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ky-yk · 11 months

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tears of the kingdom (ayj x f!reader)

genre: fluff || word count: 1.7k

author's note: two works in a day, who is she?? anyways my kitsch obsession gave birth to my jock yujin fixation and then this came about so i hope y'all enjoy mwamwa

"zelda...zelda...where is it?"

maybe there was a god up there because the sequel to one of your favorite games of all time, the legend of zelda: tears of the kingdom, happened to come out on the last day of your final exams of the year. you'd been skipping lunch since the game was announced so that you could pick up a copy for yourself on release day. and now here you were, scanning the wall of small titles against bright red spines looking for your well-deserved reward.

mumbling to yourself, your eyes repeatedly raked over the switch covers while debating with yourself whether you should cut your losses and just ask the lone worker by the counter. which you'd rather die than do -- the only person you'd want to be talking to is princess zelda, thank you very much.

a certain someone didn't get the memo, apparently.

"um, hey," you heard from beside you. everyone and their mother could recognize that voice anywhere.

"you're y/n, right? i'm yujin, we go to school together."

of course i know who you are, ahn yujin. resident quarterback, heartthrob, and obnoxious little sh--"oh yeah, that's me," you ended up saying.

don't get it twisted: you definitely saw the appeal if she just wasn't so. damn. loud. your morning would be perfect: birds chirping, wind blowing, and food digesting until you'd hear yujin and her cronies pass the halls making way too much noise for 6:30 in the morning.

"oh thank god, someone who can help me," she sighed in relief. your curiosity was piqued: why was yujin in a video game store at 9pm on a friday night when jang wonyoung was throwing a huge rager on the other side of town (whether or not you were invited is unimportant).

"you do know there's someone who gets paid to do that right over there, right?" you remarked with a raise of your eyebrow.

"i mean, i guess you're right, but i could say the same for you."

how long had she been standing there then?! and how did she notice that...

"touche."

she beamed, showing off her charming eye smile. "well, can you help me?"

"with...?" you asked apprehensively. if there was anything you were known for, it was for reading into things way too much. your friends would go to you last for anything because of how much time you spent directing every little happening. what if i'm being punk'd and the whole football team is outside ready to burst through with their cameras and--

"um, my friend sakura's birthday is coming up and i wanted to get her this game," she pulled up google and then showed you her phone. "you know it?"

lo and behold, there was the cover art for the very game you were looking for.

"oh yeah, i know it. i've been looking for it here too, actually, but it doesn't look like there's any on the shelves."

"huh," she remarked with a pout. cute--wait, what?

"i mean, we could try asking the guy over there? you know, the one who gets paid to look for it?" i asked, looking over to the tall and lanky boy who sat behind the counter who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.

she chuckled. "well, i guess you're right."

on the short trip across the store, your mind would not. shut. up.

wait, she knows kkura-unnie? but her and kkura-unnie could not be farther from each other on the high school food chain. then again, anything is possible: this is a world where ahn yujin could act all shy and quiet, notice me talking to myself, and look like a puppy dressed in her varsity hoodie and cyclers instead of partying it up with the rest of the school.

"excuse me, do you have this game in stock?" she asked the boy -- whose name tag read 'felix' -- expectantly.

"hm, we've only got one copy left though," felix replied after checking the stack of switch games under the counter and placing the lone copy on it.

you and yujin looked at each other, eyes wide, and going through your own dilemmas.

"oh, really...?" you asked.

"yeah, a bunch of people came to pick up some copies throughout the day."

"hm, alright. well, she'll take it," yujin said.

felix hummed in acknowledgement and scanned the game while you looked over at the girl in disbelief.

"but..."

"kkura-unnie's birthday isn't until sunday; i've got time. come on, felix is waiting for your payment."

you didn't even register him telling you the price because you were just staring at this girl. what in the...

"oh, i'm sorry. here you are," you said as you took out your weeks worth of allowance. yujin noticed your face scrunch up as you passed over $70 in cash to felix and couldn't suppress her little chuckle.

you both made your way out of the store with yujin holding the door open for you and the rest of the store to be met with a gust of cold, refreshing night air.

"are you sure you don't want this game? it might be hard to find tomorrow -- i mean, you saw how this was the last copy they had in stock..." you turned your body to face her, arms flailing about as you spoke. all you were met with was an easy smile from the star quarterback.

"don't sweat it, y/n. i saw that you really wanted it and besides, my presence is enough of a gift for kkura-unnie, don't you think? she'll understand," she replied cheekily, causing you to roll your eyes in response.

"anyways, i'll get going, bye yujin!"

"wait! do you need a ride home? it's pretty late, don't you think?"

"don't sweat it, yujinnie," you turned her words around on her. "my house isn't much farther from here."

"don't you live nearby wonyoungie?"

"yes...? how'd you know that?"

"i've been known to be observant," she replied nonchalantly.

"is that just code for 'stalker' or..."

"yah!" exasperated at the accusation, she hit your shoulder.

"i'm kidding, i'm kidding, god did you have to hit me?!"

her eyes went wide in worry. " i am so s--"

"stalker, violent, man, wait until the school hears the truth about their resident heartthrob," you joked, trying to ease her worries, which seems to have worked when you saw her shoulders relax and her trademark smile take over her features.

"anyways, let me give you a ride home. i was going to go over to wonyoung's anyways," she said.

"if you insist," you replied.

quietly, you both made your way over to her car. she opened the door for you before making her way over to the driver's side, the action making you raise your eyebrows before getting inside. she turned on the ignition and reminded you to put your seatbelt on.

"i'm not an idiot," you rolled your eyes.

"better safe than sorry, y/n. i wouldn't want your blood on my hands."

your eyes might as well have been seeing the back of your skull with how much you'd been rolling your eyes at the girl. when she heard the buckle click, she started making her way out of the parking lot and onto the main road.

around strangers, you were usually reserved. you pretty much just flew around the school like a ghost, doing your own things with no one minding you. it took a while for you to get talkative.

it took one night for ahn yujin. what can you say, the girl was interesting.

"i'm curious, how do you know kkura-unnie?"

"oh, we go to the same dance class every weekend."

she dances?! "you dance?!"

"is that so surprising?" she spared you a glance before focusing back on the road. she's got precious cargo after a--what?

"kinda, yeah. i'm learning a lot about you, ahn yujin."

"only good things, i'm hoping."

"very good things, yujinnie."

after talking about anything and everything, you realized she'd already pulled up to the front of your house.

"well, here you are."

"oh. alright," you replied, the disappointment evident in your tone. you were about to open the door when yujin spoke up.

"hey, i don't know about you, but i had a lot of fun, y/n. if you're down, do you wanna hang out again...?" she looked over at you like she was preparing for the worst.

all you gave her was a small smile. "i'd love to, yujinnie."

her entire face brightened up and then she grabbed a marker from her glove compartment. you just stared at her as she grabbed your hand and wrote her phone number down, your face heating up slowly but surely.

"text me, okay?"

"alright, yujinnie. go enjoy your party!" you said as you walked out and closed the door.

"and go enjoy your game, y/n. good night!" she called out and waited for you to go inside your house before driving off.

6 months later...

your morning could not have gotten any worse. you slept in, skipped breakfast, and it was raining like hell. the rowdy quarterbacks were basically drowned out by the storm.

which explains why you didn't notice her until you felt a heavy yet comforting jacket resting on your shoulders, followed by slender arms wrapping around your shoulders. you looked up and saw ahn yujin: star quarterback, quiet lover, and your heartthrob.

"hey," she looked down at you with an easy smile. you smiled back, although it looked a lot more like a grimace as your lips formed a thin line and your cheeks puffed up.

"i saw your messages. i brought you a croissant," she said while placing the paper bag on your desk.

"thank you, yujinnie," you said while wrapping your arms around her waist and tightening your hold on the girl. past y/n would be screaming, crying, throwing up at this, you thought to yourself. she hummed before leaving a soft kiss on the crown of your head.

"i'll go ahead, but i hope your morning gets better, love. are we still on for later?" she asked expectantly. you chuckled. "of course we are, yujinnie. go now!" you said as you playfully shoved her away. she ran off, but not without sparing you one last glance: the same one that got you hooked all those months ago.

"eh?! you're dating yujin-ah?!" you heard from beside you. your eyes went wide as sakura's unmistakeable voice finally settled in.

this'll be a long morning...

#🐻 — ky writes #girl group imagines #ahn yujin #ive imagines #ive x reader #ahn yujin x reader #ive #yujin #ive yujin #yujin x reader

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phoenixyfriend · 1 month

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This is a bit of a silly question, but you honestly seem to know a lot about political, business, and economics, so I thought I would ask.

So I’m seventeen, soon to be applying to universities, but I’m already so disillusioned with the world. Like, don’t get me wrong, I still have hope in collective action and volunteering and voting and all that, it just makes me sad that the entire world has kind of gone to hell. I like english literature and I like history and I like studying them, so I used to hop to study both at uni. I wanted to get a job as a teacher, because I want to make a difference in the world and have more variety than a typical desk job.

However. Being on Tumblr since the age of thirteen has taught me that no matter how kind or good or hardworking one person is, or even a lot of people are, one politician can still screw things up for entire groups of people. I mean… a few politicians overturned Roe Vs Wade and that sort of thing. The disability benefits bank account thing. Politicians have an enormous amount of sway over the world, and that area seems to be where someone could make the most difference.

From what I’ve seen of a political science degree, I genuinely don’t think I would enjoy it much, but I could get through it. I want to make a difference in the world very badly — it’s the only sort of legacy I care about leaving behind. And I thought being a teacher could do that for me, but the scale of being a teacher and a politician are on entirely different levels, and Tumblr has really shown me that.

So I guess I’m just asking, since you seem to be passionate making the world better too. Do you think I should study politics, so that I can try and change things on a large scale? Or study what I love and make a much smaller impact.

I honestly don't think I'm the best person to ask this question. A lot of how I ended up where I am was a matter of luck, including the luck of having parents who let me live with them rent free while I put together some savings (and even while I was unemployed).

I don't know a whole lot about polisci. I was a business major and, honestly, that major did not come in useful when hunting for a job after college... partly because all the jobs it was a foot in the door for were uhhhhhh let's go with Not The Right Fit. Most polisci majors are... I guess probably pre-law and intending to become lawyers, and lawyers do in fact often become politicians, so there's that.

My first instinct is actually 'learn a trade and join a union.' The last few years have been pretty evidential of the impact that unions can still have on both the business world and politics in general: see the impact that UAW is having, at least in the media, on the presidential election. Unions are also a pretty solid option for local networking, which is pretty key when it comes to having an impact on local or regional politics. A trade job is also something that is in high demand, stable, and pays reasonably well in most places, including paid apprenticeships, so it would give you the financial stability to focus your free time on what you want instead of on stretching to pay the bills, or having to worry about student loans. It also gives you an expertise or specialty that you can then leverage as 'evidence' of understanding the working class as a unit when engaging in something like a town hall.

Being in a union or other local organization will also give you a more hands-on understanding of how politics and things like that work, as you'll have things like contract negotiations, union votes, and policy debates going on regularly.

If you aren't the kind of person who thinks they're a fit for trade work (I'm definitely not), then college might be the right fit! But I'd definitely consider going into it with a plan for how you want to impact the world. Look up some charities or impact organizations and see what it is that they need. A lot of places are looking for grants writers or financial coordinators, or just someone who can do the accounting. It's not glamorous, and it's not like you'll be held up as a hero the way a doctor in a warzone is, but keeping track of funds or writing letters requesting funding from the government, for something like Doctors Without Borders or Planned Parenthood or Coalition for the Homeless is still an important part of the process.

Local volunteer work is also often a lot more personally satisfying and requires less overhead, so more of the money goes directly into the community you want to help, e.g. the grant writers and accountants do need a salary in a huge organization, but a local soup kitchen can probably just hire someone from the local tax office once every few months and call it good. Doing volunteer work once a month, for a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter or summer childcare program, can make way more of an impact than maybe getting a position as a staffer for a politician you may not even like that much.

That said, if you think you're good at polisci, that you'd be good at law, or that you can get a different degree with polisci as a minor that would then help you enter politics directly... maybe college for polisci is the right choice for you. Maybe you have the finances to not worry about loans, you have parents that would be supportive, and you can find an effective position after you graduate.

I can't make that decision for you. If you have a guidance counselor and they're any good--not a guarantee, but let's hope--talk to them. If you don't have a guidance counselor, maybe find a trusted teacher, or a local librarian, something like that. I don't really know you or your situation well enough to tell you what to do, but hopefully I've given you something to think about.

#Anonymous #phoenix answers asks #economics #adulthood #college #unions #vocational training

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shyficwriter · 10 months

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Temporary Home : Chapter 26

Guardians of the Galaxy fanfic | Reader x Guardians (With Yondu and Kraglin!)

Summary: When your order for spider repellent finally comes you have to go into town to get it, but what happens when your solo trip turns into you bringing not one, but three, of the Guardians with you into town?

Previous Chapter here | Next Chapter Here Or click here to: Start From Beginning

Author’s Note: For my records this chapter ends on day 76 of the Guardians living with reader. Enjoy!

Word Count: 6,992

There was only just enough time for you to register the color blue in the dim light before your would-be punching victim grabbed your wrist to block the blow and in one fluid motion had you spun facing away from them with your arm pinned behind your back. Soon followed the same gruff voice, which you now realized to be Yondu's, saying, "Alright, easy now-"

The two of you stood there for a moment with him pinning your arm firmly behind your back, your breath coming in quick bursts as your heart threatened to launch itself from your chest.

He spoke again. "For yer benefit I'm gonna assume that ya didn't mean that," he was clearly referring to you nearly sucker punching him, "-which is the only reason you're still standing. Now, if I let you go are ya gonna behave?"

Wordlessly, you nod.

"Alright then. I'm gonna let you go and you can explain yourself."

He released your arm and you slowly turn to face him, your gaze not quite meeting his. "Sorry." you say quietly. Then, slightly more loudly, "Did you need something?"

"Well, I was a little curious as to why ya just ran out the house like that, but now I kinda wanna know why ya just tried to knock my block off."

Your face began to grow hot. You had been in such a hurry you hadn't noticed anyone else on your way out. Then again, you hadn't been looking too hard either. Furthermore, what could you say? That you were running away from some spiders? You didn't think you could bring yourself to admit it.

