#we've been switching so much recently and I haven't had a lot of time to live my life so I've had a lot of pent up emotions

[nutklcker]

I'm thinkin abt Anno rn and like

Imagine loving a Masked (romantically, platonically, or otherwise)

Wether you're an employee or a monster or whatever, you have a lovely little masked by your side all the time, and you collect scrap or hunt or just exist until eventually their body starts to deteriorate

And as a person, an organic thingy, you think it's dying and you mourn and spend your last days together, until eventually, one day, they stop moving

And then a few days later you notice the mask has fallen off, and you bring it with you as a keepsake, holding it with you for days, or weeks, or months, or maybe even years. Before eventually you just can't help it, you need to feel them, to see them, to hear them, to smell them, and you just need to be close to them again, and you bring the mask up to your face, it potentially fitting around your features perfectly, and it's like you feel them and see them and smell them again.

And then you feel their consciousness, and from her either can go two ways

Drunk on love and the grief of potentially reconnecting, you can't bring yourself to move the mask away, it feels like they're right there with you, you need to stay like this, because they feel so close. And eventually, the mask connects. And you can hear them and feel them and smell them again, but they're not there, they are but it's because they're within you. You share the same skin, you look with the same eyes and touch with the same hands, and you're perfectly together, whole once again, but in a new way that can never separate you two ever again. (*)

Or, the other option, you manage to pull the mask away, connecting the dots on what's happening, and you realize if you can just find a host you can have your lovely Masked back. So you spend time, maybe you hunt down a different Masked to use their body, maybe you go for the first humanoid thing you see like an employee or a Bracken, or maybe you are an employee and you send out a request for a new employee, recognizing you're dooming some newbie to death but coming to terms with that fate of theirs in order to have your loved one once again

And, there's a third option that's quite a but angsty beneath the cut

(*) Or, depending on your interpretation or wishes for how the masks work in this scenario, maybe once the make takes hold YOU die. And your poor Masked returns, recognizing this smell, these hands, this voice, and it's yours, but you're gone. And you've left them there, in your body, your decaying body. You had their mask, and their mask was basically immortal. But now? For them? You're gone, and the only physical remnant of you is theirs now, and because of the way their life works, that remnant is decaying, rotting, and eventually turning to dust. And once again they'll just be a mask, slowly falling off a body, waiting for someone to put it on.

#host #anyways I'm normal rn /lying #angst #vent #kinda? #we've been switching so much recently and I haven't had a lot of time to live my life so I've had a lot of pent up emotions #but some creative writing helps #especially when I think about option one and the possibility of basically cuddling Anno forever #but now I feel Rend tugging at my brain cuz he wants to think abt the prompt too #sigh #I love my brain guys #they make my life better #but also I miss being around sometimes #oh well #say la vee or whatever /lhj #also ignore any spelling errors I'm so so tired /pos /nm

[iouinotes]

Heroic Betrayal | Luke Castellan (part 1)

SPOILER FOR THE PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS SERIES AND THE BOOKS

pairing: Luke Castellan x female!reader

show: Percy Jackson and the Olympians

warnings: dark!character, betrayal, implied sexual content, heavy angst, kidnapping

word count: 5,8k

summary: When Luke switches to the dark side, he tries everything possible to win you for him.

a/n: so as the show comes to an end (dont cry dont cry dont cry), I thought I would finally post this :)))

read part 2 here

"I'll find you!" his voice echoes through the forest, my laughter much louder than I intend to. But that´s just how it always goes. It's our own little tradition.

Every year when the camp starts again and we meet after the holidays passed, we play hide and seek in the dangerous forest of the half-blood camp. The creatures usually don't come across our path, in recent years it has rarely happened, that we actually had to defend ourselves against them.

Once it was an angry dryad, who threw branches at me (she had a crush on Luke and wanted revenge, but since I could understand her feelings and felt sad for her, we sorted it out).

Another time we were spotted by some camp members, who made fun of us, but Luke must have said something to them later, because we haven't been bothered by these troublemakers since.

It is always the same pattern, but each time there is still something special about it. We have grown, became more mature (I think), and have more and more experience about the struggles in life.

So being able to just let go for a few moments and being completely alone with him is probably the best thing to keep myself sane (even if he drives me a little bit crazy with the love I hold for him).

But a lot has changed recently.

It all started when rumors spread, that Zeus' lightning bolt had been stolen by Poseidon's son. And then the most supportive, bravest, sassy kid in the world showed up here. Percy Jackson. Ever since I met him, even though it's not his fault, there's been war going on. The gods are angry, the monster attacks became worse and again, rumors about the oldest, most powerful titan Kronos reached the camp.

It scared and frightened many people, including me. That's why we've been training harder and stay awake, even when the stars are shining, so that we can prepare for any catastrophe. To be able to fight.

My mother is the goddess Demeter, my father a simple man. I adore them both, even though my mother isn't one of my closest contacts. But I never really held that against her, because at least she decided to acknowledge me as her daughter. After all, it's a privilege that not everyone gets. My siblings and friends at camp are important to me, but the world is changing and so is everything around it.

The only stability I have left is my boyfriend Luke.

If I had to rely on one person in the whole world (and by that I also mean the underworld), it would be him.

He's been my best friend since I arrived at this camp. We've been together through ups and downs, I know every side of him and he knows everything about me too. Many of the people here are like blank pages to me, but not him. He is like my favorite book, that lays open to me and allows me to read each letter individually. Just as I know every of his dreams, every secret, every truth and every lie. He is my protector, my hero in every dark night and every bright day. Without him, I don't even know who I am. He is a part of me and my heart wouldn't be whole without him.

I watched him grow up. From the small, thin boy whose eyes hid so much pain and sadness to the strong, soulful leader he is today.

His beauty cannot be influenced by anything, he is like my very own sun, without him I could not survive.

I wouldn't want it any other way though.

Now, I'm hiding behind a tree with my back pressed against the bark and I am able to hear the cracking and swinging of the branches.

I smile so wide, that my cheeks start to hurt, when I hear his voice calling. My heart is beating in my throat, but it's not just the adrenaline of not getting caught. It's because of my love for him, which is so strong that sometimes I'm afraid of it. But only in the moments when I realize that nothing, but him is my biggest flaw. I think I would do anything for him.

Then I concentrate again and listen to the sounds around me. But his voice has fallen silent and I don't hear his footsteps anymore.

My eyebrows furrow, confused I try to look around the tree and search for an orange t-shirt. Likely together with his slim body, biceps, beautiful face and wonderful personality.

But when I want to withdraw again, it's already too late. A branch breaks behind me and before I can move I'm pushed against the tree from behind.

I immediately feel his body against mine, hear the laughter in his voice and listen to his strained breathing. His hands wrap around my body and turn me towards him, so that we are now face to face.

He's taller than me and as I look up, I feel the familiar fluttering feeling in my chest. I am so in love with him.

He grins triumphantly at me and I lean against the tree, smiling kindly.

"Found you, princess." The light reflects in his brown eyes and some of his curls are laying wildly on his head. He looks like an angel.

"I made it easy for you." My voice teases him and when he leans in so close to me, that our lips almost touch, I forget how to think properly. A habit I can't change. He's just so captivating.

"Yeah? You think I wouldn't have found you otherwise? Funny. I remember that in the last few years, I always was the winner of our little game." His lips brush mine, I want nothing more than to kiss him. But he knows that, which is why he slowly pulls back, when I start to lean forward.

When I want to complain, he puts his hand around my waist and pulls me into his chest. My knees almost give out, I feel so intoxicated by his presence.

"I-I wanted you to find me." My voice whispers quietly.

His eyebrows rise in mock surprise.

"Then I guess, I can claim my prize without feeling bad." In the next second, his lips are on mine and I'm unable to do anything, other than kissing him back. I wrap my arms around his neck and enjoy the warmth that radiates from him. He sets my heart on fire.

While pushing me against the tree, I've completely forgotten about, he lets his hands wrap possessively around my waist. Digging his nails into my hips, to keep me grounded. Otherwise, I would probably get lost in those sensations.

Luke kisses in a way, like it's the last time he'll have the chance. (As if I would ever want to keep him from doing that).

He's passionate, my body feels like it's on fire and the heat inside me feels so good, that I want more. I can never get enough of him and he knows it. He grins against my lips, but he doesn't break the kiss. I think he secretely loves knowing how much he can mess with me, with just a few kisses.

My hands find his hair and pull him closer to me, our chests touch and his breathing mingles with mine.

It is wonderful and so precious, I would refuse any gift from the gods just to be close to him.

When he pulls away from me, our bodies are still close. My eyes open and look dreamily into his, our gazes reflect a familiarity and love that is like nothing I have ever experienced.

He smiles at me, pushes a stray strand of hair behind my ear and leans himself against me. His fingers stroke the exposed skin of my pulled-up shirt.

"I've missed you." If my heart hasn't melted before, it has now. I give him a kiss on the cheek and hug him, we stand in our embrace for a moment. Enjoying each other's closeness, the calm feeling until the next chaotic situation happens.

"Now we are together again. Only that matters." It's quiet around us and when I close my eyes for the second time, I hear his fast heartbeat. I have to supress a smile.

The wind is the only thing I hear until his voice breaks the silence.

"Something will happen soon. Something big." The peaceful atmosphere is threatened by his words and when I look at his face again, I see his worried eyes.

I sigh, but then nod to agree with him. "I thought about that too, it feels different. Like something is coming our way, that we can't control."

His fingers stroke my cheek and for a moment, his face holds an expression, that I can't understand. It resembles regret.

But before I can ask him about it, he smiles tenderly at me again.

"Nothing will separate us. The world is just a game. It's a matter of time and making the right moves." That is his motto. But I'm not always convinced of this. Even though I trust him to do the right thing.

"I'm just worried we'll get seperated, you know? Evil can be sneaky and traitors always exist. You never know who you can trust." Something I said must have really bothered him, because he looks like I just stabbed him.

This time I ask him about it.

"What's on your mind? You can tell me. Two people who worry about something are better, than one who is alone with it." I take his hand and stroke his skin, it feels cold even though we have summer.

"Nothing, just- I don't want to lose you. I couldn't be here without you. I need you. I mean...I-I love you. You know that I would do anything to keep us together, right?"

His words surprise me. I know he loves me. I can sense that, everyone probably does. But he has never worn his heart on his sleeve and the three magical words only come out of his mouth on special occasions. The fact that he's telling me now surprises me.

"Of course. I trust you. We will survive together, I know that. Are you worried because of the rumors about the Titan King?" This topic is always very critical and he usually doesn't like to talk about it, but this time I decide to address it directly.

"He will come. I just want you to be safe, when it happens." He sounds so confident it gives me goosebumps.

"Perhaps. His followers will definitely try. But love is stronger than anything else. Especially our love. We will get through it." He doesn't look convinced, so I turn his face towards mine and kiss him.

My voice sounds soft, when I speak again.

"Luke, I love you. I could never leave you. Not even the King of the Underworld will be able to keep us apart. I promised to be by your side in every moment of our lives. You are my soul and without it I am damned."

This seems to reassure him, but I feel like he's not telling me something of great importance. But I don't want to push him, I know he will tell me when the time comes.

He always does.

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

As the day comes to an end, I say goodnight to my siblings and report for my night watch duty. The situation has been a lot more worse the recent weeks. Kronos exists, my worst fear was confirmed. And he is building an army, that is so strong that it will be difficult to fight against it. But what I'm really worried about are the rumors about our people, who have also joined his cause.

Nobody knows who, the spies have been hiding ever since. I've never felt like I was paying more attention to my words than I am now. The only person I don't have to hold back to is Luke.

But even with him I notice the effects of the bad news. The circles under his eyes are darker than ever and his nerves are so frayed, that every little thing makes him want to explode. His temper is hanging by a thread, that is increasingly threatening to break. And I'm trying everything to prevent this.

No matter if I try it by making him laugh (which has become difficult), massaging his tense shoulders, trying to kiss him to the point of forgetfulness (usually it's the other way around) or when he takes out his frustration by burying himself deep inside me. With every thrust of his hips, I feel him relax, his hand so tight around my body as if I would run away, if he didn't hold me close enough.

He's changing and I'm trying my best to maintain his good sides. That he doesn't completely lose himself in his responsibilities and the pressure, that he has, because he is a member of the camp council.

