#(I still need to watch his latest video oops)

[ayakiiiii]

My one dream in life rn is for Milo to play fnaf

[apoptoses]

i thought the bit in blood sanation where daniel doesn't know he can't smoke inside anymore was fascinating - he probably would be a little out of step with the latest tech or human social norms after his mad era! any thoughts on other things he might've missed out/be excited to discover now/miss now that the tech is obsolete or norms changed (like the smoking in diners!)

Oh man, tons of stuff-

-Having to wear your seat belt in the car. I mean he's immortal, there's no way an accident could hurt him that badly unless it was just before dawn. But the stupid dinging of the car alert system has to remind him every single time to buckle up and it's obnoxious (and he just might have paid someone under the table to disable that function in his favorite car, oops)

-The emergence of dating apps/people not really meeting strangers in bars anymore. The first time Daniel and Lestat go out to find a mortal to bring back to Armand for some fun they're both fucking gobsmacked to be given the cold shoulder and told to get on tinder/grindr to find a hookup. Young people go out with their friends or get on the apps to find partners for the night now and for Daniel, someone who spent an entire mortal life chatting up strangers, the loss of cruising/picking up randos as a spur of the moment thing is baffling. (on a positive note, though, sitting with Lestat swiping on mortals becomes a game that takes up the better part of several nights even though they don't go out and meet any of them)

-Jumping from walkmans and casette tapes straight to the era of the mp3? Mindblowing. Daniel never imagined he'd end up with a little computer brick in his pocket with a subscription that allows him to listen to any music, any time. He's still a physical media dude at heart though, and he and Armand have an impressive record collection at Trinity Gate.

-The death of the video rental store. Look, he appreciates being able to get online and find pretty much any movie he wants to watch. But signing up for all these streaming channels is annoying and man, he misses just browsing. Picking up a random film based on a cool cover and interesting blurb on the back? That was always so fun with Armand. They'd come home with a pile of videos, some awesome, some duds, some they never take back to the store and- okay, maybe Daniel isn't that upset the stores died out because a LOT of debt in the form of late fees under his name died with them. But he and Armand still hit used media stores, pick out random old dvds, and go home and play video rental night even today.

-also, because i'm a smut queen and i gotta take this to a place- the sanitization and privatization of sex. In the 70s and 80s you could go watch porn in a theater, you could hit up a peep show. And now it's all online and like you can find a much wider and more specific variety of acts, but it's just another way people have taken their lives and made them more 'indoors' and it surprises him. Not that as a vampire he has need of this media but- he's a curious guy, he likes to keep up with stuff and figure out things Armand could still do to his immortal body, okay?

Anyways thank you for this question, I love this stuff, I think about it a lot!!

[canmom]

Animation Night 156 - THREE YEARS

I did it.

Happy birthday Animation Night, my weird little baby. You are now three years old.

Three years ago, I was watching the Japan Animator Expo. I was blown away and charmed and overwhelmed. So I was like, I have to make people experience Me! Me! Me! for themselves. And while I’m at it, everyone needs to absorb Aeon Flux. What if I were to... stream some cool weird animations on Twitch instead of my usual videogames?

Well, that was a hit!

So I did another week, pulling in package films like Robot Carnival. At some point I decided to try screening entire movies. My friends helped me research films I’d never heard of, and compiled two wonderful lists of animated music videos. At some point we switched from mostly short films to mostly movies. Runtimes got more and more ambitious. The writeups got stupidly elaborate. Every week I’d nerd out and research some new director or studio or subject.

Before I knew it, I was celebrating a whole year of that. And then another! And now, what do you know, it’s three. We have covered a truly startling cross-section of animated films from across space and time.

At this point it feels like if I missed a week, I’d die or something.

(You might be thinking, hold on, I thought you said the anniversary was next week? Well, I did a maths oops. I was trying to take into account the difference between ‘52 weeks’ and ‘365 days’ and I screwed up! No, 156 is the closest week to the anniversary. Except... actually all the previous anniversaries were actually celebrated a week early, since I was counting from a notional ‘Animation Night 0′.  But uh... having established that tradition I’m not gonna break it.)

So, let’s go over a few highlights from the last year, as has become traditional. But what are we watching tonight? Well, previously we marked the occasion by rewatching some of my faves from the early days, like Aeon Flux, Tekkonkinkreet or Dahufa. This time, the spotlight is going back to the Japan Animator Expo, which was a thing that Hideaki Anno’s Studio Khara organised, pulling in an incredibly varied collection of short films from all sorts of different studios - a chance for some of the greatest animators to cut loose and make some concepts that would be too weird or elaborate to make normally. More on that in a bit!

So. The last year. The first week AN 105, we took a look at old school Imaishi at his most stylish in Dead Leaves, and a strange Japanese-French angle on LA in Mutafukaz. Fun movies, a promising start.

But the next week, I lost my friend Fall. It still makes no fucking sense, and it won’t ever. On Animation Night 106, I used this ritual to remember her by showing Haibane Renmei, an anime deeply important to her. It proved to be exactly what I needed to see at that time - one of the most truthful depictions of grief. I still miss Fall. I wish I could talk to her about everything that’s happened in the last year. (I’ve done my best to learn Japanese in part to honour her love of languages, but now I’m at the point I can somewhat hold a conversation, it hurts that I can’t actually talk to her in ‘her language’.)

The next few weeks, I kept this up despite everything. We visited the ingeniously grotesque ‘gekimation’ of Ujicha (AN108), visited Mamoru Hosoda twice to more or less charming effect (AN107, AN 113), recreated Studio Ghibli’s one-two punch of 1988 (AN 111), and had a look at some absolutely unique directors like Bill Plympton and Joann Sfar (AN 112, AN 114). I got to show @mogsk​‘s original fansub of a film of Croatian animator Milan Blažeković (AN 116). On AN 117 I wrote another love letter to independent/web animation.

Short films would continue to have a presence all throughout - AN109 we checked out the latest Love Death and Robots and nearly every CalArts film of the year, and AN135 we did the same with a fantastic selection of Gobelins films as well as some unique animators like Poul Robertson and Pulpe. AN 141 took us out to China, with the glorious return of Shanghai Animation Film Studio, and the brilliant Mee’s Forest by Busifan of Dahufa fame, now with a fresh translation by the writers of Animation Obsessive.

On AN 119, I wrote a post about Richard Williams and The Thief and the Cobbler, telling the story of Williams’ lifelong project to try to live up to his ideal of Disney’s Nine Old Men, no matter the cost. That proved to be one of my post popular posts of the whole year and it’s definitely one of the bits of writing I’m happiest with.

The next week on AN 120 I was in America! We saw something just as technically ambitious in another way: Richard Linklater taking Bob Sabiston’s ‘rotoshop’ software and a great deal of animator sweat to portray the world of dreams, and then Philip K Dick’s tragic scifi version of his experiences at edge of society, caught between exploitative cops and the effects of heavy drug use. It’s a unique style, and an effective one. Another American week took us into the archives of Liquid Television, the incubator of Aeon Flux and Beavis and Butthead, to see what else they had in their vault (AN 121).

On AN 122, we had a look at The Hakkenden, an incredibly ambitious and varied OVA... if one that’s now mostly remembered only by sakuga fans. AN 125 took a look at the rest of Peter Chung’s career besides Aeon Flux, notably the delightfully strange Alexander Senki, which we’d revisit to finish a few weeks later, but also some of his franchise work like Riddick and Tomb Raider.

AN 127 took us to see the three adaptations of the works of ‘Project Itoh’, Hideo Kojima’s best friend and purveyor of sharp near-future scifi. Itoh died tragically young; these posthumous adaptations by three different studios each have a very distinctive style and are powerful films in their own right.

Halloweens are when we go and take a look at horror animation - they’re always memorable. On AN 129 we got to see more of the work of Ujicha, and dive into the baroque, slimy hellish dreamworld of Phil Tippett’s thirty-year magnum opus Mad God.

On AN 130, I got to have another headscratch at the old question of ‘what the hell is up with Hayao Miyazaki’, comparing his old film Porco Rosso against the most recent The Wind Rises, which both approach the tension between his pacifism and his love of old warplanes.

On AN 136 I took another leaf through Animation Obsessive to collate their writing on the Zagreb School into a film night. This unique group of animators put a unique spin on the UPA style, breaking all the supposed rules of animation timing.

Back in the day I wrote a monstrously long post about samurai to introduce an animation night on jidaigeki, Japanese historical stories. AN 137 returned to that subject, with three very different but all excellent films by Production I.G. and Toei.

AN138 was a chance to compare Pinocchios old and new, with del Toro’s new stop-motion interpretation making a hell of a splash. The new one was undeniably beautiful, but could its story hold together..?

On Animation Night 139, I had a look at the mighty realist animator and occasional director Hiroyuki Okiura. Okiura was one of Production I.G.’s secret weapons, renowned for his contributions to films like Ghost in the Shell, but we had a look at some of his more obscure works like Run, Melos. The next week (AN 140) I followed this up with a deep dive into Oshii’s ‘Kerberos Saga’, trying to figure out what Anpo man Mamoru Oshii was doing with all that nazi power armour. Of all the films in that sprawling story, Okiura’s Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade was certainly the most impactful and coherent, but Oshii’s bizarre pixilation film Tatsuguishi-Retsuden was a historical oddity I was glad to discover despite the wonky translation.

On Animation Night 143, I finally gave the Lupin III franchise its due. We took a look at some of the wonkier entries in the long history of Lupin, such as The Mystery of Mamo in which Lupin goes up against a weird blue immortal guy, and the recent attempt to reboot it in C.G. And we had another look at Takashi Koike’s dark, heightened take on Lupin, which is always... an experience.

The next week on AN144, I continued my efforts to get into Gundam by taking a look at Sunrise Studio 1′s overwhelming film duology Gundam Thunderbolt. Jazz and space battles, a nonstop orgy of robot violence, it was a ride.

On Animation Night 146, we commemorated Leiji Matsumoto, one of the most influential artists in the history of sci-fi anime, creator of such immortal characters as Captain Harlock. It was a chance to take a look at his whole career, even the early WWII comics, where we saw his fixation with the figure of a reluctant soldier on the wrong side. The next week (AN147) we saw the time that Daft Punk collaborated with Matsumoto and Toei to make a movie for their album - and some weeks later on AN152 we’d return to Captain Harlock again, with Shinji Aramaki’s odd CG interpretation.

Animation Night 148 was a long overdue return to the world of Korean animation, with a fascinating set of angles, from viciously dark drama to rural nostalgia to... kinda like yugioh? AN149 took things historical, looking at Toei’s adaptations of mythological stories from the earliest days of anime - which hold up really quite well.

Then on Animation Night 150 came the long-awaited day where I got to show everyone Masaaki Yuasa’s incredible film Inu-Oh. A blind monk and a cursed boy join together to tell the stories of the fallen in medieval glam rock. It’s such an expression of the joy of what animation can be, and honestly one of my favourite films, and I’m really glad everyone seemed to enjoy it as well.

After all that, were we running out of steam? Not at all! Animation Night 151 saw the release of Lackadaisy, showing that webcomic dorks on Discord can make animation to rival any big studio; Bani-Chan’s beautiful film for Toby Fox and Itoki Hana, and most of all, Studio Ponoc’s Modest Heroes, the effort of a bunch of former Ghibli staff to bring something new to anime. The third film Invisible, featuring the unbelievably sophisticated animation of Akihiko Yamashita, has to be seen to be believed.

And that almost brings us up to now! Animation Night 153-154 took us into a dive of an early work by the master of chuunibyō, Kinoko Nasu, with year-spanning nonlinear story of wizards and traumagirls and murder - as envisioned by the madly ambitious early Ufotable. And last week, I wrote a monster of a post covering the story of Kunihiko Ikuhara for AN 155 - the man launched from Sailor Moon to create such uniquely powerful works as Utena, Penguindrum, and Sarazanmai. Thanks for reading that, it means a lot that so many people did!

So... phew. Hell of a year.

I wasn’t sure I’d be able to bring new material every week for a third year running. I’m kind of amazed that I did - and it’s not like this is the dregs, we’re still finding things that amaze and delight. But that said, I am kinda running out of stuff to show. Animation Night will continue, but I’m going to start introducing more reruns - which I hope isn’t a bad thing because a whole lot of you joined quite recently so it will probably be new to you!

And with that in mind, it’s time to go watch one of the very first things I ever showed on this film night: The Japan Animator Expo.

If I was to write a full writeup on the Animator Expo, it would take so long that we’d have no time to actually watch the films. So with that in mind, here’s the short version.

So. Hideaki Anno (AN: if u don't know who she is get da hell out of here!) left the hot organisational mess that was Gainax to run his own studio Khara, their primary mission being to create the four-movie Rebuild of Evangelion series (see: AN 18, AN 66). But this mammoth project was not their only undertaking. In 2014, Anno and Khara organised a series of short films for the Tokyo International Film Festival, designed as a showcase of both new and old animators. The series was called the 日本アニメ（ーター）見本市 Nihon Anime(etā) Mihonichi or Japan Animator Expo. Each week, a new short would be released on the web.

The shorts vary incredibly wildly. Some of them are incredible technical flexes by some of the most experienced in the business; others rougher work by independent animators. Some tie in to existing franchises (mainly Eva), or function as pilots for later works; others are standalone. Some are music videos, some are short films, some blur the lines. Some use a relatively standard anime style, some are CG, some have a unique design aesthetic. It’s an incredibly varied and cool collection.

^a brief clip from the psychic bomb that is Me! Me! Me!

I will write up a full breakdown of every film in the animator expo and what’s interesting about who made each one at a later date. Tonight let’s just watch the thing - it’s not short! So Animation Night 156 will begin pretty much right now; movies will begin in 10-20 minutes once people are in so please get over to twitch.tv/canmom and watch for as long as you like! ^^

See you there!

[niceboyeds]

shared trauma (e.m.)

summary: reader has been having trouble sleeping ever since their first time experiencing the upside-down. after finding out Eddie is having the same issue, they try to work through it together. 

word count: 3K

a/n: i couldn’t sleep so i thought i’d try this one out. hope you like it xx

nav

——————

it’s been over two months since you’ve gotten a decent night’s sleep. over two months since you were able to sleep more than an hour or two at a time, even the naps still trap you in a familiar nightmare. non-coincidentally, it’s been roughly two months since the latest encounter with the upside-down.

you’re exhausted and craving any form of sleep, but you aren’t sure how you’d be able to. every time you closed your eyes it’s like you’re transported back into the upside-down, terrified and approaching death.

you were at family video, talking with the other young adults about some fun night they had planned to do with the teens. while Robin is talking, confirming the plans of the evening, you zone out and only come to when a hand is placed on your back and startles you.

“sorry doll, didn’t mean to spook ya.” Eddie whispers and you give him a small smile and nod before trying to catch up on the missed conversation.

“sounds great. everyone remembers who they’re picking up?” Nancy says while turning to you. oops.

“if i’m being honest, I lost track of what’s happening a while ago..” you sigh and they chuckle, somewhat familiar with your ability to space out, but thankfully they don’t ever seem to get annoyed.

“it’s okay, most of it was pointless.” Robin glares at Steve while he talks, but she smiles anyway because it’s not like she can deny her known rambling habits. “Eddie is gonna bring you and Max, Nance and Jonathan are grabbing the other kids and you���ll all meet me and Rob at my house at 7. pack an overnight bag.”

“okay, sounds good.” you smile approvingly, but you’d go along with anything. “i’m gonna go get ready.”

“do you need a ride home?” Eddie asks before you begin walking away.

“no, no it’s okay. see you at..?”

“oh um, I guess about 6:45?”

“6:45,” you confirm, “sounds great.”

it’s a quick walk to the house. your single dad works hard to provide for you, to keep the money coming in and the roof over your head secure. but his lack of parenting and presence in general has led to a distant relationship. regardless of how close you and your father are, you’re still grateful he continues to pay for your needs on top of your local community college tuition.

“dad?” walking into the simple one-story house, you’re greeted with the all-too-familiar nothingness. sometimes you wonder why you call out to him, knowing your father isn’t there, but it’s routine.

sometimes though, he is actually there and will welcome you back with an awkward hug. you know this isn't one of those times, the note on the refrigerator confirms it.

“business in Cali, returning next Wednesday. -Dad”

you leave the note on the fridge, along with the countless others, rolling your eyes as you walk off to your bedroom. it’s a little before 6 o’clock, roughly an hour before Eddie is coming to pick you up. you figure it’s as good a time as any to attempt a quick nap.

abruptly woken up, you find yourself somewhat sweaty from the dreams you can’t get rid of, but it always seems to be the same one.

you’re stuck in the upside down, the bats circling you and your friends, hundreds of them, maybe thousands. they spiral around you like a tornado. one by one they pick everyone off, you watch as each of your friends are essentially swallowed into the black sea of the demo-bats. then it’s your turn, they swarm you and rip you apart, sometimes it seems so real you think you can feel it.

a knock outside brings you back, peering over to the alarm clock it reads 6:40pm. Eddie wasn’t exactly known to be a punctual person, let alone someone who arrives early. you open the front door with a yawn, seeing him smiling down at you.

“you’re early. no Max?” noting the lack of a red-head while moving to the side to invite him in.

“she went home with Lucas after school, she’s gonna ride with the others.” another yawn escapes and you cover your mouth as you nod to his response.

“I just need like two minutes.”

“no problem hun, take your time. you okay?” he looks over you while walking inside, closing the door behind him.

“yeah, i’m fine. why the sudden interest?” you tease, walking back to your room and leaving him in the living room.

“you just look a little extra tired lately. been busy?”

“I just have a hard time sleeping, ya know? since the upside-down shit.” you call out from your room, running a brush through your hair and pinning half of it up with a clip. you quickly throw a pair of pajamas into an old backpack along with some toiletries.

walking back out to the living room, you don’t see Eddie anywhere. you wander through the dining room and into the kitchen, finding him leaning against the counter, starring at the refrigerator.

“see anything interesting?” he seems startled by your appearance in the kitchen.

“he leaves you alone a lot.”

“yep…”

“when was the last time you saw him?”

“eh, probably like a week ago? he travels a lot for work.” he nods and follows as you move towards the door and slip on your shoes.

you hop into his van and sit comfortably with the familiar music playing. the volume is turned down to a tolerable level, something you noticed he does when he picks you or the kids up. you ride in silence but that’s not something unusual.

“wanna know a secret?” he speaks up, finally having something to talk about.

“do you even have to ask? yes, tell me!”

“I have trouble sleeping too. usually when the house is empty, which is unfortunate since Wayne works nights.”

“we’re pretty fucked up, aren’t we?” your voice is soft, picking at your fingers to distract yourself.

“I think that’s putting it lightly.”

“how do you think the others do it? I feel like— like i’m weak. these kids are still so young, but they brush it off like it’s normal. but here I am, unable to sleep because i’m terrorized by nightmares.” he shakes his head, disagreeing with what you said.

“you’re not weak, none of us are. that’s something i’ve had to come to terms with lately. everyone processes trauma differently. and the others… well they’ve just had more time to learn how to cope.”

“seems like we experience it the same.” you say as he wraps his hand around yours and squeezes it reassuringly.

the rest of the drive to Steve’s is quick, Eddie being a known speeder. and despite the few tickets he’s gotten over the years he doesn’t care to slow down. the two of you pull into the Harrington’s driveway and spot the Wheeler’s familiar station wagon already unloaded of children.

“ready to entertain 6 high schoolers?” you tease and he gives a weary nod, preparing for the chaos that will follow.

the night turned out to be a lot of fun, playing games and letting the kids swim out back. while everyone was settling down to watch a movie, you had made sure to clean up the kitchen a little bit with help from Nancy.

after things seemed to be clean, you joined the others in the living room, already in your pajamas. Robin patted the empty space next to her on the couch and lifted up the blanket so you could share it, immediately getting cozy and feeling relaxed.

looking over the room, you couldn’t help but smile to yourself when you saw everyone looking so happy and content. everyone enjoying themselves, being able to feel young again. like you’re not in charge of saving the world.

one by one, you watched their heads droop until they all fell asleep on the floor or couches. then it was just you, left with your inability to fall asleep, regardless of how safe and secure you felt in this moment.

you left Robin on the couch, opting for the reclining chair next to it to give her more room. you tossed and turned for a little while, trying to get comfortable until you found sleep.

but sleep didn’t last long, maybe an hour or two, before you jolted awake with fear prodding at you. browsing the sea of people in the living room, you counted to make sure everyone was still there. you watched the younger one’s chests rise and fall with each breath they took. you were all safe. you could physically see them and hear their breaths and snores. but why could you not get past the crippling fear that you had lost them?

your chest begins to tighten as the nightmare still lingers in your mind, tears start pricking your eyes and no matter how many deep breaths you take it doesn’t seem to help.

not wanting to wake the others, you pull yourself out of the chair and walk to the back door still wrapped in the blanket you were using. slipping outside as quietly as possible you walk quickly away from the door until you find yourself sitting on the ground.

you pull your legs up to your chest, laying your head on your knees as you let the tears slip out and try to regain your composure. there was something different in this dream you had tonight.

it was set up the same as always, but when the swarm of bats began to pluck your friends off, you heard their yells, whereas in pervious dreams all you could hear was the flapping of wings. They were crying out for you to help them. calling your name over and over with the most blood curdling screams you've ever heard. but you couldn’t get to them in time, you couldn’t save them. and right when it was your turn to get attacked, the bats disappeared, leaving you alone and having lost every single person who mattered to you. everyone you loved.

your sniffles continued but your tears have stopped, perhaps you’ve run out. you feel a cool breeze that brings goosebumps to your legs, wrapping the blanket around you tighter and you use it to dry your face.

“you okay?” the voice makes you jump, but after looking to see Eddie walking over to you, your shoulders relax a little.

“yeah. yeah I’m fine.” your voice is still shaky and you curse at yourself for sounding so weak. “did I wake you?”

“no not at all. I got up to get some water. noticed a body was missing and got nervous.”

“sorry, I just… needed some air I guess.” with a sigh you loosen the grip you have on your legs, still holding them.

“was it a nightmare?” you simply reply with a small nod, hearing him shuffle a little more on the pool deck before taking a seat next to you.

“you can go back inside, i'm sure you’re tired. i’ll head back in soon.” you attempt to persuade him.

“i’d like to sit out here with you, if that’s okay.” another nod of your head, your chest filling with guilt. you don’t think you can talk him into going back to bed and leaving you alone outside. instead you find yourself maneuvering the blanket to go around his shoulders, trying to at least keep him warm.

“do— do you want to talk about it?” he whispers, trying to get you to open up. his hand reaches for yours and you let him hold it, feeling a sense of security while he gently rubs his thumb in a pattern.

you tell him about the nightmares you typically have, he listens intensely, sympathetically holding your gaze. but the look on his face after you tell him the one you had tonight was genuinely painful. he wipes the few tears off your face, bringing you into a hug. he doesn’t talk, doesn’t tell you that your dream won’t happen, he just holds you.

“it always feels so real...” you whisper in his arms, your head leaning on his shoulder and his head on yours.

“you know how I told you I can’t sleep when the house is empty? well, sometimes I can’t sleep unless someone else is in the bed with me. the amount of times Wayne has found me next to him is countless. he’s never questioned it though.”

“he sounds like a great guy.”

“yeah, he’s amazing. i’m really lucky to have him.” you smile at that, happy to know someone is always looking out for him.

“even if my dad was home, I don’t think we’d have that kind of relationship.” you say truthfully, knowing after your mom died your family withered away with her.

the two of you sit outside for a while in silence, only noticing it’s likely been hours when the bird start chirping and the sky around you starts to gain a faded orange hue.

“you know… if you ever need someone to come over and keep you company, you can call me. even if it’s the middle of the night.” his voice is still so gentle, as if trying to prove he really means it.

“you can always call me too, lord knows i’ll be awake.” you say with a small laugh, trying to lighten mood. “I mean it, though. please call me. you can come sleep over at my place anytime.” Eddie smiles through a yawn, making you realize he stayed up all night with you just to help you feel better.

you stand, holding out your hand to help him up, and make your way back into the house full of sleeping teens. the look of them sprawled across the floor, laying in each other and sharing blankets makes you smile, but the thought of your dream still lingers in your mind.

—————

a week has passed since the sleepover and at this point you’re desperate for sleep. you’ve tried sleeping pills but all they do is make you groggy, never aiding in helping you sleep.

it’s midnight, at least it was the last time you checked the clock. laying on your bed, you follow the fan on the ceiling as the blades circle around. contemplating taking Eddie up on his offer, maybe if you called him he would come over. maybe you could lay next to him, so he could sleep, and he could hold you after you wake from a nightmare.

with a sigh, you roll yourself out of bed and walk towards the phone in the kitchen. you go to dial his number, praying you won’t wake him, but your line rings instead. it startles you, an unexpected call in the middle of the night. you still pick it up immediately.

“hello?”

“hi. did I wake you?” Eddie?

“no. actually I... I was about to call you.” you smile into the phone, happy that you both seem to need some comforting tonight. “you okay? wanna come over?”

“I really do.” did he just sniffle? is he crying??

“come over, i’ll leave the door unlocked for you.”

“be there in 5.” he says before you end the call.

five minutes feels like a lifetime while you wait for him to show up. but the light knock on the front door before it opens makes you perk up, walking to the entryway to meet him.

“hey.” you smile at him, glad he came over. glad he wanted to come over.

“hi. um, thanks for letting me come over.”

“of course.” you lead him to your bedroom, looking over his frame and notice somethings off. “you okay?”

seeing him in the lowly lit room, it’s obvious he was crying. sure, you recognize his pair of bloodshot eyes from smoking, but these eyes are slightly puffy and sad.

“yeah, it’s kind of embarrassing.” you sit with him on the bed, reaching out your hand to hold his.

“what? that nightmares can scare you?” you ask, he nods immediately. you know that feeling so well.

“this one was different than the others. usually I can wake myself up from them, telling myself it’s not real. but this time... it was like I was stuck.” he shivers as he talks, looking into your eyes. “I was screaming at myself to wake up, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t until the monster got you. all of you.”

you wrap your arms around him, hugging him tightly as he returns the gesture. hugging for who knows how long, but not caring because there’s something so comforting about his embrace. you both understand exactly what the other is experiencing.

“you wanna try to sleep again?” he nods his head as the two of you lay on the pillows. you pull the blankets up to share, seeing him lean over to switch the lamp off.

“could you— sorry, can you leave it on? I can't sleep in the dark anymore.” you speak quietly.

“of course.” he lays down, his arm pressing against yours on your full-size bed. “goodnight.”

“goodnight, Ed’s.”

you wake up wrapped up in a pair of arms, hair tickling your neck as you open your eyes. you stretch a little, nuzzling into the warm body, wondering if he’s awake yet.

“mornin.” guess that answers your question.

“good morning. sorry, did I lay on you all night?” you ask, moving yourself off of him.

“i’m honestly not sure, just woke up like that.” he chuckles and you sit up a little disoriented. “what’s wrong?” now he looks nervous.

“that was the first night in months that i’ve slept without having a nightmare.” a smile forming on both of your faces.

“I have to admit, I haven’t slept that well in a long time too.”

nearly every night since then, Eddie comes over to sleep. you two may be dependent on each other, but if it means no longer having nightmares or sleepless nights then there’s nothing to complain about. a little co-dependence never hurts, and you certainly didn’t have any desire to stop.

