#a different lighter note I know I brighten other peoples lives but it isn’t enough not really

[kung-fu-headcanons]

What do you think would've happened if Po died painfully in front of his friends? (Ships are fine if you want.)

I love your post btw!

Ah, yes, angst, my specialty. OF COURSE!!! And also, thank you! I'm always happy to hear people enjoy the stuff I make 😊 (and especially since I often lose motivation-)

I'm gonna keep it non ship related because y e s

Trigger Warning: detailed descriptions of gore. If you're sensitive to that, please read at your own risk ⚠️

Po had been through a lot of instances where he almost died, so you can just take any scenario and plug it into what I'm about to describe, it should run along the same general idea at the very least

Before he does die, he's too busy caught up with fighting the villain he is fighting, and protecting his friends, so he doesn't notice he's about to receive a killing blow.

Tigress, being the most observant out of them all, notices immediately, that the villain is about to step out of honor (not that they really had any in the first place- but you get the idea) and straight up murder their opponent.

The others notice right as Tigress is about to shout a warning, or jump in and get Po out of harm's way, since if she's around, her fast reflexes are typically able to save Po out of a real doozy, but this time, she's too late.

Either that, or Po had forced her and the others ahead of time to not interfere and that, he would die for them to be safe if he had to. Which in this case, was exactly what happened.

Its pretty needless to say it's a traumatizing experience. If the sight of Po being sliced in half, or crushed underneath weight, wasn't bad enough, then his screams of pain as he died definitely did.

It wasn't like, a blast of energy that failed his internal systems but left his outer body with just scratches and bruises, this is legit, he took on all the damage, inside and out.

The fact that Po is dead doesn't even register with these guys, because all they see right now, is blood, spilled guts, and chopped up/torn body parts. Depending on how he died, this varies, but there's a lot of blood and puncture wounds for sure.

The villain laughs, gloating over that he had murdered the Dragon Warrior, and inevitable doom was coming. Without Oogway (there seems to be a common trend with villains and Oogway lol) or the Dragon Warrior around, China would fall!

Well, the thing is, warriors don't give up. There's a time for grief, and it's not now. The Five and Shifu give everything they have left to drive off the villain and finish what Po couldn't.

It's a long, hard, fight, and they have to seriously watch themselves since the villain has no problem killing off the rest of them. I mean, just look at what happens to Po. His slayer had murdered him without a single moment's hesitation.

By the time the fight has disputed, and they're the only ones left, they find that Po's corpse is so messy they don't even know how they're going to carry it back and place what's left of him in a coffin.

It finally settled upon them, that Po is gone. He's dead, he's not coming back, he isn't in a long sleep, he's literally gone.

The ones that are most affected by this, are Shifu and Tigress.

Tigress just.. can't handle it anymore and she starts sobbing, literally the first time ever she's broken out of her usual state, she's not one for emotions but she seriously can't handle it anymore

Po was somebody that she cared about, somebody that she grew close to, somebody that she valued as an honorable kung fu master to fight alongside her.

Shifu has lost students before in the past, but none of them had been like Po. Po was just.. so much more different. He may have been sillier than what kung fu calls for, but.. it was enjoyable. Shifu learned a lot from Po, as did the others.

They all took something away from him, and he was.. no more. Po slipped away, just like that. Not a moment to spare.

Many attend his funeral, it's the largest funeral ever held by the Valley of Peace. Even people from afar travelled to attend and honor the passing of the Dragon Warrior.

Time with him was so short. The Five and Shifu really regret underestimating him and being not so nice to him at times. They didn't exactly realize how much Po meant to them. Now it was too late. They miss him. So much.

Po's horrible death haunts them, it's in their nightmares, the terrible death he died, they can't get out of their minds. It's always there, an image implanted into their heads. They're scarred about it for life. The Jade Palace does not feel the same, and it's never going to feel the same.

To close things out on a slightly lighter note.. I think it's safe to say, we all need a somebody like Po in our lives. Somebody to believe in is when we don't believe in ourselves. Somebody that brightens up your day. Somebody that has a good heart, and will be a true friend to you.

#tw: blood #tw: detailed descriptions of gore #kung fu panda #kung fu panda headcanons #kung fu panda hcs #kung fu panda hdcs #kung fu panda po #kfp #kfp headcanons #kfp hcs #kfp hdcs #kfp po

[sweetlysilent]

Mind Games (Prologue)

Pairing: JJ Maybank x Kook!Reader (enemies to lovers)

Summary: If you knew moving to the Outer Banks would flip your life upside down you would've done everything in your power to avoid moving to the island. Your family had bought a new fancy house in Figure Eight, converting you to the Kook life. Whereas everyone on the Cut saw you as the new “princess,” especially a certain blonde haired Pogue; but like they always say don’t judge a book by its cover, there’s always a hidden mystery to be uncovered.

Warnings: Swearing

Author’s Note: Hii everyone, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve posted writing on here. I went on a hiatus for about a year, but I’ve recently fallen in love with Outer Banks, which is what inspired me to dust off the cobwebs and jump back into writing. For the first time I actually completed a series and I’m really happy with how it turned out. I started writing this back in May and it’s finally finished :’) That being said, I hope you all enjoy reading it! ❤️

If you’d like to be tagged in this series feel free to send me an ask or you can add yourself to the series tag list below! & If you’d like to add yourself to my permanent tag list as well, you can also do that below :)

Series tag list  || My permanent tag list  || Series Masterlist || Main Masterlist

( Gif by: @beccs )

“I heard someone new moved into Figure Eight.” John B. spoke as he walked through the door into the Chateau, heading to the kitchen as JJ rolled his eyes in response and Pope shrugged his shoulders. 

“Not surprised, people are always moving in and out of Figure Eight, they’re rich, they can do that shit over night.” Pope stated as if it was common knowledge as JJ flicked his lighter open and closed.

“Why are you even telling us this shit anyways?” JJ glanced over at John B. who was attempting to try and find a clean glass to fill up with water. 

“Just thought you’d like to be in the know is all.” He shrugged his shoulders, causing both Pope and JJ to glance at each other questioningly.

“Okay, but you’ve never given us a heads up before with anyone else who’s moved in, what makes these people any different?” Pope inquired, his curiosity peaked as JJ rose his brows at the brunette haired boy.

John B. let out a sigh, placing his hands on the dirty counter as he looked up at his two friends. 

“These new Kooks are supposedly powerful people, like up with the Cameron’s powerful.” John B. emphasized, tapping his fingers against the cool material of the counter as JJ snorted in response.

“Nobody is as powerful as the Cameron’s, you of all people should know that JB, you literally work for Ward Cameron.” JJ snickered as Pope let out a sigh, causing John B. to roll his eyes at the blonde.

“How do you think I got all this insider information JJ?” John B. tilted his head at him, sarcasm dripping off his tongue. 

“Wait did Sarah tell you all of this?” Pope interrupted, his facial expression becoming serious as John B. nodded. “Ran into her on the boat.” John B. stated simply, chewing on his lower lip.

“How big is the family? Do you know?” Pope questioned, now pacing the room slightly. 

“Family of four, mom and dad, brother and sister.” He counted off each family member, his eyes brightening for a second as he spotted a clean glass, going to fill it up with water.

“Oh great, we get another Kook princess!” JJ waved his arms up in the air, a scowl on his face as he stood up from his spot on the couch. “We don’t know that JJ, she could be nice.” Pope tried to defend, but JJ’s mind was already set.

“You two do realize that Sierra is going to swoop in like the vulture she is and take the new girl under her wing right.” JJ looked between his two friends, a frown on his face as he explained. 

“We don’t know for sure if that will happen JJ, for all we know Sarah could get to her first.” John B. tried to reason with him as JJ let out a sarcastic laugh. 

“And that’s supposed to make it better? Sarah can’t be trusted either JB!” JJ gawked at his friend, silence falling over the three of them until JJ broke it with a scoff. 

“You two can live in denial all you want.” JJ muttered, shaking his head in disbelief, heading towards the door of the Chateau.

“Where are you going?” John B. questioned, watching as JJ put his red hat on, “Going to grab stuff for the kegger later.” He stated simply as Pope’s brows furrowed. “The kegger isn’t for a couple more hours..” He glanced at John B. as he shrugged in response.

“Yeah well, I’d rather be anywhere else than here listening to you two talk about the new Kook princess.” He muttered, his hand gripping the door and exiting it, letting it slam closed behind him.

Sure he didn’t know who you were, but he didn’t need to, knowing you were a Kook was enough for him, and with that, he already despised you.

── ❁ ──

If there is a line through your user tumblr wouldn’t let me tag you :(

Mind Games Tag List: @rekrappeter // @characterobsessed // @shreckluver7 // @niamhobrien // @joshy-obx // @rae131415 // @cleverandwitty // @shawnswife200 // @newsies-yeet // @maybankfullkook // @x-lulu // @pink-meringues // @sadisticfries // @mitchloveswriting // @earthtolia // @pyrosag // @summerkaulitz // @danicarosaline // @ifilosemysefagain // @rafej-cambanks // @modernstorybook // @teamnick // @g0thc0uture // @falling-perfectly // @ifilwtmfc // @smiiithys // @atkinsdempsey​

#jj maybank #jj maybank x kook!reader #jj maybank x reader #jj maybank x you #jj maybank imagine #jj maybank imagines #jj maybank series #jj maybank x y/n #jj maybank blurb #jj maybank blurbs #jj maybank headcanon #jj maybank headcanons #outer banks x reader #obx x reader #outer banks imagine #obx imagine #outer banks #jj maybank angst #mind games series #rudy pankow #rudy pankow x reader #rudy pankow imagine

[animemangasoul]

You Slot Right Into My Life

Summery: The Journey of Zenitsu and how he managed, without trying, to win over Obanai Iguro, and become the snake Pillar's unofficial baby brother.

