#*sigh* back to skyler tagging

[loveroftoomanyfandoms]

Cooking Up Love, Chapter 3

Pairing: Chef!Matt Murdock x F!Journalist!Reader

Rating: T (for now, might change, might not)

Story Summary: Here

Warnings/Tags: Hallmark levels of fluffy, cheesy goodness (and speed that their relationship develops, lol), no use of Y/N, Matt is not a vigilante, more tags to come as the story develops

Word Count: ~2500

A/N: Thanks again to everyone who has liked/commented on/reblogged this so far! Enjoy this next installment!

(And extra thanks to @theradioactivespidergwen for the divider!)

(Also cross-posted to AO3.)

Tag List: @yarrystyleeza @hailey-murdock @mattkinsella @bellaxgiornata @danzer8705 @chezagnes @shouldbestudying41

You were in the break room at the Bulletin the next day brewing your morning coffee and wondering how you were going to tell Ellison that you had bombed the interview with Chef Murdock when Skyler, your work BFF who handled the Lifestyle section of the paper, poked her head in. "There's this incredibly hot guy out front asking for you," she said excitedly. "Do you have a secret boyfriend you haven't told me about?"

You shook your head with a light laugh, wondering who it was that had come to see you. "No, definitely not. Bring whoever it is to the conference room and tell them that I'll be there in a second, will you, please?"

"Sure thing!"

After Skyler left you finished making your coffee then headed to the conference room, freezing in the doorway as you spotted the absolute last person you had ever expected to see again. "Chef Murdock."

Chef Murdock's head turned towards you, the red lenses of his glasses reflecting your look of shock at seeing him. Today he was wearing jeans and a light gray T-shirt, which made him seem vastly more approachable than the red chef's coat and black pants of the previous afternoon… and inexplicably even hotter.

"Um, hi," he said. "May we talk?"

You nodded warily. "Sure."

You shut the door behind you, purposely not asking him to sit. "So, come to berate me some more?"

Chef Murdock had the decency to look chagrined. "Actually, I came to apologize for my behavior towards you yesterday and ask if you'd be willing to reschedule our interview."

Your eyebrows raised. "You came to apologize ?"

Chef Murdock nodded and held a covered container out towards you. "This is for you."

You took the container and peeked inside. "You brought me tiramisu?"

Chef Murdock shrugged, a shy smile forming on his face. "I was kind of hoping you'd accept it as a peace offering."

"It's not poisoned, is it?"

Chef Murdock chuckled. "Let me just say that I'm pretty sure I didn't accidentally dust the top with cyanide instead of cocoa powder when I made it this morning."

You couldn't help but smile at Chef Murdock's joke. "Well I'm no expert on poisons, but I'm pretty sure cyanide isn't supposed to be brown."

Chef Murdock's expression grew serious as he said your name. "I was extremely rude yesterday and my actions towards you were uncalled for, and for that I am very deeply sorry and hope you'll forgive me."

You studied him for a moment. He seemed genuinely contrite, despite you not being able to see his eyes.

Finally you sighed and set the container on the conference room table. "In that case, I accept your apology… and your 'sorry for being a pompous asshole' tiramisu."

Chef Murdock huffed out a laugh. "Thank you."

"Will this afternoon work for you for our interview? Same time as yesterday?" 

Chef Murdock nodded. "Yeah, that'll work."

"Great." That would actually give you time to prepare.

Chef Murdock hesitated. "So I'll… see you this afternoon, then?"

You nodded. "Here, I'll walk you out. Let me just put this in the refrigerator first."

You quickly went to the break room before returning to escort Chef Murdock back to the elevator. "Want me to just call the restaurant when I get there?"

"Oh, actually, let me give you my cell number," Chef Murdock replied. "You can text me when you're nearby."

"Okay." You pulled out your phone and added Chef Murdock as a contact, typing in his number as he recited it to you. "I'll see you this afternoon, then."

Chef Murdock nodded. "Thank you again."

"No problem."

You waited until Chef Murdock left then went back to your desk to begin your research. 

Skyler immediately ran over to you. "So who was the hottie?"

You glanced up at her. "Oh, that was the chef Ellison asked me to interview yesterday. Something had come up so he needed to reschedule."

Skyler huffed out a laugh. "I wouldn't mind sampling his cuisine, if you know what I mean."

You shook your head with a smile. "I've gotta get some research done for my article, so I'll talk to you later, 'kay?"

"Yeah, I've gotta run anyway. I'm covering some fancy meeting that some rich old ladies' society is holding this morning and I don't want to be late."

As Skyler went to grab her purse from her own desk you ran another internet search on Chef Murdock, scrolling through the search results and pausing as you found a link to an old Bulletin article.

Local Boy, 9, Seriously Injured in Heroic Rescue Attempt

An attempt at saving a life changed another forever yesterday when Matthew Murdock, age 9 of Hell's Kitchen, was seriously injured after he prevented another person from being hit by a vehicle. Witnesses say that the boy came to the rescue of a man when a chemical truck overturned, causing an as-yet-identified substance to splash into the boy's eyes.

"He's a hero," said one eyewitness. "Didn't even hesitate, just jumped right into action to push that man out of the way."

"He should be commended," said another, "and his parents applauded for raising such a brave young man."

The boy's father, local boxing legend 'Battlin' Jack Murdock, declined to comment other than to say that his son is in critical, but stable, condition. 

You remembered Chef Murdock saying that his father had passed shortly after his accident, so next you looked up Jack Murdock, sucking in a breath at the news headline on your computer screen.

Local Boxing Legend Killed In Apparent Mob Hit

You quickly scanned the article -- apparently Chef Murdock's father had been beaten and shot after a boxing match against Carl 'Crusher' Creel and his murder never officially solved, although it was suspected that mob boss Roscoe Sweeney had been behind the hit.

You huffed out a breath. How awful. It was no wonder that your statement about how proud Chef Murdock's parents must have been of him had touched a nerve.

You made a few more notes and wrote down some other questions to ask Chef Murdock, looking up as Ellison stopped by your desk. 

"How'd the interview go yesterday?" he asked.

"Actually, something came up while I was there and Chef Murdock asked me to reschedule," you replied, deciding to leave out the details of what exactly had happened. "I'm meeting with him this afternoon instead."

Ellison nodded. "Okay, excellent. Let me know how it goes."

"Will do."

You finished up some other articles that you had due so you could focus your attention on Chef Murdock, completing the last one right as it was time to leave.

You grabbed your tiramisu out of the staff refrigerator and told Ellison you were leaving to go to Daredevil. 

You made a quick stop at home to drop off your dessert since it was on your way then headed to the restaurant, feeling much more prepared than you had the previous day. 

"So how'd it go?" Foggy asked as Matt entered the kitchen at Daredevil. "Were you able to reschedule the interview?"

Matt nodded. "Yeah, we're meeting this afternoon. Same time as yesterday."

Foggy huffed out a relieved breath. "So how much did you have to grovel?"

Matt chuckled. "I made tiramisu for her this morning."

Foggy whistled. "Wow, pulling out the big guns."

Matt moved to wash his hands and put on an apron. "Come on, we've got a lot of prep to do for tonight's service."

He and Foggy set to work prepping ingredients for that night's dinner service, Matt's mind occasionally wandering to you and his upcoming interview. 

He had spent a few hours after dinner service the night before listening to transcripts of previous articles you had written, and he could tell that his initial assessment of you had been completely wrong. Your attention to detail in your articles showed that you clearly took pride in your work and had painstakingly researched each and every subject you had written about.

"...If you keep cutting up that basil you're going to get pesto," Foggy said suddenly.

Matt stopped cutting, realizing that the basil he was supposed to be chiffonading was now pretty much macerated. "Shit. "

Foggy chuckled. "You okay, buddy?"

Matt shook his head, trying to clear it. "I'm fine, I'm just…"

"Nervous?"

Matt remained silent.

Foggy patted him on the shoulder. "Just turn on that Murdock charm of yours and you'll be fine."

Matt's phone chimed in his pocket. "New text message."

Matt fished his phone out and tapped at the notification.

"Hi, Chef Murdock, just letting you know that I'll be by the restaurant in about 5 minutes, " his phone read out to him.

"I'll finish up here," Foggy said. "You got this, Matty." 

Matt huffed out a breath. "I hope so."

He took his apron off and went to wash his hands again, then headed up front right as you were walking up.

He unlocked the door and let you in, noticing your heartbeat pick up nervously. "Hi, thanks for coming."

"Hi," you replied.

Matt gestured to a nearby table. "Here, have a seat. Would you like something to drink?"

"Um, some water would be nice, please."

Matt nodded. "Sure thing. Just a second."

He returned to the kitchen and grabbed a couple of water glasses and a bottle of cold, filtered water before returning to you.

He poured some water into one of the glasses before setting it in front of you. "Here you go."

"Thank you," you replied.

Matt poured himself some water before setting the bottle down on the table and taking the seat across from you.

He could hear you tapping at your phone screen. "Um, do you mind if I record this? It helps me with direct quotes and stuff."

Matt shook his head. "No, that's fine."

"Okay, great." You tapped at your phone screen and stated your name, the date, and the time. "Interviewing Chef Matthew Murdock at Daredevil, take 1."

You cleared your throat. "Chef Murdock, thank you for taking the time to meet with me."

"It's my pleasure," Matt replied.

"So to start, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself."

"Well, I was born and raised by my dad here in Hell's Kitchen," Matt said.

"He was a boxer, right?" you asked. 

Aha. Definitely did her research today. "That's right, 'Battlin Jack Murdock'. He didn't have the best fight record, but to me he was the greatest boxer of all time."

"So what made you want to be a chef?"

"I was in an accident when I was 9," Matt said. He wasn't sure how much you knew about the details of it but decided to just go ahead and give you the full story -- well, almost the full story. "A chemical truck collided with a car and overturned, and there was this old man who would have been crushed if I hadn't pushed him out of the way. Unfortunately while I was pushing him out of the way I fell and some of the chemicals got into my eyes, which blinded me."

"I'm very sorry to hear that," you said sympathetically.

Matt shook his head. "My palate became very… sensitive after that and nothing anyone else ever made tasted right."

His other remaining senses had also become extremely sensitive, but that wasn't relevant to the current conversation. "Anyway, my father died when I was 11 and I was sent to live in an orphanage run by the local diocese." He smiled wryly. "You can imagine how the food was there."

You let out a light laugh. "Oh I can guess, especially for a picky eater."

"Well the nuns quickly got tired of dealing with my dietary needs, but then again they weren't going to let me starve so eventually they hired someone to teach me how to make my own meals."

Stick had taught Matt how to cook using his instincts and use his remaining senses to identify the freshness of ingredients but had abruptly quit when Matt had made him a cake as a thank-you. Clearly you're not learning, he had said after tasting it, in which case I have nothing more to teach you.

Matt shook his head. "I started developing my own recipes after that, then after I graduated high school I decided to enter culinary school, where I met my business partner.

"After we graduated we were both offered positions as line cooks at Landman & Zack over in Manhattan, but we decided to open a restaurant together instead. We stayed open a few years then closed it and reopened as Daredevil."

What he didn't say was that Nelson and Murdock had been a mild success until one bad review had nearly tanked both Matt's reputation and his friendship with Foggy. 

"Daredevil is a very interesting name for a restaurant. How did you come up with that?"

"One of my college professors referred to me as a 'daredevil' chef once, and it kind of stuck with me." Matt's lips quirked up into a smile as he waved a hand around. "And after all, we are in Hell's Kitchen…"

You huffed out a light laugh, your demeanor becoming more relaxed. "That's very true."

You continued asking him questions, both of you relaxing more as the interview went on.

Matt was telling you a story about the time one of his culinary school classmates almost set their hair on fire while trying to flambé some bananas for a bananas foster cheesecake when he heard Karen walk up.

"Hey, Matt," Karen said. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but we're opening in 10 minutes."

You let out a slight gasp. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize how long we had been talking. I didn't mean to take up so much of your time, Chef Murdock."

Matt shook his head. "It's quite alright, I finished most of my prep work before you arrived." 

You stopped your recording and gathered your things. "Thank you for your time."

"It was my pleasure," Matt replied honestly. "Let me know if you need anything else from me for your article."

"Okay, I'll be in touch if I do."

"Have a good evening."

"You too."

Matt waited as you left, your heartbeat growing fainter the further you got from the restaurant.

Karen turned to him. "Now, was that so bad?"

Matt shook his head. You had been professional, yet warm and welcoming -- which he still wasn't sure he deserved after the way he had treated you the previous afternoon. "No, actually, it wasn't."

Karen nudged him with her elbow. "See? I told you. Now come on, let's get ready to open."

[the-stray-storyteller]

Find the Word Tag

The very talented @isabellebissonrouthier

WIP: Defenders

Plump:

Ivy pressed her hand down into the soil, letting her fingers slip into it and closed her eyes. She let the world fade away and she felt the energy of the plant flowing up her fingers like a little stream of water. She spoke to it softly under her breath asking the tomatoes to grow. When she opened her eyes the unripe tomatoes had turned plump and red. The plants had grown half a foot taller and the grass around her feet had become wilder.

Freckle(s):

Ivy let out an annoyed groan when nothing came out of the foundation bottle no matter how much she squeezed it. She still had to cover up the ghastly amount of freckles on her arms. She looked into the bathroom mirror, a sigh escaping her body. Even after a couple of months of learning how to wear foundation the twelve-year-old still couldn’t get it right. She wasn’t sure if it was the shade of the foundation, the brand or just her skill; she couldn’t get it to look right on her skin. She threw the empty bottle into the dustbin and walked out of the bathroom.

Blue:

There was chatter all around the place. Men and women in blue uniforms and gleaming batches walked around the crime scene. She watched as a forensic scientist leaned down towards the dead body. 

“Is everything alright?”

Venatrix looked up at the sound of the voice. The woman had a hard jaw and curls of brown hair coming out of her ponytail. Her grip on Venatrix’s shoulder was firm and comforting. The assassin felt the officer’s hand fall off her shoulder as she took the seat beside her on the couch.

Gaze:

 Venatrix could feel the pressure of someone's gaze on her. She turned, and the woman who was yelling into her phone was now directly looking at her. Venatrix watched as the woman typed something into her phone. Then the gazes multiplied the pressure turning tighter and heavier. She ran. They found her, whoever they were.

Star:

Skyler leaned back into the front seat of the car, wind whipping through the window and straight into his face. He watched the golden sunset, the liquid gold sun rays pulling back from the sky leaving the parts closest to the star a luscious orange and the distant ones faded into a bruise-like purple. The golden wheat fields swayed back and forth in the wind. Their stolen car smelt of the Chinese takeout they had for an early dinner. 

Tagging: @on-noon @calloumii @master-of-the-pigeon-religion @idreamofhamandcheese @aohendo @ehlaaaaaaaa @gracien-system

Your Words: Wilder, Empty, Gleam, Tight, Bruise

[tumblekin]

do you guys do pendulum readings? if not, how do i know if i am kin with a character

we do not do pendulum readings, unfortunately. neither i nor astral know how to do them, and therefore you should probably go to a pendulum reading blog instead of here if a reading is what you really want. the reason i say “what you really want” is because, as outlined below, pendulum readings aren’t always the most reliable.

now, what i would suggest, in lieu of a reading (please note this is based on the assumption that you already have a character in mind and just don’t really know if you’re kin with them or not, because of the way you worded this ask), is to find blogs that, perhaps, are run by people who are also kin with this character. or, if your character is fairly rare, try to figure out exactly why you believe you are kin and see if that matches up with anything you feel with any a. preexisting kintypes (which – forgive me if this is untrue – i’m assuming don’t exist because of the fact you came to us for help) or b. things that other people have said that they feel as ____kin. good luck!

Heeeey it’s me, yours truly! Before I provide you with some links to kin pendulum blogs, here’s a good post I found that is probably a good idea to read in regards to pendulum readings to find your kintype!

“i really think all pendulum kin blogs need to seriously consider what they’re doing. as a basic rule, you cannot tell anyone else what their kintypes are, nor can they tell you what yours are. if someone describes their experiences, you are free to give suggestions or help to them, but you cannot say with any certainty who or what they are ever. this is a very serious personal thing that takes time to understand and figure out, and your pendulum can help nobody but yourself figure this out. pendulums act on subconscious impulses, meaning if you want to learn things about yourself, they’re great, but they’re not great for telling anyone else who they are.

ask yourself: how do you know you’re not just giving random answers to people? how do you know you’re not leading people astray by telling them their kintype is something it isn’t, or telling them their kintype isn’t something when it in fact is?

i know people don’t mean any harm by this but it’s so irresponsible and has the potential to be very dangerous. the reason it’s really frowned upon to tell people what their kintype is is (a) it’s acting like you know someone better than they know themselves and (b) it’s extremely easy to manipulate people in this way (eg. telling someone their kintype is the same as yours, or that you knew each other in a past life in order to manipulate that person).

i can guarantee you that if i sent in questions to different pendulum blogs asking if i am my kintype, i wouldn’t get all “yes” answers, so what makes you sure that your pendulum gives correct answers 100% of the time?

just because otherkin can be a spiritual concept doesn’t mean anyone should rely on a random person on the internet’s dubious magical abilities to tell them deep truths about themselves. i’m not saying all magic is false by any means, nor that pendulums are useless, but when you’re claiming to have access to knowledge of who that person is at their very core through just an (often) anonymous message on a website, you really need to rethink the place of authority you’re putting yourself in over impressionable people.”

