#HOPE YOU FIND SOMEWHERE SAFE FOR YOUR BAGGAGE

[joanofexys]

You were straight up with me, you were so kind

But I knew what you knew, honey, great minds

It was harsh 'cause I lost what I wanted

I was brave when I kissed you in London

We're collateral here, man, we got hit

Hope you find somewhere safe for your baggage

it’s literally flor and kevin btw

free now by gracie abrams is so florian and no i wont elaborate

[upgrxded]

davina & isabelle || @seccndchances

a soft hum escapes the brunettes lips as she glances around their new surroundings. "well it's not terrible." davina admits, shrugging. "it could be a hell of a lot worse, besides at least you've got good company?" she teased, a wicked grin on her lips

[kumkaniudaku]

Stay A While

Summary: Terry's back home and trying to make amends with an old friend.

Pairing: Terry Richmond x Black!OC

Word Count: 3,944

Part: 1 of ??

Warnings and Notes: None. This one's a safe for work slow burn. Enjoy.

Drunk minds speak sober thoughts. Or at least Terry hoped that was the case as his thumb hovered over a familiar name in his contact list. A dingey hole in the wall became a haven on the tail end of his journey back to some sense of normalcy. He was down a bike, a truck, and a piece of his heart but continued to press on until fatigue forced him to stop for rest. The owner, a small woman with a big voice noticed his rough appearance as he passed by on foot and invited him inside to duck an incoming storm. She wouldn���t take no for an answer, even when he repeated that he had ground to make up before nightfall.

When she asked if he needed help he politely and foolishly declined all but a glass of brown liquor and access to an outlet. That same whiskey and a sprinkle of Motown-era love songs playing on a rickety jukebox had broken a grown man down enough to reach out to the one person who might still be willing to take him in. Even if only for a night.

Searching for extra courage, Terry took another sip of lukewarm Jack Daniels before tapping his phone screen. The line rang once, twice, and then a third time before a short pause signaled the call had connected. 

The silence on the other him was loud, forcing him to speak up first. 

“Hello?”

Fading voices and shuffling in the background were the only indicators of a presence on the other line, making Terry feel embarrassed for starting a call in the first place. 

He cleared his throat before speaking again. “Hey, look… if now’s not a good time I ca -” 

“Terrence? Did you mean to call me?” 

“I, uh…yeah. I did. I’m sorry. I should’ve -” 

“Are you okay? It’s loud wherever you are. You good? You hurt?” 

“I could tell you if you would give me a chance to answer,” he chuckled. His amusement made her kiss her teeth in annoyance. “I’m okay. I’m a little banged up, but I’ve seen worse. I’m somewhere between Charlotte and home. Stopped in this spot for a drink and somewhere to sleep for the night.” 

“And what does that have to do with me?” 

Terry took another swig of whiskey and sighed. “Nothing, really. I was hoping I could see you, though. You know, when I make it back tomorrow.”

“You staying anywhere when you get here?” 

“Not yet, but I’ll find somewhere. I know how to survive.”

“TJ…,” More silence. Thick. Long. Full of tension and years of baggage that they had yet to discuss. The other voice sighed before answering. “Come on by. I’ll have the back room ready for you. You need toiletries?” 

Terry’s face softened into a near smile at the invitation. “Yes ma’am. A meal would be nice, too.” 

“Okay. I’ll have you something if you can get here before dark tomorrow. Please be safe, Terrence. I mean it.” 

Before he could attempt to extend the conversation, the call ended, leaving her contact photo in full view. Terry allowed a slow grin to spread across his face just as a short text with her address came across the screen. 

“Another round, brother?” 

Terry looked up from his phone to find an expectant expression on the bartender’s face. He shook his head and reached for the wallet in his back pocket. “Nah, but thanks, man. Think I’m gonna close my tab, actually. I gotta see about a bus ticket before it’s too late.” 

“If you heading to her,” the man started, pointing toward Terry’s phone. “you need a cut, man. A lineup. Something. You look like what you been through. If you got $20, I can get you right.” A slight frown and knitted eyebrows in response made the bartender shoot his hands up in surrender. “I don’t want no problems, big dog. I just know what it’s like to see your lady after a hard time. Let me help you.” 

A quick look into the black mirror of his cell phone screen forced Terry to reckon with his appearance. He couldn’t remember his last haircut and his mustache was starting to dwarf his upper lip. He sighed and reached into his back pocket. 

“Extra $10 and you can get the face too?” 

“Extra $20 and I’ll get you where you going myself.” 

------

City noise had long been replaced by suburban quiet by the time Terry’s destination came into view. His friend back at the bar was true to his word and arranged transport that turned a 6-hour journey into 2 hours of UGK on the speakers, a little privacy, and AC on the hottest summer day so far.  

After exchanging pleasantries and cash, Terry stepped out of the cramped Honda onto the smooth driveway pavement. Every house, street sign, and front yard looked exactly as he remembered them, bringing mixed emotions forward.

The short journey to her front step felt arduous for his tired legs, but he persisted until he was mere inches from the front door. He lifted his arms and prepared to knock but stopped short when it swung open unexpectedly. 

“Knocking when I can hear those heavy feet from a mile away is courteous but unnecessary.” 

He chuckled and rubbed a hand down the back of his head. “Good to see you too, Treece.” 

