#...there was... think he was dutch; had been burned by his girlfriend all over his body; was in constant pain

[medicinemane]

And maybe you'll be like "but if you don't trust businesses, how can you trust welfare?"

I fucking don't. My mom trying to get on food stamps fucked me up because a lady I never met without my permission got my SSN from my mom and started editing my files. My heart still races to this very second whenever I think about it, it kinda messed me up bad and I'll never ever ever see any kind of recourse

And I'm terrified that I'm gonna lose my medicaid just cause I inherited some money from my grandpa

And I've never even applied for disability cause it kinda doesn't matter finding out if I'd qualify or not cause of my depression, when the rules are so restrictive I don't know if I've even be allowed to keep my house

I do not fucking trust these things on a personal level. I feel like out of a lot of people I have the most to fear from them cause I'm on the edge of having things work, and that gets you punished

...but I need medicaid in order to have insurance (and when you strip out the finance side of medicaid, I love medicaid... they're honestly incredible insurance... I just... I just... dental is like 90% of why medicaid is so important to me, ever since I found out this state pays for it I've actually been able to do cleanings which is important to me cause I can't always get myself to brush)

And I think things like disability and food stamps are pretty damn important on a personal level, and honestly are also good for the economy cause they get people spending... it's practically a free cash infusion into the economy, cause these are people who need to buy stuff

There's just so much important stuff welfare does that it's worth dealing with government

No, what I want is more accountability so if someone gets my SSN from a 3rd party like my mom they're held to HIPPA styles standards where that's not ok to access my files without my permission (She changed my fucking address and tried to get medicaid to investigate me for fraud! Never even met me)

Like have some accountability there and in every situation

Secondly I want less punitive focused rules. I'd frankly prefer bezos get on disability than smack down some poor sod cause they got $2000 in the bank or cause their friend lets them live with them for free

If there's gonna be a cut off on these programs, it needs to be a solid step above the poverty line, cause... by definition I assume poverty line denotes kinda the minimum expected income people can reasonably live off of, and if you take away benefits people are gonna lose a chunk of money to covering that stuff themself, so you need a buffer before you kick people off

I don't fucking trust the government for a second, I've actively been fucked by them and on a personal level I avoid everything but medicaid and only that cause everything but the money is pleasant to deal with and I kinda need it (honestly if I was rich I'm not even kidding that I'd rather give medicaid like $400 a month than some insurance company, I sincerely like them as insurance)

But I'd trust them a lot more if they were less punitive, less out to hunt me down and gut me cause someone handed me a fiver or cause I started to get on my feet, and if government employees had concrete rules they had to follow that were actually transparent and enforced

Like 90% of my problems with welfare go away if they're held accountable and there's less "catch the welfare cheats" mentality going around

I don't trust the government in the slightest, but sadly there some jobs it kinda has to do, so I'd just rather force it to be an open book where the public can keep an eye on it and if they step out of line there's consequences (sort of like I don't trust most mega corps but happen to sometimes need stuff from them... did you know literally every cell service provider has been illegally selling shit like your location data to random people like bounty hunters, and the FCC just slapped them with a fine that's 0.02% of their yearly incomes and debated even doing that? I even can offer a source on that)

...I don't trust much of any authority cause they constantly fail me and kinda screw me. Don't trust doctors either, but I still gotta go to them, you know? ...they're just... they're real bad at listening... so many systems need systemic change

(You know who I really don't trust is the cops. I could point to so many examples. My uncle doesn't trust cops either, and he's an ex Fire and SWAT paramedic, he worked with them and we still got into a long conversation where he basically tore into them far better than I can)

(I don't trust authority that's not accountable)

[mariahcarreyyy]

congrats on 2k!!! you deserve it and so so much more <3

can i request being overprotective of them in front of prospective partners with max ofc thank u very much -cait/@leclerced

# prompt no.10, being overprotective of them in front of prospective partners

mariahcarreyyy's 2k celebration announcement post

It was embarrassing.

Watching two grown men argue over who would drive you home from the lively, neon-lit bar led to a bashful flush, warming your body amidst the crisp darkness of the night.

Only minutes prior, Max had taken one look at you and decided home was where you should be. You didn't make any protests because he's right; you wonder if you looked like a book to Max—pages crinkled, broken spines, and easily read words in his favorite font.

"I can take my fucking girlfriend home, Max," your boyfriend, Scotty, seethes through gritted teeth, an ugly vein bursting on his forehead.

Scotty evidently did not like the idea of Max driving you home for a reason you had no idea of. You and Max had been friends for years, so if even an ounce of your yearning and want was reciprocated, he would've done something by now.

That thought did little to dwindle the stubborn 'what if's from gnawing at your soul, the twinge in your heart whenever you see Max with anyone but yourself.

And also the slight guilt at thinking of another man when you have a perfectly fine one waiting at home for you each night but. Whatever.

"I swear to fucking God if you get into that car with her--"

Eyes widening, you place a calming hand on Max's shoulder and ignore the daggers your boyfriend is glaring at your touch. "Okay, how 'bout we all relax, yeah?"

Max cranes his neck to look at you, his harsh facade melting when he catches sight of the worry etched on your face. Once his heaving turned into steady breathing, your face ducking shyly to look away from his gaze, your boyfriend cleared his throat loudly.

You hastily drop your hand like the Dutch had burned you, and Max lets out a disapproving noise at the loss of your contact. Yeah, Scotty did not look impressed. The murderous glint in his eyes did nothing to quell the uncomfortable atmosphere, his jaw flexing like he's capable of murder, of tearing Max's limbs off and letting the blood spill on the pavement.

"Scotty...to be fair, you did drink, and I don't really feel like dying tonight."

A hand creeps around Max's waist, your fingertips pinching the flesh after you hear him snort. A barely concealed yelp from the driver has Scotty scrunching his nose up in distaste, nostrils flared, and betrayal painted across his face.

You should probably side with your boyfriend, but. But the cool breeze makes the tiny hairs on your arms stand up, teeth chattering; you wrap the thin, barely-there jacket Max gave you at the beginning of the night and roll your eyes, walking to Max's car.

Fondly, Max observes the impatient tapping of your foot and flush on your face—from the cold, he tells himself, not for the same reasons as himself. He raises his brows tauntingly at Scotty before advancing towards your shaky frame.

"Fuckin' bitch," Scotty mutters into the air, lips pursed into a scowl and vodka overriding his senses.

Your ears don't quite grasp the words, but Max's do. So, when the world champion's fist paves the way for the colorful hues of a bruise to bloom on the bridge of your boyfriend's nose, you can't help but choke on a gasp.

authors note. anddddd scotty makes a comeback!!!! tbf in the og fic he was actually portrayed as a good bf. max & reader r js bad ppl. now i dont have to feel bd tho cus he's terrible in this🥰

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lily of the Valley

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: Jason Todd dies and comes back to life. As the League takes him in, he navigates his morality and family values over the years.

Chapters: 22/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Talia al Ghul, Ra’s al Ghul, Damian Wayne, Barbara Gordon, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Sheila Haywood

Relationships: Jason Todd/Original Character(s)

Additional Tags: Immortal Jason Todd, League of Assassins Jason Todd, Protective Talia al Ghul, Good Parent Talia al Ghul, Jason Todd Needs a Hug, Good Sibling Jason Todd, Hurt/Comfort, Adopted Children, Resurrected Jason Todd

Chapter Twenty-Two: Australian Sundew

Jason woke up while everyone slept to pack for his trip. He packed quickly, hiding his luggage under his bed. He went to the gym, stretching before a workout. He had flashes in his mind of death. He wondered how he would explain his life to a normal person. The blood and gore, the panic and burning in his chest when he could no longer force air into his lungs… It was all too much. All his worst memories flooded to the surface. Every movement reminded him of death. He heard someone’s footsteps, and he turned around. “Saru?” Jason whispered. “I don’t feel like sparring right now—.” 

“Are you upset? I just wanted to braid your hair,” Saru replied. Jason softened as he sat down. She kneeled behind him, brushing his hair, starting from the bottom near the center of his back. “Did you mean it?”

“Mean what?” Jason asked.

“Did you mean it when you said you loved me?” Saru questioned.

“Of course, I did. And as long as I’m away, I hope you know I will never love anyone else. I love you,” Jason answered. Saru smiled, gently sectioning off Jason’s hair with her fingers. “Are you—? Saru, don’t worry about me.” 

“I’ll do as I please,” Saru half-joked. “I’ll be with Damian… I wasn’t sure if I should tell you,” Saru whispered.

“It’s a relief… I was so worried about him but now I can relax, knowing he’s in good hands,” Jason replied. She looped his braids behind his ear and started on a larger dutch braid, with the rest of his hair. 

“Okay… We’ll see you tomorrow,” Saru whispered before leaving Jason alone. 

** 

Damian stood near the plane, careful to keep his composure around everyone. Jason kneeled, careful not to embarrass him. “Take good care of your team…” Jason leaned in to whisper in Damian’s ear. “Especially my girlfriend.”

Damian held back from laughing as he nodded. “I promise,” Damian assured him. 

“I love you… I’m proud of you,” Jason whispered too low for anyone other than Damian to hear. Damian’s lips tightened into a scowl, and he lifted his chin above Jason’s head, turning away from him with elegantly closed eyes. To many, it was regal. A display of the true grandson of the Demon’s Head. But it wasn’t that. It was a private exchange between brothers. Their affection was theirs and theirs alone and any outward display would’ve soured the moment. Damian didn’t cry. He loved Jason too much to make him worry. 

“Likewise Gē,” Damian answers aloud. Jason bowed his head, his eyes shut as Damian rested his hand atop it. Damian turned away, stepping up and onto the plane, and everyone backed away, watching until the plane was out of sight. 

Jason retired to his library to grab a handful of books to bring with him. He refused to cry, even in private. He crept down the hall when he was sure Talia was preoccupied to hand-deliver letters to Ra’s. “Could you hold onto Mama’s letter until I’ve been away for forty-eight hours? I don’t want her to stop me,” Jason requested. Ra’s nodded. 

“Of course… I ask one thing in return,” Ra’s replied before whispering something. Jason nodded.

“Yes, sir. I will,” Jason answered. 

** 

At nightfall, Jason snuck out with little-to-no interference. The pilot started toward Ethiopia. Jason couldn’t sleep, thinking about what he’d left behind. Even if it was a momentary departure, Jason felt guilty for abandoning them. He sat with his books, reading one after the other until they landed. “Do you want to see the city? We’re going to be here for a few hours,” the pilot asked. Jason chewed his lip. 

“I’ll be back soon,” Jason whispered. He tied his shoes, stepping off the plane with his camera and wallet, and into the sunlight. He put on sunglasses, Jason paid for a rental car using his fake international license. 

He drove into the city until he found somewhere to eat. He sat at an outdoor table, eating crab with his bare hands. A little boy with a scraped knee limped past with tears in his eyes, and Jason stopped him. “Hey, Kid, c’mere,” Jason called. The little boy stopped and turned around. “What happened?”

“They beat me up and took my money,” the little boy answered. Jason frowned. “My uncle gave it to me for my birthday, so I could buy a special dinner.” Jason instinctually took the bottom of his shirt and wiped the boy’s face. 

“How much money?” Jason asked while he wiped his hands. The little boy shook his head. “It’s alright. Go on.” 

“Ten dollars,” he mumbled. 

Jason pulled money out of his wallet and crouched beside the boy, tucking it into the boy’s sock. “Are you hungry? I don’t know if I can eat all this by myself,” Jason offered. The little boy hesitated. “Are you six? My little brother’s six.”

“Uh-huh,” the little boy answered. 

Jason smiled as the little boy sat down and took the food Jason offered. A group of boys ran around the corner, and Jason gestured toward them with a nod. The little boy nodded. “Wait here,” Jason commanded. The other boys were younger than Jason but far older than the little boy. He followed them down the street. Jason returned five minutes later with the stolen money. He gave it to the little boy and quietly finished eating. 

**

As the day pressed on, Jason stopped at the museum and aquarium, taking pictures with his camera. Jason itched for excitement but all he felt was longing. There was an emptiness that couldn’t be filled inside of him. He thought about going home, but he couldn’t turn back. Attributing it to nerves, Jason pushed forward. Jason wandered around the aquarium, snapping pictures and watching people. Jason could only pinpoint faces of the suffering. It was something that he tried to ignore about himself. Outside of his family and targets, Jason rarely noticed the faces of the people around him. The people blurred around him, but the background remained clear. He saw what he needed to. Pickpockets, people with weapons, and law enforcement… And the children who were crying because they didn’t want to leave. To him, it looked like suffering. 

Jason adored children and wanted them all to be happy. They reawakened his memories of innocence and wonder. And they reminded him of Damian. Damian, who feigned maturity despite being a kindhearted creative. The qualities that Jason believed only belonged to children. He paints a picture in his head of Damian drawing the gardens. His tiny hands, creating masterpieces from memory. A prodigy. Damian would’ve loved to see the beautiful blues of the tanks illuminating everyone’s face as the fishes swam by. It would’ve meant the world to Jason to travel with Damian, but he was afraid that the world would never be as beautiful as the universe they’d built for themselves in Infinity Island. 

He spent the remainder of his day in the gardens and restaurants. Trying the food was always his favorite part of traveling. His love for food came from Talia. It always reminded him of that first night when she fed him. There was something so intimately familiar about being fed strange foods by a woman who cared. It was always about mothers with Jason.

[lholland14]

Do You Wanna Build a Snowman? (Jill Roord x Reader)

Jill Jamie Roord rarely got jealous. She knows Y/n is hers and only hers. Besides who in the world could possibly be an upgrade from her.

It was December 20th when Jill and Y/n boarded the flight to Oldenzaal, Netherlands to spend Christmas with her family. Not only was it Jill's first time home for Christmas, but it was also Y/n's first time meeting Jill's family.

~~~

When we finally landed Jill bounced up from her seat grinning, energized by the smell of the Dutch air. While she was excited to come home, I was dreading it.

Let's get things straight, I'm from Spain I speak Spanish, and English not Dutch. My girlfriend's family is Dutch. I don't know Dutch. I- ugh. This is going to suck.

As we drove to her home Jill pointed out landmarks, her favourite places, and just places in general. I could see her brimming delight at the prospect of seeing her family after so long.

~~~

When we finally arrived she bounded to there front door and didn't even knock twice before an older man opened the door with a smile.

"Dad!" Jill shouted hugging the man I presumed was her father

"Jill! Hallo, hoe gaat het? "Jill! Hello, how are you?"

"Ik voel me goed." "I'm good"

I awaited awkwardly for Jill to be finished greeting her dad so she could introduce me, but along came to boys bonding out the door.

They both looked very similar to Jill, so I guessed they were her brothers Jill told me so much about. The one with the moustache (who I presumed was to be Davy) hugged Jill and proceeded into conversation, the other brother, Boyd, walked over to me.

"So, you must be Y/n" He grinned sticking out his hand.

As I shook it I matched his grin and replied "You must be Boyd"

~~~

It was December 22th when Y/n was fully accepted by the Roord's. However Jill wasn't as pleased as she thought she would have been, it all started in the morning, or rather at 3am

~~~

I couldn't sleep. No matter how perfectly perfect my body temperature, no matter how comforting Jill's hand was around my waist was, I couldn't sleep. And it all because it was snowing, lightly, beautifully, like a perfect winters day. I had to go out and see it.

I put on a sweatshirt and sweatpants, and quietly walked out the door, only to run into Boyd.

He cursed as he dropped some of his hot chocolate he was holding onto my sweatshirt.

"Schijten" He cursed. As he tried to dabb at the already stained shirt I stopped him since I knew it was useless.

He sighed and looked at me apologetically before offering his own sweatshirt.

"Here," He handed me his own sweatshirt, but when I tried to refuse he continued speaking "Take it. It's only fair since I ruined your sweatshirt."

I thanked him and put it on. We were both silent until I made an offer that I presume would cause this whole debacle.

"Do you wanna build a snowman?"

He grinned before taking my hand and walked quickly to the door.

~~~

It was around 6 when we decided to actually build a snowman. We called him Billy, because Boyd liked the name.

After we created Billy we sat in the snow just talking, telling stories, spilling the tea on Jill.

Not noticing Jill had walked outside looking for me.

~~~

Jill's prov

When I walked outside I was worried until, I saw how close Boyd was to my girlfriend.

They were laughing, Y/n looked happy. Suddenly all the self doubt I had when we started dating resurfaced.

Was I enough?

Is she happy with me?

Would she be happier with someone else?

