#for real it's been years since I replayed 4

[strangersteddierthings]

No Regrets - Part One

Content Warning: mentions of main character deaths but these are temporary because this is a time travel two-to-four-shot and so, they start dead but then get better :3 Also maybe a whiplash warning? In that it starts off kind of dark for a story that's pretty light-hearted in the end.

Here's the first part of the threatened season 4 AU time travel fic where Steve gets thrown back to the moment in family video when Dustin and Max show up demanding the phones. Previously he was 5 years into a grueling apocalypse.

Part One🦇 Part Two🦇Part Three🦇Part Four🦇Part Five🦇Part Six

Steve has lived his life in regret. Replaying scenarios in his head over and over late at night when sleep eludes him. And sleep is always eluding him these days, weeks, past five years. Steve hasn't known a day without regret since the day they failed to kill Vecna, the day Max almost died. The day Eddie did.

It's five years to the day today.

Steve spends endless nights thinking about how he'd change that spring break. It was the start of the end of everything. Eddie's death wasn't world ending for Steve. It was the end of a what-if. A maybe. But for Dustin. Oh God, Dustin. Who had blamed himself for Eddie's death, who was broken and then never able to get time to recover. To grieve.

Dustin, who pulled away from everyone, from Steve, because of it.

He's not dead, Steve knows, because he still hears his voice on the radio. Separated from the group but vital to their survival. He spread intel on Demo-creature movements, where safe spaces are, news from across the broken and destroyed America, and how to survive the hellscape.

There have been losses. Terrible, tragic losses.

Murray Baughman. Lucas Sinclair. Karen and Holly Wheeler. Will Byers. And those are just the ones he knows. A lot of people scattered to the wind when Hawkins became overran with the Upside Down and its creatures.

He's still two days out on this supply run. Two more days and he'll get to know who is still around. Who they lost this time. It's not always someone they know, but the horrors never cease, and Steve's been gone a total of three weeks.

"Hey," Robin breaks him from his thoughts as she leans over to whisper in his ear, "since you're gonna daydream, you might as well actually dream. Scouts say it'll be a while before we can continue moving."

"I'm not daydreaming, I'm thinking."

"Well, be sleeping instead. You'll be more useful with some rest," Robin pats her shoulder, inviting him to lean his head against it.

"Don't use my weakness against me. You know I love being useful," Steve sighs as he drops his head onto her shoulder.

"I know. It makes you easy to manipulate," Robin teases. He can hear the smile in her voice. "Now, shut up and sleep."

Steve grumbles under his breath. No real words, just grumpy noises as he does shift and get as comfortable as he can leaned against Robin. He is tired, and with nothing else he can be doing, he won't feel too guilty about it.

He closes his eyes.

He opens his eyes, blinking rapidly at the sudden brightness of the sun shining through the glass storefront of Family Video. Usually when he dreams of the past, the sun's never this bright. It's been years since he's seen the sun at all, with the red-black sky of the Upside Down looming above them constantly.

He takes a deep breath, basking in the fresh(ish) air of Family Video. How long has it been since he's taken a breath without his mouth covered by a mask, bandana, some cloth or another? Well, he's not really breathing without a mask on, his conscious self has one on, but it still feels good to fill his lungs and release. He has half a mind to jump the counter and go outside to repeat that; see if his unconscious mind will provide a difference in the air, if it remembers enough to do so.

"Hey Steve," Dustin says as he is stepping through the doors with Max at his side. It's then that Steve takes in where the dream has started. The doors have just opened, and Steve's looking partially over his shoulder, towards the doors instead of the TV as it plays the news of Chrissy's death on the screen. The world fades back into motion, instead of the slowness the beginning of his dream started as Dustin finishes his question, "how many phones do you have?"

"Are you seeing this?" Steve asks on autopilot, playing out the scene he knows, but he holds off from stating the someone was murdered part. He's tired of saying it.

"How many phones do you have?" Dustin asks with more urgency.

Steve takes in Dustin and Max while Robin explains the phone situation. It's been so fucking long since he's seen Dustin. Since Max was able to see him. God. He can't let this play out like normal. It's not going to fix reality, he knows that logically, but what would it hurt to live out his fantasy of getting a re-do while he dreams? Wasn't that what he was thinking about while awake?

He tunes back into the conversation when Dustin shoves his backpack across the counter, and then himself. Instead of whining about the tapes, he reaches for the pen and notepad they keep close to the till. "Hey, what's this about?"

"Max, fill them in while I do this," Dustin replies.

Max turns to him and Robin, who is eyeing both Steve and Max but listening. Max explains what Steve already knows. The lights going crazy, Eddie fleeing his own home, and that it might be Upside Down related.

There's a script here. Responses he has memorized because of how often he dreams this moment over and over. An answer Steve usually gives, but this time he finds he can hold his tongue. He doesn't have to speak. Doesn't have to follow the script.

"Okay," Steve says instead. "Dustin, what's the number for the Byers now?

Surprisingly, that actually pulls Dustin from the computer. He spins on the stool to give Steve a confused look. "What? Why?"

If he's being honest with himself, he's never really had this much control over his dreams before. Having this control makes him want to do all the things he's daydreamed about. To change the choices that fill him with regret and guilt. "I want to leave a message for Jonathan," Steve lies, "or talk to him if he's home. Give him a heads up that Upside Down shit might be going on again."

Dustin narrows his eyes at Steve, suspicious, "Jonathan?"

"Yeah. Jonathan," Steve says in his bitchiest voice. "Number, dude."

He can tell Dustin doesn't fully believe the lie, but he recites the number anyway.

"Thanks," Steve says as he scoots around Robin and heads to Keith's office to use the phone there. The first thing he does is call the police station and let them know that he saw Eddie Munson at Rick Lipton's place, up by Lover's Lake on Holland Road. The lady who answered starts to ask questions, Steve just says he recognized the trailer on TV as the Munson's and hangs up. He'll swing by later once everyone else has pieced together the Rick Lipton part of this all themselves. If Eddie's still there, he'll drag him to the station himself.

'Cause the thing is, Steve has thought of many scenarios. So many. And even if nothing else changes, this is the bit that will. Eddie cannot be killed in the Upside Down if he is in a jail cell instead. And if the police do follow up on his tip, then they'll take Eddie in for questioning before Fred dies. And that's.

Well.

Steve's living through the end of the world and that changes people. It's changed Steve. Once there would have been a time when allowing someone to die, knowing it was going to happen and not stopping it, would have filled Steve with guilt, regret, maybe even some self-loathing. But Steve's made enough sacrifices for this town. Lost enough of the people he loves to be jaded. Maybe even cruel. If Fred has to die to prove that Eddie didn't do it, then that's what will happen.

His next step is to call the Byers. It surprises him that Joyce actually answers with a hesitant hello. That never happens in the dreams.

"Joyce. I mean, Ms. Byers. It's Steve. Uhh, Steve Harrington," he says.

"Oh. Hello Steve. What, uh, what can I do for you?" Joyce's voice is still hesitant.

"Listen, the Upside Down is back. Or, like, it was never gone? I don't know. But I needed to tell you."

"Oh my God," Joyce sounds horrified, and Steve can hear Murray in the background asking questions. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. Vec- sorry, it has already killed a girl. Max was a witness. Well, of the aftermath. But that's not important. What I need is for you to tell El that she's never been a monster and never will be. That everything has been the fault of One. And I think you should tell her Hopper is alive and you're going to rescue him."

There's not an immediate answer. A rustling sound and then faint voices he can't make out. She must be covering the phone with her hand as she and Murray talk. Or argue, knowing Murray. After a moment, Murray's voice comes through the line, "How do we know you are who you say you are?"

It's followed by Joyce shouting, "How do you know about Hopper?" and Murray quickly shushing her and some shuffling noises before Joyce says, "Okay. We're both listening."

"Look, I know you have no reason to believe me so I'll give you something that might serve as proof that I know things I shouldn't. When everyone gets back from the roller rink, be there for El. She's going to- to have a bad night, because of a girl that's been, like, bullying her at school. Then, I need you to get them headed this way tomorrow morning, because you gotta be gone then, too, but like. Be there for El tonight. There will be an incident involving a roller skate. So, if you believe me, call me back after that."

"How do we know you're who you claim to be, Steve?" Murray questions again, while Joyce says, horrified, "El's been being bullied?"

"I can't exactly prove I'm me. But call my house tonight after you've spoken to El and I'll answer. That's the best I can do. I... I don't know if Jonathan or Mike have my number, but Mike can call home and get my number from Nancy. That'll be proof, right? Or Will can get it from Dustin. Whichever."

"And how do you know about something happening tonight at the roller rink?" Joyce demands.

"I know more than I should. So, if the roller rink thing holds up, and you decide to at least hear me all the way out, call my house," Steve hangs up then, not wanting to get into a loop of explanation.

"Steve! Hurry up and come help people while I help Thing One and Thing Two!" Robin calls through the door and Steve takes a step towards the closed door to comply but he stops, hand hanging just above the doorknob. That's how the dream goes. That's what 19-year-old Steve would have done.

But that's a Steve that died five years ago, when the world ended, when the apocalypse started. Steve's not 19 anymore, though he must look it, a master of his own puppet. He's never sought himself out in a mirror when he dreams; he's too busy taking in everyone who has been lost to him in his waking life to bother with himself.

What does he want to do this time?

What does he want to do right now?

He leaves Keith's office to beeline to Dustin, pausing only to pat Robin on the shoulder. He slides around Max and comes to a stop beside Dustin.

"I already told you, I need this for-" Dustin starts to speak but cuts off with a squawk that sounds like a mixture of indignation and confusion as Steve just reaching out and bodily turns Dustin towards him. "Steve, this is important!"

"I know," Steve says and then hugs Dustin. Dustin doesn't hug back, but neither does he pull away. Steve knows he's missed Dustin, felt his loss for many years now, but holding Dustin now, feeling him solid and here feels Steve what he can only equate to grief.

Dustin lets himself be hugged for what is, undoubtedly, an awkward amount of time for him before he thumps Steve's back twice and says, "okay... You can stop now."

Steve lets go and turns to Max, who immediately puts her hands up, "No. Absolutely not."

He chuckles and steps around her. He won't force his affection on her.

Then he takes off the family video vest and sets it on the counter.

"Steve?" Robin asks.

"Sorry, Robs, I can't stay and help customers. I have some things I got to do."

"Steve, you cannot abandon me on a Saturday!"

He can't quite bring himself to feel bad for abandoning her. It is a shit thing to do but right now saving Eddie and Max from Vecna is more important. He's already wasting daylight, so instead of answering his gives her his best 'I'm so sorry' face and bolts out the door. All three of them shout after him but he doesn't slow.

He's got a list of regrets to change.

-

Tagging the besties and all the people that expressed interest when I posted the lil blurb about this. Sorry if I missed you!

@i-less-than-three-you @nburkhardt @afewproblems @skepsiss @music9009 @apomaro-mellow @soaringornithopter @reighnofdreams @eddie-munsons-lunchbox @sirsnacksalot @livelifeliketheresnotomorow @sageclipse @schnukiputz @mbloggotdeletedsothisismybackup @lumoschildextra @vampirestevie @alex-axolotl @juleswashere3 @yet-still-more-banched

#steddie #my fic #it's a late birthday fic to myself #not at light-hearted as I wanted #but I'm in a less light-hearted place now than when I first wanted to write this. So my mood has changed the story a bit

[ellabehavior]

Somethin’ new - Rafe Cameron.

Summary: You’re the new girl and everyone wants you, but no one stands a chance when Rafe lays his eyes on you.

Pairing: Rafe cameron x Fem!Reader

A/N: This is my first story on here so I hope y’all enjoy!

-

“Don’t worry! You look fine.” Sarah says to you as you fix up your makeup.

“Sar, Be for real! it’s my first day here at the island I need to make a good impression” You sigh rolling your eyes at the blonde girl.

“We’ve been friends for over 4 years, would I lie to you? I mean i’ve lived here all my life and i’m telling you now all the guys will come running after you!” Sarah shouts giggling.

You stare at the blonde when you turn around. You recently relocated to the outer banks after spending virtually your whole life in Seattle. Since your family spent a lot of time on vacation at the Outer Banks throughout the years, you and Sarah have known each other for a while, but you haven't seen her in a minute.

“What?” Sarah says as she stares back.

“Nothin… just nervous” you retort.

“What’d I just tell you! You look hot, now come on it’s getting late.” And with that Sarah grabbed your hand and you guys started walking to the party that was only down the street.

As soon as you guys arrive you see people playing beer pong, some sucking faces on the couches, and others walking up the stairs together.

‘How did i get myself into this situation’ you think.

“Hey! I’m going to get some drinks i’ll be right back ok?” Sarah wipes you out of your thoughts.

“Yeah that’s fine!!” You say unsurely, and with that Sarah walks away.

You don’t really know anybody else here so you walk around a little bit and it starts to feel like all eyes are on you.

Just as you’re about to sit down, “Hey!” you hear from a tall man standing above you.

“My name is Topper, I seen you and Sarah walk in together but I haven’t seen you around here, are you new?” He says with a slight grin

“Yeah I just moved here yesterday, Sarah has been helping me get settled in.” You say back with a smile as he starts combing his fingers through your hair.

“Hmm.. hope to see you around sweets.” he replies and walks away with a wink.

Just as you begin replaying the interaction in your mind, Sarah comes back with your drinks and takes you inside of the party.

“Anything happen yet?” She says while she throws her arm around you.

“Nope.. Not yet.” You lie as the events begin replaying in your head once again.

When you start to feel as though everyone is staring at you again as you did earlier, you start to look around and spot a hot blonde standing next to a girl with curly hair winking at you. God, it was going to be a long night.

As the night went on, more and more guys came up to you asking you a series of questions that usually went along the lines of “Are you new here?” and “Can I take you out later?” each ending in the same answer of “Im sorry, but no.”

That’s when the tall guy named Topper from earlier came back up to you, but this time drunker than he was before.

“Hey sweets, how have you been all night?” says Topper as he throws his hand around your waist.

“It’s been good” you say as you fake smile at him feeling a little uncomfortable.

As soon as Topper opens his mouth to say another word, another man comes up to you guys.

“Get the fuck off of her.” he shouts.

“What are you talking about dude don’t be a weirdo.” Topper says to the tall man in front of him.

“You heard me, I said she was mine earlier and to not mess with her, i’ve been dealing with guys all night tryna talk to her, and i don’t think you want to be one of them.” The man says as he gets all up in Toppers face looking like he’s ready to swing.

Topper puts his hands up in a ‘Chill dude’ type of way and walks away with a roll of his eyes.

“Sorry about that, my name is Rafe.” he says as he puts his hand out for you to shake

You smile and shake his hand back

“Hey Rafe, thanks for saving me.”

He laughs, “No problem, what’s mine is mine and nobody else gets to touch it.”

Your cheeks start to flush as a result of the man's recent comments. However, you are already familiar with this man; he is Sarah's brother. Everyone constantly says he's a player and not to trust him, but with a face like that, it doesn't seem like you’re about to obey the rules.

“Do you say this to all the girls you meet?” you say with a roll of your eyes.

“Only when they’re as pretty as you.” he says back with a smirk and he brings his hand to the tip of your chin

“Yknow it’s not going to be that easy to get to me like everyone else.” You say matter-of-factly as your faces are getting closer and closer, thinking less and less about how you just met him two minutes ago.

“Hmm..that’ll be up to me to find out.” we’re the last words he breathed out as your faces connected.

You pull away slowly looking up to his eyes.

“What’d i tell you, I always get what i want.” he grins.

Jesus, you just met him and he was already going to be the death of you.

#rafe cameron #rafecameronfanfic #rafe cameron x reader #rafe fanfiction #obx #obxfanfic #rafe outer banks #rafe cameron imagine #rafe cameron outer banks #rafe cameron one shot #rafecameronjealous #rafe x y/n #rafe fic #rafe x you

[wayfayrr]

Hello! If I may, I’d like to make a request.

When I was little (between 4 and 8), my brother and I played Ocarina of Time constantly. It was our go-to game when hanging out. We replayed it and found all secrets and stuff. I was wondering if you could do a platonic self aware OOT!Link one shot? One where Link considers the player to be like a sibling to him since they grew up together in a way?

Thank you so much! I really enjoy your work ❤️

you're very welcome anon! this was such a sweet request to write!! I went with the post timeskip link for this seeing as I've already written one for Majora's mask link and I thought it would be more interesting to have that difference between the two pieces <3 I hope you'll enjoy this

[masterlist]

“Hey, I’ve been wanting to ask for a while… do you still have that old copy of Ocarina of time we used to play together? I’ve been kinda wanting to replay it. It’s a bit of a pain to get a new one or an emulator though so…”

“Uh? I think so, I can check in my attic later and drop it around your place tomorrow if I can?”

“That sounds perfect, thanks for the favour man.”

That was a fairly productive phone call, now I hopefully won’t have to mess about with an emulator or shell out for the subscription to play it again. Seeing as Nintendo doesn’t want to make their old catalogue accessible. All I need to do on my end is to wait and possibly google how to set up an N64 in the meantime.

Turns out that we did still have the old thing, and that it isn’t all that hard to set up either so it’s not like it takes too long for me to hear the calmingly melancholic tones of the game’s opening theme. Our old save file is still there too, although some of the stats on the file seem to have gotten a little bit corrupted because I’m convinced we completed it fully. Although it’s been what like 10 years or more since I would’ve last played, it makes sense that I might just be misremembering things. No harm in seeing where we left off though is there?

Well even though the file says otherwise, looking through Link’s inventory really wants to disprove that - there’s something with the same sprite as Zelda’s letter where it should just be an empty slot. It’s not got a name, if I hover over it it simply brings up a missing value error and the button prompt me to read it. It’s not like there’s any issue if I did open it, it’s an old save file so even if it does corrupt I won’t lose anything. 

