#this was very ehh halfway through but I think it turned out alright :)

[if-loki-was-a-fox]

Why do the Lovejoy/Wilbur lyrics keep reminding of this guy

#this was very ehh halfway through but I think it turned out alright :) #my art #my dsmp art #ranboo #dsmp ranboo #cranboo #c!ranboo #dsmp #dsmp fanart #enderwalk #enderwalk ranboo

[beyondspaceandstars]

While You Sleep

Chapter 7

Relationship: Bucky Barnes x Reader Warnings: fluff, mentions of violence Summary: Soulmate!AU - Throughout life, you’re given glimpses of your soulmate through dreams. As you sleep, memories flash in your mind showing you the life your soulmate has lived. Everyone around you raves about how their soulmate reads great books or volunteers in their spare time. But you can’t relate as your dreams end up being more like nightmares. Through initial images of death and violence, you come to learn your soulmate is the Winter Soldier.

(a/n: i know the ending is ehh but i promise more will be explored in the next chapter <3

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Your giddiness from the morning carried into the afternoon. You felt like you were floating half the time. The orders flying in flew out too as you moved flawless and happily through your work. Even when some customers would come up insisting their drink wasn’t correct, you accepted the complaint and happily presented a fresh cup. It was impeccable. A combination of feeling rested and feeling like you had someone. 

You were at the tail-end of a rush when Steve came into the shop. He didn’t get in line, though, and instead took the last seat at the counter, watching you float about cheerfully. 

You glanced up from the espresso machine. “Good morning, Steve.”

“Good morning,” he greeted back, watching you froth some milk for the newly brewed espresso. 

You started pouring the milk into the cup, moving your hand delicately attempting to create some kind of pattern. “No coffee today?”

Steve shook his head as you placed the order under the pick-up sign and called out the name on the cup. You had a second to breathe and placed yourself back in front of Steve.

“I actually came to see how everything was going.”

You playfully rolled your eyes, a little smirk tugging at your lips. “I may be new to the whole soulmate thing but I am not clueless when it comes to friends. I’m sure Bucky is sharing everything.” You turned to start wiping down your workspace.

Steve frowned, “Bucky hasn’t told me anything.”

Your movements stopped. Brows furrowed in confusion, you asked, “He hasn’t said anything about me?” 

Steve shook his head. “I just think he’s nervous. Probably wants to keep you for himself right now. I hear some soulmates can get like that at first.”

“Oh,” you hummed. “Well I can try to fill you in but there’s not much to discuss really. It's only been like a day. Dinner was lovely, though. Thank you for that, by the way.” Steve smiled. You continued, “He walked me home that night which was very kind, and then this morning he surprised me. He was waiting outside my apartment building to walk me to work.”

Steve’s jaw went slack. “Bucky walked you to work? Here?”

You nodded, maybe a bit too enthusiastically but you couldn’t help yourself. “We had a lovely walk and chatted along the way.” He stared at you as if waiting. “Steve, I’m not going to tell you what we talked about.”

Steve let out a light chuckle, throwing his hands up dramatically in defeat. “Alright, alright,” he said, “I won’t pry but can you blame a man for trying? My best friend is finally learning about his soulmate. That’s big for anyone but for Bucky in particular...”

You couldn’t help the blush creeping up on your face for what felt like the millionth time today. It was one thing to hear stuff from Bucky but to get an outsider's perspective, well, that was a rush. You held a little bit of pride from it as well.

“Well, thanks for getting us together,” you smiled, turning to wipe down a coffee machine. 

“You’re not mad at me for the ambush?” 

“Oh, no, I’m very mad about that.” You said, pointedly, as you glanced over back at Steve. He still had a shit-eating grin on his lips, not even an ounce of sorriness came off him.

“Well, once again, can you blame me? How else was I supposed to get you two to actually talk? Besides, I’m not actually hearing any complaints from you about it.”

Darn. He got you there. You sighed with a small nod and faced Steve once more. “No, of course, I’m not complaining,” you admitted, “you’re just lucky it turned out well.”

“It was always going to turn out well,” Steve said, matter-of-factly. “You two are soulmates.”

You frowned, “I could’ve moved on.”

Steve chuckled, absolutely dismissing the idea. “That doesn’t actually happen now does it?”

No, it doesn’t, but you didn’t want to admit it out loud. Once you actually stood in the same room as Bucky, you knew there was no turning back. However it may have ended up, you were always to feel that pull towards him. You think you were hooked the second you saw him on the television, despite that initial onslaught of fear. 

When a few seconds had passed and Steve was still met with no answer, he gave you a smile. “Have a good rest of your day.” 

As he turned his back to you, you called out, “I gave him my number.” Once the words left your lips you felt a bit unsure of why you were telling him this. “That’s another thing that happened this morning. I just really wanted to…” What did you want to do?

“Open that connection?” Steve guessed but you realized quickly that was correct. You wanted a more direct line to him, to maybe establish more happenings and dates. It sounded so fucking childish in your head but this all was so new to you.

Once you nodded, confirming his assumptions. Steve said, “He’s probably very thankful for that.” 

Now he was really done speaking. Steve promptly left after that without any more goodbyes or chances for you to blurt out ridiculous updates. Why, anyways, were you actually updating Steve? Maybe because part of you felt you owed him. He sort of deserved to know a little about the couple he aided along in bringing together. Or maybe he was living vicariously through you two seeing as his own soulmate was gone. Perhaps, though, at the end of the day, he was a friend and from your previous observations, this kind of chatter over soulmates and first glances was what other people did. It felt good to finally sort of be in on it all with everyone else.

***

It was late in the afternoon when your phone buzzed. You were just starting to make your way to your apartment. Slightly confused, you turned on the screen to see a text message written more in the form of a formal letter.

Good afternoon. Did this send? Xo, Bucky

Despite the silliness and him clearly dating himself (not like it was a secret, though), you were practically wooed by the little hugs and kisses at the end. It really reminded you of some old-timey letter. You swore, it was always the simplest things with this man that just pulled you in.

Quickly, you crafted your message back: It sent! Was that your first text message ever?

After hitting ‘send,’ you started on the path back home. While maybe not expecting an immediate response, you also didn’t expect to be halfway to your building before Bucky texted back. 

Yes, the text read. Can I call? -Bucky

You chuckled at the continuation of the sign-off but quickly replied, telling him you were free to talk whenever. Within seconds, your phone was ringing. 

“Hello!” you said, fairly a bit too cheerily into your phone. You could practically hear Bucky’s smile as he answered. 

“Hello,” he greeted you. “How is work?”

“It was good,” you said, “I’m on my way home now.”

“What?” Bucky gasped. “You should’ve told me what time you got off. I would’ve walked you home.”

You giggled, “Well, you maybe you should’ve asked what time my shift ended. I think this goes both ways, Buck.”

There was a moment of silence. “I forgot,” he eventually admitted with a sigh. “Someone had to go and kiss my cheek so I really couldn’t think straight.”

You let out a loud laugh at his comment, feeling a blush creeping on slowly on your neck and cheeks. Bucky matched your laugh.

“I’m sorry I’m such a distraction, I’ll do better,” you giggled. “Was there a particular reason you wanted to call?”

Bucky let out a bit of a disappointing sigh as if he didn’t want to admit something. “I’m not too skilled at this texting thing.”

“Oh,” you frowned, a bit uncertain. “It’s just like typing on a computer.” Sure, you said it like it was so obvious, but then you sort of hit you, remembering who you were speaking to. You stopped in your tracks, wanting to bang your head against a wall. “I-I mean-,”

“It’s alright,” Bucky let out a breathy chuckle. “I have typed on a computer but my phone doesn’t mimic that. It’s one of those flipping phones.”

“Flipping phones?” It took you a second but then the lightbulb went off. “Oh, you have a flip phone. No keyboard, then.”

“No keyboard,” he confirmed. “I figured out how to use the little keypad but it’s not exactly efficient. Plus, calling allows me to hear your lovely voice.”

You continued walking, suppressing a ridiculous, dopey smile as you passed others on the street. “You’re such a flirt.”

He let out a thoughtful hum. “Yeah? You think so?”

You caught yourself nodding before realizing he couldn’t even see you. “Absolutely,” you said out loud.

“Glad to know I still got some game.”

“Oh?” You inquired. “Were you swooning all the ladies back in the day?” The second the words left your mouth, you realized where this conversation was going and a sharp twinge of jealousy ran through you. Your eyes began watering at just the ridiculous thought of a hopeless Bucky thinking he had no soulmate and mindlessly pulling in girls left and right.

Bucky must’ve picked up on the sudden shift in you - possible perks of the bond - because he spoke very carefully after a minute. “Past me certainly did some things,” he admitted, “but he didn’t know there was a beautiful woman waiting for him way down the line.”

Your throat tightened a bit at the threat of tears. You took a couple of deep breaths completely shocked by how emotional one little thought could make you. The conversation on the topic hadn’t even lasted a full minute and Bucky was frantically calming you down. 

You wanted to change the subject. Possibly putting it back on you. “When did you first learn about me?”

Bucky went silent again. You pressed the phone to your ear with your shoulder, waiting, as you rifled for your keys in your bag when you saw your building coming into view. 

“They… I… I went, or really it, went dormant and I don’t know how I remember this, usually, my brain went blank in those circumstances, but one day I got this vision of you. You were playing with this bright, white cat on the lawn with this little house right behind you.” Mittens, you realized as you began unlocking your apartment door. He saw you with your pet cat Mittens whom you had when you were just a kid. “I was really confused until I felt that tug in the soulmate line or whatever they call it. I knew it was real because you never vanished. No matter what they did to me, when I was put away, you were there. Like some sort of angel sitting in my head. They couldn’t take that from me. They could never take you.”

You thought you were going to start crying as you stood in the doorway of your apartment hearing the sadness mixed with faint hope run throughout Bucky’s voice as he recalled the dreams. You could practically feel it all, too, within you.

“Bucky…” you sighed. A light sniffle came through on the other end but he didn’t acknowledge it. Instead, Bucky abruptly turned the tables on you as you probably should’ve expected. While you wanted to talk more of it out with him (Lord knows it seems like he needed it) you let him steer the conversation.

“I know you said we could discuss this later but I’m very curious,” Bucky began, changing the subject as easily as you had just prior, “when did you first learn about me? You said you’ve seen some things but I’m really curious what your first impressions were.”

It was like someone just stabbed in through the chest. You really should’ve known this was coming. The first memories of Bucky - the Winter Soldier - flashed through your mind chaotically. 

“I really don’t-,”

“Please,” he begged. The tone in his voice now… You had made it all too obvious earlier that morning. Of course, this was bound to come back around and you had opened the fucking gates. “It doesn’t have to be detailed. Just… something.”

You sighed, running your hands through your hair in anger as you took a seat on the couch. “You weren’t really you.” That was all you felt you could say as your heart was now in your stomach and your throat felt like it was filled with razor blades. 

“I wasn’t…” He sounded confused at first but then the words trailed off. You could practically feel the exact moment when it all clicked for him. You wanted to throw up.

“Bucky-,” 

You were cut off by the line going dead and the sound of dial tone greeting your ears.

#bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes fanfiction #the winter soldier #bucky barnes #bucky barnes angst #bucky barnes fluff #mcu #mcu fic #marvel fanfiction #marvel #avengers #soulmate au #angst #fluff #writing* #fanfic #fanfiction

[twstwonderlandstuff]

Octo Love! (Reader x Azul!)