I simply tapped Y/n's shoulder to direct her to the door, since I knew she must be freezing. Maybe that's why Boyd had his arm around her.

She was cold. Thats all. She doesn't like him, she loves me.

I hope she still loves me.

The self doubt rose as Y/n sped her way around me to walk with Boyd while chatting with Davy.

~~~

It was December 24th when Y/n was getting the cold shoulder from her girlfriend. She thought it couldn't get any worse, but noooo it did. This time it all started at night or rather in the late evening.

~~~

I unlike many people I throughly enjoyed being in the kitchen. I loved to bake, but my true passion was cooking. I enjoyed it because no matter what you always get a result, and sometimes the result may vary, from burnt cakes to light Mac-n-Cheese.

Turns out Davy just happened to share my passion. So if someone shares your passion, its only reasonable to do that passion together.

So we decided to cook for the family. We kicked everyone out of the kitchen (except for Boyd because he wanted to help) and got ready. Of course we needed ingredients so Boyd and I went shopping together.

After an hour of kinda shopping and more joking around we came back to the house to start cooking.

Finally after a couple of hours and almost burning the house down thanks to Boyd, everything was ready. We made the rest of the family sit down while we presented the food.

While we ate Davy told me all about his girlfriend and Boyd joked that if Jill doesn't marry me soon he might. Jill abruptly left after that comment.

She later told me it was just because she was tired, but I didn't believe her.

~~~

It was December 25th when Y/n finally figured out the problem. This time it all started at promptly at 3pm.

~~~

"Whats wrong with you?"

Jill turned at the sharp voice of her younger brother Boyd.

"Nothing." She replied quietly

"No Jillie. I know you, why are being so distant to Y/n?"

"Just leave me alone."

"Did Y/n do something?"

Abruptly Jill turned around in order to face Boyd. He shrunk back when he saw the anger in her eyes.

"We're not having this conversation."

"Why not?" He replied starting to become angry. He had grown close to the kind girl and felt like an older brother towards her.

She scoffed "Why don't you have this conversation with Y/n? You two seem close."

"Wait a minute," His eyes widened as he understood the root of the problem "You're blaming me?"

"Of course I blame you!" She argued "You're the one that is stealing Y/n away from me."

Just as Boyd was about to argue back Y/n came in the room. She looked terrible, like she hadn't been sleeping there were also tear stain under her eyes as well. I looked over at Jill and saw her entire facade start to crumble.

