#they normally would and instead just put me and my dad on the far end of one side and then some other family on the other and thank god the

[k1rishiki]

when i saw 'cabin in the woods in middle of nowhere new hampshire' bad i mean it. i have a 65 year old father from northeastern mass that's the only type of vacation i ever go on (if you're wondering what it's like it's like a modern day yellow wallpaper btw) . i know my cabins in middle of nowhere new hampshire. i've been to multiple with better wifi than i currently have. that says a lot btw.

[multifandomgirl08]

The Moment You Smiled At Me [Mini Verstappen Series]

Dad!Max Verstappen x Fem!Reader (Pre-Established Relationship)

Summary: The evening that started it all for Max and Reader.

Warning(s): N/A

A/N: Title taken from the song Rain by Sleep Token.

Words: 2.3k

Previous Part → Next Part Mini Verstappen Masterlist

Max had always hated going to these FIA parties. It had nothing to do with racing, and although he had no issue with supporting the sport and the people that were coming up in it. He saw no real reason as to why they had to get dressed up. Wouldn’t it have just been easier to give out these awards at the end of the season during the last race and calling it done?

He was caught in a small group of people who were waiting to get their picture taken on the blue carpet. Some of them he knew and the others he didn’t. He could see people walking around before making their way inside to the tables not stopping by for more than a glance at him.

Max glanced down at his watch to check the time and instead caught the sight of light blue fabric out of the corner of his eyes. He looked up wondering if he could see who was wearing the color, but all he saw was the back of a dress belonging to a woman who had her arms locked with a man. They disappeared into the room.

Eventually, Max had managed to make his way out of the group that he was stuck with and inside towards the tables, people weren’t sitting yet. His eyes traveled over the room wondering about the light blue dress he saw. He tried to tell himself that it was nothing, but his eyes' normal laser-sharp focus seemed to be playing a trick on him.

But then he saw it again. It was going towards the front of the stage, just a little far from where he stood. He looked a little higher and saw a wide feminine smile greet him. He felt the need to fix his posture or at the very least making it seem like he wasn’t miserable being here, but was quick to realize that she may be looking past him and not at him.

He looked behind him to see no one standing there and then back towards her to see her cover her mouth; she was probably laughing at him. He pushed his shoulders back and couldn’t help that his feet led him to her.

As he got closer he realized that he didn’t know her. Never seen her before in his life, and maybe heading straight to her was… strange.

He didn’t want to just outright ask her why she smiled at him or why she laughed at him as he looked behind himself earlier. Maybe she just did that, smiling at strangers that she didn’t know.

“Smiling at random people again, Y/N?” He heard as someone walked up to her, Y/N.

“Maybe.” She said as if it was nothing.

“I don’t know how you can just kill people with your kindness.”

“Fatal flaw.”

“Right,” He heard as a retort. “I’ll see you at the table.”

Max saw her give him a half nod before he finally came up to her.

“You’re date?” He couldn’t help but ask before he reached up to pat his hair down. He knew that it wasn’t sticking up since he had put on hair jell before he left his hotel.

Her eyes met his quickly, “No, my co-worker. I’m just his plus one.”

“Oh, what do you do?” He couldn’t help but ask.

“Private banking, I’m always traveling for work though. I can’t wait for the day when I’ll be able to work from home full time.”

Max lifted his eyebrows at her words. “Don’t like traveling?”

“I do, sometimes. I’m just a homebody.”

“I’m like that. I’m gone from home more than I would like.” He liked being at home with the cats, not having his phone to worry about, and spending time with his son. Nico was such a wonder to him. He was just over a year old and was walking and touching things that he shouldn’t. Jimmy was not happy when Nico had decided to pull his tail one time.

He wanted to tell her that story but knew that he shouldn’t. She didn’t know that he had a son, and he didn’t want it to get out.

“What about you? What do you do?” She asked. Before he could answer Christian came up to him.

“Max, I hate to interrupt but you’ve got to go up. They’re starting the ceremony soon.” Max silently glared at Christian for a moment.

“That’s okay.” She said reaching towards the table for her handbag. “It was nice talking to you, Max.”

She quickly bowed her head a little before going off towards the tables that faced the stage. It seemed like she didn’t know who he was, or what he did for a job given that she bothered asking him what it was he did.

His eyes followed her until she sat down next to who she claimed to be her co-worker. Christian put his hand on his shoulder, ready to lead him up the stage. Waiting while they lowered the lights and made all of the introductions felt like it took forever. It was like waiting behind the safety car after there was a yellow flag.

Finally, he managed to get up on stage to present the award for Rookie of the Year. He awkwardly ran through the speech that he was given and tried to keep his eyes towards the crowd but couldn’t help it when they kept drifting back to you in the light blue dress that you were wearing.

You weren’t talking to anyone while he was up on the stage. Eventually after painstakingly finishing the speech and handing the award over to Oscar Piastri, he made his way off the stage and back into the crowd of people sitting at the tables.

The rest of the speeches came to an end after a while. People started to make their way out of the room and out towards the hallway. Max hadn’t been pulled into any conversations luckily.

There was a familiar feeling of his phone buzzing in the inside pocket of his tux jacket. He pulled it out to see that it was his mom. He stepped out of the room, hoping to move away from everyone as much as he could.

He ended up outside by the valet watching as a few people were already leaving. If this wasn’t a work obligation he would have done the same and tried to leave as soon as he could.

He pulled his phone out to call his mom back. It rang in his ear.

“Mum?” He questioned after the line picked up.

“Max,” She started. “I just wanted to let you know that Nico’s asleep. It took him a while to fall asleep.”

Max had flown Sophie to Monaco to spend some time with Nico while he would he was in Paris for the FIA Prize Giving Gala. He would fly home tomorrow and be in back with Nico in a few short hours.

Nico had apparently fallen asleep in Max’s bed with Jimmy and Sassy at Nico’s feet. Sophie had told him that Nico missed him, “I miss him too, Mum.”

It was a few moments later that he said goodbye and promised to be home and back with Nico before dinner tomorrow. He pushed his phone back into the pocket of his jacket.

He could hear the clack, clack of footsteps against the cobblestones that made up the driveway to the hotel. Someone was wearing a pair of heels. Max looked in the direction of the sound to see her again.

She stood a few meters away from him, with her black bag in hand and her arms wrapped around herself. She looked like she was cold, the slit on her dress did go up quite high on her leg.

He gave himself a moment just in case someone came after her, but she just stood there looking as people kept getting into different cars.

He slowly walked up to her, “You need help, a jacket maybe?” He asked.

She looked over at him. “I’m fine.”

He could feel her eyes on his jacket. He moved to undo the button, she looked cold. He pulled it off his shoulders.

“I insist.” He said, opening it for her so she could put it on.

She moved closer to him laying the fabric over her shoulders. It only took a few moments before he saw that she looked more comfortable with it on.

“You didn’t have to.”

“It’s Paris, and it’s November. I’m surprised it’s not snowing.”

“That’s true. I figured that the Gala would be over before it got too cold.” Well at least she didn’t mean to catch hypothermia.

“They normally have it in warmer places.”

“You’ve been to the Gala before?” She asked. “I saw you present an award, so I assume that you know more than I would.”

“Yes, my first was in… 2015.” It was back when he was in Formula 3, he doesn’t remember what it was for now.

“They always this boring?”

“Yes,” He answered honestly. “They don’t change much.”

Max couldn’t help but feel a little awkward. He didn’t know what to talk to her about, he could bring up what she had said earlier, and he was just about to when,

“You didn’t tell me what you do,” She started to say. “Before we were interrupted inside.”

“I drive in Formula 1.”

She gave him a silent nod.

“You like it?” She asked. He didn’t know if he should answer honestly but there was that feeling again that told him he should.

“Sometimes,” He said with sincerity. “I like being with my team, and driving the car. Other things, like this, I don’t really like.”

“I’m sure it’s not all bad.” She was right. It wasn’t all bad, driving in Formula 1 gave him a lot, even with the parts that he didn’t like.

“No,” He said with a slight shrug. “But it doesn’t really give me a whole lot of time for other things.”

Between his F1 schedule and Nico he didn’t really have any time for much else. He had tried dating over the last year and it never seemed to end well. They always ended up wanting to move faster then he was ready for.

“I’m sure if it matters you’ll make time.” She said. He didn’t know why her saying that seemed like it had a softer tone to it after the words moved past her lips.

He couldn’t help but let out a smile. If only she knew the things that he had made time for over the last year.

“Of course, I’m sure your boyfriend feels the same.” He said, as a way to see if she would correct him again.

“Co-worker,” She corrected him just like he wanted. She smiled back at him.

“He wishes, right?” He asked, with a slight laugh to his tone.

“More than you can know.” He could hear her chuckle. So she obviously knew that her “co-worker” invited her here with other intentions.

“You can always go on a date with someone else. So he knows you're not interested.” He offered as if that would actually help her situation.

“You make a good point.” She had just said when the guy from earlier had come out to stand next to her.

“Ready to go, Y/N?” He asked.

“In a moment.” She said with a smile. Y/N didn’t leave him right after.

“Do you have your phone on you?” She asked him.

Max widened his eyes. Was she doing what he thinks she is?

“Uhm, jacket pocket on the right.” He watched her pull his phone out of the inside pocket of his jacket, she turned his phone to him silently asking for him to unlock it for her. He didn’t even take it out of her hand. Just moved a little closer to put his face in view of the front camera so that it would unlock. 

She moved to type something in before handing him his phone back and then quickly pulled her own phone out of her bag. He looked down at the screen for a few seconds before a text showed up with the words, Think he’ll take the hint this time?

He heard the closing of her bag before he saw her pull the jacket from her shoulders, slowly handing it back to him, almost as if she didn’t want to lose the warmth the jacket had provided her in those short moments. 

“Call me, if you’re ever in London.” She said with their hands brushing and gave him a wide smile before following the guy to a black towncar. His eyes followed her and he couldn’t help but slightly flex his hand from feeling their skin touch. Before she got inside the car she gave him a second look. He couldn’t help but feel a little like he couldn’t breathe, like he had just gotten out of the car after Singapore, watching her leave him standing there. His head was spinning a bit.

He wasn’t sure if he really should. Max would never say that he was the best at flirting and he was sure that this only proved it. But somehow, she still gave him her number and told him to call her.

He took a moment and then pushed the thought away, it was probably just to get the guy to back off.

It was the last week of November, Max had finished up early with all of his sponsorship things at the Factory. He would be leaving to go back to Monaco in a day or two and he couldn’t help but look through the text messages on his phone until he came across the text from Y/N again.

He had thought of her a bit since the Gala. He thought of her, and their conversations. It had taken him a bit before he had realized that she wouldn’t have given him her real number if she didn’t want to talk to him again.

He opened her contact information before pressing on her number to give her a call. Maybe he was ready to make time in his life for someone that could understand him, and eventually his son.

Mini Verstappen taglist: @karmabyfernando, @barcagirly, @sachaa-ff, @iamahallucinationnn, @musingsbyshreya, @glow-ish, @nonsensical-nonsence, @fanboyluvr, @champomiel, @gothicwidowsworld, @lighttsoutlewis, @itsalwaysgay, @minkyungseokie, @mynameisangeloflife, @ursforever129, @aundercover, @bborra, @mindless-rock, @cixrosie, @barcelonaloverf1life, @taylorslovesswifties13, @konsti081, @mellowarcadefun, @smnthnclj, @brekkers-whore, @lpab

[gooeyslime]

I will die on this hill but William Afton being a good dad would have worked so much better at making him feel realistic instead of becoming a cartoonishly evil man and honestly the juxtaposition of like, witnessing him kill a kid, dropping his cheerful Springbonnie act as he locks them in a room, just a cold glare as he kills them, making the player go "what a heartless monster... I feel so bad for his kids, having to deal with such a piece of shit" as we see him get out of the suit, cleaning up the blood and head home, as he opens the door once again we see his attitude change as he tells his kids "Dad's back home!" And we see them run up to him, Michael playing it cool bc he's an angsty teen but you see him smile as he points out he's late, you can tell they all care for him and got worried, after all there's a murderer on the loose and while they seem to target kids who knows? They could kill adults too... William smiles at them, genuinely, not like the smile he gave his victim whith his Springbonnie act, they all eat dinner together and if you hadn't just seen him kill a kid in cold blood you'd think this was a normal family, just a single dad eating and chatting with his kids... As he makes sure they are all sound asleep you see him walk into his bedroom, looking at a picture, it's a picture of all of them, smiling together, next to William is a woman and it dawns on you that she's nowhere to be seen and that she might be dead and he's trying to figure out how to bring her back by killing a bunch of random kids bc nothing can stand between William Afton and the only people he cares about, not even death itself... that stuff would make me way more scared of him than any "oh I am so smart I planned for you to try and set me on fire again so now if anyone scans my parts into a computer I can brainwash a random person and get them to rebuild myself ooooh I always come back!"

Like even showing him before he completely loses it would be terrifying, how he's just a normal guy who has his own troubles sure, but still isn't going around killing kids to study weird ghost stuff... Not yet anyway... And the the last straw happens and he falls to the deep end and you wonder, if you were in his shoes... If you lost the love of your life... And everyone just tells you life goes on and you just gotta get over it... What would you do? Would you also break? Would you go as far as killing someone in the hopes to bring her back? To put your family back together? And as you do that how would you handle your family breaking apart even further? Your daughter killed by YOUR machine, the machine you built to kill kids, the machine you desperately tried to keep her away from? Your older son acting out, angry because he couldn't handle his own sorrow at losing his sister shortly after his mom, he's falling apart just like you and in a moment of anger he ends up killing his younger brother, your other son killed because you couldn't see that your older son couldn't handle his own grief too? What would do then?

Stuff like that is utterly terrifying to think about... At least for me... Shame they made him so evil he's basically a Saturday morning cartoon villain now, he could have been so terrifying in so many ways but instead they made him an annoyance... Like even him coming back post Pizza Sim could have been terrifying if he wasn't such a joke by then, like we thought we finally defeated him but he's back, because he still hasn't done what he set out to do, put his family back together, and absolutely nothing can stop him from doing just that... Instead we get him showing up in 1 (one) ending and he's just... Walking around... Then he stares at a monitor and eventually he hacks Freddy by... Holding out his hand like he's using the force?? He doesn't even have a jumpscare either... I really hope the DLC at least gives him that bc him being threatening again is almost impossible after all the peepaw jokes people made...

Anyway I'm sure you can tell I have very strong feelings about this and so many thoughts for plot points that could be added to the lore if this was canon but I'll shut up for now before I write a whole essay lol

[amber-michaelson]

A New Family

Yandere Thranduil x Oakenshield reader x Yandere Legolas

Summary: did your father actually care about you or was it just all in your head.

Read At Own Risk

Warnings: platonic yanderes,

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getting dragged away from the company along with your dad to meet the king of the elves “do not speak yn” thorin muttered as he shoved one of the guards earning a smack to the head, i heard many stories of the eleven king and how he didn’t help against the dragon or give them shelter after they lost the mountion, as soon as we put infront of the thrown we were forced to our knees "whatever happens don't speak to him" he pleaded as he leaned down so he can see my face "I promise papa" I gave him a confidant smile he was about to say something else but steps interrupted him I moved my gaze to the floor and listened "people say a noble quest is at hand, to reclaim a lost mountain and slay a dragon" I shivered hearing his voice "but you and I know that's not what your after" he murmured I heard my dad shuffle probly standing up "I wanna make a deal" the kings sly words court my dad's attention "I'm listening" my dad said as he started walking around the room "I'll let you go giving you food to take along with you the only thing I ask is for you to return what is rightfully mine "which is" thorin asked "the jewels that shine like the stars I would like them back" the king muttered I slowly raised my gaze up and widened at the kings beauty as he sat on his throne "a favour for a favour" my dad muttered as he came beside "from a king to another" thranduil smiled "where were you when we asked for your aid where were you when we where homeless and starving" my dad yelled making sure the whole castle could hear him "I see how you treat your friends might as well be your enemy" he seethed through gritted teeth the king didn't look so pleased with my dad's answer "guards take him away" the king muttered but as soon as they came close to me he shooed them away and as they dragged my dad away he called "maybe you'll change you mind in 2 years or even 20" he said before turning your attention to me "stand" he murmured and I did as I was told "who are you" he asked but I didn’t respond just stared at him "aw your an oakenshield let me guess your his daughter explains the manners" he chuckled "don't you dare talk about my father" I muttered and rushed to him but was court by one of the guards who held a knife to my throat "let her go" he said and turned away "come" he muttered before walking I looked around not seeing anywhere I could escape be grudgingly followed "what story's have you heard about me" he asked as we walked down the hallway "that you abandoned us when we needed your aid most" I said staring down at the floor and squeaked as he stopped and I bumped into him he quickly turned to me and I quickly moved back scared of what he would do instead he leaned down and the left side of his face started to change showing of a scar "this is what happened when I tried to battle a dragon" he muttered before standing up again his head twitching as it went back to normal "I suffered many loses that day and I vowed to never face a dragon again" he said before he carried on walking I quietly followed behind we soon entered a dining room and he sat at the very end and stared at me "are you going to join me or just watch as I eat this meal" he said side eyeing me as I moved to the table I choose to sit two seats down from him so I wasn't to far away or to close "why am I here" I murmured "we may have imprisoned you bit we're not cruel" a voice murmured from behind us "ah legolus you decided to join us" thranduil said and gestured to a seat but he did the same as me and sat infront of me the rest of the meal was silent and I only just nibbled "what's happening with my father" I asked as the servants took the plates away "he will stay he till he changes his mind" he said and that was the end of the discussion.