Original song

My cover 

In which [Name] gets a little too tired and goes on a sporadic singing journey.

It always feels like you’ve exhausted yourself to the max limit. Every day, you trudge back to Ramshackle, muscles and back sore from the work Crowley forces upon you, that damned bird. Every day, you collapse into the soft cushions in Ramshackle and fall asleep in 3 seconds, and after an hour-long ‘nap’, you wake up to see Grim sprawled on top of you, snoozing away (you’re always grateful for the ghosts you take their time to spread a blanket on top of both of you). 

But today… today was different. 

No, you’re still exhausted (come ON now, this is school and when does one catch a break from school?), eyebags visible, but this time, you don’t get the chance to go to Ramshackle. 

No-no-no. See, you’re broke. Very, very, broke, and you have to work, and what better place to get models, than working in Monstro Lounge, right?

Well, it depends. 

On good days, working there can be its sort of fun, with Floyd’s unstable mood swings, the business of the place, Azul (with his mafia-like nature) running the place to perfection, and Jade’s butler act, but on other days were simply dealing with that is too much. 

You lose all sense of logic and fear- throw that shit out of the window, dawg, it doesn’t matter.

Say it with me, loud in clear! LOGIC AND FEAR DOESN’T MATTER! Again! LOGIC AND FEAR-

“Shrimpy~?” Floyd asks, and you gasp in alarm, gripping onto whatever you were doing. What were you doing?

Ah, yes, cleaning Monstro Lounge after dark, right, right…

“Yo, Floyd…” You give him a weak grin, tiredly pushing the mop against the tiles. “I’m so… sleepy.”

“But you’re always sleepy.” Floyd points out, lighting up. “Ah, wait here, Shrimpy. I got something for you~” He quickly leaves, leaving you looking like a deer in spotlights. 

“Ehh… ah, whatever…” You mumble, going back to your duties. Oh god, the floor’s beginning to look like something entirely different….

“[Name]? Are you alright?” This time it’s Jade asking, his calm and soothing voice forcing you to rub out the sleepiness from your eyes. You know he’s not that concerned, but the verbalization is appreciated. 

“No, not really. Fuck, I just want-” You don’t get the chance to finish your complaint as Floyd bursts in, holding a sheet of music and a mic in hand. 

“Shrimpy~! You know when you sang that weird song?” Your eyes snap open for the first time, and your cheeks redden. Ahh…

It’s a song from your middle-school years, how embarrassing. You were talking with Floyd- well, to be precise, he was spinning and squeezing you about- and as he was spinning you, you began to hum a little tune. The eel picked up on it, and insistently asked what you were singing about, so you gave him the entire rundown of the song.

He giggled, saying how weird it sounded, but his grin contradicted his statement and before you could realize it, he dropped you on the ground and ran away, doing who knows what- and it seems that he’s…

“You… wrote the entire note-chorus- thing?! Based on what I said?!” You shout, skimming over the notes he’s written down messily. 

“Floyd, this is amazing, holy shit!” You gasp in amazement. “That’s so cool!”

“Hehe, sea otter helped me out! Sea otter’s too nice, it’s kinda annoying.” Floyd pouts, going to sling his arm around Jade. “Whatcha think, Ja-de?”

The twin smoothly takes the paper out of your hands and reads the notes, looking amazed. “Ah.. this truly is spectacular, Floyd. Good job.” He pats Floyd on the head, and Floyd grins at the praise. 

“What’s going on here?” Ah, the man of the hour, the head of the fish mafia himself, Azul Ashengrotto.

You might or might not harbor a tiny, insignificant crush on him. No, you don’t have secret doodles of him and you in the corners of your notebook, of course not! That very notion revokes the idea of logic!

But then again, didn’t you say ‘FUCK LOGIC!’ just a while ago? You did, didn’t you?

…

Well, maybe the crush is bigger than that. There might be a chance that it’s 0.1% bigger than that.

…

No, you most definitely harbor an obvious crush on the silver-haired bloke, and EVERYONE KNOWS, except the bloke himself!

“A-Azul, hey!” He waves you aside, used to the way you stutter when you speak to him.

 “Floyd, I believe I told you to check on [Name], not needlessly wave around a piece of paper,” Azul says, adjusting his glasses.

“But A~zul~ take a look! I, Sea Otter, and Shrimpy made this, you know! And I don’t wanna work anymore! I wanna play the piano~” Without giving Azul a chance to protest, he grabs you (and throws you over his back like a sack of potatoes) and the paper, and runs to the piano Monstro has, leaving Jade to deal with Azul. 

“Jade, set me down at once-” Azul complains as he’s handled similarly to you, looking undignified. 

“My apologies, Azul, but it wouldn’t do good to displease Floyd.” Jade chuckles.  “Besides, don’t you want [Name] to rest? It seems that you were quite worried about their health, fufu.”

Azul stiffens, a light blush adorning his ears. “I haven’t the slightest idea of what you’re talking about.”

“Ah, I must have misunderstood. My apologies.” Jade snickers, setting Azul down on one of the tables in Monstro Lounge, sitting next to him. 

You and Floyd are too far away to hear this conversation, with Floyd getting the piano up excitedly and handing you the mic. 

“Wait, are we going to play a concert? In the middle of the night?” You mutter, taking the mic dumbly. 

“Duh~ you’re pretty dim, Shrimpy!” Floyd snickers darkly, setting the music sheet in front of him and stretching. “What did Goldfish say…? Oh yeah, this spell!” 

After the spell was cast, the piano began to play a tune to what you’re familiar with. 

“Holy shit. It’s playing by itself?!” Floyd pays no heed to your words and began dancing. 

“Come on, Shrimpy, sing!” He encourages you, clearly having fun. 

Well, what’s the harm? You turn the mic on, and begin singing, moving your body for a bit.

“Ooo, we break the laws of attraction

Like you’re sent from above

Got a case of octo love”

Azul glares at the oddly fitting words but begins to slowly bop his head. Jade is smiling, stiffly dancing in his seat. 

“Ooo, we’re like a chemical reaction

Or a code you can’t debug

Got a case of octo love”

“She’s always turning to violence-” Floyd laughs particularly hard at this, and swings you around, leading you to giggle halfway through the song. 

“…’s so determined she’s timeless

And I’m so nervous I’m silent.”

Floyds leaves you be, and you pause in time with the music. 

“What if she finds out I’m lying?

What if she sends me home crying?

Why can’t I just be kawaii?”

“Isn’t that a term Idia-shii often uses…?” Azul mutters. Floyd comes closer to Jade and Azul, picking the latter up. 

“Wait wait wait-!” 

“Too late, Azul~” He plonks Azul, next to you, and you give him a grin. 

“Baby, baby, baby, you’re so fine-” You scream into the mic, clutching it like a madman. 

Mew mew kissy cutie, you’ll be mine-

Crushing, crushing, crushing, on AZUL-” 

The octopus freezes in shock, as you continue with the very, very fitting lyrics. Floyd’s going absolutely ham, doing some sort of ska dance with his twin as he laughs at your mistake. (RIP all the other members of Octavinelle). 

“Oh, did I say that out-”

No, did I say that out loud?!” You, being dramatic, clutches Azul’s hands and shake them, seemingly unaware of what you’ve said. 

The octopus face reddens almost immediately when you swing his arms as children do.

“Ooo, we break the laws of attraction

Like you’re sent from up above

Got a case of octo love”

The poor dorm leader would like to hide under his octopod forever now, thank you very much. 

“Ooo, we’re like an improper fraction

Hope this ship gets safe to shore

Though I’m quite unsure”

“Come on shrimpy, join us!” Floyd grabs you and Azul, and together, the 4 of you began dancing in a circle as the Dance Break ensues, your and Azul’s hands holding each other. Azul just repeatedly wants to die of shame and embarrassment. 

“She’s always turning to violence

I’m always turning to science

She’s so determined she’s timeless 

And I’m so nervous I’m silent.”

You lot stop spinning, dizzy, and out of breath as Floyd takes the mic and sings into it, surprisingly melodious (well, maybe it’s not THAT much of a surprise. He IS from the sea, after all.)

“What if she finds out I’m lying?

What if she sends me home crying?

Why can’t I just be kawaii?

And then I’m like…”

Jade takes the microphone, seemingly knowing the lyrics, and sings into it, making you cheer as you press close to him. 

“Baby, baby, baby, you’re so fine

Mew mew kissy cutie, you’ll be mine-”

You grab the mic back, spinning in place. 

Crushing, crushing, crushing on Azul-”

You point towards the dorm leader, who’s taken to sitting on the floor of Monstro Lounge and hiding most of his face with his hands, excluding his eyes, and come near him, getting your face a little too close to his liking. 

“And so I shout it out!” 

And so I shout it out loud!”

You grab Azul by the hand and drag him towards you, skillfully keeping him balanced. He can’t help but wonder, Where was this energy when you were working?

You began to do a sort of impromptu couple dance, your exhausted giggles and laughs slipping in and Azul sighs at the silliness of it all, but… he smiles genuinely. 

You look so plaintively happy here that he can’t help it, you know?

“Ooo, we’re like a warrior in action

Fit together like a glove-”

You shove the mic into his face, and he, in a low voice, murmurs. 

“Got a case of octo love…”

You gasp dramatically, looking like you didn’t notice him. 

“OOOOH MY GOD HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN STANDING THERE?!”

“I’ve been right here the whole time…” He mutters, a little confused. Is this part of the song, or something?

“Ok, now I want to die.” You say, deadpan. The twins, who were back to their own ska dance thing, grabs the mic from you and pulls you and Azul by the arms (again). The four of you began to sing in harmony (as harmonious as you can get, anyway). 

“Ooo, we break the laws of attraction-”

You eagerly grab the mic back.  “A duet will maybe do... cuz I invited Floyd and Jade too!”

“Hehe, of course, you did, Shrimpy~”

“Smooshed together like a bug!!”

“Got a case of Octo love~”

You let out a huge laugh, giggling and snickering as Jade sets you down, catching your breath. 

“That was… fun…! But now, I...holy shit… I’m tired…” You gasp in exhaustion, falling flat onto one of the couches and quickly began to fall asleep, but-

“Ne, Shrimpy?”

With the last bit of your strength, you open your eyes just a tiny bit. “Wha..?”

“D’ya realize what ya said?” Floyd’s grin is wide like he was about to tease the SHIT out of you or use you in some way. He flops on the floor and leans onto your leg. 

“The song, yeah?”

“Hihihi, Shrimpy~,” The twin says. “You’ll see tomorrow~ goodnight.” He says quietly, a quick change of mood. 

“Sleep tight.” Jade laughs, sitting down next to you and putting his head back. 

“Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” Azul finishes, sitting a bit further away from the 3 of you. 

“G’night.” Not a second later, and you are asleep, breathing softly.

*

“Ne, ne, Azul~? Watcha think of Shrimpy’s confession?”

“Th-that wasn’t a confession! It was a slip of the tongue.”

“Eh. You’re still gonna deny that. That’s cowardly, Azul~ Even Shrimpy knows better than that.”

“I must agree. Honestly, to think that you were beaten to confessing. And most oddly, too.”

“I...um…”

*The Leech twins grin widely at Azul’s clamming up. 

“Hmm~?”

“J-just leave me be!”

*With a face as red as tomatoes, Azul leaves, assuming to hide in his octo pot. 

[Thanks v much for reading! This is a better version of what I put out yesterday because god damn, that was disgraceful.]