Characters: Zenitsu & Obanai

Chapter: 1/2

Obanai knows disappointment, had dealt with disappointment all his life.  

That feeling of being too late, that feeling of warm blood between his fingers, that feeling of seeing crying, hopeless faces. Yes, Obanai knows disappointment. He has been disappointed with himself too many times to count and has been disappointed in others even more, so when Uzai declares loudly that he’s done with demon hunting, and that he is considering retirement, he glares and calls him pathetic.

Yes, he is disappointed in Uzai, and he tells him so. “We can’t afford to lose you,” he sighs. “Stop being a child Uzai, Rengoku is dead. You’re one of very fewer pillar’s left.”

Uzai runs his remaining hand through his hair and smiles sheepishly up at him; his wives not too far away, and a crying blonde teenager by his side. “I’m sorry Obanai,” he says; grin a bit too sharp and eyes a bit too sad. “Me and my girls promised each other that we would retire after taking on an upper moon. We did, we won, and now I’m kinda done with all of this.”

The snake pillar stares him down, but the sitting male’s gaze is unwavering. Obanai sighs again. “You’re pathetic,” he finally mutters, turning away. “Love has never saved lives before.”

He doesn’t look back; walking away as fast and as quickly as possible, trying to not lose his cool, but he does hear the kid. The blonde, sniveling, pathetic kid.

“I don’t know what his deal is Uzai-senpai,” the brat blubbers. “But there is nothing wrong with picking love over fighting a war which you have given so much for already.” There is a particular note In his voice that almost makes the snake pillar stop in his track and look back, but he refrains. Jumping down the roof instead, with only Uzai’s happy cries of “you called me senpai you little brat,” ringing in his ears and a certain pink haired girl dancing behind his eyes.

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

He doesn’t think much about the kid, not until he sees him next, sneaking out of the butterfly estate; hand clutched around his mid and face too bruised to be identifiable. If it wasn’t for his hair, Ubanai wouldn’t have even recognized him. He speaks up before the kid is fully out of view. “What are you doing out of bed?”

The brat jumps, and then visible curls in on himself with pain. “Ouch, ouch, ouch,” he mutters; face pinched and eyes watering.

Obanai isn’t sorry. “I said,” he repeats himself. “What are you doing out of bed?” He has to speak a little louder than he likes; the estate running unusually high in patients this time, but the kid does hear him, and slowly turns around; lips wobbly and eyes glassy.

He looks pathetic.

“Leaving?” the kid finally says; trying his hardest not to meet his eyes. Obanai scoffs.

“You’re in no condition.”

“I know that!” The teen is tilting from side to side now; face taking an interesting shade of green. “There are a lot of new patients right now, and they don’t have enough beds and I don’t wanna take up more room since I’m feeling better!”  

The kid says all of this in one breath, before faltering and clutching at his stomach even harder. Obanai is acting before he can even think. Shoving the teen none too gently into a chair and running away and coming back quickly with a trash can; just in time for the idiot to spew his guts out. He grimaces, disgust written all over his face and under his bandages, but he still finds himself lifting a hesitant hand to rub gentle circles on the blonde’s back. “Easy brat,” he mutters. “Easy.”

The kid eventually lets up, lifting his head from the basket, and while shivering uncontrollably pushes himself till he’s leaning fully against the chair. Obanai silently hands him a wad of paper towels. The blonde whispers something, but the snake pillar doesn’t care enough to listen, instead he signals over the first medical personal he sees and sharply directs them to take the moron back to bed. “Don’t let me find him wandering around again,” he snaps. The man pales, and so does the kid. Obanai walks away.

“Thank you,” someone calls out from behind him. He doesn’t stop, but maybe, just maybe his shoulders relax just the tiniest bit at the appreciation.  

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

“You’re really kind Kanroji-senpai!”

Obanai comes to a halt. Someone else was already here? Who? Why? He frowns. Mitsuri tended to be too nice for her own good, and Obanai had found himself threatening people into behaving themselves several times throughout their years together as pillars, so whoever was cozying up to the girl better be prepared for hell when they left the pink haired woman’s company, because-

“Thank you Zenitsu! You’re really kind too!”

A loud; almost grating awkward laugh, and a soft “thank you.”

Obanai’s muscles untense.  

The blonde, the blonde was named Zenitsu right? Why the hell did he even know that? His frown lines deepen, and he finds himself opening the door to the dining room a lot softer than he’d intended. But not before he hears the brat’s next, heartfelt words.

“I wish I’d known you when I was a kid,” he says. “You don’t hate me or call me annoying,” Obanai barely catches the bright smile on the blonde’s face as he opens the door. “I wish you were my big sister!”

The love pillar brightens up so much, Obanai would have cringed back from the sheer force of her smile if he hadn’t been so used to it. “I’ll be your big sis!” she says, and the brat smiles back; equally as bright.  Obanai pauses at the door, watching them. They look ridiculous. Mouth stuffed half with food, hair clashing in colors, and soft giggles making them choke every now and then on their dinner. They look ridiculous, but still-  

The snake pillar finds that his mouth quirks up just the slightest bit at the corner as he watches them.

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

Bullies.

That’s Obanai’s first thought, when he comes across the pitiful scene in front of him that morning. Bullies.  

‘How the hell,’ he thinks; speeding up just a little bit. ‘Do we have bullies in this organization when people are dying off like flies every day.’

And how the hell was Zenitsu showing up everywhere and anywhere around him lately. He sighs.

“Stop that guys,” the blonde wails; jumping after his sword as the cannon fodders throw it back and forth above his head. Laughing scornfully with each other. “That’s mine. Give it back!”

They of course didn’t, and the stupid boy keeps on whining and wailing and occasionally screaming “Tanjiro.”

Pathetic.

It was clear this wasn’t the first time the bulling had taken place by the way the other boys seemed overly familiar with the idiot, but it was also clear this might have been the first time they’ve gotten him without his ridiculous bodyguard around, because-

“Tanjiro isn’t here to save you now crybaby,” one of them taunted; lifting the sword high in the air, prepared to throw it. “What you gonna do when I throw it into the trees up there?”

Zenitsu pauses momentarily at those words. “Go get it?” he mutters finally; fists rubbing at his eyes.

They laugh, and the kid smiles tentatively back at them, as if trying his hardest to fit in, and that-

That makes something ugly crawl up Obanai’s gut and weight heavily on his shoulders. He growls, and with a speed too fast to detect, the sword is clutched between his fingers, and the cannon fodder his lying flat on the ground; his boot pressed on his back. “And pray tell,” he says slowly; grinding his foot down and making the idiot gasp. “What Is going on here?”

“Nothing, nothing!” The morons scramble back, bumping into each other as they try their best to get away from his wrath. Doesn't really matter, because in a blink of an eye, he has them all lying on the floor, unconscious. Except for one, the brat.

Walking towards him, he notices while Zenitsu is visibly shaken, the kid doesn’t move away from him, instead his eyes grow just a little bit lighter and his lips curl into a smile. “Thanks, Iguro-senpai,” he says.

And Obanai just sighs. Handing over the sword carefully, and for some strange reason reaches out without thinking, and pats the kid’s hair. The brat just blinks up at him owlishly. “Stop letting these idiots walk all over you,” he grumbles, and then he’s gone.

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

Next time he sees the brat, he’s called in for backup. Apparently two lower moons had been terrorizing the district some of the younger demon slayers had been sent to, and unfortunately, most of them had died.  

It left a bitter taste in Obanai’s mouth, as the sword pillar quickened his pace to get to the kids as fast as possible. According to his messenger crow, not many were left; barely hanging on.  

How so many inexperienced children were still breathing was honestly a miracle, and if he wanted it to stay that way, Obanai needed to hurry.

Finally spotting the riverside, the pillar jumped up; landed on a tree branch and continued on. Already he could smell the blood, a stench of death so strong, he would have gagged if he’d been a lesser man.  

‘I’m going to make them pay’ he thought furiously; clutching at his sword, he bounced from tree to tree, not allowing his eyes to linger any longer on the dead corpses splayed on the ground bellow him. And then-

The hair on the back of his neck raised; the air tasted differently, and suddenly – Lightning flashed across the sky.

Obanai breathed.

“Zenitsu.”

The energy dancing around the clouds was brilliant, bright, breathtaking, and powerful. The snake pillar started moving again; eyes narrow and teeth gritted tight. He’d heard about the kid's powers from Uzai. And of course, he hadn’t believed him, not really. The other pillar had no reason to lie to him, but, how could someone so pathetic, be so powerful?

Still, that was him, without a doubt, and-

He needed him.

The enemy were two lower moons sure, but the kid wasn’t a pillar, and he wasn’t; as difficult as it was to admit, that moron Tanjiro, so he couldn’t, he wouldn’t be able to fend them off for long, not without help, and with that in mind-

Obanai Iguro jumped down to ground level and found his eyes zeroing on the only standing figure through the plethora of scattered bodies.  

The blonde teenager was currently standing still, body unmoving and eyes; his eyes were closed.  

There were no holes in his stance, and surrounded on both sides by two agitated demons, the kid, remained unfazed.

Behind him were seven up to ten other slayers; curled up and scared. They were still holding their broken swords between bloodied fingers, but it was clear none of them seemed up to the task. None of them had the kids back, and-

The snake pillar immediately recognized at least two of them from the week before. The bullies. He almost snorted at the irony.

Pathetic.

He grabbed his sword then, and is only a second away from unsheathing it, when – The kid moves. ‘Fast,’ is his first thought. ‘The kid’s fast.’

The demon snaps out of the way, but before it could get its footing under it, Zenitsu is behind it; eyes still shut, but blade slicing through its head with elegance meant for the seeing. The other demon takes that very opportunity, it most likely created for itself to attack, but Obanai was tired of just standing around, and with a split-second notice, another head rolls off the neck of a body.

Obanai pushes himself back to his full height, flicking the remaining blood off his blade, before he turns around to look at the kid. “Zenitsu?”