Immediately she pulled Y/n into her room and shut the door.

~~~

Y/n prov

Jill gently pulled me into our room, shut the door then walked me over to the side of the bed for me to sit down. After I sat she went to the bathroom to get a cool wet clothe to wipe my face.

All this was done in silence as I stared at her while she gently wiped my face.

Finally I decided to speak up.

"You okay

"I'm fine," Jill replied, but you knew she wasn't.

Jill always said she was fine, but you could see past that. Whenever she was angry their became a paradox between her personalties. Usually she was sweet and extroverted, when she was angry she became introverted and snarky.

Sure you got angry with each other but the only difference was, Jill would act on her emotions. You were the rational one in the relationship, she was usually emotional but you could always figure out why. This time however, you were completely and utterly complexed.

You still didn't understand that she was scared of losing you, even more than you were scared of losing her. You thought she knew that you were hers and only hers.

"No it isn't. Jill, please something is obviously bothering you," I pleaded and Jill sighed. "Just talk to me! Please."

"Fine," Jill sat on the ground in front of me and you gave her a little smile. "Um, okay, I want, no I need you to know that I love you," She started, stumbling over her words. "You know that I'm yours and only yours. I'd like to think that you're mine, but sometimes I get insecure. You're this amazing person and player. You're smart, kind and everyone loves you, but that's the problem I guess. Everyone loves you. Everyone." She admitted. "It's just hard. Sharing you like that."

Finally she stopped ranting and stared at me. The silence thickened as I thought about what to say, then I decided to do something that didn't involve talking and was Jill's favourite pastime.

I kissed her. I kissed her like I was leaving for a year. I kissed her like she won the world cup. I kissed her.

"I promise you that there hasn't been a day that I stopped loving you, that I stopped wanting you. I promise you that no matter what you have always stayed in my head since the first time I played eyes on you. You are mine, and I am yours. Thats it, I will always choose you, no matter the time, the place, the situation. I. Choose. You." I told Jill when we parted.

She grinned before climbing into me lap to kiss me again.

"Besides you were the main topic of conversation." I admitted to Jill

She looked at me before looking outside again "Its still snowing out. Do you wanna build a snowman?"

[mischiefsemimanaged]

Mornings after a mission

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x female!Reader

Warnings: nothing, could be interpreted as implied smut but it doesn't have to be

Words: 1194

a/n: This is for @omgrachwrites 1k follower celebration! I chose the prompt "Stop moving and let me braid your hair!" Check it out; this girl rules! And thanks for the love on the last post!!

Russian is google translate, so my apologies. Feel free to leave a correction if this is wrong!

милый= darling

дорогой= sweetheart

It was the morning after a mission. You had gotten back late last night, and with the debriefing and how gross you felt, you hadn't gotten a chance to talk to Nat. You had recently started dating, and while you weren't to the point of sleeping together, you usually talked to her before bed and gave her a kiss. Stretching (and wincing when you realized how sore you were), you got up in search of Nat and maybe, breakfast.

In the kitchen of the common floor, Nat was feeling guilty. The mission had been rough. You had gotten hit pretty good by a couple of agents, and she had been busy trying to get to the hard drive, so she hadn't been able to check on you. She knew you were tough; it wasn't about that. Nat wasn't used to this feeling, the way she felt about you. She had fallen head over heels for the newest avenger, this girl fresh out of the SHIELD academy, the one who bounced on the balls of her feet when shown a new weapon. You were pure, something Nat wasn't used to. So here she was, attempting to make your favorite breakfast, planning out a day with you.

You shuffled into the kitchen, yawning. You were so focused on getting coffee that you hadn't noticed your girlfriend standing at the stove. What you did notice was your coffee, made the way you liked, set in your favorite mug, already on the counter. Looking up, you grinned.

"Nat! Thank you, my saviour!" you gushed dramatically.

"You're welcome, I wasn't able to check on you last night, милый, so I'm making up for it." she replied, snorting a little at your theatrics.

"There isn't anything to make up for! I didn't come to see you either! And check up on me? I'm a big girl, I'm fine!"

"Too bad, I'm spending the day with you. We're doing the dorky couple stuff, movie, dinner, whatever you want." Nat answered, ignoring your protest at her checking up on you.

"Whatever I want? I've got some thinking to do." you considered your options.

"Whatever you want, дорогой."

"Okay, first I want you to not burn the tower down trying to make... that." you told her, scrunching your nose up at the smell of burning.

Natasha whipped around, groaning at the burnt mess she had created. Scraping away what was meant to be a nice breakfast, she was grateful for her forethought to have a backup. Slipping away to her room (the greatest hiding spot, no one went into her room), she returned quickly, proudly holding a box of donuts from that little place down the road from the tower. You smiled and took your favorite from the box, happily eating.

"Donuts! Thanks, Red!" Tony exclaimed, walking in, much too peppy for this early and going for the box.

"Nope!" Nat answered, swiping it before Tony could get it, "These are for y/n."

"Come on! This is my tower, share the donuts!" he argued, a pout forming on his face.

Grinning at the exchange, you passed Tony a donut. Though Nat groaned outwardly at the action, inside, she was beaming. This was why she loved you. You were so kind to everyone. She expected this to happen, which was why there were more donuts stashed away. She retrieved them and set them on the counter as more avengers filled the common room. After a few minutes of quiet, filled with the sounds of eating and the occasional groan, Tony suddenly spoke up.

"So why does y/n get donuts? We were all on that mission!"

"Because y/n's her girl, that's what you do." Steve answered.

"That's right! We're spending the day together doing that coupley stuff so don't you dare call me down to the lab because you accidentally blew yourself up! Call dum-E.," you told Tony.

"Ooh, Red and y/n/n are going to be gross today. Thanks for the warning." Tony snarked back. "And I certainly will not call Dum-E. I like the building intact.

Nat shook her head, a fond smile on her lips. The rest of breakfast was filled with similar exchanges. You and Tony could go head to head for hours. You were the only one on the team that could match Tony without ending up in a snit for hours afterward, a trait Natasha and the rest of the team admired.

Soon the group dispersed. With a day off, the team had the freedom to do whatever they pleased. When you and Nat were the only ones left, you both started on cleaning up. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, you started talking.

"So let's definitely watch a movie. Maybe one of those silly rom-coms, and then we can go out for lunch. That can be your choice because I am not deciding everything we do. After that, we'll change into pajamas and do absolutely nothing. Take-out for dinner in one of our rooms if we want to be alone, or we can see what the rest of the team is doing."

"Sounds good, дорогой. But for lunch let's just go for a walk until we spot something that we want. Just a nice casual day." Nat replied.

"Awesome!"

With a plan in place, you finished cleaning up the mess that the Avengers tended to leave when eating and made your way to the movie room. Snuggled up next to Nat, you put on some cheesy movie and relaxed. An hour into it, you got bored; after all, you were used to being busy. You brightened up as you got an idea.

"Tasha, can I braid your hair? My hands need to do something." you whined at her.

This was a pretty big request. Natasha was quite proud of her hair. It was always perfect, something you were quite jealous of. You expected her to say no, for her to take your hands and lay back, but Natasha Romanoff was full of surprises.

"Okay."

Natasha shifted a little so you could reach her hair. You thanked her repeatedly as you got to work making the perfect Dutch braid. Nat sat still for a few minutes, watching as the man on the screen made some declaration to a girl who was not interested. Soon though, she reached a hand behind her and stroked whatever part of you she could reach. Soon that progressed to her snuggling closer. Finally, she turned her head to try and kiss you.

"Nat stop moving and let me braid your hair!" you complained, but your laughter and smile betrayed you.

Utilizing her skills, she wiggled out of your hold without pulling her hair and grabbed you. Pulling you close, she started kissing you, anywhere she could reach. You soon did the same. The two of you were delighted, close to each other, until...

"Oh come on! When I said you guys were being gross, I meant, like being cheesy and giving me cavities. Cavities not nausea!" Tony exclaimed, interrupting your moment.

Nat stuck her middle finger at him, pulling you up off the couch and into her bedroom.

You never did finish that braid.

[natromanxoff]

25 - Just Chatting...

Hello one and all.

It's been a long time since I graced these pages and, believe it or not, nothing much has been happening in my life, apart from the odd soiree or two. Winter has finally left us and spring has sprung, and it's nice to see the sun again. Let's start by wishing my old mate a happy birthday and I hope you all had a little drinkie for him, I know I did. In fact I got legless, he would have been proud of me. Whenever we were in London there was always a party at Fred's on his birthday, be it a handful of friends, or one where he invited half of Britain, but which ever one it was there was always a good time to be had and a lot of chaos. One year he actually took over Pikes Hotel in Ibiza and chartered a private plane to fly his friends in. Roger and myself were already on the island recording some of his solo stuff so we didn't have far to travel to the bash. When I say we were working, it's kind of true as we spent a lot of time on his boat "Ga Ga" whizzing around having lunch and fun. The party was held outside around the swimming pool, now is that an invite for trouble or what? There were hundreds of balloons hanging from every available fixture, and of course there is always an idiot that thinks he's a clown. This particular clown, who will remain nameless, decided it would be funny to light one of the balloons, and needless to say the whole lot went up in flames. Phoebe and Crystal to the rescue. We had to get this "fire" off the wooden rafters before the whole hotel went up in smoke, so we were pulling bits of string while burning rubber was dripping down on us. I was so traumatised by the whole event I had to have another drink ....... a lame excuse I know, but hey, it's my story. Back to the pool. Edwin Shirley, of trucking fame and also an all round good guy after a few too many, decided to have a swim, so he removed his clothing and was flapping around the pool when some daft countess told him to get dressed and behave himself. Wrong move lady. Edwin was not impressed by his telling off and threw her in, and she was even less impressed with that and started ranting and raving, much to the amusement to the rest of the party hounds. She left with her tail between her legs and didn't look at all glamorous in her soaking wet dress, running makeup and failed hairdo. We continued till mid morning and went straight to the airport and caught a flight home. Thanks F for the great parties and good times, you will never be forgotten.

I still get asked a lot if I'm gonna write the "Real" story about Queen. Well the answer is no, and the reason is that the guys gave me a great job and a great life and I have far to much respect for them, their wives/girlfriends, children and families to tell the world what we got up to in private. I feel that is our business and ours alone. Most of us are all in relationships and telling tales could make life awkward for a few people, band and crew alike. I'm sure at some point in time someone from the organisation will write a book, have 5 minutes of fame and make a quick buck, but it sure as hell won't be me, and I'll still be able to sleep at night and when I see the guys I will still be free to say, "Wanna beer MATE."

I've had a few questions asked me that I'm gonna answer quickly.

First off is "Do you have any stories about Freddies cats? (ripping furniture etc.)" Here's a good reply, No. So moving right along, "Of all the famous people you've met, who impressed you the most?" Tricky one this. After years in this "Biz" they all become "Just normal people," and some become good pals, but on one occasion I was in Paul McCartneys studio and I was handed his violin bass and I was sitting there holding it when someone said, "Paul is left handed, hold it like he would." When I turned it around, still taped in the cutout was the Beatles set list from their days in Hamburg, now that impressed me.

Deaky and myself were the only two reggae lovers in the outfit, and Bob Marley turned up to see the show at Madison Square Gardens. Strange choice of show for Bob, but he loved Another one bites the dust, and he happened to be in New York on a stopover on his way to Germany for laser treatment. Show time and our intro tape was playing, and someone told JD that Bob was in the audience, so he cranked his bass up and played "Lively up yourself" over the tape. This was very possibly the last time Marley ever heard this played as he died shortly after. I didn't get to meet him, but I did get to meet Tyrone Downie, Bobs keyboard player in the Wailers, and Tyrone and myself got up to all sorts of mischief that night. RT on the other hand hates reggae music, but I did manage to drag him to the Circus Krone in Munich to see Peter Tosh. I loved it, he hated it. I look at this as payback because years before he insisted that I went to Hammersmith Odeon to see Laurie Anderson, of O Superman fame. This show he loved, but I put it alongside Cher as one of the worst concerts I have ever seen. Needless to say I have also met a couple of stars that I didn't see eye to eye with. Like the American rock star we encountered in a club one night, and he was such a pain I had to take him into the toilets to have a quiet word with him. He finally got the message so I released my hand from around his neck and let him drop back down to the ground. To finish this segment I wanna tell you something that Bev Bevan said. Bev was the drummer with ELO, and them and us were touring the US at the same time, and as it turned out, staying in the same hotel in one city. Roger and myself were leaving the hotel and waiting for the elevator. When the doors opened Bev was in there and him and RT said their hellos. Rog then said, "Bev, this is Crystal, he looks after me." Bev turned to me, shook my hand and said, "Pleased to meet you. If it wasn't for guys like you, guys like us wouldn't be where we are today." He didn't need to say that, and was genuine when he did. I wasn't impressed with meeting him, but he is certainly in my top ten of nicest people I have ever meet.

Over the last few months I've spent a lot of time in the Chatroom, and I highly recommend it to you all as it can be a bit of a laugh. For anyone who has never visited the room please remember a couple of things, if you come in and start swearing you will be kicked out. I know, it happens to me all the time. Also don't come in and start going on about knowing axemen and murderers and other such garbage, cause that also warrants a kicking. Some buffoon from Ireland, who went by the name of "Death" turned up with an attitude and was going on about how f***ing awesome Queen were at Slane Castle. He was not known by anyone in there so I asked him to watch his language. He said he was the Grim Reaper and could do and say what he liked, so I told him otherwise and he was most put out when I kicked him. What a fool. A while ago there was some prat who called himself F***queen, good name eh! Anyway, he/she/it was picking on a lovely young lady called Raisa, and was saying some awful things to her and completely freaked her out, so I went to her defence and FQ turned the attention my way. As far as I'm concerned it's only letters on a screen and it didn't phase me at all, but at least he/she/it gave up on Raisa. In all fairness to FQ, whoever you may be, he/she left a message on the Bulletin Board saying sorry to Raisa and myself and would never do it again. So FQ, from the both of us, thanks for the apology, we accept it. What other weirdos have we had? Well, there was a brightspark who decided it would be funny to use the nickname QueenRshite, another bad move from this person who was honoured with a ban.

While in there I've seen a lot of friendships made, and a couple that have fallen apart. I got a private message one evening from a very drunk girl who, how shall we phrase this, offered me her body and wanted to do all sorts of naughty things to me, I thanked her and declined...must be getting old or something. I have also witnessed relationships being made and, usually there is a lot of humour involved, but needless to say some arguments do occur. I have also seen some of the daftest things said. One guy was so convinced that one of the regulars was either Deaky or she was chatting with him in private that he actually started tracking her every move on the net. He also told me about some highly illegal activities he was up to concerning the band. I wouldn't have thought I was the best person to tell such stuff to, and needless to say I had a go at him. Just to add to his stupidity he's been recently boasting about his affair with an underage girl, and I reckon if he had any more sense he would be half witted. Having mentioned all the twits I'd like to say a quick hello to all the regulars, White Queen and Killer Queen, the lovely girls Blue Rock and Rannnnnnni, SQJan, Mayflower and her boys, Farookh (aka Leroy Brown) MarshMallow, the three Tigers - Babe, Lily and Stripes and the mighty Falc, also to all the rest who I haven't mentioned by name, you know who you are. I'd also like to say hi to Daddy Cool who is the singer in the Dutch cover band Miracle, and Dad, if you never make it as a singer you could make a great career from being a stand up comedian. Finally an extra special hello to the gorgeous MTB, who is about to make an honest man of me ;)

Before I go I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone of a certain date in November that is engraved in all of our minds. And I know that a lot of you will be heading to Garden Lodge to leave flowers. I don't wanna preach and tell you what to do, and I know flowers are a nice gesture, but they do die and the only people to really benefit from this is the florist. This year lets all give a donation, no matter how small, to Aids research, this way the cash will be used to try and stamp out this awful disease. If you really wanna leave flowers, buy a smaller, cheaper bunch and donate the balance of what you would have spent to these charities. It's been said a million times before but it is true, Every penny counts.

As always, Loadsa Love.

Crystal

[the-awkward-outlaw]

“ I read your diary. ” or rather journal, when he was sleeping or while he was taking a bath in a secluded area and left his satchel wide open for grabs.

This one’s so damn fluffy, I’m gonna die! It’s also one of those ones that easily could lead to a really smutty scene, but maybe I’ll leave that for another time 👀

Read all my works on AO3

(Maybe if I’m bored enough and actually have some damn time, I’ll make a masterlist on Tumblr) 

Flat Iron Lake gleams orange and blue in the midday sun, flies collecting in swarms hover above the water, begging to be eaten by a hungry fish. You stand on the pier, pole in your hand, hoping to fool one of those fish to take your lure instead of a real insect. So far, you’re having good luck, despite the hot sun above. You know from experience that fishing at any time other than dawn and dusk is spotty, but the fish around this area of the lake seem to always be biting, which is lucky. It saves everyone from having to go far to get meat. 

You love fishing, always have. You’re not the biggest fan of the taste of fish, though you will eat it. You enjoy the act of catching them, though. Fishing forces time to slow down, allows you to just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet, and then there’s the chance that something exciting will happen. Not only that, but the scenery is beautiful. 

As you stand, waiting for something to grab your lure, you hear footsteps on the shore. You turn and see Arthur, his hands on his hips. He smiles at you a bit, but doesn’t say anything. You return it and then go back to watching your bait, feeling a bit self conscious. Although you’re the newest member of the gang, having only been with them a couple of months, you’ve quickly grown fond of Arthur. You like most people in camp (aside from Micah), but Arthur was the one you took to. He’s handsome, smart (though he denies it), funny, loyal and sweet. He thinks he’s nothing more than a big dumb brute capable of nothing but violence, but you’ve seen the side of him that proves him wrong. You saw him give Tilly a necklace a few days ago, he got a book for Jack, and you’ve seen him playing fetch with the newest member, a dog named Cain. You’ve also seen him many times sitting on his cot or at the base of a tree, scribbling away in his journal. 