[mrsalwayswrite]

Singing in the Shower (Ragnarssons x Reader)

This is just a silly little one-shot that came to mind that I could not stop thinking about. It got a bit deeper than I planned but oops?

Also my first time writing a Ragnarssons x reader! Please let me know if I did all the brothers justice. Except Bjorn isn’t in here. So its just the sons of Aslaug. Sorry, Bjorn.  

Warnings: some brief mentions of abusive/unhealthy past relationships, reader has some insecurities, the brothers being the best roomies ever but also creepers, like one or two swear words, FLUFFY GOODNESS!!! 

Words: 3700

Tag List: @youbloodymadgenius​

 (picture is from Pinterest. Not mine.)

The sound of laughter echoed around you even before leaving your bedroom. It was a Sunday night so that meant the Lothbrok brothers were all over. A tradition Ubbe started some months ago to make sure the four brothers stayed connected in each other's lives. Every Sunday evening, all of them would congregate in the three bedroom flat you shared with Ubbe and Hvitserk. They would order a stack of pizzas and enough beer to put a pub crawl to shame, and watch movies or play video games until the early morning hours. Only twice had fist fights broken out between Sigurd and Ivar with just a table and a lamp damaged in the process, so Ubbe called it a win. 

 It had only been about a year that you lived with Ubbe and Hvitserk. Sigurd chose to move in with a couple members of the band he played in. Aslaug vehemently refused to let Ivar move out due to his many medical needs that she claimed he could only receive proper attention for at home. In equal parts rebellion and to escape his mother’s suffocating attention, Ivar spent the majority of his free time and nights crashing on the couch at your shared flat. 

 At first, you were hesitant about living with the two brothers, having only known them through friends, but you decided to give it a chance. Within a couple of months, you found the strange dynamics of your shared space and your vastly different relationships with each of the brothers to feel eerily familiar….like being home. 

 Standing at your door, you listened to the brothers for a few moments, smiling broadly as you heard Hvitserk taunting Sigurd about how he was going to beat his ass if he threw another blue shell at him. Meanwhile Ivar was yelling something about the undeniable magic of Yoshi and his winning streak. They must be playing Mario Kart again. 

 It was nice to hear them all getting along. Normally Sunday nights you hung out with your boyfriend to give the brothers privacy, even though all of them repeatedly told you it was unnecessary. That was until last week. You had taken a selfie on your boyfriend's phone and went to set it as his background to surprise him….and found nude pictures of other girls and the dick pics he sent them back. Before you stormed out of his flat, you may have thrown his phone against the wall, pleased when the screen shattered just like your trust. Then you came home and cried to Hvitserk about how you were swearing off men and just wanted to be a spinster for the rest of your life. 

 Word must have spread between the brothers. For the rest of the week, they all offered their support in various ways. Sigurd texted you a few times to check on you and remind you that clearly you were better off without your ex. Ubbe gave you long hugs as if trying to soak the pain out of you, and made sure you were eating and getting out of bed. Hvitserk surprised you with a new sugary treat every day ranging from Oreos to ice cream to chocolate muffins; then you two would cuddle on the couch indulging yourselves while watching movies. Ivar threatened to beat up your now ex-boyfriend for making you cry and take pictures to send to those girls your ex had been texting. You made sure to shut Ivar's idea down quickly but pressed a quick kiss to his cheek and thanked him for offering. You hated your ex, that did not mean you wanted him dead. 

 You pushed away from your door and down the hallway. Popping your head around the corner, you saw the brothers in various positions in the living room, eyes all glued to the TV and the race happening on-screen. 

 "I'm gonna shower." You announced, receiving grunts of affirmations as they were too focused to fully acknowledge you. Smiling at their antics, you headed into the bathroom, shutting the door and starting the shower up. Once the water was at the perfect temperature, you stripped and jumped in. Of course, once the mixture of hot water and steam helped you relax, you started singing to yourself, letting the worries of the day fade away for just a moment as the words flowed from your lips and echoed off the shower stall walls like your own little stage. 

 Unbeknownst to you, as soon as the bathroom door shut and the sound of water running could be heard, the volume on the TV was muted. 

 Ivar, surprisingly, was the first one to overhear your singing. He had come over to crash for a few hours after his latest doctor appointment and to work on an assignment for a University class. The bathroom door somehow had not fully latched when you closed it, cracking open while you were in the shower….and you started singing. Ivar sat stunned on the couch at the voice slipping out of the bathroom like a siren's song. He remained there, transfixed as you sang some song he had never heard but he could feel in his chest. Once you stopped singing and the shower turned off, he quickly jumped up and hobbled over to silently shut the door, slightly embarrassed by the idea of you catching him listening in to your shower singing. 

 Later that day after you headed out to work, Ivar asked Ubbe and Hvitserk if they had heard you sing yet. Both of them denied ever hearing you sing. When asked if he knew anything, Sigurd was upset, having asked you on multiple nights to go to a karaoke bar with him and some friends. You always refused by saying you sounded Iike a beached whale. 

 Ubbe was next to overhear. He was walking by the bathroom on the way to the kitchen when he heard your voice drifting from underneath the bathroom door. Feeling like a creeper but curiosity winning out, he pressed his ear to the bathroom door to listen better. To say he had been shocked was an understatement. Sure, he had heard Ivar praise your voice, but he figured his youngest brother was exaggerating. It made him wonder why you never sang in front of others. 

 A silent pact was made between the brothers that they would never share the information of your singing with anyone outside the four of them….and whenever you jumped in the shower, whoever was the closest would go and crack the bathroom door open so they could hear you better. 

 This time was no different. 

 Sigurd was closest, so after Ubbe paused the game, he jumped up and silently cracked open the door so your beautiful voice could flow out. The game picked back up but remained on mute so they could hear you. The first song you serenaded them with was Walk Me Home by Pink. Apparently, one of your new favorites since you sang it so often. Next was Someone Like You by Adele. By the third song, the brothers had abandoned the game and were solely focused on you and the raw emotion bleeding from your voice. This time you started to sing Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi.  

 Ubbe spoke up, keeping his voice quiet just in case you could hear them, however unlikely. "Has she said anything about her ex lately?"

 "Not to me." Hvitserk answered first. "I thought she was doing fine."

 "Just because she's not crying all the time doesn't mean she's fine." Ivar retorted harshly, never removing his eyes from the direction of the bathroom. After a moment, he got up and hobbled towards the bathroom. 

 "Ivar…. Ivar, what are you doing?" Ubbe hissed but was ignored. 

 As quiet as possible, Ivar walked into the bathroom and sat on the toilet lid; your singing managed to cover the sounds of his movement. As he rolled his head to the side, it was to find his brothers had followed him with varying expressions ranging from concern to amusement. 

 Normally you did not spend so long in the shower but today you decided to spoil yourself. You had been doing well all week but this morning you were scrolling through your Instagram and happened to stumble upon a picture of your ex with a new girl, smiling happily and kissing at a restaurant…. the day after you broke up. And seeing them together felt like it ripped a tear into the slowly healing pieces of your heart. 

 Instead of going out like you planned to do, you laid in bed all-day binge-watching movies and feeling like an idiot. So in the shower you took extra time pampering yourself, using a deep conditioner in your hair, shaving everywhere and just letting the hot water cascade down your skin and loosen the tense muscles. 

 At this point you were feeling a little better and decided it was best not to waste any more water. You turned the water off, running your hands down your body to get as much excess water off, before you reached for your towel. Grabbing the plush towel hanging on the rack, you quickly dried your hair and wrapped the towel around your body before pulling the curtain back….

 Only to shriek as you realized you were not alone in the bathroom. 

 "What? What are you guys doing?" You demanded, eyes frantically darting between the four brothers.

 Ivar sat on the toilet lid; head tilted as he watched you with a peculiar expression on his face. Hvitserk leaned against the sink, eyes darting from your towel-clad body to the floor then back up. Ubbe and Sigurd stood in the doorway, both looking the least comfortable but still not moving. 

 "We, ah, we were…. well, we are concerned for you." Ubbe said, rubbing the back of his neck. 

 "Concerned?" You asked incredulously. 

 Ivar ignored your question. "Is this about your ex? Want me to pay him a visit?"

 "What are you talking about?"

 "Your singing. They were sad songs." Sigurd answered, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. 

 Heat flooded your face. You dropped your head, staring at the bathroom floor as you clutched the towel closer to your body. Honestly, the idea of them hearing your singing was far more humiliating than them seeing you naked at this point. "You…. you heard me…. singing?"

 "Y/n, are you OK? You know you can tell us anything." Hvitserk said, trying to meet your eye. 

 "Um, can…. can we talk about this when…. when I'm not naked?" 

 "Of course. Come on, brothers." Ubbe quickly agreed, tapping the door as if to signal. He and Sigurd walked away first. Only when you finally met Hvitserk's eye did he push off the sink and head out but not before giving you a flirty wink. 

 "Ivar…."

 He slouched back, folding his hands behind his head. "I'm quite comfortable here."

 "Oh gods, please, Ivar." You begged, almost on the verge of tears. 

 He stared at you a long moment before pushing himself to his feet. "Don't think you're getting out of this."

 "Ok."

 Appeased, he made his way out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him. 

 Once alone, you stepped out of the shower only to drop onto the toilet lid and place your head in your hands. Your chest heaved and your eyes stung as you fought back the tears that threatened to fall. Today was bad enough and now this. It had to be something out of a nightmare. Your own personal hell. 

 When you finally composed yourself, you quickly changed into your comfiest sweats and tank top. You wished you could make a run for your room, anything to avoid the impending conversation but you knew the brothers would follow, they were all stubborn and persistent when they wanted to be. 

 With a deep breath, you stepped out of the bathroom and towards the living room. What hushed disagreement the brothers were clearly having abruptly ended when they noticed you. Awkwardly you remained standing, unsure where to sit. The only open spots were on the couch between Hvitserk and Ivar or one of the recliners as Ubbe sat in the other one. Sigurd reclined on the rocker gaming chair on the floor. 

 Averting your eyes, you started towards the open recliner only to have a strong arm snake around your waist as you passed by and pulled you onto the couch. You squeaked as you suddenly found yourself perched on Ivar's lap. Somewhere you had certainly never been before. 

 "Where do you think you're going?" He asked, a cocky grin spread across his face. 

 "Um, over there." You nodded your head towards the other open spot. 

 "No, you're sitting here now."

 "Stop hogging her, brother." Hvitserk reached over and dragged you off Ivar. Somehow you ended up with your back against Hvitserk's side, his arm slung around you and your legs across Ivar's lap, him slowly running his hand up and down them. 

 Ubbe raised an eyebrow at the three of you. "Are you done yet?"

 "I thought we were just fine but I guess Hvitty had other plans." Ivar snarked, rolling his eyes. 

 "We're good now." Hvitserk said with a cheesy smile, making you giggle. 

 "So how are you really doing, y/n?" Ubbe asked, staring at you with those knowing blue eyes. 

 "Um, I'm alright. Today was just…. rough." At the four questioning looks, you quickly explained about what you found this morning on Instagram. 

 Ivar slapped the armrest of the couch. "I'm beating his ass now and nothing you say can stop me."

 You snagged his other hand that was still on your leg and clasped it, as if that alone could diminish his deadly intent. "Please don't. He's not worth it. I just…. I just want to move on. Ok?"

 He grumbled, but eventually gripped your hand and gave it a single squeeze in acknowledgement. 

 Now here was the part that petrified you; but you needed to know. 

 "Um, how…. how long have…. was this your first time?" Your words stumbled out, making you cringe at how ineloquent it was. 

 "What are you talking about?" Sigurd drawled; one foot propped up so he slowly rocked in the gaming chair.  

 You licked your lips, your mouth suddenly dry. You dropped your gaze, as you whispered your answer. "My….my singing."

 "What? You sound bloody brilliant! The others have heard you more than me but you always sound amazing!" Sigurd exclaimed, a beaming smile on his face. "I don't know why you haven't gone out with me before! Oh! I'd love for you to try and sing in my band, we could use an amazing vocalist like you! Gods, we could get way more gigs with a beautiful woman like you upfront singing."

 Soon as Sigurd started talking, you covered your face with your hands. The tears you managed to repress earlier flooded back. Your shoulders hunched over, cowering into yourself at the revelation. They had all heard you. Apparently more than just this one time. It was mortifying. Long ago you stopped singing in front of others, no longer able to face the ridicule, the degrading comments always thrown your way. And now, these brothers that you had become so close to…. if they said anything negative towards you right now, you were sure your heart would fully break and no lyric would ever pass your lips again. 

 Hvitserk shifted behind you, turning you so he could wrap both arms around your waist and place his cheek against the side of your head. "Y/n, talk to us." 

 You shook your head, the barely suppressed tears and poisoned words clogging your throat. 

 Abruptly, a pair of calloused hands grabbed yours, forcing them away from your face. You were immediately met by a pair of piercing blue eyes, only inches from your face. 

 "Whose ass am I killing now? Huh?" Ivar demanded in a low, menacing tone. Between his tone and the fury burning in his eyes, you knew he meant his question, and that sent a nervous chill down your spine. 

 "It's not…. it’s nothing."

 "Bullshit." Ivar spat. 

 Hvitserk nuzzled your temple, his voice lighter but still with an edge of steel in it. "I agree with Ivar. Something happened."

 Biting your bottom lip, you closed your eyes. There were a few things that were just too painful to talk about and this one, they had unknowingly stumbled upon. 

 "Was it your mother?"

 Your eyes flew open, your head snapped over to stare at Ubbe in shock. He met your gaze unflinchingly, and somehow you knew he already figured at least part of it out. He accidentally overheard a phone conversation between you and your mother one time and once you got off the phone, he immediately pulled you into a bone-crushing hug and promised you never had to see her again if you never wanted to, that they would take care of you. Of course, you cried all over him after he promised that. 

 Ubbe leaned forward in the recliner, placing his elbows on his knees, gaze still intent on you. "What did she do?"

 "She…. she hated when I sang. Said I was just desperate for attention. That I needed to just shut up. That no one would want to listen to me anyway. If she ever caught me singing…. once she duct-taped my mouth shut."

 You could hear the gasps at your confession, followed by a round of curses. Hvitserk pressed a kiss to your temple, tightening his hold on you. Ivar squeezed your hands, still holding them within his own. 

 Ubbe nodded as if not surprised. He ran a hand down his face and sighed before stealing your gaze once again. "I have a feeling she wasn't the only one to hurt you."

 At this point, a silent tear trekked down your cheek. You sniffled, dropping your gaze down. "I had an ex who used to make fun of my singing. He used to say 'at least you're pretty'. When we would ride together listening to music, he would tell me to stop singing and 'leave it to the professionals'. At some point, it just….it was better to not sing in front of anyone. So I only sang in the shower cause I thought no one would hear me."

 Hvitserk turned your head, looking into your eyes. "Baby, listen to me. Your singing is incredible. We all love listening to you sing. Please don't be embarrassed about this with us."

 "I'd love for you to walk around the house singing, I could happily listen to that all day." Ubbe said, a tender smile on his lips. 

 "I second that!" 

 "Sig, you're only here on Sundays." Ubbe glanced over at his brother. 

 Sigurd shrugged. "So? I could listen to her sing all day. Maybe she should move in with me and actually be appreciated."

 "No! You're not stealing her from us!" Hvitserk said, practically cradling you against him, like a puppy afraid to lose its favorite toy.

 "It's not stealing if she wants to go!" 

 Ivar butted in. "I am more interested in this other shitty ex and mother...can I find them?"

 "No, Ivar. You have to stop threatening people."

 "Why?" He whined at you, tugged on your hands, your legs still across his lap. "You won't let me teach them a lesson so all I can do is threaten."

 "Also sounds like you have terrible taste in guys. Anymore shitty exes we should know about?" Sigurd asked, rocking his chair. 

 You figured at this point you were spilling all your dirty secrets so what was one more. "Um, I was talking to this one guy but when he found out I moved in here, he called me a whore for moving in with two brothers and told me I was a waste of his time." You softly admitted, having made sure none of them ever heard about that after it happened. 

 For a moment there was dead silence then….

 "I'm going to need his name right now." Ubbe said, malice dripping off every word. 

 "Yeah! Let's cut his tongue out! See what he says about that!" Ivar cheered. 

 You could not stop the laughter that came out. The idea that these brothers got so worked up over anyone that ever insulted or hurt you was both sweet and slightly infuriating, but mostly sweet. No one had ever cared about you as strongly as these four brothers. 

 "It's fine now. How about this? Next guy to hurt me, I promise I'll give you his name."

 "No! I want to cut this asshole's tongue out. Maybe slap him with it after!" Ivar smiled with a pure predatory look. 

 "I think you should just date one of us." Sigurd shrugged, watching everyone with a smirk. "Then you know he'd treat you right."

 "I like this idea." Hvitserk smiled, squeezing you lightly. "We would romance the hell out of you."

 "You guys are being silly. I don't even know what romance would look like." You giggled at the absurd idea. All the brothers were gorgeous in their own ways and could pick up any girl they wanted, why would they want you? Besides, your relationships were just platonic. "Is the interrogation over now? Want me to leave so you can get back to your game?"

 "Nope, you're stuck here." Ivar said, leaning on you now so you were sandwiched between the two brothers. 

 Ubbe chuckled. "We've told you before, you are welcome to hang out with us. Why don't we put in a movie?"

 After many arguments and some mild threats, a movie was finally chosen. You settled against Hvitserk, facing the TV, as you played with Ivar's hair, his head now in your lap. 

 As you watched the movie, you missed the silent conversation between the brothers happening around you. It was decided that your next boyfriend would certainly be one of them and in the meantime, they were all going to romance the hell out of you and make sure you understood how important and incredible you are. 

 Starting with making sure you sang whenever you wanted. 

[hacked-by-jake]

𝐈'𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮

Summary: The first time you all meet. It’s no secret that Jake and Phil don't like each other, but no one expected it to end this way.

Pairing: Jealous!JakexMC

Preview:  "Of course you’re right. A life with a bar owner in a small town is much more exciting than a life with a wanted and one of the best hackers in the country" Jake sneers. You like Phil, but he’s not Jake. You fell in love with him because he’s him, and damn it, running away with Jake is stupid but sounds like a lot of suspense in hotel rooms. "What’s your problem?" Phil asks hissing. "My problem is how you look at my girl" Jake replies with equal resentment and raises your folded hands to put them on the table for everyone to see. "All of a sudden, you’re a couple?"

--

Words: 6,9k

A/n:  Hi guys, back with a new story. Everbyte gave me the perfect template for my favorite Jake, jealous Jake. Please excuse the mistakes as always.Sometimes I am insecure with myself, so can we pretend they are not there? lol. I hope you can understand everything, have fun and you like it! #IamJake ❤️🌹🎭

⚠️"I’m better than you" will remain a oneshot and won't get another part!

Tomorrow the cancelled forest search should be done. You sit next to Jake in the passenger seat and look out the window and watch trees and houses pull past you.

That Jake is back, the others in the group know, but they don’t know he’s coming to the search. You and Jake found out that you only lived two hours away from each other so you took the train to him and together you now drive towards Duskwood.

When you told Jake you were going there, he didn’t say he wanted to come too. When you told him you agreed to spend the first night at Jessy’s brother’s bar, he suddenly thought it would be the best solution if he came with us. First he asked why you all want to meet in the Aurora. You told him you were doing this to get to know each other better. You know each other through writing and pictures and phone calls but the first meeting in real life is still a little different. So you agreed to meet there and have a nice evening. And for some reason, all of a sudden, Jake wanted to come too. Thanks to the action #IamJake, the pursuers of Jake could no longer track him down.It just caused too much confusion. Jake was of the opinion that because the others from the group also helped him, he should also be in the search for Hannah. You promised him he wouldn’t regret it. But you didn’t believe his pretext, but you don’t know the real reason he really wanted to come. And now you are sitting together in the car and the "Welcome to Duskwood" sign at the entrance of the city appears a few meters in front of you. You start smiling as you see it and look excited to Jake. He turns his head to you and gives you a little smile. "Are you happy to see your friends?" he asks and looks back at the street. "Yeah, I’m looking forward to seeing OUR friends, Jake," you answered and giggled. They’re his friends too. Both sides are still a little skeptical but they are also his friends. And if they don’t be in this moment, I’m sure they will. "At the moment there seems to be more going on at the motel" you explain to Jake as he drives to the parking lot in front of it. Lilly has told us that there have been very few people staying here lately, but fortunately it is getting more and more again. The situation in Duskwood is calming down again. People don’t think so much about the body has been found in the woods of their home city anymore. Luckily, nothing bad happened since then. Jessy’s brother said that the bar has more guests and more people going out again, which is a good sign. The man without a face must not manage to plunge an entire city into fear and terror. Jake parks his car near the entrance and shuts down the engine. "Ready?" you ask him. He nods his head and buckles up. You do it like him, and together you get out of the car. You didn’t tell anyone except Lilly that Jake was coming too. Why you told Lilly? Point 1: The situation would be very strange if the two would suddenly stand in front of each other without warning. Point 2: Lilly told you she owed you a favor because of the video she made. You actually told her it wasn't necessary, but she said that she will redeem it when you are in Duskwood. Next to each other, you and Jake walk through the front door of the Motel. At the reception Lilly is standing waving as she sees you. "Hi Lilly" you said. She comes up behind the counter and walks up to you. "Hi MC I’m glad you’re here" she grins wide. "I’m happy too" you giggle. You two break up. Jake stands a little off and watches you two. "Um, so, Jake, this is Lilly. Lilly, I’d like to introduce Jake".   They both say "hi" at the same time. Lilly went back right behind the counter. "So your room is number 22 on the second floor.It is not far from the elevator.In the room you will find all the information you need. Like when dinner starts and stuff like that. If anything wrong, I’ll be down here and help, "she explains. "Just one room?" asks Jake. You look at Lilly and pull up an eyebrow. You took care of the rooms and booked two. "Yes, I’m sorry, something went wrong with your booking and now we have no rooms available.Only one I can give you. I’m really sorry, I hope that’s not a problem," she explains. You look at her confused. "But there aren’t nearly enough cars outside?" Jake asks skeptically. "Yes, most of them have all gone away.Today the weather is nice, you can go swimming or shopping in the city center" "Is that a problem for you?" you ask Jake. Briefly he does nothing at all but then shakes his head. "Okay great, and I’m sorry again for the circumstances.Have a nice stay, see you in 3 hours at the latest." Jake has been walking slowly while Lilly gives you the room key. She winks at you, and now you understand that she lied. You have to holding back a laug and turn around quickly to follow Jake. "Is this really not a problem for you?" you ask again as you enter the elevator. "No problem, we can do this" he mutters. You have to giggle. "We can do this" you repeat his sentence. "You’re kidding about me again," he notes. "Oops" is your hypocritical answer. A "pling" sounds and the door opens. Together you’ll find your room. Excited you open the door and enter the room. It’s small but cozy. The walls have a soft color. A double bed is on the wall. Next to it is a bedside table with a small lamp. Opposite it is a table with two chairs and a TV hanging on the wall. "It’s beautiful here," you say and close the door. Jake agrees with you. In three hours, the meeting will take place. In between you talk about unimportant things or about the search, or new information in your case. After a while, you get up to get ready for the meeting in the bathroom. When you stand in front of the mirror, you look at yourself. You’re in Duskwood with Jake, the hacker boy who that drives you crazy, where you are excited all the time and your heart beats faster, and and with whom you will share a bed for the next few days. You’ve never seen him before, today is the first time and when you got in his car, you had half a heart attack. He’s pretty, not just pretty, but hot as hell. Just the type of man you prefer. "Thank you, Lilly! Thank you for doing this!" you mumble. "Did you say something?" you hear Jake calling. "Uh oh no, no all good" you answer quickly. You put on a little makeup and think about how to dress. At first, you thought about putting on a pair of jeans and a sweater, but you were here with Jake. And you want to dress up a little more special. Sure, there’s something between you both, but a little styling can’t hurt. You take off your sweater under which you still wear a plain gray top. There’s a little lace on your bra that you can see on your cleavage. So you leave the bathroom to go to your travel bag. You pick out two Tshirts. (Imagine your desire outfit. Please don’t choose a sweater because it doesn't match with the story lol) "Jake, I need your help!" He turns his head in your direction and pulls an eyebrow up as you hold the tops in the air to show it to him. "What is it?" he asks you. "Which one should I wear?" His look brushes both shirts and then your eyes. "Isn’t a sweater and jeans enough?" he asks. "Definitely not for tonight," you grin. "The Tshirt" he answers and turns back to his laptop. That’s not what you expected. "Why not that?" you ask. "You asked me and I told you to take the tshirt," he muttered. "That doesn’t answer my question," you look at him. "And you didn’t answer why a sweater wasn’t enough.I think you should wear a sweater." "All right, then the Tshirt" Not completely satisfied, you go back to the bathroom to take off your top and put on the Shirt. A look at the alarm clock shows you that you should start so slowly. "Did I really need that much time in the bathroom?" you ask yourself in your mind. "Jake? We have to go, are you coming?" you ask him. No reaction. "Jakeeeee?" Nothing. "Jakiee Hello?" You see his lips move slightly as he reads something. You walk up to him stand next to him. "Jake! Can you hear me?" You put a hand on his shoulder. Scared, he suddenly jumps up and grabs your wrist and holds it fast. His face looks shocked. You were also shocked by his quick movements and gasped. Briefly he looks up and down at you to realize that you are and nobody else. His gaze stays on your cleavage for a moment longer until he looks you in the face. His face is ten cm from yours. "Please don’t do that again," Jake breathes and stares into your eyes. "You didn’t listen to me, I didn’t want to scare you, I’m sorry, I should have thought," you apologized to him. "No, it’s okay, I didn’t mean to, did I hurt you?" he looked worried at your wrist. Carefully he strokes your skin with his thumb. "Don’t worry, it didn’t hurt, I was just scared too," you assure him. He’s letting go of your wrist. You just look each other quietly in the eyes. Unintentionally, you get closer. Until Jake suddenly shakes his head and asks "don’t we have to go?". He turns away to turn off his laptops. "Could have worked" you think  and reach for your bag in which your most important things are. Jake takes the car key off the table and comes after you. "Do you have the room key?" he harks. "Yes, I have," you answer his question. Together you leave the hotel and get into his car. You use Google Maps to find the way to the Aurora, and the journey is smooth. Only one song plays softly on the radio. -

I am Not Afraid Anymore Standing in the eye of the storm Ready to face this, dying to taste this, sick sweet warmth I am Not Afraid Anymore I want what you got in store I'm ready to feed now, get in your seat nowAnd touch me like you never And push me like you never And touch me like you never 'Cause I am not afraid, I am Not Afraid Anymore No no no

-

You notice how the mood in the car changes, and breathing is a little harder as you hear the lines of the song. You can see his jaw straining against each other and realize that he is also a little tense. For the same reason as you? You don’t know. His hand is cramped on the gearshift. "Just keep looking out the window" you think. Less than 10 minutes later Jake drives to the parking lot in front of the Aurora.

