#i came up with danger days sunday 5 minutes ago. leave me alone

[catmaidetho]

happy danger days au sunday! etho's cat, pizza, knows that when etho says "itadakimasu," it means it's time to eat, and she will meow and harass everyone nearby into giving her food. she also can tell when etho's hurt, even if they're hiding it from their crewmates, and will find the nearest human being and yell at them/drag them to wherever etho is.

#danger days au #khaos.txt #shhh i know its 11:30 at night #i came up with danger days sunday 5 minutes ago. leave me alone

[yugyummygot7reactions]

Behind the Curtain - 2

| Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Epilogue | 

Updates are Sundays at 5pm PST!

Characters: Choi Youngjae x You Genre: Smut Warning(s): Stuffing, Water Inflation, Bondage  Word Count: 2,577

**Hello My Lovelies!! 

I am adding an extra warning/recommendation here. Body inflation is a very graphic and intense kink. It is classified as an extreme kink for a reason. If you want to brave reading it or learn more about what it is, feel free to read the chapter and enjoy. 

If inflation is not a kink you enjoy reading about or it makes you uncomfortable, I would recommend 1 of 2 things. Either read just the beginning of this chapter until the point where Youngjae takes you to his room and know that the rest is intense inflation smut (I’ll add ** there to show the divide), or just skip this chapter altogether. It is mentioned in future chapters if he is light or dark so don’t worry about missing out on that. 

I also want to ask you, please don’t write off my entire series from this one intense kink chapter. I wanted to challenge myself by writing one chapter on an extreme kink that I don’t see often and after some research I decided on this one. The other chapters have kinks/sexual situations that are much more “main stream” and even if they aren’t your thing I think you’ll enjoy them. 

Thanks! ~LoLo**

You knew that you needed to work your way up to some of the more closed off members, especially since you didn’t really have to do any work to seduce Mark and learn more about him. What you needed was to build up experience to be able to break the walls of someone as powerful as Got7′s head kingpin by the end of the week. Tomorrow would have to be someone you knew you could easily seduce.

Who better to start with than Mr. Innocence and Sunshine himself.

Your dreams were filled with thoughts of Mark, but when you woke up the next morning to the sound of your violent alarm, you knew that you needed to be filly focused on the next member on your list. Choi Youngjae.

After careful thought, you decided to try to get Youngjae alone in either your office or his. If he was sure you were alone, you thought he would easily cave to your flirting and things could get heated quickly. You tied your hair up in a purposely messy bun, a few tendrils of hair falling along your neck, and made sure to put on just enough makeup that your eyes and lips really popped, but it didn’t look out of the ordinary for you. You wanted his attention on your best features to really pull him in. 

After putting on your finishing touches, you left your room and sought out Youngjae. After spending most of the morning looking for him, finding his office and normal hang outs void of his presence, you found out he was off base doing a business deal and wouldn’t be back until dinner time. 

You continued on with your day like normal until dinner time. You usually sat with the other advisors in the cafeteria but decided to sit alone today not too far from the table reserved for the 7 leaders. 

You sat picking at your food, watching as people came and went, not seeing Youngjae at all. You waited almost two hours at that table, lost in a daze before a familiar voice shocked you out of your thoughts.

“And I thought I’d be eating alone this late.” Youngjae smiled as he set 2 very full trays down and took the seat next to you. 

“Oh..” you said pretending to be frazzled, “what time is it?”

Youngjae laughed at your confusion, it wasn’t like you. “It’s almost 8:30.” He smiled as he took a bite of his food and pushed one of the two trays in front of you.

“What’s this?” You asked as you looked at the hot food in front of you. 

“You’re dinner.” He smiled, “The cafeteria worker said you’ve been here for hours. Your food must be freezing by now.”

“Thank you… but I’m fine,” you said as you began to fidget with this food as well. “Plus this could feed 3 of me!” you laughed gently as you smiled at him. 

“Nope,” Youngjae said as he took his own fork and held a bite of food up to your mouth. “Ahh” He cutely said as he opened his mouth, asking you to mimic him. You laugh and roll your eyes as you play along. He continues to feed you dinner in between his own bites. You can’t help but think at how cute it is. 

“I’m getting full Youngjae,” You say as he  holds up another bite for you to eat, almost half of your tray gone at this point. “I should stop.”

“You’re going to turn down food from one of your bosses?” He asked cutely “One of your bosses who is even willing to feed it to you?” He raised his eyebrows and wiggled the fork in front of you, looking so happy to be there with you. “I can have a few more bites.”  You smiled, not wanting to upset him, especially if you needed to stay on his good side to seduce him later. 

A few bites turned into you finishing your entire tray and you think Youngjae might have snuck some of his food to you as well. You stopped seeing him take bites a while ago. You felt so full, you didn’t know how you ate that much. 

“I can’t believe I ate that much,” You said taking a breath and looking down seeing your stomach was bloated, stretching your shirt. You immediately tried to hide it in embarrassment. You were supposed to be seducing Youngjae, and this was not the way to do that

“Y/N,” he said smiling, “We aren’t done yet! We haven’t had dessert!” He got up before you could protest and grabbed both of you milkshakes and large pieces of chocolate cake.

“I appreciate it, Youngjae, I really do, but I don’t think I could eat another bite if it tried. I’m so full.” He just smiled, handing you the plate and glass, making you take it with hesitation.

“Aren’t you the one who told us before that there is always room for dessert?” He smiled, “I thought you had a separate dessert stomach.” He took a bite of his cake and smiled at you as he chewed.

"I did say that before," you nervously smiled as you looked at the food in front of you. It looked like Youngjae had gotten you a piece of cake much bigger than his. You needed to be careful with eating this, especially if you wanted to still go through with your plan today. You just couldn’t say no to Youngjae. You could see why he was in charge of business deals for the gang.

"Now be a good girl and eat!" He smirked. 

You took the fork again in your hands, preparing to take in the last slice. It was just one more thing before you could stop and try to move forward with your plan. Youngjae watched you closely as you took in every bite of the chocolatey, spongy mass. After forcing down every last bite you looked over at Youngjae and smiled. 

“It was really good,” You started, “I’m amazed I finished it.” Youngjae smiled brightly at you as he reached for your milkshake at put it in front of you, looking anxiously at you to drink it.

“You can’t forget to wash it down with something.” He took a sip of his own shake and when you tried to refuse, he pouted and put the straw up to your lips and was so cute you couldn’t refuse. You had to stay on his good side tonight, even if it meant you’d be a bit sick from over-eating later.

As you caved and began to drink your shake, a smirk on Youngjae’s face widened to a devious grin as he quickly looked away and got up to clear the rest of the table. 

“I’ll be right back,” He speak-sang as he headed over towards the food line again. 

"You better not be getting more food!” You yelled at him as playfully as you could, “I'm so full, I can't take it" You thought you heard Youngjae whine or moan at that comment and you were confused. "I’m serious, Youngjae! I can feel everything inside me wanting to come back out." 

Youngjae said something to the cafeteria worker and she nodded before leaving. You realized then that the cafeteria was completely empty except for you and Youngjae. He slowly walked over to you and placed a gentle hand on your distended belly.

"My good girl ate every single bite without a serious complaint," Youngjae says as he leans in and kisses your neck, nipping a little. “Let’s go back to my room for a bit, we can have some more fun.”

You tried to get up and realized you were so full you were struggling to get out of the cafeteria bench. 

“Let me carry you.” He whispered as his lips ghosted your ear. He reached down and picked you up, taking you out of the cafeteria. You were sleepy from the food and were drifting off in the warmth of his arms as he took you to his room. 

**

You woke up in shock, not knowing how much time had passed. You were in Youngjae’s room, and you went to call out to him, only to realize that there was something in your mouth and you couldn’t speak. You were still fully clothed, but your hands and legs were also tied to his bed. 

“Welcome back,” Youngjae smirked as he stood before you in just low sitting sweat pants. “You were so cute, I decided not to wake you. It’s only been like 20 minutes.” He laughed as his eyes wandered your body. He walked over to you and pressed a kiss on your bloated belly. “I’m amazed you could eat that much, I didn’t think I’d get you to eat even half of it.” He winked at you before fidgeting with something next to the bed. “My powers of persuasion must be better than I thought.” 

You were confused. This whole time, you were planning to seduce Youngjae, and he was doing the same to you?

“You know,” he started as he sat next to you on the bed, “I’ve always had a thing for you,” he laughed as he continued to fidget next to the bed, “I just knew that there was something about you I wanted to experience and I think I finally found it.”

He had something in his hand you couldn’t see. 

“I have a proposition for you my dear,” he smiled, “I want to play with you more. Push your limits. Do you trust me?” He asked, a spark of danger in his eyes. 

You could nod or shake your head. If you agree god knows what he’ll do to you, but if you say no, you won’t see the other side of him.

You think about it for a moment, but remember that the agency you actually work for has trained you to do anything that the mission requires.

You nod your head, nervous but excited to see this side of Mr. Sunshine. Youngjae smirked as he held up a tube that was attached to a nearby faucet. 

He lowered the hose into your mouth and you heard some clicking noises as he clipped it into place so you couldn’t spit it out. He carefully guided the hose down down your throat, “We can’t have you drowning,” he smiled as he did some final adjustments to the tools attached to the tube. 

“Here we go,” he smiled brightly as he turned on the faucet, causing the slightly warm water to go down your throat and into your already bloated stomach.

You grunted in confusion as the water began to force its way into you. You didn’t have to do much work of swallowing the water, as the position of the hose did that for you. It just kept going, filling you up.

You could see your stomach starting to swell even more as Youngjae licked his lips, his erection becoming more noticeable in his pants.

A wave of nausea hit you, signaling that your stomach was starting to reach its max capacity, but as Youngjae saw you squirm, he massaged your belly and the sensation passed with time. You didn’t think you could take anymore and tried to spit out the hose, but you couldn’t.

Youngjae chuckled evilly, laying his hands on your stomach, feeling it rise as it began to stretch more to accommodate the water. Soon your skirt was tearing at the seams and your shirt was stretched farther than you thought it could. You kept squirming against the tube trying to get it out, but Youngjae made no movements to stop the water from flowing. 

“We can get you a bit bigger before we shut it off.” He said as his eyes wandered over your body. You didn’t believe him, when you started the evening you had a nearly flat stomach, and you now looked nearly 3 months pregnant. 

You could see Youngjae’s cock twitch under his pants and he moved under your skirt, sticking his fingers inside of you and stretching you out, causing a moan to escape your lips. He removed his sweatpants and then grabbed on to both of your legs and put the tip of his manhood between your legs. 

“Ready for what I’ve always wanted to do with you?” he smirked as he sheathed his throbbing cock in your heat. You moaned in both pain and pleasure as Youngjae stilled to catch his breath.

“Jesus you’re fucking tight. You never get dick before?” He grunted as he thrusted into you again.

You could feel the water move through to your intestinal tract, causing  you to swell even more. 

“Ahhh God damn, loosen up baby girl, you’re gonna snap me in two” he chuckled as he thrusted into you again and again.

Your belly now bulged out much farther than you had ever thought it could, and it began to truly ache from the pressure inside. It felt like being a living water balloon. 

Youngjae’s eyes were locked on your belly, it looked as if you were closer to 6 months pregnant now and you really didn’t think you could stretch any more.

“Ahhh  good girl…That’s it…” he moaned, rubbing his veiny hands against your huge, distended tummy. The strain of the stretch was evident on both the taut skin of your belly, and the pained expression on your face. You breathed heavily through your nostrils, a sharp stabbing sensation running through your torso.

“What’s the matter, getting a little tight for you?” He chuckled as he pulled  out and shut off the hose, removing it from your mouth. “We don’t want you popping now do we.” He took the tube and clamp out of your mouth and roughly kissed you as he picked up speed. This time, with no break between the thrusts, he began a solid rhythm. Your bodies met and smacked, your overly full belly jiggled with each thrust, the water in you sloshing about with the rough pace Youngjae was setting. 

Youngjae thrusted faster and deeper. “That’s my girl. Nice and big for me.” He kept running his hands over your belly. “If we do this again I know I can get you bigger next time.” He licked his lips as he kept going, the fullness causing friction that was bringing you to your edge. 

Your orgasm suddenly hit you hard and Youngjae let your clenching heat bring him almost to his release. He pulled out at the last minute and came all over your large belly. 

After catching his breath, he licked his cum off of you and undid your restraints. “Do you want help to your room? You can’t stay here tonight.” He looked distant now, and helped walk you to your room down the hall, your legs too weak to support your body on their own. 

Youngjae practically threw you on the bed before walking away, “I’ll tell the others you are sick tomorrow. You’ll be back to normal in a day or so.” His tone was so cold and uncaring. You couldn’t believe that the man who was seemingly so sweet before was actually so rough. 

You hugged yourself, knowing that you’d be horribly sick tomorrow and would have to take a day off from your plan to seduce G7. You’d just have to double up one day to make up for it. This wasn’t the plan, but you had to think on the fly. That’s what the agency paid you for.

This was miserable, but you now knew that Youngjae was too dark to save. Anyone who can flip personalities that quickly isn’t stable enough to re-train. One day of hell to get that valuable information was worth it. 

One other thing you did know for sure… a trip to see the gang doctor wouldn’t be so far-fetched after taking a day off for an upset stomach.

Park Jinyoung. You’re next. 

_______________________________________________________________________

Hello My Lovelies!!

Chapter 2 down! 

Sorry if this kink isn’t your thing. I learned while researching this that it is definitely not mine lol. I think this one is the most unconventional of all of the kinks I chose for this smut series, so I hope you stick with me on this project and know that there are other kinks to come!

What do we think about Dr. Jinyoung? Will he be Light or Dark? Let me know!! I love hearing everyone's opinions.

~LoLo

#got7 #got7 series #kpop #behind the curtain #choi youngjae #youngjae #youngjae smut #yugyummygot7reactions #kpop smut #got7 smut

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Undercover Lover prt 25

25

Eren’s plans too a slight turn for the worse. First came sweating with a fever, then nausea, then came throwing up, and finally came being transferred to hospital when his nose started pouring blood and the precinct medic started yelling for an ambulance. Ah. The joys of being handcuffed to a bed. He remembered them well from. Actually, he didn’t. He didn’t remember much about the first few days after Marco had died, it’d all been a blur, but Armin was there to tell him they had to restrain him because he hadn’t taken the news very well. Rushed into emergency, people were yelling, he wasn’t sure he wasn’t one of them as the bright lights assaulted his eyes. Ultimately he lost a day and woke up to Pixis peeling a mandarin while he worked his way through a bottle of brandy. He’d had a severe reaction to alpha suppressants, going slightly feral, his knee had been busted by an officer claiming self defence. Not that he’d been informed who they were but it could have only been one of Rod’s small time thugs trying to get one last hit in in case he shuffled off the mortal realm. Pixis rather jovial as he recounted what Eren had missed. Eren not so jovial as his right knee stung like a bitch.

Things became a real party when Hannes came by to check on his condition. Two of the best men he knew happened to both be functional alcoholics and seemed to delight in exchanging stories of his bullheadedness and opinions on brandy. With fresh officers at his door, and denied pain medication thanks to being a “druggy”, sleep offered the only relief in the whole situation. Levi was fucking going to love this. So, it was Sunday morning he appeared before the magistrate, a special favour called in by Pixis, his bail set and paid, before he was forced onto Hannes... who insisted repeatedly he needed monitoring after his reaction. Now knowing what the hell was going on, Hannes had signed a non-disclosure form, which unfortunately didn’t stop him from giving him hell the moment they’d climbed into Hannes’s blue truck. They’d taken his crutches off him, leaving him hobbling into court with his damn moon boot. Climbing into Hanne’s truck wasn’t so bad, but the idea of climbing out wasn’t appealing. All he wanted was to go home to Levi’s apartment and sleep.

“Eren, I’m talking to you”

Ugh. Red lights. He hated them. Sighing, Eren looked to Hannes tiredly. His head was throbbing, couldn’t the man take pity on him until they’d gotten home? Which reminded him, he still hadn’t contacted Levi. Great. Levi would think he was blowing him off on purpose or some shit

“You know I couldn’t tell you”

“You could have told me something”

“I didn’t exactly plan on being stabbed”

The light turned green, Eren wondering why it couldn’t have done so sooner to save his sanity from this. Maybe he should risk throwing himself out the car? Surely it couldn’t be as bad as Hannes’s “dad tone”

“That’s not the point”

“Undercover work means you don’t talk. I’ve worked my arse off for this...”

“I could have helped...”

Curse Hannes. The man more of a father to him than his own father. Grisha... He’d been there when Eren was younger... then shit happened and now he was pretty much dead to his father... but that was metaphorically. Getting caught in this mess could literally cost Hannes his life

“I didn’t want you to know. Rod is bad news. Between illegal fighting, money laundering, and drug shipments, the last thing I needed was him coming after you. I’ll bet he’s already got someone tracking you down. Going home won’t be safe”

Hannes raised an eyebrow

“That bad?”

“I honestly don’t know why I’ve been released with a clear threat to my life. This is exactly why I didn’t want to get any closer to Levi”

He wanted to see Levi. The second time he’d woken, he’d looked to the side of his bed, thinking Levi would be there. That he wasn’t... it sent Eren’s mind to all the possible dark places

“I don’t think that’s possible. You’re lucky Pixis and Shadis covered for you. The documentation’s been edited...”

“Too late. By now Rod will know I’m an omega of some sort...”

“Then there’s no way you can possibly go back there”

“What am I supposed to do then? Pixis asked me to dig into a certain associate of Rod’s that’s being released...”

“You could ask Levi”

“No”

Absolutely not. No. He wasn’t getting Levi involved. He needed to extract him, yet Levi wasn’t the kind of man to follow anyone he didn’t know in an act of blind faith

“Eren, I think he...”

“I’m not costing him his life! His apartment won’t be safe anymore, and I don’t know if he’s even going to make it home in one piece! Where the hell are we going?”

“Pixis set you up with an alternative place to stay”

“Please tell me we’re not staying at yours”

“Then I won’t”

“Hannes!”

“You need monitoring. A huge dose of alpha suppressants entered your system. There may be more side effects”

“Shouldn’t it be out my system by now?”

“Your system is confused at the best of times. I’ve got the spare room set up, and Levi is welcome to stay”

How could Hannes smile? How could he let Eren into his home knowing he might just get killed for his generosity?!

“How is that not getting you involved?! How do you not get how dangerous this is?”

“And you’re like a son to me. Of course I’m going to be there. I couldn’t be there for your mother, so at least let me be there for you”

Fuck... Hannes... He made it hard to look him in the face when it came to the serious stuff

“That wasn’t you fault”

“I was in the ER at the time...”

He didn’t want to go there. He didn’t want to go anywhere except maybe to Eldia in Marley to see Levi

“She was already sick, just no one knew it... okay. It’s not your fault and you don’t have to act like you have some big debt. You don’t. I can’t contact Levi, I don’t know where my phone ended up, but he’s back Monday”

“Then I’ll take you to see him after work. Try to tolerate this old man until then”

*

Eren wasn’t sure if “tolerate” was the right word for the situation. Hannes’s wife had died due to complications from pneumonia years ago now, and the man embraced a kind of eclectic messiness where he knew where things were and no one else did. Finally medicated, Eren spent most of what was left of the Sunday in bed, a good thing too as Hannes woke him the following morning having decided he should come with him to the clinic where he could keep an eye on him.

Begrudgingly, Eren went. Pixis having gifted Hannes money to buy him something to wear might have been the highlight of damn day. They’d stopped into the local mall before work, Eren grabbing the first shirt and pair jeans that fitted, then remember he needed underwear and fresh socks, Hannes grabbing junk food as he said he needed the sugar to concentrate on the day ahead. Everything being scentless should have made him happy, he had the chance at a semi-fresh start seeing he couldn’t go back to work in a moonboot and Rod probably didn’t want him there... Sniffing his old clothes as he bagged them, they stank of him and his changing pheromones. Unexpected tears welling up in his eyes as the feeling of loneliness struck him out of nowhere. He missed Levi’s scent and now he was crying in the public toilets, missing a man who’d probably got the complete wrong idea about why he hadn’t contacted him. If Levi were there, he’d use some sentence with far too many “shits” in it to describe both the location and him being a brat... Fuck. He just wanted to see him again.

Unable to perk back up, Eren spent the day in a flunk. Using Hannes’s second consulting room, he had nothing to do but sleep and play around on the internet, but there were only so many cat videos a man could watch before boredom set in and both options became boring. His boredom had him almost calling work to see if Rod had returned, though the person he really wanted to call was Levi, who’s number was stuck in his flat phone. He’d offered to pick up lunch for Hannes, but Hannes firmly shut him down over wandering around while unstable. Even if he couldn’t smell himself, Hannes assured him he was steadily releasing a distressed scent that could be picked up on by the wrong kind of alpha. Eren didn’t know what Hannes expected to happen. If anyone made a pass at him, he’d ignore them, and if he couldn’t, he had two very handy weapons to get his point across. This was worse than being in prison. With nothing better to do, he took a page out of Levi’s book, starting to clean up the examination room before Hannes came to tell him he was being too noisy. He couldn’t help it. Sitting still was not his forte.

The hours between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm dragged on. The last hour the worst as anxiety gnawed at Eren’s stomach and he worried his lip until it bled. Everytime he glanced at the clock it seemed to mock him by having moved a minute or two at the time. Levi had to be home by now. He’d have gotten home and seen Eren wasn’t there. He would have been cranky “the brat” had disobeyed him... or maybe he was relieved to come home and find the man who’d thrown his life into chaos gone. Having someone to care about was hard enough, let alone the extra worry given it was his mate who’d spent the past few days surrounded by god only knows what. What if Levi had found someone better in their time apart? What if he’d slept with someone? They weren’t exactly dating, so Eren didn’t have the right to be mad if he did... even if Levi said he didn’t sleep around, alcohol seemed to lower the man’s defences... and hell, Levi was so good in bed... just thinking about Levi like that was enough to make him slick, then whimper at the idea of someone else being beneath his alpha. Fucking anxiety fucking sucked...

*

Hannes accompanied Eren to Levi’s apartment. They kind of had a ready made cover story seeing Eren’s knee was currently stuffed and it kind of was work related. Knocking on the alpha’s door, Eren’s heart was hammering in his chest. He didn’t want Levi to start yelling, though he may just deserve it. He also feared seeing the alpha hurt seeing Levi was terrible at taking care of his own injuries after a fight.

Knocking again, Levi kept him waiting... Eren finding himself nearly in tears again. Knocking for a third time finally summoned the alpha from the depths of his apartment

“Fuck off, Hanji! I’m not in the fucking mood!”

Hearing Levi’s voice made Eren’s heart give a weird beat. For a moment the omega thought he’d be left out on in the hallway, until the door finally cracked open, Eren immediately stumbling forward to throw his arms around Levi, not entirely sure why, only that he wanted to hug him because he’d come home safely.

“What the shit?”

