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jiejie-eonni-onee-sama · 4 years ago

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I’d put a crown at your feet... (Part I)

For the dearest @marilynmonroefanfics 💝👄

Hope you’ll like the story.

TW: mentions of smut

June 1972. Castle of Balmoral.

Walking through the Scottish lands, Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh, was in a foul mood.

He felt like his life was falling apart for two years. Or maybe for more years?

He did not remember when it went sour, but for sure, he knew that his life was a complete mess.

First of all, his marriage was falling apart: he and Elizabeth grew distant from each other. Farewell, the sweet romance of the beginning! Even the birth of Edward, their last child, did not manage to patch things up between them.

Secondly, his “dear” wife did not show any maternal love for their children. She cast Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward away, often scolding them for their mistakes and barely complimenting their efforts or successes.

Philip had to admit that he was not really present for his children, but he was not at ease with them. Moreover, Elizabeth took perverse pleasure remembering his royal duties.

But the final straw was when he discovered that his spouse enjoyed the company of other men, to say the least.

Amazing! And he was the one the press accused of being a cheating husband! It is a topsy-turvy world!

As he was brooding over the disaster of his personal life, he did not hear the sound of a four-wheel-drive coming near to him until a familiar voice called him:

"Hello there, dear brother-in-law!"

He turned around and saw Margaret at the wheel of her vehicle, a slight smile on her face.

"What are you doing here?"

"Invading Scotland! Seriously, I'm escaping from my sister's boring sycophants! They were wasting my day!"

Philip smirked: his sister-in-law was the best person to understand how he felt in this oppressive world. Even if they did not have the same character, Philip and Margaret managed to get along. Especially since they had to tolerate Elizabeth's obnoxious behavior for some years.

"If you talk about the Daniels and the Furlingtons, you took the best decision! I would do the same!"

"Is it not what you're currently doing? Escaping from my dear sister at long strides?"

The prince shrugged.

"Maybe..."

"I see... Fancy a ride?"

"Is it risky?" joked Philip.

"Oh, don't be such a coward! Get in the car!"

"How could I refuse such a lovely request?" said her brother-in-law with irony as he climbed in the car!

Soon after, they were driving into the Scottish countryside, enjoying the view at every turn. Philip admitted that his legs needed some rest after his long walk.

After half an hour of driving, Margaret stopped the car, and they appreciated the point of view.

"Well, I have to tell: you are an excellent driver!"

"Oh, I had a good teacher! Dad and I used to drive there when I was younger!"

She sadly smiled.

"I remember his laugh... He told me how bold I was!"

"I wish I could have those kinds of memories with my own father!" answered Philip.

"Sure, you were not lucky!"

Both stayed silent, watching the calm landscape until Margaret spoke again.

"If Dad were among us, he would never let Elizabeth behaving that way with you or the children!"

"You're probably right. Unfortunately, I don't know what your mother thinks about it!"

"Don't worry about that! She often criticizes Lizzie for her lack of maternal love! She said that the monarch of Great Britain should never forget both their royal obligations and their parental duties!"

"Regrettably, your sister does not really care about it!"

Margaret scoffed.

"You bet she did not listen! My dear sister repeats that her children are more a burden than a blessing!"

She turned towards Philip.

"Speaking of that, make some effort, damn it! It looks like you're trying to avoid them at any cost! Don't you love your children?"

This question hit Philip like a punch!

"What are you talking about? Of course, I love my children!"

"Then, act like it! They are craving affection, and they cannot count on their mother for that! They need their father, and if you don't do anything to rectify the situation, you will regret it!"

The Duke of Edinburgh sighed.

"I know that it's not an excuse, but nobody taught me how to be a father. I tried my best, but I only witness the disaster I've created!"

"Don't be so pessimistic, or you're going to make me depressed! Sincerely, between you and my sister, you are the better parent! You just have to improve it, and it's not too late!"

She frowned.

"But I can't even believe Lizzie dared cheat on you with this jackass!"

"You know the name of her lover?"

"The most recent one? Of course, I know his name... and you know him too!"

"Who is it?"

"You won't like it... But it's Roger Acherville, one of your squires!"

Enraged, Philip struck the dashboard.

"DAMN IT! THIS RASCAL BOWED AND SCRAPED IN FRONT OF ME, BUT SHARED MY WIFE'S BED!"

Margaret bit her lip: she wished she never had to tell that news to her brother-in-law, but she must tell him the truth, even if it hurts like hell!

"I'm sorry, Philip. I'd prefer never tell you this..."

He interrupted her.

"No, you were right. You did well to tell me who my wife is cheating on me with right now!"

Philip was upset. How could Elizabeth do such a thing to him, after all they have been through together?

"But now I don't know what to do ..."

He turned to Margaret and saw that she was wearing a big, mischievous smile.

The kind of smile that announced that she had an idea behind her head and that didn't promise well.

"What are you going to tell me again as a twisted idea?"

"You know the law of retaliation: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth..."

"I know this motto, indeed. And then?"

"Well, what I mean is... I allow you to get your own back on my sister!"

Philip opened his eyes wide: he thought he hallucinated? Did Margaret just authorize him to cheat on Elizabeth?

Years ago, she would have torn his eyes out if he ever imagines that possibility!

But now, the circumstances were different, and she was his best ally in Buckingham Palace.

Moreover, the idea of finding solace in someone else's arms was not unpleasant...

He nodded.

"Alright! You convinced me!"

"Really?"

"Yes! After all, why my dear wife should be the one having fun?"

"That's the spirit, dear in-law! Before you start finding a lover, do you know what would make me happy?"

"What?"

"Shave that goddamn beard! You look like a caveman!"

The prince consort laughed: he almost forgot his bushy beard!

"What is the problem with that? It looks nice to me! People would think that I am an explorer! Or a Viking: after all, I am a Danish prince! Or maybe Socrates, as I am a Greek Prince too!"

"Of course, and I look like the lost twin of Marilyn Monroe!" she taunted the Duke while playfully punching him on the shoulder.

The two royals laughed and spoke for a long time, far from their daily issues. After all, this day was the beginning of a new journey for Philip Mountbatten...

Two months later. August 1972

Philip adjusted his bow tie: he hoped he wasn't doing anything stupid by accepting Margaret's invitation to one of her parties. She had promised him that he would not be bored and that he might find the perfect person.

He sighed: he knew he was running a risk looking for a mistress.

If ever the press caught him in the arms of a woman, his reputation was gone! And his wife would not hesitate to put him down!

Straightening his chest, he gave a satisfied smile and got ready to join his sister-in-law when his son Andrew entered the room:

"Good evening, father ... Oh, you are very elegant!"

"Thanks, Andrew."

"Are you going out tonight?"

"Indeed, yes. I'm accompanying your Aunt Margaret to one of her parties. According to her, I am the guest of honor."

The 12-year-old boy nodded.

"Does ... Mother approve of this?"

"I have to. At least, your father will stop my sister from doing something stupid!" answered a familiar voice.

With these words, Queen Elizabeth entered the room. Dressed in a pearl gray satin dress, she had put on her most exquisite jewelry. She looked stern, almost disdainful.

"Good evening, mother. You are beautiful tonight!"

The queen ignored the compliment and turned to her husband.

"Can I count on you so that Margaret doesn't end up dead drunk in another man's bed?"

"I'll do my best ... And you, what have you planned tonight?"

"I'm attending a reception at the Indian Embassy. As for Mother, she spends the evening with her lady-in-waiting, and Edward stays with them."

"And what about Charles and Anne?"

"I have no idea, and I don't want to know!"

Philip raised his eyebrows.

"I thought every parent should be worried about their children's nighttime activities!"

She replied in an annoyed tone.

"Oh, don't say such nonsense! They are old enough to fend for themselves! Besides, I have other priorities!"

She glanced at the clock that sat quietly in the back of the room.

"If you have nothing else to tell me, I'll leave you! I have to go to the embassy! Have a good evening!"

She turned on her heels and took off at a brisk pace, leaving her husband and son alone.

The Duke saw the sad look on Andrew's face and felt pain for him: how many times has he witnessed his wife ignore their children's words?

He tried to cheer his son up:

"Come on, it's nothing. I'm sure your compliment made your mother happy!"

Andrew replied:

"Don't bother too much about it, father. She does not care what I tell her. And she does the same to Charles, Anne, and even Edward!"

The young boy turned his gaze to his father:

"Even you, she snubs you all the time!"

"Well ... let's say that between adults, things can get more complicated!"

"Well, that doesn't make you want to be an adult!"

Philip laughed at the clear opinion of his third child.

"Don't worry, it won't be like this all the time! I'm sure you'll find someone you get along with!"

"I hope so too..."

Changing the subject, Philip asked:

"So what about you? What are you doing tonight?"

"I'm staying with Grandma and Edward. At least, I am sure to have a good evening!"

"I think so too. Well, I have to leave you: if I arrive late, your aunt might strangle me!"

"What are you waiting for? Go ahead!"

"I'm going! See you tomorrow!"

"See you tomorrow, father!"

Philip kissed his son on the forehead before heading outside the palace, where a limousine awaited him.

He got into the back of the vehicle and ordered his driver:

"We can go, Henry! Let's go to Princess Margaret's residence!"

"Right away, Your Highness!"

And the vehicle set off, taking the prince to the place of the party.

A few minutes later, he arrived outside Kensington Palace, where several luxury cars were already parked in the driveway.

With a steady step, he entered the house where a butler greeted him with deference:

"Welcome to Kensington Palace, Your Royal Highness."

"Thank you. Could you tell the Princess that I have arrived?"

"She's in the main living room, Your Highness. If you please follow me, sir ..."

The Duke of Edinburgh followed the servant into a large room with dancing music and laughter.

Philip spotted Margaret, in her best dress, chatting happily with her guests.

The butler walked up to his employer and announced:

"Lady Snowden, His Royal Highness Duke Philip of Edinburgh has arrived."

"Perfect! He's coming at the right time! Thanks, Howard!" Margaret exclaimed before going to greet her brother-in-law.

"Good evening, Philip. I see you dressed up… But you still haven't shaved your goddamn beard! What did I tell you?"

“This must be my rebellious side…” smirked Philip.

This remark amused the princess, who grinned.

"You got the point!"

She took his wrist.

"Come on! I have some lovely people to introduce you to!"

And so Philip became acquainted with singers, actors, dancers, musicians, artists, and other socialites of good English society.

Suddenly, he noticed the presence of a young man who was talking to some artists.

Although he tried to stay focused on the conversation, he found it difficult to take his eyes off this mysterious young man.

The latter had dark skin, raven hair, and intense ebony eyes. Dressed in an elegant black suit, he was rather slender and had elegant hands.

Philip saw that he was wearing light makeup that showed off his face.

Margaret saw that her brother-in-law seemed hypnotized by the young man. She smiled:

"Tell me, Philip, would you like me to do the introductions with that handsome brunette over there?"

"What? Come on, Margaret, you don't have to ..."

"No way! Follow me!"

Letting out a long sigh, the Duke followed the Princess, who addressed her guests:

"So, are you having fun?"

"Absolutely, Maggie! This night is awesome!"

"I am delighted about it!"

She turned to the man who accompanied the mysterious young man.

"Jonathan, you nasty little secretive! You did not present me this delicious young person who accompanies you!"

"Where are my good manners? Margaret, Prince Philip, let me introduce you to Piero De Angelis! He is a model of your husband Anthony!"

"I should have guessed! Anthony has always had an eye for beauty!"

The British princess turned to the man named Piero.

"And you, my dear, how do you like this evening? Are you having fun, I hope?"

"Oh yes, Your Highness. I'm having a great evening!"

The prince noticed that he had a voice that was soft enough for a man.

"I am delighted about it!" smiled Margaret, who nudged Philip lightly.

The latter, having understood the message, cleared his throat before asking:

"Like that, your name is Piero? Like the character from commedia dell'arte?"

"Not quite, but I admit it sounds like it! My name is spelled P-I-E-R-O, while the character is spelled P-I-E-R-R-O-T. That is all the difference!"

"I see ... When you take a closer look, you look a bit like him!"

"Oh, really? Do I look melancholic?"

"No, but your makeup is as subtle as his!"

His sister-in-law slapped her forehead: she feared Philip might bring out one of his sharp sense of humor. His jokes tend to upset those involved.

However, she did not expect Piero to respond maliciously:

"Beware, Your Highness: appearances are often deceptive. For example, when I look at you, I can say that it must be several centuries since you last saw a shaving foam!"

This gibe amused Margaret, who gave a fit of laughter, while the other guests gasped in horror: how dared this young commoner speaking to the prince consort with such poor manners?

As for Philip, he was taken aback: no one ever ventured to respond to one of his jokes. But he had to say: Piero had some spirit, and he liked that!

He laughed:

"Well played! I appreciate people with some character!"

Philip offered his hand to the young man:

"I know when I lost the game."

Smiling, the young Mister De Angelis shook hands with the prince:

"It was an honor verbally sparring with a member of the Royal family!"

At the second their hands touched, Philip felt like electricity went all over his body. He thought it has been years since he underwent such emotion...

As for Piero, he was mesmerized: he always found Prince Philip attractive when he saw him on official pictures, but now, the young man could affirm that the prince consort was handsome, to say the least.

The young man also observed that Philip's piercing eyes hid something else, but he could not tell what: sadness? Or melancholy? Hope?

Yet, he was sure that the Duke of Edinburgh was not as happy as he seemed.

When they stopped shaking hands, Piero bowed respectfully before Philip:

"It was a pleasure speaking with you, sir."

"The pleasure was mine, Signore De Angelis."

Amused, the young man slightly bowed his head before he turned his heels and walked away.

Philip smirked: this young Piero was the most interesting man he ever met so far.

He glanced at Margaret, who smirked slightly. Looks like she had something in her mind...

"What?"

"Nothing... I just confirm that you find your match!" she muttered as she sipped her glass of Martini.

Rolling his eyes, Philip answered:

"Please, do not make overly ambitious plans!"

"What? Do not give me that stern look!"

Shaking his head in disbelief, Philip glanced at the young man with a sly smile on his face: he had the feeling that Piero would have an intriguing role in the future...

Two weeks later, at Kensington Palace.

In the main living room of the palace, Philip and Margaret talked about many gossips and their respective marriages.

"I'm glad to hear that you and Anthony are on better terms!"

"Yes. I would not lie, it was struggling. But, in the end, it is worth fighting for!"

The prince nodded before sighing:

"I really hoped that things would get better between Elizabeth and me. Unfortunately, I have to certify that it only worsens! She avoids me most of the time, and I am sure she pretends to have different appointments to be with this Acherville!"

His sister-in-law puts a sympathetic hand on his arm.

"I am sincerely sorry for this, Philip."

"Thank you, Margaret. But, my hardship only strengthens my desire to see someone else... Someone who can love me for who I am!"

An impish smile came across Margaret's face.

"A little bird tells me that you have a specific young man in your mind, am I right?"

The Duke of Edinburgh raised his hands in defeat.

"There's no fooling you!"

The princess squealed in delight.

"I knew it! I saw this little sparkle in your eyes that says a lot about your feelings!"

"Wait a minute... Are not you upset by the fact that I may be romantically involved with a man?"

She shrugged.

"As if I care! Choose whoever you want to sleep with, as long as it gets on Lizzie's nerves!"

"I recognize your open-minded character!" chuckled Philip.

"Indeed."

"Speaking of him, what can you tell me about this Piero De Angelis?"

"Are you reading on my mind? I was about to tell you what I know so far!"

"Go ahead!"

She cleared her throat and answered:

"Well, I asked my best friend, Lady Anne Tennant, to give me some pieces of information about him. According to her, he was born in a middle-class family who fled Italy during World War Two. Loving parents, close relationships with his siblings. A nice life, to sum up.

He is six years older than Charles. She also told me that he graduated from Oxford, but he prefers modeling. He sometimes worked as a tutor for children of noble families. I approve of his model career: he has such good looks! It would be a shame not to take advantage of it!"

"Sure... What about his temperament? His hobbies?"

"As far as I know, he is an artist: he loves drawing, sculpting, dancing, taking artistic pictures, painting, acting, and singing! A perfect artist, I tell you. Those who know him say that he is patient, charming, cultivated, smart, polite, and humble... He has some humor, but you have already noticed it. Ah, I almost forgot! He has some... unusual tastes!"

Philip raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't imagine something scandalous! It's just that he loves good fashion, jewels, and perfumes."

"He has a fondness for feminine things..."

"Exactly. Is it not a problem?"

"Oh, I would handle... At least, I'll have someone to give those kinds of presents!"

"That's the Philip I know! I might add that he currently lives in the area of Westbourne, in the neighborhood of Notting Hill... which is not far from here!"

"You planned everything, did not you?"

"I learn to anticipate, dear in-law! He lives in a small house, so you won't be disturbed by potential housemates."

Philip smiled before saying:

"Alright. So, am I supposed to go there, and ask him out?"

Her grin confused the prince consort.

"Oh, dear... That won't be necessary!"

As Philip was about to ask what she meant, a butler appeared:

"Your Highness, Mister De Angelis is here. Shall I let him in?"

"Perfect, just in time! Let him in, Howard!"

The prince could not believe his ears:

"You invite him?"

"Of course, dear in-law! Like this, you would get to know each other better!"

At the same time, Piero entered the room, escorted by the butler. Margaret gave her warmest smile towards the young man:

"Piero, caro mio! What a pleasure to see you! How are you since the last time?"

"I am fine, thank you. I did not expect an invitation from you..."

He noticed the presence of Philip and bowed:

"Your Highness..."

"Mister De Angelis..."

Suddenly, Margaret stood up from her place and said:

"Well, you know what? I'll pop over Lady Anne and picking some pastries, while you two have a nice little conversation. I would not be too long..."

"What? But..." started Philip.

"No protest in my house! Alright, see you later!"

She turned her heels and walked out of the palace, followed by her butler.

The two men stood silent, looking at each other. Piero broke the silence as he tried a joke:

"I see that you finally shaved your beard..."

The prince chuckled:

"Yes, indeed. As you can see, my interview with the shaving foam went well."

"I hope my joke didn't offend you."

"Absolutely not. I'm fond of that kind of blunt humor, and I was pretty happy to find someone to share it with!"

"You see me honored, Your Highness."

Philip shook his head negatively.

"No formalities with me: we are not at Buckingham Palace! You can call me Philip!"

Piero was surprised by this inquiry but didn't really pay attention:

"However you like, Philip. In that case, you can call me Piero. Or Peter, if you prefer."

"Understood, Piero."

The young man asked:

"Did your wife ask you to shave?"

Piero regretted asking that question because he saw a glimmer of sadness in the Duke's eyes.

The latter sighed:

"No, I was the one who took that initiative. And to be honest, my wife doesn't really care about my hair choices. In fact, she doesn't really care about me at all!"

This revelation surprised Piero: he did not expect Prince Philip to make such a confession to him about his married life!

"You ... are you arguing?"

"If only that was all that! But unfortunately, there is also indifference, contempt, and estrangement!"

"I am sincerely sorry for you, Your Highness. But you know, all may not be lost: things will surely work out ..."

Philip laughed bitterly:

"How I would like to be as optimistic as you! But when the person you love goes to seek passion elsewhere, you no longer have any illusions!"

"Indeed, seen from that angle, it is a bad start to save a marriage ... But why are you telling me all this? You do not have to tell me these things."

With these words, the prince approached the young artist and replied:

“That's right, I'm not supposed to tell anyone about it. But I've been looking for someone for so long who could listen to me and understand me. I'm tired of feeling isolated… Nonetheless, ever since I met you, Piero, it's like the light has returned to my life. Yes, I know we barely got to know each other, but I've always trusted my instincts when it comes to people I meet, and I've been right every time. "

Piero began to understand where the duke was going and panicked:

"Huh? Oh no! No, no, no, and three times no!"

"What do you mean?" Philip asked, confused.

"I can see exactly what you want to ask, and I refuse! I don't want to be a simple consolation prize! I saw what it was like to be the lover of a king or a prince, and it doesn't make you want to be one! "

He continued in a calm tone:

"I have no doubt that you are a handsome man with many qualities, but I cannot accept being just a passing lover until the day you reconcile with the queen. I do not like the idea of being a simple shoulder to cry on that you give up as soon as everything is better. "

Philip was speechless: he expected everything but that! However, he should have waited a bit before declaring his love. But the tension in his relationship was so unbearable that he despaired finding someone he could love unconditionally.

And this young Piero was the person he needed ... he still had to accept!

Philip dropped to his knees in front of the young man, and took his hands between his while looking at him with pleading eyes:

"I swear Piero: if you were to become my lover, it's because I feel like no love exists anymore between Elizabeth and me. I suffered from abandonment when I was just a child, and I know only too well the harm it does. I would never do this to a person who is dear to me..."

"But get up, damn it! If we were seen like that ..." Piero stammered, panicked.

"I don't care! I know you are suspicious of beautiful promises, but I swear to you that I will never disappoint you. You will always be showered with gifts ..."

"Hang on! I'm not a materialist!"

"I know, I know ... I will make sure to spend time with you, I will call you regularly ... I will be the most devoted lover that can exist!"

The young man laughs lightly:

"Please, it feels like a Barbara Cartland novel!"

"Thank you for this unflattering comparison!" grumbled the prince, who smiled.

Philip stood up and asked:

"What are you going to decide?"

Piero bit his lip: to tell the truth, he was torn between two feelings. On the one hand, he was scared to become the lover of the Duke of Edinburgh. He did not want to betray the Queen and being the next prey of the press!

But on the other side, he had to admit that he was always fascinated by Prince Philip and his magnetic charm. And then there was this vulnerability in this man that the young man found irresistible.

After a few minutes of thought, he replied:

"I admit that this somewhat surprising declaration of love took me by surprise. And even if I do not want to be an accomplice in adultery, I want to give you a chance!"

Reassured, Philip dared to kiss the young man's tanned forehead and replied:

"I promise you won't regret it! How much time do I have ahead of me?"

"Two months. I think that will give me time to see if I can give it a go or not."

"And that will be more than enough to convince you!" Philip laughed.

10 months later. May 1973

The spring sun sneaked through the curtains, caressing Piero's sleepy face.

The latter woke up slowly and opened his eyes, a smile on his face.

He turned and fondly looked at his sleeping lover.

The young man smiled when he saw Philip so appeased: he was happy to have accepted the prince consort's proposal.

At the same time, the latter succeeded in his probationary period: he was a considerate, loving, affectionate, and caring boyfriend.

Piero had never had so many presents in his life: the number of beautiful clothes that filled his wardrobe was impressive. And what about the magnificent jewelry that Philip brought back from his official trips?

All this had convinced the young man to become Prince Philip's lover, but also his confidant: it was to him that the Duke of Edinburgh told of his marital misfortunes and his doubts about his ability to be a good father for their children. And Piero felt privileged to be one of the few to know Philip's emotional wounds.

But what made their relationship so intense was when they had sex. Although the prince was a middle-aged man, he was an experienced and vigorous lover. The first time they had sex, they took their time to get to know each other's bodies better and to have fun.

The other times, the antics were more intense, even passionate ... as was the case last night, when they "celebrated" Philip's return from an official trip to America.

He remembered the feel of Philip's rough yet gentle hands on his body, their bodies moving against each other, their cries of pleasure filling the air... It was a pleasant experience, even if it was the umpteenth time they made love.

Of course, the two lovers would like to see each other more often, but they had to be discreet so as not to attract the attention of the media, let alone that of the Queen.

But hey, that didn't bother Piero who was delighted not to become the new darling of London.

Suddenly he felt Philip stretch and wake up. The prince turned to his lover and smiled at him:

"Hello, mein Liebe. You are very early."

"To believe that I took your bad habit!" the young man smiled.

"But it's not a bad habit to be early in the morning. On the contrary, it gives me more time to enjoy your presence ..." the duke replied before kissing his lover.

"Speaking of having time to spare, wasn't it today that you promised Charles to have lunch with him?"

"Damn, I almost forgot!" Philip exclaimed, hopping out of bed before rushing into the bathroom.

"What a scatterbrain!" Piero laughed while getting dressed.

"I heard you!"

"That was the goal, amore!" replied the young man, teasingly.

5 minutes later, the Duke comes out of the bathroom, ready to return to his obligations.

"Am I presentable?"

"Honestly, you are still handsome!"

Smiling, Philip kissed his lover's cheek:

"I'll call you tonight, I promise."

"I will wait impatiently for your call ... Come on, go join your son!"

"I'm going right now. See you tonight!"

"See you tonight!"

As the Duke left the house, Peter lay still on his bed, a thoughtful smile on his lips.

He was glad that the relationship between Philip and his children had improved, especially thanks to his advice.

Piero had relied on his life with his parents and siblings to empower his lover to be a more present father to his children.

Speaking of which, Piero would love to meet his lover's offspring: seeing how Philip talks about it, they must be very nice young people.

He would love to talk about the arts with Charles, who seemed to be very passionate about it.

He would also appreciate being able to walk with Anne and talk about lots of things or reassure her about her future as a young bride.

He would love to give fashion advice to Andrew who was already paying attention to his appearance when he was only 13 years old.

And he would be happy to spend time with Edward, the youngest of the siblings.

This boy worried his father a lot because he was silent and always seemed sad...

Suddenly the phone rang, interrupting Piero's thoughts.

He picked up the phone:

"Hello?"

"**Dear Piero, how are you?**"

"Oh, hello, Margaret. I'm fine, thank you. How about you?"

