#I have princes and presidents knocking at my door to hang with me

[remma-demma]

Selene is 10x more sociable than N’eph

[xhoneygirlxx]

Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince

Steve Harrington x Reader

summary: The cheerleading and boy's basketball coaches are the talk of Hawkins High. When they can't seem to put two and two together, the students have to take matter into their own hands to get the pair together.

warnings: fluff. Steve and reader are both in their 20s. gender/body size/ethnicity are not discussed (the name of the fic was simply picked based off of one line). a little cameo from our favorite metal head. a bit sappy but who cares. idiots in love. we stan the students in this fic, they were doin god's work frfr. also modern au! spelling errors/shitty writing, i'm sick so forgive me for any mistakes lmao.

*if i miss anything please let me know*

a/n: As we all know, today would have been the last day of Honey's birthday bash. That was the plan my friends but bc of party festivities, hangovers, and now a bad cold, we are now behind on schedule. Thank you all for hanging in there with me :) I hope you all enjoy this, love you bunches!

The whole school is rolling fake dice.

Whispers traveled through the echo chamber hallways, bets being placed with the shaking of hands, and gossip being passed back and forth in the lunchroom like a breadbasket at dinner. All anyone could talk about was the two coaches that were blind to their own attraction to one another.

Unbeknownst to you and Steve, you guys were in the middle of a storm of circulating rumors since the beginning of the season. From the moment you two met all hell broke loose, a wildfire spreading through the classrooms of the school.

Everyone could see how much you liked each other, it was so clear like the scoreboard that shined brightly in the gym, except for you. The perfect love story, the cheerleader and jock, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

It started as a game between the cheerleaders and the basketball players, betting on who would break first and finally make it official. Soon it became a game amongst the rest of the student body, all of them biting at their nails and crossing their fingers in the hope that one of you would crack.

To everyone's disappointment, neither of you ever did. It was exhausting watching the two of you dance around your clear feelings for one another. The two of you tried to play it cool, act like any of the accusations were just that, accusations. But it was there, bright as day, on display for the whole world to see.

It was in the way your eyes would find each other's in a crowded room, feather light touches that would linger for way too long, shy smiles and rosy cheeks. The way you talked to one another was anything but two people who worked together. It was teasing, flirty, and breathless any time you talked.

There was a big wager for this whole thing, which team would win the biggest check and which one would have to fork over all the money. The cheerleaders and half of the school had their money on Steve, his reputation as a ladies man helping them with their decision. The basketball team and the other half of the school bet on you, knowing you were more outspoken then he is.

Now it's been months since the bets were placed but neither of you finally crossed over the line from friends to lovers. So the cheerleaders did what they do best, they rallied everyone on their side, made a plan that would guarantee their win.

Winter formal was only a week away, both of you were sure to chaperone without a date. So the cheerleaders got to work, making sure their plan would be executed flawlessly.

Phase #1: Plant the seeds

Two loud knocks against the heavy wood door of Steve's office bring him out of his computer screen. Shouting a come in, he's met with the sight of the student council president, Lauren McPhee who holds a white paper.

"Sorry to bother you but I need this form filled out for the dance next week!" She's too chipper for a Monday morning, smiling brightly like the sun that hangs in the cold December sky.

"Oh yeah, let me just get a pen." Wheeling back on his desk chair, Steve begins to pat his shirt while looking around at his cluttered desk for the writing instrument.

Once he snatches the ballpoint pen from under the stack of papers, Steve grabs the flimsy sheet from Lauren's hand and scribbles down his signature on every empty line.

"Alrighty, there you go." With a tight lipped smile, he hands it back to the nice girl.

Steve watches as her eyes flit over the paper, flipping it front to back to make sure everything is filled out properly. When her features twist in confusion he can't help but wonder why.

"Everything look good?" He questions and she shakes her head while still reading over the curled letters of his name.

"Y-yeah, it's just," pulling her lip between her teeth, Lauren begins to chew on it anxiously, "the section for your date has been left blank. Excuse me if I'm crossing a line here, coach, but you're not bringing a date?"

Her voice is sympathetic, lips pulled into a deep from and her eyes sparkling with pity as she looks at the older man. Steve isn't sure why she seems so upset about him going alone or why it would be a problem, but when she looks at him like a dog that's been kicked he feels the need to answer.

"Oh, well I don't really have anyone to take. Plus it's more important for me to be paying attention to the punch bowl to make sure no asshole- I mean jerk, spikes it." With a forced laugh, he waits to see if his answer is enough to suffice the girl's curiosity.

"O-oh that makes sense I guess, I just though maybe you and the cheerleading coach would go together. You know cause they're also going alone and from what they told me, they never been to their winter formal before." Shrugging, the girl moves her sights from him back to the paper.

"They told you that?" Steve's answer is met with a hesitant nod from the girl. "I-I didn't know that." He breathes.

"At least they'll finally be able to go, right?" Again she shrugs, pulling a folder from her bag to put the paper away.

"Wait!" It comes out louder than he expected, cringing slightly at his volume. "Can I hold onto that and then had it in later?"

"Sure! I'll be back on Wednesday." A sunny smile shines at him, the white paper being passed back to him. "See you then, coach."

Waving him goodbye, Lauren shuts the door behind her where the cheerleaders wait for her. With a singular thumbs up, they begin to jump with joy only for a moment before moving on to phase two.

Phase #2: Destroy the band room

Now destruction of school property was not something any student was willing to get written up for, but with the help of an adult maybe they wouldn't have to.

Mr. Munson was the band instructor and drama teacher, as well as Steve Harrington's right hand man. Before he was an educator, Eddie Munson menaced these halls for many years. Before getting his act together and after he quit selling weed to the students in the woods, he worked as an apprentice for a while, following a plumber around for months while he went to college for education.

"Mr. Munson come on, don't you want to see your bestie finally get a happy ending?" Karissa Thomas batted her eyelashes at him as she begged for his help.

"I don't know guys, I could get into a lot of trouble." Rubbing his forehead, Eddie sighs as he weighs out his options in his head.

"Think of it this way, you can finally give principle Higgins the finger. At least metaphorically." Anthony Whitmer adds.

"Plus, we'll give you some of the profits." Mark, another band kid pleads from the group.

Eddie leans against his desk wide eyed, smirking slightly at his band students. Who knew they would be so devious.

"Fuck it, I'm in." The group before him shout in victory while Eddie laughs devilishly. Somethings never changes, he thinks.

So this morning when he arrived at school, Eddie made sure that no one was around when he began fucking with the pipes. After about twenty minutes and sore upper arms, he finally succeeds by springing a leak.

When he reported the leak to principle Higgins, he was met with a side eye before getting the approval of the gym slot after school, which meant you and your team would be forced to share with Harrington and his team until it got fixed.

Phase #3: Offer planning services to coach Harrington

Now to bring this whole plan together, cheer captains Dan Morrison and Amber Hall needed to be in the same place at the same time as Steve Harrington. The only problem was his office and where he usually occupied the most was the east wing of the school. The east wing was the closest to his office and it was the least traveled hallways out of the whole school.

That meant they needed to make it look like they were that way for a reason. Luckily for them, the art room was also in the east wing, so they would make it look like they were grabbing poster boards for last minute winter formal posters.

Lunch time was the best time to put this into motion, so the minute the 11:50 bell rang, Dan and Amber sprinted to the east wing in the hopes they would catch him.

