#I had to really downplay it to my mom because she gets crazy worried but like

[justgleekout]

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[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

Absentee

Character: Jason Todd x Fem!Reader

Summary: When Y/N fell in love with Jason Todd, she didn’t realize the normalcy she lost would become such a problem in their relationship. And she didn’t know how much pain it would cause to hide her boyfriend’s secrets. 

Word Count: 4,600 – One Shot

A/N: This is probably a really personal story. And you all might hate it or not relate to it. But oh well...

Y/N had her music playing in her headphones just quietly enough so she could hear them announce when her plane was boarding.

Between corporate holidays and what was left of her vacation days for the year, she was able to go home for a week and a half.

Only, she was hoping that this year she wouldn’t be going home alone.

But when Jason got sucked into a case two weeks before their flight back to her hometown, she knew there was no way he’d be accompanying her.  

“I’m so sorry, Y/N. I just–“ Jason had tried to tell her when she realized they weren’t going to be spending the holidays together.

“You don’t have to apologize. There are more important things right now than meeting my crazy family,” Y/N laughed lightly. “But they’ll be bummed.”

Jason still looked so down guiltily. He knew that Y/N had been downplaying how excited she was for her family to meet him.

Yeah, Y/N was upset, but her family was even more upset. Being in a different part of the country and them never putting in the effort to visit her, they had yet to meet Jason. Even when the two of them had been dating for 10 months.

Y/N had met all of Jason’s brothers, along with Bruce and Alfred. It had all been against his will, his family strategically running into them or invading his apartment when they knew Y/N would be there. Jason acted annoyed by it, but Y/N knew he was happy for her to meet them and without him having to act like he cared.

But Jason had only ever waved on FaceTime to her family or sometimes answered calls from them when Y/N left her phone next to him and went to another room.

It wasn’t like Y/N needed her family’s approval. She knew what she wanted and what was best for her. Their opinions didn’t hold as much weight with her as they thought.

But Y/N also had never introduced her family to a boyfriend before. Things either fizzled out before then or the relationship was so casual that the thought of even mentioning a boy-toy’s name in passing to her family made her want to jump out a window.

———

“So Jason couldn’t get out of work last minute?” Y/N’s older sister, Kate, asked as they drove to her house after picking her up from arrivals.

And so it began.

“No,” Y/N answered. “His boss is sort of an asshole. He’s a workaholic and can’t fathom why anyone else would ever be anything different.”

The truth was that Jason didn’t really have a job. When it came to income, Jason was resourceful. He was still a hitman for hire. But once the killing part of that job stopped – which was long before Y/N ever met him – it didn’t rake in as much money. Most of his money was either stolen from criminals or he would work odd jobs here and there.

However, the lie Jason and Y/N had agreed on was that he was a mechanic. And Jason did know absolutely everything there was to know about cars and motorcycles. He’d even promised Y/N that if she ever decided she wanted him to drop the vigilante life, he would do just that and start his own mechanic shop. But Y/N knew better than to ever ask that of him.

“Cars don’t stop breaking – even around the holidays,” Y/N joked darkly.

“Mhmm,” her sister answered.

Y/N already knew what her family thought of her boyfriend’s “job”: it wasn’t good enough for them.

The only reason they let it slide was because they knew Bruce Wayne was his adoptive father. Therefore they interpreted Jason’s ‘lack of ambition’ as his personal rebellion against his privilege and upbringing.

“Mom said he sent flowers and a bottle of wine to the house today and apologized for not being able to make it,” Kate added.

Y/N quickly looked at her in surprise.

“So I’m guessing from your reaction that it wasn’t your idea,” Kate teased.

“No,” Y/N shook her head. “He didn’t even tell me he did that.”

That was a Bruce Wayne move for sure. It didn’t matter that Jason had a rocky relationship with him, the Wayne charm and manners were deceivingly contagious.

————

Later that night, when everyone was in bed and Y/N decided to finally unpack. And she was surprised to find two of Jason’s t-shirts hidden in her bag. They were her favorites of his, always stealing them. Mostly she wore them to lounge around the apartment or to wear to bed. But her favoritism was in no way hidden.

Jason must’ve snuck them in her bag while she wasn’t looking.

Y/N smiled as she grabbed one of the shirts and raised it to her nose. It still smelled like him.

It was enough to make her feel guilty for not having called him yet. She’d texted him that she landed, but other than that, she’d been pretty silent.

She grabbed her cell and dialed.

“Hey, you.”

He always answered her calls as if they made his day, even if she’d called him multiple times that day already. His reaction to her calls never failed to make Y/N smile.

“I didn’t really expect you to pick up,” Y/N admitted.

“Always got time for you,” he answered lightly.

But then she heard background noise: wind blowing, distant sirens, people shouting at each other nearby.

Jason was on patrol. Or maybe he was doing some recon. 

But Y/N knew not to ask. 

“I see some of your clothes made the trip,” Y/N commented through a smile. Jason could hear the smile in her voice. “Those t-shirts have a mind of their own…”

“And my mom thought the flowers and card were sweet,” she added.

“I might not have met her yet, but I know that’s not gonna be enough to win her over,” Jason answered darkly.

Y/N didn’t say anything, because they both knew he was right.

“Flight was fine?” Jason asked, changing the subject.

“Mhmm.”

“I miss you.”

Y/N shook her head and laughed. “No, you don’t. I’ve been gone for like 12 hours.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

She rolled her eyes. “Always the romantic.”

More sirens could be heard. They sounded closer this time. “Are you being careful?” All playfulness had disappeared from her voice.

“Of course.”

Y/N sighed. “Jason, I’m serious. Please, be safe.”

“I know. I know. Don’t worry about me.”

“You know that’s not gonna happen, J.”

He ignored her comment. “I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

————————

To say Y/N’s time at home was rough…was an understatement.

If Y/N wasn’t being asked a million questions about Jason, she was being interrogated for why he wasn’t there. And if Jason wasn’t the subject of the conversation, people acted like she was single – some even talking about setting her up.

Y/N realized she preferred the former.

Every year, her family threw a giant party.

And for the past five years, Y/N had always been the only one that was single. All of her siblings, all of her cousins, all of their family friends, all of their neighbors…every single one of them had a significant other during those years. 

Everyone...except her. Now, this year, all of them had kids or were expecting.

It was exhausting. 

Sometimes Y/N felt like they were all robots programmed to do the exact same things at the exact same time –  no original thought to be had.

Y/N would be lying if she didn’t spend most of the party wishing Jason was at her side. He would make fun of awkward situations with her. And he would stick up for her when her family teased her a little too much.

The other thing Y/N wasn’t prepared for was unintentionally studying  her family’s boyfriends or husbands. She felt like she was watching everyone’s relationships through a different lens now that she herself had her own. And to put it as kindly as possible…she was not impressed.

Y/N noticed how none of the men offered to help in the kitchen, instead deciding to sit on the couch and watch football and scream at the television. Or how when her cousin handed her son to her husband, and he acted like he didn’t even know how to hold the one year old. And later, when his diaper needed to be changed, he handed him back to his wife as if he had no idea how to do it himself.

Yet her family was stuck on Jason not being able to visit or that he was a mechanic.

What did someone’s job matter if they treated her like she was their world and he the best thing to ever happen to her?

If Jason were here, he would be in the kitchen cooking. And if they had a kid, it would be a 50/50 job – not a burden only Y/N had to bare. He would try to get to know everyone because he would want to know the people who raised the woman he loved. He’d make sure to check in on Y/N every once in awhile, making sure she didn’t need anything. 

Thinking about it all made Y/N miss Jason even more.

Needing to get some air, she decided to go outside and let the winter chill refresh her. It had been getting too hot in the house.

Y/N pulled her phone out of her back pocket and tapped Jason’s name.

“Hey, you.”

“Hi,” she sighed.

Just hearing his voice made her feel a bit better and tension left her body.

“What’s wrong?” Jason quickly asked.

“Nothing. Just…wanted to check in.”

For a second, she was going to explain that she had the sudden realization that all the men connected to her family were trash. And witnessing it was making her miss him more. But she didn’t really want to waste her breath and she figured she’d just come off dramatic more than sincere.

“Are you at your apartment?” She asked quickly.

“Yeah, I’m gonna leave for patrol in a bit…”

Then Y/N’s mind suddenly thought, ‘Fuck it.’

“Jason?”

“Yeah, kid?”

“If you were here…” She began softly.

“Mhmm,” he encouraged.

“What would you be doing?”

Jason was a bit confused by the question for a second. But he slowly got what she was asking.

“Well,” he took in a shallow breath. “I would’ve stolen Alfred’s famous chocolate chip cookie recipe and whipped up those bad boys to bring over. And I’d pretend to care about football with your dad.”

That made Y/N laugh.

“I’d help your mom in the kitchen, even when she pretended not to want it.”

“Really laying it on thick, huh?”

But Y/N knew he was right. Jason was the cook between the two of them – and a good one, too. He also was a helper. He couldn’t sit back and watch someone do something while he did nothing. No matter how big or small.

“Shhh,” Jason reprimanded and then continued. “But most importantly, I’d try to get as many embarrassing stories about you as I possibly could.”

“Well, thank goodness you’re not here then,” she teased with a roll of her eyes.

Jason was quiet a second before he asked, “Wanna tell me what’s wrong now?”

“Nothing’s wrong. Just miss you.”

“I miss you, too.”

“All my family’s boyfriends and husbands are losers. And I guess I’m just now realizing it.”

“Ahh,” Jason noted.

Now he really knew why she’d asked her question.

“It’s snowing here,” he told her as he looked out the window. “It’s almost making Gotham look pretty.”

“Are you going to the manor for Christmas?”

“Probably not,” Jason answered.

“Jason,” she grumbled. “What are you going to do instead? Sit in your apartment alone?”

“I’m gonna patrol. Crime doesn’t take holidays, Y/N.”

“Cheesy,” she pointed out. “Please be with your family, Jason. I don’t want you to be alone. OK?”

“I’ll think about it.”

Y/N knew that was as good as it was going to get.

Then she felt something on her cheek and she looked up. “Hey, it just started snowing here, too…” She told him with her head tilted back.

“I love you,” he sighed.

“I love you, too. Be careful tonight, Jason.”

Y/N gave herself a few more moments outside before returning to the party.

When she walked back inside, she immediately heard her name. But no one was calling to her. 

She was being talked about. 

She recognized her mom and sister’s voices, and then a couple of her aunts. They were talking around the corner, completely unaware that Y/N was in hearing distance.

So Y/N couldn’t help but linger.

“She says he works a lot. Every time I facetime her, he’s never there,” her sister Kate told the women. “I wouldn’t even really know what he looked like if it weren’t for her photos that she’s sent me. He doesn’t have any social media.”

“I just can’t believe he couldn’t get work off. Around the holidays?” Her mom added in utter disbelief. “Sounds like it won’t be surprising when she finds out he’s been unfaithful,” one her aunts commented.

The group hummed in agreement, but also disappointment. 

“He doesn’t even live in Metropolis. He lives in Gotham,” her mother supplied, only further backing the idea that Jason wasn’t committed. “God knows why. But I hate that Y/N is constantly going there. No good news comes from that city.”

Y/N clenched her teeth in anger.

If only they knew the truth about Jason. 

He was a hero and risked his life every night for an entire city – a city that had done nothing but hurt him. And he was 20 times the man than any of the men in their family.

She just wanted to scream at them for being so judgmental about a person they’d never even met.

But she couldn’t.

So Y/N stormed up to her childhood bedroom and decided she had enough of the party.

She shouldn’t have come home for the holidays. She would’ve rather waited for Jason to get back from his Red Hood work than listen to her family misjudge the first man she ever truly loved and wanted to share with them.

————————

Y/N was so tired when she got off the plane.

She felt like a zombie as she walked to baggage claim to grab her duffle.

What she wasn’t expecting was to find her boyfriend waiting for her in arrivals.

Y/N had told him she would just get a car.

But Jason seemed to have other ideas.

Y/N’s entire face brightened at the sight of him.

She practically ran to him and jumped into his arms.

Jason chuckled at her enthusiasm.

“What are you doing here?” She asked, her words muffled by his body.

“I thought I’d surprise you,” Jason said through a smile before he kissed her head.

Y/N didn’t respond, just held him tightly.

“Come on. Let’s get your bag and head home,” he finally told her.

—

“So, how was it?” Jason asked once they got into his car. Y/N shrugged, “It was fine.”

Her lack of details and curt response was enough warning for Jason to realize things were not totally fine between them.

He didn’t bother asking for more details during the car ride home. Instead, he answered all her questions about what he had been up to, how the case was going, if his family was alright.

Once they got back to Y/N’s apartment in Metropolis, the grace period seemed to be over.

Y/N had grown quiet as she moved around her apartment, unpacking and putting all her things away.

Jason walked into her bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed as she folded clean clothes. “This might be a shot in the dark. But I can’t help but feel that you’re not happy with me,” he finally pointed out.

She didn’t answer or look at him, just kept folding.

“Did something happen while you were at home?” Jason pushed.

She still didn’t answer. So Jason reached for her hands, holding them gently.

“Hey, talk to me. What’s going on?”

“I just didn’t expect how hard it was going to be…” she finally whispered with a bowed head.

“What would be?”

“Just going home without you,” she explained.

“Did something happening?”

“I mean, kinda? Not really. They just…” she hesitated. Did she really want to confess all of this to him? She knew it would only hurt him. "They think you’re a bad boyfriend.”

Jason just nodded slowly.

He should’ve seen this coming. Of course her family didn’t think he was good enough. How could they think anything different?

“I’m just…fucking frustrated,” Y/n groaned. “I knew what I was getting into when you told me about your other life and who you really were. I was willing to keep your secret and protect it. I just never thought about how hard it would be keeping it from my family.”

She shook her head. “They think you’re not committed or something. And that…that you’re probably cheating on me.”

The idea of him ever doing that her made Jason sick to his stomach.

“I’m sorry,” Jason mumbled.

“What?” Y/N gasped. “You haven’t done anything wrong.”

“But I have,” he argued. “I put you in this position.”

“No, I did. I did when I fell in love with you,” she clarified.

“But I don’t want you lying to the people you love.”

“I’m not telling you this because I’m mad at you or blame you, Jason. I’m trying to tell you why I’m frustrated.”

She rubbed her face. “I just want them to know what an amazing person you are...and how brave and selfless. How you take care of me and love me and…and protect me.” Her eyes began to water. “They’re never gonna know the real you…even when they do meet you. And I fucking hate it.”

“So what if you told them?” Jason offered.

Her eyes widened at that. “Jason…”

“I’m serious. What if you told them?”

She thought about it. But she already knew the answer.

“It wouldn’t do any good. If I told them, then they’d be worried about me. Worried that your other life was putting me in danger. Worried that I would get pulled into it.”

Jason knew she was right.

Her family probably preferred an absentee boyfriend over a vigilante.

“But I see how the shitty men that have joined my family are. And you’re nothing like them. You’re so much better. And they’ll never even know.”

“Come here,” Jason muttered before he pulled her to him.

He let her body sink into his as he held her.

“I’ll do anything you want,” he whispered as he rubbed her back. “I just want you to be happy.”

“I always wondered what it would be like to finally been in a relationship – to just have someone on my team no matter what. I went to all those family gatherings thinking I’d never have it. And once I did, once I found you…” Her thoughts died out. “I just never expected it to be this way.”

“Do you regret it?” Jason asked as he pulled away to look in her eyes.

Her brow furrowed. “Regret what?”

“Being with me. Falling in love with me.”

Her heart broke at the question. “Oh, Jason. Of course not. Never.”

“What if I stopped?” He asked.

“No. I would never ask that of you,” she quickly shot down.

“I’d do it for you,” he tried to argue.

“I know you would. But I’m not asking. Because I know what it would do to you. Every time you’d see something in the news, you’d hate yourself. Because you would convince yourself that you could’ve stopped it. And maybe you would be right.” She took in a deep breath. “Red Hood isn’t just something you do. He’s a part of you. And even though I worry about you constantly, I’m never gonna tell you to stop.”

Jason took his time in reading her face.

“OK?” She pushed.

He nodded.

Then he embraced her once again.

“I’m sorry you have to keep my secrets,” he breathed into her hair.

————————————

Y/N walked into Jason’s apartment.

It was a Friday night and they agreed to have her come to his place this weekend.

Jason was always weary of her coming to Gotham, preferring her to stay in the safety of Metropolis.

He knew they couldn’t do the distance forever, and eventually they’d move into together. But he wasn’t ready to leave Gotham yet. And he didn’t want Y/N to lowering herself to such a city.

“J!” Y/N called when she walked in.

He had given her keys to his apartment quite early in their relationship, and told her she was welcome at his place any time. However, he wasn’t a fan of her getting there after dark. Gotham was Gotham, and he didn’t like her wandering around the city by herself just in order to give him a surprise visit.

An envelope on Jason’s kitchen counter caught her attention.

She nosily looked at it and saw that they were plane tickets to her hometown with both of their names on each of them.  

She heard Jason walk up behind her. “What’s this?”

“A surprise,” he shrugged.

“What do you mean?” She laughed.

“We’re gonna visit your family,” he explained casually. “I called your mom and sister to find a weekend that worked.”

Y/N was shocked to silence.

“I know I fucked up when I couldn’t go with you during the holidays. I know this isn’t gonna solve everything. But I figured…it’s start.” Before he could say more, Y/N threw her arms around him.

————

Jason Todd knew how to throw on the charm. And no matter how thick he laid it on, it always felt sincere.

Y/N smiled as she watched her boyfriend interacting with her family.

He knew so much about each of them already, that he knew exactly what to talk about with every one of them.

For their long-weekend visit, they had decided to stay with her sister.

Jason knew she would be the hardest to win over and was the most protective over Y/N. He made it his personal mission to befriend her and show her how much he loved her little sister.

Y/N never said so, but Jason knew how important it was to her that Kate approved of him.

However, Jason hadn’t been able to have a conversation alone with her all weekend.

Until their last morning there.

Y/N was still sleeping when Jason had made his way to the kitchen.

He figured he could make Kate and her husband breakfast after housing them for a long weekend. And he made sure to start a pot of coffee while he was at it.

Halfway through making his specialty waffles, Kate walked into the kitchen rubbing her eyes.

“Oh, hi,” she greeted, clearly surprised to find Jason cooking in her kitchen.

“Morning,” Jason greeted.

“This is a surprise,” she said as she looked around the kitchen.

“There’s coffee if you want some.”

“T-Thanks…” she managed to mutter. “Do you need some help?”

“Nope. I got it. You just relax.”

Kate seemed to be unsure of how to behave when she was alone with her little sister’s boyfriend, and eventually sat on the kitchen stool with her coffee.

“Do you cook a lot?” She finally broke the silence with her question.

“I enjoy it,” he answered with a shrug. “I figured it’s the least I can do for you guys putting us up.”

“That’s very sweet of you, Jason.”

He continued cooking.

Kate figured this was her opportunity to get to know Jason – and not just through Y/N’s eyes. So, she started asking him question after question, and he seemed happy to answer them. Kate was surprised to find out about Jason’s traumatic childhood, making him realize that Y/N must’ve only shared his relation to Bruce Wayne and nothing more about his life before becoming an adopted Wayne.

Jason wasn’t surprised Y/N kept that part of his life to herself. She was protective of him that way. She always felt like his past was his story to tell, not hers.

“I know missing the holidays didn’t leave the best impression,” Jason told her after they’d been talking for awhile.

“You really mean a lot to Y/N. And your opinion matters more to her than you might think,” he added as he crossed his arms.

Kate seemed a little taken aback by how unafraid he was of confrontation.

He seemed more mature for his age – maybe for hers, even.

“I know I’m not going to win any of you over from just a single trip,” Jason continued. “But I’m going to work my ass off to make sure I get there.”

Kate smiled at that.

“I love her,” he told her quietly, but with determination. “She’s…Well, she’s the best thing to ever happen to me.”

Then he smirked. “And I’m not dumb enough to do anything to fuck things up with her.”

He took in a shallow breath. “I just…I just needed you to know that.”

Kate’s heart swelled from hearing her little sister’s boyfriend confessing his love for Y/N.

“Thank you for telling me that,” she whispered, trying to stop herself from crying. “I worry about her. And I hate that she’s so far away sometimes. I miss her.”

“She misses you, too,” Jason assured her.

“Thank you for taking care of her. I’m suddenly realizing you’re the only reason she’s eating anything that’s not out of a takeout container.”

Jason laughed. “I plead the fifth.”

Before any more could be said, Y/N walked into the kitchen as if she was sleep walking.

