#:: ( i mean. who wouldn't want to kiss bex? )

[thetavolution]

I'm unclear if you meant you wanted asks for those couples of yours, but just in case:

14. Rings - What do their rings look like, if they choose to exchange any?

15. Vows and Unity Ceremonies - Does the couple exchange vows? Do they complete any kind of "unity" ceremony, like handfasting, planting a tree together, etc?

18. I Now Pronounce You... - Do your characters change their last names, keep their last names, arrange for a specific kind of name? For example, "Mr. and Mr. Dekarios" or "Lord and Lady Ravengard-Cliffgate"?

3. The First Look - Write about the moment when your married couple sees each other in their wedding outfits for the first time.

I'll think about answers for later. <333

Thank you for sending this! I'll be honest, I didn't really know how it worked haha. I just wanted to tag people who might want to do it. I have no idea what I'm doing.

I would have probably filled these out without asks because I'm just like that.

BG3 Wedding Season Tag Game

14. Rings - What do their rings look like, if they choose to exchange any?

Gale is definitely the easiest to figure out rings for, for both the Gale/Tessa and Gale/Vaira pairings. Ed Greenwood, the Forgotten Realms creator, explained Waterdeep wedding ring traditions:

"Each person about to be married takes their own ring to the same smith (in Waterdeep, many "storefronts" for gnomes and dwarves reach anvils in the Warrens) and are ("betrothal rings" are worn on middle fingers in the Realms) "sized."

Then both rings are cut in half, the non-matching halves fused together to create two half-and-half "union" rings, made (either by adding new material or by thinning the rings to stretch what's already there) to fit the respective middle fingers (resizing visits may be necessary).

These are worn to the ceremony on fine neck-chains by the partners-to-be, then exchanged, each puts the ring on the other, and at the end of the vows, the rings are clinked together to end the ceremony, so the kissing and feasting can start."

Wyll proposed with an acorn. He would eventually have a ring, but it's hard to top that acorn. I think he'd probably use his mother's ring. Both Lamia and Minty would happily accept that, too.

Lae'zel has no idea what you're talking about. She does not care about weddings. Laura, fortunately, doesn't care that much about tradition. A ring exchange would not be part of their ceremony.

Halsin wouldn't do rings either. He wouldn't even have a wedding. He'd have something wedding adjacent. Maybe this is a hot take, but while he is poly, I don't think he's as "we just roam and do whatever" as he claims. I'm sure he was in his younger years, but he's more prepared to settle down now. It doesn't mean he's less poly, just less "I roam around and if my partner takes off, that's how it is." He actually wants something more stable.

Exactly what the ceremony or tradition he partakes in would look different depending on his partner, so it'd be different for both Ingrid and Paloma. That said, he still wouldn't care for rings. It feels to close to claiming ownership for his liking.

Astarion would have jewelry from 200+ years ago that he would use for his rings. And the rings would be, I dare say, gaudy as hell. Lamia would also love something that flashy. Bex would just go with the flow and defer to what Astarion would want.

Barcus would make rings for his betrothed. They'd be rustic, yet heartfelt.

Rolan would overthink it so hard. He'd hunt for the perfect rings. Since Elyse was born a noble, he'd pressure himself to get the most expensive ring. He'd eventually realize that's not what she wants, but he'd still feel like a failure if he couldn't provide it. It'd take a lot of reassurance before he accepted the cost of the ring is the least important thing.

15. Vows and Unity Ceremonies - Does the couple exchange vows? Do they complete any kind of "unity" ceremony, like handfasting, planting a tree together, etc?

Gale's vows would be an hour long. Tessa would match him for time. Vaira, on the other hand, would be more succinct. Hilariously succinct. And it would sound so perfect to Gale.

Wyll would definitely exchange vows. Lamia would follow Wyll's lead for the most part. She'd be surprisingly sincere in her vows. In Minty's case, she'd want to add some more Kara-Tur traditions into the ceremony, which Wyll would love. I'd have to look into that to see if there's anything already out there on it, or what might have to be created.

Lae'zel would just challenge Laura to a fight and cry joyfully when Laura wins.

Halsin would alter what he does for his partner. I could see Ingrid and Halsin planting a tree together to watch it grow together. It'd be a gathering for their friends. With Paloma, it'd be such a small, intimate affair with vows. Halsin would 100% tear up during the ceremony.

Astarion would want a traditional elf wedding. I found this on Reddit:

"An elven marriage ceremony can take many forms. Though it is often a ritual celebrated before the entire community, it can consist simply of two elves speaking the words that bind them forever with no witnesses except the trees and the grass. Most elven weddings are officiated by a priest of whatever deity the couple deems appropriate (most often Hanali Celanil, but sometimes Corellion Larethian). The two elves write and speak their own vows, and the priest uses their own words to seal the union. Thus, an exchange of vows amounts to an exchange of life essence that forever bonds one to the other. Dowries are not usually exchanged unless the marriage is of considerable political import, though gifts to the newly wedded couple from the community are common."

Astarion seems like he'd be ostentatious in how he would write and perform the vows, but I think he'd just get emotional during the ceremony. He'd cut himself short and not even say half of what he meant to. He'd try to play it off and fail miserably.

Barcus would prefer to have something like a barn raising with an exchange of vows.

Rolan would follow Elyse's tradition of exchanging vows, but he'd also want to do handfasting.

18. I Now Pronounce You... - Do your characters change their last names, keep their last names, arrange for a specific kind of name? For example, "Mr. and Mr. Dekarios" or "Lord and Lady Ravengard-Cliffgate"?

Vaira doesn't have a surname since it's not really something gith do. She'd happily take Gale's especially since it'd help her fit in more in Waterdeep. They would become Mr. and Mrs. Dekarios. Gale would be so delighted. He doesn't need his partner to take his name, but the idea of the love his life taking his name would make his heart soar. I just think everything would make that man melt. If you don't take his name, he'd just be like "My love is so strongly independent" or something. It's win-win with him.

Tessa would want to keep her surname for social reasons. So it'd be more of a Mr. and Mrs. Dekarios-Chastain situation. Because Gale would probably feel the same about both their surnames. I told you, this man just loves his love.

Minty is proud of her family name, but also understands the importance of Wyll's. They'd become the Ravengard-Lam or Lam-Ravengard household. They're figuring it out. Their children would have both surnames.

Laura would keep her surname. Lae'zel has no interest in taking a surname, no matter how much she loves Laura. I also don't think they'd have a "I pronounce you..." moment in their wedding. They'd want something much more unique and fitting for their relationship.

Ingrid has no attachment to her surname. While I, personally, like her surname (I did give it to her after all), she associates it with her parents who she has a rough relationship with. She would happily take on Halsin's surname. He would just want her to do what makes her happy.

Astarion would want to have the same surname as his partner in my opinion. It wouldn't matter if his partner took his or if he took theirs. It would give him a sense of family and belonging. It's more about coming together as one family than the name itself.

Bex wouldn't care. They could go by either Ancunín or McQuoid and she'd be fine with it. It'd drive Astarion nuts that she'd make him decide which name they go by. (He'd pick Ancunín btw.) Lamia would most likely change her name to Ancunín. In the case of Paloma, she's not interested in changing her surname. Astarion would take hers.

Lamia would take her lover's name, be it Ancunín or Ravengard. She just does not care about her birth name. She's apathetic to it. For Astarion, it would give him that sense of family. If she's with Wyll, she will want to wield the power of the Ravengard name. Also she'd be so fucking smug about being an ex-con changeling who married a Ravengard. (Look, she does love him... but she's still petty.)

Viktor would keep his name. He would leave it up to his partner how they feel about their own name. Barcus would also keep his name. So they'd have to just be pronounced married lol.

Rolan... does he have a surname? He might take Elyse's just because she has one. Also Starling is a big deal name in Baldur's Gate and there's something juicy about a refugee tiefling getting to have it. Cal and Lia will make fun of him forever for it, too. But then they will also throw around the Starling name to get things as they should. They are Starlings by marriage now so suck it.

3. The First Look - Write about the moment when your married couple sees each other in their wedding outfits for the first time.

For now, I'm only going to do two.

Halsin and Paloma

Their outfits are simple yet elegant. They reflect nature in some way.

Halsin didn't expect Paloma's dress to affect him so profoundly. He had heard of how grooms and brides reacted upon seeing each other. He just assumed it wouldn't apply to him. He had agreed to do the commitment ceremony while never anticipating the rush of emotion that would come over him.

Seeing Paloma changed everything. She was surrounded by her children who he would also vow to care for. His family was waiting for him to join them before the Oak Father himself. It was overwhelming to say the least. He wept, happily. His tears set off Paloma's. She's also taken off-guard by how handsome he is, the man she hoped to grow old with. She'd been burned before by love and assumed her jaded heart wouldn't stir at the sight of him, and yet....

They would both be incredibly glad they had decided to do a commitment ceremony, and cherish the memory for the rest of their days.

Rolan ad Elyse

Rolan wouldn't even notice he was holding his breath. He'd be so blown away by his partner. Elyse would be able to make the most simple, inexpensive gown look like it was being worn by a queen. He'd be tongue-tied before he finally found his voice again.

Elyse would be anxious until she laid eyes on Rolan. All of her fears would melt away and it would feels as if it was just the two of them.

Cal and Lia would never let these two dorks live it down, but they'd cry the day of. Fortunately for them. Rolan is too distracted to even notice so he can't tease them back.

[countrymusiclover]

14 - Back to New Orleans

Part 15

Family is More than Blood

@secretdreamlandmentality

@icefrye19 - thanks for helping write this chapter

Slight mature content

Shutting the car door with my foot Klaus was carrying the twins inside the Mikaelson compound. The four older Mikaelson kids headed for the main entrance running until they got inside the doorway. Shrugging on my red leather jacket I put my hands in my pocket hearing a baby's crying from upstairs. "I'm assuming that must be Freya and Keelin’s  son up there." 

"I'm just relieved none of our kids were screamers like that one appears to be." Klaus pointed out sitting the baby carrier on the floor. "It's bloody irritating with vampire hearing." 

Someone began coming down the stairs where I saw some bright blonde hair bouncing around as the figure came closer to the two of us. “Nik, I’m utterly shocked that you didn’t make a grand entrance like you normally do whenever you enter a room.” 

“Hello to you too, little sister.” He smiled jokingly before he extended his arms open and they embraced one another. 

Rebekah smiled, embracing me in a hug afterwards. “There’s my favorite sister in law.” 

“Hi Bex. It’s good to see you. Is everyone scattered across the world now or did they come home for the weekend?” I asked the blonde, knowing that it had been two years basically since we had seen everyone after we defeated the Hollow’s magic for good and moved to Mystic Falls. 

The three heard someone coming down the hallway where I could see it was Elijah messing with the sleeve of his suit jacket coming down the stairs to greet us. "Elijah." I smiled as I walked towards him. Even at home, his ever-so-formal clothes never failed to amuse me.

“Raelyn, it's been too long," he said, his smile warm and inviting. He knelt down slightly and kissed my brow in a fraternal fashion. 

"It certainly has," I agreed wondering how he was handling everything after the incident with wanting to sacrifice his life to the Hollow to save our kids. "How have you been?"

"Busy, as always," he said, smoothing his suit jacket in his usual manner. "But the compound isn't the same without your raucous laughter and chaos."

I giggled, returning my gaze to Klaus, who was now attempting to soothe the twins. He was making amusing faces that would have horrified any other toddler. Rebekah spun me around so I was facing her when she made a disappointed face to her brother. “How could you not tell me that you were pregnant?” 

“The school has been keeping us rather busy with the chaos of monsters and everything. So that’s why we thought we should come home and introduce the little ones.” Shrugging my shoulders that she was holding onto I sent her a smile speaking the truth. 

"Speaking of chaos, I see Niklaus is handling fatherhood well," Elijah observed as he followed my gaze. 

"He's more of a natural than he admits," I said, beaming affectionately at the sight of my husband with our children. 

Elijah laughed seeing that the other four kids weren’t standing beside us anymore like they had been. "I get what you mean. And where are the others?"

“Running around here somewhere. “ I said. “They are so wild sometimes.” 

 “Like their parents," Elijah remarked. Another shriek came from above before we could finish talking. 

I sighed and said, "Well, I guess I should go and check on that. I swear, every time I hear a baby cry,  I feel like I've run a marathon."

Another round of laughter from Elijah reverberated throughout the big hall. "Go ahead; when you return, we'll be here. After all, a Mikaelson gathering wouldn't be complete without some drama, right?”

I concurred, moving swiftly in the direction of the stairs. "You're right about that," I said. The sounds of my family below filled the formerly silent compound with life and noise as I ascended. And it felt like home for the first time in a very long time.

Reaching the bedroom with the crying I saw Keelim holding the bay while Freya was trying to do some spell. More than likely to calm the crying infant. “Looks like you two could use some parenting.” 

As I was about to offer my assistance the compound's big oak doors flew wide with a loud thud. When I turned around to face the door, I noticed two recognizable people and a small smile formed on my face. “Davina and Kol, about time you guys show up.” I said, my voice echoing through the house.

Kol merely rolled his eyes while a wry smile played on his lips as Davina grinned and strolled with her brown hair in curls. "We wouldn't miss it for the world, Raelyn," Davina said, her eyes glistening at the sight of the twins. 

Kol, however, was more intrigued by how the mayhem was developing. "So this is how the Mikaelson family gets together.” He pulled Davina in by casually wrapping an arm around her.

 

I shook my head. “ Kol, you've been a member of this family for a time. By now, you ought to be accustomed to this.” Vamping towards the pair I hugged them both mirroring the smiles that they gave me. 

“So you all get together and I have to learn from a text from Rebekah. I feel a little left out, Rae.” Turning my head around over my shoulder I recognized the voice of Cami coming inside the compound. 

