#Breezy Slide is such a fun song too

[justanotherjaydrawing]

Sometimes you spend several hours rewatching BDG music videos to try and cheer yourself up and decide to draw Haikyuu fanart about it. (I'll link the song below because it genuinely makes me smile lol)

[allthemusic]

Week ending: 8th December

And here it is, the dreaded first Christmas song of the year. Dreaded both because there have been relatively few good Christmas songs so far, and because I'm rarely ever having to listen to them at actual Christmas time, which doesn't exactly put me in a mood to appreciate them!

Christmas Alphabet - Dickie Valentine (1)

Straight off, the title of this song promises a gimmick. And okay, if you're going to do a gimmicky song, do it at Christmas. Fair play, Dickie. Though this was apparently originally released a year previously in the US by the McGuire sisters.

We start with some breezy strings, and a rather jazzy feel - so far, so Christmassy, I guess? Actually, this has quite a good, classic 1940s or 1950s Christmas vibe, I could absolutely see this in the background of a vintage Christmas film, you know? It gets festive points for the "ding ding" noise at the end, and the backing singers' "ooooooh" bits, too.

Then Dickie starts singing, and it becomes clear that this is not going to go through the whole alphabet. I'm not sure if I'm relieved or disappointed by this; I was quite looking forward to seeing what Dickie would do for the more obscute letters! This approach is fine, though, and I do like the way that the backing singers take over letter duty on the second repeat, so as to create a bit of variety. There's something in the way they sing "capital C" that's kind of quirky and fun.

Content-wise, the lyrics are nothing special, just a list of Christmass-y things. We've got candy, happiness, reindeer prancing by the windowpane, icing on a cake, a stocking, toys beneath the trees, mistletoe where everyone is kissed, angels who make up the Christmas list and then, most dubiously, Santa, who makes every kid his pet. Akward lyric, ahoy!

This is also a nitpick, but I don't like the Be good, and he'll bring you everything in your Christmas alphabet line. Because not everything in that list is something that Santa would bring you! He is not going to give you his reindeer, or his angels, or the abstract concept of happiness! It's such a small thing, but it would have annoyed me so much, as a kid! It definitely feels like slightly lazy writing, but hey, it's Christmas. It's fine.

I've not much more to add here, except to say that after several repeats, I don't feel quite like clawing at my own ears to make it stop, which has sometimes been the case with Christmas songs. So this is probably one of the better ones, in the grand scheme of things.

Meet Me on the Corner - Max Bygraves (2)

Max Bygraves did comedy music, right? We've definitely come across him before, though off the top of my head, I don't remember exactly what he did... I don't remember it being terrible, though?

Oh, this isn't comedy at all, at least not at the start! It's literally just Max asking his love to meet him on the corner of a street somewhere for what I can only presume is a romantic tryst. It's got a strong jazzy, swung vibe, and Max is giving it an admirable amount of welly.

It's quite sweet, actually, with Max singing about how I want to tell you all the little things I've planned / And I can do it better when you hold my hand. He's making plans with his love, it's cute. And even cuter, we hear about how for Max, Though it's just an ordinary street / We'll be in heaven, if you meet / Me on the corner tonight. D'awww.

And then we get to the bit where Max's comedy chops peek through, just slightly, as he mugs it up with a silly voice on lines like Oh, what a wonderful time for you and me, which flicks up at the end, or a deep, almost arch Cuddle me, honey. Honestly, it doesn't detract from the song, but for me, it doesn't add much, either. Oh well. I can imagine that it was maybe just part of Max's stage persona, something people expected from him - and hey, it's just a few brief lines, before we're back in the swing of things.

And we build pleasingly to a jazzy sort of finish, with a trumpet slide heralding the end of the song. At just about two and a half minutes, it feels quite breezy, honestly.

I think non-Christmas songs will always have an edge, but it helps that I did like Max's offering this time. So, a fairly simple choice!

Favourite song of the bunch: Meet Me on the Corner

[jasonp01]

Kids Being Kids

There’s a certain power to kids being kids. Especially when together and when fully involved with some kind of real world activity, when actually doing something physical with other kids. You might just call that “play,” but it can be more than that. Today at camp was rife with that power. It was our first full day of camp activities and we saw it everywhere.

After a yummy breakfast of Rick’s homemade oatmeal, fresh cut fruit, granola, yogurts and cereal, everyone at camp fanned out all over to get started with the whole range of camp activities. Each camper had chosen their activity schedule the night before, and now it was time to begin with the first of the four today.

All ten of the craft activities sprang to life. Girls were soon weaving colorful yarns on looms in Curiosity with Lucy. They were pinching and rolling clay in one of the 2 pottery studios. They were learning to tie special knots to make their first friendship bracelet. They were twisting t-shirts and dripping dye on them, sticking scraps of paper to “memory boxes,” weaving wet reeds to make baskets, sewing pillows, dipping brushes into watercolor paints, and carefully measuring thin planks of wood before making their first cuts in wood working. Many art projects had begun!

Sports too! The campers shot rifles and bows with .22 caliber bullets and arrows hitting their paper targets. They balanced on the beam after stretching in the gymnastics area of the gym. The tennis courts saw various tennis drills and short games. The gaga ball pit also was stirred up by game after game, with girls jumping and swatting as the ball bounced in their direction. For something more relaxed, there were yoga classes being held in the hillside lodge. Of course the lake, which (after to the dining hall!) is probably the most popular place in camp, was humming with fun as the girls zipped down the water slide, invented silly poses while jumping off the diving board, and just played around on different floating toys. As the weather was perfectly warm and sunny throughout the day, the lake was a great place to be.

The first riding lessons also took place today, with the campers who wanted to ride meeting new horses. There were riders in every ring walking, trotting and cantering their way around. The outdoor adventure staff offered climbing on the Alpine tower, trips through the zip line course here at camp, a hiking trip to High Falls in the Dupont State Forest, and chances to begin learning the basics of whitewater kayaking down at the lake.

Dinner was a hotdog picnic on the hill— dogs (and veggie dogs), buns and regular “fixing,” homemade coleslaw, salad and potato chips. We also had freshly baked cookie bars for dessert. With ideal, almost cool, evening weather, we all enjoyed a breezy feeling dinner that was just the right balance of hanging out and silliness.

Tonight’s evening program was an all-camp campfire we call “Jug Band.” This is a silly program of traditional Appalachian songs and stories that the counselors, Hi-Ups and other directors present. Sarah dresses up like an old woman and brings her fiddle to play. Tonight a guitar and ukulele joined in to play “She’ll be Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain,” “Mountain Dew,” and “Little Cabin in the Woods,” which were clear favorites with the campers. This was classic camp fun, and an excellent way to end the day.

It was wonderful to feel the energy of kids being kids at camp. Everyone seemed happy and excited, and nicely settled in. These camper are already feeling comfortable and enjoying camp life. My hunch is that it’ll soon be even better!

[road-breakin-slasher]

~Chapter 8 - Swim Up!~

"Pinkfong and Hogi has invited every friends on a swimming trip. And they invited me, too. That sounds fun, since it's been years not taking a swim. I swimmed several times back at Silly Wilds Forest. Its water is a breeze.

Their swimming location will be very far. It's south-east far from Wonderville, which is somewhat opposite of my home town.

And Sasha. She's invited, too!

Yay!

We all arrived at WonderStar H.Q., and Pinkfong and Hogi are happy to see us.

'Friends! You all came! I'm so excited for this trip. We're all gonna swim!' Pinkfong exclaimed. 'I hope you're all packed up.'

'Sure, Pinkfong, I can't wait to see Quacki swim on somewhere far,' Coco said.

'And, Rachel, have your songs ready for a trip? This trip can get boring,' said Hogi.

'Oh! Don't worry. My songs and my guitar are all ready,' Rachel replied.

'And Codi, are our cakes and snacks prepped up?' Asked Hogi.

'Yup! They're all set!' Replied Codi.

Everyone is excited. We can't wait to be aboard.

And look who's arriving? It's Sasha. My cute Sasha.

'He-hey, everyone,' Sasha said.

'Sasha! Yay, you came, too!' Shouted Pinkfong.

'All right! Let's all get up!' Pinkfong said.

Pinkfong then threw up in air their miniature WonderCar, and Pinkfong encant his magic.

'Hoi-Poi, Pinkfong!'

His magic encanted, and their miniature car turned into a surprisingly large bus! His magic almost has no limits.

'All aboard!' Said happy Pinkfong.

It's like 'Wheels on the Bus', but better.

When we're on a road, Rachel sang some nicer songs she wrote and some nice songs that Hogi shared. Among the songs Hogi shared is 'Belle of the Boulevard'. It's a foreign song. And it's not from around here. Hogi must have knowledge from somewhere else...

We're finally arrived at the destination. Man, it's far. And everyone loves this scenery. It's forestry. And it has a long slide. Maybe longer than on Silly Wilds Forest.

Everyone then does swim and slide on the falls and pools...

...Except one. Sasha.

She doesn't really swim like this. She's kinda scared.

So I have to help her. I asked Pinkfong to let me help her instead.

I approached to her, and said, 'Hey, Sasha. Why couldn't you try?'

'I'm... I'm scared. I've never experience this slide before. I can swim, but not slide like this,' she answered.

'Wanna help you?' I asked. This is my chance...

'I... I dunno,' Sasha nervously replied.

'He-hey. I'm here. Lemme swim with you,' I said.

'You... You will?' She asked.

'Yeah! Let me help you overcome it,' I said.

'Oh... Okay...,' said Sasha softly, 'then can you please stick with me?!' Eh! She suddenly exclamed.

'Su...Sure!' I said.

We then now hold hands as we are about to jump into the slide. She's really nervous.

Oh, gosh, her hands... Finally. I'm holding her hands...

And then, we jump.

We're shouting together as we slide into the cool, breezy pool. And...

...SPLASH!

We finally land on a pool! It was exciting. But what about Sasha?

'That. Was. EXCITING!' Sasha exclaimed.

I'm happy for her. She overcome her fear of sliding.

'Can we do it again?' Asked Sasha.

'Sure do!' I answered.

'Hey! I wanna come, too!' Said Pinkfong...

'Hey, me too!' and Hogi.

We then started to swim more. Then we stopped to rest from swimming, and Rachel then sing us a song. A very nice song. Then we feast, because many of us got hungry. Then an hour later, we swim again.

Me and Sasha kept sliding, and sliding, over and over again.

Oh, Sasha...

We finally return home. And decided to write my aunt Sheri back.

'Dear, Tiya Sheri,

We went out today, and it was fun. We all swim well! Except Poki, he's suddenly freezing from breezy water.

You know what's the best thing happened in my life? I helped Sasha overcome her fear. We slide together over and over again. Like I'm a comforter of scare swimming slide. Pinkfong and Hogi are proud of me.

Do I love her? Secretly. But should I say it in front of her? Maybe not... At least not so soon...?

I like what Rachel sang for everyone. Several of them were Hogi's, he must've know some foreign songs. Maybe, someday, I might ask if he knows a perfect song for me... and Sasha...

Yes, tiya, you can come by after we visit you. I love you, tiya.

Your favourite nephew,

Billi.'

You must be wondering why I called her 'tiya' instead of 'aunt'? Some of my relatives speak Spanish. They are Spanish descendants. Aunt Sheri speaks such. I learned a bit, but not learned further.

Maybe I'll say one romantic line for Sasha someday...

'Te amo, Sasha, mi amor...'"

[thechangeling]

But you like her better: Part 2

Sorry it's been a minute! I hope you like it.

Cw: Some brief ableism, mentions of internalized biphobia, and self injurious stimming.

2013

It was raining when 16 year old María Machado Sotomayor first met Kit Herondale.

Marí had always loved the sound of the rain. It was peaceful and rhythmic, creating a nice tingly feeling in her skull running straight down her spine. It also good for the plants. Which meant that Marí arrived (on time for once) at her favorite class in a pretty good mood.

Marine biology was their one of their three special interests, the other two being lacrosse and Base guitar. So Bio was usually pretty fun for them. However this time was different.

Her mood was instantly dampened when she walked into class and saw someone new sitting in her usually seat. A blond, short and white kid who looked far too pretty for his own good. A new kid most likely.

A new kid who didn't realize that Marí always sat by the window every single day. It was their spot. Still Marí was determined not to overreact. They marched over to the new kid  and approached him with their best masking smile.

Remember eye contact. She told herself. Keep your tone light and breezy but not too lifeless. Smile. Appear friendly and non threatening. Try not to sweat. Try not to scream.

"Hi excuse me," Marí began in a sickly sweet tone. "That's actually my seat! Sorry!"

The boy instantly looked embarrassed and apologetic. "Oh I'm sorry!" He blushed. "I didn't realize there was assigned seating." He had an American accent, California maybe?

Wonderful. A white American boy. Just what they needed.

Marí chewed their lip and fought the urge to rock or tap. "There isn't actually," they admitted. "I just usually sit there. So can you please move?"

Now the new kid looked a little offended. A cold look settled over his face. "Well why should I?" He bristled. "This seat isn't really yours. It's not like it has your name on it."

Marí rolled her eyes in frustration. "I tried that already but then I got in trouble."

He stared at them curiously for a moment. Marí took the opportunity to break eye contact finally and scuff their heel against the floor. They were wearing the new black suede chunky heels with the gem stones that Marí had gotten when they went thrifting with their friends.

"María!" The harsh voice of her teacher snapped her back into reality. Everyone had arrived and taken their seats while she was arguing with the American and now everyone was staring at her. "Could you please explain why you are not seated young lady?" She snapped in her extra pretentious sounding posh English accent.

The one that said, "I'm better than you."

Marí tried not to growl at being called a young lady. They weren't feeling particularly female today. Not that Marí was going to bother explaining that to some old British hag.

"He won't get out of my seat!" Marí protested. Instantly laughter broke out around the classroom. Cruel mocking laughter that made Marí feel like her skin was crawling.

"It's ok!" The new kid cried out, practically jumping out of Marí's seat. "I'll move! I'll go sit over here." He grabbed his bag and moved to the back of the room as quickly as possible.

Marí smiled in spite of themself. His random act of kindness was surprising, but they were grateful. They took their seat near the window and sighed in relief.

Marí would always look back on that day with fondness no matter what. It may not have seemed like much to him, but it meant the world to her. After Bio class she had asked Kit to come eat with her and her friends. They had made their introductions and the rest was history.

They became close friends very quickly, bonding over movies and music. They sent each other playlists of their favorite songs and songs that reminded them of each other. Marí made Kit a queer playlist with songs by queer artists and told Kit that they were bisexual and a demigirl. They hadn't even told their friends that last part yet at that point.

Marí also told Kit that they liked to use she/they pronouns, but so far was only using them online. Kit asked Marí a lot of questions then confessed to Marí that he was also bisexual but he was still kinda getting used to it.

"I grew up in a shitty situation," Kit had told them. "I guess I still have a lot of shame."

Marí didn't hold it against him. She bought him queer literature and resources for queer history including "Bisexuality and Queer Theory" and her printed copy of the article published in the 90s called "The Bisexual Manifesto." She gave him advice on websites and people to follow online.

They also just talked. Talked about life and their experiences. Their feelings and their relationships with their sexualities. Bonding with another queer person was always special but spending time with Kit always made Marí feel so...light.

Despite how close they were getting, Marí didn't always want to touch him. They were touch averse in most cases unless they were very comfortable with someone. Sometimes it just depended on the day. On the days where Marí found they could not hug Kit they had invented their own way to show affection.

They would place a hand over their hearts and tap it, as if to say "I care about you" or "I love you." Sometimes Kit would say "tap my heart" as a substitute for actually doing it.

He introduced her to his close friend Janessa, the wayward vampire who was incredibly hot and kind of made Marí all nervous and tounge twisty at first. But as they got to know her, Marí realized that she was also incredibly kind, passionate and clearly cared at great deal about Kit. Janessa was a gamer who had named herself after a video game character. She drank cups of warm blood in novelty mugs with giant swirly sparkly straws and was pretty good at making people laugh.

Janessa, or Nessie as Kit had affectionately nicknamed her, was flirtatious and charismatic, but also brutal and deadly in a fight. She was full of surprises. And maybe, just maybe Marì was a little bit into that.

However as much as Marí didn't want to admit it, they were also were starting to realize that they were way more into someone else. Someone with perfect golden curls that Marí wanted to curl their fingers into.

Eventually Kit came out to Marí as genderfluid and requested that she use alternating he/they pronouns for them. They both made the decision to collectively tell their friends their pronouns. Marí, Kit and Nessie sat around her gorgeous leather couch and talked for hours about gender, identity and transness. Kit pointed put that they may never be able to fully explain their gender to the other two, just like Kit might have a hard time fully understanding Janessa's relationship with gender, or Marí's because everyone was different.

"It's personal Nessie," he had said. "Everyone has their own unique perspective on gender and every trans person has their own complicated feelings about gender and what their own gender identity means to them, and those feelings might not completely match up with another trans person's. But that's ok. You don't have to understand the other person but you do have to respect them."

Janessa's understanding of gender came from being a trans women. It was about a strict  binary with clear lines and rules. Rules that Kit was starting to make a habit of fingerpainting all over and Marí could tell that it was stressing her out.

And Marí had no idea where the hell they fit in these rules. They had stopped playing the game.

But those two loved each other more than anything, and Marí knew they could work anything out. And sure enough approximately seven hours and four margaritas later (only two for Marí,) they had come to an understanding.

2014

She kissed Kit for the first time a month into the new year.

They had been trying on clothes in Marí's room and Kit was wearing one of their old dresses that Marí thought they looked amazing in, but Kit wanted to give it away. It was dark navy blue and sparkly with spaghetti straps, coming to about mid thigh. There were cut outs on the sides, filled in with black sheer fabric, and it had a low v cut at the neckline which was also filled in with black sheer.