He’d take it. Forcing himself off Levi, Eren tried to smile. The short alpha wearing a very grumpy expression as he crossed his arms and scowled up at him. Not that he’d admit it, yet Levi seemed shorter than he remembered him being

“I’m so sorry. I had an accident and my phone’s been flat so I couldn’t let you know”

Levi’s gaze travelled downwards, narrowing as his gaze came to Eren’s knee

“What the fuck happened?!”

“Twisted my knee. I’ve been at Hannes’s, but it’s nothing really”

“Tch. Do you know how worried I was?”

Eren melted. He wanted to sweep Levi back into his arms, but the alpha had only just showered by the look of him

“I’m really sorry. Hannes has been monitoring me to make sure I don’t have a reaction to the medication... Can we come in?”

“It’s your fucking apartment too”

Thank god Levi was acting like himself. Sure, he was kind of sad the alpha hadn’t immediately let them in, but he’d come back from being with Rod unscathed

“Right... it’s really good to see you”

“Tch. Quit being emotional, it’s only been a few days. Come on in already, before you disturb the neighbours”

Limping his way into the apartment, Hannes followed as Eren made his way over to the sofa. Everywhere filled with Levi’s scent that washed over him like a welcome breeze on a hot day. In the kitchen, Levi immediately went to making tea, Eren smiling at the very Levi action

“How the shit did he manage to get into trouble the moment I left town?”

Eren pouted a little. He hadn’t meant for anything that’d happened to go down

“I...”

“I’m not asking you, I’m asking Hannes”

Hannes sighed, shooting Eren a glance that Eren failed to read

“He got arrested for possession. That’s how he busted his knee. They gave him alpha suppressants, so I’ve had him with me so I can monitor his condition”

Hannes was a dirty rotten traitor. Sure, he might have to explain to Levi what’d happened before the alpha went back to work, but couldn’t Hannes just let him have this?

“Shit!”

Dropping the tea canister, Levi stood there with tea leaves across the kitchen bench. Normally he’d be rushing to clean up the mess, but instead his eyes were firmly on Eren

“I... it’s not so bad. I’m on bail... at least they didn’t throw me back into holding until I see the magistrate”

“You fucking got arrested?!”

“At the garage. I guess I’m fired now”

Leaning against the bench, Levi pushed himself back as he dropped his head

“It was Rod, wasn’t it?”

Fuck. Levi getting into with Rod was the last thing they needed

“Probably... Look, it’s okay. The job there was only going to be temporary...”

Raising his head, Levi showed a rare fit of anger as he kicked the counter door

“Fuck the job. Hannes, will he be okay?”

“He had a pretty bad reaction, but the drugs seem to be out his system now. Given it was a high dose, I’d like him to stay with me for now”

Couldn’t Hannes ease him into all of this? Eren had no idea how he was going to ask Levi to come with them, but throwing everything at him wasn’t the right way to do things

“Hannes!”

“Don’t give me that. You know that I also want Levi to stay for the time being to make sure your hormones settle”

There should really be an age limit for sass. Eren had the sneaking suspicion that it being past “scotch o’clock” was making the doctor cranky. Shit, he was starting to blush simply looking at Levi. Stupid earlier thoughts coming to mind as Levi made him blush harder by asking

“Couldn’t he remain here?”

Hannes shook his head

“I’d like him where I have access to him immediately if something happens. He’s been given the wrong suppressants previously, yet that wasn’t during presentation. I’d also like to keep him in an environment without scent cancellers and monitor his changes”

Eren huffed. He was 27 not 7, or 17. Shouldn’t he have some say?

“I’m not a pet. And I would prefer to stay here”

“Brat, Hannes knows more about this than we do. If he says it’s necessary, then you should stay with him”

“But I want to stay with you!”

Oh. Fuck. Now he’d done it. Raising his voice, both sets of eyes were on him as he died a little internally. His selfishness talking, as he personally wanted to stay by Levi’s side and not just for Levi’s protection. Surprisingly Levi chuckled at his outburst, unsurprisingly, it brought tears to Eren’s eyes as his face burned. Shitty stupid dynamics... He was going to blame them until hell froze over. Hannes placed his hand on Eren’s leg, his tone softening

“Eren...”

“Forget it. I’m going to pack”

“We’re not done talking about this. I’m not...”

Nope. He’d embarrassed himself... again. Why did he have to keep making a total fool out of himself when Levi was in the room? Levi was never going to believe he was a Detective with the Paradis Narcotics Division even if Eren looked him dead in the eyes and told him the goddamn truth about why he was really in Shinganshima. He used to have underlinings. He used to handle cases. He used to handle goddamn briefings and even guest lectured once when meth was in its infancy stage on the island

“It’s alright, Hannes. I fucking get it”

Storming out the room, with his crutches and damn moon boot, his mood hardly conveyed how angry he was at himself. Keeping himself from slamming the bedroom door behind him, he felt all of 17 again. Levi’s scent seemed to follow him in. Sadness hung in the room, and the omega supposed he deserved that much as he sank onto the edge of what had been his bed.

How was he supposed to sort things out with Levi within two weeks?

Three months... they’d been in each other’s orbit for three months. How did explain things to Levi and not make it sound as if he’d spend three months playing the man? Hannes was his friend from his past. Levi had to place a heck of a lot trust in the beta not to be lying to him about the situation. Had Eren been in Levi’s shoes, he could easily see how the results had been faked to keep him close. But he liked him... as a person. He’d liked him before his body started reacting. The crass frankness so damn refreshing after so many lies and the creation of his carefully constructed facade. Now he was sitting in the room Levi had been kind enough to loan him... crying because he couldn’t have things his own way.

Levi came after him. Letting himself into the space, Eren’s face was buried in his hands. Men weren’t meant to fall apart and cry like this. That’s what pretty much every piece of media out there said. His mother used to tease him for showing his emotions, until one day his tears seemed to just dry up

“You okay, brat?”

“I think I’m in the middle of a mental breakdown or a tantrum. I can’t quite decide”

Sighing at him, Levi dropped himself down to sit next to him. Eren resisting the urge to lean into the warmth he knew he’d find in Levi

“Tch. It sounds to me like you’ve had a pretty shitty last few days”

“No where near as shitty as yours, I’m sure”

Being with Rod that long, Eren would have snapped and he knew it. Work was one thing, playing nice and being up close another thing entirely

“It’s over. That’s the main thing”

“Us or Rod?”

“Tch. You really do like to leap to the worst fucking conclusions”

That wasn’t an answer

“I’m sorry”

“Stop it. Now, talk to me. What happened with the medication?”

Telling Levi felt like crying wolf. It was done. No body had the ability to go back in time and change things, nor could they see the future. Mumbling, he wiped at his eyes

“You know the police use emergency suppressants when arresting someone considered violent...”

“Tch. For fuck’s sake. Have you had...”

“I haven’t had symptoms... I thought I was, but it was a bad reaction... You must have thought I was ignoring you”

Levi took a moment to reply. The alpha a master at stomach dropping pauses

“I did. I wasn’t too impressed to find you’d left”

Fuck. Levi’s tone didn’t hold any accusations, only a kind of melancholy that smacked Eren like a guilt train t the face

“I was going to, but... shit. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing... again”

“Sitting on your shitty bed having a cry?”

“There’s that. I kept wondering how you were and if Rod was using this chance to dispose of you now that he’d gotten rid of me”

“With the amount of money I made that fat fuck, his little pecker has never been harder”

Things couldn’t get much worse. Letting himself lean against Levi, Levi didn’t push him away. Eren indulging himself a little more as he kissed the alpha’s shoulder

“I’m... I don’t know why I did that... I’m... I’m really glad you’re safe”

And he sincerely meant that. Levi going missing in Marley would have been so easy to cover up and explain

“Don’t go getting too soft on me, brat. From what I hear, we’re both in the shit”

“I don’t know when I’m going before court. Hannes spoke on my behalf. The cops probably know I’m a shitty beta-omega”

“Rod probably knows too”

“Yeah. Fuck... I keep bringing shit to your doorstep”

“Hannes might be shitty, but he’s not shit. You shouldn’t talk about your friends like that”

Fucking Levi. Despite his low mood, Levi had him snorting with laughter

“This coming from the man who calls his best friends “Eyebrows” and “Shitty Foureyes””

Levi bumped him with his elbow, Eren nearly delirious at all the attention he was getting... really, his face couldn’t possibly feel any warmer at this stage. It had to be the onset of a fever or something

“I know what I’m talking about. Look. Hannes’s place is probably safer than here right now”

“I know that. But I didn’t want him involved like this. I can’t help but feel once Rod learns I’ve walked, shit is going to hit the fan. I don’t want you caught in it”

“Tch. You don’t have to worry about me. I can handle myself”

“I know. Blame the hormones... I’m sorry. I’m not going to make you leave your home for me. I’ll stay with Hannes like a good little omega”

Once again Levi hit him with another of those long pauses. The alpha turning his face away from him

“I’m not good at this shit... I don’t know why, but... I didn’t like you not being here when I got home. It just... shit... I’m not saying this shit right. Fucking hell”

Okay... That sounded suspiciously like caring

“You missed me?”

“Tch. Don’t get too full of yourself... but maybe something like that. Look. I don’t want to stay at Hannes’s but the bigger problem is if you get sick again. So... maybe... for a couple of fucking days, it wouldn’t be so fucking bad”

He didn’t want Levi walking into Hannes’s without being prepared

“His house is a mess and the bathroom has something growing in the corner of the shower. Kind of fucked my knee up so not really able to get that low to the ground”

Growling, the alpha pulled away. Levi running his finger through his short black hair, Eren swallowing hard at the casual kind of sexiness oozing off the alpha. Shit... Maybe he wasn’t just hot...

“Of course it fucking does. I don’t know what an alpha does. I didn’t know if I should go get you. Or if you’d been hurt. Or if you’d fucked off back to your apartment thinking you shouldn’t be here...I didn’t know if you were dead somewhere... Fuck, brat... just shut up and accept some fucking help for once”

Please for the love all things sacred don’t let Levi notice he was starting to slick. Or that the alpha’s scent was starting to change to something way too tempting. Swallowing nervously, Eren forced himself off the bed. Accepting help... It made him feel infinitely worse about the coming two weeks

“If you’re coming, you should probably pack”

“I’m already packed. I haven’t unpacked”

“Then... pack some more... I don’t know”

“Eren...”

“I’m not good at this help thing... and things have all gone to shit. Can I have a few moments alone?”

Levi sighed at him

“Alright. I’m a bit reluctant though. I wouldn’t be surprised if you tripped and attacked the furniture in your state”

“In my defence, I didn’t ask for a fucked knee”

“No. I’m not impressed by that at all”

How Eren wanted to confess then have Levi fix things, but he was in far too deep. Four days he’d been mostly okay, 5 minutes with Levi and he was back to being a mess

“That’s what happens when you put someone with my past in with a bunch of cops. I’m grateful I didn’t end up in a ditch. You should probably pack your work things... and the bed isn’t really the greatest. We’re staying in Phillip’s room and it hasn’t changed since he moved out to go to college”

“What size is the bed?”

Eren blinked, the realised it was a valid question seeing he’d practically insinuated they’d be sleeping in it together

“Queen. Thankfully”

“I’ll pack my own bedding. I don’t want to think about the amount of spoof lingering on those sheets”

“They’ve been washed...”

“I’m sure they have been. Fine. Pack your stuff. But you better call out if you need help”

Both of them knew he wouldn’t, still, Eren forced a strained smile as he answered. If living with Hannes failed to scare Levi away, then maybe nothing ever would?

“Yeah. Will do”

#undercover lover #undercoverlover #ashratherose #aot #snk #omegaverse

[riseofnightwing]

Blue Bird has a Broken Wing

Summary: Dick answer a call from bruce Wayne, his dad, who called needing his help in Gotham. It was  Justice League thing,normally not that easy, after all, they called Nightwing. But when he comes home, y/n who was waiting anxiously for his back, notices he’s not fine, dick is hurt and needs her. Will they assume their relationship who had Always existed but kept in secret in Exchange for being together in this rough time?

pairing: Dick Grayson x Reader

warnings: mention of smut, blood, fluff.

Notes: I wrote this imagine with  @boyy-wonder-grayson. She never let me stop, or think that i’m not capable. She writes amazing imagines, you should check it out on her tumblr.

- [2 p.m, TitansTower]  

The team was having lunch. Today Dick decided he would cook his “special food” that he used to do in Sundays, maybe Bruce Wayne not only taught fighting lesson but also cooking ones. You and Dick stared at each other during lunch, looks that would usually go unnoticed by some of titans. The truth is,the both of you had this “love at first sight” thing since the beginning, but for  many reasons you hid it. Maybe it was the fact that you both had been raised together, -you were 17 when you met and he was just turning 21-  or maybe it was the fact that the more people knowing about you two, the more chances it gave your enemies a chance to attack you,  because you’re each other’s weakness.  Dick wouldn’t bare seeing you hurt, just like you’d do everything to protect him. You two have spent many nights together; many secret  kisses were shared in the rooftops of Gotham, in batmobile, in Titans tower, in each other’s bedroom’s. He was your first, your one and only. 

Bruce could notice how much Dick would complain about sending you in  dangerous missions. Dawn and Hank had also noticed the times Dick would prepare coffee for you. They realized how careful and caring Dick was with you.  “Maybe it’s a bat family thing” they thought, but it definitely wasn’t. You were talking about Bruce, while  having lunch, the conversation was interrupted when  Dick’s cell phone rang; he immediately looked at Y/N. “Bruce” the screen showed. 

Dick left the table so he could talk with a little more privacy, after all Bruce’s calls were never to see how were you doing, it was more a “i need your help right now” type of call.

“Hey, Bruce, what’s up?” Dick said when he got to the balcony.

“Hey son, it’s a Justice League thing. We need your help, don’t bring Y/N or Jason, or any of the Titans. Only Nightwing is needed.” Bruce said in his particular dark tone. Dick understood  that he needed to talk to you about this mission in private. He knew that if it were you in this situation, he would like to know.

After lunch, once everyone went on their way, Dick looked at you nodding his head towards the bedrooms, he muttered a “need to talk to you”.  You went first, throwing the excuse that you needed to clean up your suit. A little later, Dick followed saying that he needed to train.

[3:40 p.m, Titans Tower, Dick’s bedroom]

“Hey love, what’s up? Was it Bruce in the phone?” You asked him and kissed himt, enjoying this little time alone.

“Yeah,  it was him. I needed to talk to you now because the League need me to go on a mission. Apparently it’s the Riddler again. According to Bruce’s words he's wreaking havoc in Gotham..” Dick took a deep breath “He asked me to go alone, I can’t take you or any of us, unfortunately” He looked down.

“Go D, they really need you. But please, be careful. It kills me to think about you getting hurt. Riddler is crazy. He can be pretty dangerous.” You told him with fear because you knew he needed to go, he could never ignore a call from Bruce. 

Dick gives you a hug and you can feel him breathing next to your hair. He loved the smell of your shampoo.

“Nightwing will be back in one piece baby.” He touched your forehead with his and kissed you, deeply. You couldn’t say you were okay with this, but you would pray for him to come back home safe. 

“I love you.” Dick said 

“I love you, D, come back to me fast. I’ll wait for you awake”, you answered looking into his eyes, those bright  brown eyes, they shined for you,and only you. 

. You were interrupted when Jason opened the door. To say the boy was crushing on you was an understatement.  Ever since Bruce adopted him, he had acted as your shadow practically. following you around and complimenting you after every mission. Teenage love you and Dick would say.  Sadly for jason you couldn't return the feelings. you'd been in love with Dick since day one, since you two were kids and you felt like that could never change.

You two had already separated from the hug. Dick hands were on his jeans pockets while you crossed them. Jason was confused as to why you were here. 

“What are you both doing here? We are all in the living room”  he inquired.

You wait for Dick to answer but he couldn't think of anything to say, so you answered instead.

“I was telling Dick that Bruce send him some files, about the mission he’s supposed to go to”, you answered because nothing more convincing came into your mind.

“Yeah, bro, i will be leaving for Gotham in 20 minutes.” Dick said with a half smile.

“Good luck in your mission Dickie”.  You left the bedroom and head into the living room.

When all of you were there, Dick appeared with his suitcase, jacket and phone.

You had left him a message:

“Call me when you get there, D, i’ll be waiting for you. Kick Riddler’s ass. Love ya, Blue Bird” 

He smiled to the screen and winked at you. Everyone wished Dick a good mission.You could only wait now, that and participate in the game that Hank had just started. But then you felt someone holding your arm.

“Hey Y/N, since Dick’s not here, do you want to train with me ?” Jason asked you

“Hey Jay, i’m having cramps today, i just want to ret maybe later, but thank you for the invitation” ,you said and left to your room.

[6 p.m, TitansTower]

Your phone rang and your screen lit up with the photo you took of Dick and yourself a few years ago. He was calling you.

“I’m sorry guys, I have to take this ” you said to the titans who were still playing in living room and head for the balcony. Hank and Dawn look to each other suspiciously. 

“Hey, love, how’s it going?” You asked Dick .

“I just arrived in Gotham, baby, i’m heading to the Wayne manor right now, we still have to discuss the plan before jumping into action. Everything is okay, the city is dark as ever but don't worry. I’ll be calling you when we’re done with him.” 

Dick said. You say goodbye to each other and you wait. Now the only thing you could do is wait

[11 p.m, Titans Tower]

When the game ended, you all stayed in the living room. Today San Francisco was quiet, so the titans didn’t have to go out. After all, even heroes needed to rest, right? 

Rachel was laying in the couch while Gar and Connor played their Xbox game. You and the old titans were sitting in the table and having some beers. But your head wasn’t here in the tower, it was in Gotham City, with Dick. He hadn’t call after your first talk earlier and you hoped everything was fine.

“Earth to Y/N , hello” Donna plays with you, and you all laughed.

“I’m sorry, Donn, I got lost in my thoughts, what were we talking about?” You asked, ashamed to be honest because you didn’t have idea about what they were talking. Hank was about to talk when you were interrupted by the main door opening and revealing a bloodied Nightwing, you got up hurriedly, instantly following to his side . All eyes were on Dick now. after all, he didn’t looked  good.

“Dick, are you okay?” You asked

“Yeah, i’m good” He told you with a  half smile, walking towards  the room. You knew he wasn’t okay, he was quiet and his hands were on his stomach.

“You’re sure, bro?” Hank asked

“Totally, I’ll be in my bedroom, i’ll be back here in a minute.” 

Dick said and left, right to his room. You knew he was lying, but maybe he was just tired. You would give him some space. He would come back in a minute, just like he said. At least that’s what you thought, thirty minutes and still nothing about Dick . Your face couldn’t lie even though you tried. Jason stopped the conversation to ask you:

“Why the long face, Y/N?”

“Dick hasn’t come back yet.” You answered. 

“Why are you worrying so much? It’s not like he never got hurt before.” Jason complained with a huff, he couldn’t hide how jealous he was about Dick. He Always seemed to have your attention and to him? Only hugs of brotherhood.

“Fuck off, Jason, you know nothing.” You stormed out of the living room going right into Dick’s bedroom. 

“Baby?” You asked , but the answer never came, so you looked to the floor to see drops of blood. “What the hell?” you ask yourself. You entered the bathroom and there was Dick, seating in the floor leaning on the wall. His hands were covered in blood because he was stopping the bloodstream that was coming from his stomach. He wasn’t awake anymore, It made you panic. “Baby, wake up” you shake his face. No answer

“HANK! HANK, IT’S DICK, PLEASE HELP ME” you yelled, you were crying now, Dick wasn’t fine, it wasn’t a simple bruise, it was deeper.

Hank appeared in the bath in like 5 seconds.

“Fuck. This dumbass loves a dramatic entrance, doesn’t he?” he said annoyed.

“Help me to take him to infirmary, Hank, please, fast.” you begged.

Donna came in after hearing all the commotion “What’s happening? Dick told us he was fine” She asked, and all the titans were in the door. Gar helped Hank and told him that it’s okay, they will take him to the infirmary room.

When you got there, they laid Dick in the hospital bed and administered morphine in his veins. He should be going through a lot of pain.

Kory entered the room- “What’s going on with him?” She was out with some tamaranean friend, you everyone thought they had something. Who knows. 

“He was in Gotham, in a mission and he came back like this, we’re giving pain medication and antibiotics, Y/N already cleaned the cut and sutured it. Hank said.

Dick was sleeping now, medicated, he should be awake in a few hours, but you wouldn’t leave him.

“I’ll be staying here with him.” you said firmly.

“You should sleep, we have a mission tomorrow, Y/N” Jason said.

“I’m sure the people of san Francisco will be fine with just us Jason, don’t be such a pain in the ass” Donna said and winked at you. Donna has always known, deep in her heart, about you two, but choose not to tell anythig.  They left and you sat in the chair close to the bed and waited, you just couldn’t leave his side.

“Look at us, we are such good actors because i don’t understand how can i hide from everyone that you’re mine, that you’ve been mine since ever and that i love you. I just don’t know how we spent all this time sleeping apart.”

 He caressed the skin of your legs and kissed your neck from behind while you two were laid down in your bed in the Wayne Manor. You and him were in Gotham to help Bruce. He had escaped his room to be with you. And now you were there, naked, covered by a tiny blanket, talking about this”

“I don’t wanna put you in danger, D, but at the same time i want to hold your hand and kiss you without hiding.” 

You remembered. Then you feel him touching your hand. He was finally awake.

“Hey baby, it looks like i’m not that good, i’m sorry” Dick said with a weak voice.

“D, i was so worried. Why didn’t you tell us you were really hurt? You almost killed me, there was a lot a blood and i thought..” you cried.

He interrupted you by taking your face into  his hands and kissed you deeply, he was fine and with you, this is all that mattered now.

“Sleep here with me, please.” He asked you, you thought about your secret relationship, and how no one knew, but seeing Dick so weak and bruised you just thought “screw it” it was time for them to know.

Days passed by and Dick was much better, the first days were hard because  the wound was big, but he is the strongest person you know. You were by his side at all times, Jason didn't like it one bit,he was jealous 100% of the time but he would understand why you took care of Dick. You’ve done it many times in the past. You and Dick had decided to tell them during lunch.

“Guys, I need to talk to you .” You said, looking at each one of them. You were sitting on  Dick’s side  and he grabbed your hand. Jason’s face turned dark. He didn't like where this was going.

“Dick and I are together.” You take a deep breath “It was hard to keep it a secret but we needed, for many reasons, but what happened to him these days made me realize that i almost lost him, and i just couldn’t keep you guys in the dark” you said, “i guess you noticed how crazy i got when i saw him in the bathroom covered in blood” you added.

“I knew it, I always knew it, since Y/N came in Wayne Manor i noticed Dick had  changed, for good. But you guys never really said it out loud so i ignored, but the day you were wounded, Dick, she was panicking, keep her, bro, she loves you” Donna said smiling at both of you.

“Jaybird, I’m sorry, bro, we didn’t force it, it just happen” Dick smiled talking to Jason.

“If you love each other i’m good with this, really. I wish you all the happiness in the world. But you’re still the prettiest one, Y/N” Jason said and laugh

“Hey, careful” Dick says and you all laugh. You were happy because after all, the day ended up in a good way.