Patrice greeted him with a half smile as she studied his appearance from toe to head. A few years and a little extra weight had done wonders. She settled on his eyes and softened her gaze. “You look good, TJ. Come in here and cool off.”

Stepping inside her home felt like walking into a time capsule. He’d spent so many after-school days and summer nights here that it felt like his childhood home not too far up the road. Photos from yesteryear lined the walls on the way to the living room where nothing had changed except new furniture and a bigger television on the TV stand. The heat from the oven mixing with a slight chill from the air conditioning unit kept the room comfortable enough to nap if he could settle for more than a few minutes. 

Terry’s eyes drifted from his surroundings to Patrice as she led the way. Long braids covered the back of a high school t-shirt and jean shorts. Her brown skin had become golden under the North Carolina sun, making her glow a little in the morning light. Grown woman weight had settled onto her once thin frame, transforming her into a more of a mini version of her mother than before. All the changes he’d imagined when he had a free second were ions better in person.

Patrice gestured toward the leather recliner in the corner without speaking, inviting him to take a seat and settle in on her way to the stove.

They existed without words for a few minutes while she took fresh biscuits out of the oven and arranged them next to sausage patties and an omelet on one of her good porcelain plates. Terry trained his attention on his shoes, trying and failing to find a way to break the ice. He wanted to apologize. Confess his wrongs and desires in one grand speech designed to erase nearly ten years of absence. But the words wouldn’t form in his throat and the moment came and went. 

Balancing a dinner tray in one hand and orange juice in the other, Patrice carefully made her way to his spot in the living room. Seeing her kind eyes calmed his nerves and set his chest ablaze.

“No more pork for you, right? This is chicken sausage from my Nana and them in the country.” She asked as she sat the tray on his lap. 

He nodded in appreciation. “Yeah. You remembered?” 

“You ain’t been gone that long, TJ. I still know who you are and what you like. That orange juice don’t have pulp in it either.” 

“Thank you,” he said sheepishly before hanging his head to pray. 

“Any time.” 

A re-run of A Different World became the only sound in the room outside of an occasional content sigh from Terry as he tore through his breakfast. Patrice watched in amusement until her broad smile caught his attention. He slowed in embarrassment and returned the stare long enough to induce loud laughter from both of them. 

“I look crazy, huh?” 

“No,” she assured with a sweet smile. “You just look like you're happy to be back home, is all. Fayetteville missed you.” 

“All of Fayetteville or someone specific?” 

“Don’t start, TJ.” 

“I’m only asking a question.” He answered without making eye contact. “You know you’re the only one who still calls me that?” 

“What? TJ? That’s your name.” 

“Yeah, but…you know. It’s not 2010 anymore.” 

Patrice shrugged and settled deeper into the couch. “Considering that’s about the last time I saw you in the flesh, I guess it stuck for me. But, I can call you Terrence if you like.” 

“Nah, TJ’s good. I like it. From you…specifically.” 

The pair exchanged equally bashful looks, both too shy to say anything that would incriminate themselves. Instead, they watched the television in silence and stole looks until a commercial break took away their distraction. 

Without speaking, Terry began to gather dishes and stand, prompting Patrice to rush over before he could move too far. 

“Treece, I can do it.” 

“I know,” she answered in a sing-song voice while sliding the tray from his grasp. “But I haven’t done this for you in a while. Let me love on you a little bit.”

His eyes tracked her every move until she was behind him at the kitchen sink. Boyish nervousness made him twiddle his thumbs until words came rushing out like water from a burst pipe as he sat back down.

“So, how you doing? How you been?” 

“I’ve been okay. Mostly work and no play, you know. Thankful to be out of that classroom for a few weeks and get some peace.” 

“Yeah? Kids driving you crazy?” 

“Baby, the kids, their parents, and my parents are driving me to drink,” she laughed. “I can’t catch a break.” 

“What about your man? He driving you crazy?” 

Patrice scoffed and shook her head. Her mama and his mama talked too much. Terry chewed his bottom lip, hoping he didn’t offend. 

“We…aren’t together anymore. Hard to build a family together when he’s off building one across town.” 

Terry craned his neck around the armchair to make sympathetic eye contact. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know that part. I wouldn’t have said anything.” 

“It’s alright. I gave it to God a long time ago. Maybe I’m not meant to be anybody’s wife yet.”

“Maybe you weren’t meant to be his wife.” 

“Well, it’s not like any suitors are knocking down my door for my hand in marriage.” 

“Probably because you keep swinging it open before anybody gets a chance.” 

Patrice rolled her eyes and flashed her middle finger in Terry’s direction. “Ha-ha. I see you didn’t lose your jokes at Lejeune. Only your ability to keep in touch.” 

Her retort left a shallow cut in Terry’s ego, making him turn his attention back to the television. He knew he’d broken a decades-old promise and that atoning for his sins would take time. But he also knew that, at any moment, Patrice could send him back into the world with nothing more than a full belly and a swift kick in the ass. He had to tread lightly. 

Taking the lull in conversation as his opportunity to lick his wounds in private, Terry stood and gathered his belongings in both hands. Patrice watched him from her spot with an apologetic expression. 

“You don’t have to leave. Got a couple errands to run so it’ll be quiet in here. Take the whole couch if you want.” 

“That’s alright, but thank you. Figure I can make myself useful and cut the yard. Maybe unpack some of this stuff if that’s alright with you. You got a mower?” 