#azul ashengrotto #twst azul #azul x reader #azul twst #twst #twst wonderland #twisted wonderland #twisted x reader #floyd leech #jade leech #leech twins #eyyyy tsun2 azul come on now

[imnotwolverine]

LOVE IS LIKE - Sleeping Beauties and Working Life

< PART 1 | PART 2 Sleeping Beauties and Working Life | PART 3 >

A/N: It's snowing so I'm stuck inside..writing! Hope you all have a lovely Sunday ❤️

Summary: Back to work, Henry remembers his early days in showbizz. And the banana sock wearing woman appears to have found the sneakily shared phone number.

Word count: 2.179

The song: Chaka Khan - Like Sugar

Disclaimer: mentions of great age difference sex partners, stardom, loss of partner to cancer, dieting, physical/mental insecurity as well as Henry just really loving his work

--

LOVE IS LIKE - Sleeping Beauties and Working Life

--

Hey. Thanks for the book! I figured the number written in the book was your number? If not, I’m sorry and don’t mind this message. - 08.45

It’s Aurora btw. - 08.47

The name’s Aurora I mean. - 09.04

nvm - 09.05

Thanks for the book! Good luck with everything! - 09.06

And say hi to Kal from me - 09.06

‘Are you asleep?’ Fingers traced through Henry’s curls, their strands slightly sticky with hair products and sweat after one busy night between the sheets, the ceiling fan broken. Henry grumbled, indicating he was at least sort of awake, his lips curling in a lazy, close-eyed smile.

‘Again?’ He mumbled quietly with his young sweet voice. The woman laughed and propped herself up on one arm, eyes tracing down the soft morning silhouette of the kid who became a man.

‘No, no. You did well.’ She lowered her fingers to trace his brow, nose, cupid’s bow and lips, fingertips silky soft and gentle over Henry’s skin. Henry’s smile grew. Almost as if proud he had managed to please her.

For a moment the room was quiet. A very early Los Angeles sun was starting its slow rise over the hills somewhere far from this 70’s style abode with its paisley print curtains and yellow shag pile carpet. The interior fitted its owner quite well; her long sleek brown hair cut in bangs that hid those mysterious emeralds that had taunted his dreams ever since he met her on set. She was older. Much older. And perhaps those bangs were there just to hide her first wrinkles. But Henry rested easy beneath her trailing fingers, his eyes slowly fluttering open as she spoke again: ‘So how is Hollywood treating you?’ There was some concern in her voice and Henry looked at her. After getting busy all night they hadn't spoken quite so sincerely yet. He shrugged.

‘Hollywood is Hollywood?’

The woman moved her fingertips to his chin and used her hand to tilt his face more sharply in her direction. Her mouth opened to speak, but she hesitated. The concern had now spread to her eyes as they gleamed in the light of dawn. ‘Be careful yea? And if you ever need help with anything..? I can help..or get you help. Okay?’

‘Ok.’ Henry pushed himself up so he could cup his hand around her cheek, pulling her closer. She let him. ‘Thank you.’ He whispered, kissing her like the way they did in the movies.

Henry stretched out in his naked morning glory, the early London air chilly on his skin. Pushing the sheets off of him and with Kal refusing to wake from his doggy dream by the foot end of the bed, Henry padded over to the ensuite. Squinting in the burst of bright lights clicking on, he stepped beneath the shower, cold water jumpstarting his day, the very air pushed out of his lungs as the radio alarm cued exactly on time. 4.30.

'Li-like sugar, so sweet Good enough -- to eat,'

Gasping softly Henry pawed his hands over his crusty eyes, waiting for the water to become more warm and soothing with every massaging drop of water. From here on his morning routine was perfected to the minute. Coffee: brazilian. Gym: ACDC. Eggs: 5. Kal: walk. Cab: thankfully on time.

It was near 9 when he walked onto set in his full gear, ready for his first run-through of the day, Leah waving him off with Kal by her side. 'Be careful yea?' She chanted, smiling as he winked at her - she always said that no matter how totally safe the day's set would be.

'I will! Have fun today.'

'You too!' Leah wanted to turn around when she felt something buzz deep inside her bag of tricks, her hand having to angle for a bit before she found Henry's phone - kept there for safe keeping.

Whatsapp - 08.45 - Hey. Thanks for the book! ..

Leah smiled.

And there was the mysterious new book owner.

Henry let himself fall back on his bed, the frame squeaking. Suddenly Jersey felt too small. His bedroom too boyish. His clothes too normal. His dreams no fiction but real.

Flopping around on his belly he turned his attention back to his flip phone, his eyes roving over the call that had just finished. Hundreds of boys, hundreds of auditions. But he got it. He got it! Smiling only to himself he sighed, near missing the sound of feet walking over the floorboard landing.

Was that Charlie? With an excited little squeal Henry pushed himself off his bed to chase after his brother. It looked like his little brother had just lost a bet!

'HENRYYY!!! Henry!!!' Squinting his eyes at the flash of a camera, he stepped out of the hotel's revolving doors. By his side his trusty pal Kal looked up. Fans.

'Henry! Can I take your picture? -- Can you sign-' Some pieces of paper were shoved in his face and with the blinding glare of the flash gone he finally managed to throw a smile their way, his free hand scribbling some signatures here and there as he greeted them with a warm good morning.

Some girls squealed and as the excitement finally dissipated, Henry thanked them all and bid them a good day, some few last flashes following his silhouette as he pulled Kal in the direction of the nearest Parisian park.

It truly had become a Mission Impossible to just walk his dog. And Henry couldn't help but laugh as Kal snorted in what may be disapproval.

'I know I know. I won't forget about you.'

'Hey.'

'H-hi. Hi?'

'It's Henry.'

'Oh, of course!'

Henry smiled as Aurora's voice greeted him back through the phone line. It was a little past snacktime, his hands holding onto his tupperware with last night's pasta. He was hungry, but with her messages waiting for him, he had decided food could wait a moment.

'So I see the book has found a good home with you?'

'It has. Hahah. Thank you again. In fact..I kind of finished it last night, dodging around some particularly benign toothmarks I think I got the jest of the story.' She laughed again, making Henry smile back as he looked out over the set, some camera men in raincoats dragging around material.

'Well there's more where that came from.'

He hesitated the moment the words were out of his mouth. OH you donkey! That..that is not something you say to -- she laughed even harder.

'Oh why that sounds both terribly enticing and terribly inappropriate hahahaha.'

'Sorry that kinda - '

'Oh please hush.' Her chuckles subsided and after some loud clatter and a yelp her voice returned to the phone. 'Hey..eh..aherm..can I-eh, DAMMIT, can I call you back?'

'Something wrong?'

'J-just me trying to manage coffee and a laptop - and failing.' It sounded like this was just another Tuesday for her. She really was clumsy huh?

'Oh! Oh yes. Of course. Hope your laptop's alright..eh.. I'm off after..6..ish?' Henry looked to his left and saw Leah return with one exhausted Kal, back from their walk.

'Okay!'

'Alright. Goodbye..Aurora.'

'Byeeee!'

He was soo, soo hungry. Cutting never was his favourite part of dieting, though this time it was extra rough. For half a year he had just let go, not working out much at all. But then the one role that got away was back in arm's reach and for the hell of it; he couldn't let it slip by.

Gritting his teeth he focused back on the barbell on the gym mat, weights the size of two small children on either side. At least if Ellen wanted kids, I can manage them with ease, he thought, gripping his sore hands around the bar before he pushed off to lift it with all the strength he could muster. It wasn't enough. The bar only lifted halfway before his body sighed in defeat, the weight of it all crashing down on him finally as the barbell landed back on the floor with a loud thump.

Ellen hadn't called back in days.

'Remember me?' He felt stupid for calling, but he just needed it right now.

A warm voice responded like they called all the time.

'Hey! Henry! Of course! How are you?! Are you okay dear?'

Henry settled on the airport bench, waiting for his personal cab to arrive. Stardom was great, but in silent moments like these he felt terribly alone. He felt stupid for it, but her voice was near bringing him to tears.

'Yea ehh..' His voice broke and the small boy in this Superman body returned.

'Hey-hey. No problem darling no problem. Where are you right now? Are you safe?'

Henry nodded and looked through the haze of his tears in hope nobody would see him - thankfully he was alone.

'Talk to me.'

'I'm sorry for--' He wished to hang up, forget about it all. Ellen leaving. The stress. Fatigue. The travel. But he didn't. He just hesitated, waiting for her to speak again.

'I don't know where you are Henry dear. But you must know that you're not alone, okay? And if you happen to be in town; I'm making an absolutely delicious, mean and green lasagna.'

Henry wiped away a rogue tear and smiled. He could kill for a lasagna right now. And one cheat meal couldn't hurt right? Looking up as he saw a man with a clipboard sporting his name appear, he sat a little more upright.

'I--I might just take you up on that.'

'Okay.' Her lack of glasses and banana print socks made the woman before him near irrecognizable. She did however still have that dorky vibe about her, especially when she removed the awkwardly placed handbag before her; a stain on the right side of her tight dress appeared. She grimaced. 'It's bad isn't it?'

Henry chuckled and stood up from his seat, the chique bar a hushed daze of black furniture and fancy cocktails being carried by hipster bearded men. 'Hi Aurora.'

'Hi.' She let a chuckle escape her red painted lips and let him move out a seat for her. She smelled nice.

'I thought I could fit in one more business meeting and eat on the way. And..yea..that--' She shook her head and waited for Henry to take his seat, his face beaming with mirth.

'Stain or not, I'm glad you're here.'

'As am I.' She picked up the drinks card and immediately turned it to the snacks side. 'Do you mind if I order something on the side?'

'Oh no, no of course. I'd like some too actually.' He leaned in to look with her through the options, the both of them deciding on a cheesy snackboard.

'And here I was thinking all of Hollywood was on a diet.' She smirked, making Henry grin.

'Trust me: been there, done that. But no more. I like eating simply too much.' He winked and signaled a waiter to take their order.

'Good.'

He had initially spread his arms to keep his balance as he rushed after Kal on this slippery meadow of grass. But as Kal returned on Henry's call, leaving some racing off sheep behind, Henry kept his arms up like that. Like an eagle in flight he sniffed in the countryside air, feeling blessed cold air tingle his lungs. Life was good right now. Really really good.

Halting his feet and near slipping in the process, he lowered his arms to praise Kal for listening and returning to him. Sometimes, his furry son truly could be a handful. Today, he was a good boy.

'Chasing after the ladies again huh?' He rushed his fingers through Kal's thick warm fur. 'Well there's one thing you should know Kal; gotta give them some space every now and then.' Kal looked up. 'And don't forget to listen to what they want, mkay?'

Kal borked softly. Henry laughed, being bombarded with an in-the-face-tongue-kiss.

--

Drinks buzzed in their veins and between all the laughter and nerding out, Henry noticed something. First he thought it was a play of light. A figmentation of his mind. But he could see it clearly now as she noted his gaze and held up her left hand: no longer there, the left-over indent from what once had been a ring.

'I'm no longer married if that's what you want to ask.' She sighed and lowered her hand again, looking at it with an unreadable expression.

'Oh eh.. no, no. I couldn't be so rude to..-'

'No, you're very much allowed to ask, Henry. Please.' Aurora smiled and took a somewhat shaky breath before finding her comfortable, confident (though slightly clumsy) self again. 'He got cancer, died two years ago. We built the company together..'

