#Andrew: We'll keep an eye on it.

[jtl-fics]

Fluent Freshman - Part 04

PREVIOUS

I really gotta figure out a name for this kid but it’s not today. I lean towards no one, aside from Wymack, actually knowing what his first name is. Dan’s the one that recruited him to be her replacement dealer so his first name has been lost to time.

They all refer to him by his last name which is, of course, something incredibly nondescript and boring. It’s Smith. He has brown hair and brown eyes, his hair isn’t scraggly or especially stylish, he’s perfectly average in height and BMI. Andrew is irritated that someone he regularly hangs out with of his own free will is so boring looking.

But he kind of respects how Fluent Freshman just flat out says no when Andrew says he should dye his hair something interesting. Doesn’t get irritated or say any reason why he’s not going to do that. Just a No. Andrew drops it because of course he does.

He doesn’t know that Fluent Freshman spends 20 minutes looking at hair dye the next time he goes to the near by CVS for his Pepto Bismol and the prescription that Abby referred him to go get. He looks at all the colors and is like “I cannot possibly dye my hair. I would look stupid / all the other foxes have the hair colors I wouldn’t look stupid in and they’d think I was COPYING their look.” He goes to the aisle where his Pepto is but it’s completely cleared out.

He, very bravely, does not just burst into tears. He gets his prescription and walks up to cash out and the girl is the usual one who helps him. She sees him and goes “OH, I kept some Pepto behind the counter for you. Do you want a bottle?” she asks. Fluent Freshman is the Pepto Bismol guy, his purchases so noticed and embarrassing that they saved some for him when they ran low. He says yes and swears to never come to this CVS again.

Fluent Freshman sees Captain Neil coming up unexpectedly while he’s doing some leisure reading of a Russian novel and Fluent Freshman has never moved so quickly in his entire life to stash it into his backpack pull out some gen-ed math assignment.

Captain Neil stops at his table and asks him how his ulcer is the next time they  and FF considers the merits of a trade school. Out loud he says “It’s fine.”

Neil gives him a look.

FF is pale and his eyes are darting rapidly between Neil and something in the distance (the OPEN backpack next to the seat Neil is in with the RUSSIAN NOVEL. AN AMATEUR MISTAKE) and Neil thinks he finally understands why his teammates hate when he says he’s fine when he’s obviously not.

He decides it’s not something to tackle right now and passes along some probiotic yogurt that Andrew had given him to pass onto Fluent Freshman when Neil had said he was going to hang out with him while Andrew was in class. Fluent Freshman takes it and then Neil helps him with his math homework while he helps teach Neil Spanish.

NEXT

And since you requested it:

@i-have-three-feelings

[tracle0]

Hey actually Andy is fucking feral????

[penelopepine]

Elephant in the Room Pt. 3

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Summary: John and you hooked up after a night at the bar. You two after that never saw each other again. At least until 12 years later when Price discovers that 9 months after your time together you had given birth to not one baby, but two. Word Count: 1592 Content: angst

Price honestly isn't sure what the best thing to do in this situation is, but he decides to softly knock, almost a tap, against the door once more before calling out your name, "I know I'm the last person you want to see right now, but I need to talk to you." 

 It goes quiet on the other side of the door, and for a moment John thinks that you, fairly so, left him standing there alone talking to himself. That is of course before the door is swinging open revealing you once more. Your eyes are bloodshot and cheeks are stained with tears. He also sees what once was confusion on your face is now replaced with anger. 

You take a step towards him with one arm raised. It's obvious that you're going to hit him, and while Price could very easily block it he lets you strike him. 

The sound of flesh connecting rings out through the quiet as you slap him across the face. Your breath is heavy as you growl out, "Did you do it? Did you take him?" 

He takes the hit in stride; you're hardly the strongest person to ever smack him before. Taking in your words though Price does feel a slight spark of anger in his chest at the idea of him doing this purposely. Although he supposes it does look very suspicious that he would show up right after Andrew was taken from your point of view. 

The labs luckily don't make any moves, simply watch the interaction in silence. "I promise you I didn't do this. You can think whatever you want about me, but I wasn't the one who took him. I have an idea who did though." He stares into your eyes, trying to show you that he isn't lying. "If we could all go inside I promise to explain what I can." 

"All?" It was at that moment that you finally seemed to take notice of the three other men behind him. 

John steps to the side letting you have a better view of them, "these are my men; they're here to help."

Looking at you though you don't seem to take in any of his words. You shake your head slightly before turning, and walking back inside; leaving the door open for them to presumably follow you.  

Silently you make your way into the dining room, and take a seat at the table. "Sit, please." Your voice is firm, but clearly exhausted. He sits down on the opposite side of you while Soap and Gaz sit on both sides of him. Ghost on the other hand stands in the corner next to the doorway. “Explain.” 

"My team was sent a video of Andrew." John for once found himself lacking confidence, and unsure of what to say. He wanted to tell you the truth, but in your current state being blunt may only hurt you further right now. "They made demands of me and my team for his safe return. A highly skilled team is looking into the video as we speak, and I will be going to get him back as soon as I can."

"Why did they take him to threaten you? How did they connect him to you?" You ask after a few seconds, "He has never even met you before." Your voice cracks as you try to speak. 

"Nothing is confirmed as of now, but I have an idea of how they found him. We'll keep you updated when new information comes to light. I assume after they found him they thought I had simply hid my family from any paper trail that led to me."

"So everything that's been happening is all because of some misunderstanding!" Your anger shining through with every word, "What now? I'm supposed to just sit here and wait; what's to stop them taking Amelia as well if you don't do as they say?"

“That’s actually why we’re here.” 

“What do you mean by that?”

Ghost is surprisingly the one to speak up, “It means you and the kid are being relocated. Time to start packing the essentials.” 

"Lieutenant!" Price quickly repremans, "What he meant to say is that it is no longer safe for you two to stay here while this situation is still active. We'd like to move you both onto base; a house is already set up for you." 

“You’re serious?,” You asked, voice rising in disbelief, “We have to leave our home?”

“It’s for your safety; I wouldn’t be asking this of you in any other situation.” 

“I just can’t believe that you-.” You begin to say before being cut off by a young feminine voice.

“Mom?” 

Price quickly looks toward the voice, and there standing in the doorway is Amelia. 

She looks quickly around the room, taking in and analyzing all the strangers in her home. Pausing once her focus is on him. He knows Amelia is a smart kid, and that with him in front of her there is no way she doesn't know who he is. It's obvious when it finally clicks in her head. Her shoulder tense and her eyes look sharper. "What's going on?" 

Before she has even finished asking her question you are standing and rushing towards her. You bring Amelia into your arms, and begin to guide her out of the dining room. "Let's go talk in your room." You say before addressing him once more, "I'll be down in a bit. Uh feel free to get yourself something from the kitchen. I'll be down to discuss this more shortly." 

No one says a thing as they watch you make your way around the corner and out of sight. The silence only lasts for a second though before Gaz is speaking up, "Cap, you solid?" 

Price takes a defeated breath, “How much have I messed this whole thing up?”

“I’d say this conversation is actually going quite well. She could have refused to listen to us entirely.” 

Soap is next to speak, “If anything I’d say Lt. is the one to make her hostile against him.” 

“She wasn’t going to like being told she and her daughter have to leave their home. That anger of being told that was directed at me rather than the captain. I’d say I’m the only one who helped him during that conversation.” Ghost states back.

Before Soap can say anything further Price interrupts them, “Enough you two; you’re not about to start arguing right now.” 

The room lulls back into silence before Gaz asks him, “What are we gonna do if she doesn’t agree to come with us?” 

"We'll stay here then until she does," John wasn't sure what else could be said to convince you to come with them, but he would stay here with you both until he did, "Let's just hope it doesn't come to that." 

Before more can be said you're striding back into the room once again; coming to stand across from him. "You're going to get Andrew back?"

"I won't rest until I do." 

You give him a final nod and say, "We'll go with you; to the base. I'll go start packing I suppose then." With that you're walking out leaving Price stunned with how almost simple that exchange was.

The rest of their time spent there was filled with helping them pack their bags into the cars. Soap and Gaz talked the most to you both at this point; not wanting you two to be scared of them. Hoping to be a friendly face in a new location.

John wanted to try and talk to Amelia, but this situation was already overstimulating and he didn't want to add even more on top of that. 

Finally everything was packed and ready to go. Laswell had texted him as well letting him know that the house was now fully set up for his girls.

His girls. Isn't that a nice thought.

It was at this moment though where John took a pause. You two had gotten into one of the vehicles and as much as he wanted to be with you both he wasn't sure if that would be the best right now. Being away right now might be better. Without much more thought to that he climbs into the other car; Ghost getting into the passenger's seat. He watches as Soap and Gaz climb into the car you're in before pulling out down the road back to base. 

It's a quiet drive; neither one feeling particularly talkative. After so long though Ghost surprisingly does speak up. "You should have got in the car with them." 

"Thank you for your input lieutenant," irritation was clear in his voice.

"You need to talk to them."

"That's ironic coming from you; someone who never wants to talk." 

"I'm not the one who discovered they have a family this morning." 

John tightens his grip on the steering wheel, "I think it's best to not overwhelm them right now." 

Ignoring what he just said, Ghost continues, "Time heals all wounds they say. The sooner you have an honest talk with them the sooner the healing can begin." 

"Time is not always enough; sometimes you have to amputate to heal." He retorts despite knowing that Ghost is only trying to help him. "If that means by the end of this they need to leave me to heal then so be it." 

Ghost gives him a hard stare before fixing his gaze onto the road ahead. The rest of the drive is silent.

Taglist: @zarsghost @lulurubberduckie @mafer383 @7thsthings @sazifer

[ninyard]

About one of your most recent asks, how would it be if kevin didn’t succeed to off himself and how the rest would react ?

You know what? I thought Kevin dying from suicide would be the worst situation, and while it probably still is, him surviving it in some ways is so much worse.

I can see it, him in a hospital bed, bandaged or bruised or broken somehow. Tired, looking like how he did when David found him outside of his hotel room all those months ago. Is he more upset that he did it, tearfully regretting it, or more upset that it didn't work, that he was awake now, with a nurse by the foot of his bed 24/7, not allowed to go to the bathroom alone?

Andrew would be a mess about it - he wouldn't want to leave his bedside, he wouldn't want to leave him alone. But here's something else; what if they decided to section Kevin for his own wellbeing? What if they decide the best course of action is sending Kevin to a psychiatric hospital? (What if the closest one is Easthaven?)

Can you imagine how Andrew would feel being sat down by David - because Kevin can't say it himself - to be told that Kevin was going to have to go to a mental hospital for a little while? Andrew, no longer restrained by his meds, telling Abby and Wymack that he couldn't let that happen, telling Bee that he couldn't let that happen, that Kevin had to come back with him. Nobody else. He tells them that he'll take the laces out of their shoes and throw out their knives if he has to, but Kevin. Can't. Go. Not there. Not anywhere. Andrew, traumatised by the treatment he got in a psych ward, once, twice, however many times before. Kevin, not wanting to live, angry that he failed, embarrassed that it didn't work. Bee, who knows that Kevin is not in a place mentally where returning to his dorm room is a safe or good idea.

Maybe Neil tries to talk to Andrew about it. He understands, oh, Neil understands why it upsets Andrew so much to imagine Kevin in that place. But Kevin needs help. Kevin needs more help than Andrew or Abby or Bee alone can give him. Andrew disagrees, and Neil almost disagrees too, but nobody can change his mind. Nobody can convince Andrew that it's the best course of action.

Imagine Kevin asking them to keep Andrew out of the room in the hospital, because he can't bare to see him, knowing how much he's let him down, knowing how much pain he's caused. Imagine Andrew being told this, and pushing through anyway, and almost, almost yelling at Kevin out of anger and fear and frustration and worry. Why? is all he wants to scream. He wants to grab him by the shoulders and shake him and ask, why, why, why?

(Imagine Andrew's stomach dropping when Bee tells him that Kevin is going to Easthaven. Imagine his heart in his throat because he hasn't told her yet, he can't tell her, but she's sending Kevin into that place and he has to stop it. He wants to scream, he wants to tell her everything just to keep him safe. But maybe Bee sees that fear in his eyes, smiles a tight-lipped comforting smile, and says, "Maybe we'll look at other places, too.")

[tkwrites]

Can We Try Again? - Tyler Seguin x ofc

Photo is my own

Title: Can We Try Again?

Author: Tory / @tkwrites 

Relationship: Pre-established/Exes to Lovers: Tyler Seguin x ofc

Warnings: Mature content (18+ only), fingering (f receiving) described very briefly, but no actual smut, talks of anxiety disorders & medication used to control them.

Tropes: Exes to lovers, forced proximity, there’s only one bed! 

Summary: Theo Andrews and Tyler Seguin are in Finland for a winter wedding. When all the hotels in the city are sold out and the grooms brother is suddenly able to attend, they’re asked to share a glass hut despite the fact that they broke up six months previous. Will sharing such a small space force them to face the feelings neither of them have been able to let go of?

Word count: 13,000

Comments: Happy Winter Fic Exchange! I wrote this piece for @senditcolton. Nicole, I hope you enjoy what I came up with! I’ve never written Exes to Lovers before, but after staying in one of these glass huts on vacation a few months ago, I knew it would be the perfect setting for a forced proximity, exes to lovers fic. I know you mentioned wanting to visit Iceland, but in terms of semi-believable plot, Finland seemed like the better choice. So please forgive me for that. 

Many thanks to Demi @wyattjohnston for organizing this exchange! It’s always nice to get out of my comfort zone and write some new tropes for some new players.

I've been working on this piece for a long time, and I'm so glad to have it done. I really enjoy the way this turned out, and I hope you like it, too. If you did, please consider commenting, reblogging, or sending in an ask. Your comments and encouragement always encourage me to keep writing. 

I promise we'll get back to our regular Quinn & Sarah programing shortly now that this is done.

Can We Try Again? 

 It was already dark when she landed. 

They were so far north, it shouldn’t have been shocking, but Theo still found herself pulling her phone from her back pocket to check the time. Just past 3pm. Great, now on top of the jet lag, she felt completely disoriented.

 She lost 8 hours because of the time change. Now, with the sun already down, it felt like she’d lost an entire day. 

  Fiia had messaged while she was in the bathroom, putting on the base layers she didn’t want to wear on the flight, but knew she’d need once she left the airport. I'm in the hallway just outside baggage claim whenever you're ready. So as soon as her suitcase came off the conveyor belt, she made her way out of the tiny airport. 

“Theo!” someone called as soon as the double doors slid open. “You made it!” 

All five feet of Fiia Forssell - beautiful, blonde and bride-to-be - seemed to be vibrating with excitement as she jumped in front of Theo, hugging her before trying to wrench her carryon out of her hands. 

“That’s my equipment,” Theo explained, pulling the handle out of her gloved grip. 

“I’ll take this then,” Fiia said, reaching for the other suitcase. 

Theo let her take it, knowing it would be easier than trying to convince Fiia she could handle it on her own. 

“Joel’s in the car, keeping it warm,” she said, walking out into the dark. “It’s too cold tonight.” 

Having grown up in the Finnish North, Fiia was impervious to most cold, especially the little bit they got in Texas. If she was saying it was too cold, Theo knew it must be freezing. 

She was right. The chill bit into her cheeks and bare hands as soon as they stepped onto the snowy sidewalk. She hadn’t thought pulling gloves from her backpack would be worth it as they were just walking to the car, but she immediately wished she had. This was a cold like she’d never felt before. It wasn’t just uncomfortable. It hurt.

“He’s just here,” Fiia said, pointing to a small, blue SUV. 

Joel nodded from the driver's seat, catching her eye in the rearview mirror when Theo greeted him as they loaded her things. She pulled her gloves out and waited until everything else was in place to set her equipment on top. 

“Fuck it’s cold,” Theo said, scrambling into the back seat of the warm car. 

“Welcome to Finland,” Joel said with a lilt of humor in his voice.

Fiia got into the front seat and closed her door. When Joel didn’t take the car out of park, she asked, “what?” 

He responded in their native language. 

A prickle of worry crept up Theo’s spine. She’d known Joel and Fiia for a long time. They both spoke excellent English, so any communication in Finnish was usually meant to hide the meaning from anyone else in the conversation. 

Fiia huffed a breath through her nose before muttering a response and turning in her seat to look at Theo. “We have some bad news.” 

“Okay,” Theo said hesitantly. Was the wedding off? Surely they would have told her not to make the trip if the wedding was called off. Not that it would be. Fiia and Joel were one of those ‘always together” couples. If the wedding was off, it was just postponed for some reason.

“Tyler is here.” 

“Oh.” She shouldn’t have been surprised he was here. He and Joel were friends. They played together for a few years, and Joel had been the one to introduce Tyler to Theo. 

“And…” Fiia trailed off. 

“And?” 

“And I’m really sorry, but you have to share a hut with him.” 

“What? Why?” Her voice came out high pitched and whiney, like a child about to throw a tantrum. Of all the things she’d braced for, this wasn’t one of them.

“There are only twelve huts, you know, and you and Tyler are the only single ones,” she rushed to explain. “Everyone else coming in is in a couple.” 

“I can’t stay in the city?” 

Fiia chewed her lip and glanced at Joel. “Everything is full.”

“Everything?” she repeated, pulling out her phone to check for herself. “I thought I was supposed to be in one of the huts by myself.” 

“You were!” Fiia exclaimed, “that was the plan.” 

“But,” Joel broke in, his soft voice apologetic, “my brother ended up being able to come, and he and his wife needed a room.” 

Now absorbed in her phone, Theo pulled up hotel after hotel, finding no availability again and again. “Why the hell is every hotel room booked in this city?” 

“There’s an ice festival tomorrow,” Joel explained. “It’s a big deal. Everything’s been sold out for weeks. If it weren’t for the tournament, we would have picked a different weekend. Plus, it's prime northern lights season.” 

Theo felt panic constricting her chest. This could not be happening. Why was this happening to her? She was just here to help a friend. 

“I know it’s not great,” Fiia said. 

“Not great?” Theo squeaked in response. “Fi, this is a disaster. What the hell am I supposed to do? You checked every hotel?” 

“Tyler did,” she said hesitantly. 

Somehow, that felt like a low blow. Even though the last thing she wanted to do was share a tiny glass hut with Tyler Seguin, NHL playboy and man responsible for the sizable bruise on Theo’s heart, it hurt to think he didn’t want to share a room with her, either. 

Dropping her head into her hands, Theo pulled in a deep breath and held it, beginning the square breathing technique her therapist had taught her. She couldn’t think straight when panic was swirling in her thoughts like this. 

“I’m really sorry,” Fiia said, “you know we would have put you in your own room if Joel’s brother didn’t come.” 

“I know,” Theo finally managed to say. “I know you wouldn’t do this unless it was an emergency.” 

Fiia got the whole Tyler story when Theo had broken it off. She listened to Theo cry and offered words of comfort in her soothing, lilting voice. Even though she and Joel had moved to Colorado, she was still one of Theo’s best friends. 

The slow breathing was doing its job, and calm started creeping into her thoughts. She was an adult, as was Tyler. And she wasn’t about to tell her friends the groom's brother couldn’t stay for their wedding. She and Tyler wouldn’t kill each other. It’s not like they could damage their relationship any more than it already was.

Tyler wasn’t a lot of things, but at the very least, he was respectful. He wouldn’t touch her or do anything inappropriate. All in all, having Tyler as a roommate (hut-mate?) for the weekend actually wasn’t that bad. It was better than having to share with a stranger. It would just be hard. Really, really hard. 

“Why didn't you tell me sooner?” 

“We just found out,” Joel said. “You know, Ville has been living in Dubai, and we didn’t think his travel visa would get approved.” 

She did know. Joel had mentioned it when they had the initial conversation about this trip. He had been sad and resigned. She could put up with Tyler for a few nights if it would make stoic Joel happy. 

“So…” Fiia began, licking her lips before they relaxed into their natural, full pout. “You’ll stay?” 

Theo’s head shot up, “of course I’ll stay,” she said. “I wouldn’t miss your wedding for the world. I wouldn’t miss photographing your wedding for the world. It’s just a bit of a shock.” 

Fiia laughed through the tears constricting her throat. “I’m really sorry.” 

Theo shrugged, “it is what it is. Ty and I’ll figure it out. Worst comes to worst, I'll make him sleep on the floor.” 

Joel snorted a laugh and took the car out of park to start the drive to the resort. 

Theo spent every one of the 20 minutes it took to drive to the resort watching the trees. They were so laden with snow, they drooped over the roadway, looking like strange Seussian creations. If she concentrated on the beauty of this place, she wouldn’t have time to worry about what was going to happen and work herself up with scenarios that might not come to pass. 

Pulling into the resort, Theo felt overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of it all. Everything was covered in a thick blanket of snow. She’d seen snow before, but growing up in Texas meant that snow always felt a bit magical. They stopped next to a large building, and Joel turned off the car. 

She followed Fiia, who insisted on carrying her backpack while Joel carried her suitcase down a long drive that arched around the little city of small, glass-walled huts. Each one was strategically placed,  so the back of the hut (the only part not made of glass) was facing the windows of the one next door, providing privacy when so much could be exposed. 

“You’re in four,” Fiia said, pointing to the hut straight ahead. 

Looking where directed, Theo was surprised to see it was already lit up. Tyler was inside, laying on his back on the bed, one forearm under his head as a pillow, reading a book. His ankles were crossed, making him look long, lean, and completely at ease. 

Joel knocked on the door, and he jumped. 

Theo bit back her smile. 

The door swung out and up slightly, pulling away from the pitched wall, before resting against the panel next to it. 

“Honey, we’re home,” Joel called. The sing-song quality to his voice was interrupted by his accent, but it still had the desired effect as Fiia giggled. 

“Watch your head,” Fiia warned, gesturing for Theo to step up. 

She did, ducking under the doorway. This must be a nightmare for Tyler to navigate. If she had to duck at 5’ 6”, he’d nearly have to bend in half. 

“Hey,” she said. 

Tyler jumped to his feet, whacking his head on the ceiling in the process. “Fuck.” 

This damn hut was too small for someone his size. He barely even fit on the bed.

Theo pursed her lips, trying not to laugh as Tyler rubbed the top of his head. 

Fiia and Joel entered after her, forcing Theo forward until she was nearly chest to chest with Tyler, who was hunched to avoid hitting his head again. With his stooped posture, they were nearly face to face. 

This was how he leaned down when he kissed her, she remembered. 

As if by the sheer magnetic force of her memory, her eyes darted to his mouth. She’d forgotten what a nice mouth he had. How was that possible? She’d always thought it was one of his best features. Sure, he had the tattoos and the abs, but his mouth was nice, and he could do all sorts of nice things with it. 

“Hey,” he said, one corner of his lips tipping up in a smile. 

Her mind flooded with even more memories involving his mouth, and before she knew it, longing sparked to life in the pit of her stomach. 

Then reality snapped back. This was Tyler she was thinking about. Tyler, who, despite insisting he didn’t want to see anyone else, didn’t want to put labels or definitions on their relationship. Tyler, the playboy afraid of commitment, who let her walk away. 

Slamming the door on those memories, she skittered around him to stand at the end of the bed. What was wrong with her? 

“So,” Fiia pulled back a curtain, “this is the bathroom. It’s just a composting toilet, but there are regular toilets and showers up in the main building.” 

Pulling herself out of her self reprimand, Theo forced her mind back to the present. 

“If you wash your hair, make sure to dry it up there, or keep it wrapped up when you walk back. The cold will fuck with it pretty bad.” 

Theo nodded.

“And you have your sauna here,” she gestured to the small, rectangular building next door. “Did you ask for it to be heated, Ty?” 

He nodded, “at 8. Thought it would be nice after dinner.”

Fiia nodded her approval. 

“We have dinner at 6, just up at the restaurant,” she said, gesturing to the main building again. “I’ll walk you through the wedding venues after?” 

“That sounds great,” Theo said. She always liked to scope out the venue before shooting a wedding. That way, she could find the best lighting and the best places where she could blend into the background. 

“So we’ll see you then,” she said with a small, hopeful smile. 