“Yeah, it’s back there,” she answered, gesturing toward the backyard with her head. “Will you be here when I get back?” 

Sensing the hidden motivation behind her question, Terry dropped his bag to the ground and made his way into the kitchen. Cautiously, he leaned down to press a short kiss to Patrice’s forehead before using his index finger to tilt her head upward and meet his eyeline. “Yes. I promise. You don’t need to worry about me.” 

Her eyes fluttered closed for a half second while she nodded her understanding. A wave of relief made the hair on her arms stand at attention but she quickly bit back any urge to engage further. 

“You looked tired when you got in,” Patrice started, turning her back to Terry to conceal her flustered face. “I cleared Junior’s old bed back there. It’s a little small but sturdy. The sheets are fresh. Let me know if you need more blankets. I like it cold at night.” 

“I’ll survive, girl. I’ve slept in worse places than a full-sized bed. Thank you.” 

A split second of hesitation kept their eyes glued to one another until Terry ended the stalemate by backing out of the room and disappearing down the hallway. 

Patrice took his absence as an opportunity to compose herself. Busy hands and racing thoughts fueled a cleaning marathon until tasks that had long fallen to the bottom of her to-do list were crossed off. 

For hours they co-existed without many words exchanged. Occasionally, Patrice would steal glances at Terry while he meticulously tended to the lawn and bushes. When he could, Terry made a point to brush up against her when he walked past and agree with each of her many suggestions. Being in her space was enough for him and he dared not upset the natural harmony. 

By the time dinner rolled around, they had found a groove. A quiet dinner led to an even quieter cleanup shift and quick good nights exchanged after watching Jeopardy together. 

Terry left Patrice to her own devices while he fought to acclimate to such cushy surroundings. Try as he might, he couldn’t get used to the soft mattress below him or the near-frigid temperature in the house. Tossing and turning left him unsatisfied. The walls felt like they were converging. Flashbacks were turning into night sweats. He needed to escape.

Slowly, he slid out of bed and into a pair of slippers Patrice had gifted him earlier in the day. Measured steps help him sneak past her bed bedroom, out of the back door, and down into the backyard without causing a disturbance. 

The early June air was balmy, clinging to the skin beneath his t-shirt. In the distance loud bass from someone’s car speaker vibrated until it was out of earshot. Dogs barked and howled to salute the moon worked in tandem with the faint smell of charcoal cooling from a night of backyard barbecues to remind him that he was far from the trouble of Shelby Springs. 

It’d been a while since he could enjoy the night without being on high alert. The last week was a special kind of hell that he feared he could never shake. The urge to flee was beginning to creep in like the tide, threatening to wash away what little progress he’d made.

After a few deep breaths and mumbled prayer, Terry retreated to a porch swing to rest his weary legs. His shoulders relaxed as soon as his backside met the aged oak and, almost instantly, he felt safe enough to close his eyes. One deep breath turned into another until he was drifting into his first peaceful sleep in weeks. 

Minutes passed like seconds. Thoughts slowed to a halt. His heartbeat regulated. Near bliss was upon him.

Inside, a single lamp flipped on to illuminate Patrice’s path as she searched the house for her guest. His room and bathroom had turned up empty results with almost no sign that he’d been there throughout the day. He wasn’t on the couch or in the kitchen raiding the fridge like she half expected. Worry had all but made her pass out until she heard the slight creak of her swing on the porch, making his head appear and disappear from the window above the sink.

She couldn’t fully open the door before Terry opened one eye and looked in her direction. She froze and he smiled.

“Feet not as heavy as you thought, huh?” 

“Yeah, yeah. If I’d known you trade in a bed for this old thing I wouldn’t have wasted my time on laundry.” 

“Hey, I built this old thing, remember?”

Patrice chuckled at the memory and pointed at the metal chain keeping the swing in place. “Damn near lost a finger behind it, too.”

“Would’ve been worth it knowing you were happy.” Patrice nervously shifted her weight from left to right under Terry’s intense gaze while he took his turn to look her over. Finally noticing her awkwardly standing between the screendoor, he motioned to the spot beside him. “Sit with me for a second.”

Patrice visibly wrestled with her decision but ultimately joined him. They maintained a careful distance, being sure to keep their individual limbs from connecting for fear that the mere sensation would set them ablaze. They played a childish game of cat and mouse until Patrice spoke.

“I was rude earlier,” Patrice confessed while fiddling with the hem of her t-shirt. Terry closed his heavy eyes to cure the burning sensation growing by the minute but acknowledged her statement with a confused grunt. She continued. “I never asked how you were doing. The whole thing about my ex sort of brought up old feelings.” 

He frowned, hurt by her revelation. “You know I wasn’t trying to hurt you, right?” 

“You never are. Same ol’ honorable TJ. Terry, I mean.” 

“TJ for you.” 

Again he popped one eye open and paired it with a grin that disamered Patrice and made her giggle like her high school self. The sound had him resolve that he’d spend his whole life making stupid faces if it meant she’d get some joy from them. 

“You ready to tell me everything I missed or are you content with popping up on my porch? And how long do you plan to be here eating all my food, anyway?” 

“I don’t think you wanna hear that,” he answered in an attempt to dodge the loaded question. Patrice persisted. 

“No, I do. I see the tattoos and the fresh haircut. TJ turned into a man while he was gone. At least let me get to know this new person.” 