- girlyspit - 

posted by @girlyspit it’s theirs I don’t take credit in any way for writing this go check ‘em out if you want, we don’t know ‘em, they don’t know us, we aren’t sell-outs yet, I swear! IF YOU WANT US TO TAKE THIS DOWN @girlyspit WE WILL WE’RE SORRY IF WE STOLE IT –

– EVEN IF IT ISN’T REALLY STEALING BECAUSE WE SPECIFICALLY SAID LIKE FIVE TIMES WE DIDN’T WRITE IT –

– AAAAAAAAAH OWO–

Anyhow, enough of Skyler and I screaming about stealing a stranger’s intellectual property, if you read this and don’t really care, here’s some links to blogs that do pendulum readings:

https://divikins.tumblr.com/

https://alterdivination.tumblr.com/

https://kinning-things.tumblr.com/

https://otherpends.tumblr.com/

https://kinndulum.tumblr.com/ (closed as of last time I looked at it, but that may change)

http://kinpendulums.tumblr.com/

https://kinpendulumz.tumblr.com/

https://kin-pendulums.tumblr.com/

http://kinning-pendulums.tumblr.com/

As for finding your kintype without pendulum readings, I’d recommend introspection through whatever form works best for you. I’ve heard meditation can be helpful, but it really depends on whatever works best for you personally, as your kintypes are a personal thing. Good luck!

-mod skyler & Mod Astral

[skyler-bane]

Ok guys, step aside, we want a review for our half-hiatus/half-hyperactive year.

I posted 935 times in 2022

472 posts created (50%)

463 posts reblogged (50%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@sharpenurdamnknife

@brokenblondeprincess

@amourpoetique

@ayakoito

@xseen2muchx

I tagged 926 of my posts in 2022

Only 1% of my posts had no tags

#ooc: it's art again - 98 posts

#hc:skyler - 61 posts

#answer:skyler - 58 posts

#meme - 58 posts

#answer:ooc - 54 posts

#fc:skyler - 42 posts

#skyler:piper - 32 posts

#95180:why won't you die? - 27 posts

#skyler&piper // you should go and find someone — i hope that you don't find no one but me - 27 posts

#rp stuff - 23 posts

Longest Tag: 129 characters

#ian&althea // still find my fathers shrapnel buried beneath my skin but i’ve begun to heal in all the places your hands have been

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

*it's happening everybody stay calm gif*

sooo I’m starting a new job tomorrow; I’m a bit stressed and excited, and I might not be around as much as I’d like. I’m gonna need some time to get adjusted and them I’ll be able to focus on all the fun tumblr stuff again lol

such a chaotic and stressful month ugh but it’s gonna be better now. wish me luck and be patient, thank you, love you, etc. 

12 notes - Posted June 30, 2022

#4

definitely not my year but we’re not giving up without a fight anyway. feels like problems and sad news keep piling up, so i’m just tired, to say the least. if you want to plot or talk i’m more or less active on discord, and (again) i should be back soonish. 

13 notes - Posted February 10, 2022

#3

@angelsgonnahell​

"No, that’s not how we do it in this household, Effy. People come to give money back – we say thank you, take the money, close the door. People ask for money – we say fuck you and close the door. Why didn’t you tell that guy to fuck off?”

16 notes - Posted May 17, 2022

#2

“Fuck no, you shouldn’t see the other one. He looked much better after he’d kicked my ass and therefore, we’ll scratch him from my story.” Skyler smiled bitterly. He could joke about it and laugh that bruise off, but his ego suffered more than his ribcage did. Would he learn anything from that and stop starting such unnecessary fights? Of course not. The lesson would be gone even before his bruises had a chance to heal. 

16 notes - Posted February 24, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

My idea here is he wants to use your character and plant some device/steal something he needs, but doesn’t necessarily have to be this kind of plot.

He almost jumped at the sound of her voice. Sudden noises in the middle of the night were his least favorite – one could never prepare for that inevitable mini heart attack. With a quiet, bored sigh, Skyler turned around, smiling a little apologetically. “Sorry I woke you up. Everythin’s under control. I’m just lookin’ for-... Uh, never mind, go back to sleep.” 

28 notes - Posted April 11, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[concealeddarkness13]

WHG 15 Post-Games Brains and Brawn Part 7

This happens the day after the interview in Triel’s part 28! Tagging: @ratracechronicler, @maple-writes (also, thanks for Skyler!), @pen-of-roses, and @thoughts-of-nora!

The morning after the interview, there was a knock on my door, and my phone buzzed at the same time. It was Shine. “I’m at your door. Are you ok with me coming in?”

I sat up with a sigh and responded. “Yup.”

They opened the door a few seconds later, and they were smiling. They walked over and sat next to me on my bed, and I was about to send them a text asking what was going on, but they had already started typing, so I just waited.

“So, a few days ago, I discovered that Triel’s phone number was texting Indigo Carmine, and the things that were being texted were things that Triel would send, and the first thing that was sent was a video where Triel burned something that was important to Indigo. So, I decided to take the chance, and I sent her the code. She seemed to recognize it, but she was suspicious. Finally, this morning, she decided to agree to meet up tonight with me. Just in case this is a trap, would you be willing to come with me as a witness so I don’t just disappear?”

I sucked in a breath. Shit, this was too early for this. I could possibly see Triel tonight?

Could I even face her after what happened? I was the whole reason that the crew couldn’t be there to help her. She’d hate me, wouldn’t she? I had only known her for a month. How could she forgive me for letting her crew get hurt?

I shook my head and looked away from Shine, but I texted them. “I won’t be able to. I’ll probably just fuck something up. Sorry.”

I stood up and tried to walk away, but they grabbed my arm and pointed at my phone. When I just tried to keep walking, they stood in front of me and glared until I held up my phone. They typed and sent. “You wouldn’t fuck anything up. I wouldn’t have asked you if I didn’t trust you.”

Shit. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I looked away from them. “I can’t.” I shoved past them and ran away before they could follow me.

I ended up in the improvised training room, and I immediately proceeded to beat up a training dummy. “Stupid piece of shit. Not good for anything except fighting. All I ever do is fuck things up.” I muttered basically a mantra as I punched and kicked the training dummy. Why would anyone trust me? I was the whole reason everything went wrong.

The door to the training room opened, and Skyler walked in. He looked around, looking a little awkward. I stopped and shook my head to try to clear my thoughts before I looked over at him. “Is everything okay?”

He blinked and stood up straighter. “What, with me?”

I frowned. “Well, in general I guess? If something wasn’t going on, why would you approach me?” Why would anyone care enough about me that they’d just seek me out to hang out? I was just a stupid piece of shit. I never did anything right.

His face fell, and he looked down at the ground and kicked at the base of some equipment. “There’s some stores and stuff down the street. I was wondering if you wanted to check them out.”

Shit. He had actually wanted to hang out with me? Why? I stared at him. “Oh. That sounds great, actually. I’d love to.” That did sound nice. It would certainly be a good distraction. And I’d love to hang out with him.

He smiled, and a smile tugged at my lips too. What could I say? His smile was so genuine and nice that it was contagious. “It’s cooling down so I want to grab my hoodie but then I’ll meet you outside?”

I nodded, smiling back. This would be so nice. I liked being around him. I already had my hoodie on, so I didn’t have to grab anything. “Meet outside in less than a minute, and you’ll be able to insult me the rest of the day.”

“Yeah sure.” He waved it off, but he did check his watch as he left. I grinned a little wider and headed downstairs.

A few minutes later, he walked down, and I smirked over at him. “Two minutes. So close.”

He scoffed and gave me a gentle shove. “So what?”

I pretended to think for a bit. “Well, I suppose I didn’t say anything about what would happen if you lost, so nothing, I guess.”

“Didn’t think that through, did you?” He grinned, holding his head high. “You ready?”

I nodded. This was going to be fun! I just had to push away any other thoughts. “So, what stores are we headed to?”

He shrugged and led the way to the pretty crowded street with all the shops. I grinned and stared at all the shops. There were so many different ones! Food, clothes, entertainment. Everything was here. He spoke. “I don’t know, what looks interesting?”

I grinned. “Maybe a knife store!” I paused and frowned. Shit. “Wait, do either of us have money?”

“Are you asking me if you have money?” He raised his eyebrows at me. “Because I know I do.”

Maybe I put some spare change in my hoodie? I patted my pockets, but there was nothing. “Shit.” What could I do? Oh! “I can steal stuff!”

He rolled his eyes. “Just don’t get caught if you do.”

Good. He was enabling me. Still, I wanted to tease him. I huffed. “A gentleman would offer to pay.”

“What made you think I was a gentleman?” Touché. He shrugged. “You can pay me back if you want something.”

He was a good at word sparring too! Awesome! I smirked and nudged him with my shoulder. “Remember, you’re talking to a pirate. Or soon to be pirate. We’re not in the business of paying people back.”

“Then you’ll just have to owe me for next time. Unless you have expensive taste then I can’t help you.”

I smiled, and my eyes landed on a fancy clothes shop, and I grabbed Skyler’s arm and pulled him toward it. “Let’s check out that place!” He just stammered as I opened the door and ran over to the stupid rich shit.

The first clothes rack I stopped at had way too many sequins and were way too colorful and bright. They hurt my eyes just looking at them. I turned over to Skyler, grinning. “Can you imagine people actually wear shit like this?”

He made a face and stuck out his tongue at the clothes. “Wouldn’t be caught dead like that.”

We’ll see about that. I smirked over at him. “How about this? We go through this store and pick out the most hideous outfit we can find, and whoever picks out the worst outfit gets to choose the next store we go to?”

He smirked back. “Deal.”

Oh boy! I dashed off into the store and picked out the best outfit ever. A neon green shirt with flashing lights that spelled out the stylist’s name, highlighter yellow pants with sequins all over them, high heeled sandals with laces that went up to someone’s knees, and a sky blue hat that had been cut in half.

When I met up with Skyler, I almost burst out laughing, but I was able to contain it. He had brought a top that was long enough to be a dress in the front but too short for that in the back and it was patterned with neon animal prints, leggings that looked like actual legs with cheesy tattoos, and super tiny sunglasses.

We decided to try on the outfits the opposite one picked out and to base the worst one on how much the people in the store clapped. Skyler took one look at the outfit I picked, and he cringed. “What the hell is this?”

I laughed, eyeing the outfit he picked out. “I could say the same to you, but yours is so awful it’s almost funny.”

“It’s…something.” He glanced at the changing room. “I’ll go first.” It took a while, but he got everything on and walked out on wobbly legs. He stared at himself in the mirror as the customers and workers “ooh”d and “ahh”d.

He turned to me as I stifled laughter. “I feel like an off brand crayon.”

“Hey, I think you look great.” As a few laughs escaped.

He rolled his eyes. “Well now it’s your turn.” He went to change back, and then I went in to change. When I left the changing room, I rocked the outfit, strutting like a runway model and grinning. And I got way more applause. Ha.

When the other people finally turned back to their own stuff, I looked over my tiny sunglasses at him. “Now, that’s how you show off an outfit. Even a ridiculous outfit like this.”

“Well played.” He crossed his arms with a smile. “But since they liked my pick does that mean I win?”

“Yup.” I went and changed back because that outfit was way too ridiculous to stay in any longer than I had to. When I came back out, I gestured for him to go first. “Lead the way, fearless leader.”

He stood tall and left, and he looked around until he pointed out a shop that had more theatrical stuff, and he turned to me. “Want to look for masquerade stuff?”

Oh shit, that made me think about seeing Triel again. Hopefully I could distract myself in there. I nodded with a laugh. “We should pick out each other’s costumes too.”

He snorted. “Yeah, not after what you picked last time. But I’ll take suggestions.”

I just laughed and followed him in, and I went to the masks first. They were so cool and varied! Skyler stayed nearby, also looking at the masks. “Do you think they always have this many or stocked it just for the event?”

“Honestly, they probably have these all the time. It is the Capitol after all, and what are they if not extravagant?” I picked up a cheetah mask that had the patterning of a cheetah, and the mask’s eye had a see-through cheetah eye over it. It was my favorite animal. “Ooh. I actually like this one.”

Skyler still looked a little uncertain, so I glanced through the other masks until I found one with brightly colored snake scales on it. It was just flashy enough to fit in while not being gaudy. I held it out to him. “I think this looks like you!”

He took it and tried it on, and I stared. It just fit him. Flashy but dangerous. And it looked good on him, especially when the lights hit it because the scales shone iridescent. He…he really was pretty.

My face grew slightly hot, so I looked away a little and opened my mouth to say something, not even sure what, but someone spoke up first. “Ooh! Are you two going to the masquerade?” Two people walked up to us, wearing a ridiculous amount of sequins, as if they had bought out the store we had just been in.

Oh shit. I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing in their faces, and Skyler glared at them. He didn’t look like he wanted to say anything, so I spoke up after I stifled the laughs. “Well, actually, my sister’s having a masquerade themed birthday party, and we’re looking for stuff for that.”

The woman pouted. “Aww. That’s too bad. But maybe you could help us pick out masks. What screams pirate to you? We just love Triel, not only because her name just looks like a shortened version of mine, but also because she’s excited about life! And we are too! So, we want to dress up as pirates in her honor. And we know pirates always wore stuff like this.” She gestured at her outfit, but I was barely paying attention anymore. Triel. How the hell could I look her in the eyes again? Would it be better just to run away? It probably would be better because then I wouldn’t be bothering anyone else then.

The woman said something else, and Skyler snarled and said something. I finally focused back when the woman spoke again. “Oh, that’s a good idea! What mask should we wear?”

Okay. I could get them the hell away from us. I grabbed some ugly masks and shoved the masks at them. “Here.”

They took them and walked off, talking and laughing. I took a deep breath and turned back to the masks, putting up the cheetah mask. I tried to keep my voice lighthearted. “For some reason, I’m not that interested in looking at masks anymore.”

Skyler nodded. “Well we’ll have to wear more than a mask anyway.” He walked over to other clothes, and he glanced back at me.

I nodded and followed, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Triel. She should hate me for what happened. I was the reason everything was messed up. What could I even say to her when I saw her again?

He touched some items with a smile, still looking over at me. “We could surprise each other again, this time with our own outfits.”

I shook my head to help push away the thoughts. Nothing I could stress over now. I smiled a little. “As long as you don’t choose anything piratey for me. That’s not really a costume then.”

He snorted. Rude. “I already said I don’t trust your taste. I mean we reveal our own outfits to each other.” He smirked and flicked my shoulder, and I had to smile back. “See who does it best.”

I laughed a little. “You’re going to be so jealous when you see the awesome outfit I choose that you’ll wish that I chose your outfit.” I winked and ran off.

They had plenty of nice clothes set out for the masquerade, and I searched through the dresses first, but I didn’t find anything that I liked. So, I moved on to the suits. And there was a nice, dark blue suit with a lavender shirt. Then I found some practical, dark blue boots that were the same shade as the suit, and then I went back over to the masks and chose a mask that mimicked the waves. It was pretty damn good.

I changed into the outfit while Skyler waited. I walked out, without the pomp and circumstance of last time.

He blinked and stared at me. “You look watery.”

Wow. I snorted. “That’s the best compliment you can come up with?” I paused, thinking. “Wait, is that even a compliment?”

“Depends on how you take it.” He had a lighthearted tone, but he dropped it when he gave me a more genuine smile and a nod. “It suits you though. You look nice.”

Wait, what? Nice? I…I looked nice? Really? Was he sure? Uh, what did I say to that? “Well, thanks. I think I’m gonna go change now. I need to see your outfit anyway.” I grinned over at him and got changed, but my face was getting a little hot again. He really thought I looked nice?

When I got out, he had already left to get changed, so I had time to make sure my face wasn’t flushed anymore. Just in time for him to peek around the corner and lock eyes with me before he walked out. His suit was dark, but in the light, there were shimmers of blue-ish scales. He went with knee-high heeled boots that were also dark with the shimmering scales, and the shirt under his jacket was red. He even had red gloves. And he had chosen the mask I had pointed out to him. Holy shit. He was really good at picking out outfits. My face got hot again.

To hide my flushed face, I grinned and adopted a snobbish voice. “I love how you incorporated the mask into your repertoire.” I couldn’t keep that going for long, so I snorted and spoke normally. “I just think it’s amazing. And the heeled boots…” I cocked an eyebrow. “You chose those because you want to be taller than me, I bet.”