They started to treat me like one of them they didn't allow me back into the dungeon or see my father but anything else was fine unless I want to go outside I can only go if legolas or thranduil accompanied me "why are you treating me so nicely" I asked as we sat under one of the many flowering trees "because yn your different from your father and that disgusting company you travel with" he paused "your safer here where me and legolas can protect you and provide for you" thranduil said as he put his and on top of mine but I quickly moved away "you can't keep me here and my dad will never leave me" I yelled standing up and he followed "your dad is a failure of a father he hasn't once even asked to see you he hasn't even asked about you" I stumbled a bit was he right, did my dad not actually care about me "yo-your wrong he does care and he won't leave without me" but as soon as I said that legolas came rushing in "the dwarves have escaped" it felt as if my world came rushing down around me that I didn't even realize thranduil had pulled me into his chest "don't worry you have a new family now".

My Other The Hobbit Works

Check Out My Other Works

[readerlovr]

For Richer or for Poorer

Pt. 2

Pt.1

This past week has been the hardest I have ever worked. Growing up seeing my dad and brothers work, I always knew was difficult, but doing it yourself is on another level. So I can only imagine what the boss feels. It’s Friday so luckily it’s the last day of the week for us.

Although Mr. Beresford has two meetings today which I have to attend. As I am organizing my planner for next week, I get an email. It’s from one of the companies we have a meeting with saying they can no longer meet at 3, and can only meet after 5. I would normally look skeptical because the normal work day ends at 5, but Mr. Beresford stays in his office long after I leave for the day. Before I send the company a confirmation, I check Mr. Beresford’s agenda and I see that he has a free period between 5:30 and 7. So I gather my notepad and walk my way to Mr. Beresford’s office. Once I’m there, I knock, then crack the door.

“Mr. Beresford, your 3 o’clock rescheduled for a later appointment, so I put you down for 6.”

“Thank you, Ms. Y/l/n.”

I close the door as I go back to my office, and send the company the confirmation for 6. They respond swiftly saying that they will be here at 6. I mentally prepare myself for a long day after the normal work hours.

I wonder if Rachel has any tips on my note taking, so I decide to speed dial 5.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Rachel I was wondering if you have any tips on how to take notes for the meeting. I have been taking notes this past week but Mr. Beresford didn’t seem to need them. But because there is two meetings today, he might need them to recollect the specifics the different meetings.”

“Yeah of course.” She gives me the spill of how she used to take notes, but she says Mr. Beresford did not like the way she took notes, because she wrote it in her own understanding instead of his.

“Okay, because we have another meeting after the one that starts in 15 minutes. And it’s after 5 o’clock, so I definitely need to take notes to the best of my ability. Or his I guess.”

“Get used to that.” She says with a sigh.

“What taking notes? Or staying after 5?”

“Well, both actually.”

“I have to stay after 5, everyday with him?”

“Well, yes. Haven’t you been doing that so far?”

“No, I have been leaving around 5:30.”

“Y/n, no. The assistant stays with the boss until he tells you to leave.”

My father has had assistants but he never kept one long enough for me to see how they were supposed to behave.

“Oh no. Why didn’t he tell me?”

“I don’t know, he probably thought you’d just know given your father has a business.”

“My father did everything on his own.” I say curtly. I hate discussing my family and their success, the reason why I left is to start my own. So when someone brings them up, I try to be tight lipped about them.

“Also, it wasn’t in the job description.”

“It’s not, but it’s commonly preferred.”

I think for a bit. I feel bad that I possibly left Mr. Beresford to do everything alone. I never suspected I was doing anything wrong. Every morning when I entered after giving Mr. Beresford his coffee and breakfast, notes he took from the previous night was sat on my desk.

I look over at the time and see it’s 5 till the meeting.

“Hey Rachel I have to go.”

“Okay, talk to you later.” She says before promptly hanging up.

I grab my notepad and get up to walk down to the conference room. When I get there I notice Mr. Beresford and a couple of our staff is already seated. I quickly take the seat on Mr. Beresford’s left. Once I sit, he looks up from his laptop and smile.

“Mr. Beresford.” I say greeting him.

“Ms. Y/l/n.”

I look around at everyone else engaging in their own conversations. I scoot a bit forward closer to Mr. Beresford.

“Why didn’t you tell me I was supposed to stay after with you everyday?”

“I supposed you knew. And if not you’d figure it out eventually. Plus I’ve been used to-“ he pauses and looks back down at his computer, “working alone.”

Just as I about to ask what he meant the company we are meeting with walked in. Mr. Beresford stood up, which caused me to follow suit. We all greeted each other by shaking hands.

Once everyone was aquatinted and seated, Mr. Beresford walks to the other end of the table with no chair.

“Shall we get started?”

_________________________

I tried to take notes most accurate to Mr. Beresford’s. Mimicking his note taking style from the one he leaves on my desk every night. Based on the meeting details, I could give him the notes at the end of the day so I have enough time to tweak it if I see something unfitting.

It’s now 30 minutes until the 6:00 meeting. We had lunch at 3 since the meeting was pushed back. Although, I like to work better with a snack so I decide to go downstairs to the donut shop to get a donut and a coffee. After I gathered my purse, I knocked on Mr. Beresford’s door.

“Mr. Beresford, I’m going downstairs to get a donut, do you want anything?”

He doesn’t respond. After a minute of waiting, I knock on his door again, then open the door and peek in.

“Mr. Beresford?”

He looks up at me from his computer with a stoic look.

“No thank you. I am not supposed to be eating that stuff.”

I notice he seems a bit down so I don’t push him on it.

“Okay, I’ll be right back.”

I am back within 10 minutes. I finish my coffee before I make it back to my office. As I’m walking back I contemplate either going to my office or Mr. Beresford’s. I decide on Mr. Beresford’s office of course. I knock on the door once again. He doesn’t respond like normally but I decide to turn the knob anyway. As I come in the room uninvited, he looks at me confused.

With my donut in hand I decide to sit in a seat in front of him.

“Hi.” I say before taking a bite of my donut.

“Hi?” He says confused. He continues to look at me confused as of to say, why are you here.

“What?” I question his confused look.

He shakes his head. “Normally people don’t just come in my office and sit down. Just to say hi.”

“Well I’m not normal people. I’m your assistant so I can do that.” I say with a smile.

He smirks a bit before changing his face to serious.

“Look. I know I met you before the job interview. And I gave you a well deserved compliment based on your looks, but our relationship needs to be strictly professional.”

What he said caught me off guard. I wasn’t trying to come onto him. Even though he is insanely good looking. I just wanted to start a conversation given he was so busy this whole week.

“Oh.” I say as I nod and start to get up to leave.

“But-“ he says as he sees me get up. “You can stay. At least until the meeting starts. We can walk down together.”

“Okay.” I say with a small smile. I don’t want to say the wrong thing because I don’t want him to think I am trying to build a relationship that’s not professional.

“So, why don’t you eat donuts? Is it your diet?”

He once again looks down at his computer. I know he was down earlier but I thought he was okay now. Before I was able to apologize for prying he answers.

“Yeah, it’s my diet. I actually haven’t had a donut in 5 years.”

“Really?”

He nods and looks up at me from his computer. I give him a cunning smile and hold up my donut.

“You want a bite?”

“No, I’m okay.” He says chuckling.

“Come on. It’s a bite. What is a bite gonna do?”

He looks at me for a couple seconds before he lightly nods. He motions his fingers for me to bring the donut closer. I stand up to bring it close enough for him to take but instead he bites it straight off the donut. My heart skips a beat with his held eye contact on me. As he pulls away I have to mentally tell myself to act normal. I sit back down trying to shake that hot memory out of my head. I look up to him and he’s still chewing. I wait a couple seconds after he swallows it and I’m met with silence.

“Well?”

He starts smiling. Like a real smile, not a smirk.

“That was really good.”

“See I told you. You just have to trust your smart assistant sometimes.”

He smirks and huffs out a laugh. I check my watch and realize it’s seven till 6.

“Oh, we have to go.”

I stand up and he follows after me down the hall. It’s just us when we enter the conference room.

“Where is everybody?”

“Well the staff isn’t required to stay after 5, so we’re just waiting on the company that we’re meeting with.”

We continue to wait for exactly 7 minutes before Mr. Beresford stands up.

“Where are you going?”

“They’re late. I’m leaving.”

“Wha- leaving? Just like that?”

“Yes, just like that.”

As he moves to walk out the conference room door, the company walks in the door.

“Shall we get this over with?” The man who comes in first says, throwing his coat at the woman who came in after him.

Mr. Beresford looks back at me before turning to the man who spoke.

“Mr. Johnson, we are not going further with this merger.”

“Why not? I put in a lot of money for this deal.” The man named Mr. Johnson says.

“You can keep your deal, and you can keep your money. I’m all about creating jobs for people. I need my partners to be punctual as well as considerate. Because if not, I know you will treat your employees the same way. And so far from what I’ve seen,” he gestures to the woman behind him, “you are not very considerate to your employees.”

I don’t know why, but that whole scene made me have a heartbeat in my core. My mouth is agape. I have never seen anyone respectfully decline a disrespectful person regardless of their money.

“Come on, Ms. Y/l/n.”

I immediately jump up to stand beside him. He puts his hand on my back as he guides me out of the room.

“You can see yourself out.” He says as we past them out the door. Just before we leave, I give a sympathetic look to the woman.

“I’m sorry you had to see that, people like that really get under my skin.”

“Don’t apologize. You did the right thing.”

He looks down at his feet as we continue walking together.

“Could you… come back to my office with me. I like the company.” He asks seemingly nervously. I smile up at him before nodding.

“Sure let me just get the rest of my things.” We reach my office door and he goes inside of his. I gather my purse and previous notes. I stay in my office a bit longer than suspected, checking and responded to thank you emails on Mr. Beresford’s behalf. I’m finished about 10 minutes later and I start to walk to Mr. Beresford’s office. I knock on the door, and there wasn’t an answer like usual.

“Mr. Beresford, it’s me.” Still no answer.

I open the door expecting him to look up at me from his computer, but he wasn’t there. I know he didn’t walk out of his office because I would’ve saw given that my office is right next to his corner office.

“Mr. Beresford?” I ask looking around the office. I notice that his chair is a bit pushed back than normal. I walk over to his chair to see why and immediately my heart drops. He is passed out on the floor behind his desk.

“Oh, shit! Mr. Beresford!” I kneel down to feel his forehead I don’t feel it being warm. I fumble for my purse to grab my cell to call 911.

I tell dispatch what happened and what building and floor were on. They had an ambulance out here in minutes once they found out it was Clay Beresford. When the officers get here, I have Mr. Beresford’s head in my lap so it wouldn’t be on the hard ground. They remove him off of me and put him on a stretcher.

“Be careful with him. I don’t know what happened.” I say with a shaky voice.

One of the officers that is not carrying him turns to me.

“Ma’am, calm down. We know how to deal with a heart transplant patient.”

Once he says that I am stunned.

“A what?”

“4 years ago Clayton Beresford, had a heart transplant from his mother after the whole doctor team tried to murder him. It was on the news for weeks.” He looks at me like the information he gave me was so obvious and everyone else knew about it.

“Wha-“ I can’t even process what he just said. As his assistant why wasn’t I notified of his condition. 10 million questions run in my head but I realize as his assistant I should be with him also. I find the stamina to get up on my shaky legs and follow them to the elevator. Once we get outside I climb in the ambulance after they put Mr. Beresford in it. I stare at Mr. Beresford seemingly lifeless body, and it scares the shit out of me. I grab his hand and hope everything is okay.

Once we get to the hospital, he gets put on an IV. And i have to wait in the waiting room while they check to see what’s wrong with him. I rock in my chair nervously wondering what I’m going to do if he doesn’t make it out of this. He was just starting to become my friend even with him saying he wanted a strictly professional relationship. As I am thinking to myself as Beresford was called. I stood up and walked to the doctor.

“How is he?”

“Mr. Beresford is doing just fine.”

I let out a long relieved sigh.

“He had a small relapse due to his heart transplant.”

“Do you know what caused it?”

“We can’t be sure. With heart transplants, this could be caused by anything. Did he recently have any changes of diet, or exercise?”

I shake my head no, trying to think. Then suddenly it clicks.

“I gave him a bite of my donut. Do you think that what caused this?” I say devastated. I can’t bear a man’s life almost ending because of me.

“I’m sorry, but that’s a very real possibility. It’s the most probable possibility given that everything was fine until tonight.”

I look around and cover my mouth, knowing that I almost killed Mr. Beresford.

“Can I see him?”

“Of course but he’s resting right now. It might be a little while before he wakes up.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

She puts her hand on my should in sympathy and walks me to his room. Once I go in I see him sleeping on the bed with 3 different tubes attached to him. I put my hand over my mouth as I sob looking at him. I did that. I walk over beside his bed and sit in the seat that was there. I grab his hand and wait for him to wake. As I wait, I dosed off to sleep still grabbing his hand.

__________________________

He starts stirring which wakes me up. I squeeze his hand tighter with purpose letting him know that I was here for him. He squeezed it back but his eyes are still closed.

“Mr. Beresford.” I whisper as I stand up to get closer to his face. He hums and opens his eyes. He looks around confused before his eyes land on me, shocked.

“What happened.” He says groggily.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

He shakes his head in confusion.

“Why didn’t you tell me about your heart?” I say before I full on sob right in front of my boss. “It was my fault, I’m so sorry.”

He looks at me confused still.

“I’m so sorry.”

“Hey, take a breath.” He says and he grabs my other hand with his other hand. “What happened?”

“They say you had a relapse because of the donut I gave you. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you to eat it.”

“Hey. Y/n, I am an adult. You didn’t push me to do anything. I ate it because I wanted to.”

I am too hysterical to realize that was his first time calling me by my first name.

“Do you want me to call anyone?”

He looks into my red, puffy eyes then looks forward.

“I don’t have anyone.” He says softly.

I don’t know what he means by that but he’s gone through enough so I don’t push him on it. It seems like I’m the only one going to be here from him tonight. I start to sit on the bed next to him slowly waiting for any signs of his uncomfortably. He nodded for me to continue to sit, still having both of our hands holding. I look him in the eyes and my eyes start to water again.

He wipes my tears with his fingers.

“Stop it. It wasn’t your fault.” He says as he tugs my hands so I can go closer to him. He pulls me into a hug, which causes me to have to lay on his chest. I carefully avoid the tubes attached to him, not trying to mess him up further.

“I’m going to be okay.”

We stay like this in silence for a couple of minutes.

“I thought you wanted to keep a professional relationship.” I joke through a sad voice.

“Screw that.”

______________________________

That sure took a turn. 😬

[t0ast-ghost]

Watching Star Trek TOS for the first time, and here are my thoughts on episode three (Charlie “X”)! (I didn’t do episode two cause I just wanted to watch it but I love Bones)

- so far I really like the kid

- Kirk shut up, let Charlie talk

- oh no he’s frightened by the door :(((

- girls do not look THAT different, getting some bad vibes from you Charlie

- BONES!!! (Why does he stand like that, it’s so curved)

- “I want people to like me” oh god they gave this boy anxiety

- He’s learning about the patriarchy, like Ken

- Kirk making Bones tell Charlie about puberty, he looked so defeated

- SPOCKS EYESHADOW!!!

- Charlie gets a Kirk assigned father, it’s not Kirk himself but he did assign Bones to do it, can’t you see the man is tired Jim?!?

