#BEEN AN ISSUE TO START WITH A RED FUCKING TILE

[ynwa4eva]

Oh my god i just saw a comment that pointed out that the first square on the croatian nt kit is white im going to lose it i didnt even notice that

[planete777]

꒰ RED LINES .:. LN4 ꒱

( lando norris x fem!reader )

IN WHICH. y/n finds her fate hidden within two red lines, and fears the demise of her and lando's relationship. [based on this ask]

pt. 2 .:. 'red hearts'!

WARNINGS. pregnant!reader, both her and lando aren't ready so there are discussions about potential abortions, mental break downs (i.e panic attacks, crying, you know the drill), angst, mentions of throwing up (no one does it i promise), attachment issues (like me fr), a little bit of fluff (because im not that evil >:])

NOTE. first non-high!lando fic!! i've never written a pregnancy fic, so like, forgive me if it's bad haha 🥲 i put so much effort into my banner, like i'm so proud of it lmao. anyways, enjoy reading luvs 💗

SIDENOTE. my askbox is open! feel free to send in any high!lando thoughts, scenarios and requests, or any other trope too 🤍

edited to add tag in banner

y/n is almost blinded by it.

two bold, red lines.

she finds it completely comical how she didn't know it sooner, for the ink that runs down the result window is so palpable, it might as well have been written with a permanent marker.

the test taunts and mocks her as she stares at it in complete despair and confusion as she so sure that they had been careful. but now, she lets herself cry over spilt milk because having a baby, on top of mountainous piles of stress that came hand-in-hand with uni, was not a checkbox she would've liked to tick off amidst her status quo.

the bathroom pounds with an deafeningly eerie silence, as she stares, and stares, then blinks as tears flow, then stares again. her ears are swallowed by loud static and her vision fuzzes around the edges, making the test in her hand seem further away than it actually is, and she allows herself to completely fade out.

she feel utterly sick. like she wants to throw up, but the upcoming bile, instead, remains dislodged in her throat and presses immense weight into her chest. it shortens her breaths, she's hyperventilating as if she's been strangled, then panic completely overwhelms her. everything before her zooms in and out like a malfunctioning camera and the pregnancy test clatters to the ground as she digs the heels of her palms into her eyes.

she doesn't remember the last time she had a panic attack this severe, and neither does she know if she'll get over it solus. yearn for a presence beside her devours her brain and she wishes that lando–

lando.

the way her heart seems to squeeze in her chest is almost too animalistic to be normal, and it arrives at the thought of him being unacceptable of the baby. he's barely situated in one place, fuck, he basically travels for a living, and all her mind conjures is how he won't be there when she needs him most. she tries to wish it away, because just thinking about her makes her spiral even more and she knows she cannot survive with a child whose father decides to be absent.

codependency isn't great, that she's thoroughly aware of, but lando's presence brings a wave of comfort braided in the brightness of his smiles and the warmth of his embrace, and it has become her whole lifeline.

yet, the bathroom she's in feels too small and too cold to be anything other than unbearable, and her body feels to weak to remain upright, sliding down to the tiled floor. she sobbing and spluttering so much that lando can hear it from two rooms down, and he rushes into the en suite without a thought in mind.

he crouches down in front of her, hands flush against the skin of her cheeks. he's shaking, fucking terrified out of his wits, and his words are enunciated with a tremble.

"hey, hey, y/n breathe with me," he desperately takes her hands into his, and places it on his own chest, making exaggerated breaths as y/n's start to simmer. it feel like hours stretch by, the air surrounding feels tense with fear and devastation, and by the time she settles, y/n senses nothing but exhaustion.

"what's wrong, love? you're scaring me," lando gently asks, and she struggles to respond, mouth rid of any moisture as if it had been scraped dry. lando takes the initiative to look around in hopes that anything would give him a clue to his girlfriend's break down.

then he freezes.

the white stick lays there, gleaming and glowing like it's fucking sent from heaven, and he feels his heart plummet into the depths of his guts. he knows he can deny it all he wants, but it's undeniable, what he's seeing, yet prays like a grieving mother that what he thinks is not true as his quivering hands reaches for it.

two bold, red lines.

"oh fuck," it punches out of him, every inch of energy disperses like fleeing birds, "you're pregnant?"

it's so small, so timid that he almost doesn't see it, but she nods, and his arms fall like he's been shot and the test leaves his fingers. he swears he's drenched in ice cold water and he remains silent, bound by stunned numbness. his lack of response spurs y/n again, and she begins sobbing, pressing her face into her arms and wiping it furiously. all she thinks is that he doesn't want it, and out of sheer terror, she starts rambling utter shit.

"i can get rid of it, if you want, lando, just please i'm begging you, don't leave me."

he's crying himself now, doesn't know what to feel at the suggestion, but it makes him gag.

"get rid of it if i want to? fucking hell y/n, i'm not a prick like that," he fumbles out, words wet and hardly cohesive, "as long as you want to keep it, i want the baby too."

she looks up at him, eyes so full of hope that he immediately takes her into his arms.

"you sure, lando?" she's still hesitant, burying her head into his chest, and as further reassurance, he kisses her forehead, "as sure as i'll ever be."

[zombholic]

MASC DEALER DINA HC — dina woodward

description — masc dealer!dina, modern au, college au, mentions of drugs, drug usage, sfw & nsfw, MDI !!

— You met her through a friend of a friend, she was really mean at first, didn’t get along too well but you were a customer so she had to provide.

— She liked to keep to herself, only having the maximum of three close friends which included Jesse and Ellie.

— There was a halloween party at one of the Sororities so you and your friend two friends dressed up like the trio in mean girls did.

— Dina was sat on the very big couch, manspreading with a blunt between her lips as she was lighting it with her match, hand covering the flame.

— You had a wave of confidence light through you that made you walk over to Dina and maybe converse with her.

— The whole night at the halloween party you and Dina chattered away, she offered you a hit and there you guys were high and talking about everything.

— You two started becoming closer, to her you guys were just friends but you started getting butterflies every time she was around.

— It was like everyone around you knew that you were heads over heels for Dina but her, she was under the impression that you were just very friendly.

— Whenever you two would be anywhere together you would be sat on her lap or cuddled up next to her, especially if she was selling or rolling up joints.

— Dina owns a gun, she doesn’t keep it strapped on her but she has it close enough in her apartment whenever a guy wants to start acting stupid.

— Dina was also known for not just selling weed, she had every drug under the sun but she would honestly rip your face off before she let you use anything other than weed and even with that she has a limit for you.

— She is very protective of her friends and especially you, you were in her words “kinda stupid.” so she was always ready to shoot a motherfucker if they even made you uncomfortable.

— One day your beloved showed up with another girl who was clinging onto her arm, Dina confessing that she was her girlfriend and you swore all you saw from then on was red.

— You started to ignore her, if your group was hanging out you would pretend she wasn’t there and it ticked her off, what really set her off was when you found another dealer.

“Y/n, wait.” Dina saw you leaving the cafeteria of your university, catching up to you she grabbed your forearm forcing you around to face her.

“What do you want?” Your face was filled with annoyance, your expressions never being subtle so she knew exactly what you were feelings.

“What the fuck is your issue? Why are you ignoring me and why the fuck did you find another dealer?” She was truly angry, her jaw clenching, the grip on your arm becoming stronger.

“Are you actually that stupid Dina? Did the damn weed catch up to your fucking brain?” You tried to pull your arm back causing her to only tighten her grip. Dina yanking you to the bathrooms she was quick to push your back against the cold tiled walls.

“Tell me what your issue is before I punch your damn face in.” You knew it wasn’t an empty threat.

— You gave in and told Dina why you were ignoring her, she was taken back from the sudden confession of your feelings towards her.

— It had been weeks since you spoke to her, during those weeks Dina broke up with her girlfriend after finding out she was stealing her shit.

NSFW mdi NSFW mdi NSFW

— Dina was at your dorm banging on the door in the middle of the night, you thought the damn cops were at the door with how loud she was banging.

— She didn’t hesitate to grab your jaw, pressing her lips against yours so deeply.

— You didn’t pull back only when she did to catch her breath, all you could do was ask what the fuck.

— She dragged you to your room shoving your body down onto your bed, pinning your hands to the side of your face she leaned back down kissing you hungrily.

— The kissing led to her going down your jaw to your neck where she bit and sucked until you were covered in her love bites.

— Dina took her time, making you strip in front of her slowly, her hands roaming your body causing you to break out in goosebumps. She pulled you between her legs and kissed up your chest to your tits, sucking on one while her other fingers pinched and played with your other nipple.

— She made you ride her fingers, you gripped onto her shoulders mewls and whimpers spilling out from your lips, her dark brown eyes never leaving your face loving the way your expressions were just pure bliss.

— She manhandled you onto your stomach with your ass up in the air and back beautifully arched, she traced your arch with her hand. She didn’t keep her gun strapped but she did keep something else strapped.

— Her cock was too much for you to take, girthy with 7 inches inside of you. She was painfully slow with her thrusts, pulling out all the way only to slam back inside your drooling cunt.

— Dina used every curve on your body as a handle when she started quickening her pace.

“Oh— Di…ohmygod you fuck me so good.” You moaned between hiccups, she was fucking you stupid, her cock kissing your cervix, her thrusts were lethal and knocked every single breath out of your lungs.

Her hand sneaked to your aching clit, rubbing the puffy bud in fast circles as she slammed her cock inside of your wet, pink walls in an unforgivable pace. You swore you were seeing stars at this point, words not even forming properly anymore.

“Too much, oh fuck— s’too much please!” Your face was buried in your pillow, tears now streaming down your burning face.

“It’s too much baby? Oh, is my cock too much for your little cunt to handle?” She mocked, a grin formed on her face, she was in love with breaking you apart with her cock.

authors note — do yall wanna see some other hc from different characters??

[trendywaifus]

↳ i have dreams that lives in my nightmares!

everyone described the ruthless freddy krueger to be a vengeful spirit seen as a disfigured man. one night after falling asleep, you were finally able to come face to face with the urban legend.

↳ featuring, dream demon! kafka

—cw, fem! sub! reader, oral sex (fem! reader receiving), fingering (fem receiving), dub–con, mentions of scars, not proofread

after falling victim to slumber, you found yourself what it looks like to be in an empty museum full of fog. “ a. .museum? “ you questioned, anxiety gradually swelling in the pits of your stomach. like the fog, the atmosphere was thick with ominous silence. you walked down the large hallways blindly, catching glimpses of bizarre paintings and artifacts displayed along the walls. there was a particular painting of a spider seemingly stuck in the midst of its own web.

“ whoever made this museum has actual issues. “

breathy laughter echoes through the walls of the empty museum. “ oh really? you wound me, i happen to put this together myself. “ the voice drawls before humming a familiar tune. wait, was that summer and winter? you were unsure of the direction from where the voice is coming from. but as each moment passed, her humming got louder and louder. it felt like she was in your head, luring you in a hypnotic trance. you were starting to get a bit dizzy.

but then, a horrid sound of metal scratches against a harsh surface. “ oh, fuck. i think i should just get on my knees and start praying. “ you muttered as the steady sound of heels clanked across the tile floor ahead of you. a tall silhouette comes into view through the fog. but what made your heart nearly burst out of your chest was the shadows of her stretched arms disproportionately reached further along the walls as if they were wings.

“ actually, never mind! i should start running! “ you quickly turned around to make a run for it but her voice stops you.

“ stay. “

on her command, your body stops itself in its tracks. no matter how hard you struggled, you couldn’t even take a step forward. immediately after, a delicate hand runs up your back and rests on your shoulder; you shivered. “ good girl. as much as i enjoy the game cat and mouse, i wanna finally see that pretty face of yours up close and personal first. “ she purrs in your ear before walking in front of your frozen body to see your face.

“ holy. .” you were memorized by the tall beauty towering over you. beautiful lilac eyes, long, silky purple tresses stopping below her breasts, red lips curled up in a deceivingly warm smile; she was out of this world (figuratively and literally!). no alleged burn marks etched to her skin, instead it was creamy and flawless. she adorned a white, long sleeve collar shirt, black dress pants, and heels. you were ripped away from your admiring when a long, sharp metal claw gently runs along your jaw, careful not to tear skin.

“ mmh, it’s such a shame a little dove like yourself got caught into my web. “

“ a-and it’s such a shame that i’ve never gotten to meet such a beautiful woman like you until now.“ you blurted out.

a genuine look of surprise flashed on her pale features before she lets out a soft laugh. “ well, i didn’t expect you to be quite the charmer, little dove. i’ve been watching you for quite some time. “

you give her a confused look. “ but why me? “ her smile stretches wider with mischievousness, she tucks a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “ i will say this, human lust and desire are known to be so strong that the brain translates them into the most interesting fantasies which are called— “

“ w-wet dreams. .“ you stuttered, heat rising into your cheeks. is she implying that the only reason she was watching you was because of your wet dreams? you don’t know if you should be embarrassed or weirded out. the woman laughs out of no where, “ you should be more so embarrassed, darling. you have quite the wildest dreams that even i was taken back from. but to answer your question, hardly. i’m really here for you. “

your brows furrow with confusion.” did you just read my mind? “ she teasingly smile at you, bending down a bit to lean closer to your face. you swallowed thickly. “ yes. anyways, how about this, “ she draws closer to your face until hers lips are nearly touching yours. “ let me have some fun with you and i’ll let you go. you wouldn’t mind that since this is one of your fantasies, no? “

fuck, why did she have to see my dreams? you thought, shyly adverting your gaze down at the floor. amused, she lifts your chin up with a gloved finger; forcing you to return eye contact with her. your knees nearly turned jelly under her roguish eyes. “ and, if. .i don’t, you’ll kill me right? “ you questioned, voice barely under a whisper.

she hums thoughtfully, “ well, I would say yes but since it’s you, i’d rather not. you caught my attention after all, sweetheart. “ she presses her red lips against yours, running her tongue over your bottom lip. her hands which were now strangely bare, roams your body delicately as if you were one of her most prized artifacts. a shiver runs down your spine as her cool hand slips under your shirt and massages the warm skin under it with her thumb. you couldn’t help but feel excitement course through you.

“ now, what will it be? i can practically sense your desire for me. “ she chuckles against your lips. bewitched by her kisses and honeyed–filled voice, you whisper, “ y-yes, as long as you let me go after.” thrilled by your answer, she smiles wider, this time, revealing her fangs which prods your lips. “ atta girl. oh! before we continue, despite what humans call me, i prefer “kafka.” i’m afraid the original freddie had to put down his hat. “

you narrowed your gaze. ‘freddie?’ as in the urban legend freddy krueger? who could of possibly thought she was freddy? or even his replacement? where did he even go? “ and why are you telling me this? “

with a flick of her wrist, the setting changes and you’re now back in your bedroom. you assume it was conjured up by kafka. “ because i don’t want you screaming out the wrong name of course. “

before you can react, you land butt first on the mattress. kafka situates herself on the bed and between your legs. her long slender fingers reaches for the waistband of your pajamas and slides them down your legs and off your feet. she licks her lips at the damp spot staining your panties. “ i haven’t properly touched you yet and you’re already excited.”

too flustered to respond to her lewd comment, you let her pull off your cotton panties; giving her a delicious view of your dripping pussy. she runs a digit along your folds, coating it with your juices. “ so wet.” kafka purrs, delving her face further between your legs. her warm tongue presses flat against your clit before enclosing her lips around it. “ sh-shit. .! “ you gasped, curling your toes in pleasure as she starts sucking on the senstive bud. her index finger teases your entrance before sliding inside.

your cunt squeezes around her as if it was welcoming her. now knuckles—deep inside, she drags her long, slender finger in and out of your hole. all you could do was squirm and buckle your hips, hoping the graceful entity can relieve the aching knot in your abdomen. kafka retracts her mouth away from your bundle of nerves with a soft pop. she smirks, “ i haven’t added in another finger and yet you’re squirming as if i’m using three on you. here then.” you felt two finger enter your core, filling and stretching you out even further.

you let out a loud moan, throwing your head back in ecstasy as her well—manicured nails rubs against the spongy spot of your walls. “ r-right there, kafka! please! “ you babbled, throwing her a desperate look. kafka says nothing and grants your wish, curling her fingers right where you want it while her thumb idly plays with your clit in circular motions; driving you right over the edge. “ fuck, fuck, i’m gonna—“

to your utter disappointment, she pulls back, fingers covered in your slick. kafka laughs at the look of betrayal and confusion on your cute face. “ sorry, darling. i just had to do it. “ you forgot you were messing around with a being who loves to trick and torment people for her own pleasure. still in a daze, you tried your best to glare at her. “ don’t give me that look, pretty thing. lay on your back for me, i promise i won’t do it again. “

hesitant, you laid down on your back. kafka gently spreads your legs open for more space before going back in. she places her hands on your inner thighs, holding them apart. kafka observes how your slick pools from your pussy. delighted by the sight, she drawls, “ i’m just itching to get a taste darling. “

you stifle back a moanful groan as her tongue licks down along your folds in broad strokes. kafka emits a satisfied hum from tasting your essence on her tongue. she enters straight in, brushing her wet muscle down your gummy walls. “ god, kafka. .!” you moaned, feeling her tongue skillfully pump into your aching cunt. she pushes her face closer, nudging the bundle of nerves with her nose.

arching your back in pleasure, the familiar tension in your stomach returns as she continues to fuck you with her tongue. “ sh-shit, it’s coming back! “ you tried to enclose your thighs around her head but she easily keeps them in place. kafka firmly squeezes at the supple flesh, silently urging you to cum. “ c-cumming, kafka! “ you nearly screamed, your walls pulsates around her tongue and not a moment after, moderate amounts of cum dribbles out of your hole and in her mouth.

