#Have you ever read Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator?

[somesecretpie]

[seeingteacupsindragons]

What are some of the first pieces of fiction you remember being exposed to, and how did they effect/still effect you?

This is such a hard thing to say, because of course kids were exposed to fiction that was probably at least sort of formative before they remember much of anything. I was reading fairly independently before I have too many memories, so who even knows, at that point!

Some big early pieces that I know were very formative for me include:

Star Wars. It is difficult to explain my family's Thing with Star Wars, but since I can remember my family did this "marathon all the SW movies (that were out at the time) on NYE" tradition until we started moving out, honestly. I have most of the first six movies thusly memorized.

Dungeons and Dragons. While this is not a specific narrative, it is an entire system and design for certain kinds of fiction, and I have been playing since I was probably about five when my father first taught me third edition because 3.5 and Pathfinder weren't even out yet.

I know my parents viciously hated Bananas in Pyjamas because us kids loved it. I don't actually remember watching it. I will possibly always remember their pyjamas.

Do you have any idea what Zenon: Girl of 21st Century is? It was a short kid's series when I was very young. My parents signed up for this Scholastic book box service thing that delivered books every month or couple months that would get compiled into the pile of books that none of us kids properly owned. We got a few of those in the box, alongside a lot of the other long-running Scholastic kid's book series of the time (Droon, The Zack Files, Magic Treehouse, etc....I've never properly read any of those series because we only got them in the box and never kept up with them). Zenon had an impact for some reason I cannot explain, as did a fair number of those other books.

The Black Cauldron. I was too young for this movie; my older brother was not. It's scary. Thank you.

Relatedly, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. I was six. It was the first Dahl book I tried to read (yes it's a sequel shhh). I'd never even seen the movies. There are aliens that eat people. My father had to remove the book from my bedroom so I could sleep. I have to this day never finished the book and never intend to. I don't like being scared, okay? I still won't do horror.

Definitely a lot of Disney movies. My parents are into Disney movies. I do remember at one point thinking the Lust Song in The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a Satanic demon summoning. Ah, kids.

Dragon Ball Z. Definitely some other stuff that was on Toonami at the time, but I think this was probably my first anime. I think I was probably in kindergarten or something when I first saw it.

I read the first The Boxcar Children book when I was 6 for second grade after being dumped in the most advanced reading group alone with the teacher. That's what she picked for me to read. There's still something in my that thinks about a group of people somehow surviving together all on their lone in a damn wood with a private space somehow.

I was about 8 when I fell in love with YuYuHakusho. Far from my first media in any respects, but it hit hard and it was the first manga I ever owned!

[angelofrainfrogs]

Spend the Night: Ch. 1

~Coauthored by @zeitghest~

Fandom(s): Five Nights At Freddy’s: Security Breach

Description: The familiar melody of Grandfather’s Clock chimes through the echoing halls of the Pizzaplex…

Charlie wakes up in her Puppet’s vessel yet again with one goal in mind: to stop William Afton’s reign of terror for good. She enlists the help of Glamrock Freddy, the emphatic leader of the newest iteration of the Fazbear Band. But there seems to be more to this bear than meets the eye—and the same goes for the mysteriously familiar kid the duo find tinkering with animatronics down in Parts & Service.

With some help from friends new and old, Charlie’s journey into the bowels of the Pizzaplex will unravel mysteries none of them ever expected. 

Rating: T

Read on Ao3

When all the family has fun That's for everyone Good times with your friends Never done Great memories will be made Times you never would trade For the whole world When you stay Here at the Mega Pizzaplex

~Mega Pizzaplex by Kyle Allen Music~

That name was familiar—it tugged on something deep, deep within the recesses of Freddy’s memory… But the bear had encountered countless people named Charlie in the Pizzaplex and therefore paid this feeling no mind. Dragging alongside him, the Puppet’s model was so lightweight it was as if she was nothing more than a plastic bag.

“You’re different…,” she remarked, the winding down of her music suddenly coming to a halt as the faintest hint of a smile echoed in her tone. “Thank you, Freddy.”

“You are quite welcome, Charlie!” the bear replied cheerfully. As they exited the play area and made their way to the stairs, Freddy hummed as he thought aloud. “Hmm… the closest way to Parts & Service would be through the elevator behind Roxy’s room, since mine is out of commission.”

Also, perhaps he’d get to talk to his wolfish friend on the way and ask if anything was wrong—if she was still in her quarters, that is.

“Roxy? Don’t you mean Foxy?” Charlie asked curiously. Had they replaced the fan favorite? While lots of children tended to be wary of Pirate’s Cove, she and a good friend of hers used to visit the old fox every day they could. Charlie held back the urge to be sentimental over a life long-past. Instead, she limped more against Freddy’s side as they egressed into the main Atrium.

“Ah—no, Foxy was never included in the Glamrock lineup,” the bear replied. “Roxanne Wolf now occupies his place. She is—a wolf with a need for speed and a talent for playing the keys!” Freddy paused, then shook head with a chuckle. “Apologies, my customer-facing software must have kicked in briefly—it is supposed to be turned off automatically after hours…”

He muttered this last part to himself but quickly perked up again, not wanting Charlie to see him worry. “Anyway, Roxy plays the keytar in the Glamrock Band. She is also the mascot for the speedway attraction, though it is currently closed for maintenance.”

Charlie took a cursory glance around the shining and spotless Atrium as she listened to the bear, upset that her near-expressionless face couldn’t provide an eye roll to his mandatory spiel. The floors gleamed beneath fancy, neon lights. Illuminated storefronts sat pristine in anticipation of new shoppers. The company had certainly taken big strides as a franchise since its inception all those years ago.

“This place sure has changed,” Charlie murmured, her voice soft and far away as she seemed to coil tighter around Freddy’s arm.

The storefronts soon petered away as they came to Rockstar Row, home of the band members when off-duty—and the place for personal Meet & Greets. Roxy’s room lights were still on as she prowled and paced inside. Seemingly frustrated and murmuring to herself, she caught sight of Freddy out of the corner of her eye.

“Hey, big-shot! You snuck out?” Roxy asked, looking the ursine band leader up and down through the glass. She wore an expression of surprise, as Freddy normally stayed inside the moment curfew begun like the epitome of good he strived to be. “Careful, Vanessa’s out and—”

Roxy paused, finally processing the thin creature hanging off his arm.

“…Freddy. What is that thing? It looks like a hunk of garbage! Go toss it before Ness sees you toting it everywhere,” she grumbled, her muzzle scrunching up in disgust.

“Roxy, please do not be rude,” Freddy chided with a frown. Her forward personality wasn't usually so outright snappish, and the frustrated muttering was new. Sure, Roxy talked to herself more than any of the other animatronics—usually giving herself positive affirmations in the mirror—but this was on a whole other level. Freddy shifted his arm, raising it ever-so-slightly to show off the Marionette.

“This is Charlie—a new friend,” he continued. “I am taking them to Parts & Service to be repaired. Speaking of—” His eyes shifted to the door to Roxy’s room. “May we use your service elevator? Mine is still out of commission.”

While Freddy spoke, Charlie maintained an unbroken and empty eye-socket contact with Roxy. Unnerved but refusing to show such weakness, the wolf flexed her neck and gestured with her head towards the back door of her room.

“Sure thing; just don’t let it have any of my upgrades,” she joked playfully, though the way she spoke might've come off more brash than intended.

Charlie would never get used to being called that—an It. The curious, mildly suspicious look that Roxy was giving her had put her off slightly… Though Puppet was sure her mangled appearance was far more shocking.

“Thank you, Roxy,” Freddy said with a smile as she let them into the room. He made his way towards the back area but paused before opening the door, looking back at the wolf with a questioning head tilt. “I wanted to ask—are you… feeling alright tonight?”

Surely she’d be able to tell if anything was malfunctioning, physically or coding-wise. Hopefully Freddy was just being weirdly paranoid, though—and if that was the case, maybe he should get checked out himself.

Roxy gave the bear a cursory glance as he walked into her room. Her gaze narrowed briefly at the question, but relaxed some as she rolled her eyes.

“Totally—I feel fine, Fredbear,” she replied, leaning against her vanity. Crossing her arms, her lip raised as she watched Puppet hang from Freddy in a clingy manner. It was something Roxy personally found annoying, but she refrained from saying anything. The bear adored making new friends, and she hardly even knew this entity besides from what was stored in her Mascot Inventory memory. Though she had the sudden, surprisingly violent urge to rip it from Freddy’s arm, she resisted the urge to move from the tabletop.

“Why? Do I seem off?” Roxy pressed, perhaps coming off as more self-conscious than intended. This made Puppet tilt her head in surprise, which caused the wolf to snap at her with slightly bared teeth. “And what are you looking at?!”

“Nothing much,” Charlie replied calmly, her mask showing no emotion as Roxy growled lowly at her.

“Everyone, please,” Freddy interjected, shifting his body in-between the pair. He looked at Roxy, giving her what he hoped came off as a reassuring smile. “No, you seem alright. I simply wanted to ask because… well, never mind.”

If Roxy didn’t sense anything amiss, Freddy wasn’t going to bring up the weird feeling he had. There were more pressing matters for him to attend to anyway—namely, the animatronic clinging to his arm. He turned his head to Charlie, his smile brightening. “Shall we go?”

“If you’d be so kind,” she replied, warmed up by Freddy’s amiable expressions.

Maybe Roxy was just in a mood. Content to flip her hair and scoff at the Puppet—who gave no indication that she was bothered by the tetchy wolf—she plopped back down in front of her mirror to begin her nightly affirmations. Little did any of them realize the issue with Roxy’s rude behavior went far deeper than they could conceive…

Freddy took Charlie into the back elevator, which deposited them into a long hallway that led directly to Parts & Service. After guiding her into the protective cylinder, he helped her get situated in the chair before stepping back.

“From what my initial scan tells me your design is similar to that of our Daycare attendant, which means that if necessary we might be able to use some of his spare parts,” Freddy explained. “We are programmed to do minor repairs on each other in case of emergencies, so hopefully I should be able to get your lower half into a more functional state, at the very least.”

He gestured to a little computer just outside the cylinder. “Normally the technicians use this computer system to guide repairs, but luckily the animatronics do not need to as we have the knowledge in here.” He tapped his temple with a bright blue claw. “Now, may I take a look and see what repairs I can do?”

There were perks of being a human soul trapped inside the vessel of a robot. One was being immune to pain. Though charred and mangled, Charlie disregarded any further damage to her body over the years. She’d been as careful as possible though, preserving herself fairly well.

Or, well enough until the fire. She was surprised to even be functional right now, honestly. Thankfully, despite the state of disrepair there was no discomfort.

“I’d appreciate it, Freddy.” Charlie always had a soft spot for the bear. When he functioned properly, Freddy was always the sweetest. This one in particular reminded her of the old days, before everything went wrong. Recalling countless nights eating pizza while watching to her father perform in the diner calmed her considerably as she was strapped into the worktable.

A soft blue light emitted from Freddy's eyes as he performed a more in-depth scan of the animatronic's condition. The upper half was functional—at least, functional enough not to require immediate repairs. The damage seemed mostly contained to the lower half, and the further down Freddy checked the more intense the destruction was. He frowned, blinking once to make the light recede.

“You were... in a fire?” he questioned, beginning to work on reconnecting the upper part of the Puppet's legs to the torso. Freddy had a feeling that he'd definitely need to use a few spares for the Daycare attendant, but hopefully just for the lowest portion so the Puppet could actually walk on her own again.

“A while ago… I think. I’ve been offline for a long time. They must’ve salvaged me again,” she explained vaguely.

Who, exactly? That was yet to be determined. Charlie was certain William was back—that much she knew. The only reason why her soul returned to its metallic cage had to be his work.

“Before that, I was the prize counter vendor. The children would come over… Watch me hand out gifts. Gifts are my specialty.”

“Oh, it must have been wonderful to see all the children's excited faces!” Freddy remarked, trying to focus on the good things while cataloguing the negative ones for reference later. He'd heard staff members and some of the older guests mention various fires at past Fazbear Entertainment franchises. However, the information uploaded to his memory banks regarding the company's history was surface-level at best. They had an image to maintain after all, and it wouldn't be good for their animatronics to divulge incidents that didn't match their shiny, fun brand.

“Myself and the rest of the Glamrock Band are also designed to hand out gifts, though we would never claim it to be our forte,” Freddy continued, carefully hooking wires into their appropriate slots. “We have stomach hatches that are specifically designed to hold oversized birthday cakes, piñatas, and presents.” He gave a short laugh. “I seem to be the one that uses this feature the most—not that I mind, of course.”

These guys had leagues of functionality above herself, Charlie realized. However, this didn’t bother her. After all, she could do something special—something that no one else could, living or mechanized.

Talking to the bear got easier and easier. As her wires were being stripped from the waist down, deft yet careful claws connecting and directing power back to her legs, Charlie nodded.

“I can’t remember the last time I saw a piñata,” she sighed, sounding far off and wistful again. “I’ve missed this place…”

It was an oddly mixed feeling, coming back time and time again. Bittersweet how the Pizzaplex brought back good memories of her family, biological and forged through fierce friendship… The location of the deceased Aftons was a mystery to her now that the fire had separated them. For one, singular night they’d all been together again: Evan—and Cassidy—in the age-old golden bear, dragged to the faux diner by Henry himself; Lizzie, in her crude, sharp clown attire; William, in that damned rabbit suit that gave him more power after death than it should’ve; and Michael, whose body had been dead for many years but still persisted with the same goal as the others—to take down his murderous father once and for all.

After so many years, the whole family was one, and Charlie got to see them perish in the flames right by her side. That should’ve been the end of all this… and yet here she was. Alone again, with no old friends in sight and no memory of how she’d even made it up here—and as always, missing every single one of the only children she couldn’t save.

Yes… as nice as her new Glamrock companion was, being back was also torturous.

“Well, surely you were salvaged for good reason—perhaps you are scheduled to be reinstated in some capacity,” Freddy suggested. He moved to the lower half of the spindly legs, though as soon as he touched one of the wires it let out a little spark that snapped at his fingers. He pulled his claws back with an annoyed hiss, and then... froze.

It hadn't actually hurt—he couldn't feel pain, after all... So why had he reacted as if he could? As if he'd been in this situation before, working on animatronic repairs and half-expecting the sting of electricity but still unprepared for when it actually happened?

The more he tried to focus on this feeling the more it slipped away, fading back into what must've been some errant coding gone awry.

“...My apologies,” the bear said after a moment, giving Puppet another smile. “I am going to have to find some parts, but they should be in one of those boxes; I will be right back.” He pointed to a set of shelves with containers labeled for each animatronic, then quickly stepped out of the cylinder before he could dwell on that experience any longer.

Charlie had reached out as Freddy turned, recognizing what just transpired.

Someone was inside.

With the hatches Charlie had just been informed about, she cringed at the mental image it brought. A body, gnarled and bloodied as it was stuffed into Freddy’s chest cavity. She hesitated in saying anything, though. No need to poke the bear, so to speak—especially when he was being so kind as to fix her.

The boxes across the room held parts alphabetized and sorted by animatronic specs. Closer to the bottom sat one for the Daycare attendant’s blueprints, and his electrical kit contained wires and relays similar to the Puppet’s structure. When Freddy returned, Charlie decided to bring up the new issue subtly.

“Sorry—I thought all the electricity in my legs was severed,” she remarked.

“No need to apologize; I am not hurt,” Freddy reassured, his expression sincere and calm as he began work on detaching what was left of the old limbs and replacing them with shiny new parts. “I am sorry for reacting like that—the spark must have mildly shocked my system.”

That surely had to be the reason—there was no other logical explanation, and Freddy's AI relied on logic to function properly. He lapsed into focused silence for a little while, though as he neared the end of the major repairs he perked up, his gaze briefly shifting to the Puppet's before focusing back on the legs.

“Oh, there is another question I wanted to ask you—Roxy was rather rude earlier addressing you as 'it', and I apologize in her stead. She... she is not quite herself, despite what I said to her directly.” He paused, a frown crossing his face—though only for a moment before returning to his usual friendly demeanor. “Regardless, since the name Charlie is different than the identifier in my memory banks, what pronouns do you prefer along with that name?”

Maybe Roxy’s cordiality had been accidentally deleted the last system update. What else would explain the severe lapse in manners?

“She. Charlie’s short for Charlotte,” she clarified. Then, an idea to get more information hit her and Charlie lifted her head to stare at the bear inquisitively. “I just realized, I never asked you if you’d like me to call you something else.”

Freddy opened his mouth to answer, though the name on the tip of his tongue was... not quite right. However, just like what happened after the earlier shock, this thought died nearly as soon as it appeared.

This wasn't good; something was definitely going on with Freddy's programming, yet no matter what internal diagnoses protocols he ran no alerts popped up to let him know what was wrong. Maybe this all had something to do with that malfunction he'd had on stage earlier that day... although the technicians had assured him that he'd been completely fixed and his systems were running in Safe Mode, so he should be even less apt to problems.

Freddy realized he'd been thinking too long when Charlie began shifting slightly in the chair. He only had a few more wires to reconnect, so he returned to that task as he answered.

“Oh, any variation of Freddy is fine—I will respond to anything resembling my name, as well as any tone of voice that appears to be calling for someone unless I am otherwise distracted. We animatronics all have our favorite nicknames for each other, which I am sure you will hear the longer you are around us.” He chuckled softly at the thought, hoping the others would be a bit more receptive to Charlie than Roxy.

It could just be an off-day for the wolf as well. After the way the show ended tonight, it wasn’t a surprise that she was a little grumpy. But even openly insulting people seemed so far off from the norm. Surely Chica or Monty would be faster pals with the good-natured Marionette. Charlie nodded to Freddy once more, still not fully convinced.

“You guys sure have a lot of neat features,” she said, her electrical meter gauging the connection back in her legs as she spoke. “We were pretty state of the art back in the day; impressing all the parents with our criminal database and rudimentary facial scanners.” She touched her face, aware of the thrumming mechanisms still at work behind the mask. “I had a few unique features, too. Dad made me unlike anyone else..."

She hoped it wasn’t out of place for her to liken their shared creator to Dad. Or, if it was, she just hoped Freddy wouldn’t question it.

...Now that word certainly prompted something—a visible wince that even Freddy couldn't brush off this time.

Dad.

Something about his personal relation to that word was incorrect. The thing was though, it had never held such a negative connotation for him until this moment. And again—he was able to shove the feeling down, though not without giving Charlie yet another apologetic smile, for she'd clearly seen him flinch.

“I am sorry, I... I malfunctioned during one of the stage shows earlier today, and I think I am still dealing with some of the after-effects,” the bear explained. He hooked one last wire, then released Charlie’s restraints and stepped back, his grin instantly flipping into a triumphant one. “But I will be fine, and more importantly, I have finished your repairs! You should be able to walk quite well now.”

Curling her flexible knees to her chest then stretching them back out again, Charlie was quick to hop up. She balanced immediately, as if she hadn’t been incapacitated this whole time.

“That’s so much better!” she rejoiced, looking to Freddy with gratitude. Turning, Charlie patted the chair, clearly in a better mood now that she could stand on her own. “If you haven’t been feeling well, maybe I should return the favor and take a look!”

“Ah—no, that is alright,” Freddy replied with a soft shake of his head. “I would not want to risk anything happening to you after you have just been salvaged. Perhaps I will ask the night guard to check; I feel it is more of a programming issue than a physical one, which she would be better at handling.” He paused, tilting his head in thought as he muttered to himself. “Although, I should return to my room first before contacting her so she does not get mad that I snuck out…”

That made sense; the Puppet supposed she’d take the help of a trained employee over the aid of a random, half-burned robot she’d met in the ball pit, too.

“Thanks again for your help,” she made sure to tell the big bear. “I… guess I’ll go find a place to rest for the meantime.”

The Daycare might be her best bet, she thought. It certainly felt comfy from the short time she’d been there. Of course she didn’t want to stay, but her soul had been pulled back yet again—presumably to try and defeat William and help any lost children in the process, saving them from her own tragic fate. Looking a little less disheveled, Charlie made her way towards the door in an attempt to find her way around the Pizzaplex.

“Oh, you cannot go out that way right now—that main door leads to the show stage, which is currently powered off. It would need to be activated from the sound booth before we can use it,” Freddy explained, then gestured towards the door they'd originally come from. “We need to go back through Roxy's room. Come along!”

He gave her another bright grin and stepped out of the cylinder, leading the way back. He already felt like himself again, the strange sensations from earlier completely gone. Still, it wouldn't hurt to have Vanessa check him out. As they walked, he glanced at Charlie.

“You may stay with me, if you would like. Surely Vanessa knows you are around, so if she does have time to stop by she will not be surprised to see you.” He blinked in slight confusion. “It is a bit strange that we were not given a proper introduction, though; the animatronics are usually gathered for a formal greeting whenever a new character is instated. Or, in this case, new to us.”

Charlie, for whatever reason she was brought here, hadn’t yet been retrofitted for the new tech. Everything felt simultaneously normal and wrong at the same time. She followed Freddy, every step taken muted by the plush stuffing surrounding her endoskeleton.

“I probably wasn’t supposed to come out yet,” Charlie mused, assuming whatever her purpose she would’ve needed to fit the style of this fresher looking brand. After all, someone had to have dredged her from the depths of the ruined diner, wherever that might be in relation to the Pizzaplex. She couldn’t have gotten here on her own without help, and she certainly would remember that... Probably.

As they passed Roxy she’d been fixing her mane, re-teasing her green stripe before setting it back into place. When she caught a glance of them through the mirror, she offered a fairly neutral: “Smell you guys later.”

Once back into the halls Charlie stayed behind Freddy, following him a short distance towards his own room. Before she could thank him for the accommodation a security bot sped by, causing the Puppet to spin in place before falling in a heap.