Kit had been infodumping about one of the Marvel movies again, Marí couldn't remember which one, and she had kept getting distracted by his tan smooth skin peaking through the sheer fabric and fullness of Kit's moving lips. He smiled excitedly and Marí had stepped forward and kissed him.

Their first thought was that Kit tasted like chocolate. Their second was that they should have done this months ago.

Kit had melted into the kiss, smiling slightly against her mouth and pulling her closer. They kissed her feverishly, sliding their tounge inside Marí's mouth and moaning when she deepened the kiss eagerly. They moved against each other with almost lazy, comfortable precision, kissing each other for what could have been hours or days or maybe only seconds.

Marí couldn't have said.

When Kit finally broke the kiss and pulled away from Marí, his eyes were practically gleaming with joy and love. And that was when they knew.

I love him.

2015

I love him.

Ty's words ran in her ears. Repeating over and over again, maddenly bouncing around inside of her skull until she was forced to utter out loud,

"I love him".

They whispered it under their breath but Marí could tell that both Alyssa and Ty had heard them. It was so quiet you could probably hear a pin drop.

But of course. Of course he does. It was obvious. This whole time Marí had noticed there was something wrong with Ty. Just like there was something wrong with Kit. The way they stared after each other when they thought the other one wasn't looking. The loving and worshipful glances mixed with the bitter glares.

Marí had already known that Kit was in love with Ty of course. But the way they had told the story made it seem like they were positive that Ty couldn't be in love with them.

But then again maybe that made sense. Given Kit's history and who he was. But then Marí couldn't help but think of Ty and how confused he must have been. God it was a giant mess.

Speaking of...

The room was still silent. Marí found that she couldn't read Ty's expression as he stared back at her flatly. But his body was shaking, his fingers fluttered at his sides. She wanted to soothe him.

They stepped forward carefully. "I'm not mad at you," Marí assured him. "I was hoping we could talk?"

Ty's left eye twitched. "We are talking," he pointed out. Alyssa snorted.

"Ty, they mean about the proverbial bomb you just dropped a few seconds ago," Alyssa said with a laugh.  Marí smirked to themself slightly.

It wasn't really a bomb. More like a flare.

She really needed to talk to Ty. The only problem was Alyssa had an annoying tendency to never leave his side. It wasn't like she had a problem with the girl. Of course not. But her presence meant that Marí hadn't had the opportunity to talk to Ty one on one.

They cleared their throat. "Alyssa could you please give Ty and I some space to talk?" They asked. Marí hoped they didn't sound too rude. Alyssa looked to Ty and he nodded slightly, signaling that he was ok with her leaving.

That was so strange to Marí. Their relationship. The way Alyssa, a werewolf who hated shadowhunters even more then Marí did, essentially took orders from him and clearly trusted him more than anyone else. But perhaps she wasn't one to judge.

After all, she loved Kit.

Alyssa left the room with a pat on Ty's back and a quick, "call if you need me." Marí shifted their weight back and forth as they rocked slightly from side to side as they waited for Ty to speak.

He stared back at her silently, most likely doing the same. Marí blew out a loud breath and forced herself to stay still, crossing her arms.

"Are you going to say something or should I?" Ty asked expectantly. Marí bit their lip and shrugged.

"I'm still thinking of what I wanna say," she admitted.

Ty smiled at her softly. "So am I."

There we go. Cracks in the armour.

"I'm sorry," Ty whispered suddenly. "I never meant to-"

"You don't have to apologize!" Marí blurted out. Whoops they had interrupted him. "Oh shit sorry you were still talking!" They reached for their hair nervously and realized that they were wearing that Morticia wig for their costume.

Great. Marí moved on to chewing on her knuckles.

"It's ok," Ty reassured her. "I don't really know where I was going with that sentence. And you shouldn't do that." He pointed to her hand.

Marí scoffed, "yeah well you shouldn't dig your nails into your palms." He glared at them and they laughed.

"Not so fun playing a game of Mirror Image is it?" They teased. Ty didn't respond, just stared at Marí solemnly.

"You know I really admire you," he said, aiming his gaze close enough to hers to create the illusion of eye contact. "I always have. I never wanted to hurt or upset you."

Marí wished for a brief moment that they could touch him and then shrugged the impulse off. "I know love," they cooed. "Me too."

Without really understanding why, she pressed her hand to her chest directly above her heart and tapped, just like how she did with Kit. Ty studied Marí for a moment and then followed suite.

Marí in spite of themself, actually felt bad for him. They could clearly see the toll the last three years had taken on him, specifically the last few weeks. Maybe his family couldn't see it, and they definitely knew that Kit couldn't, but Marí could.

Marí of all people could see past the mask because they knew what masking looked like. It wasn't just about appearing normal, whatever that word meant. It was about hiding your feelings. Taking that heart you wore on your sleeve and locking it up tight. But everytime Marí looked at Ty, they could see it. And it was bleeding.

Ripped and bloody and broken, just like her own and yet they both still had the sheer audacity to keep breathing. Marí was proud of them both.

"You need to talk to him," Marí prompted. "You both need to be honest with each other."

Ty furrowed his brow. "Honest? About what? He doesn't feel the same way." He had gone back to flicking his fingers as he stared at her, looking puzzled.

Bloody hell between the two of them, Kit and Ty were giving Marí the mother of all headaches.

They took a deep breath. "Yes they do Ty," Marí tried not to sound exasperated. "Kit is in love with you, believe me. They told me."

It hurt Marí's heart to have to say it, but it was true and Ty deserved to know the truth. And they knew deep down that Kit wouldn't really be happy, he wouldn't be Kit until he had Ty. And Marí had to make their peace with that.

Ty looked understandably confused. He ran a frantic hand through his hair. "But why are you telling me this? Why are you helping me?" He asked. "Don't you love them?"

She fought the urge to cry as tears gathered in her eyes. She found herself digging her nails into her palms despite chastising Ty for doing it a few minutes ago.

"I'm telling you all of this because I love them" she cried desperately. "Because Kit cries out your name in his sleep Ty! Because everytime he sees you, he stares at you like you are the moon the sun and the stars! Because everytime you speak they hang onto absolutely every word, and when you laugh-" Marí cut herself off.

They squeezed their eyes shut and took deep long breaths. Ty said nothing. Marí opened their eyes to see Ty staring at them in dismay. He looked like he was trying to think of what to say to help.

Marí shook their head. "I know Kit loves me. And they probably always will. We were close friends even before we started dating." Marí groaned and shook out their entire body this time, jumping up and down a few times as well to get rid of the tension. If Ty thought this was weird he didn't comment on it.

Marí wiped her eyes carefully trying not to smudge her mascara. "But you Ty?" His eyes refocused on her again at the sound of his name. Marí chuckled humourlessly. "Fucking hell, he is in love with you. And right now he is thinking that you hate him and I know it's tearing him up inside."

Ty stared at Marí hopelessly, looking overwhelmed and exhausted. "So what do I do then? What am I supposed to say?"

Marí shrugged. "I can't help you with that I'm sorry. It has to come from you." Ty looked even more panicked.

They gave him what they hoped was an encouraging smile. "Don't be scared Ty," they murmered. "It's Kit remember. They're not scary. You have nothing to worry about."

Ty didn't answer her. He had wrapped his arms around his body, squeezing tightly. "Marí do you remember those dead moon jellyfish we buried on the beach?" He asked.

She was a little confused as to why he was bringing this up now. "Yeah? Why?"

"That's what I feel like right now," Ty admitted. "Like I've washed up on the beach and now I'm just waiting for someone to come along and step on me."

Marí's heart sank. "Oh Ty," they breathed. "I promise that won't happen with Kit. I can't make any promises for anyone else, but I do know that Kit has absolutely no intention of hurting you again love."

Ty looked pensive. Marí could only hope that Ty would make the decision to trust them.

With a sudden jolt Marí remembered the party.

"Hey we still have the Halloween party to go to," she said, shaking Ty out of his stupor. "Do you still wanna go?"

To their surprise, Ty nodded. "Sure. I think Alyssa might kill me if I back out now."

Marí snorted. Alyssa Reyes could be pretty terrifying at times.

With surprise Marí found that their spirts were lighter having cleared the air with Ty and with the prospect of a party being renewed.

She smiled. "All right then let's head out!" Marí smoothed down the long black wig over her shoulders and quickly smoothed out the long skirt of her black slinky dress before turning and exiting the training room.

She knew that she would have to talk to Kit at some point and that conversation would be brutal. But at least they could have one last night together.

It's better this way. Marí told themself as they walked back towards the main living room where everyone was gathered.  At least now Kit can be happy.

It's for the best.

It has to be.

So I'm actually planning on writing a part 3 from Kit's pov because the drama isn't over yet! 😏

Tag list: lmk if you wanna be added/removed.

@playwithravenclaw @lavender-scented-rat @jazzkaurtheglorious @waterlillies   @nott-the-best @stxr-thxif @magnus-the-fabulous-entp-bane @foxglove-airmid @littlx-songbxrd @clarys-heosphoros @queenlilith43 @arangiajoan @hardlymatters @thomas-gaypanic-lightwood @tired-vin @phoenix-and-dragon @the-blackdale @adoravel-fenomeno @the-wckd-powers

[pseudofaux]

Pseu! I miss you, hope all is going well! Definitely a good night for a good drink!

How about some tipsy fun with Shigezane? 🥺🥺 maybe a 4 or 5? wreck me! Wait does he drink? Gosh I need to replay him.

Cheers!!❤❤❤

HEY, honey! Hello, I hope you are doing okay! What a bonkers year. 😫 I hope you are looking forward to your birthday! 💕💕💕

Shige DEFINITELY drinks, he gets straight up... “overtoasted” in a story or two. (my hero) SO LET’S WRECK YOU A LITTLE (with love)!

The watermelon frou frou drink you included looks sooooo yummy, I’m making this modern AU and putting it in. And thinking VERY HARD about the watermelon in my fridge.

CWs for: unprotected sex, Shigezane being criminally cute and having a perfect, totally bomb [REDACTED, TEXT IS PLACED BEFORE THE CUT]

totally bomb DICK, it’s his DICK, we all know it’s big

His name is Shigezane and he tastes like a sugar rim, the flirtiest sweetness she’s ever known. He smells sweet, too-- she thinks it’s Armani but can’t tell which one. It might be the sugar-rimmed drinks talking (she has the best buzz going, fun and still in control), but from his jokes and his touching her as they dance, it feels like he’d be an enthusiastic, gentle, appreciative lover.

She feels like she wants to find out if that’s true. Two more songs, she tells herself. If I still like him after two more songs, I’ll take him to my room. And aside from the thrill of that prospect, she’s hoping she still likes him after two more songs, because she likes him a lot right now. He’s made her laugh so much and his touches have all been warm and good, but not too much.

Just right. He’s Goldilocks.

(Okay, that’s got to be the sugar-rimmed drinks talking-- his hair is actually a pretty, soft brown that’s more silver than gold somehow. But he’s still just right. She wants to get her fingers in that hair. If he kisses so well he can distract her from the sugar rim of their watermelon shots when they’re pretty much in public, she has high hopes for what else he can do with his mouth when they’re alone.)

This reception has been fun. Ridiculous but happy, the height of happy beach summer to match the afternoon’s wedding. Bright flowers everywhere, a little umbrella in every drink. She’s tasted pineapple, watermelon, and coconut. It’s long past sunset now, but the dancefloor on the restaurant’s deck is close enough that they can hear the night waves, even the ones they can’t see.

There are even torches on the beach, and dark wood chairs in the sand. The bride and groom took pictures cuddling on one earlier, and she’d looked on with the rest of the bridal party and beamed for them. Was there anything as nice as a happy wedding? No demanding parents. Just happiness and love. 

Well. Maybe spending a happy wedding reception with a nice guy who was making those gray slacks work so well.

“You up for another dance?” he asks, and holds out his hand to her like something from a movie. She already knows how nice it feels to put her hand in his, and she needs to see what he does for the next two songs. So she puts her hand in his and says “Are you?” and totally smiles at him just because he smiles at her so big and bright.

He doesn’t do annnnnything to put her off for three songs. But before she can pull him aside to ask about going somewhere, he says “Hey-- you wanna walk on the beach?” and his glance is so sweet she’s not even mad at him for being so sweet and smooth before she could. His look isn’t shy or cocky. She looks at him for a moment just to soak in how damn cute he is, that soft brown hair all wind-mussed. And then she takes his hand again. 

They walk beyond the light of the torches, far enough down the beach that they’re in front of another restaurant’s slice of sand. The buildings on the land side are closed and dark. It’s not pitch black, but it is nighttime, and breezy. She’s glad the air is still summer warm.

“Oh no,” Shigezane says suddenly. There’s so much dread in his voice she’s worried there’s something dangerous on the beach with them.

She stops walking. “Uh... What’s wrong?” 

“Babe,” he says, gently tugging her hand. “There’s not a single person in any of these seats. Theses chairs are lonely.”

A sound stalls in her throat as she decides how lame that was, but he’s laughing and pulling her with him onto one of the beach chairs, and she goes. These are painted white, and they look soft and blue in the dark. Their bodies sit not very far apart at all on the lounger.

“I came out onto a dark, secluded beach, on a summer night... with a dork,” she deadpans, just like he did. He clutches at his heart and makes a show of her words wounding him.

“But,” she says, leaning the small space it takes to nudge him with her shoulder, “He’s a decent kisser.”

“Oh,” Shigezane says, now making a show of thinking over how that must change things.

“And he has a big heart for lonely furniture,” she whispers as she turns her body.

“Gigantic,” he whispers back. “Monumental.”

“Anything else gigantic you wanna tell me about?” she asks his mouth.

His exhale is sudden and gratifying to her. “Maybe, you know. Something reasonable,” he stutters. “Something reasonably sized--”

She kisses him again.

It’s not long before she’s straddling his lap, flowy dress bunched in his hands at her hips. She can tell from the promising stiffness she’s been grinding against that he was being modest, and she likes that. She likes him.

“I like you,” he says, and his head is tossed back but she’s watching everything she can see of his face, so she catches it. She smiles and puts a little kiss on his chin, just because he’s so damn cute.

“I like you, too,” she tells him. “But if I am going to cling to your shoulders--”

“Please cling to my shoulders. Oh my god. That’s really hot.” 

“Mmhmm. And if I’m going to cling to your shoulders,” she repeats, curving her palms over the tops of his shoulders and loving the muscle she can feel leading toward his back, “You’ll have to undo your pants yourself.”

“Ohhhh my god, okay, yes, absolutely,” he agrees, pushing himself up by the thighs, her grip on his shoulders and his hands holding her hips keeping her from falling. “Cling, babe. Please. I’m steady.”

She lets her hands really grip him and anchors herself with his body. He keeps one hand tight on her hip while the other works at the fly of those damn slacks. “Your ass looks good in those,” she tells him. “When we were spinning each other, I noticed.”

“Don’t make me blush,” he says, but even in the dark she can tell he already is, and smiling, too. He does whatever pulling needs to be done and sighs when his length is free. She can feel the warmth of it, like the sun hid a part of itself away for her to find in the dark.

It’s hard to decide if she wants to keep clinging (it is pretty hot, and she’s enjoying how solidly he’s kept her up by the strength of his shoulders and thighs), or touch him.

“Can I?” she asks.

“Doll, you can do anything you want,” he moans, head going back again. “Keep grinding, don’t grind, please just stay with me.” His hand goes back to her hip and he settles back down, waist of his pants high on his thighs. One day soon she wants to put her hands on his ass when he’s fucking into her, but here on the beach chair it would probably hurt. So she settles for grinding and kissing his Armani-scented jawline, following the cologne to the collar of the linen shirt he’s wearing. One hand stays close to his chest as she slides it down. Down. And then he’s wrapped by her hand and she cannot believe how smooth and thick this man’s dick is. What the hell. 

“I’m game to do more than grind if you are.”

“Fuck, Doll, anything you want, I meant it,” he says, weaving after her mouth as she playfully evades kisses. “But yes, hell yes. Very game. Atari. Dreamcast. Parcheesi.”

“Shut up, Shigezane.” She keeps a light grip as she begins to jerk him.

“I am never going to talk again,” he promises, and she laughs and kisses him and jerks him faster, and doesn’t call him on it when he starts chanting her name and curses and endearments. It’s better to let him, and focus on how damn good he feels in her hand. How good is he going to feel inside her? How would he feel in her mouth?

She has a nice little fantasy of going down on him in the kitchen of her apartment. Just lean him against the fridge-- mind the ice button, Shigezane-- and go to her knees. She thinks she could mouth the head of his cock for days, the skin of the rest of him feels so good.  “Gonna, soon,” he pants.

She leans forward and pulls in a deep breath of his cologne. She’s gotta find out what kind this is. “Well then you need to tell me,” she whispers, “where you want to be when you do.”

His answer is a series of swears but none of them are a location.

“How do you feel about cumming inside me?”

He looks at her like he cannot believe his luck. She likes that.

“Are you-- Yes, but... you’re okay...?”

“Are you clean?” she asks. “I do have a condom in one of my pockets.”

“Thought I could feel that,” he says, squeezing the dress fabric. “My god, you’re a dream.” He clears his throat. “I’m clean,” he says, more seriously. “But I’ll wear it.”

“Do you want to,” she presses.

“Uh, I am-- more than willing,” he sputters. “I think that’s clear?”

She laughs for what feels like the hundredth time that night.

“Shigezane. How do you feel about cumming inside me?” she asks again. She presses him against the very wet gusset of her panties and holds him there so she can make herself even wetter. He’s so hot, and so cute, and his dick feels so good.

Goldilocks.

“I want you to be comfortable,” he says carefully.

“Then I want you in me. I’m lonelier than these chairs,” she tells him.

“Can’t have that,” he says, grinning. She shakes her head and grins right back.