"**Oh, it's okay. As much as I wish I hadn't had tea with Sally Frodenborough! This woman is so boring, I thought I was going to fall asleep!**"

The young man laughed.

"Now do you understand why I politely decline her invitations for tea?"

"**You'll tell me so much ... But let's forget about it! Tell me instead about your relationship with my esteemed brother-in-law! How is it going?**"

"It's a fairy tale, I can't say better!"

Piero knew he owed it all to Margaret: she was the one who introduced them at that party at Kensington Palace. Since then, she had become an ally and a friend of the couple and did not hesitate to invite them to her home so that they could meet again.

All this with the benevolent complicity of her husband, Anthony.

Over time, the princess and the young artist became good friends, and she often invited Piero to have tea at her place.

"**Glad to hear that, darling. Besides, I have to say that your relationship is very positive for Philip. He is happier, more serene, and closer to his children. You did a great job!**"

"I only encouraged him, he did the rest!"

"**Don't be so modest! However, I think my sister is suspecting something!**"

Hearing this, Piero felt a chill run through his spine: if the queen ever learned that her husband was cheating on her with a simple artist, he feared the worst!

"When you say she suspects something, do you mean she suspects Philip of adultery?"

"**No, I wouldn't go that far. But she can see the change in Philip's mood and she knows it's not her responsibility. She's not really trying to find out, but let's be careful!**"

"You're right ... But, I admit that there are times I wish I could spend more time with Philip. I understand he's doing his best without raising suspicion, but ..."

"**I see what you mean, and I understand you ... Oh wait: I just got an idea!**"

"Again? But it never stops"

"**My dad always said I was the most imaginative of the family. Okay, here's what we could do...**"

A week later, at Buckingham Palace.

In one of the palace rooms, Queen Elizabeth was having tea with her mother, Queen Mum.

"But what is Margaret doing? She should have been here since 10 minutes ago!" the sovereign said impatiently.

"Don't be so harsh on your sister, Lilibeth. I've heard that traffic in London is a bit chaotic right now. If so, she got stuck in a traffic jam."

"Maybe ..." Elizabeth replied.

Suddenly a servant entered the room and announced:

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Margaret, your Majesty!"

"Finally, here she is! Let her in, thank you!"

The servant shifted and let Margaret in, accompanied by a dark, smartly dressed young man.

"Hello, my dear sister! Hello, mom! Sorry for the inconvenience, but there was an accident near Piccadilly Circus which disrupted all traffic. I thought we would never get there!"

"You see, Elizabeth: I was right ..."

"Indeed, mum. But tell me, Margaret, who is this man with you?"

"I was just going to explain it to you: you see, I thought back to your history of tutoring for Andrew and Edward. And it turns out that this young man, Piero De Angelis, worked as a tutor in very good families. Here, I have some letters of recommendation from them. " she said, handing out a few missives.

Elizabeth took the letters and read them in silence. After reading it, she said:

"My word, your former employers are heap praise on you, Mr. De Angelis. They compliment your pedagogy, your intellect, as well as your patience with children."

She gave a slight smile.

"Since my sister seems to find you suitable for her nephews, I think we can take you on for a trial period."

Piero respectfully bowed while giving the monarch a hand kiss.

"It would be a great honor for me to serve you, Your Majesty!"

"This young man looks very pleasant to me. In my opinion, your sons will be in good hands!" said the Queen Mother, amused.

"Thank you for placing your trust in me, Your Excellency!" Piero replied, giving a slight bow.

At the same time, the door opened and Philip entered the room.

"Ah, Philip: at the right time! I present to you Andrew and Edward's new tutor."

Seeing who it was, Philip thought he was having a heart attack: but what was Piero doing here? It was too risky!

When he saw Margaret by his side, it didn't take long for him to realize that she had yet come up with a completely crazy idea.

Straightening up slightly, he cleared his throat and politely said:

"Welcome, sir ..."

"My name is Piero De Angelis, Your Highness. It is a huge honor to meet you in person!"

The duke refrained from smiling: he had forgotten that his lover was an excellent actor. And he had just proven his talent in front of everyone!

"And how did he convince you to hire him?"

"He was warmly recommended to me by several high society families. All were satisfied with the work of Mr. De Angelis. It seemed logical to me to have a competent person to supervise the education of your youngest sons."

"Sounds perfectly fine to me!" replied the prince consort.

Satisfied with her husband's response, the Queen said:

"Perfect. Then maybe you could introduce Mister De Angelis to his future students?"

"But of course. If you will follow me, sir ..."

And as they were about to leave, Margaret followed on their heels:

"I'm going with them, just to make sure Philip would not terrorize the poor schoolmaster!"

"Hey, I am not a monster!" scoffed Philip.

The three left the room. The duke waited to be far from his wife to scolding his lover and his sister-in-law.

"What's got into you? Did you ever think about the risk of being caught?"

"Oh, don't be such a coward! I thought you would be pleased to have your lovebird here!" whispered Margaret.

"And I thought it would be easier for you if I work here. You won't have to find excuses to see me... Besides, I wanted to meet your children."

The prince consort raised an eyebrow.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me: I wanted to meet your children. You talked about them since we started dating, that I aspired to know them better."

Philip pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed: it would be a miracle if Margaret and Piero did not drive him crazy. But, at least, he would manage to spend quality time with his sweetheart. So, why not take the risk?

"Fine, you convinced me. But, we have to intensify our discretion. Otherwise, we will be doomed!"

"I'll be careful, don't worry!" promised Piero as he gently held his lover's hand.

"Aw, you are so cute!" mockingly cooed Margaret.

"Please, Maggie: stop killing the mood!" grumbled the prince consort, rolling his eyes.

4 months later. August 1973.

"How do you find my drawing, Piero?"

"Let me look at it... Oh, it's beautiful! You have some talent, Edward!"

The young boy happily giggled: he really appreciated his new tutor. Unlike his predecessor, Piero was kind, patient, funny, and really interesting. Thanks to him, the little prince quickly understood his lesson by heart, and his grades improved. The same evolution can be noticed for Andrew: the teenager preferred learning with Piero to listening to his teachers at school.

"You think I am talented?"

"Absolutely! And for who you draw this?"

"For Anne! It would be her present for her wedding!"

"That's absolutely sweet, Edward. I am sure that she would love it!"

Speaking of the princess, she entered the room.

"Good afternoon, Mister De Angelis! Hello, Eddie!"

"Hi, Annie!"

"Good afternoon, Your Highness. How are you today?"

"Fine, thanks. I just come back from a horse-riding session with Mark!"

"Oh, lovely. How it went?"

"It went nice until it started raining. But we finished fast, so I would not soil the clean wooden floors of Buckingham Palace!" snickered Anne.

"Annie! Look what I've drawn for you!" cheerfully exclaimed Edward as he handed his drawing to his sister.

"Oh, thank you: I love it! I will show it to Mark: he would be impressed!"

"Can I draw something for him?"

"Why don't you ask him when he will come back?"

"Alright, I will wait!"

At the same time, Andrew entered the room, dressed in a nice suit.

"Good grief! I thought Mr. Brownsfield would never let us go!"

"Watch your language, young man! If your mother hears you, you will end up being lectured for hours!" gently advised Piero.

"I know, I know... But I am so relieved to be here!"

"I have noticed!"

Anne lightly cleared her throat.

"Piero, can we talk... in private with Andrew and you?"

"Of course! Edward, could you go with your grandmother? I have to discuss some important topics with your siblings."

"Are we finishing the lesson?"

"Yes, indeed. You can go!"

"Alright!" nodded the young boy as he exited the salon.

Soon as Edward left, the young man asked:

"What do you want to talk about, Anne?"

The princess sighed before answering:

"Well, it's about Charles... He is not well."

"Do you mean he is ill?"

"Depressed would be more accurate!"

"Oh, dear! And what depress him?"

Andrew explained:

"Well, his ex-girlfriend got married in July! And he did not really cope with their separation, months ago!"

Piero nodded: he knew that Charles was heart-broken since Camilla Shand, his former sweetheart, ended their love story last year. But he did not expect to be downcast to this point.

"And do you want me... to have a conversation with him?"

"Anne and I thought it would be helpful. After all, you are close to his age!"

"Mark tried to cheer his mood, but it did not work well!"

"Mh, I see... Fine, I will see what I can do!"

The two princes seemed relieved.

"Thank you for your help, Piero."

"That's what I am supposed to do. Where is he?"

"In the gardens. He needed some air..."

Thanking Anne and Andrew, Piero walked downstairs to the gardens where he found Charles, wandering like a lost soul.

"Charles?"

The Crown Prince looked at the schoolmaster and the latter saw deep grief in his eyes.

Slightly sighing, Piero kindly asked:

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I... I don't know."

"As you want. Perhaps it would take a weight off your mind..."

The prince breathed before asking:

"Could you walk with me... please?"

"Sure, of course."

The young man joined Charles, and they started walking through the gardens.

"I don't know how it happened... I should have known that she favored that Parker-Bowles over me! But I still clung to the last straw of hope until I heard of their engagement!"

"I'm sorry for your heartbreak, Charles. But that was another life lesson, even though it hurts..."

The Prince of Wales sadly sighed.

"And as if it was not painful enough, Mother still pressures me to find a suitable bride... Even Father worried about it!"

"You are only 25 years old: you will find her, I feel it!"

"If only my dear parents were as optimistic as you, Piero. But no, they repeated all day long that Father married Mother when he was my age, and I'm exhausted hearing it all the time!"

"What does your grandmother think about it?"

"She says that I should not hurry to find my future wife, because a hasty marriage would inevitably end in a disaster!"

Piero nodded.

"Your grandmother is right, Charles: if you only follow what your duties command, you will bitterly regret your decision for the rest of your life. Of course, you have to find your future Queen, but you must love her as much as she loves you!"

He saw tears forming in Charles's eyes.

"I know but... I feel like everything I do is not enough for my parents. Am I just a good for nothing?"

Instinctively, the young artist knew that he would break the etiquette... but who cares? So, he did hug Charles in a comforting embrace, gently stroking his back.

"It's okay, Charles. I am here."

The prince did not cry, but he felt relieved that someone finally comforted him, so he hugged back Piero.

"I know this is not very formal, but I thought it would help you!"

"To hell with formality! I needed someone listening to me..."

They stopped the hug and Charles stated:

"I understand why Andrew and Edward appreciated you, Mister De Angelis: your patience and your kindness are helpful for the four of us!"

Piero shrugged.

"I just... do what I think is the best for everyone!"

"And I am glad that someone like you ensures our well-being..."

The young man smiled.

"You have no idea how much I am honored to have your trust, Charles. Listen: I will talk with your parents about it, and we will sort it out!"

"Thank you, Piero."

Unbeknownst to the two men, Philip was looking at them from the window of his office. The Duke of Edinburgh smiled while seeing his lover bonding with his son: indeed, he was happy that his four children appreciated Piero. Even though neither of them is ready to tell the princes the truth about their relationship: they have to wait...

In the evening...

"Do you want your son going bonkers? Stop pressuring him about his love life!"

"But he is still unmarried! At his age..."

"Yes, yes, I know the story: at his age, you were already married to Elizabeth!"

Philip pinched the bridge of his nose: Piero and he argued about Charles's single status. His beloved artist thought that his eldest son would go down into depression because of the familial pressure.

"Piero, I understand your concern about Charles, but he knows his duties..."

"Oh, please: don't start lecturing me about duties! If you were that meticulous about duties, you would never choose to cheat on your wife!"

"Don't muddle up things, would you? She started the war!"

"Don't change the subject, would you? We are talking about your son, in case you forget it!"

Piero sighed.

"Charles believed that he felt like a failure towards you. And he can't count on his mother to dismiss his fears! For God's sake, be more supportive of your son!"

"But..."

"No buts! You have to admit that your eldest son is not your carbon copy!"

"I admitted it! But people start talking: he is unmarried, had no official girlfriends, and he prefers attending parties! Rumors are spreading all around the kingdom."

His lover gave him a dark look and said with a cold tone:

"Let me ask you this simple question, Philip of Edinburgh: what matters the most for you? The public image or the well-being of your son?"

Philip stayed silent, much to Piero's displeasure:

"Fine, I see... You know what? You have all night to think about it."

He turned his heels and walked away.

"Wait, where are you going?"

"Did you really think I will spend the rest of the night with someone who does not listen to my advice? I really want to help you, Philip, and especially because I love you. But if you don't pull your weight, there is nothing more I can do. Good night!"

As he watched his lover walking away from him, the prince stood, desperate and worried. He messed up everything with his children, and now he messed up his love affair!

Philip sighed: why everything was so complicated? But, he had to acknowledge that Piero was right: he went back to his wrong habits, once again.

And if he wanted to save what mattered the most to him, Philip had no other choice: he had to repair his faults...

14th November 1973.

The Westminster Abbey bells happily rang in the air. Indeed, the United Kingdom celebrated the wedding of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips. A joyous day for the kingdom, and also for the royal family... Well, almost for Philip. Of course, he was so proud to walk his daughter down the aisle: what kind of father would not be happy for his child on this special day?

But what saddened the prince consort was that Piero barely talked to him since their argument about Charles. He could not blame him: the young man cared more about Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward than their own mother.

As he watched his lovely Anne and Mark exchanging their vows, the prince spotted Piero, sitting near the Duchess of Gloucester.

He knew that his wife allowed the presence of the young man at the ceremony to look after Edward, who was the page boy of his sister.

Piero was dashing in his pearl-grey suit, his white gloves, and his perfectly combed dark hair. Philip never ceased to be amazed by the angelic beauty of his lover. If only they did not argue 4 months ago, the prince would have already told the young artist how amazing he was.

But the young man was not inclined to speak with him yet, and this situation saddened Philip.

Meanwhile, Margaret saw the two lovers with a sad smile: she hoped that this argument between Piero and Philip would not last long, as she feared it would break her brother-in-law's heart. She knew that the young Mister De Angelis was the only one for Philip, and she could not let this match made in heaven falling apart.

Margaret smiled as she got another idea: the wedding reception will be the perfect occasion for a reconciliation...

Soon as they reached Buckingham Palace for the wedding lunch, Margaret whispered to Philip:

"Please, I know that you suffer, but talk to him!"

"I want to, but every time I look in his eyes... I only see anger and sadness. And I am the one who upset him!"

She gently patted his shoulder.

"You know what? Weddings are the best occasion to prove our love... or heal a relationship."

She winked before walking away, congratulating the newlyweds. As he thought about Maggie's musings, Philip smirked: after all, he learned to never give up what he held dear. And he would never give up on Piero...

Later that day, as the guests were too busy dancing, gossiping, or enjoying food, the prince slipped away from the crowd and wandered in the corridors when he spotted Piero in a room, retouching his make-up.

Smiling, Philip entered and said:

"Oh, dear: you do not need to change anything. You are already beautiful!"

Startled, the young artist stammered:

"What are you doing here?"

"We need to talk, I think.

Piero raised an eyebrow:

"Really? About what?"

Philip closed the door behind him before answering:

"We need to talk about us. It feels like years since I hold you in my arms..."

"And why you do not hold me in your arms, precisely?"

The prince sighed.

"Because of my stubbornness, we are apart. And I regret it every second since that night. You were right from the beginning, Piero: what is the purpose of your help if I did not listen to your advice? I should have known that you're the right person since you only wanted the best for me. My words might sound hollow, but I will be grateful to you for being here when I felt alone!"

The young man sighed before looking at his royal lover with a sheepish smile:

"I had to confess: at first, I did not speak to you because I wanted to be sure you learned your lesson. But then... I took pleasure letting you stew for a moment."

Philip was shocked.

"Are you bloody kidding me?"

"Not at all. Besides... I already forgive you, my stubborn Viking!"

The prince smirked:

"And they said Arlequin is the trickster in chief... Looks like they underestimated Pierrot!"

"And you love it!"

"Oh yes!"

Piero laughed wholeheartedly. Then, he stated:

"So, you said that you missed the sensation of holding me..."

He opened his arms:

"Why don't we make up for lost time?"

Philip did not need to be asked twice and rushed into his arms, kissing him feverishly. Their hands rediscovered their bodies, every touch drawing breathed moans of pleasure from the two lovers.

"I love you, Piero."

"Ti amo, Philip."

And while the kingdom celebrated the wedding, the prince and the artist rejoiced in their reunion.

June 1975. Balmoral Castle.

The summer went well for the royal family, and everyone appreciated the peacefulness of the Scottish countryside. For Piero, it was like discovering another place. He was amazed by the soft colors of the countryside and the calm surroundings, far from the lively Londonian life.

To be honest, he did not expect the Queen to invite him to spend some days at Balmoral, but apparently, Edward insisted, and she accepted. How could he refuse the opportunity to be closer to his dear Philip?

However, they both tried to be careful as he did not want to be caught by Elizabeth or the Queen Mother.

But everything changed one day, as Elizabeth left with some of her friends for a horse-riding stroll with some of her friends, and her dear Mister Acherville.

It did not bother Philip, as he took advantage of her absence to spend some time with his dear artist. Once his wife went away, he looked for Piero until he found him in the gallery room, looking at the different pictures hanging on the walls.

Coming near to him, the prince gently held the young man from behind and said:

"Are you judging the quality of the paintings?"

"Well, I have to be honest that the painters were talented. Your wife should add your own paintings!"

"Seriously? She said it would look out of place... Besides, you are far more talented than me!"

Piero chuckled:

"You flatterer!"

"It is the truth! You're my perfect little Da Vinci!"

The young man turned around and put his arms around Philip's neck:

"And you're my handsome Saint John the Baptist with a mischievous smile!"

"You like my mischievous part of me!"

"No, I don't like it... I adore it!" chuckled Piero before kissing his lover.

Amused, the prince answered the kiss with the same passion... until they heard a collective gasp of shock!

They turned around and saw Charles, Anne, Mark, Andrew, and Edward who stood near the door, astounded and silent.

Horrified, Philip stammered:

"I... I can explain everything..."

"You better explain, yes!" said Anne with a cold tone.

Mark closed the door behind them, preventing any gossiping from the staff.

"Now that we are alone, can you explain what happens?"

"This scene does not really need an explanation..." smirked Charles.

Ashamed, the prince started to explain:

"I guess that we do not have the choice. As you have noticed, your mother and I do not have a good relationship for some years. I thought that it would improve, but she decided to spend some time with another man. I was so desperate, and I neglected you - and I am sorry for that. And then, your aunt Margaret introduced me to Piero..."

"Auntie Maggie and her plans!" snickered Andrew.

"You got the point, Andrew. And so, at the very moment I knew Piero, I felt like something changed... To be honest, I felt that I fell in love again. I would be forever grateful to Piero for everything he did for me."

"Was it your idea to hire him as Andrew and Edward's tutor?" asked Charles.

"No, it was again Margaret's idea. And I saw how you felt better since he spends time with all of you!"

"Do you plan to tell us the truth one day?" asked Andrew.

"We aspired to, but I do not want you to see me as an intruder in your family. But I can assure you that I deeply love your father as he loves me!" explained Piero.

The five young people looked at each other before Edward answered:

"You know, Mister Piero, I don't mind if you are in love with Papa. Besides, you love all of us more than Mum does. So, I am happy to have you here with us!"

"He is right: at least, you listen to us and you try to encourage us, unlike Mother!" added Andrew.

"I do not really care about my parents' affairs, as we all know that their marriage is doomed. But now, let's be honest, Piero: you made him happy, and it matters the most for us!" stated Charles with a genuine smile.

"I have to confess that this is quite unusual... But, my dear Anne has a high opinion of you, Mister De Angelis, and so am I. Don't worry, we won't tell anyone about your affair!" smiled Mark.

"You see, Father, we all support you, and we are happy to have Piero with us at Buckingham Palace. So, there is no need to worry." grinned Anne.

The two lovers sighed with relief: at least, they accepted their relationship.

"Thank you very much!" breathed Philip with a slight smile.

"You're welcome, Father. But, the next time you want to show Piero your affection... Try being discreet!" laughed Andrew.

"He takes that from you, dear!" chuckled Piero.

"I guess so..." sighed Philip, even if he could not help smiling.

It looked like, after all, that they gained new allies...

27 August 1979.

In his house, Piero was dozing on his couch, reading a collection of poetry works by Oscar Wilde while he listened to some trendy music on the radio.

Suddenly, he heard the voice of a journalist interrupting the music:

"Ladies and gentleman, we interrupt our program as dreadful news has just been released by Buckingham Palace: today, Lord Louis Mountbatten, Admiral of the Fleet and former Viceroy of India, has been killed by a bomb planted aboard his fishing boat while he was spending his holiday with his family in his summer home in Mullaghmore, in the north-west of Ireland.

We deplored also the tragic loss of his grandson Nicholas Knatchbull and Paul Maxwell, a young local crew member. The remaining people present on the boat when the attack happened, suffered from serious injuries and were transported to the closest hospital..."

Piero dropped his book, troubled: it could not be! He rushed to his phone and dialed Philip's number. After a few seconds, he heard his lover's voice:

"**Hello?**"

"Philip, it's me! I have just heard about your uncle! Is that true?"

The slight sobbing on the other side of the phone answered his question:

"**They... They murdered him, Piero! They killed him! And they took his grandson's life! How dared they?**"

"I am terribly sorry for your loss, my love. I know how much he was a loved one to you..."

After all, Louis Mountbatten was not only the uncle of Philip: he was his paternal figure, a role model he praised so many times. Piero could not imagine how his lover suffered from this tragic loss.

"My condolences, amore mio. You are in my prayers, you and your family. I hope that the injured will recover soon."

"I hope so... Thank you for your call."

"You're welcome. How are the children?"

"Charles is deeply upset, Anne is crying, Andrew cannot believe it, and Edward tried to cope with this tragedy."

"I imagine... Don't hesitate to comfort them."

"I will... I am sorry, but I have to quit: Elizabeth required my help to organize the funeral. I'll call you later."

"Don't worry, it's fine. See you later, my love."

"See you later, angelo mio!"

As he hung up, Piero felt bad for Philip: his lover endured so many hardships in his life that the young man wondered if he can handle this new tragedy...

5th September 1979.

Sitting in his living-room, Peter watched the funeral of Louis Mountbatten on television. He watched the royal family, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her husband Denis, and some major figures of the kingdom attending the obsequies, all dressed in black and showing a sad expression on their faces.

The young man wished he could attend the funeral, just to be here for Philip and comforting him. But it was the mourning of a family, and he did not belong to this family...

Later that day, he heard a knock on his door.

"I don't remember to entertain someone today..." muttered Piero as he opened the door.

Much to his surprise, Philip stood there.

"Philip? But what are you doing here?"

"I needed to see you... Because I have something to tell you. May I come in?"

"Of course!"

The young man stepped aside and let the prince enter the house. Then, he closed the door behind him and asked:

"Do you want something to drink?"

"No, thank you."

"Alright. May I know what are doing here?"

He noticed that Philip held a large box under his arm.

"Hm, what is this?"

The duke sighed before explaining:

"Since the murder of my uncle, I thought about everything that happened in my life, both good and bad memories. And then, I thought about us, and I realize how important you are to me since we started our relationship. I wish I had met you sooner, but there we are. This tragedy casts light on the most significant person in my life: you."

He opened the box, revealing a golden crown before he put the ornament at Piero's feet. Then, he gets on one knee and said:

"You deserve everything, Piero. And moreover, you would be a wonderful consort. That's why I wanted to put a crown at your feet..."

"Wait for a second: it looks like a proposal... But you are already married!"

"I know, I know. I cannot divorce Elizabeth, and I think you understand that. But it is my way to say that I will belong to you, and you only for the rest of my life. And I wanted to know if you feel the same..."

Piero nervously chuckled.

"Oh Lord, that was unexpected!"

He kneeled near Philip and replied:

"I won't ask you to nullify your marriage, because I know what are the consequences. But I am moved by your gesture, and if you want to know, I will never look at someone else the way I am looking at you. I love you, Philip Mountbatten, and it won't change..."

"I love you too, Piero De Angelis." smiled Philip, relieved, before he kissed Piero.

As they tightly held each other, the two lovers felt like the sadness was less oppressive. They had the impression that nothing could tear them apart and they will surpass everything together.

October 1979.

"So, tell me more about this charming girl. What is her name, already?"

"Her name is Diana. Diana Spencer."

"What a lovely name! Is she the daughter of Count John Spencer?"

"Exactly."

Walking through the halls of Buckingham Palace, Charles and Piero were talking about the Crown Prince's new girlfriend, the young Diana Spencer.

"I know that you're dating her for perhaps one month, but how is your relationship?"

"Quite good, to be honest. She is calm, smiling, quite smart... Of course, she had different hobbies than mine but... I guess it's alright."

"I would like to meet her. I can invite both of you to my place if you want."

"It would be a pleasure."

A servant arrived.

"Mister De Angelis."

"Yes?"

"Her Majesty The Queen requires your presence in her office. If you please follow me..."

Piero was intrigued: why would the Queen want to see him?

"Alright, I arrive. See you later, your Highness."

"See you later, Mister De Angelis."

Piero followed the servant until they arrived in front of the door. The man knocked at the door before he announced:

"Mister De Angelis, Your Majesty."

"Perfect, George. Good afternoon, Mister De Angelis."

"Your Majesty," replied Piero.

The servant left the room.

The young man politely said:

"Your Majesty, I renew my condolences after the tragic loss of Lord Mountbatten... I shall say that I share your pain."