After rummaging around for glitter, markers, and poster boards, the two waited at the door, peaking over the frame in the hopes to catch the older man. When the door of his office opened, the two seniors began to walk out of the room talking about random things to not make it look so obvious.

In the hopes of sparking a conversation with him, Amber dropped the container of markers causing colorful pens to fall all over the hard floor.

"Amber, I told you not to drop them!" Dan laughs, putting the white posters to the floor in order to pick up the rolling markers.

"You made me laugh!" The girl argues back, laughing loudly as she crouches to help.

"I didn't even do anything." He replies, making the girl laugh even harder at his comment.

The echo of Steve's heavy footsteps could be heard by both teenagers, but they ignore it so he wouldn't catch on.

"You guys cool?" Steve asks, crouching down to help pick up what fell.

"H-hi coach," Amber greets, catching her breath from her heavy laughter, "We're okay, Dan just made me drop these."

The boy in question huffs and rolls his eyes playfully, continuing his actions of gathering the rest of what's on the floor.

"So what are you guys doing with all this, anyway?" Steve asks, pushing off on his knees to stand.

"Oh, just last minute posters for the dance." Dan says nonchalantly as he gathers his pile of supplies.

"You're going, right?" The young girl asks and Steve responds with a small sigh, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Yeah I'll be there." Nodding his head, the man places his hands on his hips looking at the two kids in front of him.

"That's fun! Are you bringing a date?" Amber wiggles her eyebrows.

Shoving her playfully, Dan looks at her with a gasp. "Oh my gosh, Amber you can't just ask that. Sorry, coach." Doing his best to look sympathetic, Dan offers his best smile to the older man.

"It's okay, Dan," Steve places a hand out, looking at the brown haired boy, "Actually, I was wondering if you guys could help me with that."

"Sure!" The cheerleaders agree in unison.

"Let's talk about this in my office." Pointing a thumb to the end of the hall, spinning of the ball of his foot to lead the way.

Steve defiantly doesn't see how bright both of the teen's smiles are from where they walk behind him and he surely doesn't see them giving each other a high five.

Phase #4: Get you to go to the parking lot before practice

This phase was probably the hardest of them all. You were very keen on punctuality, always the first to be at the building to make sure everything was set up. Now that you'd be sharing the gym with the basketball team, you were more than likely to be there a whole lot earlier than usual.

Now this is where the most important players come in, Lauren Hernandez and Simon Carter. The two freshmen were bright stars at Hawkins High, the leading members of the mathletes and very trust worthy students.

When this whole plan started it was known that they'd need someone who was convincing to divert your attention, so the two meek students volunteered without a second thought. The amount of money they'd win if coach Harrington made the first move was way more important than credibility at this point.

When they spotted you coming through the outside gym door, the two kids began to put on their show. Rushing through the two gymnasium doors, Lauren and Simon pant acting as if they ran a mile.

"C-coah, we need-" Simon bends over, bracing his hands on his knees while breathing heavily, "We need your help!"

You immediately drop your bags, sprinting over to the two youths. Worry is written all over your face, eyes immediately checking for any visible injuries on them.

"I-is everything okay? What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Placing a hand on your chest, you wait for them to catch their breath.

"There's a fight outside. Max Newman and Devon Lewis are fighting in the parking lot." Lauren rushes out, eyes wide and glassy under the gym lights.

You're more than shocked at the news, the two boys have been great friends the whole time you've coached them. In a flash, you urge both kids to get coach Harrington from his office while you break up the fight.

What you don't know is neither Simon or Lauren have to get him, waiting until the slam of the heavy gym door both run after you to make sure they don't miss a single moment.

Rushing through the entrance doors, the cold winter chill instantly hits you but you don't pay too much attention to it when there isn't a fight happening.

When you walk outside, you see your team of cheerleaders lined up on both sides of the steps, a red rose in each hand. As you walk, they hand them to you, bright smiles on each of their faces when they do.

You can't speak with the amount of confusion that runs through your brain. Even though you want to ask them what all of this is about, you just let your feet carry you out into the parking lot.

You jump slightly when you hear Wildest Dreams being play, the only difference is the band kids stand off to the side with their instruments. Giggling slightly, you imagine Eddie Munson teaching his kids a Taylor Swift song but Bridgerton style.

With a bundle of roses in hand, you continue out into the snow covered parking lot. Under the street lights you see him standing with his hands in his pockets. Behind him stands some of the drama kids, holding big white posters. Taking a moment to read the blue and silver lettering, you gasp when it finally hits you.

F O R M A L ?

Tears prick your eyes and not just because of the cold winter wind. The thought and dedication that went into this must've taken so much (more than both of you even realize), you're heart beaming with the thought of Steve putting this together.

"So what do you say, coach? Will you do me the honors of being my date to the dance?" Steve's cheeks are red and his teeth glimmer under the florescent lights.

You can't help but let more tears fall, all of the pining and wishing finally coming true under the darken sky, right where the two of you first met. It feels too good too be true, a real life fairytale happening in real time.

"Of course I will." It comes out loud enough for only him to hear, the two of you looking at each other in adoration.

In a split moment, Steve's strong hands pull you in and wrap you in the tightest hug, something you dreamt of all this time. Even in the cold temperatures, his body heat, his touch holds the heat of a thousand suns.

The roaring cheer of all of those around you, besides the band who continue to play, fills the open air. You and Steve are so wrapped up in each other you don't even notice the flash of the camera, Andrew Johnson of the yearbook committee getting multiple shots of the whole thing.

Pulling back enough to look at one another, you smile brightly up at him. Steve looks so pretty like this, cherry nose, snow flurries collecting in his eyelashes and hair, and a smile so sweet it could rot your teeth.

"I can't believe you did all of this." You say with a laugh, shaking your head in amazement.

Chuckling slightly, he looks down bashfully at you. "Yeah well, I had some help." The two of your look all around the parking lot where multiple students stand, all from different clubs, groups, and social brackets beam and cheer for the two of you.

The two of you turn back to one another, gooey looks on both of your faces and love filling your eyes. "Who would've thought." You say breathlessly and he agrees.

"Can I kiss you?" It's breathless and hopeful when Steve says it, and you're answer is just as breathless.

Connecting his lips to yours felt like two puzzle pieces fitting together, it's feels like home, and it feels right. Like a snow globe, you and Steve are frozen for just a moment under the December snow.

I hope you all enjoy! Love you all <3

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[djmossback]

Spacebar 20 May 2023

Third Space Saturday

The Set 2100 to 0153

Sade, Hang On To Your Love (12”, Long Version)

Joe Jackson, Steppin’ Out (12” 45 RPM CUT)

INXS, The One Thing (Extended Version from the Deka-Dance ep)

Cameo, Back and Forth (7” edit, on the 12” single)

Prince, I Wanna Be Your Lover (7” 45)

Haircut One Hundred, Love Plus One (7” 45)

Police, Roxanne (7” 45)

UTFO, Roxanne Roxanne (7” 45)

Soho, Hippychick (12” Cut)

Lakeside, Fantastic Voyage LP CUT

Mark Morrison, Return Of The Mack LP CUT

Bee Gees, Jive Talkin’(7” 45)

Alan Jackson, Chattahoochie (7” 45)

Michael Jackson, Workin’ Day And Night (7” 45)

Bay City Rollers, Saturday Night (7” 45)

S.O.S Band, Take Your Time (Do It Right) (7” 45)

