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beyondthesefourwalls · 1 year ago

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And You Will Find Me

Summary: The last thing Bradley expected when he was assigned to the unofficial “singles without a plus one” table at an old friend’s wedding was to meet who he thinks might just be the love of his life. But that’s exactly what happened.

Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x Reader (no use of y/n) (can be read as Forgetful Boy and Pumpkin from RYEWID, but not necessary to read that first)

Word Count: 3.8K

Warnings: Language, fluff, love at first sight.

Notes: Written for @roosterforme's ‘80s Rocktober Playlist Fic Challenge, and as part of The Forgotten Moments Collection, but can very much be read by itself. Song selection is Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper.

The Forgetful Boy and Pumpkin first meeting one shot that I’ve been wanting to write since I referenced it in part three of RYEWID. The fact that I could do it for a challenge for one of my favorite people makes it even more exciting for me.

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Bradley Bradshaw: Table Four

He grabbed the gold trimmed cardstock with his name on it, sipping on a glass of bourbon as he made his way into the reception hall. It didn’t take long to find his placement with the elaborate centerpieces displaying calligraphic numbers.

There were only two open seats left at the table, which was occupied by a group of people who were all staring down at their phones. He glanced around the rest of the venue, seeing all of the other tables bustling with conversation and laughter. He raised his eyebrows in surprise at the awkward silence that seemed to hang over this one in particular. No one seemed to know each other, and it didn’t look like they planned to make any effort to change that.

He groaned to himself and wondered, not for the first time, why he had thought attending this wedding was a good idea.

He hadn’t seen Sean in years, and had never even met Lucy. The two had been roommates for two years at UVA and had somewhat kept up with each other over the years, if only barely. They had always joked about how on the off chance either of them got married, they’d make each other's guest list. Bradley had laughed when he got the invite in the mail. He had waited until the last minute to send in the RSVP, but had ultimately decided why not? He wouldn’t know anyone there, and hadn’t managed to find a date in time, but he hadn’t been to Philly in way too long. He’d make a quick weekend out of it and see an old friend.

He hadn’t realized until he got into town how awkward going to a wedding on his own would be.

He sat in one of the empty seats, nodding to the guy on his right who forced a smile that looked just as awkward as it felt before turning his attention back to his phone.

Bradley was glad he had thought to refill his drink before cocktail hour ended.

He was scrolling through his phone when he saw a flash of orange out of the corner of his eye at the same time the seat next to him was pulled back.

He glanced up briefly to offer a quick smile to the new arrival and looked back down at his emails, only to do the quickest double take of his life. His breath caught in his throat and he swore his heart stopped, only to start again three times faster.

Holy hell.

“Is anyone sitting here?” you asked, and Bradley had to blink a few times before he realized you were talking to him, because your voice was mesmerizing.

“All yours,” he managed to say. He would have winced at how his voice cracked if he wasn’t trying to remember how to breathe. You offered a warm smile as you gracefully sat down. You were a vision in a long sleeve, burnt orange dress that looked like it would be silky to the touch. When he glanced down, he had to bite down on the inside of his cheek to stop from groaning when he saw the slit going up the side and the nude heels on your feet. You were the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and you were sitting beside him fiddling awkwardly with your place card as he stared at you.

“I’m Bradley,” he finally managed to introduce himself, extending a hand out. You looked at him in surprise.

“Oh! Hi.” You took his hand with a soft, gentle grip, your eyes locking onto his as a spark went through his whole body. Your eyes widened a fraction and he wondered if you felt it, too. He almost didn’t catch your name when you said it because he was so distracted by the feeling. “So, bride or groom?”

“What?”

You laughed softly, and he worried about going into cardiac arrest at the sound. “Are you here for the bride, or for the groom? I assume since you’re at this table it’s either one or the other and not both.”

“This table?”

You glanced around at your other tablemates, still busy with doing everything they could not to make eye contact with anyone else. Then you leaned closer to him, and he couldn’t help but do the same. You whispered to him like you were sharing something salacious. “The singles table. The ones who came alone and who wouldn’t know anyone else, and who they’re kind of surprised RSVP’d ‘yes’ to begin with.”

Bradley let out a loud laugh, and you giggled right along with him. The sound was like music. It earned you both curious and maybe even annoyed looks from all those at your table. He hadn’t considered that before, but now that he thought about it, you were absolutely right.

“Groom,” He replied, “College roommates. You?”

“Bride,” you told him. “Ironically, also college roommates.”

“Well would you look at that,” Bradley smirked, and he knew the amusement that sparkled in your eye was mirrored in his.

He was interrupted from saying anything else from the DJ tapping on the microphone to formally start the reception. As the bridal party danced their way into the room to Celine Dion, he kept stealing glances at you. To his pleasure, you were stealing them right back. By the time Sean and Lucy were seated at the front table and the DJ announced that dinner would be served momentarily, Bradley could barely look away. There was a smile on your face that indicated you didn’t mind at all.

It continued that way through the meal that was eventually placed on the table. You didn’t speak much as you ate, both of you feeling like you were disrupting the other six people spread out on either side. But you kept catching each other’s eyes and smiling before you looked away, and his cheeks were nearly hurting at how big his smile was.

Fuck.

Bradley barely even knew your name, and he was already down bad.

You leaned over to him during the speeches that started immediately after dinner, and he caught another whiff of your perfume. He tried his best not to noticeably take a deep breath of the scent. “Do we think the best man is already drunk?”

“Oh, he absolutely is,” he confirmed. The man in question was laughing hysterically at a joke he just told, already swaying on his feet. “I saw him throwing back an entire flask right before the ceremony.”

Your nose scrunched up in the most adorable cringe he had ever seen. “Yikes. I don’t really blame him though. The maid of honor is his ex-fiance. I’m pretty sure she left him for groomsman number three, but I can’t confirm.”

He looked at you with wide, curious eyes. “Did Lucy tell you that?”

“No,” you laughed, mindful of keeping your voice down to not draw any attention to yourselves as the slurred speeches continued. “I drove up last night and then was bored before the ceremony today. Social media is very informative, you know.”

Bradley choked out a laugh, absolutely amazed at you. “Are you a private investigator or something?” he asked, genuinely curious.

You picked up your wine glass with a smirk, and you winked at him before you took a sip. “A journalist, actually. But close enough.”

A journalist. Bradley filed that information away in a new folder in his brain that had your name on it.

Clapping drew his gaze away from you, and he realized he had completely shut out the rest of the speech. He cleared his throat and joined in, and the two of you watched as the bride and groom did their first dance. It felt like it lasted forever, but that was probably because he was itching for it all to be over so that he could talk to you again. He wanted to know more about you. In fact, he found that he wanted to know everything about you.

Everyone clapped again when the dance came to an end, and Bradley was turning to you before the DJ even finished announcing the beginning of the party.

“What are you drinking?” he asked, and he thought the look you gave him was a mix between delighted and amused. Your eyes cut to your mostly empty wine glass where he could very much see exactly what you had been sipping on. He felt heat creep up his cheeks in embarrassment.

“White wine,” you said anyway. “What are you drinking?”

He fought the grin that was threatening to take over his face. You were keeping him on his toes, and he found he quite liked it. “Bourbon.”

“Ah. Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m about due for a refill.”

“Is that so?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. You glanced around the table where the other occupants were back to scrolling through their phones or focusing on anything that wasn’t another human being. He almost laughed at the look on your face when you turned back to him. You grabbed your clutch from the table and the two of you rose out of your seats at the same time without even having to say anything.

“After you,” he grinned, and your smile made him dizzy. He ordered another whiskey while you got Pinot Grigio. He laughed when you told him you weren’t allowed another glass, because too much white wine apparently made for a very interesting night. He filed that little tidbit away, too.

With fresh drinks in hand, you turned to walk back to your assigned seating. The lights had dimmed and the music had turned to something upbeat and very cliche, and the majority of the attendees had converged on the dancefloor. You navigated around them carefully. His hand hovered over your lower back, not quite touching, but wanting to. You drew to a stop when you were only a few feet from the table, your head tilted to the side.

“I hate being seated at these tables,” you muttered. “Always makes me feel like maybe I shouldn’t have come.”

Bradley had been thinking the same thing until you had sat down beside him and shook his hand. He couldn’t help but flex his fingers as he remembered how his skin had buzzed at your touch. He glanced around the whole venue again, not quite knowing what he was looking for until he caught sight of the patio through the large windows.

“Do you want to ditch and go outside with me?” he found himself asking before he could stop himself. He held his breath when your eyes snapped to his, slightly wide in surprise. But they softened quickly, and you nodded, tucking some of your hair behind your ear with your free hand.

He held out an arm, and after only a moment of hesitation, you slipped yours into it. He almost felt like he was floating as he guided the two of you toward the open doors.

The patio was decorated beautifully. It stretched almost the entire length of the building, and twinkle lights lined the ceiling and the pillars holding it up. Smaller tables and furniture were spread out amongst the concrete and the two of you settled into the soft cushions of one of the outdoor coaches.

It was a mild night, even for early February in Philadelphia, and the heat coming from the fire pit in the middle of the table in front of you was enough for it to be comfortable. You sat in silence for a beat, but it wasn’t awkward. Your fingers danced over the rim of your wine glass and Bradley’s gaze followed as you brought it to your lips. You caught his eye as you swallowed, and he felt the heat creep onto his cheeks at being caught staring at you again.

He cleared his throat, taking a sip of his own drink to gather himself. “So. A journalist. What do you write about?”

“The hypocrisy of old men, mostly,” you shrugged, and Bradley’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. You laughed at his expression. “I cover politics,” you explained. Your joke registered with the context and he chuckled.

“So just how hypocritical are the old men of Philadelphia?” he asked, and you seemed delighted that he was going along with it.

“Eh,” you said, shrugging your shoulders. “Very, I’m sure. But I cover Washington, which is definitely worse. I live in DC.”

Bradley’s breath caught in his throat. Excited disbelief had his eyes widening. There was no way. In the back of his mind he had admittedly already been thinking of how often he could feasibly make the drive from Andrews to Philly, because he knew he had to see you again. Tonight couldn’t be the only time, not with how he was feeling and how he was pretty sure you were, too.

“Small world,” he finally managed, trying to keep his voice steady despite his racing heart, and now your eyes were widening back. The happiness in them was hard to miss, and, holy shit, you were excited about this. He felt the urge to pinch himself.

“You live in DC?”

“I’m at Naval Air Facility Washington doing extended training at Joint Base Andrews,” he told you, still in a bit of disbelief, but feeling giddy.

“Ah. Navy man, huh?”

It took a moment for Bradley to realize his cheeks were red again. He doesn’t think anyone has ever made him blush before, or at least not as many times as you had tonight already.

“Naval Aviator,” he elaborated.

You smiled, and it felt like the whole world disappeared except for the two of you as you held out your glass. He raised his to tap against it in cheers. “Here’s to small worlds, then.”

“And to college roommates,” he added, and your laugh took his breath away.

The two of you sat there with your drinks in hand, and the conversation flowed effortlessly, talking about everything and anything. He found himself hanging onto your every word. He couldn't help but be drawn in by every single thing about you. He learned that you grew up here in Philadelphia and, like him, you were an only child. You got your undergrad in journalism and then a masters in political science and moved to DC before the ink was even dry. You were a little bit addicted to coffee and true crime podcasts, and you were a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. He told you about growing up in Virginia and being in the Navy, and about his love of the 80s and playing piano.

But you talked about more than just the surface level stuff, too. As the occasional sound of laughter drifted outside from the dancefloor and the fire pit glowed in front of you, you told him how sometimes, you wondered if you were really cut out for your career, because the nature of what you had to cover drove you absolutely crazy, and you felt like people focused on the wrong things. You tended to have a self-imposed terrible work/life balance and your anxiety crept up on you because you’d ignore it for too long. You weren’t close with your parents, and your bucket list was full of things you were scared you’d never be able to do.

In return, he let you in on the reason he wanted to join the Navy in the first place, and growing up with a single mother and what it was like when she got sick. He confided how he had a bad habit of hesitating both in and out of the air, and how he didn’t really have any connections or relationships outside of the Navy that went more than just skin deep or a memory of what used to be.

He shared more with you than he had with anyone else, and somehow, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. It was like he had always known you, or at least like he was meant to now.

You were so caught up in each other that neither of you realized just how much time had passed. Before you knew it, the music from inside was starting to soften and the lights were turned back on, and the servers came outside to start collecting empty glasses and trash.

“Oh wow,” you breathed in surprise, “We missed the whole reception.”

You stared at each other in silence for a moment, and then at the same time, you burst into laughter.

“Can I walk you back to your hotel?” he asked you once you had calmed down. You had mentioned how you were staying just a few blocks away, and the thought of you walking alone or getting a car this late at night didn’t sit right with him. It was strange, how he already felt the urge to protect and care for you.

Plus, he wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet.

“I’d like that,” you said softly, much to his relief.

The bride and groom were inside wishing everyone goodbye, and you both took a moment to speak to your respective reasonings for being there. Neither of you lingered for long, and the balmy night air greeted you again when you exited the building after collecting your coats.

You didn’t hesitate to link your arm with his when he held it out this time. He felt warm all over with you this close to him. Despite the late hour, the city was still alive with people out and about and laughter and conversation spilling out onto the sidewalk from every business you passed. He held onto you a little tighter when you walked by some decidedly way too drunk people, but you didn’t seem to mind. You kept the conversation going just as easily as it was when you were sitting on the patio, swapping embarrassing stories from your college days. You were walking through the park, nearly at your hotel, and it was when you mentioned something about dancing on a table at a frat party after too many shots of Fireball that he came to an alarming realization. He stopped so abruptly that you were slightly yanked back into his body, and you looked at him in concern. Before you could ask what was wrong, he was blurting the words out.