He didn’t look so nervous as he walked over to me, taking wobbly steps. “Of course, could barely hear you down there.” He waved dismissively. “I thought I’d try it out.”

Before I could even think about what I was going to say, the words slipped out. “It’s a good look on you. I might not mind you looking down on me this one time.” And then my face got really hot. Shit. What the hell was I saying? That was a Triel line.

He opened his mouth a few times before any words came out. “Thanks.” And he just went back and changed into his normal clothes. I was almost thankful for that. I didn’t really want to address what I had said either. That was too embarrassing.

When he changed back into his regular clothes, and I had gotten rid of my blush, he walked back over to me and held out his hand for my clothes. Aw. He really was going to buy it for me?

I laughed and handed my outfit over to him, trying my hardest not to think about how he had looked in his outfit. “On my word as a pirate, I’ll pay you back.”

“I thought you said it went the other way around.” He sounded annoyed, but in an exaggerated way. But he just went and paid for everything.

I smirked at him when he was done. “That’s the mystery, isn’t it? Will I actually pay you back because of my word or will I not because of the fact that I’m a pirate? Only time will tell.”

Skyler walked out of the store and started walking back toward the apartment. “As long as you don’t throw me into the sea or whatever it is pirates do.”

“Nah. I’ll just make you wear the sequined mess that those two thought had something to do with pirates instead.”

He stuck his tongue out and faked gagging. “Yeah, just throw me into the ocean. It’ll be less painful.”

I just laughed, and we headed back to the apartment. Right when we got there, I ran for my room and grabbed enough money to pay him back, and I gave it to him. He was such a good friend, I couldn’t be a pirate to him.

[bungoustraybangs]

Midnight Patron

The sand felt silk under her feet, as she made her way to the tiki bar. The sun was setting, and other tourists had already settled into their rooms. She wasn’t going to waste any time within the walls of a typical hotel suite. She was going to make memories in this little space of paradise. She nursed one of her drinks, taking in the sounds of the waves, she was content. She watched as the barkeep traded spaces with another. She curiously wondered why they’d continue a shift with so many people already retired for the evening.

She left her seat on the small nook, and made her way to the bar stool. She checks her phone noticing the time, it wouldn’t hurt to stay out longer. “Can I get you anything?” The bartender's voice did not match her appearance. The tourist stares at the women wide eyed, she hadn’t noticed before. Only just paying attention to the people that came and went. Never really staring, nothing catching her wandering eyes.

The bartender repeats herself. The tourist flushes “I’m good for now.” The bartender hums and picks up a leftover dish to wash. “With nobody left here, how will you survive this shift?” The bartender turns to her, she raises her brow. “You're still here.” The tourist suddenly feels self conscious. “I’m sorry, I wouldn't want to keep you. I’m not going to order anything else.”

The bartender holds up her hand. “Who's to say you're not enough?”

At this point the tourist searches for the womens name tag. Which was pinned to her floral apron. She wasn’t wearing much underneath, other than little black shorts, her muscular stomach exposed through the space of the apron. She was wearing a bikini top. “Des, is that short for like Destiny?” The tourist asks, the woman simply chuckles “Nope just Des.” It wasn’t like Des was being short with her, but the tourist couldn’t help the insecure thought of having a one sided conversation. So she looks back at her phone.

If Des didn’t want to know her name, she supposed it didn’t matter.

Des props her elbows on the counter, and rests her head on her palms. “What’s your name, midnight patron?” The tourist locks her phone, then stares up at her. Des’s head had been titled. The tips of her curly brown hair lay gently on the counter. The tourist rasps at her beauty. “Sky.” Des sizes her up with her captivating green eyes. “Sky huh? Is that short for Skyler?” She was clearly teasing. Sky shakes her head.

Des fishes in her pocket, and reveals a lighter. Then behind her ear in between her long fingers is a joint. She presses it to her lips and lights it. Sky momentarily cringed, this woman was seriously going to get fired. “There’s no cameras here; relax.” She passes it to Sky, and she inhales. “I haven't smoked in a while.”

Des grabs a little tiki tin from under the bar, and flicks an ash in it. “Enjoy yourself, you are here for that reason no?” Sky suddenly feels like she needs a drink. Her mouth feeling incredibly dry. Des catches on quickly “How about I make you something sweet?”

Sky nods “That would be perfect.” Des herself grabs a whiteclaw and takes a few swigs. She sets the joint down, then pulls out a bottle of rum, pineapple juice, and red syrup that Sky didn’t recognize. “This is grenadine, you will like it.”

Sky tentatively brings the cup to her lips, first savoring the crushed ice, then actually tasting the cocktail. Des muses “What do you think?” Sky swirls the glass around, attempting to seem sly, but the glass falls through her hand. Red juice splashing onto her. Des quickly grabs some napkins as Sky is too embarrassed to speak. “Give me your dress.” Sky looks up at her baffled. “I have nothing underneath.” Des takes her apron off and hands it to her. “You can wear this, you don’t want to attract any bugs.”

Sky looks around then hesitantly removes her dress. Des turns her head away, giving her privacy. Now Des is just in her bikini top, and shorts, and Sky in the floral apron. Both their bodies were exposed.

Des uses the opportunity to stretch out her arm, pulling it over her shoulder, she then tied her curls into a tight bun.

Sky shifts uncomfortably, she sighs filling the silence. Des turns to make another drink for her but Sky snatches her wrist. “You don’t have to make another one.” Des pauses, staring at the hand, Sky jerks away.

“Sorry.”

Not 5 meters away, there’s a dome tent with velvet curtains. Des and Sky exchange a look, the only light surrounding them are the flames from the torches. Des closes the space between them. She stares down at Sky, her eyes flicker to the tent. The shorter of the two, takes the hint, she startles “Would you like-.”

She’s caught off by the set of soft lips pressing against her. She stills, her heart is pounding. Soon they make their way to the tent. There’s a duvet at the corner of the spacious dome.

Des gestures for Sky to lay down, and she doesn’t hesitate. She’s sprawled out underneath her, feeling impossibly small. Des doesn’t waste any time stripping the apron off. Sky’s legs fall open, as Des settles between them. She peppers kisses up and down her thigh. Her fingers lace under her panties.

Sky lifts her hips, encouraging Des to continue. Des obliges, once they’re off, she dives in. Her tongue tracing the seams, she suckles on the bud eliciting a moan from Sky. Des reaches a hand to Sky’s bare breast. She squeezes gently. Sky runs her hand through Des’s curls. Feeling her mouth take in every part of her. Des expertly swirled her tongue, then added a finger. She pushes in slightly then pulls out. Sky clenches around her. Soon Des starts a rhythm, quickly pushing into the tight muscles surrounjding her fingers then out again.

She anchors her knee on the duvet, and hovers over Sky. Staring down at her as she continues to fuck her open with her hand. “You feel amazing.” Sky pushes herself up to kiss Des. They stay like that, for a moment. Then Des manuavers Sky on her side. Her hand snakes back between her legs, her wet fingers are soon swallowed back up. Sky’s eyes roll in the back of her head. She’s being fucked from behind, her stomach tightens as she feels Des’s fingers go even deeper. Des was given full access to every inch of her body. WIth the new position she went faster. Sky’s mouth hung open little whimpers escaping her lungs. She was going to come, and so quickly too.

Des wasn’t stopping either, Sky jolts, her toes curl and after a few more thrusts she’s coming. Her body jerked, as her nails clawed the sheets. Des swallows the moan before it was even heard. Sky trembles from the aftershock. Des lays beside her, eyes dilated and full of lust. “You were so good for me, kitten.” She slowly pulls her fingers out, then licks them up. The very action made Sky crave more. She attempts to still her shaking body, but fails and crumbles back down. Des kisses her neck and whispers “It’s okay pet, we have all night.”

[turnupbrock]

Perfectionist- Chapter Five - Colby Brock

This was a requested series by @black-colby-pink “ dude you should write a series, I would read it. “ So that’s what I’m doing. I really hope you guys like it because I like writing it so far and I have interesting plans for it in the future.

Tags list: @absolute-randomness-forever @scottybrock @black-colby-pink @softboybrock @now-imagine @azurebrock @sweetxplr @rewindfridaynight

(Let me know if you want to be tagged :) )

 Colby paced around his apartment for the 100th time, pulling on the red tips of his hair as he let out a frustrated growl, “I have no fucking clue where she would go Sam! She hasn’t answered her phone to anyone.” He was angry and that was evident in his tone but the last part came out as a whimper. Sam sighed and rubbed his face with his hands. You have been gone for days now and no one could get a hold of you, to see if you were okay, to know where the hell you disappeared to, or even to apologize. It’s all taken a toll on everyone, mainly Sam and Colby because you were the closest to them. Colby fell back into his couch, letting out a long breath and threw his head back onto the back of the couch. “I don’t get it.” he murmured. “She never goes anywhere without telling me or you. It’s so unlike her.” Colby said, starting to get frustrated again. “Colby, man, you have to realize that Tara said some fucked up shit,” Sam started, throwing a quick glare at Tara before focusing back onto his best friend, “She probably just needs some time. She’ll be back soon.” Sam tried to reassure his best friend but it was hard because in reality he didn’t know if you were coming back, when you were coming back, or even if you were okay. Colby let out another sigh when he picked up his phone and there was no notification from you. “I really am sorry,” Tara whispered. Colby, Jake, and Sam all shifted their eyes to the small girl that was sitting criss crossed on the couch. Her small hands clutching the blue fabric of her new merch, her big brown eyes sorrowful and red. “I didn’t mean it. I was just overwhelmed and I let everything get to me.” her voice cracked as tears overflowed from her eyes. Jake pulled her into his embrace and rocked her, trying to comfort her. 

“ I know you didn’t mean it, Tara. But the problem is that she doesn’t know that. She thinks that everyone is turning on her. Sam said something like that too and it really really hurt her.” Colby replied. Tara nodded her head, Jake’s shirt moving from the movement. As they all sat there in silence, taking in the situation. How had things gotten so bad? You were gone. They didn’t know if you were coming back. But as they sat there wondering, you walked into the prison that your brother was being held in. You took in a shaky breath and pulled your sweater closer to your body, in hopes of shutting out the cold. You were going to visit your brother for the first time in five years. The last memory you had of him was when he got arrested. That scene would forever be sketched into your mind. Sometimes when you closed your eyes, you could see it happen all over again but this time in slow motion. You checked in with your first and last name, readying yourself to see your brother. “Ma’am he already has visitors back there so you are going to have to wait.” the nice lady told you. Your brows furrowed and your heart dropped to your feet. Who the fuck would be here? How did anyone know someone that he was here? You never told anyone that this is where he was held. Not even Colby. The questions all disappeared once the door to the visitor center opened and two people stepped out. Your breath caught in your throat as you saw your two best friends walk out of the door. You were quick to whip out your phone and quickly take a picture without being seen by an officer or Corey and Ariya. You watched as Corey turned his head in your direction but before he could see you, you spun around, barely catching yourself. 

Your heartbeat was so loud that you thought you were dying. Closing your eyes against the loud pounding in your ears, you calmed your breathing down but that did nothing to calm the ongoing questions and shock that was coursing through your veins. “Ms. y/l/n, you can go in now.” The women behind the glass brought you out of your shocked state.You whipped your head towards her, your hair falling around your face, “Okay uh thanks,” you said, your voice small and shaky. You walked through the metal door and your eyes automatically met your brothers green ones. His eyes widened and his face paled a sickly white, his eyes were full of shock, fear, and something else that you couldn’t exactly pinpoint. Thoughts were flying through Drew’s head, he couldn’t believe that you were here. He would’ve never thought that he would see you again. His mind raced with all the memories of you, everything since you were born. When he used to babysitting you, when he taught you how to drive behind your parents back, taking you out at two-three in the morning for late night drives, all the times that you and him would scream-sing the lyrics to every spanish song that played over the speaker at family events, even the time that you guys sat in that small cafe talking about life when he was dragged out by the police. That moment was embedded into his mind. The look of pure terror on your face, the tears that were building in your eyes, the way your hair was flying over your shoulders with every turn of your head, you screaming that they were arresting the wrong person. That was a moment that he would never be able to erase from his mind. 

 “ Good to see you again lil sis,” Drew’s voice was raspy but it was familiar. You took a deep breath and sat down across from your brother. The metal was slightly warm and your mind flashed back to seeing Ariya and Corey exit the visiting room. You shook your head to try and clear some of the thoughts that were popping up. Looking back up, your eyes connected with your brother's green ones. Ones that watched you grow up, ones that you missed for the years that he was away, and the ones that you hated to look into now. They just reminded you that you never truly know anyone. Anyone could be something that you would’ve never thought. A monster. Just as he turned out to be. “Came all this way to just stare at me?” he raised his eyebrow at you. You rolled your eyes at his remark, “Still have that same attitude I see,” you shot back. Drew chuckled and shook his head at you, “Missed you, Y/n. Thought you’d never come see me,” he confessed staring at you. He looked scared of your response. As much as he wanted to ignore it but he hurt you. His little sister. The sister that at the age of 17 had to watch him get arrested. “ Never thought that I would come visit. You know, after I was traumatized by watching you get arrested and learning all the things you did, I never wanted to see you again.” you said, letting all of those memories come back…

-flashback-

Your family sat in the uncomfortable seats of the courthouse, waiting to hear what sentence your brother would get. You were numb to all feelings, you don’t want to feel all the emotions that were coursing through your veins. The betrayal, the fear, the guilt, the sadness, the everything. You look over to see the families of your brothers victims. All 10 families sitting, waiting for the same thing as you were. They’re devastated that they have lost their sons and daughters. You quickly look away from them and back to the judge who was relooking the cases at his bench. Your families whispered conversations were cut off when the two giant wood doors swung open and walked in your brother. He was chained, hands and feet, with officers surrounding him and guarding the doors to leave. Drew stood dressed in all orange, he looked over his shoulder to see his family there. His eyes traveled over all them then landed on you. His eyes bore into you, trying to figure out what you were feeling. You just shook your head at him, in pure disgust with what he was. What he is. “ Drew Y/l/n, here you stand with the charges of First Degree Murder for 10 victims. How do you plead?” The judge spoke while staring down at Drew. “Guilty.” Drew spoke. The Judge nodded and spoke again, “ The Court has counted Drew Y/l/n as guilty..” as soon as the judge announced that he was guilty, the families of the victims cheered for the justice of their deceased kids. “for the murders of Joan Hernandez, Skyler Walker, Tyler Chin, Jake Corran, Taylor Kin, Julia Espinoza, Andie Luke, Lily Lopex, Sean Moshe, and Mike Gilfin. Hereby sentenced to life in prison and denied to be put on death row. You will be spending the rest of your punishment in Los Angeles State Prison.” The Judge finished and cheers erupted in the courtroom. The families bellowing with glee that their childerens murder would be put away forever. The cries from your family caught your attention causing you to turn and see your sister, mother, and father crying. You weren’t though. You didn’t find him worth your tears. The officers grabbed Drew and started to lead him out of the room but before he could completely leave the room, he looked back at the stands and automatically looked at you. You shook your head at him, your face scrunching up in a sneer. His heart broke realizing that you now hated him. That you never wanted to see him again. That he lost his little sister. As soon as he walked out of that courtroom, he walked straight out of your life.

-Present time-

 Finally you snapped out of your mind and returned back to your brother, “I wanna talk.” you said your voice steady just as your face. You wouldn’t let him affect you at all, you refused to let him. “Then talk bub-” you cut him off quickly, “Don’t call me that. We’re not that anymore. We will never be like that.” you said sternly. Trying to blink back the tears that were forming in your eyes. Drew’s chest tightened with your words but he just held up his hands as an apology. You let out a long breath before continuing, “ I’m just gonna cut to the chase here Drew, there’s been murders popping up these last couple months and noticing that Corey and Ariya were just here,” his eyes grew wide when you said that so you knew that he knew something about it, “so why don’t you just tell me what you know.” you finished. He was quiet for a moment, he looked like he was internally debating something but after a minute he finally spoke, “ I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You shook your head out him, shifting closer to him from over the table, “No, tell me what you know Drew. If you feel so bad for losing me, for destroying our relationship, then tell me.” Once more he was silent. “Come on! Are you kidding me right now?!” You bellowed standing up, the door swung open quickly with a few officers standing there. “I’m so sorry, just got a little upset,” you apologized, holding out your hand. One of the officers nodded, “It’s fine just keep it down” With that they walked back out and closed the door. Turning back to Drew you just stared at him before speaking again, “ Fuck you Drew, this is why I don’t come visit you. You’re a horrible person and here I was thinking that you would’ve changed. But of course not. You’re you. Nothing will ever change. I guess AGAIN that I’ll have to do this without you.” You yelled, walking over to the table again you went to grab your phone but just as you were going to, Drew grabbed your hand. “Fine just please don’t leave.” he pleaded. 