No answer.

Instead, the kid tilts sideways and falls into the pillar’s waiting arms. Sighing, Obanai looked down at the blonde’s head pressed up against his chest.

What an interesting brat.

“Rest,” he said finally; fingers coming up to pat the bloodied locks of the teen. “You did good.”

#zenitsu kimetsu no yaiba #iguro obanai #kimetsu no yaiba fic #kimetsu no yaiba fanfic #demon slayer fanfic #kimetsu no yaibe manga #fanfic #fic #short fic #chapter 1 #i don't know why I wrote this #but it sounded interesting enough to me #that I couldn't really not not write it #besides #i think they would be cute #so here you have it #the fic no one asked for #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer #enjoy #kny zenitsu #demon slayer zenitsu #agatsuma zenitsu

[thedistantstorm]

A Gentle Truth [2/3]

A Ghost finds his Guardian in the ruins of Tokyo. She asks him for a name. He agrees, but only if she grants him one in return.

Previously

During the day, she holes up in safe locations: small recesses and upper levels of structurally sound buildings, ransacked temples, forgotten convenience stores. While she sleeps, he keeps an eye out for danger, patrolling the area silently. It gives him time to process things about her that he’s been cataloging. It's something he can do while watching her uneasy slumber, keeping an eye on the cracks in the walls that could welcome intruders, something that also allows him to nudge her carefully when she begins twitching fitfully.

The first, and arguably the most important bit of what he determines about her, is the language she's been speaking around broken bits and pieces of the common tongue. There are no universally recognized archives for him to pull from, but based on location and data he's collected and exchanged with other Ghosts he's crossed in his travels, he can cross-reference enough data to figure she's speaking a pre-collapse Earth language. He downloads whatever resources he can find, scanning every console, every terminal they come across. She’s able to read the signage here. It becomes abundantly clear that she’s speaking Japanese.

The first two nights they spend scavenging, collecting wood and weaponry, finding whatever bits of edible plants and trapping small animals for food. His Guardian is clever and patient. She follows his instructions to the letter, isn’t afraid to let him take the lead.

He feels whole with her at his side. Finally.

Tonight, they’ve decided to make camp in an old apartment complex. They have not seen any enemies since her first day, three days ago. She lights a lamp in what was once a living space, using a scavenged burner they’d worked on for two hours to get working. The unit they occupy is small and relatively low to the ground, only five stories up. No one should be able to see the light of the small cooking device she lights in a room without windows.

He follows her carefully as she explores the place, looking for anything useful: a pack, bedding, utensils. She pauses when she enters what is a nearly intact washroom. He watches her regard herself using the light of his optic after wiping a streak of dust off the mirror.

“Not right,” She finally says, when he spins his small fins quietly, trying not to rush her into a reply. “Glowing,” She whispers.

“You’re Awoken,” He informs her. “That’s normal.”

“I was not-” She frowns, puzzling over her words. Her nose scrunches as she thinks. “Was not this… I think.” She traces a line of aura, simmering under her skin like water illuminated by moonlight. “Was… different? Eyes,” She narrows them at her reflection. “Skin.”

He knows, based on the slant and shape of her brilliant eyes - regardless of her heritage - something in her was once from these lands.

Perhaps Japan was her homeland before the collapse. He hasn’t seen many Awoken. Clearly they retained some traces of their human heritage when they were changed. 

But… he rechecks the logs on the scan he’d run prior to resurrecting her for the umpteenth time. There’s radiation in her bones, and they’re weighted differently from that of humans or Earthborn Awoken. She’s lighter. More compact. He has seen how she looks to the skies, feels the gentle thrum of the pull from her former people. She is his gift from the stars.

There is no doubt, despite whatever she might have been before the Collapse. The cloth scraps hidden beneath her bones confirmed it. His Guardian was an Awoken of the Reef in her first life: A member of the splinter group who had abandoned their queen in hopes of helping those left on Earth survive.

And that choice had clearly led to her demise, one way or another.

“You came from up there,” He finally says, drifting over to a broken window. Above them, the countless lights in the sky twinkle radiantly. She blinks up at them in curiosity, not for the first time. “But, I think you were human once,” He trills a gentle, synthesized note and nuzzles her cheek carefully. She likes the affection and hums.

“Alien?”

He chuckles. “No. The original Awoken were humans, changed by the Collapse.” He tips his whole self to the side, regarding her with that teal, slow blink. “Things are… I haven’t encountered very many.”

“Awoken?” She points to her chest, following him as he floats past her and back to the space in which the burner sits, cheerfully warming up the room from the cool night.

“Yes,” He agrees, “You are.” She brightens, and he is quick to explain, “But that is not your name.”

“I don’t…”

“Some remember.”

“Who?” Her lips purse into a delicate ‘o’ shape. She tilts her head, thinking.

“Other Risen. Guardians.” She blinks. “Those who were brought back, like you. To do great things for Humanity.”

“Awoken?”

“Some. Others are Human, some are Exo.”

That seems to make enough sense to her, because she continues in her previous line of thought. “I don’t have,” She says brokenly. “Name.” She takes a moment, collecting herself. She’s trying to communicate better. The words are in there, somewhere. “I don’t have,” She pauses and he nods. Every day has been an improvement. “I don’t remember it. No memory.”

He feels her great, overwhelming sadness, even when she tries to hide it away. It’s a devastating feeling of loss he’d heard about from Ghosts who had partners before him. They mourn things they do not remember. Some search aimlessly, unable to move past their first life. She will not be one of them, he can tell. She simply needs reassurance. Support. He is her compass. He must guide her through it.

Finally, he asks her, “Do you want one?”

She nods.

“Hmm. You can pick any name you wish.”

“Ghost,” She replies, softly. Bashful. “Please, pick?”

His shell expands and draws back together neatly. “I did find a decent language engine,” He supposes. “I’ll need time to think about it.” She nods, looking eager. He tips his fins cheerfully, like a smile. “But,” He says, and she furrows her brows, “I want one, too.”

“Ghost.” Delicate fingers point to him in confusion. Is that not his name, she’s wondering.

“That’s what they call me,” He confirms. “But if I don’t call you Guardian because you get one, it’s only fair that you give me one as well.”

“Ano…”

“Anata ga erabu mono wa nani demo kanpekidesu.” Whatever you pick will be perfect, he thinks. “Anata o shinrai suru.”

“I trust you, too,” She answers immediately in common, with a bright smile. It makes him happy to see her smile. Even his most insignificant efforts have been acknowledged, rewarded. She settles on the warped floor, wrapped in musty blankets. Invitingly, she pats the cushion they make, crossed over her legs. He nestles in. “I want…” She sighs. “I want to pick the right name for you.” She’s better at the common tongue when she doesn’t overthink it. The words just flow. 

Even so, he believes in her. “You will.”

#destiny fanfiction #oc: miyu #destiny ghost #miyu the sweet bean warlock #a gentle truth

[warmau]

here is a college!au jungkook x art student! reader au~  the jungkook here is based of my original college!jungkook au another altered commission post, hope you guys enjoy!! 

you meet jungkook because one way or another you both like art

you just happen to be a more hands on person, enjoying illustration and printmaking while jungkook tinkers around with digital art and creating models with practiced algorithms

actually,,,,,you’re not even in the class for gaming design - jungkook is and he just so happens to be great at all things computer

but,,,,,,,,,,creating characters,,,,,,,,,,,for games,,,,,,,like his own characters,,,,,,,well um,,,,,,creativity machine broken????

which is where you come in, you’ve never been close to jungkook in the way you’ve known yoongi and namjoon who have had classes in the art departments with you

but you know him well enough to recognize him barrelling through the uni cafeteria, laptop threatening to fall out of his unzipped backpack and three pens stuck behind his ears looking like a goddamn hot mess

and it takes you a moment, but then you lock eyes with him and it’s like a lightbulb has gone off above his head

as he moves his way past tables full of chattering students and finally throws himself into the seat across from you

“do i even have to ask how you are or -?” you start and jungkook reddens, shaking his bangs out his eyes as pulls out his laptop

he asks your name, not catching his breath at all even though he just looks like he ran a marathon

“that’s me,,,,,,,,,but - what’s up?”

you’re about to take another bite of your food, but jungkook turns his laptop around and you see what is just a ,,,,,,,, almost blank photoshop canvas

well it’s not blank, there’s a simple sketch of what looks like a warrior holding a sword - nothing new or interesting, something you see on the posters for those mobile fighting games that are super popular nowadays

you stare at them, then up at jungkook’s round dark eyes

“they,,,,,,,,they’re cute?”

you awkwardly comment, not sure what to really say or what is really going on

jungkook sighs, seemingly upset and you suddenly feel really sorry for that and try to look at the sketch again

“i,,,,,like their sword?!?” you add, but jungkook still looks like a storm cloud has gathered above his head

it’s silent for a moment,,,,,neither of you quite sure what to say - you’re not close enough to banter like friends or strangers enough just to leave

until jungkook finally clears his throat and looks over at you

“i,,,,,,,,i need help and namjoon said you like art so i was wondering if you could,,,,,help me,,,,,,”

you sit back, jungkook suddenly seems more nervous, broad shoulders tensed up as if he thinks you’re about to tell him to buzz off

but you just smile, “i can try to help - but you have to tell me,,,,what exactly you need my help with,,,,,you kind of just came running - literally - at me,,,”

he brightens up again, the happiness makes little wrinkles appear near his eyes and he nearly jumps up and down in his seat

“well,,,,i want to make a game character - this is all i have so far,,,,,it’s a boring sketch and they’re just cute but i want to make them,,,,,,better,,,,,,,,,,”

he chews his bottom lip in a manner that makes you think he’s the one that looks pretty cute right now

“i just,,,,,don’t know much about fashion ,,,,,, or,,,,,,,details and namjoon said you have an interest in that and that you draw really well and if it’s a bother i can just go-”

you eat while listening to jungkook nearly slip and fall over his words, but you nod at the end and agree