Nothing happened, just a fade to blank before it glitched out and the inventory screen popped back up so that I could close it and have a look around…

How did Link turn around as I was paused in the inventory and how did his face get so close to the screen?

“[Name]? I knew you’d be back at some point! I knew you wouldn’t just leave your older brother for good… you wouldn’t would you?”

“...How do you know my name..?”

I know that Ai has gotten incredibly good recently but this is an N64, an unmodded one at that, so whatever the hell is happening right now can’t be due to that. This feels like it could be the start to a creepypasta though with everything going on right now - is this like a real life ben drowned - no it can’t be, he’d be crying blood if it were the case and he wouldn’t be as friendly either. 

“Because you told me it all those years ago when you first played through the game? You always spoke to me like I was a real person, like you saw me as your older brother, so it’s only natural that I started to see you like a little sibling right? Then when you disappeared I got so worried, It’s been so long but you’ve gotten so much older! Did you pull the mastersword yourself, because this much time can’t have really passed can it?... Can it?”

He looks almost like he’s about to cry, I should be caref- why am I so worried about hurting the feelings of a fictional character? Is it cause he sees me like a sibling, a younger one; because he knows me from when I was younger; or because he seems so attached to me already? Maybe I should just… turn it off so I don’t have to deal with it.

“I don’t remember how long it’s been, a good few years at least, Since I’ve played it. I wasn’t exactly planning to-”

“Is that what you used to control me!? I’ve never been able to get a good look at it before. Would you mind bringing it closer?”

“...Yeah I can bring it closer.”

The way he interrupted me was so so sad, he’s forcing himself to be cheery when he looks like he’s about to break down, like how an older brother would act. He really sees himself as my older brother doesn’t he? I have to admit that the way he’s leaning against the screen like an excited kid is also pretty cute I won’t lie to myself, if it weren’t for how insane the situation is I don’t think I’d mind him being my younger brother. He’s younger than me now anyway so that makes far more sense. 

Is the screen cracking beneath him? 

It’s definitely cracking under his weight, there are seconds left before it shatters.

“It’s so simple and yet it was the reason that you were able to-”

Glass can only last so long. And now he’s out, lying on my floor in a shocked heap with glass shards surrounding and covering him. After a couple of seconds of neither of us knowing what to do, we both snap into action at the same time, while I try to help him up and check for any serious wounds… he’s just laughing with the widest goofiest smile on his face, grabbing at my arms like I’m nothing but a wisp of a dream. 

“I - wow I - I could never have imagined that I could - that this - that this was even an option for me…”

“But I can be your brother in person now can’t I?”

#ALSO AAAAAA #POSTING THIS I JUST SAW I'VE HIT 300 ON TUMBLR #I'm putting together an event for everyone right now that'll be up in the next couple of days #THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH <333 #link x reader #yandere link #linked universe x reader #yandere linked universe x reader #yandere linked universe #moss✦writes #self aware au

[silvergarnet12]

Splatoon was the first Nintendo game to push me out of my comfort zone of single player games, and with the closure of it's servers I wanted to draw a tribute to a game that really means a lot to me.

Some long rambles about the game under the cut.

When I first played the Global Testfire I was 15, and the only mutliplayer games I played were with friends in the same room.

Splatoon was also the first shooter I ever picked up, as I always liked bright colours over more realistic graphics in my games, and back then the only shooters I knew about were Halo(and that was only really a name to me!) and the CoD games.

Any worries I had about being bad quickly vanished as the sheer vibe of chaotic fun the game had, particularly when no one had played it before, got rid of any worries, and all I remember is having fun. And choosing to play as the guy instead of the girl for the first time, solely becuase I wanted a ponytail like in real life(I would continue to use the guy through the series as a tradition, a contrast to what I saw most people online doing).

When the game came out I binged the single player, and vividly remember the first time I fought DJ Octavio, and the first time I heard Calamari Inkantation. If ever a game was to convince me that a song could irreversibly change your life, it was Splatoon. Because to teenage me, in that moment, with Calamari Inkantation playing in the background while I fought an octupus DJ, it did.

It gave me terminal brainworms for this series. And here I am, 8 yrs later. Older and more tired, been through some shit, had some good times, tried, succeeded and failed in things throughout the years.

I've always been grateful that they made the decision for the player character from 1 to return, everytime they've shown up it's felt a bit like seeing an old friend, especially since as the games time skips have always had them close to my age(which probably helped my attachement back in the first game). So hi Three, can't believe we both probably pay taxes now.

I have the original two Inkling Amiibos, in a collection that is slowly building, I'm still attached to Marie, and yes I was on her team for the Final Splatfest.

I cried when it was over, just like I did in 2's Final Fest(I was team chaos, two for two baby!) and will probably do so for 3's as well. Something about this series just makes me super attached to it's world and characters.

So booyah Splatoon, my final online game of yours was well and truly years ago, but I replayed story mode to share you with a friend recently, and I think I'll refight Octavio tonight in honour of the good times.

You encouraged me to try out games I wouldn't have otherwise(hello Overwatch and Deep Rock Galactic), and outlasted one of the other major games of my teenage years(...Overwatch 1 I miss you). So thank you for that.

I'll miss Squid Jump, Inkstrike, the og kit for the NZap 89(why does it's new one not vibe with me ;-;), the Squid Sister's broadcasts and the more saturated colours. At least I can always return to the Plaza in 3, and that Spyke isn't dead like I was concerned he was when 3 released, and see the Squid Sisters perform during Splatfests again.

I have so much more to say in my heart about you but no more ways to word it.

You've been a fantastic game, and will always be a treasured experience that I am grateful to have been a apart of from the very beginning.

Now bring back Moray Towers in 3 damn it! It's in 2 but I DON'T WANT TO LOSE MY FAVOURITE STAGE IF IT"S NOT IN 4.

#splatoon #splatoon shutdown #my art #wii u #nintendo

[moonlightdreamzz]

chapter one chapter two

PAIRING ✰ Idol!Wooyoung x Black Female Reader.

SUMMARY ✰ Wooyoung knew what he was signing up for when he dreamed of being a kpop idol. The seemingIy unfair rules were never his favorite part, but he always followed them. What he didn’t know was that he was going to meet you, and all of a sudden the rules would no longer matter to him. You’re the only thing that makes Wooyoung feel alive, and yet, nobody wants the two of you to be together.

GENRE ✰ There is a little bit of everything in here, and you can expect every chapter to have a mixture of angst, fluff, and smut in it.

"Love is heavy and light, bright and dark, hot and cold, sick and healthy, asleep and awake- its everything except what it is!"

Wooyoung chuckles somberly, swiftly locking his phone. Why did he think attempting to read Romeo and Juliet would make him feel any better about his current situation? Romeo and Juliet were stupid, and they cared too much about what others had to say. The only thing he could relate to was their preference to die than be apart.

He presses the power button again, this time to see the image on his lock screen—a picture of him with the love of his life asleep on his chest. There is an instant burst of solace that runs through his entire body. It doesn’t stop at his toes, finger tips, or the top of his head. It begins the fill the entire room, which causes the hairs on Wooyoung’s arms to stand up.

“As you all know, going into effect when you sign this contract, you will not be permitted to date for the first 3 years of your career. Being caught breaking this aspect of your contract, along with everything else in this paperwork will result in a consequence, including possible termination from the group. After your 3 years expires, you must get your relationship approved by the company.”

Wooyoung had been replaying that exact moment in his mind every day for the past couple of weeks, always around the same time — 4:00PM. Ironically, around 4:00PM was also the time he snuck away from his members every day. He had the same routine; he would eat his lunch, and then complain of stomach pain. Of course no one stopped him from using the restroom, and when he was asked why he wasn’t using the restroom nearby he would always have the same answer.

My stomach really hurts. I can’t do what I’m about to do this close to you all, and it’s going to be awhile anyways.

Technically he wasn’t lying. His stomach did hurt, but not because he had to release toxins. The real reason was that the thought of seeing you made knots form in Wooyoung’s stomach, to the point where he could barely breathe or walk even though the two of you had been together for six months.

He truly couldn’t do what the two of you sometimes did tucked away in a room where no one would suspect you two to be. Anyone, for that matter.

The two of you always tried your best to be quiet, but when was true love ever hushed? He couldn't help but become intoxicated off the sound of your beautiful moans, the clapping that filled the room, and the echo of how wet he made you every time, particularly on days when he was particularly worried or had not seen you in far too long. Every room didn’t have a somewhere he could lay you down, but that never mattered. He had made love to you everywhere at this point. Couches, floors, walls, mid air. He knew it was wrong and disrespectful, but it was something about you that made him not care about anything…in a good way though.

It’s now 4:05PM, and Wooyoung can’t help but feel slightly concerned. Even if keeping track of time was not always your strong suit, you were always on time for him. He detested how insane you drove him, God. This emotion never left him, whether it was from him worrying about you or from him knowing you were secure since you were in his arms.

He’s about to shoot you a text when he sees you tip toeing into the room as if you were participating in a robbery. He realized that these days, he wasn’t truly smiling unless it was your doing.

“Baby.” You whisper, your hand hiding your words as if it wasn’t just the two of you in here.

“Yes.” He plays along, standing up as if the queen of the world was approaching him. I mean, if he was being honest that’s what you were in his mind. His arms open for you, and he wants to allow you five more seconds to finish your incredible acting, but he can’t. He practically skips to embrace you.

His arms are squeezing your waist, and yours are around his neck. The embrace puts your bodies in a tranquil state—the both of you exhaling in unison.

“I fucking missed you.” The words spill from his mouth because he had been holding them in all day long.

“I missed you too.” You whisper, yet the passion in your words are so strong. It’s in his scent that you feel at home. In his arms, nothing can hurt you. He always told you that you did the same for him, and you believed him. You believed every single word that came out of his mouth, embarrassing as it was.

“Shit, baby.” He chuckles in embarrassment, not letting you go, but backing the two of you up on the couch that he was sitting on previously. Your newly installed butterfly locs are ticking his arm, but it’s oddly comforting. He knows the tea tree oil from your scalp has likely left it’s mark on the side of his face, but he doesn’t care. “How has your day been? Are you okay? You were a little late.”

“I’m sorry.” You sigh, but there’s a smirk that’s failing to hide on your features. “I planned to be on time, but I got snatched up.”

“Snatched up? By who?” If you were about to tell him that another member tried to make a move on you, or anyone for that matter, he was going to lose it.

“Calm down mr. jealous.” You giggle, adjusting yourself in his lap. “It was just work stuff, I promise. How was your day?”

He doesn’t like how you were avoiding going into detail, but he wasn’t going to argue.

“Let's just say I've been counting down the milliseconds to get to this moment."

Knowing that doing so will draw your chest closer to his own, Wooyoung's fingertips started to trace little butterflies along your spine. He can easily get to you now, and he starts giving you enticing kisses on the neck. Woo knows your body better than anyone ever has. He'd be willing to bet every dollar he'd ever make on that.

Like the way he kisses you, which you adore. In a slow, passionate kiss that is still filled with such heat and passion, his lips move from your neck to your lips.

His hands are so adept at knowing exactly where they should be. He alternates between stroking your ass and softly caressing your back, forcing you to grind your heat over his covered but still provocative bulge.

The thing you cherished most about him in these moments was how effortlessly you two could make love to one another. Never once did anything seem uncomfortable. You were wearing a black crop top jacket, which Wooyoung skillfully unzipped to expose that you didn't have a bra on at all.

"You're a bad fucking girl, I tell you." His low, sensual growl causes him to swiftly cuff and spank your gorgeous breasts before squeezing them together and motorboating them.

For a time, the two of you continue to press against one other until he virtually feeds from your breasts, both of you relishing the sensation of how needy you are for one another. But he is aware that you require more. To win your favor, he will do everything.

In between kisses, he taunts, "You want my hands to be lower, don't you?" His hands begin to run down your stomach, but just as they're about to slip into your biker shorts that are more than ready to slide off, he repositions them on your neck. "Uh oh." He mutters with a mischievous grin.

"You wanna play, baby? Because you know this is a game you'll never win." You tounge begins at his adams apple and licks all the way to the top of his upper lip.

"You're so lucky I don't have more time with you." He remarks as he puts his hands inside your shorts, nearly bursting out from how wet you are. He desires a personal view. He desires to reach out his hands and marvel at how your moisture adheres to his fingers. But his main objective is to accelerate your cum than the previous time.

He gets to rubbing your clit like he always does, and you're grinding into his hand like you always do. Your moans are filling up the room the closer you get, and you are so wet that you know you're going to have to change your panties after this. It would be shameful to make it so obvious what you had been doing in this room.

It's to the point now where you don't even have to grind into his hand anymore. Your head is tilted back as Wooyoung's arm holds you afloat, while his other is making your mind spin from the pleasure you feel.

"Mhm, baby." Woo moans out for you, having trouble believing he's the one putting you into euphoria like this, but then again he always did. He was so in love with you that making you feel good was all he needed. It was as if your bodies were synched. The two of you are lost in each other, both so close to the high your bodies have been craving all day. So high, that neither of you can hear the numerous foot steps coming your way, all in search of your boyfriend who had been "in the bathroom" for way longer than he was supposed to be.

"Maybe he's like, going through something." San attempts to defend, although his tone is weak. He doesn't even believe his own words.

"Regardless, these fake ass bathroom trips everyday are getting ridiculous. I hope he's truly taking a shit," Hongjoong stomps around irritably opening and closing every door in the hallway once he sees no Wooyoung in sight.

"Fuck!"

San and Hongjoong halt in their tracks. They weren't familiar with the voice, but they were dead certain of the activity that a sound like that indicated.

"I beg you, please refrain from being Woo." San thinks to himself in a low voice, knowing that Hongjoong would probably kill him in cold blood if he were to carry out that act in this place. San's eyes would be poisoned forever as well.

"I'm going to-

"Wait!" San attempts to calm his leader down, holding him back from opening what felt like an extremely forbidden door.

"Don't wait me." He responds firmly. The most terrifying aspect of Hongjoong was that. To frighten any of them, he didn't need to yell or puff out his chest. Without it, they could see he meant business.

You had just reached your climax, fully prepared to pay Wooyoung back for how good he just made you feel. You begin to sink down to your knees with a firm grip on his sweatpants when the door swings open.

Wooyoung's heart sinks to his feet, but his first reaction is to defend you. He scoops you up and stands in front of you as quickly as the door opens, with shaking hands and strength he wasn't sure he possessed. He is aware that he has already been caught.

You'd think there'd be silence in a situation like this, but the way everyone's breath told its own tale was tremendously loud. You were at a loss for what to do. Should you extend your hand in solidarity to Woo? Or would that make matters worse? Could it possibly get any worse?

Wooyoung isn't sure how much time has passed, but it felt like days had Hongjoong been staring him down.

"Who are you?" Hongjoong finally speaks, his tone showing he misunderstood your position.

"I...I...I'm nobody." Is all you can muster, quickly pulling on your biker shorts and fleeing the room. Tears build up in your eyes, prompting you to run even faster. You don't know where you're going, but you know you never want to be seen again.

Wooyoung does not hesitate. He tries to flee the room behind you, but Hongjoong beats him to it, pushing him to the ground. Woo catches himself, but it doesn't spare him from the rugburn he got from slipping.

"How dumb are you, huh? You know the fucking rules, Wooyoung. And the fact that you tried to hide this from us? Like it would work?"

Woo is deafeningly quiet, not taking in any of his leader's comments. He can't stop thinking about you and where you are. You were so distracted when you were upset; colliding with objects, falling, and-

"Hello!" Hongjoong practically screams, which causes Woo and San to both flinch aggressively.

His next remarks were ones he'd live to regret for the rest of his life. But he had no choice but to protect you. He needed to preserve your relationship and couldn't have anyone interfering with it.

"It's exactly what she said it was...nothing." HHe sighs innocently. But on the inside, he experiences a heartbreak that seems like someone stomped on it and then crushed it to the ground.

"Then why did you try to chase after her?"

"Because the two of you just raided the room and saw her damn near naked? She was embarrassed and I'm not an asshole? Don't give me the lecture like you don't get your dick wet too."

"Not in the fucking building, I don't. We're not young boys anymore, Woo. And we're trying to get shit done while you're pretending your using the bathroom? To have sex with some random girl?"

"She's-

"She, as cute as she was, needs to go." San saves his member, who he knows is about to divulge what he already knows. That you were more than just a pretty face to him. He had realized the moment the two of you met that Woo had found someone who made him happy. He smiled more broadly. His voice has grown stronger. He seemed to be cheerful about everything. He just hoped his hopeless romantic best friend wouldn't get caught. Damn you, Woo.

There is nothing else to say from Wooyoung. He once more tries to leave the room by getting up off the floor, and Hongjoong this time lets him go. "Don't start looking for her," San mutters as he hurriedly follows Woo. Return to the studio."

Wooyoung knows he has no choice but to listen, this time.

#kpop black reader #wooyoung smut #wooyoung #wooyoung imagines #ateez imagines #ateez #ateex smut #ateex angst #wooyoung angst #ateez x black reader #wooyoung scenarios #ateez x reader #kpop x black reader #ateez series

[goldenlevi]

Walls

a blur (?) based on the very popular song, Iris. I was listening to it and a light switched on inside my brain screaming BILLY no warnings (fluff, a hint of angst? foreshadowing? idk this turned out to be a bit different) - I've been back on my stranger things bs bc season 4 was amazing - you check my other works here 🥺🥰

•••

The blond doesn't like to admit it, but he now believed in safe havens. He had ever since he met you. Billy once thought he would never be able to feel safe again. That option hadn't been given to him for the longest time.

He also knew he was an asshole. He couldn't control his anger therefore his mouth got him into trouble frequently. Thankfully for him, he usually could back it up. He didn't care for explanations or overall emotions unless it was rage. That one seemed to pour out of him quite easily. When he first met you, he had a feeling he needed to either ignore you for the rest of the school year or else he would be done for. At first, Billy had done just that. He successfully ignored you when you parked your car near his, when you laughed in the hallway with your friends and in class when you seemed to always know the right answer to everything. 'Till one day he couldn’t anymore.