You’ve wondered many times if Arthur feels anything for you too, but you’re too nervous to ask. You won’t ask the others if he’s mentioned you at all, afraid it’ll clue them in to your crush. You wish, more than anything, that you could get a glimpse in his journal. 

You glance behind you again and spot Arthur sitting at the base of a tree not too far from the pier. His journal’s in his lap and he seems to be writing, or maybe he’s drawing. You wonder if he’s any good. You’ve tried your own hand at drawing with little success. You can barely draw a stick figure. 

You go back to fishing, wishing you could at least gather the courage to go and talk to him. You’ve wanted nothing more than to do that. He helped teach you how to shoot a gun after you first joined, and how to shoot a bow. It was through him that you learned how to hunt and fish, and you overheard him a few days ago talking to Dutch about teaching you how to rob people. You just wish you could talk to him about anything that didn’t involve you learning how to pull your weight in the gang. It’s doubtful that he has any interest in you though, even in an innocent, friendly manner. You sigh, wishing things were different. 

An hour passes and you decide you’re done fishing. You have a decent collection of fish to give to Pearson, he’ll be happy at least. You collapse your pole and begin walking down the pier when you see Arthur, still sat at the foot of the tree, his hat tipped over his eyes. He seems to be sleeping, but next to him is his journal, lying open and just begging to be read. 

You approach him quietly. You really shouldn’t be trying to read his journal, it’d be an invasion of his privacy. Still, you can’t help but be curious. You get a bit closer, waiting for him to stir, but he doesn’t. You quietly set down your bucket of fish and kneel down, picking up his journal. You check on him again, but he still hasn’t moved. You can tell by his slow, heavy breathing that he’s out. 

The first thing you see when looking at the open page of his journal is a sketch. Undeniably, it’s you, fishing on the pier. The sketch extends across both pages. The drawing is beautiful, simple yet detailed. You had no idea he could draw this well. You flip to the previous page and see sketches of a horse (undeniably his own), a husky and a duck. The duck is really no more than an outline, but it’s endearing. The husky is incredibly detailed, its tongue dangling from its panting mouth. You love the detail of the fur, you can tell exactly what color it is based purely on how he’s shaded it. You flip to the next previous page and are startled by an extremely detailed drawing of your face. On the page next to it is a passage he’s written. You study the beautiful, looping words. His writing is gorgeous. You begin to read it. 

“Took Y/N out hunting today. She’s got a natural talent for it, considering she’s only been doing it a few months. If only things were simpler, life wasn’t such a mess, I might ask her to be my girl. Yet damn you, Mary! Y/N ain’t nothing like Mary. She’s sweet, she don’t hold people’s past over their heads or play games with ‘em. When I’m alone with her, I feel like the luckiest man and the biggest fool. If she’s smart, she’ll stay away from me.” 

Your stomach does a backflip. Has he really thought about asking you to be his girlfriend? No way, no way could Arthur, the Arthur Morgan, be interested in you! You’re just a simple girl who grew up on a farm until a few months back when it was burned to the ground, killing everyone inside. You were in the barn when it got destroyed by a group of drunk O’Driscolls. It was only a couple weeks after that you were brought in by Arthur, who found you begging on the trail in the middle of nowhere. 

You flip through more of his journal, reading about how he hopes never to get on Sadie Adler’s bad side (you agree with him), how he detests doing jobs for Strauss. You’re glad he never went to collect that debt from that Downes fellow a few weeks ago. You’d heard rumors he was incredibly sick and you passed that information onto Arthur, who decided it wasn’t worth the risk and just absolved the debt. Still though, he’s doing a few other collections. 

You go on to read about some of the people he’s met, including a blind man who seemed almost like a prophet, a photographer who seemed to be trying to get himself eaten by some wild animal, and a crazy woman touting about dinosaurs. So many of these entries are accompanied with drawing, each one detailed to the point you feel you could touch them. 

Every few pages, he seems to mention you, whether it’s just taking you out somewhere to teach you a new skill, or about how you’ve surprised him with one of your own visions of the world. One in particular stands out to you. It’s accompanied by a sketch of you just standing there, drinking a mug of coffee. The passage itself started off with him talking about one of his debt collections from a woman named Lily Millet. 

“This world is an ugly one, I see it everyday. I see it in the things I do to people, the way they look at me. But Y/N seems to see the beauty of it. Whenever I’m with her, she sees light and color where I would see only violence and horror. The more I’m with her, the more I see the beauty too. If I were smarter, I’d spare her the misfortune of my own company, yet I find hers euphoric. If I weren’t such a coward, I’d ask her on a proper outing. John keeps saying she’s sweet on me, but Marston wouldn’t know the first thing about women. How the hell he ended up having a kid with Abigail is beyond me.” 

You giggle at the last line and then your heart drops when you hear Arthur begin to stir. You quickly flip to the page it was on and throw it on the ground. Unfortunately, it lands a solid foot from where you picked it up and in a different position. You just hope he doesn’t remember those details as you stand up and take several feet back. 

He tilts his hat up, notices you trying to walk away in such a manner that screams you’re guilty of something. He looks down at his journal and notices right away that it’s been moved. He connects your guilty smile and knows instantly that you at least looked at the sketch. Before he can say anything to you, you dart off into the middle of camp to give your fish to Pearson and where he won’t confront you. 

During the rest of the day, you find any excuse you can to stay away from Arthur, positive he’s furious that you invaded his privacy like that. You’d be mad had it been you, and you’re sure he’d like nothing more than to tell you off. However, you often catch him staring at you, but not in anger or disappointment. His eyes say he’s curious, and he doesn’t seem to be pursuing you to get you alone, though he does try to approach you often. You always come up with an excuse or pick up a conversation with the closest person so he can’t confront you. 

After the sun’s set, your luck runs out. Arthur left a few hours ago and you figured he’d be gone the rest of the night. You decided it was safe to go stand at the shores of the lake and look at the stars. You didn’t even hear him approach until he was standing right next to you, a beer bottle in each hand. 

“So,” he said, making you jump. You flushed when you saw him standing so close to you, but then he handed you one of the bottles. You thanked him quietly and looked away. You didn’t see the soft smile he wore. “Enjoy readin’ my journal?” he asks, sipping his beer as he stares off across the lake. 

You sigh. “I’m sorry, Mr. Morgan. It was wrong of me. I understand why you’re upset.” 

He chuckles softly. “Ah, it’s a’right. I ain’t exactly innocent in that myself. Guess I earned it, to be honest.” 

“What do you mean?” 

He rubs his neck nervously. “I, uh, I read your diary too once. It was on your bedroll and I guess Grimshaw snatched you up while you was writin’. I was just passin’ by and saw it, couldn’t help myself.” 

You blush even more. Shit, shit shit! You wrote in there shortly after getting the damn thing that you have a massive crush on Arthur, it’s pretty much a guarantee that he saw it. 

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Morgan,” you say, closing your eyes. 

“For what?” he says, shocked. 

“That you had to read that. I’m… I’m such an idiot and I’m sure it’s the last thing you wanted to know about me. I completely understand if you don’t want to teach me anything else.” 

He turns to face you. He nervously reaches up a hand to tilt your head up to look at him. “Y/N, I know you read my journal. Pretty far back too, I’d guess. If you actually read it, you’d know I’ve… well, I’ve held somethin’ for you too.” 

You smile and take his hand into yours. “I don’t know why you would. I’m nothin’ special.” 

“Maybe you don’t see yourself the way I do.” 

You look up at him again. His face is inches from yours and his eyes dart down to your lips before going back to your eyes again. Is he thinking the same as you? Right now, you’d like nothing more than to kiss him. You start leaning up, you can feel the heat radiating from him. He moves closer, his free hand sliding over your back. Your lips are centimeters from touching. 

“Mr. Morgan, we are in the shit again. Deep in the shit!” the gravelly voice of Reverend Swanson washes over you again. He stumbles over, his eyes bloodshot. Arthur leans away and lets you go, making you let out a soft groan. 

“You got quite a way with words there, Mr. Swanson,” Arthur replies. 

“Words are the least of my problems, Mr. Morgan.” He stammers for a moment, almost as though he’s seeing something you can’t. His eyes refocus on you both standing inches apart, looking irritated. “But I wanted you both to know that you are children of God! Children of God.” He starts mumbling to himself, almost singing.

You chuckle. “That’s sweet, Reverend, but I stopped believing in God a long time ago.” 

“But he has never stopped believing in you,” Swanson says, then he stumbles off. 

Arthur lets out a long sigh and hangs his head so his hat covers his eyes. His cheeks are slightly pink. “Sorry for that interruption, Y/N.” 

“That’s okay, ain’t like we could stop him,” you say. You want to ask him to try that kiss again, but you just can’t manage to get the words out. He’s thinking the same thing, but like you, he’s too embarrassed to ask. Instead, his hand slowly wraps around yours. You look down at your entwined hands and then back up to him and smile. Encouraged by this, he lets your hand go and both of his slide over your back, pulling you close to him. Yours go up to settle on his shoulders. 

Before anyone else has the chance to ruin the moment again, Arthur dips down and presses his lips to yours. His are slightly chapped, but they’re warm. You’ve only imagined kissing him a hundred times, but you didn’t ever do him justice in those daydreams. You move your lips with his, your hand winding behind his neck to pull him even closer. His arms grip you tight, pressing your body against his. Your heart’s pounding in your chest. Something in your chest purrs as he deepens the kiss. Oh, how you’ve wanted this, wanted him. All those moments you spent alone with him, you wanted to kiss him exactly like this. 

After several moments of you studying his lips, he breaks it, his breath leaving in quick bursts. He smiles at you and cups your cheek, his thumb tracing your cheek bone. 

“I hope that was okay,” he says softly. 

“More than okay,” you say and you kiss him again. This one is short and brief, but just as sweet as the previous. You lay your head on his shoulder, your forehead pressed against his neck. His arms embrace you protectively and his heart hammers into your ear. You stare off across the silvery waters of the lake, content in this moment. You want it never to end. 

There’s no way you could know that Arthur, for the first time in a long time, finally thinks he may actually be a somewhat decent man if someone as sweet and good as you chooses to nestle in his arms like this. He kisses the top of your head, wishing he could tell you how grateful and how in awe he is. Perhaps he’ll have to write it in his journal and leave it somewhere that you’ll find it again.

[the-regal-warrior]

Earl Grey and Cappuccinos: Part Three

The next part is finally here. It’s short, it’s sweet, it’s fluffy. Also, you’ll notice that this story is mostly just me indulging myself and @nalgenewhore - but it’s such an adorable story that I don’t think you guys will mind. Oh, and y’all can thank Isa for the adorable new couple you’re about to meet.

Summary: It’s a Coffee Shop AU meets Rival Tattoo Artists AU meets Elorcan - do I even need to say anything else?

Warnings: Language and fluff, my friends.

.

Elide had been going through her appointment book while she sat at her desk in the office, trying to decide which sketches she needed to get started on, when her phone lit up with a text from Lorcan. Glancing down, she saw that all he’d written was: send help, the guys are dicks. 

She sent him a quick reply - aww, you poor thing - before grabbing her bag and making for the door. “Nehemia,” she called, rapping her knuckles on the counter to get the other girl’s attention. “I’m heading out - you’re in charge of any appointments anyone wants to make with me.”

Nehemia just offered her a wry grin. “And where could you possibly be off to? Going to see the boyfriend, perhaps?”

“I don’t want to hear it,” Elide quipped back, winking as she backed into the front door to push it open. “You didn’t shut up about Sorscha for at least a month after the two of you started dating.”

“Oh please,” she huffed, though her giggles followed Elide onto the sidewalk. “It was only two weeks!”

Chuckling to herself, Elide slipped her headphones into her ears as she made her way to Cadre Ink, only making one stop on her way. She listened to the Dead Kennedys the entire walk, and she found that she loved the music even more because it reminded her of Lorcan. 

When she finally pulled open the door to Cadre Ink and pulled her headphones out of her ears, she couldn’t contain the laugh that bubbled out of her throat when she realized the exact same album was playing over the shop’s speakers. 

Most likely hearing her laughter along with the jingling of the bell hanging over the door, Vaughan looked up from the front desk. “Hey, Elide,” he greeted, vaulting over the counter as she pulled the door shut behind her. “Something amusing about the ridiculous music your boyfriend picked out this morning?”

Still giggling, she replied, “no, not at all - I love his music.” When he just arched one eyebrow, she elaborated, “I was listening to the same album on the way over here.”

“Ridiculous. The both of you are completely ridiculous.” Vaughan just shook his head at her, though he did wrap an arm around her shoulders as she walked up to him, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of her head. He and Lorcan had grown up together, and Elide knew that her boyfriend was thrilled that the two of them got along so well. 

Flicking the side of his head, she wiggled out of his embrace so she could glare up at him. Even though she was a head (and then some) shorter than literally all of the boys who worked at the shop, she still had the impressive ability of being able to glare down her nose at all of them. “You love us and you fucking know it.”

Vaughan huffed a laugh. “You, I’ll admit to. But not the fucker you call your boyfriend.” 

“Trying to discourage her from dating the brooding motherfucker in the back, are you?” Fenrys wandered into the lobby just as Vaughan finished speaking, hauling himself up so he could sit on the counter. “What’s good, E?”

“Well, my tits, but we all knew that. And my taste in men, obviously.” When Fenrys just scoffed at her, she leaned her weight against his thigh, digging her elbow into the sensitive skin hard enough that he winced. “What do you have against my mans?”

“Fuck, woman, stop bruising me!” Fen pinched her arm until she backed off, Vaughan just laughing quietly at the two of them. “You mean aside from the fact that he’s a brooding motherfucker?”

“Yes, you asshole, aside from that.”

“He’s just a miserable prick, E. I don’t know how you put up with his whining.” Vaughan nodded along with his words, and Elide just shook her head at the two of them.

“He’s hot,” she quipped, walking toward the office at the back of the building. “And he really knows how to use his hands!” That last bit was shouted over her shoulder, and she heard both of them groan at what she was implying.

Waving at Gavriel where he was busy prepping for a client in his suite, Elide continued her walk into the back, rapping her knuckles on the open door into Connall’s piercing suite as she stopped to poke her head in. “Hey, Con.”

“Hey,” he greeted, offering her a gentle smile as he nodded at the drink in her hand. “Bringing a certain someone his tea?”

“Like any good girlfriend would,” she joked, lifting it once in his direction as she backed out of the room. “Better get it to him before it cools too much.”

Connall just chuckled. “We wouldn’t want his highness drinking cold tea.”

“It would be a tragedy,” she quipped, waving as she moved down the hallway. She walked into the office just as Rowan was standing from his chair, and he grinned at the sight of her. Lorcan was sitting with his back to the door, his hair tied up in a messy bun as he worked on a sketch, the pencil practically flying over the paper. 

Rowan brushed by her, knocking his shoulder into hers in greeting even as he chuckled quietly at the tea in her hands. She just smiled and leaned into him quickly, happy that Lorcan’s friends had quickly become her friends, too.

Walking up behind her boyfriend, she carefully set his tea on the desk next to him before she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Hey there, handsome.”

Though he’d startled at her initial touch, he practically melted into her embrace when he heard her voice in his ear. She barely had time to press her lips to the side of his neck before he was turning his chair around to face her. “Hello, my love.”

She realized he was wearing his glasses as he worked, and she was quite taken by the way he looked with his hair up and his glasses on. Though she thought he looked hot no matter what he was wearing, this had to be one of her favorite looks. She’d just stepped back further to really take him in, but Lorcan’s hands on her thighs stopped her in her tracks.

“Damn, mamas,” he whistled, eyes lighting up as he looked her up and down. She was wearing an old black t-shirt of his that she’d stolen from him the last time he spent the night, and since he was over a foot taller than her, it hit her mid-thighs. She’d paired it with fishnets and her Doc Martens, her dark hair in two Dutch braids that fell over her shoulders. He slowly slid his hands up her thighs, under her - well, his - t-shirt, as he said, “if I let my hands keep wandering, will I find cotton or lace?”

Leaning down to brush her lips against his in the barest hint of kiss even as he hands kept moving, Elide just whispered, “denim, babes.” She smirked as his fingers hit the bottom of her admittedly very tiny shorts and he groaned, his head falling against the back of his chair.

“Such a little tease,” he replied, pulling her down into his lap. He lifted one hand to twist one of her braids around his finger, the other pulling her hips down into his. She groaned at the feeling of his hardening length rocking gently against her clothed pussy, and he smirked up at her. “But I guess that’s why I like you so much.”

She rocked her hips into his, laughing when he hissed out a breath. “I just like you for the pretty little noises you make.”

He laughed at that, a loud sort of laugh that echoed around the room. She’d come to realize that wasn’t a sound he made very often, and it sent a thrill of happiness through her every time she made him laugh. Cupping her face in both of his hands, Lorcan pulled her down so he could kiss her, a simple, sweet kiss that cooled the passion that had been burning between them moments ago but was still full of so much feeling. 

Pulling back until he could look into her eyes, he offered her a happy little grin. “So what brings you here, my love?”

“Well, you told me to send help.” Leaning over his shoulder, she grabbed the tea he hadn’t seen in his excitement over seeing her. “So I thought an Earl Grey might be just the kind of help you needed.”

A truly beautiful smile spread over his face as he took the cup from her hands. “Elide,” he breathed, ghosting his fingers over her cheek. “This is perfect - thanks, mamas.”

“You got it, babes.” She leaned down to kiss his jaw. “I know how to keep my man happy.”

Lorcan pouted his lips at her for a kiss, which she obliged. “You most definitely do.” He leaned up to kiss her again, this one growing deeper as he carefully set his tea on the desk behind him. She wound her arms around his neck as his slipped back around her waist, and she found herself cupping the back of his head so she could angle his head and kiss him harder.

He’d just started rolling her hips over his lap when someone heaved a massive sigh from the doorway. “Will you two fiends get a room already, for the love of the gods!”

Lorcan had barely pulled his lips from hers before he was grabbing a stress ball from his desk and chucking it toward the door. Though all five guys had gathered in the doorway at Fenrys’s exclamation, it hit him right in the forehead, sending everyone else into hysterics.