“ill try to help, im not too familiar with games but im sure we can think of something?”

jungkook gets up, a big smile on his face as he tells you he’ll meet you tomorrow in the library to go over some of his ideas

but before he turns you call out his name and he stops

“zip up your backpack, your laptop is going to fall out.” you giggle and jungkook blushes, half in embarrassment and half in shock

“ri-right, thanks!” he grins and does so before nearly running back out of the cafeteria

the first time you meet up with jungkook, you see him sitting cross legged on the chair in the library - laptop open and huge headphones on

his notepad and pencils are a scattered mess on the table beside him and his bag looks like it’s falling apart at the seams

from what you can tell - he’s a little messy, but you also know that he’s ranked in the top 5% of his major

with a brain like a calculator and a knack for anything electronic

honestly,,,,it’s a little intimidating - what could you have to offer to someone in the computer science department

you were just a humble art student trying to live your life,,,

you sit down across from him, jungkook is too absorbed in the game he’s playing to even notice you’re there

until ten minutes later, you hear him let out a small chuckle - you don’t even have to assume anything you’re pretty sure whatever game he is playing he just won

that’s when he finally looks up and you give a little wave

which sends a shock through jungkook, who nervously closes his laptop - a loud sound that makes several people turn their heads

and stutters out an apology for making you wait

“it’s fine, what game where you playing?”

jungkook fidgets a bit and barely answers you in an audible voice, “it’s just overwatch,,,,,,,”

you grin, you’ve at least heard that name before so you tell him that sounds cool - what character does he like in that game, maybe you two can find inspiration out of that.

jungkook seems surprised at your enthusiastic comment

actually,,,,he just isn’t used to cute people,,,,,,wanting to hear him ramble about gaming or well,,,,,,,,cute people in general

if jimin was here - seeing jungkook lean over to be closer to you as he shows you the characters and gushes about controls - he might have a heart attack (jimin just really wants jungkook to be happy hehe)

but you are really interested, hearing jungkook talk more about the aesthetics and his,,,,,quite jumbled,,,,ideas helps you figure out what kind of look he wants his character to go for

and you’re a systematic person - so you take notes in careful handwriting and jungkook notices

staring at it as you look up and feel your face heat up, “oh sorry - i just like to make notes so i can have like a plan,,,,,,is it weird - sorry if it’s weird,,,,”

but jungkook shakes his head, “no no it’s really cool,,,,i tend to be messy with my ideas so,,,”

his eyes drop to his stack of tattered notebooks and pens without caps, you follow his gaze and give a little shrug

“people are all different, but maybe you should,,,,organize your pens and stuff - you know just for help in the future.”

jungkook gives you an almost puppy like look of sadness in his pout, “organizing is hard,,,,,,”

you stare at him before bursting into a fit of giggles that makes jungkook confused

“it’s not hard, you just need a good system. like,,,,,instead of throwing your pens in your bag put them in a pencil case or in the smaller pockets.”

jungkook gives a small groan,,,but acknowledges that you’re right - maybe he’ll invest in a pencil case,,,,he hasn’t had one since middle school

and with a laugh, you tell him maybe you have an extra lying around you can bring it next time

and jungkook feels his cheeks turn pink as he stutters that you don’t have to,,,,but that he also has class in ten minutes so he has to go

you watch him, hurriedly dump all his things into his bag and rush off with a wave and a rushed “bye!”

you sit there for a moment, pulling your own sketch pad out and start to plan this character,,,,,,,,,somehow seeing jungkook makes you want to help him but it also makes you want to make sure he actually gets this project done

i mean,,,he might be a smart kid - but he really dives into things head first

a couple of weeks go by and you and jungkook meet up regularly

jungkook wants to go for something ice-warrior inspired so you show him catalogs from runways where models are wearing winter gowns and lots of crystal jewelry

he seems so mesmerized by all the different kinds of prints and details that you’re almost charmed by his questions and complete lack of understanding fashion

well,,,,,,you are charmed,,,,,it’s hard not to be when he’s sitting beside you

shoulder to shoulder and his eyes, wide and a transparently dark, a brown that was deep but married with flakes of lighter hues

and a smile,,,,,that seemed to light up the room around you and crinkle his nose just a bit

you were reminded of spring bunnies, of the youthful energy that so many other college students seemed to lose but that was so alive in the way jungkook talked and got excited about anything and everything

it became almost natural to see him,,,,,,with his hair messy and his backpack busting with books and his laptop all shoved in haphazardly

there were days were you two would just sit beside each other and you’d sketch while jungkook would work on his laptop

you’d listen to a calming playlist to get yourself into the mood, lots of artists that jungkook recognized

and somehow - along the way - you two would sometimes share headphones

and then sit and compare drawings and designs

namjoon had seen you once, when you were on your way from class to go meetup with jungkook and he asked you how it was going - working with him

you shrugged, you said it was fun - you were happy that you could help and namjoon seemed to want to ask something else

but refrained and waved before turning to head the opposite way

you didn’t expect that you’d get so comfortable so fast around jungkook, to the point where you’d meet up at his dorm

and instead of sharing headphones he’d just blast the music in his dorm

and you two would sometimes unapologetically try to sing to your favorite verse or challenge who knew more of the lyrics to this one song

his roommate, jimin was nothing but ecstatic to see you over - sometimes weirdly so but jungkook would nag at him to stop grinning all the time

while jimin would just dance his way out of the dorm, calling someone nmed taehyung with “updates on the jungkook situation”

you didn’t know what that meant, and jungkook told you to not worry about it

but,,,,,,,it was comfortable as friends for a while till,,,,,,,,something started to shift,,,,,

and it had happened when you’d joined jungkook in the computer lab of his majors department

he was playing overwatch again and you were watching him, doing a study of the different weapons so you and jungkook could work on his character

when he suddenly stopped and motioned for you to switch seats with him

“you want me to play?”

you asked, carefully putting the headphones on and jungkook gave you an excited nod, something mischievous glinting in his eyes

“it’ll be fun and you can get a feel for gaming.” he explained, and you agreed- although you told him you really had no idea what you were doing

“ill be here to help.” he smiled once more and you felt something tug inside your heart

and when you finally picked a character, you heard the game start and - as expected you were,,,,,,,,,pretty bad

at some point, jungkook leaned over and his large hand covered yours on the mouse

he scooted closer, completely unaware of the face that he was at the point where he was resting his chin on your shoulder

his eyes hyper focused on the screen and as he moved the mouse around, with your hand still under his

you could feel his body tense near yours, he really took this seriously when he played and it was showing

but the game was the last thing you could even think about,,,,,,,,the only thing on your mind was the proximity of jungkook to you

his hand nearly squeezing yours

and how,,,,,,,,as much as something like this would make you so totally uncomfortable,,,,,because it was jungkook

you were - fine,,,,as a matter a fact you were enjoying it a bit

because you’d never really had physical contact with him before, aside from nudging him to move so you could see the screen of his laptop better

and when jungkook finally saw the flash of the screen, a ‘victory’ moving by in an array of bright colors

he grinned, hand still on yours and turned to you with a proud smile

“see, together we did it.”

he grinned, but you looked at the mouse and jungkook nearly jumped as he pulled his hand off yours

“holy s-,,,i mean,,,im so sorry,,,,i should have asked-”

you shake your head,,,,trying to think of the right words to say

“it’s fi-fine!! i had fun,,,,,,,”

you pause,,,,and jungkook seems to relax and hide his face from you by busying himself with cleaning out the bag near his chair

you take of the headphones and ,,,,,, you finally mumble after a bit that you’re going to start sketching the weapon if that’s ok

and jungkook nods, saying he’ll see you in a couple of days for the final design to come together

to say that you’re nervous in those days leading up is an understatement

the worse thing in the world must be ,,,, making friends with someone and then realizing you never hit the breaks and now you kinda sorta really a lot like them

which is what happens to you with jungkook

as you stare down at your sketch idea for his character,,,,,you swallow the lump in your throat

and for the first time you worry about him liking it or finding some sort of mistake,,,,

jungkook feels the same way,,,sitting beside jimin in his dorm he keeps groaning to himself and jimin looks over to see jungkook lose his third game in a row

“you’re in a slump or is it,,,,,,,” jimin puts down his book and grins “love problems?”

jungkook nearly throws his mouse pad at his older roommate, but stops himself with a slump of his shoulders

“i think i ,,,,,,,,,, like them-”

“of course you like them jungkook, so what’s the problem?”

jungkook sits up straighter and clicks on the screen to start the next game,,,,without even saying anything to jimin he thinks to himself

the problem is - what if they doesn’t like me?

you arrive ten minutes earlier to the library than jungkook and you set out your sketch neatly

next to it is your organized pencil case and the spare one you brought to give jungkook

you touch your hair, fix your clothes and for some reason you’re all tense about how you look today,,,,

but all those worries freeze over when you see jungkook come through the doors, he looks less messy

with his hair actually brushed and a new laptop bag slung over his shoulders

he sits down and the plain white t-shirt and ripped jeans are gone, instead he’s actually wearing a fitted button down black shirt and you feel like you’re looking at a new person

jungkook smiles,,,,a little lopsidedly as he pulls out his laptop

“are you,,,,,,,going to a business lunch after this or something?” you try to joke lightheartedly

jungkook sort of scratches the back of his neck and shakes his head

“i just,,,i don’t know - wanted to clean myself up a little bit.”

the shocks you as you look at him and see that his laptop is actually in a laptop case- you think about why today of all days

then you shake it off, sliding over the pencil case

“i found my spare, you can have it if you’d like!!” you smile,,,,but it feels like you two are in middle school playing show and tell

not two college students with painfully obvious crushes on each other

jungkook thanks you, fishing all his stray pens out of his new bag and putting them into the case

he grins, looking at them then back at you “guess you turned me organized.”