She stands in the sand and holds up the gauzy material of her skirt. “Take ‘em off,” she says.

He says something dumb and cute about it being his pleasure but she can’t scold him for it because as soon as he slips her panties down he starts kissing her pussy and if she thinks about anything but staying upright she will fall into the sand. He lets the stretchy lace fall and puts his hands around her hips, no fabric between them this time, and pushes his tongue into the seam of her body. He finds her clit without any prompting and yes, he’s a good kisser.

“Later,” she gasps, desperate to put her hands in his hair but sure if she lets go of her dress he’ll try to hide in it and get her off. She’s going to get off anyway, she wants to do it with his dorky but perfect cock inside her. “Tomorrow. Tonight, fuck me.”

He groans and asks “How do you want it?” His hands trace up her sides as he stands up. She can feel him touching the fabric at her waist. She’s getting a little dumb and desperate at this point, the party and drinking and all their flirting and the smoothness of him in her hand swirling around in her bloodstream.

She looks around to make sure they’re really alone. Then she pulls her dress the rest of the way over her head and tosses it toward one of the other chairs. Her bra joins it. Shigezane is looking at her like he wants to worship her with his mouth and she knows it’s not a bad idea.

Thinking he’s probably come back from the precipice by then, she takes one of his hands and brings him with her as she stretches out on the only lounger with a cushion. It’s thin, but it’s better than nothing! She’s hoping he’s gonna knock her around a little.

She pulls him like he pulled her for a dance. When he gets on top of her he is  careful with his limbs. He murmurs how gorgeous she is, how he cannot believe he got to even talk to her.

“You’re pretty gorgeous yourself,” she tells him, reaching for him again and rubbing him slowly against her clit. He glides from how wet she is. If he does not put his cock in her soon she’s going to run into the ocean. “Now do more than talk.”

From the first amazing press of his body to hers, he really is just right. And when his mouth finds hers, he shows her again that he’s a very good kisser. Sweet as a sugar rimmed drink.

[bumbershots]

A CERTAIN ROMANCE

CHAPTER ONE: JUEVES

Author’s note: Hello! I’ve decided to give it a go, this is my first chaptered fic in this website. This story just occurred to me a while ago and I’ve tried my best to make some sense out of the concept which honestly is forever changing on my mind. I hope you don’t find many grammar mistakes, if you do please let me know. Enjoy! (:

Story masterlist ** Word count: 2.3K ** 

It's been years since Harry last had to use the tube, but it's not as hard as he thinks, buying the ticket was fairly simple and soon enough he was sitting on the train comfortably. The northern line wasn't too busy, no delays were announced through the speakers, his journey to Ladbroke Grove station was going to last around thirty six minutes. He suddenly can't remember how long the ride would be on a car. Maybe it's time to start using the London Underground a bit more, contributing to saving the planet, lessen his carbon footprint. With all the aeroplanes he takes a year, he should use it from now onto the rest of his life, he thinks with a bit of guilt.

He changes to the Hammersmith and city line with ease, passing by lots of people, no one truly pays attention to him. The school girls that would usually come up to him and ask for a picture are too busy gossiping among themselves, the grown up adults that are more fond of his solo work are too immersed into their own thoughts about annoying bosses. Harry likes to blend into the crowd that's gathered now at the station and awaits for the train. In the eyes of the others, he's just another guy patiently waiting for the train to hop on and get to his destination. Even though he was on his way to meet with the team that will take care of his house renovation, a property valued approximately on £4.175 million.

The train arrives and he follows the multitude that pile into the wagon, he isn't lucky to find a seat this time but doesn't mind as he finds a good spot to lean against, the doors close just as he skips the ABBA song he doesn't feel like listening at the moment and settles for Hanson instead. He bops his head along the tune before slipping back the mobile in his pocket, eyes traveling along the passengers' faces, trying to guess what they're up to.

A group of lads wearing the Tottenham jersey discuss the latest game, one of them praising Kane's goal and regretting him missing the next match. Harry knows a thing or two about football, he even plays it regularly with his friends not so far away from his home, but he doesn't keep up with Manchester United, perhaps he can do that from now on he thinks before letting his gaze fall upon the pack getting down on Baker Street and the few ones hopping on. Most of them are tourists chatting about the Sherlock Holmes museum, the singer smiles, remembering the first time he visited it with his family, many years ago. Sometimes he longs for those days to be back, so he can do the typical touristy things with the people he loves the most once in a while or have a date without a good amount of lenses focused on his every move.

Not that he regrets being a well known musician, actor, model. It comes with a lot of perks. But he's just moving on from a breakup that might have been his fault. He's a workaholic for sure, even though he's supposed to be taking it easy, his mind can't help but keep throwing song ideas for the next album. That is why Jeff suggested the home renovation, knowing that the project will keep him busy for about three months, maybe more if the contractors up sell their ideas.

Harry makes his way out of the station in one piece and without being spotted, he checks the address again on his phone, confirming the place where the meeting will be held is within walking distance and makes his way before choosing a Pink Floyd song for the six minute walk. He pulls his coat tighter around him, relishing in the forever changing weather of the city, this time he will stay and enjoy it in full, maybe even delight in the autumn too, have his mum over for a couple of weeks, maybe he'll even stay longer and take her to the ice rink.

Just as Harry plots on where to go when his favourite person pays him a visit, he reaches the private front garden off a beautiful car-free garden square. He remembers to text Jack, who doesn't take long to appear in the distance and unlock the gate for his friend.

"You're impossibly early mate," the man greets with an amused chuckle.

"Sorry, had to take the tube because of what you said about car-free development, probably miscalculated the time." Harry admits sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck as Jack leads the way through the garden. "Is this where they filmed Notting Hill?" He wonders with another look around.

"Couple of scenes that didn't make the cut, our neighbour Mrs. Black will tell you all about it, if you happen to run into her around Hugh Grant's birthday." Harry laughs as they reach a private entrance with a well-maintained front garden adorning the forepart of the property, he follows Jack inside the home where a strong coffee scent greets them both.

The musician quickly scans the large open plan kitchen/reception room with large glass sliding patio doors to a delightful independent garden where a round table is surrounded by four mismatching chairs. He doesn't remember Jack's old place, but it certainly didn't look as the dream home they're standing in right now.

"Thanks for agreeing to do the meeting here mate," Harry's words are sincere his companion can tell, he tries to shove it off as if it's nothing, handing him the mug with coffee while he pours another one for himself, "I know it can be a handful, the NDAs too." Now he's almost blushing.

"We should be thanking you H, work from home for the next couple of months, my dream come true." Jack manages to make him laugh and feel at ease again, just before the steps of a third party come from the stairs and grow closer towards them. "Just in time, Harry this is Fernando Gonzalez, my housemate and architect of the team." He introduces the tall man to his friend and watches them shake each other's hand, "Fernando this is our client, Harry Styles."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Mr. Styles," his voice is soft and melodic, like an aerophone instrument.

"Please call me H, all my friends do," the musician knows this is business, but he wants to have fun too, like Jeff suggested. And the guy looks way too young to be calling him Mister Styles.

"I warned you Fer, he likes to keep it easy, breezy." Jack says motioning both of them to follow his lead and sit down in their dining table that is covered with house design magazines, floor plans of Harry's home and a couple of what the pop star assumes are sketch notebooks. "Alright, tell us about your vision for this project." In all honesty, Harry doesn't know how to answer that.

He fights the urge to say that he had purchased the property knowing that not much is needed to be done to the décor. The style and the flow of the house is already lovely. After a quick glance at the plan he thinks that maybe, more room is needed and, most importantly, a new kitchen-dining-living space that would be grand enough to entertain in, but cosy enough to be the central 'hub' of his home.

"The windows, for starters, have to be replaced." He begins with a tone so confident that the pair before him don't suspect he's improvising the whole thing. "New bathrooms, perhaps from Lusso Stone, demolish an existing rear extension from the top and design and build an entirely new expansive ultra-modern one, like the one at Lou's home." Jack nods understanding what he means, "I also want a kitchen diner extension, pink granite worktops, if possible." Harry finishes before grabbing one of the magazines and starts flipping pages just to look busy.

The whole project can take six months, they let him know, through the summer and autumn. He's elated at achieving double the time he hoped for in the beginning.

"We'll send the paperwork to your team and see you next week to sign it once they approve it," Jack concludes the meeting as they all finish their coffee. "Are you busy on the nineteenth?" His friend's voice is warmer now that he's not on business mode, it makes Harry smile.

"I don't think I am, why?"

"It's Freddie's birthday, you should come, catch up with the lads," Harry nods while thinking about it, a bit unsure because it has been a while since he's seen the rest of the pack, he's not sure they'll welcome him just like that. "They're always asking about you, could be like old times, lads doing laddy stuff," the green eyed musician chuckles at that, not sure if he wants to go back to those activities of their youth.

"Sure I'll go, text me the address a few days before," his friend nods in approval to his request, "I better get going, I have to pick up my sister for dinner, see you both next week." The youngest nods and shakes Harry's hand before Jack leads the way out the house and square. The sun is setting now and the sky is a mix of pink and purple hues just as the two men bid their goodbyes until they meet again in a week's time.

Harry scolds himself for buying a one way ticket earlier instead of sorting out an Oyster card, he'll do that next time, he thinks before stepping into the train and finding a seat in the middle section of it. Led Zeppelin is a good soundtrack for his journey back home, for some reason he is craving the powerful, noisy, speedy rebellion that came with the band's songs, he loved to get so lost in the music that whatever activity he did came in second, every single time. Which is why he almost didn't get off at the King's cross stop, he hurried out of the vehicle, laughing to himself for being so immersed into the music.

The way back to the northern line was now familiar, but not as busy, he decided not to walk too fast after confirming that he had enough time to go home and take a shower before going over to Gemma's. Waiting at the platform he decides to change his playlist, again. Just as he's about to settle for Wings, out of the corner of his eye he spies what the person next to him is listening to and he stops from hitting play on his own device.

The who.

It's been ages since he heard them, three years if he is being honest. The train arrives and the girl next to him puts her phone in her coat pocket as she prepares to board the wagon, Harry does the same, but instead of training his eyes on the descending passengers, he lets them focus on her. She's wearing a nice burgundy coat, a black newsboy cap, high-waisted jeans with a blue polka dot blouse tucked underneath them. She's much shorter than he is, probably about Helene's height, he thinks as they make their way inside.

Without meaning to, he follows her and leans on the wall, across from her. She doesn't seem to notice how his stare is burning holes into her face, he's itching to ask her where did she buy the red boots she's wearing. Harry knows the moment he speaks to her, it will all go to shit. Some of the school girls sitting nearby might recognise his voice, his dimple could pop out to play and give him away too. She might also think he's a creep and kick him in the shin, leaving a nasty bruise that would heal in about a week, unlike the invisible one in his ego.

"Are you telling me, you developed a ten feet tall crush on someone you saw on the tube?" Gemma asks later that night, her fork full of linguine was stopped mid-air, making her brother roll his eyes but nod bashfully. "I'm speechless." The fork resumes its trajectory and she chews her pasta slowly.

"It happens to everyone, only because you both know that there's almost no chance to see each other again." Harry shrugs and bites a piece of bread, still feeling weird about the situation.

"Did she make eyes at you?"

"What?" He's completely taken off guard by his sister's question, his northern accent coming out and making him drop the 't' at the end.

"Yes, did you flirt with each other making eyes," Gemma's eyelashes flutter as if she was a Disney princess meeting her love interest for the first time, Harry shakes his head in denial, "what was it then?"

"I don't know! It was weird, couldn't take my eyes off of her but... she didn't even notice, I sound like a dirty man," he does, his sister agrees but the pink spots on his cheekbones tell a different story.

"I once had a crush like that, with a cashier at Waitrose," she remembers before sipping her wine, "he was nice to look at, one day he wasn't there anymore, just like that." Gemma sighed and took her younger sibling's hand on hers before adding. "If our lives were a Nicholas Sparks novel, perhaps we would be getting ready to have a date with those lovely people but..." Harry laughed and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"How's the sunnies collaboration going?" He asked before taking the last of his gnocchi. Listening to his sister talk about things that she enjoyed was the highlight of his days, he managed to push his silly underground crush to the back of his mind.

But there was the truth of what Harry couldn't see, or say. He'd probably like to have a shot with a girl like that and if Gemma could only see her, she would agree. Agree that there might be a story around there.

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Let me know if you like the story! *** Join the taglist!

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Next chapter

[theficplug]

l Next Lifetime l Erik Killmonger l

previous chapters: l part 1 l

erik kilmonger x reader

warnings: none, but the usual 18+ for the eventual smut and a possible tw for grief but i promise it gets better and its a romcomsynopsis: reader grieves Erik until she doesn’t (i’m trying not give too much away). I really want to make it a series that i actually keep up with (sorry Girls Trip readers) because I have up to part 4 written. alright thats all i hope yall vibe with it. 

l part 2 l

“Yeah I do, I think that like if we want. We can come back as someone else or like maybe when we love someone really strongly and we have like soul ties we can come back to them in another life. But that’s just me. We could just be hitting the cha cha slide next to Father J.C.” Iridia explains and Tika shakes her head while laughing at her. 

“Personally, I don’t think so. I believe once our life Earthside is done we return to the cosmos to be a part of the stars that light up the night sky on our loved ones darkest nights. But why are we talking about this on your birthday? We are very much alive with much to celebrate miss thang. I’m ready to go!” Tika says to you as she grabs the car keys. 

“So I met someone while I was at the store and he invited all of us to a party at the Roller Rink but I gotta let you know it’s like crazy how eerily similar he looks to Erik.” you say to them and they both give each other a look before looking back at you.

“OH! Don’t give me that look! I know y’all probably think I’m losing it, but you know what they say everybody got a doppelganger somewhere. Anyways, I know it’s not exactly on our itinerary but I wanna go if y’all are down?” you ask them and they give a worried look before nodding and agreeing. 

“Hell yeah we’re in. I haven’t been to a skating rink since like 10th, maybe 11th grade? This should be fun to see if I got it or if I’m gonna buss my ass.” Tika says laughing.

The rest of the day was pretty easy breezy but you could not get over seeing him. Who’s possibly not him? In front of you. Happy and laughing and present. 

You tried to shake off the thoughts and feelings during brunch with your girls and for the rest of the day enjoying the street festival and winning a giant stuffed giraffe. Between the 3 of you, you won enough stuffed animals to fill the entire backseat of your car and eventually left the festival with a caricature drawing of the 3 of you.

Before you knew it, it was 6:40 and you and your girls were back at the beach house getting ready for the party. 

You searched around your suitcase for the outfits that Iridia had packed for you and settled on. 

You gave yourself a once over in the mirror and fluffed your fro a little before re-applying your lip gloss. 

“GIRL, YOU LOOK SO GOOD. What is going on?  You tryna get chose?” Tika asks standing in the doorway as she smiles at you with her ipod in one hand and a freeze-able daiquiri pouch in the other. 

You laugh as Tika glides around the room shaking her hips to the beat and doing a little roll as she saunters over to you to help you clasp your shirt in the back.

It’s safe to say that you haven’t been exactly up to your fashionably self for the past few months but Iri giving you options with the different pieces of clothing  that she bought you had you feeling like yourself again.

“Damn, I’m good.” Iri says while giving you a twirl and takes selfies with you and Tika.

You purse your lips and give your best smize towards her phone as she snaps a photo of you and for a moment things feel like they used to. 

“Just wanted to feel cute for once. I love this top and girl it got my titties SIT-TING.” you reply giggling and childishly nudging your girls before asking if they’re ready to go. 

You put the address into the gps and you were off on your way.You tried turning up the radio to drown out how loud your thoughts were going and in a million different directions.

 About 20 minutes later. You look out the window once arriving at the skating rink to see cars already filling the entire parking lot and you could see people laughing while holding onto each other as they skated their way inside. 

The music is already blaring and you could definitely tell that “Daka”’s friend is a party planner. The venue had some sort of projector or something set up so that the entire room seemed like it changed “worlds” with each song. There were multiple food stations, and a live DJ playing everything from 90s R&B to New Orleans bounce music and everything in between.

You and your girls quickly grabbed a pair of skates and looked around for N’Jadaka and sure enough within a few minutes he was grooving his way over to you this time dressed in a slightly opened printed shirt and light washed jeans. 

He skated around you with a big ass smile on his face. His golds were gleaming under the lights as it bounced off of the diamonds engrained in it. “YOU MADE IT! How y’all doing?” he asks your girls and they stand there gasping with their mouths wide open. 

“I mean he could be his goddamn identical twin. You were not lying! The only thing he’s missing are the scars and his dreads. God damn.” Tika was the first to speak before Iri introduced herself.

“Hey, Happy Birthday, I’m Iri. This is Tika’s rude self and you already met our boo.” Iri says pulling him in for a quick hug. 

“ I’m sorry, excuse us, you just look exactly like somebody we knew. Happy Birthday! It was his birthday too. It’s wild how people really do be having doppelgangers. Alright, so I’m gonna go try not to break my damn leg. Knowing I gotta go to work on Monday. Come on.” Tika says taking Iri by the hand and making her way onto the rink with her to give you and him some time alone. 

You shift your weight trying to keep yourself steady as you sway to music , knowing that he’s eyeing you up and down.

“Man must’ve been a hell of a person. I’m glad you came though. I didn’t think Orleans was gonna do all of this.” he says laughing and you can’t control the butterflies feelings like they were fluttering around your stomach. That’s his laugh.

“He was. To me at least, he was. Of course, I mean I haven’t been to a roller rink in forever and I really needed some time to just know what it’s like to be carefree again.” you admit and he nods along listening to your words.

He decided to save his comment on “he was” for later. Hoping that there would be a later for the two of you and opted for taking your hand in his and leading you onto the rink .

