#[ careful. he even overheard that joe-joe ]

[heartxshaped-bruises]

Joe-Joe, what was worse, waking up in a morgue or a cemetery after coming back? Why?

                                                        ✧･ﾟ  𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃.

[madridnoora]

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ Forbidden - God bless texas.

Fourth instalment of the forbidden au - lsu!joe x oc

Instalments - one, two, three and three.two ౨ৎ

Summary: A girls trip happens to cross paths with the boys football season and a tense game in Austin, leading to revelations about the past and a long night out in the city.

⋆｡˚ word count: 11.3k

18+ content. MDNI. Mentions of drinking, smoking and sex. ⋆｡˚

It’s 8:15pm and the team bus is restless. A six and a half hour journey from Baton Rouge to Austin. Tomorrow Joe and his team will face their biggest challenge of the season so far -- The Texas Longhorns.

Joe hadn’t stopped thinking about the image of Daisy. ‘Hook’ em’. He sneered at the memory. He couldn’t quite understand her. Every time he ever tried to speak about football, you know in the moments after they had sex when they lay beside each other, or in the car journey’s to each other's dorm or when there was a silence that needed filling by any conversation, she would shut it down.

‘Can we not do the football stuff.’ She would say. She wouldn’t snap at him but she wasn’t exactly polite in her tone either. Irritation and annoyance always lingering thick in the air around them. She was blunt and forceful. When Joe would push further and ask her the simple question of ‘Why?’ she would just shrug her shoulders and tell him - ‘I hate football’. He hadn’t brought up the image of her at the game. He didn’t want to give her the impression that he cared, because he didn’t. He didn’t care enough about Daisy to dig to the bottom of the loose excuses she gave. They weren’t friends or anything. Just a hookup. It was easier to be just a hookup if they didn’t get too involved in each other's personal lives.

He was hooking up with other people anyway and he was sure that she was too. He assumed she was anyway. He had overheard Bella talking about a kiss Daisy had with some nerd from her class on a student night out in the city when she came over the frat to visit Justin.

Now that he thought about it, he hadn’t seen Daisy for a few days. Like anywhere. Usually he would spot her on campus or see her out of the corner of his eye. Sometimes he would see her grabbing lunch or studying in the library as he walks past but not for a short while. The last time he saw her she was begging underneath him, writhing around in the pleasure he was causing.

Joe turns around to the seat behind him.

‘Yo. you seen Bella recently?’

Justin looks at Joe with slight confusion. Joe was never one to care about the girls his teammates were hooking up with. What made the question even weirder was that Justin and Bella weren’t even hooking up and Joe knew that. They did once. Since then they had formed a friendship, one neither of them were expecting. Justin didn’t know whether to respond. Joe was asking for a reason but he didn’t know what it was.

‘She’s out of town with Cass and texas. They left a few days ago’ Joe nods his head slowly with a slight frowned lip.

‘You miss her?’ Joe jokes.

‘Man shut up’ Justin lightly slaps Joe’s head while he laughs.

Joe turns back to face forward in his seat. Out of town huh. Where? He pulled his phone from his pocket to see if Daisy had posted anything. Or if Cassie had. Or if Bella had. If there was any online evidence of where they had gone. Joe never really looked at social’s. He used them to hook up with girls through DM but other than that he would post every once in a while and then get off.

He should really use it more.

What he was looking for popped up on his feed first.

daisyymoore

Big dawg is back. - Austin, Texas

685 likes 

@.cassdaviess: i love when the trip actually happens. 

→ @.daisyymoore: same sis. 

@.isabellaabreut: southerrnnn nights 

→ @.daisyymoore: just as good even when you close your eyes. 

@.isabellaabreut: bigger n better in texas i’ll say 

@.carsonford: i’ve alerted the local news. 

→ @.daisyymoore: i knew i was being papped. 

@.mileslucasford: in texas huh? 

→ @.daisyymoore: I think it’s great you’ve learned how to read.

-> @.isabellaabreut: soooooo why is he unblocked ha ha ha.

Joe swipes through the photos. She's in Austin. He's about to be in Austin. There was no way she would be coming to the game. It was a simple coincidence and I mean, she was from there. It wasn't unusual for her to be there. Joe rationalised the photos in his head. He turned back to Justin.

'they're in Austin' Justin pulls his headphone out to listen to what Joe's saying.

'I know, it's Dais's mom birthday' Justin knew this information already. Bella had told him about it while they were hanging out one afternoon.

'they mention coming to the game'

'nah bro' Justin shook his head. Joe breathes a sigh of relief.

'why are you so interested?' Justin asks him.

Joe opens his mouth to respond but the voice of an eavesdropper beats him to it.

'he's been fucking Daisy' Ja Marr moves Joe's backpack and put it in the overhead compartment before taking a seat next to him. He wanted to be fully engaged in the gossip session that was about to take place.

'WHAT' Justin half shouts before lowering his voice so that the coaching staff don't decide to come over. Joe scratched the back of his head.

'How long?'

'almost a month now'

Justin shakes his head in disappointment and disbelief. Thoughts ran through his mind. Joe was a dick to girls and Justin had a soft spot for Daisy. He had already listened to her go through one heartbreak and he didn't want to have to see it happen to her again. Joe wasn't a good guy for her. If this went wrong it could jeopardise both his friendships and his football season.

'Joe' Justin starts with a disappointed tone.

'It's just sex. meaningless.' Joe defends. Justin looks at Ja'marr.

'multiple times a week for a month.' Ja'marr provides the needed details that Joe refrains from.

Justin drops his head into his hands. Joe never went back to a girl more than three times. EVER. The last time he did that was with his ex girlfriend at Ohio State.

'it's not what it sounds like. it's transactional. She doesn't want anything else and neither do I' Joe shrugs his shoulders.

'she stays over'

'JA'MARR' Joe whisper yells as his teammate keeps adding on the unnecessary details.

Justin looks between the pair of them. He can tell from the look in Ja'marr's eyes that he feels the same apprehension about the situation.

'daisy's a nice girl man. and the last guy was rough. don't do anything stupid' Justins words are a warning. The first warning he has ever given Joe. It makes Joe sink back into his seat.

He looks at the post again, and he sees his comment. An ex under her post. The one everyone talks about. The one who was 'rough'. The one that no one ever dared to name.

So why was he unblocked.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ -

Late afternoon sun scorches over the Texas Memorial Stadium as the crowd begin to take their seats ahead of tonights big game. Seats would be filled with a famous burnt orange, they knew that. A few purple shirts may stick out but other than that they would be in full enemy territory.

Joe and his team are running a warm up on one side of the field while the longhorns do the same on the other.

This was the biggest challenge they had faced so far this season, if they beat them, they could beat anyone. Anticipation pumped through his veins and adrenaline began to bubble. This was his big night. The night he could show to the world he was serious. He wanted the heismann trophy and a good performance was the first major stepping stone to getting it. He was focused. Locked in on only one thing; winning.

Ja'marr and some O line guys stretched alongside him. Small talk amongst them, some discussion of upcoming plays they may use in tonights game. The Longhorns defense had been mega so far and there needed to be some work done to make sure LSU would be able to break through it with ease.

'bro, where is Justin?' Ja'marr looks around as lunges to stretch his hamstring. Joe looked around as well. Justin had been with them not too long ago but now he was no where to be found. The stadium is filling up more. Kickoff not too far away.

'he was talking to some girls in the stands' Terrace, a teammate, said.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ -

A whistle pulled Justin from the direction he had been walking in. When he looked to find the source of the sweet sound he couldn't hide his shock.

Bella and Cassie. Both in LSU purple.

They're leaning over the bleacher railing and waving their hands for him to come over. He does as they ask with a light jog across the field. He would stretch in the locker room.

'you look so cute in your little uniform' Cassie said as she looked at his football kit. Justin didn't know whether he felt complimented or insulted. Uplifted or patronised. He just offered her a hushed 'thanks'.

'didn't think you guys came to games' Justin looked up at them. He then looked Bella up and down. It was the first time he had seen her wear the LSU purple. He liked it. His friend looked very good.

'oh, we don't' Bella told him as she looked around the stadium briefly.

Justin was confused by the response because unless he was hallucinating she was in fact here, at a game. Dressed for the occasion no less. The pair of them in matching purple crop tops with LSU written in diamante studs.

'we were in town' Bella was so unapologetically nonchalant.

'it's a special occasion' Cassie was mischievous, hinting at something Justin didn't know. Bella looked at her with that same glint in her eye, her lips pursing together to stop herself laughing.

Did they mean because of the game? LSU and Texas hardly ever faced each other, this would be the first time in almost 17 years. It didn't make any sense for that to be the reason the two girls were all giggly in the stands.

Justin doesn't bother to ask what happening because he has a feeling in his gut that he will be finding out soon enough. He notices the presence of a southern belle is missing and he's about to ask them if she decided to stay home but he's interrupted.

The noise of cleats crunching on the ground and the heavy breaths of two men let him know people are coming up behind him. He glances over his shoulder.

It's Joe and Ja'marr.

'lovin' the support girls' Ja'marr's charming as always. Joe's not thinking about them. He thinking about the one that's missing. She hated football that much these days huh. She let them come to the game while she stayed home. She really couldn't power through it for just one night. Joe didn't mind though. He didn't care if she came to his games or didn't. It's not like he would look for in the stands.

'thanks' Cassie tips her head to the boys.

Country music rings around the stadium from the speakers, the bleachers of the stadium now near enough full. The sun beginning to set, painting the sky a blazing amber pink and the floodlights turning on. A true texan football night. The air humid and dense with fans anticipation. The boys take it in and the girls watch them do it.

'we hope you guys win tonight' Bella lets them know. Joe nods.

'texas didn't come hey' Justin finally asks the question Joe had been wanting the answer too. Joe waited for the girls response but their reaction alone made him feel ever so slightly uneasy.

Cassie and Bella look at each other with furrowed brows before they look back to Justin. They look at Justin like he should know something but from the expression on his face he doesn't know what they are referring too.

'are you serious right now' Cassie is almost at a loss for words. Her mouth hanging slightly ajar after finishing her sentence. Justin holds his hands up in defence. He's looking between Joe, Ja'marr and the girls panicked. He didn't know what he had said that was wrong, but he knew from the look in the girls eyes that it had been something. He tries to rack his brain for something, anything that could give him a hint. He looks around as he tries to piece it together. His eyes looking around the football field and the rows and rows of burnt orange filled bleachers. His brown eyes tracing faces until they stumble across a face he recognises.

'the fuck?' He spits in confusion.

The information he was trying to remember was no longer on his mind. He didn't think he needed it anymore.

'what's texas doing?'

Upon hearing her nickname, Joe's head whips to look at where Justin is looking.

Daisy is bent over the railing. Her forearms rest upon the rusted metal and she holds a beer filled cup in one hand. She talking to someone down on the field. Joe looks at the guy. He's padded and wearing the famous burnt orange of the home team. His lips tighten when he reads the name on the back of the jersey.

'Milo' as in Lucas Milo. The Texas Longhorns wide reciever. The star boy of their team this season.

It takes a moment before the pieces click in Joe's head. Miles Lucas Ford was Lucas Milo. Her ex boyfriend. His lips tighten as he watches on.

'Oh my godddd' Cassie whines.

'She told you this so many times Justin. That's her ex. The whole reason she quit cheerleading and all the football world shit. They dated like all of high school'

'no. no. no. all she said was he played football. I though she meant like casually, not that he was some college star boy' Justin defends himself to the sassed words that left Cassie's mouth.

Joe listens to the conversation but doesn't pull his eyes away from Daisy and Lucas. They're still engaged in conversation and it's flirty. He can tell by the way she's bent over, the way she keeps flicking her hair back over her shoulder, the way she's biting her lip listening to him speak. Joe's eyes trail her body and the outfit on it. Tight dark denim low rise bootcut jeans with her thick tan longhorn belt. Scuffed brown leather cowboy boots. A tan cowboy hat a top her head. She had dressed for the occasion.

It's the shirt that he loathes. It's a tight white tank with a burnt orange longhorn symbol in the centre and the words 'i'm horny' above it.

She wasn't supporting LSU tonight.

Joe doesn't care about her getting with other boys. She could hook up or make out with any regular guy or frat boy she wanted as long as they weren't his teammates or brothers.

He does care about her getting with other football players. Especially rivals.

She's laughing at something Lucas said. Joe never made her laugh. She didn't hang around him long enough. It was just sex. Just casual. He's scowling at them, his eyes squinting in subtle dismay. Justin and Ja'marr notice it. Cassie and Bella notice it. They don't understand it though. Justin and Ja'marr do. They exchange a brief glance of concern to each other. Joe's reaction wasn't exactly suggesting that he and Daisy were just sex.

When Daisy flicks her hair again and pushes herself slightly further over the barrier to get closer he has to look away. He was annoyed. She was practically throwing herself at the guy.

'cheerleader, huh?' Joe asks a question about the piece of the conversation that stuck in his mind.

'Yup.' Cassie pops the 'p' before she continues. 'She was on the LSU team until star boy over there threw a fit, he made her quit before the new year.'

'he said and i quote "my girlfriend shouldn't be cheering on anyone but me and my team"' Bella explained with detest trickling off every single word.

Joe looks back. The once flirty conversation Daisy was sharing with Lucas was no longer that. She's stood up straight now, her cheeks red and her chest moving up and down quickly. Her lips are tight in irritation. Lucas' own face is red with it's own wrath of annoyance. He's raising his voice at her but they are too far away and the stadium noise is too loud for Joe to be able to hear what's going on. She raises her voice back. Lucas comes closer. They're pointing at each other, brash hands flaling all over as they both try to express their own resentment.

Joe and the rest of them do hear one thing.

'fuck you' a harsh but shaky shout down to Lucas from Daisy's mouth before she turns to walk over to Cassie and Bella.

Lucas doesn't leave her. Instead, he follows on the field beneath her. They're bickering over each other with unintelligible words as they get closer and closer to where Joe, Ja'marr and the girls were standing.

Joe's not really paying any attention to the burnt orange wearing boy that's chasing her, he's just watching her. He's watching the way her hips are swaying in the low rise jeans. The way the tank top he loathes clings to her. The way her hair is blowing in the subtle breeze of the Texas night. The way the gloss that coats her lips makes them look juicier than he had ever seen them before. The way the stadium floodlights are making her look so unbelievably incredible. Why did she ever fuck with a lame like Lucas?

Yeah. He was a good wide reciever. He might go round one of the draft next year but Joe was going first pick.

He tried to stop himself from imagining her on the sidelines. LSU cheerleader huh. He wished he was here last year to see that. He would have noticed her. He tried to shake the thoughts of her cheering for Lucas. He hated that he got to experience that.

'Hey' Daisy is quick in her greeting to the boys. She's frustrated, everyone can tell.

A sarcastic laugh from next to them on the field causes the boys to look.

'you're not fucking serious dukes.' He's looking up at Daisy. Then to Joe, Ja'marr and Justin. Then back to Daisy. She's refusing to look at him, instead she's looking around the stadium, at the sky, at anything that isn't him. For a brief moment, it's Joe. Her green eyes catch his blue ones. Her expression is unreadable. It's empty and hollow. Joe doesn't like the way it makes him feel. He doesn't like the way Lucas Milo has made her feel.

'really. fucking really. lsu players. that's low, dukes. real fucking low' Lucas' words spit out like a snakes venom, each word poisoning Daisy with a harsh sting. Joe watches as her demeanour shifts, her shoulder rise like she's trying to protect herself from the words. Her cheeks are heating red, no longer with anger but embarrassment.

It's hard for Joe to watch.

He's watching a different girl than the one he was just beginning to know.

She meets his eyes once more but only for a second. Then she hangs her head and looks down at her boots.

'I knew this would happen. you're such a wh-'

'on my mama, you don't want to finish that sentence'

Daisy's head snaps up and Joe's turns to face the harsh voice.

Justin. Joe only now realises just how fond Justin was of the girls. How protective he had come to be since meeting them before summer.

'Oh what are you going to do' Lucas puffs out his chest in an attempt to seem bigger than he was. It's almost laughable.

'I'm gonna whoop yo ass' Justin starts moving towards Lucas and Lucas starts moving towards him.

The girls watch the entertainment unfold before them. Daisy secretly hoped that Justin would at least land a punch, just one. It didn't even have to be a hard one, just strong enough to wipe the smug look off her ex boyfriend's stupid face.

The chance never came.

Joe intervened.

He placed two hands on the chest of a smaller Lucas and gave him a forceful shove.

'we'll handle this on the field, tough guy' his words are mocking.

Lucas stares at him. Joe stares back. Daisy's eyes flicker between the pair of them. A shallow breath held in her chest as time seemed to freeze.

Joe's poise never falters.

Lucas breaks first and shoots a look at Daisy but she's not looking at him. He follows her eyes back to Joe. and it's like he suspected.

Lucas makes a last ditch effort to hit Joe where he thought it might hurt. Try to get into his head before the game.

'i'm still the guy she's here for' and with that he headed off into the locker room.

Joe was outwardly unaffected. Inside however, it stung ever so slightly like a pinch to the heart. He wasn't used to being the second choice football player. He didn't like being the second choice football player. Lucas wasn't lying either. Daisy had come dressed in burnt orange in the hopes of catching her ex's eye. Joe was merely a thought in the back of her mind.

If her ex had been some regular guy he wouldn't have cared. She could have gone back to him in a heartbeat and Joe would have been unphased. But this. This made him feel something. He wasn't used to the feeling and he couldn't tell what it was, but it was something deep and harsh, almost cutting.

Joe wouldn't let himself lose to some texas star boy.

When the boys turn to head back to the away locker rooms and the girls go to find there seats, Daisy calls out his name.

Joe turns around.

She holds her hand up in a symbol. Horn's down.

Joe understands what she means.

A weight he didn't realise was so heavy lifted. Daisy didn’t come to the game to support the Longhorns, she came to watch them lose.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ -

The marching bands trumpets sounded out as the game kicked off. Thousands of fans in burnt orange cheering as their team started with the ball.

Daisy stood watching in the bleachers and a sick familiarity filled her stomach. This wasn't her first time in Texas Memorial Stadium but she hoped it would be her last. For years she had been coming to these games with Lucas, in freshman year she would sit in the same place she was stood now, always in a jersey which said 'Milo' across her back.

She took a sip of the beer she had been able to get with her fake ID. She was only nineteen. Her twentieth birthday only a month or so away.

Never in all the games she had attended had she felt this nervous. Part of her wanted to leave but the other part of her wanted to see the look in Lucas' face as he lost to LSU. Lucas never liked losing. Countless arguments were had between them after lost games, somehow blame often being found in her. She distracted him too much. She wasn't cheering hard enough. She was too negative. The list was endless. She cursed herself for the stupid idea of coming tonight. She cursed Bella and Cassie for agreeing that it was a good idea.

When she saw her ex boyfriend warming up on the field, it almost felt like seeing him for the first time again. Her stomach torn into butterflies and her heart beating uncontrollably fast. It was like the teenage love had never died. She didn't think it ever would. Daisy truly thought that she would forever hold onto to the love she once had for him. From fifteen to nineteen, he was the only person she truly ever cared for. Her heart beat for him in a way it had never beat for anyone else.

But then she remembered that morning in April.

The one simple text message that brought her world crashing down.

'Lukey

I can't be with you anymore, Daisy. I have other priorities. We're done.'

It came out of nowhere, no warning signs. Fours years gone in thirteen pathetic words. She didn't have to ask why, she knew why. Football. The whole relationship she came second to football. Late night and early morning practices keeping him away. She fucking hated it. She hated that her world was ruled by a sport she didn't even play. She quit it all because of him.

and when she remembers how he treated her, the love she romanticises turns to anger. They were a nightmare that presented itself as an all American teenage dream.

When he came rushing over to see her after noticing her in the bleachers, warmth spread over her skin. He was happy to see her, so happy. She had forgotten just how nice his smile was and how much she loved the way the corners of his eyes crinkled. How the floodlights would catch his hazel eyes and make them look like they were sparkling. When they first got to talking, it felt like the old times. It felt like nothing had ever changed. He showered her in compliments and flirtations, she lapped every single one of them up. She asked him how football had been. That's when it went south.

'better for me since we broke up' it was like her slap to her face. A slap which said no matter what you weren't good enough for me. She didn't do enough, she didn't support him enough, she was too big of a distraction. The distance between them always causing conflict.

Then the same argument they had been having for the past three years took place. The argument about how football was ruining their relationship. At the end of it all she could let out was a harsh but shaky 'fuck you' before she tried to storm off to Cassie and Bella. That wasn't exactly that successful but she was thankful that Justin had her back.

Daisy's focus turns back to the game.

The Longhorns line themselves up for a snap. Daisy's stomach grumbled with nausea. Another sip of lukewarm beer went down her throat.

She held her breath as she watched the Longhorns quarterback throw the ball downfield. She knows whose arms the ball will land in before it happens. Lucas'. She watches as he sprints down field and no LSU defensemen can stop him. Too quick and nimble for their grasps. It's like he strolls into the end zone with cockiness oozing from his mannerisms. Touchdown Texas.