Theo nodded, biting back her dismay at their leaving. Of course they wouldn’t be staying. There wasn’t anywhere to sit other than on the bed or the floor, and if everyone did sit, there wouldn’t be any room to move around. 

She and Tyler watched the light from Joel’s headlamp bounce down the path as he and Fiia made their way back to the main building, hand in hand.

“So,” Theo said, attempting to break the tension that had thickened the moment the door swung shut. 

“I took this half,” Tyler said quickly, gesturing to the half of the bed nearest the door, “but we can switch if you want. I just know you like sleeping next to the window.”

Something in Theo’s heart gave a traitorous little lurch. Why did he have to remember things like that? And tell her he remembered them?

“This half is great,” she said. “Thank you.” 

She gave him the kind of smile that told him he’d done something right. The weight of anticipation eased in Tyler’s chest. 

“Where’s your stuff?” she asked, looking around. Her three bags, even though they all were on the smaller side, seemed to take up all the available floor space. 

“In here,” he said, opening a tall cupboard next to his half of the bed. His slim carryon suitcase was tucked into the bottom half of it - a perfect fit. She never understood how he could pack everything he needed into such a tiny suitcase. Then again, she didn’t travel for a living. 

“There’s some storage on the other side of the bathroom.” 

She glanced over. There were two robes hung outside the bathroom, along with two pairs of plastic sandals and Tyler’s sneakers. 

“The other side,” he said, gesturing. 

Theo walked over and drew back the curtain. The toilet space was tiny. She doubted she’d be able to stand up straight in there. The storage space, which was really more like a slanted leftover space, was on the other side of the toilet. 

“How do you use the bathroom in here?” she asked, reemerging. “Can you even sit on the toilet?” 

“I haven’t tried,” Tyler admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve just been walking up to the main building.” 

A pause passed between them, not entirely awkward. He was thankful for that, at least. 

“So,” he began as he sat on his side of the bed, “how have you been?” 

“Fine,” Theo said. “You?” 

“Fine.” 

The pause that followed was a bit more uncomfortable. He knew there was a lot not being said. At least on his end of things. But he wasn’t entirely certain how to bring up everything he’d been thinking about. 

“Have you seen any northern lights yet?” 

“It’s been too cloudy. Joel said it’s supposed to be clear tomorrow night, though.” 

The smile that lit her face pulled one onto his own. He knew Theo had always wanted to see and photograph the northern lights. They’d talked about it at least six times throughout the course of their fourteen month relationship. He’d wanted to take her, but his schedule meant he could never travel in the winter. Until this year. 

When he wasn’t picked to play in the four nations tournament (thank god, he’d much rather have the break), and Joel announced that he and Fiia were taking advantage of the very same break to have the winter wedding Fiia had always dreamed of, and would like him to be a part of it, he’d booked a ticket right away. Fiia’s family owned this little resort, and he’d always wanted to visit. 

As soon as he’d finalized his plans, a pang of sadness had swooped through him, wishing he could bring Theo. She’d made it pretty clear she was done with him, though. 

And now, here they were, sharing a hut. Under circumstances he wouldn’t have ever guessed. It was incredibly awkward, and then again, not at all. He was comfortable with Theo. He always had been. That’s what made their relationship so easy. He met her at Fiia and Joel’s house and their first conversation was so easy, it was like he’d been looking for her his whole life, only to turn around and realize, oh, there you are. 

He shouldn’t have been surprised she was here. She and Fiia were friends, and Theo was one of the best photographers in Dallas. She somehow made every wedding look unique and always took pictures of the bride and groom that were less like portraits and more like art. It made perfect sense that they would fly Theo up for the wedding. And that they’d stick them together when Joel’s brother's visa came through. 

If he believed in fate, he would have tipped his hat to it. But Tyler Seguin did not believe in fate. He believed in hard work and determination. Grit and focus. It was just dumb luck that they ended up in the same hut together. Nothing more than that. Fate was something people believed in when they didn’t want to work for what they wanted. “It’s just not meant to be,” he’d heard countless people say, even though he knew if they could just get their acts together and put in a little effort, they’d get farther than they expected. 

All the same, dumb luck had it’s advantages. It at least afforded him the opportunity to show Theo how he’d changed - what he’d done to change, and hopefully tell her what he’d been wanting to since she’d left six months before. 

“Do you mind if I unpack?” 

“Hu?” he asked, his thoughts jolting back to the present.

“I’m going to have to move some things around so I can put one of these bags in the storage.” 

“Oh, yeah, of course.” Why did she need his permission to do that? “Do you want me to leave?”

“No,” she said, taking a seat on the floor and pulling her backpack and white roller bag to her. “You can stay if you want. I’m just going to take up a bunch of room, is all.”

He shrugged and sat on the bed. 

He debated cracking his book open again, but dumb luck didn’t give you opportunities like this for nothing. 

“So, who’s got Kirk?” he asked. 

“Nicole’s staying with him.” 

“Oh, that’s why she couldn’t stay with the boys,” he mused. He’d called Nicole when his usual dog sitter told him he was busy two weeks before, and she’d politely told him she was already booked. “I was worried she hated me.” 

“I’m not sure anyone can hate you, Tyler,” she said offhandedly as she moved a pair of thin gloves into her backpack. 

Shocked to silence, he stared at her. How was he supposed to take THAT response?

“How are the boys?”

He swallowed, trying to regain his bearings. “They’re good.” 

“Marshall’s doing okay?”

“Yeah,” he said. “Had to have surgery on his left hip.”

Sensing the hesitation in his tone, Theo looked up. Tyler was looking at his hands. She resisted the urge to touch him in some comforting way. Instead, she looked back into her suitcase and pulled another sweater out. “Did it go okay?” 

“Yeah,” he sighed as if resigned, “he’s still limping, but the vet says that’s normal.” 

“I’m sorry, Ty,” she said. 

The short form of his name made him glance up at her. She was still looking into her suitcase, but something within the hut shifted, feeling more settled and casual. His shoulders relaxed.

“Thanks,” he said. 

Theo took all of her traveling accessories and packed them into her suitcase, swapping them out with clothing. It would only last two days, but it was better than having two carryons in the tiny space, and she wasn’t about to put her camera equipment back there. 

Getting the suitcase over the toilet and into the storage was comical, resulting in Tyler coming over to assist. He managed to get it in but whacked his head on the ceiling as he was extracting himself. 

“I’m sorry,” Theo said, not quite able to bite back her laughter. 

He shook his head, eyes narrowing in a playful glare. 

“Dinner?” she asked, pointing over her shoulder. 

He nodded, and they wandered out into the cold, dark night. 

The restaurant was cozy and round. Everyone sat in pairs, all facing the stove. She and Tyler sat side by side, trying not to touch each other. It was quite the feat considering how small the table was. Everything about this resort screamed romance. There was only room for two in each hut and at each table. It was made for couples. she wondered if they were the only “we used to be a couple” to sit on the shared reindeer fur that covered the bench. 

Dinner was delicious. Cooked right in front of them, on a traditional Finnish stove - open fire under a chimney. They split an order of Beet bruschetta, which Tyler tolerated because he knew Theo loved goat cheese. It would have been better with bread, but there was only so much he could cheat on his diet - even on vacation. He got the salmon, and she got the reindeer, and everyone got dessert. The bites Tyler allowed himself were delicious. Sweet and tart, and incredibly creamy. 

“Do you want to Sauna?” Tyler asked as they slipped their coats on after the meal.

“Hu?” 

He glanced at his watch to verify, “the sauna is warm now if you want to come?” 

“Oh…” she trailed off. Even though a sauna sounded like a lovely way to send off the evening, she already felt stretched too thin. Overly tired from the jet lag and still wrapping her mind around having to not only share a hut with Tyler Seguin, but a bed - a minuscule European double bed, she knew going into a sauna with him when she knew he would be at least half naked was definitely a bad idea. 

Thankfully, she already had an out. “I’m walking through the venues with Fi, and then I think I’ll catch a shower and go to bed. Jet lag is really kicking my ass.” 

“Yeah,” he agreed, not quite able to keep the disappointment from his voice. 

The venue was as beautiful as Theo expected.  Modern and built of light wood, it was a solute to Finnish design. The decor was wintery but not cheesy. It fit Fiia like a glove. No wonder she wanted to get married here. They went through each hall, and Theo made mental notes of where to take test shots the next day.

From the Sauna, Tyler watched Theo come back to the hut, gather her things, and walk back in the direction of the main building. Twenty or so minutes later, she came back, her hair tucked under her hat. 

He could just barely see her shadow through the tan curtains she’d pulled closed over the glass walls. Her silhouette puttered around for a moment, obviously changing into pajamas before she shook out her hair and crawled into bed. 

Relaxing back against the wooden bench, he wondered how long he should stay. He didn't want to stay too long and risk waking her up when he came back into the hut, but didn't want to seem too eager either, as if he'd been waiting for her return to rush inside.

In the end, he poured another cup of water onto the stove and waited for the steam to dissipate before rinsing off in a “traditional Finnish Shower” and heading inside. 

Opening the door to the hut, Tyler expected Theo to say something, ask him how the sauna was. But she was silent.

He'd been bracing to have to tuck himself into the minuscule space by the door in order to change, but when he got inside, he found Theo asleep. It was a small mercy after the shock of the cold. This hut was too small for privacy. She’d seen him naked, and not just in the, I posed for the body issue and everyone has seen me naked, way. He’d born it all to her. Thinking about that called up visions of her lips tracing his tattoos. Goosebumps broke out over his skin at the memory. 

He stripped and dressed as quickly as he could, pausing only once when Theo rolled over. Her face was still serene, eyes closed and lips parted, her dark hair fanned over her pillow. 

The next morning, Theo eased into consciousness, feeling mercifully rested. She hadn’t expected to feel so rested. It was always hard for her to sleep outside of her own bed, but she’d fallen asleep nearly as soon as she’d hit the pillow, and couldn’t remember getting up at all in the night, which was a bit of a feat for her. The jet lag must have really taken its toll. 

Her eyes fluttered open, immediately focusing on the pristine blanket of fresh snow that had fallen overnight, turning the field behind them into a postcard perfect winter wonderland. It looked how she’d always imagined Finland would look. Piles of snow - so much so that the trees were bowed with the weight of it, and strange, purple hued light she’d only seen in pictures. Chrystals of frost were skating over the glass walls of their hut, and the light inside seemed softer than the light outside somehow. 

As she became more conscious of her surroundings, she realized she was leaning against something solid and pleasantly warm. 

In the night, whether searching for warmth, or without her conscious mind to tell her not to, following the instinctual pull she felt to Tyler, they’d come together - back to back in the small bed. 

Easing away from him, she rolled onto her back. 

Without the brace of her body to hold him up, he fell onto his back, his shoulder landing on top of hers. 

“Tyler,” she whined, pushing him away. 

He blinked, the liquid sleep state still humming pleasurably on his skin. Theo had been in his dream - unsurprising considering the circumstances - softly murmuring his name as he’d pressed a string of kisses, like seed pearls, down her neck. 

“Tyler,” Theo said again, shoving him a little harder, “get off me.” 

 Reality crashed into him like a hit he wasn’t braced for. Had he been trying to cuddle her in his sleep? How had he ended up partially on top of her?

“Sorry,” he mumbled, scrambling onto his side of the bed and turning his face away, hoping to hide the blush that had blazed over his cheeks. This damn hut was too small for him, and with Theo there, it felt infinitesimal, as if it had shrunk. He had only one half of the bed that was already too small, and given the opportunity, he’d crowded into her space in his sleep.

“It’s okay,” she said, and he was relieved to hear a slight lilt of humor in her voice.

“Was I crowding you all night?”

“Not until I turned over this morning,” she said, looking at the snow covered roof. This was why the light was so different. As it filtered through the snow, it made everything inside the hut look a little more dreamy. She avoided looking at the man next to her. Seeing his rumpled morning hair and sleepy eyes in soft-focus would not help her one bit.

Relieved, he cleared his throat and tried to lay on his back. He couldn’t do it without his arm pressing against hers. 

“Here,” she said, scooting to the edge of the bed, giving him a little more room. 

They were still dangerously close to touching. 

“How was the sauna?” she asked. 

Tyler found himself smiling at being proven right, even if it was 9 hours later. “Nice. Kinda boring,” he admitted, glancing over at her. She was looking up at the roof, which was completely covered in snow. Her lips were relaxed and kissable, and her soft eyes seemed to reflect the beauty she always sought out. He liked it when she had this artist's face on. The longing he’d felt the night before hooked into his navel and tried to pull him closer to her. He resisted, taking a few deep breaths to bring him back to himself.

Her mouth tipped in a small smile. “Hard to bring a book into a sauna, I guess.” 

A chuff of laughter burst out of him. “Yeah.” 

Holding up one of her hands, Theo turned her palm back and forth, watching it in the soft light.

“Hmm?” Tyler asked, wondering what she was doing.

“The light in here is so interesting,” she said, turning her wrist again. “The snow is making it softer. I didn’t know snow could do that.” 

“We can melt it off the roof,” he offered, reaching up for the button. 

“No!” Her hand shot out to grip his wrist, halting his movement. 

He stopped immediately, feeling heat bloom from where her hand made contact. It was the first time she’d touched him since she arrived, he realized. 

“I mean,” Theo snatched her hand back, “can we leave it for a while?” 

“Sure.” He felt a small measure of satisfaction bloom in his chest at the blush that flushed her cheeks. “Are you still feeling excited even with all this snow?” he asked instead of rolling over and tucking his face into her neck like he would have when they were together.

All at once, everything felt too domestic. Too much like something they would have done six months before: a lazy morning spent side by side, talking about anything and everything. 

Theo sat up abruptly, scooting to the end of the bed so she could get out of it without crawling over him. She wanted to change and run away, and she couldn’t even do that. It was freezing outside, and Tyler was inside, and she had nowhere to hide. Maybe the minuscule bathroom, but that didn’t even offer enough privacy. It was just a curtain. Why did this hut have to be so damned small?

Feeling whiplashed, Tyler watched her stumble over the bags she’d stored at the end of the bed. She halted mid step, like a cornered animal, in the floorspace next between the bed and the ‘kitchen,’ which was little more than a sink with non-potable water and some cabinets.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, pulling his hand from his wrist, where it had subconsciously wandered to cover the skin she’d touched. 

“I just…” Theo was horrified to hear the shake in her voice. Her anxiety was magnifying everything, making it worse. She felt pulled too tight, stretched too thin. Yes, Tyler was respectful and sweet, but he was also Tyler, and he was easy to love and easy to fall in love with. And she couldn’t afford to go down that path again. Her heart just couldn’t take it. 

“What’s wrong?” he asked, voice turned gentle. 

Closing her eyes, Theo willed the tears away. She did not need to cry right now. She wasn’t even sure what she was crying over. Was it losing Tyler? Was it being faced with him again after walking away? Was it facing that decision she’d made and wondering for the millionth time if it had been the right one? Was it the softness in his voice that told her he knew she was panicking? 

Things with Tyler were so easy. They always had been. That was part of the issue. It would have been easy to continue on with him, even though he wasn’t willing to give her what she wanted. If she reset her expectations, they would still be together, still in love, still having great sex, and sharing this hut for an entirely different reason. Even if she had, she knew part of her would still want what she’d left for: to find someone not so afraid of committing to her. 

Remembering that gave her the strength to push the longing away. “I’m just…” this was so stupid. Tyler had seen her naked before. Changing her clothing in front of him should not be this big of a deal. “I need to change, but it’s so cold outside.” 

He could have laughed with relief. He thought he’d done something. “I’ll turn around,” he said, sitting up and turning to look out the window. 

Theo covered her face with her hands. Why did she have to be so weird? Why did she have to make things so complicated? She could have just asked him to turn around. 

Knowing he wouldn’t stay that way forever, she grabbed her backpack and change of clothes, piling the layers awkwardly on the tiny countertop before she changed at record speed. 

Tyler stood to change when she sat at the end of the bed to put on her shoes. Glancing up, she realized the glass windows were more of a mirror than she thought. She could see his form clearly - his beautiful body flexing and stretching as he pulled on a pair of long johns then stepped into some jeans. Had he been able to see this same ghostly reflection of her? An embarrassed blush flashed into her cheeks. She’d thrown such a fit about him not seeing her change, and he’d been able to see her all along? Nice one, Theo, she thought.

After pulling on a sweater, he hadn’t had to wear this many layers in ages, Tyler stood as straight as he could and asked, “ready?” 

“For what?” she asked, realizing she hadn’t run away like she meant to. Instead, she’d ogled him while he was getting dressed.

“Breakfast?” he said uncertainly, “I thought that’s what you were changing for.” He was hungry, at least. 

“Oh,” she said, “yeah.” It’s not like she had anything else to do. 

Breakfast was back in the restaurant, and she and Tyler were back to sitting stiffly side by side. It didn’t matter that they woke up leaning on each other. At least, that’s what Theo told herself. His soft voice at her panic this morning didn’t change a thing, and neither did his interest in what she was doing. 

“What do you have to do today?” he asked, voice low and quiet in her ear. 

An involuntary shiver snaked up her spine as a memory of his lips on her ear, whispering something entirely different, flashed through her mind. 

“What?” 

“What do you have to do today?” Tyler repeated, wondering what was going on with her. He’d never seen her this jumpy. Even when she ran out of her meds, she’d never been this startled all the time. He didn’t want to think it was him. Or maybe he did. If he made her this jumpy, it had to be a good thing, right?

Pulling a small zip-top bag out of her pocket, Theo emptied the pills it housed into her palm before throwing them in her mouth to swallow with a gulp of water. Moving on to her coffee, she tried to make her brain think clearly. She wasn’t sure she’d taken her meds yesterday. When was yesterday in Dallas time? She had no idea anymore. By the state of her mind, she’d obviously missed something. 

It took a moment for her to remember that Ty had asked her a question. “I need to take some test shots in the venue,” she said. “And I have some editing from some bridal shots I took on Wednesday.” 

“Aren’t you on vacation?” 

“Yes?” she said it like it was a question, as if she wasn’t exactly sure what a vacation was. 

He laughed, “you should at least take a break to walk around the resort. It’s beautiful.”

A flirtatious response about him giving her a tour slid to the tip of her tongue. She shoved a bite of eggs into her mouth to stop it coming out. 

Tyler shook his head indulgently. He knew Theo’s working style - she got in edits whenever she could. It was actually one of the things he liked most about her. She didn’t leave anything to chance. 

“Tell you what,” she said once she’d swallowed. 

“Hmm?” he asked through a sip of coffee. 

She ignored the domestic, sweet way he was looking at her over the rim of his mug. If she pretended it didn’t exist, her stomach wouldn’t have the chance to do that flip-floppy giddy thing it always liked to do when he was around. 

“If you help me with my test shots, I’ll go on a walk with you before I work on my edits.” 

“Deal,” he said, smiling, glad she had worked out his subtext of wanting to spend more time with her but not get in her way. 

And just like that, some of the awkwardness between them dissipated a little more. 

As they walked through the venue, Tyler pulled faces in every one of her test shots. She hadn’t laughed so much behind the camera in a long time. 

The resort was even more beautiful than she’d expected. It looked strangely at home in the woods, like a little glass city just happened to sprout up in a forest clearing. 

As they made it back to the hut, he asked her to share the photos she took on their walk, and she promised she would. 

He pulled out his suitcase so he could retrieve his toiletries and a change of clothes before he told her, “I’ll leave you to it. See you at dinner?” 

She nodded, pulling out her computer. Emptying her memory card into a new file didn’t take long, but she found herself spending too much time looking over the test shots. Realizing what she was doing, she deleted them, sent the photos of their walk to Ty, and pulled up her latest bridal edits. 

Dinner that evening was a little less stiff than their meals before. She didn’t jump when their elbows brushed at least. It felt like a move in the right direction. 

“I think the lights are supposed to be out tonight,” Tyler said as they zipped their coats and walked out into the cold night. 

“Yeah?” 

“I think I might catch a nap so I can stay up to see them.” 

She smiled, “that sounds nice. Maybe I will, too.” 

He knew she was lying - she never napped - and wasn’t surprised when he fell asleep to the gentle sound of her computer mouse clicking. 

By the time he woke, the night was so dark, it felt like it was three in the morning, not ten at night. 

“Have you seen anything?” he asked, voice husky with sleep. 

Theo shook her head, “I haven’t checked.” 

When she felt her fingers start to itch to run through his thick, dark hair, she’d moved to sit on the floor, using the bed as a back rest  Best to just remove herself from that situation completely. 

He sat up, ran a hand through his hair, and decided he aught to go check. 

Stepping into his boots, he glanced at Theo’s computer screen. 

She had a photo of a beautiful, black bride pulled up on the screen and was doing some kind of editing wizardry he would have no idea where to start to understand. “That’s pretty,” he said. 

“Isn’t she gorgeous?” Theo asked. “She was one of my easiest brides to photograph. It was impossible to make her look bad.”

Lacing up his snow boots, he laughed. “I’ll let you know if I find anything.” 

She nodded distractedly. 

He was half way to the main hotel when he saw something in the sky. It didn’t look like photos of the Northern lights he’d seen, but he’d heard they only showed up like that on camera. Something about light frequencies the human eye couldn’t see. 

Slipping his phone out of his pocket, he took a picture. What came out made his heart jump into his throat. 

“Theo!” he found himself yelling, nearly slipping in his haste to get back to the hut. 

He could see her clearly - sitting on the floor, her computer in her lap. She had her concentration face on, eyes roving over the screen, tongue poking between her lips, as if she stopped in the middle of licking them, too caught on whatever pulled her focus to finish the movement.

God, she was pretty. He loved seeing her doing what she loved like this. 

But she obviously hadn’t heard him. 

Wrenching the door to the hut open, he stuck his head inside, “Theo!” 

A small shriek escaped her mouth as she grabbed her computer, saving it from crashing off her lap. “Jesus, Tyler. What?” 

He was trying not to laugh. It was one of her favorite expressions. He looked like a little kid, caught doing something he shouldn’t, but didn’t regret it at all. 

“Get your camera,” he said breathlessly, holding up his phone so she could see the ribbon of bright green light he’d managed to capture.

It was like watching someone get ready to fight a fire. She slammed her laptop closed and tossed it on the bed before diving for her equipment case. Watching her assemble the camera was like watching one of those super nerdy kids solve a Rubik’s Cube. He had no desire to learn how to do it, but the speed at which they did it was impressive.

“Coat!” he reminded, when she stood and ran for her boots. “And a hat. It’s fucking freezing out here!” 

Her laughter was unbridled — spontaneous and full of happiness. 

He caught her when she almost tripped stepping out of the hut.

As soon as she was on solid ground, her camera was up to her eye. 

“Oh my god!” she cried, looking at the preview, “this is incredible!” 

After a few minutes, she retreated back into the hut to find her newly acquired snow pants. Even with the thermals she had on underneath, jeans weren’t going to cut it. She grabbed her tripod and her phone, her mind whirring with ideas. 

She called Fiia twice to break through the do not disturb, not caring if she was asleep or if she and Joel were getting it on. They needed to come out here. 

“Haloo?” she asked. 

“Fiia!” she practically screamed, “the lights are out!” 

“Are they?” 

“Yes! I know you’re gonna think I’m crazy, but I think it would be really, really amazing to get some bridal shots under this. It’s incredible, Fi!” 

“Mitä?” 

“Bridals! How many people get their wedding pictures taken under the northern lights?” 

“I don’t…” 

Theo heard Joel on the other end of the call, and then Fiia told him something in rapid Finnish. 

“The wedding is tomorrow, Theo,” she said into the phone. 

“Not until noon! I’ll only have you out here for an hour, tops. Please, Fi?” 

Another sigh and some more Finnish. 

“I just did a test shot with Ty, and it turned out so good. Please? Please? Pretty please?” 

Apparently she’d been turned on speaker because Joel’s voice came through the speaker. “Let me get this straight. You want us to put on our wedding things to traipse around in the snow in the freezing cold for pictures?”

“Yes. For your wedding pictures. You only get married once,” she reminded. “Here, I’ll send you the shot of Ty.” 