Besides, I can't complain, when he fucks me until I can't breathe aynmore and I block out everything around me. When he comes, he whispers the sweetest things in my ear. Even if sometimes they sound so protective, that I could almost come from his voice alone.

When he whispers to me how good I am for him or how much he loves being able to have such a power over me like that - maybe it should scare me, but I trust him like no one else.

My mind concentrated his best for my shift, but when I finally go to bed after quiet some time, my eyes quickly close.

Looking back, I wish I had never let myself sleep that night.

Because, when I close my eyes I see waves. Hear the seagulls screaming in the sky, the fish swimming in the water and the distant cries of strangers.

It's all unusual and the bright light would blind me, if I didn't avert my gaze. And as soon as I do it, I see a ship. It's huge, rust shimmers in the sunrays, the anchor shows that it's been in the same place for a while now.

I feel something pulling me towards it, pushing and burning in my chest, leaving me with a tremor that I can feel, even in my deep sleep.

As I flit through the window like a ghost, I feel paralyzed. My blood freezes, I want to disappear immediately and in my mind I scream at myself to wake up.

But it's no use, whatever is here, someone decided that I have to see it. Only then, my wish will be fulfilled and I can wake up. So, I hide in a corner, there are scratched picture frames above me and broken glass is scattered on the floor. The monsters that loudly crush the glass ahead of me seem unstoppable.

I tremble as I look at at least seven dracaenae, several shaggy hellhounds and set my eyes on gigantes, that take up almost the entire room.

But that is nothing compared to the terror, that grips me when I see my classmates. My friends. People I trusted, who I fought alongside, for who I cared about. People I would have sacrificed myself for. They all betrayed me. And I feel close to tears. When I want to turn away, I hear a voice that almost brings me to my knees.

It's Luke.

My faithful and caring protector, my heroic love. Someone, to which I had dedicated everything. He was my life, with every single breath I took. The motivation behind my every action. The reason I wanted to survive in this cruel world. He was everything I had and everything I will ever have and in that moment it was abruptly taken from me.

I didn't have the strength to concentrate, it was as if every fiber of my body was on fire, triggered by the torment of my suffering heart. Seeing him like that, in black armor, Kronos' silver mark glittering around his neck, instead of his colorful necklace. A stoic, hostile expression on his face, his hands gripping his sword, it all hurt too much to watch.

And as I sank to the floor and covered my eyes with my hands, I was still forced to listen. I couldn't understand why he was saying such things.

"With every day he becomes stronger, with every participation in our army, we become stronger. Everything is planned, the camp is weak. Just like all of its residents. The surprise is on our side, because we will show no mercy. We will kill anyone, who does not confess to us. Do you hear me? No hostages will be taken. Only Hades population will be expanded."

The screams around me are so loud, so angry and horrific that I feel tears running down my cheeks.

I don't want to see any of that. The person infront of me is not my Luke.

A kind of fog creeps around me and I feel cold, it seems too late to forget it now. When I notice the golden coffin and Lukes hunched posture, the scar on the side of his face, I realize he is praying to him.

To the fall of Olympus. Kronos.

I want to cry, to scream, to be angry - but I just feel like every part of my heart is breaking and will never be whole again. Luke will never again be the one to heal it.

My consciousness leaves the ship until I finally wake up, but I can't move at first. I feel lost, my muscles are stiff and after a few seconds I notice that I'm shaking. But it's not because I'm cold, the summer air is wafting in the air.

Such dreams are rare, but are like the own scary predictions of the future.

And then it comes all back so me, the memories, that have just turned my whole life upside down. Traitor. The word appears in my mind, I feel like I almost can't breathe. And then there is a finger on my cheek, gently stroking the skin and my chest immediately becomes warm.

I know this gesture.

When I open my eyes, I see his loving eyes and the smile that covers his mouth makes my heart clench in sorrow.

It was just a nightmare. Luke would never betray me.

But the whispers in my head say otherwise.

As we continue to look at each other in silent, I notice his furrowed eyebrows.

"What's wrong, my love? Did you have a nightmare? You look scared. Don't be afraid, I'm here. I will always protect you." His voice is so calm, so usual loving and it makes the butterflies in my stomach fly around like crazy.

He is so beautiful.

As he briefly turns his head to tighten the blanket around me, I see his side profile and the scar. Reminders of my dream crash onto me like a lightning strike from Zeus himself.

I sat up abruptly. Luke is a servant of our enemy. How could I ignore that? I feel like I'm almost starting to hyperventilate. The thought, this nightmare, Luke's appearance, this evil feeling - it makes me sick. And I'm suddenly so afraid, more than I have ever been in my life. But I can't tell if it's the fact that I just found out he joined Cronos' army or that he broke my heart doing so.

I see him tense, my panic seems to be affecting him too.

My thoughts are so confusing, I don't know what to do, I have to tell someone. I have to-

His hands find their way to my cheeks, cupping them gently to direct his gaze towards himself. I would have preferred not to look at him, but I have no choice. His eyes search mine.

Then, as if the weight of Atlas punishment was put on his shoulders, he lowers them. His lips tremble slightly and his eyes look at me, as if I am the most valuable thing in the world and he is about to lose it.

"You know it." He doesn't have to say what he means by that. We both know.

I want to break away from him, but he won't let me. He's always been much stronger.

But everything still feels so different, light surrounds us and I can't really feel my body.

"Listen to me, please. I can explain it. Please-" The world goes silent, before he can finish his sentence.

It is too much.

I stifle a scream. I want to jump out of bed, but his hands hold me close. I only manage to fall to the ground, breathing heavily, but his arms are much stronger and I'm still weakened by my dream. He trys to hold me in a position, so that his back hugs me. His hands grab mine and one of them covers my mouth to silence me, when I want to scream for help.

With any other person, I would have known what to do. With anyone but him, I could have defended myself without any problems. But it wasn't just anyone and what he had done to me, the betrayal he had committed, was nothing I could handle.

I tried to wriggle out of his grip, to kick him, but the more I cried and the more hysterical I became, the easier it was for him to have control over me.

And for the first time, it scared me.

"Please calm down, I have to explain it to you- you have to know, that I never wanted to deceive you, please-" I notice how his voice is failing and he has to pull himself together, to not to lose his composure.

When I shake his hand away and want to yell again, he grabs my neck with such a warning force, that no sound escapes me.

I tremble in his hold. Tears stream down my cheeks and I literally feel my heart breaking.

Then he starts whispering in my ear and his grip feels like a tragic prison.

"Nobody can know. I never wanted you to find out. Not until I convinced you, that it is the right thing to join him. Because he will win, sweetheart. I want us to win by his side." His voice sounds so confident and at the same time, as if he was a completely different person.

Tears continue running down my face and he slightly let's go of me, so he can comfort me.

"If you would just listen to me, you will understand my actions. Please, just listen to me-" but the world blurs infront of my eyes and I am only able to whisper three words, before darkness surrounds me.

"You betrayed me."

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

When I wake up, my head hurts so much, that it takes me several minutes to open my eyes. When I finally do it, I almost have a heart attack.

I recognize the similarity of this room from my dream. When I stand up, I run to the round window and look out, being only able to see the blue sea. Feeling empty and alone.

When I want to step out the door, I expect it to be locked. But instead the handle turns and I step out of the room. I'm so surprised about that, that I'm acting without thinking twice.

As I walk around the next corner, the deck creaks and I see an ugly creature in front of me, that makes every instinct to escape kick in.

I run in the other direction, but every turn makes me more desperate and, without any consideration, I run into the hall, I was so afraid of.

It is filled with all kinds of ciders, and I also see the figures of my classmates, wounded and unhappy.

It's all so overwhelming, that I dont even see him standing on the podium, in the first place.

But as the monsters try to grab me, his voice echoes through the room with an affable authority.

"Nobody touches her. You hear me? Nobody. She is under my protection." I almost freeze into a stature, as he comes towards me and I have no way of avoiding him. No weapon is within my reach, his eyes notice my growing panic.

"Everyone leaves the room. Now." Nobody discusses it, even if some roll their eyes or quietly protest. His authority is unquestioned, it sends a cold shiver down my spine.

When the last doors slam shut, we stand a few meters opposite each other.

"The doors are guarded." It's the first thing he says.

When he tries to approach me, I lose my nerves and run to the corner with the broken glass, that I saw in my dream. I take them in my hands.

I see his eyes widen and he stops in his tracks.

"You- you want to fight me?" He actually sounds surprised and sad. Like I was the one who betrayed him and not the other way around.

"Don't come any closer. I may not have been able to do anything last time, but if you take one step closer then-" I don't know what to say. In no scenario did I ever think, I would have to threaten him.

But despite my warning, he comes towards me with his hands raised, the panic within me so palpable, that I can feel every muscle in my body.

I dodge, when he is only a few meters in front of me. Right into the next corner. As far away from him as possible.

"Princess, you can't keep me away forever. I've always loved that about you. You need me as much as you need to breathe."

It's supposed to sound sweet, but his words make me feel sick

"I'd rather suffocate." He didn't expect that. My words hit him so unexpectedly that he is almost speechless. Almost.

"I won't hurt you. You just have to let me get to you and I'll show you everything. You will understand, believe me." He really thinks, I'll just stay by his side and let him explain.

"Are you crazy? You're a traitor, Luke. You- you betrayed everyone. You betrayed me. How could you do this?" I suppress my tears, because that's exactly what he's waiting for. That my defense becomes weaker. I can't allow this.

"You dont understand. I always told you I would protect you. And I can only do that, if I'm on the winning side. And I am now. We are." His eyes flash with a craziness that makes me tremble. I don't recognize him.

"Why are you acting this way? You are doing the wrong thing - you give up everything. You're giving up on us." Tears leave my eyes and I see him take a few steps in my direction.

"I'm doing the right thing for us. You'll see. You just have to trust me, please. You know I always win. With the power he gives me, I will be invincible. You don't have to worry about one of us dying in this war anymore." I can't move, even if I wanted to, I wouldn't have a way out now. He's too close.

"You are wrong. I would rather die in this war than join this monster and his deceitful army." The shards in my hand hurt, but I don't let them go. They're the only thing I can use to defend myself.

"You would leave me?" His eyes are staring into my soul.

"Would you fight me?" Every word is more intimidating.

"Would you stop loving me?" His words are like his own shards, leaving deep wounds in my heart.

He's standing right in front of me now, looking at me like I'm fragile.

Then he whispers "Would you kill me?"

In the next second, he suddenly has my hands in his, making me drop the glass. Be is only a few centimeters away from me now, his eyes are looking into my own.

"Would you, princess? Then show me." Suddenly he does something, I would have never expected. He takes out his sword and puts it in my hands.

His own hands go behind his back, his eyes tempting me. I feel all the blood in my body drain.

"Do it. I can't live in a world, where you don't love me anymore. In which you are no longer by my side. I am yours. That will never change, just like my love for you."

I can barely hold the sword, it's so wobbly in my hands. He stands in front of me and gives me every chance to defeat him. But I can't move.

It's quiet for a moment, then I see new hope in his eyes and when he speaks again, the tone of his voice melts my heart.

"What did you say a few months ago, you would always let me win? Let's win together this time. Please, just listen to me." His hand strokes my cheek. Wipes away the tears.

Then he drops his hand and grasps his sword, letting it fall to the ground.

He takes my hand instead.

"Follow me." He pulls me behind him, closer and closer to the golden coffin, it's like I'm in a trance, but when I finally feel the cold aura of something cruel, I'm able to think clearly again.

"No-" I don't want to be one step closer to this thing.

He turns around so quickly, that I can only slap his cheek, before he grabs me again.

"That was for kidnapping me. Let me go now!" I want to avoid his grasp. But again he does something I don't expect.

He holds me still, catches my gaze and then, kisses me so gently that the feeling alone makes me almost completely defenseless. His hands cup my cheeks, grip my hair, hold my body.

This is probably his worst trick. I've never been able to resist one of his kisses. And he knows that. He uses it against me.

Then he murmurs words against my lips, that barely reach my ears.

My heart is pounding in my throat.

"You feel this? We belong together. It is not written anywhere on which side we need to be. As long as we are together." His fingers stroke my lower lip, his figure towers over me and for a moment my surroundings fade. It's almost like always.

But he's not wearing his orange t-shirt, his expression isn't relaxed, and I don't hear any insults from the camp members in the distance.

"You're manipulating me." I am powerless against him. I thought we were on the same team, that no one had more power over the other one. But I was so wrong.