- why is she being mean to Spock in verses? Nvm this is fun and he’s enjoying her singing

- HE SLAPPED KIRKS BUTT WHAT

- “there’s no right way to hit a woman.. you know man to man.. uhh… you understand, Charlie?” That was the worst way to try and explain anything, Kirk

- “I put meatloaf in the ovens, now there’s turkeys, real turkeys” then Charlie’s little laugh

- aww they’re playing chess together, normal husband activities

- “you smell like a girl” “I feel hungry… all over” back the fuck up Charlie

- stop trying to get Bones to explain stuff to him, Kirk

- this episode is just so icky, one issue is that they can’t just have an adult conversation and they can’t explain anything properly to him, they’re just telling him no and that he’s wrong. It’s a good example of how concealing information doesn’t allow people to find their own morals but instead creates a bunch of rules which can be easily broken if the person doesn’t believe in them because they don’t understand the logic behind them. (Not saying that the boundaries they’re setting for him are wrong, he just can’t understand them because they’re not explaining shit)

- SHUT UP SAM HE’S TRYING- oops Sam’s gone

- damn that German expressionist lighting tho, like something out of metropolis

- I FUCKIN DARE YOU KIRK, PICK HIM UP SEE WHAT HAPPENS

- okay Kirk saying it’s his choice is good cause at least he’s teaching him that these things he does are his own actions

- “short tempered, because he doesn’t understand” cause you won’t explain shit without mind games and metaphors

- Spock and Bones DO NOT want to get involved

- when Charlie’s explaining what he did to the Antares Bones looks absolutely terrified (Bones sitting like that on the table is… I have many thoughts)

- OH NO UHURA!

- Don’t you dare call Spock Mr. Ears

- “Teenager with supernatural abilities realizes his full potential and decides to use it for evil NOT CLICKBAIT”

- Why would you do that, why would you turn her into an iguana

- GET HIM!!! Wait no! Janice!

- “I love you” “you don’t know what that means” good for her, fuck you Charlie

- He gave Kirk period pain

- “cause you need me to run the ship, and I need him” Spirk? It’s more likely than you think

- this slide from Bones

- “I don’t think you can handle anymore, you’ve reached your limit” Spock and Bones start fucking shit up immediately for Kirk

- Kirk was so ready to punch a bitch

- nice fucking try Charlie- oh Kirk is defending him- nvm he still gets yoinked

- imagine if Charlie becomes Q lol (is that a thing? Are they related?)

- well that’s done now… where’s Scotty, Sulu, and Checkov? (Sulu appeared shirtless in the credits as I wrote that)

Thanks for sticking around again :)

Here’s a link to the first ramble

And all the other rambles

Below the cut is some thoughts I had on the second episode

Some thoughts on episode 2 (The Man Trap):

- it was kinda funny seeing Jim be like “she’s old as fuck, just like Bones”

- I didn’t realize that was where “he’s dead, Jim” came from and my dad quotes it all the time

- it was interesting that even the creature referred to themselves as an animal

- McCoy in the ending where he really didn’t want to kill somebody he loved even if they were just the image

- would not want to be the person to explain what happened to her to Bones

[chaotic-on-main]

So glad you reblogged this because I did not see your post about this event before. And I almost missed it! 😱 But now I'm here… hi, Sky! Congrats on your milestone, dear! ❤️

I would be interested in one matcha green tea ice cream with cookie crumbles on top. If it's okay, could it be something like Levi comforting the reader while they're anxious and stressed? Something with nice calming domestic vibes maybe?

Order up!! One matcha green tea with cookie crumbles for Rose!!

Sky's Summer Fall and 250 Follower Event!

☾ Pairing ➼ Levi Ackerman x cisfem!Reader

☾ Content/Warning ➼ modernAU, pregnancy, anxiety, established relationship, pregnancy reveal

☾ A/N ➼ hi rose!! again, sorry it's taken me so long to get to this. this wasn't the initial path i had planned, but i think it went better than expected!! also i know i said i wouldn't write a pregnant reader, but i was inspired and i love the idea of dadvi even though i don't see myself wanting kids. there's something to unexpectedly soft about dad levi, and i love to imagine it. i mean, he's already so dad coded considering how many kids he adopts lol. also for anyone seeing this, the rest of my requests are no longer summer themed LMAO. i'm gonna have to do something simple for my next event a;lsdkfjalj

☾ Word Count ➼ ~1.9k

The pattering of raindrops on window panes is a sound that brings comfort to you, doubly so during this time of year. Orange and red leaves lie dormant on the wet pavement only to be run over by various cars going home for the evening. With the end of the year holidays looming around the corner, excitement fills the air. But not for you. Instead, it's overwhelming anxiety, and the rain does not bring the comfort you seek.

You're so in your head that you don't hear the keys in the door and the light footsteps of your husband coming home from work. As you toss some chocolate chips into the red bowl full of light brown dough, your mind bounces from one thought to another. Some thoughts hurt worse than others and you find yourself almost choking up until you force yourself to think of something else.

Long, cold fingers wrap around your wrist as you go to pick up a silicone spatula, holding your arm up midair. You're so startled at the sudden touch that you drop it straight into the bowl – thank god it was mixed enough to not splatter. When your eyes snap to the source, the automatic relief that normally comes with seeing those beautiful gray eyes doesn't wash over you. You’ve underestimated the anxiety that courses through your veins like ice.

“What's wrong?” Your husband's low voice comes out careful.

“Oh, it’s nothing to worry about right now. Welcome home!” You force out, your lips pulling back on your teeth in a reassuring smile. Levi Ackerman has known you for far too long, and he wasn't stupid. His eyes scan the messy kitchen counters with furrowed brows.

“I count at least 4 mixing bowls, most half filled and only a few finished products. Either you've signed up for a bake sale, or something is wrong. You only get like this when something is bothering you.” Levi's eyes go back to yours.

“I- uh. It's nothing, really.” You check the clock on the stove and gasp. “I didn't realize the time, and I haven't even started on dinner yet. I'm so sorry.” You quickly push aside your mess to make room for some space.

“Go sit down.” Levi says as he puts his keys and phone in the little wicker basket that sits on the far end of the counter.

“No, it's okay! I can do this.” You don't even know what to make for dinner. You've been in a downward spiral all day and haven't thought that far ahead. The sound of glass bottles rattle as you open the fridge doors to peek at your options - only to find them extremely limited. You should have gone to the grocery store earlier today.

The fridge closes in front of you as Levi pushes his way in front of you. Suddenly his hands are cupping your face, thumbs stroking your cheeks in a way he knows is comforting to you. You just now notice his hair slicked back, stuck in place from the rain outside. Black eyebrows scrunch together in concern as he stares at you.

“Levi, I don't need help. I can do this myself.” You mutter.

“Go sit down.” He repeats, softer this time. You stare back, trying to find the energy to argue. But you have none, so you make your way over to the plush navy couch in the living room. In a means to help comfort you, you pull your knees to your chest and stare out the window. Night time has made its way home, the yellow streetlights hazily glowing through the cold rain. It takes everything within you to focus on what you see and hear, and not what races through your mind.

Either you dozed off or fell into a trance because before you know it, Levi comes over and taps your shoulder. You blink a few times as your eyes adjust to what he's holding out to you – a bowl and a glass of water.

“I bet you haven't hydrated once today, have you?” He raises a brow.

“I've been busy?” You give him a small smile, but take the glass anyway. He sets the bowl down in front of you on the coffee table. You didn't even need to see it to know what it was as the smell of it wafts from the kitchen to your nose. Spaghetti, and Levi's spaghetti at that. Well, technically Kuchel’s - Levi's mom – recipe. From the moment he had made it for you when you both first started dating, you knew this was the best recipe you have or will ever taste.

Not only was it delicious, though, it was comforting. It was home.

“Oh, Levi.” You sigh as you reach over to place your glass down so you can pick up the warm bowl in two hands. The smell of herbs and tomatoes dance in your nostrils as you breathe in deeply. You don't hesitate to poke your fork into the red pasta and slurp up the saucy noodles.

The sofa shifts as Levi sits next to you, leg crossed as he leans back with his own bowl in hand. He doesn't say anything as he digs in, eyes looking out to the darkened window. It stays silent save for the quiet smacking and the metal clinking on porcelain. For a while, you're distracted yet again as you fill your tummy but eventually your bowl is empty and the dread starts creeping back in.

“Did you want more or…?” Levi breaks you out of your thoughts and your eyes focus back to what you were looking at – the red-streaked bottom of the bowl.

“Oh, no I'm good. Thank you for making dinner. I'm sorry I couldn't have it done by the time you got home.” You smile softly at him as you hand him your bowl. His lips twitch as he regards you. He takes the bowl from you and you think he's about to get up but instead, he sets it on the coffee table and shifts so that he's facing you fully.

“There's nothing to apologize for, dummy. What's going on in that head of yours?” He reaches over and taps your forehead gently with a forefinger.

“I don't know if this is the right time.” You whisper, feeling tears prick at the corners of your eyes.

“I'm home for the night, we have plenty of time before bed.” His hand trails down your face and cups your jaw as he holds your gaze. “What's going on?”

Reaching up, you rest your hand over his and lean into his touch. Then with a shuddering breath, you gently pry his hand off and stand up. Without another word, you make your way to the master bathroom and retrieve what you're looking for. Before exiting, you bend over the sink to take a few deep breaths. You just need to rip this off like a bandaid, you keep repeating to yourself.

Making your way down the hallway back to the living room, your fingers shake. The room grows silent as you hold the little white stick up to eye level the moment you step in front of your extremely confused husband.

Levi has to squint to see the little pink plus sign. There's a range of emotions that flood his face past the initial shock. You know when the realization hits him because his wide eyes flit over to yours as he checks to see if you're kidding. You only nod your head back. There's a moment of excitement that lights up in his eyes before the same look of anxiety that no doubt mirrors your own stares back at you.

Your heart sinks to the pit of your stomach at that.

“I-" Levi chokes on his words.

“It's real.”

You hear Levi inhale loudly as he runs his fingers through his hair and step back as he processes. You’ve been with Levi for so long but even you didn't know how he would react. Children weren't off the table, but you both had agreed to start a family when the time was right. To you, this was the worst possible time with Levi starting a new job and your writing career finally taking off. His reaction is enough to confirm those thoughts. Or, at least that’s what you thought.

“I know this is awful timing. And I’m sure we're not ready. I'm so-" Your last words are cut short into a squeak as a pair of strong arms pull you into a warm chest, the sudden movement causing the pregnancy test to fall and bounce onto the rug. You can feel Levi's heart beating a mile a minute against your own.

“Don't apologize.”

“But you’re not excited.” You’ve started crying and you can feel your tears seeping into Levi's shirt. He pushes you away from him and holds you there. His dark eyes bounce between yours as he regards you.

“Who said I wasn't?"

“I- just your face-"

“I won't pretend to say I'm not nervous. You know, Kenny was the only father figure I had and he wasn't around, not when it mattered, at least. I'm scared, actually.” His eyebrows furrow to match the concern that laces his tone.

“Levi-"

“But this is exciting, and I'm thrilled. And we'll navigate through this like we always do. But, how do you feel about it?”

“Well, I guess I'm scared too. Anxious. Our jobs are just taking off, and while I'm excited for a family with you, I'm just not sure how to take this.” You pull a hand up to wipe away the salty tears that streams down your face.

“We have 9 months, give or take. That's plenty of time for us to figure things out. But is this what you want?” Levi let's go of your arms to cup your face again. That moment of hesitance that graced his features is no longer there, only replaced by love.

“Do you think we'll be ready by then?”

“Who knows. But we can try. We'll figure it out together.” Levi pulls you back in and holds you in his tight embrace. You bury your face in his shirt, once again letting it soak up any leftover tears.

“If it's any consolation, I think you'll be a great dad. I watch the way you interact with your little cousin during get-togethers.”

“Tch. If our child is anything like Mikasa, I'm sure we'll be fine. But if they're like her friend Eren, we're starting over.” You laugh at that and slap his chest playfully.

“Levi, you can't say shit like that.”

“I'm just kidding. Mostly. That Eren kid has something wrong with him, I swear.”

You hold on to him in silence for a bit, taking note of the slowing heart beat between the two of you as the news finally sinks in. You were going to be a mom. You were going to be a parent with Levi.

“Someone needs to eat this. This is way too much for just the two of us.” You hear Levi chuckle. You can't see it, but you know he's staring at the mess you've made all day. You'll be up until 3am making sure everything gets baked so it doesn't go to waste.

“Three of us.” You lean back to look at your husband, smiling at that comment.

“You're right, the three of us.” You feel as Levi gently rests the palm of his hand on your stomach and leans down to kiss you softly. Your anxiety still lingers, but now it's tinged with relief because no matter what life throws at you, Levi is here.

tagging: @humanitys-strongest-bamf @romantichomicide95 @youre-ackermine @roseofdarknessblog @missamity @levis-squishy-cheeks @icansmellsouls @dkbktk420 @elnyrae @secretmoneybearvoid @apolloshaiku @sujiroses @jadam724 @e-riellaaa @kamyru @highgoon69 @missyasma @kingkonoha @sckerman @notgoodforlife @nube55 @svftackerman @velouria17 @melodyuzumaki

if you're not a part of my taglist but would like to be (or take off lol), please fill out the taglist on my pinned post!

[whatgaviiformes]

Fic: Grannies (part 1)

A/N: When I am in a writing lull I default to two things: crafting and post-Hydrofoil/post-SOS. I hope this is still enjoyable - dedicated to the craftyfam for inspiration. In this part: Scott

On a new day, Scott realized he wasn't alone in the lounge. Sometime in the early morning his younger brother must have stumbled in, still encumbered as he was with the cast helping his leg to heal, but Scott had been too engrossed with the work begging for his attention to notice. 

He apologizes for it now. 

Gordon has used pillows to prop himself up against the arm of the sofa so that he's sitting, and there's a space right past the injured limb for Scott to gently position his weight. This couch is made for Scott’s height, so Gordon seems entirely too small against the decor pillows. 

He’s healed nicely after the events of finding Braman - the strain on his arm and shoulder had just needed rest. Their caution saved his neck and spine, though he hadn't been able to escape the head injury, which still gives him headaches from time to time. And the leg - well that needed a bit more than just TLC. 

Scott’s hand finds the ankle attached to the uninjured leg, his voice crackling a “good morning” from the lack of use and dryness he hadn’t realized was there. Gordon, with honey-brown eyes that shine with a knowing amusement, pauses the movement of his hands and lets the strand of orange yarn drop at the reminder of Scott’s presence. They both share in the explosion of color just outside the lounge windows.

Clouds like peach fluffs remind Scott of just how long it’s been since they were able to enjoy the dawnslight together. Prior to the accident, their routines aligned with daybreak, the timing of their exercises overlapping. Gordon’s, of course, included laps in the pool. The pool which was decidedly off limits with Gordon’s current accessory. Scott would often go for a run, chasing the sun. Scott’s not so much a fan of this new normal created by the Hood’s attack - the world where Gordon is unable to partake in what runs through his blood, and where the rest of them are spread far, far too thin. 

“Granny for your thoughts?” 

Scott shakes his head. “They’re not worth the - wait, what?” 

In response Gordon tosses him a square of fabric, blaming aerodynamics when it lands on his own foot instead of on Scott’s face where he was aiming. “Well, I can’t reach my wallet and you don’t need my pennies anyway.” 

“So this is your substitute?” Scott picks it up between two fingers to inspect it. He’s not trying to make it seem like there’s a practical joke here… but it’s Gordon. So there’s a practical joke here somewhere. 

If anything, it’s the color combination. Gordon’s never been afraid of putting clashing colors together, though Scott’s never been sure if that’s truly fearlessness or whether it’s just Gordon being oblivious about it. There was a period when they were younger where Dad thought Gordon might even be colorblind - had him tested and everything. But when all was said and done, Gordon could see what he was doing when he dressed himself with one green sock and one orange - he just didn’t care. 

The square’s got the same energy, the only pattern being that no color is repeated. Otherwise, it’s random and clashing, and oh so Gordon. 

He loves it immediately. 

Even the Barbie pink near the autumn orange.

“Can I keep this?” 

“Sure. What’s one granny?” Gordon cuts the orange yarn with a flourish and loops it back through his work. “I have hundreds more where that came from.” 

“Oh, wow, that’s … a lot.” Scott wonders if they all channel Gordon’s chaos the way his square does. 

“Yeah, well. Not being able to swim is a lot.”

“Oh, Gordon…”

“Don’t. I’m irritated, and it’s not your fault. Pick a color for me.” 

“Hmm. Teal.” 

There’s a basket on the floor. Gordon reaches for it, placing it instead on his lap while he digs through his options. In the end the color he holds up for Scott is more turquoise than teal, but it’s close enough to the bird feathers outside the window, which inspired his choice in the first place, that he nods his approval. 