“Well, in that case. Show me what you got and forget about everything else for a minute.” he offers and you accept  his offer and shakily make your way onto the rink like bambi trying to walk for the first time. 

“Okay, so I’ll admit. I don’t actually know how to skate. I don’t why I thought this was a good idea.” you manage to stand for all of 10 seconds before tripping over onto him and he turns towards the DJ talking into the mic and signals for him to slow the music down.

“I got you.” he says and “Always Be My Baby” starts to play softly in the background as the “world” changes to a starry night. 

You look up at him for a moment and nod before leaning into him. As you rest your head on his shoulder he begins to skate you left to right gently swaying you to the beat of the song as his hand rests respectfully on the small of your back almost instinctively. It took everything in you not to start tearing up again.

This was your song . He always promised that you’d be a part of him no matter what happens in life. You were always going to be his baby. 

All the couples were paired off and you looked around at Iri holding onto Tika and smiled knowing that they’ve never acknowledged their feelings for each other but it was clear as day to anyone else. 

He swayed you and held you against him while his thumb stroked your back gently and you closed your eyes trying to soak up your time with him. 

You don’t know how it happened or if this was one long drawn out delusion or what exactly was going on in the moment, but all you knew was that you were able to feel the warmth of your E in your arms again and his scent evading all of your senses. 

In this moment he was smiling and content and at peace, not being shipped back to you with claw marks in his chest and bruises all over him. He was here with even slow breaths and enjoying himself. 

You knew that he felt it too because as the song ended you opened your eyes to find him looking down at you with this look of confusion and adulation on his face. 

You run your fingers over his cheek and clear your throat and recoil your hand back by your side. 

“I think your friends are calling for you.” you say to him playfully as the men and one woman around your age skate over to him and around the two of you, asking you a bunch of questions at once.

E- N’Jadaka let’s go of you to turn to them and introduce them to you .

“This is Orleans big head ass, Khalil , Pen, Lina, and Big Mike.” he says and they say hey and ask you if you are from around the area and you talk back and forth. 

The conversation between you and his little group was so easygoing. It didn’t feel forced or awkward as he stood beaming from you to them.

“I've been there once or twice. I really liked the Hottentot Saartjie/ Sarah Baartman piece about the dehumanization and caricaturization of black women, especially darker skin women, then and now. It was both interesting and heartbreaking. It’s the reason why I do what I do now. I create safe spaces for black girls and women of all ages. It’s my greatest accomplishment and something I’m most proud of.” you answer Mike’s question about the new black art exhibit downtown.

Mike looks at you and shakes his head in wonder and amusement.

“Daka, with all due respect bruh. I gotta ask her to marry me. Or you need to let me know what aisle that was you met her because I’mma swing by your parents' store tonight. I think we might be out of bread or something.” Big Mike says before complimenting you on your outfit and Lina joined in by asking if you’d like to check out a new record store with her on Tuesday.  

Next thing you knew your girls skated next to you to see what was going on. Tika introduced herself to the group and Iridia followed through.

“Hey I heard something about a record store because I could use some new ones. I think our neighbors are tired of me playing Otis Redding every night for the last few weeks. Keep asking me if I had a breakup every time I see her. Bless her nosey heart , Mrs. Pepper.” Iridia says talking animatedly and as gesticulatively as she always does and his small group of friends as everyone does seems completely enamored by her. 

“Of course, yeah, why don’t you come too? And Mrs. Pepper just doesn't know good music but I may be biased because Cigarettes and Coffee is my favourite song. Hold that thought. My mouth is dry as hell from all that skating around, be right back-” Lina says before skating away for refreshments and the rest of the group talks amongst each other.

Other friends of N’Jadaka come up at random times to hug him, get photos, or say happy birthday.

“You want some?” Lina asks Erik as she returns  to the group with a cupcake in her hand as she peeled the wrapper off and offered Erik a piece of the chocolate dessert. She reached out her hand towards his mouth and you looked from her to him and then at the cupcake which looked like it had walnuts in it. You push the piece away from his mouth and she looks at you puzzled. 

“What’s up with you?” he asks looking confused 

“Chocolate walnut cupcake.” you say simply not realizing that you were supposed to have just met him this morning .

“I- I mean just a lucky guess you know most people have nut allergies and shit.” you try to cover your tracks and he let out a sigh before laughing and nodding.

“You right too. Damn I was gon be out here looking like Will Smith when he ate that shellfish in Hitch for the rest of the function. I’m allergic to nuts. Good looking out ma.” he says and you nod at him before telling him to go skate with his friends you’d meet up later.

As you part ways your friends have about 3000 questions each. Iri believing that that definitely has to be Erik and Tika believing that you both had lost your natural born ass minds. 

You all settle on how wild it is that he looked like Erik and left it there. You enjoyed the rest of your night swag surfing with a room full of new friends and your old forever friends and just fully enjoying your birthday. 

“WE LIKE TO PAARTTAAYYY. AYYYYEEE AYYYYYEEE.” you sung out loud at the top of your lungs with everyone else and Beyonce. 

Somehow you end up twerking on Lina and having a good laugh as the drinks flow through your system.

You glance over at N’Jadaka being circled by some of his guests and he breaks the circle to grab your hand and lead you to the middle of it with him. 

“MY BIRTHDAY TWIN!” he shouts over the music to his guests and you shake your head telling him that he doesn’t really have to share his spotlight with you.

“Ain’t no problem.” he responds and you watch as everybody starts to skate a circle around you and Erik and y’all both laugh and pose for pictures while people sing Happy Birthday the Stevie Wonder version.

 His friends and yours all took turns to skate up to pin money on you both. 

You cheer and clap along to the music as you sing Happy Birthday to him and he sings it back to you. 

Before you know it you're both smiling at each other and getting swept up into a soft gentle kiss that feels like electricity is pulsing between the two of you.

As you close your eyes you can get a glimpse of kissing him before he left for Wakanda. The way he pressed his forehead against yours , the way your hands rested against his beating heart, and the way that his soft plumps felt against yours.

You knew that he felt it too because when you  broke the kiss with a tug of his bottom lip he was staring down at you once again with a puzzled expression.

“I’m sorry if I overstepped. I just-” you explain before exiting the circle and making your way out of the skating rink.

You quickly take off the shows and put your regular shoes back on as you stand outside for a moment to get some fresh air and gather yourself.

"Why is this happening? How is this happening? People don't just get to come back. This is insane. This is insane."

It didn’t take long at all before Erik was smoothly grooving his way out of the door not once spilling his drink.

“You know ma, I’mma lot of things. But I know for sure stupid ain’t one of them.” he says swaying his shoulders to the music before he stops and stands in front of you.

“You know something, don’t you? How do we really know each other?” he asks slowly 

“I don’t. We met in Aloha Oakland for the first time. I feel so connected to you and believe that we have chemistry because you remind me of my ex. He passed away nearly a year ago and I didnt wanna tell you that right off the bat because the shit’s weird. “Hey, sorry I passed out ,  you cute but you remind me of my dead ex. So yeah, have a good day”.” you explain and he nods deciding once again to not press the issue. 

"I'm sorry for your loss. Grief is never an easy thing to go through. I feel I experienced so much of that so early I didn't know anything else besides death. I was told that my birth parents were both murdered. But my parents taught me through all that rot and decay of the heart something beautiful can still grow. They taught me how to live. That there is more to life is more than just surviving day to day out of spite and anger." He speaks slowly like he's really pondering the words that he wants to say before continuing. 

"It's kinda my fault. I feel like I was a lil too forward with all of this. My friends and the way that they party can be overwhelming. I'd like to make it up to you if you up for it. Just me and you. Maybe like a coffee or something quieter than this. I want to get to know you. Even though I know it's gonna sound corny as hell, I can't help feeling like I already do. You passing out by them discount cakes wasn't an accident at all, I think it was fate." he says and you look up at him before nodding. 

“I think so too.”

[calypsoff]

Sixty Eight. Part 4

These Fenty slides have come in handy, they actually match my silky dress “you killed this sis, like really have” Rajad hugged me “awww my baby” kissing his cheek “I have missed you, I’m glad you made it for the party, you think big sis did good yeah” he nodded his head “this party is dope” I cooed out; that means I have done good if Rajad is praising me like this. I think I have done well for myself, and just to see his face and how happy he is about this party, it’s really made me happy to see him that happy. First thing he said was about his dad being in a club, let me get up and greet my in laws actually “I’ll be back” I said to my team as I walked off “Robyn, hi” Joyce is the cutest “awww my mother in law looking cute as ever, I love this dress” hugging her close “oh you smell so good” she really does “thank you sweetie, where is your mother. I can’t see her” moving back from the hug “following Chris around somewhere but I am so glad you came out for his party, to see his little face light up seeing you all” placing my arm around Joyce “I know, he got so happy, but look at you. This is amazing, oh Robyn I can’t wait to see my second grandchild” Joyce is staring at my bump “I am pretty nervous about it actually, giving birth is a part where I’m trying to not think about but it’s making me nervous, a lot” Desean is just staring at me, not sure if it’s me or my boobs, teenage boys “you ok baby?” He blushed instantly “the cutest but I am excited for it, I would like you to come to Cali when I do give birth. There is waiting rooms and stuff, I want both of you to be there. Just like my family will be here so do come” Joyce looked so overjoyed I said that “hi Robyn, you look amazing” I cooed out as Clinton hugged me “thank you, fresh bald head for the party” he bust out laughing “shined too” I can tell it was shined, he looks handsome like his son. Dennis came over to us “let’s take a picture” placing my hands on Desean’ shoulders.

Boys will be boys, they are just being boys and rowdy “Rihanna” Jay hugged me “thank you so much for coming out, you didn’t need too” he stepped back stuffing his hands in his pockets “anything for you, it was good to perform and have a little fun. I just saw your husband actually; he is very excited” I chuckled “are you staying or do you need to go. I know you mentioned that you need to go and couldn’t stay like that, would be nice if you could” he sighed out “for a few drinks I will then I do need to go” I am glad he can “how have you been? I see you are coming far along with the baby; I was telling Bey that Rihanna will be having the baby soon. I can’t believe how far she come in her career and even her personal career. I am so proud of you, but good seeing you in high spirits” hugging Jay again “thank you, it’s been a long time coming. There has been hard times, many of them but I am at a point in my life where I am happy now, I feel ready to even make another album, I am feeling very less negative. My hormones were awful, but I am positive about everything now but thank you for this. I asked and then I was like he’s in New York, what am I doing but you came, Diddy is coming too, crazy enough. Chris has been making friends along the way, he’s loveable” Jay nodded his head “he is, he’s settled in well. Was worried at first because there were issues, but you dealt with that, media are vultures so we need to be careful but you, you stay safe and when you’re ready to come, do that. I can’t wait to meet the future star” placing my hand over my bump “likewise” I sighed out smiling to myself proud.

I have been doing my rounds, saying hi to everyone I can find and have yet to find my husband. He is somewhere and I can hear him, but he is too busy having fun “hey Rih” looking up “oh hey Drake” getting up “no it’s ok sit, how are you?” I remained seated, if I can sit then I will “I am fine, you?” I asked, he pulled a chair up to me “just you seemed to have ignored me and I get it, you probably dislike me for what happened at my place” oh he noticed that “you are here for Chris because he really adores you and the team, best friends you know” I shrugged, I mean he should have known and he is aware on what these bitches like “I have the greatest respect for you; I wouldn’t ever lie to you in any way. I didn’t think India would have done all of that, I did understand that he may have been in some sort of trouble, but I didn’t think India would have done that” a guilty man “you know how these bitches are like, they see my man as fresh blood and he was in that position because of you. Now you have been in the game to know that, I feel like you were testing the waters out to see if he would” Drake shook his head “I promise you no” I don’t believe him “let’s leave it, it is what it is but don’t play with my family or better yet my marriage, I can’t trust you with my husband so he won’t come to your home like that, you put me through shit” Drake’ face softened, didn’t think he would get this kind of reaction “let’s leave it to that” I can vaguely see Chris “hey” I smiled at Chris, he just stared at me and then looked up and pointed up “thank you; what did I deserve to have you, oh my god!” Chris rushed over and leaned over hugging me “thank you, thank you, thank you” he kept kissing my cheek “stop it, enjoy yourself baby, go and party” looking up at him “thank you” nodding my head “I know” pecking his lips.

I am tired just going around saying hi to people, Diddy came, he actually gave us Ciroc for free for this event so of course I invited them “is this the mother corner?” seeing both Majesty and TJ’ son here in the corner, I don’t know how but they are asleep in this loud environment “I peeped you with Drake” sitting next to Mel “you did, well I told him how disappointed I am with him. Chris calls him a friend but you couldn’t protect him from that, he was just giving me shit excuses so I just accepted it and said let’s move on, you’re his friend so there is that” waving my hand “I am over it, he can just next time realise that my husband is faithful, I feel he was testing the waters out, if India didn’t bark he wouldn’t have barked, trust me” Mel’ eyes widened “anyways, moving on. Chris has to give me a foot massage after this, once he is over everything” Mel giggled “well he will do anything for your feet won’t he” Mel winked at me “ma’am” I cackled “don’t start” she needs to not speak another word “shoutout to Rihanna, give it up to her” Pour it Up started playing, I stood up with my virgin cocktail “strip clubs and dollar bills” lifting my drink up singing and then twerked in Mel’ face, shaking my head laughing “I can’t” laughing “I can’t do that to my baby” I laughed “shut up, that baby can wait. The fuck” Yusuf is a bad influence “you’re a mess” I laughed pointing at him “bands make your girl down” I assumed my legs were going to give but I went down and got up without an issue “aye, aye, aye. That’s my girl” these are bad “done!” I spat sitting down, I can’t be like this sober.

Chris’ cars should be arriving soon, I hope soon because then he can do what he likes. I have his suit jacket; we are getting to that point “how many virgin cocktails have you had?” rolling my eyes “let me see the commotion” getting up, I want to see the shouting now this March Madness song came on. I miss weed so much, like just smelling it right now is making me jealous. Rich just came out of nowhere “rowdy men” he said, letting out an oh as we made our way. I am just wondering why they are crowding, I am being nosey “mind out, move! Rich pushed some of the people out of the way, they was about to say something but I mean of course, I am Rihanna so they can’t say shit but move out the fucking way. Seeing Chris and then Diddy, oh we not at this point, Diddy cannot dance for shit “you on that grandpa dance, you know that” Chris said pointing at him “no, no. Just watch my shoulder, smooth” he shimmied his shoulders, shaking my head laughing “go on Breezy, you got something for that ass. Go! Show him the moves” I grinned watching “move out, move out” shuffling back with the crowd, Drake and him started bopping, he is actually Chris’ hypeman and it’s making me laugh, my eyes widened and everyone just fell out even I was impressed “no fucking way” I am so impressed by that, did he just land on beat too “yes, that’s how country niggas do it!” Rorrey dapped him “you a robot, you’re a robot. I can’t” that is so impressive.

This is the main part for me “the cars are coming, let’s get ready to go outside. Rajad, tell the DJ. It’s time” Rajad walked off “what is happening?” Joyce asked, she doesn’t even know either but she will be seeing it now “you will see” I smiled, I just can’t wait to see his face. His reaction all day has been shock after shock and now this so I can’t for him to see it “hold up, hold up. Can everyone make their way outside, we need everyone outside. I repeat, everyone outside” getting up from the seat, looking over at Chris. He looks a little tipsy, but not so much just a little. I want to make sure he goes outside “come on, everyone out please” everyone is just staring, I know these people can walk out quicker. Waving Chris over, he caught me waving at him. He rushed over to me “what is happening, you good? Everything good” I shrugged “I don’t know, I think maybe a security issue. Let’s just go outside” Chris looks like a deer caught in headlights, he is partying hard, and I love that for him “ok, as long as you’re ok” he placed his arm around me “you not drunk are you?” I asked him “I had a few shots” he laughed “but that is because they are birthday shots, but I am not that drunk, don’t worry. I am just so happy Robyn; I can’t thank you enough. You have made all my birthdays, you have, and I love you” nodding my head “it’s ok Poppa, let’s just go outside” walking off with Chris with his arm around me “I just wish I could take it in, I am just in the moment thinking wow. It’s crazy, best birthday ever! Like I don’t mind if it’s ended now, it’s just a good day” I will let him continue to mumble and talk his shit.

I feel so giddy inside, It’s excitement because honestly he is not expecting it “shall we just go home, honestly I have had a good time here and I don’t wait you to stand around” Chris looked down at my feet “baby I changed out of my heels, I was not about to wear them” Chris busted out laughing “aight, this is funny, and cute” looking over seeing that everyone has moved to the sides and it’s only Chris and I stood in the middle and he hasn’t noticed anything at all, I just find my husband so cute because he doesn’t think anything of it, he doesn’t expect that, his expectations is so low and he’s the sweetest. Hearing the engine rev as it slowly pulled up, looking at the first Lamborghini his one “I was thinking what if we went away on holiday before the baby comes, just you and me” nodding my head, he is just doesn’t care “yeah, baby look what just pulled up” I mumbled, everyone is just stood waiting for his reaction and he’s talking about holiday. Staring at his face, I want to see his reaction “what about it? It’s nice” the guy got out of the car, I don’t want to say it to him, I want him to figure it out “Chris Brown?” he pointed at Chris “uh yeah?” Chris is all confused “catch, happy birthday” he threw the key in the air, Chris caught it luckily “what!?” he spat and then looked at me “happy birthday poppa, it’s your car” placing my hands behind my back smiling ever so wide, he looked at the key and then at me again, he is trying to process it “no” he stepped back “no” he kept walking back “no way” he placed his hands on his knees “oh my god” he seems wounded “congratulations nigga, you rolling” the second car rolled up behind it, these are actually cute “no way” Chris is dramatic when he wants to be and I think his performance starts now “no way!” he spat and then turned away.