'I'm sorry for your loss.'

She smiled. 'Thank you. I do miss him, but this is just life. Can't have the good without the bad. And it's okay now. I like where I am.'

'In some dimlit bar with some weirdo you met on an airplane?'

'Absolutely.' She snickered, then shook her head. 'But no haha. You're no weirdo Henry. In fact; you are perfectly, and surprisingly..normal.' And with that she reached out that ring-less hand and brushed it over his right hand opposite the table. Her hands were so soft on his.

A comfortable silence fell and were it not for the toasty heat of the indoors, Henry would swear he was on that meadow with Kal again, feeling like he was breathing truly for the first time in a long, long while.

He smiled.

--

Part 3 > 

--

General tagsquad: @harrysthiccthighss​ @tumblnewby @magdelen69​ @thereisa8ella​ @darkbooksarwin​ @summersong69​ @madbaddic7ed​ @luclittlepond​ @maroonmolly @just-a-normal-fangirl18​ @hell1129-blog​ @agniavateira​ @tillthelandslide​ @elinesama​ @maddyreads14​

@beck07990​

#henry cavill fanfiction #henry cavill fluff #love is like #fans and fiction #henry cavill x ofc #memories #i guess it will be three parts?

[amenomiko]

What Being Like A Girl Feels Like

There's one time when the Warlords went to the future with MC, and every time he observed what the women in the future do, or what MC has been wearing on her face, or maybe even the curiosity when they talk about a women's multi task as a wife and also as a mother would be..

MC asked if he would like to try to be like a girl in a day. He be like "Meh / Nah / That's ridiculous." at first, but eventually he agreed when MC said "Oh well, it would be interesting to me on how you can adapt to it." with a shrug.

Nobunaga - Wearing a Bra

"Heh. Only this one piece of cloth? Alright."

"Wh- you want me to wear this plastic--"

He frowned to the fake silicon boobs that MC make him wear before giving him a bra to cover it.

"It's okay, just wear a mask or sunglasses, they will just think you are a-"

"Don't say it..!"

He were given a task to buy some groceries by MC. Hmph. Just a few walks away from her apartment, this would be easy........ It's closed.

Then he have no choice but to go to the town.... Closed.

Fine..! There's one near the station. He is glad he knows the way..! Closed.

"Why, me, the Demon King.. Has.. To.. Do.. This..!" He huffed with a gritting teeth as he take a breath when he walk up the stairs. Just how the women in this world manage to bring this heavy thing around their chest to wherever they go??

As he came back, he let out a long sigh of relief when MC helped him to unbuckle his bra and silicon breasts.

After that he hugged MC so tight, saying "I respect you." While massaged on the shoulder by her.

Hideyoshi - Heels

"Oh? Walk around this while I multitasking? Alright, this will be easy."

Not.

Everytime he move around, he will slip and fall. Slip and fall. Like a baby deer about to walk on its own legs.

He trembled whenever he move his feet, one after another.

"Hideyoshi..! I need help with this book- kya..!"

"M-MC?? WHAT'S WRONG??"

Despite trembling like crazy, he managed to move his feet into a quick pace. But halfway through, he is wheezing.

Just how those working women that he saw at the streets can run and walk fast in this shoes??

"M-MC..I'm.. Coming- OOF!"

He fell near the door, bumping on the door knob in the process.

Apparently MC let out a surprised sound just now because one of the books in her arms fell to the side when she tried to carry it.

That night, she dab a cold cloth on his swollen ankles with a giggle. "Hehehhe good job."

"...It's not a laughing matter ( T ʖ̯ T).." He rub his own swollen forehead.

Masamune - Being Pregnant

MC borrowed a fake silicone belly, a silicone that is specially made so it is heavy like the 3rd trimester pregnant belly.

"Oooh.. Not bad." He wink to himself in the mirror. "I look sexy. Heheh."

"Alright. Help me with the chores, I will be--"

"Go go, I'm doing just fine~~" He smirked to her, waving her off.

The moment she finally went on her way, he turned to the living room. "Okay..! Let's start. Oh."

He smiled to the pile of clothes on the floor. "I was very rough indeed 😏."

"Oof-"

He feels very heavy the moment he tried to bend down.

"Ehh okay, let's try that again-" He winced to the pain in his waist. "Oookay. How about this one- uh- wh- I can't see the floor-- gah this belly is too big-- wa--!!"

He rolled on the floor like a watermelon. "....Nevermind. I will just- oof! M-my waist..! Nnnh!" He growled in each and every movements. "Okay.. Phew..! I guess I will eat lunch first."

He didn't. It was hard for him to eat as the belly boink away his plate. Each time he move forward towards the table, the plate move further and further away from him.

Drip. Drip. "Ah crap..! The clothes outside--! Mmmf--" He tried to look down to wear the outdoor shoes but to no avail. "Dammit!!"

At the end of the day, MC find a gloomy Masamune in the middle of the room. She had to help with the chores, feed him dinner, and listen to his rants of how bad the day was to him.

"I swear I won't let you do all those stupid chores when you are pregnant!" He said it while hugging her tightly.

Ieyasu - Charcoal Mask

"I don't understand why you women wanted to ruin your skin with this.. thing that we usually use to make fire."

He sigh as he mumbled "You are more than beautiful, why do you even need this-- wh- I'm just-...!"

Both of them were blushing for a while, until Ieyasu covered it with cough. "S-so. I have to wear and wait til it dry and take it off? That's surprisingly easy. Fine."

As he applied the mask all over his face, (scrunching his face to how he look like), he wait and wait and grow impatient. "How many more I have to wait?" He grunts.

"Another 20 minutes, Ieyasu. Let it dry naturally alright? Don't force it to dry so much or else you will regret it later..!" She shouted from the other room, followed by a giggle.

Nope. 20 minutes? N O P E. He glances to the hand fan next to him and starts to fan his face. "Hmh what's there to regret for?" After a few minutes of fanning, he smirked to himself. "See, all is left is to peel-"

He couldn't take it off.

"....Shit..!"

"Ieyasu..? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine..! Don't bother!!" Shit! The moment he shouted back the pain gets stronger.

MC eyes widen when there is a lot of sound coming from the bathroom with "Shit shit shit shit fuck this shit shit shit..!!!"

She is worried. And so she stopped in whatever she was doing and quickly rush to the bathroom.

"Ieyasu, are you ok-"

He turned around with half of the mask peeled off his face "..what-"

"KYAAAAAAAAAAA OAO!!!!!! Ugh--"

She fainted.

"MC!!!!!"

That night, she has been sobbing into his arms with "I'm sorry uguu I'm sorry.. QAQ~~". "Shh.. It's fine.." Ieyasu has been patting her head to calm her down while the other rub the aloe vera gel on his red face.

Mitsunari - Lipstick

He observed on how MC applied her lipstick, asking "Wow.. What is this called?"

"This is a lipstick. Easier to wear than a lip gloss."

"What is a lip gloss?"

"This one. It's makes your lips glossier, except its like a lipstick in a liquid form. Want to try?"

"Okay!"

MC hand him a pink lip gloss and move to the other room after that.

So he apply and apply and apply. Layer after layer.

"Hehehe they won't realize because you are pretty like a girl..! Let's go, Mitsunari." MC grabbed his hand, didn't bother checking on his lips because to her it looks beautiful. Until...

She ordered a drink at the cafe they were having lunch for.

"Awww you look so gorgeous, Mitsunari--"

She sipped her tea and flabbergasted when Mitsunari revealed his PINK TEETH.

"PPPPPPPPUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!"

His face is showered with tea now.

MC? Choking on her meal and were rushed to the hospital in instant.

Not to mention the doctor nearly had a heart attack when Mitsunari explained to him what had happened.

Mitsuhide - Eyelashes and Mascara

"So you put the glue here.."

"Wait- Mitsuhide-- that is too mu-"

Too late, he already put it on. Upside down. He slowly opened his eyes and smirked to the mirror. "You women are so quirky. This looks... Unique."

"I would like to say thank you for choosing a kind adjectives, but you are the one who make it that way yourself."

"Now onward to this mascara thing-" He opened his eyes widely (nearly give heart attack to MC who mumbles 'That's not necessary actually... Hey did you hear me..?')

He accidentally poke his own eye. "Ahaha.. Ouch. That's kind of.. Hm." He tried again "Oh- hmhm not bad. This mascara thing is such a tease like you, little mouse."

"No, that is you."

Kenshin - Eyeliner

"Alright, I've done your left eye, now you do your right eye by yourself okay?"

"Hmh. From what I observe you doing it, this is easy."

Yeah right.

He applied, and applied. "This seems imbalance.." He applied again. "Hmm this is too short..." And "Hmm the 'wing' thing is too low--"

DING DONG! "Delivery~~!!"

"Oh, Kenshin~ could you get it for me? I'm cooking right now~"

"Hmh."

He put down the eyeliner, not bothering to check on himself in the mirror and so when he opened the door...

"Good morning, Sir, this is your packa- AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH \(OAO)/!!!!" The delivery man fainted, forming a foam from his mouth.

MC rushed to the door, "Kenshin? I heard a scream-- HOLY MOTHER OF EYELINERS--"

Imagine his left eye is pretty, while the other is like the make up of WWE Wrestler. Yeah, like that.

Shingen - Corset

"This is what you use to shape your body? My, my, goddess, I can always "shape" you whenever we have se--"

**SLAP**

"Anyway." He smirked to the corset in his hand (with a hand red mark on his cheek nonetheless), "Let's wear this shall we?"

"Oh correction. Who said that you are going to wear modern corset hmm (ㆁᴗㆁ✿)?"

"Eh ( ͡^ ͜ʖ ͡^)?"

Later.... Shingen were smacking on the sofa, wheezing from the massive tightness around his waist "M-MC..! H-HAVE MERCY-- *GASSSPPP*"

She pulled the rope so tight with a giggle. "Hehehehehe this is fun isn't it (ू•ᴗ•ू❁) ❤❤❤~~? This is how we became sexy, Shingen~ I bet you can't even have a bite of your dessert. I shall present this to Yukimura." (She made him wear the victorian era's corset)

"N-no..! Forgive me..! Anything but that..!"

Yukimura - Lace Panties

"Wh- wh- wh O//////O???"

"D-don't be ridiculous..! I won't wear this.. this.. Piece of... Transparent see through-- GAH!!"

"My you are not a virgin anymore but your way of saying is virgin, Yuki ( ͡°з ͡°)."

"Shut it stupid-- GAH DON'T STRIP ME! AAHHH STOP!!" He shrieked like a girl when MC stripped his pants and made him wear it.

"Okay, let's go..!"

He couldn't stop MC on time and now he is wriggling, blushing to the itchiness down there. "D-damn it.. MC..!!!"

"Yes?"

"Y-you.. Damn you..!"

"Psst. They will see the "shape" if you move a lot you know?"

"S-SHAPE?? WHAT SHAPE O//////O??"

"The line of the underwear, silly. Pffft. What do you think?"

"GUHHHH!!!" His face is hot and red like a red chilli pepper now.

Sasuke - Make up as a whole.

This ninja decided to surprise his lover with the most beautiful make up before she arrived back home.

But Boop!

Blackout.

Still, it's fine for him. He is used to the dark. He is confident he can do it.

First... Base primer.

And foundation. And Concealer. Blusher. Eyeshadow. Eyeliner. Fake lashes. And so on, and so on.