#dick grayson #dick grayson x reader #dick grayson x y/n #dick grayson imagines #bruce wayne #dick grayson x you #dc nightwing #nightwing #nightwing x reader #nightwingimagines #batfamily #batboys #dc titans #titans #batman #robin #jason todd #redhood

[snowbellewells]

Self-Promo Sunday: “Under the Weather”

This is just a little post-Neverland one-shot, taking place sometime after they've returned to Storybrooke with Henry. Pan's gone, and there is no second curse. It was probably originally inspired (some years ago) by cold January weather and my wondering how Hook manages to keep warm and not get sick on a freezing cold old ship. And cold January weather brought it back to mind today to dig out for Self-Promo Sunday. Anyway, pretty sweet and fluffy, I'll admit it, but I still hope you enjoy - even all these years later and after how much closer our pirate and princess became...

"Under the Weather"

By: @snowbellewells​

Also available on ff.net or AO3

If anyone had asked her, Emma Swan couldn't have explained why she felt the sudden prickling of concern in the back of her mind, nor the unexpected, pressing need to make sure he was alright. Shaking her head at the sheer ridiculousness of the idea, she had fought against her impulses all day. She had busied herself with paperwork and answered calls about power outages and other inconveniences that came with the cold, wintry Maine weather, but there weren't enough jobs by early afternoon to keep her mind from wandering back to him and her eyes from every so often floating up to check the clock.

David knew something was bothering her; Emma could feel her father's eyes studying her for clues to her agitation. However, he was also wise enough to bite his tongue and not ask questions. She wanted to tell him to go on home to Snow, and she would finish up. Yet she didn't, knowing that would only make him more curious. Resolutely, stubbornly, she kept finding any bit of busy work she could lay her hands on to stop the disconcerting waves of concern for him that were now rolling through her at regular intervals.

'He's a 300-year-old pirate captain, for Heaven's sake!' her mind berated her seeming irrationality. 'He can certainly take care of himself in a sleepy little town. What in the world could he need you for? You haven't had word of any kind of trouble…' Still, while all of these arguments made perfect, reasonable sense, Emma found they didn't soothe her unease in the slightest.

When the clock finally struck five, David stood casually, announcing that since they weren't busy he was going to head home and help Snow with supper, if Emma didn't need anything. Emma shook her head 'no' with a small smile, thanking him and saying she would see him shortly.

"You're sure I can't do anything else to help before I leave?" her father asked sincerely, again looking at her so closely that Emma knew he was trying to divine her thoughts.

"Positive," she reiterated with a definite nod, giving him a playful smirk and waving him out the door. "I'll call if anything comes up, but I should be right behind you in an hour or so."

Once her father had left her to her own devices, Emma tossed the case files she had been pretending to read across the surface of her desk and gave up all pretense of working. Standing up and beginning to pace, she at last admitted to herself that the worry swirling inside her for Hook was not going away – in fact, it was only growing stronger. Taking one last glance around the interior of the station, she realized that she wasn't going to get anything else done, and she wouldn't have any peace until she put her awful hunch to rest. Hook was going to tease her mercilessly about her concern for him, but apparently she was going to have to live with that. The fact that he tended to haunt her steps and turn up anywhere she might be, made it especially disconcerting that she hadn't seen or heard from him in three days. At least, she was telling herself that was all it was.

She grabbed her jacket, hit the lights, locked up, and was headed for her car before she could fight with herself any longer. Parking the bug at the docks, Emma stepped out, straightened her clothes, and steeled her nerves before striding purposefully to the spot at the far end where the Jolly Roger had been anchored since their return from Neverland. Normally, the Captain was so alert and aware that the moment he heard anyone nearing his ship he would have already been standing on deck looking down in challenge, but Emma didn't see any sign of him.

Walking up the gangplank, she let her boots stomp and echo loudly; giving him fair warning that she was coming aboard and expecting him to appear any minute with an "Oi! Who goes there?" and brandished sword, but she was greeted with nothing but silence. Finding her footing on the familiar wooden deck, Emma actually experienced a strange sense of welcome reunion. Since they weren't hiding from Pan and Henry was safe, it was actually nice to be on the sturdy ship once more. She could have really grown to like the adventure and thrill of sailing, if the situation had been different and her son hadn't been in danger. She didn't linger in her nostalgic thoughts for long though. Trailing a gloved hand fondly along the ship's side, she moved toward the open door of the stairway which led below decks. Poking her head in, she tried calling out, "Hook?! Are you here?"

Again she got no response, so tamping down the feeling of trespass, she entered the darkness of the stairwell and stepped lower, growing more concerned all the time. 'Where had the insufferable idiot gotten to? And even more disturbing, why did she care?'

Remembering the lower level of the ship from their time in Neverland, she found her way down the hallway with a guiding hand along the wall, even though evening dusk was closing in and none of the hanging lanterns were lit. She passed the crew quarters that the rest of them had stayed in and didn't stop until she reached the room at the furthest end of the ship – the Captain's quarters. Pausing for a second, she drew in a quick, tight breath and then rapped her knuckles on the door. "If you're in there, Pirate, you'd better answer me," she warned, before adding with wry humor, "and I hope you're decent, because I'm coming in."

Whatever she had been expecting, the sight that met Emma's eyes when she entered Hook's chamber was not it. He was there, but the laughter that had been about to erupt at bursting in and catching him by surprise died in her throat when she got her first good look at him.

He was curled up in his bunk, even though it was barely 5:30, and he looked dead to the world, completely unaware of her presence despite all her yelling and stomping around. Even from across the room, she could see those unfairly long, gorgeous eyelashes flutter fitfully as he hovered not-quite-asleep, not-quite-awake, and he rolled from his side to his back with a pitiful, low groan.

"Hook?" she questioned worriedly, her voice small as she walked toward him, already stretching out a hand hesitantly. Once she got close enough to touch him, she nearly jerked back on contact; his skin was burning with fever under her fingertips. Emma gasped in surprise and leaned in closer, now truly concerned that he wasn't responding to her. She swiped her hand up his sculpted cheekbone to brush under the fringe of his dark hair and feel his forehead, equally hot and clammy from dried sweat.

It might have been the cool feeling of her hand on his flushed skin, but those stunning blue eyes, looking much more bleary and unfocused than usual, finally forced their way open to gaze at her in confusion. "Swan?" he mumbled, his voice sounding ragged and raw, probably from coughing, she realized sympathetically, "What are you…? Am I dreaming?"

She shook her head, smoothing his damp hair back and trying to calm her heart, which was now fluttering erratically at seeing him so vulnerable. "No, I'm here, Hook….I…" she hesitated, feeling that maybe she was giving too much away, "I just had a feeling…that something was wrong…that you needed help."

Hook started to smirk at her and, she was sure, offer some sort of smug comment on her admission, but he was shaken by violent tremors just then, shivering uncontrollably and a gruff sort of moan escaped against his will instead.

Her heart went out to him. Emma had honestly never pictured the man getting ill; he had survived a violent amputation, the Dark One's hand squeezing his heart, the rough, dangerous adventures of a pirate, and centuries of life in more than one realm. She would almost want to tease him for being felled by something as simple as the flu – if she weren't so concerned at the condition she found him in. She couldn't help wondering how long he had been lying there like that. Had he taken too much of a chill before she even arrived? What would have happened if she hadn't felt so compelled to come looking for him?

Reaching her other hand out in an effort to take his good one, Emma heard Hook's breath wheeze disturbingly as his mouth fell open, obviously trying to get a deeper breath through what must be badly congested lungs. "We'll be lucky if you haven't holed up in this drafty old boat and let your flu turn into bronchitis, Buddy," she chided him.

He tried to chuckle good naturedly, she could tell, but it became a wracking fit of coughs that made him clutch at his ribs and squeeze her hand in his, as if for reassurance that she was still there. "Hang in there," she whispered, squeezing back. "You're going to be okay." He barely nodded, but then his eyes fluttered closed and he didn't respond to her anymore. His loud, openmouthed, stuffy breathing let her know not to be alarmed, but Emma took the chance to look away from him and glance around the cabin.

There was a fireplace, but he had obviously not even felt strong enough to get up and tend it, as it had sunk to embers and was about to go out. She felt her own teeth nearly chattering it was so chilly in the room. He should probably be taken to someone's house – or to the hospital – but she didn't think she could move him alone, or that he was going to be able to stand and help her much.

Forcing herself to clear her head and draw in a deep, steadying breath, Emma tried to focus on one problem at a time. She pulled her hand from his clasp, and then patted his arm gently as if to reassure him she would only be a minute, though he made no movement and seemed out of it again. Stepping to the other side of the room, Emma took the poker from the mantle and stoked the fire until the embers flickered to a bit more life and then added a couple new logs. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure he wasn't looking, and then began to rummage carefully through the heavy old trunk she spotted in the corner until she found a few more blankets than the single one that Hook was already using – which must have already been on the bed. He was obviously sweating and feverish, but she knew that he was still chilled and needed to stay covered.

Coming back to his bedside, she sat tentatively on the edge of his bunk, just next to his hips and gently spread both blankets over his inert form, tucking them in with a level of care and concern that bewildered, frightened, and warmed her all at once. Hook didn't even open his eyes, but let out a breathy sigh and murmured in a voice even lower and rougher than usual, "Emma…you came…"

Her name on his lips with such pure and simple affection stilled her motions and she froze for a moment, hands hovering over him as if she had forgotten how to move. Blinking, Emma came back out of her trance and stood again, looking around to see that the fire was crackling and the room was already less cold. With a nod of approval to herself, she quickly escaped above deck for a moment.

She knew her first call should be her parents, to let them know she wouldn't be coming for supper after all. However, she dreaded explaining to her suspicious, overprotective father why she had felt the need to check on Captain Hook and now didn't want to leave him sick and alone. So she put it off by calling Ruby first, knowing the other woman was about to get off work at the diner and asking her to pick up some orange juice, bottled water, cough syrup, and Kleenexes, and bring them to the Jolly, promising she would explain when Ruby arrived. Then, once she couldn't put it off any longer, Emma was relieved to get Snow on her parents' phone. Her mother actually seemed concerned about the Captain as well and wanted to help, but Emma managed to dissuade her – for reasons she didn't even want to study too carefully. She informed her mother she would be back in the morning, once she made sure Hook had some fluids in him and his fever had broken, and they ended the call.

She paced on the deck until she saw Ruby striding down the dock – sashaying was more like it. The female wolf had a sort of wild grace even in her human form that Emma wasn't ashamed to admit she envied. Emma gave Snow's best friend a wave, and Ruby grinned widely, holding up the bag of requested items. Emma thanked her, explained what was going on, paid Ruby, and tried not to dwell on how anxious she was to get back to Hook and make sure he wasn't any worse.

"You've got it bad and don't even know yet," Ruby murmured, eyes twinkling mischievously at Emma.

Emma felt her hackles rise as she shot back defensively, "What are you talking about?"

Ruby just raised an eyebrow at Emma, giving her a look that said she might be fooling herself, but it was right there for anyone else to see. "You can't lie to someone with a canine sense of smell," Ruby smirked teasingly. "The pheromones are literally rolling off of you in waves. Not that I blame you…" she paused, licking her lips almost predatorily, "…that swagger, those eyes, and all that leather…"

Emma snorted indelicately, rolling her eyes at the waitress' antics and turning Ruby to give her a push towards the gangplank. "You're crazy!" she added, laughing even as her pulse raced with the truth and she hoped the other woman couldn't sense that too.

"Whatever you need to tell yourself, Sheriff," Ruby called back as she sidled off with a wave. "I'll let you go…for now. But I want details later." She turned once to wink at Emma, then she was gone, her chuckling at Emma's expense fading behind her.

Once Ruby had left, Emma redirected her steps below; trying to wipe her mind clean of the werewolf's teasing and her heart's whispering that was true. She stepped back into Hook's cabin, eyes immediately drawn to him across the room as she rooted through the bag to pull out the medicine and a bottle of water. She moved closer, only to see that he was shaking, teeth chattering, limbs shuddering enough that the blankets were sliding off him. His eyes were no longer closed, and they rolled up to meet hers weakly as he coughed harshly, sounding as though it raked his chest raw. "No need to gawk at me, Emma love, it's embarrassing enough having you here when I'm like this." He didn't get any more out though as the effort of speaking set off another coughing fit. Trembling, he suddenly wouldn't look her in the eyes.

She took pity on his pride and leaned in to help him sit, offering the plastic cup of cough syrup.

Hook wrinkled his nose, looking at it doubtfully for a moment, then glanced to her, "What is this, Lass?"

"Medicine, you stubborn pirate," she laughed, shaking her head at his hesitation and holding it out to him again. "Come on, I'm trying to help. We need to get some liquids in you."

He held out his hand to take the cup from her, but his fingers trembled so badly that Emma could see he was going to spill it all if he did. With a sigh, she brought it to his lips instead, tilting it so he could swallow, and gasped slightly, feeling a tingling sensation run through her hand as her knuckle brushed his chin. Their eyes locked together at the shock of the contact and neither moved until he shivered violently again, the shakes actually rattling his teeth and jerking them from the strange sort of reverie they had entered.

"Go on, Beautiful," he grit out, lying back as comfortably as he could manage and averting his eyes, "can't have you getting sick too. I'll survive. It will not be the first time in 300 years that I've been ill."

Something about the way he said those words and the look in his eyes stopped Emma cold. Her insides squeezed painfully at the thought of him suffering like this before with no one to rely on or even care if he recovered or not. That realization alone made her more determined than ever to take care of him, despite him being too proud to ask for help or want to trouble her. She shook her head, leaning with him as he tried to back away from her. "Nope, sorry, Hook. You're stuck with me." She held out the water bottle next. "Here, drink up."

His eyes narrowed, and he tried to growl at her, but the menacing effect was ruined by his raw throat and how pathetic it ended up sounding. "I'm not an infant, Swan." He grumbled a bit more, but drank about half the bottle with her holding it for him, before he stopped with a short sigh of frustration. "Go on. You must have better things to do, and I don't wish to impose."

"Really?" she shot back at him, arching a brow at his attitude, but not put off by it for a second. It was scary how alike they were; she could tell he detested looking vulnerable in front of her, or anyone. If she was honest with herself, she probably acted the same way anytime she was sick. "Stop being such a baby, Hook," she added, kicking her boots off and hanging her coat over his desk chair, "and slide over."

She nearly laughed out loud at his startled expression, and his confused, "Swan? What are you on about?"

"You're sick. You're cold. You need someone to look after you. I'm the only one here, so I'm not leaving. However, I'm tired, and it's chilly, so scoot over."

For a second, she thought he was going to fight her, and she wasn't sure if he was embarrassed, worried she would get sick, or if he truly was – despite all his innuendo – the gentleman he had always claimed to be. A round of chills and coughing gripped him again though, and once his head dropped to the pillow once more in defeat, she knew she had won. "Scoot," she ordered again, lifting the covers to crawl in next to him once he did.

So close to him, Emma realized how clammy and chilled Hook truly was. He had felt like he was burning up earlier, but the shivers would be hard to miss, curled up next to him as she was. To her amusement, as reluctant as he had seemed moments before, Hook was now pulling her closer. "You're so warm, Emma," he murmured, his arm coming to rest across her middle and shooting heat through her veins.

"You're a little bit out of your head right now, aren't you?" she teased him, still genuinely concerned, but also touched at the fact that he had allowed her comfort, feeling needed and wanted right where she was. Without thinking, or stopping to second guess what her hand did instinctively, she began to lightly stroke her fingers through his coarse, black hair, sifting it soothingly and watching as his breathing smoothed out and his forehead came to rest in the crook of her neck. It gave her an adorable little thrill in her stomach at the sight of him looking so young and unguarded, as if his burdens had lifted away.

"Emma," he murmured out under his breath, and neither the scratchiness nor the softness could mask the gentle affection in his voice.

Her heart stuttered, wondering what he was thinking as he whispered her name in his sleep. For a second, she wanted to panic and bolt, but then she realized how lovely the moment actually was. She could honestly lie right there with him and never want to move away. Occasionally, a small little tremor still ran through him, but they seemed to finally be lessening. She smirked wryly to herself, knowing that if she was smart, she would be out of his bed by morning, before he woke up feeling better and ready to plague her mercilessly for all of this. She lightly traced her hand in circles on his back, hoping he was warm enough and that she had gotten enough medicine down his throat.

Shaking her head, Emma chuckled at the way he had curled himself around her protectively, smiling in his sleep unawares. She felt her own eyelids growing heavy, and the thoughts that had troubled and distracted her all day simply floated out of her mind. She was almost grateful she had the excuse to be so close to him and hold him; she would never have done it otherwise. Defining this could wait; she was going to enjoy the moment while it lasted.

Tenderly, she tilted her head just a bit to place a light little kiss to his forehead, amazed at how beautifully at peace he looked in sleep, then cuddled deeper into their embrace. Deciding just this once not to be in control, but simply to feel, she allowed her eyes to close and followed her pirate's lead, drifting off to sleep at his side.

(I was originally so flattered that "Under the Weather" received so many nice reviews, that though I really only had that one-shot in mind, the requests for the next morning caused me to re-think and come up with this. After all, good reviews are nearly as irresistible as Killian Jones' smile. It's (again) pretty sweet and fluffy...)

Epilogue: The Next Morning

Rays of warm, golden sunlight filtered into his cabin, tickling Killian Jones' face and waking him groggily from sleep. He yawned, intending to roll over and go back to sleep, when he froze, his movement arrested in shocked surprise at discovering that he was not alone in his bunk. He stiffened, years of being on guard and ready for attack taking over unconsciously as he turned his head tentatively to the side. Despite the lingering stuffiness and congestion in his head and the weak sensation in his limbs, he was pirate enough to have already reached for the cutlass he had stowed at his other side before lying down the night before, tucked hidden between the edge of the bunk and the wall. However, the vision that greeted his eyes stilled his actions and stole his very breath.

Emma Swan was curled up next to him, actually cuddled into his side, her long, blonde tresses arrayed across the pillow with the sunlight glancing off them in a glowing halo. She let out a sweet little sigh and nuzzled her face into his shoulder, bringing her hand to rest unknowingly on his chest. There was a look of such peace on her face, that he had never seen her wear in waking hours, and it completely enchanted him.

Killian knew without a doubt that if he woke her, she would run – shut him out again, pick up her cares once more, and reinforce her walls. It pained him, but he knew it to be true, as surely as he breathed. He wanted desperately, more than he had any right to hope, for her to stay. Emma had come to him, cared for him, when he was ill and alone, and it had kindled a longing in him that she would trust him enough to stay always. From the moment he had met her, with her fiery eyes and stony determination, a modern woman out of her element in the Enchanted Forest, he had been drawn to her as strongly as had been pulling away from him. She didn't want to be abandoned as she had been before, so she had made sure to leave him first. He had been following her ever since. Her turning up last night changed the game. Suddenly, he was not the only one who cared.

Emma's brow furrowed in her sleep, as if something in her dreams troubled her, and hoping to soothe her, Killian reached over to brush a finger across her cheek, feather light, then smoothed the crinkled skin between her eyes. He was hoping to ease her back into quiet slumber, not wanting her to wake, or for this dream to end. It was as if he had wakened into a serene moment of refuge from the world that had been nothing but a bitter storm of hate and cruelty for as long as he could remember – until she entered it.

Her lovely face smoothed again, and she mumbled sleepily, a tiny smile quirking one corner of her perfect, tempting mouth. She practically hummed the word that he leaned in to hear. "Killian…" she whispered, her tone sounding so warm and happy caressing his given name that he could not help but smile and long for the day when she might speak it to him with that much affection while awake.

It didn't matter that his throat was still raw and he would kill for a drink. He tried to stifle the need to cough, for fear it would jostle the golden-haired angel who had now rolled over to face him and twined her legs with his as surely as she had twined her grasp around his heart. He hardly dared to breathe, much less move, but he was still staggered by how much better he felt just being able to clumsily sift his calloused fingers through the strands of her silky mane.

Sunlight might have been pouring in to wake them, but he was going to ignore it for the chance to have this incredible, broken, infuriating woman in his arms as long as her possibly could. "I love you, Emma lass," he whispered hoarsely under his breath, placing a kiss to her temple. Then he closed his eyes, not sure if he could actually manage sleep with her so near, but needing to savor this moment. So gently it was almost imperceptible, he cradled her even closer to the warmth of his body, glad he had woken to find her still there.

Someday, he did desire to wake her with languid kisses trailing down her neck and along her collarbone, whispering endearments before either keeping her in his bed all day to love her as she deserved or venturing out to fetch her breakfast and talk to her and she readied for a new morn. Yet he knew that day had not yet come. He would not rush her. Instead, he would celebrate the step she had taken in allowing him to know of her concern for his well-being. He would hold her close enough to memorize and treasure the feeling – in all probability, she would fight its happening again anytime soon – and be glad she had given him reason to hope. Killian touched one flaxen strand of her hair, twirled it around his finger for a moment, and then tucked it behind her ear. "I can wait as long as you need, Emma," he whispering fervently. "I have all the time in the world."

Tagging a few who may enjoy (or did before): @effulgentcolors​ @let-it-raines​ @spartanguard​ @kmomof4​ @jennjenn615​ @teamhook​ @revanmeetra87​ @winterbaby89​ @resident-of-storybrooke​ @thislassishooked​ @laschatzi​ @whimsicallyenchantedrose​ @searchingwardrobes​ @hollyethecurious​ @sherlockianwhovian​ @killian-whump​ @thisonesatellite​ @profdanglaisstuff​ @shireness-says​ @snidgetsafan​ 

#self promo sunday ff #cs canon divergent #post 3a ouat ff #sick! killian #flustered worried Emma #cs ff #cs two shot

[kiwispideys]

Puddles (Peter Parker X Reader)

 A/N: Hi all! I hope you all are having a great day! Sorry I haven’t written in so long, as I get older I have more school-work, exams and other priorities over writing. I’ve had all my main exams this month and my holidays are coming soon so I’ll hopefully have more time and inspo to write.

note: REQUESTS ARE OPEN!

I DON’T DO SMUT!!! IF YOU’RE NOT SURE OF A CELEB / FANDOM JUST ASK ;)

Summary: In an alternate universe, maybe it was supposed to work...

Peter was late. He was always late, but this time he had an exam that started 15minutes ago. He could already tell it was going to be a bad day today. He'd already stopped 5 guys on his morning patrol, he'd forgotten his lunch, it was pouring with rain in Queens. And even worse, it was the anniversary of your death.

He'd almost made it to school when he tripped just before a puddle and fell in it. Only, he didn't hit the ground... He fell straight through it.

He heard a faint, "Catch him!" before he passed out again.

Peter awoke to a soft surface underneath him and a lot of loud talking around him. Although he figured his spidey-sense made it louder than it really was. It also told him no danger was around but he figured he'd stay still until he knew whether it was completely safe to get up. There were a lot of people in the room, and they were arguing over something.

"He's supposed to be dead here. What are we going to do about it and get him back to his reality." A deep yet familiar voice spoke.

My reality? Peter thought.

"Should we let dumbass over here figure that one out? She was the one who got him here." Another male voice scoffed, it was Sam. Although everything in the room was too loud for him to concentrate.