For a while, Scott watches him work the green-ish blue over the row of orange. Without knowing exactly what Gordon’s doing with the hook and the yarn, Scott catches the general pattern: spaces over the clusters of color and new stitches where the previous row had spaces. Each row around the row before it with corners shaped into a square. 

He understands the principle.

“What do I do with it?” he asks. It's small, despite the volume of its color. “Will it work as a coaster?” Scott hopes so; he could use some life for when working at Dad's desk. 

“It's perfect for a coaster.” 

“What are you doing with them? You can't possibly need hundreds of coasters, can you?” There's actually very little Scott assumes about Gordon’s logic. This is one he feels fairly certain about. 

“Ha, no.” Gordon's sly smile would make warriors cower. “Virgil's making me a blanket.”

“Virgil is?” 

“Well, yeah. He doesn't know I know. But it's Virgil so of course he is.” Gordon leans in conspiratorially, lowering his voice. “I'm leaving them around the villa for him to find. There's one in his favorite coffee mug right now.”

Gordon cackles. An actual full belly laugh. “I haven't had any sent back to me in retaliation,” he explains further. “Ergo…”

“Ergo,” Scott echoes, the pieces coming together. He absolutely understands now that Gordon is doing just the part he enjoys, a welcome distraction from his current misery. The injured aquanaut gets to enjoy the instant gratification of the small project while Virgil…

…does the heavy lifting. 

That’s so entirely them it makes his teeth hurt grinning. 

Scott glances at his square with a rush of warmth being welcomed into the language his brothers seem to share over yarn. He never learned when Mom taught Virgil her magic, but he knows it’s important to the two of them and that Virgil taught Gordon at the hospital all those years ago now. 

There is still one more thing he’s wondering. 

“Gordon? About these ends?” The square looks unfinished with the strands dangling with each color change.

“Oh, do they bother you?” He beams. “I don't mind them so much.”

Scott's gaze immediately jumps to Gordon's gaze away from the trailing yarn. That little shit. Virgil will hate that. Hell, Scott can't stand them unfinished like that himself. And Gordon knows exactly what he's doing. 

“You're maniacal.”

Gordon shakes his head. “No, I'm bored. And Virgil likes fixing things, remember?”

[luffyvace]

Inosuke x black male reader

The last one from the poll!! Yippie!!

I love inosuke he’s so cool 😎

your hair is….very foreign to inosuke

this is Japan so when he sees you in general he’s very confused??

and confused=confrontational (like with giyuu)

so at first there’s a chance y’all beefed (it may have been one-sided)

but to talk specifically about your hair he probably pulls and inspects it a lot

or at least tries I know you don’t let that slide

he’d ask overly blunt questions like

“what happened to your hair, is it fried?!”

your skin is also new to him

the things he be saying is atrocious but he’s genuinely curious

mans also has no social cues

which makes him come off as rude

and even if he did have social cues he’d ignore them, cuz he doesn’t care 🤷‍♀️

to sum it all up, don’t take it personally

he be munching down on your cooking tho!

so at least that 🤦‍♀️

he always asks for so much / extras

he likes spicy too

He steals tanjiro and zenitsu’s food whenever you cook

When you use AAVE he doesn’t get it

and never will

you never even bothered to teach him

he doesn’t seem like the type of guy who would get it

if you wanna say something and don’t want him to know just teach tanjiro and zenitsu AAVE

zenitsu will get it before tanjiro does-

”WHAT?? WHADDYA SAYIN?? STOP SPEAKING FUNNY!!”

”THAT DOESNT EVEN MAKE ANY SENSE IDIOT!!”

him calling you a idiot is irony I know 😂 /j

your culture/dances also don’t make sense to him..😞🙁

he might get the culture a little bit more than the dances

i mean it’s just dancing but he’ll be wondering why you have to do it a certain way

and as far as culture he’ll be like

”whaddya doin all this stuff for?! ITS POINTLESS!! lets go train instead!”

Tanjiro will get it tho!

he’ll explain his dad used to do a fire dance to ward the demons off

”is it something like that?”

close enough..🧍‍♀️

your bonnet/durag is very strange to him

He doesn’t get why you need something on your head to sleep

You explain to him that it’s to keep your pillow from soaking the oil in your hair and to keep your hairstyles neat

speaking of which when you braid your hair or if you have locs he thinks it’s very cool!

(that’s like the most positive thing I’ve wrote so far..)

Only problem is…..he wants you to do his hair like yours..

”but inosuke, your hair’s gonna fall out! And you can’t loc straight hair!”

He doesn’t wanna hear it..

he gets loud/starts yelling and you have to calm him down

your features are something he notices right off the bat but at the same time it goes right over his head

like he sees you may have a big nose/big lips but he doesn’t really pay much attention to it

like he doesn’t even think ‘everyone is different!’ so why would he pay attention to everyone’s individual features?

he’s looking for if your strong or not if anything 🤷‍♀️

im just gonna put a collage of his questions here cuz I can

”WHY CANT YOU DO MY HAIR LIKE YOURS?!”

”HOW’S YOUR HAIR SO BIG!?”

”HOW COME YOUR HAIR GOES BOING AND MINE DOESNT?!”

”what’s that black thing on your head?” (Durag)

”WHADDYA MEAN MY HAIRS’ GONNA FALL OUT?! YOURS DIDNT!!”

”is your hair a defense technique?? What does it do?”

“how’d you get your hair like that?”

”WHY DO YOU TALK LIKE THAT??”

”I CANT UNDERSTAND YOU!! SPEAK NORMAL!!”

”does your whole village look like that?? SHOW ME!”

his bluntness be getting outta hand ngl

You being a male doesn’t NOT affect inosuke whatsoever

he realized he wanted to be with you, and his mind, you were already his

(he didn’t actually ask you out 🤦‍♀️)

and yeah I pretty much have nothing else to say bc inosuke don’t care.

he’s him like that 🤷‍♀️

Inosuke’s love languages are quality time and gift giving

quality time = training

training = beating

not because he wants to beat you

but just because he doesn’t hold back at all

i hope your stronger than him

cuz if your weak……..😃

with gift giving he’ll remember the things you say you like but……it’ll just end up going..wrong..

for example! You say you need a new durag because it has a hole?

well! The great inosuke has taken the liberty to make you a new one!

like it? 😁

(oh gosh…..you don’t. What is this even made out of??)

”gee thanks..! Inosuke..”😟

”HHAHAHAHAHAH YOU BETTER BE GRATEFUL!! THE GOD OF MOUNTAINS HIMSELF MADE YOU A NEW DURAT!”😼

(yes durat 😋..he doesn’t remember the name)

zenitsu and tanjiro support you two

zenitsu was already aware of non het couples

he doesn’t see the attraction but it’s none of his business to him really

tanjiro is 100% supportive and doesn’t see it any different from a hetero couple

kind confused?? But he’s supportive :)

also commends you for taking on the rambunctious inosuke 😅

inosuke doesn’t care what anyone else has to say about your relationship

Now if they’re passive aggressive he won’t get it-

but if they directly insult either of you—your gonna have to stop him from beating them up 😜

(or join him! 😊)

all in all….your relationship is very chaotic!

you love him regardless <3

Lol inosuke so silly

Hope you enjoyed💝

[callsign-hexen]

Barn Lights and Haylofts

Summary: After being away on a trip out of state, you find yourself going to the Abbott ranch to visit on your way home. Little did you know that you were about to walk into something would make you wish you just drove off...

Word count: 3.9k

Warnings: cursing, sexual tension, the character death of an asshole, descriptions of a dead body (my hyper fixation on the stages of death really starts showing in this), hiding said body, possible grammar mistakes, an insane amount of commas (Seriously, you could take a shot every time you see one and be completely hammered by the end of this), if I miss any let me know!

Author’s note: I finally wrote something! The editing is slim to none, I was too excited!

tag list: @beacheybabes97

You watch as the headlights of your truck light up the road. The moon lights the rest of the way as you drive through the fields of Wabang, Wyoming.

You’ve been out of town for nearly a month at craft festival down south. As much as it feels great to be outside of state lines, you can’t help but feel homesick, so you take a few stops as possible on your way back. You’ve been driving for half a day in the beaten old truck.

You’ve lived in Wabang for as long as you can remember, you were born there, and you can see yourself buried there with the rest of your lineage. Your family worked in wood crafts. For generations, your family has hand carved many items throughout the town. Instead of playing with dolls, you grew up learning to carve. The business was run by you, your mother, and your father. That was, until your mother passed when you were 14, and your father just three years ago. It was all yours now. The old house, the workshop, and a small plot of land that a few cows and other animals that have made their home there.

The shop was where you met Rhett.

When you were 12, Royal brought Rhett with him into town to run some errands, one of which being to pick up an order he had placed. It was a simple wooden plaque with Abbott name burned into it to sit on the front porch. Your family ran the business in the workshop across from your house. Your days were spent waking up early, making sure the cows are taken care of, go to school, and come home to learn about wood working. When the Abbotts came by you were sitting on the workshop bench whittling your next little project, a carving of a little wolf howling at the sky. You turn around as you hear them come in.

Royal and the younger Abbott boy stopped at the entrance as they noticed it was just you. Royal greeted you with a call of your name, “Is your dad around?” he asked. You nod your head, hopping off the bench. “Yes sir, he’s over yonder in the pasture. One of our calves started wondering off so he went to make sure she’s alright. Are you here to pick up, Mr. Abbott?” you answered him, shifting your eyes over to the boy next to him. Rhett was in your grade, but the two of you never shared a word to each other, barely even a glance at one another. You sat on the opposite sides of the room and never got near enough to touch.

Now that you stand just a couple of feet from him, you almost feel like you can’t move anymore. Frozen in place until you finally snap yourself out of it before he thinks you’re as weird as everyone else does. You were always the loner everyone picked at.

“Right you are, does your father normally leave you alone at the shop?” Royal asked as you went to pick up his plaque off the shelf on the wall of the workshop. You take it over to him and placed it on the table for him to observe it. “Yeah, but only if it’s either an emergency or if he’ll only be gone for a few minutes. He should be back soon, the calve didn’t wander too far today,” you said. Royal picked up the plaque, admiring the work your father put into it, with a little bit of your help here and there.

“Damn fine work, Cecelia is gonna love this hanging up on the porch,” Royal gestures to Rhett as he looks at the woodwork. “This is my son, Rhett. I understand y’all go to school together.” Rhett shifts his gaze from the projects laying around the shop to you, his height is about the same as yours, his blue eyes looking into yours. He nods his head as a way of acknowledgment, you nod back. No words were said, you didn’t think you could for them in regard to him. You couldn’t tell at the time, but it might have been a schoolgirl crush.

The older Abbott paid for his plaque and the two made their leave. Before hopping into the truck, Rhett looked over to you one more time to see you whipping your head the other direction, trying not to let him see you looking at him back. You continued to see more of the Abbotts bit by bit since that day. You two didn’t get closer until your mothers passing, Cecelia would invite you and your father over for dinner every once in a while, when things got tough. Since then, Rhett began to play the role of some type of bodyguard. He was your only friend. When people would pick on you, they had Rhett to deal with. He would walk you home from school and drive you once the two of you were older. You would work together on his ranch, and he would help around your field if it was needed or keep you company in the shop when you were alone. As the years go on, the schoolgirl crush didn’t go away, but may have worsened. You couldn’t tell him, especially when the two of you were 16 when he caught his eye on Maria Olivares. You never felt like you could match up to her, the prettiest girl in school that every guy fawned over. It wasn’t too bad, at least Rhett was still by your side in one way.

Now the two of you are in your 20s. You’ve attended every rodeo, watched him fall off of every bull and was there to patch him up after every bar fight. After the first few months of your fathers passing, the roles were reversed for a while. You would drink a bit more, and all it took was for one buckle bunny to make a snide remark and her face would meet your fist in a timed record. Rhett dragged you out from the bar one night and drove you home. As he patched you up in the low light at your kitchen table, you would never forget what he said to you.

“Listen, I know this is hard. I know I don’t completely know how you feel, and I won’t for a long time. But it’s not just you still. You have me, and I will always be here. You have Mom, Dad, Perry, and Rebecca. Amy looks up to you and even calls you her aunt. We’re always gonna be here for you, and we don’t want to see you dig yourself into a grave. Let us help you, please.”

You stopped drinking so much that night, and you cried in his arms that night when you finally accepted your grief. He went as far as to sleep over at your house a couple of nights so that you wouldn’t be alone in your childhood home.

You’ve managed to keep the business running well and good. It’s been tough with it being just you, but you’ve been able to keep up with all your father has taught you through the years. You were even able to keep things well enough to go to the craft festival like you and your father did every year. The two of you would spend months preparing all of the little trinkets and projects to sell, and you would sell damn near all of them. You’ve been successful enough to pull it off the past three years.

This is what lands you to where you are now. In the late hours of the night, you were finally made your way back.

It feels like forever, but the Abbott ranch finally makes way into your line of site. You don’t see Rhett’s old, blue GMC in the lot. He doesn’t seem to be home, but with seeing the other cars, everyone else is. You wonder where he could be, it’s later than usual for him to be at the Handsome Gambler. The lights in the house are off except for the faint light from window in the kitchen. You were feeling guilty about possibly waking everyone up, but you feel better knowing that at least someone is still awake at an ungodly hour. Turning off the lights to the truck, you cut the engine and step out. You make your way over to the door leading to the kitchen and gently knock a few times, alerting whoever was inside of your presence. It takes a couple of moments, almost enough to where you think of going ahead and heading home, turning in for the night and catching up on some of the rest you have lost from the drive. As you’re about to turn around, the door finally opens to reveal Royal. He lets out a breath and nods to you, “Well look who it is, when’d you get back in town?”

“Just now actually,” you said with a small laugh and a smile, “thought I would come by and see you guys on my way home, make sure I wasn’t forgotten.” Royal laughs at the statement and gives you a pat on the shoulder. “I doubt that could ever happen, Amy’s been asking when you’d be back almost since you left,” he said.

You both gave a laugh as you thought of Rhett’s niece. You were both 15 when she was born. He was unsure of the arrival of a new child in the house, but the second he held her he knew he would protect her the best he could. He’d take care of anyone who messes with her the same he did with you. Amy follows you almost everywhere you go. When she’s not in school, she’d come with you to the shop with Rhett and watch you work, and you’d teach her how to make a few small things if she begged you enough. “I’m sure she’ll be excited I’m back. I’d go say ‘hi’ to her now, but I don’t want to cause a bother waking her up,” you said. You were about to ask if it was okay to come in and chat a minute, let him know how business was at the festival and how proud you were this year when a noise came up behind him.

You look passed him as Rhett came downstairs, catching your eye in a hoodie sporting a split lip and a bruise on his cheek. He stops and turns in your direction, you lock eyes from across the kitchen as he halts in his place, almost startled at your arrival. “What are you doing here?” he asks you. You chuckle, looking him up and down, “Well that’s something to say after not seeing me for almost a damn month,” you respond. You smoothly walked past Royal, making your way to him to inspect his injuries. You gently take his chin to move his head side to side, he makes a low noise and lazily moves your hand away. “Jesus,” you playfully scold him, “I leave for a while and you get yourself into shit, I really should keep you on a leash, shouldn’t I? Who’d you fight this time, one of the Tillerson boys?” Your comment makes his eyes widen; you see something that you can’t make out in his eyes. Not quite startled, but more of a bit of fear and uncertainty. Within your time together as you got him out of fights here and there, he grew to have a tiny bit of fear over being on the wrong side of your temper. “I guess you can say that,” he says almost as a whisper. You laugh again, glancing back at Royal, “like I said, leash.”

You look back to Rhett, nudging him in the chest, “Seriously, you gotta let me give Luke and Trevor, or whichever one you got into it with, a piece of my mind next time I see them”

Rhett cleared his throat and shifted his stance on his feet. You narrowed your eyes at him a bit, stepping back to completely look at him. You’ve always been able to tell if there was something wrong, or if he was lying. And you can tell now, the stench of lies goes up to high heaven. “You doin’ alright Rhett?” You asked him. He nodded his head a couple of times, “Yeah yeah, my minds just a little fuzzy from the drinks and fightin’ tonight” he said, avoiding your eyes. You nodded your head “mm-hmm” you hummed. You looked back at Royal again, he was looking out the window, as if he was expecting someone. You looked back at Rhett; he still doesn’t meet your eyes. “What did you do?” you asked in a lowered tone.

He finally looks at you, a little more alarmed, “Nothing” he said a little more rushed than he meant to. You stared him down hard, “Nothing” you repeated to him. “So why do you seem so…. jumpy tonight?” He holds your stare, he can tell you have something on him, and he’ll be able to break soon. He was never that good at lying to you or able to keep things from you. “Like I said, drinkin’ and fightin’ cloudin’ my head” he says.