“Oh!” Freddy exclaimed, instantly bending to help her up. As he did so he stared after the bot, eyes wide as he watched it roam around with its flashlight held high like it was searching for something. That was certainly strange. He hadn't been alerted to any intruders, so maybe the bot was simply malfunctioning?

Everyone was a little strange tonight, it seemed...

“Are you alright?” the bear asked as the lanky Puppet was resituated back on her feet. “I do not know why they were moving so fast; usually they only patrol a designated area in a slow pattern...”

The Puppet let out a tiny oof! when she fell, quick to reach for Freddy��s paw. Grasping onto him and helping herself up, she couldn’t help but stare after the racing metal guard, too.

“Maybe it saw something? You guys don’t have break-ins, do you?” she asked, somewhat nervous to let go of Freddy’s arm. She was half-content to cling again like when her legs ceased all function earlier.

Freddy seemed perfectly amenable with her latching on. After all, he was used to dealing with excitable children all day, and being a walk-around character he was literally up close and personal with them for most of the time the Pizzaplex was open. Honestly, he much preferred the Puppet's grasp to dozens of sticky, cake-covered hands grabbing at him from every direction—at least he wouldn't need to be cleaned off after this.

“No, it is impossible for someone to break in right now,” Freddy said with a shake of his head. “The doors close at 12 am and are locked down until 6 am. No one can enter or leave.” He paused, humming slightly. “Unless someone got in before the doors closed... but I have not been alerted to a security threat, so perhaps it was just a malfunction?”

This system sure was buggy. Charlie hopped that they didn’t upgrade her body with whatever coding was making the robots act weird. At least she managed to find the only normal one… Gaining courage after Freddy’s assuring words, Charlie let go in favor of approaching the entrance to his room.

“Yeah. It has to be, right?” she agreed in a cheery tone, her mood improving the longer she spent with the friendly bear.

Freddy nodded in agreement, reaching for the door... and then he paused, ears twitching as his advanced hearing picked up on a sound further down Rockstar Row. It was a low growling, and as Freddy tuned in he swore he heard breaking glass as well. He pulled his hand back, automatically taking a step towards the sound with obvious concern on his expressive face.

“Ah, I am sorry,” he murmured, catching sight of Charlie out of the corner of his eye. “I think I can hear... well, I am not entirely sure. It sounds like one of my friends might be in distress.” His gaze shifted from the Puppet towards a room farther away. “Would you mind if I checked on him? You are welcome to come with me—in fact, perhaps it might be best... Something strange is happening tonight.”

He was sure the animatronic could handle herself if things went awry, but he felt a weird sort of protectiveness towards her—probably because he'd literally just helped put her back together. Even so, he was hesitant to leave her alone.

The mishap at the show that afternoon seemed to have started a chain reaction of events. Hopefully, whatever distressed friend waited around the corner was okay. Charlie was quick to abandon the idea of shelter in favor of preserving the animatronics.

“Let’s hurry then!” she agreed, already heading to the sound.

They didn’t have to walk far until they reached another room with “Montgomery Gator” in neon lights above it. The curtains were drawn and there was a sign saying Meet & Greets were currently unavailable, although this didn’t concern Freddy—he knew they’d been renovating Monty’s room the past few days so it was off-limits to guests.

“Monty?” Freddy called as he knocked on the door. The growling was loud and there were definitely things being thrown around, although this ceased instantly at his voice. Heavy footsteps stomped to the door, which was soon opened by a large green alligator.

“Huh? Hey, Fredbear, what’s up?” Monty asked, a faint southern twang in his deep voice. Pulling his glasses down on his snout to examine the visitors, his red eyes soon shifted to the lanky Puppet and he blinked a few times. “Whoa! Who’s this?! Never seen ‘em before!”

Monty was a might bigger than the Marionette, like the rest of the Glamrock crew. Charlie actually admired the design of the gator—she could already tell he’d be an instant hit with the more “rough and tumble” kids. She was also glad to see him a tad more accepting for conversation than Roxy was.

“I’m Charlie!” she introduced, waving a rubbery limb in greeting. “We heard stuff being thrown. Just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

At the moment, Monty appeared reasonable. There was likely a rational explanation for the haphazard tossing of his things. His growling and wayward destruction could simply be a matter of a lost item he was trying to find.

“’s nice to meet ya, Charlie!” Monty replied, setting his glasses back into place with a wide grin. He waved a nonchalant hand, looking back to Freddy. “And I’m fine—just, um… redecoratin’!”

Freddy narrowed his eyes, trying to peer around the gator’s bulky frame. However, he couldn’t see much… mostly because the room was almost completely dark.

“What happened to the lights?” the bear asked, and Monty let out a nervous laugh and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Oh, y’know… they went out!” His tail dragged slowly back and forth over the dirty floor as he gave the lame excuse.

A simple glance upward would prove the neon lights weren’t just out—there were breaks in the glass from chairs and tables being tossed about. Charlie wondered if he’d had a malfunction earlier, too. Why else would he have reason to lie?

Among her many talents, Charlie could play the part of detective. She casually looked past the gator’s arms and swore for a moment she saw something scurry out of the room towards the connected back halls.

“We caught him at a bad time, Freddy,” she remarked said as the small, shadowy figure hurled itself in through the closing door. “He was probably just looking for something, right?”

“Yeah, Charlie gets me!” Monty agreed with a vigorous nod. “I was lookin’ for my extra-special golf club… I think.”

In all honesty, he didn’t know why he was destroying his room. He was only half aware of doing it in the first place.

“Well, if you say you are alright…” Freddy trailed off, not sounding convinced in the slightest.

“I am!” Monty laughed loudly and patted Freddy on the shoulder, causing the bear to pitch forward with the force of it. “Loosen up, you ol’ bear! You’re always worryin’ about what everyone else is doin’!”

The expression on the Puppet’s mask remained unchanged, which Charlie was thankful for in times like this. She believed Monty’s uncertainty of his own actions, clearly not trying to worry his pal about what potentially went down in his room.

Charlie also knew they had to follow that shadow. It might help explain the quirky behavior and suspicion surrounding tonight.

“Well, we’ll get out of your way—if there’s any trouble, just holler!” she told the gator amiably, tugging on Freddy’s arm to signal it was time to go.

“I sure will!” Monty replied, giving them a wave. “See y’all later!”

And with that he abruptly shut the door in their faces. Freddy simply blinked at the closed metal for a few seconds, then gave a little sigh.

“He is not himself either,” the bear murmured, turning away and leading Charlie back towards his room. “Monty has a tendency to break things when he gets excited, though it is always an accident and he never means any harm… He has never damaged so much property like this at one time before.”

Charlie took a deep, simulated breath before patting the bear’s arm.

“Freddy,” she began gently, angling them towards Roxy’s room instead. “I know you may not want to hear this... But Monty was lying to you. I think he was chasing something in there. I saw it slip into the back rooms—I think it was heading for the maintenance lift!”

She spoke softly, keeping her head close to Freddy’s as they walked. The last thing she wanted was the strong gator hearing them from the comfort of his room. Looking directly into Roxy's living area showed that, against protocol, the wolf was no longer inside.

“What?” the bear frowned, though he allowed Charlie to guide him where she wished. “We… we are not programmed to lie. But… you say he was chasing something?”

“Yes, and I think we should go look for it; it might have something to do with everyone’s weird behavior,” Charlie suggested confidently.

Noticing that Roxy was no longer in her room, Freddy’s concerned expression only increased. She was often apt to sneaking out, though the fact that she was out tonight made him nervous. With a determined light in his eyes, he patted Charlie’s hand. “Yes, let us find out what Monty was going after. Maybe it will help us understand what is going on around here…”

***

Previous Chapter ~~ Next Chapter 

Looking for more? Check out the Chapter Masterlist on Tumblr!

Or check out the entire Wires that Bind Us Series on ao3!

[gddmgttsu]

Good morning!

I’ve been a bit sick again recently and I’ve only just gotten better. It’s also been very hot so I basically just used my sickness to camp in my room to avoid the sun and the heat.

By chance, I was just reminded of the book Pollyanna. I probably think it’s one of my favorite books/probably IS my favorite.

I don’t read a lot and I’ve veen getting into it recently but I guess it really started with Pollyanna where I’ve finally learned how to actually enjoy literature.

When I was young, I read a bunch of Captain Underpants and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I think I had like 5 or 6 books on each series before I stopped.

In school they made us read too but the only book I really liked that they told us to read was The Giver. I guess the twist really only working through the medium of text is probably the first time I went “wow” reading something ahahaha.

Funnily enough they made us read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Great Glass Elevator too but I couldn’t be bothered to actually read them. Don’t get me wrong, they’re probably good books but my child brain was wondering what Goku was up to that week you know?

As a side thing, I had book reports on Great Glass Elevator and we were assigned to do chapter reviews with an illustration. I didn’t read any of it but somehow I passed. My evil method was to copy the illlustration at the start of the chapter because I have no artistic talent and just start writing word for word the book into the page. My penmanship was so bad because we were required to write in script. I was left handed so it just looked terrible to the point of illegibility and I got 7/10s every time.

Anyway, back to reading in general, I was thinking about Pollyanna.

One day, the internet cut out for like two weeks and I was bored to death so I read the book. Playing Terraria Calamity mod solo wasn’t good enough to keep me entertained.

That book really messed me up. I was just a fan of Earthbound and my favorite song ever is the vocal version of Pollyanna so it seemed like it was a good idea to check out the songs namesake.

Boy how I was both wrong and right.

SPOILERS FOR 111 YEAR OLD BOOK

Within the first few chapters learning about Pollyanna’s deep sadness about her fathers passing under her cheery attitude had me tearing up. Such a sweet little girl shouldn’t have such sad thoughts.

As the book went on I just grew to love our protagonist more and more. Everyone she interacted with would just be infected by that cheeriness that she always carried and it was so sweet.

When the big thing happend and she loses her ability to be happy anymore really got to me. It literally was a car crash out of nowhere. I was so invested on those last few chapters and when Aunt Polly asked how to play Pollyanna’s game I ugly cried for like 20 minutes straight. Heck I’m tearing up thinking about it again.

I’m glad everything worked out in the end and it resolved happy. I don’t know how much more my heart could take.

END OF SPOILERS

Pollyanna is just one of those things that’s so good I don’t think I can bring myself to read it again. The feelings are too strong that I need a few more years to really comprehend it.

I used to goof around with this stupid OC/Create a character named Pollyanna that I would always make and say that she’s my daughter. I couldn’t think of a name at the time and settled naming her after the song from Earthbound. Little did I know I would grow so attatched to the name that I genuinely want my actual daughter to be named Pollyanna.

Anyway, that’s just some stupid thing I had in my head while laying in bed. I have an arrangment of Home Sweet Home from Earthbound that’s just Pollyanna so check that out if you wanna hear what my feelings for that book sounds like.

[crymeariveronceagain]

do you have any children book recommendations?

i was that kids who would get a whole stack of books from the library and finnish them in three days, but i stopped reading a few years ago, it wasn’t by choice, i still bought books and wanted to read, but couldn’t. (long story)

but now that i’m trying to read again most of the books that i own are YA and Adult WW2 historical fiction (i was a agnsty 16 year old history buff what can i say)…but i want to read something more wholesome and less realistic, if you know what i mean.

i’m really picky when it comes to YA books, but with childrens books as long as it’s found family, or mystery, or has a narrator with a sassy personality, i will read it.

i’ve always liked kid’s books better and it’s not like they won’t rip your heart out, on that note can you give me a heads up if someone dies (i was traumatized by Fig Pudding when i was 11, and read the last pages of every book because of it)

both the Lunar chronicles and Percy jackson are on my to read list, but the size of the books scare me a bit and i need to ease back into reading a little slower than that

OHKAY YES QUEEN IM ON IT.

Alright, a great and easy book series, super romantic, super sweet, aimed at like, 12-15 year olds, is Wide Awake Princess by E. D. Baker, or the Frog Princess series by her, or honestly anything by her. Fairy-Tale Matchmaker, Fairy Wings, A Question of Magic. All of it. 10/10. It's all so wholesome and cute but with good world building and magic, fun time periods cross overs between series, and all with a touch of angst, and The Frog Princess inspired Disney's The Princess and The Frog. So like.

The False Prince, by Jennifer A. Nelson. Not entirely a Kids book, leaning more towards YA in my opinion, but it's a fairytale written by a woman with the intended audience being middle grade boys.... so it's jam packed with adventure, intrigue, mystery, a bit of death and danger, politics, and a nice side of romance to swirl around in a whisky glass on a dark night. It's really hecking good, and even though I never read the sequels, I did realize exactly how much I want to be able to roll a coin over my fingers.

Anything by Shannon Hale. Yes, you want to read it. 10/10. Even her Ever After High books are good. I love this woman with my whole heart.

Roald Dahl's children's books. These books were my entire sense of humor as a kid, and you will enjoy them if you like laughing. All the nasty characters get what's coming to them, and all the magic is amazing. I recommend starting with something like The Twits(there's a very deserved death at the end, but it's hilarious and exactly the ending the Twits deserve.), or George's Marvelous Medecine(also has some death, but once again, you don't care about someone nasty dying from totally deserved consequences). My top three books of his are Matilda, The Twits, and Charlie And The Great Glass Elevator(the sequel to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, which you should read first, even if you've seen all the movie versions).

Frindle, by Andrew Clements. Prepare to laugh. That's all i can say about this one. Comedic gold, satisfying ending.

Pretty Much Anything by Gail Carson Levine, but especially her Princess Tales, which are amazing retellings of classic fairy tales that you will enjoy every minute of.

The Princess Curse, by Merrie Haskell. I wrote angst fanfiction for the post-canon of this book. It'll never be posted. It's an odd retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

You Don't Know My Name, by Kristen Orlando. Fast paced, action packed, slightly terrifying book about being a teenage spy. More on the YA side, but I remember reading this book in a sort of awe. It was really good. There was quite a bit of death, probably of the violent kind, but it wasn't the main character, and it's a spy novel. Like, of course everyone she loves is gonna die. That's how the world works! I think there's another book out now. Absolutely awesome angsty pick.

Loki's Wolves, Odin's Ravens, and Thor's Serpent, by Kelley Armstrong. Basically a Percy Jackson but Norse Mythology and this time with the gods sort of manifesting themselves in children who now have to fight and battle the Ragnarök thing going down. They're all totally going to be stable by the end of this. At least one minor character death, and a girl turns into a fish a couple times. But there's a sweetheart of an angst werewolf!!! So!!!

Harriet The Spy, by Louise Fitzhugh. Remember your spy phase? So does Harriet. She documented it, and might be needing to learn a lesson about personal privacy and being respectful of others.

Caddie Woodlawn, by Carol Ryrie Brink. You will cry. That's all I'm saying. I don't think there's any major character death, but if there is I apologize. It's the older sister vibes for me, not even gonna lie to you. Caddie is a whole entire creature and I love her.

Socks, by Beverely Cleary. If you like cats, read this book, it will make you cry in a happy-sad way.

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow, by Jessica Day George. Definitely leaning towards more YA, and yet still has a children's book vibe to it. BUT IF THIS BOOK AIN'T AMAZING IDK WHAT IS READ IT IT IS SO GOOD IADASJDLKHDGLKAHDFLKJDFLHSDF I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY 1000000/10 IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL I HAVE READ THSI BOOK SO MANY TIMES AND I HAVE LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF IT EVERY TIME I NEED TO BUY THIS B O O K.

[tuiccim]

Terrigenisis (Part 19)

Pairing: Stucky x Inhuman!Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2.5K

Summary: After undergoing terrigenisis unwillingly your life is turned upside down when you are deemed too dangerous to return to life as a civilian. You are put with the Avengers team to train and rebuild. As you hone your powers and skills, you must also decide if you can find home and love again. Or is your curse to be a lonely wanderer forever?

Warnings: Fluff, Smut (NSFW 18+)

Dividers by @fireflygraphics

Terrigenisis Series Masterlist

It’s the night of Tony’s party and you are in your room getting ready. You exit the bathroom after a shower to see a gift box on your bed. It’s wrapped in a blue bow and you know it can only be from two certain men. The note reads “To the most beautiful woman in any galaxy, please wear this tonight. We love you.” Inside you find a beautiful dress. It’s blue and has a style reminiscent of the 40s. You do yourself up and put on the dress. A knock on the door has you grinning as you answer it. 

“Wow. You look beautiful.” Steve says, returning your grin. 

“Beautiful doesn’t even begin to cover it.” Bucky charms.

“It’s a good start,” you kiss each of them. “I love the dress. Thank you.”

“It looks great on you, doll.” 

The party tonight was one of Tony’s penthouse parties at the tower. Only family, partners, and close friends were invited. After arriving, the three of you made rounds greeting everyone. You’re excited when you finally make it to Sam. 

“Hey Sam! Wanna introduce the beauty on your arm?” you grin widely. 

“Of course,” Sam puffs out his chest as he motions to her, “This is my girlfriend, Kaziah.” He gives her each of your names and you spend twenty minutes or so chatting with all of them. Kaziah is sweet and you enjoy meeting her immensely. You are distracted a few minutes later when Loki strolls in wearing an all black suit. 

“Well, don’t you look like a million bucks!” you hug his neck as he chuckles. 

“You like it?” Loki preens. 

“Very much. You look great. Are you still planning to go back to Asgard tomorrow?”

“Yes. And before you ask, yes, I’m going to tell her.”

“Yay. I look forward to your return and hearing how it went. Can I introduce you around a bit?” 

“Lead the way.” Loki offers his arm. 

You guide him to different groups introducing him, smoothing any ruffled feathers, and making him feel comfortable in the setting. Loki relaxed as the evening passed. You enjoyed yourself, spending most of your time with Steve and Bucky, dancing, eating, drinking, and having fun with your friends and people you know and trust. It was fun. 

A couple of hours in, you notice Kaziah sitting by herself on one of the couches. Sam is in a group nearby with Rhodey and a few others cutting up. You grab an extra glass of champagne and sit beside her, holding out the drink to her, “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Yeah, there is always that little bit of awkwardness when you don’t know many people.” Kaziah flashes a nervous smile. 

“I understand,” you laugh, “I was basically dropped on the team with no warning, having never met any of them.”

“Wow. But it worked out? You’re dating Bucky and Steve?” She asks. 

“It worked out better than I ever hoped. And, yes, we are in a relationship together. We know it’s not conventional, but we’re very happy.”

“I saw you with Loki earlier. Are you with him also?” Kaziah asks carefully. 

“No. Loki is a good friend and we train together. He’s a really good guy once you get to know him.” You happen to catch his eye across the room and he smiles at you. That’s when you feel the ice pick to your head and immediately open your mind to him. 

“You’re needed in the rooftop garden, darling.” Loki’s voice drifts into your mind. 

“What? Why?” You asked confused. 

“I don’t know. I was just asked to relay the message quietly.” Loki’s chuckle echoes through your head and you grin.

“What was that? It looked like you were having a conversation.” Kaziah asks curiously.

“Oh, nothing,” you answer evasively, “Will you excuse me?”

“Uh, of course.” Kaziah looks confused. 

“It was nice talking to you.”

“You, too.”

You head to the elevator while looking for Steve and Bucky but, not finding them, you shrug and hit the button for the rooftop. Suspicion and curiosity curl in your stomach as the elevator goes up. When the doors open, you notice a trail of petals leading into the garden. You smile as you follow it.

--

Steve and Bucky had spent most of the day of Tony’s party shopping for you. They found the perfect dress to give you fairly quickly but finding the perfect engagement ring had proven nearly impossible. They didn’t know what they were looking for exactly but everything they were shown just wasn’t the one. It had to be perfect. As they visited the sixth jewelry store, they knew time was running out. The proprietor showed them several options but then, recognizing both men, he smiled and kindly suggested they check the antique store next door. He told them his brother was the owner and he kept a beautiful selection of estate jewelry. 

Steve and Bucky weren’t sure what he meant by estate jewelry but since they weren’t having any luck at traditional jewelry stores they decided to give it a try. The owner greeted them immediately and guided them to the jewelry case while offering to show them anything they’d like to see. 

“Buck.” Steve’s eyes go wide as a ring catches his attention. 

“That one? It’s not very traditional.” Bucky asks.

“Neither are we.” Steve chuckles. 

“You’re right about that. And the ring. It’s perfect,” he turns to the owner, “Can we see that one?”

“Of course. It’s one of a kind. I’ve never seen another like it. It came from a family in upstate New York. I thought it was a lovely piece.” He hands over the ring nestled in a small heart shaped box. 

“This is it.” Steve says.

“It’s perfect,” Bucky agrees. 

They paid for the ring and exit wearing grins. Tony had agreed to help them with the proposal and was having the rooftop garden turned into a paradise. Now they just had to get you to the roof and the rest would fall into place. 

--

The trail of petals leads you into the center of the rooftop garden where your men stand with smiles. Bucky and Steve are both handsome in their suits. A small table of desserts and champagne are off to one side. The garden is filled with lights and candles. There are blooming flowers everywhere and you have no idea what is happening. 

“What is all this?” you ask, all smiles. 

“We wanted tonight to be special.” Bucky says. 

“It’s beautiful,” you smile but tremble as nerves set in. What could this be about?

“Doll, we love you. You’re the love of our lives and this relationship is everything we ever wanted. So, we have something we want to ask you.” Steve says. He and Bucky take a knee in tandem and each take one of your hands.

“Will you marry us?” Bucky asks, looking up at you with a grin but you see the fear behind his eyes. You look at Steve and recognize the same expression on him. 

“M-marry? You want to, to ,to get married? To me?” you stammer. 

“Yes.” They say in perfect unison. 