You two had been paired up in a project together, since it was for extra credit (one he desperately needed it) he had no choice but to actually speak with you. When you first introduced yourself, you were greeted with a scoff and a glare at your extended hand. You just smiled in response, not letting his demeanor get to you. You were determined in making this work. You had seen him in fights, on the court being unnecessarily aggressive while playing, and flirting his way out of everything. You were not letting a few scoffs get in the way of your grades.

That being said, he doesn’t know how it happened but one day he found himself in the library actually contributing to your project. No one seemed more surprised than Billy himself. From that day forward, he learned that you always had your way. And he didn't mind one bit.

•••

It was late at night, you were laying on top of the hood of his car, stargazing. The best part of not living in the city was the fact that you could see the stars exactly as they were.

"Watcha thinkin' about?" You asked, while your fingers played with his hair softly. You two laid there, mostly in silence, his arm was serving as a pillow for you undoubtedly numb by now. He hadn't complained once, and you knew he wouldn't anytime soon. After a while, Billy grew tired of looking at the sky and turned to you, his brain replaying the days when you two were just getting to know each other.

If there was one person in this world he wanted to think of him as good, it was her. He wanted to provide you that same safety he felt.

"I was just thinkin' that I don't mind how everyone sees me" he paused. "I put that shit there y'know? I'm just glad you looked past it sweetheart" You frowned, not quite understanding where this was coming from. His fingers touched your forehead where your eyebrows met. "Don't do that, it's nothin' bad. I'm just happy to be here - with you"

Your heart leaped as his words sunk in. He wasn't usually this open. "I'm happy too" You said truthfully. He gave you a smile, real one that reached his eyes and leaned in capturing your lips in his. He kissed you gently, taking his time. Your lips responded automatically, oh so familiar with his mouth. His free hand cupped your cheek, holding you close.

"Stay with me tonight," He asked in the middle of the kiss. "I don't wanna wait 'till tomorrow to see your cute face again" A giggle escaped your mouth as you leaned back to get some much-needed air.

"Billy! What's gotten into you?" Billy thought your laughter was more addictive than nicotine. His fingers gripped the back of your neck gently but tight enough to leave a mark. Instead of replying, his eyes suddenly turned serious.

“If anything were to happen to me.. do you promise me you won’t forget me?” You had no idea what the hell he was thinking about, but it made your throat close up.

“Billy… nothing is going to happen to you” Your tone was stern but lanced with concern, you knew Billy had a lot going on with his dad and his family. Sometimes you wanted to ask, but never knew how. “You’re stuck with me”

His expression showed you he wasn’t satisfied with that answer, so you sighed and sat up watching him follow suit. Your hands grabbed his face, turning him towards you, as your lips met his. “Billy Hargrove, I love you. If anything were to happen to you I would miss you everyday. Since that’s something I don’t need to worry about anytime soon, I want you to kiss me and forget about whatever’s going on inside that head of yours”

A grin took over his face as your confession hit his ears, he almost looked like a little boy on Christmas morning. “Yes ma’am” He never thought he would be happy to have moved into Hawkins of all places, but you proved him wrong everyday. Everyone in that town knew everything about each other, it was a small one so it was inevitable. Billy thought that was the scariest thing about it. No one should know a thing about him, if it was up to him the only words attached to him would continue to be rude and an obnoxious flirt. Just as long as you knew the real him.

He loved you, for what you were and for allowing him to be seen.

#billy hargrove #mine #my writing #stranger things #stranger things x y/n #stranger things x reader #stranger things x you #billy hargove x reader #billy hargove imagine #billy hargrove x oc #stranger things imagine #billy hargrove x y/n #billy hargrove x you #billy hargrove fluff #billy hargrove angst #billy hargrove one shot #stranger things one shot #billy hargrove fic #stranger things fanfiction

[milawritesstuff]

WE NEEED PART 4!!!! I NEED TO KNOW HOW THIS ENDS YOU CANT LEAVE ME HANGING THERE

A/N: Here it is!!!

Part 3 can be found here if you didn’t read it.

This is truly one of my favorite things I have ever written. I hope you like it. I want to hear your thoughts.

•••

•••

Pedri’s hand rested on your neck as his lips moved over yours and his tongue went in forcing yours to caress his. You felt as he smiled into the kiss. Your hands slightly pulling on his hair. But before you could feel his lips on you again something pulled him away. You called his name out pleading for him to return but nothing. Tears came down your eyes.

It was then that your were woken up by the ringing of your phone. You opened your eyes to meet the light of the sun shining into the room only to realize the tears had been real.

It had been a week since you returned home to Madrid, and you had spent most of those days fighting off nightmares in your sleep. You had been feeling sick, throwing up even, since your arrival and nothing seemed to make you feel better.

You managed to clean off the tears from your eyes and finally picked up your phone.

-Hello?-

-Y/N. Are you feeling any better?-

-I would if people would let me sleep in.- you joked with Gavi who offered you a slight chuckle on the other end of the call.

Gavi began to nervously speak and explain why he was calling you.

-I’m sorry I woke you up, but it’s …it’s Pedri.-

You rolled your eyes at the phone despite knowing Gavi wouldn’t be able to see you and see your annoyance. Pedri had been sending you nonstop messages which you hadn’t answered and were sure now he had sent his friend to try and get you to answer.

-What about Pedri?- You asked Gavi annoyed.

-He’s missing tonight’s game again.-

-He’s injured what did you expect?-

-He’s not injured.- Gavi’s response caught you off guard.

You shook your head and explained that Pedri had told you about the injury when he had caught you at his house. Soon Gavi cut you off.

-He showed up to practice drunk. You could smell the alcohol. Xavi sent him home, suspended him, and fined him. The injury story was just for the media.-

You sat there in silence not knowing what to answer. The scene of Pedri arriving home and finding you in his hallway replayed in your head. Of course, the bag he had placed down when he got there had been bottles of alcohol. You were so caught up in the moment you hadn’t paid any mind to the hint of alcohol that had lingered on your lips as he kissed you.

-That’s not the worse part.- continued Gavi. -He was supposed to come back today. Xavi thought of letting him come off the bench but he showed up drunk again. Do you know what could happen if the fans see him driving drunk? If he gets into an accident?- Gavi was panicking.

-What did Xavi tell him today?- You finally asked.

-Sent him home again. Another fine. Y/N, I don’t know what to do. He’s throwing everything away for…- He stayed quiet as soon as he realized what he was about to say.

-For me.- you finished Gavi’s sentence as guilt filled you up.

You sat there in silence not knowing what Gavi wanted from you. You were concerned about him, after all erasing two years with someone wasn’t easy. But what were you supposed to do? Just forget everything so Barcelona could have their golden boy back?

-Can you at least just answer his messages?- pleaded Gavi. As he finished his sentence you felt your stomach turn and you quickly got up from the bed and ran to the restroom to throw up. You could hear Gavi on the line asking if you were throwing up again. You walked to the sink and washed your mouth and picked up the phone.

-I’ll think about it Pablo. But right now I need to rest.- The two of you said goodbye and you hung up. You walked back to your bed tossing the phone on the floor and wrapping the blankets around you.

You slept for what felt like another hour and were woken up by your mother knocking on your door. She walked in as you rubbed your eyes and smiled at her.

-Mi niña, how are you feeling?- She sat next to you on the bed and began to massage your head.

-I threw up again earlier. It must have been something I ate on the plane.-

-You’ll get over it in due time.- She said as she offered you a smile. -And about the other thing?-

-What other thing?- You asked knowing exactly what she meant.

She shook her head. -Don’t be so difficult. You know I’m referring to Pedrito.- You rolled your eyes at the endearing name she called him. He didn’t deserve that. Instead of scolding your mother you decided to tell her what Gavi had told you earlier today. As you imagined she became worried about him as well.

-Niña, I understand you’re mad at him. But if you care about him, even if you’re not going back to him, talk to him. Help him get over this. Help him understand.-

It annoyed you how everyone was worried about him. And what about you? Like he hadn’t brought all of this upon himself. Now you were to blame for his stupid decision. But despite what you were feeling, you still cared for him and always would.

You picked up your phone and scrolled through all of Pedri’s messages. Messages that had gone unanswered and continued to come in.

P: I know I messed up.

P: Te hecho de menos.

P: I don’t know who I am without you.

P: Te quiero.

P: Te amo.

P: Please forgive me.

P: I’ll do anything, please answer me.

You began to type.

Stop acting like this and get yourself together … You sat there looking at your phone. You couldn’t send him this. You deleted the message and decided to video call him.

-Y/N.- He slurred into the phone, bags under his eyes.

-Pedri, what are you doing? Why did you lie to me?

He looked into the phone confused.

-You’re not injured.- You continued. -What were you thinking not only drinking but showing up drunk to practice?- You scolded him halfway wishing you hadn’t started off like that.

-Did Gavi call you? I told him not to tell you anything.-

You rolled your eyes. -He’s worried about you Pedri. You’re throwing everything away for what?-

He looked at you intensely. You hated the way he made you feel when he looked into your eyes and even though you were miles apart and seeing each other over a phone screen you could feel him looking into your soul.

-What good is any of this without you by my side?- He began. You wanted to yell at him, why couldn’t he have seen this before? Why did it take you leaving for him to value you. But you ate your pride up.

-I know how hard you have worked for all of this Pedro. Please promise me you are going to stop drinking.- You pleaded to him.

-You still care about me?- He asked.

You sat on your bed with your sleeves over your hands. You felt your stomach turn and prayed you weren’t going to throw up again. You looked into the phone after moments of silence. -You’re always going to be important to me, Pedri. Maybe we weren’t forever but that is, you’re always going to be the one I truly did care for.-

You felt as your heart fell. And a knot formed in your throat. You wanted to cry, you wanted to scream but you didn’t. You sat there almost lifeless looking at him.

-I should have been more grateful for you.- he began as his eyes watered up.

-I took everything you did for granted, everything you made me feel. I love you and I should have shown it to you. I don’t know how many more times to tell you that I love you.-

You felt a tear fall from your eye and you quickly put your hand over your cheek to brush it off.

-It hurts Pedri. It hurts you even had to go out with someone to realize they couldn’t replace me. But I will always love you, even from a distance, even when you’ve found love somewhere else.-

-Please come home, we need to talk.- He pleaded.

-Listen to me. I need you to stop drinking. I promise I will see you once I’m back. But please don’t throw everything you have away.-

He looked into the phone in silence. -I promise I won’t drink anymore. When will you be back?-

You would be staying another week in Madrid and then returning to Barcelona. You had promised Pedri you would be there for the game against Atleti when you returned. Making him promise to stop drinking so Xavi would lift his suspension. Two days later as your father was watching his sports news you overheard as the announcer said Pedri would be back for the Atleti game. You smiled as you passed a plate to your mom. Your dad yelled from the living room, “Pedro has healed! Maybe now they’ll have a chance against us.” Your mom shot you over a smile, she hadn’t told him what was really happening.

-Did you talk to Pedrito?- you handed her another plate as she set the table.

-Yes, I promised I would go to his game if he stopped drinking.-

Your mom smiled. -Well if he’s back he kept his part of the promise right?- You nodded as you continued to help her.

A few days later you landed at the Barcelona airport. Once you stepped outside you saw Gavi waiting for you. He hugged you. -I missed you.- He said as he took your luggage and the two of you began to walk. -I missed you too, Pablito.-

He drove you to his house so you could shower and get ready for the game. He had left and you were going to head to Camp Nou later.

You took a seat in the bleachers just as the players were coming out. Your heartbeat accelerated as you saw Gavi step out knowing Pedri was to follow. He turned over to look for you and winked at you with a shy smile. You hadn’t told him you were coming and he hadn’t asked. He had just left your name with the ticket as he had for these past two years hoping it didn’t go unused.

Right as the second half had started Gavi kicked the ball over to Pedri who scored. You stood up and began to cheer almost as a reflex. You saw as Gavi went over to Pedri and hugged him, whispering something in his ear. Pedri did his usual celebration which was always followed by your initial. But this time after your initial he motioned as if he was throwing a kiss towards were you were standing and put his hands in a praying position.

You sat on the bleachers for a while longer after the game ended giving Pedri enough time to shower. Eventually you made your way down through the tunnel. He was waiting for your outside of the locker room. He smiled as soon as he saw you, the fact that you were wearing his jersey made him happy.

-You came.- he whispered as he approached you. You offered him a half smile. -And you’re wearing my jersey.- You laughed. -I couldn’t wear my Atleti jersey unless I wanted to get stuff thrown at me, right?- He chuckled as he managed to keep enough space in between both of you, not sure how close he could get. Not sure what you were feeling at the moment.

Minutes later you were sitting in the passenger seat of Pedri’s car. You had agreed to talk to him and he had asked you to go home to talk. You knew this was the best idea to avoid anyone seeing the two of you argue in public.

He opened the door to his house and you stepped in. You felt uneasy, somehow his car and now his house despite being so familiar to you weeks ago now seemed different and strange. Luckily you hadn’t felt sick in the past few days and you just had to calm down your nerves.

-Sit down.- He said as he placed his backpack down. He looked at you defeated knowing you no longer felt comfortable in what was once your home as well.

-I want to say I’m sorry.- he began. You bit your bottom lip trying not to cry. You had held it in all night, knowing well more than anything this was your official goodbye.

-Pedri, please.- You tried to stop him because you weren’t ready for what he was about to say.

-I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to think about where you are years from now. I am sorry I took you for granted. We can make it work.-

-I hate you.- you blurted out, your words catching you by surprise as much as him. You began to cry. -I hate how you made me feel for the past few months, like I was a burden, like I meant shit to you. Always second, never your priority. I hate how I felt the day I saw the pictures… the fact that you thought it would be easy to replace me. I hate you thought I would go and fuck Gavi. But most of all, I hate that I can’t hate you. That I love you so much it hurts. That I don’t know how I’m going to live without you, without your touch, your taste.-

Before you could go on his lips slammed into yours. His tongue entered you and slowly caressed yours. His taste was addictive. You knew better, you knew you shouldn’t be doing this but eventually your lips reciprocated his movement. You needed it one last time, so you could remember it for the rest of your life. So every time you were with anyone else you could chase this same feeling. And so that they never lived up to his memory.

Without thinking and any exchange of words you ended up in the bedroom you shared for the past two years. Pedri got rid of yours and his clothes and proceeded to kiss your bare neck as his hands explored your body. The satisfaction traveling through your body was making you close your eyes in pleasure but you fought it off, wanting to memorize everything about Pedri before he was gone.

Your hands around his neck as he went lower and slowly nibbled at your breasts. Eventually making his way to your core and leaving small kisses on your thighs. Before you knew it he lined himself up with your entrance and let out a moan as he went in. You couldn’t help but moan as well, in that moment realizing how much you had missed him, his tough, him giving all of himself to you.

Your lips entangled with one another. His hands grabbing onto your hips as he rolled himself into you over and over again. -Te amo.- he repeated into your kisses. -You can leave tomorrow but just for tonight.- He said. -Act like you love me, so I can go on.-

You threw your head back as he hit your spot and moaned while closing your eyes. He stared at you with a smile, hoping this wasn’t the last time he could make you feel like this. Pleading to the universe that these past few weeks had just been a setback and not a road to the end.

-Te amo, Pedri.- you whispered.

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#pedri gonzalez #pedri #pedri imagine #pedri x reader #pedro gonzalez #pedri is so damn hot #pedri requests #pedri blurb #pedri smut #pedri angst #pedri barça #pedri fluff #pedri fanfic #pedri x y/n #pedri x you #MWSxSadGoodbye

[chadfallout76podcast]

Death Shroud Q&A (submitted by @completely-legit)

completely-legit submitted:

10h ago

Death Shroud Q&A!

Writing Questions

Q: 1. "You only ever took one of us." – Paladin Danse, Death Shroud Meta jokes aside, it's obvious you enjoyed playing some of the best of Fallout 4's cast off of each other in ways that we weren't able to get in the game due to the mechanical restrictions of the gameplay.  Which was your favorite dynamic between characters to write?

A: Honestly I loved writing all of it. By the time you're well into the story the Red Rocket is filled with the strangest assortment of people/not people in the entire Wasteland. The conflict, ball busting, unexpected friendships that would be blossom out of that is really fertile soil for writing. Moreover, on a shared journey 2 years later they have a comfortable familiarity with each other they just slip back into. I also love Jefferson/Silver Shroud's dynamic, because you have a superhero level character who starts off 2 dimensional ripped out of a comic book and is suddenly REAL in a way that doesn't fit with reality. As a result he's kind of bumbling and awkward. Jefferson is the embodiment of him "not fitting in" outside of the page where he's idolized as well as stylized. It's just great stuff.

2. I believe you mentioned you turned to Dick Tracy for inspiration while writing this picturesque slice of noir life – what's the most important thing you've learned about writing a radio drama?  What was the most difficult thing about resurrecting a much older style of media that you didn't appreciate until you were deep in it?

A: I looked at a lot of inspirations to get the feel right in the beginning acts. Relistened to old school Sam Spade radio dramas, rewatched The Maltese Falcon (Bogart's version of Spade inspired the character of Valentine in development), as well as "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" and "Dick Tracy". Since I've been writing radio drama for almost 5 years now, I think the biggest thing I've learned over time is getting the rhythm right. I write in a way that I want to take people on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey in pretty much everything I do. Because that's life. We laugh, we get anxious and tense, we pine for people, cheer them out, mourn their losses and feel their pain. I always try to recreate that ride in any story we've done whether it's this or other productions we do. Lastly, always give people what they want: a satisfying ending. As far as resurrecting an older style of media...that was really easy as I've been listening to Old Time Radio since I was a teenager.