“Rhett” you hear Royal say from behind you. You both look to him; he nods his head to outside in a “hurry up” notion. Rhett seems to understand what his father is trying to say to him and he looks back to you, “Look, it’s gettin’ late, and you drove a good while. You need to go get some sleep. I’ll talk to ya tomorrow, okay? I’ll walk you the truck” he says, motioning you to walk with him. You still stand there, not completely trusting the situation. “Rhett,” you say, “Whatever it is, you might as well say now. I know that you know I can tell when you’re hiding something, and if you want me to still talk to you tomorrow, you’d say it right now.” Rhett almost feels like a child getting in trouble, hell he might as well be. He looks to Royal, who thinks for a second and then sighs, motioning the two of you to go with him. Rhett turns back to you as you await your answer.

“Come on” ……………………………………………………………….. They walk you to the barn across from the house, the moon lights your way as you walk behind Rhett’s towering figure. Your mind is racing, trying to think of any of the possible, stupid situation that Rhett could get himself into, and what it could have been to be hidden in the barn. And how severe could it be for him to try to hide it from you, his closest and only actual friend. When you reach the barn doors, Royal turns around to you.

“Before we show you, you have to swear that anything that you see here must not leave this property. You do not say anything to anyone, especially not to Amy,” he says to you, lowering his voice to where only the three of you can hear. After a moment of contemplation, your mind still soaring over the different situations that this can lead to, you nod your head at him. Royal opens the barn doors, the lights almost burning your eyes as they adjusted to the brightness as dim as they were. When you were finally able to see right, you see that Rhett’s truck is inside rather than where it’s normally parked outside, answering your question from earlier. You shift your attention to Rhett himself; he puts a hand on your back, gently pushing you forward. As you walk closer, you start to see something laying closer to the back. You get a chill running through your spine as you begin to realize what was lying motionless in the back of Rhett’s truck.

Trevor Tillerson was lying in the truck bed, face covered in blood and looking as if he were sleeping. But you have a terrible feeling he’s not. You walk over to him, looking over his pale complexion.

“Him and Perry got into it behind the bar. I wasn’t there when it happened but know Perry’s temper, I’m sure he said something he shouldn’t have while Perry was in the state he was in,” you hear Rhett say behind you. “I left to bring the truck around, he was on the ground when I got back.”

You swallow the lump in your thought that began to rise as you looked at the body. Reaching down to put your fingers to find a pulse point, only to find nothing as you touch his cold skin. You hear Rhett say your name, you can tell he is getting worried at your silence. Your shift your hand to his face, lifting his eyelid, his eyes have already become cloudy just slightly. A sign that this night isn’t gonna end for a long time. You’ve seen death before, all of you have, it’s hard to run a ranch without seeing it. But there’s a hard difference between livestock and a person.

“What are you gonna do now?” you said after what felt like eternity. “What?” Rhett asked. You turn around to the two men behind you. “Rigor mortis sets in within a couple of hours after death. Unless you want to walk up to the police station with a stiff body, I have feeling you guys are gonna try to hide him instead. So you might want to make your plan before we sit here all night staring at a dead body, especially of you don’t want his brothers coming around looking for him.” Rhett looked at you as if you had two heads, walking towards you as he tried to think of what to say to get you out of this. “As far as anyone is concerned, you’re still out of town. If anything, you need to go home before anyone knows you’re here.”

“Are you kidding? I’m standing here, I’m looking at him, this makes me part of it by just being here!” you try to reason with him. They’re gonna need help and they know it; if anyone asks where they were, Rhett could say that he was with you on your first night back as an alibi. Rhett can feel himself starting to get aggravated, he wants you far from here. He wishes he could take you home, or anywhere else as long as it wasn’t the Abbott ranch. “No, your DNA isn’t on anything, you can still go and try to forget this, you need to go before something else happens,” he says. You’re about to defend your case before Royal interrupts you both, “both of you shut up and listen!”

You both turn your attention to the elder man. “Rhett, you help me get him out of the truck, after that I want the both of you to burn the shirt and clean out the back of the truck. I’ll take care of the body,” Rhett was about to say something before his father shot him a look. “We can’t stand here all night arguing, we need to hide the body before his brothers realize something happened.”

After they get Trevor out and wrapped up, you help them get his body strapped to the horse, Tillie. While you strap him in, the lights start flickering. But not in a fuse shortening way, but like they were being manually flipped on and off. You all share a look, “Perry” Royal said. You run over to the door and peak through, “shit!” you say as you see the Tillerson’s at the house. You look back to the men, “The Tillerson’s are here, we gotta hurry.” Royal nods as he mounts Tillie, Rhett going to open the back door. After Royal rides out, you and Rhett quickly throw some bales of hay into the truck bed. You look up at each other as you start to hear voices coming closer by the second. Rhett looks behind you, “Hayloft, up the ladder. They won’t be able to see us under the hay.” You both start that way as the door starts banging against the lock. You both rush up the ladder as fast as you can, falling into the hay just in the nick of time. The Tillerson brothers, along with Perry, walk in only to find an empty stable with a truck full of hay. Not looking up to see the two of you as you cover yourselves.

Rhett holds you close to him as you both hide in the stash of hay. Your bodies flush against one another. You won’t lie and say that you never dreamed of being in this position, except those dreams didn’t involve covering up an accidental murder case.

Rhett’s trying to keep his breathing low, all while trying to catch it. It almost feels like the past two hours have been a blur. With the rush of adrenaline caused by the fucked situation mixed with seeing you after so long, he feels like he could pass out right now with you in his arms like he’s been wanting to for years. The both of you can feel yourselves warming up from the body heat as you lay low in the hay, but not to where you’re suffocating.

After they finally leave, you both keep still as you finally allow yourselves to breath once again. Your body relaxing against Rhett as you calm down from the rush. You can feel his breath against your cheek. His arms tighten around you, almost like he thought you could slip from his fingers. You look over to him, your nose brushing his with how close you were. You shift your body to completely face him, his arms still around you as you two begin to look like lovers in a warm embrace. How you wish that were true. You look at each other, nose to nose, all it could take was a slight movement and you could brush your lips against his. Rhett can feel his heartbeat in his ears, his eyes leaving yours only to look at your lips and back up. You do the same, staring into his bright blue eyes.

You don’t know what makes you pull away slightly. Maybe it’s the fear of rejection, maybe it’s the feeling that it’s the wrong place for this, or maybe you don’t want to ruin how things are between you two. You pull away only an inch from him, still close to feel his body against you, but enough to cool off a bit. “What do you think is gonna happen, Rhett?” you whisper. He looks at you with uncertainty. “I’m not sure,” he says so quietly that you almost couldn’t hear him. “All I know is that it’s not gonna be good.” He tucks your head into his neck as you both lay there in the hayloft. He wishes you could both lay there forever, or at least until sunrise.

As you shut your eyes, you wrap your arms around him. You two try to make the most of this calm moment in between chaos. None of you know of what’s to come, but until then, you both rest.

[waythroughtheice]

Crossed Constellations, Part 5

As always for @absolutely-normal-about-x!

We get some more background on this Geo and Omega-Xis and ummm it's not good, but they're safe now?

I hope you enjoy!

Part 5

Oof, he was so full! “Thanks, X,” Geo said gratefully, handing over his plate. “Do you need help with the dishes?” 

“Absolutely not. You’re a guest,” X said. 

“Besides, Levi and I are on dish duty tonight,” Harpuia said. “We siblings cycle through the kitchen duties so Dad doesn’t have to cook and clean.” 

“Ah,” Geo said. He yawned, suddenly feeling very sleepy and warm. 

“Bed, I think,” X said. “Volnutt, would you mind leading Geo to a room?” 

“Sure!” Volnutt agreed. “Which one?” 

“On our side, I think,” X said, his eyes glinting. “You chose.” 

Volnutt smiled. “Okay! Follow me, Geo!” 

Geo sleepily nodded. His head felt so heavy. 

Volnutt chattered as they walked. Geo was content to just listen. “The Flutter used to be way smaller, but once Dad and everyone else arrived, we were able to rebuild it to be a lot bigger!” 

“The wood is different,” Geo said sleepily. He could tell where the Flutter had been expanded upon--instead of trying to match the previous darker wood, its inhabitants had instead opted for a sandy tan that complimented it. 

Volnutt grinned. “It was Levi’s idea. Looks great, right?” 

Geo couldn’t really muster up the energy to respond vocally, so he nodded. 

“My family stays in the new side--Roll and Barrel stay in the original end.” They stopped before a door. “There are a couple of extra rooms since Dad insisted on ‘em.” Volnutt waved his hands. “Two of them he’s set up already--did one in what he called a “German style” and the other in a “Russian style”--but there are a few he didn’t decorate at all.” 

Geo winced. Rooms for Axl and Zero then, if they ever showed up. 

He shook his head, forcibly driving the gloomy thoughts away. They would. If X was here, they would inevitably follow. It was practically written in stone with those three. 

Refocusing on the door in front of him, Geo asked. “Guest rooms?” It felt like he was wading through water, desperately sinking down to sleep even as he wanted to stay awake. 

Volnutt frowned. “No, we have those. These aren’t one of them.” 

Geo rubbed his eyes. Something didn’t add up. “But I’m sleeping in this room?” 

Volnutt opened the door. “Yup! Dad said so, and honestly it makes sense to me!” He said cheerfully. “You seem like a good guy. Your partner is really cool, too.” 

Geo flushed. “Thanks, Volnutt. You do too.” 

Volnutt laughed. “I try!” He said cheerfully. He gently pushed Geo in. “You look dead on your feet. Go get some rest!” 

Geo smiled and went in. “Thanks,” he managed. The door closed behind him as Geo fell onto the bed. 

“Hey, Omega-Xis…” He said. 

The alien popped out of the Hunter VG. “Yes?” 

“What did you talk to X about?” 

He paused. “Our normal things. And a few other things too. You’ll find out later. Go to sleep.” 

“Mmmkay….” 