"I- um," your gaze fell to the ground, "Did anyone else see?" you asked, declining to answer why you just swung at him. Again, what would even say?

Yondu let a short laugh out his nose. "Nah, pretty sure I was the only one. Surprised you didn't see me, I was right there in the hall." After a beat he spoke again, "Now come on. Out with it."

Unsure if he still meant why you ran out, or why you about hit him, you reply, "Nothing. What do you care for?" Crossing your arms over your chest, you continue to look anywhere but towards him.

"Just curious. People usually don't run out of a place like that unless something's wrong. Thought I'd investigate to make sure you weren't chasing after something or need backup. Then I find ya hiding behind the shed and ya just tried to knock my block off and so now I figure something must be goin' on with ya."

"I don't want to talk about it," you say sullenly, your face growing hotter.

"Why? It can't be any worse than any of what you've already told me."

Finally meeting his gaze you offer nothing more than a glare.

He rolled his eyes with a smirk. "Alright. Don't tell me then. I also won't tell you about that spider crawling in your hair either."

It had just been a joke- just some good-natured ribbing- but it didn't take long to he realized he fucked up.

No sooner than those words left his lips you reacted very badly, jumping out of your skin and immediately batting at your hair to get the alleged spider off of you. Then you half-collapse onto the wall of the shed and begin quietly sobbing.

He simply stared at you a moment, too stunned to speak. Something was very wrong. It was finally clear you weren't just being moody- but fuck- what should he do?

"Um, hey now..." he said awkwardly, eyes wide.

You didn't respond. Just continued to sob, unable to stop, your cries muffled behind your hands.

"Come on now- I didn't mean anythin' by it," Yondu tried again.

Still, you didn't acknowledge him.

He debated if he should try and nudge you or something, or if that might result in you swinging at him again. Damn. He hated seeing people cry. He needed it to stop. But what should he do? Walk away? Shake some sense into you?

Eventually he rolled his eyes and sighed before saying, "Aw hell, come here-" as he grabbed you and pulled you into a tight bear hug.

Apparently it worked. The shock of it all- combined with the fact he practically knocked the wind out of you- startled you into silence mid-sob.

"What... are you doing?" you asked after several moments, confusion evident in your voice.

"Had to make ya stop somehow, and slapping ya just seemed kinda mean seein' as ya were already crying." There was an edge of humor to his voice that almost made you crack a smile yourself. He spoke up again after a moment. "So, ya done now?"

You sniff and nodded your head the best you could despite being squished up against his chest.

"Alright. I'm gonna let ya go... again... and then I want ya to tell me what this is all about."

He could feel you slump in defeat, but let you go anyway.

Once free, you took a step back and looked at the ground, wrapping your arms around yourself.

"Well?"

"It's- I don't... I mean- ugh." You covered your face with your hands. You just didn't know how to say it, so eventually you settled for. "It was just a rough day."

"Just 'a rough day,' huh?"

You nod, still not looking at him.

Yondu frowned, but said, "Well, it ain't gonna get any better standing out here in the cold. Ya ain't even got any shoes on. Come on." He gestured you back in the house.

You finally look up at him, but instead of following, you stiffened.

Yondu furrowed his brow. "What?"

You again looked down in shame. "I-... I can't." you said quietly.

He raised an eyebrow and looked towards the house in confusion before turning back to you. "What do ya mean ya 'can't??'"

With a groan you look toward the sky. "If I tell you, you have to promise not to say a word to anyone else." Returning your gaze back to Yondu you finish with a, "Understand?"

Yondu chuckles shortly. "Sure, whatever ya say." Finally- maybe you'd finally tell him what this all was about.

It takes you a few moments, but you finally manage to get out a quiet, "There are spiders in my bed."

He raised an eyebrow, his face a mixture of confusion and amusement. "That's it? Ya found a spider in yer bed, and it sent ya runnin' for the hills?"

You frown at him, then mutter that there were, in fact, two spiders in your bed.

"Ah, two spiders. I see."

From the sound of his voice it was clear he was holding back a laugh, and you frown at him.

Yondu crossed his arms. "Well you'd oughtta know that I'd find that at least a little funny, considering..."

A sigh left your nose. Of course you knew he was referring to the fake spider you had hid in Peter's bed awhile back, and that Yondu had confiscated in an attempt to stop you and Peter from pranking each other. The irony wasn't lost on you either. Didn't make you any happier about your situation, though. "Not helping."

"Are ya asking?"

"What?" You raise an eyebrow.

"Are ya asking?" He says again, almost grinning. "Are ya asking me to help ya with yer little problem."

You stammered a bit, unsure what to say. Of course you weren't! Were you? Should you? Absolutely not- you weren't a child... and yet...

With a short laugh Yondu claps a hand on your shoulder and pushes you toward the house. "Understood. Ya need someone to come squish some creepy crawlies for ya."

You pull away. "No- No I never said that."

"Didn't need to." Yondu said with a grin. "It's all over yer face. Don't worry, I won't tell nobody... long as ya make it worth it."

You narrow your eyes at him. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, nuttin much... Let's just say you'll owe me a favor and we'll call it even."

"What... kind of favor?" you ask, hesitantly.

"Well that's for me to know when the time comes. Do ya want my help or not?"

By now most of your adrenaline was wearing off and you were starting to feel the cold. He was right, you couldn't just stay out here all night- especially without any shoes or jacket. However, at the same time you knew you couldn't go back inside to your bed if those spiders were still in it. Damn it. You knew you were going to have to take his offer.

"Fine. Just... don't make it obvious. Please." Eyes squinting, you search him for any signs that he intended to trick or embarrass you, but you couldn't quite read him.

He didn't answer you either, just motioned you towards the house with that half-grin.

Letting out a silent breath, you finally start to make your way back toward the house, hoping to get it over with a soon as possible.

Once inside it was quiet. It appeared that no one noticed at all that you had even left the house let alone what transpired outside. You didn't peek inside the sitting room door as you approached the staircase, but it seemed the TV had been shut off and you heard someone utter the words "draw four," which told you the others were possibly wrapped in game of cards, which at least let you know they were otherwise occupied.

Yondu and you quietly made your way upstairs to your room, and once there, you hesitated at the door. Yondu simply grinned and shook his head, but entered first anyway, you slowly following behind him after a quick glance around to make sure you were alone upstairs.

Once you were both in the room Yondu glanced over your slightly disheveled bed before nodding, seeing that two spiders were indeed still in your bed. Quietly, but not in a whisper, he says, "These here, I take it?"

You nod.

Shaking his head with an amused grin he got down to business. A sharp whistle pierced the air, summoning his arrow and spearing both of the giant feckers in one go before catching the weapon in his fist. He stood there, admiring his kill stuck upon his arrow.

"They bite?" he asked, curious as to why you harbored such animosity towards these little critters in particular.

You shake your head. "Not really," you answer. They could, but you knew they rarely did. Even if they did they weren't poisonous, for that matter.

"Then why is it ya hate them so bad for?"

You frown at him. You knew it was irrational, but that didn't matter. What mattered now is that they were gone.

Yondu didn't mind your lack of answer, and didn't have time to press the matter further as the sound of footsteps could be heard making their way quickly to the stairs from below before Peter could then be heard somewhat apprehensively calling up from the bottom.

"Um Yondu..." he called, letting a pause linger after as if he were unsure. "We heard a whistle- Like a really familiar whistle... I really hope no one's being threatened with an arrow up there... We noticed that it's just you and the Agent that aren't accounted for..."

"Quit yer worryin,' boy! I was just getting some target practice!" Yondu hollered back down.

"That doesn't exactly inspire confidence about what I just asked!" Peter called back up, sounding a little more worried now.

"Everything's fine," you think to answer back, forcing a laugh into your voice. "Looks like he just took out some spiders."

"Ok..." Peter responds. "If that changes let us know..."

"Come on now!" Yondu scolded, seemingly jokingly. "I'm insulted. Thinkin' I'd just go whippin' out my arrow and be terrorizin' a lady for no reason!"

"Don't give me that!" Peter called up. "I've seen what you do when you're bored!"

Yondu actually looked genuinely offended by that, and with another whistle his arrow took off again and it was seconds before Peter could be heard screaming like a little girl, quickly followed by him scolding Yondu that he 'could have at least cleaned the spider guts off it first!'

Admittedly you had to fight a grin, and Yondu was pleased to see it as he called back his arrow, Peter seemingly having retreated back to the sitting room to rejoin the others after yelling back a final, "Dickhead!" He either ignored, or had been given too much a fright to notice, that the arrow had come out of your bedroom.

The spiders were now gone off the tip of his arrow, but you chose to ignore it as he went to holster it. You could deal with the corpses later- you didn't mind so much if they were dead and you had a dustpan.

Yondu happened to glance over at the bed once his arrow was in its place and noticed he had sliced a clean cut in your bedsheets when he speared the spiders. He gestured to it and said with a half-apologetic chuckle, "Looks like we got a casualty."

You shook your head and told him not to worry about it, but stopped him just as he was turning to leave.

"Um, thank you," you mutter awkwardly, rubbing the back of your head.

He simply grinned back at you cockily and replied, "Just a simple transaction is all. Pleasure to be doing business." With that, he turned and left.

His footsteps sounded down the stairs and you turned to look at your bed before carefully reaching to gingerly pull back your blanket, momentarily wondering if you should have asked him to stay longer just in case you found more, but ultimately knowing you would have felt like even more of a child if you had.

Luckily you found no more, but you did completely strip your bed of it's sheets and remade it with fresh ones, throwing the ones the spiders had spoiled with their presence in your hamper to be washed in the morning. Again, you knew it was irrational, but there was no way you'd be able to bring yourself to sleep in that bed with sheets you knew recently had spiders crawling in them.

This also meant you now needed to go upstairs to the attic to fetch a spare blanket, seeing as yours was also now in the hamper to be washed.

Climbing the attic stairs you couldn't help but also wonder what exactly Yondu would call in for his favor, and if you might come to regret this "transaction," or not. To late for that now, you supposed. All you knew know was that as soon as you retrieved a blanket you were hitting the showers and going straight to bed. Hopefully tomorrow would be better.

* * *

Luckily, the next few days were relatively smooth sailing.

Nearly the first thing you did when you woke up the next morning was to think to order some spider repellent online. Fast shipping of course.

All you had to do in the meantime was wait. Fortunately the spiders seemed to be giving you a break for now. What you didn't know, however, was that the reason for this was largely due to Yondu quietly running any he saw through with his arrow under the guise of target practice and boredom if anyone else noticed. Of course he never mentioned it to you. In fact, he'd barely seen you since that night aside from when you'd come up to him when no one else was around to ask him about that favor you now owed him, only for him to flippantly tell you that he'd figure it out later.

Groot might have possibly eaten a couple spiders as well when he was able to evade Rocket's eye. But that was less for your benefit and more because he wanted a snack.

When the morning came that you got the notification that your spider spray was waiting for you at the post office you quickly readied yourself to go back into town.

Your intent was to slip out quietly, but you were surprised by Mantis speaking up from behind you as you were slipping on your jacket.

"Are you leaving?"

You jolt, not expecting to hear her, and turned only to be surprised to see her wearing a pout. Raising an eyebrow, you answer, "Um, yeah. Just gotta run to the post real quick. Did you need something?"

"I want to see the Terran town! Can I go? Pleeease?"

"Oh-" You blinked, puzzled. She had never expressed interest in going before, at least not that you had noticed? Come to think of it, would that really even be the best idea? People would definitely start staring at her completely black eyes and those antennae...

Wincing slightly, you notice Peter and Gamora walking into the hall, and speak up so they might hear. "You're wanting to go into town, Mantis?" You weren't sure what they'd do, but you hoped they might see the impending bad idea and talk her out of it instead.

"Yes!" She gestured over to Peter, who had now stopped to exchange glances with Gamora upon hearing you. "Peter and Kraglin have gotten to go into town so many times! I want to see too!" She now dropped her pout in favor of excitement, and you were now worried she had mistook your question for an offer.

"Did I hear my name?" Kraglin asked, entering the hall from the kitchen.

Mantis nodded. "Yes! You and Peter got to go with the Agent into town many times. I'm going this time!"

Gamora meets your gaze and she seems to be on the same page as you. "Um, Mantis... I'm not sure-"

Kraglin interrupts, clueless. "Ya better hope the Agent has a hat to cover your feelers there, Mant."

Mantis looks confused, but then Peter chimes in before her feelings even have a chance to be hurt. "Yeah, gotta remember we're undercover."

Now Mantis grins wide and turns back to you excitedly. "Do you have a hat!?"

You just stood there a minute. Blinking. Part of you was annoyed they had seemingly made the decision without you. The other part was surprised that you hadn't thought of covering her with a hat in the first place- after all, you had made Peter wear sunglasses the first time he went into town with you, which wouldn't be too bad an idea in this case too now that you thought of it... Wait- what were you saying? You couldn't take her into town! You've seen how easily distracted she can be-

But damn it- that face! You knew you couldn't say no now. Begrudgingly you reply, "I think I might have something in the attic."

Mantis squealed excitedly as you glide your gaze over to Gamora and Peter. For a moment you wondered why she was looking at Peter that way before she met your gaze again somewhat apologetically and you immediately knew what she was about to say next despite you narrowing your eyes warningly.

"Perhaps Peter should go too?" She glanced back at Peter. "Give Agent a break while she runs her errands?"

You continue to glare at her as Peter shrugs and says he won't argue with a chance to get out of here for a bit. Damn it. You knew she likely just wanted some space again and found an out to get some. You attempted to curb your annoyance with the silver lining that this was further proof that she truly hadn't taken Rocket's words to heart when he pulled that stunt of trying to convince her you were gonna steal Peter.

Then, on cue, Yondu walks through from the sitting room towards the kitchen, only to clap Kraglin on the shoulder and say, "Ya should probably go with 'em too then, Krags. Quill may be watching Bug for the Agent, but who's gonna watch him?"

Yondu laughed as Peter protested the insult, and as you turned your glare to him he threw you a wink right before disappearing into the kitchen. Clearly he had heard the previous conversion happening and simply wished to stir the pot. Bastard.