If her ex boyfriend didn't play for them she would have been happy. The Longhorns were her home team, but unfortunately he did and this touchdown felt like a kick to the chest. One which knocked the wind from him.

Lucas turns to where he knows she always sits. His arms stretch out beside him in nothing but arrogance. This was his house. He always hated that she ditched their dream of both going to the University of Texas for LSU and it would be over his dead body that they won on his home turf. Especially when she was watching.

The crowd around Daisy erupted. Every single person in her section other than her, Cassie and Bella cheered in passionate glee as the Longhorns opened up the scoring. The marching band, once again, sounding out in support and cheerleaders squealing on the sideline all while shaking their poms in the air.

'I can't believe you used to do that' Bella says to Daisy as she herself drinks from the bottle of beer she somehow snuck into the stadium. Her eyes watching the cheerleaders also.

'me neither' Daisy told her. That was a whole other life ago. The hair extensions and fake tan, the schmoozing with sorority girls, the stupid poses for pictures and the painful fake smiles. She couldn't believe that was ever her. Sometimes, the was thankful for what Lucas did, because if he hadn't she would still be one of them.

Now it was LSU's turn to drive the ball.

Joe ran onto the field. Number nine. Dressed in the famous white, yellow and purple. He's clapping his hands and shouting at his team. He looked commanding and dominant. Daisy gulped ever so slightly. She was all to familiar with another way he could be commanding and dominant. Heat crawled up her spine and she took a sip of her beer to suppress it.

'god I hope we win' Cassie sighed as LSU readied up another snap. Nothing spectacular had come from this drive, but they were only 18 yards from the end zone so a touchdown was possible.

When the ball snapped, Joe took a moment to look around the field and figure out which was his best option. Every step and movement so calculated. He sees something before anyone else does. He releases the ball from his hand like he's fired a cannon. He had spotted Justin making a run across the end zone, only open by a small margin and yet the ball finds him. Touchdown.

The LSU band began to play. Cassie and Bella scream in excitement while jumping up and down. The crowd around them not too happy about it. Daisy doesn't scream or shout but she does applaud the touchdown. She was happy for Justin and she was thankful for the now even scoreline.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ -

When halftime came the game sat at LSU 23 - Texas 20.

Thirty minutes left and everything to play for.

Daisy got some more refreshments in the form of beer. She was going to need it to get through the second half. Her nerves hadn't settled by much and the close scoreline wasn't helping.

The buzz of a message in her back pocket didn't either.

@.Milelucasford wants to send you a message.

you with burrow or jefferson? my bets on burrow. hell maybe it's both.

For a moment she felt panic. How had he pieced it together but then she remembered he hadn't and that this was just classic Lucas. Anytime she breathed near another man he would act like this, she was only shocked that he continued to do it ever after breaking her heart.

She flashed her phone to Cassie and Bella while rolling her eyes, showing off the message.

'what a loser' bella laughed.

'block him' cassie said sternly.

Daisy nodded in agreement. She never should have unblocked him. When she goes to do so another message pops up.

@.mileslucasford wants to send you a message.

whoever it is, your boys got it coming tonight.

Daisy felt uneasy at the message. She shook the feeling off and blocked him, placing her phone back in her pocket.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ -

The third quarter began with a Texas drive. Joe watched on from the bench as the game was left in the hands of his defensive line. This was the most tense he had felt. Everything felt on the line and he didn't know why, it felt like an end of season championship deciding game. LSU needed to be better. Joe needed to be better. He had to play bigger, play riskier. That would be the only way he could better the defence of Texas.

The only way he could turn the horn's down.

He had been thinking about her this game, about Daisy watching on from the bleachers. About the way she looked under the stadium lights. He also thought about the way she had looked when Lucas spoke to her, the way she seemed like a shell of the girl he knew. How she had cowered and hung her head.

Lucas had pissed him off. A hot shot star boy who had an ego way too big with a game record not good enough to back it up. Joe couldn't image a world in which Lucas and Daisy ever dated. They were like opposites but then again, Joe didn't know much about the girl she was before LSU. Maybe she was more like Lucas than he thought.

Screams from the crowd pull him from his thoughts. He looks to the field.

Lucas has caught a tough ball and is running to the end zone with all the space in the world.

Touchdown to the horns.

Lucas does some stupid run around the field before he points to someone in the crowd. He claps his hands together twice. It's a taunt and Joe know's it's to Daisy.

Joe hits his hand hard against the bench in frustration.

'fuck this' Joe spits to Justin as he grabs his helmet and runs on the field for LSU's drive.

Daisy watches him run back on. For a moment, she gets to see him without the helmet. His cheeks are blushed and a wet sheen sits across his forehead. The blond hair messy and unkept, a few stray hairs curling down. His jaw is sharp and clenched. Determination written across his face. He looked good, she could admit that. Very good. So good, that the sight of him alone was turning her on.

The throw from snap turns her on even more.

It's a ridiculous throw. One that shouldn't have achieved anything but somehow it does. A touchdown by Jefferson again.

This time Daisy can't help but cheer with Bella and Cassie. I mean it was a brilliant play, one of the best she had ever seen and it meant that her ex boyfriend was now once again losing.

Joe was animated in celebration. He pounds on his chest and his team surround him. He clashes helmets with Ja'marr and claps his hands. Then he turns and jeers at the crowd, waving his hand up and down to the boos that sound out. He points at the Texas Longhorns sideline and gives them two slow claps. Daisy couldn't help but find it attractive. He looked rough and manly, she liked it. she liked it a lot.

From that point on it was like the Longhorns never had a chance.

Joe was on fire. Every pass and every play was calculated perfection. Every minute that passed painful for the Longhorns and their fans. LSU were unstoppable.

The game ended LSU 45 - Texas 30.

Horn's down. Daisy gets the last laugh.

and she is laughing. She laughing and cheering with Bella and Cassie until they notice the crowds tone shift from subdued claps to shock.

Their eyes dart back to the field.

Joe shakes the hands of some of the Texas players. It was a fun game, one he definitely enjoyed winning. All was going fine until Lucas Milo decided he wasn't done playing.

He barged past Joe with a forceful shoulder. One which rocked Joe on his feet.

'the fuck?' Joe shouted at Lucas' irritated face. The LSU players noticed and began to crowd around, ready to protect their quarterback. The Longhorns did the same with their wide receiver.

'you got lucky tonight burrow' Lucas puffs up his chest again and get's in Joe's face. Joe shoved him back, this time more forceful than the last. Joe knew he was trying to provoke him and he wasn't going to bite. He held himself to a higher standard than that, than to embarrass himself on television and see the heismann trophy slip from his grasp for unsportsmanlike behaviour.

'god you think your such hot shit' Lucas shakes his head with aggressive annoyance. Just looking at Joe's face was annoying him, especially since he knew in his gut that his ex girlfriend was messing around with him.

'I know I am' Joe can't help but let the easy cocky jab slip from his mouth. Justin laughs from beside him. The laugh stops when Lucas makes a charge at them both.

Both teams stop the connection from happening, blocking Lucas from being able to make any sort of hit. It was a pretty pathetic attempt and the motives of it are sounded out to Joe and his team.

'keep your fucking hands off my girlfriend.' Lucas yells as he's pushed back and dragged towards the tunnel.

Joe shakes his head humorously. The next time he fucked Daisy, she would taste extra sweet.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ -

After the game Daisy and the girls decided to celebrate the LSU win by heading out to one of her favourite bars in Austin, one she had been sneaking into since she was sixteen.

It wasn't her idea to invite them. It was Bella's. She didn't think they would accept. Daisy was sure they would be heading straight back to Louisiana but she was wrong. Justin, Ja'marr and Joe would be leaving for LSU at seven am sharp tomorrow morning. That meant tonight was free and they wanted to celebrate the hard fought victory.

They all followed behind as Daisy led them to the small town bar at the end of the street. They weren't directly in the cities center, they were just on the outskirts but the town still bustled with civilians all stumbling, looking for a place to spend their Saturday night. The sky was dark as the hour was turning late. A crimson neon arrow pointed to the arched wooden door of the establishment.

'The Great Western Tavern' glowed in bright white bulbs.

A texas flag waving from a pole out front. Music poured from it's walls and drunken strangers fell from the doors.

Joe, being from Ohio, was wary. Ja'marr and Justin didn't seem to phased. Cassie, Bella and Daisy skipped in excitement as they approached the front of the western building.

'well I never. miss daisy dukes is that you?' The hoarse voice of an old man sat outside smoking called out just as the girls were about to enter.

Daisy head turned to greet the wrinkled and grey haired man. She tipped her cowgirl hat and gave him a wink before pushing open the doors of the venue.

So thats why Lucas called her dukes, Joe thought.

The boys followed in behind the girls. When they did they fought the urge to turn back around and leave.

It was a honky tonk.

A honky tonk filled with people line dancing, a live band playing rowdy country songs, ones which made the walls of the bar shake. Warm fairy lights and fire coloured neon signs light up the place. Wooden beams lay across the ceilings and cattle skulls hang from the walls alongside beer posters and texan memorabilia. Around the open dance floor were tables, stools and dark leather booths full of various types of people. Some looked like tourists, others looked like rednecks. Strangers all from different walks of life meeting together.

Joe hated country music. He hated this bar. He hated that Justin and Ja'marr had dragged him out with the prospect of fresh girls to hook up with. He could have been sleeping right now, but no, instead he was here. In some small town texan honky tonk listening to music he found painful and dancing he found cringeworthy.

'grab a table' Daisy turned round to face the rest of the group. 'first round is on me' with that she left to the busy bar which was located behind the dance floor in the dark corner at the back of the vast open room.

They sat and waited for her to come back with the drinks. They were in a red leather booth. The two girls sat on one side leaving a space for Daisy, while the boys sat on the other. Justin opposite Bella, Ja'marr opposite Cassie. Joe would be across from Daisy when she came back.

'you guys like the game' Ja'marr makes small talk with the girls. They were already slightly tipsy meaning they must have snook in some drinks to the stadium. There cheeks lightly flushed rose with playful delight.

'it was fun' bella beamed.

'so fun' Cassie confirmed.

'I can get you guys some more tickets for home games' Justin offers.

'we wouldn't want to leave out Daisy' Bella says with apologetic eyes. It was true. The girls would have been more inclined to get involved in one of the more major parts of LSU college life had they not have been best friends with Daisy. They used to go the games in freshman year, well Cassie did. It was before they had met Bella. Cassie would go every game to support Daisy and her cheer team but since she quit they hadn't stepped foot into LSU's stadium.

'she came tonight' Ja'marr said as he leaned back in the leather seats.

'she only came to show lucas she was doing fine without him' Cassie shrugged. Joe shuffled in his seat. Ja'marr gave him a side eye glance.

The table jumps when six beers are slammed down.

'hey y'all, sorry bout' the wait.' Daisy southern twang was now no longer just a twang. It was thicker and more prominent. Being around other texans must have brought it out, that or the liquor she was drinking. She slots herself into the booth as everyone claims a bottle.

'good game' Daisy says to them, but it's more directed at Joe than anyone else.

'thanks' He brushes off her compliment cooly.

'what happened afterwards, fight or somethin'?' Daisy quizzes. She knew it was between Joe and Lucas, they were playing it on the big screens but she couldn't tell what it was about.

'nothin'. he can't handle losing' Joe tells her something she already knows.

Daisy just nods her head in acknowledgement of his words.

A tension lays itself thick between them. Daisy knows he's not telling the full truth and she know's what ever happened was about her.

'anyone else want to get shitfaced?' Bella breaks the painful silence.

A mumble of enthusiastic yeahs float across the table and the night finally begins.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ -

Belly laughs ring out across the table as they exchange stories from their lives. They were all getting to know each other, like properly. Like friends. The boys discuss the awkward first training session when Joe transferred over from Ohio state and how they though he was a complete asshole. How he never smiled around them and took everything way to seriously. The girls told them about how Bella first met them. Cassie and Daisy had been drunkenly sobbing uncontrollably out the front of a frat house they had just been kicked out of for being 'a bad vibe'. Bella had gone outside to smoke a joint. She asked them what was wrong. They told her all about what had happened with there ex boyfriends and how they hated all men and that they were going to run away to an all girl commune. Bella didn't know what to do so she shared her joint with them. An hour later all three of them had stolen bikes out the back of the frat house yard and were riding around campus. When the campus security tracked them down they had to ditch the bikes and run on foot to lose them. Somehow the night ended up with them in a fountain then all crashing on Bella's dorm room floor. From then on they were inseparable.

They were on round four of drinks but during round three they each took two tequila shots, so they were pretty wasted. So wasted Joe had even found himself head bopping to the country noise that rattled between the walls of the tavern.

'oh my god' Daisy shot to her feet.

'come dance with me, anyone' She looks between everyone on the table with desperation. The dance floor begin to fill up even more as the band on stage announced a special upcoming song.

'no way' Justin said pretty instantly.

'second that' Bella said.

'my feet are hurting in these new boots' Cassie said apologetically.

Daisy looked at Joe. A drunken hope blossoming in her green eyes.

'not a chance' Joe slammed her hopes down on the floor and stood on them. Her face drops and Joe almost feels bad. Her eyes filling with a sadness.

'fuck it' Ja'marr said before he downed the remaining beer in his bottle. Joe's head whipped to his teammate. Ja'marr didn't look at him, instead he just stood up from his seat at the booth.

'you gon' have to teach me daisy' His words are flirty. Both charming and teasing.

'I can do that' Daisy responds with the same charm.

'Move outta the way qb' Ja'marr has this glint in his eye. A glint only Joe can read. Ja'marr was doing this on purpose, some kind of test to see if Joe would get agitated or jealous. A test to see if what he said about just being meaningless sex was true. Joe knew that and he would prove himself right. Ja'marr was free to embarrass himself on the honky tonk dance floor while he sat on the sidelines and watched. He was free to dance with Daisy and do whatever as long as it didn't cross the line. As long as the code wasn't broken. The code being that frat brothers and teammates don't hook up with the their friends girl if they have slept with them more than three times. More often than not if they had slept with the same girl more than three times it meant something. The only thing Daisy meant to Joe was good sex. Sex he didn't want to share with people he knew.

Joe let Ja'marr out of the booth.

Daisy hooked onto his arm as they walked to the dance floor. A small cheer came from the crowd as a popular song began to play.

Fake ID - by Big & Rich.

Joe rolled his eyes, letting out huff of annoyance.

He watched as Daisy tried to coach Ja'marr on the line dance. Her beat up cowgirl boots clattering against deep worn in wood floor. Ja'marr followed like a lost puppy with two left feet, but Daisy didn't seem to mind. Her soft hair cascading down her back as she threw her head in a sweet sounding laugh while she watched Ja'marr's painful attempt to keep up.

Joe was watching with an intense glare. Sips of cold beer trickle down his throat as he tried not to let it affect him. He was irritated by Ja'marr, by the way his teammate was purposefully trying to get under his skin and tease him. He was even more irritated by the fact Daisy was still wearing the burnt orange 'i'm horny' t-shirt. He wanted to rip it off her for two different reasons.

The chorus of the song chimed through the hot and heavy bar. Voices from all around sang along. The atmosphere turning more restless and rowdy. The place getting drunker and drunker with every passing chime on the clock.

Hey mister won't you sell me a fake ID

There's a band in the bar that i'm dying to see.

Daisy grips her thumbs on the belt loops of her tight jeans as she swings her hips around and stomps her cowgirl cladded feet. Her hair swirls in the air as her head swings to the rhythm. Unified stomps sound out the bar to every beat of the live bands music. Joe swallowed as his mouth dried. The dancing he found cringeworthy only moments ago was now one of the greatest things he had seen in the flesh. Her ass looked too good in them jeans. Her stomach looked too toned under the warm orange light. Her skin looks too soft and too biteable. Memories of what's underneath the clothes flood his mind.

I got my money and you got what I need

Hey mister won't you sell me a fake ID.

Her feet cross over each other and she twirls.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

She looks over her shoulder for Ja'marr. He's struggling but she appreciates that he's at least trying.

Joe takes another sip of his now warming beer.

His light eyes hadn't left her body. Cassie and Bella noticed it. They looked at Justin, when he couldn't meet their eye-line they knew something was up. Cassie and Bella knew about the hook up at the frat party a month ago, but what they didn't know was that it was now a regular occurrence between their best friend and the star quarterback.

They girls focus on Joe's body language.

Joe focusses on what's happening on the dance floor.

Daisy was no longer following the routine. She had given it up when there was no hope of Ja'marr being able to follow it. Instead the pair of them are dancing together. Daisy's hands are on Ja'marr's shoulders and his own lay loosely on her hips, touching the soft bare skin that lay between the end of her cropped top and start of her denim jeans. They spin around together. Her green eyes gleamed and it was like the sun radiated from her skin. She was happier than Joe had ever seen her.

Bella watches as Joe's grip on the glass beer bottle intensifies. His knuckles tainted white. His jaw clenching stiffly and his lips tightening. She stores it as a mental note. One she would bring up later.

Joe tries not to let it phase him, but he didn't like the show that was happening in front of him. A teammates hands on the hips that he grips. A whole bar of people watching as she swings her hips in a seductive way.

When the song was over he was relieved.

Ja'marr and Daisy engage in a brief discussion before she heads off into the crowd and he comes back to the table. Ja'marr was sweaty and breathless but Joe lacks any sympathy. Not after the stunt he just pulled.

'Daisy just went to catch some air out back' Ja'marr threw a thumb over his shoulder and pointed into the crowd.

'I'm gonna grab another beer' Joe stood up. Ja'marr's eyes squinted at him. He knew he wasn't going to get another beer.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ -

Fairy lights strung from fence post to fence post illuminating the small garden of the bar. The night sky was dark, but warm. Like a comforting blanket cloaked around the venue. Daisy loved it here. She would always come, sneaking out of her apartment any chance she could to join her high school friends. Lucas would sometimes come, but he wouldn't let her dance. He was over protective like that. He only let her cheer because it was for him.

She pulled out her pack of marlboros, taking one in her mouth. She lit it and inhaled. She only smoked in Austin.

'those are bad for you'

She doesn't have to look to know it's Joe. She takes another drag of the tobacco filled paper. The end glows orange and ash gets taken away into the sky by a subtle breeze.

'many things are bad for me' Daisy eye's trail up his body. He was one of the things that were bad for her. Douchebag, egotistical, narcissistic, frat boy quarterback who only cared about fucking women and playing ball.

'ok' Joe says with a stifled laugh. He didn't know why he had come out here looking for her, it was like his legs were on autopilot. He walked out here without making any conscious thought to do so.

'soooo' The silence is deafening between them. Joe can't stand it.

'cheerleader with a football ex huh.' It's the wrong thing to say but he couldn't help it. He wanted to know more.

Another deep drag of the burning cigarette. A long exhale. Daisy wets her lips and nods.

'friday night lights shit.' It's a joke but she doesn't laugh when she says it. She takes a brief breath in.

‘thanks for winning today.’ Her words are sincere, and more meaningful than Joe was used to hearing from her.

‘thought you were a longhorns fan’ Joe tries to lighted the atmosphere with a small joke. One that doesn't land the way he wanted it too.

‘i was’ Daisy's response was shallow and blunt. She didn't want to elaborate or go into details about her old life. She knew Joe was trying to get something out of her but she was too stubborn to let him in.

Joe just nodded before looking out to the night sky. That weird tension wraps itself around them again. It the tension that comes when they know it’s going to happen again. When they know that in a short while they will once again be entangled in each others arms and bed sheets. When they know they will be leaving behind sloppy breathless kisses and marks which signify they were there. Purple nips on her chest and scratch marks on his back. They just had to fill up the time until it got there.

‘you look good under the floodlights’ Joe's voice is hoarse and low.

‘you look good on the field’ a hunger creeps its way into Daisy's words.

‘if we’re going to do this ‘one time thing’ regularly we should establish some ground rules’ Daisy takes another drag of her cigarette. Joe nods in agreement. Ground rules would make sure this never turned complicated.

‘rule one. no strings. just sex’ Joe starts it off.

‘that means we can hook up with other people’ He explains further. Daisy scoffs but nods her head in agreement. Of course that’s his first rule she thought.

‘rule two. we keep this private. I don’t want people knowing i’m sleeping with you. it’s bad for my image’ Daisy says. Joe rolls his eyes.

'being seen with me is the best thing for your image' He snarks back. A part of his ego damaged by her half joking words. Daisy hardens her lips in an attempt to hide her smug smile. Joe had taken her bait.

'how so?' Daisy entertains his words before taking in another tobacco filled puff.

'I'm the best college player around right now and i'm fucking handsome' Joe's words are only a small percentage humorous. That makes Daisy laugh as she exhales her cloud of grey smoke. Joe doesn't understand why she's laughing, everything he said was true.

