#their care for each other has always grown exponentially
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Turning the Page
A Step Back in Time, chapter 11
Choices, The Royal Romance, AU
Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son.
Turning the Page Series Masterlist
Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks
All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who belongs to this series.
Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match.
Rating: M🔞 - Warnings - Series will contain crude language, weapons, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors.
Words: 3268
A Step Back in Time, Chapter 11
Chapter Summary: Liam, Riley and William arrive for a weeklong retreat in Lythikos. Olivia takes Riley ‘under her wing’ to mentor and to offer advice for her return to court. Olivia was determined to get her friend into the right frame of mind and to ultimately get the sparkle back in her eyes.
Music Inspiration: What Was I Made for? Billie Eilish ; Lose Control, Teddy Swims
A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.
A/N2: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard. (Series cross-over with ‘Perfect Match’)
‘Cause I, ‘cause I
I don’t know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don’t know how to feel
But someday I might
Someday I might
Think I forgot how to be happy
Something I’m not, but something I can be
Something I wait for
Something I’m made for
Something I’m made for’
Cordonian Royal Palace, Capital
If you told Riley Brooks that she would be living in Cordonia, in the Royal palace, with the King of Cordonia just last summer ... she would not believe you. She would tell you that ‘once upon a time’, she fell in love with that King and competed for his hand in marriage in his social season. By reason of the cruelty of fate, and the callousness of the Royal court, that dream would be ripped away from her by a world that was foreign to her. Where outsiders, or commoners, were frowned upon and/or deemed lesser than the noble class. She would be relegated to be the other woman, the mistress to that immensely powerful man whose duty to his country dictated that he must marry a ‘chosen’ woman, even though he did not love her.
...and she had to watch that man she loved, marry another.
...because she loved him, she remained. Confiding to him, ‘I’ve made my decision ... I want to be with you. I don’t care what it looks like.’
...and it broke her.
In the Royal east wing, inside William’s bedroom, Riley meticulously packed his clothing into a large suitcase. Carefully selecting each item with love and care for their winter vacation in the Alps of Lythikos, she folded his small woolen sweaters with matching pants and jeans. Soft mittens and a woolen cap were nestled next to his favorite plushie, Scooby; ready to go with him on his snowy adventures.
"Li Li, sweetheart, come here please," Riley called out, her voice echoing through the spacious room. William bounded towards her; his eyes wide as he watched his mother pack his belongings.
"We go away, Mama?" William asked, his voice filled with wonder.
"Yes, my sweet boy," Riley replied with a smile, scooping him up into her arms and placing him down on his bed. "We're going to the mountains with your father to visit a good friend of ours. It's going to be so much fun."
William's eyes sparkled with delight at the mention of his father. In the five short months since he met his father for the first time, the bond between father and son had grown stronger exponentially. William adored Liam, who always had time for his son's playful antics in New York and now, here in Cordonia, as well. Despite his Royal duties, Liam made the point to spend as much time with William as possible. Riley was not surprised. Liam often spoke about what kind of father he wanted himself to be. The exact opposite of his own father. She could tell that Liam was trying his best to make up for all the time they had lost. And she could not be happier.
Riley continued to pack, tucking away William's favorite books and toys to keep him entertained during their trip in Lythikos. She had already arranged for snacks with the kitchens, ensuring they would have everything they needed for the long drive to the northern chateau.
Riley looked up, catching Liam's gaze.
Liam stood and silently watched, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded. A gentle smile played on his lips as he watched Riley packing their son's belongings for their trip, while William happily tried to help his mother.
"Come, my King," Riley softly spoke and smiled with a playful glint in her eyes. "Help me double-check if we have everything for our little adventurer."
Liam pushed himself away from the doorframe and strolled over to Riley; he crouched down beside William, who was wide-eyed with anticipation.
“Daddy, look.” William pointed to the large suitcase, smiling happily at his father.
"Hello, my little prince," Liam greeted, ruffling William's hair. "Are you ready for an adventure?"
William giggled and nodded his head vigorously, his eyes reflecting the admiration and adoration he held for his father. Liam chuckled, “I see you have lots of toys packed.”
William climbed over to the suitcase and plucked his favorite plush to show his father.
“Ah, I see you packed your little dog. Is he your special friend?”
“Yes, Daddy. I love puppies.” William grinned, squeezing his toy.
“You do? That is good to know,” Liam winked at Riley as William returned his toy to be packed.
“I will meet you two in an hour. All right, love?” Liam asked Riley.
“Okay, Daddy,” William answered as Liam and Riley chuckled together at his response.
As Liam left to go to his study, Damien entered, bowing to Liam, “Your Majesty”.
Liam smiled and nodded 'hello' in response as he walked towards his assistant waiting in the hall followed by his security detail.
Nevrakis Chateau, Lythikos, Cordonia
Driving through the majestic mountains, Riley stared at the vista overlooking the Nevrakis chateau. Memories flooded her mind as they passed the frozen lake below. The lake where she, along with the other suitors skated on, with Liam during his social season years ago.
Riley shivered. Was it from seeing the beautiful winter landscape or from those memories of past competitions for the man she loved? Riley’s thoughts were interrupted by the happy sound of her son’s voice.
William giggled; totally enthralled by Liam’s storytelling of his past adventures in the snow. The sight of father and son was precious to Riley, as she softly smiled at the two of them. William was sitting on Liam’s lap as he pointed to the large chateau coming into view ahead.
The escalade stopped at the grand entrance of the Nevrakis chateau as members of the royal guard went into formation and opened the vehicle doors.
As they made their way toward the entrance, a flurry of snowflakes fell from the sky, adding a layer of white powder to the ground.
"Wow, this is beautiful.” Riley raised her arms to the sky. “I remember my first visit here during your social season.”
"It is. If I remember correctly, it was just as cold." Liam quipped adjusting William’s scarf.
Members of Olivia’s waitstaff greeted the party as they entered the lavish and grand estate. Standing at the base of the grand staircase, Olivia grinned as William squealed at the pair of Alaskan malamutes sitting inside the foyer.
“King Liam, Lady Riley and Prince William ... welcome to my quaint northern lodge. I am delighted to host the three of you.”
Liam approached Olivia and kissed her cheek, then gestured to Riley and William to join them.
"Olivia, it's been far too long since I last visited. The grounds are magnificent.”
"Indeed, thank you, Liam.” Olivia beamed with pride.
"Thank you for hosting us. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.” Riley added.
"Anything for my dear friends."
Olivia's attention was drawn to William, who was petting the dogs and giggling.
"Well, hello again, prince William." Olivia walked over and knelt beside and offered treats to her two canine companions.
William looked up at her and smiled.
"Hewwo."
"He's even cuter than I remember," Olivia grinned. “This one,” she motioned to the brown tipped dog, is ‘Mischa’. And this big guy is ‘Zeus’, "she cooed.
"Now, Riley." Olivia stood and walked forward slowly, looping her arm through Riley's arm and leading her inside. "We have lots to catch up on. Liam, make yourself at home. Your Royal suite is ready for you. Gustav will be your personal attendant for your stay."
"Thank you, Liv. That is much appreciated."
"You are quite welcome. Now, Riley, let us get started on our girl time.” Liam winked at Riley, his shoulders shaking as he chuckled at Riley’s faux scared expression.
"Okay, sounds good." Riley shook her head grinning as she walked by Liam.
Olivia and Riley climbed the grand staircase and disappeared around a corner while William sat on the floor playing with the dogs.
"William, let's get you changed and settled." Liam extended his hand down for his son to take.
"Okay, Daddy."
“Bye bye puppies.” William exuberantly spoke to the large dogs.
***
Riley and Olivia sat on a plush sofa in front of a large window overlooking the mountains. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the snowy landscape.
"It's so beautiful here." Riley marveled at the picturesque view.
"I'm glad you like it.” Olivia proudly acknowledged as she handed a large glass filled with chardonnay to Riley.
Olivia sat back and watched Riley; her expression turning serious.
"Riley, I know that things have been difficult for you since you've come back, but you have to remember, you're a force of nature. You are stronger than you think.” Olivia was continuing the conversation of their last visit at the palace.
Riley looked down at her hands, which held onto the wine glass with a death grip. She knew the invitation to spend the week in Olivia's duchy was not just a holiday for her, Liam and William. Her once adversarial friend, and now, her good friend, wanted to assist her with reuniting with Liam.
"I can see the pain and sadness in your eyes." Olivia continued.
"Oh... "
"How is it really going? Riley, how is everything between you and Liam?"
Riley sighed and set her wine glass on the table.
"I'm...I'm not sure."
"Do you still love him?"
"Yes, of course. I have never stopped loving him.”
"Do you think he loves you?"
"Yes.” There was a small smile followed by biting her top lip.
"Then what's the problem?"
"I'm not sure."
Olivia shook her head and sighed.
"You have to trust him, Riley. He loves you. And I can see how happy William makes him.”
"I know that.”
"But there's something else, isn't there?" Olivia eyed her friend for clues.
"It's just that... we've spent so much time apart. And now that we are back together, things feel different.”
"I think I understand. That is quite normal, all things considered."
"And I'm worried that he'll eventually resent me for leaving him while I was pregnant with William."
"He could never resent you, Riley. You are the mother of his child. It'# not in his DNA.”
“I keep thinking that that there will be another scandal around the corner. That something or someone will tear us apart.”
"What happened to that confident and free spirited American girl? The one who turned the court on its' head. Where did she go?"
"I know what you are asking. I feel scared; waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
"Scared of what? And why?"
"That he won't forgive me."
"Riley, listen to me. That is your guilt talking.”
Olivia reached over and grabbed Riley's hands, looking her in the eye.
"Liam loves you. He will always love you. You and William are his world. And I know that he wants nothing more than to make you happy.”
"But..."
"But, nothing. There is no 'but'.”
"Okay." Riley was not convinced. "But, Madeleine ..."
"Is out of the picture; where Liam is concerned. You have the power of position now, make Madeleine feel it."
Riley looked at her friend and took a staggered breath.
"Most importantly, you hold the King’s heart...show the world, show Cordonia, show Madeleine what that means...you will bring her to her knees." Olivia sneered.
"This is why I wanted you to come for a visit. To remind you of who you are and what you are capable of.”
“Olivia ...” Riley sighed, shaking her head, ‘no’.
"Now. Come with me."
Olivia stood and motioned for Riley to follow.
Olivia took her down to an armory in the bowels of the chateau.
"Here we are." Olivia turned and motioned to a wall of weapons.
"What are we doing down here?" Riley asked, eyeing the collection of weapons displayed on the wall.
"We're going to do some training.”
"Training? For what?" Riley questioned, perplexed.
"For the press."
"Why do I need training for the press? With weapons?"
"Because they're vultures. They will try to get a rise out of you. They will ask rude and invasive questions. They will try to trip you up.”
"But why do you think I need training? I know you haven’t forgotten that I was subjected to them during Liam’s social season."
"Because they're relentless idiots.” Olivia sneered.
"Okay, but ...”
“Now that you are back in Cordonia, the mother of the crown prince, no less ...they want to find out your intentions with their king.”
Riley took a deep breath, closing her eyes.
"Don't worry. I'm going to teach you how to handle them.” Olivia confidently proclaimed with a smirk.
"Thank you, Olivia.” Riley sighed as she eyed the collection of pointy weaponry again.
"Of course. Now, let us get started.”
Riley was grateful for Olivia's help and advice. She knew that she was right about the press, having dealt with them through the engagement tour, after the scandal was brought to light.
Riley didn't have to know that. At least, not yet.
And she knew that she needed to be prepared. Riley understood the extent to which the press would dig and manipulate information to get a juicy soundbite. But she was not aware that Madeleine would have her own agenda to discredit and sabotage her at every chance she got, all the way from Morocco. However, Olivia was well aware of Madeleine’s spite and her bitterness over losing the crown.
"First off. I want you to choose a weapon." Olivia pointed to her collection of weaponry mounted on the wall.
"A weapon?" Riley’s eyes were wide looking at the selection before her.
"Yes. You cannot fight the press with words alone.”
"Um...okay." Riley answered sceptically.
Riley looked at each weapon closely. There were swords, halberds, axes and daggers, among others.
She picked up a sword.
"Hmm...a sword? Interesting choice."
"It's light and I can move fast.”
"Good. Particularly good.” Olivia nodded approvingly. “That would be a weapon that Liam would choose.”
“Really?” Riley admonished.
"Now, we'll practice some moves.”
"Moves?"
"Yes. Maneuvers. Stances. Blocking and parrying.”
"Wow. This is serious.”
"Indeed. I'll start slow, but don't let your guard down.”
"I won't.” Riley responded warily.
"Good. Now, attack me."
"What?" Riley looked aghast.
"Attack me."
"Oh, um ... okay."
Riley raised the sword and ran at Olivia, who easily dodged the blow.
"Is that the best you've got?"
"No.”
Riley lunged at her again, and again, Olivia sidestepped each attack.
"You're leaving yourself open.” Olivia challenged.
"I am?"
"Yes. If this was a real fight, I would have cut you down by now." Olivia chirped.
"Oh.” Riley let out a large breath, wondering to herself how this lesson was going to end.
"Here. Let me show you."
Olivia demonstrated a series of moves, her sword flashing and swooshing in the air.
"Now, you try.”
Riley imitated the movements, her sword swishing through the air.
"Better.” Olivia critiqued.
"Thanks." Riley answered questionably.
"Again.” Olivia commanded with Riley going on the defensive.
