#the point of this post is his expression destroys me because i felt it

[ride-a-dromedary]

[I'm sorry for your loss.] It was a long time ago. The wounds don't heal, but they become more bearable.

[fallinfl0wers]

They wear your clothes

fandom: genshin impact characters: xiao, albedo, scaramouche reader type: female, taller than them, tried to make it ambiguous enough so it can be read as reader being chubby too! summary: they've heard of the custome of borrowing clothes from your significant other, usually, a girlfriend borrowing from her boyfriend. since their clothes wouldn't exactly fit on you, they decided to try yours instead... genre: fluff notes: self-indulgent because i can't relate to almost half the posts on this trope (and a lot of other posts with some very specific descriptions on the reader compared to the character...) due to me not being dwarfed by most of my husbandos despite not being the tallest person around HAHA, also, i didn't consistently do this before, but from now on i will put in the tags the gender of the reader on each post rather than just in this section!^^

Xiao

He's heard of this strange habit humans have about borrowing their lovers' clothes, and at first, he didn't see the appeal.

But as he thought about it from time to time, he wondered... would you like to do something like that?

Listen, at most, Xiao only has about three or four outifts that look exactly the same and he uses them all if they don't get destroyed beyond repair during his fighting against demons, so it's not like he has many clothes to spare, let alone clothes that would fit comfortably on you if at all, considering your body is bigger than his.

He doesn't bring it up not to make you uncomfortable, though. He knows it could make you feel self-conscious.

He has never been truly self-conscious or insecure about his height, though. He thinks it's useful because it lets him be lighter and move faster than others.

But, man... if he hears you say you wish you could borrow his clothes too just for a while, he'll lowkey wonder if you'd be more comfortable if he was a bit taller and his clothes could actually fit on you--

So one day, while you were taking a shower and he waited for you in your room, he saw a fluffy, slightly oversized sweater of yours laying on your bed.

He blinked down at it.

And proceeded to take off his accessories and sleeve to try it on and see once and for all why humans seemed fond of stealing each other's clothes.

The sweater was already a bit oversized on you, so you can imagine... it was very oversized on him.

And he thought it wasn't that big of a deal but then he kinda looked down at himself, felt the soft fabric against his body, smelt the scent of the soap he knows you always use, the scent of you, impregnated on the sweater...

He looked tiny. And felt tiny too, in a weirdly good sense. He felt as if he was being surrounded by you, and since you were his comfort, it felt as if he was being surrounded by comfort.

When you get out of the shower wrapped on your towel, you can't even begin to process the picture before your eyes: Xiao, your beloved boyfriend, wearing your favorite oversized sweater and staring at you while his cheeks slowly gained a pink tone as he came out of his mind.

The moment you try to speak Xiao is already in front of you, gently throwing your sweater on your face so you won't see his expression.

"I... only wanted to see if it was warm. Um. It is warm. Wear it so you don't get sick.

After that day, Xiao sends hints to you that he wants to wear more of your clothes.

It isn't often, but at some point, when he's free and tired and you're not available, he will simply rummage through your wardrobe and pick the first sweater, hoodie or jacket he can get to feel closer to you.

He gives it a 10/10, wearing [name]'s clothes is free therapy and happiness.

And since his own clothes really won't fit you, at least he lets you wear his necklace at times. Plus, he personally crafts jewelry and other accessories of the like for you to wear instead, all filled with protective charms to keep you out of harm's way.

Albedo

He knows of this human custom, and he was never interested on it, honestly.

He can lend you his lab coat, it's a tight and small fit on you, and he wouldn't recommend you wore it if you were to actually participate in any sort of experiment; if you're ever interested on alchemic stuff, he already has a coat with your proper measurements.

Besides his uniform of the knights of favonius, I think he mostly wears dress shirts and that sort of elegant-casual clothes, always with his lab coat on because he spends most of his time experimenting anyway.

He actually overheard you talking with Klee one day while you were babysitting her when she asked whether or not you borrowed his clothes at times.

And, fairly enough, you sometimes borrow a scarf if you forget your own- but nothing more than that.

Albedo did what he knows best, and did his personal research on the topic: couples borrowing each other's clothes as a form of affection.

He spotted many couples throughout all of Mondstadt doing as much- many of them being a smaller female wearing a larger male's blazers, shirts or other garments alike.

Though, aside from that gendered trend, he identified that the most important variable in this situation was height and perceived weight between the lovers in question--

A conclusion he reached quickly during his first ten minutes of observing, something rather obvious: it is only functional for the smaller person in the relationship to wear the bigger one's clothes rather than the other way around, excluding cases where the builds of the two are similar.

He still quite didn't get why people liked it though.

So one day, you enter your room to look for something real quick, and tilt your head in confusion as you find Albedo wearing a dress shirt that belongs to you and is clearly not his size, staring at his reflection on the mirror analytically while smoothening down the fabric.

You frown, and if anyone saw you, they would see the question marks floating above your head.

The alchemist turns to look at you, and gives you a smile.

"[Name], good evening, how was your day? Hm? This? Yes, it is your shirt. I'm sorry for not asking beforehand, I'll do better next time. I was curious about this 'clothe stealing' thing some people do with their partners... I think I get it now. It is rather... comforting and reassuring."

From then on Albedo will ask you if he can borrow your shirts whenever he knows he'll have to spend a lot of time on his lab at Dragonspine, he says it makes him feel less lonely up there.

He still lets you borrow his scarves, and if your hair is long enough to be tied, also his hair ties.

For practical purposes, he can't simply buy oversized clothes to wear so you can wear them too and feel what he feels when he wears yours, but alchemy goes a long way, so he'll most likely gift you a bracelet, ring, collar or other charm of the like made with your favorite flowers, alchemically modified and solidify to last at least a hundred years intact.

Scaramouche

He might have a little... problem with his own height, but since he's convinced he's far too strong and amazing, no one can really know it unless they purposefully push his buttons (or look at the gigantic robot he piloted in Sumeru)

He's been around for a while, alright, but to be honest he really never interacted with a lot of couples enough to pick up on these kind of affection.

Probably though, during his time as a harbinger, he saw a couple of recruits exchanging coats before a particularly hard mission while spouting promises of "I'll return safely and we'll be together!" or something like that.

He thought it was just another weird human habit he wouldn't concern himself with because it was ridiculous AAAAND then you came into the picture, somehow broke down his walls and made him feel things he didn't want to feel again

Like attachment and happiness and joy and hope. Ew, what are those? He doesn't want them! (He does tho)

And since you're obviously bigger than him, while you hugged him, he suddenly understood that strange custom.

When you hug him, he feels all warm and fuzzy and fluffy inside- it's a comforting feeling that... well, feels so good he wants to cry.

So maybe, he thinks, wearing your clothes would have a similar effect.

And so here you have him, he made sure you wouldn't be around to see him do this, so he has no shame on dugging through your wardrobe until he finds the sweater you wear the most and puts it on to test his theory.

He looks at himself in the mirror and glares at himself for blushing-

Your sweater... it was soft. And fluffy. And warm. And it smelt like you.

He puts a hand over his chest, on the empty space where his heart should be.

He has no heart, so why does he feel like something just skipped a beat?

He closes his eyes, and he can almost feel as though you're holding him in your warm embrace. And he only puts your sweater back on place when he knows it's almost time for you to return home.

"I'm wearing your sweater today. ...? I'm not asking, I'm telling you. [Name], what's mine is yours and what's yours is mine, I don't have to ask for this sort of thing! ... ...I just want to, alright?! Geez, you just want to know every little thing, don't you?! it's just so comforting... hah..."

Man will let you borrow his clothes if you want honestly, he can't guarantee you'll be comfortable but if you want to, go off I guess.

He'll lend you his hat, especially during rainy days when you're stuck out on the rain.

No matter how taller you are, an inch or five or more, he'll claim you're his umbrella for the day even though you say you've brought a far more comfortable, actual umbrella.

He loves this arrangement secretly, despite how uncomfortable it can get. He's very close to you this way and he loves it!

Man will also gift you jewelry and he'll make some himself too- and if he suddenly has far too many new jewelry himself and leaves it "forgotten" in your desk or plainly on your lap, you don't need to know why! Just wear it!! (please)

2022. fallinfl0wers.

[sciderman]

this might be an unpopular opinion but actually i think that in homecoming mcu peter was very well characterized? i thought he brought the sass and was very headstrong and i think that's why that film is my favorite out of his, he was throwing himself into situations without deliberation with just a very restless and agitated feel to him at points, and actively driving the plot forward in a way that to me felt very baby peter. i think that fanon (like irondad, woobifying him in fics etc) has contributed to a perception of him that isn't super strong in actual canon. i also think the writers would benefit from reading your tags on that post lol, cause mcu spidey is at his best when HIS choices are actively driving the plot, and at its weakest when hes reacting to things happening to him like in far from home. there's potential for spidey 4, there's a lot of room for angry, broken, but hopeful peter, and i'm sure the mcu will disappoint me but i am a fool and live in hope :')

i guess you have some kind of a point there, and i can see the point you're making - but – i think where it doesn't work is that we never actually get an inkling as to why peter's restless and agitated. why he cares so much about being a hero. why he wants to. when like, in civil war he actually kind of didn't want to get involved with the avengers. he was blackmailed into it. so why that 180?

no consistency in the mcu. no consistency at all. i hear that writers don't even consult each other between movies, and i believe it ,, considering how much whiplash i consistently get from mcu character motivations. (constantly thinking of civil war where hawkeye tells scott "you might go to jail for this", and scott says "yeah well what else is new" nonchalantly, like he didn't just fucking have an entire movie where is whole motivation was "i do not want to go to jail because i want to be with my daughter." what the fuck?? what the fuck mcu??? what the fuck?????????? the mcu does this with literally every character too. tony destroying all his armor in one movie and the next one making ARMOR FOR THE WORLD??????????????? 180s just across the board. we're gonna do a thing and then 3 seconds later we're gonna do the exact opposite thing. i hate the mcu.)

in the comics we entirely understand why peter is agitated and restless. we've seen it. we see his justification literally on the front page of his first appearance in amazing fantasy #15.

the world mocked timid teenager peter parker. so peter wants the world to see the awesome might of spider-man. there you go. that's why he put on the stupid tights. we get it. two sentences and we get the whole schtick.

we pointedly do NOT get to see what kind of kid mcu peter parker was before the spider-bite. we never get to know. we do not know what changed. he doesn't even talk about it. not even freaking once. he never laments that he used to be weak. he never expresses the sentiment that his life has improved now that he has powers, or even what having powers really means to him. just a "i've got powers now. guess i have to become a hero. i guess." there's no motivation for him at ALL. power doesn't mean a thing to him. he's just some kid who has powers i guess and who else is kind of super? uh? tony stark?? yeah okay i wanna be tony stark i guess.

IT ALL MEAAAANS nothing!! ! ! ! ! ! nothing fucking at all!!!!!! it's actually SO SO missing the point of spider-man entirely to not pay any mention at all to who peter parker was before the spider-bite. that lives in him every day. it's an ANXIETY that lives in him every day of his life. it's something really important for you to know about peter. in every issue spider-man is IN, this anxiety manifests in some kind of way, in everything he does.

we never see what's changed for him, how it affects his dynamic with his friends, with aunt may, with anyone. it's barely a source of tension for him because actually, his secret identity is thrown around like it's a joke. it baffles my mind how much the mcu misses the mark with spider-man, actually. whenever i think about mcu spider-man i discover some new way they misunderstood spider-man. i didn't even think about how much is missing from just the omission of pre-spider-bite peter parker. it's such a vital part of spider-man's motivation that's been wiped. his motivation in the mcu is so, so vague. his motivation is the same as any kid who has seen an iron man movie. "hey that guy can fly. i want to fly too. and i want to buy iron man action figures and i want a cool suit too." uhh?? yeah?? what kid doesn't?? lame. lame and weak. mcu peter parker doesn't have a unique personality trait to differentiate him from any 10 year old who's watching these movies. weak and lame.

[lokisprettygirl]

Under his influence (Post Avengers! Loki x female reader)

Read chapter 14 here // Series Masterlist

Chapter 15

Summary : Loki is afraid you won't desire him once you see him for who he is.

Warning: 18+ things get steamy at the end, mention of sex, mention of periods, mention of psychological torture, angst, insecurities, self deprecating behaviour, also Melissa again, Loki having severe internalised racism (he'll get better i promise)

The room was pindrop silent. You looked around and Melissa who had screamed bloody murder just now and wanted to leave, sat back down again. That bitch needed a lesson in humility.

Captain seemed a little bit shaken by the sight in front of him, he had never seen Loki in this form, nobody had, not even his brother. You looked at Thor, and he was equally shocked. You couldn't stop staring at Loki, he was bigger, at least a foot taller than how he looked in his Asgardian form, those ridges on his skin seemed beautiful, he looked like a piece of art, something historic, something you' wanted to cherish with all your heart.

You stepped a little forward since you knew you had no shoes on so your feet won't make any noise, big mistake because Loki looked to the side as you reached closer, he took a sniff as if he could smell you, there was a brief moment when he looked right into your eyes or so you thought, they were teary again. He couldn't see you though, right?

You were there, your scent reached his senses and he just knew you were around him. This is not how he wanted you to find out about this monstrous side of him. Why did you come here? What if someone would have caught you?

"Bring me my shield" Rogers asked Hawkeye so Loki averted his gaze and snickered,

"Changed your mind, captain? I thought we were going hand to hand"

"We are, my shield is a part of me" Steve sneered at him.

"Actually that's--" Tony was about to say something but Steve glared at him. Wow Captain America had no expressions even when he seemed angry.

"Whatever helps you sleep tonight captain" Loki retorted.

"He's like a yeti, big scary freaky yeti, but I can't stop staring, it's like staring at something sooo unnatural..it's crazy isn't it" Melissa commented on his appearance yet again and she was speaking to Jane, Loki didn't even bother looking at her this time.

"Why don't you just be quiet or better yet..leave?" Jane replied. Thanks Jane.

Before anyone could say anything else, they both charged at each other, Loki was merciless, you had to take a step back and had to close your eyes every second because you couldn't stand the sight of the captain being beaten up so ruthlessly.

Act of physical violence wasn't something you could digest easily. You heard him growling and he was burning with an animalistic rage. He was tired of feeling like a weakling, he was tired of these people and their hatred towards him, he was sick of their taunts and their ignorant behaviour towards the threat that was out to destroy them all. He felt an intense amount of guilt for killing agent Coulson but it got worse when these people never failed to remind him of what he had done that day.

You were there and you wanted him to fight for himself, you were right, he was a god and these people needed to know that they couldn't just push him around like a puppet all the time. Even though the fight was brutal Rogers wasn't backing out, Tony and Clint intervened and tried to drag him away from Loki but his pride was bigger than his life for him, after a point Thor had to come and he grabbed Loki but you could see him struggling to keep him from attacking again.

"Just stop both of you" Bruce banner interrupted between the fight and you could see the vein in his neck threatening to burst, he was looking all green already so Natasha came forward and took his hand in hers to calm him down. What was that all about?

Rogers was taken away for medical assistance and you noticed that Pepper, Jane and Melissa were leaving as well so you followed them, as much as you wanted to stay and comfort Loki you didn't want to get caught and ruin everything for you both.

"God what an animal...ughhhhj " Melissa commented as soon as they all stepped out.

"Aren't you supposed to be in love with him?' Jane asked her and Melissa rolled her eyes.

"I am and that's why I can accept this ugly disgusting side of him, you're lucky to have Thor who's just perfect with no flaws whatsoever" Melissa said and with every word you heard from her, your hatred for her only increased, you didn't think you had ever hated anyone as much as her in the moment.

As you all stepped out of the elevator, you pulled her hair very harshly before you hobbled towards Loki's room. You heard her pained screaming as she looked behind to see who had done that but she found nobody. You wished that would have been enough but it wasn't. She was continuously hurting Loki and you didn't think you'd be able to take it for long.

"Brother are you alright?" Thor walked towards Loki who had collapsed on his knees in the training room.

"I shouldn't have done that should I?" Loki looked up at him, his eyes filled with tears, Thor has never seen his brother in this form before so it was a bit of an adjustment.

"Well they're not going to like it for sure, he did have it coming though " Loki sighed at the response.

"This is not how i wanted her to see me the first time " Loki mumbled making Thor confused

"Lady Melissa?"

"Y/n"

"She was here?" Thor raised his brow in a questioning manner.

"I could sense that she was, her scent was all over the space"

"Really? What does she smell like?" Thor chuckled,

"How come it's relevant?" Loki raised his brows, except he didn't have brows, those ridges that were present all over his skin merely gave an allusion of the brows "She smells sweet, especially when she's nearing her menstr-"

"Alright I get it" Thor interrupted him before he would be scarred further "Why are you worried about her seeing you?"

"You saw how everyone was looking at me and what that Melissa said" his voice strained because of the bubbling emotions "I brought her here all alone, and now she must think I am some giant monster who could hurt her any minute"

"You're not a monster loki"

"I am the monster we had vowed to eliminate remember?"

"We were just childrens Loki, I didn't know any better but I do now and I know Jotuns deserve the same respect that Asgardians do, but are you willing to accept that?" Loki didn't respond as Thor said that, he just got up, changed back to his aesir form and picked up his shirt from the floor to put it on before he left for his room.

He was nervous going back to the room, he was scared you'd tell him off and would demand to go back, he feared that he'd lose your affection because of who he actually was, whenever you asked him about his jotun traits, he kept his answers to bare minimum, he never described how he looked, he always told you that they were big and blue but he never described his monstrous eyes or those deep ridges on his skin, he never told you that he was a hairless freak, never told you that his skin felt so rough to touch.

As he opened the door to his room he found you on the bed with your phone in your hand, the cloak was placed neatly folded on the side of the bed where he had left it for you.

Perhaps there was a possibility that you weren't there, he didn't want to lose you so soon. He didn't want to lose you at all.

"Hiii" you smiled as you crawled on the bed to reach towards the frontal edge where he was standing, you got on your knees making sure you weren't putting much pressure on your ankle, because of the pills you weren't feeling any pain but you knew it wouldn't be wise to put strain on your sprained ankle. There were small bruises on his face that he had gotten because of the fight so you cupped his cheeks and kissed him, his hair was curly and messy as well.

"I missed you" you mumbled softly and his arms wrapped around your waist before he placed his head down on your shoulder.

"What's wrong?" You asked him so he pulled away a little to look at you, why weren't you running away from him? Why weren't you disgusted by him if you saw him? Perhaps his senses were wrong and you weren't there.

He took a step away from you, the distance between your bodies grew as he continued to step back.

"You were there" he mumbled as he placed his hands on his waist. It wasn't a question but a statement so you sighed and sat down on your hips so your thighs weren't straining.

"Are you upset?" You asked him so he tilted his head, the question confirmed that his intuitions were correct.

"You could have been caught"

"I know, that was very foolish of me I'm sorry" you mumbled softly so he walked towards you, he cupped your cheeks and made you look up to his tall frame so you were meeting his eyes.

"You saw me" he said, his voice sounded defeated and it made your heart sink,

"Yes?"

"Why aren't you scared?" You crossed your arms as he said that, the position would seem really funny if someone were to click your pictures because he was still holding your cheeks between his palms.

"Why would I be scared of you Loki?" You questioned him, your voice showed no sign of fear or disgust, you grabbed onto his wrist, turned your head a little to kiss on his right palm before you slid them down and lifted yourself up on your knees again, even when you were on the bed he was still taller than you, your arms wrapped around his neck, fingers caressing his nape gently as you questioned him again

"Why would I be scared of you baby?" His eyes teared up at the firm but tender sound of your voice.

"Because I'm a monster and you should be afraid of me" your heart broke for him as he said that. You saw the years worth of pain and insecurities swimming in those eyes.

"You think you're a monster? Why?"

You questioned him as your lips pressed small kisses on every little bruises he had on his face.

"Did you not see me? I am nothing more than an animal, an incorrigible monster that's going to hurt you" he spoke so you looked at him before you kissed him, he cupped your cheeks again and responded to the kiss with equal urgency, when you pulled away he pressed his forehead down on yours to regain his composure. His words still clenched your heart and you just wanted to comfort him, not just with your words but also physical affection, you knew how much he loved to be taken care of whenever he was vulnerable and you were going to take care of him

"You won't hurt me lo" he heard your voice but his mind couldn't stop being so cruel to him, why weren't you disgusted by him? One of his hand wrapped around your throat and you felt his thumb and forefingers putting a gentle pressure on the sides of of your neck, the gesture made your head tilt upwards involuntarily.

He wasn't hurting you, not even in the slightest, but the idea of having his hand around your throat in such a manner aroused you, and then out of nowhere you were picturing him in his Frost giant form, you closed your eyes as you envisioned the godly giant you had seen just a few minutes ago, you pictured his large hand around your throat and then you imagined your average sized human body rubbing against his giant blue one. Holy shit you had discovered a new kink just now.

"What if I do?" He asked you before he pressed his lips on yours again and kissed you roughly.

"You are not going to hurt me lo, if there's one thing I know about you then it's the fact that you would never ever hurt me in that way, I trust you more than I trust anyone really. You're not a monster and you could never be..you're just a Frost giant and you're supposed to look different" he let go of his grip on your neck only to curl his hand behind your head and pulled you closer to kiss you again, you clutched on his shirt as you sat back down on the bed carefully, the kiss never broke as you laid down with him on top of you,

"It's not easy for me to accept who I am and it's even harder to think of you willing to touch me when I look like that" he whispered meekly, you wished you could have just taken away all of that self loathing from him but you knew it will take time, you had plethora of issues yourself to understand that it was never easy.

"Oh looo..it's okay baby, someday when you're not feeling this way I would love to see you as you again, you're beautiful in every form and every shape" your voice sounded barely audible as you wrapped your legs around him,

The dress you had on pooled around your thighs in the process, his hands roamed all over your bare thighs as he kissed you passionately.

"You would? You would want to see me like that?" He asked as if he couldn't believe that his princess really wanted to see him like that,

"See you and touch you and kiss you all over" his lips latched to yours as you whispered sweet nothings in his ears.

Everytime you two indulged in something remotely close to a sexual experience he felt your body getting warmer with every passing second, your face always seemed so flushed, he brought one of his hands up to play with your hair while the other one rubbed circles on the insides of your thighs. The warmth radiating from your frame underneath him always riled him up, it was the contrasting feeling against his cold one that affected him so deeply. He wanted you to melt underneath him while you'd just continue to keep him so hard and cold on top of him

"I love you"

As soon as he heard the sound escaping your throat everything paused around him, his nerves kept fluttering as he pulled himself up a little and looked at you, a look of bewilderment clearly visible on his face.

"I know it's probably too soon and I shouldn't be-" before you could finish your babbling nonsense he had his thumb pressed on your lips.

"Say it again…please" you smiled as he said that. He seemed as if he was in shock, wanting to hear the confession again but at the same time he was still astonished, the timing of the confession couldn't have been more glorious, he walked into this room thinking you'd be scared of him in the least but now you were telling him that you loved him.

"I love you lo, I know I do, for once in my life i know that I am in love and i love you.. so much and it scares me because I don't think I'll ever be able to fall in love again with someone who is not you, I always dreamt of a man like you and I found you, it's nothing less than a miracle for me"

As soon as you finished speaking, he placed his forearms down on the bed on either side of your head and kissed you, his tongue slipped past your lips so you sucked on it like a popsicle, he was so cold and he always tasted so sweet, he was a dream come true to life.

"I love you" he mumbled softly,

"You do?" Your eyes teared up as he said that, you feared that he was just saying it to please you. And it scared you eve more when you realised that this was it. Where would you two go from here? You never had guys stick around with you once the honeymoon phase had ended, so you didn't really know what to expect. You just didn't want to lose him so soon or ever really.

"I do, I don't know how to describe these emotions that I have for you other than those words, granted i have only ever said them to one woman before you, my mother" you chuckled as he said that

"You never fell in love before lo? That's a long life to go without love, I was losing my mind at just 30" he nodded as you said that.

"Perhaps i was searching for the heat myself, all I had to do was find you..right place at the right time"

You smiled before you pulled him closer to you, he placed his head between the crook of your neck and you embraced him as tightly as you could.

Your phone had started to ring so you sighed and picked it up, it was your mom so you sat up and talked to her. She was just asking about your injury so you told her that you were feeling better.

"What are we going to do now?" You asked him as you hung up the phone, he was standing at the edge of the bed thinking about it.

"Well I have to feed you first, I'll go get something" he mumbled so you crawled towards him and hugged him.

"Is it bad that I want to kill Melissa?"

"Not really, want to do it together? " you giggled as he said that. After kissing you he picked you up and took you to the bathroom since you wanted to shower before dinner. Once you came out you caught him knitting something on the couch, he was so engrossed that he didn't hear the door opening, he was quick to make the needles and the fabric disappear as your eyes met with him. You wanted to say something but decided to not do so since he already seemed so embarassed.

