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sohotthateveryonedied · 4 years

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Always By Your Side

Read here on AO3!

Summary:

The kid looks horrible, full offense. Tim is wearing one of Dick’s old Hudson University sweatshirts which just about swallows him, hanging a full inch over where his fingertips end. His hair is tied up in the messiest bun Jason has ever seen, and there’s a purple welt on his chin big enough that a helicopter could use it for a landing pad. His lip is swollen, blood still crusted over where Tim’s teeth must have torn it open on impact. Big yikes.

“If you’re here to raid my fridge, then you already know it’s bad pickings. I haven’t been shopping in weeks.”

“That’s not why I’m here, actually.” Not the only reason, at least. Multitasking is key when you’re a semi-contract killer who needs Sundays free for tea time with Alfred.

(Disclaimer: THIS IS THE ONLY BAD PARENT!BRUCE FIC I WILL EVER WRITE OKAY I SWEAR I ALWAYS AVOID THOSE KINDS OF FICS BUT I’M SALTY THAT THEY NEVER ADDRESSED BRUCE PUNCHING TIM IN COMICS SO I HAD TO DO IT MYSELF.)

It doesn’t take long to break into Tim’s apartment. Record time, actually. In less than ten minutes Jason is sliding up the window to Tim’s kitchen and climbing over the sill, easy peasy. He should really talk to the replacement about his lack of security against fellow batkids. “Timbo?” he calls, closing the window and re-locking it. “You here?” He’d better have the right place. It’s so hard keeping track of everyone’s safehouses these days, and Jason is not eager for a repeat of what happened the last time he got it wrong. That old lady looked scared to death when Jason crawled in through the air duct, covered in blood that was only thirty percent his own. (The lady was super understanding when he explained the situation. She even fixed up his stab wound with her sewing kit and made him some freshly squeezed lemonade. Jason drops by every couple of weeks to check in on her and her cats.) But Tim is the priority now. “Come out, come out, you little shit.” Jason crosses the kitchen toward the living room, then stops and backtracks. He opens the fridge for a beer, momentarily forgetting that the kid is a hopeless health nut. Jason resigns himself to a package of deli ham only two days past the expiration date. It smells fine, so it must be safe to eat, right? Of all Tim’s apartments, this one is by and far the nicest, barring the expired deli meats and un-Jason-proof security system. The living room is pristine with white sofas and a glass coffee table, making the whole setup vibe more like a hotel suite than an actual home. Definitely not Jason-proof. He sits right in the middle of the fancy sofa, kicking off his boots. “If you get mud on my carpet, you’re cleaning it up.”

Jason looks up at Tim in the doorway and grins. “Don’t I always?” The kid looks horrible, full offense. Tim is wearing one of Dick’s old Hudson University sweatshirts which just about swallows him, hanging a full inch over where his fingertips end. His hair is tied up in the messiest bun Jason has ever seen, and there’s a purple welt on his chin big enough that a helicopter could use it for a landing pad. His lip is swollen, blood still crusted over where Tim’s teeth must have torn it open on impact. Big yikes. “If you’re here to raid my fridge, then you already know it’s bad pickings. I haven’t been shopping in weeks.” “That’s not why I’m here, actually.” Not the only reason, at least. Multitasking is key when you’re a contract killer who needs Sundays free for tea time with Alfred. “Just leave whatever data you have here and I’ll look it over in the morning.” “Again, not why I’m here.” “Then can you just tell me whatever it is so I can go back to bed?” It’s five in the afternoon. “Well, jeez, kid. You don’t have to rush me out the door.” Tim’s eyes flit to the ground and stay there, giving the impression of a puppy put in his place. “Sorry.” Jason eyes Tim carefully. He takes in the timid stance, the way Tim wrings and twists the sleeve of his sweatshirt until it’s stretched beyond saving. He clearly hasn’t showered or even bothered tending to his face, like keeping the wound fresh is his way of punishing himself. “You doing okay?” “Fine, why?” “Because you look like shit, that’s why.” “It’s been a hectic few days. I’ve been meaning to crash for hours.” “How about that bruise you got there? Looks nasty.” Tim touches the bruise as if he forgot it was there, biting back a wince. “It’s fine. I got it on patrol and haven’t gotten around to icing it yet.” “Must have been a big guy to do that kind of damage.” Tim’s eyes narrow. Jason eats his ham, a picture of innocence. “If you’re trying to get me to circle around and ask you about your problems, then I’m sorry, but I’m really not in the mood to play therapist tonight. You can stay here as long as you want, but I’m going to bed.” He turns and starts toward his bedroom. “You’re really not going to tell me who gave you that bruise?” Tim stops, a shudder running down his spine. He doesn’t turn, not yet. “Did Barbara tell you?” “I can’t believe you didn’t. What, did you think this would all go away if you just kept quiet about it?” “There’s nothing to talk about. Nothing happened.” “My ass nothing happened. Bruce hit you last night. He hit you over nothing.” Tim whirls around, fists clenched. “So? I get hit all the time. Am I supposed to have a breakdown every time someone punches me?” “Getting hit by a criminal and getting hit by your dad are not the same thing, and you know it.” “I’m a big boy, Jason. I can handle it.” Jason leans forward, forgetting all about his rancid ham. “You realize how fucked up this is, right?” “Oh, give me a break—” “Hey. The adult is talking now. Our father nearly shattered your jaw a few hours ago and here you are, hiding from him like it was your fault.” Not that Jason blames him for not wanting to be near the manor after what happened; he wouldn’t either if he were in Tim’s place. Hell, he was in Tim’s place. “You weren’t there, Jay. You have no idea what happened.” “Oh, yeah? Enlighten me, then. What gives that asshole the right to put his hands on you?” “The fact that I shouldn’t have gotten involved in the first place! Bruce was dealing with enough as it was without me making it worse.” “Only if you call trying to help someone ‘making things worse.’ From what Babs told me, you didn’t do Jack shit to deserve what he did.” “I don’t care what Barbara told you. I was there, I know what I did wrong, and I’ve accepted that.” “Except you did nothing wrong.” “You have no idea what you’re talking about.” Tim’s voice is raised, his eyes narrowed. “You didn’t see how upset Bruce was. He wasn’t himself. I should have seen that and backed off, but I didn’t. He was hurting and angry, and...I provoked him. It was my own fault.” “Do you have any idea how insane you sound? You tried to help him, and he punched you in the face for it. I know you’ve dealt with this exact situation a million times, you know the protocol.” Tim rolls his eyes. “This is completely different.” “Why? Because you’re not a minor? Because Bruce isn’t your father? Or maybe because you threw the first punch? Oh, wait. None of those are fucking true.” “What do you want from me? Do you want me to start crying, call up child services and tell them that my adoptive father gave me a little bruise because I was being insubordinate while we were all dressed as vigilantes? Will that magically ease your conscience?” “I want you to stop fucking covering for him,” Jason says. “You know that there’s no excuse for a parent hurting their child.” “I’m not a child!” “Sorry to break it to you, pal, but you fucking are! And Bruce? He’s your father. It doesn’t matter if you’re twelve or seventeen or thirty—his job is to be a fucking parent to you. And instead he punched you so hard Babs said you were unconscious for a good thirty seconds.” Tim crosses his arms and leans on the wall. He doesn’t try to come closer or sit on any of the furniture, keeping his distance from Jason. “You’re blowing this way out of proportion. Maybe those rules apply to normal people, but we’re different. Violence and anger, that’s how this family communicates. Hell, Bruce and I spar all the time and you’ve never lectured me about it being abuse until now.” Jason runs a hand over his face, thoroughly done with this shit. “I can’t believe you’re still trying to rationalize this.” “Because it’s a rational thing!” “Is it?” “Yes.” “Would you ever hit him?” “It wouldn’t be the first time.” “No, I’m not talking sparring or some stupid teenage angst-fueled outburst. I’m asking if you, Tim Drake, would ever intentionally hurt Bruce in a way that would do damage. Even if he did something shitty to deserve it. Would you hurt him?” Tim hesitates. He bites his swollen lip. “I might. If I were really angry.” “We both know that’s bullshit. The guy’s got a hundred pounds on you and your hand would probably shatter if you tried to sock him in the face, but you still wouldn’t hurt him.” “So?” “So, he knows you’re a twig and he beat the shit out of you anyway. That’s not fucking okay.” “It wasn’t on purpose,” Tim says, but he’s losing momentum by the second. He looks years too tired for this conversation as it is. “It was...instinct. A spur-of-the-moment reaction. It’s not—I mean, he’s Bruce. He would never hurt us intentionally.” “He already did.” “And I’m perfectly fine. It’s not like he punched Damian or Cass, just me. He knew I could take it, and he was right. I’m fine. This bruise will heal up in a couple days, and then we can all forget it ever happened.” “I won’t.” “Why not? Why are you being so goddamn uptight about this? It has nothing to do with you, anyway.” Jason can feel his eyes smolder Lazarus green as he surges forward and hisses, “It has everything to do with me.” Tim flinches. It’s not major, barely even counts as a real flinch, but it happens. Tim flinches away from Jason, and the anger dissipates as quickly as it came. Jesus, what did Bruce do to this kid? Jason sits back, takes a breath, tries to make his voice gentler. “Bruce hurt me too, okay?” Tim’s expression doesn’t change but for a twinge of his eyebrows. “It was a misunderstanding, but...he hurt me. Badly. I was out of commission for two fucking months. Probably would have died if it hadn’t been for Roy.” That gets a reaction. Tim’s mouth drops open and he flounders for a moment, like he can’t put the two things together. Bruce attacking Jason? No results. Does not compute. “What—why would he do that?” “It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that, as irritating as you are, you don’t deserve to be treated like that.” Like he has any right to be saying this. Tim still has the scar on his neck from when Jason’s brains were made of gruel. “Not by a parent. Not by someone you’re supposed to trust. So this is me looking out for you, alright?” Jason reaches into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulls out a crumpled paper. “I know you’ve got your own setup for when you need time away from the manor, but these are all of my addresses and phone numbers. If something like this happens again, I want you to call me.” Tim takes the paper but protests, “It’s okay, really. I don’t need—” “Yeah, yeah, you don’t need to be coddled. I get it. But keep it anyway. And if you start feeling unsafe at the manor, you call me and I’ll take care of it. I already gave Damian, Cass, and Duke copies too. Just...look out for yourself, alright? All of you. Look out for each other.” Tim folds up the paper and slips it into his back pocket. “What about you?” “The old man and I are…” That’s a whole other can of worms Jason really isn’t in the mood to unpack right now. “It’s still rocky between us. I’m keeping my distance. But for you guys, I don’t care. If one of you needs help, I’ll be there. Got it?” Tim blinks, and lucky for him, Jason is courteous enough not to make fun of the tears he is clearly holding back. “Thanks, Jay.”

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jobean12-blog · 4 years

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Top Shelf: Chapter 11- The Pages in Between

Pairing: Bucky x reader (Bookshop/bartender AU)

Word Count: 1,637

Summary: You tell Bucky your idea on how to save the bookshop

Author’s Note: Hey everyone, Happy Monday! I know I say it every time but I’m so thankful for those of you that have stuck with me through this story. It makes me so happy. I’m sure you all saw this coming and that’s ok. As I’ve said before this really is just a love story that hopefully makes you feel good and happy. Thank you again! Thank you all for reading! All my love always! ❤❤❤

Warnings: SUPER FLUFFY LOVE FLUFF, implied sexy times :)

Previous Chapters (* indicates smut)

Chapter 1: Enchantment

Chapter 2: Cookie Crumble

Chapter 3: Sweet Anticipation

Chapter 4: Read Between the Limes

Chapter 5: Secrets on the Shelf

Chapter 6: Love Between the Covers *

Chapter 7: Love Lines & Soul Finds

Chapter 8: Drunk in Love *

Chapter 9: Pour in onto the Page

Chapter 10: Recipe for Love *

His response is almost immediate, your phone lighting up as his message comes through. ‘Really baby?? I can’t wait to hear all about it! I’m not going to lie I’m pretty excited.’ You smile at your phone as your fingers fly over the keyboard. ‘I know, me too. I mean it’s just the beginning of an idea and of course we have to talk about a bunch of things but I’m eager to hear what you think.’