They continued to spar, their swords clashing together. Riley was impressed with Olivia's skills and ability to read her opponent and react accordingly.
As they continued to fight, Riley became more comfortable with the sword, her moves becoming more fluid and graceful. Liam slipped into the back of the room, quietly watching the sparring.
"Excellent.” Olivia praised.
"Thanks.” Riley smiled at the compliment, picking up a bottle of water.
"Now we need a target." Olivia led her to a stuffed, practice dummy.
Riley chuckled as she watched her friend attach a large face photo of Madeleine onto the head with a dagger.
"Here, let me help you." Olivia handed her an assortment of knives, before she expertly threw her dagger.
Riley's first few throws landed wide, but she quickly found her mark, sinking several blades into the center of the picture.
"Nicely done.”
"Thanks."
"Feel better?" Olivia snickered as Riley laughed.
“Yes! Yes, actually I do. But I don't understand. How is this going to help me?”
"When the press asks you questions, you need to stay calm and confident. If they try to rattle you, throw them off balance. Focus on your target.” Olivia pointed to the picture.
"Let's practice."
"All right."
"Imagine I'm a member of the press. And I ask you, 'Lady Riley, where have you been all these years?'"
Riley cleared her throat and straightened her posture.
"I've been raising my son in New York. It's where he was born and raised.”
"Why did you leave Cordonia?"
"I left to protect my child. And because I knew that King Liam had an obligation to the Queen.”
"What are your intentions now that you've returned?”
"I'm here to support my son and to be a part of his life.”
"Do you still love the King?”
"Yes, of course."
“No! STOP!!!”
Olivia moved assertively towards Riley. "This is where you say, 'that's all the questions for today’ and then you walk away from the microphones. Show confidence. Show determination. Show stoicism. Control the narrative.”
Riley raised her eyebrow. "How did you get so good at this, Olivia?"
Olivia shrugged, her shoulders rising slightly. "I'm the duchess of Lythikos. People talk. And sometimes they don't realize I'm listening."
Riley nodded, a new respect for Olivia blossoming in her heart with a renewed sense of determination in her step.
Feeling his arms, Riley giggled and leaned back against him with a content smile.
Liam sauntered up to Riley from behind, wrapping his arms around Riley’s waist.
Riley turned around to look at Liam, her eyes filled with love.
“The Royal guard will then lead you away from the gathering,” Liam interjected. “You will never be left without protection.”
"Thank you, Liam.” Riley tearfully smiled.
"I want you to know that while I am alive, you will always have a home in Cordonia. And I will never let anyone threaten that ... or you ... ever again.”
Riley felt a warm feeling in her chest and a sense of calm.
Maybe everything was going to be all right, after all. As long as she had Liam and William, she knew she could face anything.
"Liam, I love you."
"I love you, too, Riley."
Liam pressed his lips to hers, and Riley melted into his embrace. They kissed for a long moment, savoring the feel of each other's bodies.
"Come, let's go get some sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow."
"I'm ready.*
"Pleasant dreams you two. Good night."
"Olivia, thank you for your expertise. It is much appreciated.
"Your welcome, Liam. It's my pleasure."
Good night." Riley called out.
Riley followed Liam out of the room, her hand firmly grasped in his.
And for the first time since she had come back to Cordonia, she truly felt like she was home.
"Thank you, Olivia," she whispered as she lay in Liam's arms, his steady heartbeat lulling her to sleep.
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ode to the loyal wolf
Pairing: Jack Howl x gn!reader
Synopsis: he could be stubborn and distant, but you still loved all of him dearly
Tags: drabble, fluff, slightly poetic hehe, reader is a simp for Jack, kinda ooc maybe
Word count: 612
Notes: lol this is my first post for jack ⊙﹏⊙ i like his character but i just don't get inspired by him hehe. anywayss, happy birthday jack!!
Masterlist
Your lover is an enigma wrapped in a facade of strength and independence. At first glance, his demeanour may come across as cold and distant, but beneath that stoic exterior lies a heart of gold. You adore the way he refuses to rely on the help of others, and how he proudly claims that he can handle everything alone. It's a testament to his unwavering self-reliance, a quality that makes him all the more irresistible. His determination to stand alone, to fight his battles with honour, it's something that draws you to him, a magnetic force of righteousness.
Your lover possesses a sense of justice that's unparalleled. His loyalty to what's right is unyielding, even to the point of betraying his own dormmates when they attempt to use dirty tricks. It's awe-inspiring to witness how he navigates the labyrinth of moral ambiguity. His justice is not swayed by popular opinion; it's uniquely his own, a beacon of truth in a world where the lines between right and wrong often blur. His commitment to honesty and straightforwardness is not just a choice but a way of life. It's this unwavering commitment to principles that sets him apart, making you fall deeper in love with him with each passing day. You admire this quality, knowing that he'll stand firm for what he believes, even when it's not the easiest path to take.
Your lover's dedication to his studies is a testament to his disciplined intelligence. He takes his academics seriously, excelling in tests and boasting an excellent memory. The way he values education, and his commitment to self-improvement, it's admirable. His pursuit of knowledge is not just for the sake of success but to better understand the world around him. It's inspiring to see how he invests himself in his studies, setting a high standard for personal growth.
Your lover’s determination is a blazing fire that never wavers, and shines most brilliantly when faced with the direst of situations. It's as if he possesses an unyielding spirit that refuses to bow to adversity. No matter how dark the storm clouds gather, he stands firm, resolute, and unbroken. In the face of insurmountable odds, his determination becomes a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the bleakest moments, one can find the strength to persevere and emerge victorious.
Your lover may not always openly express his care, but his actions speak volumes. Beneath that tough exterior lies a heart that beats for his friends. He'd go to great lengths for those he considers friends, often downplaying his intentions with a different reason, perhaps to protect his pride. It's endearing how he values respect, how he'd move mountains to earn and maintain it from those he holds dear. His loyalty is something you cherish, a precious gem of devotion and honour.
Your lover’s transformation from an initially harsh and stoic personality to one that gradually reveals a warmer, friendlier side is nothing short of a beautiful journey. Over time, he's allowed his guard to come down, revealing the depth of his affection. At first, his demeanour felt like a fortress, but now it's more like a cosy hearth, warm and inviting. His affection toward you has grown exponentially, and the way he smiles when you enter the room or how he wraps you in his arms, all make you treasure him even more.
You adore every aspect of him, from his unwavering sense of justice to his loyalty, his commitment to fairness, and his dedication to self-improvement. He's a remarkable individual, and you feel incredibly fortunate to be the one who gets to love him and cherish all the intricacies of his character.
Your lover, is none other than Jack Howl.
Masterlist
if you liked this post, don't forget to reblog!
#twstnexus#twisted wonderland#twisted wonderland x reader#disney twisted wonderland#twisted wonderland jack#jack howl x reader#jack howl
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Hi please would you write an iceman x reader and hes her first ❤ thank u
He ran away and never came back. You remained a virgin until your death. The end.
Nah. I’m just teasing.
Sorry this took so long for me to get around to. I hope that you like it.
Pairing: Tom “Iceman” Kazansky x F!Reader
Word Count: 5000
Warnings: Smut, virgin!reader, maybe slight OOCness
Minors DNI
Good Advice
It had been a typical Friday night, spent over drinks with his RIO and his girl. Or, he hoped you were still his girl after this. Actually — were you ever?
You'd grown up around each other, leapfrogging from base to base as military brats do. There'd always been something there, but neither of you had been in the same place long enough to partake in more than flirty words and stolen glances. Truthfully, Ice had been excited to see you again. When the stars and Navy aligned to bring the two of you back together — him a student at Top Gun and you a registered nurse.
Old routines are hard to break.
It felt natural to fall back into those glances, but there was nothing to stop either of you this time. Too-long brushes of fingers became an arm across your shoulders became his arm around your waist became his lips on yours on more than one occasion.
It was nice to be together like that after all the years spent wondering what if.
You were all over each other in the backseat of Ice's car when you hit him with a sighed confession: "I've never done this before." And honestly, the thought had never even crossed Ice's mind, so he chuckled. Genuinely thought that you were joking until he caught the look in your eyes that said you were as serious as the heart attack you nearly gave him. So Ice had done the only logical thing:
Got out of the car without saying a single goddamn thing and walked out of The O Club's parking lot into the setting sun.
* * *
Ice has walked all the way from the O Club to the line of houses that he and the other Top Gun students have been assigned, but it isn't his own door that he's standing in front of.
He knocks before he can chicken out, and he waits.
"Ice?"
"Goose."
"What the hell are you doing here?" Ice supposes the question is fair enough. Ice has only stepped foot in Slider's assignment despite multiple invitations to Wolf's, 'wood's, and Goose's. Not that he didn't like Goose — everyone liked Goose — he just preferred to steer clear of his pilot.
The thought of Maverick has Ice hesitating. The last thing he wants is for this to reach the wrong ears, and god knows that Maverick will never let him live this down if he catches wind of it. "Is Mitchell here?"
"No." Goose's brows furrow. "Why? Are you okay, man?"
Ice nods. "Can I come in?"
Goose gets out of the way so Ice can make himself comfortable on the standard issue couch with which all the housing assignments are decorated. Faced with the reality of his situation, Ice suddenly wishes he was anywhere else. But Ice likes you, and he cares about you enough to put himself through a bit of embarrassment to ensure he does right by you. And Bradshaw is married, so it stands that he'd be good at this emotional shit.
This knowledge, however, doesn't make his question any easier to spit out. In fact, every minute he sits on it, it gets exponentially more challenging to put into words. Because Ice is absolutely ashamed to admit that when you told him you were still a virgin and wanted him to be your first, he ran away.
That doesn't mean he likes the shit-eating grin on Goose's face when the words finally come tumbling out of him. God, he hopes he isn't as red as he feels.
"Aww," Goose teases. "The Iceman does have a heart. Just needed a little time to thaw out." And yeah. Maybe this was a bad idea. Ice fidgets in his seat, not entirely sure where to go from there. "Need advice on how to treat her right? That it?"
Ice is contemplating running from the house when a head of blonde hair pops out from around the wall that separates the living room from the kitchen. "Oh, Nick! Be nice. Can't you see the poor thing's terrified?"
"It's not every day we see Ice squirm," Goose says with a mischievous smile at his wife. "I was having fun."
"Well, I think it's sweet that he's askin'," she says, joining them in the living room. "Just be gentle, honey. Get her a pillow and go slow. As long as you're putting her first, everything'll be fine."
Ice breaks out of his shock with the realization that he and Goose aren't alone. Mrs. Bradshaw is there as well. "It's family weekend." And he's invited himself into Bradshaw's house. "I'll just go…." He's about to turn and leave as suddenly as he'd asked himself in, but his mother raised him better than that. He turns back to Goose's wife — Carole, if memory serves — and says: "I don't know how to thank you."
"Nonsense." Carole smiles, and dread settles in the pit of Ice's stomach when the same glint he's seen in Mav's and her husband's eyes lights her own. "Our babysitter fell through last minute." Not five minutes later, Bradley is on Ice's hip, and Carole's promising: "We'll be back in a couple hours."
So, Ice spends the night babysitting, which is so far from how he'd thought the night was going to go. It would've been funny if it had happened to anyone else, but it's him. It's nearly midnight when Goose and Carole return, the blonde woman picking Bradley up from where he's fallen asleep on the sofa and carrying him upstairs to bed. Ice shakes Goose's hand before he begins the long walk back to his car.
He drives by your house on the way back to his assignment. Your light is on, so he pulls up to the curb. Instinct tells him to go to you, smooth things over, and tell you that he's been an idiot, but instinct had also gotten him into this mess. No. Knocking on your door now would be adding insult to injury. So he goes home.
* * *
Ice has some nerve to show up at your door the following day, a bouquet of pink and white lilies clutched between his hands. Does he have any idea how embarrassed you were? Splayed shirtless across the backseat of his car as he'd run off like he was an Olympic sprinter and not a fighter pilot. You're about to give him a piece of your mind when—
"I'm sorry."
—he apologizes and shocks you into silence.
"Can I come in?"
The answer is on the tip of your tongue, but you don't think you've ever seen Ice apologize before. Instead of a bitter 'No, Tom. Now get out of my sight and take your stupidly gorgeous flowers with you,' you reach out to take the bouquet. "Let's put these in some water."
By the time you've found a vase and set the flowers on your coffee table, Ice has made himself exceedingly uncomfortable on the edge of your sofa.
"Last night," he starts once you sit opposite him on the other side of the coffee table, his hands clasped to keep from fidgeting, "you caught me by surprise." It's the truth. Ice hadn't imagined what you'd said could've been true. You're sweet and kind and beautiful. Anyone would be lucky to have you tucked beneath their arm. How you've reached your mid-twenties without sleeping with anyone is beyond him. "I shouldn't have walked away like that," he concedes. "But you- we-." He swallows, eyes locking with yours. "I was worried."
"Oh," you say. Of all the scenarios that ran through your head before and after your confession, a worried Iceman was not one of them.
"I care about you—" his words make your heart swell "—and I was worried that I wouldn't be good for you."
Getting up from your spot, you slide onto the cushion next to him until your knees knock, and you're cradling his face in your hands. "How could you be anything but good for me?" And Ice thinks there are so many reasons and ways, but none of that matters when you bring your lips to his in a gentle press.
"I'd still like to give this a go if you're not going to run away this time," you say, aiming for bold, but your cheeks dust pink.