Chris turned back around “oh man” the guy held out the key to him “happy birthday” clasping my hands together in awe, Chris put his head down and then made his way over to me. Wrapping his arms around me “it’s ok” I didn’t want him to cry “this is too much Robyn, no way” rubbing his back “you deserve it, don’t cry” Chris moved back from me as he wiped his tears “I don’t deserve this woman, like probably thinking why I am crying. I ain’t expect this, all of this. She is literally my other half, and I am just a country nigga I ain’t do this flashy stuff, she literally” Chris sobbed out “she literally had my back when I was down, and I mean down where I didn’t want to be here and this” Chris looked at me, he is so emotional “you know I got you Chris” placing my hand on his torso, he leaned down pressing a kiss to my lips, wiping his tears with the back of my hands “go and look, they are both yours, second one is more family car but go on” everyone started clapping and cheering as he walked off “look at you nigga! This is the new shit!” let the boys cheer him up “Robyn you have really spoilt him, oh my god” Joyce said, she is a wreck like her son “he deserves it, he really does” looking over at Chris losing his mind over cars, these boys are so easily pleased by the smallest things and I find that funny.

I thought before everyone just gets drunk or whatever, I would do my little speech and thank people for coming “no, I am not singing” snatching the mic from the DJ, he keeps asking me too, but I think the fuck not, I won’t be doing that today “I won’t be long, can you all just listen. Thank you” I sound so grumpy, but I know they saw me get on stage, but Chris is listening so that is all that matter, someone did a wolf whistle “thank you Melissa” I know it’s her “I don’t want to waste too much time and be speaking on emotional things; I want you all to have fun and have a blast. It’s on me, first and last time but I just want to thank everyone that came out for Chris’ birthday. I appreciate it and so does he, you all made his day extra special. Happy Birthday Chris, you deserve this. All of this you deserve it, you missed out on so much of your life and you never got to live your life the way you wanted too, and now you’re married so fun is over” everyone laughed “but doesn’t mean it is over, you can still have fun within reason but back to the point, Chris has been through a lot and I have seen him at his lowest, moments where I thought I would have lost him. You are the most deserving of this and I love you. By the way the big car, whatever it’s called. That is the one where you take me around, the end. Have a nice night” holding the mic to the DJ, I am done.

I made Dennis send me the picture of Chris and I arriving, we look good as hell and I want to post it of us. Adding a caption ‘Our baby got the flyest parents’ pressing send on the post “I think it’s time for mommy to go to bed” I announced “Monica?” Noella asked “moi, me. I need to go, I can’t deal. It’s late and they want to party even more so let me go, TJ left that damn boy there like a piece of trash. Men” shaking my head “are you going with me? Rich, get the child” I said to him, I don’t play it’s not nice to just leave a baby like that for ages “I was about to come to you, I am going home ok? I can’t stay here any longer, so you come home when you like ok?” Chris nodded his head “don’t get too drunk, remain like this” fixing his shirt “I come to check on the baby” nodding my head slowly “the one baking in my stomach?” I questioned “yeah, is she ok?” I shushed him “baby it’s ok, let’s just not speak. I am going, tell TJ his baby will be at the home, he has ditched his child in the corner. Where is he?” Chris shrugged “never mind just tell him he is at the house, I am going” I added again “you know what, I love you so much. Like I cry thinking about it” Rorrey yanked Chris away, I needed that actually, but I think he understood that.

[nitewrighter]

Hey :) i kinda miss your prefall Gency fic... Do you think you can write some more ? Take care ♥

I’m still thinking about the canonical existence of Overwatch Propaganda Cartoons that we saw in that preview of Hero of Numbani.

...can you tell I watched old GI Joe opening theme songs specifically for this fic?

Also credit goes to @apocryphist for coming up with “underhand” which really should be the only name for villains in the Overwatch universe.

-----

Genji drummed his fingers on the conference room table as he rested his chin in his other hand. Mercy sat to his left, nonchalantly tapping out some correspondence on her tablet as they waited. On his other side, Tracer was bouncing her knee with her fingers interlaced on the table in front of her, doing her best to at least put forward the semblance of a strike team leader despite her fidgeting. Winston sat stiffly next to her, apparently trying to scroll through lab results on his own tablet but clearly too nervous to stay focused. It was a bright and slightly breezy afternoon in Zurich, and normally Genji would have been gracefully slashing his way through the training grounds at this time, but instead they were all here.

“I can’t stand it when they don’t say what the meetings are about,” mumbled Winston. 

“It’s probably a top secret mission!” said Tracer.

“’Secret?’” said Winston, sounding even more nervous, “I’m... I’m not exactly good at ‘secret.’”

“Is it unrealistic to hope we got more intel from Doomfist?” said Genji, glancing at Mercy.

“I wish,” huffed Mercy, “But from what debriefings I could get my hands on, he hasn’t given us anything useful.”

“How is that possible?” said Genji, “After all the internal damage he did to Talon’s internal power structure, shouldn’t they be scrambling without him? Shouldn’t there be a power vacuum?”

“I don’t know any more than you do...” said Winston, readjusting his glasses. 

“Honestly I thought you’d know more about it, what with the Blackwatch stuff,” said Tracer.

“Still benched,” said Genji, folding his arms.

“Officially,” said Mercy with a slight side-eye.

Genji gave her an amused “Hmph,” before saying, “Either way, Reyes pushed me out of the loop now that I’m on your strike team... not that I paid that much attention to the loop befo---”

The door opened and everyone perked up at the sight of Jack Morrison and Sojourn walking into the room. Jack seemed uneasy, but honestly Mercy couldn’t really recall the last time he seemed at ease.

“Okay, before we start, I want all of you to keep an open mind with this,” he said, looking across all of them.

“...Very encouraging, Strike Commander,” said Sojourn, with slightly sardonic amusement. She put her hands on her hips and turned to face Tracer’s strike team, “As you all know, when you’re recruited into Overwatch, you sign a waiver allowing us to use your image in... all sorts of stuff. Press releases, scientific publications, training videos for new recruits---”

“Posters,” said Mercy, already skeptical.

“Posters, too,” said Sojourn with a smile, “However, back during Omnic Crisis Reconstruction, we were using the images of heroes for a lot more.”

“Heroes?” Genji repeated quietly as Sojourn produced a remote control from the pocket of her jacket and hit a button. The venetian blinds tilted to shut out the sunlight and the lights of the room dimmed as the wallscreen lit up behind Sojourn. The screen lit up in bright colors and red and yellow explosions as a trumpeting fanfare started playing. Tracer’s face lit up as a young cartoon version of Jack Morrison appeared on the screen, pumping his fist in the air. 

“The world needs heroes!” said the cartoon Jack Morrison, “Are you with us?” 

Genji glanced at Jack who was very clearly cringing at his cartoon self.

“Oh yes!” said Tracer, her eyes bright, “It’s been years since I’ve watched this! You guys know the song, right?” she said looking at her teammates, “..No?”

The theme song was already playing, and Tracer was singing along with it eagerly.

There’s no need to fear

Overwatch is here!

Saving all we hold dear!

Mercy made a ‘I really hope this meeting isn’t going the way I think it’s going,’ face at Genji and Genji suppressed a chuckle, but Tracer seemed absolutely thrilled and even Winston was humming along with the theme song. The theme song kept playing and even introduced different members of the old Overwatch Strike team. One of the animators clearly had fun lavishing a lot of attention on Ana Amari’s hair whipping around from the force of an explosion behind her. A still-blonde cartoon Reinhardt brawled fist-to-fist with some kind of black and neon green robot. Cartoon Morrison jumped a motorcycle off of an aircraft carrier with cartoon Reyes wielding a missile launcher in the sidecar. Torbjörn and Liao were working side by side in a lab before the camera panned out to reveal they were in a bright blue tank-like vehicle Genji safely assumed was entirely made up to sell toys, firing off RPG’s with even more explosions. Sojourn chuckled watching her cartoon self fire two submachine guns at black and neon green helicopters while parachuting out of an exploding jet. There was, all in all, a frankly ridiculous amount of explosions. It finally ended with one last massive explosion and fanfare and cartoon versions of Sojourn and the entire original strike team all pumping their fists in the air with Morrison in the center. 

Sojourn hit another button on her remote, the wall screen blipped off, the venetian blinds opened and the lights came on, leaving everyone sitting at the conference table blankly.

“Ahh! Still just as good as when I was a kid!” said Tracer, excitedly.

“Now, I know what you’re going to say--” Morrison started.

“Propaganda,” said Mercy, “You want to put us in propaganda.”

“You’re already in propaganda,” said Sojourn, flatly.

“This is propaganda aimed at children!” said Mercy.

“Do you know how young Talon is recruiting?” said Sojourn.

“That doesn’t mean we should stoop to their level!” said Mercy.

“Wars aren’t just won by strategy and firepower, they’re also won by ideology, by public support,” Winston suggested.

Mercy remembered something Moira said and it sent a shiver down her spine. 

The true struggle is for the superiority of ideas.

“Thank you, Winston,” said Jack, “It’s not necessarily about convincing them to join, it’s about convincing people that we have their best interests in mind. Which...” Jack gestured, “We do.”

“Those bad guys didn’t look like Talon,” said Genji.

“Oh, it wasn’t Talon!” said Tracer excitedly, before dropping into a dramatic narrator voice, “Underhand is a Ruthless Criminal Organization determined to rule the world!”

“Uh--Underhand?” said Winston. Jack said nothing but somehow managed to look more dead inside.

“...Overwatch and Underhand...” Mercy repeated incredulously.

“So--we’re going to be in a cartoon?” said Genji. For some reason, his armor seemed to feel tighter, pinching, constricting around him.

“Well, we did some polling after the Doomfist fight and ran some algorithms through a handful of popular forums and social media,” Sojourn explained, “It turns out you’re all very popular with the younger crowd. Winston and Tracer pull the biggest numbers, but you, Genji, are incredibly popular with boys aged 6 to 14.”

“I...I am?” said Genji.

“Shining armor,” said Mercy, smiling at him, and steam vented from his shoulders.

“And Mercy has a death-grip on the ‘Girls aged 3 to 11′ demographic,” said Sojourn.

“So... more girls are getting into STEM?” said Mercy.

“I’m.. not sure about that, but they seem to really like the fact that you’re pretty and you can fly,” said Sojourn, flipping through the report on her own tablet. 

Mercy’s face dropped and she shook her head. She pursed her lips and thought for a few moments. “I’m not sure about this...”

“If we’re all over the news already, it could help to put stuff out there that gives us more control over our image,” said Winston, he scratched the side of his head, “It... would be nice to show people I’m more than just a gorilla...”

“Genji?” said Mercy, looking over at him. Genji was running his thumb over the knuckles of his prosthetic hand and he seemed to snap out of some particularly stressful train of thought.

“Oh...um... well... it would give you a chance to talk more about Overwatch as a peacekeeping organization?” said Genji, “And if you’re talking about it to children...” 

“They might be less inclined to carry on the conflicts of previous generations!” said Mercy, her eyes brightening.

“Like we said, ideologies,” said Jack.

Mercy inhaled thoughtfully. “If--if we’re going to do this, I want my likeness used responsibly. I don’t want to advocate for violence in any form.”

“...yeah I figured you’d say that,” said Jack.

“And, even if we’re going through fictional conflicts, I don’t want it... glamorized and sensationalized like the old cartoon. We don’t need all those explosions---”

“You did pull Genji out of that explosion a few weeks ago though,” said Tracer.

“Well that’s different--! That’s--!” Mercy huffed, “I think we should push more of Overwatch’s scientific and humanitarian efforts. Show that making the world a better place is more complicated than just.. shooting at bad guys.”

“We could have a science corner!” Winston chimed in, “’Winston’s Science Corner!’”

“Ooh! And maybe I should say something about friendship and teamwork at the end!” said Tracer.

Genji was shrinking a little where he was sitting, unconsciously sliding his wrist plate back and forth.

“What do you think? Edu-tainment?” said Sojourn, glancing back at Jack.

“Could go over easier than a purely fictionalized narrative,” murmured Jack.

“Aw, I wanna fight Underhand, though!” said Tracer.

“Well in any case, you can expect more correspondence from our PR department as we move forward in this project,” said Sojourn. 

“You might not be fighting Talon in some far-flung corner of the world, but make no mistake: this is an important part of the fight,” said Jack.

“And who knows,” said Sojourn as an assistant hurried in with a cardboard box and set it on the conference table, “You could end up some kid’s best friend.”

Tracer and her strike team all stood up from their seats to look into the box.

“Oh commander...!” Tracer looked about to burst with excitement as she reached into the box and pulled out an action figure of herself, “I love it!” She turned over the action figure in her hands and saw a button on the back. She pressed it.

“Cheers love! The Cavalry’s here!” said the Tracer action figure.

“That’s my line!” said Tracer, delighted.

“It’s quite a stunning likeness,” said Winston, taking his own action figure out of the box. He pressed a button on the back of his action figure. 

“Primal Punch!” declared the Winston action figure and Winston chuckled.

Mercy took both the Genji and the Mercy action figures out of the box and chuckled a little. 

“Yours is so pretty, Doc! They even got the wings!” said Tracer as Mercy fiddled around with the action figure’s wings.

“Yes, ‘pretty and flies’ indeed.’ I might be more inclined if she comes with a lab coat accessory,” said Mercy, giving a skeptical glance to her action figure’s bust size. She pressed a button between her action figure’s wings and scoffed a little as the action figure said, “Heroes never die!” 

She held Genji’s action figure out to him and he hesitantly took it. “What do you think?”

Genji turned the action figure over in his hand and looked at the button on the back. He pressed it, but the figure said nothing.

“Oh we um... didn’t really have a ‘catchphrase’ for you yet,” said Sojourn as Genji gingerly ran the finger of his prosthetic hand up the blade of the action figure’s sword clasped in his little plastic hand, “We were hoping you could put in a word for it. These are just mock-ups, really.” 

You’re incredibly popular with boys age 6 to 14...

Genji moved the arm of the action figure up and down, the figure striking downward with its sword, and he thought of young boys playing with this miniature him. Running with the action figure clutched in little hands with white knuckles, playing out battles, having the action figure swing its sword at all those foes, imitating his own swordsmanship, fighting their brothers with sticks, punching each other, kicking each other---

“No,” Genji said on reflex.

“What?” said Sojourn, glancing up from Tracer chattering about her own action figure.

“I--I said no. I shouldn’t have an action figure. I shouldn’t be in the show,” said Genji. His voice was tight.

“Genji...” Mercy started.

“...is it about how you look?” said Sojourn, “Because Genji, I can tell you, seeing people like us on the screen means the world to kids with prosthetics---”

“No--” Genji was stammering, “It’s not about that, it’s--”

“Genji, you’re a part of the team,” Tracer tried to reassure him, “It wouldn’t be the same without you--”

“Children shouldn’t want to be like me!” Genji blurted out, and there was a small plasticky snap. Genji glanced down and saw that he had unthinkingly broken the arm off of his own action figure. The entire room had gone silent, staring at him. He set both the action figure and its broken-off arm on the table and exhaled. “I’m-- I need to think about it,” he said, pushing up from the table and walking briskly out of the room.

“Genji, wait--” said Mercy, standing up. Her eyes flicked to the broken Genji action figure on the table and she picked it up, tucking both the figure and the broken off arm in the pocket of her lab coat. The door slid shut behind Genji but she quickly walked after him, leaving Morrison, Sojourn, Tracer, and Winston alone in the room. A long quiet pause passed between the four of them.

“Maybe just web shorts?” said Winston, “Just.. um... just the science corner?”

“Winston--” Tracer huffed.

“Right--sorry,” said Winston.

“...well, they did keep an open mind,” said Jack, “Mostly.”

“Don’t make me break out your action figure, Jack,” said Sojourn.

----

It was a known fact that if you broke visual contact on Genji, you had a pretty low probability of finding him again unless he wanted to be found. Still Mercy spent more of the remainder of the afternoon looking for him than she was readily willing to admit. The fact that he was able to disappear from the hallway that quickly made her assume he had taken the window (very mature, by the way, Genji, she thought with an eye roll) but she checked all of his usual spots and even went to his room before finally huffing and returning to her lab.

It was about 11 at night when the door slid open.

“Genji, we’re beholden to the UN. I know that was an uncomfortable situation, but... there are still protocols,” said Mercy, not even looking up from her screen.

“I know,” his cybernetically reverberative voice hummed from the other side of the room.

“I don’t know how... informally Reyes maintained his meetings, but we can’t--” Mercy looked up from her screen and read his posture and expression. Her shoulders slumped. She pushed up from her desk and walked across the lab over to him.

“I’m sorry, I know. I just shut down,” said Genji as she closed the distance between them, “I don’t even know where it came from, ever since I joined Tracer’s strike team, I thought I’ve been getting better but--” he cut himself off as she hugged him. He stood there for a few seconds before returning the embrace. A part of him wanted to take his faceplate off, breathe in the smell of her hair and the smell of coffee on her, but he tamped that down. They had embraced before, after Gérard Lacroix’s death, and had broken out of it, both of them muttering about it being inappropriate and messy, but after missions together on Tracer’s strike team, there was no such shame in taking comfort in each other like this. She loosened the hug slightly to look at him.

“What you said... about you and children...”  she trailed off.

“I...” Genji sighed, “I’m an assassin.”

“You’re an agent,” said Mercy.

“Whose skills all come from the fact that he was raised to be an assassin,” said Genji, “What I went through as a child---I don’t want another child to go through it. And I don’t want children to think that’s what they want because it’s not.”

“They won’t have to,” said Mercy, putting her hands on his shoulders, “The Shimada Clan’s practically collapsed! You get to decide who you are, not them! You get to choose what you do with your skills,” one of her hands trailed down his arm and clasped his organic hand, “And you choose good. You’ve been choosing to do good.”