'i've done the star football players trophy wife thing since I was fifteen, I don't need you for it to be my image' Her words hit Joe like a punch to the gut, one which was unexpected. Now he's remembering the way Lucas still called Daisy his girlfriend on the field, and the way that they shared four years of their life together before she ever even knew Joe existed. Daisy had been known for the last four years as Lucas Milo's girlfriend. That makes Joe feel sick. Like he had lost a game he never knew he was playing. He had to catch up.

'What's rule three?' Daisy breaks the silence she created.

Joe looks at her, he really looks at her. His sky blue eyes darken to a harsh indigo, his brows ever so slightly furrow. He takes a step closer to her and she doesn't move, her poise not faltering. They're close now. Joe takes the cigarette from her hand and steals the last toke before throwing the bud on the ground beside them. Daisy's face contorts in annoyance. The last drag of a drunken cigarette was the best part and he had stolen it. A sexual pressure forms between them as their eyes scan each others. Both of them searching for the signal. Daisy looks him up and down. Joe does the same. The once cool night in Austin now felt like the death valley desert, heat stinging at their skin. Joe's eyes linger on her top. He carefully takes the bottom hem in between his thumb and his index finger gently feeling the ribbed white fabric.

Daisy's breath catches in her throat. The top was just a joke, a play on words. She used to wear them to games all the time when she came to watch Lucas during freshman year but she wasn't with Lucas anymore.

She watches Joe's face twist in brief disgust and listens as he kisses his teeth. He lets the fabric drop. It clings back to her skin with a light slap sound. Dark eyes meet her own once more.

'don't wear this shit again'

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ -

Daisy lay in the floral bedsheets of her childhood bedroom. Her night felt unfinished. She left the bar with the girls and Joe left with the boys to head back to the hotel. It was 4:10am and they would be on their coach back to Baton Rouge in three hours. Daisy knew Joe would be sleeping but she stay lay awake yearning for his touch.

Joe lay in the plain bedsheets of his hotel room. His night felt incomplete. He didn't want to have to leave the bar with just the boys but he had no choice in the matter, Daisy didn't want the girls to know about them. Rule number two. The team coach left for Baton Rouge in three hours but he couldn't sleep. Thoughts of her touch on his skin and kisses on his lips kept him awake. Joe knew she would be asleep but he had to at least try.

Daisy stared up at her ceiling like a silent prayer to god to give her some relief.

When her phone buzzed it was like he answered.

@.joeyb_9 sent you a message

Hilton Hotel, 1617 N Interstate Highway 35, Austin, Texas.

Room 87.

She hated the fact she got out of her bed with no hesitation. She hated the way she put on a nicer pair of sweats and a clean top. She hated the way she triple checked herself in the mirror before she snuck of her room. She tiptoed around the living room where Cassie and Bella slept on a blown up mattress, grabbing her keys from the kitchen island and slipping on her uggs.

What she hated most was the flashbacks to high school. Sneaking out to meet the football star downtown, she had lived this life before. She had to remind herself this was different. She wasn't a teenager and she wasn't in love anymore. The stakes weren't the same. This was just something casual, something transactional. She gave the apartment one last glance over before she carefully shut the door and twisted her key in the lock.

The clock struck 4:57am and Joe had lost hope in her coming. He could see she had read the message but the journey shouldn't have taken this long. A light sting to his chest as he felt rejection for the first time in a long while. He grabbed a cup of water from the bathroom and looked out the hotel window as the sky was just beginning to get lighter.

A faint knock makes him turn around.

He walks to the heavy door and pulls it open.

There she stood.

It was like seeing an oasis in the desert.

Joe plays it cool. He doesn't want her to know he had been pacing around waiting to see if she would turn up. He tried to hide the feeling of desperation that had clawed away at his stomach. He had found himself scrolling through images on her instagram, his eyes looking and lingering longingly on her body. It was pitiful. Joe snapped out of it and closed his phone once he realised his stalking went over the line of casual. That was too dangerous of a game to play. They needed to not get too involved.

'though you weren't coming' His words are unemotional and unconcerned. Blue eyes trail her body. She's wearing something casual. Black sweats with a grey jumper. Her hair is down but ever so slightly messy. She isn't wearing any makeup. Joe wasn't expecting her to be but he hadn't been able to imagine her without it. She looked the same, if not better. A more natural beauty, with radiant skin and light brown freckly washed across both cheeks. The skin around her light eyes was softly puffy, a testament to the lack of sleep and late hour.

'uber took a wrong turn' Daisy answered back with a mirroring coolness, like she wasn't already dripping in her panties at the sigjht of him. Joe was shirtless, his golden blond hair messy and some small purple lsu training shorts on his bottom half.

Joe responded with a brief nod before he moved out the way to let her in the room, quickly scanning the corridor before shutting the door and locking it.

Daisy placed her keys on the table with a clank.

The atmosphere was strange, they both knew what they were here for but there was now a hesitation. Neither of them knowing how to break the tension between them. A kiss felt too personal, like the greeting of a girlfriend. Getting straight to it felt to rushed, almost too rude. With every second that passed a thicker tension built. Daisy had to be the one to man up and make the first move.

'stop staring and just fuck me Joe' Brash and bold. Joe didn't need to hear any further instructions.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ -

Stomach down, ass up. Their favourite position. She's bend over the hotel bed and the warm smell of sex rung in the air. The before sunrise light creeping in through the beige linen curtains of the hotel room. The lighting was low but enough for Joe to see all the parts of her body he wanted too.

His thrusts into her from behind and she's gripping onto the cotton sheets in euphoric ecstasy. His hands grip on her hip bones as his guides her back to his length. The sound of sticky skin slapping ringing out across the room. Daisy muffles her moans into a pillow beneath her. She had to be quiet, if Joe's coaches found out he had brought a girl back he would be in some serious trouble but he was making it difficult.

Smack. a stinging blow to the sensitive skin of her ass as he picks up the pace. A muffled yelp into the pillow.

Joe throws his head back in pleasure as he too struggles to keep control over his heavy grunts. Closing his eyes and looking up to the ceiling.

'god bless texas'

words of sweet satisfaction as he continues to pump into her from behind. When his stroked begin to grow sloppy and slower Daisy takes over, she begins to push herself back onto him. Her arched back moving forwards and backwards as she moans in delight, letting Joe catch his breath. He keeps a guiding hand on her waist and lets the other grip her hair with tug.

'you take me so well' He praises her.

Joe regains control of the situation and flips Daisy so she's on her back and laying underneath him. He pins her hands above her head as he lay sultry kisses across her collarbone and down her stomach. She wriggled around in pleasure. Moans of his name slipped from her swollen lips.

Joe let's go of her hands and he delves further and further down her stomach, leaving kisses along the way. Daisy knows what's coming and she gets even wetter at the thought alone. Her hips buck and let Joe know how bad she wants it. How bad she wants to feel his tongue on her sensitive center.

Joe places kisses all around her clit but never touches it. Daisy grows more frustrated with every peck. He's teasing her, edging her closer and closer to the ecstasy she so deeply desires but not letting her have it.

'Joe' Daisy's words are merely a pathetic whimper. She feels him smile as he lays down another peck on the top of her thigh.

'beg for me' He whispers. Daisy had never begged a man for anything, she didn't want to start now so she remained quiet.

When she gave no response Joe hovered his mouth close over her clit, close enough so that she could feel his own plump lips a hair width away. Uncontrollably, her hips buck once more and her center connects with Joe's lips for a second. The second was enough.

'pu-please' Her hands tug at his hair as she almost cries out her pleas.

'please, Joe. please give it to me'

Joe looks at her desperation with a twinkle in his now almost black eyes and a smirk plastered across his face.

'did he ever make you beg like this' Daisy knows who Joe is referring too. She stays silent, because truthfully Lucas never had. He hardly made her cum. He never went down on her.

'i didn't think so' was all Joe said before he placed his mouth on her clit, nipping and sucking at it. She tasted like honey, a sweet nectar that tasted even better after what Lucas had done on the field.

Daisy's hands grip at his hair, pulling lightly as the feeling of pleasure swirled in her stomach. Joe's tongue began to swirl and he inserted two fingers inside her dripping hole, sliding them in and out at a painfully slow pace. Daisy's breaths were hot and heavy as she could no longer control her bodies reaction to his touch. Her legs began to shake furiously as her climax neared. When they would lock up tight around Joe's head, he would push them apart once more with rough force. A rough force she found herself enjoying.

'keep em fucking open' He would command.

Joe quickened the pace of his fingers inside her. The pressure of her climax building and building, every lick and every pump bringing her closer and closer the feeling she had craved since she first saw him on the football field.

'Joe' Her moans now loud, the premise of being quiet no longer a thought in her high mind.

'fuck, 'm cumming'

As Daisy came to her own climax, Joe pushed himself back inside her and began to thrust deeply chasing his own. Moans filled the air and their foreheads pressed together.

'fuck, oh my god' Joe said as he came close, only a few strokes away from finishing.

'Daisy' he whispered in euphoria and he pulled himself from her and let his load land on her bare chest.

He slams down on the bed next to her, both of their chests rising and falling harshly as they try to catch stolen breaths. After around a minute, Daisy gets up and grabs a hand cloth from the bathroom and cleans herself up.

She walks back into the room and begins to put her clothes back on.

'when you back in Baton Rouge?' Joe asks her, still lying in bed.

'flight leaves at seven thirty tonight.' He nods in acknowledgement.

'I'll probably see you monday then' Joe tries to subtly let her know that's when he wants to next hook up. It doesn't work.

'yeah. maybe.' Daisy finishes putting on her shoes and ties up her laces. Joe just rolls his eyes. Pleasantries no longer being exchanged and the conversation turning back to simple blunt small talk.

Daisy grabs her keys from the table and heads towards the door.

'bye' She calls out as she opens it.

'later' Joe mumbles out, now all of a sudden tired.

When the door shuts, he drifts off to sleep.

An hour later, his alarm sounds out and wakes him up. He packed his things and headed down to the bus.

A long journey back to Louisiana.

౨ৎ

[0nlythrowharrybeaux]

Twelve Days: The Next Step

Hello friends! This is based on a request for a check-in when Harry asks Y/N to move in with him! I feel like this take is very realistic! I hope you like it!

READ THE SERIES HERE!

Warnings: Divorce, family drama, alcohol use

WC: 4.8K

It had been a couple months since your and your sister’s reality TV style confessional in front of your parents. When you looked back at it, it made you cringe just a little bit but that feeling soon faded when you remembered what had come out of it - a relationship with Harry. Thankfully, your parents had gotten used to you being the one with him rather quickly and when they saw how different the dynamic was between you two compared to him and Julie, it was so much easier for them to support it.

After things between her and Joe got better they went back to their normal routine and she was spending half her week and the weekends at his place. And that left space for you to come see Harry from Thursday to Sunday. However, now you’d always leave after breakfast because Julie usually returned Sunday afternoons. 

You recall the first time she’d seen you there she had been extremely passive aggressive about it. It had been a bit childish in your opinion, really… But you both had sensed the shift in her attitude and while she went out to get some dinner for herself you told Harry that you were going to just pack up and leave after dinner with him. When you got to the bathroom you saw your skin care and make up bag all crammed onto Harry’s side of the countertop. Even your toothbrush! Which you distinctly remember you’d left in the holder with Harry’s! And well, as you suspected, your pajamas, earrings, and charger you’d left on what used to be her side were all dumped into your carry-on luggage that you’d left near the closet. That’s also when you realized that she had washed the pillowcase you’d used with her laundry. 

You remember calling Harry up to see this and you both had a huge laughing fit over the pettiness of it all. They weren’t officially divorced yet at that time and you also figured it was hormones or nesting behaviors that made her more territorial than usual. But then you got a text the next morning about her still not feeling entirely comfortable with you seeing Harry and that she’d appreciate a bit more discretion on your part. It was a bit insane, but you and Harry often made jokes about her actions and the text now.

But this also meant that sometimes she would come a little earlier than usual though, just to get you out of there sooner. But joke was on her because you’d learned to just be packed up by Saturday night and bring your own pillow. She did have a point in washing the pillowcase each time, you couldn’t argue with that logic. But ultimately you bringing your own was more for your comfort. 

Anyway, it was Wednesday night and you were backing up for the weekend with Harry when you got a call from him and quickly put it on speaker.

“Hi baby!” You greeted happily as you continued to fold your clothes and cute lingerie that you’d wear for him.

“Hi, love. How are you?”

“Good, it wasn’t too bad today. How was work?”

“Good as well! We’re gearing up for the end of the school year so lots of reading and grading.”

“I could help this weekend?” You suggested.

“Sold! And when we’re in the trenches of it don’t forget that you offered…” he quipped playfully and you giggled.

“Alright…” you assured him and then heard him sigh. “You nervous for tomorrow?” You asked. It was the divorce finalization hearing, finally! 

“Not nervous…just want it to be over.” He clarified. “Just don’t want any surprises. My lawyer overheard her asking her attorney about finding any loopholes in the prenup we have.” He explained and you frowned. “The only protected assets there are my retirement savings and the house.” He explained. “I know that it’s airtight, you know? But I just hope she doesn’t try to drag this out longer if they feel like there’s anything to argue over there.”

“Well, she signed it and she cheated…”

“So did I… technically.” He added and a lump formed in your throat.

“Would you hate me if I told my parents? Shame isn’t always a bad thing…and maybe this time we just…use it against her.” You suggested.

“I just…” he paused for a moment and you waited as he thought on it. He sighed audibly after a few moments.

“It just wouldn’t be fair of her at all, Harry.” You reminded him.

“You know what? You’re right…she’s playing stupid games. There isn’t even an infidelity clause or anything! Asking her lawyer to look over it to find something just proves bad intent!”

“It does! I’ll call you right back!” You said and he chuckled and let you go.

That conversation with your mom had been quite dramatic. She could not believe Julie would do something like that after what she had pulled with Harry. And when you explained that they could argue it from an angle of Harry also being unfaithful because of his relationship with you, well that got your mom going. You were sidelined as she told your dad about this who you heard laugh incredulously about it and comment about the level of entitlement Julie was displaying. You didn’t feel too great about doing this to your own sister, but the fact of the matter was that what she was suggesting was a shitty thing to do to Harry. And well, despite being relieved that everyone knew about her situation now, she had pulled away a bit from your parents. It’s like your roles had been reversed and now they would dissect her actions and behaviors and problems like they once did your own, so you knew that they would definitely reprimand her about this and have her shut it down. 

Maybe it was a good thing that the hearing was scheduled for a Thursday because regardless of what happened there, you’d be with Harry for the next few days. While you were optimistic about things going exactly as planned, there was still a slight chance that there’d be a delay if Julie’s lawyer felt that the prenup needed to be entered into evidence and revised by the court. You’d been thinking on it all morning and when you got a call from Harry around 3pm you were quick to answer.

“It’s done! It’s finally fucking done!” He cheered and you felt a laugh bubbling up in your throat and you just let the joy escape you that way before you did a few little jumps up and down in your client’s kitchen.

“Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!” You cheered. “We’re celebrating tonight!” 

“We are! I think I can snag a reservation somewhere…”

“Let me! I have a friend who I’m pretty sure works at Barbeño as a host! I’m sure they could help us get in.” You said and he scoffed.

“You’re just telling me this now?”

“We just recently reconnected and I let him do laundry at my place when his complex’s laundry room was being redone! So I can ask for favors now.”

“Alright, love. You do what you need to do…within the bounds of reason, of course.”

“That goes without saying…” you mumbled and he chuckled. “Alright, I have to go, don’t want my chicken to get dry. But I’ll confirm if we got it in a bit, okay? And if not, I’ll make you something special.” You assured him.

“I love you.” He said and you smiled wide, feeling your heart flipping and thumping in your chest.

“I love you too. Talk soon.” You hummed before you hung up.

***********

Thankfully, you’d gotten the reservation! So you’d have to pull out the nicer outfit you had planned for your Saturday night dinner but that was no problem. On the way to Harry’s he warned you that Julie had come by to pack up for the weekend but that she should be gone by the time you arrived. Just to kill a bit more time, you stopped to pick him up a bouquet of flowers and then headed to the house. You parked in the driveway, like always, and then hurried up to the front door with the flowers, you’d unload your stuff later…You rang the doorbell and perked up as you heard the locks turning.

“Congratulations to the hottest divorcee in Southern California!” You laughed as the door opened but then saw Julie standing there with a slightly judgmental look on her face. That didn’t dampen your spirits though.

“Celebrating a divorce? Classy.” She muttered and you shrugged.

“It actually is going to be very classy! And I’d say there’s plenty of cause to celebrate.” You said as you walked forward until she just had to let you inside. “I was imagining that if you were able to you’d be doing backflips so that you could be with the guy you’ve been wanting this entire time!” You added.

“It still sucks.” She said simply.

“I think what sucks for you is that I’m with Harry. Not that you’re divorced from him.” You pointed out and she rolled her eyes. “Look, I get that it’s…a little weird and this is definitely a unique situation but you can’t ice me out over something you wanted. And you were dragging it out and for what?” You asked simply as you headed to the kitchen to grab a vase for the flowers for Harry. Of course she followed you there.

“I don’t want Harry to be hurt.” She said and you smiled as you opened up the cabinet where you’d seen some vases before before straightening up again and setting it on the counter.

“Does he look hurt to you?” You asked before walking over to the drawer with the scissors and pulling them out to cut the stems of the arrangement down a bit. She didn’t respond and you sighed. “Look, I get that you don’t like me as a person, you never really have…but this petty back and forth shit? It’s getting ridiculous! It’s so immature, we can only laugh at it at this point…like it can’t be real life!” You exclaimed through a sardonic laugh and her features hardened further. 

“While I’m flattered that you’re so invested in being weird and bitter towards me, I want you to know me being with Harry wasn’t intended to betray you! We love each other and want to be happy together! Just how I want you to be happy with your man and your baby! So whatever stick you have up your ass about me? Time to get it out, Jules. And focus on how great everything can be for you starting now!” You advised and she just stared at you for a few more seconds before she left through the garage. 

You felt a little more satisfied after saying all that when you realized she’d only been waiting for you to arrive. You were feeling a little smug about what you’d said to her but beneath all of her offense, you hoped that she heard what you were saying. Never in a million years did you think that this is where you life would lead! Or that you could even have a relationship with a person of Harry’s caliber. In your mind, he was leaps and bounds away from where you were! 

“Hey!” You heard him call and you glanced up from the spot on the counter you had honed in on as you got lost in your thoughts. “Why so pensive?” He asked through a smile as he approached. You could see he had just styled his hair, it was still looking a little damp.

“Oh, just Julie…I think she was waiting for me.” You explained and his brows creased as he came around the counter and reached for you. You put the scissors down let him pull you into his arms. 

“I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t know she was gonna stick around. I had to hop in the shower and get ready for our reservation.” He mumbled before kissing the top of your head.

“That’s alright. I’m not really stuck on anything she said. More my own thoughts.” You assured him. And he reared back and grabbed your face gently instead before pecking your lips quickly.

“About?” He asked and you smiled.

“How you’re way out of my league.” You explained with a slight smile and his features turned down in confusion.

“Me? Out of your  league?” He scoffed and you nodded. “That’s the craziest thing Iv’ve ever heard. You’re kind and smart. You’re an amazing friend, a hard worker. Not to mention you’re drop dead gorgeous.” He said as his eyes searched your own. “You’re perfect for me. And I love you for everything you are.” He hummed as he leaned lower and lower until your eyes were blinking closed until your lisp were meeting in a sweet and gentle kiss.

“Love you, baby.” You whispered.

“Now, were those for me?”

“Yeah. Just wanted to say congrats.” You hummed. “Let me fix this up and then we can go.” You assured him.

“Sure, baby. Did you unload your stuff?”

“Not yet.”

“I’ll go get your things from the car, okay?”

“Thank you!” You chirped as he grabbed your keys and headed out. After a few moments he was hurrying up the stairs to set your things down in the bedroom. When he returned you were just fitting the flowers into the vase with a proud smile.

“They’re lovely. Thank you.” Harry said with gratitude before smooching the side of your head. 

“Of course. Now, let’s go. I’ll drive.” 

“Sure? You already drove all the way here.” He reminded and you shrugged.

“Fine…” he hummed and you were glad he didn’t fight back too much. You wanted to treat him tonight because you knew that he’d been a bit stressed over this. You were already ten minutes out wen he turned to you with a sly smirk.

“Now I get to pay.”

“Harry!”

“It’s going to even out!”

“We don’t need to even out. I just want this to be celebratory for you.” You reminded him.

“And I’d like to you to realize that this is celebratory for us.” He said and you briefly turned to him as you came to a stop at a red light. “This marks our new beginning officially.” He stated and you smiled.

“I quite like that.”

“Knew you would.” He chuckled as he reached for your thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze.

*************** 

“Baby!” You exclaimed through a terrified laugh as Harry nearly fell out of the car. 