Freya followed me downstairs greeting the familiar vampire bartender. Hugging her I smiled before Klaus came walking over with the twins who were still laying down in the car seat. “Hi Cami. Now that everyone is here I think we should go into the living room so we can introduce the newest members of the family.” 

“Ohh I’m so excited.” Cami clasped her hands together loving babies. 

The entire family moved into one of the rooms with a large fireplace so Klaus and I were standing in front of it. Everybody else moved to sit down on the furniture watching us. Clasping my hands together in front of me I couldn’t help but grin. “So we all know I can get pregnant and that four kids should be more than enough to handle but…we have to add two more adorable ones to the family.” 

"First off this little princess is Rapunzel Swan Mikaelson …" Klaus picked up our baby girl and handed her to Cami. He then picked up our second boy. "And this little prince is Charming Robin Mikaelson." 

Rebekah rose to her feet taking the baby from her brother smiling. "He's so handsome." 

"Now little Nik won't have to grow up without some cousins his own age." Freya responded holding her now sleeping son in her arms. 

“Yes, our kids can be playmates now.” I said, smiling down at my nephew.

Klaus asked, putting his hands behind his back, curious. "So will he be a witch or werewolf since I know you had Vincent help create him." 

"Nik, don't ask like that." I warned him. 

He shrugs his shoulders. "What Rae?" 

"She just wants to not admit that she can't resist bedding our half brother." Kol teased with Davina glaring at him. 

“Well, brother in law, we don't know what species our son is yet.” Keelin answered. "Whatever species he is, we will be happy with it." 

Cami was still holding Rapunzel. "So what species do you suppose these cuties will be?" 

"Don't know yet. We'll have to ask a witch that can predict the future like Gloria." Shrugging my shoulders I mentioned the dead witch's name from Chicago. 

“Well, I bet these little children will be some powerful figures like you two are.” Rebekah said.

Nodding in agreement, baby Charming started clapping his hands and we all turned our heads seeing a blown out candle suddenly light into flames. “I guess we got our answer.” Freya smiled. "Another one I get to teach magic to."

Davina cleared her throat. “Don’t forget me.”

“And Davina as well.” I said pointing my index finger at her.

Keelin lifts her head. "Not to bring the mood down but has Henrik turned yet?" 

"Uh no…he hasn't activated his wolf or vampire side yet." I stuttered, reaching for my husband's hand. 

He clears his throat sensing I wouldn't be able to get it out. "Missy is struggling with her heretic abilities. Especially now since she is trying to have a human boyfriend from Mystic High…even though we have yet to meet the guy. Alina and Jackson are fine in their werewolf marriage." 

"Hold on, Nik. Melissa has a boyfriend and you haven't even met him yet. How is that possible?" Rebekah sent him a shocked expression. 

Klaus glared at his sister. “ I don't know, my daughter has been keeping things from me.”

I shook my head at him. “ My love, I'm sure she has an explanation for that.”

“She's dating a human.” He raised his tone a little telling me he was getting frustrated. “She snuck behind our backs and didn't tell us.” 

“Lay off my niece, brother.” Rebekah said. “She probably didn't tell you because she was worried about how you would react.” 

Kol pointed out something from his past. “Difference is you can’t dagger your children for disagreeing with you…thankfully you’ve improved from that.” 

“Kol, don’t give him any ideas,” Elijah warned his younger brother. 

The Hybrid shook his head grumbling something under his breath. “She shouldn’t be worried about how I will react…I let her sister marry a bayou werewolf.” 

“Hey if you guys need somdowntime. We can watch them for you. And I can assume that your other four kids are around here somewhere.” Cami suggested and everyone nodded before I watched my husband leave the room. 

Running after him I thanked my blonde bartender friend. “Thanks, Cami. Nik, wait up.” 

Vamping into our old bedroom inside the compound I dropped my arms at my sides eyeing my husband who was standing looking out on the city in front of the large room. “You want to tell me what that was to tell me what that was about out there? I thought we had an agreement on it.” 

Klaus turned around facing me. “ Drop it, Raelyn. I'm not in the mood to hear it.”

He walked past me about to walk out the room until I waved my hand locking the door. He turned his head glancing at me in disbelief. “Bloody hell, enough with the magic already!” 

“Why are you shutting me out?” I demanded, gazing at him sadly. 

“Again, I am not in the mood.” Klaus grumbled, walking past him heading outside on the balcony.

I followed after him, refusing to back down.  Are you serious, you're acting like a child now.” He shook his head not answering me, he jumped off the balcony vamp speed away much to my shock.

But he forgot that I was just as stubborn as he was so I did the same thing and followed his hybrid trail. Vamping through the window I followed his hybrid trail, vamp speed through the city until almost finding out somewhere  in the bayou. “What the hell is going on right now. Nik, this is ridiculous, stop acting like a child and just talk.”

“Because I don’t want her giving her heart to anyone, Raelyn. As much as I love Rebekah I don’t want any of my children to be hopeless romantics. Only to get their hearts broken over and over.” He finally blurted out flashing me his golden werewolf eyes. 

I gazed at him deeply, understanding his concern. “Darling, we can't stop her from loving someone.  I know you're scared that she'll get her hurt broken, but if she does we will be here to help through it.” 

“I’m more than just scared, Rae. It’s bloody awful not knowing what will happen. The only reason that Alina is with Jackson is because it got the wolves of the bayou on our side when we were at war. Otherwise she wouldn’t already be married to that bayou wolf!” He snaps back in my direction.

Slowly walking towards him I grabbed his shoulders making him look at me with tears in his baby blue eyes. “Nik, look at me. Please listen to me okay. This is what being a parent means. We can’t shield them from living life. Even though we’d both love to kill anyone who hurts them, we can’t do such a thing.” 

“Then what are we supposed to do if he breaks Missy’s heart?” He croaked through some more tears until I pulled him into a hug. 

“We do what parents do.” I said holding his face in my hands when we broke the embrace. “ Be there for her, helping her through it, that's all we can do.”

Klaus nodded agreeing with my words. “But, if he breaks our little princess' heart I'm going to rip his heart out his chest.”

I smiled amused at his words. “ Yes, I know. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.” Lopping my fingers through his hair softly. We vamped back to the compound where I sent him a smile seeing where his head was at. 

“So what do you want to do now that we have a few hours to ourselves hmm?” 

Klaus gazed at me with a devilish smile on his face, that was his crooked smile. “You.” 

I shook my head at his words. “Be serious.”

“Oh, I am my love.” He said, grabbing me by the waist. “ It's been too long since we've had a moment alone together regardless of us shortly having two new infants."

Rolling my eyes I was smiling the whole time. “Yes but the reason is because we couldn’t keep our hands off each other in Paris. Not that I’m saying I don’t enjoy it. I just-“ 

“Rae, love. Enjoy the moment and stop talking.” He cupped my face in his hands, cutting me off with a long fiery kiss. 

Pressing my lips up on his he smiled wrapping my arms and legs around him before he vamped us inside the bathroom shower before he finally broke the kiss briefly. “Take off your clothes.” He growled, letting me stand on my own two feet.

I looked up at him with a smirk while slowly unzipping my jeans and tugging them down my legs. I threw them to the side. I lifted my shirt off my head pulling it off me and throwing it to the side where my jeans lay. 

I stood there wearing nothing but my bra and underwear, tilting my head to the side. I gazed at my husband deeply. “I am in need of some assistance, darling. Would you mind helping me?" 

Klaus’s eyes began to darken. He grabbed me by the waist and all but tore off my bra, ripping off my underwear. I let out a gasp at his actions. “Nik, I love that set.”

“I'll buy you more.” The hybrid said, undressing in front of me. He ripped off his clothes within seconds before capturing his lips down upon mine.

I leaned back into the kiss wrapping my arms around his neck.  We stumbled into the shower, he backed me into the shower wall hard.  “ I want you so bad, my love.”

I grinned up at him. “ Then, kiss me.”

He crashed his lips down upon mine in a second where one of his hands accidentally turned on the water soaking the both of us yet we didn't care. "We didn't burn any sage, Rae." He pointed out holding my hips, praying the other supernatural creatures didn't hear us

"Maybe they'll be smart and leave the compound with kids and the babies because we're doing this now." Resting my hands on his shoulders I smirked devilishly drawing his lips back down onto mine. 

Our lips locked in a passionate kiss, our bodies melting together as hot water poured down on them. Klaus's hands moved up and down my body, causing me to moan into his mouth. He shifted me against the icy shower tiles, his body pressing closely against mine against the wall. His lips proceeded down to her neck, sucking and biting the skin, causing her to moan.

"I love the sounds you make, love," Klaus hissed, his teeth scraping her pulse. "I've missed this, and I've missed you."

I chuckled breathlessly, my hands tracing the muscles on his back that I knew so well. "Klaus!...ohh…I love you." My fingers threading themselves into his wet dirty blonde locks tugging on them causing him to moan in response. 

He couldn't stop looking at her, his hands greedily probing her body, his mouth never leaving her flesh. The water provided a wonderful distraction, providing comfort against the cold tiles. Klaus lifted her onto him with his hands on her hips.

Our  bodies moved in the familiar pattern, only  moans and gasping filled the room. Klaus pressed his face against my neck, his breath warm across her skin. He could feel her pulse pounding beneath his lips, her heartbeat matching his.

The world outside the shower had vanished, leaving only their bodies and the water. They moved together, their bodies searching for that familiar feeling.

"Rae," he growled, his voice hoarse with desire. He pressed his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling, their bodies moving together. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Nik," I  replied, my  voice barely a whisper. I kissed him passionately, our  bodies moving together, the water a comforting presence.

We remained in that position as the water washed over them and their bodies continued to move in time to the beat of their love. Outside of the shower, nothing mattered. They were the only two individuals in that moment and it was utterly perfect.

[thewannabewriter]

🚨LONG(ish) POST ALERT🚨

First of all.

I did not expect to cry today. So congratulations on that 🥺😢😅 I don't know who my heart breaks for more, Bex or Mouse. I mean, Bex at least has all her friends gathered round her for support. And can I just say i loved getting to see more of the group dynamic, i kind of missed those bastards (completely forgot about the group name they gave themselves🤣) and their group chat bit was hilarious. But, anyway, Bex has no idea the real reason behind Mouse saying no and after finally getting the courage to ask, after all we've learnt about AJ, I'm just glad that she and Emery are able to be not okay together.

Not to mention that through all the heartbreak, she's still thinking about making sure Mouse is okay, which just shows how big a heart she has. Including how true it is that once you're part of the Hermann circle, you're stuck. Although I will admit that had hoped Bex found out about the bet at a happier time, not having just been "rejected"(putting in quotes because we all know that if Mouse hadn't spoken to Jay he would have said yes, because that's how he really feels) but good on Bex for threatening to withhold cookies. She knows her family, and how they definitely would go after Mouse if needed (even though he's family) for hurting her, but that the only way to stop them would be to go right for the jugular - no cookies 🍪 - they wouldn't know how to survive and would definitely be freaking out at that threat!

And Mouse. Poor Mouse. He was finally ready to confess his feelings, only to have his best friend tell him it would be a mistake. And then, just when he's starting to get a handle on pushing his feelings away, the person who is everything he wanted admits that she feels the same way. But he has to break her heart. Or at least that's what he thinks he has to do to avoid losing anyone should anything go wrong. No wonder he looks so bad when Jay goes to check on him, he's just had to hurt one the people he cares about the most, only for her to then turn around and comfort him. And send someone to check on him. Except, unknown to her, that person is also the one who convinced him that them being together would be a mistake. Which must have hurt just as much, seeing Jay after having to say no to Bex. Poor Mouse 🥺

At least Jay is starting to realise that he may have fucked up. Can't wait to see how that all plays out. I still really want to see someone hit him upside the head for that...okay so maybe I'm still feeling a 'lil violent towards him, especially after this chapter.

On to more positive notes. WILL AND CONNOR HAD THEIR DATE!!! And I loved all of it. From Will getting ready and texting clothes options to Bex, to Connor being too excited to wait in his apartment and then to the KISS at the end. Oh my 🥵 they were definitely feeling it after that. We love seeing Will happy. And then he came home and just wanted to spill everything to his sister, only having to settle for gushing to Kol (does it count as 'settling' if it's to Kol? I mean, Kol can't give a verbal response, but the cuddles and wiggles would be just as good right?). Also, I loved the "language" call back to the previous chapter, that was brilliant. And the wiggly ball of snuggles (I'm never going to get over that description 🙂) really should learn to watch his language 🤣

Overall, this was just an amazing update. It took me through all the emotions, though I can't wait for the below not to be one.

But that won't be until Bouse are happily together. And I can wait until that happens, because I know when it does you'll do it justice ❤️ Anyway, as I was saying, brilliant as always 👏👏🙌🙌

Wingman? Wingwoman? Wingperson. (Chapter Four)

Summary: This is Part Sixteen of my series A Herrmann/Halstead Production. It is an AU where Christopher Herrmann's mom had an affair with Pat Halstead resulting in a baby. The series follows this OC character (Rebecca "Bex" Herrmann) as she grows up and gets to know her brothers and the various Chicago teams. It is very much an AU, just to underscore that. It doesn't follow the same timeline and characters will follow different paths.

Click here for the Series Rundown where you can find the links to read all of the previous installments (which I highly recommend you do so that this one makes sense.)

Rating: Teen and Up

Relationships: Christopher Herrmann & Original Female Character, Jay Halstead & Original Female Character, Will Halstead & Original Female Character, Jay Halstead & Will Halstead, pre-Greg 'Mouse' Gerwitz/Original Female Character, Will Halstead/Connor Rhodes, Assorted OC Couples

Warnings: Referenced Domestic Violence and Threatening Behaviour (these are warning tags for a brief scenes with Ty), Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Rejection, Self-Sabotage, Swearing, and I'm adding Emotional Whump because writing this one hurt me, but also on the flip side - Connor and Will still being too freaking cute to handle.

A/N: To underscore my previous note, this is an alternate universe so things have unfolded differently. This will not follow the canon arc exactly by any means. But I hope you'll still enjoy it!

Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Bex

Will called them back in the middle of the afternoon and it was pretty much the best phone call Bex had ever received. Top five for sure.

Her brother was giddy and the two of them were just as bad, drawing stares as they did a happy dance in the middle of the sidewalk. He couldn’t talk long since he had to go back to work, but promised to tell them the whole story later that night.

After his date.

“You’re next, Bex! You got this!” Will’s whispered cheers echoed out of the speaker phone. “I’ve got to get back to work, but I believe in you! Love you, bye!”

He disconnected before she could respond, leaving her standing there holding the phone and giggling as soon as she made eye contact with Emery.

“I would love to be a fly on the wall there for the rest of the day,” Bex said, still chuckling. “He is so spun.”

“That’s going to be you soon enough!” Emery knocked shoulders with her. “Got a game plan yet?”

“Still a work in progress,” Bex mumbled and Emery shook her head.

“Take your own advice, Bexie Babe,” she said. “And breathe.” She linked arms with Bex as they headed back toward the car. “What else was it you said to Will? You’ve already got something great and this is just taking a step toward something even better.”

It had certainly worked out for Will.

“Speak from the heart,” Emery continued. “You’re good at that.”

Breathe and speak from the heart. That seemed straightforward enough. “Okay, yeah,” Bex said, taking a shaky breath. “I’ve got this.”

“Say it again with confidence,” Emery demanded.

“I’ve got this,” Bex yelled.

“Yeah, you do!”

They high-fived and climbed into the Tin Can 2.0 to finish off the rest of their errands. High on Will’s success, they managed to zip through the remainder of the list and soon enough, Bex was dropping Emery off at Kira and Malia’s.

She waited until Emery was safely inside before getting ready to pull out of the parking and just as she was about to leave, her phone went off with a series of dings.

Picking it up, she swiped the screen to see a bunch of messages from Emery.

Pep talk texts before you go! Breathe! Be brave! Remember – horrible, horrible honesty.

And the last one was a bunch of emojis: lips, heart hands, and—

“Seriously?” Bex laughed as she dumped her phone back in the cup holder, ignoring the string of eggplant finishing off the message. Mission accomplished in any case.

A game plan was starting to form…

She felt lighter.

She felt ready.

Well, she needed to grab one more thing and then, she’d be ready.

***

Adam

As far as work days in Intelligence went, this one was actually kinda boring? With a break between cases, Voight had declared it paperwork day which sucked, but at least Adam was all caught up now.

Unlike Halstead, Atwater, and Upton who were still upstairs typing away. Dawson and Olinsky had ducked out awhile ago—no idea how they’d managed to be so fast.

Al typed with two fingers.

Kim was finished too so they’d made plans to meet up for pizza and a beer. He jogged down the front steps of the precinct, whistling to himself and feeling pretty pleased with—

“Adam.”

“GAH!” He flailed away, nearly falling off the last step when Bex popped up out of nowhere.

Where the hell had she come from?

“You’re awfully jumpy,” she said mildly, leaning up against the railing with a tray holding two iced drinks in her hands.

“What are you doing here?” He looked around, trying to keep one eye on her and the other scouting for traps. “If you’re looking for Jay, you’ll be waiting awhile.”

“I’m here to attend to…other business.” She maintained eye contact with him while picking up one of the drinks to take a slow sip.

Other business. Like…revenge business.

“Right. Cool,” Adam said, keeping a careful distance away from Bex as he navigated around her on the sidewalk. “I’ve gotta go, but I’ll see you around.” He kept her in his sights, walking backwards toward the parking lot.

“Not if I see you first,” she called out.

Yeah.

He was inspecting every inch of his car before he got in it today.

***

Bex

That was fun.

She watched Adam scuttle off with a smirk.

“Bold move terrorizing folks outside of a police station,” a familiar voice said.

She spun around to see Mouse standing on the steps behind her, mouth quirked in a crooked little grin.

“They all know it’s justified,” she said, waving a hand at the precinct in general.

Mouse chuckled for a moment until his gaze met hers. All the good humour slowly faded away and tendrils of doubt started to creep into Bex’s mind.

He cleared his throat and adjusted his bag on his shoulder. “So, uh, you looking—you looking for Jay?” He jerked a nod back at the door. “I think he’s gonna be an hour or so still.”

“Actually, I came here to see you,” she said and his gaze snapped back to her.

“Me?” He looked like a deer in headlights and Bex wished she could hear what he was thinking because this one-eighty in his behaviour lately was giving her whiplash.

***

Mouse

Mouse couldn’t breathe.

He’d been trying so hard to keep his distance—to take some time so he could be around Bex and not want…fucking everything.

But now here she was. Standing there looking beautiful with a smile of pure sunshine and she was here for him.

And he couldn’t.

Breathe.

How was he supposed to do this?

“I got you one of those iced caramel monstrosities you like,” she said with a teasing grin, holding out a cup with a familiar logo. His favourite coffee shop from three streets over.

He unclenched a hand from the strap of his bag and reached out to accept it with a jerk. “Thank you,” he managed to say.

“Soooo…” Bex tossed the tray in the trash and rocked back on her heels, taking a small sip of her drink. “You busy right now?”

Say yes and walk away.

Say yes.

Walk.

Away.

“Well, I’ve got this monstrosity to work my way through now,” he said instead, clearly not in control of his own mouth anymore.

“What do you think about taking a walk with me while you do that?” Bex asked, fingers clenching on her cup as she bit at her lip.

If he was a better man… a stronger man…he would say no. Mouse could see where this was headed from a mile away. It had been building for weeks. Months really.

There was never any real possibility of hiding from it. Distance was never going to stop it.

Inevitability made him a weak man. He needed to live in this fantasy for a few moments longer and pretend that this was his life. That he and Bex were taking this step toward something more.

Something great.

Instead of a mistake.

He wanted a few more minutes to pretend he could have this because when it ended how he knew it was going to end…the fantasy would be all he had left.

Mouse wanted to hold onto as many scraps as he could.

“Yeah,” he murmured, hating himself for giving in to this desperate need. “I could go for a walk.”

***

Bex

Bex and Mouse walked down the sidewalk together, bumping arms occasionally as they drifted into each other’s space. He filled her in on the boring day of paperwork they’d had and she told him about Emery’s progress.

Easy chit-chat that barely masked the humming tension between them.

She was doing this. Bex could hardly believe it, but she was doing this. The first part of the plan—get Mouse’s attention with a tasty beverage—has been successfully navigated and now she just had to make it through step two.

Set the stage.

There was a little garden park a block south of the precinct. Erin had actually introduced her to it one time when they met up for coffee. It was fairly quiet, nicely shaded, and had the added benefit of being relatively neutral ground that she and Mouse could both escape from if things went seriously south.

Plus a nice little bench they could make out on if things went seriously well.

…way to get ahead of yourself, Bex.

She deftly steered them into the park and made a beeline for the bench, patting the spot beside her for Mouse to take a seat.

He veered left instead, taking a spin around to look at the flowers.

Okay.

That was fine. She could pour her heart out while standing just as easily.

Well, not easily either way, but whatever.

Bex left her drink on the bench and wandered over to Mouse’s side. He was staring hard at a bed of daylilies, jaw clenched.  

He looked stressed.

…maybe this wasn’t the right moment.

But what if there was never a right moment? There was always something going on and finding a perfect time was probably never going to happen.

And if he was freaking out about them getting closer, then there was never going to be a moment unless she took the initiative.

So.

Time to leap.

“Mouse,” she said quietly, but still managing to startle him. “Sorry. Um, I came looking for you today because there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

His forehead furrowed into a deep frown. “Bex—”

“Just let me get this out, okay?” She said in a rush, holding up a hand to ward off whatever he was going to say. She’d come too far to stop now.

“We’ve known each other for…a long time now,” Bex said with a little laugh and he smiled back at her faintly. “You’re one of my best friends, but I feel like lately, we’ve been getting even closer and it feels like we’re moving toward something—something more than friends.”

Oh, god, could she be any more awkward?

Focus, Bex.

“What I’m trying to say is that I would like that. And I’ve been getting the feeling that you would too,” she said, voice going up in a questioning note. “So, would you like to go on a date? With me?”

Bex held her breathe as all her hope and fear and excitement swirled in one terrified vortex.

Mouse’s eyes went wide. “Bex, no—”

Her brain stuttered to a halt and the vortex stopped.

Everything was silent.

Then that crack, the one deep inside that had been patched up so crudely, split and opened its jagged maw.

She—

She’d done it again.

What the hell was wrong with her?

To think that Mouse could lo—that he might—

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I think I misjudged what was happening here and—oh, gosh. I’m so sorry, Mouse, please forget I said anything, okay?”

“No, Bex, no—” He grabbed at her arm to stop her very necessary retreat and she couldn’t look him in the eye because she was two seconds away from losing it.

“Not no no,” he said and what did that mean? Did he not know any other words right now?

“I’m trying.”

Oh. She’d said that out loud.

“Bex, please look at me,” Mouse said and it was the desperate note in his voice that had her looking up. “Not no, I don’t want to, but no, I can’t. We can’t.”

“What do you mean, we can’t?” Bex halted her escape attempts and now Mouse wouldn’t meet her gaze. “I need a little bit more here, Mouse, because I’m so confused.”

“You didn’t misjudge anything,” he said softly. “There was something there.”

…was.

“I thought about being with you. Wanted that so much.”

She reached out to lay a gentle hand on top of his. “Me too,” she said. “Don’t you think it’s worth trying?”

Mouse shook his head in a rough jerk. “It would be a mistake,” he said flatly, stepping back.

“Or it could be amazing,” Bex said. “And honestly, I’d put better odds on that outcome.”

“No, it would never work—”

“I think you could give us both a little more credit.” Frustration was starting to edge out the shock now.

“It wouldn’t be you,” Mouse said, looking out at the garden with a thousand-yard stare. “I would mess it up, Bex. There are things you don’t know about me—”

“But I want to know—”

“I could never be who you need me to be.” He tapped a fist against the centre of his chest. “I can’t give—there���s no way it wouldn’t end in disaster, Bex and then—I’d lose you.”

She didn’t know what to say. How to break through this horrible imaginary scenario he’d spun for himself. “Mouse, no—”

“I’d lose you,” he said, firm now in his conviction. “And I’d lose Jay and I can’t do that, Bex. You and Jay are the most important people—you’re my family.”

Mouse moved back into her space suddenly, gripping her hands in his. “I can’t risk it. Do you—please understand, Bex,” he said, voice breaking. “Losing you and Jay would be it for me. I couldn’t survive that. I can’t—it would—”

“Okay.” Bex fought to keep her voice level as the reality of things finally settled in. “It’s okay, Mouse. I understand.”

There would be no convincing Mouse that his fears were unfounded.

She couldn’t say with one hundred percent certainty that they weren’t because no one could predict the future—although Mouse seemed to think he could—and maybe they would end in disaster.

She’d rather try and see how it went then never try at all, but it took two of them to make that decision. Bex liked to think that their friendship could survive a break-up, but maybe that was her being naïve.

Maybe Mouse was saving them from a broken future, but that thought didn’t do anything to fix the widening crack of pain and grief spreading through her.

They were trading possible, imaginary future heartache for very real heartache right now.

How was this better?

Bex dug deep and forced a small smile on her face. Mouse looked like he was careening toward a panic attack and she knew how hard it must have been for him to get all of that out.

The last thing she ever wanted was for him to lose his family.

For them to lose each other.

For them both to fall apart.

At least she had more people to help her pick herself back up.

Mouse had Jay.

And he had her.

She could suck it up and hold them both together for now.

“You are never going to lose us, Mouse,” she said, squeezing his hands back. “You’re my family too and I don’t know if you’ve noticed this about us Herrmanns, but once we latch on to you, you’re stuck with us for life.”

They both chuckled a little wetly at that.

“We will always be friends,” she said. “We will always be family. Nothing could ever happen to make us lose each other.” She shifted their hands into a pinky swear. “I promise.”

He stared down at their joined fingers as she shook them. “I’m so sorry, Bex,” he began.

“Shut up.” She released his hands and pulled Mouse into a hug. He held stiff for a moment before putting his arms around her and holding tight. “Believe that we’re going to be okay,” she said. “That’s all I want from you.”

“Okay,” he whispered into her hair.

She’d try to believe it too.

They had to be.

***

Mouse

Bex left shortly after that, saying she had to pick up Emery.

Mouse stayed in the little park, sitting on the bench and peeling at the edges of the label on his cup thinking that if he waited long enough…the ache in his chest would go away.

That the knowledge he’d done the right thing would kick in and he wouldn’t feel like he’d gone ahead and destroyed everything that mattered the most to him anyway.

But deep down, he knew.

He knew—

This wasn’t how doing the right thing was supposed to feel.

***

Bex

Bex sat in her car outside of Kira and Malia’s building.

She’d somehow found her way back to the Tin Can and driven all the way there without noticing and that was definitely not good. She was lucky she didn’t get into an accident.

The sun was beating down on the windshield making it rapidly more uncomfortable in her sweat-sticky seat, but she couldn’t move yet.

Not when moving meant facing people and facing people meant telling them—

She couldn’t move yet.

Her phone buzzed and she fished it out of the cupholder to check the message.

Will.

Checking in to see how it went.

Oh, god, she couldn’t tell him. He’d totally cancel his date with Connor and he was so excited for it. She didn’t want to be the one to ruin that.

She’d had her fill of ruining things today.

BEX: I chickened out.

A laugh slipped out at the keyboard smash he texted back. Another rapid fire set of texts followed it.

WILL: We’ll work on your game plan. WILL: It’ll be GREAT!!! You’ll see!

BEX: Sounds like a plan. Have fun on your date. Emery and I will be at Kira and Malia’s so you’ve go the apartment to yourself. 😉

WILL: a;lsdfa;ds

BEX: How red is your face right now?