You sink further into the tub, a sigh of contentedness leaving your lips. Just as your eyes begin to close your phone buzzes again. You grab it and read the message. ‘Send me one more pic. I have another two hours before I can get home to you.’ Stifling a giggle, you snap a photo of your legs resting atop the edge of the tub and send it his way. ‘Longest two hours of my life,’ is his reply, followed by, ‘you better be awake when I get home…’

Deciding to leave him hanging you enjoy the rest of the warm water, allowing the bubble bath to do its magic. By the time you get out you’re softer than a baby’s bottom and very relaxed. You put on Bucky’s tee shirt and get into his bed, cuddling into his pillow so you’re enveloped in his smell.

He gets home around 2 am, quietly shuffling into his room to find you peacefully asleep in his bed. The blinds are still open, and the light of the moon reflects off your glowing skin. Bucky sits at the edge of the bed, delicately tracing his fingers over your bare shoulder. Brushing some hair from your face he leans down to kiss the corner of your mouth just as it curls up into a smile.

You roll onto your back and blink open your eyes, tugging on his arm so he lays down. “Hi beautiful,” he whispers as his hands smooth over your silky skin. “I’m sorry if I woke you. I was just…” You silence him with a kiss, any excitement over your idea momentarily forgotten.

For once Bucky sleeps later than you, his bare feet slapping against the floor and jolting you from your thoughts. “How long have you been up doll?” You run over to him and throw yourself into his arms. He easily catches you, peppering your face with kisses. “I made coffee. BUT IT’S SO BAD. So now you have to make coffee.” You give him a sorry look, pushing yourself up and onto the counter while he starts a new pot.

Minutes later he hands you a cup, the delicious, hot liquid warming you from head to toe. “Ok, now that we’ve both had a sip of edible coffee and I can concentrate on what you’re saying rather than trying to get you naked, let’s hear it!” You almost spit out your coffee at this last comment, shaking your head in amusement. “Ok, so. Eeeeeeeee, ok, this coffee isn’t helping, I’m practically buzzing!” you say before you jump down from the counter.

Pacing the floor, you chew your bottom lip as you try to get your thoughts in order. To Bucky’s credit he waits patiently, sipping his coffee quietly and letting you do your thing. “Alright. So, I hate to sound all about myself, but everyone really liked the pie last night, right?” Bucky agrees with no hesitation. “And grandma, you and Nat went nuts over my chocolate chip peanut butter cookies, yes?” Again, Bucky nods enthusiastically, smiling big. “And you and grandma really loved my chocolate pie and chocolate chip cookies?”

Bucky gently grabs your shoulders, bringing you into his chest and looking you straight in the eyes. “Yes, yes and more yes. Your baking is amazing and there is no doubt that everyone agrees.” You can feel the blush creep up your cheeks, your head dropping to hide in Bucky’s chest. Feeling the rumble of his laugh makes you smile, his finger hooking under your chin to bring your eyes to his. “I mean it.”

With a kiss you continue. “Thank you. So, if you guys like it there is no reason that other people wouldn’t like it. What if we added a café or bakery to the bookshop? Or both! I realize that it will cost money and right now that’s the problem. But I haven’t really thought all that through yet. However, I think if we add the baked goods and maybe even coffee and hot chocolate and stuff like that it could draw in more of a crowd. Also, you have a bartending license. Maybe we can do poetry slams and/or trivia nights. We can serve drinks and treats and charge at the door.”

Your hands are flying every which way and you’re talking a mile a minute, your enthusiasm warming Bucky’s heart and making him fall even more in love with you. It isn’t until you’re out of breath and he’s finished his coffee that you finally slow down. “Well?” He stares at you for what feels like forever before he puts down his cup and takes you in his arms.

“I love you. And I love your idea. I definitely think we have some things to figure out and a lot to go over but together I think we can make anything work.” You shake your head yes, too many emotions welling up inside you to speak. You simply press your lips to his and tell him everything he needs to know.

Later that morning you head home to do laundry and clean up, missing Bucky the moment you walk through your door. Luckily, he had the idea to stay over at the bookshop tonight and sleep up in the secret attic space. To say you were excited was an understatement.

You pack a light bag and head over to meet him, but not before grabbing the tin of chocolate chip peanut butter cookies you baked earlier as a surprise for him. The bookshop is closing just as you arrive, and you smile at the customer who is leaving. Bucky runs around the cashier counter and plants a firm kiss on your lips.

“Hi. Missed you.” You shove the tin into his hands and say, “I was just about to say the same thing. I made you something.” Bucky’s eyes widen as he starts to open the tin, bringing it up to his nose and inhaling the delicious peanut butter and chocolate smell. “You made me more?” he asks, face still half inside. “Yes, and you can eat as many as you want, as long as you share with me.”

Popping one into his mouth he gives you a thumbs up, placing the tin down and turning the sign to closed and locking the door. “The pizza just got here 5 minutes ago, and they gave us paper plates and everything.” Your mouth waters at the mention of food. “Ok, great. I’m starving. I have water and more snacks too. Are we eating upstairs?”

Bucky nods, taking the cookies and pizza and walking toward the back. When you get up the stairs and open the door you’re surprised to see that Bucky has hung a small string of star lights over the love seat and made a pile of blankets and pillows in the middle of the floor.

“Aw Buck, it looks so beautiful and cozy! This is going to be so fun.” The two of you settle on the floor surrounded by the pizza box and snacks, your feet touching while you dig into your first slice. “You have some sauce right there,” Bucky says, leaning in to brush his thumb over your bottom lip. You take his thumb into your mouth and suck off the sauce, closing your eyes and letting out a moan.

When you open them again his lips are only inches from yours. He carefully takes the pizza slice from your hands. “I was eating that,” you whisper, your eyes dropping to his mouth. “I have something better,” he teases, before pressing his lips to yours.

Laying on the floor amidst the soft blankets and pillows, cradled against Bucky’s chest you watch the rain drops pitter patter against the sky light above you, the lights from the city dancing along the dark walls. The low rumble of distant thunder echoes through the quiet space as you trace small patterns along his bare skin.

“I love summer thunderstorms.” Bucky hums in agreement, his eyes closed and his head resting against one arm while the other holds you close. “Do you think we should tell my grandma our idea?” Bucky’s question catches you off guard and for a second, you’re unsure of what to say. “Well. I think your idea of doing our research and talking to some friends, like Sam, is a good way to start. Maybe after we have a more solid plan we can sit down and show her everything.”

He’s quiet for a few moments, the sound of his breathing and the city below all you hear now that the rain has stopped. “That seems smart. Sam will probably be a big help since he opened the bar at the beginning of the year. And I know he has some other friends in the restaurant business too.” You prop your head up on your elbow and he turns to face you. “Good idea! I like it,” you say, tracing over the stubble on his jaw.

Grabbing your waist, he rolls over and sits you on top of him, the blanket falling from your shoulders. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” You gently roll your hips against him, smiling softly. “Oh Bucky.” The words fall from your lips with a quiet tenderness and the world falls away with every brush of his fingertips.

@aesthetical-bucky @auro-ora @azurika-writes @bugsbucky @buckys-broody-muffin @bucky-on-my-mind @book-dragon-13 @devynsdiary @eurynome827 @hiddles-rose @hailmary-yramliah @emilylyoness @hawksmagnolia @ikaris-whore @itsunclebucky @imgaril-lindru @jhangelface0523 @jewels2876 @loricameback @littledarlinhavefaithinme @littleredstarfish @mushyjellybeans @marvelandotherfandomimagines @marvelgirl7 @nano--raptor @randomfandompenguin @sallycanwait68 @softpeachbarnes @scarletsoldierrr @the-wayward-robot @when-the-hell-is-bucky @throwmyheartawayagain @flyawaybay @amandatar-06 @nd1998sc @captainchrisstan @vherriepie @godofplumsandthunder @fire-flv @jamesbarnesappreciationclub @irishflutiegirl @rinthehufflepuff @moonybarnes @nordlysinthewoods @inflxmes @lauratang @my-favorite-fics-and-imagines @buchanansebba @addikted-2-dopamine

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winryofresembool · 5 years

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Love Can Melt the Ice, ch 21

Summary: the party goes on.

A/N: sorry guys, I’m too tired to think of anything to say. Just that I hope you guys enjoy, and note, that there’s a little bit of steaminess (not quite M-rated tho imo) towards the end of this chapter so keep that in mind when readng this. Reviews are loved!!! And thanks to every single person who has commented the previous chapters, you guys rule ♥

Previous chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 pt 1, pt 2, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Next chapter: coming

Companion pieces (note: these are all post Olympics happenings so reading the main fic first is recommended): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Words: 3200+

Genre: cotton candy mostly

“There she finally comes!” Paninya exclaimed when she saw Winry approaching her figure skating team in the otherwise quiet restaurant. “What took you so long? Oh!” She finally noticed Ed hopping towards them behind Winry, and a giant grin spread on her lips. “I wasn’t expecting you to have company!”

“Smirk what you want, Pan. I don’t care anymore. As a matter of fact, we have some news for you…” Winry fumbled with her hair nervously, as she was trying to figure out how to tell Paninya about the changed relationship status.

“Are you pregnant too?” Paninya asked her, eyeing Ed suspiciously. “I knew I shouldn’t have left you guys alone after the birthday party…”

“What, NO!” Winry panicked, worried how Ed would react to such implications. Even though Pan’s comment was just a joke, Ed had barely started to open up to her… Winry didn’t even want to think how he would feel about having kids. “We haven’t even… I mean, that’s a 0 per cent possibility… And don’t you think it’s a bit too early for that kind of announcements anyway?”

“I just wanted to see your reaction,” Paninya laughed. “Don’t mind me, I was just messing with you.”

“Oh, OK. So, the news is that… we…” She linked her arm with Ed’s. “… Have decided to become… exclusive?”

“And that’s what you were so nervous to announce?” Paninya looked annoyed. “I would have expected you to at least have gotten married secretly based on your expressions.” Her frown changed into a smile soon. “But that’s awesome! I knew it would happen sooner rather than later! In fact, Rosé, I think I won our bet.” She winked at her girlfriend smugly.

“Bet, what bet? Rosé, don’t tell me Pan made you make a bet on my relationship progression.” Any of Winry’s nervousness flew away as (faked) anger took over. “I can expect that from you…” Winry glared at Paninya, “… But Rosé, you have always been the nice one.”

“I’m sorry, she made me!”

“Don’t worry. I just had to make you taste your own medicine,” Winry laughed. “Anyway, thanks for coming! It’s good to see you all here. I guess… let’s get this party started!

…

“Hey Winry, why is your boyfriend moping at your party?” Paninya asked as Winry joined her at the bar to get a drink. She wasn’t wrong, he was scowling at his phone in an empty corner of the restaurant and mumbling something incoherent to himself.

“He just remembered that his team is playing right now.” Winry sighed. “They are probably angry at him for not showing up, but more importantly, the game is almost over now, and they are losing by several goals so… it’s not looking too good.”

“You gotta give him something else to think about.” Paninya winked and made kissy lips to give Winry a hint.

“I’m not gonna make out with him in front of all these people!” Winry growled. “Public display of affection isn’t our thing.”

“Whatever. Just do whatever you do to wrap him around your arm. Take him to dance or something.”

“He can’t dance! He has a broken leg in case you haven’t noticed.”

“Just sway in the same spot or something.” Paninya suggested.

“I’ll just go talk to him,” Winry decided when she saw he wasn’t far from throwing his phone out of the window.

…

“Damnit!” Ed cursed loudly when Winry arrived next to him. She didn’t even bother asking what had happened in the game; it was unnecessary.

“I’m sorry, Ed. I’m not gonna say ‘better luck next time’ because that won’t help anything, but maybe you’d like to do something to take your thoughts away from that game. It’s my party, after all.”

“What do you have in mind?” Ed eyed her suspiciously. “I’m not gonna sing karaoke if that’s what you want to do. I’m not drunk enough.”

Winry put her arm around his shoulder and said: “No, you don’t have to sing, but I do want to dance. And I want to dance with you.”

“You have gone nuts, woman. How do you think I’m gonna dance with this leg?” he pointed at his cast.

“Just follow me. Or do you want me to call Al to dance with me instead?” Winry asked slyly. “Or, I suppose, there are other options in this restaurant too…”

“Let’s just go then!” Ed said all too fast and started hopping towards the dance floor.