“Well, look who it is…” Jason teased.

Y/N walked to him silently, clearly wanting cuddles.

Jason chuckled at her, but gave her what she wanted. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. He had kept the PDA at an absolute minimum while he had been around Y/N’s family. But he couldn’t help it when Y/N was her sleepy and adorable self.

“You sleep OK?” He tried to whisper to her.

But Kate still heard it and pretended to look down at her phone.

Y/N nodded into his neck, making him chuckle at her more.

This was new for Kate, seeing her sister being loved and loving someone. Her instinct was to say it made her uncomfortable. But it was just something she wasn’t used to.

Soon Kate’s husband woke up and they all ate breakfast together.

And a few hours later, Y/N and Jason were packed and their was a Lyft was waiting outside to take them to the airport.

Jason hugged Kate and her husband and thanked them for hosting them. Then he grabbed Y/N’s bags and gave her a moment alone with her sister as he took their stuff to the car.

“I think I owe the two of you an apology…” Kate told her little sister.

“You do?”

“I think I judged him a bit too much before really giving him a chance.”

Y/N winced, but nodded. “Yeah, you did, actually.”

“He really loves you.”

Y/N smiled. “He does.”

“I just want you to be happy, you know that right?”

“I know. But sometimes you think that what makes you happy is what would make me happy. Our lives are different. And we want different things. Just because my relationship looks different than yours doesn’t mean it’s worse in some way.”

Kate nodded sadly, knowing her sister was right. “I get that now.”

-----------

A/N: I was inspired to write this when I thought about how my own family would react to me having a boyfriend like Jason Todd: a man who was secretly a vigilante and had a past too hard for anyone to ever imagine. Hopefully, other people can relate to this and it wasn’t too personal. 😬

Let me know what you thought!!!

[walker-extended-universe]

Aita for season 3!August?

WIBTA if I took advantage of the fact that my dad ignores me?

I'm aware that I'm probably TA but I also think I deserve it a little bit.

My dad has a habit of ignoring me in favor of my older sister. Normally, I don't mind too much since we have other family that lives close by that I can talk to but things have changed in the past few months.

Ever since our mom died two years ago (and even before that if I'm honest), my older sister has been the loud and reckless one. When our Dad left for business after Mom died, my sister got pissed at him and threw massive parties at our house every other night, even after he came home. She only got arrested once for drug possession but Dad never really punished her for it. She's done a lot of other things in the past few years; her actions include but are not limited to: 1) the time she was going to run away forever with her boyfriend and lied to both us and her soccer team about where she was on the day of the state championships, 2) the time she ditched classes because she was mad at Dad, 3) the time she snuck away from the coaches with some other members of the soccer team to drink and party at another location and they almost got kidnapped by gang members (I was there for this one too but I digress)

Dad's usual response to her antics is to downplay them or occasionally get stern with her before letting her off. He keeps trying to prove to her that he's there for us and he's not going to run away like he did after Mom died.

Recently, my older sister just randomly decided she wasn't going to college after all and she's staying home and working instead. Which is fine, better than her getting a massive debt for a crappy job. But that means that Dad is even more worried about her than usual. He went out of his way to get her a job (it's part time and she complained about it) (also it's the same place I work and my hours got cut to make room for her) and he's always trying to be There For Her if she wants to talk or whatever.

The problem is, he never makes that kind of time for me. I barely get to talk to him about anything outside of weight training (which I'm not even all that into) and he never offers his help with MY issues (not that he bothers to even find out what they are). I decided to try voicing my needs because communication is usually a good idea in these circumstances. I asked him if he could help me out during an alumi flag football game and help my class win a skip day (I go to a small school). He said he'd try but he couldn't make any promises because of work and then he ended up bailing on me at the last minute.

I was pissed about that so I did something that was, admittedly, a little stupid.

See, my family owns this bar and I have a key. To make up for losing the skip day, I opened it up for my classmates and had a party. Things were actually going pretty okay when I was able to keep an eye on things but I got locked in a supply closet when I was changing out the kegs and things started to get a little crazy. I texted my sister to help me out and she came through (she also tried to give me a lecture about what the hell I thought I was doing). Unfortunately, she showed up right before the cops did and we both got arrested.

Naturally, Dad was fuming about this but, then something interesting happened. He blamed my older sister for everything. EVERYTHING! He didn't even give me the chance to apologize (and I did try, for the record). He even left her in the holding cell overnight and made her clean up the mess in the bar!

I know I should probably tell him the truth but, honestly, I feel like if I can throw a massive rager in my dad's freaking bar and get away with it because my sister is an attention hog, then I may as well keep doing whatever I want. It's not like it'll make a difference to him anyway.

[fics-n-stuff]

Affluenza | Pt2

Pairing: JJ × Kook!Reader

Summary: Y/N celebrates her birthday with a party that she didn't want to throw and finds out a sad truth about the boy that's not quite her boyfriend, but being in each other's company makes things at least a little better.

Warnings: Mentions of abuse and descriptions of injury, reference to drugs

Word Count: 3.5k

A/N: I'm so happy that so many people liked pt1!! It means the absolute world to me that people are reading and enjoying my work 🥰 Pt3 might take a little longer to get out, but I'll try to post it asap.

Taglist: @alotbnouf @fairypitou @305weasley @thecraziestcrayon @sofamochi @arvinrussellseggplant

Thanks for reading guys ❤

Pt1 here | Pt3 here

“Why didn’t you tell me it’s your birthday on Saturday!?” JJ exclaimed, letting go of your hand and sitting up from where you had both been lying on the deck of your boat.

“I didn’t think it was that big a deal.” You replied with a laugh. “I kinda just forgot to mention it.”

“But what if I wanted to buy you a present?”

“I don’t need a present from you JJ.” You smiled, reaching up to cup his cheek and pulling him down for a kiss.

The two of you had been dating for a couple of months now, and although you very much considered yourselves to be together neither of you had said the words ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’ yet. The time you spent together was private, you kept it a secret from everyone; you didn’t want your family to know and he was hesitant to tell his friends, exactly why you weren’t sure but you didn’t want to pry. It wasn’t as if you were sneaking around, you were just being careful.

“I have plenty things already, your company is enough.” You said, pulling away from the kiss and sitting up yourself. “But unfortunately I won’t be able to see you on my actual birthday. Mom’s making me throw a party and every teenager on Figure Eight will be there, so I doubt you’d want to come.”

“I wouldn’t be welcome even if I did want to.” JJ chuckled. You hummed in agreement.

“That’s why I wanted to celebrate today.” You chirped, getting up to retrieve a cooler that you had brought with you.

“What’s in there?”

“A special birthday picnic.”

“Oh, I see.” He grinned as you took your seat opposite him again. “And what does that consist of?”

“Well, let’s have a look.” You opened up the cooler and looked in at what you had packed with a smile. “Of course the standard picnic items; sandwiches, fruit, some baked sweets.” You listed as you took them out of the cooler. “And then, as I learned from my mother, a young lady cannot celebrate her birthday without a bottle of champagne.”

“Fancy.” JJ nodded, taking the bottle from you.

“Not as fancy as these.” You said, taking the glasses out. “Crystal champagne flutes. I snuck them out of the cabinet. We only use them for the most special of occasions and my mom loves them so we have to be careful.”

“I can be careful.” JJ poured the champagne, and you clinked your glasses with a smile. “Happy early birthday.”

“This is a much better celebration than my party will be.” You sighed, finishing your sip and setting your glass down. “I don’t understand why my mom insists that I have to have one, I’m not actually friends with anyone that’s coming.”

“But I thought you said every kid on Figure Eight was going? You’re not friends with anybody?”

“No, not really. They’re all just so fake, I can’t stand it. I genuinely don’t think that any of them are really friends with each other and they’re just constantly pretending, but I can’t be bothered to pretend.” You rolled your eyes and JJ laughed.

“Sounds exhausting.” He smiled.

“What are your friends like, J?” You asked, genuinely just curious. He told you a bit about them, stories of the crazy stuff they had done, but you never got in depth about it. You felt like it was probably because he wasn’t ready to integrate the two parts of his life.

“They’re good.” He nodded. “I mean, we’re basically family. They’re just not the biggest fans of Kooks.”

“Well, neither are you.” You giggled.

“You know what I mean. I think you’d like them, I’m just worried that they wouldn’t want to give you chance.”

“How much do you bet I could win them over just like I did you?”

“I wouldn’t love it if you won them over exactly the same way as me.” He smirked, gently taking hold of your chin and pulling you in for a kiss, which you both laughed into. “I'm gonna get you a birthday present. What if I come by on Saturday just for a minute to deliver it?”

“You know I’ll be happy to see you, but nobody else at the party will.”

“Eh, who cares.” He shrugged, and you grinned broadly.

“Okay, if you insist.” You conceded. “Now let’s eat this picnic that I so painstakingly curated.”

+ + +

Your birthday party was in full swing, the ground floor of your house teeming with teenagers. People were drinking, dancing and jumping in the pool and you weren’t enjoying any of it.

Your mother had gifted you a particularly ugly necklace that was basically just a tangle of gold chain, and Nicholas had openly bad mouthed your father for only getting you a few books, even though that’s what you had asked for. The detest that you felt for him was justified. Your dad was actually supposed to have arrived back on the island the day before, but it wasn’t unusual for him to get held up with work.

You pushed past a group of boys having some loud conversation on your way into the kitchen and poured yourself a strong drink. You threw the drink back in one gulp and slammed the plastic cup back down onto the countertop with a loud sigh.

“What’s wrong, birthday girl?” Topper asked over the music, his arm slung around Sarah’s shoulders as they came up beside you.

“I’m fine.” You shrugged.

“Did your dad get you a good present this year?” Sarah asked with a smile. “A new car maybe?”

“I already have a car.” You replied with a flat chuckle. “He got me some books that I asked for.”

“That’s kinda boring.” Topper commented. You rolled your eyes and Sarah smacked him in the side.

“I think that’s sweet. What kind if books?”

You told Sarah about the books you had gotten, actually kind if enjoying the conversation. Sarah was actually pretty easy to talk to, you felt like the fact that you weren’t putting on an act made her kind of drop hers, and it was a refreshing break from the way that the rest of the teens on Figure Eight were constantly pretending to be the perfect versions of themselves.

Your explanation of the premise of one of your books was interrupted when you felt your phone ringing in your pocket. You took it out and saw that it was your dad, and you smiled.

“I gotta take this.” You excused quickly before rushing outside to get away from the music. You answered the call excitedly, greeting your dad with a bright tone.

“Hey, Pumpkin, happy birthday!” He exclaimed. “I’m sorry I didn’t call this morning, I got caught up in meetings. You know how it is.”

“I know, dad. It’s okay, you’re calling now. Are you done with work? Do you think you’ll get here tonight?” You questioned eagerly. You heard him let out a sigh, and your smile fell.

“About that, sweetheart, I’ve had a few bumps in the road.” He began. You felt your heart sink and you were already scolding yourself for getting your hopes up before he could even tell you what the reason for missing your birthday was. “My meetings haven’t gone as well as I’d hoped and it looks like I’m going to be held up for a few more days.”

“Oh, right, okay.” You nodded, keeping your voice steady even as your eyes welled with tears. “Hope things get better then.”

“I’m sorry, Y/N, I really did want to be there. I promise I’ll make it up to you when I get back; we can have a movie marathon night, completely your pick.” You let out a chuckle despite yourself. He might not be around much but he still knew you well, and movie marathon nights were one of your favourite things to do with him.

“Sounds great, dad. I can’t wait.”

“I hope you’ve had a good day, at least. What have you been getting up to?”

“I’m having a party, actually.” You replied. You didn’t need to tell him that you didn’t want to have the party and weren’t actually really enjoying it.

“Right now? I’ll let you get back to it then.” Your dad smiled down the phone. “Have fun.”

“Thanks, dad.”

“Love you, Pumpkin.”

“Love you too.”

You said your goodbyes and ended the call, and you tucked your phone back into the pocket of your shorts. You just stood there for a few moments, the loud music and whooping of partying teenagers emanating from the house, before tears began to fall. You shook with a silent sob and had to take a seat on the concrete of your driveway.

You sat there, with your legs pulled up to your chest and your head in your knees, for a few minutes. You sniffed, wiping your tears away on the back of your hand, when you heard a shuffle of footsteps and looked up quickly.

“JJ.” You acknowledged quickly, furiously wiping at your eyes as he walked up the driveway.

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” He asked, his voice edged with concern. You were ready to brush away his concerns, but as he got closer you saw the bruising on his face and suddenly you had some worries of your own.

“What happened to you?”

“I asked first.” JJ countered. You watched him as he came to sit down next to you, lifting your hand and softly placing it just below his purpled cheekbone, inspecting the fresh bruising around his eye and the split in his lip, then noticing the discolouration around his collarbone. He took the hand away gently, intertwining your fingers, and you saw that there was no bruising on his knuckles; these weren’t injuries earned in a fair fight. “Why are you crying?” He repeated.

“No, that doesn’t matter.” You shook your head. You weren’t trying to downplay your upset anymore, you just knew that whatever had happened to JJ was more important. “Who did this to you, JJ?”

“I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.” He smiled, but there was no joy or amusement behind it. You hesitated for a moment before conceding.

“My dad missed my birthday again.” You told him. “The last time he actually made it home for my actual birthday was when I turned eleven, and yet somehow I still get my hopes up every year. I hate this party, there are at least three different types of club drugs being taken in my house right now, I’m sad. You’re turn.”

JJ sighed. He looked down at your joined hands, pausing to think for a moment before looking back up at you. He let out a short breath of soft laughter, lifting his free hand and smoothing his thumb over the crease that had formed on your brow.

“Promise not to freak out?” He asked.

“Okay.” You replied shakily. You could try to limit your reaction at least. “But you have to tell me the truth, J.”

“My dad hits me.” JJ said quickly, and you felt your lips part in shock. “I stay with John B most of the time, I try to stay out of his way when I’m home, but it’s not like I can avoid him completely.”

“Wha- Why don’t you tell somebody?” You stuttered. “Call the police or protective services or-?”

“I don’t want to.” He interrupted. “I’m happy here with my friends and if I get protective services involved then they’ll ship me off to the mainland. I can deal with my dad.”

“This doesn’t look like dealing.” You muttered softly, pushing the collar of his t-shirt to the side to get a better look at the bruise that it was partially covering. “When is this from?”

“Yesterday. I went home to get some money so I could buy you this.” JJ shifted to reach into his pocket and pulled out a small, flat box. “It’s not much but it’s all I could afford.”

You took the box from him curiously, unlinking your hand from his so that you could pull off the lid. Inside was a small silver necklace, a thin chain with a small circular pendant. When you lifted it up you saw that the pendant had a map of the world etched into it. The necklace was simple and sweet, and you felt a big smile take over your face.

“You didn’t have to get me this, J.” You simpered.

“I told you I wanted to.” He smiled back. You handed the box back to him and turned to face away, and JJ eagerly fastened the chain around your neck. He struggled a little with the tiny clasp, making you giggle. His hands ran over your shoulders before he dropped them, and you turned back to him with the smile gone from your face.

“You went through that just so you could buy this for me?” You murmured. JJ's smile faltered but didn’t fall, and he nodded slightly.

“It’s not your fault, Y/N. It’s just what happens.”

You sat silently for a little while, but your peaceful moment was interrupted by a loud round of cheering from inside. You looked over your shoulder towards the house with a groan, but then lightened up when you got an idea.

“You wanna get away from this bullshit?” You asked, gesturing towards the party.

“You wanna leave your own birthday party?” He asked with a chuckle. You shrugged.

“Nobody will notice that I’m gone. I’ll just have to come back at, like, midnight to kick everybody out.”

“Okay, then let’s go.” JJ smiled.

“Alright. Give me one minute.” You giggled, getting up quickly. “Just wait here a sec.”

You ran back into the house and pushed past all of the people to the stairs, heading up to your bedroom. You had kept the door locked to keep out horny couples. You rooted through one of your drawers until you found a set of keys, switched out of your party sandals to a pair of converse, and grabbed your car key off of your vanity before heading back out, making sure to lock your door behind you again.

You paused on the stairs to scan the crowd until you spotted Sarah, and pushed past the bodies towards her.

“Y/N! Where’d you go?” She shouted over the music.

“Just outside. I’m gonna disappear from the party for the bit, can you call me if something major happens?” You asked. Sarah frowned.

“But this is your birthday party.”

“I know it’s weird, but I’ve got some other stuff going on right now and I just need to get away for a bit.”

“Okay, I guess that makes sense. I’ll call you if anything happens.” She nodded, though the confusion was still clear on her face.

“Thanks. I’ll see you later.” You smiled, before heading back out.

JJ was stood at the side of the driveway waiting for you when you came back out, slamming the front door shut after yourself. You grabbed his hand and pulled him after you to your car with a smile.

“Where are we going?” He questioned as you started the engine and began backing out.

“My other house.” You answered.

“Sorry, did you say ‘other house’?”

“My dad’s house. He hasn’t been home in eight months and I haven’t been there in about five, but a cleaner comes by every two weeks to maintain it.” You explained.

“Jesus you’re rich.” JJ mumbled. He had a teasing smile on his face but the comment made you feel a little guilty.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to show off or anything. We don’t have to go to my dad’s if you don't want-"

“Y/N, it’s fine.” He laughed. “You didn’t choose to be born into a rich family the same way I didn’t choose to be born into a poor one.”

“I know, I just don’t want to be... insensitive isn’t the right word. I just don’t want to seem like I take it for granted; I don’t want you think that I’m that kind of person.”

“I don’t.” He assured you. “You don’t treat me like I’m any different for being poor, so I don’t care that you’re rich.”

It wasn’t long until you were pulling into the driveway of your dad’s house. It was grand and expensive looking, but it was still smaller than your mom’s; she had kept the house after the divorce and since your dad wasn’t even home most of the time he’d decided that he didn’t need quote so much space.

The inside was modestly decorated, no elaborate sculptures or outlandish wall decorations like so many of the other houses on Figure Eight. The furniture was very nice, and the few paintings and things that were on the walls were expensive, but your father was a man of simple taste. He didn’t even have any fancy chandeliers.

“I expected something more opulent for the richest man in the Outer Banks.” JJ commented as he looked around.

“Since when was opulent a word in your vocabulary?” You questioned with a giggle. JJ gasped, and pinched you in the side with a frown.

“I’m not completely dumb.” He objected.

You laughed, grabbing his hand and dragging him after you into the living room. You flicked on the light before dropping yourself onto the sofa and pulling JJ down with you.

“What kind of movies do you like?” You asked him as you picked up the remote and switched on the TV.

“Uh, I don’t know, action and horror.” He shrugged.

“What kind of horror? Slasher? Psychological? Paranormal?”

“I don’t know.” He chuckled. You gave an exaggerated sigh, going into the horror section on Netflix.

“Fine, I guess I’ll pick.”

You ended up putting on The Blair Witch Project after discovering that JJ had never seen it, and the two of you settled down. You were thankful to be away from the crowded mess of your birthday party and just have a quiet night with JJ.

“But I don’t understand how they managed to make it scary, basically nothing happened.” JJ perplexed after the movie ended.

“Yeah, that’s why it’s genius.” You grinned up at him. Throughout the course of the film you had ended up lying across the sofa with your head resting on his lap. “All of the horror is in the fact that you know that something this out there but you never see it. Modern horror movies could never.”

“That’s crazy bro.” He said, making you laugh. He looked down at you with an amused smile and a sparkle in his eye that made your heart jump.

“Do you wanna stay here for the night?” You offered once your laughter subsided. “I’m sure my dad has some stuff in his closet that you can sleep in.”

“Are you sure? I mean, don’t you have to go home?”

“Nah, my mom and Nicholas are staying at a hotel tonight so that I can have my party so they won’t know that I’m not there.” You shrugged. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.”

“No, I’d like to stay.” He smiled. You let out a relieved breath that you didn’t realise you’d been holding.

“Cool. I need to go and kick everyone out of my house but we can watch another movie when I get back if you want?”

“Sounds good to me. Do you want me to come with you?”

“Probably best if you don’t, you know, with the whole ‘every Kook on the island is there’ thing.” JJ laughed lightly at that.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He nodded. “Can I have a shower while you’re gone.”

“Sure.” You chuckled as you sat up. “You can use my en suite and I’ll get you something to change into.”

You took him upstairs, grabbing a t-shirt and a pair of gym shorts from one of your dad’s drawers before showing him into your room. It was plainly decorated like the rest of the house, but you had posters and photos tacked up and covering almost every inch of the walls.