His eyebrows furrow again, and when his hands try to pull me against him, I hit his chest, without thinking, with the only piece of glass I hid in my pocket. But unlike I expected, nothing happens. The shard bounces off his skin and falls loudly to the ground. I can only stare at him in disbelief.

"How-" He just looks at me worried, no anger is visible in his eyes.

"You can't hurt me. I have the curse of Achilles upon me." I suddenly become aware of the effect the lake Styx in the underworld hast and I almost fall to the ground at the realization, my knees weaken.

"That was a test earlier. You wanted to see if I would kill you-" my voice fails.

He just looks at me sadly and smiles in regret. My heart becomes heavy.

"And I knew you wouldn't hurt me on purpose. You would never hurt someone you love. Not if you'd kill me in the process." What can I do? He knows me better than anyone, he can see right through my every thought.

"I can't do this, Luke. I-I can't be together with you, if you are like this." I'm serious, but he doesn't believe me.

"That's what you think, but it's a lie. The sooner you admit it to yourself, the more pain you avoid. Our souls are linked together, without me you are not able to live. I know, that you will continue to love me, no matter what I decide to do. That's how much you love me. You would rather die than not loving me."

I can't listen to him. I can't.

But his eyes are like all the promises in the world. He is my world. How could I ever forget that?

"Please come back with me, Luke. I-I won't tell anyone, but please. Let's go, let's forget everything, please-" I cant deal with this anymore. It's like he's draining all the energy out of me. More with every word, that leaves his lips.

"I can not do that. It will stay the way it is now. Don't fight against me, fight with me. You are so smart and loyal, you will be convinced. He will show you." His eyes now flash with something that frightens me. I see his hunger for power, something that has always been dormant within him.

"Luke, the only thing I ever really wanted was you. No power, no war, no prosperity. Only you. But I'm about to lose you. Don´t do this to me, I beg you." My hands find his face, stroke the skin and I look into his eyes. But they are no longer the same ones I fell in love with.

I never thought he would love having power more than he loves me. It breaks my heart.

"I have decided. Nothing will change about that. Not even your pleadings. I'm sorry." His eyes reflect my desperation.

"What's holding you back? All you need is me." He says it so confident, that I almost wonder, why I don´t agree with him.

But my conscience has always been my greatest strength.

"I won't betray them. I couldn't live with myself, if I did." He takes a step back.

"But you could live without me? You would rather be by Jackson's side than mine?" His words hurt me. But he speaks the truth.

"I love you Luke, more than I ever thought was possible. But just as you put power before me, I put loyalty first. And I'm not sorry about that."

Frustration finally seeps through his perfect facade. I wonder how long he's been playing with me. The thought of it makes everything inside me tighten.

"I am not letting you go. Our fate is set. You will recognize it too and when that happens, you will be on my side."

His conviction frightens me, but this time it doesn't freeze me into a statue. Now, I'm running away.

And luckely, he didn't expect that.

For a few minutes now I've noticed one of the windows, that doesn't look very stable. I just have to jump against it to open it.

"NO!" Luke's voice echoes across the room, loud and warning, but it doesn't stop me. Before he can catch up with me, I jump towards the window, my shoulder hurts, but I was right, it breaks.

But I didn't think about the height difference and I realize it might be too late to do something about it now.

As I try to hold on to the wall outside, two thoughts repeat in my mind.

Either I die or I'm trapped.

Then I hear Luke's voice. He sounds desperate and at the same time angry, like I have never heard him before.

The wall is slippery and it takes every bit of strength in me not to fall, I know it would be my death. I hold on to the broken wall.

"She is outside. Get her back, NOW!" My muscles hurt and I don't know what to do. Then I hear the loud beating of wings. Before I can see who it is, I hear Percy's quiet voice. I feel like crying.

"Drop down, I've got you." I have to trust him. So, I let myself fall without thinking.

Then I feel myself landing on something soft, I hold on to it and my knuckles turn white.

The screams and shouts of the monsters make me tremble, I just want to get out of here. Even if it means, that I perhaps will never see Luke again.

"Come on, now. They'll be here soon." As the wings of the Pegasus move towards the sky, towards freedom, I let the tears fall. The wind is beating around my ears and I can only see in the corner of my eyes that we are getting closer to the clouds.

Luke's threatening voice is the last thing I remember as I close my eyes from the grief of leaving him.

#percy jackon and the olympians #luke castellan #x reader #greek gods #love #betrayal #angst #percy pjo #percy series #annabeth chase #percy jackson

[geishael]

Silly Game Time: Do you have games on your phone? If so, which ones?

Uh yeah we got:

This one that we've played every day since early August 2023. You just choose a plant and water it twice a day (7am and 7pm), when it's grown you start again. Ryou downloaded it.

This one is more recent, last month I believe. Vash was looking for something casual and it's a cute Bee idle game where they collect honey to make snacks. It needs an update because he maxed out the level really fast (31).

This one is old (2018 or older, can't remember) and we just don't want to uninstall it but don't play it anymore. I recommend everyone play it even if they don't know Pokémon, takes a while to get to the "end" but fun in the meantime.

Ryou downloaded this uhhh end of October 2022 and we've played it every day since. Nsfw gacha game that lures people in with nsfw scenes but honestly the characters and world have depth and we're attached....also suprised we enjoy the combat.

Had since 2016, don't play it anymore since it requires so much real money for Pokémon storage and it takes up a lot of GB on the phone but also can't bare to uninstall it because we've had it so long.

Been playing since the release, some days we forget to feed the snorlax several times a day but it's no big deal if there's no new event going.

Needs updating but requires too much space, luckily we play on Switch and Ps4 so no need, just used the mobile version for being lazy and sign in for quick dailies before bed (usually at 2am).

Livio downloaded this one and we haven't kept up with it but it's like.....emotions, if they were Pokémon and the game is meant to help with emotions and stuff. The battles are alright but you don't get enough storage unless you pay monthly..ugh...might uninstall.

#blurry replies #asks #jkl-fff

[hotarutranslations]

25th Yoyogi 2nd Day! 2nd Performance!

Hello! Project 25th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

I'll also write about the 2nd day's 2nd performance!

Speaking of I also want to write about this,

Through all of the performances, The opening VTR was really wonderful……🪩✨️

Live Hello! Project videos from since it was formed, It was a VTR that connected to the most recent things but,

At first it was like a world I had only seen in video, a world I longed to be apart of, Gradually, the seniors who have directly helped me, Still in the world where I'm a junior member of the group, While thinking, I love them-- I love them--, The first time I participated in a live was shown…… That tour, Its only things I know from this tour, and it also showed Covid's Kachou Fuugetsu,

I'm also a part of the history, I…recoginize it…for real……

.😭😭

25 years is really really amazing but, I thought like, is it really 25 years packed in!? Isn't it an amazing history………

Further, the 2nd performance, For me, it was the appearance of the people I had direct experience with🪩✨️

Morning Musume '23 got to sing "Dance de Bakoon!", it was super fun, although it isn't my song, I was happy that I could dance to it without checking the choreography as its ingrained in me

For Buono!-san, The, "Momochi is here today too---!" showing the ribbons on their pinkies, hearing her singing, I was bawling

For Buono!-san, Towards my past self, Why didn't you pay more attention to them? I'm seriously angry about that, its a regret of mine in particular👹👹👹

It doesn't matter when you fell in love! There are people who often say that, (I also really think that way!)

I have never been so envious of those who followed them since then……

Including the cheers in the venue, It was really a wonderful song to listen to🍀

Thats right,

and,

after that,

I wrote that I was crying but that's how I felt, I performed right after that so I was desperately holding it in

.😭❤️‍🔥

Suzuki Airi-san's "DISTANCE" I danced to it with Hirai Miyo-chan!

My favorite Suzuki Airi-san song, who I adore……

On this big stage, Being able to experience Suzuki-san's singing while dancing, It was reallyyy fun❤️‍🔥

The push and pull of her singing voice, It came directly to my ears, ⚠️I don't know how how she is so charming, Since she was drawing in with her singing, it felt like I'd draw in a bit with the dancing, is how it felt, there was a bit of a gap…..intentionally…… I'm moved that the composure and power exists, upon the back of the really cool Suzuki-san

I have seen her sing many songs, its amazing how she always draws in the audience with her charm

……😭👏🫣🫣❤️‍🔥🥹🪽

Excuse me, I can't put the meaning into words

Dancing with Miyo-chan like this just the 2 of us, Its actually the first time so, I'm also very happy about the 2 of us with that😳❤️‍🔥

Thank you very much for the really wonderful opportunity!

I wore my hair in a ponytail to match dancing to DISTANCE! It was a coincidence that Miyo-chan also had a ponytail!

Also,

It continued with C-ute-san and Berryz Koubou-san songs

In joining Hello! Project, I got see, lots and lots of seniors🤍

At that time, they have the presence of older sisters like, I can't reach them… and, as I get older, when I reached their age, I couldn't help but compare myself to my seniors, wondering if I could be them, I still haven't reached them at all

Yesterday, I saw everyone became even more and more wonderful woman, like, I can't reach them--! I happily thought this

……do you understand……🥺🥺

I will always love and admire them

Hello! Project certainly, I think it will be like this forever! Aah! Its pretty wonderful!

😂lol

Thats it for today!!! We've switched over and started rehearsals for the fall tour!!! Fuu,,!

Please come and support us in the fall tour!

see you ayumin <3

#Ishida Ayumi #Morning Musume '23 #Morning Musume #Suzuki Airi #Hirai Miyo #Hello! Project #Translation #Blog

[aro-culture-is]

Hope it's okay to ask this here, sorry if not

I have a qpp, we are long distance so don't see each other often. Now they were able to visit me some time ago and all the time leading up to it I was excited about that.

But when they actually got here my brain sudfenly switched to avoidance. We've seen each other once again since then and it's been the same, when I see them in real life I just do not want to interact with them. Haven't really interacted on the internet as much since then butvwhen we did it's fine for my brain.

It's just really confusing to me because it happened so suddenly and I've never heard about something like this before. I always thought if you don't feel an attraction to someone anymore it happens more slowly? So yeah, any ideas about that?

Honestly, this is a pretty difficult question to answer. Outside of the attraction and aromanticism warehouse, I'd actually like to point to the psychological aspects of this.

It's pretty common to be excited about something, and then get spontaneously anxious the day of. They're pretty related, even! And while I don't specifically know you, I know I have an anxious-avoidant attachment style, and I struggle a lot with my personal connections with others. I want to have people around me, I crave affection and care and all that comes with that - and I'm so terrified of it I regularly self-sabotage to avoid the possibility that I may receive that affection. I'm terrified of accepting it. I'll plan for weeks for a fun outing, and then the day comes and I want to vanish into the aether, tell them nothing, and live out a life of exile.

And I don't feel in that moment that I'm necessarily afraid of their affection. I subconsciously blame anything and everything else. I'll wonder if I'm sick (ignoring that I haven't taken my meds yet, and I always wake up a little unwell). I'll feel like there's some weird tension between my friends and I (and ignore that there's no concrete evidence, not ask them or allow that person the agency to speak their side, assume the worst of my closest friends). Etc, etc.

I'm not going to arm-chair diagnose you from my apartment at 4 in the morning. but i do want to provide the thought that while this could be about attraction, it could also be something to talk to a therapist about, talk to your qpr about, and consider through the perspective of your personal history with affection, interpersonal relationships, and if you've recently had negative experiences with those.

i hope this helps!

#Anonymous #not aro culture #aro #aromantic #actually aro #actually aromantic #ask #mod kee #(who straight up saw this from watching mod axel in the inbox and was like 'oh i'm taking this') #advice #qpr #also i'm not a psychology person necessarily - talk with professionals if you can #i'm really just applying things i know about myself through therapy here #and i'd 100% be lying if i said i can help you to move through or past this because uhhhhhh #i haven't gotten there lol. i am painfully avoidant to a fault. #turns out longstanding emotional abuse can fuck a person up and unfortunately the skills i needed to survive that environment #are very much not conducive to healthy relationships and coping as an adult #who'd've thunk

[madaboutmunson]

The Reflex - Disco Inferno

Part 7 of 8

Characters: OC, Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley

Warnings: Fluff, kissing, touching, nightclub, AC/DC, mild bullying, references to minor injuries, tiny bit of angst (like a sprinkle)

"Ok great, later," Eddie says, putting the handset back in its cradle. He jogs down the hallway in his fluffy bathrobe and hair towel neatly twisted on his head, clapping his hands loudly, "We've got 40 minutes, Ladies!! Chop, Chop!" He shouts. Trying to find the correct bedroom.