When the couple found their spot, a few other dancers were eyeing Ed’s crutches suspiciously, but he decided to ignore it. “So… how are we gonna do this?”

“I think… if you can stand with just one crutch, you could use your hand to twirl me, and I’ll do the rest,” Winry suggested.

“Sounds doable,” Ed noted and left his right crutch against the wall. Winry took his metal hand (that was covered with the usual white glove) into hers and started doing her dance moves. The song was fast, so she was able to show her jiving skills well.

“I knew you could skate but I didn’t know you can dance too!” Ed commented at some point.

“A lot of figure skaters take also dancing classes because it certainly helps with the balance and everything.” Winry reminded him.

“Right. That makes sense,” Ed admitted.

The longer the song continued, the more he lightened up too, finishing the dance by pulling Winry close to him and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“You were right, it was kinda fun! Maybe one day we can dance for real.”

“Is that a promise?” Winry asked. “Because if it is, I will remember it, I swear.”

“Maybe it is.” Ed grinned and turned to pick up his crutch.

…

A few hours later, Winry was looking for Ed who had disappeared while she had gone to the restroom, and finally found him on the balcony.

“There you are! I was a bit worried you might have left,” Winry said.

“Oh. I just needed a little break to hear my thoughts. It’s been quite a day, don’t you think?” Ed asked.

“It has… As amazing it has been, I am quite eager to get into my own bed soon.” Ed gave Winry a puppy dog expression. “We’ll see if someone gets to join me. Maybe if you are extra nice to me. Anyway, Gracia already left, Garfiel is hitting on someone, and Rosé and Paninya’s dancing is looking like they don’t really need our company… so I’d say we’re free to go.”

“Sounds good to me. By the way, Al sends his congrats,” Ed remembered. “He’s with Mei now but said he’d catch up with us tomorrow.”

“Oh! How is it going between those two?”

“The last time I saw them together, they were chatting pretty eagerly about who knows what, so I’d say it’s going pretty well. Too bad she lives in Xing, though. What if they get together, and he decides to move there?”

“I think you are getting a bit ahead of yourself again,” Winry noted. “They just met. But what about us? It’s like you said, we live pretty far from each other and travel a lot… Should we try to come up with a schedule for our meetings?”

“Until my leg is healed, you don’t have to worry about me traveling…” Ed sighed. “I will have plenty of free time. I think I might still spend a little while in Resembool because I’m not super eager to do household work with this leg.”

“I’ll visit you there when I have my next free weekend! Hey… does this situation remind you of your party?” Winry realized.

“I guess it does,” Ed agreed. “A lot has happened after that, though… Even though it has only been a few days.”

“Sometimes… things… happen fast. You don’t regret it, do you?” Winry asked, slight hint of worry in her voice.

“No.” Ed shook his head. “I thought this was going to be difficult, but now that it’s actually happening… I realized it’s really quite simple. I want to spend more time with you. I just… needed to deal with some things first.”

“I understand. And hey, I’ll be here the whole time if you still need help with that,” Winry promised, and it was her turn to kiss Ed on the cheek. “Hey, what’s that?”

Ed was holding a small box in his hand and Winry casted a curious look at it. If it had been anyone else giving her that box, she might have been more nervous about what was in it, but she knew Ed wouldn’t ask her so soon… Right?

“Um… this is just a championship gift for you…” Ed said, and Winry immediately relaxed. “I was going to give it to you no matter what result, but it turned out going pretty well, don’t you think?”

“Heh, I guess so.” Winry unwrapped the paper around the box carefully and admired its black surface for a moment before opening it. “Ed, these are so pretty!”

What she saw in the box were earrings, with tiny golden skates hanging from them. She took them in her hand to get a better look at them.

“I just… well, I asked Riza if she knew what would make you happy, and she said you like earrings. So. I went to the shop where they sell these and… thought the skates were pretty fitting… in many ways… since you know, skating was what united us in the first place… and… gold to match your medal…”

“Awww. That is so sweet.” She quickly wiped the corners of her eyes dry and turned Ed’s head to face her. “Seriously, I love them. Thank you.” Then she leaned in to press a light kiss on his mouth. They let the kiss linger for a few moments before Winry pulled away and run her hand on Ed’s automail arm briefly.

“Hey, guess what… I kinda have a gift for you too. It’s in my room, though, so should we take a cab and leave?”

“It’s like you said, I don’t think anyone would miss us… so sure!” Ed gave Winry his familiar shit eating grin, taking his crutches from the bench next to him and jumping up rather eagerly.

…

The couple waved their goodbyes to those of their friends who were still left at the club and took the first cab to the hotel (this time they were farther from the hotel than during Ed’s birthday so Winry didn’t want to make Ed walk all that way). For some reason, Ed hesitated a bit before stepping inside Winry’s room, though.

“What’s wrong?” Winry folded her arms over her chest and stared at Ed questioningly.

“It’s just… We are a… couple… now… so I hope you’re not expecting…”

“Expecting what?” Winry tilted her head slightly as she tried to understand what Ed was saying. “Oh!” she finally realized, her face turning red. “Nonono, I wasn’t thinking about that… Not that I wouldn’t like… eventually… but we can take our time… No, there’s something I want to show you…”

With Winry’s rambling, the nervousness that had taken over Ed’s body finally left him, and he started laughing so hard he doubled over.

“What’s so funny?” she asked, slightly hurt because she didn’t understand what was in Ed’s mind in that moment. Was he laughing at her?

“It’s just…” he guffawed, “… The tables have turned… Remember what happened the last time we spent a night together? You thought I was expecting us to…”

“Oh!” Winry finally understood. “Well, I wasn’t expecting anything, so you can stop laughing and come here.” Her voice had a bit of sharpness in it as she continued: “I have some drawings I want to show you.”

“Sorry.” Ed finally calmed down. “Show them.”

He hopped towards the table on which Winry had spread her papers and squinted as he was trying figure out what was in her drawings. “Wait a second… Is this an automail arm?”

“I noticed your arm was creaking a bit, so I designed this… What do you think? We would of course need to measure your arm before I can draw the final version, but… I’d love to do it if you let me?”

“Have you built automails before?” Ed asked, even though he believed he knew the answer. She had drawn that picture complete from the scratch, after all.

“I have, plenty! Although…” she blushed a bit as she continued: “this would be the first one that would be in use…”

“Well, it looks amazing, so… why the hell not? Truth to be told, I don’t really like my current mechanic so it would be a win-win situation in many ways.”

“It’s settled, then!” Winry clapped her hands excitedly. “You, me and an automail date once this season is over and I have more time to focus on mechanics. Although… I would like to get some measures sooner because that way I’ll have more time to prepare for it.” She pulled out the tape measure from her bag and looked at him expectantly. “Would you mind?”

“Of-of course not…” Ed said, although a bit hesitantly because Winry seemed to have turned her geek mode on. “What do you need me to do?”

“Uhh… You would probably need to take your shirt off because I need to be able to see where the shoulder piece starts and stuff…” She was blushing again. Ed threw his coat and suit on a nearby chair and sat down on the bed, unbuttoning his dress shirt slowly. He turned to look at Winry as he felt her gaze on him.

“Enjoying the view?” Ed cocked his eyebrow when their eyes met.

“You are suddenly awfully smug for someone who just freaked out about coming into my room.” Winry retorted, although her cheeks were still burning.

“I just like to make you as flustered as you make me…”

An awkward silence fell between them, but finally Ed added: “OK, here’s the thing: I do want to… do it with you… eventually, like you said… but with this cast… there’s a lot I won’t be able to do, and… I think you deserve better than that… so… I’d rather wait… until I feel 100 per cent fine…”

“I didn’t think you’d be worried about that… I’m sorry. That’s… that’s so nicely said, and I… shouldn’t have mocked you earlier.”

“It’s OK.” Ed shrugged. “So, should we measure this thing?”

“Of course!” Winry turned back into her usual mechanics loving self. “First I’m going to check the full length, and then…”

“You do realize that sounds a whole lot dirtier than it actually is?” Ed snorted, gaining a dirty look from Winry. “What? I’m just speaking the truth.”

“How about you just shut up for a moment and let me work.” Winry rolled her eyes and tried to focus on her tape measure, which was very hard, though, because she had her bare-chested boyfriend (she was still excited about being able to use that word) in front of her. And he wasn’t a bad sight at all. As expected, his upper body was built, his abs could have worked as a washboard and his only arm had probably been used to lift heavy weights a lot during Ed’s free time. Winry’s fingers traced the scar under the automail port, checking the skin for possible issues, and that made Ed inhale sharply.

“Sorry. Did that hurt?” Winry asked worriedly.

“No… It… felt good.” Ed stammered, trying to keep himself in line. ‘Hydrogen, helium, litium…’

“OK…” Winry said and bent down to write down some measures she had already gotten, her dress not leaving much for Ed’s imagination. He nearly bolted from the bed.

“Done.” She finally stopped her ‘torture’ and put the tape measure and the paper away. She hadn’t even realized she had been holding her breath while working. “Is something wrong?” she asked when she realized Ed was mumbling something incoherent and avoiding eye contact with her. “Ed, I’m your girlfriend. You can tell me.”

“Let’s just say that… I have never wished more that I didn’t have my leg broken,” he said quietly. Winry sat down on his lap and put one of her hands on his cheek, making him look at her.

“It’s OK. We can wait.” She kissed him tenderly, getting a response from him soon. Her fingers played on his bare skin while his metal arm went to cup her ass, the other one massaging her back. Soon Winry realized he wouldn’t open the zipper of her dress unless she gave him a permission, so she pulled away from the kiss and told him: “I’ve seen you shirtless, so it’s only fair you see me that way too… Equivalent exchange…”

“Have I ever told you you are freaking amazing?” Ed breathed before his hand went to unzip the dress while his lips worked on her neck.

“I think you might have mentioned that once or twice but it never hurts to hear it again.” Winry grinned and stood up to shake the dress off once Ed has unzipped it. “What? Have you never seen a half naked woman before?” she teased when Ed gaped at her like she was some kind of miracle.

“I-I have but never anyone who looks as… wow…” His eyes took all of her in, from the thin yet strong thighs to the skin colored strapless bra, before focusing on her face again. Even though she must have been dead tired already, and her make-up was slightly smudged, in Ed’s opinion she looked incredible.

“Thank you,” Winry gently pushed Ed to laying position and settled on his lap, minding his injured leg. “Wanna help me with this?” she turned her back to him, so Ed could unhook her bra.

“Sure, but… I’m gonna explode if we continue much further. And I just said… this is not how I want to do this.”

“I didn’t mean we have to do anything, silly,” she tried to comfort him. “I just want to get rid of this thing because trust me, it’s pretty uncomfortable to sleep with.”

“Oh. OK. I got it.”

After getting her bra unhooked and throwing it away, Winry got up again and made a bit of a show of stretching her arms in front of Ed (giving Ed a very good shot of some of her best features) before pulling her pajama top on her. Ed didn’t know how to react, causing him to just stare at her dumbfounded with his mouth open.

“What was that for?” he asked, sounding almost frustrated.

“Just something for you to look forward to while we are away from each other, I guess.” She winked.

“You dumb, I would… I would be looking forward to our next meeting either way.” Ed folded his arms, sounding almost offended that Winry thought there was any other possibility. “I mean, you look great and all, but I care about your personality more.”

“That means a lot to me, Ed. I… uh, never mind.” She laid down next to him and snuggled her head against his bare chest. “This has been… one of the best days of my life. And a lot of it is thanks to you. I just wanted you to know that.”

“You… you deserve it.” He kissed her on the forehead before closing his eyes and falling asleep.

#edwin #edxwin #edward elric #winry rockbell #fullmetal alchemist #my fics #ice skating au #lcmti

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southhighsucks · 6 years

Text

Secret Santa

Secret Santa Fandom: South Park Pairing: Kyman Word Count: just shy of 5k

Summary: The Park County High School Seniors are celebrating their Christmas with a good 'ol fashioned secret santa! With Wendy and Heidi in charge of the match ups, somehow, Eric Cartman really isn't surprised he's gotten Kyle Broflovski as his giftee. Implied long term pining, some really lame Christmas Romance Cliches, and some heart warming fluff by the fireside.

This was written for the Kyman Secret Santa 2k17 [ @kymanss2017 ] for user @kylebblog!! I know it’s not a very angsty confession, but I really tried to do something nice for ya! Merry Christmas!!