“ you taste wonderful, pretty thing. better than any wine i’ve once tasted. “ kafka greedily licks your slick and cum from her slightly–smudged red lips. you panted heavily, legs jelly from your climax. she sits upright to unbutton her collar shirt, your eyes widens in astonishment as she does; the skin that was previously covered was littered with scars and horrific markings. it was as if she has gone through extreme torture at some point in time. an unreadable expression settles on her face as she gauges your reaction.

smiling blankly, kafka expected you to scream or attempt to scramble away in terror but you didn’t. perhaps you were too fatigued to even move. but, searching in your tired eyes, she sees a sliver of pity in them. it was something she hadn’t seen in a very long time because all she was use to was fear, anger, and many other negative emotions she strikes into her victims. “ d-don’t give me that look, you know i can’t run away even if i tried, kafka. b-besides, ” you continued, averting your gaze away from her eyes awkwardly, “ e-even someone like you was once caught in someone else’s web so i can’t say i’m horrified of that. “

kafka smiles once more but this time, laced with amusement. she tosses her unbuttoned shirt to the side and dips down to whisper in your ear. her hot breath fans against your skin. “ keep being this interesting and cute, darling and i’ll appear in every dream of yours until you wish you no longer have the ability to sleep. “

[al-the-remix]

don't think I saw Climbing up You Walls but I am so intrigued

I just realized i really fucked up that typing, it's supposed to say "Climbing Up Your Walls" lol, but still, this one is about Tommy's house being in a permanent state of renovation--he's too busy--he has years to make decisions--he doesn't know what he likes--he's too specific--and then in swoops Buck with just enough construction experience not to be a nuisance when lending a hand and applies his foolproof Clipboard Treatment to helping Tommy get his act together (and it becomes their house along the way). Also, there's some mild angst from Tommy's side as he wonders if Buck's feeling as serious as Tommy is this soon into their relationship (Buck's impulsivity makes him nervous).

“See what I mean?” Evan had his hands on his hips, surveying the impact zone that is the central room of Tommy’s 1920s Californian bungalow.  Tommy had tried to tidy up…he really had. But half way through trying to decide if he should take the sawhorses out from the middle of his living room and push the old coffee table back last night Tommy had decided his efforts were futile. He was better off letting Evan get an honest look at what he was signing up for. “It’s not that bad…”  “Evan.” “What? It’s not!” He held his hands up in defence, the tips of his ears glowing siren red.  Tommy just shook his head. “You’re not that good of a liar, babe.” “Seriously,” Evan walked up to one of his more recent projects and examined it, a side table Tommy had begun to re-stain then had to bring back inside during a freak storm…a month ago.  “I was worried it would be more of a hoarding situation or something but besides all the sawdust and power tools, this place is pretty neat.” Tommy glanced sidelong at the stack of tile boxes he’s been using as a side table for upwards of two years. “That’s very generous of you.” “When did you buy this place?” Tommy signed and sat down on the arm of the couch, knowing there’d be a big dust stain on his ass when he stood and not caring. “2008, I never really spent any of my money when I was in the army and spent most of my two weeks between deployments couch-surfing. I got some money from selling my grandfather’s place after he died, but it wasn’t much.” Evan frowned. “So you’ve had this place for almost two decades, it’s hard to believe you haven't done anything to it. ” “Okay, I did all the major stuff.” Tommy started listing stuff off on his fingers as Evan listened intently. “There was some siding that needed replacing, a few windows, and I spent a whole summer re-insulating and re-shingling the roof. The plumbing is updated. The guts are solid. And I spent about the rest of my savings at the time on the garage… It’s more the cosmetics that aren’t my strong suit. “I want to keep the character of the place but there are some things that just need to be updated. And the more I dig, the more issues I find and then I never actually get around to making things look nice.” Tommy shrugs, feeling like maybe he said a little too much. “I guess because it was just me here and I don't really mind living with patchy drywall and holes in the walls.” Evan only looked more enthused. “Look, we can work with this. I've done a bunch of odd jobs over the years, including construction. And I've got two hands. I can help."  Suddenly Evan’s grin dimmed, and Tommy watched as he visibly reeled himself back in, shoving his hands in his pockets and scuffing the toe of his boot against the drop sheet that had been doubling as an area rug. "If you want, of course, I don't want to overstep.” We. No matter what, it was always “we” with Evan. It didn’t matter how fresh this relationship was, Evan had a way of making Tommy feel like no matter what, he wasn't in it alone, whether the “it” in question was couples pickle-ball on Sundays or unpacking decades worth of emotional baggage.  It was an unexpected, yet pleasant feeling Tommy was still trying to get used to. He wanted to trust it with his whole body, lie down in it and let it slowly creep over his face like warm bathwater. He wanted to trust Evan. “You could never,” Tommy assured. “I’d love your help.” The smile Evan gave him lit up his whole face, breathing life into something small and dim nestled in the hollow of Tommy’s chest.  Evan clapped his hands together, already onto the next thing. “Okay, so first I think we start–”

[chaotic-mystery]

Pairing: dbf!joel x f!reader

Summary: The next morning you wake up confused about the previous night. You have to start making your life better, and doing tequila shots the first night home didn’t help.

Content warnings: eventual smut, 18+ only mdni!, eventual smut, mean Joel, enemies to lovers, daddy issues galore, swearing, hangovers, red thongs trying to be stolen, reader tried to smack Joel but that didn’t end good, Joel was nice for like 2 seconds, then mean Joel came out.

Word Count: 3.3K

A/N: Thank you all for the patience with me on this! I’m so ready to continue and show you were this is going. I love you. Enjoy 🖤

With the morning sun pouring into your small bedroom window, you felt a leg under yours, brows furrowed at the spare body parts. Fuck. What did I do last night? You lift your head and turn it to the right, noticing the messy head of black curls and suddenly your eyes go wide. Tommy. Did I fuck Tommy last night? Soft snores came from his body while he lay there completely unaware of your internal panicking. 

Tucking in your arms under you to give you a boost up and out of bed, Tommy rolls over and grabs the pillow, suffocating it between his arms and chest. As you stand there with your hand covering your mouth, you wondered just how you got yourself into this mess. Maybe it was the tequila shots, maybe it wasn’t. Who’s to say? 

It was in fact, the tequila shots. 

How could you have been so careless, having sex with the second good looking guy you laid eyes on the moment you got back home. First, first good looking guy you laid your eyes on. 

The bathroom door closes behind you and you press your back against it, mind racing at how to handle this whole situation. Your feet tapped against the cold tile as you paced back and forth. 

What were you going to tell Tommy when he woke up thinking you wanted to be something, expecting to be a regular sleeper in your bed? 

Your hand covers your mouth in disbelief. What the fuck am I gonna do?

A deep breath enters your lungs as a boost of confidence that you can be straightforward with him about this. I’ve got this. You grab the doorknob and turn it to open the door, head poking out first to find Tommy still snoring away. He didn’t move one bit. Lightly tapping his shoulder, you grew impatient at the efforts going to waste. This wouldn’t be so bad if you didn’t have to go job hunting today, like you promised yourself you would. 

With your bunny slippers trampling through the damp grass to Joel’s front door, you adjusted and tightened your robe only about a million times to make sure nothing was showing or sticking out. It was already 9:33 A.M, surely Joel has been awake for hours, right? He’s an older man and they are always up early for who fucking knows what. With your hand switching from beating on the door and ringing the doorbell, someone was bound to answer. The front door flies open to a very grumpy looking Joel, yanking down the rest of his shirt to cover his abdomen. 

“Can you please come get your brother from my bed? I need to go job hunting today and he isn’t waking up. It may have something to do with the tequila shots.” You scratched the back of your neck, too embarrassed to look at him.

A scoff leaves his lips and he shakes his head slowly. “Gotta be fuckin’ kidding me. Talk to me all crazy n’ shit last night but now you need my help for your benefit? And for the record, I don’t doubt he’s still sleeping. I fuckin’ heard you two going at it all night after I specifically told you not to keep me up all night. So no, I’m not helping. See ya.” The door was just about closed when you put your hand between it and the door frame to make Joel choose whether or not he wanted to crush your hand. 

“Move. Your hand.” His nostrils flared slightly, his eyes shooting daggers into you. 

“No. Come get your brother or I’ll make being my neighbor a living hell for you.” No more jokes, no more bullshit was coming from you. If you didn’t find a job soon, you’d just be giving your dad more ammunition to use in the future when he talks about how disappointed he is with you. 

Joel’s fingers tapped against the door while he contemplated if he wanted to get roped into this or not. “I swear to fuckin’ god little girl, this better be the first and last time I’m gonna have to do this. Don’t drag him into your shit.” With one swift move he was walking down the porch steps on his way to your bedroom, muttering some bullshit under his breath. When he reaches your room he notices the door slightly shut and he looks to you to tell him to go in. “He’s not..naked…is he?” He whispers to you.

“Not that I’m aware of…but now that you mention it I don't remember honestly.” You whispered back, staring at the ground. 

The amount of restraint Joel had to use to not shout at you right then and there for not remembering was astronomical. His calloused palm flies to his forehead and smacks it roughly. “You are a pain in my fuckin’ ass and you haven’t even been here a week!” He whispers louder at you as he shoves the door open and takes a few steps inside. With his hand covering his eyes in case his younger brother's bare ass was out, he stopped where he felt was the middle of your room. 

“Tommy, get up. Cmon. Get dressed. Up, let’s go.” His foot reached out until it stopped on the box spring and he nudged it a few times to get Tommy moving. Soon enough Tommy rolled over and took the sheet with him, his black boxers poking out slightly. 

“Would you stop, he’s not naked.” You hiss and yank Joel’s hand off his face. A small gasp came from him as he opened his eyes and was met with a still half asleep Tommy. 

“Tommy, let’s go man; wake your ass up!” Joel groans and shakes the hell out of his shoulder, obtaining groans from his brother. 

He turns his head upwards to look at Joel, eyes slowly blinking open. “Joel? What’re you doin’- wait, did we tag team her like we did that one g-” His words were immediately ceased with Joel’s hand covering Tommy’s lips quickly, loud shushing drowning out his voice. “Get up, we’re leaving so Miss princess can go find a job and be a productive member of society like the rest of us common folk.” Joel bent down and threw whatever clothes were in a pile by his feet at Tommy, hoping and praying he’d get dressed and they can get the hell outta there and Joel can get on with his day. 

“This isn’t mine, but I’d love to keep it..” Tommy held up your red thong from the previous night's escapades and your face got feverish to the touch, your hands covering your face to shield you from the embarrassment. 

Joel smacks the back of his head and tells him to knock it off. “Hurry up, I’ll be back at the house. He turns to look at you who still had your face covered. With a firm bump of his forearm against yours, you lowered them and sighed. 

“For your sake and mine, don’t invite him over again. Next time he’s your problem to deal with.” Surprisingly to you his tone wasn’t harsh for once, more of a sympathetic ring to it this time. 

“Ye-yeah I won’t. Thanks again.” Taken aback by his semi sweet piece of advice, you nodded towards the door. “I should let you out so you can get back to your day.” With your hands in your back pockets as you walked him to the front door, you could still hear Tommy stomping around upstairs, trying what sounded like putting on his shoes. You looked at your phone to see if you missed any new texts from your dad, not a single message. You told him you’d be finding a job today but did he care to respond, tell you good luck, anything? No. Why would he? Joel must’ve been able to tell something was wrong because his frame softened along with his face, brows unfurrowed. 

“You uh..you okay?” He asked, cocking his head to the side just a tad to see your face while you looked at your phone. 

“Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks.” you coldly answer, pushing the front screen door open for him. He wanted to press the situation further but stopped himself. It was no secret you were bothered by something but he couldn't guess what it was. “I’m going to your dads here in a bit to talk about where he wants this fuckin’ pool for Janet.” His brown eyes rolled slightly as he let out a breathy chuckle. With his hand pressed against the screen door to prop it open and walk out to the porch, Joel stops and stands still for a moment before turning back around to look at you. 

“You sure nothin’ is wron-” 

He was cut off by Tommy marching down your stairs to the front door, stopping in front of you. “You, little lady. No more tequila shots for me, ever again.” He laughs, his gorgeous smile playing to his lips. Your stomach started to turn and have a funny feeling inside. Maybe it was the fact you really weren’t all that interested in Tommy. Yeah you banged him last night, but before that happened you two sat up for hours and talked while pouring sloppy shots of more tequila. He told you about him and how he worked so closely with Joel, his beautiful niece Sarah and how she was like the daughter he never had. 

“So maybe I’ll see you later?” The eagerness in his voice was so prominent it hurt that much more. “Uhh..maybe. We’ll talk soon, promise.” 

You kiss his cheek and send him and Joel on their way back across the grass to Joel’s house. 

Frustration and confusion course through your veins while you press your back against the front door, trying to make sense of what’s happened within the last 48 hours. It was almost 10:30 when you realized you should probably wash yourself before you go out all afternoon. 

With just enough time to spare to smoke a cigarette to calm your nerves before leaving the house, you look over to Joel’s driveway and see his truck is gone. He was probably at your dads house by now, telling him all about this morning and how you’re the worst neighbor already. Who cares what your dad has to say to that though, you’re a grown ass adult and you can do what you want. 

You smooth your hair down one last time in the reflection of the window before you flick the half smoked cigarette and blow the smoke from your mouth. Reaching into your purse you pull out the squashed packet of gum that was half gone. The sweet notes of mint dance to your nose as you unwrap the piece and toss it in your mouth, discarding the paper back into the package. Still no message from your dad the last time you checked. You probably should’ve never messaged him about it, he was never going to care like he pretends. Getting in your car and cranking the air and still painfully getting used to the heat once again, you put on your music and begin driving around all over town to find a decent job somewhere in this hellhole.

With the afternoon sun slowly going down, you huffed as you sunk back into your car after being denied from the seventh business to get a job. You could feel your luck fading with every declining response, the fear of being more of a disappointment creeping up on you like a scary shadow in the dark. The warm steering wheel held your head as you leaned forward to take a breath. 

Back at your dad’s house, Joel’s putting his things away back in his little tool bag he carries in his truck for shit like this. He hates being unprepared, it’s not a good look for himself. 

“So have you talked to your daughter recently?” Joel casually brings up as he puts away his tape measure. 

“Yeah, she texted me earlier this morning about finding a job but I don’t know about all that. She’s not what these people are lookin’ for. She’s always late and she flakes, she can never amount to anything and she doesn’t put her mind to it. She quits when the going gets tough, s’why she ran away from here all those years ago to follow her mother across the country. Told her it was a stupid idea and she’d regret it and now look where she’s at. Back here in Texas with me.” Your dad laughs like anything he just said was remotely funny. Joel stopped putting tools away the moment your dad started to talk shit about his own flesh and blood, the only one of his kids that continues to acknowledge his existence. Even though Joel was still very pissed about last night and this morning, he didn’t think it was right for your dad to be talking about you like that, especially to him, a complete stranger to you. 