“I never asked you to dance.”

You gave him a confused look and then snorted in amusement. “I suppose you didn’t.”

“Oh my god,” he groaned, tilting his head back and slapping his palm to his forehead. “I had the perfect opportunity to dance with you and I never asked.”

You were still laughing, your feelings clearly not hurt at his lack of consideration. But he was already digging his phone out of his pocket and swiping open his music app. He held it out in your direction. “Pick a song,” he told you.

“What?” you laughed. “Bradley!”

“I’m serious! Pick a song.”

He pushed his phone a little closer, and with an amused look, you finally took it. You bit your lip as you thought for a moment before you started typing, and then the soft sounds of Time After Time were floating in the air.

“You said you loved the 80s,” you said almost shyly. But Bradley smiled, taking the phone back and slipping it into his jacket pocket. The music was muffled now, but you could both still hear it.

“It’s perfect,” he told you. He held out a hand for you to take, and once you slipped your palm into his, he pulled you close. You rested your head on his shoulder as you began to sway. The night was quiet and serene as you danced, and he didn’t know what he did for his night to turn out this way, but he was so glad that it did.

When the song came to an end, you stopped moving, but didn’t separate. You picked your head up and looked at him, your eyes locking together. You didn’t say anything at first, but eventually, you sighed and a soft, reluctant smile tugged at your lips.

“I should probably get back,” you whispered.

“Are you sure?” he asked, desperate to stay in your presence for as long as possible. You had entered his life so unexpectedly, and he was wishing with everything in him that you wouldn’t be leaving it anytime soon. “You aren’t going to turn into a pumpkin once the clock strikes midnight, right?”

You shook your head at his joke, giving him a playful wink in return. “I don’t know. This does feel a bit like a fairytale.”

Your words made him grow a little more serious, and he swallowed thickly as a charged energy seemed to settle over both of you. You bit your lip as you stared, your gaze wide and saying a million things at once. You had the most expressive eyes he had ever seen. He wanted to look at them forever.

"You know," he said, his voice lower now, like he was afraid to disrupt the moment by being too loud. He brought a hand up to your face, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “This is not how I anticipated my night going.”

The air between you crackled with unspoken words, his hand still lingering near your cheek. Then, in a move that felt natural and inevitable, he leaned in, and you met him halfway. Your lips touched softly, a spark of electricity passing between you. It was a kiss filled with promise, a taste of what could be. It was as if time stood still, the world around you fading away until it was just the two of you.

When you finally pulled away, both of you were left breathless. Bradley looked at you with a mixture of desire and genuine affection that should have scared him, but it didn’t.

"Wow," you whispered, your lips curving into a shy smile. He knew exactly what you were feeling with that one word, because he felt it too.

He brushed his nose against yours, breathing you in. “Tell me I can see you again when we get back to DC,” he begged.

You let your hand rest against his chest, and he was sure you could feel the pounding of his heart. “I was hoping so,” you said, and he breathed out a happy laugh of relief before kissing you again.

Standing there under the soft glow of the lampposts, Bradley thought he might love you already.

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Masterlist

Notes: I hope y'all loved this one as much as I did! I miss these two so much.

Special thanks to Mak and Em for all of their help, and to Mak for the banner!

Tag List: @roosterforme @mak-32 @wildxwidow @gretagerwigsmuse @lilyevanswhore @too-fangirl-to-fuction @fav-fanficssss @notroosterbradshaw @teacupsandtopgun @sometimesanalice @sunflowersteves @littlezee80 @je-suis-prest-rachel @khaylin27 @infamous-reindeer @hotch-meeeeeuppppp @yanna-banana @avengersfan25 @wkndwlff @sylviebell @lt-spork @indynerdgirl @greatszu

@mssleepy876b @kassieesworld @mizzzpink @a-serene-place-to-be @sexualparkour @sadpetalsstuff @almostgenerallyalways @alilstressyandlotdepressy @ccbb2222 @taytaylala12 @shelbycillian @mavrellover91 @vici111 @lunamooncole @blackwidownat2814 @pisupsala @bellaireland1981 @jynxmirage @shanimallina87 @na-ta-sh-aa @callsign-magnolia @chaoticassidy

*I do not give permission to copy/steal, translate, or publish elsewhere*

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morgana-larkin · 8 months ago

Note

Hey! saw u asking for prompts. I REALLY LOVE ur fic 'worth it'!

Anyway, can you write a fic based on '' we get married in our heads'" "I miss you on a train" and 'I think about you' basically based on About You by The 1975. Maybe mel and r have met in Italy, when they're both in vacation. Became real close or something but never really did talk and pursue what was really going on between them because both are scared, then they part ways and never had contact with each other 'cause they thought it's better that way, until reader arrives at abbott as the new teacher not knowing she'll see the redhead again

Hey, thank you for the prompt! I’m glad you’re liking Worth It. I hope you like this, it has a lot of angst because apparently my brain deemed it necessary but a happy ending.

Don’t Let Me Go

Warnings: Angst with a happy ending, Sad Mel (yes this is a warning because I don’t like it when she’s upset)

Words: 3.6

Beautiful green eyes stare back at you in your mind. You just got back from Italy where you were teaching a child English during the summer and that’s where you also met her, Melissa Schemmenti. She was visiting some family members of hers during summer vacation for 2 months.

You still remember meeting her. You were sitting on the patio of a coffee shop reading an Italian- English dictionary so you can help teach the child better. She saw you sitting there and thought you were beautiful, sitting there, with some sunglasses on, a smile on your face and the sun hitting you, making it look like you’re glowing. She decided to walk up to you and start conversation.

“That book makes you stand out as a tourist.” She told you and you looked up at her and saw those eyes, those green eyes that you still think about in your mind.

“Well I think the book and the fact that I’ll look completely clueless if someone talks to me in Italian will make people know I’m a tourist.” You replied back to her and she laughed. A laugh that you think about constantly that you hear in your mind.

You and Melissa became friends after that, you went out to places together and she showed you the places that Italy had to offer. You learned that she was a teacher as well and that she lived in Philly. You both talked about everything and told each other all about yourselves. And in the 2 months of you two knowing each other, you both became attracted to each other, although neither of you mentioned it. And then when the time came for both of you to go back home, you both decided it was best to cut contact, since you won’t see each other again.

“Are you sure?” You asked her and she nodded.

“I had a great time with you these past 2 months but we’re not going to see each other again so why keep contact?” She said and you nodded. “It’s for the best.”

5 years later…

You recently just moved from New York to south Philly. You were on a train, just coming back from picking up the last of your things from your parents house in New York that you gave to them to keep for you. You were listening to music when you saw someone with red hair walk on and then you thought about her, the beautiful Italian woman you met 5 years ago during the summer. You still think about her of course, and wondering if you should have told her how you felt before you parted ways.

The next day you wake up, you’re starting your new job as Abbott Elementary’s new 3rd grade teacher. You walk into the entrance of the school and went to the main office to get your badge and classroom key. As soon as you walked you ran into someone. You went to go apologise to the person, but as soon as you looked at them you froze. It was her, the woman who still sometimes occupies your thoughts and dreams.

“Melissa?” You say to her quietly, in disbelief that she was right here in front of you. Melissa was just as shocked as you were, and then you looked into those green eyes that you only saw in your dreams now and they made you feel safe.

“Y/N?” She said back to you, just as quietly. “Wha-what are you doing here?” She asked you.

“I-I’m the new 3rd grade teacher.” You stuttered out. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m a 2nd grade teacher here, have been for many years now.” She said.

Before either of you can say anything else you get interrupted. “Hey Melissa, can I talk to about the curriculum we got this year I have a couple of questions.” A younger teacher said to her. And then she saw you. “Oh hi, are you a new teacher here?” She asked you.

“Ya my name is Y/N Y/L/N, the new 3rd grade teacher.” You tell her and hold out a hand for her and she shook it.

“Oh how lovely to meet you! My name is Janine Teagues. I’m a second grade teacher here like Melissa here.” She told you.

You left Melissa and Janine to talk and you went to your classroom to set up before the kids get here in 30 minutes. You didn’t get the chance to do it the week prior as you were in the middle of moving and the principal said it’s fine and just emailed all the information that you needed to know.

You were putting up some fun posters with the help of a stool when she walked in without you realising it.

“Y/N?” She said. You didn’t know she was there so it took you by surprise and you fell off the stool face first. She caught you, of course, and when you realised she did, you opened your eyes and saw hers staring at you. “I’m sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.” She said and let go of you when you found your footing.

“It’s alright, you caught me so it’s fine, no harm done.” You told her and walked over to your desk to organise some papers. “Was there something you needed?” You asked her. You tried to seem calm on the outside instead of freaking out like you were on the inside. The truth is that you missed her. You missed her as a friend. You only knew each other for 2 months but you became really close and even knowing that you only had 2 months, feelings had to of course get in the way.

“I thought I’d never see you again.” She said and when you looked up at her, she looked hurt. Hurt about what? You don’t know. Melissa was trying to be neutral about this, you both thought it’d be better to cut contact before you parted 5 years ago. And in that 5 years, she never forgot you, and seeing you again, she realised how much she missed you. She remembered showing you around, walking and running around, hand in hand, smiling and laughing. She thought about finding you constantly, she could have asked one of her guys to find you and they would have, but that scared her. She became attracted to you in those 2 months and she never told you, she knew you’d never like her back the way that she likes you. She knew you were attracted to women, but she thought you’d never be attracted to her.

“Well considering that we said it would be better to not have contact with each other when we parted, then I can see why you thought that.” You said coldly and she was taken aback by that. The truth is that while you were excited to see her again, it was originally her idea to cut contact, and she convinced you that it was for the best. And now here she is talking to you after she so easily left you behind. “Look Melissa, I don’t know what you want but, we became friends in Italy but we haven’t spoken in 5 years because you thought that would be for the best.” You told her and she nodded looking guilty. “So I think it would be best if we continue that way.” You told her and it hurt to tell her that but you have to protect yourself against her. She hurt you 5 years ago and while you wanted to be her friend again like before, she might just hurt you again. You’re not going to take that chance again.

Melissa’s heart broke a bit at you telling her that. She missed you and wanted to see if she could reconnect with you again. But if you don’t want to then she can’t force you. “If that’s what you want.” She told you and you looked at her.

“I think it’s for the best.” You said simply. Repeating the same words she told you before you left to the airport, leaving your heart in pieces and regret for not telling her how you feel. And while your feelings for her never left, you’re still not going to tell her, you won’t give her any chance to hurt you again, to break your heart, once was already enough. At that Melissa nodded and left.

And it seems the universe hates you as Melissa’s room was across the hall. You took a deep breath and continued getting ready before you went to go meet your new students.

You walked outside as students were lining up as they found who’s going to be their teacher this year. Someone called you over and told you to stand where they are so they know where to bring students that were going to be in your class. The universe had it out for you as you were told to stand 4 feet away from Melissa. You both did your best not to look at each other but every few seconds, one of you did.

At one point the sun hit you the exact same way it did when she first met you and the way it hit you again when she took you on a picnic to a beautiful park she knew. She thought you looked beautiful in the sun dress you wore, how it fit your body perfectly and your hair glowing in the sun. After you finished your meal you both layed down on the blanket and looked at the clouds in the sky and just enjoyed each other’s presence. And at one point you took her hand in yours and she turned to look at you, only to find you looking back at her with a smile. And she just layed there, looking into your eyes with a smile, the sun hitting your face, making you look like you’re glowing, like an angel.

It broke her heart that you wanted nothing to do with her now but she understood, she had basically told you that on that very sad day, when you said goodbye to each other, thinking it was for forever. Melissa was used to cutting people off, but it still hurt her when she did. Since you decided that you want the both of you to ignore each other, then that’s what she’s going to do. But she couldn’t stop a smile from forming when you were greeting some of your students with a huge smile.

Unknown to Melissa, Barb happened to look over at Melissa looking at you. She saw her looking at you with a sad smile and longing in her eyes. Barb heard your name being called and that’s when she put 2 and 2 together. Melissa told her about the woman she met on her vacation in Italy 5 years ago whose name was Y/N Y/L/N. And now here she was, the new teacher at Abbott. And from the look Melissa was giving you, Barb thought that seeing you again didn’t go well, since it seemed you were ignoring her. Barb decided that she’ll talk to Melissa at lunch.

The morning went by and Melissa kept looking across the hall to your classroom. She saw how you were with the kids and it warmed her heart. She saw how gentle you were, how you talked to them with a smile, and paid complete attention to them when they talked to you. She felt like she made a mistake letting you go 5 years ago but she thought that you would go and live your life and leave her behind in the end if you kept contact.

Lunch came and like always, Barb met Melissa in her classroom before they went to the break room together. But this time when Barb walked in, she closed the door after making sure it was only her and Melissa in the room.

Melissa heard the door close and saw Barb standing there giving her a look. “What?”

“So am I correct in assuming that the new 3rd grade teacher is the same one you met in Italy 5 years ago?” Barb said, straight to the point. And the sigh and look she gave was all the answer she needed.

“Ya, the same one.” Melissa said defeated.

“And I’m also guessing that meeting her again didn’t go well.”