Taking a deep breath, you state you're going to check the attic real quick for a hat that might work for Mantis. Maybe you'd take your time, figure out how a trip alone turned into you now bringing three people with you. You tell the others to get ready to leave while you look as you turn to head upstairs.

It didn't take you too long to find a hat. There had happened to be one hanging on an old coat rack near the top of the attic stairs. Only thing was it wasn't exactly... subtle. It was an old wide-brimmed sunhat that you think might have belonged to your mother, but you weren't sure. All you know is that you had never even bothered to wear it to play dress-up as a kid, which is probably the only reason it was still in decent condition with as old as it'd have to be.

Without bothering to look around for anything a little less... noticeable... you grabbed the hat, beat off the dust, and headed back downstairs. The faster you'd get all this over with the better. You were just going to pop in and grab your package after all. How much trouble could they possibly get into?

You return downstairs and find that Gamora had left, leaving Peter, Kraglin, and Mantis waiting for you in the hall. She was already wearing the sunglasses and beaming excitedly over how she'd finally get a turn to leave the house. Someone, likely Peter, had already managed to locate them and gave them to her. However, unlike Peter who had put on his jacket and Kraglin who was currently slipping his poncho over his head, Mantis didn't appear to have anything of the sort. When you questioned this, as it wasn't very warm out, she informed you that she didn't have one.

You frowned and handed over the hat, which she put on gleefully. "Wait here a minute. I'll grab you something." And back up the stairs you went, knowing that you had a cardigan or two in your dresser. You pulled out a brown one and went back downstairs to hand it to her. "Ok, now is everyone ready?"

Mantis nodded excitedly as the other two shrugged their affirmatives. They, of course, were happy to get out of the house for a change, but they were no where near as excited as Mantis.

With a sigh, you motion them out the door and off you went.

* * *

Mantis was a chatterbox the whole way into town. She gushed over the trees as you drove past, and pointed out every animal she spotted- mostly livestock- and asked what they were from the back seat.

Admittedly it was a little endearing, her innocent excitement. She didn't even ask "Are we there yet?" throughout the long ride, too enamored with the scenery to care.

Mantis gasped when you finally approached the town, right before she joyously squealed that she was finally getting to see a Terran town. You couldn't help but grin at her enthusiasm as you pulled into a parking spot at the post office.

Rightfully assuming she'd want to come inside to ogle the post office interior, you didn't even bother asking if the others wanted to come inside or stay in the car. Hell, Mantis had practically jumped out before you even parked.

...And started off down the street.

"Mantis!" you yell, causing her to immediately turn around, nearly losing her hat as she done so. "Don't run off, I don't want you getting lost."

"Oh-" Mantis said, before nodding her head with a smile and coming back to rejoin the group and following you into the building.

There was no line today, which you took as a blessing. Wouldn't have to worry about too many people gawking at your housemates as Mantis busied herself ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the postcards in her out of season sunhat and sunglasses getup while Peter and Kraglin watched over her fondly as they glanced over some old magazines, waiting on you to retrieve your package.

Within a few minutes the woman behind the counter handed you over the box with your spider repellent and you thanked her before turning back to the others and gesturing them to follow you out.

The second the four of you were out Mantis piped up asking excitedly where you'd all be going next.

Truthfully, you had only planned to grab your package and head back home, but something about the excitement on her face made you preemptively feel bad to disappoint her. Before you could decide what to do, Mantis announced she spotted some flowers in a window box and then promptly stepped into the street, right in front of an oncoming car.

Luckily Peter was quicker than you in that moment and snatched her back before anything bad could happen, though the driver of the car did yell some choice words at her as he drove by. Mantis wasn't even phased, though Peter did scold her for walking out in front of a car. Perhaps it was good he and Kraglin came after all…

With a stern look you tell Mantis and the others to get in the car before someone actually did get run over.

Sensing that you were displeased with what just happened, Mantis didn't argue, but that didn't stop her from asking again what they could see next.

You thought for a moment... what could it really hurt to stay in town for just a little longer?

"Say, what do you guys think about bringing pizza back for dinner?"

"I mean, I'm game," Peter replies for the other two, "but the cheese might be a problem..."

"Ah shit, right. I forgot about Yondu." you say, frowning, but then a light bulb goes off in your brain. "Oh wait- I can't believe I didn't think of this before! There's medicine for lactose intolerance. We can pick it up right from the shop."

Kraglin raised an eyebrow. "Lactose intolerance? I thought it was that 'dairy' stuff he couldn't have? The hell is 'lactose?'"

"Yes- I mean, lactose intolerance is just what they call it when you can't have dairy. Look-" you shake your head as if waving off the conversation, "If you guys want to try pizza we can pick him up some of that medicine so he can have it too, or we can not do that. Your choice."

Mantis and Kraglin look at Peter for his opinion as he would presumably know if this 'pizza' was worth trying, and so he shrugs and nods. "Sure," he says, the other two deciding to nod with him, Mantis smiling wide- obviously excited to try some new Terran food.

"Alright. We'll stop by the shop first and pick up the medicine. There's this one pizza shop nearby that should be good for carry out."

With no arguments from anyone, you set off for the shop.

Mantis behaved liked an excited toddler. She ran off no fewer than 4 times in what was supposed to be a short visit to just grab some over the counter lactose intolerance medication. Sure, it was still a little endearing to see someone clearly so happy and excited to see so many new things, but also a little exhausting since Peter and Kraglin didn't seemed too concerned with her running all over the place. Some help they were.

You finally check out - with a few extra items like soda and napkins alone with the medicine - and get everyone rounded back up in the car to head off towards the pizza shop.

When you get there you figured three large pizzas would be more than enough to feed everyone, and let the other's look at the menu to decide what they wanted to try and what they thought the others would eat.

In the end the order wound up being one pepperoni and peppers (mostly to have a safe choice), one vegetation with peppers, tomato, mushrooms, and onions, with pineapple and sweet corn on half (Mantis insisted she wanted to try that, and you supposed she could pick them off when she realized that wasn't a great idea), and one loaded up with meats like pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, and even chicken (they figured that would be more enjoyed by Rocket, and probably also easiest to be filling for Drax.)

The place wasn't very busy at the moment, but it still would take a little bit for them to make the pizzas, so you decide to take the others outside to walk about while you wait.

Just like with the post office and the grocery shop, Mantis was amazed with everything, even though you personally didn't see anything particularly special about most of it. Then again, you were used to all of it. To her this was a completely new place. Again, endearing, but increasingly exhausting trying to keep up with her.

Exhausting to the point that you took a moments pause and looked over at Peter who was just chatting to Kraglin with a blasé attitude. "How do you guys keep up with her?" you ask, a littler perturbed that they weren't help keep track of her as was supposed to be their reason for coming. Well, Peter's anyway. You supposed Kraglin was technically holding up his end since he was staying with Peter, though you knew that whole "If Peter's watching Mantis, who's gonna watch him?" was just Yondu messing around.

Peter shrugged. "We mostly don't. I mean, she's never gotten lost before. She always turns back up sooner or later."

Well that explained why they didn't seem too concerned that she kept running off.

You simply sigh in response and look back in the direction you last saw her, only to see that unlike each time she'd wandered before, this time you had completely lost sight of her.

Eyes wide, you get Peter's attention again. "She's gone."

"Don't worry so much. She'll turn back up. She always does."

You scoff at him and turn to look all around you. You couldn't see her anywhere for a good thirty seconds before finally spotting her by her hat down an alleyway across the street. "Shit. You two stay right here, I'm gonna go grab her."

Not waiting for an answer you took off, quickly avoiding cars as you crossed the street towards Mantis. You were glad it wasn't dark yet, unless you counted the storm clouds that had started moving in on an otherwise overcast day. Last thing you would need was for the sky to open up before you all got back to the pizza shop. But no time for worrying about that now, because you just fully noticed where Mantis was walking.

She was heading toward what appeared to be a white, unmarked van, and you didn't like the looks of it. It was parked at the back of the alley where the alleyway turned, and you could only see the back half, as the front half was obscured by a building.

Rarely does something good ever come from an unmarked van. Especially in an alley. You knew from experience, both from working jobs where you had to find people who used them to kidnap the vulnerable, and from working jobs were you were the one inside the van, tracking those who might do harm. Sure, you might have been the good guy, but what happened to the assholes wasn't exactly nice for them either.

"Mantis!" you call out, picking up the pace, but she doesn't seem to hear you. So, you start jogging as Mantis continued getting closer to the van. You call out her name again, but again, nothing. Damn it. Switching to a full run, you notice the back lights turn on, like someone had just turned the ignition key. If there was someone unsavory in there and they grabbed her they could take off down the rest of the alley and you'd never catch them. What if they were traffickers? What if the people after the Guardians had found them and they were stalking them in that van?

Ok, so maybe you were catastrophizing, but better safe than sorry.

You finally catch up to Mantis and grab her, startling her as you jerked her away from the van. As you start pulling her back in the direction that you came the van pulls away. Perhaps this wasn't 'one of those vans' after all, but still. You had every right to be worried.

"Didn't you hear me call you?"

"No- I'm sorry!" She winced, knowing she messed up. "I didn't mean to run off again- there was just this pretty insect and I didn't want to lose it!"

Whatever the insect had been, it was long gone now, but your anger wasn't. "You just can't keep running off like that. You could have gotten lost. And don't ever go near an unmarked van, do you hear me?" Your tone was harsh, scolding.

"Sorry," Mantis replied, nodding. She looked sad from getting yelled at, but you willed yourself to ignore it.

The two of you were quiet for a moment after, you just focused on getting her back to the others, before Mantis spoke up again. "Agent? Why were you afraid?"

"What? I wasn't afrai-" It was then you realized you were still holding her hand, and you promptly let go of it. "Thought we talked about you not doing that without asking," you scold, irritated.

Mantis apologized again. "I didn't mean to- I promise! You startled me and I just... sort of did it on instinct?"

You toss her a quick glance and see she genuinely just looks so sad to have disappointed you that you can't bring yourself to stay angry. Irritation now softened, you just repeat what you said earlier, "Never go near an unmarked van, 'kay? They're just not safe." You hoped she wouldn't ask why, as you weren't sure you cared to explain just what sort of horrible things you'd seen them be used for in the past.

She didn't. Mantis simply nods and the rest of the short walk back was silent. You considered texting Maria about the van so they could look into it just in case, but if it turned out to be nothing or wasn't even actually 'unmarked' (since you only saw the back half of one side) you didn't want the fallback, so you didn't.

When the two of you reached Peter and Kraglin you suggested that you all head back to the pizza shop to wait. They got the hint that you needed to cool down a little and so didn't speak much on the way back. Even Mantis restrained herself from her former excited antics, walking quietly beside Peter with her head down, and honestly you were starting to feel bad for yelling at her. Yes, she needed to be more careful, but she was just excited.

The pizzas were ready pretty much as soon as you walked through the door, and after paying you and walking to the car you asked Mantis if she wanted to be charged with the task of holding the pizzas on the way home. She seemed to perk up a bit at having been given a job, and you cracked at smile when she remarked how warm they were in her lap.

Mantis was less excited on the way home, and at first you thought she was still sad, but a glance backward made you smile when you realized the reason for her silence was that she had fallen asleep.

You guessed the heat from the pizza boxes combined with the rain that was now coming down around you, was just cozy enough to put her to sleep.

The rain had mostly let up by the time you got home and after Peter woke Mantis and brought the pizza's inside, you placed the pizzas in the oven to heat them back up a bit before eating, as the ride from town to home wasn't exactly short.

While you waited you presented Yondu with the lactose intolerance medicine.

"What's this?" he asked, looking at the bottle.

"It's something to keep you from shitting yourself to death after eating dinner," you reply cheekily.

Yondu narrowed his eyes at you.

"It's up to you though. You can always find something else to eat if you don't trust it."

He could smell the food, and it actually smelled pretty good. He also didn't feel like making something else for himself if there was already food made, so he shrugged his shoulders and took a dose. "This better work," he said, washing it down with some water.

"Yeah, for all our sakes," Peter quipped from behind the two of you, earning a glare from Yondu before exiting the kitchen with Kraglin and Mantis to tell the others you guys brought food back.

Now that it was just the two of you, you thought to ask, "Um, if it does work, I don't suppose this will count towards whatever favor I owe you?"

Yondu just laughed and shook his head before leaving the kitchen.

"I guess I should have expected that..." you say after him in response, slightly cringing at how obvious you were making it that you were nervous about what he might ask for in return for his 'services.' You weren't used to owing other people. It felt weird.

* * *

Dinner went pretty well.

Everyone enjoyed the pizza, even Yondu who'd made the previous complaint that 'Terrans put that 'dairy shit' in everything.' And surprisingly to you, Mantis actually didn't wind up pulling the pineapple or sweet corn off her pizza. Neither did Kraglin, who also had some of that half of the pie. More power to them, you supposed.

On the flip side, unsurprisingly Groot didn't eat much, considering his tiny size. He mostly picked the toppings off one of Rocket's slices. Or was it his own slice? You couldn't tell. All you knew was Rocket put two slices on one plate and sat Groot down with him on the countertop where Groot ate the toppings off the slice Rocket left on the plate and Rocket finished off the slice when Groot had his fill of the toppings.

Also, luckily for everyone, the lactose intolerance medicine worked for Yondu. Well, mostly.

You all weren't run out of the house like the previous incidents, but every so often throughout the evening as you were winding down in your room you could hear Kraglin loudly complaining and Yondu laughing from their bedroom across the hall, each time preceded by fart noises. You couldn't help but laugh and be grateful that the smell didn't waft over to your side of the hall, and that your door was also closed if it did.

Mantis was holding back giggles as well when Kraglin could be heard proclaiming that he was gonna go sleep in Drax and Rocket's room after the third or fourth time. Yondu was only heard laughing in response and making some quip about having the room to himself.

The two of you shared a look and you could tell she no longer thought you were mad at her for running off earlier, and you were glad. It made you feel better knowing she was no longer sad about the situation, but you still took the time then to apologize for yelling at her, and in turn she apologized for running off so many times.

All in all, the day seemed like a success to you. Nothing truly bad happened in town, no one argued at dinner, and you sprayed the house down with the spider repellent that evening so it was very unlikely you'd be finding anymore spiders in your bed anytime soon.