As you sat down next to him, he wrapped his arm around your waist and picked you up to make you sit on his lap.

"I think you should wear my clothes tomorrow"

"Mmmhmmm you want that? I can do it now" You told him so he put you down on the couch before he hopped towards his closet excitedly to bring one of his shirts for you, he turned around so you could change, you buttoned it all the way up but you were clearly drowning in them. After dinner he showered before you two watched a movie on the couch, you were laying on his lap so you turned on your back once the movie finished.

"I had a weird dream this afternoon" his brows furrowed as you said that.

"What did you see?" He questioned as his fingers scratched your scalp gently

"It was so weird, I was at a party or something, dancing"

"You love dancing "

"I do..don't i?" He giggled as you said that "I was feeling thirsty or tired so I went to the bar, guess who I met there looking sexy as ever in a black fancy suit?"

"Little one if it's not me you need to tone down the excitement" you hit on his chest playfully as he said that.

"It was you but we didn't know each other and then out of nowhere you asked me to dance and we were dancing to that song, remember when we smoked weed and I was playing that sexy song?"

"I remember very well" he smiled

"Yeah and there was this intense heat between us, but apparently I was going through a divorce and you won't believe who my ex husband was"

"I hope it's not my brother"

"Noooo ..it was that doctor guy I met yesterday, Stephen " his brows furrowed again as you said that

"What else do you remember?"

"Not much, oh ..I asked you why you were there at the party and you said Stephen had called you for something, I mean what would a neurosurgeon want from you? And how would he even contact you.. it was so silly" you shrugged as you played with the buttons of his shirt. He was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't even noticed you unbuttoning them slowly. He also had a weird dream about you and now this, for some reason these dreams didn't feel like just dreams. He snapped out of his thoughts as he felt your lips on his neck, sucking softly.

"Mmmm darling?"

"Mmmhhmm!"

"Did you play that sexy song on purpose" you pulled away to look at him as he said that.

"Maybe" he smiled before he picked you up and walked towards the bed.

His room was dimly lit but you could see him perfectly, as he put you down on the bed, he took his shirt off that you had already unbuttoned. He lifted your feet up to inspect the injury, his fingers rubbed slowly over the area, he just wanted to heal whatever discomfort you were feeling at the moment.

"Come here" you put your hand forward so he grabbed it and you pulled him on top of you.

"You drive me insane, you know that? I feel like a hormonal teenager around you, I never thought I'd ever find a man who would make me feel this way" you whispered softly, a smile adorned his beautiful face with your words, his fingers linked with yours before he placed your hands over your head and kissed you passionately.

Unhooking his hands from yours he slowly sneaked them inside your shirt, His hips moved slowly over your clothed heat, strings of moan left your mouth at the building sensation. He laid down on his side much to your disappointment but then you felt his hand between your legs, he rubbed slowly up and down before his hand slipped past the waistband of your shorts, you moaned his name out loud as he cupped your mound,

"Is this alright darling?" He whispered in your ear and it made you feel hotter somehow.

"Please don't stop" the whiny tone of your voice made his jaw clench, he could feel your wetness seeping through the fabric, he placed the tip of his thumb on your clit and rolled them in circles, the action made you arch your back, one of your arm wrapped around his neck to hold him while the other one gripped the bed sheet, his lips sucked onto your neck, soft wet kisses felt like an assault on your already heightened senses.

"You're such a pretty girl..look at you" he whispered softly, you bit on your lips as he stimulated your clit with his skilled fingers, no words came out of your mouth except moans of his name. He wasn't even touching your bare skin but your whole body felt aflamed,

"Lo…oh god please" your thighs squeezed around his hand, the desperate need to hump him like this made your hips buck back and forth involuntarily..

"I have never been so patient with a woman darling, never took so long to bed her, but for you I'd wait forever if you'd want me to. Watching you amidst this whirlpool of scintillating pleasure feels as if all the norns in all of the realms came together just to bless me with a little goddess of my own" your eyes teared up with overwhelming emotions, the ministration of his fingers and his words flooded your heart with such happiness that you never thought you'd find, you only found them in your fantasies but this was better than all of your fantasies, it was everything because it was real.

Your body convulsed as the orgasm swept you away in one quick wave, it was intense, it took your breath away.

He moaned by the sight of your writhing form, his fingers continued their torture on your cunt while he used his other hand to stroke your head like a pet.

"Looo…" the whiny sound of his name slipped past your lips making him smile

"That's it little one, that's my good girl, so beautiful.. i love you" he kissed you briefly before he rested his head on his own arm, his eyes traveled back and forth from your face and heaving breasts. He was so proud of himself at the moment.

"Goddd you're a god ..for real" he chuckled as you said that.

The mischievous smile didn't last however when you immediately cupped his bulge and gave him a gentle squeeze.

"My turn"

You lifted yourself up and he was now laying on his back, he kept looking at you and once in a while he'd put his head up to watch your hands rubbing his cock slowly.

"I'm so unbelievably wet"

"Mmmmhmmm?" He smirked but he noticed the frown on your face.

"What's wrong?" You squeezed your eyes shut as your stomach twisted painfully, you immediately stopped touching him as you sat up.

"I think I'm on my periods"

😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑

Note : Weirdest ending to a chapter i have ever written. Next chapter will be weirder as poor blue balled loki frantically trying to find period products for her 🤣

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[leonhardt-simp]

The Girl Who Wrote Me Letters VI.

[post-canon/canonverse] | series masterlist

— Annie x Mute! Fem! Reader.

summary: The ungrounded mystery grows restless and tensions grow higher with every passing moment.

Author’s note: After 9 different drafts, I have this one lmao. Thank you for everyone sticking close to the story and those who have been anticipating chapter 6. Here it is! and I hope you enjoy. 🍧💕

“This one.” The Commander said pointing down at the files on his old desk, the decision creating quite a stir between Hange and Levi.

Hange looked at Levi before they approached Erwin’s desk, picking up the document to see what was beneath. They felt their breath catch in their throat, eyes widening before taking a look over to their commander.

“You— You can’t be serious…” Hange was almost speechless. After everything that’s transpired, this man was still marching on his feet.

Levi walked over, questioning the judgement… Until he saw the name on the planner documents…

“Field Medics…?” He took the paper, looking through them to see Erwin’s plans of incorporating medics beside the scouts. These plans seemed vague, but the idea was there in the form of messily drawn pictures and arrows. He wasn’t expecting this and neither was Hange.

“With all due respect, we can’t afford to pull medics out on the field… Do you really think we’ll even get our hands on even ONE?” Hange expressed, motioning with their hands while they spoke. The idea was completely ridiculous! They were practically the clean up crew. Just waiting for the dead to pile up.

Erwin knew their concerns… But, it wasn’t like he hadn’t thought about it before. He turned his back to look out the window, holding the spot where his arm used to be…. The painful reminder of time loss because of injury. Time that could’ve been spent focusing on many other things… Those days, hours and seconds.

“No…But, I know one person that they’ll likely let go.” He turned his head over his shoulder to look at Levi, who slowly went through the next page.

It was a list of names. Names of many of the more proud names within the Medical Regiment. So many good choices, but one was circled amongst these names.

ELINOR VIVIANNE. ← SECONDARY PICK.

LUTHER WAGNER. ← THIRD PICK.

Y/N L/N. ← PRIORITY PICK.

DENIS PENCE. ← KEEP AN EYE ON THIS ONE.

JOHNATHAN ADLER. ← FOURTH PICK.

Hange’s expression grew confused, “But, this one–”

“I know. However, I want this one as a mere test run.” Erwin clarified, showing that nothing was concrete yet. This was just the foundation.

Levi couldn’t seem to get behind it. The factors of this made for a dangerous situation, especially with the rumors. “…I don’t think this is a good idea.” He expressed, his eyes looking up from the papers.

Erwin found himself playing with a fountain pen he had on his desk. “We had them for the expedition. This will be no different.” He reassured, giving a head nod. He seemed to be convincing himself as he spoke along.

“We also lost Levi’s entire squad and then some. Do I need to remind you that this medic in particular is also suspected of being in contact with the titan girl that tried to run away and destroyed half of Stohess?” Hange’s voice slightly raised, a hand extended towards the door as if pointing at Stohess itself. The risks were way too high, but that never stopped Erwin.

Erwin stood up a little straighter, “Then it’s the perfect excuse to use to keep that one close… Isn’t it?” He looked between his two most trusted allies. His hand reached to the paper, pointing down to the name. Hange didn’t know what to say… and Levi? He just followed along. The idea of a on field medic fulltime was an idealistic idea… One that made any one more comfortable… That security.

But, he was not prepared of the other regiment names that would soon come in to deny the idea. They took to a vote; Pixis denied the possibility of wasting medics and soon after, Nile had also denied. His denial was more out of lack of interest than genuine concern…

Not even Zachary approved of the new idea, stating that it would be “Unwise to take away from the sub-regiment when it already lacked.”

In defeat, Erwin would place those plans in a drawer his desk. Letting that ideas seem to sink away with many of the others he had. He had to keep moving forward though, no time to waste. That was until death stopped him like a brick wall. So close, yet so far from the truth…

Y/N followed behind Levi, her eyes scanning around to hallways of the commander’s building. The wood creaked beneath their weight, making the building feel so… Hollow. That was expected though, wasn’t it? An important life was lost… One that used to fill this building.

“Y/N L/N…?” Hange questioned, seeing the young girl enter the room.

Y/N saw papers scattered around the old commander’s desk, a lot of red seemed to point to various things and occasionally the big letters. Her nervousness seemed to only grow from that. I mean, it’s not everyday you get pulled from your job.

With a cautious nod, Y/N stood across the desk, keeping her weight shifted off of her still recovering leg. The pain was dull, but she knew she couldn’t overwork it.

Levi reached over for a particular paper, sliding it in front of the nurse. She leaned down, looking over the paper with a watchful eye. The words were confusing, but when she noticed her name in bold letters… She shockingly backed up and looked at Hange and Levi with a look that asked them what they were planning.

“…A test run. And not one you can refuse either.” Hange explained, picking up another paper to slide over to the new field medic.

Y/N took a sneaking glance back, seeing Levi standing by the door. His eyes bore into her, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.

There was that feeling again. That helplessness… Her eyes shifted back up to Hange who seemed to have the same look on their face. She really didn’t have much of a choice here… So, she just nodded. Hange nodded, looking over at Levi to see if he was satisfied. He just nodded his head, being the first to leave.

The weight was on her shoulders now after seeing this idea that was left behind by the old commander…

She couldn’t help but look down at her leg, shifting a bit to see if weight could be applied, but when she felt the buckle of her knee, she shook her head.

‘…I can do this…’ She thought to herself. It’s not like she had a choice here. It was either this or end up in a some fucked up situation… She had enough on her plate already. E/C eyes skimmed through the basics, finally landing on the name of the idea.

“Operation Support.” Her eyes seemed to read over and over again…

——

There was that helplessness again… That weak feeling that bubbled beneath her gut and overwhelmed her straight to the core. She even felt that pain in her leg again… Like every feeling and memory came flooding through from the back of her head…

Her eyes widened upon hearing that familiar voice call out her name… But, she didn’t see Annie… Just the monster that had ruined her…. That beast that haunted her night in her dreams from time to time. Some nights, it would stare down at her. Other nights it tried to grab her, pick her up in its muscly hand.

“Y/N…” Annie called out, her tone hushed and desperate. Hands stayed up in surrender, taking a cautious step forward but immediately stopped when Y/N’s hand adjusted around the grip of the gun. E/C eyes looked through those apathetic blue eyes, The ones that softened at the idea of this being it.

This was her chance… To settle their score. To make up for everything. This was her chance. This was her chance.

Her hand firmly grasped the gun, pointing it up higher towards Annie’s head. Her heart pounded in her ears accompanied with ringing and buzzing… Her breathing became shallow and uneven… Then she felt it.

Her vision grew blurry, her hand reaching up to touch the wetness that started to form there. She was starting to cry… Her throat had that familiar lump in it, making it hard to keep composure.

‘No… Stop…’ Her heart started to yell, but she tried to push the feelings down. Her hand wiped them away, not wanting to show this…This weakness. She wasn’t that pathetic girl writing in a book anymore. Those days were gone.

Annie felt her heart break at the sight. Her hand reaching out, but that made Y/N point her gun more firmly at the ambassador. This made her hands shoot back up to keep them visible. Annie knew that she had to work for Y/N’s trust again. It wouldn’t come easy. Not after what she did.

Annie closed her eyes tightly and braced for whatever was to come. She deserved it, didn’t she? She was the cause of all the troubles in Y/N’s life… The reason she ran away… Hell, she was waiting for her luck to burn out. And now? It seemed to be it.

This was her chance to get back for all the hurt and suffering. her breathing became uneven and her heart pounded in her ears. The white noise. It felt like she was drowning. Y/N couldn’t deny she was panicking…

But then Dakota’s voice pulled Y/N out, the writhing body on the floor let the tunnel vision clear up a bit. Her eyes looked down to the body on the ground.

“We’re… We’re here to help…” Dakota strained, holding her head in her hands from the throbbing pain that lingered. Kota couldn’t let Y/N kill Annie, not when they needed her for this whole thing… The main problem. “She’s…She’s with me… Marley’s Ambassador…” Kota stressed, seeing double when they tried to push themselves up. Hell, it felt like a brick just slammed into their head. What the hell were they feeding these doctors??

Her grip around the gun shook further, her heart telling her to stop while her brain told her it was for the best. Reluctantly, she forced her hand down and took in the sight of the newly made ambassador.

“Y/N—” Annie spoke with a calming reach out, but then they heard the sound of more people coming into the building and speaking.

BAM!

The noise made both Annie and Kota look over towards the door. Dakota was quick on the draw of her own firearm, eyebrows furrowing down.

Whoever wanted Y/N dead was very adamant on it. Especially, since it didn’t sound like just one persom this time. That alone pissed Y/N off.

The doctor had to fight with herself to keep from giving that ambassador a feel of her pent of frustration and anger… But, now wasn’t the time. All she did was give Annie a glare while she helped the bandit up from the floor, Kota taking it without much of a second thought and standing to her feet with a bit of wobble.

The glare was met with Annie’s softened expression, taking a moment to watch as the woman she once had so close to her, farther than ever before. The limp-walk past her made the weight of her actions heavier than ever. The sound of leather and metals kept Y/N’s right leg stable, helping her move properly with some minimal strain.

“She might develop a little limp… If you can convince her to stay in bed for her full recovery then maybe she might recover better... She’s always so eager to help out.”

Her hands clenched at her sides, as the memory of a bedridden Y/N laid in the infirmary bed. The way her face glistened in sweat and her head threw back in pain…. She couldn’t convince her… Not when she was trapped in that crystal…

She didn’t even notice the other two already rushing the window, Kota pulling up the window and checking below into the alleyway for any signs of a threat. It was empty. Nothing but a few stacked up crates and barrels below.

“Good enough.” The gang leader debated, shaking her head at the thought of Y/N potential falling a few feet down. Hell, they were sure she would land well… She guessed.

Annie’s mind was still dazed out. It felt like they stood on completely opposite sides of a canyon. The bridge being deliberately burned away, Y/N holding the matches that burnt the ropes thinner and thinner.

“Annie! Help her down.” Kota called, holding open the window. That snapped Annie back into the moment, her eyebrows furrowing down. She can pity herself later… Hopefully.

Without any time to waste, Annie rushed over to Y/N’s side. “Pardon my hands…” Annie softly spoke, keeping her hand on Y/N’s waist while she focused on ensuring she didn’t fall or trip. Y/N wasn’t used to the closeness, but she knew she couldn’t be annoyed about it.

“We know you’re here, Doc Let’s not make this harder than it has to be, hm?” One of the intruders spoke, a few laughing along. The sound of wood creaking beneath every step that drew closer and closer to the office.

The rugged man looked back at his men, placing a finger to his lips. He gave three fingers, signaling that on the count of three they would rush the office and take whoever was in it.

Slowly, the fingers counted down, the tensions growing higher before finally they rushed inside. Guns pointed up, sweeping before noticing that the room was empty. Nothing but a few disarrayed item and one of their own on the floor.

“Sir?” One of the goons spoke, rushing to the side of the corpse on the floor. Another goon joined beside the other, placing a hand to the fallen member’s pulse, shaking their head when all they felt was a cold vessel.

The man grimaced, putting his gun back in his belt. “I want this entire building checked. Nothing remains unturned or touched. You hear!?” He commanded, unaware of the shadows outside the windows that were already pushing through the alleyways to blend in.

“Whoever you pissed off, did not let it go.” Dakota muttered as they pushed through a wooden gate, leading them out into some cobbled street that had a few drunks walking up and down it.

Y/N just rolled eyes, taking a moment to ditch her uniform coat in a nearby bucket that seemed to be filled with a questionable liquid. Her face grimaced in disgust, turning back to catch up. She won’t be seeing that particular coat again. Unfortunate…

Annie stayed behind, keeping a look out to ensure no one followed them. “That didn’t seem like a matter of anger… More like a…” She seemed to trail off, turning her attention back to see Y/N looking back at her with a frustrated expression. “…Like a job.” She silently spoke, watching the doctor turn her head back forward.

The tension between the two even made Dakota uncomfortable. That was between them though, this bandit knew better than to try and step into a fight between a couple. Were they a couple…? Was that how it worked? She wasn’t sure.

“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Dakota rubbed the side of their head. They could still feel that sting, more dull but it was still there. “Doesn’t make sense for them to target a random doctor, though.” They added, taking a stop by some old building pub.

Dakota leaned against the brick, enjoying a moment of rest. Annie needed it too as she felt her wound from a few hours ago to feel achy and fatigue was surely pushing her.

She took a look upwards, only seeing the dark sight of the ground that lingered above… The underground didn’t have a sky… What time was it? Even she wasn’t sure… But, it felt like the days seemed to prolong. If she had to trust her gut, then she was sure that Pieck and Reiner were likely resting.

With that thought in mind, she took a moment to take a seat down on a bench placed against the brick like building, her hand rubbing at her shoulder. She even took a sneaking glance over at her old lover, watching as the young woman took slight offense to the comment. Y/N’s stance seemed to straighten up, her expression one that Annie knew all too well.

That look when she wanted to prove herself. She had it back in Trost… She had it here too.

‘I’m not a random doctor.’ Y/N signed, the look of surprise hitting the bandit and the ambassador. The blonde looked at Y/N with her eyebrows slightly raised in surprise, not expecting the change of communication. Though, that would make the most sense why she didn’t carry an old book around and a pen, wouldn’t it?…

Dakota knew there was something about how Y/N stood, her demeanor… It wasn’t like the other doctors she had been speaking to. Not Vivianne. Not even Adler..

Pushing themselves off the wall, Dakota approached Y/N, stopping just in front of her and looking down at her with an overbearing demeanor. “…Then who are you?” Dakota finally asked. There it was, the golden question. Everyone knew her as Y/N L/N above ground… But, who was this persona? This mask? Dakota was careful in approaching the mute doctors. One couldn’t be too hasty to learn the truth.

The bandit seemed to want the same answers as Annie, but even then the ambassador seemed to want to respect the boundaries her old lover clearly had. She still kept a close eye.

The doctor stood there, clenching her jaw a bit from the sudden interrogation. It even had her thinking to herself, wondering who exactly she was… But, she knew… She was a lot of things… Became a lot from nothing too.

So, seeing a smug bandit try to slightly intimidate her into spilling her life out on a map irked her a bit. It showed on her face too. Her tongue licking the inside of her cheek, she looked away briefly before she looking back up at the tall woman with more than just a little amusement. A woman who knew her position, she was. Perhaps, she picked up a few things from Dr. Vivianne.

‘The same person who slipped you a crate. Same person you want to stay on good terms with.’ She signed, her eyes challenging.

The action made Annie raise her brows, looking over to Dakota. The crate.. Then those names flashed into her mind for a few seconds. Denis and Luther…. They were all connected. The bandit seemed to suddenly have a moment of realization as well, her face contorted with a bit of confusion from that end statement though.

“…Is that a threat?” Fabel flabbergasted at the mere thought of some medic threatening to fuck off in the middle of something so important. They took a threatening step forward, feeling almost offended.

Hands started to make the argument more clear, her body turning to the two. ‘Take it how you wish. Just know you need me since I’m the only one willing to break the rules to help you.’ She reaches into her vest pocket, pulling out a letter. Her eyes stared at it before flicking her wrist to toss the letter over.

Annie watched as the letter descended gracefully down to the ground, her curiosity getting the better of her. “…What?” Annie questioned, standing up from the bench and walking over to pick up the paper from the ground. Her eyes looked up to meet her old lover’s E/C gaze, her hands gently unfolding the letter.

‘With much consideration, Main Medical has decided to postpone the distribution and cooperation with other outside parties. All medics and medical researchers are advised to stay in their offices or main buildings until further notice.

— Signed, Elinor Vivianne. Head of MM.’

Y/N shook her head, her eyes averting away at the mere thought of even getting her position revoked. ‘Everyone is completely at a standstill… Dr. Vivianne is more concerned with how much we’ve been losing because of these crates being either stolen or damaged. Every doctor, besides a few, are completely in agreement with Dr. Vivianne. They want out. This attack on my building will only solidify their stance on the matter.’ Her gestures seemed to be punctuated, her mouth moving along to mouth certain words and phrases. The doctor even started to pace a bit, needing to get some pent up feels at bay. She wasn’t happy about the decision either.

Dakota couldn’t believe that bullshit. Face contorted into frustration, feeling a bit betrayed. Hazel eyes took a look over the letter again, shaking her head in slight denial.

What ever happened to being the ones to show up for people? The heros that kept morale up? What the hell were doctors if they weren’t doing their job?

“Vivianne… That son of a bitch.” Dakota cursed under their breath, hands clenched at her side while she looked away.

Annie wasn’t sure what to make of this… “…She’s right about one thing,” Annie spoke, folding the notice back up before holding it out back at Y/N. “Those men don’t seem to be very fazed with the idea of taking lives. That crate you sent us was attacked… I… Uh.. We barely made it out. It was as if they already knew.” She watched as Y/N hesitated to reach out and take the letter back from her.

Fabel nodded, pacing a bit with a hand to their mouth as they tried to make sense of all this. “Annie here got shot… Those men aren’t afraid of any kind of consequence. Seems like everywhere we go, they’re always one step ahead.” The gang leader found themselves running a frustrated hand through their hair, stopping to look back over at the Medic.

Y/N felt her throat close up at the idea of Annie getting shot, her eyes shifting back up to meet with Annie’s gaze. Annie wasn’t sure what she saw in those familiar E/C colored eyes. It was softer than anything she’s seen all day though...

“I’ll be fine… Just a scratch…” She tried to play it off, getting a more concerned and less angry look from the other girl.

Y/N didn’t find it funny. If anything, that would make everything so much more complicated. Hell, she didn’t even know where to start… She carefully took her letter back from Annie’s fingers, pushing the paper into her vest pocket once more with a heavy exhale.

‘If they’re not afraid of consequences, then that means they’re either safe in what those consequences are… or, these people are more ruthless than I thought…’ Y/N explains with punctuated gestures. Hazel and blue eyes watched carefully as the doctor seemed a bit… Hesitant.

Dakota crossed their arms over their chest, “You have any idea what gang this is?” The gang leader asked.

Y/N shook her head, ‘Only lead I have so far is that they’re uniformed in black and red.’ Her head turned back in the direction of her medical building. She felt a little run from her own home… That was the building she used whenever she wanted to have control. She knew it would probably be burned to the ground when she came back.

“I don’t think standing around is be the best idea. More of them could be patrolling around.” Annie spoke up, standing up from the bench with a bit of a tired exhale. She cracked her neck, rolling her shoulders back as if it would relieve her.

Dakota nodded, “You’re right. Hopefully, this all starts to make sense when we’re actually in the safety of a room and not the street.” The bandit sighed, reaching for her gun and handing it over to Annie. “Try not to get this one shot out of your hand, yeah?” The gang leader teased, watching Annie flush a bit with embarrassment as she accepted it.

‘Let’s take a carriage or a wagon… I need a place to lay low… I can’t just go back to the MM if my trail is still hot.” The mute doctor gestured, fixing her leg brace a bit. The damn thing always needed to be adjusted, working and walking so much always didn’t help.

Annie waited while Dakota whistled up for a wagon, watching some old man ride up to side of the street.

“Do you need help?” Annie finally asked, getting waved off by the mute doctor. There was no direct rejection, just a wave of the hand while she approached the wagon.

“Take us Northwest. I’ll stop you when we get there.” Dakota asked as she jumped into the back, holding her hand out for Y/N to grab. Y/N took it without much of a complaint, allowing herself to be helped into their ride.