“I grew up,” he sighed after some time. “Gained some. Lost a lot. Still trying to pick up the pieces.”

“What’d you lose?” 

“Lately? Money. Family. Shit, my mind.” 

“Why?”

“Mike died.” An abrupt interruption of an already complicated conversation brought forth a long pause. He waited for an interjection but found none, prompting him to offer more details. “He was killed. In jail. I tried to get him out and bring him home but I was too late.” Terry answered without making eye contact. Shame wouldn’t allow him to meet her potential judgment.

Patrice mentally cycled through names and faces until she realized the gravity of Terry’s statement. She reached out to breach their unspoken barrier and grabbed his hand which he accepted with no pushback.

“You wanna talk about it?” 

“Not really,” he answered before squeezing her hand and finally returning her eye contact. “I handled everything. It’s over for now. I’m here with you. We can focus on that.” 

“Even though you keep skipping how long you’ll stay.”

Patrice’s warmth was starting to take a backseat to her cold nature. Old wounds had started to re-open and rebuild a wall they both thought they’d successfully hurdled. Despite her attempt to pull her hand out of his grasp, Terry stayed put. He eyed her for a moment, picking up on a thin veil of tears threatening to form at her water line. 

She watched his normally steely blue-gray eyes soften into something that mirrored the softness he carried when they were kids. She couldn’t find the gumption to look away as he brought her knuckles up to his lips for a set of short kisses before looking back up at her. Pleading. Begging for any indication that she had softened her heart toward him. 

“Treecey, I’m sorry. I don’t know how else to say it. You meant more to me than the way I left and I pray every day for a chance to make it right. We crossed a line that night and I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t handle that like a man should have. I’m sorry until I’m blue in the face.” 

Sincerity was thick in his voice despite his low, even tone. 

Patrice listened without a word. A single tear cascaded down her face despite her valiant attempts to keep her emotions at bay. She swore she’d never cry about Terrence Richmond again. But old habits die hard. 

Terry used his free hand to swipe away that tear and the next one sitting at her lower lash line with the pad of his thumb.

“Say something,” he pleaded. “Anything. Tell me you hate me.” 

“You know I don’t hate you,” she whispered, too choked up to continue without a deep breath. “I…I just feel like you took a piece of me with you, you know? And you never wrote back. You never called. You shut me out like we were never friends. We could’ve gone back to how things were.” 

“I fucked that up.” 

“I’m aware. But that doesn’t mean that I trust you won’t do it again. No matter how much I don’t hate you, I’m not eighteen anymore. My patience is thin. I can’t allow you to turn my world upside down again.” 

“Hand to God I wouldn’t dream of it.” 

“Yeah. I hope so.” Though she whispered, Patrice’s words sliced through Terry like a hot knife through butter. 

He hung his head in defeat as she pulled her hand from his grasp and made quick work of standing from the bench. Her footsteps retreated past him and to the back door until she paused. 

He looked over his shoulder to find her eyes closed and chin pointed to the sky in contemplative silence. This was it. The final blow. 

She took a deep breath and stared straight ahead. “Stay as long as you want. Junior’s living with his girlfriend now, so nobody’s coming to make you leave. Tomorrow, we can go get you some new clothes. I’m tired of looking at those raggedy t-shirts already.” 

Terry took her jab in stride and gave her a half smile as a sign of compliance. “Yes ma’am. Thank you.” 

“Mhm. Lock the door behind you when you come in.” 

“Good night, Treecey.” His farewell came in an annoyingly sweet voice as a last-ditch effort to drag some loving words from her. Patrice stopped and gave him one more once over and a dismissive eye roll.

He waited for the ghost of a smile that disappeared before he could blink. She shook her head and took a step inside the house.

“Shut up, Terry. Go to bed.” 

Terry hid his amusement until she was out of sight, leaving him alone to grin at how even her rebukes felt like love letters. 

“Shut up,” he repeated to himself as he closed his eyes to doze again. “Hm. I’ll take it.” 

TAGS: @planetblaque

Happy to tag whoever is interested.

[where-does-the-heart-lie]

I'm up way later than I need to be and listening to music while I draw and this song gives me SUCH Sabo feelings and I would love to hear your opinions!! (Never Love An Anchor by The Crane Wives)

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Y07xArvIvjw&si=ffMbMHTWuHHnxY2C

You dare bring. The Crane Wives. Into this peaceful household.

Never Love an Anchor no less.

RELATING THE SONG TO THE BLORBO FROM MY SHOW NO LESS

The audacity.

Anyway.

Yeah it makes me think about how Sabo left Ace and Luffy on his own accord at the end. Of course it was a last resort but he left them because he knew that this was the only way for them all to be free.

He left knowing that he would probably not see him until they were 17. Or maybe even never again.

He left them so that they could be safe. Because as long as long as he was with him, as far as he could see, hands would still try to claim him, resulting in the ones he loves getting hurt.

There was no winning for Sabo or any of them. As long as he tried delaying the inevitable, it just never would have happened.

He had to give up what he loved so he could keep it.

And then after he regains his memories, him thinking how much he’s changed. His claws might hurt the one he loves so dearly, even though at this point he doesnt even know him anymore. What if when Luffy finds out that he was alive, it only hurts him deeper. Knowing that there was someone who would have made a difference that day wasnt there. Reliving not only that day in the moment of reuniting, but the say he lost Sabo, too.