David Bowie, Let’s Dance 12” cut, long version

Stealers Wheel, Stuck In The Middle With You (7” 45)

Average White Band, Pick up The Pieces LP CUT

Amii Stewart, Knock On Wood (12” Cut)

Human League, Human (12” Cut)

Orb, Little Fluffy Clouds (12” Cut)

Commodores, Lady (You Bring Me Up) (7” 45)

Mos Def, Ms. Fat Booty (12” Cut)

Scritti Politti, Sweetest Girl (12” Cut)

Abyssinians, Declaration Of Rights LP CUT

Kate Bush, Sat On Your Lap (7” 45)

Cheryl Lynn, Got To Be Real (7” 45)

Soft Cell, Tainted Love (7” 45)

Generation X, Dancing With Myself (7” ep )

Dry Cleaning, Scratchcard Lanyard (7” 45)

Tommy Tutone, 867-5309 (7” 45)

Junior, Mama Used To Say (12” Cut)

Siouxsie & The Banshees, Peek-A-Boo (12” Cut)

Kylie Minogue, Can’t Get Blue Monday Out Of My Head (12” Cut)

DEVO, Snowball (remix) (7” 45)

TLC, No Scrubs (12” Cut)

Vince Staples, Norf Norf LP CUT

Apollonia 6, Sex Shooter (12” Cut)

Pet Shop Boys, West End Girls (12” Cut)

Nazareth, Hair Of The Dog LP CUT

Rufus Thomas, Walking The Dog (7” 45)

ZZ Top , Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers LP CUT

Bob Seger System, Ramblin Gamblin Man LP CUT

Cure, The Walk EP CUT

Sleaford Mods, Nudge It LP CUT

Presidents Of The United States Of America, Lump LP CUT

Ruts, Babylon’s Burning LP CUT

Cramps, What’s inside A Girl (12” Cut)

Cypress Hill, How I Could Just Kill A Man (12” Cut)

Killing Joke, Follow The Leaders LP CUT

Stooges, Loose LP CUT

Bad Brains, Pay To Cum (7” 45)

Rick James, Super Freak (12” Cut)

Climax Blues Band, Couldn’t Get It Right (7” 45)

Cyndi Lauper, Girls Just Want To Have Fun (7” 45)

Link Wray & His Ray Men, Rumble LP CUT

Thin Lizzy, Boys Are Back In Town LP CUT

Jay-Z, 99 Problems LP CUT

Gap Band, You Dropped A Bomb On Me LP CUT

Cars, Gimme Some Slack LP CUT

Booker T & The MG’s, Hip-Hug Her LP CUT

Ice Cube, Amerikkka’s Most Wanted (12” Cut)

Leroy Sibbles, Express Yourself LP CUT

Heatwave, The Groove Line (7” 45)

Fred Schneider & The Shake Society, Monster (12” Cut)

G.Q., Boogie Oogie Oogie (7” 45)

Devon Russell, Move On Up LP CUT

The Clash, White Man In Hammersmith Palais (7” 45)

Ray Bryant Combo, Madison Time LP CUT

Eddie Cochran, Twenty Flight Rock LP CUT

Moon Mullican, Seven Nights To Rock LP CUT

Fugazi, Song Number One (7” 45)

Laid Back, White Horse (12” Cut)

Kendrick Lamar, YAH LP CUT

I was late. Did yardwork and took a walk, and got my wife out the door to her night shift. Then I dozed off. Woke up, got going.. Did not prepare anything different for the night. I just took an extra box of 45's. I need to get the library together! I have a lot of records, in no real order…..

Order. Maybe that’s not who I am. I have to try. Who knows whether I will keep it together, but I’m going to have to try, just to honor the creators of these records, to serve the interests of the people who provide the theater of operations I’m working in, and to the people who wander in, to have a drink, to play a game or make a connection somehow. At the very least, do no harm to the vibe.

LEAVE THE VIBE CAMPSITE IN BETTER CONDITION THAN YOU FOUND IT!

[httpswwwtbhkcom]

Hi could you do cheater hanako x fem!reader. Hanako felt that y/n was not paying him attention and he to get her back he started hanging out with yashiro more and y/n went in the bathroom to find them making out.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

A/n: OH MY GOSH THAT’S SO SMART- WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT– I’d be more than happy to fulfill your request!

THIS TOOK SO LONG IMSORRY– YOU PROBABLY FORGOT ABOUT THIS BUT I FINALLY FINISHED IT!! JUST FORGET THAT IT’S BEEN SO LONG KAY?

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

Title: Empty Promises

Pairing: Hanako(Yugi Amane) x Reader

[@httpswwwtbhkcom’s masterlist]

Warnings: slight ooc characters, not proofread, mentions of cheating, grammar errors,

In this story, all the characters are slightly older than what they canonically. Yashiro being 16-17ish, Y/n being Yashiro’s senior, is 17ish going 18, Teru is also 17 going 18, something like that. But you can ignore this as it isn’t much of a changer in the story(except the parts where Y/n going to college is mentioned- Just do whatever you’d like with this info)

Genre: Angst

Keys:

Y/n- your name, s/o- significant other,

Reader: Female

Click here to see the other part(s)  - Part 1 (Here) - Part 2 

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

“Good morning, my Y/n! How was your night?” He wrapped himself around you as you organized paperworks at the student council room. “Were you thinking about me?” He asked playfully, wiggling his eyebrows.

You scoffed and chuckled. “Maybe.” He awed “You definitely did! Bet I was your knight in shining armor. And you were my damsel in distress.” Rolling your eyes, your mind immediately came up with an idea. You slightly leaned onto him as you looked up to meet a curious pair of eyes.

“Oh my knight in shining armor, please do help me, your damsel, in distress.” You added sarcasm to the last words. He grinned, now playing along. “Oh my lovely princess, what can I, your knight, aid you with?”

You handed Hanako a huge pile of papers and sat on your chair, filling out some paperwork. “Can you place them on the President’s desk?” You gave him a sweet yet smug smile. He groaned. “You baited me! Again!” He complained, pouting at you. You laughed, waving your hand. “You are going to help your damsel right? Well, off you go! I’ll give you a reward when you come back~”.

“Oh and greet Teru for me!” You exclaimed, giving him a kiss before continuing your work.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

Hanako continued to frown as he fled towards the said president’s office. ‘I hate this.’ he grumbled to himself, before remembering he could teleport. He called out his haku-joudai and sent it to Teru’s office. It failed. “Huh?” He said confused. Then it dawned on him. “Right, that ‘School Prince’ placed a barrier. Great.” 

He continued to float towards the office with a grumpy face.

Once near the destination, Hanako put on a happy facade and quickly knocked the wall, knowing that electricity was flowing through the door. “Come in!” A smooth male voice said from the other side. “I would if you take out the barrier!” Hanako exclaimed back.

A woosh was heard before the President himself came out with a faux smile on his face. “Come in. Hanako.” He said the name with venom that Hanako immediately obliged. Once inside, Teru frowned and crossed his arms, watching the ghost’s every move. Hanako scoffed then smiled. “No need to be rude, jeez. I’m just here to give you the paperworks from Y/n. She said hi.”

The blond male sighed. “Just place them on my desk. I really have to tell her to bring it herself next time..” He muttered to himself.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

Hanako teleported back to your office to see that no one was there, he looked around. Were you hiding? Where did you go? He went around the hallways trying to find you and call your name.

“Y/n? Y/nnnnn- where are you?” He whined. “I sent the papers to him as promised. WHERE IS MY KISS?!”