His ears perked to the sound of rattling keys. Thank god he's almost done.

The moment MC stepped into the apartment, the lights coincidentally turned on at the same time. "MC." He walk to welcome his lover excitedly to show his "make up".

"Ah, thank god the light is on agaAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH \(QAQ)/ WHY IS THERE 'IT CLOWN' IN HERE?? SASUKE-- SASUKE HELP!!!!!"

"M-MC it was me--"

"KYAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!"

She run out from the door, screaming, waking up the neigbors and that evening Sasuke nearly get caught by the police.

The very next week, he moved out.

#ikemen sengoku #ikemen sengoku nobunaga #ikemen sengoku imagines #ikemen sengoku hideyoshi #ikemen sengoku masamune #ikemen sengoku Mitsuhide #ikemen sengoku mitsunari #ikemen sengoku ieyasu #ikemen sengoku kenshin #ikemen sengoku shingen #ikemen sengoku yukimura #ikemen sengoku sasuke #ikesen

[junkosakura01]

A Gift for Lucifer

Updated fic in my AO3 account: junkosakura01

* Fanfic based on Lucifer’s 2020 birthday event + one major spoiler.

* Junko is my “Obey Me!” in-game name & [ideal] persona here. IRL I can do simple massages like in this fanfic (and no, I can’t make one moan like this one, lol). Please also excuse my biases here.

- - - - - -

Before the surprise party plan for Lucifer was set into motion, and Junko was almost seen through by the man himself, Asmodeus had given Junko some extra tips to win over the birthday boy.

“As much as I appreciate your help, Asmo, but I still don’t know what to give him…” Junko’s stoic face remains the same, yet her tone of voice felt sad.

She has been with them for a long while now, and a lot has already happened—reconciling the brothers with each other and even learning about her ancestor.

“Want me to help set up a romantic mood when you both get back?” Asmodeus smiled but there was a hint of slyness in his tone.

Ever since after they learned Junko is Lilith’s descendant, Asmodeus was always the one who notices her being nervous sometimes when she’s with Lucifer.

“Thanks, Asmo, but I think I can find one during our da—I mean, the plan tomorrow.”

“Hmm~ If you say so, Junko~” He grinned at her, and for hearing her almost a say a certain word.

The next day, Junko and Lucifer were out on their date, with Mammon and Leviathan in tow hiding from them. Unfortunately, those two were eventually found out by Lucifer and sent them home, but Junko played dumb so the party won’t be ruined.

“I’ll trust you for now. Come, let’s continue.”

“Yes, Lucifer. Let’s go shopping over there.”

Moving on, they also went to a shop for a bit and bought matching necklaces for each other. Their date ended when Junko’s phone alarm rang, signaling party time. They soon returned home, and Lucifer was greeted with smiles and cheers. Diavolo laughed at him because he was right when he expected Lucifer to forget his own birthday.

“Ah yes, today is my birthday,” Lucifer grimaced. His embarrassment surprised them but he immediately reverted to his usual face again.

“We all prepared this for you.” Junko said as she gently tugged on Lucifer’s sleeve.

“Is that so? I’m glad it didn’t turn into a disaster,” Lucifer retorted.

“My livestream was a disaster though…” said Leviathan as he gently caressed his camera. “Those juicy moments between them was—“

“Ooh! Yeah, I was enjoying that!” Asmodeus frowned. “Gosh, Lucifer, you should’ve let him and save it as a remembrance.

“Ehh…?” Junko grimaced at them, but inside she was feeling embarrassed.

After everyone had given their messages and now eating, Junko sheepishly went near Lucifer’s face and whispered, “I… I have something to give you too, but can I go to your room later for it…?

Surprised, Lucifer’s eyes widen with his fork halfway out from his mouth. He didn’t expect her to say that. Like a confused Mammon, a lot of scenarios ran through his mind, wondering about her gift.

“Sure, I’ll be expecting you then.” Lucifer replied and ate another piece of cake. He didn’t bother to press her further.

“Ah, thank you, Lucifer!” Junko faintly smiled and caught his attention, so did Asmodeus.

”I guess she found out what to give him, eh?” Asmodeus smirked at them. He’s also the only one who noticed their matching necklaces, but he assumed that it wasn’t the one Junko planned to give as a present.

“What are you mumbling about, Asmo?” Satan asked as he grabbed his plate away from Beelzebub, who was aiming his fork on Satan’s plate.

“Oh nothing, I’m just talking to myself.”

Later that evening, after the party and everyone else were in their rooms, Junko silently went to Lucifer’s room and then knocked on the door.

“It’s me. Can I come in?”

Something clicked and made the door slightly ajar, she then went inside. On his chair, Lucifer was enjoying a glass of blood wine while reading a book.

“You’re finally here. What is it that you want to give me?”

The timid and quiet girl didn’t reply, but instead raised her hands up as if she was trying to scare or scratch him.”

“I don’t get it.” He bluntly said. His eyebrows slightly furrowed and he was starting to feel annoyed.

“I’m confident in giving massages… We already got matching necklaces, but this is something I wanted to give you. Plus, if I told you earlier, they might hear it and get misunderstood.”

“Alright, I forgive you,” he smiled at her, “But you were a little misleading earlier too. You had a different expression on your face while telling me. Asmo was also giving us a strange look as well.”

“Ah… Haha…” She laughed softly from being embarrassed.

The proud eldest demon brother sighed but with a relaxed look on his face. Putting down his wine glass and book, he then sat on his bed. A pat on it signaled her to follow.

“Sorry, but I need you to take your clothes off. Back massages are best without it.”

“You’re pretty bold and assertive right now,” he chuckled. “I’d rather not, but if you say so.”

Slowly he started undressing—making her flinch after every top layer was removed. He’s unaware of her current expression right now.

Being weak to good-looking people, specifically handsome men, Junko can’t help but fawn over his revealed body and reflexively hides her face in embarrassment. It’s also the first time Lucifer had shown some skin to anyone other than Diavolo when they went to the beach together.

“Hehe… What, was it just an act? I thought you were going to give me a massage.”

“Ugh… That grin…!” She thought, and had a pained yet satisfied look on her face. “A-Ahem…! Now lie face down.”

He did as he was told and she nervously positioned herself near him while on his bed, “É-Excuse me…” She softly said.

After stretching her arms and hands to warm up, she started massaging him from his head, then to his shoulders, to halfway down his back. At first she had trouble with how stiff Lucifer’s back is, but as it went on, she was also trying to calm herself after hearing him moan and groan from the massage.

“Ah…! That spot… Mm…”

“Yeah, this lump is a sore spot. I bet there’s a lot more; I’ll beat those up too.”

“Go easy on me…”

“This is already my normal massaging strength. You must be so tired, Lucifer,” she said and then pressed him harder with her palms, “I know you’re doing a lot, but I never expected your back to be this stiff! You should really learn to take a break sometimes.”

“Hngh…!” he huffed and tried to suppress it, but he was also enjoying the pain melting away. “Haah…ha…”

“If it’s getting painful, tell me, okay?”

“Just carry on… Ah! I’m not just used to this… Gaah…”

“Please stop being like that…you’re going to give me a heart attack…” She thought again. She felt her cheeks slightly warm and her blank expression was starting to break from seeing glimpses of Lucifer’s sexy yet pained look, also while he’s trying to bury his face on his pillow.

“Lucifer… Really, please tell me if it’s hurting you now…” her tone was starting to crack as well and having a huge urge to laugh at him too. Right now, she’s the only one seeing him in this vulnerable state giving into a good back massage, and she can’t help but feel happy about it too.

“No…continue if you’re still not finished yet… Augh…” he replied weakly, but now his face was completely buried on his pillow. Junko finally chuckled a bit and switched to a gentler pressing since his muscles became tender.

After several kneading and down to his lower back, which made Lucifer yelp a bit from the pain, she asked him to sit up next so she could move on to his arms. She sat next to him, and with her small, feminine hands, Lucifer was surprised that was exerting a decent amount of force in massaging him from the start. The tension in Lucifer’s arms seems to have faded away too when his expression relaxed some more.

“When did you learn how to do this?”

“My mother always asked me for one whenever she needed it. I learned when I was young.”

“I see. This has been very comforting, thank you, Junko. My body feels lighter now.”

“Good. You’re welcome. “She nodded and continued massaging his hands as it she was playing with it.

Strong, big hands…it was definitely different from hers and Asmodeus’, who has a beautiful body and was the first to experience her skill. Lucifer’s hands were often covered in gloves so this is also the first time she sees the red nail polish on his fingernails.

“What’s wrong?”

Junko shook her head, “Nothing. It’s…just that your hands are bigger than mine.”

“Of course it is,” Lucifer chuckled and patted her head.

“Okay, we’re done now. How do you feel? I’m sure you’ll be able to sleep well tonight.”

“Indeed. I’ll return the favor someday and when you need it too. Or do you want me to massage you too right now while you’re still here?”

Her eyes widen and could feel him teasing her. “E-Ehhh…!?”

”Kidding. You’ve finally given me a different expression again.  You’re going to end up grumpy like Satan if you keep that stoic face on,” he smirked at her, but he was actually trying to contain his laughter.

“Geez…” she sighed in disappointment. “It’s not a favor, but if you say so… Thanks, I’ll look forward to what you’ll come up with.” Junko replied, with her head down in embarrassment, but she was smiling.

-End-

(Bonus)

#fanfic #fanfiction #obey me shall we date #obey me! shall we date? #obeymeshallwedate #obeymelucifer #obey me! one master to rule to all!

[inconvenient-sneezes]

“road to recovery for two, please”

or the one in which steve has to warn bucky every time he sneezes bc of bucky’s ptsd

[[this is a continuation so read part one here and part two here!!!]]

Time After Time

Chapter Three: Road to Recovery for Two, Please (After)

***

It’s been months since Steve’s gotten Bucky back.

There are aspects of him that are the same and there are some that are very different. For one, Bucky gets his hair cut by suggestion of one of his therapists as a “new beginning.” 

It’s not the exact cut that Steve remembers, but similar enough. There are also certain small things that set him off, like being touched. They’re working on it, but he only likes to be touched on good days and Steve has seen enough of the bad days to know when it is and isn’t okay. 

Steve is the one who cuts all of the tags out of Bucky’s clothes because he can’t stand them rubbing up against his skin all day. He also stays with him during nightmares or panic attacks. Loud sounds shock him and he often results to violence upon being startled, like the time Tony showed up at Cap’s apartment unannounced and was forced to duck out of the way as the knife left Bucky’s hand. Actually, Tony and Bucky haven’t gotten on very well together, which will be a problem for today.

Steve crawls out of bed and into his car to pick up Bucky from therapy at the usual time. He manages not to crash the car, despite his sneezing fits and watery eyes. How a superhuman can get a cold, he still doesn’t quite understand. Bucky opens the door and climbs into the passenger side.

“How was your appointment?” Steve asks, driving away from the building.

Bucky shrugs. “It was good.”

“Good. Hey, uh, Buck?” Steve says, scrunching up his nose, “I’m gonna —heh’NXT!” 

Steve tries to warn his friend every time before his sneezes, just so it’s nothing unexpected. Stifling them also seems to quiet the explosion.

Thankfully, Bucky doesn’t even flinch. “It’s okay, you don’t have to warn me anymore. I’ve been practicing.”

“Oh, re-really?” His voice shakes. “Hahh... hap’SHHT!”

“Bless you.”