WILL: STOP WILL: IT’S OUR FIRST DATE

BEX: I’m just saying…

WILL: 😩😩😩 WILL: We’re taking it slow, okay? WILL: I don’t want to mess this up.

A lot of that going around.

BEX: Sorry, I’ll stop teasing. It’s going to be great. You guys are perfect for each other. BEX: Have fun, okay? I can’t wait to hear all about it.

WILL: See you tomorrow

Yeah. She definitely was going to hold off telling him the truth for a few days. He deserved to have this time right now.

They could deal with her disaster later.

Bex took a deep, bracing breath and headed up to Kira and Malia’s apartment.

You’re okay.

You can talk about this.

You’re fine.

She knocked on the door and Kira answered immediately, Malia and Emery peering over her shoulder from behind.

Kira took one look at her face and reached out to pull her inside. “Oh, sweetie.”

Bex bursts into tears

***

Actual and Honorary Bastards Group Chat

MALIA: 911 MALIA: everyone come here now

ISAAC: WHAT’S WRONG?

SAM: do you need actual 911? We’ve talked about this, Malia

FAITH: Use your words

MALIA: Mouse said no.

DEVON: ON OUR WAY

BEN: We’re getting in the car

MALIA: wait

SAM: ????

MALIA: bring snacks MALIA: and alcohol MALIA: a lot.

***

Isaac

Their crew was assembled at Kira and Malia’s within twenty minutes.

He wasn’t quite sure what kind of scene they’d be walking into—everyone remembered AJ—but Bex seemed remarkably composed.

That was actually more disconcerting if he was honest.

She was teary as she gave them the run-down of her conversation with Mouse, but every time her voice started to break or she got choked up, she stopped and tamped it all down before continuing.

A quick glance around at his friends told him they were growing just as concerned.

“I’m so sorry, Bex,” Emery said, reaching over from her spot beside her on the couch to rub her back. “You must be crushed.”

“It’s not like we were even dating,” Bex said, looking down as she knitted her fingers together in her lap.

“That doesn’t make what you feel any less real,” Faith said softly. “It didn’t have to be official for there to be a real relationship there.”

Bex nodded, swallowing hard. “I just—I feel like I should have realized that’s why he wasn’t making a move, you know? And now I’ve pushed it and freaked him out and what if it’s all ruined anyway? I shouldn’t have said anything—”

“Bex, stop.” Isaac made his way over to the couch and wiggled his way in between her and Kira. “Anyone who saw the two of you together could tell there’s something special there and you’re not a mind reader, okay? Don’t beat yourself up for putting yourself out there.”

“I’m worried he’s going to pull away even more now—”

“You don’t let people get lost, Bex,” Emery said with a gentle smile. “Not for long and never forever. Mouse is in the Herrmann orbit for good and he’ll figure that out soon enough.”

“Okay. Yeah, I guess we just…see how it goes.” Bex sniffed and rubbed at her face before glancing around the room. “Please tell me there’s junk food in those bags you hauled in.”

“So much!” Devon hopped up and started rifling through them. He tossed Bex a bag of salt and vinegar chips first. “We’ve got you covered, girl.”

Isaac used the food distraction as a chance to slip away. His phone had been buzzing non-stop with people wanting to hear how it went.

Wanting to hear the good news that didn’t exist.

As far they knew, it was a sure thing so what was the harm in a few—many—playful check-ins.

They had Bex safely squared away, but he had no idea where Mouse was and he didn’t want to risk anyone making a playful comment to his face.

The guy had made a mistake, but he had to be hurting just as much as Bex right now.

Taking a deep breath, Isaac unlocked his phone and opened up the message thread that had been hopping all day.

He said no. Still getting the details. Best if everyone just forgets about this for now.

Two seconds of silence and then…

The Bouse group chat erupted.

***

Bex

Isaac’s phone was going crazy. He’d muted it, but she could see him peeking at it every once in awhile and a flood of notifications flashing across his screen every time.

“Okay, what is going on?” she finally asked, not able to take it anymore.

Whatever it was, maybe it would be a good distraction.

“Hm?” He quickly flipped his phone face down again, not looking at her. “Oh, nothing. Sorry. Work stuff.”

Right.

“Isaac,” she said and he hummed, still not looking her way.

Her friend was wonderful at so many things, but lying to people’s faces was not one of them.

“Isaac, look me in the eye and tell me that’s work stuff.”

He looked her in the side of her nose as he picked up his phone and started to get up off the couch. “It’s work—oof!”

Bex leapt across Emery to snatch the phone out of his hands. “You forget I know your unlock code,” she said.

“No, Bex!” He tried to grab it back, but she already had it open and more notifications were flashing across the screen. “I’m so sorry,” he said, flopping back on the couch. “I—”

“Is this?” She swiped through the messages. “There was a bet going on me and Mouse?” She looked up to see a room full of regretful nods and Emery rolling her eyes.

“For the record, I was not involved,” she said. “I haven’t even been here.”

“Who is?”

“Pretty much all of Fifty-One and a good chunk of the precinct and Med,” Sam admitted. “Not Chris and Cindy or Jay and Will. Or Connor actually.”

“Are you mad?” Isaac asked in a small voice. “We didn’t mean for it to get this big.”

Bex sighed. She wanted to be, but she didn’t have the energy. And honestly, she wasn’t even surprised. Fifty-One had been betting on everything for as long as she’d known them. And she knew how easily their shenanigans spiralled out of control. They couldn't help themselves.

Part of her wished they’d managed to curb those impulses for this particular situation though. She didn’t need it to get any messier than it already was.

“I’m not mad.” She waved the phone at him. “I’m more concerned about these reactions because you know how my family is. I don’t want anyone saying anything to Mouse.”

Well-meaning or not, it would make things ten times worse. None of them could possibly understand all of the layers at work. They’d just see her hurting and want to take action.

“I’m gonna—” She motioned toward the screen of Isaac’s phone.

“Oh, for sure,” he said. “Go ahead. It’ll be better coming from you I think anyway. More effective.”

Oh, she could do effective.

Bex opened the group chat and started a voice message.

“Hello family and friends. This is Bex. Yes, I know about the bet. I hope you all lost money. By now you’ve heard that ‘Bouse’—who thought of that by the way? Never mind. Not important. Bouse isn’t happening and the most important thing to know here is that it’s no one’s fault. It is what it is, okay? Under no circumstances is anyone to say anything to Mouse. Not one word. If you do, I will know and I will make your life a living hell. And on top of that, I will never make any of you cookies every again. Think about that. If one of you steps over the line, no one gets cookies. Forever. So please just…try and be cool, okay? Love you. Bye.”

She closed the chat and tossed the phone over to Isaac before leaning against Emery with her eyes closed. Everyone was quiet for a minute. Emery stroked her hair.

“Chief Boden is backing you up in the chat and telling everyone to behave,” Isaac reported and Bex sat straight up.

“Uncle Bo was in the chat? God, you really did get everyone.” Bex shook her head. “Okay, no, we’re officially done with that little side quest. It’s too much. Food and drink and snuggles, now, please.”

Her friends leapt into action and she let them do all of the fussing. She was going to let herself be a mindless slug for the next few hours.

Except—

She should do one last thing.

Bex picked up her own phone and sent a quick text to Jay.

Would you mind going to check on Mouse? No questions asked, please. Just do me a favour and check?

He immediately asked a bunch of questions, but when she didn’t respond just wrote “Okay.”

There.

Now Mouse had someone too.

*** Shay

She stared down at her phone. “Don’t say it,” she said, holding up a finger to Julie, knowing she was giving her a look without even having to check. “I know, okay? I know.”

“I wasn’t going to say I told you so.” Julie cuddled up beside her on the couch, hooking her chin onto Shay’s shoulder as she checked out the rapid fire messages being exchanged in the group chat. “I was going to ask if anyone has actually talked to Bex. Do we know how she is? How she really is?”

Shay shook her head. Isaac had been light on details, but she could read between the lines. Plus, Bex sounded awful in the voice memo she’d left in the chat.

They needed to start organizing. Figure out ways to support Bex.

If there was one thing she knew about heartbreak—hard won through her years and years of experience with it—

It always got worse before it got better.

***

Jay

He made his way over to Mouse’s place in record time.

Bex had sent him that cryptic freaking message and then refused to respond to him so he had no idea what he was walking into.

A prickle of fear crawled up the back of his throat as he thought about past situations he’d walked into with Mouse. Things he thought his friend would never come back from.

“Mouse!” Jay banged on the door. “You in there? Open up!”

He kept on banging until the door finally opened.

Mouse stood there, looking like shit and blocking his way in. “What’s up, Jay? You’re gonna get me kicked out of the building if you keep yelling like that.”

“What’s up?” Jay tried to move forward, but Mouse wasn’t budging. “You tell me what’s up? Bex sent me a text asking me to check up on you—”

Mouse’s face did something complicated at that before settling back into a blank stare.

What the fuck was going on?

“Why is she worried about you? What happened?”

“She’s probably just worried because I’m doing what you said.” Mouse focused on a spot on Jay’s shoulder as he talked, voice slow and flat. “Pulling back a bit. Keeping my distance.”

That wasn’t—no, Mouse had got it twisted somehow.

“I didn’t mean don’t hang out with her,” Jay said. “I want us all to hang out like we always do. I just meant it was a bad idea to date.” He started to dig his phone out of his pocket. “Look, I’ll text her and we can have a movie night or something and get some pizza—”

“Jay.”

His tone stopped Jay mid-screen swipe. Jay looked up to see Mouse watching him with a pain in his eyes that he hadn’t seen there for awhile now.

“You’re not getting it, man,” he said. “If I can’t—you said it would be a mistake, right? And I get that. I do. So, I’m trying to walk it back, but it’s—it’s hard.” Mouse’s hand gripped at the door as he took a breath. “…I just need a bit of space.”

“Mouse—”

The door was shut and Mouse was gone before he could finish his sentence.

“Shit,” Jay whispered to himself as a voice in the back of his head started rumbling that he may have seriously fucked up.

***

Will

Will had been counting down the minutes until his shift was over, racing home as soon as he was free. He fed Kol, took him out for a walk, and then hopped into the shower.

Then he stared at his closet and really wished Bex was home.

He settled for sending her pictures of his outfit options until she and her friends helped him narrow it down to the perfect one.

Will felt like a teenager getting ready for his first date. It was a little bit ridiculous.

But fun?

He decided not to examine it too hard.

One final check on his hair and he was out the door to pick up his date.

Connor was waiting for him at the door of his building, but Will managed to get out to open the car door before he made it there. “I would have come up to your apartment,” he said. “Knocked on your door for the whole nine yards.”

“Okay, don’t laugh,” Connor said, pointing at warning finger at him. “ButIgottooexcited.”

“What?” Will laughed, hearing enough of that mumbled mess to get an idea of what he said.

“I got too excited to wait upstairs and decide to come down to wait for you here,” Connor said, rolling his eyes. “Happy now?”

“Yes, actually,” Will grinned at him as he got in the car. “Very.”

They had dinner at one of Will’s favourite restaurants—an Italian place that was more hearty, than fancy. They stopped at a bar afterwards—not Molly’s because neither of them was interested in that level of scrutiny on a first date—for some after dinner beers and a few rounds of darts.

Will kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and for things to take some kind of turn, but it was…

Amazing.

Conversation flowed easily between them with lots of laughter. They stuck to fun and interesting things. Kept it light. They’d had plenty of heart to hearts already so there was an unspoken agreement to lean into the levity of a first date.

And then there was the flirting.

Apparently Connor had been holding back before because Will was overwhelmed in the best way possible. Although he liked to think he was giving as good as he got if Connor’s heated glances were anything to go by.

They stayed out until midnight. Hours later than they should have considering the day they’d both worked, but neither of them had been ready to say goodnight too soon.

Will took Connor back home and walked him to his front door.

“I like the whole nine yards,” Connor said, quirking a smile at him before leaning in. “So…where does a goodnight kiss fall on the taking it slow spectrum?”

He pretended to think it over. “It’s allowed,” Will finally said, moving to close the distance between them.

It was tentative to start, in the way of first kisses, until Connor tilted his head just so and everything slotted into place. Will felt the sparks down to his toes as he deepened the kiss.

He chased the feeling until Connor made a surprised noise and Will pulled back to see he’d somehow crowded Connor into the wall of the building.

Oops.

“We should probably stop before we break the spectrum,” Connor said, sounding a little breathless.

“Right,” Will released him with an embarrassed chuckle. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be.” Connor darted forward to give him one last peck. “I liked it.” He smiled at Will before saying goodnight and heading inside.

Will’s phone went off as he headed toward his car and he knew before he checked it would be Connor.

CONNOR: What are you doing Friday night?

WILL: Going on a date with you?

CONNOR: My fancy car and I will see you at seven.

WILL: I’ll be waiting on the sidewalk.

He knew he was grinning like an idiot the whole ride home, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care.

He’d gone on a date with Connor Rhodes.

And it was awesome.

Walking back to a Bex-less apartment was less awesome. He wanted to tell her every single detail, but that was going to have to wait until tomorrow.

At least he wasn’t completely alone.

“Kol,” he said, as he flopped down on the couch. “Come here and let me tell you about the wild day I had.”

***

Bex

She and Emery made it back to the apartment by ten the next morning. Well after the time Will would have left for work so at least she wouldn’t have to face him until that night.

Or so she thought.

His stuff was all hanging by the door when she opened it and she could hear humming coming from the kitchen.

“Will?” She called out, sharing a resigned glance with Emery. “What are you doing home? Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” he called back. “Somebody needed a switch so I don’t go in until noon. Glad I still get to see you…” He trailed off as he came out of the kitchen and got a good look at her as she stood in the living room.

She tried to look normal, but—

“Oh, Bex,” he said, face falling as he made his way over in two strides. “What happened?”

“I’m fine,” she said, but her voice breaking on the last word didn’t help her cause at all.