Within seconds of putting himself under the covers and putting his head on the pillow, he was dead to the world. 

~~~

(Recollection of the past: Omega-Xis and X) 

X focused on the being in front of him as the child left the room. He opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by Omega-Xis’s sudden bow. 

“I need your help,” Omega-Xis asked. 

X’s brow furrowed. “What?” 

Omega-Xis sighed. “The kid needs your help,” he elaborated. 

X leaned against the counter, his gaze never leaving the neon-green alien. “Alright,” he said. “But I have a few questions of my own that I’d like to ask.” 

“That’s fine. I’ll answer them all, as long as you answer some of mine,” Omega-Xis said boldly. 

“I’ll answer what I can,” X said neutrally. So far the alien didn’t seem to be the devious kind. If need be, X could take him in a fight--but the boy, Geo. How would he take such a thing? 

“This world. Is it safe?” 

X blinked. “Is any?” 

Omega-Xis shook his head, grimacing. “Is it peaceful, X.” 

“I believe so,” X said. “It’s a quiet world we have, but it’s our own.”

“Your son is a Mega Man, though?” 

“It became more of a title,” X said stiffly. 

“But you let him have it so I guess it must be peaceful….” Omega-Xis contemplated. 

“He earned it.” 

“C’mon, you and I both know if there was a real threat you’d take the mantle back.” 

“Why did you ask, then, if you already knew?” X asked sharply. 

Omega-Xis shrugged. “I needed confirmation.” 

“Fine. My turn. Why is he running?” X said. 

Omega-Xis stilled. “A fight from our own world went badly,” he answered. 

X’s eyes narrowed. “Someone’s chasing you?” 

Omega-Xis shook his head. “No. Geo’s running because he has nowhere else to run to,” he said quietly.  

….Ah. X’s face softened. “How many?” He said. His voice was noticeably gentler. 

“All.” 

Rust and verdigris. X sucked in a sharp breath. All? At Geo’s age? How?

“It was an enemy--two enemies, really,” Omega-Xis continued softly at the unspoken question. “If they had been on their own, we could’ve taken ‘em no problem. But the thing was somehow, along the way, one joined up with the other, and--well.” His claws flexed, like he was imagining an enemy. “We joined up with another guy we knew--Cepheus--in order to stop them. We finally did, but not before everyone the kid knew was gone…along with a good chunk of our universe.” 

“...I see.” X said quietly. “I’m sorry to hear that.” He could understand that sort of grief. He still dealt with that sort of grief, even thousands of years later. 

Omega-Xis snorted. “Ain’t your fault. Anyway, we defeated the duo, but their power was so strong that they threatened to get out of our timeline and harm others nonetheless.” 

X’s fingers tightened on the counter, but he kept himself quiet, and listened. 

“They were sealed away, but there was always a chance they could get out and threaten other people, and the kid--” just a hint of a smile appeared on Omega-Xis’s face before wiping itself away again, “didn’t want that to happen. Neither did a lot of people. But the catch was….to close the “door” on any dimension means it has to lock on both sides, not just one. And a lock like that has to be permanent in order to work. No touching the door ever again, especially on the outside, which was by far the more critical of the two.”   

Oh. Oh no. “And the child was chosen to lock it on the outside, never to return home again?” X asked sharply, getting it immediately. “Why not this person that fought with you? Cepheus, you said?” 

Omega-Xis sighed. “It takes a lot of power to cross dimensions,” he said. “Cepheus could do it, but, well….he’s a king. His people were still living.” 

X’s lips tightened. “And Geo had no one left.” How pragmatic. How logical. How cruel. 

“We were--and are--stronger than Cepheus, so we were able to cross dimensions easily,” Omega-Xis agreed. “We were the strongest warrior our dimension ever produced, so it was determined we could defend ourselves, and get far, far away from our dimension as an extra precaution.” He scoffed. “Tch! We’d just won the war for them, and the survivors just tossed us out in the cold!” He sighed. “But the kid just accepted it. Said he didn’t want our foe to ever have the chance to hurt anyone else, said his goodbyes to Cepheus, locked the door, and then we…” 

“Traveled,” X said flatly, anger simmering under his skin. 

“Traveled,” Omega-Xis repeated darkly. “I think it was better this way. The human government was beginning to look at Geo strangely, and I didn’t like it. Getting him away from that timeline where he’d lost everything might’ve been the best thing. He had no one left other than me, anyway, so I hoped that maybe he’d be able to heal.” 

“Has he?” 

Omega-Xis grimaced. “Sort of. Most of the dimensions we’ve gone to haven’t been exactly peaceful, or I didn’t think the adults would help Geo out enough. He needs a home.”  

“What about Dr. Light?” X mentioned, only for Omega-Xis to shake his head. “His dimensions are never peaceful, and the governments are always super nosy around him. Governments and Geo don’t mix, by the way. Is there a government here?” 

Despite himself, X’s lips twitched. “Not an overarching one. Definitely not one that would bother or care about you or him or us.” 

Omega-Xis grinned. “Great!” He sobered. “There was one dimension that I considered bringing up the idea of staying--it was a dimension were Dr. Light had bio kids.” 

X’s eyes widened. “Really?” 

“Yeah. We lived with his son and grandsons for a time. I could see us living there, but….it was too similar to the world we’d left behind. It hurt him to stay in a world that was so similar.” 

“It reminded him of what he’d thought he’d failed,” X said quietly. “That’s understandable.” 

“Plus, it’s weird,” Omega-Xis mused. “We’ve met a lot of adults that have expressed a concern in Geo, but the human ones--they never put up too much a fuss about him fighting or anything. The only adults that ever really did were the you, and the Hunters.” 

“Not even the Dr. Light?”

“He tried, but having dealt with your big brother for so long I think he was tired of trying,” Omega-Xis said flatly. “Also, his government is always super nosy, and not in a good way. I think I mentioned that.” 

“You did,” X responded tiredly. 

“But you,” Omega-Xis said grumpily. “Are always the same, no matter the war or age. It’s super annoying. “Why is the child fighting?” “You should be in school.” “Are you eating enough?” “No, you’re not going out onto the battlefield.” And on and on and on. Zero and Axl did the same thing, just not as verbally.” 

X smiled. “Really?” 

Omega-Xis groaned. “Oh yeah. Same thing with Signas.” 

X barked out a laugh. “Signas did it too?” 

Omega-Xis shivered. “Once was enough.” 

“Fair enough,” X said, a smile still playing on his lips. 

“He loved you all the best out of all the people we met. But your worlds are never peaceful,” Omega-Xis said. “So we’ve never stayed. But you’re here,” he said. “And it’s peaceful.” He sighed. “X. I have nothing to give to you, but please--” He bowed. “I beg for shelter for Geo Doran Stelar and myself.”  

“You two can stay,” X said seriously. “You don’t need to ask.” 

Omega-Xis sighed, and straightened up. “Thank you,” he said. “The issue will be getting the kid to settle down. He’s been running for a few months now and it’s a habit.” 

“Habits can be easily broken,” X responded easily. “And my children will be happy to help.” His eyes glinted. “Let’s help a wanderer settle down.” 

Omega-Xis cracked a grin. “Thanks, X.” 

And despite not having met this alien before, X could sense that perhaps there was a reason why his other selves hadn’t separated him from Geo before. “You’re welcome,” he replied. 

[hannahmanderr]

💘 whats the Sam/Paulina ship name

okay but you're actually psychic bc I was literally already working on something that fit this perfectly so thank you for giving me an excuse to finish it hehe

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

Ardent Amethyst no. 4 (AO3)

A conversation about lipstick ends far more differently than Sam could've expected.

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

If Sam could just wear her normal makeup to school, she wouldn’t have even had this problem in the first place.

“But noooo,” she grumbled as she twisted the cap back onto her eyeliner. “Dad’s running for city council, and how dare his daughter be seen in public wearing anything that’s not cookie-cutter perfect little white girl.”

She didn’t mind that he was campaigning, if only because it gave her an excuse and a leg up in trying to help get some better legislation passed in town, but her mom forcing her to ‘always look the part’ was beginning to get tiresome.

“It’s Amity Park. It’s not like he’s running for president.” She tossed the eyeliner back into her makeup bag and pulled out her lipstick. This one was a darker purple than her usual, close to an eggplant color instead of a lavender, but it was quickly becoming her favorite. A name that referenced her favorite gemstone was almost enough to automatically win her over.

Plus it was dark. Which meant it would piss off her mom even more. Always a bonus.

She leaned over the bathroom sink to bring her reflection closer. The girls’ bathroom in the science wing definitely wasn’t her first choice of staging area, but this one had pretty decent lighting, plus the added bonus of it being out of the way enough that she wasn’t constantly being bothered by other girls bustling in and out and gossiping and trying to do their own makeup.

Yep. Peaceful. Just the way she liked it.

Carefully, she began rubbing the lipstick on. It was an art that had taken her months to perfect, but she had it down pat by this point. 

If there was one thing she could agree on with the A-list girls, it was the beauty and fun of putting makeup on. If only they had any sense of individuality to go along with it.

She rubbed her lips together to try and cover any bare or uneven spots, but the job had already been done very well, if she did say so herself. 

A thought occurred to her as she examined her reflection. Danny had complimented this color the other day. Did that mean he liked it better than the old one? Should she keep wearing this one more? Would it catch his attention, or would he be his normal, clueless self? Could she -

The door to the bathroom banged open, and she flinched. Something in her chest seized up as Paulina of all people rounded the corner. Of course she would come and ruin a decent makeup session. It just had to be her of all people.

Odd that she wasn’t with her posse though. She’d always been under the impression that the popular girls moved to and from the bathrooms like the pack of hyenas they were.

She fumbled with her makeup bag. No sense sharing the same room with a girl like Paulina for longer than necessary. She’d pretty much finished anyway.

“What’s the rush?”

Sam whipped her head around. Paulina stood behind her, hands on her hips, wearing a coy smirk. The kind of pose that just screamed “I’m better than you and I know it.”

It made her blood light on fire.

“I was just wrapping up,” she said, pouring as much ice into her words as she physically could. “Figured it’d be rude of me to intrude on the queen bee’s oh-so-important bathroom time.”

The smirk stayed glued to Paulina’s face. “Well it’s nice to finally hear you recognizing my status. Were you doing your makeup just now?” She nodded at the makeup bag in Sam’s grip.

“No, Paulina, I thought I’d just come in and stand here holding a bag full of hot air for a little while. Not that you don’t already do a good enough job of it.”

That finally made Paulina’s lips turn down, and Sam resisted the urge to grin in triumph. Paulina sighed. “So rude. And here I was about to tell you how pretty of a color that is.”

Okay. That was unexpected. “Really?”

“Yeah.” The other girl started stalking towards her, slow and catlike. “I was gonna ask if I could get a little bit of it.”

Sam’s alarm bells started ringing, and her heart began to pump a little faster as she tried to back away from Paulina only to be met by the sink. “Then you can get your own,” she snapped, trying to keep any indication of intimidation out of her voice. She would not back down from Paulina like this. Just because she was bracing her arms on the sink and leaning backwards over it didn’t mean she was backing down.

“I don’t think you get it. I want to try it now.”

“What do you - mmph!” Sam’s words were cut short as Paulina leaned into her and connected their lips together. For a moment, she could only stand there, frozen, as Paulina kissed her in the middle of the school bathroom.

Finally, her senses came back to her. Sam shoved the other girl off her. “What the hell was that?” she growled, but the effect was ruined by her breathlessness.

Paulina ignored her, instead checking out her own reflection in the mirror. The corners of her now purple-tinted lips curled upward. “What do you know? It is a good color on me too.” 

Without another word, she sauntered out of the bathroom, leaving a speechless Sam standing alone.

She blinked once, twice before turning to see where her lipstick had rubbed off on Paulina. Finally, she managed to break herself out of her stupor enough to grab a paper towel and wet it.

She wiped at her lips vigorously, quickly staining the wet towel purple. Hopefully Danny would still like her old lavender color, because she would never be able to wear this one again without wanting to throw up. A shame too. She’d really liked this color.

And honestly, it hadn’t looked half bad on Paulina either.

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

Tiffanie pounced on Paulina the moment she emerged back into the hallway. “So?” she asked, practically bouncing up and down. “Did you do it? Did she hate it?”

Paulina shook her head to try and break herself out of her haze. “Huh? Oh. Yeah, I did it.”

“OMG, yes!” Tiffanie squealed. “That ought to knock her down a few pegs! And the best part is she can’t tell anyone! Who’s gonna believe her when she tells people you kissed her, one of the biggest freaks in school?”

Something in Paulina’s heart wrenched sideways, but she couldn’t put words to it. 

It wasn’t pleasant.

Tiffanie dug in her bag. “Here.” She offered Paulina a ten dollar bill. “You’ve way more than earned this, girl.”

Paulina stared at the cash for a long moment, trying to figure out why her stomach wouldn’t quit doing acrobatics. A little voice in the back of her head was pestering her, telling her something wasn’t right about all this.

And why did it feel like her heart was reaching out for something it couldn’t grasp?

Finally, she shook her head. “Keep it,” she said, gently pushing Tiffanie’s hand away and laughing weakly. “Taking down a - a loser like her is reward enough, you know?”

“True that! You sure though? I told you I’d give it to you if you did. I really don’t mind.”

“Yeah. I’m sure.” Paulina tried to shoot her with the same smile that melted the heart of just about every boy in school. “I already got what I wanted.”

Tiffanie just shrugged. “If you say so. Oh, by the way,” she said, putting the money back in her bag and digging for something else. She pulled a tissue out. “Here. You still have a little freak on you, if you catch my drift.”

“... Oh. Right.” Paulina gingerly took the tissue and, with Tiffanie watching her, gently dabbed the purple lipstick off of her mouth. 

Satisfied, Tiffanie nodded and began to walk off. “Star and Ashley are gonna love hearing about this. Shame though. That really wasn’t a half-bad color for you,” she said, still half-laughing to herself.

Paulina followed close behind, unable to tear her eyes from the purple imprints on the tissue. Carefully, making sure Tiffanie couldn’t see, she folded the tissue neatly and put it in her pocket.

Maybe she’d hang on to it just a little longer.

[ughgoaway]

Heyyyyyy! I’ve been off tumblr since the holidays and just wanted to check in and say hey! How’ve you been? Happy new year!

I was using the sunflower emoji to sign off my previous asks (I always signed off with three emojis) and noticed over the break someone else adopted it (literally no worries at all — I can’t even keep track of what’s claimed and what isn’t lol) so I’m going to adopt 🔮🔮🔮 from now on lol.

Anyway just wanted to let you know the most recent blurb w/ Annie meeting her brother is eeeeverythinggggg to me and I need more. It was nice coming back on tumblr and catch up on the blurbs I missed. The teacher!au is one of my favorite fics I’ve ever read and I’ve missed the little family!!!

Also — I saw you’re post about how you’ve always thought Annie to end up with a character from another fic on tumblr and it just got me wondering what Mattys reaction would be to Annie dating/getting into her first relationship when she’s older. lol I can see him being really excited for her but also freaking out and wonder what you would think?

Lots of love!! - 🔮🔮🔮

hi my love!!! oh it's so great to hear from you!! this year has been a little shit so far, but its getting better for me! how about you???

I'm so sorry about the emoji mix up! although, you have chosen a very good replacement imo. for future reference for everyone, I have a list of claimed emoji anons in my pinned post so people know what's taken and what's not :)))) (i'll add you to it now <3)

omgggg I'm so glad you enjoyed the blurb, it was so fun to write. I love thinking about their little family growing :)))) it's so lovely to have you back and I hope you enjoyed your catch up!!! teacher au is one of your fav fics ever??? I am actually gonna cry??? oh I love youuuuuuu!!!!

oh yes... Matty's reaction would be interesting to say the least.

(rambles below the cut as usual <3)

✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿✿❀✿

I think he would start off just in complete denial. He refuses to believe that his little girl has a CRUSH?? or even worse, SHE'S DATING SOMEONE????

obviously, he wants her to be happy and find love, but in his head, she is a BABY. like, no, she is not 14 years old. She was born yesterday, actually.

Annie tells you about it first. I think she wants your help her break it to her dad because she knows he will have... mixed feelings. so you sit down together to tell him, and it's just... silence for a good few seconds.

"Huh? no, no. say it again, think I misheard you, sweetheart. "

"I said I have a boyfriend"

"Oh. okay, definitely heard you right then"

but being the good dad he is, he puts on a brave face for her, "That's great peanut! what's his name? how long have you been together?"

Annie gets all shy and blushy when she explains, she doesn't give his name, but she does tell him they've been together for a month now. matty nearly does a spit take at how long he's been unaware, but holds it in and just coughs awkwardly instead.

"I'm so happy for you baby, just make sure he treats you good, yeah?"

Annie nods and assures her dad she won't let him be a dick to her (matty would normally scold her for swearing but he can't muster the energy right now), and she runs off giggling upstairs because the boy in question has just rung her.

and he is genuinely happy for her, but that doesn't mean it doesn't make him feel ancient, "dating. she's dating. oh god, I think I'm officially old. i have a DAUGHTER who is DATING???"

you comfort him and laugh lightly at his reaction, which only makes him groan and bury his face in your neck. "m'sorry baby, your reaction was just too funny. from what she's told me, he seems lovely. even writers her notes in class"

matty then shoots back and eyes you suspiciously, "Wait. you already knew? she told you before me?" his voice is squeaky as he processes the betrayal.

"Sweetheart, you can't blame her! girls always tell their mums these kind of things first. she just wanted my help to tell you anyway." That soothes matty a bit. The fact that Annie wanted to share this part of her life with him at all was something he valued massively.

"Wait. she said he sends her notes. Did she show you any?" You nod, and matty immediately starts grilling you for information.

"I can't tell you anything, Matthew, girl code!" Of course he pouts and tries to get you to crumble by pressing kisses up your neck. but you stay firm (mostly) and don't tell him ANYTHING.

now, who is Annie dating? I like to think it's someone with a connection to the boys, not baby hann - those two are more like cousins. and in this universe, George and Ross aren't parents yet. so maybe a nephew from one of them?

I think her and George's nephew could be VERY interesting... especially when those two find out about the romance lmaooooo

[doevademe]