The others seem to be already there. Outside the door is Dan smoking a cigarette. “are you ready?” you ask the hacker before you get out again. "Yeah, it’ll be fun," Jake mumbles. He tries to smile but it doesn’t really work. You look up and open the door. After Jake locks the car, you guys head for the entrance. You can already see Dan pulling up an eyebrow. "Look at you, the Riddle Queen is here" he calls. "Hey, Dan," you laugh. How naturally he embraces you briefly what you return. "And this is definitely our hacker, right?" asks Dan and looks at Jake. Both look not at first enthusiastic but then Jake stretches out his hand. Dan takes his hand. "Hey, I’m Jake" he introduces himself this time. Dan looks suspicious, but then sighs. "Hi Jake I’m Dan, nice of you to join us, we can use your help" You were just worried about Dan saying something stupid but luckily he says nothing. "Then let’s go inside" asks the bearded and opens the door. “By the way, Lilly already told us that Jake is here. It slipped out of her a few moments ago so don’t be mad at Lilly that we already knew it” Dan explained. "We’re sitting in the corner over there so that we will not be disturbed by anyone" Dan explains. Curious you look around, you have already seen a few pictures but in real life the bar is much bigger. "Hey, MC" calls out a voice. Phil stands behind the bar, smiling. "Hi Phil, this is Jake," you say. You look behind you where Jake stands and doesn’t look happy at Phil. "Hi, sit down, we’ll be right back, my co-workers will be here so I don’t have to work tonight" You notice a hand that lies slightly on your hip and gently pushes you forward. Jake is still looking at Phil, but then at you. He’s smiling, but you can see it’s not real. "We have visitors" calls Dan to the group. Jessy sits with her back to you, looking backwards in a flash. "MCCCCC" calls her and jumps up. Jake quickly takes a step to the side so as not to be run over as Jessy throws herself into your arms. "Wow, I’m looking forward to seeing you too," you laugh. "Finally you are there I could not wait any more" "She really couldn’t, she's been annoyed me off all day at work" Richy laughs. You and Jessy split up so you can greet the rest. Unlike expected, Richy approaches Jake on his own. "You must be Jake, Hi I’m Richy beautiful that you are there, but MC you could’ve told us you were bringing your lover boy with you." Jake slips out a little grin and you hit Richy in the shoulder. "Yeah, next time I’ll let you know" "That was a hint that the next time you bring someone else," Lilly laughs. "No, don’t worry," you blink. "So you can sit there. Actually, that would be Thomas' place but he’s not there yet so you take the two chairs and I’ll tell Phil to get another one," explains Jessy. You go to the other side of the table and sit across from Jessy. To your left is Jake, and next to him is Richy. Dan sits next to Jessy, Cleo sits next to Dan and Lilly at the head of the table. You actually expected a very different reaction, that they’re skeptical of Jake. You’re looking at Lilly and she's looking at you, too. "You?" you speak silently to make sure that Lilly helped. She nods with a smile. "Thank you" you answer. "Now how was your trip here?" Richy asks you. "Long but it was okay. Fortunately there were not so many cars on the way" you take over the talk. "Well, then nothing can go wrong today" Dan answers and looks briefly at Jake. I hope there’s no argument. "Where is Thomas?" you ask in the round. "Maybe in the basement?" Lilly grins, making everyone else laugh. "He’s got something to do" Dan tells you. Jake keeps himself in the background but answers most questions without hesitation. It was clear that there would be many questions. After about half an hour, Thomas finally arrived, who was not even thrilled to see Jake. Thomas still thinks Jake and Hannah were having an affair. He doesn’t really want to realize it’s not true, but he’s probably just overwhelmed with everything. "So, what do you all want to drink?" Phil asks as he comes to your table. "MC, let’s have a glass of whiskey!" Dan immediately shouts. You look at him skeptically. "I do not accept a no" he grins. "Okay, two whiskeys, Jessy, Cleo and Lilly, you’ll have a cocktail as usual, and Richy and Thomas a beer?" What do you want?" Phil asks Jake. "A Coke" he answers. "All right, is coming" Phil grins at you and walk back in the kitchen. Shortly afterwards, a young woman with a apron comes to you with a tray and gives everyone a drink" "For a nice and relaxing evening" Richy takes a toast. Jake and Richy seem to get along quite well. "Finally, closing time" Phil shouts grinning as he comes towards you. He pulls a chair from the neighboring table to yours and falls elegantly on it in the same motion. "At least you’ll have free time tomorrow," Jessy answers and drinks a sip of her cocktail. Dan’s and your whiskey ran out pretty fast, so he ordered two more. You didn’t want to drink much, since you’re gonna sleep next to Jake. And you don’t want to do the smell of alcohol to him. But it was too late to stop Dan. Thomas told him not to drink so much today, but he just laughed. Phil hands you his hand that you accept and shakes it. "So now I have Duskwood’s celebrity finally sitting in my bar, it’s a great honor," says Phil smiling. "You’ll get your autograph later," you laugh. "I assume he’s the second kidnapper, right?" he means Jake. The hacker nods silently. "All right, whats going on here?" Phil asks interested and drinks a sip of his own glass of whiskey. "Spend a relaxing evening and talk about the search," Cleo answers. Phil has pulled back the house ban against Thomas and Cleo fortunately. Jessy said Phil changed his mind because of you. Jessy told him that they were going to another bar but Phil wanted to meet you. You didn’t think anything of it and were just glad the two burglars were allowed back into the Aurora. The conversations are moving towards the forest search and you go through all the theories you come up with. Make plans and consider how you would react in the biggest emergency. "Luckily there are a lot of men here, if something happens I’ll protect you," Phil laughs. "I think MC can take care of herself, that’s what she told me," Richy throws in. "Oh, you can take care of yourself?" Phil’s voice sounds amusing. "Yes, I’m sure I can, but I doubt that the man without a face will ever come near us," you argue." And even if he do, I’ll punch him." Dan raises his glass like a toast and then drinks a sip himself. "I’ll bring a crowbar" Richy looks proud. "Wow" giggles Jessy. "Let’s change the subject, we shouldn’t assume the worst" You look at the glass in your hand. "MC is right. If we’re going to be stressed out by now, we’ll be too excited tomorrow and maybe miss the real Deatils". "What kind of detail should you overlook in the woods?" asks Phil. "After the sign of the raven on the tree in the forest, you never know what else we can find" agrees Jessy. "You’re right," says Cleo. "You’re such little detectives," Phil scoffs. "We’re looking for a murderer and kidnapper of a friend of ours, so don’t make fun of it," you say seriously. "Hey, I don’t want to attack you with this, just a little fun, I mean you’re good at what you do," explains Jessy’s brother. You notice the undertone his voice always has when he speaks to you. It always sounds a bit like he’s making fun of you.His eyes never leave you alone. It feels like he’s watching every single one of your movements. Phil and Jessy are telling a story from their childhood when they had a fight. Again and again he looks at you and it seems to you that he only tells the story to you and not to everyone else. "And then I pushed her into the lake," Phil laughs. "That wasn’t funny, I was scared to death," hisses Jessy. "You absolutely have to come back and then go swimming in the lake.We have a secret place where no one comes. There’s a place for a barbecue and a bench and a table, so I can show you where I shoved Jessy in." Phil addresses you again. He has a crooked grin on his lips and leans back in the leather chair. "Yes I wanted to go with Jessy anyway, she wanted to show me the lake" "Well, I’m in," he winks. All the others are engrossed in conversation only Jake sits quietly on his chair. Until he leans over to you and takes the glass of alcohol from your hand and drinks it with a sip. Confused, you look at Jake putting the glass on the table. "Everything okay?" you ask him quietly. "Yes, it’s all right, it’s not as bad as I thought it would be" "If you want to go, you can tell me," you smile lightly. He smiles back at you. It’s one of those moments where you look at each other quietly. How you’d strongly like to kiss him now. "Phil, you should still make MC the cocktail I made up," you hear Jessy’s voice. You don’t want to take your eyes off Jake. "Right, I almost forgot, but then she has to come into the kitchen with me, I can’t show it openly yet. It’s not on the menu yet," explains her brother. "What is it?" you ask confused. "I made a cocktail the other day, and Phil thought it was so good that he wanted to put it on the drinks list. I told him that you should definitely try it and say your opinion," the redhead explains excitedly. Phil gets up from his chair and runs towards the bar. "Come on," he yells at you and disappears around the corner. "Let’s go," Jessy urges. Laughing, you get up and follow Phil. Jake’s talking to Richy and Lilly again, so it won’t be a problem. "There you are," you hear Phil collecting all sorts of ingredients. "I’m unsure if this tastes good" you share your opinion when you see the chili lying on the cutting board. "Don’t worry, he’ll be as sweet as you" he jokes and winks at you. "This flirt phrase was bad" you grin. "Yes, I agree, but did it still work?" "No, it didn’t, I’m sorry." "I notice you’re making fun of me," Phil mutters as he cuts a tomato. "Tomatoes? How did Jessy come up with that idea?" you ask. "She read something on the Internet and then had the idea. The bar was still closed when she suddenly stood in here and yelled at me that she had an idea, "smiling, he crushes the tomatoes in a bowl. Together with a small piece of chili, he packs both into a Mixxer. "Actually, the cocktail should be called 'Jessy's Special' but with the chilli it is as sharp as you look. Maybe I’ll name it after you, "Phil will make a new attempt to flirt with you. You want to answer but than Jessy come in the kitchen jumping. "And how far along are you?" she asks. "Jessy I’m not a magician," Phil murmurs. "Well, as the owner of a bar, you should be faster," she counters. Phil dumps two liquids in a glass with some ice cubes in it. He puts a straw and a leaf of peppermint. He’s pushing it over to you. You look at it skeptically. He leans relaxed against the counter and watches you again. "Come on, trust me, it tastes good," Jessy tells you. "All right," you give up and drink caution through the straw. "And how does it taste?" "I have to admit, it tastes good, but how much alcohol is in there?" you ask and wrinkles the face because of the bitter liquid. " Actually it’s not supposed to taste like alcohol, that’s the good thing about it," Jessy explains. You hold the glass so she can taste it too. Disgusted, she looks at the glass. "Damn Phil, you put way too much alcohol in there," Jessy immediately complains. "I’m sorry, I may have been distracted by the sharpness in this room," he winks at you again. "Ahhh yaaa?" she looks at her brother. The door is opened and Lilly sticks her head in." MC do you have a minute?" she asks you. You put the glass down and follow her out the door. Your first look goes to the table where you don’t see Jake sitting. "Where’s Jake?" you ask right away. "That’s what I wanted to tell you, he went outside, he just said he needs some air, I’m a little worried. But I don’t know him well enough to ask, but you do, "she explains. You nod your head. Without waiting, you make your way outside the bar. Jake is leaning against the car and looks at his cell phone. "Jake, all right?" you ask as you run towards him. "Sure, I just needed some fresh air," he explains, but he doesn’t sound happy. "Come on, I see something’s wrong, you want to go? We can go back to the motel," you suggest. "No MC it’s all right," he murmurs. "No MC it’s all right" he tries to convince you. "You’re lying to me" "No I do not" Jake looks around but dont look at you. "You need to talk to me or I can’t help you" you sound desperate. "I don’t need any help either, it’s all okay I just wanted some air," he hisses. "Wow okay if you get mad now I go back in. I don’t want to annoy you" you answer insulted and turn around to go back in. "Good idea, go back to Phillip," Jake growls softly, but not quietly enough that you can’t hear it. Immediately you stop and turn back to him "Wait WHAT?"You cross your arms in front of your chest and pull up an eyebrow. "No, nothing" he tries to save himself. "No no no! I heard exactly that! Did you just say I should go to Phil?" "Yes, yes I have" now he looks right in your eyes. You are outraged by this. "What does that mean? What does that have to do with Phil?" "You know it exactly" he prickly kicks a stone aside. "No, I’m sorry, I have no idea what you’re talking about." "Oh no? MC here, MC there and MC I really have to show you the lake" he speaks as if he would throw up. "Huh?" you put your hands in your hips. "He’s trying to impress you all the time! All the time! Don’t you notice that?" he hisses and comes one step towards you. "That’s bullshit! Why are you mad at me? Phil doesn’t do anything!" "You really don’t notice it, or you just like it so much that you don’t want to notice it!" "Oh, my God, what’s your problem, Jake?" "My problem is that Phillip flirts with you all the time even though you’re mine!" he throws his arms into the air. Suddenly you understand this strange situation. Whether you like it or not, you just can’t resist smiling. "Why are you smiling now?" he asks desperately. "You’re jealous of Phil," you giggle. "Pff" snapped, he turns away from you. He stands with his back in your direction, looks at the other side of the street and pretends that you are not here at all. He still folded his arms in front of his chest, which is why you take the opportunity to wrap your arms around his stomach from behind. You lean your head against his back and his smell surrounds you like in the car rides. "Oh, Jake, why don’t you say so right away?" you ask whispering. "What are you talking about?" his voice sounds like he doesn’t know what you mean. "You have no reason to be jealous of Phil," you assure him. "I noticed that" he answers ironically. "Richy says Phil’s a fuckboy, so you don’t have to take it so seriously, I don’t either." "You don’t have to think about it all the time, I've to" "You like me, don’t you?" you giggle. "Isn’t that proof enough?" he asks. "I think I need even better proof" you breathe and take another step towards him. "What proof?" he asks nervously. "I don’t know, Jake, be creative." You take another step towards him. Jake is a bit taller than you, which is why you need to look up at him. His eyes sparkle in the light of the lantern. "What are you doing?" he whispers. His facial expressions are a little insecure. "What are you doing?" he whispers. "I will give you a chance to do something" "I don’t know what you mean," he laughs nervously and looks across your head. "Kiss me, Jake" Immediately his gaze rushes back to you. "W-What?" he stutters. "Oh, Jake, that’s what I love about you," you giggle. "What? You love..." Before he can pronounce, you pull him to you by the fabric of your hoodie, stand on the tips of your toes and press your lip on his. Jake instantly stiffens and doesn’t move an inch, but he doesn’t pull his head back, so maybe he’s just too scared. You detach yourself from him and look into his wide open eyes. You just keep looking at him and not saying anything. "Fuck it," he suddenly mumbles. His hand lies down around you on your back and pulls you against him. He puts his right hand in your neck and your lips meet again. Fireworks explode in your stomach, making you warm and cold at the same time. You immediately close your eyes to focus only on his soft lips that move perfectly to yours. You put your hands on the collar of his sweaters to pull him even closer. Easily it turns you towards the car and directs you a few steps back until you feel the vehicle at your back. Your hands go down his neck and run through his hair. His left hand strokes under your tshirt and lies on your bare skin on your back.His hand is cold which is why you gasp for air. He takes the chance right away to steal a deeper kiss.

The kiss becomes more passionate and the hacker pushes even harder against the car.

You pull his hair lightly and a throaty growl escapes him. Your heartbeat stops for a moment and goose bumps form on your body. Oh God, he robs you of all your wits. He seems to know exactly what to do, as if you were meant for each other. Like your whole life was just a preparation for this moment. A wait until he comes into your life. Unfortunately, you are standing in the middle of a parking lot in front of the bar because of the owner you just had a little fight with each other. Your kiss becomes softer until it finally dissolves from you with a heavy breath. Also your breathing is difficult and your heart beats so much that it is unhealthy. "Damn," Jake breathes on your lips and leans his forehead against yours. "You are the best thing that could have happened to me," he adds quietly and without breathing. "Jake, I love you I think you already know this but I don’t want to stay away from you anymore" you explain to him quietly and seriously. It’s true, you don’t feel like pretending there’s nothing there, even though everyone knows there’s something between you that you want to be together. It is fate that your number was sent to Thomas and you learned so this hacker, who now stands before you. And that you got along so well from the first minute, just confirms it. "I tried to fight against that it was just too dangerous for both of us. But the way Phil looks at you and flirts with you, God damn it, i hate that" A small grin forms on your face. "It’s hot when you’re mad" He turns his eyes annoyed but can’t resist a grin. "See, you say a little sentence and I have to grin, it’s not normal," he mumbles. "It’ll be normal from now on," you blink. "We should go back in before the others come out and look for us," you say. "You’re right," he agrees. "Oh, and Jake? Remember, tonight you’re sleeping with me, not Phil. Only you" You just give him a short kiss and walk right the front door. "Um, MC, I think you made a misstake in your sentence" you hear his nervous voice behind you. "Maybe I did, maybe I meant it like the way i said" you turn your head to him and stick out your tongue. "You’re as naughty as ever," he murmurs. "Get used to it, babe, you can’t get rid of me." Before you can open the door, you will be pulled back at the wrist and pusches against Jake’s body. Before you can lose your balance, he holds you tight. "You play dangerous, don’t burn yourself," he breathes on your lips. Immediately your heart beats faster and you get dizzy with the sound of his voice. "Was that an offer or a promise?" you breathe. "It was a threat," he winks and kisses you again. Next to you, the door suddenly opens and a small group comes out. Immediately you break away from each other. "Look, I told you all the time that they are definitely a couple and the others don’t know it," one girl in the group says to another. "Yeah okay, you were right," the other one laughs and looks at you and Jake apologetically. You start laughing and look at Jake whose eyes are already on you. "Ups" you whisper against his lips and release yourself from his grip in opening the door. Immediately the warm air and the smell of alcohol comes to you. "Ah Bonnie and Clyde are back," Richy laughs. Bonnie and Clyde? Doesn’t sound so bad, even if you’re not so criminal, just a little bit. But only because of Hannah. "We thought the man with no face took you," Jessy giggles "Never, who can flee from the government can cope with the man without a face.This is a fool who has no friends!" Dan interferes and makes you laugh. "And MC, did you tell me about my cocktail?" Phil asks. "No, she didn’t, we didn’t have time," comes dry from Jake. "Oh okay calm down" Phil grins mean. "I am calm in person" Jake shrugs his shoulders and sits back on his chair. You sit next to him and steal a sip of his Coke. He looks at you with his eyebrow up." That’s my Coke." "Yes, but I have a dry mouth, it was cold outside," you answered and put the glass back on the table. He begins to grin and drinks himself a sip of Coke. Jessy clears her throat and you look at her. Inconspicuously she pulls up an eyebrow. She saw right through you. She’ll want to know everything tomorrow and text you tonight. "MC, if you still feel like it after the search tomorrow, we can go for a drink, not necessarily in the Aurora, also somewhere else", Phil suggests. Not good timing, Phil, not good. "No, we can’t, we don’t have time," you hear Jake next to you. "How well that I didn’t ask you but MC" "How good that I talked to MC and not you," Jake answers. Under the table you reach for his hand lying on his thigh. You fold your fingers together and squeeze slightly to maybe calm him down a little. "Now it’s getting interesting" Dan leans back in his chair expectantly. "I just want to have a drink with MC and not with you," Phil argues. "And MC has no time tomorrow" "Why not, you have to escape something again? Hacker, you’re a really bad guy." Disparagingly, Jessy’s brother looks at Jake. "I’m what you’d like to be" Jake reaches for his Coke to drink a sip. "Ouh that was good," Richy mumbles and trying to hide his grin by keeping his hand from his mouth. "Maybe everyone should calm down" Cleo tries to save the situation. "I think if MC doesn’t want to she can tell me herself"  Now he’s looking at you. "I’m sorry about Phil, but I really can’t, and tomorrow night after the search we will all be tired" you explain. "You’d rather spend time with a hacker than with a normal person who’s not a criminal?" "Ah exactly because a life in a small town is so much more exciting" Jake grins. "But a life with someone like you?" "You only want one night, Philipp, nothing more" "A night with me is more exciting than a life with you" "Of course you’re right. A life with a bar owner in a small town is much more exciting than a life with a wanted and one of the best hackers in the country" Jake sneers.

You like Phil, but he’s not Jake. You fell in love with him because he’s him, and damn it, running away with Jake is stupid but sounds like a lot of suspense in hotel rooms. "What’s your problem?" Phil asks hissing. "My problem is how you look at my girl," Jake replies with equal resentment and raises your folded hands to put them on the table for everyone to see. "All of a sudden, you’re a couple?" "We’ve been around for a while, but I don’t have to yell it out so everyone knows it, you understand?" "And then you don’t say something from the beginning?" "You know, up to a point, I can understand that you want her, she’s perfect, but from a moment I can no longer tolerate that. And this moment is now, I’m sorry my girlfriend doesn’t want anything from you, but do me a favor and accept it." And right now, Jake won the fight. "Statement" speaks Dan and pretends he has to cough. "And you’re saying that because you’re afraid MC might realize I’m better than you?" "No, I don’t care about that, I mean she sleeps next to me in a bed and not next to you. But I think you should have more respect now that you know you don’t stand a chance." "Crass, it's like kindergarten here. I'm gone, I'll see you in the search tomorrow," Phil hisses and gets up to go. "Oh, and MC?" he starts and turns to you, "if you can't sleep tonight, I still have room in my bed". You're looking the first time at Jake after the conversation . You see a twinkle in his eyes, and you know it's all because of you. "Okay, but don’t wait for it," you answer without looking away from Jake. You put your hand to his cheek and bend over to give him a kiss. Jessy, Cleo and Lilly do "awww" at the same time. Dan gives a choking sound of himself and Thomas and Richy still look confused about the situation just now. "So wait, how long you be a couple?" Jessy asks directly. "We’re not together," Jake answers casually." But how else would I explain it to your stupid brother?" "Stupid brother" repeats Richy laughing what Jake said. Everyone looks at him with no understanding, except Jake, who also grins. "Wait, we’re not together?" you ask. "No" "And why not? I mean, after the situation outside and now in here I thought it was us" "I agree with you, but you haven’t asked me and I haven’t asked you yet." "And why don’t you ask?" "Why don’t you ask me?" he grins. "Because until two minutes ago I thought we were already together" "I’m sorry, I didn’t think this could happen so fast" "Quick? We’ve known each other for months?" "MC, do you want to be my girlfriend?" he asks and grins. "I don’t know if I want that," you look away from him. "Either you say yes now or I take the question back" "This is blackmail," you’re outraged. "3..." "Okay is fine, of course i want" "finally" call the others happily in a choir while Jake stares at you.

"Okay, I really don’t regret coming with you" he whispers against your lips to kiss you for the first time as a real couple

"That took a long time" giggles Jessy.

Masterlist

❤️🌹🎭

[seelestia]

pssst hey your cool(?) virtual cousin here. would u like to visit my virtual house this weekend my husband will be cooking his signature slow-cooked bamboo shoot dish oh and also bring ur detective bf too, i'd like to interrogate talk 🙂nicely🙃 to him - yknow just some family bonding time <3 /j

pffffft i'm imagining poor zhongli having to take care of two hu taos sldkslkdls he's going to grow some white hairs lmao

childe helps him out to create a youtube channel and sends him scripts for zhongli to read.... some lines sounds a little questionable for an audiobook but what does he know, maybe it's just how young ppl these days talk? some kinda slang he doesn't really understand? but why do they all sound so romantic???

meanwhile childe cackles as he watches zhongli's latest asmr video goes trending and people are having a mental breakdown over his clueless friend's voice saying "welcome home, would you like to have a bath first, or dinner, or perhaps... a kiss?" slfjslkskdsl

hmmm i see i see *notes down on clipboard*

hhhhhhh yes i saw that trailer last night with my brother and i was like 'hmmm ok al haitham kinda cool' while he was all 'wow dehya girlboss badass'... 

i'm pretty sure they have a bot (or some kind of automation?) for monitoring the blogs :/ yeah i heard about that too hence the usual 'no spam liking!' rule on most blogs... but like, how many likes are counted as spam?? and within how many seconds?? ah well... i think i've moved for good anyway, tumblr can do whatever as long as my new blog is safe lol

me: m-mono anemo? / hyv: mono anemo :)

(pls hyv mercy i don't have any vayuda turquoise gems anymore xiao and jean and kazuha ate all of it-)

hskdjskdks probably... oh well i guess i'll just settle with seeing him from time to time on the rare times my brother kindly graces my noob acc with his fully built teams... one day, diluc will come home. that day might not be today. but one day....

LOL IKR shameless behavior i swear /lh and thank you!!! may all zhongli wanters be zhongli havers!!! i am crossing my fingers for everyone who pulls for the ceo of geo himself!!! hmmmm maybe i should try the 'apply element to character to increase the probability of the gacha' approach hshdjhd zhongli come home the power of money compels you

ah ok that's good! gotta eat your meals when you're still growing!! hehe zhongli wouldn't need to worry i always eat my meals altho i only have them twice per day - but i'd like to think that he'd watch contentedly as i happily nom on things tho he will probably give me a disapproving frown when he sees that i'm holding my chopsticks incorrectly oops

how dare you put the question next to the cool because i can vouch that it is the absolute truth. (/lh) i can visit but i must warn you that heizou said he is very much looking forward to it i am concerned. will our family bonding time become a heated debate... i'll go make some tea when that happens.

zhongli and constantly being surrounded by gen z's in modern au gives me life, and then we have venti who has perfectly integrated into the said generation without fail 🚶 oh, zhongli, the way you can put us all to sleep with just a few words <//3 (maleficent's spinning wheel could never fkekkdkfks) and childe definitely promised him a box of imported limited tea for it JFKWKKDS

v3.0 hype, aaaaa !! i didn't get to watch the livestream in real time, but i heard it crashed for a bit??? 2.8 flashbacks it feels like yesterday when people were fawning over inazuma's release and thinking that miko was the electro archon fwjfksjedk. sumeru just arrived, but it made me more excited for fontaine now because i just know i'm going to vibe with the city !! and it makes me think of a historical au with nobleman!ayato *COUGH*

and you're not just going to get diluc too !! tighnari and albedo will be added to the standard banner soon, so that's some new varieties to lose our 50/50 to ;D

mono anemo until there is a commission titled emergency and it's an eye of the storm FWSKDKS PHYSICAL XIAO, LET'S GO. (/j)

i usually have kokomi to heal heizou or klee when they take damage, but having zhongli will definitely and significantly increase the survivability of the team !! >:) my hp artifacts that i saved for yelan are waiting for you, grandpa. (/lh)

i shall need all the calcium and protein !! but the pride i feel knowing i'm the same height as xiao SENDS ME EVERY TIME. indeed, you are the super cool virtual cousin who has me on a leash and i thank you deeply for that, rin, nyehehe <3

p/s: your dynamic with zhongli reminds me of the down bad enthusiastic talker + the listener who sips tea who admires said talker fjwkdkkas

[achliegh]

Golden

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OR IF YOU DIDN'T LIKE IT PLEASE TELL ME WHY

THANK :)

Yeehaw Leo… it's all because this song came on one day (I don’t even really listen to country anymore so it really is fate). Leo is based off that song, each chapter is going to be based off a yeehaw song too.

Characters belong to @lumosinlove

Beta: @the-most-slyterin-hufflepuff & @punkkkboi

TW/CW: Smut, terrible yeehaw sayings and jokes, injuries, mentions of past death/suicide, minor character death, underage drinking, mentions of past arrests, cringe

Chapter Songs (listening in order is recommended):

Chapter 13:

Anchors Away

Clay was bored, wandering around the mall with nothing to do. Thomas was at practice, Noelle was at work at the aquarium. He was alone again and he really didn’t like it. Leo was busy cleaning the apartment for his mom who is showing up later tonight and Reg was hanging out at the rink.

Clay thought about going to the rink but everytime he goes for longer than 20 minutes he gets a head cold. He was walking past a recently closed store and heard faint music coming from inside. He walked in and noticed a small table set up with two men who were jokingly singing along to the song.

Clay took note of all the posters around the small store.