"It wasn’t even my idea in the first place, it was yours, Sam. I know it’s been a year but none of us know my capabilities since last time.” A female voice spoke. Hearing it in normal conversation for the first time in what felt like forever was amazing, but was he dead? Maybe he'd been really badly drugged up and this was all in his head. After all, you were dead. 

"Guys, he’s stable again." Peter recognised this voice as well now, it was Dr Banner. He took this as his cue to sit up and slowly opened his eyes. As his eyes got used to the bright lights, he could see you clear as day. 

You seemed to acknowledge this as you said, “I’m leaving now.” as you turned to leave.

Sam grabbed your arm. “No, you’re not.”

You scowled at him and went to say something but Sam interrupted you.

“He’ll listen to you.” He said. “You know that.”

“He’s right Y/N, I know it’s hard for you to see him again but it’s hard for him too. Remember you’re both dead and without powers in each other's universes.” Bruce explained.

“So there is a multiverse?” Peter asked sitting up.

You looked at him in a way he’d seen many times before. All you wanted to do was break down, and all he wanted to do was give you a big hug and let you cry on his shoulder. But instead, you sighed and nodded. “Yeah Peter, there is a multi-verse.”

So after a long conversation between you and Peter, he understood the multiverse a bit more... although you didn’t seem to know that much about it either. That led onto the conversation about each other's powers. Your reaction was quite similar to Aunt May’s and asked a lot of questions like Ned had but quickly understood, which meant you were quite close with his replica. Whereas for him it was harder to understand considering you didn’t know what your official powers were. So instead you just listed what you could do, most of them had something to do with manipulating water but you didn’t know what the effects some of your current actions had. For example the “puddle portals”, as you called them. He suggested falling through one of your puddle portals again but you had no guarantee of what universe he’d go to, so Peter was stuck.

So in order for Peter to take that in, you left him alone... for days. Until one late Friday evening, Peter was laying on his bed of the Avenger’s facility and you silently came in and sat on his bed with your back facing him.

“Are you alright?” Peter asked.

“Can I lay with you?” You said. “Like, only if it’s okay with you... I mean I wouldn’t just have a random idea to just come to cuddle you cause I’m feeling sad cause I miss you even though you’re right here but you’re not right here. But now I kinda regret it cause you probably didn’t even know me in your universe.” You rambled at speeds people who weren’t used to it probably couldn’t understand. But Peter understood every word.

“Y/N.” He spoke clearly, causing you to stop. “It’s okay. I was missing you too.” You gave him a small and shy smile and lay down next to him. He lay his arm around your shoulder as you cuddled into his side and the room went silent again. It wasn’t an awkward silence though, it was a nice silence. It felt normal. The whole situation felt normal.

Although after a while, you broke the silence once more.

“Did you love me? Like your me?” You said quickly.

Peter paused for a moment. Did he love you?

“I think so... I felt like I could be normal around you no matter what. No matter what weird subject it was about whether it be school, Star Wars, Spider-Man stuff,  I always trusted you and felt safe around you. Although you reacted a bit more violently when you found out I was Spider-Man.” He chuckled a little as he recalled the memory. “You screamed and yelled. You even threw some science books at me and hit me a few times. But you soon realised that I was hurt and immediately helped me and apologised afterwards. But I knew the reaction was only because you cared about me and didn’t want me to get hurt.” Peter sighed. “I always wanted you to be happy, even if I wasn’t the cause of it. We were rocky at times, especially cause of the whole Spider-man thing and I also wanted to keep you safe as being with you only put you in danger. But then we broke up and then you did get in danger and...” Peter didn’t finish his sentence as he recalled your death.

“I’m sorry.” You mumbled, starting to draw small shapes onto his ribs. Something his version of you would do.

“It’s okay, I’ve learned to deal with it better now and I just have to keep reminding myself it wasn’t my fault... even if it does feel like it sometimes.”

“I wish I could do that. But it was literally my fault you died.” You paused for a moment contemplating whether to continue on with the story but did so anyway. “It was a Sunday morning... We were here, at the Avengers facility and  I was overwhelmed from school and the pressure to like be a hero for everyone. I was ranting to you and my powers were slowly building up and you tried to warn me about it as you knew I don’t have very much control over them. Eventually, you yelled at me to get my attention and I snapped.” You paused for a moment as you tried to regain your emotions and wiped the tears from your face. “I never meant to do it. But I blasted you with a whole bunch of water as I turned to face you and it threw you back towards the wall. Due to the heaviness of the blast and the fact that you happened to hit your head on the right angle they had to put you into a coma due to head trauma. You never really recovered despite everything we tried, so May made the decision to pull you off life support and... yeah.”

Peter was silent. He didn’t know what to say, but he just held you and rubbed his hand up and down your arm trying to reassure you.

“Hey, you're going to be crying puddles in a minute if you keep crying.” He joked, causing you to laugh through your sniffles and wipe the tears away once more.

“I made Bruce design this bracelet for me that would make my powers non-existent unless I take it off.” You say showing him. “But obviously it’s not working.”

Peter chuckled a little, causing you to do the same. 

“I think that your Peter would know that you did it on accident, and you did the right thing anyway, taking me off the life support. It probably caused me less pain than being on it anyways.” Peter spoke, trying to reassure you as much as possible.

“Can I hug you? Like I know we’re kinda cuddling right now but you would always hug me when I was upset.” You said, sitting up.

“Yeah sure,” Peter replied, slowly getting up from the bed with you shortly following.

So for the next couple of minutes, the two of you stood in Peter’s room just enjoying each other's presence as you hugged one-another. But after a while, Peter could feel his shirt start to get wet. You were crying into his shoulder.

“You alright?” He asked. You wiggled out of his embrace and gently placed your hands on his chest. You sighed, whatever you were about to say was hard, he could tell.

“Goodbye Pete.” You said, before forcefully pushing Peter away from you. Causing him to fall back into a puddle portal before passing out once more.

#tom holland #tom holland imagines #tom holland imagine #tom holland fanfiction #peter parker #peter parker imagine #peter parker imagines #fan fiction #spiderman #spiderman imagines

[xladyxfatex]

Chapter Ten

~*5 year time skip*~

It had been five years since Jessica had last seen Alesiter, four years since they last spoke on the phone and three years since she had gotten her last letter. She had kept trying to reach out on several occasions but decided  it was just best if she stopped, seeing as Alesiter hadn't responded to any of her letters. But she did still wear her necklace, it was the one promise to Aleister that she was going to keep no matter what. Now a 13 year old freshman, alongside her brother Jeff whom was 15 and Matt 17, High school was a whole new ball game. Jessica started taking more after Jeff in the way she dressed and was eventually able to convince him to dye her hair like his. Which went more along the lines of.

“ Well Jeff if you don’t do it for me, I’ll just have to do it myself and since I’ve never done this, who knows what it’ll look like or the mess I’ll make.”

Yup that was how she went from beautiful strawberry blonde hair, to its current colors of purple, with pink tips. She dressed like him too, well as close as she could get. Instead of dressing like the other girls, in skirts, and tight clothes, Jessica went for baggier, skater pants, studded belts, tank tops, with a hoodie over the top and combat boots on her feet. When people asked why the hell she looked like she'd just smile and walk passed, she didn’t need to explain herself and she never would. As usual, Jessica excelled in school, top marks every quarter, and to earn some cash, she even tutored others. Her sophomore year she was placed into college prep classes in hopes of giving her harder work, which all but failed. When not studying, tutoring or harassing her brother to re do her hair, Jessica could be found in the ring in the backyard.

Over the years the siblings had made changes and upgrades to the ring, but nowadays Matt and Jeff were actually going to wrestling school part time, and on weekends, when it wasn’t a full moon performing shows. Jessica was envious of her brothers, she knew they’d make it big one day and she wanted to follow in their footsteps. Junior year was different. She still dressed the same and had weird hair in fact that year she had dyed dark blue with teal ends, but the odd part was her body changed. She didn’t get much taller, but her chest grew, and so did her curves. She began getting noticed by the guys in school and since Matt had graduated two years ago, that only left Jeff. Jess wasn’t going to bother him though, he had his group of weirdo friends at school, and she had the like two friends she had. After what happened with Aleister she never really did allow others to get close to her.

That was until Jack came along. He was your typical pretty, jock boy. Same grade as Jessica and one of the students she helped tutor. She wasn’t sure what the hell had gotten into Jack but he expressed interest in dating her. There never were any rules in place in case she was asked out, so she thought it would be okay. She agreed to meet with him on a Saturday, she knew her brothers would be gone from Friday night till early Sunday morning, and dad was hardly ever around. So if she was going to go on a “date” Saturday would be the perfect day. Forgetting that of course Sunday was the full moon which meant her brothers would actually be home Saturday night.  The rest of the week past and Jessica did her normal routine. Friday was her tutor session with Jack and they exchanged phone numbers at the end of it. Getting back home Matt and Jeff were just leaving when they both noticed an odd smell on their sister.

“What’s that smell?” Matt asked, to him it smelled of leather and smoke. After tutoring sometimes the smell was faint on her but today it was almost overpowering. Jessica shifted on her feet looking down. 

“Oh that, I ah...I hugged Jack after his session today, he’s finally getting the hang of those mathematical equations.” She prayed Jeff wouldn’t pull his alpha card and make her give the truth this wasn’t his place, no one set rules for this and she wasn’t going to let them.Quickly noticing the time she shoved her brothers out of the house after promising everything would be fine.

Meanwhile Jack was off talking to his Demon King. 

“Yes sir, I have a date with her tomorrow night. I’m telling you something isn’t right with her. It's not that she’s smart its almost her smell is off. She’s not a full werewolf that much I know to be true I just can’t figure out what else she is.”

Balor hummed, while tapping his chin. Coming up with away to pull her other side out.

“Tell me more about the lass Jack. Her personality.”

Jack had to think about that, the girl only had two friends whom she kept at arm's length, plus her two brothers. That was when he recalled a name.

“Jessica only has two friends, and if I remember correctly its because when she was younger, her best friend Aleister basically abandoned her shortly after her mother’s death.” Jack smiled at the information he remembered, as did Balor.

“Aleister you say? And didn’t you mention she can practically speak perfect Dutch? It was how she got out of taking a foreign language?” Balor tapped his fingers together this was far too good to be true. Aleister Black the powerful witch was friends with little wolf Jessica . No no there was far more to this than met the eye. “I know how to get her to show her other half. Follow the route I give you tomorrow, she won’t be able to resist.”

Saturday morning came and like all Saturdays Jessica was alone in the house. She got up, showered, shaved, brushed her teeth and hair. She put on some nice smelling lotion, and then got dressed. Though she thought better of her normal tomboy style and went with a pair of dark straight legged skinny jeans, and a decent shirt, along with her DC sneakers. In reality she didn’t really have girly clothes this was the best she was going to do for her date tonight and she wondered if this was even good enough. Seeing the time she decided to take off the decent outfit she had put on it, it was way too early anyways, and threw on her ring gear which was just a pair of shorts, and tank top. She played her music loud and set an alarm to let her know when she should stop to actually get ready, which of course would include another shower.

Several hours late, and Jess was drenched in sweat as her alarm blared. Greeting out the ring she showered and changed. She was putting her shoes on just as there was a knock at her door. Answering she let Jack in, as she quickly finished up. Not that there was too much for her to do. Getting back downstairs the pair left and walked to the local pizza parlor. They say, they ate the talked about random stuff. When they went to leave Jack had asked if Jessica would like to go on walk, honestly she saw no harm in it, again she was going to be the only person home anyways. Following the route Balor had given him, it isn’t long till Jessica hears a painfilled cry. She knows damn well she shouldn’t pay any mind but that’s just not the kind of person she is. She takes off in the sound of the cry, which is not the way Balor had intended the two to go, and she finds a young woman beaten in an alleyway. Jack is hiding in the shadows watching to see what the young girl does. Not noticing Jack nor smelling him, Jessica starts to talk to the young woman.

“Hey, I’m not sure what happened to you, but I can help you, if you let me. I swear I’m not here to harm you.” She offers a soft smile and the woman just nods. Once again checking for Jack and not seeing or smelling him she begins chanting a healing spell. Her body glows as the energies flow into the woman and all her injuries began to vanish.  Jack and gobsmacked at this, a hybrid of her kind hasn’t been in existence in who knows how long, and yet here she is only showing her wolf side, she must know its dangerous and only follows what her brothers tell her. Jessica helps the woman to her feet and wishes her a better rest of her night. She begins to run back towards the way where she might have lost Jack, and soon enough he appears around a corner panting. 

“Ah.. I’m so sorry I took off like that, I normally wouldn’t have.” Jessica looks down feeling embarrassed about the stunt she just pulled. Jack chuckles and shakes his head.

“No no it's fine, ya know you’re really fast you should try out for our schools track team.” He places his hand on Jessica’s shoulder as he leads her back to her house. Yeah he knows Balor is going to be upset he didn’t go the way he told him to but in all seriousness he’s pretty sure the girl only knows healing spellings so if he had an attack setup that just would not have worked. Getting her home it was already almost 11pm and that's when Jess noticed the car in the driveway and stomach sank. Why the hell were her brothers home early? She tried to quickly tell Jack goodnight and thank you but he insteaded on being proper and walking her to the door. Swallowing hard she allowed it.

As they got closer to the door, it swung open revealing a pissed off Jeff whos green eyes were fully gold, and Matt whos brown eyes where ice blue. Shaking Jess quickly said goodnight to her date once more, but not before he kissed her check and asked to do it again sometime. Walking past her brothers she knew she was in trouble and Jack may the Moon Goddess save his soul.Once the door shut Jack stalked around for a few minutes he wanted to hear what was going to happen.

“WHERE THE FUCK WERE YOU AND WHO THE HELL WAS THAT!” Jeff screamed and Jessica’s omega wolf gave in automatically. Speaking barely above a whisper she told Matt and Jeff almost everything that had happened and how it had gotten to their date. Matt was a little calmer after listening to his sister explain everything and in hindsight she was always alone on weekends and they never did set rules for her dating.Jessica ran to her room and locked the door. She wasn’t going to be yelled at just because they came home early. This had been her first date, and she had, had a good time up to that point.

#FMITN #jeff hardy #matt hardy #Hardy Boyz #magic #werewolves #supernatural au #wwe superstars #aleister black #balor #demon king #original character #magical

[gray-anxiety]

No Sympathy → Levi Ackerman Chapter 5 → Sandwiches and Parties

Read the rest of the chapters here!

    The day started out normal — well, as normal as it gets for Aella now. Having a roommate that wasn’t here just last Sunday was pretty weird, though Aella surprisingly adjusted fast for someone that was living alone for two years. Aella sat at the table ready to rush every assignment out but was surprised to find most of her assignments done. Aella’s eyes widened knowing there was only one person that would ever do her homework:

    “Levi…Did you do my homework last night?” Aella looked over to Levi, who was cooking breakfast since he was once again awake before Aella at 5 AM. Levi turned his head ever so slightly to make eye contact with Aella before grunting out a ‘yes’ and turned back to focus on the task at hand. The smell of French toast filled the apartment and soft sizzling was heard against the frying pan from the many greases and oils being heated — in the other frying pan was two omelets cooking just the way the two roommates liked; Aella was fairly surprised to know they liked the same type of omelet, nevertheless knew Levi had enough time to learn how to cook. Aella furrowed her eyebrows and cocked her head to the side moments after Levi’s confirmation.

   “Why?” Levi directed his gaze towards Aella and narrowed his eyes after plating each omelet and toast for the starved duo. Levi picked up both plates and set them in front of the mess that was Aella’s side of the table before grabbing two mugs of freshly brewed tea. Levi clicked his tongue and motioned for Aella to remove the shit that was spread all over her side of the table; papers littered everywhere around here — even on the damned floor. Levi pushed Aella’s plate and mug towards her and then took a bite of his steaming omelet before replying:

    “Because you were on the verge of a mental breakdown and we’re only on the third day of school. ” Aella sighed and heavily regretted taking all AP classes with the amount of homework due already during the first week of school. Aella took a bite of her omelet followed by one of her three pieces of French toast — turns out Levi is an excellent chef; had he not have been a gangster, he could’ve easily made a successful career in the food industry. The duo ate in silence, the only sounds being the occasional scrap of a knife or the poke of a fork on a glass plate. For the first time in years, Aella had a proper meal that wasn’t something instant made or fast food aside from the fruit she always had. Immediately after Aella finished eating, she bolted to the bathroom in a panic — she was going to be late if she didn’t hurry up; they had to leave for school in 30 minutes and she didn’t even shower yet. Aella practically spedrun getting ready and bolted out the bathroom door to see Levi sitting on the couch with his backpack at his feet; Levi looked up from his phone and let out a mumbled ‘you’re late.’ — Aella simply flipped Levi off, bolted into her room, and slammed the door. Though, Levi being Levi, dragged her out of her room just so he could make sure she didn’t dirty anything yet — leaving a squirming Aella in his arms. Levi glared at Aella, put her down, and threw her her backpack and opened the door; letting Aella leave first. Levi turned around and closed the apartment — locking it with his new key Aella gave him earlier. The duo walked beside each other to Karanese High, never once stopping for anything out of fear for Levi being recognized. Just as she was about to go into the school, Aella felt Levi’s hand on her shoulder. Turning her head with a questioning gaze she stopped walking. Levi sighed and handed her a mini knife just small enough that she could fit it in her pocket.

    “Keep this on you at all times. You’re affiliated with me now, which means you’re likely going to be in danger one of these days without me there. I do take it that you know how to fight with a knife?” Levi raised his eyebrow. Aella scoffed:

    “Of course I know how to fight with a knife, Levi. I’ve always had the burden of almost living on the streets for two damn years. I’ll see you in fitness, Dumbass” And with that, the duo parted ways for the time being. Later, Levi somehow managed to convince Aella to skip lunch with him to go to some fast food chain a mile away, walking through the drive through without a car. When the worker looked out the window to hand Levi their food, she raised a brow seeing two teens — one of which was sitting on the curb playing on her phone — without a car that ordered food. Levi glared at the worker having a silent argument with her saying ‘We’re paying fucking customers. Don’t judge us.’ the worker in turn simply handed Levi their food with a nod after taking his money. Levi turned around and looked at Aella:

   “Let’s go, Idiot. If we run back we’ll be there in five minutes. We’re eating on the roof.” Aella grabbed Levi’s arm and walked beside him until they were off of the fast food’s parking lot. Aella smirked and poked Levi’s cheek; earning a turn of his head and a glare.

   “Race ya, Bitch!” Aella laughed when Levi realized she was running off to the school without him. Aella bolted down the street and turned around to see Levi speeding past her with no effort whatsoever — leaving Aella in the dust and evidentially shocked. Aella screamed out a ‘hey!’ and attempted to catch up to the raven, but ultimately failed. That man could run fast as fuck. Levi slowed down and turned around to face the panting Aella meters away leaving Levi smirking like a fucking fool. Levi walked back to Aella and sighed. They were so close to Karanese, but Aella didn’t seem like she was going to make it even running — she sprinted fast and for a long time nevertheless.

   “Jump on, Idiot.” Aella looked at Levi like he was crazy.

   “You’re seriously telling me you’re going to give me a piggyback ride?” Levi gave her a look of ‘what the hell do you think you lazy bitch?’ leaving Aella to give in and jump on Levi’s back — groaning in the process when she hit his back too hard.

   “Jesus Christ, you’re like a fucking rock, Levi!” Levi rolled his eyes and snarked back:

   “It’s called muscle, though you wouldn’t know that by the looks of it.”

   “Oi!” The rest of the two-minute walk consisted of endless banter between both parties until they reached one of the side entrances to Karanese — Levi decided he carried Aella far enough to drop the bitch; so that’s what he did. Aella let out an ’oof’ as she hit the ground with her ass — groaning out a ‘that was so uncalled for, Levi.’ Levi walked in and immediately went to the stairwell that lead to the roof, looking behind him to find Aella following behind complaining about her injured ass the entire time. Their footsteps echoed in the stairwell due to the ceiling being so high up; when they reached the latched metal door, Levi grabbed the handle, pushed the button with his thumb, and pushed out so the door would open — revealing the roof of Karanese High and evidently a view of the entire district. Aella looked around and turned her gaze towards Levi.

   “It’s so quiet up here… I didn’t expect that.” Levi nodded and lead Aella to the edge of the building — sitting down in a way that his legs dangled over the edge. Levi took their sandwiches out of the bag and handed Aella hers as she sat down right beside him. Levi bit into his sandwich and looked at the scenery surrounding him; the wind gusted a gentle cold breeze, kissing their cheeks and messed with their hair. The trees around the high school swayed just enough to have cherry blossoms be swept up in the breeze — two of which landed in Levi’s lap. Levi looked down and saw the delicate pink flowers, eventually picking them both up and handing them to Aella.

       “Nature wanted you to have this, I suppose,” Levi mumbled, finishing his sandwich. Aella smiled and put the two blossoms in her hair and finished her sandwich as well. Levi grabbed both paper wrappings and threw them in the trash, recycling the plastic bag they came in and walked back — sitting next to Aella once more. Levi checked the time to see they had ten minutes left before lunch was over — noting that they got sandwiches and ate them in only twenty minutes — not bad at all. Levi turned back and saw Aella still focused on the nature around her — Levi shook his head and stared at the scenery as well. He didn’t need a blunt to relax, he had this to look at. Aella sighed and rested her head on Levi’s shoulder — not giving a damn about the glare she received from her now pillow. The two remained like that until Aella groaned about going back to class after a relaxing lunch. The two parted ways once more for the rest of the school day — eventually meeting up after school to walk home together. As soon as Levi opened the door, Aella threw her backpack across the floor and jumped on the couch — leaving Levi to cringe at how she was damaging the couch and already making a mess of the living room when they had just got home.

   “Could you at least keep a damn room clean for a day, Brat? Now I’ll have to clean the entire damn apartment again.” Aella cackled and turned on the TV — she had taken the day off thanks to Levi’s recommendation after finding out she never took a day off ever since she started working two years ago. Though, it wasn’t necessarily a recommendation as it was a no option suggestion where Levi would get his way and make Aella take a day off; Aella didn’t feel like pissing off the gangster more by saying no after making a mess of her homework that morning. Aella curled up in a ball with two blankets wrapped around her now potato self and proceeded to watch Dr. Phil roast the hell out of some dumbass people. One point, even Levi stopped to watch Dr. Phil as he flat out ended some e-girl’s career. At some point when Aella was watching Dr. Phil, she grabbed her homework and computer and started to work on it as well, eventually finishing most of the projects leaving her without any homework that she didn’t need Levi’s assistance for. When Levi finished cleaning, he begrudgingly sat by Aella and gave her ideas for finishing her 10-page essay as he watched the TV. Though, when Levi didn’t hear the soft clicking of Aella’s keyboard, he turned his head to find Aella napping; Levi checked the time to see it was only 7 at night, so he got off of the couch and made dinner while the sleeping Aella was off in dreamland — only to be woken up by none other than Levi.