The coachman nodded, “Will do.”

Dakota got seated besides some sacks of imported goods, knee bent with an arm on it. “We’ll stop by my Uncle’s… I’m sure he’ll be glad to take up some company…” She explained, running a hand through her hair.

Y/N nodded, finding a comfortable spot near a barrel of what she believed was probably wine. At least she hoped so, a drink right about now sounded nice.

“Northwest is near the entrance to the city, isn’t it?” Annie asked, holding onto the strap of her satchel before finally getting settled up into the back of the wagon with the others. So much has changed since then… But, she couldn’t complain. She didn’t really have the right to.

‘And Main Medical. It’s some ways from it… Smack in the middle of this city… We actually cleared out one of the old brothel buildings for it… A big one. When we’re rested and ready, we can head there… Get us all on the same page with Dr. Vivianne and Dr. Adler.’ Y/N signed, her head leaned against the barrel beside her.

Dakota motioned with their hand, agreeing along with what the doctor said. “A meeting was long overdue…. She’s always avoided speaking with me directly. Dr. Adler and I are practically best buddies with how often I’ve seen him.” There was a spoken sarcasm that made Y/N shake her head, understanding what Dakota meant perfectly. Vivianne was practically a book of tasks. Always sending others to do the things she didn’t want to… Perfect example was this… Though it was deliberate, Y/N didn’t mind getting her hands dirty if it meant doing the right thing. Vivianne’s word wouldn’t stop her.

Annie hummed, taking a sneaking glance over to Y/N, who seemed to want to rest a bit on the ride to Dakota’s Uncle’s house. She didn’t want to stare, but it was strange…Seeing her again after such a long time… She looked good. Annie still liked how she styled her hair… How her E/C closed to just… Rest and breathe for a moment. Of course, she was pulled out of her moment when she saw Dakota smirking at her. That knowing glance the bandit made her way ruined it.

It made her embarrassed, making her turn her head away with her cheeks growing red flush..

With a snap of the reigns, they were on their way. Thankfully the cover of the wagon would provide them some relief from anyone who could see them pass by.

——

Adler bursted through the door, panting and pointing behind him. He was so out of breath from running everywhere, still empty handed though.

Dr. Vivianne placed her clipboard down and just waited for the theatric display to end, leaning a hand against her desk while the other rested on her hip.

“Eastern Building…. It… Phew…” He started his sentence, leant forward with his hands on his knees. He couldn’t even hold enough air in to make a cohesive sentence.

Of course, this just annoyed Vivianne. “Spit it out.” She urged, tone stern and punctual with it.

“Eastern building got raided.” Adler finally spit it out, holding a hand to his chest. The news made Vivianne’s eyes widen a bit, her expression growing a little confused.

“Raided? What do you mean "raided?” The ash haired doctor questioned, her head tilted forward as if demanding some kind of explanation.

The blonde doctor just shook his head, standing up a bit straighter. “I was doing what you said… Trying to find Y/N… So, I went to her building…But then, I noticed a whole bunch of men rush the building… I booked it out of there….” Adler explained, pacing a bit while he spoke. His conscience felt guilty. He ran off like a coward and probably let these… Rats kill one of their own.

Vivianne seemed lost for words. Her eyes looked away as she processed the news, feeling a sinking feeling in her gut at the thought of one of the original three being gone to something so…. so preventable. Her brain wanted to think logically about this, but her heart didn’t seem to agree.

“…Do you know for sure that Dr. Quil was in that building?” Vivianne questioned in a monotone voice, her head tilting slightly.

Adler couldn’t say for sure. “…I… I would like to hope not… But, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re starting to hurt the supply at the source.” He said his thoughts, his shoulders slumping slightly as he stood. His eyes grew worrisome. The idea of anyone becoming a target… He avoided the war for that reason… He didn’t want to be a target.

Vivianne felt bitter, her eyes closing for a moment. “…Start telling the staff to start closing everything up.” She says, standing up straighter. “Tell them that it’s urgent as well. I don’t want a single doctor left behind.” Her hand pulled a document from her desk, pushing it into one of the drawers with a slight of hand.

Adler looked at Vivianne with a confused expression, his eyebrows knitting together. “…What about the crates?… Surely, we can’t just… Leave them?” He asked, curious if they were going to just leave them there.

Vivianne nodded, “Don’t worry about that. Until we get definite confirmation that Dr. Quil is dead. We will proceed with clean-up here. Priority documents come first. Crates can collect dust for all I care. They’re not worth the sacrifice of the other good doctors here.” Her way of explaining the situation made Adler feel a little more at ease. He nodded his head in agreement. The earlier they got out, the better.

“Now leave me be… I need… Uh…” Vivianne looked around a bit lost, her eyes looking down at her desk. “I need to be alone for a little while…” She took a seat in her chair, her elbows resting on the surface of her cluttered desk and her hands clasping together as if in prayer. Her heart felt heavy. It felt like everything was going downhill from here.

Dr. Adler nodded his head, immediately leaving to go start the prep up for evac. There was a lot of equipment to be packed away. Transportation was also going to be a little tight, but as long as people were able to leave then it didn’t matter.

Vivianne stared at the door of her office, her eyes closing tightly as flashbacks to when she first met Y/N had suddenly triggered.

——

“Luther, Denis, Vivianne, and Adler. You’re being requested over to The Scouts Main Quarters. Please go ASAP.” The head medic spoke, flipping through a wooden clipboard as he stood at the doorway.

Vivianne pulled her mask down and looked over, her expression growing confused. “Wh-What do they need us for…?” She questioned, taking off her blood soaked gloves.

The man looked up at Vivianne, shaking his head in disapproval. “Does it matter? If I say to go, you go.” He spoke firmly, making the girl slightly purse her lips together as if to hold back on being disrespectful.

She only nodded, looking back down at the soldier that was missing an arm from an expedition… Survived, but now retired… It was unfortunate. “Rest easy…” She softly spoke, patting his shoulder before she turned and left the room.

In the hallway, Luther and Denis seemed to be messing around a bit, pushing and shoving each other. Adler stood with his hand adjusting his glasses, keeping a cocky explanation on his face as they waited for Vivianne.

“You coming, slowpoke? We’re waiting on you.” Denis said, wrapping an arm around Luther’s shoulder.

Adler scoffed, “At least try to act professional, Denis…” The blonde man spoke, his expression showing his disdain for how casual the two were being.

Luther rolled his eyes, “You act like we’re seeing the Queen. Get your breeches untangled and let loose, will ya? I swear, all I ever hear you do is complain.” The taller man spoke, Denis laughing a bit from his friend’s observation.

Adler just gritted his teeth, shaking his head. He adjusted his glasses once more, “You ready?” Adler asked Vivianne, wanting this done and over with as soon as possible.

Vivianne gave a quick nod, catching up with the three.

She remembered the debriefings they were subjected to with Commander Hange. The eccentric way the commander handled themselves made Luther and Denis more excited for this sudden call.

But, Vivianne was very… suspicious. Becoming a field medic sounded crazy… All this confidentiality also rubbed her wrong. What the hell were they hiding?

“Given the circumstances, I will give you the opportunity to back out… However, you 4 were hand picked because of your overall evaluations back when you were in training as well as your medical expertise. This is for progress… A trial we conducted a few time before. It will be the first on field medical team.” Hange explained with a more serious tone, pushing a paper towards the four medics.

Luther was the first to raise his hand, “Is it just us…? Or will there be more?” He asked, making Vivianne give him a side-eye.

Hange paced a bit, nodding their head. “I will only say that you have a captain.” They stopped, motioning towards the door. “Unlike you all, she didn’t necessarily have a choice in the matter whether she joined or not.”

Adler shook his head, standing up. “I rather value my life. I would find it a waste to leave it in the hands of some… Scout. Thank you for the offer though. Hopefully, you can find some other fool to take my place.” His reluctance made Vivianne want to leave as well, finding the idea of fighting alongside The Scouts to be so foolish. A death sentence handed down on a gruesome platter, that’s basically what it was.

As Adler left, Vivianne debated with herself. She too could live a comfortable life.. A life with no worries besides the worries that came in through doors in the arms of fellow comrades…

“Damn… I really thought I sold the idea. Anyone else?” Hange sighed, pushing up their goggles to rub their eyes. Handa landed on their hips, looking amongst the younger men and at Vivianne.

The room stayed quiet, Luther soon reaching to the table to grab the paper of the plans. Vivianne watched him debate it, soon just nodding. “Fuck it… I’m in.” He stood up, tossing the paper back onto the table. Vivianne just watched as Denis followed through too.

“Me too. I’ll join too!” Denis said with a confident fist to his chest. His lips held a self-assured smile too, pushing Luther with his arm, who then pushed him back.

‘What the…’ She thought they were crazy. Why the hell would they want to go beyond the walls? The safety was all here. They had the easy part of just sitting and waiting, cleaning and tending…. But, she hadn’t denied the offer yet… So, was she crazy too? Was it some weird curiosity?

Her eyes then met up with the commander’s, “What about you?” Hange asked, holding out a hand to her. Vivianne wasn’t sure what she was doing, but she grabbed that hand, sealing the deal of her participation.

She remembered how the team was escorted throughout the barrack building. Faces that were familiar passed by, making Vivianne stare more with interest. She didn’t expect them to be so close to such big names… Hell, she even thinks she saw Mikasa there.

“Holy hell, that’s literally Levi.” Denis grabbed Luther’s arm, shaking him slightly. As they approached the closed door that Levi seemed to guard, his back leaned against the wall.

“Is this them?” Levi asked, Hange nodding their head. “One didn’t take the offer, but we’ll still have 4.” Hange answered, adjusting their uniform coat. “Baby steps as they say.” Adding to the conversation, they looked back at the squad behind.

Vivianne saw how Hange placed a stack of papers in Levi’s hand. “Perfect.” He said, looking through them briefly before he finally opened the door.

Vivianne looked around, taking in the sight of the lab that seemed to have been built there. A lot of beakers… A lot of scrap metal too… It felt like they just walked into a madman’s science experiment.

But, it was a lot crazier than that.

The figure at the desk lifted their head up and turned to look over their shoulder, soon meeting eyes with her. And suddenly, she felt breathless.

Hange ensured the door was closed behind them, taking the initiative to walk over to the desk.

“Your captain for this operation is Y/N L/N.” Levi spoke, his hands at his sides. He kept it short and blunt, there wasn’t a need for everyone to be getting comfortable. Not yet, anyways.

Vivianne watched how the quiet persona in the room pushed back a pair of goggles from her face before turning to look at the group before her. Judgemental eyes stared, nodding as if she was satisfied.

“You’re the—” Vivianne spoke up, recognizing that face from the bulletin board. The mute doctor placed a finger to her lips and just hushed.

Y/N stood up, the sound of a heavy boot came with every step. Vivianne wasn’t sure what she felt… Was it envy? There was something in how Y/N carried herself despite being the one with the greatest disadvantage in the room.

She wanted to capture it. She wanted it to herself.

——

Annie stayed seated on a small bed that Uncle Miles provided, a hand covering her chest while Y/N took a look at the wound on her shoulder. She felt a few stings whenever the mute doctor touched the surely scarred skin.

‘Whoever did this was surely an amateur.’ Y/N gestured, looking over at the bandit that was enjoying a little meal that her uncle had provided. It felt good to be back at home eating all this good food.

“…Sorry, not everyone has experience.” Dakota said, licking their thumb from the sauce that the stew had. Nothing like a good meal to end the day. They stood by the window, looking out at the street. It was always entertaining to see people interact while they ate.

Y/N was thankful she had the proper supplies to start cleaning the wound. So, she started with that first. Having to remove stitches was a bit of a pain, but she knew it was better than letting Annie walk around with busted up looking stitches.

Annie had trouble keeping her eyes averted, always finding herself unconsciously getting distracted by how Y/N would occasionally bite her lip or how her face concentrated on cleaning the inflamed area with a washcloth. The touch enough to make Annie slightly wince and squint her eyes away.

“I just wished it didn’t hurt so bad.” Annie softly muttered, staying still while Y/N worked.

From a professional standpoint, Y/N was a bit concerned about a potential problem. The wound was definitely not correctly treated, and the old sutures were practically loose and tied too big. But, personally, she couldn’t say that Annie didn’t deserve it. A little mean, but she was allowed to be angry.

“So when are we addressing the problem with Vivianne?” Dakota asked, tossing her plate down on her desk with the others once she was finished with her meal. Her hands wiped themselves on her pants, walking over to stand over the doctor and ambassador.

Y/N finished up the cleaning, putting her washcloth down in a bucket beside them. Her attention moved over to Dakota, not sure what they were expecting.

‘Whenever I can get back. I should be able to talk to her about this… She cannot know about the attack on my building though. If she does, I’ll be stuck in the offices and I won’t be able to help you.’ Y/N explained, standing up from the bed and using a small cloth to wipe her hands. ‘She won’t be easy to persuade, but she’s never been easy.’ Y/N signed once more, sighing at the fact she needed to go head to head with her of all people. Adler, she didn’t care much for. She could debate with him whenever and wherever… Vivianne was more hardheaded. A woman bound by a weird sense of leadership. She held every nurse with an iron grip. Not her though. She could never hold her down.

Dakota hummed, “Tell me about it.” her eyes looking back over at Annie who seemed to be checking out her new sutures. However, her eyes were focused a bit more on Y/N.

Annie was stuck in a little world of her own at the moment, trying to process everything that’s happened. Everything that will happen. “Who is Dr. Vivianne?” Annie questioned, her head tilting a bit. She hadn’t heard of the name. Nor did she read about it… This was someone completely new.

Y/N could’ve answered that question in a multitude of ways, but she didn’t. She just stood there and shook her head, ‘Head of the Medical Division. She took after Henry Belis when he died after the war.’ She gestured, not very fond of the history. Especially, not when her and Vivianne had so much of it.

“…So she’s your mentor?” Annie stood up from the bed, adjusting her clothes to cover up with just the fix of some buttons on her shirt.

Y/N shook her head once more, almost finding that idea a bit funny. ‘No. If anything she’s just a person in the big chair.’ Her hand gestures showed a little more of the sadder truth of this story.

A constant shift in power always made its way between Adler, Vivianne and Y/N. Either it was a battle of different approaches to certain things, or just Vivianne putting her foot down…. Y/N always had no choice but to listen.

Dakota took a step forward, a hand gesturing towards Annie. “What she means is, she’s a hothead with too much power. Haven’t thought of one instance where she’s not sending Adler to me. A control freak. Always up my ass about quite literally everything that happens as if I don’t have it all under a watchful eye.” The bandit scoffed.

Y/N knew that Dakota and Vivianne were also on opposite sides of the fence. It wasn’t anything new though.

“…She doesn’t sound… nice.” Annie commented in a weird blunt way that made Y/N give a small exhale of amusement. The blonde’s interest suddenly hyperfixed on that little action, her mind blanking a bit.

Y/N then shook her head, ‘She’s the product of someone who lets expectations cloud judgment… Someone who let their promotion go straight to her head.’ She signed with her eyes averted, crossed her arms after while making her way over to the window. Her mind always drifted back to the past… How, she constantly felt the weight on her shoulders as she did back then. Why was it always her making tough decisions? She never had a moment to just… Be.

“Y/N, I want you to lead the Medical Research Council.”

That offer was the downfall of the bonds they used to hold. When it became more about competition than about actually helping. Who was better and who could fill the shoes that were left. Y/N remember denying the position… Wanting to live a quieter life. The occasional job here and there… But, now here she was. Fighting against her own moral compass and risking her job because she’s never been one to leave others behind. Not now, not ever. She was thankful that Luther and Denis shared that principle.

She was tired.

Dakota could see that look in Y/N’s face. How her eyebrows furrowed down, a look of lost confidence. “…You two have history then?” She finally asked, making Y/N’s head turn away.

Annie stayed quiet, just wanting to know anything that Y/N would give her… Anything that book never told. Those continued chapters. She just… She needed to know.

And Y/N told them.

‘We worked together for a while. I was under the watchful eye of Commander Hange, placed to be a field medic and soon captain for a squad … She was… my partner. Someone I could trust at the time… A voice almost.’ Her gestures were careful, her face showing a mixture of emotions. But, she didn’t miss those moments. ‘At least, that’s what I thought at the time… But, when you’re running for someone else, you forget to walk. She forgot to walk and instead took the opportunity to fly… Hasn’t come down since.’ Her way of telling the story made Annie feel like she got a good punch to the gut. Like she was too late.

Dakota was surprised, head almost jolting back a bit from the information shared. That made a whole lot more sense now…. Why couldn't they find anything based on the missing parts of this “case.”

“You were been quietly stationed…? Why the hell would they do that?” Dakota was so fucking confused. In what universe, does making someone go missing create a benefit?

Annie was struggling to understand as well, her expression contorting with its own confusion. “That doesn’t make sense…” Annie started her thought, pointing towards Y/N, who in turn turned to look directly at the ambassador.

“I was working with the scouts during the rumbling… They said they never saw you...” Annie could remember it easily. Jean didn’t know. Connie didn’t know. Mikasa was the one who told her that Y/N’s been… Armin even said the same thing….

Y/N took a step forward, ‘What did you expect the friends of a former enemy to do?… I was working and had you come after me, you would’ve been killed.’ She knew her words were coming off a bit hostile, maybe even a bit bitter… But, she was… She was allowed to be. That was the truth. She had bigger responsibilities than

Dakota stayed quiet though, taking a place against the wall with her arms folded over her chest. She wanted to see how this entire thing unfolded, but kept a watchful eye on if it got… Too heated between the two.

Annie shook her head, “You weren’t my…” She then stopped herself, because at the time… They were enemies. They fought on different sides of the walls. Y/N stood a little taller, her eyes looking into Annie. The same way they used to when she couldn’t promise anything. It made Annie speechless.

There was a pregnant pause before Y/N tilted her head, hands signing her thoughts. ‘I liked to keep my whereabouts private… That was until recently… With the war over and a lot of the members no longer here… Now, I am just a doctor and rep for medical research.’ The mute doctor’s footsteps grew closer to Annie, the two eventually standing face to face. As much as it pained her to mention the death of her mentor and practically her guardian Hange, it was true. After the war on Marley… Y/N’s squad was disbanded to focus full time on other things.

Annie’s eyes softened up, her eyes unconsciously moving downwards towards the lips of the other woman. “And what was so important?… I could think of many instances where people needed a medic and you just weren’t there.” Annie questioned with a more sharpness in her tone. Her eyes looked back up into Y/N’s eyed again, their gazes strong enough to probably light a flame.

‘Who do you think delivered the queen’s heir?’ Y/N’s response made Dakota have a little outburst, her head shaking in disbelief. She pushed herself off from the wall and approached the doctor with an accusatory tone. “Bullshit! Everyone knows that Dr—” Her voice stopped immediately, eyes showing a shocking realization. That’s when Dakota’s hand soon pointed directly at the mute doctor, the doctor holding a prideful smile.

Annie’s eyes shifted to Dakota, trying to understand what revelation they had just came upon… Then she heard it. A name she’s heard of before.

“Dr. Quil…” Dakota’s realization rang in her voice, expression showing the new information boggled her mind. The documents were shredded because Y/N didn’t exist in the corp…. Y/N and Dr. Quil didn’t exist at the same time. They couldn’t.

“Dr. Quil helped me out with my bent out leg. I’d recommend seeing her if you need a check-up.”

The memory made Annie’s body feel suddenly cold. Her eyes finding themselves downcast and her hands at her sides in the shape of fists. Hiding in plain sight… Then she remembered what Dakota said to her when she was tied up in that chair.

“Name has been dead for a long time….” Annie spoke under her breath, trying to take in everything… But, It was too… Too much.

‘Marley was lovely, by the way. I find it crazy I made it there before you did.’ Y/N was just fucking with Annie now, the tension starting to grow the more that Y/N revealed. Annie immediately grabbed Y/N by her shirt collar, staring at her old lover with a more cold gaze. Was she mocking her?

The threatening look didn’t make Y/N flinch, she wasn’t the same person she was before… Annie had to accept that… There was no journal writing, no walks through the snow, no late night visits that ended up in a tangle of limbs… They were strangers. A clean slate. They didn’t recognize each other. That’s what years did to something that wasn’t fully established.

“Amby…” Dakota placed a hand on Annie’s chest, keeping her voice steady to calm Annie’s overwhelming emotions. But, It was all just too much to take in. Her fists clenched harder, her eyes wide and she was spiraling a bit.

But, it wasn’t. They were just battle-hardened creatures now… Both had their secrets. ‘Be mad that I lied, Sure. But, you can’t be mad at me for doing the same shit you did to me.’ Y/N was right. She wasn’t any better… They were the same coin, different sides. Annie couldn’t be mad that Y/N took a more respectable route of things.

“Annie.” Dakota’s voice raised, stern and hushed as to not disturb her uncle who was probably in his own sorrows with his mourning.

“You act like I didn’t care.” Annie’s voice wavered in their justifications. “I didn’t fucking leave you because I wanted to!”

‘You left because you knew you couldn’t stand to tell me the truth. You couldn’t even be honest with me when I got hurt because of you.’ Y/N’s words struck into her like daggers. And they were right… Annie was the biggest coward. The one that ran away because it got too complicated and the fact Y/N saw that and looked down on her… She didn’t know what to say.

Dakota’s hand pushed against Annie’s chest again, “That’s enough.” The bandit wasn’t going to let this continue, making Annie finally let go of her old lover’s shirt. Y/N even swatted Annie’s hands away, the sounds of breaths heavy coming from the two lovers. Dakota pushed them away from each other, pointing a finger at the blonde then at the H/C as if they were dogs. Both just back off, staring at each other from past Dakota.

The doctor fixed her collar, dusting herself off while she took that moment to breathe. She knew Annie could easily overpower her, did she care? No. She knew she had the upper hand. They both were in a position that couldn’t be replaced. Both were important people… With powerful names…

“Let me remind you both that we don’t need this. I get it! You’re pissed off at her. She’s hung up on you… But, right now??? We have shit we got to do.” The gang leader motioned between the two, hazel eyes meeting up with the doctor’s. “Doctor?” Dakota spoke to move the attention from Annie to herself, cautiously holding out their hand to the disheveled woman. Y/N just looked down at it with a stubborn glare. A little parley on their personal matters… How fun.

“We get this done, you both can sit… Maybe, have a nice coffee above ground about it. Hell! Kill each other afterwards if you really want to! I don’t give a damn. Now, we know what we need. We need to rest, wake up and have that meeting with Vivianne with no delay.” The way Fabel spoke really showed that they knew how to keep the game fair. That’s how they liked it. Fair, sweet and short. None of this back and forth.

Annie licked the inside of her cheek, still feeling that bubbling annoyance in her gut. She was also smacked with guilt and doubt. She just nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. It’s not like she wanted to fight her. and Y/N didn’t want to fight her either… She was exhausted.

“Deal?” Dakota asked, eyebrows raising to show a more neutral face to the doctor. She didn’t want to seem like she picked a side, there was no sides.

With much contemplation, Y/N reached over to shake the bandit’s hand. She can play nice for a bit. E/C eyes met up with blue soon after, ‘I know a nice cafe we can go to when this is all over. I’m guessing you like it with extra sugar?’ The doctor signed to Annie, making the ambassador suddenly look taken aback.

“How did you—?” Annie was caught off guard, head turning to follow as Y/N walked past her to start getting their stuff together for bed. She might not have realized, but Y/N still remembered her sweet tooth. Not that she would admit it.

Dakota shook their head, rolling their eyes as they left the two to get their shit together. The bandit was expecting a cute reunion, maybe some fighting with a little bit of declarations of love… No, just got a headache. A massive one.

“Hey, Uncle. Do you have rope?” Dakota asked, coming down the stairs to see the older man at his workstation. His eye looked over to the younger Fabel, placing down an axe head he was sharpening.

“What do you need rope for?…” He asked, watching as Dakota made her way over. She stopped across the work bench, hands in her pockets with her eyes looking at all the new things her uncle had been busying himself with.

“I got two dogs that need to get along. Figured I would just tie them up until they did…” Her hands picked up a shiny blue steel knife with a beautiful redwood handle. She gave it a few practice swings, testing how the blade hid away before flicking it out again.

Miles softly hummed, “Is that what I heard upstairs…?” He turned back to his work, sanding down a handle for an axe he was making.

Dakota nodded with a dramatic head nod, folding the knife back into itself. That’s when Miles held out his hand, “Makes the place a lot more lively… Can’t say I hated it.” He said with a short laugh, making Fabel feel a little guilty. They knew what he meant, it wasn’t just him that felt that way.

She gave him the knife, watching him pull away from the desk to place it into a little sheath he had made for it. A pretty thing, lovely dark leather always looked good. “I’m sorry for not being around much, M…” She apologized, pulling a chair out from his desk that was cluttered with ideas and projects. She sat across, leaning back in it.