The Queen answered in a neutral tone:

"Thank you for your consideration, Mister De Angelis. However, the pain is not the only thing we share..."

Puzzled, Piero asked:

"May I know what are you talking about?"

She looked at him with contempt:

"Don't you dare think I am a fool, Mister De Angelis? I have learned that you have an affair with my husband!"

Piero stared in amazement: how could she know about it? He was sure none of the children told their mother, neither Margaret nor Philip. So, it must be a servant...

"I am astounded by such accusations, Your Majesty. Your husband and I have only cordial relationships, and that's all!"

"Stop spreading your lies. I know that you are the mysterious person my husband comes to see almost every day."

She came closer to him and snarled:

"I gave you my trust, I even left my children with you, and this is how you thanked me?"

Usually, the young artist would have lowered his head and being ashamed. But this time, he stared defiantly at her and said with a cold tone:

"Maybe I would be the rudest man in your kingdom, Your Majesty, but I can't stand such hypocrisy. Especially when it comes from someone who hurt her children and cheated on her devoted husband..."

"How dare you?!"

"I can ask you the same. You did not expect that I knew your dirty little secrets, am I right? After all, your lover was not really careful: he put his latest love letter in my office. What a big mistake!"

He restrained himself from smiling as he saw Elizabeth grew pale.

"But, I am a gentleman: I won't tell the media about your romance if you let us alone. Otherwise, the entire Commonwealth will hear about his adulterous Queen..."

"You have some nerve to threaten me as you do, Mister De Angelis..."

"I don't threaten, I warn: this is all the difference. After all, you would not have hesitated to destroy my life. Let's say that we are on equal terms for now..."

Suddenly, Philip and Margaret burst through the door.

"Ah, right in time, Philip. I have just tell Mister De Angelis that I knew about your affair."

As Philip was shocked, Margaret raised an eyebrow.

"And then? It's not like Philip was the only guilty!"

"You were supposed to support me, not to defy me!" snapped Elizabeth.

"How am I supposed to do that, as you enjoy belittle all your family members - it is a miracle that Mother is the only exception. And you deserve what happened..."

"Should I understand that you are behind this?"

"Absolutely, and I won't regret anything I did! And I am so glad that Philip has someone who did what you are supposed to do!"

The Queen fumed as she understood that her sister and her husband joined forces against her.

Philip added:

"You see, Elizabeth: you throw me away, but I won't running after you anymore. I finally find love again, and if you dare to mess up everything, I would not mind telling your friends about your relationship with Acherville."

Seething, Elizabeth raised her head in an arrogant gesture and declared:

"That is not going to happen for long, Philip. You know where your place is, and you will give this entertainer up!"

"I don't think so, dear wife. I am not the one who gives up so easily..."

He smirked.

"Now that you know everything, shall we leave you?"

"You're dismissed. Now, go!" she replied with a short tone.

The trio left the room, a relieved smile on their faces. However, they won't drop their guard, as they knew how embittered Elizabeth can be.

But it looked like she lost the war. Now, it was Philip and Piero's turn to conquer Buckingham Palace...

To be continued...

N.B: This request is written like an AU and changed many things from the characters to the events.

Please be kind and comprehensive and don’t snap about it!

Anyway, I hope you liked the story and I am waiting for your requests.

See you soon! 😘😷😍🥰💖

#requests #the crown #the crown au #prince philip #queen elizabeth ii #princess margaret #matt smith #drew roy #claire foy #vanessa kirby

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dionysuscrysis · 3 years ago

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Did someone say dion appreciation hours

HELL YEAAAAHHHHH DION APPRECIATION HOUR

hi dion good MORMING! I have been summoned upon my dashboard to TELL YOU you are the most lovable bean & I want you to know thgis immediately !! whenever you talk to me you’re always the sweetest person in the entire world and you deserve to feel as special and loved as you make this whole fandom feel. you’re so talented (an ✨artist✨ an ✨angle of music✨ and a ✨writer✨ WHICH I WILL CHECK OUT AS SOON AS I CAN BC ILY) and such a kindhearted individual, and I wish to give you the biggest Internet hug whenever I see your littol Skoodge icon visiting on my dash & see your tags! whatever you are going through at the moment, you can DO THIS and I LOVE YOU. thank you for being so sweet and a good friend, and i hope you feel better very very soon!!!! if you need ANYTHING please let me know, and most importantly, take care! 💖💖💖

** ps I still listen to your lil harmony on my song bc it makes me so happy. Pls know you are a blessing of an individual. 🥺**

Paige... my heart can only take so much... I'll have you know that your ask was the final straw for me this afternoon. I got so overwhelmed with the kindness you and all my friends have shared with me today that I started crying at my desk and had to go hide out in the bathroom at work for a few minutes to collect myself. (Don't tell my boss.)

I love you too, sweet pink friend. ^_^ I know I’ll make it through, and I’m so grateful for your support and your just... heart-squeezingly lovely words... I don’t even know what to say! I’m fortunate to know you. You are so creative and funny and kind and skillful and your videos have made me laugh and cry and cry-laugh and laugh-cry and your VOICE... OH, your VOICE.

You know, I’m a trans guy, and I’ve been on testosterone for about 5 months, and I’ve somewhat recently completely lost my upper range. I am so, so thrilled about the changes I’m experiencing on hormones, but I gotta say, it was pretty heartbreaking for me to lose my headvoice. I think as time goes on, I’ll be able to get some of it back and learn how to use my new voice better, but singing is so important to me, and I can’t help but mourn that loss.

But that also makes the little harmony I sang with you extra special in my heart. It’s like a little time capsule, and I am so delighted that you’re part of that. I adore your voice, and if I hadn’t been inspired by your singing, I wouldn’t have sung along with you, which means I would have even fewer recordings of my old voice. I am so grateful for that. It’s so meaningful to me. I cannot tell you how warm it makes my heart to know you found happiness in our little duet as well.

Ah, well, I’m back to crying (the good kind), so perhaps I’ve gone too sappy. Still, thank you. Please take care of yourself as well, dear. You deserve so much love.

Here’s a picture of one of my partners’ foster kittens:

Doesn’t he look ridiculous?

#asks #sorry if I went Too Hard on this...#you just have me FEELING things over here #thank you #you don't know how much your kindness impacts others

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idonotbitemythumbatyou · 4 years ago

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Found a prompt list and would love to see one (or more than one!) of these done for an OC pairing if they resonate:

- things you said while we were driving

- things you said too quietly

- things you said at the kitchen table

Also happy birthday month :)

Thank you for this fun prompt!

These are characters from a piece I’ve been playing with on and off for a year. I hope it makes sense with zero context.

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

You asked me to pay for breakfast like a normal person. With money. I don’t know what it was but something about that pissed me off.

So when the waitress came back I said, “I know you have to smile for work, but we’re very lucky to see it.”

“What?”

You rolled your eyes and scowled out the window - muttering something in Irish under your breath. She didn’t notice, and I ignored you.

“You have a beautiful smile” I said, finishing the attack with a sincere smile of my own.

She blushed and opened her mouth only to find herself speechless.

Thus disarmed, I extended my will to encompass her like a warm embrace. I held her in my heart and said simply, “Maybe this breakfast could be on the house.”

The waitress faltered - I felt her shift inside the comfort of my will - but not very far. She grinned as though the two of us were sharing a delicious, intimate secret. She really did have a beautiful smile, it brightened her round face and transformed her from an unremarkable person into a heart-stopping beauty. “On the house, darlin.” she said, placing an empty check on the table in front of me with a wink, “Don’t tell.”

Tammy gave us some serious guff when we tried to leave - choking and stuttering and belching when you turned the ignition. You gritted your teeth and turned the key with increasing irritation culminating in a hearty slap to the dashboard (followed by a gentle pet and a whispered apology).

You pulled out of the diner parking lot and towards the poorly lit highway. You looked carefully before turning (even though the flat terrain would have revealed headlights a mile off and I think I saw one car pass by the entire time we were in the diner.)

We were on the road in total silence for an excruciating three minutes. Not even music. Only the grumpy rumble of the deteriorating engine.

After a long time you took a deep steadying breath. “You probably got her in trouble,” you said.

I laughed - relieved that that was all you were annoyed about, “We’re in trouble, Maeve.” I cranked the window down to vent the trapped sun-heat into the night air. “You act like we have money to spare. I don’t just do that for fun.” The ends of your crimson hair whipped in front of me, drawn by the wind outside. I brushed it out of my face, revelling in the feeling of the strands between my fingers, the smell of you through the horrible motel conditioner. My voice came out gentler, softened by the contact. But I was not ready to back down on how right I was, “Do you think I’ll be able to do that when Tammy here finally gives up? We have to be tactical about where we spend money. Thank you. A-very much.”

You sighed. “But did you have to go that route?”

“I had to disarm her.”

“Don’t give me that, Lilias -”

“O~oh full names.”

“You only use compliments when you’re trying to annoy me.”

“That’s not true!”

It was true. A little light flirtation is the easiest way to disarm someone, but it also has the most painful hangover for the person influenced - once they realize that something strange has happened. Especially if I lie. You were the one to point that out to me.

“I didn’t lie to her.” I said (petulantly. I can admit it), “She does have a beautiful smile.”

Without another word, you pushed the wired tape into the tape deck and scrolled down your phone to choose a discordantly jaunty pop song for the rest of the drive back to the motel.

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

I have loved you since we were fourteen. Part of me knew you were the only one who could understand what I was - even if I hadn’t wrapped my own head around it yet.

The first time we kissed - years later - I was terrified because by then I understood the power I wielded. I wanted you to love me the way I loved you. But I hated to think you might love me because I wanted it. I tried so hard not to feel anything about you that night. Because I wanted you so badly it was certain to encompass you if I wasn’t careful. I sat beside you, nose to nose, rooted in place shaking like an ash tree, with tears (tears!) welling my eyes.

Absolutely mortifying. I could have died of embarrassment.

But you had touched my face and brushed a lock of hair behind my ear. “I have resisted the influence of fair folk kings.” you had said, in that melodic voice of yours - a little sadly, a little exhaustedly, with absolute gentleness, “you cannot make me do anything I do not desire.”

And then you waited for me to close the distance, and smiled into my lips. When we kissed, I realized the love I’d had for you up to then had only been practice. It could have been anyone, but now I was ready to love you in full, with all of myself in return.

From then on, I have faced everything with you. I would not change you for the world. But I did sometimes wish that we could have loved each other in a world that didn’t ask us to face so much.

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

You took a shower while I warded the motel room. A dull routine by now. When I was nearly done, I looked up to find you sitting at the table of what could only be called a “kitchen” under the most generous definition. You had a towel wrapped around yourself, and your hair - usually a majestic flaming halo of curls - hung damp and lank down to your waist.

On the table beside you, my practice scissors rested on a newspaper made entirely of useless coupons.

“I think it’s time to cut my hair.” you said.

“Are you sure?”

“I’ve been leaving bits of myself everywhere. It’s becoming dangerous. And if they send a hunter -”

“Of course. I can-”

“A hunter will know exactly what to do if they find my hair.”

“Yes. Let me just-”

“So will you cut it for me?”

I noticed then that your hands were balled into white knuckled fists in the towel on your lap, and your chin was trembling. I stood from the knot I was twining around the doorknob and went to you, taking your face in my hands.

“Of course, Maeve.” I said, and I kissed your forehead lightly, “Let me finish these wards, and I’ll be back to help you.” I took the scissors to cut the twine - extending my will to protect us into the knot. I then went back to you and helped you spread the paper under the kitchen chair. I brought over the ugly standing lamp with it’s fuzzy, peeling lampshade to illuminate our work with dull orange light. You played some quiet music and sat back on the kitchen chair.

I asked you what you wanted.

“Just… short. As short as you can,” you said, “if I can still have some of my curls left, that might be nice. But short.”

I hardly knew where to start. Your hair is so thick I had to tie it off into five different sections to get the scissors through it, before tossing it piece by piece into the little plastic waste basket.

“We’ll have to burn it in the morning,” you said.

After the first chop, your hair was around the length of your jaw. You wanted it even shorter. I told you it would seem shorter when the curls finished drying. You insisted. So I sectioned your hair with pins instead of bands and kept cutting. Careful snips to the sound of your soft acoustic music.

“Do you know why they’ve never found us, Lily?” You said.

I did. But the theatre of this conversation had kept us safe so far, and it had become a comforting prayer, “Why Maeve?” I said gently (snip)

“Because,” (snip), “they think they know how we should be feeling.”

“Oh?”

“They are reaching their mycelium tendrils out to search for our fear. They don’t expect us to feel anything else. They only know what our fear smells like. They haven’t scented out our joy yet. They don’t know what our love is like.” (snip)

I took another section of your hair down. “Then they’ll never find us.” I said, “What I feel for you is stronger than fear.” (snip), “I’m sorry about the waitress.”

(snip) “Thank you.”

“We can check on her tomorrow if you’d like.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. We should be moving on.”

I nodded, though I knew you couldn’t see. Of course we would keep moving. We would do so for as long as we could. I wondered when the folk would learn to track my exhaustion.

It took nearly an hour to cut your hair all the way down. You were blessed with gorgeous thick curls. Back when I was “jealous” of you, this was my greatest source of consternation. I obsessed over your hair as I sat behind you in algebra class. I was irritated beyond all reasonable measure that you didn’t even seem to know how to style it, and imagined vividly what I would do if I could style it for you. I did poorly in algebra and only later interrogated what that jealousy had masked.

If only I could tell my fourteen year old self that I had run my hands through your hair more times than I could count since then. I had braided and combed your hair. Nestled my face into its depths, kissed it so many times that surely my love had reached every strand by now. I had even, on occasion, nearly choked, breathing it into my mouth in moments of uncontrollable ecstasy (a detail I would certainly not share with my fourteen year old self).

I cut it nearly to the skin on the sides - as evenly as I could manage with scissors (I am sorry, my love, the sides looked a bit uneven and plucked for a few days before we acquired the clippers), leaving a long flop of red curls on top to cascade down nearly to your eye-line on one side. I stepped back to behold my clumsy effort, and was about to apologize when your muddy green eyes met mine and my breath caught in my throat.

You had gone from an ethereal beauty to a striking creature whose appearance was less easily defined with words like “beautiful” or “handsome.” I saw for the first time how your cheekbones ran parallel to the sharpness of your jaw. Your long neck arced gracefully to meet your slim freckled shoulders. Even the bow of your lips seemed more prominent. You furrowed your brows at my reaction and turned to see yourself in the mirror through the open bathroom door.

You blinked in disbelief. Then grinned. “I look… They’d never know me now.”

The folk do not rely on vision. If we were found, of course they would know you in an instant by the impression of your being - even if you somehow grew an extra four inches taller or switched bodies with me they would know you. Normally I would never imagine a haircut could make any difference. But as you looked in the mirror your entire demeanor changed. The carriage of your weight, even the set of her shoulders shifted. We had cut your hair so you might not leave such distinctive tracks behind us, and instead we’d revealed an entirely new essence of your being. “You know Maeve,” I said, wonderingly, “I think you’re right. You look like someone they’ve never known before.”

You looked like yourself for the first time in 400 years.

I felt a pang of self reproach that I’d been perfectly happy these seven years only knowing the masked version of you. You took another rinse to get the clippings off your skin while I swept up. I hesitated before dumping all the hair and paper into the bin. After a moment, when I was sure you weren’t just about to get out of the water, I reached into the bin to pull out a long lock of your hair. I opened my kit and tied the hair with twine, then wrapped it around a quartz with an iron emulsion to keep it safe, and placed it all in a little pouch. I packed it at the bottom of my kit, and put everything else on top of it.

By the time you re emerged into the room, the kitchen was clean and I was in one of the twin beds, scrunched up to the side to leave room for you. It was a tight fit, but we were used to it, and we both felt safer together. You crawled in next to me, and took your place in my waiting arms.

“There’s more room now without your hair.” I said, nestling my face into the back of your neck, feeling your damp hair against my forehead. I felt you laugh in my arms, and then you were still, breathing steadily for so long I thought you were asleep. Until you spoke again.

“I know you are tired, Lily.”

I closed my eyes and held you tighter. “I just worry, you know? Like. I don’t know if I can run my entire life. And we’re no closer to finding a permanent solution.”

You shifted a little closer to me. “There might not be one.” You said. “But whatever happens, I’ll be here.”

I kissed your shoulder and breathed you in, finding solace against the inevitability of our eventual failure in the weight of you against me. After a long time, when you were asleep - for sure this time, I whispered to myself, “I’ll be here too.”

#prettyaveragewhiteshark #original writing #fae #lesbians

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yukikorogashi · 3 years ago

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//literally one of the most precious beans i've ever had the pleasure of meeting. we dont really interact but your stuff lights my dashboard with such positivity and wholesomeness. It's been a pleasure connecting and reconnecting with you over the years <3333 you deserve to get every bit as much as you give and more and im just happy to call you my friend

How would you describe the MUN of this blog? // Always accepting!

(For example, if somebody asked you what the MUN of this blog was like, what would you say?)

W-WINTER PLEASE... you’re going to make this old girl cry, I s2g. 🥺❤️ I am so happy to hear that you would view my presence on the dash in such a manner! Honestly, it’s like... you read my mind somehow. Detected my doubts, and knew exactly what to say when you came into my inbox with this. But truly, I thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. For not just this absolutely heartwarming message that you have blessed me with on this very morning, but for all that you have done for me... because, good lord, have you done, so, SO much for me over these past months...

I hope you know the sentiment is returned in every single way possible, and I’m just so darn happy to call you my friend, okay? You really are such a darling, a remarkable human being who just continues to blow me away with her sheer awesomeness and existence alone. And catch me here ofc being a turtle and STILL being shook that you had reached out the way you had. Because honestly, when we reconnected, it felt like an old friend had rushed on up to pull me RIGHT INTO HER ARMS. And I’m just standing there in her arms like AUEHAW!

Honestly, I’m remembering now just how ecstatic I had been when you had followed me back on you LIS blog. And even though we barely knew one another, I remembered just how happy I was that such an awesome blog had given me a chance to interact with them. ❤️ And now, here I am getting another chance to write with this fantabulous writer. As you said, we haven’t really had the chance to interact yet, and I hope we will get to fix that soon enough! Just thank you so much for the crazy amount of love and support that you have given me. Especially during these times when everyone needs to do the necessary social distancing, idk. You somehow make it feel like you are in the same room as me when we chat somehow. Like you are sitting right by me when you talk to me... and I think that’s just so darn magical. ❤️

#❄️ THE SWEETEST THING ❄️#lamentaticn #❄️ QUEUE ❄️

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twoidiotwriters1 · 5 years ago

Text

Starcrossed Losers XIV (Josh Wheeler xReader)

A/N: This is officially the largest thing I’ve ever written on tumblr and I’m proud of it. Pardon my use of PUBLIC, the playlist demanded it (not really but I make the rules) I hope you like this chapter!

Words: 8,639

Warnings: Fights, cursing and blood.

Previous chapter // Next chapter

So now that I embrace my new title, things seem easier. Fuck it, I save lives (not really but you know what I mean), I’m creative, people come to me when they have problems normal solutions can’t fix. I’m awesome.

After I help to clean the store, I look for KJ since I’m already running late. I find her... talking with Josh. I analyze the scene, my friend is holding a book and he goes frantically through the pages as he talks to her. Next to me, I hear some ruffling and I see a small figure peaking through the garbage.

“Hello,” I lean over the pile of trash, I hear a yelp, “what are you doing dressed like a piñata?”

“Watching their interaction,” Replies Angelica, “since you’re going with Alex at least Josh seems to finally make up his mind”

“And that’s a victory cause..?”

“He needs the rebound sex!” I can picture her rolling her eyes, “I get it if you’re virgin and don’t want to lose it with Josh-”

“Hey, my thing has nothing to do-”

“He needs a distraction, if KJ can do that for him then I have to kindly ask you to not get involved!”

“What is he holding?” I cross my arms, now just as invested as my friend on the scene unfolding before us.

“A Chinese-English dictionary, he’s trying to speak in her language”

“That’s so dedicated,” I'm touched by his actions, “he doesn’t need to...”

“Let him be a gentleman!”

“That’s not why I said it!” I poke her head, “Anyway, I think you’re wrong. He’s not asking her out.”

“Why do you think that?”

“A hunch,” I shrug.

“Or jealousy?” She says in a suggestive tone.

“You’ll see I’m right,” I start to walk over to where they are, ignoring Angelica’s hurried whispers.

“Hey!” I put one arm around his shoulders, it’s hard since I can barely reach them, “What’s up?”

I see KJ’s eyes widened for a moment, maybe thinking that I’m about to uncover her secret. I wink at her in complicity.

“Hey,” Josh smiles at me, lifting the book so I can see it, “I was asking KJ about her headphones, I think we could use something like that for the noise problem”

“You don’t say,” I pretend to be surprised, KJ snorts but she manages to change it into a sneeze, “Bless you! So uh, tell you what then, you bring as many headphones as you find and I’ll tell KJ about what we’re trying to do. Give me...”

I gently take the book from him and start rummaging through the pages, pretending to look for some words.

“You sure?” He asks, starting to walk away, “You’re the best Y/N! See you in a minute!”

He runs off excitedly, KJ and I start laughing.

“I have to admit, his effort is kind of endearing,” She smiles.

“Just when I think he can’t get cuter, he does this,” I point to the book and leave it on top of the beauty stand.

Ah, fuck. Why I never think before I talk?

“Cuter?” She smirks, “Are you crushing on Josh Wheeler?”

“Are you?” I ask out of pure panic.

“Hmmm, not really,” KJ shrugs, “but... I can’t say that I haven’t thought about it”

“Hah,” Her words sting in my chest, I try to play it off as casual as possible, “the headphones, then. Let’s go over to the stage and see if we can make it work”

“Cool”

Josh comes back with a bag full of headphones and wireless earphones, looking different than the first time we were standing here today.

“You told her?” He asks, carefully leaving the bag on the DJ’s table.

“She’s in,” I smile innocently, “should we start?”

“Yeah,” He nods excitedly, grabbing three sets and handing us one to KJ and me.

“What’s your plan for this super-amazing-legendary Homecoming do-over?” I ask while breaking the package of my earphones.

“Well, now that you mention it...”

Alex passes by and calls out my name, I look up to see what he wants.

“Should I wear a tie or a bow-tie?” He inquires.

“Whatever you prefer Al,” I grin.

“Alright, don’t say I didn’t ask!” He walks away, raising his hands in defeat.

“He’s taking the dance too seriously”

“I think he’s just making sure everything goes according to plan, maybe he’s worried about our matching outfits not really matching or something...”

“Match?” He frowns, “Why would he... oh”

“Oh?” I frown, “What?”

“You’re going with Alex?”

I really wish this question didn’t make me feel so awkward.

“Uh, yes. He asked me today after I went to the pharmacy... it’s his way of fixing things”

“No, I understand,” He scratches the back of his neck, “you... you wanted that, right?”

“I don’t know if I wanted... it feels nice, getting my best friend back like old times”

“Old times...” He nods, now somehow quieter, “I’m happy for you, Y/N”

“Thanks?” I abandon my earphones on the table, “Is everything okay?”

“Huh?” He looks back at me, “I... I was thinking about the last dance I ever assisted to back in Canada”

“Was it fun?”

“Fuck no,” He chuckles, “I never asked any girl so I always went alone. I had this coach that made us dance with a mop to get the extra credits”

“You went with a mop to your last normal dance?” I ask in disbelief.

“Don’t laugh.”

“I wasn’t going to,” I reply, laughing.

“Stop!” He whines, focusing on his headphones, “I’m aware of how shitty that sounds, no need to rub it on my face. I bet you have this really cutesy story of your last dance”

“I went with my group of friends. We refused to ask someone so we all just went together. It was fun.”

“You always did that?”

“I never thought it was a big deal”

“I did,” He shrugs, “I had a plan for this Homecoming... I asked Sam”

“She said yes?”

“She did,” Josh puts the headphones away, “can we not talk about that right now?”

“Totally,” I reply, picking up my earphones.

KJ speaks up (in Chinese) and points to the DJ’s dashboard, then to our headphones.

“I think she’s saying it’s ready for testing,” Josh says.

“Put them on...” I put on mine and Josh follows my lead.

KJ gets closer to me and whispers.

“Connect your phone to the dashboard and pick a song, it should work.”

“Thanks,” I do what she says.

Since I’m still in the mood for PUBLIC, I grab the phone from my back pocket and open the music app, searching.

“Ready?” I ask, both give me a nod of approval.

“Sweet,” I mumble, pressing play.

And the music starts playing, but this time, only for us to hear.

I’m thinking about what Josh said to me. He asked Sam to the Homecoming dance, How tragic could things get before they stop? I’m starting to rethink my decisions, maybe getting too close is too dangerous. Staying is going to get me killed in more than one way.

Although how could I leave, when that means abandoning a newfound family.

“I’m a playin' it safe? I've been here for too long Haven't made a mistake There's a reason to stay - 'Cause I feel so alone”

Josh’s face lights up when he starts hearing the music, nudging KJ’s arm and nodding. The girl smiles and waves, her way of saying “Welp, my work here is done!” As she takes off the headphones and gets off the stage.

However, Josh and I stay to listen to the music, I see him mouth a “Well done!” and I answer with a “Same to you!”

“Make up reasons to wait Run so nothing goes wrong But everything that she said, I'm overthinkin' while I'm drivin' back home”

I start to follow the rhythm with my foot, sort of awkwardly dancing to it.