you hold back the urge to blush with your own laugh “don’t worry, you’ll thank me.”

finally, you both show each other the designs you have - they’re close in style but yours has more detail in the characters sword and jungkook works silently as he digitally sketches them into his computer model

“you never told me what their name is,,,,,,,” you say and watch jungkook work

he pauses and meets your gaze, “you should name them. they’re mostly your design.”

you shake your head “they’re our design,,,,,but this is your project,,,,”

it’s silent and then jungkook coughs a little and you hear it - it’s a shortened version of a nickname you have

you blink “like,,,,,,,after me?”

jungkook keeps working, but nods ever so slowly

“it’s cute, but do you really want to name them after me i mean-”

he puts down the tablet and closes his laptop, jungkook and you have never really done this before - just look at each other without talking about the project at hand

but jungkook’s ears are turning a burning red and he seems to waver but then goes,

“i want to name them after you because you’re special to me. in,,,,in a way that,,,,friendship isn’t really enough,,,”

his voice seems deeper than usual, more serious and adult and you feel like you’re frozen under his gaze - stunned

“i,,,,,,do you like me?”

jungkook waits, before looking back down at the table “i do,,,,,,,,and it’s fine if you don’t-”

you lean over and put a hand of yours over his that stops him mid sentence

“i like you too. and i like the name too,,,,it has a ring to it.”

you smile and jungkook finally smiles too

the room suddenly dissolves of tension and you and jungkook aren’t tip-toeing around each other anymore

once jungkook submits the finished work of the character, you two get up hand in hand and walk out of the library

your first date is ice-cream at the grocery store near campus, but it’s perfect for you and jungkook

afterwards jimin demands to know if jungkook kissed you

and jungkook is too embarrassed to admit you actually kissed him first

jimin: “you might be a genius with computers, but you’re no genius in love huh jungkook,,,,,”

jungkook: “at least i have a cute s/o jimin.”

jimin: K.O.

#jungkook scenarios #jungkook imagines #jungkook au #bangtan imagines #bangtan scenarios #bangtan au #bts scenarios #bts imagines #bts au #sfw #jeon jungkook scenario #bts jungkook #jungkook #member: jungkook #college!au #writing commissions

[safarikalamari]

Coincide - Chapter 2

Previous - Next

Chapter Summary: Senior year begins

Words: 1555

A/N: lmao i almost forgot it was sunday cause i was getting caught up another wip sigh

-

AO3

or

“Race, I got my intern placement!”

Mush bursted in Race’s dorm room, waving his phone. Tugging his headphones down, Race beamed at Mush as he freed himself from his own mess of electronics, almost tripping over his extension cord as he rushed to hug him.

“Mush! Congrats, man!”

“They were just swamped, they meant to get back to all of us sooner but, anyway...they put me at the hospital just down the road! Riverside!” Mush excitedly explained as Blink then crashed into Race’s room, leaping onto the two of them.

“Isn’t it great?” Blink beamed at Mush as the two met each other’s gazes.

“Mm, fantastic,” Race was quick to interrupt lest they start making out then and there in his room. “Part-time or…?”

Turning slowly from Blink, Mush shook himself back to reality and smiled at Race. “Yeah, part-time. They’re working around my classes surprisingly.”

“Oh, yeah, Mush’ll be moving in with me too,” Blink added, an arm wrapping around Mush’s waist.

Race stared at Blink, wondering when he got so behind on his friends’ business. “You live kinda far from the hospital. How’s Mush going to get there?”

Mush shrugged, unbothered by this detail. It didn’t slide so easily under Race and he bit down on his tongue, wanting to remind the two that Mush didn’t even have his permit.

“I’ll take the bus.”

“The bus doesn’t go that far out,” Race retaliated, frowning a little at the thought of Mush walking the rest of the way.

He knew Mush could handle himself just fine, but it was still a trek and after a long day, Mush didn’t need the added exhaustion.

Blink seemed just as calm about this as Mush was, his head resting on Mush’s shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. I’ll see if I can get different hours at the shop.”

Race held himself back from rolling his eyes, knowing that there was no chance of that. Blink liked his chaotic schedule and the last time he had tried to change his days, it ended with a cranky Mush in Race’s bed, hogging all the covers.

“No, don’t– I’ll drive him,” Race blurted out, then rubbing his forehead at his sudden offer.

He was busy enough with school, but his concern for Mush was overpowering and he held his gaze as his friends looked at him.

“Race, that’s–” Mush began before he and Blink exchanged a look. “Well, let me pay for the gas then, okay?”

Race’s familiar grin came back then as he held out his hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

Finally, the tension in the room had broken and the three went back to their exuberant hugging, a few tears of joy shared between the three of them.

“What say we go out and celebrate?” Race suggested, his mind begging for distraction from what he had just promised.

Mush and Blink’s face lit up at this idea and Race made a note to remember where his medicine was for the impending morning hangover.

~

After several scheduling arrangements, Mush and Race finally figured out a way for Mush to get to work and for Race to not stay out too late for Mush’s sake. Ever thankful, Mush buried Race in gifts until Race had to plead for him to stop, explaining that the friendship was simply enough.

“Yeah, but...what if I don’t get off until midnight or something?”

Race quirked his eyebrow, laughing a little at his friend. “Then we’ll get Blink to pick you up. You do know he gets off then sometimes, right?”

“Oh,” Mush giggled a little and shook his head. “Sorry. Just nervous I think.”

“You’ll be fine,” Race reassured, throwing an arm around Mush’s shoulder as they walked up to the hospital. “Hell, they won’t want to let you go. Before you know it, you’ll be a doctor here!”

“I’m just going for nurse right now,” Mush smiled. “Doctor’s a bit much.”

Not quite finished with his teasing, Race poked Mush’s side. “Whatever you say, Doctor Meyers.”

“Oh my god, you’re so weird,” Mush rolled his eyes, despite the smile that stayed on his face. “But thanks, I really appreciate it.”

Falling into their signature handshake, Mush and Race said their goodbyes, Race watching Mush until he disappeared into the staff room.

While a small worry grew at the back of his mind, Race knew Mush would be able to handle whatever came his way. Mush was more than qualified with his caring heart and strong soul. Even when they were kids, Race could see how much Mush needed something like this, just like he need his dancing. Except, Race had almost given up and no matter how much time had passed, that regret would never leave him.

Maybe it was just him getting caught up in old memories, but Race didn’t rush to leave the hospital. He took his time through the lobby and into the parking lot, squinting a little at the sun that brightened the day. A few birds flew overhead and Race smiled, accepting the sign of reassurance as he made his way over to his car.

With each step his heart became lighter and he whispered a small “Thanks, Andre,” into the passing wind, turning back to look at the hospital once more before climbing into his car.

~

“He should be finished in just a few, we’re a little short staffed tonight,” the secretary smiled, sympathetic, though her eyes did not share the same sentiment.

Race didn’t really mind if he was being honest. With Friday night upon them, there wasn’t any pressing matters at the time, he was just looking forward to seeing Mush. Returning the secretary’s smile, Race went to settle in to one of the lobby chairs and tugged out his phone.

He switched idly between apps as he adjusted in the chair until his legs were draped over one arm and his back pressing against the other. He paid no mind to the stares as people passed by, he was comfortable and it was their loss.

As if true to the secretary’s word, Mush showed up less than five minutes after Race had settled in and he laughed at his friend.

“Why do you always do that?” Mush asked as Race got to his feet.

“What, enjoy the comfiness of a chair?”

Mush looked back at the chair, the fabric worn and cushions lumpy. “Didn’t look like your position was too comfortable.”

“Look who’s talking, Mr. Drapey,” Race poked back. “Surprised Blink’s lap hasn’t collapsed yet.”

“You’re just jealous,” Mush laughs as the two cross the parking lot to Race’s car.

“You wish!”

As they drove to the apartment, the teasing continued on only with the occasional break for Mush to talk about his day.

“They’re thinking of moving me to another floor, but I’m not sure I can handle it,” Mush sighed, propping his elbow on the car door.

“What do you mean?” Race asked, turning a little from the road for a moment.

Mush grimaced, a hand running through his hair. “The patients in the ward aren’t terminal. Well, yet.”

Race raised his eyebrow a little at this, but kept his mouth shut as Mush shook his head.

“Some of them will get better, leave the hospital for good, but it’s the ones who won’t that worry me. I don’t know if I could handle losing a patient, even if I’ve only known them for a day.”

Pursing his lips, Race thought of what to say, if there was anything to say. His brother had gone so abruptly, to watch someone die, slow and painful, was unfathomable. All he wanted was to reassure Mush, but at this point, Race felt his words would only go so far.

With a sigh, Race held his hand out across the partition, glancing at Mush when he could. Mush took Race’s hand, his hold only relaxing as Race rubbed a thumb along the back of his hand.

“It’ll be tough, but I know you’ll be able to do it. It’s always hard to say goodbye, but you’ve given them the best care and they’ll thank you for that.”

“Thanks, Race.” Mush’s voice was small and he squeezed Race’s hand.

The ride became quiet, the two unbothered by the silence shared between them. Their hands held firm and it wasn’t until they finally pulled up to the apartment that they took their hands back.

“You’re the best, Race. See you tomorrow,” Mush grinned as he got out of the car and Race gave a little wave.

Waiting until Mush was safely inside, Race started the journey back to his dorm. He still didn’t know how to feel about Mush’s situation, filled with worries that would’ve never crossed his mind, but he knew he and Blink would be able to support Mush through and through.

Race himself had grown, and while the loss would never leave him, he had found his way with family and one friend in particular that never gave up on him. He was ready to take on new challenges, borrow from his own experiences, be a shoulder for someone to lean on.

All Race hoped was that his efforts weren’t in vain nor seen as prideful. He just wanted to help the ones he loved and surely there was no shame in that.