He took a deep breath, looking at her with tired eye. “You're all good, D… I know you’re busy with managing the gang. I gave you that responsibility after all… I know how much it takes away.” He looked back down at the wooden handle in his hand, placing down the sandpaper to test how it felt in his hands.

Dakota sighed, “…I’m working hard to stop it… I mean.. I’m not going to say much, but I’ve been establishing quite the connections.” She saw how he shook his head.

It didn’t matter how many connections a person had. For some reason, this place always took and took. It took his left eye… It took his wife… He was stagnant… Just a guy who made tools for a gang he used to run.

“Hmm… Just don’t get swept up in it, D.” He simply said, his voice quiet. It pained Dakota to see him this way… Watching him adjust that eyepatch on his face, sometimes she could see his hands shake.

“It’ll have to catch up to me to sweep me up, Uncle.” Her voice softened up, watching as he sighed and shook his head. “I’m serious.” He replied, looking up at the young bandit. Despite her being older now, he still saw that little girl that enjoyed watching him make new things.

“I know.” She exhaled, standing up from the chair. “I promise. Once this is all over, we can take a trip above ground… get some fresh air. Maybe, we can see the water too. I know you’ve always wanted to do that.” She promised, holding a soft smile. It was one of those smiles that made Miles feel at ease.

“…Sure… We’ll go see the water.” He agreed with the pretty thought. Maybe he needed to get away from all of this… But, nothing could ever fill his missing piece… Not even water. Dakota gave a wink, motioning towards the kitchen as she started to head for head. “Make sure you eat, Uncle. Don’t need you passed out on your workbench again.” She advised, footsteps echoing as Dakota went up.

The older man’s eye looks over at the urn on the shelf, “What are we going to do with this kid, Kate?…” He asked before he shook his head and got back to work on making his axe.

——

“LUTHER! RUN!” Denis yelled, sprinting down the alleyway behind his best friend. Luther was running just like he was told, looking back behind them as men started to rush them.

“I want them alive!” The man ordered, stopping his chase and pointing at his men to go after them. His lips lifted into a proud smirk, hearing the bullets fire and the feet of men running at his demand… Was this what it was like to have power Instead of being kicked to the ground?

Denis followed close behind, pulling down barrels and crates to obstruct any path. Luther knew something was fucked when they saw those bastards were starting to block off streets. They had to ditch the wagon because of it and It fucked with him, he knew what they were looking for. Their faces were well known from the papers.

BANG!

Luther found himself ducking his head, scrambling into another set of alleyways behind some brothel. Bugs and rats scurried past his feet. His heart racing in his ears made it feel as if his head was underwater. He couldn’t hear anything. Just kept running and running.

“Through here!” Luther said, finding an old building they could run through. He looked at the old doors on it, taking a step back before using as much momentum and adrenaline to kick the damn thing open. Once the door broke open, Luther pushed himself through the splintering wood. The place was dark and dusty, but he could care less…

“Denis, I think we should—” He turned behind him and saw no one. Her heart dropping instantly, all he could hear now was the sound of his own heavy breathing.

“Denis?…Brother?” He helplessly called out.

taglist; @cess02 @the-camilucha @tsukidrama @scouts-stuff

[hyperfixatedfandomer]

OK this is gonna be a very unorganised post but here are some of my goofy ahh headcannons for a modern avatar AU (Spider-centric) that are really just and amalgamation of headcannons from other people like @bigbluealienlover93 and an Encanto modern AU fanfic I read half a year ago 💅😭 idk idk sorry my brain is incapable or unique ideas at this moment ndidnaofjdj

Modern Avtar AU Headcannons (mostly Spider)

Ok so I feel like it makes complete sense that Spider in this AU would live under the staircase like Harry Potter except like, he’s obv got a bit more space and the whole room is super aesthetic like, he’s got crystals and photos and cute lights all over the place and sketches that he drew and a ukulele in the corner.💅

Style-wise he has a bit of a grunge, charm girl vibe going on

Personality-wise he is of course an extremely chill, creative and mischievous kid who likes to do spiritual stuff with ✨crystal girlie✨ Kiri and get into trouble with ✨father’s disappointment✨ Lo’ak. Tuk loves to hang off his arm but he has a rather strained relationship with Neteyam who is, in ever sense of the word, an opposite to him. The perfect ✨✨✨golden child✨✨✨(with too many high expectations forced on him COUGH COUGH)

Jake is a chill dude who works freelance and likes Spider a lot but keeps him at an arm’s length as to not have to pick him over his wife Neytiri. BTW!

Neytiri’s a doctor who sells herbs from her garden as a side-hustle, knows a lot about herbalism and is very in tune with nature overall, a trait that every other Sully and even Spider had gotten from her. A girlboss who hates the blonde kid, but not for his personality. You see, his biological father, Miles Quaritch, was involved in a case of her father’s murder and although the culprit was never put behind bars, it is a widely accepted version that Miles was the one who killed Eytukan.

As a result of it Spider got infamous around the neighbourhood for being “that guy who’s dad is a murderer” and the woman can barely look at him sometimes let alone tolerate him, so Spider avoids her at all costs, makes up constant excuses to not be present at family dinners and gatherings but there is only so much he can miss before Kiri inevitably drags him out from his Harry Potter staircase room to join in, because in her eyes he is and always was family.

One of those nights, (yes I’m about to write a narrative in the middle of a headcannon post, you cannot stop me🧍) the dinner doesn’t go well. Spider speaks a word too much and Neytiri explodes, taking out all her pent up grief, desperation and anger she felt like she could not express around her family for years on the kid over the dinner table. She ends the argument with words that cut Spider like a knife. She screams that he’ll never be a Sully, that he’ll never be one of them.

Spider’s world crumbles as all his hopes of ever being liked by Neytiri get destroyed with her confirmation of his deepest fears. What is even worse perhaps, is that the only person who takes his side and stands up for him…is Kiri. Everyone else were either silent or ripping themselves apart, trying to calm both parties.

With tears at the corners of his eyes, Spider gets up and runs off. He shoves some stuff into his backpack before all but busting out of the house, running as far as he could, then taking the first bus he could catch and disappearing into the night.

His phone is blown up with calls and messages but he turns it off, not even checking who was trying to reach him. Propably Kiri.

On that same bus, in the very back, a group of delinquent teens decide he is the perfect victim for them to pester, so once Spider gets off, they do to.

He tried fighting the kids but they overwhelm him, delivering a hit after hit.

And then…

A tall figure appears from the dark. Spider isn’t feeling too well at this point and can’t hear what he says, but he can certainly see the figure brutally kick the asses of the teens, and even manages a chuckle through his hurting jaw as they run or limp away. Someone just got in a fight to help him? damn.

The figure crouched in front of Spider, lying on the asphalt and picks him up, trying to speak with him. The blonde thinks he saw those scars somewhere before…

In his daze, the words come out before he can stop himself.

“…dad..?”

…

“…Miles?”

So, Quaritch! What’s up with him?

He’s a man currently retired from the military and owns a small car repairing business and has a badass motorcycle with skull and flame patters on them, there’s no way he doesn’t.

Is obsessed with a healthy lifestyle, can cook, goes on jogs 5 in the morning (because of course he does) and lifts. You can remove a person from the military but never military from the person. 🤷

He got wrongly accused of murder and dragged into the mix while trying to stand up for an old friend of his, Lyle Wainfleet, who was another suspect in Eytukan’s case. Miraculously, he avoided going behind bars but as a result, the custody over Spider was lost, which was a major hit for Quaritch as he just lost his wife Paz. He spent almost a decade being heavily depressed and barely crawled out of that state several years ago.

He hates Sullys with a passion for taking away his son and life , perhaps he plans to enact revenge? Who knows 👀

For now though, the only thing on his mind is Spider, as he puts two and two together, realises the kid he had protected is HIS SON and scrambles to get him to the hospital. Talk about destiny.

Anyway here it is, my chaotic word vomit 😭 hope y’all liked it? I might write more or make a one-shot idk idk if you got any questions abt this you can drop them in the ask box ✨

BTW, @bigbluealienlover93 is currently writing a spider modern AU fanfic so if you wanna see that I suggest you stay tuned for their work!!

[brainworms-all-night-long]

Based on this post and another one (that I cant find for the life of me but I'm sure exists!!) about Sonic also doing graffiti because he vibes with it as a form of self expression, Aka Sonic and Nine banter fluff with a grain of plot somewhere in between

[2,358 words]

---

"Still find it so pleasantly surprising it was so easy to convince you." Sonic said after he vaulted over the railing while keeping his hold on it with one hand, his words now slightly muffled through his respirator.

"Says you! I didn't know you were up for vandalism."

"It's not vandalism, It's art." The hedgehog replied in a sassy tone, accentuating the 't' at the end and then shaking his spray can. "Without it, all this would be just a sad gray slab of concrete."

"Tch, sure."

Nine scoffed but the smile in his tone was evident while he rummaged through the bag of sprays and paints and finally settling on a few eye-bleeding colors on the yellow-blue spectrum he wanted to use.

"That one's almost empty." The hedgehog pointed towards the turquoise can that Nine flipped in his hand. He deadpanned as he must've felt it was unusually light.

"No wayyy, I couldn't tell."

"And wear the mask."

"My lungs are destroyed already, what's a few more whiffs of spray paint. No need to pester me."

Oh, Sonic will have exactly none of that backtalk, nor will he rely on the fox's habit of saying no but doing what he was told anyway, because this is not putting away the salt after a lunch, but genuine health concern.

"Nine." he added just a bit more insistence into his tone.

The mentioned fox was now staring at him unimpressed through the railing, a silent challenge as neither of them dared to blink for a good minute.

Nine eventually gave in when his eyes started to dry out and sighed, pulling out the respirator from his pocket and tying it behind his head.

"Thank you." Sonic finally shook the spray can and gave a couple short splashes of it into the open air before putting down the first lines of his soon-to-be masterpiece.

"Didn't do it for you."

"Ah but didn't you "don't" need to wear it?" Detecting the immediate loophole in the other's baseless complaints Sonic continued to focus on his outline, not lifting his head to look at the fox.

Whatever he grumbled under his nose was inconsequential as both of them finally let the conversation drop and Nine then flung himself over the railing as well.

Albeit Nine had just a bit more advantage than one poor hedgehog hanging on with one hand that will surely fall asleep sooner or later, since he could not only fly, but use his mechanical tails to hold onto the road overpass in case he got tired of that.

For a while the only sounds accompanying them were that of late night traffic and spray painting.

Sonic just couldn't let it go though, it wasn't fair,

"Heh, cheater."

His arm was still doing strong but what was a little salty banter, he was itchinf for a conversation.

"Nah, I just didn't pick a spot where I'm at a risk of falling into a highway."

A fair point, he probably should've done more pre-planning just this once, but come on, how often do you see exquisite graffiti made on the _middle_ of a road overpass? He has to have the bragging rights to it!

"Not like you can just fly."

"Eh, it's more of a hindrance really." The fox waved him off and grabbed onto the concrete base of the road, then anchoring himself onto it with his mechanical tails "Can't get the lines straight."

"Bet those don't get tired either." Sonic's point still stands.

"Done complaining?"

Nine looked at him with seemingly all of the annoyance and indifference he could with just half his face. And Sonic couldn't help but snicker.

"Hey I'm just poking fun! No need to take it so personally!"

Nine sat, stood? something in between, in silence for a second. A silence Sonic recognized as a very bad, not good kind of silence. As in, he's contemplating to either do something stupid he knows he shouldn't do, dangerous, or a mix of both.

And thank Gaia for his light speed reflexes, when he barely managed to dodge a green splotch of paint landing on his shoe.

"Oh it's on."

Sonic reached as far as he could and even if he gave a warning, Nine didn't get to dodge the attacking mist of turquoise that landed on the side of his shorts and an edge of his mechanical tail.

"He-hey! This won't get washed off!" Nine cried, but didn't let the new design bother him for long as Sonic saw a malicious glimmer in his eyes.

Nine reached towards his left-hand glove which Sonic almost moved out of the way, if he didn't remember that was the only difference between him being here or careening bellow onto a highway. Not that he couldn't get back up here in a second but instinct still betrayed him as the glove was no longer white.

"You're lucky you don't wear more clothes." The grin in Nine's voice was heard as he threw the can away "and that it's almost empty."

"What can I say, luck is always in my cards."

Drat, he should really restock his supplies. Ah but when he always forgets and remembers already when it's too late.

He looked at his new paint job and figured it wasn't that bad, good gloves are much easier to come by and buy in bulk than shoes that could withstand his daily running. Not that he would mind a change in color per se, but green just wasn't his.

On his clothes he means, well- ah whatever, he should focus on the task at hand.

Only after getting a last metaphorical word in by sending a tiny cloud of paint Nine's way, who promptly hissed at him.

Speaking of hands though, it was slowly beginning to fall asleep, but he chose to persist, this is gotta be a quick one then.

As he planned to turn his full attention to his own piece of art however, his eyes were dragged by what Nine was painting.

"Woa you can do it lineless?"

"Yea, pretty cool right." The smugness radiated off of him as he leaned back to either admire it or show it off better "Doesn't help that I might have to line it anyway cuz so far it looks like shit."

"Hey don't say that, trust the process!"

"If the process makes it look like a jumbled paint stain what is there to trust."

"Well for one, someone will find it pretty, beautiful even. And second!" Nine raised his spray can, as if to threaten Sonic with a mouthful of neon green spray if he continued. Sonic was not deterred in the slightest though, "It's by a road. No one will have the time or chance to look for every minor mistake you see up close."

And Nine promptly lowered his hand at that and sighed, resuming his work.

"I hate how you make sense."

Nine sighed, almost fondly? as he reached for the bag and flipped over a few spray cans to pick an even lighter shade to what he had.

The more Sonic looked at it, the more the style of it rang familiar for some reason and his attention lingered.

"Hm, were any of the graffiti in New Yoke made by you?"

"Just one."

One question satisfied, yet another popped up, but he could finally turn away and catch up in progress to where Nine was at. Quickly setting down the outline for the idea sitting in his head for weeks.

"And it stayed unfinished because I almost got busted by eggforcers. Didn't have the courage to return to it since."

"Maybe we could someday go back there and finish it." He gave a quick look towards the fox while preparing the spray can. And he can't say he expected a positive reaction, but the other almost recoiled even at the mere mention of going back to New Yoke.

"The city is bound to have changed since the council was dethroned and left to float endlessly in the void I'm sure!" Sonic tried his best to make the proposal sound more appealing despite that. Mostly cuz he wasn't too much against the idea himself, if anything he'd love to go back to check on everyone.

Chaos he missed them all so much actually, there surely has to be a way to get in and out of the Shatterverse. Maybe he knows someone in particular to pick their brains about this.

"Doubt the people have."

"Who knows, maybe they're in a better mood now that they get to see the sun every once in a while. It sure worked on you."

And before Nine could either retort with more snark or act offended, Sonic was already in front of him, giving a gentle boop through his mask.

It worked as intended in stunning him before he processed what was just done to him.

And while the hedgehog expected another adorable tantrum, Nine just stayed there silent, scratching his nose through his respirator. Almost as if he was giving the request another thought.

"Still a no."

"Sure thing bud, won't pressure you. Although..." Sonic started, unsure of just how much more he can push this before it gets too uncomfortable. "I wouldn't be against going there myself."

"Doubt Shadow will let you near the Prism or that you'd want a repeat of the first adventure"

That was, a surprisingly calm and straightforward answer, huh. "Yea but I mean it like, there's gotta be a different way right? Since you're here and all."

Yea he was definitely pushing it, Nine turned away from him and fully concentrating on his artwork in favor of answering.

And the subject dropped after a while of tense silence. It mellowed out back into the plesant silence they had at the beginning with Sonic continuously reminding himself he can't rush it too much or it will end up looking not up to his standard.

Somewhere along the way he exchanged hands as his left one was threatening to fall asleep and he really didn't want to deal with the aftermath of that. But he could do with a few wonky lines instead, so it was a fair trade-off.

They both stayed without a word, up until Sonic felt confident enough to sign his signature and Nine's voice suddenly perked up

"Nicky?" He questioned while it turned out he was actually observing him for a while.

"Gotta have a pseudonym, my name on itself is pretty famous as is." Sonic could finally release the strain on his arm and leg as he hopped up and sat down on the railing. Then finally put down his respirator and took in a deep breath.

"Sounds weirdly adorable for a street artist."

"Oh come on what's yours then?" Sonic asked with more of a genuine curiosity. 'Nine' was already a pretty cool name in his humble ever-correct opinion, and he could imagine the fox coming up with a myriad of cool variations of it.

But Nine's ears only pinned back slightly.

"I don't really have one." He admitted and Sonic could swear he sounded embarrassed.

"I, well most of what I draw is just for myself," he started slowly, "I never needed a complicated signature or a pseudonym since no one besides me would see it anyway."

"Hehe, understandable" Sonic couldn't help but find that both charming and sad, in a way. A fond memory of Tails trying and in his words failing to draw him a picture or two years back resurfaced. The little kit suppressing tears because he could "never get the lines just right" and later lighting up like a candle when Sonic complimented it up and down, because may the lines not be perfect, it was draw for him, and no amount of technical mistakes Tails decided to point out didn't stop his heart from doing backflips.

"Wouldn't mind seeing some of your hidden masterpieces if that's the case."

Aaand Nine froze again, sucking in a deep breath.

"They're all... in New Yoke. Or the Grim. But since both of my labs were destroyed due to one reason or another I don't think most of it survived." The fox resumed his work, and when Sonic leaned over he could see him most likely adding the finishing touches to what was most definitely a self-portrait with a few artistic liberties. Either Sonic was reminiscing for way longer than he registered or Nine managed to speedrun it.

"Oh well," the hedgehog took a second to mince his words as he properly leaned back a bit, a couple of cars breezed past him as he contemplated whether to try again or leave it be. "I mean, there would be no harm in taking a quick look. I-if not then you could always just make more stuff here! It's just, a shame I think?" He regretted his choice halfway once he heard the fox sigh.

"We both know you wouldn't just go and dip, Sonic." Nine threw the white spray over him into the bag and sat back into his mechanical tails, finally putting down his mask.

"But there's also no convincing you otherwise. So fine." He crossed his arms "But we're dragging Tails along."

Sonic's heart swiveled at that. He kicked up his legs and flipped back off the railing.

"That was the plan!"

And he couldn't help the grin that made its way across his face as he outstretched a hand towards Nine to take it.

The fox only pulled out his phone from the pocket of his pants and let go of the concrete wall, suspending himself in there further away.

"Don't you want a photo?"

"Ohoho, you betcha!" Sonic almost feared he would have to let his hand fall in shame, but he gripped the metal in front of him with excitement instead.

"Do you want my shoes on there or not?"

"Sure, if you want to incriminate yourself."

With a smirk that slowly turned to a genuine smile, Nine took at least five separate pictures.

Afterward, they packed the bags and slowly took off back to the nearby field with a not-so-subtly parked biplane.

[giggly-squiggily]

Carry On (Blue Lock)

....So Tumblr betrayed me 😅 I wasn't planning on posting this today but since some of y'all already saw it I figured what the heck, right? 🤣🤣🤣 Not mad; just flustered aljrjkerjkaejkrjekrja Anywho; here's a fic I wasn't planning on posting until November! :D

Cloud 9 (Taglist Peeps):

@myreygn @cupcake-spice13

Summary: Chigiri started liking the whole carrying thing he and Kunigami had going on. Of course- nothing in life comes for free: and his hero only accepts a certain currency.

The whole carrying thing- it was rather conflicting for Chigiri.

When it first happened, the redhead was too stunned to really react. They had finished running for an hour and his legs felt like lead. Laying on the grass was nice- even if it was within a pile of groaning, equally sweaty bodies.

“Need a hand, Princess?” Kunigami had blocked out the sun, hand outstretched. With some reluctance he was pulled to his feet, but it didn’t take long before the fatigue kicked in and made his legs buckle.

That’s when Kunigami swept him up- literally. The teasing jeers and annoying kissy noises were mute to the sound of Chigiri’s racing heart.

~~~

The second time it happened was fairly late. He’d just gotten done with the shower when he slipped, falling flat on his face before everyone. Panic ensued- they were all aware of his knee injury at that point- as Isagi grabbed him a towel and Raichi yelled for someone to get help.

“I’m fine- I didn’t tear it.” Chigiri waved them off, more embarrassed than anything. “Can someone hand me my clothes?”

When he was dressed, he was told to come down to the med bay (“We have a med bay?”) to ensure his leg wasn’t injured. That’s when Kunigami did his thing, sweeping him up once more and carrying him there.

“You’re limping- that’s a bad sign.”

“I can walk, Kunigami.”

“Hero’s always help those in need.”

Chigiri pretended the heat in his face was from the earlier ordeal.

~~~

The third time…well, that was just because.

“Ugh, I’m so tired…” Chigiri yawned, stretching his arms high as he and Kunigami left the cafeteria. Belly full and warmed from his bath, the walk back to their shared room with Reo felt like miles. He could easily have ran it if he wanted, but…

“What’s that look for?” Kunigami raised a brow at him, laughing at the innocent expression Chigiri donned. “Don’t tell me- you want a lift?”

“If I lied and said my legs hurt would you carry me?” Chigiri fluttered his lashes, unable to fight down a snort at Kunigami’s dramatic swoon. “I need a hero, someone to carry me back. Who shall do such a thing?”

“Never fear- for I am here!” Kunigami laughed as he gathered him up, earning a small squeak of surprise from the redhead. “Hang on, dear damsel- we’ll be there soon!”

“Who are you calling a damsel?” Chigiri shoved his shoulder lightly, shaking his head. “And take your time- I’m not exactly in a rush to watch Reo destroy my toothbrush again.”

“Long way it is.” Kunigami snickered as he changed course, adjusting his grip on the smaller boy. “Hey…is this okay?”

“I wouldn’t be in your arms if it wasn’t.” Chigiri shrugged, earning a small kiss against his temple. “It felt…weird, the first time you did it. I didn’t know how to react.”

“You got mad at me. For a fair reason.” Kunigami shrugged, the memory bringing a fond expression out. “You told me you’re not made of porcelain.”

“I’m not.” Chigiri nodded. “But…I could have been nicer saying it. Especially since you were just helping me.”

“Water under the bridge- besides; I really should have asked before picking you up like that.” Kunigami shrugged the best he could with Chigiri in his arms. “Now I’ve spoiled you. You want to be carried everywhere.”

“That’s right, hero. You’re my personal chauffeur.” Chigiri snickered, patting Kunigami’s cheek. “I’ll expect you by my side every second of the day, ready to carry me wherever I desire.”

“Tch- well. Chauffeur’s aren’t just there for free, princess. We demand payment!”

“Fair enough. What’s your preferred currency?”

Kunigami grinned, eyes dancing. Oh that look- he knew it all too well.

“I changed my mind, I think I can walk back by myself.” Chigiri squirmed some, looking for a way out of his requested imprisonment. “This was lovely, but I must go-”

“Now now- don’t think you’re getting off this ride without paying!” Kunigami grinned before he ducked down-

*PFFFFFT!*

“GAH! Ahehahahahhahhahaha, nhoohoohoohohoohoho whahahhait!” Chigiri cried, feet kicking like a child as he shoved at his boyfriend, trying to get his head away from his stomach. “Dohoohohohn’t do thahahahhahat!”

“Why not? It’s my preferred currency!” Kunigami laughed before doing it again, blowing another loud raspberry against his skin. Squeaks and squeals of laughter filled the empty hall, meaning following them as Kunigami made his slow return to their room. “After all the rides I’ve given you these past few months, I think I’m owed some backpay!”

“Stahhahahahap, I’m gohoohoohohnna fahhahahhahall!” Chigiri pleaded, relieved when Kunigami did in fact stop. “Ahehehehha, that was meh-EHHEHHEHEAN! AAHAHHAHA HERO!”

“Aww, did you think I was gonna stop with just raspberries? I’ll take the sound of your laughter all day any day.” Kunigami smiled as they came to the room, the hand supporting his legs creeping into the underside of his knees, sending waves of ticklishness throughout him. “This will do nicely as payment; oh here we are.”

Chigiri couldn’t respond, far too giggly. He buried his face into Kunigami’s shirt as they entered the room, squeaking when he was tossed unceremoniously upon the bed. “Wahahahait, wahhahait whahahahit!” He pleaded, backing up as Kunigami climbed over him. “Tihihihihme out!”

“Need a break?” Kunigami raised a brow, laughing as Chigiri hid behind his pillow, face bright red. “Take your time.”

“Heh…ehehhehe…” Chigiri peered at him, squeaking some when he met his boyfriend’s amused eye. Then- without warning, he shoved his pillow into the hero’s face, blinding him temporarily. “Thahahke that!”