   “Oi, Dumbass.” Aella groaned and buried herself deeper into the blankets — Levi sighed, tonight was the night he was going to bring up the party Arlert mentioned.

   “Get the fuck up. I made food.” Aella’s head perked up after hearing there was food. Aella yawned and stretched her arms out before walking to the table with a blanket still wrapped around her. Aella didn’t bother heading back to the couch knowing Levi would’ve had a fit if she tried eating there.

   “Thanks.” She mumbled and started eating the parmesan Alfredo Levi made until Levi began to talk.

   “There’s a party Saturday — we’re going. Don’t give me the ‘I’m too broke’ excuse; I’ll pay for whatever things you need to get to not look like you obviously haven’t been to a party for years. Some chick named Sasha is throwing it and it’s supposedly paid for by mafia members.” Aella practically dropped her fork when she heard Levi. Blinking a few times from shock, Aella looked at Levi like he went insane. Aella sighed knowing she was going to be dragged there either willingly or not.

   “I assume I can’t get drunk off my ass if we go?” Levi snorted

   “Hell no. You’re not drinking shit when we’re there.” Aella nodded and pursed her lips together.

   “We’re not only getting me stuff, but you stuff too then. We’ll go tomorrow.”

   “Fine by me, Dumbass.”

#snk #levi snk #snk mikasa #snk x reader #snk hcs #shingeki no kyojin #shingeki no kyoujin #levi imagine #LEVI ACKERMAN #levi ackerman x reader #mafia! aot #mafia anime #mafia! levi #mafia! levi ackerman #modern levi x reader #levi #ackerman #mikasa ackerman #hanji zoe #hange zoe #Erwin Smith #commander erwin #AoT #levi aot #aot x reader #attack on titan #attack on titan x reader #fanfiction #fanfic #anime

[space-helen]

Anything - Part 4

Words: 1950

Pairing: Captain Pike x reader

Summary: Reader goes on their first away mission and disaster strikes. Fear of Loss makes them do anything for the man they love. 

A/N: Longest part! Super fluffy. Thank you so much for reading this series so far I really appreciate it. 

Part 4/5 Part 1 Here    Part 2 Here    Part 3 Here         Part 5 Here

___________________

You were restless, tossing and turning in your bed as slumber had a hold of you. In your dreams you were back on the planet, frantically looking around you saw the captain in the distance. You spotted the enemy draw a weapon on him and shoot him in the chest. Legs carrying you as fast as you could to the man as he fell to the ground. You saw him reach for his phaser and the enemy shot him again and his arm went limp. The bang filled your ears and you let out a scream. Bolting upright in bed you were covered in sweat, tears slowly filling your eyes. You sat in bed and cried, letting it out. You knew the man was safe but the moment played over and over in your mind. 

Before long you passed out everything was normal until a second nightmare tore through your dreams. This time it was about the attack that happened on you. Being held back and struggling before being dragged out of sight and beaten. No one could hear your screams of pain. You opened your eyes. Your breathing frantic as you checked the time. You'd hardly slept tonight and you had about an hour until your alarm.

Deciding it was worthless trying to sleep, you slid out of bed and took a shower before dressing and heading to the mess hall for breakfast. Picking up some food you sat alone and ate before getting rid of your plate. You hesitated by the replicator for a moment before breakfast to get the captain some pancakes for breakfast. He deserved a treat after all?

You arrived at his quarters and the doors opened for you. Walking in you headed straight for his bed and saw that he'd managed to sit himself up. You gave him a tired smile before placing the plate in front of him "Good morning, I've brought you breakfast."

The man smiled at you and took in your features. He could tell you were tired but didn't ask. "Pancakes? You spoil me Y/N you really do."

You laughed as you moved away to refill his glass before placing it on his bedside table again.

"Did you have a good nights sleep?" Chris questioned before having a mouthful of food.

You nodded. "Yeah, it was good. How about you?"

He could tell you were lying "Yeah. I mean it was a bit uncomfortable and I woke up a handful of times but it was decent."

You waited for the man to finish eating before taking the plate from him. "Well, I should be heading to the bridge now. Have a lovely day Chris I'll swing by to bring you food."

"Have a lovely day Y/N. I'll be right here, I'm not going anywhere." The way he said it was almost promise like. You smiled at the man and said goodbye before leaving.

This same routine happened for about a week. You would start the day tired from the nightmares, go to the captain's quarters deliver his breakfast. Get on with your day, see the captain again briefly after your shift to deliver more food and chat about your day on the bridge before having to leave to get ready for the next day.

Over the week the captain had begun to heal, he was now able to walk around his quarters for a short time but would still get chest pains and aches and wouldn't be able to stand on his legs for too long. You, on the other hand, were getting worse. You were getting more and more tired by the day. Exhaustion was your new norm. The nightmares were present each night. Most of the nightmares were about losing Chris in some way. The fear of this and the moment you thought you had lost him haunting you.

It was a Saturday, which meant you were due to finish your shift earlier than normal and have Sunday off. Starfleet tried to ensure everyone got at least a day off each week and you so happened to usually end up on what some people would call a typical weekend. Standing from your station you moved away as someone else quickly took your place and you left the bridge, heading straight for the mess hall to pick up some food for yourself and the Captain.

Walking into his quarters the man was sitting on the sofa. “Y/N!” He beamed.

You placed the food in front of the man. “How’s your day been?” you questioned

“Had some physiotherapy this morning, Doctor said I should still be ok to go back to work on Monday. Light duties only though.”

You laughed “Well I’ll be on the bridge if you need me.” you tucked some hair behind your ear and ate the food with the man.

You filled the man in on everything that happened on the bridge today and the new discovery you had made. Although you seemed happy he took in your tired expression, bags under your eyes and occasionally forgetting what you were talking about.

“Y/N, are you getting enough sleep?”

“Yes, why?”

The man waved a dismissive hand “No reason you just seem a little tired is all. Don’t work yourself too hard ok? When’s your next day off?”

You went quiet. “Tomorrow.”

“Promise me you’ll stay in bed for as long as you can? No worrying about bringing me breakfast, I’ve got to do it myself at some point.”

The man stood and walked over to his bed and sat on the edge while you gathered the plates. “How about we watch a movie? Like a sleepover?” the man joked.

You laughed your friendship with the man was so pure and wholesome. “I’ll go take these back.” you gestured to the plates and left.

Upon getting back to his quarters he was sat under the bed covers propped up with some pillows and he gestured to the bottom of his bed. “There's some clothes if you want to change.”

He had laid out the pair of Starfleet pyjama pants you’d left at his yesterday after forgetting to change into work ones, and having to wear a pair of his for the day, after a couple of craft folds and a belt, and a t-shirt of his.

You picked up the pile and walked into his bathroom, not bothering to shut the door all the way. You quickly took off your trousers and put your own pyjama pants in before taking your top off, leaving your bra on and pulling his shirt on. In the meantime, though you managed to knock some things down in the bathroom.

The man's eyes snapped towards the bathroom from the movie selection menu. He caught your figure in the mirror and glanced at it to see if you were ok. You stood there a shocked expression on your face but you quickly pulled on the shirt before clearing up the mess. Chris saw the bruise across your chest briefly before averting his eyes. He safely assumed that the bruise was made on the away mission and if it looked bad now he didn’t want to know what it looked like a week ago.

You exited the bathroom and looked to the bed where he’d turned up the covers for you. A smile tugged on your lips as you made your way over and sat in the bed with the man. As the movie played you slowly made your further down the bed the exhaustion, warmth and cosiness of the bed and Chris’ company slowly pulling you into slumber.

Your head lulled and ended up landing on the Captain’s shoulder. In shock at the weight, he slowly turned to see your sleeping form.

He turned back to the movie, watching the last 10 minutes before shutting it off and looking at you again, you were so peaceful and beautiful in your sleep.

Moving the pillows from beneath you he helped you lie flat. You were really out of it, you must have been exhausted, not even stirring as the man moved you.

He eventually lay next to you and fell asleep. Hoping you wouldn’t be too disturbed waking up next to him in the morning.

You were stuck in the middle of a field. Long grass surrounding you, turning around you saw your father a distance away from you on one side and Chris to your other. You looked at Chris and saw the concerned expression on his face as he looked towards your dad. However, you saw a person slowly creeping up behind Chris a menacing look on their face. You quickly looked towards your dad to see a man holding a gun to his chest. Running towards him you glanced back at Chris to see him struggling and fighting with his assailant.

You hesitated a second before running to the person who was in more danger, your father. Just as you neared him the gun went off and he fell to the floor. You got within his reach before an invisible wall came between you, you couldn’t touch him or help him, he was stuck behind the wall.

Turning you saw Pike continuing to struggle he was beaten bloody and now had a gun pulled on him. Changing direction you ran towards him before getting stuck behind another invisible wall and being forced to watch him fall to the floor, raise a hand and have the gun go off into his chest.

You sat up, tears streaming down your face. Feeling a hand across your back you leant into the warm form next to you and continued to cry, “Y/N what’s wrong?”

“I lost him again, I lost you.”

“Hey, it’s ok I’m here. It was just a dream.” he rubbed circles into your back and held you close until you stopped crying.

Pulling away you saw the tear and snot stains you’d left on the man’s shirt. “Sorry,” you laughed. Sadness still in your voice.

“It’s ok. But tell me how long have the nightmares been happening for?”

You tore your eyes away from the man. “Since the away mission near enough.”

He brought a hand to your chin and gently made you look at him. “I’m here. I’m not leaving you ok?”

You nodded and caught a tear from running down your cheek. “Thank you”

“This might seem a bit forward of me Y/N but I admire how you’ve looked after me more than usual recently. We’ve been friends from before you even joined the enterprise and I care about you. I love you Y/N. You’ve done anything for me, let me do the same for you. Let me look after you too”

You were shocked with what the man just said turning towards him you gently leant in and placed a kiss on his lips. It was soft, sweet and tender. “Sorry,” you said as you pulled away.

The man let out a small laugh “I guess you feel the same way too?”

You nodded “Yeah.”

“Should we try and get back to sleep now?”

You nodded and lay down with the man, he gently put his arms around you and pulled you close in a protective hug. The two of you lay there until you spoke up. “I love you too by the way.” your voice cutting through the silence.

He gently placed a kiss to the back of your head. “I love you now get some sleep I’ll be here.”

It didn’t take your exhausted body long before it fell into slumber again. This time no nightmares were present because the man you loved was right there beside you.

Part 5 Here

Tag List: (open)

All Fics: @allthetrek @mrscasnovak @carrie-85

Pike: @bold-brave-courageous @discoveringenterprise @magic-with-a-kick @angel-with-wings-castiel

#pike x reader #chris pike x reader #captain pike x reader #christopher pike x reader #star trek discover x reader #star trek x reader #anything #writing

[mi6-cafe]

The third week of writing for LDWS participants has come to a close. Now it’s time for the next bit of the competition: reading and voting!  

prompt: resurrection  Word count: 250 Challenge:  Write a drabble with an acrostic format spelling out ‘resurrection.’ (First word of first paragraph must start with r, first word of second paragraph must start with e, and so on). 

Voters–after you read, check out this form to vote for your top three drabbles! You can also leave anonymous feedback for the writers!

Who can vote? Anyone who’s read the drabbles! Yes, that includes YOU!  

Writers–you may also vote, but we do ask that you vote for three drabbles other than your own.  

The voting period ends at 11:59 PM EST on Sunday night. Results will be posted and anonymous feedback will be emailed on Monday.

Remember, readers–it’s up to YOU to decide who will wind up on top at the end of the competition!

Drabbles are under the read-more:

1) 

Title: Mourning Author: sunaddicted Rating: G Warnings: emotional h/c, mild angst Summary: the fact that it's not real doesn't make it hurt any less

"Roses, really?"

Exhaling a heavy sigh didn't alleviate his oncoming migraine "They were on sale" Q shrugged.

"Seriously?"

"Uh.. yes" had James really expected him to splurge on flowers for a fake grave? It wasn't like they wouldn't wilt anyway.  

"Roses are romantic, Q - for dinners and dates, not for funerals"

"Resurrections are romantic though, aren't they?"

Except for the fact that James hadn't really died: it had all been part of a plan to make some people believe that they wouldn't have to worry anymore about him hunting them down - and Q had been crucial to the plan, there for every step of it.  Still, he seemed... upset? "Are you okay?"

Candles peeked amidst the roses - the expensive and scented kind that Q lit up only to treat himself after long and hard missions; he focused on them, wondering about which of their colleagues had spent so much on a fake death "Sure"

That tone of voice screamed the contrary "Q..."

"I don't want to talk about it" Q sighed "You're fine. You're home"

"Of course I'm home" James drew Q against his chest, gently enveloped him in his arms "I'll always come back" faked or not, resurrection was his specialty afterall.  

Nodding was the only answer Q could give at those reassuring words: one day that grave would be full; one day that nightmare would be too real; one day he wouldn't buy discounted roses to cry on as he mourned the man he loved.  And it hurt.  

2) 

Title: Reinvention Author: IrishWitch58 Warnings: Introspection, Mildly fluffy Summary: Living long enough means changes

Rising through layers of sleep, Bond opened his eyes and blinked at the sunlight reaching warm fingers through the drapes.

Easing himself onto his back and finding his left arm trapped under a lithely muscled and sleep warm body was a familiar experience now.

Sleep was becoming easier, after years of subsisting on brief naps on missions and nightmares when not.

Until six weeks ago, he had never imagined he would be this contented. He hadn't been when an initially minor injury had proven more debillitating than it had seemed. The laceration across his palm had severed tendons and though surgery had repaired it, the tendons were shorter and stiffer and he couldn't use the hand to the degree field work required.

Retirement from 00 status was his only option. He had fought it but he was a realist and knew the department could not risk delicate missions on an agent who couldn't handle the physical tasks required.

Resurrection, he had once said, was his hobby. Reinvention might have been more accurate.

Eventually he had accepted the position as head of testing and training.

Considering his years of experience, it was an excellent fit.

This morning would be the first of his new career.

In two hours he would be Commander Bond, department head. It was time to begin the day. He nudged Q.

One green eye opened and a frown crossed Q's face. “Second thoughts?”

“None. Just starting the day properly.” They were fifteen minutes late with smug smiles.

3) 

Title:  Resurrection Hopes Warnings: No warnings apply Tags: established relationship

Author: Susspencer

Returning to what was home to me, Mi6, my family, friends, the question was would they welcome me?

Everything was different. Everything was the same.

Stiff upper lip and I stood ready for the Inquisition before me.  Where have you been?  Why didn't you contact us, or at least me? Why did you wait to come back?

Unscathed by wounds. Unhurt by blame. Unmoved by their feigned sorrow. Unwilling to forgive, yet.

Ready to regain my title again, reclaim my license to kill. Would they relinquish their grip on it? And reinstate me.

Rumbling in my soul as I saw your face. Reasoning within myself, what do I tell you?  Those eyes as they peered through your lenses.

Eyes full of compassion and love still there, hung with a hurt, so deep, that it peers into corners unseen in forever.

Cheer bubbles in my chest, in that empty place, that was barely holding on to the memory of your face.

Time keeps ticking as I wait to hear.

Is it reinstatement or thank you for your service?  I need to be the hero that you need me to be.

Oh, my Q just come stand near, and chase away my fear. I am nothing without you.  It’s only as we that we can save the world.

Nay or yeah, it doesn't matter, if I can just reach out and touch.  The only thing I need to resurrect is us. To be with you, Q, my dear, you are my life.

4) 

Title: One hope... Author: ato Warnings: none Summary: I wait.

Regret is the worst emotion.  Unprofessional, M would have said.  Inevitable feels more on point.

Eleven o’clock in a sterile waiting room, unsure of basic questions of life and death, I think of words not spoken.  Looks shared, but not acted on.

So clear in my mind... all my opportunities.  Over comms.  In the branch.  Heading out at the end of the day in the same direction, only to turn away.  Avoid temptation.  Turn away from him and toward the cold safety of solitude.

Useless now to imagine "what if?"  How I might have changed his sadness (and mine) by acknowledging what I knew was there, but feared reaching for.

Resurrection is my hobby.

Resurrection is my curse.

Even so, I wait in an antiseptic room, hoping against hope that Q will follow my example.

Come back from the dead.  The presumed dead.  Back from the missing, then found (injured... beaten).  Back from the shadows and pain and who-gives-a-fuck-why-should-I?

To the work.  To the family that isn't family.  To the battles and camaraderie and late hours, exhausted and triumphant.  To the old agent who wants another shot.  A chance to say, "I just need one thing," and have him know it's him.

I sit — cold, bone-tired, frightened for perhaps the first time in years — indulging in a hope.

One hope.

No.  One need. For a snarky, willful boffin to fight his way back from the deep, dark dreamlessness, rise up, open his bright, clever eyes… and say yes.

5) 

Title: Duck Psychotic

Author: Venstar

Warnings: None

Summary: Living is hard. Resurrection is even harder

Resurrection was a little known part of the Quartermaster’s job. It was a demanding procedure, tricky even. He’d had quite a few spectacular and dangerous results. Some agents weren’t meant to come back, some were never the same again and some...had to be destroyed.

Except for Bond. He took to resurrection like a psychotic duck to water. There wasn’t anything that he had been through that Q couldn’t drag him back from. “I’m tired Moneypenny. He’s literally taking years off my life.”

“Someone has to deal with him,” Moneypenny said. “And besides, you love seeing those blue eyes see YOU for the first time, every time you bring him back.”

Unfortunately, Moneypenny was correct. Q coughed. There was something terribly enchanting about an assassin with wonder in his eyes when he spotted Q.

“Remind me why you’re complaining?” Moneypenny asked.

“Remind me why I like you?” Q sighed out through his nose.

“Extraction team incoming,” Moneypenny said pressing her earpiece.

“Can’t wait.”

Terrible things happened every day. It was always a terrible day when 007’s body was brought into his Necro room, where the laborious process of resurrecting an agent took its toll on Q. One more year was taken from his life.

“I know you,” Bond’s voice rough when he finally woke. His face lax and sleepy, his eyes tracking Q’s every move.

“Of course you do, fool.”

Now came the time Q’s strength would leave him and Bond would stay, keeping him company, sharing tea from a Scrabble mug.

6) 

Title: Reboot

Author: kiddohno

Warnings: none

Summary: Everyone needs a hobby.

Rebooting… |  |  |

Entering non-interactive start-up... [OK]

Switching to guest configuration... [OK]

User: 007 Password: ************

Reading biometrics... [OK]

root@LAPTOP-Quartermaster$: cd ~/Programs gcc bond.c

ENTER

Connection failed. Unable to find node. Discarding circuit.

Try again? Y/N: y

Initializing. Resolving... Connection established. Downloading files...

On screen, hundreds of points appeared over a graphical world map. Some were tied together with pixelated lines of colour, highlighting connections between them, and each one linked to relevant documents in a massive repository of data and evidence. This was everything that Q had found chasing down what was left of SPECTRE, alone, after James had gone. He’d foolishly thought that taking out Blofeld would be the end of the whole organization. Instead, the power vacuum had only served to revive the criminal network with added fervor. Q had been methodologically tracking the formation of new splinter groups and taking down cells all around the world, and in doing so he had drawn too much attention to himself.

Now that he was missing and presumed dead, James knew that everything Q had done was to protect him. As long as any part of SPECTRE survived, there was the risk that it would target James Bond. Q had done this so that he could retire in peace. And when Q couldn’t continue his work, for whatever reason, he had made sure that his laptop and a short note found their way to James. ‘007,’ the note read, ‘You know the password-- we all need a hobby.’  

7) 

Title: Azalea's First Bloom Warning: Major Character Death Summary: Resurrection is never guaranteed (but she will probably come back to haunt me).

Author: GwyllionDream

R’s instructions blared over his mobile, but Bond was much too panicked to comprehend them. His hands shook. His mind raced. Despite all of his years as an agent, this was the worst scenario he had ever encountered.

Every manual Bond had studied proved useless in this situation.

“Stop and listen to me,” R’s voice demanded. “Four compressions, followed by one breath.”

Unsure of himself, Bond resumed his efforts. His palms pushed on the small chest beneath him, but she was… gone.

“Repeat it with me,” R said, her voice cracking with despair. “One, two, three, four, breathe….”

“R! This isn’t working,” Bond shouted. “Q will be home any minute.”

Even from halfway across the city, R’s gasp of sympathy reached Bond.

Crimson petals covered the countertop. Bond had clipped the azaleas himself, hoping to bring some spring cheer into Q’s flat. Water dripped to the floor from the upended vase. Each falling drop reminded Bond of the pulsing heartbeat of life that now slipped away.

The old girl had really done it this time.

“I don’t want you to lose her,” R cried. “You need to keep going!”

“One, two, three, four,” Bond counted as he pushed on her fragile chest. He pressed his mouth to hers and breathed, but nothing worked. Bond sobbed so loudly that he didn’t hear Q enter the flat, or his footsteps as he crossed the kitchen floor.

“No!!!” Q let out a bloodcurdling scream when he saw Bond crouched over Pampuria’s lifeless body.

8) 

Title: Home Again Author: solarmorrigan Summary: Bond's priorities have shifted over time, just a little. Warnings: None.

Really, Bond had stopped enjoying the parties a long time ago.

Events like the ones he often infiltrated were filled people who wanted.

Someone was always wanting for his attention, always fawning and smarming and insinuating themselves into his space.

Unctuous in the extreme, they were unpleasant and false.

Repeatedly, though, Bond catered to them, listened to and flattered them. Whatever it took to gain their confidence, their secrets, their assistance – whatever they had to offer.

Realistically, it was the easiest way to get the job done.

Even so, the thrill of successful falsehoods had worn thin.

Could he do it another way? Were there options that didn’t involve the suppression of his every instinct and desire to the point where he felt more like a ghost watching his own animated body interact with others? Likely. And likely, they were higher risk.

The mission came first, though. Every time. And Bond would kill himself, body and soul, to complete the mission. Besides that, a lower risk meant a higher chance he could come home.

It wasn’t until Bond was on his way to that home that he began to feel himself again.

Only when he reached home did it really feel like he began to inhabit his own body again.

Not until he had Q in his arms, held against him, wrapped around him, grounding him and reminding him of who he was and who he was allowed to be, did Bond really feel like he’d come alive again.

9) 

Title: Lost and Found

Author: solitaryjane

Warnings: none

Summary: This time, it's Q who's been declared dead.

“Really, Bond?” Q sighed. “It hadn't even been a day.”

Each of the safehouse’s security measures had been breached, starting from the foyer all the way to the bedroom. Bond stood just inside the walk-in closet, where the entrance to the panic room was, and Q in front of it, looking cross.

Something could be said of the irony of being caught by someone prone to disappearing while trying to disappear. Q sighed again. So much for his foolproof plan. And it was foolproof, mind you, with a perfectly staged attack and a perfectly convincing corpse. He wasn't even going to be gone that long – maybe a few weeks – and then he’d be back. It would be no worse than what a certain double-oh liked to pull on a regular basis. Everything was going swimmingly according to plan.

Until now.

“R found some discrepancies,” Bond shrugged. “Thought I’d follow them.”