They hold up a ring and you stare at it mouth agape. A star sapphire set in a halo of diamonds. The ring was obviously a vintage piece and it was the most beautiful piece of jewelry you’d ever seen. 

“You’re serious?” you breathe as tears flood your eyes.

“Yes.” Bucky says. 

“Absolutely. Please marry us. We love you so much.” Steve says. 

“Yes! Yes, of course I’ll marry you! Yes! I love you both. So much.” You exclaim as the men surge to their feet and swing you around. When your feet touch the ground again, Bucky takes the ring out of the box and places it on your finger. 

“It’s a star sapphire since both mine and Bucky’s symbol is a star.” Steve explains. 

“Blue because honesty always comes first in our relationship.” Bucky says. 

“Surrounded by diamonds because our love will always surround you.” Steve continues. 

“And antique because you’re marrying two old men.” Bucky chuckles. 

You laugh but stare at the ring that they chose with admiration, “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

“Let’s toast to our engagement.” Bucky goes to open the bottle of champagne. The three of you share champagne, strawberries, and cake as they tell you about how they decided to ask you and their day of shopping to find the perfect ring. 

You stare at it saying, “I never thought I’d get married again. I just assumed in this relationship we’d just be together.”

“You are okay with getting married, right?” Steve asks. 

“Yes! I want to marry both of you. I guess it will be more of a commitment ceremony since we can’t legally get married,” you explain.

“Actually, I’ve been thinking about it and I think you and Steve should get married legally and we can have a commitment ceremony for the three of us. There would be a lot of protection for you in being Mrs. Rogers.” Bucky states. 

“I’m… I won’t be changing my name. I never did with Charlie.”

“You don’t have to. Bucky, you hadn’t said anything about this before. Are you sure?” Steve asks. 

“Yes. It just makes sense. If you’re okay with it, doll.” Bucky says. 

“I get it from a legal standpoint but no matter what the THREE of us will be married,” you smile. 

Steve nods, “While we’re on our honeymoon, Tony is going to renovate our rooms into an apartment. We just have to pick a date. We-”

“We can go over all the details later,” you interrupt Steve. “Right now, I’d like to go to our room and celebrate with less clothing on.”

“I love the way you think,” Bucky says as he helps you to stand and kisses you. 

Steve grabs the bottle of champagne and bowl of strawberries, “I’m sure we’ll work up an appetite.” He winks and kisses you. 

You can’t keep your hands off each other in the elevator and find yourself sandwiched between the two men with their lips wandering over every expanse of exposed skin. You stumble into the guest room the three of you are staying in and gasp. The room is full of flowers, a small table covered in candles and food, another bottle of champagne, three fluffy robes with your names embroidered on them and matching slippers, a wedding planning book, and a note of congratulations from Tony and Pepper. 

“This is so sweet! They are so thoughtful.” you exclaim. 

“They definitely know we plan to work up an appetite.” Bucky chuckles. 

“We should get to it. Unzip me?” you whisper. 

“My pleasure.” Bucky complies and gently guides the dress down for you to step out of it. You’re wearing a beautiful lingerie set complete with garter and heels and both men devour you with their eyes. You sit on the end of the bed, lean back on your arms and cross your legs while eyeing the two. 

“Naked. Now,” you say playfully. 

“Yes, ma’am,” Bucky grins as they shuck their clothing quickly. When both stand before you gloriously naked you look them up and down, licking your lips. You go to them and put a hand on each of their chests before lowering yourself to your knees. You stroke both of their cocks and take turns swirling your tongue around each of their heads. 

“You’re both so good to me. I love you so much. I love fucking both of you.” You make comments each time you switch between them and they’re both looking at you with a feral expression as you praise and tease them. 

“Fuck, doll.” Bucky says as he grabs you and pulls you to your feet, “Get up here.” His mouth claims yours and Steve is behind you in an instant, removing your bra, cupping your breasts and kissing your shoulders. You feel his hard length pressed to your ass and Bucky’s pressed to your mound. You moan loudly as their hands and mouths wander over you, divesting you of your lingerie.. 

“I… I want to try something,” you moan. 

“Anything, sweetheart. What do you want?” Steve asks with his lips against your neck. 

“I want you both inside me. Both inside me at the same time.” You say breathlessly. 

“You mean, both of us inside your pussy, doll?” Bucky clarifies. 

“Please. Want to feel all of us together.” You whimper. 

“If it’s too much, you have to tell us, doll. Don’t let us hurt you.” Steve says as he picks you up and carries you to the bed. “Promise?”

“I promise.” you agree as he lays you in the middle of the bed. 

“Fuck, that’s hot. I want inside you so bad.” Bucky groans from behind you, both men are flush against your front and back. He pulls your leg up and runs his fingers through your slick folds. He dips two fingers inside to ensure that you’re ready. A third finger is added and you moan loudly. 

“Bucky, please. I need you. Please!” You beg. 

Bucky’s head finds your entrance and slowly presses in. You stare into Steve’s eyes as you grab Bucky and encourage him on. Bucky thrusts into you a few times languidly, working your pleasure and coating himself in your slick. “Come on, Stevie. Our girl’s ready for you.”

Steve slides his cock against you to coat himself before slowly pressing his head in. You gasp at the sensation. 

“Okay?” Steve groans. 

“Yes, it’s good. Don’t stop.” you moan and then cry out as Bucky gives a gentle thrust. 

“Fuck, baby, feeling both of you is so hot.” Steve groans. 

“Then don’t stop. Keep going, please.” You whisper. 

“Move, Stevie. We need it.” Bucky groans. 

Steve presses in by millimeters and keeps checking in. You feel so incredibly full and the pleasure is immense. When Steve stops again, you begin to roll your hips, loving the friction of feeling both of them in you. 

“Oh, fuck.” Bucky moans as he takes a gentle bite out of your shoulder. 

“I can feel both of you. Fuck, it’s so hot.” Steve says as he begins to move with you. 

Your moans mingle as you cling to each other and writhe in pleasure. 

“Oh, God. I’m…” the words fail you as your body shakes with the orgasm. The intensity nearly takes your breath and once it subsides you feel it immediately begin to build again. 

“You’re trembling and clenching so tight, doll. You’re so fucking perfect for us. So perfect. Fuck, can’t believe we found you. Love you so much.” Bucky groans as he begins to move a little more quickly. 

“Buck! Can feel you. Feels so good. You both feel so good. Want it to be like this forever.” Steve moans. 

You’re trembling uncontrollably. The words, the men, the intense pleasure are enveloping you, body, mind, and soul. You cry out as you fall over the precipice again. Your body shudders and your hips move of their own volition. 

“Oh, fuck. Fuck.” Bucky groans as he releases inside of you.

Steve’s hands cup your face and he kisses you intensely before his own orgasm overtakes him and he presses his forehead to yours. As he comes down from the high, he whispers to you, “Bucky’s always been right about you. You’re perfect for us.”

“You are. You’re perfect for us.” Bucky says, wrapping an arm around both of you.

You lift your hand and look at the ring that sparkles on it, “We’re perfect together.”

Part 20

Tuiccim’s Masterlist

Updates and taglist: Due to the unreliable nature of tags, I no longer keep a taglist. Updates for series are made twice a week. Please follow my sideblog @tuiccimfanfiction​ and turn on notifications for updates. All series and new stories will be reblogged to it. You will only receive notifications when a new part or story is out! Nothing else will be blogged to the page. I can’t thank you enough for your support!

[wonkasmissstarshine]

The Chocolatier’s Rose {Willy Wonka x OC} Ch.14

GIFs not mine. Credit go to owners.

Summary: Things are turning out better for the Bucket family, but Rose is still heartbroken. So, she makes a decision.

Tagging: @holdmeicant​ @willymywonkers​ @sleepiesapphicxoxo​

Within the week, life had improved greatly for the Buckets. They had fixed the hole in the roof. Grandpa Joe was up and about, helping with chores. Mr Bucket had also started his new job at toothpaste factory, fixing the machine that replaced him. The pay was a lot better, and now the Buckets could afford more food, other than cabbage soup.

Rose had also gone back to work at Mrs Mason's Magical Pies. She worked alongside the older woman, baking pies in the kitchen. Rose had also made other friends with the newly hired employees. There was Priscilla and Eleanor, the two new waitresses, Danny who worked the front counter, and Felix who was the new dishwasher.

Mrs Mason's shop has been much busier, meaning she was making more money, which meant Rose was getting a better pay check.

However, not everything in Rose's life was positive. She was supposed to get married the day after the visit to the chocolate factory, but she had feigned sickness in hopes of avoiding the wedding. She was pretending that she had a flu, that way the wedding would be delayed for a week or two. At least she worked in the kitchen full time now, that way Harry couldn't see her if he came snooping around.

"My dear, that boy is eventually going to find out that you're not really sick" Mrs Mason told Rose. Rose was rolling out dough with a rolling pin, while Mrs Mason moulded the dough and put in the fillings. "Just tell him you don't need to marry him anymore"

"I... I think..." Rose hesitated to answer Mrs Mason. She knew that the older woman wasn't going to like the answer that was going to come out of her mouth. "Maybe I would be better off marrying Harry"

Mrs Mason sighed, putting her hand on her hip and leaning against the counter. "Why on Earth would you think that?"

"Because, I'm never going to love anyone the way that I loved..." Rose paused, not wanting to say his name. It broke her heart to even think of Willy Wonka. Rose swallowed a lump in her throat as she continued. "The way that I loved him ever again. I might as well save myself a life of loneliness and marry that monster"

"But that's no excuse to marry someone you don't love. Hell, I don't even think that boy really loves you. He just wants power over you, dear. And if you marry Harry, you're giving that to him" Mrs Mason's tone was harsh, but it needed to be if she wanted to get through to Rose. "At least with Mr Wonka, from everything you told me about him, he seemed to truly care for you. Even if you two did only know each other for a day"

"If he really did love me, then he would have let us all move into the factory" Rose spat out, aggressively rolling the dough for the pie crust. "He would have let Charlie bring us with him"

"Dear, I know you're angry but don't take it out on the dough" Mrs Mason said. Rose suddenly stopped rolling the dough. A tear then slipped from her eye and it splattered on the flattened dough. "Why don't you take a couple days off? Clear your head?"

"Mrs Mason, you don't need to—"

"Yes, I do my dear" Mrs Mason said. She took the rolling pin from Rose. "Take the time you need to clear your head. I'll still pay you for your scheduled days"

Rose sighed and nodded. "Thank you, Mrs Mason" She hugged the woman.

"Please, take care of yourself. And when you come back, and I find a ring on your finger, I'm going to be very disappointed, do you understand?"

Rose hesitated. "Yes" And with that, she left the shop, saying her goodbye to her friends as she walked past them. Priscilla came into the kitchen, with a newspaper in hand.

"Is everything alright with Ro?" Priscilla asked.

Mrs Mason sighed and continued on with making a coconut cream pie. "The poor girl is suffering terribly from a broken heart"

Priscilla frowned, feeling very worried for her friend. "She's not going to marry that ghastly Harry boy, is she?"

"Despite everything I told her, I fear she may still be considering going through with it"

"Well, it turns out that Rose isn't the only one suffering from a broken heart" Priscilla dropped the newspaper beside Mrs Mason. The older woman went wide eyed as she read the headline.

Wonka Bars dropping in sales. The once sweet and delicious chocolates, have now turned terribly bitter. Is this the end for the famed chocolatier? What has happened to make his chocolate and candy not so sweet?

"Do you think Rose had anything to do with this?" Priscilla wondered curiously.

"Maybe. I know from experience that a broken heart can affect the things you're most passionate about" Mrs Mason explained. "When my beloved husband died, my pies were absolutely terrible. It took me about a year before my pies were magical again"

******

Rose had cried all the way home. She was about to make a regretful decision, but she didn't see any other choice. Everything Mrs Mason has told her went right out the window.

Rose had run into Harry on her way home. Harry was angry at her for pretending to have the flu. But when Rose had said that she was ready to marry him, today to be exact, his mood had changed to a pleased one.

They were to be wed in two hours. That's why Rose went home. She needed to pick up the wedding dress.

Mr and Mrs Bucket weren't home when she got there. Rose presumed they were out at the market. Grandpa Joe was outside working in their new garden where they grew a new assortment of fresh vegetables. The other grandparents were fast asleep for theirs naps. And she didn't see Charlie anywhere. He must be out at his new job of shining shoes.

Rose opened a cupboard where the wedding dress was being kept. She grabbed the dress and was about to walk out the door when she heard Charlie's voice.

"Rosie? What are you doing?" He asked. His eyes trailed over to the wedding dress in her arm. "You're getting married today?" Charlie sounded disappointed, but at the same time, he knew that this was her decision and he would support it.

"Yes, Charlie. In two hours to be exact" Rose confessed. "Believe me, I've really thought this through, and as much as I'm going to regret it, this is the best thing I can do right now"

Charlie nodded. "Is there anything that can be done to change your mind?"

"Unless Mr Wonka magically crashes the wedding to apologize, then no" Rose pulled Charlie into a hug and kissed him on the top of his head. "I love you, Charlie. You're the best little brother any girl could ever ask for"

"I love you too, Rosie" Charlie said. "You're an amazing sister"

And with that, Rose was out the door and on her way to the church. Where in a matter of two hours, a surprising twist of fate would be taking place.

******

Charlie settled himself in front of another client reading the newspaper. Charlie scrubbed the brush in the polish, and then got to work on the client's shoes.

"Pity about that chocolate fellow, Wendell, er, Walter" the client broke the silence. Charlie thought there was something very familiar about the man's voice.

"Willy Wonka" Charlie corrected.

"That's the one. Says here in the paper his new candies aren't selling very well. But I suppose he's just a rotten egg who deserves it"

"Yep"

"Oh, really? You ever met him, the chocolate maker?"

"I did. I thought he was great at first, but then he didn't turn out so nice" Then Charlie added. "He also has a funny haircut"

The man lowered the paper, revealing himself to be Willy Wonka. "I do not!"

"Why are you here?" Charlie asked him.

"I don't feel so hot" Willy explained. "What makes you feel better when you feel terrible?"

Charlie answered. "My family"

"Ew" Willy cringed, leaning back in his chair.

Charlie stood up. "What do you have against my family?"

"It's not just your family. It's the whole idea of..." Willy swallowed down the word 'family' like it was a lump in his throat. He continued. "You know, they're always telling you what to do, what not to do, and it's not conducive to a creative atmosphere"

"Usually they're just trying to protect you because they love you" Charlie explained. Willy made a disgusted face. "If you don't believe me, you should ask"

"Ask who?" Willy scoffed. "My father?" He let out a sarcastic laugh. "No way" Willy took a moment to think the idea over. "At least, not by myself"

"You want me to go with you?" Charlie suggested.

Willy smiled for the first time in two weeks. "Hey, what a good idea! Yeah!" Willy got out of the seat.

Charlie then suddenly remembered his sister. The wedding ceremony would be happening very shortly, and it needed to be stopped before she made the biggest mistake of her life. "But we need to stop somewhere first. We need to get Rose"

Willy's stomach fluttered at the mention of her name. Oh, how he's missed her. He would give anything to see her again and apologize to her. "Where is she?"

"At the church. She's about to get married"

Willy's smile dropped, as did his heart. "She's getting...?" He trailed off, not wanting to say the word. Only because he couldn't think of Rose marrying anyone but him.

"Yes, to a man that she doesn't even love. And I'm scared that if she marries him, he won't ever let us see her again" Charlie's voice shook with fear.

Willy couldn't let that happen. He saw how close Charlie and Rose were. She would be miserable if she was to never see her family again. He can't believe he made that mistake himself.

"Well then, we have no time to lose!" Willy said, walking towards the glass elevator. "And you know what? I've got trans—" Willy yet again walked into the elevator and fell to the ground. He quickly got up and collected himself. "I have to be more careful where I park this thing"

Willy and Charlie went into the elevator. Willy pressed a button and the elevator moved. First stop, the church to save Rose.

[letterboxd]

Watching John Malkovich.

To understand better why Letterboxd members set out on quests to watch specific actors’ entire filmographies, we invited Tim Rod to describe her dangerous and seductive journey through John Malkovich’s screen history.

For many film lovers, 2020 has been a year of catching up: on franchises, on directors’ filmographies, on historical gaps and top 100s. But for some Letterboxd members, the year indoors has been an opportunity to hyper-focus on a single actor and their work.

Jeremiah Lambert is on a Bacon Fest, Naked Airplane has embarked on a wild ride through the works of De Niro, Hackman, Hoffman, Nicholson and Pacino. Joey is preparing for next year’s centennial of The Kid by churning through Charlie Chaplin’s catalog (with David Robinson’s biography Chaplin: His Life and Art in hand). A quick Twitter survey found others churning through a performer selection as wide-ranging as Burt Lancaster, Parker Posey, Maggie Smith, Nicolas Cage, Cary Grant, Kevin Costner, Robin Williams, Adèle Haenel, Alan Arkin, Sam Rockwell and a Seth Rogen thirst project.

It can be a bumpy journey. In one performer’s oeuvre the quality will range widely, the genres too. But the rewards are many in a close study of craft, and there are revelations, whether it’s that Australia’s Miranda Otto deserves more recognition, or it’s “the total acceptance, lack of judgment, and vulnerability with which Alan Arkin has played so many of his flawed and wonderful characters”.

With Christian Bale in ‘Empire of the Sun’ (1987).

In 2020, no fewer than three movies and two television series starring John Malkovich have been released: Arkansas, Valley of the Gods and Ava, as well as The New Pope and Space Force. The legendary actor has kept himself busy, and I know this because I have seen most of his filmography—41 films and two series—in the span of a single month. I adore Malkovich, always have, and I came out of this experience with a deeper admiration for him, and with some thoughts about his unique, remarkable skills as an actor. (And, I had a really good time.)

Allow me to begin by saying that John Malkovich is the best part of every movie he is in. No matter the movie, Malkovich will always steal the spotlight, and he can turn a good movie into a masterpiece, or an average movie that wouldn’t catch anyone’s attention into one worth watching, if only to see him do his thing.

He’s starred in movies that are considered masterpieces by many: Being John Malkovich (1999), The Killing Fields (1984) and Empire of the Sun (1987). Movies that may be considered the opposite of masterpieces, like Supercon (2018), Eragon (2006) and the most recent Ava (2020), and he’s also starred in some gems that I knew nothing about but am glad to have discovered, such as The Convent (1995), Eleni (1985) and The Ogre (1996). Malkovich has brought to life iconic characters including Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Tom Ripley, Hercule Poirot (in BBC’s The ABC Murders), the artist Gustav Klimt, and several of David Lynch’s people, in the short film Psychogenic Fugue (2016).

As Mitch Leary in ‘In the Line of Fire’ (1993).

Malkovich has received two Academy Award nominations, for Places in the Heart (1984), in which he played Edna’s lodger, the solitary yet kind Mr. Will, and for In the Line of Fire (1993), where he played the complete opposite: the psychotic Mitch Leary, determined to kill the President of the United States. Though Malkovich is not a classic action-film actor, his work in that genre is driven by logic, intellect and emotion, and the delicacy that he employs to challenge concepts of masculinity and keep us guessing. His soft and collected voice threatening Clint Eastwood over the phone is scarier and more effective than a deeper one would have been.

That voice. Malkovich has admitted that he hates the sound of it, that he would always avoid listening to it, just like so many actors avoid watching their own films, but I’m bewitched by his voice and I could never get enough of it. It can be tender, sweet and calming, seductive when the role requires it, and terrifying. With that versatility, it’s not surprising that he has done some narrating work as well, for films including Paul Newman’s The Glass Menagerie (1987) and Alive (1993).

Malkovich is at his best when seduction and villainy combine, as they do in Dangerous Liaisons (1988). Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont has been performed by many actors over the years, but I find Malkovich’s take to be the most memorable and exquisite. He captures perfectly the depravity and evilness of Valmont, but also the nuances, his journey from womanizer to man genuinely in love and, ultimately, his tragic redemption. He even brings a comedic aspect to the character that adds more depth and dimension.

With Glenn Close in ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ (1988).

Valmont is an awful human being, a monster even, and yet, every time I watch this movie, I find myself fascinated by his mastery of the deception, his sensuality and complete control of the situation, until the situation is “beyond his control”. In her review of the film, Catherine Stebbins calls John Malkovich “a sexual force of nature”, and I completely agree. If you want to see more of Malkovich’s sensual side, other notable mentions include The Sheltering Sky (1990), The Object of Beauty (1991) and Beyond the Clouds (1995).

And then there’s Being John Malkovich (1999), in which ‘John Horatio Malkovich’ displays so many facets of his craft. The fictionalized Malkovich is possessed by different characters, one of them a woman. Catherine Keener’s character falls in love with a subtly different version of Malkovich, when he is a vessel for Lotte (Cameron Diaz). Even though Lotte doesn’t have full control of Malkovich, he uses his femininity to bring the character-inside-the-character to center stage, delivering a subtle-yet-perfect performance. Even when we don’t see Lotte, we know she’s there.

John Malkovich as John Horatio Malkovich possessed by Lotte, in ‘Being John Malkovich’ (1999).

Not many actors could pull this off as brilliantly as John Malkovich does. To be fair, not many actors have been given the chance that Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman gave Malkovich: a film with his own name in the title.

I’ve discussed some of the most well-known of Malkovich’s performances, but I’d like to mention an overlooked one that I found heartbreaking and noteworthy. I didn’t know of the existence of The Ogre (1996) until I took a closer look at Malkovich’s filmography. It’s not without its flaws, but I found myself absorbed in the fairy-tale story of Abel, a naïve French prisoner of war who is taken to Nazi Germany and used to recruit children for Hitler’s Youth. Once again, the actor’s duality is on display, as Evan writes in his Letterboxd review: “Malkovich is both queasy and endearing as the (ig)noble simp who just wants to save the babies.” The Ogre tells a tragic story, but thanks to Malkovich’s tenderness, we can’t help but have sympathy for his character. At times it reminded me of the innocence of Lennie in Of Mice and Men (1992), another of the actor’s more noteworthy performances.