"Are you sure?" You nod, and that's all the answer Ice needs. "Then I'm not going anywhere." You're smiling when you pull him into the next kiss, but Ice keeps it slow, almost chaste. "We should probably take this to the bedroom."
Ice wants to do this right, so he takes your hand in his and lets you lead him down the hall.
He stopped by the pharmacy on his way to your house and has everything the two of you could possibly need for this to go well. He sets it all on the bedside table before he steps in close, pressing your foreheads together as one of his hands finds the curve of your waist and rubs soothing circles there. He seems more nervous than you, standing with his lips so close to yours but not making a move to close the distance.
"It's just a kiss, Tom," you say with a smile. "We've done this part before."
"I know."
"We've done a lot of this part before." You press a peck to his lips. "Don't overthink it."
So Ice slots your lips together like you're at the O or in the backseat of his car. You both sigh into it, your eyes drifting shut as you let your hands wander and brush clothes aside to reveal soft skin.
Ice's shirt is on the floor when his fingers work on your blouse, his lips leaving tender kisses with each button undone until the fabric slips from your arms. Strong hands cup your breasts through the thin fabric of your bra, and you want to tear it off with each kiss Ice presses into your cleavage and back up your neck.
Ice's fingers take their time to return to your front when your bra hits the floor, goosebumps littered in their wake. You suck in a breath when he thumbs over a nipple.
"Is this okay?"
"Yes." Your answer is breathy, your lips seeking out his. Your skin sizzles everywhere it's pressed against Ice, but he's backing up. You're worried he's about to run for a split second, but the hot mouth on your nipple interrupts your whine for him to come back, a surprised moan tumbling out instead. "Oh god."
"You're so sensitive, aren't you?" he asks as a hand comes up to knead at your other breast, then he's ducking down to lick over your tit again. Wrapping his plush lips around the suddenly perky nipple. It's like he's lit a match, heat prickling along your chest, centering where his mouth applies slick, gentle pressure, unlike anything you've felt before. Barely-there teeth graze the sensitive bud, and your surprised jump earns you a chuckle. "Sorry, sweetheart." His tongue apologetic, whereas his tone is anything but. A whine spills from your kiss-stung lips as Ice's eyes meet yours. There's hardly any color left in them — pupils blown wide and eclipsing the blue with a rampant lust that makes your stomach turn in excitement.
"Honey," he purrs. His voice has a dry, raspy undercurrent that you're hopelessly enamored with. "You gonna make more of those sounds for me?" Ice asks as he stands upright, one hand massaging your chest as his other cups your cheek, bringing your lips close to his again. "I wanna know when I'm making you feel good."
You continue to undress each other in a similar fashion: one piece at a time as Ice leaves supple, slow kisses on every inch of your exposed skin, wordlessly conveying his adoration for every part of you until you're both down to your underwear. Then, he takes a step back, eyes a piercing blue as they rake over you.
You take the opportunity to climb onto the bed, eyes locked on his as his fingers dip below the waistline of his briefs and push them down his muscled thighs. You try to keep your eyes on his face, but they're drawn down, down, down past the defined 'V' of his hips to…
You flush red from the tips of your ears to your chest, but Ice isn't the least bit shy. Who would be with a body like that? And maybe you should've been more nervous, but when he joins you on the bed, you're itching to run your hands over him. Grab ahold of his broad shoulders. Drag your fingers over the hills and valleys of his front. You want to touch him, but you're not sure where to begin.
Ice rolls to the side as if he can sense your hesitance, leaning casually against your headboard. He opens his mouth — no doubt to offer you encouragement or ask if you're okay with this — but chokes on his words when you wrap a hand around him. Your eyes flicker to his dazed expression, a coquettish smile on your lips. "Is this right?" you ask as you give a light squeeze and feel him pulse in your hand.
You could get used to Ice's slack-jawed pleasure, the little groan he lets out as his head tips back and his eyes slip close. "Y-yeah," he manages to say after a moment. "You could do this, too." His hand rests over the top of yours, adjusting your grip on his cock and showing you how and where to apply pressure to make his toes curl.
But you don't spend much time with your hand wrapped around Ice. Sooner than you'd like, he shifts to bring your lips together, licking into your mouth while he takes your hand off of him. "As much as I like your hand on my cock, sweetheart," he husks, palms massaging at your hips before he thumbs at the thin band of your panties, "tonight's about you."
You lift your hips so that Ice can slide your panties down, and just like that, you're naked as the day you were born. A thrill makes its way up your spine that's equal parts nerves and excitement as Ice's fingers skate up your legs. He pauses when he reaches your upper thighs, fingers purposefully exploring everywhere but where you want him most.
“Has anyone touched you here?” Ice asks when his fingers finally slide against slick folds, gathering the wetness there and spreading it as you suck in a breath.
"Do I count?"
And Ice groans because no, you don't count. He presses a finger to your entrance. "This okay?"
You nod — "Please." — and he's pressing into you slowly. His finger is so much bigger than your own that you can't help but squeeze around him, unable to watch as the finger sinks into you and too flustered to look into his eyes.
"You're so wet," he coos, finger sliding from your walls as they try to hold him in place only to press back in. And you arch when his finger curls to catch your sweet spot. He takes advantage of your moan to slide his tongue against yours, two fingers massaging at your opening. "Think you can handle more?" You nod, and Ice squeezes both fingers into you, biting back a groan as you hiss and jerk your hips away from the sting of the larger intrusion.
Ice hates knowing he's the reason you're uncomfortable, but he isn't sure what he can do to help. He's almost as out of his element as you are. So, he kisses from the corner of your lips down the valley of your breasts. Distracts you with lips and teeth until your skin bears the red blossom of his affection and your hand is tangled in his hair. He licks over the mark with a satisfied hum and waits until you relax before beginning to pump his fingers slowly in and out of you. As you push back against his hand, his beautifully intense eyes are on yours again. "How're you feeling?"
"Full," you answer truthfully, not sure what to make of the feeling yet.
Ice lets out an amused exhale at your honesty. Two fingers are hardly comparable to what you've both got planned. "You're doing so good, baby," he whispers just loud enough for you to hear it. Purposefully crooks his fingers so a surprised moan tumbles from your lips. "Think you can handle one more? I'll make you feel good."
The promise in his eyes has you nodding. Ice removes his fingers from you before crawling down your body. Pressing a kiss to your ribs, above your belly button, against each of your hip bones. Your heart rate picks up as he lowers himself to the bed between your spread thighs. "You don't have to." Honestly, you're embarrassed at the idea of him putting his mouth on you down there.
But Ice rubs three fingers against your slit, and you tense up. "I want to." And as his fingers dip into your heat, he drags the flat of his tongue over your clit.
You aren't responsible for the way your hips buck into the wet pressure against your bundle of nerves or the wild noise that tears itself from you.
One of your arms comes up to cover your eyes when Ice sucks gently on your clit. He could do whatever he wanted to you so long as he kept doing that. Distantly, you're aware that he's got all three of his fingers knuckle-deep in you, and it burns, but that can be brushed aside. All that matters is how his tongue teases against you and how his other hand encourages you to chase your pleasure against his face.
You've gotten yourself off before, but that's nothing compared to what Ice has brewing in the pit of your stomach. It's toe-curling, tear-stirring, and you can't keep your mouth shut for the life of you. Not that Ice is complaining. When his mouth does leave you, it's to tell you how good you're doing, how pretty you are, how good you taste. How well you're taking his fingers.
Until the pressure is about to snap and your thighs begin to shake with the intensity of it.
And Ice pulls away.
"Feel good, sweetheart?"
"Well, I was." You fix him with a glare. "Why'd you stop?" It isn't a question so much as a demand for an answer. You'd been so close, then nothing.
"Didn't want you to finish before the main event," Ice says as he slips from the bed. "You still up for it?" He's fiddling with the foil packet in his fingers. "We don't have to."
But you're riding too high on the idea of it. Have wanted this for too long to let it slip through your fingers when you're so close. "Tom." You bite your lip in a way that you hope is alluring. "C'mere."
Ice rolls the condom on, slicks it up with a packet of lube — anything to make it easier for you — and climbs back onto your bed. He rolls you so you're resting on top of him. His cock pressed against your thigh as your legs fall on either side of his hips. "It'll be easier if you can control it," he assures you, thumbs back to tracing delicate patterns into your skin while he tries to keep from grinding his hips up into you.
"So I just–" you lift yourself off his lap and look down at his cock lying against his toned stomach "–sit back on it?"
"That's the gist of it. Nervous?"
"No." But your answer comes too fast to be sincere.
"Don't be," Ice says. A hand leaves your hip to cup your cheek, and you press into the caress. It isn't often that Ice completely drops the cool confidence he's so known for, and you revel in this warmer side of him. Soak it in like the sun. "We'll take it at your pace." You nod.
"How do I–?"
"Here, let me just–"
The two of you shift awkwardly until you feel the blunt head of his cock pressed against your slick folds. Before Ice can offer you another out, you push back, baring your teeth and hissing as the fat head slips inside you. Even after Ice's three fingers, the stretch is a lot.
Ice's jaw clenches, his hands grabbing big handfuls of your bedsheets. "You're doing great. Just go slow." His fingers flex and relax as he forces himself to take deep breaths in his nose and out his mouth. You're so tight and hot and his head is spinning. But he refuses to look away as you grow accustomed to his girth.
Slowly, you work your way down until — after what feels like and may well be an eternity later — you're fully seated in his lap.
"Is it okay if we stay here for a bit?" you ask.
His voice is strained when he tells you to take all the time you need. At a loss for what else to do, his hands massage your thighs where they're strained around his hips. Runs a hand up along the long line of your back until he's cupping your breasts again. He hopes that his gentle touch is helping to take your mind off the stretch. It helps, but what you really want is his lips on yours. To get lost in his mouth until the discomfort dissolves into the pleasure you've been promised. That he'd given you a taste of and then taken away. But with the way he's laid out on your pillows, you're not sure you can reach his lips, so you settle for pressing a kiss into his palm when his thumb brushes against your cheekbone.
You tentatively rock your hips against Ice's when the ache begins to dull. A simple back and forth that makes him grunt in surprise, but the feeling isn't uncomfortable anymore. It just feels new.
"You don't have to move if you aren't ready." His hand squeezes you reassuringly.
"I know," you say, moving on his lap again. The same forward and back motion. "I want to." You can feel his muscles tensing with the effort to lay still while you experimentally rock against him. Can see the strain in his neck and across his brow and in the sweat that gathers at his temples. And you like that you're able to reduce him to this.
You're so busy watching Ice's face that you don't notice when his thumb presses against your clit. You fall forward, bracing yourself on his chest, head falling forward as you keen, trying to roll on into his touch. "That's it," Ice encourages, his voice rough like he's been running. "Feeling good, baby?" Instead of answering, your hips pick up speed. Grinding into Ice's fingers and back onto his cock as you get used to the feel of him inside you, your earlier discomfort starts to give way to pleasure. Little sparks light up your nerves. "C'mon," he grunts. "Gotta tell me how it feels."
"It feels—" you try to concentrate on the feeling. It doesn't hurt anymore, but it's a far cry from what you felt earlier. "—different."
"Good different, bad different?"
You swivel your hips, and Ice's eyes are half-lidded.
"Good, I think?"
Ice nods, his adam's apple bobbing. "You can also try…" he trails off.
"Try what?"
His hands still your hips, then his arms flex as he helps you raise them an inch or two off his lap before slowly lowering you back down. You repeat the motion, lifting yourself off of Ice's lap and then sitting back, his cock rubbing against something that makes you groan. "Like this?"
"Yeah, baby. Just like that," Ice encourages, eyes torn between looking into your face and watching how you take him so well. A groan rumbles deep in his chest, and you decide that you like it, so you lift yourself up again. And again. Each rise and fall unhurried. Exploratory. "Doing so good."
It isn't long before your legs start to tire. The strain from straddling Ice and bouncing slowly in his lap is too much for you to keep up with. Sensing this, Ice sits up and gathers you in his arms. Your legs give out, gratefully coming to a stop as he holds you to his chest and captures your lips in a languid kiss.
"Hang on to me, sweetheart." That's all the warning Ice gives you before he's tipping you backward and stretching over you, his hips snug to yours as he lays you on your back and sucks your lower lip into his mouth. "You did so good," he praises, running his hands soothingly over your legs as they fall tired and boneless at his sides. "Let me take care of you."
You nod, your eyes half-lidded as Ice's breath puffs against your cheeks. This is what had been missing in your previous position. The closeness. Your hands snake up from Ice's shoulders to cup his strong jaw, your noses bumping as you pull his lips to brush over yours. Your sigh washes over him, nails catching in his hair as he pushes into you from this new angle, cock nudging against your sweet spot with delicious precision.
His body is screaming for him to pick up the pace, but Ice can't bring himself to do that without making sure you're okay. He's about to ask for what must be the umpteenth time when your head tilts back, your back arching with a wanton moan as you bring your breasts flush with his chest.
"Oh my god."
"That feel good, baby?" His eyes follow the flicker of your tongue as it peeks out to wet your lips. He pulls out a little further and sinks back into you at the same angle, hoping for a similar reaction and getting it — your mouth falling slack as you quiver beneath him. "I'm going to speed up." He waits for your nod, then sets a pace you'll be comfortable with, biting at the inside of his cheek to keep himself in check as you push into each roll of his hips, moans falling unchecked from your lips.
"Just like that. Oh, fuck."