“This is nice.” JJ smiled, looking around.

“Don’t go snooping around while I’m gone, a person’s bedroom is their kingdom.”

“I’ll mind my own business.” He agreed with a salute that made you grin.

“And make sure you dry off properly, I don’t want you dripping all over my nice carpet.”

“Jeeze, any more rules?”

“Uh, nope. I think that’s it.” You chirped. “I should be back in, like, half an hour. I’m pretty sure I left some chicken nuggets in the freezer last time I was here, you can have those if you get hungry. Or maybe I’ll get takeout on my way back?”

“Takeout sounds good.” JJ nodded, beaming, and pulled you in for a kiss before you left.

[tk-productions]

Mystic Sisters- Ch.19 Trader

Masterlist🌙🌹

Hikari’s pov

It was a few days later and we were still in Yokohama. Yua went to get breakfast from the convenient store while I packed up the rest of my stuff. After Yua’s dream a few days ago we thought it was best to find out what this castle was that we kept seeing. We were headed to Yokosuka. It might bold a clue to us and powers. I tried contacting Saki but I couldn’t get a hold of her. When I last talked to her, that's where she told us to go. We still haven't heard from anyone. It had been days and our parents still haven't called. They probably don’t care at this point. I stood in front of the bathroom mirror and braided my hair into two braids. Akio's hat still laid on the counter.

"Well since I still have it and it's cold I might as well wear it" I grinned and slipped the hat over my head. I don’t know why I was obsessed with him and his hat. Did I really just say that? That I was obsessed with him? According to Yua I was but I wouldn’t call it that.

"Im back!" Yua yelled. She was sitting the food on the little table we had in the room.

"Are you done packing?" she asked, sitting my food in front of me. I nodded unwrapping my onigiri. “I brought some more water since someone drank a gallon of water by herself.”

“I’ve been thirsty. Leave me alone.” We quickly ate so we could catch our train. Knowing how long it takes Yua we still might be late.

“When we get there I'll try contacting Saki again.” I told her once we got to the train surprisingly on time.

“If she doesn't answer we’ll stay in Yokosuka until we can reach her.”

Luckily it was only a 30 minute train ride and the train wasn't too packed. I shivered feeling a cold breeze. The same way I felt When Akio was around. I looked at Yua to see if she noticed too but she was too busy listening to music on her phone. Once we got off I felt another cold breeze. Quickly turning around I expected to see Akio like usual but he wasn't there. No one was.

"What's up?" Yua asked after I turned back around.

"Nothing let's go.” I told her grabbing my suitcase walking past her. I swear I felt him around. After dropping off our stuff at the hotel we went to a local ramen shop for lunch. As we walled back I heard my name being called. "Saki?" I said stopping in the tracks.

"Hikari I can't get to you guys right now. I'll come find you just not now. There's something going on. Mom and d-."

"Saki!" I called out, I called her name a few times but she didn't answer. Mom and dad? What was she gonna say?

"She sounded like someone or something was after her. She tried to tell me something but got cut off like last time. "I told Yua who was now standing in front of me.

"We'll just go back to the hotel or go to our grandparents since dad made it obvious he doesn't want us home.” She told me. I nodded grabbing her hand. I looked past my sister staring off into the distance. I could feel him nearly. This time I knew he was here. But where?

"What's wrong? she asked, grabbing my cheeks forcing me to look at her.

"He's here"I said blankly.

"Well Akio was right. You were easy to find."

Yua quickly turned around and Akio and his friend were there.So he was here earlier.

For a second I could have sworn he smiled at me but when I looked closer he still had the same blank look on his face. Akio and I stared at each other, not breaking eye contact until Yua spoke up.

"How the hell did you find us? We're not even in Tokyo any more.”

“Just because you left Tokyo doesn’t mean we couldn't find you.” The older boy pointed at the hat I was wearing. “That belongs to my brother little girl.”

I sucked in my breath and was shocked. “Excuse me I am not little!” I said stomping my feet.

Akio smirked at my reaction. The other boy looked at me and then at Akio. “I guess she’s your type.”

Akio looked insulted. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? What are you tryna say Riyoshi?”

“Oh nothing, don't get all butt hurt now.”

“So your names Riyoshi?” Yua questioned.

“That Princess is none of your business.” Riyoshi told Yua “However you should be worried about your boyfriend though I left a pretty big scar on his face.”

“Try his whole body.” Akio chimed in, chuckling. “Don’t downplay it man you nearly killed that guy.”

“Yea but he can die later he’s not our mission.”

“Y'all are really too handsome for this shit. What’s so important about us?”

Riyoshi seemed to find that amusing while Akio just stood there.

“Well isn’t this a nice surprise .” Says an unknown guy walking up.

“And you are?” Yua asked

“My name is --

“Irrelevant. We're busy, go away.” Yua snapped.

“Right we don't need anymore weirdo’s here.” I said.

“You little bitches. First off my name is Levi.” Levi was definitely triggered.

“Who are you calling weird?” Akio and Riyoshi said in unison.

I ignored them and looked at my sister. “This is getting bad very fast. Let's get the hell out of here.”

“You really think we have a chance there's three of them. Stay put!”

“Looks like they can communicate by just looking at each other. Interesting.”

“It’s called telepathy dumb ass.” Riyoshi shot at Levi.

I decided it was time to shoot some fire and make a break for it since they obviously weren't paying attention at the moment.

“Yua throw that car and i'll blow it up, decent distraction don’t you think?”

“We're sister’s for a reason. Let's do it on 3.”

“1” I started.

“2” Yua followed.

“3!” We said aloud. Catching the boy's attention but the plan was already in effect.

Yua used her powers and tossed a car in their direction and I shot a fireball at it causing it to explode. Yua grabbed my hand and we ran as fast as we could and I was happy because I still had my hat. He shouldn’t have given it to me, it's mine now.

We made it to a nearby ally before Riyoshi literally jumped off of a building and landed in front if us with Akio right behind him. “Damn not gonna lie that was a little hot.” Riyoshi said basically giving my sister the eye.

“Wow you're trying to kidnap us and you're flirting at the same time. You and my sister are made for each other.”

“Hikari now is not the time to promote my antics.” Yua snapped.

“I thought it was pretty funny.” Riyoshi answered.

“What is happening right now?” I asked very confused.

“What’s happening is these idiots have betrayed the VHA.”

“The fuck are you talking about?” Riyoshi said darkly.

“Oh yea when your little brother here saved his little girlfriend I caught it all on camera and showed it to Amelia.” Levi said with a big smirk on his face. “Long story short your public enemy number one now. Both of you. Amelia was so hurt when she watched the video. She couldn’t believe that two boys she practically raised would turn on her and choose to side with the enemy. You know her policy on loyalty right? Since you betrayed her everyone at the VHA will be coming after you. You two aren't welcome back. You're at the top of the blacklist. ” Levi said walking closer to the boys patted me on my shoulder. “Nice job brat you just got your friends here killed.”

Before I or Levi could react Levi was flying backwards as Akio kicked him with the utmost force. Yua and I jumped both our eyes turning white in shock.

It didn’t stop their as Riyoshi grabbed Akio by the back of his collar pulling him back so he could face him. “Seriously Akio?”

“I swear my body moved on it’s own.” Akio explained.

Suddenly 6 more guys showed up and we were surrounded but luckily we knew how to fight. Yua and I got into defensive positions back to back.

Riyoshi Pov

“Well since we were considered traders anyway might as well help them fight. But I will deal with you later.” I said to Akio, giving him the deadliest glare I had. It worked. He looked like he saw a ghost. Since the VHA turned on us we would have to run. Getting caught and brought back to Amelia would be worse than being on the blacklist. Amelia kept a list of people that have wronged her or weren’t loyal to the VHA. If you were to get caught after being blacklisted then she would make your life hell. Because of an incident that happened before Amelia started putting kill chips in us so that way if someone turned on the VHA the other members would kill that person on sight.

I didn’t have my wooden bullets but I had regular one’s and they definitely would work on halflings. Quickly loading my gun I saw Akio pull out his sword and I knew he was serious about this girl right then and there.

“Go do your thing i’ll cover for you.” I told Akio and he took off slicing two of the guys in seconds. He didn’t need my help but I heard a squeal. It was Yua turning my attention to her. She was ok but Hikari was struggling and her goal was to protect her sister. One of the boys came charging at them. Hikari waved her hands in front of her causing the boy to turn into ice. He stood there frozen until Yua ran up to him punching him causing his body to shatter into pieces. While Akio went for Levi I ended up doing three headshots killing them instantly since they weren't worth my energy.

“Aghhhh.” I looked up to see Levi running for his life and Akio chasing him with his sword like a mad man.

“Akio!” he stopped and looked at me confused “Leave him be. Let's go. More members will be here any second!” I then looked towards the girls who were standing around catching their breath.“ You too since you're the ones who got us in this mess.” I walked away Akio right behind me. The girls are reluctant but they followed nonetheless.

“This is Bullshit.” I said to myself as I tried to think of my next step on how to approach this crazy ass situation.  

[unfortunatelyilikebnha]

If you don’t stan Midoriya what are you DOING he is so GOOD the core of his character is just. CARING about every person he comes across & trying to HELP them even though most of the people he’s encountered before yuuei had been real nasty to him like he could’ve given up! He could’ve said “you’ve never cared about me so why should I care about you” & turned his back on the world, used his talents for himself or even become a villain (like. My dude has plenty of motive I don’t even think I’d blame him) but he DIDN’T he tries SO HARD he just wants to be able to help people!

“But he‘a a crybaby :/” And?!?! First of all being in touch with your emotions enough to cry isn’t a bad thing!!! Second of all he’s been through a lot and is constantly under so much pressure god forbid he cry a little bit!!

His idol crushed his dreams! & yet he didn’t harbor any ill will toward all might and he still acted & ended up helping save bakugou (& then got SCOLDED FOR IT WTF. Like the pro heroes were all like “you could’ve died!” but they weren’t doing anything!!! Bkg would be dead if Midoriya hadn’t intervened and he got YELLED AT FOR IT. the disrespect is astronomical). He cares about people so much even when they’ve given him nothing but reasons he SHOULDN’T care about them but because he’s so good (and stubborn lmao) he cares about them anyway!! If I was bullied for 10 years I sure as hell wouldn’t care about my bully but because Midoriya’s a literal angel he still does?!?! Like wtf. He’s just so good!

& the most irritating part is that because of aforementioned 10 years of bullying and being let down by everyone (even his mother which while Inko is a great mother & loves Izuku so much she did screw up by not believing in him) he has like no self worth and doesn’t realize how amazing he is?!? He breaks his bones CONSTANTLY bc he doesn’t care about the cost to himself as long as he can save other people he literally doesn’t rlly care if he dies like when he was being killed by muscular he was scared but his thoughts were “sorry Kota, sorry all might, sorry mom” he was more worried about “letting people down” than the fact he was dying!! He only stopped breaking his bones bc he was told that if he did it again he’d permanently damage his arms which would make it rlly hard for him to be a hero like he didn’t even consider using his quirk in other ways before then even when he was constantly in pain from shattering the hell out of his bones!! He was just like “it’s working I’m saving people who cares if I’m in immense pain every time I activate my quirk that’s fine” like holy sh*t kid please care about yourself more!! In the sports festival he broke the bones in his hand TWICE OVER for someone he’d hardly ever spoken to!! Like please PLEASE get some self worth you finally have real friends they can help you! You don’t have to do everything alone PLEASE let them help you!

Also he’s so smart?! Not just book smart (even though he scored fourth in the class on midterms so he’s obviously that too) but he’s super observant and has crazy analyses on ppls quirks and beyond quirk observation he’s really good at observing people too?! He analysed that the slime villain’s weak spot was probably its eyes & threw the backpack at it startling it enough that it temporarily retreated? He observed Bkg enough that he knew exactly how he’d act in the battle trial and devised a plan to help them win (which btw was NOT SAFE FOR HIM AT ALL & HE KNEW THAT & HE DIDNT CARE AS LONG AS HE COULD HELP THEIR TEAM WIN, another point re: last paragraph) & when he found out that Uraraka didn’t have anything that she could float to combat Iida with, he improvised by punching thru the building so that Uraraka had rubble she could use against Iida & he thought of that while in the middle of fighting Bakugou like!!! He! Is! So! Smart!!! He managed to hit the nail on the head about exactly what Todoroki needed to hear during their sports festival fight & made him remember that he could be his own kind of hero & that he wasn’t his father! He figured out the fake Uraraka wasn’t Uraraka at all just bc he KNOWS her and believes in her!!! He figured out some of mirio’s strategy while he was completely wiping the floor with the rest of 1a and so figured out where he’d pop up & tho he didn’t win that fight he did last longer than the rest of his class had! He figured out that he could use Eri’s quirk to CONTINUOUSLY SHATTER & HEAL HIS OWN BONES (again he has NO self preservation and I am sad for him) so that he could fight with 100% of his power and hold on to Eri without being rewound out of existence & traumatizing her further & ALSO TOLD HER THAT HER QUIRK IS A BLESSING! I haven’t rlly gotten farther than that in the anime and I don’t read the manga but I KNOW I’m forgetting things but POINT IS he’s really freaking smart which is another thing that makes him so interesting to watch!! Like how many characters do you know that r both really smart & really kind the stereotype seems to be one of the other but bc Midoriya’s awesome like that he’s both!!

ALSO something else I rlly like about him is that he’s kind and cares about people but when someone hurts a person he cares about he gets MAD & will do whatever he needs to do. He was scared of Bkg but when he implied Midoriya gave Uraraka her plan, he snapped at him & was like “it’s her plan not mine you better respect her strength she did this not me!” He was also scared of End**v*r (I don’t blame him! The guy’s freakishly tall, literally covered in fire, and always angry!) but as soon as he insinuated Todoroki was just his pawn or smth Midoriya TOLD HIM OFF he was like “Todoroki’s not you also f*ck you I hate you” (ok the last part is a lil exaggerated but still). When muscular was threatening Kota? He went FERAL & used 1,000,000% of his power (which. How tf is that even possible but I digress good for you Midoriya ily) to beat him just so this little kid (who literally punched him in the balls earlier) wouldn’t die like he was MAD mad. And when he found out what Ov*rh**l was doing to Eri? I thought I’d seen feral before but HOLY SH*T. He literally tried to KILL HIM (good for Midoriya. Child abusers & transphobes have no f*cking rights) he tried to stab him with that sharp piece of rock & THEN he did 100% full cowling with that absolutely chilling expression like he’s so kind but there was NO trace of kindness on his face while he was fighting Ov*rh**l (good he doesn’t deserve it).

ANYWAYS ALL THIS TO SAY Midoriya is so smart and so strong and so genuinely kind & I love him & I wish he’d love himself bc he deserves it! I’m glad 1a cares abt him so much bc it’s!!! What!!! He!!! Deserves!!! Stan Midoriya ok rant over bye

Edit: ok wait rant not QUITE over I’ve got one more thing: with Uraraka’s help he took a childhood nickname that he always HATED (like he specifically says that in the story don’t y’all try to downplay how much it hurt him) & completely changed the meaning. He even made it his HERO NAME he was like “this isn’t gonna hurt me anymore I’ll make it into something I can be proud of” and like. Even tho I don’t like the nickname and refuse to refer to Midoriya with it unless I’m specifically talking about his hero persona, THE POWER THAT HAS. Once he realized that he wasn’t alone anymore he just DECIDED to take something that had hurt him in the past & turn it not something that could comfort people in the future (bc we KNOW that he’s gonna b the no 1 hero & ppl r gonna be comforted at hearing he’s on the scene). He did that. I’m so proud of him.

[myhockeyworld87]

#37 with Jamie O but it's during game 7 of the Stanley Cup :D

So I got a bit carried away with this one because I really loved the idea. Thanks anon

The timing of your pregnancy couldn’t have been worse. If this would’ve been last year or the year before, hell if it would’ve been ten years ago; you would’ve been fine, but this year the Stars were in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Jamie was freaking out about leaving for the away games, completely afraid you’d go into labor, which thankfully you didn’t. You weren’t allowed to fly, so you would sit at home during games three, four and six, with a pint of ice cream and yell at the television. When they lost game six, pushing the series to a game seven you thought you were going to lose your mind. You’d been so torn, wanting Jamie and the guys to win, but then also selfishly not wanting them to win because you couldn’t be there.

It was the morning of game seven and you’d been to the doctor’s office in the morning. He assured you, that you could go into labor at any day now. Before you walked into the house, you had a little chat with the baby. “Ok little one, you’ve got to stay inside until daddy wins the cup, that’s all I’m asking.” The baby kicked in response, well probably not response since you seemed to be getting kidney shots regularly, but you liked to believe that your baby somehow heard you.

 “How’d the doctor’s appointment go?” Jamie asked as he got up from his nap.

 “Good, I’m only dilated a centimeter still, so the doctor said it could be a day or a week. Just gotta hang in there and wait till this one's ready.” You tried to downplay everything so that Jamie wouldn’t worry when his mind should be on the game.

 “Well that sounds good, but maybe you shouldn’t go to the game tonight.”

 “What why?” Jamie’s family was already here and you’d all made plans to go together. Whatever the turn out of this game seven was, you knew Jamie would need you.

 “Well just in case babe. It’s best to be safe.”

 “Jamie, we’ll be fine.”

 “Well you have all the numbers, if you start into labor at any time, you better call and have them take me off the ice.” You already knew that if that happened you wouldn’t be doing that, but Jamie didn’t need to know that.

 “I do, but baby and I are going to be cheering for you at the game tonight and we plan on seeing you win. Now go grab a shower, you’ve got to be at the arena soon.” He got out of bed, taking you in his arms and kissing you, before heading off to get ready.

 You were in the kitchen with his mom, the two of you whipping up something to eat when Jamie was finally ready. His head came down on your shoulder as his arms wrapped around you and baby. “Mom, promise me you’ll call me if (Y/N) goes into labor?”

 His mom, god love her, backed you up. “Relax Jamie, (Y/N) is going to be fine. And if, and I mean if, she goes into labor, I will rush her to the hospital and call you on the way.”

 “Ok.” He snuck a few fries off your plate.

 “Jame, we’re fine. Now go, and get us a win, because I plan on drinking champagne out of that cup once this one’s out of me.” You turned in his arms and planted a good luck kiss on his lips. “I love you, babe.”

 “I love you (Y/N).” He leaned down and placed a kiss on your bump. “I love you too little one, stay in there.” With that, he headed out the door.

 Game seven had to be the most stressful thing you ever lived through. No one scored in the first period and your heart was literally in your throat every play. When Tampa Bay scored the first goal in the second, you felt sick to your stomach. The Stars seemed like they couldn’t buy a goal, the puck hit the post or the crossbar, anything but the back of the net. Thankfully only twenty-two seconds into the third Guri finally tied the game up. Everyone in the arena went wild, including you. You thought you felt a little twinge with the baby, but when it didn’t happen again you dusted it off. As time ticked down, it seemed that the game was really going to go into overtime. Jamie was playing an awesome game defensively blocking shots and making checks left and right. There were only two minutes left in the game when Rads got a breakaway pass from Jamie and sprinted down the ice to put the Stars ahead. They were going to win, they were really going to do it.

 You had chills running up and down your arms as the second ticked away. All the guys on the bench were on their feet along with all the fans. Jamie was on the last shift, and you could feel every nerve on your body on edge. When the buzzer sounded, the crowd went wild, and all the players jumped out on the ice, piling on each other with so much joy. You were hugging Jamie’s mom, then his dad and his sister. There were tears of joy streaming down your face. Jamie had done it, he’d won the Stanley Cup. Everyone in the family section made their way down to the ice and you waited patiently until you could see your husband, bouncing on the balls of your feet with so much happiness.

 Finally, after all the ceremonial stuff they let you all out on the ice. You could see your extremely tall husband searching the crowd for you. As soon as he found you, he made a beeline in your direction. “We did it baby.” He exclaimed lifting you up. When he finally put you down, that when you felt it. Your legs felt warm, from your water breaking and then a contraction hit. Jamie had no idea until you said. “Oh my god, I’m going into labor. What do we do now?”

 “You’re what?”

 “My water just broke. I think I’m in labor Jame.” A strong contraction hit you then and you grimaced in pain. “Yep, it’s definitely labor.”

 His family had just reached the two of you then. “Mom, (Y/N)’s in labor, we gotta go.” He lifted you up then, not thinking about anything but getting out of the arena. He pushed passed all his teammates and their families to get you into the locker room. Chubbs the only one stopping him to see what was wrong. “My wife’s in labor, man.”

 “Holy shit, Rig. What do you need?”