‘Feeling like you need a purpose in life?’ Yeah, he does. Everyone around him is doing actual things with their lives. Reg has started going to art school for errotic photography and portraits. Leo has been selling horses over video calls with rich clients and helping his mother set up times for the clients to go down and visit the horses at the ranch. Obviously, the hockey boys are playing hockey. Noelle is a year away from graduating and was recently promoted, and Clay just kind of existed…

Leo jokingly called him a houseboy when he mentioned how he just stays at home and cleans, now that's all he is ever called by Leo and Reg and it really makes Clay feel worthless. He knows they don’t mean anything by it but…. It still stings.

He moves on to the next poster. “Want financial benefits, healthcare, and more?”

That would be nice, to make his own money for once instead of his parents randomly filling his account with too much money. Something he knows he shouldn’t complain about but he wants to make a name for himself.

‘Join the U.S Navy.’ He paused, he doesn’t know a lot about his birth family, but he does know they were in the military. He has no clue which branch and he knows if he asked his parents they would help him in a heartbeat. But maybe this was a way to find out on his own.

He left the mall feeling lighter, a pep in his step.

He just enlisted in the navy. He was going to make something of himself and maybe even feel like he isn’t just watching his friends and partners pass him by.

Then it hit him, the one thing Leo and him promised each other they would never do is join the military. Because they both know how it fucks people up. Leo lost his uncle, and Clay’s dad lost his own father to PTSD from not having proper care after. Maybe he just screwed up…. But there was no going back now. He wouldn’t.

Walking in the house, Noelle was looking beautiful. She was wearing a pair of sweats rolled up twice at the waist and one of Clay’s old ratty t-shirts. Her curly hair was in her normal ponytail and she was putting on her sneakers. She looked tired from work.

Earlier in the week when Clay and Leo announced Eloise was coming to visit for a few days Noelle started stressing immediately. She has always worried about meeting parents because they always seem to dislike her when they first lay eyes on her, she blames it on her chronic RBF. Clay reassured her that Eloise would love her and actually already loves her from all the stories Clay has told her on her weekly calls.

Eloise was coming tonight, fuck! It was his birthday today and he forgot to mention it! Oops...

Thomas was sitting next to her, freshly showered in his own sweats and t-shirt looking relaxed, he was wearing some socks with little hamsters on them that Clay found for him a while ago. It made his heart jump and he felt his face stretch into a smile. He was scrolling through his phone and Thomas’ whole face opened up in a bright smile as soon as he saw Clay. He made Clay feel so special in a specific way, a way that is so different from how Noelle does and he loves them both.

He needs to tell them that.

“I have something to tell you guys… honestly, I don’t know how you will react but what's done is done.” He puts his hands in his jean pockets and taps the hell of his boots to the toe of his other boot. He was fidgeting and knew the other two noticed. It made him even more nervous.

“That doesn’t sound like good news.” Thomas looks at him a bit worried. His smile was still there but it fell slightly and Clay just wanted to fix it. He noticed Noelle had paused stomping on her shoes, oddly similar to Logan, it made him want to stop what he was going to say but… communication is important!

“Well, I first need you guys to promise me something, then I will make Finn and Logan promise the same thing when we see them because I know I will have to tell them.” He has to tell them, so they are ready for Leo just, not being okay.

And it was all gonna be Clay’s fault.

“What's the promise?” Noelle finishes putting on her shoe and looks up at him. She is trying her best to keep her face neutral but he could tell the wheels were turning in her brain.

“Do not tell Leo, I need to be the one to tell him… and I know he isn’t going to react well. Same goes for Reg but I will probably tell him a lot sooner than Leo.” He keeps on switching his feet that he is tapping and finally looks at them.

It’s now or never.

“I enlisted in the navy today.”

“Okay, Reg and I are going to pick up Ma and then we will be right back!” Leo has been all smiles all day. Finn knew he was close to his mom but this is just adorable.

“Drive safe!” Leo and Reg wave as they leave the apartment and as soon as the door closes Clay is standing in front of Finn and Logan who are snuggled together on the couch. Logan was wrapped up in Leo’s favorite blanket that his grandpa made for him before he passed away. It was a woven blanket with an image of Peanut on it. That blanket has seen Leo and Clay in their worst moments.

He was surprised Logan wasn’t scared of it given his fear of horses.

“Alright you two, I need to tell you something and it needs to be kept secret from Leo and Reg, if you so much as tell them a peep I will never forgive you. That will make family reunions super awkward.” Finn looks up from his phone where he and Logan were reading the comments on their latest tiktok on their joined account.

“Don’t look at me.” Finn raises his hand on surrender and looks at Logan who rolls his eyes annoyed and snatches Finn’s phone away to keep reading the comments.

“I enlisted in the navy-” Clay didn’t even get the full sentence out before Logan had thrown the phone down on the cushion next to him and Finn covered his mouth with his hand looking shocked.

“YOU DID WHAT?”

“Mama!” Leo hugs Eloise tightly as she drops her bags to hug him back. “How was the flight?” He squeezes her tightly before noticing her new hearing aid is flashing is three blinks then a pause and three more blinks. “I think your hearing aid is dying. Make sure to charge them when we get home.” She either ignores him or doesn’t hear him even though she can normally hear him this close.

“Rick was a great pilot as always, even let me bring y’all some moonshine he made. It's watermelon and raspberry!.” Eloise pulls away after one last squeeze and sees Reg and her smile widens. “Reg! I’m so happy you’re here!” She waits for him to open his arms as an invitation to hug him so she knows he is comfortable with her touching him and she does as soon as he opens his arms. Tighter than she did Leo. “Have you been eating well? How about sleeping? Did you ever enroll in college?”

“Yes, yes and yes.” Reg can’t help but laugh when she picks him up still hugging him and sways him around. He isn’t used to this much affection from a mother figure but… they love it.

“I’m so proud of you for following your dream.” She pulls away and smiles at him with a sincere smile and brushes his hair back. “Your hair looks nice by the way.”

“Thank you.” Reg and Leo help her with her bags and pack them into the truck and drive the short way back to the apartment. Talking about everything and anything. The door man sends a wink Eloise’s way and she holds up her left hand where her wedding ring is. Letting him know she is taken. Walking up to the apartment they smell an odd smell through the door and everyone shares a look.

“I promise it doesn't normally smell this way unless… oh no.”

“What does that mean!?” She leans over to Reg to whisper as Leo fiddles with his key in the lock.

“It means Finn and Logan tried to cook something.” Reg whispers to Eloise as Leo opens the door, Clay was the first to greet them, smiling his million dollar smile he hugs Elosie so tight it surprises her.

“Hello Bluebell! I was surprised I didn’t see you at the airport. How are you doing sweetheart! Twenty years old today! You’re all growing up so fast.” She kisses his forehead and they pull apart. “You look good. Your mother wants you to call her later tonight so she can sing happy birthday.”

“It's your birthday!” Noelle pipes up and looks at Clay offended. “And you didn’t tell us!” He cringes before turning to her.

“Oh, I guess I forgot.” He walks over to her and kisses her cheek while Eloise puts her hand on her chest from just how cute they are.

“Seems like that should have been the first thing you told us this morning instead of, ‘ I feel like a jellyfish’.” Thomas laughs a little and kisses both Noelle and Clay’s cheeks. “So cute.”

“It slipped my mind!”

“Okay, what is that smell?” Leo leads Eloise towards the kitchen after she is done fawning over how cute those three are. Finn and Logan are suspiciously standing in the way of the countertop right next to the stove. “What are you hiding?”

Finn turns bright red and Logan looks anywhere but Leo. Eloise sets her purse on the counter and walks over to them, giving them both kisses on the cheek.

“What did you make us?”

“Well… we tried to make a cake from your cookbook-”

“It didn’t go very well.” They both move to the side to reveal a lopsided cake with some diluted frosting dripping off and random coconut flakes floating around on it. “Can you at least tell what it is?” Logan casually turned the plate so the ‘good side’ was facing Leo and Eloise.

“Umm… not really. Do you mind just telling us?” Eliose was examining the cake, trying to figure out what cinnamon cake she had in her cookbook. None that she can remember.

“Something called,” Finn walks over to the book and notices Clay and Reg standing to the side with their phones up and probably recording. “Divinity Cake.” The room was suddenly really still and quiet. Eloise looked like she was about to cry and Leo was just staring at the cake in shock.

Then Eloise brokedown in laughter, to the point where she was laughing so hard she was on the ground holding her stomach and crying. Finn and Logan were visibly confused and looked to Leo for an explanation, only to find him trying to conceal his laughter in the crooks of his arm.

“Oh my god! What is so funny?” Logan looks at the cookbook and then back at the cake. It looked terrible but they tried their best! They didn’t burn the house down at least.

“Oh my lovely lovely boys.” Leo wraps an arm around both their shoulders and pulls them in close so they are all cheek to cheek for a moment. “Divinity cake is usually cooked for your in-laws in the south.. To prove you are worthy of being a good wife.” explains through his laughing breaks. “This is amazing.”

Eloise eventually stands up and dabs her eyes so she doesn’t smear her makeup. Pulling the two embarrassed boys into a tight hug. “Y’all are so sweet. Thank you for the cake.” She gives them both sloppy kisses on the cheeks and then pats where she just kissed. “Alright I’m going to put my things in the guest room and then we can cook something up for y’all to eat.” She smiles and takes most of her bags to the guest room but forgets her purse. “Finn, would you be a dear and grab my purse for me?” She calls out and Finn being the sweetheart he is, grabs the bag and tries to take it with him as he walks past.

The bag won’t budge, Leo is watching with a smile on his face and his arms crossed. Finn tugs at the bag again and eventually gets it off the counter, it nearly knocks him over with how heavy it is. He scurried to Eloise’s room and gave it to her. She holds it like it’s nothing.

He makes his way back over to Leo and sinks into his chest, his face buried in his neck. Logan is still poking the cake, showing off just how gelatinous it is. Clay and Reg are comparing videos that they took and laughing at how they zoomed in on different faces. Sending them to each other.

“I’m sorry we messed up the cake.” Finn looks up at Leo and sees the sweetest little smile, showing his dimples off. Finn has noticed Leo’s tan from the summer is fading and it is making the small scar across his nose more prominent. It was cute.

“Honestly, it’s better than anything else y’all have made. Plus, now Mama can teach you how to make it the right way for the next time she visits.” Leo kisses his eyebrow and wraps his arms around him as Finn pouts even more. Logan eventually makes his way over and rests his head on Leo’s shoulder.

“Maybe it still tastes good?” He closes his eyes and rubs his cheek on Leo’s soft shirt and tough shoulder, massaging his jaw muscles. His arms are crossed.

“We can try it afte Mama and I make some food, how about y’all pick out what you want so she can put on her mini cooking show.” Leo feels the boys lean off of him and smiles as he watches them pour over each page of the book looking for a meal they want.

“Alright, I’m ready to cook.” Eloise comes back into the room and gathers everyone so they are sitting on the other side of the counter, unless they are Reg or Leo because they are allowed to help cook. Finn and Noelle have taken the two seats while Clay and Thomas are on either side of them watching and Logan is in between them.

They all watch as Eloise explains what she is doing in hopes it helps them understand and make them want to try and make this on their own. Logan gets in trouble for focusing on Leo instead of what she is teaching and she gives him a smirk.

“You remind me a lot of Wyatt, you know that? Around the same height too.” She smiles as she fiddles with her ring after she washed her hands to get the rest of the flour off her hands. Leo is watching the food in the oven as he leans against the counter and nods in agreement with her.

“I do?” Logan looks at her a little confused, he sadly never got the chance to meet Wyatt but he always pictured him as more of the strong and silent type who was also tall, giving Leo his extra few inches of height.

“He was 5’10 and the sweetest man I have ever met, he was goofy and carefree like Finn and always had this hard look in his eyes like you do. Unless he was looking at Leo or I, or in your case Leo. Please don’t look at me like that.” Leo snorts and smiles.

“That would be kinda weird.” He turns his head over his shoulder and smiles at his boys. “Why don’t we tell them some stories about dad? I never really talk about him because… well, it still hurts.” Eloise smiles a little sad at her son and gives his arm a comforting squeeze. Her love language.

“Well, he was in the air force.” She notices Clay looking away, Noelle suddenly looks uncomfortable and Thomas looks a little sad. Something was off. “He and his twin brother Wess joined at the same time, and flew fighter jets together. His brother was shot down and Wyatt made Leo promise to never join. After he came back he vowed to never leave again. He kept his promise.” She smiles at the image of him coming home still fresh in her mind. “He was in love with music, sometimes I think he loved music more than us. He tried to get Leo to learn how to play instruments but the poor boy is so tone deaf he couldn’t figure anything out.” She laughs a little as Leo smiles. “I remember when Leo was being taught the guitar Wyatt would be thrown into laughing fits when Leo would play the wrong chords and smile up at him like he just did something.”

“I thought I did!” Leo laughs a little and turns around to face everyone else. “Look It took me forever to learn rhythm, and now I can dance like there is no tomorrow… still can’t sing though.”

“Ahmen!” Clay pipes up and ducks as Leo throws a spoon at him.

“Shut up!”

“Wyatt did manage to teach Clay how to play fiddle somehow, do you still play?” Eloise checks the food in the oven and determines it's not done.

“I haven’t played since… yeah I haven’t played in a while.”

“He was so proud of you. Wyatt was also a sportsman. He loved sports, especially baseball. So when Leo came home and told Wyatt he joined the team, they went out back and played catch for, I don’t know, hours.”

“My arm was sore the next day.”

“He came to every single game of Leo’s besides one, and was his biggest fan. He made shirts with Leo’s player picture on them and wore them to every game. No matter how many times Leo begged him not to!” The timer goes off and Reg gets the food out of the oven.

“Is this done?” He asks, Eloise comes over to check and nods.

“Looks good! How about we eat?” She smiles and has everyone line up so she can dish it out for them.

Thomas and Noelle are getting ready to leave when Eloise asks Clay to join her outside. He gives them a worried look but follows her. Outside is cold, and there is a bit of snow on the railing of the balcony.

“Talk to me Clayton, something is wrong, I noticed it earlier.” She looks at him and taps her foot as he pulls out a cigarette and lights it. “Clayton.”

“I joined the navy, and I haven’t told Leo, and I ask that you don’t tell him either because he needs to hear this from me.” He is looking out at the traffic below so he doesn’t have to watch her face. He knows she is upset with him.

“Is that what you really want to do?” She walks up next to him and joins him in looking at the traffic. Clay has always admired how strong Eloise is, she has been through a hell of a lot and still has this calm and stable energy.

“Yes.”

“Then you made the right choice.” She turns and looks at him, smiling in a way that he knows is trying to hide her sadness. She ruffles his hair as he finishes his cig and puts it out on the bottom of his boot. “Have you told Noelle and Thomas?”

“Yeah.” He knows his short answers sound hostile but he wants to be away from this conversation.

“They support you?” She always makes sure he has support, it hurts sometimes. Like he can’t just get support himself and he always needs help.

“Yes.” She nods and walks back towards the door.

“Then you better spend as much time with them as you can.” She goes inside, leaving Clay to think about everything by himself.

It was dangerous.

He walks back inside and they leave. Noelle turns around from the passenger seat and smirks at Clay. He was in for a fun night.

“I’m off to bed boys, we have a busy day tomorrow!” Elosie kisses her boy's cheeks and walks to her room.

“I like you mom.” Logan says as he tackles Leo to the ground straddling his back with his scented markets in hand. He tugs at Leo’s shirt, he complies and takes it off. Logan has been dying to do this all day.

“I hope not too much!” Leo crosses his arms under his head until Finn sits down next to him and he pulls his thigh so it's underneath Leo’s head. Leo shivers as the cold marker hits his skin and Logan begins coloring.

“What other stories do you have about Wyatt?” Finn rubs his fingers over Leo’s short hair that has really grown out over the past month, it was starting to curl at the ends making Leo look sweet.

“He used to read to me when I was little, then when I was able to read I would read to him until he fell asleep and started snoring.” Leo smiles and Finn can feel it on his leg. “He was also my coach for little league baseball for a bit and he was great but not everyone liked that he was my dad. Other parents thought I was getting special treatment. Also he would argue with the umpires and get in trouble!” Leo bursts out laughing and Logan gorans.

“Leoooooooooo! Be still!” Leo calms down and lets Logan keep coloring the flowers of his back piece.

“Sorry sorry, I just remembered when he got kicked out of a game because an umpire called Clay out when he was safe. It was hilarious. He called the umpire a muppet.” Smiling Leo yawns and blinks a few times.

“You can fall asleep, we will wake you up and go to bed when Logan finishes.” Finn is scrolling on his phone and is petting Leo’s head as he feels it get heavier with sleep. Finn looks up at Logan after making sure Leo is asleep.

“We need to tell him we love him.”

“Yeah, we do.” They smile at each other and share a peck before going back to what they were doing.

The next morning Finn and Logan wake up with a Leo sized dent in the bed and not Leo. They wander out to the kitchen and get smacked in the face with the smell of blueberry pancakes. They float into the kitchen and smile at the sight. Eloise has her hair in curlers and is in a thick grey robe and Leo’s sweatpants because she doesn’t own a pair. Her face is free of makeup and it shows how well she has taken care of her skin over the years. She is flipping a couple of pancakes while Leo sips on some apple juice. Just chatting away about the plan for today.

“Okay so after family skate is the party at Pascal and Celeste’s.”

“I won’t be at family skate dear, I have some work to do today.” She puts the last pancake on a plate, making sure that each plate has two, she takes two plates over to the table while Leo carries the other two.

“Ma, you promised me you wouldn’t work while you were here.” He sighs and sets the plates down. He sighs and sits down, not noticing the other two people in the room, he starts poking at his pancakes with his cheek on his hand and elbow on the table. Sulking.

“I know sweetheart but these people are someone who your Daddy tried to sell to for years. They plan to get two mares and then I will be at the party. On time. I promise.” She puts the dishes from cooking in the sink and fills the pancake batter bowl with hot water before grabbing her cup of coffee and walking over to sit next to Leo.

Logan and Finn share a look. They shouldn’t be listening to this.

“Okay but, just please be there towards the beginning of the party. I want to introduce you to my-... the team.” Leo furrows his brow not understanding why he about called the lions his team, when he doesn’t even play hockey.

“I will try my best, Merigold.” She pats his hand and Logan and Finn make their entrance, yawning and stretching as they walk over to the table. “Morning boys.”

“Morning!” Finn smacks a kiss on Leo’s temple as he walks past and Logan does the same, taking their seats and chowing down.

Later that day Eloise was putting her hair in a ponytail as she checked to make sure there were no creases in her uniform. Well, it's not a uniform but what she likes her and Leo to wear when they go to sell.

A black tall-neck turtle neck with long sleeves and tight to the body. Some khaki colored riding pants with tall back socks and brown riding boots. Professional yet comfortable. She was selling to the Malfoy family today, the father is buying these mares for his sons wedding coming up. She is still convinced that they only want their mares because Wyatt is gone, making Knut horses more desirable.

They were in contact with Wyatt for years and were not very nice. She knows she needs to make this sale though. Walking out to the living room to grab her purse she sees Leo moping on the couch by himself. She sighs out of her nose, walking over to him and petting the top of his head.

“I promise I will be there tonight, with moonshine.” She smiles as Leo rolls his eyes.

“I trust you.” Then he stood and gave her good luck and a hug before walking back to his bedroom… not the master bedroom. She takes a deep breath and leaves the apartment.

The rink was cold, Leo was bundled up in his new coat, hat and gloves while rocking his normal jeans and boots. His brand new skates were in hand, not broken in so he was wearing two pairs of tall socks just to help against blisters. Clay actually owned a pair of skates and has been skating since he was younger because he has family in Montana that he would visit for the holidays.

Jerk.

Leo was sitting in Finn's stall just trying to stay warm while he watched Noelle tie one of Clay’s skates and Thomas tie the other. Leo had to admit, he was so happy for Clay, seeing him with that sappy smile makes Leo know that he’s okay. He never smiled like that with Ashley.

Logan walks over to him, completely ready to skate and looking good. He was wearing his favorite well worn sweats and Leo’s new thrifted sweater that was dark green, showing off his eyes. He was wearing his normal cap backwards and Leo has always found it funny that Logan will never wear a hat forwards.

“Ready to get laced up?” Leo nods and holds out a skate to Logan. “You’re very quiet right now, are you that cold?” Leo just narrows his eyes and gives a short nod. Logan shows him how to lace up and once his other skate is on he stands up and nearly falls over.

“This is going to be terrible… is there a dentist nearby? I have a tendency to fall teeth first into the ground.” Licking over his chipped tooth absentmindedly he looks around. There were kids running around in skates and jumping into other players arms. He smiles a bit and rests his elbow on Logan’s head who is wear much more worn down skates so Leo is a fucking giant to him. “You’re the perfect height.”

“Yeah yeah, lets watch you try and walk. Then we can find Finn who I’m guessing is talking to Syd.” Logan helps Leo take a few steps knowing Leo has no balance at all. In skates or not. He has witnessed this name trip over nothing.

“Whose Syd?” Leo starts walking on his own and feels like this isn’t so bad.

“My oldest sister. Aubry is here too. They also play professional hockey. So… don’t get on their bad sides.” Leo stops walking.

“You never mentioned your sisters will be here! I thought I was meeting them when we go to visit your parents in a week! Oh boy… Do they know about you and Finn?” Leo continues walking after Logan grabs his hand and leads him out of the tunnel.

“Yes they know about me and Finn, I told my family first because… well my parents love him and my sisters all had a bet so… yeah. But they don’t know about you because I didn’t know if you were ready for that.” Leo stops him before they completely exit the tunnel and presses him up against the wall, kissing him softly.

“Thank you.” Leo smiles when Logan does and they pull apart to see they are the last out of the tunnel. Walking out Leo stops in front of the ice. “Yo, I don’t know if I have enough ego to let me fall face first onto the ice in front of a whole hockey team yet.”

“What, you aren’t up for the challenge?” Clay skates right up to him, not as seamless as everyone else but still pretty well. He has this challenging look in his eyes and Leo knows exactly what is going to happen. “I knew you weren’t good at everything.” Leo launches himself at LCay who skates out of the way just in time for Leo to miss and barely holds himself up as he glides across the ice.

“Clay! When I get my hands on you, I swear!” Then he falls flat on his ass and gorans laying down, staring at the ceiling annoyed. This sucks.

Clay is having an absolute field day, Laughing his ass off as he skates up to Leo and helps him stand. Patting his back for a moment and letting Leo get his balance he then pushes him over and skates away.

“CLAYTON!” Leo falls basically into a middle split and it distracts Finn from his conversation with Logan and his sisters, hitting Logan’s chest until he looks over at Leo who is still being taunted by Clay and now Reg.

“I didn’t know he could do that.” They share a look and both seem to get ideas around the same time because their faces get all reg and they high five.

“Who is that?” Sydney is readjusting her hat as she looks at Leo. “He’s a cutie, I wouldn’t mind getting a piece of that.”

“Agreed. He is really handsome.” Aubry nods in agreement and Logan is suddenly possessive. He glares at them.

“Back off, he’s mine!” He crosses his arms and turns his attention back to Leo who is now talking to Katie who has made herself at home on his leg. Leo looks like he is trying his best not to shake from how cold he is.

“You have Finn, let us have our fun.” Aubrey hits his shoulder and skates over to Leo and Katie. “Need some help?” Katie smiles at her. Leo looks up at her and gives a shy smile because he is embarrassed. Nodding she holds out her hand, Katie grabs his other hand and helps him up. With Katie on one side and Aubry on the other, Leo starts more skating and less falling over.

“Awww they are so cuteeeee.” Sydney smiles at them and hears Logan grumble, looking at them annoyed and Finn is still snorting everytime Leo stumbles. But Finn has this look in his eyes that Sydney has only ever seen him give Logan. She hopes there isn’t anything shady going on between those three.

Eventually, Aubry and Leo stake back over to Finn, Logan and Sydeny who are all still chatting on the ice and sipping their hot chocolate that Celeste brought.

“Can I have a sip?” Logan holds up his cup over his shoulder to Leo’s lips, because Leo is behind him, and holds it as he takes a sip. “Mm, so yummy. I’ve never really had this before. Hot chocolate?” Leo doesn’t really drink warm drinks at all, even the coffee is normally cooled down to where it isn’t hot, sometimes iced.

“You should have Finn make you some, he is really good at it.” Finn kisses Logan's forehead and smiles.

“It’s like the one thing I learned how to make properly. Alex taught me! He is coming to the party later tonight if you want to meet him.”

“I’d love to meet him! Now, I’ve met Aubry. I’m guessing you are Sydney? Logan talks about you guys sometimes but I don’t know a lot.” Leo smiles at her and reaches his hand out to shake hers.

“You have a southern accent…” Aubry and her share a look.

Logan is definitely not keeping him from them.

[binunus]

relax | rocky (m)

a/n I’m sorry this was a little late! school is really picking up and I had to keep writing it in increments––and also because I literally went back and forth thinking about whether I wanna write this as a oneshot or as a bullet fic bc my brain literally short circuits thinking about rocky. but I hope you like it love!

{request: Hey, hope you're doing well!! If you're taking requests now can I ask for a sexy night with rocky like he is the husband and he came home exhausted and you know >.< Or you can choose whatever plot you wantI really love your writings love you alot (｡♡‿♡｡)}

→ pairing: husband!rocky x fem wife!reader

→ genre: smut

→ warnings: say it with me ladies and gents ~thigh riding~, oral (male receiving), marking/biting, light hair pulling (both!), spanking, dirty?? talk?? surprise impreg kink! oops i said it, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it everyone), rocky being sexy as fuck like do you know the love shot cover video of rockjinsan? imagine that rocky being your husband.

→ word count: 2.5k ____________________________________________

Your POV

It was just a regular night for you. You cooked a quick dinner for yourself after coming home from work, knowing that your husband probably wouldn’t be back until later. After washing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen a little bit, you poured yourself a nice glass of wine and took a seat in the living room, turning on the television as you propped your feet up on the coffee table. 

About one and a half glasses of wine later, you heard the jingle of keys by the front door, your head turning just as your husband walked in, slipping off his shoes and going straight to where you were on the couch. You smiled softly as he laid his head in your lap, letting out a huge sigh once he got comfortable. You quickly downed the rest of your wine, reaching over to place your glass on the table before your hands went to his hair, combing through all the tousles and knots from his hours of dancing. “Hey, love.”

“Tough day at the studio?” You asked to which he nodded. Minhyuk was a choreographer at a very famous dance studio. He’s been working there for nearly five years, and by now he’s one of the most sought out choreographers for most idol groups in the industry. 

“No one was getting the choreo today, no one. Is it me? Like is my routine the problem?” He asked crossing his arms in frustration. You shook your head, immediately refuting him, “No fucking way love, you’ve been dancing ever since you could walk. Maybe they’re just having a hard time getting it because you’re too good.”

He laughed, turning his head so that he was facing the tv, kissing the skin of your lap in the corner of his mouth. The two of you begin watching the latest episode of the kdrama that was on screen, your attention switching between the the television and Minhyuk. You could tell that today particularly exhausted him, his body not even moving an inch from its position since he laid down.

At some point, you stopped paying attention to the kdrama, finding that looking at your husband was way more interesting. You always found Minhyuk the most attractive when he was dancing, and just the way he looked right now in a muscle tee and sweatpants? Your mind was straying far from innocent and fast.