Speaking of spraying the repellent, it seemed Gamora had either convinced the others to tidy up around the house while you were gone, or she had done so herself as perhaps a thank you for agreeing to take Peter into town to give her some space, because you noticed the house definitely seemed cleaner than you left it as you went about spraying in the corners and windows with the repellent. You made a mental note to thank her in the morning.

You were in a pretty good mood, all things considered. Much better than the other day when you nearly punched Yondu in the face.

And with the house already seemingly cleaned, the only thing really left to do was to think about what you wanted to do tomorrow, but now that you thought about it, there wasn't really anything pressing that needed done. You could maybe try and take some time to do an inspection of that tunnel like you had been meaning to? Or you could just take a day to just do nothing? Spend the day outside, taking a walk through the woods while you can before the weather really starts getting colder?

Oh wait- Fury should be coming tomorrow for another check-in and restock. Guess that means both a day-long walk or tunnel inspection are out of the question. You should really be around and available when he shows up- whatever time that could wind up being. One of these times he's probably going to come at midnight just to keep you on your toes.

Although, thinking about it some more, it has been a few days since you played the remote prank on Peter... that should be able to keep you plenty entertained while you wait for Fury and Maria to come and go.

You should see about getting the remote back from Rocket tomorrow.

#gotg fanfiction #gotg #gotg fic #x reader #reader is an agent #marvel fanfic #fanfic #fanfiction #guardians of the galaxy vol 2 #guardians of the galaxy #yondu udonta #mantis #mantis x reader #yondu udonta x reader #peter quill #kraglin obfonteri

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kurosstuff · 10 months

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Ghostface!Nico Robin

Warning(s): blood, violence, its horror.

I don't remember why I wrote this but it was fun also reader is stated to have hair/long enough

The world is a scary place. Especially one where a deranged murder is out in your town killing innocent people - your friends. One who set their sights on you. Spending every day in fear of it being your last- the calls became more and more frequent- things moved and placed in new areas as the killer became more confident with tormenting you. Calling the cops didn’t help- there were no signs of a break in.

They couldn’t do anything

You were almost alone - but thankfully, your girlfriend Robin never left your side. The thought of her made you almost weak at the knees- the most gorgeous woman in your college choosing you- loving you? It was a dream come true. Even now as you tiredly rubbed your eyes- the words of the page becoming more blurry. She always took care of you

“Come on, love,” a brush of a hand gently brushed yours - stopping the pen from moving. Looking up those soft blue eyes staring into yours with such love “lets get to bed? You’ve been studying for hours now”

Picking you up, you automatically wrapped your arms around her neck, holding Robin close. Placing a soft kiss on your forehead, she walked you down the hall to your room. Dressing you in your pajamas for you. “I can’t stay for long. I have to get to work soon” She hummed softly

“Cuddles first?” You tiredly asked, nuzzling into the soft blankets under you. Smiling, she got underneath, opening her arms for you to dive into - “you smell like tar,” you mumbled, scrunching your nose in disgust- leaning down she kissed your nose

“Yeah- I had to clean up a bunch. Someone knocked down the whole jar of it- almost ruined the project”

Humming, you started to fall asleep in her arms. Didn’t even feel her move herself from you when she needed to go - smiling at the gentle kiss goodbye- you curled up into the blanket falling asleep. Feeling safe.

A familiar ringing sound echoed into the house- taunting you. Teasing you. Your eyes widen in fear. It’s them. You don’t know for a fact it is- but their the only one who calls the house phone. The one who constantly calls when you think your safe. When your alone

You were almost tempted to ignore the phone- but remembering what happened last time you sighed shakily. Getting up, you slowly walked down the hall. Your heart pounded in your ears once you reached the phone. It was so tempting to cut the wire- to do whatever to get them to stop. Taking a deep sigh you picked up

“..Hello?’

"Took your time, little mouse.”

The same distorted voice called out from the phone. Your heart dropped. Biting your lip nervously you missed whatever they were saying to you

“Do not ignore me. After all, you’re alone right now -”

“Stop - I’m not alone -” you interrupted - it was silent on the line for a moment before a chuckle happened

“Hm maybe I should call you little Rabbit” the distorted voice broke through the phone. “Those pajamas are certainly adorable. The little rabbit on the front? Quite cute”

Your heart dropped. Dropping the house phone, you rush out of the room, fear coming up in the throat

Rushing around- you started to stumble - hitting chairs and tables in your fit of panic. Their breath caught in their throat their near - they can see me

Finally closing the last window and locking it- they took a moment. A deep, shaky breath as they debated on calling Robin. Bitting back tears, they couldn’t be alone. Not now, she would keep them safe - be there.

Pulling their phone out they shakily dialed- a moment passed as their heart pounded in their ears

“Hello?”

“Robin-” they cried out happy- “what’s wrong-? Are you ok?” Her automatic concerned voice cut into their ear- making them calm down with ease.

“Please- they- they called again. They can *see* me”

“Hey, hey- it’s ok . I’m on my way right now, alright?” Cooing into the phone, they heard sounds of keys being picked up and Robin running.“I’ll be there in a moment, ok? Stay in your room and don’t open the door to anyone until I call, alright?”

Hanging up Robin smiled putting away her phone- the mask she held in her hand placed on a simple copy cat- sneering down at the body in amusement “guess you got your wish.”

Supposed Ghostface found dead

The relief you felt from the news. Finally. Finally, you’re safe. You almost wanted to celebrate it - but the thought of celebrating someone’s death - even if they were tormenting - you sounded down right horrible.

Falling on Robin’s lap, you curled up to face her- smiling up at her brightly. She placed the book down, raising an eyebrow - curling to her stomach, she ran a hand through your hair softly. “What’s up, love?” Smiling down at you

“Oh, nothing iust- really relaxed right now.”

The phone rang- the automatic dear crept up until you remembered the news- and picked up. It was silent on the other end- deafening silent.

“Hello?”

“Miss me?”

Your mouth fell open in shock. Swallowing thickly, you felt sick. Felt terrified. They were alive?

“Of course I am. You think I’d really die just like that?”

“But- but the news-”

“I was bored. Thought it’d be funny if you found out I was actually alive- I was right. You certainly are adorable.”

Hanging up without a second thought, you turned rushing into your bedroom pacing. “No, no. This is wrong. ” You felt tears coming. They can’t be alive.. can they? Coming to a stop you took a deep breath. You just needed some air. Needed a quick walk to calm down. To relax.

Walking down the sidewalk. You came to the conclusion that going at night was a horrible idea. Especially if the murderer was actually alive.

Did you have a death wish?

Sighing, you turned around to go back home before freezing. Looking back, your heart dropped. The person hunting, you wore the same outfit Ghostface did. But they looked so much smaller. You took a deep breath, trying to calm your breathing. Just dressing up- you kept repeating in your head. You turned back to walk were you originally going

It’s a horrible choice.

Hurried footsteps came from behind you - before you could look back, you were slammed into the alley way close by you. Without letting you get a grip of what’s going on, you were slammed into the wall. Trying to fight the person off gave no help - the shock you got gave them too much of an upperhand- couldn’t even think to yell for help.

Before the person could stab you - the world around you spun as they were yanked off you. Your eyes widen in surpise and a sickening feeling of relief. “Now, what do we have here?” The real Ghostface spoke weirdly sounding pissed. Without missing a beat- ignoring the cry of the guy who begged to be let go went quiet as he was stabbed aggressively. Tilting their head to look at you- they dropped the person to the ground with little to no concern. Whipping their blood off on the black cloak they put it away.

“Can’t stand copy cats”

Ghostface slammed you into the wall- letting out a terrified squeal you cowered under them- how they chuckled in that distorted voice. “Well, well, little mouse~” they cackled. Their knife titled from your chin up- forcing you to look into that white bloodied mask- the one that kept you up all night in fear. “No, thank you? I saved your life, did I not?” Leaning down the black around their eyes gave nothing away they were carefully covered.

“Come on~ be good and-” their other hand grabbed your jaw harshly- before gently rubbing your chin. “Thank me.”

“Th-” biting back a sob, you cleared your “Thank you” the gentle pat on your cheek told you. You did the smart thing to listen.

“Keep those pretty eyes closed for me, would you?” Ghostface asked, pushing you further into the wall blocking the exit. Closing your eyes tightly, you heard some shuffling. “Open them, and I’ll gut you right here and now.” The firm warning kept you from peaking - your jaw clenched until something hard and firm yet soft hit your lips in a bruising way - they were kissing you. You couldn’t help but moan- they smirked. You were enjoying the kiss- you felt horrible, but it felt so sickeningly sweet.

Harsh bites on your lips made you open up while gloved hands felt you up by your sides- your hands gripped the wall scratching the brick- their tongue invading your mouth fighting yours. The odd metallic taste hit yours.

Blood.

There was blood in your mouth as you kissed them- a murderer. Your stalker. The unknown Killer at large and you didn’t care- when they pulled away, you whined from the empty feeling. Shuffling was heard

“Open those eyes”

Opening them- you flushed in embarrassment on what you just did- the bloodied tilted mask told you the person underneath was studying you- almost waiting.

“I can see why your girlfriend likes you so much.” They laughed, moving to brush some dirt off your cheek

“Get home safe now, little mouse~ There’s a murder out and about”

Your car keys were dropped into your hand

The whole drive home, you should have felt disgusted with yourself. Felt fear anything - but you want nothing more than to feel those lip- you shook those thoughts away- You kissed - made out with your stalker- the town murderer, and your sitting in your car driving home wishing for the same person to kiss you again?

Getting into the house, you locked the doors closed everything. Once you finished, you sat down on the couch, staying at the ceiling. Everything hurt. Your lip quivered - tears started to fall.

Why did they save you?

Maybe it was some sick game to them. That’s all you could think of. How mad they got when that fake tried to kill you- their prey. You blinked. Their? It almost felt relaxing. Standing up you paced tiredly.

This whole situation is fucked up.

“-?” A hand touched your shoulder. Quickly jumping away, you stared in fear before calming down.

“Robin -” Going to her, you put your head on her shoulder- letting her hold you close. “I-” you started wetting your lips. She’d understand. You were sure she’d understand that they kissed you. “I need to tell you something - Ghostface- their alive. They- they ki-, ” cutting you off, Robin pulled back, looking you over

“You’re hurt. Let me take care of you.” Shushing you softly once you tried to explain what happened. How they kissed you. She wouldn’t listen and kept interrupting you. Stopping you from speaking or it. You were too tired to think of why she was so insistent of you not talking about it - how she didn’t care about Ghostface being alive

Robin washed you clean- gently rubbing the forming bruises from the hits the fake gave you. Silently brushed your hair, pulling it back for you. Even going as far as getting you hot chocolate as you got dressed.

You were so lucky to have her in your life- so lucky your girlfriend would do anything to keep you safe- keep you happy. You missed the knowing smile she gave you when you rubbed your mouth flushed in embarrassment whenever you’d remember the encounter.

What you don’t know won’t kill you after all.

#nico robin #nico robin x you #nico robin x reader #one piece x you #one piece x reader #one piece #i like ghostface ig

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vague-shadows · 6 months

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Something I Need

So this is my first attempt to participate in a Whumptober. I'd been debating whether to bother since the last few weeks have been crazy, and I'm behind in drafting and posting. I may not catch up before the month ends, but excited to work through the prompts as much as I can.

Prompt No. 1: “But now this room is spinning while I’m trying just to fill in all the gaps.” | Safety Net | Swooning | “How many fingers am I holding up?”

I was thinking on the prompt when "Something I Need" by OneRepublic played on my shuffling playlist, and thus we arrive at this fic. Hope you enjoy!

Read on AO3

Edward hears the key turn in the lock and rises with a sleepy smile to go and greet Roy. As he gets to his feet, the world seems to lurch sideways, and he stumbles a bit, catching himself on the arm of the sofa. He worries that he’s sloshed whiskey all over the floor but then realizes the glass tumbler in his hand is empty. Again. Whoops.

Edward hadn’t intended to get quite this drunk.

“Ed?” Roy calls as he removes his coat and gloves at the door. “You home?”

Ed leans heavily against the doorframe as he looks out into the hall.

“‘Course,” he replies with a wry smile, “where else would I be?”

He moves toward Roy, placing a hand on Roy’s chest and moving in for a lingering kiss that’s probably a little sloppy but he doubts Roy minds. Roy pulls back from the kiss, looking down at Ed as he wraps an arm around his waist.

“I thought you might still be at the university," wasn’t the programming for the symposium scheduled to last through dinner and a reception after? I thought you’d - ”

“Left early,” Ed interjects, “fuckin’ press was circling like a bunch’f vultures. Felt like a fuckin’ bug under a microscope.”

Roy sighs, letting his head lean forward to rest on Edward's shoulder. “I'm sorry. I know you hate it."

"'s not your fault."

"They only seem to get worse with the elections coming up.”

“Yep,” Ed agrees with an exaggerated pop of the ‘p.’ “And hell if I’m gonna do something stupid or embarrassing that fucks up this campaign for you.”

"Edward, you shouldn't have to be holed up in here being miserable. Maybe you should get out of town for a while? Take a vacation? I know you already hated being stuck in one place for so long - now you can’t even go out - I…worry,” he says with a look past Ed toward the sidebar where the nearly empty bottle of whiskey sits.

“You’re just worried I’m gonna be able to out-drink you at the inauguration ball,” Ed teases, hoping to deflect. “Besides, you’re missing out by not enjoying all that great whiskey you hoard - this bottle is great . Have some with me,” he says, pulling Roy by the arm as he heads back for the bottle.

“I don’t hoard whiskey. I’m curating a collection to age and - ”

Edward isn’t deterred by Roy’s oft-repeated defense of his extensive alcohol inventory. He tunes it out in favor of focusing on pouring the remaining amber liquid into two tumblers and offering one to Roy.

“C’mon. Cheers,” Edward says as Roy takes the offered glass.

“Cheers,” he replies, clicking his glass lightly against Edward’s and taking a measured sip while Edward indulges in a gulp that drains half his portion. “Edward, are you sure you’re okay? I know the stress of this election is - ”

“I’m fine , Bastard,” he interjects, “just focusing on enjoying now instead of hoarding for later. Nothing wrong with cutting loose a little bit, is there?” he reasons. “Ya only die once, right?” he adds with a grin, taking another deep drink.