 “Just to get her to the hospital.” You were already halfway down the ramp when Jamie answered him. Jamie tore his skates and pads off, not caring that there was media everywhere in the locker room, and soon the two of you were headed to the hospital.

 By the time you got settled into your room, you were dilated ten centimeters. The doctor chuckled as he came in to deliver the baby. “Big night for you two huh?”

 “Yeah,” Jamie breathed out as he was wearing sweats and his Stanley Cup Championship t-shirt. “You’re doing great babe, keep breathing.”

 “Alright (Y/N) time to push.” The doctor’s voice interrupted. It took you a good five or six tries before, the doctor finally said. “That’s it, I see the head. Just one more big push, ok?”

 You nodded, as Jamie wiped the sweat off your forehead. “Come, babe, you can do this. Just one more.” You looked into his eyes and took a deep breath, then pushed with everything you had in you.

 “That’s it.” The doctor encouraged and soon you heard the soft little wails of your newborn. “It’s a boy. You want to cut the cord dad?”

 “Yeah…a yeah, I do.” Jamie stuttered out, in as much awe as you were that you had a little boy. The doctor clamped off the cord, then handed a pair of scissor-like instrument to Jamie, who’s hands were trembling. When he was done, he came back up to you while you waited patiently to see your little boy. “You did it, babe, we have a boy.” There were tears in his eyes, as he leaned down to gently place a kiss on your lips.

 It took a minute, but soon the nurse was handing off your little one to you. “Oh my god, Jamie, he’s perfect.” Jamie was sitting on the bed beside you now, leaning close to see the baby.

 “Yeah (Y/N), he really is.” There were more tears now. “Thank you, thank you so much for giving me the best thing in my life, you and this guy.”

 Tears were running down your face, and you lifted the baby up so Jamie could hold him. He looked so tiny in Jamie’s big arms, and you couldn’t take your eyes off your boys. A knock on the door, had you both looking over to find not only Jamie’s family but a couple of the guys from the team as well. Jamie Benn carrying the Stanley Cup inside.

 “Thought we’d bring the cup to the newest member of the Star’s team.” Your heart swelled as you saw the smile on your husband’s face. “Welcome to the family Baby Rig.” Your husband placed the baby in the cup, and everyone went crazy, causing your newborn to cry.

 “I think this little guy wants his mommy.” He handed the baby back. “This is literally the best day of my life.” He whispered for your ears only.

 “Me too Jame, me too.”

[fullmetalscullyy]

Moms Made Fullmetal Week 2020 Day 4: Victory or Responsibility or Homework

thank you @waddiwasiwitch for creating such a lovely event for us to celebrate the mothers of fma

check out @moms-made-fullmetal-2020 for more info 💖

rated: t | words: 933

read on ao3

victory

“Madame Christmas?”

Roy twitched as he heard his adoptive mother speak through the receiver.

“Yes, it’s Riza,” the Lieutenant replied. “I’m well, Madame. How are you? Is everything all right in Xing?”

The two conversed for some time and it made Roy shift restlessly. Hawkeye had removed her hand from his elbow – she’d used it to steer him as he walked – and Roy suddenly felt so very alone. It was like he was floundering in the darkness, suffocating, with nothing to grasp onto.

It was terrifying.

A hand was on his forearm and it immediately settled his nerves. He smiled, hoping it would convey his thanks as he turned his head in the direction he guessed Hawkeye was standing.

“Yes, the Colonel is here. He’d like to speak with you. Of course.”

The Lieutenant lifted his hand and guided it towards the phone. His fingers fumbled, but Hawkeye kept him right.

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” he murmured.

Damn Truth. Damn that thing for taking his eyesight against his will.

“Of course, Sir.”

“Well?” Christmas asked. Roy could almost picture her raised eyebrow and expectant expression.

“We did it,” he breathed.

There was silence on the other side of the phone.

“Congratulations, Roy Boy,” she chuckled. “I always knew you had it in you.”

Roy turned as he felt a hand on his shoulder, but his face fell when he remembered he couldn’t see. Hawkeye squeezed his shoulder.

“I’m going to give you some privacy,” she murmured. “I won’t be far.”

The thought terrified him. He would be left alone in this new, dark world all by himself. He opened his mouth to ask her “please don’t leave me”, but he closed it, opting to nod in response instead.

“And, how are you?” Christmas asked.

This is it.

“I didn’t fare too well in the final battle,” he began. He didn’t want to drop the bomb that he was blind on her however his adoptive mother could take it. Roy knew the news would roll over her like a wave and she’d be already be thinking of ways to further assist him. She’d take it in her stride like she did with everything and do her best to help him in every way.

“What happened?” she asked sharply.

Roy took a deep breath. “I lost my eyesight.”

“How?” she demanded.

“I was forced to open the gate.”

Silence.

“Bradley and Pride trapped me,” Roy continued.

“Bastards,” she cursed without missing a beat. “Are they dead?”

“Yes.”

“Good riddance,” she sniffed. “And Riza?”

Roy swallowed thickly. “Sustained a neck injury though and lost a lot of blood.”

“But she’s all right?” Christmas asked sharply.

“I…” Roy faltered. She said she was, but how was she really? She was known to downplay her injuries so he wouldn’t worry. Now was prime time to use that tactic because he would never know. “I can’t see for myself,” he replied carefully and quietly, in case she was too close. “So, I don’t know.”

Christmas hummed to herself. “Ask a doctor. They’ll tell you.”

“Yeah, well, she’s probably ordered them not to tell so I don’t worry,” he grumbled petulantly.

Christmas laughed. “You’re right. You sound like a disgruntled husband.”

Roy coughed and could feel his cheeks turning pink.

“Is she next to you?” Christmas asked. She seemed too happy about the concept of Hawkeye overhearing that comment.

“I don’t know,” he replied, trying hard not to grit his teeth. “I can’t see.”

Christmas sobered in an instant. “Right. Well, you’re alive. That’s all that matters. And you did it, Roy. Remember that. You won.”

“We did,” he stressed. “I won’t take the credit for this.”

“If you do, you’ll be pushed to Fuhrer faster,” Christmas offered.

“I won’t sell out my men,” he frowned.

Christmas chuckled. “Correct answer,” she replied. “I knew I raised you well,” she replied smugly. “I’m travelling back tomorrow.”

That surprised him. “So soon?”

“I want to see you.”

That surprised him even more. Not that she hated spending time with him, but Roy hadn’t exactly expected her to firstly, openly admit that as her reasonings, and secondly, be the sole reason for her returning home.

“You’re clumsy and helpless with two working eyes,” Christmas continued. “Someone has to make sure you’re all right getting around by yourself.”

There it was.

Roy’s mouth opened while Christmas laughed at his lack of reply.

“Maybe I won’t get you another bar,” he muttered darkly.

Christmas snorted. “Boy, I could buy my own one tomorrow, no problem. You’ve got no business worrying about that right now or ever. Get yourself better instead.”

“Will do, Madame.”

“I’ll see you soon. And Roy?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m proud of you. And your parents would be too. You’ve achieved so much and damn it, you crazy bastard, you managed to pull it off.”

Roy paused for a second, then a smile overtook his face. “Thank you, Madame. I’ll see you soon.” Then, a great idea crossed his mind. “I love you,” Roy added, trying not to snicker. Two could play at the teasing game.

“Yeah, yeah,” Christmas muttered gruffly. This time, he laughed at her expense. “Love you too, kid. See you soon.”

“See you.”

He fumbled with the receiver once more as he tried to find the wall. He let out a frustrated sigh, then a hand was atop his, guiding it in place. Roy jumped at the sudden contact, but relaxed when he recognised it was Hawkeye next to him.

“All finished, Sir?” she asked.

Roy nodded and smiled broadly. “All done, Lieutenant.”

[mrsbhandari]

Artsy as Fuck - Cups

A/N: Hii!! so I was actually going to put this series on hiatus because I wasn’t really getting super inspired by it, but then @lovehugsandcandy​ commented something that made me think!! so yeah thank you so much for your lovely thoughts on this series as it lives on another chapter!

Word count: 2245

Warnings: language

Summary: Colt has a conversation with both of the Wheelers. He can see a few similarities.

Tag List:

@omgjasminesimone, @edgiestwinter, @bucketofsoup, @donutsgirl36, @desireepow-1986, @lovehugsandcandy, @troublemakerinspace, @client-327

Masterlist

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

“My mother liked it here.” Colt’s eyes snapped up to hers, meeting an open and vulnerable gaze across the table. 

“What?”

“My mom. She died when I was young. Murdered in the street. This was her favorite restaurant.” All at once, Roze’s stare hardened and her tone changed to defensive and cold. For a split second, Colt was scared. “It’s not important.”

“Well, Jesus, I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It’s not like we’re dating or anything,” she mocked, a twinkle of amusement replacing the stony hatred in her eye and easing some of the tension. Colt wondered how long she had been doing that; confronting her pain only to hide behind a mask. “I thought that coming here would be good, so we can get to know each other better.”

Flashes of the morning crept into his mind. “I think we’re very well acquainted, don’t you?” He silently cursed himself for not taking anything seriously, but the small giggle she hid behind a stained hand erased the thought from his mind like an undo button. Her other hand covered his own and his heart began to race.

“How about….emotionally acquainted?” she said, ripping her hand away when she thought harder about her words. “You know...to be more convincing for Ingrid.” She cleared her throat, leaving Colt to hope that it covered the sound of his heart dropping to his shoes. “Ask me whatever you like.”

Looking at her encouraging smile slightly downplayed the rush of scenarios depicting this going horribly wrong that raced through Colt’s mind, but not by much. Nonetheless, he sighed and thought of an easy question with little to no consequences. “Favorite color?”

“Seriously?” Colt shrugged. “Purple. Yours?”

“Black.”

“That’s not a color.”

“Don’t go all ‘pretentious art student’ on me.”

She laughed again, but it was fuller this time. It formed a hazy bubble around Colt’s mind. “Fine. Your turn.”

“This is a game?”

“Just ask questions. And make it uncomfortable this time. Don’t be scared.”

“Uh...okay, what was your first impression of me?”

There was a flash of surprise in her eyes that was quickly replaced with a long, thoughtful look as she tried to come up with an answer. Colt considered if she was debating lying or not, but she finally came up with an answer. 

“I thought you were arrogant and conceited.” Her tone was certain and obvious, as if she hadn’t spent time to arrive at a response. 

“Explain.”

“It’s not your turn.” A playful gleam accompanied the deep brown of her irises.

“It’s not a question, and I’m not asking.”

“Mm,” she hummed, and he decided not to mention the shiver he saw go down her spine, electing to tuck it away for later instead. “Well, you were naked, so I wasn’t completely in the right headspace. But you were naked and seemed to be fine with it...which is fine, it’s just…” she trailed off, eyes flitting between his to try and find the right words between his eyelashes. “You had this smirk.”

Colt raised an eyebrow.

“I saw it and immediately thought, ‘Wow, this guy’s an asshole.’” She popped another piece of chicken into her mouth, surely cold by now. 

“Hm.” Colt gave a smirk. 

“There! That’s the one. I was right about it, you know.”

“You think I’m arrogant?”

“Yup.”

“And conceited?”

“‘We need to prove to Ingrid that you can get a guy as hot as me!’” she imitated, dropping her voice and mimicking his smug smile. He hated that it was actually a pretty decent impression. 

“Alright, alright,” he surrendered, holding his hands up. “I’m exactly what people think I am: an asshole.”

“Mm…” She pursed her lips. “I think there’s more to you. I’m coming around. Although that first impression was forever captured in that drawing, I’m afraid.”

Colt recalled the haughty, regal look she drew with her first assignment and smiled at the memory. “I don’t know. I kinda liked how you made me look. Plus, you’re crazy fast!”

“Really?”

“Yeah! Everyone else only did my body, but you had time for face and everything. Very impressive.” She liked the way his eyes lit up at the thought of her art; it filled her stomach with butterflies. “It’s your turn.” 

“Oh! Uh, why do you not like cars?” Colt’s eyes dropped to his empty plate and his eyebrows furrowed. He stayed silent so long, Roze worried she hit a nerve, but he finally opened his mouth to speak, looking like the action pained him. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I can ask another question.” He nodded, giving her a small smile that eased the tensions in her shoulders. “Well, what was your first impression of me?”

“Innocent,” he answered, no hesitation. 

“What?!” Her surprised face sent him into a fit of boisterous laughter, face flushing as he caught the attention of other customers at surrounding tables. 

“Your….face!” he wheezed, face filled with uninterrupted glee. Even though he was laughing at her, she couldn’t help but laugh with him. He had an unexpectedly contagious laugh, one that he rarely let out in public--or ever. She took a sip of her water, hoping that it would cool down the heat that spread to her neck. “Ah, that was priceless!”

“How about you tell me why you thought that, meanie?” She picked off a piece of asparagus and threw it across the table at him, hitting him harmlessly in the cheek before falling to his plate. 

“When I got undressed and was posing and stuff, you got really flustered. I figured that you hadn’t really seen...anything like that.” He wiggled his eyebrows, cheeks still red. “I was wrong, judging by your lovely performance this morning.” 

“Tch. Whatever. It’s your turn.”

“Hm...why do you pay cash for everything?” 

“What?”

“You always pull out cash when you have to pay. At the garage and here. Why?”

“Oh, um.” She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “My dad is...weird about my money. He’s just protective, but he tracks my accounts and stuff. It’s just a habit to pay with cash so he doesn’t worry about it.” Colt hummed, not wanting to push her. “I’m not like...rich, or anything like that. Did you think I was?”

It was Colt’s turn to shift in his seat. “Well...kind of. You would just pull out wads of bills and I thought--” He cut himself off, trying to avoid offending her. She nodded. 

“No, I understand. I must’ve looked really pretentious, huh?” Her voice sounded small, and Colt knew that this was a sore spot for her, so he didn’t want to patronize her. Luckily, their conversation was cut short by her phone ringing, a soft piano melody rising from her purse. 

“Dad, hey! What’s--Yeah, I’m with him.” Roze gave him a small wink, trying to lessen the awkwardness of Colt listening to the one-sided conversation. “Bring...him?” Her eyes went wide as they met Colt’s. “Uh…” He frantically shook his head, trying to convey that it was not a good idea. “Sure!” Colt gave a look, eyebrows knit and mouth partially open in shock. She finished her call and gave a sheepish smile. 

“Roze, I don’t do parents.”

“It’s only one.”

“...I don’t do parent.”

“I hope not, that’d be awkward.” Colt sent her an exasperated expression. “It’s not that bad!”

“What have you even told him about our...unique situation?”

“That I was seeing a guy from my art class, that’s it.”

“That’s what you told him? He’s going to think I’m some artist guy.” She shook her head slightly, asking him to elaborate. “I’m a mechanic, Roze. Far cry from ‘cool artist worthy of your daughter.’”

“It’s technically true that you’re from my art class, so you have no reason to worry.”

“What if he doesn’t like me?”

“It’s likely.”

“Roze!”

“I’m preparing you! He’s a detective and very...gruff. He’ll have to warm up to you.”

“How do I get him to do that?”

“Be yourself.”

“Bullshit.”

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

“Roze and friend! Come in.” The man, Mr. Wheeler, greeted them with a warm smile that made Colt wonder if Roze lied just to see him sweat about making a good impression on her father. The couple walked in, hand-in-hand, and Colt looked around, loving the small, cozy feeling of the house. It really felt like home. Roze detangled her fingers from his own, and he felt the feeling dim ever so slightly.

“Hello, sir. I’m Colt.” He grasped Mr. Wheeler’s hand in his own, nearly wincing at the death grip the older man had. Looking closer, Colt realized that the smile didn’t reach her father’s eyes. Shit.

“So I’ve heard; Rosemary doesn’t stay quiet about you.” Colt held in his surprise at hearing her full name.

“Dad!”

“Oh, come on, Roze. I have to embarrass you.”

“Mhm.” 

“Can you get us some drinks? I’ll have a beer,” he requested, eyeing Colt as if testing him. 

“Just water for me, I drove.” A slight flicker of approval in Mr. Wheeler’s eyes told Colt he passed. Roze walked to the kitchen, leaving the two men alone. 

“Yes, drove a motorcycle?” 

“Yes, sir.” Colt sat with almost obnoxiously good posture, trying to discreetly wipe his sweaty palms on the pants of his overalls.

“Hm.” Mr. Wheeler’s face barely changed, but Colt could feel the judgement radiating off him. To avoid digging himself further into any holes, he elected to stay silent and let Roze’s father do all the asking. Briefly, Colt thought of how he didn’t need to impress him; this is all fake. Roze isn’t really his girlfriend. There was no reason he couldn’t just walk out of this house right now. He remembered the feeling of her hand in his and thought hard about what exactly he was doing here, but Mr. Wheeler interrupted the discussion Colt was having with himself. “You ever had an accident on one of those things?”

“No, sir.” Colt could hear the noise in the kitchen and prayed that Roze would come back. Until she did, he tracked her sound to help distract from the icy glare that was so far removed from what he associated with his girlfriend, he wondered if she was adopted. 

“Never?” Clink! Roze was taking a bottle out of the fridge.

“No, I always take the utmost care with my bike. It was a gift from my mother.” A soft ksh. She closed the fridge. 

“Your mother?” Psh-psh. Roze’s bare feet on the tile as she walked through the kitchen. 

“Yes, she’s on the east coast. I used to live with her but moved here to be closer with my dad.” A hollow thunk. A plastic cup being set down on the counter. 

“What does your father do?” Multiple high pitched taps. Ice being put into the cup. 

“He owns a garage, I’m a mechanic there.” Colt pointed to the small logo embroidered above his name tag on his outfit, focusing on the loud shh from the faucet. Roze was pouring the water. 

“Ah,” Mr. Wheeler nodded his head in understanding as Roze walked back to where the two men were sitting in the dining room. “You’ll have to forgive me for not connecting the dots with your outfit; I thought you were a stripper.”

“Colt had been sipping his water as his anxiety had dried his tongue, but Mr. Wheeler’s admission made him choke and sputter. “Sir?”

“Dad!” Roze sent her father a glare, and Colt realized that her cold expression was actually pretty similar. 

“What? C’mon, I’m just playing with the kid. Plus, you said he’s from your art class, and I read that art pays so little that some do have to resort to that line of work.” He casually took a sip of his beer while Colt sent confused glances over to Roze. 

“He’s not an artist, Dad. He’s been the model for a few classes. I’ve drawn him; that’s how we met.”

Her father perked up, sending an interested glance towards Colt, who prepared himself for anything else completely random that could possibly be said. 

“Nude?” Mr. Wheeler asked, a playful smirk complemented by a dangerous look in his eyes. 

“Okay! That’s enough chatting. Colt needs to get back to the garage, right?”

“Uh, yes. It was a pleasure meeting you, sir.”

“Likewise.” Mr. Wheeler waved a bored hand as Colt was dragged out the door and across the street by a fuming a ranting Roze.

“--so disrespectful, I can’t believe it! He always does this and acts stupid! Stripper? Because you don’t make money with art?!” They reached Colt’s bike, Roze’s voice rising until Colt was sure that her father could hear her outburst from inside. 

“Hey, hey,” Colt cooed, pulling her flush against his body without a second thought. Hesitantly, she wrapped her arms around his wrist, nuzzling her face into his neck as best she could. The hug was tender, far more tender than Colt every believed he could be with another human being. They stood like that for minutes before she wordlessly pulled away, face flushed. Colt gave her a small wave as he climbed on his bike and secured his helmet, riding off with a small “see ya.”

She crossed the street and slammed her door shut after entering, sending another glare her father’s way. He was still on the couch, looking at her with an amused smile. “Was that really necessary, Dad?”

“I liked him.”

[seouledbysisi]

Something New

Chapter ten

Sasha

Sasha sat at the kitchen table quietly as she and her family ate dinner. It wasn’t very often that they were all together because her parents worked so often and sometimes her father even work out of town. He had to though. She didn’t complain because how else would they pay the bills. They did what they had to do to make sure she was okay, but given the situation it made things harder for her to connect much with her father because he was rarely there but she loved him so much and respected him.

The forks and spoons clacked on the plates. Nothing but that sound bounced off the walls.

Her father cleared his throat. “So how’s that fancy school of yours?”

She smiled as she looked up from her plate. “It’s school. Nothing exciting.” She lied. Everything exciting was happening but it really didn’t have anything to do with school itself.

“How are your grades?” He asked as he chomped down his food.

“Sam, you know she’s a straight A student!” Her mom beamed. She was so proud of her daughter.

He nodded. “She gets her brains from me!” He joked.