I won’t overthink what Josh said, there’s no point. Like I said to Angelica, he’s here and he’s staying and so am I.

Why would I be afraid? He’s told me before he’s not leaving me behind. I’ve said the same thing, I got his back.

“'Cause she said,

"Call me up when you're all alone 'cause I'm down for hangin' out

We'll stay up all night and I'll just crash on your couch.”

Josh starts dancing as well, we’re goofing around and not really showing our best moves, kinda like the hand-holding thing a few hours ago.

I’ve noticed how I do silly things with him often just for the sake of it, ever since he told me about his fight with Sam we have that sort of dynamic, we can act stupid and the other won’t judge.

“...Maybe that's her, that's the girl I'm just terrified And maybe that's her...”

Does this count as the soundtrack of my life? I mean we attached this song to a memory permanently. Who cares if it’s another PUBLIC song? Their songs are good, don’t underestimate them!

“How will I know if I never try? Maybe that's her, that's the girl, that's the girl I've been waitin' for”

He extends his hand and I take it, dancing in unison. I gotta say, we look pretty stupid. But it’s that spark in his eyes that makes me throw all the embarrassment out the window so I can get an extra minute with this side of him.

We’re laughing, loud. I know it even if I can’t hear us. I know it for the way his shoulders move and how it gets harder to breathe.

We have our own party going on, I accidentally trip on some wires so of course, I fall forward and Josh catches me.

Am I clumsy or is my body just sabotaging my plan to not flirt with Josh until I think the time is right?

Or is this just happening for the reader’s entertainment? We will never know.

The thing is that it happened and now Josh’s arms are on my waist and he’s chuckling and saying something that I can’t hear, he lifts me up so I’m standing on my own again. The music has gotten to the part where it’s a bit slower, and suddenly the choir seems to be ten times clearer than before.

“Am I playin' it safe? I don't know anymore Do I keep pushin' away 'Cause I'm just too afraid that someone's gonna get hurt”

Oh, fuck off, PUBLIC. I don’t need you spreading my thoughts out there like I’m desperate to send a message.

Though I did pick the song myself, maybe I did do it expecting Josh would understand that I’m scared of what I’m feeling. Maybe I’m hoping he’ll understand without me having to say anything and then he can kindly reject me and I can move on with my life.

Please, please just listen to the song, Josh.

For a moment I think he does, his stare suddenly gets all serious and he opens his mouth like he’s about to say something. He steps back so he’s no longer holding my waist and takes off his headphones, I take off one of my earphones and look at him, my hands are shaking.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, trying to sound calm and mildly confused.

“I...” He looks down at his headphones and lets out a short laugh, “I didn’t know you like this band”

“They’re not bad!” I complain.

“Yeah, I know. I like them,” He smiles, “I mean I’m not a huge fan or anything but... you know how I said I had this song in mind apart from Mastermind?”

“I do,” I give him a small smile, “you refused to tell me which song was...”

“It was a PUBLIC song” He grins, “a recent one. I can’t remember the name, that’s the reason why I didn’t choose it but the music video had this cool story where they’re in like a movie set? The singer has a crush on the actress..?”

“I know which song it is! It’s-”

“You guys fixed the problem?” Angelica climbs over to the stage, “wireless headphones? Nice!”

“Thanks,” I reply, “it was Josh’s idea. He asked KJ how did she set up hers so we could do the same with these”

I give her a pointed look and she just scoffs, then she looks to a side and nudges my ribs.

“Look at that...”

I look at the main entrance of the mall and I see Maya heading out.

“Where is she going?” Josh asks.

“Y/N kicked her out”

“You- What?” He says with wide eyes.

“It’s a long story,” I shrug it off.

“It was really badass,” Angelica adds.

“Later,” I insist, “we have a decoration to finish”

“C'mon Y/N, I wanna hear!” Josh insists.

“Basically Maya was throwing a tantrum cause she couldn’t find her knife-”

“Actually it was because I discovered the real reason why she isn’t with the Cheeramazons. It’s cause they kicked her out, but go on...”

“No way!” The boy exclaims, mouth agape.

“Let me finish!” Replies Angelica, “So anyway, she was running around Y/N’s pharmacy and when she walked in I hear Maya screaming at her and I was ready to set her on fire when I heard she was looking for her stupid knife. I took it cause I was helping with some decorations and we needed to cut papers and stuff”

“Maya lost her shit when she saw An holding it and then started to scream louder, then took the knife and cut her”

“My finger,” Angelica proudly shows her bandaid, “and then Y/N lost it.”

“What do you mean?”

“She told Maya that she needed to leave, cause her job as Healer was to make sure everyone was alright and since she hurt me she couldn’t stay”

“We need to surround ourselves with people that have some limits,” I try to explain so I sound less like an asshole, “Maya had none, she always expects to be the leader or the star of the group, this is how she reacts when she can’t have it. Besides, no one gets to touch Angelica on my watch. No one.”

“I’m not judging you,” He raises his hands, “if anything, I’m proud.”

“You... What? Why?”

“You found your thing,” He adds in a teasing voice, “Healer.”

“Ah,” I roll my eyes, smiling, “I figured that since you keep calling me that against my will might as well own it, right? I got an assistant and all! Alex is great on his job and calls me boss,” I grin.

“You do a pretty decent job,” Angelica shrugs, “just don’t fuck up”

“It’s getting late,” I see Angelica’s watch and realize the night is getting closer, “we get ready for the dance”

“Right!” Angelica perks up, “Eli is looking for you. He said he wanted to talk and that you could meet him back in the salon”

“Okay?” I frown, “I better go then...”

“Have fun!” She smiles, walking off the stage.

“I should go get dressed too,” Josh mumbles, leaving the headphones on the table next to him.

“I should do that after I talk to Eli as well”

“See you... Y/N?”

“Hmmm?”

“Bow-tie or tie?” He asks with a smile.

I let out a laugh, thinking about it for a second.

“Bow-tie. I think it suits you.”

“Bow-tie it is,” He gets off the stage as well.

The store is crowded, I’m starting to think maybe Eli is no longer here when I hear him calling my name from the back.

“Your campaign failed? Are you going to kill me with scissors?”

“What? Nah. I decided to not run for the crown.”

“Why?” I frown, getting closer to where he is, “Wasn’t that your goal?”

“I have a bigger goal now, which is not die,” I’m about to ask what the hell is he talking about when he speaks up again, “I’m giving you a makeover”

“How about no?” I backtrack, trying to be as far as possible from his grasp.

“Don’t be shitty, you know I used to work with my aunt!”

“I don’t need or want a makeover”

“You don’t wanna feel pretty for one night? Do a Cinderella entrance when they see you come down the stairs and all that shit? Do you even know what you’re gonna wear?”

“I was thinking black jeans..?”

“Good fucking- Sit on the chair, Y/N.”

“But-”

“You need a break. You’ve been curing all the kids since you came back and you have a sprained wrist. When was the last time you slept properly like, on a bed?”

“Not that much,” I huff, “like... a week?”

“It shows,” He gets closer and pushes me towards one of the chairs, “sit and relax, princess. I got this shit. When I’m done with you, you’ll look like real-life Barbie”

“How exciting,” I snort, “including the outfit?”

“That’s all on you. I trust you’ll pick something better than jeans. Ask Wesley, he’ll know how to capture your vibe”

“I think I can do it alone”

“Uh...”

“I used to dress up on my own before this whole thing happened,” I say, “the reason why I didn’t want to be all fancy this time it’s cause I just don’t see the point, it’s a made-up dance.”

“So were the ones back at school,” He retorts, already putting some sort of oil in my hair “the difference is that you didn’t plan those. This thing is to help us forget the bullshit, just play along”

I never thought I’d say this but maybe I should follow Eli’s advice. We’ve been through a lot of shit and this thing helps us cope, mend our inner wounds as a true healer would say.

He doesn’t let me look at my reflection until it’s done. He turns around my chair and sets me in front of the mirror. I don’t know how to react to what I’m seeing.

“So?” He inquires, raising a brow, “Will you let me handle those curls without doubting my abilities next time?”

“I...” How did he do that? My hair looks so soft and... clean. Hydrated as well, I have no split ends and it’s just so... in place, I look amazing.

And my makeup? Yes, he did that too. And I don’t know how did he manage but I don’t regret it at all.

“Eli,” I gasp, “you’re my favorite boy right now”

“I tend to have that effect on the ladies,” He smirks.

“I love you,” I say mesmerized, softly passing a hand through my hair, “don’t take it the wrong way, I don’t wanna date you”

“You don’t need to specify,” Eli scoffs, “I know that you only have puppy eyes for dumbass Josh”

“Oh, come on,” I groan, “you too?”

“Princess if you wanna keep it casual then don’t drool all over the floor,” He replies, “even Crumble can notice”

“Shut up,” I complain, standing up and brushing little hairs from my overall, “I’m gonna go get changed. You better start to get ready as well.”

“Bold of you to assume I don’t have my suit ready. I might have quitted the throne, but I’m still ruling hearts”

“Sure,” I stifle a laugh, “get them all, tiger”

I spend the next two hours searching for something my size and not claimed by the other kids. One hour trying to find them in a color that could match in a killer outfit. In the end, my look is not devastatingly perfect but it’s enough and it makes me feel good, I can’t complain.

Alex finds me when I’m walking out of the store, fully dressed and ready to dance.

“Holy shit, I feel like a proud father right now!” Alex takes my hands and makes do a quick twirl so he can see the result, “I wish I had a camera with me”

“Wait! I have a phone”

“Didn’t you lose your phone when... you know”

“I got one after I left the jocks,” I pull the phone out of my pocket and open the camera app, “you take it, I’m terrible taking selfies”

“Happy Homecoming do-over!” Alex presses the icon on the screen until he feels satisfied, we check to see if we like the pictures and then he gives me the phone back so I put it back in my pocket, “Ready to dance all night?”

“As long as my wrist allows” I lift my hand, still covered in bandages, “I’m ready to have fun”

We walk in and I freeze, amazed by the final result of all our efforts these past days. It looks great, I even start to consider that maybe this wasn’t a waste of time.

“Neat, right?” Wesley walks up to me, giving Alex and I two sets of earphones so we can listen to the music, “I made it work, which means you lost.”

“Not now,” I whisper once that Alex puts on the earphones, “let’s wait until tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? Na-ah,” He frowns, not even in a playful way, he looks genuinely upset “tonight’s the perfect romantic setting and you’re thinking about wasting it? You’re thinking about wasting your shot when you’re looking like that? Not on my watch, sister.”

“Wesley...” Alex looks at us slightly confused and I shake my head, “listen, I’m here to have a fun night with Alex and it’d be rude to leave him only to go and flirt with some other dude”

“I’ll only say this once, but you’re losing precious time Y/N,” Wesley warns me, I get the feeling that he’s hidding something from me but I can’t think of anything in particular, “just like you lost your chance to add a song to the soundtrack of our lives. You never told me your choice!”

Shit, after what happened with Maya I totally forgot I was supposed to tell Wesley which song I wanted. Still, I don’t worry too much about it, my mind lands immediately on a song.

“Am I still allowed to tell you?”

“Depends. Which one is it?” I lean closer and whisper the title to him, along with the name of the artist, “I don’t know who that is.”

“Just type it like that, it should appear right away,” I insist.

“Is it good?”

“Hey! You told me I could pick any song, so just add it to the list!” I push him towards the stage, all the way Wesley curses under his breath.

“You need to calm down!” He backs up, “Don’t ruin the suit!”

“You gonna play the song?”

“Yes, now leave the DJ alone.”

“Fine,” I go to find Alex again, he’s waiting for me next to the food and quickly takes off one of the earphones so he can talk to me.

“You want a drink?”

“Does the punch have alcohol?” I say as I put on only one of the earphones, keeping the other in my pocket.

“I don’t know?” He frowns, leaning closer to the bowl.

“I don’t wanna get wasted,” I shake my head, “can’t risk another injury so soon”

“I’ll get you coke”

“I’ll go with you”

We move around the mass of bodies until we reach the other table. There, we see Josh dancing with... a mop?

“Josh?” He’s wearing earpods, so I have to poke his arms to get his attention, when he turns and sees me, he immediately takes one off, “What are you doing with that mop?”

“Hi-woah! You look... so...” Josh looks at me and then at Alex, maybe hoping to get some help from my friend but Al stays silent, waiting for him to end the sentence himself, “you... Hi.”

“Hello,” I chuckle, “I see you’re wearing a bow-tie”

“I see you kept the aesthetic and just changed the overall for a... more fancy overall”

“It’s called a romper,” I clarify, “yes, it’s a fancier version but just as comfortable as the original. I’m also wearing heeled boots so you can’t say I’m not trying.”

“No, I wasn’t going to,” He corrects, “I think you look great. Both of you. Hi, Alex.”

Crap, I forgot I was with Alex. I’m a terrible friend.

“Hi Josh, your date seems pretty shy... Are you going to introduce us?”

“Yeah,” Josh smiles, “Y/N, Alex. Meet Mop-Sam. She’s here to represent real Sam now that she can’t be here”

“Hi Mop-Sam,” I tilt my head, “is this some kind of regression? Are you going back to when you were thirteen and your coach made you dance with a mop as a coping mechanism?”

“No. I just want Sam to have one last good night”

“Fair, but you could’ve used a mannequin,” I agree, “Why a mop?”

I stay quiet as I see the realization hit Josh, he stares at the mop with a new found resentment for his lack of brain.

“I didn’t think of that,” He whispers.

I pat his back.

“You should’ve asked me first, buddy,” I shake my head, “enjoy your night with mop-Sam though, she looks nice.”

He glares at me as I giggle, walking away with Alex beside me, casually holding me by the waist.

“Josh is really weird,” He says while handing me a soda, “yet, he’s got good intentions. I get why you like him.”

I choke with my drink. I don’t even try to deny it, apparently there’s no use to it since everyone has a radar to identify my crush from miles away.

“I just think he’s really fun to be around,” I shrug, “it’s thanks to him that I found you so I’m thankful that he found me”

“I can tell he’s glad that you found him,” Alex raises a brow, “why didn’t you come to the dance with him?”

“Because you asked me first.”

“You could’ve said no. If you wanted to come with Josh I would’ve understood. Don’t use me as an excuse you had all the time in the world to ask him and you didn’t, you don’t want to admit that you chickened out on the last second.”

“What if I did?” I reply sternly, “Is not like he wants to be with me, I’ll get hurt if I try”

“Dude, didn’t you see the way his brain short-circuited when he saw you? I could practically see the hearts floating around his head”

“But Sam-”

“Sam’s gone. If he can accept that, Why can’t you?”

That’s a good question. Why can’t I?

Josh and I could be everything I always wanted, why am I so against it? It isn’t Alex. Josh wasn’t dating one of my friends, he’d broken up with Sam way before I had even returned to his life and we’re both so fitting for each other, why can’t I let myself enjoy life in the apocalypse? Why do I always have to feel sorry for myself?

“I think I’m still not over it,” I say, voice hoarse, “part of me doesn’t think I deserve something good happening to me after what I did to Katie.”

“That’s bullshit,” He frowns, “you spent most of your life looking after me whenever my parents weren’t home, made sure I always had food and slept well. You make sure all these kids are safe and clean their wounds when they need it, even with a sprained wrist. Shit, Y/N you’ve grown to be strong and you’ll be bigger than what you expect but please cut you some slack, let yourself be happy.”

“I think...”

The music is loud on my left ear, barely leaving me room to think. What Alex wants me to do is to follow my heart, that I can hear loud and clear even with all the noise surrounding us tonight.

“I want a break. I wanna have all the little, ridiculous nice things that used to make me go all giggly inside”

“That means?”

“How about we dance until I can’t feel my feet?”

“And after that?”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Seems appropiate”

Time flies when you’re having fun, specially when it’s during the night. I only realize it’s been three hours when Eli walks up to us and asks if we voted for a homecoming gender-neutral royalty since it’s about to close so they can start to count the votes and tell us who won before midnight.

Alex and I step to the voting box and when we’re done he lets me know that he has to go to the restroom so I’m left alone.

I decide to use my free time wisely. I walk towards the stage and after a mute conversation Wesley agrees to put the song I asked for, I make my way towards Josh, who’s still cheerfully dancing around the mop.

I poke his back again and he turns around, smiling brightly when he sees me. He’s about to take off the earpods but I stop him, signaling him to listen to the next song.

I promise, dear reader, that this is the last time I’ll use PUBLIC as the soundtrack of my life. You can agree with me when I say this one demanded a place on the list. After all, it was Josh’s song but it also means something to me, the lyrics now more than ever, say everything I can’t dare to say directly at his face.

So now I’m asking you and Josh, to dance along to the beat of my love declaration.

“Oh, here we go again, on this ride Incapable of just being friends Always on my mind...”

He lifts his head up as soon as he hears the first few seconds of the song, smiling. I can read his lips saying “You found it!” and I nod, just as happy as him. I extend my hand and ask him quietly if he wants to dance this one with me and he takes my hand with no hesitation.

I know I’ve only known Josh for like, eight days. Without counting the time in highschool cause we didn’t know each other that well.

I know that’s not enough time to say I love him, or that he’s the love of my life. Yet, is enough to know I like him and that I would love to know him better. I want to be with Josh as close as possible, all the time. Maybe the feeling will fade away, maybe he’s not the love of my life.

I rather be with him until it fades away than letting the feeling die without trying.

“Waiting for something A message late at night Are you gonna say what you wanna say? Are we gonna do this right?”

At first, we dance awkwardly, slowly from one side to the other cause we don’t know how to dance like this: So officially. This is not a random day when we’re fooling around and dancing like stupid people. This is the homecoming do-over and we’re supposed to do it right.

Then we share one look of panic where both of us are like “oh my god, what the hell are we supposed to do with our arms?” and instantly relax cause we remember: “Hey, this is us, why are we trying so hard?”

“But I'm hesitating when I'm around you I can't escape that look in your eyes It's getting late and we're just talkin' My feels locked inside”

He takes my hands and makes me twirl and slide, we get stuck in some movements but none of us gets stressed about it. Meh, whatever, we’re having fun.

We aren’t talking, yet I feel like I’m having a whole conversation with just our eyes, he laughs when I accidentally step on his foot and I do it when he trips on his own feet. I’m not capable to look away, it’s just us here.

You know, maybe I’m imagining this, maybe I’m exaggerating what’s going on between us during this song. Does it matter? Life would be so dull if we saw our reality only in one way. Isn’t it better to think you’re the only person left in the world and witness as time stops for you to remember every single little, ridiculous detail that makes your life worth it?

This right here, is what makes my new life worth it: The people in it, the feelings I have whenever I’m around them.

Josh.

How everything is possible when I’m with him.

“'Cause you're the one that I want 'Cause you're the one that I need I just wanna fall in your arms So I'm begging down here on my knees”

He pulls me closer and I put my arms around his neck. I’m nervous at first, I’ve never been this close to him, besides the times when I crashed into him or that time back at the factory where I lost my cool and hugged him in front of everyone... okay fair, I’ve fallen into his arms plenty of times before.

This hits different because of the pretty lightning, the music that we both like, we’re wearing fancy clothing which is always a nice plus, the ambient feels so... normal. Finally, I got to have a little piece of my old life back.

I imagine that this is the actual Homecoming, Alex is somewhere with Stuart and somehow Josh and I kept talking after our school project, one thing led to another, then we came to the school dance together.

Think of all that could’ve been, if only I had decided to let go of my feelings for Alex sooner, to give this a chance. I could tell Josh was something special even if I didn’t like him that way, he always caught my eye one way or another.

Maybe if I’d talked to him one day back in Highschool to say more than just ‘Hi’, if I had invited him over to the movies with the rest of my friends, things would be different. I don’t know exactly how different, but perhaps, better.

The solo comes in and Josh uses the opportunity to take off one of his earpods and asks me to do the same.

“This is the song you chose for the soundtrack?”

“You like it?” I grin.

“I can’t believe you used your only chance on a song that I wanted, that’s not cool!”

“Hey, who said I did it for you?” I tease, “I love that song, it’s a banger”

“You don’t think it was too much?”

“Why would it be too much?” I frown, “it’s good, not as corny as you make it sound”

“It wasn’t the song what I thought it was too corny,” He rolls his eyes, “I was planning on dedicating the song to someone”

“Oh,” I feel my blood run cold, and burn my chest at the same time, “to who?”

“Not important,” He shrugs it off, “she’s not available”

That’s it. That’s how the spell wears off. Josh has a crush on someone else.

Wait.

How can Josh be crushing on one of the other girls? For all I know, he barely knows like five people out of everyone here. The only girls he talks to are Angelica, KJ, Crumble and I. Angelica is a child, KJ has no dance partner, Crumble is like ten years older...

Is he talking about me?

“I wanna know, wanna go to the deep end Tired of all this actin' shy I wanna know, wanna go to the deep end”

He puts his earpod back on and I do the same. My mind is running wild to search for the next step after the song ends.

Should I tell him everything? How crazy will I sound if I tell him, ‘Hey, guess what? This was supposed to be my love declaration and it’s my way of saying I’m crushing on you, my friend.’

No, this is nuts. I can’t do it.

Oh my god, I can’t tell Josh.

I’m a coward. I’m such a gigantic coward but fuck, I can’t.

I feel his hand pressing lightly on my waist and I look up, his eyes are blue but they’re so clear that they reflect all the lights in the room, two little kaleidoscopes. I can’t stop looking, I’ve never been able to look away.

He asks me if I’m okay and I silently reply that he has nothing to worry about.

It’s true, he doesn’t have to worry, I will keep my mouth shut forever.

‘Y/N, what if he does have feelings for you?’ You're back with the nosy questions. Well, if he does, it’ll pass. Love isn’t constant.

It’s better this way, right? No strings attached means no one gets hurt and we stay together as a whole tribe.

Right?

“'Cause you're the one that I need That I need”

The song ends and we stay close to each other. Josh has this cute, tiny smile while he stares at me, I probably look like I’m worried sick.

Shit, I need some time to think.

I take off both my earphones and step back.

“Thank you for allowing me one song with you,” I mumble, too nervous to speak like a normal human being.

“That’s cool, Mop-Sam was getting tired of me kicking her bucket anyway” I laugh, it’s a tense grin, barely cheerful. Josh notices right away, “It’s something wrong?”

“Alex must be looking for me,” I change the subject, playing with the straps of my romper, “I should go find him”

“Alex,” Josh’s demeanor changes, now acting distant, “he’s probably worried.”

“It was nice,” I add, slowly backing up, “we should make this more often”

“Sure...”

I find Alex in no time and I decide to tell him everything, he’s completely understanding and I’m so relieved to have him back.

It’s like I’m so much lighter ever since... Ever since Josh found me.

“You need space to think,” Alex agrees, walking me towards a set of stairs, “go to the second floor, no one’s there right now. Clear your head, make a decisión, come back when you know what you’ll do and then we’ll enjoy the rest of the night without you overthinking every little detail”

“Okay...”

“Promise?”

“Don’t get so pushy, Alex,” I complain, “I’ll try, okay? I can’t promise I’ll fix it tonight.”

“Fair,” He huffs, “now get your shit together, I’ll dance with Angelica in the meantime, I like her”

“Have fun...”

I do as Alex told me to, leaning over the rail so I can watch my former classmates dancing to a song I only hear on one ear, keeping the other earpod inside my pocket so I can listen if someone looks for me.

Should I accept my stupid fate? Give in and be like, ‘welp whatever God wants for me I’ll have it’ cause I’m honestly getting tired.

I’m an orphan with a bunch of kids I have to look after and a crush that is not over his dead girlfriend. I’m dumb. I need a good night of sleep and something besides pre-packaged food or I’ll die before I turn twenty of heart disease.

“There you are,” I turn around to see Josh, he already fucked his bow-tie, “I was starting to worry”

“Why?”

“I saw Alex dancing with Angelica, don’t take me wrong, that’s cute and all but... did you guys fight?”

“No?” I frown, “I needed a moment to clear my head. I’ve been stressed lately.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Josh stands beside me, “do you remember Sam’s video here?”

“The compliments video?” I smile, “It was sweet”

“You’re in it,” He grins.

“No, I’m not?”

“You are,” He pulls out his phone out of his pocket and unlocks it, “I was watching it this afternoon while I was getting Mop-Sam ready and I saw you... There!”

He gives me his phone, the video is paused where Sam is holding the camera and Josh is the one facing it. Behind him, a bit far but still able to recognize our faces I see Alex and me, walking out of a shop.

“That’s me!” I exclaim, “I’d never noticed before...”

“Sam and I never saw you there,” He adds, “where were you?”

“Oh, we left early that day,” I reply, nervously avoiding any further explanation, “We had an argument, sort of, so I left”

“That’s too bad,” Josh frowns, “I’m sure Sam would’ve chosen you guys for the compliments”

“Maybe,” I sigh, “I wasn’t hunting for compliments that day”

“Or ever,” He jokes, “always running from compliments...”

“Hey! I can take a compliment,” I lightly slap his shoulder.

“Really?” My friend smirks, “okay then, let’s see...”

He takes the phone and steps back, pointing the camera to my face.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m about to make a compliment video”

“Please don’t.”

“You said you can take a compliment, I’m only checking if that’s true”

“Josh...” I whine, turning away from the phone.