3. Did you do everything in one take or have any rehearsals/direction?  It seemed like all the VAs were in one call together, which is some incredible coordination and effort!

A: Nope! All recorded one night in one take with no rehearsal. Mostly because I was sweating over the script and didn't finish polishing it until 3 hours before recording. We did it all on Zoom and not 5 minutes in, a lightning bolt hit a transformer down the street, knocking out my power. Wes had to continue recording for me (it's why there's a big grid of people at the start as opposed to the single actor view later on. I was crushed I wasn't there live while they were recording.

4. The amount of voice (and writing) talent in this production is incredible for something so unofficial!  How long did it take you to bring this 3 hour noir tour of the Commonwealth to fruition?  How many times did you have to replay/reload Fallout 4 to fact check your details? :)

A: Thank you! We started asking people a few months ago. I had a brainstorming meeting with Wes and Emil from Bethesda who offered some helpful notes as I wrote on their characters. It took me 26 hours or so to edit and design the media elements, add effects and music scoring. It took 14 hours to render in 4k and only finished rendering at 10am the morning of airing. I was sweating over night that it would finish rendering in time. lol I didn't have to replay Fallout 4 as I have a really good memory of it, but looked to the Wiki on some key details and transcripts of how the characters talked in the main game.

5. Obviously, the plot had to wrap a bit around which VAs were available; were there any specific plot changes you had to make based on availability, or did you only seriously bend to writing after you already had a list of actors available for participation?  Anything extremely fun you had to cut?

A: At the last moment sadly Lynda Carter couldn't join us otherwise I wouldn't have written in Magnolia without her. Shari Elliker came in clutch and did a great job voicing her! I really and truly wanted MacCready a part of it, but Matt Mercer is INSANELY busy and was taking a much-needed vacation. Despite that he was kind enough to record for us. I wanted to try and bring EVERYONE back but between not being able to reach some people, others just able to wrangle their schedule...I think we did a good job getting as many people as we did. There was a bunch of stuff I had to cut for time (because this thing was already 3 hours). There was going to be an attack by the Mechanist on Diamond City, following the events at the Lombardo's with the Mechanist taking out the Detective Agency in retribution for meddling in their plans, but felt that was unnecessary and we'd already put listeners through enough torture. lol I was going to bring back Scribe Haylen as a link to investigate some of the Brotherhood's Black Market dealings in salvaged synth tech as part of the surprise return of Kellogg. But honestly the most fun scene would've been a trap in which they're lured to a train station thinking Harold is coming in by rail from the Capital Wasteland only to be chased by an Endritch "modded into the Universe" version of Thomas the Tank Engine. It would've resulted in a car chase with the Shroud realizing Jefferson has used all his James Bond-like car gadgets already so the most they can do is throw bottles at it that Hancock has emptied. lol

Plot questions:

1. "You started something two years ago you never finished."  - Boss Lombardo, Death Shroud

In my opinion, one of the biggest successes of Death Shroud was fans were of course hungry for the answers about what comes after a "happy ending".  In Death Shroud it's apparent that Nora chose to assist the Brotherhood of Steel along to a victory against the Institute - but it becomes clear that the ending wasn't perfect for everyone. There's been a lot of discussion over the years about how every faction ending to Fallout 4 has its own unique drawbacks.  In this case it seems like even beyond sacrificing the Railroad (and a lot of synths) the Brotherhood left a power vacuum in the Commonwealth which is allowing for raiders and the like to take back over in the absence of both the Institute and an effective Minute Men alliance. What was the most important part of this "ending" and its consequences for you to address?  What made it the best backdrop to set Death Shroud in?  The play mentions more than once that poor Nick is running out of spare parts with the source of synthetic limbs destroyed!

A: I picked that ending for our story because honestly it's one of the most dire from which to grow the story from. The rise of raiders and Triggermen (mafia control of parts of the city) is very Film Noir. I also needed Nora to have dipped out of the spotlight and honestly trying to just go live a quiet life and come to terms with what they did to the railroad was necessary plot wise. The Cabot storyline was also essential...she needed to have let him loose in order for the pieces of the story to come together. I also think it's important to remember that the Brotherhood REALLY aren't their for altruistic reasons. Once they take out the Institute they don't give a crap about rebuilding Boston. They salvage tech, hoard it and that's kind of it. By the time our story begins Nick and our former companions are doing their best just to keep things in some kind of order. Even Hancock needs to go back to run Goodneighbor to prevent it from falling apart.

 2. The biggest breakout original character was Charlie, Nick Valentine's protege turned traitor; wonderfully played by Aeric Azana.  I actually experienced several double takes during the first airing of the play and had to google to make sure I hadn’t completely forgotten the character somehow, he fit so well with the rest of the cast.  What was the inspiration for his character?  Care to give us some more loose backstory about how he wound up in the Valentine detective agency?

A: Aeric Azana is BRILLIANT and really completely lost himself in that character and brought it to life. I think the character fit in and felt so natural because it felt like a character that would be there. Following the events of Fallout 4, I think Nick would learn the importance of friends and family and in chasing down Nora's son, a set of continuity of beliefs and ideals. Seeing the Institute destroyed and most of the synths wiped out...there's no backup, no spare parts. Nick can be killed and destroyed and all that he was would be lost. Not only does Nick need help at the agency I think he wanted to have something he could never have: a sense of family. Taking in Charlie off the streets, raising him, teaching him would make sense for him. I have some thoughts on his background and how Nick found him...but that may end up being a story, so I'll keep quiet about that for now. Suffice to say, missing people is not all that Nick finds on cases.

3. No noir sleuth story is complete without organized crime!  Fallout players are intimately familiar with a lot of the gangs of the commonwealth, be it the Khans, the Forged, or even the Gourmands – but Ma Lombardo, played by the lovely Ellen McLain & her rabid dog son Carmen (the Boss) played by the equally talented Zack Ward - represent a newer type of evil in the Commonwealth.

In your opinion how does organized crime fit within the wasteland societal structure that already... lacks organization as it were?  Are they essentially just raiders who will monologue at you before gunning you down for your caps? Who is even standing up to them at this point?  Prosecuting them for their perceived crimes?  It’s funny to consider that these crime families are essentially more organized than most of the remaining political structures in place!

A: Say what you want about crime families, but they do hold up a semblance of order where there is needed one. If you take a look at the arc of the Godfather, in the beginning there is a balance of justice, deep seated respect of an order...a code of honor. Ma and Carmen Lombardo return because we've broken what little of that was left with the Triggermen by the time we were done in the Commonwealth. The hierarchy peaking order has been obliterated, so it leaves both a structural opportunity for them to return and also a true need to try and BE the stabilizing force after the power vacuum that was left by our choices. Nora and the gang basically fuck up the Commonwealth in one way or another and I honestly think it would be out of character for her to WANT to be a ruler. So who's left? The Triggermen under Lombardo aren't just raiders...they were forced inline in a way they hadn't been in a long time. Raiders wouldn't have stood a chance against them.

4. "If I’ve learned anything, people are what they believe" – Nick Valentine, Death Shroud

Nick Valentine is a character who has struggled with his identity in the past but came to some degree of closure about it by choosing to believe in/focus on the goodness of his deeds despite being a perceived copy of another man.  In Death Shroud we see him brush up against a much more literal (and meta) manifestation of the power of belief in ideas - it's a pretty poignant juxtaposition of the character's much-deliberated ideology vs a rather wild plot.  Is that the reason Nick was the only man left standing at the end?  The manufactured man who was both someone else's idea but how he defines himself, who he is, is his own choice as well?

A: Honestly the reason it was him still standing in the end is because this ultimately is HIS story, a Nick Valentine Mystery. What Nick misses completely is that like Nora, he is a keystone event. Unlike any other synth out there he is aware of who he is, who he wasn't, can't hide in plain sight like others can. Because of his journey, his actions, the people he helps, saves, draws to him, a tapestry of ripples of his existence, choices and actions forever ripple throughout the Commonwealth. Magnolia's comments in the end both speak to his position in their reality and also direct speak to us as players, "in the end we're not just stories".

5.  Follow up:  I also found it to be an incredibly fascinating character arc for Nick as well.  He was offered the keys to Diamond City, albeit by notorious criminal Ma Lombardo, but then later essentially by Charlie as well - but our synthetic hero turns both of them down since he's a “just a detective, not a politician”.

A: It's more than that also. Nick isn't motivated by power, has lived long enough to see how power corrupts and creates the illusion of choice. What Charlie misses is the EXPERIENCE Nick has as part of his journey. Could having that kind of power mean no more missing people? No more broken hearts? Yes...but it also means denying people the choices and lessons they've learned as a result of actions they take. He wasn't born. He was made. He was built to replace people. He was given memories, a life and story he didn't earn, didn't choose. He made the CHOICE to to throw all of that away and do the most human thing real humans often don't do: help people without reservation.

Over the course of the play it becomes clearer as characters reminisce over the events of Fallout 4, Nick's not entirely satisfied with some of the choices Nora made along the way and more notably some of the ramifications.  This is followed by the very end where Nick takes control to reset reality to a ‘previous save’ far in the past before the entirety of Nora’s adventure - rather than say, just before everything involving the events of Death Shroud went to hell in a handbasket.  Any particular reason that was Nick’s chosen reload point?  Do you think Nick has reached a point from his experiences where he would take a more active role in guiding Nora's decision making going forward?

A: Nick didn't have a choice there. There is only the current state or as teased in the commercial in the very beginning the only saved state available to you. "Safe equals saved" wasn't just a funny commercial, it was a promise that going back means returning to the start of the tapestry of choices, actions and impacts that began when Nora's keystone moment began. The day she was woken up and became something other than Nora. If you pay attention, throughout Fallout 4 Nick offers very specific guidance in some areas and specific wisdom. Knowing full well how important choice is to the causal nexus and maintaining the tapestry of reality he would walk that line very carefully in the choices made vs. influenced.

Last Question:

I’m very curious what the three sentence pitch was to get most of these VAs on board with this amazing project - and even Pete Hines and Emil Pagliarulo as well – if you can share that with us!

A: There really wasn't one. I've become really good friends with Wes these past few years and the other voice actors, Pete Hines, etc. are also people I've gotten to know through Fallout For Hope. So I think our track record as far as fundraising goes, trust in me/Fallout For Hope, etc. from working together on both unofficial Fallout community projects, causes and events and official NDA ones we've done the past few years created a unique situation this thing could even happen. This was our 3rd production this scale, but the one I'm most proud of.

#death shroud #CHAD: A Fallout 76 Podcast #fallout for hope #fallout 4

[hypergamiss]

so i was talking to this guy i met on a dating app (my friends were like go for it you’ve never been on a date) and we were talking for like 4 weeks we both have very busy schedules. yesterday he asks if im free on sunday so we can finally meet. i tell him yes, ask him for the details of the date. then i ask him to pick me up since he has a car and he says it’ll be a long drive for him and that he could pick me up from the train station. (but the restaurant is like a 15 min walk from there which to me is unnecessary) and that i probably won’t feel comfortable dressing up nice to get on the train, so i should wear something casual and should tell him if that works for me. i tell him i don’t want to get onto public transport and ask if he could get me a ride (thinking this won’t be a problem at all since the guy works everyday all day a 30 dollar uber won’t be nothing😭) and so then he says ‘hmm never mind lol’ and so im a lil surprised because i’ve voiced the fact that 1 i don’t have a car and the train journey will be over an hour and is quicker by car. 2 i wanted to look good for our date so why is he asking me to dress casual?? 3 why is the uber suddenly off putting like i asked him to pay my rent lol wtf (also please bare in mind that i’m a 20 year old student and he’s a 28 and works full time) do u think was i asking for too much? wasn’t really fond of him but id like to know for future reference.

I don’t think that you are asking for too much at all. Knowing that you were communicating with him from a dating app already indicates(to me) that he’s a low effort type of man. I know some people have success with dating apps, but the vast majority of men on there are there because they can easily talk to(a lot of) women that they would never have the courage to approach in real life. Think about it like this: why would he go out of his way to send you an Uber if all he had to do to talk to you was swipe his phone screen? Imagine if he saw you in person one day and he was a nervous wreck thinking when would be the right time to approach you and get your phone number or social media? He replayed the scenario multiple times in his head until he finally made the bold move to come up to you and say something that would be perfect to break the ice. He went through ALL OF THAT, just to tell you “hmm never mind lol.” I highly doubt that if he did all of that, he would not send you an Uber. Instead, he would be thinking to himself that he went through a stressful emotional roller coaster to get your attention and that he didn’t do all that work for NOTHING. So that $30 Uber? He’ll be thinking that’s nothing to him and make it a luxury vehicle while he’s at it.

Again, I am not discrediting those who have success with dating apps. I’m simply giving you my perspective on why I believe MOST of the men on those platforms are not serious. I do not think you did anything wrong or absurd on your part, and any man who asks you to lower your standards (especially when you’re being perfectly reasonable) is not worth entertaining.

[littledollll]

🕊️

My darling I’ve been stalking and I must confess I need more lucifer x reader with dream content so here’s my suggestion

Prompt~ r is dreaming and dream is with then cause they are sad. R feels like a burden to luci and just wants them to know how truly special they are, but in their little state they can’t seem to find the words. So dream comforts them and suggests r draws lulu a picture.

R wakes up and instantly scurries off to her old room and draws the picture and gives it to luci. all cute fluffy goodness to end~ shy anon🕊️

#shyanon🕊️

Little artist (pt 1/2)

(Little angel universe, side shot)

Morpheus x little!angel!reader

Lucifer x little!angel!reader

A/n: i decided to make this a two parter bc the dreaming part was originally supposed to be a lot smaller, ya boy got excited at the chance of writing for Morpheus, Reader is mostly big in this fic and it’s honestly just fluffy conversation between two good friends, I like how it kinda gives backstory on the relationship Morpheus and R had/have

Warnings: none really, r gets judged for being little in the very beginning and maybe insecurities and overthinking?

Read part two

Dreaming, you noted when you “woke up” missing the warmth of Lucifer wrapped around you.

“You’re still carrying around a stuffed animal? What are you 4? Grow up, you’re so weird.” A voice you recognized, you couldn’t pinpoint who exactly it belonged to but they used to be your “friends” when you still lived in the silver city.

People wouldn’t believe how mean and cruel angels can truly be, they were no better than humans, perhaps even worse.

“At first it was cute but now it’s an every day thing. I can’t deal with this anymore it’s annoying and it’s weird.” A different voice. Your very first caregiver. Slowly you realized your setting, you were back in heaven, and it was more of a playback of memories than a dream.

Your mind ran rampant with insecurities and doubts. What if Lucifer felt that way about you? You never stopped to think about it much since they offered to be your caregiver. But you did kinda push the responsibility what other options did they have? you questioned yourself.

“I never did like him.” Morpheus’ voice brought you out of your thoughts.

“Must you be so dramatic? Do you enjoy plaguing me with nightmares before announcing yourself?” You argued. The scene faded into a new view, fiddlers green. Walking over to a tree you sat under it, Morpheus followed.

It immediately made you smile, your defenses going down as you felt calm. You really did love this place. It was safe and comforting. Most of the time when you regressed in the dreaming it would be here, that tiny feeling running through your bones as you replayed your lovely memories.

“I’m only opening a conversation, giving you a chance to talk, I don’t recreate memories as dreams, little star, that’s all you. You’re worried. Yet when they sleep, they dream of you.” Morpheus always knew just what to say. Maybe it’s because he’s been by you for so many years, probably because he’s been here since time began.

“me?” You laid your head on his lap and hummed happily once Morpheus started petting your hair. You needed to know, maybe it would finally reassure you enough to make the anxious thoughts stop.

Ever the ominous being Morpheus ignored your question and answered with his own. “You’re worried, about what, little star?”

You threw a rock his way with no real intent to hurt him, not that you could, he caught it anyways. “’s like you want me to slip.” The way he was talking to you was intentional, and the petname was a dead giveaway.

“I’ve been replaced, are you blaming me for missing it? And if you want to, allow yourself” His smile told that his words held no real offense, yet you felt the need to reassure him. “There’s nothing stopping you from seeing me, just like you are now.”

Nodding, he countered. “I’m not really needed am I?” His flash of innocent jealousy made you giggle. “I’d miss you, visit me anyways.”

You closed your eyes. Drinking in the familiar peace of the dreaming, you would’ve drifted off had you not already been asleep and quietly, confessed your concerns. “I’m too much, they have so many things to take care of and ’m jus adding more n I feel-” You hated talking about your feelings. You couldn’t go two words without feeling like you’re going to cry or slip, probably both.

He listened intently, he always does, he allowed you space to continue though you seemed against it. “You are not a burden, little star, it has been a great pleasure to take care of you and you can rest assured knowing they think the same.”

you gave him a little hum in question. “In every dream and nightmare, their greatest joy is you and biggest fear is loosing you, never have I seen this in Lucifer, little star.”

If the look on your face said anything you were overjoyed hearing this. “realy realy?” Morpheus was starting to wonder when you’d fully slip, finally. He gave you a nod and you sprung up hugging him tightly. “Hm..”

“What’s on your mind, little dreamer?” you took a moment to organize your thoughts. “wana tells how much I lovs n n preciate!”

“But you don’t know how to tell them?” you nodded. “Well you’re quite the little artist, what about you draw something for them and give it as a surprise?” Your face lit up in excitement.

“Thanks you! Star wakes up?” He tilted his head at you, already? “wana wakes before n make gift!” You stated like it was the most obvious thing ever, of course this was a priority, what else would Luci wake up to?

“Very well tiny star, until I invade your dreams again then.”

(Part 1/2) part two

#the sandman #shy anon love page #cg! dream of the endless #cg! lucifer sandman #sandman agere #🕊️ anon #cg! sandman lucifer #cg morpehus #Little angel (Lucifer x little!reader) #gwendoline christie #sandman lucifer x reader #lucifer sandman #lucifer morningstar the sandman #dream of the endless

[glittter-vamp]

CHAPTER 4

Joe Burrow x Bisexual OC.