Kol lifted his head up from the couch and whined at her.

“Kol says that’s bullshit,” Will said.

“Language, Kol,” she managed to mutter before Will had her wrapped up in a gigantic hug. He maneuvered her toward the couch, getting Kol to scoot over to make room. Emery murmured something about making tea as she headed for the kitchen.

“I really am okay, Will,” she started to say before he cut her off with a flat look. “I will be okay,” she amended. “Talking with my friends last night helped a lot.”

“You can talk to me too,” he said earnestly and she loved him for it, but—

“What I really want to do right now is talk about your date.”

“Are you sure?” He didn’t look convinced by that plan of action at all.

“Oh, my god, yes,” she exclaimed. “I need the serotonin, okay? Do not leave a single detail out. I want to hear about the date. I need to hear about the asking! I mean, I know it went well, obviously, but I want to hear it all from you.”

“I did the sleeve thing,” Will said, already blushing.

“I knew it would work,” Emery yelled from the kitchen.

“Yeah, definitely not how you thought it would though,” Will said, rolling his eyes. He proceeded to tell them the whole hilarious story and Bex sat back, letting herself bask in her brother’s joy.

***

Bex

Later that night, when it was dark and quiet and Will was still at work, she and Emery sat on the couch with Kol between them.

“How are you really doing?” Emery asked her.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Bex shot back.

Silence filled the space between them as neither one moved to answer the question.

But—

Horrible, horrible honesty, right?

“I’m not okay,” Bex whispered. “I feel like I’m walking around with my chest ripped open and I’m trying to hold it together and it shouldn’t be that hard, but every step keeps dragging me down.”

Emery nodded, reaching over Kol to grab her hand. “I’m not okay either,” she said. “I thought I could keep busy and distract myself, but I’m—I’m scared all the time, Bex, and it’s so exhausting. I hate that everything is such a mess, but I can’t find my way through it.”

Bex shuffled around to fully face her on the couch. “I don’t want to talk to my brothers about this right now,” she said. “It’s just too complicated—it’s too much, but—”

“You need to talk about it,” Emery said.

“We both need to talk,” Bex countered. “About all of this stuff. Without pretending we’re okay.”

“So, we’ll be not okay together for awhile.” Emery squeezed her hand and Kol grumbled, rolling over on the couch so they could give him belly rubs. “I can handle that.”

Not okay. Together.

Sounded like a plan.

If you need something to make you smile after reading this and you haven't spotted it yet, I rewrote the break room scene as a little ficlet from Connor's perspective. It's called I'm Looking Disrespectfully, Sir and you can read it here.

Click here to read Wingman? Wingwoman? Wingperson. on ao3:

And here is the tag list (let me know if you wish to be added or removed):

@sorry-i-spaced, @iunnowatuwant, @thegirlwhowishedeveryonelived, @ivyalmighty, @thewannabewriter, @lexhalstead3, @multifandomgrl08, @foxes-and-cats, @sensitivemallysix, @thebewingedjewelcat

[lasskickcr-archived-blog]

gcllantry replied to your post “Ⓐ // YEEHAW”

My favorite thing is Becky kissed Drew and it has yet to be the other way around

i’m not saying we need to remedy that ... but it’s a sin and needs to be fixed.

[alwaysfangirlingish]

One shot:

Title: Not everything is about new and fancy dresses.

Word count: 1203 <3

Warning: Nope

-------------------------

Hi! This was an anonymous request~, although I think I changed it a bit... 😊

I tried to write this as best I could, I really apologise for any grammatical or vocabulary errors. This one-shot made me realise how difficult it is to write in another language lol. I need to keep practicing and learning, yup~

I hope everyone enjoys it. Please consider reblog, comment and a like,thank you so much for reading and doing requests!✨💕

-------------------------

I entered my room, throwing my backpack on the bed while taking off my shoes, letting out a little moan of relief at having my feet free and on my soft carpet. I had just arrived from shopping at a thrift store, in the company of my boyfriend, who since the morning was trying to convince me to go buy new clothes.

“You realise I could buy you new clothes, right?” He repeated those words he had been saying since early, while he leaned against the door frame, following me with his eyes all over the room as I changed into something more comfortable to be in my apartment.

“And you realise that I've already told you it is unnecessary?” I replied, giggling while tying my hair, before approaching him and giving him a small kiss on the lips.

“It is an offer I will never stop making you, Y/N,” he responded, staring at me as I walked towards the bed, picking up the backpack. “Besides, lovely and fresh clothes are what you deserve,”

“You're impossible, Elijah,” I said, shaking my head “You all Mikaelson are impossible, except Freya,” I replied, starting to pull out the clothes I'd gotten from the thrift store, “I mean, I know Kol wants me to go shopping with him and ‘his good fashion sense’. Also, Rebekah wants to treat me like her little doll,” I looked at the man in front of me, who had a brief smile on his face “And Klaus… Well, I think he doesn’t even care”

  “Well, you definitively can’t deny that my family has this… Exceptional sense of fashion,” Elijah said, a bit proud.

“Yeah, I mean… You are good looking, and wear good clothes, but the thrift store is not equal to horrible clothes,” I replied, getting up from the bed and walking towards him. Once in front of him, I kissed him on the cheek and gave him a gentle push while saying “Now, sir ‘I'm a Mikaelson so I have a good fashion sense’  maybe you should go and let me do my magic with the clothes, you know... And after that, you and your siblings will learn that not everything is about new and fancy dresses,”.

“Of course,” He nodded, walking towards the front door “Oh, and I'll come for you tomorrow at five, if that it's ok with you” I nodded at his words. He smiled at me and disappeared, leaving me alone with my ideas and the clothes. I sat back on my bed, picking up a piece of clothing, sighing as I looked at the old jean I had in my hands and murmured, “I will let the fancy family speechless” I declared before starting.

>>> Next day <<<

I looked at all my outfits lying on the bed, proud of myself. Despite having done them in a hurry, blinded by the excitement, the clothes looked like something out of a fashion catalogue to me. I sighed, going into the bathroom to shower before Elijah picked me up to take me to the compound.

After I finished my shower, while I was getting dressed, I heard Elijah's voice outside the room, looking for me. I yelled at him I was in the bathroom, and to wait a few seconds for me to finish getting ready. When I was ready, a few -many- minutes later, we headed to his home, not without first having my backpack, where I had my clothes.

Upon arriving at the compound, Freya welcomed me with a hug, just like Hayley and little Hope, who only clung to my legs so as not to fall, as she was still learning to walk more than three steps.

"Okay, it's showtime, ladies," I announced them, carrying Hope, and heading to a room. The witch and the hybrid helped me to organise the little show that I had been planning two days ago. In less than an hour, everything was ready, and we gathered the family around the fountain, waiting to see my creations.

“Well, everybody is aware of the clothes I bought yesterday, and you all know how they looked because I sent a photo to the group chat I created,” I explained, as I walked to the room where the clothes were “Now you are going to observe how they look now,” I closed the doors to change as quickly as possible.

As I walked through space, I noticed their gazes on me. Hayley and Freya applauded, making very nice comments, prompting the other Mikaelson to do so. I could detect a flash of sorrow on Rebekah's face at the drastic change of clothes, and the smile on Kol's face was not fooling anyone who knew him well.

"I want to see another one!" Freya said, inviting me to keep up the little fashion show. So time passed, I modelled all my dresses to the vampires, who stared and applauded saying nothing, only Klaus and Kol released some jokes or laughs at the endless comments of Hayley and Freya. Even Hope was giggling and clapping, seeing her entire family do it.

When the show ended, Niklaus walked up to me and placed his hand on my shoulder, saying "Well, Y / N, lovely clothes, but I must go, if you'll excuse me ..." before disappearing, leaving me with a smile, perceiving he meant what he said.

"And you, guys? Anything you wish to tell me? " I asked innocently, looking at Elijah, Rebekah, and Kol in front of me. The older of them settled next to me, leaving a kiss on my head, hugging my waist.

"I must admit that those outfits were admirable, and you were fabulous, y/n," he said, also looking at his brothers with narrowed eyes, waiting for their words.

“Well now, I must admit that you must be very talented to turn those scraps of clothes into something like that cute tight jean,” he said flirtatiously, walking and shaking my hand with his under Elijah’s heavy sight “Excellent job, y/n, but now you have to put up with Bex and his hurt pride,” he laughed, crossing his arms and giving the least of the Mikaelson a fresh look, before he excused himself and leave the house.

"Come on, Bex, what do you think of the clothes?" I asked, approaching her with a small smile, separating myself from Elijah. Rebekah, who had her arms crossed, uncrossed them and also held out her hand to me.

“They were beautiful, y/n. I'm sorry I said they wouldn't” she said with a small smile on his lips, I accepted her hand and hugged her, saying: “If you want, I can lend you some outfits” I suggested, trying to make her smile, and I did.

"I'd like to try one too ..." spoke Hayley, who had been quiet and executive about my victory over the original family.

“Oh, I want to try one too, y/n!” Freya added, making us laugh a bit. Then I turned around to see my boyfriend, who was playing with Hope and I said, “What about you, love? I think the jean that Kol liked would suit you very well.” After that comment, Hope laughed out loud this time, looking at us as if she understood perfectly what I suggested.

[multifandom-girlie]

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫

Imagine: You distract him when he’s reading.

Pairing: Elijah x Vampire!Reader

Warnings: Smut

Words: 1385

Edited: Yes

A/N: I kinda got carried away at the end and went a little of track a bit but I kinda liked it so i’m leaving it there. Also if you ever want any type of request, remember my inbox and my messages are always there !💞

Enjoy loves !!!

As of recently, I have been insanely horny. I have no clue why either, me and my boyfriend-Elijah-have a good sex life. We have it every night before bed and it was good, but I wasn't getting that adrenaline like I used to when we first met. I like the rush of adrenaline that shoots through me when we do it in public-the thought of someone catching us-or when he was angry and we had really rough sex or even when he was feeling a bit wild and experimenting toys on me.

It's not that I don't enjoy it, I do a lot but I need that rush at times...it's like a bad craving.

So I came up with an idea, to persuade Elijah into having sex with me....in public.

He was sitting in the living room at the minute with Klaus...both reading. Thinking about fucking him in front of Klaus without him even batting an eyelash because of lack of knowledge, massively excited me.

I got undressed a little and made sure I was of teasing ability.

The skirt of the night gown tickling my mid thigh as I walked down the stairs. I walked through the archway and eyed Elijah sitting in his armchair and smiled. I ignored Klaus stares and walked straight over to the chair, I straddled his lap. He managed to pry his eyes away from the book he was reading and look at me.

I smiled down at him and he smiled back u till he realised that was I was wearing next to nothing. He sat forward holding my waist to make sure I didn't fall of his lap. He took his jacket off and hung it on the back of chair replacing the grey blanket, which he unfolded and wrapped around me.

He must of thought, I just wanted to cuddle because he let my head fall on his chest and he went back to reading. Little did he know I had a plan, I saw he was focused on his book. I used my hand to rub his thigh and travel closer to his clothed member. He coughed a little and looked down at me.

"Y/N, beautiful what are you doing ?"

"What do you mean ? I'm not doing anything baby."

He chuckled and focused on his reading again. I smiled and carried on my actions only this time I wanted to go further. My hand found the buckle of his belt and undid it, he chuckled again as I followed my actions with me unzipping his trousers and popping the button.

Finding the waist band of his boxers, I moved them so I could grab his cock and mess around a little. I played with the tip a little but because of the the lack of dampness I pretended to cough so I could spit on my hand. I used it to wet his cock and continue to jerk him off, I heard his breathing get heavier and I smiled. His grip on his book tightened. I went a little faster until his orgasm neared and I stopped, I heard his growl and I giggled.

I sat up a bit and held his neck.

"What's wrong Lijah ?"

"Are you bored Y/N ? Is this why ?"

I giggled and shrugged a little.

"A little but I also missed you."

I turned my head seeing that Kol just walked in as well, the adrenaline boosting massively, knowing that if I go ahead with my whole plan it would be risky because of the audience. Especially with vamp hearing.

I kissed him passionately.

"Y/N you look positively darling in your night wear."

I turned to look at him narrowing my eyes.

"He says whilst i'm sitting on my husbands lap."

Everyone chuckled except Elijah. I knew why not only was it Kol's compliment but it was because he needed release.

"Fair enough."

He opened his book and began reading and I looked at Klaus who had put on some Puccini and started painting again. I was glad he decided on putting music on.

I looked back at Elijah and mouthed a sentence to him.

"Be quiet handsome."

He nodded and put his book to the side grabbing my hips. I leaned in to kiss him lovingly and I lifted myself up and double checked the audience behind me weren't looking. As soon as I knew it was safe, he moved my pants to the side and I sunk down on him and we both struggled to keep in the noise.

I relished in the pleasure I felt with him inside of me. I raised and sunk down on him continuously, again struggling to keep my moans in. It was bad enough I was fucking my husband in front of his younger brothers, if they knew what was happening i'm not sure they'd be laughing about it. At this moment the pleasure I felt from my husband fucking me was so surreal, I couldn't force myself to care about anything else.

I let out a small moan and I knew from then that i'd given it away.

"Y/N, are you okay ?"

If only they knew what we were really doing.

"I'm fine Kol, I just bent my finger the wrong way."

"Right okay."

He went back to reading again and I went back to what I was doing. I sunk down again and he started the throb inside of me causing me to let out another moan...this time louder.

"Okay seriously Y/N, what's wrong ?"

I couldn't find it in me to reply, I just kept going knowing it was risky but I could care less.

"Hang on your not...Y/N Mikaelson I thought you were an innocent girl."

Hayley and Rebekah walked in. Hayley replied to Kol's statement.

"Can't believe you thought she was innocent. Why say it now though ?"

Klaus started to laugh and replied.

"She is making love to my older brother right in front of me."

It turned me on more the fact that they all knew. So why not make it more visible.