#sprace #racetrack higgins #mush meyers #kid blink #safarikalamari's coincide #safarikalamari makes newsies stuff #marvinjuana #hey if u wanna be tagged in updates just lmk!!

[dothewrite]

hi, big fan of your writing! how about a scenario where kuroo's crush, soon to be gf, is friends with toxic people? like she realizes deep down that they're bad people to be around, but she ignores it because she's scared of being alone. but then he confronts her about it telling her that she doesn't need to be scared because she'll always have him?

hi, sorry, it’s the anon from the toxic friends scenario again. what i mean by toxic is that her friends talk about other people, badmouthing them, and her excuse is that she’s not scared of confronting them, just of being alone. thank you!

Maybe this is slightly different from how you imagined it would be, and I’m sorry about that. I just couldn’t help but realize that there’s so much more than romance going on in this, because it’s a serious issue, and nobody really talks about it much. I think Kuroo’s the type who would be solemn, blunt, and essential. Anyway, I hope you enjoy; I did put some fluff in there, so don’t worry. :) The song I listened to this time is Adele’s Turning Tables.

You’re standing alone, on a high ledge, trappedbetween a cliff and an ocean. Which do you choose? It’s crumbling, it’scrumbling. You have a lifetime to feel things give way from under you.

They’re not so different to you. That’s a good reason,right? You’re not so different, no matter how much you think yourself to be. Atthe end of the day, you’re the one with your phone in your hand, tapping awayasinine remarks on your chatroom with your equally asinine friends.

You put your phone down only after it’s been an hour;your attendance has been noted, and you’re free to choose what you want to donow. The clicking of your phone locking itself feels like locking the part ofyou away into a digital device that will always have some record of what anasshole you can be when you want to be. You’d throw it against the wall andwatch it crack, but that wouldn’t change anything- nothing you want changed, soit stays where it is on your desk.

You’ve been avoiding so many things, and the gravelunderneath you cracks some more, giving way and crumbling into the endlessexpanse that is the unfathomable underneath your high place. A ringtone sounds,and it’s the silly tune of a kid’s show. Kuroo’s calling you, and you ignorethat too.

“I’m outside your door,” his voice calls from outsideyour door, and just this once, you curse living alone. You didn’t have a motherwho could open the door and tell him that you’re not here. There’d be no point.He knows exactly where you are, because he’s like that. And you’re like this.

Your steps are heavy and they drag you to the doorknob.You turn it, and he’s standing there with a phone in hand and an inscrutablegaze that makes you look away.

“Come in,” you mumble, and you retrace your steps backto your room as if you hadn’t moved at all.

He follows, silent. He waits for you to take your seaton the bed before settling himself in the chair by your desk, his legs crossedand body leaned forwards.

“Has it been that bad that you’re not messaging meback anymore?”

“I’m not-“ you sigh, pushing your face into yourblankets, “that’s not what I mean by it. You know that.”

“I know,” he answers, “but it doesn’t mean that it’snot what it is.”

“I can guess what you’re going to tell me.”

He laughs. It’s a dark sound, full of worry, and itwraps around your gut like a noose.

“I’m going to tell you anyway.” He sounds oddly kindfor someone who’s been left on radio silence for several days. You find it hardto believe he doesn’t mind. “Will you finally talk to them? Will you finallyadmit that you don’t like this?”

“What if I do? What if this is who I really am-someone mean just because all my friends are mean, this weak little girl who’stoo afraid of being alone to be someone she actually likes?”

“Well? Are you?”

You blink, confused. “I- maybe.”

“Do you like who you are now, scared little girl?”

“Can’t say I do, really.” You huff out a laugh, like alittle cloud of sarcasm that rains bitterness on cool summer days.

Kuroo looks nothing near satisfied, you’re surprisedto find. Just leaning backwards into the backrest with an understanding twistof his mouth. “If you don’t, and this is who you are, then why not change?”

“Because change isn’t just change,” you groan, “it’s doing something and not knowing if it’llwork out. Kuroo, I might not have anyfriends after this- and no matter how hard I try I’m never going to be a confident little girl, so I can’t just,I don’t know, text them a ‘fuck you all’ and leave it at that!”

“So you’re afraid of being alone?” He murmurs.

“Everyone’s afraid of being alone.” You reply.

The twist of his mouth- the closest thing to his eyesthat you can bring yourself to look at- turns a little sad, a little funny, andfor a moment you think that he might be sick.

“Don’t you feel alone anyway?” He asks with a smilethat hurts you, “isn’t it worse to feel alone surrounded by people?”

You don’t have a reply for that.

“I’m not much,” he says with his eyes downcast and ahumble shrug, “but I’m here.”

If he were any closer- if you were any braver, you’dreach out and take his hand. Maybe it’s just you, maybe it’s the dimming lightfrom your window, but something tells you that it’s shaking. You don’t knowwhy, and the Kuroo you know never shakes. He’s always right there whenever you needhim, and there the most when you don’t deserve him.

“I’m sorry,” the words are sluggish on your tongue,like a drug addict in his first moments of lucidity, “I must be such adisappointment all the time.”

Kuroo shakes his head.

“I’m… I’m not asking you for anything. I just want toyou be less miserable. Because you do. Look miserable. I just think that… if itmakes you brighten up if you finally get to be yourself, it’s worth the risk,sort of.”

“You’re right, of course,” you laugh, “you’re always rightwhen I’m wrong.”

“That’s what you keep me around for,” he grins.

It’s not true. It’s you who wonders why he keeps you around-why he’d even bother, because you’ve given him more than ample opportunity to judgethe heck out of you but he hasn’t. Not once, and in fact- well, he’s here, isn’the?

“I’m here for you,” he says, almost as if he can readyour thoughts, “I can’t say forever because I can’t promise things that I don’tknow if we’ll be able to keep, but I’m here. Right now, and for the foreseeablefuture.”

There’s something left unsaid in the way his sentencedrops off the edge, and something tells you that you know what it is, butneither of you bring it up. It’s not the right time, and there’s more to life,more to friendship and more to love than confessions. No matter what willhappen, you know that he’s changed your life, and that’s more than enoughforever than you’ll need.

“So you don’t have to be afraid of being alone,whatever happens. Maybe I’ll finally let my friends meet you, eh?”

“Oh? Have I been locked up or something?”

“Or something,” he grins again, and you laugh when hetosses your phone to you. “Your move.”

It’s a checkmate this time, you guess. The message issurprisingly easy to type, your fingers moving across the words like you’vebeen dreaming them, and although pressing enter takes several minutes- Kuroooffers you a supportive smile and then proceeds to stare determinedly at yourdesk for the remaining time- it doesn’t feel as heavy as you’d thought itmight.

It’s another message you’ll never be able to takeback, but this is the first one that comes from you. The chatroom alights withmessages, a blitz of buzzing and notifications, but you put your phone to oneside. You can deal with the aftermath later- right now is Kuroo’s proud smilein front of you, and your shoulders are lighter than they’ve been in years.

“Hungry?” He asks.

“Famished,” you smile. His hand brushes over yourswhen he hands you your coat, and there’s something inextinguishable in the way yourchest burns and your breathing lightens, knowing that you’ve earned the rightto blush at the gesture with your head held high.

#kuroo tetsurou #female original character #sfw #haikyuu scenarios #haikyuu!! #haikyuu imagines #haikyuu #i writes the haikyuu

[560am-blog]

beautiful.

baekai / hyunshik + taeyang

He was at it again. Taeyang could curse if it were in his nature but it was never that serious and certainly never that aggravating. It was aggravating, he could feel irritation prickling in his bones every now and then but it always settled and soothed into acceptance. He doesn’t know what to call this predicament but seeing as he always falls into the routine it’s less than a problem now and more of an unfortunate circumstance. The difference is one he could’ve fixed and one he chooses to live with.

Taeyang balances the load in his arms, looks at them as if they were a hundred puppies from the shelter and suddenly everything is a lot easier. Of course, it’s very hard to make out four paper bags and three cup holders into puppies but he thanks his imagination for the attempt. If he smiles amid the discomfort it won’t feel as uncomfortable. People ask him all the time how it’s so easy for him to settle with misfortune and he thinks it’s because he’s tackled it so well and let it slide off so easily. It’s nothing as tragic as him being made of it, nothing as intimate as him molding with it Taeyang simply goes with it. Not the cup holders, good lord if they slid out his hands he was done for. Not to mention it’s cold and with cold there’s always a coffee rush and the shop is obviously too busy to deal with him dropping a load of coffee (coffee that took rather long to make) all over the floor.

In Taeyang’s opinion he’s gotten pretty good at it. He’ll fold and fit as much of the pastries in one bag as he can and shove it under his armpit. For the shorter drinks and the lighter ones he’ll place those on top of the heaviest set, that way the load isn’t much and it won’t spill. Then he slips the other set of holders into his other hand and the smallest set between his arms. It’s a small system that took two weeks to perfect and he swelled with pride the first time it proved efficient.

The hospital isn’t too far and it’s not the kind of busy where he can’t speed walk to get there. The café was convenient in that it was down the road, inconvenient in that he had to cross the road to get there but it was okay he was okay with it. He’d only had someone almost hit him once and he only spilled the drinks once, it was a record achievement.

He shuffles the contents in his arms, sometimes more sometimes less and he’s on his way. It’s not that bad. He smiles at the barista who give him funny looks, at the girls who giggle and stumble out his name to the workers all rosy cheeked and espresso stained. He smiles at people who open the door and even those who accidentally slam it against his nose, smiles through it all and continues.

Taeyang forgets all about the barista with the question on his tongue because he’s got about twenty more to answer when he gets back to the hospital.

[note: POV change]

This kid is at it again. Sometimes Hyunshik is fixing a cup when he hears the long list slip from the boy’s mouth and the telltale groan of a long order from a co-worker. Taeyang. Hyunshik remembers clearly. He hasn’t had to fix that many cups at once since the first day they brought back the pumpkin spice latte to the menu. Or the day the guy training him called off sick and it was the morning rush. The usual rush for kids who were getting up for eight am classes that they were late for. The dreaded rush. In between the order and the girl’s tumbling replies Bakehyun remembers the first time he heard the order.