“Sure, whatever you say.” Her mom recoiled.

The doorbell rang.

Sasha looked from her mom to her dad.

“So I guess I’m answering it?” Her mom asked as she stood from the table.

Sasha shrugged. “I’m not expecting anyone.” She giggled.

“Nor am I baby girl.” Her mom yelled from down the hall.

Sasha and her father kept eating. They could hear faint voices but it wasn’t their concern.

“See you’re a smart girl. You’re not worried about guys right now. You’re all about school. That’s a good thing. Guys are stupid at this age.” Her dad conveyed.

“Sasha! Come here!” Her mom yelled.

Sasha’s eyes widened. She immediately went to the door and about passed out when she saw Jaehyun standing in front of her mother.

Her mom smiled. “So you have some explaining to do but we’ll talk later!” Her said as if they were girlfriends who had some gossip to spill. She left them alone.

Sasha pulled him outside on the porch. “What are you doing-“

He laced his strong thin fingers through her braids and pulled her into him kissing her hard. He kissed her as if his lifeline depended on it. He had kissed her before but this kiss felt different. It had a new meaning and although she didn’t know what was up with him she knew something had changed. He had been quiet for the past few days. He finally pulled away but he kept his hands on her.

She stumbled back a bit feeling almost tipsy.

He grabbed both her hands to steady her. He grabbed her face softly and stared at her features. He thought she was so beautiful. “Let me give you the world. Let me take care of you. I know this sounds crazy but I’ve never felt like this about anyone ever. I don’t catch feelings and now that I have I don’t want this feeling to go away. I’m not perfect by any means and I will probably make a lot of mistakes along the way but please, Sasha. Let me be yours.”

She stared at him for a moment. She was taken aback. She could barely function in this moment. She didn’t even know how to respond.

He took her silence as a no. “It’s okay if you’re not ready for this. I understand.” He told her as he dropped his hands from her and stared at the ground. He felt stupid.

At last she snapped out of whatever trance he had her in. “I have to be honest with you. I haven’t dated anyone since sophomore year. Johnny and Taeyong were really close friends back then and he hooked us up which was a bad decision on my part. Taeyong isn’t necessarily relationship material so he had me but he had other girls too on the side and I guess I was just supposed to be okay with it. So I say all of that to say this, I don’t want us to start something if you’re not all in. I really like being around you, I really like our conversations and how you make me feel comfortable. But I also know graduation is in a few months and if that’s a deadline for you I’d rather not do this at all.” She sighed.

He grinned down at her and pulled her into his chest. “There will never be a deadline for us unless you want one. You have me wrapped around your finger and I’m going to show you just how much.” He kissed her forehead.

She nodded. “I can’t take another heart break. It took me way too long to mend the damage that Taeyong caused.”

“I’m not him. He’s stupid to let you go.” He kissed her lips softly. “So, I guess it’s official?”

“I guess so. Looks like I better grab my ball and chain.” She giggled.

“I won’t stop you.” He smiled.

His deep dimples stood out to her. She poked one. “I’ll never get tired of these.”

Brianne

It was finally the weekend so they had all planned a triple date. This would be she and Taeil’s first date and she was nervous as ever. The girls met up at Bri’s house to get ready. They were going to a carnival that was in town for the weekend.

Bri started throwing clothes everywhere. “What the hell fo you wear to a carnival?”

Ivy giggled. “Clothes! Stop stressing. He likes you, it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing!”

“That’s easy for you to say, you’ve been with Johnny for two years. He’s seen you at your worst and even then it’s not even bad. It’s not fair! You’re like super model goals and I’m just- me.” Bri sighed as she plopped down on her bed.

Ivy rolled her eyes. “I’m so sick of y’all saying things like that. I’m not all of that plus you and Sasha are gorgeous. I don’t know why y’all downplay it!”

Sasha pulled her outfit out of her overnight bag. “Just wear something comfortable but cute, like me!” She smiled.

Brianne paired some stuff together. “If Taeil looks at me crazy then I blame y’all!” She laughed.

Ivy was already dressed so she threw her hair up into a high bun. “If he looks at you crazy he’s not the one!” She raised an eyebrow.

Bri nodded. “You’re right. So Sasha you and Jae are-“

Sasha began to blush. “So he showed up at my house like at night and met my mom, kissed the hell out of me and basically said how much he needed me!” Her mind was still blown by his gesture.

“Whoa! I would’ve loved to have been a fly on the wall. I just can’t imagine him being all lovey dicey!” Bri admitted with laughter.

Sasha shrugged. “He’s cute when he’s like that.”

Ivy smiled and interlocked her arm with Sasha. “Welcome to the girlfriends club with me, FINALLY!”

Brianne smiled and put her clothes on. “I have to dress up at least a little y’all. It’s in my nature.” She winked.

Ivy grabbed her sunglasses and headed for the door. “My dad let me get the Jeep today!” She ran outside.

Jaehyun

The guys all waited outside the ticket stand for the girls. They had insisted that they just meet them there for some reason.

“Call me old fashion but since when does your girlfriend supposed to meet you at the date spot?” Jaehyun questioned to the other two guys.

Taeil chuckled. “I wondered the same thing but I figured maybe she wasn’t comfortable riding alone with me since this is our first date technically.”

Johnny shook his head. “When you have an independent woman like Ivy you don’t ask questions when they make demands. You make them happy and you’ll thank yourself for it because it saves you a headache.” He laughed.

“So y’all do this often?” Taeil asked as he looked up at Johnny. This was the most that they had spoken their whole high school career.

“What? Let her call the shots?!” Johnny raised an eyebrow.

Taeil shook his head. “I meant meeting up for dates.”

“Oh because yes I let her think she’s running the show. But don’t get me wrong she allows me to be a man too but sometimes she wanna be the boss and who am I to stop her. It’s kinda sexy anyway.” Johnny smirked.

Taeil simply nodded. He had never had a girlfriend before so he was taking in all the knowledge he could at this point!

The girls finally walked up.

Jaehyun’s expression changed. A huge grin painted on his face as he waved.

Johnny looked around. He knew the girls were coming because of Jae’s reaction. “You’re acting like someone whose in love.”

Jae rolled his eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He chuckled and walked over to Sasha wrapping his arms around her waist. “Hi beautiful.”

Sasha’s cheeked warmed. “Hi handsome.” She smiled and raised up on her tip toes to kiss his cheek.

Johnny pulled Ivy into hard. “Where have you been all my life?” He smirked.

She loved when he flirted with her. As corny as it was, it still gave her butterflies. “Here and there.” She shrugged.

He pecked her lips softly. “Well I’m glad you decided to be in it now.”

Brianne stood next to Taeil awkwardly. “Hey Taeil.” She said softly.

He smiled and handed her a rose. “This is for you.”

She lit up. “Really? No ones ever gave me flower before. I love it!” She hugged him before she could talk herself out of the interaction.

He held her tight for a moment and then finally let go. He took a sniff of her hair. It smelled amazing, almost like coconut. “A special flower for a special girl.”

The guys paid for the ladies and they walked into the carnival.

Jae grabbed Sasha’s hand and pulled her near the food. “I’m starving! You want some food?”

Sasha shook her head. “No but I’ll take a candied apple.” She beamed when she noticed the sign.

He ordered himself a funnel cake and her a candied apple.

He broke a piece of the funnel cake and put it near Sasha’s mouth to feed her. “Try?”

She opened her mouth slightly and allowed him to put it in. “So sweet but so good.” She spoke as she savored the flavor.

Suddenly someone snatched her arm a bit. “I need to talk to you!”

Sasha jerked her arm back. “No.”

Johnny sighed. “Taeyong, not right now dude. You always have a way of showing up at the wrong times.” He patted his shoulder.

Taeyong shrugged away. “I just want to talk Sasha. Just for a second. I’m not trying to ruin your day I swear!”

She look over at Jaehyun as if asking for permission.

He simply shrugged.

Sasha

Taeyong pulled her away softly by her arm.

“I know you’re out with your friends and I’m the last person you’d want to talk to. I can admit that I’m a bit much sometimes.”

Sasha sighed. “That’s a understatement!”

He chuckled. “I know I messed up but you’re really a good girl and I need someone like you in my life. Is there anyway we can start over again?”

Now she began to laugh. “Let me guess Sammie cheated on you, right? So now you think I’m just going to be willing and ready with open arms?!”

He nodded. “Exactly! Everyone knows that you were super into me. Now you get the chance to have me back but forreal this time. No games, no other girls. Just you and me.” He flashed his charming smile.

She shook her head. “A year ago I probably would’ve contemplated being with you again but honestly I’m worth so much more. You did me dirty and karma bit you in the ass. Now you gotta lay in it because I’m not going back!” She turned to walk away.

He caught her arm. “Are you fucking kidding me?!”

“No I’m not. Get your shit together and learn how to treat a woman.” She snatched away and walked back to the others.

Jaehyun was giving her an odd look. Almost a pained expression. She sighed. Her gut feeling was telling her they were about to have possibly their first fight.

-Stay tuned

[retvenkos]

“i am flawless, thank you for noticing”

requested

HOW I IMAGINE THE PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF THE NEXT GEN. HARRY POTTER CHARACTERS...

Teddy Lupin

okay, so teddy is very tall - like 6′2 (188 cm)

also, their hair is pretty magical

it’s usually blue but when victoire kisses them it turns pink also, like i said earlier, it perpetually sticks up in the back, and it curls around their ears

brown eyes

and i headcanon a latino! remus lupin, so teddy has some really clear, tanned skin

Victoire Weasley

so homegirl is part veela, so we know she’s really pretty but not the prettiest - louis holds that spot

she’s like a carbon copy of her mom, but with a couple of differences

she has freckles all over her arms and a bit on her face

really long, blonde hair that holds a curl really nice

she’s also pretty tall, i’m thinking around 5′11 (180 cm)

that doesn’t stop her from wearing heels though

Lysander Scamander

so i have already mentioned that he has kinda curly light brown hair and big blue eyes

i also mentioned that this boy has a serious freckle problem

but don’t worry fam, he can make it work

his hair is on point most of the time, always styled and it looks effortless even though he probably spends a decent amount of time on it

he’s probably like 5′9 (175 cm)

Lorcan Scamander

blue eyes and dirty blonde hair that is longer - he can pull it into a tiny bun and dominique definitely is the one who does it for him all the time

doesn’t actually have any freckles on his face, just on his back, arms, and legs

his nose is slightly crooked - you can tell it used to be really straight but then he broke it twice playing quidditch and once because lysander threw a book at him when he was being annoying, you know, like brothers do

5′9 (180 cm)

Dominique Weasley

has really clear skin, and a cute button nose

shoulder length blonde hair and hazel-ish eyes that go from bright green to brown

shorter than the rest of her siblings at 5′6 (168 cm)

she is really pretty too (i mean, have you seen her parents) but she usually tends to downplay it rather than perpetuate it like her sister

but she frequently experiments with her hairstyles and looks good with literally everything

wonderful face shape

Molly Weasley II

cheekbones that could kill a man

a reddish brown bob with hazel eyes

a small nose that’s kinda pointy

she definitely has a widow's peak

5′3 (160 cm)

Louis Weasley

 a blonde with really bright blue eyes

he’s around 5′8 (173 cm) which makes victoire the tallest something she mentions on the daily

he definitely has bigger lips that he’s kind of insecure of, but literally, everyone loves them

his nose is a long one and his skin is very clear

Fred Weasley II

so we all know this boy has amazing dark skin because he looks so much like his mother

his hair is curly and red and so help him god, if you do not ask before touching it, it will be the last thing you ever touch

deep brown eyes that are set behind his glasses

his facial expressions are all george though

5′8 (173 cm)

oof

James Sirius Potter

so i’ve already mentioned his god awful hair and his hazel eyes

it’s dark brown, btw

and like, he’s short. like, 5′5 (165 cm) short

albus will make fun of him so hard.

he’s one of those kids who always looks like they could be up to something when he’s honestly just thinking about chicken nuggets???

his hair - once he grows into it - is an effortlessly messy but beautiful look and literally, everyone (except fred) is jealous of it

green eyes (it’s a potter curse)

also - dimples

Albus Severus Potter

so he has the darkest, jet black hair. 

he keeps it nice and tidy and actually tries to look put together so that people will remember him for something other than having the name of people who died

he doesn’t want to ride on the coattails of anyone else’s fame - he wants to be his own dude

and we know this boy has some crazy green eyes

like, harry’s eyes were green, but nothing is this green

and our boi was short for a hot minute, but in fourth year he just sprouts

we’re talking a solid 6′0 (183 cm)

he very rarely ever stands up straight tho, so whenever he does it’s really intimidating

Rose Granger-Weasley

okay, so being the daughter of ron - the most freckled of the weasleys (fite me on this) - this girl has some freckle issues

like, you could split her freckles onto three separate people and you would say that they had a lot

furthermore, she has some wonderfully curly, dark brown hair

the only difference is that it’s not too frizzy, which hermione was so happy about she almost cried

(she still has issues getting her hair to be tamed)

our girl is about 5′4-5′5 (163-165 cm)

also, i headcanon a black! hermione, so our girl has the most beautiful, dark skin

Scorpius Malfoy

first of all, our boy has some sharp cheekbones

be careful albus - you just might cut yourself

but he’s always so polite and smiley that it’s not something that makes him too regal looking

his eyes are a grey-ish blue but are big and so very kind

he has blonde hair like his pops, but it’s less slicked back and severe

he’s overall just softer than his dad but almost a carbon copy

5′7 (170 cm)

Lucy Weasley

light brown hair that has a natural soft wave to it and is super bouncy

round, coke bottle glasses that are actually really cute

they make her brown eyes big and wide

what a sunshine child, she lives in pastels i swear

5′4 (163 cm)

soft features that make you just smile

Hugo Granger-Weasley

we’ve already talked about his curly red hair briefly

but my lord, is it a mess

it bounces all over the place and is kinda long so his bangs kinda fall in his eyes - which are brown and big

honestly, he’s kind of a heartthrob, guys

his freckles are all concentrated on his face, most notably his nose

they would be his defining trait if he wasn’t smiling all the time

he’s lighter than his sister but still has a nice tan to his skin

(and y’all can fight me on this, biracial kids can be a myriad of colors)

he’s a solid 6′0 (183 cm)

Roxanne Weasley

okay, so first of all, homegirl has some long hair

i guess you would call it wavy, but it’s most defining trait is that it is thicc

and it’s jet black and beautiful

eyes?? 10/10 hazel and piercing

and she has all of her mother’s passion behind them

and she’s tall and lanky like her dad

and she is one of the few to be freckleless, but homegirl has enough charisma she doesn’t need any

she’s also taller than her bro, which she’s very proud of - 5′11 (180 cm)

Lily Luna Potter

she has reddish brown hair that’s in a long bob

it’s straight and actually kinda thin

also, she’s taller than james sirius and they make fun of him for his height at every given opportunity - she’s like 5′7 (170 cm)

carries on the potter legacy with green eyes

a lot of people say she looks like her grandma, lily.

which of course means a sprinkling of freckles

but more so means a kind smile that can turn on you in seconds

AND FLUFF ENSUES. (also, their names are in order of their age in relation to each other, so there’s that)

[yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy]

Hearthway Hollow Chef Ryker Part 2

Again, many, many thanks to @momolady​ for letting me post my bastardized version of her story because I just couldn’t help myself from changing little details into big details into remodeling the whole damn story and playing god in her universe which please don’t do, that’s very disrespectful, of course I realized it was probably disrespectful and all that after the fact and will not be repeating those transgressions in the future. But I have been saving these pics, especially that picture of “Ryker” ever since I commissioned her and I want everyone to seeeeeee. I do have fanfiction of this story, that will be coming up soon. It’s a 2.5 which basically everything that happens between chapter 2 and 3. And all these health problems in this part? Those are all real, those are all mine that I deal with on a daily basis. Enjoy. 

Hearthway Hollow Chef Ryker Part 2

“Mom, why aren’t we going?” Del whines from the passenger seat. 

“Give me a second, hun,” I grumble. I try cranking the car again but the engine just whines for a moment before shutting down. “The car isn’t behaving.” I knew I should have brought the camaro. That car had never failed me. They just don't make cars like they used to. 

I had stopped in Hearthway Hollow so Del and I could see the wolf reserve, but after breakfast this morning the car wouldn’t start at all. I take Del back inside and start searching through the phone book to find a tow service. 

“Looks like we may be stuck here for a few more days,” I tell Del. “The car is going to probably need a few repairs.”

“That’s ok. I like it here better,” Del says with a big grin. “Are we still going to be able to go see the wolves?”

I sigh and sit down with her on the couch. “I’ll try to get us there, no worries. Once the tow truck comes I’ll see if they know of any places where we can rent a car.”

“Ok,” she says with a shrug.

“You’re not upset we’ll miss the beach?” I ask her.

She shakes her head. “Not really,” she shrugs. 

“Oh? Why is that?” I ask curiously. 

“I only said that place because you seemed excited to go somewhere,” she murmurs. “I just wanted you to be happy.”

I grab her up and hug her so tight. “You’re so sweet! But this vacation was supposed to be for the both of us.”

“I like it here,” she murmurs, resting her head on my shoulder. “So is it ok if we stay here a little longer? It’s nice and you’ve already made friends here.”

“Amelie and Shahan?” I ask. I kiss her forehead. “So you like them?”

Del nods quietly. “I like Ryker too, he’s cool and he made good on his promise.” Del added. 

There’s a knock at the door and when I answer it’s Jack from the hardware store. “Oh hey,” he waves. “I thought the name sounded familiar. We’re here for the car.”

“Thank you.” I hand him over the car key. “Do you by chance any know of car rentals around here?

Jack takes out a card from his pocket. “This is the place you’ll wanna call. They’ll drive the car right over too.”

“Thank goodness,” I sigh. “I promised to take Del to the wolf reserve, and of course, the car won’t crank. I knew I should have brought the camaro, they just don't make cars like they used to."

"You have a camaro?" Jack asked excitedly. 

"67 SS, 350 with nos." I answered before I showed him a picture of it in all its emerald green glittering glory as he whistled lowly. 

"Wow, yeah you should’ve.” Jack chuckles. 

“But it doesn’t have air conditioning, I know there’s a company that makes air conditioners that can be retrofitted but I just haven’t gotten around to it.” I explained.  

“Well, isn’t that how it always is when you promise your kid something, something else breaks?” Jack chuckles. “I have your number, so as soon as we know what’s going on, I’ll give you a call.” Jack offers before he loads up my car onto the tow truck after I’ve emptied it out completely. 

I tell him goodbye before I go inside to call the number on the card. As i’m waiting for an answer, I see Ryker’s note laying on the counter. After I slept on it and thought it over, I didn’t know if I would have the courage to start messaging him, I was only going to be here a day or two and I didn’t know if I would ever get the chance to see him again after this trip. But now that it looked like I was going to be spending my vacation in Hearthway Hollow, maybe if wouldn’t be so bad to call him and hopefully get the chance to see him again. 

I make plans for a car to be dropped off at the cabin then I call Big Billy and explain the situation and agree to come in and rent the cabin for a week since I didn’t know how long it would take for the mechanic to fix it and send Ryker a quick text. ‘I’m having car issues and munchkin has decided to spend our vacation here. Any tips on how to continue to bring her out of her chicken nugget “shell” would be much appreciated.’ I text him but he doesn’t answer back and I pout at my phone. Maybe I just had my hopes up too high. 

I sit back down on the sofa while Del paints with her watercolors on the coffee table in front of the couch and watches cartoons when my phone chimes again, the chef has replied. My heart thrums excitedly to see what he’s said.

‘Who is this?’ came the response. 

I frown for a moment. ‘Zara. Zara Norris, Del’s mom. I was with Shahan and Amelie last night. I have a Michigan cell phone number, this message isn’t spam I pinky swear.’ I text back, hoping that would jog his memory. 

It’s another long moment before my phone beeps again. ‘Sorry, I work late and sleep in late. I’m not a smart morning person. Yeah of course I’ll help. More than happy to.’  And my smile blooms brighter and my heart does somersaults in my chest. 

‘I’m sorry I didn’t mean to wake you!’ I quickly apologize.

‘No worries. Did she enjoy the doggy bag I sent?’

I smile adoringly at my phone. ‘Yeah, she loved it, we both did, thank you so much, everything was awesome and delicious, it was the best meal of my life last night and then again this morning, thank you for the cheesecake too! That was the best I’ve ever had!’

‘Great. I’m gonna get coffee. Talk to you later.’

I smile to myself, wondering if I would ever get to see him again while I was still in Hearthway Hollow or if this was as close as I was gonna get. 