 You agreed and sat back down onto the chilly bench. “Okay, Corey and Ariya came to me months ago telling me that they had commited a murder, The first murder that occured..” “The one at Borders” you whispered to which he nodded. “..They said that they didn’t know who else to go to because I’m the only person that they know of that has taken someone’s life.” You gasped slightly and closed your eyes against his words. Drew slid his hand back into yours and squoze it before continuing. “ It was like they got hooked on it because they kept coming back telling me that they had killed again and had gotten a high out of it. I thought so many times to call you and tell you because they had mentioned you and your friends. And your boyfriend,” Drew said, making eye contact with you, “Don’t try to play the ‘I’m your big brother and I’m concerned about you’ card. You don’t have the right for that anymore.” You deadpanned. He just nodded and continued, “They mentioned that you guys were trying to figure it out and that they were trying to lead you guys away from suspecting that it’s them. They lead you guys to a guy named Kian and Noah then to other places, all of it was to get you guys off track. What sucks about this is that you guys can’t catch them because they are doing so good at keeping themselves safe. You need proof.” You sat in silence for a second to comprend all of the information that Drew just spilled. You knew it. You knew from the start that they had something to do with all of this, that they were being sketchy but you didn’t want to say anything because you knew what it felt like to be accused of something that you didn’t do. Hints why you’re here in the first place. 

“So what did they come to say tonight?” You asked sitting up straighter. “They said that they’re going to kill again. In two days in the back alley of CostCo, if you can get there with cops and get them, then you should be good. Just please be careful.” Drew finished. You nodded and stood up and grabbed your phone, “Thank you Drew for telling me. It was good to see again.” You spoke as he stood up as well. Knowing that you couldn’t hug, he held his hand out. You took it in yours and gave him a small squeeze. As much as you hated to admit it, you did miss him and it was nice to see your brother again. “Visit again?” Drew asked, letting his hand drop out of yours. You walked over to the large door, “Maybe.” you shot him a small smile before walking out. As soon as you did you clicked the screen of your phone and turned off the voice memo recording that was on your phone. You smiled and nodded at yourself looking at the hour long recording that you had saved. You were so glad that you finally had your proof. “Ma’am it’s time to go,” the lady that let you into the room told you. You looked up and nodded, throwing a thank you over your shoulder as you walked out of the prison. Climbing into your car, you unlocked your phone and went on text messages, ‘I’ll be home soon. Love you.’ You sent the text to Colby and started the car. You were so ready to go home.

And go home with proof.

AHH i’m so sorry that it took so long but I just haven’t been motivated but now that i’m in quarantine, i’ll be posting more! Just a few more chapters left! Let me know what you think, Love you all !🖤

[interstellarflowers]

señorita | peter parker x reader | part one

señorita 

peter parker x reader

part one

a/n this is inspired by @loxbbg ‘s idea of basing a peter parker fic off of shawn mendes and camila cabello’s new song señorita which I also hadn't listened to yet haha so thank you for forcing me to listen, anyways this was just such stellar idea, i hope that this does it justice

t/w cursing

    Peter Parker knew right from wrong. He knew that keeping his identity private was for the best, that it would protect everyone he loved. He knew this yet, he couldn’t help himself…he just had to have you. 

    It was a hot rainy day in July, Peter and his suit were soaked with rain and sweat, each indecipherable from the other at this point. He was doing the rounds, swinging about the city until it began to rain too hard, he had to come down to the street. That was when he saw you. It felt like love, even though he knew it couldn’t have been, it was too soon, or at least it seemed like it. You crossed over to his side of the street and that was when you said your first words to him, 

    ���Excuse me, Mr.Spiderman, I’m sorry to bother you, but you look like you could use an umbrella.” You held out your umbrella, sheltering him from the rain. 

     Your voice was smooth like summer and singsong like rain. He loved it. He could barely mutter out a ‘thank you’ before he took your umbrella from you and held it above the two of you. 

    The way you made him feel was something like magic, he knew he should run, he knew the dangers. He couldn’t bring himself to leave. 

    That was a year ago, and here he is sitting in your bedroom another summer night. You had a small air conditioner in your bedroom window, which, let’s face it was just doing its best. Spiderman sat on your bed clearly overheated, the spandex of his suit not exactly helping the situation. 

    “Why don’t you just take it off?” He looked over in your direction, 

    “Oh, you want me to take it off, do ya?” He jumped off your bed and cupped your face.

    Oh yeah, there was that too. You and Spiderman were…Well, you weren’t quite sure how to label it. Not quite friends with benefits, not quite friends…Who needs label anyways? 

    You pulled back from Spiderman slapping his hands away and scrunching your nose. 

    “Ew, get your sweaty hands away from me!” 

    “You know I can’t take it off…Telling me to get away from you. That’s so…mean (y/n), so cruel!” Spiderman collapses back on your bed dramatically with his hand over his heart, “The betrayal, the agony!” He sits back up, crossing his arms and giving you the stinkeye. 

    If someone had told you a year ago that Spiderman would be sitting on your bed giving you the stinkeye and throwing a fit the next year, you would write them off as insane. Yet, here he was, the great superhero, the protector of Queens, the civil war hero, the friendly neighborhood Spiderman…On your bed, pouting like a toddler. 

    “Fine, fine, calm down,” you playfully rolled your eyes and walked over to kiss his cheek, “Don’t be such a baby.” 

    “Hey!” Spiderman stood up towering above you, “It’s Spiderman!” 

    “Well, you’re sure acting like a Spiderbaby.” 

    Sure, Spiderman could be very isolating for Peter. Spiderman came with great responsibility and strict rules and regulations, yet, he just couldn’t leave you. He loved it when you would call his name from your window when you spotted him swinging across the buildings. He loved it when you touched him, and fuck, did he love the way your lips tasted, but above all, he loved the way you made him feel. 

    Was it love? It most certainly was. Would he ever do anything above it? He most certainly would not. It was too dangerous and besides-

    “I’m glad that we’re friends.’

    Owch, yeah, there it was. That word, “friends.” Of course, he was beyond grateful to be your friend, you were all he talked to Ned about, but he couldn’t ignore the feeling that this was it. That this was love. 

    “It’s getting kinda late Spidey,” you wrestled your way out of the embrace that Spiderman had had you locked in for the past hour one of the many activities that the two of you shared with your undefined relations, “You should get swinging on home.” 

   “What if I don’t want to?”

    “What if my parents come home soon and I can’t let them know that I’ve been hanging out with Spiderman behind their back?” 

    “Fine,” he sighs and makes his way over to the window, “Catch you later Señorita.” You giggle at him and raise an eyebrow,

    “Ah, so we’re a sweet talker now, is that it?” 

    “Well, I do take Spanish, one of the three romance languages-”

    “Get out of here.” 

    “Gone, I’m gone.” He blew you a kiss and you shook your head at him, catching it in the air before he swung off his suit mixing beautifully with the tequila sunset painting the sky.

    Truth be told, you harbored feelings for Spiderman. Anybody could probably see this, well anybody except for a certain hero. Your classmates would constantly gush over the bigger names…

    “Thor is so hot!” gushed a girl named Tiffany in Chemistry, 

    “Okay, basic. Have you seen Tony Stark?” another peer named Elijah argued,

    “Alright, alright, but Captain America!” Skyler, who was usually quiet, shouted from the back of the classroom

    Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, yeah they were all wildly successful and undoubtedly handsome, but Spiderman, he was the one for you. He was special. Witty and charming without being cocky, effortlessly adorable and awkward in the best way possible, he redefined hero and you adored it. Not to mention, he was actually not over the age of twenty. He was your age, and he was the absolute best thing to ever happen to you. He really was your favorite hero, but most importantly he was your favorite person. Were you in love? Head over heels. Would he ever know? No. You had no time for any real relationship anyway, and besides, there was-

    “You’re the best friend ever!” 

    There was that.  He was, of course, the best friend you could ever ask for, but it hurt simultaneously, especially that he felt the need to repeat it each time you saw each other. You swear this boy is going to be the death of you-

    “Hey (y/n)!” 

    Besides, you knew Spiderman had his duties, he had rules, he had limitations, he had to protect. If you were going to be in a relationship you wanted it to be realistic at the very least, still, there was no harm in merely thinking about being with Spiderman, right? 

    “Hi, Peter!” Ah yes, Peter Parker, or as he first introduced himself to you, Parker Pete. What a nerd, you loved it. 

    “Spanish test?”

    “94.” 

    “98!” Peter slapped your arm lightly, “In your face.” 

    “Mrs.Profe is out to get me, I swear.” 

    “Sure, she is. You owe me a coffee.” Peter teased reminding you of the bet on this test that you guys had set in place,

    You groan, “Fine, let’s go-”

    “No, no, no,” Peter grabbed your hand and then quickly let go, haha, dork, “Good coffee, not that cafeteria shit.” 

    “Where else is there to get coffee in school?” You whined,

    “Maybe we should,” Peter hesitated for a moment, “Get some somewhere else, uh, after school?” You stopped dead in your tracks. Was he asking you on a date?

    “Uh, sure.” You decided not to question it, why label it, it was just coffee anyways.

    Peter knew that this was bad. Peter knew what he did with you as Spiderman, Peter knew that he shouldn’t be doing this. Asking you out, as him, as Peter Parker? Fooling around with you as Spiderman? He knew that he should probably stop, that he could end it all, that he should end it all….but he couldn’t. 

    “After school?” you asked to confirm the plans, pulling Peter out of his inner conflict, 

    “After school,” Peter knew he shouldn’t, he knew it was bad, he knew he should stop, but he- “See you then, Señorita.” 

    You froze. You felt like every part of your body died at once, came back to life, and then died again. You could not believe what you were hearing.

    “Spanish?” you managed to squeak out, 

    “Uh,” Peter suddenly faltered any confidence that he previously mustered melted away completely. It was at this exact moment that Peter had realized…He fucked up. “Spanish, it’s a, we take Spanish.” 

    “Yup,” you speak slowly and awkwardly testing the waters of your new theory as to who the web-slinger you so frequently have rendezvous with maybe, “It’s a, it’s a romance language.” 

    “One of three,” Peter awkwardly laughed it off, “Why’re you so tense?” 

    “Oh, uh, no reason.” You also mustered a strained laugh

    “I’m only teasing you since, y’ know, I’m the superior Spanish student and it shows.” 

    “Shut your mouth, you take that back right now Parker Pete.” 

    Perhaps that was it. It wasn’t like it was a specific word, it was a commonly used word, right? 

    You both took Spanish after all, sure, Spiderman took Spanish too, but lots of kids take Spanish in high school. Senorita was, in fact, one of the first words taught in high school Spanish curriculum.

    You were overthinking this entirely. You told yourself that you would stop thinking about it. You told yourself that Spiderman was a mystery, but he was your mystery and that should be good enough. 

    You told yourself that you shouldn’t, you told yourself that it was wrong, you told yourself that it was a secret that you should leave between Spiderman and himself…Alas, sometimes words are just words. 

a/n surprise this is a two-parter, part two drops soon ;) hope you enjoyed!

tag list  for all peter parker fics

@Heartbeats-wildly

@loxbbg

comment/drop something in the ask box if you’d like to be added to any of my tag lists! thank you so much again for reading it really means a lot to see all of the positive feedback it helps me get through bad stuff, thank you so much! :)

[whumpallday]

Wumpees-R-Us VS Whumpee Barn: Naming My Boyz!

Sorry for the delay! Holidays came around and my brain decided to say, “Nope!”. Brain is back online now! (Hopefully). This is a continuation of a YouTube series that was inspired by @shameless-whumper‘s Unboxing and @my-whumpy-little-heart’s Defective. 

TW: Dehumanization, modern slavery, implied physical abuse.

Video One: First Impressions

The camera turns on, showing Starr in her studio with the usual white backdrop, chair, and table. 

“Hey guys! It’s Starr here, and welcome back to This-Or-That! Today we’re revealing the names of my Box Boys, and I’m so excited to introduce them to you!!!” She smiles widely, flipping her blue hair over her shoulder. 

“So, last video we did the unboxing, if you missed that, click the link in the description and check it out! That video was pretty sweet, but I thought I’d give you a few more clips so you could see how the rest of the unboxing went!” 

She winks, and the camera changes back to the full-studio view, with the two boxes on the ground, and the two boys sitting inside them. It moves to a time-lapse, with Starr walking around, helping the W-R-Us boy up, and untying him. Then the time lapse slows, and the camera moves to a view of just Starr and the redhead. 

“Okay, so one thing that I love about W-R-Us boys are all the positions they come with! I didn’t order any extra positions, just decided to go with the base 25. So let’s test some out!” She moves around the redhead, ruffling his hair a bit. He stood with his arms to his sides, shoulders a bit tense and hesitant. 

“Okayyyyy. Position two?” She looks up from the manual, over to the boy. The boy sinks down to his knees, looking at his hands in his lap. 

“Well done! Okay. Position six?” The boy raises on his knees, fore-arms extended and wrists up. 

“Position seven.” The boy stands up, keeping his hands outstretched, ready for them to be tied, hit, or have something placed on them. 

Starr puts the manual down and hugs the boy from behind. A flash of panic crosses his face before he realizes whats going on, at which point he shifts his weight awkwardly. He doesn’t move from the position, but as Starr comes around to the front and looks at him, he gives her a hesitant, shaky smile. 

Starr gives him a big kiss on the cheek with a mwuah sound, then stands back. “Okay, position two for now. But don’t think I’m done with you!” 

The boy sinks back down to his knees, and the camera focuses in on his face for a bit, showing hesitant, nervous eyes. 

The camera goes into a time lapse again, and shows Starr walking around to the Whumpee Barn boy, trying to do the same thing. Help him up, start untying him. She reaches down, and you can see the boy resisting a bit. Flinching at her touch, pulling away when she tries to help him up, 

It goes on throughout the time-lapse, with the boy pulling away at every opportunity. As soon as she unties his hands, he pulls away from her, wrapping his arms around his abdomen and glaring at the camera, and Starr. The time-lapse stops, and it moves to a view of only Starr and the WB box boy. 

Starr tilts her head at the boy, raising an eyebrow. “Bit jumpy, aren’t you?” She turns to the camera, smiling. “So, the WB manual didn’t come with nearly as many positions. Just a basic five. That was a bit of a disappointment, but the manual says it’s easy to train new positions. Hey, you think I could teach him to hold a camera?” She winks, then turns to the boy. 

“Okay, position one.” 

The boy doesn’t move, staring at Starr with guarded eyes. His eyes flick to the camera, then back on Starr, arms still wrapped around his torso protectively. 

“I said, position one.” Starr says it a bit colder, raising an eyebrow at the camera. At the change in tone, the boy slowly and carefully drops to his knees, planting his butt on his feet and putting a hand on each leg. 

“There we go! So, position one for WB is like position two for W-R-Us.” The camera flips over to the redhead, barely focusing before turning back to the Whumpee Barn boy. 

“Position two.” The boy doesn’t move again, until he looks up and Starr raises an eyebrow. Then he slowly moves to his hands and knees, with a straight back. 

The camera speeds through the last three positions, showing small clips of each one. Starr evidently got bored going through them one by one. In the time-lapse, the boy always hesitates before going into position. It takes much longer than the W-R-Us, but eventually she has him go back to position one, hands on his knees. 

The camera zooms back out, and Starr walks to the middle, sitting down with a kneeling box boy on either side. The redhead’s head is down, focusing on the ground. The blue-eyed boy is still glaring at the camera, his cheeks a bit red. 

The camera cuts back to Starr in the studio, smiling at the “video” thumbnail that’s hovering to her left. 

“So, that was the unboxing! After that I started giving them the tour, and doing introductions!” The camera widens out, to show the redhead on her right, and the blue-eyed boy on her left, both in one of her T-shirts. The redhead waves and smiles hesitantly, but the blue-eyed boy doesn’t move until there’s a small movement under the table, and he flinches slightly. Then he waves, a quick hand up, not looking at the camera. 

“I want to thank everyone who sent in their suggestions for names, guys! And even if you didn’t, you know I love you! We got a pretty good list, so we’re going to go one at a time.” She scoots her chair closer to the Whumpee Barn boy, and pulls out a sheet of paper. 

“My boy from WB won the coin toss, so we’re announcing his name first!” She grins excitedly, putting an arm around his shoulder and smiling at him. He looks away from her, head turned and eyes angry. 

Starr leans a bit closer and stage whispers “Your line.” The boy rolls his eyes and turns his head forward, still not looking at the camera. He pulls out a sheet of paper, and starts reading. 

“We got a lot of names. Here’s the list of her favorites.” His voice comes out flat, and a bit lower than expected. Star leans toward the camera conspiratorially. 

“Our favorites.”

“Callum, Tyler, Axel, Wiley, Ethan and Garret.” He folds the paper up and puts it in his pocket, still glaring at the table. 