Minhyuk was oblivious at first, too engrossed in the drama to take mind of your arousal. It wasn’t until you tugged just a little harder on his hair that he had an idea of what you were thinking of. He smirked just a tiny bit, waiting for you to make the first move. You tried to be subtle, easing him into the idea because you knew how tired he was, but of course he saw right through you––how he could not? you two were married.

“You know, love? You’ve been really stressed lately with this new choreography.”

He turned his body so that he was facing you, eyes meeting yours as he smirked, “yeah?”

“I think you need to relax, babe.” You said, the switch of pet names an indicator of the change in your mood. The grip you had on his hair tightened, Minhyuk practically had to stop himself from groaning out loud. But instead of playing along, he only hums, closing his eyes innocently. “You’re right love, let’s call it a night and go sleep now?”

You frown and poke his forehead, whining at his teasing as he let out a laugh. “Minhyuk, you know what I mean!”

He grinned, his smirk coming back as he opened his eyes to look at you. “How will you help me relax, baby?”

You shrug and make the movement to get up, causing Minhyuk to do so as well. You smile at him, hand ghosting past his waist as you grab your wine glass and put it in the sink. You return back to where he was on the couch, taking his hand and leading him to the bedroom. Immediately, Minhyuk sat down at the head of the bed, his back leaning against the frame as he spread his legs in waiting. 

“I’ll do all the work love, just sit and enjoy.” You said, your cute smile doing nothing to hide the lust that was swimming in your eyes. Minhyuk stared at you intensely as you made your way onto his lap, barely giving you any time to situate yourself before catching your lips in a fiery kiss.

His hands are everywhere feeling your skin, riding up your shirt, grasping at the flesh of your thighs and your ass beneath the ends of your shorts. You’re not faring any better, gripping his arms, fingers running along his abs, tugging on his hair. You felt like you were on fire, the temperature of the room rising quickly.

You feel the stir of his cock underneath you, biting his bottom lip as you started to grind yourself down his lap, causing him moan into your mouth. You both remove each other’s shirts in a haste, lips only separating to pull the fabrics over your heads. 

Minhyuk’s eyes briefly flickered down to your exposed chest, his hands immediately going to grope your breasts. You whined when he takes your nipples between two fingers, tweaking the buds harshly. Your kisses start to trail down his jawline, working on his neck as you continued to move your hips over his crotch. 

By this point he’s fully hard, bucking his hips up to meet your movement because God he needed any sort of friction. Minhyuk groans hotly as you pull his hair to the side, your teeth simultaneously biting into the skin of his shoulder. He hands migrate from your chest to your ass, nails digging into the flesh and no doubt leaving crescent marks in its wake. 

Reluctantly, you pull away from his neck, slight gasps leaving your mouth as you meet his eyes. You are both so turned on at this point and you’re positive that Minhyuk could easily slide in with no resistance. And as much as you’d rather get to the main event because the feeling of your cunt sticking to your panties was getting pretty uncomfortable, you had a job to do: this night was for your husband to relax.

You moved to get off Minhyuk’s lap and started pulling his pants down. Thank God he was wearing sweats because you know that he doesn’t wear any undergarments when he’s wearing sweatpants. As soon as you removed the confines of his pants, his cock sprang up, a light slap sounding as it made contact with his stomach. You almost drool at the sight of it, your hand immediately wrapping around the base and jerking him off.

“Fuck, baby please.”

You chuckle, man you loved hearing him beg. Still, you weren’t planning on teasing him for much longer, letting some spit fall from your lips and landing on his cock. You rubbed your thumb over the slit of his head, watching as he let out a small moan before taking him into your mouth. 

Minhyuk cursed, seeing you going down on him, his cock filling up your pretty mouth was always one of his favorite sights. Debatably, he loved your mouth almost as much as your pussy. Not wasting any time, you hollowed your cheeks out, letting his cock in until your nose was buried in his pubes. 

Desperately, he bunched your hair up in a makeshift ponytail, gripping it tightly in one fist as he watched you blow him. Minhyuk threw his head back in pleasure as you deep throated him, the slight burn in your scalp only a motivator to keep you in place, holding his cock snugly in your mouth as you swallowed around his length. It was in these moments that you were thankful for your lack of gag reflex.

You breathed through your nose, blinking away the tears that built up in your eyes as you started moving your mouth at a faster pace. Flickering your eyes up, you moaned at the male above you. You could tell he was getting close; the grip he had on your hair tightened, his abs were visibly contracting, his eyes screwed shut, and his moans increasing in volume. 

You lived for this moment. You ignored your obvious lack of stimulation, the ache in your jaw, and the tightness in your chest from the lack of oxygen. It would all be worth it once Minhyuk reached his release. 

In a sudden, your husband let go of your hair and quite literally pushed you off of him, trying to catch his breath as he looked down at you, brushing his hair out of his face. “Baby the only place I’m cumming tonight is in your pussy, c’mere.”

You pouted only briefly, really wanting to see him come undone by your mouth. But you couldn’t deny the way your core clenched at his words, already removing your shorts and panties before climbing back on his lap. 

He hissed, teeth biting into his lower lip as he massaged the skin of your waist, “Fuck y/n, I can feel you dripping.”

Minhyuk moved your body slightly so that you were fully seated on one of his thighs, a whimper leaving you as he flexed his quads. “Ah Minhyuk...”

“Make yourself messy on my thigh baby, you know what to do.” He smirked, his voice raspier and several octaves lower than before. You felt a shiver run down your spine, the heat in your stomach building as you started to rub yourself on his thigh. Minhyuk flexed whenever you least expected it, the defined muscles of his quads making just the right amount of contact with your clit. 

He wrapped a hand around his length, lazily running it up and down as he watched you get off in his lap. You were so fucking hot, your eyes shut in pleasure, hands gripping his shoulders as you tried to reach your orgasm. His thigh was practically soaked, your arousal dripping down to the bedsheets.

You almost lost it when he started bouncing his leg, burying your head in the crook of his neck as you let out a wrangled moan, your legs squeezing around his thigh. Minhyuk panted, easily lifting you up and back to his center, bottoming out in one go as he entered you. 

The two of you let out synchronized moans. No matter how many times you’ve had sex, you could never get used to the way he filled you up so well, the burning stretch of your walls adding onto your pleasure.

“Fuck,” He cursed as you started to lift your hips, moving them up and down his length at a leisurely pace. Minhyuk tried his best not to take over, and instead kept his hands firmly on the sides of your asscheeks, squeezing the flesh as you fucked yourself on him.

His lips went straight to your neck, painting your skin with bruises as you alternated between rolling your hips and up-and-down movements. You whined, clenching your core tightly as you suddenly slammed down onto his thighs, the slap of skin resonating in the bedroom.

Minhyuk let out a loud groan at your action, unable to hold himself back as he bucked his hips and started thrusting up into you at a faster pace. You gasped, unable to keep up with his speed, eventually letting him take control as the upper half of your body leaned onto his for support.

One of the many things you loved about your husband was that he had a dancer’s hips, and he definitely made sure to use it to his advantage in times like these.

Minhyuk grunted, one of his hands coming down to give your ass a sharp slap as he rutted into you. You keened, moaning in his ear as he repeated the action. He always did that when he was close, your walls squeezing him impossibly tighter with every spank he delivered, the skin of your ass on fire.

The loud squelch of your cunt was almost embarrassing, but it only drove Minhyuk closer. Your hands fisted his hair, pulling at the ends by his nape as your felt your orgasm approach. His mouth opened in a moan, furrowing his eyebrows as one of his hands slipped in between your bodies and rubbed at your clit.

You body jolted in his hold, “Shit, Minhyuk I’m so close.”

He smiled devilishly, “Yeah? I’m gonna fuck some babies into you, love. You want that?”

You could only nod, your cheeks blushing and stomach flaring at his words. You connected your lips in a messy clash of teeth and tongue, your mind going blank as you felt the band of your orgasm snap, the vice like grip of your cunt squeezing him to his high.

Minhyuk let out a throaty moan as he painted your walls white, his thrusts starting to slow down as he kept you locked on his lap, making sure that none of his cum leaked out as you milked him of every drop.

Your body grew limp on his chest, your husband wrapping his arms around you as he rubbed your back. After a couple minutes, he laid you down gently on the bed, only now pulling out his cock which turned flaccid. You winced at the sudden empty feeling, but then let out a moan of surprise as he shoved two fingers in your entrance. “Baby! Sensitive!”

“I’m just making sure you take all of my cum, love.” He chuckled kissing your stomach, “One of my swimmers is our future baby.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, “I can’t believe you said your swimmers.”

“Do you want me to say sperm?” He asked, arching an eyebrow as he delivered a particularly hard thrust of his fingers, causing you to jolt in overstimulation, “Ah.”

After keeping his fingers plugged into your hole for about a minute, Minhyuk crawled up from where he was between your legs, giving you a proper kiss as he laid down next to you. 

“Thank you love, that was a good de-stressor––even if I did do most of the work at the end.”

You clicked your tongue, lightly punching his stomach as you grimaced, “I tried to do it, but you just had to take control, didn’t you?”

“I’m kidding,” He laughed, limbs draping over your body, “I couldn’t resist, you were too sexy.”

“Uh huh,” You nodded, shifting so that you were entangled in his arms. You hummed, face buried in his chest as you kissed his collarbone, “I love you.”

Minhyuk smiled, caressing your hair as he pulled you closer, feeling the most content and worry-free at this moment than he has in a while.

“I love you too, y/n.”

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2-6-21

[synoxshots]

The Master KOTFE Adventure

My latest project has been playing through KotFE on master mode.

Why ever would you want to do that? you may ask, and I have asked myself the same thing. In short, it was a mix of having a light sided empire toon that I didn't want the autocompletes on, and the fact that he is also the best geared character I've ever had and the discipline I've had most experience playing. And I've run through KotFE quite a few times so, freshening it up I guess? 

So this is how it went. This isn't a guide - more, a record of my experiences as I went through. As ever, some things I found easy others might find hard, and (more likely, lbr) vice versa. 

The gamer:

I play a Rage Jugg, wear Descent of the Fearless set, gear level 306 with a full set of 286 augments. So - very well geared, but not fully optimised stats wise. Experience wise for this - I'd done a few chapters on vet mode before with a Guardian (Focus) and Powertech (Pyrotech) though not always at max gear (probably in the 290s when I first gave it a go), and I like trying to solo group content like vet fps (master for Red Reaper only) because I don't love myself, I guess. A smidge of ops experience. I'm reasonably competent as a player but also prone to stupid, I don't claim to be great by any means.

Chapter I

All went smoothly, died on the last fight against the BD-148 elite skytrooper - but that was just because I forgot about heroic moments existing, given that half the chapter is spent without a companion. Used my enraged defence a few times but never really felt at risk of dying. Apart from the one time when I did, obviously. Marr goes up to 28 influence automatically. Lots of mobs can be skipped as they're already engaged in fights.

Chapter II

Quite a few mobs you can skip around. Valkorion heals you though he's not a companion so no heroic moment. Last monolith did get me close to death sometimes, so there was a bit of running away so I could heal up a bit more, and making good use of defensive abilities. But no deaths on this one!

Chapter III

I died twice on this one, both were easily preventable. The first was against the Ground Assault Walker (massive droid before the bridge) and pretty much because I hadn't raised Lana's influence yet, so I upped it to 20 before starting the fight again and cleared it very quickly. Sidenote: a while back I bought a bunch of Spiced Aric Tongue from the Jawa scrap peddlers as I didn't know what else to do with all that, Lana accepts it so it's a nice quick way to up her level (Koth likes it too, a lot, which is handy). Second death was against like, a handful of skytroopers when I was shutting down the reactor and really it was mostly because I wasn't paying attention properly, though Lana died both times at this point. There's another fight where these prototype skytroopers keep swarming and I was a bit nervous because there were kolto stations there and I couldn't entirely remember how intense it got. The answer was...not intense at all and I definitely didn't need them. The final fight on this one is the two Zakuul knights but they didn't cause me any problems. All in all I'd say the deaths I've had so far have all been my own fault.

Chapter IV

This...did not go as well. And I'm not entirely sure why, just bad play on my part I think mostly, sometimes there are days when I just play like trash *shrug*. Not timing things like enraged defence, heroic moments and so on very well which meant I died a few times to wildlife - twice the larger bosses, twice mobs of normal/strong ones. Yeah... Kept upping my companion influence so all three (Lana, Koth and HK by this point) got up to 27 but I think even higher than that may be needed as they just didn't seem to be healing well. 

Chap V

I was a bit wary heading into this one, as it was one I'd run before on vet mode and remembered having trouble with the skytrooper waves. I was less geared then though, and had less companion influence doing that, having now taken everyone up to about 32. I didn't record any deaths on this though had a near miss - but I had saved my enraged defence/heroic moment and so on and hit them at the right time. Hey, I'm playing smarter! 

Chapter VI

I found this chapter easy when I'd run it on veteran not long before, but that was not the case on master. Died the first time against Oggo, that was my own fault though, although he does have one particular ability that hits very hard. Then came the Scions. Ohhh boy. The first two you face killed me, fair enough I hadn't had a chance to raise Senya's influence yet. The second two, Venat and Berusal, caused me pain. The good thing is that when fighting the pairs and you take one down, if you die the other doesn't respawn. The other good thing is that Venat and Berusal can be pulled separately, the bad news is I found this out after a few attempts. And Berusal still killed me on his own the first time. I was not having a fun time. And then you face Heskal without a companion. It takes a bit of tactics. I tried to damage him whilst he was doing Debris Storm, though still had to avoid the red circles. Turbulence gives a lot of damage, so had to hastily get out the way/interrupt it. He also stuns you which isn't fun. Valky pops up and offers you an out after the first phase, unfortunately I decided to stay true to character and not take it. Bad times were had. I went to lunch. I asked a friend to help. My internet got switched off before that could happen. I found out I was able to summon a companion...I know I'm not supposed to story wise, and I'm not sure if you can normally (there's a lot of times when companion summon buttons are greyed out due to story restrictions) or if this was only because I'd previously logged out...but suddenly the fight became a lot easier. Funny that. Sigh. Moving on...

Chapter VII

Honestly not much to say about this one, nothing that caused me trouble. A lot of it is in the open world so regular difficulty rather than scaled to master. 

Chapter VIII

This one wasn't much trouble either, did die once when stuff was on cooldown, once in the final Arcann fight. Kiting him over and hitting the conduits there is a big help as they stun him, that is probably very obvious but I've literally never bothered with them on story or vet mode. We're halfway there!

Chapter X

This one also gave me a Time. The problem I had was when you come up against Faedral and Zaamsk. My first thought was the difficulty was because I hadn't raised Kaliyo's influence (oops, but you get her on the spot and I didn't have gifts handy...or at least the ones I thought she liked she didn't actually) (this is how I found out that agent!Kaliyo and alliance!Kaliyo have different preferences, apparently this will also apply to other - but not all - returning companions). But I raised her to 28 and still kept dying. It's a bit of a nasty fight honestly, and the guide I looked at said that juggs...aren’t ideal for it. Crowd control and interrupts are very handy. I kept getting really close to getting one of them down and dying just before I could, super annoying because it's another of those where if you take one down and die, you only have to face the other one. I took a break and read the guide more closely, watched some videos, and ultimately just decided to bring someone along to avoid the pain, or maybe share in it. I still died but we got through them. The fight against Tayvor Slen, the boss fight of the chapter, took a couple of tries with two of us - the first time I got stuck in a red circle and pretty much insta-killed. There was a bit of a close call on the second attempt but it was under control really. The achievement then comes through for chapter completion, all you have to do then is get out of the Overwatch, all things rosy right? Oh how wrong they were. A bunch of Zakuul Knights came along and literally just slaughtered us, full on, one-shotting us both - it was hilarious and extremely confusing because why?? how?? Did the bonus mission to get the prisoners to escape (look out for the glowing terminal, it says 'Overwatch Prison Logs' when you hover over it) - they one-shot a few Knights but then disappeared on us too. Who knows. But we got through it.

Chapter XI

A much nicer one though still had a handful of deaths. Where you meet up with Havoc Squad there's ambush of Skytroopers, followed by a couple of walkers - and the walkers beat me. They cast circles that I just couldn't get out of in time to save my health, even with my defensives. I'm not sure if they were the type to follow you or a sort of stamp move (I should have looked at the cast bar, come to think of it) - I suspect though it was the latter and so it wouldn't be an issue on a ranged character. The fight though does continue around you if you die so you don't lose the progress you make, just use the med probe, revive and rejoin. I only took Jorgan to level 7 because that was all the gifts I had, but most of the mobs were just regular trash, typically 3 at a time, which was no worry. When you attack the base the Knights are a bit harder - there's one round the back that does stealth strikes and that's a difficult one to face. I died - the respawn to medbay actually puts you inside the part with the forcefield you're supposed to take down, and then you can't get out of it...I maintain that I did find a way past the forcefield but it doesn't work as a cheesing method. Use your med probe, otherwise it's quick travel out and re-enter your phase. The final battle is a big droid (I forgot the name of it). It spawns a bunch of smaller droids, just ignore those and go for the boss - I didn't the first time and that's why I died - I lost Jorgan, I had two Knights chasing me whilst the droid put up shields, it didn't go well - second time I did it in less than a minute whilst using a heroic moment.

Chapter XII

This one you don't have a companion for, though it's not a big deal - for the most part my main enemy, as tends to be the case on this chapter, was the map. I think the regular mobs are scaled down a bit for playing without a companion. You can pick up an animal to help you as well, which you may as well do as things just die quicker. It runs off in caves. Valkorion does take your health down a fair chunk before he gives you his beat down but it wasn't so bad. Vaylin though took quite a few attempts. You can't interrupt her so you have to be on the ball with your defensives and timing them all, which includes the shield and medpac given in your temporary bar for the chapter. Really the medpac isn't that effective so don't count on it. There's a lot of running around as she casts red circles. Probably easier with a character with more self heals. I got through it after a few efforts, after getting close a few times, though even then I was still low on health by the end.

Chapter XIII

Yeah, this one was no trouble really, and that was with Gault at only level 4 influence. If things get hairy whack a bit more on him, there's no real mechanics to pose problems. As ever, good practice to stay out of circles on the boss fight, you have Vette there as well so a bit of extra damage going and yeah. Nothing to worry about.

Chapter XIV

Another that was nice and simple, I didn't even have any gifts to give Torian so was wandering around with him on level 1. Just a matter of timing defensives and heroic moments in that case. Lots is open world, too. Final boss fight was no problem at all.

Chapter XV

Reading guides for this put the fear of god into me, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it better than expected. The bosses were the toughest parts. The first is the Skytrooper Constructor, that one does spawn adds after a while as well. It killed me a couple of times but really I'm not sure what the best strategy was so I just went for the classic, burn it as fast as I possibly can and making use of heroic moment/defensives as well. The GEMINI droid at the end had me worried. That took 3 attempts (maybe 4, I think it was just 3 though), one of those my heroic moment was still on cooldown and Senya died quickly on it too. It was really just about managing defensives effectively as well, running away when she has the red cone in front of you, using the heroic moment for extra speedy damage. It was a close call in the end but my enraged defence came off cooldown at the perfect moment, thank you Grit Teeth. I wouldn't say this was an easy chapter by any means so quite proud of myself for getting through it on my own! The other thing I would say is watch out for the lasers - they don't do lots of damage on story mode, but on master they one-shot you if you get caught in them! The other various traps I probably got through easier than I have on the lower difficulties which may just be a testament to this being like, my fifth complete kotfe run at this stage haha.

Chapter XVI

The final chapter...and the one I was the most scared of. Took Lana up to lvl 50 in preparation...she duly died early on in the first boss anyway. KJ-931 is the first boss - I say first boss, there's still a high rank enemy immediately before that I died to a few times anyway and needed a heroic moment to beat. First attempt against KJ I actually came really close. Stay out of the aoes - there's a white circle and a yellow cone, as well as a big red laser thing where you have to rush to the corner and if you can - micromanage Lana well enough that she doesn't get caught up in them too. So I learnt that I am not good at micromanaging companions like that. Take the turrets rather than the shields, definitely - apparently the shields also have limited use, the turrets pull aggro as well as giving you damage so they're very handy. Sometimes on this fight I got one-shotted very quickly, others I managed to hold on a bit - but it was the first attempt that was my best run until I actually did it. Honestly I can't say what the trick was to finally getting it right...just a lot of blind panic and luck. Second boss is Dara Nadal - I found it easier to just go for the intense burn on her - put down the turrets, use a heroic moment, set Lana to damage as well and burn. Still took a few attempts on her but each time I was getting very close so I knew I would get there.

And then came Arcann. Ooooh boy. I'd been reading guides and watching videos in preparation but there's still a lot to keep on top of. I decided to use the Marr & Satele Special Saber rather than my usual one - having the benefit of being able to run around quickly was handy, and the other ability reflects damage from his saber attack. This took many attempts - some that went very quickly, some that got him to his final phase. Rather than going into specifics I'm going to link to this video as it probably explains what to do best (it’s handy for all the bosses). You really have to watch for the moment he gets to ~25% and stands in one spot - if you aren't able to do the shield whacky he will kill you straight up. My first time running towards him with the shield in that very last phase I died on the way up. It took me a long time and a lot on repair bills but this is another one I was very proud of for getting through on my own as there were times I didn't think I would.

General stuff:

I would say doing this is not for the light-hearted but it’s certainly possible! Apart from one chapter where I grabbed a friend I got through them all on my own

Some classes fair better in certain chapters than others. I went with my Jugg all the way through, but if you have the characters geared and you know them well enough - and you're doing this for the cheevos rather than going through the storyline - you're likely better off mixing and matching as you go. There were many occasions I wished I had range.

You will die to trash mobs. It is a fact of life. It feels embarrassing in the early chapters, you come to accept this and move on.

Companion influence helps a lot. Koth, Lana, and Senya all like delicacies (especially Koth, that man can eat) - you can grab these from the Jawa vendors in the cartel bazaar on fleet.

Med droids are also a booming industry thanks to the amount I've spent on repairs in the course of this.

There are more mechanics compared to story mode, and some that exist in story mode that you just notice more on master. But apparently the difference between vet and master is just artificial - more health and hitting harder. 

Going Commando is another good resource for their experiences playing through.

[hunterscoffee]

Promptlist One: #7, #17

Masterlist #7: The mornings together. Just, the mornings. #17: “Oops my bad, I could’ve sworn I was dealing with an adult, not a child.” Frenchie x Reader Warnings: None? Word Count: 885

The room had a golden tint to it as if you were seeing things through a pair of sunglasses, the type that made everything look divine. You both slept on your stomach, the shared sheet of the queen bed covering his waist and your chest. Just like clockwork, he woke, at the same time every morning, a few minutes before you did and a few minutes after the sun did. He rolled over to his side to look at you, your hair splayed over the pillow, your feet intertwined with his. It was then that the sun rose high enough to be seen above the buildings in your neighbourhood, the kind of neighbourhood with white picket fences and four-person families. He smiled softly at how beautiful you looked as you slept, so serene and angelic.

"I wish every morning could be like this," he whispered to you as you stirred in your sleep. "I would give the world for it to be like this."

He shifted himself closer to you, drawing an arm around your waist, you turned unconsciously towards him, burying your face in his chest. He rested his chin in your head, breathing you in. You yawn, cracking your eyes open to find it to be too bright and immediately closed them.

"Good morning," you mumbled, voice thick with sleep. 

"Good morning," he said back, brushing the hair in your face behind your ear, then resting his arm around your waist, "Did you sleep well?"

"With you here? Always." you smiled, nestling yourself closer to him. 

"You make it harder and harder for me to leave." he kissed your head, eyes sliding shut with momentary peace and contempt as he tightened his arms around you.

"I don't want you to leave," you pouted, pulling away from the embrace just so that you could see his face to find him pouting back at you.

You dragged your hand up to his cheek, pulling him in for a kiss. His hand slid up your back to your neck, lips soft against yours. The exchange lasted a minute before you swung your leg over his waist, he rested his hands on your hips as you settled into a saddle position above him. Your lips never left his own the whole time, not even when he pushed himself up into a sitting position. He flipped you over so your back touched the mattress then pulled away and shuffled to the edge of the bed in an attempt to get up.

"Nooo, please don't go. Just five more minutes," you begged, wrapping your arms around his waist and resting your head against his back.

"You know I can't. I need to go or they'll trace me back to you," he said, placing his hands on yours. 

"Pleeeaassee don't go," you begged again. 

“Oops my bad, I could’ve sworn I was dealing with an adult, not a child,” he said, your arms still tight around his waist. He tried to pick his shirt up from the floor. You lifted your head to trail kisses along his shoulder, he sat still so a second, relishing in your touch. "I have to go," he said once again. This time you didn't fight it, just sighed and let go of his midriff.

He stood and you collected the duvet around you, savouring the warmth and lingering smell of him of your duvet. He rummaged through the draws of your bedroom in an attempt to find clean clothes, ones that weren't as dirt-caked and sweat-stained as the ones he had arrived in. 

"How is Hughie?" you asked, "He can't be doing too well with Butcher gone." 

"He's not, he watches a Billy Joel video every day as a coping mechanism," he said, pulling on one of the shirts, the one you had washed with lavender detergent. You grabbed an oversized shirt off the floor as he pulled a pair of jeans on. 

You pulled the shirt over your head, letting it fall below your waist as he glanced around the room for his phone.

"What are you going to do?" You asked, playing with the hems of your sleeves. 

"I don't know what we can do, Butcher is gone and Vought is still Vought." He found the device, turning it on, checked for messages then shoved it in his back pocket. You pulled the covers back around you and stood quickly, moving in front of him. 

"I always miss you," you said, leaning against your door, slightly blocking his way out. 

"I miss you too, mon chère." he cupped your cheek, thumb stroking over your cheekbone.

"Not as much as I do," you huffed, "I worry about you, you know?" 

"I know," he frowned, dropping his hand and reaching for his jacket, hanging on the row of hooks by the door, "I love you," he whispered, giving you a shallow kiss as he pulled it on. 

"I love you." you sighed, watching him walk down the concrete path of your garden to the road where his latest car was parked. He didn't look back at you, as if he was trying to resist the temptation to spend the day in your arms. Still, the knowledge of him leaving your house every day to run straight into imminent danger cast dark shadows in your mind.

[chibienvychan03]

MC Learns How to Cook

No way. No how. It just could not be. You followed the recipe exactly. No short cuts. No substitutions. Yet somehow you wound up with this thing… While you would rather not waste food, you were definitely not going to it or gods forbid show it to a certain CEO/chef. You recalled the last time he witnessed your cooking.

 Victor takes one look at your latest cooking creation if it could be called one. “… Congratulations. You’ve created a new substance. I’m sure the scientists will be interested in how you managed this.”

 At this point, your eye is twitching, and you struggle to fight off the urge to strangle your boss. After all, he’s in charge of your paycheck along with everyone in your company. Think of your poor employees. Must remember them.

 “Thanks for your… suggestion. I’ll keep that in mind.” This is the last time you’ll let Victor come over before you’ve finished practicing on whatever dish you’re trying to create. You dump your creation into a container you’ve brought before cleaning up. All the while you’re purposely ignoring a certain person.

 Victor sighs a long one. He says something that you pay little attention to as you’re taking out your frustrations on the poor cookware. They won’t clean themselves after all. Once you’re finished and Victor’s kitchen is back to normal, you grab your dish and storm out of there.

 Your anger and frustration are completely apparent, and if Victor doesn’t pick up on it, well he may as well be the dummy or blind. As tempting as it is, you somehow manage to refrain from slamming the door shut. No need to owe Victor any more than you already do.