Hanako looked left and right for you in the hallways. Each second, getting more and more worried. His worries were changed to relief then annoyed. You were with a student, who was close to you as he chatted with you. The student waved and bid goodbye after he needed whatever he asked from you.

You stood there, going back to the office until you noticed Hanako in the hallway. You sheepishly smiled and held his hand undetectably, then went back to the office. “Who was that?” He asked, as soon as possible when the two of you were in the room. “It’s a student asking for help about something.” You answered. He crossed his arms. “Asking you on a date?”

“What- No! He was asking for help with his assignment. We’re classmates.” He let out an ‘oh’, his arms falling beside him. You sighed and slightly shook your head. “I’m not going to dump you for someone else, Hanako. I only have eyes for you.”

He immediately smiled and tackled you to a hug. “Awww, I knew you wouldn’t cheat on me!” You hugged him back, smiling as well “Of course I wouldn’t.”. As a reward for helping you, you gave him the long awaited kiss, which he immediately warmed up to. After a long moment, you thought it was time to let go, once you did, Hanako whined, the warmth gone.

You sat back at your desk and began to write down on another worksheet. “Ugh, you’re always writing something.” He pouted, his translucent body resting on the table trying to cover the paper. You paid no mind. “I have to. It’s my college application.”

He shot up. “C-college?” You nodded. “Y-Y/n- you don’t need to go! Don’t go. You’ll have everything here- you can live here, you can- Tsuchigomori-sensei will teach you! You don’t need to leave..”

“It’s my last year here, Hanako. But don’t worry. It’ll be a few months more before I leave. I’ll visit you too if that makes you happy.”

He sighed, a frown still in his face. “You have to promise me that, Wouldn’t want your oh-so-lovely boyfriend alone do you?” You shook your head smiling, you and Hanako intertwining pinkies to bound the promise.

“I promise.” Hanako’s lips turned upwards to a grin.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

Time skip to after school. Hanako hugged you from behind. “Finally! We can be together.” His voice was cheery. You gave him an apologetic smile. “I can’t Hanako. I have to continue to fill out my college application-”

“It’s always ‘Paperwork, paperwork. I have to finish my forms!’” He impersonated your voice. “I just want to hang out with you, is that too much to ask?!”

“I-”

“I just want to be with you! Since the start! I wanted us to be close! I thought that maybe after we got together, we’ll be together and you won’t leave me. Isn’t that how relationships work?!” Tears threatened to fall from his eyes, while you watched him guiltily.

“Hanako I’m-” You reached for him but he slapped your hand away. He looked down. “I’m gonna get some fresh air. Give me time to cool off.” Before he could teleport away, he dared to look at you. Seeing the hurt and guilt in your eyes, he closed his eyes shut.

A moment after he left, you muttered his name. ‘I didn’t know this was affecting him that much.. I’m such a bad s/o..” You decided to do the form later and went to the bathroom, hoping to see Hanako there and apologize.

“Ah, Y/n-senpai!” Yashiro exclaimed, she stopped sweeping and noticed your sad expression. “Is everything alright? What’s wrong?”

You both sat on the cleaned floor, as you vented your feelings to Yashiro. She patted your shoulder for comfort as you sulked. “I’m sure you and Hanako-san will solve this problem soon. I know you both love each other so much.” She smiled, but her heart ached as she spoke.

“I guess.. But we’ve been a bit... We don’t hang out much anymore. I guess that’s mostly my fault because I’m always busy with work.”

“I’m sure he understands.”

The door opened to see Hanako. You quickly stood to your feet and tackled the ghost, muttering apologies. You felt Hanako slowly wrapping his arms around you, mentioning Yashiro and the mokkes to leave.

Once the door closed, he spoke up. “I’ve been a jerk to you too. You’re not the only one who’s regretting their decisions.” He stopped for a while, playing with the hem of your uniform. “Just please stay with me.”

“I will.”

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

After that argument, everything went back to normal. You continued to spend time with Hanako, and still managed to do your student council duties. With the help of Hanako, you managed to finish all your work for the time being.

But even after that, that doesn’t mean the other students won’t ask you for help.

“Why won’t they ask that school prince for help instead?” He waved his hand in front of the student, who was oblivious. “Maybe Teru’s busy. I’ll hang out with you later, Hana.” You muttered to Hanako.

“Did you say something?” The student looked at you from his paper, briefly pausing.

“Nope! Nothing.” You blurted out.

“Fine! I’ll hang out with Yashiro then.” Before you could bid him goodbye, he was out of your sight. You told the student to focus on his work while you thought about Hanako. ‘I hope I wasn’t too mean.’ You thought to yourself, brushing off the heavy feeling, as you told Hanako you’d hang out with him later.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

You bid goodbye to the student before parting ways. You stretched your back, hoping to go back to your sweet-sweet bed and lie down. You yawned. “Going somewhere?” You jolted at the voice, turning around to see Teru smiling. “Yeah.” You quickly answered. “It’s late, you should rest. I’ll let Akane take care of the current work you have.”

You shook your head. “No need, I already finished all of them.” You turned your back, waving. “I have to go. You should go home Prez.”

You paused, before continuing. “And at least give Akane a break.”

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

You opened the door, expecting to be greeted by Hanako’s arms. Instead, the room was empty. No one was there. “Hanako?” You called, looking around. “Where are you?”. Looking out the window, you saw Hanako and Yashiro at the garden making flower crowns. You focused your eyes on Hanako, seeing him smile, flowers on his head, and having fun.

You smiled, going down to join them.

“You guys seem to be having fun.” You grinned. Yashiro’s eyes widened in surprise as she didn’t notice you. Hanako jolted, before smiling wider and pulling you beside him. “I made a flower crown for you!” He took a flower crown of your favorite flowers and gently placed them on your head.

“A crown fit for a queen.” You felt heat rush up your face, smiling widely that you can’t control it. “Thank you, my king.” You tackled him and filled his face with kisses. Hanako laughed and tried to return the affection.

Unbeknownst to the two of you, Yashiro sat there with her arms crossed. A frown on her face.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

“What?” You said, staring in disbelief at the piles of paper in front of you. “I gave Akane a work off, as you said. But I’m really busy today so I can’t do this myself. Can you do it for me? Please.” You were one of the two people Teru would give work to. The other one is Akane, of course.

“I-” Looking at his eyes, he seemed a bit desperate. You sighed. “Fine.” His eyes shone brightly. “I knew I could count on you! See you!” 

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

You started going back to your habits- not like you wanted to anyway. You didn’t have time for Hanako. He felt as if he was just thrown to the side as you continued drowning yourself in work.

Another person Hanako would go to was Yashiro. She wasn’t in the student council. She was free. She and Hanako met way longer than you and him. She was the one he could trust when you weren’t there.

As he hung out with Yashiro, going on adventures and missions, you were at school stressing yourself out. You yearned to at least rest with Hanako and cuddle with him. The thought briefly calmed you.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

“Yashiro! Watch out!” Hanako yelled as a monster began to raise its weapon. Before it swung, Hanako managed to pull Yashiro to his chest as he threw the knife to the enemy’s weak point. He sighed in relief, looking at the girl.

“Are you alright?” He asked, looking for injuries. She nodded, heart beating fast either from adrenaline or by how close she was to him. “That was fun!” He exclaimed. “Too bad Kou and Y/n weren't here.. Just you and me.” Yashiro muttered the last part of the sentence because she felt flustered.