Freedom was so close! He tried to run but-

“AH!” Chigiri yelped as he was pulled back in around the waist, the tickles resuming almost immediately. “Kuhuuhuhunigahhahahahhami!”

“Nice try, Princess- but your tab is due!” Kunigami growled dramatically, pressing his face into the redhead’s neck for a healthy round of tickly kisses.

~~~

In the background, Reo blinked as he watched the pair play. Then he looked down at his brand new toothbrush, sighing.

“Dorks.” He groaned as he made his way back to the bathroom, already picking at the bristles.

Thanks for reading!

[virgo-mess]

Silver Thread Chapter 8 Part 1

Hello all, I've nearly fully recovered from the flu and bronchitis ailment I was subject to save for a little congestion and a cough, I'm feeling much better! I'm sorry this took me so long to get out to you and that I'm splitting it into 2 parts. It's just what feels right for the pacing atm so forgive me for that abrupt cut off this part is already 12,288 words so we would've probably ended up in 20,000-word territory for 1 post and that's a little excessive, I should have part 2 done and dusted in the next few days!

If all goes as intended Chapter 9 may be the last official chapter for Silver Thread, with a small epilogue instead of a full chapter 10 since we be heading right into Silver Bells after I get this completed. I'm planning on only five or six chapters for Silver Bells and a decently sized epilogue with lots of fun adorable snippets of Veda and Terry in the years following Silver Bells! And then that might be it for the Silver Thread verse for a while, I don't fully foresee the events of Cobra Kai happening in this universe because of the Kreese side of things. But if they were to come to frustration, I feel like Veda will just be at a point where she's keen to be blissfully unaware and totally uninterested in whatever it is Terry and Daniel are arguing about now. At least until Terry gets arrested.....With all that being said I'm still aiming to upload all the chapters for Siver Bells on one day sometime before the end of the month, fingers crossed!

Trigger Warning for part 1: Fluff, romance, me living out travel fantasies through characters, Mild smut, consensual oral female receiving, consensual fingering, Terry and Veda have a lot of cute moments, Implications of Terry breaking into houses to torment Chad and Tommy off screen, Terry also beats Chad severely off screen, Terry destroys Chad and Tommy's property off screen and that's about it for this part!

Veda’s Pov

Veda went through the rest of the aquarium with Terry feeling a lot more relaxed. Terry kept his arms wrapped around her the entire time showering her with sweet words of affirmation and adoration as they looked at all the things the ocean had to offer. Anytime her mind tried to get away from her Terry was there to pull her back to earth and by the time they wandered back towards the boardwalk to get to the car, most of Veda’s fear of impending doom had dwindled. She believed Terry when he said he’d protect her because he already made her feel so safe whenever they were together. He was being especially attentive with her now that the weather had turned out to be hotter than initially forecasted, at around 1:30 LA county issued a heat advisory warning. Veda felt much better now but Terry insisted on making several stops for refreshments inside restaurants and on standing outside the restroom every time she needed to go. Veda didn’t mind as there were still fleeting moments when she would get startled by loud noises or felt like she was being watched. She knew she wouldn’t feel comfortable being alone for a long time and she was happy she didn’t have to express this to Terry, he just knew and was handling her discomfort with so much tender care she couldn’t help but love him more.

They spent part of the drive back to Terry’s house having one of their silent conversations, shared looks of contentment and soft smiles, with the soft sounds of Songbird by Fleetwood Mac lulling on the radio. Veda pulled her hair out of its confines and laid her head on Terry’s thigh, looking into his blue eyes she couldn’t help but feel the song reflected the self-sacrificial and reciprocal nature of their relationship. Veda couldn’t help the way she sang along while Terry stroked her hair in the same soothing motions that he always did, taking his eyes off the road every so often to mouth them back to her with a content smile on his face. Making the song another extension of their devotion to each other, it was theirs and there was nothing Dutch or Tommy or Chad could do to taint it.

“I love you” Veda breathed out as the song died down, gazing up at him with her heart full of pure unadulterated love and adoration, she brought the hand stroking her hair to her lips peppering it with kisses as she maintained his gaze with drowsy but content eyes. Terry smiled at her softly bringing her small hand to his lips to return the gesture, Veda didn’t miss the stray tear rolling down his left cheek and moved to wipe it away quickly. Terry gave her hand one last kiss and a reassuring squeeze.

“It’s a happy tear, you have a beautiful singing voice, baby girl. Thank you for sharing it with me, I’d love to hear it more often if you’d let me. I love you so much sweetheart, you can go to sleep. You’re safe now” he cooed, as he resumed the comforting passes through her hair, Veda relaxed giving him a dreamy smile as she felt he heart flutter the way it only ever did for him, she knew that she’d always be safe as long as Terry was here. Veda slowly drifted off to sleep feeling completely serene and deeply loved.

For you there'll be no more crying

For you the Sun will be shining

And I feel that when I'm with you

It's alright, I know it's right

To you, I'll give the world

To you, I'll never be cold

'Cause I feel that when I'm with you

It's alright, I know it's right

And the songbirds are singing

Like they know the score

And I love you, I love you, I love you

Like never before

And I wish you all the love in the world

But most of all, I wish it from myself

And the songbirds keep singing

Like they know the score

And I love you, I love you, I love you

Like never before

Like never before

Like never before

Veda stirred a while later to the feeling of Terry gently trying to shift her into his arms, hovering over her from where he stood outside the passenger door. Veda let out a breathy half yawn and sigh combo as she looked up at him with a dreamy smile and groggy eyes. Terry gave her a soft smile in return caressing her bruised cheek with his fingers gingerly as he placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

“I’m sorry baby girl, I didn’t mean to wake you” he said in a soft sincere tone, Veda wrapped her arms around his neck letting him pull her into a sitting position. Veda beamed at him placing a sweet peck on the lips as she looked deeply into his eyes for a long moment. Remembering the moment, they had just before she drifted off to sleep in his lap and how perfect it was.

“That’s alright, I love seeing your face when I wake up, Romeo” she cooed tiredly, scooting to the edge of the car seat, she wanted nothing more than to be pressed against him right now. Terry chuckled softly sensing what she wanted, he eagerly guided her to wrap her legs around his waist and lifted her out of the car with ease. Terry peppered her cheek with adoring kisses before wrapping an arm around her back and placing his other just under her butt to keep her in place while he walked toward the house. Veda let out a happy giggle and nuzzled her face into the side of his neck breathing in the warm woodsy scent of his cologne, Terry knew it was her favorite and sometimes sprayed her pillow with it if he knew he couldn’t spend the night. She had come to find it so comforting; the way it engulfed her mind, body, and soul like a warm earthy blanket swaddling her like a protective shield. Terry rubbed comforting circles on her back and placed a few more kisses in her hair as he stepped into the entry way. Veda giggled into his neck planting a few kisses of her own.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Silver. I wasn’t expecting you back so soon but I’m assuming the heat got the best of us, huh. Would you like me to prepare some refreshments for you by the pool or is the little one in need of a rest?” came a warm male voice from the entry way, Veda couldn’t pinpoint his accent, but she felt him stroke one of her shoulders with the back of his knuckle affectionately. Veda felt her cheeks flush bashfully at another one of Terry’s employees using Larry’s affectionate nickname for her, all of his staff seemed keen on showing her just as much warm motherly and fatherly tenderness as they showed Terry. Treating her like she was already a part of their unconventional little family made her heart sing. Veda loosened her legs from around Terry’s waist, planting a few more sweet kisses on his neck before withdrawing her face to look at him, asking him a silent question. Terry chuckled giving her a playful pout as he removed the arm he had placed under her butt, using the arm around her back to gently lower her to the ground. Veda beamed at him again and eagerly held his hand feeling her excitement bubble at the fact she was finally seeing the house. Terry chuckled gently turning her to face the man that greeted them at the door, a kind looking older man with short hair black hair and a warm smile. In her excitement Veda tackled him in a bear hug without thinking about it and felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment. The man chuckled softly under his breath as he returned her hug and flashed her a reassuring smile when she pulled away timidly.

“Thank you for that warm greeting little one, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you everyone here says great things about you they simply adore you and I understand why. You are quite right Mr. Silver she is a darling and so beautiful, excellent choice, sir.” He said warmly, Terry beamed with pride as he wrapped both of his arms around Veda’s waist and pulled her into his chest.

“Veda, this is Milos, like Margaret he takes care of my every need and absurd demand without hesitation and while you’re staying here, he’ll be taking care of yours too.”  Terry said with a warm smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Milos” Veda said sweetly, flashing him a big grin, she had a feeling they’d be great friends. Milos returned it but Veda didn’t miss the way his eyes trained on her bruised cheek, seeming to just register what it was. Terry let go of her briefly, walking over to Milos to have a hushed conversation; Veda tuned them out and took the opportunity to admire some of the textile bricks in the short entry way of the Ennis house not wanting to think about anything that happened during her heat exhaustion or before their trip to the aquarium. None of it really mattered now that she was here with Terry anyway, the odds of Dutch and Tommy finding her here were slim to none. She was, however, dreading any trips she’d have to make back to her apartment or the evening hours she would have to spend on campus without Terry. She wouldn’t put it past either Dutch or Tommy to track her down there, the campus security wasn’t the best in the world, Cal Tech was a smaller school after all, and Dutch and Tommy blended in well with their school demographic.

“Milos would you mind fetching her bags and taking the car and inform Howard we will be having friends joining us for dinner this evening. While I give my sweet girl a long overdue tour of the house” Terry walked back over to her with a warm smile, as he wrapped his arms back around her and placed a comforting kiss on her cheek sensing her tension. Veda relaxed into his arms and gave him a reassuring smile.

“Of course, Mr. Silver “Milos said, giving her a courteous bow and another warm smile. Veda blushed again giving him a shy smile in return, she still wasn’t used to formal greetings and part of her felt like she probably never would.

“Mr. Milos, you don’t have to bow to me it’s really alright” she said timidly, stroking the backs of Terry’s hands with her thumbs feeling him kiss her shoulder tenderly and tighten his grip around her waist a bit. Milos chuckled softly under his breath throwing her a soft fond smile.

“Nonsense, little one, every lady deserves a gentlemanly greeting, and you may call me Milos. I hope you enjoy your tour of the house.” Milos said with another courteous bow before disappearing out the front door. Veda glanced up at Terry with an eager smile on her face practically bouncing with excitement at this point, Terry flashed her an amused sort of smile as he wordlessly directed her up the entryway staircase keeping an arm firmly wrapped around her waist as they ascended the stairs. Veda let out a soft gasp as they entered the large living room, the late afternoon sunlight was streaming through the large windows engulfing the room in a warm gold embrace with the Los Angeles skyline glittering behind them.

“You like it” Terry said, Veda detected a hint of hopefulness in his voice as he looked down at her trying to read her mind. Veda gave him a bright reassuring smile as she wrapped her arms around his torso.

“I love it Terry, you have a beautiful home, but you already know that don’t you, Romeo” Veda said in a cheery tone standing on her tip toes to capture him in a sweet kiss. Terry beamed at her lovingly, resting his forehead against hers as he brought a hand up to stroke her cheek.

“I’m glad you love it, baby girl because I have an idea to run by you” he said, still sounding hopeful as he looked deeply into her eyes. Veda gave him a reassuring smile as she looked up at him, trying to pinpoint what he might be proposing to her this time. She nodded her head in acknowledgment silently urging for him to continue, trailing one of her hands up his back to toy with the ends of his hair softly.

“I would very much like for this to be your home too, I know you like your independence, sweetheart, but after what happened this afternoon, I don’t feel comfortable with you living in that neighborhood or apartment alone. At least if you’re here I know there will always be someone looking out for you if I’m not available for some reason…” he trailed, stroking her bruised cheek with his thumb, and placing a kiss on the tip of her nose. Veda stiffened slightly letting out a shaky breath, as she thought about Dutch and Tommy, planning what she can only assume is her impending demise. Veda didn’t really have to think about it, she found it cute Terry was so worried about asking her this when she was wearing the promise ring he gave her, it glittered quite beautifully in the summer sun streaming in through the large windows. Moving in didn’t mean she had to get married and start a family right away, this was the modern era, she could still maintain some of her independence, finish school and have a career. Moving in would help ease both of their anxieties surrounding the whole situation.

“I don’t mind moving in at all, Terry. I don’t feel comfortable living there alone now either, but my lease doesn’t end until February and they’ll make me pay for the rest of the year up front and an extra penalty fee if I break it without giving them 30 days’ notice…” Veda trailed, part of wanting some independence steamed from her not wanting to use Terry’s money even if he was shoving it into her hands. She was more afraid of what would happen if she and Terry were to end up like her parents, she knew Terry wouldn’t leave her without a dime to her name but the prospect of being a struggling single mother was still terrifying. Terry shushed her, pulling her in for a brief kiss before giving her a reassuring smile.

“You don’t have to worry about that, baby girl. I’ve got friends everywhere, getting you out of your lease shouldn’t be too difficult, I’ll take care of it. Now, let’s get you familiar with the rest of our home, my angel. I want you to feel right at home as soon as possible” he said cheerily, as he eagerly tugged her to follow him. Veda gave him a rosy smile feeling her heart flutter at him using the word, our, she knew she’d have no problem feeling right at home because to her home was wherever he was, and she didn’t want it any other way.

Terry spent the rest of June working everything out with her landlord, Terry obviously had no problem buying her out of it if she had wanted to, but Veda thought doing things the right way would be better. Because at least then she’d have a clear record in case she needed to rent again in the future. Getting out of her lease the right way involved her heading to the police station to get a temporary restraining order in place, with Terry by her side they granted it quite quickly. However, they were only able to grant her one against Chad Johnson since he had been the one that actually assaulted her that afternoon at the pier, her bruise was bad enough and Terry was able to get the paramedic to attest to the fact she was in emotional distress when he treated her. She couldn’t get one granted against Dutch without them having to open an investigation and look at her hospital records from months prior because she had no evidence of Dutch contacting her since then. Without that they couldn’t determine if what Tommy said was actually a threat to her life. Veda was still afraid, she sometimes woke up from nightmares in the middle of the night, but she was less worried about it now that she had been basically living with Terry since that day at the pier.

Exam week marked the end of June and Veda’s summer classes, the restraining order had successfully terminated her lease agreement and a lot of Veda’s belongings had already found a place in the Ennis House. She was surprised Terry insisted on keeping her cheap décor and kitchen ware, Howard looked at him like he was insane when Terry told him to use Lucille’s hand painted Italian ceramics for serving, he wasn’t a fan of the colorful fish designs taking away from his masterful plating skills. Terry was making all the stops to make Veda feel like the Ennis house was just as much her home as it was his, he even encouraged her to redecorate his bedroom with him so it looked like something they both would like.

 They made a few trips up to Beverly Hills and West Hollywood to look for décor at some of the high-end furniture stores, though Veda was vaguely aware Terry was just trying to keep her mind off whatever he was doing to take care of her Dutch problem. She thought it better not to question anything, but she knew Margaret, Milos, and even Larry were working overtime to feed him information or to keep her occupied when he slipped out of the house. Terry would never be gone more than an hour when that happened, it was still hard for them to be a part for too long, living together only strengthened their relationship and their attachment to each other. Everyone at the office started calling them Terra like they were one solitary unit instead of two separate individuals. They still hardly everargued about anything, they never strayed from their playful teasing and flirting dynamic. Margaret often found them chasing each other down the central loggia, pouncing on each other in the pool, or having one of their tickle fights on one of the sofas. In a lot of ways, it felt like they were living in their own little bubble, set apart from the rest of the world in what Veda could only describe as their own little personal paradise.

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July-

July started with Veda getting notice she aced all of her exams which gave her a great head start to her freshman year. Terry set up an intimate candlelit dinner on the bedroom terrace to celebrate and even made her mom’s chicken cacciatore with homemade pasta and, he plated everything beautifully in her mom’s Italian ceramics. Veda kissed and praised him the entire night feeling especially lovestruck that the first meal he ever cooked for her proved how well he knew her and how much he truly loved her. Veda ended up snapping two polaroid pictures of the whole thing, one to give Lucille so she could see what an amazing job he did and one so she could cherish the memory forever. Terry was of course spurred by her reaction and promised to cook for her more since it made her so unbelievably happy. They ended that night in the bath giving each other a number of orgasms, Veda was grateful the master bedroom was a great distance away from the chauffer’s quarters that were separate from the main house because Terry had her shrieking in ecstasy most of the night.

Veda stirred the morning of July 3rd with her head resting on Terry’s chest. To the feel of him running his long fingers through her thick hair, the same way she’d been waking up and falling asleep since she moved in. Veda let out a content sigh, slowly fluttering her eyes open to see Terry already staring at her with one of his groggy content smiles plastered across his face. His dark curls were fanned out across his silk pillows and Veda couldn’t think of a more beautiful thing to wake up to as she reached up to run her fingers through the ends of his hair and run a thumb down his cheek. Terry let out a content sigh at the action as he bowed down to place a tender kiss on her forehead and then one on her nose. Veda giggled scrunching her nose up just for him loving the adoring smile he gave her in return.

“Good morning, my beautiful girl” he cooed, still running his hands through her messy black waves gently as he stared lovingly into her eyes. Veda swore she felt her heart actually melt as she beamed back at him capturing him in a brief sweet kiss. Terry smiled back at her happily before moving to sit up against the headboard and positioning her to sit across his lap so he could nuzzle his face into her neck. Both of them sat for a moment listening to the birds chirping as they stroked each other’s hair affectionately.

“Good morning, my love” Veda cooed in his ear as she placed a kiss on his shoulder, Terry placed a long kiss on her collarbone before leaning back against the headboard. Looking at her with the same smile plastered across his face and adoration swirling in his blue eyes. Veda loved the way the morning sun streaming in through the windows made his eyes sparkle for her.

“Okay, my sweet girl, how would you like to do things today. Should we have breakfast or brunch, we have an hour and a half drive to Santa Barbara and dinner reservations at the resort are at 6” he crooned, caressing her cheek with a thumb gently even though the bruise she had there had finally healed up a few days prior. Veda smiled at him reassuringly, the spot didn’t hurt anymore but she knew Terry knew she was having bad dreams about the event on a few nights though she did her best to hide it.

“Let’s do brunch, I’m not that hungry right now and I’ve got to finish packing a few things” she said still toying with his dark curls as she smiled at him, Terry nodded giving her another kiss on the forehead.

“Alright, baby girl, you finish packing while I got get us some coffee from Milos then I’ll start the shower and we can get going, okay” Terry cooed, lifting her out of the bed with him before setting her gently on her feet. Veda nodded excitedly, giving him a quick peck on the lips she watched him turn off all the Christmas lights he had strung up for her before heading towards the closet and searching for her duffle bag in one of the boxes they hadn’t unpacked yet.

 She had put off packing because she was nervous about taking a step further into Terry’s upper-class world, well two steps because when they got back from this trip on Sunday, they’d be heading to her first gala later that evening. Everything just felt a little overwhelming because she and Terry had been living out most of their relationship in a secure little bubble, forgetting about the rest of the world and their opinions. Terry had been dwelling in her safe space for some time now, but Veda couldn’t help but think they weren’t the same thing. Simply because Terry had dwelled in her world before, living among regular people for a set period of time when he was in Vietnam, he had even maintained friendships with some of his regular joe war buddies.

She understood why of course, you can easily latch onto people who have been through the same things as you have because there’s an overarching sense of fellow feeling between you. Veda and Terry had that affinity for each other, they both went through difficult things and were hurt by other people. They found their common ground in his car on her 19th birthday right before they confessed their love to the other. Veda had only ever treaded lightly in Terry’s world, the closest she ever got to it was having dinner at the country club in Encino with Dutch and look where that got her. That was why she was so hesitant to give a guy with Terry’s status a chance and although she trusted Terry and his judgement now, she couldn’t help but be afraid of the judgements people in his world made about her. Yet another way Dutch had ruined her sense of self-worth,

Veda fumbled through the closet pulling numerous pieces of clothing off the racks and shelves without packing them. Everything seemed like the wrong choice no matter what the price tag attached to it said, she thought his friends would see right through her charade and badger Terry to come to his senses. Even with all Terry’s efforts to make her feel like she fit into his life she couldn’t shake the feeling that she didn’t. She could faintly hear Terry venture back into the bedroom and turn the water on in the bathroom, Veda let out a frustrated sigh at her still mostly empty bag save for a selection of undergarments, swimsuits, and pajama sets, but she obviously couldn’t walk around a five-star resort in Santa Barbara wearing those. Packing for a three- and half-day trip shouldn’t be this hard, but she suspected a lot of her anxiety was also about the gala they were supposed to attend when they got back on Sunday. Having her first small step and her first big step into Terry’s world lined up back-to-back had her wanting to pull her hair out from the stress alone.

“Are you ready baby” Terry said, playfully wiggling his eyebrows at her as he leaned against the doorframe of the closet in only his boxers, Veda giggled blushing slightly as she gazed over at him nibbling on her lip nervously.

“No, I don’t know what to wear or pack. I want to meet your friends but I’m really nervous about them and the gala” she admitted sheepishly, as she pointed to the heap of clothes she had pulled from the shelves and off hangers. Terry’s eyes softened walking over to her and wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace and peppering her face with reassuring kisses.

“It’s okay, baby girl, don’t worry. I will be with you the whole time and if anyone of them says anything out of line I will put them in place, huh. I told you about Ian and his girlfriend Gwen and about Simon and his girlfriend Anna, sweetheart. Ian, Gwen, and Anna are nice, but Simon is a bit stuffy just pay him no mind. Do you remember what I told you yesterday” Terry said, tenderly stroking her cheek with his thumb as he looked at her with sincere eyes.  Veda sighed nodding her head in acknowledgement pointing between their promise rings.

“No one can convince you not to be with me and if anyone at the gala gives me trouble you, Margaret, or Larry will take them out for me” Veda giggled softly, Terry nodded letting out a pleased rumble as he pulled her into a passionate kiss that left her weak in the knees and breathless.

“Yes, you’re my one and only, Veda. Okay, would you like me to help you pick out some things? I want you to feel as comfortable as possible, baby girl. There’s no one on our trip you have to impress, and you look beautiful in everything anyway, I only pick the best remember” he cooed, peppering her face with reassuring kisses and running his hands in soothing patterns up her arms. Veda relaxed into him feeling a bit more at ease as he helped her go through the pile of clothes settling on some floral sun dresses, dinner dresses, and a few short sets just so she had options. Veda let out a relieved sounding sigh as she picked an outfit to wear after the shower, a simple white mini dress with a blue floral pattern and blue Jimmy Choo wedges.

“That’s perfect, sweetheart and we can match, see.” Terry said holding up one of his white button ups and navy-blue shorts with a big grin plastered across his ever handsome face.

“You’re going to do just fine and we’re going to have fun. Let’s go get cleaned up and relax a bit, hmm” Terry cooed giving her another tender kiss on the temple, Veda nodded with a bashful smile on her face as he led her to the master bathroom. Terry gave her one of his giddy grins, Veda giggled raising her arms up for him, helping her get undressed was one of his favorite things these days and she was keen to let him do it as much as he wanted because she loved the way he looked at her like she was a piece of art in a museum. Terry gently tugged her top over her head giving her a playful kiss on the nose before slipping her shorts and panties off swiftly. Veda gave him another bashful looking smile as she returned the favor, gently sliding his boxers down his waist but never breaking eye contact. Terry cradled her face in his large hands for a moment before giving her a tender peck on the lips.

“Do you want me to wash your hair today, baby girl” he crooned with a soft smile tugging on his lips, Veda felt her heart flutter as she looked up at him rosy cheeks, she just loved the feel of his hands in her hair no matter what they were doing, and Terry seemed to really love cleaning her up during their showers.

“Yes, please” she said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck, Terry made a pleased sound before pulling her into the hot steamy water with him. Terry gave her one last kiss on the forehead before lathering her up in her favorite soaps with a warm cloth, Veda let out a content sigh melting into his tender motions. Terry chuckled under his breath as he scooped some of her favorite sugar scrub into his hands, gently rubbing the scrub all over her body as he gazed into her eyes. Veda gave him a dreamy sort of smile; she was keen to let him do this as long as he wanted to, and he knew that. Terry chuckled again giving her a playful kiss on the nose as he helped her rinse the scrubs and soaps off.

“Alright, baby girl, tilt your head back for me. Good girl” he cooed as she immediately threw her head back into the stream of water flowing from the gold shower head for a moment. Terry ran his hands through her thick hair a few times before gently guiding her head into an upright position. He lathered her hair up with some of his sweet-smelling shampoo, Veda repressed a giggle because he made it a point to use it on her all the time now, after she said it smelled nice passively one time in a totally obscure conversation. Terry guided her to tilt her head back again as he tenderly rinsed all the suds out of her hair, he added a drop of conditioner to sit for a few minutes while he cleaned himself up. Veda swatted his hands away from the warm cloth as she switched places with him.

“Alright, your turn Romeo” Veda said, grabbing another warm cloth she pumped some of his favorite soap onto it and reached up to run it down his broad shoulders and his muscled torso and arms. Terry flashed her a bashful smile but made no move to stop her as she proceeded to clean him up, taking her time as she moved around him to clean every spot she could reach.

“I can’t reach your hair up there, Mr. Silver” she chided playfully, Terry chuckled flashing her a mischievous sort of grin before scooping her up off the shower floor. Veda let out a surprised squeal and a fit of giggles as she clamped her legs around him tightly, Terry steadied her by gripping her ass firmly and wrapping his other arm around her back tightly. Veda gave him a playful scowl.

“You could’ve just bent down, silly” she giggled, wetting his hair under the gold shower head before leaning down to pump some of the shampoo into her hands. Terry chuckled with an amused grin plastered across his face.

“Now where’s the fun in that, baby girl, I’m combining a lot my favorite things. I get to look at you and hold you all while having you wet, naked and pressed against me. You’re spoiling me doll and it’s not even my birthday” he said teasingly, giving her ass cheek a gentle squeeze as he stared back at her with a hungry glint his eyes. Veda rolled her eyes, her cheeks flaring a brighter shade of red as she felt her clit throb eagerly at the action. She ignored her arousal as she started lathering his wet hair up gingerly, she tensed up a bit as she felt his hard cock brush against her thigh. Terry cooed a string of sweet nothings in her ear, caressing her back where his hand was still holding her against him.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, remember you’re always in control” he crooned reassuringly, as he tilted his head further into the water so she could rinse all the suds out. Veda dragged a finger along his cheek affectionately, feeling her heart swell in adoration as she tilted his back towards her.

“I know, Terry, I trust you completely it’s just a reflex and I’m sorry it happens, but I promise it’s not because of you. Do you want conditioner, my love?” she asked sweetly, Terry shook his head, leaning up to pepper her face in tender kisses before setting her gently back on the ground to quick rinse out her hair. When he finished, he wrapped her in a tight warm embrace, almost like he was trying to pry the reflex out of her, she really wished he could but they both knew it wouldn’t subside until Dutch was finally off the horizon.

“Veda, I know you’re not doing it on purpose sweetheart, and it isn’t your fault it happens, so you don’t need to be sorry. I promise it doesn’t bother me when it does because I love taking care of you, I love you always, okay” he whispered reassuringly in her ear, stroking her bare back with his long fingers and kissing her head more times than she could count before turning off the water. Veda beamed at him dreamily feeling like her heart might burst with how happy he made her, she let him lift her out of the shower and wrap her up in one of his big plush towels. Staring up at him as she silently made her decision, this trip would mark the solidification of their relationship and devotion for each other. Veda couldn’t remember ever being this sure about anything in her life, but she was sure about her feelings for Terry, and she was sure about his feelings for her.

“I love you too” she cooed back at him.

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They got dressed and finished their morning coffee before finally heading out for Santa Barbara around 10:30. They spent the whole drive laughing and talking about everything and nothing, all they really cared about was seeing the other smile. Veda even sang along to a few songs just to see Terry beam at her adoringly as he traced patterns on her thigh. They stopped for a quick brunch before nearing the San Ysidro Ranch around 1:30 in the afternoon. Veda gasped as she took in the sprawling greenery dotted with olive trees and French lavender swaying in the warm summer breeze against the lush foothills of Montecito.

“See, baby you fit right in my gorgeous little nymph” Terry crooned pointing to the outfit he helped her pick out this morning, now she knew why he kept gravitating to her floral pieces. Veda giggled placing a few kisses on the back of his hand as he pulled up to the reception cottage to check them in. Terry let Veda wander around the garden for a minute, watching her wander around in one of her child like wonder fixations, with an adoring smile on his face.

“Smile, sweetheart” he said holding up her polaroid camera, Veda blushed wondering where he had it stashed away, she misplaced it after snapping a picture of the Chicken Cacciatore he made for her, Lucille made sure to call and shower him with warm motherly praise after she got it. Veda giggled giving him a coy smile as she stopped to pose for him in front of one of the big rose bushes. Terry beamed at her as he raised the camera to his eye and snapped two polaroids of her, he shook them for a few seconds as he walked over to show her the end results with an adoring grin on his face. Veda blushed wrapping her arms around his torso as she looked down at them with a bashful smile on her face.

“They look good, Romeo, good work” she cooed, letting her cheek rest against his chest as she stared up at him with loving eyes, Terry placed a small kiss on the tip of her nose still beaming down at her as his blue eyes glittered in the warm summer sun.

“I didn’t do that much, my sweet girl, you’re just that gorgeous the camera loves you. We really have to start taking more pictures together though. To immortalize all our time together because I never want to forget anything and we’ll have photo albums to show our children someday” Terry said in a cheery tone, Veda gave him a shy smile at the mention of their future hypothetical children. They still hadn’t really talked about that possibility since she started the pill. Veda’s curiosity was piqued on the subject as they strolled into the reception cottage with her arms still wrapped firmly around his torso. Veda didn’t listen to much of Terry’s conversation with the receptionist as she stared up at him for a long while, Terry flashed her sweet smiles and placed kisses on her forehead during the pauses in his conversation. She hadn’t really thought about what Terry would look like as a father but seeing how much care and love he showed her on a daily basis had her thinking he’d actually be a great father. This she knew with absolute certainty, there were no doubts or second guessing, there was just the truth, and the truth was Terry would be every bit as much of a doting father to their kids as her own father was to her and Daniel. They say you often fall for people that remind you of your parents in some way and for the first time Veda could see her dad in Terry, maybe that’s why being with him felt like déjà vu, why their love felt like it had transcended time and space a million times over before they even met, and why she felt like they’d been together forever.