 The strange multicolored black lump had to be useful for something. The first thing that came to your mind was paperweight, but it might attract unwanted pests and would probably start rotting. Out of the question. Using it as a weapon? No. First of all Gavin would hear about it, and second you couldn’t think of anyone in your life that warranted such a treatment including Victor. At the same time, you hate wasting what was supposed to be food. Maybe it would make good fertilizer? Surely it wouldn’t kill the plants. If it did… oops?

 After taking out your frustration on the black lump, you shove the now pulverized stuff into a container and took it outside your home. You glanced around to make sure no one (or camera) was looking before you deposited your “fertilizer” onto a random bush. The leaves hid the evidence.

 Back at home, you went online and searched for available cooking classes. Even if it costs a lot of money, there was no way you were going to him and asking him for lessons. You’re already deep in debt with him. Plus that smug smirk of his even if he looked handsome wearing it. It took awhile to find a good instructor within Loveland, but you found someone who was about to start classes. When you went to register, your jaw dropped at how much, but then again, the classes were small, and they provided everything including the ingredients and apron.

 So worth it.

 You open your wallet to pay for these classes. If the teacher was anything like the reviews said, you knew this was going to be a great learning experience for you.

 On your first day there, you managed to get lost until you ran into another person who was in the same class as you. At least he knew how to get there. The two of you arrived a few minutes ahead of the class starting in spite of you getting lost. Well he didn’t. There was a total of six students. Hence the high costs, but you kept thinking how great it would be to show up Victor… not outdo him, more like show him you could do more than what he anticipated.

 Your teacher looked awfully familiar. Had you seen him somewhere? Not recalling where you had seen him frustrated you. Maybe once introductions were done, you’d remember… wait a moment, you recalled reading a name when you signed up. Why couldn’t you pull that information up? It was like your brain needed rebooting.

 “My name is Kalvin, and I’ll be your instructor for the next three months,” the guy introduced himself. That was when you realized he had many cooking videos where he showed step by step how to make quite a few dishes. Not that you were his fan or bookmarked his profile on the video website. Nope.

 As it turned out, the person who helped you find the place was name Levi. He looked like an expert when handling the knife. You, on the other hand, appeared to be drunk. Your vegetables were lopsided no matter how hard you tried. It was frustrating.

 “You’ll hurt yourself that way. It’s better to have a good grip on both the ingredient and your knife.” It was that guy. When you looked over at his station, his vegetables were perfectly cut. He picked up one of your and showed you where to position both your hand and the knife, but he didn’t cut the eggplant. Instead he handed it back to you.

 You attempted it and almost cut yourself if it weren’t for his quick reflexes. “Thanks.” On your next attempt, he helped you by moving your hand and knife where they should be in order to not cut yourself. It felt different than what you were used to, however, you managed to cut the eggplant into decent sized pieces. Not as good as certain people though a lot better than when you first started.

 Your neighbor gave you a few tips on handling a knife and returned to his station. Maybe the two of you could be friends after this or something. The other students appeared to not be the friendly type as none of them bothered to greet you during the break nor did they help you when you were struggling. At the end of class, you all made a couple edible dishes… at least yours was. When you looked at your classmates, they all looked good… and smelled good too. Sigh.

 Once you finished cleaning up your station, you found that guy waiting for you. “It’s not safe for a lady to walk alone at night.”

 What a gentleman and caring too. “Thank you for staying… and helping me out.”

 The guy shrugged it off. “Everyone has to start somewhere. Myself included. Let’s just say I have a way with knives.”

 Something told you that you didn’t want to know what he meant by that. “Whatever it is, you’re an expert with it. Me? I’m clumsy.” You walked alongside him, and he even slowed down his speed to accommodate yours. If only a certain person… then again, it wouldn’t be him and didn’t feel right.

 “It takes practice. Trust me I cut myself a lot when I first started.” Ouch. It reminded you of yourself when you first attempted to cook. Needless to say, you now kept a first aid kit and a couple of fire extinguishers in your kitchen.

 “Sounds painful.” If he wasn’t there while you practiced outside of class, you knew you’d need those bandages perhaps several.

 “Anyways if you want help practicing, let me know. I’m self-employed.” Did he just read your mind?

 “Please. I don’t want to look like a fool in front of him.” Your cheeks become a bright red.

 “You’re learning how to cook for your boyfriend?” he teased. When you glared at him, he held up his hands. “Sorry. I’ll avoid that landmine.”

 You shake your head. “We’re not dating.”

 “But you like him, otherwise, you wouldn’t be doing this.” How observant he was! Could this become any more embarrassing?

 “How can you tell?” You hesitantly ask.

 “Because there’s a guy I like.” Did he just say he liked a guy? “If that bothers you…”

 You shake your head. It didn’t bother you at all. “No, I’m just surprised since you know… a lot of people don’t admit it to someone they first meet.”

 “This guy doesn’t even know I exist… He is rather selective about what he remembers, and he cares about only one person who isn’t me.” You want to comfort and reassure him, but it’d feel a bit awkward or at least until you get to know each other.

 “So you’re hoping to win him over?”

 “The guy’s probably straight, and even if he isn’t, I probably don’t stand a chance,” your classmate sighed a long one. “But still his dietary habits are… not good for his profession. It’s physically demanding, and bad eating habits wind up with complications later on in life.”

 You began thinking of your own dietary habits and wince. His words were true. If anything, you’d at least learn how to cook healthy for yourself. “When you cook, you can control the salt, sugar, and fat contents.” He nodded his head.

 “You forgot it’s cheaper too.”

 “Yeah, easy on the wallet.” You two laugh… well his was more of a chuckle. “You want to exchange numbers?” You took out your phone and show it to him.

 “Why not?”

 After exchanging numbers, you reached the bus stop. You were about to board the bus when he started to walk away. It turned out he didn’t need the bus, but rather wanted to make sure you got on safely. This reminded you a lot of a certain cop, but he was away on a mission.

 Since you knew when classes would be held, you were able to change your work schedule to accommodate it. Anna, being supportive of your desire to learn and the fact she knew why you decided to take lessons in the first place, took charge whenever work ran late or for any sudden changes like a shoot being postponed and reports being delayed. She said it was for only three months, not three years. You decide to treat her to a well-deserved vacation once you finish your classes. Thanks to her efforts, you never missed a class.

 Also thanks to Kalvin and your friendly classmate your cooking improved by leaps and bounds. This time you could handle a knife without cutting yourself! You still needed to work on cutting the ingredients into the same size and shape, but that came with practice as they told you. Focusing on your cooking had become easier. You’re able to cook a dish without having your mind wander too far. It helped to have more than a pair of eyes watching your cooking. It was embarrassing at first being reminded to turn off the stove, lower the heat, or something else. About a third into your class, you didn’t need that many reminders which your new friends praised you for. Friends as in the teacher and the nice classmate.

 You were excited for today’s lesson. Dumplings! Two classes ago, Kalvin announced you’d be making dumplings and that you’d get to decide on which ones you wanted to make. He also needed to know as they needed to buy the ingredients for it. Once you handed in your list, you were told not to change. Otherwise you risk not having the proper ingredients for the filling. Trading ingredients was sometimes done, but not that often. Somehow with the way your classmates interacted with you, you doubted they would trade any of their ingredients with the exception of that one person. Rather than risk it, you had made a list of what you wanted to make and gave it to them last class.

 When you reach your station, you started preparing for your lesson. You glanced over to your classmates. They were all busy with their own preparations. Your only friend was already prepared and waiting for your teacher to arrive.

 “Looks like someone is in high spirits today,” he said in a casual tone, no teasing. “But it’s no surprise. We’re making dumplings, and we get to pick the filling.”

 Nodding your head, you completely agreed with him. “There’s someone I want to thank. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be able to attend every class.”

 “She covered for you?”

 “Yeah, and she volunteered for it too! She’s someone I can count on.” In fact, you thought of her more as family than an employee.

 “That certainly deserves a thank you gift.” She wasn’t the only one you plan on thanking. You also wanted to thank him for mentoring you in spite of his work even if he was his own boss. That was something the two of you had in common except he didn’t have employees. He was what they called an independent contractor or something similar to it. “What did you pick?”

 You listed off what you wanted to make much to his amusement. The ingredients were mostly the same, and the way they were cooked too. Plus you wanted to learn as much as possible. You rolled up your sleeves. “I can do this.”

 “Don’t rush yourself. We have class tomorrow and can finish it then.”

 “Yeah, but I don’t think I can keep quiet about the gift any longer.” You felt like you had drunk several mugs of espresso. “And what if they don’t like it?”

 “Have faith in yourself. Don’t forget. Failure is an option. Take it as a learning experience instead of beating yourself over it. It doesn’t do you any good ruminating on what if scenarios.”

 The way he said it, something terrible had to happen in his past and that something changed him. You weren’t close enough to ask and you doubted he would voluntarily tell you. Some things were better left unsaid as someone once said. “You’re right. I may stumble, but I get back up on my feet and move forward.” After everything that happened in your life, you had become a stronger person.

 You chat about everyday things, namely you complain about your work and unreasonable boss. Thankfully he was willing to listen to you vent. Some of his commentaries were hilarious and gave you ideas on editing certain pictures. You didn’t plan on showing anyone else, lest, they managed to make their way to that person.

 Then you noticed him looking at his watch and frown. “Our teacher is late. He’s never late. I hope he’s okay.” As soon as he mentioned it, you pulled out your phone and looked at the time. He was right. Your teacher was definitely more than late. Kalvin usually arrived there early in order to prepare for the lesson. Your lesson should have started about ten minutes ago.

 SLAM!

 You jerked in the direction of the sound with a start, heart racing. It couldn’t be Kalvin as he had never slammed a door, not while you were in class with him. Your friend didn’t appear to be affected by this as if he was used to this. Why couldn’t you be that way? But no, you had to be jittery and full of nerves. Instead of your friendly teacher, you see a taller and much thinner man make his way to where Kalvin normally stood when demonstrating to the class. It turned out your usual teacher was sick, and he was there to help as he owed Kalvin a favor. Two classes. You hoped you would be able to survive this.

 “He looks familiar,” you blurted out.

 Your teacher looked in your direction as if he heard you, and you could see his eyes widen a lot. What? He never introduced himself but launched directly into the lesson. Still you get the feeling you know him from somewhere.

 You didn’t have much time to dwell on this as your teacher instructed you to gather your ingredients from the walk-in fridge. Room temperature ingredients were already at your station, but the ones that needed to be chilled were in in the colder room. Each student had a couple bags with their names on them. You groaned upon finding yours. They had to put it just beyond your reach. Stretching out was useless as was jumping and tippy toeing.

 A hand reached over your head. You turned around to find your male friend. He was definitely taller than you, but not a whole lot. “Thanks.”

 “No problem.” When he handed them to you, you almost fall forward. Those ingredients were heavy, yet, he handled them as if they weighed nothing. “Here, let me help you.”

 You followed him out into the much warmer room and discover you were the last two to get your ingredients. Your instructor narrowed his eyes at the two of you. What was his problem? It wasn’t that long, and helping others was a good thing, not bad. Your only friend in this class, Levi, placed your ingredients at your station before heading to his.

 Mystery teacher appeared to be less than pleased by this. Now that you gave it some thought, he looked downright pissed. Was he angry or upset at you? It wasn’t like you could help being that short. Maybe your strength could be improved… okay, it needed a lot of work on it, but that took time. Gentlemen were rare and far between these days. A rare species even! Your other classmates, who happen to be all females, weren’t fond of you. Now your substitute teacher wasn’t either. You hoped he would be there for only a couple of days. There were only two nice people in the class, and one of them was absent.

 As he began explaining the method for making the filling, there was that nagging thought in the back of your head. No matter how hard you tried to kick it out, it kept returning. You knew this guy from somewhere and sometime. It was a matter of figuring out where and when. Something hit your leg. You glanced over to the only male student who nodded towards the front of the classroom.

 Oh crap. It looked like you had spaced out for a bit. Instead of being caught by the mean teacher, it was someone on your side. Phew. You focused your concentration on learning how to make those delicious dumplings. Then maybe just maybe you wouldn’t have to spend a fortune buying them at your favorite place. Yours wouldn’t be as good as theirs, but that would be akin to comparing a first-time student to an experienced teacher.

 Grumpy, your substitute teacher, moved onto filling and folding the dumplings. He showed the different techniques and dumpling presentations. While he made it look easy, you knew your first dumplings would wind up as lumps of dough with meat fillings. Easier said than done as the saying went. After Grumpy answered a few questions and showed the others again, he told you to get to work.

 Your filling turned out to be acceptable. Eating raw meat was definitely not a good idea. Grumpy taught you to take a spoonful of your filling and cooking in order to taste test it. It took a few attempts to get the seasonings right. First time you couldn’t taste anything. Second time there wasn’t enough salt. Third was too much salt so you added some extra ingredients. Third time the veggies were undercooked, but the taste was good. You mentally noted you needed to add more time in cooking the filling.

 When you looked over at the others, they were well on their way to finishing their dumplings while you were just starting the assembling portion of it. You had an extra day, but did you really want to spend it with Grumpy over there? Not really. All right, time to get marching or rather folding. You had an idea of how much to add and what to do, but your clumsy fingers kept messing up. As you thought, your dumplings looked more like blobs, tasty ones. The first few batches tended to be the practice ones. You planned on eating your failed dumplings and giving the rest to your friends. Hopefully you’d end up with more successful dumplings than failed.

 By your tenth one, you had made a little progress, but you still wouldn’t give them to your friends especially Kiki. You would never hear the end of it from her. Just as you were about to start crying, Levi came to your rescue yet again. “Need some help?”

 You nodded your head. “I can’t get them right.” The failed dumplings proved your point.

 “It’s not hard once you know a trick,” he said as he grabbed a wrapper. He then proceeded to make a dumpling, explaining every step.

 Grumpy was there for only two days. After that, you wouldn’t have to deal with him or so you thought. Through his explanation, you couldn’t help but think that you had met this person somewhere. Not only that, but his voice sounded awfully familiar, one that you heard several times. Hard as you tried, your mind couldn’t pull out a name. It frustrated you to no ends. Yet, you couldn’t put too much thought to it as your teacher appeared to be the no nonsense, get it done type.

 Making the filling was the easy part. Assembling was a different story. Your clumsy fingers kept messing up your first dumpling. At this rate, you’d need a third day to finish all the dumplings you planned on making. The others managed to get the hang of making theirs. Why did you have to be the slowest? Just as you were about to cry, your friend walked over to your station.

 “Don’t you have dumplings to make?” Your teacher glared at the guy. Where did Grumpy come from? Was he secretly a ninja or something?

 Your friend raised his hand to show he meant no harm. “We didn’t want to trouble you since you were busy helping another student.”

 “That is why I’m here,” Grumpy said, still glaring at your friend. “I’m the teacher. Got that?”

 “Understood.” Your reinforcements made a strategic retreat, leaving you to face the Grumpster by yourself. At least there were other witnesses. He wouldn’t try anything while there were others who would witness it, right?

 “What’s your problem?” Grumpy asked. That was what you wanted to ask him.

 “Err… folding it, but I think I got it!” You demonstrated your new folding technique. While it wasn’t that good, it was a lot better than your first dumplings.

 “Do it again.”

 Okay. You repeated the process. This time Grumpy made some suggestions on how to further improve your dumpling as well as speeding it up. Oh oh oh! Why didn’t you think of using that? It saved you time and effort. In spite of his cold attitude, Grumpy turned out to be a knowledgeable teacher. Yet, you kept thinking that you were supposed to know him.

 Those hours were a lot shorter than you imagined them to be. Thanks to Grumpy’s and Levi’s assistance, you were able to assemble all your dumplings, but cooking them all was a different story. Class ended. Your last batch of dumplings were not fully cooked. They needed a little more time.

 “Aren’t you going home? You’re finished.” Why was he still here when he did not have to be? He already finished his and packed them too.

 “I could, but I’m not letting you go the bus alone,” Levi stated. It reminded you of Gavin, the way he was protective of you, but more of an overprotective big brother way than someone who could be interested in you. “It’s getting late.”

 “Go home,” Grumpy said, appearing out of nowhere again. “Class is over.”

 “Sorry teacher, it’s dangerous for her to be alone at this time.” The two men seemed to be in a glaring showdown. One of them was definitely taller than the other. Was Grumpy this tall? You hadn’t noticed as you were too busy trying to make dumplings last time he came to your station.

 “I will take the young lady home,” Grumpy said in a very authoritative tone. This was too familiar.

 “You have a vehicle?”

 “What do you think? Of course, I have a vehicle. A lot safer than your motorcycle.” That arrogance and haughty tone could only be… no way.

 If he was who you thought he was, it was mind blowing. Wasn’t he already busy with TWO business? Granted one of them was a side business than full time, Still… You didn’t want to believe, but all the evidence pointed in that direction.

 You pointed your finger at him. “VICTOR!?”

 Good thing the other students already left. Otherwise, you’d make yourself look like a fool again. If Victor was in disguise, then he also didn’t want anyone to know…. Oops? You just outed him to your newest friend.

 “Took you long enough to notice, Dummy.” With that, Victor took off his disguise.

 “… I heard nothing. I saw nothing. See ya next class.” Levi didn’t appear or sound intimidated by Victor. No, it felt more on awkward being the third wheel.

 “Who is he?” Victor demanded to know as he stepped close to you, pinning you between himself and your station.

 “He’s a classmate… and a friend. Why?”

 “I don’t trust him. Stay away from him.” Victor sounded very cold and very angry. There was a look about him, something feral. It sent chills up and down your spine.

 “Are you jealous?” you blurt out. Open mouth and insert entire leg. Why stop at your foot? Why not put in your entire leg?

 “Me? Jealous? Where did you get that absurd idea?”

 You giggled, not believing him. “You’re jealous of my gay friend.”

 “Are you deaf? I’m not jealous of your what did you say?” Victor blinked in disbelief as if he couldn’t comprehend what you just told him.

 “My gay friend. Yes, Victor, he likes guys. You have a problem with it?”

 The bright blush on his cheeks spoke volumes. “No, I do not.”

 You decided to press your luck. “He’s more of an older brother to me. You know? Looks after me, helps me, and encourages me without being interested in that way.”

 “How do you know he likes guys? He could be lying.”

 You were now giving him the ‘I can’t believe I have to explain it to you,’ look. “We went to the mall to shop and look at cute guys.” Victor’s eyes widened. “Kiki and Willow came too. You can ask them. They’ll vouch for us and that my friend likes guys.”

 “You looked at ‘cute guys?’”

 “Is there anything wrong with appreciating the aesthetics of men?” Apparently those were the wrong words to say as Victor’s attitude darkened quickly. “I can’t believe I have to say this to you of all people.”

 “You—”

 You cut him off. “Just because I like how something looks doesn’t mean I love it. I like looking at art, but I’m not in love with art. I love cute animals, but I’m not in love with them. I love eating good food, but I’m not in love with them either.”

 “This appreciation is superficial?”

 “YES! If a good-looking guy is mean and nasty, I wouldn’t like him even if he paid me to.” You hoped this would drive home your point.

 Victor appeared to be distraught over something. Was it what you said? Why was he suddenly quiet? Wait a moment, did that mean you’d lose your funding? Victor wouldn’t be this petty, would he?

 “You’re heavy. Mind giving me some space?” At this point, he was practically on top of you.

 “Do you dislike me?”

 Eh?

 “Never mind.” Victor pulled away from you, not letting you answer the question he just asked. However, you weren’t about to let it drop.

 “I don’t dislike you. Sure, you give me a hard time and are annoying, but that doesn’t amount to disliking. I guess you can say I’ve gotten used to you.”

 “I’m annoying?”

 “At times, yes.”

 “When have I ever been –”

 DING! Your timer went off.

 “My dumplings are finished.” You rushed over to turn off the stove, ignoring Victor’s attempts to find out what you find annoying about him. They were finished. You began taking them out and placing them into your containers. It gave you time to think of an answer. Your mind was in overdrive trying to figure out a way to redirect his attention.

 “Are you listening?” As soon as he opened his mouth to ask, you shoved an earlier dumpling into his mouth. Why didn’t you think of this before?

 Rather than spitting it out, Victor ate it. He wasn’t the type to waste food. “Not bad… for a dummy. Why are you smiling like that?”

 “From you, that’s practically a complement,” you sounded pleased. You knew your cooking would get better, but for your first lesson, it was good.

 “What are you going to do with them?”

 You glanced over to Victor who had that look. “I’m giving them to my friends.”

 “……”

 “You’re not getting any.”

 Victor’s stance became rigid as he narrows his eyes at you and folds his arms over his chest.

 “I’m going to make more with better ingredients.”

 Victor relaxed a little. “You noticed the quality of the ingredients?”

 You laughed at his observation. “Of course, I did. I may not be an expert at cooking, but I am when it comes to tasting. Besides it should be obvious.”

 “Obvious?”

 “Cooking classes aren’t going to give you the finest ingredients… at least this level.” Done! You finished packing your dumplings. As you were about to start cleaning up, you notice Victor grabbing the pots. They still needed to be washed.

 “What are you waiting for? Get the rest.”

 Between the two of you, you cleaned up your station in no time, and Victor insisted on carrying your dumplings to his car. You wanted to split the load between you two, but he wouldn’t have any of it, saying that you were too weak to carry it. Consider it a reward for improving that much in such a short amount of time, according to him.

 “Why didn’t you come to me?”

 You blushed. “You have a large company to run and a small shop. I didn’t want to be a burden to you.”

 “What’s one more thing?”

 “Hey!” You pouted and puffed your cheeks while looking away from him. “I also wanted to surprise you with my cooking skills. Besides weren’t you encouraging me to be more self-motivated?”

 Victor appeared to be stunned for a moment. “Heh. Never thought you’d be using my own words against me. That’s a first… and it’ll be the last time.”

 “Is that a challenge?”

 “You want it to be?”

 “Bring it on, Tsundere!”

 “Dummy, I’ll make you regret saying those words.”

[kerwritesthings]

South Of The Equator

Summary: Gestures of love are woven in the fabric of relationships, especially ones built around the priority of your love

Word Count: literally juuuuust shy of 5.8k

Warning: pining, love and fluff

Author Notes: Muse fell in love with this photo last week when Bre threw it out onto my dash, spit out stupid notes at midnight that night for it along with about 350ish words and then didn’t touch it until again yesterday evening where I proceeded to crank out about 5.8k in less than 24 hours. Oops?

This falls well later into the verse, like the latest I’ve taken it thus far. It just felt right to bring this into that part of the timeline with the premise and where the muse was taking this. Can be read as a standalone but diving into the verse and the masterlist would give a little bit more understanding.

It was not in the plans. Whatsoever. A whim. A lot of longing. A lot of missing connections. A lot of feeling that this was a sync you just wouldn’t be able to get. That scares the both of you, more than either of you will let on especially to the other. You both promise that this would be the longest stretch on this very last swing – something like 48 or 50 days depending on travel for both of you, that a somewhere between 12 and 14-hour plane ride at best for a long weekend made no sense. You’re in Bucharest when he starts the swing in Mexico. What was thought to be a few days off for him to come home to see you between the last Mexico show and the venture further south becomes non-existent, with surprise pop up concerts in both Costa Rica and Panama along with hoopla surrounding them on either side that the label drops last minute. You initially think you’d be able to make the last shows, but there was a potential work trip to Hong Kong hanging over your head, so you both agree not book anything.

Well, love makes you do some stupid and irresponsibly crazy things. When the Asia client pushes their timeline back, things change completely. Which is why you find yourself on the phone, trying to make arrangements while juggling 7 open browser tabs on your laptop at nearly 1am. This is what you do for each other. It’s been established. It’s been done for each other on numerous occasions throughout your relationship. But it’s never been something like this. This grand and involved.

“Up for a bit of a challenge?” you start. “What’s the actual schedule like between Buenos and Rio and Santiago?”

“Flip it around. Chile first. Then Buenos then Sao Paulo. Finish off in Rio,” Beatriz laughs. “Don’t book the wrong flight. Cause. This is where it’s going isn’t it? This bugger is so lucky to have you. He best appreciate this. He’s been whiny. More to Cez then me. Andrew too, but he trusts Cez more when it comes to you.”

“He’s not the only one,” you sigh. “Dee’s taken to sending me videos and photos of Tali every day before I call to bitch to her to try to ease my tension. We’ve done longer, when we first got together. This one though. We’re just not taking it well, either of us. It feels off. He can’t come to me, so I have to go to him.”

“There’s doubles now in Santiago, not just in Buenos and Rio. Only the one in Sao Paulo. Days off scattered through, but definitely some between the city jumps. Are you really going to try to do just a weekend down here?” she asks.

“Work remote if I can swing it. Then bank out on some time off. I’m due after the extra hours to lock in the Danish project and the haul to Bucharest for basically a 48-hour lookie loo from them with no commitments. Boss lady is great as long as my work gets done and I don’t pull the ask for ‘but my famous boyfriend’ very often, if at all,” you explain, poking away at the keys of your laptop.

“Ooh Denmark, so you going to get out for that one?” Beatriz questions. “Do you have a lam for this tour? Should we get you another?”

“I think I can, timing looks ok and I may be able to drag Shawn with me for once since it’s after all this hoopla,” you mutter, poking at Kayak and cursing. “I think I do, snag one just in case if it’s not too much trouble. It looks like Air Canada has a direct from Pearson to Santiago at 11 hours of flight time and an overnight red-eye. Bless it. No layovers. Less chance for him to even let on. Y’all can sneak me in on the flights between yeah?”

“Shawn is gonna shit you know this right?” she laughs. “I heard about your surprises you both have pulled on each other before, but this is something else. Duh girl, yes of course. He’d have you sit on his lap the whole flight if he had to, but we definitely have the room. Give me the flight info. I’ll make Cez book it. Do not even think about clicking that buy button that I know you’re hovering over.”

“Bea...” you begin.

“No, not hearing it. Cez blocked out travel budget for him to go home and you know that didn’t happen, so your flight there and then back with him at the end it is instead,” Beatriz interjects. “I’ll loop in C for sure. Maybe Andrew. Less folks who know the better, we need to keep this on lock down.”

“Beatriz, you’re the best. I owe you big time. I’m so glad you’re on this rag tag motley crew,” you thank her. “Let Cez know if he needs anything when he’s booking, if they don’t have it saved to just let me know.”

“Bottle of Bulleit and you finally spill the recipe for those kitchen sink bars the boys are always raving about and inhaling, we’ll call it even,” she deadpans. “But no really, I’m glad to help. As much as I tease that boy of yours, I’ve got a soft spot for him. We need to figure an epic reveal. It’s late. I’ll fire off a text to Cez and we’ll be on it tomorrow. Off with you. Night!”

You have a week between that call and your flight down to get all your things in order luckily. Work is understanding and accommodating, your boss practically sending out the out of office email for you after she hears your plans. He meanwhile has a few shows in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia ahead of him within that same time frame.

“There’s that face I adore,” you smile through FaceTime as you’re tucked in bed, two nights before you’re due to leave. “Hi you. How was the show? Where are you now?”

“Just out of the shower in the hotel and about to fall face first into bed, but I needed a dose of my pretty girl before I do,” he exhales, running a hand though his mess of wet curls. “Good, crowds down here are something else. Beyond the first time I swung through, on the last tour. And them singing back in perfect English still breaks my brain a little. Tired though. Looking forward to the break. Day break here, then like a half one off in Santiago before the last few shows. It’s so crazy to think we’re there already.”