It had certainly been his mistake to make friends with the couple seated next to you and tell them that he had just gotten divorced today because he’d taken two shots of tequila before your dinner arrived. He was also drinking a rather stiff cocktail with mezcal and then before the couple had left they ordered you both a shot even though you’d already declined earlier since you were driving and had ordered the same cocktail as Harry. This led to Harry taking your shot for you and your lightweight boyfriend was drunk. Thankfully, Harry was a lovely drunk. He was sweet and flirty and very affectionate, but obviously he was not at full capacity.

“M’alright. M’fine.” He assured as he steadied himself on the car’s body as you hurried around to help him get up to the door.

“I know, you are for the most part.” You giggled as you grabbed his hand and pulled him to the door. He clung to your body, planting sloppy kisses to your neck and shoulder as you tried to get the door open. And finally, you were both making your way into the dimly lit house. Harry kicked off his shoes and you also slid out of your heeled sandals and hooked your bag onto the coat hook by the door.

“We’re gonna have some sexy time now, aren't we?” He asked smugly.

“Ew… don’t say it like that!” You laughed and he sniggered.

“Okay then. Are you gonna be getting frisky with me?”

“Me with you? I think it’d be the other way around.” You pointed out as you pushed him along towards the staircase.

“How could I, I’m inebriated!” He pointed out as you carefully guided him up. “Though, I give you full permission to take advantage of me. I consent to anything and everything.” He said as he quickly glanced back with a smirk.

“Not how that works, but okay…” you mumbled through a giggle and he laughed as well.

“Well…can we make out and get a little handsy?” He asked and you giggled.

“Sure. We can do whatever you want. We just have to get you ready for bed though, okay?”

“Kay.” He hummed agreeably. 

After a few minutes he was haphazardly washing his face. You could see that he was making an effort not to make a mess but he wasn’t too successful, which was leading to a lot of laughs and some light berating until finally, he was just leaning on the counter and waiting for you. You could feel his gaze penetrating into your as you finished up your skin care. It was making you feel so nervous and it was evident in the way you were struggling to twist the top back onto your moisturizer.

“Stop staring, you weirdo.” You giggled as your eyes locked briefly through the mirror.

“I simply can’t.” He shrugged.

“You’re giving me performance anxiety!” You said and he laughed and reached for your hip. You were just in your bra and sleep shorts. And he hooked his finger into the band lightly.

“Sorry, baby.” He hummed glancing at you through his lashes.

“Sure, sure…” You mumbled sarcastically and he grinned. “You should get changed.” You advised.

“I’m waiting for you for that.”

“Need help?” You asked and he shook his head.

“No, but want your help.” He said and you smiled.

“Okay, baby.” You assured him and when you finally finished he led you out into the bedroom. 

You had to reach out to flick off the bathroom lights in passing to the bedroom and were finally in the dim lighting of his bedroom. He’d left his bedside lamp on before leaving, which you were more than grateful he had the foresight to do so that he didn’t stub his toe or hurt himself on something due to his drunken state. He stopped you and angled your face up before dipping down to kiss you. Your lips met in a slow and sweet kiss but it quickly started to get a little more heated. You giggled and let your hands land over his chest before sliding up a bit to reach for his first button. And from there you started to work your way down, sniggering are he peppered kisses all around your face. When both side of his shirt were parted you were about to reach up to help him get the material off his shoulders but he grabbed your hand and pressed it to his flexed abs and let you feel him out for a bit before guiding your hand up to his chest and stopping over his heart. Your eyes met and he smiled.

“My heart beats for you.” He hummed and you glanced away with a timid smile on your face. You felt your stomach flipping and your body tingling in a nearly uncomfortable way. Not because of him but because you didn’t know how to receive this much love from someone. This was the bare minimum! He wasn’t love bombing you or anything, just simply telling you but it felt like so much. “You know that, right?” He asked and you nodded before collecting yourself enough to look back into his eyes.

“I do. I just…it’s a lot to hear it.” You explained.

“Cringey is it?” He asked with a small but nonjudgmental smile.

“A little bit, to be honest. And not because of you! But more me and just what I’m used to, you know? Being with someone like you who is so forward about their feelings…I just haven’t really had that on a regular basis before.” He nodded in understanding despite his inebriated state.

“Is it too much?” He asked, “Because if it is…I can stop. Or like tone it down, you know?” He asked more seriously. You could see him fighting not to sway a bit or to have his speech be slurred for this more solemn moment and you smiled.

“I could get used to it.” You assured him, “I do like to hear it. W-would you like me be more vocal about that too?” You asked. “Or… we can talk about this at another time when you’re not so drunk.” You suggested and he giggled.

“Maybe, yeah let’s postpone.” He mumbled and you sniggered and pressed yourself up to smooch his pretty, berry-toned lips. 

“Well for now let me just say that I love you so much. I’m so fortunate to have you.” You said softly and his smiled widened before kissing you again. 

When you’d finally gotten him all undressed you had cuddled up in bed, he was the little spoon this time around, face buried into your chest. And you were touching his hair and arms and back as he asked and guided while you yapped about random things over the soft sounds of the TV in the background until he brought your sister up.

“Sorry about earlier, with Julie.” He said and you tutted.

“S’not your fault, honey.” You assured.

“Might be. I ummm…I told her that I wanted her moved out completely by next week.” He explained.

“Oh… and she didn’t take it well.”

“Definitely not.” He huffed out a chuckle and you hummed, “Started spouting off about how it was you pressuring me to get her out of here while she and Joey figured out a new arrangement… it was an argument for sure.”

“Everything is to her…”

“Yeah. She doesn’t like the house he’s renting, says it’s too small. Which it’s about the same…he has two bedrooms and I have three here. But both spares are used as office spaces here. So when she’s here I’m banished to the couch!” 

“In your own home…” you tutted.

“Exactly!” He defended. “Now that everything is done-done I don’t see the need for her to keep inserting herself in here. You didn’t want me, you know? And now you don’t want to leave? Like I know it has nothing to do with me and everything to do with you.”

“Stupid.”

“Yeah, it is… she said she wanted me to be happy. And I am! With you! I know she’s petty and shows up unannounced on Sundays because she wants you to feel uncomfortable. And I don’t like that one bit, baby. That makes me very unhappy.”

“I’m used to her petty things though, so they don’t get to me as much, H. But thank you for sticking up for me. S’very sweet of you.” You assured him before sponging a gentle kiss to his temple and he nuzzled further against your chest before kissing over your sternum.

“Of course, my love.” He hummed against you before you both fell silent for a little bit and then he reared back from you and you peered down at him as best as you could.

“What is it? Are you gonna be sick?” You asked with concern, ready to spring out of the bed and grab him a garbage can.

“No!” He chuckled and you laughed as he gave your hip a playful pinch.

“Then what is it? ”

“I’ve been thinking about taking the next step of…moving in with me?” He said inquisitively.

“Oh!”

“And it doesn’t have to be now! Maybe a couples months from now or even closer to the end of summer.” He explained and you felt your pulse decrease upon hearing this. “I’d like to take some time to spruce things up a bit first to something more my taste or ours even!” He explained to you. “What do you think of that?” He asked.

“Honestly, I do feel a little nervous about it! Just because you know? Not because of you or anything, it’s just a new milestone, you know?”

“Yeah, I get what you mean.”

“And you’re ready for that?” You asked.

“I am. Are you?”

“Well, I’m also thinking of those statistics about couples who cohabitate and how that leads to greater dissatisfaction in couples who are…in it for the long-term, you know?”

“You mean marriage.” He clarified and you hummed. 

“And like…I want this to work.” You confessed. “Like I don’t…know where this will go…” you trailed off. You wanted to say that you wanted to marry him in the future but you couldn’t bring yourself to admit that to him just yet. “And I’m just scared to jump the gun a bit, you know? I mean, you’ve just divorced! I don’t want you to feel pressured to speed through that. I know that the dynamic wasn’t great with you guys in the end but that’s still something that you have to heal from, you know? And I understand that you’re still in a place where…it’s hard…” you trailed off, “Yeah, I just don’t want to get in the way of that.” You rambled a bit. Suddenly, Harry was pressing himself up and using his elbow to prop himself up.

“You seem to be thinking and feeling on my behalf a lot.” He pointed out with a very faint smile as his eyes met yours despite the darker lighting. “If you’re not ready for that, it’s okay, baby. You can say so. That’s why we’re talking about it.” He added and you glanced to the TV for a few seconds before finally looking back to him.

“I’m just scared.” You confessed.

“Scared of what, love?”

“Of how much I feel for you?” You said with a questioning tone and then glanced away again and he chuckled as you shivered a bit. “Ughh, there are just a lot of feelings happening!” You explained nervously.

“Do you need a bin?” He asked jokingly and you laughed nervously before looking into his eyes again.

“M’alright… just feeling is hard.” You said more quietly and he nodded. “Like I know you. I know you’d never hurt me intentionally. Like the chances are low, but never zero, you know? And like…” you sighed, “I’m scared of how much I already love you and I know it can only get worse!” You explained through nervous giggle and he chuckled. “You know what I meant.”

“I do, baby.” He assured you. “And I need to be honest with you about something. I think the things you’re saying about me needing to heal and such? You’re just projecting.” You sighed and smiled a bit.

“Yeah…a bit.” You confessed.

“I have my plan for healing. Redoing the house, that’s part of it. I think I’ve moved through a lot of the stages of grieving my marriage. I sat with it for so long, even did some of it in couples therapy. And now that it’s officially over I just feel like a weight was lifted off, you know? And I can now move forward.” 

“Yeah, I get that.” You whispered.

“Obviously, I see a future with you and want that so badly. But I also get that the timing needs to be right for the both of us. I’m very patient.” He said and you smiled.

“Are you still drunk?” You asked and he chuckled.

“Yeah, a bit.” He confessed and you sniggered. “But I mean everything I’m saying to you. Been thinking about it over the last few weeks, with all this coming and going.”

“I know, me too.” You hummed. “I see a future with you too and I would like to move in with you eventually.” You smiled.

“Good. I know that it’s also your work and clientele you need to think about. So yeah, nothing rushed. We can take our time with it, work up to it. I just want to share everything with you.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, baby.” Harry assured you.

“Well, I definitely will give the timeline a bit more thought. What you initially said, about the end of the summer? I feel that's pretty realistic.” You smiled.

“Yeah?” He grinned and you nodded quickly. 

“I do have one request of you.” You said and he hummed.

“Redo your bedroom first.”

“Oh definitely! And you’re gonna help me pick a new mattress since we’re gonna be getting some major use out of it.” He smirked and you giggled. “I’m serious! You’ve gotta do this with me, baby!” He insisted and you nodded.

“Okay, H.” You agreed through a chuckle.

“Deal?” He asked and you smiled.

“Deal.” You agreed.

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[nausicaamusiclover20]

Hi Nausicaa)) I was rewatching Freddie’s memorial concert and had a crazy idea. It’s pretty weird but I hope you will consider making a story? Also it’s super long I’m so sorry 😢

Reader is an Amy Winehouse-style (I love her so much she’s definitely my favorite female singer) singer and her debut album was really liked by Freddie and they even had a collaboration, and after that her career skyrocketed and she’s gotten many Grammy’s etc despite being quite young. So she’s invited to be a part of the line up for the show and has to sing “who wants to live forever” and James is supposed to play rhythm guitar for that. And cause she’s much more mainstream, he initially doesn’t really like her but of course does his part, cause he doesn’t want to cause a scene. At rehearsal, everyone is in awe of her as she’s got a great sense of humor, self irony, etc. - except for James. And when Slash or Joe Elliot joke that they are jealous of him cause he’s gonna perform with her, he just brushes it off saying that she’s just another “overrated singer for sad chicks” and then tells Lars that she probably slept with a producer to get a record deal. Unfortunately, she accidentally overheard all of that but she doesn’t tell anyone cause she’s doesn’t want to ruin such an important day. And she even listened to Metallica’s stuff ( even developed a crush on James) and wanted to talk with him but not anymore.

Next day, at the concert the performance is a total success, everyone is super happy. And when hearing her sing in front of a huge crowd James realizes how great her voice is and what a great performer she is. So he tries to ask her out after the show is over, but since she overheard him saying rather unpleasant things about her a day before she thinks that he’s trying to humiliate or prank her and tells him that she actually liked him. But since he thinks she’s got no talent and slept with people to get where she is now, reader wants nothing to do with James.

And I was thinking - maybe Brian from Queen notices his distress and James doesn’t go into details but tells him he screwed up. So Brian actually goes and asks the reader to hear James out, and she agrees, out of respect for Brian. James, really bad with emotions, apologizes and next day they have breakfast together?

If you don’t like the idea, can you please just post the ask saying that you are not interested? I feel bad throwing such a huge request at you but I’ve read your stories and if anyone can turn my vague idea in a story - that can only be you. Thank you ❤️

First of all, I thank you so much for your trust, it means a lot to me what you’ve said. I hope you like it❤

Behind the appearances

The rehearsal space buzzed with energy. I’d spent the last few days trying to calm my nerves about performing alongside rock legends at the Queen tribute concert. My career had skyrocketed in the past few years, and though I’d won Grammys and collaborated with icons, this felt like a different league entirely. It wasn’t just my admiration for Freddie and the band—this was my chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the greats.

But not everyone seemed thrilled about it.

James Hetfield, the rhythm guitarist for my performance of “Who Wants to Live Forever,” was distant. I’d caught him rolling his eyes a few times during rehearsals, his whole demeanor screaming that he wanted to be anywhere but here.

It stung more than I cared to admit. I’d grown up listening to Metallica, and James was one of the reasons I started writing music in the first place. To share a stage with him was supposed to be a dream come true, but he seemed intent on treating me like I didn’t belong.

Still, I pushed those thoughts aside and threw myself into the music. I wasn’t going to let one grumpy guitarist ruin this experience.

During a break, Slash sauntered over, grinning as he plucked at his guitar. "You know, James, some of us are jealous of you. Not everyone gets to play with her."

Joe Elliot chimed in, slapping James on the back. "Yeah, lucky bastard. She’s got the voice, the charm, and she’s easy on the eyes too."

I laughed awkwardly, feeling my cheeks heat. James, however, just shrugged them off, muttering, "She’s just another singer." His tone was dismissive, and the guys exchanged a look, clearly amused by his gruffness.

“Well, don’t let that stick up your ass ruin your day,” Slash teased, earning a chuckle from Joe.

James rolled his eyes and walked off, leaving me standing there with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. Was he always like this, or had I done something to annoy him without realizing it?

The sinking feeling in my stomach grew worse when I heard him talking to Lars. I’d only gone backstage to grab my water bottle, but their conversation was hard to miss.

Lars nudged him with a knowing smirk. "What do you think of Y/N?"

James scoffed. "She’s just another overrated singer for sad chicks," he said dismissively.

Lars chuckled, though it sounded uncomfortable. “Come on, man. She’s good.”

“Yeah? Bet she slept with some producer to get that record deal,” James replied, his tone dripping with scorn.

I froze. My hands clenched around the bottle as his words settled like lead in my chest. I’d worked so damn hard to get here, poured my heart and soul into my music, and that was what he thought of me?

Part of me wanted to confront him, to demand why he’d say something so cruel, but another part knew it wasn’t worth it. This was one of the biggest nights of my career. I wasn’t about to let James Hetfield ruin it.

The next evening, the concert hall was packed. The energy from the crowd was electric, and I could feel their anticipation as I walked onto the stage. When the opening notes of “Who Wants to Live Forever” echoed through the venue, I poured every ounce of emotion into the song. Freddie deserved nothing less, and neither did the audience.

The lights bathed the stage in a soft glow, and as I sang, I let my voice rise and fall with the haunting melody. The orchestra swelled behind me, their notes blending seamlessly with James’s steady rhythm guitar. For a moment, it felt like the entire world had stopped to listen. The audience’s silence was palpable, a testament to the power of the song.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw James watching me as he played. His expression was unreadable, but for once, it wasn’t cold or dismissive. Not that it mattered. I’d given up trying to impress him.

The performance ended with thunderous applause, and backstage, everyone was celebrating. Slash gave me a high five, Joe hugged me, and even Brian May told me I’d done Freddie proud. It should’ve been the perfect night.

But then James approached me.

“Hey,” he said, his voice quieter than I expected.

I turned, my smile faltering. “What do you want?”

He scratched the back of his neck, looking uncharacteristically unsure of himself. “I just… I wanted to say you were amazing out there. I didn’t realize how talented you are.”

I blinked, my heart twisting. Was he serious? After everything he’d said?

“You didn’t realize?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. “That’s funny, because yesterday you made it pretty clear what you think of me. Or did you forget saying I’m an overrated singer who slept with a producer to get here?”

His face paled. “You heard that?”

“Yeah, I did. And for the record, I never slept with any producer, everything I got it’s only because of my hard work.  I wanted to talk to you, because you’ve always been one of my favorite singers. I also wanted to talk to you,  to get to know you. But now?” I shook my head, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I want nothing to do with you.”

I walked away before he could respond.

I thought that was the end of it, but later that night, Brian May found me sitting alone in one of the dressing rooms. He gave me a kind smile, pulling up a chair.

“You were phenomenal tonight,” he said.

“Thank you,” I replied softly.

He hesitated before continuing. “I spoke to James. He’s… well, he’s realized he made a mess of things. He wouldn’t tell me exactly what happened, but he’s clearly beating himself up over it.”

“Good,” I said flatly, though my heart wasn’t in it.

Brian chuckled. “I don’t blame you for being upset. But James isn’t the best with words, and he’s not used to admitting when he’s wrong. He asked me to see if you’d give him a chance to explain.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I don’t know, Brian. He really hurt me.”

“I know,” he said gently. “But sometimes, people surprise you. At least hear him out. If you don’t like what he has to say, you never have to speak to him again.”

The next day, I met James in the hotel cafe. He looked nervous, which was oddly comforting. At least I wasn’t the only one feeling awkward.

“Thanks for coming,” he said as I sat down.

“Brian insisted,” I replied, crossing my arms. “So talk.”

He nodded, taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry for what I said. It was unfair and cruel, and you didn’t deserve that. The truth is, I was… jealous. You’ve accomplished so much so quickly, and I let my insecurities get the better of me. Instead of respecting you for your talent, I tried to tear you down. I’m really, really sorry.”

His honesty caught me off guard. I studied him, trying to gauge if he was being sincere. He looked genuinely remorseful, his eyes meeting mine without hesitation.

“Okay,” I said finally. “I’ll accept your apology. But if you ever talk about me like that again, we’re done. Got it?”

He nodded quickly. “Got it.”

We ended up staying for breakfast, and as the conversation shifted to music and life on the road, I saw a different side of James. He was funny, self-deprecating, and surprisingly kind. I couldn’t resist slipping in a bit of my usual humor.

“So, Mr. Hetfield,” I teased, “is that your version of a heartfelt apology? Because I’d give it a solid six out of ten. Room for improvement.”

He smirked, his confidence creeping back. “Six out of ten? I’ll have to work harder next time. But you’ve got to admit, I made you laugh.”

“A little,” I said, holding up my fingers to show a small gap. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

We talked about everything—music, touring, even the weirdest fan encounters we’d had. James opened up about the challenges of staying grounded in the music industry, and I shared my own stories of navigating sudden fame. It felt easy, natural, and for the first time since the rehearsals started, I genuinely enjoyed his company.

As we finished our coffee, I hesitated, then leaned over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for breakfast,” I said softly.

He blinked, clearly startled, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the faint pink tint rising to his cheeks. “Can we meet again?” he asked, his voice more tentative than I expected. “I really enjoyed spending time with you. You’re… an interesting girl.”

It was my turn to blush. I ducked my head, feeling my cheeks heat. “Sure,” I said, smiling. “I’d love to. I had a great time too.”

As we stood to leave, he held the door open for me, and I couldn’t help but think that maybe—just maybe—this was the start of something new.

[callahanisms]

ghostface! art donaldson. but also what about ghostface! tashi duncan?

tashi duncan, who's your number one fan. who knows what's best for you. who is always by your side as you go through another turbulent and public breakup.

she's your costar, your rock. you guys came up together. you guys starred in a disney channel sitcom. since then, you've been each other's most valiant supporters. you wouldn't be without tashi duncan.

you guys are frequent collaborators. you got to be a supporting actor in her directorial debut. and she's taken a back seat from acting. the cameras are "too invasive" as she puts it.

tashi knows you're popular. so popular. you've dealt with one too many stalker cases. that's okay. because tashi will take care of you. she'll make sure no one hurts you again.

a little blood never hurt anyone. and she's flawless when doing it too. never leaves a trace. cleans up well. creates whole narratives for why these people disappeared. she goes full joe goldberg when she has the time. note the when.

you're blissfully unaware of the mess, of the way tashi's hands are stained with blood. that's okay. she likes to keep you in the dark, content and mentally well. you look so cute all cuddled up in her bed after an exhausting afterparty at the critics choice awards.

and then you started seeing someone. he's a producer. he's not that significant. this is his first big project, working with you and tashi duncan. but she can't help the way jealousy flares up in her body seeing you two together. he was so in love with you that it was disgusting.

tashi always butted heads with him. it created a hostile environment on set. but she was smart. she played it cool, while your boyfriend took the bait and would react. and soon enough, he was kicked off the project.

your boyfriend noticed the way you and tashi were close. unbearably so. it felt like there was three people in the relationship and he was third wheeling. he overheard the way tashi called you "babe" and "baby," the way she caresses your face, how her touch lingers on you a little longer, how you always wear the perfumes/colognes she picked out for you. you were her little doll and he was having none of it.

which is why she had to get rid of him.

it was a spur of the moment decision. she lost her cool. and messily cleaned everything up, even staging a terribly dry break up text.

you came running into her arms the next day. and she holds you, soothing you as she orders uber eats and opens netflix. "it's okay baby. he didn't deserve you anyways."