“I think the phrase is ‘you only live once,’ Edward,” Roy says, frowning, the adorable little crease in his forehead that indicates he’s thinking too hard about something appears.

“Same difference,” Edward says with a shrug. “Live once - die once - however you phrase it - I wanna die with you, Fuhrer Bastard.”

“Edward - ”

“Whole damn world full of people out there, but you’re the one I never could shake.”

“Ed, I think there’s something bigger we need to talk about here.”

“Nah, nothin’ to talk about,” Ed dismisses, tossing back the last of his drink. “I tried a million times to understand the reasoning - but there’s no logic - just something about you…”

He reaches to card his fingers through Roy’s hair. Edward thought he was explaining that the political hellscape he signed up for is something that is worth dealing with if that’s what it takes to be with Roy. Except Roy just looks wrecked, and Edward isn’t quite sure why...but Ed must’ve fucked up what he was trying to say...but his coherency is fading fast, so he can’t fix it right now.

“Just come to bed with me?” Ed asks - hoping maybe he hasn’t fucked anything up so badly that Roy plans to sleep in the guest room rather than with his sloppy sad-drunk fiance. “Please?”

He hasn’t told Roy, but the nightmares that all-too-often plague his dreams have taken on a new theme these past few weeks. Almost every night, Roy gets assassinated in Ed’s nightmares - snipers, rogue alchemists, poison, bombs - it seems his mind has an ample supply of ammunition to ensure all the worst-case scenarios play out in gruesome detail. The only thing keeping Ed sane is the ability to wake up and see that Roy is safely asleep in bed beside him.

Just a few more months until the election… he reminds himself as if it’s a comfort.

But a voice that sounds too much like Truth always intrudes with the counter-thought: maybe just a few more months until the election, but what then, little alchemist? You’ll still be as much an intruder in the political world as you were in mine. Won’t you ever learn better than to tread where you don’t belong?

#whumptober2023 #no.1 #safety net #fullmetal alchemist #fic #drinking to cope #depression #royed #beka writes

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bookishgalaxies · 2 years

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Hi, I was wondering if you could do a headcanon of Viktor Hargreeves and Y/N getting into a huge argument and they say things that should have not been said but in the end it is fluff. Sorry I don't know if this sounds like a headcanon or a one shot. Have a great day.😊😊😊

Oh hun ofc I can do this for you! Love Viktor and this is such a good bc idea. 💕💕💕

Making Up After an Argument

pairing: viktor hargreeves x gn!reader

info: headcannons, not proofread

warnings: some angst

a/n: this was a nice thing to write. :)

thinking about last night made your head and heart hurt

You don’t even remember what started the argument between you and Viktor but it didn’t end well

You got so mad, and in the grand scheme of things, for what?

You felt so bad, but also hurt

Viktor said a lot of things in the moment that really hit deep within you

In all fairness you said some pretty harsh things too

So now, it was time to go to the Hargreeves mansion and make things right.

You stood at the door a little longer than you should simply debating if this was a mistake

What if the argument you guys had last night ended your relationship?

You two didn’t “break up” but you might as well have.

You started spiraling again, before Klaus opened the door and pulled you out of your thoughts.

“Y/n, a nice surprise! What brings you to this part of town?” Klaus asked

“Hi Klaus.” You said, “I don’t know why your so surprised, I come here almost every day.”

“Yeah, but I thought after what happened with you and Viktor last night you wouldn’t be around for a few days.” He responded

“Yeah….about that……I’m here to apologize.”

“That’s wonderful! You know, I hate it when you two fight.”

Klaus let you in and you walked an all to familiar path to Viktor’s room in the large mansion

You passed five on the way who gave you his usual good morning glare

Diego was practicing with his knives, you stayed away from him when he was doing that

Luther wasn’t in the house, which was probably a good thing considering he’d try and be a mediator between you and Viktor again

Allison thanked you when you passed her in the hall, saying that Viktor had been sulking since he had woken up this morning.

You finally got to his bedroom door and stood for a second, your fist held up to the door ready to knock

What was it with you and doors today? Why wouldn’t your hand just knock?

Finally, you did, and it felt like forever before the door opened.

“Y/n.” Viktor said quietly, hanging his head

“Listen Viktor, I’m-.”

“Sorry, Y/n, I didn’t mean to say those things.”

“Neither did I.”

“You really are a wonderful person to have in my life, if I’m being honest your the best person in my life.”

“You deserve so much good Viktor. Just because your powers have done bad things and you’ve had trouble controlling them doesn’t make you bad,’or mean you deserve bad things.”

“So…..are we….good now?” Viktor asked

“Yes, we are good, better than good actually.” You replied.

You both hugged for a minute, just enjoying each other’s embrace.

Then decided to go out for a cup of coffee and a muffin, holding hands and talking to each other the whole way there.

#tua hc #tua headcanon #tua netflix #the umbrella academy #viktor hargreeves x reader #viktor hargreeves #viktor headcanons #tua☁️

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themadlostgirl · 2 years

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B&B: Day One

FINALLY GETTING THESE REQUESTS DONE! AHH!