“Y/N,” He speaks up, grinning, “Y/N! I wanna let you know that I think you’re cool and that your weapon is actually more badass than my katana. You looked really scary the first time I saw you hit a Ghoulie with that thing. Also, you have a terrible taste in colors but you’re clothes are always fun and you’re not afraid to wear them. You are fucking impressive, I’m impressed. All the time.”

“What?” I look over at him, still a bit camera-shy, “Josh, stop!”

“And your healer abilities rule. I think you should learn to use a skateboard, just cause it would look badass on your resume,” He laughs, “you make the best instant chicken noodle soup I’ve ever eaten and that’s important, I usually hate fast food.”

“I think that’s enough,” I chuckle, walking over to him and trying to put down the phone. Josh is taller so he easily avoids my hand, “c’mon!”

“You’re hilarious most of the time, the best sense of humor I’ve seen in years,” He continues, holding his phone above me and smiling like an idiot, “By the way, I was too blown away a few hours ago when I first saw you to say it, but you look beautiful tonight. You look good all the time. I like how you look all the time but I mean-”

“You’re rambling!”

“I... yeah I am,” Josh grins, “sorry. What I’m trying to say is... you’re so, so nice.”

I laugh loud enough to feel like I need to cover my mouth since everyone is silent downstairs, Josh and laughs with me, finally putting the phone away.

“You’re better now?”

“After that whole pro speech?” I joke, “Obviously, I’m ready to keep on dancing”

“Great,” He throws a fist in the air, guiding me towards the stairs, “It’s almost time to know the gender-neutral royalty”

“Where’s Mop-Sam?” I ask while we go downstairs.

“She got a bit jealous after we danced, I’m giving her space,” He whispers like is serious business.

“Oh, damn,” I put a hand in my mouth, faking surprise, “should I go over to apologize?”

“Nah, she’ll be fine,” Josh shrugs, “how about we get drinks instead?”

“I’d like that,” I nod, “before I go back and steal Alex from Angelica”

“Ha, yeah,” Josh passes a hand through his hair, “Oh! Do you mind if I put back both airpods? This is the song I asked for the soundtrack of our lives!”

“Not at all,” I smile, “How about you enjoy the song and I bring the drinks?”

“Thanks,” He says, putting the airpods back on.

I walk towards the table and see Wesley making his way over to Josh, I glance at them for a second and I notice how nervous Wesley looks. I stay still, listening.

“I need to tell you... everything”

I put the cups downs and I listen as Wesley rambles about him and Turbo, I want to stop him cause I know Josh isn’t listening but I’m not sure Josh needs to listen to all this tonight. Why is he telling him this tonight?

“...You’re going to die because my ex-boyfriend can’t stand that you and I are friends”

Oh. Okay, that’s why.

Josh takes off one of the airpods.

“You put my song on the soundtrack of our lives,” He says, deeply touched, “Deltron 3030? Thanks for making me feel so cool, man”

“Did you hear what I said?” Wesley asks in disbelief.

“I thought you were just singing along,” Josh shrugs.

“I heard,” I get to Josh’s side, “all of it”

Now I understand why he insisted so much on me making a move tonight. he didn’t want to kill Josh before I could confess.

Wesley’s eyes widened and he starts to speak, the buzzer sets off and cuts his speech. It’s time for the gender-neutral royalty. Everyone applauds and cheers, I step closer to him and I whisper.

“What the fuck did you do?”

He gives me one desperate look before his name is mentioned and he has to go over to the stage, along with Mop-Sam. I look around and I lock eyes with Eli, who has a panicky expression, I immediately know he’s also in this. I walk over to him and I give him a pointed look.

“You’re planning on killing Josh?!”

“How the fuck did you find out?”

“How the-? Oh my god, you were going to do it. I can’t believe it,” I hiss, “Was... was the whole makeover a distraction? It was, wasn’t it? Eli I... I trusted you”

“That’s exactly why I’m doing this,” He shakes his head, “I’m trying to protect all these kids, that’s what you want, right?”

“I want us to be a good tribe, a loyal one! Not a fucking Game of Thrones rip-off!” I exclaim.

“Is not important anyway!” Eli exclaims, “He was supposed to die with the crown but Wesley won, he’s gonna die instead!”

“He what?” I turn to see Wesley walking up the stairs, deadly silent, “Oh, you fucking stupid martyr”

I run over to the stage, the kids don’t let me get any closer. I scream his name, but so are the rest of the children.

I’m not gonna make it, Wesley will die.

They get closer to put the crown on top of his head and...

“STOP!” He slaps the hand away, the crown flying to the floor, “No one touch that crown!”

“Thank god,” I clean my forehead from the sweat and whisper: “man, you are stressful!”

“Turbo told me that he’s gonna come and kill you all. But I have a plan.”

“Oh, so you did have a better plan?” I frown, speaking loudly this time.

“I know how we can fight back,” He replies, then looks back a Josh, “you have to trust me”

Josh shakes his head clearly pissed, then looks down at where I’m standing.

“We don’t have time,” I cross my arms, “let him talk”

Wesley talks and we set up the mannequins, we wait.

Turbo gets here in no time, breaks the door’s chains and throws punches in the dark like a madman, he stops until every mannequin is on the ground, realizing his mistake. We walk out of our hiding spots, I had to go over to the pharmacy to get my hammer, I feel more than ready to break some bones if I have to.

“You’re not supposed to fight,” Josh whispers beside me, “your wrist is not okay”

“I’ll manage,” I reply dryly.

The fight begins. I don’t break any skulls or knees but I do manage to break bows and swords, I feel like I’m kicking serious ass when someone throws me on the ground, I fall on my face.

“Are you protecting all your children, Y/N?” Maya sneers above me, putting a foot on top of my head, “I bet you’re having fun-”

I hear her grunt and suddenly her body falls next to mine, someone grabs me by the arms and lifts me up.

It’s Alex.

“You can eat shit, Maya,” Alex replies, handing me my hammer, “your wrist is swelling again, you have to stop”

“I’ll stop with the hammer,” I kick a Jock in the crotch, “I’ll start with my legs”

“Good enough,” Alex nods.

Suddenly a loud scream echoes in the room.

“Turbo’s hurt! Retreat!”

It’s almost like the room is on fire, the Jocks run away picking up their weapons and lifting up their friends from the ground. I don’t see Maya, yet I know she’s with them. I don’t see Turbo either.

We’re left a mess, all our things are on the ground and the floor is slippery, mixed with blood and soda. Alex was right, my wrist feels awful as well.

Josh waits until everything is deadly quiet and looks over to Wesley.

“I have to lock you up”

As soon as he says it, a bunch of kids surround Wes and drag him to the nearest store, I see Eli quietly chuckling and I speak up.

“Eli helped him,” I point over to him, “he has to go too”

“I was only trying to help!”

“You hid important information to the group, we can’t trust you as long as you keep playing to your convenience,” I reply.

Another group of kids take him, pulling the heavy metal curtain so they stay in their place.

“Y/N?” Angelica speaks next to me, “you need something for your wrist”

“I’ll ask you this one time,” I say, ignoring her comment, “Did you know what they were doing?”

“No!” She responds in honest outrage, I believe her.

“Then you’ll keep an eye on them while I go and take something for my wrist”

“I already have it here,” Alex throws a small container with pills that I catch with my good hand.

“Thanks,” I look over to Angelica, “you think you can do it?”

“I’ll be more than happy,” She replies, already sitting on the ground, facing the store.

“I’ll stay with her,” Alex says, “I think you should check on Josh... he just got a death threat and immediately after had to fight for his life. He might need to talk to someone”

“I’ll be right back,” My mind is a bit too fuzzy after the fight, but I think I can have a small conversation with Josh, “I’ll do that...”

I walk around asking if anyone has seen Josh, one tells me they saw him walk out to lock the mall’s doors again.

I find Josh in the middle of the parking lot, he’s standing there quietly.

“Josh?” I inch closer.

I get no answer, I can only see his back.

“How are you feeling?” I’m merely five feet away from him.

“Did you know?” He inquires coldly.

“What?”

“What Wesley and Eli were planning,” Josh explains, “Did you know?”

“No,” I say, “I had no idea. I heard though, when Wesley was talking to you moments before the crowning”

Josh turns around, tearing up.

“You didn’t help them?” He steps closer to me, his breathing faltering, “You swear you’re not lying?”

“No!” I repeat, this time exasperated, “Josh, I would never hurt you. I promised, remember? I’m with you.”

He looks at me with the same odd expression he makes every time I say something he’s not expecting to hear.

My wrist is hurting but there’s also a warmth that spreads through it thanks to the ointment and the pills. I stand there, with nothing else to say.

I don’t know what to ask. Josh doesn’t want to talk, I can see it on the way he keeps his mouth tightly shut.

Instead, he kisses me.

“And they all fall down...”

Taglist.

@letsbloodmagic @slythermyg

#twoidiots writing #daybreak fanfic #eli cardashyan #daybreak #josh wheeler #josh wheeler xreader #wesley fists #angelica green #ms crumble

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lookingforann · 5 years ago

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Life Update // Happy List

It has been a while since I posted something personal like an update or something that is directly happening to my life right now. It has been three months since the lockdown; well our province are experiencing General Community Qurantine now—I can somehow go outside but I cannot totally say that I’m going to choose it, because as we know, every thing is not the same anymore since this pandemic has begun. My heart is really aching every time that I’m hearing something from the news. And aside from that, we cannot deny the different current issues we have in this country, and they make every thing even worse, including my anxiety. Nevertheless, I’m being grateful to God for my family has been healthy up until this moment.

Well, my life is in a real chaos right now. You know silent battles are real, especially this time. Cuts, bruises and hurt are deep. And I feel like I’m in wilderness, going nowhere, waiting for a rescue. I have a lot to say about these things but I’m also thankful that I’m enduring and surviving as days go by, even though it became my goal every single day—to survive, I mean. And honestly speaking, this post is also intended to make me think of the (happy) things which are happening to me, and I believe they will be good to my mental state. So what you will read below are them. Here it goes:

New born kittens. So as you can see above, Spray, which is my siamese cat happened to give birth to four kittens—three of them are exactly look like her, and one is black. They are cute and entertaining.

People whom I rely on, especially this season. Though I’ve been aloofing myself lately, I really appreciate those people who are checking upon me, though sometimes, they I choose not to reply to them. Still, they try to understand me.

Overnight. Sometimes I go outside even though it’s making me more anxious as well, I couldn’t help but needing it to avoid overthinking. But don’t get me wrong, I’m just going to other house with my closest friends (to my pastor’s apartment to be specific). And it happened that last time, I got a chance to overnight. We stayed on the rooftop during sunset and middle night, and fortunately, the moon was bright and the stars were shining and allowed us to see them.

Deep talks. Of course, during the time that we stayed on the rooftop, we grabbed the opportunity to have little chichats which was I need.

Binge-watching series. Well most of them are anime, and some are Korean drama. This quarantine made me go back in watching anime and I certainly love it. I have time to read manga and books as well.

Shaman King Reboot. You don’t have any idea how it got us (including my sister of course) excited! After rebooting the Hunter X Hunter, and Fruits Baskets—here comes the Shaman King. It’s a good thing that they thought of rebooting them because late 90’s anime or manga are really something. If you haven’t seen it you may check it here.

Seeing old people from my dashboard. This blog has always been part of me. Though I am not active just like before, I never left. And it’s good to see that some people I knew before are somehow having comeback posts here. It makes me reminisce the good old times.

So far, those were the things I could include in my list. I hope you guys are doing well, and choosing to take care of yourself. God bless you.

#personal #photos #life update #happy list

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lxngfxrgxtten · 5 years ago

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(( The time has come for me to post something for the end of the year, and it’s gonna be long. Let me tell you all about my 2019 under a read more. ))

To start off, my 2019 has been so full of real life ups and downs, it’s maddening. Right now I’m in a terrible point in my 2019 but there are some good things too. I’m not really here to talk about real life though. I’m here to share my thoughts on this RPC and it’s people as the year comes to a close.

This RPC has been the most amazing one I’ve ever been a part of. For a long time I was in the Sonic RPC, technically still am, but I have so little desire to go to that muse it’s insane. Six is very like me, though we certainly have our differences, and being here with her is like being watched over by an old friend. I come here every day, my dashboard is always open somewhere, and I read as many posts as I can by all of you every day. You’re all so interesting and special and I’m glad to be here, even if it hasn’t been long.

So now, I’m gonna talk about a few people individually.

@silentchamp - You’re where it all started. You reminded me of my love for this RPC, a place I hadn’t been in years. You stuck with me and even plotted a thread on my Sonic OC muse, who now I don’t even touch. I love your writing so much and your Red as I’ve told you before is absolutely how I’ve always seen Red. I love you, your muse, and I can never thank you enough for being the one to get me back into this RPC, even if you didn’t intend to hahahaha.

@tenebres-champ - You were one of the first people I followed here, and now I follow all your muses I know about. I love them so much, your writing style, and just you. Streli is incredible and her and Six’s dynamic gives me life. The idea that Streli is helping Six grow, helping her overcome an addiction that’s been crippling her in ways she couldn’t understand, it’s interactions like this I crave, and I want to keep doing it into 2020. Your muse is amazing and you’re just as incredible Nox, your art is beautiful and something I can’t get enough of. Not to mention you’re kind and funny, and I never thought being threatened to get my discord would be the best way someone has wanted to become further friends with me, but here we are.

@flcmedriven - Following you has been such a huge treat, your writing is amazing, and your muse is spot on. I love Kabu so much, and more than anything I love KaNu so much. I love reading your threads with people, and your art is also incredible. OOC too, you’ve been so kind. I never intended to come to you for advice, I was so scared to, but when I did, you responded in the best and most kind way possible. You gave me advice to the best of your ability, and better yet, you later were willing to just talk to me a little and managed to cheer me up. Please never stop being you.

@decadnce - We’ve literally like NEVER talked, or at least not much but your posts give me life and I love them so much, IC or OOC. I hope to see you around my dash more, and I can’t wait to see more of that Hop muse.

@yankeead - I love Tasuku so fucking much and I so badly want to see Six piss him off and get her ass beat because she’s stupid, but then them also become friends. You and your muse make me laugh a lot and I love seeing you on my dash, you’re super funny and talented and I hope I get to know you more in 2020.

@pinkrival - Bede is such a good muse and you capture him so perfectly. I hope Six and Bede become partners in crime, because she will totally provide him with liquor lmao. Also, I really adore your formatting and icons. They’re super fitting and they just are super pleasing to see on my dash. I can’t wait to interact more with you and see our two little shits get into so much trouble together.

@dechlach - I started off by following you on your Milo blog, but I’ve come to follow you on all your muses. You were also one of the first people I ever followed here, and you’ve been incredibly kind. I love our talks OOC and I’m really happy to see you enjoy your muses so much, because I can tell you for certain I enjoy them loads. Bug, you’ve been someone to really help me get into this RPC and I can’t wait to interact with you some more in 2020, because you’re amazing. Also, Gordie and Streli? Cutest shit I’ve ever seen, give me more pls.

@haematophiliac - We’ve been stalking each other from the sidelines and we both know it, we’ve only interacted OOC but I really would love to see our muses meet soon, your writing and art are fantastic, your muse is awesome, and the support you give is incredible. While we haven’t talked a whole lot you’ve been terribly kind and I’m so happy I get to follow you. Here’s to 2020.

@noiretabby - Nanu is a blessed man and I love your writing too. Your art? Amazing. Your interactions? Incredible. You? Fantastic. I love seeing you and Mu on my dash and your OOC posts are also great. Also I adore your OOC FC. It’s awesome seeing you around, and I hope to see you around more and more. Let’s interact some time, yeah?

And to everyone I didn’t mention, you’re all amazing. I want to interact more and more with all of you in the future. Don’t ever be afraid to come talk to me, I’m a dumbass but I can be fun all the same. Keep being yourselves, and I hope to keep seeing ya’ll on my dash. Here’s to 2020!

Cheers, everyone!

#🍲|| Here Comes The Nerd! ( OOC. )#(( love u all ))#(( also totally okay to rb ))

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sonicawareness · 5 years ago

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The Best Albums of 2019

After listening to more than 2000 new albums in 2019, I’ve narrowed my picks down to The 20 Best Records of 2019.

I’ve included 3 essential songs from each pick, as well as a choice lyrical clip and a brief description of the album.

Noting beats actually LISTENING TO MUSIC! So don’t just read my thoughts: follow and listen to the Spotify playlist containing 60 songs from the top 20 albums:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5TWlfWoo54MQ5cYTMmB0RI?si=M_23L6DDRieVuA845A90Pg

01: Yung Gravy - Sensational

Aptly titled Sensational, this debut full-length is a thirty minute party that dances between the hottest trap beats, well-placed samples, and the young Minnesota rapper’s braggadocious persona and ridiculous raps

Hey Alexa, how many bitches can we fit in the Tesla?...Pull up in that Model X with your model ex!

“Whip a Tesla” • “1 Thot 2 Thot Red Thot Blue Thot” • “The Boys Are Back in Town”

02: TWICE - &TWICE • Feel Special EP • FANCY YOU EP

Nine young South Korean women radiate endless energy, bountiful bliss, and some of the catchiest songs to come out not only in 2019 but recent memory

Even when things go wrong, feelings out of control: lessons, to be sure. Be okay, all right! Even a crying face is glittering, filter and laugh! You can return to invincibility, right? Blow off, and we havin’ fun! [Translated from original Japanese]

“Fake and True” • “Breakthrough” • “Stronger”

03: Sublime with Rome - Blessings

Frontman, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Rome Ramirez delivers his finest record to date: eleven heartfelt reggae-driven songs that are as well-written as they are masterfully recorded and produced

Watching you feel good tonight: it's your song up on the station, and we don't even know no words. I wanna hear you roll your R’s, singing Spanish in the car, “Dime algo hermosa tonight”.

“Wicked Heart” • “Light On” • “For the Night”

04: Bring Me the Horizon - amo

Cohesive yet genre-spanning (metalcore, hip-hop, electronic, and pop, to name just a few), the sixth album from the English quintet is an emotional yet insightful rollercoaster masterpiece

Before the truth will set you free, it'll piss you off. Before you find a place to be, you're gonna lose the plot. Too late to tell you now, one ear and right out the other one ‘cause all you ever do is chant the same old mantra.

“MANTRA” • “wonderful life” • “i apologise if you feel something”

05: Weezer - Weezer (Black Album)

Expertly produced and instantly memorable, the long-running Rivers Cuomo-driven California quartet is once again in top form, adding yet another fresh and unique — but distinctly Weezer — record to their extensive discography

Don't get mad at me, I'm just being honest. I should have lied, now you're mad at me? I'm just being honest. How 'bout from now on you'll write the script, I'll read the lines?

“Can’t Knock the Hustle” • “Zombie Bastards” • “Living in L.A.”

06: Big Data - 3.0

Like this sophomore album’s lyrical content — exploration of the impact artificial intelligence will have on humans and on the Earth — the latest project from producer, multi-instrumentalist, and mastermind Alan Wilkis is paradoxically dark yet bright; like AI, this album’s execution is equally flawless and Dangerous

I created a monster, it's out of control, it's going to take me...I didn't know what I was making...But now it's coming, coming for all of us!

“Monster” • “See Through” • “Evolution Once Again”

07: blackbear - ANONYMOUS

Vibrant yet dark, personal yet accessible, the fifth album from Mat Musto is a collection of 18 vulnerable, confessional songs told over slick electronic and hip-hop sounds

You drop the bag and ask me how my weekend was. I love that, though. You laugh when I make stupid jokes, and when I went to rehab, you didn't judge me that bad. I struggle with addiction probs, you always got my back. What am I gonna do the day that my drug dealer moves away? Whatever am I gonna say to my new plug? It just ain't the same.

“DOWN” • “HATE MY GUTS” • “DRUG DEALER”

08: Denzel Curry - ZUU

Hit-after-hit of hip-hop bangers pack this album’s half-hour runtime, with a plethora of guests joining the fray but never quite knocking it out like the young Miami native, Denzel Curry

First they mockin', now they hoppin', all on the wave, 'cause they see me poppin'. Big-big-big large pockets, they start flockin'. Here's what I say when they ass keep knockin'...

“RICKY” • “BIRDZ” • “ZUU”

09: DaBaby - KIRK / Baby on Baby

On his two 2019 albums, his first proper efforts after countless mixtapes and singles, DaBaby unleashes his signature, incessant vocals over relentless trap and modern hip-hop beats

Prolly heard I was broke from a broke nigga, prolly heard I'm a ho from a ho! I don't know what you know, I ain't runnin' from no nigga, let’s go!

“BOP” • “OFF THE RIP” • “Suge”

10: Bayside - Interrobang

On their eighth album, the Anthony Raneri-fronted New York natives sound refreshed, focused, and tighter than ever telling their trademark tales of heartbreak and healing

I love that music saved you, and Lord knows it’s saved me too, but songs never love you back, and you never know the person preaching to you...

“Interrobang” • “Prayers” • “Bury Me”

11: The Hold Steady - Thrashing Thru The Passion

Few frontmen can weave an album’s worth of compelling narratives, yet the Brooklyn band’s Craig Finn finds himself on the seventh The Hold Steady album once again delivering ten more engaging, interlocked tales over his band’s fierce guitar riffs and all-too-catchy choruses

Thanks for listening, thanks for understanding: tequila takeoff, Tecate landing.

“Entitlement Crew” • “Denver Haircut” • “You Did Good Kid”

12: Electric Guest - KIN

Sugary sweet, the third record from the California duo promptly polishes any rough few rough edges they once had to deliver a perfectly slick yet quirkily heartwarming collection of eleven easy-listening songs

I'm like, “this mothafucka might sue me, and that mothafucka might boo me”. I'ma keep on goin' to a better day, all this other bitterness can fade away.

“Dollar” • “I Got the Money” • “More”

13: Billie Eilish - WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

Part punk energy without sounding even slightly punk, part emo diary without being a dashboard confessional, the debut record from American teenager Billie Eilish craftily bounces between genres, haunting sounds, and strange stories

If you think I’m pretty, you should see me in a crown. I'm gonna run this nothing town. Watch me make 'em bow one by one by one.

“bad guy” • “my strange addiction” • “you should see me in a crown”

14: The Cat Empire - Stolen Diamonds

The eighth album from Australia’s The Cat Empire is a full-blown dance party packed with catchy, clever songwriting and a room full of drums, horns, strings, keyboards, turntables, and bass

Operator, please, I can’t get out my head. Tell me where I’m going or where I’m being led. Tell me like an order, and order I’ll obey. Maybe I just thought you said, or did I did I hear you say, “We’re going to ([kill a man]) Kilaman-jaro, jaro…”

“KIla” • “Stolen Diamonds” • “Ready Now”

15: Dirty Heads - Super Moon

Co-frontmen Dirty J and Duddy B return to the beach for the seventh Dirty Heads album, borrowing sounds from across their entire discography of acoustic guitars and witty hip-hop to craft a surprisingly delicate record

I'm a flame, I'm a beacon that won't go out. In the dark, in the rain, I'm your lighthouse. When you can't stand the pain, hope you know now, I'll keep you safe, I'm your lighthouse.

“Super Moon” • “Lift Me Up” • “Tender Boy”

16: TENDER - Fear of Falling Asleep

Dark and uninviting, the second album from this London duo is an intimidating but rewarding listen delicately spiced with just enough hooks to keep you trapped in its atmospheric dreams

I’ll be looking for the scent when it goes cold. I’ve been trying to beat the maze with a blindfold on. I’ve been foraging through mud and sticks searching for that power that don’t exist.

“Closer Still” • “Bottled Up” • “Handmade Ego”

17: Logic - Confessions of a Dangerous Mind / Supermarket Soundtrack

Logic returns once again with countless rhymes delivered over his trademark breathless bars, frequently painting an all-too-vivid picture of a famous rapper struggling to comprehend the world around him

All these comments got me lost in my mind; all these thoughts that I'm having are not mine. I always post that I'm having a good time so my life looks perfect online...

“Homicide” • “Don’t Be Afraid to Be Different” • “Lemon Drop”

18: Tyga - Legendary

More than just a collection of hits, the seventh album from the Compton rapper is well-sequenced and effortlessly laced with hook-after-hook for Tyga to deliver his signature obscene lines about things he self-admittedly has too many [sic] of: money, cash, hoes, cars, clothes, flows

Hey, shut the fuck up, bitch, you know who I are. Point blank range, and I'm shootin' for the stars. You niggas subpar and I just raised the bar. You got Rollies on your wrist, this is Chopard. Slide on your block like a fuckin' go-kart, my nigga A&R, still got an AR.

“Haute” • “Lightskin Little Wayne” • “On Me”

19: The Chainsmokers - World War Joy

The third album in three years from Alex Pall and Drew Taggart (and no shortage of guests) is an easy, light collection of ten slick relationship-focused pop songs that find the duo largely eschewing their dance-centric history

You said, "Hey, whatcha doing for the rest of your life?" and I said, "I don't even know what I'm doing tonight". Went from one conversation to your lips on mine.

“The Reaper” • “Family” • “P.S. I Hope You’re Happy”

20: Bear Hands - Fake Tunes

Brooklyn’s Bear Hands returns with another collection of bright, bouncy songs that ever-so-slightly conceal the trio’s underlying sadness and struggles

I don't see how you think you can come to me, and bitch to me, lay out your problems, like ancient history, like I ain't got no other shit to do. I love you, baby, but my lips are turnin' blue.