“Okay, now go ahead and announce which one was the winner.” Starr puts a hand on the table and leans on it, winking at the camera. The boy’s head whips up and looks at her accusingly. 

“You said you were going to do that.” 

“Oh, but this is a surprise! It’s a once in a lifetime chance to be able to tell the world who you are!” Starr leans back, smiling with bright eyes. 

He makes a face and pulls his head back. “You said I’d just have to read the list, I read the list. I’m done. You do your... video, or whatever.” 

Starr sighs, and the camera cuts to a new angle. The WB boy is still staring at the table, but his cheek is red and a bit wet. He gives Starr a sideways glance, then looks back at the table. 

His voice is lower, almost a mumble. “My favorite was Axel, but the winning name was Tyler.” 

Starr pulls back from where she’s leaning on the table, and smiles at the camera. “Everyone, say hello to Tyler!! And a very special thanks to @comfortforthepain for suggesting it!” She ruffles his hair, ignoring the disgusted look Tyler gives her. Then she scoots her chair over to the redhead, having the camera follow her. 

She puts an elbow on the redhead’s shoulder and tilts her head at him. “So, what about you? You ready to announce your new name?” 

The redhead looks at Starr and nods shyly, keeping his hands in his lap. He looks to the camera, the corner of his mouth tilting up in a tiny smile. 

“Um, we uh, there was a list, but uh, I uh, had a different idea...” He looks at Starr and she nods him on, smiling reassuringly. “So uh, I’m going to uh, read the list first off.” He pulls a small folded piece of paper. 

“So uh, the list that uh, we got... It was uh, Jorden, Henley, Jonny, Louis and Shiloh.” He’s sitting pretty tense, shoulders hunched. 

He glances back over to Starr, who nods again. 

“Go ahead. It’s your name, isn’t it?” She smiles at him, then the camera, wrapping an arm around him. 

He nods a bit, like he’s telling himself that. “But uh, I uh, I thought that uh.... well, I uh...” He glances at Starr again, then back at the camera. “I had an idea... and Starr was okay with it... so uh... Hi everyone? I’m uh, I’m Skyler.” 

Starr had a big smile on her face and squeezed Skyler as he finished up. He gives her a tentative smile. 

“Isn’t he the sweetest? So there’s the names!” The camera zooms back out, showing everyone’s faces. Tyler is still staring at the table, his cheek not as red anymore.

“Skyler and Tyler. Thank you everyone who sent in names, you really helped inspire me and give me a feel for what they should be called! I’ll post the rules of how this comparison is going to work in my next video, but for now, lemme know what you want to see them do! Any challenges, or get-to-know-you’s, leave a comment below and we’ll see if your idea gets picked!” 

Starr smiles, wrapping her arms around both of the boys and bringing them closer, one arm around each of their necks. Tyler has a scowl on his face, and looks very uncomfortable. Skyler is still smiling hesitantly, looking at the camera. 

“As always, don’t forget to like and subscribe, and ring the bell so you’re notified when my new videos are coming out! We’ll see you next time on This-” she squeezes Skyler’s neck gently, “Or-That!” She squeezes Tyler’s neck, maybe not-so-gently. He grimaces, and the picture freezes.

 Starr in the middle, smiling widely at the camera, Skyler to her right, the corner of his mouth curving up, and Tyler on the left, curling his lip slightly as he stairs at the table. 

The words Meet the ‘Yler’s! pop up over it, and then the video ends. 

Next one here.

Tag List - If you want to be added to the list, please let me know! 

@comfortforthepain, @pepperonyscience.

[loveroftoomanyfandoms]

Cooking Up Love, Chapter 11

Pairing: Chef!Matt Murdock x F!Journalist!Reader

Rating: T

Story Summary: Here 

Warnings/Tags: Hallmark levels of fluffy, cheesy goodness (and speed that their relationship develops, lol), no use of Y/N, Matt is not a vigilante, idiots in love, Kelsie is her own warning 😈

Word Count: ~1k

A/N: Super short but super important chapter here! This is setting up our Mega Angst for the story, which will be coming next! 👀

As always, thanks to @theradioactivespidergwen for the stellar divider! 🥰

Tag List: @yarrystyleeza @hailey-murdock @mattkinsella @bellaxgiornata @danzer8705 @chezagnes @shouldbestudying41 @thepunisherfrankcastle @mattmurdocks6thscaleapartment @roseslovedreams

Ugh, why isn't this coffee kicking in, you thought to yourself while you sat at your desk attempting to proofread several articles for the Thursday digital edition of the paper later that morning. I've read this same sentence no less than 5 times.

You shook your head, trying to clear it. The unusual quiet in the normally bustling office definitely wasn't helping your sleepiness. Maybe some stronger coffee will help.

You stood up and walked towards the break room.  Skyler had brought a bag of espresso roast coffee in the previous week and you were pretty sure there was some still left. 

You paused as you spotted Ellison at the Keurig. "Copier's on the fritz again," you said, walking over towards the cabinet that held the coffee mugs. "Thought you should know."

Ellison nodded as he waited for his coffee to finish. "Hopefully there'll be enough money in the budget to replace it next year. Damn thing's probably older than I am."

He looked over at you and squinted. "No offense, but you look like shit."

You huffed out a laugh. "Gee thanks, Mitch. You sure know how to make a girl feel special."

"Rough night?"

You shook your head. "Just tired. I only slept about an hour last night." 

Ellison studied you for a moment. "Look, why don't you take the rest of the day off? Go home and get some rest."

You opened your mouth to protest, then thought better of it. You were still exhausted and a nap honestly sounded wonderful at the moment. "Are you sure?" you asked instead. "I was just going to get some more coffee and try to power through the rest of the day."

Ellison nodded. "Absolutely. It's been a slow news day, and besides, you've been working your ass off lately and deserve a break."

You smiled. "Okay. Thanks, I appreciate it."

Ellison shrugged. "Eh, don't get all sappy on me. I just don't want you burning out on me, otherwise who else would tell me if my editorial column sucks or not?"

You grinned. "Oh I'm sure people would be lining up for that privilege."

Ellison chuckled. "Seriously, go get some rest."

You nodded. "I will. Thanks, Mitch. Really. I'll see you tomorrow."

You walked back out to your desk and gathered your things, then stopped by Skyler's desk. "Ellison gave me the rest of the day off, so I'm heading home. I'll see you tomorrow, 'kay?"

Skyler nodded. "Okay. Get some rest."

As you headed down to the first floor and out the door, you considered stopping by Daredevil on your way home so you could apologize to Matt in person.

You headed towards your apartment building, sighing happily when you finally walked in the door.

You shook your head. You were so tired that you honestly weren't even sure if you could come up with a coherent apology. I'll talk to him after my article is turned in.

You peeked in your pantry and refrigerator, wrinkling your nose at the paltry options you had for dinner that evening. Instead of a choice between boxed pasta, instant ramen, or leftover Chinese takeout you wished you had Matt's spaghetti carbonara, pesto-parmesan linguine, and tiramisu. Maybe I could order something for delivery later, try something else on the menu.

You headed into your bedroom, changing into something more comfortable before climbing into bed. 

Your mind drifted to your article. You really didn't want to have to replay the last few minutes of the blind tasting yet again, but you needed to add a bit about it at the end so you could give it a quick read-through then send it to Ellison.

You sighed. You were a professional, dammit, and no matter your feelings, you were going to write a damn good article about Matt… Even if you never spoke to him again after it was all over.

I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable last night… No, take responsibility for your actions, Matthew. 

I'm sorry for trying to kiss you last night… Actually, no, I'm really not.

I apologize for my behavior last night. I must have misread the situation and… Ugh.

Matt sighed as he rode the elevator up to the Bulletin offices, wishing he would have had time to make a fresh tiramisu for you. 

He stepped off the elevator, unable to detect your now-familiar heartbeat among those of the rest of the Bulletin staff.

"Can I help you?" said a woman's voice to his left.

"Uh, yeah." Matt turned towards her and asked to speak to you.

"She's not here."

Matt sighed. Damn it. He probably wouldn't have time to come back later and based on what Foggy had said about you looking miserable he wasn't sure if you would be willing to come by the restaurant either. "Do you know when she'll be back?"

"Actually ," the woman continued, "she's out on assignment for the rest of the day. You know those investigative types, always looking for their next big scoop."

Matt furrowed his brow. That had been the exact opposite of the type of stories you had told him you were interested in writing. "I thought she was in Features."

"Oh, yeah, she is, but she really wants to be an investigative journalist, you know, digging up the dirt on people, finding out their deepest, darkest secrets and publishing them for the world to see." The woman paused. "Nothing nor no one is going to stand in the way of her and a good exposé… even if she has to make one up."

She made a dismissive sound. "Anyway, would you like to leave a message for her? I'll make sure that she gets it."

Matt shook his head. "Oh, uh, no, that's okay. I'll… catch up with her another time. Thank you."

"Sure thing. Have a nice day!"

Matt walked back to the elevator then headed down to the first floor. He had thought that he was getting to know you, but after that surprise revelation from your coworker he wasn't so sure.

He shook his head. Could you have been lying to him this whole time?

[yrpspiritsintheshadows]

It’s Child’s Play

It’s Child’s Play

With the setup of the cameras and microphones all around the house, the investigation was underway.

Skyler was in the same room as the doll, sitting on the girl’s bed. 

Chase was situated in the living room, setting up for a ghost box session. Due to how focused the activity was, the team wasn’t as spread out as they usually were.

Lucian was situated in the parents’ room, sitting at the mother’s vanity, the light dimmed.

As Eiji watched it all, he kept his eyes specifically on the monitor to his left. On it, was a night vision camera, focused specifically on the doll itself. It was eerie to say the least, only watching it but it made sense.

The thermal imaging camera was nestled on a shelf by the doorway to Charlotte’s room, giving a readout of it and its inhabitants. 

An SLS camera was also set up, showing a rough field of vision. The SLS camera was to show anomalies as figures if they were in the room. One of the best ways to catch an apparition in the act.

We got all eyes on you, demon doll. 

Go ahead. 

Eiji leaned forward.

“Go ahead. Make my millennium.”

oooooo 

Skyler kept her focus on the doll, her EVP recorder in front of her as well as her pendulum.

“Well, looks like it’s just us, huh?” She asked. “Wanna tell me what your name is?”

Nothing. Not even a faint hint of movement from her pendulum.

“Alright…” She cleared her throat. “Yes or no, do you hate Charlotte?”

For a moment, all was quiet… until her pendulum moved back and forth.

Pendulums were meant to give yes or no questions specifically and had their own unique way of movement for each one.

For Skyler, yes was back and forth.

“Why do you hate Charlotte?”

In the nerve center, Eiji nearly jumped out of his seat when the room went down in temperature. There was a figure, a large one, standing in the imagery of the SLS camera.

After a few moments, Skyler picked up her recorder and played it back.

“Jealous. Living.”

“You’re jealous she’s alive?” She let it go for another moment before playing it back.

“Dumb brat.”

Skyler narrowed her eyes. She let the recorder go again.

At that moment, the doll's hand snapped up as the woman leaned back away from it.

“Skyler.” Eiji’s voice came through on her comm. “There’s a figure where the doll is supposed to be on the camera. Keep going.”

“R-Right.” She cleared her throat. “Alright, why possess a doll?”

The EVP recorder shook a bit before Skyler lifted it up off the bed.

A monstrous voice hissed.

“She opened the door.”

What?

“What door?”

Skyler looked around, eyes narrowing. If Charlotte hadn’t been fully honest with them then they had a whole slew of issues now.

“What door did she open!?”

Something clattered behind her. She slowly turned as the cabinet beneath the shelf the thermal imaging camera was on flew open.

A single large piece of wood fell out. Even in the dimmed light, Skyler could make out the patterns.

Oh, you have to be kidding me.

oooooo

“Oh, you have to be freakin kidding me.” Eiji muttered, a growl low in his throat.

There was no mistaking it. The wood… was a spirit board. 

Of course. Someone played with the board and opened a door then didn’t close it.

He was furious. His clients were supposed to be 100% honest about ALL of the happenings but this girl had not said anything about using a spirit board.

Yes, it’s a tool… but it’s a dangerous tool if in the wrong hands or in the hands of someone who is ignorant with it.

The doll on the camera to his left moved its hand up and down… waving.

Uuuuughh!

Eiji grabbed his communicator.

“Alright, team, be aware we might have multiple entities! The spirit just mocked Skyler by showing that this gal opened up a portal. I repeat, there is a spirit board in the house.”

“Oh, you have to be KIDDING me!!!” Lucian groaned. “Are you freakin kidding me right now?”

“Welp, we’re in for a long night.” Chase sighed heavily. 

Eiji sat back down in his chair, lowering his head.

Of course… Of course when I accept a freaking haunted doll case it turns into something worse. 

He looked up at the SLS camera. Skyler was virtually surrounded by multiple entities around her that she couldn’t see.

“Sky… Sky you have to move. Now. Get out of there.”

She moved to respond… as the doll’s eyes rolled into the back of its head, showing only the whites of the glass eyes. 

Skyler’s hand moved to her throat as she gagged, gasping for air. 

“Luce! Charlotte’s room, now! Sky’s in trouble!”

Nerve center be darned. 

All three men rushed to the room. By the time they got there, Skyler was thrown back against the wall, trying to get any kind of air in. Her vision was dotted with black spots. She could barely see her team.

“Skyler!!!”

Eiji slammed a spell tag onto the doorway as the air rushed from the room. 

Skyler fell forward, inhaling as the force around her airway faded. She gagged, coughing as she tried to catch her breath.

“Easy, easy…” Lucian knelt by her, patting her back. “Deep breathes… Lemme get a look.”

“R-Right.” She tilted her head up, small bruises just like on Charlotte’s neck on her own.

“Dangit…” Lucian looked to Eiji. “Alright, Boss, what do we do? This wasn’t what we signed on for.”

Eiji looked down at the spirit board then up to the doll on the shelf.

“I…” He hated leaving clients without all the help they could get. But this… this was getting dangerous. It wasn’t like they hadn't been scratched or pushed before or even outright thrown.

Choking was entirely new. Not to mention, they were out numbered. 

“... We finish the game.” He finally said, with a frustrated sigh, picking up the board and finding the planchette after a moment. “I hate this.”

“Whoa, WHOA.” Chase clamped a hand on his arm, giving him a warning look. “I thought our policy said, no spirit boards, even if you know how to use them because it’s unpredictable.”

“The thing is, we use tools similar. We just know our limits, like with the pendulum. We’re finishing what this kid started.” He narrowed his eyes. “We’re not going to do more than that. Just make it clear we’re going to say “goodbye” and then we’re confiscating it too.”

Chase narrowed his eyes.

“You’re not comfortable with that.”

It wasn’t a question. 

Eiji flinched, lowering his head.

“The portal is gonna stay open no matter what we do if we just leave now. I’d rather cleanse the house AND close it.”

Chase let him go, letting out a sigh.

“Alright, you heard the boss.” He went over to Skyler and Lucian, helping Skyler to her feet. “You get the salt, I got Sky.”

Lucian nodded.

“Right… I’m making it clear now, I am one hundred percent against this.”

“I think we all are.” Skyler sighed, rubbing her neck.

Eiji looked towards the doll. 

This was still, all too familiar.

“AAAHHH!!!!”

“Carmen!? Carmen what’s-Oh Divine! CARMEN!!!!”

oooooo 

In time, there was a thick circle of salt around the dining room table, the board set up on it. Four candles lit, representing the four corners around it.

The team had already gone through the house with sage burning or with sprays made of salt water that had been blessed by one of Eiji’s relatives.

It was time to close the portal.

The four sat down, all hesitantly taking hold of the planchette. 

“Divine, I don’t think I’ve done this since highschool.” Lucian hissed under his breath.

“Dude, we all did this once in highschool. Right, Eiji?”

Eiji gave him a look.

“Memoria Coven, do you think I was using ouija boards? My mom would’ve smacked me with her slippers.” 

“Good point.”

He nodded, taking a deep breath.

“We are here to finish what was started. To end what has begun.” He spoke, the planchette shaking wildly under their fingertips, moving across the board to the “NO” painted on the right side.

“Too bad, it’s time.” He growled. 

The piece moved again at such a pace that it broke free from their grip. It moved across the board over several letters, spelling out a message… a message that sent a chill through Eiji’s being. 

“I KNOW YOUR FACE.”

“Knows who’s face?” He asked, growling a little.

“SON OF MIYAMOTO.”

Eiji’s eyes widened in horror, leaning back in his seat.

“Leggo! Put me down! NAOMI, RUN!!!!” 

“Oh, don’t worry. I will, Son of Miyamoto.”

Don’t be afraid.

It can't’ get you now.

Eiji took control of the planchette, shuddering as a wave of energy washed over him, causing him to tremble.

This dark, foreboding energy… He knew it. He knew it very well.