A jacket flies past one of the doorways. He smiles and enters.

To his right, Thora is trying to persuade her hair to behave while defending herself against clothing raining down on her from the other side of the room.

To his left, the double open doors of a closet, the epicentre of the torrent of clothing flung around the room. He carefully dodges most of it and sits calmly on the edge of the bed, only for a bra to hit him upside the face. He sighs and puts it gently behind him, trying not to look at it in too much detail.

"Thora, no offence, but I just can't seem to find anything that really advertises who I am. Like there are pieces, but I can't put them together to scream 'This is me!', you know?"

"I'm sure whatever you pick out will look amazing, Robin," Thora replies, scrunching the mousse in her hair. "And could you please keep the clothing in the closet before any of it attaches itself to my hair, please?"

Eddie looks at Thora in the mirror and shakes his hair loose from its towel prison. They exchange a coy glance and smile in their reflections.

Thora thinks for a moment and stands up from the chair at her vanity station. "Um...do you want some help with your hair, or are you happy doing it yourself? I mean, it always looks great, just, I have all the stuff out already for mine, and I thought i-"

Before Thora can even finish her list of excuses, Eddie is already in the recently vacated seat. He smiles up at her in the mirror.

"Any requests, Mr Munson?" She says, grinning back.

Eddie looks her over in the mirror, "Erm...I'm not sure...maybe like yours, but, I dunno, smaller?" He says like he's trying to explain something he's never described before.

Thora chuckles, "I think I can manage that", and with that, her focus is only on his freshly washed hair. She starts by running her fingers through it gently and slowly, making sure not to pull on any snags, but when she hits one, she gently prises it apart. Next, a wide tooth comb.

Eddie hadn't peeled his eyes away from her face in the mirror the whole time. She was so focused on his hair that it made him feel special. She'd caught him staring a few times, but he didn't look away. Instead, he'd just softly blink at her.

Thora felt both charmed and nervous under his gaze. Finally, she broke the silence, "I'm just gonna put some of this in your hair, ok, but I have to, like, really get it all over. Are you ok with that?" She asks with an awkward smile.

He nods and speaks with a slight croak in his voice. He was probably not used to being quiet for that long, "Yeah, absolutely, go nuts. I trust you."

"You know what else, you should pick some music for your salon experience", Thora jokes, bringing him over a boom box and tub of tapes.

Eddie rifles through the tapes. He'd heard of lots of these band names and knew a few songs but wasn't really into them. Then, finally, he spots something out of place: an AC/DC live album, If You Want Blood.

Eddie opens up the cassette box, which squeaks against itself like it's hardly been played. He switches out the tapes and pushes play.

"I thought it might be this one", she smiles, "It's a good one. One of my favourites"

Eddie laughs, "Really? It looked hardly played"

Robin pops her head out of the closet, "Oh, that's because that's the....um...second copy of that album she's had since I've known her this year, and you haven't seen the vinyl. That looks like it's been through a briar patch."

Thora blushes and smiles at Robin, "Look, it's sentimental, alright."

"Yeah, Bad Boy Boogie is real touching", Robin jokes, gathering up some clothes from the floordrobe and throwing them back in the closet.

Thora hadn't had the time or the emotional capacity to explain to anyone she's met over the last 5 years why that song was so special.

She remembered running out of school for the tenth day in a row, quickly stopping to dry her eyes before going to the parking lot and seeking out her brother's old beat-up car.

She had dropped into the passenger seat and buckled in, "Are we gonna talk about it today, Aurora?" He asked kindly, but his words were laced with frustration, looking at the grazes on her knees.

"No, Thorin, I don't wanna talk about it. It's just a stupid bully. Everyone gets them," she shrugged, over-emphasising his name as he had her's.

Her brother ran his hand over the freshly shaven side of his head. The safety pins on his jacket jingled as he did so.

"Say the word, and I'll go back there and destroy that little twerp," he snarled, looking in his rearview mirror.

"You don't need to, not anymore," she said, giving him a sweet smile, "I don't think he'll be bothering me again", holding up her knuckles to her brother.

He double-takes at them and laughs, "Fuck, are you serious? You took him out?"

"Yeah, the teachers had to pull me off him, so they are probably gonna call home", she starts to cry again, "Mom and Dad are gonna be so pissed, T."

"Well, you know what, Mom and Dad are gonna be out for hours. And I feel like this is a cause for a celebration" He grinned over at her and spun the car into their trailer park. The dust from the dirt road engulfed the vehicle as the car crunched back onto it.

He parked the car, put the album in the tape deck, found the song he wanted, and grabbed Aurora out of the vehicle. He pulled off his punk-littered vest and offered it to her.

She was so in awe and put it on immediately, even though it was possibly ten times too big for her.

He picked her up, put her on the roof of his car, and smiled at her as he pushed play on Bad Boy Boogie and turned the volume up to the point of the speakers distorting.

A trailer door swung open, and he glared at it until it shut again. Then he turned back and looked up at her, played his air guitar, and mimed throwing it up to her.

She tried her best to mimic his actions in his super heavy vest, on top of the car in the hot summer heat. The noise of the tape's crowd and the singer's voice blaring around her. Her brother looked up at her, grinning proudly, "No, one messes with us, Ra. No one!"

Not even a year later, it had broken her heart when they took him away. They said he'd got himself in with the wrong people. They'd moved nearly every year since then because he'd wanted to make sure they were safe, and it was the only thing he'd asked for in exchange for the intel. Safehouse to safehouse, just taking anything available. This time they'd hit the jackpot. No one would ever think of finding a family from the trailer park here.

The authorities chose the surname, but when they asked her what new name she wanted, she asked for one like his.

"You, ok?" Eddie's voice snaps Thora back into the present.

"Oh, yeah, sure. Sorry, I was just trying to work out which mousse would be best" she forces a laugh, picking up a can and shaking it, erupting a cloud of product in her hand, "Ok, ready", she smiles at Eddie.

He smiles back with a nod, and Thora massages the product through the ends of his hair up towards his scalp providing a small head massage.

Thora looks at Eddie in the mirror, and his eyes are closed. She smiles and gently manipulates his hair.

She reaches for the hair drier and finishes up the style with some holding spray.

She stands back, "Well?" She asks slightly nervously.

Eddie runs his hands over his hair, gets up close to the mirror, and simply says, "Huh, who knew?" Then, he turns and smiles back at Thora, "Thanks, T."

"Anything else the salon can help you with, Mr Munson?" Thora beams, looking at the floor occasionally.

"I think I'm all set, just gonna go get dressed," he says, gesturing to the en-suite bathroom.

Robin theatrically leans against the closet door, the back of her hand to her forehead, "I just can't find anything in here. Maybe your Mom has some blazers or something? She's quite up on trends."

Thora blinks at Robin in disbelief, "Are you calling me outdated, Rob?" Thora laughs in shock.

"Not you personally, babe. Just your wardrobe." She says with mischief, earning a bed pillow being thrown at her.

"Ok, ladies, I hate to interrupt your pillow fight, but we are on a timer here, so..." Eddie gestures to them to hurry up, emerging from the bathroom already dressed, his board shorts traded for some ripped jeans.

"Fine", Thora huffs, grabbing Eddie's hand, running down the hallway after Robin.

"Hey, I was gonna..." He starts

"I am not going to leave you alone in my room, Eddie", she laughs.

"Why, what's in there?" He looks back at the door curiously, letting his imagination run wild.

"Robin Earnestine Jennifer Buckley, do not treat that closet like you do mine. Everything needs to go back exactly as you found it!" Thora yells after Robin.

"Wow, that's quite a set of names", Eddie laughs, sitting on the edge of a gigantic bed.

Thora sits next to him, waiting for the fashion show, "Oh, er, yeah, I don't actually know her full name. I just make them up. Super dorky, I know." Thora chuckles.

"Yeah, super dorky," Eddie says, leaning back a little and pushing his hand on the bed to the other side of Thora.

Robin emerges from the closet in an electric blue tailored jacket, a black t-shirt underneath, and black ripped jeans that slouched off her frame a little.

Robin twirls around, "What do we think?"

"Robin...where did you get those pants?" Thora says, getting up from the bed.

Robin juts a thumb back to the closet, "In your Mom's secret punk section."

Thora pushes past Robin into the closet, and there it is. A perfectly preserved section of Thorin's clothing. All his band t-shirts, all his meshy cheesecloth long sleeves, the pants with all the straps and buckles.

Thora traced her hand over them. She'd had no idea they were in here.

"Buckley, you need to put those back right now. This could be one of the character wardrobes my Mom is working on" Thora lies.

Robin groans and switches the ripped jeans for some black chinos.

Whilst putting her brother's clothes back reverently, Thora spots an older silver sparkling disco top of her Mom's. It looked like it was made out of a scarf of mirror ball material. Its only structural elements were the cord around the neck and a small thread at the lower end, making the back of it completely open.

Thora grabs a pair of figure-hugging jeans and the top, changes quickly out of anyone's eye line, and then steps back to look in the mirror.

She hears a wolf whistle from behind her. It's Robin. "Wow!"

Thora goes to take it off again, "No! Don't you dare!" Robin charges over, wrestles Thora's hands down and looks over her.

"Eddie," Robin calls out, "Does your family have a history of heart problems?"

Eddie sits on the bed, confused by the question. He's also desperate to see what's going on in there but tries to remain gentlemanly.

"None that I know of." He calls back.

Robin quickly shoves Thora back out into the bedroom. Thora looks everywhere but Eddie and pulls at the lower hem of the top a little.

Eddie's mouth immediately goes dry. He cannot take his eyes away from Thora but suddenly can't stop blinking. Like his eyes are trying to take a hundred snapshots.

There are many things he could say right now. He'd read Shakespeare. He ad-libbed dialogue for Drama, quick comebacks and D&D. He'd read epic tales of heroism, Eddas, poetry and sonnets from the ages...he takes a deep breath.

"You look...nice." he manages, nodding.

Eddie's brain cells all facepalm at once.

Eddie sees Robin's head  over Thora's shoulder, mouthing, "Nice?!" And scowling at him.

Thora smiles at Eddie. The plainness of his comment made her feel better, less shy, "Thanks, Eddie," she gives him a half smile and smooths down the top.

"Maybe a bit much for where we are going?" Thora asks.

Eddie shakes his head, "mmm mmm, nope. It's actually just perfect. Yep, they'll love it."

"I'll just grab a jacket, though," Thora says, walking back into the closet.

Eddie catches his first glimpse of the open back of the top and the two tiny sliver strands tied at the back holding it together. His eyes widen, and he bites his fist, throwing himself backwards onto the bed.

Robin watches him and laughs, shaking her head, whisper shouting, "How do you still get her to smile at you like that, after ' You look, d'uurrrhhh nice'?" She mocks him but also is genuinely astounded.

Eddie sits up and shrugs, "I don't fucking know", he mouths.

"What about this one?" Thora comes back out, Robin and Eddie return to casual person positions.

"That looks great, right Buckley?" Eddie gulps and looks to Robin for help.

"Hmmm yeah, but..." Robin moves to Thora and rolls the forearm sleeves up a little, "There!"

Thora smiles at the adjustment, "Thanks, Rob."

Eddie checks his watch and slaps his hands on his knees, "Right, are we all set, Ladies?"

He offers an arm to each. Only Thora accepts. Robin looks at him like he's an alien and links Thora's other arm as they head out to the cab.

"Downtown," Eddie says to the driver as they all bundle in.

"Anywhere more specific, fella?" The driver grunts back.

"You know, I just don't remember the street's name. Stupid me, right? If you just get us in the area, I can tell you where to stop." Eddie advises him.

"Alright, you're the boss, " the driver replies, tapping the meter and driving quickly to their destination.

Eddie gets the driver to pull over, and Thora pays him, "Thank you, sir", she says as she steps out into the night, helping Robin out next.

They both look around. This part of town looks like a ghost town. Shop fronts not only look shut down but perhaps abandoned for years. The dates on the newspapers covering the inside of windows confirm this.

Robin puts her hands on her hips and frowns at Eddie, "What the hell is this, Munson? Some kind of sick joke?" Thora could hear the worry in Robin's voice, and she didn't blame her one bit. This place was creepy as hell.

Eddie ignores Robin and waits until he can no longer see the cab's tail lights.