She fumbled to get the memory card from her camera so she could load the picture onto her computer and send it. She was so excited, her fingers were shaking. 

“Oh,” Fiia said, her voice gone dreamy over the line. 

Theo knew she had her. “They’ll be amazing, Fi. Ty has this app that predicts the flairs. They’re supposed to go all night.”

Fiia and Joel went back and forth in Finnish for a minute before Joel heaved a deep sigh, “We’ll get dressed. So much for getting a good nights rest,” he grumbled, walking away from the phone. 

“You won’t regret this, Fi, I promise.” 

“Are they coming?” Tyler asked, ducking back into the hut.

“Yes!” she practically squealed. 

He laughed, thrilled to see her so excited. 

“Here, send this to your mom,” Theo said, sending the picture she’d taken to him. “She’ll like it.” 

Something behind his sternum cracked. Theo used to say things like this all the time, and he hadn’t realized how much he missed them. She was always looking out for others, taking photos of things she thought they’d like, and sending them, often with a text like, this made me think of you. His mom told him she knew they’d broken up when Theo stopped sending her pictures. 

He pulled the photo up on his phone so he could forward it on to his mom and stopped short. Tyler had posed for enough pictures to know a good one when he saw it. It was one of the best pictures of himself he’d ever seen, and he hadn’t even known she was taking it. 

He sent it to his mom with the note, from Theo, hoping she wouldn’t read too much into it. 

“I’m going to set up a time lapse,” Theo said, pulling another camera and small tripod out of her equipment case. 

“Do you need help?” he asked. 

“Nah, I’m just going to set it on the floor over here.” She lay across the bed, on her stomach, reaching down to position the camera. She took a few test shots before deciding on the location and settings and hitting record. 

“It’s amazing over here, too,” she breathed before pushing herself back up on the bed. “This is so amazing!” she exclaimed, flopping onto her back. Unable to stop herself, she kicked her feet a few times, her excitement too much to contain.

Tyler laughed, delighted at her joy.

“Can I help?” Tyler asked thirty minutes later as they watched Fiia and Joel walk down the path. He was in a suit, with a giant coat over the top, his pants tucked into snow boots, and she was holding her voluminous white dress up so it wouldn’t drag in the snow, revealing a set of full snow pants and boots underneath. 

“Yeah, actually. If you wouldn’t mind. It’d be nice if you could hold their coats while I’m taking pictures.” 

He didn’t even want to think about what they were committing to. It was well below freezing. 

Theo came out and hugged Fiia, then Joel. “Thank you for doing this. I know it’s crazy.” 

Joel smirked and muttered something in Finnish. Fiia smacked his arm. 

“Okay,” Theo said, taking  command of the situation like Tyler had seen her do so many times before. “Let’s take some test shots to find out best placement, then we can start on posing.” 

She directed them around the snow for a minute before settling on the backdrop of the open field behind their hut. A row of pine trees edged the property, creating a jagged skyline for the lights to dance above.

Once she’d set it up and got the results she wanted, she started going through posing, instructing them how to stand and if they should look at the camera or at each other. 

“Okay, Ty,” she said, taking a bracing breath, “take their coats.” 

Joel shook his head, looking at Fiia as he mumbled, “you owe me for this.” 

“I know,” Fiia agreed, “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

Tyler backed out of the frame, and Theo immediately began directing - barking assertive orders. It was too cold to be nice. She took shot after shot, certain this night was made of magic. Even Fiia’s dress, which Theo had seen when they took formal bridals a month before, looked even more etherial and enchanting, turning her into an angel, a snow fairy, a princess finding her prince. 

A giddy feeling rose in Theo’s chest until it felt full to bursting. These would be the most amazing wedding photos she’d ever taken. 

“Okay, coats back on,” she called, and Tyler rushed forward. He felt a bit like a PA, thrusting Joels coat at him and helping Fiia into hers. It was the first time he’d been at a photo shoot when he wasn’t posing. It was a bit of a surreal experience to see the work from the other side. 

“I want to try one more thing.” 

Joel looked like he might murder her. 

“It’ll be really quick for you, I promise.” 

He grumbled something under his breath. 

Fiia just stood there, shivering and hoping this would be worth it. Her hands were so cold, she was about ready to stick them in her mouth. She settled for shoving them in her coat pockets. 

“I’m going to take a really long exposure, and I want you to come into the shot part way and stand there kissing for a bit before walking out. If it works the way I think it should, we should get a sort of silhouette of the two of you.” 

“Won’t you see us walking?” Fiia asked? 

“No, the exposure is so long, it should only pick you up when you’re standing still for a while.”

“How long are we talking?” 

“You’ll be kissing for about a minute.”

“We can’t kiss for that long,” Joel said. 

Theo raised an eyebrow. “I’m pretty certain I saw you kiss for longer than that last night.”

The cold was making him impatient. His ears felt like they might just fall off. “We’ll get stuck together,” he said. “Like that dumb movie with the metal pole.” 

“The metal pole?”

“He means A Christmas Story,” Tyler supplied.

“Yes,” Joel agreed, pointing emphatically at him. 

“Oh,” Theo bit her lip. That hadn’t even crossed her mind. “What if you almost kiss?” 

“What?” Fiia and Joel asked together. 

“Like,” she glanced around and then realized she’d have to demonstrate. She wasn’t about to do it with Joel, which left only one option, “Ty, come here.” 

He dutifully came to her side. 

Leaning down, when one of her hands slid around the back of his neck, Tyler felt his heart begin to race. Was this really about to happen? 

Angling her face up to his, she stopped just short so her breath whispered over his mouth. Tyler felt like his skin might just catch fire. A tingling sensation rose goosebumps on his skin, even under all the layers. 

Being this close to Tyler, feeling his breath on her face, smelling his cologne, knowing what a kiss from him felt like, a thousand feelings ignited, rushing through her body. 

When they were this close, Theo couldn’t see his features distinctly, but she knew from the set of his brow and the slight hitch in his breath that he was excited, which surprised her. He’d kissed hundreds, maybe thousands of women. Shouldn’t he be used to this by now? 

Suddenly, kissing him felt inevitable - like a word just on the tip of her tongue. She had to say it, or it’d eat her alive. 

Someone cleared their throat, and they snapped back to reality, pushing away from each other with so much force, both of them stumbled. 

“Like that,” Theo said, trying to force her mind back to the task at hand. 

“So we just walk back here, act like we’re denying our feelings and then walk out?” 

Everyones eyes snapped to Joel. 

Fiia swatted his arm. 

“What?” he asked, rubbing where she’d hit him. 

She rolled her eyes, hiked up her dress and walked out of frame. 

Tyler glanced at Theo, only to find her doing the same with him. It felt like he was back in middle school as he averted his eyes. What had just happened there? He felt seconds from kissing her, seconds from telling her he was sorry and seconds from professing his love. He didn’t do things like that. What was wrong with him? 

Theo turned back to her camera, changing the exposure settings. If nothing else, she’d get a beautiful shot of the lights. 

“Okay, we’ve got one shot at this, so when I say go, walk in, almost kiss, and then when I say to, walk out.” 

Both Fiia and Joel nodded. 

She started the exposure. 

“Okay, coats off,” both pieces of clothing hit the snow, “and go.” 

To Fiia, it felt a tiny bit like how she imagined walking down the aisle would, except Joel was walking toward her, too. Even the cold felt magic - drawing them together for warmth of so many kinds. 

Joel had kissed Fiia hundreds of times, and he still felt his body tightening in anticipation as he hovered a breath away from her. This must have been torture for Tyler, especially as he didn’t have any warning of what was coming. He knew Tyler still loved Theo. He got this nostalgic puppy-dog longing look in his eyes anytime Joel saw them together.

“And, out,” Theo instructed. 

Pulling back reluctantly, Fiia broke from Joel’s grasp to back away. She’d never felt anything like that before - she’d never felt such intense anticipation. Whatever cold toes (because she didn’t have cold feet, just a few minor am I really about to do this? anxieties) she’d had were thawed by the time she got back to her coat. 

As soon as the shutter of her camera clicked shut, Theo unclipped it from the tripod, anxious to see how the shot had turned out. 

“Yes!” she yelled when the preview pulled up, thrusting her fist into the air as if she were brandishing a victorious sword. “Oh my god.” 

Everyone gathered around her, Tyler behind, with Joel and Fiia on either side. She felt Tyler’s hands, their weight familiar, come to rest on her shoulders. 

Tyler felt awe swell up in his chest like a balloon when she tipped the camera so they could all see. Even on the tiny preview screen, the picture was perfect. The northern lights, glowing bright green with just a touch red, were snaking over the sky, while Joel and Fiia kissed in the foreground. They were slightly blurred around the edges, as if they were made of something magical. 

“You’re incredible,” Fiia squealed, throwing her arms around Theo, causing her to nearly drop the camera. 

Tyler reached forward to steady it. 

“That’s really amazing, Theo,” Joel admitted. 

“Maybe a little worth freezing your ass off for?” she asked with a small smile. 

He laughed, “maybe. We’ll see how the rest turn out.” 

Theo snorted. “Okay, go get inside, you two,” she said, waving them off, “you’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Theo,” Fiia said, leaning in to plant a kiss on her cheek before Joel helped her gather her dress, and they traipsed back to the main hotel. 

Without being asked, Tyler helped her gather her equipment, and they went back into the hut. 

“Oh my god,” Theo said, flopping onto the bed. “I’m so glad that worked.”

“How did you know it would?” he asked as he unscrewed the soft box from its base. 

“I’ve been dreaming of that picture since I was, like, fifteen.”

“Really?” 

“Yeah, I had the idea for it the first time I did night sky photography.” 

“It was really amazing.”

Now that they were back in the warmth of the hut and her adrenaline was wearing off, she admitted, “Fuck, it’s cold.” 

“The sauna’s hot if you wanna go in,” he offered, hoping he didn’t sound like he was trying to be too casual. 

“It is?” 

“Yeah. When you called Joel and Fi, I asked the staff to heat it so we could go in after we were done.”

“Oh,” she breathed. The forethought in that statement awoke something in Theo she hadn’t let herself feel since she broke things off with Tyler. If he didn’t do all these little things that made her feel so cared for, it would have made walking away from him much, much easier. 

“We don’t have to,” he quickly amended. Maybe that felt too intimate to her. 

“No,” she shook her head, “I’d like to. It’s just…that was really nice, Ty.” He hadn’t needed to help her with her crazy photoshoot ideas, and he’d stayed there the whole time, doing whatever she asked. And he definitely didn’t need to ask someone to heat their sauna so they could thaw after being in the cold for so long.

He shrugged. It seemed like the right thing to do to him, that was all. It wasn’t like he wasn’t benefitting from it. 

She had to fish her suitcase from the little storage space to get her swimming suit. Sure, it was traditional to go nude in a Sauna, but one, they were in public, and two, she wasn’t sure she was quite ready to bear all to Tyler again. 

He laughed when he found Theo folded over the toilet, slowly backing up as she eased the suitcase out. “Do you need some help?”

“Nope,” she grunted, finally getting it through the oblong triangular opening and standing up. “Got it.” 

Turning, she found Tyler watching her with a bemused expression on his face, wearing nothing but a pair of dark green swim trunks. 

The sudden exposure of so much of his skin made her heart flutter in her chest. Seeing him directly, rather than through the ghost reflection in the window that morning, she could see he’d had his tattoos worked on. He must have had some shading and touching up done over the summer. 

Reaching past her, he plucked one of the robes off the hook behind her. “I’ll meet you out there, okay?” 

She nodded, not quite able to form words. 

The door smacked shut after he left, and she stood watching it for a second before she came to her senses and stripped down to change. 

“It’s kind of insane,” Theo began when she opened the Sauna door, welcoming the hot, humid air that rushed out at her, “that I just put on a bathing suit when I’m freezing cold.” 

“Just get in and shut the door. You’ll thaw right out.” 

Laughing, she kicked off the resort-provided non-crocs, stepped inside, and shut the door behind her, twisting the little surfboard shaped piece of wood to latch it. The wood under her feet was smooth and dry. It felt grounding in a way she’d never felt before.  

Tyler didn’t try to hide his stare as she slid the robe off her shoulders and turned to hang it up on the hook next to his. 

“What?” Theo asked when she turned back and found him staring at her. 

A little, secret smile spread over his face, and he laughed, shaking his head a little. “Nothing,” he lied, not quite ready to tell her how beautiful she was in her purple swimsuit. The color brought out the caramel highlights in her hair, and the golden flecks in her eyes, not to mention how the bits that criss-crossed in the front accentuated her figure. 

Her hands went to her hips, and then jumped away. They were still freezing. 

“Here, come up here,” he said, patting the spot on the bench next to him. “It’s warmest up here.” 

He felt a little breathless watching her climb up the short flight of stairs to take her spot next to him. 

“Thank you for doing this,” she said, sitting a good two feet away from him. 

He wanted to reach over and pull her closer but resisted. They weren’t together. She’d made that very clear. A few months ago, she wouldn’t have hesitated to change in front of him — he’d seen all of her. He knew why, but it still hurt, especially after that almost-kiss which only served to cement how he was feeling. He thought he knew her well enough to know that she felt that spark between them reignite, too, but he must have been mistaken. 

“Figured it would be nice,” he said, one shoulder shrugging up. 

“It is,” she said, pressing her palms into the smooth wooden bench, willing them to absorb some warmth. The heat was starting to needle at her skin - pricking in a way that felt oddly satisfying. It was almost as if each of her nerves were unthawing and popping back into alignment. 

“I’m glad Kivi and Fi came out.” 

“Me too,” she agreed, leaning forward a bit to look at the stove. A bright fire was dancing merrily behind the glass. “I’ll need to do a bit of editing, I’m sure, but I think they’re going to be pretty incredible.” 

“My mom loved the one you sent, by the way. She said to say thanks.” 

Theo smiled, “I’m glad.” 

Words he wasn’t quite ready to say pushed into Tylers mouth. He forced them back down and cleared his throat. 

“So…” 

“How’ve you been?” he asked. 

Toying with the idea of being completely honest, Theo thought about what to say. She wanted to say she was lonely and that being here with him was refreshing and nice, like a piece of her life clicked back into place, but she held her tongue. She wasn’t quite ready to reopen that box.

“Good,” she said instead. “Really excited I finally got to photograph the northern lights.” That felt like safe, neutral territory. 

“I’m excited for you,” he said, even though he was getting sick of dancing around their relationship. It was a giant elephant sitting between them that just needed to be addressed. 

“How have you been?” she asked, finally looking over at him. 

Well, he supposed, now was his chance to be honest. You don’t wish for it and then squander the opportunity when it comes calling, “pretty shitty to be honest.”

Theo was a little taken aback at his honesty. “Yeah?” 

Was she really going to make him come out and say it? He supposed he deserved that. “Yeah. I miss you.” 

Something inside her broke. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to admit, “I miss you, too.” 

Even though she couldn’t see his face, she could hear a smile in his voice as he said, “yeah?” 

“Yeah. It’s been torture to be here with you,” she admitted. “I look at you, and…” she trailed off, venturing to look into his face. Heat that had nothing to do with the sauna flashed through her as his tongue darted over his lips. 

“And?” he prodded. 

“It’s just easy to remember…” she said, eyes locking on his. The lust that had been bubbling under the surface since that almost-kiss roared to a full boil, threatening to spill over. 

“I can’t stop thinking about you,” he admitted, scooting closer. Praise be to everything holy, he thought when she didn’t back away. “I want to try again.”

In a replay of just an hour before, his hand slipped to the back of her neck, and he brought his mouth dangerously close to hers. 

In a rush of reckless want, she closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to his. The walls she put up around her heart trembled, threatening to collapse all together.  

His other hand, dry and warm, slipped onto her waist as his tongue slipped past her lips.

It was like no time had passed. Kissing Theo had always been one of his favorite things to do. And God, the taste of her. He’d missed it so much. 

Theo slid her hands into his hair, trying to bring him closer. He answered her call, intensifying the kiss and falling into her even more. 

Feeling like she was slowly melting to liquid, Theo lay back, aching to feel Tylers weight on top of her again. He followed willingly, hips finding a comfortable, familiar home against hers. His whole body was hard and hot - just like she remembered. 

His mouth broke from hers and dipped to her neck. 

She’d missed this, too: the nice things he could do with his mouth and the gentle rasp of his beard over her skin. 

“Ty,” she moaned. 

“I love the way you say my name,” he moaned into her neck, “I’ve missed it so much.” 

“Ty,” she repeated, fire licking into her veins at his admission. As if on muscle memory alone, one of her legs wrapped around his waist. “Oh my god.” 

“I can’t wait to be inside you again,” he moaned, trying to soak up the heat that was blooming between them. He’d been with women after they broke up. He’d called old hookups and found women on Raya, but it was never the same. He felt like he was chasing perfection, only to find he really only wanted the one that got away.

Apparently, her desire was taking control of her mouth, too, “no one makes me feel like you do, Ty.” 

A ridiculous feeling of pride exploded in him. Bringing his mouth to her ear, he asked, “do you want me to make you come?” 

“Yes!” she gasped. 

“How many times?” 

“I —” This was another nice thing he could do with his mouth. How had she forgotten the way he could work her up with just a few words growled in her ear.

“How many times, Theo?” he asked, grinding his hips into hers. Relishing her gasp.

“I don’t —” she panted, mind racing. How was she supposed to answer that? “As many times as you want.” She knew he wanted a number, but she honestly wasn’t sure her body ever would let her let go of this now that he was back.

He let out a satisfied hum, and one of his hands snaked down to the waist of her bikini bottoms, toying with the band and making her entire body tremble. 

The fire popped, and she suddenly remembered where they were. Forcing herself to pull away from the Tyler Seguin slow kiss special, she gasped, “we can’t have sex in the sauna.”

“Why not?” he asked, mouth now traveling down the exposed skin of her chest. 

“Ty, it’s not right.” 

“Then come inside with me,” he said.

She nodded, and he pushed himself up. 

As soon as she was on her feet, he had her hand in his, unwilling to let this moment go. 

They couldn’t get into the hut fast enough. They didn’t even grab their robes or shoes - they just made the mad dash between the buildings, too high on the thought of finally being together again to stop. 

She giggled, and he swore as he hit his head, trying to scramble into the hut as quickly as possible. The door slammed shut behind them. 

Tackling her into the bed, Tyler waisted no time covering her body with his own, resuming the rocking of his hips to build the heat back up again. 

Her hands explored the hard muscles of his chest and around to his toned back as one of his slipped down her body again. 

Bypassing teasing all together, his fingers slipped under the purple fabric. 

Her hips jumped when he made contact with her slick folds. 

As he eased his finger into her, a small noise escaped her throat. Tyler glanced into her face and immediately stopped everything he was doing. 

Her eyes were screwed shut, and she was pulling in slow, shaky breaths, as if trying to calm herself down. 

Easing out, he wiped his fingers on his shorts as he moved to lay beside her. “Hey,” he said, running a hand up her arm. 

She pulled in another shaky breath, eyes still shut tight. 

“Theo?”

She managed to make a noise that sounded at least something like, “hmm?” 

“Are you panicking? Do you need your medication?” 

She shook her head, pulling in another quaking breath like she was trying to suppress tears. 

“What’s wrong?” 

“I thought I could…” she found the words spilling out of her mouth, even as embarrassment flushed into her cheeks. She’d started this whole thing. “But I — I need to know.”

“You need to know what?” he urged gently as his hand came to rest comfortably on the back of her arm. 

Her eyes fluttered open to find him watching her, concern all over his face and in his big brown eyes. 

She just had to get it over with. “Is this just fucking?” 

The breath stalled in Tylers chest. 

“Or do you want more than that? Do you really want to try again? I’m not sure I can do this if it’s just fucking.”

He thought he’d made himself clear in the sauna. Maybe what he’d thought hadn’t come out right. It wouldn’t be the first time. 

Looking at her now, even full of worry and uncertainty, he wanted her. Not just physically. He wanted to take care of her and let her take care of him. He wanted to keep her safe. He wanted to be with her all the time, even if they were just sitting on the couch, watching some old movie she’d found on some list of films ‘everyone should watch.’ 

He made his mouth start talking, hoping he didn’t sound like a dick, “I meant it, Theo.”

Her eyes, which had wandered to look through the glass ceiling, snapped back to his. 

“I want to try again. I know it’s stupid and cliche that you realize what you’ve got when it’s gone. I knew some of what I had while you were still here, but I was so scared to fuck something up, or what if I got bored or something…” 

To her credit, she stayed quiet, just watching as he thought through his words. 

“And when you left —” he had to pause as his voice choked in his throat. “After you left...” He tried again, “I’ve never been so bored in my life,” he admitted with a little self deprecating laugh. “I regretted it the day after we broke up, but I didn’t want to call you up until I had everything figured out.”

A breath of a laugh escaped through Theo’s nose. Typical Tyler, wanting to have everything in a neat little row before he could move forward. “And how did that go for you?” She didn’t mean them to, but the words came out of her mouth sarcastic and insincere. 

Thankfully, he laughed and gave her a self deprecating smile. “Not great,” he admitted. 

“I started seeing a therapist,” he added on quietly. 

“Really?” Theo asked, pulling back in surprise. 

“I told you, I wanted to make sure I had everything figured out. And trying to figure it out on my own wasn’t doing jack shit, so I figured I might as well give it a try.”

“And?” 

He shrugged, but she could tell he was trying to feign nonchalance, “it’s fine. We’ve talked a lot about my parents' divorce.”

She figured they would have to. It was one of the things he brought up as an argument to her. “I don’t want my kids to go through what I did,” he’d told her as they discussed their future. “I don’t know how to be certain.” 

“Yeah?” she said now as the lust that had been dancing between them slipped away completely.  

He nodded, and acknowledging this was going to be a much needed discussion, he pushed himself off of her, moving to sit up against the headboard. She joined him, pulling her comforter over her legs as she did so. 

In a beleaguered expression, Tyler dragged a hand down his face, “It affected me even more than I thought. I didn’t know…I mean marriage is so huge, you know, and I just felt like I didn’t know if I’d ever be ready to make that step, like why do it if it was just going to fail? Or how do you know that someone is the right one?” 

She made a humming noise and nodded. “It is a big decision.” 

“And it felt a little like you were trying to get me to marry you right then.” 

“Oh,” Theo said, glancing down at her interlaced fingers before looking into his face. “I didn’t mean…I mean, I’d love to marry you, Tyler.” 

A small part of him rejoiced when she didn’t use the past tense. 

“But I didn’t mean to make you feel like you had to marry me right away. I just wanted to know if it was even a possibility.” 

“It is.” 

His simple statement hung between them, achingly certain. Their eyes met, and Theo felt something shift in her. There was something tender and earnest in his expression. Something she’d never seen before.

“It is?” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. 

He nodded, reaching for her hand, “with you it is.”

“You’re sure?” 

“Of all the women I’ve ever dated, you’re the only one I could picture myself married to,” he said, not allowing himself to break eye contact. “You’re the only one that it’s worked with like that.”

Maybe it was muscle memory, or maybe it was lust. Likely, it was just because she wanted to feel closer to him, but she found herself crawling into his lap, knees bracketing his hips.

“I feel like that, too, Ty. It’s always been easy with you.” That was a bit of a lie. It hadn’t always been easy - they argued and had to get used to each other just like any other couple, but they communicated well, and it felt easier to express her needs with him than it had been with any of her past partners. Likely because he listened and acted on what he heard far more than any of her previous partners. 

“Yeah,” he agreed as a lazy smile hitched onto his face, one corner tipping up more than the other.

Unwilling to wait any longer, Theo leaned in, brushing her lips over his. 

Tyler hummed, and tipped his head back to capture her mouth. 

“I missed you so much,” she murmured as she brought her mouth to the soft part of his jaw, right under his ear. 

“God, you have no idea how much I missed you,” he said, head tipping to give her more room. 

“So,” she said, pulling away and sitting on his thighs, “about those orgasms.”

Laughter burst from his mouth, “I’ll give you as many as you want,” he said and, with a smile still on his lips, leaned in to kiss her. 

The next morning, Theo was jolted awake by someone knocking on the glass outside their hut. 