I really like Hades (both in and outside PJO) and I think he's the best godly parent (as far as Olympians go). I was wondering if you could take as a prompt an instance where it's just him an Nico discussing Percy (since they're happily engaged but Hades doesn't know yet) where Hades would be complaining about his nephew as usual, making Nico wish he was deaf or turned into a plant, a deaf one, but his dad actually ending up admitting, in his own way of course, that he likes Percy (I just love him as a character and how he only lets a tiny little fraction of his affection show and it's meaningful, lowkey wishes we knew more about him and Maria). Nico is positively shocked and announces their engagement (him and Percy actually planned on telling Hades together but Nico couldn't help blurting it out from sheer happiness) now it's Hades turn to be shook (cause one of his sons is actually going to live a happily married life, doesn't happen often) but let's his son know he's happy for him, for them. I just want Hades to bask in Nico's happiness for once, and I trust you will make it as in character as possible 😊

When normal people wanted to talk to their father, they would usually call them or visit them. When they wanted their father to go to their home, they would send a text or, once again, call them.

Nico was not normal people, sadly.

His father tended to drop by unannounced whenever he felt like it, and going to visit him involved requesting an audience or being barred from meeting him by one of his three obnoxious secretaries.

On top of that, he couldn't go with his boyfriend to inform him of their engagement, because Nico's father would throw people in the dungeon first, ask questions... whenever his immortal ass remembered he had put Percy there.

So, that left Nico requesting an audience with his father so he could invite him to dinner, where he and Percy would break the news.

They had agreed to do it together, and that this time, he actually needed to be invited. Because if they had learned anything in their years together, it was that Hades only showed up on his own when they didn't want him to.

"Hello, father," he said, bowing a bit. He thanked the Fates that Hades happened to be free right then, instead of weeks down the line. "You look well."

"Do I?" Hre asked, seemingly surprised. "There's a new entrance to the Underworld from the Labyrinth, the judges are threatening to go on strike unless they get paid more, and the last welcoming party in Elysium ended with three damned sneaking in and now the heroes are complaining about the Furies flying over them looking for the intruders."

Nico blinked for a few seconds before shrugging.

"And yet this is the least paperwork I have seen in this room in years," he commented.

And his father chuckled and stood from his throne, ruffling his hair.

"So, what brings you to my throne room?" He asked, shoulders dropping a fraction of a milimeter. For his father, that was a lot. "Is your work slowing down? Because you're more than welcome to tackle any of the issues I have here."

"It's not that." He shook his head. "It's about... well, it's about me and Percy."

Hades glared as the temperature around them dropped a few degrees.

"Is that idiot making things hard for you?" He asked icily. "If he is—"

"Things are going well between us!" He said quickly. "It's just... Percy thought you could come to dinner say, next Saturday? You know, so we can actually prepare."

Hades sighed and went back to his throne, sitting.

"That boy would be more tolerable if he wasn't constantly trying to win my approval," he said. "Then again, with a deadbeat as my brother for a father, it doesn't really surprise me."

"He just wants things between you two to be less tense," Nico tried to reason with him, knowing it was just a matter of time before he started one his critiquing rants.

"Was it me who started hostilities, Nico?" Hades asked, raising an eyebrow. Nico groaned. "It was him who assumed me the villain more than once, when I'm the only one actually following the rules my brother makes and then breaks. That boy..."

Sometimes, Nico found himself wishing he could become deaf at will. It would be the most stupid of superpowers, but so useful when dealing with gods, his father included.

Hades never forgot a slight against him, and he was more than happy to recount them whenever he wanted.

"He spent years ignoring you, my son, when it's clear you're his perfect match," he continued on. "I would have sent every single one of my hellhounds after him if he didn't make you happy, yet he never thanks or appreciates—"

"Wait," Nico interrupted him. "You think Percy and I are... the perfect match? You agree that he makes me happy?"

Hades's eyes widened. He closed his mouth and shook his head.

"He... his love for you seems genuine, but that boy loves in such a way that he endangers the world around him to protect his loved ones," he said, avoiding his look. "You would be better off with... this son of Calliope who—"

"You warmed up to him," Nico said, unable to contain his smirk. "You approve."

"I... you said it's none of my business who you date," he muttered. "But if he makes you happy, then... yes, I find him... agreeable."

It almost seemed like his father would choke on those words. Nico's smile widened.

"My father likes my fiance~" he teased. Half a second later, he realized his mistake as his father's eyes widened and his mouth hung wide open. "I... I mean—"

"You are... engaged?" He asked in a thin voice that was so unlike him. "My son is engaged... to Perseus Jackson?"

"I... look, we planned to tell you together, that was what the dinner was for," Nico said desperately. "There would have been a proper asking for permission and everything just... please don't vaporize him, father."

"Nico," he said, his voice, posture and expression betrayed nothing. "Remember what I once told you, back in Portugal?"

Nico winced.

"Please father!" He cried. "Percy's death can be avoided, you just need some time to get used to the idea!"

"Not that, boy," His father rolled his eyes. "What I said about my hope for my children."

Nico stopped to think, what had he said, again?

"That... you wanted your children to find happiness," he said slowly, coming to a realization.

"Are you?" He asked seriously. "Does my brother's spawn make you happy?"

Nico nodded.

"More than anything."

Hades gave him the smallest of smiles.

"Then I have nothing to complain about," he said. "I'll free my schedule for that dinner."

"Father?"

"He still needs to ask my permission, just as I asked Zeus to marry Persephone." Hades looked at him, his smile turning sadistic. "You are not to tell him that I'm aware of this."

"But why?" Nico asked. "You said you approved already!"

"Your father has so very few pleasures in his life," he said simply. "Watching Perseus Jackson squirm is but one of them."

[faofinn]

No. 2 "I'll call out your name, but you won't call back."

@whumptober-archive

Thermometer | Delirium | "They don't care about you."

A 'recovery' fic set some time after this

Harrison had gone from strength to strength in his recovery. Even despite the sepsis and pneumonia, on top of the initial gsw and opened chest in the field.

It had been a long, hard slog to get there, though, that couldn't be forgotten. After the chest drain, he'd ended up with a little delirium from everything, and everyone dreaded that it was going backwards. Somehow, he kept progressing, kept improving, kept defying expectations. 

It was several months later when he was finally allowed from the bed, graduating to being allowed to potter between there and the sofas. He was on strict instructions to not treat anyone, to not do anything stupid and outside of his current abilities. He still had a babysitter, though they denied that that was why they were there. It was obvious, but he didn't really mind; he enjoyed the company and conversation. 

Harrison had lost so much weight with it all, far too much, and that brought its own problems. His prosthesis no longer fit properly, the bone rubbing against the hard plastic. It put him off walking with it, choosing instead to use his crutches where he could.

Fao didn’t mind ‘babysitting’ Hars. He was still getting over his own chest infection, easily tired, and so sitting around in the basement doing paperwork and making sure Hars had what he needed suited him just fine. Besides, he liked Harrison’s company, and it was still just so nice to have him ‘back’ after all they’d been through. 

The past few nights, Harrison had been struggling to sleep. He just couldn't settle with pain and just wrongness in his bones. He'd tried to shake it off, busying himself in the basement to try and keep his mind active. The room spun each time he stood, but after a few moments of gripping whatever counter he was closest to, everything returned to normal. It was just tiredness, that's all.

Fao noticed as Harrison emerged from his room, somewhat unsteady on his crutches. Not unusual, and Fao wished he’d use his chair instead, but he wasn’t about to start that fight again. 

“Hey. Need anything?” Fao asked. 

He took a moment to reply, looking blankly at Fao before he shook his head. "No, I'm good."

“You okay?” He asked, frowning. 

"Been better."

“Need something? Meds?”

"I want out of the basement."

“Want some fresh air?”

"Yeah. But I want to stay out."

“I can’t let you stay out.”

"You can't keep me here."

“You’re still not well, Hars.”

"I'm late, Fao. I don't have time to worry about not being well."

Fao frowned, standing up and putting his book down. “Late?”

"Yes, late. I'm trying to get ready."

“Late for what?”

Harrison turned to look at him, exasperated. "Work. Honestly, Fao. I don't get you."

“You don’t have to go to work, you’re off sick right now. You got hurt, remember?”

"I'm not stupid, I know I got hurt. I can fucking feel it."

“So you don’t need to go anywhere.”

"Yeah, I do." He turned back, swaying on his crutches. "I need to go."

“You don’t need to go to work, you can stay here. Why don’t we sit down, I’ll put the kettle on?”

"I don't want a drink. I want to go outside."

“Come on, it’s okay.”

"None of this is okay."

“I know, I know. But you don’t need to go out, you can stay here.”

He frowned. "I don't want to stay here."

“I know, but it’s for your own good.”

"It's obviously not."

“It is, Hars. I know it doesn’t feel like it.

"Where's Tai? He'll tell you."

“He’s at work today, he’ll be home soon.”

Harrison frowned at him. "Well where's Levi?"

“Your dad is with him.”

"He's my son."

“Nobody is saying otherwise.”

He huffed. "Right. Okay."

“I mean it, Hars.”

"Mean what?"

“Nobody’s saying otherwise about Levi.”

"Right. So I need to go."

“No, you don’t.”

"Whatever." He turned away, bored of the conversation and ready to do his own thing. 

The turn made him dizzy, but he figured it would go, it had to. He stumbled forward, managing a few steps before his crutch slipped slightly. He struggled to right himself, but the dizziness was only getting worse, the room darkening at the corners. 

Nausea rose too, only adding to the feeling that he was dying, but he didn't have the energy to do anything about it. His leg shook and he knew his knee wouldn't hold him, but the thought was quickly lost to the blackness.

“Hars? Harrison?” He called.

Fao spotted the way Harrison went blank, the stumble just another warning sign. He crossed the room quickly, aiming to help Harrison stay upright on his crutches, but his eyes rolled and he went down. He reached for him just as he went, stretching further than he should, and he staggered under the weight of him as they went to the floor. It was softer than it had been if he’d not caught him, but it wrenched Fao’s bad shoulder and he groaned, the pain already bad. 

Harrison was still in Fao's arms, his chest rise and fall all too shallow. It took a few moments for him to start to come to, screwing his face up. 

“Hey, you’re okay.” Fao said, running his fingers through Harrison’s hair. “Take a moment.”

He groaned, trying to get his bearings. He reached to rub his eyes, his head pounding. 

“You’re alright. You fainted.”

"Head hurts."

“Headache? You didn’t hit the floor.”

"I'm on the floor."

“I caught you, you fainted.”

"Oh. Okay."

“Let’s get you back to bed.”

[theflowerofthecommonwealth]

Power Armor Punch Part Forty Seven

Masterlist

Curie: Do tell me what happened, my love? I do not like seeing you so… *motions her hand in a cycle in front of her chest while searching for the word* Downtrodden.

Lucille: Nick’s gotten pretty protective of Jasmine. I can’t even make a simple observation without someone getting pissed off. So I’m just going to stay out of it.

Curie: I see. Have you said anything about this to Monsieur Valentine and Jasmine?

Lucille: Why should I? It’ll just cause more problems than it’ll fix. They don’t need me around- pretty obvious to see.

Curie: That’s quite an assumption- do you really believe it’s true?

Lucille: Jas never talks to me and Nick’s lately giving me the cold shoulder. That’s plenty of proof, Curie.

Curie: *softly* I see…

Lucille: Unless it’s for good reason, I’m not going to go where I’m not wanted…

Nick: Excluding the time of you probably being frozen alive, you’re still young. *scratches the side of his head* You must not scar easy- some people just don’t at all. *chuckles* Guess you’re one of them. *pets her head gently*

Jasmine: (Frowns a little. That’s true, but she’s not getting scars or marking even from the worse things happening, her body just snaps back to normal after a few days) (Quietly) “You would think after all they have done to me I would at least have one mark…” (Glances where the bruising is from Nick had grabbed her, there being more horrible bruising there at one point and even some third degree burns) “But no- not a mark…” (Smirks and scoffs to herself) “I suppose that is a good thing in the end.”

Nick: *sighs* Doll… *puts a hand on her shoulder* Don’t think of it as a shortcoming. Instead, consider it a sign of how resilient you’ve been to overcome everything you’ve been through. How strong you really are. *gentle smile, brushing a hair from her face*

Jasmine: (Blankly blinks at Nick as the words sink in, unable to think of a good enough response so she just goes back to snuggling close with her head against his chest)

Nick: *rubs her back, letting her stay in this moment as long as she needs. Gives him a moment to relax, too*

Jasmine: (Will lay there for as long as her programming will allow her, which she probably can push for a few hours. It is however, starting to bother her in the back of her mind, but maybe talking about something her head dubs as useful will help) (Quietly) “What do you plan on doing now?”

Nick: Well, after we get maybe a little food and water in you later, I was thinking we’d head out to Far Harbor. See if we can find Donovan for ya. On the way there, there’s a chance we can stop by an old apartment for clues. If it’s not raised to the ground…

Jasmine: “Hm? What apartment?” (Raises her head to look at her Dad inquisitively, still holding onto him)

Nick: *hesitates* It’s… ah… *relents* where Charlotte used to live. I want to find out what she was playing at and just how much of a monster she was beyond leaving you in the garbage. *strokes her cheek softly with his metal thumb* Don’t know what the old Nick saw in her… but if you’re really his kid then I’m glad something good came of it.

Jasmine: (Whimpers sadly when she hears about Charlotte and is reminded of her first abandonment, lowering her head with the top of her thumb in her mouth until he says the final part. That sweet remark and the gesture of stroking her cheek makes her tear up. She scoots up and rearranged herself so she’s clinging to Nick like a baby koala bear again, head resting on his shoulder with her arms around his neck and her leg slung around his waist)

Nick: *slight surprise at the sudden koala bear clinging to him but beams at her and resumes rubbing the small of her back* Love you, Rosie…

Jasmine: (Softly) “I love you too Dad…” (Closes her eyes and nuzzles in the collar of his coat, letting herself doze off a bit. She’s not fully sleeping because she’s still aware of everything and can hear Nicks machinery whirling and feel his comforting hand on her back, but it’s close enough to sleep that she’s getting rest)

Nick: *lets her rest for a few hours more. She needs as much as she can get for the road ahead*

Jasmine: (Sleepily coos when she opens her eyes from her light catnap, feeling ready to brave the big and scary world again. She shuffles in Nicks arms, clinging to him tighter as her mind starts to clear)

Nick: Hey, doll. Ready to get up and get going?

Jasmine: (Quietly) “Yes I am.” (Slowly unravels herself from her Dads embrace, smoothing out her dress as she sits on the edge of the bed)

Nick: *sits up with her, taking a moment to stretch despite not needing to* I’ll get you some more soup. *goes and heats her up a smaller bowl of it and a can of water then offers both to her*

Teshteal: *curled up on the couch now, sleeping as sound as he can despite the nightmares*

Jasmine: (Frowns at the offered food and water, but takes both without a fuss. She cautiously starts spooning small spoonfuls of soup into her mouth that consists of mostly just the broth, taking tiny sips of water between bites. Doesn’t think she’ll be able to stomach much, but hopefully she will not throw the bowl like a picky toddler this time)

Nick: *smiles, happy she’s eating something even if it’s just broth*

Teshteal: *having a nightmare that he’s alone again… this time as a punishment* Let me out- let me out- let me out- *kicking his legs frantically on the couch*

Jasmine: (Barely can sip down one fourth of the bowl before she’s handing it back to Nick, shaking her head while waving her free hand in front of her mouth in a negative motion)

Nick: Okay… *takes it back* Just glad you tried to eat something. *takes the bowl and walks out to put the rest up and comes back* Ready to head out?

Teshteal: *ears perk up and he’s instantly awake at the thought of the group leaving. He rushes down stairs* Are we going?! I’ll come along!

Nick: After Jas gets her armor back on, yes.

Teshteal: Are we bringing Lucille with us? I think Gardio would have wanted me to look out for her*

Nick: *hesitates and looks at Jas with concern*

Jasmine: (Was in the process of digging through her bag for her clothes and armor when the question and hesitation hits. She raises her head and blinks blankly, wondering why Nick is looking at her with concern written all over his face at the question if her adopted sister was going to join them. She assumed that Lucille was coming with them all along…)

Teshteal: So, is she coming or not?

Lucille: *just walked in* I’m not-

Teshteal: Why?

Lucille: I don’t think you guys need me slowing things down. Besides, it’s obvious Nick doesn’t want me around while he’s working this one. *shrugs* Makes sense- especially how easy it is for me to say the wrong thing lately.

Nick: I’m just looking out for Jasmine-

Lucille: I know. I am, too. Which is why I’m staying here.

Jasmine: (Stays quiet and completely still on the bed, eyes going over each adult slowly while she smooths out her dress)

Teshteal: We could use the extra help-

Lucille: Teshteal, I’ve seen what you can do. No you don’t.

Teshteal: Your power armor was very helpful back at the glowing sea. I’m too short to do that even if I used my tail!

Lucille: *gestures at Nick* You don’t need that either- Nick can lift more than the average human.

Nick: Not as much as you lifted earlier. Just how strong do you think Gen 2 Synths are?!

Lucille: Pretty damn strong. Still, I doubt you’re going to need me where you’re going. Especially with anything that has to do with Jasmine.

Teshteal: You don’t know that-

Lucille: Look- Everytime something that has to do with her comes up, I seem to just make the situation worse. Sometimes you just gotta cut your losses and realize some people just do not like you. *turns away to leave*

Jasmine: (Watches her leave with the tilt of her head. While she is a upset with Lucille for the previous events, it does not mean that she doesn’t like the older woman. Plus, aren’t they going to Far Harbor? Nick has gone there sure, but having another experienced person may help. Also, Nick and Teshteal kinda stand out compared to herself and Lucille with her helmet on, or at this rate in general even with her arm and eye exposed)

Teshteal: *crosses his arms* I still think you should come with us. Nick and I aren’t human which leaves Jasmine the only person who can talk down someone with a narrow mindset on what counts as a person. You wouldn’t be helping her by doing this. It puts her in more danger.

Lucille: *over her shoulder* I have a synth eye and arm. That kinda puts me in the “not human category-”.

Nick: That’s different. Those can be excused for prosthetics and a means for survival. You’re still passable as human even with that old right arm of mine.

Lucille: So suddenly you want me to come with you? After giving me the cold shoulder?

Nick: I think you might be confused, Luce. If I wanted to shut you out, you’d know. It’s just some of your comments? About Jasmine? They’re a bit unwarranted at times and that can really affect her. That’s why I’m hesitant.

Jasmine: (Staying silent because she doesn’t have anything useful to add in. She is fine with Lucille coming along if there are no more surprise hugs and needles, slaps or comments. Hell, the comments are not even suppose to bother her, but since its from someone considered close it does)

Lucille: I’ll try not to comment on her situation. However if it’s a life situation I’m going to have to act some way.

