“A good riddle reveals the asker. To solve it is to solve the mystery of the person posing it.”

“Foolish arrogance led me astray. But I learned my lessons. I'll be back, stronger and smarter than ever.”

“Aren’t all the best guys a little scary?”

“You don’t bend or you will get broke.”

“I should put a bullet in your head right now.”

You disappear in the middle of a case, you can't even tell me why?”

you seem like a nice guy, but this is not a city or a job for nice guys.”

“A diamond plate, a glowing grate, a place you never leave. Where am I?”

“What has no hands but might knock on your door, and you better open up if it does?”

“We can’t change the past, but there’s a difference between moving on and letting go.”

“In the darkness, there are no rules. So, tonight, do what you want. Kill who you want. And when morning comes, you too shall be reborn.”

“I can sneak up on you or be right in front of you without you even knowing. But when I reveal myself, you will never be the same. What am I?”

“Please don’t think too badly of me. We are what we are.”

“A nightmare for some. For others, a savior, I come. My hands, cold and bleak, it’s the warm hearts they seek.”

“Cop partnerships are like marriages. You know each other better than your wives.”

The guns are bought. The killing room is waiting. He doesn’t know it, but he’s a dead man.”

That's what 'personal' means.”

“Please don’t think too badly of me. We are what we are.”

“Of course. I'm a businessman. You can't have organized crime without law and order. I love this city, and I see it going to hell. But I won't let it fall apart without a fight.”

“I haunt your dreams like a ghost, for I know what scares you most. So you run, run! As fast as you can! There’s no escape from the magic man.”

“You’re all prisoners. What you call sanity, it’s just a prison in your minds that stops you from seeing that you’re just tiny little cogs in a giant absurd machine. Wake up! Why be a cog? Be free like us. Just remember, smile.”

“Did you know my family built this city? We carved the bedrock upon which it stands, yet there is not a bridge, an alley, a ditch that carries our name. My forefathers were betrayed, their legacy erased, and I am here to punish those who wronged us and reclaim what is ours.”

[sylverstorms]

Cassandra x Maiden ----Anonymity Ch. 11 (NSFW) (END)

Ch.1 Ch2 Ch.3 Ch.4 Ch.5 Ch.6 Ch.7 Ch.8 Ch.9 Ch.10

If you are curious to know what my version of Alexia looks like, check here

All maids are dismissed from dinner at night.

The doors are kept sealed shut. It is clear whatever the Dimitrescus are discussing is not for ears outside of their family's to overhear.

You are thankful for the windows you have to focus on repairing while they talk. It keeps you from overthinking and that keeps you sane.

Once everything is fixed, the only physical sign of the nightmarish day you had is Cassandra's sickle, still embedded within what is no doubt a priceless painting.

You approach slowly, as though the weapon has a will of its own and can turn right around to finish the job of gutting you. Your fingers close around the leather handle. The first pull does nothing. The blade is so firmly lodged it won't budge an inch.

But you are nothing if not determined.

That is what you busy yourself with until you see a familiar fly come to land on your shoulder. It doesn't cut at your flesh, but it does bite and tug on your shirt. You understand the silent command to follow.

The insect leads you to the dining room. The table is cleaned, but the daughters are all still there, talking in hushed tones among themselves, poker faces adorning their expressions.

Three sets of yellowish eyes immediately fall to the sickle in your hand. Bela raises an amused eyebrow. The redhead whistles. "That looks sexy on you~"

"Can't imagine it would look as good in me." You give Cassandra a pointed look as you pull the chair beside her, but she only shrugs and leans back, motioning for you to hand it over.

"No... did you throw it at her?" Daniela guffaws. "And you missed?"

A sour grimace comes from the brunette. "I wasn't trying that hard..."

"What if I hadn't dodged?" you ask.

"...well. It's good that you did." Cassandra looks down at her manicured nails, as apologetic as she'll let herself be in front of her sisters.

"Do I want to know what was hit instead of Alexia?" Bela carefully asks.

"You really don't." Cassandra shakes her head and they leave it at that for both their sake.

"So." Bela speaks up after a brief moment of silence. "After our discussion with mother, we are to inform you that you're free to come and go from the castle as you please. Cassandra's key is as much hers as it is yours, now. But. Should any other maid escape using it or learn of our weakness, we'll have to do something nobody here wants."

"We'll have to brutally murder you to make an example. And whoever knows." Daniela cuts in and Cassandra gives her a glare. You aren’t looking forward to learning what their interpretation of the word ‘brutal’ is like.

"Yeah I... I could have guessed that." you reply.

"But I'm sure you're smart enough to not let that happen." Bela states. "This settles everything, I think."

"Not everything." Cassandra retorts, a shadow around her eyes.

"Cassandra, drop it. You heard what mother said." The blonde's tone grows harsh.

"What did she say, other than what we already knew?" comes the sharp bite back. "Why is she so vague every time one of us asks how we came to be?"