He had to bite the inside of his cheek as he thought long and hard about what to say next. 

“But you did respond and tell her good luck or somethin’ right? Sure she’s nervous and it sounds like she wants to get it right this time.” He looks over at your dad who was watching the birds fly away from the trees, his red polarized sunglasses he got from the gas station years ago shielding his eyes from Joel’s. 

“No, I didn’t. She’ll be fine. Can’t hold her hand forever Joel. Plus I don’t know if they’d want her to work for them. They all heard the same thing I told you, can’t help that I know everyone in town and they wanna know my life.” He laughs again and Joel can feel his jaw clench together. 

“Alan, man cmon that’s messed up. You just said you can’t hold her hand forever but you aren’t helping her grow up either by doin’ that.”

Your dad just waves Joel off and chuckles, turning to look at him, “She’ll be fine.” Something told Joel you wouldn’t be though. 

On your drive home you skipped going back to your cozy hideaway and opted for the bar from last night, just having a taste for a beer. A single beer, no more tequila shots…for now. You sit down on the stool and turn yourself until you’re facing the bartender who just happened to be Michelle. There was a gnawing feeling at you, like you needed to apologize for putting Joel in a funk last night. 

“What can I getcha sweeth-” Her words silenced when she was face to face with you. Giving her a small wave, you took a deep breath, trying not to mix up your words. “I think we got off on the wrong foot and I’d really like to start over. I didn’t mean to step on your toes last night about your bar. I think it’s cute and for the record, Joel isn’t watching over me, he’s my dads best friend and yes we’re neighbors but I don’t want to fuck him and he doesn’t want to fuck me- he actually can’t even stand to be around me and that’s mutual so I-” 

“Okay, enough- stop it!” Michelle raises her voice and looks at you closely. 

“What do you care if I like you or not darlin’?” 

Your fingers comb your hair back and fall to the bar top, smoothing over an imperfection you managed to find. “I don’t want bad blood with anyone, that’s all. I’m already having a tough time finding a job and my dad- I’m sorry. I don’t mean to dump my problems onto you. I just don’t want the list of people wishing to see me fall on my ass grow. She was pouring you a diet coke and tossed a little straw in it, setting it down in front of you before leaning on her hands that were on the curve of the bar top. 

“You said you needed a job?” The fizzy drink rolls down your throat and you nod fast. You can see she’s thinking of something in her head, the way she's biting at her fingernail slightly and her eyes are scanning back and forth.

“Come back tonight for training and wear something sexy but nothing too crazy..it’s a bar not a porno.” Michelle raises an eyebrow at you and walks to the back with empty bottles, leaving you sitting in the stool alone and your half drank coke dripping with condensation. With your lips fishing for the straw, you sucked the rest of the liquid down and left a ten dollar bill under the cup and immediately got into your car to drive home. 

As you pull up to your house, you notice Joel’s truck is still gone, and no Sarah in sight. Wonder where she is…

Almost all of your clothes were tossed onto the floor while you tried to piece together a cute outfit. You landed on a black pleather halter top with laces in the front and black skin tight pleather pants. The black cowgirl boots your mom got you as a joke were finally making their way out of the box and onto some concrete. As you curled your hair and put it in a messy Pam Anderson inspired bun, you felt sexier than ever in weeks, maybe months. Bartending was all new to you but you’d like to think you learned new stuff quickly. With all of your touchup makeup packed away and about ten sprays of body spray, you were ready. 

The gravel in Joel’s driveway crunched under his tires and he put it in park. You peaked from the bathroom window so he wouldn’t see you, it looked like he was on the phone. 

Your chunky boot heels thump against the stairs and off you were out the door, ready to go to the first job you’ve been scared of doing. You cover your eyes from the warm setting sun and look at Joel through his truck window. He sighed and got out, immediately growing and looking away. “Where in the hell are you going? You better not be goin’ to Tommy’s I swe-” 

“Uuugh nooo I’m not and if I was, who are you to stop me?” You fire back, your purse dangling slightly. 

“Hey! I’m just trying- you know what? Forget it. How did the um..job hunting go?” Still not looking directly at you but in your direction, you told him how shitty it was. “Well um ya see..”

“But it’s totally okay because I stopped at Michelle's bar on the way home and she offered me a job. That’s where I’m going right now actually!” The excitement dripping from your words was like nails on a chalkboard to him considering how wide his eyes got. 

“You’ve got to be fuckin’ jokin’. You can’t seriously be working there?” He rubs his eyes out of frustration and groans loudly. Your smile slowly faded and you could feel the fiery ball of anger growing inside you. 

“What is the fucking issue?”

“Do you have to be everywhere in my life every damn time I turn around, Jesus christ! I mean, the first night you’re here you’re dumped on me and then you bang my brother, insult my girl’s bar and then turn around and work there? What goes through your fucking head sometimes?”

He puts his hand on his hips and stares at you, waiting for some sort of answer. You meet him halfway in the grass right on the property line and raise your hand to smack him for talking to you like that when he catches your wrist in midair, shoving it back down to your side.

“Fuck you! I didn’t ask for him to dump me on you! Newsflash, you’re friends with a dickhead! Michelle was the one who hired me and last time I checked it’s her bar, old man. Not yours. See you fucking never, asshole.” Just when you felt a sliver of hope of maybe ever mending this weird thing with Joel, he shoves his foot in his mouth and misspeaks, taking you right back to square one of not liking him. 

[sunshine-theseus]

Cyclones | Christine Sinclair x Reader

Words: 3k

Summary: cyclones and cancelled flights eventually lead to good things.

Warnings: natural disaster?, fake injury. Let me know if I missed anything

“Are you sure you’re okay?” the voice crackles through my phone speaker, the shotty connection barely giving me time to talk to my best friend.

“I have my candles and torches, the tub and my water bottles are full, everything is inside or tied down. The only devasting loss so far is my leftover curry I had to throw out.” The torrential rain hasn’t let up since it arrived last night, but it isn’t helping the sweltering heat that will only worsen with no power. The second of which I fear I may lose any moment.

“This isn’t my first rodeo Chris, I’ll be okay.”

“But what if this is the one time you aren’t? I can’t spend my retirement vacation without my best friend. I’ll end up mourning you instead.”

“Why the fuck would y-” my phone dies and everything else in my house goes with it. I didn’t realise I had such little charge, but the newly found lack of airflow through my house is my number one issue.

A cyclone hasn’t hit my little coastal town in years, but the universe has conveniently chosen the day I’m supposed to fly out to join Christine, to hit. The Australian heat is wasting no time and as the rain carries on, I lay down on the tiles to find relief. I originally planned to turn my generator on, but eventually decide to keep everything off, it’s been a while since I’ve properly disconnected.

I gather books I’m yet to read, candles and snacks from the cupboard and sit down at my desk. I’m an hour into reading The Iliad when my cat jumps up and starts meowing and pawing at the pictures that are carefully placed on or around my desk. The main focus seems to be the two polaroid images in the same frame, of Christine and I from when we first played each other at the 2003 world cup, and from her retirement match a month ago.

We’d never met before 2003, but both sported the number 12 and thought a jersey swap would be cool. We became close friends rather quickly but only played each other at big tournaments until we both signed for the Portland Thorns in 2013.

I think that’s when I first knew I had a crush on her, but 10 years into a friendship is a rather odd time to confess to your best friend you like them, so I never mentioned it. We’ve both dated multiple people since then, but nothing ever sticks.

Then, 4 years ago, I retired after one too many ACL injuries. At 34 it was probably time for me anyway, and I always knew I’d never play for as long as Christine. After my official retirement, I moved back to Cairns, now a professional sports psychologist. I love being home, but it was missing something, or someone. Within the first month I put up every memento, gift or picture I had that reminds me of Chris, who Scout has also grown to love.

“I miss her too buddy. Maybe she should come visit us so she can see you huh?” I scratch her chin as she leans into my hand affectionately.

I spend the rest of the day and the next, reading and playing around on my violin. The doors and window are all shut to keep the rain from flying in but I’m so desperate to open them to feel some sort of relief from the sauna I’ve created.

It’s around 4pm on the 3rd day that the rain slows, and another few hours until fans begin to spin again and lights flicker on. I scramble for my aircon remote before rushing to plug in my phone, desperate to speak to someone other than my cat.

It takes a few minutes, the battery slowly whirring to life, but I can’t even swipe to put in my password before a rather excessive amount of notification begin to make their way through. There are messages from friends and family asking if I’m safe, others are simple social media notifications, but the majority seem to be made up by a certain, newly retired striker.

13 missed calls

58 messages

I can’t suppress the smile that slides onto my face and the red tint that warms my cheeks as I think about how worried she was. That’s what friends do right? Worry when you might get eaten up by a natural disaster.

And I quickly figure I should call her and let her know I have power again and am in fact not dead. And I do just that.

“YOU’RE OKAY. YOU’RE BACK.” I move the phone aware from my ear as she screams down the line, but I laugh none the less.

“I’m alive, nothing is damaged, the rain has stopped, everything is back in business.”

“I can’t wait to see you. Get your ass on the next plane I swear.”

“I don’t think there’ll be a plane on a route to Canada for at least a few days. The world hates us Sincy.” A groan I’ve grown familiar with sounds over the speaker, and I can picture her falling back dramatically in her chair.

“I promise as soon as I can I’ll be on that flight out of here. Scout will be chilling with my neighbours, and we’ll be chilling on the beach with some gin.”

“Good. First flight out, I expect you on it.”

~~~~~

The first flight route heading to Vancouver turns out to be 4 days after the cyclone passed. So far two of those days have gone and I’m trying to fill my time, Christine seemed to drop off everyone’s radar and that left me with very little to do.

I’m loading up The Sims 4 for the first time in months when a knock rattles against my door. While confused, not expecting anyone or anything, I sneak toward the door, peaking my head around the wall to get a glance of who it could be. That’s when I see a very familiar face, looking around in a stupor.

“Christine?” I stand in the doorway looking quite the mess with a dumbfound look on my face. My hair in a knotty bun, glasses resting crookedly on my nose, shirt 3 sizes too big (perhaps one of Christine’s I stole a few visits ago) and bike shorts. Anything more and I’d be dying from the heat.

“Surprise! No flights were leaving for a while but some were coming in, so I thought why not go to the ultimate vacation destination.” Despite what would be nearly a full 24-hours of travel, she looks rather adorable. Her own hoodie must be a few sizes bigger and her curls rest over her shoulders, a rare sight. Her headphones rest around her neck and her bags are almost toppling over behind her.

I shake off my surprise and start running, jumping into her arms and nearly tackle her to the ground.

“I can’t believe you’re here! What the fuck, oh my god, holy shit. There’s so much to show you, very little to do. I don’t have a spare room. I’ll sleep on the couch, take my room. Oh, let’s get your bags in, you’re probably exhausted.” I squeeze between her and the lattice work that makes the short hallway outside my door and grab her rather large duffle bag and suitcase.

I take them to my bedroom, which thankfully had been tidied up recently, and tuck them neatly in the corner. Her footsteps signal that she’s following me and I quickly wipe my sweaty palms on my shirt before turning toward her.

“It gets super hot so the aircon remote is on the bedside table, or you can open the window, but Scout likes to jump out of it sometimes. Speaking of, she’s here somewhere, you’ll hear her before you see her. Also free-range of like the kitchen and stuff. There’s an ensui-” Christine cuts my rambling off with a tap to the back of my knee with her foot. Said knee buckles and I fall forward, into her arms.

“What the fuck Sincy?”

“You’re rambling.”

“Sorry. It’s just the first time you’ve been here. In my house. In my hometown. Ever.”

“And I’m excited. I’m sorry for springing it on you, I don’t actually have to stay here I can get a hotel.”

“No! No I want you to stay here. It’s just I’m usually the one making the trip, I’m not a very good host.”

“You’ll be fine. I’m down for anything and everything. After a very long nap.”

~~~~~

I waited until a reasonable hour to wake Christine up the next day.

“What the fuck is this? Do you put tar on your toast?”

“You’re telling me, all the times you’ve visited Australia, even during the world cup, you’ve never tried Vegemite? Christine… come on.” I push the plate toward her.

“No. You can’t make me eat that.” She pushes it away.

“Please, just one bite. You’re staying with me you gotta try stuff. You’re on vacation, you’re trying new things.”

“If you even try to bring a shoe with beer near me, I’m hopping on the next flight out.”

“I promise a shoey is completely off limits. That shit is nasty. But I’m going to take you to a cricket game and snorkelling on the reef, and Harley’s Crocodile Farm. The point is I have a list. Now try the ‘mite Chris.” The plate slides back toward her and she hesitantly takes a bite. A pleasantly surprised look flashes across her face.

“I’ll give you the point. This is good.”

“Oh! Mary, Mary Fowler that is, is back  for Christmas. Do you want to have a beach day with her and her family? Play beach cricket and soccer?”

“For sure.”

“Oh make sure to have thongs. Your feet will thank me.”

“If you said that sentence to me 20 years ago, I possibly would have slapped you.” I giggle but make my way to grab togs and pack a beach bag.

When we arrive, the promised burning sand is what greets us, rather than the young Australian who I’ve grown somewhat close with. The sun beams down, in great comparison to the previous week, and I make sure to push more sunscreen into Christine’s hands.

“Dude how do you survive here.” A bead of sweat rolls down the side of her face and I just smile, slip my thongs off and lead the way to try and find the Fowlers.

When we do eventually find them, Christine is desperate to slip into the water, and I set up our towels beside Mary, who watches over her own family’s things as she soaks up the sun.

“In all my years of knowing you, and that is almost all my life, you’ve never been this happy. And you won’t even admit your feelings to the person who makes you this happy. You giggled when you called telling me she surprised you. Giggled Y/n.”

“I- I don’t know what to do Maz. I know I like her; I have for years. I just always figured it’d go away once I moved after retiring and seeing her significantly less but if anything, it’s worse.” I flop back against the towel covered sand and Mary joins me, resting a hand on my arm.

“Maybe you should just confess. I can’t say I know she likes you back, but the chances are high.” I glance toward the water and let a soft smile grace my lips as I watch Christine play with Louise and Ciara. Maybe confessing wouldn’t be such a terrible idea.

~~~~~

A few hours later, the sun is lower in the sky and the water laps at my feet as I retrieve the soccer ball. I throw it back into play and run along the sand. The ball ends up at my feet and I begin the run back to my team’s goal, I’m about to make a pass to Caoimhin when Christine makes a tackle and takes my feet out from underneath me.

I let out a scream and clutch my knee. The sand sticks to my skin as I writhe in pain, and I feel a hand gently touch my shoulder.

“Fuck fuck fuck it hurts.”

“Holy shit I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make a tackle. Oh god we need to call the ambulance.” Christine rolls me onto my back, and I scrunch my eyes in pain. She stands up to grab her phone when I stick my leg out and trip her, making her fall beside me.

“What the fuck!?.” I start to giggle as I watch Christine’s face morph from fear to shock.

“You little shit! You faked it?”

“Uhh yeah, you were playing dirty Sinclair.” I poke her in the side as I stand and offer her a hand. As she stands back up, I remember how much she towers over me and blush.

Not long after, Mary and her family head back home, and before the sun begins to set, I get some fish and chips for Chris and me to share. As I sit back on the sand, the sun begins dipping below the horizon, casting pinks and oranges across the sky. The light shines on Chris and for a moment I forget I’m staring. Her blue eyes are clouded by the golden hues but still as beautiful as they have always been. Her hair is wet from the salty water, curling as it dries.

I only stop when she bumps her shoulder against mine, holding a chip toward me expectantly.

“You’re staring.”

“Sorry.” The now familiar heat spreads over my cheeks as I tuck my knees up to my chest, resting my chin on them.

“What’s running through that pretty little head of yours?” I take a moment to contemplate if I should tell her the truth.

“I… I’ve just missed playing, especially with you. I haven’t felt anything close to how I felt on the pitch, and I was forced out because of a stupid ACL injury. It’s been so long.” She wraps an arm around me and pulls me into her side. My head falls to her shoulder and her’s falls on top of mine.

“You deserved a better ending.” We both reach for the chips, hands grazing against each other. I drop the chip and rest my hand on my lap, palm facing upward. Christine’s fingers trace the lines on my palm before slipping her fingers between mine and interlocking our hands.

Nothing is said as we watch the sun rest behind the water. The sound of waves crashing on the sand nearly lulls me to sleep but Christine slowly slips from beside me and stands up. I follow suit, grabbing the fish and chips and heading to the car.

“I’d say this was a rather successful first day. Wouldn’t you?” I ask as I sit on the edge of the bed, drying off my freshly washed hair.

It’s silent for a moment and I turn to look at the Canadian.

“Chris?” her vacant stare refocuses, and she smiles.

“Absolutely.” I smile back and stand up, about to head out to go to sleep.

“Wait.” I stop at the door and wait for her to continue.

“Do you want to sleep here? I mean you don’t have to if you don’t want. Or we can put like pillows between us or something. Or-” I run and jump onto the bed, rolling onto my side to face Christine.

“Thank you for coming. I’m excited to show you everything I love. Today is only one of many.”

“I’d do anything for you. And I was thinking… what if I made this stay a little more… permanent? Well not permanent maybe just extended. Or permanent if you want. Or neither at all.”

“Yes! Yes, yes absolutely 100% I want that definitely. Please stay.” I only now notice how close together we are. I can feel her breath against my cheek, her leg brushing against my own.

Her fingers brush against my forehead and cheek as she moves a piece of hair out of my face, tucking it behind my ear. I inch closer, eyes flickering between her own eyes and her lips.

“Are you going to kiss me or do I have to kiss you.” Her lips ghost mine as she jokes, but I don’t allow myself to overthink it as I close the gap between us.

Her lips are as soft as expected, and sweet. I can feel her smile as she kisses me back and I wind an arm around her waist.

“I’ve wanted to do that for 10 years.” I whisper.

“Do not tell me I wasted 10 years of my life thinking you didn’t like me back.” I let out a rather pathetic laugh and my head falls forward, forehead resting against Christine’s.

“Well now is as good a time as any to make up for all the lost time.”