Even as she laughed at the absolute bewilderment on Fen’s face, Elide couldn’t help the happiness growing in her heart. Lorcan’s friends had accepted her as one of them, and that meant everything to her. She knew how much this little family he’d created meant to him, and she was thrilled that she got to be a part of it.

.

Tags: @highqueenofelfhame @city-of-fae @musicmaam @throne-of-ashes-and-beauty @tacmc @tangledraysofsunshine @lordof-bloodshed @how-to-be-a-bad-ass-be-me @nalgenewhore @bookrebelwordwarrior @sleeping-and-books @photofeesh @keep-a-bucket-full-of-stars @belamoonbeam @mis-lil-red @julemmaes @empress-ofbloodshed @thesirenwashere @mynewdreamwasyou @illyrianshadowhunter

As always, if you want to be added to or removed from my tags, just let me know. And let me know what you thought!

[starwarsgirl10884]

A Suprise, to be Sure, But A Welcome One!

Pairing: Anakin Skywalker x Fem!Reader x Obi Wan Kenobi

Warnings: Slight sexism, Make-up sex, Dom!Anakin, Sub!Obi Wan, Switch!Reader, Mommy kink

Word count: 2,251

You were chilling in Tatooine and your boyfriend of five months, Obi Wan, had brought you here. He told you this is where he picked up his padawan Anakin, but you don't really care about you and anakin don't get along that well. (You think Anakin has a thing for Obi Wan). But while you're chilling in Tatooine you see your future husband Obi Wan(Authors note, isn't Obi Wan so handsome *drool*). Anyways Obi Wan enters the room and you greet him with a kiss, but then Anakin walks in and also gives Obi Wan a peck on the Cheek.

“Anakin stop it! My girlfriend is here!” Obi Wan giggled

“Well I have to express my brotherly love Obi Wan!” Anakin replied pouting. I rolled my eyes.

“ANYWAYS, I made dinner Obi, your favorite stewed cuisine. (What do people in star wars eat :d). As I said that I started walking towards the kitchen to get him a bowl. He works so hard its the least I could do.

As the two men began to sit down Anakin yelled, “That's where you belong y/n in the KITCHEN HAHA”. I was shocked at how he could have said that.

"H.. how dare you say that Anakin!? You know how sexist that remark was?" I looked over to Obi and he was too enveloped in TV to have paid attention to what Anakin said(are there TV's in Star Wars? O.o). I wanted to see how Obi would react to his padawan's sexism.

"Obi did you hear what Anakin said, it was really rude and uncalled for" I said in a sad tone.

"Ah he's just joking y/n, don't take it to heart. It was just a little jab." And with that I left with a huff. How could Obi side with Anakin and not me. I think there is something more between those two, I'm going to spy on them to see if they're doing something fishy. And see if my sweet Obi is really cheating on me.

Later that night I followed Obi and Anakin to some weird hotel. Anakin and Obi ordered a room and went to it. I had to figure out a plan to get in, and in being so smart I did. I walked into the hotel and told the man at the desk to give me a key to the room. He asked if I knew who was up there and I said my boyfriend Anakin. He asked for some identification of that being the case, and I showed him photos of me and Obi on Instagram.(Oh btw you should follow me on Instagram @starwarsgirl0884 :3). The man at the table said we looked cute together, which made me blush, and gave me a key.

Before I opened the door to their hotel room I listened to see if I could hear anything. And I did(😳😳😳).

I heard a lot of heavy breathing and semi loud moans, it made me kind of wet. But then I realized that it did confirm my fears, Obi Wan was cheating on me with Anakin!

Then there was another noise. Between the moaning. And what was uttered made my stomach plummet, "I hate y/n so much Anakin, I'm so glad I can be with you instead."

My head started to spin and my stomach hurt. I was so embarrassed I had to leave.

As I ran for the stairs I heard the room door open behind me. I was hopeful. I thought my lovely Obi Wan would run up and embrace me in his arms, telling me it was all a big joke. But as I turned around I saw Anakin. I was so mad with tears streaming down my face yelling at him, asking how he could take me Obi from me. I called him other abusive names like homewrecker, whore, slut, I had no filter.

I was about to hit him, but he grabbed my arm before he could. He then spun me around and held me tight to his body. I was oddly aroused. As he held me to his chest he said, "Hey y/n I'm really sorry, I shouldn't have fucked Obi Wan, I did it to spite you and frankly I'm really sorry." I was shocked at this answer, I didn't know how to reply, but he continued. "I knew you loved Obi Wan and I knew how much that would upset you, but now that I've seen you cry it really hurts me and really made me start to acknowledge your beauty…" I didn't know how to react, was Anakin flirting with me, was he actually apologizing, I didn't know what to think or how to feel. He then interjected, "also, those were some very hurtful names you called me, could you apologise for that and maybe suck my cock?” I was shocked by how abrasive the question was. Where the hell did that come from. I thought he hated me?

"S… suck your… cock??" I stuttered. Anakin started to grin and put his hand on my ass; it made me wet. Before I could say anything else Obi Wan came out of the room and asked Anakin what happened.

"What's all this then?" Inquired Obi Wan. "Why is your hand on my girlfriend's ass?" Anakin looked between me and Obi Wan, neither of us knew how to reply.

"Uhm, I was just catching y/n she tripped and almost fell haha." Anakin continued, "We don't like eachother but I couldn't just sit here and watch her embarrass herself!" He started laughing awkwardly.

"Well y/n what are you even doing here in the first place?" He said even more inquisitively, "Didn't you say you were gonna stay home?" I could feel Obi's eyes burn a hole through mine, I know he knows that this was no accident. As I went to come up with a false story Anakin jumped in.

"I invited y/n over, I didn't like the thought of her being lonely in Tatooine, I spent too many nights the same way, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone!" Quite frankly I was shocked at Anakin's thoughtfulness and generosity towards my situation seeing as how we had been at odds with each other ever since we first met.

"Well why didn't you tell me you invited her Anakin?"

"I wanted to surprise you, y/n is your girlfriend after all I'd assume you'd be excited if I secretly invited her!" With that Obi Wan had nothing more to say and told both me and Anakin to join him in his room.

Not gonna lie, having heard both Anakin and Obi Wan moan loudly and having Anakin grab my ass, I was very horny. Not to mention when we entered the room the men made me sit sandwiched between them. Not that I'm complaining but let's just say, you could waterboard someone with my underwear.

As I sit in-between the two men I felt a hand rub against my thigh, I was quite delirious still after hearing what Obi Wan said about me, but I think he said that in passion but his post but clarity made him realize he still likes me. So I wasn't sure about whose hand it was caressing my thigh. I looked at both of their faces to see if I could tell who it was by their reaction, but it was to no avail.

While I was lost in thought, I failed to realize that the hand was now further up my leg and right below my crotch. Before I could inquire the two men about whose hand it was, the aforementioned hand began to rub my crotch! I didn't know what to say or ask, but I knew it would feel good so I let the hand do its thing.

I felt the hand slide up my thigh, closer to my dripping core. I won’t lie, I wanted them to both fuck me sensless against the bed frame, using their jedi powers to hold me down.

“Mnnn” I moaned, a blush dusting my cheeks. Obi looked at me quizzically, then inquires, “Anakin, are you doing the egg drop thing?”I glance at Anakin and see his chest heave, he was definitely enjoying the thrill of this situation.

“Yes haha” he replied, his voice hoarse.

“Oh okay, hehe. It’s so funny when you do that! It tickles!” He said while giggling like a schoolgirl.

I look at Anakin out of the corner of my eye, grinning. “We can continue now.” I whispered, throwing him a cheeky wink.

He then proceeded, moving his hand further up my thigh, grazing a digit on my aching bundle of nerves. I try my best not to moan as Obi was watching Friends, however his laughing was distracting me from the real task at hand. It was the Episode in which Ross says Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s. Ironic. It seems that Ani and I are the Ross and Rachel of this sitcom (Wonk Owo).

Anyway, I could feel an unknown force push against my clit. It didn’t surprise me that Ani would use dirty{;)} tricks while touching me. I stifled another moan, this was so wrong, but so right!

Suddenly, I felt empty. Anakin had retracted himself from my dripping core, grinning like a maniac. I glared at him angrily. Cheeky Bastard I thought.

It was silent as the Friends episode had stopped and Obi Wan wasn’t laughing anymore, he sat staring at us. Anakin chuckled darkly and glared back.

“Dutch Oven” He cooed as he pulled the blankets over our heads. Obi Wan giggled playfully as the scent overwhelmed us.

“You cheeky bastard” He cried, tears of laughter clouding his vision.

I was still wet under the covers, praying he wouldn't notice the smell. I don't know what Anakin thought this would achieve. As I went to look at Anakin I heard Obi Wan pipe up.

"This was quite funny Anakin, but I don't smell a fart? It smells more fishy and I know you don't eat fish?"

I glared at Anakin, now Obi Wan knows how fishy I smell and I didn't want him to find that out.

Before I could explain away the smell Obi connected the dots, the moans he heard, the shuffling under the sheets, and the smell. He stared at both me and Anakin a small glint in his eyes.

"Would I be able to join you two?" He said coily as he ran his hand up and down my leg.

"I'm fine with it!" Anakin beamed, he then looked at me with hope in his eyes.

I nodded “I always wondered what it would feel like to be double penetrated.”

They both grinned and pounced. Both men started to kiss my neck sloppily, their eyes filled with hunger. I moaned freely, relishing in the fact that I had two men at my will. Anakin was slightly more dominant than Obi as he sucked on the nape of my neck and pulled my hair. The latter was currently kissing the crest of my ear and whispering about how long he has wanted this.

Anakin looked at me darkly

“You wanna suck my cock now?” He questioned, out of breath.

“Actually, I had something else in mind.” I cooed into his ear. I stood up and made my way to the bed, splaying myself across its cumstained sheets.

Both men sauntered toward me, it was so hot(😩😩😩). We all undressed, exposing ourselves to one another. Oh my force, Anakin is so big! I could see the precum slick on his throbbing cock, it made me hungy.

Shortly after, Obi Wan's erection sprang out of his undergarments, it was surprisingly small. (omg obi is such a bottom bitch O///O) Nonetheless I wanted both of them inside of my sopping core. They both stood in front of me, their hands on their hips as if they were inviting me toward their meat.

“Well then” Anakin teased, “get on with it.”

I kneeled in front of the men and grasped their veiny hardons. Obi let out a small whimper, I could tell he wasn’t going to last long. I started to stroke both of them at the same pace, but only maintained eye contact with Anakin, for he was clearly the most dominant of us. His hips rocked with the rhythm of my strokes, a smirk on his face.

“Hey stop that, naughty boy.” I chided with a wink.

Anakin begrudgingly complied, “Yes mommy.”

I grinned and went back to work.

As this conversation went on, Obi looked between us and my hand that was wrapped around his leaking member.

“Keep going, then.” He urged, trying not to sound impatient. I glared at him playfully and squeezed his cock. Obi yelped and nodded his head.

“I want you both to fuck me.” I said “At the same time.”

They both nodded obediently, though Obi Wan was slightly more eager to please, which made me laugh.

Obi Wan positioned himself in front on me, his erect cock glistening with precum. I felt Anakin’s hands on my hips, positioning long ani with my tight ass.

I continued to stroke their cocks for a few minutes, not letting them cum and completely overstimulating them both.

It made me wet thinking about the power that I held over them in these erotic moments.

TOO BE CONTINUED...

[msjr0119]

Love, Fate, Destiny

Part 12a - Kismet

Riley Brooks is a waitress in a ‘Dive bar” in New York. One Saturday night, her past comes back to haunt her as some unfamiliar punters enter her bar on a bachelor party- one of them being someone who she was once close to.

*CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY*

Tags- @annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @drakesensworld @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic @angi15h @liamxs-world @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @yukinagato2012

There’s two parts... at the bottom of the page click continue reading as Tumblr said it was too long - so had to split it 😫

*****

Liam and the others arrived back at the hotel. Bastien decided to go to his room, he was feeling guilty enough so didn’t want to face Drake and Riley together.

“Drake? Where’s Riley?” Liam asked shocked. He had assumed that they would still be together making up for lost time.

“She... she saw the ring!”

“You fucking moron! We weren’t dragging you round NYC to try and get you to pull.”

“Fuck off Olivia! Maybe if none of you forced me to move on I wouldn’t have to wear a fake wedding ring to stop women trying to hit on me!”

“Did you show her the tattoo? Explain about the ring?” Liam asked, they had just found Riley again and lost her again. Regretting not getting her new number off of her, he didn’t know how they were going to find her again.

“She didn’t give me chance to.” Drake said in a pitiful tone of voice.

I’ve lost her again.

*******

Drake was frustrated with everyone forcing him out all the time -attempting to get him to move on from Riley. Stupidly he had agreed to go out with all the men later that night for a night away in Greece. Previous nights out, he had women drool over him- but he wasn’t interested. One woman said to him “there’s no ring on your finger, so I assume you’re single. Come back to my place.”

Driving into the capitol, he found a jewellery store. Choosing the cheapest ring he could find, he would wear it. If another woman attempted to convince him that he was single he would just rise his left hand up.

Later that day he met the men, and they travelled to Greece. In the first club, Liam tried to push him towards some attractive women- but they weren’t Riley. No one would compare to her. As the women came over, one touched Drake’s arm- he brushed her away and showed her the ring. Liam pulled him to the side.

“Since when did you get married Sir Walker?”

“Does it matter? I’m not moving on Liam! I could have been married to Riley by now. Had children. But no, I got that torn away from me. I don’t want to move on- so please don’t try and make me!”

The night went on, Drake became more and more intoxicated every second that went by. He was even dancing with Maxwell- something that wasn’t his forte.

“Drake... buddy.... why don’t we go for a tattoo.... have matching ones....” Maxwell slurred, not understanding what exactly he had suggested.

“Yes man! Let’s.... go....” Drake suggested as he tried to stable his balance. The two snuck out of the club laughing like naughty school boys.

Entering the tattoo shop, Maxwell flipped through the folders finding a few tattoos they could have. Drake frowned at the options; a flower, a cat with pussay patrol written under it, Winnie the Pooh, Duracell bunny. There was also one for couples, where one person would have ‘Dis’ tattooed on their knee and the other would have ‘ney’ on their - Disney.

“Or you could get a hippo tattoo like me.....we’d be twinnies.”

“Fuck no! I know what... I’m getting.”

The tattoo artist started working on Drake’s tattoo. Once done- he returned to Maxwell.

“That was quick.... did you chicken out bud?” Maxwell impersonated a chicken, making a fool out of himself.

“No! Look...”

“RB? As in Riley Brooks? On your wedding finger?”

“Yep!” The first genuine smile he had on his face for months- he kept picturing her face. Hoping that fate one day would bring them back together.

“Ah Drake... I hope you don’t regret that in the morning. I’m going for the ‘pussay patrol’ tattoo.”

Drake was drunk- knowing that this was a bad idea, he held his laughter in. He couldn’t wait to see Max’s reaction tomorrow- Maxwell may regret his choice of tattoo but Drake certainly wouldn’t.

*******

Riley was an emotional wreck, heading straight to Beth’s apartment she broke down in tears. After explaining what had happened- Beth was shellshocked.

“Tonight! We are going out.. you need it! I’ll pay.”

“Thanks Beth. I need a rebound quick.”

As Riley was getting ready, she had a new friend request - Maxwell. Not wanting to be rude, she decided to accept his message, and had a short conversation with him- keep it simple she thought.

“You ready to go?” Beth asked whilst topping up her lipstick- pouting in the mirror.

“I so am. Drake Walker who?” Riley smirked, whilst putting her heels on.

“That’s the spirit chick! Let’s go!” The two women necked their pre drinks down quickly, before shooting out of the door.

******

Maxwell arranged to meet everyone in the hotel bar. After stalking Riley’s Instagram he had figured out where she was going that night- he knew she was annoyed with Drake and that they were both as stubborn as each other, but he needed to get them back together.

“So glad you could meet me guys. Liam I hope you’ve delayed our flight back. Where’s her majesty?”

“Why? We need to get back to Cordonia as soon as possible! I need to have stern words with certain people. She refused to come- she said and I quote ‘I am not stepping foot in another shithole bar.’ So she’s staying here.”

“Her loss. Guess who’s friends with Riley on Instagram? Oh yes that would be me!”

“And your point is?” Liam questioned, not understanding why this was relevant.

“I know what she’s doing tonight. I spoke to her in a chat- then stalked all her pictures. She’s a professional model now... she’s fucking hot as fuck.”

Drake scowled at him, he felt jealousy burn through him. He knew Maxwell would never make a move on her- he wasn’t like Liam. But it still hurt that he would call his ‘girlfriend’ hot as fuck.

“Wow! She is hot!” Hana’s eyes widened.

“Is she turning you Hana?” Maxwell winked at her and nudged her. Seeing Drake becoming wound up- maybe this might encourage him to win her back.

“Quite possibly she could do haha.”

“Look Liam, Drake, Bastien....”

Bastien gulped, he knew that she was a model- he had stalked her Instagram page ever since finding it. At times he had to knock off the page- as he gained a slight erection. On one occasion he masturbated over one of her pictures- it was a heat of the moment thing. He would never be able to tell Drake the truth about this.

“Yes, she is gorgeous.” He muttered.

“I think she’s out of everyone’s league.” Liam responded after witnessing Drake scowling at everyone’s reactions.

Drake snatched the phone, scrolling through the pictures- he agreed with everyone; she was hot, she was gorgeous and she most certainly was out of his league. Ordering another whiskey, he knew he needed some dutch courage to explain what Riley misinterpreted if they saw her.

*****

“Hey babe, are you still at Kismet?”

Riley’s eyes widened, her heart sank. Regretting tagging herself in things on social media- she now had Maxwell stalking her. Quickly looking around to see if they were there- she couldn’t see any of them.

“Hey Max. No we are in bed, all worn out. Sorry.” Phew- hopefully they won’t come.

Strolling up to the bar, she kept looking over her shoulders. Hoping that they wouldn’t turn up. She had lost Drake due to her poor decision making- it was time to move on and she couldn’t if the bunch of misfits from fucked up Cordonia turned up. Waiting at the bar for Beth to return from the bathroom, she was contemplating what to order.

“Mark. Jesus. You scared the life out of me.”

“Looking good Ri. You’re photos don’t do it any justice.”

Riley noticed Beth on the dance floor- wishing that Beth would stop kissing her boyfriend and head over to rescue her from her ex.

“Erm. Thanks.” Fucking creep. Leave me alone.

“What are you having to drink?” Rolling her eyes, she believed if she accepted a drink he would leave her be and go and pester some other poor person.

“Surprise me.” Mark smirked as he ordered her a drink. When she wasn’t looking he poured an extra ingredient into the cocktail.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I’ve missed you you know.”

“Oh well the feeling isn’t mutual.”

“Come on Ri, we had a good thing going on.”

“It was in college. And you was a rebound. You know that!”

Riley felt uncomfortable in his presence, his hand tightening around her waist- she couldn’t remove it. He began to kiss her neck making her feel physically sick. Pushing him away she wanted to wipe that smirk off his face. Turning around to make her escape she bumped into someone familiar.

“Hey blossom!”

Shit

“Hey, Max. I’m so glad to see you.” Smiling at Max - he was her saviour, her new best friend.

“Who’s this douche?” Mark raised his eyebrows at the stranger.

“This Mark.... Is my boyfriend Maxwell.”