After a while the car was dropped off and I was given a key. I signed a few papers for the rental and gave a down payment for the first two days. As I was looking over the car and making sure I was used to the controls I saw something strange in the rearview mirror. There was something in the trees, moving around a bit. As I turned, I saw it go down the hill and onto Amelie and Shahan’s porch. It was a wolf, a massive one too. It went in through the open door and I panicked. I didn’t have Amelie’s number, nor did I know Shahan’s or where he worked. In a moment of desperation I dialed Ryker’s number.

“Hello?” he sounded confused.

“I-am-so-so-sorry-to-call-like-this! But-I-just-saw-this-wolf- walk-into-Amelie-and- Shahan’s-place! And-I-know-Amelie- is-home-alone- and-Shahan- isn’t-there- and-I don’t-know- anyone- here! What-do- I- do?! Do- I- call- 911?!” I spew out a stream of conscious thought that stringed together as one single word.

“Whoa, whoa,” Ryker started. “Calm down, a wolf?” He asks as he still sounds like he’s groggy. 

“Yes! A wolf, a huge one!” I’m nearly screaming and near a panic attack as electric shocks like lightning bolts shoot down my arms and into my hands until it feels like needles and knives are cutting into every nerve ending and down my legs making my legs spasm and into my rib cage, into the flesh in between each rib so it’s impossible to breathe until it subsides and into my face so my face twitches and twists against my will so and I cry out in pain because it’s unbearable and blinding for a moment and I’m overwhelmed. 

“I’ll be right there!” Ryker assures me before he hangs up.  

“Ok.” I spurt but he’s already hung up the phone. I give my body a moment to relax from the attack and use a breathing exercise to get me calmed down and stable as the attack stops and subsides and once I’m recovered, I attempt to dial him again but I go straight to his voicemail. “Oh crap, I’ve really done it now.” I groan and bang my head on the steering wheel. Great, now I’m a spaz. He’s going to tell me to loose his number. Way to go. 

I glance back to the cabin where Del is inside. I don’t want to leave her alone but I feel like I have to go make sure Amelie is ok. Then again, what am I going to do against a wolf of that size? As I’m trying to keep myself from panicking anymore because panic = pain for me, I see a car pull up to the house. It parks around then side where I can see it and Ryker gets out. He goes to the front door and a while later comes out the back. Amelie and Shahan are with him on the porch and they’re both as calm as can be. 

“What?” I whisper to myself. Ok, maybe I’m crazy and I’ve snapped again and I’m seeing things. 

The three of them wave up at me, but I feel so stupid I have a hard time waving back. I get a text on my phone. 

‘Mind if I come up?’ Ryker asks.

‘I feel like an idiot, are you sure?’ I answer.

‘I’ll have a look around the place, make sure there aren’t any wolves there. Just in case,’ he texts back. Is that a joke? I can’t tell. Well, time to face the music. 

I watch as he walks up the road to the cabin. He’s wearing a dark blue henley with the buttons undone, showing off the dark pelt on his chest. His hair is disheveled, looking like he combed it with his hands. It’s beautiful, whereas my hair is just ringlet curly and hella frizzy.

“Good morning,” he says with a smile. “You ok?” He asks worriedly. 

“Yeah, I’m just a spaz.” I try to downplay but he’s not buying it. “I have conversion disorder. Whenever I’m faced with any stress or anxiety or especially panic. My brain can’t process that or internalize it, it simply converts it into physical pain. I get “shocks” which feels like I’m being electrocuted and it travels all over my body, into my face, down my arms until it feels like red hot needles and knives are cutting and burning into every nerve ending I have, into my ribcage between each rib so I can’t breathe and down my legs into my feet until they feel just like my hands. It’s very painful.” I explained and Ryker just looks heartbroken to hear it.  “So yeah, thinking I saw a wolf walk into a house totally panicked me and I didn’t know Shahan was at the house! I never should have called, maybe I'm crazier than I think I am and am just seeing things.” I grumble in shame and I can’t bring myself to look him in the eye. 

“Hey, it’s ok, I would freak out too.” Ryker reassures me and closes the space between us and hugs me tight and I melt in his big strong arms and I’m pleasantly surprised when I feel so at peace and safe, like even if I was surrounded by a pack of wolves right now, I’d be ok, like nothing could ever get to me. 

“I’m just sorry it caused you pain, that’s all.” He murmured regrettably. 

“Thank you for not making fun of me.” I whimper as I continue to cling to him. 

“What? No, never! Have people made fun of you for this?” He asked his own outrage making his voice have a growl that sends a shiver down my spine but a smile bloomed on my face as he just continued to hold me. 

“Yeah, my husband, used to, he was a narcissistic asshole though. When I first got conversion, it got misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia and MS and I used to have to use a walker to get around and he would call me ‘gympopotomus’, a cross between gympy and hippopotamus.” You revealed as he took a sharp but deep breath in and held me even tighter as I could feel the hot air practicallyq come out of his ears as he buried his face in the crook of my neck and slowly released the breath as his jaw clenched. 

“He was a good and decent father to Del and he wasn’t so bad that he beat me or anything, he just wasn’t the nicest or kindest person, he struggled with sympathy and empathy.” I tried to explain. 

“And apparently being a decent human being.” Ryker huffed. 

“Yeah…” I sighed sadly before I withdrew from him which he seemed reluctant but let go of me and took a small step back to reestablish the distance between us.  

“Tell you what, just to be safe, I’ll look around while I’m here. If there’s anything suspicious, I’ll take care of it and make sure everything is..as it should be.” He reassures me and I’m relieved he’s not being sarcastic and he’s completely sincere and genuine. 

“Thanks.” My face is growing red hot as I look at him, my own smile growing bashful. Something about him just sets off all the bells and whistles for me to see him look so...normal and casual and comfortable. I follow him as he walks around the cabin, unable to take my eyes off of him again as he walks around the side where I had heard scratching the night before as he seems to start walking quicker to avoid looking at the claw marks under the window as his cheeks get rosy again before he clears his throat awkwardly, his sharp blue eyes study the ground for a moment before looking off into the woods as he rubs the back of his neck for a moment as things grow awkward again and I feel the need to break the tension. 

“So uhm...Ryker,” I chuckle. “That’s an interesting name.”

“My dad loved Star Trek,” he huffs. “So yes, I am named after that Ryker.”

“I knew it!” I gasp with a victorious smile then make myself shut up. “Sorry. I just had a gut feeling. I used to watch the show when I was younger. My uncle had every episode of every star trek on VHS and I grew up on it, Picard was of course my favorite but Ryker was a close second.” I grin. 

“And you’re a Norris? Like Chuck Norris.” He grins cheekily. 

“Yes, exactly like Chuck Norris, unfortunately not related to him. Because if I was, hey, when I did push ups, I’d push the earth down and my tears could cure cancer and venomous snakes would die if they tried to bite me.” I rattle off, remembering all the Chuck Norris jokes off the top of my head which makes Ryker bust up laughing. “So we both have famous names, that’s nice.” I  finish. “And before I was a Norris, I was a Wright girl so I grew up with being Zara Left or Zara Wrong, I don’t know if that’s better or worse.” I shrug as Ryker chuckles to that as his grin grew a little mischievous. 

“Oh I don’t think you ever stopped being the right girl.” Ryker flirts and my jaw drops and I giggle and blush like a teenager again. 

“So, Wright like the Wright brothers?” Ryker asked curiously. 

“Wright like Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect, now that one I am related to but distantly.” I answer. 

He turns to me with that same soft smile like I’m the moon again. “Believe it or not, my dad met my mom at a convention. She was working the hotel it was at and well, despite the fact he was dressed in a starfleet uniform, he managed to charm her.”

“That’s really cute actually.” We walk up onto the back porch where the sliding glass door is, the curtain still open and I can see Del through the dining room into the living room, still watching TV and painting. 

“I like to think so.” He leans over the railing.

Ryker motions to the door. “What’s Del doing?”

“Watercolor painting.” I answered. 

“Wow really?” Ryker asked, impressed. 

 “Oh yeah, Dell and I both love watercolors. I bought her a Paul Ruben’s set which are professional watercolors, she has her regular palate and her glitter palate so she’s good.” I explained as I gestured to show him about the size of it as I lean over the railing next to him so we're almost shoulder to shoulder as we look out over the woods.  “The only thing she’ll run out of is the watercolor paper. I suppose I’ll have to go shopping for more supplies.” I smile up at him. “That’s why I asked you for the food help.”

“How long you here for then?” He asks as he turns around, leaning back on the railing with his hands on it, making his broad chest and shoulders jut out and my eyes rake down him again as my mouth goes dry as I realize he’s asked me a question I should be answering as I once again mirror his body language by turning around and leaning back on the railing but I loosely cross my arms over my belly a little self consciously. 

“Uhm-” I try to collect my thoughts. “Honestly I don’t know. I haven’t heard from the mechanic yet. It could be a day or two or a week if the car is salvageable and if it isn’t I’ll just have my parents drive my other car down and I’ll finish my vacation in that but it doesn’t have air conditioning. So I don’t know.” I shrug. “Granted if I have to I’ll just spend my whole vacation here and I told my parents and my inlaws I’d be two to three weeks.” I amend. 

“Oh,” he blinks before his grin grows into a full blown smile. “That’s plenty of time, we can find a way to work something out, I’m sure.” He offers and my heart is back to a hummingbird pace. 

“Del likes it here, so I think we’ll find a way to pass the time.” A smile spreads across my face. “Just gotta research the town a bit and see what we can get into here.”

“Well Hearthway has lots to do. There’s the big park, I’m sure Del would like that. There’s South Paw lake you can take her to and go swimming or the community pool if you prefer, there’s trails galore you could go hiking, there’s a place that has horses and horse back riding lessons you could ride and take on the trails. There’s going to be day camp for kids coming up really soon, Billy and his family started it a few years back. Kids go there and get to do crafts and all sorts of stuff. I’m sure if you asked Billy he’d let Del join in.” Ryker offers. 

“Really?” I gasp. “She would love that!”

“I’m sure you could find ways to preoccupy yourself with other stuff too.” Ryker’s words has my insides feeling like pudding. 

“Yeah well,” I chuckle softly. “I’ve been trying to do that for a year now.”

Ryker furrows his brow and tilts his head. “A year?” Ryker repeats. 

I open my mouth as I try to decide what excuse to give. I then sigh and shake my head, deciding I would be blunt about it. “Michael, my husband and Del’s father- had his heart attack almost a year ago and passed away and it’s been a bit of a challenge to figure out what to do with myself, I quit my dayjob and completely focused on Del and getting her through this while I try to figure out how to get myself through it too.” I bite down on my cheek as I see the expression that washes over his face and I can see he has several things going on at once in his mind and I give him a moment to try to ask me something but he can’t seem to settle on anything. “But Del and I are fine, we go to therapy regularly, we’re both artists and we both like working with watercolors, acrylics and clay as our creative outlets and thankfully Michael thought ahead and planned ahead and had life insurance policies at work and then had a private one too so financially we’re fine, we’re not destitute or anything and every day it gets a little easier. But it’s best that we find ways to move on and heal. That’s what this whole vacation was about. I wanted to show Del we could move on, move forward and embrace something new without feeling like we’ve abandoned the old,  that as long as we had each other, we’d be ok, and we are.” I assured him. 

“You’re so young, I can’t imagine,” he whispers. “I’m so sorry, Zara.”

I shake my head. “It’s ok, really.” I then laugh. “I’m not all that young. I’m 33. I was 19 when I married Michael and I was 25 when I had her and that was after three years of trying too.” I explained as Ryker blinked in surprise before he just had this warm reassuring smile that makes me feel like I’m melting again. 

“Well, if you need anything while you’re here, you have my number, don’t be afraid to use it.” He runs his fingers through his thick hair. “Oh but, the food,” he chuckles. “So, are you a good cook?” He asks curiously.  

“Well I’m no michelin star chef,” I tease as Ryker barks a laugh and shakes his head. “But I like to think I’m fairly decent, I believe in the four food groups, butter, bone marrow, bacon grease and lard and one does not get this pudgy only eating salad.” I joke as I grab and jiggle my pudgy belly for emphasis as Ryker busts out laughing having nodded in agreement to my sentiments. “But seriously, even I’m banging my head against a wall with Del. She used to be a such a great adventurous eater and once Michael passed, she did a 180 and now she only wants to eat the foods Michael liked and Michael had one hell of a narrow food palate. I don’t know if that’s one of the ways she’s choosing to grieve or what but all it’s been for the last year has been lots and lots of chicken, pork, beef and venison. In that order because he liked to hunt and she thinks deer chili is better than beef. But we’ve eaten the last of it now and I’m uncomfortable accepting any other “sources” of it.” I explained. 

“Sources?” Ryker repeated in confusion. 

 “Michael’s friends who also hunt who now think they have a shot with me to get at Michael’s life insurance money, which they all have allusions of grandure as to how much I have and they want Michael’s stuff and live the idyllic life he seemingly led with me because and I quote “ I was their gold standard for a wife” while I was married to Michael and to them I say “Fuck off.” Because they’re all losers who I have absolutely no interest in, they’re repulsive to me because they did see Michael be an asshole to me and they would just laugh at his “jokes” at my expense and there is no way in hell I’m putting up with anything like that ever again and they can go to hell.” I reassured him which he beamed so proudly at me back. 

 “Well, how about this?” He claps his hands together and rubs his palms together. “You go and stock up on groceries for your time here, and I have tomorrow off. I can come over and show you some tips and we’ll take it from there.”

“Really?” I gasp in awe, a bright excited smile blooming on my face, lighting it up like sunshine itself. 

“Yeah, really,” he says with a grin.

“Let me pay you,” I quickly offer. “I can’t let you do that for nothing.”

He shakes his head. “No way. Not often I get to show off my skills to a willing audience, much less a more deserving one.” he grins. 

“Well, I’m a licensed massage therapist!” I counter. “Therapeutic and medical massage,” my cheeks burn. “I can give you a massage in payment. I'm licensed and everything.” I offer coyly. 

A shy smile flickers over his face. “A massage? Really? Would I have to get naked?”

I lose my breath for a moment at the thought. “Not unless you’d want to be, you’d be covered with sheets and blankets and stuff. I would just have to tell my mom to pack my table and supplies in the trunk,” I squeak.

“Never had a massage,” he says thoughtfully. “Ok, sure. One massage for cooking lessons it is!” Ryker agrees before Del sees us and comes outside. 

“Hey! What are you doing here?” Del asks as she tilts her head. 

“I thought I saw a wolf and freaked out like a spaz.” I admitted. 

“Well there are wolves around so it’s ok. Your mom said you’ve been painting.” Ryker quickly changes the subject. 

“Yeah, let me show you!” Del invites him in by taking his hand and dragging him into the house before she has him sit down on the sofa with her. 

“Wow! You painted this?” Ryker exclaims as he sees the works of art and is impressed by Del’s skills as Del started talking his ear off and showing him her old sketches but before we know it, he has to leave to go into to work and we have a wolf reserve to visit. 

And they do bring out the baby wolves who are cuter than a bug’s ear. So fluffy. After that I get a call from the mechanic, and the car is toast. Like it’ll cost more to repair it than it’s worth. So I tell him to scrap it and I call my parents and tell them the change of plans and to drive my camaro down because I know that won’t fail me which they agree to then I shoot a quick text to Ryker and inform him of the changes. Part of me really wants to see the look on Ryker’s face when he sees the car. I want him to like it. Hell even Michael knew it was a “panty dropper” and it was. Maybe, just maybe, if I’m really lucky, it might do that again. Hopefully. 

After we visit the reserve we head to Big Billy’s and I explain the new situation and now instead of renting the cabin for $65 a night, we now get to rent it for $100 a week, another ‘kid and bad luck discount’ which I won’t argue with and Del gets signed up for the kids camp which she is ecstatic to start that weekend, then we head to the grocery store which is amazing, packed with everything I could possibly want or need and I go nuts because if Ryker is coming over tomorrow, I’m going to show him my best dishes and hopefully he’ll like them. The only thing I notice that is strange is that there isn’t a meat section, there’s a seafood section though. An employee tells me the reason is because of the local butcher shop, it has a monopoly on the meat in town.

Del and I then go to the butcher’s shop to pick up meat. Inside it’s like a little deli, very cute and quaint. The man behind the counter looks like an angel in a painting. His hair is platinum white and he has the most amazing gray eyes.

“You’re new!” He says brightly. “What can I get you?”

“Hi, uhm, yes,” I chuckle. “We’re on a surprise vacation here. I just need to pick up a few things to get us through the week.” I say. 

“Well good, we’re happy to have you, my name is Adam,” He offers his hand for a handshake which I readily shake. 

“Zara Norris, pleasure to meet you and this is my daughter Delilah, Del for short,” I reply. Something about him makes me feel comfortable, like he’s the world’s friendliest puppy. And I look over his selection and my jaw drops and my mouth waters. He has the usual, chicken, pork and beef and a wide variety of fresh sausages. But he also has mutton, lamb and goat too, plus game meat!  Pheasant, boar, venison, rabbit, duck, goose and turkey, both wild and domestic. I want it all. That employee wasn’t joking when they said this place had the monopoly. They even have charcuterie in addition to the lunch meats and cheeses. I’m in heaven. So I get a bit of everything.  

After shopping, Del takes a bath using the bath bombs she’s brought with her in the big claw foot tub in my rooom as I’m putting the groceries away I hear something strange. I look around for a moment then hear something outside again. I go to the sliding glass door and push back the curtains which I had closed before we left, sitting in the trees beyond the porch I see a massive wolf. This one looks different than the one I saw earlier, this one is mostly black with bright blue eyes, almost husky-ish but still very wolf. 

I nearly scream but I keep myself quiet since I don’t want to freak Del out and I have to keep my own emotions in check because I don’t want to have another panic attack and start shocking again. I’m not sure what to do, I just stand there staring at it, breathing heavily, afraid that if I move my eyes away, it’ll vanish. The wolf gazes back at me with eyes so blue it makes me break out in goose flesh. It lifts its head then rises from the ground and I watch as it walks towards me and I can only hope it can’t break through the glass. 

“Can we talk?” It says.

I almost pass out but I shock, my whole body spasming and jerking as I cry out and whimper before I bend over and lean against the glass and try to catch my breath before I look up to see it’s in a submissive pose on the back porch before it tries making itself smaller by crawling on its belly towards me slowly, it’s tail tucked between its legs and it’s whining like it’s the one in pain. 

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, it’s ok, I’ll never hurt you I swear on my life, please, Zara,” it murmurs. “I don’t want you to be scared especially of me, that’s why I’m doing this now.” The wolf backs away as far away from me while still being on the porch before it slowly stands up on his hind legs, his body, taking on a more human shape and I suddenly realize it’s not a wolf wolf, it’s a werewolf. And it knows my name. 

Against all reason, I take it for it’s word and manage to recover and I bravely open the door and step out onto the porch but slide the door shut behind me.

“I’m sorry I…” he huffs. “I wanted to do this right, but I didn’t want to scare Del or you, especially you. I also didn’t want to force something on you if you weren’t ready.” It explains. 

I furrow my brow as I look at them and suddenly it clicks, the voice. “Ryker?” I whisper before I slowly start to walk over to him. “What’s-” I look around in a panic. “What the hell is going on?”

“Let me explain.” He walks up onto the porch. “Hearthway Hollow, it’s much more than what it looks like,” he says with a gentle voice.

“Wait. That wolf I saw this morning?” I realize and put two and two together. I’m an idiot. 

“It was Shahan,” he says.

“Is everyone here a werewolf?” I ask curiously. 

Ryker sighs and nods his head. “Let me explain, please.” He smiles gently at me. “It’s a long story.”

We end up sitting on the stairs of the porch, talking for a long time. He tells me how Hearthway Hollow is a sanctuary for werewolves, a place where they can find a home and not have to hide. There is a tradition when a ware finds their mate, one that requires consent at all costs. The ritual includes the ware going hunting and leaving dead animals for their intended to show that they can provide for them and their family. But since I had Del, Ryker didn’t want to scare her, let alone me. He decided to come to me, as he was, and explain everything to me and I’m so grateful, so so grateful he did and the longer he talks, the more human he looks, at least in his top half. 

“The moment I saw you in the restaurant I was absolutely floored,” he whispers. “But you had a kid, and a wedding ring and I thought for sure I missed my chance. But-” he laughs softly. “This morning, I was so excited when you messaged me I literally fell out of bed and hit my head and then when you called in a panic, I panicked and I had to fight not to shift to come running over and risk scaring you even more than I already have.” He looks at me with sad, soft eyes. “You just lost your husband. I didn’t want to force something on you and Del like this. Besides, you’re not going to be here long.” Ryker sighed sadly. 