Veda was pulled out of her inner epiphany by Terry stroking her cheek gingerly, Veda gave him a dreamy sort of smile as she looked at him in a new way. Terry smiled back at her gently guiding her out of the cottage and back into the warm summer sunlight, she admired how the sunlight seemed to swirl around him as they walked back down the cobblestone steps and through the lush colorful gardens. Veda found herself wishing she could draw the scene unfolding before her in all its beautiful, serene glory, in their own little personal paradise once again, the world around her seemed to fade and the only thing surrounding her was him.

“Just making sure you’re still with me, baby girl, looked like I lost you to a memory” Terry said, his eyes still glittering in the light as he opened the car door for her flashing her one of his charming smiles in an almost carefree manner. And there she saw it again, a quick glimpse in the golden summer light, one of her father’s carefree laughs echoing distantly in the back of her ears like a lullaby. Veda smiled back at Terry swooping in to place a quick peck on his lips, her heart still swelling in a new kind of dreamy rapt as she stared back at him.

“I was just thinking of how you’ll be a great father someday” she said sincerely, Terry gave her an adorable, uncharacteristically shy smile as he gazed back at her with rosy cheeks. His eyes were still glittering like little pools of rippling water as he placed a hand over his heart at the compliment.

“That means so much coming from you, my angel, you’re so sweet. You’ll be an amazing mom, Veda, hopefully to my children.” he breathed out, Veda’s eyes softened as she reached out to stoke his cheek tenderly putting as much sincerity in her next statement as humanly possible.

“Terry, you’re the only person in the world I’d ever even consider having children with. If they’re not ours, I won’t be having them, can’t promise I won’t take someone else’s though” she said teasingly, hopping back into the car so they could drive back to the cottage they’d be staying in. Terry chuckled, relacing his fingers with hers as he restarted the car.

“Adopting is always an option, sometimes hand-picking children can be nice at least you know what you’re getting but I have a feeling our kids would be quite perfect no matter what” he crooned, slowly making his way to the back of the Ranch property. Veda giggled bashfully, peeling her eyes off the gorgeous scenery to look at him.

“Zoe thinks our children will be quite terrifying. How many children were you thinking about having anyway, Mr. Silver” Veda quipped playfully, though she was really quite serious because she didn’t think she could handle birthing more than two children, maybe even three if she was feeling particularly ambitious but difficult pregnancies tended to run in LaRusso bloodline and with her luck, she’d be the worst of them all. Terry gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as he looked at her with soft caring eyes.

“Oh, sweetheart, however many you want to give me of course. Your body and your comfort will always come first even ten years from now, okay. We can talk about it all when we’re closer to that phase which will be way after you graduate from college, preferably USC but if it’s CalTech that’s fine too. You should be enjoying this stage of your life without worrying about kids, sweetheart. I don’t mind waiting for you at all, you know” Terry said flashing her a sincere smile as he turned into the private driveway, Veda hadn’t thought much about USC with everything going on lately, but she was starting to come around to the idea with them living together now. It also helped that USC campus was a lot bigger than the CalTech campus, she had thought of how easy it would be for Dutch to track her down at such a small school. Veda beamed at him leaning over to pepper his face with kisses.

“I know you don’t, you always take great care of me, my love and I really appreciate you being so patient with me. You’re the most amazing boyfriend in the world and I love you so much. Where will we be staying” Veda cooed, accenting each word with a tender kiss, Terry put the car in park before capturing her in a loving kiss.

“I love you more than anything in the world, baby. We’re staying in two bedroom Kennedy Cottage, it’s where John and Jackie Kennedy spent their honeymoon. It’s got all the luxuries, a private hot tub, an outdoor rain shower, a great terrace overlooking Channel Islands, complimentary in room dining for every meal if you want princess, a great oversized claw bathtub and a little extra surprise just for you, sweetheart.” Terry said with a bright smile as his eyes glittered in the afternoon sun, Ved blushed smiling back at him with a newfound excitement at the mention of a surprise.

“Oh, I don’t mind it just being you and me of course but I thought the others would be staying with us. What kind of surprise could you have possibly planned for me and why, Romeo” she said teasingly, Terry chuckled staring at her with loving glittering blue eyes as he toyed with the promise ring on her finger.

“If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise now, will it baby girl. Ian is planning on proposing to Gwen, so he booked the Olive cottage which is right next to ours and I don’t like Simon enough to let him impede on our romantic getaway, baby. Let’s pop in and see your surprise before we meet the others for tea in the garden, my sweet girl” he said eagerly placing a kiss on her forehead, before hopping out of the car and opening her door for her with a gentlemanly bow. Veda giggled gently taking the hand he offered her to step out of the car, she gave him a quick courtesy with a playful smile on her face.

Terry chuckled as he opened the back car door to grab their bags, he lazily threw them over one of his shoulders so they could hold hands as they walked through the private gated entry into the private courtyard garden. Veda was practically bouncing in excitement when the stone cottage came into view looking like it was pulled right out of a fairytale, Terry always took her to the most romantic places imaginable.

“I really love this resort so far, Romeo everything is so pretty here, thank you for bringing me here with you. We have to get someone to take our picture in front of this before we leave, you know, for our photo albums” Veda said coyly batting her lashes at him with a knowing smile on her face, Terry’s whole face lit up just like she expected it would and she felt her heart swell with joy.

“Oh, sweetheart, you know I’d bring you with me everywhere if I could you don’t have to thank me, I’m just happy you agreed to come and escape some of the festivities for the holiday with me. We’re going to take so many pictures this trip, my sweet girl, don’t you worry, in fact I know exactly what picture I’m going to take of you next, come on” he said unlocking the front door, Veda felt her heart rate pick up in excitement wondering what type of surprise Terry had in store for her today as they stood in the doorway of Kennedy cottage. Terry set their bags down by the door and pulled out her polaroid camera as well as a Nikon F3 with a giddy grin plastered on his face.

“Alright, close your eyes for me baby” he crooned, giving her a playful kiss on the nose. Veda giggled as she placed her hands over her eyes for him, she could make out the sound of the door swinging open. Her body was still vibrating in excitement as she felt him gently place his hands on her forearms, guiding her through the front door carefully.

“Okay, just stand here for a second” he whispered placing a kiss on her forehead, she could hear the excitement in his voice as he let go of her forearms and shuffled about the room for a second.

“Alright, baby girl, you can open your eyes now” Terry said eagerly, Veda giggled softly under her breath, she found his excitement just as adorable as he found hers. Veda beamed slowly removing her hands from her eyes and let out a soft gasp as she took in the living area. Completely wonderstruck by all the vases filled with bunches of pink and red roses, lilies, peonies, and bunches of pink and white hydrangeas. She heard Terry snap a few pictures of her awed doe eyed expression from where he was standing by the open patio doors with a look of adoration on his face. Veda beamed at him again with rosy cheeks and a fluttering heart.

“Oh, Terry, this is so beautiful, thank you” Veda breathed out looking at him with adoration of her own as she moved to walk around the vases carefully. Terry met her halfway flashing her a warm adoring smile.

“Wait, you have to see the bedroom and bathroom, baby. They’re both set up of course you can decide which one we sleep in” he said excitedly, gently lacing his fingers with hers to guide her to one of the masters. Veda giggled with a blush spreading across her cheeks as they walked into one of the rooms to see more flower filled vases. The king-sized canopy bed was covered with pink and white rose petals with a bottle of champagne sat next to a plate full of fruit and chocolate covered strawberries. The posts had pretty fairy lights spun around them, Veda felt her heart flutter, after the incident at the pier she couldn’t sleep very well and would wake up screaming and sweating from a few nightmares. The nightmares were less frequent now but she still needed a little light in the room to keep her from being startled by the dancing shadows streaming in through the bedroom windows. Instead of getting a nightlight or leaving the light on in the bathroom, Terry hung a few Christmas lights over the headboard and along the windowsills for her because she had said Christmas was her favorite holiday.

“You spoil me too much, Romeo” Veda said breathlessly, wrapping her arms around his torso in a side hug looking up at him with unadulterated love and devotion in her eyes. Terry’s eyes softened a bit, returning the look in her eyes tenfold and giving her a tender kiss on her healed cheek. They had one of their unspoken moments with rosy cheeks and adoring grins before they ventured into the master bath, the graceful clawfoot bathtub was filled with more flower petals with unlit candles and more vases of lilies, her favorite flowers, surrounding it in a way that also made it look like he pulled it right out of a fairytale just for her.

“Seriously, how are we going to spend anytime with your friends with the room set up like this, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say Ian isn’t the only one proposing this weekend” she said pointedly, she couldn’t help but wonder what he meant by it given that this was one of the most romantic cottages on the property. Terry chuckled unwrapping himself from her arms he took a step back to snap another picture of her with the polaroid and then the Nikon before pulling her in for a sweet passionate kiss that had her head spinning. Veda moaned fisting his white button up in her hands in an attempt to pull him closer but the cameras in his hand were getting in the way. Veda grumbled impatiently trying to swat the cameras out of her way, Terry chuckled against her lips before pulling away and silently motioning for her to follow him back into the bedroom. Veda pouted up at him, playfully letting out an exaggerated groan as she rewrapping her arms around his torso and rested her cheek against his back. Terry chuckled again taking careful steps so she wouldn’t fall over him as he walked towards the bed.

“Hold on baby girl, I’m just setting the cameras down so we can play some more before we go meet the others for tea in the garden. I want you to be nice and relaxed” he said teasingly, setting the cameras down on one of the nightstands. Veda bit her lip, loosening her hold on his torso a bit so he could turn around without her having to let him go. Terry chuckled softly, turning around, and cradling her face in his hands as he placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

“So, what’s all this for Romeo…” she trailed looking up at his curiously, Terry flashed her a sweet smile as he stoked her cheeks with his thumbs softly. Veda sigh contently as she leaned into his touch with a dreamy type of smile on her face.

“I hadn’t planned on proposing, I just like making you feel special because of how much I love and cherish you. And to show you how appreciative I am that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone for me, sweetheart. I know you’re nervous about meeting my friends today and about the gala on Sunday when we get back and I just want to remind you how special you are to me. I have a lot of time to make up for, if I had known this type of love was out there for me, that you were out there, sweetheart. I never would have wasted my time on anyone else, I wish you were my first everything, Veda. You will definitely be getting a proposal from me someday and it’ll be ten times more beautiful than this, trust me.” Terry said wholeheartedly, brushing a few of her stray hairs out of her face. Veda’s eyes softened as she smiled up at him coyly, feeling her heart swell with joy at him sweet words. He always knew what to say to ease mind and to make her feel so special, she couldn’t imagine what a proposal from him would actually look like if he considered this and her birthday ordinary surprises.

“You already make me feel so special, Terry, you don’t have anything to make up for, silly. You would’ve been waiting an awful long time unless you had hightailed it to New Jersey two years ago. This is a very beautiful surprise, thank you my love” she cooed leaning up to give him a sweet kiss Terry sighed deepening the kiss as he tangled his fingers in her hair. Veda moaned digging her nails into his back as a warm bubbly arousal spread through her stomach to her clit. Terry made a pleased sounding hum before pulling away to let her breathe as he looked at her with lustful blue eyes.

“Veda, you would’ve been so worth the wait, can I help you relax now, baby girl” He cooed placing soft kisses down her cheek, Veda nodded breathlessly tightening her hold around his torso a bit. “You know I like you to use your words baby” he said teasingly, running his hands down her bare shoulders gently. Veda blushed biting her lip as she looked up at him through her lashes.

“Yes, please help me relax, Terry” she said softly, Terry’s eyes softened the way they always did when she spoke like that to him, he let out another pleased hum before peppering her face with adoring kisses as he walked her backwards towards the bed.

“Lay down, my sweet girl” he cooed, lowering her onto the petal covered duvet gently before reaching to move the fruit platter and champagne bottle onto the nightstand. Veda giggled softly as she watched him grab a piece of fruit off the plate and pop it in his mouth, Terry smiled at her adoringly as he grabbed a second piece.

“Here baby” he whispered holding a piece of cantaloupe to her lips looking deeply into her eyes, he still jumped at the chance to feed her every chance he got. Veda blushed coyly opening her mouth for him with a smitten smile on her face, Terry smiled down at her setting the sweet piece fruit on tongue delicately.

“Thank you, Romeo” she cooed as she finished chewing, Terry smiled leaning down to capture her in a brief heated kiss, running his large hands over her bare shoulders and collarbones, settling them just above her dress as he hovered over her, his glittering blue eyes full of love and lust as he stared at down at her. An idea seemed to spark in his pretty eyes as he moved away from her slightly, sometimes his quick moves away from her still caused her to panic a little. Her hand clasped around his arm reflexively and Terry flashed her a reassuring smile.

“You’re welcome baby girl, I’m not leaving I’m just grabbing this, okay” he said softly, grabbing the polaroid camera off the nightstand, Veda gave him a timid smile as he snapped a picture of her sprawled out form on the plush mattress with her dark waves laced with rose petals.

 “I’m sorry baby girl, you just look so gorgeous spread out for me on top of flower petals. Like a beautiful little garden nymph, I’ll get right to work now” he said playfully, leaning down to place hot open-mouthed kisses across her collarbones and cleavage stopping just above her the neckline of her dress with a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Terry, stop teasing me” she whined, Terry chuckled finally popping one of her ample breasts out of her dress and closing his mouth around her nipple, sucking, and teasing it with his teeth until it was hard and sensitive. Veda let out a breathy moan watching him suckle on her breast through lustful hooded eyes, tangling her fingers in the ends of his hair just the way he liked her to, Terry moaned in approval. Sliding one of his hands up under her dress and unlatching his mouth from her nipple to speak to her.

“Fingers, mouth, or both baby girl” he purred, moving her panties to the side and running a long finger along her slit in a feather like manner.

“Both please” she moaned, spreading her legs for him eagerly, Terry let out another moan of approval as he captured her in another passionate kiss. “Do you want me to move up so you can lay down too” she cooed breathlessly; Terry smiled down at her stroking her cheek affectionately.

“No, that’s okay my sweet girl. You’re the only person I’ll never mind getting on my knees for” he cooed giving her another brief kiss before lowering himself to the floor. Veda gave him a bashful smile as she reached out to hold one of his hands, Terry laced his fingers with hers, giving her a sweet smile and a few soft kisses up her inner thigh. Veda moaned as he let a finger tease her entrance which was already dripping with her arousal. Terry made a pleased sounding hum as he replaced his finger with his tongue, lapping up her juices as he moaned against her heat. Veda whined impatiently, wanting him to close his mouth around her swollen clit and toy with her g-spot already. She felt his warm quick breathes against her folds and knew he was laughing at her as he looked up at her with amused eyes, Veda gave him the biggest pair of puppy dog eyes she could muster as she pouted at him, sitting up slightly to place her free hand on top of his head. He loved getting her needy for him.

“Terry, please” she whined, trying to position his head where she wanted it, Terry pulled his head back still chuckling softly, gently moving her hand towards the end of his ponytail.

“Okay, baby girl, okay” he chuckled, finally dipping a longer finger inside of her tight heat slowly, Veda moaned fluttering around him as he gently stretched her out.

“You have such a tight little pussy don’t you, baby girl” he coaxed adding a second finger as he stared at her with lustful blue eyes. Veda let out another moan, absentmindedly nodding her head in acknowledgement, staring back at him with needy brown doe eyes. Terry smirked at her cocking a teasing eyebrow as he stilled his fingers inside of her, Veda pouted with a furious blush on her cheeks as she remembered his teasing reminder a few minutes ago.

“Yes Terry, I have a tight little pussy…” she said, Terry bit his lip, as he resumed pumping and angling his fingers inside of her at a steady pace but still leaving her clit annoyingly neglected. Veda pouted at him again, tightening the hold she had on his hand sharply, Terry flashed her a teasing smile.

“Yeah, baby girl, such a tight perfect little pussy…” Terry cooed teasingly, Veda narrowed her eyes at him as she tugged impatiently on his ponytail. Terry continued his agonizingly slow pumps with the same teasing grin on his face, she knew he was only doing it because he found her getting needy for him adorable and because he wanted to hear her ask him for it. Veda flashed him one of her impish smiles as she batted her eyelashes at him just the way he liked her to.

“Oh Terry, please make my tight perfect little pussy cum for you” Veda coaxed confidently, Terry groaned maintaining her gaze, he increased the pace of his long fingers were pumping inside of her wet heat.

“That’s my good girl” he mused latching his mouth onto her clit, Veda cried out arching her back and curling her toes as she threw her head back against the cushiony duvet covered in flower petals, against another expression of his love and devotion. Terry moaned against her, eating her out feverishly and giving her hand a squeeze to get her attention in her dazed state of ecstasy.

“I’ve got to see that gorgeous face when you cum for me, my sweet girl” he crooned as he halted his starved laps and sucks on her sensitive bud, Veda forced herself to raise her head off of the bed. “Hold on, baby, here” he cooed letting her hand go for a brief moment to move some of the pillows under her shoulders, Veda gave him a dreamy smile and a kiss on the forehead before leaning back to rest against them, lacing her fingers with his once more. Terry flashed her another adoring smile, he placed a few tender kisses against her folds before resuming his hungry laps and sucks, occasionally pulling his finger out of her heat to let his tongue thrust inside of her. Every action withdrew a mess of depraved moans and cries of his name until Veda came to a mind-boggling orgasm, her whole-body trembling as she entered another Terry induced stage of euphoria. As usual Terry replaced her panties gingerly and smoothed out her dress before pulling her into his arms, stroking her hair as he purred sweet nothings in her ear. Veda let out a sigh of contentment as she nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck, inhaling his comforting scent with ragged breaths.

“You’re okay, baby” he cooed, Veda pulled away to look at him with a dazed smile on her face, nodding her head animatedly.

“I’m very relaxed now, Romeo, thank you. Would you like me to return the favor” she cooed, peppering his face with kisses as her hands toyed with the button on his shorts. Terry chuckled, placing a kiss on her shoulder, and popping her breasts back into her dress gingerly.

“Oh, baby girl, this was all about making you feel special and showing my appreciation for you. I love worshipping you, seeing you completely spent for me is reward enough for me, you don’t have to return anything.” Terry said sincerely, Veda gave him a loving kiss on the lips.

“I know that, Terry, I want to show my appreciation for you too. You’ve been so patient with me when it comes to intimacy, I don’t mean to keep you waiting like this I know it’s hard for you and I’m sorry. So, returning the favor is really the least I can do” she said, Terry rested his forehead against her looking at her with a serious expression in his eyes.

“Veda, we’ve talked about this baby, waiting for you isn’t hard for me at all, I told you from the start sex and intimacy are completely your decision all I care about is being with you. When you do decide you’re ready, let me know, you deserve to have a special first time, sweetheart and I’d love to be the one to make it as special as you deserve, okay” Terry said with intense earnestness in his voice, still gazing into her eyes as she sat enfolded in his arms while he stroked her dark hair gently the afternoon sun mirrored them, streaming in through the glass door it danced across the flower petals and duvet encircling them in a golden embrace of warmth. Veda relaxed in his hold, her heart swelling with adoration in the purest form, her brown eyes brimming with blissful tears.

“Okay, I’m almost there, I promise.” She said sincerely because she was almost there, she was so close to letting go of all those formidable defenses she had put up those months ago and trusting Terry with her heart, mind, and body. Terry beamed at her, softly placing a kiss on her lips with so much love and tenderness she felt like she might fly.

“I know you are, sweetheart, I promise I’m not going anywhere regardless of if you’re ready to do that or not, okay. I’m afraid I’ve made us almost twenty minutes late for tea. Are you ready to head over to the garden, my beautiful girl?” he cooed, Veda nodded, letting him pull her to her feet. She laced her fingers with his almost immediately as she smiled up at him with rosy cheeks. Terry smiled back at her, giving her a quick but tender kiss on the forehead he grabbed the Nikon off the nightstand and gently guided her out of the cottage.

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Terry’s Pov

Terry couldn’t think of time he ever felt as happy as he had in these last few months with Veda by his side and the thought of anyone wanting to keep this from him, to keep her from him, made him unbelievably angry. His efforts to track down Dutch had not gone in vain, Chad as promised was the first stop on his on his spree. Terry started out slow with calculated minor inconveniences like having Chad’s Chevy Camero towed and impounded, stealing or damaging precious items in his puerile bedroom, cutting off half of his picture-perfect golden locks while he laid passed out on his bedroom floor, and totaling his families Princess 45 in the Marina del Rey harbor. All child’s play for Terry really, getting Chad kicked out of Berkley was the real cherry on top of his expertly crafted ploy to corner Chad in a Pasadena alleyway to pummel and maim him. Terry wanted to make Chad suffer ten times more than he made Veda suffer when she sat helpless and ill on a bench on the hottest day LA had seen this summer.

As Terry had expected, Chad Johnson was a complete and utter coward who only had the gall to assault and hit someone if they were a defenseless young woman. Chad was on the ground groveling for mercy before Terry even laid a hand on him, he sat on his knees and confessed his misdeeds like Terry was a benevolent priest who would just forgive his attempt to further traumatize Terry’s precious little angel. Terry quickly figured out Veda was just one of many pretty girls, Chad Johnson had forced himself on. Berkley showed Terry the upmost gratitude for helping them keep their prestigious reputation. Flashing them a copy Chad’s fresh restraining order and a picture of the mark he had left on an innocent doe eyed girl had the school board eating out of the palm of his hand. The dean even went as far as to call up Chad’s parents on speaker phone while Terry was still sat back in the cherry armchair in his office with his arms laying lazily over his lap with a deeply satisfied slightly sinister look in his blue eyes. By the time Terry had cornered Chad in the alleyway his father had kicked him out of the house and confiscated his Chevy Camero, Chad had been alternating between his friends couches for almost two weeks by then. Of course, Chad’s parents were more pissed off by him being kicked out of Berkley and tarnishing the good Johnson family reputation in Encino then they were about him assaulting Veda, but it had served its purpose at least. Aside from Terry putting him in the emergency room for a day, Chad wasn’t going to get accepted into another prestigious establishment with that on his record anytime soon, a real-world life altering consequence for hurting his sweet girl was sure to make the message sink in for him and for Dutch and Tommy. Terry was sure they got it too, but he still intended on taking them out one by one at a spine chillingly slow, calculated pace. Tommy was next on the list and like he had done with Chad, Terry started with minor offences like keying and slashing the tires on Tommy’s brand-new Corvette and damaging several of his mom’s priceless fine China after Tommy threw a little bash while she was out of town.

It was only a matter of time before Terry successfully got Tommy kicked out of Berkley too, he knew the suspense was eating away him and Dutch, Ben and Riley kept him updated after Chad’s unfortunate ‘mugging by a mystery assailant in an alleyway’ and Tommy’s new car being mysteriously damaged. Dutch and Tommy were finally catching to the fact they were being toyed with by someone, but they hadn’t figured out who it was since Daniel LaRusso was out of the country. Terry put his spree on pause to spend the holiday with the love of his life on a secluded romantic getaway before he introduced her into upper class society on Sunday. Once some headlines broke about Terry Silver’s serious committed relationship with a young, gifted beauty, Veda would be even more unobtainable to Dutch than she already was. She didn’t have to vocalize it; Terry just knew the only thing standing in the way of her giving herself to him completely was Dutch. Her fear of Terry abandoning her was replaced with a new fear of Dutch tearing them apart, leaving them to dwell in an existence of deep melancholy until they meet again in their next life or wherever they were going after this. In a true Romeo and Juliet type of fate, Terry was going to do everything he could to prevent that outcome and to erase her fears after this weekend. But for now, Terry was going to do what he did best, make her feel so loved and special Dutch wouldn’t cross her mind for a single second. He’d capture every rosy smile, every adorable pout, every fit of childlike wonder, and every loving doe eyed gaze like his life depended on it because she was his life now, she was his whole world. And she deserved a starring role in all the photo albums he only wanted to fill because of her, to hear her freely express that he was the only one she’d ever consider starting a family with and that she thought he'd be an amazing father to their children made his heart skip a beat just when he didn’t think it was possible to love her any more than he already did.

Terry and Veda spent that walk to the gardens enjoying each other and the beautiful landscapes San Ysidro had to offer. Laughing and practically skipping down cobblestone paths, they happily snapped as many photos of each other as they possibly could, seemingly ignoring the rest of the world in one of their blissful bubbles until they reached the lush colorful resort garden. He held her hand tightly as they walked along the winding cobblestone pathway under the dreamy wisteria laced pergola, he’d surely be taking multiple pictures of her here before they headed back to get dressed for their private group dinner at the Old Adobe. He picked it because he knew Veda would love eating in a California historic landmark even if she for whatever reason disliked his friends, if she said she did Terry wouldn’t hesitate to drop them in a heartbeat. Luckily, that was not the case when they finally strolled up to their tea table a fashionable twenty-five minutes late, Veda, Ian, Gwen, and Anna got along as well as he was expecting and hoping they would. She rightfully hated Simon after he undermined her acceptance into CalTech by vilely implying she must have laid down on the dean’s couch, Terry resisted the urge to knock him silly for Veda’s sake, he resolved to public humiliation. Reprimanding Simon in the middle of the resort gardens with a stony expression and sinister eyes for the all the other guests to see as he calmly told him to enjoy this trip because it would be the last annual trip he was ever going to be invited to. Simon was silent for the rest of the day, only uttering words to the wait staff during their private dinner in the Old Adobe while a very relaxed, happy Veda freely laughed and participated in all their discussions like she’d been a part of their friend groups forever. It was everything Terry had been hoping for and somehow so much more, he had no doubts the gala on Sunday would seem less imposing to her now and that made him happy in a way he couldn't explain.

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

Veda’s Pov

Veda was relieved to find she actually quite liked Terry’s friends, Ian, Gwen, and Anna were exceptionally warm and welcoming towards her even more so after Simon had all but accused her of sleeping with the CalTech dean of admissions to get accepted. Terry jumped to her aid before he even got the last word out, forever her knight in silver armor always keeping his word. She hadn’t expected him to bar Simon from any future trips, but she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t happy about it. Simon pretty much refused to speak to anyone after that and after dinner he silently retreated back to Acacia cottage while Anna joined them to watch the orange pink sunset on Kennedy cottage terrace and drink cocktails.

On the morning of the fourth of July Terry and Veda joined the others at the pool for more cocktails, a nice lunch at the Stonehouse restaurant, and another afternoon tea before going their separate ways around dinner time. Veda could tell Terry was getting a little anxious about the evening fireworks, so she decided it’d be a good idea to put their rose petal filled clawfoot bathtub to use, they drank champagne and ate their delicious appetizers while they waited for their room service dinner to arrive. They sat cuddled up in the warm bubbly water, feeding and holding one another with big goo-goo eyes, completely love-struck in a way that was more deeply romantic than overtly sexual.

“Here you go handsome, did Ian tell you what he planned out for his grand proposal” Veda cooed feeding him a mini quiche with a smitten looking smile on her face, Terry placed a loving kiss on her shoulder mirroring her smile back at her with twinkling blue eyes.

“Thank you, my gorgeous girl, Ian whisked her away to one of the hiking trails to see the waterfalls while the staff sets up their cottage for them with a great candlelit dinner and as many red roses as they can fit, I’m not so sure those two will end up heading into to town to see the fireworks after all. Anna told me she’s only taking Simon to see the fireworks so they can talk…” Terry trailed, Veda giggled knowing he wanted her to feed into one his adorable attempts at gossip.

“Waterfalls aw that’s so romantic. Oh, no, a talk. I’m afraid that’s never a good sign is it Mr. Silver, are we talking a splitsville talk or a honey, you forgot to take the trash out again talk” Veda quipped with amused brown eyes, Terry chuckled feeding her a piece of Canapes with an adoring smile.

“We can go see the waterfall tomorrow if you want, sweetheart. Oh, it’s definitely a splitsville talk, Anna has been putting up with Simon’s unsavory remarks and lackluster bedroom performance for a full four years and to top it all off he never popped the question.” Terry quipped; Veda gasped in mock outrage as she popped another mini quiche in his mouth with a playful smile on her lips.

“Four years and no ring, poor Anna wasted four years of her life on a total dud. I’d love to see the waterfall with you tomorrow, Romeo” she cooed happily, she could faintly hear the staff enter the living room to set up their dinner in front of the fireplace as requested. Terry captured her with a sweet tender kiss.

“We can definitely do that tomorrow before dinner at the Veranda. I believe they’re setting up our dinner for tonight, my angel, do you want to bundle up in the bathrobes or do you want a pair of your cute pjs” he cooed, Veda placed her finger on her chin in playful contemplation, she knew which Terry wanted her to pick but she was getting a bit cold.

“How about I wear the robe over my pjs until I’m nice and warm in front of the fire, Romeo” she said coyly, Terry chuckled placing a playful kiss on her nose as he gently moved the bath tray out of the way as he stood up to step out of the bath.

“That’s a great choice, baby, here” he said helping her to her feet, he tenderly wrapped a fluffy towel around her goosebump ridden body before gingerly lifting her out of the tub and onto the heated bathroom floor. “I’m going to grab your pjs, you stay here and let your feet warm up, baby girl” he cooed, wrapping a towel around his waist, and shuffling to the bedroom he came back shortly after wearing emerald, green silk pajama pants and his bathrobe still open and baring his chiseled torso. Terry gazed at her with a bashful smile tugging on his lips he held up a brand-new short silk emerald, green nightgown with lace detailing over the breast cups and matching panties. Veda blushed with a timid smile playing on her face.

“I don’t remember that being in my bag, Romeo.” She said teasingly, Terry chuckled giving her a soft kiss on the forehead his eyes still tinkling in the warm romantic bathroom lighting.

“That’s because it was in my bag, I like when we wear matching outfits, may I help you put them on…” he trailed with the same bashful looking smile, Veda giggled nodding her head eagerly in confirmation.

“Yes, you may, you may also carry me to the living room” she chirped, loving the way his face lit up Terry gently unwrapped her towel from her body and took a few minutes to admire her bare body aimlessly running a finger the curve of her left hip.

“So gorgeous” he hummed softly, bending down to help her step into the soft lace panties he slowly glided them up her legs and thighs, he his fingers gently caress her skin before settling them on her hips he drew a few soothing circles. Before repeating the action as, he pulled her arms through the nightgown armholes tenderly, letting his fingers dance upon her skin as he slid the rest of the gown over her head, the gown waterfalled over her breasts swiftly. Terry gave her an adoring smile as he helped her into her rope tying it securely around her waist, Veda mirrored his smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck, Terry scooped her off the heated tile floors with ease.

“Onward my noble silver steed” she cooed playfully, Terry rolled his eyes letting out a deep amused chuckle as he carried her out of the bathroom and into the living room where their dinner, a bottle of red wine, and a warm crackling fire awaited them.

“Alright, my princess, where would you like to sit” he cooed in her ear with a sweet smile playing on his lips. Veda smiled back at him with rosy cheeks and a beaming smile.