“Yeah. I know Y/n would’ve liked being here..”

“Hey! We’re here. Don’t be sad. We can still have fun!” Yashiro’s words seemed to cheer Hanako.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

As time passed, Hanako noticed that Yashiro liked spending time with him, so he took advantage of her to make you jealous, hoping for you to pay him more attention. So they continued to hang out more, Hanako hoping you’d notice and do something about it.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

Days turned to weeks. You finally noticed that Hanako slowly stopped coming to visit you. This was the last month before school ends and you wanted to hang out with your boyfriend before you have to enroll in college.

‘I don’t think I have seen Hanako for so long. Is he alright?’ You muttered a curse under your breath for being too absorbed in finishing everything and not caring for your boyfriend’s wellbeing.

You decided to visit Hanako and plan to spend your last moments before graduation.

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

“Hey Hanako. Are you and Y/n still dating?” Yashiro blurted out of the blue. Then, her eyes widened, thinking Hanako might’ve thought the wrong idea. “W-well. I thought of it because I haven’t seen Y/n with you. So I assumed you both broke up.”

“We haven’t broken up..” He answered. “But we haven’t been together either. I don’t know what phase of the relationship me and Y/n are.. She keeps ignoring me.” Hanako frowned, trying to remember anything you and him had done over the past few weeks.

“You’re such a great guy, Hanako.” Her confidence seemed to skyrocket. “When we go on adventures together, with or without Kou and Y/n, you’re the one who keeps us safe and the one who makes us happy.” Yashiro smiled, as a blush spread across her face. “If we’re together, I’d...“ She stopped for a brief moment, intertwining their fingers and staring at his eyes with something he was familiar with. The same look you gave Hanako when you first started dating.

“I’d stay with you as long as I can.” She muttered sheepishly. His eyes only widened. His heart palpitating. He sat still when she slowly leaned onto him, chests touching, nose brushing each other.

With all the confidence and bravery Yashiro had, she closed in the distance she and Hanako had left. Hanako’s breath hitched when they kissed. But he soon melted into it as he craved for the feeling you couldn’t fill no longer.

Hanako tilted his head to deepen the kiss. Yashiro let go of his hands and sat on his lap, her hands on his shoulders to support herself.

For Yashiro, she thought her feelings were reciprocated. That Hanako had loved her while they were on their adventure.

For Hanako, he wasn’t thinking about Yashiro kissing him. He loved the attention and affection she gave him. But he was imagining you making out with him instead of Yashiro. 

Too absorbed making out, they failed to notice a figure on the door watching. You clenched your uniform as your heart pounded crazy. Tears quickly blurred your vision as it fell down your cheeks. “I can’t believe you..” You sobbed. “You cheater!”

Your loud voice seemed to break the two’s moment. When he noticed you, he pushed Yashiro off him, going his way to you in panic.

“Y/n, It’s not what it looks like! She kissed me!" He tried to hold your arm, only for you to yank your arm away from him. “And you kissed back!?” You exclaimed. “I can’t believe you!”

“Y/n I was thinking of you that whole time! I swear.” You scoffed at his excuse, roughly wiping your tears. “And yet you kissed her? Hanako, what’s wrong with you?” You cried out. Yashiro quickly stood up and stayed there sheepishly, feeling guilty.

“I love you Y/n, you know that! It’s just because you’ve been so busy with everything that we can’t hang out anymore. My heart hurts because of it!” He gripped his clothes where his heart was located to show how hurt he is. 

You were conflicted if it was your fault that this relationship didn’t work, but you told yourself that Hanako had cheated behind your back, anger quickly clouded your emotions. “Then why don’t you crawl to Yashiro and make yourself feel better?! Huh? You seem to like her more!” 

Yashiro flinched when her name was called. Hanako became irritated. “Fine! I love Yashiro too. There, I said it! Leave her out of this.” Your heart broke. “Maybe I’ve developed feelings when you weren’t with me-” You slapped him, not wanting to hear another word. Hanako hissed out in pain as you screamed at him. “Don’t pin the blame on me!” You choked a sob, tears became uncontrollable as it continued to pour down your cheeks. 

“You were the one who got feelings. If you do love me, you won’t fall in love with any other girl. I trusted you, Hanako.” You clenched your fist, looking away from him to something else. “Maybe we aren’t meant to be.”

He froze. Hanako wanted to move, to hug you and tell you to not leave him, that he still loves you, but his body was stunned. He was forced to watch as you walked away from his life.

Yashiro reached out a hand for the heart broken ghost, but pulled back. “Hanako, I-”

“Leave me alone. Get out.” His shaky, despaired tone didn’t help much for Yashiro to leave. She wanted to comfort Hanako from the breakup she had caused. When Yashiro didn’t respond, Hanako turned to her, showing his teary eyes and irritated expression. “I don’t want you here, I said get out.”

Without another word, Yashiro obeyed him. She walked to an empty corridor and leaned on the wall, sliding down to the floor. “What have I done?”

☽✧ ✦ ✧☾

A/n: it’s finally doneeee!! I really had fun writing the part where Hanako and Yashiro kissed (my favorite part in this fic tbh cause angst-). Thank you for being patient, and I hope you have a great day/night!!

[dramioneasks]

HP FESTS: Dramione RomCom Fest (Part 1)

Dramione RomCom Fest 2020:

12 Years and 3 Months by pixiedustandbluebutterflies - T, one-shot - As news of their engagement takes Wizarding England by storm, elusive power couple Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger are finally sharing their love story in this Witch Weekly interview!

50 (First) Dates with Hermione Granger by HufflepuffMommy - G, WIP - Draco Malfoy sets his heart on romancing Hermione Granger, but she has short-term memory loss; she can't remember anything that happened the day before. So every morning, Draco has to woo her again. Her friends are very protective, and Draco must convince them that he's in it for love. Plot (andsummary) taken from the movie "50 First Dates" for the Dramione RomCom fest!

About Time by WordsmithMusings - E, WIP - When Draco's Father reveals to him that the men in their family have the ability to travel back in time, he uses his newfound gift to do many things - save a life, be a better friend, reconnect with a witch, and fall in love.

All's well that ends well (to end up with you) by weestarmeggie - M, one-shot - Hermione Granger is all set to be the maid of honor at her best friends wedding. She is taken back when she finds out that the best man is none other than her ex-fiance.

Away by In_Dreams - E, WIP - Desperate for a change of pace, Hermione unknowingly commits to a home exchange with Pansy Parkinson and finds herself swept up in the chaos of New York City and into the arms of Draco Malfoy. Dramione/Hansy. Loosely inspired by The Holiday.

Bells on a Hill by HeyJude19 - T, WIP - Left by his fiancée a month before the ceremony, Draco never got his dream wedding, so agreeing to assist Granger with her own wedding planning to distract himself from his broken engagement seems like a great idea—though Draco probably shouldn't fall in love with the bride-to-be. Based very (very) loosely on The Wedding Singer.

Chasing the Future by Rdlentz8 - T, WIP - An unusual and anonymous Patronus finds a frustrated Hermione alone in the library and talks to her about being lonely. Could this be the push she's needed to change her fate? Inspired by A Cinderella Story. There are direct quotes from A Cinderella Story.