“I’m not-” I hesitate and sigh. “I don’t think I’m worth it, Ryker.”

He stares at me in shock. “What?”

I sigh tiredly. “You’re a bit younger than I am, you have all kinds of possibilities ahead of you and you could get anyone you wanted and trust me, I have been through the ringer. I have...let’s just say that I’m obviously not mint in box.” I try to explain delicately. 

“No one is,” he scoffs.

“Listen,” I hold his hands in my own. “You deserve better than this, better than me.” I tell him and my heart breaks and my voice cracks. “I’m a widow with enough baggage to fill a jumbo jet. I’m a single mom to a precocious but supremely spoiled child. She is the only grandchild on both sides of my family. Not to mention the laundry list of health problems I have so much more than those migraines and the conversion disorder- I have Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, I’m manic bipolar, I have depression and anxiety and PTSD. I’m basically six kinds of crazy. I’m not great with money and the only reason I’m doing as good as I am is because Michael was and his father helped me with the life insurance policies so I didn’t blow it all already. I don’t want you to get your hopes up. I said that Michael’s friends thought I was the gold standard but that’s only because they don’t really know me. They haven’t seen me at 3am when I’m in the middle of a Crohn’s flare and puking my guts up and I’m dehydrated to the point my veins collapse and they can’t get an IV in and blow every vien they try until my arms are more bruises than anything and they have to resort to a picc line or a port. They haven’t seen me in a manic episode when I blow a thousand dollars on a shopping spree. They haven’t seen me in a suicidal depressive episode when I’ve tried to kill myself via overdose and have to commit me to a suicide center for a week until I snap out of it. Granted I’m on really good meds for the latter so those last two things haven’t happened in years but still. When I say I’m broken and you can do so so so much better than me, I mean it.  I’m flattered, I truly am but I can’t help but think you’re better off...” I’m cut off as Ryker kisses me. His lips are soft and warm and I cannot help but be pulled into him.

I meet his kiss, wanting it so badly. It’s been so long, so damn long and he tastes so fucking good! He wraps his arms around me, hugging me to his strong, warm body and I cling to him like he’s my lifeline. 

“I think you’re beautiful and definitely worth it. Even if you only have a dollar to your name, I don’t care, I can afford to take care of you and Del, no problem. None of those issues make you any less valuable, especially to me. I’m just sorry you suffer but if I have to spend the rest of my life in and out of hospitals or whatever, I’ll happily do it. You’re an investment, one that I’m happy to make and your love and affection is all the dividends I could ever want or ask for.” he whispers. “And when I look at you I don’t see what you see. I see my mate and to me that’s all that matters, I don’t want anyone but you and if I have to wait, I will, I’ve waited my whole life for you. I’ll wait as long as I need to because you are absolutely worth it. Plus I like Del, she’s funny and a much cooler kid than I think you realize, she’s awesome and if we gotta go slow for her we’ll go slow for her. You being a single mom? That’s not a problem for me, in any way shape or form. You aren’t used and broken like a box of tissues or a toy in a box. You’re a human being who’s lived in the world and this world can be heartless sometimes, no one makes it out unscathed.” he scoffs. “You’re this beautiful, soft, lovely and amazing woman. You’re so strong and resilient for making it this far. Give me a chance to prove it to you. Please.” Ryker pleaded as he holds my face in his hands so he keeps his gaze locked with mine and occasionally wipes the rivers of tears I’m crying away. 

I try to hold back the tears but I can’t. I bury my face against his chest and sob deeply. He holds me the entire time, rubbing his hand up and down my back. He kisses the top of my head and buries his face into the crux of my neck and shoulder and when I’m done crying, he wipes away my tears.

“I’m sorry,” I blubber. 

“It’s ok,” he whispers. He kisses my cheek then smiles lovingly at me. “Let me court you, while you’re here Zara,” he says gently. “Let me treat you like the queen you are and Del like the princess she is. We’ll figure it out.”

“Ok,” I whisper softly. “But you have been warned,” I sniffle.

“So have you.” He kisses me again. “I don’t intend to let you go so easily. So try all your tricks.” He chuckles. 

“Oh yeah, sobbing on your shoulder and telling you all my problems is a great one.” I try to laugh.

Ryker runs his fingers through my hair then cups my cheek. As I gaze into those beautiful blue eyes I realize I may not escape Hearthway Hollow and if I do, I probably won’t be gone for very long. 

[summerspn]

Batwoman

2019 series > Ep 1-3

*sigh*

Okay here goes...I’m going to break it down for you:

The trailers & ads:

I was skeptical about watching this show as all the trailers for it were terrible.

As a woman I can honestly say each and every trailer made me cringe & go ‘stop!’. They were SO bad.

But, that’s not the actors’ fault. They’re given lines they have to deliver on & Ruby Rose seemed to deliver on those decently enough I suppose.

In the trailers, my biggest issue was the terrible dialogue & poor makeup/wardrobe.

The campy style Batwoman costume & the sloppy bat tattoos...ugh! Why would anyone think that would be appealing?!

Now, onto the show...

There is one & ONLY one reason I watched this show...my mom! I figured I had to give it a shot. But it was not because my mom like it. She in fact, hated it!

My mom, who loves everything from medical & criminal dramas, to shows about witchcraft & medieval times. She somehow even loves campy movies like Dark Shadows. She’s a huge fan of Wonder Woman (comics, tv show & recent movie). She loved the Captain Marvel movie. She is a comic fan and loved Batman & Batwoman growing up.

Yet, she hates this show!

After seeing videos & online posts ALL saying it’s because non fans hate the show because they’re bigots, that’s not true.

The show is awful - so I suppose the trailers were accurate.

My mother could care less what people do for their own pleasure- and like she taught us, “as long as no one’s being hurt & it’s consensual, who cares?”

So right now, just to paint you a picture, neither her nor I care about the lesbian storyline in Batwoman. I don’t care if she’s gay straight, bi, attracted to pumpkins etc. Have at it.

The reason I chose to watch this show is because my mother loves fun well written entertainment & sometimes just silly fluff to get her mind off reality. And as my best friend we have that in common. Our viewing tastes are very similar. So when my mom says something was terrible, it piques my interest (much more than those awful trailers).

The actors:

Most of the actors aren’t bad. Since Dougray Scott is in this I take it as a comparison amongst the others. If you don’t know who he is ...he was in Ever After, Desperate Housewives, Fear the Walking Dead, Hemlock Grove and a thousand other projects. He’s a good actor. However, in Batwoman he has a few mistakes with his accent & delivery of a few lines (much fewer mistakes than the rest of the cast).

But all the actors have mis-steps with their lines & delivery of the lines. Whose job is it to stop them & try again until it’s good? The director

Some actors aren’t as strong as others but after watching the show, I think the strongest actors are: Dougray Scott, Nicole Kang, & Rachel Skarsten. They seem to work with what they’ve got. Trying their best. But the dialogue!

There was a line about Kate Kane having mixed feelings for her sister & didn’t want her hurt because “Duh, feelings”. .... 🙄...she’s a medical student?? The writers gave the actor THAT to work with? Okay...um, they couldn’t have done a second draft and tweaked it? You didn’t find it needed a little more work? Like wrote this instead “it’s only natural to be conflicted...” which makes her sound intelligent. Instead, “Duh, feelings”?!

Unfortunately we come down to Ruby Rose. She’s not a good actress. She seemed to be more talented in the trailers than the actual show but that was because she showed something I like to call emotion.

What happened? Every single line RR delivers has zero affect. Even when she’s literally smiling there is no emotion in her eyes....what only makes her look psychotic. And she moves her eyebrows up & down sooooo much. It’s distracting.

However, she (like the other actors) does seem to be trying. With that said, if you can’t be pulled into the character or the actors’ take on them then it suspends disbelief.

I have nothing against Ruby Rose but knowing she was a model gives context. They work with their eyebrows a lot & any acting they do is for about 20 seconds of a commercial. It’s clear that RR is tackling the tv show like she would a modeling job. Only now she has a s****y wardrobe.

However, she can’t act. She is monotonous & sounds robotic.

I do think though that’s made worse by the director probably not pushing to do enough takes. Sometimes directors instruct actors to act a certain way which makes them sound worse.

Ie) Hayden Christensen acted beautifully in an old tv show where he played a victim of molestation. In Star Wars a Phantom Menace he was apparently told to act more annoyed then angry so voila he came across as a brat...

So I do wonder what influence the director had here.

The wardrobe/makeup:

Papa Kane, Leaders of the Crows, my man Dougray...yes he still looks good in his suits but he’s always shown wearing the same suit. Wardrobe actually helps tell a story especially in a show like this. But it’s like the budget is too small or the director forgot about anyone other than Kate & Beth.

Morning scenes, have him with a little extra stubble, some make up to look like he has dark circles under his eyes. Ruffle his hair. Have him sitting in a hideous vintage t-shirt while they have breakfast. Kate could see how awful he looks and ask “did you get any sleep?” Then they could talk about how worried he is for the city, Kate, or even thinking about Beth! Kate could see the shirt & go “didn’t I get you that?” And he says “yeah for my birthday” and she says “that was ten years ago”.Boom! Shows he loves his daughter & a tiny bonding moment. ...but this never happened.

Luke Fox. Somehow they took an attractive actor and made him look about 20 years older just by wearing glasses that belong to Angela from Who’s the Boss!

Give Luke some 2019 glasses that sit properly on his nose! And the same for the rest of his clothes. They don’t fit right. The show is trying to nerd him up but you can make people awkward, nerdy , or quirky without downplaying their looks. Have Fox wear jeans with his vests, or a fun t-shirt with a suit jacket etc.

Kate Kane. She has the worst wardrobe in the show! Though Batwoman’s suit looks tacky & campy...

Give Kate nicer clothes! They do not need to be expensive but they do need to give her a personality.

1) Plaid...why? Lesbians wearing plaid is a stereotype so WHY would this show advertising itself as modern & breaking the barriers have their main character wearing something so cliche? Makes zero sense. However, since plaid (aka tartan) is making a comeback in fashion they could have used it (if they really had to) in another piece of clothing. A scarf, gloves, shoes? (I actually have a pair of red plaid boots which are durable and adorable). Throwing on a plaid shirt is just lazy.

2) Her hair. Okay so if they’re going for the short-during-military-training look I get it but Ruby Rose has the same hairstyle in everything. I wish she’d just either grow it out or chop it all off. They could have had a scene where she’s fiddling with it in the mirror like she’s self conscious about the new do...showing human insecurities.

3) The leather jacket. Sigh... okay this is my personal opinion but I think the black leather jacket in shows is used too much. It immediately signals strength & a tough exterior right? Well literally everyone knows this. It’s not subtle. I mean I love how it was used on Supernatural where the coat had a history but it was tied into a backstory and eventually was used less and less. But the leather coat was used more in early seasons (which was as far as 15 yrs ago). Other shows always have the ‘bad boy’ wear the jacket. It’s so boring. I’d rather if Kate strolled you wearing a fun typographic shirt or a basic t-shirt and have an expensive belt because she has a thing for belts (subtly nodding to one Batwoman has to use).

There were many choices other than a basic plaid top and black leather jacket. Wardrobe decisions that could give the character/actor subtle layers or tools to work with. But that too was done lazily.

Set design:

Dark & gloomy? ✅

Isolated & abandoned feeling? ✅

Appropriate to the corresponding event... 🙈 not so much.

Ie) the bridge where the family’s car fell off. Whether it’s done with cgi or finding the right location, the bridge in question was generic. Now if the bridge was higher up and/or there were super super wild & crazy rapids maybe, just maybe we’d believe Batman thought Beth was a goner. But it was actual fairly tame so it made Batman look like he just saw the car hanging and go “hey my shift ended an hour ago” and walk off.

And,

The “secret” entrance to the bat cave is in Wayne enterprises? Wouldn’t that be hard to get to? I can picture Bruce hanging around in the garage waiting to go in...he starts over to the door, someone comes, he stops...ya know because everyone knows him...

It’s just weird. There were so many other options.

Special effects:

Some have been pretty bad so far. This is a CW trait. I don’t know if they separate the budget for the directors or not. Is it all one lump number or are they told ‘this is for the production & this is for the special effects?’. I wonder because other CW shows seem to have tiny budgets allocated to the effects. In any case, a show about super villains & heroes needs bigger budgets so it looks more believeable.

The writing:

The writing is just bad. Writing lines like “duh sisters” for a character who is supposed to be educated & intelligent seems ridiculous.

Question - if Bruce Wayne has family why didn’t he stay with them when his parents died? Or they with him? Is this a plot hole from the comics or just this show?

Unrealistic. Yes it’s a superhero story but we care less if the person has all their skills & abilities immediately.

My bff and I love superhero shows but we both had the same problems here as with Supergirl. She just had her powers & didn’t really struggle with them. I watched 2 episodes & was bored already.

Batwoman was so boring but I wanted to see if it got better. It hasn’t.

This show needed to spend episode 1 where she’s discovering how bad Gotham was without Batman & where he went. Is he doing a really long pub crawl? Saving people in another country/city? Dead? Kate shows zero concern for her missing cousin & for some reason, hates him.

Kate immediately knowing how to use the bat equipment with zero practices...how at the beginning she’s swimming in ice water for no reason and doesn’t get hypothermia?? That’s all very unbelievable.

Kate is written as Mary Sue. She knows all & has the most skills in the world! Why??? Okay so she was in the military so yeah give her a backstory of taking taekwondo classes or something but for her to know how to do Luke Fox’s job better than he does? Or where the cameras are at Wayne Enterprises...more than the security team?? And to know what the computer password is, okay... basically she has to be great at everything & the other characters have to be written dumb in order for Kate to be appealing. Why?

Bashing Batman...in a show based in the bat-universe. Terrible move. Kate doing this repeatedly makes us think she’s a villain. Not a hero.

Bashing everyone with male genitalia...makes Kate look like a pr*ck. You can hate certain men you’ve known but to constantly reference women as being superior to men...

1) negates equal rights. You can’t be equals if you act/think/say you’re superior.

2) any boys watching this show is going to feel like something is wrong with them.

3) it’s sexist.

Just like many of us women grew up hearing repeatedly that men were better at this & that...

4) male bashing IS spreading hate. STOP.

That is actually why (more than anything) I didn’t want to watch in the first place because of how the trailers made it sound like they were bashing a whole gender.

Too much too soon. Revealing Alice is Beth in the first episode? Why? Drag it out an episode or 2. Each episode is both boring and yet they try to cram everything into a single episode it’s bizarre.

Ridiculous scenarios. Like Batman would leave a child to drown. And why didn’t Beth/Alice just go home or contact the police...or anyone...when she got out of the water all those years ago? Why does Kate keep letting her sister go when the woman is a multi-murderer?!

Yes, Kate is still hung up on her ex but it was years ago & she was the one dumped. And Sophie is married so Kate is coming off like a stalker 👀

All of it makes Kate look unsympathetic & unlikeable. The show isn’t funny except when we hear bad dialogue. It’s trying to be overly dramatic like a soap opera but it still doesn’t work. I think that’s due to the writing & the directing.

Now don’t get me wrong, even with RR’s lack of acting skills there are ways of making it work...that weren’t done.

Keanu’s Reeves isn’t the most skillful actor but he tries. He’s good at certain things & sticks to it. He knows where his skills are. Yes he’s improved but he’ll never be able to pull off an intense dramatic role. So he sticks to what he’s good at. He’s also a good person & tries to talk openly & intelligently about things so he has people’s respect IRL.

Ruby Rose has been touchy & volatile about people criticizing Batwoman. That made me lose what little respect I had for her.

Awhile back I had tried watching this design show (yes I like those too) Love it Or List It Vancouver. The show was fine but the designer Jillian was being critiqued left right & Center on social media after the pilot episode for sounding like a child. She used phrases such as; “totally”,”for sure” , and used the word ‘like’ a thousand times... she really did sound like a valley girl. However, about 5 episodes later that was gone. She was speaking more eloquently and more grown up - which in turn made people like her more. She & the show worked to help improve her speech patterns so it wouldn’t be distracting. And the show has been around for years now.

My point? RR could have taken the criticism & worked with it. I get she’s probably upset as she worked hard but we all go through it. We all have a project of some kind at work that falls flat. We take the criticism & try to improve. RR could take acting lessons or at the very least, practice in the mirror.

Most of the other issues I’ve mentioned are a result of the awful writing, poor direction & likely some interference from the network.

What this show should never have done was act superior. That’s being a douche. Anytime I see or hear someone being arrogant like that I just roll my eyes and walk away (or in this case, turn the channel).

If anyone working for the CW and/or Batwoman reads this I hope you’ll take some pointers.

I like myself too much though to subject myself to anymore episodes though. I’m done. ✌️

[croissantbae]

So Many Things

Its Monday Oct 28 and I am finally fully recovered.  I think Jason’s been really worried about me because when he was in SD I downplayed things and told him I was fine because I didn’t want him to worry while he was working; so it was a bit shocking for him to see just how bad things really were when he came back.  I was writhing in pain pretty often, unable to do anything but just crouch in pain, holding onto my stomach.  Then when the pain subsided, I was so hungry but couldn’t eat whatever I wanted to so I grew weak.  There were a few times when I felt despondent because I was just so damn tired.  The mornings were the hardest. I would desperately want to go back to sleep but couldn’t.  Over the weekend he kept telling me to go lie down, that he’d watch Naya, etc. but even if I did lie down I couldn’t get any real rest. My mind wouldn’t shut off.  It was so frustrating.  Finally on Sunday afternoon, Naya went to sleep and he asked me how I was doing. I told him to be honest, I’m between normal and low.  But a part of me wonders if this is just like one big extended hanger spell.  Or moreso than hanger, if its hepression.  He made me a delicious grilled cheese and I ate some leftover biji with bap and felt surprisingly good.  That night I also had an ice cream bar and Jason was like “she’s backk.”  And I really was.  I felt completely fine again. I wasn’t as tired, frustrated, just generally lethargic.  I felt awake again.  I think it would be really sad if I could never snap out of it.  I imagined Naya growing up with a mom who is always sad and tired.  BUT I’M BACK BABY. 

Onto the next topic, Naya is SO FREAKING CRAZY.  She’s a happy and fun baby any time she’s not being put down for a nap.  Once its nap time/sleep time, the battle begins.  I truly can’t understand what we’re doing wrong.  I don’t think she’s hungry but the easiest way to put her down is through breastfeeding.  However, I don’t want her to get addicted so we keep trying to teach her to self-soothe but my god does she hate it.  It scares me for what she’s going to be like as a toddler.  I can already imagine all the sass, attitude and screaming that’s coming for us in our future. Even when she babbles now it sounds like she’s telling us off.  She’s lucky I think she’s cute.  She’s looking more and more like Jason lately. I think her eyes are like mine, which is primarily why she looks so much like me but when shes sleeping you can really see Jason’s face (since her eyes are closed).  