"why does this always happen to me?"

"because they don't see your value. they don't see you like i do. and they will never appreciate you or care for you like i do."

[joeys-babe]

Joey B Imagines: She’s Electric

————————————————————————-

Summary: Tee’s nosiness comes in handy.

(Part three to - part 1, part 2)

Warnings: None

Pairing: Joe Burrow x *athletic trainer* reader

Imagine Universe: Misc.

————————————————————————-

September 12, 2022 - *Continuation of last part*

“They were talking about me?” - Joe

“Yeah…” - Tee

Tee looked around before sitting down at the table and leaning in close.

“Well? What were they saying?” - Joe

“Joe… did you guys hook up?” - Tee

“Yeah…” - Joe

“Oh. Okay, that makes more sense, but Nick asked her if she'd told you yet. I don't know what, but she was supposed to tell you something. She said no and that after you guys hooked up, she panicked. Told you that it was just a one-night stand.” - Tee

All at once, all of the guys looked at me with the same look on their faces.

“That means she wanted more then.” - Joe

“Seems like it, but I think you might've lost your chance.” - Tee

“Why'd you say that?” - Sam

“She put her two weeks in. She told Nick this was the last team she was working for. And get this… the only player she slept with was the guy from the Niners. The ones from other teams were all made-up rumors, which is why she kept leaving teams.” - Tee

“How'd that come up?” - Sam

“That's why she freaked out and didn't tell Joe she liked him. y/n told Nick that she didn't want him to have to be connected to her name.” - Tee

Without saying a word, I jumped up from the table and started toward the trainer’s offices.

I barged into y/n’s office to find only Nick.

“Where is she?!” - Joe

“Who? y/n-.” - Nick

“Yes, y/n. Where is she?” - Joe

“She left… why?” - Nick

“I need to tell her.” - Joe

Nick cocked his head to the side, a confused look on his face.

“Tell her what?” - Nick

“That I want her. All of her. I don't care about the rumors that are connected to her name. Tee overheard your conversation, and I can't let her get away without her knowing how I seriously feel.” - Joe

I noticed a small smile forming on Nick’s face as I spoke, and he nodded when I was done.

“Tell me how you ‘seriously feel’, son.” - Nick

“Her smile, man, it's like a burst of sunshine that can light up even the gloomiest of days. Every time she walks into a room, my heart starts racing like crazy, and I can't help but get lost in her presence. She's got this amazing sense of humor that always has me cracking up, and her laugh is so infectious. She's not just a pretty face - she's super smart and talented too. I could spend hours talking to her about anything and everything. I just… she's electric.” - Joe

Cutting my answer short when I realized I was ranting, Nick chuckled and leaned back in his chair.

“What if I told you that you just did?” - Nick

“Did what…” - Joe

“You told y/n how you seriously feel.” - Nick

Confusion was the only word to describe how I was feeling. My expression matched Nick’s earlier one.

“Turn around, Joe.” - Nick

My stomach dropped, and I slowly turned on my heels to see y/n standing behind me in the doorway. She was slightly jaw-dropped.

“I forgot my water bottle… had to come and grab it. Did you mean… everything?” - you

“Yes.” - Joe

After letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding in, Nick patted me on the back and left the room.

He shut the door behind him, and I looked down to my feet.

“Joe, I'm really scared.” - you

“About what?” - Joe searched your eyes with his own

“How I feel about you. I've never felt it about someone before. It's just that we've only known each other for a month, and there's so much you don't know about me. The rumors too, being with an NFL player after my ‘history’ is a bad look for me and my job.” - you

“We can get to know each other more before anything serious happens, but just know that I seriously care about you. I don't give a shit about the rumors because they're not true and don't define you. Also, you're crazy if you think I'm going to let your job get affected because of me.” - Joe

“So… what now?” - you

As our eyes met, a wave of emotions washed over us. The air crackled with anticipation, and time seemed to stand still.

With trembling voices, we confessed our feelings, poured our hearts out to each other, and said every word we'd been thinking since that one night. At once, all doubts and fears faded away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of joy and connection.

We took each other's hands, knowing that this was the start of something incredible.

At that moment, everything felt charged with an indescribable energy.

And so, hand in hand, we stepped into a future filled with endless possibilities, knowing that our love would always be electric, igniting our hearts with a love that would never fade.

————————————————————————-

A/N: Everlasting Love is defrosting.

Hope you enjoyed! 💕💕

[starlit-crossing]

A Ghost of Yourself Chapter 1

Chapter 1 - A Feeling of Dread

Welcome and enjoy! All characters are of course owned by their original intellectual properties and this story is in no way canon.

- -      -

Danny wasn't sure what to think when his parents said they would be collaborating with the Guys in White for a contract. He knew nothing good would come from it. Jazz had even voiced her concerns, citing the times the GIW had tried to steal their work. His parents just brushed off their worries, stating the project was research focused rather than weaponry. It relieved some of Danny's worries, but he couldn't shake this nagging feeling.

"If its focused-on research how much harm could it cause?" Sam reassured as the collection of herself, Danny and Tucker settled in for movie night in Sam's home theater. The theater was in the basement, red curtains hanging by the large movie screen.  A few chairs and piles of pillows were strewn about for the group to chill on. There was even a popcorn and soda machine in the back of the room next to a few classic arcade games.

"Yeah, Danny, what if they finally find evidence to support your side? Y'know the fact ghosts are the same as people and there is good and bad." Tucker piped in as he plopped into the cushiony seat with a bounce, extra-large popcorn and soda in hand.

"I don't know, Tuck. They've found stuff like that before, and they always find a way to twist it to fit their view on ghosts." Danny rambled, running his hand through his hair. "I just hope they'll be careful around the GIW and maybe let some research spill at home so I can eavesdrop."

"You could always follow them." Sam suggested. She watched confused as the boys just stared at her.

"You think Danny should follow his parents into the base of a bunch of ghost hunters hired by the government to research and destroy anything undead?" Tucker asked. "Are you insane?"

"Sorry Sam I'm with Tucker on this one, I don't think I could get close without catching someone's attention, human or ghost." Danny sighed, "Let's just get the movie started, what's on the menu?"

"Femalien 2: Predator vs Prey, Terminatra 7: Back to the Present Again, or Nightmerica: Dreams of Terror." Sam listed off just as Danny felt a cold wisp of air leave his lips.

"FEAR ME! I AM THE BOX GHOST!" screamed the Box Ghost, the cry making its way in from outside.

"Raincheck you guys, boxy shouldn't take me too long." As a flash filled the room and Danny flew through the walls disappearing.

"Ten bucks says Skulker shows up before he can come back." Tucker bribed.

"You're on, we took out his suit last week. Meanwhile, Kitty and Johnny 13 have been fighting again." Sam accepted, starting up a movie knowing it would be done before he got back.

- -      -

The following weeks were surprisingly uneventful, a sign Danny took to heart. His parents had been extra careful not to leave out any notes or research in the house, not even in the lab. Refusing to give any hints as to what they were working on. Ghosts had been scarce, nothing except ectopuses and blob ghosts. The GIW agents had been the complete opposite, they were at an all-time high. You couldn't go more than ten minutes without spotting a white van. He was glad he didn't need to save anyone from those agents, but he had a really bad feeling that something was going to happen. School was his only time away from the ghost hunters it felt like.

"Calm down, Danny. So, you have had a few good weeks, you've caught up on homework and Lancer isn't on your back nearly as much." Sam soothed as they took a seat outside in the courtyard for lunch. The hustle and bustle of students drowning out any chance of being overheard.

"Yea, dude even Dash has been picking on you less. Though that could be due to the championship coming up." Tucker added his mouth full of sloppy joe. The bully in question was across the court passing a football with his teammates, Paulina and her socialites sitting on the table watching them. Dash caught Danny's gaze and gave him a smirk dragging his finger across his neck.

"Don't remind me, I still remember last year when we lost. Dash was bully all nerds on sight that week." Danny grimaced as he ate. "But my parents have been really excited this week. Apparently, something big is coming." As if speaking it into the universe the Fenton GAV made its way barreling down the street, some white vans in tow.

"Spoke too soon, dude." Tucker whispered as they watched the GAV dodge and swerve to miss any pedestrians. The vehicle finally came to a stop on the grass with Drs. Fenton and the GIW rushing out to follow a gadget in Jack's hands.

"He's here somewhere, I just know it! Come out ghost scum!" Jack exclaimed barreling straight to Danny. The whole group of hunters stared at the young boy and his friends. "Aww. It didn't work, Maddie. It’s still stuck on Danny-boy." Now that they were closer Danny was able to see the Fenton Finder in his father's hands. It looked like it had been upgraded, it was bigger with handles on the sides and no voice stating where the ghost was. The screen showed simple faces on the screen next to the GPS. The current emoji was a shocked face as the map was pointing and beeping at him.

"That can't be possible, we tested it on other simple ghosts. The upgrade to the Fenton Finder was supposed to show and locate the emotions the ghosts project in order to fool and feed on the humans around them. Even that simple ghost with the boxes was able to show signs of disappointment as he failed to scare his victims." Maddie explained, grabbing the device. With it in hand she fiddled with the settings of the device, swapping it between ghosts till it landed back on the name Phantom. "We had tested this last week; Phantom's emotions reflected his actions time and time again in a hostile environment."

"Well, there's no ghost here, probably still has a few bugs, right?" Sam offered, trying to distract them and keep the focus off Danny. Danny's mind raced with the implications of what was happening. Of course, his parents would find out that ghosts tend to be more emotional than humans and would twist the fact to fit their biased theory that all ghosts were evil. It’s not like ghosts were moody on purpose, when your entire being is based on your mental state emotions tend to play an important part. Not only with obsessions but when interacting with each other, being able to read the emotions of the ghosts you interreacted with was as important as social cues and body language with humans.

Sure, you could go without them and function as fine as anyone else, but they were still a great help with communicating if you were good at understanding them. With this they'd be able to tune into any ghost no matter the distance and translate it into coordinates. Not even the ghost zone would be completely safe as they could probably filter through the other emotions using the ectosignature of a previously known ghost. Danny's breath started to pick up, he could feel himself spiraling as he started to think about what that would mean for him in the hands of the GIW. They would never stop looking for him, they would be able to find him anywhere in the country.

"Look Mads, the ghost kid has to be near the emotion changed again." Jack exclaimed, jumping with excitement.

"I see that Jack and it would make sense with the transition of shock to confusion to panic. Though he's nowhere to be seen, Agent O do you have confirmation that Phantom isn't in the area?" Maddie turned, addressing the agents that had been standing by waiting for orders.

"Affirmative, there are no spectral entities in the viscidity on any energy spectrum. Could it be possible that the spectral entity is hiding among the student body? You said yourself that your device is focused on your son and that it’s a common occurrence. Could the ghost have caught wind of your contract with our organization and tried to find out more by hiding amongst your family?" Agent O suggested, eyeing Danny closely, the color draining from his face.

"That's preposterous, our family has ways of protecting ourselves!" Jack boasted, his voice carrying across the schoolyard. "Besides Danny knows not to trust any stinking ghost scum."

"Jack, honey..." Maddie called, eyes glued to the screen. "The emotion just turned to scared." Danny felt like all eyes were on him, going straight through him to his core. It felt like no one was looking at Fenton anymore, no matter where he looked, they all stared at him like they saw a ghost; like they only saw Phantom. Danny even had to look at himself to make sure he was still human. No gloved hands and red sneakers, he was definitely human still. Danny looked at Tucker and Sam, his best friends, looked at him with matching expressions. They both looked as shocked as he felt; they all knew they couldn't do anything, not with the GIW and student body all around them.

With everyone's attention on him, he could only think of his sister who wasn't even at school. She was shadowing a therapist and had a college interview later that day. She probably wouldn't hear anything till late that night. It's not like they weren't prepared for it, for Danny to have to disappear without a trace or a goodbye. So long as they were unable to control the narrative, Danny would have to disappear. Danny knew they always thought it would be into the ghost zone, he had allies in there. People he knew would keep him hidden if anyone came looking; that Sam and Tucker would be able to sneak in if need be. They could still see him, bring him homework and food. This, however, meant goodbye and he didn't know for how long.

"Danny," his mom smiled at him with worry filled eyes. He searched them for something, anything that showed she wasn't about to drag him home and put the specter deflector on him just to make sure no ghost was using him as a meat puppet. Her arms reached out to him, as the GIW surrounded their table ready for action. "You have nothing to worry about, sweetie. We're just going to head home."

"Yea, Danny. We'll help ya out, run a few tests and make sure you don't have any evil spook haunting you." His dad tagged on, wrapping an arm around his wife's shoulder. Of course they'd want to fix this, to fix the ghost within him. One test would reveal the truth, and everyone would know his secret. Then it would be more tests, biopsies, trying to cure him of his powers. That was if they still loved him after learning the truth. The thoughts surrounding the lab became darker in his mind, nightmares he dared not to tell anyone becoming fresh in his mind.

"I'm sorry, mom. Dad. Goodbye." Danny disappearing from everyone's sight as he turned invisible and flew off towards his house. His parents’ cries fading into the distance, a mix of worry and anger as the ghost boy stole their son. Tears stung his eyes as he flew across the sky, Sam and Tucker would know what to do. They would stall for him, as long as they could. The road raced past him, he went through cars and buildings not bothering to fly high in the sky. The less time he wasted the better. As he floated into his room, he had to take a moment. The reality of it all crashing into him, he felt another wave of stress come over him.

Choking on sobs he fell to his bed, clinging to the sheets. He had to calm down, he didn't have time to cry or pity himself, his parents were probably still tracking him. Which meant the GIW were still following behind, his parents he could one day convince, could one day explain how it all happened. The GIW wouldn't stop though, so long as they were getting paid and had the government's support he would have to run. He ran to his closet wiping away snot as he phased his emergency supplies from the wall. Extra clothes, a burner phone, and couple hundred dollars thanks to Sam's allowance all stowed away in a backpack. An extra belt with a Fenton thermos, ghost rays, and a pair of Fenton phones for any specters along the way. Finally, five letters addressed to Sam, Tucker, Jazz, Valerie, and his parents.

Sam and Tucker didn't know about these, he didn't know if he would ever need them but knowing his friends would drop everything to follow him, he needed to make sure Amity would be safe. Sam and Tucker's letters were a warning to not follow him, to stay and protect Amity at all costs, even revealing him to Valerie to gain her help if necessary. He couldn't trust his parents or the GIW to not torture any ghost that came into their hands. For Jazz, it was a letter to not look for him and to keep an eye on his parents. If anything changed with his parents, she would be the first to know. He needed her to be the fly on the wall, to make sure he still had parents at the end of it all. If there was ever an end to the running, he thought another wave of sorrow hitting him.

He swallowed the hurt and pushed himself to keep grabbing what he needed. Valerie and his parents were the only letters not mentioning his secret. Valerie's was from Phantom explaining he would be gone, and he didn't know for how long. She would probably be thrilled at the thought of Phantom going away, but if she saw anything that had happened today, she might try and follow him too.  He knows she cares about Fenton and would probably want him safe but if anyone could protect Amity while he was gone it was her. If she needed any help handling the ghosts she could call the number provided. It went straight to Sam and Tucker's burner phone. Only one for the two of them in case either of them had to hide it for the other.

 For his parents, it simply stated that he was sorry and that could explain everything if they ever became open to the truth about ghosts. He did not explain what the truth was or how he would know that they were ready. That was for Jazz to tell him with a single message, she held the final burner phone the group of them had. They would be confused, not sure why phantom would kidnap their kid. Their hatred would grow much to his displeasure, but maybe one day they would give up on hate. They would find him and just ask why, and he could finally let them know the whole truth about him.

As Danny left the letter for his parents on the kitchen table he heard the stomping of feet, the whine of ecto-guns and slamming of doors as his father led the charge into the house. He was gone before they even reached his room. Leaving with what letters he had left to deliver and flying away as quickly as he could. He stopped at Tucker's house first, then Sam's, Valerie's and then flew as high as he could into the sky. He looked down at Amity Park, his home, his entire life, and afterlife.

It always looked so peaceful from up above the clouds, he watched the GAV ram its way through the city. It was good to know there was a slight delay on the GPS, the emotions were able to update in real time but could only follow his trail not his exact location. They had moved on from Tucker's neighborhood and onto Sam's. He took one final breath and tried to steel his nerves. If they were searching for him with emotion, then he would just have to have no emotion. He wouldn't be able to think of home, his friends, his family, or he would start to miss them, an emotion.

He couldn't think about how close the GIW were to him, or he'd become anxious, scared or even angry that they had forced him to flee. He had to stay calm and focused on running, to where he had no clue. If he headed west there was a chance of running into Vlad and he didn't need all the emotional baggage that would come with that. So that just left heading to the East coast and hopefully out of the country. He'd have to stop using his powers at some point to make sure he was untraceable.

"Goodbye, Amity. Hello worst road trip ever." he spoke softly flying off into the night.

- -      -

Hello! Author here, I hope you enjoyed the first chapter! It’s intended to be sort of a prologue and set up the rest of the story. This is a crossover, but I wanted to get some establishing chapters in focusing on Danny and why he is running. I am still very rusty when it comes to writing so feel free to recommend any fixes and critiques. Let me know if I miss any typos!

The goal is to try and update weekly on Fridays or Sundays, so if I don’t post on Friday that probably means it will go up the following Sunday. Thank you to those coming over from Tumblr, loved the hype for another Dannymay fanfic! I’ll be trying to get more stuff posted there!

Let me know what you think through the comments, even if it’s just a simple one word so I can know you’re enjoying the story! See you next week, byee!

Master post - Chapter 1 Prev. <<< Next >>>

[sweetbottletops]

Who allowed them to grow up?! Now they're going to have to deal with what? Communication issues AND bills?

Go on, go on, just walk away Go on, go on, your choice is made Go on, go on, and disappear Go on, go on away from here... The Cure - In Between Days

ch 107

When serious work needs to be done in the shop the significant others get invited. Not sure if Joe knows something is up, but it's nice to see Aya-chan is automatically included along with Kanna. It's going to take a village at this rate.

So this has been stressing Mitsuki out too, huh. Is that going to be about their relationship, Prom, Hime's house invite? The list is growing.

"Ah...for now, I guess I'll just help out at the store. Why?"

So at that point she wasn't hatching her own plan to invite Aya after all? Maybe she didn't know about Prom at this point.

It is nice to see Hime-chan was being really official with her invitation. Business card and everything. And it's actually nice her dad is just inviting her to a curated event instead of like corning her himself. She can network on her own timeline perhaps.

If Mitsuki had green eyed interest at the time....

...Aya is absolutely irradiated.

It doesn't seem like Aya had overheard all the details about the hallway invitation back then. Just that she didn't get to Mitsuki first for the 25th. I don't think she'd be this good at faking surprise.

Meanwhile Kanna has been quietly starring in her own romcom this whole time. Agu, please write them an omake when everything is is said and done.

It's interesting that Mitsuki is the one who brings up Prom and acting upset to miss it. Maybe you should have asked her to Prom yourself, silly.

I wonder if she's already decided Aya's the one so she skipped a few mental steps (that Aya needs) to make that clear they are a forever pair. Even if Aya backed out of asking there was no reason Mitsuki couldn't have just asked herself.

Joe recognized Aloud Records immediately. Must be big time then.

"But, it's on the 25th..." OMG MITSUKI. Did she really think it went without saying that they'd just be going to Prom? Without ever asking Aya?

"Who cares?! What Prom." Yup. Aya has killed her emotions dead already.

She is not going to do anything to impose on Mitsuki. She was really close to it last chapter, but from her POV she already missed her last chance. Now she's just going to be a cheerful supporter. Nobody can take being her first fan away from her. And good fans don't get in the way of the rise of their oshi.

Liar. She spared no thought to her family when she saw that Prom poster. She's going to go home that night and have a private meltdown. It's in her schedule at this point.

Look at Aya go! Best fan anyone could ever want. Not over compensating at all. Everything is FINE. Just like with their failed game of catch.

Dang, they are looking older in the face now.

"I guess this means we made up..." - Mitsuki Koga

No, it means she's given up on her romantic feelings in order to at least have this much.

And spare a thought for Narita. He'll possibly fail his tests because he spent his time setting up a Prom for these two idiots. Neither of which will be attending as it stands now. A true Olympian of yuri enjoyers.