“I can’t believe it’s almost over,” you murmur. “You did it baby, an entire circle of the globe. I’m beyond proud of you.”

“As much as I love this, I’m ready for just me, you and our bed. At least for a week straight, if not a few of them,” he chuckles. “Remind me of how tired I am now when I start to say I’m twitchy or bored, ok?”

“If you say so,” you say sleepily. “Just remember, I get to drag you with me on some my work trips next. Denmark for sure. Hong Kong perhaps since that’s still a moving target. Maybe Prague. Wanna be a silly romantic tourist with you for a bit. Just me and you”

“Always me and you, sweetheart. Go get some sleep. You’ve got work in the morning,” he whispers. “We can talk more tomorrow, promise.”

“You sure?” you fight back a yawn, eyes starting to flutter. “Can you sing to me though? Please? I miss you. Be like you’re here.”

He starts humming at first, the eases into a slowed down, Shawn-esque version of Sam Smith’s Latch. You want to stay awake to hear the whole thing, but he sounds like he’s there singing it right into your ear while he’s got your back against his chest. It’s so pretty, easy and dream like that you drift off in moments. He watches you for a few minutes after he finishes the song, making sure you’re truly asleep. Plus, he just wants to feel like he’s next to you in bed.

“Goodnight and sleep well, baby,” he whispers before disconnecting from FaceTime, a small smile slipping across his lips.

“He still has no clue by the way, so you’ve done a bang-up job,” Cez explains as he rings you while you’re in the car on the way to Pearson. “You’re still running on time from what we checked so you’re good. We’ve got everything square. Bea will come snag you from the airport, you’ll have time to hit the hotel, she’ll have the extra room key for you so you can get some actual rest and then get ready. Figure we’ll grab you while he’s doing Q&A. Do you want to surprise him before the show? After?”

“During?” you laugh, leaning your head back against the headrest as the car makes its way down the 401. “Maximum effect. Con would be on my side too you know, epic footage.”

“Of course, you do,” he retorts. “I should have known. Don’t forget, I’m on your side too. I’m glad this worked. I know it’s been a long stretch. For the both of you. I’ve seen it wear on him, but he’s put up a good front minus a few nights where he ends up with me until he needs to get to sleep, just needing someone who understands to talk to.”

“I’m glad he has you, that we both have you. You are a gift, Cez, really,” you reply as the car slows to ease up to the terminal. “I’m just about to hop out. I’ll text you and Bea when I land in the morning, customs will probably take a bit to get through. Thank you again.”

“Fly safe, dear. Try to get some rest and we’ll see you tomorrow,” he responds.

Check in was easy, of course they went above and beyond on the flight. You text Cez and Bea a photo of a cookie from the lounge with your ticket telling them they did not need to and thanking them. Cez responds first.

Again, you know if he found out we flew you like in row 24 on a flight that long, he would pitch a fit. I’m not up for a Shawn fit this late into the last of the last legs of tour. Enjoy the space and the lay flat. Sunshine and that boy awaits you.

Beatriz chimes in next.

Label owes you and the pain in the arse, so enjoy it! Have one for me. I’ll be there for you tomorrow with bells on and a tea in hand. Cannot wait for this – so epic. You two are nauseatingly adorbs.

The flight wasn’t crowded thankfully and the room to stretch fully is a welcome bonus. You are able to wind down a lot easier than expected and get a decent amount of sleep especially given it was on a flight, lay flat or not. Despite an extra circle, you land only a few minutes past your initial arrival time, make it through customs quickly and thankfully your luggage is waiting for you once you’re done.

“There she is,” Beatriz calls out as you head out to the open concourse. “And in one piece too with all your bits and bobbles. Good, the boss won’t be angry. And as promised, your tea!”

“Which one?” you chuckle, snagging the iced chai before hugging her.

“I can handle Cez, your man though,” she rolls her eyes as you walk out to the sprinter van. “He tried you last night when we were coming back from dinner, couldn’t get through even though we all told him it was late. He got all sad puppy. You were just about taking off, so it made sense. If he only knew what today is bringing him. I’ll drop you at the hotel, sleep, shower, eat, do whatever. I’ll be round to grab you about 4.”

As soon as you step into his room, you are overwhelmed just by the sheer sense of being back in his space again, despite him not even being there at the moment. You drop your suitcase, strip and crawl immediately into his still unmade bed to surround yourself in the smell of him. Setting your alarm before you drift off, you curl yourself around his pillow and exhale. Only a few more hours and you’ll be able to wrap your arms around him instead of a goose down that carries whiffs of his scent. A deep breath, an inhale you hold just for a moment before letting it go carefully and you’re drifting away.

You wake shortly before the alarm and to a couple texts from Shawn.

Miss you pretty girl. Almost there.

FaceTime after the show tonight? Even just for a few, I can tuck you in from here again like the other night.

Saw this on the drive over before, couldn’t help but think of you.

It was a slightly angled photo out the car window, but it was of a park with a fountain surrounded by high bushes littered with flowers.

I wish I could press you into those blooms and kiss you. Would make such a pretty picture. Love you baby.

You will yourself not to cry. That sweet, sentimental boy of yours. You’ll have time, you need to make that happen tomorrow.

I miss you sweetheart, so much. Yes to tonight, I’d love a tuck in from you. We’re so close. Love you <3

A shower, some primping and a good battle with both your blow dryer and your travel steamer later, you’re finally ready to head out.

“He’s a lucky bastard this one,” Beatriz whistles before handing over your new credential as you slide the van door closed behind you. “Don’t you have any sisters you can send my way? Cousins?”

“Sorry Bea, only child,” you laugh, as the van pulls away. “Cousins are stateside and not your type.”

“He was happy to hear from you before. Stopped in the middle of sound check to look at his phone. Got all stupid smiley and googly eyed,” she rolls her eyes. “He’s so gone on you if it wasn’t so bloody sweet to see him so gushy, it would make me ill.”

“Just wait ‘till later. I should apologize now,” you explain.

“Why there’s no plans for post-show, dearie. We knew better,” she giggles. “Shawn’s not going to want to share.”

You can’t help but smile as you pass the park he sent you the photo of earlier, it’s prettier than his shot let on. You definitely have to go there tomorrow. From that point, it’s a windy way through the streets of Santiago to the arena.

“He should just be wrapping up,” Beatriz prattles, looking at her watch as you make your way through the bowels of the building. “Which is good, I can sneak you into Cez’s room without him sniffing about. You, he, Jake and Con still need to hash everything out yeah?”

“Kind of. It’s the fine tuning of details at this point,” you say, flipping the pass around in your hands before slipping it around your neck as you walk, still not fully grasping you’re going to see him as soon as you are. “It’s a matter of where to go in the pit during his walk up to stage where I won’t be spotted too easily, but also not be in the way of everything either. I think it’ll work, totally up to Jake though. Worse case, we’ll do it just before rally or he hits the stage. Better visuals, and Con will agree with me, but it’s Jake and Cez who have final call.”

“It’s brilliant, all of it. However, here is where I leave you for now,” Beatriz nudges you through the door into Cez’s makeshift office for the next two days. “Need to make sure the sound techs have everything. Fridge is stocked, so steal what you need. He should be back in a few. They’re due to be walking your man now. His room isn’t far, so stay put. I’ll let C know you’re here. Toodles!”

Shortly after you settle in on the couch, engrossing yourself in your inbox, you feel someone settle down next to you.

“Thank god you’re here, I cannot do the sad Shawn shit anymore,” Connor sighs, throwing an arm around your shoulder. “I love him like a brother but damn, this go has been a beast when he’s feeling it like that.”

“Hi Connor, I’ve missed you too Connor, it’s good to see you Connor,” you roll your eyes, pushing his arm off you with a poke.

“Yeah yeah, all that too,” he smiles, sliding his arm back into place and kissing your cheek. “It’s good to have you here, all that aside. Despite all that, missed you around these parts.”

“Considering Central America took away our long weekend together, with no warning. It’s just been a hard go this swing. For both of us. May just be the wear and tear of a tour this long finally hitting. Even with as much as we’ve made it a priority to stay more connected and grounded. You guys are lucky it’s the end and it didn’t happen in like the middle of Europe, or the US leg. Though that would have been easier to get to than an almost 11-hour flight,” you fight out.

“You’re too good for him you know?” he teases. “Remember, he has friends if you ever need to bail.”

“Not any of y’all that’s for sure. No way. And, it’s the other way around, Con,” you reply, poking at his knee. “So, you’ve seen the setup, what’s going to make the most sense?”

“We’re going to do whatever you want, missus,” Jake chimes in as the door shuts behind him and Cez. “Only thing I require is a hug.”

“I think that can be arranged,” you say happily, ducking around Connor to get to Jake. “Con, stop being in the way.”

“Thank you,” you murmur to Jake as he pulls you into an embrace.

“We should be thanking you,” he whispers hugging you tightly. “And seriously. We’ll make it all happen. Kid needs this as much as you do.”

You pull away, smiling. “Ok guys so here’s what I’m thinking. Let’s surprise him on the walk out.”

The details come together quickly as well as easily. You’re happy, the team is comfortable with it all. It also helps he’s not expecting a thing. Everyone’s on board.

“So,” Cez begins, rolling a bottle of water around in his hands as everyone else filters out. “Hop a flight on a whim in the states or Canada is one thing. Cross the pond, a little more effort, but doable. This is something else entirely, even for the two of you.”

“I don’t know why this one is so different; I wish I knew; believe me I do. It would have saved me an 11-hour flight,” you utter. “It’s not like we’ve not done it before. We got through this, worse even, when he went out on last leg of the last tour and I had no leverage to take time off to come out other than that last show. We were only together a little bit at that point.”

Cez smiles his all-knowing smile, looking down at your hands playing with your credential. “I think you do, somewhere in there. I think he does too, well I know he does.”

“What are you talking about?” you ask inquisitively. “We’re good, really good. Minus this blip and it’s just us being a little more emotionally wound together. More in the groove than we’ve ever been. It’s been great, actually.”

He smiles yet again, making you wonder even more, and picks up his hand pointing to a certain finger.

“No,” you shake your head.

He nods, still smiling. “You’re practically there already.  We were honestly all surprised it didn’t happen before tour, or at break. Especially after Japan. I knew though not the holidays, it’s too cliché and not him, or you. He’s asked me a few things, more recently. Won’t give away more than that, but it kind of all makes sense. At least to me.”

“I just. Like. Shit Cez,” you sigh, looking down at the lam in your hands. “We’ve talked about it before, couple times. We want it, both of us. He’s it for me, and vice versa. He knows I’ll say yes. I’ve told him as much. But I’m also not that girl that needs the pretty on her hand to know where we stand in our relationship. He’s also not that overly possessive man who needs to prove he’s got me like that to the world, even in his crazy whirlwind of a life.”

“I think it’s both of you really ready for what’s next and this just all happens to be in the way right now. But, you’re here now, which not only is he going to be over the moon about, the rest of us are pretty happy as well. Not just because he’ll be in better spirits, it’s because we love you just as much too,” he states plainly. “You’re as much a part of this, a part of the family. I’m personally glad you’re here for these last few. This run’s been special, you should be here for the end of it.”

“Do not make me ruin my makeup, damnit,” you half laugh, half bite back a sob. “I’m so glad he has you, not just on the road, but in general. I know how much he loves you. I do, too.”

His phone pings rapidly.

“Ten-minute warning for fetching him. Let’s go get you out and set. Phil’s on you until Jake walks out with Shawn,” he states, reaching for his headset in one hand, for you with his other.

You carefully walk down the back hallway towards the stage together. Jake and Phil meet you at the back corner of the build out. Jake hands you off a fresh pair of earplugs.

“You’re going to need these,” he reminds you. “It’s his usual walk, so he won’t expect a thing. Especially seeing Phil at that junction of the barricade, once Phil gets the signal from me that we’re going, he’ll shift behind you so Shawn can spot you.”

You throw him a thumbs up as you wedge the plugs into place. Phil takes your arm in his, his other hand patting your forearm.

“Let’s go surprise him,” he says, leading you out to the pit.

For some reason, probably your conversation with Cez if you’re being honest with yourself, has your stomach set off with butterflies. You’ve not been like this since the early days of your relationship. Excited, always. Happy, without a doubt. Nervous though? No. You try to not shift about, instead closing your eyes to take in the moment. The crowd is loud, you can smell the remnants of the smoke machine test earlier lingering in the air.

Phil taps your shoulder, sliding you into place in front of him.

“He’s walking,” he mouths with a wink.

The house lights come down and the stage lights start to just warm. You exhale and lean back onto Phil slightly, whose hands come to rest comfortably on your shoulders. The opening video starts to roll and the lights hit the pit walk so you know you’ve got about 30 seconds at best before he comes into view. Phil pushes you forward just a touch just as you spot Jake and Shawn with Connor shuffling just behind to get the right angle for the surprise.

He’s in his pre-show zone, not taking in much around him. Jake nudges him though and his eyes shoot up. Shawn looks over towards you, taking a moment for things to register, and when it does his smile is as bright as you’ve seen. His eyes grow wide, he turns to Jake, who nods with a grin and then Shawn takes off in a sprint.

“Surprise!” you try to scream, but he’s already got you in his hold lifting you to swing you around.

“Tell me I’m not dreaming, please,” he utters in your ear before pulling you closer, finally getting you back on your feet.

You slide your hands from his shoulders, one to the nape of his neck fingering the wispy curls there, the other to nudge his one in-ear out.

“Not a dream, baby. Very much here, very much real. You got me for the rest of the run, love,” you say directly into his ear. “Go be my Rockstar. I’ll watch side stage, be there waiting for you after the show.”

You pop his in-ear back into place then cup his cheek, watching his eyes roll back slightly.

“I love you so damn much,” he yells before kissing you soundly. “I am so lucky you’re mine.”

Shawn rubs his nose against yours before sneaking in another kiss, then runs up to the stage with Jake on his heels. Jake winks as he passes, throwing a double thumbs up before Phil takes you towards the back staircase so you can set up on the rolling case you know is waiting for you.

The show is electric as always, but he’s got a special energy tonight. You can’t help but feel a bit happy as to probably being the reason why. He’s smiling, sweaty and disheveled, running back towards you in the break before the encore.

“You’re a mess,” you quip with a smile, handing him a bottle of water and a towel.

“Never minded that before,” he retorts back, running a hand through the mess of his hair after wiping his face down with the towel.

“Not the place Shawn Peter,” you say, shooing him away. “Go finish, I’m not going anywhere.”

He drops the water bottle down on the case next to you, stealing another kiss before bopping his way back out.

You hop off the case and head out towards the curtain line to get a better view. His encore covers have been something else this tour. He’s been leaning hard into Tom Petty’s Free Fallin’ and it’s a stunner, especially just him and the piano.

“I had a surprise tonight delivered to me just before the show, a really amazing one actually,” he begins as he settles into playing the piano. “So, if you all don’t mind, I’m going to play something a little special before I get into my last two songs.”

Once he hits the first few chords, your jaw drops immediately.

“You lift my heart up when the rest of me is down. You, you enchant me, even when you're not around. If there are boundaries, I will try to knock them down. I'm latching on babe now I know what I have found,” he sings and you can’t help but inch closer to the edge as far as you can go without being spotted or seen. “I feel we're close enough, I wanna lock in your love. I think we're close enough, could I lock in your love, baby? Now I got you in my space, I won't let go of you. Got you shackled in my embrace; I'm latching on to you.”

You didn’t expect this the other night, so you very much don’t expect it tonight. You can’t do anything but watch him, enamored and amazed. He sounds breathtaking. The whole song just gives you goosebumps, especially in a setting like this. Damn this boy.

“Thanks for indulging me tonight, Santiago,” he says and you can see the flush spreading across his cheeks, even from there. He immediately segues into Free Fallin’ to get his encore moving, before finishing completely with If I Can’t Have You.

He’s got a hold of your hands the moment he’s out of sight of the audience.

“Did you like it?” he asks, dipping his head down to kiss you, feather soft.

“Love it, love you,” you reply, dusting kisses across his knuckles. “Come on, let’s get you back there before they start to think we’re defiling a case on the stage.”

He chuckles, tangling his fingers deeper with yours before leading you towards his dressing room. As you hit the main hallway, most of the band and the crew are waiting there and start whooping and clapping the moment the two of you come into view.

“What the hell?” you question, as he holds your hand tighter trying to make your way down the hall. He shakes his head, cheeks pink as he bites his bottom lip.

“Hold up,” Jake stops you both just before the doorway to his room, arms crossing against his chest and a shit eating grin spread across his face. “Believe you owe this lady a thank you.”

“Hello, the song, on stage, the encore? In front of the whole damn audience,” he retorts, running his free hand through his curls before tugging you towards him and the door without getting you covered in post-show sweat. “Now I’d like to shower, get the heck out of here so I can spend some time with her. Without an audience.”

You can hear the snickers and wolf whistles, it’s your turn to flush. Jake shakes his head no.

“You know what you assholes, fine,” Shawn sighs before rolling his eyes.

“Don’t even with me kid,” Jake smirks.

“I know what you’re…” he trails off but tugs your hand, so you stand closer to him. “Shit. C’mere baby.”

The next thing you know he’s cupping your neck and kissing the breath straight out of you. Your hands fly up, one gripping his shoulder the other tangling in his hair. He pulls away first, just as breathless as you’re feeling.

“You all happy now? Can I please get into my room?” he asks.

Jake moves aside, patting him on the shoulder. He snatches your hand and tugs you into the room, shutting and locking the door behind you both.

“Do I even want to know?” you say, leaning back against the door as he toes off his boots.

“Grander the gesture, bigger the thank you,” he replies, stripping off his button down next, his tank and jeans follow. “They like to tease, you know this. Especially when you and I start getting the way we do. It’s all in good fun, but not when you pull the most epic surprise and I’ve run through a whole damn show. I haven’t seen you in how long and I still haven’t really held you or loved on you the way I want to.”

“Then you best go shower, sweetheart,” you tease. “You know feeling is mutual.”

He darts over to kiss you again, “Be right back.”

He’s quick, which you appreciate, and even more that he’s just in a pair of threadbare, low slung navy sweats when he heads back out to you. He drops the towel in his hand to snag yours, pulling you towards the couch. He flops down first and pulls you immediately down on top of him. He kisses your forehead before scooting you down so your head can rest comfortably on his shoulder. He smells fresh, clean, warm, like him and like home.

“Hi baby,” he murmurs against your lips before kissing you slowly and thoroughly. “Fuck, how I missed you. I can’t believe you’re here. I’m so damn happy that you’re here. You’re amazing you know that? How did you pull this off?”

“Once Hong Kong pushed timeline, I had a little wiggle room, but I wouldn’t be sure until Denmark signed off,” you explain, finger carefully tracing back and forth against his collarbone and shoulder. “I didn’t want to get either of our hopes up, so I didn’t say anything. Then like a week and a half ago? That night we just couldn’t get timing together I think you were in Panama still. I was up and cranky at stupid o’clock, said screw it. I knew I had some comp time due, had a little vacation time left, plus after Bucharest debacle on their part, they kind of owe me to boot. Called Bea, looped in Cez and voila.”

“You’re making it harder to even come remotely close to do for you what you do for me,” he presses his lips against your hair. “I’m so grateful for you.”

“There’s not a tally, sweetheart. We do for each other, you know this,” you remind him. “You and me, always right?”

There’s a knock on the door and jingling of keys, you go to move but Shawn holds you to him.

“Just gonna be C, we’re not doing anything. You stay put,” he wraps his arms around your waist and nuzzles your ear.  

“Sorry kids, time to get a move on,” Cez calls out from the doorway. “Can I come in? Are you at least PG?”

“It’s cuddling man, that’s all,” Shawn barks out with a laugh as you bury your head into his neck.

“You’ve got about 10 minutes to get yourselves together before the sprinter gets here,” he reminds you both. “We’ve got a curfew in the building overall, so we can’t be late on this one.”

“I’ll make sure he’s ready,” you reply, trying to wiggle out of his hold. “Let’s go, you. Need to get your stuff together. Can’t be late.”

“Listen to your girl, Shawn,” Cez remarks. “She’s right. Plus, you’ll be free of us and interruptions once you’re back at the hotel. Late call tomorrow since we’re already set here. I’m leaving the door unlocked and open so no funny bunny ok?”

“Thanks, Cez. See you in a few,” you say, trying to nudge at Shawn.

“You know that means we can go to that park in the morning,” you whisper, kissing his chin once Cez is back out in the hallway. “Upsy daisy dear.”

He sighs dramatically, but with a smile, “Only if you promise a little morning love, breakfast in bed and that park in the morning.”

“You drive such a hard bargain,” you giggle. “It’s a deal.”

He kisses you quickly and loudly before sitting up with you still in his hold, “I can’t wait to get you alone alone tonight.”

“Which would be sooner if you got a move on,” you roll your eyes, poking at his chest while his hands palm you ass.

He stops for a moment though, looks at you softly while not taking his eyes off of you.

“Love you pretty girl,” he declares, hand pushing stray strands of your hair away from your cheek, before holding it in his palm.

“Love you too, Shawn.”  

[gayforheadphonesgirl]

Falling Back Into You (Chapter 5)

(A/N: I finally got bored enough during quarantine and got inspired to update this fic again. I'm really really sorry for the dragging updates on this. I've been experiencing a lot of writer's block. Anyway, hope everyone is at home and staying safe from this pandemic!)

Alex closed her front door and put her hand on her chest. That was a close call. What if Kelley hadn't interrupted them? She was so close to just surging forward and kissing (Y/N).

The thought of what could have happened brought a flush of pink to her cheeks and her heart rate to pick up.

"Sorry about that Al, didn't know she came here" Kelley said, snapping the former forward out of her thoughts.

"It's fine. I'm actually glad you interrupted" Alex said, still blushing at their almost kiss.

Kelley furrowed her brows at her best friend and looked at her questioningly.

"Why?" She asked. Alex flushed even more and it suddenly clicked in Kelley's head.

"Oh my god? Were you two about to kiss? Fuck I just cockblocked my OTP!" Kelley said, running her hands across her face.

Alex leaped to put a hand over the defender's mouth.

"Shut your mouth. Mia has already heard enough swear words from me and (Y/N) the past week" Alex said, scanning the room if her daughter was within earshot.

"Oops, sorry" Kelley said once Alex had let her go. The latter sighed and put her hands on her hips.

"Anyway, what were you trying to tell me earlier?" Alex said, remembering something about Kelley "having a breakthrough".

"Oh yeah that's right!" Kelley said, fishing her phone out of her pocket.

"You don't have to worry about that Portia girl, she's married with like three kids" Kelley said, opening up the aforementioned woman's Instagram.

Alex looked at her best friend's phone as she scrolled. Indeed, there it was -- Portia with her own family.

"They're probably just pretty good friends. Look, (Y/N) was her maid of honor during their wedding" Kelley said, clicking on a photo of Portia in her wedding dress with a dapper-looking (Y/N) beside her grinning madly at the camera.

Alex couldn't help but check out (Y/N) in the suit she was wearing, has her former teammate always looked this good?

"Okay, quit ogling. You like her, we get it" Kelley said, laughing at Alex's attention to the photo.

"Shut up" Alex said, blushing once again. But the thought of Portia still being all touchy with (Y/N) at the store bugged her.

"But why was she acting so flirty with (Y/N) at the store earlier?" Alex huffed, making her way to the living room and sitting down on her couch.

Kelley sighed and followed Alex into the room, taking a seat next to her.

"She even had this sort of smirk on her face when I reacted. I could tell she was watching me" Alex said, her expression souring at the memory.

Kelley thought about it for a while.

"Maybe she was testing a theory?" Kelley suggested. Alex looked confused and the former rolled her eyes.

"I meant, what if she was really paying attention to your reaction? If you looked like you were jealous or not" Kelley said as a matter of fact. This confused Alex even more.

"But why would she do that?" Alex said. Kelley let out an exasperated sigh and shrugged her shoulders.

"Maybe (Y/N) talks about her feelings about you with her" Kelley said, raising her eyebrows suggestively at Alex.

The latter blushed and shook her head, not wanting to get her hopes up.

"Stop trying to make mountains out of mole hills, Kel" Alex said, hiding her face behind her hands.

"Come on, Al. You never know until you try. I mean, the woman went all over here because you were ignoring her" Kelley said.

Alex put her hands on her lap and sighed, the heat rising up in her cheeks again.

"And she brought me flowers again" Alex said quietly. Kelley squeezed her friend's arm.

"See? She's practically in love with you. Just give it a try. Will you Al? You guys have dinner on Wednesday, right?" Kelley said. Alex looked at her and nodded.

"You deserve to be happy, Alex. And I think she's just what you and Mia need" Kelley said with a knowing smile.

---

(Y/N) walked through the door of her apartment relieved that she and Alex were fine again.

A little girl was running into her direction.

"Zoie!" (Y/N) said, picking the girl up and spinning her around.

"Hey Auntie (Y/N)!" The girl said, giggling.

"Where's your mom?" (Y/N) asked, putting Zoie down.

"In the conference room!" the young girl said, skipping into the direction of the room.

(Y/N) followed suit and soon enough, Portia and her husband, Zack came into view. She greeted Zack with a fist bump.

"Hey Zack" (Y/N) said.

"Hey. Sorry for crowding up your apartment while Portia is finishing up her work" Zack said, scratching the back of his neck.

Zoie runs into her father and sits on his lap, holding onto a stuffed unicorn as they look on at Portia who was typing away at one of the room's laptops.

"It's fine. Her doing the company's finances is life saving" (Y/N) said, laughing.

Portia scoffed and grinned at the trio.

"I try my best. So are you out of time out now?" Portia said, swirling her chair to look at (Y/N).

(Y/N) blushed and smiled sheepishly at Portia.

"Yeah... I brought her flowers and we talked it out" (Y/N) said. Zack guffawed at his flustered friend.

"Damn, I've never seen (Y/N) blush over a girl before" Zack said. (Y/N) rolls her eyes at him.

"That's because she's been in love with only this girl for the past decade" Portia said nonchalantly, continuing typing.

"No way. We're talking about THE girl? Alex?" Zack said. At the mention of the woman's name, (Y/N) blushes even darker.

"Yep. They've reconnected" Portia replied for the still blushing (Y/N).

"Nice. Go for it, (Y/N)" Zack said.

"Come on guys, we're not even sure if she likes me back" (Y/N) said, finally taking a seat on one of the office chairs in her make-shift conference room.

"Trust me, she does" Portia said as she finished up her work and started packing up her things.

"What makes you say that?" (Y/N) said.

Portia shrugs and looks at her friend.

"Woman's intuition" She answers. (Y/N) laughs but Portia's face remains stoic.

(Y/N) looks over to Zack and the latter shrugs.

"I'd just go with it if I were you" Zack said, laughing.

"Well we better get going. Gotta pick up Mike and Paul from basketball practice" Portia said, standing up from her place.

The father-daughter duo followed suit as (Y/N) walked them to her front door.

"Good luck with your girl, (Y/N). You can do it. You're almost as charming as me" Zack said, grinning.

(Y/N) couldn't help but grin back at her longtime friend.

"Wow, that reassures me a lot Zack" (Y/N) said sarcastically but smiles at him nonetheless.