Nick: That act better be “get Nick” only.

Lucille: What if you’re not available.

Nick: Get Teshteal.

Lucille: What if he’s not available?

Nick: Then you’ll have to take care of her. Which means you need to be patient and calm unless it’s a dire situation. At least until I can step in.

Lucille: …I hate to ask the obvious but-

Teshteal: What if you’re dead?

Nick: Teshteal’s in charge of keeping her safe-

Teshteal: What if I die?

Lucille: It would be my responsibility, then, because I’m the last resort.

Jasmine: (Tune them out once they start talking about death and stares off in the abyss, her poor tortured soul can’t take anymore of that topic especially if it’s about losing Nick so it’s better if she goes numb….)

Teshteal: Are we going? *pivotting up and down on the balls of his toes and heels rather excitedly*

Lucille: I haven’t seen this much excitement in someone since Dogmeat showed me a crate for the first time.

Teshteal: Dogmeat? Who’s that?

Lucille: A friend. He’s a dog that hangs around and helps people. Honestly if anyone’s his owner it’s probably Nick.

Nick: “Owner” wouldn’t be the word I’d use. More like a colleague and pal. He’s a real expert in tracking down people or things that need finding- puts my skills to shame.

Teshteal: …We are still talking about a dog, right?

Jasmine: (Perks back up at the mention of Dogmeat, the sweet doggy boy who she considers to be her best friend)

Dogmeat: *heard his name and comes bounding in suddenly*

Lucille: *backs out to give Dogmeat more space*

Teshteal: *hisses and starts scrambling to eacape* No! Dog! Big dog! No! *tears his way out of the room and sprints up the loft*

Dogmeat: *slight confused whine but puts his front paws on Jas’s lap and gives her plenty of puppy kisses*

Jasmine: (Also gets confused on Teshteal’s sudden departure but soon is giggling happily at the pooch and starts petting his head while he overloads her with doggy kisses)

Dogmeat: *stops briefly to sniff her then tries to nuzzle under her chin with his big snout*

Teshteal: *cradling himself tightly on the couch. If it weren’t for the fact Dogmeat seemed friendly he would have killed him instantly out of fear*

Jasmine: (Hugs the pup and place a gentle kiss on his head, scratching behind his ears in the spot where she knows he likes)

Dogmeat: *wags his tail and thumps his back foot excitedly, eyes closed abs leaning into the ear scratching*

Teshteal: *slinks back down and peaks his head around the door* Is… is it safe…? *trembling like a leaf*

Lucille: Pretty safe, yeah. Dogmeat usually doesn’t hurt you unless you’re an enemy of one of us.

Teshteal: *withholding judgement*

Jasmine: (Cooing sweetly at the adorable doggy baby, straight up picking him up and placing him on her lap like he’s a chihuahua while continuing to scratch behind his ear. Compared to her small frame, Dogmeat is huge on her lap and his back legs are spilling onto the bed, but she doesn’t seem to care)

Teshteal: You sure that’s a good idea-?

Lucille: She’s genuinely smiling and giggling, any idea that causes that is a great one.

Teshteal: *very slowly steps into the room*

Dogmeat: *just wagging his tail wildly and lifts his head to look at Jas, partly rolling on his side on her lap. He’s a really happy puppy*

Teshteal: *holding his tail nervously*

Jasmine: (A really happy little girl as she snuggles into his neck with another fit of joyful giggles and a beaming smile at the silly puppy. She’s not sure why she’s getting so bubbly and lively right now, it’s just part of her unpredictable mood swings that can go very quickly up or down in a matter of seconds. Maybe that’s why she’s kinda trying to hide her brightness away in Dogmeats neck)

Teshteal: *keeps thinking of dogs being set on him and that doesn’t help*

Nick: Were you always this scared of dogs?

Teshteal: *voice breaks as Dogmeat rubs the top of his head against Jas’s chest and neck affectionately* A little but it’s gotten worse.

Jasmine: (Kisses Dogmeat again, letting herself fall backwards on the mattress so that the pup is laying on top of her while she scratches behind his ears and that other spot he loves that is right above his back left leg. She’s in puppy heaven right now, letting herself enjoy this despite the screaming in her head to stop being so joyful, because lord knows that their trip will be difficult on her…)

Nick: As nice as this is. I think we ought to get going. Dogmeat, you can come with if you want.

Dogmeat: *sits up suddenly and excitedly and softly barks at Nick approvingly*

Lucille: I’m heading to the exit… *leaves*

Teshteal: *eagerly follows*

Jasmine: (Sits up and again smooths out her dress, figuring it’s best to change now that Lucille and Teshteal are out of the room. She quickly puts back on her layers of clothes, ending with zipping on her tactical vest over her jacket and neatly folding away her dress in her bag) (Signing) “Can I have some of my old stuff back? Just the weapons and sewing kit.” (Starts braiding her hair so it’s out of her way. She definitely needs her gun, she threw the other one down)

Nick: Since we’re going back out unto the wastes? Yes… *goes over to the tool box and pulls out her weapons, sewing kit, and bloody book then hands them to her*

Jasmine: (Nods in thanks and properly puts them away, slinging her bag over her shoulder while she pulls on her hood, ready to get moving)

Nick: *leads her out of the Vault*

Dogmeat: *walking with them*

Jasmine: (Follows along while she puts on her mask, shyly reaching for Nicks hand again while they walk. She really should stop this habit of holding her Dads hand so much, it’s probably annoying to deal with her always needing physical assurance…)

Nick: *notices and smiles at her before taking her hand*

Dogmeat: *trotting along next to her happily like the goodest boy he is*

Lucille: *leading the way* Wait. Where are we going?

Nick: Far Harbor.

Lucille: Oh! *everything that happened in Far Harbor hits her like a brick- especially navigating DiMA’s memories and what happened with Tektus. Darkly* Oh… *also remembers how dangerous the wildlife is over there* Oooooh……

Nick: Why the long face? I thought you liked Maine.

Lucille: Do I look like Stephen King?

Teshteal: What’s in Far Harbor?

Nick: An old friend of Jas’s supposedly. Also my… ahem… brother.

Teshteal: Didn’t you have a sister…?

Nick: He’s another Gen 2 prototype like myself. Where related in the sense that the Institute put us together on the same cutting room floor.

Teshteal: That wasn’t what I asked. *flicks his tail in annoyance*

Nick: Yes, Teshteal, the old Nick had a sister. She’s long gone now as far as I know. *realizes they’ve stopped* Anyway, should we get a move on?

Lucille: Ah. Yeah. Far Harbor. *resumes leading the group that way*

Jasmine: (Squeezes her Dads hand, thoughts trailing back to Donovan, her childhood friend, while the adults talk. Honestly, she doesn’t even really want to find him, she’s not the same little girl he knew, she’s changed so much and for the worse)

Nick: *squeezes her hand as they follow along*

Dogmeat: *brushes against Jas’s hand to comfort her after he senses her tensing up*

Teshteal: *staying ahead of the dog but keeping an eye on him at all times. Doesn’t want anymore surprises. He hums a tune idly to distract himself*

Jasmine: (Scratches Dogmeats head and sighs, shoving away her thoughts until later. She can’t be up in the clouds out here, she has to stay sharp)

Lucille: *after a few hours of walking, they end up near Hangman’s Alley. As she passes a small crevice of an alleyway between buildings, her Geiger counter starts to crackle a little. Stops* Radiation… here? *suddenly suspicious*

Nick: *looking around, also on guard* Your Geiger Counter doing cartwheels, too?

Dogmeat: *alert and walking over to the crevice*

Lucille: *raises her gun suddenly when she spots a tall figure in the shadows, their back turned to the road. She barely makes out a coat and a hat*

Teshteal: *blinks. Sniffing the air. Picks up the scents of walnut, old books, and… a very specific cologne from the prewar days. Softly, but unsure* Dio…? No… it can’t be…

Nick: Well whoever it is it’s giving off some radiation-

The figure: *lifts and turns his head, revealing that what they’re picking up is a Glowing One- one the likes of Oswald, still stable enough that he doesn’t look like a humanoid mass of radioactive waste. His voice is mellow and soft but also a little deep* …Nick? *turns and his glowing green eyes widen seeing Teshteal and Nick. Not Lucille because of the powerarmor obscuring her* It really is you, then. *he shuts the book he was writing in*

Nick: *eyes are also wide. He didn’t expect actually finding another living colleague of Nick’s after Teshteal popped up. At the moment he’s at a loss for words. All he can mutter is the man’s name* Gardio Chapel…?

Gardio: I didn’t think… Hm… *sighs in thought, tapping his pencil against his cracked bottom lip and chin* Wait- no. Not exactly you. The original would have died or turned into a ghoul around the time of the bombs-

Nick: I’ll save you some thought, Detective Chapel- my personality is based on the original Nick’s. Without his memories and all the lovely stuff that made him the man he was I wouldn’t be around. Just another ordinary Gen 2 synth.

Lucille: *just standing in stunned silence, listening to her dad’s voice again for the first time in years. Tears prick her eyes*

Teshteal: *also surprised and very tearfully stunned*

Jasmine: (Confused on what the hell is happening that her brain overloads and she just warily slinks behind Nick so she’s completely hidden from who she’s assuming to be Lucille’s father judging by everyone’s reaction. Her hand stays on her gun on her holster while she tenses up, waiting to see what happens)

Gardio: *eyes lock on Teshteal* But you- you almost look exactly like a former partner of mine from before the war-

Teshteal: Dio- *sniffs* Dio- it- it’s me-! It’s- *clutches his head and trying to fight back the memories of all the torture and pain* I’m that same colleague-!

Gardio: *emerged from the darkness and slaps a hand on the little gremlin’s shoulder and flashes him a kind and gentle smile* I know, Linus…

Teshteal: *tears start rolling down his cheeks and he hugs the giant of a man, barely registering his real name*

Lucille: *still in disbelief. Her dad is… alive? This entire time and she never knew?*

Gardio: *actually picks him up and gives him a big bear hug* I couldn’t forget this troublemaker if I tried!

Teshteal: *mutters, tears stopping at the familiar embrace of his former colleague* I missed these hugs…

Dogmeat: *confused whimper*

Lucille: *quietly* …Dad?

Gardio: *looks up, confused at the person in power armor calling him dad. He sets Teshteal down to address her, raising an eyebrow. Skeptical tone* Do I know you…?

Lucille: Dad- it’s me-! *takes off her power armor helmet*

Gardio: I… Lucille? Please take off the helmet. It’s hard to tell if it’s you under that-

Lucille: *removes her Sentry bot helmet to reveal her tear stained cheeks*

Gardio: God- it really is you- *trembling as he lifts his arms at her* My little light… *reaches towards her but pauses* No I shouldn’t.

Lucille: What?

Gardio: You’re still human. Just being near me hurts you. *backs away a little*

Jasmine: (Dematerializes from behind Nick without anyone noticing, figuring that her extreme hostility to Gardio would ruin the reunion. She ends up running to Backstreet Apparel, and by running she means silently leaping from rooftop to rooftop, going full on Batman by perching on the ledge of the store and peering down at everything)

Lucille: *gets out of her power armor completely and pops a rad-x. She runs over and hugs him tightly* I have ways around that, Daddy. *hugs him tighter. Quiet sob* I thought you were dead…

Gardio: *pets her hair lovingly* I understand, sweetheart. *kisses her hair* I understand…

Jasmine: (Tilts her head when she sees a radstag roaming in the distance, eyes narrowing behind her mask as she focuses on it and lowers herself so she is impossible to spot)

Teshteal: *tearing up again, but this time cause it’s so cute and sweet seeing them reunited*

Lucille: *pulls back to look up at him, realization setting in* You must have lived through the bombs… 200 years- and you’re a Glowing One?

Gardio: I did… *affirming nod* I lived through it all. Every bloody part of it. *cups his little girl’s cheek and strokes it with his cracked large thumb tenderly* You look like you haven’t aged a day- how is that possible? Mutation…?

Lucille: The vault wasn’t what they promised us. We were frozen and Nate… *takes a long sigh at her departed best friend and husband* He’s dead. Someone broke in and shot him then kidnapped Shaun.

Gardio: *gasps and his eyes widen at this news about his grandson and son-inlaw*

Lucille: When I found him it had been 60 years since the incident, dying of cancer, and- *scoffs at this next part, whiping her eyes with her sleeve* Running the fxcking Institute. I… he was one of the casualties of the explosion. *voice cracks* There was nothing I could do- the Institute had to go- I couldn’t do anything to make them change- *sniffs* I couldn’t do anything to stop them- God- I murdered him-! *starts bawling* I murdered my son!

Gardio: *pulls her back in to hold her, saddened by the news of his grandson. Despite this he softly consoles her* You tried everything you could to save him from himself…

Nick: Not only that, you saved a lot of people back there by sending that evacuation order. *sighs and puts a hand on Lucille’s shoulder reassuringly* He was very sick, doll. And, from what you told me after it was all said and done, he chose to go down with the rest of the ship.

Lucille: *she lightens up a little at both of their kind words, sniffling*

Nick: Then he tried to give you a second chance in the kid synth he made of himself…

Lucille: It’s not the same…

Gardio: Back up… “kid synth”? There’s a copy of my grandson the original made? *confused*

Lucille: *laughs softly despite her tears and pulls back to look at her dad again* Yes- despite everything you still have a grandson. He won’t ever age but he’s a sweet and really smart kid.

Teshteal: Oh- that kid in the blue and white shirt? He kept looking at me when we were in the same room together in Vault 88. It was like he was studying me or something-

Gardio: *looks at Teshteal* You have glowing horns and a tail. Not common, might I say.

Teshteal: Ah. Still kinda weirded me out.

Lucille: He was just curious-

Gardio: *eyes widen again when he notices her left eye finally* Your eye- it’s…

Lucille: A gift from a good friend after got reckless in a fight… right arm’s completely gone, too. Good thing about gen 2s- the parts make surprising great prosthetics.

Nick: Yeah, just don’t go losing the bits that matter. I can’t spot you a new heart or liver.

Lucille: *chuckles* We’ll just have to find a way to download my brain into a robot at that point. Or maybe a gen 3 with a botched memory transfer-

Nick: You mean like we did with Curie?

Lucille: Exactly… *darkly* Only more dire.

Gardio: *lost again. He’s missing context of the situation but he does smile at the familiarity his old friend has with his daughter*

Jasmine: (Stalks to the edge of the building, finding that a trio of raiders have come poking around to check out what’s left of the store)

Raider One: (Looks up and squints at the little figure glaring down at them) “What the-…”

Jasmine: (Jumps down from the building, landing right on top of them with her dagger out. She pulls them upright with her and jabs it into their throat a few times, waiting for their gurgle of death to ring out before letting their body drop)

Raider Two: (Yells out when his friend goes down for good, scrambling to take out his gun and aim it at the girls head)

Jasmine: (Lunges at him before he can shoot, jumping on his back and wrapping her legs around his neck so she’s choking him, using the momentum she gained to send them both to the ground with her still in control and pinning him down)

Raider Three: (Rushes to save her friend with a switchblade, unable to shoot at Jasmine due to her being so close that she may accidentally shoot her friend by mistake)

Jasmine: (Stabs her in the kidney when she gets close, then pulls her down by the neck to stab between her eyes multiple times, making blood spill everywhere. She gives the same treatment for the raider she’s pinning down, blinking at how simple that was)

Teshteal: *sniffs and notices Jas is gone, simply as if he’s a kindergarten student telling on a classmate* Detective Valentine, I think Rosie went on a raider killing spree just now.

Gardio: *finally pulls away from the long embrace of his daughter* Rosie? Who’s that? Also- how can you tell what she’s doing?

Teshteal: My sense of smell got really good. Like a bloodhounds. *sniffs* Getting hints of a mildew laden clothing store and the scent of 3 different people- dead- and obviously raiders from the way they reek of booze, chems , and gore. *waves his hand in front of his nose, scrunching up his face*

Gardio: Sounds like Backstreet Apparel.

Nick: I better go and get her. I don’t like it when she wanders off like this- things always get a bit dicey.

Teshteal: I think I’m quicker. Let me. *crouches and sprints off on all fours*

Gardio: Did he-?

Nick: Run on all fours like a monkey? Yeah.

Gardio: …At least he didn’t have some sort of snack in his mouth.

Nick: *hands on his own hips* Give him a bit. He’ll do it.

Jasmine: (Free climbs back up the building with ease, leaving the bloodied mess behind her without looking back down. When she gets to the top she enters the store through a hatch in the roof and starts digging around for anything that could be useful. There’s not much to see or scavenge, the place has been picked through recently)

Teshteal: *finds the store very quickly thanks to Jasmine’s tenacity to keep herself clean. He climbs in through the same hatch and drops down* Hey, looking for scrap? *smiles cheekily*

Gardio: So who is this girl Linus went after…?

Nick: Well, I should tell you that Linus doesn’t go by that name anymore. He went through a lot in the vault he was in- it’s Teshteal now. *rubs the back of his head* I wouldn’t even say his real name. He breaks down quite a bit over it.

Gardio: *frowns sadly, dreading what he could have gone through to associate his own name with terror*

Nick: As for Rosalinda, best if you just stick to calling her Jasmine for now. You already strike fear into most with your size, Chapel.

Gardio: *huffs wryly* Add glowing one to the equation and suddenly that prewar nickname makes sense.

Nick: Quite. *shifts a bit on his feet* Anyway, some more things you should know about her- Jas, I mean… *starts relaying information about the vault, her fear around new people because of the vault, where she came from, his current case, what happened in 88 with Lucille- everything that seems absolutely pertinent*

Gardio: *listens thoughtfully and intently to him, nodding along*

Jasmine: (Already heard Teshteal coming so she’s not shocked when he spoke from behind her. She turns around and nods with a tiny sparkle he can’t see due to her mask, waving her hand in a negative motion in front of her throat to show she can’t speak as she approaches him)

Teshteal: Oh- you can’t speak again. Did Dio scare you back there? *smiles, reminiscent of his friend* He scared me, too, the first time I met him. He was about half a foot taller than he is now. But it seems like he’s still the same loveable softy he was before the war. *crawls around carefully, trying not to get cut on anything* Can I help you with anything? *finds a dress and smirks. Jokingly, posing with the dress drapped in front of him as if he’s trying to sell it* Oh- how about this stylishly torn dress? The mildew is tastefully scattered over the printed flower pattern and the dirt really sells the “lying in a compost bin” look. Absolutely fabulous and only 1,000 caps! What a steal! *grins like the little jester he is*

Jasmine: (Tilts her head, smiling under her mask at Teshteal and his goofy skit. She reaches into her bag and shows off a pretty 1950s blue party dress that she made out of some quality fabric she found, gesturing to the moth chewed clothes around them to point out the difference between those and her well kept ones)

Gardio: Thank you for the information, Nick. I’ll be sure to keep it in mind. As for your case, I’m assuming you wouldn’t be telling me all this if you didn’t need a little help.

Nick: Sure would make Far Harbor easier to manage. Besides I know you’re real handy with a pistol, loaded or unloaded. Plus the fog there might give you a bit of a pick me up.

Gardio: Irradiated fog? Might do me some good. I’ve found I can store reserves of radiation and fire it back in concentrated bursts- could be useful on raiders.

Nick: Very. Shame you don’t have the ability to raise ferals from the dead-

Gardio: Nick, even if I could I don’t think I would. Let them rest… they’ve suffered enough.

Nick: In a pinch it would help.

Gardio: *shrugs* I’d have to be desperate.

@lucilleandherrobots