“Oof!” Tyler groaned as she elbowed him in the stomach in her haste to figure out what was going on. 

Fiia was standing on the other side of the window next to her, making kissy faces. 

With a jolt, Theo realized she was sitting up in bed with no top on. She scrambled for the bedspread, yanking it out from under Tyler in her haste to cover herself. 

“What’s going on?” he asked, attempting to rub the sleep from his eyes. 

“Fiia’s a little imp. That’s what’s going on,” Thea said, glaring at the woman in question, who was now cackling. 

“I knew it!” Though she was yelling, her voice came into the hut as if she was a great way off. “I knew you guys were getting together last night!” 

Joel appeared at the front of the hut, traipsing through the snow to get to Fiia’s side. 

Why hadn’t they shut the blinds? 

Rifling through her memories of last night, she supposed there was never really a time they could have. By the time Tyler had given her as many orgasms as she could handle, making use of every inch of the tiny European double bed and he’d come on and inside her, they were both so exhausted, they fell asleep almost at once, tangled together. 

“Look, look, look!” Fiia was yelling, gleefully pointing into the hut. “I told you so!”  

Joel seemed to grumble something, reached into his back pocket, and pulled his wallet out. 

“You made a bet?” Theo demanded, watching him hand Fiia a euro note. 

“What’s going on?” Tyler repeated, a little louder, sitting up. 

“They made a bet we would get together,” Theo said, incredulous as she pointed at Fiia, who was now preening and kissing the 100 note. “Well, I guess Fiia bet we would get together. Apparently, Joel didn’t think so.” 

Fiia shoved it in her pocket, raced around to the door, and threw it open. Apparently, in their haste to be together, they’d forgotten to lock it. 

“I knew it!” she yelled, voice now loud and clear. 

Theo winced. 

Tyler threw the blanket over his lap as Fiia strode into the hut. 

“I knew it! I knew you couldn’t go through that almost kiss and not get together!” 

“Alright, alright,” Theo said, holding up one hand in surrender. The other kept the blanket pressed to her chest. 

“What do you want, Fiia?” Tyler asked, not bothering to hide the annoyance in his voice. 

“You’re going to miss breakfast,” she said. “And then you,” she pointed at him, “are needed in the Grooms suite.” 

The wedding. In the unbelievable, lust-filled haze of last night, he’d completely forgotten about the wedding. 

“Fiia, come on,” Joel said quietly, still standing outside, “they just woke up.” 

“Alright, alright,” she said, throwing her hands in the air and smacking one of the ceiling beams. “Ow!” 

‘Fiia,” Tyler said, warning. 

“I’m going. You have fifteen minutes before you’ll miss breakfast!” she said as she walked back outside. When she turned to shut the door, she looked at Theo and said, “you have to tell me everything.” 

Theo felt herself grow hot, and with another cackling laugh, Fiia let the door close. 

Tyler fell back on the bed with a groan, and before she could get up, he pulled Theo down next to him.

“Good morning,” he said, nuzzling her. 

“Good morning,” she echoed, turning to bring their lips together.

His tongue slipped into her mouth with practiced ease as he eased her onto her back. 

Breakfast could wait. 

[bea28]

Can we talk about how Hozier's "From Eden" is such an Andreil song?

Andrew to Neil:

Babe There's something tragic about you Something so magic about you Don't you agree?

(Him knowing something is up with neil, but Josten being a pipe dream nonetheless)

Neil to andrew:

Babe There's something lonesome about you Something so wholesome about you Get closer to me

(Neil knowing andrew only pretends he doesn't care about anyone, but he does care in his own way)

Neil:

No tired sighs, no rolling eyes, no irony No 'who cares', no vacant stares, no time for me

(stop with the "i don't care" act, i don't have time for it)

Andrew to Neil:

Honey, you're familiar like my mirror years ago Idealism sits in prison, chivalry fell on its sword Innocence died screaming, honey, ask me I should know I slithered here from Eden just to sit outside your door

( Andrew seeing the desperation in neil, the same he saw in himself )

Neil:

Babe There's something wretched about this Something so precious about this Where to begin?

(i don't know what we have, and it's probably not the usual relationship, but it's precious and i want to keep it)

Andrew:

Babe There's something broken about this But I might be hoping about this Oh, what a sin

(our "this" might me broken and frail, but i want it, even tho i shouldn't want anything)

To the strand a picnic plan for you and me A rope in hand for your other man to hang from a tree

I see this as them saying "we'll keep our "this" and everyone else be damned"

two broken men who found comfort in each other, and in the end their broken pieces and ragged edges fit just right

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

I don't know, it might just be me, but in my head it makes so much sense

[wilhelminyard]

compilation of nice/sweet things the foxes said to neil because even though they're a bunch of assholes who insult anyone in their vicinity they all just love him so damn much - except aaron - (part 3) :

ANDREW :

"I said I would keep you alive this year. you make it infinitely more difficult for me when you actively try to get yourself killed."

"the next time someone comes from you, stand down and let me deal with it. do you understand?"

"you were supposed to be a side effect of the drugs" "I'm not a hallucination" "you are a pipe dream."

"what would you give me?" "don't ask questions you already know the answer to"

"this isn't yes. this is a nervous breakdown. I know the difference even if you don't. I won't be like them. I won't let you let me be."

"I've never understood why he likes knives" "he will lose his taste when he has one in his gut"

"kevin is a fool whose style is numbers and angles. formulas and statistics, trial and error, repetition and insanity. all he cares about is finding the perfect game. a junkie like you can't be that cold."

"last summer you made me a promise. I'm asking you to break it." "no." "you said you'd stick with me if I kept kevin south, but kevin doesn't need me anymore. he chose us over the ravens because as a whole we're finally worth his time. there's nothing else I can give you in exchange for your protection." "I will think of something."

"spring break's coming. we could go someplace" "where and why?" "anywhere. anywhere at least three hours from campus. there's no point in going someplace closer than that. it won't feel like a vacation. the only trick is figuring out how to pry kevin away from the court" "I have knives"

"no one's said a word to them since they said we couldn't see you"

"if you tell me to leave I'll go" "you aren't going anywhere"

"I have to go. I don't trust them to give you back."

"ready?" "waiting on you"

"can I really be neil again?" "I told neil to stay. leave nathaniel buried in baltimore with his father."

"andrew could break our deal and let me go or break things off with neil" "he chose neil over you?"

"your close calls are getting old. I thought you knew how to run" "I thought you told me to stop running" "survival tip: no one likes a smart mouth" "except you"

WYMACK :

"I can't believe you trusted david to patch you up" "I was careful with him"

"you're a hundred times better now than you were in may. don't sell yourself short."

"go easy for a few days, would you?"

"are you okay?"

"neil asked us to leave the authorities out of this. I respect him enough to allow that"

"didn't I tell you not to worry about it?"

"I'm making you vice-captain next year"

"didn't you notice? they're uniting around and behind you. that's something special. you're something special."

"look me in the eye and tell me if you think I care who you used to be. hm? I care about who you are right now and who you can be going forward. I'm not asking you to forget your past, but I am telling you to overcome it."

"neil. talk to me. what do you want?"

"giving up on neil now goes against everything we are."

"I'm sorry. I should've told you but I couldn't" "don't worry about that right now."

"we'll wait for you, all right? as long as it takes, neil"

"I should be thanking you. you told us last night you intended to end the year dead or in federal custody. you could have shut everyone and everything out and worried about yourself this year. instead you agreed to help dan fix this team. you're saving the two I thought we couldn't reach, and you're a living example for kevin to follow. he never used to watch you but he's had eyes on you since december trying to figure out how you stand your ground."

"they told me to call them as soon as you returned. have you returned?"

"neil is a critical member of my team. you can ask any person on my line-up and they will all agree : we would not be where we are today if he wasn't here with us."

MATT :

"I want to break his face in six places. if he ever comes within a thousand yards of you again-"

"you okay?" "I'm fine" "for the record, I don't believe you"

"neil? we're here when you want to talk about it"

"neil? you good?"

"we're all legal adults here. we've made our decision. unless he wants to stay with you, you'd better bring neil back to us when you're done with all your questions

"hey, coach made us promise to leave you alone but are you okay?"

"they will get rid of me" "you're not serious"

"things could have gone much worse. I'm glad they didn't. you want anything, you need anything, you let us know. okay?" "okay" "I mean it" "I know. I'm done lying to you, matt. I promise."

"did andrew really choke kevin?" "took three of us to pull him off"

"we can't replace you"

DAN :

"neil? if you want to talk about any of it, or anything, or... you know we're here for you, right? whatever you need."

"kevin knew about this didn't he? he knew what riko was going to do to you and he let you go anyway. the next time I see him-"

"don't do this to us. don't sit here and lie to our faces. we're your friends. we deserve better than that."

"you told the truth. it's not your fault they don't like it."

"are you sure you're okay, neil?"

"go. but come back to us as soon as they're done with you, okay? we'll figure this out as a team."

"you're not playing. you think coach will let you on the court when you look like that? I'll sub in for you, neil. renee can help allison out one more time, right? trust us to hold the line. you focus on healing so we can use you in semifinals."

KEVIN :

"kevin called me yesterday morning when he couldn't get a hold of you. he wanted to make sure you were okay."

NICKY :

"don't you dare tell me you're fine. I can't hear that from you today, okay?"

"you can't have neil. he belongs with us"

"neil isn't a real person. it's just a cover that let nathaniel evade authorities. it's past time to let him go." "neil or nathaniel or whoever. he's ours, and we're not letting him go. you want us to vote on it or something? bet you it'll be unanimous."

"don't worry. andrew will protect you."

"hey, you good?"

ALLISON :

"it would have neen better if you'd come to the store with us. it doesn't matter. I bought out the entire row."

"I'm sorry" "shut up. no you're not. you're not. have you forgotten who has to paint you back together every morning? if you'd let them steamroll you yesterday after all this I would hate you"

"it is not safe for [neil] here anymore and it sure as hell isn't safe for you. it is better for everyone if he disappears." "what part of 'go to hell' do you need us to explain to you?"

RENEE :

"so those knives he brings everywhere are yours?" "were mine. he was right; I don't need them anymore. if you need them, he will give them to you, and I will teach you how to use them"

"if you want to talk more later, you know where to find me"

"will you be all right here?"

"kevin is very analytical whereas you're passionate."

"what do you need from us, neil?"

"I can do it." "I know you can. but perhaps it's easier if someone helps you."

ABBY :

"sometimes I think this job is going to kill me. seeing what people have done, what people continue to do, to my foxes. I wish I could protect you but I'm always too late. all I can do is patch you up afterward and hope for the best. I'm sorry, neil. we should have been there for you"

"let me take a look at you"

"it's over. it's over. you're going to be okay. we've got you."

"I dropped my gear in new york" "andrew found it while he was looking for you"

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

𓅨 Sleepy Bitch Syndrome: Chapter Five

Sleepy Bitch Syndrome: You've got narcolepsy and have been visiting the Dreaming daily for years. Then its Lord and King finally return and he doesn't know quite what to think of you.

Warnings: Language.

To Note: Morpheus/Dream x Narcoleptic!Reader, for you dear @aralezinspace.

Word Count: ~2.4k

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You find yourself in the cold, sterile room of the sleep clinic. The bed beneath you feels foreign, the sheets crisp and unfamiliar. Electrodes cling to your scalp, chest, and limbs, tethering you to the machines that will monitor your every twitch and breath.

"You ready?" the technician asks, her voice breaking through the clinical quiet. Her eyes are kind but professional, revealing none of the potential outcomes of this study.

"As ready as I'll ever be," you reply, trying to keep your tone light despite the anxiety gnawing at you.

The lights dim, and you're left alone with the soft hum of machinery. You close your eyes, willing sleep to come quickly, but it evades you for a while. Eventually, exhaustion takes over and pulls you under.

You drift into a dreamscape that's unsettlingly familiar—Mervyn's garden. The flowers bloom in impossible colors, their petals shifting like liquid in a breeze that doesn't exist. Morpheus appears again, standing among the blossoms, his expression unreadable.

"Why here?" you ask, more to yourself than to him.

"Your mind seeks comfort," he replies. "And yet it brings you back to chaos."

The scene shifts suddenly. You find yourself back in the sleep clinic bed but not alone. Matthew perches on the headboard, his dark eyes watching over you.

"You think they got what they needed?" he asks casually.

"Doubt it," you mutter. "Feels like a whole lot of nothing."

Morning arrives too soon, dragging you from restless slumber into harsh reality. The technician re-enters the room with a clipboard in hand and a neutral expression.

"How'd I do?" You force a smile, hoping for some clarity.

"We'll discuss it with Dr. Andrews," she says. Her tone is too measured to offer any hints.

You're led to a small consultation room where Dr. Andrews awaits with your chart spread out before him.

"Your results are... inconclusive," he says after a moment's hesitation. "We didn't find anything definitive."

You let out a sigh of frustration. "So what now?"

"We'll need to run more tests," he continues. "Your symptoms are real; we just haven't pinpointed the cause yet."

You nod numbly as he explains next steps—more nights in strange beds with electrodes glued to your skin, more waiting for answers that might never come.

As you leave the clinic, Matthew swoops down from somewhere above and lands on your shoulder again. It still astounds you that he can travel between realms, but you are eternally grateful to have his company during your waking hours.

"Guess it's back to square one," he remarks.

"Yeah," you agree softly. "But at least it hasn't gotten worse… you wanna get food?"

"Fuck yeah,"

"How about that diner on Fifth?" you suggest. "They've got outdoor seating. I can pretend that you're a pet"

Matthew ruffles his feathers in approval. "Sounds good. You know I can't resist those fries."

You make your way through the crowded sidewalks, dodging commuters and street vendors until you reach the small, retro-style diner. The smell of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee hits you as you approach, and your stomach growls in anticipation.

You find a table outside, under the shade of a striped umbrella. A waitress with a bright smile brings menus and fills your cup with steaming coffee.

"I'll have the breakfast special," you say, glancing at Matthew. "And can we get an extra side of fries?"

The waitress nods and scribbles down your order before disappearing back inside.

"So," Matthew starts, pecking lightly at a napkin for amusement, "how do you feel about all this? The tests, I mean."

You lean back in your chair, taking a sip of coffee. "Frustrated, mostly. It’s like being stuck in a loop with no exit."

Matthew tilts his head, studying you. "But you're not giving up."

"Never," you reply firmly. "I need answers."

The waitress returns with your food—a plate piled high with scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and a generous serving of fries on the side. She places everything down with a practiced ease and leaves you to it.

You break off a piece of toast and hold it out for Matthew. He pecks at it gratefully before turning his attention to the fries.

"Here," you say, picking up a fry and holding it close to his beak.

He takes it delicately, munching away with visible delight. "Best part of any meal," he quips between bites.

You smile, feeling a small sense of normalcy amidst the chaos that has become your life. Sharing a meal with Matthew distracts you—no doctors, no tests, just the simple act of eating together. Even he is a bird.

"Want some bacon?" You hold up a piece for him.

"Nah," he replies. "Too greasy for my bird stomach, you would not believe how much I had to shit after snacking on measly strip…” You try not to think about Matthew having bird diarrhea while you chew your bacon eyes wandering over the bustling cityscape. People pass by in waves, unaware of your silent struggles. Matthew’s presence brings a small measure of comfort. The bird’s casual attitude toward your predicament eases the tension you carry like an invisible weight.

Matthew finishes another fry and cocks his head at you. "You think they'll find anything useful next time?"

You shrug, swallowing a bite of scrambled eggs. "I hope so. It’s hard not knowing what’s wrong. But at the same time, how many tests have I already been though? Pretty sure they're gonna start running out and just chalk it up to me being crazy."

"Well at least you’ve got me," he says with a wink—or as much of a wink as a bird can manage.

You chuckle, the sound surprising even to you. It feels good to laugh, even if just for a moment. "Yeah, I do. Thanks for sticking around…" Then you think about it. Why is Matthew hanging out with you while you are awake?

"Matthew?" You question, catching the raven mid gobble of another fry.

You look at Matthew as he swallows the fry, his beady eyes glinting with curiosity. “Why do you stick around when I’m awake?”

He pauses, feathers ruffling slightly. “Good question,” he says, his voice taking on a thoughtful tone. “Maybe I just enjoy your company.”

“Come on,” you say, leaning forward. “There’s gotta be more to it than that.”

Matthew pecks at another fry, taking his time before responding. “Alright, alright. The boss told me to watch you, okay?"

The boss? Why would Morpheus care about your well being?

You stare at Matthew, his nonchalance doing little to mask the gravity of his revelation.

"The boss? Morpheus asked you to watch over me?"

Matthew's beady eyes meet yours, and he nods slowly. "Yeah, he did. Said you were important."

"Important? To who?" You lean in, your heart pounding in your chest. Did he still think you were a threat? "What does he mean?"

Matthew looks around, ensuring no one else is listening. Then he leans closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Alright, but you gotta promise not to freak out."

You nod, the curiosity gnawing at you. "I promise."

"Okay," he says, settling himself on the table. "So, I think Morpheus has a crush on you."

Your eyes widen in disbelief. "What? That's... that's insane."

Matthew shrugs, picking at another fry. "Is it? Think about it. Why else would he send me to keep an eye on you?"

You try to process this information, but it's like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. "But he's... he's the Lord of Dreams, and Endless. He's older than the gods. Why would he care about me?"

"Hey," Matthew pecks at the table for emphasis, "he's more human than you think. Just because he's got all that power doesn't mean he doesn't have feelings."

"Matthew, he has the emotional intelligence of a rock."

Matthew cocks his head, a twinkle of amusement in his beady eyes. "Maybe. But even rocks get polished over time."

"Oh my god, this conversation is ridiculous," you sigh in exasperation, shaking your head.

Matthew chuckles, a surprisingly comforting sound. "Ridiculous or not, it's the truth. Why else would he send me to watch over you?"

"Because I am an interloper within his realm he can't control?" You offer shortly before chewing your lip. You take a deep breath, trying to make sense of everything. "So, what now? Do I just... pretend I don't know?"

Matthew shrugs, fluffing his feathers. "That's up to you. But you should know, he's not just watching over you for no reason. He genuinely cares."

You nod slowly, the gravity of the situation settling over you. "Alright. I'll think about it."

Matthew pecks at another fry, giving you a reassuring look. "Take your time. Just know that whatever you decide, I'm here. And so is he. I think."

He thinks. Hah!

" Great talk," You say, not knowing what else to say. "Thanks, Matthew."

"Anytime," he replies, his tone light and playful. "Now, how about we get back to those fries?"

You wander through Fiddler's Green, your eyes scanning the landscape for the perfect spot to set up your painting supplies. The rolling hills are lush with emerald grass, dotted with wildflowers that seem to glow in the afternoon sun. Trees sway gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering secrets you can almost hear.

A narrow path winds through the meadow, leading you toward a small pond. The water reflects the sky like a mirror, capturing every cloud and beam of sunlight. You pause for a moment, taking in the serenity of the scene. It's almost too beautiful, too perfect—like a dream within a dream. Enough about that dream fuckery, this isn’t Inception…

You walk a bit further and find an old oak tree with sprawling branches that provide ample shade. The roots twist and curl around each other, forming natural seats. You set down your canvas and easel, unrolling your brushes and paints with practiced ease.

The quiet of Fiddler's Green wraps around you like a comforting blanket as you dip your brush into a vibrant blue. You begin to paint the sky, each stroke bringing the scene to life on your canvas. The colors blend and dance under your hand, capturing the essence of this magical place.

"Nice choice," a voice says behind you.

You turn to see Gilbert standing there, his ever-present book tucked under his arm. His eyes twinkle with approval as he takes in your setup.

"Thanks," you reply, smiling. "It's hard not to be inspired here."

Gilbert nods, stepping closer to examine your work. "You've got quite the talent," he observes. "Capturing the spirit of this realm isn't easy with its ever shifting state."

You shrug modestly, focusing on adding detail to a distant tree. "It's all about finding the right moment," you say. "The way the light hits the water or how the flowers sway in the breeze."

He watches you for a moment longer before sitting down on one of the gnarled roots. "Do you ever feel like you're painting more than just what you see?"

You glance at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

"Well," he says thoughtfully, "it's like you're capturing the very essence of this place—the dreams and hopes it represents."

You consider his words as you continue to paint, adding layers of color and depth. Maybe he's right. Maybe you're not just painting what you see but also what you feel—the peace and tranquility that Fiddler's Green offers.

As you lose yourself in your work, Gilbert's presence becomes a comforting backdrop. He doesn't need to say anything more; his quiet support speaks volumes. You don't notice when Gilbert fades, returning to his disembodied state as Fiddler's Green.

You lose yourself in the flow of colors and brushstrokes, the world around you fading into a blur of creativity. The air hums with the energy of Fiddler's Green, each breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass. It's as if the very essence of The Dreaming seeps into your painting, making it come alive on the canvas.

A shadow falls across your work, and you look up to find Morpheus standing beside you. His presence is as commanding as ever, his dark eyes studying your painting with an intensity that makes your heart race.

"You paint," he states, his voice a soft murmur that seems to resonate through the meadow.

You nod, feeling a bit self-conscious under his gaze. "I'm not really that good," you admit. "But this place is too beautiful not to try."

Morpheus tilts his head slightly, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Beauty often inspires creation," he says, stepping closer. "May I?"

You swallow hard and nod again, handing him the brush with trembling fingers. His touch is cool but not unpleasant, but rather than fully take the brush, he stands behind you, close enough that you can feel the faint rustle of his robes against your back.

"Relax," he instructs softly. "Let the moment guide your hand."

His fingers gently cover yours, guiding the brush across the canvas with fluid, confident strokes. The colors seem to blend more harmoniously under his direction, each line and curve coming together to form a more cohesive whole.

"See how the light plays on the water?" he murmurs, his breath warm against your ear. "Capture that essence—the way it dances and shimmers."

You try to focus on his words, on the way his hand moves with yours, but it's hard to ignore how close he is to you. His presence is overwhelming yet comforting, grounding you in a way you haven't felt in a long time.

"Art is not about perfection," Morpheus continues, his voice a soothing melody. "It's about capturing what lies beneath the surface—the emotions and dreams that shape our reality."

You take a deep breath, letting his words sink in as you follow his lead. The painting begins to transform before your eyes, becoming something more than just an image on a canvas. It feels alive, imbued with the very spirit of The Dreaming.

Morpheus steps back after a few moments, leaving you to finish on your own. His eyes meet yours, filled with an unreadable expression.

"You have more talent than you realize," he says softly.

You look at him, feeling a warmth spread through your chest at his words. "Thank you," you whisper.

He inclines his head slightly in acknowledgment before fading back into the landscape, leaving you alone once more with your painting and thoughts.

The colors on your canvas seem brighter now, more vivid—a testament to the brief but intense moment you've just shared with Morpheus. Your brain glitches and a solid blue screen appears behind your eyes, serenity is replaced with panic.

Shit. Matthew is right.

Date Published: 8/7/24

Last Edit: 8/7/24

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[hemmingsleclerc]

Love at first drink ┃Andrew Garfield

a/n: I wanted to write something abt andrew bc I love him sm so here it is 🤎

Within the chaos of New York, Andrew Garfield was captivated by the enchanting aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through a quaint little coffee shop in a small area of the big city. It became a daily ritual for him to visit, every morning at the same time without fail, not only for the coffee they sold, but also to visit the lovely girl behind the counter.

Her name was Y/N (he knew it from the small pin she wore on her uniform that said that name, clearly at that moment he didn't have the courage to ask her that) and she had a smile that could light up the room. Andrew couldn't help but be drawn to her warm and welcoming presence. Every day he found excuses to strike up conversations with her, whether it was her talking about the weather, the latest movies, or strangely delicious coffee combinations.

As the days passed, Andrew realized that his visits were no longer just for coffee; They were about Y/N. Every day he anxiously waited to cross the doors of that coffee shop to see her smile, hear her voice even for a short time and touch her hand when he grabbed his coffee.

Andrew discovered that Y/N had a passion for photography and art, a hobby she pursued outside of her job at the café. In the other hand, he had confessed her that they shared the same hobbies and that he had the privilege of working on something similar.