“I’m not ten years old anymore.” He whispered. “I end this portal and I close it now! BE GONE!!!”

He forced the planchette over the goodbye symbol as a loud scream echoed through the house, the sound of glass shattering in Charlotte’s room.

Eiji panted, sitting back down, putting his head in his hands. 

Lucian stroked his back, giving him a concerned look.

“What the heck was that?”

The man didn’t look up, shaking his head wildly.

“Give… Give me a few minutes.”

What the heck? We… We sent that thing to the other side almost twenty years ago.

“Luce. Help me with this piece of trash.” Chase nodded to the board, a grim look in the man’s eyes.

Lucian sighed, getting up, grabbing it.

“We’re burning this. We can burn it now right?” 

“We can.” 

Skyler got up, heading to Charlotte’s room, not surprised to see the doll had basically exploded off of the shelf, pieces of fabric and porcelain all over the room, one glass eye in front of the doorway, looking up at her.

“Yeah, we’re definitely done here. Chase! Where’s the broom?”

Eiji tuned out his team for the most part, trying to process what had just happened.

That energy… he recognized that energy from long ago. 

Back when he was young.

Back when his closest friends were spirits.

Back when I had eyes like Ken’s.

He slammed his fist into the table, getting up.

“I’m packing up!” He called, starting to get the equipment from the nerve center. 

He didn't expect to have two things from his past drug up like this. Far from it.

From the case that led to a month long nightmare for himself and his wife… to something that happened long ago.

This is why I don’t do haunted objects. 

Lesson learned, never ever AGAIN.

Just… why now?

Eiji looked at the monitors with a heavy sigh.

I have a bad feeling this isn’t it.

… But I can worry about all this later though.

I just wanna go home.

“Eiji.”

He looked up as Chase gave him a worried look.

“You look exhausted. You want me to handle this?”

“Nah, I’m fine… Really.”

“Let me help you at least.” 

As they cleared the house of the investigation, no one mentioned the message on the board. They all knew the story. Eiji hadn’t bothered to hide it when they were teenagers and hadn’t tried to hide it when they were in college either and Lucian joined the team.

Right now, their concern was their friend and making sure he was alright.

[lashtoncurls]

I love you, forever and always(CH)

Summary: Calum reading his vows

Words: 1.2K

Warnings: None, pure fluff

A/N: italics are flashbacks. This is for @astrosashton because she was an angel and helped me get my theme working last night. I love you Skyler!

Calum stood proud at the altar as the piano began to play, his three brothers and his dad standing by him. His eyes began to water as he caught sight of you in the ivory white dress that you wore. The smile never left his lips as you made it to him and he took your hands in his.

“You look beautiful, as always.”

“Not too bad yourself.” You laughed as he pecked your cheek and laughed too. The ceremony began as usual, but only different as you two had written vows for each other.

“Calum, go ahead.” He nodded and pulled out a crumpled note from his pocket.

“Y/N, from the day we met I knew that there was something about you. Even though you did tell me to fuck off, I knew that you would be my one person.” Everyone laughed as you recalled that day.

‘Y/N! The barista called out to you as he sat your coffee next to the others there, rushing back to get the other orders. After getting through the line of people in front you grabbed it and tried to run out the door. Ten minutes is all you had left to get to work. Ten minutes in an over crowded city with a faulty public transportation system.

“Oh fuck!” A voice called out as you felt the cold liquid on your shirt and saw the stain that had formed on your white shirt “Shit, I’m so sorry. Duke, come on!” You looked up at him as he picked his dog up from the ground, the cause of your trip. He held his hand out to you, but you ignored it. Ten minutes would now turn into an hour because you had to go back home and change.

“Has anyone told you that your dog needs to be on a leash?” There was no reason to be nice to him, that’s what your brain told you, but the frown on his face made you want to change your mind. His eyes were a deep brown and his brown hair in curls had you staring as he held his hand out again.

“Sorry my dog was in your way.” He helped you up as Duke wiggle in his arms from the position he was in. You nodded a brief thanks and walked away from him, trying your best to hide the big stain that made your black bra noticeable.’

“There was no way that I was going to see you again, but there was something about you. So I began to frequent the coffee shop some more, and making sure that duke was always on his leash. Days passed before I saw you again, this time you had a smile on your face and it made me want to talk to you. I didn’t think that you’d actually accept coffee from me, but you did. And I was so happy. After that it was easy with you, or so I thought. Our love was something that I’d never experienced with anyone else. Conversation was easy and we got along so well. My friends and family loved you you right away. We were happy, but even through the happiness there were rough times.”

“Calum, did you pick up food for Duke? Or the list of groceries I left?” You walked through the apartment as the pup barked and whined at your feet. Calum sat on the stool by the island, his bass in his hands as the headphones he wore were plugged into the laptop in front of him.

“Uh, no sorry babe. I have to get back to work soon.” You sighed and nodded as you grabbed your stuff and put your shoes on by the door.

“Can you at least help me get dinner started please? Boil the pasta. And take Duke for a walk.” You closed the door and made your way to the store. But the thought of how hard things were never left your mind. When Calum was on tour, it was really hard because you missed him a lot, and your job didn’t quite allow you to miss on extended periods of time to travel with him. The time he came home was sometimes short and others were spent with him at the studio or promo. Others were spent with friends, so things between you guys hadn’t been the same in months, the only thing being the love you both had for each other. Your trip to the store was quick, grabbing everything you needed and heading back home. It had been a long day already, and all you wanted was to be him and cuddled on the couch. But when you returned home and found Calum in the same spot, the anger boiled in you as you placed everything on the island, accidentally stepping on the puddle of pee that belonged to Duke.

“Fucking hell Calum.” You screamed and moved the headphones from his ears, his hands moving to geab his bass tighter before putting it on the island by his computer.

With a scoff, you grabbed the mop and cleaned the mess then went to the living room to open the back door. Duke ran out and you closed it, Calum standing in front of you.

“I asked you for a simple fucking favor, Calum. He’s your dog primarily. Not mine. And I get it, you have to go back to work. But you’ve been ignoring me for months Cal. Anytime I ask to spend time together you have to be at the studio, or you have plans made with anyone but me. I miss you enough when you’re on tour. Why are you making me miss you when I have you in the same house?” The tears threatened to spill from your eyes as he watched you, his eyes showing anger.

“Are you upset about my job?! I can’t just fucking be home and not do anything! This is my life, how I earn my money. That’s how we have this house and everything else I’ve given you!” His words stung, as you swore that you’d never let a man throw what he had given you in your face. When he noticed the sadness in your eyes, his features softened and he wrapped his arms around you.

“Baby, I’m sorry. I know I haven’t been the easie st. But no one said love would be easy. Things aren’t the same anymore, but I do love you the same.”

“My anger gets the best of me sometimes, and I’m sorry. Sometimes I don’t know how to to tell you that I miss you. Sometimes it’s hard for me to get out of tour mode and to be here, to be present. But know that I will always love you with my whole heart. You have put up with me and for that I thank you. My heart belongs to you. It has from the first day that we met. From the time that I saw your eyes and how they shone bright. I love you, forever and always.” His vows ended with you hugging him tightly as everyone was tearing up. Never had you expected to fall in love with someone like this, let alone have the love you did.

Tags @slimthicccal @astrosashton @irwinkitten @lashtonchesthair @roselukes @angelbbycal @heaven-high-water @lukesflaredpants @boytoynamedcalum @norawashere @xxfuckmecalumxx @cosmocalum @neptunight @hoe4hemmo @calumhampton

[dontdoitluke]

We Could Be Heroes - Ch 6

Sky High AU, but instead, it’s a superhero University. 

Summary: Skyler decides it’s time to play detective with Michelle, things get a little muddy between Jenna and Ashton, and Michael shares his big news. 

Chapter: 6/?

Word Count: 3,638

CHAPTER INDEX

Let me know if you want to be added to my tag list!

Tags: @calumamongmen   @myloverboyash   @wildhearthood @vintagehoods @lukescherrypie   @burncrashbromance   @dukesnumber1  @calsophat @kindahoping4forever @lockthisheartinchains  @babylon-corgis @lfwallscouldtalk  @badguycal  @justhappytoobehere

“Sky, the man can hear a butterfly burp from a mile away and you want me to spy on him?”

Skyler shrugged and halfheartedly stabbed one of her tortilla chips into a bowl of salsa next to her. She had just spent the last ten minutes explaining the details of her interaction with Michael, from the argument with the librarian to him running out of the room. It was all very un-Michael-like, and Skyler was very concerned. And by concerned, she meant nosy. In the best way possible, of course.

“He can hear a lot of things, but he can’t hear your thoughts. So as long as you don’t say anything you should be good, right? Come on, aren’t you just a little bit concerned as to why he’s running around all frantic-like? Or why he’s being so distant with us?”

Michelle took a sip of her water and raised an eyebrow. “Actually... he has been kind of distant these past couple of days.”

“See?”

“But I don’t think it’s anything suspicious. I mean, he could just be enjoying his time with Mickey, you know they’re inseparable now.”

“And I don’t think it has anything to do with Mickey at all,” Skyler said through a mouthful of chips and salsa. “I think he’s trying to drop out of school.”

Michelle furrowed her brows and reached for one of the chips in the basket between them. “What? What makes you think that?”

“I mean, when he came into the library, he got on one of the computers that was facing away from me so I couldn’t see, and normally he doesn’t care about that. He didn’t let me see what he’d printed either, he hasn’t been very vocal in class-”

“When is he ever vocal in class?”

“I mean, you’re right, but he’s been especially quiet lately. And he always takes notes at least, but he hasn’t even been doing that. He’s just been on his phone the entire time.”

Michelle froze mid-bite; realization slowly dawned on her face. “Yeah, he... he always takes notes. He’s very serious about his school work. Now that I think of it, this morning, during Chem, the professor had to tell him to put his phone away.”

“And when we were in first aid class, he spoke up like he was paying attention, but he was on his phone the whole time, remember?”

Both girls stared silently at the table, thinking back on the past few days and remembering all the things that had changed in Michael. Aside from the fact that Mickey was now there, no one had noticed any changes until now.

“So... why would he suddenly stop paying attention in class? Because he’s not going to have those classes anymore.”

Michelle took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. This whole ordeal was giving her a headache, and she couldn’t stand to think of Michael leaving.  

“It has to be something else. Maybe he met someone?”

Skyler tilted her head to the side, considering the idea, then shook her head. “No, it can’t be that. It would explain the phone, but not the forms.”

“Maybe they’re unrelated. I don’t know. I just really don’t think we should spy on him and if you’re really that nosy about it-”

“Concerned. I’m concerned.”

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that. Anyway, I think if you really want to know what’s going on, you should just ask him.”

“Yeah, I thought about that, too. I don’t think he’ll tell me the truth.”

Both girls sighed, sat back in their chairs, and closed their eyes, completely exasperated and at a loss for a solution to the problem. All the clues did seem to lead to Michael dropping out, which neither of them wanted, and they were sure that none of the rest of the group wanted it either.  

Michelle reluctantly agreed to listen for anything that may lead to an answer, even if she wanted nothing more than to stay out of it.

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In the common room of their dorm hall, Calum and Val sat at one of the round tables with their first aid binders open in front of them, discussing scenarios for their homework. Val had come up with some pretty good ones for herself, but Calum was still stuck. He couldn’t think of anything other than getting rid of parasites, and Val, bless her heart, tried her best to be serious about it and help him, but all she could think about was what it would be like to have him tuck her away in his stomach pouch.

The whole thing with Calum swallowing Val had started out as kind of a joke, but now they’d been joking about it for a few months and she was genuinely curious. She’d seen him take things out of the pouch; during one of their classes he was dared to swallow Ashton’s driver’s license, and he had done it without a single thought. He just swallowed the little plastic card whole and brought it back up, completely dry, with nothing but a tiny cough to show for it, and Val was enamored. It was mostly due to the fact that she’d had a huge crush on him since the day they met, but it was also partly due to her fascination with the human anatomy. And right now, she wanted to be up close and personal with Calum’s anatomy.

He began mumbling to himself, trying desperately to come up with just one more scenario, and Val couldn’t help but watch the way his mouth moved as he spoke. She couldn’t tell what she wanted more in that moment; to throw herself at him and press her lips against his, or shrink herself down and take a nap in his belly. She was in the middle of one of her many tummy fantasies when she noticed that Calum’s mouth was no longer mumbling. She looked up into his waiting eyes and realized he had been speaking to her.

“Sorry, what was that?”

He smiled softly and looked back down at his binder. “I asked if you were alright. You zoned out on me for a minute there.”

Val twisted her face in mock disgust and blew a raspberry with her mouth, placing her hand on his forearm. “Why? Do you care about me? Getting all concerned?”

Faking a gag, he chuckled and used the eraser end of his pencil to push her hand away from him. “Fuck no, crawl down a hole and stay there for all I care.”

“The only hole I wanna crawl down is your throat.”

“You’re sick.”

“No, you. Let me be your Val-ium, already.”

“I’m n... wait, what’s that smell?”

Val furrowed her brows and sniffed. She didn’t notice anything at first and was about to shrug it off, but then the smell of burnt popcorn filled the air around her. Calum, always a curious one, stood and motioned for Val to follow him to the kitchen on the other side of the common area.  

Opening the door, they were greeted with the sight of Ally and Luke arguing over whose fault it was that the popcorn had burned. Ally was insisting that Luke distracted her by asking her to make more peanut butter cups, and Luke claimed that it was Ally’s fault because she put the timer on for three minutes instead of two and a half.

“I could have listened for the pops to slow down, but nooo, Lukey needs his candy NOW!”

“You wouldn’t have to listen for the pops if you would have put the timer on for less time!”

“Yeah, well you... fuck it, I’m calling Jenna to come and drown your ass.”

“No, no, wait, put the phone down, just make another bag.”

“There isn’t another bag!”

Calum covered his mouth to stifle his giggle, but Val let out a full belly laugh, gaining the attention of the banshee and the human xerox machine.  

“What’s so funny?”

Val looked up at Luke, still laughing. “I just realized that you two were like a Venti and a Tall at Starbucks.”

Ally let out an exasperated sigh and snorted. “That’s what you’re laughing at?”

Calum looked down at Val questioningly. “So, what does that make you?”

“Why don’t you take a sip and find out?”

“Can you call Jenna to drown those two instead of me?” Luke whispered to Ally, who had started picking out the burnt kernels in the bowl next to her.

“I can call her, but her water bottle only has eyes for you. Speaking of which, there she is right now... I think.”

Ally pointed behind Calum and Val, where Jenna and Ashton were waddling into the common room, completely covered from head to toe in a thin layer of mud and dirt. They laughed to themselves and carried their mud-caked shoes in their hands as they headed toward the stairs to the dorms.

Calum called out to the two and they looked up, wide-eyed.

“What the hell happened to you guys?”

Ashton and Jenna glanced at each other, mouths opening and closing at a loss for words. Ashton looked down at his mud-covered shoes and nudged Jenna’s arm, urging her to speak for them.  

“We were dueling in the courtyard,” she started. “It got messy... earth and water, you know.”

“I can see that,” Val mumbled disbelievingly, narrowing her eyes at her water-bending friend.

“We’re gonna... we’re gonna go. Gotta, you know, shower before dinner, because... yeah, this is itchy,” Ashton stuttered out, taking off for the stairs and leaving a trail of muddy footprints behind him. Jenna waved goodbye to everyone and followed him, running up the stairs two at a time.

“Uh... are they?”

“Oh, definitely. Did you notice Jenna was wearing his shirt?”

Luke hummed and stuffed his mouth with a handful of popcorn. “I don’t get it.”

Ally rolled her eyes. Not a whole lot was able to reach the top of Luke’s head, but apparently this had flown right over it.  

“Fucking. They’re fucking, Luke.”

Luke choked on his popcorn and dropped the bowl, sending the rest of what Ally was able to save flying all over the kitchen floor.

“Aw, nice going, jackass!”

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

Michelle had situated herself at the end of the hallway near Michael’s dorm, focusing on his thoughts. For the past couple of hours, he hadn’t been thinking about anything other than the game he was playing, and occasionally his thoughts turned to colorful images as he pictured the different outcomes in his mind. She was about to give up for the day when the images of his gameplay turned to images of him and Mickey sitting in a classroom with other students. It didn’t look like a memory. Memories are usually much clearer, and this image was fuzzy and distorted. It seemed as if Michael was daydreaming while he was gaming.

She perked up and focused a little harder on the images that were fading in and out with the thoughts of his game, trying to spot anything that could relate to what she and Skyler discussed that afternoon. It looked like they were in a regular class with other students, but Mickey was sitting next to Michael in his own chair instead of hiding in his backpack like he usually does. The two looked at each other and smiled, Mickey’s crooked mouth opening wide with happiness, and Michael simply took off the headphones he always wears. Was he trying to listen for something important? Maybe they were just getting too hot? Maybe he’s just imagining a life where he doesn’t have to wear them? Michelle was beyond confused as daydream Michael put the headphones into his bag and turned his attention to the professor at the front of the room.  