Prompt: Felix and Reader’s first day getting used to living in Storybrooke

~~~

So this was your life now. You looked around at the white painted wood walls of the apartment Snow and David had set up for you and Felix. Pan was gone and you were left in Storybrooke. After a long debate about what to do with you, Devin, Felix and you got parceled out to some of the residents to keep an eye on. If it wasn’t for the fact that winter was coming and you would freeze your ass off trying to rough it in the woods you wouldn’t be here.

Snow White and Prince Charming, or David was his actual name, unlocked the apartment door for you and showed you inside. “We don’t have enough room to keep you in our apartment so we got you this place across the hall from us.” Snow had said.

“I think it could also be a good practice in independent living for you two.” David gestured to the space. “Keep it clean, make your own food, that sort of thing.”

“You’re really going to talk to us about independent living when we spent decades doing just that on Neverland?” you sniped back.

Snow and David exchanged a look. “Well,” Snow stepped forward, “Living in an actual building is different from staying in the wilderness. There are different things for you to have to get used to. Now that you are here you have to learn about them. But, as you said, the both of you are fiercely independent so I am sure that this will be a simple task for you both.”

“Two bedrooms, only one bath though but I’m sure you two can learn to share.” David pointed to the different doors around the apartment. “Over here you got a kitchen with a dining table and a living room. We’ll go out with you to the store to pick up essentials like towels, dishware, clothes and groceries. Help you get settled in.”

“Why do we need new clothes?” Felix asked.

“Well, while what you are wearing is fine for this town I think you’re going to discover that it isn’t that warm. Besides, you need more clothes for when these get dirty…dirtier. Which reminds me,” David turned to Snow, “We also need to show them how to do laundry.”

“Right, I think we’ll just stick with shopping today though. Worry about laundry another time.” You had a feeling that cleaning laundry here was going to be different from laundry on Neverland. Hopefully it would be easier than trying to scrub blood stains out in the creek.

Snow grabbed David, “We have to take care of something real quick at our place with Emma and Henry but you guys take the time to explore the apartment, settle in. We’ll be back in a couple minutes.”

They left. You looked over at Felix. “Remind me that this is better than freezing to death in the woods.”

“It’s warm and we’ll have food.” he shrugged. He smiled in that crooked way of his and sauntered over to the door. “And also, if I can point out, these doors have locks and we are going to have this entire place to ourselves.”

“I think I see where you’re going with this.” you copied his smile. “Should we check out the bedroom situation? Having an actual mattress has got to be more comfortable than the hammocks and cots back home.”

He grabbed your hand and pulled you into one of the bedrooms. “Do you think we have time for a quickie before prince and princess come back?”

“Perhaps…” you bit back a giggle as he started kissing along your neck.

The sound of the front door opening broke you two apart. Guess not. You walked back out into the living area. Snow and David were walking around the apartment making a list of things they needed to buy. Once they were certain they had a comprehensive list of everything they needed you went with them into town.

There were a few trips back and forth from the apartment as the day went on. The first trip was out to the homegoods store for towels, plates, cutlery, pots, pans, bed sheets, hampers, hangers, and the like. You dropped all that off at your apartment and went out again for food and hygiene supplies. You would not lie, the idea of a hot bath sounded heavenly. Although, the reminder from Snow that you had to worry about your period again left a sour taste in your mouth. They bought you some basic stuff for when you would start learning to cook as well as simple snacks and meal kits to prepare in the meantime. You stuffed everything into the fridge and cabinets before it was time for the last stop of the day. Clothes.

Snow and David split up with you and Felix for clothes. Snow took you out to the department store and showed you around the racks and racks of clothing. A lot of it looked impractical and flimsy or plain uncomfortable. Thankfully this was something Snow could actually relate to. She told you about how she had been on the run living out in the wild for a while and pointed you to some clothes that hopefully you would feel more comfortable in.

You got shirts, sweaters, jeans, sweatpants, pajamas, socks, underwear, a couple pairs of gloves, a warm hat, a pair of thick snow boots, sneakers, a scarf, and a big winter coat. You actually pulled on the coat as you left the store to help stave off the chill. You were surprised though when Snow didn’t immediately take you home.

“You can say no if you want but I noticed that your hair is kind of a mess and a little uneven. I figured we could stop in the salon and they could wash it, give it a trim to even it out. Would that be okay?”

You touched your hair. You had always just hacked at it with your dagger when it got to be too long or disorderly. You never worried about how it looked so long as it wasn’t bothering you. This was a new realm though. Different rules. People would probably give you strange looks if you went about looking as you do now.

You nodded and Snow clapped her hands together in glee. “Great. Don’t worry, the ladies at the salon are great. They’ll take good care of you.”

You walked into a shop full of women either in chairs with things in their hair or the women flitting about laughing and talking while putting things in the other people’s hair. You sat down and tried to ease your nerves as you waited for your turn.

You stayed tense as they lowered you into a chair and tipped your head back to wash. Once they started lathering your hair though you began to relax. This wasn’t so bad. After washing out all the grime they set you in front of a mirror and began snipping away to even out your hair. The ending effect when it was dried and finished was actually spectacular. For once you looked mildly put together and like a girl. It was always so easy to be mistaken for a boy back on Neverland the way you looked before.

You went back to the apartment and decided to change into some of the new clothes Snow had bought you. When you wandered back out you saw Felix in the kitchen rifling through the cabinets looking for a snack. He was wearing different clothes as well. Jeans and a clean red t-shirt. He glanced over at you then did a double take and kept staring.

“What?” you pulled on the edge of your shirt. “I look stupid, don’t I?”

“No. Not at all.” he put the pop-tarts back in the cabinet. “It’s just, I like the look. The clothes look good and so does your hair. Did you comb it or something?”

“Snow took me to some salon.” you rocked back on your heels. “You look great to. Your hair isn’t as choppy as before.”

“David took me the barber. It doesn’t look ridiculous?”

“Not at all. I like it.” you ran you hand through his hair. “Is this our life now? Looking like this? Living here?”

“It’s not what we’re used to but I don’t think it’s bad.” he curled a lock of your hair around his finger. “At least I still have you.”

A blush crept up your neck. “Sap.” you muttered.

Felix smiled. “You love it.” he kissed your cheek. “But really, these clothes suit you very well. Very, very well.” his hands wandered along your hips.

“I’m gonna stop you right there, grabby hands.” you pushed him back. “In case you forgot, we are not living where time stands still so unless you want to risk getting me pregnant we’re not doing any of that.”

“There’s still plenty we can do without risking that.” he pulled on your hands. “We have about an hour until Snow and David said dinner would be ready. Let’s have a little fun.”

“Well when you say it like that,” you quickly followed him, “If you like what I’m wearing you’re gonna love what I have on underneath.”

Felix smirked sharply and slammed the bedroom door shut behind you.

#felix imagine #felix x reader #ouat #neverland #request #peter pan ouat #b&b au

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allaboardthevespa · 1 year

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Unconditionally

I got bored, and I suddenly felt the urge to write some really sappy (with some angst) Milo Murphy’s Law fluff. I know who Melissa should end up with is a matter of debate, but I’m a proud Team Zalissa member so this fanfic will be about that. Milossa or Bradlissa fans, sorry, but hope you can enjoy this nonetheless. I wasn’t sure what to call this at first, but I listened to the Katy Perry song “Unconditionally” and my brain was like YES so here.

I’m not proud of how this ends, but eh, my brain sucks at ending things. Just hope y’all enjoy this bit of adorable sickfic fluff ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

WARNING: contains relatively graphic scenes of vomit…and becomes extremely tooth-rotting fluff

It was an ordinary day in Danville – or as ordinary as it could be with the Murphy family’s usual chaos. Milo and Zack’s walk to school had been a heck of a ride, as usual. Runaway concrete pipes, surfing on busted plumbing, falling off cliffs, the whole nine yards. But, as is the norm for Milo Murphy and his friends, everything worked out and they got to school in the nick of time.

But of course, it didn’t take long for them to realize someone was missing.

As the students sat in class waiting for Ms. Murawski, Milo looked between him and Zack and noticed a conspicuously empty seat. “Hey, wait a minute,” asked the jinx, “Where’s Melissa?” “I have no idea,” replied Zack, scratching the back of his head in confusion. The other students surrounding them began chattering among themselves, wondering what could’ve happened to the rough-and-tumble redhead. “Maybe she blocked one of her chakras?” Mort suggested with a shrug. Bradley facepalmed, “Mort, she’s not a hippie like you are. She doesn’t do chakras.” “MAYBE DRAKO GOT HER!” panicked Chad, shivering like a leaf and covering his head with his hands. “Don’t panic, everyone,” Amanda cut in, “Knowing what happens in this town, she’s probably caught up in time-travel shenanigans to save a cart of pistachios or something.”

“Pipe down, class!” came an adult voice. The kids turned to see Ms. Murawski entering the room, just hanging up a phone. “I know you’ve all noticed that Melissa Chase is missing today. Well, it’s simple. She’s just come down with a stomach ache and can’t come in today. No matter, she’ll be able to catch up some other day.” She took out a pencil, “Now, turn your textbooks to page 421.”

As the other students got to reading, Milo turned to look at Melissa’s empty chair. “That’s too bad,” he sighed, “I don’t even remember the last time she got sick.” He turned to look out the window. “Poor Melissa. She must be feeling pretty down right now.” “Yeah…” Zack agreed, looking crestfallen. “I wish I could help out.” “Well, if you want to, you could,” Amanda suddenly spoke up, “It’s just a little science work, you don’t need to worry about missing it. I think Melissa would be happy to have a little company today.” “Yeah,” Milo agreed with Amanda, “Besides…I’m sure you would love to have a little…” He cleared his throat sarcastically, before giving a smug grin, “Quality time with her.” “Oh, of course,” laughed Amanda, as snickers and ‘oooooh’s went up around the rest of the classroom. Zack flushed a beet-red, flustered by Milo’s joke. “Yes, yes, I’m aware of the, ahem, ‘chemistry’,” he chuckled bashfully, “Alrighty. If you think I should go hang out with her, I’ll go. She could use the company.” “You go, Zack!” cheered Milo, as Zack went to Murawski’s beloved front desk.

“Excuse me, Ms…may I be excused? I need to use the restroom,” Zack innocently asked, hiding his lie expertly well. “Fine, very well,” Murawski huffed, “Just don’t get lost.” “Thanks, Ms,” he chirped, waving goodbye to the students as he left the room. The moment he slipped out, he scanned the halls for the arrow sign that was labeled “Way Out”, and the minute he saw it, he scampered in that direction. He heard hall monitors yelling at him to not run in the halls, but he couldn’t give less of a damn. Detention could wait. He had a friend to help.

After a lot of running and following directions on his phone, Zack had arrived in the street where Melissa and her single father lived. Seeing Mr. Chase standing outside his house watering a bush, Zack got on his way to talk to him when he suddenly noticed a butterfly flitting in front of him. Zack watched it fly upwards and noticed it settle on a tree branch covered in wisteria flowers – and an idea registered in Zack’s mind. He reached up and grabbed a small branch covered in a healthy amount of the flowers, wrapped the wood in some tissue paper he brought with him, and wrapped a bow around the flowers to keep them straight. Holding tightly onto the bouquet, he soon made it to the house he was looking for.

As Mr. Chase was minding his own business, watering that bush, he heard a familiar voice. “Hey, Mr. Chase!” He turned off the hose and whipped around to see Zack, politely standing at his gate with a bouquet of wisteria flowers in hand. “Oh, hello, Zack,” greeted the firefighter, “I imagine you heard about my daughter?” “Yeah, tough break,” Zack replied in a sympathetic tone. “When I heard, I thought I could come down and cheer her up.” “Oh, how nice,” Mr. Chase smiled, “Melissa doesn’t get sick often, but she’s always miserable when she does. I think she’ll be happy to have a friend with her.” “I thought so too,” Zack nodded, following his crush’s father to the door. “Thanks for letting me come around,” he thanked with a grateful wave. “No problem,” the older man replied, “Any friend of my daughter’s is a friend of mine. Hope you two have fun.” “Bye, Mr. Chase,” Zack waved at him as he walked up the stairs to his friend’s room.

It had not been a fun morning for Melissa. When she awoke, the stomach pain had hit her in full force, and it didn’t take long for her father to realize how out of sorts she was. Neither of them liked when she got sick, but Melissa had a special hatred for the concept of illness. She was a real go-getter, and the thought of having to stay in bed for hours on end and not enjoy her usual hobbies made her feel even sicker than she was already.

But the worst part of being sick in bed is that, without her mind being preoccupied by daily events caused by school and Murphy’s Law, it tended to wander to some uncomfortable places…and asked some tough questions she didn’t know if she had the answers to.

Was Milo always gonna be able to keep himself prepared for every situation?

Will his bad luck come to bite him in a way he can’t protect himself from?

Should she even be asking these questions?

Would Milo WANT her asking these questions?

The internal crisis she was having made the stress she had grow all the more, and her stomach’s pain intensified with it.

Melissa was holding her head in distress and shutting her eyes tightly, in a vain attempt to block out those awful questions, when she heard her door creak open. Reluctantly, she slowly opened one of her eyes…and suddenly her heart skipped a beat at who she saw waiting for her in the doorway. She gently pulled herself up from her hunched state as her eyes met his, and gently mumbled “Z-Zack? Is that…really you?” Zack let out a quiet laugh, “Of course it’s me, buddy. I heard you were sick, and I knew I had to be there for you. You are my best friend, after all.” Melissa didn’t notice it, but her cheeks were heating up with a bright red blush as the compliment warmed her heart and soul. “You…really mean that?” she asked, giving a genuine smile. Zack couldn’t help blushing himself at the sight of Melissa giving him a sweet, happy smile with her cheeks tinged red. It was completely adorable.

To respond to her question, Zack revealed the bouquet of wisteria flowers he’d picked on his way. “If I didn’t mean it, would I get you these?” He approached her in her bed and gently knelt down to her level, “Milo’s told me you love flowers, so when I saw these in your neighborhood, I figured I’d get you a little something.” Melissa gave an adorably surprised gasp, then, as quickly as she could, reached over to grab the bouquet with a cute little giggle. “Wow, I…” she stammered, caressing some of the petals, “That’s really sweet of you.” “It’s the least I could do for you being such a great friend,” Zack responded, watching happily as his best friend held the wisteria bouquet to her chest and face and inhaled deeply. “I’m glad you like them.” “Thanks, Zack,” Melissa gave him the cutest smile ever, “I’m glad you’re here for me.” “Well,” responded the former boyband member, “What are best friends for?”

From then on, in the following hours, the two best friends made the most of their time together. The two played all sorts of games, shared all sorts of stories, and just being two kids happy in one another’s company. Zack enjoyed every moment, yet throughout it all he couldn’t stop himself taking his eyes off his best friend. Her smile warmed his heart, her giggles were absolutely adorable, and every so often she’d briefly stop what she was doing, turn around and smell the flowers he’d brought her, now sat comfortably in a vase on her bedside table. That was another thing he found to be adorable. It wasn’t often that he saw the redhead able to just loosen up and be a goofball when they weren’t busy trying to stop Murphy’s Law from causing mayhem, but when they got the chance to just be kids, it was something both of them made the most of.

It was during a quiet break from their fun that things began to take an unexpected turn.

Zack was watching his best friend cuddled up in her bed, stroking her hair gently, when an uncomfortable-sounding groan emitted from her stomach, and she abruptly shot up and looked at him with a deer-in-the-headlights look. “What’s the matter?” asked Zack, gently grasping her hands. “I…I dunno,” Melissa panted, before she clutched her stomach out of instinct. “I…I’ve never felt l-like this…” She took a shaky breath, “But I feel like I…ugh!” She cringed, and without thinking raised a hand to her mouth. Zack connected the dots right away. He didn’t think they’d be able to make it to the bathroom fast enough at this point. Luckily, his eyes floated to a spare empty flower vase not yet filled with wysterias or whatever other flowers she liked. It wasn’t perfect, but it’d do. He scrambled over and grabbed it, before giving it to Melissa, and sat next to her once more.

Melissa opened her mouth to say something, but abruptly, she hunched herself over and heaved unpleasantly. Zack couldn’t help cringing, but he knew he had to provide some semblance of comfort. It looked like this was a new experience for her. He gently rubbed her back as each painful retch came, making sure she knew he was there for her even in a time like this. Melissa’s mind didn’t register much else in that moment other than the horrible feeling of her throat and stomach expunging the nasty liquid from her body, and, in sharp contrast, the warm, soft, gentle touch of her best friend.

In reality, it only took 30 seconds for the retching to stop. To Melissa, it felt like an eternity. Nonetheless, when she was sure she was done, she pulled her head back from the vase and wiped her brow as she set the now puke-filled vase aside. She breathed heavily in an attempt to clear her mind, as what just happened played itself over and over again in her head. She’d never experienced something like that before, and she never wanted to again. Luckily, though, she had her best friend right nearby. Getting a little closer to the sickly go-getter, Zack gently asked her “How do you feel?” Coughing a little, Melissa turned to Zack with a look of pure pain in her eyes. “I…I…” she wiped her brow again, “What…was that? T-that was horrible…” “Relax, Melissa,” Zack did his best to comfort her, “You just vomited. No big deal, it happens to you sometimes if you’re stomach-sick.” “B-But I…” the redhead whimpered, “Th-that hasn’t happened to me before…My dad told me about it when I was super young, and cuz I don’t get sick that often…I never THOUGHT it would happen…” She sighed, “Man, I feel like a dummy now.” Feeling his heart hurt for Melissa’s sorry state, Zack pulled her into a hug, “Hey…you’re no dummy. If this is your first time ever vomiting, no wonder your mind’s in a daze like this. You’ll be alright. You’re always alright, aren’t you?” He put a hand on one of her shoulders and comfortingly looked into her beautiful blue eyes.