One morning, he decided it would be that day or he would chicken out again, so Andrew mustered up the courage to ask Y/N out on a date.

''Here you go'' she said handing over his coffee with the little note she always left in his cup.

''T-thanks y/n'' he smiled, taking his coffee and walking away from the counter, but in less than 2 minutes he returned.

She was a little surprised to see him again, had she missed something in his order?

Andrew looked into Y/N's eyes and in a nervous voice asked her what he had wanted to ask her for the last two weeks.

''Y/N, you are an amazing girl and I really really like you, could I have the honor of taking you on a date?''

Y/N's eyes widened with surprise, but a warm smile spread across her face. "I would love to, Andrew," she replied.

He smiled, relieved and excited. "However, there is one thing I want to mention," he added, a hint of apprehension in his voice. "I am in the public eye and sometimes people can recognize us. There may be times when someone wants to take photographs and I would like you to know that and keep that in mind, privacy is really not something I can have 100% and if you don't feel comfortable, I would understand that you would reject the date."

Y/N nodded understandingly. "Andrew, I don't care at all. I like you for who you are, not just the actor that people know. I may not get used to it at first but I don't want that to stop me from being able to date the amaizing guy I have infront of me. Let's enjoy our time together, and if photos come our way, we'll handle it together."

With those words, any lingering tension melted away. The couple went later on a lovely date, exploring the city, sharing laughter, and taking funny photos of each other. Y/N's genuine affection for Andrew was evident and her calming presence assured him that their connection was real.

As their relationship deepened, they faced the challenges of public scrutiny together. Y/N's support and understanding made Andrew appreciate her moments even more. Through the ups and downs, they stood by each other, a testament to the power of love that transcends fame and ordinary life.

Having started a relationship did not mean the end of his little ritual before starting his day. Every morning without fail, Andrew continued to go for his daily coffee to the small cafe where Y/N continue working.

And she would receive him with a kiss and his special order along with her little note on his cup.

[urf1lterr]

afterglow | pedro pascal [2/3]

"tell me that you're still mine, tell me that we'll be just fine, even when i lose my mind"

previous chapter: [1]

summary: being nominated for an oscar was a dream come true, until you had to spend the rest of the night near your deceitful ex who still loved you.

pairing: actor!pedro x actress!reader

genre: acting world!au, enemies/exes to lovers ?? au | angst, fluff, fighting, mature

word count: 15k

status: 2/3 complete

author's note: SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT LOVES. even though its gonna be three parts lol i still want you to want more. i've been confused on my writing because tbh- i feel like i could do better and keep rushing with these storylines and end up regretting them AFTER they are posted lol. not edited- it really isn't.

"Let's cut the chit-chat and get some real answers, why did y'all breakup?"

"Andrew!"

"Three days have passed, she's fine now," he defended, shrugging as Florence shot him an irritated look by his prying behavior.

It has indeed been a few days since the terrible night that consisted in you meeting your favorite artist, crying beside her, running awkwardly away right after, having a screaming match with your ex, and then passing out in the car.

So, you couldn't deny it wasn't a memorable night.

The past three days could've been better to say the least if your management team stopped spamming you with text messages concerning the fight, maybe even ignoring the loads of pictures of your crying face.

Oh, the pictures. Not a fun sight to see.

Luckily for you, the pictures were only ones inside the party near Andrew- not Pedro. Unfortunately, though, your picture was turned into a 'crying in the club' meme.

You couldn't exactly be mad over it, you loved memes.

Thank the Lords the paparazzi were clueless and never ended up catching your argument with Pedro or you wouldn't know how to cover it up.

You could never get away with the typical 'friends fighting' after he shouted how much he loved you.

And bless the celebrities near you for minding their business.

To clear up your meltdown, you took it upon yourself to send out a quick tweet the next morning with a "i'm sorry i'm an emotional drunk. one second we're talking about 500 days of summer and then...well you already know how THAT ends."

In that moment you couldn't care less if people believed you or not, this was going to pass fast anyway.

Now here you were, sitting in front of your kitchen bar as Andrew and Florence decided to pay you a visit because they missed you- or so they say.

Realistically, they wanted to see if you were still a hot mess.

Which you weren't, obviously.

Shailene would have tagged along, but she was busy doing grown up things, such as working on her latest project Andrew claimed which was a slight bummer. She was the mediator, now who else was going to stop the arguments calmly between your two friends.

Florence disagreed, shaking her head. "You can't just ask her that, it's impolite."

Sighing, Andrew sent you an apologetic glance. "Okay, I am sorry." Not taking his eyes off you, you could feel his curiosity and eagerness from the other side of the kitchen. "But we're all thinking it."

Judging by how unresponsive Florence became, you could tell she wasn't going to fight him on this. And well, she was secretly on his side because your fight with Pedro was seriously excessive.

She just wanted to know what he could've done to make you so angry, it didn't make sense to her if he did cheat. He didn't seem like the type, but some people do the most surprising things- so she couldn't really tell.

"Do you want the last reason or all of them?"

Widening his eyes, Andrew shares a glance with Florence for a swift second before finding your eyes. "Last reason?"

"The last fight we had that led us to finalize our breakup."

"Finalize," he giggled, leaning on the marble counter. "This isn't a divorce process."

"For a person who is so concerned about my relationship crisis, you seem to be catch on to the most irrelevant stuff."

"So you admit you still want to be with him," Andrew declared, giving a smug look as you tried to process his words. "If you're still stressing over him, it means you don't want to let him go."

"I never said I was stressing over hi-"

"Did she or did she not just claim she was undergoing a crisis-," Andrew interrupted, slightly raising his voice. "-a relationship crisis, to be exact."

Florence sheepishly looked your way, capturing your stern expression before slowly nodding.

Your male friend clapped his hands loudly before bursting out a wider grin, happy someone had his back. "There we have it, if he's on your mind that much to turn into a crisis- you still love him!"

Furrowing your brows, you didn't know how to respond. It was true, you had many moments where Pedro agitated you even when you haven't been near him for quite some time.

But isn't being wound up over an ex part of healing?

Truth be told, you knew your feelings for Pedro hadn't completely disappeared, but love? You weren't even sure love existed by your past experiences.

"I do not love him," you hiss, vigorously snatching the water bottle on the counter and aggressively opening it. "How can love be real? It's baffling."

"Questioning the real question with a question," he sneers, making Florence and you become confused as ever. "You're so in love him."

Florence cuts in, squinting her face in puzzlement. "Wait- what's the real question she's supposedly questioning with a question?"

"Love!" he cheers happily before placing his hand on his palm, dreamingly gazing at you. "You have your doubts on what love may be, but without knowing it you're having them because you're questioning your love to Pedro since you're too scared to admit you still love him."

"I don't get it."

Rolling your eyes, you swiftly turn away and head towards your living room to lay on your couch. You were not in the mood to have someone else tell you what your feelings were when they weren't you. "I'm done with this conversation."

Hearing a low slapping noise, following an irritated hiss, you could make out Florence's displeased voice. "See what you did! Now she's not going to tell us."

"So much for moral support, you really are nosy," Andrew fought back, whispering loudly.

A minute or two went by since you couldn't make out what they were saying before rushed footsteps soon made their way near you as your friends awkwardly smiled, hoping they didn't upset you too much.

Because they really wanted to know the drama.

Pushing him roughly from behind, Florence sent you an innocent smile as Andrew landed near your side of the couch, trying his best to hold his composure and not turn back around and start another fight.

Placing a light hand on your shoulder, you blankly glance at it before meeting his attention. "We just wanted you to know we totally understand if you aren't comfortable...expressing your past-"

"Get your hand off me and let's get this over with so you two can leave already."

Florence quickly sat right beside Andrew, both not offended with your statement because they were fully aware of how annoying the were becoming.

Before you could say anything, Florence quickly spoke aloud. "Start from the beginning!" Andrew slowly looking back to her, he sent her a confused look. "So we aren't lost, of course."

Laughing lightly, you nod before adjusting yourself on your seat. It was going to be hard to remember all the details clearly because there really wasn't an exact time issues occurred, it kind of just naturally appeared here and there.

Now that you think of it, majority of the tiny disputes during the earlier days of your relationship were probably on the same level as when you two were splitting, but maybe the dense ones created towards the end really made it hard to continue.

"If I'm being totally honest, we never really had problems when we first started dating. He was really great," you begin, clutching onto a pillow you found right beside you. "And he would always make sure to watch me make it inside my house before leaving, that was when I knew he wasn't some fling."

Andrew smirked, nodding proudly. "Classic move."

Smiling at the thought, you focused your mind to uncover the ugly truths that slowly tore you two apart.

"But then one day, I wanna say a few weeks after our second anniversary, we just started...fighting?"

Tilting your head, you look down as sad memories began pouring through your mind completely. "It wasn't our usual small fights over who left the bathroom floor wet or dropping his ipad in the pool-"

"-you dropped his ipad in the pool?" Florence coughed, bewildered by your scandalous actions.

"He wanted to know if it was waterproof," you defended.

"Was it?"

"No," you nervously reply, avoiding their eyes. "But he had it backed up and I bought him a new one!"

"That was kind of a bitchy move," Andrew muttered, catching your pissed gaze. "But at least you made up for it!"

Maybe it wasn't that great of an idea to just throw it in, but he did say he was really curious and wanted to dump it under the sink.

"Anyway," you start back up again, making Andrew lowly sigh in relief. "Our fights were never that serious, or at least not until he started filming for that new tv series he joined."

Florence spoke up, lightly questioning "The Last of Us?"

Nodding, you shrugged. "I guess it's normal to say the time apart did cause a rift in our relationship, but it wasn't too bad. He always made sure to call and facetime at least once every two days."

"But one day when he was visiting during his week break he just...snapped?" you frowned, not even wanting to visualize the tiny argument.

You had to for your own good.

"He had been home for maybe two days before he suddenly became moody. Like- his attitude was insane, I have never seen him like this ever," you sigh, closing your eyes for a second before continuing. "He didn't want to go out to eat, didn't want me to make him food, and when I offered to have it delivered he slammed the bedroom door on my face and claimed he was going to bed."

"Woah, why would he do that?" Andrew asked, seriousness splattered all over his face.

You wish you knew.

"Not sure, I just thought maybe work was stressing him out so I wanted him to have his alone time to clear his mind."

"Did that work?"

Sitting up straighter, you send a sorrowful smile. "For the rest of that week-yes. He ended up apologizing to me when I tried going to bed and said his manager was being tough on him for some scenes they had done."

You remember the moment you walked inside your bedroom, disappointed that he was awake. Not wanting to cause more tension, you planned to sneak under the covers and deal with the incident in the morning.

But his arms slowly wrapping over your waist as you had your back facing him said otherwise. Pulling you closer, you remember the soft "please don't be mad at me" he whispered near your ear, making sure you felt his tight embrace as if to prove you were his.

That night ended with you turning your body over to face him, accepting his open arms as a way to answer his pleading way of forgiveness.

Like always.

"Once he went back to work, we still talked- but I could tell he wasn't fully engaged like he always was," you sulk, remembering the first time you caught him not listening. "It got to the point where I purposely stopped answering his calls."

Your friends quickly send you a shocked look, you continue before they could intercept. "I couldn't handle his lack of attention, I would rather have him panic from the rejected calls than just tell him why I was upset."

It wasn't your best move, but you were frustrated. It wasn't fair that he was the one who got to treat you poorly and you had to accept it.

You admit, maybe if you communicated with him about these issues you could've prevented many future arguments and even saved your relationship.

But you were human and sometimes humans act human.

"Then what happened?" Andrew asked, a curious appearance plastering his face. "You continued ignoring him?"

Laughing lightly, you shake your head. It was the plan, but plans don't always work out. "Actually, he secretly took a flight back home one weekend and confronted me."

Gasping, Florence jumped up in her seat and moved her leg under her. "No way!"

"Yes, way," you sheepishly reply, embarrassed at the memory. You can still picture the way Pedro stood in your shared bedroom as you stepped out of your bathroom, jumping at the sight of him.

Standing with his arms crossed with his bags thrown by the door, he was determined to figure out what was going on with you.

"I wouldn't say we engaged in a heated argument, but it was surprisingly really emotional."

Andrew leaned his body closer, too interested not to let his questions slide. "Were you guys never emotional? I feel like every couple experiences those moments together- it's what makes them stronger."

It should've made you two stronger, but instead it made you weaker without you realizing it.

"Pedro and I had our minor instances, but it never involved problems we were facing," you began, sighing slightly. "All I remember was finding him standing near the bed with no emotion- none. I couldn't read what he may have been feeling, he just looked so....empty?"

"Empty? That's not good." Florence commented.

"That could mean a lot of things, not necessarily anger," Andrew added, trying to make you feel better.

"I knew deep down he was mad, as he should be- I was the one ignoring him," you defended him, taking full responsibility over your childish actions. "But I could tell he was more hurt that mad."

"What did he say?"

"What's going on?" Pedro questioned, his eyes not daring to leave yours as you freeze- stopping your attempts at brushing your wet hair, extremely confused as to why he was here.

He wasn't supposed to visit for another month, or so he said.

"Pedro?" you squint your eyes, still not sure if he was really in front of you or maybe you were daydreaming. You were high off many shots of espressos, it's finally hitting you. "Is that you?"

Still staring plainly at you, he stays right where he was. In any other circumstances he would have run up and wrapped his arms tightly around you, but this night was different.

He looked disorientated, out of place. His eyes lacked intensity as his body followed, looking as stiff as ever. Even his breathing matched his energy, calm yet unsettled.

You left him confused and he did not like that. "Answer my question."

Batting your eyes faster, you realize what was going on and where he was. Gasping, you do the exact opposite of what he wanted. "What the hell are you doing here?! You're not supposed to be home- you could get fired a-"

Taking a hold of your arms, he stills you and ignores your rambling. "What-" he begins, moving his right hand to the back of your neck and forcing you to focus on him only. "-is going on?"

Freezing, you try to back your head away from his grip but he tightens his grasp, making sure to not be too rough so he doesn't actually hurt you- he would never do such a thing. "I don't understand-"

"You haven't been answering my calls, what else is there to understand?" He sternly recalls, not wanting you to bullshit your way out of this. "So you either have been ignoring me on purpose to be petty or this is your way of hinting you don't want to be with me anymore."

Shaking your head frantically, you try to talk but he cuts you off again. "-And don't say you've been busy. You and I both know I would have figured out if you had added projects to your schedule- your mom tells me everything."

If this were a good time, you would have laughed at his side comment regarding your mother, but it wasn't.

"Not everything," you spit out, causing him to squint his face and release his hands from you.

"Are you trying to tell me something? Are you not happy? Is that why you've been avoiding my calls?" he questions, tilting his head in bewilderment, not liking your attitude at the moment. "Because if you really don't want to be with me you should've told me sooner than leaving me feeling fucking clueless while I'm out in another country working."

"I'm not saying I don't want to be with you-"

"But you aren't denying it," he intercepts, firmly nodding in realization. "I get it, I'm just glad I know now and won't have to wait another month to finally understand how you're feeling."

Walking away from you, Pedro walks towards his bags and reaches down for them. You scoff at his disturbed demeanor. There is no way you should be the only one at fault here- you both made mistakes.

Pushing his backpack off his hands, he watches at it lands on the floor before instantly finding your eyes. "Are you seri-"

"Just because I'm avoiding your calls doesn't mean I want to end our relationship" you shriek, glaring at him as his eyes soften at your hidden truth.

Your angered expression and stiff posture hits him like a brick, there was something really bothering you and he was too oblivious to acknowledged it until you began overlooking him.

Taking a deep breath, you watch as your boyfriend intently examines you as if he's trying to read your impractical mind. Sometimes, he wished you would speak up when something was bothering you, in fact- he has told you many times in the past to do so.

But the idea of patiently waiting until it erupts is what he's sure you've normalized in fear of desertion. Or maybe refusal of reality- the two of you weren't perfect.

"What's going on?" He calmly questions again, dropping any signs of fury and replaces it with worry and concern. Reaching out to you, he softly clasps your shoulder before moving in a few inches. "Am I making you upset?"

Slapping his hand away, you cross your arms over your chest in agitation. "I'm mad at you!"

Blinking a few times, he couldn't believe how fast you spilled and chaotic your energy was. He's never seen you act this hysterical and to be honest, he was really debating asking if you were on your period or not. "Why?"

Pursing your lips together, you release your arms and let them fall on your sides. "You know why!" With that, you turn your back to him and make your way back to your bathroom to hide.

At this point, you felt it was acceptable to act unbearable- he left you feeling insignificant and you weren't going to hold it in anymore.

If you stayed there any longer you knew you would break down into tears. Showing your vulnerable side this early into an argument was too easy, you have to show how bold you were in order to get your point across.

Or anger across.

But it was really hard to hold a grudge, he was just so- loving, despite your recent incidents. Deep down, he did care about you and wanted to validate your feelings- or as best he could.

Grabbing anything you could find near your sink, you begin opening some moisturizer and splatter it around your hands to keep you busy. You could feel Pedro come inside your shared bathroom but you don't dare to peep his way.

"Honey- please," you heard him release a soft sigh as he stood behind you, watching through your huge mirror in front of the two of you. He could make out your distressed appearance and you were absolutely not fine. "You can't just steer clear from this, we need to talk about it-"

Slamming the poor jar on the counter, you swiftly twist your body to his front and feel all the rage taking control. "But did you want to talk all those times I called you?! No, you didn't give one fuck about me or Leia!"

"You named your dog after Princess Leia? That's smart," Andrew butted in, grinning. "You know, since he's in the Mandalorian and Star W-"

"We get it."

Maybe it was wrong to bring your beloved corgi into such a serious topic, but she was abandoned by her father too.

"I did talk to you! I made sure to call you whenever I had time an-"

"I'm glad I made it into your schedule- but maybe if you considered adding some compassion and empathy it wouldn't feel like I'm just another business call you hate!"

Panting, you send daggers his way as his eyes widen. Did you just say he doesn't care about your calls? Impossible- he loves your calls, it makes his days better.

"You aren't a business call and you know that. Honey, please understand- hey!" He cuts himself off once you finally had enough of his poor attempts to defend himself, trying to flee but he ends up being quicker on his feet and yanking you back to his arms.

But once you were wrapped around him, even though it was for pure captivity and not warmth, you instantly broke down. He didn't know you were in tears until he felt his shirt become damp and still then he just thought you were trying to spit on him out of anger.

Hearing your tiny whimpers, he immediately glanced down and lifted you up to catch a clear view of your face, despite your protests and blockings. "Baby, I-I didn't mean to make you cry-"

"You don't mean a lot of things," you spit out, swatting his hands that dared to reach your face. You weren't in the mood to make up, all you wanted to do was sleep your troubles away, especially with the draining work day you had.

Continuing your pulling, Pedro began becoming annoyed with your strong protests against his affection. Isn't this what you wanted? "Why won't you let me hold you? I want to console you, can't I be your boyfriend for the night and tomorrow you can continue hating me?"

"You see my tears and now you want to hold me but admit we'll still be out of place tomorrow? That's acceptable for you?" you laugh ruthlessly, allowing space to be brought in front of you. "Do you hear yourself?"

Groaning, he rubs his face hard before speaking his mind, trying not to sound too furious and scare you. "What do you want me to do? I admit, I did lack some energy-"

"Some?" you snort to yourself, your face still wet.

"Don't interrupt me," he declared, shaking his head at how rude you were becoming. "I wasn't the best partner, okay?! There, I admit it, but you don't understand how it is working constantly and not being able to see family and friends and-"

"It's like you don't even know me at all," you ignorantly chuckle over his nonsense and walk towards your bed.

What a way to dismiss your feelings.

"That's not what I meant," he sighs, following after and stopping you from opening your covers and hiding underneath them. "It's just hard being away from everyone I love, I'm in a different country. It's not like I can drive an hour away and suddenly see them!"

"I can't do that either!"

"Can't you just please, please, please- consider that my mindset is not good right now," he declares, his eyes filling with sadness as his arms slowly find your waist. Taking a deep breath, you watch as he looked up at the ceiling before biting his lip. "I know I am not being the best partner right now- or for the past few months, but I am trying."

As soon as uncertainty flushed your face, his hands tightened as his expression deepened into an emotion you never seen him explore before- dejection.

"I can't promise you I'm suddenly going to wake up and give you 110% every interaction we have," he began, his voice lowering as he tried to keep his emotions in check. "But I confess- I am being a little shit and I am willing to work on that. Just please- please don't push me away. Try to understand my situation."

He wasn't wrong, his life switched around once he accepted the role of Joel Miller and you should've known from the start he would face some difficulties. Maybe you were being too self-centered and invalidated his feeling too, not just him.

Sometimes he wasn't good with words when expressing himself and made you feel as if you weren't as popular as him, but you knew it was never his intention to hurt you like that. He had a heart and loved to use it.

Fighting over work should never be a reason to be miserable especially when it's how you both get your income.

"I-I understand," you lightly speak up, watching as his eyes light up by the sound of your now calm voice filling his ears. "I just want you to know that it didn't make me feel good-"

"Of course it wouldn't make you feel good, I was being horrible," Pedro intercepted, pulling you into a tight hug and landing his face in your neck. "And if I wasn't thousands of miles away I would totally spoil you with kisses and chocolates as my sorry."

"Chocolates are still in favor," you joke and feel him softly swat your bottom in disapproval.

Pulling away, he leans his face closer to yours and plants a sweet kiss upon your lips before backing up an inch and whispering softly, "I love you, you know that right?"

Smiling, you slowly nod and surprise him with a deeper kiss before answering him back with a familiar, "I love you, too."

"You better," he smirks, pulling his body on top of yours, hearing your light squeaks once your back hit the mattress and his lips snuck their way into the crook of your neck.

"Did you end up getting chocolates?" Andrew immediately questioned once you finished your long recollection of memories.

"That's not important," Florence rolled her eyes.

"I mean he did promise her it."

Chuckling at his curiosity, it amused you how focused he was about some candy. "Yes, he did- for like a month and then I got over them."

"Understandable," Andrew replied, looking down at his lap.

Florence jumped over him, making herself sit closer to you as he winced at her sudden movements. "Then what happened?! I mean, there had to be more right?"

"My god woman, I hope you're not working for TMZ," Andrew joked.

She shushed him before leaning closer to you, signaling you to continue on with your memories. "After that fight, things became pretty normal again. We would call each other with far more energy than before and he would even fly back home often to keep our communication strong."

"And how long did that last?"

Frowning, you took a small breath. "Like three months- then we started fighting more."

"Over?"

Rubbing your face, you groaned. "He went back to lacking energy! But that's not even the worst part."

"Please don't tell me he cheated," Andrew begged, covering his eyes with his hands while pulling a sorrow look. "I would never be able to look at him the same."

"I don't know if he did cheat- but I did find out two months before we ended things that he stayed the night at his exes."

Loudly gasping, the company you had began freaking out with their jaws dropping- literally. Florence angrily furrowed her brows, "you've got to be kidding? How is that allowed in a relationship?- It's not!"

Crossing your legs, you shrug as a way to answer her. You really did wonder what was going through his head when he did that. Sadly, you couldn't believe a word he said after you found out what he did.

Maybe that's why you were fine with ending things- because the trust was slowly disappearing.

"Not to mention he would always be with her and ditch plans with me," you form a tight smile, trying not to make things awkward but it was too late.

Who could possible hear this and not feel embarrassed for you? Classic move on his part to follow the 'being friends with my ex is okay' stereotype, but it only left you feeling unwanted and flawed.

Were you not good enough to be in his arms all those times he ditched you for her? And why couldn't he tell you what was really going on- unless he was truly hiding something unspeakable.

"Spill the beans."

Hearing a door slam, you jump up in a daze. You could feel sleep still linger on your body as you crank your neck to the side, capturing the bright '12:47 pm' located on top of your nightstand.

Slowly yanking your body up, you don't stretch as you hurry out of your room to the living room in search of the mysterious person who was either your missing boyfriend or an intruder.

Catching sight of his bright yellow t-shirt as he opens the refrigerator, you could feel your body boil up. "Where have you been? You snuck out last night without even telling me- do you even understand how worried I was?!"