~~~~~

Our hands swing between us as I lead her down the esplanade. The bright rainbow lights of the ferris wheel that never left, reflect off every surface as we approach. The carriages lurch to a stop and we’re ushered on by the teenager at the counter.

“This is possibly the cheesiest thing you’ve done. If we stop at the top, I will start laughing.”

“No! Stop, it’s going to be cute, okay? And a little cliché.” I knock my foot against her’s as we stare out the window, looking out across the water and the mountains, in awe of the stars that twinkle above us.

As predicted, we come to a stop right at the top, and I smile as Christine starts laughing.

“I’d do anything to make you smile, including cheesy ass shit like this.” I slide across to her and she pulls me into her side.

“I love you.” I kiss each of her cheeks before kissing her lips.

“I’ll love you forever.”

“Is it odd I’m glad you retired? I just don’t know if this would have happened if you did.” She smiles and kisses me on the forehead, and we continue to watch the landscape as we make the decent.

@Y/N_Y/L

@Y/N_Y/L I will love you until the end of time. 20 years of knowing you, 1 year of getting to let you know I love you. Chris, you’ll always be my number 1 @c_sinc12.

[the1975attheirverybest]

Lovers Quarrel

A/N: day 5 of Valentine’s Week. warnings: none. ***

“do you really think I’ve forgotten? About YOU?” Matty yelled as he followed her around the house, but Jo wasn’t wasting any more of her time. She gathered her belongings from the kitchen counter top, the living room, grabbing her purse from the hanger by the door. “No, Jo-please. Please don’t do this.” Matty shook his head, the wine in the half-empty bottle sloshed around in it. “Don’t leave. If- if you walk out of here right now….you’ll be giving up on us. We’ll be over!”

“don’t you see, Matty? We’ve been over for a very long time…” she twisted the doorknob in her hand. in a last ditch effort to stop her, matty fell to his knees, the wine bottle smashing against the cold tile, wine splattered everywhere. He crawled to her, attempting to grab a hold of her leg, but she slip right through his fingers. Walking out on him.

“Jo! No! Please! Come back! I’ll be better this time- I’ll do anything!I promise! Jo! Jo! No!!!”

his pleas echoed through the empty house without anyone to answer. Matty suddenly felt a heavy dampness on his dress shirt, he looked down, clutching the fabric. It was drenched in red. His frown deepened when the shirt released a red liquid into his fists with a squishy sound. “What the fu-“

Matty ‘s body jolted awake. He sat up as his sleep-laced eyes opened, looking around him in the dimly lit room, shrouded in shadows except for the small patch of light projected onto him by the muted tv. Oh thank fuck. It was only a nightmare.

“fuck!” Matty whispered under his breath when he noticed that he’d fallen asleep, on the couch, with a glass of red wine in his hand, and had let it tip and spill all over him in his sleep. “Fuckin hell.” His shirt was soaked. he peeled the drenched fabric off his body, tossing it to the floor. His chest still felt cold and wet where the patch of wine stained fabric had adhered to his skin. He looked around him, trying to recall the events of the evening. The place was completely quiet except for the sounds of rainfall against the window and the record player murmuring “I Want It That Way” on low volume somewhere in the distance. slowly but surely it all started coming back to him. he and Jo had had a fight. He couldn’t even remember what it was about. He only remembered that it was bad. He’d made her cry. He’d said some obscene and insensitive things. Refused to hear her side. Rolled his eyes at her when she’d tried to force him to listen. There was a lot of pacing back and forth. A lot of passionate gesticulating. He remembers pulling at his own hair so hard that he’d hurt himself. He remembers being exasperated and telling her that he couldn’t stand to be around her. It was one of those fights that started out as a specific issue but quickly unfolded into a massive argument about every disagreement that they’ve ever had in their entire relationship. Things neither one of them even realized the other was upset about. It’s like they’d been storing grievances, waiting for the right moment to unleash them. And, apparently, tonight had been the moment. *** It was well beyond midnight when Matty had dragged his heavy limbed up the stairs and walked into their bedroom. Jo had been in bed, asleep, on her side, back facing away from the door. The sight of her overwhelmed him with emotion. He felt tears flooding his eyes. He rushed over to her and climbed into bed his arms pulling her towards him. “I’m so sorry, Jo.” He whispered into her ear, his stubble scratching her face. “I love you so much.” she whined, attempting to wiggle away. “You smell like cigarettes.”

he laughed, surprised at hearing her voice. “Sorry, had a smoke.”

“and wine.”

“well, I also had a drink. You know. To go with the smoke.” He kissed her again, rubbing his stubble against her skin on purpose this time. “I thought you said you were gonna quit. For the baby.”

“go easy on me, darling, i thought I’d lost you.”

she rolled her eyes. Her hand reached behind her for his. “Don’t be dramatic, Matthew, I’ve only been in bed. Pretending to be asleep so I don’t have to deal with you.”

he chuckled into her ear, his breath tickling her. “No, no. I mean- sure yeah but also…I…had a nightmare. Thought it was real. Thought you’d left me.”

the tinge of pain in his voice had softened that last piece of her that had been guarded against him. And finally turned around to look straight into his eyes. “C’mon, Matty. You know that would never happen, yeah?”

tears threatened to spill from his eyes again, he blushed. “Wouldn’t it? I mean- I was kind of cruel and, I-“

“hey? So was I. Okay? And I’m sorry.” She kissed him. The gesture causing a singular stray tear to fall down his face. He laughed, choking back a sob.

“I honestly don’t even know what I was mad about. Probably just horny and mistranslated it into anger.”

Matty bit his lower lip. “Horny?”

“it’s the pregnancy hormones. Im confused all the time. I don’t even know how I feel I just know whatever it is….im feeling it intensely.”

“the baby isn’t even born yet and we’re already blaming our problems on it. Nice.” Matty giggled. she shoved him “fuck you, okay?” And tried to escape his arms. “Jo! Im joking, baby! I’m only joking!!” He pulled her back in. “Well, I’m still sorry, okay?”

“okay.”

they laid in bed, with her back pressed into his chest, his arms around her, caressing her emerging bump softly, in silence. Until, suddenly, Matty began to hum,

You are my fire

the one desire

believe when I say

I want it that way

Jo let out a sleepy groan. “I hate that song. It makes no sense.”

Matty laughed. “I know. Isn’t it the best?”

[thegirlwiththeninjaturtletattoos]

Every Rose Has It's Thorn

Part 9

Part 10

Part 8

Universe: Teenage Mutant Teenage Turtles (Bayverse aged-up turtles)

Rating: R MINORS DNI: (swearing) Mentions injuries, blood, death, and violence, suggestive moments (we're starting to hit the smut zone here people beware), kinda some body image issues for a hot sec

Raphael x OC (female character), Leonardo x OC (female character)

Tags: trigger warning mentions bruises and injuries and dark content, fluff, original character, slow burn romance, Leo and Raph fighting, foot clan mention, jealousy, angst

-So I mayyyy be introducing a love triangle here- don't mind me and my self indulgence heheheh (also this version of Bay Leo is a sassmaster sorry not sorry) but the story will end with Raph x Rose, don't worry

=============================

-The gang deals with the aftermath of Rose's new abilities, and she has a steamy confrontation with Raph. Leo starts to get jealous.

===========================================

As they walked back into the lair, Rose had grown quiet in Raph’s arms. He would’ve wondered if she was asleep had it not been for the occasional sniffle coming from the mop of curls that was threatening to tickle his nostrils.

Fuck, she had so much hair.

That was the first thing he had noticed about her when they had rescued her that night; her copper-red mess of curls. It was long and beautiful, and he had loved how the ringlets cascaded down her back and bounced when she moved.

But right now, it was driving him insane the way it was going up his nostrils and if he didn’t put her down soon, he was definitely going to sneeze in her ear.

Raph continued walking through the lair and made his way to the bathroom, shutting the door with his foot behind him as he balanced her in his arms. He slowly knelt down, setting Rose’s feet firmly on the floor and guiding her to stand on her own by the sinks. She obeyed his silent directions but didn't make eye-contact, her face remaining downcast and pointed at the tile floor.

Lost in her own mind. 

“Hey, I’m gunna get a bath started for ya- ok?”

She slowly nodded. Her tears had stopped falling, but the feeling of being adrift and hopeless at sea did not cease as her mind kept replaying the flashes of red and bone.

The flashes of her new reality. 

Raphael started the water and soap in the spa tub and grabbed some bottles from one of the shower stalls. He left for a moment to grab a change of clothes for her from his room; another t-shirt and shorts set of his, and a towel. By the time he stepped back into the room the bath was ready, but she hadn’t moved.

He turned the water off and looked at her again, somewhat awkwardly this time.

“Do ya need... help or anythin’?”

Rose raised her head to look at him; her eyes so weary with pain- and guilt.

She didn’t have the strength to hide it anymore.

As she tried to respond, to think of anything to say- the only thing that came out of her mouth was a soft sigh. She looked back down at her hands, still caked with blood, unable to stop staring at the dark red that was stained over her skin.

“Hey.” Raph sauntered over and covered her hands in his. “It’s ok.”

When she didn’t move or respond, he spoke again, quieter this time.

“Close yer eyes.”

She looked up at him, confused.

“I ain’t gunna hurt ya, just trust me. I gotcha, kay?”

“Kay, Red," she managed softly, and let out a deep breath as she slowly closed her eyes, feeling Raphael turn her slightly.

She heard him start the water in the sink and felt the slight sting of cold water over her fingers. She would’ve pulled away at the temperature, but he was firmly holding her hands in place.

His arms were around hers, her back to his plastron. It felt..god it felt good to be this close to him. Peaceful. He ran her hands under the water, massaging her fingers and knuckles almost lovingly. It was sweet of him, she thought.

Then it hit her that he was washing her hands.

And he had her close her eyes, so she didn’t have to see the...

“Raph?”

“..yeh?”

“I’m...I’m sorry about earlier. And thanks... for this.”

Silence. She kept her eyes closed, grateful for the barrier. It was easier to apologize this way.

He kept at his task, the soap and water washing away all evidence down the drain. Rose heard him grunt under his breath.

“’m sorry too. I shoulda kept my mouth shut. And I shoulda gone after ya right away.”

Silence.

“It’s ok, Raph. I pushed you too far. I’m sorry.”

“...s’fine. We don’t havta get inta it right now.”

Raph’s hands stopped scrubbing hers under the stream of water, and Rose opened her eyes and lifted her head slowly, locking gazes with the turtle in the mirror. She tried not to focus on the now dried blood still splattered on her cheek and gathered up the courage to go on.

“No, Red- I mean it. I acted like an asshole and practically threw myself at you and, well I- I’m sorry.”

His eyes gazed intently into hers as she talked to their reflections in the mirror. Raphael was frozen, unmoving, as she apologized- the way she was making eye contact with him, unafraid and confident, was testing his ability to keep himself composed under her careful study. He closed his eyes for a moment to re-center himself, and Rose continued.

“It’s just been so many years since anyone showed any interest in me, and I thought it was because of how I looked so I just gave up. But then I met you and..”

Raphael's eyes snapped open, once again making eye contact in the mirror. The golden glare pierced Rose through the heart and stopped her cold.

“What do ya mean, cause of how ya look.”

“My boyfriend wouldn’t touch me for years, and...I don’t know...I mean, he's gay, but...maybe if I had been more attractive..."

Rose looked away from the mirror, ashamed of admitting what haunts her most to the chiseled green god that had been invading her dreams and every thought since she had arrived there. She felt Raph sigh behind her with such sadness and frustration she couldn’t help but look back up at him, meeting his golden eyes in the reflection once more, and they paused there for a moment just looking at each other. 

“..don't be an idiot.”

She chuckled and shook her head. “Raph-”

With another huff Raphael bent down and leaned his head in next to her ear, stepping in closer behind her and gripping the sink with one hand. Her breath hitched as he brushed her hair aside with a finger and spoke softly into her ear, his eyes never leaving hers.

“No man that got ta be this close to ya and chose ta walk away is straight, Princess. He doesn' know what he's missin'.”

Rose could feel the electricity shoot through her body as his lips ghosted over the shell of her ear; the heat seeping from her core as his breath husked over her skin, desire gnawing at her once more and making a slick mess in her panties. He was still looking at her in the mirror, hazel eyes watching her melt at his words with a slight smirk on his pout.

Before she could stop it, she heard herself quietly whimper, and a hand flew to her mouth in shock.

Raph’s eyes widened; the noise and sudden movement completely surprising him.

“I’m-I- oh god.”

She could feel the heat rise up to her ears as she turned away from the mirror. Rose moved to walk out of his arms, but he stopped her.

“I - uh, wait.”

She paused, biting her lip and looking at the wall as she internally screamed. 

Fuck, she just wanted to curl up under a rock and hide.

“Look Red, I’m sorry- I'm embarrassed too, if you want we can just forget i-”

Raphael took her chin in his hand and lifted her face up to look at him.

“Don’ think I ain't attracted to ya, cause I am. Yer the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Rose.”

And knowin I can do that to ya? He thought.

He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, his grip on the porcelain sink growing dangerously tight. Her arousal was evident, the scent overwhelmingly heady as she stood there in his arms and he reveled in it. It’s all Raph could think about, could smell, and holy hell was it tempting. He looked back at her and smirked, golden eyes dancing with want.

“Fuckin christ." He swallowed and took a second before he continued, expression shifting from lustful to nervous. "I’m just- I ah.. I don’t wanna jump inta anythin ok? I’ve never, yanno..”

He drifted off, hoping she would understand. His hand let go of her chin, coming to rest at his side.

Rose looked at him as the meaning of his words dawned on her. She smiled warmly, placing a small hand on his plastron.

“I get it, Big Guy. No worries.”

“I jus want ya to know that I ain’t blind. Any guy would be damn lucky to call you his.”

Raphael smiled at her as he spoke, reaching up to caress her hand still on his plastron. Her skin was so soft under his rough, calloused one.

They were so different.

Were they too different?

Before he could spiral further, her voice shook him from his thoughts.

“Hey Raph?”

“Yeh?”

“Thanks for everything.”

“Yer welcome- it’s nuthin.”

“I’m going to get in that bath now, I’ve got to get cleaned up and stuff.”

He chuckled and cocked a crooked grin at her. “You sure ya don’t need any help?”

Rose stuck her tongue out. “Shut up, jerk. Now shoo.” She turned her back to him, wiggling her fingers at the turtle and motioning for him to leave.

Raph headed for the door, but stole one last longing glance as Rose began to take off her shoes. 

He never felt this pull to anyone before. 

But they barely knew each other. 