Domino Effect by KoraKwidditch - M, WIP - Resolved to live her life in Muggle London, Hermione Granger finally felt free. Free from the Ministry, free from her celebrity status and everything that entailed. But who knew that one cataclysmal incident would lead her straight into the Malfoy's den and down a series of unfortunate events? At least they think she's a Muggle.**A Dramione retelling of While You Were Sleeping**

Fairytales and Wishes by Charlie9646 - T, one-shot - All Scorpius wants is for Hermione to be a nice step mother, but somehow that sort of gets lost in translation with his accidental magic.

Flipping Through the Pages by DarkAngelOfSorrowReturns - T, WIP - Draco Malfoy had a fascination with a popular book series and its writer. His life changes when he meets her.

The Hate List by bethelson - T, WIP - While chaperoning the post graduation trip, Hermione and Draco find themselves wandering the streets of Paris in the middle of the night, fruitlessly searching for the seventh years they were supposed to be in charge of. What Hermione doesn’t know, is that those seventh years struck a bargain with Draco to keep her occupied so they could sneak out for a last hurrah before they all head back to London. So in his efforts to derail her search, he convinces her to join him in their own night of frivolity. As they paint the city red, they slowly learn to let their guards down, and find that putting the past behind them allows them to finally focus on the present. ___ My contribution to the Dramione RomCom Fest!

Hollywood & Vine by dreamsofdramione (Bugggghead), msmerlin - M, WIP - As the manager of an occult bookstore currently renting a room from an old friend and living paycheck to paycheck, Hermione wasn’t exactly living the Hollywood dream. But her life is turned upside down when a chance encounter with Tinseltown’s current heartthrob, Draco Malfoy, leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew about life and love. or the one in which Hermione unintentionally falls in love with a movie star.

Home is Where the Heart Is by lrs002 - T, one-shot - A rewrite and Draco/Hermione look at basically the last scenes of the movie Sweet Home AlabamaOr in the other words: The Wedding and the Kiss

How to Lose a Wizard in 10 Days by GracefulLioness - E, WIP - Hermione will do anything to prove to her boss at Witch Weekly that she's ready to take on more serious topics, including dating a man just to drive him away for the sake of her next column, How to Lose a Wizard in 10 Days. But pushing Draco Malfoy away proves to be a challenging task, perhaps because he's got ten days to make her fall in love with him. Inspired by How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

It Happened One Knight by Klawdee - T, WIP - “A spoiled heir running away from his family is helped by an old classmate, who is actually a journalist in need of a story.” Based off of the 1934 film, It Happened One Night

It's All In The Malfoy Family by TwilightToMidnight - M, one-shot - Over a decade of longing and desire comes to fruition one night. Not quite the way Hermione expected but definitely with a bang. Everyone and their dog seem to be working against her. For the 2020 Dramione RomCom Fest. Loosely based off Sabrina (1954 - with Audrey Hepburn).

Love, Actually in Dramione by Blessedindeed - G, one-shot - I absolutely love the movie "Love, Actually" and was so excited to make some art pieces from a few of the more memorable scenes! Many thanks and kudos to QuinTalon & NuclearNik for hosting and being such amazing encouragers to everyone! I cannot wait to dive into all these fun pieces!!

Love, Hermione by pandora_rose_xo - G, WIP - When Hermione leaves some personal letters lying around in a sleepy haze, Dobby comes across them, and trying to be helpful delivers them to their recipients. Who were never supposed to see them.

Metamorphosis by persephone_stone - T, WIP - Draco Malfoy is king of Hogwarts High—student body president, captain of both the water polo and basketball teams, and boyfriend of Astoria Greengrass, the hottest girl in school. That is, until said girlfriend returns from Spring Break with some unexpected news: she’s dumping him for a college boy. Now, Draco is on a mission to win her back. And who better to help him turn into a more intellectual, cultured version of himself than Hermione Granger, the smartest girl in school? As he and Hermione spend time together, will Draco learn how to be the right type of boyfriend for Astoria? Or will he instead learn that maybe Astoria is not the right type of girl for him? Written for the Dramione RomCom Fest, based on the 90’s teen romcom She’s All That.

Midnight in Paris by Aneiria - E, one-shot - ‘Granger,’ Draco replied, casting a quick wandless charm to clean his own clothes. ‘Want to watch the magic you’re casting next time? Whatever spell that was, it nearly took both of us out.’ Hermione’s face settled into a frown of confusion. ‘I thought that was you,’ she said, hesitantly. ‘I wasn’t using magic.’ They both looked away at the same time, taking in their surroundings. ‘Where are we?’ Hermione wondered out loud, as she spun on the spot and took in the sights. It was the wrong question, really.

My Big Fat Muggle Wedding by BiscuitsForPotter - G, one-shot - Draco's gotten more used to having Muggles as future-in-laws, but what about his parents?

No More Waiting by anchoredto717 - T, one-shot - The end of Hogwarts, an impending Mastery, and confirmation that Hermione is well and truly over Ronald Weasley: three factors that push Draco into a place he never imagined. Is he really going to Harry Potter’s house party? A one shot heavily inspired by the 90s teen classic, Can’t Hardly Wait.

Off the Rails by RoseHarperMaxwell - E, WIP - For the Dramione RomCom Fest 💚 My adaptation of the movie Trainwreck (Amy Schumer/Bill Hader), featuring Draco in Amy's role. “Pans.” Draco’s head falls back petulantly. “I can't interview Granger, especially not about how she's healing Potter. Neither of them are going to want to talk to me. Make Creevey do it.” “No, you'll do it. And don't sulk at me, Draco.” Pansy shuts him down immediately, not that he expected to talk her out of it. She gives assignments, not suggestions. “Old Quidditch rivalries. Gryffindor Princess confiding in the Prince of Slytherin, with a side of The Boy Who Lived. You’re the only one for it.” She drops her pen on her notepad with finality. “She’s also fit as hell now. I’d even fuck her, so our readers will be drooling over her. This is easy, Draco. Don’t fuck it up.”

One Thing We've Got by IrisCalasse - M, WIP - Over a decade after the Second Wizarding War, Draco Malfoy is a broke socialite straddling the Muggle and magical worlds. One day a new neighbour moves in his residential complex. What has happened to Hermione Granger to make her hide from Ronald Weasley? If Cormac McLaggen is gay, why is he hanging around Granger so much? And why does her cat seem to know way too much about everything? Based on the plot of Breakfast at Tiffany's, but set in 2012 London with a magical twist. Updates every 16th of the month.

Pin down your heart by hiyas - G, one-shot - Hermione Granger contemplates a door when Destiny comes knocking.

Playing Cupid by tygermine - T, one-shot - Set It Up AU.

Pretty Witch by TakingFlight48 - E, WIP - When confronted with the opportunity to take on an alter ego - Hermione Granger, Potion's Mistress and the Wizarding World's Golden Girl became Vivian Roberts - London's weekend escort. For three years she lived in this duality until Draco Malfoy, lost in Soho and driving a precious DB6, wound up uncovering her secret. This is the tale of Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy finding a balance between work and love through the guise of fake dating, unacknowledged feelings, and Hermione not wanting to let go of a part of herself that is no longer serving her.

Promises, Promises by Musyc - T, one-shot - Lawyer and social work advocate Hermione Granger is one signature away from fulfilling her dream to have a house-elf education program. All she needs is to seal the deal, and Draco Malfoy has promised the full support of Malfoy and Son Developments. But the owner of the property is balking, there's a new buyer in the mix, and a promise isn't a contract.