“She said she wanted nothing to do with me. And used the exact same words I said to her 5 years ago when she asked me if I was sure I wanted to cut contact with her. That it’s for the best.” Melissa sighed and put her elbows on the desk and her head in her hands.

“Melissa…” Barb started but was interrupted by the redhead.

“I missed her Barb, I knew I did but after seeing her again, I realised how much I missed her. Even after 5 years I never forgot her. How is it that we spent only 2 months together and I still think about her 5 years later?” Melissa said, and her voice cracked at the end. Barb could tell she was on the verge of crying.

“Even spending a short time with someone can leave an impact on you. It’s not always the amount of time together but the quality of the time you spend together.” Barb says and Melissa looks up at her , with red eyes. “Oh sweetheart.” Barb says and goes over and hugs her, and that’s when Melissa starts crying. Melissa never told her but Barb knew she developed feelings for the Italy girl. “Have you told her how you feel?” Barb asked after Melissa stopped crying.

“No. Why would I do that?” Melissa asks like the reason was obvious.

“Because maybe she feels the same and that’s why she’s avoiding you.” Barb says and Melissa freezes. She didn’t think about that. But as always Melissa declines it, deeming it impossible.

But the week goes by and Melissa can’t stop thinking about that. She thought about it more and more and the only thing she wanted was to be near you. But during the week, you did everything you could to avoid her. You never put anything in the fridge and you always come in with your own coffee so you never have to go in the break room in the morning. You avoid any possible eye contact when you’re both standing at the doorway, greeting your students. At lunchtime you eat in your classroom or in your car. At the end of the day you don’t look at her and you leave before Melissa does. And when you pass each other in the hall, you don’t even look her way. She sees you talking to other people though, you and Jacob seem to take a liking to each other as you guys have a lot of the same interests. She’s seen you talk to Barb at the beginning of the week but then you found out her and Barb were best friends so you haven’t talked to Barb since.

Before she knew it, one week goes by, then another, and another, and then it was Halloween morning and by some miracle, it was on a Friday this year. Melissa came in dressed as the scarlet witch and of course she saw you checking her out. You came dressed as Captain Marvel. Of course you both had to pick someone from the same universe. Melissa thought you looked amazing in the costume. It’s safe to say that while you were checking Melissa out, she was also checking you out.

And when hell broke loose and the teachers had to find baby thanos, you and her got paired together. While you were walking in the halls together, she kept looking at you. She wanted to talk to you and she had the perfect opportunity too, but she didn’t know how to start.

“Would you stop looking at me please.” You told her, well I guess you started it.

“Sorry, I want to talk to you though.” She said and you looked at her.

“That’s interesting, because 5 years ago you told me that we shouldn’t talk to each other again.” You countered.

“I made a mistake.” You looked at her a bit shocked. She certainly got your attention now. “I shouldn’t have suggested that we stop all contact. I regretted telling you that right away. I thought about looking for you, multiple times but I never did.”

“Why didn’t you? Why did you suggest cutting contact if you regretted it?” You asked her, and she dragged you into the nearest classroom and closed the door.

“Because I got scared Y/N. I got scared of how I felt about you. I didn’t just think of you as a friend, well I did at first but then I got feelings for you. And I knew that if we kept contact then eventually you’ll find someone else and live your life and leave me behind. I didn’t want you to hurt me when that happens so I decided that it would be best if we forget each other. But it backfired, because I never forgot you, I thought about you constantly.” Melissa said, and she got a bit choked up trying not to cry. “And then when we bumped into each other after 5 years, all I wanted was to reconnect with you and tell you how sorry I was for letting you go. But when I tried you wanted nothing to do with me and it broke my heart when you said that.” A tear fell down her cheek and her eyes were rimmed red.

You looked at her after her confession, whatever you thought she might have said that, that was not it. You didn’t know what to say, your brain processed everything she said. “You had feelings for me?” You said, and Melissa looked up into your eyes and saw that you looked hurt, the same look you had when you two said goodbye to each other.

“Have actually, I still have feelings for you, they never went away like I thought they would.” She confessed and you were shocked.

“I have feelings for you as well.” You confessed.

“You-you do?” She asked, not believing it to be true.

You nodded. “That’s why I thought it would be best if we stayed away from each other. It hurt when you told me that we shouldn’t speak to each other again. So when I saw you again, I was excited to see you again and then I remembered the pain from you leaving me behind so easily. I didn’t want to get hurt again. So I thought that I would spare myself the pain in the future and just not talk to you now. I regret not telling you how I felt then, but I thought you wouldn’t feel the same way because you’re…well… you know, you’re u. You’re so amazing and sweet and gorgeous, you could have anyone you want. You told her.

“Anyone except you, I could have anyone except the person I actually want.” She said with a tear rolling down her cheek. “If I told you 5 years ago how I felt then I could have had you, but I guess I missed my chance.”

“Who said that was your only chance?” You asked her and she looked at you confused. You walked up to her and wiped away the tear that’s rolling down her cheek. Her breath hitched when you did that, she wanted to get close to you again for almost 2 months now and to think it might happen, she just couldn’t think right now. She wants to respond, to make up for lost time, she doesn’t want to fuck it up and lose you again.

“Are you saying that you’re still willing to be with me?” She said and you nodded.

“I constantly thought about you as well, and you ended up in my dreams at night too. Almost like you were haunting me.” You joked and Melissa let out an airy chuckle. You touched your forehead with hers as you both basked in the happiness you felt of being near each other again.

“Y/N, I missed you so much, I regret ever letting you go.” You pulled back and cupped her cheeks.

“Then don’t let go now.” You told her and she wrapped her hands around your wrists while your hands were still cupping her cheeks.

“I won’t, I’m not going to make that mistake again.” And with that you leaned in and kissed her. She kissed you back almost immediately. You both felt safe , you felt at home. She moved her hands from your wrists and laid them on your waist. While you moved them from her cheeks to around her neck.

“Well it’s about time.” Barb said, smiling from the doorway, and you both backed away and looked at her. “I convinced everyone to pair you guys up so you would talk to each other and hopefully work it out, and looks like you do.” Barb said proudly and Melissa smiled.

“Thank you Barb.” Melissa said and then looked at you and pulled you to her and hugged you. She then pulled away and looked at your eyes. “I promise I won’t let you go.” She told you and you smiled at her.

And she said the same promise to you at the end of her vows on your wedding day.

Taglist: @esposadejoyhuerta @imaginesmultifandoms

#melissa schemmenti x reader #melissa schemmenti x oc #melissa schemmenti x you #melissa schemmenti #x reader #fanfic

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justinspoliticalcorner · 1 month ago

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LATROBE, Pa. — When fascism finally went mainstream in America, it came hawking a $60 made-in-China Bible and shadowed by a 50-foot American flag braced by construction cranes — and it opened with a story about Arnold Palmer’s private parts. I’d driven nearly five hours into and under the Allegheny ridges of Western Pennsylvania — up and down slopes that got steeper each mile with the volume of Donald Trump flags and yard signs that proclaimed “I’m Voting for the Convict 2024″ — out of a sense that the decline and fall of American civilization has reached a depth that I needed to personally bear witness. It was a fever dream — maybe I could find words that have eluded everyone else. Just six days earlier, Trump came to the Philly suburbs and turned a supposed town hall into a 39-minute dance party as his deeply confused crowd watched a once and wannabe future U.S. president sway awkwardly to Sinead O’Connor and Luciano Pavarotti or look utterly frozen in the bubble of his 78-year-old head. And yet when the alarm goes off the next morning, it’s still Groundhog Day in America, an election with a 50% chance of the music-trance guy winning. Something both incredibly momentous and weird is happening at the same time. Now, the sun was nearly setting over the runway at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. With the most consequential U.S. presidential election since 1860 just 17 days away, about 3,000 to 4,000 of the most die-hard MAGA Trump fans who weren’t exhausted by the campaign and the GOP candidate’s frequent visits to Steelers’ country had been waiting for hours on a sunbaked tarmac. They’d let out the obligatory whoop for the obligatory flyover of Trump Force One, and then finally the man tasked with bringing their country back was on the podium, filtered by bulletproof glass. Donald Trump’s red meat of mass-deportation camps and R-rated attacks on his opponents would have to wait. Monday’s DJ was now Saturday night’s comedian, with his cult as captive audience. What started out as an obligatory shout-out to Latrobe’s famous native son — Palmer, the late great golfer who brought the sport to your TV screens in the 1960s — went on for five minutes, then 10, then 12. What started as a nice but meandering tale about Palmer’s working-class roots grew into a stone silence during long detours into stuff like types of golf club shafts as the tale grew increasingly instead about Trump — about how his own power and wealth allowed him to claim friendship with this great man. You are standing in the twilight wondering if this could get any stranger when of course it did. The man who bragged in his first campaign that he could shoot somebody on Fifth Avenue and people would still vote for him now wants America to know he can tell a penis joke with the cameras rolling and still get elected as the 47th president. [...] So I came to Latrobe to try and write the 72-point headline that the Times editors can’t — “PHALLUS-JOKE MAN AND DANCING FOOL COULD LEAD THE FREE WORLD AGAIN” — and to scream at the top of my lungs from the bluffs overlooking this tiny airport that this would-be emperor telling the shower story is actually wearing no clothes. Who will shout that Trump’s “closing argument” is the melding of his increasingly public breakdown with how that might lead to an all-too-real domestic war of midnight raids and armored personnel carriers against the fiction of an “Occupied America”? Ironically, Trump’s endless Arnold Palmer bit seemed part of an effort Saturday night to prove that the rambling candidate is not “exhausted,” something that his own aides reportedly said after several recent interviews were canceled. But the Republican nominee — kind of like Madonna’s “Sex” phase and shock photos when her 1980s were ending — also appeared to sense that he needs to get more and more outrageous to get attention, after numbing America to his Hitlerian language that immigrants “will cut your throat.”

Will Bunch at The Philadelphia Inquirer on Donald Trump's Latrobe rally (10.20.2024)

Will Bunch wrote in The Philadelphia Inquirer about Donald Trump’s fascist insultfest in Latrobe, PA in which he infamously obsessed about Arnold Palmer.

#Will Bunch #Donald Trump #Arnold Palmer #2024 Presidential Election #2024 Elections #Opinion #The Philadelphia Inquirer #Trump Rallies #Latrobe Pennsylvania #Pennsylvania

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cheynovak · 9 months ago

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Forbidden Hearts

Soldier Boy x F/Reader (Y/N)

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Alcohol, Family trauma, abuse,

Side note: English isn’t my first language.

Words: 6500

*Does not follow The Boys storyline!*

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

Y/N and Ben (Soldier boy) both grew up in South Philly. Ben’s father took an interest in Y/N’s mother a few years after her father died. By the time they made their relationship public both you and Ben were young teens. As young kids you two saw each other as siblings but the more time they spend time together, the more Ben noticed his feelings weren’t normal sibling love. But what happens when Y/N reaches the age where her mother wants to find a good husband for her only daughter.

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

“Really mom? Again?” Young Y/N wined, “I don’t like Benjamin, can’t I go play outside?” Your mother sighs. “Y/N first off, Benjamin and his father are our guests, we welcome them like a proper host. And secondly a young respectable woman like yourself doesn’t run around or play in the streets.”

Your mom was firm. “Now get upstairs and put on the pink dress Sheila picked out for you. Sheila was your servant, a beautiful young girl, barley even a woman, but she was the only real friend Y/N had. Sheila and her mother have been in this house as long as you can remember.

But when your dad died, the money influx stopped, and your mom had to let go of a servant. Sheila was cheaper and so she could stay but work a few more hours. She was always nice to Y/N, she even made an outfit with pants so you could go play outside, and mother would never notice the mutt or grass stains on her good dresses.

By the time Benjamin and his father arrived you and your mother waited in the grand hall to greet her guests. This wasn’t the first time you saw Ben, two years ago she met him on one of his father’s parties, remembering him as a little annoying snob, a bully. She didn’t know her mother had been writing and receiving letters from his father over the past year.

The boy you met then had changed into a young man, Benjamin was a little over a year older than you, he turned 15 last week and starting to grow into his body, made him look like a handsome young man, but in Y/N’s eyes he was just an annoying teenager.

You really didn’t want him here and the look on Ben’s face was exactly the same as yours, bored. His father gave him an elbow to his shoulder, urging him to greet you properly.

Benjamin’s dad made his visits weekly, which means you had to endure the young boy in your house, while listening to boring talk from the adults. Every few minutes your mother would correct your posture. God you hated that. One time she made a comment that made Ben laugh, you hated that even more.

“Ma-am? Pardon me, but it’s nice weather outside, perhaps miss Y/N could show the young Benjamin the garden?” Sheila interfered. Trying to safe both of you being bored this entire afternoon. “I like that idea.” his dad answered, making it impossible for you mother to decline. Sheila winked at you.

You showed Ben the large garden and the treehouse your father made for you right before he died. The second he left his father the young boy changed. The stiffness in his shoulders disappeared, he even started to talk to her. Pretty soon they found out they had a lot more in common.

Both lost the parent that cared the most for them. She found out Ben was in boarding school and that he only came home on the weekends. Which were now occupied with weekly visits to you and your mother.

Luckily the treehouse became a safe place for the youngster to hang out or hide out from their parents. His father was considered a well-respected man by society, so he showed his interested in your mother by doing what a man should, courting her, for months. Until the public eye would have forgotten both were once married and have grieved long enough.