Steve sighs. Now is as good of a time as ever. “Hey, you’re gonna be staying with, um, Tony today, okay?” he tells Bucky casually, hoping he’ll let it slide. He doesn’t.

His voice is practically dripping with suspicion. “Why?”

“No reason.”

“I don’t even like that guy,” Bucky mutters. “Are you sick or something?”

“No.” It doesn’t sound convincing.

“Then why—”

“Because you need a break from me. We’ve been staying together for three months. It’ll be good for you to get some f-frehhh... fresh air.” His nostrils flare and Bucky watches him closely.

“Are you sure you’re not sick? You look like you’re going to sneeze,” he points out, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m not,” Steve says before sneezing again. “Ehh’CHSHH!”

***

It takes Bucky about five minutes to pack. “I’m used to packing light” is Bucky’s explanation and then he cringes, as if this brings back memories he’d rather not revisit.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning,” Steve tells his friend as they walk together to the entrance of Stark Towers. “And behave, okay? I don’t want to hear any horror stories from Tony.” 

He feels like the mother of a five-year-old sometimes.

Tony meets them there at the doors and Cap smiles. “Tony, thanks for doing this.”

Bucky sulks, looking less thrilled.

“Come on in, Bucky.” Tony steps back so he can enter the threshold. Bucky does and makes a bee-line for the bathroom, without saying goodbye to Steve.

Tony winks at Steve. “I got your back, man.”

“Hh’KSHH!” He cups his hand over his mouth before continuing. “Thanks again. Sorry for this, I really just don’t want him getting sick, you know? His immune system a little weak at the moment—”

“I thought he was superhuman too?”

So am I, but I’ve got bloodshot eyes and a runny nose, Steve wants to inform him. Instead, he explains himself, at least halfway. “Well, he is, but due to all the recent trauma... Anyway, just make sure he doesn’t watch anything violent. Cooking shows, Full House, I don’t care. Just none of that — hah’ISHH! — none of that CSI crap, okay?”

“Sure, sure.”

“And make sure to call me if you need anything or if they’re any problems.”

“Okay, Cap. You just go home and chill. Knock yourself out with some NyQuil.”

Steve grins. “Will do. Alright.”

He walks away, praying that everything will go smoothly.

***

“So,” Tony claps his hands together. “What do you wanna do?”

Bucky stares at him. “Have a drink.”

“You know Steve wouldn’t approve,” Tony says, walking into the kitchen. 

“JARVIS, fix our guest a Coke, please.” He turns to Bucky. “You do like Coca-Cola, right?”

“Yeah.”

So the pair sit on the couch, Bucky sipping a Coke out of the classic glass bottle and Tony indulging in some alcoholic concoction JARVIS cooked up.They sit in silence until Tony finally turns on the television to offer some white noise. Non-violent shows, he reminds himself.

“Today, another school shooting—” Click. 

“Make sure you dice those onions, and I mean dice—” Click. 

“I’mmmm gonna wreck it—” Click. 

“The body was found with deep—” Click. 

He keeps changing the channel until he lands on something called 7th Heaven.

“You’re pretty particular about your television programs,” Bucky notes, sipping his Coke.

After about five minutes of enduring the excruciating, sickly sweet, unrealistic show that is 7th Heaven, Tony switches off the television. “That show sucks.”

Bucky nods. “Nobody’s life is that sugary sweet.” 

It may just be the first time they’ve ever agreed on something.

“You ever play Gin Rummy?”

***

Steve arrives home to his apartment to find a package outside. The words, “for Steve” are hastily scribbled on a Post-It note. He brings it inside and locks the door behind him.

“Dear Steve,” the note inside the package reads, “I heard you weren’t feeling well from Tony so I went and picked up some stuff for you, to pay you back for last winter. Would’ve given it to you in person but I’m a bit of a germaphobe. Feel better soon, Sam.”

Steve chuckles, recalling the time Sam was down with the flu and examines the contents of the box. A Tupperware container of soup, still warm, tissues, Vick’s, ginger ale, the DVD set of Bones and hand sanitizer. Removing everything reveals a second note, that simply says, “Okay, okay, Natasha picked up most of this stuff and made the soup but I provided the Vick’s.”

“Hhtch’SHHUHH!” Steve sneezes and decides to go ahead and start season one. He’s already surrounded by a mountain of tissues and watched six episodes before the NyQuil knocks him out cold.

***

“You can sleep here,” Tony offers, gesturing to a lavish bed in a large bedroom. “My room’s just down the hall if you, uh, need me.”

Bucky nods his thanks. He’s had a great time tonight surprisingly, but his thoughts still go back to Steve. “Thanks, Tony.”

Tony shuts his door. Bucky immediately wriggles out of his shirt and climbs into the huge bed, pulling back the blankets and heavy comforter. It takes him forever to go to sleep and when he does, he has a nightmare.

He’s drowning. Bucky’s in the middle of the ocean, the salt-water washing up again his face and stinging his eyes. He knows full well how to swim, but the water’s so dark and he can’t see anything. Kicking his feet doesn’t help keep him afloat and his one good arm isn’t much help either. Suddenly, his metal arm feels like it’s made of solid lead and abruptly starts to drag him down into the water’s depths. Down, down, down he goes and his mouth and lungs fill with water. His chest is on fire and he can’t breathe. All he can think of is Steve, Steve...

“Steve!” Bucky wakes up screaming Steve’s name. He’s buried deep underneath all the blankets, which explains the drowning notion, but it takes him a second to gather where he is. The nightmare’s over but Bucky is sweating and shivering and all he wants right now is Steve. Besides, this little sleepover has gone on far too long.

Bucky sneaks out of his room and takes an elevator down to the first floor. He leaves out the front doors, so as not to set off any alarms, and walks two and a half miles to Steve’s apartment.

Of course, the front door is locked but Bucky doesn’t want to knock on the door or ring the bell; it’s three in the morning, after all. He goes back downstairs and around the building and climbs up onto the fire escape. Bucky crawls through the window like he’s done it a hundred times.

Steve’s completely unconscious, still lying on the couch and some random Bones episode is playing on the telly. He’s snoring really loudly and Bucky can’t recall a time when Steve had snored. He sits on the couch and puts his hands in his lap. Bucky wants to wake Steve up so bad because he actually wants someone to touch him now. He closes his eyes because maybe things will be better if he can just go to sleep.

However, the dream comes back full force. Bucky’s eyes fly open and once again, he’s screaming Steve’s name like there’s no tomorrow and he’s breathing in short, rapid gasps because he can’t exactly breathe or so that’s what it feels like. Bucky squeezes his eyes closed and repeats his mantra. It wasn’t real, it wasn’t real, it wasn’t—

“Bucky!” Steve nearly shouts. “Bucky!”

His eyes open again. “H-hi, Steve.” He’s sweating a lot.

Steve puts his hand on Bucky’s back and feels him shaking. He rubs Bucky’s back and whispers soothing things into his ear like he’s done so many times now. He doesn’t even question why he’s back home and he’s not at all mad. 

“Shhh, id’s okay. You’re hobe, you’re with be.”

Bucky recognizes his friend’s voice and leans into him. “I’m sorry, Steve.”

“Doe, don’t apologize. I’b here.”

Steve starts to turn away from him, panicked. “Sorry Bucky, I’b godda — hah’CHESHHH!” His hands pull his T-shirt around his nose and he sneezes into it, sniffing thickly afterward. Bucky cringes.

Still shivering a bit, he turns to face Steve. “You are sick.”

“Dot really, id’s jusd a little—”

“Don’t even tell me you’re not. People get sick, time after time,” Bucky snaps. “Why’d you ship me off to Tony’s if you needed me?”

“I don’t wand you to get sigg. Thad’s the l-lasd thing you d-deed... godda — hahh... hahH! Uh’TSHHH! — right dow.”

“You should’ve told me,” Bucky mumbles, scooting closer to him. “Do you remember when you had pneumonia that one Christmas and I had to take you to the hospital at like two in the morning?” Bucky and Steve play this game often, the Do-You-Remember-When, so Bucky can separate his memories from fiction. This one happens to be true.

“Yeah. I had a really high fever.” Steve recalls slipping in and out of fever-induced hallucinations.

“I’m going to take care of you, just like I did then,” Bucky tells him, getting up to fetch the afghan from the armchair.

“HUSH’uhh!” Steve sneezes again, nostrils twitching. “Ehhh... hahhH! Hh’HDEZCHHOO!”

“Bless you,” Bucky says with a raised eyebrow. “The last time you had a cold like this was in, what, 1943?” 

It sounds more like a question than a statement.

Steve nods. “Yeah. Ad you wouldn’t stob singig thad song—”

“‘In the Blue of Evening.’” Bucky amazes himself by remembering. “You liked it though.”

“Yeah, I did.” Bucky sees his irritated nostrils flare and plucks a tissue from the box. “Here.”

Steve buries his face into it. “Hur’ESHHH!”

“Bless.”

“Thags,” Steve says before blowing his nose. “For everything, I mean.”

“Don’t tell Tony I enjoyed playing Gin Rummy with him.”

Steve chuckles. “I promise.”

***

request some stuff/give me feedback!! read more stuff!!

#steve rogers #bucky barnes #steve x bucky #bucky x steve #sickfic #sneezing #hurt/comfort #emotional hurt/comfort #ptsd #ptsd recovery #capsnz #captain america #fic

[rironomind]

Aflutter (Commission)

Rating: G

Pairing: Saitama/Genos

Summary: Genos is a fire demon with a purpose and he wants Saitama’s heart

A/N: Commissioned piece by @thecruixe

Genos looked out upon the darkened plain. Beyond the ring of charred dirt he had left was long stretches of fallow ground. He frowned and got up. He had barely scorched the ground when he landed, a clear sign that the old man’s heart wouldn’t last much longer.

Plip! Plop!

He hissed in pain and looked up, realising that the dimming light was not because it was nearly nighttime, but rather the shadows of the large mass of clouds overhead. He was already too weak from his travels and from his failing heart. He wouldn’t last through a downpour, much less another attack. He needed to find shelter and fast.

Saitama yawned. The books here were dull, the pages too thin and had barely any pictures. The weather wasn’t helping his fatigue. He wondered how long he would be trapped in this world with no manga or television, just the flickering fireplace to entertain him.

His thoughts were interrupted by a pounding at the door.

He put down his book and looked out the window. Way off in the distance, a small shower was pulling in. Good, he wouldn’t have to water the fields for a while.

Again, the knocking came, this time accompanied by shouting, “Human! Open up! I know you’re in there!” There was a glow coming from underneath the door. He checked his wards were still in place, then he opened the door enough to peek out.

As expected, there was a fire demon standing on his doorstep. His eyes blazed, his fist still raised to knock. He was sheathed in fire, the flames licking harmlessly at his body, at his golden hair. He would have looked more impressive, if he didn’t wince every time a raindrop fell on him.

“What’s the big idea knocking and shouting,” Saitama growled. “What do you want?”

“It’s not my fault you’ve got those accursed wards around your house.”

“What do you want?” Saitama repeated.

“Let me in!” The demon demanded, the flames at his feet flared up indignantly. “Can’t you see it’s raining?” The rain was getting heavier by the second.

“Not my business,” Saitama said and pulled back to close the door.

“Wait! I’m, I have no more energy. I would not beg if I didn’t have a reason.” The demon gritted his teeth. “I have a purpose I must fulfill!”