“Blue Lips” • “Back Seat Driver (Spirit Guide)” • “Mr. Radioactive”

THE BEST ALBUMS OF 2019

Yung Gravy - Sensational

TWICE - &TWICE • Feel Special EP • FANCY YOU EP

Sublime with Rome - Blessings

Bring Me the Horizon - amo

Weezer - Weezer (Black Album)

Big Data - 3.0

blackbear - ANONYMOUS

Denzel Curry - ZUU

DaBaby - KIRK / Baby on Baby

Bayside - Interrobang

The Hold Steady - Thrashing Thru The Passion

Electric Guest - KIN

Billie Eilish - WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

The Cat Empire - Stolen Diamonds

Dirty Heads - Super Moon

TENDER - Fear of Falling Asleep

Logic - Confessions of a Dangerous Mind / Supermarket Soundtrack

Tyga - Legendary

The Chainsmokers - World War Joy

Bear Hands - Fake Tunes

#best albums

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squirrel-moose-winchester · 6 years ago

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Chapter 6

Title: Falling for the Holidays

Pairing: Dean x Reader AU

Word Count: 3222

Summary: With October ending and the holidays underway, that only meant one thing for Dean Winchester. It meant returning to his childhood home and spending time with his family. It meant listening to his parents, especially his mom, ramble on and on about when he was going to find himself a nice girl, bring her home for the holidays, and then eventually get married and have children. However, Dean wasn’t ready for that sort of commitment, so in order to get his family off his back, he comes up with an elaborate scheme! But like the saying goes, “sometimes lies become truths.”

Warnings: Crack, Language, flirting, fluff, a little bit of angst.

A/N: Here we are! Chapter 6. I wanted to dedicated this one to everyone who has reblogged ever chapter thus far! @amanda-teaches, @salt-n-burn-em-all, @heavymetalhauswife, @angreadsficsandauthors, @dolphincliffs, and @claitynroberts. Thank you all so much for the support! I am so blessed to have you guys getting my back. You guys are... magic. Thank you for not only wanting to have my fic on your dashboard, but also for sharing it with your friends. I am so grateful. Other than that, Happy Reading!!

Series Masterlist

“Lisa?” Dean murmured.

Lisa? Who was Lisa. Despite not ever hearing about this person, you had to admit that she was really pretty, but who was she to Dean? By the looks of it, she must have made quite an impression on him if he was acting that dumbstruck. But if she was that important, then why hadn’t he told you about her… ever?

“Wow. I heard that you were coming back to town, with a girl, but I figured, you know, rumors were just rumors, but it seems like they were all true” she smiled sheepishly, her eyes landing on you. “Hi, I’m Lisa. Dean and I go way back,” she introduced herself. You had to give her props for being classy, the last chick you met from Dean’s past was a total bitch. What was her name again? Cassandra, Carol, Candace? Who cares, it didn’t matter anyways.

“Hi, I’m Y/N,” you smiled back, not bothering to offer friendly gestures. You didn’t know who this person was, and if you got too friendly, you might be fraternizing with the enemy. Dean was yours… at least for the time being, and you weren’t going to let anyone take him away. “And who’s this cutie?” You changed the subject, bending over a little to meet eye to eye with the young boy beside her.

“My name is Ben,” he answered for himself, looking up at you with big brown puppy eyes.

“He’s my son,” Lisa revealed.

“Well, he sure is handsome,” you grinned, ruffling his hair. Ben smiled before looking up at Dean and shying away, gripping onto his mother’s leg. You followed his gaze to find Dean scowling, but you knew what that face meant. That was his thinking face. “Dean,” you stood up straight. When his eyes met yours with question, you answered. “Your scaring the poor kid with your grumpy thinking face,” you teased.

“It’s not scary,” he grumbled, sticking out his bottom lip like a child.

A giggle was heard behind you, making you and Dean turn your attention back to Lisa. “It’s nice to see you so happy, Dean.”

“You could tell that he’s happy just by that?” You questioned, a little weirded out by her comment. Whatever she was seeing was just the usual banter that went back and forth between you two. There was nothing special about it, but it was admittedly fun.

“Yeah. Whenever I used to tease him, he’d usually agree with me, rather than argue or retort back. He seems a lot more comfortable with you,” she admitted, the smile on her face seeming a little strained.

“Maybe it’s because we were best friends first? And somewhere along the way, I fell in love with this big dork.” At the words that easily slipped out of your mouth, your stomach did flips. As much as it was all just a cover up story, a lie that had to be told in order to keep your secret of playing boyfriend and girlfriend, there was an uneasiness to it. A foreign feeling that you’d never had for him before. Yes, you loved Dean. You loved him with all your heart because he was your best friend, but recently, there was something else in your heart. A pull to him that was much greater than friendship. “And I’m assuming, he fell in love with me, otherwise we wouldn’t be dating, right babe?” You asked the man beside you, but he didn’t reply. “Dean?”

“Huh? Uh, yeah. Of course I did,” he grinned nervously.

“Well, I hear that’s one of the strongest kinds of love,” Lisa commented, her eyes switching from you to Dean, then back to you.

“What’s the first?” You asked out if curiosity.

“First loves.”

You just had to ask… There was something in the way she said it, and the ephemeral twitch in her eye that sent red flags your way. And as much as you wanted to overthink, and over analyze it, you tried not to pay much attention to it. “Huh, maybe,” you agreed, shrugging off the bad vibe she gave you. Occasionally, you had a bad habit of over reacting, but you made a promise to yourself that you would work on it.

“Anyways, Ben and I were actually on our way out. I guess we’ll see you guys around? Maybe we could all have lunch? Dean, you still have the same number? I’ll text you guys the details,” she beamed.

“Uh, yeah. Sure. Why not,” Dean replied, with an awkward smile.

“Great. I’ll be in touch.” With that, she left, her son’s hand in hers.

Turning towards Dean, you scoffed. “What?” He asked defensively.

“Who was that? She had you all jelly-like,” you teased, trying to swallow the hint of annoyance scratching at the surface.

“What? No she didn’t. She’s just an old friend,” Dean rolled his eyes.

“Sure. It’s always, ‘just a friend’”, you air quoted.

“Shut up,” Dean flicked your nose.

“Ugh! Did you really just flick me?” You hissed, flicking the tip of his nose back.

“Are you a child?” Dean questioned, flicking your forehead.

“Dean Winchester! If anyone is the child, it’s you,” you tried to flick his forehead but missed, making Dean laugh.

“Short people problems!” He heaved in a breath.

“Dean!” You scolded, stomping your feet in frustration.

Dean continued to laugh, but pulled you into a hug, his warmth and scent instantly calming you down. He knew that was another one of your weaknesses. Whenever you were pissed, at him or at anyone, all he’d have to do was wrap his arms around you and you’d start to feel better.

“You’re annoying,” you mumbled against his chest.

“Love you too,” he chuckled.

Completely forgetting about the encounter with Lisa, you and Dean walked around town. He had so many stories that brought you to tears, all in a good way. There was so much history of Dean here, which was no surprise since this was where he grew ip. It seemed like there was never a dull moment.

At one point through the walk, yours and Dean’s hands were interlocked together. Neither of you were sure who had grabbed whose hand, but there were no thoughts about letting go anytime soon. Not from Dean, and definitely not from you. Behind your back, Dean smiled at the connection, actually liking the idea of having someone at his side on a more intimate level. With your hand in his, he felt like this was right. Like your hand was made for his.

“Dean, I’m hungry,” you told him.

Dean checked his phone to find that it was already one in the afternoon. “Let’s stop to get a bite to eat. I know this great place called Singer’s Diner. A close family friend owns the place. Aunt Karen’s pie is to die for. Literally the best pie on the planet. Hell, best in the entire galaxy!”

“You are too extra; you know that right?”

“Shut up and let’s go,” he pretended to be annoyed, pulling you along with him as he went.

As you arrived at the diner, it was packed. More so than any of the shops you’d wondered in. All the tables were full, and there was a queue at the register. When you got a better look, you noticed people leaving with boxes of, what you were going to assume was, pies. Dean wasn’t kidding.

“Whoa,” you exhaled.

“Yup. Gotta love the holidays. When I was in high school I used to work here,” Dean confessed, leading you into the dining area where he found a two top at the far end of the diner. “The holidays were our busiest time of the year and aunt Karen bakes all the pies herself.” You and Dean took a seat before he continued his story. “I would help with the prepping and wrapping, and the best part… the taste testing!”

“Of course you did,” you giggled and Dean smiled.

“This place my favorite place to be. My mom told me that when she was pregnant with me, she worked here with aunt Karen and my mom would always eat the pies. When I was born, aunt Karen gave my mom the recipe for her famous apple pie. The one we had at dinner last night.”

“Seriously? Wow. That pie was amazing. The best I’ve ever had.”

“Wait until you taste the others!” He chuckled, seeing the twinkle in your eyes.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” You cheered, flipping over to the desert menu.

“Easy tiger. Real food first, pie later.” You flashed Dean a strange look, as if he had grown two heads. “What?”

“Who are you and what have you done with Dean? You some sort of shapeshifter?”

“A what?” Dean chuckled.

“The Dean I know wouldn’t argue going straight for the pie,” you stated, picking up the fork in front of you. “You think this is silver?” You asked, pressing it against his skin.

“What are you doing?”

“I watched it on a show once. A shapeshifter doesn’t like silver. It burns their skin.”

“Dude. I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have out real silver. People would steal them.”

“Well…” you paused, picking up the salt shaker. “In the show they used salt for ghosts. Maybe you’re possessed?” You shook some salt in your hand.

“Yeah? And then what?” Dean asked, but shouted in protest when you threw the salt at him. “Whoa! That is, it! You’re banned from watching that show!” He laughed, grabbing the pepper and shaking some on you.

“Pepper doesn’t do anything!” You shrieked, giggling along with him.

“Well, well, well. Look whose back home!” When you turned, you saw a middle aged woman, smiling down at the both of you.

“Jody, hey!” Dean stood up, giving the woman a big hug. She was pretty, and she seemed really nice.

“You must be Y/N. Mary couldn’t stop talking about you,” she smiled. You stood up and hugged her, the warmth settling in your chest, and for some reason you got emotional. This is what a mother’s hug would feel like. Mary’s hug, Jody’s hug, a hug that felt warm. A warmth, that after all the charades were done, you’d never feel again.

“I guess I am,” you grinned.

“Oh, honey,” she smiled, pulling you into another hug. “Dean, if you don’t marry this woman, I will set my nephew up with her.”

“Jody, back off. She’s mine,” Dean joked.

“Alright, alright. What can I get you love birds?”

“Two Bacon Deluxe and—”

“A side of bacon. Crispy. I know,” Jody beamed.

“Make that two, please!” You chirped.

“Whoa, a match made in heaven,” she winked before leaving.

“Wow. Everyone seems to really like you.”

“That’s a good thing right?” You asked.

“A really good thing,” Dean stated, his eyes finding yours, not bothering to look away when you caught him staring.

Gazing into his pine-green eyes, the noise of the diner began to dissipate, the background began to blur and all you saw was Dean. He started to lean in, his face getting closer and closer as his eyes dipped down towards your lips. What was this now, attempt number three? Four? You found yourself leaning in, a smile spreading across both your faces when suddenly Dean’s phone started ringing, completely ruining the entire mood.

“Oh, c’mon!” Dean barked, flinging his back to the back to the chair in exasperation. You couldn’t help but snicker even through the disappointment. Attempt number four was a total bust.

“Who is it?” You asked with curiosity. Dean pulled out his phone from the front the chest pocket of his jacket. His brows were furrowed, and his lips were pursed tightly together, but when he saw the name on his phone, his whole demeanor changed, as his thumb moved around the screen. “Dean, who it it?” You repeated.

“It’s… Lisa.” Of course it was Lisa, you groaned inwardly, although your poker face stood fast. “Says, lunch at Bela’s, one o’clock.”

“Cool. It’s that steakhouse restaurant right?”

“Yeah, Lisa’s best friend works there. Owns the place actually, but I can’t stand her! The woman is one crazy bitch, and annoying as hell.”

“She can’t be that bad. People change right?”

“Not her. Been the same since grade school. Anyways, should I say yes?” Dean asked. This was your chance to decline, but you couldn’t do that. You had no reason not to go other than the fact you didn’t like her. You didn’t even have a valid reason to not like her, so all you could do was accept.

“Sure. Why not.”

Jody returned with your food, two enormous bacon burgers, which looked and smelled delicious. When you took your first bite, it was like heaven in your mouth. Dean was just as absorbed in the flavors, moaning, and complimenting how amazing the food was. When you got the chance to look up from your food, you noticed sauce smothered on Dean’s cheeks. He was always an ugly eater, but this… this took the cake.

“What?” He managed to say with his mouth full.

“Dean, could you eat any more like a pig?” You giggled, grabbing your napkin and wiping his face, which he gladly allowed.

“Thanks.”

“Only because I don’t want you to embarrass me,” you teased.

“When am I ever embarrassing? All this right here,” he pointed to himself, “nothing but class.”

Right as you were about to give a comeback, Dean’s phone rang. Text message. He smiled, ignoring the noticed when it dinged again, then another time. “Just answer it,” you told him, “it could be an emergency.” Dean did what he was told and checked his phone, his face unwavering. His thumbs swiped across the screen, when a small smile appeared on his lips. You had to admit, you were curious. “Who is it?” You asked.

Dean averted his eyes from his phone to you, before looking back. “Cass. Having girl problems,” Dean chuckled.

You rolled your eyes. “Why is he texting you? If he’s having girl problems, he should talk to an actual girl. Not a dumb boy,” you joked.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, there sister,” Dean sassed.

“In fact, he should come to me for advice all the time. Never you.”

“That’s it!” Dean chide, throwing a fry at you.

“Hey! What ever happened to the, ‘no wasting’ rule?” You picked up his fry and tossed it at his face, somehow he was able to catch it in his mouth. Completely amazed, the two of you cheered like obnoxious teenagers.

Throughout lunch, Dean had been on his phone texting Cass for a good remainder of the time. Even walking through town, he would stop his story to reply back to him. It was a little annoying, but you knew that they were best friends. The two were inseparable, and now here they were, seven hours apart. They were worse than girls.

The day was fun, but it was coming to an end. Dean had gotten you back to the impala, and drove back to his parent’s place. All the lights were off in the house, and his mom’s car was missing, which meant no one was home.

Like always, Dean opened the door for you, taking your hand in his, almost as if this had been a real date. Instead of leading you to the front door, he brought you around back. This was the first time you’d seen the backyard. There was a small treehouse atop a firm tree, a shed, as well as a beautiful garden, which had to belong to Mary.

“I know what you’re probably thinking,” Dean started, “but the garden is my dad’s thing.”

Your eyes widened as you snapped your head in Dean’s direction, causing him to snicker. “Really? Wow, your dad is full of surprises.”

“Winchesters. We are always full of surprises.” Dean was looking at you as he said those words, his eyes piercing through yours. It was nearly dark, but the light in his eyes never seemed to dim, only got brighter.

“You mean your dad and Sam are filled with surprises. You haven’t surprised me yet, Dean ‘Winchester’,” you kidded. “Anyways, what makes the backyard so special?” You inquired, looking around.

“Well, the tree house is where I had my first kiss. It was with Cassie. We were in the… fifth grade?”

“Cassie?” You questioned.

“Yeah, remember? The girl at the club?”

“Oh. I thought her name was Cameron or something.”

“Really? Really?” Dean deadpanned. Your only reply was a shrug. “Whatever. That shed over there… one time Sammy and I were playing superheroes, and I was Superman and Sam begged to be Batman. So we climbed up onto the roof of the shed, and I jumped off like I was flying, landing on my feet. Sam thought he could fly and jumped off, breaking his arm. I was so freaked out, I packed him on my bike all the way to the hospital. My mom was on duty that day, and boy was I grounded and then some!” Dean explained. You couldn’t help but laugh.

“You guys were really stupid kids,” you commented.

“Hey!” Dean chastised.

“There you guys are,” Mary called from the back door. “C’mon on in, John and I bought dinner. Your favorite other kind of pie,” she directed at Dean.

“Hell yes! Pizza!” The green-eyed adult cheered like a green-eyed child.

You and Mary giggled as you both followed behind.

Half way through the first box of pizza, Sam and Jess walked through the door. “Pizza? Great, I’m starving!” The gentle giant didn’t hesitate to walk over and take a slice, taking a huge bite before sitting down. With a little more poise and dignity, Jess, walked over and took a seat, greeting everyone before helping herself.

You, Jess, and Mary sat on one side of the table, sitting across each of your significant other, watching the Winchester men eat like starved cavemen. Each of your faces were contorted into your own version of disgust. “Ladies, these are our men…” Mary stated.

“Unfortunately,” Jess replied.

“At least they’re cute?” You tried to defend, just as Dean shoved a whole slice of pizza into his mouth, “or not.”

“John, boys,” Mary called, giving them a look. Each men stared at her before a miracle happened right in front of your eyes. They started to eat a little more dignified.

“You’ve got to teach me that,” you and Jess muttered at the same time, Mary chuckling in return.

After dinner, everyone got ready for bed. Dean let you go first, and when it was his turn, you sat on the bed looking through your social media accounts when Dean’s phone dinged. You rolled your eyes before going to your own messages and typing Castiel’s name.

To: Castiel Why are you texting Dean about girl problems? You should text me about that sort of thing.

It was literally a few seconds before Cass texted back.

From: Castiel I don’t know what you mean. I am not texting Dean.

Your brows scrunched together with confusion.

To: Castiel Not at all?

From: Castiel No.

A little hurt that Dean would lie to you, you grabbed his phone just to see who the text was from. Your heart dropped into your stomach when you saw the name.

Lisa.

Say Something Nice Here!!

Falling for the Holidays Tags: @hannahindie @pinknerdpanda @winchesterprincessbride @amanda-teaches @dancingalone21 @a-winchester-fairytale @dolphincliffs @oneshoeshort @brewsthespirit-blog @jerkbitchidjitassbutt @atc74 @natasha-baggins @heavymetalhauswife @linki-locks11 @spnwoman @veevm @chameleah86 @kdcollinsauthor @claitynroberts @roonyxx @rainflowermoon @ladylaylo @closetspngirl @mirandaaustin93 @salt-n-burn-em-all @flamencodiva @fangirlanotherjust @tabbyjane

#dean winchester x reader #dean winchester series #dean winchester #reader insert #dean winchester AU #supernatural #spn #falling for the holidays #squirrel-moose-winchester

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paepsi · 6 years ago

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EXO as dumb shit I’ve done, EXPLAINED:

Suho:

See this picture here? This is me before the moving team. I was so fucking proud of myself for strapping the base of the chair to my roof (it wouldn’t fit through the trunk of me smol hatchback). I thought it was funny that it kinda looked like a kip-pah and asked my friend to take a pic for me here (see my lil peace sign next to my face? im v happy of my jew car). Little did I know that after driving to my new apartment with the whole moving team from IKEA unloading shit from the truck, I would be stuck in the fucking car. I didn't have a knife or scissors to cut the strings and I didn't want to make my dumb assery to be noticed; so instead of asking for help... I climbed out the front window and almost fell flat on my ass. When I stood up and turned around, the whole moving team was just standing there looking at me. The assholes knew I was stuck and let me suffer.

Kris & Kai:

so these moments both happened in the same night. I went to a house warming party for my friend and I didn't know what to bring as a gift, so I just bought two big bags of Hawaiian bread. Now throughout the night, the more I drink, the more impulsive I get.

I started putting the bread on people's shoulders, slowly piling them up until they noticed. Everyone was pretty wasted so there was no surprise when I had a stack of 4 1/2 buns (I ate half) on my friends shoulder. Anyways- fast forward into the night, I'm craving sweets, so I walk into my friends kitchen and find a jar of cookies. At the time I thought it was a brilliant idea to just put the Hawaiian bread in there so the kitchen looked full; a fair exchange, if you will. At least that's what I thought... I found pictures from the party and it turns out I just ended up putting in a half eaten bun sjzjsj

Fast forward into the morning of the next day, I’m hungover and I wake up wearing mismatching socks (one is mine, the other I have no idea).

I needed to get home because I had work later that day, so I hop into my car and start driving home. The whole time there was this annoying beeping sound that I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. I had such a bad headache that I pulled over to see what the fuck was wrong. I got out of my car, checked the wheels, checked the under the hood, then hopped back inside. I was so frustrated that I banged my head on the steering wheel and just rested my eyes for a sec. When I opened them to look straight ahead at my dashboard, the brake light was glowing bright red. I cried.

Chanyeol:

One summer evening, I was hanging with my sister and her friends around a campfire. We were roasting marshmallows, drinking, having a good time etc. Eventually later into the night we started getting bored and one of my sister’s friends suggested playing hot potato with the coals from the fire. We’re all game like FUCK YEAH LETS DO THIS. Then we start tossing it around and realize that it’s way too fucking hot, so instead of tossing it’s just everyone spiking the coal to the next person. FYI, I have terrible hand eye coordination and I wasn’t wearing my glasses that night. Every single time the coal was spiked my way it would miss my hand and fly straight into my hair. The next day I woke up, looked in the mirror, skipped breakfast and headed straight to the salon. still looked cute or w/e so I ain’t mad

Kyungsoo:

Ahhhh, this one is actually pretty personal and happened not too long ago! My mom finally left this dirt bag she’d been married to for the past 16 years. When I say dirt bag, I mean a manipulative, abusive piece of shit. My mom was so tired during her session with the mediator for when they were deciding who was getting what; she took 30-45 minutes to talk alone with them and he took 3 fucking hours putting on this sick sob story. The mediator was so done with him too that they just let him do whatever he wanted. That meant he had the “right” to pick and choose what belonged to him in our apartment. The fucker took EVERYTHING. He took the furniture, the bedroom sets, all the electronics, the spices- HE DOESN’T EVEN COOK. However, a week before then, I bought a huge bottle of vanilla. I needed it to make edible cookie dough, which I was doing everyday out of stress. The day before he finally moved out, I came home from work to see everything wrapped/packed up. I started to get worked up and went to the kitchen to make my cookie dough. When I opened the cabinet to get my vanilla and saw it completely empty, I lost it. I literally screamed and started tearing up all the boxes, finding more shit that belonged to me and stopped when I finally found my vanilla. I went back to the kitchen, happily made my cookie dough and kicked back on "his” couch with my dirty shoes on. Later that night, the asshole came home and screamed at me. I shut him up tho when I told him I’d suffocate him with a pillow in his sleep if he dared to touch me or any of my things ever again. He didn’t stay in the apartment that night lol

Baekhyun:

I think this one might be my favorite story. It all started when a package from my mom in the mail never showed up even though the UPS tracking said it had already arrived on my doorstep. I assumed in meant the package was stolen and got really bummed about it since it had some essential items in there. My roommates felt bad and decided to cheer me up by throwing a house party (woohoo! cue the alcohol!). It started at like 3pm and went on all the way until 4 am the next day. Somewhere within that time frame while it was still light outside, slightly tipsy, I found a ladder on the side of the house and had a strong urge to follow it up to the top; and who am I to deny every desire that comes across my pea sized brain. I was half-way up to the roof when one of my roommates spotted me (let’s call him Big Ned; there were two guys named Ned in our house so we just called them Big Ned and Little Ned; Big Ned is like 6′3″ and Little Ned is like 5′4″). Big Ned started yelling at me to get down and I told him I couldn’t because it was my destiny to reach the top. He decided that there was no use arguing with me and ended up following me to the roof (even though he’s afraid of heights; bless his BFG heart). He’s kinda hard to miss, so when he started making his way up to the roof with me, it grabbed a lot of attention. Some joined us. Meanwhile, I decided to walk around and look into my neighbors yards. I saw a mess of papers in one of the alleys between our houses and joked “lmao that’d be funny if that was my package”. We laughed for a bit then looked a little closer until we realized oh fuck that’s my package. My body moved on it’s own and just kinda scrambled across the roof trying to figure out the fastest and least painful way to get off the roof. Thank the stars for Big Ben holding me back by the collar of my shirt and preventing me from jumping down onto the neighbors fence. Little Ben ended up running over and jumping the fence to get it for me. We still don’t know how it got there.

Tao:

In middle school, I had to go on this field trip to some ranch out in the countryside of Texas. I remember we were all huddled into a barn with a big stage in the back. The teachers grabbed a mic and got on stage to talk about who knows what. Idk I wasn’t paying attention, talking to my friend, in my own world. When the mics go off, everyone starts chattering. At that moment in time, I was extremely preoccupied with my shoelaces when I got a tap on my shoulder from my homeroom teacher. I think she was mad at me for not listening and told me to head up to the stage along with a few other students making their way over. Being in front of others makes me nervous, but when the teachers put a bib around my neck before I got on stage, I was too confused to think of anything else. When another teacher started handing out baby bottles filled with Gatorade to each student on stage, I had to stop them to ask what was going on. And what do ya know, I’m in a baby bottle drinking contest. Before I had time to ask any more questions, they were already counting down to start. Now listen, I’m not the type of person to back down from a challenge so ofc you know I’m gonna suck the soul out of this bich. The reason I can say this confidently is because up until I was 11 years old, I always drank out of baby bottles when I got home from school. I just really liked the feeling?? For me, nothing beat chilling on the couch, watching Teen Titans and drinking fresh cold orange juice from a baby bottle on a hot summer day. Idk but I guess it came in handy since I finished a 24oz bottle under 35 seconds. The rest of the kids weren’t even close to half way through. There’s a picture of me at the back of my school year book holding up the baby bottle like a trophy.