“...kids shouldn’t want to be like me when I don’t even know what the hell I am,” muttered Genji.

Mercy gave a helpless chuckle, “Join the club. ‘Mercy’ is easier to be than Angela. People listen to ‘Mercy,’ except not really, because she’s just pretty and she flies and at the end of the day, she’s just a bloody idea, so no one actually listens to her because she’s not real---”  she caught herself, “God, they’re really going to turn us into cartoon characters, aren’t they?” she said, pushing her bangs back from her face, “As if things weren’t already weird enough.”

“Cyborg ninja. Angel doctor. Time traveler. Gorilla from the moon. It really makes no difference at this point,” said Genji with a shrug, looking over her shoulder, he noticed a small figure on her desk. “Is that---?” he broke out of the embrace and walked over to the desk to see his action figure standing there. The arm had been glued back on, the seam of the break barely visible. He picked up the action figure. “You fixed me? It--It-- I mean it. You fixed it?” he said glancing over his shoulder at her.

“Well I couldn’t just leave you like that,” said Mercy, chuckling a little. 

“’You’ve rescued me again, Doctor Ziegler!’” said Genji, making the action figure bob with his words. They both snickered. “Maybe that can be my catchphrase,” said Genji, a smirk in his voice.

“Absolutely not,” said Mercy, giggling.

[inforapound]

The Replacement - oneshot

A/N - thanks for the request anon. Warnings - fluff and smut - wow, writing a real person fic is really, really different. Never done that before. 

It had been the opportunity of a lifetime and for the first time since starting out in the crazy world of acting, I felt good; confident and proud. It was a new season and a new network; one that had been prepared to take Vikings in an even more graphic direction. The audience wanted flesh and I felt like I had delivered.

The season premier was about to air and with it, the love scene of all love scenes. It had been talked about all season, staring me opposite my gorgeous, talented, sweet co-star. Perhaps, I had a tiny crush….or a massive one if that is what a heart palpitating, light your body and soul on fire kind of an ache meant. Alex was different though. Not at all what I was expecting. He made me feel instantly at ease when I started; patient and professional which I was grateful for as I walked onto an established show, with a tight knit crew as a replacement for the actor who previously played Freydis. She was let go or had chosen to leave; I wasn’t exactly sure. I had heard various reports, but it didn’t matter to me, I was there, and she wasn't and everyone seemed pleased.

The producers were not even attempting to cookie cut me into Freydis’ role. It was a bold move but everything about this newly launched show was. I felt utterly spoiled as this was my first big character and they loved my look; so different from the previous actor; olive skinned, long dark hair that nearly touched my waist and they thought my small, 5 foot tall frame looked amazing next to Alex. In the end, there was no blonde wig as part of my costume.

---

The door opened and Marco flashed a warm smile, passing me the beer right out of his hand. The others were already there and by the looks of the coffee table littered with empty shot glasses and bottles, the drinks had been flowing for a while.

Walking into the living room, I tried my best for Alex not to be the first person I looked at but I could feel his eyes on me, tracking me, so I glanced over and gave him my best version of a breezy smile.

Marco and Alex’s work flat was beautiful, and pretty limited for chairs so I took a seat, perching on the arm rest of the couch next to Marco and his girlfriend.

The show was starting, and all in the room cheered watching the opening credits and listening to the theme song which I was pleased they hadn’t changed. As it began, everyone quieted down, their eyes glued to the screen, mesmerized by the brutal and immediate opening battle. It was gory and ruthless, the fight choreography totally redesigned and everyone was both astonished and impressed at how well the effects had been done.

And then....the scene...queen Freydis, me, welcoming home her king, Alex. Instinctively, my eyes flitted over to him and he gave me a small smile, his eyes so bright that I had to look away. I had no basis for comparison but god, I thought we looked hot; the kissing alone was loaded with heat. Watching me straddle Alex on the screen as he pulled off my robe, exposing my backside and the side of my breasts, his hands running all over me, shit, I had to take a drink of my beer, fight the urge to look back over at him. Gee whistled and I nearly jumped, quickly adjusting my legs, trying to find a more comfortable position. If I was being honest with myself, I was trying to push away the fact that my skin was warming remembering the way our bodies felt together.

Glancing, again, over at Alex, his eyes were locked on the screen, watching Ivar’s, his, lips on my throat, his hands grabbing my ass and pulling me against him, my hips grinding down and all that separated us was some glued on privacy cloth.

Surprisingly, there had been few takes that day but when the final shot was called, I will never forget how my lips lingered just a second too long. Or, how he grabbed my thighs, holding me in place, eyeing me, silently asking, pleading, for me to wait before climbing off. Not obvious to anyone but us, he had a rock hard erection and didn’t feel like sharing it with the others on set.

It had been my first somewhat nude role and I wasn’t sure of protocol but I stayed in place, giving him a look of understanding, until he gently patted my leg.

The applause in the living room snapped me back to the present and when all eyes turned, landing on me, I stood and held out the skirt of my dress, giving a smile and a small curtsy. What else could I do?

Looking over, I caught Marco glancing at Ivar, who’s expression made my smile drop. He was not joining in on the fun, instead he took a swig of his beer and stared down, picking at the label on the bottle.

The show ended but no one moved, instead, everyone sat around, chatting and recounting memorable days, funny scenes and certain challenging shots. Lots of digs were directed at Peter and his fussiness about his French braid always staying just right.

Excusing myself, I headed into the hallway and grabbed my coat, digging my hand into the side pocket.

“Hey,” a voice came form behind and I spun around to find Alex standing close behind.

“Are you leaving already?”

“No,” I replied, holding up my lips gloss. “Just freshening up.”

“Ah,” he smiled one of his dazzling smiles. “I’ll get you another drink then.

The night progressed with some people heading home and others lounging on the couches or stretching out on the area rug around the table; talking, playing drinking games and others out right falling asleep.

Swiping on my phone, I tapped the cab company’s number, my other hand covering my yawn.

“Trying to sneak away again?”

“I wasn’t the first time, remember?” Smiling, I looked up to Alex standing in the door of the kitchen.

Shifting closer, he stopped, seemingly unsure of what to say.

“Tired,” I added, “it’s been a long few weeks.”

Nodding, he stepped closer. “It’s after 3 am, just stay. Here,” he held out his hand, “you can crash with me...in my room.”

“Umm, okay.”

Holy shit, a mixture of shyness and excitement shot through me.

It felt like thirty seconds later and we were lying on his bed, both on our sides with him behind. Neither of us were talking and the room felt... heavy, as if the thoughts spinning in our minds had created some tension.

“Can I cuddle you?“ he whispered as he inched toward my back, his broad chest pressing against me, his hand hovering over my hips, waiting for permission.

Saying nothing, I responded by pressing back against him, my ass pushing into his groin. Rushing out an exhale, he slipped his large hand around my waist squeezing me to his body.

”Alex?”

He froze, waiting for me to continue.

“Are you drunk?” I asked.

“No... why?”

“Just curious.”

He lay silent for a moment before quietly clearing his throat, “Is that why you think I asked you in here? Cause I’m liquor’d up and looking to...” his voice dropped off and his hand began to pull away from my waist but I grabbed it, holding it in place.

“Hey,” I whispered, “I was only asking. It’s just...we...”

“We, what?” he whispered back.

“We have another season together and I don’t want things... to be awkward.”

“You mean have regrets?”

“Yes, I know it’s cliche that the new girl has feelings for the star but, I just don’t want anything to get spoiled between us.

“What?” he rushed, “Can you turn around, please? I don’t want to talk to the back of your head.”

Shifting, I rolled toward him, his hand returning to my hip. His round beautiful eyes were staring right into mine and I was pleased the light from the street below was coming through the window, letting me see his face.

“You have feelings for me?” He asked in a low voice.

Biting my lower lip, I nodded and he closed his eyes, exhaling again, looking both pained and relieved.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, gently nudging him.

Opening his eyes, he leaned forward and pressed his perfect, soft lips to mine, holding them in place before pulling back and looking at me again.

“Fuck, nothing’s wrong. I’ve been thinking about you ever since you walked in on your first day.” He squeezed his eyes shut for a second, “then,”  he paused and kissed me a second time, his lips pushing mine apart, his tongue swirling inside, “then, when we shot that scene and I could finally kiss you, have my hands you, fuck,” he swore again. “That’s why I wanted everyone to come over tonight, so you would come. I had to see you, somehow tell you. Otherwise, we wouldn’t talk again for two months until work starts back up.”

Holy shit, was this real? Was I dreaming? Was Alex the Danish heart throb confessing feelings for me? Reaching forward, I slipped my hand under his arm and began rubbing his back.

“Tonight,” he continued, “I didn’t like everyone seeing your body. It sounds so stupid but...it kinda made me jealous.”

Oh my god! I felt like I was floating up to heaven on a cloud. He really was a sweetheart, the total opposite of the character he played; there was no possessiveness there, only uncertainty as if there might be a chance that I wouldn’t like him back. I had to show him.

I kissed him hard, passionately, stirring up something fierce in us both, something less sweet and more carnal. Heat bloomed between my legs, igniting my body, my skin screaming for more of his touch.

Legs entwined, I shifted closer, grinding my core against his thigh, making him groan into my mouth. His hand dropped to my bare legs and began sliding up the back of my thigh and under my loose dress. I whimpered, rocking my hips as he slipped his fingers below my panties, hissing as he felt how turned on I was.

Pulling back, he pressed his forehead to mine. “I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you. But... I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want. Regardless if we stop right now, I want to be with you, like, for real.”

“Everyone at work will know. Will it make things weird?”

“Are you kidding? Everyone already knows,” he chuckled

“Really?” My mouth all but dropped; I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

“Yeah, I guess my game is weak.” He laughed again.

“I had no idea,” I shook my head.

“Great,” he grimaced, “I didn’t want to be a creep so I was just.. I don’t know...”

“Was nice?”

“Yeah,” he sighed.

“And sweet?” I kissed his cheek.

“I guess.”

“And sexy?” I couldn’t stop myself,  my mouth slammed back to his in a flurry of needy lips, hungry tongues and moans. My hips immediately started to grind against his bulge, chasing more friction as his fingers began to work my clit from behind, making me absolutely wild.

Within moments my dress was in a ball on the floor, my panties hanging off one foot and I was gazing down at a shirtless Alex as he lashed his eager tongue between my folds. Back nearly arching off the bed, I whimpered loudly, reaching down to his strong shoulders, his hand stretching up, squeezing and feeling my tits.

Grinding against his face, I startled as he bolted up right onto his knees, his eyes burning into mine. Ripping open a condom with his teeth, he quickly, hastily rolled it on.

“I can’t fucking wait anymore,” he rushed, dropping between my legs, his weight pushing me down. Sucking on my nipples, he slid his hand under my ass, pulling me up closer to him.

Feeling the tip of his hard cock prod my entrance, I let out a shaky breath and stared up into his gorgeous eyes.

“Hey,” he paused, bringing his lips to mine and giving me one more toe curling kiss.

“Are you mine?” he asked, his face sincere.

“Only yours,” I whispered making him close his eyes and melt down onto me, his face burrowing against my neck, his hard cock, at last, pushing inside.

@youbloodymadgenius​ @naaladareia​ @fields-and-fields-of-poppies​ @geekandbooknerd​​@zuxiezendler​ @londongal2810​ @oddsnendsfanfics​ @youbelongeverywhere @hecohansen31​ @waiting4inspiration @squirrelacorngliterfarts​ @kittybites-94​​ @lol-haha-joke​​ @tephi101​​ @ceridwenofwales​​ @funmadnessandbadassvikings​ @readsalot73​ @mdredwine​ @gearhead66​

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Robin and Gale Hood; Ben Hardy x reader Chap. 7

*Author’s note*

Another short and sweet chapter for you all and just one more to go so I hope you all will also watch the video I provide cause it’s also the song from the Disney film and if you know the words or want to follow along with the lyrics, sing along! Enjoy my loveies!

Chapter 7,

Phony King of England

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things

@simonedk

@ixchel-9275

@psychosupernatural

@waddles03

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@geek-and-proud

@queensdivas

@queen-paladin

@queendeakyy

@wormzteef

_____________________________________________________

Popping out from the bushes was Friar Tuck.  Soon enough coming out from the bushes and trees surrounding the camp were the rest of the people of Nottingham.

“Long live Robin and Gale Hood!” cheered Friar Tuck.  Soon coming from either side of the Friar were two of his helpers of the church, Father Jim and Sister Anita.

“And long live Prince James and Maid Marian!” proclaimed father Jim.

“Bravo! Bravo!” soon all the people of Nottingham began to cheer.  The four young heroes smiled as they looked at the people of Nottingham.

“And damned to hell with that scoundrel Prince John!” a familiar Welsh to the two young rouges called out.  They soon saw standing between Kit and David was a now healed Gilbert.

“Gilbert!” the siblings proclaimed happily before racing over to him and embraced him tightly.

“Takes more than a knife to kill me. But you both are squeezing the bandages area.”

“Sorry, sorry.” The siblings apologized as they released him.

“We’re just so glad to see you’re alright. You had us worried.” Gale said.

“Hey I couldn’t leave you lot behind. Especially you Gale. Who else is gonna keep your brother in check.” He cheekily winked at her. She softly giggled.

“I think I’d be more worried about you Gilbert. You’re even cockier than Robin is at times.”

“Hey!” Robin exclaimed.

“She’s got you there Rob.” Little John nodded.

“Agreed.” Said Kit shrugging.

“Fraid that’s true Robin. I did warn you that the tournament was a trap but did you listen to me? No.” David said.

“Okay, Okay I get it! I deserve the insults.”

“Alright now my darlings enough of teasing the fox brother. I’d say in light of this glorious occasion a celebration is in order.” I said to them.

The people all applauded and that’s when the beautiful Gale told me.

PLAY VIDEO

“Take it away then Alan!” I turned to the rest of the band and gave them a nod as I began to play my lute and they joined up behind me in a merry tune.  People then began to dance about as I sang a song about our Phony king of England.

Oh, the world will sing of an English King A thousand years from now And not because he passed some laws Or had that lofty brow While bonny good King Richard leads The great crusade he's on We'll all have to slave away For that good-for-nothin' John Incredible as he is inept Whenever the history books are kept They'll call him the phony king of England *All* A pox on the phony king of England!          “Care to take the next verse Little John?” I asked Robin’s second in command.

“Certainly.” Little John said in a posh tone.  As Little John sung the next verse, behind the camp a little puppet show was being put on.  Friar Tuck had made with a small bag of empty grain and old rags a stick puppet of Prince John.

As he made the puppet of our ‘good’ Prince John prance around (the crown slipping off his head of course), the Blacksmith Adam Sharpe raised his arm up wearing a yellow sock, representing his snake counselor Sir Heston.

The two of them acted out their ‘old married couple’ arguments with Heston nagging into the Prince’s ear before the friar peeked his hand through the shirt of his puppet to choke Sir Heston.  As well as beating him on the head.

Adam Sharpe then shook his hand and took the stick back and began to hit the Prince John puppet back twice as hard over the head sending him down.  Then the good ol Friar proceeded to mimic our Prince John sucking his thumb with the puppet, all pouty faced and everything.

It got the whole crowd laughing and rolling on their side right before Adam hit the puppet over the head once again, this time obliterating it to pieces.  As Adam and the Friar peeked up and looked at the puppet, they merely shrugged and turned to their audience and bowed their heads.

*Little John*

He sits alone on the giant throne Pretendin' he's the king A little tyke who's rather like A puppet on a string And he throws an angry tantrum If he cannot have his way And then he calls for Mom

While he's suckin' his thumb You see, he doesn't want to play Too late to be known as John the First He's sure to be known as John the Worst A pox on that phony king of England! Lay that country on me, babe!          As the band and I kept playing our merry tune, the people proceeded to dance.

It was like the festivals of old that Nottingham was once famous for.  Yeah you wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t told you but Nottingham is best known for all of it’s fabulous festivals.  We had parties that even made the people in London tremble with envy.

I saw Robin and Marian dancing together, spinning around one another and never once releasing each other’s hands.  Arthur and the Merry Men doing a little jig together, then my eyes turned to James and Gale (whom I would say were the most passionate dancers).

Doing spins, tricks, and him raising her up in the air before setting her back down.  Never have I seen the village so happy since King Richard left for the crusades.  It was like things were going back to normal.

But enough of that, I got back to the final verse of my song as the villagers clapped along and our two lovely ladies Gale and Marian began to dance with each other.  The two ladies joined hands before spinning away from each other to go to their next partners.

Marian went with the Bucher while Gale went to Adam Sharpe. The two ladies joined hands with their male partners and spun around before Gale moved onto Arthur.  She and the future Count joined hands with each other and spun around each other, while next to them Marian now danced with Adam and the Bucher clapped along to the beat.

After a few more spins, Gale went to the Bucher while Marian went over to Arthur and Adam now clapped to the beat.  After that the men now clapped as our two ladies rejoined hands and danced around each other, all smiles and laughing joyously.

Almost close to the end of my song, I leaned down towards young Michael Sharpe and pointed out and soon sticking himself through the once Prince John puppet was the scoundrel Robin Hood.  The crown sliding down perfectly onto his head.

As the crowd began to laugh, Gale soon attacked her brother in a hug from behind.  She leaned against her brother while Robin playfully ruffled his little sister’s hair. She pushed her brother’s hand off her hair and took the crown and placed it on her head as the two fox siblings stuck their tongues out cheekily. While he taxes us to pieces And he robs us of our bread King Richard's crown keeps slippin' down Around that pointed head Ah! But while there is a merry man In the foxes wily pack We'll find a way to make him pay And steal our money back A minute before he knows we're there Ol' Rob and Gale'll snatch his underwear The breezy and uneasy king of England The snivellin', grovellin' Measly, weasely Blabberin', jabberin' Gibberin', jabberin' Plunderin', plottin' Wheelin', dealin' Prince John, that phony king of England Yeah!