I dont find it strange that Sabo didnt try to reunite with Luffy until dressrosa. And in fact i think that reuniting with luffy is something he did as an absolute last resort. I think he truly didnt want to meet him that day at all.

In the anime alone, it doesnt much show it, but in the manga and the Episode of Sabo his hesitance and nerves are really clear to me. He takes a second before he starts walking to talk to luffy. His hand is clutched and shaking. He walks as slowly as he can. And also he only does it after he knows that Luffy cant get the fruit.

They both need that fruit safe. An heirloom of their precious brother, the only thing they have left that can life on from him.

If Luffy could’ve finished that tournament, im fairly certain Sabo would’ve never revealed himself.

I think he feels like he might hurt luffy if he did, but i also think that he didnt feel he deserved it. To reunite with Luffy after all that time. After all that happened.

Going back to the song, the lyrics

“So, I did the only thing that i could And severed the rope to set you sailing from my harbor.”

Even though it was Sabo who went sailing from the harbor, what he was doing was sever the rope from his connections with luffy and Ace so that they could grow and be free without worrying about being held back by him and the weight of his life keeping him suffocating at the bottom of the harbor he’s being drowned in.

If sabo had successfully left Goa that day, and he had reunited with Ace or Luffy somewhere down the line, i think he would act the same way he did in dressrosa that day. I think he would feel his baggage is too much, someone could be after him. And he wouldnt want to reunite. Especially after how he left them.

To me, that letter didnt read as a “i hope i see you again��, but a “goodbye forever”. Which i mean,,,, it was one, at least in Ace’s case, so … 🤷‍♀️ kill me

Anyway, the sentencing of your crimes of Crane Wives-ing me will be capital punishment, i hope you understand.

Thanks for the ask!

[upgrxded]

she nodded, shooting him a knowing look. "i understand, sometimes i have the same issues - not with strength but with power." davina continued to explain, a shrug following her. "i'm not going to dob you in so as long as no one else saw i think you're safe - what people don't know won't hurt them after all." she teased, growing comfortable in the others presence.

.｡.:*☆ "I just sometimes.... I just sometimes forget how strong I am." Still feeling embarrassed, Herc crouched down to have a closer look at the damage he'd caused. Being raised by a practical man meant he most likely knew how to fix most of it, even in this modern world.

"And yeah I know, that is still no excuse... if Philoctetes would be here, he would for sure not be happy about what I have done."

[maybxlle]

it’s a pain that i met you at a bad time. it’s a shame that i memorized your outline. you were straight up with me you were so kind but i knew what you knew honey great minds. it was harsh when i lost what i wanted. i was brave when i kissed you in london. we’re collateral here man we got hit. hope you find somewhere safe for your baggage EVERY PAGE THAT I WROTE YOU WERE ON IT. FEEL YOU DEEP IN MY BONES YOURE THE CURRENT. AND I SHOWED NO RESTRAINT IT WAS SOMETHING. I WAS SCARED OF TIL YOU MADE ME LOVE ITTTTTTTT

[i-like-forcefem]

17:00

“Hi darling!!! Congrats on the big win!!! I’m so so proud of you! I know you have to get a flight at 22:00 but I thought we could get dinner at my place to celebrate!”

16:30

“Here we are! Just make yourself at home cutie, you’ve worked more then hard enough for the day, give me your luggage too I’ll make sure it stays properly safe!”

17:00

“I hope you enjoy lasagna! It’s the only thing I know how to make… what do you mean it tastes a little odd? No i didn’t put anything special in there, being a winner really makes you paranoid doesn’t it?”

17:15

“Oh I’m so sorry dear! I ruined all your clothes! I feel so bad! I’m such a kluts! I shouldn’t be allowed near any glasses. Finish up the last bite of your lasagna and go take a shower hun! I’ll make sure desert is ready when you leave”

17:30

“Oh hun you need some clothes? Well you can borrow some of mine if you want!”

“What do you mean you gave me your luggage? No you didn’t? You told me you left it at the apartment? I know you’re in a big high right now after today, but it’s really making you very forgetful”

“Here throw your old clothes through the door and I’ll give you some of mine!”

“Oh honey of course it’s a skirt! I don’t own any pants! Sorry, would you rather have a dress?”

“You look so lovely dear!!! Oh I knew this would look amazing on you I’m so glad to be right!”

“Plan this? Of course not! Please stop being so suspicious, here I understand that you’d rather no one sees you like this so do you want to give me your room keys so I can go get your luggage?”

“Honey we’ve been over this I don’t have your luggage!”

“Alright good! I’ll be right back dear!”

20:00

“I’m sorry dear, I couldn’t find it! I know, I know, I’m sorry, I really looked everywhere believe me!!! You’re sure you didn’t leave it in transit somewhere?”

“I know dear, you are a klutz, but that’s okay!”

“Listen I know you’d rather not go on a plane dressed this cutely, but I don’t think you have any choice right now! Your baggage will turn up later!”

“I have an idea! What if I do your make up and style your hair? Then I’m sure no one will recognise you! They’ll only see a beautiful girl!”

“Put some trust in me dear! I know what I’m doing!”

21:00

“There we go! I must say I’m proud of myself! Take a look at yourself!”