"Ok, follow me, be quick." He says, beckoning them over to him with his black lunchbox. Eddie darts from store to store, down alleyways, sometimes stopping to get his bearings until finally, he stops outside the front of an old doctor's office.

He looks around the side of the building and waves them over again, around the back of the building. They can hear the beat of the music, a small flickering neon sign with an arrow pointing down the stairs towards a basement area.

Eddie puts his hand up at Thora and Robin to wait. As he trots down the stairs. Knocks on the door, and a small window slides open. They can tell from the back he's using a great big charming smile on someone after a few minutes. He returns to the top of the stairs and extends his hands to help them down the stone steps.

Eddie has his back to the big metal door, one hand on the handle, the other holding his lunchbox. He has his lips pouted together and looks very pleased with himself, "Ladies...welcome to The Reflex", he says, pulling the door open, and is immediately bathed in lights of all different colours. The pounding beat of the music fills the small area they stand in, as does the smell of smoke and alcohol.

Eddie does a little bow and waves them in ahead of himself.

Thora and Robin step in together. Robin reaches for Thora's hand, who gladly grips onto it as they take in the scene before them.

This place was alive. It was vibrant. The only dull and boring thing here was the uniform of the impossibly colossal doorman who had just let them in.

The artwork on the walls was all laced in neon lights, some of it a little risqué, but most of it a homage to old Hollywood greats. Robin was in heaven. She was just spotting a great many of her favourite actors or movie scenes on the walls pulling Thora along with her.

Thora can't think of a time she'd ever seen Robin so animated in an excited, positive way. She just watched her with admiration as she explained the plot of a movie Thora never had and probably would never watch whilst aggressively pointing at a picture.

A hand claps on both of their shoulders, and Eddie's face pokes between their own, "We need to discuss the rules of being here, ladies", he says, turning them around to face him.

"Ok, we've been allowed in, but we've gotta behave and absolutely no drinking alcohol here. Remember, we are probably the youngest people in here. Most importantly, we don't tell anyone about this place, ok? " He looks at them with wide eyes to ensure they understand he's being earnest.

"Eddie, my boy!!" A big booming voice interrupts Eddie as he turns around to have his face encased by the large hands of a man twice his size.

The thick-moustached man is dressed in an impeccable cream suit and has his hair slicked back, a ring on every finger, gold chains around his neck, and several shirt buttons undone.  His hands move to Eddie's shoulders as he kisses him once on each cheek. Then, the man turns to Thora and Robin and back to Eddie, "Friends of yours?"

Eddie nods, "This is Thora, and this is Robin," he says jovially.

The man nods at both of them and steeples his fingers, "I'm sure Eddie here has explained the conditions for you being allowed here. So as long as we keep to the rules, we'll all have a good time, right?"

"Right", they both smile broadly at the man and nod in affirmation.

"I'm Carlo. This is my place. That cute blonde behind the bar is my partner Frankie." He waves over a tall, muscular blonde man dressed in just a set of braced leather trousers, who blows a kiss to Carlo, "This talk drink of water here is Pauly" he gestures up at the doorman, "Any issues, you come see one of us ok?" He finishes clapping his hands together and checks his watch.

He again puts his hand on Eddie's shoulders, "You've got 2 hours, alright? You know it gets a bit spicy around midnight in here." Then, he does a double take and spins Eddie around.

"Honey, did the hair gods bless you today?" Carlo marvels.

"You could say that" Eddie smirks and looks at Thora.

Carlo beams at her. "You did this? Are you a sorceress?" He says as he looks her over, "Do you maybe want me to take your jackets for you?"

Robin declines. Eddie hands his over, and Thora looks a little bashful and opens up one of the buttons. Carlo gasps.

"Frankie!!! He yells. Come Look." He leans closer to Thora, clasping her hand, "Sorry, sugar, not to startle you, just Frankie and I, we love Disco, and well..." He gestures with his hand at Thora's top. "You're ok here, Hun", he reassures her patting her hand.

Eddie helps Thora take off her jacket and holds her hand aloft to twirl her around.

"Do you wanna dance?" Frankie asks Thora in perhaps the most resounding voice she'd ever heard.

Thora smiles back, "Sure, I'd love to dance".

Eddie raises his hand to say something to Thora, but she has already been whisked away to the half-full dancefloor.

So Eddie just stands there tight-lipped and looks over at Robin and Carlo.

"I mean, you could go and join them, you know?" Carlo suggests.

"I have done enough dancing for one day, I think," Eddie says, tugging at his vest.

"I concur, besides this place is fascinating. Are those really Rita Moreno's earrings from West Side Story?" Robin gestures up at some framed jewellery.

"Yep, those are the ones," a sweet voice says from the side of Robin, "I should know I haggled for them myself at the studio" A dark-haired woman with a cropped chic bob, like something out of the 1920s, appears. Dressed in acid-washed jeans and a cropped sweater, she may be a year or two older than Robin at most, pokes her head around a pillar to answer.

Carlo smiles, "Mariela, aren't you supposed to be collecting the glasses?"

"Si, zio, geez", she moves out from the pillar proper and holds a giant glass tower.

"Oh my god!" Robin says, about to panic, hovering around under the swaying stack of glasses.

"It ok," Mariela says calmly, "I got 'em" she winks at Robin and makes her way towards the bar.

Robin stands there momentarily, exchanges a frown with Eddie, and then marches after her.

He looks at Carlo, disappointed, "You know, you take people someplace, and they just desert you." He says, throwing his hands up, making Carlo chuckle.

After dancing for a few songs, Thora makes her excuses and thanks Frankie for the dance and tries to find Eddie.

He's positioned himself at the edge of the dance floor next to a small table full of Shirley temples.

"Oh great, I found you," Thora says, a little out of breath. She looks at the table next to him, "Thirsty much?" She asks Eddie.

"Well, honestly, I just got us all a drink when I got one, and I didn't know what to get, so I got these, but I've been standing here by myself, so you know. I just kept getting drinks. Apparently, it's what I do now," he says, shaking his head false, grinning, splaying his hands out, and taking a sip of his drink.

Thora's eyebrows furrow in pity at Eddie, "Oh, Eddie, I'm so sorry. I got carried away."

"I guess it's ok," he says, pursing his lips and rolling his eyes, "Can I interest Madame in a Shirley Temple or three?" He laughs, holding up a drink for Thora.

"Madame now? I'm not sure how I feel about that one," she laughs, sipping her drink and looking into Eddie's eyes, "Where's Rob?" Thora asks, looking around with an increasing sense of urgency.

"She's fine, at the end of the bar talking to Carlo's niece about movies or some shit," Eddie says, waving towards the end of the bar.

"Oh, I see." Thora says, looking over at Robin, talking animatedly at the dark-haired girl, who was laughing at her antics, "Looks like she's having a great time".

Thora turns back to Eddie, "So I've had a great time, Robins having a great time. How can I help Eddie have a great time." She asks earnestly.

"Well, that is the life question on everyone's lips, isn't it? So what can people do to help Eddie Munson have a good time?" He says in a profound tone.

Thora giggles, "How many of these sugary drinks have you had, Eddie bear?" and realises her mistake immediately, hoping the music would be loud enough to hide it.

Eddie stands perfectly still for a few seconds and then puts down his glass, saying slowly and clearly at Thora, "Did you just call me...Eddie bear?" He says, smiling with a look of suspicion on his face.

Thora sips her drink deeply, "No, not at all. I said Eddie, yeah."

"Riiight, sure." He smirks, "Well, what would help me have a good time, is I dunno...so by all means, say no, it's not gonna ruin my night if you would rather not...just want to make that super clear...but you did ask, so..."

Thora laughs and sighs, "Out with it, please, before the night is over."

Eddie puts down his drink amongst the sea of others, "So I was wondering..." His eyes look over Thora, but he quickly diverts them to her face and finally, her eyes, "if maybe..you would like to..." the mischief in him is at a fever pitch, and he can barely contain his smile, but he knows that he doesn't want to mess this up, "if you would like to sit on my lap?"

"You want me to sit on your lap?" Thora tries to make sure she heard correctly.

Eddie feels nervous but sticks to forward pedalling only, "Uh-huh, yep that is what, I, Eddie Munson, would like...if you like that is...you know because otherwise, it's super like, Ew and creepy," he says as confidently as he can.

Thora rolls her eyes, "I would like, yes", she laughs.

Eddie smiles broadly, quickly sits in the nearest seat, a low bar stool, dusts off his jeans and taps his thighs.

Thora feels quite silly but obliges and sits on his lap. There were a couple of factors she hadn't considered when doing this.

How her eyes were now at such a level and distance, where it was virtually impossible to escape Eddie's.

How her body lay against his. The mixture of cotton and print of his t-shirt brushing against her arm. Sending that goosebump sensation along her arms again. The thin t-shirt was a veil to the body she'd been around all morning, but this felt very different. Her brain constantly reminded her it was a few threads away.

A tiny cold zap to Thora's back made her arch it forward slightly, "Is that...is that ok?" Eddie says softly, looking into her eyes, trying to place his hand on her mid-back again.

"Yeah, it's fine. It was just cold" Thora gazes back and gently rests on his hand. Eddie looks at her enchantingly.

"And this?" He whispers, moving his hand gently over her exposed back.

A shiver runs down her spine, making her shudder. Eddie's smile widens, "Yep, it's...er....nice", Thora replies.

They both burst out laughing.

"So nice! " Eddie laughs. He moves his hand from her back and wraps his arms around her in a small hug, he goes to check in again, but the reply comes in a physical sensation. Thora puts her arms around Eddie's shoulders.

"Is that ok?" She asks gently.

Eddie huffs, "Well, ya know, I guess so. It's nice, you know?" He gives her a big dimpled smile.

A flash of electric blue catches Thora's attention. It's heading towards the ladies' toilet pretty quickly.

Thora looks around for any evidence of what might have happened.

"What's wrong?" Eddie asks.

"I think something has happened to Robin. She just basically ran into the toilets." Thora says, slightly panicking.

"T, she might have just really needed to go, that's all..she was deep in conversation with that Movie chick." Eddie tries to reason.

"Maybe, but what if it's not? If I just check she's ok, then I won't have to worry anymore, right?" Thora says, getting up.

"You know Thora, I just think maybe she might have been a bit weirded out." Eddie stands up with her.

Thora turns to him and eyes him suspiciously. He'd used her full name. "What do you mean weirded out?"

"Well," he scratches the back of his head, "When you sat on my lap, I could see her, and she looked a little weirded out."

"And it didn't cross your mind to tell me?" Thora says calmly, trying desperately to not lose her temper with Eddie, especially here, especially as it wasn't his fault.

"I'm just gonna go check real quick, and I'll be right back, ok?" Thora looks at him for understanding.

Eddie puts his hands on his head and sighs. "For the record, I don't think this is a good idea, T."

Thora heads over to the ladies and cautiously pushes open the door, "Robin", she whispers and checks the first few stalls. Nothing.

Thora hears a muffled sound and heads towards the end of the stalls by the sinks.

She stops dead in her tracks, taking in the scene before her. Robin and the girl from the bar are kissing, their hands entangled in one another's hair.

Time stops, and a sensation sweeps over Thora, making her feel like crying but smiling, and she's not sure why. Thora blinks, makes a slight smile, and leaves them to it, trying to be as quiet as possible.

Choose you ending:

She heads out of the ladies, taking the long way around the dancefloor to avoid Eddie, gets her coat from checkout, and takes the walk home alone.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Rock n Roll Damnation - The Eddie Ending

High Voltage - The Robin Ending

#eddie munson #stranger things #eddiemunson #eddie stranger things #eddie the freak munson #stranger things fanfiction #fanfiction #eddie munson fanfic #romance #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson oc #robin buckley #robin stranger things #Spotify

[kinetic-elaboration]

March 29: Five Things

So hard to figure out the temperature recently! I leave the house in the morning and it's cold; I get to work and I'm sitting under a blanket half the day because it's still cold; leave work and it's warm outside; come home and I'm warm from the outside, change into a t-shirt--swiftly too cold; take a nap under blankets, too hot; get out of warm bed cocoon, immediately need the sweater again. But it's not humid. Which is good at least.