"That's it," he encourages, littering your neck with increasingly sloppy kisses, nipping and sucking at your collarbone. "Tell me what you need."
Your hands have moved from his hair to clutch at his shoulder blades, nails digging in and leaving behind little half moons every time your hands scramble for a new purchase. Your face is flushed a delightfully amorous red, eyes glazed and swimming half-focused between Ice's lips, face, and the ceiling as you shout your pleasure for all to hear. For Ice to hear.
"Touch me," you finally gasp, eyes screwing shut before you blink up at him again. "Please, Tom. I'm so– fu– touch me, please, please, please."
As if he'd ever be able to deny you anything.
Fingers find your clit, cock nailing your sweet spot, and your reaction is instantaneous. Pleasure arcs white-hot across your nerves, sizzling and popping beneath your skin as you writhe.
"Holy shit," you finally sigh, content to melt into your comforter as the afterglow of your high continues to fizzle through your veins. You bring Ice into a lazy kiss, only to grunt when he pulls out of you.
He's still hard.
"You didn't…?" You reach for him as soon as it registers. Ice lets out a throaty groan when your fingers wrap around him like he'd shown you earlier.
"You don't have to," he says even as his hips fuck forward into your fist.
"But I want to." Ice looks like he's about to protest, but you stop him: "Let me take care of you. Please."
"Yeah." His eyes close, and he swallows, sitting up, and you follow him. "Yeah, okay." He strips the condom off and takes his cock in hand, pumping it a couple of times before he lets you take over, kneeling at his side and nibbling along the sharp line of his jaw. Tasting the salt on his skin.
You watch as Ice is slowly undone by your hand. Head tilting back and Adam's apple bobbing as you thumb over the head. Brows furrowing. Mouth falling slack. Hips pressing into each stroke. More noises fall from his pretty lips as he watches the way you squeeze him, precum beading at his tip and cock twitching, and you savor it. Like that you're the one wringing each noise and twitch out of him.
Curiosity gets the better of you as the press of Ice's hips into your hand grows sloppy, and you lower yourself down to the bed. Your breath ghosts over your fist. Ice lets out a needy whine as your eyes lock with his from beneath your lashes, and you tentatively stick your tongue out for the tiniest taste of him. A kitten lick. That proves to be Ice's undoing. His cock twitches, hips pressing frantically into your hand as he moans. Thick ropes of cum coat your hand and land on his abs as he heaves for breath.
"Good?"
Ice chuckles. "I'm supposed to be asking you that."
"I asked first." You smile playfully and bite your lip when Ice looks down at the mess you've both made of him as if that should be answer enough.
"Where did you learn that?" he can't help by ask. He's unable to get the image of you on your knees with your pink tongue on his cock out of his mind's eye, and he's pretty sure it's seared into his brain.
You blush, looking away as you nervously bite at your lip. "I might've asked my friends for some advice."
Ice wants to laugh; instead, he presses a kiss to the crown of your head as he gets up to find some tissues. So he isn't the only one who'd asked for advice.
#thirsty answers#tom iceman kazansky x reader#tom kazansky x reader#iceman x reader#top gun 1986#tom iceman kazansky smut#iceman smut#top gun smut#female reader#virgin female reader#f!reader
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I was wondering if there are any rare happy ritsu moments in ur zombie au since hes always miserable I think,, like is he always miserable or is he happy/not miserable and feeling kinda good sometimes?
VWHDGDGD NO YEAH OFC HE'S HAPPY SOMETIMES im just horrible and enjoy putting him through misery
ive never been able to get a genuine smile to look right on his face in my art style either i think thats part of it. as ive said his face is just built to be mildly uncomfortable and bothered and i lean into it sm it's starting to get kinda funny
but yes ritsu is happy plenty! i think, canonically, he just seems like the type of person to me that tends to turn lemonade back into lemons. he's easy to scare and his first reaction to things is often Dread and Anxiety. he dwells on the negatives a lot and seems to be a "hope for the best, expect the worst," kinda guy, but there's a section in this post abt shigeo always loving the little things in life, and ritsu steadily learns throughout the journey on how to do that and how healing it can rly be. even if he had to grow up too fast during this whole thing and learn things a kid should never have to, the journey also gave him some good insight and lessons in other places! ritsu is smart, he figures it all out
in terms of little things here n there he's the happiest lil guy on the planet when he finds one of his favorite foods—swings his legs while he sits and munches on a kitkat bar like he's got absolutely nothin in the world to worry abt. sometimes mob does smth funny that he laughs at; for the longest time i've had this silly image in my head of mob accidentally knocking down a bucket from a store shelf and it lands on his head and he just kinda stands there and makes noises.when the noises continue out of pure curiosity about the weird echoey quality it's giving them ritsu cannot help but lose it
besides tiny things tho, when tome comes around ritsu in general is a lot happier, just cuz he has somebody to talk to that will actually respond in some way. they're sorta reluctant partners in crime at first (at least on ritsu's end) but over time and over bonding they grow to rly like each other's presence. they bicker constantly but it's almost always fond eventually, and they shove each other and playfight until mob gets antsy enough to get worked up about it. rly, tome is a godsend to ritsu's mental health—after months and months of being effectively alone with his thoughts, he finally has another person to converse with. a person His Age, too!
tome is rly good at knowing when ritsu is thinkin himself into oblivion and she's Also rly good at being the most annoying girl on the planet to yank him outta that and replace any misery with Oh My God Get Off Me You Freak. she doesn't even do this on purpose at first, but over time she learns how to tell when he's thinking too hard and, ofc, she's grown attached and she cares, so she's as obnoxious as possible to lighten the mood
when they find reigen n teru, ritsu gradually gets Much happier still. now that he knows they're safe and the gang is finally back together (and now that there's an Adult present and he can relax a lil and let himself be taken care of) his stress levels r exponentially lowered. having teru back is another instant lift to his mood—im always a big fan of teru and ritsu friendship, and i think adding tome to their dynamic simply makes it more chaotic. truly a trio of the 3 most normal teenagers in existence which will surely bring nothing but good (reigen sweats offscreen)
actually this makes me feel bad for forever torturing him im gonna go draw happy zau ritsus brb ,.,.ok imback <3
#qktalks#anon#zombie au#tw guns#<- for that glock in the corner . sorry#actually it looks like he's at gunpoint in that one and just going teehee about it#he looooooves tormenting tome .and tome loves tormenting him. it's their favorite pastimes#i don't rly like the second one too much tbh the sleeves are weird but i think that's just the Nature of how poofy they can get#oh this is a great time to talk abt their dynamic. sorry.this ask isn't abt that.but now it is#so i realize that tome and ritsu ??? don't rly interact in canon at all. and neither do tome and teru . as a matter of fact#but consider. uhm.what ifthey did <3 GVYIEAV#like i said they're all So incredibly normal it'll make for a great time#^ genuinely i do think so actually. most of the time anyway#i touched on it a lil bit in recondite but i rly like the idea of mob ritsu tome and teru all being a friend group#teru would undoubtedly piss tome off sometimes she'd call him out on his bullshit#but like.in terms of the canon timeline i think post-mob teru would Totally listen to her#and take what she says abt How he is into consideration. he's trying to rebuild himself into somebody better#teru and ritsu already have a dynamic in canon but it feels pretty loose and it isn't fully explored at all#i think they work together rly well tho. there's no real evidence to the contrary iirc i think they work together in canon quite well#they think alike in terms of fighting#and in a setting like this‚ once teru is on the same page as ritsu on zombies‚ they're prolly a pretty damn good team#there's a lot of room for things to go wrong tho#if i had to sum it up rly succinctly it'd be: ritsu's motive is fear‚ tome's motive is curiosity‚ and teru's motive is power#what i mean by teru's being power is Not the pre-mob teru ''wanting'' to be powerful and unstoppable#i mean teru wants to have power over everything that is trying to hurt them#he doesn't Want to cower he wants to Fight tooth and nail#and i think ritsu's fear versus tome's curiosity and teru's drive of power conflicts a lot#ritsu is passive in the sense that he'll do anything in his power to avoid altercations with anything to order to keep mob safe#he isn't Active until something goes Wrong. and usually things go Wrong when teru and tome rush ahead#WOW sorry i went on a rant that was Completely unrelated to the fucking question. im at the 30 tag limit bye
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I feel like we don't talk about the fact that Hinata literally beat up Takemichi when he broke up with her... I think that Wakui wrote that scene with the intention of some humour because of how Takemichi looks afterwards but it's not funny just because a girl is beating up a boy. It's worth examining why she beats him up and what that says about her character.
I wouldn't go so far as to say this scene was out of character for her, but it really stands out. It isn't totally out of character because of how much she has been shown to care/think about Takemichi (even 12 years later, when she wears the necklace) and the lengths she has been willing to go to for him (ie, slapping Mikey). With these two points in mind, this breakup scene really stands out to me because instead of sticking up for Takemichi she's lashing out at him due to her strong feelings for him.
I always thought it was a little odd that she had worn the clover necklace for twelve years after the Meobius Arc, considering Takemichi was just her middle school boyfriend, and also her childhood and grown-up selves had always seemed more well-adjusted than the lonely Takemichi (ie, she has a career as a teacher, and we see her on the pedestal that Takemichi puts her on since the story is from his POV). But if you really think about it, she's been devoted to one person since middle school who she hadn't interacted with after all that time, even though she easily could have. And when we actually see her being rejected by that person, her response is violence. I can't help but recall a really unnerving parallel.
The story fails to address the fact that Kisaki and Hinata actually have some really interesting similarities. Kisaki's response to being rejected by the person he idolizes is exponentially more violent than Hinata's, and his obsession has a much more tangible/real impact on his future since he becomes a top gangster for Hinata, but I think it's worth mentioning that Kisaki and Hinata do in fact have similarities, that they really heavily fixate on someone they admire. (I'm not even going to get into the fact that Kisaki's obsession is also directed on Takemichi, that's a whole other discussion)
There are actually parallels between all three characters in the Takemichi, Hinata, and Kisaki "love triangle" that I wish were further explored/discussed because these characters all mirror each other at least slightly. They somehow manage to be quite similar but also quite different. A lot of these differences stem from circumstance, I believe, but intrinsically there are similarities that tie them so closely together it's no wonder the series can be traced back to the day these three met.
#Tokyo Revengers season 2#Tokyo Revengers#Tokyo Revengers manga#tachibana hinata#kisaki tetta#hanagaki Takemichi#to be clear i like all of these characters so don't jump at me😭 characters with flaws are interesting because it's a fictional story#Tokyo Revengers meta#🍓🍊 tr ramblings
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@extrovertedd-introvert this one's for you
you can find a master list of all my headcanon posts at the bottom!!
pt 5 of wilmon headcanons ft. the boys being casually protective of and besotted with each other
wille is particularly fond of kissing the tip of simon's nose. it almost always ends in simon scrunching up his nose and smiling, which is so adorable that wille just has to do it again
wille has an official "crown prince" twitter account that he absolutely does not run himself. simon thinks that the account is hilarious with how much he knows wille would never say any of that stuff ever
since getting back together, the "simon" folder on wille's phone has grown exponentially. simon has a very similar folder dedicated to wille. neither of them has ever shown the other that these albums exist
simon is obsessed with basically any type of cola he can find. wille's drink of choice remains water, which simon and all their friends think is weird as hell
due to wille's anxiety, he's the type of person who looks up anything and everything he can about a new show he's watching so there are no surprises. simon, on the other hand, HATES spoilers with every part of him. they've made a deal when watching a new show together that wille is allowed to look up whatever he wants, but if he says a word about it to simon, they can't watch it together anymore
after erik died, wille got a new special interest/hyperfixation on reptiles/amphibians, particularly frogs. he has posters in his room and can give a slew of facts off the top of his head, and he's read the frog prince fairy tale so many times he has it memory. whenever wille goes on a new rant about them, simon listens diligently and without distractions because while he couldn't care less about the mating habits of tree frogs, he knows how important it is to wille
even though wille likes video games, he's never been into it the way simon is. even still, he'll gladly watch simon play for hours and wholeheartedly agrees whenever simon looks at him with a smile and asks if he wants simon to teach him how to play
simon is one alarm and done, but wille needs a minimum of five and at least three rounds of snooze before there's even a chance of him waking up
if simon is around however, he'll wake up to one kiss on the cheek and a hand running through his hair. his internal simon radar impresses both of them to no end
wille doesn’t have a lot of musical talent, but he did take piano lessons for years. simon knew he at least knew how to play a little from when wille had been showing him the school song, but he doesn’t learn that wille can actually play for real until one day when they’re hanging out in his room and wille pulls the electric keyboard into his lap, playing a gentle and clearly well rehearsed melody. simon is pretty sure he actually swooned at the sight
wille doesn’t play piano very often, and simon is the only person who can ever get him to do it. most commonly he’ll play when simon is having a bad day and needs a distraction, or when simon fixes him with those wide, pretty eyes because he needs help rehearsing a piece for choir. no one at school except for simon knows he plays
jealousy headcanons | pt 1 | pt 2 | pt 3 | pt 4
#young royals#young royals headcanon#young royals season 2#yr s2 spoilers#prince wilhelm#simon eriksson#wilmon
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Fukuzawa and Fukuchi have come far since they first met in that Dojo.
But when did they find out they had abilities?
It would be clear for Fukuchi. After all, no matter your muscle mass, it's very obvious when a lightly tossed stone causes a crater. It suits him, people mutter quietly, the novelty of the ability possessing local gossip. After all, hadn't he crushed all the dojo's? He was always a prodigal child, had always grown in power exponentially. And after all, there was that Fukuzawa child alongside him right? The two suited each other well.