A demon with a purpose? Saitama thought. “What’s that, killing people?” This was new. Usually demons were heartless creatures who led selfish lives. He looked the fire demon up and down, he had the selfish part down for sure.

“No!” He flared up. “I must destroy an evil creature who many years ago-” him flames that had been growing steadily weaker in the rain flickered dangerously, his eyes went dim and he fell forward onto the door jamb.

Saitama reached out in alarm, “Hey! Are you okay?” He cursed, quickly dissolving the wards and dragging the demon into his house. Laid out on the couch, Saitama could see that the demon looked pale, his edges becoming blurrier as his fire began to die. Saitama cast about for fuel.

“Lessee…” he picked out the book he’d been reading about the history of the nearby town. He’d gotten it cheap, and for good reason.

But before he could toss it onto the demon without really knowing if it would help, the demon stirred. He sounded stunned but groggy, “You, you actually let me in.”

“Well, yeah,” Saitama said. “I figured you’re pretty weak right now, and if you do get any ideas, well I’m pretty strong.” Before he could reply, the ceiling came crashing in and several large demons jumped into the house, crowing about how the wards had finally been broken. “Strong enough to defeat them?” The demon asked dryly as he struggled to sit up, he clutched his chest, and it started to glow momentarily brighter. “Stand back, human, they’re after me. I’ll-”

“Pay for my ceiling!” Saitama yelled, and destroyed them in one punch. Then Saitama nodded to himself and turned to the dumbstruck demon, “You’re gonna fix that.”

Genos was still halfway to getting up, one hand stretched out in front of him. He felt like a loon but he was no idiot. He had intended to steal the human’s heart but he couldn’t possibly fight this man. He wouldn’t go down easily, not like the old doctor. He thought quickly, “Please tell me your name!”

Saitama, still picking up the debris, said, “It’s Saitama.”

Did he just give me his real name? Genos shook his head to clear his thoughts, that wasn’t important! “Form a contract with me!”

“Sure.” Saitama started to turn away, then he stopped. “Wait what? A contract? What kind of contract?”

“Well,” Genos floundered, usually humans wanted more power, but this man… “You give me your heart, and I, I give you-”

“Oh, is that all,” Saitama said. “I don’t mind. You can just take it.”

Genos stared as Saitama continued to clean up. “It doesn’t work like that,” he protested. “I have to give you something in return. It’s the rules.”

Saitama frowned uncertainly, “I don’t need more power.” He had enough of it, so much so that fighting had become boring.

“WIthout your heart, you will not age, you will live forever,” Genos said earnestly. Surely all humans wished for eternal life, he knew he himself had, before he had attained it. “And I will, will give you my unending servitude.” Genos had no real desire to become a servant but perhaps when the time came, this man might be of use. “Ehh, can you give me back my hair?”

“Your…hair?”

“Yeah. Oh, and take this,” Saitama chucked a piece of wood towards Genos who caught it deftly. He turned it around in his hands wondering what he should do with it.

“If you’re young again, your hair will grow back,” Genos said, shoving the wood to one side.

Saitama thought for a moment, then he nodded decisively, “Okay, let’s do this.”

“That’s-” surprisingly easy, Genos thought. Was this man insane? Or a fool?

“What’s wrong?”

“You show no hesitation,” Genos blabbed. Shut up, he told himself. Shut up! But he went on, “Does being bald trouble you that much? Surely it’s no compensation for a heart.” He was right within your grasp, Genos cursed himself. His own foolishness had caused him to question Saitama’s casual acceptance. Now he would change his mind. You had him tricked! It must be the remnants of that old man’s kindness working against you!

Saitama shrugged. “I don’t really care. I’ve never really needed this heart anyway. Aren’t you going to use that?” He pointed to the piece of wood that Genos had discarded.

Genos snapped his mouth shut, “What would I need a piece of wood for?”

“Aren’t you a fire demon? Eat it and get better.”

The man must just be an idiot after all, Genos decided.

They made the contract by the light of the hearth. The rain pouring in from the hole in the roof made Genos nervous but Saitama set out a tin tub to catch the water.

The tub was full by the time they finished the contract.

Genos flexed his hands, power flared from his fingertips. Saitama was truly a strong man and so was his heart, Genos could feel it in the waves of magic coursing through him. It would only increase as the days passed, along with his humanity (an unfortunate side effect of having a heart). But he had one now, along with a master.

He gathered up his pride and bowed, “If it pleases you, master, I can reside in the hearth.”

“What?” Saitama choked, hands dropping from his head where he was happily celebrating the return of his hair. “No, no, you can’t fit, you’ll wreck it! I have a spare room upstairs. Just don’t burn it down. Also, don’t bow, that’s weird.” Genos was stunned, he had formed a contract with a very strange master.

“Alright, well,” Saitama said, yawning. “You can start by patching the roof, and emptying the tub uh, what was your name again?”

“…Genos.” A strange, idiot master.

Genos aided Saitama in his daily tasks. He tended to the crops and other household chores and was in charge of supplying the house with magic to power its amenities. He was not allowed to leave the property unless he was accompanying Saitama out on hunting trips.

His new master was an enigma. At home he dressed strangely, wearing what he called “a hoodie” which was too thick to be a tunic and too short to be a coat. It was what he was wearing when he was transported from the other land he came from, or ‘world’ as Saitama corrected. They had strange practises there, like taking off their shoes at the door and giving thanks before a meal. They also had complicated machinery run on ‘electricity’ instead of magic.

Occasionally he would get a missive from the town hall and set out with nothing but the clothes on his back and return with the carcass of a monster or ten. They could range from the size of rabbits to towering dragons.

After a season had passed, Genos asked him, “Why don’t you have any visitors?”

Saitama waded through the mud on the riverbank, staring jealously as Genos floated above it. “Dunno.” He scratched his head and complained, “Ahh, having hair actually is kind of a pain isn’t it? It’s so hot in the summer!” The forest was definitely muggier and warmer than the spring when they had met. Luckily it rained less, although that didn’t stop the rivers from flowing.

“Do you regret having hair?

“No way! Having hair is great!” Saitama said. “Come to think of it, maybe that’s why the villagers avoided me. No that can’t be it, I have hair now. Besides, the blacksmith’s bald…maybe only blacksmiths can be bald.” He was lost in thought, shaking out the mud that had splattered onto his hand, and didn’t notice the sudden shift of magic in the air until the monster was almost upon him.

“Master, look out!” Genos could not reach Saitama in time and could only watch as the large bear-like creature with horns leapt towards him.

“Huh?” Saitama shook out his hand and it hit the monster right on the snout, launching it backwards where it fell down dead. “Oh, hey, look Genos, it’s the monster we were hunting.”

Once again, Genos was bowled over by his master’s raw destructive power. “You save the villagers all the time, from all kinds of beasts and magical creatures and yet they don’t respect you?”

“I guess they- Woah! Hey! Wait! You’re going to start a forest fire!”

Genos had a temper he wasn’t proud of. He would get carried away by his emotions and would flare up, accidentally wrecking objects in his vicinity like furniture and sometimes, part of the farm. Saitama, though annoyed by his habit, was kind about it. He would tell Genos to replace or fix whatever he burned or scorched but he would never tell him to leave.

Genos told him about how he used to be human before a fire demon destroyed his village and how Genos performed the ritual to become one demon himself. He told Saitama that the fire demon would eventually find him, wherever he might be, as he was connected to the child he failed to destroy by ancient magic. He would return one day to finish the deed. But Genos swore he would destroy the demon first. In return, Saitama spoke about his old life in the other world. How he had trained to become strong and lost all his hair in the process.

As the days passed, however, their conversations grew shorter, Saitama’s replies became more curt. A tale that would have once amused him barely drew a smile out of him. It seemed that the more Genos warmed up to him, the colder Saitama grew. It must have been the effects of losing his heart but Genos didn’t form the connection between the two until it was too late.

“Master, why don’t you find yourself a wife,” Genos asked. They were harvesting the pumpkins to store before the winter’s chill settled in. The leaves were already beginning to turn brown, the first brush of death over the land.

It had reached Saitama’s eyes too. Where they once sparkled like morning dew, now were dull as stones. They only grew duller each time Genos tried to discuss the future with him. “People weren’t interested in my old world, and they’re not interested here,” Saitama replied with a shrug. He scuffed the dirt with his shoe and clipped off the stem of a pumpkin, hoisting it into the wheelbarrow. “Hmm, I wish I could plant cabbages here, Genos what do you think?”

Genos was about to argue otherwise, was about to say he would definitely be interested in someone like Saitama but he stopped himself. It was only harvest season and Genos realised he was in over his head. “Besides,” Saitama went on. “I don’t really need that anymore.” His gaze lingered like a breeze, and stole the words from Genos’ mouth.

No, Genos thought, snapping out of his daze. You should find love. I want you to be happy. He felt strangely at peace with this desire. The days he passed with Saitama were peaceful and fun. Beyond his monstrous strength and his kindness, Genos realised he was someone he had come to care about and he wanted his master to be able to love.

–

Autumn was almost over, the crops had been harvested and stockpiled, there was not much left to do so Genos decided it was time. He had finished powering the hearth and stood back as Saitama walked into the sitting room, back from doing the dishes.

“I want to give you your heart back,” he said.

“Oh,” Saitama didn’t sound surprised. He dried his hands on his apron and folded it up. “So, you don’t want it either.” And it was his choice of words that caused Genos’, no, Saitama’s, heart to throb. But before he could ask Saitama to clarify, he went on, “Does that mean you’re leaving?”

Genos had no answer.

“I don’t mind.” Saitama shrugged. “I get my heart back, don’t I? You didn’t wrinkle it or anything did you? Punch a few holes in it?”

“No, I-” Genos cleared his throat. “I took very good care of it.”

But Saitama wasn’t listening. “Plus I’ll have more space and, and! It’ll be less hot all the time. Yeah, I can’t wait for you to go.”

Genos reined in the flames that threatened to flare up. He knew that even if Saitama didn’t mean it, he wouldn’t be happy if he scorched the ceiling. His words tore him apart but Saitama would be able to feel again, he’d be able to enjoy life again and his eyes would alight with emotion once again.

Undoing the contract was more tricky and took a longer time. Saitama felt his heart pour back into him. It was warmer than he remembered and it filled in the empty spaces within him.

As Saitama’s heart returned to him, he saw that the edges of Genos had begun to fade, his flames slowly dying down. “Genos! What’s happening to you?”

“I require a heart to live. When we first met, I had another heart, I stole it from someone, an old man. It did not last long. But yours would, did.”

“Then why are you giving it back?”

“I don’t want it anymore,” Genos said. “I want you to have it.”

It sounded like “I don’t need you anymore” to Saitama and the parts of his heart that had returned ached. “But you’re dying! Take it back! Take it back, I don’t need it! What about your purpose?”

Genos shook his head, “I don’t need that anymore!”

Saitama planted his hands on Genos’ shoulder and began to push, the chain of magic that stretched between their chests wavered. “W-What are you doing?”

“Just, shut up! Stupid demon!” Saitama was powerful, but even physical strength shouldn’t be enough to break magic. Nevertheless that seemed to be what was happening as Saitama pushed and pushed, until finally the chain between them snapped. They were both thrown back by the force, sent sprawling across the stone floor Saitama always complained was too cold until Genos heated it.

Genos sat up, disoriented, his chest felt lighter but it was definitely still occupied. He still had one half of a heart and Saitama-

He saw him near the sooty fireplace, just beginning to stir. He rushed over, then hesitated, “Master, your hair-!”