Warnings: Angsty. Smut-ish if you squint.

Word Count: 3k

Valeria gets home from work and she simply couldn't stop replaying what happened at the store over and over again in her mind. She texted Joe about how sorry she was but he was being really dry with her. Replying 'Ok' and 'We'll talk later' or even 'I'm Busy', which was annoying Valeria and even pissing her off at this moment. Valeria decides to turn off her phone and play at Joe's stupid immature game. She wasn't going to let him get to her, she was done. Joe was being childish and she didn't have to put up with that. Opening a wine bottle she pours the wine into a glass, filling it generously and makes her way to her bathroom. Debating on a bath she decides to just shower not wanting to shower first to then wait and fill up a bath, plus she was used to Joe's tub with the nice jets and room for two.

Turning the shower head on and letting the water heat up, Valeria chugs the rest of her wine like a frat boy would a beer and sets it down on the bathroom sink. After she undresses, Valeria steps into the hot shower letting the water relax her as much as possible and thinking about everything and anything that didn't have to do with Joe or even Summer because she was also clouding up her mind at the moment. It was working until she heard the door of her condo open and shut close. She had forgotten that Joe also had keys to her home like she did to his. So much for forgetting about him for right now.

"Turning off your phone? Real mature Val." Joe says walking into the bathroom disturbing Valeria's peace. She mouthed a string of cuss words for not remembering to lock her bathroom door before she got into her shower.

"Say's the one giving me one answer replies and also going basically M.I.A all day. Don't even try it. " Valeria scoffs as she lathers her body with body wash.

"I was at my parents. I wasn't going to be arguing with you while I was over there with them." Joe snaps back making Val roll her eyes.

"Whatever Joe, just let me shower in peace. It's been a long day. " Valeria says not caring to hear his excuses. She could hear him sigh in annoyance but he leaves the bathroom shutting the bathroom behind him. Though Joe was at her place waiting to continue their argument, she took her time showering before she finally stepped out drying off as much as she could before putting on her robe and drying her hair with a towel. Stepping outside of the bathroom she found Joe laying on her bed scrolling on his phone, which ticked her off even more.

"You know how I feel about outside clothes on my bed." She says to Joe who looks at her with an annoyed look before slowly standing up. Val makes her way to her drawers and searched for some underwear and pajamas.

"Took you long enough, now can we talk about what happened at the store." Joe sighs.

"I've apologized multiple times Joe and you clearly didn't give a shit so... what is there left to say? It's not my fault she did that & I didn't entertain it either." Val says rummaging through her drawers trying to find her matching pajamas.

"What do you mean It's not your fault, you didn't stop her or corrected her!" Joe argues back making Valeria scoff before turning around.

"She's not a dog or child Joe! She has no clue that I am in a relationship, much less with you." Valeria sighs rubbing her face in annoyance. 

"You still could of said literally anything and respect our relationship!" Joe snaps back.

"Oh I'm sorry, am I the one that's wanted to be in a secret relationship for 4 fucking years?! Am I the one that told myself to even lie about in being in a relationship in general, because if we both start telling people we are in a relationship but don't disclose with who...people are going to assume, put two and two together and then figure out we're dating each other? No, that's you! You've never respected this relationship since the beginning much less me. " Valeria snaps at Joe.

"What does that have to do with your Ex girlfriend still flirting with you?! and don't you dare say I don't respect you Val because that's bullshit. " Joe says which made Val see red.

"Joe... if I have to lie about dating you and basically have to pretend I'm single. What the fuck do you think is going to happen? You have hundreds of girls throw themselves at you when you go out with your guys friends, in your DMs, at events and guess who the fuck has to suck it up because she knows that NONE of those people know about her and think you're this rich  bachelor? Does that not seem disrespectful to you in anyway?" Val says in a calm voice.

"So it's my fault?" Joe scoffs shaking his head.

"Yes! You quite literally made your own bed and now that you have lie in it, you don't like it. That's not my problem if other people hit on me, ask me out or perceive me as single. I do my part which is ignore it and seem uninterested but I'm not going to sit here and feel bad for a stupid comment a girl I liked in college made and you clearly feel threatened by." Val finishes making Joe scoff.

"I'm not threatened by anyone." Joe says with a stupid smirk on his face.

"Then why are you mad right now if you know I'm yours? Summer doesn't know we're dating cause I followed your little 'act single' rule we've been doing for years and now it's suddenly a problem. Shit, two months ago at guy at that barbecue we were at asked me for my number and you never brought it up or got bothered by it. You feel threatened because you know as long as she thinks I'm single, it's free game with me. You never liked the idea of her and I reconciling and now I know why." Val chuckles as she turns back around and continues her search for her pajamas.

"Are you laughing because that's what you want? You're enjoying having her flirt with you again? Is this some sick twisted joke to you?" Joe asks. It was so painfully obvious he was jealous.

"No, I'm laughing because your stupid little relationship rules and paranoia are finally biting you in the ass. It's either, I tell her we're dating & risk her telling people or even selling it to a tabloid cause I know that's your number one fear or I keep pretending we are only friends, you suck up the flirting until she leaves. Those are you two options." Val shrugs. 

"How about you cut her off, tell her to stay away that you can't handle being friends with her." Joe says and Val rolls her eyes. 

"I already forgave her about what happened, I'm not gonna make something up and switch up on her for no reason. I'm done with the lying to accommodate you, I'm tired Joe, I can't keep doing this to myself, this isn't healthy." Val sighs. 

"I told you I just needed a bit more time Val..." Joe runs his his fingers through his hair clearly stressed. 

"I... can't see myself being with you any longer if this is what's going to continue to happen Joe. You're playing games with me and I'm not doing this again." Val tears up. 

"You're talking nonsense Val, all because some girl you hooked up with in college is in your life again. You need to let that go." Joe scoffs shaking his head. 

"This isn't about Summer, Joe! I'm not going to sit here waiting any longer for you. Either you figure out if you really want this relationship, if you really want me and you allow me to be a normal partner to you or we should simply just both move on because at this rate... it's just disrespectful, it seems like you're embarrassed of me or something or I'm just some placeholder until you find someone else." Val says, which at this point she was crying. 

"So, you're giving me an ultimatum?" Joe looks at Val with anger plastered on his face. 

"I'm not going to be keep paying for something that happened to you and your past relationship Joe, people already talk about us and rumors are out there-- about us being together regardless on how hard we try to make it seem we're just friends and nothing more. Even Kade and Summer brought up today that we seemed into each other. It's either stop caring and continuing our relationship, not letting people have such a weight on us, or we break it off." Val sniffles as she wipes her tears. 

"I'm going give you sometime to cool off, you're not thinking clearly." Joe shakes his head. 

"You do whatever you want, I already made up my mind." Val shakes her head heading back into the bathroom to change. As soon as that door closed the tears flowed out like a river and her heart felt like it was being ripped out of her chest.

*************************************************

"So... it might be over just like that?" Vals friend Mateo asks as they sit in her Condo talking with all her friends over some drinks and food.

"I guess so. It's been 8 days and we haven't even sent a text to each other. He also had his event for his foundation, didn't invite me or even texted me to tell me if they met their goal or not. It's like I don't exist." Val informs them as she sips her mojito Karina had made for her with her bartending skills she learned in college. 

"He's being ridiculous, maybe it's better if you two just moved on." Karina shakes her head.

"I feel stupid for wasting my time like this. I committed to him like an idiot, he could of been with other women this whole time and that's why he didn't claim me." Val sighs. 

"You shouldn't say that! Like yeah it sucked that he would rather break up than to just let people know you guys are together but you guys still had your fun and I genuinely think he loves you, he's just a man who is stupid. Some relationships aren't meant to be forever." Genesis says trying to make her best friend feel better. 

"Hey easy with the he just a stupid man...I mean he is but nicer language please." Mateo says being the only guy here. Making everyone laugh, he gets boo'd and he rolls his eyes at the girls.

"That being said...why don't we plan a night out? It's been such a long time since we've gone out to a club...a gay club specifically." Karina smirks and Val groans not wanting to go out anytime soon. 

"I am soooo down." Genesis agrees with a big smile planted on her face. 

"I'll go...but only for Val. You know how much I get hit on in those clubs." Mateo says before it gets silent and everyone busts out laughing. 

"Mat, you got hit on ONCE by the drunkest man in the club that night, be serious." Genesis laughs making Mateo roll his eyes.

"You know I don't go out like that anymore." Val scrunches her faces not really feeling the idea. 

"Which is all the reason for us to go out! Let's do Saturday, that way we can recover on Sunday by ordering brunch and watching Twilight." Genesis says. 

"You sure you're not gay? Cause that was the gayest thing you've ever said." Karina teases Genesis making everyone laugh. Genesis flicking her off.

"So this Saturday, we're going out, rocking out with our tits and dicks out." Genesis claps making Val sigh. She knew she wasn't going to get out of going to this. 

"Get you sluttiest outfit out girly." Karina smiles at Val with a wink.

*************************************

"I feel so over exposed, I shouldn't have worn this." Val shakes her head as she walks with everyone. Val was dressed in a shimmery short pink dress and strappy heels which she had been second guessing the entire night.

"No way! You look hot as shit, this dress was made for you. You look like Bratz and Barbie fucked and had you as their love child." Genesis reassures as everyone stood in line at the club. The week had past by and Val still hadn't heard a word from Joe. It seemed he wasn't even in Ohio but instead in Miami for a UFC fight with his teammates and friends which Val only knew because a few of them posted pictures of them all at south beach. Val hated the feeling that gave her, the sick feeling that he could be potentially hooking up with the most gorgeous models out there. She couldn't help but feel like this is maybe what he wanted. Maybe Joe was too much of a coward to call things off himself so he knew Val could only take so much about their secret relationship and was happy she basically called it off first. 

"Helllloo earth to Valeria Rios!" Karina snaps Valeria out of her thoughts. 

"Huh? Sorry." She awkwardly chuckles. 

"Stop thinking about him and get your ID out cause we're about to shake some ass in there." Genesis says smacking Vals buttcheck making everyone woop, even people who were in line behind the group. 

Everyone gets checked by security and makes their way into the loud and packed club. A mix of Slut Pop by Kim Petras blared though the club and you all went directly to the bar. Ordering a round of Jager shots and your usual drinks along with it. 

"Seems busier than usual in here." Mateo says to Val over the loud music and Val nods in agreement. Everyone gets all their shots first and Karina does a toast. 

"Here is too Women, Lesbianism and Mateo potentially kissing a man tonight again if we get him drunk enoughhhh!!!" Karina hollers as they clink shot glasses. 

"Fuck off." Mateo laughs before they all throw back the shot. We grab our drinks, leaving our tabs open and head to the dance floor. They all dance with each other close to everyone else in the club, Genesis and Kelly taking pictures of all of them and posting them on their story. It got eventually go to a point in the night where everyone had lost track of the amount of drinks they were consuming and had moved to an area to sit around at. 

"Oh shit...look who's coming!" Mateo slurs in Vals ear and she turns to see none other  than Summer walking over to her in the dress she had sold her and some insane black stiletto heels and looking like a perfect doll. Val didn't even try to not check her out, it was clear the liquor was really starting to hit her.

"Hey you...didn't expect to run into you here tonight." Summer smirks hugging Val and waving to the rest of the group who were all surprised to see her here. 

"The gang dragged me out tonight, I see you're wearing the dress you picked out at the store." Val smirks at Summer. 

"Sure am, but look at you. You look like a million bucks, how you're still single is crazy to me." Summer flirts. 

"Someone has caught my eye, so let's see." Val says giving her a sly smile, Summer smirking back before taking a sip of her drink.

"Are you here alone?" Val asks her. 

"I was actually here with a coworker buuut he found himself a toy for the night, so now I'm solo." She nods making Val chuckle. 

"You can hang with us. The more the merrier. " Val smiles. 

"Cool! I'll get us another round, Vodka Soda?" She asks looking at Vals almost finished drink and she nods before Summer makes her way to the nearest bar. 

"Aw shiiiit!!" Karina grins at Val. 

"This night just got sooo interesting." Genesis says loudly over the music. 

Val rolls her eyes at her friends and finishes her drink leaving it at the coffee table in the section of the club they were now in. Summer soon enough comes back with drinks for her and Val. Val thanking her as she takes a generous sip of the vodka soda which hit her differently than the other ones she was drinking tonight but she wasn't complaining. She was sure Summer got her a double which she always did in college when they had a night out. Everyone keeps dancing and having a good time then suddenly I'm a Slave 4 U by Britney Spears started playing and Summer immediately made eye contact with Val and gently pushed her on the leather couch to which she then started dancing for Val. Summer clearly not caring about those around her as she moved her hips to the seductive beat of the song. Val also being to inebriated to see anything wrong with this right now, she sat enjoying her old college flame being a complete flirt and basically giving her a lap dance in a club filled with people, eyeing every movement made by Summer and admiring her body getting hypnotized. Being in this trance, she hadn't realized some of her friends recording this moment to post on their stories for fun which would probably bite Valeria in the ass later. Both of them completely oblivious of that, Summer kept moving her body to the music finishing up with her straddling Val with a giant seductive smirk on her face. Summer then grabs Valeria's hands and put them on her hips to hold her in place, popping the cherry from her fruity little drink, in her mouth. Summer then leans in letting her long hair cascade over both her and Valeria's faces, lips softly connecting and Val taking half a bite of the cherry she held in between her teeth. Both of them smirking at each other with eyes full of lust as they pulled bac from one another as they chewed on the sweet fruit and Summer sat on Valeria's lap.

A/N: So...how did we feel about this chapter? Also let me know how spicy y'all want the Summer & Val or Val & Joe smut to be, I won't hold back 😏

#joe burrow fan fic #joe burrow fanfiction #joe burrow imagine #joe burrow fic #joe burrow smut #joe burrow x oc #joe burrow series #joe burrow angst

[voltstone]

Back Again (F!SS x Piper Wright One-Shot)

|| Perhaps it’s your naive hope that keeps you from breaking down completely. But you know Blue will come back. She will. Blue said as much. ||

In other words, Piper Wright walked out of Diamond City with the woman written as the “View from the Vault.” Though, well, the city folk were quick to suspect that there was something else going on between them… And they weren’t wrong. So when Piper walked back into Diamond City without the woman, there was something wrong. Especially the longer she waited on the Publick Occurrences rooftop. Alcohol in her breath. Less shouting and interrogating for interviews. It was all just…wrong.

[8,547 Words] | [Last Edit: 4/15/2021] (Full One-Shot Post)

“GOD DAMMIT PIPER! I’LL FIND MY WAY, JUST GO! GO AND GET TO THE CITY!”

You still don’t know how you did it. Just left her like that.

“I’LL COME BACK AGAIN! OKAY?! OKAY?! JUST GO! GET OUT OF HERE!”

But, all there is to do is listen to Blue’s screams from when she hurled herself away, narrowly avoiding the two deathclaws that had sprung out of the horizon. Her voice drowned by the suit’s helmet. Bullets and fire igniting her face through the visor…

And then think. Listen to her voice, and then think about how you just left her with the traces of the Glowing Sea rife along the hazmat suit. Which you had to ditch after its helmet cracked from the gunfire of a few raiders—who you also ditched. In the same canal, in fact. Tied together by the ankles of the suit and just booted over the side.

Cracked helmet or not, you’re now really regretting that panicked decision. You don’t care if your haste had saved your ass because radiation is a bitch, and the last thing you need is to be caught in the building storm as it crawls from behind. Rancid thunder and lightening of spitfire—it’s all just the icing of your luck, honestly. And—

You stop short and hold out your hands to confirm that, yes, it is—in fact—raining, and absolutely, the water stings in ways you believe wasn’t a thing before the apocalypse some hundred or two years ago. That’s what Blue told you anyway…

“Shit…” you breathe tightly, forcing yourself further down the road. The echoes of gunfire and more of Blue’s voice replay themselves—the ones that melded in the distance, desperate to keep the deathclaws away from you and instead submerged within the Glowing Sea.

And it did work. Yet, that’s the one thing that keeps your jaw sewn together, and your eyes hard on the outskirts of the city. It worked, and Blue is lost in that radiated wasteland, and you’re alive, right at the foot of Diamond City. Your home. So yay, you’re alive and well. Good time as any to get struck down by the storm. With that thought, you almost just let yourself face-plant into the deteriorated asphalt and beg for the rad storm to just send a bolt right up your ass.

Almost.

You don’t really because…uh, well, to be frank, you’ve asked for similar things before, and the Commonwealth thought it would be funny to give you those scars. Hence why you’ve vowed to never ask for the impossible because—well boy howdy—turns out you would find the Children of Atom in the sewers. And yup, sure, you’d get poisoned too. Oh and let’s throw in the damn rad storm that, you know, just happened to make its presence right after your vacation in the Glowing Sea. Right. Real nice of the Commonwealth there. Quite the joker.

“Piper…” You barely acknowledge the guard before he adds to his grumble: “Paper’s been running good since you left.”

You halt in place with a groan. Who is that anyway? Johnny? Tim? Dan? You turn around and scowl, “Not a surprise. Nat’s capable.”

With his next, rather invasive, question, you know it’s Bobby from behind the mask: “So…that woman. The one from the newspaper? ‘Out of Time’ or somefink? Or 'View from the Vault?’ Y’ left with her, didn’t you?”

You narrow your eyes, working your jaw. Like you really needed the additional, constant reminder. “Yes,” you murmur, “I did… She’s capable.”

“R-Right…” You turn away and barely catch Bobby’s quiet, “Hope so.”

Oh what the hell does Bobby know? He’s just the stupid guard of the bunch. All talk and no brain. Or, well, brawn too. All talk and no double b’s. 