[cancerianprincess]

Birkin Bag (2)

|Part One|

Summary: Erik finds out he might’ve rubbed off on his best friend a tad too much and that she’s really with the shits

Warning: Language, Angst, Kidnap Mention(s), Mild Violence

Quick A/N: Didn’t plan on doing an OC, but still wanted ‘Reader’ to have a name, so you are Aniya, Aniya is you, & that’s “Y/N” for the series. That cool? Everybody got it? Aight bet 🙂👍🏾

~~~~

“I bought my bitch a Birkin Bag so she could hold my fucking strap..”

____

“It’s been two days now, can’t we just kill him already?”

“No, stupid! Do you want to start an international incident?”

Erik could only roll his eyes at the bickering taking place in front of him. They couldn’t have possibly been professionals, because professionals never discussed business around their captive, or argue, to put it more accurately. Still, they weren’t totally inexperienced either, and that’s probably what pissed him off the most about this situation.

“Man whatever, I’m tired of this ‘being patient’ shit.”

“Well that’s what yo’ ass get for giving him the wrong injection! Ain’t nobody fault but yours he was out for a day and a half, we coulda been got somewhere with the operation.”

Him of all people, Erik ‘Killmonger’ Stevens, Prince N’Jadaka of Wakanda, had been taken down in his own home. And even if it was late when he got home from the range with Aniya, he still should’ve sensed them from a mile away. Though he couldn’t be too hard on himself, because thanks to the big, burly, Harambe looking nigga in the corner, he had given him a run for his money in that fight. That dude was damn near bigger than M’Baku!

“Fuck the plan, I’m bout to just shoot this nigga right now.”

“Tee, put the gun away. What part of ‘no’ don’t you understand?”

Nevertheless, now wasn’t the time to think about that. Before the vaguely familiar woman could put a cap is his ass, Erik needed to concentrate on how to escape without breaking the promise to his aunt and cousins that he’d never go on another psychotic murderous rampage ever again.

“Please? Just one to the shoulder, that’s all I’m asking.” But Harambe wouldn’t give in to the whining.

“You heard what the man said, we gotta wait til she notices he’s really missing.”

His brain had been multitasking the entire time, dually focused on both the conversation and breaking free of his restraints, but when the word ‘she’ hit Erik’s ears, he only had to ponder for half a minute until it registered. There was only one female he was tight with that would think to immediately come to his aid in circumstances such as these.

‘It’s a trap.’

Alarm rapidly grew in the pit of Erik’s stomach, but he refused to let it show. He wasn’t sure how to make it happen, but if there was any chance to prevent Aniya from getting hurt, he would have to play it cool in trying to get the two captors to accidentally disclose pieces of their strategy to him.

“Aye...Aye!”

They turned around at his second shout, realizing that Erik was actually speaking to them now.

“Look, Jay, he’s finally talking to us,” the girl cooed, pretending to be honored. Her partner whipped to peer at her with a hint of panic. “How the hell you gon’ just throw my name out there like that, Tracee?”

She simply scoffed. “Bruh, you literally did the same thing to me, like just then.”

“And?” Jay shot back. “He been awake for a good minute now. Ain’t no telling what he already done heard.”

“Exactly. So stop bitching, aight? He gone be dead soon anywa-”

Erik cut into their dispute with an intentionally exaggerated laugh, which gave him precisely what he wanted.

“Yo, y’all funny,” he joked, drinking in their irritation expressions. Time to follow his asshole side with the playboy act. “Listen, y’all two real cute and allat, but say shawty, why don’t leave ol’ Magilla Gorilla over there alone and come talk to a real man?”

Tracee’s face fell blank for a second or two before brandishing a wicked grin that was semi-genuine. She retrieved something from the table they were working at and began stalking her way over to the chair Erik was strapped to.

“Yeah, gone head and cut me out these ropes, ma.”

He didn’t really except her to comply that easily, but if she got close enough, one good head butt would do the trick. All he’d have to then was get loose, grab the gun from her hip, and tag Big Boy one good time so he could dip.

But unfortunately for Erik, the woman advancing on him wasn’t about to let that happen in the slightest. Tracee knew if anything could weaken her prey, it was the file she held in her hand. Which is precisely why she threw it open in Erik’s lap after drawing her weapon, placing it to his temple. She nudged him with the barrel, silently prompting him to take a look at it.

“You know if I were you, I’d shut my mouth and open my eyes instead,” she purred. “Save as much energy as possible.”

Erik bore his daggers at her for another moment, but reluctantly did as he was told and inspected the image lying on the very top of the pile of paper.

“Because that smooth talking ain’t gonna get you far with me,” Tracee continued, her voice growing darker with each word she spoke. “Unlike it did with my sister, sadly.”

That’s when any sort of guard Erik had up began crumbling away.

He thought he recognized the crazy bitch towering over him, and when his gaze fell on the name at the top of the folder, he knew exactly how he knew her. Through clenched teeth Erik asked her, “‘The fuck is this?” His voice was low but the bass in it caused his barely audible question to be heard. Tracee responded with malicious snickering rather than an actual answer as she backed away from him slowly. Erik repeated himself again, only this time he roared it, finally tearing away from the black and white photo that was now burned into his memory.

Still the woman said nothing, merely flickered her eyes to a spot behind Erik to glance at the source that would rebuttal in her place.

“Don’t ask questions you don’t wanna know the answers to, homie.”

It was a third voice that Erik had yet to hear since waking up in the foreign location, but before he was even able to identify it the third stranger struck him with something blunt, delivering a hard blow that knocked Erik out cold.

********

You felt something was up by the third day. Erik never missed a chance to taste your mom’s cooking, except for the rare cases when he was otherwise occupied. Even in those instances, he would always ask you to snag him a to-go plate to retrieve later on. So when he never showed up for dinner that Sunday afternoon without a heads up, it had been icing on the cake.

Granted, it wasn’t like the two of you constantly stayed up each other’s asses and talked every single day, but 72 hours of complete radio silence? No texts, no call, no stupid Snapchat, absolutely nothing. There hadn’t even been one single funny tweet sent to your DM’s and it just didn’t seem right. Plus, Erik’s fatass never turned down some good soul food, so after lumping two and two together, your better judgement was done taking the back seat. Something was definitely wrong.

“Your boyfriend not coming for dinner today, Aniya?”

“He’s not my boyfriend, Ma,” you said, rolling your eyes at her obvious teasing. She merely smirked, thinking otherwise by how frequently you were checking your phone. You fed her the first sensible excuse that came to mind as an attempt to downplay it.

“The center has some kind of conference or something coming up, so they probably had Erik on call for the prep work. But because you’re so worried about him, I’ll go fix him a plate since he’s your ‘favorite child.’”

That had been several hours ago, the recent memory playing back of you ambling into the kitchen to mask your jittering leg. Now you were hurrying towards Erik’s front door, having practically sped over to his apartment the minute you reached your car. But after making the walk from the elevator, your hand stopped short of knocking, eyes alert once spotting that the door was already hanging open slightly. You inched it open a little further, tapping twice with your knuckles just in case anyone was still inside.

“Erik,” you called out. “Yo, you in here?”

No answer came so you proceeded to investigate with caution, but instantly felt a wave of queasiness bud in your stomach due to what you saw next.

Nearly everything in the main room of the two-bedroom had been trashed. The couch was slanted at an odd angle, no longer in its designated place, while both armchairs had been overturned on their sides. Shards of what used to be the glass coffee table laid scattered across the living room floor along with all the items it once held. There was even a rather large hole in the wall closest to the hallway. All clear signs that there’d been a struggle or fight of some kind.

As soon as shock loosened its grip on your body, panic took over and sent you searching through each section of the apartment, yelling for Erik the whole way. Your feet raced from room to room, your mind going twice as fast trying to piece together what could’ve possibly happened. None of them appeared to have been damaged; the kitchen, bathroom, home office, and Erik’s room all remained untouched, but unfortunately empty as well.

Returning to the starting point of your search, anxiety continued to flow through you as you placed your hands on your head, thoughts bouncing around like rapid fire.

“Who would attack Erik? And in his own house, at that? I mean, sure he’s done his fair share of wrong, but he’s been making up for it all since coming back from his first trip to Wakanda,” you thought.

No matter who was behind this or why, you knew you had to track them down quick before Erik relapsed back into his old ways, or worse. The list of enemies was potentially endless, with the outreach center opening and newest addition to the United Nations and all, but you figured you had to start somewhere. Right as you reached for your phone, racking your brain on where to even begin, it went off in your pocket. In fact, it buzzed continuously, signaling more than one new notification:

Unknown (3)

At first you raised a puzzled eyebrow at the screen, but given the circumstances decided to click on the messages rather swiping them away. When it opened the first thing you saw was a shared location, leaving you even more confused than just a few seconds ago. But when your gaze drifted up to the bubbles above it, confusion quickly evolved back into panic.

‘If you want your boyfriend back be at the old Stokely Warehouse by midnight. Come alone.’

The next one was even more grim than the first.

‘No cops or we put a bullet in his skull.’

You blinked at your phone several times, gradually letting your mind wrap around the seemingly unreal situation that was now at hand. You had to have been staring at it for a good bit, because you only zoned back into reality long after the device’s screen had went black.

And that’s when it all hit you like a ton of bricks.

Erik had really been taken by some mysterious ass goons.

Who had evidently been tracking his whereabouts.

Or the movements of the apartment at the very least. That had to be it, for it was the only way they could’ve known to send you the demand right then and there. And now they wanted you of all people to be the one to go and retrieve him.

But that was the question, though: why you? If it was money these people were after, you certainly didn’t have it. They should’ve hit up the Wakandan council for that; it wasn’t necessarily a secret anymore regarding their wealth, or Erik’s true identity, so demanding ransom from them would have made more sense.

None of that mattered now, though, because the bottom line was that your best friend was in danger. You registered the fact that Erik’s specific skill set would probably kick in and he’d off every last one of those dumbass bums, but instantly remembered that he was on a different path now. You were so proud of him for attempting to overcome all the traumas of his past and trying to shy away from the ‘Killmonger’ persona, and now who knew if this would trigger a setback for him? Just thinking about either dilemma and its following outcome was enough to launch your anger into overdrive.

You bolted from the loft, dialing a number while backtracking to your car. Starting the engine and reversing from the parking space in record time, you began leaving a voicemail for your boss when she didn’t answer. Not going into specifics, you simply spun a tale about some ‘family emergency’, knowing it would get you at least the next week off. That way, you’d have plenty of time to save your partner in crime and put the bitches in the dirt who’d started all this. Maybe ask questions first, if you felt like it.

But before any of that could happen, you zoomed through the night, shredding back to your place for a swift pit stop inside. Because if you were gonna do this, you would need the bag Erik had brought back for you from Wakanda.

~~~~

*Y’all I’m so sorry 😭😭 I know this one might have been a teeny bit long but it’s just how it ended up flowing but still, thanks as always for reading and sticking with it!! 💋”

|Part Three|

~Taglist~

@iamrheaspeaks @princesskillmonger @eriknutinthispoosy @wheredidallthedreamersgo @sonofnjobu @bidibidibombaclaat @turn-thy-paige @ayellepea @another-imaginesblog @mzbritt @youreadthatright @chaneajoyyy @theunsweetenedtruth @marvelpotterlove

[breilobrealdi]

Hi! I saw your requests were open. Would you please write a bff slytherin x Hufflepuff where Slytherin is becoming more popular and social and reserved Hufflepuff is proud of him but starting to get jealous because she secretly likes him? Thanks!

N/A: I’m sorry for the late reply, but here it goes! I hope you like it. ~ And I’m sorry in advance for any possible mistakes as English isn’t my first language. 

Words count: 2 296.

She knew something had changed the moment new people started to gather around Sly more frequently. It all happened after the quidditch match, when Sly managed to score the winning point for his team in the last second and as a result he ended in the Hospital Wing. She was dead worried about him, but he dismissed it smiling proudly, glad of having been able to make those Gryffindor bite the dust for the first time in almost three years. She had contradictory feelings, wanting to reprimand him from his unconscious actions but also congratulate him as she knew how hard he had worked. She ended up giving him a soft punch on the shoulder, followed by an enormous hug, careful of not squeezing him too hard. He was still hurt, after all. 

‘You did it Sly, you won! All thanks to your own effort. I’m really proud of you, I knew you could it.’ 

His smile was so big then, she wondered if she wouldn’t become blind. It felt like looking directly to the sun. Her sun. ‘However…’ She continued and her new tone made him wary. ‘If you ever think of doing something that stupid again and somehow end up dead, I’m going to find the way to grab your stupid ass back from heaven to kill you myself. Am I clear?’

He chuckled at her words, knowing how she didn’t like to curse and that was the nearest she was of doing it. 

‘Roger, captain.’ he answered with a little smirk.

‘Now.’ before he could try to stop her, she messed with his hair as if it wasn’t already horrible enough.

‘Puuuuff.’ he whined, giving her the I’m-goning-to-kill-you-you’re-lucky-I-cannot-move-right-now look. 

‘I need to go, otherwise Madame Pomfrey might force me to drink one of her horribly disgusting potions. Try to rest as much as you can, so you get out of here as soon as possible.’ She waved her hand a little walking towards the door, but then paused for a second. ‘You were amazing today Sly, just… Be a bit more careful next time, okay?’

She disappeared before he could say anything in response. ‘Have a good night and try to not scare too much the other patients with your snoring!’

The next day when she came by to visit, she found some other Slytherins with him. Closing the distance between them, she smiled to herself, they were talking about the match and how cool he had been. Sly had always had some trouble connecting with other people of his house, so that was a big improvement! She left the cookies she had made for him with the other presents and waited patiently to be able to talk to him, it was obvious how much Sly was enjoying it and she didn’t want to interfere. 

It took three days for him to completely recover from his injuries and by then the whole school seemed to know him. Walking together, some people that had never talked to them before began to greet him, ‘Great work, Sly!’ ‘Keep doing!’ ‘We’ll be cheering for you next time!’. She wasn’t really sure how she should behave or even if she should say anything at all in those situations, but Sly seemed happy so it was okay with her. Some Ravenclaw offered to lend him their notes from the last couple of days and after what he told her, the other Slytherins were organizing a party for their next journey to Hogsmeade. She couldn’t stand crowds as they tended to made her feel a bit anxious and he knew it, but she didn’t say anything. He could have fun even if it wasn’t with her. 

Usually, they would have breakfast and dinner together, whether in her table or his, it didn’t really matter, but that little by little changed as more Slytherins joined them. 

‘I’m sorry, Puff. Apparently they feel a bit uncomfortable sitting at the Hufflepuff table, but I’ll try to convince them for tomorrow…’ she was weak to him and his pleading eyes went straight to her heart, there was no way she could say anything to hurt that little sweetheart. 

‘I understand it, Sly. Anyone would feel embarrassed surrounded with people they don’t know, right?’ she gave him a smile, trying to downplay the issue. ‘Don’t worry, tomorrow then.’

But then another day passed and another, and then a week. And they still haven’t sit at her table. As time went by, it became slightly more difficult to be next to Sly. He would always be surrounded during meals, which made it impossible to sit next to him without gaining a disgusting glare from someone else for stealing their place. They used to be partners in their common subjects but it wasn’t the case anymore, only for Herbology. And even that one came to an end. 

She was coming into the classroom, talking with another Hufflepuff when she saw her and felt momentarily frozen.

‘Are you okay?’ asked the other Hufflepuff with concern when she suddenly stopped talking.

‘Oh, yeah. Sorry, I just remember there’s something I have to do. Don’t worry.’ 

‘Alright… See you later.’

‘Yep, see you…’ She couldn’t avert her eyes from the other girl. Amanda something, she couldn’t remember her surname. She wasn’t very fond of gossip but she remembered some girls saying she was a pureblood that was going out with the captain of the quiddich team. She was beautiful, but in her usual place next to Sly and her gestures suggested she was flirting with him. That made her heart ache. Well, maybe she was wrong. After all she didn’t know her and it wasn’t nice judging people just like that. She decided the best thing she could do was going there and introduce herself before she could jump into any other conclusion.

‘Uhm… Hi.’ she said shyly, a bit too low maybe. 

Sly smiled in her direction while the other girl just gave her an uninterested look.

‘Hey, Puff! How have you been doing?’

‘Uh, not bad. Remember that movie I talked you about last time? My mom sent it to me, so… If you want… We could watch it on Friday?’ she proposed him. 

Actually, she had had the movie for a while now but hadn’t the opportunity to tell him. Her eyes were full of hope, her heart beating like crazy. Please say yes, please say yes, please… 

‘Sure, I would love it. I know we haven’t been spending a lot of time together lately and I’m sorry for it, so… This would be the perfect opportunity to catch up with each other.’ Sincerity was clear in his voice and that made her forgive him for any previous sadness. 

‘Cool! I’ll might bake some cake then, for the occasion.’ she offered excited.

‘Then, your common room by nine?’

‘That’s perfect for me…’

Amanda audibly cleared her throat, drawing their attention back to her. 

‘Oh, that’s right.’ Sly now seemed a bit guilty. ‘Actually Puff, I wanted to ask you something. Amanda is having some trouble with Herbology and thanks to you I’ve improved a lot, so she asked me for some help. Would you mind if today she sits here?’

‘Ah…’ Disappointment washed over her and she wasn’t able to completely hide it before it became noticeable. ‘Uhm, sure, no problem’.

‘Are you sure it’s okay with you?’ he frowned. 

‘She just agreed so it’s fine. Right, Puffy?’ asked Amanda with an overly bright smile on her face that didn’t seemed very real. Her heart sunk. Plus she didn’t like being called that way by her…

‘Yes…’ She didn’t want to make a big deal of it, if it was just for one day…

‘But—’ he wasn’t convinced. 

‘Whatever you want, Sly. I don’t mind.’ she shrugged, not looking him in the eye.

‘Okay, but I promise it will be just for today.’

She went to the back of the classroom looking for an empty sit and her façade fell as soon as she did, suddenly feeling her throat very tight. She missed him. She missed her best friend. And if things kept going like that…

On Friday, not only did she bake a cake, she prepared their favourite ice-cream, cookies, chips bags… That night was important, it was going to be the first time in a really really long time they would be able to spend some time alone. And so she wanted it to be perfect. By half past eight, she already had everything she could think of ready. It had been one of the longest days in her life, time going as slow as possible and she knew that the remaining half an’ hour was probably going to be even worse, but the waiting would be worthy. Laying on the sofa, she closed her eyes and let out a tired sigh. She was exhausted, the stress from the exams, not sleeping well, her worry… It was tiring. 

Fortunately, Sly would be there soon and everything would be alright… 

She must have fallen asleep because when she opened her eyes, her muscles were screaming at her for having been in a bad position for too long. She rubbed one of her eyes, sleepily looking around. What was taking Sly so long? Her sight went over the computer, where it clearly showed that it was already half past ten. She felt despair extending over her as realization hit her. He didn’t come. He hadn’t shown up. Her thoughts kept going around, trying to come up with some excuse of why wouldn’t he have been able to go… Then, it stroke her. What if he was with that girl, Amanda, again? What if they had decided they would like to know each other better and they were… That single thought was like a kick in what was left of her heart. A single tear fell down her cheek.

Finally, it hit her. She liked him. She liked him and she was condemned to lose him to Amanda for not having realizing it before. She was so stupid… 

‘Puff!’ she heard a familiar voice out of breath, calling her. ‘I’m sorry I was late. They almost caught me up when slithering out of the common room and had to fake that I had some headache and was already sleeping.’

As he approached her, more tears were flowing down and she wasn’t able to stop them. She tried, seriously, but it simply wouldn’t stop. As soon as he saw them, surprise and worry was evident on his face. 

‘What happened? Are you okay?’ he had never seen her crying before, except for once and it scared the shit out of him. He kneeled in front of her trying to look at her eyes. ‘Does something hurt?’ A doubt assaulted him and anger quickly made its appearance. ‘Did someone hurt you? Tell me who it was, I’ll make sure he or she pays for it, I promise.’

She shook her head, unable to talk nor calm down. 

Getting to the conclusion that he wasn’t helping and wouldn’t have an answer anytime soon, he sat next to her and hugged her, resting his chin on her head. ‘It’s okay little one, I’ve got you. You can let it go.’

So he hadn’t abandoned her… When she tried to speak, her voice sounded a bit hoarse. 

‘I thought…’

‘Yes?’ he encouraged her to continue.

‘I thought you were with Amanda, I thought you had forgot about our appointment… About me.’ she sniffed, shrinking into herself a little from shame. 

‘What? I would never forget about you! No way, that’s impossible. Nope. Never.’ He went silent, thoughtful, before speaking again. ‘I think I haven’t been the best of the friends lately and I wanted to properly apologize to you about that. I’ve… I’m not accustomed to receive such an attention from everyone and I guess I got carried away, I don’t mean to use it as an excuse, though. I’m really sorry Puff, I never intended to hurt you.’

Assimilating his words, she could already feel the hint of a smile on her face. She has been always able to tell when he was honest and he moved her heart. 

‘You’re an idiot.’

‘Does that mean you forgive me?’ he asked, raising his brows. 

‘You already know the answer, silly.’ she could finally stop wiping tears away and she completely relaxed against him, closing her eyes. ‘Even though, you must have infected me with your stupidity. I’m sorry too, I should have talked to you, tell you how I felt.’

‘Well, what’s important is that we’ve sorted things out and we are good.’

She nodded and it was a minute too late when she started to realize that they were still embraced. She blushed a little and before things could turn too awkward, decided to point out.

‘What about watching the movie now, then?’

‘Which movie?’ he repeated confused. ‘Oh, right. The movie! Yeah.’ 

His touch was gone and she regretted it a bit, while he stood up to grab the computer and press the play button. Back on the sofa next to each other, it had been only a few minutes until he re-opened his mouth, a little smirk dancing on his lips. ‘So… Were you jealous of Amanda?’

‘Oh, come on Sly, shut up!’

‘Or what? Will you shut me up?’ his grin only grew bigger as he noticed her blushing again.

‘You’re incorregible.’ 

‘Only for you, baby.’

If only that was true.