“Does you mom always make you wear those ruffled dresses?” He asked while lying on the ground in the treehouse next to you, shoulder to shoulder looking at the sky via the opening in the ceiling. Watching the clouds drift by.

“Uhu, A like a proper lady should.” She mocked her mother. Ben let out a sharp breath “You, a proper lady, not in a million years.” - “What do you mean?” She looked shocked. “You want to be a free little birdy. Go where the wind takes you.” You look at him not knowing where that came from.

He lifted your skirt right above your knee. Which made you flinch and push his hand away. “Your knees are covered in bruises.” he added seeing your discomfort. “I’m sure a proper lady doesn’t go out and play rougher games outside.”

“Well, I think that is a ridicules rule.” Y/N blushed “Amen.” He preached while winking. Y/N really liked it when he did that, such a small gesture but it gave you a warm feeling.

“Aren’t you bored being he every weekend?” You asked while placing your back against the wooden floor again. “Nah, this is better than being home with my old man. He doesn’t know yet, but the school is going to call him.” - “Again? That’s twice over this year I known you.” you looked at him. “Why this time?”

“Some punk hit me. I hit back.” He answered like it was the most normal thing to do. “And why did he hit you?” Ben smirked before he turned his face to you. “I may or may not have kissed his girlfriend.” - “BENJAMIN!” that reaction made him laugh, crossing his arms over his stomach.

“You don’t do that!” you said like you were his mother, completely in shock. “Oh come on Y/N, this is a safe place, right? What good is our friendship if I can’t tell you things like that.” You felt your cheeks heat up. “Friendship?” she asked shy.

“Yeah, I mean, you’re nothing like al the girly girls I know. I like hanging around you, you have a ‘no drama vibe’. Doesn’t that make us friends, Birdy?” - “I guess so, you’re not as horrible to hang out with like I thought.”

“Oh, wow thanks! Most girl even like to hang out with me.” he bumped her shoulder. “Till they get to know you.” She joked. “Wow, jeez thanks!” You bumped his shoulder back. “Being friends means tough love.”

“Benjamin! We’re leaving!” you hear his father yell. “That time again.” He said lifting on to his elbow towards you. He looked through the cut-out window “I’m coming father!” he responded. “Well, see you next weekend, Birdy.” He said looking down at her, almost hovering over her.

Y/N’s heart dropped, she looked into his green eyes. He’s never been this close to your face. “Eh yeah, next weekend.” you said almost in a whisper. Ben jumped over you to crawl out of the treehouse. You still lay down on the ground, feeling the heat in her cheeks rise. Taking a deep breath before walking out after him.

During diner your mother started yet another awkward situation, “Y/N darling, what do you and Benjamin do all afternoon in that child house?” She didn’t lift her eyes of her plate and neither did you. “Treehouse mother, and we talk.” She raised her eyebrow, you noticed. “About school, our grades, hobbies, you know, stuff” she continued. “Hm... stuff.”

She thought for a second, “You know that young Benjamin is turning into a man.” Y/N looked up from her plate. “And a young man creates certain... desires around this age.” Oh no, not this talk you thought, while feeling your cheeks blush again.

“And you being younger and a woman, may not feel the same desires as him, as you shouldn’t. So, it’s important you don’t give him the wrong impression.” Her eyes looked at yours. “I’m trying to say, you should know that a woman needs to be pure when she marries a man.”

“Mom! Please stop! Ben never... I never. It’s nothing like that, he never tried anything, he is my friend!” Y/N took a deep breath, calming her nerves. “We’re just friends. You can stop this...talk.” She nodded slow, “I just noticed the time you two spend together.”

You look back at your plate. “Well, I though, it would please you knowing I’m trying to be friends with the son of the man that’s courting you for over a year now. I mean, I believe we might see each other more often.” She smiled her well practise fake smile.

September 1936

Not only Ben’s birthday month but also the day your mother and his father came out as an item and engaged. And to celebrate they want to throw a party on Saturday the 20th... The day after Ben’s birthday, the day he could celebrate his 17th birthday with his family.

You watched your mother clinging on to your stepfather to be. Flashing her ring to every woman she sees. It made your stomach turn. In the corner of your eye you see Ben, with the same disgusted look on his face. Poor Ben, he turned 17 yesterday and how did his father welcomed him home that day? By telling he is engaged.

You saw him taking a little silver bottle out of his pocket and pouring the liquid in his orange juice. Your feet automatically walked towards him. “This was supposed to be your day.” You whisper in his ear before giving him a small welcome hug. You could see his beard coming through. Seeing his freckles, his skin, his lips moved slightly into a smile when your greeted him.

You don’t know when he started to change, but over the last year, Ben’s slim childish figure had morphed into a man, he looked similar to his old man, clearly inherited his broad shoulders, full beard and hair colour, but Ben grew slightly taller this last year.

Although he looked a lot like his father, his eyes were his mother’s, the hard green eyes may fool someone who doesn’t know him. Making him looking firm and tough, but if you looked closer you could see the softness and caring behind them.

He was no longer a young boy, no, Ben looked like a man. And yes, I will admit it to myself, but never to him, he looks really good. “Quite the party.” He sighs before looking you up and down. “Did your mother chose this dress?” Y/n’s eyes grew big “No I did, why?” you ask looking at your body wondering if you made the wrong choice.

“I thought so, you clearly have a better taste.” He winked at her. “Well, I hope I’ll have better taste in men as well.” You let those words slip without thinking, your eyes look in an instant at Ben. “I’m so sorr..” Without any emotion he interferes your apology. “Yeah, hope so too.”

Poor Ben, you heard his stories over the last two years about his dad, at first thinking he couldn’t be that bad. But when you saw him one weekend with multiple bruises on his back, you had no choice but to believe him. Normally he would just break Ben down mentally but sometime when he got drunk or really angry, his belt came off.

“Ben?” - “Hm?” - ”With all this going on, I didn't have the chance yet to give you your birthday present.” His eyes grew wide looking down at you. “Follow me?” you said with a mischievous smile.

Ben looked around while you grabbed his hand and ran to the backyard. Noticing your mother seeing the two of you sneak out. Without thinking you climbed up to the treehouse. Ben followed right behind you, looking once over to the party, seeing your mother staring at him though the window.

He grinned before climbing up.

She really hated the fact that her perfect daughter was so close to him, he had been thrown out of school, again. She really hoped his influence wouldn't affect her little girl. Or worse.

“I’m really getting too big for this.” he said while climbing through the hole in the floor. Y/N chuckled soft “Need a hand?” - “yeah!” you pulled him up, accidently pulling him closer than needed. Your laugh softly faded away when roaming his face that towered over you.

The treehouse was dark part from the soft lighting coming from the main house through the cracks. The yellow light fell perfectly on his golden skin. His eyes even warmer than before. Thank the heavens he couldn’t see the heat on your face.

“What was it you wanted to show me?” His voice sounded deep, still holding her hands in his. “Show yo... Oh yeah, right.” you chuckle again, only this time it sounded more nervous. Ben regretted the second you let go of his hands, taking all the warmth with you. “Happy Birthday, I hope you like it.”

Ben opened the packaging, his eyes blinked fast. “I notice you read the same Agatha Christie story over and over so I figured you might like a new one. So, you know, you can at least change once in a while.”

Ben didn’t answer, he just stared at the book in his hands. Which made you nervous and started to talk. “I hope you don’t have this one yet? The lady at the bookstore told me it was the new one, or you know at least from last year. But it is supposed to be really good.”

Before you could say more, he pulled you into a hug. Leaving you frozen, Ben never hugged, he tapped your shoulder or knee, gave an elbow, shoulder or wink. But a hug, never. “You really know me.” He said trying to sound neutral while he felt emotional.

The last person who gave him a book, the book he kept reading was his mother, she loved the Poirot thrillers. Sharing it with her son. And she was the only person who ever really understood him, knew him. Y/N unknowingly reminded him of his mom. “I’m glad you like it.” you whisper against his shoulder. “I love it, it’s perfect.”

He slowly let’s go of you, but his eyes were still lingering on your face, like he was looking for something. Ben slowly moved down, kissing your cheek. You closed your eyes, while taking a deep breath, clenching your fingers around his arm. You had no idea if it was his amazing smell or the kiss, but something made you lightheaded.

His lips felt soft and lingered just a little too long on your skin. “Thank you.” he said again. “Ben...” he looked at you. What are you going to say Y/N, you thought to yourself. You’re welcome? Don't stop? Kiss me? You managed to snap out of it. “Maybe we should get back.”

You could see the sadness, disappointment in his eyes. “I think you right.” He said while letting go. “Ladies first.” he pointed his hands to the opening in the floor. The two of you walked back in silence. Hands every so often brush against each other.

Almost a year had been passed, and the parents decided to move in together, since his father had a nicer house, read: a house that had been taken care of over the years, your mother decided to move to his place. Much against the disliking of Y/N. She had to leave the house her father bought.

Ben had been thrown out of school again, making it hard on his father to find another school that wanted to take him. “I really don’t know what to do with you son.” he had said. “You’re so far behind no other school wants to take you on.”

“Perhaps sir, I can lend him my books after school, so that he doesn’t get behind on school knowledge and he can join next semester?” Both men looked at you with big eyes. “I wouldn’t mind tutoring him. Keeps me busy with my schoolwork as well.” You turn to your mother.

“What do you think love?” Oh god, you hated it he called you mother that. “As long as your schoolwork gets done properly, I don’t mind.” Y/N smiled softly at Ben who shook his head softly displeased.

“Right, that’s settled.” You mother added, “Oh and Y/N darling. Don’t forget to go to the debutant practise? It’s only in a couple of months darling. If we want to find a proper suiter, we need to get you ready. You're 16. The time is right.” You answered with a smile that looked like you had a toothache. “Of course, mother.”

Ben saw the tears in your eyes well up. You never thought that after your father died, she wanted to continue the tradition. Besides it was the father’s job to walk his daughter down the stairs, to present his daughter.

You hear a soft knock on the door. “Mind if I come in?” Ben asked leaning in the door.

“If it makes you feel better, I have to go too.” He sat down next to you on your bed. “Well, ... you’ll have 20 women on each hand, trying to get your attention. I’m the weird freak who does nothing but study.” He placed himself on his back, his hand under his head. “I’m sure there are plenty suiters.”

Y/N fell back next to him, turning your head to him. Making it touch his elbow. “And what if no one ask me to dance?” His broad smile appeared “Then I’ll find you.”- “You?” - “Yeah” - “That will be the talk of the town.” you giggled making Ben smile genuine.

Months gone by, the night of the debutant ball came closer. Your mother made sure it would be a night to remember, Ben’s father had agreed to walk you and he arranged that, Jonathan the son of a colleague would take over the first dance.

You both practised together, he seemed nice and interested. On the last rehearsal he saw you and Ben talk. “Hitting on my girl Benny boy?” -” Just a friendly conversation, johnny boy” he mocked his voice.

“Listen buddy, you might want to hit on everything with a skirt on, but this one is mine.” Y/n looked shocked. “Excuse me?” - “Y/N isn’t yours pal, you might want to take it down a notch.” - “Or what?” he took a step forward. “Forgot how I rearranged your face last year buddy? Don’t mind doing it again.” Ben stood toe to toe with Jonathan.

“Ben, Jonathan, stop it!” Both guys looked at you, standing almost in between them. “Act like gentlemen please!” To your surprise Ben listened, “But don’t worry Johnny, I'm not going after your girl. Stacy is my date. He waved at the hot girl a crossed the room. Who had no idea how to act.

“Who is Stacy?” you asked Jonathan after Ben left. “I used to date her, but Ben who said to be my friend kissed her. I hit him, he hit me. You know.” - “That was you?!” Jonathan looked not understanding her. “Ben told me a long time ago.”

The more you spent time with Jonathan the more you could see why he was a nice decent guy. You even started to hope he would like you enough to get to know you better.

The night of the debutant ball

Y/N was extremely nervous that morning, while she promised Ben to help him pack his things she had to rush to prepare her own bag. Making the mistake of taking the wrong bag to the fitting room. Each girl had their own small space to prepare. It was more like a shower curtain box than a room, but it would work.

Y/N noticed she had taken Ben’s bag with her instead of her make-up and hair supplies. Shit! She thought to herself. Y/N popped her head out of the curtain when she heard Ben’s voice. “Ben, Ben, Ben! Over here!” She yelled.

He left the group of guys behind and ran over to you. “What’s up? Need a hand with the zipper?” he joked. “No...” She thought for a second, “Actually yes that too, but you have my bag.” You pointed to the bag in hand before disappearing back behind the curtain.

Ben followed behind it making sure it was closed. You checked the bag making sure your make up was inside. “Thank god.” Y/N sighs. Ben noticed she was still in her silk robe. “Need me to come back for the dress?” - ”Just, turn around for a minute.”

As he did, he noticed his cheeks getting warmer. While his mind zoomed out to the idea that she was probably completely naked behind him. Only a few inches away, if he took a step back his back would touch hers.

“Ok you can turn.” He moved her hair aside to close all the buttons on her back. Starting at her lower back up to her shoulders. His hands shook which made it difficult to close them. When she turned back around, he couldn’t contain gaze.

Ben saw this beautiful white ball gown, her waist snatched in all the right places, her cleavage slightly shown, just enough for a young man to dream how she would look without the dress on. He had seen her change into a young woman over the year, this was one of the few times he actually looked at her.