There was a food truck outside the law school today so I decided to give it a shot. It was... all right. I got some sliders without the onions. They had a strong taste and I seesawed a lot on whether or not I liked that taste. I think on the whole I did. I heard much about the fries, but tbh the distinctive feature of the fries--the cheese and seasonings--were the worst part to me. I'm a basic bitch and a fry only needs to taste like potato, salt, and ketchup for me! There were also simply too many. I ate at those fries for a solid half hour, still couldn't see the bottom of the fry pit. There might have been more than when I started. Impossible to say.

I am getting tired of the discussion around the RBR exhibit name. I liked the title "Some Olde Law Bookes," because, once I got that it was meant in a sort of tongue-in-cheek, joking way, I became fond of the joke. On the whole, most people like it. But a few people vocally don't (including one of the people in charge of the exhibit and the director, who doesn't hate it I don't think, but.... doesn't love it). But almost all the people who vocally don't have come up with 0 other options. And most of the options that HAVE come up in brainstorming have been tweaks on the initial title, because we've been talking about it so long that it's wormed its way into everyone's minds and become the default to which other titles must compare. But any tweak you make to it takes away the joke. Because the joke IS 'eh, it's just a display of old law books lol' and if you add in adjectives or make it more formal, it's literally just a boring ass title that simply describes the display. I guess that's fine but it seems a step down. My suggestion was to leave the display untitled for a month and then run a contest for the best title. The winner gets to touch one (1) rare book from the exhibit. I was told that a certain professor would win this and that he has already touched the books but to me that just shines a light on the solution: ask him to give the display a title! Also you can touch books more than once; it's still fun.

After so long with a working but terribly loud, buzzy kitchen light, followed by a couple of weeks with literally no kitchen light, painstakingly cleaning my kitchen by the glow of a lantern and the light above the stove, it feels weird to flip the switch and suddenly have real illumination. I don't even mind that there are 2 holes in my ceiling now. I mean, it's not like I ever look up.

Took such a long nap after work today. I don't even care because I am hopeful that it will help me feel better and have a better day tomorrow and because I have already accomplished most of what I wanted to this week. Most of what's left are sort of 'it would be nice if I did this' things. I had a lot of weird dreams. About people I haven't seen in a long time, old relationships, old places, etc.

#the year 2023 #2023: rl #2023: five things

[bookwyrminspiration]

Hi Quil/Dira!!! It's been a hot minute since I sent an ask (Or even gone on tumblr) so sorry about that!

Anything of note happen recently? Got the tumblr polls yet? Got any vanilla extract

I've scrolled a little to figure out what I've been missing out on, but... What are the presentations???

Also I started school this week and!!! I am!!! Not sure how I feel!!! On one hand, boooooo, on the other, I really like my classes and teachers :( so I can't fully hate going to school :(

Also, what name do you prefer? I saw the post about how Dira was your og name that you changed because you felt you had to. You're right it's a really pretty name.

I hope you're doing alright, my good sir! Have a nice day(?)

-Heathen

Omg Heathen! Hello! I haven't seen you in forever welcome back! Congrats on not being stuck in this hellsite like I have been for the past five years :)

I do have tumblr polls! I don't have a lot to ask about though so I haven't used them much--though I do have a poll about whether sock seams or sleeves bunched inside other sleeves are worse at the moment. Also when I was adding vanilla to my oatmeal this morning I couldn't help thinking about. Vanilla Extract. I'm never going to escape it now.

As for the presentations, that's part of Roisin's Reading Rumble! Roisin (aka camelspit) found a study guide of questions for the first keeper book on Shannon's actual official website, and he started the rumble with it! Essentially, for about 2 weeks she posted one of the questions (we didn't do all of them, he omitted a few), and anyone who wanted to participate would reblog with their answer. Roisin, aka Professor Spit, would then grade them the next day and provide the next question.

It turned into a bit of a thing--in a good way. We all played into the bit. I got sent to Time Out and that was a whole thing for a day or two. We got invested in it, but of course not everyone has the time or focus to consistently answer the questions. So after a while it was mostly me and two other people (Ashton and Gail!), and Professor Spit started developing lore for the class. he kept hinting at horrible things happening to good students. About a curse. And then on the final day, she posted this lore. So that's essentially what the reading rumble is, which connects to the presentations because they are the final assignment of the Reading Rumble! Those of us who signed up create a presentation of some kind about a character we were assigned (I chose Ro), and the posting goes until the 14th! Whether we'll get eaten by the beast afterwards remains to be seen, but it's been a fun bit of like. almost an rpg-ish interaction with each other :)

Also oh no! School! I'm the same, I like learning and there are a few classmate's whose ideas I like hearing. But I don't enjoy physically going to school (very draining and time consuming) and I don't like homework. That's not counting my online classes, those I'm more okay with because I picked the courses. There is a fair bit of work though. And one of the classes is a bit of a disaster technologically, but oh well.

As for names, I don't really have a preference! I've been using Quil so consistently for so long that I usually default to it, and it's what most people solely know me as so. I don't expect many people to change or need them to. The Dira is mostly for my sake. But people are also welcome to use it! I've had the idea maybe I'd use it more in Spanish since it sounds better with the accent, and then Quil could be more for English, but I haven't really decided.

With names, people can basically just call me whatever they want! I'm not particular. Pick one of the two, switch between them, call me a nickname, pick a random name you want to call me, whatever! I'm very loose with names and labels and everything :)

And thank you! I am doing okay! I'm going to have to make an entire presentation on Monday (we've known about this for weeks I just haven't done it and I will not spend my weekend time on it) and then give it sometime after that, and I'm not looking forward to it. But I worked it out with my professor that I wouldn't have to give the second presentation this semester if I did this one (he knows I don't enjoy them, but does want my peers to benefit from me sharing). So it's. I'll get through it.

And it is day when I'm answering this! I hope you've been doing well, whatever you've been up to. And I hope you also have a nice day!

#quil's queries #heathen nonsie #it's lovely to see you again! #i've just been doing what I always have #engaging with the same one series I have since july 2016 #oh! and I made a survey about the most recent book! #so I'm starting to go through that data :) #it's. a lot. and I'm still figuring out how I want to approach and organize it #but I think i've figured something out that works #....through several errors #so I will be working my way through the data. one question at a time to look for correlation! #and also I will be trying to work my way through some books #they are. putting me in a bit of a slump #because i'm branching out of my preferred genres to sample others #and so they don't click as well/the same. so it takes more time and effort #but I will get through them! I will!

[lowkeyerror]

Simple

Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Word Count: 1851

No Warnings

An: Hey, it's been a minute 👋. I had writers block after that 400 celebration. I'm already almost at 500 followers and it's crazy. Thank you guys for liking my writing I really appreciate it.

Masterlist

You were a simple person, maybe even a little too simple. You didn't want too much of anything from life. You already had an amazing job in being an Avenger. That job gave you a nice check and allowed you to feel financially secure.

For a long time that's all you need from life. There was a time when you didn't know when your next meal was going to be or where you were going to lay your head at night. When those things changed it was all you could ever hope for. Wanting anything else almost felt selfish.

However that changed when the Avengers fought Ultron. That's when you first met Wanda. Something about her instantly intrigued you. You were even more intrigued when her and her brother switched sides to help you instead of destroy you.

Pietro didn't make it but she did and with nowhere else to go she ended up joining the team. That's when you first realized something was missing from your simple little life. That something seemed more and more like Wanda as the days went on.

She kept to herself most of the time. When she was socializing it was mostly with Vision. No offense to Vision but it really bothered you that she found a robot more interesting than you. He was a complex android that you never could compete with. You were too simple. You had blood and bone and a brain that functioned at normal capacity.

She looked at him like he was her everything though they hadn't known each other long. It was a hard pill for you to digest.

" You're looking terribly jealous over here," hearing Tony made you jump out of your trance.

" Why would I be jealous they're just talking?" You averted your gaze from Wanda and Vision to focus solely on Tony.

" Well I haven't seen you ever have an engaging conversation with Wanda"

Your cheeks flushed," We've talked before."

Tony let out a hearty laugh," You've exchanged words but I wouldn't ever call that a conversation"

You deflated," You programmed a trillion dollar sentient android. How am I supposed to compete with that?"

Tony paused for a moment. He was trying to think of something to say that wouldn't make you feel too bad but he couldn't," You can't. He may be made of wires and bolts but he has emotions just like you. In that aspect you're no different but he's smarter than you, stronger than you, and apparently more sociable than you"

You stared at the billionaire with a blank expression on your face," I'm going for a walk"

As you were preparing to exit the compound someone called out to you," Y/n wait"

Before you knew it Wanda was standing next to you with a small smile on her face.

" Where are you going?"

" I- uh just for a walk," you were slightly surprised that she was even interested.

" Do you mind if I join you?"

You stood there dumbfounded for a little too long. Wanda's smile turned into a slight frown," It's fine if you want to be alone. I get it"

" NO. I mean, no it's cool. I'd love it if you would join me"

The awkward smile on your face didn't deter the woman at all. You two exited the compound side by side.

Your brain was going a hundred miles a minute. You couldn't figure out why Wanda wanted to go on a walk with you. Maybe she just wanted to get out of the compound for a moment or maybe she was trying to see if you knew any gossip on the team.

" You're always so quiet "

You took a glance in her direction to find her looking directly in front of her.

" Well I could say the same about you"

She chuckled a little," I don't know if you remember but I went through something pretty traumatic recently. What's your excuse?"

" I just don't have a lot to say. I'm a pretty simplistic person. Not as simple as the Hulk but there's not nearly as much going on in my head as there is in Tony's, Bruce's, or Vision's"

You continued to stride together through the area in silence but that only lasted a minute or so.

" Well there has to be something going on in your head"

It was your turn to laugh," I suppose I have a few things floating about in there"

" Like what? And don't lie or I'll be forced to check"

You could tell she was joking by the gleam in her eyes. You liked being the subject of her interest. It made you feel important. Walking with her like this almost made you think that you had everything that you wanted. She was the missing piece but when she was right beside you, you felt whole again.

" Well right now I'm thinking about how much I'm enjoying this walk with you"

You saw a pink tint rise on the Sokovian's face," Anything else?"

" A small inner monolog of ' wow Wanda is really cute when she blushes' but I think that's it"

Her face turned a deeper shade of red," I highly doubt th-that's all you're thinking about"

You take this newly found comfort and run with it," Believe it or not it's hard for me to think about anything else but you when you're around"

She stops in her spot but you continue on. There's a cocky grin growing on your face with each step. It wasn't until you felt yourself being pulled backwards that you lost your look.

" You're way more talkative now aren't you?" Her eyes peered up into yours.

" So we're ignoring the fact that you dragged me back to you?" There was a slightly airy tone to your voice.

"You kept walking without me. Now you answer my question"

You found a nice spot on the grass to sit in and motioned for her to follow you. She sat so close to you that your knee was hitting hers.

You shrugged your shoulders," We haven't ever spent any time with just us two. When we're with everyone you usually gravitate towards Vision"

" That's the second time you've mentioned Vis. Do you two not get along?"

You shook your head," No no no it's not that. "

She tilted her her head to the side," Then what is it"

You drew in a large breath and let it out trying to release some of the tension that had settled into your body. Your eyes darted to your hand that were neatly folded in your lap.

" I've said it a couple of times already but I'm a pretty simple person Wanda. When I say simple, what I really mean is boring. There's nothing extraordinary about me like every other member of the team. They all have interesting pasts and skills but Vision is just different than all of us. He's smarter, stronger, faster, I mean for christ sake he can lift Thor's hammer. It's a little tough for me to accept that an android is not only better than me at advanced topics but he can even be a better conversationalist than me."

" What makes you think that?"

You looked up to meet her gaze. There were a plethora of emotions swirling behind her eyes but you couldn't read any of them.

" Well he got your attention didn't he? He's the only one you really socialize with Wanda. You only talk to anyone else when it's work related. He's your escape, your free time, the most interesting person you've ever met, and that's what makes him better than me"

Saying it out loud made it resonate deeper with you. You really believed that Vision was someone that you could never live up to. Not because of the way he was manufactured but because he had the attention of the one person that made you want to leave simple behind.

" It sounds like you're jealous"

You rolled your eyes," What gave it away?"

Her hand found its way to yours," You don't have to be jealous."

" Why not?"

Her eyes shifted focus to your lips," It's pretty simple really"

Your heart was pounding in your chest. There was not a clue in your head of what to say.

" No one could ever replace Pietro but Vis is like a brother to me. I am not interested in him romantically."

Hearing that lifted a weight off of your shoulders. You subconsciously licked your lips and Wanda moved closer to you.