Sehun:

Remember my sisters friends from the campfire? Well I spent a good long summer hanging with her friend group and ended up getting kinda close to this one of the guys (let’s call him Jake). I have a really broad range of music taste and I guess he digged that so we talked a lot about music together. By the end of the summer, Jake threw a party at his house and invited me over. Ngl I wanted some dick so ofc I’m gonna go all out and break out my hot leather Madonna outfit. I head out with my sis and the house is packed by the time we get there. The whole time we’re pretty much just hanging out, drinking and dancing the night away. Some time passed 1 am (I think), I’m sorta outside making out with Jake on the side of his house. It’s getting really hot and heavy. When we finally broke apart for air, he told me he though he was in love with me. I’m screaming internally, panicking and I don’t know what to do. I could tell from way before that he really liked me, but I didn’t think it was to that extent. It doesn’t help exactly that I don’t feel the same way for him. Don’t get me wrong! He was really hot and sweet, but I just couldn’t see myself with him. So what did I tell him? Nothing. My dumb ass was in such a panic that all I could think of was that I needed to run. I did. I ran back into the house, out the front porch, spotted his skateboard and took off. I didn’t really know where I was or where I was going but somehow I ended up at the train station and eventually found my way back home.

Xiumin:

On my 21st birthday, my roommates took me out to a really nice, 5 star restaurant in the city we lived. They're buying me all the drinks I want cause heck I'm finally legal! Now, I think y'all can see a pattern of what happens when I drink. So when Big Ned got a glass of scotch and I had just finished off my last sip of wine, I wanted some too. I asked him to share, using "it's my birthday" to get my way. Ever the gentleman, Big Ben pours half his glass into my wine glass and keeps his raised for a cheers. The whole group joins in and with a shout of Mozeltov, I slam the wine glass down on the table and toss it back. It wasn't until I finished the last drop and tried to set my glass back on the table that I realized I snapped the stem in half. No one spoke, except for Little Ned, softly, "did you... did that really just happen?" Yeah. Yeah it did. Thankfully the restaurant agreed to keep the broken glass off the bill as long as I left the restaurant immediately.

Chen:

On a Saturday night, I met up with a good friend of mine that I hadn’t seen in months. We bought some snacks and drinks then drove to a marina near my apartment (new place in California). The whole night we spent catching up and throwing rocks in the water. I was still a little tipsy when it was time to go home and my friend ended up driving me back. On the way back, I opened a bag and snacked on some pizza flavored goldfish. I was about a fourth of the way through the bag when I decided I didn’t like it anymore and started tossing them out the window. We pull up to a stop light and my friend is trying to make me stop by rolling up the window, but I stick my leg out before he could close it. Next he tries to compromise and said if I wasn’t going to eat the goldfish, I should just put the bag down and remove my leg from the window. My tipsy ass told him no, I was handing out free food. I turned to look at the car next to me, asked (yelled) if they wanted any goldfish and held out the bag to them. I guess the dude thought it was funny and was just like “yeah sure why not, lifes too short to not eat goldfish from a stranger at a stoplight” alksdjflskdj

Lay:

When I was about 6 years old, I lived out in the suburbs of Fulshear, Texas. The community is really tiny and everyone knew each other. One time, I was playing hide and seek with my siblings, and decided to hide under my moms bed. While I was waiting for my brother to come find me, I fell asleep. A couple hours later I wake up and it’s dark out. The house is empty. I’m calling out to see if anyone is home, checking all the rooms. I thought maybe everyone decided to tag me “it” since I passed out. After a while of not finding anyone, the phone rings and I pick up. It’s my mom sounding out of breath calling to see if anyone found me and took me back to my house. Turns out I had actually been knocked out for 6 hours. Not being able to find me during hide and seek for 2 hrs, my siblings went to get my mom who also started looking for me. After another hour and no luck, she called our neighbors across the street to see if I went over to play with their kids. Ofc they said no and said they would call some other people in the neighborhood to find out if they'd seen me. A few hours later, the whole neighborhood was out looking for me. Meanwhile I'm at home chilling on the couch watching Teletubbies and eating goldfish (the original babey).

Luhan:

My dad took me and my siblings to the beach almost every summer in elementary school. We would always stay at this Holiday Inn right across the street from the sands. At night, we would go “hunting” for crabs with a flashlight and a fishnet. But on some nights when my dad was too tired to go out, my siblings and I would hang in the kids room at the hotel. We were fooling around and just being kids. Then we found a big case filled with tubes of paint. I was excited to do some finger painting but before I could reach for a tube, my brother stopped me to say he had an idea. He dared us lay down our sheets of paper and paint them by jumping on the tubes. Being the youngest of four, I thought this was a brilliant idea and immediately got to work. Set my paper down and lined up the colors I wanted to use. I jumped.... Only a spec of paint made it onto the paper... The rest beautifully decorated the off-white walls of the kids room. We all just froze because oh my stars we’re gonna be in so much trouble. Turning to each other, we made a very strong pinky promise to not tell a soul what happened. The next day when we returned to the kids room, the case was gone, faded splotches of green and purple remained on the walls, and a big paper taped above reading “NO PAINTING ALLOWED”.

Fun fact: my eldest sister used to write about my adventures for her creative essay homework’s in middle school.

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toukenra · 7 years ago

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Merry Christmas Angels! 🎄💕

I wish all of you a peaceful and happy Christmas with your family and beloved ones and that you get to stuff your stomach with the most delicious Christmas roasts, cookies, gingerbreads and of course mulled wine hehe! (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧

I hope everyone will have a wonderful Christmas filled with a lot of joy and happiness and nice presents, after all all of you’ve been very good this year, right? (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧

Hopefully none of you will have to work all night long on Christmas Eve just like me, but at least I get to see my sweet little brother’s smile on Christmas Day again because we will be watching my all time favourite Christmas movie “A Nightmare before Christmas” oh I just love this movie!

Of course I haven’t forgotten about you, so as a little Christmas present from me, here are some Christmas headcanons on how Christmas would be celebrated in my citadel.. oh and trust me, there will be a lot of tears and chaos involved, because what’s a real Christmas without some chaotic mess right? ꉂꉂ(ᵔᗜᵔ∗)

To end this on a sweet note: Merry Christmas to all of you angels out there and a Happy New Year, I love all of you and hope you have a jolly Christmas! ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭*

This got quite lengthy again so under the cut as not to blow up your dashboard..

A long time ago in a certain citadel far, far away (my nerdy self couldn’t stop herself from including this smol Star Wars reference forgive me) certain Sword Warriors were preparing for the most important holiday ..

being your attendants for the day Tomoegata and Hasebe forced you to stay in your room while everyone else was buzzing around the citadel to prepare for the evening

‘Aruji, please leave the preparations for this festive event to the other Touken Danshi. Your only task for today is to relax until tonight.’

even though you were more than thankful for this offer you couldn’t help but worry a little knowing them all too well

…

… and rightly so because getting to celebrate a peaceful Merry Christmas in your Citadel? Dream on it’s more like a Merry Crisis

when the evening broke on they finally allowed you to leave your room and led you down the dining hall where a festival of dazzling lights and a Christmas Banner spelling something like ‘Marri Kurismas’ was awaiting you

your heart nearly lept out of your chest when everyone rushed forward and scream-yelled ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS ARUJI!’ at you

‘You did all of this for me? Oh my –thank you so much - everyone– I – just - Merry Christmas to you as well!’

you were nearly crying of joy when you realized just how much effort everyone must have put in decorating the Citadel for you

‘How much trouble did all of you went through to prepare this for me?’

Swelling with pride Hasebe grandiloquently waved your worries away ‘It really wasn’t that much trouble’

cue angry stares from everyone else and a more than grumpy Oodenta whispering ‘Yeah well not for you Mr. Loudmouth’ under his breath

now let’s rewind to the morning of Christmas Eve and what was happening while you were cooped up in your room wrapping your Christmas presents for everyone

…

let’s go back to the first crime scene: The Kitchen

it was quite obvious but calling the kitchen a chaotic mess was way understated

chocolate frosting and powder sugar was splattered everywhere but on the cookies (meaning on everyone’s faces)

Souza and Kousetsu were tasked with baking and cutting out cookies and Sayo decorates the most delicate and beautiful snowflake, flower and tanuki cookies fight me on this

Azuki was smitten with this tradition from the start, because now he could give everyone sweets and mother them to his hearts content and went into full sweets-making-mode while Kenshin was eagerly buzzing around him

being the Citadel’s own Grinch Ookurikara tried to escape just on the mentioning of another celebration but got hold back by a dangerously smiling Shokudaikiri who was holding a dough roll like a battle axe

‘Kara-chan of course you’ll help too, will you?’ 😇 😇 😇

Translation: ‘Get in the fuck*ng Christmas spirit or I’ll cut you down’

Micchan vs. Kara-chan 1:0

cursing under his breath he and Yamanbagiri were tasked with hanging up the fairy lights

which brings us to the second crime scene: The Dining Hall

poor men just wanted to be left alone but instead had to help hanging up chain of lights and garlands while some drunk on eggnog Fudou, Nihongou and Jiroutachi were singing some very disturbing Christmas canons they had composed themselves

cue Yamanbagiri muttering to himself: ‘Maybe I should hang myself instead of these Christmas lights’

bby no

‘Even though I’m somewhat renowned as a sword who can cut through ghosts I’d rather not have to cut down your vengeful spirit on this festive occasion’ Nikkari was laughing cheerfully at him while reading ‘A Christmas Carol’ to Akita and Kenshin

way to get in the Christmas spirit darling

bigger swords like Tonbokiri, Oodenta, Otegine and Hachisuka were tasked with logging a fine Christmas tree and mistletoes in the woods (’Really? You’re making an original Kousetsu like me do something unspiritual like that?’)

If you’re asking what Jiji was doing then I can tell you that this lazy old man was sitting far away from the hustle and bustle and got himself pampered and entertained by Kogitsunemaru and Shishou

man just because you’re old doesn’t mean you can just ditch work to everyone else

i’m just kidding i love them very much and it’s probably good that Jiji wasn’t helping he’d probably just be in the way anyway lol

as usual Gokotais tiger cubs had escaped again and were leaving flour footprints everywhere, cue Ishikirimaru running like a madman to clean up behind them while poor Gokotai was bawling his eyes out again

they even left some on Kuniyuki’s face when they trampled over him but that lazy bastard was so busy sleeping he didn’t even mind that (how can anyone be so lazy, honestly? i am so in love)

meanwhile Kasen was in his room trying to write an elegant and refined Christmas banner but just couldn’t remember what this festivity was called like

‘Marri Kurismas. Yes yes, that’s what it was called like I’m sure of it!’ (almost honey, almost..)

after the Christmas tree had been installed in the dining hall (it only took 15 attempts to even get it inside and that one time where Kane-san and Mutsu nearly got buried under the tree because they were bickering who was stronger again) the Toushirous, Monoyoshi, Hyuuga, Aizen and Hotarumaru were decorating the tree with self-made ornaments out of little gems, shells, pie cones and candles

Ichigo and Yagen carrying every Tantou on their skinny shoulders through the whole citadel so they could hang up ornaments everywhere, can we agree on that?

they’re the best brothers in the world i’m sobbing why are they so perfect?

in the meantime busy bees Horikawa and Urashima were running around and motivating everyone by serving Hot Chocolate whenever someone seemed tired out (these boys are angels guys, angels)

Namazuo and Honebami doing a leg-up so Honebami can be the one to put the star on the Christmas tree.. yeah that’s the kind of imagines I’m living for

sounds wonderful doesn’t it?

well it nearly ended in bloodshed when Tsurumaru and Taikogane who were throwing snowballs at each other nearly knocked down the Christmas tree the children had lovingly decorated

which leads us to crime scene number three: The Garden

unlike Germany for the last 10 years your Citadel had been blessed with a white Christmas and the Garden and roofs were covered up with a beautifully glistening blanket of snow

and what could be better than having a real snow fight and go sledding right?

since Tsurumaru got banned from helping he immediately had the glorious idea of having a snowball war in the garden

Tsurumaru, Sada-chan, Aizen, Hotarumaru, Koryuu were on one side while Kashuu, Yams, Yamabushi, Iwatooshi and Imanotsurugi were on the other team

and there were only some minor casualties like the snowball that flew right into Hasebe’s face when he was screaming out of your window

…

whoopsie ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

run guys.. run as fast as you can, leave the country, get yourself a new identity but RUN

.. yeah no big trouble at all ꉂꉂ(ᵔᗜᵔ∗)

back to Christmas Eve and handing out of presents

You had knitted everyone something warm like gloves and scarfs and little beanies for the Tantous so they wouldn’t get a cold when they have to battle in winter, and even stitched everyone’s crests on their scarfs

let’s skip the tearful and cheesy speeches of thanks everyone was throwing alright?

well but one moment was worth mentioning, and that is Hizamaru crying over Higekiri giving him a present even though he wrote his name wrong on the gift tag cue Iwatooshi patting both of them on their back ꉂꉂ(ᵔᗜᵔ∗)

at least he tried

of course Micchan surpassed himself by light years and made you the most beautiful yule log you’ve ever seen

(my self indulgence is showing I’m sorry angels)

“You told me this was the season of giving your loved ones gifts right? So I hope you’re going to enjoy this I tried to make it based on your desciptions but it may not be sweet enough .. though nothing could be as sweet as you anyway.’

geez save the cheesy lines for someone else

I’M JUST KIDDING MARRY ME MARRY ME MARRY ME

maybe Touken Danshi aren’t the best at celebrating Christmas but they always have good intentions and it became a happy Christmas with a lot of laughter (and eggnog) because being with your loved ones is the most important thing on Christmas after all

..but wait, who’s going the wash the dishes ok i’m outta here ~

I hope you enjoyed it and Merry Christmas angels! (*˘︶˘*).｡.:*♡

-Mod Pancake 🥞

#no one asked for this but it’s Christmas and I want to do something for all of you xx #Merry Christmas!#and a happy new year #may your christmas be full of laughter and happiness 💕#Headcanons #Touken Ranbu #Mod Pancake

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flutistplayer-archived · 7 years ago

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“Kindness... That’s something not everyone has, but I believe there is goodness in everyone’s heart.”

200+ Followers... Which might include some ancient blogs from 3+ years ago that are inactive, cries. Either way, no matter if people forgot to unfollow me, stopped coming back to that specific RP blog, or honestly followed me because they... wanted to follow me, I really want to thank you all for sticking with this Deuce I’ve created. (Or maybe this might serve as a reminder to unfollow me, rofl. Understandable as how surreal and random this can be!)

SO, a little background about this Deuce! (You may all skip this horrendous essay so you can pat yourself on the back for being an awesome RPer, bless your heart and soul.)

I actually started RPing as her back in 2012. It sprouted in the Twitter platform after some encouragement from my friends. It kicked off till... around 2013 (I think?) when I got serious in RPing the cutie pie. I doubt many would know about it, but this @fftype0deuce is where it all began. As you can tell, I don’t even know how to role play on Tumblr at that time, lol. She really went through changes over the years... and I’m hoping it’s for the best.

No matter who I run to RP... I’ve always returned back to this account. From my first RP account outside of Final Fantasy (Mary from Shikkoku no Sharnoth @maryclarissachristiekitty-blog ) to a fandom I have literally no idea what I’m getting myself into (Admiral OC from Kantai Collection @admiralyoriemiko ), I’ve always run back to Deuce. An obsession? Perhaps. Passion? Well, I’m not sure. Maybe... I’m not the best Deuce RPer as I’ve seen plenty who role play her 20000000x better than me over the years. However, I can at least say I contributed to some part of the community by RPing as this character just like everyone with their muse(s)! I think...

Enough about my blabbers, FINALLY, the one you’ve all been waiting for...

FRIENDS

@fallen-saint / @invictus-classemque

Honestly, I’m grateful that we got to RP on here, Nomad! Truly, I want to thank you for giving my muse a chance, even if it does seem unlikely for our muses to interact with one another. Insert incoherent yelling here????!!? A Fate series mixed with a Final Fantasy title, let alone one that not many knew about? It seems impossible, but we made it work, especially you! You’re an awesome person and I have a feeling that no matter who I role play as... until the time comes to where I put the towel down, you’ll always give me a chance. So thank you for being so open-minded. I also want to thank you for being a good friend. ;-; Seriously, you’re one of those few RPers I would not hesitate to drop and run over if you need help or anything. (Or fanboy & fangirl together, hAH) To others, I recommend following this guy! He RPs Jeanne Alter and does an awesomesauce interpretation of her. Just a;lskdjf;lakjsf QUALITY A++ NICE MUN NICE PERSON OVERALL CRIES

@fudcshin / @ofortitudo

BAEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE, you are so awesome, awesome is literally an understatement. (and yer of course one of the only people that I can comfortable squeal and fangirl with omg) I’m really happy that you are willing to RP with me since the first day we’ve interacted all the way to present time! Bruh, 3+ years. a;skjfd;akjsf TIME FLIES WHERE IS OUR YOUTH??? I’m so excited to RP Type-0 stuff with you, especially when I returned to my homey account from Kantai Collection, rofl. You’re also a sweet person that, frankly, should get a big giant hug and sweets and-- u r just awesomesauce, ok? But seriously, you’re someone that not only RP amazing stuff, but you really followed me wherever I went. I cry. I CRY BECAUSE YOU ARE SO SWEET AND LOYAL, IT HURTS :A; <3 You’ll always be in my hearto as a good friendo, doki doki ;u; ;akjsd;lfkja

@culpritouswildcat

I swear to god, time flew by FASTER THAN AN AIRPLANE JESUS CHRIST-- anyway, seriously, you’re one of the few old RPers that are willing to remain as my RP partner from years ago (LOL 3 YEARS OR SOMETHING??? TIME FLIES) and it just brings tears to my eyes and my heart going doki doki. You’re an awesome RPer and I really REALLY LOVE your writing style, gosh. (No exaggeration) I find it funny that we first interacted through your Dlanor account and eventually shifted to this lovable wildcat... what a transition! Either way, thank you for giving my account a chance once again! I hope we can RP together more so into the future! ;; <3 (P.S. Gimme that Nitocris)

@inkstainedjade

omg, gurl, u r like the precious diamond in the sand. SO PRECIOUS. I’m seriously glad we met and you’re so nice, it makes my heart go doki doki. I mean, you are the all time Divine Sadist and Harem Queen??? That even Lucifer would bless your Holy existence into one of pure gold??? Simply AMAZING <3 But jokes aside, seriously, even though you are going through some hardships (sounds like an understatement sob), you really trudge through with your optimistic personality to others! It breaks my heart, CRIES. Just know that I’m always here for you ! Plus, you RP on a godLY LEVEL like jesus christ, I know we just interacted a bit in one thread and a;lskjdf;lkajsf plan some amazing plots and relationship between your muse and mine, but you’re so cool ;; To be frank, when you first followed me, I almost died because you know, how can this RPer who details her OC so well follow someone like me? I am a mere peasant. Love ya lots bae and let’s continue our friendship!

@queen-yggdrasil

Man, you are one loyal RPer and I’m so glad we interacted with each other! For you to be open to whatever muse I have and not be afraid to try something, that's pretty awesome! ( Not to mention we over analyze and complain about everything, we are PROS, rofl!) Living in the same state, I’m almost amazed that we’ve constantly missed each other?! We’ll definitely hit each other up in person one day! But seriously, thank YOU for being such a great RPer, cRIES. Even if we don’t RP, I really enjoy seeing you on my dashboard!

@notavampirehere

Onii-sama! <3 Ever since we first met when I was exploring the RP zone, you really stuck with me till the end... Dang, you’re honestly the only person that I can admit that stayed with me from the very beginning. I’m a little shocked that you’re too kind and sweet to keep in contact with me on a daily basis no matter if I reply or not with a;lksjdf;lajsf adorable messages that make my heart scream in glee. Thank you for being who you are! Always remember that I’m here for you no matter what! <3 And seriously, you’re someone precious to me in my heart. ;A; <3 aHHHHHHHH -huggies-

CADETS

@adelicatefleur || @whirlwhip || @fightforastar || @snowdyedred || @scytheofhatred || @ephemeral-twilight || @jurina-andthediamonds || @notturnomelodico || @talion-greyling || @balestralunge || @snakedevourer || @sacred-one-vanille || @thekeybladehero || @defenderspledge || @problem-free || @perpetua-anima || @xroppy || @ablazc || @lunaliee || @burmecianblackmage || @lockedfighter || @mollisxcorde || @reminiscentiae || @caiiius || @facadeofanagito || @requiemxsonata || @gopinkglasses || @accxcedrinum || @skystriked || @sora-pugnxre-mxlum || @blindingstrike || @edenslostwallflower || @themalefleet || @montrosethefrigate || @freshholeinthewall || @finalhxaven || @eviqhet || @triggerxhappy || @forgottencruisers || @linearcrxsh || @innocentiapuerili-archive || @theobscuracamera || @candentiia || @shurdo || @septemx-blog || @ace-of-war-blog || @wielderofcards || @deckopen || @turkwitharod || @osakansax || @deadlylegacy || @wayfinderxcharms || @cinqueyto-blog || @imitation-liegeman-blog-blog || @missmagicalremski || @lethaeux || @nxtzero || @optimisticblade || @digeanta || @fujxn || @ariansaith-blog || @summoningballad || @cinquey || @caterstrophe || @7thwhipofagito || @eyesofnightstars-blog || @diviinus-blog || @zero-ace-blog || @thirdarcher || @xflamboyant-blog || @etamarella || @type-nine || @bishoujominatsuchi-blog || @rxik || @yuroxio-blog || @celestialvectors-blog-blog-blog || @oursongofhealing || @fey-archive || @relaxingslumber || @diabxlicx || @anordinarymagician || @hanahxru || @cardavem || @glitterdealer || @artemisxbow-archive-blog || @angelsknightleonhart || @rustiiica || @tezcatlipoca-embodied-blog || @alterluce-archive || @moombaliberator-archive || @valysta-blog || @gxnowritxr || @kaz-oo-blog || @sanctum-flore || @ankokuseiun || @eternalcalms || @aeristelle || @marksmanagito || @vautrien || @blessedbycrystal || @adhortemur || @themisfitvestigationclub || @swordglassesquick || @quiverandsong || @drakania-archive || @scindeva || @phantomxce || @rapusodosu || @humiles-corde-blog || @imperialrosenkingarchive || @draconiseffigiem || @ceruleanpapilio || @void-earth-archive || @kujabutterfly || @gemini-cannon-blog || @goldentailedthief-archive-blog || @mothermullet || @chiyuuarmy || @rubyobscura || @sanguinetempo || @thescionoflegend || @xflamboyant-archive || @void-of-muses || @ailenifflam || @xyojimbo || @beautifulcrow-archive-blog || @riotxblade || @persuadedbyboko || @serpentsofthegreatsun || @musculartactician || @stealingyourbeer-blog || @faithfulfriar || @wandereroftime || @transientblade-blog || @vitriss || @majisukaxookabuki || @black-concerto || @femaletitxn || @whitesorceroroffynn-archive || @whispersinthedark14-rp || @requiemsoldier || @helmdivide || @sxcrifie || @rembies || @rappapaqueenofrage || @claireveriearchive || @kiryuinlasatsuki-blog || @dxgitalheroine || @forgottencrystalization || @maceprincess || @albhedgreen-archive || @hurricanewhipseven || @nevrospastxs-archive || @braverhero || @whorxifying || @angelwingprincess || @impossibleloves || @last-crown-of-lucis || @zeronoesu || @odiumstulte || @senarius

THANK YOU FOR BEING AWESOME!

#{//i don't even have a tag for this for whatever reason}#{//buT YOLO}#{//ty ty ty for being so good with me folks cries}#{//even if we're just... tallying number of followers for some reason hAH....}#{//but seriously thank you}

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jj-lynn21 · 5 years ago

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VEE Chapter 12

ch 1, ch 2, ch 3 ch 4 ch 5 ch 6 ch 7 ch 8 ch 9 ch 10 ch11 ch 13

warnings: smut, angst, drunk driving crash, mind manipulation

bill photo

As Bill is speeding down the road to get far enough away the police won’t pull them over Jen reaches up to wipe some blood off the corner of his mouth. She licks it off her finger. “He was gross. Still better than that bag of stuff in the cooler but gross. I didn’t realize they tasted different until now.”

Bill adds, “He was a disgusting asshole. People like that plague their own kind by existing. But I changed his personality just a bit.” He grins.

Before the police car can be seen Bill and Jen hear the car closing in on them. Bill slows down still hoping not to be stopped. He is not in the mood to be pleasant to an office, but he knows he might have to. Plus, with the new cams on the dashboards he can’t just say the officer never saw them, so must come up with a story. When the police car sees them, he does turn his lights on for him to pull over.

Bill pulls over. “FUCK! Lie back with your eyes closed Jen. I’ll deal with this situation.”

Jen does as he says but whispers, “Can I have some of him to?”

Bill is annoyed about the situation. “No drinking from the police. Its another stupid ass rule.”

Bill already has the window down when the officer comes up. “Good evening officer. I am headed to Ma & Pa’s down the road a way. My girlfriend needed a late-night snack. Is everything ok?”

The officer questions, “Did you see an accident when you were driving?”

Bill shakes his head, “No officer. I just turned on to this road from Collens road back there.”

The officer looks back and the then to Bill again, “Alright, drive careful. I remember when my wife was pregnant. When she had a craving, I’d drive all night to find what she wanted.”