“On your lap of course, Romeo. So, we can keep feeding each other” she said sweetly, Terry eagerly sat down on one of cushions placed on the floor with a beaming smile of his own. He poured them each a glass of wine before getting to work, spearing a piece of her herb crusted lamb, he brought the fork up to her lips. Much like he did at the roof top place, it was hard for Veda to believe that was only a month and half ago because to her it felt like ages. Time seemed to move differently when she was with Terry sometimes, she couldn’t remember what her life was like before he was in it and now that she was so deeply in love with him, she couldn’t bear to think about what her life might look like if she lost him. She didn’t think there was any feasible way for her to exist in the world without him now that she knew what loving him felt like.  

“Here, baby girl” he cooed, Veda accepted the food with a beaming smile and rosy cheeks. Veda flashed him a sweet smile as she speared some of his honey glazed chicken, she brought the fork up to his lips and like always Terry met her halfway. They continued feeding each other as they shared one of their many wordless conversations between bites of food, sips of wine, and kisses on the cheek basking in the glow of the crackling fireplace in their own little personal Eden for a long time. In fact, their moment was so long they forgot what day it was, their comfortable silence was soon hindered by the loud rumbling booms of the intrusive warlike fireworks display over Stearns Wharf, a measly six miles away from San Ysidro Ranch. Veda could see the faint colorful flashes of light flooding in though the patio door windows for a second, she thought she felt the rumbles vibrate through the cottage floors but then she remembered what or rather who she was sitting on. Her eyes darted to Terry just as he dropped the fork in his hand, her heirloom beets left a deep purple red stain on the white bathrobe she was wearing but she was too concerned with her Romeo to care. Terry’s face had gone a ghostly shade of white and his eyes glazed over in a way that made her think he had left his still trembling body.

“Terry” she said in a soft but frantic tone as she reached up to caress his cheek gingerly, not wanting to startle him with the sounds of surrounding fireworks still aggressively flooding in through the cottage walls. Terry didn’t reply, still staring off in what she could only assume was the dark brooding jungles of Vietnam, his mind lost in a dark distant memory.

“Terry” Veda cried a bit louder this time, but it seemed to have much of the same effect or lack there off. Veda nibbled on her lip nervously as she reached behind him to pull his raven curls out of their confines, raking her small fingers through it in an attempt to bring him back to her, she’d read up on a few grounding techniques in case something like this happened. Simulating the five senses as a means to pull his mind out of a dark traumatic spiral seemed easy enough for her to manage if she could get him to a place where he was at least talking. The passes she was making through his soft dark curls seemed to help a bit because Terry’s blue eyes met hers, they were no longer glittering with happiness, instead they were now flooded with waves of anguish and melancholy. Veda was relieved to see at least a glimpse of some sort of recognition in them, his blue orbs softened a bit as they swept over her face in way that made her think he was trying to figure out if she was real. His left arm was wrapped tightly around her waist and his right hand trailed down the length of her cheek delicately.

“There’s an angel in here John” he said in the form of a meek sounding whisper, Veda’s eyes softened as she registered what he said, her heart was still heavy with concern, but she could at least work with what he gave her. Her fingers were still raking through his dark curls as she leaned in to place a soft peck on his cheek.

“No, Terry, my name is Veda, remember” she said softly, Terry’s body stiffened a bit as he stared back at her and let his hand drop from her face with a small flash of fear in his eyes. Veda calmly gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek and laced the fingers of her free hand with his.

“Veda are you here to take me to Ponytail” he asked in a shaky voice, Veda calmy shook her head, smiling back at him softly trying to handle this with as much care as she possibly could.

“No, Terry, I’m going to take you to the bedroom so we can cuddle, you’re safe with me. Come on” Veda coaxed, slowly rising to her feet and gently gripped his other trembling hand in hers, Terry looked up at her with hesitant eyes before slowly rising to his feet. Veda smiled reassuringly she walked backwards to maintain his gaze and draw soothing circles on the backs of his large shaky hands, guiding him gently into the master bedroom and over to the king-sized canopy bed. 

“Why don’t you lay down so I can make the room safe for us” she said gently urging him to lay back in the middle of the king size canopy bed and reluctantly let his hands go. Terry nodded in acknowledgment, seemingly more alert but still on defense, he watched her flick on the fairy lights spun around the bed post with wary childlike blue eyes. Veda sighed sadly, he almost looked at her like she was a stranger as she shuffled about the room at a slow pace so she wouldn’t frighten him further. She shut the bedroom and bathroom doors softly and flicked on the tv in an attempt to drown out some of the aggressive fireworks. Before lowering all the window and patio door shades and rushing back towards the bed. Terry’s eyes were squeezed shut as he laid upon the plush duvet his body still vibrating, Veda sighed softly, she swore she actually felt her heart break just seeing him this vulnerable.

“Terry, I’m done making the room safe for us so I’m going to lay down with you now. Is that okay?” she cooed, Terry’s eyes flew open sharply taking in her form at the edge of the bed with wary captivated blue eyes. Veda held his gaze while she peeled off her white bathrobe, tossing it lazily on one of the armchairs before sitting next to him softly on the bed. Terry’s eyes traveled over the dark green nightgown like he was trying to pinpoint where he had seen it before.

“Thank you for the nightgown, Terry. I like matching with you too, green is one of my favorite colors. It’s also very soft, like my hair, see” she said, gingerly guiding one of his hands to the ends of her hair Terry’s blue eyes softened a bit raking his fingers through her thick black waves on instinct. Veda reached out to mirror him, gingerly raking her finger through his soft dark curls while she stared at him intently his blue eyes were still trained on her face looking slightly bewildered. Veda smiled back at him softly, she had successfully tackled his sense of sight and touch, he was at least focused on her now even if he didn’t seem to know who she was at the moment, still lost in the jungles of Vietnam. She could think of a few things to say to get the gears turning in his head but maybe the best thing for right now was just to comfort him, luckily, she knew exactly how to do that now.

“Terry, I’m going to lay down by you now, okay. You can keep playing with my hair of course, Romeo” she cooed, she guided him to wrap his free arm around her waist before lowering herself to lay on part of his body like she usually did. Veda rested her cheek against his collarbone and tangled her fingers in his dark hair again, looking up at him with deeply loving eyes, she started singing to him just as the last hurrah of the belligerent 4th of July finale was rattling the walls. Terry, although still trembling, listened to her sing with adoration and recognition flooding back into his eyes and his arm tightened its hold around her waist. The harsh booming noises slowly died down and the walls stopped rattling as they laid tangled together in an intimate solace with Veda’s dulcet tune sounding over the dull chatter of whatever was playing on the tv and throughout the still room.

“Oh, my Veda” he breathed out, tangling his long fingers through her thick waves Terry bowed slightly to rest his forehead against hers. Veda continued her lullaby for him long after the fireworks stopped vibrating the cottage and Terry’s body had relaxed beneath her completely. Slowly slipping back into their personal bubble with loving gazes and tender passes through the other’s hair. Terry sighed in contentment, having finally come back to her after his trip through the haunting trenches of Vietnam he gazed at her with adoring devoted blue eyes as he placed a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose. Veda ceased her singing to pull him into a tender kiss still raking her fingers through his soft dark curls with great tenderness as she stared back at him with just as much devoted adoration.

“Thank you, my sweet girl. I love you” Terry whispered; Veda caressed his cheek with a soft smile tugging on her lips before she trailed her hand delicately down the length of his bare chiseled chest. Terry gave her a soft smile and another kiss on the tip of her nose.

“And I love you, you don’t have to thank me, my love. I’ll always protect you; I’ll always take care of you” she cooed his declaration back to him with sincere brown eyes. Terry caressed her cheek softly and pulled her in for a long, tender loving kiss before pulling away to gaze deeply into her eyes again. Veda smiled softly at him still gently trailing her hand up and down his chest in comforting passes. “How are you feeling, my love? Is there anything I can get you?” she cooed giving him a soft peck on the cheek, Terry shook his head with a sweet smile dancing on his face, his blue eyes were twinkling again, and Veda felt a wave of relief pass through her. She wished there was something she could do to keep that amount of melancholy from ever flooding his beautiful eyes again.

“No thank you, baby girl, you’ve done so much for me already, I’m just sorry you had to see me like that but I’m okay now, thanks to you.” Terry said softly, Veda shushed him looking at him as seriously as he looked at her yesterday, when she had apologized for keeping him waiting as she reached up to cradle his face in her small hands.

“That’s not something you have to apologize for Terry, it’s okay. I told you; you could tell me anything, that you could show me all your demons and open all your boxes and we would handle them together. I meant that, I love you, I love every part of you, and this is a part of who you are and that’s okay. It’s going to take a lot more than this to scare me away, okay, my love. You’re always safe with me” Veda said wholeheartedly, gingerly stroking his cheeks with her thumbs hoping he could see the love and sincerity swilling in her eyes. Terry smiled back at her dreamily, shaking his head in acknowledgement as he turned to kiss the palm of one of hands.

“I know, baby girl, thank you so much. Are you still hungry, I know I cut our dinner a little short, but I can have them bring us some fresh food” he cooed, finally sounding like his normal doting self. Veda giggled shaking her head at him she gave him a playful kiss on the tip of his nose.

“Terry Silver, I’m the one taking care of you right now, I want you to just relax, okay. So, are you still hungry, what can I do to help you get comfortable?” she chided softly, Terry chuckled under his breath at her with amusement swirling in his twinkling blue eyes.

“No, baby, I’m not hungry and all I want to do right now is snuggle up and hold you” he crooned, Veda smiled and gave him a quick peck on the lips before she let go of his face.

“That I can definitely do for you, Romeo. Here let’s get under the covers, hmm” she cooed, Terry chuckled standing up for a moment to help her roll down the duvet as he eagerly slides his bathrobe off, tossing it lazily on one of the armchairs before crawling into bed next to her. Veda smiled softly, gently urging him to lay down while she moved to pull the covers up and over them.

“How would you like to cuddle, my love?” Veda asked softly as she laid her head down on a pillow, Terry smiled rolling over on his side he draped an arm over her, gently tangling his hand in her dark hair. Veda rolled over and instinctively inched closer to him pressing her body against his she placed her hand on his cheek she rested her forehead against his.

“Like this, sweetheart, I just need to see something good right now and you’re so angelic, Veda, so lovely, so beautiful, so sweet. I love you so much” he crooned, giving her a sweet kiss on the lips, Veda smiled melting into him as she felt her heart swell with an overwhelming amount of love and joy.

“I love you too, Terry” she said, looking deep into his eyes she began to sing to him once again, over the faint chatter of the tv. She didn’t stop until Terry’s eyes fluttered shut and his breathing came out in slow deep sighs. Veda placed a soft kiss on his lips before drifting off to sleep.

[deadlysoupy]

Hiiiii Soupster, saw the silly character thing : )

Bumblebee - 3, 12

Starscream - 2, 25

& 20 for both hehe xoxo

HIII YIPPEE THANK YOU!!!!! (double thank yous bc i get to obnoxiously destroy this post with so many words)

Bumblebee

3. Least favorite canon thing about this character?

oooh some people may not like this answer because yikes but i straight-up hate how muteness becomes his character trait. Prime is the most guilty of this, the Bumblebee movie takes second place. in Prime, he can still talk and most bots and even humans can understand him - so what's the point?? if you only have this as a clutch for a character and personality, then i'm sorry, but it comes off as shallow. he's supposed to look like a child soldier burdened by war, but it's not a personality: beyond that, he's sometimes a kid, sometimes arrogant, and sometimes badass. add "being mute" and "disabled", and it becomes really weird. why can't he use other methods of communicating? i don't know and it actually makes me frustrated

same thing with the Bumblebee movie. he doesn't have any personality except "cute", "childish" and "mute". it is a bit better because he expresses himself through his actions and body language rather than a language everyone knows, but at the end of the day his traits are very shallow. and i am very sad and bitter about this

12. What's a headcanon you have for this character?

hehe too many 🥰🥰 no not actually too many i'm rather bad at headcanons, so mostly for TFE

he's a "medic" to the Terrans, has first-aid training and helps them if they get hurt, but anything serious he's unable to treat

body dysmorphia, because look at him in ep 12 and tell me he doesn't have any opinion on JB's comment, i dare you

he wasn't sparked (forged??) during the war and he had some time to live on a normal Cybertron before it all went caput

and there aren't any particular ages in cybertronian biology to track of, so i can very hardly ever call him a child soldier, but he does fit the boxes so... shrugs (there's an overdue post from me which analyses the times he did show he was a "child" during war, but i ditched it in early stages because i would grasp at straws a lot and there isn't enough evidence. still a fun thought)

Starscream

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

I LOVE THAT HE'S A SCIENTIST i can't help it. i always believe that every character has to have a hobby (i guess relatively racing counts for Bee since he does enjoy it), and in other continuities i don't see Starscream having anything to do other than to scheme and backstab, so i absolutely adore whenever in G1 (which is only two times i believe BUT STILL) he does science. it would make sense! he's smart! he has to do SOMETHING before the war starts. absolute chad

25. What was your first impression of this character? How about now?

OH MY GOD LMAO i didn't think of him much when i first watched Animated in, like, 2022, but then, when i came back into tf-watching, after TFE i went for a hunt on other tf-related media. Starscream didn't entice my interest much except in Prime and Animated, but then, silly me, i learned of the comics, specifically RID and TAAO. there was no coming back from that one LMAO i really liked him in the comics and for a long time i had felt like it was one of the only truest characterisations of him

besides the meta stuff, i used to think he was just evil and selfish and i didn't care much for him, but i've grown since then lmao and i have an eye out for anti-heroes and villains now (i did used to think it was black and white, tf changes people istg). now he's a blorbo i constantly pick at but surprisingly have never written a centered piece yet. i should. he's fun. i think i just don't like writing characters with depression (sorry)

20. Which other character is the ideal best friend for this character, the amount of screentime they share doesn't matter?

I MEAN. STARBEE RIGHT. YEAH? okay. (they're two halves of the same coin and Bumblebee always tries to peel back Starscream's layers while he's afraid of letting others know the real him and in turn Starscream lets Bumblebee be angry and snarky when he wasn't allowed to in the past DO YOU UNDERSTAND-)

but also i think Bumblebee's friendship with Hot Rod/Rodimus from any universe is really nice, i feel like they have this cute bond of being young and reckless sometimes. i wish idw didn't do them so dirty with their competitiveness or whatever thing they had. they really seemed to get along in Cyberverse. ALSO of COURSE his friendship/brotherhood with Breakdown in TFE, because they're so touchy and affectionate with each other it makes me wonder a lot about their past together and what exactly tore them apart considering they were so close. ghaaa the horrors of war!!!! its the oldest trick in the book and it gets me every time

for Starscream - absolutely Skyfire/Jetfire (i like the Skyfire name more and i don't know why). G1 is so big-brained with how they treated these two. if they are a couple - i absolutely adore it and i don't usually mind when they're paired together instead of starbee, because i can see it too. they have great chemistry (lmao that's a science joke) and i'd love to see more of them in other media. just get him away from Megatron plz

[tenchisupremacist]

It’s been almost a week and I still struggle to put into words how magical and beyond expectations GIFT was for me, but today I will try. 

I don’t know what I expected from the words “ice story” but I really didn’t think we were going to travel into his mind in such an intimate way. Of course, he only shows us what he wants to show and he’s always been very good at communicating with us while maintaining his privacy and mystery, but last week’s show demonstrated such courage in showing his vulnerabilities with no hesitations and no softening of the most painful parts, it left me speechless.

So let’s start from the obvious: the absolute magic of the scenography, the lights, the choreography, just the wonder of it all made it a really once in a life type of show (although I’m sure at some point he will be able to top this, too). I’m glad they released the picture above because it’s an effect they used during notte stellata, people said it looked magical and they were right! 

I expected to see many programs, but honestly not this many! He was so generous especially towards the end, every time I thought “ok this is the end” he would come out to skate again and it doesn’t surprise me he was utterly spent after all of that. He gave everything, like he always does, and more. 

I was already overwhelmed with feeling when he skated to haru yo koi and then seimei, and he did with such joy I was moved to tears. I think he had a new lightness to him and it warmed my heart to see him like that. And as if that wasn’t enough, that last speech when he started skating freely completely destroyed me. Too many emotions at once 🥲

As for the monologues, probably the part that made this show so special to me the most, I think I will have to do another post only to talk about that! The different mediums and types of art, the profound and resonating meaning, all the different layers of interpretation…I was blown away. 

It was amazing seeing so many people cheering loudly for him and react to the show, it made everything more exciting and he really deserved to receive all that love and support once again. 

I don’t have the words to express how grateful I am to have been able to experience this, it truly felt like Yuzuru was gifting us something invaluable, I will never forget it 💙

[sallyastral]

Since I have nothing to do, I decided to expand what I said in this post, even though it was pretty much a joke to express how much of a simp I am for Miles 42.

So here we go with a Miguel O'Hara slander post/hj

[Spoilers for ATSV]

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When Miguel's backstory was introduced, and we saw him looking at videos of "him" playing with "his" daughter Gabriella, I felt kind of sorry for him. But as it kept going a feeling of uneasiness started to grow in me, my thoughts were "this got dark pretty fast".

Thinking about it some more time after watching the movie something like, three times, I realized some different things:

Miguel knew exactly when his other self died, so this means he has been watching him for some time and constantly

This is further reinforced by the fact he decided to take his other's self place in his family

The second point leads us to another point:

He decided to take his other's self place because he knew what it would take, meaning he has been stalking him for so much time that he learned everything about him, making Miguel able to be his perfect or almost perfect counterpart

Something I didn't understand is: those videos we see Miguel watching, are depicting him and Gabriella or his other self and Gabriella?

First case: there's something wrong with the Canon Events. Did the universe end right when he replaced his other self, or did some time pass before that, giving Miguel time to actually grow attached to Gabriella? And if it did, why did it pass? Why did Mumbattan start collapsing right after the disruption of the Canon Event, then?

Second case: Miguel is delusional, he grew attached to a child who isn't his, who he never met or known except for the fact he stalked her and her family for God knows how much time, leading him to unknowingly destroy her and billions of people's lives.

This man has been living a life that isn't his, taking care of a child who didn't even know him and who wasn't his.

His actions in the movie might he justifiable, in the sense that he realized his own insanity and he doesn't want Miles to repeat the same mistake (he's doing that in the worst way possible), but you can't tell me he isn't a motherfucking psycho. I don't care if he's hot or whatever, Miguel stays an unstable and insane character.

Yet he's written extremely well and that's something no one can deny.

[wakkass]

Hey! First off i really love your art, it has so much expression and personality❤️💕

I saw your post critisizing Kataras look in season 3 and how they don’t let her show her weaker and more tired self, and tend to pretty her up compared to the rest to make her “more favourable to aang” I don’t really agree on that point and want to add my own two cents.

-

Both Aang and Katara have seen each other at their best and worst, mentally, physically, emotionally and totally wrecked from exhaustion and have supported each other through it.

Examples at the top of my head for katara:

-in the waterbending master when fighting pakku her hair gets messy and breathing becomea rigid and at no point lets go of her (fierce and justified) anger towards him, aang watches them and cheers for her through it (“Go Katara!”) Also not forgetting how he doesn’t want to be taught by pakku if he won’t teach her.

-in the chase all the gaang are exhausted beyond point and katara snaps multiple times, when trying to confront toph, aang attempts calming her down but she has her “IM COMPLETELY CALM” reaction and aang decides to back away. I see it as him respecting her anger and frustration and understanding she needs space atm.

-the desert all the gaang are not themselves and katara takes over as the leader in that situation, aang is incredibly distraught and furious about losing appa and it’s katara that manages to get everyone back on track, esprcially aang.

- this leads to the serpent’s pass where aang in return regrets his outburst at the sand benders and understand and appreciates kataras effort for what she did back there for all of them, esprcially him in his pure rage.

-the puppet master, katara forcibly learns bloodbending and is distraught over this fact. It’s a very brief moment in the last few seconds but she breaks down and aang and sokka comfort her without any words said and let katara hurt in that moment without any pressure to get it together.

-the southern raiders we see her at her possible worst and aang sees it too. He fully understand her anger and that she needs this journey to heal but doesn’t want her to lose herself by killing the man because it would destroy her to take a life even if he deserved it. Aang empathsizes with her and he is happy she was able to come to her own conclusion despite the pain thr both felt (her going through all these emotions and him seeing her not being herself at that moment before)

-

Phew sorry that was so wordy lol. Apologies^^”

I also think the show lets her be messy and not “perfect” in scenes without aang too (hakoda and her in S3EP1) but i know that wasnt ur og point.

I totally think the show can be critisized with certain designs tho tbf i don’t blame aang personally for blushing at her when she is really pretty, it is his crush and he is a boy in puberty. He loves her at her best looking times and messiest times (whether thats her emotional or physical state) and always shows it through words and other means of affection.

To end this needlessly long ask I agree with some of what u said but i wanted to add my own thoughts because i couldn’t get myself to agree on others. Sorry for any spelling or grammatical mistakes!

I love analytical posts and how they keep the gears in my head moving. Thank you very much for, firstly, reading my posts, it’s very nice. It’s immediately obvious that you also read the hashtags :3

Thank you for the compliments on my drawings, it’s very nice to hear 💖❤️💖

And, secondly, for writing your post and sending it to me, considering the idea from different angles and complementing it.

I want to say right away: no one is obliged to agree with me for the simple reason that each of us has his own interpretation of this series. It's too ambiguous to have only one true reading, and therefore the difference in points of view complements each other. It's IMPORTANT for us to have different opinions and help each other see different sides of interpretation :3

The phrase itself from the series is wonderfully suitable here, I can’t say it better:

It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If we take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations, will help you become whole... It can make you more powerful.

Regarding Katara’s fatigue, I said in hashtags here that it was only shown in two episodes: “The Desert” and “The Southern Raiders.” As you can see, @leanniera gave a few more examples, and I just want to leave them on my wall as part of the theme.

[dxncingwithastrxnger]

1. capturing the sun

A/N: Hello everyone!! I bring to you my very first demon slayer fic!! I've been in the kny fandom for awhile with many fic ideas coming to mind, but this is the first time I've actually written it out. This is also the first story for Inotan Week!! I hosted my own list of prompts for this year, you can find the post here!! I really hope you enjoy this story, I have a lot of plans for this AU, tbh, so I can't wait to write it all out. This is actually a bit shorter than my usual chapters, but it felt right to end it where I did and the other chapters will definitely be longer!! Happy reading!!

Inspiration Post

Pairings: N/A (The romance hasn't started yet, lmao)

Prompt: Day 1 - Fantasy

Summary: The King of Kirauai receives an unexpected visit.

Tag(s): Angst, death threats, death, kingdom customs(?)

Word Count: 886

Song Inspiration: N/A (Me? :0 Not using a song lyric for a title? :0)

Not beta'd, all mistakes are my own.

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[Author Masterlist]

[Series Masterlist]

[Read on AO3]

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[Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7]

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King Inosuke, ruler of Kirauai. Also known as “King of the Mountains” or “the Boar King”. A fearsome, ruthless man who took his place upon the throne by force. He’s cruel, cold, he laughs at the pain of others and he’s never apologized a day in his life. That is the reputation he must uphold. Because without such a reputation, no one takes him seriously.

And so, when the Sun Warrior, Kamado Tanjiro, throws open the doors to his throne room and rushes across the royal blue carpet leading right to him, he keeps his face neutral and unsurprised. In truth, he really wasn’t surprised. He was well aware that Tanjiro had been making his way to him. The trail of destruction and bodies he left in his wake was difficult to miss. So many of the King’s Boar Knights lost due to this red-haired man who wields the power of the sun. All of the death left the King sick to his stomach, but so did the thought of destroying the man storming towards him.

Not surprised to see him here, no, but extremely saddened instead. He had been hoping that he’d never have to actually look Kamado Tanjiro directly in the face, but it appears his wishes did not come true. Sighing internally, he narrows his eyes as he looks down at the man intruding in his place. He gives his guards a wave of his hand, telling them to hold off. He’d like to hear what the Warrior has to say.

“Kamado Tanjiro.” King Inosuke calls out, his deep voice echoing throughout the large room. “I was wondering when we’d officially meet.” He says calmly.

“Inosuke Hashibira!!” The Warrior shouts, a fierce, determined expression on his face. “I have come here to kill you!!”

The King can’t help the laughter that bursts from his lips, his amusement surprising himself. “You? Kill me?” He questions, his words filled with a level of arrogance that people never believe he was actually born with. “What makes you so sure you could do such a thing?”

Anger starts to bleed through into the Warrior’s expression. “I refuse to accept anything less. I’ll kill you if it’s the last thing I do.” The redhead grits out, his arm extending out in front of him in order to point his sword at the King sitting upon his throne.

King Inosuke’s face falls into a cold mask, his voice completely monotone. “Do you truly think that killing me is going to do good for this country? That you’re going to help the people by getting rid of me?”

"Don’t you realize what you’ve done!?” The Warrior exclaims, expression filled with rage, the flame mark on his forehead flaring. “How far you’ve gone!?” His grip on his sword visibly tightens, but it’s also clear that he’s shaking. “How many people have died to achieve this world domination of yours!?" Tears prick at the man’s eyes and the King tries to shake off the quivering of his limbs at such a question. At the reminder.

"769.” He states simply, without hesitation.

"...What?" The man before him falters slightly, though he tries to hide it.

"769 people died to achieve my plans. I counted them, and had each of their names etched on my throne so I never forget what my victory cost the world.” The black-haired man explains. “Now tell me, how many have you killed to see me dead?" He demands.

Tanjiro falters at his words. "I didn't..." He shakes his head, the fierce look in his eyes returning. "The only ones I killed were your men!! Those who were already killing others!!"

King Inosuke, leans forward atop his hand-carved throne, expression unreadable. "Yes, and I'm asking you. How many have you killed, Monjiro?"

For a few minutes, there's nothing but silence. Neither of them move from their positions and it's only the King who can see all the emotions flickering across the Warrior's face. Only the King knows how spooked the man before him is.

"I-I-" With a stuttered gasp, the sword slips from his hands, clattering to the marble floor.

"How many have you killed?" The question whispers through his mind on repeat.

Another gasp and he falls to his knees, chest heaving. "I-I don't-" He clutches his chest, to rip his heart out or attempt to calm it down, no one is certain. "How many have I- What have I- What-I-"

Nothing coherent falls from his lips, as if the man is unable to truly process the question he's been asked. The King watches him with a frown and hard eyes, though if anyone looked closely enough, they would see the shine of tears. But no one realizes their King is on the verge of weeping. He's too far away from them, and none of them dare to get closer.

King Inosuke nods to his guards hovering behind Tanjiro and they immediately grab him under his arms and start dragging him away. The Warrior never even registers what's happening to him, too far into his own head to realize that his body has been captured. The King didn’t realize how easy it would be to break him. He finds himself questioning if doing it was actually a good thing or not long into the rest of the day.

~*~

A/N: What do you all think?? This AU is quite interesting and I LOVE fantasy settings like this, so I'm super excited. One thing, Kirauai, the name of their country/continent, is meant to be pronounced as "Keer-uh-way". But anyways, please, tell me what you think!! Feedback from my readers is always so important to me!!

~*~

Lemme know if you'd like to be added to the taglist!!

[treason-and-plot]

I'm finally caught up! It took a few days of non-stop reading but I had to know what those 3 trainwreck idiots (Anita, Roy, Joël) ended up doing.

Anita and Roy are the biggest self sabotaging idiots I've seen in my life. Anita was an absolute trainwreck. I mean the girl had made all the wrong choices in life, one thing she did right is probably never giving up on her and Joël.

Roy is... he is just as bad at making decisions as Anita but I think their biggest difference is he just doesn't feel guilty or responsible, at all. I think the only time I've seen him actually feel sorry is when that whole pregnancy drug thing had happened.

And Joël, sweet idiot Joël. I don't have words for how stupid this man is. He just let's things happen to him. He let's women in his life manipulate him. I'm not a jealous person but him being such a clueless idiot about his exes' motives, is part of the reason why Anita lost it so many times (his idiocy and Anita's insecurity were bound to breed that problem.)

So far where they are at, I think Roy should've dumped Sonia looooong ago, like at the altar. The man had serious growing up to do before he got married and Sonia definitely wasn't it.

I'm just happy about Anita and Joël. For a while there I was really thinking that they were done but they made it. I'm still worried whenever I see Anita go out drinking because she still haven't fixed any of her problems but being with Joël seemed to have stabilise her. And Joël is in bliss with his daughter and son, even Saffron. I loved how much that little girl was upset when Joël was leaving.

It's a great story and I really advise anyone who had followed you to go back all those posts and read it all. I loved it!

Ps. After reading all of I've come to conclusion that Raj and Mia deserve each other, for sure. xD

I am dying at you christening Anita, Roy and Joël '3 trainwreck idiots!' That's made my year. And the fact that you spent days reading my story non-stop...my gratitude and awe knows no bounds. You are the best.

Poor Anita...dear, sweet, simple Harry was never going to make her happy. And she nearly destroyed her life and Joël's with her insecurities and her self-sabotaging behaviour, that's very true.

I don't think Joël is stupid...although I know many readers will disagree with me! He's a sensitive, intense, moody introvert who loves deeply and passionately and whose heart rules his head, often with disastrous results. But I wouldn't want him to be any other way!

You have hit the nail on the head re Roy...his personal mantra is never apologise, never explain. He never, ever second guesses himself. His sense of self is inviolate. He married Sonia because she presented a fascinating challenge to him and he did love her (and still does!) But yeah, theirs was a marriage destined to fail. I still miss them as a married couple though, as bizarre as that sounds. Their relationship was just so much fun to explore and write about!

One of the high points for me in my story's recent history has been the birth of Joël and Anita's daughter Alice...I still get emotional thinking about it! And thank you for mentioning Saffron's distress when Joël left Anita...that was another part of the story that I felt was particularly poignant for a variety of reasons (not least of which was Anita's selfishness) and has stayed with me for a long time.

As for Mia and Raj...well, we'll just have to wait and see! The two of them intrigue me as much today as they do as when I first started writing about them;)

Thank you again for taking the time to read my story and send me this...it's hard to express just how much it means to me. But one thing's for sure, it's people like you who make this community so wonderful and who make me inspired to keep on writing as long as I possibly can. And for that I will be forever grateful❤️

[walkingaftermidnight07]

Ty x Kit Reunion, from Kit's POV

hey y'all, here's something I thought I'd do, to get it all out of my system. I will admit i may or may not have cried while writing this but that's not the point.

anyways, enjoy! like, comment your thoughts, rb so that others can see it!!!

my kit x ty playlist to listen to while you read if you want :D

(and yes, it is hella angsty, thank you very much XD)

@nurceb @cakegatedisaster @tys-kitty all of y'all replied to my posts about it so imma tag you in this :D

edit: ive now written a Ty POV version, which is linked here!