“Right, of course,” Q spat. He really should’ve specifically locked R out beforehand. It would've probably spared him the indignity of being found – alive – when barely 24 hours had passed.

Even with minimal lighting he could see the twinkle in Bond’s eyes, exuding mirth and arrogance. Q wanted to kill him.

“Care to explain?” Bond asked.

“To you? Not particularly.”

“I promise I can help.”

“Oh, suddenly an expert in international hacking ploys, are we?”

“No,” Bond smirked. “But luckily I know someone who is, and who, despite his efforts, won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.”

10) 

Title:  Faith

Author: Iambid/Flantastic

Warnings: None

Summary: Q’s faith in him is everything

Returning from missions has never been easy for James.  There is a soulless feeling that comes with killing. A deadening inside that is as difficult to overcome as it is insidious.  For years it festered.  Damaging James, slowly destroying him from the inside.

Even though Q has never realised it, from the moment they first fell into bed together, there is something he does that can bring James back to the land of the living in an instant.

Something so simple and he doesn’t even have a clue.

Understanding came slowly to James at first.  The first time that Q did it he didn’t know what to think but now he craves it.

Relishes it.

Returning home, it is Q naked in their bed, that resurrects him.

Even just sleeping, Q curls into James’s arms like their bed is the safest place in the world.  He allows James to hold him.  Protect him.

Caress him.

The times that James has killed are eclipsed by the moments that Q trusts him at his most vulnerable.  Nude.  Sleeping.

It is heady. This trusting intimacy.

Only James will never tell him.  It is the spontaneity of Q stripping off after a long day’s work, of him slipping into their bed, resting his head on James’s shoulder and holding onto him so tightly, that makes James’s heart beat again.  If Q realised, if it was a deliberate act, it wouldn’t be the same.

Nothing brings James back to life in quite the same way.

11) 

Title: Turnabout is Fair Play

Author: beaubete 

Warnings: none

Summary:  Patience is a virtue and Bond is a sinner.

Really, he should have expected it.  It was inevitable, though tell that to Q's empty flat at three in the morning with birdsong out the window and a funeral in Bond's heart.

Even the cats join him for long, meandering rambles through the kitchen as though they don't quite know what to do with themselves.  None of them do.

Surely Q will be back soon.  Surely Sunday he'll be at the door with a takeaway.  Surely Monday he'll  be back for his yoga mat.  Surely Tuesday.

Uncomfortable silence rules the flat; since that first confession, they've been quietly together, slipped into a relationship like falling into a warm bath.

Romance,  unanticipated as it was, has become the new normal, and this is of course why Q'll be coming back. It wouldn't be fair to suddenly get everything he's ever wanted only to lose it now.

Righteous anger sweeps his shoulders.   After everything, doesn't he deserve happiness? Doesn't he--

Except if anyone deserved to lose peace, it's him.  Chills trip up the back of his neck.

Could this be his own fault?

The thought has haunted him since their first kisses, faces drowned and ghostly in the corners of his vision.  It was always a possibility.   A likelihood.

It isn't acceptable.  His retirement was meant to make them safe; it never occurred that he'd find himself on the other side of the comms worrying.  He ought to let Mallory handle it.

Ought to trust the system.

No.  He fetches his pistol.

12) 

Title: Something of a Surprise

Author: melynen

Warnings: none

Summary: Q’s in the field and things get a little out of hand.

Resurrection being a hobby of James, Q has long since stopped holding his breath every time his lover pulls off one of his disappearing acts. He still fears for his life, yes, but he also trusts James to return to him.

Especially now that he has practically moved in to Q’s flat.

So it’s something of a surprise that this time, it is not James who disappears but Q.

Usually Q wouldn’t be in the field, but sometimes, concessions must be made, and this is one of those times. A supposedly easy mission quickly turns into anything but, and Q has barely time to feel the gunshot that takes him down.

Recovery is not the easiest or the quickest, and he’s told that on the way back to London his heart really did stop beating; waking up at Medical, surrounded by his nearest and dearest, he can only be happy it didn’t stick.

”Rubbed off on you, have I?” James grins, relieved.

Eve, sitting next him, snorts inelegantly. Q can see that she wants to say something, but mercifully she keeps quiet.

”Could be,” Q allows. ”Though I’d really rather not do this again, if you won’t terribly mind.”

”Too right you won’t,” says Eve.

”I certainly won’t mind,” James says. ”For a while there…” he pauses, but Q can easily hear what was left unsaid.

Out loud, Q says nothing, but he does squeeze the hand holding his.

Neither of them speaks again, but their clasped hands say everything.

13) 

Title: Blood and Fire

Author: azure7539arts

Warnings: Canon-typical violence

Summary: Bond wasn't going to make the same mistake again.

-

“Run!”

Every time he tried to close his eyes, the image of Q’s blazing gaze kept flashing deep in the recesses of his mind.

Smoke had been billowing from the damaged sites, the sound of people trapped and screaming only second to the thick stench of fresh blood that had been permeating through the air. They had been under attack. Again.

Up until that moment, Bond had never allowed himself to even think about exactly just how important Q was in his life. And the second he had heard Q’s sharp, unwavering order for him to go after the assailants instead of staying back in the wreckage to help, Bond had realized that he was going to regret it.

Running had always been his forte, he had told himself.

Running should’ve been easy because he had been doing it his entire life.

Even so… in that singular moment with him staring wide-eyed at the half of Q’s face that had been drenched in free-flowing blood from a gash somewhere above his eyebrow, Bond had never been more reluctant to leave.

“Care for some tea?”

To be fair, Bond hadn’t needed to ask to know that Q would say yes before sitting up straight and murmuring “finally!” under his breath. “How is it?” He sat down, watching Q sip at his drink.

“It’s good,” Q mumbled, seemingly more relaxed. “Just how I take it.”

“Of course.” Bond quirked a small smirk.

No, he wasn’t going to make another mistake this time.

Thank you to our amazing drabble writers for bringing their drabbles to life this week, especially since this was the most difficult challenge yet. 

To our amazing readers, you can help this competition by going here to vote on your top three drabbles. You may also leave anonymous feedback for one or more drabbles.

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#00Q #00qldws #ldws

[masieofthevalley]

All I Really Want is You (Spideypool) - Chapter Ten

Find the Masterlist for this fic here! Read this fic on AO3! Check out my Ko-Fi if you would like a commission!

Summary: “Who are you, the big bad wolf?” She snarked. She mentally congratulated herself that her voice hadn’t betrayed the fluttering in her gut.

“Why don’t you come a little closer and find out?”

Peter Parker is an exhausted and overworked student in her senior year of college. Sleep-deprived and running on coffee and fumes, Peter really just wants to get through this semester. On a rare coffee run to ensure that she doesn't fall asleep on patrol or in her textbooks again, she quite literally stumbles upon Deadpool. Try as she might, she just can't stay away from him, and along the way, she finds herself in the middle of a nefarious plot between HYDRA and S.H.I.E.L.D.

A/N: Hello, everyone! Today’s chapter is Chapter Ten: This Side of Paradise. This chapter is named after the song This Side of Paradise by Coyote Theory. 

As always, there is a playlist for this fic, and you can find it on YouTube and Spotify. Spotify won’t play in order unless you have Spotify Premium. You don’t need to listen to it in order, but each chapter has a specific song associated with it. There is also a song associated with the entire fic, which is She Looks So Perfect by 5 Seconds of Summer.

If you liked this chapter, like, share, and reblog, and please leave comments! They make my day, and I will gladly respond. You can also head over to my AO3 and comment there, and I will also respond there! Enjoy!

Chapter Ten: This Side of Paradise

Chapter Summary: Peter receives her first text from Wade, and Spider-Woman and Deadpool work together to stop a group of bullies. 

It didn’t take Peter long to wake up Sunday afternoon. She’d gotten plenty of sleep the night before, and for the first time in a long time, she felt rested when she opened her eyes. She still wasn’t ready to leave the warmth of her bed though, so she just grabbed her phone off the nightstand and huddled up beneath the blankets.

As she opened up her phone to respond to one of MJ’s texts, she vaguely remembered her burner phone going off as she climbed into bed last night. She stuck her arm out of her blankets and blindly reached around for her other phone. After searching for a few seconds, she found it and dragged that beneath her blankets as well. She felt very content as she opened up her burner phone, flipping through it to get to her messages. She was content, and yet, she felt like something was missing. Not something, but someone . Someone that was tall and huge and usually dressed in a black and red suit and who Peter just knew would fit cuddled up against her back.

But Peter was alone in her bed, and that was very unlikely to change in the near future. So to distract herself from the slow creeping of loneliness, she pulled up her messages on her phone.

She expected the text she had gotten the night before to be from Natasha. She had talked with her yesterday, after all, and it was possible that the spy wanted an update on Peter’s situation with Wade. But, it wasn’t from Natasha.

It was from Wade.

“Oh, fuck, fuck, fuck,” Peter whispered, wiping the last dregs of sleep from her eyes. Her heart started to race, and she wished that her eyesight would stop being so blurry. It had been years since she had last needed glasses, thanks to the spider that so kindly bit her, but that never stopped the blurriness that came from sleep.

She couldn’t get her heart to stop beating so fast, and the anxiety in her veins that accompanied her rapid heart rate was almost like a distant, familiar friend. She didn’t feel like she was having a panic attack; she could still breathe normally, and her senses weren’t acting up. Maybe it was a stroke? Was she having a stroke? Surely, she was too young to have a stroke, right?

“Calm the fuck down,” Peter hissed at herself, blinking rapidly as her sight finally adjusted. Fuck, fuck, okay.

Peter clicked on the new text, and the anxiety stopped just as quickly as it had started.

“You have got to be kidding me,” she whispered in disbelief, her eyes scanning over the message again.

this is ur daily msg from ur friendly neighborhood deadpool, here 2 tell u 2 get ur perfect ass in bed! reminder: it is recommended that cute lil bun-buns (like urself) get 7-9 hours of sleep. :)

Peter didn’t know what she was expecting from Wade’s text, but that certainly wasn’t it. Before she could stop herself, her fingers were flying across the keyboard, her thumb tapping “send” within a matter of seconds. Realizing what she had done, Peter blinked, groaned, and flopped back on her back. She really wished that life had an undo button.

And this is your daily reminder from your friendly neighborhood Peter, here to tell you that I can function plenty on limited sleep. It is recommended that friendly neighborhood Wade’s (like yourself) go to sleep instead of bothering friendly neighborhood Peter’s.

She had never been good at texting or flirting, but as she reread her message for the third time, she wondered when she had gotten so bad at it. Peter shrieked as her burner phone buzzed in her hands. She dropped it in her pile of covers, and she spent a good fifteen seconds trying to fish it from the depths of her blankets. Prize in hand, Peter leaned against the headboard, swiping to open Wade’s newest message.

some1 is grumpy, did u not listen to ur friendly neighborhood dp and get enough sleep????

Peter just rolled her eyes and fired back with two words.

Bite. Me.

Much to Peter’s surprise - because for some reason, she was still surprised every time Wade so much as looked at her in a flirty way, let alone all of the shit that he actually said - Wade’s reaction was just risque as it had been the night before when Peter had said those exact same words.

i’d be careful if i were u lil girl

I’m not scared of you.

no, ur not. but u might be scared of what i’ll do to u. isn’t that right, peter?

Peter’s world was on fire. Wade’s texting shorthand had not done anything to take away from the heat of his words. A deep growl rang in her ears as she remembered how Wade had sounded yesterday when she had told him her real name. Arousal settled low in her gut, slowly warming her from the inside out. She shifted her legs on the bed, a nearly-silent whine escaping her throat as the seam of her shorts rubbed against her core.

all jokes aside bambie u should sleep more. sleep = good 4 u.

And just like that, the heat was gone from their conversation. Wade was giving Peter whiplash; one minute he was joking, the next he was turning her on like there was no tomorrow, and then he was back to joking around again. She couldn’t figure him out.  

She continued their friendly banter for a few more minutes before getting up and moving around her bedroom. She had finished all of her assignments the day before, but she needed to study for tests that were coming up in nearly all of her classes. Not to mention that she wanted to go patrolling again tonight; she had liked her longer patrol yesterday, and she was eager to do it again.

Peter kept her conversation with Wade steady throughout the rest of the day. She managed to resist the urge to immediately text him back every time her phone vibrated, but only barely. She had to give herself scheduled breaks in her studying to check her phone and respond accordingly. When late afternoon came, she switched gears from studying to trying to research more into HYDRA and S.H.I.E.L.D., but she was so distracted by Wade that she didn’t get any productive work done. She did get to see some pretty cute dogs just chilling in Central Park, though, so she didn’t think it was a huge waste of time.

At one point in the day, Wade’s comments turned more sentimental, immediately drawing Peter’s interest and suspicion.

u seem so lonely. r u lonely?????

What?

if ur lonely, cum b lonely w/me ;)

He was such a romantic.

Eventually, 8:00 PM rolled around, and Peter reluctantly put her phone away in favor of pulling on her suit. She tucked her phone into the pocket she’d once designed for that exact purpose, and then she was climbing out of her window and into the night.

Peter’s phone buzzed in her pocket as she swung across town, but she ignored it, relishing the feeling of the cold New York air against her skin. She had switched out her usual suit a few days ago for the insulated one that she only wore during the winter. It trapped her body heat inside of it, ensuring she didn’t freeze during New York’s brutal winters.

Peter swung closer to the ground, throwing webs at streetlamps so she didn’t end up splattered in a puddle of Peter. She hadn’t been out long, but already, her spidey-senses were alerting her of some sort of danger in the nearby vicinity. The prickling on the back of her neck became more intense as she rounded the corner, and she landed on the side of a building before crawling into an alleyway.

In the alley were three big, buff dudes surrounding a very small, lanky boy. He couldn’t have been older than 13, and the other guys were clearly in their early 20’s. The boy was shaking, and Peter could see the rips in his clothing. She glared at the sight; if there was something that she never tolerated, it was bullies.

“I-I told you! I can get it next week!” the boy protested, holding his hands up in front of his face. One of the goons grabbed onto his wrists and yanked them down; it was clearly painful judging by the boy’s shriek. Peter tensed her muscles, ready to jump into the middle of whatever was going on, but a voice coming from the mouth of the alley startled her. The fuck?

“Now, now, now, what do we have going on here? Some sort of tussle?” the newcomer drawled. Peter stifled her groan, as she realized without looking that it was Wade. She should have known that it was him from the fact that he had - once again - foiled her spidey-sense. And the fact that he said the word “tussle.” Nobody said tussle anymore.

“Fuck off,” one of the goons, the one holding onto the boy’s wrists, called before turning back to the boy.

“No can do, Sweetheart,” Wade crooned, walking closer. Peter bristled at Wade’s use of the pet-name, though she had no reason to. As Wade walked by her, he swung something between his palms, and Peter recognized it as a metal bat. His katanas were still strapped to his back, and all of his guns seemed to be in place. Strange.

“See, three against one is not fair at all,” Wade continued, shaking his head as he stopped just a few feet away from the group. A grin stretched over his mask. “It makes me think that you guys are bullying this poor little guy here, and I really fucking hate bullies.”

“So do I,” Peter announced, her voice coming out more higher-pitched than normal as she dropped to the ground. Wade didn’t turn around, but she heard a small squeal coming from his direction. She blushed and smirked to herself.

“Crush the bug, I’ll take care of this fucker,” Head-Goon ordered, shoving the boy harshly. He hit the wall and fell with a crunch that made Peter see red.

“I’m an arachnid,” she snarled before kicking him in the face. Deadpool whooped, and as she spun to grab one of the other goons, she saw him swing his bat at the third goon. It connected with a sound that Peter didn’t even know how to describe, and the other man collapsed.

“No killing!” Peter hastily objected, growling under her breath and rolling her eyes as Wade let out a high-pitched whine. She was so distracted by Wade that her next punch was grabbed out of the air by the goon she was currently fighting.

“Now where are your manners?” she snarked, dropping to the ground and sweeping her leg out in a move that Nat had shown her a few months ago. She knocked his legs out from underneath him. “You’re not even going to buy me dinner first?”

Peter webbed him up against the wall with the first goon, and she turned to make sure that Wade had the last one under control. She was breathless as she watched him pin the bully to the wall, growling harsh and vulgar insults in his ear as the other man cried out in pain. The warmth from earlier had returned to Peter’s gut, and she quickly looked away, her eyes searching for the kid from earlier as she desperately tried to think about anything but Wade.

Peter slowly walked over to the still shaking boy, hands held up in front of her so that he knew that he was in no danger. The last thing that she wanted was for him to bolt.

“Are you alright?” she asked, her eyes scanning over the red, angry handprints on his skin. She winced; they were going to leave bruises.

“Yeah, m’fine,” the boy said, looking at something behind her with apprehension. She heard a thud coming from that direction, and she knew that Wade had finally ended his little battle.

“Do you have somewhere to go, kid? Somewhere we could walk you to?” Peter asked gently, keeping her distance from him. She didn’t want to seem threatening and in his personal space.

“I was just on my way home,” the kid replied, his voice hardening as he talked. “I can get there just fine on my own.”

“While we don’t doubt that, Spidey here does have a duty to personally make sure that everyone gets home safe and sound,” Wade chimed in, suddenly right next to Peter. Though they weren’t touching, she could feel the heat that his body was giving off. It was nice, and Peter had to fight every instinct in her body to remain standing up straight and not curl into his side.

“What he said,” Peter finally managed to say, wincing when her voice cracked. A smirk appeared on Wade’s mask, and she just knew that he was preening beneath it.

It took Peter a few seconds to shake herself from her embarrassment, and when she rejoined reality, she noticed that the boy and Wade appeared to be locked in a staring contest. Wade’s mask should not have been able to blink, but it did, and he immediately started pouting while simultaneously yelling that it wasn’t fair or cool to be beaten by a teenager.

“Deadpool, cut it out!” Peter snapped, and immediately, Wade straightened. Peter raised an eyebrow in surprise. Interesting .

“C’mon, let’s get you home, kid.”

The kid’s apartment turned out to only be a few blocks away, but Wade made the five-minute trip seem like an eternity. Peter called the cops while they walked, though neither the kid nor Wade seemed to notice. Wade never shut up, once. He talked endlessly about tv shows and shit he’d seen online, and at one point, the kid made a comment in regards to a cooking show that Wade was rambling on about, and Wade took it and ran with it. He talked about cooking shows that didn’t even sound real . Peter mostly just tried to shut both of them out, and she was very grateful when they reached the kid’s apartment. After he went inside and she heard him open his apartment door, Peter turned to scale the building. Before she could leave, Wade’s hand clamped down on her forearm, large and warm - there was a dick joke in there somewhere - and unyielding. Peter managed to hold in the “Yeep!” noise building in her throat, but it took a lot of effort.

“Hey, Spidey! Thanks for helping me out tonight! That was fun, we should do it again!” Wade exclaimed, letting go of her arm once he had her attention. She swiveled in place and stared at him, crossing her arms over her chest as she raised an eyebrow under her mask.

“One, you helped me out, I was already there when you showed up, and I had everything under control,” Peter said, her voice somehow steady as she kept up her false bravado. “Two, absolutely under no circumstances are we going to do this again. I work alone, and I don’t need distractions.”

“Oh, c’mon!” Wade pouted, his stance matching hers as he crossed his arms over his chest. Even stomping his feet and slouching a good foot, he was still more intimidating than Peter. It was just offensive.  

“I can help, I promise!” The eyes on Wade’s mask got much larger as he continued to beg. Peter’s resolve was cracking fast. “I’ll be a good little Dobby, no killing, only maiming or a little bit of serious injury!”

Peter shook her head and spun around. Before Wade could grab onto her again, she shot a web at the building to her left and pulled herself onto the side of it. She scaled the building in a matter of seconds, and when she looked back down, Wade was no longer pouting. Instead, his head was tilted to the side as he looked up at her in what she thought was awe.

“Dat ass just keeps getting better, Spidey!” Wade called up, cupping his hands in front of his mouth even though he clearly didn’t need to. Christ, she wasn’t even that far up, just a few stories. It was like he lived to embarrass her.

“Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me!” Wade shouted as Peter took a running start and jumped off the building. She sighed as she swung away, though a smile had already begun to worm its way onto her face.

Peter spent the next few hours patrolling on the other side of town, trying to stay clear of Wade. She was distracted the entire time, especially when her burner phone buzzed again. She called it quits just after 1, and she would never admit to the fact that she swung home twice as fast as usual.

When she climbed in her window, the first thing she did was yank off her mask and collapse on her bed. She whipped out her burner phone, her thumbs gliding across the screen as she unlocked it. The first message from Wade was a picture of a dachshund in Central Park. It was followed up by a picture of another dachshund, though this time, the dog was in a hot dog costume. It was the greatest thing ever.

There was a string of actual texts after the two pictures.

u no like weenie dogs???? tht is a war crime, bby-girl

or mayb u fell asleep like a good bun-bun???

tis late after all

k i’ll see u in ur dreams then bambi

sweet dreams sweetheart. catch those z’s 4 me

Peter rolled her eyes as she reread through the messages again. The pet names sent warmth through her chest, and her nerves felt jittery, like she was on some sort of sugar high. She closed her phone without responding to Wade, knowing that the man was probably still awake, and if she texted him, he’d only reprimand her for not sleeping. The thought of Wade scolding her wasn’t as disenchanting as it should have been. Her fingers itched to send a taunting message to Wade, just to see what, exactly, he would do to her. Hastily, Peter tossed her phone onto the other side of the bed so she couldn't do anything rash.

Peter stripped off her suit with a groan. She shut her window before moving to the bathroom. It seemed that a cold shower was in order.

#marvel #marvel fanfiction #deadpool #spider-man #spider-woman #spiderman #spideypool #spideypool fanfiction #deadpool/spiderman #deadpool/spiderwoman #deadpool/spider-woman #deadpool/spider-man #peter parker #female peter parker #plus-sized peter parker #wade wilson #wade wilson/peter parker

[opheliacolbie-blog]

The Gift (pt 1)

This is just a late night idea that came to me. It's my first time posting something like this on Tumblr so I'm really leaving my comfort zone. Feel free to comment and tips or suggestions ❤️.

After a rather tiring day, Bradley propped himself down on his bed, which was covered in piles of unworn suits.Him and his family were invited to another 5 hour evening Charity event in Singapore. The event on its own was a drag, but the flight home was even more excruciating.

He hated the Charity events, the meetings,the interviews. He hated them all. But they paid the bills and kept his family name as high as it currently was.You see,Bradley belonged to the Colbies.As in the Colbies who own CIOOE, a company which created the most advanced and selling technology in Ocean floor exploration and development.

It's been 3 years since the company was passed onto him ever since his father had decided to retire.He's currently 23 and is spending his Saturday night passed out on his bed, not because he's drunk, but because he's tired.

He's tired of being alone.

He's tired of bringing a different girl home every two months and never getting serious with her because of his wealth and status. It always seemed to be more of an interest for them than any of his traits or skills. That's why he learned to rather keep to himself and stray from any relationships at the moment. He's more focused on his business and his family.