Watching as he gradually turns his head to face yours, Pedro closes the fridge before leaning against the kitchen counter- completely relaxed despite your current state.

"I was out with friends," he declared, grinning to try and take pressure off from you- it didn't work. "I'm sorry, I will tell you next time. I didn't mean to worry you, my love."

Placing your hands on your hips, it pains you that you secretly don't believe a word he's saying. Normally, if this were the case, he would text you if you were sleeping or call you in the morning to inform you with what he'd done.

He did neither one.

Maybe you should test him? Ask him questions and see if he'll freeze up?

"And who were you with?"

He smiled, grabbing a cup from the pantry while easily answering, "Diego and Oscar- we had a couple of drinks and Oscar thought it would be best I stay the night."

Nodding swiftly, you examine him to see if there were any signs of him lying- there weren't. Fuck, you forgot he was an actor. It's literally his job to control his emotions! "And why didn't you call or at least send a simple text?"

After hearing your words, Pedro sends you a small smile before gently placing his cup down. Walking up to you, he opens his arms. "Baby, is that why you're so upset? Because I didn't call?"

Before you could answer, he engulfs you in his arms before swaying you both around. Feeling vibrations as he let out light giggles, you instantly dropped any suspicions you may have had because he had to tell the truth- he would never lie to you.

It's surreal how easily you could throw any convictions out the window when he touched you. It's like he jogged your memory.

"Well, why didn't you at least text?"

Removing his head from your neck, he squeezes you waist and sends you an amused smirk . "Because I was insanely drunk and if I would've used my phone it probably would have resulted in me leaving you hundreds of drunk voicemails confessing my love for you."

"And that's bad?"

He chuckled, shaking his head before pinching your side. "No, but it sure as hell is annoying."

Standing up straighter, you cautiously nod at his answer and watch as he lovingly smiled down at you. "Okay, I believe you."

"Did you really believe him?" Andrew asked.

"I call bullshit," Florence confidently declares, strong on her view that Pedro was not an honest person.

"Let me finish the story!"

Loud footsteps could be heard near your hallway as you stood behind the oven, trying your best to not burn these damn chocolate chip cookies.

Such a basic recipe yet so complex- it was truly aggravating.

"Y/n? Where are you?!" you heard you assistant squeal from a distance.

Trying to properly put your mitten on, you murmur a small "kitchen" before preparing yourself to open the oven. The amount of times you burned yourself thinking it was cool enough not to wear protection-

Point is- always wear protection.

Opening the oven door, you pull the tray of freshly baked cookies towards you as the footsteps became clearly audible. Right when the cookies were in your grip and being lifted, you heard your assistant yelp-

"Pedro was caught leaving his ex's house two days ago."

Throwing yourself up into a standing position, you forget about the tray of cookies until you feel the burning sensation upon your left arm. You accidentally pulled the tray too close to you. "Ow!"

Instantly panicking, your assistant rushes to your side in support and grabs a towel to fill with ice. Pressing downwards on the wound, you wince at the pressure that was building.

"What the hell are you talking about?" you still question, extremely curious to uncover what this situation was.

His ex? That's absurd, he hasn't dated anyone in years when you first met. It's definitely not like he was in contact with them when you made it official, he was always firm when it came with communicating with past relationships.

That was a big no-no, especially when one of your ex's tried reaching out after your last movie dropped. Pedro made it very clear how unhappy he was when he made an appearance at your premiere- your boyfriend not daring to leave your side and even blocking your view whenever your ex had the chance to gawk you up close.

At the time, people thought Pedro only attended because he was close with the director and has always been friendly with other actors. Little did they know he was being extra friendly with you behind the curtains.

"Someone snapped photos of him outside of her door! It looks like he just woke up, too." Grabbing the phone from her hands, you pull it closer to your face and watch what the screen uncovered.

There he was, your boyfriend of two-years smiling brightly as he steps outside her door in the clothes he wore the night before. The same ones he manipulated you with about being with Diego and Oscar that night.

Not just that, but peering on the side of the door was indeed his tall, beautiful ex who definitely aged like fine wine. Hell, she was gorgeous and everybody knew that.

And the fact that they broke up due to their long distance, at the time, did not help this situation. Now that they lived a few cities away, what now? Were you just a doormat he could walk all over and eventually throw away whenever he wanted something new?

Placing a gentle hand on your shoulder, you refuse to take your eyes off the screen as your assistant begins speaking. "Did you know he slept over?" Glancing up, she takes your downcast face as an answer and swiftly pulls you in a tight hug. "Oh no, I'm so sorry."

You were sorry for yourself, too. How could he lie right to your face so easily knowing he was doing it- intentionally. And the most fucked up part was he probably knew you would believe him- just like all the other times you did.

"I saw that picture!" Andrew exclaimed, bewildered at his recollection. "I thought the paparazzi caught him lacking after a hook-up- damn, I wish I would've known you were together sooner."

"Same, I would have unfollowed him," Florence added. "And nobody would've known it was because of you- since you two never been public."

Forcing a smile, you give her a tiny nudge on the arm. "Gee, thanks for being so considerate."

"Continue!"

"Open the god damn door, y/n. You are being overdramatic- it was one night! Nothing happened!" Pedro yelled, pulling the car handle harshly as you searched through your bag that sat on your passenger seat- looking to see if you had everything you needed before your flee.

Let's just say, things were pretty...eventful once you discovered his scheme.

For starters, after bawling your eyes out on your poor assistant's shoulder, she made her departure in order to clean up the spare bedroom she offered you to take if you weren't comfortable staying at your own place.

You accepted.

Once she was out the door, you fled to your bedroom and grabbed any suitcase close by and began stuffing it to the brim, not caring how disorganized it was professing as you reached for more clothes.

You were almost done packing your second bag full of makeup and bathroom necessities when you heard your front door open. Jumping up, you felt your eyes widen once you heard your name being chanted on by your boyfriend. "Y/n?!"

"Fuck," you whispered to yourself, drastically glancing around your now messy bathroom to make changes to your plan- only take things you really need.

Seconds pass and you find yourself zipping your bag and rushing out the door, that was until your body roughly collided with another- causing you to drop your belongings and land on the floor. Groaning, you hesitantly rise, immediately finding your boyfriend's body nearing yours as he pleads to help you off the ground.

"Baby, I'm sorry! I didn't see you coming out," he apologizes, using his fingertips to clasp your forearms to level you. "Look, I need to tell y-"

"Get off of me," you grit, forcibly slapping his palms off you, causing him to cease and stare stunned. He has never seen you once be this aggressive. Sure, you would reject his embrace whenever you two fought here and there, but slap? Not ever.

Brushing roughly past him, you gripped your larger suitcase by its handles and made a beam to the closest exit. You couldn't be around him, not when thoughts of him being unfaithful constantly drowned your head.

A strong tug of your makeup bag made you halt your movements, not by choice, as Pedro made sure to tighten his grip to prevent you from leaving. Glancing down at his now white, clenched hands, you glare. "Let go."

Shaking his head, he stared you down- irritated that you would just pack up and leave so quickly without even hearing his side of the story. Yes, he should have told you what really happened that night- but he knew how you'd react.

It was better to keep it sealed until he was ready to unveil- or so he thought.

"You let go," he hissed, raising one of his hands and smacking yours with it. You hate how much stronger he still was while only using one hand while you had two- fuck his strength and your poor muscles.

Groaning, you dig your feet onto the ground harder as you continue your tug-a-war charade with your selfish boyfriend who didn't seem to believe space was an understandable coping mechanism after he shattered your small heart.

"Fine," you yelp, shoulders falling slightly as he eases his grip- still holding on though. "We both let go on 3."

Tilting his head, he suddenly grew suspicious by your random middle ground. He knew you well enough to know you don't give up that easily, especially when he's fully sure, by your bolting efforts, you saw the picture. "How do I know you won't just run off after?"

"You're faster and stronger than me, you'll catch me eventually."

Internally agreeing, he knew you had a point. Even if you did escape, your little legs weren't going to get you far- he knows from all the times he tackled you down after you countlessly would steal his food.

"1," you begin, eyeing him to see if he would follow.

"2," he stared at you back, cautiously watching your every step.

Taking a deep breath, you count again. "3!" With that, you release your grip from your bag and watch as he still clutches on to the strap. "What the hell- we agreed on 3 we'd both let go!"

Nervously chuckling, he placed the bag on the ground and sheepishly smiled at you. He was glad to see you finally calming down. "Sorry, I didn't think you would actually do it."

Sending him an annoyed glance, he scratches the back of his neck for assuming you wouldn't follow your word. "Trust me, I always tell the truth."

Wincing at your cold tone, he frowns by your hard demeanor. "About that- I was going to tell you-"

Softly placing a hand over your head, you release a sound of discomfort and miss the way his eyes wander in curiosity.

"Can we talk about this after I take my supplements? I am not feeling too good," you cut him off, slowly touching your forehead as you watch his concern grow. "I forgot to take them this morning."

"You know you get bad migraines when you don't take them," he declared, sighing as he raised his hand and began softly rubbing your temple in ease.

He believed you were being serene because you weren't livid and allowed him to stop you from leaving- how wrong he was.

"I know but I had a crammed morning-"

"This is why we need to hire someone to walk Leia, we don't have enough time majority of the week!" he exhales, making you stare at the floor for the point taken. But there was no way you'd hire someone to walk your dog, that's ridiculous and a waste of money. "We'll talk after, let me grab them- stay here."

Sadly nodding, you allow him to flee towards your bathroom in search for your medicine. Peering you head a few inches to the side, you wait till the coast is clear before slowly, but firmly, grabbing your once lost bag and dashing out of your bedroom.

"I almost forgot about Leia," you muttered to yourself, instantly feeling bad at the thought of how quick you were to forget your baby. How terrible of a mother were you.

And what even was more mind blowing was how Pedro didn't catch your innocent acting. Truthfully, he must be trying to be extra helpful so you would believe him. Too late.

Finding your white corgi near the kitchen, you whistle lowly for her to follow as you peddled your way to your garage. "C'mon doggie, if daddy notices our escape plan he won't let us leave that easil-"

"Y/n?!"

Jaw dropping, you shoot a glance of panic to your dog, who only blankly stares back, before rushing to your parked car. "Just like Batman and Robin- now jump in," you hushed, opening the back seat so you could not only throw your bags back there- but also your tiny-legged corgi who struggles at first, but eventually makes it in.

Once you jumped into your seat and turned on the car, you catch a breathless Pedro rushing out through the door to your side. "Fuck."

"You tricked me!"

"You slept with another woman, asshole!" you yell back, glaring as he rolled his eyes- outraged by how unreasonable you were becoming. All he wanted to do was sit you down and have a normal conversation about this, but instead you kept running away.

Once again, he thinks you need to work on your communication skills.

"You used your failing health to your advantage- how sick are you?" he yelped, offended.

"They were gummy supplements!"

Touching your car door, he sternly peers at you as you quickly lock your doors in case he tried opening it. "I did not sleep with another woman," he started, inhaling strongly before releasing it. "Why would I do that when I am in a committed relationship? Huh? Do you think I am capable of cheating?"

Shrugging innocently, you pull a sarcastic face. "Not sure, I do know you're capable of lying- maybe infidelity is the cherry on top?"

Mouth gapping, he sends you a look of hurt and for a second you feel terrible by your choice of words. In your heart, you wanted to take it back- but your head thought otherwise.

"I would never be unfaithful to you- that's not who I am," he firmly states, feeling like absolute shit that you would even accuse him of being with another woman when you were all he thought about every single second of the day.

Dryly chuckling, you nod along to his words. He feels his heart ache, as if hundreds of knives jabbed through the delicate muscle by your painful mien. Did you really think that lowly of him?

"That's who you are to me now."

Once those words flew out of your mouth and he was able to process it clearly, he paused. Whole body turning stiff and cold, he scolded you profoundly before fiercefully charging towards your car door and pounding for entrance.

It was like a nerve was touched and he was not willing to be forgiving anymore. You struck him hard and he knew you meant it out of pure anger- not genuinely, but his awareness soon became replaced with treachery and he so badly wanted you to pay for your foul words.

"Open the god damn door, y/n. You are being overdramatic- it was one night! Nothing happened!" Pedro yelled, pulling the car handle harshly as you searched through your bag that sat on your passenger seat- looking to see if you had everything you needed before fleeing.

Mentally checking off your items before departure, you inhale sharply before lowering down your car's mirror and pressing your garage remote- allowing the door to gradually rise and Pedro to panic.

Cursing in his head, he couldn't let you drive away or else he might never see you for days and he couldn't bear the thought of you moping around in agony without at least hearing from him- the man in the picture- what actually happened that night.

Pressing on the lever and angling down to reverse, you nervously press on the gas and allow your car to drift back as your poor dog watched through the backseat his dad embarrassingly urging you to not go.

You prayed the neighbors couldn't hear a thing, if the cops came you're sure you would never go out in public for at least six months.

Realizing that it was now or never, you see from the corner of your eye a figure running towards the back of your car before a loud thump was heard.

Shakily, pressing on the brakes and putting your car on park, you jump out in horror by the sight of legs near your back tires.

You hit him.

"Shit!" you gasped, involuntarily sprinting- as if your body just knew how to react- and dropping down to your boyfriend's lifeless body-

"You ran him over?!" Andrew and Florence shrieked, interrupting your storytelling, causing you to glare and shush them.

"Shut the fuck up- it's getting to the interesting part!"

Hugging his body tightly, you could feel your face began to fall down and your body slowly begin to tremble. In a matter of seconds, you just knew your garage wasn't going to be a pretty sight to see.

Hitching your breath, you run your hands to your boyfriend's chest and shake him softly in hopes he would open his eyes- he didn't. With tears flushing down your face, you sniff as you grip onto him harder. "Please w-wake up," you begin, trying your best to keep your touch on him but you were a jittering mess. Not being able to stay still, you press your ear over his chest to see his he still had a pulse.

Sighing in relief, he did.

Squeezing his face, you frown as his expressionless face stills. Realizing he might have passed out over a concussion, your lips begin to tremble as you finally breakdown in tears and cradle him.

Leaning over from his side, you bend your body and embrace his head into your neck. "I am such a-a fucking idiot," you squeak, your eyes shutting as you don't have the power to keep them open. "I-I love you- I should've just stayed and t-talked-!"

Cutting yourself off, you ironically feel like the lifeless one despite your literal unconscious boyfriend being in your arms at the moment. Bitch, you really had the nerve. Swiftly kissing his cheek, you plunge yourself into his neck and cushion him with your body- being as fragile as ever when handling him.

Quivering in misery, you keep a strong grip onto him before you felt pressure along your side. "It's been minutes and you still haven't called 911? I could've been dead by now."

Screaming, you instantly drop the figure once on top of you and force your thighs to back up, causing you to sit perplexed on the concrete floor.

Glancing back up, you find your boyfriend brightly grinning your way, using his arms to hold his upper portion up as you looked back in confusion. Didn't you hit him?

"I was my own stunt double for some scenes," he speaks up, smiling to himself proud as you continued staying still, confused as to what had just happened. "As long as you have the right mentality- you can take a pounding."

Registering where he was going with this, you scoff and quickly allow your feet to hit the ground. Following after you, Pedro jumps at your unpleased sight and watches as you cooly open your back door to let your dog jump out before marching towards the door to your house.

"Wait? Are you mad at me for that, too?" He calls out, tilting his head in question and proceeds to get his answer by the slamming of the door behind you. "Never mind."

Angrily storming through your hallway, you accidentally run into the wooden desk placed against the wall. "Ugh!" you scream, turning around and giving it one hard kick before making your way towards your destination- the kitchen.

"What did the desk ever do to you?" Pedro mumbled to himself, stopping right by it once you were out of sight and fixing it back up against the wall, making sure the books settled on top were nested properly before going after you.

"So that's why one of the legs is chipped? I noticed that-"

"Shut up, Andrew."

"Sorry, go on."

Finding you near the blacked marbled kitchen bar, Pedro ceased his movements. To be honest, he was nervous to confront you. Not only did you find out he slept at his ex girlfriend's house, but he made you believe he was dead.

This was not going to end well.

"How could you do this to me?" He hears you ask, you back being in his peripheral view as you leaned your body over the counter, hands gripping the ends roughly.

"Do what?" he idiotically responds back, mentally slapping himself for having the audacity to question something he surely knows.

Slowly turning around, capturing his soft yet worried eyes, he catches onto your tear ones and breaks down on the inside. "Tell me the truth." you gulp, averting your eyes to your feet as you sense him bobble his head. "Did you sleep with her?"

Choking on air, he frantically shakes his head in dismay, not believing you would actually think that despite the past half an hour of him comprehending that you might so. Maybe he just couldn't believe it would ever come out of your mouth- but this whole situation made him nauseous.

Steadily finding his balance, he inched towards your frail body as you kept your contact with the floor strong, not daring to move it even when the sight of his shoes play in your mind. "Honey," he lowly calls out, lifting his fingers to your chin and hastily bringing your vision to his own. "No- I did not sleep or engage in any sexual nor romantic activity with her."

"Then why did you go to her house and not tell me?!" you cried, nudging his hand off your face, him immediately aiming towards your waist to still have you near. "Why would you do this to me? Why would you sleep over when you know how I would feel?"

"I can't tell you," he confesses, whispering softly. Feeling your face fall, you erupt into tears again as you lift up your palms to hide behind them.

Hiccuping, your hands twitch as they support your weight and force you to fall on top of the counter and continue watering your tears there. Everything was unfair and he couldn't seem to realize how bad your fights have progressed throughout the months.

"If you really care about me," you whimper, still behind your hands as he rubs circles on your waist. "You would consider my feelings and understand why I should know what you did with her."

Sighing, he releases you waist and rubs his forehead in frustration. Pedro wasn't the type to hide things in relationships. In fact, he was amazing when it came to expressing feelings and being honest while you were the same- but you typically took longer to reveal your troubles than he did.

But no matter how loyal he was to you, it wasn't his place to share someone else's business no matter who the association may be.

"I know, baby. I know- believe me," he whispers, pulling you in for a hug and lifting you off the counter as your sobs were felt among his chest. It broke his heart. "But I can't betray her, she needed me and trusted me to see her. I can't just deceive her."

"But you can do that to me?" you reply, catching him off guard as he shuts his eyes tightly by how accurate you were being. "It's okay, I understand."

"No," he shakes his head, groaning before staring you down. "You don't understand, hell- I don't understand this either. But what I need you to know is I did not kiss, flirt, wink, tease, or touch her in any sexual way. We did not have sex - there was no removing of any clothing-"

"Then why did you sleepover?!"

"She needed me," he simply replies, causing you to laugh ridiculy.

"I needed you and you left me," you spit out harshly, not believing how he could defend himself and think you would ever fine with it.

Grunting, he runs his hand over his hair before pouring all of his stress onto you. "What do you want me to do? I told you what happened- she needed me, I helped her, it took longer than expected so I fell asleep on the couch- do you want to touch my knotted back for proof? Because you can!"

"Why am I the one being yelled at?" you respond, watching his face fall in disappointment.

Staying in your position for a minute or two, you continued examining him as he did the same, not knowing where this was headed. That was until he motioned with his hand for you to move closer.

"Come here."

Furrowing your brows, you pause at his words. Did he think hugging was going to solve all of your problems- because it wasn't. "No-"

Feeling his arms glide up along your upper body and finally wrapping around your shoulders, he pressed you up against his chest into the warmest bear hug you might have engaged in.

It was...peaceful.

Sighing, he felt your body soften by the touch. Relaxing, you closed your eyes as he made it his mission to not ease up on his grip. "I didn't do anything with her," he whispers, laying his face comfortably on your shoulder. "I promise, I love you."

Sadly, his confession made you break down more as tears flooded your face and your body fell upon his grip. Easily wrapping his palms on the back of your head, he cradled you tightly and never left your sight once the rest of that day and week.

And that's how that fight ended- with you trusting his sweet nothings and letting him take over your body with his hugs and kisses because he somehow made you believe him.

Every single time.

You wish you could have moved on from that topic that night as you allowed him to show you how much he loved you, but unfortunately that wasn't an option.

Especially when paparazzi exploited more pictures with him and his ex the following weeks later.

"And what about your last fight? You know- the one that ended things," Andrew started, making you halt. "What happened then?"

Quickly standing up, you brushed your sweatpants down before sending him a tight smile. Now that you talked about sad memories you hadn't really thought of in months, you knew the mention of your last fight would only break you.

You weren't ready to undergoing the same pain you felt that night.

"I didn't know these talks about my past would take a toll on me, but they have. I don't want to talk about it, but I appreciate the two of you checking up on me- I really do, but I think its time for me to take a shower and maybe nap- it's been a tiring day."

Feeling your discomfort, Florence and Andrew exchanged a weary glance before looking back up to you, hesitantly nodding. Probably an intense memory, they were determined not to mention it again unless you came forward.

"Alright- but give us a call if you ever need a shoulder to cry on or just plain old company!" Florence smiled, wrapping her arms around you for a quick hug before pulling back. "We can even have a sleepover."

"Count me out on that one," Andrew joked, bending down to give you the same hug. "But for real, you can cry on my shoulder any time."

"Thanks," you giggle, soon following them towards your front door as they say goodbye to your dog before departing in their own cars.

What an emotional day it has been.

-

"Do I really have to go? It's no use- I already seen the film. I don't want to rewatch it," you whine as your manager hushes you.

Walking down the side of the theatre, you clutch onto the oversized, black leather jacket you were wearing as your manager and assistant walked on either side of you, directing to to the entrance of a random theatre in the city.

Since the Oscars, nothing has really changed. It's been about three weeks now and there wasn't chaos anymore- it seemed like news about that night had already faded.

Regularly, you did chat with Florence, Shailene, and Andrew on the phone- individually at times throughout your past weeks- but nothing too crazy.

You all had your busy schedules and your manager was still being as hardworking as ever trying to exploit more of you to the press and on the screen. Safe to say, every time she had news it would always be something impressive.

Except for today, when she proudly announced after barging into your house during breakfast that there was a new film premiere you had to attend.

It's not like you opposed the idea- but you watched the film when the production team invited you to their private screening. It would be useless watching it again.

But as persistent as ever, your manager claimed there would be great press and directors attending the public's premiere, following with "an Oscar-nominated actress like you must make themself remembered."

As dramatic as always- but at least she was highly active in your career.

She did everything to make you get noticed, especially when you were at your lowest point mentally after your breakup.

Now onto past relationships, you hadn't heard any news regarding Pedro since you last saw him. Not that you wanted to, but for some reason he was still on your mind. Due to the fact you did sit with your friends ranting about your shared troubles, that's likely the reason.

But all jokes aside, you seriously can't stop thinking about him.

However, you were too scared to admit this to anyone. You tried telling Florence, but every time you mentioned his name she would immediately disregard him, pissed by how he treated you.

Which you loved that she had your back, but you needed someone else to have his own- oddly.

Maybe it was your head deep in thoughts that revealed how you were feeling, but your assistant seemed to notice that you weren't okay- mentally.

After checking in and finding a small crowd, you accepted that maybe most of the audience were in their seats already despite the film starting in almost an hour. Nudging you once your manager left to find one of the producers, you glanced at her as she motioned you to move towards the wall.

"What's up?"

She made a face, practically laughing at your question before continuing on. "Why don't you tell me 'what's up?' The whole ride here you've been silent and I know it's not because you were tired- you slept all afternoon, what's really up?"

Chuckling, you roll her eyes at how nosy she was being- but you knew she only wanted to help you. After working together for years, it was a ritual both of you performed: don't let the other be sad.

Surprisingly, it worked every time. She would hide you from people who upset you while you let her have more vacation days whenever she felt the same.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're thinking about him, huh."

Eyes widening, you shake your head quickly as she laughs at your poor attempt of denying her idea. But she knew right from the moment you got lost in your head that he was the one to blame.

"Don't worry, I won't tell," she whispered loudly, causing you to shove her as she laughed louder.

"Shut up, someone might hear you," you hiss, watching as she tried holding her breath to stop herself from cackling again. She just looked like a fish in need of water.

"Don't think about him then," she teased. "If it's making you lost in your thoughts! Wait- why is he in your head? I thought you hated him?"