“I know right??? You make such a beautiful girl! You’ll be turning so many heads at the airport!!! And best of all we finished on 22:00 on the dot, the perfect time for to leave and get your plane!”

“What do you mean the planes leaves at 22:00? I thought you just had to leave at 22:00!!! No dear you don’t understand I never bothered to update the clocks time for daylight savings! It’s an hour forward!”

“Oh I am so sorry honey!!! If only you communicated better!!! Now you’re lost here in a country where you don’t speak the language without any luggage for at least another week…”

“But don’t worry! I’ll let you stay here for that time! I’m sure we can get to know each other a lot better in that time!”

“What do you say cutie?”

“Good Girl”

“Huh? No I didn’t say anything, you must be imaging things again, let’s watch a movie and then get to bed dear, I’ll make sure you’ll enjoy your time here!”

[honeygreatminds]

IT'S A PAIN THAT I CAUGHT YOU AT A BAD TIME

IT'S A SHAME THAT I MEMORIZED YOUR OUTLINE

YOU WERE STRAIGHT UP WITH ME, YOU WERE SO KIND

BUT I KNEW WHAT YOU KNEW, HONEY GREAT MINDS

IT WAS HARSH CAUSE I LOST WHAT I WANTED

I WAS BRAVE WHEN I KISSED YOU IN LONDON

WE'RE COLLATERAL HERE, MAN WE GOT HIT

HOPE YOU FIND SOMEWHERE SAFE FOR YOUR BAGGAGE

🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

EVERY PAGE THAT I WROTE, YOU WERE ON IT

FEEL YOU DEEP IN MY BONES, YOU'RE THE CURRENT

AND I SHOWED NO RESTRAINT, IT WAS SOMETHING

I WAS SCARED, UNTIL YOU MADE ME LOVE IT

[upgrxded]

"i just think it'll be nice to fit in finally , is that silly?" davina questioned, a laugh escaping her. "what do you think about this?" she asked pointing to a dress. "do you think it'll suit me?"

"Exactly my point." Izzy smiled, "Plus, you should never underestimate the power of retail therapy and the safety in numbers." Izzy added with a smile, she was surprised to find any sort of currency let alone gold, but it wasn't like she was in any sort of position to complain.

[itolduthings]

ITS A PAIN THAT I CAUGHT YOU AT A bad time ITS A SHAME THAT I MEMORIZED YOUR o u t l i n e YOU WERE STRAIGHT UP WITH ME HONEY YOU WERE SO KIND BUT I KNEW WHAT YOU KNEW HONEY GREAT MINDS! IT WAS harsh 'CAUSE I LOST WHAT I WANTED I WAS BRAVE WHEN I KISSED YOU IN LONDON WE'RE COLLATERAL HERE MAN WE GOT HIT HOPE YOU FIND SOMEWHERE SAFE FOR YOUR BAGGAGE!!!! e v e r y PAGE THAT I WROTE YOU WERE ON IT! feel YOU DEEP IN MY BONES YOU'RE THE CURRENT AND I SHOWED NO RESTRAINT IT WAS SOMETHING I WAS SCARED UNTIL YOU MADE ME LOVE IT IF YOU FIND YOURSELF OUT IF THERE IS A RIGHT TIME CHANCES ARE I'LL BE HERE WE COULD SHARE A LIFETIME IF YOU FEEL LIKE FALLIN' CATCH ME ON THE WAY DOWN NEVER BEEN LESS EMPTY ALL I FEEL IS f r e e n o w IF YOU FIND YOURSELF OUT IF THERE IS A RIGHT TIME CHANCES ARE I'LL BE HERE WE COULD SHARE A LIFETIME IF YOU FEEL LIKE FALLIN' CATCH ME ON THE WAY DOWN NEVER BEEN LESS e m p t y ALL I FEEL IS ....

......free now.

[divainecstasy]

Free Now (R.K)

Summary: "It's a pain that I caught you at a bad time. It's a shame that I memorized your outline." - Free Now by Gracie Abrams

Word Count: 725

Warnings: Angst. (I'm sorry...)

Author's note: I haven't written in a while so don't expect too much... I just saw that there was a severe lack in Inhaler content, so here I am! Would love to hear feedback - my asks are also open for requests. :)

The flickering headlights were the only thing illuminating the dark alleyway. Her body trembled with the freezing breeze as she roughly grasped at her leather jacket, the buzzing of life softly heard from the venue inside. Two silhouettes huddled together, hushed whispering filling the quiet space.

“Bobby?” she called out into the night.

His head turned to look at her, his features faced with the harsh light emitting from the lamppost. The other figure stepped away swiftly, their head bowed down in shame.

“Love?” he asked in return, his face presenting a look of shock, a deer caught in headlights one could say.

“Uh – I was looking for you… Couldn’t find you in the green room, the boys said you were out here.” she explained with a soft murmur.

“Who’s this?” she quickly added on with a dry, awkward laugh, her nails digging into the crumbling leather.

“Oh, it’s Maya. She – uh – wanted to see us perform the new songs tonight.” he quickly spilled out as the other figure stepped into the light, a small yet forced smile on her cherry lips and a soft wave of the hand greeting her.

“Oh, hi!”

“Hi… Uhm, I’ll be heading back in then – quite cold out. See you later, Rob.” she mumbled before turning around and walking back into the small venue, not letting either of the two get in another word.

“Wait –“ was the last thing she heard before the doors shut with a loud thump.