One of Malkovich’s great contributions to cinema is elevating an average movie just by being in it. One such role is as English conman Alan Conway in the bizarre true story, Colour Me Kubrick (2005). Malkovich admitted in an interview that he thought his performance was good, and I agree. If there’s one reason to watch that film, it’s to see Malkovich playing an eccentric conman who poses as Stanley Kubrick, using different voices and accents. As TajLV writes, “if there were anything to commend this film other than Malkovich, I’d happily rate it higher”.

As Alan Conway in ‘Colour Me Kubrick’ (2005).

One fun fact: I sometimes forget John Malkovich is American. Maybe it’s because he has starred in many European productions—out of the 41 films I watched, 18 were European. Malkovich is of European descent, has lived in France for a decade and speaks fluent French, which allowed him to star as the mysterious Baron de Charlus in Time Regained (1999), with entirely French dialogue. He also delivers lines in French and Portuguese in A Talking Picture (2003) by Manoel de Oliveira.

You’ve probably heard Malkovich use words, expressions and even entire lines of French dialogue on more than one occasion. He does this often, which gives him a certain European vibe, consistent with his own character, mannerisms and dress sense—elements that he sometimes brings to his characters. Maybe that’s the reason he has played so many intellectuals and artists: professors, scientists, detectives, painters, writers, a scientist and a robot, and even the Pope… It seems there’s nothing John Malkovich can’t do, including directing.

To end my marathon, I watched his directorial debut, The Dancer Upstairs (2002), an assured movie adapted from a novel about the Maoist uprising in Peru in the 1980s, starring Javier Bardem. It was a nice surprise, and a strong start to what could have been a career as a film director, if not for the fact that he doesn’t have the patience to do it again. I recently read an interview where Edgar Wright revealed advice he always gives to directors, which is to make their second movie the one that will define them. I wonder if we will ever see John Malkovich’s second film, but for now, I hope he keeps gifting us with more unforgettable performances. At least we know that in the distant future, along with all the movies he has already appeared in, people will enjoy a never-seen-before performance when Robert Rodríguez’s short 100 years is released in 2115.

If there’s one thing I have learnt after watching most of his filmography, it’s that John Malkovich is one of the best and most versatile actors of our time, with the most unique voice I have heard in cinema, and with a rich filmography that encompasses every genre. And he’s not only a brilliant actor, but also someone I find personally fascinating. I truly find comfort in him. I hope we all get to enjoy his art for years to come, because his talent is limitless and I know he still has so much more to give. John Malkovich deserves all the praise for being a force of nature in the theater and film industry for over 40 years.

Tim is a Letterboxd member based in Spain, who has recently moved on from her John Malkovich marathon to a Sacha Baron Cohen quest.

[goatsandgangsters]

Connect (Con Man AU; Chapter 3)

Characters: Meyer Lansky, Charlie Luciano, Benny Siegel, Frank Costello Pairing: Meyer/Charlie Word Count: ~5,000

(also on ao3)

“How’s it looking?” Meyer’s voice—though he seldom raised it—echoed louder than usual as he entered the empty room. The ceiling wasn’t high, but the exposed concrete and beams made everything sound louder than it was, his footsteps sharp and distinct.

Benny sat perched on the windowsill before a wide expanse of tinted glass, the large Citgo sign behind him. He looked up from the wad of cash he was counting, a plastic spoon dangling from the corner of his mouth. “Not great,” he said around the spoon.

Meyer stopped in front of him and bristled. “Not great?”

Benny offered a toothy grin, plucking the spoon from his mouth. “The clam chowder, I mean. Not all it’s cracked up to be, you know.”

Meyer let out a sigh that was equal parts relief and frustration, rounding instead on Frank for a straight answer. “What about you?”

“I didn’t have any. Seafood doesn’t agree with me. Besides, my wife’s got me doing this cleanse, so I’m only supposed to eat—”

“Will somebody—” Meyer said sharply, “please tell me about the damn Red Sox.”

“Oh, yeah, them. Probably gonna win,” Benny shrugged. “Unless they all get sick from this clam chowder. Chowdah,” he amended, adopting a mocking accent as he tossed his half-full cup halfway across the room into an open box.

Meyer smiled wryly, clasping his hands together as he looked out the window. It was early afternoon, the sun still high in the sky, but he knew that soon those stadium lights would be burning hot and bright around the green edges of Fenway Park. “Well, don’t go slipping them any. We need them to win the World Series.”

Frank scooped Benny’s chowder cup out of the box and set it on the ground. “And don’t go messing up the merchandise, alright?”

“And this location. It’s secured?” Meyer asked as he cocked his head and peered down into the boxes. Frank was good with logistics—he knew people, knew which palms to grease, plus he had out-of-town connections in several major cities outside of New York. But, for as reliable as he knew Frank to be, Meyer knew it was better never to rely on anyone else.

“Secure and discrete, with a backdoor in case of emergency,” Frank confirmed.

From the windowsill, Benny laughed. “Sounds like a Craigslist ad.”

Neither Frank nor Meyer paid the comment any attention, as Frank continued rattling off a list of checks and information.

“Good. I want everything set up before Game 1,” Meyer said as he and Frank finished talking over the finer points.

“Where’re you goin’?” Benny asked, jumping down from his perch. The sound of his turquoise sneakers slapping the concrete floor reverberated around the room.

Frank handled moving the merchandise, buying, reselling, underselling, overselling. He took care of the practicalities of the operation with the same care that Meyer took in the planning. Meyer handled the numbers, the details, all the information they needed. They didn’t need to worry about encryption when they had the most secure data storage in the world—Meyer’s memory. Betting, selling, scamming. Credit cards. Even hacking when things got slow. Gambling was the big money-maker for sports, but any large event brought all kinds of other opportunities with it. It was all about volume. Keeping as many fingers in as many pies, but never an entire hand—so to speak. Enough to get by, to keep moving, to afford the next round of jobs, but not enough to be noticed. Not enough to raise suspicion.

“I need to crunch some numbers in peace. No distractions.” He pointed a finger at Benny as he turned back towards the door.

Benny fixed him with one of those looks that used to mean his mother was about to get a call home from the principal’s office. “When have I ever been distracting?”

Fortunately, it was a short trip back to the hotel—only a few stops by train. He had been advised by everyone to avoid driving in Boston at all costs, which was a shame. Meyer had so little opportunity to get behind the wheel back home that it was one of his favorite parts of out-of-town jobs. Certainly better than the little bars of soap he still felt wasteful leaving behind in hotels.

The hotel itself was an ornate building downtown. It was fancier than suited Meyer’s personal tastes, but this wasn’t about his preferences. Besides, he noted as he crossed the street from the train and walked across the brick plaza, the hotel was right next to the library. Not that he would have much time for reading during the World Series, but it was nice to have close by all the same. Maybe he could bring his notebook across the street for some quiet.

The doorman held the door as he entered; Meyer nodded and thanked him. It would always make him a bristle a little, being treated like some kind of big shot when he was more than capable of opening his own doors, thank you. His ego didn’t need someone to do it for him—but this was a “big shot” kind of job. The World Series was a big deal. He had a part to play.

He fished his key card from his wallet as he entered the lobby, but the woman behind the front desk waved him down. “Sir? Excuse me, sir? Your husband wanted me to let you know that he’s waiting for you in the hotel restaurant.”

“My… husband?” Meyer hesitated, keeping his face neutral.

“Yes, he said that his phone died and you’d already checked in, so he’d wait for you for dinner.”

Meyer managed a tight smile. “Thank you,” as he reversed direction from the elevators and through the doors into the plush, maroon-carpeted hotel restaurant. It was early enough in the day that there were not many people inside. A couple at the bar, one or two tables filled. At the far side, by the window, a familiar face sat with his knees up against the table, typing away on his “dead” phone.

So much for no distractions.

He walked over, pulled out a chair, and sat down. “When exactly did we get married?”

“You’re so bad at rememberin’ our anniversary,” Charlie teased, looking up at him with a smirk. He dropped his feet back to the floor, grinning, but Meyer was all business.

“How’d you find me?” he asked, giving Charlie a steady stare. Running into each other by chance in Manhattan was one thing. Charlie finding his hotel in Boston—when he had no reason to even know Meyer would be in another state and city altogether—was another matter. He needed to figure out which security breach he had to close.

“I’m lucky,” Charlie answered with a cheeky grin. Meyer raised an eyebrow; he caved. “Alright, fine. After you disappeared on me without givin’ your number, I asked around,” Charlie explained, shooting Meyer a fond-but-grudging look that almost made it seem like they actually were a couple. Meyer had to commend his commitment to a rouse.

“I figure, Meyer ain’t exactly a common name, but nobody’s got any idea who I’m talkin’ about. For bein’ the best in the biz, you’re either way under the radar or you got everybody too scared to talk. But finally, I find a guy who tells me you work big sporting events. I’m thinkin’, 2013 World Series got your name all over it.” Charlie paused and took a sip from his glass of water. “Besides, I ain’t ever been to Boston before. Never been outta the five boroughs, actually.”

He looked at Meyer expectantly, who nodded as he digested the information. Charlie was right about one thing—he did operate under the radar. It was safer that way. He had other people who could be the front, who could strike the deals, shake the hands, meet the contacts. Meyer organized it all. “So you’ve just been wandering the streets of a major metropolitan area in the hopes of running into me by chance? You do know how many people are coming in for the game, right?”

“That’s the thing, though!” Charlie said, emphatic and excited, sitting forward in his seat. “That’s how it happened.”

Meyer raised an eyebrow, opening his mouth to offer a retort, when the waiter appeared to refill their water and take their orders for drinks. Charlie—practiced and confident—ordered a cocktail involving peaches and vodka that made Meyer’s teeth ache just thinking about it. Meyer opted for pernod, while Charlie tacked on an order for pretzel bites and beer cheese with an award-winning smile.

Meyer took a sip of water and looked out the window at the people passing by in Copley Square. “Really? Pretzel bites?”

“If you don’t want any, more for me,” Charlie teased.

“I’m just surprised that a place like this even has pretzel bites.”

Charlie flipped open the black leather menu book. “What, so I should order some ‘olive oil poached octopus’ when he comes back?”

Meyer grimaced. “Pretzels will be just fine. But don’t think you’re getting out of this easily. I believe I’m still owed an explanation.”

Charlie leaned against the high-backed leather chair; he seemed to be enjoying this, retelling his detective work. At least it wasn’t hard to get him talking. Useful flaw. “Alright, so I get here, figure next step’s gotta be Fenway, maybe start askin’ around, see if anybody who’s in the business here knows anything about you.”

“Seems doubtful, considering you didn’t have much luck with that on our home turf.”

“Hey, I gotta plenty of luck, thanks. ‘Cause there I am, gettin’ a slice of pizza, courtesy of some guy’s wallet—and it ain’t New York pizza, I’ll tell you that much—”

Meyer smirked. “I don’t hear great things about the clam chowder, either.”

“That’s just it! There I am, eatin’ my shit pizza, and there’s these two guys. When’s Meyer meetin’ us, and suddenly I’m all ears.”

“I’m not the only person in the entire world named Meyer, you know.”

Charlie ignored this point and kept talking. “So the one guy—beanpole, can’t stand still—he’s all, how come Meyer gets that swanky Copley hotel and we’re in a Best Western. And the other guy—looks like an Eddie Bauer catalog—he’s sayin’, well you know Meyer, all cautious, wants to stay separate. So now I’m here and I was right.”

Charlie grinned in satisfaction, evidently quite pleased with himself and his work, even though it was nothing but stupid dumb luck and stupid dumb Benny and Frank. Meyer clenched his teeth; he’d be having a word with them about being so cavalier with their details in public, where anyone could overhear.

“Well,” Meyer said, brushing a few lingering crumbs from earlier patrons off the table and into the palm of his hand, “I’ve never had a stalker before. Is that standard in your repertoire, or are you branching out?”

Charlie scoffed, indignant. “I’m not a stalker!”

“What do you call following me all the way to Boston?”

“Skill.”

Meyer snorted, which seemed to get under Charlie’s skin.

“Come on, admit it. You’re impressed!”

He wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction so easily. “Maybe I’m just creeped out.” It was unbelievable, after all, that he could come all the way to Boston and Charlie could still track him down in one afternoon all because of some goddamn clam chowder. And more than a little worrying. If Charlie could do it, who else?

“Listen,” Charlie said, sitting forward and drumming his fingers against the menu. He spoke quickly in a lowered voice, a look in his eyes as he met Meyer’s. “If I’m honest, I didn’t think it’d work, but then I found you and—and it’s like what you said. Things connect. Like us.”

Meyer sat back. “You’re twisting my words. That’s about strategy, you’re talking… fate.”

Charlie cocked his head. “You sayin’ you don’t believe in it?”

Meyer scoffed. “No, of course not. Do you? Fate is nothing more than what you make of it.”

“And I made it here.”

They fell into silence as the waiter set their drinks down on the table. The moment he was out of earshot, Charlie raised his glass with a winning smile. “So what do you say?”

“About fate?”

“About me. Whatever you got goin’ on, I want in.”

Meyer paused, tracing a finger along the outside of his glass. “I’m not sure it will work.” Rather than look at Charlie’s face—like someone had killed his puppy—Meyer riffled through his bag instead. “If you come onboard… Something tells me you’re a Yankees guy, but we need someone to be the idiot fan,” he said as he pulled out a Red Sox cap.

Charlie’s face split into a grin as he reached for the hat. “Anything for you, honey.”

Despite himself, Meyer laughed and clinked their glasses together.

*****

They didn’t order the Prime New York Strip, despite Charlie’s insistence that they have a full dinner instead of drinks and appetizers. Really, he just wanted to order the most expensive thing on the menu.

But, Meyer had said, there were better cuts.

Charlie couldn’t tell if he was being a snob or offering to buy him a nicer steak dinner later. Either way, he planned on sticking around to find out.

A short while—and several people’s wallets—later, Meyer was leading him into a building across from Fenway Park. The wallets weren’t part of the plan, per se, but Charlie wasn’t about to cram his ass onto an overcrowded, stopping-and-starting, screechy excuse for a subway without making it worth his while. Meyer noticed, of course, and said nothing; he only smirked. And maybe Charlie liked showing off a little, liked the way Meyer kept his lips in a stern little line, but his eyes crinkled in the corner as Charlie lifted a pair of designer sunglasses from a stuffy business type with a bit of bravado.

He liked the way Meyer moved through the crowds like no one could touch him, as though the sweaty ambling bodies around them were water he could part effortlessly with the angle of his shoulder. He didn’t walk into the building like he owned it—none of that swagger or arrogance. But no one was going to stop him. He looked like a Boy Scout who got a law degree in-between volunteering at the orphaned puppy shelter and helping little old ladies cross the street. But Charlie also saw that look in his eyes, the calculations, the assessment, the darting glances taking in all the details, underneath the unassuming veneer. The ultimate con man.

And here Charlie always thought he was a pro because if he smiled nice enough, no one noticed what his hands were doing. It worked, sure. But Meyer was next level.

If there was one thing Charlie learned in this business, it was to move when you saw an opening. And this was a chance he wasn’t about to let slip away.

“I still think you oughta put that table on the far wall—” Eddie Bauer Catalog was saying to ADHD Beanpole.

“Why, in case Batman repels in and steals our shit?”

“No, it just doesn’t feel right. Y’know, the feng shui.”

“Jesus, Frank, we’re only gonna be here until the end of the World Series—whoa, who’s the homeless guy?” Beanpole said as he noticed them approaching.

“I been on a bus all day!” Charlie snapped back. He wasn’t about to surreptitiously smell his armpit in front of people he didn’t know, but was he that much of a mess? Beanpole and Eddie Bauer were looking at him with uncertainty, wary in a way that had nothing to do with what he looked like.

“This is Charlie,” Meyer said, matter-of-fact. “He’ll be working with us.”

They exchanged another glance.

“Who the fuck is he?” Beanpole looked Charlie up and down; he didn’t seem impressed.

The other cut in for him. “What Benny means to say is, we didn’t think that bringing anyone else in—especially day of—was part of the plan.”

“It wasn’t,” Meyer said, a small smile on his face that didn’t reach his eyes as he clasped his hands behind his back. “But he stalked me to my hotel all the way from New York because a certain set of people—and I’m not naming names—decided to announce my whereabouts in a public place.”

“I didn’t stalk—we worked together before. Once,” Charlie explained in a hurried grumble. Okay, so maybe he did stalk Meyer. A little bit. But that’s how it was in their world.

The Beanpole—Benny—scoffed. Like Charlie wasn’t even there, he turned to Meyer and said, with disdain, “Since when do you work with anyone else?” The besides us didn’t need to be said.

This was a dumb idea. This was stupid. He shouldn’t have come all the way to Boston on a fucking hunch. He’d been beyond lucky even crossing paths with Meyer again, but he didn’t picture Meyer having a little gang like this. Which was stupid, he should have figured. After all, Meyer wasn’t gonna be a big player all on his own. But somehow, he figured he was like Charlie. Maybe a shitty subpar partner here and there, the Toninos of the world, but at the end of the day, all on his own.

“Fine,” he snapped. “Looks like you got it all covered.” He turned to go, but Meyer grabbed his arm.

“He’s good,” Meyer said with such finality that even Charlie believed he meant it. He fixed the other two with a firm stare. “Any other questions?”

He was a head taller than both of them, but it was clear that when Meyer said something, they listened. The one who couldn’t stand still didn’t look happy about it, but he also wasn’t going to argue. The other one was still looking at Charlie kind of funny, and Charlie prepared to square up, when he said—“Oh! You’re that Lucania kid!”

Charlie did a double take. “How the fuck d’you know that?”

He swore he’d never seen this guy in his life, but he just laughed warmly and shook his head. It reminded him of a grandparent with little kids, like he was about to start saying shit like yea high. “Yeah, knew you looked familiar. Got my start runnin’ errands for those old country types in the neighborhood, worked the corner store on East 11th. You were always givin’ your mother agida.”

All Charlie could do was stare at him and then laugh. “Just what everybody in this business wants, huh? Doin’ a job with somebody who knows your mother.”

The other guy waved a hand at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell her.” He paused. “For her sake, of course. Not yours. Don’t want to put her through the stress.” He extended his hand to Charlie, with a shake that seemed to belong more in the halls of Congress. “Frank Costello.”

“Oh yeah. Rings a bell.” He couldn’t have told you anything more about him, but it was a name Charlie remembered hearing around the neighborhood. Everybody liked Frank, he knew that. He solved problems. You just weren’t supposed to ask how.

In an undertone, he nudged Meyer in the side with his elbow. “Guess you was right about one thing, huh?” He flashed a grin and pointed his two index fingers together. “About it all connectin’.”

Meyer returned the look with a wry grin. “I think I was right about more than just that.”

Benny misinterpreted the gesture. “Oh eugh. Look, I’m happy you finally got laid, Meyer, but this guy?”

“What’s your problem?” Charlie snapped back with an entirely different finger gesture. Even in his annoyance, however, the word “finally��� lodged itself into his brain. From what he remembered—and Charlie did remember—Meyer wasn’t such a bad kisser for a guy who apparently wasn’t getting laid.

“Don’t take it personally, Benny’s goal in life is to get under people’s skin,” Meyer explained in a tone of voice that suggested he was used to explaining away the other’s behavior. Then, with a sharp point at Benny, said emphatically, “And no, we are not—It’s just business.”

Benny snorted. “Always is, with you.”

That was all it took. Before Charlie knew, Meyer was running through their jobs with the precision of a wartime general. Frank moved the merchandise—and no, Charlie, it wasn’t petty theft; it was more what you might term a grey market. They handled sports betting of all types, card games, credit card skimming, and some more complicated jobs that Charlie didn’t fully follow as Meyer spoke with meticulous quickness.

“And if he doesn’t keep me busy enough,” Benny interrupted as Meyer wrapped up the basic overview, “I get bored and jack a car.”

Charlie hadn’t known him long, but he already knew that wasn’t a joke.

“For the record, I hate it when he does that,” Frank said with a sigh.

Benny smirked. “Yeah but Meyer loves a good chop shop more than anyone I know.”

That Charlie didn’t believe, but the small fond smile on Meyer’s face said otherwise. He didn’t argue, instead saying, “Just as long as you’re careful about it.”

“Is there anything you guys don’t do?”

Silence filled the office space. Finally, Frank said with a considering expression, “Not murder. Usually.”

Charlie squinted. He didn’t have a good read on Mr. Eddie-Bauer-for-Senate yet. “Is he kidding?” he asked Meyer.

Meyer didn’t answer, too busy staring out the tinted windows at the glowing lights and milling crowds in baseball caps below. “C’mon. Let’s get out of Frank’s hair before the local hires show up.”

*****

By the time they left the game after the sixth inning—Meyer had work to do before the game actually ended—the sun had long since set and a chill hung in the breeze outside of the bright stadium lights. Benny and Frank split off for their hotel in the neighborhood—Benny protesting all the while that Meyer got the nice hotel for this gig. But neither of the other two paid him much mind, so Charlie figured the kid was just like that. Besides, Meyer had to fit the important businessman role for this. And he did.

“You clean up pretty nice, by the way,” Charlie said, motioning to Meyer’s clothes—slacks and a button down.

“Thank you. You look like shit.” Meyer flipped through his phone while Charlie’s face fell into a scowl.