So forget him. How about you deal with the closed gate that most certainly closed the moment you stepped out? Arms crossed, you watch the speaker with a tight lip. And, slowly, Danny’s voice mumbles, “…uh, Piper? Is that you again? Kinda creepy just lurking in front of the door like that.”

You roll your eyes and snap, “Would you just let me in, Danny?! I may be one for the law and all that, but don’t think for a second I’m out of stuff I can stick up your—”

“Okay! Okay! Jeez, Piper! Just like— Pipe down, will you?!" You arch a brow and tap your foot. "So, uh, like…go through the guard’s door. Mayor’s not too happy. Well, I mean, he’s never happy with you, but anyway, yeah. Still wants you out, and there’s a storm and everything, so you know, protocols.”

You hum, “Uh huh. Right, Danny…”

“So, yeah! I’ll let you in secretly. Wait, no. Discreetly… Discreetly? Discreetly, yeah. That’ll look better on my referral—”

“Uh, Danny? About that storm and everything?”

He pauses. “Yeah, what’s up? It’s getting pretty gnarly, isn’t it?”

“I’M STILL OUTSIDE!” you bark.

“Shit, right! Okay! Guard door! I’ll unlock it, okay?! I-I’ll make sure nobody sees you—uh huh!”

You click the roof of your mouth irritably as you stalk over to the door, and by the time his frantic jangling of his keys and lock wrenches the thing open, you’re sopping wet in acid rain. You flick your hat roughly in your hand as you storm inside, splattering fat droplets of water against the concrete. Danny wheezes and shuts the door, muttering something about how guard duty outside wouldn’t be fun at this hour. (Lucky they got the saps like Bobby to stand watch, then…)

He haphazardly reaches your side and rushes, “You’re not just going to walk out from the front door like that, are you?! People will see—”

“Make sure he writes discreetly on your referral then, Danny,” you retort, slipping on your press hat.

Danny deflates, and as you walk down the front entryway, he grumbles, “Ma’s right… You are a bully.”

Whatever. So you’re a bully. With a lazy, though gruff, wave of your hand, you stroll down to Publick Occurrences, which right front and center to the entrance anyway. So, like, Danny doesn’t need to worry his pretty head. Not tonight, at least. Well, really not ever since you’re still a citizen, and legally you shouldn’t be kicked out every single time you try to get back in. In short, you’re protected by the law. Some laws. …a law, with a former lawyer to back you up.

Every. Single. Time. You can’t just let yourself step two strides in front of you before reminding yourself of who just just up and left. You can’t, can you?

“Piper!”

You stamp to a halt and twist around. She’s gotten taller… A smile manages to worm itself on, and you squeeze Nat’s shoulder as she hops from the newspaper stand. “Hey! How’s the paper runnin’?”

“Good,” Nat chirps with a quick, added, “Ever since Blue fixed the printer…” Her frown is slow to come, and it has the same, conflicted grace that forces your smile to dwindle. “Wait, where is—”

“Glad that it’s doing well,” you cut across, slipping away from her lingering side-embrace. “I guess I was wrong about the ol’ nuts and bolts.”

“P-Piper…? What happened?” Your hand closes around the front door’s handle, though you hesitate to open it. You hear Nat’s footsteps behind you, and she asks, “Did… Did you guys make it to the Glowing—”

Your other hand raises, and you snap, “Just—!" It hangs there for a moment, and your smile is not one at all but instead a tight, distraught glower. You don’t guide it to Nat, however. You keep it focused on the door. "Just run the paper,” you deadpan before slamming the door behind you. The front of the house spits back at you as a welcome, the metal and wood groaning against your steps as you make your way up the stairs. And at the height of them, you pause, chewing the inside of your cheek as you hold yourself.

You need something to do. A way to think. But not too much. Just enough to forget about how to remember. So you sit your ass down at the terminal because, sure, here’s an idea: while you wait, you can write about some of your adventures. Maybe you won't publish all of them, necessarily, but to write about… About Blue and… And the struggles outside the city…

You feel your lips flatten into a hard line because you damn well know you’re not going to be typing anything. Not at your terminal for any private matters, nor the typewriter that’s not far from you—for printing. None of it. You just— You know that the story isn’t over, right? There will still be tales and news and paragraphs to detail. It— It can’t just end with two deathclaws tearing after Blue and into the Glowing Sea, gunfire and clips of her voice behind you… I-It just can’t be.

How… How did you just leave her…?! How were you able to just walk all those miles within that day, and wind up back at your house? It didn’t even feel like a home anymore, despite hearing Nat’s voice, and seeing your typewriter, and feeling the terminal underneath your palms as you strangle the screen through a hissed cry.

“D-Damn it…Blue,” you whine softly, resting your head against the screen. It blips to life, but all you can think about is that Pip-Boy on your vault dweller’s wrist, and then the blue of her suit, and a starry night… Her kisses and hugs and the way she cradled you that one night.

God, why did you leave?! Why did you listen?!

It’s all you ask. It’s the only thing you ask, and come to find, you have one answer:

Because Blue told you to, and she promised that she’ll come back. And she will.

I know you will, Blue… I-I hope you do.

[+ + +]

You don’t know how long you’ve just been staring at the ceiling for. An hour? A few minutes? Equally plausible. Oh, and did you take a nap? Who knows! Probably, if you’re feeling this sluggish. With a blink and a swallow, you also determine that you’ve been drinking too. On your bed with a leg hung over the side. As you move to reach for— Oh, yup. Here’s a bottle. With a light grin, you arch a brow and crack open the lid. One of Vadim’s concoctions, you’re sure. Nuka-Cola with some vodka—though he always adds something else. An extra kick since the vodka isn’t enough for him.

And not enough for you too, it seems. Especially tonight. You drain a good chug of it before coughing yourself back across your bed, the clinks of more bottles rolling underneath the bed-frame as you do so. The Nuka-Cola mix is still tight in your hand, and you rock your jaw in thought, eyes back to the ceiling. You also wonder if Nat had checked on you within the past few hours. Or, well, during the storm that had rolled by. Did anyone inside know about it before you did? Maybe not. Mayor McDonough has always been the worst with that… It’s like he wants everyone to go all ghoulish just to be able to kick—

H-Hey! Now wait a minute! Is that why that fuckin’ synth’s always trying to lock you out?!

You stew for a moment and hiss, “Dumb, wired bastard.” Another few sips. “Gonna earn yourself another fuckin’ story for that… Piece of scrap shit…” You teethe the edge of the bottle’s neck with a thoughtful eye closed. Of course…if you did do that, you would be tossed out with another gaping hole up your ass—one that isn’t natural. And dammit, Nat would be stuck here to pick up the pieces of your mess. Damn. And he’d get away with it. You know it. He knows it. All because he looked at you in the odd, inhuman way you grew to recognize from Valentine. Of course, Nick’s nothing less than human. He’s just, well, fitted with robotic parts. But there is that look. Oh, there is that look—especially when he’s brought in front of a bowl of noodles as if it’s nothing more than just calories to gain and burn.

The mayor, however, is nothing less of a scumbag.

Which is why you're sure that he’s absolutely a sy—

“ACK!” 

You wrench upright and choke on the neck of the bottle, spraying the booze across your little nook. Holding the base of your throat, you scowl. (It’s not the first time you’ve accidentally tried to drink while laying down. It’s very embarrassing. You know you’re not three, but… Yeah. Embarrassing.) With the bottle now empty, you roll your eyes and toss it to…someplace. You aimed for the corner of the room, but you’re now watching it roll underneath your bed. There’s a brief blip of curiosity to what you’d find under there, though the list of all of your habits deter you. At this point, there might as well be a skeleton under there.

So with your hand kept on the base of your hat (for balance, you think), you teeter towards the roof door and step through. The rain has cleared by now, though the roof from its straight platform to its edges is still slicked with simmering water. You look across the main hub of Diamond City, and the steam from the acid rain wafts with the neon lights, and you can hear the sopping steps of very few of your city folk.

Up above, though, is what really draws your attention. It’s a complete and utter blanket of stars—bright pearls poked into a sheet of black, singed with purples and greens.

You trip over yourself and are nearly thrown over the edge. Lucky for you, your hand snagged the lone pipe that you’ve yet to figure out where it connects to. It fumes with heat, and sometimes it smokes, so it’s important in some whatever way. And tonight, it caught your fall. So yay.

With a light groan, you sink onto the rooftop, eyes back to the sky high above. It even looks similar to the night or two prior. Well, it should since the constellations haven’t really changed within seventy-two hours—give or take some. Or maybe forty-eight. Oh who knows and who cares? You're hammered!

You laugh quietly to no one. All alone. With those stars… 

And, to yourself, you barely whisper the name of whom you hope is able to see them. But, well, Blue probably can’t. She’s still stuck in a haze of radiation, after all. Alive, dammit. Alive with two deathclaws wrangled and beaten.

There’s a choked cry that escapes you, and you rub your eyes with your sleeve.

She has to be alive… 

[+ + +]

Because if she isn’t, then why was it just this night? How goddamn cruel does a joke from the Commonwealth have to be? After that first night, it just decides to whisk her away from you? Just like that?!

Whatever the case, cruel or not, you don’t stop yourself from revisiting it. How the two of you found a small, makeshift shack for the night—her power-armor off to the side with a hazmat suit at its feet. The two of you in its doorway, looking out into the night’s sky with a dim lantern set on a few broken shelves behind you. Tossed blankets and pillows (with curious stains, of course) scattered on the inside. You with a lit cigarette, and Blue with her share of the cram…

“Doesn’t get any calmer than this?” you muttered through an exhale.

She grinned into the can and nodded. “Yeah. Suppose not. Though there’s still a bit more excitement than when I just reclined in a chair way back in the day.”

You snorted a laugh, which forced your cheeks to burn and gaze to dart away (because what adult snorts anymore?). Even so, you remarked, “What an old timer you are…”

“An old timer slowly being roasted by the radiation…”

“Well, I mean, you do eat all of those canned food like they’re nothing,” you murmured.

Blue shrugged. “Yeah, I guess. Habits die hard, I guess. It doesn’t help that the cram tastes the same.”

“That should be concerning.”

“Oh, believe me, it is.” The can was tossed backwards into the shack, her eyes outward. You inhaled more of your cigarette as she murmured, “Still… Sometimes it’s nice finding the things that are kept the same. The stars are another thing, you know.”

You hummed gently, “I’m sure it is…”

“And…you know what? With those few things, it’s easier, I guess, to get used to everything else,” she said. You watched her profile, and deep in your chest, you felt more of the fluttering that had been plaguing you for months. A nice, timid thing. Coy though persistent. …especially the latter that night, as it turned out. With another exhale, you turned away to blow it to the side, if to also collect yourself.

“What other things?”

“Hmm?”

“The stuff that stayed the same.”

She pondered for a moment, then said, “Nuka-Cola. Probably is a concern too, but I’m not complaining…” Blue thought for another minute. “Codsworth—or, at least, most of him. I think he’s lost a few bolts while I was in the vault. …uh, and I think your hat too.”

You blinked. “W-What?”

Blue chuckled—the way that always twisted your heart and burned your gut—, and she turned towards you. “Yeah… I mean, of course I doubt I’ve seen that one before. And it's…dirty.”

“Hey, I’ve tried my best,” you retorted playfully.

“I know, I know,” she snickered. “But yeah. It’s what everyone always pictured reporters and journalists to wear. So, I mean…fitting.”

You felt the brim of it with a quiet smile, then murmured, “I mean, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t inspired by the look. And lucky. Clothes that fit and match are rare, you know.”

“…yeah.”

You eyed the grey tie and under-layers of the Silver Shroud outfit, the trench coat laid on the floor behind you. “I guess costumes do well though,” you said, a bit sly.

Blue rolled her eyes and replied, “Well, it’s not so much a costume anymore.”

“I guess.”

“You guess?”

You giggled (again, what kind of adult—? Never mind), and answered, “Yeah.”

“Okay…” Her voice dropped, and it peeked the…well, persistent fluttering that really had no business growing throughout your torso the way it did. “And what’s your opinion on women running around in costumes all day?”

You swallowed. Well…damn, did you have an answer. But the answer was…something. Like a big something. 

Even if you constantly get in over your head, and earning the wrong side of people is your talent, this is just— Wait, yeah. Forget even—you do get in over your head, and you do so through your talent—which is earning the wrong side of people. So what were you about to do? You didn’t know what you were doing. You’re still even surprised yourself. Maybe it was the smoke, or the booze the few hours before, or just…um, w-well, the mood of it all. Intimacy, you guess. Regardless, you leaned in after she arched a brow curiously, and the touch of her lips against yours was… It’s not like you’d never kissed anybody before—never mind had a short fling—, though this felt deeper. Like it meant something other than a drunken bump in the night.

Mainly because when you broke away at the feel of your scalding cheeks, startled by embarrassment, Blue had followed and quickly snagged you back in. She wasn’t going to let you get away with that. Not so easily, anyway. And with her leeching your timidity away, you numbly put out your cigarette with the edge of the doorframe, and she left you breathless as you flicked the rest of the stick away to somewheresville. 

You didn’t really know if you should say something—about…well, something stupid, really. Probably about how gum-like her lips were, except without the radiation. But, again, stupid, so all you could do was groan into her and allow Blue to hold you tight. Which she did. Very, very well. Enveloped you from the rest of the world so she could have you, in that shack, all to herself. It was the reporter side of you that wanted to just have everything in words, or narrated, or anything in between, but the woman side of you—which Blue was most definitely focused on—wanted everything how it was: no words. 

Retrospect is a bitch, yet you can’t help but feel that foresight was what drove the two of you that night. Keeping the words out of your mouths to not waste time. Neither of you knew that there would be two deathclaws, and then the prospect of traveling with both at your tails within the Glowing Sea… No. The most Blue probably knew was that you needed an itch to be scratched, and by her only.

And you? All you knew, and all you know now, is that you were falling… And falling… And falling…

You just don’t want to wake up. Not if it means slipping out of Blue’s arms.

[+ + +]

Well… Fucking ow.

You hiss as you strip yourself from the road of acidic mud and stare groggily into the outline you so graciously left. You can even see the rim of bubbles along the silhouette of your head that, ultimately, were the breaths which suffocated you awake. You gaze around in the midst of your stirring hangover, and everybody around you is frozen and rightly startled. Then you glance up at your roof as a bottle (maybe one that snuck out) teeters over the edge, only to clink its way down to a soft, gentle landing. 

Right. Yeah, okay. Let the flesh and bone have the fun splat and just give the glass some cushion…

Oh, and where’s your hat now? Let’s see… Oh yes. Nice. So deep in the mud, having landed underneath your chest, that you have to go wrist-deep to get it out. What the absolute, applaudable, signature prank there, Commonwealth. Real snazzy and stuff. As you thwack! the mud out of your hat to pile itself in one slopped mound, you’re quickly discovering that you could have not landed in a more soggy part of the street. Whether that was luck or misfortune, you don’t know. Humiliating luck probably. Or petty misfortune. Tato tato. 

“What happened?! Are there mole-rats—” Everyone turns to look at Nat, who stops dead to stare at you. For a moment, you seriously believe that she thought you’re a mole-rat yourself at first glance. “Oh…” she grumbles, deflating. Then there’s a frown, and Nat glances up at the roof before you again. “Did you just—?!”

“Ech…” you spit muck before getting to your feet. You stuff your hat into your coat pocket and mumble, “Imma shower…”

“What?! Don’t act like you didn’t just fall from the sky!” Nat bickers, and you groan before twisting around.

Already, before you even point towards her chest, the small crowd that had gathered is slowly stepping back into their morning routines. “What are they teaching you?! The sky isn’t the roof, Nat!”

“I— Well they taught me that that’s called a hyperbole!” She sets her hands on her hips in a way that terrifies you. It looks too much like a mirror’s reflection. You hate it. “I thought that was something you know well!”

Maybe the reflection standing right in front of you snapped something into place. Or you’re terribly, sort of, hungover. Regardless, you spit, “I know how to write the truth about what’s happening around—outside those walls and everything—whether people like it or not!”

“Well, okay,” she hisses, “you idiot. I was saying you know that 'cause you’re the writer. You actually care about that stuff!”

“Pfft.”

Her eyes bug out, and you turn your back to her and trudge towards the door. "P-Piper!“ you hear Nat snap. "Where are you going?!”

“I’m goin’ through the back!” you answer with a shove of the door. “Relax!”

“The back’s through the freakin’ roof!”

You bark through a hiccup, “L-Language! You little shit!” and stagger inside. You barely catch Nat slapping her hand across her forehead with a roll of her eyes. You’re half-way up the stairs (then down a few steps, then up again) when you hear Nat’s slam of the door.

“Piper! You just fell from the roof!” she snaps.

“I am not drunk…” you assure her, and though it’s the truth, it also feels like a lie. You can hold your drink alright, but damn, hungover doesn’t seem accurate.

Nat, too, finds a way to poke a gaping hole in your claim: “You just fell off it!”

“A-And?! I know how to get to the shower, Nat!” you retort. “Alone… It’s not the first time.” You push through the door to curl around its hugging wall, then down the staircase towards the back of the house. As you stagger across the dirt landing, you bet Nat’s really regretting her excitement to have the third door upstairs (to the roof) instead of the back like any normal place. Nevertheless, because yeah, you have indeed found your way to the shower while drunk before, she lingers at the height of the stairs with her arms folded—presumably with the familiar scowl in tact as well.

The shower is just a haphazard shack built into the side of Publick Occurrences. Enough walls to cover, though it’s all wood except for the makeshift plumbing. You sway at the clothing rack before you decide that, yes, you shall clean both yourself and your clothes all at once. And as soon as the faucet is turned, and the water garbles and spits the first wave of water out, the soaking of your clothes into your skin is, clearly, the correct choice. When it filters out into its usual stream, even more so.

You don’t, however, anticipate the soap and rag right underneath your boot, so the moment you reach to find said soap, you flip.