Riley pulled Maxwell closer to her, just please pretend for fuck sake- he’s a creep, follow my lead. Kissing Max on the lips- he was frozen at first, but eventually melted into it. Once they parted Maxwell slapped Riley on her arse, lowering her mouth to his ear, too far Beaumont but I’ll use it.

“Oh he does love spanking me. He’s so cute isn’t he Mark?” Riley said as she caressed Maxwell’s cheeks.

“Er yeah. See ya around Riley. Hopefully sooner rather than later.”

Watching Mark leave the area, she turned to her friend, hoping he wouldn’t berate her on her lie she previously told him.

“Thanks.”

“So you’re in bed are ya?” Folding his arms and raising his eyebrows- Riley knew he was angry. Maxwell was never angry, he was always so cheery and full of life.

“I was hoping you wouldn’t come. So I lied. I’m sorry. But honestly thank you for helping me.”

“Who is he?”

“My college boyfriend. My rebound for Drake.”

“Ohhh talking about Drake...”

“He’s here isn’t he?” Riley looked towards the floor, that was surrounded by the sticky residue of spilts drinks.

“Yeah, come and see him. He’s devastated.”

“Let me finish this drink. I need to use the bathroom too... I’ll be right back. I’ll find you all.”

Continue Reading

[xladyxfatex]

Chapter Eleven

Meanwhile Jack had gotten himself back to King Balor, who of course was almost as mad as the alpha brother Hardy was. Jack just chuckled. 

“Oh calm down oh great one, there's a wonderful reason we didn’t take your path. Young Jessica heard a whimpering crying woman in an alleyway, one that I’m sure you didn’t place there. She took off like a bat out of hell towards the sounds, and came across a battered and beaten woman. She kept a look for me but I remained hidden interested in what the little gem would do.” A huge smile broke out on Jack’s face as he continued to tell Balor what he witnessed. “Our little gem isn’t just a werewolf, oh no, she’s a witch, more specifically a healer. It would seem. The healing spell she used was a Dutch one at that, I’d bet good money the Black family taught her it.” 

Balor had kept an eye on Jessica for a long time, years now, he knew she was something different, but a rare hybrid, one that hasn’t been seen in thousands of years more so one of which there was only two of ever before her. This was unreal and quickly realized he’d be another one added to the list to protect her. 

“I’ll be starting school with you on Monday. Start calling me Finn.” Balor had to get closer to the girl to see, to know for himself, and attending a school for the “gift” was just what he’d be doing.

New rules were put in place for Jessica the next morning, she was allowed to date, BUT only after both brothers meet, talked with, and approved of said boys. Jessica simply nodded, she knew things would get harder but in all fairness the rule wasn’t that bad, what was bad was the fact that as punishment she couldn’t actually go running tonight after her shift. The rest of the year past in blurr after that. Jack kinda just disappeared without rhyme or reason, and a new Irish classmate began school. Finn was his name and to Jessica he smelled almost of burning leaves and leather. She did her best to avoid him but he seemed to be everywhere, and sooner or later she gave up and allowed him to become friends with her.

Senior year arrived, Jessica was still in her typical garb, expect every now and then she’d wear skinny jeans or even a skirt. This year her hair was done raven black with red framing her face. Jeff kept going to school and training at the wrestling school alongside Matt, while doing weekend show cases. Jessica kept her training up at home, and every once and awhile her brothers would watch her. They’d be lying to say she didn’t have what it took to be in ring, but that wasn’t where they wanted her, and this year she was applying for colleges, starting in October in hopes of early acceptance, which really with a 4.0 GPA and all the extracurricular stuff she did after school, plus being in College and Advanced classes, it was no doubt in the brothers mind she could get anywhere she wanted. One night after dinner Jeff took the plunge and asked his little sister.

“So little one, what are your plans once we graduate? Anything fancy you want to do?” He deeply hoped it wouldn't be wrestling. Every weekend she had to heal their muscles, joints and tendons, they were lucky they hadn’t received anything worse in the injury department.  Jess looked Jeff right in the eyes and spoke with as much confidence as she could muster.

“ Well I would either like to go to wrestling school finally, or maybe college to become a sports journalist. I know whatever I do, and become, I want to try and stay close to you two at the end of it all.” Jess smiled and eyes sparkled. 

“I think a career in sports journalism would be best for you. You’ve seen how hurt we get just doing weekend shows.” Matt chimed in hoping to reason with his sister. It wasn’t that she couldn’t do it, it was far from that it was that they really didn’t want her hurt. Sighing Jessica spoke.

“Ya know, you're not the only two who want me to go into sports journalism instead of wrestling. Finn said the same thing.”  It was true, even though Jeff had dropped out before their senior year to pursue wrestling with Matt on a full time basis, this left Jess with no one really at school except for Finn. Whom needless to say the boys already knew was a demon and they weren’t exactly happy having a demon around their sister all the time. However Finn seemed to prove to be a good influence, loyal friend, and protective to a fault of Jessica.It would also seem he had the same ideas about Jess not becoming a wrestler just like them. Yeah the boys slowly accepted Finn into their wrestling group, they were still just as garuded as Jessica was about letting someone close after the huge fall out with Aleister and the way it left them horribly broken. 

“Well little one, maybe the three of us are right? I mean come on you definitely know we would never tell you something that wasn’t true, and Finn I mean you two seem pretty close. How’d that happen anyways?” Jeff was genuinely curious after all she didn’t even let the two girls from her freshman year as close as she allowed Finn to get and honestly that worried Jeff. He didn’t want to see his sister hurt like that again, he knew Finn was already getting ready to pursue wrestling after graduation just like he and Matt had already done. Jessica cocked her head to the side and thought about it.

“Well he just showed up at school after that date I had with Jack, and he just kinda kept showing up wherever I was, whether it was my classes, lunch period, or extracurriculars, oh by the way I’m doing the dance and gymnastics again this year. Anyways he always tried talking to me, and one day I just gave in. Ever since we’ve kinda become friends, but I still won’t let him too close. You know why I won’t either.” Jessica huffed at the end of her sentence, and  both brothers just nodded. “However Finn is suppose to be here soon, we have a test to study for and he wanted me to watch his new in ring moves.” Once again the boys nodded, they’d have to admit the demon was good in ring, and though Jessica didn’t use her healing spells on him, she did use tonics and potions that she claim she got from a healers shop for using on the boys for when they were hurt. She really couldn’t stand seeing people hurt. 

‘He’s coming here today? You know that we are leaving in a few hours for shows for the week. Just be careful and don’t do something stupid, like show your magic or having sex” Jeff huffed and Jessica and Matt both srunched up their faces. Honestly Jessica found Finn cute but he was becoming more brother material then lover, which in its own ways scared her, because no matter how much she tried she would find herself at times thinking of Aleister and their once bond that was now gone. It hurt and she wasn’t sure she should ever let someone that close, and if she couldn’t let a friend that close how on Earth was she going to let someone close enough to sleep with them. Yeah she was a 16 year old senior who had a bright future and shockingly enough was still as pure as the day she was born, it also didn’t help any that her damn wolf still would remind her of the boy she met when she was four and tell her that she had to find him. Sometimes she really hated her inner wolf. 

“Jeff that’s so gross! I’m still pure unlike you two, and if I can’t even let someone close enough to be a friend, what makes you think I could let someone close enough to sleep with them? Come on, you might be the Alpha since dad up and disappeared but you really should know me better than that.” Jess just shook her head how could her brother be so stupid. “Besides Finn has some demon girlfriend not sure who she is since she isn’t in our school but he seems rather happy. At least he seems happy till he needs advice, which is weird cause I mean how am I supposed to know anything about dating.” Jessica shrugged and went to clean up the breakfast plates. “Hey! Do you think it would be possible to major in sports journalism and minor in like I don’t culinary? I mean if I could find a school that offered both.” Truth was she had found one and since she was going to be alone, No Matt, Finn, or Jeff, she wanted to keep herself as busy as possible when she went off to college, not to mention she really did love cooking. Matt looked at his sister, grabbed her wrist and took her outside. Matt had been worried about the youngest for awhile now, ever since Jeff dropped out at the start of the school year and with her 16th birthday just weeks away, he needed to make sure she was okay.

“Jessie, how have you been? Honestly don’t give me the ‘everything and me are fine’ you just asked about taking a major and minor in college, you’re about to be 16, graduating high school and moving on to bigger things. I know we aren’t around and we won’t be for your birthday-” He was abruptly cut off by his sister’s growl.

“You both won’t be here for my birthday, let me guess, another show right? You know what! NO I’m not okay! I’m always alone unless Finn comes over, I have no one anymore, I miss my former best friend Aleister and his mother Gwendolyn every day. I miss my mother, there are holes in my life that can never be filled by just adding new people, and now, now you and Jeff are hardly around. You know what FUCK YOU BOTH why don’t you both just take off just like dad did!” Jessica broke down crying, nothing was ever good enough she’d always be alone, maybe that was why there were no other hybrids like her, maybe they always got left behind and left alone. Matt wrapped his arms around his baby sister, he never had any idea just how lonely she felt in this world, how their absent made her feel. They just wanted to make sure she had what she needed, but in the end what he was just now made to see was she needed them more than anything else in this world. 

[hitchell-mope]

(Second film. At cotillion. Part one. After the press interviews)

Evie (ruefully): go on. Say it. I know you want to

Doug: what do I want.

Evie: you want to say I’m wrong. That I shouldn’t make Mal do this when all she wants is to fade into the background

Doug: you’re doing what you think is right. Mal did what she thought was right. Uma’s doing what she thinks is right. And besides. You’re never wrong. You’re a princess. Royalty. You couldn’t possibly be wrong if you tried.

Evie: aww.

Doug: and. I don’t have to say it. Cause you just did.

(Evie laughs)

Doug: uh oh

Evie: what?

Doug: I spy with my prescription eye wear someone that tried to kill my best friend.

(At the buffet table is Harry munching on the food on offer like a man starving)

Evie: oh this should be fun

Doug: I have the gloves.

Evie: I’ll glamour you so you won’t be seen

(Doug makes his way over to Harry exosuit gloves on and slaps the pirate on the shoulder)

Doug: hello mr hook

Harry (in severe pain from the volts of electricity shooting through his arm): what. What’re you. How!?

Doug: do you really think after all you’ve done that we’d just let you off Scot free without fighting back?

Harry: yes?

Doug: wrong answer

(He steers Harry through the crowd back to Evie. Who socks him in the mouth)

Evie: that’s for trying to kill my family. And that (she kicks his shin where dizzy stabbed him) is for hypnotising Ben

Harry: how’d ya know

Doug: Mal saw you.

Harry: ah.

(He starts to run but Evie uses magic to stop him and summons the hook to her hand)

Evie: you know. My forte IS chemistry. But I’m seriously considering taking biology as an elective. I do so love cutting open slimy little toadies. Sorry. I meant toads

Harry (derisively): hur hur

Carlos: what the fuck is that utter clown doing here?

Doug: it’s an interrogation

Carlos: well that’s all well and good but Jay’s about to come down with Mal any second and if the creature from the black lagoon is here they won’t be responsible for their actions.

Evie: ah. Did not think of that

Carlos: and we’re the smart ones. Poof him into w drain where he belongs.

(Evie does so and the three go back to the dance floor)

Lumiere: presenting the future lady Mal (aside to her) love the dress

Mal (smiling shyly): thank you

Jay: ready?

Mal: nope

(Arm in arm they walk down the steps together)

Lonnie: game plan. Go

Mal: we do nothing.

Jay: that’s not all. We keep Mal happy. Make sure she enjoys herself

Lonnie: Oh. Um. So we don’t rip this Uma girl limb from limb?

Evie: believe me. I had the same idea

Doug: but it’s not worth it. Not when Ben can call out the firing squad on us

Lonnie: ahhhh. Nice hair you two. Love the braid jay.

Carlos: thank you.

Jay (one arm hugging him): my guys very talented

Lonnie: it’s a Dutch braid isn’t it?

Carlos: yep

Lonnie: nice. And you Mal

Mal: magic. Nobody touches my hair but me

Lonnie (fondly): I remember. C’mere (she pulls Mal into a tight hug). No matter what happens tonight we’re on your side. We’re with you Mal

Mal: thank you. And dizzy picked out the style

Carlos: look who’s up

Jane: time to face the music

Lumiere: presenting king Benjamin Flor-Oh my god

(Ben’s arrived with Uma on his arm. She looks proud and haughty. And seems to be looking for Harry. Then she lays eyes on Gil, who’s hiding behind Lonnie, and her expression hardens)

Lumiere: and you are ma’am?

Ben (robotically): Uma

Lumiere (not liking the situation one bit but playing along): presenting king Benjamin Florian and...lady Uma

Gil (innocently): Uma looks nice.

Jay: good, we can bury her in it

Evie: I’m thinking Viking funeral

Carlos: why wait to kill her. Deep fried shrimp is a delicacy as far as I’m concerned. Burn the bitch alive I say

Doug (under his breath): 🎶not yet🎶

(Uma and Ben have started the opening dance)

Evie: oh my god

Doug: what’s wrong?

Evie: I made that dress

Doug: not the time honey

Evie: right sorry.

Mal: I can’t. I’m sorry. I just can’t

Jay: shh shh. It’s ok. C’mon

(Jay leads her out)

Lumiere: boys! Show the window

Mal: what window

Lumiere: please just wait. This has happened before and

Ben: can I have everyone’s attention please

Lumiere: enculé. Que ce passe-t-il?

Mal: ta supposition est aussi bonne que la mienne

Jay: Then let’s watch

Ben: Uma will be joining me as my lady of the court tonight. And we’ll be bringing the barrier down permanently

(Every single Auradonian lets out an overly dramatic gasp)

Adam: he can’t do that

(Just then Mal’s mother arrives)

Elsa: I think you’ll find he can Adam. He’s the king after all. Since you seem in constant need of reminding. And anyway he’s hypnotised by the shell around her neck.

(A black haired girl in a bathrobe barges past Elsa)

Melody: you and that rat looking boy knocked me out tied me to my vanity mirror and stole my dress

Evie (jovial): MELODY!!!! THAT’S WHOSE DRESS IT IS.

Uma (smirking): well I did have to take it in at the hips a little bit. Ben carry on with what you were saying

Ben: that was it

Elsa (aside to Verna): at times like these it’s best to not take what he says seriously until the affliction is fixed

Verna (still under Uma’s power): pardon?

Ben (rather rudely): hey you. Walking Christmas card. Gimme the wand

Elsa: and there it is

Verna: no

Ben: give it. To me

Verna: no

Ben (with Uma’s voice covering his own): GIVE ME THE WAND YOU STUPID BITCH

Verna: I do not take orders from you young lady

Adam (trying to intervene): son if you’d just listen to reason

Ben (still in an Uma induced rage): why would I listen to you. I AM YOUR KING

(He starts to force choke his father)

Mal: what do we do

Elsa: they’re your people my girl. It’s up to you

Uma: oh yes. The traitor. Tell them your ladyship. What are you going to do?

Mal: Doug’s the regent

Doug: but as of this moment I answer to you

Mal: ...restrain Ben

Doug: may I have a heavy portable telescope please my darling

Evie: of course my love

(Doug uses the telescope Evie magics up for him to knock out Ben)

Doug: in hindsight I probably should have asked for a baseball bat

(Evie’s blushing a little)

Carlos: seriously

Evie: oh like you don’t get worked up when jay’s being badass?

Carlos: touché

Uma: eh. Oh well. He just acted like a lost mutt. Harry! Get the wand. Harry? Where’s. What did you do to him

Evie: oh yes. The toad boy. I believe he’s currently in a hellscape

Uma (filled with quiet rage): you sent him back THERE?

Evie (smiling sweetly): oh no captain. I placed him in another dimension. Falling through the void surrounded by all he fears most in the world. Spiders. Crocodiles. And his father

Carlos (highly impressed): oh my

Lumiere: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SOMEONE PLEASE SHOW LADY MAL THE WINDOW

Jane: right yes.

(She pulls off the curtain revealing the stained glass window Ben has made)

Mal (in awe): wow. I look

Jay: like yourself. No brunette hair in sight. And incredibly powerful. That’s why he loves you.

Mal: I was an idiot wasn’t I. I shouldn’t have tried to change myself when I didn’t need to not when

Jay: he loves you just as you are

Belle: I’m confused what happened

Elsa: like I keep telling you queen mother. She did exactly what I did. What happened to you. You used to be so intelligent and (she spots beast gasping for air on the deck) oh. I see. Never mind

Belle (without humour): hahaha. (More compassionately). Mal dear who is that girl

Elsa: a victim of yours queen mother.

Mal: I hurt her. Over eight years ago I hurt her.

Jay: and she’s been hell bent on destroying her life since

Mal: how do I free Ben.

Elsa: magic works different depending on who wields it. Smashing the shell may not necessarily work like it did with her mother and Ariel. Might be best to use an old fashioned method

Mal: meaning (jay hands her a lipstick) ahhh. But I don’t wear ooooh purple nice

Elsa: you might want to turn around queen mother

Belle: why

Jay: cause your sons gonna get frenched by his girlfriend in front of the entire student body. Still wanna watch?

(Belle promptly turns around)

Jay: didn’t think so

Mal: how do we even know that it’ll work though

Jay: two reasons. A. Uma’s magic is weaker then yours. You can beat her. B. The boy made a stained glass window that essentially says “do with me what you will” and your really second guessing yourself?

Mal: yes

Jay: oh boy. C’mon. I’ll restrain Uma. You kiss him

(This is when “far away” starts up)

[galadrieljones]

A Funeral: Chapter 6

Fandom: Red Dead Redemption 2 | Pairing: Arthur x Mary Beth | Rating: Mature

Content: Existential Angst, Friendship, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Nature, Touch-Starved, Humor, Fluff and Humor, Fluff and Angst, Violence, Hurt/Comfort, Fake Marriage, Epiphanies, Backstory, Banter, Deep Emotions

Summary: To help her process Sean’s death, Mary Beth asks Arthur to take her on a hunting trip, somewhere far away. He agrees, and on their little journey together, they find quietude and take comfort in their easy bond. In their desperate search for meaning together, they endure a number of small trials, which bring them closer to one another as well as to the future, and to the unchecked plights of the natural world.

**Chapter-specific Content Warning: distant reference toward sexual violence

Masterpost | AO3

Thanks @bearly-tolerable for the banner!! ^_^

Chapter 6: A Couple Busted Umbrellas

The dream he’d had at the Winterson's B&B was not a good one. You know, there is this abandoned homestead in Scarlet Meadows? Not far from Rhodes, and outside that homestead there are two little crosses set up on either side of a big, pretty tree. It is familiar. Arthur stumbled upon it once while out hunting whitetail for camp, not too long ago, and in doing so, he remembered all the bad things that had ever happened to him. The little crosses and all of their lonely passion dredged up a layer of guilt from so deep inside that his vision went white and he nearly stumbled into his horse. The guilt was covered in barbed wire. It hurt a lot to swallow it back down again, but he did it anyway and then he went back to camp with a dead deer for Pierson, and it was twilight and Dutch sat, consumed in his own neurosis with his head in his hands. Nobody else really knew about Eliza except for Dutch, Hosea, John, and Abigail. Arthur went to his bed that night and he went right to sleep, very early.