“What do you think?” you asked nervous. “Eh, you look... nice.” He forced a smile. Feeling an idiot. His answer made you unsure of the choice of dress. “I look ridiculous, don’t I?” He saw the nerves in your eyes. “What? No, no! I’m just not used to you in this... I meant wow, beautiful.” He smiled sincere blushing.

“I-I I got to go.” Ben said while rushing out behind the curtain. Y/N followed him and held him back by his arm. You kissed his cheek. “Thanks, good luck.” - “You too.” He smiled, when he turned, he saw Jonathan who looked displeased at what he had witnessed. Making Ben grin even more.

As he wanted to pass him by, he bumped his shoulder to him. “What were you doing in her room?” Jonathan hissed. ”None of your business Johnny boy.” Ben almost sang.

The moment was there, Ben’s dad held your hand that was lying on top of his. “Ready?” he asked. “As I’ll ever be.” Y/N breathed out. The moment the young girls were introduced on the top of the stairs they could look into to crowed. But most of all they would see their partners lined up down the stairs.

You immediately notice Jonathan wasn’t in his place. Making you search nervously into the crowed. Ben noticed you were stressed, as he was standing almost last in line. He knew how heartbroken you would have been if his dad had to leave you with all the girl who couldn’t find a partner.

So, he did what he had promised, making sure you would have a dance. He moved up front right before his dad and you took the last step.

You had seen him rush to the front seeing him for the first time in a black tuxedo complete with a bowtie and his hair combed back. Compared to the other boys he really could pull this look off. “What are you doing Benjamin?” His father asked, but he didn’t answer, he just smiled at you. “Thank you.” you mouthed, looking grateful.

Unfortunately, this meant that Stacy had no partner to welcome her down the stairs, which made Ben look extremely bad with the other parents. Making him once again a bad match for the most eligible families.

The opening dance began, “You do know you blew your changes this year, again.” You said while Ben placed his hand under your shoulders, guiding you over the dance floor. “What do you mean?” - “Every parent knew the couples. You leave the most popular, most desired girl standing alone.”

“Most desired family to marry into maybe.” He looked over to the ‘loner’ table. “I couldn’t have you sitting there, this dress needs to be seen tonight. You need to be seen.” - “What a compliment, charmer.” you blushed “Did it work?” He asked with a flirty tone, just a little too close to your face.

Ben couldn’t stop looking at her, he had seen her dress and what it did for her body but know she had done her hair and make-up she was truly transformed into a beautiful young woman. Her lips had a soft reddish look, not tacky like some other girls here, no, a deeper colour than what she already naturally had.

It reminded him of the colour she had on a winter’s day, when they took a walk in the park. He remembered that day because he couldn’t stop looking at her lips when she kept talking about some school project. He wanted to shut her up by pushing his lips on to hers.

Her eyes shined under the lights of the room. Again, just using whatever she had and enhanced her natural beauty. Ben couldn’t stop staring, wondering why he never noticed. Or did he?

The music faded out. The couples were now free to choose another partner in case they wanted to meet someone else. Ben held her hand, fiddling on her glove. “Do you want me to...” He nodded to the girls sitting on the side of the dance floor.

“May I be selfish and have one more dance?” You asked shy. Not ready to leave his strong arms already. Really liking how easy being with him felt. Besides that, Ben was a really good dancer, compared to what you had seen in practise, he never stood on your toes once.

After a moment of silence Ben spoke. “Do you like one of these guys?” Your head tilted. “I mean, do you see one of these men being your... husband, one day?” His question took you by surprise. “Eh, not that I know, why?”

He grinned “Want to get out of here?” You were shocked “Ben we can’t!” - “Oh come on, this is all one big charade. Tell me honestly you like this and we’ll stay.” You try to protest. “You’ve been dancing with me for the past 5 songs. I’m bored, you’re bored. Let’s go.”

Although Y/N was always the playing by the rules kind of girl she did follow him. He whistled for a taxi, driving you to your old house. “What are we doing here?” You whispered while Ben opened the gate to the garden.

Your old house had stood empty for a long time, only being sold just last week. “Remember this?” He asked when he stopped in front of the treehouse. “Ladies first.” He held out his hand, helping you up the steps. Leaving your high heels, coat and gloves on the grass.

You heard a scratching sound, noticing your dress ripped under your arm, all the way down to your hip. Ben struggled to get through the hole in the floor, once he got up the stairs, he saw you looking at the broken dress. “Ha, couldn’t wait for me to get up here to undress did ya.” He joked.

“This isn’t funny Ben! Do you have any idea how expensive it was? Mom is going to kill me!” He shook his head while turning you to him so he could take a look. He noticed you weren’t wearing anything underneath the corset looking top, showing a lot of skin. “Here.” He took of his jacket throwing it over your shoulders, covering you.

Ben took the old blanket they hide up there and placed it on the wooden floor underneath the opening in the ceiling. He sat down, tapping the place next to him before he laid back. One arm under his head while his other rested on his stomach.

Y/N crawled next to him. “I missed this.” you sigh content. Ben looked over to you, watching you looking at the stars above them. “Yeah, me too.” After a long comfortable silence, you turn to him.

“Ben? Can I ask you something?” - “Sure, anything.” - “Do you feel ready for all of this... courting, dating, marriage... You know life.” He thought about that for a second. “Maybe if I find the right one. But no girl out there at that stupid ball is going to change anything.”

“How about you, you honestly think one of those guys is going to make you happy?” - “I don’t know... maybe.” - ”Really?!” He lifted himself a little, to take a better look at you. “I mean if someone would give me a chance.” shocked of his reaction.

“You do realise it is them that should be glad to even get a chance with you right? Not the other way around.” You didn’t understand what he meant. “Those losers don’t deserve you Y/N. All they want is a-a housewife, someone who has no life of her own. Just serving her husband.” - “I know.”

“Oh come on birdy, that’s not you! I knew from the second we spoke you were a free spirit, I won’t let any man bind you to a golden cage.” - “That is not up to you Ben! What if I want it like that! Normal.” - “You don’t.” - “How do you know!”

Ben sat back up facing you, your voices a little louder than whispering, hearing the frustrations growing. “Because I know you. This is your mother talking!” - “Yeah, well,... maybe she is right.” - “Bullshit!” - “Benjamin!” - “No of real Y/N, stop thinking about her, what do you want!”

Y/N lifted herself on to her elbows looking at him.

“I want someone to love, someone who likes me. And if that means I need to change, I will.” Ben thought about that for a second. “And what if you don’t have to change?”

She wanted to protest but he held his hand up. He swiftly looked at her before he looked at his knees, his fingers fiddled with the laces of his shoes.

“What if, you find someone who thinks you’re an incredible, powerful, beautiful, smart woman. Who deserves the world.” Your heart bounced in your chest, unable to talk or think all you could do was look into Ben’s eyes. Wondering what he meant. “What?” you barely answered.

Ben’s hand moved to the back of your neck, before you could realise what he did you felt his lips on yours. Hearing your own heartbeat in your ears. Not knowing how to react. It wasn’t until he pulled back you realised you didn’t close your eyes, neither did you kiss him back.

Your fingers move to your lips, like you could retrace his kiss. You stare in his eyes, seeing the heat he carried with him. His face was still close to yours, his green eyes kept looking back at your open lips. Looking for an answer from you.

Ben let out a deep breath when your fingers found their way to the back of his head, you wanted to feel him again, his lips felt softer than you thought, never did you dream that your first kiss would be with him, but something felt just right.

Before realising you laid back against the floor, with Ben hovering over your body. The kiss slowly deepened, the noises, breaths that came out of him made your blood boil. You knew he had more ‘experience’ all though you never talked about it into every detail.

But for some reason your body knew how to react to his touch, one knee moved, so his body pulled in closer, feeling the warmth of him radiate on your skin.

When Ben’s lips moved to your neck, you arch your back. His hand moved over your ribs, feeling his fingertips slipping under his jacket that you still wore. Touching the skin that was shown through the rip in your dress.

Even that soft touch made you moan under your breath. Pulling him closer to you, your hands roamed over his broad shoulders, wanting, no needing to feel his body closer to you. His lips moved back to your lips, his tongue asking for permission to find yours.

Ben’s hand moved slowly down, caressing over your thigh to your knee, pulling the dress up so his hand disappeared underneath. Kneading your thigh just above the knee before moving up to your hip, kneading again.

But just when you realised this might be the moment, Ben pulled his hand back and placed his forehead against yours. Humming a deep breath. “What’s wrong?” Please don’t say you regret this. “Why are you... stopping?”

Ben opened his eyes, smiling. “You have no idea how long I wanted to do this.” he kissed your head. “Then why stop?” You asked biting your lip, feeling a little bold. “Everything has it’s time, Birdy.” Knowing he meant he knew you were inexperienced. ” I’m ready.” you mumbled against his lips before luring him down into another breath-taking kiss.

“Let’s just... enjoy this for a second ok.” you nodded in response. “I want your first time to be special, perfect.” he looked around “not in a treehouse on a wooden floor.” your hand moved through his hair before cubbing his cheek. He took your hand and kissed your wrist a couple of times before taking his place next to you again.

Pulling you into a hug, your head against his shirt.

Both you and Ben woke up by the sound of voices. Both of you had moved during the night. Ben still held you in his arms only his face snuggled against your neck. One arm under your head and neck holding his other hand that hung over your side, connecting in front of your breast.

“Ah mister Benjamin, good morning boy. I see you have company.” Both of you looked at the hole in the floor. Seeing a police officer’s head pop up. “Please come down here, now.” He said firm. While you both climbed down you hear him talk to the new owners of the house.

“Just two teenagers ma-am, nothing to worry about, we’ll make sure they get home and have the proper punishment.” While you both sat in the police car on your way home, the policeman turned to Ben.

“You’re lucky the young lady is with you boy, next time I catch you breaking in somewhere I'm locking you up. Seeing how proud daddy is of you he wouldn’t mind.” He turned to his colleague in the car. “I lost count how many times I had to bring this juvenile home. "

Once home your parents took you to separate rooms. Ben’s father lost his temper again. “Are you out of your mind boy! Do you realise what you did to her? The consequences? I had to move heaven and earth to convince Jonathan’s father to take her to that dance!

“Then where was he? He would have made her look like a fool.” - “No boy! YOU DID! You’re family!” “Like hell we are!” Ben’s father lifted his hand, making Ben quiet, knowing he might get a beating. “And like that wasn’t bad enough, you ran off and take advantage of her.” he continued.

Ben’s eyes widened, “I-I didn’t!’ His father hands pinched his cheeks, “So you’re a faggot know?” making him turn his face toward the mirror, seeing a soft lipstick stain on his lips. “Is that it, Benjamin? You like to dress up as a woman?”

If looks could kill.

“Let’s not start on the fact that her dress is ripped apart, like a goddamn animal touched her! I knew I had to keep an eye on you, but you, you are a disgrace to this family! You not only ruined your chance at finding a proper wife, you ruined hers on finding a man!”

“Stop pretending you care about her, or me!” He matched his tone, "Don’t talk to me like that boy! You are a shame to this family, to our name!”

You are a shame to this family, to our name! you heard his father yell. while your mother played the ‘I was so worried’ card. You sat silent in front of the mirror, while she let your hair down and brushed it. “Y/N, you need to tell us what he did.”

You didn’t answer, “Even if it makes you uncomfortable, we need to know, so we know how to punish Ben for doing so.” You didn’t answer, you just looked down at your hands. “Don’t worry honey, his father will find a way to get rid of him”

This made you look at her in the mirror. “I swear mother, he didn’t do anything.” -”Oh honey, you said that before, and I trusted you, but I clearly can’t trust you or that boy anymore!”

“No, I swear! He just saved me from the ball!” - “I’m sure that is what he wanted to make you believe. He saved you. Like he had saved countless, other, young woman in this town.” Her hands landed on your shoulder.

“He is a Casanova darling, we had complaints over the last few years of parents whose girls were tricked by him. Madly in love but he let them down. Just like he is playing you now.”

“No.” Your voice sounded weak, teary. “He is nothing like that mother, not to me.” You could see the pity in her eyes. “That boy turned for the worse I knew he liked girls, but i never thought him taking it this far."

"When his mother died, I had hoped to pick up her role but it’s clearly impossible.”

“He won’t change. And I won’t let him change you, you are a perfect daughter. And you will marry into a perfect family. I’ll make sure of it!”

That night was the last night both you and Ben had with the family. Your mother had demanded that you would join boarding school instead of Ben, to prepare you for the life to come. Asking the principal, you could stay over on the weekends and vacations.

A class no matter how old you were, you had to take the course for 4 years. To rehabilitate. Ben had to work with the lower working class. Earning his father’s thrust back. Knowing very well he would never redeem Ben.

End of part one. In the next part Ben and Y/N meet again, her coming home was not how he expected.

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stridersdiner · 1 year ago

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What about Rancher!Graves as a kid.

It's established that he's a blonde-haired and blue-eyed American with nothing but love for guns, cows, and his family.

What about this smug asshole as a kid. Middle school aged, maybe.

There's so much love in his life. Raised with chivalry from Pa, gentleness from Ma, certain sass and a "take no shit" attitude from Memaw and Joseph, and a damn good eye for detail from Pop-pop. The walls of the house are littered with framed photographs of the whole family, and there's more photo albums than you can count with two hands.

He's so excited for the school year to end. The school bus drops him off at the end of the dirt path to his family's ranch, and he barely waves goodbye to his friends before he's practically full sprinting towards the big wooden gate to the land.