Since I missed their faces and need the pick-me-up here's some Joe/Kanna (Joanna? JoKa?). At least things seem to be turning around for Joe a bit.

[thecheesemaster]

Finally posting my punch out oc! DRAMA KING! (Sorry about the length)

(His stats are in the alt since my handwriting is terrible)

He’s a retired actor/stunt double from the eighties to late 90’s. He starred in cheesy b-movies and had a mediocre career. At the age of 49 he went through a mid life crisis and joined the WVBA to have some sort of glory in his life. He turned out to be really good at it, earning himself the Major circuit champ belt and the fame he craved.

His main gimmick is his mask. When he’s been knocked down once and had half his stamina drained he’ll put it on to reveal a whole new move set (although the new move set is just his old moves either delayed or in the opposite direction). He’s tough in the beginning of the fight, but as it goes on his age begins to show. His attacks get slower and he tires out faster. Little Mac basically just has to wait him out to win

In title defense he sports a tragedy mask and inverted colors for his clothes and gloves. In order to get the upper hand he decides to integrate some old moves from his stuntman career. He can now grab an unsuccessful punch from little Mac and hit a multitude amount of time depending on how fast or slow little Mac breaks free of his grip

Relationships:

Glass Joe: They’re close enough to consider themselves friends. Joe finds Drama’s dramatic personality endearing and Drama finds Joe’s soft spoken nature as a reprieve from the energy of the Major Circuit

Von Kaiser: They’re conversations are held together by the fact they’re some of the oldest in the league and they ramble about “kids these days” but outside of that they don’t interact much

Disco Kid: He knows Drama since his dad used to watch a movie he stared in over and over again and Drama fought him once, rendering them acquaintances

King Hippo: Drama doesn’t know Hippo outside of the fact he’s apparently royalty. Hippo doesn’t care for Drama at all

Piston Hondo: (I forgot to add a line but they’re aquatinted) They never really talk outside of fights and the occasional Major Circuit get together, they just don’t have much in common

Bear Hugger: Bear had a lot of Drama’s movies on tape in his cabin. He finds Drama to be a great actor despite the cheesiness of the movies, causing them to bond quite well together

Great Tiger: They pretend to like one another but talk shit behind the others back. Tiger thinks Drama is undeserving of the belt and Drama thinks Tiger would be nothing in the WVBA without his magic

Don Flamenco: They HATE one another. Don’s furious Drama took his belt and Drama overheard Don calling him a “talentless old prude” in the locker room. They often fight one another both in and out of the ring, leading to the other boxers needing to break them up on several occasions.

Aran Ryan: They don’t like each other. Drama thinks Aran tries too hard with the cheating, and Aran just hates anybody who’s older than him

Soda Popinski: Drama has met Soda thanks to Bull, although they’ve never really held a conversation for more than two minutes

Bald Bull: Bald Bull loves Drama’s movies unironically, which lead him to develop a crush on the man. When Drama joined the WVBA Bull was the first to befriend him, which came as a surprise to everyone in the league. Drama finds Bull mild personality and hobbies outside of the ring charming and began to crush on the man too. However, they both are scared to admit their love so they’re stuck being friends for the time being

Super Macho Man: Drama is an old close friend of Macho’s dad, leading him to see Macho as a nephew of sorts. He’s always trying to spend time with him and nag him about the health problems that come with him tanning so often which annoys Macho, but he can’t come to dislike the man that had been in his life so long

Mr. Sandman: He doesn’t know the man well and doesn’t even know why he dislikes him. He just sees everyone in the WVBA as below his skill, which includes Drama

Doc Louis: He’s talked to him once before the little Mac fight and never again

Carmen: A girlfriend of Don is an enemy to him

Referee: Drama tries to be friendly with him in order to win his favor incase of a decision win, the ref humors him but he doesn’t let it effect his judgement

Little Mac: He’s friendly with the boy but is resentful of him taking his belt, he’ll stop at nothing to get it back

Edit: Forgot to add little Mac 😅

[weekendpassrevoked]

Easy's Songbird - Chapter 10 *new*

authors note: for you who have already read the original chapter 10, this is the new version. you can refer to the masterlist on my tumblr to see what is old and new.

i love u feral isabella, and i especially love u little meowmeow liebgott

The Georgia air had begun to turn warm as the early June mild warmth leaked into the beginnings of a true summer. Isabella mellowed out along with the weather, particularly toward Joe Liebgott. The two of them had started off on the wrong foot. Liebgott’s sarcastic attitude had been a large hurdle to get over, but she was sure as hell determined to do it. 

She had started small.

At first, Liebgott barely noticed the shift.

He was used to picking fights-verbally, physically, however he could manage. Especially with Isabella. It had been fun at first, he enjoyed watching her bristle at every remark, each well-placed jab. But now? She barely flinched.

Isabella had begun to match his sarcasm with a level gaze. When he complained about medical checks, she ignored him and patched him up anyways. Worst of all? She was actually helpful at lectures.

Liebgott wasn’t very good at paying attention. He made the effort to try at first, but half the time, he didn’t care enough to keep up with whatever poor soul was up front teaching. 

Isabella, on the other hand, was a goddamn sponge.

More than once, she’d nudge him awake when she caught him drifting off, whispering whatever he had missed while asleep. That was annoying enough, but what really got him was that she never acted smug about it.

She could’ve teased him, rubbed it in his face that she was miles ahead of him in memorizing things. But she didn’t. Instead, she’d just tilt her head and say, “I can go over it with you later if you want.”

And somehow that made ignoring her harder.

The turning point had come one evening when Isabella had overheard something she definitely wasn't supposed to.

Luz, Skip, and Malarkey were huddled around Luz’s bed inside the barracks, voices low and mysterious while the rest of the men lingered around, minding their business. Their strange behavior, of course, meant she immediately approached.

“What’s all this?” she asked, arms crossed as she stepped up to them.

Luz looked up far too innocently, setting off warning bells in her head. “Absolutely nothing, Vega.”

Her eyes narrowed. “It’s a betting pool, ain’t it?”

Malarkey sighed. “We’re not gonna lie to you, Vega. Yeah. It is.”

Skip snickered. “Honesty is the best policy.”

She rolled her eyes, leaning forward to inspect the scraps of paper and cash stacked on the box. “Alright, what are you all betting on this time?”

“Nothing major,” Luz said casually. “Just when you and Liebgott are finally gonna snap and kill each other.”

Isabella froze.

Malarkey grinned, flipping through the bets. “I got my money on next week.”

“Nah,” Skip shook his head. “I say two days from now.”

Isabella gawked. “Are you kidding me?”

“Sweetheart,” Luz slung an arm around her shoulder, “we all thought you were gonna murder him that first week.”

She sighed, fingers pinching the bridge of her nose. “You’re all insufferable.”

"That’s a big word for someone who threw a goddamn tantrum after losing at darts," Luz quipped, squeezing her shoulder.

Isabella shoved him off. "I did not throw a tantrum!"

"You stomped your foot!" Malarkey grinned. "Like a kid!"

She groaned, dragging a hand over her face. "I hope you all get food poisoning."

"She’s just mad because she knows she’s got no shot against Liebgott," Skip added, smirking.

Isabella turned to him, squinting. "Excuse me?"

Liebgott, who was sitting in his bunk and was actually minding his business for once, let out a loud scoff. “Yeah, sweetheart, no offense, but if we ever actually fought? You’d lose.”

That was it.

Isabella whipped around, hands on her hips, indignation burning in her chest. "You think I’d lose?"

Liebgott grinned like a goddamn devil. "No, Vega. I know you’d lose."

Luz immediately perked up. "Oh, this is getting good."

Skip nudged Malarkey. "Double my bet. She’s gonna snap tonight."

Isabella stepped closer, chin tilted up defiantly. “You wanna bet on that, Liebgott?”

His smirk widened. "What, you gonna throw another dart at me?"

That was it.

She lunged.

Liebgott, expecting it, dodged easily—only for Isabella to grab a fistful of his shirt and yank him down with her.

"Jesus Christ!" Malarkey howled, backing up as the two hit the ground in a mess of limbs.

"She actually snapped!" Luz doubled over laughing.

Liebgott managed to flip them over, pinning her arms down with an almost amused smirk. "Nice try, Doc."

Isabella huffed, out of breath, squirming under him. "I hate you."

He grinned. "Yeah, yeah. You love me."

She narrowed her eyes. "Not if you were the last man on earth."

"Well, good thing I ain’t," he shot back.

Before she could retort, a sharp whistle cut through the chaos.

Winters.

The entire group went still.

Isabella froze beneath Liebgott, wide-eyed.

Winters stood a few feet away, arms crossed, expression carefully unreadable.

Behind him, Nixon was smirking into his flask.

A beat.

Then—

"Get off me," Isabella hissed, shoving Liebgott off as quickly as possible.

He rolled away, grinning like an asshole.

Isabella had never gotten in trouble as a kid. She had always been a good student, always listened to her parents and brother, always made sure to be the best daughter she could be. In fact, she had never been in a fight before. So, this situation was entirely new to her.

“Would somebody like to explain why I walk in here to find Liebgott and Vega wrestling on the floor?” 

A heavy silence fell over the barracks, the previous raucous laughter now nonexistent under Winters’ impossibly calm stare.

Isabella, still flat on her back, barely had time to scramble up before Liebgott, ever the reckless idiot, shrugged.

“She started it.”

The betrayal was instant.

Isabella’s head snapped toward him. “Excuse me?”

Liebgott grinned smugly, adjusting his wrinkled shirt. “You heard me, sweetheart.”

The men winced.

Winters didn’t move, his expression neutral but pointed as his gaze flicked between them. “Vega?”

Isabella worked her jaw. She had never been in trouble before—not really. Sure, she had acted her age at home, never crossing the line her parents had drawn, but with Winters? A man she actually respected?

She felt all the childish bravado drain out of her.

“…It was a misunderstanding, sir,” she muttered, ears burning in embarrassment. 

Winters raised an eyebrow. “A misunderstanding.”

“Yeah,” Luz jumped in far too quickly, throwing an arm around Isabella’s shoulders. “A friendly misunderstanding! Y’know, just a little—uh—company bonding.”

Winters’ eyes flicked to the betting pool still sitting on the crate.

Luz cleared his throat, removing his arm. “I’ll be shutting up now.”

A long silence.

Then, finally—

“Alright,” Winters exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. “If you all have this much energy after a full day of training, then clearly we need to reassess the schedule.”

A chorus of groans erupted from the men.

Nixon, who had been watching this entire ordeal like it was the most entertaining thing he’d seen in weeks, patted Winters on the back. “That’s the spirit, Dick.”

Winters shot him a warning look.

Liebgott, still grinning, bumped Isabella’s shoulder with his own. “Guess we’re running extra miles thanks to you, Doc.”

She whipped around. “Oh, no, you—”

“Enough,” Winters cut in smoothly, already turning toward the door. “Clean up. And for the love of God, don’t make me come back here.”

As soon as the door clicked shut, the barracks erupted.

Luz was the first to speak, throwing his hands in the air dramatically. “Alright, hands down, that was the best thing I’ve ever seen.”

Malarkey shook his head, grinning. “Yeah, Vega, I don’t think anyone was expecting you to tackle the guy.”

“I barely tackled him,” Isabella grumbled, adjusting her shirt.

Liebgott scoffed. “You yanked me down like you were wrangling a damn bull.”

She shot him a sharp glare. “That’s called strategy.”

“Sure it is,” he shot back, smirking. “Gotta say though, sweetheart, you fight dirty.”

Skip snorted. “Oh, come on, Lieb, don’t act like you wouldn’t have done the same.”

“Yeah,” Luz added, nudging Isabella. “Kid’s got potential. A few more fights like that and she might actually win next time.”

Isabella groaned, rubbing her temples. “You’re all impossible.”

Bull chuckled from his bunk. “Gotta say, though, didn’t think you had that kinda fight in you, Doc.”

“Yeah,” Malarkey leaned forward, arms resting on his knees. “You ever actually been in a fight before?”

Isabella hesitated, lips pressing together. She hadn’t. Not like this. Sure, she’d roughhoused with Lucas and Cameron growing up, but an actual fight? Where she had to defend herself? Never.

“Not really,” she admitted.

Liebgott scoffed. “Figures.”

She shot him a glare. “Oh, bite me.”

“I think you already tried that when you tackled me.”

The group burst into laughter again, and Isabella threw a pillow at him, which he dodged effortlessly. “You’re insufferable.”

“I’ve been told.”

Isabella sighed, finally sitting back against her bunk as the conversation shifted, the men still teasing and placing final bets on who would win next time. 

She was appalled at her behavior. What the hell was she thinking? Nothing Liebgott, or any man for a matter of fact, said should make her react like that. She wasn’t a child. Tears stung her eyes as she curled into a ball in her bed, embarrassment becoming too much for her to handle.

‘Idiot! What in the world is your problem?’

She quietly sniffed as tears ran down her eyes. Her humiliation grew at her reaction. Not only had she tackled somebody, but now she was crying over getting in trouble for it.

‘What a crybaby…’

The teasing continued around her, the laughter still buzzing in the background, but it all felt distant. Muffled. Like she was hearing it from underwater.

Isabella curled in tighter, pressing the heels of her hands against her eyes, willing herself to stop. To breathe. To shake it off like the guys would.

But she couldn’t.

She was absolutely humiliated.

What was she thinking? She had lunged at him like some street brawler, as if she didn’t have an ounce of restraint. As if she wasn’t better than that.

‘Mama would be ashamed.’

The thought made her stomach twist.

She shouldn’t have snapped.

She shouldn’t have let them get under her skin.

She should have laughed it off. Brushed it aside.

‘You were raised better than this!’

A quiet whimper escaped before she could stop it, and she immediately buried her face further into the pillow, furious at herself.

God, if the men heard her—if they noticed—she’d never live it down.

She tried to breathe through it, tried to let it go, but the heat in her chest wouldn’t die down.

She felt small and she felt stupid.

She barely noticed when the conversation in the barracks shifted, the laughter dimming, the voices growing lower.

And then—

A presence at the edge of her bunk.

A shift in weight as someone sat down beside her.

A quiet, familiar voice, not mocking, not teasing.

Just curious.

“You alright, kid?”

Isabella stiffened and the tears ran down her face faster than before.

‘I want to go home…’

A sob wracked through her, hands digging into her face harder than before at her cry.

A beat of silence.

The weight on her bunk didn’t shift. Whoever was there didn’t leave. They didn’t tease, didn’t prod—just waited.

She hated that.

Her body trembled with the effort to quiet herself, but it was no use. The sobs had already started, and once they started, they wouldn’t stop.

Her stomach twisted. She couldn’t do this here. Not in front of them. Not in front of him.

A moment passed before the voice spoke again, quieter this time.

“…Hey. It’s alright.”

That just made it worse.

She choked on a breath, curling further into herself.

Then—

A hand hesitated at her shoulder before settling there, a loose but steady grip.

“Hey.” A pause. “C’mon, Vega. Breathe.”

She squeezed her eyes shut tighter, shaking her head into the pillow.

“I—I shouldn’t have—” her voice was muffled and broken, words catching in her throat. “I’m sorry—”

‘I’m so going to get kicked out for this.’

The grip on her shoulder tightened, just enough to be steadying. “What the hell are you apologizing for?”

Isabella shook her head, trying to swallow down the sobs threatening to crawl back up her throat. “I—I don’t know. I just—” She exhaled sharply, knuckles white as she clutched at the blanket beneath her. “I didn’t mean to do that to you.”

Liebgott exhaled, shaking his head. “Vega, you really think I give a damn about that?”

She sniffed, her face still buried in the pillow. “I tackled you.”

“You tried to tackle me,” he corrected, amusement creeping into his tone. “Didn’t really stick the landing, sweetheart.”

Isabella groaned, turning her face away. “You’re insufferable.”

Liebgott smirked. “So I’ve been told.”

There was a pause, the air between them heavy with something unspoken. She didn’t know why he was still sitting there. He had every opportunity to walk away, to go back to his bunk, to let her wallow in her embarrassment alone. But he didn’t.

Instead, he leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees. “Look,” he said, voice quieter now, less teasing, “you’re beating yourself up over nothing.”

She scoffed, voice still thick with emotion. “Nothing?”

“Yeah, nothing,” he repeated. “I’ve had worse, trust me. You didn’t break my nose, and you sure as hell didn’t hurt my ego, so what’s the problem?”

She hesitated, fingers curling around the fabric of her blanket.

“I was mean,” she admitted. “I—I let my temper get the best of me. That’s not…” She swallowed. “That’s not okay.”

Liebgott was quiet for a long moment before he let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “Jesus, kid. You act like you committed a war crime.”

She shot him a glare, but it lacked any real heat.

His smirk softened just slightly, his voice losing its usual sharp edge. “You ever consider that maybe it’s okay to lose it every once in a while?”

Isabella frowned, looking down at her hands. “…No.”

“Well, maybe you should.”

She didn’t know what to say to that.

Another silence stretched between them before he leaned back with a sigh. “Y’know, Malarkey once punched a guy so hard he sprained his damn wrist,” he said, tone casual. “Guarnere? Nearly flipped a table when Luz beat him at cards.”

Isabella sniffed, blinking up at him. “…Bullshit.”

Liebgott grinned. “Swear to God. And Roe—”

“If you tell me Gene got into a fight, I’m gonna think you’re lying.”

Liebgott chuckled. “Alright, fair. But the point is—” He gestured vaguely. “Everyone snaps sometimes. Even the ones who pretend they don’t.”

She stared at him, studying his face, the way his expression, for once, wasn’t laced with sarcasm or sharp edges.

She let out a slow breath, her body finally beginning to unwind.

“You’re a jerk, you know? Making a girl cry.”

Liebgott smirked. “Hey, you tackled me first. I’d say we’re even.”

She huffed, rubbing at her eyes, trying to chase away the last remnants of her embarrassment. “Still a jerk.”

“And yet,” he said, leaning back against the bunk beside hers, arms crossing over his chest, “I’m the one sitting here making you feel better about it.”

She scoffed. “I don’t feel better.”

He raised an eyebrow. “No?”

She hesitated.

Then, begrudgingly— “…Maybe a little.”

Liebgott grinned. “That’s what I thought.”

Isabella sighed, shaking her head before finally shifting into a more comfortable position on her bunk.

“Hey Lieb?”

He hummed.

“I think you’ve got great aim.”

Liebgott paused, blinking at her. His smirk faltered for just a second, like he wasn’t sure if she was messing with him or not.

Then, he snorted, shaking his head. “Oh, now you’re trying to butter me up?”

She shrugged, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. “Just saying.”

He tilted his head, studying her for a moment. “Yeah, well… you’re not completely terrible at darts.”

Isabella smirked sleepily. “High praise.”

“Don’t get used to it,” he quipped, but there was something lighter in his tone, something less sharp than usual.

She let out a quiet breath, the tension from earlier finally slipping away.

A pause settled between them. Not uncomfortable, not heavy—just easy.

Then—

“Night, kid.”

She yawned, stretching slightly before settling into the sheets.

“Night, Liebgott.”

Liebgott lingered for a second longer before turning back toward his own bunk, running a hand through his hair with a quiet chuckle.

That night, Isabella dreamt of a feral cat chasing around a mouse that highly reminded her of a certain Californian.

When she stirred awake the next morning, the memory of the dream clung to her like a fading echo—annoying, persistent, and oddly fitting.

The soft glow of dawn barely seeped through the cracks in the barracks, casting long shadows across the wooden floors. Around her, the sounds of Easy stirring to life filled the air—bunk frames creaking, boots hitting the floor, quiet muttered curses from half-asleep soldiers fumbling for their gear.

Isabella groaned, rolling onto her side and pulling her blanket over her head, willing the world away for just a moment longer.

Then—

A voice, far too smug for this early in the morning.

"Rise and shine, Crybaby."

Isabella immediately grabbed her pillow and hurled it in the general direction of Joe Liebgott.

He dodged effortlessly, grinning like the devil himself. "Damn, and here I thought we bonded last night."

She groaned into her mattress. "I take it back. I hope that cat eats you alive."

Liebgott crossed his arms, still standing beside her bunk. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Isabella groaned, rubbing her face before muttering, “Had a dream. You were a damn mouse. Some mangy cat was chasing you.”

Liebgott blinked.

Then—he barked out a laugh. “You dreamed I was a mouse?!”

Isabella sighed dramatically, flopping onto her back. “I don’t know why I even told you.”

Malarkey, who had been nearby pulling on his boots, perked up immediately. “Wait, wait—Liebgott was a mouse?”

Liebgott threw up his hands. “I don’t know! Apparently, I got hunted down by some stray in her dream.”

Penkala, overhearing, grinned as he leaned over from his bunk. “Damn, Vega. You sure that wasn’t just some deep-seated metaphor?”

Skip, now fully invested, nodded sagely. “Yeah, what’s the psychology behind that?”

Isabella grabbed her pillow again, debating whether it was worth it to throw it at all of them.