Portia was the last to exit from the door and she turned back to (Y/N).

"Just shoot your shot, (Y/N). I have a feeling it's going to turn out just fine" Portia said. (Y/N) shakes her head at her friend.

"I'll try, Portia. I'm not good at this kind of stuff" (Y/N) admits. Portia squeezes her shoulder.

"You're 40, (Y/N). No more gay panic. I'm sure she'll make you happy" She said, smiling before finally walking away.

"We're never too old to feel gay panic" (Y/N) responds with a laugh, waving them off.

Once they were gone, it fell quiet in her apartment. (Y/N) sat back on her couch and thought about the coming Wednesday.

She was going to shoot her shot, she was too old for any regrets, anyway.

---

Wednesday came like a freight train into (Y/N) and Alex's lives. Both of them were simultaneously excited and nervous at the thought of seeing each other again.

(Y/N) had been busy trying to find the right outfit to wear, and debating on what kind of wine to bring as a gift for the hosts.

Meanwhile, Alex was fretting over her cooking. She was facetiming Christen to ask help, considering the former Utah star was the best cook among her friends.

"You can try out this cool vegan taco recipe online. It has grilled asparagus and Shitake Musrooms" Christen said over facetime.

Alex was sat at her kitchen counter while Mia was off in the living room, watching the latest NWSL highlights.

Mia was already dressed in her best dinner attire, with only a couple of hours to go before (Y/N) would get there.

"Oh yeah, (Y/N) does love her tacos" Alex said, checking out the link Christen had sent her.

"And here's one on a Mushroom-Quinoa burger. I think this will be safe options for someone who isn't vegan" Christen said.

Alex couldn't be more thankful for the Utah forward. Kelley couldn't be trusted in the kitchen, so it was nice to have really good advice this time.

"Thanks, Chris. You're the best" Alex said, already making mental notes on what she needed to prepare.

"So I've been told" Christen said, looking smug at the other end of the video call. Alex laughs and picks up her phone.

"Alright. I'll start prepping now. Say hi to Tobin for me!" Alex said. Christen nods.

"Good luck Al. Go get her" Chris said, grinning. Alex blushed before the screen went black after Christen hung up.

Alex shook her head and laughed to herself. Feels just like young love, she thought.

The former USWNT star then proceeded to prepare the meals for the night.

---

(Y/N) found herself in front of the Morgan's household at 6:55 pm with a bottle of vegan red wine in her hand.

She was a whole five minutes ahead of what they agreed upon. Was she going to knock now?

She was about to quit overthinking and knock when the door swung open. (Y/N) still had her hand raised, ready to knock when Alex came into view.

The latter grinned at her.

"Saw your car and figured I'd beat you to the punch" Alex said, smiling. (Y/N) put her hand down and laughed at her own actions.

"Right" (Y/N) said, scratching her neck. She couldn't help but rake her eyes down Alex's figure, she was wearing a navy blue romper that hugged her body in just the right way.

"Uh, I brought wine. I figured you would've gotten tired of flowers on the third time around" (Y/N) said, handing Alex the bottle of Toro Loco Organic Red.

"I would never tire of flowers from you" Alex said, surprised at her boldness. (Y/N) blushed, her cheeks turning into the color of her maroon button-up shirt.

"T-thanks" (Y/N) stammered, biting her lip. Alex stared at the action and spaced out for a second before finally welcoming (Y/N) into the house.

"Come in" Alex said, stepping aside as (Y/N) entered. It didn't take long before Mia was running towards the pair.

"Auntie (Y/N)! I missed you!" Mia said, jumping up at the taller woman. (Y/N) squatted down as Mia wrapped her arms around (Y/N)'s neck.

"I missed you too kiddo" (Y/N) said, practically carrying the seven-year-old now.

Alex smiled at the sight, while also appreciating the flex of (Y/N)'s arms as she carried her daughter.

"Mom cooked the best meal for us!" Mia said enthusiastically. (Y/N) laughed as they made their way to the dining room.

"Oh did she?" (Y/N) said, looking teasingly at Alex.

"Oh I did. Wait until you taste it, you'll never want to eat meat again" Alex said, making her way over to the dishes she prepared to set them up at the table.

"I highly doubt that. But I'm sure it's going to be good" (Y/N) said, setting Mia down at her chair.

"Fair enough" Alex said. She set down three each of the vegan burgers and tacos she made and got two wine glasses for her and (Y/N).

"You and mom got that red stuff. Me, I've got orange juice!" Mia said, bringing her glass filled with OJ up to the sky.

"Cheers then, Mia" (Y/N) said, smiling at the little girl. The pair clinked their glasses before (Y/N) faced Alex.

"Cheers, Al" (Y/N) said, with a charming smile that sent Alex swooning.

"Cheers, (Y/N)"

The dinner went on smoothly, with (Y/N) praising Alex's cooking. She was genuinely surprised at how good vegan food actually was.

Well, she was going to act like she liked it even if it wasn't that good because she wanted to see Alex happy, but damn, the girl could really cook.

Alex and (Y/N) exchanged small talk in-between Mia's enthusiastic stories about school and soccer practice.

Alex couldn't help but feel warm inside when she would notice how attentive (Y/N) would be at Mia's stories.

She looked like she was hooked on every word. Alex blushed when (Y/N) had caught her staring, but the latter simply grinned at her while still nodding along at Mia's story.

After a while, they had all finished their dinner and moved their night to the living room.

The two women gave Mia free reign on what to watch on Netflix and the seven-year-old put on her favorite movie: Mulan.

Mia jumped up from the couch when I'll Make a Man Out of You came on and sang along to the words, complete with an attempt at martial arts.

(Y/N) laughed at the sight before her, endeared at the little girl.

"Sorry" Alex said, smiling at (Y/N).

"Don't be. She's an amazing and strong, independent girl. Just like her mom" (Y/N) said. Alex blushed and punched (Y/N) lightly.

"What? I mean it" (Y/N) said, putting her arm around Alex and bringing her closer for a side-hug.

Alex blushed at the sudden contact but welcomed it nonetheless. Before Mia had finished her song number, Alex was already relaxed into (Y/N)'s side.

Mia turned her attention back to the pair and squealed.

"I wanna be part of the cuddles!" Mia said, crashing into the middle of the pair. The seven-year-old ended up sat on one knee each of the pair.

The two women laughed and welcomed the contact. (Y/N) still had her arm around Alex and it didn't take long for the former Orlando forward to lean her head on (Y/N)'s shoulder.

(Y/N) smiled to herself as the movie played on. She found it difficult to focus on the film with Alex in such close proximity but she didn't mind.

Eventually, Mia fell asleep and the pair had to separate. Alex excused herself quickly to put Mia to bed.

(Y/N) nodded and even helped Alex get Mia up the stairs.

"Well, it's getting pretty late. Maybe I should go?" (Y/N) said once they were back downstairs.

"Oh uh, it's up to you" Alex said. The pair were nervously standing across each other a few feet from the front door.

"I really enjoyed tonight" (Y/N) said, smiling shyly at Alex.

"Me too" Alex replied. Invite her to stay the night, she thought.

"Well I guess I should be going?" (Y/N) said, pointing awkwardly at the door.

"Uh, yeah sure" Alex replied. Great, now it's too late. She thought as she opened the door.

"Goodnight Alex" (Y/N) said, something glistening in her eyes Alex couldn't quite place.

"Goodnight, (Y/N)" Alex said, slowly closing her door.

(Y/N) turned back and started walking towards her car.

But she wasn't even able to make it to the front steps before she about-faced.

"Fuck it" (Y/N) said, walking back towards the door and giving it three sharp knocks.

Alex, who was leaning on the door while regretting not asking (Y/N) to stay, was startled at the knock.

She quickly opened the door and saw a flushed (Y/N) looking at her.

"(Y/N)?" Alex said, stepping toward her -- there was barely a foot of space between them now.

"Alex. I-I guess I just want to get this over with. People have been telling me I at least need to try. So here it goes" (Y/N) said in one breath.

Alex wasn't able to get in one word before (Y/N) started speaking again.

"I've been in love with you for a long time now, maybe ever since I met you really. I mean that's probably weird because it meant I was in love with you even when you were with Servando but I can't help it. You're such an amazing person and I'm not expecting you to feel the same, I just need to get this off my-" (Y/N)'s rambling was cut off when Alex surged forward to capture (Y/N)'s lips.

(Y/N) was stunned at first but quickly fell in step with Alex's actions, placing her hands on the other woman's waist.

Alex deepened the kiss first before they eventually pulled away.

"Wow" (Y/N) breathed. She looked dazed and couldn't help but glance down at Alex's lips again.

"I'm in love with you too" Alex says and (Y/N) breaks into an ear-splitting grin. This time, it's (Y/N) who pulls Alex into a kiss.

Alex leads the other woman back inside her house before shutting the door with her foot.

(To be continued)

[followedbyraven]

When the need to shout overwhelms common sense.

Tumblr is evil, because meta-people hang out there and lure me into cockles flight analysis. I hang there reading other ppl thoughts and then I start thinking myself.

I don’t agree with many things but today I need to shout about the exchange of clothing, or rather, not exchange, but Jensen’s targeted campaign to dress Misha decently (in accordance with his own standards, taste and aesthetics).

Misha resisted for many years, but Jensen managed to slip that mountain of his supposedly unnecessary clothes on the pretext that he could no longer wear it for conventions: they laughed at him that he appeared in the same shirt twice, thrice, how many there needed for Misha to be  impressed, imbued with the problem of poor bunny Jens and agreed to accept all this junk.

Eventually, the fans noticed this and started collecting files about who, when, what they donned. Yeah, as if Jensen is such a small naive boy who haven’t seen it coming and does not know at all that all their gestures in public are examined almost through a magnifying glass - and even with it in some cases - and fans have a collective memory like a herd of elephants. He knew, just didn’t give a flying fck.

But it will be later, and in the now Jens patted himself on the head: “what a great idea and well executed plan and now Misha will look decent”.

Unfortunately, Misha, who has no taste at all, still managed to combine things from someone else's shoulder in such wild ways that at the sight of another defile of his colleague, Jensen’s eye, from which he usually cries, began to twitch and he was wildly grinding his teeth.

Jensen “I-follow-fashion, know how-to-wear stuff, and-look-drop dead gorgeous in any rag” had a cognitive dissonance: Misha is a very attractive dude with a great figure (and legs: Jensen, judging by his latest open mouth - insert foot, has this little kink), but his taste in clothing is a natural disaster.

And Jensen is “Mr.-Everything-should-be-perfect”, including the way his object of adoration looks in public.

So that Jensen can admire, be proud and internally die from “He’s mine, and everyone else can just drop dead from green envy”, and not fight the hug-and-cry reflex.

He’s essentially an owner, it’s very noticeable in many videos, but constantly demonstrates that state of mind “it’s mine, not yours, paws off, keep your hands away from my stuff”. He is a bit Tony Stark in this “don’t touch my stuff” way.

I still can’t see without cringing how Jared threw his hand over Misha’s neck (and did some other stuff), and Jensen instantly was “Red Alert! Red Alert! Battle Stations!”, pouted like a ferret and tensed significantly.

Then Jared thought “oops! bad move!”, removed his hand from Misha, took Jensen's hand and threw it over the neck of the target. Jensen instantly brightened - all was again right in his world.

Well, back to my train of thoughts: years passed, Jensen followed his line to dress Misha with the tenacity of a woodpecker. Misha periodically broke away and in a sudden fit of teenage riot dressed again in such a way that Jensen really wanted to take a spoon to his eyes.

But Jensen is very stubborn and, if he needs something, he rushes like a steam locomotive along clearly laid rails.

As a result, now we are seeing a picture that is noticeable if you sit down and watch a year’s worth videos from all the conventions in chronological order (I had to find something before cockles-mania overtook me and I did it - didn’t really watch, just opened it, skipped almost everything and moved on). Unfortunately I didn’t find what I was looking for but noticed the steady change in Misha’s general attire.

For the current year 2020, Jens has successfully executed his strategy, and Misha now dresses as if he is diving into Jensen’s closet on a daily basis.

All his clothes are either a-la Jensen or a-la Dean (which often is almost the same thing).

And Jensen, more than ever, when looking at Misha, is happy like an elephant, because the inner content, the appearance without clothes and the appearance in clothes finally came for him to one aesthetic denominator.

(I wrote it a couple of months ago when me and cockles met on a collision course. Now I go to quietly cry in shame in the darkest corner).

Furiously blushing FBRaven. @verobatto-angelxhunter

[whumphoarder]

¿Cómo se dice ‘I’m in Deep Sh*t’?

Summary: Due to unforeseen circumstances (and a bit of procrastination), Peter runs out of time to prepare for his Spanish presentation and ends up faking sick to buy himself some more.

He just wasn’t really counting on Tony being the one to pick him up from school.

Word count: 2,997

Genre: humor, fluff, whump

Link to read on Ao3

A/N: Based on a prompt from @coconutknightshade! 

Apparently it takes a village to write a story lol—thanks to @xxx-cat-xxx, @sallyidss, @fandomsficsandfeels, & @seek-rest for beta-reading and ideas, and @lunannex for Spanish help!

“What if I just like… fake my death?” Peter suggests as he hands his mentor a different sized wrench. “They can’t mark me down for not doing it if I’m dead, right?”

Tony, who is currently bent over their latest project (replacing the timing belt in May’s car), snorts. “As someone who’s been officially presumed dead more than once, can’t say I recommend it. Way too much paperwork.”

Peter sighs. “Can we stage a kidnapping then?” he says hopefully. “Or an alien abduction?”

Tony rolls his eyes. “It’s a four-minute speech, not the end of the world—though I have some experience with that too.” He holds out a hand. “Half inch ratchet.”

“A four-minute speech in Spanish,” Peter emphasizes, passing him the requested tool. “Which is a language I don’t speak.”

“Hence why you’re in Spanish class,” Tony counters. “With all the other kids who can’t speak Spanish.”

“But it’s also like ten percent of my grade,” Peter goes on as his mentor loosens the timing belt and removes it from the engine before handing it to Peter to set aside. “And I have to talk about what I do in a typical week, and it’s not like I can say I go patrolling or come over to the compound, so I’m gonna have to make stuff up—”

Tony interrupts, “Yo veo mucha televisión,” he says sagely.

“—and then what if I get up there and forget everything and just sound stupid?” Peter continues his rant. He groans and passes Tony the replacement belt. “Maybe I should just conveniently get the flu on Wednesday.”

Looking up from the engine, Tony raises an eyebrow at him. “Are you really this stressed about it? Because if you need to focus on school, I could just finish this up myself.”

Peter sighs again and runs a hand through his hair—he hadn’t meant to complain this much, he’d just kind of gotten on a roll after Tony asked him how school was going. “No, no… I wanted to come over—really. And I’ve got three more days to work on it, it’s just like… ugh. I should have taken German instead.”

Tony huffs out a short laugh. “Pretty sure they have to speak in German class too.”

“Yeah but MJ’s not in German…” Peter mutters under his breath.

“What was that?” Tony asks, elbow deep in the engine block.

Peter expels a breath. “Nothing, it’s fine,” he says a bit more audibly, trying to convince himself as much as his mentor. So what if the most observant and shrewd person in his year also happens to be in his Spanish class?

(And so what if he might have a bit of a crush on her?)

Tony chuckles. “You’ll do great, kid,” he assures. “Just make sure you practice.”

Peter forces a smile. “Right, yeah, of course.”

X

Practicing, however, turns out to be easier said than done.

With finals fast approaching, it’s crunch time for all of Peter’s classes. Whatever spare moments he has over the weekend are spent finishing up his Animal Farm essay for the English summative and cramming for his geometry test Monday morning. The upcoming Spanish presentation hangs over his head, but it’s more annoying than anything else. He figures it should be fairly simple to actually bullshit something and translate it if he just sits down and does it (which, ironically, somehow makes it easier to push off).

He’s intending to work on it Monday evening, but a winter storm hits that afternoon, dumping eight inches of snow and ice on the city. Peter spends most of his patrol assisting with minor traffic accidents and helping stranded motorists scrape ice from their vehicles or shovel cars out of parking spaces. By the time he gets home late that night, he’s too exhausted to do much more than sit on the couch with May and drink cocoa while she watches Grey’s Anatomy reruns.

Oh well. He’s still got time.

Peter tries to make good use of his study hall on Tuesday, but the period ends up being kind of a wash. He spends half the time attempting to come up with something to say that is both interesting enough to make him seem not totally lame while still believable enough to fool MJ, and the other half messing around on his phone and trying to recall the name of the annoying song stuck in his head.

(It was ‘Goodbye’ by The Spice Girls.)

He’s intending to finish the presentation Tuesday evening after he gets home, but then Ned throws an unexpected monkey wrench into his plans just before the final bell rings.

“So I gotta be there early for warm ups, but my mom will pick you up around six, okay?” he tells Peter as they pack up their book bags.

Peter frowns, confused. “...Pick me up?”

Ned tilts his head. “Unless May can give you a ride after all? But I thought you said she was working tonight, right?”

All of a sudden it clicks—tonight is Ned’s first band concert. He’d taken up percussion a few months back in an effort to beef up his extracurriculars for his college applications. Peter agreed to go to the performance weeks ago.

“Oh right right right,” Peter quickly covers. “Six is great. I’ll see her then!”

Ned beams. “Awesome! My sister and her boyfriend are coming too, so we might go out to celebrate afterwards!”

“Yeah, awesome!” Peter agrees, forcing a grin. “That should be really fun.”

(Oh yeah, he’s screwed.)

X

The concert was cool. Ned hit that triangle with all the required enthusiasm whenever his parts came up, and Peter flashed him loads of encouraging thumbs-ups from the audience. When it was over, they all went out to Denny’s for some mediocre late-night pancakes and the usual Leeds family banter. All in all, a pretty fun night.

When Peter gets home a little after ten, he opens his Spanish doc in one tab and promptly falls into a YouTube hole in another while looking for background music. He’s still grinning when he closes out of his fifth vine compilation video in a row until he checks the time a second later and the grin dissolves. It’s 12:03 a.m.

Oops.

Study hall Wednesday morning will be his saving grace, he’s sure.

X

So, of course, a fight has to break out right outside of the library.

It’s not too bad—the two instigating students are hauled away by security with a couple bloody noses and black eyes, and a few other kids are taken down to the office for questioning. Peter was far enough removed from the action that he doesn’t have to come along, but the whole debacle eats up all but the last ten minutes of the period so when the bell finally rings, he’s got precisely five words written down:

Hola, me llamo Peter Parker.

(Suddenly all those jokes about faking his own death are starting to sound a lot more appealing.)

Or if not my death, he thinks as he trudges down the hall in the direction of his Spanish classroom, cold dread pooling in his gut, then at least…

He stops walking, glancing sideways into the brightly lit office just off the hall. The elderly nurse is sitting at her desk, glasses half-way down her nose as she reads a paperback novel with the picture of a Christmasy log cabin on the cover.

No. He can’t. He doesn’t lie.

...Unless…

No. May’s at work. She’d have to leave early to come and pick him up.

Okay, but it’s not like you do this often, his brain counters. Hell, you came to school with a concussion and two cracked ribs last month and didn’t say a word about it. May can take one for the team just this once.

Peter slips into the bathroom across the hall and waits there until the bell rings to signal the end of passing period, and then an additional five minutes on top of that to add some credibility to his act. He splashes a bit of cold water on his forehead and around his neck, and then works himself up with some heavy breathing before exiting the bathroom.

Folding his arms over his stomach, Peter moves shakily across the hall back toward the nurse’s office, making an effort to look as unwell as possible. A passing student eyes him suspiciously and gives him a wide berth, so he figures he must be doing something right.

Steeling himself with a shuddery breath, he steps into the office.

“Hall pass?” the nurse asks without looking up from her book.

“Um, no, I don’t have one, uh…” Peter’s heart is fluttering in his chest. “I just… I’m not feeling good.”

Eyes still on the page, the nurse silently taps a finger to a sign on the wall just behind her desk which reads: PASSES REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS.

Peter swallows hard. C’mon, Parker—commit. “Right, but, uh, I came from the bathroom.” He hugs himself a little tighter and looks down. “My stomach really hurts. I was throwing up and, uh… stuff,” he concludes, deciding that in this case, less is more.

The nurse’s expression softens. She lowers her novel and gets to her feet with a small sigh. “Well, there is a bug going around,” she concedes, gesturing for him to sit down on the cot in the back of her office.

Peter keeps his responses vague when she requests more specific information on his symptoms, mostly offering shrugs or short, mumbled answers. She checks his temperature and seems slightly suspicious at his lack of fever, but he makes up for it by getting up suddenly and darting into the nurse’s bathroom.

When he emerges—exactly seven minutes and two new levels of Candy Crush later—Peter makes sure to keep his eyes averted from the nurse’s gaze and his movements slow and a little unsteady, one hand hovering over his stomach. She gives him a bottle of Gatorade and a couple of crackers and tells him to lie down until May comes to pick him up.

“I got ahold of her,” the nurse informs, sounding more sympathetic now. She slides a small garbage bin beside the cot. “She says she’s just finishing something up at work and then she’ll be right over.”

“Thank you,” Peter mutters tiredly. He doesn’t even have to act for that part—between the stress of his upcoming finals and his last couple of late nights, he really is exhausted and he has a bit of a headache. It makes him feel just the slightest bit better about pulling May away from her shift that there’s at least something physically wrong with him, even if it isn’t what he’s claiming.

Under the thin fleece blanket the nurse gives him, Peter manages to drift off to sleep.

X

But it turns out, today is just really not his day.

“No fever yet, but sometimes with these kinds of bugs that doesn’t come until later,” Peter overhears the nurse explaining in a low voice. He’s lying curled up on the cot, face toward the wall. “If that happens, just remember that he needs to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school.”

“Oh, I have a feeling that won’t be a problem,” a familiar voice that definitely does not belong to Aunt May replies.

“Mr. Stark?” Peter’s eyes snap open fully and he sits up in a hurry.

Tony and the nurse are standing together beside her desk, chatting quietly. Tony turns to look at Peter, face straight but eyebrows raised in amusement. “Oh would you look at that—he lives,” he remarks. “Feeling any better, Pete?”

Immediately, Peter wraps an arm around his stomach and does his best to look ill. “Uh, no, not really... but, um wh-what are you doing here?”

“The hospital is a little short-staffed today and your aunt was having trouble finding someone to cover her shift,” Tony explains, keeping his expression perfectly neutral. “She called to ask if I minded picking you up. You know”—his eyes narrow—“since you’re so sick.”

(Peter gulps. He’s starting to wonder if maybe he’ll be sick after all.)

“So of course, I told her I would,” Tony goes on. “I mean, if you’re feeling this bad, we could hardly just leave you here...”

Peter has to force himself to meet Tony’s gaze. “Right. Um, thank you. That’s super nice of you.”

“Well, you know me, Tony Super-Nice Stark,” his mentor says with a small chuckle as he steps closer to the bed.

“Now, with stomach bugs, the biggest concern is going to be dehydration,” the nurse continues. “So you’re going to want to push fluids, especially if he’s having di—”

“Fluids, got it,” Peter cuts her off, feeling his cheeks heat up. He gets to his feet and starts moving toward the door, but Tony halts him by grabbing his arm.

“Hey, hey, slow down, kid,” Tony tuts at him. “You were just looking like you might pass out a minute ago.” He presses his palm to Peter’s forehead and glances over to the nurse, eyebrows pinched together in the semblance of concern. “He’s kinda flushed, right? Maybe we should check his temperature again.”

“It’s fine,” Peter mutters, barely managing to suppress an eye-roll. “I think I just need to go home and sleep.”

“Sleep is probably the best thing for him,” the nurse agrees, nodding. “But going back to dehydration, if at any point it’s been more than five hours since he’s last urinated—”

“Mr. Stark, c’mon…” Peter whines quietly, nudging the man toward the door.

Tony holds up a finger to shush him—there’s a twinkle in his eyes that’s honestly driving Peter mad. “Hang on, kiddo. This is all very important information. In fact”—he pulls out his phone and opens the notes app—“let me just write this down. So you said if he hasn’t peed in five hours…?”

The nurse goes on to happily share her wealth of knowledge regarding stomach viruses with his mentor. Tony nods along to her advice, looking genuinely interested the entire time, occasionally interrupting to ask pertinent questions. Meanwhile, Peter just stands there, quietly dying a little inside.

Finally, she concludes her little spiel and Tony thanks her politely, then asks, “You wouldn’t happen to have a bin or bag or something we could take with us, would you? I just got the car detailed recently—hate for that to go to waste.”

Peter lets out another low groan. “Mr. Stark…”

“Ah, I have just the thing!” the nurse says. She bustles over behind her desk and produces a plastic sand pail with assorted Paw Patrol characters on it. “I get these from the dollar store,” she informs. “They don’t look like they hold too much but you’d be surprised!”

Tony grins. “That’s perfect. Thank you so much, Alice.” Looking to Peter, he asks, “Need the bathroom before we leave?”

Rolling his eyes at his mentor, Peter takes the bucket from the nurse with a muttered “thanks” and strides directly out the door.

X

Tony doesn’t say anything for the entire walk to the car, but Peter’s mind is happy to fill the silence with dread and anxious thoughts as he imagines all the various ways his mentor might chew him out about this. Stupid Spanish presentation—he should have just winged it after all.

The moment that both he and Tony are seated in the vehicle and the car doors are shut behind them, Peter sets the bucket down on the floor and covers his face with a groan.

“Alright, let’s get it over with,” he mutters into his hands. “Lay it on me.”

“Just to clarify,” Tony begins, sounding a bit more serious. “You’re not actually sick, right? This was just to get out of your presentation?”

“Yeah, I dunno...” Peter admits, feeling defeated. “I was planning to work on it—I swear. Just, well, there was all this stuff due for my other classes, and then the snowstorm, and all these commitments just kept coming up, and I just kinda... ran out of time. Figured if I got sent home I could buy myself an extra day or two.” He sighs deeply, lowering his hands to look up at his mentor. “Are you gonna tell May?”

Tony huffs out a short laugh. “Honestly? I think you’ve suffered enough.”

Peter blinks at him, surprised. “Wait, seriously?”

“You listened to a school nurse describe the BRAT diet for three whole minutes,” Tony says with a snort. “I don’t think any lecture May or I could give would top that.”

“God,” Peter groans, running a hand over his face. “If I hear the word ‘binding’ used one more time…”

“But,” Tony says, holding up a stern finger as he starts the car. “As soon as we get back to your place, we’re finishing up that presentation in time for your miraculous recovery tomorrow, got it?”

“We?” Peter raises an eyebrow at him. “Do you even speak Spanish?”

Tony waves a hand dismissively. “I know French and Italian—close enough. More importantly, I am fluent in the language of bullshit, kid. I once convinced an entire board of investors that not adding a clock feature to the new Starkphone prototype was a philosophical statement about the ‘futility of time as a construct’ rather than an embarrassing oversight caused by deadline crunches, no sleep, and more caffeine flowing through my veins than red blood cells.”

“And how did that go?” Peter asks.

“Sold twelve thousand shares that day. And I got to meet the Dalai Lama.”

Peter just snorts.

“Oh, and there was this other time,” Tony goes on wryly, “when I helped my intern play hooky to get out of a school presentation by convincing the nurse he had the shits.”

Peter leans back against the seat with a heavy sigh. “I’m never doing this again, Mr. Stark,” he mumbles.

X

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