So excited to finally spend time with the animals and his pa, helping to fix that rickety ol' door in the barn where they keep the cows because Ma keeps complaining about it. It was a little lonely now that his older brother Joseph had shipped off to the army, but he occupied himself. Better to keep busy than to dwell.

Phil certainly spoiled the cows- hosing them up, brushing their coats, even hand drying them when they're finished shaking themselves off.

"Philly, knock it off, will ya? They're gon' start expectin' that from all of us if y' keep it up." "I promise I'll take care o' all of 'em!" "Better keep it- I'm tellin' Ma you said so."

And he does. Even when Pa wakes him up at the ass crack of dawn- when sunlight is barely creeping in towards the horizon- he's suddenly not so tired when he remembers that he's got to feed his cows. Pa has to grab him by the scruff of his neck to keep him from running down the hall.

"Ma'll kill us if y' don't brush yer teeth, boy. She's gonna know that toothbrush o' yers is bone dry. Go on."

He's barely washed his face properly before he's hopping down the stairs, jamming his feet into his boots, grabbing a slice of bread and a hard boiled egg, and hauling himself out the backdoor.

Midday breeze tousles his hair as he rests against the trunk of the big ol' bald cypress out by the horse pen, thumbing through a copy of the latest Spider-Man issue and chewing through an apple as he takes a break from helpin' Ma with her garden. He turns his head when he hears her voice call from the house.

"Philly, it's time for lunch!"

And he scampers off, comic in hand as he tosses the apple core off to the side for whatever animal to find and finish up. Honeysuckle sweet tea, ham sandwiches, fruit. Peaches, from his grandmother's little grove. Makes the damned best filling for his mother's pies- best in the whole state, he'd reckon.

Babes that wanted to be tagged:

@mockerycrow @kivi-no

#Rancher AU #Mini.#Graves.#Phillip Graves #This man fucking LOVES HIS COWS.#RRRAAAGHHHHH #Also giving him an older brother.#He just gives me “youngest child” energy in this AU.#Will expand on the family later.#My thoughts are so jumbled but I needed to get them out.#cod mw2 #cod mwii

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spine-buster · 2 months ago

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So High School ft. Adam Cole | Chapter 7

A/N: Back from a little hiatus! Won't be posting every week as work has started up again and chapters need to be written, but this is something I'm determined to finish! Hope you all enjoy and let me know what you think :)

It had been almost a month since Violet saw Austin. She’d had an amazing break – a Christmas where she got Starbucks gift cards, a new tennis racquet, a digital camera from her aunt in Toronto, and a white MacBook from her parents to replace her clunky desktop in her room; a New Year’s skiing in Whistler her family; and a flight back to Philadelphia with an email from St. Anne’s to her parents that she had aced all her midterms. Despite all her good fortune, she couldn’t help but be constantly reminded of the last thing that happened between them before she ran off into her house.

The kiss.

Was it a mistake? She wasn’t entirely sure. Most of the time, she didn’t think it was. It was what she wanted to do in that moment. Plus, he had kissed her back. He hadn’t pulled away before her. That must have meant it was what he wanted in that moment too, right? It occupied her mind more than she wanted to admit, and not exactly at the most opportune times, either: during her AP Government midterm when she was trying to remember the specifics of the Bill of Rights; during her AP French midterm when trying to compose a paragraph about the novella they’d read in class; at dinner with her parents at a restaurant in Whistler after a day of skiing.

It wasn’t like they’d gone radio silent, though. They had texted. Violet started it.

[12/25/2006] 10:52am merry christmas 2 u and ur family austin! <3

[12/25/2006] 10:55am

merry christmas 2 u too. hope ur midterms were good

[12/28/2006] 7:24am off 2 whistler 4 me & the fam!

[12/28/2006] 8:01am

have a safe flight

when r u back?

[12/28/2006] 8:05am jan 5

[1/1/2007] 12:05am dunno if u will get this but happy new year! i’m so happy we became friends this year :-)

[1/1/2007] 12:05am

happy new year, vi

dunno if u will get this cuz ur in canada

hope we can spend more time 2gether this year

[1/3/2007] 4:17pm

miss u vi

can’t wait 2 c u when ur back

[1/5/2006] 8:50pm just landed in philly! such a long travel day just got ur texts from the week i missed u 2 i’ll c u monday on the bus right?

[1/5/2007] 8:55pm

welcome back!

i just got ur text too

of course u will

can’t wait

***

Violet was basically vibrating in her seat for how excited she was to see Austin on the bus the first Monday morning back at school. She didn’t even care to get back to St. Anne’s, and that was shocking for her to say, because she genuinely liked school – she only wanted to see him. She wondered if he was as excited to see her as she was to see him.

When he finally climbed on the bus, a smile automatically spread across her face, large and wide and excited. When he got sight of her, an identical smile spread across his face. He rushed over to her, and without knowing what her body was going to do next, she got up from her seat. They hugged each other forcefully, like people who hadn’t seen each other in months or years. “I missed you,” were the first words out of Austin’s mouth.

“I missed you too,” she repeated, pulling away from the hug so they could settle into their usual seats. She couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. God, he even smelled good. She could smell his cologne even through his coat and layers of clothing. “You have to tell me all about your break. How was it?”

“My break? My break was boring. I stayed home and played video games all day. What about your break? I want to hear all about it.”

Violet couldn’t hold back as she spent the entire bus ride into Lancaster telling Austin all about her break. The flight to Toronto then Vancouver, then the car to Whistler; skiing down Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains day after day; staying at the cutest ski chalet; having dinner at restaurants in the village. Austin ate up every word, barely even blinking as she spoke on and on. He missed the sound of her voice. He missed how glossy her brown hair was. He missed seeing her red nails. He missed everything about her and he was so fucking happy to have her back in Manheim.

Violet kept yapping even as they got off the bus and walked towards Lancaster West. She was telling him some story about almost crashing into some woman while skiing before she stopped dead in her tracks. “Oh my god, I almost forgot! I got you something!” she exclaimed.

“You what?” Austin asked, watching her as she swung her backpack around.

“My mom and I went into this consignment store while we were shopping one day in Whistler, and I saw something that reminded me completely of you—”

“—Vi, what are you even—”

“—And so I just had to buy it! Look!” she exclaimed.

Austin watched as she dug through the small pocket of her backpack, only to pull out action figures, still in their packaging. Except it wasn’t just any old action figures, and it wasn’t just regular packaging – the action figures were of Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, two of his favourite wrestlers, and the packaging made it known that they were exclusive Wrestlemania X-7 editions. His favourite wrestlers for his favourite match – the one that really made him want to be a wrestler in the first place. “You didn’t,” he deadpanned, thoroughly shocked.

“I don’t know if I can even call them vintage because they’re only, like, four years old,” she said. “But, well—do you even like Stone Cold and The Rock?”

He couldn’t believe the coincidence. The happenstance. What were the chances? “They’re my favourite. They—Vi—this match at this Wrestlemania is the reason why I even want to become a wrestler.”

Violet’s eyes lit up. “No way!”

“I can’t believe you found something like this!”

“I’m glad you like it.”

Austin hugged her. Just wrapped his arms around her quickly, and tightly, and hugged her like she’d just brought him the Holy Grail or something. Physical contact between the two of them in front of Lancaster West. “You’re the best, you know that?” he asked.

“I’m really not. It’s just something that made me think of you. And like, I know how much wrestling means to you.”

Austin didn’t want to pull away from the hug. He didn’t even want to go to school anymore. All he wanted to do was ditch and spend the whole day with Violet. They’d talk all day. He’d talk to her more about pro wrestling and how he envisioned his future. He’d tell her his entire plan. Maybe he’d get to kiss her again. “Thank you. Thank you so much, Violet,” he settled on saying instead.

“You’re welcome,” she smiled. She didn’t pull away.

___

“And next on the announcement docket, Lancaster West will be hosting the regional basketball quarterfinals this Friday after classes as their team faces off against the visitors, Murray High School from Elizabethtown. Students from Lancaster West will be in the cafeteria all this week selling tickets for $10.”

___

“Austin’s friends will be there too, right?” Harper asked.

“We don’t want to be your guys’ third and fourth wheel,” Abigail winked playfully.

“Shut up,” Violet smirked at them. “Yes, his friends will be with us. I think it’ll be really fun. What about our ride after?”

“My cousin says she has no problem driving you back to Manheim if it’s dark cause we decide to do something after. Your parents are allowing you to stay out, right?”

“Curfew’s at midnight.”

___

Violet applied her mascara in one of the girls’ washrooms at St. Anne’s with butterflies in her stomach. Her, Harper, Abigail, and Abigail’s older cousin Serena were getting ready together before walking over to Lancaster West for the basketball game. Austin was going to meet them with his friends before they watched the game. “Does it look good?” she asked, looking at Harper for validation.

Harper stopped applying her lip gloss momentarily. “Looks great, Violet. Makes your eyes pop.”

In grade 9, Harper was the first person to compliment Violet on her heterochromia and how it looked so cool, making her much less self-conscious about it. Since then, she hadn’t worried as much whether people got weirded out by it, and wasn’t as scared to apply makeup that highlighted her eyes. “Thanks. Can I borrow your lip gloss?”

“Trying to look good for Austin?”

“No,” Violet deadpanned, but couldn’t help the smirk that overtook her face. She’d already told Abigail and Harper this past week about the kiss before Christmas Break. They sounded like guinea pigs as they squealed about it, and were totally excited about something, anything happening with Austin since Violet spoke so highly of him. It was a night and day difference compared to what she had to go through before midterms. Thank God she had Abigail and Harper on her side during all of it. “But…is my outfit okay?”

Jeans and a Hollister top – was there anything else teens were wearing? “You look good, don’t worry.”

As Violet took out her digital camera and took a candid photo of everyone in the mirror getting ready, she felt her phone buzz from inside her Coach wristlet in-between her legs. Once she took it out, she saw the text from Austin. R u guys on ur way? gym is already filling up. “Let’s finish up and then let’s go! We’re going to be late!” she announced to everyone.

Only a few minutes later, they had their coats on and were out the door, hurrying towards Lancaster West. There were teachers taking their tickets once they got into the front entrance, and Violet could see Austin waiting with his friends in the foyer. When he saw her, he smiled, and a shiver ran down her spine. The first thing they did when they got close was hug. They were the only two that knew each other, but it was becoming more of an automatic reflex now than an action that required any thought. After Austin made quick introductions to his friends Trevor, Jack, and Connor, they made their way to the makeshift concession stands for some popcorn.

“You look really nice by the way,” Austin said to her quietly as they stood in line with so many other students. Abigail, Harper, and Serena were already in conversation with Trevor, Jack, and Connor since Serena was wearing a Fall Out Boy tee, so Austin felt it was a good opportunity to say it now.

“Thanks,” Violet couldn’t help but blush. “You think it’ll be packed in there?”

“Oh God yeah. Basically our whole school is here.”

A small part of her wondered if they’d see Beth. She knew a lot of girls were at the game too, because St. Anne’s girls went to school events for any school where there were boys. She almost wanted to ask, but she didn’t want to know the answer. She stayed silent as Austin ordered popcorns for everyone, but she swept in and paid for them before he could reach for his wallet since he bought the St. Anne’s girls their tickets. She made sure to take out her digital camera to take pictures and document the night – everybody hammed it up for the camera, which was amazing and made for some great photos. When they made their way into the gym, Violet was shocked by how packed it was, and how loud it was. They climbed the bleacher stairs and almost reached the top until Connor saw some of their other friends and made everybody scoot their way in. There were so many people already that everything was tight. And, well, Austin wanted to make sure Violet didn’t slip or trip or fall, so he placed his hands on her hips as they wiggled their way through, leading the way. When he saw her trying to hide her smile, he knew he’d done the right thing. Violet gave her camera to someone who took a few great group shots of them, and when she looked at them on her camera’s screen, all she could look at was Austin’s smile and his arm around her waist.

There was so much energy in the room when the basketball teams came out, but there was more energy between Austin and Violet that either thought possible. They were loud and screaming during the first and second quarter, with every basket garnering cheers from the crowd. But then Violet would brush up against him. Or their hands would touch as they raised in the air after a three-pointer. Or she’d lose her balance on the bleachers and he’d have to put his hands on her waist to keep her steady. A smile would appear on her face, and then a smile would appear on his face, and it was like everything was meant to be; like they weren’t supposed to be anywhere else besides Lancaster West High on a Friday night cheering on a basketball team in the regional quarter finals.

During the half-time, the gym was still buzzing but everybody was moving around, rushing to the bathroom or going to get more popcorn. Austin could see a lot of his teachers around, and some even brought their spouses or kids. Harper and Jack had escaped to “go get some more popcorn”. Abigail and Serena had seen some other girls from St. Anne’s and went to talk to them, and Trevor and Connor followed them like puppies. Violet was talking to him about what they could do after the game.

And then Austin saw her. Beth.

She was staring directly at him and it almost instantly made him feel unsettled. But then he realized she wasn’t actually staring at him, more so that she was staring at Violet, which only made him more unsettled.

“—Anyway, all I know is we can’t go to Livvy Eaton’s party.”

“Why not?” he asked, focusing his attention back on her.

“I know Beth will be there,” Violet revealed. “I really don’t want to see her. I know she’s here tonight and I’m happy I haven’t caught her yet.”

“Don’t worry about her,” Austin said. “She’s just jealous of you.”

“I’ve managed to avoid her at school all week,” she said. “Has she—has she still been texting you?”