Continue reading below or on Archive of Our Own!

“Alright everyone, listen up!” Wendy’s voice echoed around the common area of Park County High School. She and Heidi stood at the middle of the tables, Wendy with a clipboard and Heidi with a large stack of envelopes. Most eyes were on them.

“Oh jeez.” Kenny McCormick looked over at the guys sitting at his table, gagging and rolling his eyes. Clyde snorted, punching him in the shoulder.

“Don’t be a dick, McCormick. This’ll be fun.” Kenny sighed again, giving a smile. Clyde was right. This would probably be a lot of fun.

“Okay,” Wendy started again, “As most of you know, today we’ll be passing out the letters for everyone's secret santa!” There was a small chorus of cheers, “The envelopes will have the name of the person, and also the paper they filled out earlier in the week, that way you know what they would like, what they’re interests are, all that.” Wendy turned to Heidi for a minute, grabbing one of the envelopes off the top of the stack. “I’ll be running around all day handing these out to you, alright? Everyone was matched up as anonymously as possible. If you did sign up to be a part of the exchange and don’t get one of these guys from me by the end of the day, please let me know! You can always text me or call me if you don’t get a chance to see me at the end of the day.” She smiled wide.

“Why aren’t you just handing them out now?” Eric didn’t bother looking up from the book he was reading while he asked the question.

“Because, you’re all a bunch of nosey assholes and if I hand these to you right now you’ll rip them open and everyone will be looking over your shoulders.” She answered back. Eric snorted. “Fair enough.” “As discussed earlier, we’ll be having the exchange at Clyde’s house the Saturday before Christmas. If you can’t make it, let either me or Heidi know and we’ll work something out. Is everyone in understanding?” There was a hum of affirmation through the crowd. Kenny looked to Clyde.

“Does that Sparkle with you, Donovan?” Clyde snorted, nodding.

“It fuckin’ sparkles, dude.”

Eric Cartman made his way through the hallway, backpack slung over his shoulder, his books under his arm. AP Government was probably one of his favourite classes. It was a relentless back and forth between himself, Wendy, and Kyle. It was the Debate Team Part II. A stupid little smile pulled its’ way across Eric’s lips as he leaned against the wall, early to class.

Just thinking about their bullshit made him grin.

“Eric!” Cartman looked up at the sound of his name, turning to see Wendy walking a little faster, holding up an envelope. He arched a brow, giving her a little wave.

“Didn’t think you’d be so eager to see me, Wends.” He held out his hand expectantly, the girl slapping the envelope into his grip.

“First of all, shut your face, second of all, I figured now would be the best time to get this to you. You’re always early for Government.” “That’s because I don’t Dilly-Dally after the lunch bell.” He pushed his thumb under paper flap of his envelope, sliding it across, the glue easily splitting apart and popping open. Eric pulled out the paper inside and unfolded it, his eyes scanning over it.

Wendy smiled.

“Think you can handle that?” Eric looked up from the paper, his eyes narrowed at her.

“I thought these were all picked anonymously? Random matchups?” “Oh they are. Luck just wasn’t on your side. Or maybe it was.” She shrugged, a knowing smile playing across her lips. Eric sneered some, feeling his face flush. He put the paper back in the envelope, sticking it into his backpack.

“You’re a real piece of work, Testaburger.” The girl stuck her tongue out.

“Don’t thank me, Heidi was in charge of the pair ups.” Eric groaned.

“Of course she was.”

…. He’d have to thank her later.

“Cartman, who’d you get?” Kenny leaned against the lockers as Eric shut his, grinning some. He held up his own envelope, shaking it. Eric flipped him off.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” “Did you get Tucker? Is that your subtle way of saying you got Tucker?” They both laughed and Eric shook his head, patting his bag.

“No, asshole, I didn’t. Aren’t these supposed to be secrets anyway?” Kenny rolled his eyes, shrugging some. “Nah, not really. It’s just a secret from whoever you got. Why, did you get me~?” Kenny winked, “but really, I think we can tell other people. Like, oh hey, I got so and so, this was their list, do you think they’d like this?? Ya know what I mean?” Eric nodded, pointing to the somewhat crumpled envelope in Kenny’s hands. “Well then, who’d you get?”

“I’m not saying if you won’t say!” Ken stuck out his tongue and Eric pulled on it, earning a yelp. He wiped his hand on his pants, nose wrinkled some.

“I got Kyle, of course. Somehow.” Kenny instantly burst into a fit of laughter, shaking his head. Eric got Kyle? By what grace of God? “Oh my God, that’s fuckin’ amazing. What are you even going to get him? A gag that says “Mute Button”?” They both snorted, Eric covering his mouth to keep himself from howling. Kenny McCormick was such a fuckin’ nut case. “No, asshole. I have a pretty great idea, actually.” Eric looked smug all of a sudden, crossing his arms, “I think it’ll be real nice, what I’ve got planned.” He nodded back to Kenny’s envelope, “And you got who?” Kenny held the envelope up, wiggling it some.

“I got Jimmy. I’m not all too sure what to get him though. Like I feel kinda bad I can’t really spend a lot on something, ya know?” He shrugged his shoulders, smiling, “It is what it is.” Eric waved him off. “Dude, no one's expecting anything big and grand. I wouldn’t worry. You could get Jimmy a whoopee cushion from the dollar store and he’d still love it.” Kenny snickered, smiling and nodding.

“Yeah, I’ll thinka something. His list was really simple actually, so it shouldn’t be too hard.” Kenny winked again, shifting his ratty old backpack to rest better against his shoulder. “I’ll talk to you later, Fatass!” Eric rolled his eyes.

“Fuck you too, Poor Boy.”

The month of December went by without much of a hitch. Most everyone had figured out who had who within the first week, but some still managed to keep the secret from their recipients. Between midterms and the early release days, the last week had flown by, and before long it was the day of the party. Clyde’s dad never really minded when he threw big parties, mostly because the football star was a surprisingly responsible boy and his friends typically helped clean up. That’s was the deal pretty much. If they stuck around to help clean, there could be another party.

No one argued that.

Wendy and Heidi came over early, along with Token to help decorate. Most the house had already been festively dressed, but the girls had a couple more things to put up, and with a little elbow grease and help from the boys, they’d have everything in tip top shape.

“Token, are you sure you don’t mind running up to the store?” Wendy was on a ladder, Clyde holding it steady as she hung garland around the trim of the living room.

“No, not at all! I’ll just grab some of the deli platters. No one actually plans on eating real food, right? And we said it was pot luck anyway, so I’m sure someone else will bring something.” Token picked up Wendy’s purse, rifling through it for a moment, “Is your rewards card still on your keyring?”

“Don’t worry about that hun, they just need my phone number.” Wendy scaled back down the ladder, grabbing a scrap of wrapping paper and scrawling her phone number on it, “Here, it’s easier than having to search through your contacts. Thanks again Token!”

He smiled at her, shaking his head.

“It’s never a problem. I’ll be back in a few.” He pulled on his heavy jacket, ducking out of the doorway. Heidi came out of the kitchen, already dressed for the party.

“Clyde? The lemon bars just beeped in the oven, should I put them in the fridge?” She asked, swaying some, feeling a bit like she wasn’t doing enough to really help out. Clyde waved a hand.

“Nah, don’t worry about it, they have to cool themselves before being refrigerated. They’ll crack otherwise.” He gave a big smile, sticking his hands in the pockets of his letterman. They were an interesting crew to say the least, but somehow, these were the people Clyde seemed to hang out with the most. They were their own happy-go-lucky crew of misfits in a way. It was weird, to think of the star quarterback as a misfit, or the student council president as one, or any of the four of them, really, but they felt the term suited them.

Clyde looked around at the group, smiling.

Tonight would be fun

The kids of Park County high school started showing up around six, all with thick coats, wrapped gifts, and big smiles. The gift table was right near the front door so the neighborhood kids could be as sneaky as possible with their gifts, most of them genuinely trying to hide their surprises in case their secret-santee was already in the room. Heidi stood at the table with a clipboard, making sure to check off each student as they came in and set their gift down, trying to keep track of everyone.

“Well hey there Heidi, you look awfully cute tonight!” Butters stood in the doorway with a big box in his arms, the gift wrapped in blue with little ducks all along it. Heidi laughed some, taking the package from Butters.

“Why thank you , Leo! You don’t look half bad yourself!” The party was supposed to be an ugly Christmas sweater party, too, but not everyone seemed to have gotten that memo. Most who showed up looked like they were wearing their christmas best, save a few ugly sweaters from Walmart here and there, and whatever the Hell Kenny McCormick was wearing.

“Gee Heidi, thanks a million!” He gave a real wide smile, waving at her again before disappearing into what crowds had gathered.

Heidi looked over the list, tapping the clipboard as she went down the line of names.

“Hey Heidi!” She looked up, eyes meeting Kyle’s as he shut the front door behind himself. He held a large green bag behind his back, eyes looking over the crowd to make sure he wouldn’t be caught by whoever the gift was for.

“Kyle! Awesome! I think you’re one of the last ones on my list!” She ticked off his name, taking the bag from him with care, setting it amongst the rest of the gifts, “Stan and Kenny are in the kitchen I think, and Eric just went out on the porch to see who’s around the bonfire so like, ya know. Find some friends, make yourself comfy.” She swayed some.

Kyle smiled back at her, sticking his hands in his pockets. “Alright, I’ll go see what everyone's up to. Thanks Heidi.” He nodded his head as a goodbye before heading out to the porch, standing in the open glass doors. Eric was leaning against the wooden railing of the deck, watching Token and Clyde toss a football back and forth.

“How’s the bonfire lookin’ ?” Kyle asked, coming up beside Eric, leaning against the rail as well. He looked over at the small stack of wood in the fire pit that barely looked like it was burning.

“Apparently they’re gunna wait until it gets a little darker. Stan was trying to tell ‘em it’d be better to start it now so it could build up and burn but everyone’s stubborn.” Eric looked over at Kyle and smiled some, “You were running a little late, what happened? The Jalopy wouldn’t start?” The Jalopy was the oh so endearing name Kyle’s shitty car had gotten from McCormick many moons ago. It’d just stuck.

Kyle shook his head, thumbing to the house.

“I had to pick up my gift.” Kyle sighed and Eric arched a brow, gesturing for the other to elaborate. He sighed again, “Okay, so I got Craig, right? And like, I didn’t know what to get Craig! What does that kid like? Aliens, Indie Movies, Guinea Pigs? So anyway, the book store in the mall sells records now, right? That’s super indie, and they had a record of the Moulin Rouge soundtrack and last I checked, Craig loves Moulin Rouge. I had to special order it ‘cause it was a website promo through some 3rd party from the UK thought I guess? And listen, it was only like twenty bucks, but I really thought it wasn’t gunna get here in time.” Eric laughed some, shaking his head.

“Was there actually a backup plan incase the thing didn’t get here?”

Kyle nodded, snickering.

“Yeah, I got him some little round guinea pig stuffed animal. I just threw it in the bag with the vinyl.” He shrugged, “So that’s why I’m late.”

Eric shook his head, taking a sip of the punch he had in his hand.

“You’re always so colourful with your excuses.”

“It’s not an excuse, asshole!” Kyle sneered and Eric only laughed harder, standing up straight, cracking his back.

“C’mon, do you want a drink?” Eric asked, starting to make his way back into the house. Kyle nodded and followed after, yawning some, “Kyle, you cannot already be tired. The party hasn't even started.” Kyle stuck out his tongue.

“Hey how about ya fuck off.”

“Alright, I’m just going to start handing out gifts, does that work for everyone?” Wendy was standing at the front of the gift table, a majority of their senior class around her, some sitting on the end tables and couches, most standing and bouncing like giddy children.

“THAT SPARKLES, WENDS!” Clyde hollered from the back, earning a whoop of agreement from everyone else in the room. Wendy rolled her eyes, picking up the first gift, checking the tag on it. It was a plain brown envelope with the name ‘Cartman’ on it. Wendy passed it onto Eric who caught it between his two fingers.

“How are we doing this, Testaburger? Are you handing them all out at once, are we watching one by one?” Eric asked, looking over the gift.

“We’ll just go one-by-one to see what everyone got, okay? So go ahead and open up!” She didn’t have to tell him twice. He tore the envelope open, pulling out a card. It was simple, looked like something from the dollar store, with a little cartoon moose on it, decked out like a wannabe reindeer. Eric grinned, opening the card, a handful of gift cards sliding out. He caught them before they could fall, looking over them, his eyes slowly narrowing.