“I swear to God, if you guys turn this into something ridiculous—”

Skip clapped his hands together. “Oh, no, no. This is important.” He turned dramatically toward Malarkey. “Hey, Malark, if Lieb’s a mouse, what does that make the rest of us?”

“Jesus Christ,” Isabella muttered into her hands.

Liebgott grinned at her suffering. “This is your fault, Vega. You brought it up.”

Sobel’s sharp whistle cut through the early morning chaos. “Five minutes, Easy Company!”

The conversation immediately shifted to groans of protest.

Liebgott shot Isabella a smug look. “C’mon, Crybaby. Better start stretching before you fall behind.”

She sat up slowly, eyes narrowing. “I hope I dream of you getting eaten next time.”

Liebgott smirked. “Better luck next time, sweetheart.”

And with that, she begrudgingly swung her legs out of bed, ready to face another grueling day.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grueling day had been right. Sobel had been told of last night’s incident between her and Liebgott (much to everyone’s dismay), and he had decided that making them run that damned obstacle course till they dropped was the appropriate consequence for their behavior. During her training with Colonel Sink, he had explained that he wouldn’t make her do the obstacle course because he still wanted her to have a challenge with the men, instead making her run Currahee religiously with him until she could match his pace.

Now, Isabella was fit from working the farm, and she had gotten even more fit in her short time training with Sink. Running wasn’t her strongpoint but she was great at anything strength-based, yet she had one thing against her.

Height.

Isabella didn’t consider herself short, but she sure as hell wasn’t tall. She sat at an average 5 feet 2 inches and God decided that would be her downfall. 

The ropes, the walls, the godforsaken high bars—all of them had become her mortal enemies. It wasn’t that she couldn’t do them, but they sure as hell weren’t easy. Every time she had to hoist herself up, she felt like she was fighting physics itself.

And Sobel, the bastard, knew it.

“MOVE IT, VEGA!” his voice ripped through the field as she barely managed to scramble over a wooden beam, her arms burning with exertion.

She gritted her teeth, digging deep to pull herself over the next hurdle. She would not give him the satisfaction of watching her fail.

Just ahead, Liebgott jogged backward, watching her with an annoyingly amused smirk. “C’mon, Crybaby, don’t let your tiny little legs slow you down!”

She nearly tripped trying to lunge at him.

“LIEBGOTT, I SWEAR TO—”

“FOCUS, VEGA!” Sobel’s voice cut through her threat, and she forced herself forward again, clenching her jaw so hard she thought her teeth might crack.

They hit the rope climb, and she nearly cursed out loud.

She hated the damn ropes.

Liebgott, of course, scaled his like he was part goddamn monkey, barely breaking a sweat.

Isabella, meanwhile, jumped to grab hold of the rope—and barely reached it.

“Son of a—”

“MOVE IT, VEGA!”

Her arms strained as she pulled herself up, her boots scraping against the rough fibers.

“Don’t worry, Doc,” Luz called from a few feet away. “The view from down there’s real nice!”

“GEORGE!” she snapped, huffing as she climbed.

“I mean it!” Luz grinned down at her. “I can see everything!”

“I swear to God, when I get up there, I’m kicking you off!”

Malarkey was doubled over laughing.

Liebgott, already back on the ground, tilted his head up. “I dunno, Vega, maybe next time we should bring a stepladder for you.”

The rage gave her the last burst of strength she needed to haul herself over the top.

When she hit the ground again, legs shaking, she pointed a finger at Liebgott, gasping for breath. “I’m gonna kill you.”

Liebgott grinned, slinging an arm over her shoulders as they jogged toward the next course. “Yeah, yeah. You love me.”

She shoved him off, barely holding back a smile.

Sobel wasn’t as amused.

“Faster, Easy Company!”

As they approached the infamous pig guts, Isabella had a sudden thought.

‘I should probably work on my temper, this is getting ridiculous.’

She barely had a second to process that thought before SPLASH—

Her boots sank into the mess of pig guts, mud, and whatever else Sobel had decided to throw in this godforsaken pit.

Isabella barely blinked. She’d waded through worse.

The stench? Hardly noticeable.

The texture? Reminded her of home.

The only real problem? The damn traction.

As soon as she took another step forward, her foot slipped, sending her stumbling sideways.

Liebgott, ahead of her, turned just in time to watch her flail.

“Jesus, Doc, you look like you’re trying to swim!”

“Shut up, Liebgott,” she gritted out, forcing herself forward.

Malarkey was already wheezing. “I dunno, Vega, you seem awfully comfortable down there.”

She scoffed. “Boys, this ain’t nothin’.”

Luz, struggling to keep his balance, gawked at her. “What the hell do you mean, this ain’t nothin’?!”

She shrugged, moving ahead with ease now. “You ever had to clear out a cattle pen after a summer storm?”

Skip, visibly regretting his life choices, grimaced. “I really don’t wanna know.”

Liebgott, smirking, jogged ahead of her. “So what you’re saying is—this is normal for you?”

She smirked right back. “What I’m saying is—I ain’t the one struggling, am I?”

Liebgott’s smirk widened—right before his foot caught on something, sending him stumbling forward.

Isabella saw her opportunity.

She pushed off her back foot, lunging at him and kicking him in the back.

He hit the ground hard—right into the mud.

Malarkey and Skip erupted into laughter.

Luz nearly fell over. “Oh, that’s beautiful!”

Liebgott, face now half-covered in filth, coughed before giving her a deadpan look. “You’re a real pain in the ass, Vega.”

She grinned, completely unbothered as she sat up. “Consider it payback for making me cry, Lieb”

Liebgott scoffed, wiping at his face to little effect. “I thought we made amends.”

Isabella shrugged, completely unapologetic. “And?”

Malarkey, still laughing, clapped his hands. “Oh, man, I love this. Vega finally gets one up on Liebgott.”

Luz smirked, leaning on Malarkey for support. “Bet she’s been waiting for this moment.”

“Oh, absolutely,” Skip added, grinning.

Liebgott, still sprawled in the mud, sighed dramatically. “You all suck.”

Isabella grinned, savoring her victory.

And then—

“VEGA! LIEBGOTT!”

Sobel’s roar cracked across the field like a thunderclap.

Isabella barely had time to process before she heard heavy boots approaching.

‘Oh, shit.’

She scrambled off of Liebgott so fast she nearly tripped over herself.

Liebgott, grumbling the whole time, sat up just in time to see Sobel storming toward them.

The rest of Easy Company went dead silent.

Luz not-so-subtly took a step back.

Malarkey had the decency to pretend he wasn’t enjoying this.

Skip looked away, suddenly very interested in his shoelaces.

Sobel came to a halt, glowering at them.

“What in God’s name—” His gaze flickered to Isabella’s mud-covered form, then to Liebgott’s equally filthy state. “—am I looking at right now?”

Isabella swallowed. “Uh.”

Liebgott, ever the jackass, wiped his face with his sleeve and muttered, “Company bonding.”

A choked sound came from somewhere behind them—probably Luz.

Sobel’s face darkened.

‘God, give me strength.’

Sobel exhaled through his nose, a vein in his temple visibly throbbing. “Company bonding,” he echoed, voice dripping with disbelief.

Liebgott, because he had no sense of self-preservation, shrugged. “That’s what I said.”

Isabella resisted the urge to elbow him in the ribs.

Sobel’s gaze snapped to her, and she felt every single ounce of that burning scrutiny.

“And you, Corporal Vega,” Sobel said, voice dangerously even. “Care to explain why you’re rolling around in the mud instead of training like a proper soldier?”

She opened her mouth—paused—closed it again.

Technically speaking, Liebgott had fallen first. She had just...helped the process along.

She could feel Easy watching her, waiting.

If she threw Liebgott under the bus, she’d never hear the end of it.

She took a breath. Steeled herself.

“…Tripped, sir.”

Liebgott stiffened beside her.

Sobel narrowed his eyes. “You tripped?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Onto Liebgott?”

“…Yes, sir.”

The tension stretched tight.

Then—

Malarkey snorted, unable to resist any longer.

Sobel's head snapped toward Malarkey so fast that for a moment, Isabella thought he might dislocate something.

“You find something funny, Private Malarkey?” Sobel’s voice was a dangerous growl.

Malarkey straightened instantly, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning. “No, sir.”

“Good.” Sobel’s glare flicked back to Isabella and Liebgott. “Because I don’t see anything amusing about two undisciplined paratroopers wasting my time.”

Liebgott, who apparently lacked all survival instincts, muttered under his breath, “I can think of a couple things.”

Isabella stepped on his boot. Hard.

He hissed. “Jesus, Vega—”

Sobel’s patience snapped.

“Both of you—Currahee. Now.”

There was a beat of silence.

“…Currahee?” Isabella asked, just to make sure she heard correctly.

Sobel’s expression didn’t change. “Would you like me to repeat it, Corporal Vega?”

Her stomach plummeted.

“No, sir,” she said quickly.

“Then move.”

Liebgott sighed, shaking his head as he wiped some of the drying mud off his cheek. “Well, Doc, hope you’re in the mood for a jog.”

She shot him a glare as they turned and started running.

As soon as they were out of Sobel’s earshot, Isabella groaned loudly.

“This is your fault.”

Liebgott barked out a laugh. “My fault?! You kicked me in the back!”

“You were asking for it!”

“Oh, sure, because I’m the one with anger issues.”

She swung at him—halfheartedly, mostly out of principle.

He dodged easily, grinning. “You hit like a girl.”

“I am a girl, you moron!”

“Not with the way you fight.”

Isabella narrowed her eyes, chest burning from exertion. “You keep talking, Liebgott, and I swear—”

From behind them, Luz’s voice called out across the field.

“Hey, Vega! Try not to trip again!”

Skip cackled. “Bet she planned it!”

Malarkey, not missing a beat, yelled, “Yeah, Lieb, you sure she didn’t push you down just so she could tackle you?”

Liebgott, without breaking stride, yelled back, “I knew she had it out for me!”

Isabella, ignoring her burning legs, let out a long suffering groan.

“I hate all of you!”

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

taglist: @darling-heffron, @malarkgirlypop

[ctrl-alt-em]

I have a lot of Thoughts about Delacy.

On detail that stood out to me was that Delacy doesn’t have a proper holster for his gun Rooster. This whole time I pictured him having a simple but nice holster that stood out from the straw hat and worn overalls, something that showed he spent what little money he had on his gun or that he got it someone in his home life like his father. But no, it’s homemade from scrapes of leather. Delacy left home with only the clothes on his back, his gun, three crumbled dollars, and a holster he made himself and then got on a train for the first time in his life while not even knowing if he needed a ticket to ride. Delacy ran away.

And after it all and he got his $2000, his home life and parents weren’t something he was in a rush to get back to. The idea of the group going their separate ways was upsetting to him. While he would like his parents to know if he died, he didn’t leave home with the intention of earning money to provide for his family and then returning home. (I would like to note, despite having parents, Delacy doesn’t use a last name. He’s only ever just Delacy, whereas all the other members of the posse have full names.)

While he doesn’t want to go home to his biological family, Delacy still wants a family and to be cared for. He found that with the posse. In the first episode, Delacy intimidated the saloon owner into giving him a bottle of whiskey, which he then found out tasted awful. In multiple instances after that, he requested whiskey or implied he drank it. But when the group was at the saloon after the bounties were done, he doesn’t force himself to drink whiskey because he thinks it’s gross and feels like he can acknowledge it aloud. During their adventure at the World’s Fair, Delacy felt safe enough to act his age with Edie. He’s excited to meet his hero. He takes Edie’s word seriously at the hall of oddities and assumes she has all the answers. It didn’t occur to him that she might not have all the answers to his questions. In their forced duel, trigger-happy Delacy refused to harm Nate and instead of pulling his gun, he sat down like a kid. He trust that the real Nate wouldn’t hurt him and they’d only known each for, what? A week? At Dead Man’s Worth, Garnet didn’t think Delacy was the kid of kid you could hug, but after the duel Nate picks him up into a hug. When Delacy first met the others, he’s putting on a forced act, pretending to be what he thinks an adult is (or acting how an adult in his life actually is, a heavy drinker that solves problems with aggression perhaps), but by the end, he feels safe enough around them and shows much more of his true personality and age.

While he is a bit of a cold killer and hasn’t fully developed an understanding of death yet, he still believes in honesty (see threatening a sideshow barker about the hand), justice in a way (people shouldn’t be lied to in any way and the hand should be buried with its proper owner) and is rather genuine when he feels like he can be. He was starstruck meeting Billy Joe and delighted to just catch a glimpse of Buckthorn the horse. He likes cotton candy and a gun tricks. He liked that Billy Joe liked cotton candy too (at least as far as he overheard). He didn’t even hesitate signing a contract when Billie Joe asked and only changed his mind when Edie reminded him of Nate. He takes what everyone he trusts says at face value (to the point of being ready to shoot someone due to a metaphor).

Delacy is young, naive, a bit dense, and ready to shoot, but he is, at his core, a good kid who just needed adults in his life that will encourage him to find less violent solutions and to act on his kindness in productive ways. Garnet and Nate have helped him learning more about interacting with people. Edie acknowledges his young age but still takes him seriously and trusts him and in the end, she offers him a way to use his shooting skills to help people. She takes him as her monster-hunting apprentice. Even Silas, who barely interacted with Delacy, grew to like the kid enough he would acknowledge Humble Ned (a devious, spindly legged beast, no matter how humble he is) as good people for Delacy’s sake.

Delacy might have left the farm with the help-wanted ad seeking adventure and fortune, but I think he found something he needed a lot more.

[clarabowmp3]

I am not particularly on that anons side but I have to agree that Joe has no right to call what Travis does on his gfs tour as 'tacky and distasteful'.

To me, that is low and makes him look bitter and pathetic which is what a certain segment of the Swift fandom disliked about him. His comments were embarrassing, I'm sorry.

Joe was already excluded from the narrative and as you rightfully point out: the focus shifted to Matty so who cares what Taylor or Travis do? And its certainly none of his business. Besides, she's a global popstar putting on a show. Also, if he really thought he had privacy in a public changing room, he's much dumber than I thought.

I mean can we not give the man a break? Must he do his utmost best to keep conversations he has in public secret? Let’s say he was overheard while chatting with a friend at a cafe. Or maybe on a bus. Or maybe at a theatre. Would you say that it’s his fault for not whispering? Maybe he should learn sign language or Morse code. Because even then what if someone hears him whispering, or someone knows sign language etc etc like at which point do we say that he has taken sufficient precautions to ensure privacy? Can we not let him live his life fairly normally 😭😭😭

And I’m sorry but I rlly don’t like your last statement, it sounds a lot like victim-blaming. I think it would be too far-fetched to suggest that he wanted to be overheard on purpose (I’m sure he’s well aware this would not help his case), so why are you blaming him from something that was out of his control? It could also be that he has had similar conversations in similar settings that didn’t get overheard, or no one cared about it, so he probably wasn’t expecting this. Think about if it was taylor instead of him. Would ppl be calling her dumb or would they be clamouring about how privacy is dead etc?

I agree that a public changing room isn’t the most private place, but I feel like a lot of us overhear snippets of other people’s conversations over the day and we just forget about it. Granted, Joe isn’t just a random guy on the street so I get why there’s more interest in what he said but he still did nothing wrong.

my main point is anyone can do anything. literally. Even joe alwyn. For example (this is a topic for another day) taylor swift can release as many ttpd variants whenever she wants. She can rip matty to shreds across a 31-song album. Even before ttpd she wrote whatever she wanted about her exes. And that’s fine (mostly)!

Even if it wasn’t joes business (which it is as a recent ex), taylor/swifties have pretty much made it everyone’s business by how much they keep playing up and encouraging the public spectacle that their relationship has become. Think of it this way - some ppl find their displays adorable, some find it repulsive. Are you going to tell them to back off and that it’s not their business? Why is it the whole world’s business except Joe alwyn (are we putting him in timeout or smth 😭😭)? Taylor can do whatever she wants with Travis, Joe is allowed to feel however he wants about it. Taylor is also allowed to feel however she wants about Joe’s next partner etc.

Like I said in another ask, even though public attention has shifted to Matty, Joe is still a guy getting over a 6-year long relationship + the hate that has been piled on him by swifties + whatever hurt he must have felt from ttpd (if he did listen to it). I don’t think it’s fair to dictate up to which point and to which extent he can feel emotionally occupied with taylor.

Is he not allowed to talk about what he’s going through with a friend? In that same conversation he (allegedly) said “it’s been tough” which I don’t think makes sense if he was being bitter about Taylor. Bitter people want to seem like they have the upper hand and that they’re unaffected, so why would he say smth as vulnerable as that? please explain the leap from joes comments to him being bitter.

[ssnowjo]

https://www.tumblr.com/ssnowjo/779639281217126401/httpswwwtumblrcomssnowjo779637904488153088s

I sent this anon yesterday and I’m just checking in about the response to the casting in the UK.

24hrs in, there’s articles being written. At the risk of doxxing myself, it’s been suggested on my homepage news recommendations at work (but I will say that the new netflix series Adolescence is still dominating the entertainment headlines), it got a big space on the daily mail, I saw it on the front page of a newspaper at a lunch shop.

For those of you who still think there’s zero beneficial PR in Joe & Doja’s relationship because of her controversies, there absolutely is. This is proof of it. And I say that as someone trying to look at it from an outsider’s perspective.

Noone in work has outright brought it up, and my colleague who’s a big Beatles fan was in today. My friend who’s a film junkie hasn’t mentioned it and he texted me about the sequel to a different franchise. Haven’t overheard random people talking about it. Maybe my film junkie colleagues will mention it tomorrow, but I can’t imagine they’re excited at all.

Safe to say the response in real life is… quiet. Another story will stifle it by the weekend and we’ll hear nothing until 3 years time. The media are loud, but whether the British public are happy or even care is another story.

From anon

[next-autopsy]

A/N: Well, hi there! This one’s got a couple surprises about Birdie’s family. You’ll be learning more and more about them as the story goes on, so stay tuned folks!

Based on the actors portrayal/hbo show and written with no disrespect to the real life veterans. Also all images found on Pinterest.

TW: Swearing, mentions of assault (kinda) ..... I'm pretty sure that's it

Made of Glass

Chapter eleven: James, Tommy and Jr

“Yeah, I was there.” 

“What the hell! Why didn't you say anything?” 

“Cause Coldwell would probably try cut my tongue out or some shit.” Liebgott justified, “She's got this insane fixation on 'proving herself' in case you haven't noticed.” His matter-of-fact tone was starting to piss Johnny off. 

Martin had come back to his barracks and questioned Toye and Guarnere quietly to see if Birdie had shared any information with them. Some of the other guys had overheard and suddenly it was a group discussion. Pretty quickly Johnny caught on that Liebgott could only have the surprising number of details he did, if he was a witness to Birdies verbal assault, so his inquiry turned to Lieb's direction. 

“That's.... a good point, yeah. But you still should've told someone.” Guarnere spoke up, reluctantly admitting that: yes the girl most likely would have had a problem with someone stepping in and defending her honour, especially if it was Joseph Liebgott. That didn't mean he liked the outcome of the situation. 

“Why? It ain't my fuckin' business.” Liebgott glowered, his jaw clenched and his eyebrows knitted together. Joe wasn't the only guy there so why was he being called out so hard?  

Besides, he and Birdie didn't even like each other. He recalled trying to extend an olive branch and check on her wellbeing that day, but she snapped at him and basically spat in his face. The exact words running through his mind were 'Fuck off, Liebgott.' 

“She's Easy.” The words drew an instant hush over the room, Johnny continued, “One of us, and we look out for our own.” 

That seemed to shut Joe up, the gnawing feeling of regret landed in his stomach. Instead of showing the emotion he just huffed and rolled his eyes, brushing off the unsettled feeling and returned to his cot, muttering 'Yeah, whatever.' 

Joe had heard Colonel Sink would have an open-door policy the next day for anyone with information and found himself considering dropping in to share the scene he had found Bernadette in those weeks ago. 

Maybe it would help catch the guys, but Joe didn't really care about that.  

This was a way for him to rectify his ill conscience, his inner monologue that had screamed at him to throw punches at the woman's would be attackers. It had burned with anger when he was notified about the hospitalisation and had been constantly reminding him that he could've said something and avoided this whole thing. 

And that's all he was concerned about. Clearing his mind. Easing his own conscience. That's it. Nothing else . 

Joe had spent the majority of the night pondering his options. He went over what happened in his mind multiple times and was certain he could name the four men and describe their looks in heavy detail. The event had playing in his mind quite a few times since it happened, he was sure he remembered their faces.

When the sun rose and the trumpet blew, Joseph was up, changed and out of the barracks in record time. 

His visit to Sink's office wasn't as daunting as he imagined it would be and the whole thing was over within five minutes. He had thought he might miss breakfast but to his surprise he arrived on time to join the mess hall queue. 

Easy company had some light exercises that morning and rejoiced when the cloudy weather earned them an afternoon inside the lecture hall. 