“Alright, look, I spent six and a half hours on a Megabus, alright? Cut me some slack. You wouldn’t believe the traffic.” He crossed his arms and leaned back against some restaurant, huffing. He could clean up nice, too. Maybe not nice-nice, like a real somebody, the way Meyer looked, but he had his own kind of nice. He wouldn’t be able to do the kinds of cons he did otherwise.

The smirk at the corner of Meyer’s lips was the only sign he noticed Charlie’s pouting. “Well, you should get some rest then. Where are you staying?”

Charlie hesitated. “See, that’s the thing…”

Now Meyer looked up from his phone. They looked at each other—Charlie pulling on that puppy-dog charm, while Meyer raised an eyebrow and sighed. “Come on,” he said. He didn’t sound enthusiastic about it, but at least it was an agreement.

Charlie didn’t steal anything on the short ride back to the hotel, but he did slip his hand through the crook of Meyer’s arm as they walked into the lobby. He flashed a winning smile to the woman at the front desk, who returned a polite wave and reiterated the company line to enjoy his stay. Meyer tapped his keycard inside the elevator as the doors slid closed and hit the button for 12.

“Only 12?” Charlie chided. “You didn’t spring for the penthouse for our anniversary?”

“I’m saving it for the Golden Anniversary,” Meyer replied evenly.

“Well we ain’t gonna make it that long if you don’t spoil me every now and then.” He flashed a winning smile, but Meyer looked away. The tips of his ears were pink. Huh. So he could get flustered.

Charlie grinned to himself about that as Meyer swiped open the door. He dropped his backpack—crammed with his own belongings and those of a half-dozen people who had the misfortune of taking the same train as him—onto the carpet.

“Not a bad room after all,” he said, taking it all in. More of a business suite. The walls were crisp hotel white, the leather desk chair stiff and uninviting, the modern furniture chic but obviously un-lived in. “But I gotta warn you,” Charlie grinned as his eyes fell on the king-size bed against the wall, “I’m a bit of a blanket hog.”

Meyer looked startled, but regained composure quickly. He grabbed a notebook from his luggage and settled into the uncomfortable leather chair. “I don’t plan on sleeping much, so feel free,” he said, non-committal and not looking at him.

Okay. That worked, too.

“I’m gonna shower,” he announced, a little awkward, because standing in the middle of the room and not knowing what to do with himself was getting to him. And because Benny wouldn’t stop calling him a hobo all afternoon, so maybe he did need a wash.

When did he get bad at this? Had he always been bad at this? He made a living off a combination of petty theft and seduction cons—he knew he wasn’t bad at this. Meyer was just different from everyone else. Not that he was trying get anything from Meyer the way he did marks. Sure, he wanted someone to show him the ropes, pull him into something bigger, so he wouldn’t have to operate on his own anymore. But that wasn’t a con. That was just how people worked—everybody always wanted something, otherwise why bother? But what Meyer wanted remained a mystery.

By the time he scrubbed his curls with the little bottle of free hotel shampoo and washed (and rewashed) every part of him with the unscented soap, Meyer still had not moved. Steam billowed out of the bathroom door after him as Charlie emerged from the bathroom, damp, in only a pair of fresh boxer-briefs. He padded barefoot across the carpet, rubbing the towel over his hair and tossing it aside.

As he knelt by his backpack to find a shirt, he noticed Meyer looking at him, then quickly glanced back down at his notebook. Charlie smirked. “Y’know,” he said, a little too loud, just to make Meyer look at him again. “We seem to go back to each other’s hotel rooms a lot,” he said, with slow and easy grin.

“Mm. Twice,” Meyer agreed, maybe sarcastically.

He meant the comment to be flirty, but Charlie couldn’t help glance over his shoulder at the door. “Benny’s not gonna bust in and hold a gun to my head, is he?”

Meyer laughed. “Oh, he might. That’s not the plan or anything, you just never know.”

“Great. That makes me feel better.”

He pulled a shirt from his bag, but slung it over his shoulder instead of putting it on. He sauntered over to Meyer, perching on the arm of the chair. “Y’know, if you’re gonna game the whole World Series, you might wanna get some sleep.”

“Do you mind not dripping on me while I’m working?” Meyer asked with a smirk, not looking up.

Charlie swung his shirt into Meyer’s face, and they both laughed.

Meyer worked all through the evening while Charlie sat up in bed, scrolling his phone and watching the TV with the sound turned low—even though Meyer insisted it wouldn’t distract him, after his years of practice tuning Benny out. He ordered room service for dinner and insisted Meyer eat something, even though he said he wasn’t hungry. As the hubbub of honking cars from the street below finally faded into a sleepy 2 AM haze, Charlie switched off the TV.

“Will the light bother you?” Meyer asked, speaking for the first time in hours as Charlie slipped into bed and pulled the comforter up around himself.

“Nah. Got used to sharin’ a room, growin’ up,” he said back, barely stifling a yawn. The whole bus trip up to Boston had really taken it out of him.

It didn’t take long until the room slipped away, sleep starting to pull him under. But even through the haze settling around his mind, he heard the click of the light and the tread of careful feet. He dipped back into a doze to the ambient sounds of the water running in the bathroom.

The bed creaked beside him as Meyer carefully arranged himself on the other side, a wide gap between them. Charlie flipped over to face him. He blinked his heavy eyes in the darkness. “Does this mean you trust me?” he asked, voice groggy already, as they lay on opposite sides of the king-size bed.

There was a long pause. He could feel Meyer’s slow and steady breathing through the mattress in the darkness. “No,” he answered quietly. “I don’t even trust Frank and Benny.”

[wistfulchicken]

PART TWO : THE RECOVERY ROOM

Word Count: 1,160 | Rating: G 

Summary: Wonka steps out of the elevator and unlocks the door. “Welcome to the factory,” he says, flashing an enigmatic smile.

Now that Shams is safe and sound inside the factory, he starts to realize just how strange and wonderful his day promises to be.

Read part one here.

(complete chapter under the cut)

⭒✦⭒✧⭒✦⭒✧⭒✦⭒✧⭒✦⭒✧

Shams takes a careful step out of the great glass elevator. His footsteps echo in the tunnel. Wonka holds the red door open for him as he enters the room, followed closely by the little boy. If there is any panic left in him, it all melts away at the sight he finds awaiting him behind that little door.

The floor is carpeted with colors; red and gold and deep purple, all swirling across the room in curved stripes. The walls are painted a pleasant cream color, with a single line of pink dots running along the bottom. The room itself is oddly shaped; it’s neither a rectangle nor a circle, but it’s full of twisted nooks and rounded corners, brightly lit by oversized light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. The furniture designs are just as peculiar as the rest of the place. There’s an intense blue double armchair with cup-holders sticking out the sides. The coat rack looks like chocolate melting off the wall. There’s a large orange couch facing a flat screen TV, and several yellow bean bags around it.

But weirdest of all is the big buzzing machine in the center of the room. It has several levers; all of them topped with tiny red balls. On its side, written in bold letters, are the words: HOCO-CHOCO MACHINE. Its droning is oddly calming.

Wonka shrugs off his coat and lets it fall to the floor. He doesn’t bother picking it up, and instead walks straight to the Hoco-Choco Machine. The little boy hangs his coat and scarf on the rack and turns to Shams with a friendly smile. “May I take your coat?”

“Thank you,” Shams nods.

The boy hangs the coat next to his own then gestures towards the big orange couch. “Make yourself comfortable,” he adds, sounding a lot more mature than his age would suggest. “I’m Charlie, by the way.”

“My name is Shams.”

“Would you like a blanket, Shams?”

“I’m fine, thanks. It’s warm in here.”

“It’s always the perfect temperature. This is the Recovery Room.”

Shams leans back on the couch, sinking into the plush mattress. It’s so comfortable he could cry. That’s when he notices the window on the wall opposite him. The sky beyond it is a pearlescent white. It’s peaceful in a way that makes Shams sigh with contentment; he hasn’t felt this serene in a very long time. And although his body is still a little shaken, his mind feels tranquil, at ease. The calm after the storm is so often overlooked, but Shams always tries to bask in it as long as he can.

Distracted, he doesn’t notice Charlie heading towards the Hoco-Choco Machine until he hears muttering coming from the center of the room. He turns to see Wonka and Charlie conferring in animated whispers and frantically pulling the levers on either side of the machine. The sight would’ve been comical, had Shams’ curiosity allowed him to feel anything but wonder.

He is inside the chocolate factory. Now that his panic has disappeared completely, he realizes the magnitude of the situation. No one has ever been inside the factory, except for those five children and their parents a few months ago. The boy Charlie must be the winner, then—Wonka’s heir. And now Shams is here, and he’s not quite sure how or why he’s been granted such a privilege. He’s too tired and too comfortable to actually worry about anything right now, so he simply watches as Wonka and Charlie walk back towards him with three fuming purple mugs.

“We’ve improvised a new drink for you,” Charlie says proudly, handing Shams a mug.

“Thank you,” Shams replies, taking it. The drink looks like hot chocolate, with four lavender marshmallows floating about in the mug, except… “It’s got ice cubes in it?”

“Those are hot ice cubes,” Wonka explains, eyes gleaming, “for putting in hot drinks. Extremely useful in the winter.”

Shams touches the tip of his finger to one of the ice cubes, making it clink against the mug. As absurd as it seems, it is hot!

“Incredible,” Shams mutters, eyebrows raised in surprise.

Charlie sits in one of the bean bags, sipping his own drink. Wonka discards his mug on a small glass table next to the couch and remains standing, leaning on his walking stick. “Well don’t just look at it,” he nods at Shams, “go ahead, take a sip!”

It’s a little intimidating to try a new drink when its creator is staring at you, but Shams brings the mug to his lips nonetheless. He doesn’t expect anything less than perfection: this is Willy Wonka after all, the chocolate magician—a proper artist, a genius—and Shams has been an admirer of his candy bars for as long as he can remember. But still, despite all this, that first sip of hot chocolate exceeds his wildest expectations.

An explosion of taste and texture; creamy and soft, sweet and slightly spicy, rich with flavour, it’s heaven, heaven in a mug, and the second sip brings something new—caramel?—and then there’s a subtle white chocolate aftertaste; absolutely divine…

“I’m… this is—it’s just… wow,” Shams stammers, lost for words.

Wonka chuckles, evidently pleased with his guest’s wordlessness. Charlie smiles into his mug. They’re feeling a little smug, Shams can tell, but he allows it without a comment; after making a drink this good, they deserve to feel as smug as they want. He all but downs his hot chocolate in a few seconds, then fishes a marshmallow out of the bottom of the mug, popping it into his mouth with a happy sigh.

Chewing on his marshmallow—it tastes like violets!—he realizes he hasn’t thanked his hosts for getting him out of the cold. Considering the state they found him in, he isn’t sure he would’ve made it home safely.

“Um, thank you so much for your hospitality,” he says a little awkwardly, placing his mug on the glass table and looking between Wonka and Charlie. “I wouldn’t have made it out there alone. I owe you one.”

“It’s nothing,” Charlie answers. He speaks with composure far beyond his years, but with the kind of honestly and simplicity that only children can understand. “We know what it’s like.”

And those words, we know what it’s like, are enough to make Shams feel safe and seen. He smiles at Charlie, trying to convey all his gratitude. Then he looks up at Wonka, only to find the chocolatier staring into the distance, purple eyes lost somewhere far, far away. He snaps out of it a second too late, and tries to make up for the momentary lapse with a light-hearted grin.

“Okey dokey,” he says cheerfully. “If you’re done with your cocoa, let’s get on with the tour.”

“The tour?” Shams asks.

“Of the factory,” Wonka’s grin grows wider. “We mustn’t dilly or dally; there's even less time to lose than there was before!”

[aspoonofsugar]

I want to hear from my tumblr lit community (which is why you’ll see this asks on other blogs): What are/were your favorite children’s books?

Hello anon!

Thank you for the ask!

I loved specific authors when I was little, so my list will be a list of writers rather than books and in each author’s section I will talk about one or two books I have especially enjoyed by them!

Roald Dahl: I loved his books and recently I have also enjoyed some of his short-stories for adults. I especially liked Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Witches. By rereading it when I was older, I have also appreciated more Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, but when I was a child I strongly preferred the first book. I remember reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and staring at the page where many rooms the characters do not enter in are mentioned. I tried imagining what they were like and I had a lot of fun with it. I remember reading Witches with some friends during my first sleepover. That...was not a wise choice cause in the end we did not sleep out of fear :’‘‘). I love the book though and I think its bittersweet ending made me very emotional.

Bianca Pitzorno: She is together with Dahl my favourite children book author. My favourite books by her are Listen to My Heart, The Secret Voice and Tornatras. Listen to My Heart talks about the school year of three friends who have to fight against a classist and racist teacher. It is set in the year 1949-1950 and it is funny and sweet and it is made even funnier by it being full of one of the gils’ short stories which are hilarious. The Secret Voice talks about children having a special ability which lets them communicate with objects and animals. However, they are bound to lose it together with their memories of it when they grow older. The story is about a child scared of losing her “secret voice”. Finally Tornatras is the story of a family living in a multi-ethnic building having to fight against a group which wants to buy it in order to make the whole city center populated by white families. It is also a story of the origin since the MC comes to discover a lot of secrets about her family. Anyway, I love Bianca Pitzorno’s books in general and she also wrote some for an older public among which a partial rewriting of Jane Eyre.

Domenica Luciani: She is another author I love and her books are honestly hilarious. Her story are about teenagers in weird familial situations and they are just very very fun. Some of my favourite are one about a tomboy girl having to protect her former best friend who wants to grow too fast from the dangers of drugs, alcohol and perverts. The MC is awesome and her becoming her friend’s shadow is hilarious because of the tricks she comes up with to protect her. Another one I love is about a boy passionate about comedy who dies and has to help his parents to get back together in order to reach heaven. Finally there is the story of a girl who receives a magical piercing which lets her see weird creatures and she decides to use her new-found powers to help the guy she is in love with to find a lost treasure.

Jacqueline Wilson: Her story often deal with kids in complicated familiar situation and some important themes are touched in her books, but in a way that it doesn’t feel heavy nor unreadable. My favourite by her are probably The Illustrated Mom, Midnight and Vicky Angel.

Finally, before I knew how to read my parents would read to me some books. I remember The Baron in the Trees and The Cloven Viscount both by Italo Calvino. They are metaphorical fable which can be appreciated also by adults. The first one is about a boy who after a fight with his father chooses to live on the trees without touching the ground ever again. The book is about is life. The second one is about a Viscount who is divided into two halves in a war and comes back as two different people. One if evil, while the other is good, but they are both impossible to deal with. Another book I was read is Gianburrasca’s Journal which is the story of a mischievous child even if many times he does not really want to be mischievous and he ends up in trouble just because he follows the adults’ rules even when they do not (like “being honest”).

Ah of course I have also enjoyed all the Harry Potter books which kind of grew up with me. When I was older I have also read The Little Prince, but I do not really consider it a children book for me because my experience of it is as an adult.

Thank you for the ask!

[chaospenelope]

The Unbeaten Path

The Flowers that Grow in Darkness

Freddy took a deep breath and took off his hat to unsuccessfully slick back his fur. It seemed like every day there was a new feud that needed mediation. It didn't help that Chica's first solution to most problems was to throw someone at it.

He glanced back at Faye, who was dangling helplessly as Chica and Penny untangled his lower half. A dazed Jovi was propped against the far wall getting looked over by Billy and Philip had his arms crossed in the corner, still holding back a snicker.

He put his hat on and started to head for the elevator. The animatronic just felt really drained at the moment. He needed to get away. He paused as he reached the gallery exit. He heard a strange noise on the other side of the vent. He got on his hands and knees in an attempt to hear better.

'Is that a mouse?' It seemed to be an echo of something chewing. Unfortunately even with his optic lights he could not see the source. He moved to push himself in the opening only to remember his shoulders were too wide as they clanged against the metal. Standing up he figured getting into the control room might give him a better view. Since a lot of the floor had been opened to allow excess to all animatronics this was a bit simpler than it used to be, since the vent that connected the elevator to the control room was gutted. It was now a steep ramp leading to a makeshift door.

The sound was much louder now, the vermin was most certainly in this room. Hopefully could catch the critter before Philip sees it, kills it, Chelsea sees that, gets upset and- well, there's just so many ways it could go bad. He really didn't want to deal with that. He was careful not to make a sound as he opened the door. However, he was caught off guard by what was actually chewing.

Sitting on a table curled up and facing the wall was the original Foxy the Pirate Fox. The animatronic was hard at work and had not noticed the tall shadow that loomed over him.

"Kit? What are you doing?" He drew closer to see what his 'closest friend' was nibbling on.

The fox's ears perked up as he heard his voice. His tail even wagged as he turned to look at him. His gold tooth glinting in the light as he smiled. Freddy would have smiled back if he hadn't noticed the half bitten piece of rope tied around his wrist and a pipe connected to the wall.

"Who tied you to the wall?" He asked, concerned and restraining his anger.

"Hmmm" Kit stopped to think for a moment. "That, that wee Bonnie with the needle fingers." He wiggled his fingers as he said that.

"Plushy tied you up? Why?" He moved to free him, but Kit had already managed to break from it.

"Aye, that be the one!" He stood up and rubbed his wrist a bit. "They didn't want me ta go out alone I think. I almost got away but by Poseidon's beard are they a fast one! I've been bested, I have ta turn in me running shoes." He chuckled to himself.

Freddy showed a brief hint of amusement, but it was over shadowed by his serious grumble. "I'll have to talk with them later."

"So," He looked around to make sure no one else was listening. "Have ye thought about...The day?"

"Yeah, I haven't actually...Sorry." He looked down, dejected.

"Ey..." Kit tilted his head as he got a look at his bear's face. "Ya feelin' alright mate?" He put his good, non hook hand on his cheek. "If ye don't want to talk about it-"

"Oh, I'm fine." He rested his face against the metal palm. He gave him a reassuring smile but the fox's sharp eyes could see he was tired.

"Aye...Then, maybe ya wouldn't mind takin a walk with me?" His sad, puppy eyes were not something he could ever say no to.

"Yeah, I'd like that."

There was a loud crash coming from the breaker room. "What the D-"

"That's just Faye again. C'mon."

The elevator was currently out of order, again. A common occurrence at the moment. They'd have to take the ladder up. Freddy out of thoughtless instinct wrapped his arm around the slightly smaller animatronic and started to climb up.

"Ah," Kit didn't mind being carried of course. He did wonder, however, why exactly Freddy did this. Was he possibly reading his mind? He never actually told him he enjoyed it. Maybe he was just worried he'd get his hook caught? His tongue stuck out as he watched the busted elevator get further and further away, his tail and other limbs dangling high above it.

The wall slid open as they approached the motion sensor. He gently placed him on the old faded carpet. Parts of the floor shined like it was on fire as the last rays of the day died behind the wall of trees. Most of the house was quiet, everyone was underground except them and one other.

In the living room sat a possessed mess of stitches, the rabbit Plushtrap was humming as they sewed something. As soon as they noticed the two they jumped on their project, covering up what they could with a nearby blanket and their own body. "What are you doing up here!? What did you eat through like a rat?"

"Aye, I did!" He stated proudly.

"Plushy, you can't force Kit or anyone else to stay down there just because you didn't want him going outside. I know you mean well but it's ultimately his choice. You don't have to keep fixing him if it bothers you so much."

"Well, yeah, I guess I understand....But, That's not really why...I really didn't want him to ruin his surprise. I couldn't let him go up in the house til I was done." They said, still sprawled over the pile.

"Surprise? Be it Treasure?" The Pirate's tail lightly thudded against the ground. "Can I see it?"

"No! Not until it's done!" They bit at his hand as he started to reach for the heap of cloth.

"The next time you tell me and I'll help you."

Their eyes shifted suspiciously. "...I was gonna, but you were busy so I took care of it myself...Though I guess it didn't work out as well as I'd hoped, so you can help now and get him out of here until sunrise."

Freddy sighed. His voice stern. "Well, Since Kit isn't hurt we'll just forget it happened, but don't do it again. I don't care if you're throwing a surprise party you don't tie people up or put them in a dungeon."

"What about a broom closet?"

"Plushy!"

"Okay, okay fine! Now will you please get him out of here?"

"Aye, Let's!" He pulled himself on Freddy's shoulders, showing his fanged smile again. The bear smiled back this time. Then he let go and ran out the door. "Adventure awaits!"

"I thought we were just going on a walk." He said to himself and followed.

The ground sunk slightly under their weight. Air was crisp and a little quiet. Unseen critters scurried around them as they walked into the growing darkness.

"It's strange," Freddy paused as he looked at the natural leafy canopy above. "After all these years and attempts to escape. We just walked out here without a second thought. Just, left through the front door."

Kit nodded. He stopped so he could stay next to him, holding onto the other's paw. "There were many a days spent tryin to see the outside of the old place...You, remember the time Bonnie and I tried to pick the lock on the door?"

"Yeah, more specifically the part where Chica wanted to throw an arcade cabinet through the glass, while you two were still standing there."

"Well can't blame her enthusiasm. We'd been promised so many times."

"Yeah...Henry never was good at keeping promises." He muttered. "Not for our sake."

"Charlie was. She always came after school ta say hi, even after her friends took up most of her time." They started walking again, Kit looking in every direction noise seemed to permeate from.

Freddy resisted the urge to scoff. They didn't deserve the term 'friends' not after what they helped accomplish. "Charlie was such a great sister. She taught us how to draw, gave us the prizes she won to keep it safe for her, and sang with us."

The pirate chuckled. "Aye, At first ye started storin them in yer torso and the sticky hand clogged yer innards. It took hours to get out. We thought you were a goner. If we could cry back them we would've."