There was one for five bucks to KFC, another for McDonalds, and a last one for ten bucks to Denny’s. He didn’t mean to look disdainful, but somewhere in his chest it felt like someone was making a joke.

“Uh…” His nose wrinkled up but he played it off, trying to read the inside of the card and keep his anger in line.

His eyes blinked.

“Stan?” Eric looked over at the boy who perked up some, smiling.

“Yeah dude?”

“Why the Hell did you sign this card? It’s supposed to be annonymous, you shit head.”Eric held the card up for all to see. It was signed, plain as day, “Merry Christmas dude! -Stan” and the entire room lit up with laughter.

“MARSH YOU DON’T SIGN YOUR SHIT OH MY GOD.” Clyde doubled over, spilling some of his soda as he laughed.

Stan’s face turned beet red.

“Oh shit. Sorry, I kinda thought we’d end up telling everyone who got who what at the end so like, it wouldn’t matter?” He scratched the back of his head and gave a charming little smile and a shrug. Wendy rolled her eyes, playfully crossing her arms. “Okay, did anyone /else/ sign their gifts that I need to address before hand? Like, if ya’ll wanna tell your people who you got what, go right on ahead I guess.” She was having a hard time keeping a straight face. She couldn’t believe he signed the God damned card. Stan grinned.

“Okay, so I dropped the ball. But ah, Merry Christmas, Cartman. Didn’t really know what to get ya’ but I figured you can’t go wrong with money and food, so combining them has to be good enough.” Stan’s sheepish face more than made up for the gift. Had it been someone like Tucker, Eric probably would’ve thought he was being made fun of, but Stan? Nah, the guy didn’t mean anything by it. Knowing it was him made Eric feel a lot better. He grinned back.

“Thanks man. Merry Christmas.”

“Alright, alright, how about this next one?” Wendy picked up a rectangular gift, wrapped perfectly in silver, a thick black ribbon woven around it and tied like how they showed presents in the movies. Wendy looked it over.

“Kyle, this one’s yours hun.” She handed it off to him. Kyle took ahold of the gift with a big grin, fiddling with the ribbon some.

“It’s so pretty though? Like, I’d feel bad ripping into it.”

“Just hurry up already.” Eric rolled his eyes, tapping his wrist watch impatiently. Kyle flipped him off, pulling the ribbon loose.

“Shut the fuck up, assface.”

“Assface, that’s a cute one.” Eric muttered to himself, watching intently as Kyle held the gift. Just rip it open. C’mon. Hurry up!!

Kyle’s fingers delicately pressed under the taped edges of the wrapping paper, peeling it back as best as he could, some of the paper ripping as he went. He stuck his tongue out, methodically opening the package.

“Dude, seriously? All this papers gunna end up in the trash, just rip into it.” Token took a sip of his drink, shaking his head. Kyle paid him no mind, pulling out a black box, opening the lid.

“What the Hell?” Kyle’s brows furrowed. He pulled out a dark green button down, fingers running over the soft fabric. Beneath the shirt was a darkened pair of jeans, a plain black belt, and a pair of black cap-toe Oxfords. Kyle pulled each item out, inspecting it with knitted brows. Everything looked to be in the right size. At the bottom of the box was an envelope with his name written across it in a stunningly dramatic cursive.

Honestly, he was kind of scared to open it.

He opened the envelope with a lot less care than he’d used on the box, pulling out a card, opening it up. It was plain and simple, a small gift certificate the only thing in it. The certificate had the insignia of a fondue restaurant in Denver and read ‘Dinner for two. Enjoy date night on us! Experience the full four-courses of flavour at any participating location. Non-transferable. No cash value.’.

Kyle swallowed some, looking at the actual words in the card, face brightening up. There wasn’t anything substantial, just a date and a time.

“... Dude. That’s real gay.” Stan snickered some, elbowing his friend, shaking his head, “You got a date for Christmas. That’s some Hallmark level bullshit.”

Kyle looked around the room, trying to gage peoples reactions, trying to figure out who would’ve possibly gotten him something like this. The gift was well beyond the set cap of fifty dollars for the secret santa, everyone in the room knew that. All of his classmates looked either shocked or amused, and no one was piping up to say they’d be the one taking Kyle on the date.

Wendy looked around the room, too, her eyes stopping on Eric for a moment before continuing along the group.

“Well, is anyone going to own up to the gift? Or is it just going to have to be a mystery until date night?” She asked, smiling to herself. Still, no one spoke, so she shrugged, reaching into the packages on the table once more, grabbing the blue one with ducks on it, “Well, alright then, Kenny, this one’s for you.”

Kyle stopped paying attention right then and there. He kept staring at people, trying to read them, trying to figure out who would’ve gone so far out of the way and put so much out of pocket for him. Who would even want to date him? He tried to listen in as everyone else opened their gifts, trying to keep a tally of who outed themselves as Santas. By the end of the gift-giving, he had a handful of people he knew it couldn’t be: Stan, Clyde, Kenny, Bebe, and Butters. Those were the only people who’d owned up to their gifts, at least, the only ones he’d heard.

“So,” Kenny bumped against Kyle, startling him, a squeakish ‘yelp’ tumbling out of his throat as he held the button down close to his chest. Kenny arched a brow and chuckled, “So, who do you think it is?” He held a can of soda out to Kyle. Kyle took it without question, popping it open and chugging it before shrugging.

“I have no idea. I can’t even begin to think of who would waste that much money on me. The dinner alone has to be close to a hundred bucks. Hell, those shoes!! When I worked at Macy’s those kind of shoes were stupid expensive...” Kyle ranted, fingers tapping a rhythm on the soda can.

“So you’ve got no guesses at all? Any hopes at least~?” Kenny winked at the other, laughing at the deadpan expression he was given.

“Listen, if I had to guess? Maybe David? He and I always joked about being your stereotypical, modern gay couple. I don’t think he’d go this far for a gag though.” Kyle sighed, running a hand through his hair, “I don’t know man. I guess I could go around and ask everyone who they were Santa for? See where the stories don’t match up? But that’s so obsessive…” “Kyle. Your best bet is to just not worry about it.” Kenny ruffled his hair, “I’m gunna go out to the bonfire and help start it up. You gunna sulk around here?” Kyle nodded, giving a little smile. “I’m just gunna hang around the food for a bit, alright? I’ll meet you guys out there soon.” Kenny shrugged, giving a two fingered salute, ducking out onto the porch. Kyle sighed, making his way to the kitchen. Heidi was the only one in the room, casually munching on the fruit salad Bebe had brought.

Her eyes lit up when she saw Kyle.

“Hey you!! So?? Did you like your gift?” Her lips were pulled in a wide smile. He walked over to her with eyebrows raised.

“You seem awfully excited about it. Don’t tell me you and I are going on a date.” She laughed, winking at him.

“Maybe we are!!” -- “C’mon Kyle, let's go try to be social.” Heidi pulled the boy by his hand, leading the way out to the porch, where most of the party goers had retreated to. She quickly made her way across the deck, going down the stairs two at a time, making her way over to the fire that was starting to grow. Kyle staggered behind, staying on the deck, Eric once again leaning against the banister, watching the party.

“.... Hey.” Kyle came up beside him again, smiling some, “Why are you all the way up here? It’s probably warmer by the fire.” Eric shrugged his shoulders, sipping on whatever drink he’d picked up now.

“Eh. I’m observing. Why don’t you go down there, huh? You look like you need to warm up more than I do, you’re shaking. You should’ve worn more layers, you fuckin’ skinny-mini.” They both laughed, Kyle wrapping his arms around himself.

“Listen, asshole, no one told me it’d be an inside-outside party. I figured if I dressed too warm I’d regret it.” Eric rolled his eyes, shrugging out of his leather jacket, offering it up to the other. Kyle’s eyebrows knit together and he opened his mouth to argue, but something stopped him. The way Eric held the jacket out to him, a sigh in his chest, eyes averted, face slowly starting to turn red. Kyle shut himself up, taking ahold of the jacket, sliding into it.

“You’re fuckin’ swimmin’ in that thing.” Eric snorted, looking over Kyle. The other boy laughed back, burrowing himself into the leather.

“... This is really lame, dude.”

“Shuttup, Kyle.” Eric pushed the other boys shoulder some, smiling at him, one of those warm grins from the heart. Kyle stuck his tongue out. They stayed there for a few minutes, quiet, watching their classmates run around in the grass and play by the bonfire.

“Who’d you get?” He suddenly blurted out in their silence, catching Eric off guard.

“What?” “For the Secret Santa. I got Craig. Who’d you get?” Eric laughed some, shaking his head.

“No way dude. You’re just trying to narrow your options. I’m not gunna make this any easier on you.” He winked at him and Kyle stayed quiet for a moment.

“... You didn’t have to spend that much money. We could go mini golfing and I’d be happy.” The statement caught Eric off guard.

“Excuse me?” He spluttered some, laughing and coughing. Kyle looked to the side, eyes meeting Eric’s.

“I don’t know where your money comes from, and I know you won’t tell me, but you’re the only one who’s going to drop that amount on something like this. This has Eric Theodore Cartman written all over it. I’d be surprised if anyone but you showed up for this date.” Kyle bumped against the other, trying to smile at him.

Eric rolled his eyes.

“I wouldn’t be so sure, Kyle. Wishful thinking won’t get you very far.” they were both smiling now.

“... Heidi told me.”

“Well fuck.” Eric’s smile dropped and Kyle snorted, resting his chin in his hands.

“You didn’t have to be so extravagant. You coulda just asked.”

“No, no, I know…” Eric sighed, trying to smooth his hair out, “I guess I just wanted it to be a surprise? I figured you’d think I was just showing up as a gag since we all saw that date and time, ya know? I guess I’m just getting tired of this game.” He let out another breath, swallowing, chewing on what to say next, “We’ve been playing this game our whole lives it feels like, and I’m done with it. I’m not sure if you are or not, but I’m tired. I want to be happy, man.”

Kyle’s throat went dry and he let out a nervous laugh, anxiety vibrating in his fingertips.

“What, our arguments not doin’ it for ya anymore?” Somewhere, a part of him knew that probably wasn’t the best thing to say, but it’s what came out of Kyle’s mouth. Eric rolled his eyes, leaning into Kyle some.

“You know what I mean.” Kyle could feel his breathing hitch. He turned away from Eric, laughing again, his nerves getting the best of him. Most all of him wanted to lean against Eric and be an adult and have this conversation, but there was still something settling in his stomach and fluttering in his chest that made him pull away from the other.

“So we’re going on a date then? I guess now that I know it’s you we can just carpool, right?”

“Kyle. Breath for four seconds, your voice is getting so high I’m starting to think someone kicked you in the balls.” Kyle straightened up, coughing as a means to clear his throat, his face flushed. He never knew what to do in these kinds of situations. Somehow, he always found himself in them with Eric. The other boy would openly imply his feelings and make fun at Kyle’s expense, but Kyle couldn’t ever reciprocate. Even when they were laying together at sleepovers, the second Eric leaned into him to try and see if they could get away with cuddling up, Kyle would be a giggling disaster, trying to squirm away.

Eric knew him well enough to know he wasn’t reading him wrong. He knew Kyle had feelings for him. He knew they could be something. Kyle just either hadn’t come to terms with it yet or was letting his anxiety get the best of him.

“Eric?” The boy looked over to Kyle, watching as he chewed on his cheek, scratching at the heat burning on his face, “... Thank you. I uhm… I’m lookin’ forward to it. Ya know?” Eric snickered some, clapping the jewish boy on the back.

“You’re a piece of work. C’mon. Let’s get some champagne and see if we can’t accidently catch ourselves under a mistletoe or something.” Kyle spluttered out a laugh, letting Eric lead him down into the grass to mingle with their friends. He braced onto the jacket and breathed in the warmth and the smell of Eric’s pomegranate cologne.

He shut his eyes, standing beside Eric in front of the fire, not putting up any sort of a fight as he felt the others fingers testingly wrap around his own.

The holiday season had been great, but more than anything, Kyle was looking forward to what the New Year would be bringing.