“I don’t know. Jack showed me how to block her number. But even if he hadn’t I’d just be ignoring her.”

“You mean you don’t want the ego boost of a constant barrage of texts to hook up with you?” Violet joked.

“No,” his tone was serious but he said it with a small smile, “I have everything I want right here.”

Violet stopped. Her smile left her face once she heard the words, but upon her actual understanding of what he was saying, she smiled again.

He didn’t ask. Maybe he should have but he didn’t. But as they sat on the bleachers waiting for the second half of the game to start, he kissed her. It was quick, just like last time, but it was the same as the kiss before Christmas: the other responded, which meant the other wanted it too. Now they each had one kiss to their name. When he pulled away, Violet was already smiling. “Was that okay?” he asked.

Violet had been rendered speechless. All she could do was nod.

With little warning, Abigail and Serena came back. Harper and Jack came back and Harper asked to borrow Violet’s lip gloss. The timer expired and both teams made their way back onto the court, with the crowd going wild when the Lancaster West boys came out. The gym was just as loud as it was in the first half after every basket made. Violet would still brush up against him. Their hands would still touch as they raised them in the air after a three-pointer. The giant crowd would stomp their feet to intimidate the Elizabethtown players during free throws and it was so forceful it would shake the bleachers. Violet would get nervous and lose her balance but Austin was always there with his hands on her hips to steady her. He’d leave them there a couple seconds too long. Eventually, they stayed there. A giant smile was on Violet’s face the entire time, and a giant smile was on his face the entire time, and when it was all said and done, Lancaster West High beat Elizabethtown Central 78-70.

***

The group didn’t end up going to any St. Anne’s party – Connor was able to wiggle his (and their) way in to the party with the basketball team, at the point guard’s house in Lititz. It was a bit crazy considering the big win, but everybody was having fun and getting along. Josephine Kominsky made it to the party, along with some other girls Violet got along with (who wouldn’t want to be partying with the winning team?), and Beth wasn’t in sight, so she was happy. She appointed herself to be the official photographer and got so many good shots of everyone. But the best ones she got were of her and Austin, who only left her side to get her drinks. They were much more touchy-feely than before, than even the game. Harper and Abigail got along great with Austin, which made Violet even happier. They talked and joked for so much of the party, despite her and Austin not being able to stop being close and touching one another.

Inevitably, part of the conversation shifted to college talk. Now that they’d gotten their midterms, their guidance counselors had been setting up appointments all week to speak about colleges and programs in preparation for next year. Violet explained how her guidance counselor called her in to confirm her UPenn, Georgetown, or Boston University for speech language therapy.

“Does Lancaster West do that, too?” Abigail asked innocently.

Austin and Connor both chuckled. “I don’t think I’ve seen my guidance counselor since the first few weeks of freshman year,” Austin revealed.

“And the only reason I see mine is because he’s also the baseball coach,” Connor added. “He can brag that he’s trying to get me a scholarship to Temple for it.”

“Ours have, like, lists of colleges, programs, residences, scholarships – oh my God, and we can’t forget alumni – everything in these binders and on their computers,” Abigail went on.

“So what would yours say?” Connor asked.

“Bryn Mawr for pre-med.”

“That’s it?”

“I’m a legacy there, so yeah,” she chuckled. Life was so easy when you were a legacy. “What would yours say?”

“Temple or Penn State. Baseball scholarship. Economics. You?” he nodded towards Harper.

“UPenn, NYU, or Brown for pre-law,” Harper revealed. “You?” she nodded towards Austin.

Violet held her breath slightly. She knew he didn’t want a lot of people knowing about the pro-wrestling ambitions. It was a very personal thing for him. That’s why she was shocked as ever when all he responded with was, “Pro wrestling.”

She watched as Abigail and Harper furrowed their brows in confusion. “You mean like Olympic wrestling?” Abigail asked.

Leave it to Abigail to have the exact same reaction that Violet did in Francesco’s when Austin first told her. Violet couldn’t hold in her smile, especially after the quick eye contact Austin made with her. St. Anne’s girls were so alike. “No, not Olympic wrestling,” Austin clarified. “Pro wrestling. Like the kind on TV.”

He was displaying confidence on the outside, but on the inside, Austin was scared as hell. He’d just revealed one of his biggest secrets – one that was very, very much out of the ordinary for so many of his friends who were thinking about college, let alone private school girls whose only option it was to go to college. Not to mention that Harper and Abigail were Violet’s best friends. He wanted to impress them, he really did, because he knew how girls worked. If they didn’t like him or thought he was a dud, they’d let Violet know about it.

When it clicked for the girls what he meant, both their jaws dropped. “No. Fucking. Way,” Harper deadpanned.

“That is sooooo awesome!” Abigail followed up.

Austin let out the breath he was holding. So did Violet. She knew the girls would be like her, and have a similar reaction as when she was told, but it was still a big moment. “You’re gonna be on TV?!” Harper asked.

“That’s the dream,” Austin smiled. “There’s a lot of training involved first, but—”

“That is honestly the coolest thing I’ve ever heard,” Abigail interrupted innocently, looking to Violet. “Seriously! How many people can say they know a famous pro wrestler? How many people can say they know someone on TV?!”

Harper went on and on about how much her younger brothers loved wrestling. Abigail asked Austin all about the wrestling team at Lancaster West and if that was good training for what he would have to do on TV one day. They were so incredibly genuine, Violet wanted to cry. Instead, she smiled the entire time – smiled as Austin nodded along to all the pro wrestlers Harper could name thanks to her brothers, smiled as Austin answered all of Abigail’s questions, smiled as she could see the twinkle in his eye as he knew he was winning them over by just being himself.

***

Since Lititz was only a ten minute drive to Manheim, the group stayed extra late before Violet, Austin, Connor, and Serena piled into Serena’s car to get home for curfew. Serena dropped Connor off first, then asked Austin where he lived.

“Serena, can you actually go to The Berries first?” Violet asked.

“I thought you lived in The Berries,” Serena furrowed her brows from the driver’s seat.

“I do. Can you just drop us both off at the corner?”

Violet could see Serena smirk. “As long as you promise me you won’t get your tongues frozen on a pole. I don’t want a lawsuit.”

Serena did as she was told. Austin didn’t really know why Violet had requested it, but he had a hunch. “I never thought I’d be able to get three St. Anne’s girls excited about pro-wrestling,” he joked as he watched Violet watch Serena drive down the street.

When Serena’s car was out of sight, Violet turned towards Austin. She had a look in her eyes he could see right away. It took maybe half a second for her to get close to him. No words were said, because both knew what was going to happen. Each had one kiss, so now both had to get another. They were standing under a streetlight.

When they kissed each other, Austin knew he hadn’t felt anything like this before. He’d kissed other girls, sure, but none of them could hold a candle to what he was currently feeling kissing Violet in the middle of winter under a streetlight in Manheim. Violet, too, hadn’t felt anything like this before. She’d kissed other boys, sure, but none of them could even compare to what she was currently feeling as she kissed Austin at the corner of her street under a streetlight in their small town. A part of her thought she was in a movie; that this wasn’t her life and that maybe it was somebody else’s. But when he kept kissing her, and she kept kissing him, she realized that yes, this was her life. It wasn’t just a single kiss anymore, given before midterms or during the intermission of a high school basketball game. There were many kisses now, big and small and everything in between, kiss after kiss after kiss as she felt Austin’s hands on her waist through her coat, pulling her closer to him.

Neither of them knew how long they’d been kissing for, but when they finally pulled away, it was only so they could catch their breath. Violet looked into Austin’s blue eyes, their breath visible in the crisp night air. “That was okay, right?” she asked.

“God yeah,” he responded. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”

She couldn’t help but smile at his admission. “Don’t say a word.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t.”

“Our secret?”

“Our secret.”

Austin was about to go in for another kiss when an alarm started going off on Violet’s BlackBerry Pearl. Her eyes widened. “Oh my God. I gotta go. That’s my two minute warning.”

“Violet—”

“—I’ve gotta go—”

“Vi—”

She had wiggled out from his grasp. He was desperate for one more kiss, but she was already down the street. “Safe run home!” she called back to him without stopping.

He stood under the streetlight, dumbstruck.

***

Austin was already in his hospital gown and gurney, trying not to pay attention to the work around him that the nurses and others were doing to prep the surgery. Violet was still beside him, holding his hands. “It’ll just be a few more moments, Mr. Jenkins,” one of them said.

“Take all the time you need,” he said. He was scheduled for a 9:00am surgery and it was still only 8:45.

He could feel Violet squeeze his hand. “Don’t be nervous,” she whispered. “It’s going to be fine and—”

Before she could finish her sentence, the door to the room opened and Dr. Bridges walked through. “It’s time, Austin.”

Austin looked over to Violet. “I’m gonna be in the waiting room,” she whispered.

“I love you.”

She leaned down to kiss him. “No matter how much I say I love you, I always love you more than that,” she said before standing up, making eye contact with Dr. Bridgers. “Take good care of him.”

“Oh, I will.”

“You don’t want to have to answer to her. Trust me,” Austin quipped as he was pushed out of the room. “She’ll get ya.”

Violet made her way to a seat in the waiting room, one close to an outlet. She opened her messages app and began composing a message about him being in surgery to the most important people: his parents. His brother. Her parents. Kyle. Chris. Kenny and Hazel. The Massies. Harper. Abigail.

And now, she waited.

#adam cole #adam cole imagine #adam cole fic #adam cole fan fic #adam cole fanfic #aew #aew imagine #aew fic #aew fan fic #aew fanfic #wwe #wwe imagine #wwe fic #wwe fan fic #wwe fanfic #so high school series

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thebowerypresents · 9 months ago

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Tierra Whack Celebrates Debut Album’s Release at Webster Hall on Friday Night

Tierra Whack – Webster Hall – March 15, 2024

Philadelphia rap queen Tierra Whack has been getting the party started worldwide with her infectious rhymes for several years now. (It’s probably only a matter of time before she graces the multipurpose-room stage on Abbott Elementary to battle Tariq Temple at a F.A.D.E. showcase.) Whack channels creativity and visual aspirations into her poetic lyrics and the videos that accompany them. From the Grammy-nominated video for “Mumbo Jumbo” to the recent Alex Da Corte–directed “27 Club,” her flair for fashion exudes further joy and pop, as witnessed on World Wide Whack, her debut full-length. She celebrated its release Friday night at a sold-out Webster Hall.

With a large inflatable of the World Wide Whack avatar occupying a third of the stage, the rapper appeared adorned in her silver clown suit mirroring the attire from her album’s aesthetics. Opening with track one from her latest, “Mood Swing” appropriately began with “I’ve been trying new things.” Throughout the show, the crowd indulged in a call-and-response, which warm-up DJ Kill Sing kicked off with a cry of “worldwide” and requested the “Whack” reply. The admittedly nervous singer would cover the majority of the new songs, from the bounce-inducing “Ms Behave” to the melancholic “Two Night,” Her confidence building thanks to the supportive crowd, Whack effortlessly weaved among rap, pop, and R&B with her new material. On lead-single “Chanel Pit,” music box melodies danced amongst the spits of cultural references, like Vin Diesel and Resident Evil. Closer “27 Club” grooved to more R&B vibes for a downtempo, contemplative swan song, enrapturing the front row.

Tierra Whack didn’t leave her stans without a trip down memory lane, including fan favorites like the bop “Pretty Ugly” and “Fuck Off,” which elicited raised middle fingers across the room. Everybody on the floor happily sang, “He likes my diamonds and pearls,” along with “Hungry Hippo.” For the first time live, Whack performed her section of Lil Yachty’s “T.D.” before calling it a night. Despite the house lights turning on and exit music playing, everyone stayed put, chanting, “World Wide Whack,” leaving the stage crew unsure if they should halt operations. DJ Kill Sing indicated it might not be the end to this unforgettable night, as a wigless Whack returned to confess she was already shedding her costume. The crowd-manifested encore had the Philly native run off “Peppers and Onions” atop the barricade, before dropping to the floor amid her rabid admirers. —Sharlene Chiu | @Shar0ck

Photos courtesy of Edwina Hay | thisisnotaphotograph.com

@thesearenotphotographs

#Abbott Elementary #Alex Da Corte #Bowery Presents #DJ Kill Sing #East Village #Edwina Hay #Lil Yachty #Live Music #Music #New York City #Photos #Review #Sharlene Chiu #Tariq Temple #Tierra Whack #Webster Hall #World Wide Whack

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gaybearwedding · 9 months ago

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hi hi hello i have been gone forever due to various reasons such as “work” and “mental illness” and “having developed a kpop hyperfixation that has been occupying most of my attention recently” but i need everyone to know that i saw off book live twice last week (in philly with a friend and then in nyc with my girlfriend) and it was truly so everything. i didn’t get many pictures but i did get a few and none of them are very good but one of them is of jess’ amazing stool balancing act and that’s all i need really

#flow of the rings a volcano story i love you forever and ever #tryin’ the musical i love you also #also i asked a question during the talkback at the philly show :]#if it gets released as an episode and you hear someone named will asking about the hedgefrog logo that’s me <3 #i want to be active on here more i miss it #i’m thoroughly enjoying being a little unhinged about kpop with my friend bee (the one i saw the philly show with actually)#but it does make a little sad that i haven’t been as fixated on zach and jess lately #they are still everything to me though don’t get it twisted #it’s very much a Special Interest TM so i will probably have other z&j phases #but regardless i do enjoy this silly little corner of tumblr #and i love that pibe has like Actual Fan Content now it’s beautiful #and i AM going to finish and post my malpal fic i PROMISE i just. don’t know when 😭#accidentally wrote an essay in the tags whoops #anyway i can’t promise i won’t disappear again but i’m gonna try to be more active #mine #off book #play it by ear #pibe #zach reino #jess mckenna

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jerzwriter · 8 months ago

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Tobias took his friend Casey to see his hometown of Washington, DC, all decked out for the holidays; then, she showed him how her hometown of Philadelphia did it. Now, they make one pitstop on the way back home and decide what city does it best... and wrestle with what they mean to each other.