The next thing she felt was a hand gripping her wrist and the doors flying open yet again, desperate eyes gleaming at her.

“You know it isn’t like that, I would never.”

The words rushed out like water, loud yet fuzzy amid the echoing instrumentals of the opening act.

“I know, Bobby.” she responded with a sad grin and deep-set brows.

“I know that you’re removed. I can feel it when we talk…” she mumbled.

In response, he just sighed. His face now pained, a deep frown etched into his features as he knew she was telling the truth. They had started this way too early, too fast. He knew he was far away from healing and even further from letting anyone in, Maya’s voice haunting him even months after.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t ready and we both knew it. I guess we were going along with it – playing those parts. I just hope you aren’t mad or hurt – that’s the last thing I’d want.” he spoke out, ending it with a dry chuckle as his eyes shimmered in the light of the empty hallway.

“I don’t think you’re a bad guy, Bobby. It’s a pain that I caught you at a bad time. It’s a shame that I memorized your outline… You were always straight up with me, so kind. But I knew what you knew – great minds I guess.” she spoke, a tear slid down her cheek as she laughed tearfully, the façade slowly crackling.

His hand reached up to cup her jaw, his palm warm yet rough against the surface as he slid it along the apple of her cheek, streaking the tear along. He smiled regretfully at the beginning of the end.

“God, I hate that this is how it ends.” he chuckled, sniffling softly.

“I hope you find somewhere safe for your baggage, Rob – I truly do. If you find yourself out one day – if there is a right time – chances are I’ll be here. But I finally know better than to wait for you back here.” she admitted with a pained smile before embracing him in a desperate hug, her face pressed into the collar of his jacket as she smelled his scent for what might be the last time.

“Have a good gig, Bobby. See you around, maybe.” she murmured into his neck, her hands gripping the back of his jacket. His own arms hopelessly clutching around her, his sniffling and a sheepish nod the only response.

And with that, she pulled away and turned around – for the last time now. The only thing he was left with was the jarring noise of closing doors and the coldness of the night entering the hallway, resembling the bitter sting of the ring on his pinky finger – more noticeable than ever before, the small engraving mocking him.

“Rob! Stage in 5!”

Well, fuck.

[your-mommy-ems]

ITS A PAIN THAT I CAUGHT YOU AT A BAD TIME ITS A SHAME THAT I MEMORISED YOUR OUTLINE YOU WERE STRAIGHT UP WITH ME YOU WERE SO KIND BUT I KNEW WHAT YOU KNEW HONEY GREAT MINDS IT WAS HARSH CAUSE I LOST WHAT I WANTED I WAS BRAVE WHEN I KISSED YOU IN LONDON WE'RE COLLATERAL HERE MAN WE GOT HIT HOPE YOU FIND SOMEWHERE SAFE FOR YOUR BAGGAGE EVERY PAGE THAT I WROTE YOU WERE ON IT FEEL YOU DEEP IN MY BONES YOUR THE CURRENT AND I SHOWED NO RESTRAINT IT WAS SOMETHING I WAS SCARE OF TIL YOU MADE ME LOVE IT IF YOU FIND YOURSELF OUT IF THERE IS A RIGHT TIME CHANCES ARE I'LL BE HERE WE CAN SHARE A LIFELINEEEEEEEE

[upgrxded]

davina & niklaus || @ivypapercutsxo

"is there anything i can help you with?" the brunette questioned as she continued wiping down the bench in front of her. "we've just gotten in a new shipment of items - depending on what you're looking for they might be of some interest." davina added, smiling up at the other. he seemed familiar that much was for sure but she couldn't remember exactly where she'd seen him before. "there looked to be a few books in there - some first editions as well."

[friendship-bracelets-anon]

I hope you guys have listened to Gracie's new album because crossed lines, past lives, clear vision, felt good about 'til I didn't, we were fighting more than laughing, black and blue hmm felt good about 'til I didn't fell hard then I lost your interest felt good about you really got me thinking future planning for no reason there were nights I skipped out sleeping 'cause of you, look at me now said I wouldn't do it, but I hunted you down, you could be bad, but I wanna find out, you'll be my favorite mistake, you're the risk I'm gonna take it , why aren't you here in my bedroom, hopelessly boring without you, too soon to tell you I love you, I let it go for my peace of mind, bit the bullet, it didn't hurt, but I still hate the image of you kissing her, I chalk it up to "it's all for the better" and I bet you're at her place right now, I told the truth, oh, but you didn't like it, you went home, charm all the people you train for, you mean well, but aim low, I love you, I'm sorry, it felt just like a joke, and what seemed like fate becomes "what the hell was I doing?" Babylon lovers hanging lifetimes on a vine, do you miss mine? do you miss us? just for you I let it happen, I can tell I'm projecting half the time I lack context so I've made up all these lies, honestly, whatever he's just one of the boys I'll date for like a summer and I'll leave when I'm bored, this train is full of strangers, but I might like them more, I guess it's always funny until it's not, I swear to God I haven't thought of you in ages, and all I did was right by me, I heard that almost killed you, well, I knew it, I know you, I called it, am I what you wanted? was I self-appointed? all of my dark blue covered it for you, what did I ask for that I now pay for? would it have killed you to explain that you weren't ready? it's a normal thing to fall in love with movie stars, the story you want is the story you get, are you special or was this all scripted in his head? you can go home at night and you might not really need her, but you feel her everywhere, she is the love of your life, now it all comes down to you, you know that it's her or nothing, this isn't what you want, it's only how you feel, hope you find somewhere safe for your baggage, every page that I wrote you were on it, never been less empty, all I feel is empty, all I feel is free now, I don't got a single problem with provocative, I'd give up everything to be close to you, pull the trigger on the gun I gave you when we met, just let me be close to you

[ritualofcirice]

Lucifer's Response (Letter Three, a Lucifer x Reader)

🐑 ♡ Continued thanks to Sycamore for beta'ing, you're the sweetest sweet ♡🐑

You sent a love letter to Lucifer, and he responded.