Har. Har. …Commonwealth.

Though you do have to give the vindictive, comedic force some credit: as it turns out, being eagle-spread, face-first into a clean pool of water is so much better than the packed, sopped mud of the street. So you just lay there, letting the water puddle around your cheeks while you inhale the metal that makes up the shower floor. The drumming of the water almost masks hurried steps from down the stairs. You can feel your sister’s dry sarcasm before you lift your head: “You know, this is a lot more sad than if I just caught you naked.”

You flop back. “Oh hush…” you muffle into the ground.

“A-Are you trying to drown yourself?!" Yes. Yes you are. So you wave your arms roughly from over your shoulder to get her away. This is a private matter, and it has nothing to do with Nat. Other than her being your sister, and you her…guardian. Of sorts. Kind of. Legally and by all accounts, yes, but sort of cause, hey, you’re a failure who always dips out, right? And oh look, you’re so much of one that she’s taking care of you; Nat, with a labored sigh, wrenches you upright by your shoulder and grumbles, "Now would you quit being stupid and take a normal shower for once?”

“Yeah, yeah…” you drawl, completely disregarding what she meant by for once… "Now git so I can…whatever.“

Nat squints at you, then mumbles, "Fine. I’ll just be selling…the newspapers…”

“Good.”

“…right.”

She does leave, though, and you’re still underneath the pattering of the shower. You can’t help but feel like it resembles the rain just the night prior a little too much. Nor can you help that, as the mud soughs off your clothes and face, you still feel so empty. Honestly, the mud might as well be all of your weight, and it’s now just going down the makeshift drain. You don’t know what to do with yourself other than just curl up and lean further against the wall. There still isn’t any tears that threaten—you’re just too dry even now—, and perhaps it’s your naive hope that keeps you from breaking down completely.

But you know Blue will come back. She will. Blue said as much.

[1 ½ Months Later]

An anomaly happened.

You were (and still are) slugged in the couch, Nuka-Cola in one hand with a cigarette in the other when, remarkably,Mister Zwicky comes in through the door to Nat’s directions for an interview. Just, like, without being prompted by you. No convincing to be had. By this point, you’re sure you reek of desperation underneath the nightly guzzling of alcohol, so maybe that had something to do with it. Or this is all a rouse and the city is plotting to throw you out through an over-arching scheme—who knows at this point?

Though the fact that it’s Mister Zwicky sitting on the other side of the couch, patient and collected as ever, is what peeked your interest. Not that you’re doing anything about it. You’re just sitting there, baffled, while trying to come up with a question. And after a minute passes, you come up with a well-articulated and definitely not pathetic, “So…um, you have something for the paper?”

“I believe so,” he hums. “Definitely something that could spruce up the news after last weeks article on…remedies for bloodbugs, was it?”

You answer, tightly, “That’s an important thing for people to know…”

“It is, it is,” Mister Zwicky says with a nod. “But…well,” he adds, “that was the most, err, striking thing you’ve written within the past few weeks.”

“…really,” you reply, blunt.

“Unless you count that…thrilling article you wrote after quite the trip to the Dugout Inn.”

You narrow your eyes. “How do you know that?”

The old man shrugs and says, “Well, Piper, you could’ve only written that drunk on Vadim’s drinks.” Mister Zwicky pauses, and he briefly eyes the small, gathering pile of empty bottles at the edge of your coffee table. “Not to mention that it had your infamous zest that you get those nights.”

“Huh.” So that explains the morning you woke up on the printer. And to Nat’s confused shouting once she realized your hand was in the ink. And that the ink was out in the first place. Nevertheless, you inhale more of the cigarette and lean into the couch. “I thought that one would’ve been a good one to read.”

“…if people got through the typos and awkward syntax,” he murmurs under his breath. You stare at him with a twitch, and the schoolteacher raises his hands. “Now, now,” Mister Zwicky says, “I get it. But never mind all that… Uh, well, sort of.” He scratches the back of his neck and breathes a sigh. “I'm here because I do have something for the paper. Nothing like what you’d usually put down, but…well, hopefully something to pick it all back in order. If you’re still able, anyway.”

“I can still write,” you grumble defensively.

Mister Zwicky nods along. “Yes, I think so too. So can you? Write about some of the stuff the kids are working on. Some nice things that they could turn in for the paper.”

“Like some big group project for a grade…?” you ask lazily, through a puff of smoke.

He sways his head side-to-side as he answers, “More like a…'view from school’ sort of thing. Different perspective of the world? A new insight?”

You work your jaw in consideration. Mister Zwicky’s always known how to fluff your good side—even when you had to sit in front of his desk to hear about whatever detention Nat had that day. Speaking of, is there no school today? That or it’s one of his few break hours. “…m'okay. I’ll bite,” you drawl carefully. “What would they be talking about anyway?”

As you flick the end of your cigarette into the ashtray, Mister Zwicky replies, “Well, some of what they thing about the city, stories they’d like to share.” He pauses, and you brace for his next few words: “…what they think it’s like on the outside.”

You braced for it, and it still stings. You inhale another drag, turned away, and sigh a quiet, “…right.”

“L-Look, Piper. This isn’t you, is it? Hell, you’ve managed to get the folks around here worried.”

“Yeah, a good two if you’re up in arms with Nat,” you retort.

“There’s more!” he insists.

“By how much?!”

Mister Zwicky pauses again, this time with a slight wince. “More, I assure you… Even so, everyone’s noticed. You usually crank out a few months’ worth of articles and stories and such for the paper with each visit. About the outside. Everything you’ve investigated and the like…”

“Yeah? So?”

“You’ve gone radio silent this time, Piper.”

You tense your jaw and shake your head. With your leg folded over the other, and arms crossed, you grumble, “And what? This whole school-thing is this grandiose pity-party to get me to write a word about the Commonwealth? Well here you go! Bullshit. There. I did it.”

He watches you sadly, and dammit, how many times are you going to just take that side-glance without just hucking your bottle at a face? Okay, well, a couple more apparently because you can’t bring yourself to do it. Even so, you hate it. You hate the way his pity carves itself into the aged lines of his face, so you turn away. Mister Zwicky heaves a sigh, and he murmurs, “I should’ve known… You’ve been grieving, haven’t you?”

“Waiting. I’ve been waiting,” you correct, each word spat out.

“In this age…they’re the same thing, Piper. You know that,” he murmurs grimly. “What did it?”

For a split second, you forgot that the Nuka-Cola is just the soda you grew up with and not Moonshine. So much so you stare into the bottle in confusion before a slow, whispered, “A pair of deathclaws… Right at the Glowing Sea’s doorstep.”

He nods, hands together. “That’ll do it,” the old man grunted. “And, uh, you’re just hoping?”

“…waiting.”

Mister Zwicky thins his lips. “Yes, of course.” He turns to you again, taking his eyes off of his hands. “It’s that woman, right? The one in the blue jumpsuit— Or, well, in that Silver Shroud coat, yeah?”

“Y-Yeah,” you answer quietly.

“I see. And you think she’ll be back?”

You frown, though answer wholeheartedly, “I know, teach. She’s going to be back. I-I just know it.”

“She better…”

[+ + +]

You didn’t leave the couch hours after Mister Zwicky left, nor when Nat had trudged in, the stack of newspapers under her arm lighter than when she brought them out. Not by a lot, mind, but noticeably lighter. And then she slumps at the other end of the couch, to which you can’t help but notice how much it reminds you of yourself. If only Nat knows to never do that. Be like you. Since, well, you’re a secret-not-really alcoholic who likes to romp around the Commonwealth and get into trouble, write about said trouble, then advocate to other people about how to avoid those said troubles.

But you doubt she does, given that it seems to be her talent, parroting you.

Or sassing you, either or: “Are you dead or just lazy? You haven’t moved all day.”

“Dead,” you scowl. “How many got the paper?”

“More than last month,” Nat murmurs. “And they’re actually reading it and stuff.” Your scowl deepens. You almost ask what they do with it usually, but you figure learning about how defiled your line of work is on a regular basis is…not going to be something that will help your self-esteem. Like you have one to begin with. Regardless, even if you wanted to ask, Nat notes her own line of thought before you could: “Probably because it’s different than normal.”

You grumble a breath and finish your bottle of Nuka-Cola. “Yeah… Next week’s gonna be on the school.”

“Really?”

“Kind of.”

Nat ducks her head back and groans. “So he did ask you about that assignment.”

You hate that your knee-jerk reaction is to do the same, so you just tighten your grip on your kneecap, hunched forward with your head in your other hand. …so he did make that for a grade. Maybe a good trip down to the Dugout Inn is a good idea for tonight. “Yeah, I guess,” you finally respond, hollow, both to your internal decision and Nat’s outward comment. However, that said, Nat’s quieter than she usually is, and you turn to her passively curious. “What is it?”

She tenses before her jaw tightens in thought. “So, um… Well, it’s nothing.”

“Okay. What is it?” you press, the nosy reporter in you peering out.

Nat shifts in her seat and holds herself. “Um, so uh, why do you go with Blue so much?”

You freeze, then turn your eyes away. “Oh… Well, uh, she's…” You frown and shrug. “She’s real important, Nat. A-And I mean, I just… I—”

“If you’re about to try and say it, I already know you’re gay, Piper,” Nat deadpans.

Your words die at the base of your tongue, and you rush, “I-I’m not gay! I like men t—” You blink while she continues to stare at you, confused, and you sigh. “Never mind.” Preference for women or not, you’re definitely going to keep those few nights where some hotshot managed to find his way beside you at Vadim’s bar. Always some wanderer because the men in the city are…gross. But, you’re definitely not going to tell her because they all meant nothing other than letting off steam, which Nat wouldn’t understand anyway. You squint at her as her confusion begins to break. Well…Nat shouldn't understand.

“…ew.”

“Nat!” you snap, now wickedly flustered. You then tense your brows and ask, “Who told you that stuff?!”

“Sheng,” Nat answers bluntly.

You hiss air. “Sheng Kawolski?!”

“There’s not any other Sheng around,” Nat grumbles. “But yeah,” she adds, almost nonchalant, “he did. After he tried to kiss me again.”

You’re going to pummel a child. Over the head. With your typewriter. Maybe even sandwich his face into the printer so that he’s the next story. …but then again, that would be murder, so not exactly a good plan. Aggression towards one stupid boy aside, you slump back into the yellow couch. You don’t even know if you’re sober enough at the moment to walk out the door over to his house anyway. That, and now as you think of it, Sheng is the one who brings purified water to Diamond City. And good, purified stuff too. Better than the few who came before him, anyway. So…you guess you can’t pummel a good cause either.

“Piper?”

“Hmm?”

Nat frowns, her eyes to her lap where her hands wring together. “Why have you stayed for this long?”

You nearly choke when you ask, “W-What do you mean by that, sis?”

She watches you at the sound of your attempt to lighten it. You can practically hear it—how sis is continuously pinging around her thoughts. “I-I mean… You always leave. And I know it’s just 'cause that’s what you do. For the newspaper and stuff. And you’ve always done it 'cause…I dunno. But, like…” Her frown stitches itself tighter, and she pulls away. “You haven’t even walked out of Diamond City since you came back. Not even for some trading…”

“I, um—”

“Because Blue said?” Nat mumbles. You can’t find your words. You only manage a shrug and a meek nod. “…do you love her? Like, like that?”

It takes you a moment, though you nod again and whisper, “I-I do…yeah.”

“And that’s why you’re just waiting here? Because she said she’ll come back?”

“I know she will,” you murmur. “I know. She’s told me to run before, to this shed. Twisted my ankle before I could but I… I got to watch her.” You smile and say, “Took down this sentry bot on her own. And these things are huge, Nat. I always avoid them even when they’re off. But she did it. Ripped out its power cell and used it for her own suit.”

Nat blinks, in awe, and asks, “She has a suit…?”

“One of those military ones, yeah. Power-armor.” You hum a laugh and note, “Multiple, actually. She lugs her favorite around but leaves it outside the city.”

“Wow…” She frowns after a moment. “But…w-why did you leave?”

You shrug, drained by the sudden shift, and breathe, “Because… I don’t know. She told me to go to the city, and she never did before.” You chew the inside of your cheek and turn away from Nat’s grim sympathy. “Don’t look at me like that. I know she’s going to come back.”

“…but she told you to walk so far away. She—”

“Nat! I told you, she’s coming back!”

“I-I’m just saying! Why do you keep saying that anyway?!”

Your throat tightens, and you lean into your hand, against the arm of the couch. “Because the moment I don’t,” you whisper, “that’s when I’m going to starting thinking about it, and then I won’t stop believing she’s dead, and… Nat, she has to come back. I don't— She can’t be gone.” To your heavy chest, you feel Nat scoot over and rest into your side. It’s the closest she get’s to a hug, so it’s a nice thing. Subtle, though substantial in Nat’s own way. You swallow your whimper. “Sometimes you have to suspend the truth until your hope runs out…”

Nat shifts against your shoulder and murmurs, “Doesn’t that make you a hypocrite?”

“Or just human,” you mumble. You wrap your arm around her and rub the side of her bicep. “If or whenever you go out there for your own adventures, you’ll understand… The people here need the truth before it comes, but if it already has… I mean, let it pass in their own way.”

“…and your own way is believing that Blue’s alive?”

“She is,” you answer firmly. “She has to be.”

A long, long stretch of silence passes. And as the seconds drag by, stars pepper your thoughts again. Stars, and that shack, and Blue… You can’t stop thinking about it. You just can’t. So when Nat eventually breaks the silence, there’s nothing within you to defend against your gradual tears: “When she does come back, you’ll go outside again, right?” You hold your head weakly, and everything within the past couple months falls on you. One with Blue. The other without. But you hope that you’ll get another night again. At least one. Just one is all you as for now.

So you can’t answer your sister. You suspect she knows the answer to it, of course, but it’s never verbalized… 

[+ + +]

It doesn’t come to a surprise that the last, good night comes back to haunt you again. And you know you’re still in that measly bed of yours with beer bottles just toppled over by the legs of its frame, but holy shit, you can allow yourself just one continuous sleep thinking about it, can’t you?! Just revisiting how Blue cradled you against the wall of that makeshift shack, teeth grazing and nipping new marks along your shoulders, clothes slacked and unkempt as the two of you continued to uncoil yourselves as the night went on.

Perhaps it was the mere inkling of something separating the two of you—something like a pair of deathclaws—that did it. Had you and Blue just explore, and touch, and kiss without rest. An in between of sex and lovemaking, you supposed then and suppose now. Not that it wasn’t the latter, though you wonder how much inexperience with Blue’s body would qualify as such. Maybe it does, you still don’t know.

Regardless if it was sex, or fornicating, or lovemaking, or just screwing around for the hell of it—that all doesn’t matter, does it? Not as you hold onto one moment in particular, where you clung onto her shoulders, hips moving to the rhythm of her hand, as she whispered delicate, sweet things in your ear. Things that, really in any other instance, would sound corny and ridiculous. But shoot you for finding “You’re so soft…” and “I don’t want to let go of this" nice to hear while she’s goading hot sex out of you with that starry night high above the shack. Corny and ridiculous be damned, her way of words with the melding edge of her tone did you just right.

Oh God, how right Blue did you.

Her breaths slicked along your neck as you hissed air into her ear, uncaring of the wall flushed against your back. And once you tipped over the edge, you couldn’t have been any happier with your bumbling, spur-of-the-moment kiss at the mouth of that little shack. Blue was right there. Right with you. So when she murmured, quietly, "There we go… I got you. I got you…” you believed every word.

You still do.

Though you wish you could’ve done the same as what you did that night: give back. Roll Blue against the strewn blankets along the wooden floor and just give it your all. Send her on cloud nine. Over her own edge. Right underneath the film of stars and night, glinting through the roof of that little shelter of yours…

[+ + +]

And now?

It is certainly the time of night where those same stars glisten, though you find that you’re not as fond of them anymore. Part of that is a lie, actually, since even the thought of those stars bring about the good memories of Blue, but then again, the good memories remain to be the equivalent of burning the back of your hand with your cigarette. And you like your cigarettes. So, you know, it’s an appropriate comparison.

You laze your way upright and meander over to your desk. With Nat asleep, now’s a good time as any to hit the bar, right? With a bitter scowl, you dawn your hat and creep down the stairs. From around the stairwell, you can hear her light, dozing snores. Good, you think. She’s having a good sleep tonight. You debate lingering to watch for a moment, though that’s immediately shattered since you don’t know what you’d do if she woke up to you standing there. So, within a few minutes, you’re out the door, striding mindlessly for that hitch of beer. Maybe you’ll try to scrounge up some pastry or bite to eat for Nat later, if you’re sober enough.

If…

On a stool you slump, eyes heavy and glazed from the neon lights hung around. They carve deep shadows along all of the shapes and curves of your hands, and you breath a deep breath before folding your arms and slouching over the counter. A thought then hits you: what if, just for fun, the Commonwealth is going to decide to poison you tonight? That would be fun, right? And this time, if you try to throw it up again, people don’t do anything about it? Or they will…but because you’re a pathetic scrub. Yeah? Fun, right? The world could just piss all over your parade right now, regardless of how lonely your parade is. And alcoholic.

Damn, you really are a mess without the consistent adrenaline pumping through you, aren’t you? A sack of fermenting tatos without that sweet, sweet ringing in your ears? Or the burn of radiation after a quick, accidental dip in a lake—and you really don’t understand how Blue’s able to just swim in the stuff…

You slump further into the counter, drumming your fingers in thought as you wait for whatever disgusting beer would be served—maybe poisoned, who knows? Though, at the thought of Blue coming by to lay eyes on your body sunken in the mud, suffocated and poisoned, isn’t something you want. Not even in the midst of your bitter, sour and snide turn of events.

Where the hell was Takahashi with the beer?

Wait.

Dammit. Hold on. That pile of noodle-serving scrap doesn’t sell beer… And you’re not— Oh for the love of God, you’re not even at the bar. Stupid noodle stand.