Then, the daydream changed from a classroom setting into images of the pair at a concert, again with his headphones off. Michael had expressed his desire for concert-going many times before; he’d never been able to due to his power. Michelle could almost hear the music blaring from the imaginary speakers, she could feel the joy that Michael was feeling, and somewhere in the back of her mind, she sensed another feeling coming from him. It was almost a feeling of need, or excitement. She pinpointed the feeling as best she could, and decided that what she sensed was a feeling of hope.

Bringing herself back to her own thoughts, she left Michael to his imagination and left the dorm hall, smiling to herself. She didn’t sense anything that she could connect to forms or secrecy, but she was glad that Michael was thinking happy thoughts for once.  

She decided that she’d try once again to convince Skyler to let him keep his secrets. If he really wanted them to know, he’d share it. And if he was really going to leave S.A.V.E.U., she figured he had a good reason to. Michael usually knows what's best for himself, and who were they to stand in the way of what he wanted?

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The next day, Michael woke up bright and early. He was in an especially good mood, and he sang softly to himself while he showered, hummed a cheerful tune while he brushed his teeth, and even did a happy little dance as he got dressed for the day. Mickey mimicked every movement and sound in his own cheerful little way.  Once he and his tiny copy were dressed, Michael picked up his phone and sent a group text to his friends.

“lets meet up for breakfast, I have something I need to share and I wanna do it in person.”

Over the next few minutes, the replies started rolling in, and although most of them were not morning people and would rather spend their day off in bed, they knew that if Michael had something to say, it was important. They all agreed to meet at 10 a.m. in the dining hall, since most of the other students that usually come down for breakfast would have been gone already, and none of them had to change out of their pajamas. Which was something that Carly, Ashton, and Viv were very adamant about.

Michael headed to the dining hall with Mickey riding in his backpack about a half hour early, hoping he’d have some time to really collect his thoughts before revealing his news to his friends. However, when he stepped off of the stairs and opened the door, everyone was already seated at a table farthest from the rest of the students and staff occupying the room.  

“Wow, I thought I’d have to wait for the rest of you, not the other way around.”

“Skyler forced us all to get here early,” Emma yawned, laying her head down on the table sleepily.

“You said you had something important to share, and I wanted everyone to be here and awake for it. I was concerned about-”

“Nosy, you mean?” Carly sang mockingly.

“CONCERNED, about what you had to say to all of us.”

Michael scratched the back of his head nervously and looked toward the ground, turning toward the tables and trays filled with various breakfast foods. “Ah, well that’s good, then. Let’s, uh, let’s go get food, and I’ll... I’ll tell everyone my news then, I guess.”

Luke, always the first one to get excited over the mention of food, jumped up out of his chair and led Michael to the serving line. The rest followed after, grabbing their trays and piling their plates with whatever they could fit. Jenna and Ashton briefly fought playfully over who deserves to have the last Belgian waffle before deciding to share it. Exchanging knowing glances, Val and Ally subtly fist bumped, and Calum scrunched his face together in disgust as he picked out his breakfast.  

Once the group had paid for their meals and gotten settled at the table, Michael anxiously began to pick at his breakfast. He was so excited to share his news with his friends, but now he was tearing his toast into tiny pieces, unsure of how to start. His news wasn’t even big news, at least not to anyone other than him and Mickey, and that’s what worried him the most. He was afraid that his friends would be angry at him for dragging them out of bed for something so minuscule. He calmed himself down little by little, handing the tiny bits of bread to Mickey, who devoured them with glee and held his tiny hands out to Michael’s plate for more. He broke one of his slices of bacon in half and handed it to him when he heard Michelle’s soothing thoughts in his head.  

“It’s okay, Mike. No matter what it is, we’re gonna love and support you through it.”

He glanced up and looked over at her, giving her a shy nod. She smiled comfortingly and nodded back, urging him to begin.

Taking a deep breath, Michael scooted his chair back a few inches and pulled Mickey onto his lap. He cleared his throat to gain everyone’s attention, and after a few nudges and some shushing from Emma and Viv, the entire table eagerly awaited Michael’s announcement.

“I... well... I’m not sure how to start. But I guess I should... thank you all for coming?”

The group murmured words of encouragement and smiled brightly. They all knew that public speaking and being the center of attention was Michael’s worst enemy, so they were always quick to cheer him on if he needed it.

“So, the past few day’s I’ve been doing some research, because... I noticed something strange happening, and... ah, fuck it. Let me put it to you this way; I don’t need these anymore.”

Michael slipped his noise cancelling headphones off of his head and set them on the table in front of him and Mickey. Almost immediately, everyone began speaking in hushed tones, and Michelle covered Luke’s mouth before he could screech something stupid.

“What are you doing? You’re going to give yourself a headache!” Carly whispered worriedly.

“No, that’s the thing. I don’t need them. I don’t know what it is exactly, I couldn’t find anything in my research... but the first night Mickey was born, I noticed that something was off, and my power was either not working, or something else was going on, I don’t know. That’s why I started doing research about what was going on. It has something to do with the fact that we’re the same person, technically. I know it doesn’t make sense, and it probably never will, but...”

Michael smiled widely, his entire face lighting up with happiness. In his lap, Mickey beamed proudly.

“Mickey can turn my power off.”

If you had ever heard the sound of eleven people gasping all at once, you’d think it sounded like something out of a cartoon, or a sitcom. And that’s exactly what it sounded like. And Michael reveled in it. The sound was clear, and at a normal volume. It wasn’t the painfully loud, muffled sound that he was so used to. And he loved it.  

“I can go out and do things like a normal person, now. I can go to concerts, movie theaters, festivals... and all I have to do is have Mickey by my side.”

“Wait a damn minute,” Skyler started. “So that’s what all the sneaking around and being glued to your phone was for? Research?”

Michael nodded and softly bounced Mickey on his knees.

“What about the forms you were printing yesterday?”

“Certification forms. I was getting Mickey registered as a therapy companion so that I can take him with me wherever I want to, since apparently some businesses want to treat him like some kind of animal and won’t let him in.”

Ashton, who had been silent up until now, shook his head and stuttered confusedly.  

“Hold on. You’re telling me that he’s like a service animal now?”

“Kind of. He’s my Emotional Support Clone.”

The friends at the table sat slack jawed and silent for a solid five seconds before they all burst out laughing. Michael inhaled deeply and sighed. It was so nice, being able to comfortably listen to his friends howl with laughter. Even if they were laughing at his expense.

“Skyler had us all so worried, she told us you were dropping out of school!” Viv exclaimed. Skyler stood and held her hands up in defense.  

“Hey, now. I said I THINK he’s dropping out, I didn’t say it was confirmed.”

“What? What makes you think I’d drop out? I wouldn’t leave you guys for the world.”

Emma faked a gag and jumped up to hug Michael. Carly and Michelle followed suit, creating a domino effect; everyone else stood and joined in the group hug much to Mickey’s distress. He slid out from under the hug and moved away to breathe, and Michael tried his best to hug everyone at one time as he cried tears of joy. Being able to hear normally, having so many friends that love him and his clone, it was all too much for his heart, and he felt like he was going to explode, or puke rainbows and glitter, he was just that happy.

“Don’t scare me like that next time!” Skyler whined, smacking Michael’s arm.

“Don’t be so nosy next time!”

Back at his seat, Luke screeched loudly, like nails on a chalkboard. Everyone, including the other students and staff in the room, covered their ears.

“That still hurts, though... what the fuck, Luke?”

“Your Emotional Support Demon Child stole my strawberry!”

Mickey sat in Ally’s chair, absentmindedly munching on the berry in question and waving Luke away with his free hand.

“Am Mickey, Mick-Mickey.”

“What the fuck did he say, Mike?”

Unable to stifle his laughter, he shrugged and wiped his eyes.  

“He said ‘fuck off, breadstick’, and I won’t get on to him for it, either.”

Luke pouted, turning beet red as he sat back down to childishly pick at what was left of his pancakes.

“But I was saving it for last...”

[concealeddarkness13]

WHG 15 Post-Games Brains and Brawn Part 6

This is happening around the beginning of the third week. Tagging: @ratracechronicler, @maple-writes (also thanks for Richard and Volt!), @pen-of-roses, and @thoughts-of-nora!

Shine came into my room at the beginning of the third week after the end of the Games. They smiled at me and texted. “I’ll be working on Richard’s machines today, so you’ll need to help me.”

I nodded and stood up. “I’ll totally help! Let’s go!”

They shoved some bags into my hands, and they headed off to Richard’s room. I just followed along behind. It would be nice to see Richard again. He was cool.

They knocked on his door, and he opened it. Shine signed, slow enough that I could tell what they were saying. “Hi! If it is ok, would I be able to start repairing you machines? I have prepared.” They gestured at the bags I was carrying. “And I have an assistant.” They gestured back at me, and I waved and smiled.

Richard smiled and let us in. He signed back at Shine. “Come in.” He nodded at me and spoke. “And good to have you too.”

I laughed. “Shine just says I’m here to manual labor. But it’s fine. I’d still like to spar with you at some point.” Shine rolled their eyes at that.

He laughed as well, but he had a tired smile. “We’ll have to find a time then.” He ruffled my hair affectionately and then turned to Shine and signed. “Where would you like me?”

They signed back. “Wherever you are most comfortable. I think I will start with your arm. There are probably worn down joints in your limbs.”

Richard gave him a thumbs up, and he laid down on the bed before he propped himself back up and signed. “Are you okay with making the incision or do you want a hand?”

They grimaced. “Help would be appreciated. I have not really worked with the biological side of things.”

He pointed to a scalpel blade in one of the bags I had set down near Shine. “Pass that over and let me know when you’re ready to start.”

I dramatically pouted as Shine nodded and handed the blade to Richard. They grabbed some tools, and then they nodded and signed again. “I am ready.”

Richard took the blade, took a deep breath, and made an incision in his arm, and I flinched. How could he do that? I didn’t take a close look as Shine did. Richard texted something, and Shine put us in a group chat so I could see it too. “Most of the blood flow’s shunted away from this part for now.” He smiled at Shine. “Don’t be nervous.”

Shine nodded and texted back. “Thanks.” And they got started. I sat up straighter as they gestured for me to hand them tools. I frowned as they worked. I couldn’t watch. So, instead, I would bother Richard.

“So, how did you learn their sign language?”

He blinked, looking surprised as he turned over to me. “Oh, Dr. Carmine taught me. It was a long time ago now so I’m a little rough.” He laughed a little.

“The Carmine that Triel mentioned in her interview?” I remembered Triel and Shine sitting up, reading through the material Cahira had given to them. And how much Triel grumbled about reading about such an awful person. “How was she?”

“Right, yeah, the same Dr. Carmine.” He watched Shine for a little bit and then rested his head back down. “She was one of the people who would handle me once I was operational.” He smiled fondly. “She was the only one who seemed to care if I was tired, hungry, in pain after an assignment instead of ignoring me until we got back to hand me over to the technicians. She was the only one who’d tell me I did a good job and bring something nice as a treat when I was done.” He sighed and his smile faded. “Then one day she was just…gone.”

Shine grimaced when they looked up and realized Richard was talking about Carmine. Yeah, she sounded so different from now. “Well, that sounds…nice. I’m glad she was nice to you.”

He nodded. “She was then. I don’t know what she’s like now.” He paused and stared up at the ceiling. “After I found out it was her who put Skyler through all that, I don’t know…” He paused again, looking back at us. “She doesn’t know I’m here, with Volt.”

Shine laughed a little and signed. “Hopefully, she will not figure it out after she finds the file missing.” They stopped working and sat back. “Could I look at the other arm?”

“Right.” Richard sat up and used a butterfly bandage over the wound. He cut his other arm, and I looked away again, shaking slightly, just remembering knives flashing toward me. Shit. I had to think of something else. Richard thought for a little bit and signed. “Even if she does figure it out, I don’t know what she would do about it. As far as I know, she doesn’t work with them anymore anyway.”

I nodded and spoke. “So, she didn’t seem to be one of those people who wouldn’t let someone they had control over escape?” I unconsciously rubbed my hands over my scars.

“I don’t think so. She never seemed to be the kind to obsess over power.” He winced as Shine did something. “She wasn’t like the others that leaned on force to control me anyway. She was stern and sometimes had high demands, but not outright cruel. Now that I think of it, she never even laid a hand on me to get me to comply.” He shook his head. “But no, to answer your question. And besides, I’m pretty sure she’s known for a long time Skyler’s with Volt and hasn’t made a move to get him back in ages.”

“That’s good.” I kept rubbing at my scars. Shine snapped at me to hand them another tool, and I shook myself out of my thoughts. “I mean, not actually good, but at least she isn’t trying to take you back.” I paused. “Not like Churi,” I mumbled. “He won’t stop until he gets me back.”

“You’ll just have to keep a step ahead of him then.” He looked me in the eyes. “I bet you’re smarter than he thinks you are. All he has to do is underestimate you, and you’ve won.”

I nodded and gave him a half-smile. That was kind of him, but I didn’t know if I was smarter than Churi thought I was. I wasn’t that smart. “Thanks.”

Shine nudged Richard to get his attention and started signing. “Want me to work on your legs at all? Or your eye next? I should be able to make your eye functional again. But for all the other large repairs, I do not have enough time to repair them. I will give you the blueprints so you can find someone else you trust to help repair.”

Richard sat up and signed awkwardly, trying not to move his arms very much. “Legs maybe if you’re up to it.”

Shine nodded. “And then I’ll work on your eye.”

“Perfect.” Richard put a bandage on his other arm and cut open his leg, which I still couldn’t watch. He texted instead. “You’re pretty good at this, especially for your first try.”

Shine texted back. “Thanks. I studied the blueprints, so I know how your machines are supposed to look. That helps a lot.” They waved for me to hand them a tool, and they got to work.

Richard laughed a little. “I don’t think I want to know how far off they look compared to what they’re supposed to.”

Shine laughed back. “It’s a mess, but it’s really not hard to fix. I had worse when Triel first got her airship. She didn’t have enough money, so her old captain let her have an old one of hers. Now, that took months.”

“You’re probably more than qualified then.” He nodded at them. “We were lucky enough that the ship Volt snagged had been well cared for before she took it.”

I grinned. That airship was awesome! “It’s beautiful!” I blurted out.

“Isn’t it?” He propped himself up to look over at me. “Volt’s pretty strict on upkeep and so far it’s been nothing but reliable for us.”

Oh shit. Skyler had told me not to mention what happened. I started flushing. Shit. “I’d…I’d love to fly in it sometime.” Shine looked up and cocked an eyebrow at me. They knew I was lying.

Richard grinned at me mischievously. Shit. Had he figured it out? “You must really want to with how red you’re getting.”

I curled up on myself, and my face grew hotter. “I just really love the idea of flying,” I mumbled.

“Looks like we’ll have to have a full day sometime if you still want to fight me too.” He lay down dramatically. “Though I might be out a little while.”

I relaxed a little when he didn’t push the airship subject, and I grinned. “Hey, I wanted to fight with a cut up leg, and…” Dramatic pause. “I failed. You rest as long as you need to, and I’ll wait.”

“Well,” He shot me a look and sounded exaggeratedly arrogant. “Even if your legs were fine I don’t expect you to win.”

I laughed. “Shine’s just helping you get closer to my level.” Shine shook their head and signed for the other leg.

“I see, maybe I’ll have a chance then with them on my side.” He nodded at Shine and bandaged up the first leg and cut into the other leg, and I had to look away again. “But I wouldn’t bet on it.” He blinked exaggeratedly, and it took me a second to realize he was trying to wink, but he had only one functioning eye, so it didn’t work as well. So, I just grinned back at him.

And just then, Volt walked up to the door and leaned against the frame. “What’s going on here?”

More heat rose to my cheeks as my mind flashed to the airship. Would Richard say anything? Shine looked over and grinned when they saw Volt, and they added her to the group message. “I’m working on Richard’s machines.”

Her eyes flickered over to Richard. “Is,” she looked between Shine and Richard. “Are you sure that’s safe?”

Richard shrugged. “So far so good.”

Shine was still grinning, probably the most I had seen them grin. “As safe as I can be. I’ve been able to fix the wear in his joints, so they shouldn’t bother him as much.”

She relaxed a little bit. “If it works then well done.” She sighed, long and deep. “Just be careful, okay?”

“When have I not?”

“In the time I’ve known you?” She raised her eyebrows, and I had to stop myself from snickering. For once, I wasn’t the one being chastised about being reckless. “More often than not.”

“And when has it worked out in our favor anyway?”

They had a point there. Richard seemed to agree because he looked over Shine’s shoulder and grinned. Volt’s expression didn’t change. “I can see why Triel wanted you on her crew.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Then they switched to sign to Richard. “Could I see your eye now?”