Teen and Up Audiences, No Warnings, F/M, M/M, Other/M, Tag(s): Love Letters, Fluff, Awkwardness, Gift Giving, Emotional Baggage, Ambiguous Gender Reader, POV Second Person

Find it on ao3 ♡ WC: 801

Chapter 3

Letter Three

With the arrival of your letter, you were more than excited to dig into its contents. Then you were given a box wrapped in hand painted paper and tied up in a pretty bow. There was nothing that could have calmed you down when you received that box. You danced around the room with it like it was your partner in a musical number until you heard a clunk. It was safe to say you decided to settled down after that.

You didn’t want to break it. Whatever ‘it’ was.

It took you three excruciating minutes to peel the paper off of the gift without ripping it, and you folded it with care to put aside for safe keeping. Part of you admired the craftsmanship, while another part of you fretted about the lack of storage you would have if Lucifer kept giving you beautiful things most considered trash.

You did not need to keep the wrapping paper. Was that going to stop you? No.

What you pulled out of the box was a duck. Little legs dangled beneath it as you scooped it up, and you spied a card inside that had ‘instructions’ written across the top. You turned to the letter for any other information, but moreso because you wanted to lose yourself in the words of the person you cared for.

Nothing could compare to him.

‘Dear my darling Secret Admirer, Okay, there is a lot to get through and limited paper. First, I hope the gift made it to you. I’m not sure if they're going to be delivered at the same time, but I hope so. I won't spoil the surprise if that's the case. If they are together then surprise! I hope you like it! I wanted to give you a little something back since that folded paper duck you gave me was amazing. Amazing like crazy amazing. It’s so cute, and I love the googly eyes. I spent the good part of an evening trying to find a fitting home for the tiny thing. Given my last letter, I thought the gift I gave to you would hold somewhat more sentimental value. There are instructions for how to make it work too. I popped them in simple terms, but if you can’t get it working please let me know! Second, I wanted to let you know that your suggestion is most appreciated. I just want to ask again though, what if I’m not who you think I am? I’m not saying no to your offer to meet up somewhere, on the contrary! Just name a place and a time, and I’ll be there! I know we’re getting to know each other, and you seem lovely, genuinely lovely. There’s no problem. The problem is me. Ignore what I said about no problems. It has been a long time since I’ve been out is all. No doubt the culture in Pride hasn’t changed at all either, and a gun fight doesn’t make for a good place to relax! I bet you like your food as blood free as I do. Please tell me you don’t eat people. I might need some time to accommodate to your appetite if you do. Do you want to come over to mine? It’s okay if not, I want you to be comfortable. And again you can pick wherever, but if you want to visit me then you’re welcome. Is it okay for me to invite you over on a first date? I would like it to be a date if you’d give me the honour. I gather that was your intention with the offer. Anyway, I’ll get to my third point. I haven’t done anything like this in a long time. Like a long, long, long time. It’s me all on my lonesome! Still, I want to make this work, and to do that I have to tell you that I'm struggling. I'm not perfect. I need honesty because I don't think I could handle losing someone else right now. Knowing this, please tell me if you don't want to see me anymore. Or even send letters. I’d understand if you didn't want to. I wouldn't blame you. It's not your job to pick up the pieces with me, but you'd have to watch if you were by my side. I wouldn’t want you to step on any shards and hurt yourself. You terrify me because all I want is to meet you. I do. I want to know the face of the person who had the kindness to reach out to me. I love you, and I'm sorry for all of this. As I say, just name a time and a place. Or never. Whatever you choose, I will honour it. You have my word. Kind regards, Lucifer M.’

♡ Letter four ♡

[aroace-cat-lady]

IT'S A PAIN THAT I CAUGHT YOU AT A BAD TIME!!!! IT'S A SHAME THAT I MEMORIZED YOUR OUTLINE!!!! YOU WERE STRAIGHT UP WITH ME, YOU WERE SO KIND!!! BUT I KNEW WHAT YOU KNEW, HONEY, GREAT MINDS!!! IT WAS HARSH 'CAUSE I LOST WHAT I WANTED!!!!! I WAS BRAVE WHEN I KISSED YOU IN LONDON!!! WE'RE COLLATERAL HERE, MAN, WE GOT HIT!!! HOPE YOU FIND SOMEWHERE SAFE FOR YOUR BAGGAGE!!! EVERY PAGE THAT I WROTE, YOU WERE ON IT!!! FEEL YOU DEEP IN MY BONES, YOU'RE THE CURRENT!!!! AND I SHOWED NO RESTRAINT, IT WAS SOMETHING!!!! I WAS SCARED UP 'TIL YOU MADE ME LOVE IT!!!