~~~~~~~~

Reunion - Kit Herondale x Ty Blackthorn, from Kit’s POV

Kit had decided that if he wanted to be left alone, away from the prying eyes of everyone else in the house, the kitchen was his best bet. He couldn’t forget the way that Tessa and Jem had jumped forward to protect Mina, as if he was a danger to her. His stomach dropped as he remembered the fear that had flashed through Tessa’s eyes for a brief moment, before it was gone.

He would never hurt Mina, would he?

He wouldn’t hurt her intentionally, that much he knew.

That didn’t necessarily mean he couldn’t, though.

He looked back down at his hands, still holding the gun. There was some sort of black stuff smudged on it, and it rubbed off on Kit’s hands when he touched it.

He may as well clean the gun, then. 

Of course, he wasn’t exactly sure how to. But how hard could it be?

His face was slightly scrunched up in concentration as he held up the gun, about to—

“That’s not how you clean a gun.”

Kit’s head whipped up, shocked, dropping the gun, because he knew that voice.

He’d heard that voice in his dreams, in his memories, in his nightmares. 

The voice conjures up a memory in his mind: a dark night, a pale face with floppy black hair, illuminated by the moon. And those gray eyes….the eyes he will never forget. The hurt in those eyes when he said those last words, laced with venom, as he struggled not to break. 

“I wish I’d never known you.”

Ty. It was Ty, in the kitchen with him, the remains of a Portal behind him.

Kit’s breath caught in his throat, and he was hit by so many things all at once. Confusion. What was Ty even doing here? Surprise. Sadness. Anger.

So so so much anger. It burned through his body in waves, rolling off of him. 

Anger, as he remembered the last time he had seen Ty. He remembered again, his words to Ty that night, and his eyes filled with tears. He blinked them back.

“You think this will make your family stronger, but it will destroy them, if you bring her back. You think you can’t survive without Livvy, but you can. We will go through it together. I love you, Ty. I love you.”

He remembered again Ty’s blank expression at his words. Like he didn’t even care. Like he didn’t care that Kit had put everything on the line in that moment. Because Ty didn’t care about him, that much he knew now. Ty would never care about him. Because, in the end, Kit meant nothing to Ty. Ty didn’t even care enough to acknowledge Kit’s words, to listen to him when he most needed to be heard.

Kit’s mouth turned down in a frown. And when he spoke, it was in a cold voice. “You shouldn’t be here.”

Ty broke Kit’s eye contact, looking out the window. Kit could see that his words had affected Ty, but only for a second, because then his face went blank again.

Behind Ty, he noticed Livvy, floating above the ground in the same white dress he had come to know her to wear. 

He looked away from her, before his anger could be directed at her too. He knew it probably wasn’t her fault that they were here—and yet, he wanted it to be someone’s fault. Why else would Ty be here?

Kit was angry, and hurt, yes…but he wanted to believe that maybe they had come for him. Maybe Ty had come to ask for forgiveness, maybe he was finally going to acknowledge Kit’s words from two years ago.

Instead, Ty said “How long do you think it will take you to forgive me?”

It almost felt like Ty wanted a specific time, like he thought Kit was being ridiculous. Like he wanted to know when Kit would be done throwing a tantrum so he could show up and say ‘I told you so’ and it infuriated Kit.

But what infuriated Kit even more was that his heart was beating like crazy inside his chest. He was fighting his instinct to go to Ty, to be there for him. Ty didn’t usually like to be touched, but he liked it when Kit did it. Maybe he could hug Ty. Or maybe Ty wouldn’t feel comfortable around him anymore. Because he left, and they were both different now.

Kit was so tired of this. But he had also learned his lesson. He couldn’t be around Ty—not without feeling so much pain, so much embarrassment. He didn’t belong in Ty’s life. Ty didn’t need him; he had his siblings. He had Helen and Aline, and Mark, and Julian. He had Dru (who Kit was assuming he would be hearing from very soon, depending on whether or not Ty told her anything), and Tavvy, and his friends at the Scholomance. And he had Livvy. 

There was no room in Ty’s life for Kit anymore. He was a fool to think there ever would be.

“I don’t know,” He told Ty, because truthfully, he didn’t know. His feelings were scrambled, but he knew enough to know that it still hurt like hell to even think about Ty. Being this close to Ty—it was like torture.

He felt his eyes flick to Livvy again, and this time it was almost accusing. She didn’t know what had happened between him and Ty. At least, as far as he knew, she didn’t. But he didn’t know whether Ty had ever brought it up. He hoped Ty never had. He couldn’t handle the humiliation. Every time Dru had asked him what had happened, he couldn’t tell her. He’d tried, but every time, he just couldn’t say, or text, the words. 

How was he supposed to tell her, or anyone, that he’d run away from Ty when Ty had needed him most. How did he explain the betrayal, the dismissal of their friendship, of his feelings. He should’ve been able to stop Ty. If he couldn’t do that, how was he ever supposed to be anywhere near him, knowing that he’d failed to get through to Ty?

“She’s gone, Ty. She’s gone forever. You have to get through this. Your family will help you. I will help you. But not if you do this. Not if you do this, Ty.”

He focused again on Ty, really taking him in, despite his own hesitations. Ty was taller, thin but not too thin. He looked healthy. His hair looked mostly the same, maybe a little shorter. His jaw was more defined, his eyes, if possible, an even more intense gray. His shirt was unbuttoned on the top, and Kit could see the hollow of Ty’s throat. He wanted to gently kiss it so badly it felt like it was eating him up from the inside.

“But not now,” Ty said, in such a quiet voice that Kit almost didn’t hear him. Kit watched as Ty swallowed, his throat bobbing up. 

A lump formed in Kit’s throat. Dear god, Ty was beautiful. 

Kit shook his head, just barely, feeling like all the weight of his feelings were pushing down on his shoulders, making his whole body feel stiff and cold. 

“No,” He said quietly, because if he spoke any louder, he was afraid he might break down. And he could not break down. Not in front of Ty. Never in front of Ty. “Not now.”

As he watched Ty leave, he felt empty. Hollow. Ty wouldn’t look at him, but Livvy was plainly staring. Livvy looked kind of angry at him, but she didn’t say anything to either of them.

He could’ve sworn there was a glint in Ty’s eyes, almost like tears. 

But that couldn’t be right…

And then Ty was gone, Livvy with him.

Kit didn’t move, couldn’t move from where he stood. He wasn’t sure how to feel. His heart hurt, and he could feel tears forming again. But this time, he let them fall, because no one was around to see them.

“Oh Ty,” he murmured, his eyes landing on the gun again. “I wish I could forgive you. But I can’t. I just can’t. I hope you understand that.” 

He picked up the gun again, and pulled out his phone so he could google how to clean it. Ty was probably right, he was definitely doing it wrong.

He forced all thoughts of Ty out of his head and busied himself with the gun yet again.