Fukuchi grows beyond strength. He's smart enough to read a battlefield, deceitful enough for a hundred masks. He's a hero of the country, and he teaches his students with an unmatched love for the way of the sword.
(He never forgets a tie with a quiet boy and how he commits then and there, because he knew he would never be lonely again.)
But that Fukuzawa? He's rather a lone wolf isn't he? He's hardly seen around anyone, isolated aside from Fukuchi. He's introspective and gentle, but his skill is only underestimated by the already dead.
But if Fukuzawa truly was a lone wolf... When would that ability have manifested?
Fukuchi makes a big scene of pointing out that 'unlike you, I have comrades' and it's implied that until he meets and works alongside Mori, Fukuchi is the only meaningful relationship in Fukuzawa's life that we know of. Until Ranpo, it doesn't seem like Fukuzawa has any 'subordinates'.
And another point. 'All Men Are Equal' supposedly works on his subordinates, but that doesn't quite fit the detective agency. Fukuzawa seems to see them more as a family than anything. They don't take his order as gospel, and he's comfortable ceding authority to others.
What if 'All Men Are Equal' works for people he cares about, not merely subordinates. And what if the first person it activated for was Fukuchi? And imagine Fukuzawa seeing his son being stabbed, two of his detectives as hostages, has been stabbed and suddenly the ability breaks. Fukuzawa asks 'is this for revenge' and Fukuchi says no, and suddenly Fukuzawa is struck with how badly they failed each other, that here, at the end of the world they can't understand the other. And Fukuchi suddenly realises, the World in his hands is a little less dangerous than before. Amenogozen seems a little unbalanced, and his strikes seem just barely less devastating.
It shouldn't mean anything, Fukuzawa's loss of faith. But it stings all the same. Because he'd never appreciated the presence of his dearest friends ability, the way it kept him warm and burned his bones with sheer desperation when motivation wasn't strong enough, the way it drove him forwards no matter what. He didn't even know it was his friends ability, didn't know that Fukuzawa had aided him on the battlefield after all.
It means something. Going cold.
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All Over The Place
In the weeks since I have last sat at this keyboard I have navigated the hills and valleys of emotion. Yes, I know that sounds dramatic, but it felt dramatic.
I've had moments of absolute clarity, confusion, absolute cloudiness, fear, joy, more fear, more confusion...you get the idea. I continue to go from a positive feeling that I want to transition into a woman, begin HRT, exercise my lower body to enhance my small hips, socially transition, come out, and allow myself the ability to attempt to live a happy life to feeling absolutely dumb for thinking that I could be a woman, shameful for wearing clothes that are gendered for the female sex, shameful for shopping in the women's section of thrift stores, wearing panties under my male gendered underwear on an almost daily basis (this also gives me great joy/feels like just a normal part of my day now), and a bit of hate toward myself for thinking of putting my family through the distress of having me be a transgender woman in the southern United States (the hate, the safety concerns, the hell that it could put them through).
I type this as I wear my favorite skirt, blouse, panties, and bra. Over the past few weeks I have removed almost all of my body hair via wax or shaving, exfoliated, moisturized, learned to give myself manicures and pedicures, painted my nails, and allowed myself to walk the halls of my home with a feminine freedom (when I am alone). I have fallen in love with my hairless soft skin. I felt such disappointment when the hair on my chest and belly started to grow back in. At least it's softer, but I know that in a few weeks it will be back to the way it was and knowing how much I prefer it gone is causing me a lot of stress. The stubble on my legs aggravates me nightly as I lay in bed. Not in the painful/itchy way that hair growing back in does, more as a reminder of the wonderful feeling my hairless, soft, and smooth legs felt against each other and the fabric of my clothes and sheets continues to fade.
My disdain for clothing gendered toward the male sex has awakened and grown exponentially over the past several weeks. I've never "liked" my body so to speak. I haven't disliked it, but have just always felt that it needed to change, via working out to achieve a more masculine frame or grow it a bit fatter, figure out what feels better, etc. After putting on my first dress that enhanced my hips I only want to accentuate them. I want to slightly cinch my waist (I like having a somewhat bigger body, a fatter body), I want to show off my actual natural curves. Clothes made for the male sex don't do this. I haven't worn jeans in years, but wept a little when I put on a pair of womens Levis that I found at the thrift store.
These emotions, these feelings, these revelations have really taken over my inner monologue. I can't stop thinking about how I think I might be a trans woman. I've talked to my therapist. I told him about the crossdressing and the feelings that have taken over my days and brought upon more sleepless nights. He mentioned that I could just be genderqueer, and I agree with that. He told me to have patience with myself and I responded that I've never reserved that for myself. I do feel that the clock is ticking. I feel like if I were to transition into a woman it is now or never. However, I also know that I can not rush a decision like this.
So, I continue to open myself to the possibility that I am a woman, that I am transgender. I continue to allow myself to feel these feelings and think these thoughts and wear these clothes and practice the acts of self care and self love. I am trying to love myself inside and out for the first time ever.
I'm also trying to love those around me more. I want to share this with my wife at some point in the near future. I am terrified of losing her and my kids. I am also terrified to continue to keep everyone in my life at arms length. I wrote down a revelation I had to share with my therapist next week:
"I have wanted to become this warm, fun, inviting, open person that I know exists inside of me for so many years, but have been unable to let out. Am I realizing that I was unable to let them out because that "me" is the woman I have somehow suppressed subconsciously and refused to allow to manifest?"
I am still confused. I am still scared. I am still working to understand this and understand me.
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🤔 Elwin and the his relationship with the geographical landscape of Rosaria and the Mothercrystal?
Okay, let's see if I can do this without turning into a complete and total rambling mess(like I always do) --
Also prefacing this with my information may be off, so if anything's wrong, please feel free to correct me! ; A ; I won't be offended -- I'll be grateful for the help LOL
So the Grand Duchy of Rosaria is off to the west of Valisthea's continent of Storm, extending all the way to the western coast. The reason I bring up the coast is because Rosaria doesn't itself have a Mothercrystal, in the same way that the other nations of Storm and Ash do -- it shares a Mothercrystal, Drake's Breath, with the Iron Kingdom. Drake's Breath just happens to sit on a volcanic island located in-between Rosaria and The Iron Kingdom, and this volcanic island and its Mothercrystal just happen to be worshipped as sacred by the latter nation.
Which means that if Rosaria wants to gain control of the Mothercrystal, they, understandably, have to venture into the sea and go to war with The Iron Kingdom.
We see this at the beginning of XVI's story; during Elwin's first appearance on-screen, he whispers to Clive that "war is coming", and that they "must make ready".
Giving context to this scene, the scene in the throne room, and the demo content as a whole: a phenomenon across Valisthea has been spreading, sapping the very land itself of its aether and making it virtually uninhabitable for wildlife, plantlife, and humans. This is referred to as the "Blight". Not only is the Blight consuming more and more of Rosaria's neighboring territories, but with every bit of land that is lost to it, it's displacing more and more of its living creatures.
Villages are being overrun by beasts who have been driven out of their native habitats in search of food and shelter, forcing the citizens, in turn, to evacuate. And for each village that falls to the Blight, more and more people are also being driven to abandon their homes as well, becoming refugees seeking aid within Rosaria. The most prevalent example of this is actually the Northern Territories; we find out that the Northern Territories have been all but completely consumed by the Blight, and their people have been arriving in droves to Rosalith in hopes of sanctuary.
The problem with this is that the number of refugees that Rosalith and other villages across Rosaria as a whole are struggling to take in and accommodate is exponentially greater than the resources that they have available to spare. And with the Blight damn near on Rosaria's doorstep in terms of spread, Rosaria is poised to begin losing fertile and sustainable land, which means losing valuable crops that can be grown on those lands, which would be used to not only feed its people, but likely also be used to trade with other nations too. It's also poised to lose land that would otherwise be able to house all of these displaced people; because as it stands during that time, both Rosalith and other villages are being stretched so thin, that they're beginning to struggle just to care for their original residents.
Which brings us to the start of the flashback segment of the game's beginning.
Elwin has grown desperate. He views war with The Iron Kingdom for control of Drake's Breath as Rosaria's only remaining chance of survival. Drake's Breath is the Mothercrystal from which Rosaria gets its aether -- so if Rosaria can seize control of the crystal, then maybe, just maybe they can stave off the Blight from claiming their land by obtaining the Mothercrystal's blessing of aether as protection.
It's worth noting, in my opinion, that Elwin's actions and decisions seem to always be driven by defense, rather than offense -- even this decision to go to war. It isn't a matter of conquest, in the sense that he wants Rosaria to extend its borders and reach of rule; it's a matter of what he views is necessity, to protect what Rosaria already has, even if it means going to war with the Ironbloods in order to do it. (It's similar with the lore pertaining to the Northern Territories, and the decision to invade: it was not a decision borne of a desire to seize more land, but an attempt to forcibly quell the rebellious tendencies of the inhabitants of the Northern Territories and ensure that they wouldn't attack or invade Rosaria.)
I ... don't actually know if I answered your question LOL. But if I didn't, or if you have any other questions, please feel free to let me know, and I'll do my best to answer them!
#Audiences#Headcanons#me: I'm not going to run my mouth like an overly excited puppy#me: does the exact thing I told myself I was not going to do
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The Prime of His Youth: Book III: Prometheus' Gift: Ch14: Water Well
Japheth, Arcee, and Sirenia stepped into the catwalks of the first basin. Bijou ran up and bowed before him. "My Prime." she said.
"I'm the same... man... I was last time." Japheth replied. Bijou stood up and looked at him nervously. He looked down at the catwalk, "Is this safe... for my new body?.." he asked.
"Oh, yes. Despite the smaller size, it is still built to standard Cybertronian physical requirements."
"Oh, good." Japheth stated, "I would like to inspect all of the basins. If you could accompany me?" he asked.
"How much time do you have?" Bijou asked.
Japheth looked behind him, "Siren?" he asked.
"6 cycles." Sirenia stated. "Based off the estimate."
"Lots of time." Bijou stated, "You're sure you want me?"
Japheth looked at Sirenia, who shyly looked down, "Unless you have someone else you think should do it?"
"Tethys?" she asked, and saw disappointment on his face. She pondered for a moment. "Barrelrider?" she asked.
Japheth shrugged, "There are a lot of faces here for me for me to learn." he stated.
"I'll call her." Bijou said, and closely looked at how Japheth was taking up the entire catwalk. "Maybe you could?.."
"We'll wait in the office." Arcee said. She turned around. She gently grabbed Sirenia's shoulders, and turned her around as well. Japheth turned around behind them, and they filed out of the area.
Arcee waved her arm in the air, "Thank you!" she shouted.
"My pleasure!" Bijou replied, "My Prime!"
Japheth sighed.
"Better get used to it." Arcee said, and Sirenia let out a snicker before quickly silencing herself.
* * *
Japheth, Arcee, and Sirenia stood in the office looking at each other, "Something on your mind?" Arcee asked Sirenia. She looked afraid for a moment, "Come on!" Arcee asserted, "This is us! You can be honest with us."
"I'm sorry." Sirenia voiced, "It's just, now everyone here can worship you like I do."
"Worship?" Japheth nervously asked.
"Silently?" Sirenia asked.
"You are, kind of... you know... a god now..." Arcee stated, and Japheth sighed.
Japheth grabbed Sirenia's arm and pulled her in for a hug. "You know I'll forgive you for this." he uttered.
"I know..." She sniffled.
"I knew what it would mean to become a Prime." Japheth stated.
"You, what, had a choice?" Arcee asked.
"I was offered to simply return to my life." he stated, still clutching Sirenia dearly.
"Then, why did you?" Arcee asked, and gave him a knowing smile. "The world needed you."
"There is so much I can do as a Prime." Japheth stated, "I can't hide from it anymore. I don't have to worry about having to explain who am I and why I should be allowed to help. Now, I can just help."
"And you want to find all of the lost colonies?" Arcee asked.
"That... might be a bit ambitious." Japheth stated. He loosed his grip on Sirenia, but she still clutched to him fully, so he held her tight again, "But now I have all the time in the world. More than a world. All the time in the universe." Japheth stated.
"And I'll be with you the entire time." Arcee added. "Someone has to keep you alive.
Japheth nodded his head towards her. Arcee moved in and he kissed her. "Like I could live without all of my girls." he replied, finally letting Sirenia go. She slipped out from under his arm.
"What about June?" Arcee asked.
"I want her to be able to relax..." Japheth stated, "She's spent her entire life taking care of me. Even more since the end of The War. I want her to be able to relax, and live what kind of life she wants to live."
"She does as well." Sirenia stated, "She is so proud of you, and knows that Arcee will always be by your side, protecting you. I will, as well. If could..."
Japheth smiled at her, and she let out a shy smile.
"I'm going to need a new sword." Japheth stated.
"Knockout is working on a few candidates." Sirenia stated, and he gave her a curious look. "The Cybertronians in the First Terran Rangers have grown... not exponentially, but each individual one provides disproportionate power. He has been working on more weapon options for them."
"I shouldn't be surprised." Japheth stated.
"He will also make a cheerleader outfit for Roxana." Sirenia said with glee.
Arcee looked about nervously. "I did like the idea." Japheth stated, and Arcee gave him a curious look, "I wasn't sure we were going to keep her."