"Yeah, poor Charlie took the blame...You guys really thought a sticky splat hand was going to kill me?"

"It was the first time any of us broke down." He explained with a shrug. "It was worse because it was you. Being you were the voice of reason. Remember how much of a mess we were then?"

"It's hard to believe were the same people but I do. We used to talk about what we'd do when the restaurant was closed. We were going to get jobs and get an apartment until we had enough money to travel the world." He gave a wanting sigh, kicking at the weed that grew in the middle of the path defiantly. "I knew we couldn't do that as we are even back then but I had this secret fantasy that Henry would make us human bodies."

"Hmmm. What did ye think we'd look like?" The fox rested his hook on his chin as he thought ears twitching. "Ye think I'd be a handsome human? Fast with strong muscles and a skull Tatoo on me back."

"To me you would be handsome." He smirked. He closed his eyes as his fox poked his nose emitting the small squeak.

"You'd say that even if I was a scrawny land lubber weenie, wouldn't ye?"

"Mmm. Yes, cuz no matter how much spinach you eat you're still my Kitty."

He huffed in faux annoyance. "Yea, and you'll be me Snuggly Care Bear."

The larger animatronic nodded, feeling a little jolt of electricity as he heard that old pet name. It's been so many years since he called him that. Of course they were out of commission for a good half of those years but he felt it in his phantom heart, his wired vessels, his steel bones. Hearing it seemed to erase those eroding years.

As they continued walking the fox finally noticed something odd to him. He had been looking around trying to figure out what it was and it suddenly hit him. "Wonder what happened to the flowers?" Kit asked as he eyed a once flourishing wild flower patch. "I swear on me Mum there were millions around here."

"It is getting cooler. Maybe they wilted last night?" The brown robot smirked. "Wait, 'Mum'? Kitty is your Captain Morgan returning to us?"

"Errr, No. It slips in sometimes...Not me fault." He pretended to pout until his boyfriend gave him a playful smooch.

"I know, It's the old program still trying to kick in." He then patted him gently. "We really need Lolbit to check that out Kitty."

"I'm fine really, it isn't affectin me movements like it used to." He stopped and let go of his paw. "They did a great a job ye see?" He ran in place for a bit and stood perfectly still. "No twitchin or lockin up!"

His spectator leaned against the tree with crossed arms. "It doesn't mean it won't return. It's basically a virus, remember?"

"Freddy. I'm fine." He insisted sternly. "I'd know."

The bear didn't say anything. He sighed and shook his head.

"I, know yer worried about me, but ya don't have to! I'm not some scared urchin quaken in me boots anymore." He walked up to his boyfriend and put his arms around him.

"I just don't want to lose you again Kit..." He said softly. Voice strained with the memory of his loved one's broken, torn parts twitching and convulsing. Jaws snapping and hook swinging uncontrollably. He could still hear the screeching. Not being able to take his eyes off him, stopping mid performance. Unable to run to him.

"Ye ain't gonna loose me, if sledge hammers, wrenches, or sticky hands aren't strong enough to tear us apart nothin will." Foxy rubbed the bear's back. The body quivered a little. He could feel arms around him, returning the embrace. Wet substance dripped on his shoulder as they held each other tightly. He cried too, remembering that horrible day. The day he was the last to fall. His friends bodies beaten, scattered, and unmoving. A beautiful blue eye staring up at him seemingly asking 'why weren't you fast enough?' When the phantom tears dried they started walking, hand in hand. They were reaching the end of the path.

The lake water reflected their optic lights as they walked past the cover of trees. There was silence as Kit collected what he deemed good skipping rocks. "I wonder what the perfect day would be? Flowers bloomin everywhere? Can't have one without them, right?" The first two splashed right in as he got a good position. The third skirted along the water twice before giving up. "Hm?" He raised a perplexed brow. "Flowers?" "Ye know, Our super special day?" He glanced at him, making a motion like he was holding up an invisible dress skirt, humming a familiar tune. "Oh!...Oh, the Wed- I don't know." "If ye change your mind it won't hurt me. I'm a big pirate I can handle it." He said coyly, the fourth rock he threw actually skipped five times. "No, It was my idea. I want to, as soon as possible. We should tell everyone before that though. That sort of thing needs help planning, right?" "Not if you don't want to." The thinner animatronic threw another rock that made a few more skips before plunging to the depths with a 'plap'. "We can just do it in secret if it'll make ye feel better." "Well, I want this..." He looked into Kit's eyes, his lifted eyepatch showing his full attention. Freddy held his hand and hook in his own grasp as he continued. "I want this to symbolize our next step in...Life and what we survived. We're alive, together, and..." He looked away, contemplating the full implication of the word. "Free." Eyes focused back as he continued. "I want to involve them because they are a part of our bond too. Rosie, Chica and Bonnie who have been with us since the beginning and helped us through that awkward pining phase, the Rockys who had the strange inclination to gather us in a pile, which helped Penny and Faye find us all in the fire, Shiva who we couldn't find Rosie without, and the Nightmares who rebuilt us so we could all be together again. If just one of them weren't in our lives, we wouldn't be having this conversation. The Toys may not be here in person but, I'd like to think they'd be happy too. Teddy still making sure to keep the whole event child friendly and covering  BB's eyes when we kiss." "Aye..." He nodded with a laugh. Then his ears suddenly drooped as he asked. "Ye, ye think, Henry would be happy?" 'The old Henry would...' Freddy thought bitterly. He pushed it away with a warm smile. "Yea, he and Charlie would definitely be there with everyone." He let go and sat at the base of the large oak. "It'll be a great way to start our new chapter." "We should tell 'em today then! Start it as soon as today!" Tail kicked up a few leaves as it waved with excitement. "What are wee afraid of? Are they gonna think we're silly? Chica reads to her cupcake that's silly!" He plopped down next to his boyfriend. "Ha, I guess you're right." He pulled him closer, kissed him making his nose squeak. They snuggled together for a while. They stayed that way for some time even watching as the sky brightened with the glory of sunrise. Until the blue eyed machine spoke. "We'll tell them when we get back." "Should do that now, eh? Wouldn't want any morning hikers catching a glimpse of the likes of us." "Yeah, we better." He sighed. "And I was just getting comfortable too." He stood up and held a hand out to help his secret fiancé up. The door opened and petals danced along the breeze that flowed. Not a single soul in sight. "Oh no! I'm gone for a whole night and they go and preform some weird ritual sacrifice!" "We best be following it then. So we can get it over with and clean up what's left." Rows of carefully placed flowers lined up to form a path to the back bedroom and elevator shaft. They were tied to the ladder that led to the second floor, Lolbit's place. It was eerily dark as they climbed into the large room. "I think ye be right Freddy they gone and-" "Surprise!!!" Everyone jumped up wearing partial suits or formal dresses. Behind them two rows of random chairs lined up as nicely as possible leading to Lolbit's center screen. Their digital image was decorated with marrying pixel attire. Bonnie stood to the side with Jovi as they played a soft riff of the bridal march. The table in front of them were carefully placed white suit, tie, and top hat. Next to that was a lovingly stitched pirate Captain's coat. "Who's idea was this? How did you know?" Freddy asked in amazement. Faye shrunk a little as everyone's attention turned to him. Wires and eyeballs spilled out of the suit's arms and bottom. A nicely dressed spaghetti monster. "I-I heard you talking the other day and I thought, I thought it would be nice if we d-d-did it all for you. Got myself tangled-t-tangled on purpose. Made sure you'd hear K-Kit in the vents. Plushy was supposed-posed to lead you out in the woods to find Billy's kids but you left before they were all ready. Luck-Luckily it worked out anyway. Hee hee!" "That's, I don't know what to say..." Freddy looked at all the flowers laced together in a beautiful aisle and along the hanging wires. He felt phantom tears welling up in his eyes. "Aye, it sure is a sight." "I didn't exactly approve of the secret." Shiva admitted. He too was dressed in somewhat formal wear, suit coat over his vest. The sleeves were still almost touching the ground. "I felt like the date should have been your choice but I suppose they took it as me wanting to, 'tell' on them so Plushy locked me in a broom closet." "Dang it Plushy!" "What? I wasn't gonna let him ruin the surprise Faye worked so hard on!" Bonnie looked up as he realized something. "Oh, that's why you weren't around to help put up decorations. I thought you started protesting because FredBear had to start stealing all the flowers from that annoying lady's yard." "Borrowed." The yellowish Nightmare bear corrected softly. "Right..." "We made rings and everything!" Rosemarie stated cheerfully pointing at the Nightmare chicken that held the old couch pillow that had two metal circles resting on it. "I made them from that nonfunctional Toy bear's pinkie." "Chelsea. Don't tell them that." Billy half whispered, half grumbled. His suit already had little cuts from where his children held on, one popping their head up from his neckline to look out. "Oh, sorry." "Uh, um." Faye was a bit fidgety trying to judge their expressions. "H-Hope you l-ike it. I know you probab-bly want-wanted to do it your-sself and I'm-m sorry we got a little carried away..." "It's perfect Faye, thank you. The fact that you all did this together, for us-" Freddy looked over to Kit. They smiled at each other as they held hands. "-Means more than you can ever imagine."

[thadelightfulone]

Can We Talk? - Pt. 2

I wanted to get something out since I had a surge of writing energy for my birthday. So, I decided to write a Part 2 to What’s A Valentine. So, if you have not read that yet, go catch up. 

Summary: Dani and Erik have a Non-Valentine’s Day night out. And the aftermath of the confrontation in the lobby.

Danielle and Erik are sitting at their table at a quaint little restaurant that was not crowded due to the holiday. Plates in various stages of completion and a bottle of red wine on the table. It is quiet at the table as the soft music plays around them. Just a comfortable silence between the two, not like when they were younger and always had something to say. This was different, and neither party knew where to start.

Dani is hyper-focused on her glass, watching the wine swirl around so as not to make eye contact with the man in front of her. Her thoughts were swirling around like the wine, but they are too much and overwhelming. She does not even know if she is still in a relationship anymore. Something she was very sure of about two hours ago. And Erik. What could she say about that? Him popping up tonight of all nights and calling her out. She should have punched him. It’s not like she could drop him anymore looking like he does, she would barely move him. She shakes her head, smiling with her face down.

Erik has been watching Dani intently since she put her fork down. She was quiet the whole ride over and staring at her phone, waiting for something from Shaun. He scoffs at the thought of him. The argument he witnessed between the two of them held so much more than her utter dislike for Valentine’s day and his adoration for it. But he is clearly in no position to comment on the state of her relationship after watching her relive her heartbreak at his own hands.

He looks down at his tumbler of whiskey before looking up to see a small smile cross her face. She had a beautiful smile. And he has always had deep feelings for her; but he knew what he wanted to do with his life and because Erik did not know how things would turn out, he did not want to drag her down that road with him.

“Why did you leave?”

“I’m sorry,” Their words overlapping one another. Erik waves to her to proceed.

Dani put her wine down and looked over to him, “Why are you sorry?”

Tracing the rim of his glass, “That I did not handle things better when we were younger.” He watches her as she closes her eyes, clearing her vision of the tears that are right below the surface. “And then when I just left. I thought it would be easier if I didn’t tell you. I had no idea the effect that it would have on you, and for that, I am truly sorry, Danielle.” He reaches over to grab her hand, and she lets him. “I would never hurt you on purpose; you have to know that D.”

Sniffling, “It took me years to figure out, but I know you wouldn’t E. Hell, it’s the reason you actually send me flowers, even though they are not in the typical fashion.” They both share a short laugh as Dani looks down at her hand in his.

“When have you ever known me to do things like they are supposed to be done or whatever?” She dabs at her eyes with her napkin shaking her head, “Exactly.” Signaling for the check, he asks, “Are you ready for your ice cream and horror movies now?”

She perks up at that and gathers her clutch, “Of course, but we need to stop for the ice cream.” Erik signs the check, and they both get up to leave.

—

They walk into the grocery store with a plan. On the way over, they decided to make some sundaes. Erik is holding the basket as they make their way to the down the candy aisle. Danielle skips in front of him, snatching up bags of her fave chocolates. “Snickers, Reese’s Cups, 3 Musketeers, Hershey Kisses,”

Erik snatches the basket away, “Ewww, D. 3 Musketeers and Kisses. Girl, what happened to your taste buds?”

“Shut up, and those are the caramel kisses. You act like what doesn’t get used won’t get eaten on its own.” Pouting, she pulls the basket towards her and drops the bags in.

“You never heard of Milky Ways?”

“I like the fluffy nougat in Musketeers, why are you trying to rain on my parade? You know what, grab your own damn candy then.” She prances away. “I’m heading for toppings; you can get the ice cream.”

Before she makes it to the end of the aisle, Erik pulls her back into him. “My bad,” she crosses her arms and looks away from him. “Can you get some peanut M&Ms for me, please?” He nuzzles her neck, “Pretty please with a cherry on top.”

She slaps his arm away from her and walks back down the aisle, mumbling, “I can’t stand you.”

“You love me.” She flips him the bird as she returns with Milky Ways and Peanut M&Ms for him.

On their way to the toppings, they discuss movie choices. “So, I was thinking classic horror movies like the 1974 version of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scream, and the 1984 version of Nightmare on Elm Street.”

“Whatever you want, I’m game.”

She shoves him. “Come on. You don’t have one pick that you want to add?”

“Dani girl, it’s your night. We are doing what you want.” He reaches over for the 3-pack of sundae topping sauces with Chocolate, Caramel, and Strawberry and throws it in the basket. She stands right in front of the aisle, blocking him. “Seriously?” He scoots her along, and she pops right back into position. Sighing, “Fine. Devil’s Rejects.” He moves her again and grabs some chopped nuts and cherries.

“As in Rob Zombie’s Devil’s Rejects?” Dani pushes her glasses up on her face staring at him like she has never met him before.

He straightens up to look at her, “Yeah. His movies are pretty good. I even enjoyed Strangeland by Dee Snider. Those rock guys are can be very creative.”

“And not just because Robert Englund was in it?”

Erik laughs, “First of all, he wasn’t starring in it like he was in 2001 Maniacs. But it is nice to see the OGs of horror flicks get lil cameos in stuff like that.”

Linking her arm with his, “Mr. Stevens, let me find out you know a lil something about non-mainstream horror.” Erik chuckles as Dani pulls him towards the ice cream freezers.

“There’s a lot you don’t know Ms. George.” He moves to stand behind her with his chin on top of her head, “Pick your poison.”

“You know what I like.” She walks over to the whipped cream and grabs two cans. “It hasn’t changed.”

Erik stands still thinking as she walks back over to him. Moving forward, “You got room for two tubs, or should I get these small boxes?”

“Both gallons will fit,” she tries to keep the smile off her face watching as her best friend grabs for the Neapolitan and Cookies & Cream tubs.

“I can’t believe you still mix this shit together.”

“Aye, I would not have learned this combo if someone didn’t take all the damn vanilla out of the Neapolitan all the time. How do you separate the three greats from each other like that?“ He hands the tubs to her, and they make their way to the register.

He shrugs, “I like vanilla.” He puts all the items up on the conveyor belt. “Anything else you want before we go?” Thinking about it, Dani suddenly takes off.

“Did you find everything ok, Sir?” The young man behind the register asks while ringing up the ice cream.

“Yeah, she just went to grab her chips. We good.” Dani pulls up with 2 bottles of red wine, some Sour Cream & Cheddar Ruffles, Jalapeño Kettle Chips and Flaming Hot Cheetos in a delicate balancing act. Erik grabs the Ruffles from her mouth and the wine, taking a look at the bottle. “Apothic Red Inferno – aged in a whiskey barrel. Is this the closest you will get to drinking whiskey?”

“Yup,” she puts the other bags down, “Hey Charlie, how are you?”

"I’m good, Ms. Danielle. Stocking up so soon, you were in here like two nights ago.” Erik laughs as her face falls. Charlie looks embarrassed, “Sorry.”

“Yes & No, I have an out-of-town guest who likes to eat and drink folks out of home.” She punches Erik hard in the shoulder, only for her hand to recoil in pain.

He leans over and whispers in her ear, “You knew better than to hit me.” She sticks her tongue out at him and reaches into her clutch to pay when Erik bumps her aside and hands his card to Charlie. He grabs her hand and rubs her knuckles while waiting for the receipt.

Dani yanks her hand away and starts to grab a few bags from the end. “Thanks, Charlie.”

Erik collects the rest of the bags and follows her outside. “Thanks.”

The ride back to Dani’s place is silent as the sounds of some Quiet Storm station play in the background. Erik peeks over at her while at a red light. She is definitely in much better spirits after what happened earlier. He is happy that he can be the one to make her smile and laugh again. He wants to be able to enjoy every moment with her and eventually make up for the asshole he was back when he was a teenager.

Erik parks his car under her building and pops the trunk. Dani grabs the flowers from the backseat and walks to the back to take a few bags. Erik grabs a small black bag along with the rest of their goodies.

“Ummm, excuse you. Who said you are spending the night?”

“You aren’t the only one who gets to be comfy while we chill.” He closes the door. “Lead the way, D.”

"Uh huh, yeah ok. Come on; this elevator bypasses the lobby.” They walk past the parking structure entrance to the elevator bank. On the elevator, she hits the button for her floor, “We never finalized our movie watch list.”

“Ladies choice.” He notices the look on her face. “Fine, you pick first and then I will go. Deal?”

The elevator bell dings at her floor and they both exit. Erik follows as she leads the way to her door at the end of the hallway. He takes the bags she had so that she can open the door. Dani turns on some lights and walks into the kitchen. Erik walks in and sets all the bags on the counter. She puts the ice cream into her freezer.

“You can have the bathroom to change. I’ll be back.”

Inside her room, Dani takes a deep breath. This night has turned out better than she could have imagined. It’s just her and her best friend who happens to also be her first love having a great evening. She knows they need to talk about what he saw happen earlier and everything but how. Being with him likes this reminds her of what they could have been, and now just like that she is confused about her feelings. Looking in the mirror after changing into some yoga pants and a crop top with her workout bra, she shakes her head at her runaway train of thoughts. “Enjoy the rest of your ‘Not a Valentine’s’ date night with Erik, Dani girl. There is no need to overthink anything right now.” She takes some deep calming breaths before walking out to the living room.

She finds Erik already changed in a pair of sweatpants and a black tank top showing off his muscular shoulders and lots of keloid scars. She remembers him telling her about his family in Wakanda and his failed attempt at a takeover before becoming a Regional Director to the Outreach Centers on the West Coast. She just never saw the scarring he did to himself, and it only adds more to this man standing in her kitchen lining up the sundae bar.

“Take a picture; it’ll last longer. But this ice cream won’t.” Erik smirks as he caught Dani staring him down.

“You lucky, I am too ready for this sundae party.” Dani walks over bumping Erik as he hands her a big bowl, sliding the ice cream over to her.

Dani’s first sundae contains a little bit of everything they bought except the Milky Ways. Erik snatched up the entire bag and kept them by his side, giving her one or two when he felt like it. They made it through the original Nightmare on Elm Street and a bottle of wine. Now, they were settling down with their second sundae or some chips and candy in Erik’s case and onto his pick, Boo.

“Why do people enjoy tempting fate by going into haunted and abandoned hospitals?” Dani asks through a mouthful of ice cream.

“Hell if I know, but you see how her man’s boy is doing the most trying to scare this chick. If anyone makes it out alive, it better be her.” Erik responds while crunching on some chips.

They both started in different positions in the living room. Erik on the floor under her coffee table while Dani was on the love seat curled into the corner. Then they both were on the floor at the coffee table before Erik stretched his shoulders and Dani moved up behind him to give him a massage as he sat between her legs. As his movie played and they finished eating, he returned the favor by sitting on the couch with her legs on his lap and mindlessly kneading them.

After a quick bathroom break, wine re-up and short clean-up of the kitchen, they are back in the living room watching Dani’s second pick of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Dani is curled into Erik’s side with her favorite fleece blanket over her. Erik has his arm wrapped around her, playing with her curls as she tries to keep her eyes open. He stretches out along the couch pulling her along with him and pulls the blanket up over the both of them. He falls asleep to the sound of her soft snores.

—

The sound of a phone buzzing along the coffee table wakes Erik up from his sleep. He looks to see Dani’s phone screen showing a picture of Shaun. Erik groans and stretches out a bit careful of Danielle who is laying in front of him. Pulling her back, he takes the moment to enjoy the feel of her in his arms and watches her as she sleeps. The buzzing of the phone starts up again and Dani squirms in his arms.

“Morning Sunshine.” He looks down on her as she blinks herself awake.

“Hey. Did we really fall asleep out here?” She quickly moves to an upright position, leaving the comfortable warmth of his arms.

“Yeah, you didn’t make it past the family meeting in Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” He sits up and grabs the blanket before it falls. “I think someone has been trying to reach you. I’ll give you some space.”

Dani looks over to her phone still ringing on the coffee table. She looks over at Erik and grabs the phone, mouthing “Thanks,” before answering. “Hey Shaun, what’s up?”

Erik takes his bag back into the bathroom, washing his face, brushing his teeth, and throwing on his hoodie. He grabs his phone and reschedules his flight back to Oakland for a week later. Erik knows he needs to have a serious sit down with Danielle before he returns home. So, this will buy him some time, and he can continue to work out of the LA office.  

“Danielle, we need to talk. When can I see you next?” Shaun gets straight to the point.

“I am free for lunch tomorrow if that works for you.” Dani looks over at the blue screen of her TV and grabs the remote to turn it off.

“Yeah, I can do that. The usual spot close to your office around 12:30pm?”

“Sounds good. I will see you there.”

“Ok, see you then. Bye Dani.” Shaun hangs up as Dani looks at the phone. No ‘I love you’ or his customary nickname goodbye.