#South Park #Kyman #kyle broflovski #Eric Cartman #KymanSS2k17 #Secret Santa #My Stuff #South Park Fanfiction #fanfictions

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some-cookie-crumbz · 7 years

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Here Comes the Boom

Title: Here Comes the Boom - Kidge Week 2017 Day 6 Prompt Fill Fandom: Voltron: Legendary Defender Pairing: Keidge Summary: Pidge and Keith get assigned to save a hostage and it doesn’t go quite as planned. Standard Disclaimer: If you read and enjoy this, please give it a like/ reblog so I know if I should write more. AN: This went totally different than I planned but it still turned out kinda cute.

Getting separated from the team was always a risky, stressful situation.

It was worse when he was on his own, but this time he at least had Pidge with him; albeit with the addition of a native toddler, but it was still better than being alone. They had landed on a planet under Galra control and been able to convince the native people – Trabbotians, as he recalled – to agree to help them fight. Their young Prince had made one request, however; rescue the young Prince’s beloved baby neice, whom had been kidnapped and held hostage by the Galra in a recent attempt at rebellion by the people.

“Please,” Prince Antecrodius had pleaded in a shaky, tearful tone, “dear Vonnettella is the only kin I have left in this world. Perhaps it is wrong of me to ask strangers such as yourselves to help right a mistake I myself made, but I… I cannot stand the thought of what those fiends could be doing to her.”

Keith had reached out and settled a hand on the other male’s shoulder. “We’ll do all we can to get Vonnettella back for you,” He promised the other, smiling gently at the grateful tears in the other’s large, dark eyes.

The plan was to take Red in and save the small Trabbotian child, as Red was the fastest. Pidge had gone along to assist in hacking into the ship and tracking the child down. She hadn’t been very hard to find once they hacked inside; she was wailing something fierce and there was a heavy sentry guard set in front of her cell. Keith made quick work of the sentries while Pidge hacked open the doors. Vonnettella had been cowering in the far corner, her little ears tipped down and nearly invisible in her hair. The poor thing was terrified and had to be carried out by Pidge, too afraid to even unfurl form the ball she’d formed.

It was when they got back into Red that things went awry.

The Galra had sent out an entire fleet to chase after Red alone while the other three tried to defer fire. Keith and Red had tried their best to get away – using every little piloting trick they had up their sleeve to sneak away – but in the end luck wasn’t on their side. The sky of the planet had grown dark, and just then it began a downpour. One strong flash of lightening came down right along the back of Red’s neck, sending her systems into overdrive before fizzling out. As they went down, Keith had grabbed Pidge to pull her and Vonnettella closer to him, hoping to keep them both from receiving too many injuries in the crash.

Thankfully enough, they were mostly just shaken up as opposed to hurt by the rough landing. Red had just enough energy to get herself upright and get them a cave to hide in before her body gave up and she slumped to the ground. “You okay, girl?” He asked worriedly.

He felt gentle reassurance from Red in the back of his mind just before her shield flickered to life; it wasn’t much comfort, but it did help him feel a bit better. He turned to look at Pidge, whom had shifted away from him a bit to lean against one of the walls of the cockpit and slide down. Vonnettella clutched tighter to Pidge, letting out a nervous little whimper. “Shiro, it’s Pidge. How are things out there?” She asked into her helmet. Keith felt concern when he only heard her words as they echoed around the cockpit as opposed to in his helmet as well. She waited then winced a bit and tugged off her helmet. “I think my communicator got knocked out of place or something. Any word over yours?”

He tried checking his own but only received static. He shook his head at her then leaned closer to look at Vonnettella worriedly. “No word. How is she holding up?” He asked.

Pidge turned her attention toward the small Trabbotian in her arms. The Trabbotians were similar to what fauns were typically portrayed as, only the animal attributes were not based on goats but rather deer. Vonnettella had curled her little deer-like legs into her chest and her ears twitched up briefly when she realized they were both looking at her. “You doing okay?” Pidge asked, reaching up to gently push some hair out of her face.

The small child responded by pointing and opening her mouth and letting out a small squeak.

“Are… Are you hungry?” Keith asked as he got out of the pilot’s chair and approached them.

She turned and looked at him, ears flopping back down a bit before nodding meekly.

“Do you have any rations? Would the rations even be safe for her to eat? Did you happen to catch how similar to human… Er, Altean… Genetics the Trabbotian are?” Pidge asked worriedly, glancing from Keith to Vonnettella.

“No, but I’m sure there’s gotta be something in here that she can eat,” He said with a small sigh, heading over to the small emergency kit they all kept in their Lions. Inside they kept first aid kits, emergency flares, small food rations and other such items, just in case they needed them. He opened his own food ration kit and rummaged through. There were a few packages of some kind of jerky, some juice pouches, but also a few granola bar-esque item. It was mostly fruits and nuts so he figured that’d be his best bet, since he wasn’t sure if Trabbotians were herbivores. He grabbed two bars, a juice pouch, and headed over to join Pidge and Vonnettella. “Here, let’s see how this treats you.” He said, tearing open one of the bars and offering it to her.

She took it and started chowing down with such eagerness that it was heartbreaking. “Were they even feeding her?” Pidge grumbled angrily as he settled down beside her.

“Probably not enough,” He said as he punctured the pouch with the straw. Vonnettella perked up and licked her lips a bit, having already devoured the bar and abandoned the wrapped in her lap. She tried to reach for the other bar but he offered her the juice pouch instead. “Here, have a sip or two of this first, sweetie.” He said softly.

She whimpered but took the juice pouch, chugging down half of it before pointing at the bar again. Pidge hummed as she watched Keith open the second bar and switch it with the pouch. “You’re really good with kids,” She commented quietly.

He perked up and shrugged. “It’s not hard. You just be nice to kids,” He said gently. He then looked over toward Red’s eyes and stared out at the downpour outside. “Huh, it’s really coming down out there. Hopefully it lets up soon.” He mumbled.

“Ta’tol,” Vonnettella mumbled softly, a hint of a needy whine to her tone. With their communicators down, they couldn’t exactly understand the language of the Trabbotians, but they had a thought of what she was implying.

“She must miss her family. I mean, last time she saw them they were in battle with the Galra,” Pidge chimed softly.

Keith hummed and reached down to gently ruffle Vonnettella’s hair. She perked up and looked up at him curiously. “We’re gonna get you back to your family. This storm will blow over soon enough and then you can go home where it’s safe. I promise,” He said, gentle and passionate. She watched him, her light brown eyes shining in a mix of confusion from being unable to understand him. It seemed, however, that his point got across through tone as her ears perked up and she smiled back at him after a moment.

He and Pidge exchanged small smiles of their own, leaning their shoulders against one another, and hunkering down to wait it out.

#Voltron legendary defender #Keidge #Kidge #Peith #kidgeweek #Pidge Gunderson #Keith Kogane #my fics

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angryspacegirl · 7 years

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Valentine Black

@devilishidol

Tugging at the sleeves of her leather jacket, Serori unhooked her bag from the handlebar of her motorcycle and descended into the underground karaoke bar, music blaring from the headphones over her ears.

As to be expected, the two men she was looking for were there, tapping away at small personal computers and fielding phone calls. Both in their early 20s, one was artfully disheveled, with unkempt red hair and sunglasses that hid the bags under his eyes, and a suit that was poorly tailored and missing a button, while the other was fashionable and tidy, with curly aquamarine locks and a devilish smile. Serori kicked her boot against the wall loudly as she pulled her headphones off, signifying her arrival and drawing the attention of the men.

“Ah, you came,” said the grinning man. “Cool, so cool. Right, Ren-kun?” He nudged the other man, who didn’t look up from his computer.

“Cool,” he answered flatly.

“So, so, what did you bring us?” His eyes lit up as he beamed and held out his hands expectantly.

Rather than hand him anything, Serori casually threw a box of chocolates in his lap, and then tossed another to Ren, slapping against the keyboard of his computer loudly. “Congratulations for Valentine’s Day.”

The first man fumbled to catch the chocolate, and then held it up in (mock?) reverence. “Serori-kun’s true feelings chocolate! Ah, such a treasure! I knew all those months of rudeness were just a front!”

“Shut up, Eri,” Ren said as he finally looked up from his computer and turned the chocolate over in his hands. “This is what you call obligation chocolate, isn’t it?”

Eri frowned and squinted. “Well, I suppose it does lack a certain feminine touch, but…” Suddenly, he spied something out of the corner of his eye and gasped. “It still has a price tag on it! It’s store-bought!” He wailed and slumped in his seat.

“Obligation chocolate,” Ren repeated with a sagely nod.

“Only 500 yen…”

Serori watched the full exchange with a bored expression on her face. “Well if that’s everything, enjoy your chocolate, guys. I’m off.” She turned to leave, only to be pulled back by a hand on her shoulder.

The despair on Eri’s face seemed to have only lasted mere seconds before returning to his bright, usual self. “Hey, Serori-kun, did you get chocolates for anyone else? Or only us?”

Rolling her eyes, she turned back around. “Well it’s the morning on a school day, and I’m not at school, so what do you think?” She scratched at her cheek in thought. “Maybe I should get something for the rugby team manager, since I’m the captain, but other than that…” She paused and then shook her head. “No one else.”

“No?” Eri frowned, eyebrows drawing inward and creating imperfect lines on his otherwise handsome face. “What about that girl you like? The one you brought to karaoke?”

Looking at Eri like he was an idiot, Serori clicked her tongue. “It’s Valentine’s Day. That would be insulting.”

“Insulting?” He tilted his head to the side.

“Valentine’s Day is supposed to be when women give chocolates to men, and then they turn around and return the favor on White Day. If I gave Yohane chocolates for Valentine’s Day, I’d be saying she’s boyish. She’d be insulted.” Serori clicked her tongue again. “Don’t you know anything?”

Ren nodded in agreement, having resigned himself to getting no work done for as long as Serori was hanging around. “It’s simple. Valentine’s Day is when the men receive, and White Day is when the women do.”

“Hmmmm…” Eri pressed a finger to his lips. “But White Day is a reciprocal holiday, isn’t it? You only get things for people who got you something on Valentine’s Day. If you don’t get her a Valentine’s Day gift, then neither of you will be able to receive anything on White Day without an imbalance.”

Serori frowned, but reluctantly nodded. “I guess that’s right,” she conceded.

“So what’s wrong with getting her chocolates?”

“Because she’ll think I’m saying she’s boyish!”

“Well there’s nothing wrong with that, is there?” Eri teased. “After, all we call YOU boyish all the time, Se-ro-ri-kuuuuuuuuun.”

“That’s not the same thing at all!”

In the interest of resolving the dilemma as fast as possible to get back to his work, Ren chimed in with a slow, measured thought. “Maybe we’re thinking about it the wrong way,” he mumbled. “Maybe it’s not so much about who receives gifts, but who gives them. If you think of it like that, then Valentine’s Day is when women give chocolates, but even if White Day is then a day when men give gifts, she would still be socially obligated to get you something back due to the reciprocity of the holiday.”

Eri made an obnoxious fake laugh and threw his hand over his mouth, bouncing his shoulders in an exaggerated motion with each guffaw. “I don’t think that solves anything at all, Ren-kun. After all, Serori-kun is such a naturally tomboyish girl that if that were the case, it wouldn’t be proper for her to give gifts.”

With a burst of speed, Serori reached out and snatched both boxes of chocolates from the men and hid them behind her back. “Well if that’s the case then I guess I shouldn’t be giving you these, should I?”

Instantaneously, Eri’s face became crestfallen as he weakly reached over his computer screen, making grabby hands in Serori’s direction. “No fair! I take it back, I take it back! Serori-chan is the picture of Japanese beauty, just give me back my chocolaaaaaaate!”

Ren gave another knowing nod. “As to be expected.”

Serori placed one box back on the table next to Ren’s computer, and lobbed the other at Eri’s face, catching him in the forehead and sending him backwards over his chair. Pretending to dust off her hands, she crossed her arms, even as Eri stumbled back to his feet. “So we didn’t solve anything,” she said flatly, faking another grab at the box, to which Eri protectively cradled it in his arms. “If I don’t get her anything, then she won’t know I like her, but if I get her something unprovoked, she might think I’m making fun of her…” Scratching at her cheek again, she groaned. “It would all be easier if she just got me something first…”

Eri snorted as he ripped open the box on a side clearly not marked with an opening tab. “Well that’s not going to happen,” he murmured as he tore at the wrapping in a haphazard way.