It was much of a surprise when his father had called him the next morning and asked him to make his way over to his penthouse up in LA. His father held consecutive Sunday lunches but didn't bother asking Bradley to join after he stopped attending two and a half years ago.

His phone rings while en route to the penthouse. Checking his screen, he sees that it's his father. He declines it, finding it unnecessary to answer seeing that he's at least 5 minutes away. He stared outside the window for a while until his chauffeur, Adrian, informs him that they had finally arrived. He thanks him and immediately exits the vehicle.

When Bradley arrives at the penthouse French doors, his hairs immediately stood up on the back of his neck.

He was the only one there out of all his siblings and other family.

It was just his father and his mother, seated formally on the white leather loveseat in the center of the room. No dining table set, no breakfast, no other company. Just them, smiling at him as he slowly makes his way over to them.

"Dad.. What's going on? Where is everyone else?", he questions, curiosity dripping from his voice.But instead of an answer from his father he receives one from his mother.

"We knew we couldn't get you to come over for any other reason as you're always booked for the day. But I told your father the Sunday lunch invite would work," she chuckles warmly and nudges his father on the arm ", but we asked you over because we realized something Brad"

He hated that nickname.

But he won't tell her.

"You're.. How do I put this?..". She trails off trying to find a way to explain something to him.

At this point, Bradley is agitated. He's annoyed and no longer wants to stand in the all white living room that seems to be giving him a migraine. He wants to leave, be in bed and wake up at 7pm to start some evening work. But his thoughts about his king-sized lover are soon interrupted by something.

"-You're not getting ass! "

"John! How could you say that?!"

"What Grace? It's the truth! He hasn't been with someone in such a long time that he's become stone cold and just keeps to himself. Brad.. Bud-", his father now looks at him not taking note of the smoke fuming at the top of his head, as if his father doesn't remember what happened 8 months ago", you're my son. Your mother and I love you and we want to see you happy. We want you to run this company happily and you're your happiest when you're with someone that you love and spend time with"

For some reason his parents paused. They were hoping that their youngest son would react to their statements or at least verbally respond.

But their was silence.

His mother sighed and got up from her seat next to his father, who was now sipping on what seemed to be an ice tea. Her heels echos on the beachsand wood as she makes her way over to her son. When in reach of him, she places a gentle hand on his face, barely reaching it. It was amusing to see his tiny mother try to reach his face, especially since she's 5"2 and he's 6"3. He was glad that he got his father's genes when it came to height.

"We got you something. Something that cost more money than your father and I could spend. Something that we risked our lives for. But we did it for you. We did it because we thought you deserve happiness...".

Confusion is now painted on his face and he opens his mouth to speak but nothing leaves.

"It's in the guest room down the left hall. It won't be hard to miss... We really do hope you like it Brad.. We just want you to be happy.".

She takes a few steps back and makes her way over to the couch again. She sits and looks over at him, as he fixes his navy blue suit and black tie.

Words cannot describe how nervous the 23 year old feels. He hasn't felt this much anxiety ever since he loaded up the security footage of Samantha.

He walks over to the arch way on the right of the room, rubbing his sweaty palms together in anticipation. With every step he took he could feel his heart beat faster. He looks to the left of the hallway and breathes in shakily.

"Just breathe Bradley.. Just breathe. Maybe this is some sick fucking joke your parents are trying to pull on you. Just go with it for now and entertain their bullshit..".

He stops the peptalk when he reaches the guestroom door. For the first time the gold handle seemed dangerous. But he places his now dry hand on it and slowly turns the handle to the right, pushing the door open.

His heart is beating fast and breathing is uneasy, but he immediately calms down when he sees the so-called gift in his room...

A small and delicate girl on the queen-sized bed, covered by a thin fluffy throw-over that was probably found at the end of the bed.

... What?

[brajeshupadhyay]

The simple tweaks that can prevent dementia (plus delicious recipes to help beat it)

Today, and every day, roughly 190 Britons will die from dementia – about 1,350 every week – and numbers are steadily and ominously rising.

It is by far our biggest killer, having overtaken heart disease five years ago as fatalities from heart attacks and strokes continue to decline. Within the next few years, more than one million Britons will be living with the degenerative brain condition.

It’s a statistic made all the more shocking when you consider that the dementia death toll is almost four times the number claimed each week at the moment by the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.

But despite these grim figures there is hope, as the latest medical evidence suggests that whether you develop dementia is not simply down to fate.

Dementia, a degenerative brain condition, is by far our biggest killer, having overtaken heart disease five years ago as fatalities from heart attacks and strokes continue to decline

Although incurable, a staggering 40 per cent of cases could be prevented in the first place, according to a global report revealed at the Alzheimer’s Association International Congress last week.

Lifestyle factors, such as diet, lack of exercise – and even hearing loss – are responsible for a whopping 340,000 of Britain’s 850,000 dementia cases, says the report. The leading scientists behind the new study identified 12 risk factors that make us more likely to develop the disease. Crucially, it’s within our power to address each one of them if we want to stay healthy into old age.

The risks begin to mount in childhood, the report said, but even making small lifestyle changes into your 70s could have a significant impact.

The report represents a huge leap forward in the understanding of the disease. Three years ago, the same research group became the first to prove how much of dementia is preventable, revealing the role of obesity, smoking, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Hearing loss, if untreated, depression and too little exercise also contribute to an individual’s risk, while lack of education and social isolation were also factors flagged by the experts.

Now, three more avoidable dangers have been added to that list based on new data: traumatic head injury, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption.

The authors, from The Lancet’s Commission on Dementia, a group of international experts, say the findings should be a wake-up call for us all, and urged everyone to take responsibility for their own health. They said: ‘Around 40 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by eliminating these risk factors.’ So what can we do? Well, making changes to diet and lifestyle has a significant effect, not just on reducing the chances of developing dementia but also keeping the mind sharper and younger.

Around 40 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by ‘eliminating risk factors’, such as giving up smoking, said experts (file photo)

A recent Swedish study found that being a healthy weight, keeping blood pressure in check and staying fit and active were three key factors found to significantly improve mental performance. More than 500 participants, aged 60 to 77, were advised to eat lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, fish and low-fat dairy, while exercise plans involved strength training at a gym plus group exercises to improve aerobic fitness, such as jogging and aerobics. 

The researchers followed them for two years and found they performed better in mental tests by the end, having boosted their overall health. Similar lifestyle changes were linked to a 37 per cent reduced dementia risk in another trial involving 3,000 volunteers. Indeed, just making a change to one area, such as giving up smoking, was found to have a big knock-on effect.

It’s something I take seriously, because I’ve seen first-hand how devastating dementia can be. I was 17 when my much-loved granny, Olive, died of the disease, aged 74, having spent two years being cared for by my mum, her only child, in our family home.

Olive suffered from Lewy body dementia, the second most common type after Alzheimer’s, accounting for ten to 15 per cent of cases. Looking back now, the risk factors described by The Lancet’s Commission were all there. My grandfather Jimmy, married to Olive for 40 years, collapsed and died from an aortic aneurism aged 65, just two weeks after retiring from his job as a draughtsman at the Rolls-Royce plant in East Kilbride, south of Glasgow. Her world fell apart. In time, neighbours moved on. Friends passed away.

Adored: Jo Macfarlane as a baby, sitting on granny Olive’s knee before her dementia set in. Olive suffered from Lewy body dementia, the second most common type after Alzheimer’s

A fall meant she feared going out and she spent a lot of time alone in her empty house, staring out of the window. She began to forget to eat.

When she came to live with us in Fife, 80 miles away on the opposite coast of Scotland, the warm, adoring woman who’d doted on my two younger sisters and me was vanishing, bit by bit.

Every morning the house was woken by her fearful wails ‘Help me! Help’, as she opened her eyes and, again, had no idea where she was. 

Living near a busy road increases the chance of dementia by 10%

Most painfully, she forgot she had a daughter or grandchildren. When it was explained to her gently one day, she sobbed bitterly: ‘No one ever told me I had a daughter.’

It’s a story that will no doubt resonate with thousands of British families, on whom the burden of care so often falls. 

The cost of treating and supporting the dementia population in the UK is £34.7 billion a year, and it’s set to nearly treble by 2040. Unpaid carers, like my mum, save the economy a further £13.9 billion a year.

Imagine if the emotional – and economic – burden could be lifted significantly. A one per cent reduction in dementia cases would mean 8,500 fewer people living with the disease. 

Eliminating all 12 risk factors, the report’s authors say, could save 340,000 from being struck by it – 40 per cent of the 850,000 people estimated to have dementia in the UK.

In this special Mail on Sunday Health section, we’ll explain how to reduce your risk – from looking at ways to combat heart disease and diabetes, to highlighting surprising methods of prevention, such as improving your hearing.

There is still much about dementia risk that science can’t explain, but there is cause for optimism. Armed with new knowledge, it’s never been more possible to alter the course of our later lives for the better.

Brain-boosting breakfasts

Crustless quiche with feta, peas and spinach

Bake for 30–35mins, or until just set and golden. Serve warm or cold (267 calories per serving)

SERVES 4

1 bagful fresh spinach, or 200g of frozen spinach, defrosted and with the excess water squeezed out

50g cheddar cheese, grated

Preheat the oven to 180C/Fan 160C/GM 4. Fry the onion over a medium heat for 5-10mins, or until softened. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and stir in half the cheese, half the onions and season well.

Pour the egg mixture into a non-stick dish and scatter over the remaining onion as well as the peas, spinach and remaining cheese. Bake for 30–35mins, or until just set and golden.

Serve warm or cold, sliced into wedges.   

Peach and apricot breakfast pots

In 2 small glasses, layer the apricots and peaches, followed by yoghurt (305cal per serving)

SERVES 2

Toast the oats lightly in a pan on a low heat, stirring frequently, until they reach a golden colour (roughly 5mins).

In 2 small glasses, layer the apricots and peaches, followed by a layer of yogurt, followed by another layer of fruit, until you reach the top of the glass.

Top with a sprinkle of the toasted oats and nuts.

Banana and peanut butter overnight oats

In the morning, loosen with a little water or milk if needed (380 calories per serving)

SERVES 1

The night before, stir the skimmed milk and the cinnamon into your oats.

In the morning, loosen with a little water or milk if needed. Top with chopped banana, yogurt and a drizzle of peanut butter.

Blistered tomatoes on toast

Turn up the heat and allow tomatoes to sizzle until the skins start to blister (213cal per serving)

SERVES 1

Pinch of dried mixed herbs

1 large slice wholemeal or rye bread

Gently fry the garlic in 1 tsp of oil for 1min, then add the cherry tomatoes and mixed herbs. Turn up the heat and allow the tomatoes to sizzle until the skins start to blister.

Toast the bread and drizzle the remaining tsp of oil on the bread.

Place the tomatoes on top and season with salt and pepper.

Baked eggs with greens and yoghurt

Add the spinach and season with salt and pepper, then mix (343 calories per serving)

SERVES 2

1/2 100g pack of fresh spinach, or 80g frozen spinach, with water squeezed out

2 spring onions, chopped 

2 tbsp low-fat natural yogurt

2 slices rye or wholemeal bread, toasted

Heat oven to 200C/Fan 180C/GM 6. If using fresh spinach, put it in a colander, then pour over a kettle of boiling water to wilt the leaves.

Squeeze out excess water. In a large, oven-proof pan, heat the oil before frying off the spring onions for a couple of minutes until softened.

Add the spinach and season with salt and pepper, then mix. Make two small wells in the pan and crack in two eggs. Put the pan in the oven for 12-15mins, then serve with yogurt spooned on top, alongside the toast.

Life-enhancing lunches

Roast sweet potato stuffed with smoky black beans

Cut the cooked sweet potato in half and spoon the bean mixture inside (343cal per serving)

SERVES 2

1 tin black or kidney beans

Pinch of chilli powder (optional)

Preheat oven to 200C/Fan 180C/GM 6. Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and roast for 45-60mins.

Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the garlic, paprika, cumin and chilli, if using. Cook for 1min. Add the drained beans, 50ml of water and a pinch of salt and pepper and stir thoroughly.

Cook until this is all warmed through. Remove from the heat and, just before serving, stir in the lime juice.

Cut the cooked sweet potato in half and spoon the bean mixture inside.

Meatballs and beans in tomato sauce

Place 4 meatballs in each bowl with sauce and serve alone, or with bread (450cal per serving)

SERVES 4

For the meatballs:

1 slice stale or toasted wholemeal bread

For the sauce:

1 red pepper, finely chopped

1 tin butter beans, or any other variety

Blitz the bread in a blender  to make breadcrumbs. Tip into a bowl and mix thoroughly with the beef, garlic, egg and seasoning.

Roll into small balls – about 16 – and place on a plate in the fridge. Gently fry the garlic for 1-2mins, then add the onion, pepper and courgette and fry for a further 5mins, until browned slightly.

Next, add the tomatoes, beans and purée. Fill the empty tin with water twice, add this to the mix and leave to simmer for 15mins.

In another pan, fry the meatballs for 12mins. Taste the sauce and check for seasoning.

Place 4 meatballs in each bowl with the sauce and serve alone, or with bread.

Buttery white beans and tuna

Add a final drizzle of oil and some chopped fresh herbs if you have any (329cal per serving)

SERVES 2

1 tin tuna in spring water

Pinch of dried mixed herbs

Chopped fresh herbs (optional)

Finely chop the garlic and fry in the olive oil for 2-3mins. Add the drained beans, salt and pepper and mixed herbs. Cook until warmed through. Finely chop the onion and drain the tuna and gently toss into the warmed mixture. 

Serve alongside one slice of toasted bread. Add a final drizzle of oil and some chopped fresh herbs if you have any.

Sardine, tomato and pepper pizzettes

Drizzle over sardine oil and place on middle shelf of oven for 15-25mins (391cal per serving)

SERVES 2

For the dough:

Half a sachet fast-acting dried yeast (4g)

For the topping:

8 cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1 green or yellow pepper, chopped

4 black olives, finely chopped

Pinch of dried mixed herbs

Preheat oven to 200C/Fan 180C/ GM 6. Make the dough by adding water to yeast and stirring until dissolved, then gradually pour wet mixture into flour and salt until it has dough consistency.

Mix together into a ball, then knead for 10mins before leaving dough to double in size for 30mins. Break off 4 palm-sized balls and leave remaining dough in fridge or freezer for later use.

Roll the 4 chunks of dough into mini pizzas and prick bases. Drain sardines but retain 1 tbsp oil.

Thinly spread tomato purée on bases, then add sardines, cherry tomatoes, peppers, chopped olives and herbs. Drizzle over sardine oil and place on middle shelf of oven for 15-25mins.

Chicken and roasted vegetable salad

Season with sprinkle of salt, then roast for 20-25m until chicken is cooked (531cal per serving)

SERVES 2

1 small red pepper, chopped

Large handful cherry tomatoes, halved

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

100g salad leaves or lettuce (any kind you like)

For the dressing:

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Heat oven to 210C/Fan 190C/GM 8. In a bowl, mix the chicken, broccoli, cauliflower, pepper, cherry tomatoes and olive oil until all is coated.

Put the chicken and vegetables in a baking tray that’s large enough so everything rests in a single layer. Season with sprinkle of salt, then roast for 20-25mins until chicken is cooked through.

When cooked, slice the thighs. Whisk dressing ingredients in a salad bowl, then add the chicken, vegetables and salad leaves. Mix well before serving.

Delectable dinners

Courgette and minty potato parmesan tart

Put in the centre of the oven for 25mins or until the egg has set (502 calories per serving)

SERVES 2

1/2 roll (160g) of ready-rolled puff pastry

4 new potatoes, boiled and sliced

1 courgette, sliced lengthways or in round slices

2 tsp fresh mint, chopped

Preheat the oven to 200C/Fan 180C/GM 6. Place the pastry on a lined, greased baking tray and fold the edges up and inwards to create a thin crust. Arrange the potato and courgette on the pastry, then gently pour the egg on top.

Sprinkle with the lemon zest and parmesan. Put in the centre of the oven for 25mins or until the egg has set and the crust is golden brown. Sprinkle with chopped mint.

Crunchy cod and sweet potato chips with smashed minty peas

Dip the cod fillets into the egg and roll in the breadcrumbs. Bake for 25m (520cal per serving)

SERVES 2

2 skinless fillets of cod

1 slice stale or toasted bread

Sprig of fresh mint, chopped

Preheat the oven to 220C/Fan 200C/GM 6. Chop the sweet potato into bitesize chunks, place in a baking dish, drizzle with oil and sprinkle on the paprika. Roast for 45mins.

Blitz the bread into crumbs and mix with a pinch of salt, pepper and the lemon zest. Dip the cod fillets into the egg and roll in the breadcrumbs. Bake for 25mins.

Boil the frozen peas until slightly overcooked, then gently mash with mint and butter. Squeeze the juice of the lemon on the fish.

Stuffed peppers with a ‘meaty’ mushroom filling

Top with the pepper ‘lids’, cover in foil and bake for 35-40mins (345 calories per serving)

SERVES 2

200g mushrooms (any kind), diced

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

Heat the oven to 220C/Fan 200C/GM 7. Make breadcrumbs by blitzing the bread in a blender, or finely chopping. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the mushrooms for 5mins, until tender. 

Turn off the heat and add garlic, tomatoes, breadcrumbs, walnuts and pesto until thoroughly combined. Slice the top off the peppers and remove the seeds. Place in a roasting tin and spoon the mushroom filling into the pepper cavities. 

Top with the pepper ‘lids’, cover in foil and bake for 35-40mins.

Easy one-person paella

Stir the seafood mix into the pan and cover with a lid. Simmer for 5m (565 calories per serving)

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 sausage, divided into small balls (or a handful of chicken breast chunks)

1/2 tsp mixed dried herbs

75g brown rice, or paella rice if you can’t get brown

1 tbsp white wine (optional)

Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the sausage balls, onion and garlic for 8mins. Then add paprika, herbs and rice, stirring continuously. 

Splash in the wine and, once it has evaporated, stir in the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Season and cook for 10-15mins, stirring occasionally until rice is almost cooked. 

Stir the seafood mix into the pan and cover with a lid. Simmer for 5mins, or until the seafood is cooked through. Squeeze over the lemon juice.  

Chickpea and courgette parmigiana

Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and parmesan, then bake for 35-40m (422cal per serving)

SERVES 4

6 courgettes, sliced into 1cm lengths

2 balls mozzarella, sliced

50g parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat the oven to 200C/Fan 180C/GM 6. Coat the courgette slices in oil and sear the slices in a pan for 3-4mins each side, then set aside.

In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic until soft. Heat the chopped tomatoes and chickpeas in a saucepan, adding the cooked onion mixture, salt and pepper and letting it bubble for a few minutes.

Spoon some of the tomato mixture into the base of an ovenproof dish, then layer with courgette and mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.

Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and parmesan, then bake for 35-40mins until bubbling and golden brown on top.

Perfect puds  

Spiced compote with honey yogurt and nuts

Heat rhubarb in a small pan, using dessertspoon of syrup and a splash of water. Add cinnamon and allspice and simmer until rhubarb has disintegrated (222 calories per serving)

SERVES 2

1/2 tin of rhubarb in light syrup, or apples or pears

4 heaped tbsp low-fat Greek yogurt

Heat rhubarb in a small pan, using dessertspoon of syrup and a splash of water. Add cinnamon and allspice and simmer until rhubarb has disintegrated.

Allow to cool and serve with 2 tbsp yogurt each, a sprinkling of nuts and a drizzle of honey.

Chocolate mousse with raspberries

Fold in egg white – whisked to stiff peaks – followed by chocolate. Spoon mixture into 2 small glasses or espresso cups and put in fridge for at least 30mins (296 calories per serving)

SERVES 2

1/3 of a 100g bar of dark chocolate

3 tbsp low-fat Greek yogurt

Melt chocolate in a glass bowl, placed over a pan of boiling water. Add sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add half yogurt to the bowl and mix, then transfer to another bowl before stirring in the rest of the yogurt. 

Fold in egg white – whisked to stiff peaks – followed by chocolate. Spoon mixture into 2 small glasses or espresso cups and put in fridge for at least 30mins.

Serve alongside a handful of raspberries.

Tinned pear and nut crumble

Mix together, first with a spoon, then with your fingers, until you have a rough, crumbly mixture. Scatter over the peaches, then bake for 35mins (264 calories per serving)

SERVES 6

3 x 410g tinned pears in juice

1 tbsp sugar or sweetener

50g hazelnuts, or any nuts you like

Preheat oven to 200C/Fan 180C/GM 6. Drain the pears, but reserve the juice. Tip pears & juice into a baking dish or 6 ceramic pots. In a bowl, mix flour, oats, butter, sugar, nuts and cinnamon. 

Mix together, first with a spoon, then with your fingers, until you have a rough, crumbly mixture. Scatter over the peaches, then bake for 35mins until golden and crunchy on top.

Home-made stracciatella gelato

After the last stir, melt the chocolate either slowly in a microwave, or in a glass bowl over a pan of boiling water. While stirring the gelato, pour in the chocolate (174 calories per serving)

MAKES 10 PORTIONS

2-3 tbsp granulated sugar

The night before making the gelato, place a bowl in the freezer. Next day, pour the milk and sugar into a medium pot and heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has just dissolved.

Take off the heat and stir in cream, then let mixture cool before placing it in the bowl that’s been chilling in the freezer. Leave in fridge for 3hrs before transferring to freezer. Stir ice cream 3-4 times, roughly every 4hrs, to break up ice crystals – or use a blender.

After the last stir, melt the chocolate either slowly in a microwave, or in a glass bowl over a pan of boiling water. While stirring the gelato, pour in the chocolate, then place in freezer for 30mins before serving.

The post The simple tweaks that can prevent dementia (plus delicious recipes to help beat it) appeared first on Shri Times News.