She nods her head, “I guess I will find out where we stand tomorrow.” She locks her phone and sets it down as soon as she hears the bathroom door open. Erik walks back into the living room with his keys in hand. “Leaving so soon?”

“Yeah, I should probably head out. I have a few meetings this afternoon.” Dani walks over to him and wraps her arms around his waist in a big hug. He hugs her back and leans over kissing her forehead. “I had fun last night.”

Muffled into his chest, “Me, too E. It was like when we were younger.” She pulls away and looks up at him. “Will I see you before you leave?”

“Yeah, we can still do lunch or something. I will be in town for another week.” They walk to her front door, and she opens it for him.

“Ok, I will text you when I am free.” She leans against the door frame.

“See you Dani girl.” Erik walks out and looks back at her smiling.

Dani waves at him. “Bye E.”

— The Next Day —

Dani arrives at the restaurant early only to see Shaun already seated at a table. Inhaling deeply, she walks back to him.

Shaun stands up and pulls out her chair. “Hi Dani.” He gives her a quick peck on the lips.

“Hey.” Dani sits down as Shaun makes his way to his chair. The waiter comes by to take their drink order. “I’ll have an iced tea, please.

“Just water for me, thanks.” The waiter leaves, and Shaun looks at Danielle. “So, where should we start?”

“With you. How was last night?” Another server drops by with their drinks. Dani starts to stir the straw in her tea.

“It was great! Mom enjoyed her birthday party as usual and the anniversary celebration went off without a hitch. Well, except that my parents wanted to know why you weren’t there.”

“What did you tell them?”

Shaun takes a sip of his water before responding, “I told them that something came up and you decided to stay in for the night. They hope you are feeling better now.”

Dani nearly choked on her tea, “Yeah, I’m good. You can pass that on.” Shaun waves away the waiter who wanted to come back and take their orders.

“Alright, enough. Tell me how you really feel Shaun.” She takes a nice healthy gulp of her tea before putting her hands in front of her on the table.

“Fine. I am really upset that I had to find out that you do not like Valentine’s Day that way.” He looks around as his voice rose a bit. “Four years Danielle. That’s how long we have been together, and you couldn’t tell me this before?”

“I know, I just…” she sniffs. “I don’t like to talk about it or the why.”

“And that’s another thing. You never got over him.” Dani opens her mouth to speak. “No, please let me get this out before I lose my nerve.” He takes a drink of water, setting it back down, he reaches for her hands. “Danielle, I love you with everything in me. But what happened the other night, I can’t get over that. You couldn’t even look at me when you said that you were happy with me. You were a wreck recounting the story of how he broke your heart. And yet, you were standing there with his flowers in your hand. Were you pissed? Sure, but not enough to throw them at him. Yeah, you cussed and fussed a little bit but did you turn him away? No.”

Dani blinks back her tears. This is it. This is the end of her relationship. She was happy with Shaun, but lately, something felt off, and she could never put her finger on it. Then Erik popped up, and she felt like the 15-year-old laying her heart out to her best friend only for him to crack it and then leave her to heal without really talking it out. Why does Shaun have to make sense now?

“Shaun, I – “

“You don’t need to explain anything to me, Dani. As much as I want to be the man to make you happy and spend the rest of my life with you. I can’t stand by and wait for the day you realize that you never stopped loving him and leave me.” Shaun stands up and pulls Dani into a hug. Cradling her neck, he continues, “I wish you the best Danielle, in life and love. I hope you find what you deserve. I just don’t think it’s with me.“ He pulls back and kisses both of her hands before walking away.

Dani sits back down at the table. The waiter returns, and she orders a Jamison & Ginger Ale. Then leans back and reflects on what Shaun said. Her phone starts ringing as she sees Erik’s number pop up on the screen. She silences it and closes her eyes as her tears slowly fall to the table.

— 2 Days Later —

Danielle is at work trying to listen to her coworker, Rosio, tell her the latest story about her son’s new addiction. He is the sweetest thing, but Dani, just could not keep herself in the present or to act like she cares. It has been two days since Shaun broke things off with her and she has been actively dodging Erik’s calls and texts, too.

Rosio walks over to Dani, “Girl, you have been mopey lately. Drinks after work and I’m not taking no for an answer.” She picks her up, “Now, come on. We’re gonna be late for this meeting.”

It is the end of the workday, and Rosio stands by the corner of Dani’s desk. “Alright, so where are we going?”

"The Mexican spot by my place.” Dani grabs her bag, and they walk to the front closing the office.

“Sure, I’ll follow you.” Rosio heads towards her car, and they pull off.

Over tequila shots, strawberry margaritas and enchiladas, Dani spills to Rosio everything that happened over the last week.  

“Dani, I can’t believe you have been holding this in for so long. V-Day was last week, and you took your normal day off afterward, so I didn’t think anything of it.”

“Yeah, well, my relationship did go bust that day in typical Danielle fashion.” Taking another shot, “Only I can manage to have relationships end on the ‘so-called’ day of love.”

“Oh, shut up. It wasn’t all that bad if you hung out with Erik all night.” Rosio takes a sip of her margarita, “He did kind of give you the best Valentine’s Day date ever. Dinner, ice cream and horror movies. It’s like he knows you. Oh wait, he does.”

Shoving Rosio, Dani laughs for the first time in two days. “Thank you. I really did need this tonight.”

“Good, because I hate seeing you all sad and depressed like someone killed your puppy.”

“Really, Rosio? That is such a horrible analogy.“ Dani snickers as she sips her drink.

“Well, you didn’t have to look at you the last few days, so yeah.” Grabbing a few chips, “So, have you talked to your bestie since that night?”

Dani looks down and away, “No, I keep sending him to voicemail or not reading his texts. We were supposed to get together for lunch before he leaves, but I just can’t do it.”

“And why not? That’s your friend.”

"I don’t know what to say or how to act. Shaun was right; I still do care about him a lot and probably never stopped.”

“So, you can tell him that again or forever hold your peace, but I thought you were still going to be his friend regardless.”

Slurping up the rest of her drink, Dani looks at Rosio. “I don’t know if I can anymore.”

“Then he deserves to hear you say that before you end your friendship or whatever. You owe him that much.” Rosio bats away Dani’s hand as she reaches for the check. “I invited you; this is on me.”

Danielle and Rosio part ways outside of the restaurant, “Now, do yourself a favor and call that man back. You two need to talk.”

“I am not ready to have another talk.” Rosio shakes her head as she walks off.

Dani drives back to her place and parks. She looks at the 20-some odd unread texts messages from Erik on her phone. Rosio is right. He is about to head back to Oakland soon and this needs to happen in person.

Arriving at her apartment, she completes her nighttime routine and grabs her phone to finally give him a call. As she settles onto her bed, her doorbell rings. She looks at the time, “Who would be dropping by my place after 10pm?” Walking to the front door, she takes a look at the security screen to the right. “Erik?” She opens the doors, and there he is in his work suit, no tie and a tub of Neapolitan ice cream in hand.

“Ready to talk?”

A/N: There will be a third part to end this mini series. I just tagged the people who asked about a Part 2. 

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@maddiestundentwritergaines @youreadthatright @sarcastic-sunshines @alexundefined @kissmyafropuff @chaneajoyyy @fonville-designs

[guernsey-island]

Please answer 1-98 >:3

Weird asks that say a lot

1. coffee mugs, teacups, wine glasses, water bottles, or soda cans?      water bottles 2. chocolate bars or lollipops?      chocolate bars 3. bubblegum or cotton candy?      cotton candy, though I don't like either very much 4. how did your elementary school teachers describe you?      I don't know 5. do you prefer to drink soda from soda cans, soda bottles, plastic cups or glass cups?      plastic cups??? 6. pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal or sportswear?      sportswear I guess 7. earbuds or headphones?      I only have earbuds right now, but I like both 8. movies or tv shows?      tv shows, but that doesn't mean I don't like movies too 9. favorite smell in the summer?      the ocean 10. game you were best at in p.e.?      capture the flag 11. what you have for breakfast on an average day?      whatever I can find 12. name of your favorite playlist?      "Good Songs :D" 13. lanyard or key ring?      key ring 14. favorite non-chocolate candy?      I don't particularly like any non-chocolate candy. Too artificial and sweet :/ 15. favorite book you read as a school assignment?      Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes 16. most comfortable position to sit in?      leaning back and with my legs out 17. most frequently worn pair of shoes?      white converse 18. ideal weather?      raining or a mild temperature like 80 degrees F paired with high humidity 19. sleeping position?      I fall asleep on my side and wake up on my back 20. preferred place to write (i.e., in a note book, on your laptop, sketchpad, post-it notes, etc.)?      Google docs heheh 21. obsession from childhood?      I was one of those warrior cats kids (no, I didn't pretend to be warrior cats at recess) 22. role model?      Snickers 23. strange habits?      popping my back, checking sunset/sunrise times 24. favorite crystal?     all crystals are great 25. first song you remember hearing?      Counting Stars by OneRepublic 26. favorite activity to do in warm weather?      hiking 27. favorite activity to do in cold weather?      reading 28. five songs to describe you?      Modern Loneliness- Lauv // Scared of Heights- Loving Caliber // backpack- slchld // By Now- Will Jay // Come True- khai dreams, Forrest., Biskwiq 29. best way to bond with you?      don't annoy me 30. places that you find sacred?      the beach when no one is there or deep in the mountains 31. what outfit do you wear to kick ass and take names?      ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 32. top five favorite vines?      road work ahead, jared 19, damn daniel, 2 bros chillin in a hot tub, x files theme 33. most used phrase in your phone?      probably >:3 34. advertisements you have stuck in your head?      that spotify ad about peter and jumping/skipping rope. IF you knew what an 8track tape was!! 35. average time you fall asleep?      ~2:30am 36. what is the first meme you remember ever seeing?      the pepe the frog memes 37. suitcase or duffel bag?      suitcase 38. lemonade or tea?      lemonade but tea is also superb 39. lemon cake or lemon meringue pie?      lemon cake bc I've never had lemon meringue pie 40. weirdest thing to ever happen at your school?      I don't really remember. Let's go with Mr. Rightmyer and Mr. Mikow in general (ig matrix_multiplication). or maybe the time Sami put a lamp on her head and pretended to be Shaggy 41. last person you texted?      Snickers 42. jacket pockets or pants pockets?      jacket pockets 43. hoodie, leather jacket, cardigan, jean jacket or bomber jacket?      hoodie 44. favorite scent for soap?      hmmm something tropical 45. which genre: sci-fi, fantasy or superhero?      sci-fi 46. most comfortable outfit to sleep in?      clothing 47. favorite type of cheese?      swiss or colby jack or parmigiano-reggiano 48. if you were a fruit, what kind would you be?      peaches bc they're the best fruit 49. what saying or quote do you live by?      "you become what you think about" "success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal"- Earl Nightingale "the opposite of courage is not cowardice, it is conformity" "sanity and happiness are an impossible combination"- Mark Twain "If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading"- Lao Tzu "failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough" - Og Mandino 50. what made you laugh the hardest you ever have?      let's go with https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TilHylia7rE and more recently, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voncdcV648g 51. current stresses?      upcoming exams, writing essays 52. favorite font?      My current favorites are Frank Ruhl Libre, Overlock, and Rajdhani 53. what is the current state of your hands?      good, though I perpetually have a bump on one finger from writing too much 54. what did you learn from your first job?      job?? what job? 55. favorite fairy tale?      three little pigs 56. favorite tradition?      sleeping 57. the three biggest struggles you’ve overcome?      I don't know 58. four talents you’re proud of having?      Freestyling (ground moves and juggling), shooting knuckleballs, popping my back really well, running a 5-6 minute mile 59. if you were a video game character, what would your catchphrase be?      I don’t know what my catchphrase would be 60. if you were a character in an anime, what kind of anime would you want it to be?      a shonen where the protagonist is trying to survive in a crazy world, become the best at something, or master some special power (examples: tower of god or solo leveling if it was an anime) OR something with a mafia 61. favorite line you heard from a book/movie/tv show/etc.?      "Well, if you only knew how little I really know about the things that matter"- Elio in cmbyn the movie (think about this quote all the time) "Let us cultivate our garden"-Candide in Candide by Voltaire “The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world. The bird flies to God. That God's name is Abraxas.”- Sinclair in Demian by Hermann Hesse “I wanted only to live in accord with the promptings which came from my true self. Why was that so very difficult?”- Sinclair in Demain by Hermann Hesse “Know yourself and go in swinging.”- More than this by Patrick Ness “Just leave me alone. I’m not myself. I’m falling apart, and I don’t want you here.”- Charlie in Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes Tons of quotes and references from Arthur, httyd, and other media 62. seven characters you relate to?      Lance (vld), zuko (atla), okonkwo (things fall apart), nwoye (things fall apart), bokuto (haikyuu), sinclair (demian), hiccup (httyd) 63. five songs that would play in your club?      Wednesday Girl- Elijah Who, Aso, Peachy!, Kudasaibeats, slchld // Way Back Home- SHAUN, Conor Maynard, Sam Feldt // Let Me Down Slow (Acoustic)- New Hope Club // Crush Culture- Conan Gray // All Night Long- TAEYEON, LUCAS 64. favorite website from your childhood?      animal jam 65. any permanent scars?      I have a ton of scars on my legs and knees. I ran into a cart at staples once and have a big scar from that. I have a few scars on my elbows too 66. favorite flower(s)?      columbine (CO state flower) 67. good luck charms?      none 68. worst flavor of any food or drink you’ve ever tried?      I have no idea 69. a fun fact that you don’t know how you learned?      I don’t know 70. left or right handed?       right 71. least favorite pattern?      cheetah or zebra print 72. worst subject?      hmmm biology but only bc I don't put in the effort 73. favorite weird flavor combo?      I don't know. I like food 74. at what pain level out of ten (1 through 10) do you have to be at before you take an advil or ibuprofen?      I don't think I've experienced enough pain to accurately answer this question. I've only taken ibuprofen once (when I got my wisdom teeth taken out), but I didn't think it was that necessary to take 75. when did you lose your first tooth?      probably when I was six 76. what’s your favorite potato food (i.e. tater tots, baked potatoes, fries, chips, etc.)?      scalloped potatoes, hash browns, Spanish tortillas, potato salad, mashed potatoes 77. best plant to grow on a windowsill?      aloe vera 78. coffee from a gas station or sushi from a grocery store?      sushi from a grocery store 79. which looks better, your school id photo or your driver’s license photo?      school ID 80. earth tones or jewel tones?      earth tones 81. fireflies or lightning bugs?      they're called fireflies 82. pc or console?      pc 83. writing or drawing?      writing 84. podcasts or talk radio?      podcasts 84. barbie or polly pocket?      no 85. fairy tales or mythology?      mythology 86. cookies or cupcakes?      cookies 87. your greatest fear?      Accidentally biting off my tongue and then choking on it, seeing things in mirrors, being stabbed with a knife as I enter a hotel elevator, receiving emails 88. your greatest wish?      Happiness??? I don’t know 89. who would you put before everyone else?      Snickers 90. luckiest mistake?      I don't know 91. boxes or bags?      boxes 92. lamps, overhead lights, sunlight or fairy lights?      sunlight 93. nicknames?      let's not talk abt that,,, 94. favorite season?      spring or summer 95. favorite app on your phone?      google play books, goodreads, tumblr, kakaotalk, spotify, google keep 96. desktop background?      it's a slideshow. the background at the moment is a photo of Manarola, Italy taken by Peter Hegedus. It's one of my favorite photographs of all time 97. how many phone numbers do you have memorized?      three not including 911 (so four) 98. favorite historical era?     1300s in the Mongol empire or around when the spice trade was at its peak, 1800s in America during westward expansion, 1920s, ancient egypt, Harlem Renaissance 

[zainclaw]

Alfie’s Café  --  chapter one

masterpost  |  AO3  |  coffee shop/modern day AU  |  art tag

It's all thanks to Charlie, really. That he finds it.

They're walking the streets of London, Charlie's small hand holding two of Tommy's fingers in a tight grip. It's spring, the air still chilly most days despite the sunshine. Charlie is a patient three year old, but Tommy can tell he's almost had enough exploring for the day. He says he's hungry, and since it's not quite lunch time yet, Tommy promises to find them a snack in the meantime.

He spots the café at the end of Bonny Street, close to Camden Road station. There's a small sign above the door, reading Alfie's in bold, fun lettering. Tommy has been around these parts a few times even before the move, but the place had never caught his attention. It looks decent enough, a handful of customers sitting outside in the sun while most tables inside look empty.

Tommy tells Charlie to open the door for them, secretly helping. Inside, the smell of freshly baked bread and coffee hits them like a wall. The first thing catching Tommy's attention are the warm colours of golden brown, bread loafs and other baked goods filling the shelves.

The second thing is a dog lying in a big dog bed in front of the door. The dog is huge, lifting its head and perking its ears as the bell chimes above the door. Charlie stops dead in his tracks, Tommy nearly tripping over him.

"Daddy, look! A doggie!"

"Yeah," Tommy agrees, not sure if his son is scared or amazed. Judging by his tone, it's the familiar combination of the two. Instinctively he holds out an arm in front of Charlie, as if to shield him.

The dog doesn't move from its spot, but the tail starts flopping back and forth as it looks at them. There's a simple cardboard sign placed next to the dog bed, reading please pet me.

"Can I pet him?" Charlie asks, as if he could actually read.

Mostly amazed, then.

"I'm not sure," Tommy says hesitantly, watching the dog's big paws, big jaws, big everything.

A soft chuckle makes Tommy look over, finding a man standing behind the counter. It's hard to notice anything but the wild beard at first, more fuzzy than Tommy has probably ever seen. The man's got his arms crossed over his chest, tattoos peeking out from under the white t-shirt. He's got two chains around his neck, and more bracelets cluttering his wrists than Tommy can count.

 Somehow, he's not the kind of man Tommy had expected to find inside a small London café.

The man uncrosses his arms and leans over the counter, peeking around the big showcase of pastries to smile at Charlie.

"No, you go ahead, mate." He gestures towards the dog. "Cyril is a very nice dog, you see. Totally harmless. And you'd make him very happy if you gave him a petting."

Charlie's face lights up, and he expectantly looks up at Tommy. Tommy looks between his son, the man behind the counter, and the massive dog.

"…Alright," he says after a moment, thinking no sane person would let a dangerous dog loose inside an open café. And the man looks sane enough.

Charlie makes a squealing happy noise, breaking free from his dad's hold and stomps over to the dog. Tommy can't tell if he means to sit down on the corner of the bed, or if he just loses his balance, but either way Tommy's heart skips a beat watching his son plop down right next to the big dog. Tommy half expects it to snap, but it remains perfectly still as Charlie pats the dog's wide spine with his little hand. Charlie laughs, his whole face scrunching up with delight.

The man behind the counter chuckles again, and Tommy turns his attention away from his son. The man's got his arms crossed on top of the counter now, still leaning over as he watches Charlie and the dog with a pleased grin. His teeth are all crooked, but it's still a nice smile.

Very nice.

Tommy looks back to Charlie, watching the dog finally turn its big head towards the boy. He's struck, once again, by just how big its jaws are. Charlie's arm looks tiny so up close. Tommy suddenly goes very still, heart stuttering.

"Is that a pitbull?"

He doesn't know much about dog breeds — they'd had a german shepherd in the army, but that's about as far as his knowledge goes — but it's difficult not to pick up what a pitbull looks like. There'd been talk about putting a ban on them last year, so Tommy knows of the prejudice around the breed. And as much as he wants to believe that no animal is born dangerous, that bad behaviour is usually the owners fault, just like with horses, Tommy can't help the fear stirring inside him at the risk of his son getting bit.

The man regards him for a moment before answering.

"Mostly, I'd say. Probably some german shepherd in there, too."

"You don't know?"

"Well, he's a shelter dog, mate. Kinda hard to know these things when some prick just abandoned him, innit? But I know my breeds pretty well, and I'd say that's definitely a pitbull mix." He nods, looking over to Charlie and the dog again. "Yeah," he drawls, somehow making a single word sound like an entire sentence. Then he looks up at Tommy again, smiling. "Not that it matters, you know? Dogs are just dogs. Big hearts, all of them."

"Right," Tommy hears himself say, somewhat taken aback by the man's rambling.

The man must see the doubt lingering on his face, because he huffs and shakes his head a little as he straightens up.

"Really, you got nothing to worry about, mate," he assures him. "Cyril can tell he's only little. Lets kids do whatever they want to him, that lad. I didn't help him write that sign for nothing, yeah?"

Tommy is no stranger to the man's accent, having been to southern London many times through work, but the man's voice somehow seems to elevate it. It's rough and soft at the same time.

"Yeah, of course," Tommy nods, scoffing at himself. He can feel himself starting to blush, through he's not sure why. For being so mistrusting of an already misunderstood breed, maybe. For coming across as an overprotective parent. He takes a few steps closer to the counter, hands itching to reach into his pocket and pull out a smoke. "Sorry. He's just…"

He trails off, glancing over again to see Charlie touching one of the dog's ears with great interest. The dog side-eyes him, but keeps its head still. When Tommy turns back to the counter, the man's got yet another wide grin on his face.

"Fucking massive, right?"

Tommy blinks, taken aback by the swear word. Even Charlie who's busy petting the giant dog pauses for a second to look over. The man seems to realize his mistake, slamming a hand over his mouth.

"Shit, sorry, mate. I got a real foul mouth."

"That's alright," Tommy assures him, smiling faintly. If Polly was here, she'd probably grab Charlie and walk out, but Tommy is far too polite for that. And it doesn't really matter how foul this man's mouth is — it's not like they're gonna hang around here every day.

"You Alfie?"

It's an attempt to steer the conversation back to more casual ground, away from the dog and back to the task of feeding Charlie. But the man's smile still lights up like he never thought Tommy would ask.