"I'm sure she has a good reason. What does it even matter about before?"

"Because I'm sick of having nightmares about people I don't remember!" Cassandra slams her hands onto the table. Both you and Daniela flinch back a bit.

You could have already guessed Alcina is not their biological mother. But a lot of puzzle pieces fall into place before your eyes now. And this new picture you're starting to see of the Dimitrescu family isn't a pretty one at all.

The tension between the two siblings is enough to electrify the air around the table.

"Did you ever consider it's probably for the best that you never do remember them?" Bela asks, her irritation ice-cold as opposed to Cassandra's sizzling fire. "Maybe there's a reason nightmares are all that's left."

You can see your lover's jaw clench. Cassandra's fingers curl into white-knuckled fists as she sits back down. "Don't you get these flashes? These almost-memories?"

"No." Bela says as she stands to leave. "I don't get them. And even if I did, I don't much care for leftovers."

"Daniela?" Cassandra asks, turning to her younger sister.

"I uh... I gotta go do a... thing. Bye now!" The redhead disperses into a swarm right there, before any more can be said.

Cassandra huffs in an exasperated, 'of course' manner. Only the two of you are left in the gigantic room, but you're not sure if you should speak up. You're not exactly confident in your ability to comfort others, nor can you tell where she and you currently stand. It doesn't look like either of you has the energy for any type of loaded talk.

You need each other, that much is as certain as the sun’s rise and fall.

And that's enough, for now.

-

-

Within the next few days, Cassandra and you take your time gravitating back together.

You let the thought of her ripping you in half slowly bleed away and she probably does the same with the notion of you using her weakness against her.

It starts with little touches, on your shoulder or your hand, as you make plans to spend a night or two in your house at the village once the temperature allows it.

Then one evening she comes to your room complaining about Daniela just like the old times and it feels only natural to rub her back like you used to.

Cassandra leans into you like a purring cat.

"Oh, you're so warm..." she sighs, resting her head atop your shoulder.

Absent-mindedly, you bring your travelling fingers up to her nape, pressing at a tiny knot of tension there with your thumb. A little moan slips past her lips –you're aware of just how close to touching your neck they are– and it hits you straight in the gut. You've missed drawing these sounds out of her.

Cassandra shifts against you and every minuscule brush of her lithe form on yours brings sparks to life. Her finger reaches under your chin to tip it her way.

"If you want us to stop here I need to leave now." she speaks with that impatience in the edges of her voice you recognize well.

"What happens if you stay?" you ask. It's not just your body warming at the thought of keeping her close.

"Don't tempt me, Alexia." Her lower lip just barely traces yours as she says it. "I'm not good at resisting and you know it."

You know it. Maybe that's why you tempt her with another almost-kiss in the first place. You could never deny how badly you wanted her and that certainly hasn't changed.

Cassandra crashes your mouths together hungrily, like she's been left without it for too long and now she can't go another second without having you. Her leg crosses over yours to lift herself into straddling you, two strong thighs bracketing your hips tight.

She's trying, you can tell, to not tear both your clothes off and have what she craves hard and fast and right there.

You keep a smirk to yourself when you slip your tongue into her mouth and unhook the buttons of her outfit extra slow. Her nails press into your shoulders. You refuse to speed up.

"Can you go any faster?" she breathily pants once you trail your lips to her neck.

"I can." you say. And lightly bite her.

She's one step away from ripping your shirt off, you can tell from how her fingers curl on the fabric. So you make the smarter choice and distract her with another little bite where you know she likes it best, just underneath her ear, then guide her clothes off of her.

Cassandra pushes you back into the mattress and kisses you again while her cool hands make short work of your clothes. You let her grind her hips into you for some measure of relief as you continue to suck and nibble on her flushed, sensitive skin. Her hands find purchase on your sheets when she no longer trusts her control to have them on you.

"Will you touch me already?" she growls into your ear. You can feel how badly she needs it from the way she shakes on every caress near her center, but this is your payback for that sickle throw.

"I am." you give her a smirk, then lightly push a fingertip into tight, wet heat to cut off her response.

"Ah. I— fuck Alexia!" You've never heard her curse before. And you can't figure out why it's so sinfully hot. “Oh, yes, darling, there!”

As much as she deserves to be tormented for the fright she gave you, you can hardly contain your own lust when she's moving on top of you like this, calling you ‘darling’ and hers.

Both of you come undone not long after, gripping at each other, her soft cries of pleasure filling the room until she lowers her head over your heart, completely spent.

Your fingers gently comb through her wavy hair. For quite some time, Cassandra looks so relaxed you think she has fallen asleep on you.

Until she lifts her head up and nuzzles your jawline, in a way she probably knows kills you every time she does it. Her teeth trap your earlobe. That spells trouble even before she speaks up:

"You didn't think one round would do it, did you? After all, I have yet to pay you back for sneaking into my room and stealing my key, darling…"

Well.