Serori glared and pointed accusingly at the man. “I will take those chocolates back and eat them in front of you if you don’t start offering some real suggestions!”

“Not my obligation chocolate! It has obligation right in the name, you can’t just take it back!”

“I suppose then it would become self-chocolate,” Ren mused. “In other countries, isn’t Valentine’s Day different?”

“Huh?” Serori cocked her head to the side, making one last threatening gesture towards Eri before looking towards Ren. “Different how?”

“Well…” Ren wrinkled his nose and gave a small shrug. “White Day is only in Japan, isn’t it? So, naturally, Valentine’s Day must be different for foreign countries. Maybe it’s appropriate for anyone to get gifts for anyone there.” He shrugged a second time. “Not that I really care, but if you want to give that girl something for Valentine’s Day, you should. It might not even be a big deal.”

“Uh huh, uh huh,” Eri parroted, having already begun to stuff confections into his mouth. “True feelings chocolate! With love in every bite!”

“You really are an idiot,” Serori mumbled, though she reflection on what Ren had said. “But I guess… That makes some sense? I mean, I guess if she were going to turn me down, then it wouldn’t matter either way and would be better to know now than later. And if she were going to accept… I guess it wouldn’t matter to break the rules a little…” She smacked her fist into her open palm. “Alright! I’ll do it!”

Eri gave a big smile. “Serori-kun, such determined fire! I love it!”

“Good luck,” Ren mumbled, turning back to his computer, eager to get back to work. “You should probably go quickly, though. The stores might be out of chocolate soon.”

Throwing her headphones back over her ears, Serori gave a quick nod. “Right! Later!” she said as she dashed up the stairs and out of the building.

---

“Hmm…” Serori stared at the wall of chocolate in the grocery store’s Valentine’s Day display. When it was just buying cheap things for her male friends, it didn’t really matter what she got, but if she was getting something for Yohane, it needed to be good. The only problem was that she herself rarely ate sweets, so she lacked a strong understanding of what might be appropriate.

“This could be good?” she mumbled to herself as she pulled an expensive heart-shaped box off the rack and held it up. “Nuts?” If she was going to do this, she wanted to do it right, but it had been a long time since she’d last seriously bought Valentine’s chocolate for someone special.

A woman working nearby must have noticed her dilemma, taking an eager step over to Serori’s side. “Welcome!” she said in a cheery voice, with a wide smile on her face. “Is there something I can help you with?”

The high school girl was put-off by the woman’s sudden appearance. It was unlike shop workers to engage in conversation like this, but she supposed that they wanted to sell as much expensive chocolate as possible while it was still Valentine’s Day. “Er, no,” she answered with a shake of her head. “I’m fine.”

That didn’t seem to do much to get the woman out of her hair, and she took an exploratory step forward, eyes scanning the rack. “A little late to be buying chocolate, isn’t it? Did you forget someone important?” She seemed to be teasing Serori, a fact that the younger girl took rather poorly.

“It’s nothing like that!” She threw her hands up in disagreement, firmly shaking her head again. “I’m just trying to think of what kind of chocolate you should buy for a girl!” Having not meant to explain herself, pink gathered at her cheeks, but she quickly crossed her arms and turned away to hide her embarrassment.

“For a girl…?” The woman seemed completely out of her depth for a moment, the confusion clear on her face. It only lasted a moment, though, before she snapped her fingers and nodded with clear understanding. “Aha! You must mean friend chocolate, right?” She pressed her hand against her chest and gave a knowing nod. “That’s what’s become popular with girls your age, right? That’s so sweet, that girls without boyfriends can still have someone to give to.”

Recoiling as if she’d been shot, Serori scowled as her eye twitched. “No, it’s not friend chocolate at all!”

The woman frowned again, seemingly confused. Again, it was fleeting, before she snapped again. “Aha! You must be a foreigner! Your accent should have given it away, I’m very sorry for not realizing earlier.” Nodding to herself with a satisfied smile, she kept speaking, though now with a condescending, paternalistic tone. “You probably have heard of obligation chocolate, but you see, here in Japan, Valentine’s Day is only for girls to give chocolates to boys they know, not girls. Don’t worry, you’re definitely not expected to buy for ALL your classmates.” At that thought, she faltered. “Ah, wait, shouldn’t you be in class?”

Serori could practically see the flames of anger wrapping around her body. “I’m not a foreigner! I’m Osakan! And it’s not friend chocolate or obligation chocolate or anything like that! I’m looking for true feelings chocolate!” Her ears burned red, but she held her ground

The woman tilted her head to the side with a blank smile on her face. “Eh? W-what? You’re looking for true feelings chocolate for…?” She held her static pose for a few seconds and then her cheery expression cracked as she realized what Serori meant. She dropped into a deep bow. “Please excuse me!”

---

In the end, she’d just decided to buy bulk chocolate of all types and make something herself. She was only an average cook, but melting down chocolate and then freezing it into a mold was well within her capabilities. Besides, homemade was better than store-bought, or so she’d been told.

It was only after she’d finished that the logistics of what she’d have to do started to sink in. Yohane lived in Numazu. Of course she did, that’s where she’d first passed by her, and she’d only come to Tokyo that one time to visit. It wasn’t like she could just run into the other girl casually, and it would be at least two hours and 4000 yen each way just to get to her. Her Valentine’s Day plan was clearly fraught with more holes than she’d expected, and besides, nothing had really been solved about her problem, had it? Ren and Eri had given their advice, in their own way, but the woman at the store had only confirmed Serori’s reservations. What she was doing was weird, and there was no way around that.

Her instinct, naturally, was to scrap the whole thing. She could have just thrown the chocolates away if she didn’t want to eat them herself, or she could have taken them to her juniors on the rugby team as a gift. She already felt like she was acting strangely, and she was sure Yohane wouldn’t want her to expend so much effort to see her. It would be altogether too much, wouldn’t it?

And yet, she found herself in Numazu, fresh off the train platform with a scarf around her neck for warmth. She’d already gone through the effort of making them, so it truly would have been a waste if they weren’t delivered. Once she’d stepped past the other passengers and made it to park bench where she could sit by herself for a moment, she stared down at the gift in her hands.

It was a heart-shaped box, modestly sized, and wooden with a strong, earthy scent. She’d painted it black and tied it shut with a white, lacy ribbon. Also in white, she’d painted Yohane’s name on near the center, just above the ribbon. She didn’t need to peek to remember the contents, having spent… probably more time than necessary making sure the chocolates were acceptable. There were 13, an unlucky number in Western culture, and they were split into nine and four, unlucky Japanese numbers. All primarily dark chocolate, some were standard heart shapes with white chocolate pentagrams baked on in thin, neat little lines. Others were faces, alternatingly cut to have horns and small devilish tails, or a halo and feathered wings, again with details carefully added through white chocolate trim.

Serori swallowed as she tucked the box under her arm. Her cool image weakened in the face of something like this. Giving gifts was such a personal thing, and even more so in this ritualized way. It was more than a little unsettling to be faced with the prospect of offering something that could be refused. The built-up confidence she’d acquired on the train began to wane.

Standing near a small trash can, she held the box over it. “This is stupid,” she mumbled, affecting an uninterested tone to her voice. “She doesn’t want it, and giving someone something they don’t want is a big pain.” She had every intention of throwing the box away, but… “Why am I even here? This was such a waste of my time.” Try as she might, she couldn’t seem to loose her fingers long enough to actually part with the gift, and she finally gave up with a sigh.

“Fine.”

She didn’t know where Yohane lived, but luckily, the Japanese mail service had a legendary reputation for correctly delivering on even the smallest information. She hadn’t been willing to risk it from Tokyo, but a local branch was sure to know what to do.

“I need this delivered to a girl,” Serori said as she set the box down atop the mailroom counter.

The worker was a youngish man with glasses and a seemingly unflappable disposition, his easy smile never wavering in the fact of a frightening girl practically ordering him around. “Of course. Anything else?”

“Her name’s Yohane, she’s 15, she has a silly little side bun like this.” Serori made a fist and held it to the side of her head. “And it needs to get to her tonight. That’s important.” It was a little ridiculous, Serori realized, that she didn’t even know the girl’s last name

“Of course,” the man repeated. “I know exactly who you’re talking about, and luckily, the last shipment for the day hasn’t left yet, so a late evening delivery shouldn’t be a problem at all.”

Serori couldn’t tell if he were being serious or not, but he started filling out a small form, even while still looking at her. “Great. Thank you,” she said with as much politeness as she could muster.

“Would you like to include your personal information with the delivery?” The man pressed the form to the box’s side and then looked at Serori expectantly.

“Er, sure,” she replied, feeling one last burst of unexpected hesitation. Was it enough just to know that Yohane would receive the gift? The whole point of all this had been to make some kind of measured declaration of feelings, right? So leaving her name off it would be counterproductive. Taking a pen, she scrawled her name on the form under the box marked “sender”, and also caught sight of what the man had written. “Tsushima…” she whispered to herself. Was that Yohane’s family name? It suited her if it was. “Thank you,” she said to the mail worker, paying for the delivery and then leaving.

She breathed a heavy sigh of relief as she boarded the train bound back home. Pulling her phone from her pocket, she hovered over Yohane’s name before deciding against it. There was no way it had been delivered yet, and she was sure the little fallen angel would text her if she had something to say. Serori let a small smile bloom on her lips as she rested her head against the window and tried to sleep. If it were some kind of rejection, she could wait to see it, and if it were something more positive… Well, it was amusing to imagine her friend working up the courage to send a message, and then practically tearing her hair out waiting for a response. After what Serori had been through that day, it only seemed fair.

#devilishidol #moshimoshi serori desu #this was supposed to be noncanon #but it doesn't have to be #if you like it enough haha

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digitalyogesh · 3 years

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What is Lean PCOS?

LEAN POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME DIET versus PCOS: What’s the Difference?

Not every person fits the cliché picture of a lady with PCOS: being overweight or large, having skin inflammation and beard growth. A few ladies have not many outward signs yet inside, insulin actually unleashes devastation on a few of our real frameworks. It assists with attempting and accomplish your own sound BMI as weight has a ‘portion subordinate’ relationship with metabolic changes, which means the more weight you acquire, the more prominent the possibility of metabolic aggravations.

Why is Weight Management With PCOS So Difficult?

One huge test with PCOS is that, for the greater part of us, our body is impervious to insulin. This implies that your cells aren’t receptive to the degree of insulin being created, so the pancreas delivers increasingly more insulin to accomplish the ideal impact.

Insulin is a chemical whose work is to store fat, a transformative variation that was useful for ladies in ancient occasions when food was scant. In our current ‘obesogenic’ climate, where food is ample and prepared, this variation is a drag in light of the fact that our body endeavors to store fat, especially in the mid-region.

Stomach fat adds to insulin opposition by delivering substances that reduction your body’s affectability to insulin, one of the awful patterns of PCOS. LEAN POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME DIET resembles insulin opposition and stomach fat are consistently on a vehicle ride together, one may be the driver, however the other is consistently curious to see what happens. In the event that that isn’t sufficiently awful, insulin obstruction misshapes your satiety and appetite chemicals causing contradicting messages so you feel that you can’t eat naturally on the grounds that you are consistently eager.

Along these lines, the key to overseeing PCOS is to make the body delicate to insulin. Appears to be basic, correct?

PCOS and Insulin Resistance

The way, however, to discovering the best approach to make your body touchy to insulin is definitely not basic. It’s persistent effort and a great deal of experimentation.

The vast majority have a second that fills in as a reminder for them. Mine was in school. In secondary school, I took the LEAN POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME DIET conception prevention pill and played group activities each season which assisted me with keeping up weight and diminished the side effects of PCOS.

When I got to school, I couldn’t take an interest in sports because of my low maintenance work. That, and the expansion of the carb-laden college food, made me be overweight without precedent for my life.

Here is the part where I am fortunate:

Hereditary qualities assumes a gigantic part in your weight set point. My whole family is lean, so I have hereditary qualities in support of myself, and for that I am unceasingly appreciative as numerous ladies with PCOS who are overweight or have corpulence are hereditarily disposed to have a higher set point/BMI. Here is the place where the ‘pleased’ part comes in.

I figured out how to control the stuff that I can handle: what I eat, the amount I move, and how I deal with ease pressure. Persistent pressure builds aggravation in the body as well as adds to a considerable lot of the sicknesses that I’m attempting to forestall: diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and others.