"That's me. One and only. Well, there's another fella working here sometimes, but he's bloody useless. Burns the bread every time, you see. Can't handle anything but the register, that lad."

Before Tommy can respond, Charlie comes over to join them by the counter.

"How old is he?" He asks, pointing back to the dog still sitting on the bed, though it's looking longingly after Charlie with the tail still wagging.

The man — Alfie — leans forward and crosses his arms on top of the counter again, smiling at Charlie.

"Four years old, can you believe it."

Charlie makes a little surprised noise, looking up at Tommy.

"He's bigger than me, daddy."

"Older, Charlie," Tommy corrects him.

Alfie chuckles softly, a wheezy sort of sound that somehow fits the man. He nods down at Charlie.

"And how old are you, mate?"

He doesn't change his voice the way most grownups do when speaking to children, and for a moment Tommy thinks his son will be too surprised by Alfie's odd behaviour to answer properly, but then the kid's face lights up and he proudly tells Alfie:

"I'm three. Almost four!"

"Oh, I see," Alfie nods seriously, stroking his beard with one hand. The way he does it makes it seem like he's barely aware of doing it. "Now, that 'almost' is really important, innit? You grow a lot in just a couple months, don't you?"

Tommy can't help but hum in agreement, a smile tugging at his mouth as he ruffles his boy's hair.

"Plenty."

Charlie giggles, looking back to the dog. Its tail had gone still for a moment, but as soon as he regains Charlie's attention, it starts wagging again. Charlie lifts his hand to wave in response.

Alfie's straightens up with a hum, his eyes locking with Tommy's.

"So did you lot just come in here for the dog and not the food, then?"

"Food!" Charlie exclaims, head snapping back towards Alfie. He grabs onto the counter top with both hands and jumps in place.

Tommy scoffs, realizing they've been in here for several minutes at this point without ordering anything. He blames the dog for being such a distraction, throwing a glance to the small group of teenagers sitting by a table in the corner as he clears his throat.

"Right." He gestures to the pasty showcase next to them. "Go ahead and pick something, Charlie."

Charlie makes a little gasping noise, moving to press his hands and face against the glass. Alfie chuckles, drawing Tommy's attention yet again. He's watching the boy with a kind smile, and Tommy can't stop the warmth spreading from his chest.

"What'cha want, mate?"

"That one!"

Charlie points at what looks like a cinnamon roll, only the little sign next to it says something else.

"Cha...llah?" Tommy reads, looking hopefully to Alfie.

Alfie grins, nodding as he opens the back of the glass box to reach inside.

"My own cinnamon challah bread, that. How many?"

"Two," Tommy decides, patting his pockets to locate his wallet.

Alfie puts two thick slices on a plate. He puts it down between them, but before Tommy can ask about coffee, the man reaches for a glass jar sitting on the counter. It's filled with little bone-shaped biscuits, and Alfie pulls one out and leans over the counter to offer it to a wide-eyed Charlie.

"You wanna go give this to Cyril for me, mate?"

Charlie nods, taking the cookie with an excited grin and bounces over to the dog who's waiting for him. Tommy watches the boy hesitate before holding the treat out in his hand.

"Coffee?"

Tommy meets Alfie's questioning eyes, before his gaze darts back to Charlie.

"Yes," he says, distracted. "Latte, please."

Alfie hums, stepping away from the counter and out of Tommy's line of vision.

The dog seems hesitant to take the treat from the Charlie's hand, but then it slowly opens its big jaws and oh so carefully bites down on the biscuit and takes it out of the boy's hand. Charlie squeals happily, giggling as he pets the dog while he eats, and Tommy finds himself releasing a breath.

He looks back to where Alfie is standing by the coffee machine, finding the man already watching him with a small smile. Tommy scoffs and ducks his head down, a little embarrassed.

"So, Birmingham, eh?"

Tommy looks up again, cocking an eyebrow. Alfie's attention is on where he's pouring the milk.

"You got a good ear."

"Nah," Alfie huffs, crow feet appearing around his eyes. There's a flash of teeth. "You're just a textbook example, mate."

Tommy snorts, shaking his head. He's tempted to say so are you but it feels... dangerous. As if that'd make this little back and forth less innocent. It's already so far from what Tommy is used to when speaking to his employees or meeting with business partners. He tries to remember last time he took part in casual small talk like this, but fails.

Alfie returns to the counter with Tommy's latte, gently putting it down next to their plate. There's a fancy heart pattern in the milk foam, and while Tommy knows that's pretty much the standard for most places serving coffee nowadays, it still makes heat rise to his face.

"Something for your boy?" Alfie asks. "Glass of milk? Still growing, ain't he?"

"Yeah, perfect, thank you," Tommy nods.

Alfie turns away again. The group of teenagers that'd been sitting in the corner gets up and starts to gather their things, and Tommy feels a strange sort of relief. They tell Alfie bye as a they pass the counter, each giving Cyril a pat on the head as they walk by the dog's bed. Charlie looks shy for a moment, sitting next to the dog again, before waving at the teenagers as they head for the door. They happily wave back at him, making Charlie laugh. Tommy feels himself smile.

"Regulars," Alfie says, placing a glass of milk next to Tommy's latte. It takes Tommy a moment to realize he's talking about the kids that just left. "Most people coming here, are, in fact," he goes on, sounding thoughtful. "Not you, though," he add, lifting a finger to briefly point at Tommy across the counter, smiling. "Haven't seen your face here before. I'd remember."

Tommy parts his lips, but no words come out. There's a glint of something in Alfie's eyes, something that makes Tommy's heart miss a beat. He waits for the man's smile to twist into a smirk, for that look in his eyes to turn into something suggestive. Something familiar. But it doesn't happen; Alfie's smile remains soft and genuine.

"We just moved from Birmingham," he admits, taking out his wallet.

"Ah," Alfie says, hands flat on the counter as he leans back. For a moment Tommy feels exposed, prepared for Alfie to get nosy and ask questions he doesn't feel like answering, but then Alfie hums. "Well," he grins. "Welcome to fucking London, mate."

Tommy scoffs, relaxing his shoulders. He looks over to Charlie, but the boy is too busy with the dog to hear the bad word. Alfie seems to remember himself and makes an apologizing gesture. Tommy just smiles, nodding in thanks.

"Charlie," he calls out once he's paid for their good, loud enough to catch his son's attention. "Let's pick a table."

With one last pat on the dog's head, Charlie jogs over. Tommy takes their drinks, one in each hand, while Alfie leans over the counter to hand Charlie their plate.

"You got it, mate?" He asks before letting go. "Be careful, yeah?"

Charlie nods, focusing as he holds the plate steady with both hands. He follows Tommy over to one of the tables next to the windows, letting Tommy take the plate from him once he's sat the drinks down.

It takes Charlie approximately half an hour to finish his bread slice.

Mainly because he's a slow eater, but also because the world is full of distractions. He has to look over every time a new customer walks through the door, giggling every time they pet Cyril and the dog's tail starts slapping against the bed again.

At one point a lady comes in with another dog on a leash, and Charlie stares in awe as the dog follows the woman up to the counter, standing on its back legs to receive one of those bone-shaped biscuits and a pat from a grinning Alfie. The lady doesn't stay, just grabs her coffee and goes, but not before the two dogs get to say a brief hello. Alfie looks over to their table when Charlie laughs into his hands at the dogs' wagging tails, and Tommy automatically returns the man's smile.

When Alfie comes over to wipe off the table in the corner, Charlie has to pause from eating to watch what he's doing. Once Alfie notices, he chuckles and asks if they liked the bread. Tommy lets Charlie answer for them, the boy nodding enthusiastically. Alfie grins, pointing to Charlie's glass and reminds him to not forget drink his milk before disappearing behind the counter again.

Once they're finished eating, nothing but bread crumbs left on the plate, Charlie jumps off his chair and bounces over to Cyril. The dog is lying down, curled up on its belly, but it happily lifts his head when Charlie sits down on the bed again. The dog licks Charlie's hand, and Charlie shrieks happily.

Tommy takes their plate and empty cups back to the counter, Alfie giving him a thankful smile.

"I'll be seeing you," Alfie says, sounding a  bit like he's trailing off at the end.

"Thomas Shelby," Tommy offers, extending a hand.

Alfie smiles, sliding his hand into Tommy's to shake it, firmly. His palm is warm, rough from labour.

"Alfie Solomons. Hmm. Well. I'll be seeing you, Tommy."

Tommy almost opens his mouth to ask, how he can be so sure, but decides not to. He just smiles faintly, nodding before withdrawing his hand.

"Tell Mr. Solomons bye now, Charlie," Tommy instructs, ruffling his son's hair as he comes over to the dog bed to help him put his jacket back on.

Charlie makes a little protesting noise, but doesn't fuss. He gives Cyril one last pat on the head before waving at Alfie.

"Goodbye!"

Alfie waves back, his smile all teeth and sparkling eyes.

"See you, mate."

Tommy helps Charlie open the door for them, the chilly air welcoming them as they step back out on the street. Once again Tommy's hands itch to reach for a smoke, but then Charlie is there, wrapping his little hand around his dad's fingers.

"Are we going home?" The boy asks, looking up at him. He's still got bread crumbs around his mouth.

Tommy swallows, feeling his heart clench inside his chest. The new apartment doesn't feel like home, not yet, and Tommy is worried that it never will. Its walls are empty and dull, a lack of life that makes you feel cold even when you're not. But it's free of memories, free of ghosts.

"Yes, Charlie," Tommy says, smiling down at his son. "Can you make it? Or do you want a ride?"

Charlie grins, reaching his arms up. Tommy laughs, lifting him off the ground and putting the boy on top of his shoulders. Charlie giggles, the weight of his hands coming to rest on top of Tommy's hat, trusting his dad to keep him balanced.

"Let's go home," Tommy says, allowing himself a smile.

[wonkasmissstarshine]

The Chocolatier’s Rose {Willy Wonka x OC} Ch.13

GIFs not mine. Credit go to owners.

Summary: Charlie’s prize is revealed, but it’s not what he was expecting.

Tagging: @holdmeicant​ @willymywonkers​ @sleepiesapphicxoxo​

"Now, how many children are left?" Willy said. He turned around, taking his goggles off, and faced Charlie and Rose.

"Willy," Rose said, taking off her goggles as well. "Charlie's the only one left now"

Willy's eyes widened and he looked at Charlie. "You mean you're the only one?"

A smile played on Charlie's lips as he nodded. "Yes"

"What happened to the others?" Willy asked playfully, causing Rose to grin. The same grin grew on Willy's face. "Oh, my dear boy! That means you've won!" Willy took Charlie's hand and started shaking it. "I do congratulate you. I really do. I had a hunch, you know, right from the beginning. Well done. Now, we mustn't dilly or dally. Because we have an enormous number of things to do before the day is out!" He grabbed Charlie's wrist and broke the handshake. He then let go of his wrist and walked for the elevator. "But luckily for us, we have the Great Glass Elevator to speed thing al—" Willy ended up walking right into the elevator. Rose gasped as he fell to the floor. Willy stood back up soon after. "Speed things along" He finished. He pressed the button and the elevator opened. "Come on" He urged the Buckets. They got into the elevator with him, dumping their goggles into a bin.

Willy pressed a button, and Charlie became curious about it. "Up and out? What kind of room is that?"

"Hold on" Was all Willy told the boy. Charlie smiled at that, and he looked straight up. The elevator shot up. It was gaining more speed the higher up it went. "Oh, my goodness" Willy said, looking upwards. "We're gonna need to much faster, otherwise we'll just never break through!"

"Break through what?" Charlie asked. Rose had an idea of what Willy meant though, and she internally panicked.

"I've been longing to press that button for years!" Willy stated, staring at the two siblings with an excited grin. "Well, here we go! Up and out!"

"But, do you really mean?" Rose questioned.

"Yeah, I do"

"But it's made of glass!" Rose protested, her panic now becoming externalized. "It'll smash into a million pieces!"

Willy laughed maniacally and looked up again. Rose grabbed onto Charlie, and held him close to her. She closed her eyes, never once daring to open them as they rapidly sped up. Though, she opened her eyes when she heard glass shatter. The elevator had shot up so high that they were in the clouds. Then, the elevator began plummeting to the ground. Rose gripped on even tighter to Charlie, all the whole Willy was giving them a spaced out and dreamy look.  He turned around and pressed a button. The elevator stopped, now with the support of rocket propellers.

Rose let out a sigh of relief, and let go of Charlie. She looked up at Willy, who was smiling gently at her. She returned the smile. The elevator moved along and from it, they could see the other guests leaving the factory.

Augustus was covered in chocolate and licking his fingers. Rose wouldn't be surprised if he was part chocolate.

Violet was back to her normal size, but she was blue now. She was doing cartwheels, flips and contorting in ways contortionists only knew how. Perhaps she could find a new passion in gymnastics.

Veruca was next. Both her and her father were covered in trash. Rose saw Veruca glance up at the elevator, and then turn to her father, presumably asking for a flying glass elevator. Looks like that girl didn't learn anything. Mr Salt must have told Veruca no, because she stomped off a little bit just before her father.

Last, but not least, was Mike. Mr Teavee was carrying Mike's jacket for him, since he was now too tall and skinny to wear it. Well, if Mike by some miracle ever got into sports, basketball would be perfect for him.

Rose couldn't say she felt bad for the children though. It was their own fault, and by extension, their parents fault as well, especially Mr Salt.

"Where do you live?" Willy asked the two Buckets.

Both of them turned around. Charlie pointed out their home. "Right over there. That little house"

******

Mrs Bucket was chopping cabbage in the kitchen, Mr Bucket was reading a newspaper, Grandpa Joe was sweeping up the floor, and Grandma Josephine, Grandpa George, and Grandma Georgina were lying in bed, as usual. "When do you think they'll be back?" Mrs Bucket asked.

"Hard to know, dear" Mr Bucket answered her.

That's when the glass elevator crashed through the roof and landed right in the house. Mrs Bucket shrieked in surprise. Mr Bucket jumped onto the couch. Grandma Georgina, having just woken up from her nap, said, "I think there's someone at the door"

"Hi mom!" Both Charlie and Rose waved at Mrs Bucket. Willy waved too, albeit a small and awkward wave.

Mrs Bucket waved back at her two children, and the man that was with them. "Hi"

Rose and Charlie exited the elevator. They ran over to Mr and Mrs Bucket, and Grandpa Joe. "Mom, dad! We're back!" Charlie exclaimed. The five of them shared a group hug.

Willy had finally stepped out of the elevator, and approached the hugging Buckets. "This is Willy Wonka" Rose introduced, smiling lovingly at the man. Willy looked at Rose and returned the smile. "He gave us a ride home"

"I see that" Mrs Bucket said, glancing up at the ceiling.

Willy looked between Mr and Mrs Bucket. "You must be Charlie and Rose's p...p..." He was struggling to say the word.

"Parents" Mr Bucket finished for him.

"Yeah, that"

"He says Charlie's won something" Rose explained to her parents and grandpa.

"Not just some something" Willy began. He started looking around in the cupboards. "The most something something of any something that's ever been. I'm gonna give this boy my entire factory" Everyone grew shocked expressions on their faces.

"You must be joking!" Grandpa Joe exclaimed.

Willy began to explain. "No, really. It's true. Because, you see, a few months ago, I was having my semi-annual haircut, and I had the strangest revelation. In that one silver hair I saw, reflected my life's work, my factory, my beloved Oompa-Loompas. Who would watch over them after I was gone? I realized in that moment, I must find an heir. And I did, Charlie. You"

"That's why you sent out the golden tickets!" Charlie concluded with glee.

"Uh-huh" Willy nodded.

"What are Oompa-Loompas?" Mrs Bucket asked in a whisper.

"I invited five children to the factory and the one who was the least rotten would be the winner" Willy opened up one more cupboard, finding Charlie's toothpaste tube cap replica of the chocolate factory.

"That's you, Charlie" Rose said, giving her brother a hug.

Willy walked up to Charlie and asked, "So, what do you say? Are you ready to leave all this behind and come live with me at the factory?"

"Sure, of course!" Charlie said. Rose wasn't sure she'd ever seen him smile so brightly. "I mean, it's alright if my family comes too?"

"Oh, my dear boy, of course they can't!" And just like that, everyone's smiles dropped. But it wasn't only Rose's smile that dropped. She could feel her heart sinking down into her stomach. "You can't run a chocolate factory with a family hanging over you like an old, dead goose" Willy glanced over at the grandparents. "No offence"

"None taken, jerk" Grandpa George replied.

Willy threw him an annoyed glance but ignored the comment all the same. "A chocolatier has to run free and solo. He has to follow his dreams. Gosh darn the consequences" Willy stepped back into the elevator. "Look at me. I had no family, and I'm a giant success"

Rose's eyes were brimming with tears. She wanted to say something to Willy, but as soon as she opened her mouth, it immediately snapped shut. Charlie grabbed her hand, and gave it a comforting squeeze. "So, if I go with you to the factory, I won't ever see my family again?" He asked.

"Yeah" Willy nodded. "Consider that a bonus"

"Then I'm not going" Charlie decided. "I wouldn't give up my family for anything. Not for all the chocolate in the world"

Willy's smile fell from his face. "Oh, I see. That's weird" He gave one more shot at trying to convince Charlie. "There's other candy too besides chocolate"

"I'm sorry, Mr Wonka. I'm staying here" Charlie told him sharply.

"Wow" Willy frowned, and his eyebrows furrowed. "Well, that's just...unexpected and weird. But I suppose, in that case, I'll just... goodbye then" He gave a nod and was about to press a button. He looked at Charlie again. "Sure you won't change your mind?"

Charlie nodded. "I'm sure"

And for the first time during that whole discussion, Willy tried meeting Rose's gaze. "Rose" He tried. And then he suddenly felt guilty when he saw her face. How could he say all those things in front of her?

Rose looked away, wiping the tears from her face. "Just go, Mr Wonka"

If Willy wasn't feeling defeated before, he definitely was now. It hurt him to hear Rose call him Mr Wonka instead of Willy. It broke his heart. He found himself to care deeply for the girl all in the course of one day. Now, she wouldn't even look him in the eye. With a final goodbye, Willy pressed a button, and the elevator flew out of the house.

"Things are going to get much better!" Grandma Georgina chirped optimistically.

There was a sudden knock on the door. Mrs Bucket went to answer it. It was Harry, and he was holding a wedding dress in his hands. "Hello Buckets!" He greeted, but then quickly noticed all their sad faces. "Is this a bad time?"

Mr Bucket glared at him, and immediately stepped in front of Rose to hide her from view. "What do you want, young man?"

"Oh, well, I've just come to drop this off" Harry explained, holding up the wedding dress. Rose peeked over her father's shoulder, and felt even more tears coming when she saw the white fabric. "It belonged to my sister, but it'll fit Rose" He handed off the gown to Mrs Bucket.

"Er, thank you, Harry" She said unsurely, folding it nicely over her arm.

Harry looked in Rose's direction. She was trying to remain hidden behind her father. Harry smiled, trying to get her attention. "Rose?"

"She's not in the mood to talk, young man!" Grandpa Joe said to him.

Harry got the message and backed off. "Alright, well, I just came here to tell her that the wedding will be tomorrow. One o'clock sharp" His eyes scanned the other Buckets. "And I apologize, but none of you are welcome to the ceremony. I hope you can understand" Harry didn't even wave or say goodbye. He just left the house, leaving the Buckets speechless. "Darling," Mrs Bucket said, turning to face her daughter. "Can you explain to us please?" The tone she used wasn't mad. Her voice was full of concern, and her expression was too. All of the Buckets were.

"Rose, what have we told you?" Mr Bucket said, using a gentle tone, and gripping his daughter gently by the shoulders. "You don't need to marry that boy"

"Well," Rose began, calming down from her sobbing. "Dad, I know you lost your job, and Mrs Mason said the pie shop would be closing soon. Things were only going to get worse, so I saw no other choice other than accepting Harry's marriage proposal"

"But Rose, you don't need to marry him" Mr Bucket assured his daughter. "The factory offered me a much better job in fixing the machines"

"And sweetheart," Mrs Bucket spoke up, rubbing Rose's back. "Mrs Mason stopped by earlier today. She said it was the busiest day she ever had. The bank is giving her an extension, and she's positive she'll be able to pay. She's even able to hire more employees, and she's promoted you to a position in the kitchen baking the pies"

"R-really?" Rose asked both of her parents. Both Mr and Mrs Bucket nodded.

"Rosie" Charlie spoke up, making Rose look down at him. "You're not really going to marry him, are you?"

"Well..." Rose paused, not really sure of what to say. "I..."

"Because, what happens if you do marry him, but he doesn't allow you to see us ever again? I mean, he doesn't even want us at the wedding" Now tears were starting to form in Charlie's eyes. "I don't want him taking you away from me"

This was becoming too much for Rose to handle. She was feeling conflicted. On one hand, she really didn't need to marry Harry anymore for her family's sake. But for Rose's own sake, she was still considering going through with it. She might as well, considering she'll never love anyone the way she loved Willy Wonka again.

She had only known Willy Wonka for one day, but she had fallen deeply in love with him. She never felt that way about anyone before. But now she was never going to see him again. So, Rose figured, she might as well be stuck with Harry for the rest of her life.

"I can't do this right now!" Rose burst out into tears again and ran out the door. The other Buckets couldn't do anything but watch as she did. She needed her space right now.

"Charlie" Grandpa Joe looked down at the boy. "What exactly happened today?"

The boy answered his grandfather. "Rose and Mr Wonka fell in love with each other, but now..." Charlie gazed at the door which Rose ran through moments ago. He then looked up at hole in the ceiling. "They'll never see eachother again"