I continued my actions more viciously. I began to make more noise.

"I didn't think Elijah was this wild when it came down to the deed.

I released everywhere because of him rubbing my clit rapidly. So he returned the favour by cumming in me.

"Fuck Elijah !"

Klaus and Kol gasped and spoke in time.

"She swears ?!"

The girls giggled and spoke in time also.

"All the time."

I kissed Elijah and started laughing with him. I positioned my pants back to normal. I made sure Elijah was decent and cleaned up before getting up and throwing the blanket at the boys and spoke to them.

"You clearly don't know your sister in law very well, gentlemen.

They shrugged and Klaus laughed and spoke.

"Clearly not. Elijah's got himself the perfect wife."

"Well, I mean I don't like to brag but why else do you think I married her."

"I am pretty good in bed, he's a lucky man."

Klaus then spoke up.

"Well, your not lying about being good in bed."

Everyone looked at him shocked at what he said and my eyes just widened.

"Klaus ?! Shut up."

He chuckled.

"I mean, not that I want to but I fully agree with Klaus."

I face planted at what Hayley said.

"Hayls, you promised me and Bex that you wouldn't tell anyone about that."

Kol then shook his head confused.

"So everyone in the room has had sex with Y/N except me."

I looked around and then back at Kol and shrugged.

"Yeah."

"Well, can we make it so we all have ?"

"Kol ! I'm married to your brother ! No."

"But it's not fair!"

"I don't care."

"Plea-"

"Not happening."

I looked at Elijah, who was standing here shocked.

"My brother and my sister ?"

"Klaus was my first time and Rebekah and Hayley were just a drunken best friend thing. It was before we were ever together I promise."

"Okay. Well, just so everyone knows Y/N is my wife. So, seconds is impossible. To make sure that is clear, I'm going to spend all night proving it to you all."

I giggled when he sped me upstairs and began our night.

OUTFIT

MASTERLIST

[niksixx]

Patience

~Part 3. I hope you’re loving it.~

Pairing: Axl Rose/Vince Neil x Female Reader 

Warning: Vince hits Reader 

A/N: Please reblog for me :) 

*Picture is NOT mine. Found on Google. Credit to the owner.*

Tag list: @littlemisscare-all @curly-hudson @julessworldd @madamsixx @headlight-queen @metalheartofgold @ginny-baker-sixx @mickmarstookmyheart @gunsngunners @bex-tothe-rescue

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ride home to your house is eerily quiet. In the passenger seat, Vince leans his head out the window, slowly breathing in the cool air while a trash bag hangs between his legs.

Eyes focused on the road, your grip on the steering wheel tightens as Vince empties the contents of his stomach into the bag. Knowing that Vince isn’t phased by his antics fuels a fire in your bones.

As you park the car, Vince stumbles out to the curb. You throw open your door, locking the car, before walking past him. He mutters under his breath, most likely a string of curses, steading himself on the metal railing before throwing his body against the door.

On your couch is Mick Mars, book in his lap, glass of water on the side table. He turns his head, blinking twice at Vince who ignores him and heads for the shower, before gazing at you.

You lock the door, throw your purse, and slide down the door, face buried in your hands. You should have waited until you went to your room to let the tears fall, not wanting to drag poor Mick into your relationship drama. The boys had witnessed plenty of the fights between you and Vince, and most of the time they were at a loss for words on how to help. Nothing would be different this time.

Mick lifts you to your feet, arms wrapping around your shoulders, pulling you in. You go slack against him as he runs a hand up your back, dusting a sweet kiss on your head. “I’ll deal with him tonight. You rest, okay?”

You nod as Mick stalks off toward the bathroom, waiting just outside for Vince to finish up. In the fridge is a brand new bottle of Chardonnay, which you pop open, pouring a generous amount into a glass. From the kitchen you spot Nikki and Tommy in the pool, beer in Nikki’s hand, cigarette in Tommy’s mouth. It wasn’t unusual to find the boys in your house while you weren’t home.

Wiping the tears from your eyes, you kick off your shoes and slide open the doors to the pool deck. When the boys see you, they stop laughing. Setting your glass off to the side, you roll up your work pants, dipping your legs in the heated pool water.

As you guzzle the sweet wine, Nikki and Tommy exchange looks before swimming over to you. Tommy rests his arms on your legs, Nikki squeezing your arm gently.

“Half the time I’m too embarrassed about our fucked up relationship to say anything,” you mumble, licking the leftover liquid from your lips. “But I don’t know what to do anymore.”

“AA?” Tommy suggests, blowing a smoke ring.

You shake your head. “He won’t go on his own. I can’t force him to do something he doesn’t want to do.”

Even if he was forced, Vince wouldn’t thrive in rehab. The people in rehab want to get better for their friends, their families, for themselves. Vince? He wants no part of it.

“He thinks he’s invincible, and he’s not,” you whisper solemnly. “Who drinks a whole bottle of Jack and then gets behind the wheel?”

“If it helps, I tried to take it away from him at the studio,” Nikki offers, pointing to a bloody cut on his eyebrow. “I mean it didn’t work and then he punched me, but I tried. Really did.”

“Dude,” Tommy warns, shaking his head. “Not really helping, my man.”

“And then to make matters worse, he sees me with Axl and then--.”

“Wait, Axl?” Nikki asks, eyes widening. “Axl Rose?”

“What were you doing with him?” Tommy questions, frowning.

You’d never told them about your childhood best friend. For one, they wouldn't approve. And God only knows what would happen if they met Axl in the street after finding out you were once close to him.

“Axl and I go way back,” you confess, swirling the wine as the memories resurface. “He was my first best friend. We were friends all through high school too, that is until I left to move here. Since then I hadn’t spoken to him. I actually bumped into him today while I was picking up lunch. First time I’ve seen him in seven years. We went back to the store to eat lunch together and I lost track of time. And then in comes Vince.”

The picture is ingrained in your brain. Vince stumbling in. The anger and rage on his face. The surprising calmness on Axl’s. And even though you couldn’t see your own face, there had to have been a mixture of panic and horror.

“You know this gives Vince even more of a reason to hate him, right?” Nikki asks. “He’s not going to let you near the guy.”

“I don’t care,” you state, standing your ground. “I finally have him back in my life. I won’t let Vince ruin my friendship with Axl.”

“Your what?”

Slightly sober, Vince struts onto the deck in only a pair of silky white shorts. Mick follows sheepishly behind, avoiding your gaze.

“What are you doing awake?” Standing from the pool, you give Vince a hard look. Nikki and Tommy heave themselves up onto the deck, coming to your defense if necessary. “Go to bed, Vince.”

“Since when are you friends with that self righteous prick?” He questions angrily, lips curled in a snarl. “He’s nothing but trouble, Y/N. Stay the fuck away from him.”

“You don’t even know him!” It was just like old times. You coming to Axl’s defense. Only this time, he wasn’t around to witness it.

“People talk, sweetheart. This is Hollywood. You think I don’t know about him? About his fucked up childhood? How his step-dad used to beat the shit out of him? About how he was bullied his entire life? The guy’s got pent up rage brewing, Y/N. He’s a fucking hothead.”

“He’s nothing like you try to convince me he is. I’ve been friends with him since I was ten years old, Vince. I was the fucking person protecting him. We were best friends until I moved to California.”

“Oh so he’s a pussy too,” Vince concludes, arms crossed over his bare chest. “And you’ve been here for seven years, baby girl, and not once did he try to contact you. He’s a dick. Open your eyes.” Vince spits, disgusted that you’re defending him.

“He didn’t know where to find me, you asshole!” Tommy’s hand lightly squeezes your shoulder, but the touch isn’t comforting. Shoving his hand off your body, you step up to your boyfriend, who leans against the side of the deck. “The sad part is, he tried. When Axl moved to LA, he tried to find me. Asked anyone and everyone if they knew who I was or where he could find me. And if it wasn’t for you and your stupid fucking label keeping me hidden from the public eye all these years, I would’ve had my friend back.”

Vince groans dramatically, hanging his head. “Goddamn it, the same fucking conversation. You know why you have to stay under the radar.”

“It doesn’t mean I like it or agree with it, Vince!”

Mick holds out a hand. “Hey, guys, maybe we should take this inside--.”

“God, don’t I mean anything to you?” Your voice cracks. “Don’t I deserve better than this?”

Vince hangs his head, hand on his hip. “I really don’t know what you want me to do.”

Grabbing his chin, you make him look at you. His jaw clenches under your touch. “I want you to fight for me. I want you to say ‘fuck the label’ and treat me how I deserve to be treated as your girlfriend. Take me out in public, show me off, kiss me when the cameras are on us. Goddamn it Vince, I want you to love me. Why can’t you do that?”

Mick stares.

Nikki whistles.

Tommy elbows Nikki.

This isn’t how you imagined your night. The last thing, the very last thing on this Earth you wanted to do right now, was fight. Your bed had been calling your name ever since you set foot in the house. It’s eight-thirty at night and you’re exhausted. You should have just gone to sleep.

Vince had no answer. Shaking your head, an empty laugh falls from your lips. “You know what? I’m done. I’m done doing this with you. I deserve more than an alcoholic boyfriend who can’t stand up to his label, and who treats me like I’m his bitch. I deserve better. Even Axl fucking knows I deserve better, and he hasn’t been in my life for seven years,” you say, stepping back. “Maybe I should date him instead.”

Vince does the unthinkable.

When his hand collides against the side of your face, the wine glass shatters against the wooden deck as you stumble. Nikki catches you as Tommy leaps over your body, towering over Vince to shield you as Mick grabs Vince’s shoulders, watching the scene unfold in horror.

“Are you fucking crazy?” Nikki shouts, pulling you to your feet, pushing you behind him. “Are you kidding me, dude?”

“You think you’re tough hitting a woman? Huh?” Tommy taunts, shoving Vince’s chest. “Huh?! Get your shit together, man!”

Reality hits Vince as Tommy continues to shove him. Choppy breaths leave his lips, eyes wide, jaw dropping. He swallows nervously, glancing at his hand, before his eyes lock back on you. “B-babe?”

There’s no hesitation as you push past the four men, throwing open the deck doors, snatching your purse, and sprinting for the front door. They’re all shouting for you, but Vince’s voice is crystal clear as it stands out.

“Baby, wait! Please!”

He chases you out the door, but you’re already running down the street, legs on fire.

“I’m sorry! Babe! Please, come back!”

You run. You run as fast and as far as your legs can carry you, weaving in and out of people crowding the sidewalk. A few call out to you, asking if you need help, but you keep running until you end up back at your store.

And as soon as you reach the store, it begins to rain.

And then you break.

Tears mixing with the rain, you collapse on the pavement, letting the water soak your body. Your hair is damp, clothing drenched, and you don’t even have any shoes on. You’re a mess, physically and emotionally.

You remember that your car is still parked on the street from having to drive Vince’s back home, and you run to it, settling in your seat as the rain pours down from the heavens. You’re alone, and the sound of your cries is louder than the thunder that accompanies the downpour.

You can’t go home. Not yet. You don’t want to see him, you can’t. Your cheek still burns from the sting of the hit, and if you see your boyfriend again tonight, one of you may end up dead.

The notepad. It’s in your purse.

You fish it out along with your phone, dialing the numbers with your thumb. Holding it to your ear, you choke back a sob as the man on the other end of the line picks up on the second ring.

“Are you home? Can I come over, please? I need you.”

~~~

In the corner by the TV, Izzy Stradlin sits on a chair strumming his guitar as Steven Adler lounges on the floor, drumming furiously on the TV stand with two wooden salad spoons. Slash is lying on the couch, hat covering his face, while Duff sits at the tiny kitchen table, enjoying a platter of buffalo wings all to himself.

Their heads turn as Axl walks through the door, more jubilant than he was before he left to grab lunch almost four hours ago. He shrugs off his shoes, fishing around in his back pocket for a pack of cigarettes.

“Where in the hell have you been?” Duff asks as he bites into a wing. Untying the bandana around his head, Axl lets his hair fall, shaking it, and runs a hand through it. “You left at two. It’s almost six-thirty.”

Axl’s smile broadens as he heads for the couch, pushing Slash’s legs to the side. The curly haired guitarist grumbles and flips him off. “I ran into an old friend today.”

“Oh yeah?” Izzy asks, setting his guitar on his lap, full attention on Axl. He’d always been that kind of friend. The one who stopped everything and listened if someone had something to say. “Who?”

“Y/N.”

Steven and Izzy exchange a look before Steven pipes up, “Wait. The Y/N? From high school? Like, I came to LA specifically to find her and couldn’t after all these years and somehow magically ran into her today, Y/N?”

Axl nods. “I ran into her at the restaurant and I swear my heart stopped.”

“Spoken like a lovesick fool,” Slash groans, flipping Axl off once again when he knocks the hat off his face. “First time you’ve seen her in what? Seven years? What’s up with her?”

Axl grabs a cigarette from the pack, lighting it. “She owns a bakery on the Strip. Cute little shop, not much business though. It’s a shame. She’s damn good at what she does. I tried one of the little chocolate cakes on display? Best damn cake I ever had.”

“I wonder what her cake tastes like,” Steven mutters to himself, snickering at his own joke.

There was a sparkle in your eyes whenever you talked about your bakery. It was your passion. From the decor inside the shop to the variety of desserts, it was clear that you dedicated so much to your little business. If only more people knew about it.

“She look the same?” Izzy asks.

Axl’s mouth twitches. “She’s even more beautiful now than I remember.”

“Oh fucking barf,” Slash teases, sitting up from the couch, brushing hair from his eyes.

“You smashing that?” Steven grins, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. Izzy rolls his eyes.

“Do you think of anything else?” Duff questions, shaking his head as he chucks a chicken wing bone at Steven’s head.

“Okay first off, no,” Axl points a finger.

“But you want to smash her?” Steven challenges, pointing a spoon right back at the singer.

Axl glares. “Just say fuck, Steven. Fuck. And second, Y/N isn’t just any girl to me. She never has been.”

“Then quit whining and go after her,” Izzy says, pursing his lips. “You’ve been in love with this girl since you were sixteen you told us.”

“Yeah and there’s one big fucking problem, Iz. She’s dating Vince Neil.”

Slash turns. “The bitchy blonde fuck from Mötley Crüe? Are you kidding me?”

“Their label is keeping their relationship on the downlow. Apparently it’ll fuck with Vince’s image if word of their love life gets out.” Axl sighs, scrubbing a hand over his face.

“How does that make sense?” Duff asks, standing from the table. “Wouldn’t it harm his image if they let him run around like a madman and shag a bunch of women?”

“You’d think,” Axl agrees, holding up his hands. “But apparently, that’s the kind of image they want their frontman to have. All I know is I need to get Y/N out of that relationship, and fast.”

Axl had promised himself he’d never interfere with any of your relationships. Now, he was considering going back on his word. You weren’t happy. He could easily tell by the way your body tensed around Vince, from the sheer terror in your eyes when he was mad or cursed or raised his voice.

“Look man, I know you’re in love with the girl, but is that really your place?” Steven asks, serious for the first time that night. “What if she really loves the dude? Who are you to try and ruin something good for her?”

Axl shakes his head, leaning forward on his knees. “He drank a whole bottle of Jack Daniels and drove drunk to Y/N’s store. It might not be my place, but I’ll be damned if I sit around knowing she’s in harm’s way and I don’t do anything about it.”