Arthur didn’t dream of the two little crosses that first night with Mary Beth. He didn’t even dream of Eliza. He only dreamed of the polar bear—climbing again out of that polar bear skin and seeing the world burnt around him and wondering where it was everyone had gone to, everyone he ever cared for. It woke him up, and when he woke up, he sat up, and the barbed wire had unfurled and ensconced him in its horrible pain so deep he got to thinking it was happiness. What else could be so all-consuming without causing death? He rightly had not known before. But it wasn’t Mary this time—nagging him, this petty pain just below the surface. No. It was much too deep for that. He felt twenty-five again, in that moment, sleeping in a soft bed next to his pregnant girlfriend who he had made that way. How he loved her. Like he had never loved anything—no man or woman or child could come close to the desire he had to keep her safe. She was the love that came first, that preceded all. And when Mary Beth touched his shoulder that night, he was not awake yet. He was still in the dream, next to Eliza, in a farmhouse in Butte, Montana. Where the buffalo roam, he thought. And when he woke up he was crushed at all that had come to pass. He felt so old. But also, all at once, he was relieved. He couldn’t pinpoint the exact sensation. It was of the most conflicting he had ever felt in his life.

Now he and Mary Beth had started continuing their way north again, eventually headed toward O’Creigh’s Run. It was so pretty here. So damn pretty, thought Arthur, especially once you got up in the Grizzlies a little, and these orange flowers grew everywhere, poppies or something, Arthur wasn’t quite sure. Ram and Whitetail all over the place, hopping and stumbling and drinking from the ravines. Arthur knew now that, as they left Emerald Station, they would soon be leaving civilization as they knew it and entering into a kind of dark territory. They still had time. Ambarino was a good, clean place, still wild terrain populated mostly by animals, hunters, fishermen. But once they got further east, it was all ghosts and people that looked like ghosts, and fog and strangers in the windows of rotten shacks way high on the cliffs. At times he became bothered with anxiety and regret at having brought Mary Beth on this trip, as he thought intensely about the dangers that could await them in the northern stretches of New Hanover. But it was too late now, and he didn’t rightly know anything, and for all of his certainties, it was just as dangerous, her sleeping alone at Shady Belle in the southern swamps of Lemoyne, as it was her riding with him in the deadzone of all that lie north of Annesburg. He supposed he could have taken her to Strawberry. To West Elizabeth. Real good hunting out there. But it was further west than he was willing to go, and the closer he got to Blackwater the faster the true dangers began to appear.

He knew it would be fine. He would make it fine. And for now, it was Ambarino, still just mountain prettiness and fields of wild flowers, and he knew that she would like it up here. He just knew. It all sort of looked like her, felt like her—soft and good but with unexpected outcroppings and steep drops and you had to keep a watch on your footing lest you loose your step. Plunge off a cliff. As they rode north, away from the Winterson’s comfortable B&B she was quiet for a time and wistful, like she was caught in a dream. He did not disturb her. He had not meant to worry her that night before. He had bad dreams all the time—it was nothing new. Nothing to do with Mary Beth.

But the truth was, that memory was already stoked by now. It was a creeping heat. He could feel it. Other times he might try and dull it out of himself with whiskey, but not today. He needed to be sharp. He needed to be fully awake and aware because even if it was pretty country there were a lot of dangers in the Grizzlies and there was nothing that was going to prevent him from protecting the two of them, protecting her.

So there he rode, right on the sharp knife’s edge of his worst nightmares, and yet fully in the present on the trail to Ambarino. They rode at a trot mostly. Mary Beth was contemplative and sometimes, she would slow down to scribble something in that book of hers and then she’d put it away into her dress folds again. He would smoke and light her a cigarette, hand it across to her as they rode on their horses, and she would take it and smile and thank him for his chivalry. These little pieces of their time together would tug the strings inside his heart. His affection for her was growing and this, too, like everything else in his conflicted mind made him homesick, and worried. She was a little like Eliza. She was young and had long, wavy hair that curled in the humidity, and she was kind and dutiful. They both liked to read. But unlike Eliza, Mary Beth was sure of herself. She had all this confidence, and until now, he’d never really known it. He’d always sort of seen her as the wildflower in the camp. Prettier, softer than the other girls, but incredibly stoic. It was hard to see through her. He felt in, in some ways, transparent by her side.

Arthur Morgan was a callused man but he had never once closed his heart to love. He was an optimist. He wanted to believe things would be okay. It was not this part of him that made him so difficult to crack.

They made camp near a lagoon called Moonstone Pond. Arthur took Mary Beth fishing. She was not experienced with a fishing rod and desired a lot of guidance. He showed her how to hold it, how to cast, watched her closely. She regarded the water with a close eye. She was very eager to learn, got a single bite, but it was kind of a big feller and she couldn’t manage. She broke the line and stamped her foot with comical indignation.

"Dammit," she said. "I’m a terrible fisherwoman."

"Nah, you’re just fine," said Arthur. "You know how many lines I break daily? And I’ve been fishing for...years. You’ll get it. Want to try again?"

She looked at the fishing pole then handed it back to him. "I’m too hungry to try again," she said, smiling. "I’d like to watch you."

He had a toothpick between his teeth, took it out of his mouth, flicked it to the weeds. It was chilly up in these parts and she had put on her riding gloves. "I’ll do my best not to disappoint you."

"You couldn’t disappoint me, Arthur Morgan."

This amused him. He fixed up his hook with a nice bait worm, cast it into the water. They stood quietly for a while. Mary Beth dropped to a crouch to look at her reflection. She tapped its surface and made little ripples in the water. The sun was getting lower, like a hot burn on the horizon, just past the trees.

Arthur caught a nice, fat bluegill, then another. Mary Beth clapped. She was very excited by the catch. He cleaned and filleted both fish as Mary Beth ground up some salt and pepper in a little mill. Arthur set the fillets on the pan and she sprinkled on the seasoning. By now the sun was down and the nighttime animals had come out for their evening prize. They could hear raccoons chattering and other weird animal noises in the distance, but nothing close enough to fear. After frying up and eating the fish, they split a can of strawberries for dessert. Between them it was like a whole swelling song. A harmony of nothing and thinking and peace. The temperature fell a little further with the sun gone away, and now they could see their breath, so they put on their coats and huddled close to the fire and close to one another, leaning up against a big rock. Arthur sensed that something was on Mary Beth's mind. She seemed to watch the fire like she was begging it to breathe into life, a Phoenix.

“Mary Beth,” he said, after some time.

“Yes, Arthur?”

“Everything okay? You seem a little...quiet.”

“I’m fine.” she said. She shifted toward him, held her hands over the fire. “I just been thinking. The country up here is big and it makes me feel things. That’s all.”

“I get that,” said Arthur. “I get that a lot.”

They warmed their hands to the flame. She leaned against him, casually, placed her head on his shoulder. “Are you okay?” she said.

“I’m fine,” said Arthur. “Why do you ask?”

“No reason,” she said. “Or—just, last night. You had a bad dream. Do you remember?” She was looking up at the dark night sky. The smoke from the fire went up and was mingling with the stars.

Arthur didn't say anything at first. "Nevermind," she said.

“It's all right," he said. He looked down at his gloved hands. "I do remember. Sort of. I remember the dream.”

“What was it?”

“I’ve had it a couple times now,” he said, scratching at the back of his neck. He wore his hat with a judicious feather of Cardinal. “It’s like, I’m living inside this polar bear skin.”

“A polar bear?” said Mary Beth.

“Yeah. I’m about to die, but I climb out instead, and when I do, the world is gone. It’s burned. It wakes me like that every time.”

“That sounds awful,” said Mary Beth.

“It ain’t pleasant,” said Arthur, resituating against the rock. He pulled his knees up to study the elaborate threading of his leather boots. “And every time I wake up from the dream, I been seeing something different. Someone different.”

“Like who?” she said. "Like Eliza?"

He looked at her, curious. He nodded. "Like Eliza."

She perked up a little, her eyebrows very pursed in concern. “That is what you said to me. You thought I was her?”

“Yes, or no. It wasn't that simple.”

“Who is she, Arthur?”

Arthur was quiet about it. The barbed wire creeping. But he was aching, too. He didn’t see the good in holding it inside. Not here, all alone out here, just them two. He and Mary Beth, they saw the world in such a similar way. He had opened up to her before. He sighed. “I can’t remember the last time I talked about this,” he said, almost to no one, to nothing. Almost laughing at himself.

“I know you had a girl once, before Mary Gillis. Abigail...she might have mentioned, once. Don't blame her. It wasn't gossip. Is that Eliza?”

“Yes, ma'am,” said Arthur.

Mary Beth just nodded. “I see. Is it bad? Is it bad, what happened?”

“She died,” said Arthur, surprising even himself. The words tasted, felt odd in his mouth. He picked up the empty can of strawberries. He studied the label. “We had a baby. A boy. He grew to about four years old, and then the two of them—they was killed by bandits, at home. For ten dollars. I wasn’t there. I suppose I dream about it, sometimes. I want you to know, I wasn’t calling you Eliza, Mary Beth. It wasn’t that. I was just…confused about where I was, after the dream and all. I’m sorry. These dreams—they can really take hold of you if you ain't prepared, which one never really can be.”

Mary Beth was staring now, right into him. He was staring at the fire, but he could feel her. She linked her arm inside of his with a great deal of intent. It was sort of like she already knew, or like she had divined it out of him, but of course that was foolish. He felt her little arm in his.

“I’m so sorry, Arthur,” she said. “Truly, I am. Thank you for trusting me with your story. For letting me help you carry it.”

“Of course,” he said, tossing the can into the darkness. “But there ain't nothing to be sorry for. I’m just shocked I found a way to say it out loud again.” It felt simple right now, but he knew. He knew nothing was so simple as just talking. He took a very deep breath.

Mary Beth smiled. He smiled down at her, in some sort of relief or embarrassment. She just put her head back on his shoulder for a little while and they waited beside one another, feeling the earth, hard and sore beneath their boots.

“You want some gin?” she said in a little while, out of nowhere. "Seems appropriate."

“Gin?”

“Mrs. Lizette Winterson gave me a novelty bottle before we left the B&B,” said Mary Beth. “You want some?”

Arthur smiled. “They sure liked you.”

“They liked you, too,” she said, and she hopped up. She patted him on his hat and then went to fetch the bottle off her horse nearby. “It’s a good bottle. It smells clean.”

“Clean is good,” said Arthur.

“You want some?”

“Sure. Just a little though.”

“A little is good,” said Mary Beth. She sat back down by his side and poured a couple slugs into their tin cups from dinner. She garnished the gin with little sprigs of mint, mostly for the looks, but it smelled nice. They touched their cups together.

“What are we toasting to?” said Arthur.

“I’m not sure,” said Mary Beth. "What's brought us here?"

“It was Sean, wasn't it?" said Arthur. "Old Sean MacGuire."

She got bright. “That’s right,” she said. And she held up her glass. “To Sean, and to all those who’ve gone from this life and on to the next.”

“To Sean,” said Arthur, solemn, but grateful. “He was a gotdam idiot, but I liked him.”

"Me, too."

They drank.

Arthur liked the gin—the mint made it feel very refreshing, like a cap on his sadness. Meanwhile, Mary Beth immediately shook out her head and laughed. “Yuck,” she said.

“Yuck?” said Arthur, admiring the gin in the bottom of his cup. “Tastes like Christmas trees if you ask me.”

“Well you are clearly more accustomed to the hard stuff, Arthur Morgan.”

“I don’t doubt that, Mary Beth Gaskill.”

They drank some more. Mary Beth sipped hers little by little and seemed to become tipsy in an instant. She was funny now, like she was trying to lighten the mood. To cheer him up as she was wont to do, and she spoke very fast about many things that interested her about their trip so far. The color of the mountains, the idiots on the bridge, the funny Frenchwoman, Lawrence and his little glasses, Arthur's bullet wound, the fight. Just as he had thought, she liked the orange flowers of the terrain very much. She liked the sky here, too. She said it was so clear, she thought to drink it. He thought it a beautiful image. Arthur listened to her talk, and he listened to the night world going off around them. It seemed safe. They were safe here, he thought. No trouble would befall them that night. He had decided. He sipped his gin.

“You know,” said Mary Beth, after a little while. She had finished her cup and poured a little more. Arthur stopped after one. He could sense she had warmed to him and she felt him responding. He was okay inside, sort of. She could tell.

“What is it?” he said.

“I used to have a really good daddy,” she went on, a little random, peering down into her drink. She nodded, stirred it a little with her finger. "He was a good man."

“Is that right?”

“He was a blacksmith,” she said. She took another sip. “And he was good to my mama and my brother and me. He was a literate man. We all could read, he saw to it. We had a homestead ranch in the cuts outside of Shawnee, Kansas.”

“I didn’t know you had a brother,” said Arthur.

“Oh yes,” said Mary Beth, smiling to herself. “Well, I did. Before he died, that is. He was about four years older than me.”

The way she'd said it was nonchalant. Arthur fixed on her. She was watery in her eyes now. Not drunk, but softened by the booze. He knew she wasn’t done with her story and sensed her unfolding. Like she was going to tell him now, her tragic past. Just as he had told her his. “Go on,” he said.

“My mama was a baker, and she sold her pies to the local market. I had a good childhood.”

“That sounds real good, Mary Beth. Real good."

“Yeah, it was,” she said.

He waited. She seemed like she wanted to set down her cup. It was not empty, but she seemed to be finished with it. He held out his hand, she gave it to him. He set it aside, staring right at her. But she was looking at her boots.

“When I was about twelve," she continued, dreamy at first, but then solemn, sniffling from the cold, "my parents was out, on the town one night. They went to a show or something. They was in love. They went on dates. My brother was home with me. We was playing a card game, Spades I think. He let me stay up late. My parents was robbed that night, on the ride home, my daddy killed by bandits after his pocket book, and his coach. They took the dress off my mama’s back and she nearly died as well from the cold. Violated, of course. Probably somewhere dark, outside. Only I didn’t realize then. I was...naive. I was twelve. When we found her, my brother covered my eyes and he put his jacket over my mama’s shoulders and we helped her home. I never saw my daddy’s body. I didn’t get to see much of anything, but I do remember my mama was just in her slip. She soon got...very ill, after that. Local doctor said she caught Typhoid Fever. Nobody knew where. The event and my daddy’s death put her at the end of her life, and she was depressed, on top of the illness. I do remember her, her drinking. All day. She wasted away. Mumbling and such, picking at her bed clothes like she thought they was infested with bugs. The fever made her say and do odd things. I’ll never forget. She died a month later.”

Arthur sighed. He took her gloved hand in his. It was very small. “I’m sorry, Mary Beth. That sounds very hard.”

She smiled, low. It was her way. To smile. To always try and smile. “Thanks, Arthur. Anyway me and my brother was taken away from each other after that. Me and Bobby. That was his name. They stuck me in a home for orphans in Shawnee, but he was old enough and he found work at the mine.”

“Coal mining?” said Arthur.

“Yeah. Coal. But he had a...accident. That’s what they told me. About a year later. A bad fall. Broke his spine. That's how he died. All the money he made, he kept squirreled away and he would bring me a billfold every Saturday. I had been saving. I used most of it to bury him proper. We had a church funeral and I was the only one who came, save for the pastor. They let me out of the orphanage for it and that is the night I slipped their eye. I went to Kansas City with fifteen dollars to my name. I met a madame who was good and she found me before it was too late. Said I was too young and too pretty for whoring but she liked my disposition and taught me to pick pockets instead. To be…persuasive. I ain’t never whored, Arthur. I ain’t never been that kind of girl, no matter how bad it got. I swear.”

She seemed nervous as she said it, like she was apologizing, or meaning to prove something to him. Arthur was just listening, but when she got to this part, he became almost alarmed—not by what she’d said, but how she’d said it. He straightened up. He felt something snag inside him. Some hard protective nature coming into focus. He didn’t want her thinking like this, feeling these things about herself. “I would never judge you for that, Mary Beth. Not ever. Do you hear?"

“Arthur—“

“I said, do you hear?"

She was fixed in his eyes, blue as winter. She believed him. He could see it. “Yes, I do.”

“Good,” said Arthur. He slouched back a little. There was a cold rock for him to lean against. He opened up his chest and put his arm around her shoulders. He kissed the top of her lavender head, held her fiercely out of some pure instinct. He was deep inside that moment and not coming up for nothing. He was reminding her of something, something real between them, and about him, who he was. What little he truly understood about himself, this was it. He wasn't going on and letting her think her worth to him somehow depended on her past hardships. They sat like that for a little while.

Meanwhile, Mary Beth felt protected and guilty and happy and uncertain and very warm in his embrace. She was tipsy, but she was not far gone, and she’d never been held like this—not by him, not by a man she cared about, so safe and familiar. The way he smelled was indescribable. It was just Arthur. Like plants and skin and warm mint on his neckerchief. Sweat and smoke and bonfires. She placed her face into the scruff on his neck and just breathed. It made her feel all better. It calmed her senses, her nerves, her sadness and her anxieties. He was allowing her to do this. He had one of his big gloved hands in her hair. He took a deep breath and she could feel his wide chest rising and then falling against her in an exhale. Then, she closed her eyes for a moment, and he began to speak in his deep voice.

“I remember that day I met you,” he said. She could hear the smiling in his voice. She opened her eyes. “We brought you back to our camp in Leawood. You had about a hundred stories and you had a…very expensive hunting knife holstered on you, if I recall correctly, one of the likes I’d never seen. What was it, five years ago?”

“About,” said Mary Beth, smiling. “I stole that knife off a brigadier. Or, that's what he said he was. I’m not sure what a brigadier would be doing in Kansas. Even still. It wasn’t hard.”

“Well, you’ve got talent.”

“I was little more than a kid I suppose,” she said. “When you found me.” She shrugged.

“You wasn’t no kid,” said Arthur, like an affirmation. He looked down at her, very serious. “You was surviving. It’s all we’ve ever done, souls like us, Mary Beth. Growing up fast, living hard, because we have to.”

His wisdom crushed into her, face first. She was so grateful. “I reckon we are just a couple of busted umbrellas, you and me,” she said. “Been through one too many storms in this lifetime.”

“Maybe,” said Arthur. “But you have taught me that there’s always some good in the world, somewhere. Despite it all. And we’ll get through it. It’s gonna be okay, Mary Beth.”

He squeezed her tight. She smiled to herself. Something between them cracked wide open. Arthur watched the fire. She put her head back onto his shoulder. She examined the sky. It was so big. So big, she could barely understand. “It sure is pretty here,” said Mary Beth, wistful. They seemed to float.

“It sure is,” said Arthur.

[killian-whump]

Non-OUAT Whumpers

Most of the whump collected on this blog takes place on the show Once Upon a Time. The Whumpers responsible for these incidents are collected on this blog’s Official Whumpers Page for your amusement.

However, this blog also collects whump from Colin’s other work, as well as humorous “bestings” from real life when appropriate. Those “whumpers” will be collected on this post, also for your amusement ;)

Incidentally, while the Official Whumpers List is listed by character names, this list is organized by the name of the actor/actress playing the role. There’s no reason for this, other than it amuses me.