The Proposal by FaeOrabel - M, WIP - When Head of Creatures Division of the DMLE, Hermione Granger, is pushed into a corner regarding a new marriage law she doesn't want to comply with, she gets the brilliant idea to stage an engagement with her long time, loyal assistant, Draco Malfoy. Draco goes along with the charade on the condition she gets him promoted to a new position. A deal set, they prepare to fool not only the Minister of Magic, but Hermione's best friend, and Draco's entire family. What could go wrong? Just the threat of Azkaban should they fail.

PS I love you by emotionalsupporthufflepuff - M, WIP - After a tragic accident, Hermione must reintroduce Draco to a life they've built far away from home. She recieves unexpected help in a series of letter written by Draco himself before the accident...

Regrets Only by nztina - T, WIP - Draco and Hermione are the best of friends - until Hermione goes off to teach at Hogwarts and Draco realises that he doesn’t just miss her. Upon her return to London, he intends to reveal his feelings, but she has a surprise of her own, one that will definitely put a damper on Draco’s plans. Draco. Hermione. And...Hermione’s fiancé?

Restless in Ripon by QuinTalon - T, WIP - Scorpius Malfoy wants his father to be happy again and as his grandfather often told him, a Malfoy always gets what he wants. A nosy radio host, well-meaning friends, and fate will help bring two lonely souls together. Well, that and one tenacious eight-year-old.

Rushing Back by floorcoaster - M, WIP - Draco Malfoy is thirty, surviving, and very much not thriving. He's near the utter end of himself when he experiences the worst of all possible bad days--a double betrayal that rocks him to his core. Unmoored, untethered, he winds up in a strange place, where he begins an adventure through time that will change the course of his life. A time travel fic with a twist on the movie "13 Going on 30."

Say Anything by MidnightValkyrie - G, 9 Chapters - To know Draco Malfoy is to love him. Hermione Granger is about to know Draco Malfoy. Written and created for the Dramione RomCom Fest, based on Say Anything.

She's the Snake by monsterleadmehome - E, WIP - In a universe where Voldemort never came back, Harry lives with Sirius, and Dumbledore isn't dying, the worst thing the Golden Trio has to contend with is their grades and Quidditch matches... oh, and the recent magical attacks on Muggles and Muggle-borns. Harry is sure Malfoy had something to do with it, and though Hermione doesn't agree, her sarcastic offer somehow turns into her latest nightmare: to go undercover as a boy in the Slytherin dorms and find out what's really going on. And maybe throw a Quidditch game or two. But there's one thing she hasn't prepared for: falling in love with the boy she's supposed to be spying on.

Signed and Sealed by niffizzle - M, WIP - She owns a children's bookstore. He runs a corporation buying significant shares of small businesses. Never in their lives have Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy gotten along — or so they think.

Timing is Everything by anne_ammons - M, 7 Chapters - Draco Malfoy is your average bachelor living an average bachelor's life, until he crosses paths with his former classmate, Hermione Granger. Strike that - when has Draco Malfoy ever been average? A retelling of the 1994 movie, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Dramione-style.

A Trip to Kouloura Beach by rennaissance_woman - one-shot - A day at the beach, what could happen?

The Truth About Kneazles and Crups by samkablam7 - T, WIP - When Draco Malfoy started hosting his wizarding radio show The Truth About Kneazles and Crups, he had no idea that it would bring Hermione Granger back into his life. He also didn't know that they would both be interested in each other. The only problem? She thinks that the radio host she's interested in is his best friend and Pro-Quidditch-player-wannabe, Blaise Zabini.

Untitled Marital Crisis Comedy by Darlingheart - G, one-shot - Draco is rich, handsome, and most importantly, excellent with the ladies. Harry Potter is not. Which is where Draco comes in. With Draco’s help Harry will learn there’s more to life than being a one-woman man. But what happens when Draco meets someone who changes his mind? And what does Hermione Granger have to do with it...

A Woman of Some Dignity by mcal - G, one-shot - That seemed to get his attention. “What are you—of course I respect you, you daft witch!”

“Your actions today show the opposite!” I answered. “And now if you’ll excuse me, I’m a woman of some dignity and I’d like to shower in peace. You’ll kindly wait half an hour before Apparating back to my flat.”  Hermione's not one for diaries, but it's been a week to say the least. It all started off with a confusing meeting with Draco Malfoy in her office, and... well, Hermione thought maybe recording her thoughts on the events would help her process. She isn't wrong.

You lost and lonely, You just like heaven by Wake_The_Dragon - T, WIP - Dramione Romcom Fest. Hermione Granger had needed something new and a change of scenery was a good start. What she hadn't counted on was renting a flat with an annoying (if handsome) ghost, who claims he isn't dead. Somehow, helping out a ghost and falling in love were two things she hadn't bargained for.

You Wish by Talonwillow (Ehollis303) - T, WIP - What makes a bad case of "Black Cat Flu" more tolerable? Young Perseus is learning that hearing about dueling, torture, revenge, giants, dementors, chases, true love, and miracles from his Grandfather Scorpius certainly makes things easier- If the man would finish the story that is. A story about love, where not even death can keep the beautiful feisty stable-girl and her sometimes irritating one true love apart. Together they must battle the evil Lord Voldemort through an adventure crossing the magical and fairy tale realm.

[jessbakescakes]

random prompt: donna’s niece/nephew has to stay with her for some reason and josh drops by her apartment randomly so they all end up spending the day together :) thanks!

This took me an age and a half, but here it is. Let’s call this sometime post-snowballs, pre-finale Season 4 Josh/Donna. Also, it got ridiculously long and I have no idea why, but... yay?

Josh tries to be productive on his first Sunday off in recent memory. He gets a few things done around the house, and then he finds himself feeling bored. That feeling is rare; he hasn’t been this bored since he was recovering from his injuries after Rosslyn. There’s no shortage of things to do in the office, but Leo has banned him (and Donna) from the property for the day after a 38-hour shift. Soon the feelings of boredom propel him out of his apartment, and he finds himself standing outside of Donna’s place about fifteen minutes later without a plan. There’s a part of him that wonders if she’d even want to hang out with him on her day off, but all the other people he would invite are at work. 

So, Josh knocks at the door. 

They could always go to the movies; Donna’s been mentioning a new movie she’s been wanting to see. The thought of the two of them sitting in the back of a darkened movie theater while she gets invested in some sappy chick flick isn’t exactly his idea of fun, though, so his mind wanders to other possibilities. 

The plan is almost formulated in his head when she opens the door, but it all goes out the window when he notices a little girl run toward the door and wrap herself around Donna’s legs. “I can’t come into work today,” Donna insists.

“Hi, Josh, it’s so great to see you,” Josh says in his sarcastic ‘imitating Donna’ tone.

She sighs. “Hi, Josh. You shouldn’t be going into work, either.”

“I wasn’t gonna ask you to come in today. Who’s this?” he asks, glancing back and forth between Donna and the little girl, who looks like a miniature version of Donna, but with brown hair instead of blonde.

“This is my niece, Caitlin.”

“Francesca’s daughter?” Josh confirms, ensuring that his memory of Donna’s conversations about her nieces and nephews was correct. He vaguely remembers Donna telling him something about a political argument that her sister Francesca got into with another parent while she was chaperoning a trip for Caitlin’s kindergarten class a few weeks ago.

Donna nods. “She had a last-minute meeting with a client she’s trying to land for the D.C. branch of her company. So Caitlin and I get to spend the day together. Caitlin, this is my friend Josh.”