~~~

“Ah, shit, sorry about that fellas,” Duff says, slapping his guitar. “Take it from the top?”

Axl nods, yawning, before checking the time on the clock. Eight-thirty and it feels like two in the morning. To wake himself up, he goes to the fridge for ice water, only to be interrupted by the screeching of his phone.

He picks it up. “Hello?”

“Are you home? Can I come over, please? I need you.”

He knows your voice without even needing a greeting. It’s soft over the phone, and Axl’s gut tells him something isn’t right. “Yeah, of course. Is everything okay? You remember the address?”

“I do. I’ll be over in ten minutes.”

You hang up quickly, startling him, before he hangs up and turns to his bandmates. They look at him curiously. “Y/N’s coming over.”

~~~

Your wet feet slide against the metal stairs as you ascend toward the address Axl had given you earlier that day. Looking from door to door, you shuffle down the chilled hallway, warming your arms, until you find yourself out front of apartment 6C. Christ, this place was more like a hotel with all the damn rooms it had.

You knock timidly, but loud enough to be heard.

The door opens. Axl stands in front of you, gray cutoff covering his top, white sweatpants on his legs. He looks warm, comfortable, and you want to hold him. His face falls when he sees your soaking wet figure and bare feet.

“Hey sugar,” he says softly, and it tugs at your heart. “Let’s get you inside.”

And when you step foot inside the apartment, you're greeted by four other men, all staring at you as if they’d never seen a woman before.

The first blonde shakes his head. “Damn, bro. You weren’t kidding. She’s hot.”

You laugh slightly, looking at Axl, moreso to see his reaction. His cheeks are noticeably pinker. “Steven, fuck off. That’s not even what I said and you know it.” He turns back to you shyly. “These are my bandmates. From left to right, meet Steven, Izzy, Duff, and Slash. Guys, meet Y/N.”

The one named Slash steps forward, giving you a nod. “Wanna see my snake?”

Oh, he’s bold. “Um...is that like...code? For your penis or something?”

And they all burst out laughing. Even beside you, Axl lets out a chuckle.

“No, he literally has a pet snake,” Izzy says, hiding a smile.

Oh. Whoops. “Then, sure. I guess so.”

A smile spreads across Slash’s face. “I like her.”

Axl wraps an arm around your shoulder, leading you down a hallway. His room is surprisingly neat, with only a few hats and bandanas scattered around. He rummages through a drawer and hands you a tee shirt and sweatpants. Without thinking, you begin to pull off your damp clothes.

“Uh,” Axl licks his lips. “I uh-.”

“Don’t act like you haven’t seen me change before,” you tease, turning your back to him. “And don’t act like you’re not enjoying it, either.”

“Hey, you won’t get any complaints from me,” Axl grins, eyes roaming over your backside.

Fully dressed, you spread out your arms, showing off the new attire. Both the shirt and sweatpants are extremely comfortable. And they smell like him, too. “How do I look?”

Axl swallows the lump in his throat. If he wanted to name all the ways you looked absolutely beautiful, you’d both be there all night. “You look like you belong in my clothes.”

You give a half smile before following Axl out into the main room. The rest of his bandmates are in different parts of the apartment, and they all give you smiles as you walk past them.

“Y/N, are you hungry? There’s some left over pizza in the fridge.” Izzy offers, pointing toward the kitchen.

“Damn it, I was planning on eating that for breakfast tomorrow,” Steven pouts, chucking what appears to be a wooden spoon at Izzy’s feet.

A chuckle falls from your lips as you settle into the couch, instantly relaxing as a blanket is draped over your shoulders. You look behind yourself just as Axl comes around to the front of the sofa, settling back in the spot beside you.

“Do you want to watch a movie or something?” He asks, grabbing another blanket for himself.

You shake your head, positioning yourself so that your head rests gently in his lap. It was something you did as kids. Whenever you were upset but didn’t want to talk about it, you’d settle into his lap. He’d let you lie there for as long as you needed, always making sure to scratch your head or run a hand through your hair. It was his way of letting you know he was there.

And just like when you were young, Axl’s hand finds your hair, lightly kneading your scalp. Your eyes flutter shut briefly, sinking into his gentle touch, and when you open your eyes, Steven and Izzy are standing to leave the room, sending not so subtle winks in Axl’s direction.

When it’s just the two of you, you’re finally at peace.

Until Axl asks the question. “Does Vince know you’re here?”

Chewing on your lip, you pull the blanket closer to your neck. You could only hope that Axl would leave it alone after you answered. “He’s the reason I came here.”

Why Vince truly hated Axl was a mystery. He’d never explicitly told you. Thinking about it, you couldn’t even come up with a reason.

“Did something happen?” He presses. Not that he’s nosy, but because he cares.

Sitting up, you tug the blanket around your body, legs curling in a pretzel. Axl watches you carefully, and the three words he never expected to hear crash into him like a wave on the shore. “He hit me.”

Blood drains from Axl’s face. He blinks twice, letting the words settle in his head, before sitting up straighter, body locking. “He did what?”

“It’s no big deal,” you brush it off. You had to. If not, you’d be a puddle of tears on his couch. “It was an accident. I said something and it triggered him. Plus, he was still a bit drunk from today. I instigated everything. It was my fault.”

Axl feels rage ignite in his body, fists clenching as he listens to you wrongfully blame yourself for Vince’s actions. His fingers twitch, itching to meet with Vince’s face, give him a taste of his own medicine. Because no one, no one, laid a hand on you and got away with it.

He grabs your jaw and you flinch. He sees it now. The outline of a hand on your cheek.

He softens his grip but makes sure to keep your face close to his own. Tears gather in the corners of your eyes, but he knows you won’t let them fall. “I’ll make him pay.”

“Axl--.”

“No, listen to me,” he says, forehead against yours. He’s breathing deep, heavy, angrily. “I swear to you, I will make him fucking regret the moment he put his hands on you.”

The roles are reversed. Once the victim, now the protector. In this moment, this very instance where your bodies are only an inch away, noses brushing against each other, lips centimeters apart, you see Axl in a whole new light.

And there’s now a part of you that wants to find out what would happen if you pushed forward gently and kissed him. Would he pull away? Kiss you back?

But you don’t find out. Instead, you’re the one that pulls back, fingers twisting around his wrist to keep his palm flat against your burning cheek. There’s something between you. You felt it the second you bumped into him at the restaurant. A certain force, a pull, bringing you together.

“I can handle him, Axl.” What you’ll say isn’t clear. It could end in tears, in a fight. Or, on a brighter side, it could end in forgiveness. “When I see him tomorrow, I’ll just—.”

“You don’t need to go back there,” Axl says, almost pleading. If he has to get on his knees and beg he’ll do it. He’ll do anything to make you stay. Keep you safe. “Stay here with me. You’re more than welcome here. You know that.”

His heart, his caring soul, his love for you shines through. He’d turned into such a wonderful, handsome, courageous man, but even you could still see some glimpses of the boy he used to be. He wants to protect you, but he’s nervous. Nervous for you. “I want you to hold me. Can you do that?”

He nods, quickly kissing your forehead before he pulls you down, nuzzling the side of your head as you sink into the couch. It’s a tight fit, but he manages to wrap both arms around you. You’re safe this way. And after a few more moments of talking, and Axl promising that he’d come to your home tomorrow to help you bake the cupcakes for Lei’s son’s party, you fall asleep blissfully in his arms.

[colestis]

When The Clock Strikes 12:00

Cyrus POV

It's New Year's Eve, and I'm sitting in a corner watching all of the Good Hair Crew and their boyfriends/girlfriends mingle with each other. I'm the only one who has no one to kiss tonight. I'm the only one who is alone tonight. I'm the only one watching longingly at every couple in the room wanting what they have.

A love life that isn't a hopeless crush.

Andi thought it would be a good idea to hold something for New Year's Eve, so she piled Herself, Jonah, Amber, Marty, and Buffy into her living room, her coffee table full of snacks, the TV on with a live countdown from New York. Buffy and Marty are cuddled up together on the end of one couch, Andi and Amber are sharing a recliner, and Jonah and Walker are sharing the other end of the couch that Buffy and Marty on. I'm watching from afar on a smaller couch, and I don't think anyone realized I'd be 7th wheeling.

This sucks.

Everyone is in their own world, and all I can do is watch the count down to the ball drop — or whatever they're doing this year. Twinkling lights, people dancing, and some pop singer performing their hits is projected onto the screen. The glow of the TV is the only light in the room, illuminating onto the three couples around me flirting, kissing, or having a friendly banter that ends in a make-out session that really should be moved to a different room than this one because I've learned from last time with Walker and Jonah.

Both of them have bonners in front of Tj and I and Tj had to cough for them to separate and look down to see the obvious bulge in both of their pants. It ended in a fit full of laughs and they tucked it until they left. God only knows what they were doing after they left, and I don't want to know. To be honest, I kind of wish that Tj was here right now. He is the only other person in our friend group that is single. I would do anything to desperately call him to come over right now so I would have someone to talk to, but he might have something going on with his family and I don't want to intrude.

The funny thing is that everyone jokes that Tj and I are practically a couple in itself. They probably tease him about it when I'm not around. The sad part is that I can't help but think that what they're saying is basically true. Ever since costume day, we had started to blur the line between 'friends' and 'boyfriends'. Longing looks, soft touches, and brushing hands had all lead us up to where we are now. We've held hands, we've cuddled several times. Fuck he's kissed me on the cheek before.

It makes me think that we are friends with benefits, but where fourteen and that term is mostly used for 'bro's helping out bro's'. Reminder: we're fourteen. It's obvious that he thinks something of me besides being friends. It makes me think that his face burning up and his flirting isn't just a part of my imagination. That may be — just maybe — he likes me back.

Maybe. Just maybe.

But there's suddenly a knock on the door, and I'm afraid that it's Cece coming back from her night out with Bex and Bowie. We might get caught, and my heart starts to race from the disappointed look I imagine Cece having on her wrinkled face when she sees that her granddaughter hosted something without her permission. Cece has improved — don't get me wrong. But she's still here, meaning that she's still scary. Still strict. Still Cece.

Buffy pulls away from Marty's lips as she untangles herself from his lap. She had a knowing smirk on her face, and it's pointed towards me. I look at her for a moment having no idea what's going on. She looks excited, not for her but for someone else. Her gaze is pointed towards me, and I take the hint that I'm that someone.

"Don't worry, I invited someone else. I wouldn't have invited Cyrus knowing that he would be the only one without a date. So I had the brilliant idea of inviting someone — or a date — for him." Her feet softly thud the wooden floor accompanied by a creek with each step. She gets closer to the door, and when she opens it a gust of wind is let into Andi's house, goosebumps finding their way to my skin.

Buffy talks to the person at the door, the smirk on her face only getting wider. Everyone is smiling so I can only guess that everyone knew about this but me. I have a sneaking suspicion that it's Tj at the door, and I'm correct when I see him walk into the house with a pillow in one hand, an overnight bag in the other. His hair is windswept with no gel, it flopping on the side of his forehead. His green eyes are twinkling, his smile only growing wider when he sees me (I don't notice this). He's in an ugly Christmas sweater with a pair of flannel pajama pants and slippers. To be fair — it is 8:00. I don't blame him for not coming in normal attire like the rest of us did when we arrived at 4:00.

I can't believe the fact that I survived 4 hours alone in a room with only couples.

"Hey Muffin!" He rushes towards me, plopping down next to me. By now everyone has gone back to their own world with their significant other, so it was basically just us two. Our shoulders are pressed together, my heart feels like it's about to beat out of my chest. I get it, I love him. But I don't want to pressure him to be anything else.

"Hey! You saved me! I don't think I know how much longer I could go watching all of them make out with each other. Walker and Jonah clearly didn't learn from last time either." Over time, I've felt discarded. Someone was dating someone and then they had a fight so I had to come in to comfort them. I don't feel like a friend. I don't feel like a person. Every day the same thing repeats in my head in the hope that it's right.

Everyone has someone.

Everyone has someone.

Everyone has—

It's torture. All of it is torture. I want it all to stop. I want it to be like we're in 8th grade again. When were pinning over hopeless crushes that won't work out, long sessions of milkshakes and baby taters at the spoon where we would annoyingly watch Andi whine about something in her life that always seems to be happening. Or we would all complain about Jonah.

That's the past though. No one has any time for me. No one but Tj. Why can't life be easy? Why can't he like me back? Why can't I get over that goddamn kiss on the cheek thinking he liked me back? This is too much. It's getting to be too much. Sitting next to him with my heart hammering is normal. Crying because I just want him an I to be happy is normal. Why can't it all be over?

Fuck normal.

"Wanna ditch this place?" And I'm accompanied by the idea of doing something fun or exciting. Sure, watching singers on TV is fun, but I wanna do something else. I can't agree with him more. This is getting really boring, and I want to do something else.

"Awww don't ditch us! Are we really that boring?" Amber says, and this is where I really want to leave. But then I feel Tj bring is lips toward my ear, and my heart somehow beats faster, blood rushing up to my cheeks. 'Sneak out at 11:45. Trust me' His voice is breathy, and my ear tingles. And I can't ignore the fact that this place is getting to be really boring, so I don't care if we leave. I'm up to an adventure.