Considering how to build your odds of imagining with PCOS?

My Life is Different Because of PCOS

What will be will be.

At the point when I was first analyzed, I was unable to deal with the immensity of the condition, so I just disregarded it. You know when you have a rankle on your foot since you decided to wear the charming, however awkward shoes? It annoys you for quite a long time, the skin under feels crude, delicate, helpless. It improves when you wear agreeable shoes, and once it’s better you believe “I will return to my adorable shoes.”

Thus, you do and resume the rankle and the entire interaction begins once more. Eating anything I desire resembles wearing the charming shoes: impractical and unsafe over the long haul, leaving me bad tempered and troubled. Eating to fuel my body (and to keep my inner parts from being a metabolic fiasco) resembles wearing the agreeable shoes.

At the point when I wear the adorable shoes, I appreciate each second knowing there will be a cost to pay. How steep the cost relies upon how long I wear the shoes prior to understanding the agreeable ones are ideal, regardless of whether they are not charming and nobody else my age is wearing them. Still with me?

I likewise need to have standard registration with my primary care physician since I’m still in danger for elevated cholesterol and the aggregation of awful lipids in the circulatory system, even with a solid weight. I’m still in danger for weakened glucose resilience and its evil stepsister, type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Also, I don’t ovulate consistently, so I required assistance imagining (however I considered effectively, conveyed, and conveyed, 4 youngsters).

My best exhortation? For the most part wear the agreeable shoes however save the adorable ones in the storeroom for exceptional events.

Shouldn’t something be said about the Day-to-Day PCOS Management?

After much experimentation, I understand what food sources are useful for my body and which aren’t. I’m discussing how food sources affects me instead of how it makes me look. This is a major, however vital, shift that you need to make when you have PCOS. The food varieties I eat direct how I feel that day and regularly the following day too. My agreeable shoes incorporate ‘moderate’ carbs (earthy colored rice, quinoa, yam), solid proteins, and fats.

You need to explore different avenues regarding which specific food sources in every class work for you (thus my shocking ‘turkey jerky stage’). The vast majority of what is offered at eateries or when I travel doesn’t work for me. For instance, the mainland breakfast. This ‘breakfast’ is a disaster area for ladies with PCOS, loaded up with landmines like baked goods, bagels, and sugary yogurt. Thus, I’ve become that individual who brings her own bundle of nuts and nourishment bars.

In the event that I don’t get ready and simply LEAN POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME DIET what is accessible, I end up snoozing off around 2-3 pm, experiencing difficulty centering and being fractious the remainder of the day (resuming the rankle). I’ve figured out how to turn out to be completely set up with my own food and am joyfully amazed if the food at my objective is PCOS-ensured.

Searching for a Fertility-Friendly Diet Plan?

Also, I’m irritating at eateries. For instance, I decrease the breadbasket before they in any event, carry it to the table (since I experience difficulty turning down warm rolls). What’s more, I don’t mind that I appear as “that individual” since I understand that it’s normally not worth the actual reaction that my body gives me when I eat inadequately.

You may think about what my charming shoes are: French fries.

Do I Resent PCOS?

Do I wish that I could eat what every other person is eating and not put on weight or add to the probability that I will get diabetes? H*ll yes! At the point when my school flat mates were scarfing down pizza and not acquiring a pound, I wished I had a voodoo doll of every one of them so I could stick pins in it and let them experience the distress that I was feeling.

In any case, this was the deck of cards I was managed. I’m pleased with how I took care of a life changing test and feel like I can deal with anything. I have figured out how to get signals from my body that reveal to me whether what I am doing is good for me versus bad.

pcos-quote2Recently, I went to my internist for a little while, and she needed to “tidy up” my clinical history, erasing the issues and ailments that I at this point don’t have. She needed to erase PCOS because  “plainly I am not experiencing it any longer.” Well, that is valid, I am not experiencing it, I’m living better as a result of it.

What’s more, I asked her not to erase it.

While LEAN POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME DIET me just at certain times, it will consistently be a piece of my life. In any case, I will be living with it, not weighted down on account of it. And I wear my “living with PCOS” as a symbol of honor, ideally motivating others to do likewise.

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thisislizheather · 5 years

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Navigating November

Yes, it’s insane that November is already over, but we’re all aware of that and it’s so boring to talk about time moving quickly so let’s not be boring, let’s be wicked. So much has happened this month, here’s a breakdown of what went on in my world this month:

The West Village restaurant Dante has forever been on my list of places to eat at, so I finally went and it was great. The pasta wasn’t as good as it is at L’Artusi, but that’s sort of an impossible demand. In any case, the food was good, the place is small & lovely, and the waiters are dreamboats.

I went to the movie theatre/bar/restaurant Syndicated in Brooklyn for the first time to see Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 11/9 and both the place and the movie were great. I mean the movie’s pretty depressing, but obviously good. And the ticket was $8, which is amazing in 2018.

I ate at this great Mexican place Ofrenda twice so far, the quesadillas are so fucking light and good. Only con about the place is that it can get wildly loud inside.

I finished watching The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and it was great and dark but I wish there were more scenes with Prudence & Nick since they’re such good characters. The mortals are so boring I could scream. Looking forward to the holiday special they’re airing in a few weeks.

Gary came to town! So we did a lot of new things while he was visiting. The best thing? The restaurant Le Relais De Venise L’Entrecôte. They only serve steak frites. With this incredible sauce. You sit down, order drinks, then they ask how you like your meat cooked and that’s it. They also come around halfway through the meal to offer you seconds… of both the meat AND the fries. It’s insanity. Honestly, I heard the premise of this place and thought that there’s no way the quality would be great, but I was dead wrong. Every bite was incredible. The place doesn’t look like much from the outside (it’s way too bright) and the service is a little… weird? But the food was amazing. And so reasonably priced. Definitely keeping this one in the rotation.

Finally ate at Parm in Soho for the first time - I had the eggplant (which was okay) and Gary had the chicken which was eons better. Get the chicken. The service was notably great too.

Tried the ice cream at Morgenstern’s and whooooa, it’s good. They’re not fucking around here. Love their weird flavours. French fry ice cream legit tastes like French fries. Eager to try the “bread” and “popcorn” flavours. And if you’re sitting there going, “How could any ice cream be bad, Liz? C’mon!” you’ve obviously never tried the terrible Van Leeuwan.

Went to the Nintendo store in Times Square, discovered that it’s one cute-ass store.

Went to the Top of the Rock for the first time, waaaaay better view up there than from the Empire State Building. Hands down. Plus you get a Central Park view that’s gorgeous as well as a city view.

Ate at Pil Pil on the Upper East Side: crazy good tapas. I always forget about tapas.

You already know how much I love Lady M cakes, so I tried their seasonal pumpkin nuage one and… meh! It’s nowhere as tasty as their banana chocolate slice.

Ate at Jacob’s Pickles on the Upper West Side finally and Jesus Christ the portion sizes here are laughably large. My brother got a poutine and maaaaaaan you gotta see this thing. And while everything tasted good, it’s just so wildly indulgent. And coming from a person who lives their life on the motto of “INDULGE, BITCH!” - this really means something. Probably not gonna make it back here a second time. It’s mayhem.

Finally watched Big Mouth after everyone on the planet told me to watch it and of course it’s good, you know this already, you don’t need me to tell you this. Jon Hamm as the voice of a scallop? Hilarious. Kristen Wiig as a vagina? Gimme more, I say! That goddam little ladybug? Best character. Flawless show. Maya Rudolph is my true queen and I hate anyone calling anyone their queen. (THERE’S ONE QUEEN GUYS AND SHE’S ENGLISH. SHOW SOME RESPECT.)

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Visited the annual holiday miniature train show inside Grand Central station and it’s as beautiful as always. But really I dare you to show me a miniature train show I don’t like. It’s kind of a joke that they call this a “train show” when it’s, like, shoved in the back corner of a gift shop. Still lovely, but just funny.

There’s a new flavour (pumpkin gingersnap) of banana pudding at Magnolia Bakery and it AIN’T GOOD. Stick to the hits, guys. Gotta stick to the hits.

Went to the MoMA and it was great, haven’t been in so long, love the fact that they incorporated some performance art!

Had lunch at Del Frisco’s since Gary was in a wagyu mood & oh yes it was good.

Went for happy hour at Clinton Hall, where the prices are amazing for what you’re getting (I mean, Pat LaFrieda sliders for $3 is fucking nuts).

My dear friend Sarah moved back to France and I shouldn’t be shocked when anyone leaves New York, but it always stings when it’s one of the good ones.

Finally got my hands on the Cauliflower Gnocchi from Trader Joe’s and holy fuck I now understand why it’s ALWAYS SOLD OUT. Tastes exactly like regular gnocchi. No idea how Trader Joe’s can make these remarkable tasting products, so I’ll just assume that some sort of deal with the devil has been made.

If you are ever on the Upper East Side around dinnertime craving ravioli, I promise you that the Mezzelune Alla Boscaiola at Uva will eternally please you in a way that no human can. It’s a half moon shaped ravioli filled with prosciutto and mozzarella served in a creamy wild mushroom sauce. And it will forever be my favourite thing to eat in that area.

Don’t ask me why but I watched both Princess Diaries movies and OF COURSE THEY’RE TERRIBLE I KNEW THAT BEFORE PRESSING PLAY WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME.

I also watched Four Christmases and initially it seemed like it could’ve been an actually okay movie but NOPE. I mean, there are worse movies, don’t get me wrong. At the beginning, I really liked the fact that the couple in it had super strong opinions about marriage and kids and oh man, it would’ve been great if the ending was just “and we were right all along!” instead of them having a kid at the end. Am I projecting my own shit on this movie? Yes! Sue me!

Watched Rumor Has It and I don’t know if I was either feeling tired or defeated or what, but I think I liked it at the moment. I mean, Kevin Costner has a nice smile. All that needs to be said.

Tried the eyeliner from Elf Cosmetics and BOOOOOOOOOOOO, never again! What a piece of garbage!

Once in awhile, the Rainbow Room hosts a seasonal pop up bar on the 65th floor of 30 Rock in Rockefeller Center sooooo Nathan and I went this week and it was so, so great. The menu always changes and the dishes are wildly inventive and from what we tried - crazy delicious. We only got a charcuterie plate but there was this pâté that was almost… unholy? It was incredible. It was an insanely rainy night, so the view wasn’t much because of the clouds but that’s really only one more reason for us to return. The service was perfect and it wasn’t even that expensive.

For the past year or so, whenever I’m having a day where my face feels rougher than normal, I’ve been using this Vitamin E cream from The Body Shop at night that’s been working like a dream. I mostly just use it on my cheeks (moreso in the wintertime) and I wake up and have perfect skin again. It says that it’s used as a face sleep mask, but I don’t think you need to use that much, this one jar has lasted me forever since I use so little of it at a time.

So there’s this pesto that I’m in love with that they serve on a panini I love at Bite in the city and the owner told me why this pesto is so great: they use walnuts instead of pine nuts to make it. So obviously this is the only way that I’ll make pesto from now on. It’s so crazy good, you could eat it with a spoon if you have lunatic tendencies like I do apparently? IT’S SO GOOD.

Are you aware that you can recycle your used/empty makeup containers at Origins? I’m sure you’re already aware of the program that MAC does, but for every other brand? I feel like this is probably the best option. They have a little box in each store, and it’s not exactly policy but if you go in to recycle something, you can show them that you’re recycling something and then ask for a sample of something and they’ll definitely give you a crazy-generously sized portion of a product that you want to try as a sample. I just did this and got a huuuuuuge sample of this eye brightener I’ve been wanting to use. Also! They’ll give you a code after you recycle that you can use online to earn Origins points on your account.

Nathan was on the Guys We Fucked podcast this week which I think is pretty huge and great, so you can listen to that if you like.

And that was November! If you’ve missed any of the other months I’ve done (and actually care to hear the intricate details of a stranger’s life), here’s a list of what’s been discovered over the past few months! Hellooooooo December!

October Occurrences

September Shenanigans

August Actions

July Jiffs

June Jaunts

May Musings

#this is liz heather #Liz Heather #Origins #MAC #Elf cosmetics #makeup #Guys We Fucked podcast #Big Mouth #Netflix

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