Saitama reached up to feel that his head was indeed smooth once again, “Hah, great. At least we’re both alive.” He looked up at Genos, “So now what?” The demon was no longer a pale sickly pink, now he burned a brilliant crimson, but he wavered uncertainly. Saitama’s grin faded, “Right, you’re not contractually obliged to stay here anymore. Contractually,” he snorted, grimacing at the term. “I guess I can’t give it away again, huh?”

Saitama got up and brushed himself off. He stuck his hands in the pocket of his hoodie and walked over to the door. “A heart, really is too much trouble to handle,” he muttered.

When he turned back, Genos was still standing by the hearth, looking as pathetic as the time he burned a hole in the fence on the far side of the field. “Well?” Saitama snapped, feeling the edges of hysteria at the corners of his consciousness. “Aren’t you going to go?”

Please, please say no, Saitama’s heart begged traitorously. But Genos only let his chin drop to his chest, giving Saitama a short, quick nod.

He left, and Saitama was alone once again.

The shadows of the house stretched over the walls and floor, engulfing the room now that the fire demon was not there to chase them away. The house felt larger for sure, maybe too large. Feeling very cold all of a sudden, Saitama walked over to the fireplace to wait out the night.

He had barely sat down when he heard an incessant knocking at the door. A sheepish looking fire demon was standing on his doorstep.

“Genos? Weren’t you going to go?”

Genos shuffled nervously. “…it’s raining.” Sure enough, the last autumn rain was falling from the sky in a quick pitter-patter.

“You don’t like the rain,” Saitama said slowly.

“No, I don’t,” Genos confirmed. “But I like you.”

Saitama’s head was spinning. “Then why did you give my heart back?” Saitama demanded.

Genos’ words seared the air, “So you could love like I love you.”

Saitama wasn’t going to cry. He didn’t even feel the sting of tears. But months worth of emotions were rolling into him, radiating from his chest, flooding his body. His face twisted up, brows pinched tight together. He opened his mouth to call Genos an idiot, and instead choked on a sob. Genos touched Saitama’s cheek, as soft as candle but it didn’t burn, only warmed. “Can I come in?” he asked softly.

“I have to warn you, it’s not much better inside, it’s just as wet as outside.”

“How can it not be better inside?” Genos asked, stepping over the threshold. “You’re here.”

#saigenos #genosai #commission

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Juicing with Gary: Episode 1 with Flatiron Health

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Juicing with Gary: Episode 1 with Flatiron Health

(intro music) – [Gary] Amy Abernethy, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Scientific Officer, Senior Vice President of Oncology, Flatiron Welcome to Juicing with Gary

Very excited about this morning, Amy Before we sit down and have a conversation, we're going to make a juice – [Amy] Okay – I have made a special juice for you – For me? – So I have called this one, Rising Blues

Would you like to know why? – Yes, please tell me more – Have you ever heard of a great group in the 60s called The Animals? – Oh, yeah, of course – Well, they had a great song ♪ There is a house in New Orleans ♪ ♪ They call the rising sun ♪ ♪ Mm, mm, mm, mm ♪ So I need your help to put this all together So, I'm gonna need some cutting skills You are a physician

– I'm a physician – Do you know how to use knives? – Sort of – Okay, what I'd like you to do is take these beautiful red apples and I'd like you to just cut them into quarters for me if you don't mind Now the cabbage they say, that if a male was to have one cup of cabbage a day provides 90% of the vitamin C necessary for their body And for a woman, 75%

– We always need a little bit more – Excellent, excellent, okay Turn on the juicer – Alright – Alright and take off the lid

So, let's get it in there and you can just push it right down Now look, look at this beautiful purple Oh yeah, you're getting juicy, you're getting juicy, okay – Alright, got it, okay yeah – This is gonna make a mess

Ehh, that's beautiful! Now okay, you can stop the juicer – Here we go – I'm gonna take mine and, Amy, sincerely, it's an honor to have you here And, cheers – [Amy] This'll be fun, cheers

There we go – Cheers, thanks for juicing Mmm – [Amy] The Rising Blues – Yeah, the Rising Blues, oh yeah

(drumbeat) – Well, Amy, thank you again for being here Thanks for juicing with me Now, I'm excited to learn more about you, to talk about Flatiron, to talk about cancer and oncology You're really trying to change cancer in so many ways and I'm so impressed by that But to get there, I want to go back to little Amy

How does a little girl decide that she wants to be a physician? – Well, I really thought in the beginning that I wanted to be a scientist and that became evident to me when I was a kid and I loved math and chemistry I ultimately got very interested in robotics and programming And, it turned out my chemistry teacher worked at NASA in a summer program and she invited me to come and show my stuff and see whether or not I could get into this summer program That ultimately led to a placement in the artificial intelligence lab and the responsibility for programming one of NASA's first robots – And you've been at Duke a long time

You've stayed at Duke quite a while You were a professor in the College of Medicine and then you got a PhD, I understand – I was tapped to become the Chief Resident at Duke which was usually a pretty big deal So I was very honored by this and stopped my oncology training to become Chief Resident Halfway through my Chief year, my husband got a phenomenal job offer to basically live his dream in Australia

I thought, okay, okay, now this is his chance to do his thing and so I'm gonna go ahead and leave medicine and go to Australia And, when we stepped back, what became obvious was that perhaps I could go to Australia with my husband but still have some way pursuing medicine and my training I completed my oncology training, still as an oncology fellow from Duke, but now doing the rest of my work in Australia – Phenomenal And then you come back to the States

– Yes – So, let's talk about Flatiron You've now found yourself in a senior role at Flatiron Can you tell me about the role, tell me about Flatiron? – Flatiron Health is a health technology company focused on using data and technology to accelerate cancer research and improve cancer care So, I mentioned at Flatiron, one of the things that we focus on is cleaning up the data that's in what we call unstructured documents

These are basically pdfs or digital paper So, the radiology report, the pathology report, the physician's medical case notes It's the probably the thing about Flatiron that's some of our most special secret sauce One of the interesting things that I think just basically gives a good example of how important it is to get every single data point right is whether or not a person is alive or deceased And, it turns out, that that's a really hard thing to know

We don't have a single reliable national dataset that we can rapidly pull from and use And so, we aggregate data across multiple sources Some of it we buy So, for example a grave site and obituary data Some of it we pull out of the electronic health record

And, some of it, we use that team of abstractors to pull out of places like the condolence card because the condolence card might be the best way to know that this patient has passed away And so, we pull all those kinds of data points together to now create one dataset around that variable Just that one single variable And you can imagine that, at Flatiron, we're doing that for every single variable you need for cancer research The part that I think really moves the needle most substantively is because we create these very clean datasets, we're then able to use those datasets for research and discovery

So, as a cancer patient, that leads to development of new medicines that then get back to you in the clinic – But our industry is not known for speed and you're talking warp speed This is a quantum leap for what we're used to So, what are gonna be the challenges because I don't know that the rest of us can keep up with that – Historically, it has taken somewhere between 14 and 17 years to go from a medicine that we think might work to widespread use in the population within whom it does work

That's how long it takes to develop a medicine At Flatiron, what we're seeing is we can speed up those cycles to 18 or 24 months and maybe even faster And, what we're seeing is that that's not just a notion for the future, but we're starting to see that happen today That we can speed those cycles up So, when I talk about speed, I'm talking about meaningful speed for patients

– And, Amy, I see and feel your passion, your knowledge, your experience I can understand that from a researcher's perspective and from a clinician's perspective But you've experienced it from a personal perspective Can you talk to me a little bit about your father? – Oh, my dad So, he was diagnosed in December of 2015 with a very rare metastatic cancer that had started within the bile tract

In trying to figure how to help think through his care, several pieces were important So, one is that he wanted receive this care at home Like, he didn't want to fly to Houston or New York or Raleigh, he wanted to stay in Orlando because he wanted to be a part of his community which meant that he needed to be a part of a doctoring network where the information could come to him and that was really important to him And, one of the things that I'm proud of within Flatiron is the way that we build our information networks, the way we build our software allows the best information to get to the doctor no matter what city you're in And, therefore, the patient, no matter what city you're in

So, that was kind of one thing that my dad demanded and I got to see in action The second thing was that since he had this rare cancer, every meeting that I had with a pharma client, every conference I went to I looked for the latest and greatest in cholangiocarcinoma care So I was able to look for the new drugs that were coming But the sad story, and I talked to my dad about this a lot, is that, a lot of those times, those drugs were still stuck in the lab or early phase trials and he didn't meet the requirements for those trials And so, now that we're starting to see ways that the discovery of new drugs and the figuring out of what works and what doesn't work is actually speeding up care

Although it didn't help my dad, his story helped inform how we think about how important that is He always told me, "let my story be a part of the future" And, I remember that from my time in the clinic My patients saying to me, "don't let my story end here" In our collaborative project with the FDA, what we're seeing is that, for patients with lung cancer, the majority of people are over 65 that are getting the immune checkpoint inhibitors, these new drugs that we're all talking about

Yet, almost none of those patients were included in the clinical trials Not only are we seeing that those are the patients getting the drugs, we're able to compare their survival compared to the younger patients who were treated in the clinical trials And, guess what? Age doesn't matter And, in fact, these drugs work equally well regardless of your age So that's an example of a proofpoint where, in working with the FDA, we have shown for patients sitting in front of me at clinic who's older in life, this drug is equally efficacious and is going to work equally well as a patient who's got the same biomarker as the younger crowd

And so, we're able to start using this to figure out how do we tailor care in the clinic – So this is true actionable information and we're finally making information available and actionable at the root level – At the root level The whole purpose of Flatiron is to make sure that every single cancer patient's story is a part of the future in the way that they want it to be – I'm gonna shift a little bit for a minute and I want to ask you a question

I mean, you are truly a leader in every single way I'm thinking about those people that want to aspire into leadership What advice can you give them? 'Cause you've become that leader What can you do to encourage them along? – Well so I think I have three parts to my advice The first is opportunity comes to the prepared

Be prepared and then go for it when interesting things come in front of you You don't know if you're gonna suddenly move to Australia and completely change your career over to informatics or you're gonna keep on the same path that you were on in leukemia-lymphoma You don't know what that's gonna look like, but jump for it The second is that mentoring counts Choose your mentors wisely

Have mentors that, when you come into the mentoring relationship, you understand what you're hoping to get out of that relationship, but you're also very explicit about what you're gonna give to the relationship And you treat that relationship with incredible respect and care and you show up and you're a part of that mentoring relationship Because, honestly, the mentors are gonna be who create your network and take you forward in life The last piece of advice I have for people, believe it or not, is to be a weeble You might remember that weebles wobble, but they don't fall down, right? Like, you're gonna get knocked against the head, it's not gonna be pretty, it's not gonna go the way you want, right? But, don't be afraid to just stand back up and keep on trying

Because the best way to get to the place where you want to be is to keep moving forward and not let things move you backwards – And those are three great examples The perseverance, as you said, and the weebles, you're right We all get knocked down, but how many times do we get up? We have to keep getting up and keep going for it Just like me and juicing

This is new to all of us, right? But, we're having a lot of fun doing it So, I'm going for it, right, and we're juicing – I love it – This has been a tremendous experience Thank you for spending a little time, having some fun juicing, and for helping us tell these stories

Cheers – Thank you (outro music)

#1: #Episode #Flatiron #Gary: #Health #juicing #With