Coughing, you shake your head. "I don't hate him- I could never."

"Never?" she raises a brow in shock. "I think we're seeing some progress here. You're falling back in loveeeee with him."

"No way," you scoffed as she grinned heavily. "I'm just thinking about the Oscars since that was the last work-related event I've been to since today and you know- he was there so he ended up in my mind...for a little."

She slowly nods, teasing a smug as makes it pretty clear she did not believe one word you said. Your assistant has seen everything, so she is quite familiar with your thoughts regarding Pedro.

She knows when your happily, sadly, angrily, and crazily daydreaming about him. In this case, she's stuck between happily and crazily- not seeming to find any hints of fury and sorrow through your expressions.

But definitely warmth and frustration- all due to him not being able to leave your head.

"When are you just going to admit you still love him?" She blurts out, causing you to snap your heard towards her. "Everybody sees it, you obviously have a soft spot for him if you let him be near you."

"Near me? He's never near me," you laugh. "And I never show signs I want him back, I don't. I made it clear for months now after perfectly avoiding him at all costs."

"Yeah, but he's still on your mind- that must mean something," she declares, causing your small grin to fall into a tight line.

That must mean something.

Did it?

Shaking that thought away, you reject her idea. "It means he traumatized me."

"It means you're in denial and scared to be with him again," she replied, placing her hands on her hips. "Look, I just know you two are meant to be. Next time you see him, talk to him. Tell him how much you care for him- even if you don't want to admit it in a lovey-dovey way. It can be friendly!"

Giving her a strange look, she lowers her energy quickly before looking around the room, making sure no one saw how enthuastic she became.

"You get the point!" she rolls her eyes. "Just be nice, maybe the both of you can form a friendship or just drift apart knowing there's no hard feelings."

"But there is hard feelings," you declared, pointing out the obvious.

There is a reason why you two broke up, like there is also a reason why you despise him. It all comes down to history and actions, which you've both experienced- which is why, again, you broke up.

"Just..." she started, thinking about it for a second before sending you a sincere glance. "-give it a shot. If you don't hate him, like you said, it wouldn't be terrible to be civil."

Slowly nodding, you understand where she's coming from. This tension between Pedro and you was getting old, and the fact it was only you adding fuel to the non-existent fire since you've broken up is sad.

Especially when all he's been around you was sweet and considerate of your feelings, leaving you alone when he felt your energy- except for that one night, but you have to admit that was your fault for riling him up.

The roughness of heels came marching your way, forcing the both of you to instantly lift your head- finding your manager striking a fake breaming grin with two men beside her. She was trying too hard.

"Girls! This is Greg and Shawn- the writers of the film!" she exclaimed, fluttering her lashes rapidly as both men awkwardly raised a hand, waving it.

Releasing a tiny chuckle, you do the same as your assistant walks closer, sticking out her hand to fully gain their attention and introduce herself.

What can you say- she was a charmer.

Wrapping an arm around your shoulder, your manager slightly pulls you closer to the strangers and strangely bobbles her head- preparing whatever gibberish was about to spit out of her talkative mouth.

"Y/n- the boys thought it would be a great idea to sit in the vip selection among other A-listers- isn't that just lovely? We are very grateful for your offer-"

Boys? Oh god- now she was bonding for her hopeful chances of getting a call for an audition.

Compelling a sweet smile, you feel the only possible response you could give them was a meaningless 'thank you so much' after she literally put you on blast to communicate more. The funniest part about this situation was- you already watched the film!

Clearly you never met these writers- but instead the director himself! Your manager should be satisfied enough with that.

"Would you look at the time,-" Greg- you believe, softly gasps while raising his arm to examine the tiny apple watch planted. "Guests are probably filling up in their seats by now, terribly sorry- but we should probably go."

"I hadn't realized how close we were to showtime- we certainly must continue off our conversation after the film is over!" Shawn proclaims, making your manager nod far too quickly. "I look forward to meeting again."

With that, the two men inclined their motions of farewells before taking off down a dimmed hall, likely finding the exact destination set to premiere their comedic film.

Sighing, you send daggers to your managers who barely blinks before coughing out a swift, "What?"

"You really couldn't wait till after the film was over to sweet talk them?"

Dramatically rolling her eyes at your annoyance, she waves you off by your sudden introversion. It was her job to throw her best compliments about you too them, and she knew you were still too young to understand that everything she did was for a cost.

You.

"C'mon grumpy, let's locate the theatre before you start whining that your feet hurt, too."

Feeling your mouth slightly drop from her remark, you hear your assistant cackle right beside you, using her right palm to hold in her giggles while you mentally prepared for what comeback to throw her way.

You got nothing.

Huffing, your legs followed hers as she guided the two of you towards the same hall the men approached minutes before. The closer you've walked, the larger the capacity gathered around.

For such a low-budget film, it sure did gain quite the crowd.

As the rolling of the ending credits flooded the screen once you sat the last two and a half hours trying to act as if you didn't know what was coming next, you wish you had it in you to say the second time made up for the first- but it didn't.

There we have it, tonight was just not your night and endlessly enough- you couldn't blame it on some silly excuse of watching the same film over again.

Not even your assistant's sneaky offerings of her red licorice lifted your blues- and that speaks enough volume to say the least.

"That wasn't so bad, now was it?" the whole-heartedly voice of your manager's voice filled your ears as the three of you sat in the same lobby as before, still not finding a way to escape a cold room.

Oh how you abominated the sharp hits of the air conditioning- it frankly made coming to the theaters a horror unless layers of clothing and a blanket was tagged along.

"Why can't we leave? The film is done and people are walking out."

"We still have to talk to Shawn and Greg!" your manager declared, presenting a look of pure determination to get her way with their levels of skill.

Groaning, you throw your head in absolute exhaustion. Fairly, if your manager hadn't had made such an early visit during the morning hours you're sure you would've been in a better mood.

It was like the more you interacted, the less energy you had to give.

In order to survive the next few hours, you needed your phone or who knows how your fake laughters will sound.

And you call yourself an actress.

Sliding your hand to the back of your pockets, you wait for the feel of your large iphone to surface- but that moment never comes. Swiftly, you check your leather jacket ones just in case you slipped it there without realizing.

You didn't.

Anxiously glancing towards your assistant, your trembling hands find her arm. "Have you seen my phone? It's not on me."

Examining your hands before meeting your eyes, she shrugs it off. "Relax, no need to have a nervous breakdown- I'm sure you left it in the car with your bag-"

"No, I had it on me during the previews."

"We did go to the bathroom, too- why not just go check those two places?" she suggests. Concerned filled you, hoping nobody was capable of actually stealing your phone- it would be such a hassle getting another one. "I'll check the bathroom, you check our seats."

Agreeing, the two of you sneakily escape your manager when her back was turned, unpleasantly speed walking down the familiar hall before parting ways to your needed locations.

Opening the thick, black doors and striding up the long runway, your eyes are met with the same darkened seating area you were in less than twenty minutes ago.

Then and there, you use this desertion in power- running towards the middle rows consider 'vip' and begin your inspection. Fuck, you wish your had some form of light to help- you couldn't see shit.

Sliding your fingers among the seat, you lift up the cushions in hopes it mysteriously pops up, but all you find is pieces of popcorn and gum glued down.

Gross.

Feeling your eyes begin to water, you were sure you were seconds away from crying like a little kid over the loss of your beloved possession before you heard a deep voice call out for your attention.

"Is this yours? I heard it ringing when I came back in and- uh," the person froze, not having the ability to finish off their sentence as you gradually lifted your body off the floor into their view.

Hopelessly praying the stranger was regarding your phone, your eyes search for their hands first and there it was- your phone!

The corners of your mouth lift up, as well as the creases around your eyes as you internally cheer for your discovery. However, it faltered once you noticed a familiar tattoo laying on one of their palms. Moving your eyes up, you're sure your smile completely disappears once you recognize those brown eyes.

How did you not catch onto his voice from down there?

"Uh- yeah- that's mine," you nervously reply, choking on your words that probably made you sound like you were about to lose consciousness by how strung you were, and hesitantly reach out for the device.

Pedro quietly lets you grab it, not saying one word as your hands collide for a split second before the object was back in your own. You didn't miss the name that appeared on the lit up screen when touched- your assistant must have tried calling you to see if the phone would ring in the bathroom.

Smart.

Avoiding awkward farewells, Pedro swiftly turns around and makes his way down the theatre stairs, not daring to continue on with the barely existing conversation you shared. He's leaving, that fast?

Thinking about all your past interactions, he would always try to chat with you- even when you did give him the coldest shoulder of all time- because that's who he was: kind.

But now he's...walking away?

"Hey- uhm," you begin, following clumsily after him, almost tripping on one of the steps as he reaches his final steps and doubtfully turns your way. Once you stood another step ahead of him, you feel that swirling feeling in your stomach again.

You were nervous- you've never felt this way around him during your breakup- never.

Adjusting your arms inside your jacket, a small smile is extracted out of you as you watch his stay flat. He did not look interested one bit and it frightened you to death. "Thanks for finding my phone- I-I was really scared there for a minute."

Not reacting to your little laugh at the end, he replied- dull. "I didn't know it was yours, I would have given it to guest services if so."

Ouch, you're sure you're hurt expression was recognizable on the outside as much as it pained you on the inside. He really did not want to talk to you, even when you're showing your appreciation.

He really was over you.

"I know," you squeak out, not missing the way his eyes tiredly scanned your own as his body stood there stiff as ever. "I just wanted to thank you, that's all- you saved me a lot of trouble."

Coldly laughing from that, he nods. "I'm sure I have."

Your body tingled with rage as he carelessly ignored your warmth and threw jabs in return. "What's with the attitude? I'm doing nothing wrong here- I'm trying to be friendly."

Inching up, his face presents a sullen one and you immediately feel intimated by the height he owned and used as his advantage. Just the first few seconds before he spoke alone made you feel his displeasure. "And what about all those times I was friendly? I received shit so forgive me for allowing you to experience the same treatment you give others."

Loss for words, you were speechless and didn't know what to say back. For one, you were alarmed by his hard demeanor he gifted to you. Second, humiliation soared throughout as he called out your imperfections.

In other words, he wanted you to know you were a bitch.

"And I take that back but-"

Pedro was about to burst out laughing in front of your face, but he held himself together in sake of your feelings. Can you believe that, despite the misery he still cared for your state of mind. "Taking back isn't apologizing."

Sneering, you cross your arms as his eyebrows furrowed in irritation. "Apologize for what? You were the one who fucked my life over."

Scoffing, he shakes his head in vexation by your lack of empathy- as always. "Countless of times we would contemplate our faults and how we could move on and now you're discounting your wrongdoings- typical."

Pedro did not want to have another unpleasant argument with you, especially in a public setting again, and decided it was best to just walk away. If he kept his mouth shut, he wouldn't make this altercation worse.

Meeting his broad back, you lightly gasp as he ignores you altogether and makes his leave far too early for your liking. Charging towards him, you feel his back solidify once your fingers yank him to a halt.

You were not done with this conversation, but you did know once you got home you were definitely going to regret how toxic you were radiating in the room.

"Typical? What do you mean by that?"

"Knock it off and let me walk away, y/n," Pedro warns, still facing his back towards you after blocking your attempts of moving him. "We both know how badly this will end."

You know, but for some reason you don't want him to leave. Was that so bad?

"No, I wanna hear exactly what you have to say about me- maybe it'll make me recognize the ignorant ego I have."

"You're talking out in anger, you're trying to cause a fire that I won't let you ignite," he simply replies, his eyes still not found by his hidden appearance.

Very poetic.

Scowling profoundly, you don't realize what you're doing until you're finally met with his provoked display after. Stalking around his body, you stand in front of him and jab a finger towards his chest. "You're preventing me from bettering myself, isn't that what you always wanted?"

Leaning down until his face with inches away from yours, you make out his hard features clearly now. His face expressed discomfort as his eyes creased while lifting- even his lips stayed hard as a rock. "I'm going to tell you one more time, let me go."

Ignoring his cold shoulder, he inhaled a sharp breath before taking matters into his own hands. You don't want to listen? Fine. But he wasn't going to let you drag him into this any further.

Right as you push another finger up against him, your wrist was taken and roughly pushed down by your side as Pedro's body practically belted against yours. "Get off me!"

"Not until you stop fucking around," he grunted, immediately widening his eyes in realization. He knows you don't like when he casually curses directly to you- even when he doesn't harm. "Sorry- I-I meant when you stop playing around."

Praying that a smile doesn't escape you, it made you feel some type of way capturing his manners and how even though you two were on rocky terms- he still had some respect for you.

"Why are we even fighting right now?" you sigh, slowly softening your muscles in forfeit.

"You tell me- it sounds like you want my attention," he casually replied, releasing your hands and stepping back an inch. "Considering you won't let me leave."

"I'm just trying to have a normal, polite conversation! Is that so wrong?"

Softly laughing, he shakes his head in disappointment. "You don't get it."

Scrunching your face, you become lost by his words. "Get what?"

Scanning the wall before meeting your eyes again, Pedro motions his hands between the two of you. "What do you think will come out of us having a conversation? Acquaintances? Maybe a friendship?"

Thinking about it for a second, you feel your head eventually nod as he squeezes his eyes shut in return. Was that not what he's been trying to do- end in good terms? "It's what's healthy for us."

"Us?!" Pedro groans, sending you a tired gaze that had you weak to the knees. "There is no 'us' anymore. You made that perfectly clear after causing a scene last month in front of your friends."

"I didn't plan on that happening a-"

"I'm even letting go the bigger scene you caused inside the after party- isn't that enough to understand why I feel this way?" he adds on, frustrated that you would think otherwise.

You were the one who caused the attention and brought a bad look on his name. He should be shouting at you like you would have done to him if the roles were reversed.

"I'm not saying we should get back together, all I want-"

"-is a friendship? Some sort of relation that won't make us strangers?" he interjects, causing you to stay silent. That was all he needed to understand what you really wanted: not to let him go. "Look, we had our history, but I don't think it's good we keep in contact anymore."

You swear you felt all air leave your body as your face felt cold. Was he breaking up with you- in life itself?

"I-uhm don't- I don't understand," you cough, scared to make a bigger fool out of yourself. You're sure you probably look like a ghost by how much color you've lost since his recent reveal and again- you were grateful this room was dim. "Why can't we at least be friends? Not even that- why can't we at least know we have each other in our lives? Why end up as strangers?"

"What do you mean? We hadn't talked to each other in almost a year till last month! We basically are strangers," he exclaimed, causing you to look down at your feet as your heart ached.

He wasn't wrong- you just hadn't realized he's been right. And to blame was you, not him. You pushed him away in the first place, he was only kind enough to oblige.

And it was surely pathetic how now you wanted him back in your life, even if it meant not even talking just to assure yourself he still had your back.

He didn't.

"Y/n..." he sadly muttered, trying his best not to hurt your feelings as you were still continued to stay downwards- not wanting to disclose more hurt. "You didn't even say happy birthday to me, how can you be considered a friend? Friends don't do that, not to me at least."

This caused you to glance back up to him, disagreeing immediately as to what he was trying to get at. Of course you knew it was his birthday, you celebrated two with him in the past! "I didn't want to make things weird-"

"You never do but still avoid me like the plague and breakdown whenever I'm too close to your liking. I'm sorry for trying to do what's best and leave us in the past,-" he explains, closing his eyes in discomfort, "-but I can't keep letting this go on. I'm too old to be going back and forth as if this is some high school relationship- it's not."

High school relationship- you never knew simple three words could have you shrinking in guilt.

"And I know things will be easier for you when the time comes- I won't be around to nag you," Pedro tries to lighten up the mood but you can't break the line upon your lips. You were emotionless and it made Pedro upset.

Why would he be upset? You finally deserved learning your lesson after treating him as if he was nothing to you. But despite all your flaws, he still cared for you.

He cares so much that he's willing to let you go so you can do better things in life- without him.

Trying to find the right words to say, you give up. There isn't much to discuss now that he wants nothing to do with you.

You fucked up- for real this time.

In fact, you shouldn't even be hurt- you wanted this. Or at least that's what you thought before last month when he wasn't on your mind 24/7.

Maybe it was the way he begged for your forgiveness after not seeing each other for so long that made you realize how badly you adored him nearby.

Maybe it was the attention he was giving you after you continuously rejected his pleads, furthering the argument until he stormed off in the end.

And maybe you should've took his concluding estrangement announcement seriously before he left you last month.

But just like they say, you never know what you have until it's gone.

"I see," you quietly respond, slowly nodding as a faint grin forms among Pedro's lips, appreciating your cooperation over this mess. "Maybe it is best if we stray away from each other- you can even delete my number."

"I already have," he accidentally blurts out, not realizing how bad that sounds until he hears it himself and cringes. Your sufferable reaction didn't make things better.

"You know what," you fake a laugh, trying to calm your voice as you feel it about to crack any second. The tears were heading your way- you just knew it. "Fuck you."

Pedro's face falls, taken back by your inappropriate language. "Excuse me?"

Noticing your rushed attitude, he wanted to stop you and tell you everything was alright. That everything was going to be easy and how the two of you would get passed this.

But he knew he'd be lying.

"You heard me, fuck you," you casually slip out, scoffing as his eyes darken. "For someone who's so kind to others, I would have thought you would know what words were right to say."

"You're one to talk, sweetheart," he chuckled, staring at you in repulse. "Every time you talk you always have to neglect someone else, I'm fucking glad I don't have to witness that ever again."

"Me too, my family was right- you are a joke who wasted my time."

With that, you make your leave to have the chance of having the last word. Maybe if you left this room faster he would forget about your comment. You knew it was harsh but you didn't know what else to say.

You wanted him to hurt- but to what extent?

Your arm was instantly tugged as Pedro pulled you back, not letting his grip go as his face was still filled with resentment. "And your team was right, you are a bitch."

Freezing, you stare at him in shock as his face doesn't fall once. What the hell is he talking about? "Get away from me or else-"

"Or else what? Weren't you the one physically blocking me from leaving minutes ago? What has changed?" he tries to smirk, manipulating you into believing how ruthless he could be when really he was dying to tell you the act he was pulling. "Cat got your tongue?"

Your face felt hot with rage as you yanked your arm off his hand, catching him by surprise as you glared at him. "I'm so glad I never took you back, you're fucking pathetic."

"And I'm insanely glad you didn’t, saved thousands returning that fucking ring."

Those twelve words made you halt and even made Pedro speechless. By the staggered look planted on his face, you could tell he didn't mean to say that.

Ring? As in, an engagement ring?

Weakly failing to stand straight, you felt your voice crack. "You were going to propose?"

Shaking his head, he swiftly backed away. "I need to go." Before you could stop him, he was already out of the theatre and probably near larger gatherings of people that would only prevent you from talking about this more.

Holding your face with your hands, you couldn't even cry. You didn't know what to do, you were utterly lost for words.

If he was really going to propose like he hinted at, what meaning did your last fight have? Nothing made sense and you don't know how you could move on from this now that he wanted you out of his life completely.

Hearing doors open, you instantly averted your gaze in hopes he had come back in and planned to properly finish what he started.

Instead, you manager came barging in while gripping onto your assistant's wrist harshly.

"Where the hell have you been?! I've been looking for you everywhere and to find out your stupid assistant-"

"Don't you dare disrespect her," you sternly cut her off, watching as her face falters by your sudden tone. "If you're here to pester us some more, feel free to walk home."

Laughing in shock, your manager tilts her head at your rudeness. "Excuse me? It wasn't my fault your assistant wondered off. After everything I have done to protect you and your career you feel the need to throw me out-"

"Did she hurt you?" you cut her off, focusing on your assistant who has gone quiet. You notice the redness on her small wrists before she slowly nods, looking down in fear your manager would try something else.

"You're fired," you simply state, pushing past your frantic ex- manager as you lightly guide your assistant out the door.

You ignore the rage your ex- manager unveils as you make it back to the lobby. Ignoring the waves random people sent your way in hopes of finding your destined car sooner so you could help your assistant with her injuries and be home already.

And in bed to think about what the fuck just happened tonight.

+

tagslist: @d4rno @ddeonmixx @sloanexx @soilaluna @o-sacra-virgo-laudes-tibi @floralsightings @prettiestmark @queereddie @beltzboys2015-blog @valopz @thhriller @lovebynorth @tomorrowseverything @cheesemittens @jasminedragoon @prettyinpunk85 @marysucks-blog @iwillbiteabitch @daddy-din @blacklist07 @amberpanda99 @sciencebros1128 @jklkverr @nini123 @miss-goldenweek @pedropascalfan221 @sagggy @aphrcdites @spacelatinos4life @esstark @tongibatongi @maviee @gimalo135 @spicymochi15 @kittenlittle24

[stabbyfoxandrew]

Hii Aerie!! I just saw your wipw post on a mini-break from studying and it made me very happy. How are you doing?

You know I can't pick, so, can I request whichever gets the least asks between Arsonist Neil, Mafia Front, and Guardian Angel Neil, pretty please?

I hope your week is lovely, here's some (very messily drawn) flowers for you ✨✨

WIP Wednesday (1/15) | Guardian Angel Neil AU (Part 264)

"Difficult or dead, Coach." Andrew tells him on his way out. He hears Wymack sigh and smiles to himself as he starts back to the men's locker room. There's a poof and Neil is suddenly walking beside him, matching Andrew step for step.

"I counted seventeen blocks in the second half."

"You counted wrong," Andrew tells him. "We'll be forced to watch the game later, you can double check."

Neil grins like re-watching the game in the Fox's lounge is a dream come true. "I can come?"

"You already watched the game, you know what happens. Surely that means you can keep yourself calm enough to stay invisible."

"I'll do my best." Neil gives a determined nod. "Don't let anyone near your armrest, that's where I'll be."

"Armrest. Got it." Andrew says as they arrive at the locker room door. He's not sure how he's supposed to focus knowing there's an angel sitting over him, but that's later Andrew's problem. Neil smiles and continues down the hall, Andrew watches him until he turns into the lounge. He can't help it. He hardly ever gets to see Neil walk. Especially not from this angle. When he finally goes to push the door open, he hears someone clear their throat behind him.

"Andrew, are you alright?" asks Renee's voice. Andrew doesn't bother turning around.

"Of course."

"Who were you talking to?"

"I didn't say anything." Andrew lies. Then he merrily wanders into the locker room to find Kevin already staring at him, an annoying gleam in his eyes.

“You had fun.”

“How dare you say that to me.”

[ur-mousey]

Cross My Heart and Hope to Die~

-Yan!Andrew Graves x F!Reader x Yan!Ashley Graves-

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Part 1, 3 (coming out soon)

chapter two The Doll prt 1

summary A doll's presence is all it took to cause a ripple effect to occur. warning familial neglect/abuse, quarantine trauma, hunger, implied cheating

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Porcelain dolls have eyes that notice the insignificant details. They settle on a freckle four cm to the left and a quarter inch above your cupid's bow. To anyone but the doll, it would go unnoticed. So, when one peeks at it through its glass confinements, its eyes won't meet them; instead, it'll linger on that minor imperfection. That fracture in a supposedly perfect mold. However, no one's face is prettier than a doll. Once they've noticed all that makes you human, then and only then- will they turn their gaze to the tacky florals patterning the walls.

Mommy had dressed you as such.

Then she yelled at you for seeing the wrinkles gathering around her brows. Adding with age and multiplying with substances.

Daddy left and it meant that Mommy blamed you for driving a wedge within their relationship. Father never wanted a girl. He reminded you each birthday he was present that only lesser men spawned pussies. You never shot back a retort, finding buttercream swirls more appealing than his face.

Then Jared ran away before you turned twelve. He loathed your doe expression. He wanted to cram you into a box to look at forever. The desire to snap your legs to keep you like a wingless bird ever-present in his thoughts. You were so pretty that he tried bruising your flesh to make you undesirable. But, it fueled his preadolescent hormones.

That's why Jared fled. His conflicts were written on torn-out pages of your favorite books, haphazardly strewn under your pillows.