It turns out you won a battle and started a war that lasts throughout the night. And it's only the first, you're sure, of many to come.

For once in your life, you can't wait for what's next.

[midnight-echoes]

Incorrect Quotes: Freedom Pals Edition

It's just the Freedom Pals from TFBW this time. Yes, I am including New Kid/Buttlord/Douchebag and Mint-Berry Crunch. ...Spoilers. I think.

Capt. Diabetes: *eating a cinnamon roll* Mosquito: Cannibalism. Capt. Diabetes: *confused chewing noises*

Mysterion: Bro, I had a dream we fucked. Prof. Chaos: Bro, relax it was just a dream. Mysterion: Huh, gay, I wouldn’t fuck you. Prof. Chaos: You wouldn’t? Mysterion: I mean, unless you want to-

The Coon: I printed up a bunch of fake safety inspection certificates. Go slap one on anything that looks like a lawsuit. Dr. Timothy: Coon, is that legal? The Coon: When the cops aren’t around, anything’s legal!

New Kid: I tried to write ‘I'm a functional adult’ but my phone changed it to ‘fictional adult’ and i feel like that’s more accurate.

Dr. Timothy: When I said bring me something back from the beach I meant like a conch shell! New Kid: *Struggling to hold a seagull* Fucking say that next time!

Mosquito: Here’s the cold medicine you asked for. Mosquito: *dumps 3 shopping bags of wine on the table* Call Girl: ...Thanks.

Mysterion: You're smiling. What happened? The Coon: What? Can't I smile just because I feel like it? Dr. Timothy: The New Kid tripped and fell down the stairs today.

The Coon: Where's Human Kite? Mysterion: Don't worry, I'll find him. Mysterion, shouting: Toolshed sucks! Human Kite, distantly: Toolshed is the best person ever! Mysterion: Found him.

Toolshed: Are we fighting or flirting? Human Kite: I'm pinning you against a wall with my hand around your neck- Toolshed: Your point?

Call Girl: I keep a picture of all of us in my wallet. Whenever I face difficulties, I take it out and stare at the picture. Freedom Pals: Awwww- Call Girl: And I tell myself "If I can deal with these idiots, then I can deal with anything." Freedom Pals: Oh.

Mint-Berry Crunch: Wait a minute, how did this happen? We're smarter than this! New Kid: Apparently, we're not.

Mint-Berry Crunch: It’s time to turn this into a real business. Prof. Chaos: What do you mean? Like, carry a briefcase, and wear a tie, and pay taxes? Mosquito: Wait, have you not been paying your taxes? New Kid: I handle our accounting.

New Kid: I dare you to kiss the next person who walks into this room. Mosquito: Screw that, I’m not kissing any of you. *Capt. Diabetes walks in* Mosquito: Fine, I’ll do it. Rules are rules you know.

Tupperware: I know we’re not exactly friends, but- Toolshed: What do you want? Tupperware: I've been stuck with Super Craig for 2 weeks and he's been drinking all the soy sauce. Tupperware: Help.

Call Girl: We've got to find a way to cut down our expenses. What can we live without? Prof. Chaos: The Coon, probably.

The Coon: Did you miss me while I was gone? FastPass: You were gone?

Toolshed: Look, I’m glad everyone’s on the same page. Toolshed: But it’s the last page in a book titled “we’re all going to die”. Human Kite: That’s not even clever.

Super Craig: Mosquito has no survival skills, his need to win has replaced him. Capt. Diabetes: That can't be true! Super Craig: Watch this. Super Craig: Hey Mosquito, race you to the bottom of the stairs! Mosquito: *Throws himself out a window*

Toolshed, hungover: Please tell me I'm imagining that I claimed I was king of the ducks. Tupperware: I would, but then I would be lying to the King of All Ducks.

Mosquito, when Tupperware walks in: Oh, hey, I'm just making pizza. Mosquito: *accidentally smacks FastPass in the face with the baking sheet*

Capt. Diabetes: I give up. I am so tired. Dr. Timothy: Get the emergency supply! Tupperware: *carries Mosquito and places him in front of Capt. Diabetes* Mosquito: *smiles* Capt. Diabetes: AND I AM BACK BABY, LET’S GOOO

*Super Craig and Wonder Tweek are in Paris* Super Craig: I'm...moved. I...I don't know what it is I'm feeling right now. I feel...destiny? Wonder Tweek: But... Super Craig: I don't know what it is. I feel like... I just never thought I'd see it with my own two eyes. And here it is. It's just there. It's right in front of me, and... Wonder Tweek: This is what you wanted to see? The bridge from Inception? Super Craig: Yeah. Wonder Tweek: But the Eiffel Tower is behind us, babe. Super Craig: Yeah, but this is the bridge FROM INCEPTION. Wonder Tweek: Okay, alright.