"More like trying to lie to yourself about it." Sirenia said, and then looked shocked.
"No, I think she was right." Arcee said. "But now, I can do the usual Human things, and jealously chase off anyone that tries to get close."
"Thank you." Japheth stated.
"You have all the femmes you need." Arcee stated, and Sirenia looked nervous, "Oh, you are the most important one of all." Sirenia gave her a curious look, "You are the one he has to look out for. Looking after you is why he is the 'Bot he is today."
"Both literally and figuratively." Japheth stated, and turned his head as a new femme walked in. Arcee stood upright, while Sirenia looked passed Japheth without focusing. "Barrelrider, I presume?" Japheth stated.
She bowed, "My Prime."
Japheth smiled while Arcee started snickering. "That's going to keep happening, isn't it?" Japheth asked. He then looked Barrelrider in the eyes, "I'm the same man I was last time I came here. You don't need to worship the ground I walk on." he stated.
"How about the water that falls off of you?" Barrelrider cheerfully asked, and Japheth sighed. "So, I hear you want me to show you every part of our hydrology system?" she asked. Japheth's face agreed. She looked at Arcee, who seemed disinterested.
"I'm here because he is here." Arcee stated. "Maybe I'll learn something?"
Barrelrider looked at Sirenia, whom was still looking away, "Still the same Sirenia..." she voiced. She then looked at Japheth, "Well, let's get started."
* * *
All of the basins were connected, not just with inner sluice gates, but with stairways the spiraled around the central water well. Going to each basin in turn. Walking from one end to the other. He learned how the levels were kept, how the measurements were done, what ideal conditions were thought to be, about what probems can be caused. Since this was for the sake of plants, they added nutrients to the first level, the one that flowed right under the surface. Most of it was used up by the end of the terrace. Before it cascaded down to the next level it was filtered until it was pure once again.
That said, many of the hydrologists would take time to simply race around the water. They would often eagerly come up to the catwalks to show their respect, (and sometimes giggles). Arcee was sure to give them a harsh glare. They would pay their respects and move along. At the end of the day, or however long it was, they ended up having to climb stairs from the last basin. The water flowed out, the city did not have access below the terrace. They at least had some senses of defensibility.
As they climbed out it was dawn, the dark of the night being washed away by the coming light. They climbed the stairs until they were standing on the surface of the lowest terrace. Japheth simply enjoyed the sights. Arcee and Sirenia quickly moving in beside him. His arms embraced the two.
"Will that be all?" Barrelrider asked.
Japheth turned his head towards her, "Thank you." he sincerely stated.
She started walking back down the stairs.
"Siren?" Japheth, and it took her a moment to return to reality.
"Master?" she asked.
"How long?" he asked.
"2 cycles." she stated.
"How time flies..." Japheth voiced. "Let's go harass my mother."
* * *
Japheth took up the entire corridor as he walked into the medicaeron. The femme at the front gave him a curious, expectant, reverent look. "I'm here to pick up my mother." he simply stated.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, and stepped away from her desk. She turned and ran into the back.
"This is so bizarre." Arcee stated. Japheth turned fully around to give her a curious look, "For most of my life, going to the med bay usually meant automatic Energon infusions. How can they be so relaxed?"
"There is a separate bay for emergencies," Sirenia stated, "and they would be going out to retrieve the patient, so would have plenty of time to get ready for it."
"I feel like this is what people mean when they say 'white women'."
"Too be fair?" Japheth asked. "Yeah."
"Typically refers to WASPs." Sirenia stated.
"Wasps?" Arcee asked, "Those little insecticons? Swarms of poison needles?" Sirenia looked at her with a brilliant smile. "What?"
Sirenia looked at Japheth. "What?" Japheth asked, "I was raised Catholic. Kind of."
Sirenia looked at Arcee, "White-Anglosaxon-Protestant."
"Saxophones?" Arcee asked.
"The Anglo-Saxons were the tribe that dominated England, which eventually gave us modern English."
"Wait, wasps come from England?" Arcee asked, and Sirenia had trouble not laughing at this.
"In swarms." Japheth said with a smile. He looked at Sirenia, but she was smiling too much to answer. He looked back to Arcee, "The 'White Anglo-Saxon Protestants' were the main immigrants to the US. What we consider US culture was mainly created by them. Catholics like me were oppressed."
"You were oppressed?" Arcee.
"Me?" Japheth asked, "God no. I mean..." he said, and sighed. "The US long ago established the freedom of religion. But, once the culture was established, it kind of stayed there. When people say 'white people', that's what they mean."
"That makes SO much more sense." Arcee stated. "Am I a white people?" she asked.
"She is prickly." Sirenia said with a smile, and then instantly looked worried.
Arcee put her hand on her shoulder, and pulled her square towards her. "Look up." she said with her usual harshness. Sirenia slowly looked up, only to see a brilliant smile. Arcee moved in to kiss her before quickly pulling away. "Good work."
June stepped out, followed by Roxana. The secretary then stepped out and back to her desk.
"Did you need me?" June asked.
Japheth simply walked over to her in silent haste. He quickly picked her up, and she looked at him curiously. "Have you taken a break?" he asked.
"A few..." June said, and looked distance as she thought it over. The answer was largely no. She had been working for... she wasn't sure.
"Siren?" Japheth asked.
"Hm?" Sirenia asked, her eyes swiftly opening. "It has been 8 cycles." she stated.
"It's been what?!" June asked.
"Hence why I've come to kidnap you." he said. He snugged up on her and walked towards the doorway. He turned back to the secretary. "Thank you." he said, and she smiled in reply.
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April 24 2023 Boulder (continued)
Continuing on with the retrospective of Hobie's life in photos, Michael, Bruce's cousin who lives in New York, was the only member of Bruce's family that Hobie knew growing up, and with whom he still has a strong relationship. Michael came to Colorado several times, including for Hobie's wedding to Katie, and we visited Michael often in New York.
Barbara, who now calls herself Rose, was Hobie's nanny when he was a baby until he was two and a half. We owned a retail store on the Pearl Street Mall (and also a second store for a year in Denver) when I became a mother and it was more than a full time job. Rose became Hobie's nanny and cared for him during the day while I was at work during the week for the first year of his life. After we closed the store she stayed with us on a more limited basis, just to make sure that I had some time to myself, especially to be able to sleep through the night. When Hobie was two and a half she decided to become a nurse and left our employment, but she has remained a friend and continues to be in Hobie's life even after all these years.
The Thompson family kids, Buck, Summer, and Wyeth, have always been close friends to Hobie, and more like siblings, since their dad, Nathan, is Bruce's best friend. We spent many occasions with them and traveled with them extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. Hobie was "the fourth Thompson kid" growing up and they are all still close to us.
We traveled to Ensenada, Mexico several times with the Thompsons and other families from Boulder to build small houses with the Homes for Hope organization for people who until then had never had a home of their own before. Those experiences helped build a bond with our families and taught the kids about personal responsibility as privileged people to have compassion for others and do their best to be of service to others.
Education is critical in everyone's life and we were blessed to find the most supportive and loving school experiences for Hobie throughout his life, beginning in preschool at White Rose, then elementary school at Boulder Community School for Integrated Studies (BCSIS), middle school at Southern Hills, and high school at Watershed and Oakley. The saying "It takes a village to raise a child" couldn't be more true and our village was extensive and incredibly helpful. We made friends for life during our experiences at all those schools.
Many of the kids with whom Hobie went to school were also on his sports teams. His friend Peter from BCSIS was at Hobie's wedding and is one of his best friends to this day.
There were so many other people in Hobie's life who contributed to his happiness and growth and it's not possible, especially when Tumbler limits me to thirty photos in a post, to mention all of them, but here are a few photos of family and friends who have been important to all of us.
The most important people in Hobie's life as an adult, apart from us, of course, have been his wife Katie and her family. The Gambrells are the most WONDERFUL people and we are BLESSED to have them in our lives. From the moment Hobie and Katie began seeing each other we were grateful for her and our love for her has only grown exponentially over the years. And now they are the parents of our granddaughter, Maple, and have brought us so much joy through this little angel.
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001 : ERIK LEHNSHERR
name. erik magnus lehnsherr ( alias: magneto )
age. sixty-three ( thirty-eight )
pronouns & gender identity. he/him/his & cis man
sexual & romantic orientation. pansexual & panromantic
species. human ( mutant )
occupation. genetic engineer
ivy cove background. ( trigger warning for inadequate foster care services ) raised in the system, erik had an unstable childhood. despite his reputation as a child prodigy capable of genius-level feats, erik was never able to permanently settle with a family. he had always been aloof and wary of others, but was able to maintain an income and support himself by the age of seventeen. living in fear of developing attachments to others, erik threw himself into his studies. he took great pride in his intelligence, and graduated university with a PhD in biology with a focus on gene therapy in just under eight years of school. erik kept an almost adequate social life, though he was remarkably uninterested in others and not entirely forthcoming about his emotions, often leading to superficial relationships. while erik had been content, though quietly resentful, to live out his days alone and bury his increasingly bitter emotions, things changed after the mayor's death. while many had reported gaining back floods of memories and supernatural abilities, erik's came back to him slowly and in fragments. almost as a spite to him, the memories he regained first were often the most painful. there was an ease that came about as his abilities were reconnected to him, a sense of familiarity that quieted the trauma lurking in his mind. with each new memory, often revealed to him quietly as though it had always been there, his powers grew. just over half of his memories seem to have returned, though some things have yet to make an appearance. memories of family, and his upbringing in judaism, have rocked his sense of identity. these changes, both in himself and others, have pushed erik further in his genetic research. he maintains this outwardly as his distraction, but there is far more brewing underneath the surface.
personality. erik is a tortured genius. he has a one-track mind that leads to an incredibly determined nature, but often this track is one of tragedy and anger. while in his "fake" life, erik achieved great scientific success, his social life and relationships with others were severely lacking. as such, vulnerability and empathy do not come easy to him. he has always been cynical, and bitter, and this is now amplified alongside confusion with the return of his memories and abilities. he is re-experiencing past emotions, ranging from hateful to peaceful to apathetic. his love for mutantkind has returned in waves, resulting in distrust from all others. always a prideful being, erik's growing abilities have only served to increase his self assurance. he is curious as to just how much his powers will grow; if his memories are of any indication, he hasn't reached his full potential by any means. erik is entirely strategic, and while he is emotional and often acts on his emotions, he always thinks through possibilities and outcomes and the best way to proceed. while his cynicism and vengeful nature have never been so apparent to him, his capacity to show compassion and experience contentment has grown exponentially, as well. there is a battle in his head, the desire for peace versus chaos. while his last memories are those of acceptance and peace, to be sprung with all of this at once has been overwhelming, to say the least. he is currently in somewhat of a waiting game as his memories return, and as he views the behaviors and actions of others following their own revelations.
ivy cove powers & abilities. thus far, erik has only regained partial control of his abilities. he does have a heightened sense of electromagnetic auras around him, and a nerfed ability to manipulate magnetic fields. his combat abilities have almost entirely returned, alongside heightened intelligence and proficiency as a tactician. what has come easiest to him thus far, and what he has been rapidly gaining control of, is his ability to manipulate metallic substances. he has noticed that he can even control small animals by manipulating the iron in their blood. erik's understanding of complex machinery and genetic engineering has been amplified drastically. as of now, erik only experiences astral projection in a sleeping state, and only to a limited degree that is often not entirely in his control. the ability to create force fields has been returning slowly, a work in progress, and his powers of flight are currently limited to low altitude levitation. as the days pass by, and more is revealed to him, he can feel the difference in the air and feel the power that he holds coursing through his body.
below are erik's canon inspirations ! they are listed for reference as his memory and powers return. the above information may be altered to reflect current rate of progression and gained memories & powers.
canon background. canon-compliant from x-men "prologue" movies. this erik follows the line from x-men: first class, x-men: days of future past, x-men: apocalypse, and x-men: dark phoenix. he is taken from the end of dark phoenix with elements of comic book canon to fill in some blanks. relationships with other highly relevant comic book characters, including family members, will be on a case-to-case basis. while your muse may have memory of comic!magneto, erik does not possess all of the same memories.
canon powers & abilities. the ability to generate and manipulate magnetic fields, ability to manipulate metal, flight, genius-level intellect, manipulates plate tectonics to de-age (physiologically), skilled tactician, high skills in combat, can create a force field around himself (including creating a bubble around himself to breathe in space), can create traversable wormholes, has limited control over manipulating non-metallic items through force fields, the ability to manipulate iron in the blood of others to control their actions, perceives natural electromagnetic auras given off by living beings, light generation and manipulation, astral projection, electricity absorption and generation, electromagnetic sight & multilingual
missing memories notably include capturing emma frost, being held in the pentagon and escaping, large portions of time following the old trask timeline, the annihilation of the factory workers in poland, his encounter with jean grey in genosha, reuniting with hank following raven's death, and the destruction of his helmet.
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Why Powai is a perfect place to stay
About Powai
Powai is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Mumbai, known for posh residential complexes and upmarket commercial hubs. Situated near Powai Lake, the entire Powai has grown prolifically and exponentially in recent years with multiple high-rises, malls, eateries, luxury hotels around. It is conveniently located near to International and Domestic airports. The Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road, one of the city's busiest thoroughfares linking the western and eastern suburbs, passes through Powai. Every day, thousands of people come to this place for multiple purposes, like business, studies, attending seminars, for medical treatments etc… This place is surrounded by verdant gardens and soaring mountains. It also a wonderful destination to live in, either short term or long term.