…oh well. Where the hell was Takahashi with the noodle cup?!

You slap down a handful of bottle-caps, and immediately a bowl of noodles slide themselves across the counter and into your cheek. Disgruntled, with a noodle plastered over your nose, you glare to the side where the robot stands, washing a bowl in their mechanical hand. 

“Nan-ni shimasu-ka?" Takahashi buzzes.

You chew the inside of your cheek. That sounded rude. In a soured note, you grumble, ”No, I knew where I was!“ Even so, you get back to your bowl, starting with sipping the strand of noodle off your face. As you indulge, a second bowl slides by, and it clinks against your own. You pause and turn towards the robot. "W-Wait, what?! I didn't—”

Actually, did you pay for two?

Before you can investigate the exact number of bottle-caps you’d just slammed onto the counter, you see a shadow slink up the bar, and you hear the crunch of steps. That silhouette. You swear it looks familiar.

So, albeit with hesitance, you turn around.

Even in the dim, neon lights, you know this isn’t just the Commonwealth being the cruel jester it tends to be. If it is? Well then, you just hope your next spot of beer is poisoned.

Regardless, because you know it’s not, you whisper, “B-Blue…?”

“Well…I did say I would come back, didn’t I?”

“Blue…” You laugh through a choked breath and tilt your head to the side with a quiet, if sad, smile. “You… You um…”

She blinks, then shrugs. “Yeah. I mean, well, I did just get my hair cut.”

“N-No… Your—”

Blue plucks her sleeve. “Oh yeah. Found this in some bunker. Pretty nice, isn’t it?”

Okay, well…the maroon suit is nice, but, “That scar… You…”

Caught red-handed, Blue shrugs and grins sheepishly. Three jagged lines right across her face. Deep and unruly. “I, uh, actually lost those two by popping in this parking garage—it was…way off the map. But, uh, yeah. Didn’t expect the third one…” Her words trail off as you embrace her, head nestled against her neck. There’s nothing to stop your breathless cries into her collar, and she hums a laugh as arms wrap around your waist. “So, uh, yeah,” she murmurs quietly. “The Glowing Sea’s a bitch to go through…”

“God, Blue…” you breathe.

“But I did say I’d come back. Nothing was going to stop that…”

You nod and pull away to peck her cheek with a tender, long kiss. “I know. And you did.”

A/N: She is my wife and yes, Piper has blown me up on numerous occasions. With molotovs, any other throwables, and a launcher in a very, very small room. No I won’t stop giving her throwables. Did reconsider the grenade launcher though… Hope you enjoyed! :D

#volt's library #fallout 4 #fallout 4 companious #piper wright #female sole survivor #sole survivor #fanfiction #one-shot #ao3 #wattpad #Second-person #the commonwealth has a vendetta against piper #but she got a bowl of noodles #also loosely based on a frantic trip to the glowing sea in which i told piper to go (by accident lol) #there were three deathclaws and a radscorpion #and i play exclusively on survival mode #reposted from last account #if this looks familiar it's because i yoinked it from my last (dead) account

[tetrakys]

MCL Alternate Life review

Now that the three 4-episodes routes have been fully released, I’m ready to spend some final words on AL in general and the three boys specifically.

Plot

The plot is quite simple: AL was created to mostly address the break up, it is the canonical ending to Lysander, Kentin and Armin’s routes (while UL and LL are the canon continuation of Cas’ and Nath’s routes). The general plot is meeting your old boyfriend again, reconnect, solidify the relationship and resolve the long-distance issue. Quite simple, it’s the con of having only 4 episodes, but it does its job well, for years we asked for something that would fix the break up and we got it. Also I liked that the main structure was the same for all three boys, it provides a sense of continuity and a main theme for the season.

System

Same as the other seasons, 2AP x line of dialogue, however there is one main difference. Episodes 2 and 3 have choices which lead to different illustrations and scenes, meaning that they should be replayed twice if all illus with the crush want to be obtained. I personally quite like this system because the episodes are short and cheap, rarely over 1000 AP and this gives me a reason to play twice and extend my gaming experience. Plus replaying doesn’t bore me since the scenes are different as well so it’s almost like having two episodes in one.

The Art

I’m generally always happy about the quality of MCL’s illustrations, and I think AL keeps up with the high standard. As a con, I’d say that the poses might be a bit repetitive, hugging and kissing tend to be quite similar among the three routes, but other than that I’m happy. Backgrounds and sprites are also very good imo, but I’ll get to that soon.

Now, a closer look at the three:

Lysander

My Victorian prince was perfect as a teen and remained perfect in adulthood. Personally I think he looks even more beautiful, if possible, and his personality didn’t change at all, only slightly more mature due to being an adult with adult responsibilities. If on one hand this means that we got exactly what we lost 4 years ago, it also means that he’s the crush that remained the most static, didn’t have a real evolution like all the others did. Like a fae prince who remained frozen in time. It might make his journey a bit less interesting that’s true, but on the other hand can you improve perfection? I don’t think so.

In fact he’s the only crush we didn’t break up with. At first I was a bit surprised “for sure it must be Kentin the one we don’t break up with, right?” but afterward it made so much sense. His AL is one of rediscovery of someone who we never really lost, and despite me not liking farm life it makes perfect sense for him and Candy to have ended up there. His story is soothing, and calm, just like him. Finding him again is like feeling you finally found your place and your home.

Kentin

Kentin grew up a lot since high school. Not only physically as he got taller and bulkier (and hotter) but also mentally. When we meet him again we find someone who has completed a personal journey, a new person who knows his worth and who they are. These years spent travelling the world alone made him grew up and now he’s able to love Candy in a healthy way because he can also love himself. 

His AL is one of getting to know the new mature person he’s become but also finding out that what really matters, his feelings and good heart, are always the same. Its route is full fluff with 5 minutes of drama which only serve to learn how different being with him is going to be now but also how his love didn’t change. His story is about personal growth and the work you have to put on yourself before being able to be in a relationship. 

Armin

Armin is still the same jokester as before, but he’s not a boy anymore, it’s clear that the break up made him grow up as well. His new looks are similar to what he used to wear before (without Alexy’s terrible involvement), I’m not a big fan of the yellow but it compensate with the haircut which imo makes so much more sense than that octopus-looking one he had before. I also love that he kept a smirking teasing expression which is so him. 

His route, while remains similar to the other two in its basic structure, is completely different in the sense that while he did grow up and became more mature, his story isn’t as much as getting to know him while getting to know who Candy and him are together and if they can build something solid and long-lasting. With Lys and Kentin we get a finished product, with Armin we get a work in progress, that makes his route more eventful and dynamic. We start with a fight in episode 1, get a whole journey and end with a final declaration which address all the issues and uncertainties. We see both Candy and Armin grow during the story. 

Personal considerations

I think all 3 routes are really well done so preference becomes a matter of personal taste. On my side, Armin’s is above the other two for the simple fact that I enjoy the drama and the enemies-to-lovers vibe. I also love Candy in this route, and the teasing relationship the both have. I loved following their journey, for me this route is pretty much perfect and I can only hope Beemoov keeps up this amazing writing. 

The other two routes are also really great. Kentin’s route is perfect for people who like fluff above all and just want to live a sweet love story. Lys’ is for people who want to play something soothing and with a more fairy tail vibe. 

I’m happy we finally got a happy ending with the three of them and these endings make so much sense: with Lys we could only join him in his farm life, not my thing as I said, but I never saw Lys as someone who could enjoy the rockstar lifestyle, his choices don’t have to work for me, they have to work for him and I’m happy they do. With Kentin it wouldn’t have felt right if he gave up his lifestyle and stayed in town for us, it would’ve been a complete step back from his personal journey to see him give up everything and chase Candy once again, so I’m happy it’s Candy the one joining him this time. And with Armin, with all the times Candy was the one to follow him in his passions and hobbies (plus the whole long-distance and Disney debacle) it had to end with him staying, and I’m so glad it did.

So now that we got our happy endings, what’s left?

I guess we’ll see 😏

#mcl #mclal #my candy love #mcl rambling #game review

[kfedup]

Sunday 7

or more, I don’t know, we’ll just have to wait and see...

1. Wishing the fathers in my orbit a beautiful day and sending love and light to all of the many who I know, like myself, have hard, complicated feelings about it all. I texted mine this morning and see that he read it, but no reply. I can’t recall the last time he reached out to me beyond a rare FB messenger note and we haven’t been face-to-face in the same room, or even the same region of the US for 20 years. Oh, wait, that’s not true. I was in Florida last year at this time and tried to get together with him, but he couldn’t make it work. It is what it is. I’m working on letting go of my resentment and imagining what life was like for him. We’ll see if that gets me anywhere. 

2. Those somatic movement exercises for Psoas are truly saving my life. As soon as I do them, I’m back in business. Hopefully the pilates work will help strengthen the muscles around my hips so I’m not in constant distress. Last night was weird. My 20-year-old cesarean scar began to hurt the way it did when it was healing. Lila’s 20th birthday is in a few weeks and I’ve been writing a lot about my body and specific traumas that have occurred and how i’ve compartmentalized and outsourced so much. I had just eaten a gummy and as it kicked in and the pain increased, I got myself into a relaxed position in bed and turned on a breathing meditation and I just fucking went into it. I won’t bore you with the details of my traumatic release other than to say holy hell the body holds onto some shit. I got up afterwards and wrote it all down, then hit replay on the meditation and let it carry me on waves of relaxation and deep body sensations into an incredible night’s sleep. Oof. 

3. This morning/afternoon I went to an ecstatic dance event in the CVNP at the Octagon shelter. I haven’t been since before the pandemic started and gracious, I didn’t even realize how much I missed it. The setlist was such a perfect flow and I was able to move some of that shit through and let it go. Several times I felt tears starting like I hoped would happen, but then they immediately jammed up. Maybe feeling self conscious about crying in front of strangers, I don’t know. My hips and lower back hurt after I really let myself go deep into the dance and I had to slow my ass down even though I felt so close to falling through this blockage. In due time. I’m going to go to the next one in two weeks and break out my hula hoop to use out in the back yard. 

4. I’m fantasizing about dropping everything and becoming a 5rhythms teacher. Just spend the rest of my life dancing. 

5. I put up the new hammock this afternoon and sat in the shade listening to the birds and the breeze, reading It Didn’t Start With You and listening to the new Ben Howard album with my earbuds to help drown out the psychos next door. Although, I will say they didn’t start screaming until I had already gone inside. 

6. The Vermont job that I want is posted again with a new title and slightly tweaked description. My goal is to get my application in by end of day Wednesday. The imposter syndrome is intense this time because I applied already and I have no idea if they hit the pause button on the search because they didn’t like any of the applicants or they really did want to evaluate their staffing needs once the new ED started like they said. What if it’s both things and they were just being polite? Oh well, the only real and true thing I have to go on is the deep in my gut knowing that I will regret it if I don’t try. 

7. I was supposed to do a couple hours of client work again today, but I’m wiped and needed a day that’s just for me to process and release and relax. I also got myself a DQ sundae. The screamers next door are out monopolizing the beautiful evening with their chaos, so I think I’m going to run a bath to soak with some epsom salts and essential oils and then watch a movie. 

8. This week is going to be busy af and I need to wake up and have my poop in a group right away. Wish me luck. No THC at bedtime tonight for sure. 

#can I move to 100 acres with no neighbors please? #but also have community? #I'm confusing #and I'm ok with that

[clonemedickix]

4, 11, 13 of the dark asks for Lara and a clone of your choice if you want to!!!😊

Hmmm okay.

#4 - What appears in your OC’s darkest nightmares?

Lara: I would say Lara’s nightmares are haunted by the loss of her loved ones, because she’s not allowed to save them, or prevent their death if they’re destined to do so. She has to just watch it happen like a useless bystander, and it kills her to have so much power yet be unable to use it as she’d like. For the longest time, she saw the death of her daughter over and over for years on end, but it got better since she closed herself off from relationships. Now that she has formed real friendships with the clones, and others in the SW galaxy, she is invested in people again, and she has nightmares about losing them, as well as replaying the actual death of Fives over and over in her head.

Volte: Volte’s nightmares are always of the people he couldn’t save. He will have full on night terrors of being in an active war zone, with wounded brothers or civilians around him, and no equipment, no meds, no help, and suddenly he realizes his hands won’t respond or he’s frozen and can only watch, like a sleep paralysis.

#11 - Has your OC ever tortured someone?

Lara: Lara has done dark, questionable things in her long life, perhaps not in the SW galaxy, but in other worlds, other battles. She has used pain before to get answers to time critical questions, or denied relief and help to others for the same. There’s always a justification, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right, or that other methods could have been used; she’s just often confronted with the most direct means necessary to get what is needed.

Volte: The scenario has come up, but he’s just not morally capable of stooping so low.

#13 - Who does your OC hate the most?

Lara: If you asked Lara this while in the Jedi Temple, she’d say Mace Windu without batting an eye. But in reality, she just enjoys needling him and watching him throw daggers of dislike her way. Following Order 66, she hates Palpatine with all of her soul, and struggles not to do the same with Vader, though she knows his true identity, and tries to remember there is the smallest spark of good in him, and he was once her friend.

Volte: Death. Volte doesn’t hate any person, but he hates Death with a passion.

@dystopicjumpsuit @sunshinesdaydream @starrylothcat @anxiouspineapple99 @sev-on-kamino @the-bad-batch-baroness @cloneloverrrrr @mandos-mind-trick @dukeoftheblackstar @wolffegirlsunite @isthereanechoinhere96 @moonlightwarriorqueen @wizardofrozz @multi-fan-dom-madness @starqueensthings @dickarchivist @villanousace @mythical-illustrator @523rdrebel @vimse @a-single-tulip

#oc sundays #oc ask game #oc general lara lin #oc cmo volte #original female character #original clone trooper #worksbyclonemedickix #kix’s art #the clone wars #star wars #starwars fandom #the clone wars fanart #starwars fanart #starwars the clone wars #the clone wars fan #the clone wars fanfiction #the clone wars fan fiction #tcw fanfiction #tcw fanfic

[hychlorions]

If you had to rank each Apollo Justice case on a 10-point scale, what would your ratings be?

honestly i like them all so much and it's been a while since i've last played AA4 so it's hard to give an answer without having to sit down and think about it :"D but assuming you wanna sit down for something long-ish, i'll start them all off on a perfect 10 and here's what i'd give deductions for:

Turnabout Trump (4-1) - i'd leave it at a 10 tbh. absolutely banger case for setting the tone for the rest of the game. i don't recall anything i disliked about it atm so i'm assuming there's nothing at all :>

Turnabout Corner (4-2) - hickfield/hotti existence. get him outta here! but on the other hand there's an exchange about klavier pausing a world tour to see the little boy that bested his brother that can mean different things depending on if you're playing the game for the first time or if you're replaying it. on first playthrough i assumed the judge's shock at klavier returning meant he hasn't taken another case since kristoph's arrest in 4-1, which. fair i guess bc prosecutors probably take cases more regularly than the waa in-universe but it's nothing to blink twice about yknow. HOWEVER replaying it after having gone through 4-4 (esp given how he mentions the gavinners to the judge) it starts to seem as if klavier ran off with his band for seven years and didn't come back until after his brother was arrested. which. >:3 hehe

-3 points for creep factor. +1 however for the simple joy of making me tear my hair out over klavier's mystery hiatus length

Turnabout Serenade (4-3) - people give this case too much shit tbh. it's the funniest case in the game and you guys just have no sense of humor 😭 me, lover of comedy, however, can appreciate it for what it is, and it's that 4-3 is the best demonstration of aa's sense of humor. my only gripe with it is that daryan's mentioned to be the first detective klavier's ever worked with. however in turnabout succession the detective shown in the flashback for the gramarye trial (klavier's courtroom debut) isn't daryan, but gumshoe. this isn't elaborated upon any further, so i am sitting here. wondering what mystery case klavier worked on that got resolved without going to court wherein daryan is the detective AND happened before the gramarye trial. i understand prosecutors but WHY pray tell are they shoving 17 year-olds into a detective position on the police force. god.

-2 for in-universe labor laws implications. +2 for klavier's weird forehead obsession (he has about three lines about apollo's forehead) and also the fact that this case has the most canonical uses of herr forehead out of all the cases in the entire ace attorney series at ~61 uses out of the total 129 (including DD). +1 more for being so rife with lines you could use as basis for headcanons ("straight except when he's depressed" "i should've learned to play guitar" "her quiet, deep song glides through the air... lilting above a sparse, but elegant piano accompaniment" i'm so sorry as a klapollo enthusiast this is the case of all time to me)

Turnabout Succession (4-4) - gorl you know the last case of the series has to be the most nailbiting one. such is the case for turnabout succession... if only the mason system didn't royally succ. do you know how hard it is to piece together the timeline for post- and pre-gramarye trial for someone like me?!?! (is forgetful) not to mention the fact that kristoph has apparently only met vera once but already knew she bites her nails when she's nervous? did you put a camera in their house or something? weirdo. however only in burning piles of rubble will real gems reveal themselves. *holding up the scene where zak explains the gramarye powers to phoenix, subsequently revealing the trucy-apollo siblingisms all along* isn't she beautiful?

-4 for being an inconvenient pain in the ass and kristoph's nail polish murder plot that crumbles under a magnifying glass and kristoph's stalking extent implications. +1 for bracelet lore you know i love me some bracelet mechanics (taps my homemade "THE BRACELET DOESN'T TIGHTEN" sign like a proud father)

Final answer:

4-3: 11/10

4-1: 10/10

4-2: 8/10

4-4: 7/10

#ask #anonymous #sorry if you expected a short answer of rankings. i don't do that here i love explaining #AND SORRY I'M A TURNABOUT SERENADE LIKER OKAY JUST LISTEN TO MY RINGTONE. (guitar's serenade ringtone version plays)