He fixed up his leg and lay down so that Shine could get to it easily. And Shine wouldn’t be paying attention anymore. They had been the most excited about working on the eye.

Volt watched for a few seconds before turning to me, and I stiffened a little. “How did you get pulled into this?”

Good. I was almost worried she somehow knew about the airship. “I’m just manual labor. Shine decided that this would keep me from getting bored and doing something stupid. And they’re right.” I grinned. “I think I might have gotten Richard to agree to spar with me later.”

“Of course he did.” She shook her head, but she had a soft expression as she looked over to Richard. “You really are a pushover.” He just smiled back.

After a few hours, Shine finally finished the eye, and they sat back with a long sigh. They nodded and smiled at Richard, and they signed. “How are you feeling?”

He spelled it out. “Ow.” He shifted to get more comfortable. “But it should be alright. Thanks.”

Since they were done, I started gathering up their tools, so they didn’t have to do everything. They kept signing. “I am sorry. Thanks for letting me help.”

He smiled back, looking tired. “Don’t worry. The technicians were never so gentle.”

Shine bowed a little with a smile, handed the blueprints to Volt, and headed out, while I followed with the extra stuff they brought. I just walked beside them with a smile. Even though they looked tired, they were smiling. It had been a good day then.

[takemealivelh]

Hi BEAUTIFUL! Idk if youre still taking these...but 1, 5, 14 with Ashton on the Fake Dating Trope pleeeease 😍💜🥰

SKYLER I LOVE YOU I’m sorry this took TOO LONG

“Stop squeezing my hand so tight!” I could feel Ashton’s nervousness in his grip. If he didn’t relax soon, I was going to go home with two fingers left. He mumbled an apology as we waited for the bouncer to check off our names on the list. He asked for my name and looked at Ashton with a raised eyebrow, “plus one,” I told him before he could say anything.

The NME hosted a party every March to commemorate their first issue, back in 1957. Ever since I started working there as a music journalist, and ever since my editor asked for more pieces, I attended their anniversary. Usually, I went by myself, did my rounds and shortly after midnight got hammered with my co-workers by the editor-in-chief’s pool. This year, my date was Ashton Irwin, and it wasn’t even my idea.

-

“Come on,” my name rolled off the tip of his tongue as he begged, kneeling on my kitchen floor, Ashton could surely put on a show if he wanted. “You need to get me into that party, please. You are respected there, they value your work, and I need them to take me seriously. Please, Skyler, they think I’m in a boyband.” The disgust was obvious in his tone, he really wanted to be compared to a real musician, Phil Collins, Jon Farriss… “Please, I know I’m a fucking snob but this is really important to me, you’re my friend. Friends help each other out.”

I sipped my mug of tea and looked at his mess of a state, I’d never seen him plead. It was amusing, “get off your knees, Irwin. You can come with me, one condition only.” I almost lost my balance when he jumped to his feet and crushed me in the tightest hug, he worshipped my benevolent attitude towards a dumb peasant like him and I could only laugh, “I want concert tickets, Ash. At least three shows this year,” I pushed him off me, his smile was brightest than the sun that shone in that February morning.

-

“Skyler, so glad you could come. It’s always a treat to have you- hi,” my editor looked over at the man next to me, her eyes went wide and for a second I thought I had lost all my credibility. “You’re in that boyba-”

“Charlotte, this is Ashton Irwin. Great drummer, great musician. I’m doing a piece soon on his band, I thought I’d let him tag along so you could meet him,” I interrupted her and I could feel Ashton shifting his weight from one foot to the other, almost microscopically. His hands were starting to sweat, but he kept a professional smile on his face. “Quite a gem, actually,” I kept praising him, which wasn’t hard since I was actually a big fan of his work. I genuinely thought he was a good musician. Ashton’s body seemed to ease as Charlotte’s eyes stopped piercing him with judgement.

Her red lips curved up into a smirk, “a gem because you’re dating him, Sky?”

I’m no idiot, Ashton is a fit young man. He is not an idiot either, he knew how hot I looked in my skin-tight dress. His arm slipped over to hold me by the waist and I took the opportunity to wrap my arms around his waist, pressing a cheek to his white shirt, “that’s only a side-effect I don’t mind having.”

-

“Did you see me, Sky? I actually talked to Tom about music. He was sceptical at first and started asking me shit about whether I danced or not and I was like, dude no, I play the drums and I-”

I could listen to Ashton talk about his passion for music for hours. His face lit up when he listed his influences and when he talked about the new technique he was trying to get a crispier sound on the snare drum.

“I think he was impressed,” he grinned at me and raised his glass of vodka-tonic, “you are my gem, Skyler” he teased me. 

“Yes, I know”

It was past midnight, and we were lounging by the pool with our feet in the water. I didn’t know why I’d never asked him to come with me to this party, I was having the best time.

“Do you think they’re bluffing?”“What do you mean?”

As Ashton finished his drink and took his feet out of the water to put on some shoes and go to the bathroom, I heard both my editors from the other side of the glass door. I looked at them from the corner of my eye, they were staring at us.

“Be right back,” Ashton playfully nudged my shoulder and went back inside with an empty glass. I nodded and leaned back to eavesdrop some more after he left.

“I heard she got some offers, Char. I think other magazines are after her, younger ones. Maybe she’s getting acquainted with boybands because it will help her get the job”“Are you serious? I thought you said he was-”“Yeah, but come on… Kid could’ve studied that off the internet or whatever.”“They don’t look like they’re dating, that’s for sure”

-

“Hey! My gem came to find me because she thought I would’ve embarrassed myself by now?” Ashton was still tugging his shirt inside his pants when I opened the bathroom door. “Knock, next time, alright?”

I closed the door behind me and he gave me a cheeky smile, “wipe that off your face, Ash. I think they’re onto us.”

“What?” his hazel eyes drowned in confusion. “Wait, what if they know, though? It’s not like-”

“I could lose my fucking job, Ashton. They think I’m trying to get in your pants to get another job, they think I’m selling out”

“No…” we both stayed quiet for a while. “Well…” Ashton sighed and wiped his hands on the towel, “pretending to be your boyfriend is the easiest thing I’ve ever had to do,” he chuckled and I rolled my eyes. 

-

“They’re coming! Hurry up and kiss me!” 

“Oh how the tables have turned,” Ashton smirked with his hands on his pockets. He was leaning against the wall and I did the same, standing next to him. “You didn’t say please.”

I could see Charlotte and Tom coming from the other side of the room, “you’re the fuckin worst-”

It took me about three long seconds to process the warmth of his hands in my waist, pinning me against the wall. His lips soft and hungry against mine. I drifted off the night when his tongue licked my lower lip, tasting like vodka and tonic. My arms, instinctively, wrapped around his neck, bring him closer to me. How long had it been since I’d been kissed like that?

“You’re a gem, alright?” Ashton whispered against my lips and repeated in my ear as he pulled away, just in time to smile at my editors, keeping the show going. “Hey! Great party. Tom, I’d love to talk more about the Gallaghers solo projects but I think I might just take my girl home,” he wrapped his arm around my waist once again, squeezing me against him.

I smiled back at the disoriented eyes staring at us, “I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

- 

When we got in the back of the taxi, Ashton squeezed my thigh, his breath visibly agitated. “Okay, that was fun, but it’s not ending now, is it?”

The mischievous glint in his eyes was enough to make me want to move his hand up, “no. Hopefully, it’s far from over”

TAG LIST:

@brown-eyedshell @thew0rldneedsmcreycghurt @myloverboyash @hopeless-renassianceluke @dukesnumber1 @rip-lukes-balsamic @letsfuckndance @cal-pal-cuddles @ashtons-favorite @1dthewantedlove @problematicprincessa @heartbreak-5sos @baby-loba

fuckin listen, I actually googled the NME staff, I’m such a dork I’m sorry

[thestudyof5sos]

Now Accepting Applications (dad!ashton)

Summary: Ashton’s new to the building and his lifestyle disrupts his downstairs neighbor, Harper; but she’s in for a surprise when she bangs on his door in the middle of the night. Author: 🐾 @larryologymajor Fandon/Pairing: 5SOS / singledad!Ashton with baby girl x angry!neighbor Warnings/Tags: fluff, toddler Irwin, and kitties Word count: 1.9k Now Accepting Applications

Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.

The rhythmic whoosh and clicking of the ceiling fan in Skyler’s bedroom always lulled her sleep. It typically provided enough white noise to drown out ambient city noises and footsteps of the guy who lived in the flat above her. He was new to the building she thought, remembering the moving boxes heaped in the lobby last week. Prior to his arrival the flat had sat empty since Skyler had moved in last year and she was already lamenting its vacancy.

However, tonight was different. A siren wailed in the distance and Skyler’s ceiling fan wobbled precariously as her upstairs neighbor paced above her. At first the light footsteps thudded hollowly against the floor but over the past twenty minutes they’d become increasingly quicker, almost aggressive.

Skyler could never really hear voices or audible sounds coming from the flat above her, but the building was old; the floors and walls often creaked and groaned as if they were spilling out secrets. The minutes passed by and Skyler’s neighbor continued to pace. Occasional he’d hit a floorboard just right and her entire apartment would shake. Tonight she was convinced he was either walking the Indy 5000 around his flat or raising an elephant up there.

In the dark, Skyler squinted at the clock across the room. Without her glasses, she wasn’t 100% sure that she was reading the right numbers. She sighed and rolled over. It didn’t matter. It was getting later by the minute and she couldn’t sleep. She silently prayed that she’d fall asleep soon and wake up on time to catch her six am train; she had a long day ahead of her serving on a committee out of town for work.

Suddenly, the pacing stopped. Several long seconds ticked by. The night stilled and and Skyler let out a loud sigh of relief; she relaxed into her mattress and pulled the light throw blanket up to her chin. Skyler was seconds away from dozing off when she was jolted awake by the sound of a maniacal vacuum coming from the flat above her.

Desperate for sleep, she jumped out of bed angrily, determined to put a stop to the incessant noise coming from flat 304.

Skyler slid on a long sleeve tee over her pajama shorts and tank, stuffed her feet into flip flops, grabbed her eyeglasses, keys, and phone then marched out her door, down the hallway, and up the stairs.

Skyler approached his door and raised her hand in a fist to pound on the door but she stilled for a moment, afraid to wake his neighbors. Fuck it she thought and rapped three times on the door quite loudly. She stood there quietly for several heart beats, there was no answer. Just as she was about to rap again, the deadbolt flipped and the door slid open enough to see shadows.

Skyler launched into her verbal attack. “It’s after midnight! What the fuck are you vacuuming for??!! Some of us need to sleep! Including me, but I can’t. Because I hear you practically stomping around the flat all night long!”

The door opened the rest of the way and her mystery neighbor’s body slipped through the crack, gently nudging Skyler out of the way. He quickly checked the lock and gently closed the door. “Shut up before you wake her!” he hissed.

“Her??!” Skyler was pissed. She assumed he had female company.

The man’s hands came up to cradle his face. He rubbed at his own temples. Skyler looked him up and down. Even disheveled, he was gorgeous. And Skyler was breathless. His gray joggers rode low on his slim hips, feet bare, and white tee clung to his broad shoulders and sculpted arms in all the right ways. His fingers moved from his temples and carded through his unkempt and dirty ash brown curls. Finally, he looked at Skyler. His unblinking hazel eyes looked straight into hers and her heart skipped a beat. She had never felt eye contact this intense before.

“My daughter. She’s teething. I don’t think either of us have slept since we moved in last week,” he explained.

Skyler studied his face carefully; she could see the exhaustion and stress. “We’re still getting used to the single dad routine,” he added.

Skyler thinks her jaw dropped. “Oh,” she exhaled. “I’m so sorry. Here I am bitching and clearly you need help. I’m Skyler. I live in 204 right below you.”

“Ashton.” He extended a hand to shake it, but Skyler instinctively pulled him in for a hug. Ashton’s body stiffened against her arms but Skyler held on for a few more seconds anyway.

When she released him, she gave him a sheepish grin. “I’m so sorry. I’m a hugger by nature and I couldn’t resist. You looked like you needed human touch.”

Now it was Ashton’s turn to study Skyler. Her caramel hair was piled on top of her head in a messy bun. Even in the dimly lit hallway, he could see her green eyes were sparkling. It was a striking contrast from seconds ago when she was angrily banging on his door. Her plump, pink lips curved into a half smile.

Sapphire blue bra straps, or maybe tank top straps, he thought, were peeking out under a gray hooded tee. Matching blue shorts cut off at mid thigh leaving the rest of her legs and feet exposed. Ashton wanted to feel her touch again.

He chuckled. “I should be used to that. My best mate, Luke, is a total hugger too.” He looked at her through his eyelashes. “Maybe we can try that again?”

Was he flirting?! He didn’t know where that came from. Skyler giggled and extended her arms. Ashton stepped into her arms. When he felt her arms wrap around his shoulders he sighed and melted against her body. Instinctively his arms wound around her lower back and he gently guided her back against the wall; his brain shut off and without him thinking, his thumbs hooked over the waistband of her shorts, and he pushed his hips closer to hers. He rested his chin on the top of her head, a loose hair from her bun tickling his nose.

Skyler’s hands slid up his tightly muscled back. Her left thumb stroked at the soft spot behind his ear while her right hand found its way up his neck and began to card through the curls at the nape of his neck.

Ashton’s heart beat wildly in his chest. He didn’t know how, but this felt so intimate and he craved more. It had been almost a year since his fiancé left him alone and broken with a new baby. Over a year since he felt the warm embrace of a female body.

At the age of 32, Ashton’s heart was broken, left shattered on the floor by the love of his life who decided she wasn’t ready to be a mom, even after they spent hours and hours, days really, having lengthy discussions about their options when they found out they were pregnant.

However, when the baby arrived she decided she just couldn’t do it. She packed her things and left quietly; she didn’t have the strength to argue or attempt to explain herself.

Ashton barely functioned the first four months of his daughter’s life. He didn’t know where he would be if Luke wasn’t by his side. He wasn’t ready to be a single parent, or a heartbroken man. Dealing with both of those was an emotional rollercoaster Ashton never wanted to repeat. But his best friend was incredible. All of his close friends were incredible. Luke cleared his schedule and subleased his flat to a summer intern at his firm so he could temporarily move in with Ashton and newborn Evelyn.

The first ten weeks were the worst for Ashton as he tried to develop a new rhythm that included Evelyn. By then though, Luke recruited the remainder of their squad, Calum and Michael, to take turns checking in on the new family and helping out when they could.

When Ashton’s lease was up on the three bedroom flat he previously shared with his fiancé, he decided it was time to move into something smaller. Something more affordable. Something closer to Luke so he would have a big part of his support system near by but far enough for him to be independent so he could let Luke get back to his life.

Ashton was lost in thought when he felt Skyler shift in front of him. She gazed up at him and her fingers stilled, entwined in his hair, when he spoke. “It’s my turn to be sorry. I completely zoned out for a minute. I was thinking about this year. My fiancé left me with Evie when she was ten days old. This year has been strenuous and maddening but I wouldn’t change it for the world. And even with my best friends helping me every day, it’s been lonely. So lonely.”

Skyler’s eyes glistened, she was on the brink of tears for a man she’d known less than five minutes. His story was like the start of a Hallmark movie, she thought. She pulled him closer yet.

“Oh my gosh,” she blinked twice trying to clear her eyes. “I can’t even imagine what you’ve gone through but I can kind of relate. I split from my boyfriend of half a decade earlier this year when we decided we wanted different paths in life. It was an amicable split and we sometimes talk still. But I miss his touch. Maybe not even his touch, but touch in general. I miss having a warm body to snuggle into when I’m cold. I miss hugging and hand holding. I miss the intimacy of closeness.”

She didn’t know why but she felt like it was okay to open up to him too. Ashton gazed at her, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “Well, I guess I could start taking applications for a cuddle buddy. Luke failed me in that department.”

Skyler’s grin mirrored his and she giggled. “I guess I could drop my resume off tomorrow after work!”

Ashton belly laughed and immediately slapped a hand over his mouth, afraid his laugh would wake Evie sleeping on the other side of the door. “You should probably bring a bottle of wine and a hearty appetite with your resume. I’ll see you at 7:30 tomorrow for your interview.”

Skyler stood on her tiptoes and brushed a feathery kiss across his stubbled jawline. “Goodnight Ashton.”

“Goodnight Skyler.” He stepped away from her and watched her walk down the hall. He retreated into the flat and and quietly entered the small study turned nursery adjacent to his room. He placed a kiss on his daughter’s forehead as she slept peacefully in her crib.

As he climbed into bed, Ashton tapped out a quick message to Luke. “I think I met someone.” Ashton closed his eyes, and for the first time in many weeks, he slept soundly.

One floor below him slept Skyler, finally asleep, dreaming about Ashton and his baby.

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