It is also known as Start-up Hub of India.
Companies and establishments in Powai
Many of the multinational companies like JLT, Sanofi, Amazon, J P Morgan, FIS, TCS, Credit Suisse, Prudential plc, Jardine Loyd Thompson, JP Morgan, Nomura, CRISIL, Deloitte, Bayer among others have their offices in Powai. Larsen & Toubro, one of India's oldest multinational conglomerates, has its HQ is Powai The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, established in 1958 and currently the second oldest campus of the Indian Institutes of Technology as well as the National Institute of Industrial Engineering, established in 1963 are both located here. Powai is also home to residential complexes of the Income Tax department, Customs and NTPC, Shipping Corporation as well as those of ex-servicemen
Powai is also known as Mumbai's start-up hub, with young entrepreneurs starting off many ventures like JustRide, Housing, TinyOwl, Toppr, HolaChef, Bewakoof, Logic Roots, Care24, Belita, and Crispy Games to name a few. As a result of the mixture of various communities living here together, Powai has one of the city's most cosmopolitan and modernized cultures. The place has a vibrant night-life, and shoots for several Bollywood as well as Hollywood movies.
Happening places
Lounges with amazing ambiance are lively and energetic during evening hangouts. People freak out with colleagues and friends for night out to these lounges. Temples, museums, children parks, clubs, and malls are most visited places of Powai. For fun games and adventurous sports, people visits to Hakone track, zorbing, pin bowling and mini golf. These are places for a family activities and entertainment. Spa, clubs, fitness centres and multi-cuisine restaurants are the places where people spend time during leisure
Eat out joints
Whether you feel like fine dining a la carte, or just a simple no-frills thali, Powai has some of the best Indian cuisine restaurants in Mumbai. Many of them serve buffets at lunch time too, so you can feast until you slumber (unless of course, you have to head back to the office). It is known that, within Hiranandani Complex itself, there are more than 109 eating joints.
Some of the very well-repute international chain of restaurants, located in Powai are the most favourite joints for families and friends.
Services offered by Veridical Hospitality @ Trinity
Veridical Hospitality, one of the most reputed Stay Solutions provider in Mumbai, got some beautiful apartments for corporate accommodations within Hiranandani Complex, Powai. Few of its apartments are located just beside Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai. The place is also very close to institutes like MISB Boccioni, IBS and IIT Powai. The apartments are housed with start-of-art facilities, like LED TVs in each room, comfort ACs, large and comfortable beds etc. Complementary delicious breakfast are served to guests. Guest can also enjoyed free Wifi to keep them connected always. Caretaker manages the apartment and takes care of the Guests, which gives a very homely atmosphere. So if you are planning to visit Mumbai and is looking for your accommodation at or near Powai, either for short stay or for long stay, you cannot afford to miss contacting Veridical Hospitality for your stay solution.
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How Much Has Ecommerce Grown Since Covid?
In the last few years, ecommerce has exploded. There are hundreds of new marketplaces, thousands of new merchant accounts and even more payment gateways being added to help digital businesses reach customers wherever they are. The results have been incredible for both digital retailers and their customers. Ecommerce continues to grow at an exponential rate as more and more consumers become comfortable buying virtually any product from anywhere without leaving their homes or offices. Assuming you’re reading this blog post, it’s safe to assume that you might still be trying to navigate the chaos that is growing your ecommerce business in 2019. If so, we can help! Here’s a look at how much ecommerce has grown since Covid Technologies first launched its namesake solution back in 2015:
The Importance of an Ecommerce Platform
Ecommerce platforms have become essential to the online shopping experience. From facilitating checkout to providing analytics, they help retailers manage their businesses and provide an optimum experience for customers. When you’re starting out as a retailer, it can be tough to find an ecommerce platform that provides all the features you need without costing too much or creating too many headaches. This is where Covid steps in. Covid offers a cost-effective solution with a wide range of functionality that is ideal for new merchants and experienced professionals alike. Covid has been around since 2015, allowing retailers to get up and running quickly with a host of essential tools that make store management easier than ever before. Since its launch, Covid has expanded its service offerings while remaining committed to offering a low-cost alternative in an industry with high vendor fees.
How Much Has Ecommerce Grown? Comparison table of ecommerce platforms
Since 2015, ecommerce has grown tremendously. Ecommerce platforms continue to offer solutions to help digital retailers grow their business, but with so many new options on the market it can be difficult for merchants to decide which platform is best for them. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of how much ecommerce has grown since soon after Covid first began offering its solution: 2015: Ecommerce grew by 15% 2016: Ecommerce grew by 41% 2017: Ecommerce grew by 55% 2018: Ecommerce grew by 12%^^^^^ 2019 (year-to-date): Ecommerce is estimated to grow by 7.9%^^^
Which eCommerce Solution Should You Choose?
To select the best ecommerce solution for your business, you first need to know what features matter most to your company. If you're looking for a way to grow your eCommerce business, our proven technology will help you scale. In terms of growth, we’ve seen some incredible results for retailers using our platform. We’re proud to have helped more than 10,000 retailers reach $5 million+ in sales from our solutions alone. What are the benefits of leveraging Covid? Covid is designed to allow merchants easy access to all types of digital commerce and has the ability to support a variety of payment methods. With such a wide variety of merchant accounts and payment gateways, it's no wonder that Covid is used by thousands of retailers around the world. We provide competitive rates and service options tailored specifically for each retailer's needs and budget. To give you a better sense of which solution is right for your company, here are examples of what some other companies use: Storefront - Amazon Seller Central (Fulfillment by Amazon) Merchant Account - Shopify Payments Payment Gateway - Stripe
Why You Should Care About Ecommerce Growth Strategies
Ecommerce is constantly changing. Shopping trends and customer behaviors are always evolving, which means that there’s always something new to do. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, it’s important that you keep up with these changes in ecommerce growth strategies. In order to be successful in the ecommerce world, it would be incredibly difficult for one company to provide every solution for everything. For example, if you were looking for a new payment gateway provider, there are many different options out there. Luckily, we have explored some of the top-rated providers and compiled this list for your convenience! Covid maintains a blog with articles on topics such as product success rates, advertising on Facebook and SEO.
Bottom Line
Ecommerce has grown exponentially in the past couple of years. There are more than 2,000 payment gateways, more than 600 marketplaces and a plethora of merchant accounts available to help your business sell online. If you’re still struggling with getting your ecommerce business off the ground, Covid is here to help. It may be hard to believe that ecommerce has grown this much since Covid Technologies first launched its namesake solution back in 2015 but it’s true! And that means that your digital business can have even more success if you leverage these new tools and services to our advantage.
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Hi! Could you make a oneshot where everyone is terrified of the hashiras except the kamaboko squad + Genya and Kanao? Basically a series of situations where a demon slayer sees one hashira being soft and kind around Tanjirou, and at the end the Hashiras are in a organization wide meeting, talking about important information about the uppermoons. Several kakushi suddenly rush to the butterfly estate, one of the kasugai crows inform the hashiras that Tanjirou was severely injured from a mission and has escaped the butterfly estate? He didn’t want to get healed because he wanted to greet the hashiras. Then they just all hear a thud at the corner, where Tanjirou passed out. The hashiras all freak out, they call a kakushi to take care of him and all follow him to the butterfly estate?
I love your oneshots btw!
The kakushi girl has learned a lot since that day at the butterfly estate; Tanjirou is special, there's something about him that makes every single hashira melt as soon as they see him.
Every. Single. One.
Even the scariest of them like the wind hashira. She wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes.
They're taking a break; she's in the dining room with a few slayers and a couple of kakushi. The Pillars will be arriving soon so they're eating what they can before leaving the place.
However, one of them takes two ohagi that were left on a plate even though they clearly belonged to someone. She's waiting for the ridiculous fight (sometimes demon slayers argue with each other for nonsense like that).
"That was Shinazugawa-san's" a girl informs the boy, who immediately pales after hearing that.
"Those are his favorites," says another.
"You'll be dead soon."
"Just tell him Tanjirou ate them," a boy with short, yellow hair she doesn't remember the name of says, still enjoying his rice balls.
"What? I thought you were Tanjirou's friend, Zenitsu!" Says the demon slayer girl, almost outraged. "Why do you want Shinazugawa-san to kill him?"
If the kakushi girl hadn't been on the butterfly mansion that day, she would've been glaring at the blond as well.
Zenitsu sighs.
"He won't kill him because it's Tanjirou and the Pillars would never hurt him. Seriously, haven't you noticed? Where have you been?"
No one believes him of course and the boy seriously considers running away but the hashira arrive before he can do anything and Shinazugawa realizes what happened immediately.
A few demon slayers manage to run away, but the boy gets caught by the wind hashira; he grabs him by the uniform to lift him from the ground like nothing.
At least he's not grabbing him by the neck.
"Who ate them? Was it you?" He growls. For a second the kakushi girl thinks the young demon slayer is going to faint out fear.
"It was me, Shinazugawa-san!" Tanjirou arrives just in time. "I'm so sorry! I can make you more if you want!"
The wind hashira releases the demon slayer, who hits the floor immediately and grimaces in pain.
"There's no need," Shinazugawa huffs. "I wasn't hungry anyway."
He walks away, but ruffles Tanjirou's hair when he passes next to him. Everyone, except the other Pillars (who are already trying to get Tanjirou to sit next to them) looks like they're in shock.
***
She kinda enjoys when someone realizes what's going on; it's fun to see the confusion on someone else's face when they catch a glimpse of Tomioka smiling softly at Tanjirou or Rengoku carrying the boy in his arms every time he sees him.
"Look," Kanao, the insect hashira's tsuguko, mumbles as she sits next to her. A group of demon slayers have been training with Tokito and it's been a nightmare for almost everyone. "This is my favorite part."
The mist hashira starts throwing rocks at the ones he thinks are not moving correctly as they practice with wooden swords.
She can hear the way they hiss in pain whenever a stone hits them.
"Are you sure I'm doing this correctly, Tokito-san?" Tanjirou asks, looking as puzzled as some of his fellows slayers. He's the only one who hasn't been hit by a rock. Not even once.
"Of course, Tanjirou!" The hashira grins at him, taking both his hands almost lovingly. "Your movements are perfect! Actually, you can take a break now."
His voice is soft as he encourages Tanjirou to go eat something, but as soon as he turns around to the others an unimpressed expression appears on his face.
"That's what you call training, you incompetent airheads? We're going to keep this until you can't stand anymore!"
***
Even though Uzui is constantly flirting with Tanjirou (who seems to be oblivious to everything) he's the one stopping other demon slayers from trying to do the same.
It's understandable confusing for the others to watch as the sound hashira narrows his eyes at them from above (he's ridiculously tall) and then turn at Tanjirou with flirty smile curling his lips up whenever the boy gets close to him.
However, he lets one of the young ones follow Tanjirou (like a lovesick puppy) around everywhere.
"Who's that?" She asks, she's become really good friends with Zenitsu and often looks for him because he's the one that knows the most about that situation. "And why haven't they–"
"He's Genya," Zenitsu frowns. "He's the only one allowed to do that because he's Shinazugawa-san's little brother."
Huh. So that's why he looks terrifying as well. Also, he doesn't look little at all; he's even taller than most of the Pillars. It's weird that he usually looks so grumpy and murderous and yet when Tanjirou turns to talk to him he acts like a twelve-year-old with a crush.
"Tanjirou has no idea, right?" She asks, even though she knows the answer already.
"Not at all."
***
She definitely doesn't expect to find Tanjirou passed out on the ground when she and a few of her fellow kakushi are called to the hashira headquarters.
It seems Tanjirou got injured during his latest mission, but he didn't listen to the kakushi advice and rushed to greet the Pillars as soon as he found out they were in the headquarters having a meeting.
And now he's unconscious and the hashira are surrounding the boy and looking like they're in pain. The first kakushi that gets closer to Tanjirou gets growled at by the flame hashira, who instinctively puts himself in the middle.
"I'm sorry," Rengoku apologizes immediately, like waking up from a dream. "I thought you were going to hurt him..."
It's like the hashira's protective instincts have suddenly grown exponentially.
None of the kakushi dare to get closer again. Tomioka gets desperate and takes Tanjirou in his arms. For the first time since she met him he doesn't have a neutral expression on his face.
He's worried, almost in despair.
"I'll follow you," he tells the kakushi.
They check his injuries as soon as Tomioka leaves him in one of the rooms. Kocho strokes Tanjirou's hair kindly, smiling softly before turning to face the others.
"He'll be fine," she informs them. "But we have to let him rest."
That they do, but they remain outside the room; some of them have to go on missions already but Kanroji promises to send them a message as soon as Tanjirou wakes up.
Quietly, the kakushi girl observes as they take turns to walk in the room and stay for a while with him. Rengoku likes to take Tanjirou's hand in his and kiss it gently as he mumbles something the kakushi girl can't hear.
Tomioka looks down at the boy like he doesn't care about anything else in the world. She knows now that he's the one that met him first and wonders what happened then.
It's strange how things can turn from "I don't even know who you are" to "you're the most important thing in my life. I'd do anything for you."
Kocho helps Tanjirou sit on the bed and wakes him up herself only to give him more medicine.
Kanroji sobs a little bit, but doesn't say much. Uzui pushes a kakushi aside so he can change Tanjirou's bandages himself.
When he finally wakes up completely, Shinazugawa is back.