And that's when I feel my head drop to Tj's shoulder, my eyes closing as I doze off to sleep.

~•~

When I wake up, I'm engulfed in warmth. My head is resting on Tj's shoulder, and his arm is wrapped around me. I want to open my eyes, but I feel safe. So I stay put, with a smile on my face. I nuzzle my head into his shoulder, and my hair grazes his neck. I kind of want to stay like this forever, with the TV playing in the background, and our friends doing I don't know what.

I open my eyes to see everyone staring at us though. Buffy and Marty seem to be bickering about something while looking at us, Andi and Amber gushing, and Jonah and Walker . . . doing Jonah and Walker things while staring at us. So I look at them back, trying to get them to go away. Before I can, Buffy starts laughing.

"This is adorable. Your both awake, but you're pretending you're still sleeping so you still have the excuse to cuddle without it being awkward, and you're both trying to get everyone to stop staring at you. Just so you can cuddle. Y'all are whipped." I disconnect from Tj to see his eyes wide in pure fear.

I can't do this anymore.

"I'm leaving. Andi, thank you for hosting but I'm out. It ha seven a very long night, and ai want it to be over." I get my coat, not bothering to grab my other stuff besides my shoes and phone. I know Andi will return them at some point. And that's when I'm rushing out the door, not knowing what to do. I just want fresh air. I don't want to be in a room where people are making out but you and your crush.

There's an adrenaline pumping through me. My eyes are watering from being upset. I can still imagine Tj's arm wrapped around my shoulders, his head rested on mine. Every moment we've spent together plays on a loop in my head, looking for something useful. Looking for a sign that he could like me back.

I find nothing.

I don't even notice my legs moving — practically running — until I hear someone shouting my name. I'm crying. I'm sobbing. I want help. I need help. I can't do anything about this. I just want him to be happy, and that means running away from it all. I have to get over it. I have to get over him.

"Cyrus please!" I feel Tj's hand wrap around my arm, and my legs come to a stop. Our eyes lock, and I realize that I'm not the only one crying. He's going through pain too, but I don't know why. Tears reach the brim of his eyes, and he finally snaps. One falls down his cheek, and then the next, and next.

"Why?" He croaks out, and my heart shatters. I'm out of breath from just running a random path, not knowing where I was going. I have a feeling that I was heading towards the swings — where I always go when something is wrong, but I start to think that's a bad idea. That place belongs to Tj and me.

"Tj just go. I can't do this anymore. I can't ignore my own emotions and let you be happy." I try to run again, I want to run again, but his grip on my arm gets tighter. He's not letting go of me any time soon. So I stay. "Why won't you let me go?" And then I'm yelling. And I feel horrible because I'm taking my anger out on him. "I can't ignore how I feel okay? I love you and I can't just can't do this. You deserve better! I want you to be happy! I'm just some dork who can't do anything and is ugly. I'm a mess okay?"

He looks like he had just seen a ghost. His eyes almost go grey and look just as broken as me when I'm saying those words. "Do you really think that's true?" It's just above a whisper. His voice is just above a whisper. "Cyrus your the most amazing person I've ever met. You can do so many things and your . . . your beautiful okay? I can't look away from you. And . . . while we were fighting at the swing set I wanted to kiss you. I really really just wanted to kiss away all the guilt and shame and all the stupid damage I had done. And then Kira happened and she got to me and I just can't."

Woah.

I don't think he's ever been so open.

From what I've observed, Tj isn't that good at talking about his emotions. He's sensitive too. But when you dig deep, you find out more, and you want to know more. Tj has changed my perspective on life, love, and basically the conversation on a lot of things. Every day when I came home after I hung out with Tj, my mom would always stop me and say you look confident or sure of yourself. Sometimes she would just say happy.

I didn't know why at the time. I thought it was all stupid. I thought I still liked Jonah, and that I was smiling about the time he touched my shoulder or our eyes locked for 0.2 seconds. I was wrong. I didn't find out why my heart was racing around Tj or why I thought his green orbs of eyes were beautiful until the gun. It looks like Tj has liked me from the start.

It's a relief.

I'm still crying though. I'm still upset for some reason. Maybe it's because I don't agree. Maybe it's because I don't think that I deserve him. He lets go of my arm.

"I'm not leaving you like this."

He holds his arms out, and I walk into them, my arms wrapping around his back, his arms wrapping around my neck. I let it all out. I let out all of the pain, all of the guilt, and all of the sorrow until there's nothing. Part of me thinks that Tj is crying too, for some reason. Part of me thinks that it might have been worse for him. We're broken, but maybe we can fix our broken pieces.

One at a time, right?

People start to come outside, and both of us get the message. But then people start to count down from 10, and we both know what's happening. It's that last seconds of 2019, of this decade. I want to end it right.

10

We separate, but I know that won't last long.

9

I look into his eyes, his stupidly beautiful eyes.

8

We hold our gaze, and I have no idea what's happening.

7

He starts to move closer.

6

I start to move closer.

5

I wrap my arms around his neck, getting on the tip of my toes.

4

He wraps his arms around my waist

3

Our noses touch, and we just stare

2

My thoughts catch up to my brain, and I start to think if this is a bad idea or not. This could be the worst, but my heart it's faster than my brain, and I don't pay attention.

"1"

We whisper, and then it happens like you would imagine it would. Our lips fit like two magnets, pulled together under Shadyside's firework display. Our bodies are pressed together, our hearts in sync as I feel his beat against my chest, and I play with his hair, it softly tangled in my fingers. It contains so much passion and love I might burst.

The fact that humans need air finally comes to both of us, and we separate. Our foreheads come together, and a few people clap and whistle from the porch we're in front of. I don't care though. I don't care that there of fireworks above us highlighting Tj's eyes and his complexion, I don't care that some people are banging pots and pans, or that kids are cheering in the background, still on their high of sugar and whining because they finally have to go to bed.

I guess all my questions were answered through that kiss. Because when the clock strikes 12:00, the best things happened.

[coffeecrusadeclub]

Prompt: You Belong With Me music video except Tyrus

Cyrus's POV:

It was a sterotypical Tuesday night for me. I was sitting by my window trying to study but instead I was looking through my window into my neighbor's bed room. I sighed, TJ was walking back and forth in his room on the phone, it looked like he was yelling. He hung up the phone and tossed it on his bed. I guess he was talking to his boyfriend again. He was probably flipping out because of a joke TJ made. Quinn really didn't get his humor, not the way I did. TJ sat on his bed and i quickly flipped my notebook to a blank page and wrote "are you okay?" in marker before holding it up to the window. TJ smiled at me and grabbed his notebook writing something down in blue marker before putting it to the window. "Just really tired of drama" I frowned. I flipped to a new page of my notebook and wrote down "Im sorry. :(" i looked at it for a second and added "open your window I'll put your favorite song on and we can talk"

I put the note up and he opened his window. I opened mine and put on "water" by jack garratt.

"How did you know this was my favorite song?" He asked curiously

"You told me once, awhile ago.. I actually pay attention to you.. you know that right?"

"Yeah its just- Quinn wouldn't be able to remember if his life depended on it.."

"Well we're on a whole different wave length" i said softly, looking down.

"Yeah, I guess we are... Hey Im going to head in. Goodnight"

"Goodnight" I paused for a moment and took a deep breath.

"Hey TJ?" I looked up and saw his window was already shut and he had closed his curtains, I sighed, "i love you"

I didnt stay up much longer and ended up falling asleep on a pile of close I had pulled out to decide what to wear. I didnt understand how TJ couldnt see we were meant to be together. TJ was a star athlete in the basketball team. Quinn was captain of the cheer team. I didnt understand why that made them better for each other. Quinn had to go to all of the games and cheer TJ on. I went voluntarily spending $10 to get in to cheer TJ on, even though I understood absolutely nothing. To me that made me the better match for TJ, I supported him unconditionally because I wanted to not because I had a grade depending on it.

A couple days later I ran into TJ at the park I sat with him on a bench and we started talking. It was so easy for us to talk to each other.

"You know Teej, you're smile could light up the entire city. I havent seen it in awhile, since you got with Quinn..."

"What do you mean... I smile all the time"

"But not like genuinely...."

"Im fine Cy I promise"

"You say youre fine... i know you better than that." I said barley audible. He didn't respond and I wasnt sure he heard. Quinn walked up to the bench and sat himself in TJs lap.

"Hey baby I missed you" TJ wrapped an arm around Quinns waist.

"What are you doing with a guy like that" I mumbled under my breath. TJ didnt hear it but Quinn certainly did. He shot me a challenging look and grabbed TJs face with one hand, leaning in and kissing him. TJ pulled away looked down

"Good to see you too Quinn"

"Come on TJ we're going to be late to our movie"

"We're going to the movies?"

"We are now. What kind of lames hang out in a park?" I frowned and looked at TJ who was being led away by Quinn. He turned back looking equally upset and mouthed "im sorry" to me before saying "Bye Cyrus" out loud. I watched them walk away and sighed. I decided to head back home. A couple hours later I heard my mom from downstairs.

"Cyrus!! You have a visitor. Do you want me to send them up?"

I thought to myself for a second, did I forget that I invited someone over? Buffy was on a trip with her mom, Andi was out with Bex and Bowie. I concluded the only way to figure it out was to have the visitor come upstairs.

"Yes mom. Thank you" I yelled in response. After a few seconds TJ poked his head into my room.

"Hey TJ whats up?" I was slightly confused, I thought TJ was out with Quinn.

"I-I wanted to talk to you but your curtains were closed." TJs voice cracked and i gave a look of concern "Are you okay TJ?"

"I dont know man. I got into a fight with Quinn"

"Why what happened? Is everything okay"

"Yeah its just.. we were studying for math and I-I read the numbers wrong... because of the-the thing... and he got really mad because when he looked at it the whole thing was wrong. And I felt so stupid.."

"Hey its not your fault. Youre not stupid. Theres nothing wrong with you. Dyscalcula is not a bad word TJ"

"It just sucks you know? Its like Quinn doesnt understand.. he doesnt want to understand." TJ looked like he was on the verge of tears and I decided I needed to make him laugh.

"Hey to make you feel better how about we build a crazy machine so that we can combine animals. We can mix a fish and a duck! Itll be called a Fuck!!" I exclaimed my hypothesis enthusiastically and realized i had accidentally just curse. Either way I had made TJ laugh which made me smile.

"You know youre the only person who can make me laugh when Im about to cry."

"I do my best. I love your laugh."

He smiled at me and looked around my room, spotting the white suit in the corner.

"Youre going to the dance?" He asked curiously.

"I dont know... I have to study.. Plus I dont have a date so I'd probably be bored"

"What about going with Andi and Buffy?"

"They already have dates" i shurgged.

"Oh. I wish you would. Its gona be fun" i smiled at him and nodded

"Sorry Cy I have to go home see ya"

I waved goodbye and watched him leave. Maybe I would go to the dance, and try to talk to TJ which would be near impossible if he was with Quinn. I thought about it for a second, maybe he wouldn't be with Quinn, since they were fighting. I sighed thinking about going, I had already bought a suit so maybe I should go. If anything I know that Buffy and Andi would include me in their evening but did I really want to intrude? I sat down by window and grabbed my notebook. I wrote down "I love you" in black marker and held it in my chest. Maybe this time he would see. I looked across into TJs room, his curtains were open but he wasn't up there yet. I sat there for a few minutes and a light turned on in his room I looked up he had walked over to his Curtains. I waved at him, he smiled and waved back before reaching for his curtain. I quickly held my notebook up to show him but it was too late he already closed it. I missed my chance again.

I sighed. Well maybe I would go to the dance tomorrow and tell him there. I smiled at the idea and went to sleep.

The next day after school I went home and stared at my suit. Did I really want to go? TJ is probably still going to be there with Quinn, they havent broken up.. I think. After I ate I got ready sighing at myself in the mirror as I put the folded up note in my pocket.

I got to the school and walked into the gym. The dance was already in full effect and I looked around for TJ. Once I did I walked up to him. He was wearing a black suit with a red tie.

"Hey you came!"

"Yeah I did. I decided that since I already bought a suit it was a waste to not come"

"You look- you look stunning" I looked down as I felt myself blushing

"Thank you.." I paused for a minute before continuing "Wheres Quinn? Are you here with him?"

"I-uh no I dont know where he is"

As if we had summoned him, Quinn walked up behind TJ and wrapped his arms around TJs waist from behind

"Come on lets go dance T"

"Im having a conversation right now can it wait."

Quinn let go and stood behind him, seemingly shocked and stared at him.

"TJ?" I drew his attention back to me and pulled the note out of my pocket and unfolded it. Hesitating before I turned it around so he could read it. He smiled at me and reached into his pocket. Pulling out a folded piece of notebook paper. He opened it and turned it towards me.

"I love you" was written on it in blue ink. We smiled at each other and he stepped closer to me. I heard Quinn shout something angrily and stomp away.

"I never realized that you loved me back..." TJs voice was soft.

"Standing by you... waiting at your back door all this time... how could you not know?"

"Youre the one who understands me.. I should have"

TJ closed my gap and kissed me and time stopped. It felt right, he belongs with me.