         Yes my darling we partied in Sherwood forest till the sun began to rise in the sky. It warmed my heart so much having that little party, like I told you it’s the most fun we’ve had in years.

         After everyone left Sherwood forest to return to their homes, all that left was the royal trio, Robin, Gale and the rest of the Merry Men.  Now I should mention this in advance, they probably wouldn’t want me telling this part but I’m a nosy person so I couldn’t help myself.

Prince James and Gale excused themselves to have a little privacy.  So the two of them ended up deeper into the woods where a romantic cliffside stood. You can see the sunrise so clearly without any hindrance of trees, bushes, or even the mountains.

James and Gale cuddled close together as the night became the dawn.  Gale resting her head against James’ shoulder and James having his arm wrapped around her waist, his head resting on top of hers.

“I’ve always loved the sunrise. I always found it to be the most beautiful sight in the world.” Gale said.

“Yeah. Beautiful.” James whispered in awe looking down at her, completely ignoring the sunrise.  She looked up to see him looking down at her.  She shyly blushed before turning her head away but James tipped her chin back up to look at him. “Gale……meeting you has probably been the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“Even given the circumstance?” she said as she fingered the scar under his chin from where she had hit him with the rock.

“I let you take that hit.”

“Sure, sure keep telling yourself that.” She hummed.

“I wouldn’t go insulting me.” He warned.

“Oh yeah? Why’s that?” she challenged.

“Because.” He gave her a kiss. “I seem to recall that you.” he kissed her cheek before growling in her ear. “Are ticklish.” He then attacked her sides with tickles and Gale began laughing.  James kept a tight grip onto her sides as he growled an evil chuckle as she kept laughing.

“OKAY! OKAY STOP! Stop! Stohahahp!” he ceased his attacks and the two continued to stare at each other.

“There’s……another reason why I wanted you alone.”

“And what was that reason Charming?” he took a deep breath before exhaling out and he said as he took her left hand and stared deeply into her eyes.

“Gale, meeting you has been the best thing that ever happened to me….”

“You said that already.”

“Will you let me finish?” he laughed.

“Sorry, go head. Go ahead.”

“You’re not like most girls. You’re strong, independent, a skilled fighter, a wild spirit. But you also have a kind soul, a heart of gold, and are loyal to your cause. The people of Nottingham are in your debt. No—all of England is in your debt.”

“Well I wouldn’t go that far.”

“Modesty. That’s another thing that I’ve always loved about you. You think you deserve nothing when you deserve the entire world. You care not for gold or riches in return for your services. But I—I hope that my love and…….”

“James.” She interrupted him. “Your love is all I’ve ever needed. In fact all I ever need in this world to be happy is you.”

“And you will. You will always have me my love, but I—I hope I can also have this.” He stood up till he was on one knee and he took something out of his pocket.

A small blood red ring box.

He opened it and inside was a beautiful engagement ring. A small diamond stood at the center while emerald and blue jewels surrounded the golden band.  Gale gasped and looked up at James.

“It was my mother’s engagement ring. Before I left for London, my father gave it to me and told me to give this ring to the one woman whom would make my life worth wild. Worth fighting for, worth living for. And Gale—you are that woman. So……will you Gale Hood, like to spend an eternity by my side as my wife?”

Gale was speechless.  Helpless as she stared into those eyes of his.  Her breathing slightly increased as she choked out.

“But you—you know I am of not royal blood. What would that…..”

“To hell with those ol farts! Or anyone else who deems it wrong. All I know is that a world without you by my side is a world not worth living. As long as I’m alive Gale I swear to the mighty Father above you’ll never feel alone again.”

A smile spread across Gale’s face as she finally told him the two words that would forever seal their fate together.

“I do.” James’ face lightened up with a smile as he placed the ring on her finger and the two young lovers kissed each other lovingly. Their faces being cupped by the other person before they embraced one another.

After releasing from their embrace, James wrapped his arms around his future wife and held her left hand, the two of them admiring his mother’s ring on her finger.

“I know you said you weren’t the jewelry type. But this ring suits you.”

“I think I’m starting to agree with you. I love you, Charming.”

“And I you, my sly vixen.” They kissed each other softly before turning back to see the sun now up in the sky.

As the day went on, the town’s folk would secretly sing my song to themselves, like it was their own secret little code.  And I wouldn’t believe it for myself but even ol ‘stick up his arse’ Sheriff of Nottingham heard of the song and couldn’t help but sing it to himself.

He came into the palace to deliver his daily tax fees that he had collected.  And he was singing the song to himself while at the desk, Sir Heston was looking down at the records and heard the Sheriff singing.

He throws an angry tantrum If he cannot have his way He calls for Mom and sucks his thumb And doesn't want to play Too late to be known as John the First He's sure to be known as John the Worst

         The two of them laughed about it as the Sheriff said.

         “How about that huh?”

“That’s PJ to a T. Let me try, let me try.” Heston laughed. He then began to clear his throat trying to find the right key as he began to sing, unaware that just behind the Sheriff with a wine bottle in his hand, was Prince John himself.

To late to be known as John the first

He’s sure to be known as John the wors—

When Heston saw Prince John standing behind him, the snake stammered as he began to quickly change the insults to praises.

“The fabulous. Marvelous, merciful. Sheer—”

“No, no, no, no, no! You got it all wrong Heston. The Snivellin, grovellin, measly, weaslin…..”

“ENOUGH!!!!” Prince John roared.  He threw the wine bottle over the Sheriff’s head.  The glass shattered to pieces as he was now drenched in wine.

“No, no, no sire I would never personally call you that. It’s just the whole village has been singing it. All day in fact.”

“Oh they have, have they? Well…..they’ll be singing a different tune.” The arrogant prince threatened as he got up in the Sheriff’s face. “Double the taxes! Triple the taxes! SQUEEZE EVERY LAST DROP OUT OF THOSE INSOLENT……musical peasants.”

[elatedmarvel]

Fallingwater

Steve Rogers x reader

Summary: A whirlwind romance takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. 

Word Count: 2,555

AN: I know it’s NYE and I should post a story about NYE but this was due and I’m so proud of it. This is for @nacho-bucky​‘s writing challenge! Thank you so much for hosting Cait, I had so much fun writing this. My prompt was the song Fallingwater by Maggie Rogers (one of my favs songs ever, it was number 2 on my 2019 most listened). I legit did about 5 outlines before i realized I hated them all, and then listened to the song on repeat for a day before coming up with this. Hope you enjoy!

Warnings: Slightly angsty and mention of sexy times. 

“The moment I set eyes on her, I knew she was the one. I thought I was doing so well, but then I met her and it was like everything was under a spell.”

It was probably too early to be doing shots, but you couldn’t care. You slurred your way through a speech, how hard you worked, how much you sacrificed to become the Director of R and D at Stark Inc. Your friends cheered loudly, some whooping, before you tilted your head back and let the alcohol burn its way down your throat. 

Your face hurt, but you couldn’t stop smiling. Everything you had worked for just came true, and now you were the youngest co-Director of R and D in the company’s history. Drinks with the girls seemed like the only fitting way to celebrate. 

Your friend, Natasha, was letting everyone know how much you deserved this promotion when your eyes caught his. Suddenly, every word Natasha said was drowned out, and the whole bar became fuzzy expect for him. 

His full lips formed into a smile, and he tilted his beer your way. Quickly he turned to his friend before sliding off his chair and walking towards you. Somehow you managed to meet him in the middle, not even sure when your legs had moved.

“Hi” you breathed. 

“Hey, you’re the new co-director or R and D at Stark’s right?” and his charming smiled almost laid you flat on the floor.

“Yeah... that’s me” surprised he recognized you.

“Sorry, I just realized how creepy that must have sounded, I just work there too. Name’s Steve, I’m the director of graphic design. Tony and Bruce were gushing about you at our meeting today.” he chuckled to himself. “I have to say, you’re a very impressive person.” 

“Thank you! It’s been amazing to work at Stark Inc and I still can’t believe I got promoted. It feels like a dream, to be honest.” 

“Trust me, from what they told me, they would be crazy not to promote you.” 

The moment of silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable. You took the time to really get a good look at him. Dimples, blond fluffy hair, and a jawline that could cut through pizza. Meeting his eyes again, you blushed at being caught. 

“Do you wanna dance?” he asks, hopeful. All you can do is nod. 

The night passes by fast. One moment your dancing and laughing at the bar, and the next, your kissing his luscious lips and pulling off your own shirt. 

Rolling over the next morning, you were met with the glorious sight of a naked and sleeping Steve Rogers. His hair was fanned out, and the sunlight peaking in hit him in all the right spots. It was torture getting out of bed and putting on your clothes, you wanted to stay and trace his freckles all day. 

The sound of the front door clicking shut woke him up. Squinting from the intrusive light, he blindly felt the bed for your soft figure, wanting to curl up with you and fall back asleep. The paper on the pillow pulled his attention and he opened the note enough to read. 

Thanks for the magical night! Call me sometime XXX-XXX-XXXX.

“She’s the light in the dark places in my life. No one could compare to her.”

Just like that, you’re hooked. 

The next time you meet is at your first meeting with the rest of the Directors at Stark Inc. Excited to be formally introduced, and wanting to make a good impression, you had arrived early with bagels and coffee for the meeting. 

You’re busy thanking Peter, the intern, for helping you, when he waltzes in. The navy suit he’s wearing does nothing for what you know is underneath. Most things don’t do him justice, it’s like he was carved by Michelangelo himself. And just like that, you’re brought back to Friday night, sweaty bodies and sultry kisses played in your mind. 

You jump slightly as Bruce comes in and begins to chat with you. He’s already talking about making improvements to the new AI you’re building, but you’ve zoned out too long to really catch what he’s saying, so you simply nod along

Steve’s eyes flicker to yours, and you can see the mirth behind his smile. Busted. You hope the office lighting washes out your blush. And just as Bruce segways into another project, Tony Stark himself waltzes into the room, officially saving your ass. 

Everyone takes a seat, and the meeting commences, but you’re far less energetic about it now. You try to focus on what Tony is saying, you really do, but you can’t stop thinking about the blue eyed man sitting on the opposite side of the table. It’s hard not to look at him, even his profile is drool worthy. 

Hoping to god your bsing skills are up to par, you ohh, ahh and nod at the right times. Chancing another glance Steve, you find he’s already looking at you. The smile comes easy to your face before you hear Tony clear his throat. 

Looking around, you realize that everyone was looking at you, and you’re racking your brain to see if you remembered to put on deodorant this morning. 

“Y/N, do you want to introduce yourself, or do you want to keep ogling Steve there?” Tony asks, and you’ve never wanted the ground to swallow you more than you have in this moment. 

Clearing your throat and sneaking a sip of water, you gather your wits quickly and introduce yourself, and also give a brief overview of the projects you have and are working on. 15 minutes later, you’re pretty sure everyone had forgotten about Tony’s snide remark as you give the floor back to your boss to wrap up the meeting. 

Everyone takes turns coming up to you and congratulating you, shaking your hands and other pleasantries that you really don’t care for. Of course, Steve is the last person to approach and your heart skips a beat as he pulls you in for a hug. God he smells amazing. 

“You were great! I really can’t wait to work with you.” he states earnestly. You give a weak smile, and chastise yourself for being so smitten with someone you just met.  

“Thank you, I had a lot of great mentors.” you say, cursing your voice for breaking at the end. 

Steve’s hand falls to the small of your back, and guides you out of the conference room. 

“I’m really impressed with the latest model vibranium shield, looks like it could really be useful to someone in combat.” the mention of one of your projects has you lighting up, and chatting up a storm as you enter the elevator

“Yes! Bruce told me you were the one to sketch the design first, and I have to say that it inspired us to go sleek and lightweight. We really wanted--” but you don’t get to finish because his lips are on yours. It takes you a moment to process, but then you kiss back with as much fervor as you can manage. 

His hands find your waist, and work their way up, while yours find his hair and neck. Anything you both could do to get closer, full on making out like high schoolers in the elevator. 

The ding alerts you that the door is about to open, and you break apart. Your struggling for breath, and your lips feel swollen. The women that entered the elevator takes a moment to take in your ragged breathing and Steve’s messy hair before smirking. “I’ll take the next one.”

The moment the doors close, you both burst into laughter. 

“Well, she sure won’t be forgetting us” you giggle. Steve hums in agreement before taking a step towards you and kissing your forehead.�� 

“10 bucks says that Tony’ll know before lunch” he chuckles. 

“Oh, I’m sure he already knows.” you states, pointing up to the security camera in the corner. 

Steve groans before burying his head in your neck. “Worth it” you hear him murmur. 

The following weeks follow much the same.

Stolen kisses and little notes are passed between the two of you in the halls. Flowers show up more in your office, and Steve has never had as many baked goods in his life as he does now. 

You make a point to keep it casual, not referring as dates, no staying over at each other’s places. It’s supposed to be light and breezy.

Take out when one person is working late, breaks in each other’s office to rant or feel each other up, bubbles baths after a stressful day. It all falls into place and becomes domestic, and you never even realized the moment it had stopped being casual. 

It’s a whirlwind that becomes too much when you hear three words from Steve. 

“I love you” 

“It feels like I’m stuck upstream without her.”

You’re still panting, and you can feel it in your bones. His skin is glistening with sweat, and you both revel in the afterglow. You know the moment can’t last forever, but you hope to stretch it as long as possible. 

You sigh before pressing one last kiss to his lips and throwing the covers off your legs. You can feel his eyes staring at your back as you gather your clothes from the floor, cursing yourself for so carelessly throwing your bra somewhere you can’t find. 

“Stay” he states, and you’ve never wanted anything more. 

“You know I can’t” you say as you pull up your pants and button them, ignoring the way your hands shake.

“It’s getting late, just stay the night.” he begs, sliding from the bed to pull you into an embrace. He knows how to play dirty.

“I need to go Steve.” you state more firmly, his arms dropping from around you as he takes a step back to study you. After his gaze feels too strong, you start to throw on the rest of your clothes, hoping to leave before doing something you’ll regret. 

“Is this because I told you I love you?” he asks, and your heart leaps into your throat. The feeling of panic begins to ebb into your bones, the same feeling you had when the words left his mouth the first time. 

You had gotten ice cream stuck in your hair. He was helping you get the liquid out of your hair while you lamented about good ice cream going to waste. It was so quiet and inconspicuous that if it weren’t for the panic forming, you would have missed them. 

Laughing nervously, you thanked him for his help and made some dumb excuse to go home as fast as possible. The week that followed was so normal that you were sure he forgot the incident. 

Apparently not.

“No, I just need to go home” voice shaking. “Why are you ignoring this?” he asks. 

“I’m not.”

“Stop denying it! I’m sorry that this freaks you out, but I’m not sorry for you knowing how I feel about you!”

“You can’t actually feel that way! We’ve known each other for 2 months!” you yell back.

“It doesn’t matter how long we’ve known each other because I know how I feel. I love you!” he shouts back, arms gesticulating wildly, it would be funny if you weren’t drowning in the moment.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Say how you feel, say you love me or that you don’t. But say something!” and now he’s pacing back and forth, hands running through his hair. You can tell he’s frustrated, but you can’t seem to feel anything but cold. It’s moving too fast and starting to spiral, and you just want it to stop for a moment. 

“You always tell me just what I’m supposed to say, as if it could be any other way.” you say quietly. It’s not true, you know it’s not, but in the heat of the moment, it’s all you could do to defend yourself.

It’s silent for a moment, he’s stopped pacing and you just stare at each other.  

The stand still is getting to you, and you can’t bare it another second. Grabbing your bag from the chair, you practically run to his door and throw it open. 

The sound of the door shutting feels more like a knife severing your relationship. 

“So, to most amazing woman in the world, I love you Pepper, and I will never stop.”

The applause brings you back to the moment, Tony and Pepper’s wedding reception. Tears you didn’t notice slide down your face, and you dab them away quickly, hoping no one noticed.

Since that fateful night one month ago, you’ve replayed your relationship multiple times. Every time you see him in the halls, you recall a night of passion. Meetings were spent thinking about jokes that you and Steve would have passed back and forth. Laying in bed, you thought of all the things you wish you had said on that final night. 

You excuse yourself from the table, feeling claustrophobic, and make your way towards the bar. You had already seen Steve at the wedding, and if he was going to look so gorgeous, you were going to get drunk enough to forget. 

An arm catches you on the way, and the way goosebumps rise on your skin, you know it’s him. Turning to face him, you could cry at how much better he looks up close. He had grown a slight beard, and the black suit fit him like a glove. You were sure everyone would be staring at him. 

“Hi, dance with me?” he asks, so simple, so loaded. 

You think for a moment before nodding. He gently sweeps you into his embrace, and you melt into him. It feels right, like everything before was unknowingly wrong. 

“I miss you” you breathe, not wanting to disturb the moment. 

“Me too” He hums, the vibrations tickling where your forehead meets his cheek. “I think about you all the time. Life is much more boring without you by my side.”

You both continue to sway, to content to do much else. There hasn’t been a moment that felt as warm and safe as this, this was home. It’s where you wanted to be for the rest of your life, and you’re not scared anymore. 

“I never meant anything I said that night, I was terrified Steve. It was all happening so fast and it was overwhelming. I never loved you fully in the way I could.” tears welling up in your eyes. 

He pulls his head back far enough to look at you before bringing his thumb to wipe the tears that escaped down your cheek. 

“I pushed too hard. I didn’t think about how you felt. I was scared of losing you, and I thought that fighting for you was the way to go instead of catching you.” 

You shake your head and let out a laugh, “we were both idiots.” His arms wrap around you tighter, pressing a kiss to your forehead, he laughs along with you. 