Until she said two words that threw him for a loop…

“Not really.”

Zack’s mind took a moment to register what Melissa had just said. Those two, little, mumbled words. “Not really.” What was she implying? Was it what Zack was thinking? No, there’s no way, Melissa was the toughest girl he’d ever known. But, why else would she say that? Gently, he got closer to her, and gently gazed into her eyes, ignoring the blush on his face, and asked “What do you mean by…’not really’?” Melissa flinched a little, not knowing where to begin. The questions in her mind were roaring to get out, and she had to let someone know. She was tired of suffering in silence.

At that moment, Melissa gently grabbed Zack’s shoulders and began to speak, knowing he’d be there to listen.

And all the words came flying out.

“…Zack, I’m scared. I’ve always BEEN scared. Ever since I became Milo’s best friend, I’ve always been worrying myself like crazy about him, worrying that someday he’s gonna get caught in some insane Murphy’s Law accident that he’s not ready for and he’ll get hurt…or worse. And I know it’s really fucking stupid cause it’s goddamn Milo and he’s ALWAYS prepared, but I can’t help myself. And I just feel like a big jerk because Milo wouldn’t WANT me to be worried about him all the time. He’s…fine with the way things are and doesn’t want them to change…but…” She took a shaky breath, and sighed lowly, “I do.” Zack now reached up and rubbed her shoulders as she continued talking, “I don’t want Milo to be stuck with Murphy’s Law. I want him to live and be happy, without always having to look over his shoulder in case of stampeding bison or angry crossing guards or other shit like that. But Milo…he just doesn’t want that…and I feel like a selfish idiot who tries to act like she knows what’s best for everyone…but…” She glanced up, and Zack’s heart leapt at what he saw…

The toughest, smartest kid he’d known in his life…strong, brave, a born leader with a near-permanent smile…

She was crying.

“I just…” she whimpered, not even bothering to wipe away the hot tears streaking down her face, “I feel like such a selfish jackass who doesn’t know what Milo or even you want in your lives…I just don’t want to lose him, or you, or anyone…” She shut her eyes tightly and let a fresh wave of tears out, “And I’ve been lying to you about how I’ve been feeling this whole time…because I just don’t want you guys to see what a fucking mess I really am!” “You’re not a mess-” Zack tried to interrupt, only for Melissa to cut him off. “No, don’t…don’t keep the lie going any longer than it has to…” she sobbed, “I act like I’m tough, but…I’m just a terrified wreck of a person who can’t stand the thought of losing the people she cares about…that’s me. That’s selfish, paranoid, obnoxious Melissa Lily Chase…”

With that, the broken redhead turned away and started sobbing all-out into her hands, her limbs shaking with every loud sob echoing from her body. She could feel the burn of hot tears rushing down her face, dripping from the tip of her nose onto her bed. Between every choked sob, she tried to take some breaths as if to calm herself, but all attempts failed as the tears kept on coming.

With every sob Melissa let out, Zack could feel his heart sink a little more. There was a part of him who still couldn’t believe this. How long had Melissa been keeping these feelings at bay? Did she really think that badly of herself just for being worried about Milo? His mind raced with questions, but he honestly couldn’t give less of a damn about getting the answers. All that mattered to him was giving support to someone who very badly needed it.

Without hesitation, Zack gently put his arms around Melissa’s back, gently rubbing her side with one hand and stroking her hair with the other. It took a moment for Melissa to register what Zack was doing, but the moment she did, she felt her muscles gently ease up at the feeling of his warm embrace. She could still feel her cheeks and nose wet from all the crying she’d been doing, and flushed a little in embarrassment. “I, uh…” she tried to break the silence, “I’m sorry you had to see me like this.” “You don’t need to apologize,” Zack told her gently, “I just wonder why you hadn’t spoken up about your feelings before. Milo’s an understanding guy, he’d be happy to listen to your worries.” “I just…” she sniffled, “I just don’t want Milo to start worrying about what goes on in my head all the time…and I don’t wanna seem like a controlling bitch.” Without warning, Zack put a hand over her mouth the moment she said the word “bitch”. He turned Melissa around to look at him and looked intently into her eyes, and spoke his mind.

“Listen to me, Melissa. You are not a ‘bitch’. You have never been a bitch. You’re worrying yourself that you’re a terrible person because you actually want what’s best for Milo! There’s nothing wrong with that. I know Milo is fine with the way things are but if you’re not, that’s completely okay. We may not be able to change Murphy’s Law, but we’ll always be able to help Milo throughout everything, and I know that cuz you’ve been doing that for seven years now, and I know you can keep doing that.” He gave her the warmest smile he could manage, despite the fact he now had tears of his own welling up in his eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with being scared, Melissa – as long as you don’t let it change who you are.”

In that moment, both 13-year-olds found themselves gazing into one another’s tearful eyes. Then, without another word, Melissa got closer to Zack and collapsed into his arms, wrapping her arms around his back. It didn’t take long for Zack to return the embrace, rubbing her back gently to soothe her emotions. They stayed there, in silence, for what felt like hours. Neither of them said a word. They didn’t have to, not right now at least. All they needed right now was right in front of them.

After so long of being locked in that embrace, Melissa pulled back a little, wiping one more tear from her face, before gently cupping her hands around Zack’s own face and tilted his head up so their eyes could lock once more. Both of them smiled tenderly as the tension that was in their minds evaporated.

Of course, there was just one more thing Melissa felt the need to say…

“Hey,” she whispered, getting Zack’s full attention. She now moved her hands down to gently clasp his own, and gave him a soft smile, grateful for all of what he’d done for her, not just today but in all the time they’d spent together in the past. She took one more deep breath as if to mentally prepare herself, and spoke the three magic words.

“I love you.”

There was a brief moment where Zack felt surprised, but that quickly gave way to an indescribable feeling of happiness, and it didn’t take long for him to respond.

“I love you too.”

Without hesitating for a moment, the tomboyish nerd and the dorky jock soon embraced one another in a long, soft kiss, tears of joy now streaming down their faces. Zack brought a hand up to gently caress Melissa’s cheek while Melissa put her arms around his back, deepening the kiss further.

Once they needed to break for oxygen, the two gently separated their lips, still having their noses touching. Suddenly a knock sounded at the door, and both of them flushed a bit before scrambling off each other – but they were still smiling widely after their passionate love display. The door opened and revealed Mr. Chase with a large cup of tea in hand. “Here you go, sweetie,” he spoke, bringing it over to his daughter, “I made you some tea. See if it helps your stomach.” “Thanks, Dad,” Melissa giggled a little in response. Zack couldn’t help blushing a little at how adorable he found that little laugh of hers. Mr. Chase now thought back to earlier and cringed a little, “I heard what sounded like vomiting earlier. Isn’t that your first time? I hope everything’s okay.” Melissa gave an awkward shrug, “It was scary at first, but…it wasn’t so bad. Especially since Zack was with me.” A sincere smile crossed her face, as she looked over at her best friend-turned-boyfriend, then at her loving father. “I know it sounds weird, but…this has been one of the happiest days I’ve had in a long time. Thank you both, so much. I’m so glad I have you both and Milo and everyone else in my life.” Zack and Mr. Chase now both brought Melissa into a group hug, and the former Lumberzack gently thanked her himself, “And thank you for being in ours.”

The End

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random2908 · 1 year

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/05/11/trump-cnn-town-hall-how-to-host

I think tumblr's link function may be broken. And anyway the article is paywalled. So:

How to correctly host a town hall with Trump by Alexandra Petri

On Wednesday night, CNN hosted a town hall for Donald Trump, a man you might remember from his brief stint as president of the United States or the terrifying incident when he tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election. If the name still doesn’t ring a bell, he used to be on reality TV!

Well, CNN decided to host a town hall for him, and it is pretty universally agreed that the network did not do a good job. Which raises the question: How would you do it? Simple.

The first — and biggest — mistake CNN made was allowing Trump to have a microphone that was turned on. That way, when he tried to talk over the moderator, mock E. Jean Carroll and spew wild lies about abortion, people could hear him. This was bad. If they had followed the simple protocol of not letting him have a microphone, everyone would have seen his lips moving but heard nothing. Possibly a long, faint, high-pitched whine, like a mosquito.

Indeed, this is optimal: a microphone that is not off, but broken in such a way that you hear something, a horrible high whistling noise that you want to shut off at any cost. That way, instead of laughing gruesomely along with him, the audience would have covered their ears and screamed, “No more! No more of whatever this is!” The only downside of this is we would not have learned that he wants to default on the debt for no clear reason, but that is the kind of information he was bound to share in another venue.

Broadly speaking, any format where you allow him to talk is bad. It is okay if he can nod or point, although you should be vigilant about the kinds of signs that the audience can bring with them so that he cannot put together a nasty sentence by pointing slowly at words in turn.

Actually, another mistake was having an audience, especially one with questions like, “I worry about all the deaths due to gun violence. I worry they might inconvenience me as a gun owner.” I know what you will say — televising it at all was the big mistake, but if you’re going to do it, you might as well have an audience in the room! But every little bit of audience you don’t let Donald Trump have helps!

Another mistake was having the debate in the venue where it was held, as opposed to a soundproof vault two miles underground! The best vault would be one from which no noise could be heard by viewers or even those walking above. You have to think about these things in advance!

CNN probably thought, “We have a perfectly nice New Hampshire location here, and we can probably tape it there just fine.” But consider: The walls of that venue are not miles thick and made entirely of granite, nor do they sometimes pulse as though something unthinkably vast and impossibly alive is swallowing a meal. Nor do you sometimes hear a rustling and not know what that rustling is, nor is the only way out by passing through a long, damp corridor (But how can it be damp? The walls are rock!) in which your voice should echo but all you hear is silence, or an echo almost a minute later that does not sound quite like your own voice. That is the optimal venue for a Trump town hall.

Another mistake was not having the moderator sit at a desk where she could push a button at any point to open a small portcullis, from which the Thing — the true possessor of the cave, something pus-white and slimily dripping with jaws of enormous size — might roll and ooze its way toward the stage, causing all those who saw it to vomit with terror.

Also, instead of having Trump answer questions like, “Why should Americans put you back in the White House?” they should have made him answer questions like, “Will you be fighting the Thing with a trident or with a net?” And then, instead of letting him talk over the moderator and not answer the question, they should have given him a net or a trident as he chose, and pressed a small button on the wall to admit the Thing. Then, instead of everyone being terrified by how woefully unprepared the news media is for another election cycle with Trump in it, they could be terrified by the noises that the Thing emitted.

Another mistake was ending after the time had elapsed instead of when all the lights flickered suddenly and went out, driving the moderator and crew to rush for the only elevator to the surface and leaving Trump alone with — we cannot say what, exactly. It is too familiar to be a nightmare. Something ancient, and alive, and hungry.

All you have to do is follow those simple instructions and your Trump town hall should be a great success!

#fyi apparently wapo's paywall isn't very sophisticated and ublock origin's lightning tool can get around it

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acourtofthought · 2 years

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Thanks for answering me!

Follow up question. I have seen many arts depicting both helion and Lucien as proud black men with braids and loc. i have also seen many fans stating that both Lucien and helion are BIPOC, and getting real heated when it’s debated, mostly on tiktok. would that be an accurate depiction and description or not? I am from a small rural town, and perhaps it is small minded og me..but I have not known anyone from an Egyptian or middle eastern background..are they accurate depictions of the people? I read moononastrings reblog, and it was very interesting to note that SJM envisioned helion as Persian. I’m also confused by SJMs use of “golden brown” skin tone. I’ve seen people say vassa depictions are racist..but I don’t know, I think “golden brown” is sort of ambiguous to be honest, which is annoying and that’s on sjm.

I’m so sorry. I just get really confused by some of the arts I see, and the discourse and accusations of racism around them.

You're welcome! Thank you for the asks 😊

First off, I don't love when anyone in the fandom maliciously accuses someone of being racist. I have no problem with anyone of any race, of any sexuality, of any gender (and so on) however, as a straight white individual, I do not doubt that at some point in my life, I have inadvertently said something that someone who is a POC, LGBQT, etc. might have found offensive. Not because I would ever want to insult someone or say something inappropriate regarding those above things but because I am not 100% educated on something that I am not. I will never fully understand what others have experienced or everything that might be considered tactless because I will never completely understand the struggle they have experienced in a world that makes things easier on white straight people. I do my best. I TRY to be aware of what I'm saying. But I know I will unintentionally put my foot in my mouth at times for the rest of my life.

And I hope that someone who can understand what it means to be any of the above will take the time to educate me. I hope they will see enough of who I am and how I say things to kindly point out why whatever I've said might not be the best.

There are people that are very obviously racist or homophobic and of course there should be no tolerance for that. However I do think a majority of readers really are a bit uninformed about certain things or unaware because we really haven't been in a position to fully understand why our thinking might be wrong. And in those scenarios it does bother me when the Go To response is aggression especially because SJM is very unclear and a bit confusing when it comes to descriptions about her characters. I honestly don't think it's that people don't like the idea of Lucien looking a lot like Helion. I think it's that when the author gave us his description as - sharp, elegant features, golden skin a few shades darker than his notably pale brothers, big mystery surrounding who his real father is where only one character has had an "Ah-Ha" moment regarding it, it has truly created a lot of confusion for readers. Because it doesn't make sense to them that Lucien could look so much like Helion that others wouldn't notice. That Lucien himself wouldn't have noticed.

As far as fanart, I do think an attempt should be made to get the golden brown coloring somewhat accurate though I understand that even that has a sliding scale. Would that be somewhere along the lines of Halle Berry? Darker than that? Beyond that though, "sharp, elegant features" and Helion's nose and mouth are very difficult to capture accurately. Maybe I'm an idiot for this but I've searched through pictures of mixed race Egyptian men, Persian men, and Black Men trying to get a better image in my head of what he's supposed to look like but that really doesn't help because I still worry about whether I am doing justice to his fathers side while also paying mind to the fact that it's still a mystery for most of the characters.

I think that might be a problem a lot of artists / commissioners are having. If you lean too far one way, people find it unrealistic that other characters wouldn't have known by now. If you lean too far the other, you're racist. There's a middle somewhere but it's a bit of a struggle to figure out what that looks like. It's a very uncomfortable position to be in and unless we have outright proof that someone is in fact racist, I don't think it hurts to be a little more gentle in how we approach our discussions and to remember that maybe the person is truly confused on exactly what SJM has in her head for Lucien. At the end of the day, it's her character and unless she can show us a picture to show "THIS is Lucien", then we're all just making guesses.

#lucien vanserra #helion

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brainsforbabyjesus · 1 year

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The Jurassic World Dominion movie that lives in my head:

Dinosaurs invade an Ambiguous National Park. Owen has been hired on to help the park rangers adjust to this/keep people and dinosaur altercations to a minimum. Owen can go be the Dinosaur Cowboy Man we all know he wants to be.

Meanwhile, Claire has rebranded the Dinosaur Protection Group to basically be the dinosaur version of Bear Aware. They still advocate for dinosaur protection but their more public face is teaching people how to live alongside dinosaurs. Claire goes to Maisie’s school and does a Get To Know Your Dinosaurs presentation.

We get a few glimpses of Blue from a distance. She is in the park.

The ambiguous national park is surrounded by farm land, privately owned forest land, and several small towns ranging in size from blink and you miss it to very small.

A Bad Thing Happens that causes conflict between the dinosaurs and humans. Whatever it is Owen blames himself for not having prevented it because he missed some Obvious Detail that led to the bad thing.

Conflict ensues.

The park rangers, the townsfolk, the farmers, the hunters, the park goers, and the rebranded DPG, all draw various lines in the sand. There are three main groups:

All Dinosaurs Must Go

Some Dinosaurs Must Go

The Dinosaurs Should Stay

Each group has various sub factions within, and they are not always what you think they might be. All Dinosaurs Must Go ranges from they are an invasive species to be removed to they are a danger to humans and/or livestock. Some Dinosaurs Must Go mostly doesn’t want predators that may attack humans/livestock but some herbivores are also on the must go list depending on who you ask. The Dinosaurs Should Stay ranges from they should be a protected species to hunting tourism would go through the roof.

Anyway, everyone has their reasons for what they want. Claire and Owen have to deal with the problem that if they win the dinosaurs should stay fight they may have to live with the dinosaurs can stay and be hunted.

There are more glimpses of Blue in the park. This time we find out that our glimpses are via Owen’s binoculars. He knows she’s in the park but keeps it quiet because he knows telling people a raptor is in the park is just going to make people scared. He hasn’t sited her anywhere near people anyway so no big deal, right?

The Ambiguous National Park becomes the iconic symbol of what the fuck do we do with the dinosaurs? A media circus ensues.