Plus, there’s the whole dead body mess that needs ta get figured out, he thought. Leo's probably pacin' a hole in the floor by Don's computers. 

The door clicked behind him, and he almost smacked his face into Leo as he turned away from the door.

“Why the hell were you in there so long?”

“Chill, Fearless. Nothing happened.”

“That’s not an answer, Raph.”

Huffing, Raphael moved to walk away from his brother, only to be stopped by a katana blade appearing at the wall near his shoulder, blocking his path.

“Oh, you really gunna start this with me, Leo? Ya wanna have this out here, right now, Honor Boy?”

“Then tell me what she said, Raphael.”

“Nun of yer fuckin business, Leo. Get outta my way.” He gritted his teeth, the threat dripping past his canines. 

Leonardo stood with his blade extended for a moment, eyebrow ridge raised as he weighed the outcomes of his younger brother's wrath.

With a flick of his wrist, he sheathed his katana and put his hands up with a shrug, letting Raph pass. 

But as the red-banded turtle strode towards Donatello's lab, Leo bit back.

He'd had enough of this. 

“Did you kiss her yet?”

Raphael whipped around in the blink of an eye, fist raised and eyes wild.

Leonardo blocked him with ease, stepping around his bulkier brother and staring him down with an amused smirk on his lips.

“FUCK YOU, LEO!”

Raph took another swing, this one landing on his brother's right shoulder. Leo hissed in pain, smirk vanished as the joint throbbed angrily. 

“Serves ya right, prick. Are we done? Happy now?”

“Far from it.” Leo spit back, glaring at his brother and clutching his shoulder.

That was the first time in a while Raphael had squarely landed a hit on him in their spars, and he knew that the only reason his brother got close enough was that he was exhausted; hell, he just cleaned up an entire crime scene. 

He and Donnie had surmised from the broken bodies of the foot clan soldiers that they had been beaten by a suspect using an incredible amount of force. They had traced the men’s path back a distance in the outer tunnels and had found another group of soldiers, who were apprehended and left for Chief Vincent and her team to pick up. The turtles had been notifying her of their activities after the Krang incident, keeping her updated on criminals and crime syndicates they bust, in exchange for information when they needed it. They had a decent arrangement worked out; it had served them well so far. Donnie had been in communication with the Chief since they had returned to the lair.

Leo had intended to find Rose to discuss what had happened in the outer tunnel, only to discover she and Raph were in the bathroom together doing god knows what. He had paced for a good five minutes before Raph had almost knocked him over with the door.

Rotating his shoulder and chuckling, he stared his brother down. “Man, your brains really are in your biceps little bro. That was a good one.”

“Yeh, Leo? Well next one’s hittin your jaw.”

“Oh, there won’t be a next one.” Leo gritted back.

“What the fuck is your problem, asshat? Gettin a little jealous?”

Raph smirked, circling his brother as they both stalked the other's movements. Before he could say anything else, Leo spun and swept Raph’s legs, effectively knocking him to the ground with a thud.

Laying on the ground on his shell, he glared back up at his older brother.

“You’re going to regret that, Raph.”

“Fuckin make me, Fearless.”

Raph got up in one fluid motion and turned to face Leo as they continued their dance; the circle slow and calculating as they waited for the other to strike, eyes never leaving each other. 

“Rose deserves someone who's going to take care of her- who's going to treat her right. Better than y-"

“There’s nuthin goin on Leo- She’s the one who keeps askin me to do shit and be there for her; I ain’t doin anything. So don’t get yer panties in a twist. ” Raph interrupted, one hand on his sai.

“Exactly my point; no appreciation, no class.” Leo arms widened in show as he taunted his brother, chuckling to himself. 

“I ain’t fuckin talkin about this with ya, dickhead. She means nuthin’. End of story.” Raph winced as he chewed on his own words.

“Then I guess you won’t mind if someone else steps in then? If she means nothing?”

His smile faded slightly; his tone serious as he narrowed his blue eyes behind his mask. 

“You better be fuckin kiddin.” Raph’s grip on his sanity was barely holding on for dear life.

All he could see was red rage, with Leo taunting him at the center of it.

“No, I’m not.”

Raph lost all sense of control and charged at his older brother.

He couldn’t think or focus on anything, all he could feel was anger- seething, sharp, all-consuming anger.

But before he got close to Leo, the door to the bathroom opened and Rose stepped out.

Seeing Raphael in a blind rage and not knowing what else to do, she stepped into his path to block him.

She put a hand out to his chest- only meaning to deter him. Instead, the turtle went careening through the air at the contact, making an abhorred short yelp as he smacked shell-first into a wall near Don’s lab.

On the opposite side of the room.

Donnie immediately came running from inside the doorway.

“What-wh, what happened?!”

Shaking his head, Raph got up from the floor and shook off the bits of cement that had landed on his shell.

“Girl-wonder- that’s what happened, genius.”

Rose was watching Raph soar through the air in terror, but sighed in relief when he got up unharmed.

Gracias a Dios.

At her sigh, Leo turned to look at her in shock.

He took her in, noticing she had put her hair up in a messy bun on top of her head; some loose curls tumbling down to frame her face and hell, she looked angelic. The wild curls barely brushed over the exposed skin of her neck, her updo revealing several piercings on both ears as well.

She was so interesting.

Regaining his composure, he called to his younger brother.

“Well, I guess we know what that unknown force was, Donnie.”

Rose looked up at Leonardo in fear.

She was worried he’d be angry, or that they’d have to turn her over to some government agency.

That was the reason for her short bath, she couldn’t focus on anything but her anxieties, and what her new friends would do to her when they found out about her abilities.

And then the yelling started, and she had to see what was going on. 

Leo could see the panic in her eyes as he searched her face. He took her arms in his, and spoke softly.

“Hey, it’s ok. You’re ok.” His thumbs gently rubbed her arms as his deep voice washed over her. “Thanks for stepping in back there, Raph was pretty pissed at me I guess.”

He laughed, dismissing the intense moment.

He’d continue the discussion with Raphael later.

“I- uh, you’re- welcome. I guess.” She murmured quietly, body tense as he continued.

“Are you okay, feeling any better?”

“Yeah, I’m not in pain anymore. Thanks.”

“Of course, we were all worried about you.” Leo’s eyes were soft and caring as they spoke, and she slowly started to feel a little more at ease as his hands lightly brushed against her skin. “If you’re up to it, I would like to have a discussion with you in the Dojo. Is that all right?”

Rose flicked a glance over to Raphael, who was currently being fussed over by Donnie.

He didn’t return her gaze.

She turned back to Leo and nodded, managing a weak smile.

“Sure.”

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

Leo led her to the Dojo, pushing aside the paper doors and revealing the beautiful, shared space.

The floors were tatami, and there were lots of wood accents in addition to the exposed brick. She could see bamboo plants here and there, and the occasional bonsai tree, and though the ceiling was tall, it still seemed quiet in the room somehow. The dojo was definitely a very zen and comforting area of the lair, and carefully cultivated to be just so.

In a corner of the room there was a table with some cushions on the floor, and a teapot and cups rested on it as if waiting for them. The turtle gestured to her shoes as she made a move forward.

“Shoes off, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course, sorry.”

She slipped her sneakers off and set them carefully next to Leo’s sandals on the brick step, and made her way over to the table. She hadn’t walked on tatami since visiting Japan with her grandmother, and it felt so much like her favorite memories.

Rose couldn’t help but smile a bit.

Leo sat down at the table and gestured to the cushion opposite him, pouring the tea for them both.

Taking the cup in her hands she sniffed the aroma of the green tea and let it envelop her, reminding her of a certain hot spring in Hakone and a wonderful meal she once shared there.

All the stress and tension that she carried moments ago seemed to melt away as she closed her eyes and just basked for a moment.

Looking up from her cup she smiled at Leo, who was in turn observing her in amusement.  

“How’d you know this is my favorite?”

“Call it an educated guess.” He smirked.

“Good job- one point for Blue.”

“Oh, you do NOT want to motivate me with a point system.” Leo emphasized, chuckling as he glanced down and lifted the cup to his lips. 

Rose raised an eyebrow at the terrapin, smile blooming on her pout as she eyed him over the table.

“And why’s that, Leo?”

“Because I always - win.” He looked at her over the rim of the mug, taking a drink slowly.

Her cheeks were quick to blush, and she giggled nervously. “That, ah- that was good.” She said, rubbing the back of her neck with her hand as she looked down at the table.

Oh...if he wasn't before- he's definitely flirting now.

Fucking hell. 

The tone of his voice, and the way he was practically eye-fucking her across the table, had her incredibly, well, unfocused.

And confused.

But after the conversation she'd heard take place outside the bathroom door, she wasn’t all that surprised. He had openly stated his intent, and he had to have known she could hear him. Rose recalled the eavesdropped conversation, remembering what Raph had said.

She means nothing.

How could he have said that?

When he had been in the bathroom with her, he hadn’t exactly confessed his feelings or anything, just admitted his attraction. Had she read too much into him?

"Girl, you’re so fucking stupid," she chastised herself internally. "Throwing your heart at any guy who shows you any bit of interest. Grow up." She could feel her eyes start to get watery as she took a sip of tea.  

You always do this. 

You let them in, let them hurt you.

Get a hold of yourself.

Rose looked back up at Leo, eying him from across the table, and quietly studied him now that it was just the two of them; the long, slightly faded scar over his right eye and cheek, the practiced smile and charm, his interesting tattoos- there was a lot to Leonardo- more layers than she originally thought. 

He was an interesting guy. 

Focus. 

“So, um- why did you want to talk?”

Sensing the shift in conversation, he set his cup down and placed his hands on his knees.

“I wanted to give you the opportunity to discuss what happened in the tunnels privately, in a calm environment. I thought you might appreciate the serenity of the dojo as I do.”

“Thank you, Leo. Really. I appreciate that.”

With an encouraging smile, he took another sip from his mug and nodded. “Of course. Go ahead whenever you’re ready.”

She admired how he could switch like that, from casual to professional in an instant.

It must come from years of all those responsibilities; of being the Hero of New York and the eldest of four.

It's got to be a heavy burden, falling on his shoulders, day after day. 

Rose took a deep breath and began, recounting everything that had happened after she left the Lair earlier.

Leo listened, waiting for her to finish before asking his questions.

“So it was a life-or-death situation, and your strength appeared when the Foot attacked you.” He stated plainly, looking at her intently for a response.

“Ah yeah, that sums up the murder of those guys pretty well,” Rose mumbled darkly, and Leo glared at her over the table and scoffed.

When she shrugged at him, he couldn’t help but lay the reality of the situation on the table for her.

“They were foot clan soldiers sent to assassinate us. Had you not done what you did, they would’ve killed you, or tortured you for information about us. Which would have led to one of us possibly getting hurt.” Leo paused, before he went on, much softer. “Your actions saved my family, you have to see that. I’m- We're indebted to you, Rose. Thank you.”

“Leo they were still people-”

“And sometimes those with great power have great responsibilities. We have to make the hard choices sometimes..” He looked away, eyes downcast. “... and kill the bad guys.” A few moments of silence went by as he seemed lost in a memory, staring at a spot on the floor.

“You did not just give me the Spiderman quote, dude.”

Her comment shook him from his thoughts, and he laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck with his palm as he looked back up at her.

“It was the perfect time. Literally when else would I get this golden opportunity.”

“Nerd.” She teased.

“And you’re an actual X-Men. I was a mutant turtle teen in the sewers, of course I got into comics and superheroes. It was our lives, or at least a super romanticized version.” Leo’s blue eyes glistened; a smile plastered on his face. “Anyway, about your strength-”

“You’re not going to have the government put me in a lab or something, are you?” Rose squeaked out in terror.

“What? No. I was going to say that you should learn how to control it. I think that’ll start with training here with us. Interacting with humans could be, well, fatal before you know how much force to use. You’re superhuman now, you have to understand that- and you might even be stronger than Raph.” Chuckling to himself, Leo shook his head recalling the force that she sent his brother into the wall with.

“I see. Yeah, that makes sense. But I could hurt you guys too, you know? I-I’m too..dangerous to be around anyone.”

With her last sentence she started to tear up again, and she looked down at her lap as her eyesight blurred.

Leo moved swiftly to her side of the table, kneeling in front of her as he cautiously put a hand on her knee, squeezing it gently.

“You’re not too dangerous for us, Emerald. I promise.”

Rose's face shot up at the name.

“Leo, I-”

He brushed a stray copper spiral away from her face. "Your eyes...they're-" Leo's hand fell slowly as they looked at each other, gazes locked in the deep, beautiful gem tones of moss and sea. 

He cleared his throat, blinking and bringing the subject back to what they were talking about. 

“Ahm..We’re tough, thanks to the mutagen. You don't have anyhting to worry about- it would be hard for a human to injure us, though I'd like Donnie to run some tests, if you're all right with that.” He didn't give her time to answer as he continued on. “Any way, you have a place here, if you want it. There’s an unused room in the alcove across from Sensei’s, we mostly just use it for storage. Mikey told me about your living situation, and I think this might be a good alternative while you sort things out. And that way, you don’t have to keep staying in Raph’s room either.” He said the last part stiffly, trying and failing to keep the tension out of his voice.

“I literally don’t know what to say, Leo.” Rose smiled softly, bringing a hand to her cheek as she felt her heart swell with emotion as her mutant knight in shining armor both slayed all her dragons and swept her off her feet in ten minutes. 

Leo was so kind. 

“A thank you is fine.” He was smirking again as he raised a brow ridge at her.

“You’re obnoxious.” Rose rolled her eyes playfully, teasing him back. “Thank you, darling savior. My prince, my hero!” She continued her theatrics until Leo was fully smiling and he couldn’t take it anymore. He booped her on the forehead with his palm, and she gave him a confused look.

“Just trying to find an off switch.”

Rose laughed back at him, fully enjoying the moment. He was way more of a flirt than she had expected, and he was damn good at it too.

She was still confused over her feelings for Raphael, but he had made it clear he wasn’t interested.

Right?

=========================================

-When I said slow burn, I meant slowwww lol

-This Leo - Rose - Raph love triangle is giving me life to write. What is sleep? Don't know her. But seriously, strap in, dis gonna be fun

[yaminobean]

Sick Day for Freddie

Eden’s autoimmune disorder: Hemolytic anemia(Since we never get a cannon health issue for cannon Frederick.)

A little ficlet from when Edie still went by Freddie and was eight years old.

Lucifer cracked open his eyes as Hell’s red light shone through the cracks in his curtains. The angelic demon let out a yawn and lifted his heavy head from his pillow, drowsy gaze catching the red numbers of his clock.

11:35am.

Those stark numbers slapped away his grogginess as he leapt out of  bed and rushed through his morning routine of brushing his fangs, using a quick enchantment on his toothbrush as he brushed his hair.

“Shit! It’s almost the middle of the day! How did I sleep this late? I usually get up when-”

It was then that Lucifer noticed that something wasn’t quite right. He paused his frantic grooming, straining his ears for noise. Other than the little clacks of imp hooves running around cleaning the massive palace, there was a very specific noise the fallen seraph couldn’t hear.

“Huh, how come I don’t hear Freddie? He’s supposed to be having lunch by now but… it’s so quiet.”

Lucifer spat out the toothpaste and walked over to his bedroom door. He opened it and was greeted to more of that silence that settled heavily in the air like an overpowering perfume.

“Weird.”

An imp walked past his room holding some sheets. When she caught her employer standing in the doorway in his pajamas, she stopped and smiled.

“Good morning, your majesty. I hope you slept well.” she said, bowing her head.

“Yeah, it was fine. Do you know if Freddie is up yet?”

The maid pondered this for a moment.

“I don’t think so, sir. I haven't seen him around and when I knocked on his door, there was no answer. Strange though, isn’t it? The little prince is usually quite the early bird.”

He furrowed his brow, spines of unease beginning to prickle at his nerves. He made his way down the hall and when he came to its end, he turned left and strolled past four more rooms before he finally reached his son’s room. He knocked on the door.

 “Apple pie, are you awake?”

He was greeted by that same unsettling silence. He tried again; a little harder this time.

“Freddie? Are you in there?”

The silence ringing back was starting to grate his nerves, having gotten so used to the squeak of sneakers and the inquisitive voice of his adopted son chatting with the staff or his tutors. Right then, a pained moan rose from behind the demon king and he snapped his head towards its source.