“Anything, for my Princess. One more thing officer.” He had the officer under his spell. “When you get home tonight fuck your wife in every way, she has always asked you for. Make sure she comes three times before letting her rest. But I never told you that. Have a great evening officer.”

The officer smiled and nodded. He headed back to his car. Bill pulled out slowing knowing he was still on that dash cam. When the officer sped away, he went right around them speeding down the road.

Jen started laughing hysterically. “Oh my fucking God. That is just to much. His wife is going to be so happy but hurting tomorrow if she isn’t used to that much playtime which I bet she isn’t. She is going to end up pregnant again. He just assumed I was pregnant. You didn’t even say that.”

Bill laughed, “Glad you were entertained. Look, right up there is Ma & Pa’s. You will love this place. They will love you to. Just follow my lead. We will get what we need to make it to the Castle before the show starts which is my goal.”

Jen sees the white lit up sign that says Ma & Pa’s in the distance. The parking lot is empty when they pull in but there is a sign on the glass door that says open. The place looks like a large trailer the couple refurbished into a diner. The outside window shudders are falling off. The red paint is chipped and there is rust around the door.

Jen is skeptical, “This is the place you were raving about?”

“Come on Princess. It’s the best place on this road. Well, it’s the only place on this road.” Bill laughed helping her out of the Cadillac.

As soon as they walk in Ma runs over to greet them. She throws her arms around Bill. “Billy its so nice to see you. You are looking handsome tonight but to thin. You need to eat more.”

Bill chuckles, “That’s why we stopped here Ma. This is my girlfriend Jen.”

“Don’t be shy young lady.” Ma hugs her tight. “Such a beautiful girl. Sit right over hear.” She leads them to a table.

Jen is just stunned by this whole situation. She knew Ma was a person and knew another person was there. She assumed it was Pa. Bill was acting like these were grandparents he had not seen in long time not the owners of some dive diner in the middle of nowhere.

Bill just looked like a goofy little kid looking at Ma as she rambled about the great Meatloaf special. “Can Pa just make us a strawberry milkshake to share? I would love for him to deliver it himself if that’s ok? I want him to meet Jen.”

Ma smiled brightly, “Me and Pa use to share strawberry milkshakes when we were dating like the two of you. I didn’t know young people still shared like that. You two are so adorable. I’ll get him right on that.”

She heads straight to back to get Pa to make their shake. Bill takes Jen’s hand smiling as they sit on the same side of the booth. Inside the place still looks like it could use some work, but the 50s vibe is cute. There is even a juke box in the corner. Jen and Bill sit at one of the booths that line the dirty windows. There is a counter with round stoles across from the tables. Behind that is the kitchen.

Bill whispers, “I know it doesn’t look like much but its safe for family to stop here. We just leave them enough money to keep the place going every time one of us stops. They taste good to.”

Jen is surprised, “We can’t drink that milkshake, can we?”

Bill smiles dopily, “That’s really for them. You don’t have to say anything. I will give them a great memory before we leave. Being here just helps me feel good.”

Jen teases, “I guess it does with that big smile on your face. It is so cute how they are with you.” She giggles as she watches Ma and Pa come out of the back with a very large strawberry milkshake. They sit it on the table with two straws.”

Bill licks his lips, “This looks delicious. Pa this is my best girl Jen.”

Pa does his best grisly smile, “Nice to meet you, young lady. We always hope our Billy will find a sweet girl to settle down with.”

Jen giggles.

Bill blushes. “Why don’t you sit with us for a spell. I’d love for you to tell Jen that story on how you met. Its so perfect.”

They sit down across from him and Jen.

Bill starts his mind control on them. “hold out your wrists. You won’t feel a thing. All you know is we are giggly young people that really enjoyed your stories. When we do leave you will look into each other’s eyes seeing the teenagers you were when you first shared a strawberry milkshake and drink the shake happily. When you finish the shake, you will see each other as you are now and still be deeply in love. You will feel blessed from the visit with us and the tip we leave to help you fix this place up.”

A tear runs down Jen’s face at the beauty of Bills words to the couple. It is like he really cares for them and has for a long time. When Bill drinks from Pa’s wrist, Jen does the same from Ma. When they are done Bill puts five thousand dollars on the table. Jen and Bill leave quietly. As they leave Jen watches the couple looking at each other lovingly and sipping on the milkshake. She tears up a little happy for them. Bill puts an arm around her waist and opens the door for them to leave. They get outside by the car.

Bill hold her close, “Are you ok?”

Jen wipes tears from her eyes, “That is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen anyone do for an old couple. They must be in their 80s. You made them feel young again just for a few moments.”

Bill opens the passenger door for her, “They have been running this place since my brother and I opened The Castle Edlund casino. They are very good people. They deserve to be happy.”

Bill gets in the drivers side and off they go toward the Castle.

#love #romance #50s vibe #milk shake #blood #blood drinking #diner #creative #creative writing #story #original story #vee

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unlikelymedia · 8 years ago

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The Girl Who Loves the Stars and the Boy Who Loves Star Wars

It was a Saturday afternoon inside a small coffee shop in one corner block of the city where you can find Danny busy tapping away on the keyboard of his laptop as he tries to compose his next short story. The familiar aroma of the coffee beans roasting and brewing lingers in the air as busy customers come and go with their orders. But for Danny, he could care less about the customers coming and going inside the establishment because he was too busy with his writing. The problem is, he has been on a slump and now he keeps typing and re-typing the same paragraph for the past hour or so. He is at his 3rd coffee already and he can feel his heart palpitating already. He wants to stop but the coffee is giving him the opportunity to think.

“Aaaaargh! Why can’t I come up with a proper paragraph? C’mon Danny! THINK! THINK! THINK!”, he said to himself half aloud or louder than he had thought.

The couple on the adjacent side stared at him probably thinking that he has lost his mind. Danny looked at them and bowed as a sign of apology for being an idiot. As he surveyed his surroundings, he realized that someone was sitting beside him.

“You do know you looked like an idiot just now?”, the girl said while grinning from ear to ear at him.

“And you are?”, Danny asked half annoyed.

“Call me Lauren. I’m a student of the nearby art school over there.”, she replied as she pointed to the direction of her school. “May I know who you are? Are you some kind of writer? Or a vlogger?”, Lauren added.

“I’m Danny and no. I’m not a writer. I only do this as a hobby. I’m actually a curator. I’m doing this writing because it helps me do something creative other than my work. Plus I love to tell stories.”, said Danny in a monotone voice. He was still a little annoyed.

“Oh wow, that sounds amazing! So, are you a curator of a museum or something like that?”, Lauren continued her inquiry.

“I’m more a curator for artists. I primarily handle interpreting the artworks of contemporary artists when they hold an exhibit.”, explained Danny. “How about you? What’s your program?”, Danny added.

“I’m an advertising major and I’m in my 3rd year actually.”, Lauren responded.

They exchanged these kinds of conversation. They started getting to know each other to the point that they even talked about the most mundane topics. For both of them, this first encounter was somewhat a blessing in disguise. For Danny, it gave him the opportunity to talk about what he was writing and how frustrated he is on being stuck on the same paragraph. For Lauren, it gave her the time to relax before she heads back to her studies. They talked for a good 3 straight hours, discussing about music, to movies, to how the current situation of the world is going to the dogs. They just felt at ease talking to each other and never once thought just a couple of hours ago, they were total strangers to each other. When Lauren checked her watch, she was shocked how much the time has passed since they started their conversation.

“SHOOT! Look at the time? I’ll be dead if I don’t get home by 9.”, exclaimed Lauren.

“I’ll give you a lift home. It would be way faster for you to get home plus I feel guilty since I took up much of your time.”, explained Danny.

“Is it really okay with you? Won’t that be out of your way? It’s okay really. I don’t want to be a bother to you”, Lauren.

“I insist, now come on and let’s get your home.”, Danny said as they stood up and head out the door.

Inside the car, they continued their conversation. And because they were so caught up in their conversation, they forgot to exchange personal info about each. They laughed when they realized this. Danny learned that Lauren was just 20 years old while Lauren learned that Danny was already 32. Lauren complimented Danny because Danny doesn’t look his age. Danny just thanked Lauren and said he hears that quite often and that he has to thank his mom for that. Strange how they have met, they felt very comfortable with each other. Danny has never been this happy and same goes for Lauren. They were about 30 minutes away from Lauren’s house when Lauren remembered about what Danny said in their conversation earlier inside the coffee shop.

“Hey, I never told you this because I know you are a big Star Wars fan but, I have never seen any Star Wars movies.”, said Lauren while biting her lip. She’s is unsure how Danny, the biggest Star Wars fan she has met, would react.

“It’s quite alright. There are a lot of people I know who hasn’t seen any Star Wars films. They have their own reasons, what’s yours?”, Danny said not looking away from the road.

“I wanted to watch it but I haven’t have someone to watch it with me.”, explained Lauren.

“Hmmm, I see. But didn’t you want to watch it with your boyfriend or ex-boyfriend?”, asked Danny still not looking away from the road.

Lauren just kept quiet her eyes fixed on the dashboard. Her chain of thought drifting to somewhere else. She only realized she had spaced out when Danny kept calling her name.

“Lauren, Lauren, Lauren, did I have said something wrong? What happened? You just spaced out on me.”, said Danny

“I’m really sorry. It’s nothing. I just remembered something and didn’t realized that I was spacing out already.”, explained Lauren, not looking at Danny with both her hands clasped together.

“If I said something that reminded you of a a bad time or experience, I am really sorry.”, said Danny in a nervous voice.

They were now at red light. Finally Danny looked at Lauren. She was still looking somewhere else, her clasped hands are now trembling, and is now almost on the verge of crying. Danny can’t do anything at that moment as the traffic light turned green. He drove for about a minute or two before turned at a road side, parked the car and turned the hazard lights on. Danny then turned his full attention towards the now tearing up Lauren.

“Lauren, tell me what’s wrong.”, Danny with a concerned tone.

“It’s nothing really. Something must have reminded me of the past. But I’m okay really. Thank you for worrying.”, Lauren half smiling.

“Are you sure? We can talk it over if you like.”, said Danny, his concern growing by the second.

“It’s okay really. Once I’m home I’ll be okay, thank you.”, said Lauren now looking at Danny. She gave Danny a light punch on his shoulders along with a smile just to let him know she’s fine.

So Danny, since he can’t do anything, just continued driving until they arrived at Lauren’s house.

It was just 8:30 pm when they arrived at Lauren’s house. As soon as Danny engaged the handbrake, Lauren invited him inside for something to drink. Danny just nodded, switched the ignition off, and followed Lauren. Just as Lauren was about to open the door, her dad was already there and opened it for her.

“Dad, I’m sorry I got home so late”, said Lauren kissing her father on the cheek. “This is Danny, he is a friend of mine. He drove me here so as to not make me late.” Lauren continued and at the same time introducing Danny to her father.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you sir. Daniel Alphonse Edwards III but everyone just calls me Danny or Al.”, said Danny.

“Edwards? Is Edwards Sr., the newspaper editor, your grandfather, and Edwards Jr., the researcher, your father?”, asked Lauren’s father in a stern voice.

“Yes sir. Though I don’t always let people recognize me because of my family background. It makes for a much easier lifestyle.”, explained Danny.

“I see. What do you do? Are you like your grandfather or your father?”, Lauren’s father continuing his interrogation like questioning.

“Neither sir. I’m a curator as well as a visual artist. I stayed away from my father’s and grandfather’s line of work to avoid criticism from their respective peers.”, answered Danny.

There were some more question Lauren’s father asked Danny to which Danny answered in return. Lauren just stood there looking at his father and Danny exchange conversations. Until finally, Lauren’s father is satisfied of Danny’s answers. He even asked Danny how he met Lauren to which Danny told Lauren’s father the truth. Danny said it was a kind of weird circumstances but he is glad that he had met Lauren at that time.

“I see. Well, come in and thank you for bringing my daughter safe and sound. Just call me Joe”, said Lauren’s father now with a welcoming look on his face.

Danny entered the house and he was sat on the sofa. He and Joe continued their discussion for another 30 minutes until Joe asked Danny if he was dating his daughter. Danny responded that he just met her but would like, with Joe’s permission to get to know Lauren better. Joe understood and granted Danny’s request.

It was about 10pm when Danny decided that he needs to get home. He said goodbye and thank you to Joe as Danny was led outside the house by Lauren. Danny and Lauren exchanged contact information. Before heading out to his car, Danny asked Lauren again if she was okay.

“Lauren, are you sure you are fine? If you need to talk about it, we can still talk.”, said Danny.

“I’m fine. I told you, once I’m home I’ll be fine. I’ll tell you all about it some other time, okay?”, explained Lauren.

Danny and Lauren bid farewell to each other that night. Danny drove home and texted Lauren that he got home safe and with no issues. They talked on the phone for another 2 hours before calling it a night. Danny never opened up the issue earlier and just decided that he would just let Lauren tell him ion her own time.

Danny and Lauren dated for 2 months before they decided to go steady. In those 2 months of dating, Danny picked Lauren from her school and her to her house whenever he is free. They would try to go to those must-go-to restaurants they see on social media. They would go to different museum and galleries, and exhibit receptions. Danny would help Lauren out in her school work by giving her pointers and reference materials. At Lauren’s house, Danny would chat with either Lauren’s mother or father. All of these happened in 2 months of dating.

When Danny and Lauren become a couple, Danny asked Lauren’s parents if Lauren can sometimes stay at his condo on the weekends or when she doesn’t have any school activities. At first Lauren’s parents were hesitant at first but they agreed as long as Danny would not do any funny business. Danny thanked Lauren’s parents for their trust in him. So one Saturday evening, after Lauren got some clothes from her house, Danny drove Lauren to his condo. Upon entering the condo, Lauren was greeted by a clean, and tidy living room. Across from it is the kitchen and dining. Danny’s condo is a loft type with one room downstairs that serves as Danny’s studio. Danny gave Lauren a tour of his place and helped her unpacked stuff when they got into the bedroom. Danny’s bed is a king size bed which made Lauren laugh.

“You must really feel lonesome by yourself. A king size bed and no one to sleep in it with.”, teased Lauren.

“That’s why I asked your parents if you can stay here, ha ha ha!”, said Danny with a wide grin on his face.

Lauren pouted and said, “That’s the only reason you want me here? Because you’re lonely?”

Danny shook his head while saying, “Well, not really. Even though we have dated for 2 months now. We had wonderful conversation as well as an awesome time together, we never really had our alone time to talk more intimately.”

Lauren just nodded in agreement as she continued unpacking her clothes.

After unpacking, they headed downstairs. Lauren sat on the big couch and surveyed the place. She smiled as she saw 8 framed Star Wars posters, one for each of the released movies, a bunch of different lightsabers hanged on the walls, a couple of lamps that resembled the Death Star, and finally, a glass shelf with different Star Wars toys.

Lauren looked at Danny and said, “You really love your Star Wars huh?”

Danny looked at Lauren, smiled and said, ”Yep, ever since the 1st grade. My father got me into it. He rented a Betamax of A New Hope and ever since that day, I was hooked into Star Wars. I also became a big science fiction nut as well.”

Lauren just nodded in silence as she stared again into Danny’s condo unit. She stood up and headed towards Danny’s small studio. Before entering, she looked at Danny who was busy prepping the food to cook. She opened the door to the small studio, the scent of wood, canvas, acrylic paint and linseed oil automatically filled Lauren’s senses. Then suddenly, the lights turned on. Danny made Lauren jump a little.

Danny was snickering while saying, “A little jumpy are we?”

“You scared me there you numnut?”, Lauren said but with a sheepish smile on her face.

“We are the only two here and you’re still jumpy.”, Danny said while holding Lauren’s right hand and pulling her inside the room.

Danny showed Lauren his latest projects as well as the next exhibit Danny will be curating. Lauren asked about the food and Danny said it was still in the oven and won’t be done in 45 minutes. She asked what they were having but Danny just motioned his finger on his lips, telling it was a secret. As they stepped out of the small studio, Lauren realized that the design behind the big coach is different from the rest of the walls.

Danny realized where Lauren was staring at and said, “The wallpaper? It’s not actually a wallpaper. They are PC motherboards, super glued and screwed to the wall. They were painted light grey or dirty white before sticking it in. It looks like the surface of the Death Star from this distance actually.”

Lauren just nodded and walked closer to the motherboard wall. Danny then turned on the music so as to make the place a little livelier then headed back to the kitchen to check the food. Lauren just sat back on the big couch. The Chill Hop music was soothing and relaxing to Lauren’s ears that she fell asleep on the big couch.

“Lauren! Lauren, honey! Are you okay?”, said Danny with a worried tone in his voice.

Lauren suddenly sat up on the big couch and was frantic. She was in tears crying. Then she saw Danny’s face and hugged him.

Still crying, Lauren said, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to to forget you. I was so lonely. I was so afraid. I didn’t mean to. I’m so sorry.”

Danny just hugged Lauren more and said, “I’m here, don’t worry. I won’t leave your side.” Danny already knew that it is not about him but something else. He decided in time, he will asked Lauren about everything that happened before they met.

After a few minutes of crying, Danny realized that Lauren was sleep walking in this state and was having nightmares. Lauren, finally waking up, wipe her tears and looked at Danny and said, “I did something didn’t I? I said some things didn’t I? I thought the nightmares were gone but it never really went away.”

“Hey, it’s alright honey. I’m here and I will never leave you.”, said Danny, looking at Lauren with a caring smile.

“I should have told you earlier. I should have been more open to you.”, Lauren said on the verge of crying again.

“Oh honey, please don’t cry. It’s alright, you can tell me everything when you are ready, okay?”, said Danny still not removing his arms around Lauren. As Danny held Lauren until she feels safe and at ease. He reassured Lauren that everything will be alright and that he will be there for her. They stood together and Danny led Lauren to the dining table. On the table was mashed potatoes and steak that Danny cooked. Danny also prepared red wine for them to drink.

As Danny sat Lauren he said, ”I hope you still have your appetite.”

Lauren smiled, her first smile after calming down, and said, “Of course. I’m really waiting for what you prepared for us. You never seized to amaze me. Thank you.”

Danny poured wine in the two wine glass that was set on the table, gave one to Lauren and motioned as if giving a toast and said, “To us, to our love, and many more happy memories together.”

Lauren also made a motion with her hands to toast glasses with Danny and they sip the wine. They ate together in silence only speaking when something catches their attention. They were both enjoying the moment and their silence was a sign of reassurance towards each other.

After dinner, Danny just placed the dishes in the sink and decided that he will clean it up in the morning. They sat on the big couch, turned on Netflix and just watch Abstract: The Art of Design. After a couple of episodes, Lauren went to the bathroom to take a shower. Danny followed Lauren inside. At first, Lauren was shy of showing her body but then became grew more comfortable with Danny’s reassurance. After getting out the shower, they headed out of the bathroom and into Danny’s bed. They made love until they can’t anymore that night and slept with their minds, bodies, and souls intertwined with each other.

It was around 9 in the morning when Lauren woke up. Danny was already out of the bed. Lauren got up and wore the robe that Danny gave her as she went downstairs. Lauren found Danny in the kitchen cooking their breakfast.

“Good morning sleepy-head. Did you sleep well? Breakfast will be done in a minute, okay?”, said Danny concentrated on his cooking.

Lauren approached Danny from behind and gave Danny a hug from behind, burying her face on Danny’s back. “Thank you for everything. For being kind, for being caring, and for being always there.”, said Lauren.

Danny smiled, held Lauren’s arms that was around him and said, ”It is you I have to thank. I was living this mundane, repetitive lifestyle before I met you and you changed all of that. You inspired me Lauren.”

Danny then turned around, looked at Lauren and kissed her on the lips and gave Lauren a warm comforting hug.

They ate breakfast, showered, and went out. It was already 10pm when they arrived at Lauren’s place. Danny parked the car and they went inside Lauren’s house where her parents were waiting for them to arrive. Danny gave Lauren’s mother a small hug and Lauren’s dad a firm handshake. Danny told Lauren’s parents that they went to a restaurant outside the city since it was all the rave these days. It was a good thing that there weren’t much people Lauren added. By 11 pm, Lauren’s parents left and went to their bedrooms. Lauren then took Danny’s hand and led him to the attic where Lauren always stays to look at the stars.

“This is my favourite spot in the world. I guess you could say, my comfort zone.”, explained Lauren. “This is where I can do my artworks in peace. Away from the noise and the world.”, Lauren added.

Danny looked around. The whole room was filled with paintings of stars, constellations, and the universe. But of all the paintings, one painting particularly captured Danny’s attention, It was a painting of a silhouette of a girl and in that silhouette was the universe. The area of the silhouette where the heart of a person should be is the Millennium Falcon. He checked the date and it was a work from 5 years ago.

“It was my twin brother’s work. We both love art and painting. He loved Star Wars while I love the stars. Sadly he is no longer with us.”, explained Lauren as she walked closer to where Danny was standing. Tears were already forming in her eyes.”

Lauren then grabbed Danny’s arm and pulled herself closer. “I’m going to tell you what really happened. Why I sometimes space out and why I have my panic attacks from time to time.”, said Lauren now hugging Danny.

Lauren then told Danny her story.

It was 5 years ago when it happened. It was Lauren and Lance’s birthday and they went to a Star Wars day convention. Lauren never really liked her twin’s obsession with Star Wars but because he was her brother, she shrugged it off and just go with what Lance likes. The convention when smoothly. Lance told Lauren that as a present, Lauren will finally watch a Star Wars marathon with him just like what Lance always does on their birthdays. Lauren finally agreed to her brother’s plea in the condition that Lance will do all their chores for a whole month. As they exited the convention centre a Lauren was pushed to the ground. It happened so fast that she had no idea that there was a crazy driver running away from the police and that it had drove on to the pedestrian section and on the ramp of the convention centre. When she got up, she realized that the person who pushed her away from harm was Lance who was now lying on the floor motionless. The shocked caused Lauren to be a catatonic state. When their parents arrived to pick them up, paramedics were already there in the scene. Lauren was still unresponsive while Lance was already rushed in the hospital only to be declared dead on arrival. The devastation in their family left Lauren in a catatonic state for six months. It was when she went up the attic, she and her brother’s hiding spot that she realized that Lance’s present for her on their birthday was on there. It was a painting that Lance did. The painting that is now hanging at the centre of the attic surrounded by all of Lauren’s painting of stars and constellations. That was the first time Lauren screamed and cried for losing her of her twin and ever since then, Lauren gets panic attacks whenever she is reminded of her brother.

After Lauren told Danny everything is when Danny realized how him and Lance have common interests that made Lauren have her panic attacks. Danny held Lauren in her arms, gave her a big comforting hug and just kissed her on the forehead.

Danny left the Lauren’s place around 1 in the morning. He now understand Lauren more than ever and promised that he will do everything to make her feel safe and at ease all the time.

It has been a year since Lauren has told Danny her story. Their relationship continued with blessing of their parents. Lauren has met Danny’s parents and siblings. They were at Danny’s parent’s house when Lauren said, “Honey, I still have a confession to make.”

“What is it?”, asked Danny.

“Remember the first time we met at the coffee shop? I actually know who you really are before you introduced yourself.”, Lauren explained.

“What? Wait. How?”, said the confused Danny.

Lauren took a deep breath and finally explained, “It was a year before Lance died. My parents took us to an opening reception of an artist. You’re whole family was there and as I remembered, it was the first time you curated an exhibition. It was funny because you were all nervous and all introducing the artist. We even have a photo taken together.”

“But you were fourteen that time and when I met your dad for the first time, why didn’t he recognize me?”, said Danny still confused.

“Because I told my father not to. I liked you long before we met again in that coffee shop and I don’t him spoiling my confession to you.”, Lauren further explaining now with a playful smile on her face.

Danny scratching his head still confused said, “But why now? You could have told me before. I’m not angry but I’m confused.”

“It’s because of Lance. When he heard I liked you, he became jealous thinking you will take away his twin sister.”, said Lauren now showing Danny the photo she was telling aboutl

In the photo was Danny in the centre, Lauren hugging him on his right and Lance with an angry on his left. The photo was enough to trigger Danny’s memory of that day. He was so tired preparing for the exhibition that he had no idea what really happened after his introductory speech. All he remembered was he was talking to a very enthusiastic girl and her brother. He had forgotten that event because he got drunk and pass out afterward.

“I remember now. You were that girl that kept asking me questions while your brother was just butting in on every answer I gave.”, said Danny still scratching his head.

“I know you won’t remember me but I tried to keep track of you and your works but because of the tragedy, I lost you or should I say I have forgotten all about you. I was filled with grief, sadness, and anger that I feel that I will never be happy again. Life was chore for me. But for some reason, my felt my brother on my side every time I want to give up. It was just that fateful chance in that coffee shop that I finally found you. I was still grieving but somehow it made me move on. I guess Lance finally gave his permission for us to be together and for me to let him go.”, Lauren said this while tearing up.

Danny kissed Lauren on the lips, gave her a hug and said, “I’m happy as long as you are happy.”

“Thank you Danny.”, sad Lauren now hugging Danny back.

“Funny how sometimes you just find things. I love you Lauren.”, whispered Danny.

Funny how sometimes you really just find things. The happiness you thought you’ve lost can just suddenly comeback to you without you realizing it. The Universe is both funny and cruel at the same time. It takes away certain things in us to test ourselves how strong we really are but it will also give back what you’ve lost even if it was in a different form.

#shortStory #writings #loveStory #fiction

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