For reasons Alan, Ellie, and Ian can come and be expert witnesses who come down on various sides of the debate. Also, Dr. Wu shows up because I want him to.

Maisie mostly does kid stuff without the whole genetic disease storyline, she’s just a regular clone girl doing regular clone girl stuff, like taking care of injured dinosaurs. Also, she goes to school and makes friends and enemies and campaigns for dinosaur rights.

There are a bunch of town hall style debates scattered throughout various lowkey action sequences which are mostly Owen and the townsfolk deal with dinosaurs in unusual places. Once it is Maisie and the school children deal with dinosaurs in unusual places.

We find out that the Bad Thing happened because of Evil Dinosaur Poachers! People then change some of their arguments to see? the dinosaurs didn’t do the bad thing while others point out that if they have dinosaurs here more Evil Poachers will come.

Evil Poachers are arrested but in the chaos of their arrest it becomes publicly known that a) Blue is in the park and b) that Owen knew and never told anyone. The Evil Poachers are not super relevant to the plot after this. No insane global kidnapping plot happens. What becomes relevant to the plot is that Owen’s expert status is called into question since he was hiding information about a dangerous dinosaur. He’s promptly uninvited to the debates though he keeps his job by virtue of being Dinosaur Cowboy Man. Although he loses the trust of some of the townsfolk.

Claire has an awkward conversation with him about how he should have said something because now her expert status is also being called into question. They kind of really/fake break up for a bit so that Claire’s reputation and by extension the Dinosaur Protection Group don’t go down in flames with Owen.

They don’t really break up.

They still have a dramatic getting back together sequence.

The story ends with the Dinosaurs Should Stay side winning but with some stipulations about safety and a promise of a multi year study on whether hunting is an option. There is a sizable chunk of townsfolk who are not happy about this for a variety of reasons. Owen and Claire have to get ready to start a new fight for dinosaur safety in the long term. The dinosaurs go on doing dinosaur things in the Ambiguous National Park.

#jurassic world dominion #jurassic world #jurassic park

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xmoriartea · 1 year

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— Curse of Strahd: Barovian Currents

Now you may be wondering, how did we get here. Well, reading the last couple of these archives, I think that’s pretty clear. But the consequences part... ho boy. We can thank the DLC for that, but I’ll get there in a minute.

The morning after taking Strahd's hand off in a fight HE started, we knew things were going to be Not Great. We gave Ismark and Ireena some warning the night before and decided to take it as we could.

Tanner, ever the thoughtful artificer who just refuses to sleep, decided to craft a fancy gauntlet, using all number of stones and gems we’d collected to offer as a gift for Strahd. A way to make amends. “Sorry for taking the hand, but don’t touch what’s not yours.” A friendly gesture that he didn’t at all work some sort of cold mold bomb into. Not at all. Just an ordinary gift.

I sent a very casual Sending to Escher about wanting to borrow some poetry in hopes of Vibe Checking the Brides. He was a little distracted, but otherwise had Big Dumb Poet energy and we figured Strahd hadn't told them yet.

See. No fault. Escher wasn’t threatening me for behanding his beloved, so its finneee.

Tanner went off to join Ismark, Urwin, Wachter, and Kalina for a council meeting and spent the lunch debating where they should try to build a school. Deciding the recently burned down prison would be best rebuilt, they also agreed a temp house in Vallaki could be reclaimed

The gals, meanwhile, did some shopping times. Arabelle got ready for a cute date with Rowan the fire genasi baker we adopted and Alkali made Choices regarding spending her money on gifts for the future Widows of Strahd

Look I was personally keeping the town jewelsmith in business between emergency diamonds, custom mirrors, and wanting to give my beloveds lovely aquatic themed gifts made of silver and amber.

An octopus pendant for Ludmilla on a long chain where the body of the octopus was amber with a little amber skull in its tentacles

Tentacle ear cuffs for Volenta with an amber skull at the earring position

A tentacle choker with an amber skull grasped at the throat for Anastrasya

And for the poet, tentacled ring with little amber bits embedded and a little bit of celestial inscribed on the inner band: “Sever” referencing a poem she’d found and hoped he would take to heart when the time came

Totally normal moves to make in Barovia, I’m sure.

Tanner and Kalina rejoined us at the Inn and told us about the house they wanted to use as a temporary school. Family disappeared mysteriously, so like, obviously haunted. We told Arabelle to enjoy her date, and the rest of us went to explore the house

Tanner ofc pissed off the ghost we found in there and Alkali got her Big Grave Keeper Boots on to tell the ghost to cooperate with them and chat. It did, mostly, but then it got weird and disappeared into the ceiling. As we followed, it got wildly cold in the house. The ghost had mentioned a pact with Levictus and we were preparing for Something to still be here

We were not prepared to run into Lexx, the vampire courier we threatened after she stalked Arabelle the day prior / the vampire courier Tanner paid to DELIVER A PROSTHETIC HAND TO STRAHD

She also did not expect us. Apparently she'd been living in the abandoned house and hadn't noticed anything weird, keeping to her attic room. She scampered out the window to Ravenloft before we could really ask more, and we turned our attention to the Very Cold room down the hall

The ghost decided to do some Shit and when it started making weird summoning circles in ghost energy, we tried to Turn it - but no good it summoned an ice devil and we popped off

All things said, things could have gone better. We did put the devil out of commission for several rounds, but the ghost was an Asshole. It Finger of Death'd Tanner, but he's a tanky lad and withstood it.

Then it decided to possess Alkali which, OOC, prompted me to remind the DM all the ways I could fuck up my own party

IM HELPFUL

(LOOK. I have a brand. I am nothing if not consistent.)

But Mina Turned the boi and we took him out before focusing on the Devil. Kalina, who we've suspected of being angel blood, popped her wings for the first time ever in a fight, surprising herself and the devil who was Very Close to killing her Many Times. But we won, easy. Mostly.

We almost super died like five times and that would have been rough for Arabelle to figure out when she came back from Date Night, but we did it

[Heroic Trumpets Here]

Success enough to go back to the inn, celebrate, and possibly scar the two Wachter boys for life because... look even then I wasn’t sure why, but Tanner was up to something Tanner-like and again. No consequences.

Not for us anyway.

Until there are.

See, we were going to Divine Kalina's lineage, but alas, didn't have that spell. BUT. I had scrying. And it was night time, we were settling in. Now I could do what I had wanted to do since I woke up— I scry'd on Strahd

And look. I wanted him to be angry. I wanted him to be tearing apart his study, furious that he was not as untouchable as he believed.

But he was quiet, angrily working on something, while discussing plans with Rahadin. His study was filled with boxes, some weapons...some dirt

Rahadin said something about being ready to move in the morning, Strahd told him to see to it, and then Rahadin left. And Strahd stood. And walked towards a curtain in his room. And pulled it back. There was a barred tank...with a trapped Lake Zarovich merfolk inside

We have spent so much time in the lake. We rescued a merfae prince from an abolith. We rescued a village of merfolk enslaved by merrow and sahuagin. These are OUR FRIENDS

And Alkali had to watch as Strahd charmed and fed off of one of them with the horrible realization that this was not the first

APPARENTLY. Strahd took it as a personal offense that there were merfolk in the lake that he wasn’t actively making suffer. So after everything we went through, destroying aboleths, sahuagins, and merrow liches, Strahd decided to go for a fucking swim for the first time in 400 years and see what was down there for himself. And he and Rahadin took up fishing.

SUDDENLY. CONSEQUENCES. and Alkali and I were FURIOUS.

Panicking, she recounted this to the others, pulled her nails from the dents in the table she'd made, and started firing off sendings. First to Merrick, the fae prince, and then to Araxia, the elemental elder of the mer village. She told both of them that vampires were threatening the lake, that no one could leave or enter the sanctuaries anymore. Araxia readily agreed, but something was off with Merrick...

Mina sent to Nadia and Taron, our favorite twin merfolk with more fighting spirit than anyone else in the lake. Taron told them Merrick was lying— Nadia was missing and they hadn't found her yet. And Nadia didn't reply.

While Tanner and Mina ran to go get Arabelle from her date and warn Ismark about the lake and Strahd's fury, Alkali wrote a letter to her own twin. She prayed Umberlee would carry the letter to him, and apologized that if he didn't hear from her again, she was lost to the mists. She gave it to Denika, the innkeep, and asked her to send it when one day Alkali didn’t return.

Moving upstairs, Alkali scry'd again, this time on Rahadin. Unlike Strahd, he doesn't have a -21 penalty to her saves, but she got eyes on him regardless. Plans involving carriages, horses, and potentially a boat and crane, were related to an accountant to see they were done.

She watched him apologize to Volenta that Strahd was still busy, but never saying busy with what, and saw him retire to his own study where more merfolk were trapped in tanks. Muttering about wishing to drain the whole lake, he got to work at his desk as the vision faded.

Trying to decide what to do, they Communed with Umberlee. Vallaki was in immediate danger due to these actions, so an idea was formed...

Forbiddance. A spell that costs 1000gp in rubies — rubies like the 10k gp necklace Strahd had gifted Arabelle on her birthday.

So Kalina got to foreshadow-tool-gem crushing and we decided the last available scry was going to be grim, but we needed answers. I scry'd on Nadia.

I expected Ravenloft, a tank, a box— something she didn't deserve simply for being our friend. Instead, she was in the lake, swimming along the bed of it. She spoke with another mer, about finding someone lost and scared and helping them.

And for a minute, Alkali and I both wanted to hope. She swam into a little house, no resistance, and we thought maybe there was still time. Arabelle tried to warn her as I watched and she tilted her head once at the sending...before smiling again at the scared mer in the house.

And then he went still when he looked in her eyes, and Alkali broke the vision as she went for his throat.

And now the little aquatic safe haven we were trying to build for these merfolk suddenly looked like this:

But sending to Taron that he couldn't trust his twin because she was dead was...not a conversation anyone wanted to have. But he had to know. He had to know his sibling was gone.

Which is why, even after all of this, before bed...Alkali and Mina had a talk.

Remember when I said Mina and Alkali "met" when Mina stole a relic from one of the sunken ships Alkali's family guarded and that’s how they ended up in Barovia, Alkali hunting Mina down to get that relic back.

At the ball, Alkali found out there was another reason Mina had been the cleric to go after the relic. The ship it was in was the last known location of her brother 20 years ago. It was the first ship Alkali watched sink...with all of its crew, even a sea elf.

If they were getting ready for a showdown that could very well, at any point, be their last... Alkali needed Mina to know the truth, so they stepped outside and Alkali prepared herself to get absolutely fucking punched because she could only imagine the kind of grief that burned with rage.

She gave her the compass. She expected to be hit, to be screamed at, any of the rage she'd feel for losing her twin. But Mina just fell into wails of grief and the hits were weak, broken things.

Alkali held her and let her grieve how she needed to. Next door, Tanner wisely reminded everyone to ... Not mentioning the wailing, and just pretend they hadn't heard it. Eventually, the clerics rejoined the others and wards and alarms were set for the coming night.

But Mina and Alkali stayed close together, the smol triton protecting the tol sea elf as they both tried to sleep.

Because that night? It sucked.

But morning was going to be worse.

#dnd #curse of strahd #barovian currents #oh the difference 12 hours makes

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thegreaterlink · 1 year

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Reviewing Star Trek TNG - S4E7 "Reunion"

I really need to start getting these out in a somewhat timely fashion again.

Also, you have no idea how much of a ball ache it was to find images for this review when searching "Star Trek TNG Reunion" kept bringing up news about Picard season 3.

THE PREMISE

Ambassador K'Ehleyr (Suzie Plakson again) returns to the Enterprise to inform Captain Picard that Klingon Chancellor K'mpec (Charles Cooper) has been poisoned and suspects that one of the two candidates for succession, Duras (Patrick Massett again) and Gowron (Robert O'Reilly) is responsible. As his dying wish, he asks Picard to become the Arbiter of Succession and identify the assassin.

Meanwhile, she brings with her a Klingon boy named Alexander (Jon Paul Steuer). After his previous romantic experiences with her, Worf suspects that the boy may be his son...

MY REVIEW

It only took them four seasons to realise that they should start reusing their wealth of interesting side characters. Better late than never.

I think Worf being the stoic, manly man of the crew makes it all the funnier when he absolutely bricks it at the sight of his ex.

Picard: Lieutenant, please receive our guest.

Worf: Captain, I must request permission to send another officer.

Picard: May I know your reason?

Worf: ...My dishonour among Klingons may offend Ambassador K'Ehleyr.

Yeah, I'm sure that's the only reason.

Picard: Lieutenant, you are a member of this crew, and you will not go into hiding whenever a Klingon vessel uncloaks.

That's a fancy way of saying "stop being a little bitch and just talk to your ex already."

Given her established disregard for Klingon tradition, K'Ehleyr obviously doesn't care about Worf's discommendation, and during their conversation she pretty much confirms that Alexander is indeed Worf's child, the product of that one time they went to pound town on the holodeck.

So... Alexander was conceived near the end of season 2, and here we are in the early stages of season 4 and he's like six years old. How much time passes between seasons?!

Anyway, as the only Klingon child on board, Alexander naturally has difficulty fitting in, almost getting into a fight with the other children before Worf intervenes. Their conversation both reinforces Michael Dorn as an absolute WALL of a human being and also reveals that Alexander *gasp* doesn't actually WANT to be a warrior!

Worf is naturally outraged, but I guess this is what happens when a Klingon has a mother who doesn't give two shits about Klingon tradition, which is a convenient excuse for why Worf (and the audience) is only just finding out about Alexander's existence, since Worf would've insisted that he and K'Ehleyr take the vow of marriage if he had known beforehand. Cue more debates about tradition vs humanity, with Worf refusing to reveal himself as Alexander's father for fear of harming the boy's future.

But we don't have time to unpack all of that. We need to get back to Klingon politics! Otherwise known as more buff dudes in black leather talking about honour and glory and other such junk.

As can be expected, Worf is against Duras leading the Klingon Empire after the little incident of trying to get him and Picard killed, but he seems to immediately dismiss Gowron as a suspect?

Hmm, a mysterious outsider who you've never met, frequently disagrees with the council and who looks like he'd eat a baby if you dared him to?

Yep. No cause for concern there. Good call, Worf.

We get another Klingon ritual of Gowron and Duras tasing K'mpec's body to make sure he's really dead (I don't fucking know, just go with it), but it's interrupted by an explosion in the assembly hall, leaving two Klingon meatbags dead. While Picard and K'Ehleyr are safe, they decide to use an older form of the ceremony to draw out the proceedings and create enough time for a proper investigation, beginning with a forensic analysis of the explosion.

After a couple of scenes to pad the runtime - Worf and K'Ehleyr apparently confirm that they're really in love and nearly bone again before having another fucking debate (and I don't mean that literally), K'Ehleyr tries to find out why Worf was discommended and Worf teaches Alexander how to use a Bat'leth (the weapon's very first appearance) - we're finally ready to move the plot forward again: the forensic tests have determined that the bomb was Romulan in design.

DRAMATIC CHORDS! COMMERCIAL BREAK!

Don't worry, we're not throwing a third suspect into the mix this late in the game. Though this does imply a secret alliance between the Klingons and the Romulans which could majorly screw over the Federation, so there's that. It's later revealed that one of Duras' men had the bomb implanted in his arm, so the whole thing was an inside job.

Look, I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm skimming over stuff here, but all these Klingon succession proceedings just aren't all that interesting. Duras and Gowron don't show any personality aside from being the same generic shouty men we've seen many times before. Hell, if Gowron didn't have his trademark murder eyes, I'm not even sure if anyone would remember him.

Meanwhile, K'Ehleyr goes through Worf's personal logs (which she's apparently allowed access to - great work, Mr Chief of Security) and finds out that Duras was responsible for Worf's discommendation and (rather idiotically) makes it clear to Duras that she knows.

A scene or two later, Worf and Alexander come along and find her covered in blood and bleeding out, living just long enough to tell her that Duras pulled an offscreen stabby-stabby and heavily implying to Alexander that he and Worf have a connection.

Then Alexander watches his estranged father scream in anguish over his mother's mangled corpse, followed by Worf telling him to remember the sight and stay in the same room as it. Nice going, Worf. I’m sure he’ll remember that in therapy.

It's a shame that K'Ehleyr was killed off so soon. I would've liked to see more of her.

Understandably pissed off, Worf arms up with a Bat'leth and beams over to Duras' ship to get revenge, exploiting some loophole that allows him to claim vengeance for a loved one's death. One bland action scene later, Riker and Data arrive just in time to see Worf murder Duras, getting his revenge but also killing the only person who knows the truth about what happened at Khitomer.

Obviously Picard doesn't take too kindly to one of his senior crew murdering someone, and gives him the usual "I understand why you did it, but cut that shit out" reprimand. As for Alexander, Worf confirms that he is his father sends him to live with his own human parents on Earth, reasoning that Alexander deserves a proper upbringing from someone who will be able to raise him properly. That definitely won't come back to bite him in both dicks a few years down the line.

As for the whole murder mystery thing, it never really gets resolved and we never find out who killed K'mpec in the first place. But since there are no other challengers present (I'm not even sure how the challenging system works), Gowron just... gets the throne by default? And everyone seems fine with that? Sure, fuck it.

As a whole, this episode is... fine. It's not a bad episode, just one that I've mostly seen before. I'm not against the idea of Worf having a son, but for the most part Alexander is just kinda... there. It feels like nobody knew how to make it interesting, but they kept it anyway to give this episode some much-needed flavour.

6/10 - Adequate.

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