On her way to lunch, alongside Martin and Bull, Birdie was vibrating with excitement, Javi had let it slip to her that Easy would be treated to red sauce pasta as their midday meal, something Birdie hadn't had since before Toccoa. 

“Well, I prefer white sauce... like a creamy carbonara.” Martin told the girl who was bouncing on her heels as they walked. 

Before Bernadette could speak her witty retort, she was tackled by an unknown third party, letting out an 'oof' as her body hit the grass beneath her. 

Both Johnny and Bull leapt into action, going into a defensive stance and pulled the assailant off of the southern lady, simultaneously calling out 'Hey! Get off her!' and 'The fuck?' 

The brunette stranger being dragged off of the Easy company woman protested, as did Birdie, which fundamentally baffled her two protectors. 

A few men passing by stopped to watch the scene unfold, Toye and Guarnere jogged over to offer assistance and check on the lady. 

“Who the fuck-” Martin started, glaring at the stranger who had just knocked Birdie flat on her ass. 

“It's okay. Johnny, really.” She told him, smiling. Martin frowned at her in return. It wasn't okay, why was she smiling? 

“He's just attacked you!” 

“Attacked?!” The man yelled incredulously, attempting to pull away from the tight grip they had on his arms. 

“No,” She couldn't hold back her laugh, “No, he didn't. I know him. It's okay.” 

Johnny took in the younger man's appearance and noticed the olive-green uniform with the 82nd's red AA patch on his shoulder. This only confused him further, but he and Bull backed away from the guy regardless. 

Bernadette stepped towards him instantly and wrapped him in a bone crushing hug, which he returned with just as much passion. The four Easy men stood by and watched, trying to piece together what was happening, not one of them could come up with some sort of explanation. 

“I thought it was you, Birdie.” The 82nd trooper spoke into the crook of her neck; it muffled his voice but everyone present had heard his comment clearly and the emotion his words held. 

“What?” Even though she knew what had been said, she was disbelieving, like she needed him to say it again to really understand what he meant. 

“We heard about the hospitalisation.... I thought.... I thought it was you.” The pure hurt was evident in his voice and Martin was sure if he could see the man's face it would be covered in a heartbreaking look. 

“It wasn't.” She soothed him, their embrace growing longer by the second. Her hands had come up to hold his neck so she could pull her body away and look him in the eyes. “I'm okay.” Her words were solemn, the eye contact seem tender and the four men witnessing this touching occasion began to feel uncomfortable, as if they were intruding on an intimate moment. 

Guarnere cleared his throat, reminding the two cuddling soldiers they were in others company. It worked as the two loosened their grips on each other and backed up, but only by one step and neither let their arms drop from the other. 

An awkward pause ensued, each person sharing looks with a member of the group that was stopped in the middle of a grassy field. 

“Oh! Right.” Birdie broke the tension, “Guys... This is James. James.... The guys.” She pointed to each one of the men and individually introduced them to this James fellow, they each gave a nod as their name was spoken. 

“And that's Chlamydia.” Bill groaned, the shit eating grin on her face was mimicked by James and that's when it clicked for Johnny. They had the exact same hair colour, eerily similar eyes and the dimples that popped on their cheeks were identical. They had to be related. 

“James is my brother.” His suspicions were confirmed when Birdie spoke up once more. The boy/girl versions of each other shared a conniving look. 

“Chlamydia? Do I wanna know?” He asked, grinning at her. 

“If you ask real nice, he'll show you.” She winked at Bill, the grin switched from her brother's face to hers and his was replaced with a grimace. 

Bill sighed, exasperated, but knew there was nothing he could do to quell the woman's jokes. 

“Why didn't you tell us you got a brother in the 82nd?” Toye questioned, genuinely shocked he wasn't made aware of James' existence earlier. 

“You didn't tell them about me? I thought I was your favourite brother.” James feigned offence, playfully bumping the girl on her shoulder with a closed fist. 

“Favourite? How many brothers do you have?” Bull caught the implication and his curiosity about the mysterious girl got to him. 

“Three.” Bernadette spoke plainly, like it was trivial, shrugging her shoulders at the looks she received from her closest friends. Bill and Joe both dropped their jaws, this was new information for them and frankly they were a little shocked that she had never brought up her family before now. Especially considering one of her siblings was at Camp Toccoa. 

“Three? What the hell Birdie?” Bill reeled. 

“Are they all hiding somewhere round Toccoa?” Toye added. 

“Nah, just this one. Can't seem to get rid of him.” The siblings shared a look that held many unspoken words and emotions. There was more going on than they would admit, and Johnny was beyond intrigued as he observed the two. 

“Like you could.” It was thrown out like a bandage, aiming to soothe his sister. Johnny definitely picked up on some hidden meaning only the two siblings could decipher. 

“You twins or something?” Bull prodded; he couldn't shake the notion that these two standing in front of him were almost the same person. 

“Just about.” James began the sentence, 

“There's ten months ‘tween us.” And Birdie finished it. 

“And I'm older.” James had announced proudly, all the while Birdie mouthed the words she knew he was going to say with her eyes rolled like this was a repeated exchange. 

All four Easy company men felt chills, weirded out by the nearly twins ability to complete each other's thoughts. 

“Lunch will start without us.” Johnny prompted, looking at his watch. James turned to his sister with a concerned smile on his face, 

“I'll find you later, okay?” She answered him with a nod and hugged him once more before they parted and Birdie continued on to the mess hall, four men trailing behind her. 

“So where are the other two?” The group of five had sat at their vacant table and begun wolfing down the spaghetti when Johnny posed the question. 

“Other two?” She was playing dumb and both her and Johnny knew it. What was she hiding about her family? 

“Brothers.” 

“Oh. Well... Tommy's only ten, so he's back home in Mississippi.” She was avoiding and part of Johnny thought maybe he should leave it alone. 

“And the other one? He got a name?” Toye forced his way into their conversation, the whole table had been listening in, except Bill who was guarding his plate of food like a wild dog. 

“Victor... but we called him Junior. He was named after my Pa.” Birdie's voice was soft and quiet; Johnny had an inkling about her older brother's fate, so he stopped pushing her to talk about it. Toye was yet to pick up on the trajectory of the discussion and asked her more, 

“He older than you?” She hummed her affirmative reply, not really interested in continuing the idle chatter. Bernadette wished for a way to end the unavoidable questions about her familial relations and the answer to her predicament slammed open the mess hall door and stomped inside. 

Sobel yelled and the entire room jumped to their feet, leaving their unfinished plates of pasta on the table. 

“Orders changed. Get up! Lectures are cancelled. Easy company is running up Currahee. Move!” 

A/N: Ah so, Birdies mysterious family is slowly revealing itself, what do you think is up with her oldest brother: Victor Junior?

The next chapter might be a couple of days just fyi.

Love y’all xx

~ next-autopsy ~

Chapter twelve

[doing-poorly-doing-well]

On Charles Xavier...

I figured I'd now give Charles' little timeline so everyone could see his junk too. Again, I'd give more with his personality, but I'll wait much like with Erik (also partially because I don't think my take of "somewhat morally gray" Charles isn't wholly revolutionary. I didn't make him evil though, for the record. He better serves as being just a flawed guy).

Charles' Timeline...

Born in 1931 to Dr. Brian Xavier and Sharon Xavier, Charles was born into a wealthy and loving family, growing up mostly on a nuclear research base in New Mexico, alongside his best friend Carter Ryking. That was until an accident killed both of their fathers, and Charles’ mother moved back to their ancestral home on the east coast when he was 8. In her grief, she leaned on Dr. Kurt Marko, one of Brian’s colleagues, quickly married him, only to regret it. Kurt was abusive, working in cycles of intense love and intense neglect, taking over the finances, which was all he cared about. Despite this, he favored Charles to Cain, leading to Cain bullying Charles and getting beaten for doing so, and Sharon as the years progressed. His mother soon turned to alcoholism, and Charles tried to take on the mental turmoil for both of them, but couldn’t save her. She died of alcohol poisoning and a broken heart when he was twelve, and lived with Cain and Kurt for three more years. That was, until Cain started a fight with his father, trying to extort money, and when the two fought they caused an accidental explosion. Kurt saved the two boys, and as he died, he apologized to Charles about killing both his parent’s, seeking forgiveness, and told Charles not to let Cain find out about his powers. However, despite his best efforts, Cain overheard the two and a bitter rivalry started ever since.

Charles moved out of the home once he graduated at sixteen, and Cain had left soon after his father died. Charles then decided to move to Oxfordshire, England, to go to the university of Oxford (duh), studying genetics, medicine, and get a doctorate in psychology. During this time, he met Moira Kinross, his classmate and a human rather interested in mutation herself. The two became quick peers and quicker friends, with Moira staying up late nights chatting with Xavier about the possibilities of human advancement. Despite something slightly more tinging their friendship, Moira had married Joe McTaggert, though a love for Charles lingered. In a tragic car crash though, Joe died, and Moira would’ve too if Charles hadn’t saved her. They fell in love (again), and the two were engaged. Charles gained his degrees in record time, and the two travel together, specifically the Mediterranean, helping people, encountering dangerous mutants. However, the engagement had become strained romantically, and the two amicably called off the engagement. Moira moved to an island off the coast of Scotland to continue her research on mutants, and Charles moved to Germany in 1954.

Charles took up a job given to him by Daniel Shomron to help victims of the Holocaust at a hospital. It was there he met “Magnus” and Gabrielle Haller. Gabrielle was a catatonic patient that Charles helped by using his powers of telepathy and eventually grew to love, even starting a relationship with her. “Magnus” was a rather mysterious, if not incredibly intelligent coworker, who Charles quickly grew fond of. The two hit it off quickly, and the more Charles learned, the more saddened he became. Despite never saying much about his past, Charles could sense it in the way he spoke. Beyond that, the two talked of philosophy, literature, science, and mutants. The two would bicker for hours about mutants and what they should do, not knowing of the other’s true nature. By the end of every argument, the two would be found snoring and slumped against each other. It was some of the happiest years either of them had. Then, HYDRA attacked the hospital and kidnapped Gabrielle so she could reveal the site of a cache of gold. Charles decided to find her, and Magnus joined him, both revealing their mutant powers. However, when Magnus tried to kill a HYDRA agent, Charles stopped him. Magnus left that night, taking the gold with him.

Charles stayed for a few months after, but felt restless, leaving Germany and Gabrielle on seemingly good terms. He went back to America, continuing his studies until 1965, when he was among the first to be drafted in the Vietnam War. Coincidentally, his brother Cain was stationed in the same unit, and the pilot Carmen Pryde (Kitty Pryde’s dad). Charles became good friends with Carmen, Cain rejected his attempts to mend their relationship. After three years, on a darkened day, Cain deserted the army, and stumbled into the temple of Cyttorak. Charles got there just in time as Cain touched the gem of the temple and became a vessel for Cyttora, Juggernaut. Then, before either could notice, a high powered shell blasted the ancient temple, and buried Juggernaut under piles of rubble. Charles was injured, and found by Carmen. With a broken leg, he couldn’t continue, and was sent back to the States.

Charles soon healed, sending letters to Moira about her studies, and decided to start bringing together mutants… the trouble was finding them. In his nine year search, he found a handful. Most importantly he found the amnesiac prince of Atlantis, Namor, and Hank McCoy, a bright student of Harvard. Namor didn’t stick around, but Charles and Hank became fast friends, despite Hank seemingly wanting to hide his true mutant aspects. Over the years though, Charles hears whispers of something in the works of a mutant named Magneto trying to overthrow humanity. Growing increasingly fearful, in 1978 he worked with Moira to form a team of some of her young mutant students to put a stop to Magneto. Charles began putting work into an invention of his, Cerebro, enlisting a graduated Mr. McCoy to help. Moira also helps, by gathering a team of young mutants to combat Magneto’s forces. THESE IDENTITIES HAVE BEEN REDACTED FOR SECURITY REASONS.

THIS INFORMATION REGARDING THE 1978 “MAGNETO INCIDENT” HAS BEEN REDACTED

Still, nothing was going to break Charles, and he decides that nothing like this can happen again. So, he begins his life’s purpose and creates his School for Gifted Youngsters.

[gvzelarchiveeee]

*   ayça   ayşin   turan    .    cis   woman    .    she/her    .    /    that’s    dila   öztekin    walking    into    cup   o'   joes     -    you    know    ,    the     32    year    old   divorce   attorney    known    for     getting   an   award    in 2022 for best lawyer  in   town   ?     having    lived    here    for    seventeen   years    ,    their    neighbors    know    them    to    be   hardworking     &   motivated     ,    but    their stubborn    &   very   outspoken     tendencies    shine    through    when    there    are    no    buses    in    the    city    .   － penned by dee. she/her. 26. gmt+1.

📎 : interactions , pinterest , wanted connections

hello   hello-iessss,   dee   here   !   &   i’m   super   excited   to   write   and   plot   with   you   all !   i   reaaally   love   brainstorming   and   coming   up   with   new   ideas.   probably   will   annoy   you   a   loooot   with   musing   posts   24/7   lmao   so   please   never   hesitate   to   message   me   for   plotting.   ( also   never   hesitate   to   ask   me   for   plotting   on   discord   too ! )   ♡   i   should   probably   also   mention   that   english   isn’t   my   first   language   so   please   forgive   me   if   i   make   any   grammar/spelling   mistakes !

⚠️   trigger   warning!   this   bio   contains   subjects   such   as:   cheating,   mention   of   bullies,   pregnancy,   fear   of   commitment

*   =   means   wanted   connection   !

BIOGRAPHY :

NAME  :  dila  öztekin

MEANING  OF  NAME  :  dila  means  ‘heartfelt',  öztekin  means  ‘someone  unique’

NICKNAME(S)  :  di,  didi

DATE  OF  BIRTH  :  january  25  1991  (32)

PLACE  OF  BIRTH  :  istanbul  ,  turkey

PARENTS  :  bingül  güçlü  (  mother  ),  latif  öztekin  (  father  )

SIBLINGS  :  2  younger  siblings ˒  ﹏  öztekin  (30)  *  open ˒  ﹏  öztekin  (30)  *  open ˒  ﹏  öztekin  (30-32)  half  sibling  *  open  -  her  younger  siblings  don’t  know  about  their  half  sibling  just  yet,  dila  nor  their  mom  ever  told  them. (  siblings  fc  suggestions:  ilayda  alişan,  idris  nebi  taşkan,  cemre  baysel,  gülderen  güler,  half  sibling  fc  suggestions:  ipek  filiz  yazıcı,  afra  saraçoğlu,  neslihan  atagül,  deniz  can  aktaş,  emre  bey,  melisa  asli  pamuk,  özge  ozacar,  melisa  döngel,  hande  erçel,  bensu  soral,  rami  narin  /  any  fitting  fc  for  her  siblings  wc  is  fine !  )

LANGUAGES  :  turkish  &  english

OCCUPATION  :  divorce  attorney  @  güçlü  law  firm.  (güçlü  means  ‘strong’)

RELATIONSHIP  STATUS  :  complicated* (  +  )  positive  traits  :  hardworking,  motivated,  empathetic (  -  )  negative  traits  :  stubborn,  moody,  impatient,  very  outspoken

AGE 2 － 10 :

dila   was   2   when   her   twin-siblings   were   born.   she   had   a   hard   time   sharing   her   parents.

as   dila   got   older,   she   took   on   more   responsibility   for   her   siblings,   especially   during   her   parents'   arguments,   often   comforting   and   distracting   them   during   difficult   moments.

she   turned   eight   and   her   father   didn’t   show   up   to   her   birthday   party.   she   had   waited   and   refused   to   blow   the   candles   on   her   birthday   cake   until   he’d   show   up.   but   he   didn’t.   later   that   night,   when   her   mother   had   tucked   her   three   kids   in   bed,   she   overheard   her   father’s   voice   from   downstairs.   she   made   her   way   out   her   room   and   sat   on   the   stairs   as   she   listened   to   their   argument.   she   heard   it   all.   her   father   had   cheated   on   her   mother   and   he   had   another   child   with   another   woman.   happy   birthday,   dila.

after   overhearing   her   parents'   conversation,   di   assumed   an   even   more   significant   role   in   caring   for   her   siblings,   as   her   mother   distanced   herself   to   not   show   her   kids   how   upset   or   heartbroken   she   was.

AGE   11   －   20  :

her   mother's   law   firm   (which   was   a   law   firm   that   established   by   her   grandfather)   is   one   of   turkey's   best   law   firms,   but   her   mother   had   gotten   an   amazing   offer   to   grow   her   law   firm   even   more   and   she   took   the   opportunity.   so   the   four   of   them   moved   to   lakeview   when   dila   had   turned   just   15   and   the   twins   were   12   by   then.

dila's   high   school   experience   was   more   positive   than   she   had   expected,   with   amazing   grades   and   a   bunch   of   friends.

she   had   a   few   boyfriends   through   the   years   but   as   soon   as   the   subject   of   ‘future’   popped   up,   or   ‘meeting   parents’   she   usually   always   had   an   excuse   to   excuse   herself.   or   she’d   just   immediately   change   the   subject.   or   was   just   straight   up   honest   with   them   and   mention   that   she   didn’t   saw   a   future   with   them   just   yet   or   maybe   never   would.   it   was   painful,   but   the   cold   hard   truth,   right?

however,   at   the   age   of   twenty,   she   met   a   guy,   and   they   started   dating.   they   seemed   to   share   similar   interests,   which   made   dila   feel   more   comfortable   around   him.   they   went   out   at   night,   laughed   at   each   other's   jokes,   even   if   they   were   really   bad.   the   topic   of   'their   future'   didn't   really   come   up   in   their   conversations   until   she   turned   twenty-two,   and   he   asked   her   to   move   in   with   him.   she   was   a   bit   hesitant   about   the   idea.   but   on   the   other   hand,   she   liked   the   thought   of   gaining   a   bit   more   independence   without   her   mother   constantly   telling   her   what   to   do.   so,   she   agreed   to   move   in,   and   a   year   later,   she   graduated.

AGE   21   －   32  :

after   graduating   she   had   a   few   different   jobs;   tba.   until   she   started   working   at   her   mother's   law   firm.

at   the   age   of   twenty-four,   dila   began   working   at   her   mother's   law   firm.   however,   she   started   in   a   non-lawyer   role   because   she   lacked   experience.   she   just   did   some   paperwork   and   administrative   tasks   for   her   mother   until   she   gained   enough   experience   to   work   as   a   divorce   attorney.

everything   appeared   to   be   going   well   until   a   month   or   two   ago   when   dila   and   her   boyfriend   decided   to   part   ways.   things   weren't   really   working   out   as   they   did   before;   they   were   arguing   a   lot.   plus,   the   fact   that   dila   is   way   too   scared   of   'official'   commitment,   like,   getting   married,   added   to   the   strain.   dila   was   just   overwhelmed   with   her   emotions,   especially   because   she   had   many   cases   involving   divorces,   which   naturally   made   her   reflect   a   lot.   his   proposal   in   that   very   moment   to   her   didn't   make   the   situation   any   easier   for   her.   but   what   will   make   this   separation   between   the   two   even   more   difficult   is   the   fact   that   she   recently   found   out   she's   pregnant.

RANDOM FACTS  :

she’s   very   outspoken   and   always   stands   with   her   own   argument   (never   get   into   an   argument   with   her   ksdjhfks)

when   she   was   in   high   school,   one   of   her   classmates   got   bullied   and   she   was   the   one   to   always   stand   up   for   her   classmate   and   they   have   been   best   friends   ever   since.*   most   people   from   their   school   would   be   scared   to   be   on   bad   terms   with   her   because   she   usually   always   had   something   to   say

she’s   really   hardworking,   she   probably   also   has   a   home   office.   if   she   isn’t   at   her   office   @   the   law   firm   she’s   probably   working   at   her   home   office.   even   if   it’s   2am

she   has   never   mentioned   to   her   siblings   that   they   have   another   sibling   out   there

LIKES / DISLIKES  :

likes:   taking   long   walks   in   the   park   /   wine   /   milkshakes   /   coffee   /   crime   tv   shows   or   movies   /   reading   books   /   sitting   on   her   balcony   and   watching   the   stars   for   hours   /   satin   dresses   /   fresh   flowers   on   her   desk   /   large   windows   /   big   cities   /   photography   /   being   creative   (usually   goes   to   random   workshops   in   her   free   time   to   take   her   mind   off)   /   organising   her   pantry   or   her   files

dislikes:   people   who   usually   lie,   even   if   it’s   white   lies   /   loud   and   noisy   people   /   snoring   /   chocolate   /   neon   colours   /   someone   speaking   for   her   /   weddings   /   romcoms   /   tea   /   when   someone   tells   her   what   to   do   /   when   someone   tries   to   convince   her   /   when   someone   tries   to   confront   her

if   you’re   interested   in   plotting   with   me,   hit   the   ♡   button   and   i’ll   come   and   bother   you!   or   you   can   always   send   me   a   message,   too.   i   also   am on   discord   so   if   you   feel   like   plotting   on   there   we   totally   can!