It was coming from the bathroom.

 Within seconds, Lucifer dashed towards it and threw open the door. The first thing he saw was Freddie slumped onto the white tile floor, leaning against the wine red wall. His arms were wrapped tightly around his knees and he shook like an overheating tea kettle; the dark sweat spots dotting his sky blue cloud patterned sleeping shirt gave the king the impression that he was probably just as hot as one. The sight combined with the boy’s painful sounding whimper brought the king’s heart into his throat.

“FREDDIE!” he cried, dashing toward him. He brought the boy’s head up, feeling the heat radiating from his pale damp skin.

“Shit! Shit! Freddie! Hey, Freddie! What’s wrong? Honey, can you hear me?” he pleaded as he gently shook the boy’s head

The child let out another moan as they cracked open their eyes; bright greens had been dulled to the cloudy glare of a dirty street lamp.

“Mr Lucifer…. Stop doing that….. My head hurts.”

“Oh, thank Satan. What happened? I didn’t hear you this morning and went looking for you and- Fuck, your burning up really bad.”

Freddie's dull eyes glazed over as he slumped forward. Lucifer’s arm shot out to keep him from hitting the tile floor.

“Honey!”

He held them in his arms, listening to their breath which sounded like a crinkling chip bag.

This is bad. Their fever is so high and his breathing sounds horrible. Shit, he must have caught some kind of Hell bug but how? I was so careful. Oh, who am I kidding. He’s a kid for fucksake! They all get sick eventually, even Hellborns. But this is different. He’s a human! I have no idea what Hellborn viruses and bacteria will do to a human! What if it kills him?! He could be dying in my arms right now and I can’t-

 Lucifer squashed that thought, mentally refusing to even go there.

Easy, Luci. You can’t spiral now. Freddie needs you to be calm and level headed. Just take a deep breath and handle it.

He put Freddie in his arms, noticing that he felt a little too light to be healthy, and waved a portal into existence. When they stepped through, the maid he met outside his room was in the middle of straightening up his bed. When she saw the king come in with the pale child, she gasped.

“I know. Go downstairs and call the doctor. And please, bring up a washcloth and some more blankets.”

The maid nodded and scrambled out the door. Lucifer gently set the child down on the bed. He went about setting up the pillows around him, poofing in more when needed, like a bird's nest. Just as he covered him with one of his warm blankets, Freddie’s eyes fluttered open again.

“Mr. Lu…. What….. What are we….. Doing in your room?” he asked, looking around in confusion.

“You just relax, apple pie. I’m right here. I just need you to stay awake for a few minutes.”

Lucifer snapped his fingers again, bringing a thermometer in one hand and some bottled water in the other.

“Hold this under your tongue, ok?

Freddie gave a murmur of agreement and took it. As they waited, the maid returned with the supplies Lucifer asked for along with some others.

“The doctor said he’ll be here in a few minutes and to apply a cold compress to keep his fever down. Though… and I hope I’m not overstepping when I say this, your highness, but I think you should call Lady Carmine. She might have some insights about illness in humans with having been one herself.”

“That’s actually a great idea. I’ll call her a little later. You can go now. I’ll take it from here.”

The maid left and the thermometer beeped, signaling it had its reading. He took it out and looked.

104.5.

Worry sunk its claws into him. When Hellborns got sick, their fevers reached boiling temperatures and  the worst symptom that occurred was usually a migraine. But what was the standard for humans? Lucifer looked at the sickly child in front of him who was taking tentative sips of his water, remembering another odd symptom aside from the weight loss. While his body was burning, his hands were like two blocks of ice. But this was something he noticed in his son before he got sick. Could it be related? 

Could he have stopped this sooner if he had been more attentive?

The last question settled heavy in Lucifer’s chest, bringing a familiar sense of guilt and shame within the Fallen One’s heart.  

“Mr. Lucifer?” The child’s horse voice brought him out of his thoughts. 

“Yes, sweetie? Do you need something?” Lucifer replied

“Am I…. going to the hospital?”

“Depends. Can you tell me what happened that led you to pass out in the bathroom?”

“I…. woke up with this… really bad headache and my body was hurting. So, I went to get the pain medicine from there but… I guess I had another one of my dizzy spells and passed out”

Lucifer sat on the bed, his concern growing.

“What do you mean by another dizzy spell? You mean this has happened before?”

The tow headed boy became very interested in the red bedspread.

“Frederick.” Lucifer said, taking on his serious-dad tone. The boy in question winced, preferring the devil’s cute nicknames for him then his birth one.

Still staring at the bed, the boy replied in a small voice.

“I-I don’t know wh-what it’s called but the d-d-doctors back…. then said I have some kind of permanent anemia. That the good germs in my body are constantly fighting and killing my blood which is why I get sick really easily.”

Lucifer felt his mouth drop.

“Bun bun, why didn’t you tell me!? You can’t just keep something like that to yourself! You’ve been with me for over a year and…. Fucking hellfire, who knows what kind of state your body’s in now! It’s a miracle you haven't killed yourself yet!” Lucifer yelled, not able to keep the panic out of his tone.

Freddie jumped back toward the head of the bed, eyes shining with fright and raspy breathing becoming  shorter.

Seeing that, Lucifer mentally kicked himself. 

Great job, Luci. You're freaking out your potentially chronically sick kid. Dad of the Year, right here.

The seraph squashed down his cynical inner monologue. Now was not the time for self-loathing.

When he spoke to him again, he made an effort to keep his voice level and his body language as loose as possible.

“I’m sorry, Freddie. I didn’t mean to scare you and I shouldn’t have raised my voice. I’m not angry with you, I’m….. just really scared and confused on why you didn’t say anything. ”

The boy kept his gaze low, hiding his eyes behind his lengthy bangs. When he responded, he couldn't keep the tears out of his voice.

“I….  th-th-thought if I told you ab-about it….. You’d g-get rid of me. When I…. got sick before…. Da-Leland kept me in my ro-ro-room and told me to stay there u-un-until I got better. He always said it was because….. It grossed him out to see me looking like a half-dead corpse.”

It took every ounce of self control for Lucifer not to create a portal to the human realm and collect that bastard’s soul early. How could someone say such a thing to their own child? 

“Freddie, I would never-”

He was cut off by his bedroom door opening and a mosquito demon stepped inside.

“Sorry, I’m a bit late, your highness. I couldn’t find my home visit bag. So how’s the patient?”

The Lord of Hell was about to reply when he was again interrupted by a gut wrenching retch followed by a muffled splat. Both demons looked to see that the boy had just vomited on the bed spread.

The doctor sighed. 

“Question answered.”

------Later-------

Lucifer finished typing up his message to Carmilla on why he wouldn’t be in his office for the next few days and placed his hellphone on the nightstand. The doctor had left thirty minutes ago and both the demon and his child were relaxing in Lucifer’s freshly remade bed, watching one of Charlie’s old movies, Monsters Inc. Earlier, the doctor had done his test and concluded that Freddie’s problem was chronic. 

Hemolytic Anemia. 

A type of autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your own red blood cells, leaving you with a very limited supply of oxygenated blood which explained Freddie’s cold hands and low body weight. The doctor actually wanted to bring him in for observation but Freddie didn’t take it well when he heard and almost passed out again from his freak out. When Lucifer had calmed him down, the doctor supplied him with some plasma and anti-anxiety pills; the plasma, he said, should keep him stable for today but he’d still need to get checked in tomorrow. He advised Lucifer to give him the pills before coming in so he could be somewhat sedated. Apparently this type of anemia affected the heart and since his condition hasn’t been treated for a year, it was possible that any sort of stress could cause either an arrhythmia or heart failure.

Needless to say, Lucifer had focused his sensitive ears on his son’s heartbeat, listening in for any misbeats.

Freddie was wrapped up in Lucifer’s red wings, enjoying the warm soft feathers cradling and caressing his skin. The plasma drip was fixed firmly into his left arm and he was already starting to feel better. His headache was ebbing away, muscle pain was starting to lessen, and his fever had gone down, but he still felt groggy. Lucifer felt him scootch towards his chest, trying to get close to him without pulling on his IV.

He smiled warmly and adjusted himself so he could fully embrace Freddie, who gave a content sigh as he nuzzled his head into Lucifer’s chest.

“How are you feeling, apple pie?”

“Ok….. Little ‘it….. ‘Eepy.” he replied, eyes drooping with exhaustion.

Lucifer let out a snort, floored by this sudden cuteness.

“That’s good. Do you want me to turn off the movie and leave you to rest?”

Lucifer felt the kid tighten his hold on him.

“No….  Papa…. Stay.”

This was the moment Lucifer’s world froze. Freddie’s words sunk into his chest and blanketed his soul with a warmth that reminded him of the universe’s first light. He couldn’t stop the stream of happy tears coming from his eyes. He stooped his face down toward his head, letting his forehead rest on the crown of Freddie’s head. For a long time, Lucifer kept his worries and cynical voice at bay by running repeats of that voice saying those three words through his mind.

Luci's hellphone:

Luci: Carm, you’ll have to lead the meetings for a few days. Freddie woke up with a fever and I found him passed out on the floor. Doctor checked him out and said he has a severe kind of anemia where his own immune system is killing its own blood cells. We were going to go to the hospital today but Freddie had a panic attack and things got bad.  I’ll be staying at the hospital with him and hopefully I’ll be back when he’s checked out.

Carm: Bundle him up and keep that fever under control. I’m on my way.

Ozzy: What!!!???😱😱 Our little Didi is sick!??? 🥵🥵🥵🥺🥺🥺I’m coming over too!!!!

Bee bee: Me too!!! 🥺 🥺 He needs emergency sweets and smooches stat!!!!

Carm: Bee, whatever you get him can't be too rich or sugary. Usually humans don't have much of an appetite when we're sick. So bring something like ice pops or pudding.

Bee: So something like this? ( Pic of the most decadent looking chocolate pudding.)

Carm: Are you trying to kill him??? Something like this. 

( Pic of a normal pudding cup.)

 I'm going to bring some chicken soup and maybe some yogurt smoothies if the soup is too much.

Ozzy: Hey, does Freddie have any plushies? Cause I see this cute penguin one out here. 

(Pic of a penguin plush wearing a red scarf. Its head has horns and its back has little black stuffed bat wings.)

 Think he'd like it, Luci? I thought if he had something to squeeze he’d be a little calmer about being in the hospital. Poor little bean🥺🥺

Big green: WTF! Brat gets a cold and u guys wanna bail outta work and play nurse!!!! U fucks don't give a dick when I'm sick!!!

Bee: Bitch 😤😤 do u have 2 make everything about u!!?!?!? Plus Autoimmune anemia beats out getting a cold sore😡

Big Green: Those fuckers hurt ya sugar hyped twat!!! 

Ozzy: Mammon r u just here to whine or u cuming too?

Big Green: Fuck no. But I’d like to point out that whatever the little shit doesn’t eat, I’ll gladly take it.

Bee:🙄

Ozzy:🙄

[mbavholidayexchange]

to: @doublemyheight from: @bloodykora

Title: Art Therapy | Rating: Teen | Word Count: 2.3k | Summary: Erica's been given gentle detention with Mr. G, in a hope of letting her release her inner emotions he persuades her to paint. Rory tags along too because the more the merrier.

They had sat in that classroom for what felt like hours, in reality it had been about 40 minutes. It was a practice her guidance counselor had recommended after she may have gotten in trouble for "bullying" one of the fresh men. She wasn't necessarily a troublemaker but Erica's attitude was beginning to be known by the teachers and principal.

Mr. G volunteered to supervise Erica while she painted out some of her aggression. Which she had already been highly embarrassed before Rory practically signed himself up for it too. Wanting any excuse to be near her, to be with her. In turn ruining any escape plans Erica may have had. She would've been dreading it if it weren't for the small little flutter in her heart considering she wouldn't be as alone in the classroom.

"Now Erica, this is not a punishment or something to be ashamed of. Everybody has feelings that are sometimes too big for their body, all I want is for you to paint something. Anything. As long as it's finished, you will be free to go." Mr. G presents his words with a smile in front of the canvas and easel before walking back to the desk. Taking a seat and beginning paperwork.

She had sat there since, a few lines drawn on with a pencil but her mind drawing a blank. And everytime Rory would try to initiate conversation, Mr. G would stop and remind him that it was Erica's time to reflect and that talking could be done later. And that he had his own thing to pay attention to, gesturing to the canvas in front of him as well. She had memorized the cracks in the wooden easel, how the grooves wove through the material. Listening to the ticking of the clock, the repetitive clicks of Mr. G's keyboard as he emailed other teachers, the taps of Rory's vans hitting the tile floor. She would sneak peeks at him, hoping his insistent fidgeting would ignite something in her brain to snap and start something on the white in front of her.

'What would mom do? She wouldn't even be here, she isn't here.' Her thoughts ramble on as any teenage with parental issues would. 

She leans to the side, sneaking a glance at Mr. G before picking up her pencil. Her fingers roll it a bit before gently writing a delicate fuck you onto the canvas. She grins, taking a small amount of pride in her victory. A true rebellion to the institution.

Rory’s eyes flutter to the blonde next to him, he always felt like she casted this glow onto him. And it wasn’t just because of her beauty. He had always looked up to her independence and strong will, even before when they were both humans. Behind her shy and polite exterior hid the fire that vampirism had so welcomingly brought out. His lips crack into a smile, reading over the words lightly scrawled onto her art project. He sits, watching as she puts her hand near her mouth, slightly picking at her bottom lip. 

The sound of a chair scraping draws both their attentions, Mr. G having now stood up.

“I hope you both are ready to show me at least something over there!” He says with an excitement only an art/history/whatever he taught teacher could have. Erica’s small smirk had dropped, the whole fuck the system was going to now bite her in the ass. Her hands drop, mouth agape as her mind races for some excuse to stop him.

Next to her Rory automatically dips his hand into his cup of maroon, previously using it for spot marks on the yellow that had been thickly added to his masterpiece. Having gotten it from the crate in between them on the ground holding all different colours, brushes and red solo cups. Before even having a second thought he gently smacks onto hers, paint splattering with a slap sound. Erica’s face flinches, turning to the side to avoid the spray getting onto her. Her eyebrows furrow as her eyes re-open, turning to look at him in shock and a smidge of anger. His eyes meet her furious ones, shrugging his shoulders in defense.

“Rory! Now that is not how we encourage Erica, you need to apologize to her.” Mr. G says, coming around and behind them. Staring at the two portraits, shaking his head to himself. Rory is quick to fess up.

“I apologize Erica, I am not sure why I did it. Just popped into my brain and I did it, I can clean up what I did.” His words are half sincere, knowing it did just pop into his head but not feeling remorse considering the words that had been there before were now covered.

“Well, I am off to get paper towels. Now you two don’t get into any trouble while I’m gone.” He waits for the confirmation, finally turning to leave when they both nod in agreement. They watch as he opens the classroom door and leaves. 

“What did you do that for? I would have figured something out, now mine is all dirty you genius!” Her voice lets out in a hushed whisper, hands gesturing with her words.

“You had eff you on there, and there was no time.” He half explains, she knew and understood why he did it. A part of her felt relieved too yet she still had the difficulty of receiving the help her friends, and more, had to offer.

They both sit quietly, fidgeting with hands and hair. Erica takes a breath, finally pushing away the mental wall.

“I like your giraffe.” Her words barely take a second to register in Rory’s ears before he perks up, turning to face her fully in excitement.

“Did you know wild giraffes fight with their necks? They whip each other with them, it’s very strange and a tad silly. They also have very long tongues that’s black and then purple slash pinkish!” He rambles a bit as she listens, staring blankly.

“I didn’t know you liked them that much.” She sighs out, finally taking a brush in her hand. She begins to spread the colour sporadically over the white. Breaking the tension that now seemed so non serious between her and the assignment.

“They’re so cool! Well, cool in the chill way. They don’t compare to crocodiles cause they are more of a dangerous cool.” Erica ponders for a moment before glancing at Rory beside her.

“Do they have any natural predators?”

“No, only humans! Adult crocodiles are so strong they’re top of the food chain, except the babies. They are sometimes hunted by raccoons or bir-” His rambling gets cut off by Erica who although was curious, she did not care about wetland ecosystems that much.

“I meant giraffes dude.”