He was working the coffee that day and it was rather early. Not to mention once the order hit over five drinks he spotted his co-worker slip from behind the counter stating he was going to go clean some tables. The traitor.

Never had Hyunshik fixed a set of drinks with such a scowl on his face. He’d honestly meant to wipe it off his face for customer courtesy when he called up the name. “Taeyang!” It was a little tight, maybe a little out of breath because he’d been thrown into the task so haphazardly. Hyunshik also expected to see a group of people show up for the order as do most people when a set is made. They order with one name and look for their order on the side. It’s a bit inefficient in his opinion but he’s not the one searching so he doesn’t care.

He expected a crowd but he saw one boy. One boy with pink hair, apology written in a pink flush all over his face as he scrambled to grab the set of drinks, counting as he does so. Hyunshik would have considered this an insult to his workmanship but the way the boy’s fingers flitted nervously across the cups and the numbers across his lips he realized it’s not a count against him.

“Thank you so much!” some people say it some people don’t and usually it doesn’t matter because by this time Hyunshik is already making the next set of drinks. Maybe the kid (who looks a bit older for Hyunshik to be thinking of him as a kid ) sensed the irritation. Hyunshik let the thoughts slide because more orders are coming and the traitor still isn’t back. He waved the boy--- Taeyang off with his hand questions and confusion forgotten for another day.

He does the same this time watching with the same puzzlement as before as Taeyang picks through the bags and the cup holders to fit them into his arms. He’s not too scrawny but the load is still too much for any normal person to carry. Hyunshik doesn’t mind his own stare because he knows he’s not the only one giving it and not the only one wondering why someone with that many orders doesn’t have at least one other person helping. Taeyang seems like a decent guy. He comes in with the same smile, orders in the same tone and thanks with the same mannerisms as your average run of the mill sweetheart. The girls always giggle when he comes in, the guys can’t help but smile and something about the café brightens at the touch of pink hair. It’s a soft shade, not too hot and not too faded and honestly that doesn’t matter because the boy is slipping away again and Hyunshik’s lips open just momentarily, “Do you---------“

Taeyang manages to catch the cup holder before it topples over and gives the barista the best of smiles because even if Taeyang didn’t fully hear the boy’s question it’s written all over his expression. He reads it quizzical and pitying like most and after the smile he’s turning with a half bow half stride. Taeyang’s out the door before his footing and his words can betray him.

Hyunshik watches Taeyang exit with the clutter in his hand and makes it a mission to finish his question next time because that damn smile caught him off-guard.

“Do you need help?” He gets it out today. It’s pretty slow but that’s not why he asks it. Not because his co-worker gives him a little nudge when the pink-haired boy walks into the shop. Regardless of knowing his name and scribbling it over the one drink he thinks is his Hyunshik thinks he’ll always refer to Taeyang as the pink-haired boy. Or the boy with the sleepy smile. Whichever works.

It’s not the slow tempo of orders that leaves him asking, nor is it the pitying looks that people give Taeyang every time he rushes out with the load. In fact, he’s not sure what makes him ask. Maybe it’s the good cranberry muffin he was blessed with before his shift started. He never gets the muffins for free.

It takes Taeyang a while to respond, and had Hyunshik not held back two mugs he probably wouldn’t have noticed. The kid always moves so well, can make it look extremely hard or extremely easy. Maybe that depends on his mood too. Someone with a smile like that Hyunshik doesn’t even think he gets mood. It’s subjective maybe. Taeyang moves against the traffic of the shop, so quick but so blended in that if it weren’t for the hair no one would notice. They do though. Hyunshik does too.

“Pardon me?” Taeyang asks, confusion still fitting right above his smile, hands reaching to fit the next two drinks in his arsenal, the two drinks Hyunshik is holding particularly hard onto. It’s the first set of words he’s said beside his order and really if the smile hadn’t prepared Hyunshik’s defense so well the voice might have caught him off-guard. Taeyang talks like he looks really. Low, sleep-ridden but bright as his smile.

“I said do you need help?”

“With-----?” Taeyang starts and Hyunshik does consider repeating himself but it’s the sigh that catches the boy’s attention. “No I got it! Besides it looks like you’ve got your hands full.” Hyunshik swore he wouldn’t turn to look and see if that line doubled, cafes have a tendency to do that. He swore but Taeyang is laughing too. It’s a triple threat and he’s really only looking away to save himself some face. Sure enough the line doubled in size and by the time he looks over to say goodbye he hears the chime of the door and sees a flash of pink. He’s back by the machines and gets a two seconds in before his co-worker teases him.

“You weren’t thinking of leaving your shift to help that cutie were you?” And Hyunshik for the life of him knows he should respond quick. Knows that anyone who understands and knows him knows he wouldn’t dare do such a thing. Skip out on his pay? Not work his full hours to help some boy with a load he brought on himself? But he pauses instead, pauses, shrugs his shoulder like he isn’t listening, like he doesn’t care and calls out the next drink.

For the life of him he can’t decide if he’d actually stop and help Taeyang.

He gets to entertain the thought faster than he would’ve thought. It starts off as a slow day and Hyunshik doesn’t know what it is about this boy that he seems to carry the tide of an entire day with him. In his smile, his hair, his shoulders, everything hints to a world moving too slow and too fast all at once. Taeyang has become a ripple in daily activity.

It’s a slow day meaning Hyunshik can take time with orders, can actually put the right amount of milk in a latte and a cappuccino and not get a dirty look from pretentious coffee drinkers. He can get assigned the specialty duty and he won’t complain. It’s one of those days when he can actually lean against the register and breathe. It’s a Tuesday, Tuesday is the calm after the Monday rush, people settling into the week. Wednesdays are more like people trying to make it to the end of the week and Friday is the welcome to the end. But Tuesdays are a nice lull from Monday resentment and sometimes Hyunshik welcomes it. Coffee shops will always be busy and he doesn’t get paid per customer but per hour so he makes sure to put in work when it’s due.

The relief is appreciate and his eyes even come close to closing when that ding of the bell signals a customer. He’s not sure what he hears first, the shoes scuffing across the floor, the fabric of the scrubs brushing back and forth or the heavy pants coming from familiar lips.

Taeyang brings with him every stress, every tear in his day and though it rips through the coffee shop he still manages to wear it calm and bright on his face. His world could be upside down and he’d hang gracefully.

“How can I help you?”

He knows the kid must be in deep shit because he pulls out a list, right after flashing an apologetic smile. Gentle as he is, he sure knows how to change the tide of the shop.

It’s halfway through reading back the order and Taeyang fishing through his pocket for his card that he has to ask. “How do you plan on carrying all this back?” Taeyang has this expression that Hyunshik’s really getting tired of, the kind where he looks like he doesn’t know why he’s being asked what he’s asked. Like everything is painfully obvious and not so complicated. It is though, it makes no sense why someone would toil so endlessly like this.

“I don’t plan, it just happens.” In his answer Hyunshik is painfully aware of just how simple Taeyang tries to make things. It’s another thing he can’t wrap his head around. Why not acknowledge it’s difficult, bitch and moan if he has to. It’s a great stress reliever.

“That’s some faith in your abilities. Must be nice to be clumsy.” Hyunshik’s not saying it because he’s clumsy or because of envy or something. He’s digging without noticing and Taeyang doesn’t really seem to get it. Either that or that’s always his expression, dazed and confused. The boy should be a model. They love the lost looks these days.

“What?” “What?”

It takes Hyunshik two seconds to realize Taeyang is talking and another two to realize he spoke out loud. Usually it’s not a problem, his filter however nonexistent is something he accepts and deals with. He’s actually grown to have power over the situations it puts him in. Right now however – not as much.

“Did you say I should be a model?” “Yeah you’re always staring into space, I’m surprised cars don’t hit you on the way to work.” Hyunshik doesn’t notice that Taeyang’s moving, maybe because he’s busy moving himself. Talking with his hands and getting to feel himself again because he feels a little out of it, caught for a second. Taeyang’s grabbing for the carriers and Hyunshik’s paused to look at him, moment forgotten and irritation back.

“You’re going to drop them.” “I never do.” “But you’re going to this time, that’s twice your normal load, what do they enjoy torturing interns? Do you enjoy them torturing you?” He’s speaking a lot but he’s also moving a lot. Mainly because Taeyang is moving away, well trying to and Hyunshik’s tried of gripping at the counter in annoyance. So he grips something else. Two carriers and three bags.

“Listen, I spent too long on all these orders, way too long for you to drop them and come halfway in asking for me to make them again. Do you know how annoying a soy decaf macchiato is?” He doesn’t really complain like that, well he voices what annoys him but doesn’t complain about his job. So to Hyunshik he doesn’t know where the words come from or why they come but he lets them. One, he has nothing else to say about it and it’s convincing. Because Taeyang flinches at the thought of dropping them and putting him to work and his selflessness is probably Hyunshik’s only ticket in.

“You won’t get in trouble?” “Not if you hurry the fuck up.”

Hyunshik’s moving like he knows the way but also to get out of the line of stares, one from his co-worker who’s cheesing way too hard and from Taeyang who’s appreciating too hard. His smile is small but takes up all the space around him, that smile with that goofy ass stare of his.

“Hyunshik-hyung.” That shouldn’t catch him off-guard and he turns around quickly to pretend it doesn’t, ready to throw whatever’s in the bag at Taeyang. “The hospital’s this way.”

Hyunshik’s grateful for a few things, that Taeyang moves pretty fast ( faster than he thought ), that Taeyang’s leading the way because he doesn’t see that he’s moving too fast, and that he’s following because he can’t catch whatever it is that’s going on on his face.