" He's not even really my type"

" He's not?" Your eyes were trained on her lips.

" No, I definitely like women. More specifically speaking women on the Avengers who claims to be simple"

The two of you stopped staring at each other's lips and started staring into each other's eyes. Time seemed to slow around the two of you. It felt like minutes had passed but in reality it was only three seconds before your lips pressed against one another.

Wanda's hands were settled on either side of your face. Your hands were planted firmly in the grass beside you. Neither of you were too experienced with kissing so the kiss wasn't perfect but it didn't have to be.

There were moments where your noses brushed against each other or your teeth slightly clashed but it didn't matter. All you knew is that you wanted to kiss Wanda until the world disappeared from underneath you.

" Looks like Y/n doesn't need to be jealous anymore," the two of you jumped apart at Tony's voice.

" What're you doing here?"

He puts on a fake frown," Well you two had been gone for awhile. Just wanted to make sure no one got murdered but I guess it wasn't necessary"

" You owe me $20 Mr.Stark," Vision stood next to him with his hand stretched outwards.

" You bet on this happening?" Wanda stared at the two men in disbelief.

" No... we bet on when it would happen. That's completely different. I said it would happen within a month and Mr. Mindstone here said it would happen by the end of the day," Tony spoke as if this whole situation was nonchalant.

" How did you know?"

" Well to put it plainly Ms.Y/ln, there is a uniquely quaint beauty in things that may come across as simplistic. Now we will be seeing the two of you back at the compound" With those words Vision flew off with Tony trailing behind him mumbling about his $20.

" We should start heading-"

Wands pecked your lips interrupting your sentence.

" Or we could stay here a little while longer," she laid her head in your lap looking up into your eyes.

You smiled down at her," I think I like that idea better"

You spent a large chunk of that day running your hands through Wanda's hair as you talked about everything and nothing. She watched you, intrigued when you told stories of past missions and your past life. When you saw Wanda actively listening and responding to your stories you knew you weren't as simple as you once thought.

#wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x reader #wanda maximoff imagine #Vision #tony stark #lowkeyerror

[genderqueerpositivity]

Hello hello!! I saw your post about being 3 months of a low dose of T and seeing if I can ask you some questions and how you’re feeling now (since it was dated in 2020)?

In 2019 I was taking .5ml weekly of T for 3 months and it made me pretty depressed so I stopped. I am now taking a lower dose (.2ml weekly and may go to .1ml if .2ml is too much for me).

I know how the effects are with a higher dosage and wondering how much change you’ve seen with a lower dose? Do you feel like it is pretty slow? My voice changed a LOT with only being on T for 3 months, and wondering how much it’ll change while taking a lower dosage!

I know genetic play a big roll but would love to hear more about your experience taking a lower dose :)

I started low dose in March of 2021. This coming March I'll be a year on T. It has been pretty slow going.

I'm using a compounded cream and not injections, so that probably makes a difference too. Right now I'm using a 50 mg cream once daily; Google says that's a "typical" dose but idk. The two attempts we've made at increasing my dose higher than that have led to negative side effects (mainly mood swings and the return of my periods) so for now I'm sticking with the 50 mg dose.

Honestly things have been really slow for the past few months. The first 3-6 months, I saw a lot of changes really fast, especially to my voice and body hair. But since then? Very little. It feels like I'm maintaining the changes I've already gotten, but not seeing anything new beyond having more acne. I also feel like my hair at the front of my head looks a little thinner than it used to? But I'm not certain at this point. My hairline is definitely different though.

I've seen almost every effect that T is supposed to cause, just slowly.

To put it this way: the family members that I live with and those I see most often don't know that I'm on T, and it isn't obvious to them yet. They've noticed my voice change and that I have more facial hair than I used to (I had a good bit pre-T)...and they've attributed those changes to allergies, colds, and the hormonal disorder that I have, and I haven't corrected them. If anyone has any idea of the truth, they aren't speaking up (and they totally would give me hell for it if they knew). So yes, it's really slow.

I get gendered as male occasionally in public and at work, but I don't really pass 100%. And passing was never my goal when I started T, so that's mostly fine with me. Mostly.

I am happy with the changes I've had and I'm hopeful that more will come with time. But I do get frustrated sometimes that things aren't happening faster? I've considered recently switching to injections in the future to see if changes will happen faster and if my T levels will be more consistent on my blood tests, but I'm still undecided on that for now.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. And congrats on starting T again!

#testosterone #ask box #replies #periods tw #medical tw

[disordered-system-culture-is]

I was wondering about questioning being part of a system. I only recently put together that a particular voice that I always had an awareness wasn't exactly me, but has been there almost my whole life, only showed up after some trauma I went through around 7 and also realized ages 6-9 were...less than ideal.

Most of what I've read on OSDD1 makes an alarming amount of sense, if I'm being honest. But I'm struggling to find much in the way of experiences of OSDD systems beyond things like "That's OSDD feel when". Or experience of those who are just discovering their systemhood.

I have so many questions that I feel like not sure how to ask them. I suppose my biggest one right now is, is it possible that even Gatekeeper alters might not be sure of the number of headmates? Or has my...lack of awareness and now battling feelings of doubt and disbelief had an effect on how I view my alters? How can I know when I'm "finding" someone and when it's just my Imagination taking off?

I'm sorry, I realize thus may be a lot. I just feel like I'm struggling to find resources beyond diagnostic criteria and information that is involved in discourse of some sort.

I've been advised to track my interactions with who I believe a Caretaker, but somehow I'm afraid that writing it down makes it become "making it up". I know it doesn't because we've been interacting with one another for the better part of 20 years, I'm just not sure where to turn to.

Unfortunately I don't know of many OSDD resources. I've heard that HealthyMultiplicity has some good resources, but I haven't looked through them all, personally. Maybe looking for OSDD-based tumblr blogs, if you haven't already, could help? I know most of this site is discourse-hell but there might be someone out there with the information you're looking for.

Other than that, I can try to answer your questions you mentioned in your ask.

Gatekeeper alters can definitely be unsure about the number of headmates. Our gatekeepers work where they only control access to the front and switching, and we know some others that work the same within their systems. We've honestly never heard that gatekeepers need to know the number of headmates--they might be more aware of the people that reside in the system than others, but they don't have to know how many there are in order to be a gatekeeper.

It's possible that your doubt is pushing people back from showing themselves, but it shouldn't change the actual system count itself. The way you see your system usually won't change the reality of it. You need to know, though, that doubting your system is real is absolutely a very common experience and is okay to feel. It's just... something to work through.

I'm going to say that usually if you find someone, they're not your imagination. If they think and feel and have opinions, it's not your imagination messing with you. Your imagination will be different from finding a headmate. It might be a quick abstract thought of "what if this happened", but it usually will be nothing like an alter. Keep in mind though, that if in the rare circumstance it turns out that something you experiences WASN'T an alter, that it's perfectly OKAY to be wrong. That's a whole part of the questioning process, and if you figure out that something was actually your imagination or something else, it's okay to move on from it and learn from your experiences.

Tracking interactions/journalling/etc about your experiences is a very good way of figuring things out about your system. Writing things down doesn't mean you're faking or making it up--singlets write about their day-to-day experiences in journals all the time! It's a perfectly normal thing and it can be very helpful to look back on, too.

I'm just going to mention that we have another blog, @pluralhelp which is more for answering questions like this and less of the culture-is stuff, so if you have any more questions, feel free to redirect them over there! Good luck with your questioning.

#plural #plurality #actuallyplural #plural system #not system culture

[ahiijny]

an interesting thing I learned today was that global warming might result in a negative leap second sometime in the future

(admittedly the earth's rotation is affected by lots of complicated factors so it might not be that clear-cut, but anyway)

so you may be thinking 'but leap seconds are like a single second? so short! who's going to notice?'

well tbf the impact from these leap seconds is going to be most strongly felt by high precision things like GPS or NTP servers whatever (and the poor devs who have to maintain the software lol) but leap seconds have historically caused unexpected problems in financial markets and all sorts of websites and servers as well, so...

in any case, I find all this really fascinating and pls bear with me while I nerd out a bit about this :P

so normally speaking, the Earth's rotation should be gradually slowing, because the pull of tides from the Moon and so on (though there are other influences too, like fluid flow in the outer core, the movement of Earth's crust, etc. so it's all very complicated)

until recently, the length of a day has been about on average 1-2 milliseconds longer than 24 hours (note that there are seasonal variations though).

1-2 milliseconds may not seem like much, but it adds up over time!

in fact, it's the job of the IERS to monitor the difference between UTC (universal coordinated time) and earth's rotation angle (UT1), and decide when to insert a leap second to prevent them from drifting too far apart

the current version of UTC (as defined by the ITU) requires the difference between UTC and UT1 to be no greater than 0.9 seconds. The IERS typically inserts a leap second when the difference grows to 0.6 seconds.

HERE'S A GRAPH

see, the difference between UTC and Earth's actual rotation angle keeps drifting. UT1 keeps falling behind UTC, so those vertical lines are every time the IERS inserted a leap second, to bring UTC and UT1 back closer together

since UTC is ticking faster than UT1 bc of Earth's rotation slowing, we typically need to insert positive leap seconds for when UTC gets too far ahead

positive leap seconds take the form of an extra time second 23:59:60, which happens at the same instant UTC everywhere around the world

historically, we've needed to insert a leap second every 1-2 years or so

it's not very regular tho, bc the Earth's rotation can vary in unpredictable ways. Even earthquakes and the filling of the three gorges dam had a detectable effect on the Earth's rotation.

but what's this? if you look back up at the graph above, you may notice that the graph seems to flatten out near the end there. Why's this happening?

here's ANOTHER GRAPH (with tiny text sorry)

the squiggly green line here shows the deviation in length of day relative to a SI day (i.e. 86400 SI seconds). Look for the ±0 ms baseline on the left vertical axis.

in the 1970s Earth's rotation was in the range of 1-2 ms longer than an SI day

but recently the length of a day has been shortening, and in 2020, there were a large number of days where the length of a day was actually slightly less than 86400 SI seconds! (mostly by less than a millisecond, but still)

2020 had 28 of the shortest days on record since 1960, and days in 2021 are predicted to be even shorter (note that the difference is on the order of milliseconds... but stillllll)

this is actually why we haven't seen any leap seconds recently. The previous one was in 2016. In fact this is the first time since 2003 when we will have had a 256 week period without leap seconds

and this in fact might cause some GPS systems to bug out hehe. In the widely used gpsd package, there was a recently reported bug "GPSD time will jump back 1024 weeks at after week=2180 (23-October-2021)". This bug happened bc the code author wrongly assumed that leap seconds would be more frequent :3

and if the Earth continues to speed up like this, the IERS may need to insert a negative leap second at some point in the future, to bring UT1 and UTC back closer together

this would take the form of the UTC clock going from 23:59:57 to 23:59:58 and then skipping directly to 00:00:00.

in the history of UTC there has never been a negative leap second, so needless to say software ppl aren't too excited at the prospect of this happening :3

so what's causing the earth's spinning to unexpectedly speed up?

there's been some research that suggests changes in the density and circulation of ocean temperature rises might result in a net transfer of mass to higher latitudes. but the predicted time deviation doesn't fully explain the changes we currently see

there's also the idea that ice melt results in water running downhill, resulting in a redistribution of mass closer to its axis of rotation

but at the same time, a redistribution of ocean mass to the equatorial latitudes would result in mass going farther away from Earth's axis of rotation

or maybe it's just Earth's crust and magma and stuff doing weird things again, who knows!

the Earth's rotational axis isn't static either; it can shift, and that might also change the effective rotational inertia

it's probably a complicated combination of a whole bunch of factors

but anyway, why do we even have leap seconds?

well the main motivation for leap seconds was when we switched from solar time to atomic time around the 1950s-ish. So before our clocks became accurate enough to tell the difference, we just said "yo, a second is 1/86400 of the time it takes for the sun to go all the around the sky, by definition" and that's good enough! the length of a day can vary by a few milliseconds from year to year but we wouldn't have been able to tell the difference.

but gradually timekeeping precision requirements grew so eventually in 1967 a second was defined to be "9,192,631,770 periods of the something something something caesium atom" which was way more precise and good for atomic clocks but bad for keeping the clocks in sync with the sun

so the concern was without leap seconds our atomic-clock-based timescale would drift relative the sun and then eventually we'd have solar noon when our clocks said midnight and vice versa

I mean, sure, that probably wouldn't happen for thousands for years, but procrastination is bad, ok?

but still admittedly leap seconds are somewhat controversial and there's plenty of Discourse™ about this, esp. in academic circles and stuff, so if any of you into that kind of thing here's one possible starting point :3

anyway some ppl have made some code to make predictions based on IERS bulletin A, so based on the latest Earth rotation measurements as of 29 July 2021, and whole bunch of (and I quote) "very large, probably unjustified assumptions"...

expect a negative leap second in the ballpark of June 2029 :3

#astronomy #software #time #leap second #leap seconds #ahi's ramblings #this is so incredibly niche im not sure if anyone would even care about this lol #still i find it interesting so i wanted to share... #tumblr's probably gonna hide this post bc of all the external links oh well #twitter thread links: #https://twitter.com/mcclure111/status/1422647427677499397 #https://twitter.com/fanf/status/1327364308733472768

[one-boring-person]

Long Day?