“Oh.” He pauses nodding before continuing again. “They do have some like lions or hyenas, even leopards! But to be fair, they are herbivores. Not hunters like the other animals I mentioned. Actually, scientists report that only a quarter of baby giraffes make it to adulthood because of their natural predators.”

She nods and listens, looking back to the canvas. Her thoughts rush through her subconscious as Rory continues to talk, he keeps his gaze on her as he mumbles on though. Her canvas has become dark, black residing on the outer edges before fading into a maroon and then into a crimson red in the middle. He readjusts on his stool before realizing the red had taken the shape of a heart.

“What are you painting?”

“Not sure, something vampiric though. Dark and gloomy like our eternal souls.” She lets her more whimsical side shine in her words.

“Woah, that sounded like it would be out of your Dusk books.” She smirks, nodding in what Rory could only assume was pride.

She continues on, reaching down to grab a new cup and colour. Taking a smaller brush to add a tan kinda tone in the middle of the red in a smallish line. She pauses, waiting for the layer to dry before going back in.

“You know, Mr. G is taking his sweet time.” Erica remarks, checking the clock on the wall in front of them.

“I wonder if he or us slipped into an alternate dimension, like when we pulled Benny and Ethan and Sarah out of that weird ghost-like state.” Her hand shoots up as if to block what he said, like she was keeping his aura at bay.

“Do not start manifesting that, it’s the last thing I need right now.” He snickers at her comment.

“You’re starting to sound like Benny.” Her mouth falls open into shock, looking insulted.

“How could you ever say that to me? I’m way more sophisticated and hotter than him.” Her hand goes back down to her thigh, still in shock at Rory’s comparison.

She presses a finger onto the canvas, testing the wetness of the paint. She looks onto her finger tips, noticing no stain left. She picks the black paint back up, stealing Rory’s black paint brush. Dipping it into the cup before moving close to the canvas, steadying her arm on the easel. Her purple painted nailed hand gently begins to make the shape of an eye, the outer rim and the circle of the pupil. She takes her hand back, looking at her artwork. The lighter colour she put down earlier was to resemble the skin of the eyelid fold above the eye. She goes back in, finishing some of the details such as eyelashes and lines, not disturbing the other parts she had just painted.

“Wow, that looks great Erica!” A voice booms over the pair of them as Erica pulls back from her creation. She jumps a bit due to her being fully concentrated in the work.

“Maybe you just needed the authoritarian figure out of the way to break out of your shell a bit, this makes a lot of sense.” He begins to tap his finger on his chin before walking to his desk, scooping the pile of pages up before returning back near the exit.

“Now, I am going to trust you both. I am heading just next door to finish up my paperwork, I’ll come check on yous in every so often. I want you to keep the creative energy flowing!” Rory nods excitedly and Mr. G exits the room. Leaving the vampires again.

“Well, maybe now we can sneak out. I don’t think there’s anything else to add to mine.” Erica mumbles, turning back to her station.

“Nuh uh! You are missing the best part.” She looks to him with her eyebrows furrow, insinuating she had no clue what he was referring to. 

“You have to sign it, every artist signs their painting.” He explains, turning back to his canvas. Picking up a brush, dipping it into a green he had for a leaf that the giraffe was chewing on and scribbled his name messily in the corner. 

“See, gotta leave the artist mark.” 

“I am not an artist, besides. I don't even know if I'll keep it.” She sighs, finding the whole exercise Mr. G had insisted upon as stupid. However her actions go against her words as she lightly writes E.J in the corner of it. 

“Well, if you don't want it. Then I'll take it!” Rory insists, getting to his feet way faster then Erica had expected. She stutters over her words as he happily trots around her and lifts it off her work station. 

“I think it would go beautifully with the Star Wars poster and mathematics award on my wall.” He says, mostly to himself yet Erica feels a sense of pride in her chest. 

“If you want it that badly then sure, take whatever your heart desires.” The end of the sentenced is more muttered out as she brushes her hair behind her ear. 

“Yeah, you're right. I should give something back, make it a fair trade.” He scans around the room ad Erica questions how she had fallen for the blond with almost no social awareness. His eyes fall onto his giraffes, his beloved giraffes. She follows his gaze onto them, understanding how big of a present it would mean. 

“Rory I don't something in return, its fine. I was just whining.” She tries to convince him. But he insistently shakes his head. 

“You have to take good care of them, make sure they like the spot they will be in. You have to say hello to them as well and they like Elton John.” A small smile begins to appear on her face as he talks about them like they're alive. 

“Rory, I will take care of them like they are my children. Okay?” For a moment Rory could actually see her wall come down for a moment, her face softens as she speaks to him. He stops talking, smiling widely before nodding to her. 

“You wanna get outta here? I know a super place where we could catch some coyotes!” His eagerness bounces through him, grabbing his jacket and bag. Slinging it over his shoulder as his other hand holds the painting. 

“Ew coyotes! Why can't we just nibble on a college student and be done with it?” Erica states, getting up to grab her stuff along with Rory's painting. 

“I swore to Ethan I'd never drink from a person without their permission.” Rory looks at Erica, half disappointed. They had already had long talks about human vs animal consumption. 

“Ughh you're no fun.” She lets out before they hear a familiar voice through the echo of the hall. 

“How are we doing over here guys?” Footsteps being to approach, the blondes quickly look at each other. Erica breaks into a grin before running out the door, going in a spur. Rory follows her right after. 

The only thing Mr. G finds left behind are used solos cups, some paint splatter and two empty easels. 

[fluffyzoey]

goddamn it, estelle

estelle kelley is drunk again. maybe there’s an underlying issue here? whatever her gf’s gonna help her <3

Zoey awoke in a cold sweat. She rolled off her back, onto her side, facing her girlfriend’s side of the bed, where Estelle was normally cuddled up, snoring softly. The clock on the nightstand said 12:05 am, which was far later than Estelle would normally stay up. This concerned Zoey greatly. She sat up, listening for any sign of Estelle. Sure enough, there was soft crying coming from the kitchen.

Part of her worried that Estelle was leaving her. It wouldn’t have been the first time a partner had up and left her in the middle of the night. She tossed and turned, debating whether or not to go find her. Sometimes, when things like this happened, people didn’t want to be found. 

What if she’s packing up to leave? Zoey fretted. What if she- 

Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud crash, followed up by a heavily slurred ‘Oh fuck!’

Goddamn it, Estelle. 

She rushed out of the room, flying out of bed like a bat out of hell. She stumbled downstairs, and the sounds of crying became louder.

“Estelle!” Zoey’s heart started pounding as she spotted her girlfriend’s current predicament. Estelle was very clearly drunk: she was wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants and a bra that definitely didn’t belong to her, her hair was a mess, and she was lying face down on the tile floor with a dented can of peaches in one hand and a can opener in the other. She was sobbing profusely.

Zoey winced and crouched down beside her, gently touching her shoulder blade. “Hey…hey, baby…” Estelle looked over, her eyes red and puffy from crying. Zoey pulled the smaller girl into her lap, kissing her temple. “Babe, it’s late, come to bed. You’re gonna need rest if you don’t want a painful hangover tomorrow. Why did you drink so much anyway, darling?”

Estelle let out a barely-audible grumble. “Just wanted…to forget…”

Zoey frowned. “Did you have another vision?” She brushed her hands through Estelle’s soft ginger hair. “I told you to tell me when you have visions…”

“I know…” Estelle pressed her face into Zoey’s chest. “I was scared. And then I got hungry.”

“Sooo your solution was to try and open canned peaches with brute force? We have other food.”

Estelle grunted, sitting herself up on Zoey’s lap and wrapping her limbs around her girlfriend’s torso like a sort of human koala around an (alsp human) eucalyptus tree. “Didn’t open.” She whimpered into Zoey’s skin.

Zoey sighed and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Yeah, baby, I can tell.” She’d never felt so caring and protective over another person in her life. It was scary, but it also felt kinda nice. “Come on. Time for bed.”

[idiotwithanipad]

Ft @shebeafancyflapjack 's OC Silver

Nothing had been going right for either girl lately. A month of bad luck had seemed to sweep over them sporadically. Whenever Amy leaned down to take a sniff of a guest's Mango Loco, a living would walk through her and cause her to vomit. One of Silver's beloved statues had began to grow over with moss, blocking out it's face. Add to that, neither of them seemed to be able to shake their emotional states. Even going as far as to distance themselves from Kitty. Something they would usually never do.

Amy spat venom more spitefully than usual and even started crying, Silver seemed tired and less like she'd just gotten out of a hippie's Volkswagen. Amy seemed more tearful and quiet at times, while Silver had seemingly adopted Amy's foul mouth and bitterness. Role reversal.

Nothing happened to cause it, seemingly. Robin did double check to make sure Moonah was at her peak and not clouded by smog or a looming redness. He couldn't find any reason for the two girls to be so... Unhappy.

Everyone seemed to notice. Julian practically bolted to Robin's side to ask what the hell was going on when Amy nodded at him while walking past, no screaming, no wide eyed creepy glares, no jumpscare. No nothing. Just a sullen nod.

Humphrey couldn't cheer up Amy with really bad jokes or a spontaneous cuddle from his roaming body. Robin couldn't enthrall Silver with untold knowledge of Moonah or prehistoric animals she found cute.

In fact, it seemed like neither girl wanted to be touched at all. No interaction with anybody but themselves. Amy hid away with Silver down in the spa, reintroducing her to her plague ridden friends. Frankly, Silver had occasionally forgotten they even existed. Can't blame her though. They were very obscure.

The basement seemed to be the only place the girls could find peace; despite the cramped conditions, there was enough space for the pox ridden bunch to converse amongst themselves while occasionally peering over to the dark little corner where Amy and Silver sat, asking if they were feeling okay. They didn't pry. Nor did they try to get to the bottom of the girl's problems just so they could say they tried and go back to their own issues. Like a certain few people upstairs...

Soon, sitting on the hard tile floor of the spa became boring and tiresome, so the girls both retreated to the East Wing. They'd agreed to both sleep in Amy's room for the night; pretty much only Humphrey and Robin went in there, and neither of the two were a threat or an annoyance.

The East Wing never felt more inviting to either girl as they passed through the door and crawled up onto the bed.

"Finally" Silver groaned dimly.

"Dunno about you but I'm knackered..." Amy mumbled rubbing at her eyes, accidentally smearing her eyeliner which quickly corrected itself.

The girl's sat in silence at the foot of the bed listening to the distant chatter of the livings downstairs. But the sound of another ghost passing through jolted them back to reality, especially his ear splittingly loud greeting.

"GIRLIES!"

Silver clamped her hands over her ears and Amy flinched.

"The FUCK, Robin?" Amy spat, growling at him. The caveman sat like a far too relaxed king at the headboard behind them.

"Who needs an aneurysm when your ears can do all the bleeding for you?..." Silver snarked, making grim light of her own death.

The caveman nestled between the two pillows and grinned at the girls sheepishly. Was he TRYING to get a rise out of them?

"What girls got planned?" He asked.

The girls glanced at each other, wondering if he was serious.

"Trying to get some sleep.." Silver replied dry as a bone. Robin's eyes lit up with mischievous glee.

"Ooh! Fun! 'Cause me want do that too!"

Robin shuffled himself, lying down across the two pillows at the headboard, one arm draped over the wood and the other lying limp on the mattress beside him. His head and legs dangled from each end of the bed like wet flags. His jaw dropped open and he let loose with a long, loud, drawn out snore worse than an old bulldog.

The girl's simply stared at the fluffy mess behind them in disbelief.

"Fuck's sake" Amy groaned, letting her heavy head drop back.

Silver groaned also, scratching at the back of her neck.

"C'mon, Ames. Let's just go find somewhere else to have a kip".

Reluctantly, Amy and Silver shuffled their way off the end of the bed, when suddenly, each girl felt the fabric against their backs get tugged quick as lightning, sending them flying back towards the headboard.

With shrill cries of shock, the girls were wrenched back into Robin's ribs, the back of their skulls colliding into him surprisingly softly given the strength and speed of his pull. Just as they'd registered what the caveman had done, his raspy chuckling was followed up by the headless form slowly rising from one side of the bed, silhouetted against the window.

It sat on the edge of the mattress, and with one arm, it flung it's hefty cloak over the two girls.

"Humphrey? What's this all about?" Amy groaned, struggling to sit up with the weight of the cloak and Robin's arm still pinned across the pair of them. Tucked underneath one of the body's arms, unseen at first, Humphrey's head spoke up.

"There is no Humphrey. Only blanket!"

That was so unfunny and random neither girl could fathom it. But before they could even attempt to crack the method to the Tudor's madness, he called out.

"Oi, Julian!"

On cue, still looking uncertain and on edge entering Amy's room, Julian scuttled through the wall and approached the chest of drawers to the left of the bed, pressing his finger to the slim remote for the little LG TV left plugged in, also on the drawers. The girl's watched in confusion as the Tory strained and pressed the power button, bringing the TV to life.

Seemingly, this had all been planned out, as the first channel displayed on the screen was the horror channel. Humphrey and Robin must've brought Julian here earlier to change the channel in advance so he wouldn't have to stick around longer to do it on the spot.

Almost instantly, Amy and Silver's faces lit up just that little bit brighter, each of them shuffling under Robin's arm and Humphrey's cloak to better face the screen.

"You two planned this?" Silver asked, her grouchy demeanor changing fast.

The two men gave a single nod, Humphrey gave more of a blink than a nod, being careful not to drop his own head again. Getting straight into the mood, Silver giggled and reached behind her head, ruffling and fluffing Robin's furs to nestle against them, finding a comfortable spot.

Amy reached over and plucked the Tudor's head from his body's hands before hunkering down behind Silver, cradling the head against her chest so he could also watch with them.

"No way! Texas Chainsaw Massacre AND Salem's Lot?!" Amy beamed.

Silver grinned, but her grin quickly turned to confusion.

"Hey, what's The V... Vitch?..."

Amy gave a grin almost as sheepish as Robin's.

"Well, Silv... I think you're gonna love it"

[ugliestbimbo]

i wrote something a while back, unrelated to any fledged-out fics or ideas. i was gonna post it here like a week ago, but ig i forgor. here it is:

also some CWs (theyre not too bad tho):

- SLIGHT violence

- MINORLY REFERENCED pedophilia

- IMPLIED child abuse(?)

- mental issues, idk if that counts as a CW tho

——————————

From the moment he was born, Kalim was held in high regard. It wasn't just that he was the heir to the Asim fortune, in all honestly that paled in comparison to his true 'calling'.

Pure porcelain locks, destined to curl every which way and envelope the world around him in light.

Smooth, soft, sand-tinted skin, a perfect blank canvas for his ‘legacy’, whatever that could’ve meant.

Dazzling blood-red eyes, shining in the night like precious jewels, a story dancing beneath their irises.

Or, that's what everybody told him, at least.

To him, his outlandish hair was a bother. Loud and noticeable, he couldn't sneak into town if he tried. Not to mention the length of it, and the fact that it'd always tangle itself into one huge prophetic hair mop.

His skin was blank, painfully blank. Only the traditional Asim tattoos were allowed to linger, all other markings were erased by magic. But that didn't erase them entirely. Kalim would remember the pain of each and every one; every inked needle pierced into his skin, every jagged ornamental knife dragged across his flesh, every spell they cast, the burning of magic as it seared into him.

And his eyes. He wanted to gouge them out. Having to look in the mirror each morning and be greeted by the very staple of death. Red, red, red. Kalim hated red. The red in his eyes, the red in his clothes, the red in his skin. Red, red, red. Always red.

The hair, he could cut. The skin, he could turn a blind eye to. But the eyes, the red.

Memories of blood, screams, cries. All swirling like a storm beneath his disgustingly red eyes. Maybe they did tell a story, after all.

. . .

Kalim couldn't tell whether he was supposed to be the ‘Savior’ or the ‘Sacrifice’. All he knew was that he was one of the two, and there wasn't any in-between.

Kalim wasn't a child, he was a cog in in some fucked-up machine. A bedtime story everyone had been told since they were as young as him. He wasn’t just a child, he was much more.

Is that what they told themselves whenever they eviscerated him in the shrines? Whenever they pet his soft silver hair and remarked on how beautiful he's grown to be? Whenever their eyes lingered on his body for far too long, either brimming with a sick satisfaction or an even sicker lust?

Disgusting.

Just another reason to hate eyes, but at least this time they wouldn't be his own.