"Don't you ever do that again!" It's the first thing he says, growling. "Running away from the butterfly mansion just to say 'Hi' to us? Are you out of your mind?"
"I'm sorry," Tanjirou chuckles, not even a little bit intimidated by the wind hashira's irritation. "I didn't feel that bad at the moment. I thought I was fine."
"You weren't," Tomioka scolds him, but softens his expression immediately after. "I'm glad you're okay now."
Rengoku takes Tanjirou in his arms and Kanroji gives him a kiss on the forehead before Tokito starts arguing that it's his turn.
While the other kakushi look at the scene in shock, she funds herself smiling at them. Then, she desperately wishes them happiness because it's always difficult and a bit hopeless to love so much in a world like the one they live in.
Love makes everyone vulnerable, even the strong and powerful ones.
***
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#kny#kimetsu no yaiba#demon slayer#tanjiro kamado#zenitsu agatsuma#giyu tomioka#kyojuro rengoku#shinobu kochou#sanemi shinazugawa#genya shinazugawa#muichiro tokito#mitsuri kanroji#tengen uzui#giyutan#kyotan#anonymous#asks#ask silverynight
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I'm OBSESSED with your writing. Can you try.. Maybe, Donnie being a filthy boy being an 'stalker-ish' of his long time crush? Be checks their FB for new posts, saves every picture of them he finds? He doesn't mean to be a creep, feels guilty, but just doesn't know how to ask for more than friendship?
Good afternoon Anon. Here is my short story in relation to your ask.
I wasn't sure where you wanted me to take this, so I had to do a bit of guessing on my part. I hope this something like you were wanting.
I will admit that this ask was a bit of a struggle for me, not knowing a clear direction to take it outcome made me a little unsure of my writing and guessing abilities LOL. However, I will admit to crying along with the characters in this story more than once.
Thanks again for the ask and the initial compliment. I hope to continue to earn your favor in future posts.
· Stalker [noun]: 1a person who harasses or persecutes someone with unwanted and obsessive attention. 2a person who hunts game stealthily.
· Donnie stared at the definition on his one of his monitor screens while his various other screens were busy flashing receipts of files downloaded, text trail streams from your phone, notices of any social media post/update/like/heart/emoji, a GPS line grid of your routes today (overlayed over the routes you’d taken previously), and data search hits of anything and everything that pertained to you.
· At this point, the boy had literally every picture you had ever posted, anywhere, of yourself. In fact, he had all the pictures that other people posted of you in them. He had even gone through the effort of designing a face recognition program that picks you out of the background of total strangers’ pictures and, yeah, he had those in a file too.
· He has special file folders that compile things that you like, things you don’t like, things that make you happy, things that make you sad. He is your own personal Pinterest and you didn’t even know it… and maybe that is the part that keeps bothering him so much.
· He sits staring at that word and definition and chewing his bottom lip. True, he knows the word and the meaning, but he needed to LOOK at it, analyze it, mull it over in his guilt ridden brain.
· He just KNEW the word Stalker couldn’t apply to him.
· After all, he isn’t harassing or persecuting you, you don’t know! So, it isn’t necessarily ‘unwanted attention’. It is just…unknown attention.
· Stealthily, hmmmm, did that part apply to him? Well, He isn’t EXACTLY being stealthy.
· If you knew about technology like him, then you would probably see his programs running on your devices and be alerted to his activities. AND, if you shared his love and view of technology, then you would probably be more understanding of his activities and not consider them stealthy…just data mining. In fact, you might applaud him.
· ‘Ok, that was taking it a bit too far’, Donnie thinks to himself and he feels a band tighten and squeeze around his infatuated heart.
· He is almost certain that you would be shocked to learn of his extra curricular activities and how they revolve around every aspect of you.
· Regardless of how he tried to spin the truth and wiggle out of the definition of stalker, Donnie still felt guilty for invading your privacy. However, he honestly couldn’t help himself…at least not anymore.
· He has fought the urge, the nagging thoughts and the burning need, to know more about you for what seemed like an eternity.
· Listen to him, he is starting to sound dramatic like Mikey! What is his turning into? He is losing his rational edge!
· To be accurate, it hasn’t been an eternity. In fact, he has known you 1 year, 36 days, 14 hours, 11 minutes, and 23 seconds to be exact. However, you started occupying space in his mind 2 minutes into meeting you and your claim over his mind has grown exponentially over time.
· You were quiet and reserved during that first meeting, so there wasn’t much to go on. It started as a simple visual interest with a thought of ‘Oh. She’s pretty’.
· However, then you started talking and that changed everything.
· You opened up more and more each time you hung out with their little group, revealing layers and layers of interests and personality. You were fascinating…and that’s when his thoughts about you really started to snowball and spiral out of control.
· You went from being a simple pretty face to being a walking embodiment of everything he seriously ever dreamed of having in a mate.
· Early on, there were three sticking points that really made Donnie’s feelings problematic. 1. He was a nearly seven foot tall walking talking turtle and you weren’t. 2. You had a boyfriend that you were deeply in love with and adored. 3. Donnie was too insecure about #1 and how you felt about inter-species dating to let you know that you had started to OWN his heart.
· Now, thanks to his surveillance, there were only two sticking points….#1 and #3.
· He still remembers the feelings of that day, 44 days ago, when the blip of information popped up on this screen alerting him to the fact that your boyfriend was starting to stray.
· Donnie had severely conflicting feelings bombard him at once and it was overwhelming.
· The initial knee jerk reaction was elation, one of the problems blocking him from you may soon be null.
· However, the feeling of elation only lasted for a second or two before the intense anger and sadness set in. Donnie was honestly shocked at the depth of his anger, he didn’t even know he had that level of malice in him. Had he been in physical proximity to your boyfriend at that moment in time, Donnie isn’t sure that he wouldn’t have hurt your guy…or worse.
· How COULD this guy do this? WHY would he? He HAD YOU! What the heck was this guy thinking? Not only did he have you, but you thought the world of him. When you spoke about him you would smile so genuinely, your eyes would shine and gaze off into a bright imagined future. Donnie was always so jealous to watch it happen, he wondered what it would be like to be THAT GUY. And here the idiot was throwing it all away and meeting up with another girl!
· WHAT THE…(yes, this called for a curse) HELL…IS WRONG WITH HUMAN MEN?
· As the anger set root in his heart, the sadness engulfed Donnie like an all-consuming wave. He realized he was going to have to share this information with you, somehow, and that he was going to have to watch as it destroyed you.
· At first, Donnie had a plan to try and save you both from that fate. True, it would hurt him more to save your relationship, but he would rather be the one facing the pain and not you.
· He TRIED to circumvent the situation. He sent anonymous messages to your boyfriend stating that he knew about the infidelity and that he would tell you if needed. However, it didn’t seem like your boyfriend cared because he sent messages back stating Donnie could, basically, go fuck himself.
· Life had cruel sense of irony, thought Donnie, that is exactly what I do since this moron has the woman that I love.
· So, after trying for nearly two weeks to stop what was happening behind your back, Donnie had no choice but to let you in on the secret.
· Donnie couldn’t come right out and tell you that he caught your boyfriend cheating by hijacking your data streams and the data streams of those around you. So, Donnie intercepted some texts between your boyfriend and his mistress and he then sent you a text, under the guise of your boyfriend, telling you to meet him at a specified restaurant for a date.
· It had been a gut wrenching night for Donnie. He remembered watching it all play out on camera feeds from around the restaurant and street outside. He watched you dressed up in your pretty dress get out of your cab in front of the restaurant. You had such a lovely smile on your face, you must have thought you were in for a romantic evening.
· He watched as you walked inside and how the hostess got flustered and confused by a 2nd girl showing up for your boyfriend’s seated-for-two table.
· Donnie stopped breathing as your eyes found the new couple holding hands and giving each other sweet kisses across the table. Hands and lips that were supposed to be yours were touching some stranger.
· Donnie watched your smile and eyes die…the light of your inner sun go out…
· …and it killed him.
· He’s not sure who was crying the hardest, you standing there in that restaurant witnessing the scene or him back at the lair watching your world crush around you on his monitor.
· It had taken a while for you both to recover from that night.
· His brothers noticed his melancholy mood for a couple of weeks but Donnie wouldn’t tell them what was bothering him. And you stayed in your bed, refusing to face the world, for nearly as long.
· Eventually, the group began to notice your silence and absence, so April stopped by your apartment to check on you. She was the one to pull you out of bed, get you to shower and eat. She visited everyday and made sure you had someone to vent to and a shoulder to cry on.
· Donnie was glad that April could be there for you when he couldn’t. He didn’t think it was appropriate for him, a male, to be your confidant at that time. Especially since he felt so much guilt over having to be the one to expose you to that pain.
· No, he didn’t CAUSE the pain, but he did have to make you face it and he didn’t like not being able to protect you from it. You were such a rare, precious creature and watching you in pain felt like he was suffocating slowly.
· There were some points during those first few weeks that he questioned if he did the right thing, but logic told him it would have eventually come to pass with or without his involvement. It was better to rip the bandage of quickly and let you start to heal than it was to let you linger and drag out the inevitable.
· Donnie did secretly check on you every single night during patrol. And, of course, his surveillance feeds were always running. He watched from a distance as his beautiful phoenix burn down to ashes and, eventually, started to rise again.
· Now, it’s been over 3 months and you’ve begun to be more like your old self. Donnie can tell there is a silent sadness there, but you are able to laugh and smile with the group during your get togethers. And each time you two are left alone, his mind nags at him about those last two sticking points.
· Would you be at all interested in him? And HOW does he go about telling you that you have become the center of his world?
· Still staring at the monitor and the Stalker definition, Donnie sighs and rubs the bridge of his snout to release of the pressure now pushing against the inside of his head. The memories of what has happened, the emotions of what was and what is, it was all starting to be too much.
· “Bro, what’s all this?”, Mikey says standing behind Donnie’s chair, talking around a mouth full of pizza.
· “NOTHING!”, says Donnie, voice breaking from the stress of being caught. A startled Donnie quickly taps some keys on his keyboard and the screens revert back to the standard lair camera feeds.
· Mikey may look or even come off as naïve at times, but he’s no fool, he can sense that his older brother is trying to hide something. “Dude, seriously, what was that? I’ve been standing back here reading the screens. I saw Y/N’s name and that looked like her phone number on that other file…, you know the file that looks like texts messages. And why is there a plotted map of the area around her apartment, her work, and to the lair? What’s up?”, Mikey said giving a disapproving look at being thought a pushover.
· “Just standard surveillance, Mikey, nothing to worry about.”, Donnie says trying to placate Mikey’s curiosity. Donnie hates lying, especially to Mikey, but he’s feeling so guilty about being such a…(inward sigh)…stalking creep that admitting the truth is hard to do.
· Mikey stands there staring at Donnie and, as he does, Donnie begins to fidget with his computer chair armrests.
· Mikey stuffs the remnants of the pizza slice into his mouth and does his best Leo impersonation by crosses his arms and staring down at Donnie as sternly as his jolly face can achieve, “Dude, I’m not going to ask you again. You’ve been weird for months. We’ve let it go for the most part but now you are hiding things from me…from ME, dude! You and I, we’re like peanut butter and jelly, we’re ice cream and chocolate fudge, we young dudes have got to stick together. Trust me, bro, I’ve got you!”.
· Donnie stared at the floor, too ashamed to meet Mikey’s eyes any longer. He gave a heavy sigh and reluctantly started to speak, “Sorry Mike, I…I honestly don’t know what’s come over me lately. I’m doing things I never thought I would do, I’m feeling so guilty about it, but I don’t know if I can stop doing it either. I feel…lost.”.
· Mike relaxed his leader stance and leaned against one of Donnie’s lab tables, “Bro, I can tell you’ve been carrying some heavy stuff lately. You need to let it out.”
· Donnie felt the heat rise up through his body like he was suddenly being consumed by a fire and he ripped his glasses off his face and drew them down on the desk in frustration, “Mikey, I’m in love with Y/N. I have been for a while. I have been…”, Donnie hangs his head in shame, “…tracking all her digital foot prints and watching her. In fact, I’m the reason she found out that asshole boyfriend of her's cheated.”
· Mikey’s mouth drops open at Donnie’s demeanor and use of the word ‘asshole’, “Whoa, dude, why didn’t you say something earlier?”.
· Donnie can feel a stinging at the corners of his eyes, this was so embarrassing, so frustrating, so…..so many things at a once. He didn’t have a response for Mikey, all he could do was shake his head.
· Still with his head hung down and staring at the floor, Donnie starts to hear Mikey chuckle. Donnie looks up to see Mikey’s eyes on him and for some reason they are full of merriment at his painful dilemma. Donnie stares at his, normally, very considerate brother in astonishment, this isn’t like Mikey at all!
· “Mikey, I’m more than serious here, now is not the time to make fun of me. What is so funny?”, Donnie asks exasperatedly.
· Mikey shakes his bald head and claps his brother on the shoulder with his green hand, “Bro, she thinks you’re cute.”.
· “W-What?!”, Donnie stammers out.
· Mikey, still chuckling, says, “Yeah, dude, that’s why I asked WHY you didn’t say something about liking her sooner, she’s always thought you were cute. She and I talk about it all the time.”.
· Donnie just stares at his jolly brother in silence. His mind is too blown to form a sentence.
· Mikey turns to leave stating, “And by the way, dude, stop watching her like that…that’s just creepy.”.
@turtle-babe83 @tmntspidergirl @kokokatsworld @nittleboo @the-second-circle-of-shell
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