Dwayne (The Lost Boys) x reader

Warnings: very vague mention of death (Very vague, though)

Context: The reader works for a grounds maintenance company and has a particularly tiring day at work, leading to a comfortable night-in with Dwayne.

A/N: This is a bit short, but I've had the idea stuck in my head all week, seeing as I do the same job and know how exhausting it can be. On that note, I guess it's also important to mention that any parts of the job that I've included are based off how I'm supposed to do them, as well as my own experience. I hope it is enjoyable! 😁😅 (This is my first Dwayne fic, so please excuse it if the character is a bit off)💛💛

Masterlist

My whole body aches as I finally drag myself into the house, my clothes covered in dirt and grass stains, my skin still covered in sweat after a hard day's work, the steel toe-capped boots on my feet tracking mud into the worn carpet in the hall as I slowly make my way further inside. Yawning, I sling my rucksack to the side, choosing to clear it up later as I kick off my shoes and trail upstairs, glad to be home and able to relax, aiming straight for the bathroom, eager to shower off the reek of plants and petrol from myself. Upon entering, I don't waste time in stripping off my uniform shirt (bearing the gaudy logo of the grounds maintenance company I work for) and old jeans, my socks and underwear soon following as I climb into the shower, turning on the cold water initially, my body still heated from spending close to eight hours in the blazing sun and in need of cooling down. Shivering, I close my eyes for a little while and just allow myself to relax, relishing in the sensation of the cool liquid trickling down my flushed skin, until I finally turn the temperature up in order to properly wash myself off.

Ten minutes later, I step out of the bathroom and dry myself, heading into my bedroom to find some comfortable clothes to wear, intending to spend the evening doing nothing but watching television, preferably with my boyfriend. Finding a loose shirt and a pair of old shorts, I pull them on and go back downstairs, glancing out of the window briefly to check the time of day: the sun is already setting, which means I won't have to wait too long. I go into the the kitchen to grab something to eat, picking up whatever comes to hand and a glass of soda, before heading back into the living room, where I situate myself on the sofa, tucking into the food as I go to switch on the old television, not bothering to change the channel that flickers on, my attention elsewhere. Too soon, the food is finished, my stomach craving more, even though my body can't be bothered to get up and move to get some, an irritated groan leaving my lips at this, my head falling back onto the sofa.

"Long day?" A familiar voice inquires from somewhere behind me, relief and joy replacing the brief moment of annoyance as I quickly roll onto my front, eyes finding the tall vampire in the doorway with ease. Grinning, I somehow manage to scramble over the back of the sofa, running to him as soon as my feet touch the ground again, my arms wrapping around his torso in way of greeting, his own, longer, limbs following suit, crushing me into his bare chest.

"You have no idea." I murmur out to him, resting my chin on his collarbone, before he cups it in one hand, pulling my face to his for a soft kiss. Only too happy to reciprocate, I move my hands up to the sides of his neck, brushing away some of the dark strands of hair that float around his face tenderly, the vampire smiling into the kiss as he feels me do so, pressing me tighter against him.

Breaking apart, we remain pressed together for a little while, just looking at each other happily, until my stomach decides it wants to interrupt, growling loudly in the comfortable silence.

"Hungry?" Dwayne questions me, smirking when I give him a light slap on the chest.

"Very, but I'm too lazy to cook anything, and I haven't got the money to order a takeout again." I inform him, referring to the ridiculous amounts of Chinese food I've eaten in recent weeks thanks to my lack of energy when it comes to preparing food for myself.

"Well then, let's cook something together." The brunette proposes, pulling away from me so he can walk into the kitchen, immediately going to the fridge.

"You can cook?" I ask sceptically; there aren't exactly many places to learn cookery skills in the cave he and his friends call home.

Giving me a look of mock offense, Dwayne proceeds to pull out a variety of ingredients from the fridge, raiding the cupboards for spices and other essentials, gesturing to me to help him.

"Of course I can cook! I'm sure you'll find that I'm not too bad, either." He responds confidently, pulling a knife from the block on the counter, starting to chop some vegetables on the island in the centre of the room, his movements fluid and practised.

"I'm holding you to that." I tease him, joining him at the counter, helping him with the food as much as I can, "No garlic?"

At my words, he stops, looking me dead in the eye with a horribly serious expression on his face, my own matching his.

"You wanna kill me?" He finally responds, a glint in his dark brown eyes.

"Oh, come on! Garlic doesn't kill you, so don't act like a victim here." I laugh, returning to the task at hand.

"No, but that doesn't mean the experience is pleasant." He grins, lifting an eyebrow at me as I recall the last time I accidentally put garlic in some food I let him eat; let's just say it didn't end well.

"True." I shrug, finishing up the vegetables as he goes to get a pan, placing it on the stove and lighting the gas, quickly heating some oil in it.

In no time, we've managed to knock up a decent meal for the two of us to eat, both of us only too happy to finally sit down and enjoy it. Our conversation continues on through the meal, both of us laughing and joking with each other as often as we usually do, though I can feel the fatigue from before starting to creep back into me, the long day of work finally beginning to show its side-effects again. Clearly, the tall brunette notices this, as observant as ever, quickly making sure to bring this up.

"Feeling tired?" He comments as we finish up, standing and taking the dishes to the sink, where he leaves them before coming back over to me, smiling at the yawn that suddenly leaves me.

"Yeah, I think work took a lot out of me today." I confirm, getting up from my seat and going to the fridge, where I know there is some chocolate. I grab it and snap off a bar, offering some to Dwayne, who politely declines as he always does.

"What were you doing?" He inquires, leaning back against the island.

"Hedging. All day." I inform him, frowning as I recall the long, strenuous hours of holding up the heavy hedge trimmers, as well as the tediousness of having to go back over the same hedges with a pair of secateurs to make sure everything is neat.

"Sounds painful." The vampire sympathises, casting a look at my exposed arms, as if trying to see the muscular damage that may well have occurred from lifting weighty machinery all day.

"Damn right it is, but you get used to it." I reassure him, leading the way back into the adjoined living room.

"If you say so."

A low chuckle leaves him as he notices me trying to stifle another yawn, my eyelids now fighting to stay open as I collapse onto the sofa, the vampire soon joining me there his arm wrapped around me as he pulls me into his body. Gratefully, I nuzzle into his cool, bare chest, inhaling the familiar scent of cologne, motor oil and dust, smiling as he starts to rub soothing circles into my back, relaxing into the embrace as much as I can. We remain quiet, his movements slowly lulling me into a lethargic state, my eyelids struggling to stay open as I fight to stay conscious, unwilling to let the night end so soon, knowing we haven't been able to spend too long together tonight, on the scale of things, wishing my human body didn't need to rest as frequently as it does.

"You really should get some sleep, (Y/n), you look exhausted." Dwayne advises softly, brushing some hair from my face as I look up at him, barely able to keep myself from drifting off.

"No, I don't want to waste time with you." I argue, tracing a finger over his muscular chest.

"You're not, I like watching you sleep," He reassures me, flicking me gently when I mutter a quiet creep to him, "You can barely stay awake as it is. Just go to sleep."

Once again, I go to protest, only to stop when I catch sight of the look in his eyes, closing my mouth with a smile, finally nodding at him.

"Fine, but only if we can go to the Boardwalk tomorrow night." I negotiate, smirking at him as he rolls his eyes.

"I'm sure the boys will love that, but sure." He accepts, grinning a little at the sarcastic reference to the other three vampires he lives with, knowing that they hate when I come with him because I always take up his attention. I smile at him again, cuddling into his chest as he holds me closer against him, pressing a kiss against my hairline as he continues the movements of his thumbs on my skin, trying to help me fall asleep. Underneath me, his cold body provides a welcome change from the warm air surrounding us, my muscles relaxing against him as I finally give in to the urges I've been ignoring, closing my eyes and falling into the darkness behind their lids.

#joel schumacher #the lost boys #vampire #david(thelostboys) #paul(the lost boys) #dwayne(the lost boys) #marko(the lost boys) #santa carla #star(the lost boys) #billy wirth #boardwalk

[storiesaboutrachelcarolann]

You are so capable..

Has anybody ever felt like they're totally alone and isolated from everything and everybody? I have.

Has anybody ever felt like they haven't been really understood their whole lives? I have.

Has anybody traveled down a path that's led to nothing but ruin, sadness and unhappiness only in the end learning it was to help us become something way better then we were before? I have.

Has anybody ever been torn between two or more options or opportunities and you just can't seem to choose one, maybe you were scared to even choose or pick one? I have.

Has anyone ever been in a situation where you were shown red flags, but choose to ignore them because you saw the good in a person standing infront of you even if time after time they kept showing you different? I have been there.

Has anybody been at the bottom before, rock bottom I should say and found their way out of that hole as you began to climb? I have.

One day just recently everything started to really click for me, it has taken a lot of wrong turns, a lot of bad choices and I had to pull a lot of strength from within myself for me to really see how special and gifted I truly am.

It has taken many days of reassessment and continuous times of replaying parts of my life where I had wanted to find the good in that particular situation or in that person, I had to really think about what did that or this show me and teach me? I had to dig up old buried memories from the past in order to begin the real healing process and to find the light that I carried within for so long that I just couldn't seem to find until now. Are you here presently?

I had to do some really big soul searching, I had to do some real work to fix what is and was broken. I feel I have come along way, but there's still work to be done, there's always work to be done.

In order for us to grow into what you were meant to be we must be able to look in the mirror at our reflection and we must be able to accept and believe that we hold so much power in our soul.

How many people have put you down lately?

How many people have just simply said you can't be fixed or you're to far gone?

How many people actually stood by your side because they saw the light that was in you?

How many broke people have been a part of your life up until this point?

How many people have you tried to help or fix, but failed because it wasn't your job?

What good came out of burnt bridges?

What good took place when you got up off your knees and stopped feeling sorry for yourself?

When was the turning point for you when you said to yourself that I deserve better and I only have one life so I need to start living it for me properly or I need to start becoming more alive and I need to stop using subtances to cover up my reality and stop using it for a place to hide?

When did you begin to take blame for your part that you played in a situation? It's never all one person's fault, it takes two to tango.

We aren't always in the right frame of mind and that's perfectly okay, but at some point we have to realize that this is what has been keeping us from experiencing such wonderful and amazing things in our life.

When we think negative all the time more comes, but if you turn it around, if you can just switch it to positive for just a second that's when more will start to come, that's when you'll see a glimpse of light and love.

We have been told we're no good, we have been told that we can't have that, we've been told there's something wrong with us, that maybe true, but why not start now and fix it, rewire yourself, rewire that brain of yours, you may think it can't be done, but it can if you put the work in. Are you ready yet?

We have all experienced pain on an emotional level, physical levels and mental levels, why not start letting that wrong or the bad that's been done to freely escape and let it be gone from your loving heart?

Why not give a person a chance to prove to you that they aren't like the others? Fear is always going to be there, but if you trust something good will come of anything in someway that's when doubt will be less and less.

Has the devil been telling you that you're no good lately?

Has the devil been keeping you in a cage?

Has the devil been tormenting the hell out of you?

Have you ever seen the phoenex rise from his or her ashes after the battle? I have.

Have you ever seen God repair what needed to be repaired? He always does, sometimes we just don't see it with our physical eyes.

Sometimes it stays hidden, for another time until you begin to rise above.

My message for you today is if you feel like giving up, don't!

As soon as you do you'll be hearing my voice loud in your ear, KEEP GOING!

You can do this!

You can do anything and everything is possible!

The Empress ✨