Always watching, always judging, always trying to mold him into their perfect little thing. They never blinked, never faltered. He could feel them boring into him at every waking moment.

The 'stares' reminded him of what he truly was.

“A fragile little thing.”

“A child too beautiful for his own good.”

“A ‘tyrant-in-the-making’.”

No matter what they deemed him, he was aware of his place. He would always, and only be something for them to admire. A prized possession to be bedazzled and presented on a pedestal. A bragging right, a bargaining chip.

And strangely, the role flattered him.

. . .

Despite it all, Kalim loved everything, everyone. Even those who wronged him, even the ones who started this whole sick prophecy mess. He loved them.

He would spend his free time dancing through the estate's halls with anyone who decided to join him. He would lounge in the courtyard, basking in the sweltering heat as if it weren't scorching his skin.

(It wouldn't leave a mark, nothing ever did.)

Absurdly long, wild white locks would trail behind him, flowing like water. Occasionally, they'd snag on furniture or foliage, but Kalim didn't mind.

(He would even take advantage of such situations to vouch for a haircut.)

As for his eyes....he’d keep from looking at them. He would avoid each mirror, each puddle, each shining tile. He hated his eyes, and that wouldn't change.

(And yet everyone else seemed to love them so much.)

He made it his goal to bring joy unto others, no matter what cost. If the elders were satisfied with their grotesque rituals, so be it. If the family adored his soft, princess-like appearance, then he'd fit the bill. And if the workers and servants appreciated his easygoing nature and generosity....

Well, those were a given. Kalim could never find it in himself to be cruel, even if it's what his father expected of him as the Asim heir.

(His father was the only one he’d never be able to satisfy.)

But at least there was everybody else to love him. Enraptured by his unruly hair, his unchanging skin, his eerie red eyes.

And then the few that loved him for everything else. Those fond of his personality, his demeanor instead of....whatever else everyone saw in him.

(He wished there were more, but who was he to complain?)

. . .

Jamil didn't know how to react, really. At first, he was angry, infuriated. He'd enrolled into NRC for one sole purpose, to escape. And this fucker had followed him, right to his dorm room.

His anger never subsided, but it was largely overpowered by his next emotion. Concern.

Kalim was curled up in the blanket, sobbing his little heart out while furiously scrubbing at his face with said blanket. White hair peeked out in every which direction, from whatever gaps it found in his sad cocoon.

Jamil always tried to convince himself otherwise, but he really did care for the heir. Either that, or he was a better (and more kindhearted) person than he gave himself credit for.

Whichever it was, he was still (unfairly) tasked with dealing with the stupid fuck, so he had to resolve this someway somehow.

"Kaimsnsjdjjxjdh

——————————

thats all. 🦧

[commanderx-ray]

I'm out resolving a petty dispute between Cargo and Space Clowns when it happens. Code Epsilon is declared and the station is plunged into anarchy. Watching the station get closer and closer from the colorful windows of the clown shuttle, I start asking myself why I didn't take retirement when I had the chance.

You see,unbeknownst to me, my fellow Commanders had been tasked by Central Command to take care of a 'extremely dangerous and rare clown artifact'. No one told me shit. Why? No fucking clue. Turns out the damn thing went missing shortly after, and to preserve themselves from Honkmother's Wrath, High Command declared Termination on us all. Comms are filled to the brim with people cursing the Captain out, greytiders declaring war on eachother and on the incoming deathsquad, and my Security Team desperately trying to hold everything together. With zero input from the rest of Command, I entrust my Warden with arming the team up. The guns weren't really going to do shit against what was coming, but that's not why I ordered them to arm up. The second order I gave out was to hand every stun, disabler and non lethals out to the crew.

A little bit of a powermove, yeah, but I figured we should at least give them a good fight before dying like the corporate tools we are.

The QM urges the clown pilot to head for the Automated Trade Station, and he happily obliges, foreseeing a lot of guns coming into his grubby little hands. I care little for the weapons—something the Quartermaster didn't understand. I take this opportunity while the cargonians arm themselves (and the clown) up, to talk with the Salvage Team and plan a rendezvous.

Soon we had a ragtag squad of cargonians, clowns and salvagers and made for the station, in hopes of rescuing more people and making it out. Well, that was their hope. My hope was to secure the nuclear disk and attempt to save my team before it all went to Hell. Despite my warnings and predictions, they were all confident in standing up against the Deathsquad. It was a bloodbath. The high-powered lasers cut through the Salvaging hardsuits like a sickle through a field. Bullets pinged off the black-and-red armor like small pebbles.

It was cowardly of me, but I left them to their deaths. Cold I may be, but if I were to die fighting alongside doomed fools let it be my own team. Communications were down, so it remained to be seen whether or not they had met their fate. Blood painted the station tiles and bodies were half-heartedly piled up, lizards, dwarves, humans and moths alike. There was a single corpse wearing the all-too familiar jumpsuit of the Deathsquad. An humorless smirk forms in my face. Someone got lucky.

I'm soon pinned down by a hail of blue laserfire, the smell of melting steel permeating the air. In my guilt, I lent my disabler to the Quartermaster before leaving him to his fate. Making my peace with my soon-to-be death, my stunbaton crackles to life in my hands and I leap out of cover to charge the exterminator. Behind him, another turns the corner and takes in the sight of me charging him. Whatever part of his brain that wasn't lobotomized by corporate doctrine decided that honor should dictate his actions, and he pulled out an energy sword to meet my baton instead of gunning me down.

We never clashed. His teammate let loose a barrage of disabler beams from a Security Issued Disabler SMG and incapacitated him. I look to my saviour to see the hardsuit helmet retract, and meet the eyes of my Warden. "Good to see you, boss."

From there, it was a blur of slipping past patrols and quietly killing off those we could. Activating the Nuke was easy once we got our hands on the code and the disk.

It wasn't a total victory for the company, that day. They've might annhilated the crew but the complete loss of their operatives and their gear was a hard blow, to be sure.

So that's why we're joining the Gorlex Marauders.

[feyhunter78]

Targaryen Inc

Description: It's been two years since Daemon told the WD to "fuck off" and Targ Inc is thriving. Alicent and Rhaenyra announce an upcoming charity ball, Aegon has weekend plans, and an ex-employee is in the lobby.

“Aegon if you don’t shut the fuck up, I’m going to stab you with those stupid scissors you got me for my birthday.” Alyra seethed, glaring at the silver-haired man who sat across from her.

“Wait, hold on, why are they stupid? They’re your favorite color, and they’re glittery, women love glittery shit.” Aegon protested, sitting up in his chair to defend himself.

Alyra sighed. “One, they’re red. My favorite color is blue, which you would know if you’d been paying attention to Helaena, and I’s team bonding presentation, that we do, every quarter. Two, they’re safety scissors, for children. I am not a child.”

Aegon waved his hand dismissively. “You’re younger than me, so the logic still works.”

“Only in years.” Alyra said with a tight smile.

Aegon snorted. “Yeah, in years. The most important measurement when it comes to age. You ever try telling the cops: ‘Oh, sorry officer she said she was an old soul, so I thought she was twenty, I didn’t know she was seventeen.’ Doesn’t work, and next thing you know they’re dragging you off to jail, and your face is on the news.”

“I believe Alyra is trying to say that while you have lived longer than her, she is more mature than you.” Aemond said, looking up from his laptop to glance at his brother. Aemond sat at the far end of the table, leaving precisely two empty seats on each side between him and them.

Aegon took a sip of his coffee, then nodded. “That’s fair.”

Alyra sighed again and rested her head on the conference table. “I’m going to quit. Helaena, I’m quitting.”

“No, you’re not, you wouldn’t leave me here by myself.” Helaena said, looking up from sticking butterfly nail decals on her nails to pat Alyra on the shoulder.

Alyra groaned. “You’re right, I won’t leave. The pays too good. Ziras and I have expensive taste.” It was her own fault for getting a Rottweiler and immediately treating him like her child. Now Ziras would only eat organic food and tore through his toys like they killed his family.

The door to the conference room swung open, and Rhaenyra walked in, her devil red heels clicking on the tile. She was wearing a black powersuit and held a coffee in one hand. “Alright team, thanks for coming in so early, we’ve got a lot of events we’d like to put on and or attend, so it’s a lot to cover.”

Alicent walked in right behind her, a box of donuts in her hand. She was dressed in a smart looking green dress with nude ballet flats. “I brought donuts, in case anyone had to miss breakfast.” She placed the box between Alyra and Helaena as she made her way to the front of the room.

Alyra took out her company issued laptop, the same as Aemond’s, only hers had stickers she and Helaena had stuck on while Aemond’s was completely blank. Helaena and Aegon had laptops as well, everyone in the company did, but they declined to take them out.

As Rhaenyra began the presentations, Alyra started to take notes, highlighting where her department would be most needed.

A little message bubble popped up in the bottom corner of her screen, and her eyes dart to it.

Aegon: pass me a chocolate donut, rainbow sprinkles plz

She raised an eyebrow at the man, and he weakly reached for the box.

Alyra: Get it yourself, I’m not your maid.

Aegon looked up at her with a mock pout.

Aegon: plz I’ll tell u where I’m going on Sat so u can call the place and have them cut their cameras

Alyra reached into the box, grabbed the chocolate donut, dropped it on a mini plate and slid it across the table to him.

He smiled and gave her a thumbs-up.

Aegon: thinking about checking out Cherry’s down on Silk St, u should join!!!

Alyra: Absolutely not.

Aegon: lame

Alyra ignored his last messages and closed their chat, turning her attention to Alicent’s part of the presentation. The company was holding a charity ball next month, definitely something she needed to get out to the press ahead of time.

Another chat bubble.

Aemond: Alyra, would you mind passing me one of the strawberry cake donuts? I’d grab it myself, but I don’t want to disturb the presentation. Thank you.

Alyra bit back a smile at differences between the way the two brothers texted.

Alyra: Of course, no problem!

She reached in and placed his donut on a mini plat and sent it sliding down towards him.

He caught it quickly and sent her a slight nod.

Aemond: Thank you.

Alyra: You’re welcome!

Helaena reached for a donut herself, and Alyra thanked the gods her best friend could do things for herself. Helaena picked out a rainbow sprinkle one, then placed a chocolate cake donut on a plate for Alyra.

“Mother will worry if you don’t eat one.” She whispered.

Alyra took it and glanced up, seeing Alicent smile when she saw everyone had taken a donut.

Alyra sat blissfully undisturbed for the rest of the meeting, and before she knew it the presentation was over.

“Go back to your departments, figure out what we need from them, and then bring the information to us once you have it.” Rhaenyra ordered, collecting her tablet from the table.

“Our highest priority right now is the charity ball, this will be Viserys’ first appearance since his stay in the hospital, our shareholders are going to be looking at this event as a way to determine the company’s state.” Alicent reminded them before she and Rhaenyra left heading back to their own offices.

The company had come a long way since she’d first started. A fresh-faced twenty-two-year-old with limited PR experiences, she thought Viserys was crazy for bringing her on. Surly there were others that were more qualified to take the position? 

But Viserys had been insistent on the heads of each department being a family member, and Alyra was the only one with a Public Relations degree. Now she was confident in her position, and the company was thriving under its new co-chairs. Even the Westeros Daily had commented on how popular Targaryen Inc’s products and services had become. Alyra had sent their entire office thank you gifts after that article.

Alyra finished off her donut and stood. “Aemond, once I talk with my department, I’ll send our ideas, and you can figure out the numbers?”

Aemond closed his laptop and stood as well. “That should be fine, try to cut costs wherever you can, the shareholders won’t know the difference between polyester and cotton.” He then ducked out of the conference room.

“Alyra, we’ll meet in my office in say ten minutes to discuss strategies?” Aegon said grabbing the box of donuts and carrying it out with him.

“Sure, see you in ten.”

Helaena stood and dusted off her pale pink skirt. “I don’t know why I had to be in this meeting.”

Alyra slung her arm around her shoulders. “You’re HR, what if one of our employees does something stupid at the ball? You need to know the details beforehand.”

Helaena sighed, “I guess you’re right.” Helaena had a lot of faith in their coworkers, something Alyra wished she could say she shared in, but that would just be a lie.

They walked back to Helaena’s office and parted ways from there.

Alyra walked down the hall and knocked on Jacaerys’ office door, before opening it. “Hey, you busy?”

“An ex-employee is trying to sue us for a nonsensical reason, but besides that, no.”

Alyra sat in one of the two leather chairs in front of his desk. “What do I need to do to get Cherry’s down on Silk Street to cut their cameras this Saturday?”

Jacaerys gave her an odd look, then typed the club into his computer. “This is a strip club.”

“Aegon.” Was all she said.

“Ah, ok. Well, you can call them and ask them, and if they say no, tell them how much money Aegon usually blows at strip clubs, and they’ll probably change their tune.”

“Perfect, will do.” She stood and left his office, closing the door behind her.

She had about five minutes left before she had to meet Aegon, so she rode the elevator down a floor and stepped out into the PR and Marketing department. Making a beeline for her second in command, Mara, she brought up her notes on her phone and sent them to her.

“Mara, I just sent you my notes from the meeting this morning, we’ve got a charity ball coming up, can you work with Arryk and see what you two can come up with for first touch ideas?”

Mara, a redhead woman with brown eyes, and warm brown skin, nodded her head. “I got you boss, I’ll meet with Arryk soon as we’re finished here.”

Alyra thanked her and headed back towards the elevators.

Aegon’s office looked like a frat house, and she said that sort of affectionately, she’d been in a sorority in college, that’s how she met Helaena. But neither of them held any great love for frat houses.

With the novelty flag, that changed monthly behind his desk, various bottles of collector’s whiskey lining the shelves, and a bobblehead of some rapper right next to his computer, she was always struck by flashbacks when she entered his office.

Arryk was on his way out when she got there, and he gave her a polite nod.

Alyra caught the swinging door and pushed a fast food wrapper off the hot pink chair Aegon claimed he bought specifically for her.

“My partner in crime, let’s get the press all over this charity ball, so we can get drunk as fuck at the afterparty.” Aegon said, turning his monitor around, so she could see what he’d been working on.

Alyra had to admit, despite his numerous character flaws, Aegon was good at his job.

She glanced over his plans, adding her own ideas and pointing out flaws in his. “Aegon, we cannot have a strip club as a sponsor of this event. It’s for unfunded animal shelters.”

“What if the girls dress up as animals? Then it’s on theme.” Aegon suggested.

“No strippers.”

Aegon groaned, but deleted the strip club from the potential list of sponsors. “How about we ask that vegetarian place that’s been blowing up online? They seem pretty invested in the wellbeing of animals.”

“Romaine Well? The place on 6 th ?” She’d just been there last week on what had to be one of the worst dates of her life.

“Yeah, they’d probably be interested.”

Alyra tapped her pen against her lip. Romaine Well was extremely popular right now, having just opened their fourth location. “I’ll reach out to the owners and see if they’d be interested.”

Aegon held up his hand for a high five, and she did so begrudgingly. “I’ll go through my contacts, see if any none strip clubs might be interested. Arryk said he’s going to run some stuff by your girl, and then they’re going to bring it back up to us.”

“Perfect, and I’m going to go back to my office and call Cherry’s to see if they’ll turn their cameras off on Saturday.”

“You’re my queen, Alyra.” Aegon said before half-haphazardly kissing her hand, something she noticed the Hightower side of the company did quite often. Both he and Aemond kissed their mother’s hand whenever they left her presence, and Aemond kissed Helaena’s hand whenever she did something he greatly appreciated.

“Yeah, you’re my best friend too.” She said, shaking her head at his ridiculousness, and heading back to her office. Which was thankfully right next door

A hand on her shoulder stopped her, and she turned to face Criston Cole, head of Alicent’s security and her second husband after the tragic death of her children’s father. “Sorry Ms. Alyra, I just needed to inform you that there’s a disgruntled ex-employee in the lobby, so we’re asking everyone to remain on their floors until the situation is resolved.”

Alyra nodded. She liked Criston, he was kind, and clearly cared very much for Alicent, so by extension he cared greatly for those she cared about. “Ex-employee? Do I know them?”

Criston rubbed the back of his neck. “Mr. Hightower has decided to make a reappearance.”

Alyra gave him a sympathetic grimace, “Well, good luck to you, Mr. Cole, I’ll stay up here.”

He nodded and made his way down the hall towards Helaena’s office.