Book: Open Heart Characters: Tobias Carrick & Casey MacTavish (F!MC) Rating: Teen Words: 2,400 (sorry) A/N: This series is a rewrite of a fic I originally wrote in 2022. But, as I fill in the gaps in my Tobias/Casey headcanon, I needed to make some adjustments - and wanted to make some improvements. I haven't tagged my full list for the other parts, but I'm going to do so here because this is the part that had the most alternation - and will lead us back to the question: "So how did they actually end up together?"

Thank you to anyone who has read this - it really means so much to me! :)

Series Masterlist | Tobias x Casey Masterlist Masterlist

“Last stop!” Tobias jumped out of his Jaguar, eagerly tossing the keys to the valet. There was no denying he was as excited about the last minute addition to their itinerary as Casey, perhaps even more so.

As she gingerly stepped out the passenger side, her enthusiasm was diminished, and concern was written all over her face. “Are you sure this is a good idea? The traffic was worse than we anticipated, and you have to be at work early tomorrow.”

“No worries,” Tobias chuckled. “I can sleep when I’m dead.”

Unamused, she stood her ground. “Well, I’d like to keep you around for a while, and you need your rest! So we’re not staying too long, all right?”

“Whatever you say, ma’am,” he nodded, and she couldn’t help but crack a smile when he animatedly gestured toward the street that would lead them to their next adventure.

The cold air and aroma of roasted chestnuts mingled with jingling bells and car horns blaring at tourists who blocked intersections made it clear... it was Christmastime in New York City. Casey was mesmerized, stopping at every store window to peruse the holiday displays. She was so enchanted that she didn’t notice the minor miracle that had taken place; Tobias Carrick was... quiet.

While his mouth had stopped moving, his mind was in overdrive. Amid the joyful chaos, he could focus on only one thing: fighting the visceral urge to take Casey’s hand in his, and not out of fear of becoming separated. His internal debate was relentless... would it be so wrong? Friends do hold hands sometimes, especially in crowds like this. It would make sense. Perfect sense. It wasn’t like he was leaning to kiss her. Not that they hadn’t done that recently. They had! Less than a month ago, they declared they’d be friends with kissing benefits. Of course, it hadn’t happened again, and if it did, Casey would have to initiate it, not him; fortunately, his rambling thoughts came to a halt along with the rest of him when he walked directly into a light post.

Casey turned around, startled, but began to laugh once she realized he was OK. “You OK there?”

“Yeah, I’m good,” he recovered. “Just a little... disorientated.”

In desperate need of a distraction and wishing to prevent further injury, Tobias started a conversation to occupy his mind for the rest of their walk.

“So tell me, how did you manage to attend NYU for four years, yet you never saw this tree?”

“Well,” she shrugged. “I had intended to but never made it. Christmastime is also final exam time, and you know me, I had to get straight A’s, so my mind wasn’t fully on the holidays until I finished the last exam... then I was usually on a train home to Philly.”

He shook his head with a chortle. “Didn’t anyone tell you all work and no play is bad for you? Man... you really needed an influence like me in your life back then, kid.”

“Oh, that’s probably the last thing I needed,” she laughed. “And I managed to have a lot of fun in college. I saw the Bryant Park Tree. Of course the Washington Square Park tree and I were very well acquainted. I just never saw this tree.”

“Well, as much as I am surprised, I’m kind of glad you didn’t... this way, we get to see it for the first time together.”

Casey gave Tobias a side glance; it was now her turn to fight off visceral urges, but she merely gave him a tender smile. “I am, too.”

Then, with the turn of a corner, there it stood, towering above them in all its glory: the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

“Holy shit!” Tobias exclaimed as Casey gasped in awe. “That thing is huge! It’s twice as big as I thought it would be.”

Casey playfully nudged his side with a giggle. “That’s what she said.”

“Really, Casey?” He mocked. “Really? It’s Christmastime.”

“Well, I’m not going to stop being a smartass just because of that,” she winked. “That wouldn’t be fun at all.”

After a moment, it was Casey who made the final determination.

“Well, I hate to admit it, but that guy was right. I think this Christmas tree is the winner. It beats Philly, and it definitely beats DC!”

“I’m so glad you said it,” Tobias chuckled. “I’m done conceding loss on this trip! I just wish we could see it at night. Can you imagine how beautiful it must be then?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. But we can’t stay that late today. Maybe we can come see it again next year.”

Next year. Those words from her lips took his breath away. Mere months ago, they didn’t know if Casey would survive to see this Christmas, much less next. Yet here she was, full of vitality and right at his side... smiling. Next year. She was thinking ahead, and she was including him in her plans. He wasn’t one for Christmas lore; he sure felt like that red-suited, white-bearded old man had dropped a present right into his lap. But as he felt a swell of promise rising inside him, he also felt something else: fear.

He promised he wouldn’t let this happen. Yet here he was... the happily confirmed bachelor was smitten; he couldn’t even deny it anymore. So he made a new promise: to keep his feelings to himself. Casey had made it abundantly clear that she wasn’t ready for any romantic entanglements, and even if she were, he didn’t know if she’d want those entanglements to include him. He had bungled their first chance together badly. He knew how much it had hurt to lose her and didn’t want to face that again. He was lucky to be in her life at all. Friendship was plenty, he convinced himself. Still, as he watched the tree lights flickering on her beaming face, his heart filled with a warmth previously unknown, and he had to wonder... if the time came, would he be able to watch her fall in love with someone else, knowing how much he already loved her so?

“Well, we’ve declared a winner,” Casey said. “We should start heading back to Boston.”

But Tobias had an impish glint in his eyes. “We could.... unless…”

“Unless what?”

“I have always wanted to take a carriage ride through Central Park... and how often will we be in New York. What do you say?”

Casey turned to him, and he could just see the little angel and devil battling over her shoulders. In the end, he was delighted that the devil won.

“You!” she said with a gentle shove. “Leave it to you to find something impossible to say no to!”

“Well,” he smirked, “that is kind of my specialty.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard,” she laughed. “Now, let’s go!”

As much as Casey insisted they make haste, that didn’t prevent her from having a lengthy conversation with Joel, the carriage driver, and she refused to step foot inside until she was satisfied.

“No, Ma’am, I promise you, George here is very well cared for. It’s not like it used to be. He only rides through a special route in Central Park. It’s perfectly safe.”

Petting George’s beautiful mane, Casey continued her cross-examination. “And what about at the end of the day?” She demanded. “How do you get him back to his stables?”

“In a trailer attached to my truck that I drive very carefully. Would you like to run my license?”

“Please, don’t give her any ideas! She just might,” Tobias laughed.

“Ma’am, George, here is family to me. I assure you, he’s the most spoiled horse in the City. I wouldn’t let anything happen to him.”

“OK,” she nodded. “Then we can take the ride, but can I feed him a carrot first?”

“You sure can,” the driver smiled.

When she was done, Tobias helped Casey step into the carriage. “You’re incredible,” he smiled. “You know that, right?”

“Really? Incredible in a good way or a bad way?”

Tobias’s eyes crinkled as the driver gave them a blanket to help keep them warm.

“In the very best way.”

“Thank God for this blanket,” Casey said with a shiver. “I didn’t realize how cold it was until we sat down.”

“I did,” Tobias laughed. “In fact, I’m thinking about striking a deal with Joel so we can keep this thing for the walk back to the car.”

While they were seated closely together, Casey eyed the tiny gap between them with caution.

“Well, if you’re that cold, we could huddle together. You know... for warmth.”

“We could,” he replied nonchalantly. “Anything to stave off frostbite, right?”

“Right,” she smiled, sliding closer to him.

Tobias cautiously lifted his arm and wrapped it around her shoulder, pleading with the universe for the gesture not to upset her, and the universe delivered. Casey nuzzled her head into his shoulder. He didn’t think this trip could get better, and just like that, it did.

The clip-clopping of George’s hooves cut through the crisp air, providing the soundtrack as the carriage meandered gentle curves through the park. About halfway through, delicate snowflakes began to fall, and Tobias and Casey agreed this was better than anything they had ever seen on screen. They were approaching the end of the ride when Casey looked up and nervously giggled.

“Yes,” Tobias asked with a raised brow.

She pointed to a small sprig of mistletoe dangling between the red fringe that lined the carriage’s hood; it would have been easy to miss. Biting her lower lip, she turned away. The scene was too perfect, the moment was too ideal, but should she take the chance? Not allowing herself to give it further thought, she turned to Tobias with abandon.

“So... remember that day back in Cambridge? When I asked if we could kiss... you know... with no strings attached... and you said we could be friends with kissing benefits?”

“I do,” he smiled mischievously.

“Well, we are under the mistletoe, and this is such a special day. Don’t feel obligated... you don’t have to... but if you want, I thought maybe we could.... mmmhhhh.”

Just like last time, she didn’t get to complete her sentence. Tobias’s soft lips were upon hers, his hand gently cupping her cheek as her arms wrapped around his neck. The kiss was sweet, warm, filled with a tenderness that each longed for but was afraid to claim as their own. This time, when the kiss broke, Casey was unwilling to let it end, pulling him back for one more.

When they silently parted, a blushing Casey diverted her eyes, and perhaps because he wasn’t ready to face the moment either, Tobias pulled her close against his chest, placing a loving kiss atop her head. They remained like that for the rest of the ride, each with a million thoughts swirling in their heads, but not a single word could make its way to their lips.

“Well, this is it, kids!” Joel yelled as he hopped off the carriage. “Did you enjoy yourselves?”

“Yes,” Casey said almost too quickly. “It was... it was beautiful!”

Tobias shook Joel’s hand, slipping him a tip, before he and Casey began their trek back to the car. The usual easiness between them was replaced with an awkward silence punctuated by small talk about the frigid temperatures and how they could no longer feel their toes. But each attempt to quell the discomfort faded too quickly, and quiet was upon them again. Finally, Casey grabbed Tobias’s wrist.

“T, wait a second,” she insisted, tugging him to face her.

“Is everything OK?” he asked.

“Yes... It’s more than OK. This weekend was just magical. It was more than anything I could have imagined, and I will always treasure the memories I made with you.”

“I’m going to do the same,” he smiled.

“I just hope,” she nervously chewed at her lip. “I hope I didn’t ruin things.”

“Ruin things?” he asked, with a creased brow. “Casey, you couldn’t ruin things if you tried.”

Looking up from under her lashes, she gave a tantalizing little smirk. “Wanna bet? The kiss on the carriage... I... I just got overwhelmed; everything was so beautiful, it was so romantic, and then the mistletoe was there, and I...I....”

“Casey, Casey...” he said, taking her hands. “It’s all right. Everything’s fine.”

“It... it is.”

“Sure,” he comforted. “Look, it doesn’t have to mean anything.”

He watched as the relief that just settled on her features turned into something different, something that looked like hurt, and he was quick to recover.

“Let me correct that. Of course, it means something. Everything with you is very special... because it’s with you. That was a beautiful moment, and I’m glad we got to share it together, but it doesn’t have to mean any more than you want it to. I know where you are right now, and I respect that. We can just leave that tender moment alone.”

“You know... I am feeling better every day,” she insisted. “On this trip, for the first time since the attack, I felt like my old self again. In fact, I went two whole days without even thinking about it.”

“I could tell,” he smiled. “And it was beautiful to see.”

“But, I’m still not... I’m just... still not...”

“Casey,” he whispered. “It’s OK. I promise you...it’s OK.”

“Good,” she smiled. “Thank you.”

“But maybe,” he stalled, already kicking himself for what he was about to say. “Maybe we should hold of on that friends with kissing benefits stuff. You know? I don’t want it to confuse you, and I really don’t want it to hurt what we’ve built between us.”

“Well, I don’t see how they could hurt,” she faltered. “But... but... maybe you’re right, at least for now. But hug... hugs are still allowed, right?”

“Oh, hugs are always allowed,” he grinned, pulling her into one of the tightest ones he could offer.

“Good,” she sighed with relief. “Because I always need those.”

Then, the two friends stood in the middle of the busy street as the cold wind blew. The sounds that made up the City's symphony- laughter, arguments, honking horns, and sirens blaring in the distance surrounded them. But Casey and Tobias didn’t recall that they were on an island of nearly two million people, for there were only two who mattered, and right now, they were clinging to the moment for as long as time would allow.

“Come on,” Casey smiled, taking his hand. “We need to get you home to Boston.”

“You got it,” he nodded. “But I have a feeling we’ll be back to visit.”

“I think so, too. Oh, and Tobias?”

“Yes?”

“I know it’s early, but... Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Casey,” he smiled, tenderly bopping her nose. “Merry Christmas.”

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Will tag others in reblog.

#choices fanfic #open heart fanfic #open heart #open heart choices #choices open heart #tobias carrick #tobias carrick x mc #tobias x casey #holiday fics #playchoices fanfic #playchocies

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