It’s after the route that he feels his previous anger resurfacing because was this kid really going to walk here with all these and expect to make it. And did he pass all these people with no one helping him everyday? He never spilled on the train? Not once?

“You’ve got that look again.” “What look?” If he’d been doing anything he stops now, sees Taeyang staring directly at him and that they’ve stopped moving. Since when did he fall so easily in place - or maybe that’s just the space around Taeyang, time moving at it’s own accord.

“Like you’re upset with everything, too many things at once.” “Some things annoy me.” For a moment Hyunshik catches another smile, it’s got a little too much in it so he looks away. The moment moves quickly because Taeyang’s head cants, Hyunshik sees it in the corner of his vision. “We’re here hyung.” Honestly he should’ve known better than to take his eyes off Taeyang. The moment he does the carriers are out his hands, all except on and a bag and is this kid even human? He turns from the hospital to his hand and back again only to see pink, as always.

He’s gone. He leaves the space between them as light as possible. Except for the weight in Hyunshik’s hands that have him looking down, a bag with a muffin and scribbled with words.

‘Thanks hyung! Ummmm your co-worker said you liked cranberry? You need a break so take your time going back to the shop. Also ummmmm xx-xx-xxx-xx ><’

Hyunshik knows a few things. One, he’s going to kill Joowon. Two, he’s going to eat the fuck out of this muffin. Three, he’s going to kill a certain pink-haired boy the next time he sees him.

[steviexevans]

The News || Evans Bros.

Tagging: Stevie Evans & Sam Lynn When: February 15, 2017 Where: Outside the castle Notes:

Stevie didn't tell anyone other than Stacey his plan to ask Sierra to be his claim. He was such a private person and he knew how much his little sister loved to hear about everything pertaining to them. The morning after Valentines, Stevie felt lighter than air. They said their reluctant goodbyes before classes but Stevie had the memory of their night together to keep him content. The Dominant was on his way to a class when he saw his brother in the distance with his dog. It'd been days since they last spoke and he wondered how he'd take the news about his engagement. Stevie checked his watch and knew he'd miss class if he didn't go now but he thought it'd be fine. It was a class he was doing well in. Stevie walked down the pathway and when he was close enough said, "Hey." Stevie smiled during the brief greeting, unable to be rid of it.

Sam had just been about to open the door to let himself and Dagny out, when a voice that was just now becoming familiar greeted him. Sam felt himself brighten and his smile instantly appeared. "Hey!" he said, ignoring the way Dagny whined and tugged on his lead. "How's it going?"

Stevie "Real good." He answered as he bent to pet his dog. Dagny was enthusiastic about being outdoors. "Been meaning to ask about your haircut. Now people can't confuse us anymore." He returned to his full height and wondered how he'd look with a similar cut. But he loved his length too much, especially with the way Sierra touched it.

Sam touched his hair. It had taken awhile, but he'd finally gotten used to it. He chuckled a little. "That's true." Sam knew he and his brother looked similar, but he found it odd that people around campus had confused them. Sam was bigger than Stevie was and Stevie had a slimmer face that he kept clean shaven, while Sam alternated with his own facial hair. "It was just time, I guess. I hadn't had it cut in awhile. Chloe wasn't thrilled with the idea at first, but she's adjusting," he joked.

Stevie "What brought it on? Just the need of a change? I imagine she didn't want the cut to happen." He recalled a conversation they had about his brother's Dominant when it pertained to her love of Sam's long hair. Stevie stepped to the side to get out of the dog's way as he was determined to explore. "It looks good. Think mom would be fine with it. She thinks long hair should be for women." He heard a lot about this when he started to seriously grow his hair out.

Sam "Yeah, I guess so." He wasn't ready to talk to Stevie about the kidnapping incident. His brother was still his little brother in his eyes and he wanted to protect him from the ugliness of the world. "She definitely didn't, but she came around when she saw I didn't shave it all off." They were outside now and Sam hunched his shoulder against the bitter cold. He bent down to unhook Dagny's leash the dog began leaping in the snow and sniffing everything he could. "Thanks," he said at the compliment. He tried not to roll his eyes at the comment about their mother. "Yeah she definitely always had an opinion about our hair. Although I though she pretty much left you alone. That it was just me and Stacey."

Stevie tried to remember the last time he was as carefree as the dog. Bounding about and enjoying life without a single worry. Stevie bent down and scooped snow into his hands, forming a snowball. "Would you ever shave it?" He tossed the snowball, curious to see if Dagny would chase it. "She'd make her remarks but as you see it didn't do anything to stop me from growing it. Sierra likes it a lot so makes me glad I never caved."

Sam burst out laughing. "Sure, if I ever wanted Chloe to murder me in my sleep." He was glad Stevie stood his ground, but he supposed that was one of the reasons he had that D on his wrist and his siblings didn't. "How's that going? With Sierra, I mean." He wasn't overly impressed with the girl. Chloe had had the two over for dinner and she seemed sullen and quiet. Her facial expression never changed and when she thought Chloe and Sam weren't around, Sam could see her clinging to Stevie's hand like he was a life raft.

Stevie "Would she gave to that extreme?" Sam's laugh made him smile, Stevie gaze on his black gloves which still had traces of snow on it. "Your laugh still sounds the same. Like when we were kids and we did something to crack you up." The Dominant expected a question about her, mainly because he brought her up. "We're doing well. Real well." His smile grew, pulling his hair away from his eyes as he looked to his brother. "We're in an informal claim. As of yesterday." He braced himself for Sam's reaction to his.

Sam "You mean would she actually kill me? Of course not. But she'd definitely make my life miserable for awhile," he said, only half joking. Even just making clipper noises around Chloe set her off. Sam smiled at the sweet words, but he didn't have time to respond to them as his brother dropped a bomb on him. Sam paused, and then broke into another round of laughter. "Right, of course. And the ceremony's next week?" He chuckled again, shaking his head, assuming Stevie was kidding. "But joking aside, I guess you really like her, huh?"

Stevie didn't expect the laughter or the joking and figured it had to do with the fact he and Sierra did move at a faster rate than most people. But that's what worked for them. Even with Sam's reaction he didn't lose his smile. "The ceremony isn't next week but I'm serious. I proposed to her and she accepted."

Sam The laughter died slowly in his throat and Sam studied his brother's face. His voice sounded sincere. His smile genuine. "You're serious," Sam said.

Stevie "I am." Stevie had an idea what Sam was thinking and he kept calm. He didn't have to explain his relationship to anyone but he didn't want to keep it hidden either. Which prompted the next thing which came out of his mouth. "I'm telling mom and dad tonight."

Sam 's eyes rounded and his oversized mouth didn't keep quiet. "Stevie, you can't enter into a claim yet."

Stevie "Why?" He asked, clearly confused. "We're both eighteen and know this is what we want."

Sam "Just because you're legal doesn't mean you're ready," Sam said, trying to keep his voice under control. "You're both too young, first of all. And even if you weren't, you just met her!"

Stevie "I know how it looks." He said, the conversation started to get under his skin and Stevie tried not to react negatively towards his brother but he felt defensive. "We know this is right for us. Why wait when you feel that with someone?"

Sam "Because being in a claim is for life." Sam felt panicked, like he wanted to shake some sense into his brother. "Right now, everything is new and exciting, but sometimes that can wear off. Being in a claim is more than feeling a spark. It's knowing you're going to stick by each other when it gets hard. It's trust and loyalty. It's them making you better while you make them better. It's friendship and love and having a companion forever. And you only know if you have that with someone when you've spent more time with them."

Stevie stood in silence and he could feel the wall he created after his brother voided himself slowly rise. He knew he came from a good place when he expressed his concern but when it came to it Sam didn't know anything about the type of person he was or the life he had since he had to step up and basically be a man at a young age. "Do you think I'm taking this lightly? That I'm not aware of everything you listed?"

Sam "I think if you were, then you wouldn't have made this decision," Sam said, not backing down. He wasn't about to let his baby brother do something rash without saying what he had to say.

Stevie 's eyes rested on his brother's and the younger part of him wanted to tell Sam he knew nothing when it came to the way he lived, or how is mind worked but the rationale part kicked in. How could he? They been apart for years and were still in a weird place where they got along but Stevie wasn't fully past what happened in their family. "I understand where you're coming from. If Stacey did this I'd think she lost her mind. Sierra and I know what he have is intense and passionate and we work at such a different pace than everyone else. The informal claim has two months in place to make certain people don't claim without thought. I have put thought into this. I know that she and I will work." He forced himself to keep calm and collected while he spoke. "I appreciate your worry, Sam."

Sam rubbed his forehead, trying not to lose his temper and make things worth with his brother that he was still a bit on shaky ground with. "Are you at least having a long informal period?"

Stevie ran a gloved hand through his hair and thought about the question. He and Sierra didn't want a big ceremony, given she seemed to like the one he painted for her during one of their talks. "Right now I have it planned to claim her as soon as the two months comes to an end." He kept his eyes on Sam. "You honestly don't need to be concerned about this. I get you want to tell me to keep my head clear when it comes to such a big decision but I need you to believe me when I tell you I am very sure about this."

Sam barely heard what Stevie said past his first sentence. "Two months?!" he cried, his voice going tight and strained. "Stevie, you haven't even KNOWN her for two months!"

Stevie Sam's reaction caused Stevie to stare at him with a somewhat flabbergasted expression. He knew his and Sierra's relationship moved at a faster rate than most. With a barely visible head he sighed out. "Okay. I don't know where to go from here without talking in circles." Stevie eyed his brother, "I'll see you around." He turned on his heels and started to walk away. Anger coursed through him and he wanted to turn around and lay it into his brother about how he had no right to say anything about this, considering his voiding past.

Sam didn't try to stop him. Maybe Stevie was pissed at him, but Sam was only saying the truth. He watched his brother go and pulled his phone from his pocket. He had to talk to Chloe. Now.

#para: sam