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[hankeverythingwillbefine]

Thrashed, Lost, and Found

Day 7 hurt as much as every day has. It still started out with a forceful morning workout, my cousin has asked me a couple of times if I’d go with her to her gym in the afternoon but working out is something I have to do alone. I know she can do her routine and I can do mine but even the commute needs to be a separate thing. I was dragged to church, even though it’s Catholic I went and listened to what the priest had to say. I kept getting lost in thought and spent time admiring the architectural brilliance of the church. I wanted to go out by myself, I thought it’s time to shave the beard and needed razors (maybe it was just the only excuse I had). I took the bus and we were robbed, even though I was scared I was still aware of how dangerous the state has become thanks to increasing foreign migration. I don’t mean to sound xenophobic and I’m not even blaming the South American migrants, I’m blaming the people that come from other states to those that had stable security in their endless turf wars or those from the capital that have become so wanted by their local enforcement agencies to flee and do what they’re doing here. Anyhow, this short guy in his mid 20′s comes into the bus and asks to hold on a moment before paying. The bus starts moving at this point because the buses are in a hurry. It’s not too packed which is great for my anxiety and I’m looking out the window because I’m a melancholic fuck that needs serotonin and sunlight helps with that. I see some people in front of me shuffle suddenly and it made me startle and grasp the situation... hey we’re getting robbed. I didn’t notice the guy in the back with the backpack collecting money, phones and jewelry until it was my turn. As confident I am of my self-defense abilities, I’m no match for a guy with a gun. My anxiety manifested in a form of angry annoyance instead of fear. I gave them my broken iphone (which thankfully I only took the spare one that I use as an ipod but also has whatsapp installed and all of my contacts... it’s too long a story to explain now), my wallet with an estimated equivalent of $10 dollars and my wired headphones. I could tell that backpack guy was somewhat disappointed in everything they gathered but what do you expect on a Sunday afternoon in a half empty bus that’s going AWAY from the capital. I applaud your efforts, you sad elementary school dropout but thieving doesn’t give participation trophies or a pat on the back (unless you’re a prison bitch, then I guess it’s more than pats on the back). They quickly pointed the gun at the driver and made him pull over by an empty lot, my mind went to “we’re getting executed” which made me angrier. The one that gets to kill me is ME, that much has always been decided and I don’t even mean that in a suicidal way. If I die because of a mistake I made or an action I knowingly took that sent me to my demise, I’d be okay with that. My point is, they ran away and I wanted to go after them but getting shot is not in my to do list. The bus driver had radioed someone to call the police, they came in what felt like 10 minutes-ish and a forever for their police reports. I told them everything I saw, I gave them all my necessary information and details of the items that were stolen. I didn’t see much point in cooperating since the police are famous for being useless in this country and the four that arrived reeked of incompetence and Sunday laziness. I walked back home after that, it was a 30 minute walk... always has been. I realized I took 2 and a half hours between all of that when I got home. I told my mother I went for a walk and got distracted, went to my room and that’s when everything started sinking in. I grew up in a dangerous neighborhood no matter where I lived, having a gun pointed at was something that’s never going to stop being terrifying but the impact lessens over time. After some time of empty staring, I got the phone my father sent a year ago and activated that one, it has less memory and all I really need is music but it’s the thought that counts. I saw a couple of messages from you asking if I’m there and looks like you wanted to talk. I told you I got robbed, you didn’t believe me but this isn’t one of those things to lie about. There’s nothing impressive about getting robbed at gunpoint. My anxiety didn’t go off the rails despite the lack of Xanax in my system, it was a strange feeling and did not know how to rationalize it. I tried to pass it off as being okay, talking to you makes everything easier. You told me you’re redoing the house and talking about your self-worth. Telling me to tell my therapist how strong you are and how beautiful you are and how you’ve shouldered everything for the past year. How fucking dare you, of course I have but I’ve also talked about how controlling you’ve been and the thing I don’t want to do is go from patient to psychologist trying to compare results based on notes and observations about you. Therapy is where I make me about me, it’s step one on a healthy dose of selfishness. So we talked about how you’re Marie Kondoing and suggested I do the same, I told you that I’m not in a head space where assessing joy is a good idea. We talked about how we both need the man I used to be, how tired you are and the things you deserve. I mentioned that my stepdad finally got himself together and I was very surprised, these past 10 years haven’t been very kind to us and he got lazy and complacent and irresponsible. After having been dumped by my mom was when he went back to being hardworking and providing for her and my brother. He’s been incredibly supportive of whatever this thing I’m going through is. We spoke in a way that can only be described like we needed to cheer each other on, and then another “I don’t believe you got robbed” stab. As much as I would like your support yet not seeking it because I’m respecting your space, I really don’t need your doubt. I told you I was looking forward to our monthly in-person meet, which you forgot and it hurt. That was probably the most crushing moment of our whole conversation but powered through it. Sometimes I think I should just divorce you because you’re too much of a coward to ask for it because that is what you really want and I want to work on this but won’t get the chance to get there. We had a nice conversation and cut it short, sleep was calling to me. I woke up late at night and saw that you texted again, I don’t know if you were battling with loneliness again and wanted to talk to me. A part of me wants to tell you to fuck off and seek solace in the Facebook friends you arduously ignored me for but I think you’re doing that and it’s not working as well as you’d hoped. I think we’re both fighting that codependency we have for each other, leading to struggles with our own loneliness. I can’t really speak for you and can only assume. I just told you I went for my late night drink of water. We texted a little on Day 8, sent you a funny ad I got on a website while working. I’m still worried that you’re not eating well and haven’t found someone to pay to cook for you or deliver a healthy meal to you. I spent all of Day 8 hating myself out loud because I had the house to myself and trying not to text you. I also spent it playing GTA 5 and watching how Michael lost his family and is slowly getting them back in their own organically dysfunctional way while having Chicago’s “if you leave me now” playing on the radio station of the car he got in. Rockstar, you’re not fair to me right now. After so many years and changing availability, I still haven’t finished the game but it’s hitting so many sore spots for me right now. Great job, me, you’ve replaced your dependency from Xanax to video games and enjoy neither. I’ve helped my stepdad clean his car during the weekend, Hank sees me near the car and he behaves like we’re going back home. He scratches my leg, getting permission to get in but doesn’t see that it’s just to clean it and not to make a 2 hour trip back to a place we thought everyone was happy in. You sent me a philosophical quote about healing, I looked it up and thanked you for it. I went on to spend my night playing mindlessly, reading on and off about endogenous depression because I stumbled upon a paper I was reading about it in my closet here. Grad school B paper, no easy feat. I spent my night torturing myself internally. Weening off Xanax to help me sleep has not been kind, I’m down to a quarter a day again.

Day 9. I’m proud of myself for not reactivating my Facebook to stalk you since Friday-ish or Thursday. I needed one of the links I had saved and checked your posts since I was already there. Still, I need to stop. I’m getting everything out in a public way while maintaining myself anonymous and you’re getting everything out in a more “everybody, this marriage has been so shitty despite having my husband change jobs and work outside the house in order to pay for everything”. Yes you did the housewife thing and you did it great, I just needed you great and not a clean house or a highly elaborate meal but that’s what I came home to and a wife that had just enough energy to kinda eat. Your mother and my father did come to our rescue one too many times before we got married and while I started my new job. When you said you were told about Stratus, I encouraged you and said I wanted you happy but whatever floats your boat. Day 9 is just starting with sarcastic clients and a very annoyed me. If parting is such sweet sorrow, I don’t have many assets but I’m still meeting an attorney this Friday to set up a will. Just in case.

[atomboyinpetticoats]

The Dreams I Dreamed for me

My Dream of Sisters

I am the middle girl between boys. As an only Girl I have been the recipient of all the pleasures and the pain that comes with being the only girl. Growing up I received a lot of attention and many of our supporters got me gifts while my brothers often had to share one. We kids were often referred to as The Boys and Lisa.

At 5 ½ I watched my mother weep for 48hrs over a little baby girl, my adopted sister Mispeh, before God saw fit to take her home. I prayed for a sister to take her place, but the years turned hollow and my mothers heart was deeply shattered by Mispeh's passing. It was two weeks before I turned Ten when circumstances led me to pray again. I did not know that my mother was closed to adoption at the time so I asked God to provide me with a friend, a sister who would move with me. You see the reality of my transience as an MK was beginning to become clear. God provided me with a companion to fill the present need in a wonderfully intelligent Dog called Brownie. We had many happy years together.

As time ticked by, five years saw my world shift continents as health challenges moved our family back to our sending country. My relationship with God grew deeper still and I knew by this point it was highly unlikely I would ever have sisters. So I watched that dream die for the first time and I began to look forward to the day when my brothers would marry.

Two years later my parents approached us kids with their plans to adopt, and they would be girls!!!! I was soo excited! I was 17. The dream of sisters came to life again and a year later on December 2, 2004 we were placed with two girls who looked strikingly like me! What's more is their birthdays matched the dates in time to when I had prayed all those years ago. Both my sisters were born dead and each had needed resuscitation. I believed then God brought them to life because a little girl halfway across the globe had prayed.

There is a Word in Esimbi which means 'You Are Welcome'. When you put all of our second initials together starting with my parents and ending with my baby sister, it spells that word; BEDADEN. God was telling me He heard my prayers and had had said Yes! Though I didn't know it, it took 15 years for me to receive the answer.

For sure now it would be the Boys and the Girls! It was a steep learning curve for me a natural tomboy learning to play barbies, and learn fashion and make-up stuff. But I soon learned I would never be one of the girls. It is STILL, The Boys, The Girls, and Lisa. I am set apart....which can be lonely at times.

Years have past and the reality of their birth story has had lasting effects. Their birth mom drank and used heavily, though she never admitted it. That leaves both of them with a Congenital Brain Injury better known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. This means that neither of them will ever function fully as adults and both are under permanent legal guardian and trusteeship. On top of this is the sexual and emotional trauma both endured for the first 12 and 8 yrs of their lives and has left both with mental health challenges.

I have again watched my dream of having sisters die. I have two wonderful Sister-in-Laws who are also only girls so I have kindred spirits in them both and I am blessed. But the Dream I dreamed for me of having that close sisterly bond has never come to be.

My Dream of Marriage

All my life I have heard from my parents 'When you get married ________', so marriage though not an imperative was a staple of conversation in our household. At 14 years old I had heard enough about the dangers of dating and relationship pitfalls that I had personally decided not to enter that realm till I was 18.

   My parents had spoken often of the list each had made of the things they wanted in a spouse and how amazingly God had fulfilled it. My youth group speakers and youth leaders had encouraged us to do exactly that. But I had also heard recently that we often settle for good when God wants to do great. So as I sat thinking about who I thought would be the 'perfect man' I looked out the window and wondered if I wasn't taking a good thing and missing out on God's Great thing. Being a tomboy I had never really thought much about appearance, I liked guys because they had fun and went on adventures. I enjoyed being friends. But I had learned all too painfully that there are those who would take without asking. My trust in all guys outside family was shaken when I had been molested in school by one of my own youth group members. I had watched a church member struggle with the incredible physical abuse of her father  and her question haunted me. “Wouldn’t you have noticed those things while dating?” the Sunday school teacher’s answer terrified me. “Some people are incredibly good at hiding.”

   All of this led me to question my ability to discern well. Leaning on my own understanding would never be an option. I was gonna need some serious help if I was going to find the right man to marry. So I did a brave thing; I asked God to find him for me. I wrote my list then. It wasn’t long, it had two items; 1-God you know me best, you pick. 2-I will know he is the one when he proposes to me three times.

   I knew the minute I prayed that prayer God had already answered it. I had such a peace enfold my soul. Being 14 though, means you want to know those kinds of things. So I asked another audacious thing; God can I have a peek? I know you have picked him out what does he look like? I bothered God for days, begging him nightly to have a dream of him. Finally in desperation I pleaded that if God would let me see I would never ask again. That is a night I will never forget; I did receive a vision of my husband to be!   

   Years passed by and I held onto that Promise. But at 16 I had sort of forgotten about the vision so I asked God for a peek...again. He reminded me of my promise and I repented; in wonder that God would have answered that prayer even though he knew I’d break it. I received many notes from heaven confirming the Promise. Usually when doubt was strong and I was questioning its validity. These notes came in many forms; further visions, sermons on Sunday, a word from a friend, all pointing to the Promise. But when the frequency of these fade and their form is but a shred of misty memory it's hard to stand unwavering against the doubts of not only yourself but those of others. I frequently pulled out my tattered shoe box of notes and re-read each one, praying for my future husband and writing him letters. Uncertainty then would fade and a blessed peace would take my soul.    Entering my twenties was exciting I watched the horizon expecting the one envisioned to arrive any day. Every young man that came into my life was soon rejected as they didn’t match my Promise. This confused many around me for I had told no one about the full Promise. My parents were completely in the dark. I had wanted to tell them but every time I thought to they would say something that would make what I had experienced impossible for them to believe.

   17 years came and went without any sign of the promise being any closer to fruition. I had come to love the stories of Caleb, Mary, and Abraham in the bible, they too had had to wait a long time to see God’s promise come to be. I had dreamed I would be married young, but as I entered my thirties I watched my Dream of marrying in my twenties fade and die. I bought a house and was stepping into the care of my sisters as one of them was moving in with me. I realized that having the first few years of marriage getting to know my husband and building a life together before taking on the responsibility of my sisters was not going to be and I wept. At 31 I knelt on the floor and buried another of the Dreams I had dreamed for me.  I begged God to give me the strength I would need to face the mountain he was asking me to climb... alone.

My Dream of Children

When I was five I began to watch children and by nine I knew I wanted to be a mom. As a young teen I babysat many children and volunteered in Kids church and youth. But as I turned 25 my dream of being a young mom began to fade. I poured my life into the students I taught, they became my kids as I watched and waited for my Promised Husband to arrive. My cousins and friends married and had children. My brother married and had a beautiful little girl. Even my little sister fell pregnant with a child under less than perfect circumstances. My heart ached with the emptiness that filled my arms. I had dreams of my children; Promises from heaven much like my husband. But in the light of reality they were all but a faded photograph from history. As time rolled on I clung to the promise trusting that one day I'd be called mom. But as I entered my thirties I began to lose my grip on the dream of being a mom to my own birth kids and began to dream of taking up where another had left, chosen children. My health took a bit of a hit and I faced surgery with the real possibility of it potentially hindering my having kids. Could I trust God and let go of yet another Dream? What would His dream be?

His Dreams

His dreams don't look like ours; they don't smell the same, they don't feel the same, and many times they are completely the opposite of what we would desire. They often require us to give more than we would want to. But they are far better than we could hope to dream up for ourselves. My heart aches when I see young people comparing their lives to others especially me. For many years I have encouraged them, entreating them to seek God and trust him.

   My life is no fairy tale... or maybe it is more like one than I care to admit. Everyday I have to contend with a Dragon who seeks to steal from me, destroy my life, and kill me!

   But I serve a wonderful King, a God who calls me his own. I am a Princess of heaven and the gifts my father gives are far more than I could ever ask or imagine.

   The thing about God’s Dreams is they are never just about me. His dream for me and my sisters wasn't just about me and my hopes, it was the rescue of two little girls in desperate need of His love and grace.

   Everyday I have to wake up and remember the needs of an adult living with the mind of a child. I have to manage not only my own expectations and feelings but hers. Everything I do revolves around making sure she has what she needs and also that she is guided towards continued learning. We deal daily with the steep learning curve of responsibilities and communication. Both of my sisters are learning and growing and over time the evidence is there. But sometimes it's easy to get lost in the day to day managing of attitudes and behavior.

    The Dreams God dreams are big, and they will require all of you. Sometimes more than you alone can handle. After years of supporting my parents in their role of guardianship I stepped into their shoes and began to care for my younger sister. Then God brought along the man of my Dreams, literally.

   God’s Dream of a husband was so much more than I could ever have dreamed for myself. A man in so deep with God a whisper or nudge was all it took for him to move. A man so set on following God that all my chaos and fears couldn't sway him from stepping into my world to steady me.

   I was blown away over and over again by the little things God thought of. Castles and dancing, to the way we eat or daily do life… all thought of and more. He has been the quiet strength I have needed when the storms of life threatened to tear me to shreds. I could not have dreamed of the man I would need by my side to walk this life I've been given. God dreamed of a mountaineer with gentleness and compassion to serve the broken, and a heart for those who are wandering. I would have dreamed of a man strong enough to lift me physically when what I needed was a man strong enough to carry me spiritually and emotionally.

  As I write this I am 33 and my arms are still empty, I am not yet a mother to my promised children. I do not know what that journey will be like but I am choosing to trust in the Almighty One. I know His promises are sure and He is wonderfully good. But I also know His dreams are not my dreams. So...... here I sit, arms open, waiting to dream the dreams He dreams for me.

~A Tomboy in Petticoats

[fashiontrendin-blog]

We Tried the Reverse Holiday Diet

http://fashion-trendin.com/we-tried-the-reverse-holiday-diet/

We Tried the Reverse Holiday Diet

This piece was originally published in December 2015. Can you even freaking believe it? An oldie but a goodie, we wanted to share our joint holiday extravaganza. Honestly, it’s all for you, Seth Cohen.

Amelia is Jewish only when it is convenient. That is, if you call her on Yom Kippur, you can rest assured she is eating a sandwich and reminding you about her baptism. When Purim rolls around, though? She’s the queen of costumes and alcoholic beverage consumption. Eating at a restaurant and the special is tender pork belly? She’s on it! And then as though it never happened, there she is, smearing white fish over her bagel, gossiping about the girls from Bridge club.

But I’ve had it, you know? She’s never even attempted atonement. So this year, at the intersection of our faiths: she put on her Hanukkah hat, I test drove (without a license!) right down St. Nick’s lane. There was only rule, which was that Amelia would write a diet for me and I would write one for her.

Here is what she put together, annotated with my reactions.

1) You’re going to need some sort of tree, or a wreath, or at the very least something to decorate.

I cannot commit to bringing Christ into my home, but I will happily pose with a tree on 1st Street, which is close enough.

Leandra: 1, Christmas: 1, Amelia: dead.

2) You will exclusively play Christmas music, and it has to be playing non-stop.

This was absolutely no problem whatsoever — I listen to the Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald holiday stations on Pandora almost exclusively, which I mentioned in a post that went live on December 11th. Two for me, Glen Coco. But I hate peppermint.

3) Throw/Attend at least one ugly sweater themed party.

Does claiming ownership over a photo of Beyoncé in the ugliest sweater party sweater count as having completed this task?

4) Drink eggnog

No.

5) Watch: Love Actually, It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, Home Alone (or please refer to this list)

I watched Home Alone at least six times. Catherine O’Hara has one of the craziest faces I have ever seen on television. It is so underrated that she asks a flight attendant at the airport in Paris if they could help her charter a private plane home to Kevin for Christmas. Also, here’s a fun fact: John Candy improvised that entire scene where he talks about leaving his kid at a funeral home in the polka polka van when they’re getting O’Hara home to Kev. As you can see, I murdered this movie dance floor.

6) Send at least a few Christmas cards.

I did you one better and sent Christmas gifts. Each came with a card, and every single one said the same thing:

Dear Recipient,

Merry Christmas!

Your Jewish friend with a soul made of gelt,

Leandra

And then I attached a phone number for the orthodox Jewish conversion hotline!

7) Bake festive cookies and bring to office

I defer to you, Amelia, to tell the community about the vegan, gluten free cookies that I made for the office. Leave all tales of chipped teeth out — thx.

8) Order/drink a holiday special at Starbucks. Here’s the 2015 lineup:

Caramel Brulée Latte. Chestnut Praline Latte. Christmas Cookie Latte. Eggnog Latte. Gingerbread Latte. Honey And Almond Hot Chocolate. Peppermint Mocha. Toffee Nut Latte.

Leandra and Christmas: 2, Leandra’s waist line: 4777387219.

9) COUNT DOWN THE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS.

No. Why would I count down the days until the end of my favorite Pandora stations? You are a masochist and I won’t engage with your antics.

10) Dress festive (red/green/sparkly).

I defer to this.

And this.

And this!

And here’s an outfit I wore last Sunday night.

Johanna Ortiz polka dot top and pants

And now, for Amelia’s diet.

So I grew up half-Jewish.

The entire world seemed to buy this or at least let me live until I met Leandra Medine about six years ago and she told me this made no sense. Technically, I understood her reasoning. Theoretically, however, I understood mine more. Dad: Jewish. Mom: Catholic. Me: Guilty.

But whatever, it meant I did a little bit of it all: a first communion here, a cousin’s bar mitzvah there, Easter, Passover, Christmas and Hanukkah. I’ve got about 10% of the prayers on both sides memorized and mumble along with the rest, just like how I sing along to the 2nd verse of Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy is Mine.”

When this holiday season rolled around and Leandra and I decided to swap customs, I secretly assumed I’d win. Channukah was only 8 days long — Christmas starts the second Thanksgiving ends so technically, she was already behind.

But that right there was first mistake. Not assuming I’d win, of course, but in spelling Hanukkah. Chanukah. Ḥanukah. חנוכה. I mean how the fuck do you spell this word if Google gives you 8234567 versions?! Watch me explore the variety in my diet below.

Next came Leandra’s insane assignment list that was designed to raise my cholesterol, get me arrested for cocaine consumption and make me broke.

Behold — her instructions, copied & pasted verbatim, in bold, followed by my results and notes:

1) You must consume at least one powdered jelly donut every single day. You must also make sure that powdered residue remains above your top lip for at least 20 minutes post consumption.

Finding traditional powdered “sufganiyah” with strong-enough Yelp reviews in New York City proved more difficult than one might imagine, especially considering that I am lazy and hate walking into stores.

I ended up spending 20 excruciating minutes on the phone with Doughnut Plant to confirm that their Hanukah doughnuts were legit and another 20 excruciating dollars to have them delivered.

They sent me the wrong ones (these were covered in peanuts as opposed to powder) so unfortunately, no Pablo Escobar ‘stache. They were, however, filled with blackberry jelly. I ate both of course and consider this a win.

Also of note: Leandra baked cookies, and they were actually good. Since she’s Jewish, I now consider these Jewish cookies and give myself an extra credit point.

2) Light the Menorah every night starting tonight and recite the prayers. 

Arguably the most important part of this holiday, I only lit the candle once.

And on the 2nd day. However, my excuse is that upon calling my (Jewish) grandmother to wish her a Happy Hanukah, she told me that lighting candles was very dangerous and not to do it ever again.

2a) You should also tell everyone Kendallabra is trying to steal Hannukah’s thunder.

No, Leandra.

3) Give up meditation for a week and instead play dreidl (basically the same thing)

I don’t meditate (can you tell?!?!?!?!? EIieoSIHG OSHOUh!! ! ! ! !) so this was easy to give up. Meanwhile, dreidel — the 10th word in this “diet” with 100 different variations on its spelling — became my new favorite way to make noise in the office.

4) Eat potato pancakes for breakfast, tell people they’re latkes and that eating them sure beats doing homework.

Another culinary fail. The restaurant “ran out.” I was mad but I’m also half-Irish so I know the struggle of a potato famine well.

5) Buy me a gift every night for all eight nights

It’s the thought that counts?

6) Whenever asked how you’re doing this week, you must answer, “Wonderful! I am celebrating the miracle of light!” — and then go into the extensive Biblical narrative wherein the Maccabees light a menorah in the holy temple and the light lasts for eight days. Then interrupt yourself and say that this is just one of the stories we tell ourselves in order to live.

I opted out and wore a menorah hat instead.

6a) Remind people that though Joan Didion is not Jewish, her birthday does overlap with Hanukah this year.

Mostly I just reminded people how Thanksgiving coincided with Hanukah last year and repeatedly brought up Seth Cohen’s creation of Chrismukkah.

7) Learn to say “suvganiyot,” which means jelly donuts in hebrew.

Easy like the Internet.

8) Memorize the lyrics to this song, become a pubescent boy with the vocal talent of an angel on acid.

I remain a post-pubescent woman. However, I also much prefer the Maccabeats:

9) Stop spending US dollars, force vendors to take “gelt” (it’s gold coin chocolate)

Uber loved this!!!

10) Commit an orthodox conversion

Awkward…Christmas is coming soon, so no can do.

But you didn’t think I’d let myself lose, right?

Just like the Maccabees said — it’s a miracle.

Feature illustration by via The Miami Herald/MCT via Getty Images; collages by Krista Anna Lewis and Emily Zirimis.