By fifteen, all Mommy had was you and your porcelain eyes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

You tensed over the checkered tile floor, which you've stared at all morning. The A/C whirled down the hall, sputtering out of sync; it hardly worked, and no repair man could be called. You toed at the roughed-up edges of wooden planes, meeting the kitchen flooring. You traced purple scribbles from a marker long discarded with the heels of your feet. You chuckled at your balance seeming off. Your stomach ached, but nothing could be delivered.

The last you've eaten to satiate the tiniest bit of hunger was a can of tomatoes warmed on the stovetop a half day prior. Unfortunately, it was split among three -the Graves siblings and yourself.

You paced on tip-toes from the sink to the front door -barred on the outside. You used to peek each morning through the peephole for a sign of life besides the security guard making his rounds. And each time, there was one pair of footfalls on the water-drenched carpet.

These days you felt like a marionette, stumbling through the motions on uneven limbs. Your right side lifted higher than your left, and your arms splayed parallel to your hips as if you held onto the wire strings itself. If you hopped off pointe, you felt limp and discarded. Worn out. As though the puppeteer decided a doll of more novelty deserved to breathe life.

And if you ever did stop moving then the TV's saccharine buzz would meld into your pores as it spoke its static language. Foreign if not for its monotony over your life. It reminded you that death remained your last resort.

You wouldn't survive this.

"You're up..." A voice startled your reverie. It was lithe and wooly in the air with hints of sleep attached to each syllable. Leyley stretched over the couch's mustard arm. "That burns calories." She gestured flippant at your display.

"Your point... We'll die anyways," You chewed on your inner cheek.

Ashely faced away. Any snide remark wrangled tight to her chest.

She shrugged, "Who's Andy on the phone with?"

You glanced over at Andrew, the only member of this dump who was fortunate enough to receive weekly check-in calls. "Probs it's Julia."

Who else could it be besides her? Julia this and Julia that. When the phone rang, Andrew pounced for the receiver, soaring head-first into her tales of a world outside. You had not bothered to listen except to the forlorn sighs breaching over the static. But your steps mimicked the rhythm of which he'd spoken -hushed and bothered.

Ashley wore a blank facade. Her pink eyes sparked devilishly against the paleness of her skin. "Oh?" She gritted through thin lips.

You brushed frigid fingers through your hair, which remained a hot-knotted mess. Leyley reached over pillows for the remote, and with speed, she muted the sound, before filtering through the television stations as if anything would pop up. However, she knew there was nothing but the news which had shut off an hour prior.

Andrew sneered at his sister. "Or I can try talking to them? But-- No or I mean yes. But that doesn't--... No, I'm not angry. I'm just--"

Pause. More shoutings of female rage sputtered over the receiver.

"No, I--... Can you let me talk?" Andrew snorted.

A female voice shrilled from the phone, "--'ve time to think---... just can't do it anymore."

"What else is there to say …Sorry?" Andrew stiffened. He pinched at the furrow of his eyebrow. "Although I don't see why I should be held accountable for--"

beep -- beep -- beep… CLANK

Metal smashed against itself as Andrew deposited the rotary phone back into place. "Who was it?" Ashley spoke. Her fingers stroked the gem dangling from her inked black chocker wrapped in a death vice around her neck.

"My ex-girlfriend. Apparently."

You hopped down, bare heels meeting the ground.

"Oooo, she dumped you? Why is that?" Leyley twirled her words together into a song.

A silence bloomed between the siblings.

The back tag of Andrew's sweater was flipped up, reaching toward the nape of his hair. "Why do you think?" He breathed out low.

"H-how should I know? Maybe… because you're a parasite-infested homebody, that's apparently perma-quarantined?" Ashley brought her knees to her chest, resting her chin above it. "Or, it's because she found somebody new? It's been a few months, buddy. Or maybe she didn't like you much in the first place."

"…Whatever you say, Ashley." Andrew dragged his feet to the balcony. The door slammed shut on this argument.

Leyley swiveled her gaze to you. "I didn't even tell him the worst of it. I could've brought up the fact that he's fucking you."

You puffed out a soft laugh. "It's because you tell me to."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"NOOOO!!!" Ashley welled. She had kicked her feet into the air, flailing them about like weapons with no aim. Anything and everything was a target in her blind fury. "I don't want her sleeping in my room."

You huddled on the top step to the second floor, head buried into the flesh of your arm. Andrew hobbled past your form with your bookbag in tow. You glanced at the rabbit toy nodding off towards the door. Its arm flopped over his shoulder.

Mrs. Graves tore sheets out of the hallway closet with haste. She had bags under her eyes and her groans were exaggerated. "Ashley! Stop. I told you, when she stays the night, she'll be in your room."

"No faaaaair-" The little girl drawled. "Let her stay on the couch!!!"

"And let that child have an accident on it? No."

"So, she'll pee in my room!" Ashley's cheeks pooled red with heat.

"If she so has to," Mrs. Graves rolled her eyes. "But, I assume she's potty trained..." She waltzed towards her daughter, depositing the linens over top of her head.

Andrew wrangled Ashley from underneath the covers. Her arms spun like broken windmills -knocking her fists against his head. "That's not the point!!! I don't want her here."

Mrs. Graves flattened the blankets out on the ground. "It's not about what you want."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thank you for reading! Request rules are here! Follow my ig = lil.thoughts.xo! Sorry to have this come out so late!! Hope you all enjoy, part three should be out sooner. Next chapter will explore more of this "sleep over"

@aika-starlight @snackpaxk @jimmycest @moriwori

[strawberrynightmere]

Can I request a Yandere Andrew x pregnant medical student Julia!reader?, set after their breakup. She’s relieved she left him months ago after discovering the Graves siblings' crimes. Now, five months pregnant, she decides to keep it secret from him and move to another countryBut Andrew tracks her down… and pregnancy sex (yeah it happens unless it's risky).

Yeah, anon also sent that there would be no Ahley (can be mentioned) and itsuppose to be non-con/dub-con with reader liking it at the end (like mindbreak or something).

Found You [Yandere Andrew Graves x Pregnant Julia! Reader]

TW⚠️: dark content, yandere tendencies, pregnancy, kidnaping, Ashley is not here (she is mentioned), non-con/dub-con smut/nsft/+18, reader takes place of Julia, female reader, assumptions of cheating, threat of abortion (idk call it what ever you want), my writingn, I don't know what else to put here.

A/n: I had to change some things up. Again, I am open to criticism.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

"I-it's over! I'm done with you!" You slam the phone back on the wall and take deep breaths to calm yourself down.

It was supposed to be a normal phone call where you were gonna tell him about the pregnancy, but something just snapped at the moment. The thought of having to deal with Ashley even more scared you tremendously, and it wasn't helping that Andrew didn't want to listen, saying: "we'll talk it over once I'm out."

You bury your face in a pillow and let out a scream. A college student who's almost four months into her pregnancy, it sure is a story. Once you are done screaming into a pillow, you lay on your bed a stear at the ceiling.

You'll figure something out...

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

And you did.

Wow, and we're not gonna touch on that at all.

Right now, you're getting an ultrasound, and the doctor was showing you the screen. "This is the body, and here is the head." You nodded along as they explained more, like how the baby is developing, about your health, etc. etc.

Anyways, all went well. You made an appointment for next month, and now you're returning home. When you feel an intense stear at your back, you turn to see nobody was there.

It's kind of weird that the streets are empty at this time of day. Maybe you should hurry a bit.

You began to walk faster, picking up the pace whenever you thought you heard a footstep that wasn't yours. Eventually, you were about to try running, but whoever was following you had already predacted it and grabbed and dragged you in an empty alleyway, restraining you and covering your mouth and nose with some pice of fabric.

You were feeling dizzy after a bit of struggling.

Shit!

It's chloroform.

You struggle even harder, trying to get free, even going as far as screaming through the fabric.

"That's enough."

That voice, it belongs to Andrew. How is that possible? He's supposed to be dead.

You slip into unconsciousness, and the last thing you see is his green eyes.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

You hazely come to half consciousness. Your vision was foggy as you tried to rub the tiredness from them. But you can't move them.

You gain full consciousness in shock and notice that your hands are tied up to the headboard of a bed.

Oh fuck! Andrew!

"You're awake."

And there he was, standing above you holding a cleaver.

"A-Andrew-"

"I told you we'd talk when I get out." He said in a grim tone. Andrew sits himself under your numb legs. He lifts your shirt above your chest.

"But you moved on pretty quickly." He points the blade of the cleaver under your belly. "Who is it?"

In panic, you blurted it out.

"Yours! The baby is yours!"

He stares at you in shock.

"Heh..." He removed the cleaver and started laughing. He placed his head on your belly, listening to the baby's heartbeat, his hand gently caressing your side.

"And you still left." Andrew takes his sweet time while you feel slight dread of the words he spoke. "It doesn't matter. You won't be doing that anymore."

Andrew pushes your bra up, exposing your sensitive breasts.

"Wait, Andrew!"

"I'll be gentle." He said softly before gently bitting and licking your breasts, earning small whimpers from you.

His hand undid your pants and slid into your underwear. You feel his fingers press and circle your clit a bit before sliding into your entrance, thrusting in and out while his thumb was playing with your clit.

A moan finally escaped your lips as you came over his fingers.

Andrew then pulls your plants down, along with your underwear. He undid his pants, pulled out his throbing cock and lined himself up at your entrance. He slowly pushes in, and you gasped.

Once he was fully in, he waited a moment or two before slowly thrusting in and out.

You feel a knot in your stomach, getting tighter and tighter the more Andrew moved. You finally came, moaning his name.

Andrew pulls out and carefully gets off the bed.

You slowly slip back into unconsciousness as you feel his lips kiss your forehead.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

A/n: Honestly, that was a bit better than the last one. Sorry it took so long. Anyway, I'm gonna go look for dividers.

[stellar-constellations]

STELLAR IM ON MY KNEES PLS TELL US ABOUT THE ANDREW SERIES IDEAS

I apologize in advance for my ramblings, because I know damn well I'm going to rant. These ideas are not yet complete and could change over time as I try to work out plots and ideas, FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED AND WANTED!

First thing's first, thank you to my Secret Spy (name is unknown for privacy reasons/to have a cool nickname) who gives me ideas and honest feedback about my work so I can improve. Much love to you. She suffers through A LOT of my obsessive rambles, and she also helps a great deal in ideas for my stories, so I appreciate her help and patience.

First idea: Andrew Graves x Stalker! Cultist! Reader

This was a suggestion brought up by my Secret Spy. It's a huge work in process considering how I'd have to try and write plot purposes with that, but hey, we'll see how it goes, so allow me to explain the (supposed) plot so far.

(Y/N) is a member of the phony cult group "Asinus infirma daemonium clava" (look it up in Latin using this translator, trust me). Due to a contract forged between her parents' and the Fire Demon before her birth. After the death of her parents from supernatural causes, (Y/N) finds herself born with demonic connections to the Fire Demon and grows up inside the cult. Surrounded by phony cultists and the same people her entire life, she finds herself utterly obsessed in love upon meeting Andrew Graves, a seemingly normal guy who just happens to accidentally infiltrate the cult.

(Y/N)'s personality is currently up in the air, but I think I'm leaning towards a confident, morally-grey reader who has a knack for causing destruction and problems.

This is currently a oneshot/fic idea due to many plot holes and a worry that this fic's original plot will be too similar to another idea I have (don't worry, that idea will be written here in this post). FEEDBACK AND SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS IDEA IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED, let me know what you want to read, and any ideas you have to help expand this into a potential series, or we can keep it a nice and short fic!

Second Idea: Andrew Graves x Greek Goddess! Reader

Due to the nature of this idea, there will be religious themes mentioned, and there will also be tons of inaccuracies and my own takes on Greek Mythology (because Greek Mythology is EVERYWHERE that it would be hard to try and make this accurate). Sorry to my Percy Jackson fans, I've never watched or read the books so the Gods' personalities will be nothing like the PJ series. This was actually an idea I introduced a few months ago, it was actually in a poll against Star Patient! This idea has been recreated with a different plot, but I believe this plot is more enjoyable than the OG's plot.

(Y/N) is the Greek Goddess of Sleep and Visions. For years, she's had her eyes on Andrew Graves, finding his dreams and subconscious desires intriguing to stand out upon the billions of other dreams she's seen throughout her millenniums. She finds herself in the mortal's overworld now, entering a world of advanced technology and terrifying beasts (cars) roaming the streets. While Andrew tries to shield (Y/N) from humanities dangerous flaws (including himself), Ashley finds (Y/N)'s powers more useful than you would expect... finding herself in a world constantly on the run as she evades the police and discovers what living is with the Graves Siblings.

So, the whole road-trip evading the police thing was an idea I had for the Cultist idea, but I decided to ditch it in the Cultist idea because it was far too similar. I figured the idea would fit here more, having an outdated and naive Goddess trying to navigate this new scary world just sounds so adorable!

(Y/N)'s personality is curious, timid, with an almost child-like fascination as she learns to understand the meaning of life, and to cherish it while it lasts. She has a serious need for validation and feeling needed, and all she wants to do is be helpful to the Graves siblings, no matter what she has to do.

This is going to be a fluffy and bittersweet series. I wanted something more wholesome and sweet for Andrew and Ashley because they deserve it after all they've gone through (in the game and in my Star Patient series, ahaha). (Y/N) and Andrew are the only love interests, and Ashley has a pretty healthy and wholesome sister-like relationship with (Y/N).

Third Idea: Andrew Graves x Two-faced! Serial Killer! Reader

As you've probably noticed now, I like making (Y/N) the more... interesting characters. I feel like each (Y/N) helps branch out and creates inclusivity for my readers, because not everyone has the same personality or thought-process, so I wanted all my (Y/N)'s to be unique too!

(Y/N) is Andrew's lovable neighbor next door. She's always willing to lend a hand and has a stellar social image and a great connection with the community. In the day, she works as a waitress in a popular diner and volunteers at pet shelters. At night, she's a ruthless killer stalking the alleyways of the city, with nothing on her mind but how many stabs she can stab a face into disfiguration. She's never cared for romance or love until now, meeting Andrew Graves after he discovers her horrific secret. Now that he knows, she'll have to keep a constant eye on him. Sure, she could kill him, but what's the point of killing such a cute guy without at least playing with him some? Maybe this isn't so much romance, but more so manipulation and power-play, however Andrew slowly seems to let those red flags go and enter a world filled with obsessive love, jealousy, and Stockholm syndrome.

This Andrew doesn't have Ashley as a sibling, making him an introverted, socially-constipated, wallflower with a need of validation.

This (Y/N) is two-faced. To your face, she's bubbly, empathetic, and is the perfect definition of a saint, but if you turn your back for just a second, you might find a knife in it. She has a serious thirst for blood and hearing bones snap (she could potentially be a cannibal, I'm deciding if I want that as a motive or not...)

This going to be a slowburn series.

FEEDBACK AND IDEAS ARE HIGHLY APPRECIATED FOR THIS IDEA!

Fourth Idea: Potential serial killer! Andrew Graves x Journalist! Reader

This idea is the most unstable and wonky one. This idea is under extreme development as I try to figure out what I want to do with this reader and her personality. A poll will eventually be released for this reader's personality and motives.

(Y/N) is a plain and boring woman. You wouldn't notice her in a crowd, much less recognize her face. She's a journalist who specializes in covering true crime cases, and the her hottest case happens to be the quarantined apartment in her city. A thump on her balcony and a door opening leads her to meeting Andrew Graves, who may just be the worst (or best) thing to ever happen in her life. I mean, it's not everyday your hottest crime case drops right into your apartment and begs for a place to stay! Who knew hitmen, cops, and a whole damn demon is following with—okay, what the hell is going on and how does she get her normal life back?!

(Y/N)'s personality is currently unknown. I'm unsure if I want to make her depressed with a thirst of death (hence why she lets Andrew stay, in hopes he'll kill her), or if I want (Y/N) to be a normal girl with an obsessive hobby of true crime and a conspiracy theorist (who wants to keep Andrew around in hopes he'll expose all the case's secrets for her to report). FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED FOR THIS!

I'm also unsure if I want Andrew to be a paranoid guy trying to hide from the police after killing his sister (yes, he killed his sister), or if I want Andrew to be a cocky, arrogant, serial killer. FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED FOR THIS!

This is going to be a series. What direction I want it to take is up in the air, but I want action and drama.

These are currently the ideas I have going on. These ideas are excluding current fluffy fics I'm working on, so be on the lookout for those new fics coming out soon! These series will all be in a poll after I finish the Star Patient series, so I won't be holding off Star Patient for these!

SERIOUSLY, Y'ALL. FEEDBACK IS HIGHLY WANTED ON THESE IDEAS. DON'T BE AFRAID TO LEAVE ANONYMOUS COMMENTS IN MY INBOX, OR MESSAGE ME! I WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS WANNA READ (and as always, if you have your own ideas for fics, please send them in and I'll see what I can do).

[otdiaftg]

Neil didn't know they'd won the argument until Browning slaps a couple applications on the table in front of him. The first is an official name change request, the second and third are for a passport and driver's license, and the last is for a reissued social security card due to the first.

A picture Neil only dimly recognizes is held to the second with a paperclip; it is a mug shot Wymack had taken of him last summer for his school file. In it he still had brown hair and eyes, and his face was free of Riko's tattoo. Despite the picture, the application is half-filled out already and indicates his natural eye color as blue. Neil guesses the picture will shrink to where no one will really notice the discrepancy. He is so distracted by the picture it takes him a moment to understand the significance of what he's been handed. Across the top of every page is the name Neil Josten. All Neil has to do is sign the dotted lines. "Consider this a contract with us," Browning says, sounding as peeved as always. He waits for Neil to look up at him before continuing. "Once you sign this, we start the process to instate 'Neil Josten' as a valid and functioning member of society. That means no more running and no more fake IDs. You are going to be Neil from now until death. You are not allowed to change your mind. You so much as order a latte under a pseudonym and we are going to have a serious problem." "Pen," Neil says, holding out his hand. When Browning doesn't move fast enough, he says, "I get it. Just give me a pen so I can sign it." Browning tosses it onto the table. Andrew catches it before it can roll off the edge and passes it over. Neil scribbles his name along every dotted line and hands the stack back. Browning passes them off to someone else and considers the file-strewn table. "We're done here," Browning says. "If we think of anything else, we'll let you know." "I'm sure you will." Neil gets to his feet and stretches out the day's kinks. The conference room they'd taken over is windowless, but the clock on the wall says it is half past nine.

Day: Sunday, March 10th / 11th* Time: 9:30 AM EST

*Due to the Leap Year, I have opted to highlight the day rather than the date to keep the events in occurrence to the 2007 year. I will continue to mark both days accordingly.

[swiftsdelucaa]

Could I please have an imagine where the reader moves to Seattle. She starts out as a pediatrician at grey loan. Around this time she realizes she's pregnant. With Carina DeLuca as her ob-gyn and coworker the two fall for each other. Carina did not expect to fall for a pregnant woman but realized she knows what she wants. So she asks you out and you say yes around the time you are halfway through the pregnancy. by the end of the pregnancy, it becomes clear you much you and your baby mean to her. When you go into labor she freaks out and comments that “My girlfriend is having our baby!” (you hear her say that but say nothing due to the pain). When the baby is born she is in awe of the tiny human but kinda keeps to the side for a few minutes until you say “come meet OUR son.” Carina tries to apologize for calling him hers but the reader says that Carina is his mother too. Just like a cute family thing please?

❛ 𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 ❜

𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜: Carina DeLuca x f!reader ♡

𝘼/𝙣: I was in the right mood for this lol, enjoy!

You've always loved kids, you would do anything to make them happy. Telling a parent the good news about their child was what you made a living for and although you were aware of the difficult times, you knew how to handle them.

But then just during your successful time in this place you found out you were pregnant. It shocked you enough, because you didn't plan it. You didn't even have a father by your side. It was one of those silly one night stands. You had always been skeptical about this type of thing, but others really instigated you to find distractions outside work and you thought that for once nothing bad would happen if you had some fun. But here's the world turning upside down on you.

As mentioned you could handle any situation, thinking about your life with a baby got you so excited. Yes, you would have loved it, even if as a single mother it would have been a little more taxing. So now you find yourself working for lovely kids while also being careful to take care of the baby you were carrying.

You took it upon yourself to find an appointment with a gynecologist, you certainly wanted your baby to grow up healthy. You were so flustered the first time.

"Good morning" you were greeted by a pretty girl who smiled at you as you sat on the couch.

"Hi" you greeted her with a polite smile, looking around the room a bit.

"You nervous?" the woman asked.

"You don't know how much" you replied with a chuckle at the end.

"It's okay, it's normal" she said making you lie down.

"So, first time?" she asked.

"Yeah"

"I'm doctor DeLuca, Carina DeLuca" she held out her hand to shake it, which you did.

"DeLuca... it's familiar..." you said reflecting.

"Probably you know my brother, Andrew" you nodded to her statement, you had already worked with him a few times.

"Yeah, well I'm Y/n L/n" a smile appeared on her face as soon as she heard your name.

"The famous Y/n, that one who does miracles for kids, finally I meet you" for some strange reason the way she told you that almost made you blush.

"Ok, let's start" she lifted your shirt slightly and took the tools. You moaned as your skin touched the cold gel she smeared on you, and she began to shift her gaze to the monitor. All your emotions and thoughts were stopped by the sound of your baby's heartbeat, which made you cry.

"See, it's here" Carina pointed to the baby's position on the monitor as you looked at it with the tears in your eyes.

"It's a healthy eight week fetus!" the smile on your face increased, unable to hold the tears.

"Hey" Carina wiped the gel off your belly and pulled your shirt back down.

"I, sorry, I don't-"

"No no, it means you care, it's good" she stroked your hand while you wiped away your tears.

"Yeah, thank you, now I should..." you got up from the couch recovering and motioning to have to go.

"I'll make other appointments for you, we'll make sure everything goes well" she took out a notebook to take notes. You stopped at the doorway, smiling one last time at the girl.

"I can't wait" then you went out. After the door closed she mumbled another sentence. "Mee too"

Luckily the meetings went better and better, your baby was growing up perfectly. And the company was pleasant too. Carina stood by you whenever she needed it, she helped you tell others and was there through the ups and downs, she was the moral support you needed.

During the middle of the pregnancy you already couldn't take it anymore. It got tiring and excruciating, and after you found out the baby's sex you wanted to know him even more. You were so happy, you would have prepared to welcome a baby boy. And on the same day Carina asked you out. To be honest she caught you a bit off guard, you were so pregnant and she was your gynecologist…

She apologized immediately after she asked, sounding quite embarrassed, but you made her even more surprised when you said yes. You had thought about her, indeed this woman seemed to show so much interest on you and your baby, and that was all it mattered to you.

You didn't regret saying yes, you had a wonderful evening, and she now took better care of you than before. Even being able to get to know her brother better and watch their quarrels in Italian amused you a lot.

When you went into labor you were completely unprepared, you were washing up for surgery with Alex, which was probably inappropriate being at your ninth month pregnant, and then your water broke. It was lucky that there was someone else with you, because you had completely panicked. He immediately had you loaded onto a stretcher, calling Carina and Arizona, only the best for you.

The contractions increased more and more, becoming almost unbearable, Carina was next to you shaking your hand.

"You... you know that you can resort to orgasm if..."

"Carina, I'd rather have sex with you under more normal circumstances!" you cut her off knowing where she was getting at, starting screaming in pain in the end.

"My girlfriend is having our baby!" she exclaimed with happiness as you continued to scream.

Well yes, it was tiring, but you managed to get to the end, being able to hold your beautiful baby in your arms. He was so beautiful, you were very very happy at that moment. You sought Carina with the gaze, finding her not far from the door walking around it.

"Hey" you got her attention. “Come meet our son” you said with a smile as she entered.

"I- I'm sorry... I was just-"

"It's okay, he's yours too, he's ours" before she could feel guilty you consoled her. You cared about her, you wanted her in your baby's life, you knew she would be happy.

She bent down to give you a kiss on your lips and stroked your hair. The baby's little noises made you stop attracting your attention.

"Oh, your mommies love you too" Carina gave him a kiss on his forehead, the sight of them made you laugh. It was so cute, maybe too much to be real. Together you would have been the best.