“I’m not scared anymore.” you state. Before you know it, his soft lips are back on his. 

Breaking apart, you know you have the biggest grin on your face.

“I’m like fallingwater.”

~~~

Thank you so much for reading! Feedback is always welcome!

[angst-fairygodmother]

One Fair(e) Day - Properly Garbed - Diego

A/N: So as you’ll soon see, I have decided that as well as everything else, this is a Diego x Reader story. Also, I really like dressing people up, but I promise this is the last chapter dedicated to it. Word Count: 777

You felt a familiar arm slide around your waist and smiled, leaning slightly into the touch.

“Alright, well I need to make sure…everyone else ever sees how incredible I look,” Klaus said gesturing at his new outfit. “So I’m going to go and I’ll see you at whatever time this thing was.” He waved the ticket before crumpling up and shoving down the front of the corset.

“Three-thirty,” you said patiently. “And I would put that in the bag with your shirt instead. Unless you’d like streaks of ink on your chest for the next…forever, that stuff lasts forever when it stains.”

“Whatever,” he said with a shrug.

“You two have fun!” he wiggled his fingers in a wave over his head as he wandered off and you giggled when you noticed him pull the ticket back out as soon as he thought he wasn’t in sight anymore.

“What was that?” Diego asked, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek.

“Klaus,” you said, as if that were the obvious and only answer (and to be honest it probably was). “So what have you been up to so far?”

He shrugged and you stepped away from him to turn, intending to give him a faux-lecture about how the whole point of being at the faire was to do things. Instead, you took one look at him and led him over to a shady, grassy patch to sit.

“You look like shit,” you said sternly. “I told you to dress light and cool, not in a turtleneck and all black.”

He stubbornly refused to meet your eyes.

“You’re going to overheat like that Diego…”

“I’m fine. And it’s too late to do anything about it now.”

You handed him the water flask from your hip, watching as he guzzled it dry, shaking your head in disappointment.

“Well actually…” You held out your hand to pull him back to his feet. “Do you trust me?”

He smiled softly at you, taking the offered assistance. “Of course I do Y/N. Although with that look I’m not sure I should…”

You grinned almost manically back at him. “Perfect. That was everything I needed to hear. Follow me.”

~

“Amy!” you smiled, hugging your green-haired friend. “Just the gal I was looking for. I have here with me a very dumb boy. Who needs help not sweating to death and will therefore comply with whatever we tell him.”

“Hey! I never agreed to…” Diego started to protest, shutting his mouth with a sigh when he saw your determined glare.

“I’ll take it from here,” Amy said, hooking her arm through Diego’s and leading him into the large canvas tent. “You wait there, Y/N, so it can be a surprise!” her sing-song voice called back.

You felt a tiny twinge of guilt dumping Diego into her capable hands without warning, but the rest of you knew it was for the best, and was excited to see the result.

Twenty minutes later, he emerged from the tent looking like an entirely new man. He was dressed in a loose-fitting Viking-style tunic, soft, sky-like blue with maroon and black embroidered trim and a pair of thin, maroon linen pants. A braided rope belt tied around his waist and trailing down completed the look, but for his usual boots, which in honesty did not look that out of place in a pinch.

“Well I’ll be damned,” you said, unapologetically oogling the man in front of you.

“Is that,” you gasped dramatically, “color? Who are you and what have you done with Diego?”

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment and staring down at his feet.

“She told me I h-had to come show you and she wouldn’t give me my clothes back until I did.”

“Well, duh. Because you look incredible. You’re buying that, or I’m buying it for you. I don’t care, someone’s buying it and you’re wearing it. For one thing, it’s light and breezy and comfortable for the middle of August. And for another, it is an incredibly sexy look.”

His head jerked up to stare at you.

“What? I think you’re sexy anyway. I just…really like Viking Diego. Or maybe it’s the poofy pants. Can’t go wrong with a good poof.”

You flicked at your own very pirate-y pants as if in demonstration, making them ripple slightly with the motion.

“You’re ridiculous, Y/N,” he said, shaking his head.

But when you stepped toward him, draping your arms over his neck and standing on your tip-toes to kiss the corner of his mouth, you felt him practically melt into your touch.

“Please get the outfit?” you whispered, and he sighed, defeated.

[thirst-trapnhl]

Never Grew Out of This Feeling 3(charlie mcavoy)

(A/N): hey guys! i say this all the time but sorry for how long this took lol. hope you guys enjoy (if anyone actually still cares ab this series??) and i hope it was at least 25% worth the wait! also unedited because I’m actually DYING to get this up lol (word count: 1936) (warnings: underage drinking, cursing)

song of the chapter: hold my hand - new found glory

“you like you’re ready to go, so hold my hand. I’ll take you everywhere, anywhere, you wanna go.”

Charlie arrives at your front door at exactly 6:00 PM on New Years Eve with Chinese takeout in hand and your dad clears the coffee table in the living room so he can spread all the containers out. Your parents settle into their seats on the couch and you and Charlie take the floor, plates piled high. You all turn your attention to the TV as your dad presses play on The Princess Bride, your traditional New Years movie. Charlie and your dad both laugh at all the same parts they always do, and your mother ends up crying at the same part she always does. You clear the table as the credits roll and head upstairs to get ready for your night out, belly full and heart happy. 9:30 rolls around and Charlie’s migrated to the big chair in the corner, messing around on his phone when you finally walk down the stairs. “Thank god, I’ve only been waiting for an ho- “ he stops short when he finally looks up from the screen. “Holy shit!” He’s on his feet in an instant, eyes glued to your body. You warm at his appreciation for your efforts and give a little shimmy and his eyes light up at the way the sequins on your top shine.

“Whatcha think, Chuck? Good enough to ring in the new year?” You wiggle your eyebrows at him and he laughs before shooting a soft smile at you, the one that’s always made you feel like he’s the only person who really sees you. 

“I’d take you anywhere lookin’ like that!” He reaches his hand out to you and twirls you around once just to see you laugh before grabbing his keys from the table and ordering the Uber. You call out your goodbyes to your parents, in their room getting ready for bed and shrug on a jacket. You follow him out the front door, hands reaching for his sleeve. 

He feels you tangle your fingers in the fabric to shield them from the cold and looks back over his shoulder at you. You meet his eyes and his whole face crinkles as he hides a smile behind his collar, just the way it always has. You huff out a breath and furrow your brow up at him. 

“What’re you smiling about, Alvin?” It’s his turn to pout and yours to laugh, loving the way you can always get a rise out of him by poking fun at his chubby cheeks. His pout quickly turns back into a smile, smaller and softer this time, at the sound of your giggle. The ride to the party is relatively uneventful. It’s easy to zone out staring out the window as Charlie makes casual conversation with the driver. Before you know it, a hand comes to grip your knee through your jeans, Charlie giving your leg a squeeze to bring you back to earth.

“You ready?” He asks and when you nod, he bids the driver good night and comes around your side of the car to help you out. You make your way into one of Charlie’s teammates’ house, and quickly find your way to the cooler. You grab a beer for each of you before snaking your way through the bodies back to Charlie’s side. He beams and wraps an arm around your shoulder before continuing his conversation with the rest of your friends. You settle in easily after that, jumping into the conversation when it turns to the show you’re all currently binging watching. It's no surprise when the party turns into a full-fledged beer pong tournament, complete with a bracket written sloppily on the back of a junk mail flyer. You and Charlie slot into the fifth matchup against the goalies and Charlie spends the first four trying to hype you up.

“Chuck, I really don’t understand why you insist on having me as your partner. You have to carry me every single time!” You’re a little exasperated at his undying positivity towards your beer pong skills. He’s had more to drink than you, as he usually does, but you both know he’ll end up making all his shots while yours bounce off rims. He smiles down easy at you and a piece of hair flops down over his forehead, a little damp with sweat. You hear a cheer behind you and you know the game ended and it's time to face the music. 

“I don’t mind doing all the work, you know that. All you gotta do is stand there and look pretty to distract our opponents. You know the goalies both have a thing for you.” He wiggles his eyebrows, barely holding back a laugh as he drags you towards the table and you work together to reset the rack. 

Despite your best efforts to swing your hips and bat your eyes, the goalie tandem take you and Charlie down swiftly. You make your way back to the kitchen to dig around for more beer and when you turn back around, Charlie’s leaned up against the counter, looking at you. “Sorry I couldn’t help out more, bud.” He opens his arms to you and you cross the small kitchen to him, putting your unopened bottles behind him before wrapping your arms around his torso. You can feel the rumble of his chest as he lets out a heavy sigh. 

“I just don’t understand how you can still be SO bad after all this time.” You look up at him in surprise and he’s trying to hide a shit-eating grin, clearly satisfied with your response. You give him a light smack on the arm before sticking your tongue out at him, making him laugh. You grab your corona off the counter and bang it against the edge, popping the cap off. Charlie looks at you, impressed before taking this and doing the same, but with his teeth. He spits the cap into his hand as he laughs at your shriek of disgust. You smack him again, this firmer and on the chest. 

“Don’t fucking do that, you yutz! It skeeves me out and you’re going to ruin your teeth and then those braces your parents paid for will be useless!” He’s almost doubled over in laughter now and you can’t help but stomp your feet when you take a step back from him. He manages to pull himself together enough to stand up straight and wipe the tears from under his eyes. You shake your head at him but there’s no real force behind it anymore, all your annoyance flushed away by how absolutely delighted Charlie is by your reaction. 

“God, there’s nothing more satisfying then winding you up.”  

——

The party continues on into the early hours of the morning, only interrupted by everyone gathering in the living room to watch the ball drop. Charlie’s huddled in close behind you as you stand pressed against the back of the couch. Brett, the more outgoing half of your goalie admirers, turns to you just before the countdown reaches twenty. “Hey, (Y/N), you gonna be my New Years kiss this year?” He’s half joking, but you can feel Charlie tense behind you as he wraps an arm around your stomach. 

You let out a laugh and before you can even answer, Charlie shoots him a “Not a chance in hell, Breezy,” and Brett laughs. The countdown’s at 10 seconds now and, as you do every year, you turn to face Charlie. The countdown reaches 1 and the room erupts in shouts of “happy new year” and  unintelligible cheers. Charlie, as he does every year, lifts you up into a hug and places a kiss on your cheek before tucking his face into your neck, mumbling a “happy new year, bub.” 

You let your hand slide to rest against his jaw and he pulls back to look at you. “Happy New Year, Chuckie.”  You unwrap your legs from his torso, expecting him to let you slide to the floor like he always does, but he holds you face to face with him for a couple seconds longer. You can feel confusion spread across your face when Charlie’s eyes flick down to your lips. You can see the gears turning in his head for a moment before he puts your feet on the ground, kissing the top of your head gently. You decide to let the moment pass, turning to greet the rest of your friends. 

-- -- 

It’s close to 4:30 AM when you and Charlie stumble out of the party, ready to make your way home. The silence between you isn’t uncomfortable, but you can tell he’s waiting for you to speak first. You’re about halfway home, passing the schoolyard, when you stop walking. It takes Charlie a couple of steps to realize you’re no longer next to him. He turns back to you and the beer in your veins makes you unable to collect your thoughts properly. Instead, you just blurt out “Were you gonna kiss me before?” 

Your hands are stuffed in your jacket pockets, as are his, and the words leave your mouth with a puff of breath vapor. He doesn’t hesitate in his answer. “Yeah.” You both take a moment to digest the weight of the situation. You may be drunk, but you know that you’ve reached a fork in the road. All it takes is one look at Charlie to know what you want from the conversation, but the thought that maybe you’re not on the same page is the scariest, biggest monster you’ve ever had to face. 

“Why didn’t you?” Your voice is smaller than you intended as your eyes dart from your shoes scuffling on the sidewalk back to Charlie. You can tell he’s trying to pick his words carefully, and you’re sure that the person you love the most in this world is about to break your heart. You swallow the lump in your throat, ready to pretend tomorrow that you were too drunk to remember this conversation. 

“Didn’t wanna do it if you weren’t ready for it.” The words don’t sting like the ones you expected to hear and you force yourself to look Charlie in the eyes when he continues. “Don’t wanna send you running off. It’s not the right time yet.” A few hot tears leak from your eyes as relief floods your body, and you swear you feel your soul settle. You step to meet Charlie, sliding your hand into his pocket to wrap around his. 

As you tug him along down the street, you look up at him with a teasing smile. “I don’t know how many times I gotta tell you, Charles. You’re not getting rid me that easy.” He smiles down at you and you round the corner, walking along the fence next to the very same playground where Charlie first watched you launch yourself off the swing. The very same slide you climb on top of to smoke and watch the stars. Your eyes can’t help but flick to it, red and plastic and smaller than your childhood memories let you believe. You think about pushing Charlie up against the fence right there and kissing him until the sun comes up, but the rest of the semester and the uncertainty of Charlie’s near future is enough to keep you walking, tucked into his side. “You gonna tell me when it’s time?” You ask, already knowing the answers. Charlie’s always been right when it comes to you, fourteen years in, and you’d follow his lead anywhere. 

“Yup, and not a single second after.”

[be-ready-when-i-say-go]

single by the neighbourhood with luke

Here we go, sugar. We got two for one today because I procrastinated on a scholarship application. 

_________

Twilight Parties

The pink water is cool on Luke’s feet. The lights in the pool ripple and he knows the water is not actually pink. But he likes to say it is. He likes it better to think that the pink hues of this water were different from every other kind of water. He wants to slip into it. He wants to duck his head under the water and watch the world through a refracted perspective, where he can still a moment to just suspend himself in an alternate reality. 

The party is still in full swing behind him. People are gathering outside. Thanks to the L.A. heat, the pool seems to becoming the most interesting place to be. Luke watches across the stretch of water and spies her, sitting with her feet in the water too. She’s with a couple other friends and they are giggling into the breezy night. Luke looks up to the sky. His friends are god knows where. The last he saw of Ashton was at the kitchen counter where the snacks were. Calum had been sat next to Luke but he disappeared to get drinks twenty minutes ago and Michael had opted to settle in for a game of ping pong, happening somewhere inside. 

Luke hears the scuff of shoes against the concrete and brick lining the pool. He hears a grunt and then bottles clinking. “This is not how you party, mate,” Calum reprimands but he pulls his shoes off, socks too before matching Luke’s position. 

“It’s how you think,” Luke mumbles and takes the beer next to him. He keeps taking it down, gulp by gulp. Maybe if his head is clouded he can stop thinking about how she’s not too far from him. How he could walk, or even swim up to her right now. 

They’ve attempted this before. But her father was always so hesitant and honestly hard to win over. Luke’s past was coming back to haunt him. He started talking to her at first when he was 19. He was young and stupid for sure. He hadn’t treated her wrong, he wasn’t even the chance to fuck it up. She told him that she liked him but her father’s, her only surviving parent, impression was important to her. And Luke had posted about his life, the parties, the drinking. It worried her father because they were so young. Luke understood and he kept his distance. He made his own mistakes but he made sure that they stayed under wraps. He was trying to make his mess and clean it up all at the same time.  

The beer’s no longer enough and Luke stands, finding a table set up outside now with drinks. He wanted to pour himself just a cup of tequila and call it a day. But after the first huge splash, Luke stops himself. He peers over his shoulder to her and grabs another cup. Divvying up the alcohol, Luke makes two drinks and then carries them back to where Calum and he are posted. Calum takes the red cup without much question. 

Luke slips his feet back into the water. The tequila is cheap, he can taste it in the first swing. It burns but he swallows the first sip. His fingers find the hem of his t-shirt and he pulls it up over his head. He’s 23 now. He’s learned. He’s not a kid anymore. Sliding his wallet and phone out of his shorts, he puts them on his shirt. “What are you doing?”

“Watch my stuff,” Luke says and then pushes off into the water. 

His ears flood and he can hear nothing distinguishable, just a muffle of thick voices. For the half a second he remains underwater, Luke experiences the most clarity. Just take a chance. There’s no use in pining when opportunities are right across the pool. When he breaks the seal of silence, the water trickling down his face and sliding down his hair, he pushes off towards her. His arms pull up and lazily he pushes the water out of his way until he’s a few inches from her feet. “Care to join me?” he asks. 

“Luke, you’re insane,” she laughs. “Absolutely mental.”

“Only mental for you,” he teases. He loves the sound of her laugh. 

She knows it’s crazy. It’s absolutely the worst idea but she removes her own top. Her denim shorts are going to take forever to dry and she’s stuck without any spare clothes. Her phone, wallet, and keys are placed next to her friends before she slides down into the water too. Luke watches the way the pink lights of the water melt over the color of her skin. It makes her look iridescent almost in the darkening night. 

She never stopped liking him. He never stopped liking her. But they tried to keep their distance. They tried to keep a wall between them because it was easier. It was easier to play the song than it was to do the dance. Her hair drips water onto her neck and she grins, watching the way the string lights above them sparkle in the droplets of water left behind on Luke’s pale skin. “This is so stupid.”

“Why not have a little fun, yeah?” Luke counters, threading his fingers through hers.

The water ripples around them. More people jumping into the pool. The party around them fades though and Luke runs his fingers over the apple of her cheeks. “Think your dad will give me one more chance?”

She’s a little tired of her father if she’s honest. She loves him, but it’s getting to the point where she feels suffocated. “I’m giving you a chance,” she returns. She’s tired of living a life where she’s scared to do anything, to make any mistakes. She can get her heart broken into pieces and keep living. She can fall in love and cherish every moment. She can make her own mistakes. 

They smile. Luke pulls her in a little closer. The water laps at his chest in the process and she brushes her legs over his. She feels it, the little jolt that travels up her skin and makes her heart race. It double times when Luke seals his mouth over hers in a kiss. 

-H

If you like, you can send a song + a boy. They are written in order they are received. I typically only post one of these a day. Doing this just for fun.