Amy Huberman Irish actress. Played Conor’s friend Daisy in The Clinic. Entirely angsty bestings here, as Daisy is the cause of a lot of Conor’s emotional upheavals throughout his time on the show.

Anthony Hopkins Academy Award winning actor. Played Father Lucas in The Rite. All kinds of whump here. Father Lucas brings about angst, delivers lectures, manhandles him, attempts to possess, and even throws Michael Kovak across the room.

Antonia Campbell-Hughes Irish actress. Played Shelley in Storage 24. Shelley doesn’t really do much to Mark throughout this film, but near the end, after everything he’s done to his friends... she gives him a sound slap.

Bad Fashion Choices Let’s be real, it’s mostly just that fucking shirt. This one also has a lot of Killian Jones bestings, as there was the diving suit, the white tuxedo, the Dark One robe that offended him, that hair bow, and various other questionable fashions in that show. There’s also some lovely fandom contributions of Killian/Colin being bested with bad fashion. And, of course, plenty of that buzz cut and that fucking shirt.

Bathroom Fixtures Seen in every bathroom in every home around the world. Usually, bathroom fixtures are useful. Sometimes, not so much.

Bel Powley English actress. Played Carrie Pilby in the movie of the same name. Carrie doesn’t really whump Professor Harrison, but near the end of the film, she does bring her father over to his house - and the two of them invade his home, her father punches him in the face, and Carrie mocks him.

Berserkers A crazy band of murderers found in What Still Remains. The Berserkers are at war with Peter’s commune in the film, and near the end of it, they attack and annihilate the commune entirely, burning it to the ground.

Bikers Random ruffians found in 2004′s Love Is the Drug. LITD’s Peter goes up against some badass biker dudes to defend the guy his sister’s with. It doesn’t go well, and he gets punched in the face. As usual.

Camera Angles Found in everything, everywhere. Stupid cameras. Let’s be real, though. It’s mostly just me bitching about leaves.

Cats Adorable furry creatures. Showed up en masse in The Rite. “Make sure they don’t come in,” Lucas said. Spoiler: They all got in.

Chris Carmack American actor. Played Nora’s boyfriend David in The Dust Storm. Near the end of the film, David confronts Nora and Brennan in a bar and punches Brennan in the face, resulting in a pretty big bruise.

Chris Ellis American actor. Played Harvey in What Still Remains. Harvey seems, at first, to be a harmless old man cooking over a campfire in the middle of the day. Unfortunately, his innocent demeanor lures Anna right in - and once she and Peter are close enough, they’re ambushed.

Colin O’Donoghue I think we all know who this guy is. This tag’s not for him getting bested... it’s for when HE bests US.

Cops Police officers. Seen in many films and TV shows. This tag includes some Once Upon a Time whump, but also has Conor Elliott’s arrest in The Clinic.

Demons Evil otherworldly beings. Most famously found in The Rite. This tag covers the demonic goings-on in The Rite, as well as some fandom bestings of Killian Jones being possessed or haunted.

Dorothy Cotter Irish actress. Played Laura in the short film, The Euthanizer. Laura is Ben’s beloved girlfriend, who has left him for unstated reasons. Ben is completely heartbroken by the loss, and turns to suicide.

Feels Seen: Everywhere, in everything. This tag encompasses all those moments when Colin’s character is overcome by emotion - including when that character is Killian Jones.

Finbar Lynch Irish actor. Played Terry in 2005′s Proof 2. The moment is very brief, but Terry does a wonderful job of grabbing Jamie by the lapels and manhandling him.

Frogs More animals, spotted in 2011′s The Rite, besting Michael Kovak. You’ve gotta be fucking kidding him.

Gary Lydon British actor. Played Dr. Patrick Murray on The Clinic. Patrick Murray was Conor Elliott’s therapist, and his poor handling of Conor (and Conor’s condition) contributed to the emotional breakdown that led to Conor setting himself on fire.

Gabriel Byrne Well-known Irish actor. Played Carrie’s father in Carrie Pilby. Carrie’s father invades Professor Harrison’s home and eventually punches him right in the face. In an interview about the film, Colin said, “Who doesn’t want to be punched in the face by Gabriel Byrne?” Indeed.

Giant Alien Monsters Giant. Alien. Monstrous. Starred in 2011′s Storage 24. One thing you can say about these things... they have good taste.

Jeff Kober American actor. Played Zack in What Still Remains. Zack doesn’t whump Peter at all within the film, but as the main driving force behind Peter’s warped world view and the man who orchestrated the abusive environment Peter grew up in, he is instrumental in the trauma that made Peter into the mal-adjusted psycho he undoubtedly is.

Jennifer Morrison American actress. Played Emma Swan in Once Upon a Time. She and Colin like to tease each other at conventions. “By teasing each other, we mean that Jen teases me, is what happens.” We got you, Col.

Josh Dallas American actor. Played Prince Charming in Once Upon a Time. O’Dallas is love. O’Dallas is life.

Keith McErlean Irish actor. Played Dr. Adam in Season 5 of The Clinic. Dr. Adam was Daisy’s boyfriend in Season 5. Conor and Dr. Adam didn’t get along very well, causing much angst... and eventually a blow-up that resulted in some physical aggression.

Kristen Gutoskie Canadian actress. Played Nora in 2016′s The Dust Storm. Brennan’s feelings for Nora (and Nora’s rather unhealthy ways of dealing with her own emotions) cause a lot of conflict and angst throughout the film. She also inflicts physical harm on Brennan near the end of the film, when she burns his arm with a cigarette.

Lana Parrilla American actress. Played Regina Mills in Once Upon a Time. Only adorable bestings need apply <3

Lee Arenberg’s Acting Choices American actor. Played Grumpy in Once Upon a Time. What was he even doing, tho? And why? And what?

Lesley Conroy Irish actress. Played Mandy in the 2003 short film, Call Girl. Mandy comes to Brendan’s house, she makes him nervous, they have sex, she argues with him, she pushes him... umm, yadda yadda yadda?

Lulu Antariksa American actress. Played Anna in What Still Remains. Anna spends more of this film getting whumped by Peter than whumping him, to be honest, but when she does get her whump in... it’s the fatal kind.

Marta Gastini Italian actress. Played Rosaria in 2011′s The Rite. Rosaria is a young woman who is possessed by a demon. Her behavior during a routine exorcism unnerves Michael in the beginning, but eventually escalates to an all-out physical attack where she tries to strangle him.

Mimi Rogers American actress. Played Judith in What Still Remains. Aside from a few awkward hugs and exchanges in the film, Judith doesn’t actually whump Peter on screen. So why is she here? The film hints at long-term sexual and emotional abuse that Peter suffered at the hands of Judith and her husband Zack - abuse that surely shaped Peter into the psycho he is, and a dynamic that adds depth to those awkward encounters.

Noel Clarke British actor. Played Charlie in Storage 24. Charlie is Mark’s best friend when the film begins, though he’s arguably less so as the film progresses and Charlie finds out Mark’s been sleeping with his girl and is the reason said girl broke up with him. There’s an accidental nut-crunch in the beginning, a fight when the betrayal is discovered, and a punch right in the kisser later on.

Others Everyone and Anyone NOT listed here or on the Once Whumpers list. That means everyone. Even you, if you play your cards right.

Pay Phones Apparently, they still had them in Ireland in 2009. In The Euthanizer, Ben has a bit of trouble with one of these.

Robert Carlyle Scottish actor. Played Rumplestiltskin in Once Upon a Time. Full honesty - this is mostly just endless references to that blooper.

Rose Reynolds English actress. Played Alice Jones on Once Upon a Time. Rose and Colin are amazing together <3 Their bestings are the best!

Rutger Hauer Dutch actor. Played Michael Kovak’s father, Istvan, in The Rite. There’s not really much besting shown in the film, but the man made his son Michael help embalm his own mother. If that’s not a fucking besting, I really don’t know what would be.

Sarah Bolger Irish actress. Played Princess Mary in The Tudors. You likely recognize this actress’s name from her role in Once Upon a Time as Princess Aurora, but what lands her on this list is her role as Mary in The Tudors - where she allegedly steps on Duke Phillip’s foot.

The Crew Assorted crew members of assorted projects, including OUAT. ...because everyone likes to tease Colin. It’s an international pastime!

Tobias Jelinek American actor. Played Phillip in What Still Remains. The dystopian world of this film lends itself well to random whumpings from complete strangers. Phillip is one of two men who Anna and Peter run into on their journey who attempt to rob them.

Tommy O’Neill Irish actor. Played the Euthanizer in the short film of the same name. The Euthanizer is originally hired by Ben to help him hang himself... but when Ben changes his mind and decides to live, things turn even whumpier!

This list was last updated on February 5, 2019.

[charliebattinson]

We’re Best Friends? | Dec·la·ra·tion | Part 10 | Shawn Mendes Imagine

A/N: Long time no see! HAHA here’s part 10! One more part left and that’s it for me as a writer!!! Honestly just proud of this series!!! Lmao thanks 4 the support guys! Feedback is much appreciated! Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAWN!! UR 20 U HOE

Word Count: 1.5 k

Here we are again, in your bed but unfortunately with clothes on.

You’re snoring again. It makes me smile and it makes me sad because I won’t get to hear that for awhile. Won’t to get to hold you for a bit. 

I’ve been staring at you for a while now, studying your face because I just realized I won’t get to see it in person for a while. I’ll only get to see it behind a screen but that’s okay. I’ll be okay.

Last night wasn’t what I was expecting it to be. Never expected that call to be what it was. I’m happy I got the job I wanted, not happy where I’ll be with that job. I’m scared of what’s going to happen between us. I don’t know how we are going to be when we’re a thousand miles away.

I think to myself what if we did this sooner so we could have had more time to explore this out. I wished I had more mornings to wake up beside you, more nights to love you and more days to get to know you not only as my best friend because let’s face it we burned that to the ground but I tell myself to be patient because when I come back home, I’ll get to do all of this and I can take all my time.

If you’d let me.

I’m hoping you’d want me to.

2 months later

“Hallo hoe gaat het”

“What does that mean?” I chuckle over the phone as I study in the library.

“It means hello, how are you?” Shawn says.

“Ah so we’re learning a new language now, huh?” I tease.

“Yeah, I bought this translation book at this bookstore. I can order a beer now in dutch! Een Bier Graag!” Shawn shouts over the phone which makes me jump.

“Oh boy, I have a feeling you’ll be annoying me and everyone with these dutch words when you get back home”

“Oh you know it” he laughs.

It’s been two months since Shawn left and surprisingly things are okay, there was crying every few days but i’m not going to tell him that. He seems happy where he is, enjoying his internship and the place. We always get in touch even if it’s just a text. It’s enough to comfort me.

“Alright pretty boy, let’s see your dutch knowledge. Can you translate this?” I ask him going through the google translate on my laptop.

“Sure”

“Ik mis je” I say, biting my lip. He’s silent for a bit.

“I miss you too” He says happily. “You know the booze here is great, I wish you were with me getting drunk” he sighs.

“I know, just four more months and you’ll be here again”

“You know you could always come and visit me” He says hopeful. I want to visit him but if I do, I feel it might lead him into something I’m not sure I’m ready to jump into. I could be just visiting my best friend but we’re not exactly just that anymore.

“Yeah, I don’t know. That’s a big commitment for me to do, to fly 7 hours to visit a boy” I joke.

“But I’m not just any boy. I’m your best friend.” he teases.

“Are we just that?” I ask.

:”I don’t know, Blake. You tell me. You know what I want.” he says confused slightly annoyed.

I stay silent. I know I’m toying with the idea and that my thoughts are all over the place, putting him into different directions because I can’t seem to make up my goddamn mind.

“Look I gotta go Blake, something came up” he says

“Oh okay” worried that he’s mad at me

“No, something really  I’m not avoiding you. Trust me. I’ll call you back” He says sincerely.

‘I know. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m sorry too” he says in a soft tone.

“Bye”

“Bye mooi” he says then hangs up the phone.

“Blake! My goodness, it’s so good to see you!” Cameron, a long time friend of mine greets me and goes for a hug.

“It’s good to see you too” hugging her back.

“Oh I want to introduce you to my boyfriend, Michael” She says. When I heard the word boyfriend, for some strange reason Shawn’s face popped out. After being greeted by Michael, we head to our table catching up with our lives and getting to know Cameron’s boyfriend who is an actual sweetheart.

“Alright I’ll be back with your drinks” Michael says and kisses Cameron’s cheek before he heads out. It makes me smile because it reminds me of a certain someone.

“Someone is very happy” I coo at her and see her cheeks blush.

“Very happy. He’s such a great guy Blake” she sighs happily. “Enough about me, what about you? How’s our Shawny boy?” She asks.

“He’s good” I reply with a big smile on my face.

“What’s up with the huge smile?” She teases.

“What? I’m just smiling?” I tell her as my face goes incredibly hot.

“Uh uh, I know you. I know that smile. Are you and Shawn?” She asks curiously raising her eyebrows at me. She knows my answer when I try to reply, with a blushing cheeks/

“Holy Shit! You and Shawn! My childhood neighbor Shawn? Your best friend Shawn?” She exclaims

“Ah fuck yeah” I sigh defeated.

“Spill! What the fuck haven’t you told me anything you bitch!” I tell her the whole story that leaves her smiling and going wide eyed at times. “So are you guys a couple? Or what?” She asks

“I don’t know, I mean I know what he wants. He wants us to try and it’s just me delaying things.”

“Honey, what are you afraid of?” She looks at me and it suddenly makes me think of what I’m really scared.

“I’m just scared of losing him. He’s Shawn, he’s been the constant guy in my life where I didn’t have to worry about losing but ever since we slept together, that thought is there and I can’t afford that. I won’t”

She looks at me with understanding. “Look I get you, I mean you’ve known this guy for what? 10 years?”

“18 years”

She whistles “Jesus. But anyways, I get you because that’s how me and michael started”

“You and Michael were friends first? I ask surprised.

“Yeah, we were friends for awhile before he asked me out and look where we are now.” She giggles and it leaves a smile to face because she looks so in love.

“Weren’t you scared of losing what you guys had at first?”

“Well of course at the beginning you always are, but then you think to yourself why bother yourself worrying about something that could never really happen you know? And I guess if things lead to where they are now, you were never really just friends” She says raising her shoulders.

It makes me realize that me and Shawn were never really just friends that one way or another we go this route, it was just shitty timing I guess.

“Blake, give it a try. Be with the boy” She says grabbing my hand and holding it with hers.

Before I respond, Michael comes back with our drinks. He hands us our drinks and kisses Cameron in the cheek again and it makes me smile and feel jealous at the same time. It hits me that I want that, and I know who I want it with.

I’m sitting at the park, drinking all by myself late at night like an idiot missing the other idiot who’s with me here.I think about us. Our friendship and how we go to where we are and if I’m willing to risk everything to give a shot at something I don’t know the outcome but ain’t that life?

I grab my phone as dial a familiar number.

Ring Ring.

“Hey this is Shawn. Leave a message”

‘hey  how are you? You’re probably asleep so I’m just going to say that I miss you so much llike how a girlfriend misses her boyfriend. I hanged out with Cameron earlier, she says hi by the way and she brought her boyfriend and it made me realize how much I want to introduce you as my boyfriend. I like the feeling I get when I say boyfriend because it makes me think of you and your ugly ass face no— I’m just kidding you’re really pretty and I’m fucking drunk right now but that’s not why I’m saying this. The alcohol just gave me a shitload of courage. I wanna have sex with you and hold your hand as my boyfriend. You doing all those things a boyfriend does to me. So can you be my boyfriend? Please. I think I said boyfriend about 30 times but yeah be my boyfriend. Be my bitch. If you feel the same, call me greeting me with hello lover. Okay? Okay I should probably hang up so bye”

I end the call with my heart pounding realizing I just did say all of that and head back to my apartment. “Yolo” I sigh.

Ring Ring

My familiar ring tone is heard waking me up from my sleep. I groan as I reach for my phone to see who’s calling. My heart begins to beat fast and I sit up and for the first time in my whole life, I’m scared of picking it up but eventually I do.

“Shawn?” I whisper.

“Hello Lover” he joyfully says.

[it-goes-both-ways]

An engineer chose to take his own life at a euthanasia clinic after an ex-lover threw acid over his face and body, a court heard.

Mark Van Dongen, 29, was left paralysed from the neck down, unrecognisable and all but blinded by the attack.

It was allegedly carried out by Berlinah Wallace, 48, who told him: "If I can't have you, no-one else can."

Dutch-born Mr Van Dongen suffered 15 months of pain before being granted euthanasia in Belgium, where his family lived, in January 2017.

Wallace, originally from South Africa, has denied a murder charge and a separate count of applying a corrosive fluid with intent on September 23 2015.

Adam Vaitilingam QC, prosecuting, told the jury at Bristol Crown Court that Wallace carried out the alleged attack at her flat in Westbury Park, Bristol.

He said: "On September 2 2015, the defendant had bought a bottle of sulphuric acid.

"She kept it in her kitchen.

"At around 3am in the morning on September 23, as Mr Van Dongen was sleeping in bed, she took the acid into the bedroom.

"She then went into the bedroom and woke him up. She laughed and said 'If I can't have you, no-one else can', and she threw the glass of sulphuric acid into his face.

"It covered his face and parts of his upper body and dripped on to his lower body as he moved about.

"Covered in burning acid, Mr Van Dongen ran out into the street in his boxer shorts, screaming for help."

A neighbour found him, put him in a shower and took him to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, the court heard.

The prosecutor said Mr Van Dongen's face and much of his body "was grotesquely scarred".

He was confined to a hospital bed, unable to move anything other than his tongue for a long time, the barrister said.

He added: "Fifteen months later, deciding that he could bear it no longer, he asked a euthanasia clinic in Belgium to assist him in taking his own life."

Explaining the murder charge, Mr Vaitilingam said: "It is the prosecution case that the physical and mental suffering that he sustained from that deliberate acid attackwere what drove him to euthanasia.

"Put simply, he could not bear to live in that condition. If that is right, we say, then, she is guilty of murder."

Mr Van Dongen had been an engineer in the construction industry while Wallace was a part-time fashion student at the University of West of England in Bristol, the court heard.

The pair, both HIV positive, had been in a five-year relationship but split a few weeks before the alleged attack, with the victim moving in with his new girlfriend, Violet Farquharson.

Ms Farquharson is said to have received silent phone calls and Wallace was given a police warning about harassment.

During police interviews, Wallace denied deliberately throwing the acid at her ex-boyfriend, denied she had intended to hurt him and alleged that he had assaulted her.

"She said that it was Mark who had poured the acid into the glass, encouraging her to drink it with her tablets, but that she had not realised that it was acid," Mr Vaitilingam said.

"When she threw the contents of the glass over him, she believed that it was water that she was throwing."

Wallace also carried out internet searches, including "Can I die from drinking sulphuric acid?" and news stories about people who had been victims of acid attacks.

In hospital, Mr Van Dongen, having seen his face in a mirror, screamed at doctors: "Kill me now. If my face is going to be left looking like this, I don't want to live."

He had burns to 25% of his body and underwent a lower leg amputation. Although he could speak, he was also paralysed from the neck down.

Mr Van Dongen, who was suffering from depression, returned to Belgium in November 2016 and later applied for euthanasia. Three consultants approved his application and he died on January 2 2017.

Alleged attack? What, do they think his skin just decided to melt of it’s own accord?

You can always tell the perpetrator is a woman by the number of times they use the word allegedly.