Caitlin gives Josh a toothless grin and a giggle. “Hi.”

“Hey, Caitlin,” Josh says to Caitlin, giving her a wave. He turns his attention to Donna. “I was thinking about how I owed you a new shirt after the coffee catastrophe. Figured I’d come by and ask if you’d like to collect on that today. But...”

“Well, you can help me babysit, and we’ll call it even,” she says, motioning for Josh to come into her apartment.

“Your sister won’t mind?” Josh asks, crossing the threshold and taking off his coat.

“She’s met you,” Donna reasons. “You work for the President of the United States. I think you’ll pass muster. And besides, I’m here for when you inevitably screw up.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” he sighs. 

He looks toward Caitlin, who has abandoned Donna in favor of what she’s working on at the coffee table. There are art supplies everywhere; markers are scattered across the table (and a few have rolled onto the floor), a pair of child-sized safety scissors sits on the corner next to some tape, and tubes of glittery glue in several different colors are gathered in a pile in the middle. “What’s your favorite color, Josh?” she calls, without lifting her gaze from her project.

“Uh… blue, I guess,” Josh answers, approaching the couch and taking a seat.

Caitlin reaches for a blue sheet of construction paper and begins to cut an unrecognizable shape into it. She pauses after a moment, then lifts the paper and wraps it around Josh’s wrist, attempting to ensure that the piece she has cut is big enough. “I’m making a superhero bracelet,” she declares, making a face when she realizes it’s too big. “You can shoot stuff out of it and get the bad guys.”

Josh glances toward Donna, suddenly conveniently busy in the kitchen, and then back at Caitlin. “Sounds… interesting.”

He’s never been bad with kids. In fact, kids seem to like him, as a general rule. He’s just never been entirely sure what to do to replicate that experience from one kid to the next. This is Donna’s niece, so there’s a little extra pressure to seem impressive and interesting.

Donna is a natural with kids, at least from Josh’s perspective. Working in the White House doesn’t really give them a lot of opportunities to spend time with kids, of course, but the few times he’s seen her interact with them, it seems to come easily to her. They’re drawn to her in an inexplicable way.

Caitlin returns to her work. “This can be your bracelet. I made Aunt Donna a crown. Wait! Do you want a crown or a bracelet? Boys can wear crowns, too. They can be princes.”

“I’ll take the bracelet,” Josh says, motioning to the mangled piece of paper she has in her hands. “Did you say you made Aunt Donna a crown?”

He says the last part loud enough for Donna to hear in the kitchen, so Donna looks up at him and shrugs. “I’m a princess, apparently.”

“Don’t you think you should be wearing it?” Josh teases.

“It’s drying,” Donna says, motioning behind her to the counter, where she’s placed a crown made of pink construction paper covered in glitter.

Josh darts into the kitchen and gingerly lifts the crown, poking at various spots with his index finger. “Hmm, seems dry to me. What do you think, Caitlin, should she wear it?”

“Yeah!” Caitlin agrees enthusiastically. 

“You want to come in here and put it on her?” Josh offers, holding out the crown.

Caitlin shakes her head. “You do it.”

Donna slides a finished grilled cheese sandwich onto a plate and turns around. “Don’t you dare squish it on my head,” she warns under her breath, her arms crossed. “If you get any glitter in my hair…”

“Donnatella, this isn’t my first coronation,” Josh huffs.

She rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling at him. “Where was your last one, Burger King?” 

“Medieval Times, actually,” he says, gently securing the crown on Donna’s head. “There.”

Donna reaches up and pats her head. “He didn’t give me a bump in my hair, did he?” she asks, turning around to allow Caitlin to check.

“Nope,” Caitlin confirms, approaching Josh with his superhero bracelet and about a dozen long pieces of Scotch tape. She attaches it to his wrist and steps back to admire her handiwork. “Now you both have something!”

“We certainly do. Come wash your hands and we can have some lunch,” Donna instructs.

Caitlin, Josh, and Donna chat over grilled cheese and tomato soup. When they finish, Donna clears the table while Caitlin pulls Josh into the living room to clean up the crafting supplies. Caitlin is entertaining to talk to, as far as six-year-olds go. Of course, she’s not about to debate the intricacies of domestic policy with him, but she asks questions about the President - she seems primarily interested in the idea of him being funny. Caitlin also wants to know if the President has a dog (she seems disappointed when Josh tells her he doesn’t) and if he intends to get a dog (she seems even more disappointed when she hears this answer). 

Soon there’s a lull in the conversation. Caitlin seems to be focused and hard at work, slowly gathering the art supplies to clean up. 

“Your Aunt Donna told me that you went to the aquarium a couple of weeks ago,” Josh says tentatively, unsure of what topics are interesting for six-year-olds, but making an effort anyway. 

“I got to pet a stingray. You do it like this,” Caitlin explains, holding up her index and middle fingers together and sweeping them in the air.

“Oh, yeah? That must have been cool. What did it feel like?”

“He was kinda slimy. But there was an otter that was swimming up near the spot where I was standing at the otter place,” Caitlin says, shoving some markers into their box. “I love otters.”

“Oh, really? Otters are nice. What do you like about otters?”

“Otters… the otters hold hands while they’re sleeping so they don’t float away,” Caitlin explains as she clears the last of the paper off of the table. “Then they would be sad and all by themselves.”

“That’s smart of them,” Josh answers. “Don’t want them to be lonely.”

Josh discovers that Caitlin knows a lot about otters. She explains that she checked out several books from the library about otters after her trip to the aquarium, and has done some extensive internet research. By the time the living room is clean, Josh has been informed that otters have the thickest fur of all mammals in the animal kingdom, and baby otters are not able to swim on their own. 

Caitlin is about to explain the ins and outs of keeping a baby otter safe and secure while its mother goes out hunting when Donna enters the living room with a bowl of water in one hand and a Ziploc bag in the other. “What are we up to in here?”

“Otter discourse,” Josh says, stacking the newly collected art supplies in a pile. 

“They hold hands,” Donna says with a knowing nod, as though she’s heard this piece of trivia before. “Okay, Caitlin, you wanted to look through my stash of tattoos, right?”

Caitlin nods and takes the bag from Donna’s hand. She dumps out the bag and looks through the temporary tattoos that Donna has acquired. There are flowers, hearts, butterflies, and various animals and characters to choose from. Caitlin flips over each tattoo, grouping them by color as she deliberates. 

Josh looks to Donna. “Does this sort of freakish organizational skill run in the family?”

Donna pokes him in the arm and Josh yelps, rubbing the spot as Donna moves to expedite the process by flipping over the tattoos. 

Caitlin finally selects several different tattoos, sliding one in front of Donna and another in front of Josh. “Those are for you,” she says.

Josh shoots Donna a look, but Donna rolls up her sleeves. “Where should I put mine? On my hand, or on my arm?”

“Hmm,” Caitlin says. “Your hand.”

“Do you need help with yours?” Donna asks. 

Caitlin nods. “The last time Mommy and I did these, mine got all messed up ‘cause I pulled it off too fast.”

“Oh, well we can’t have that,” Donna insists, dipping a washcloth in the bowl of water. “Josh, start thinking about where you want your tattoo.”

“I think he should do it right here,” Caitlin says, tapping the inside of her forearm.

“You think so?” Donna asks. 

“You have to do it on this arm though,” Caitlin says, grabbing Josh’s left hand. “That one has your superhero bracelet.”

Josh sighs. “Do I get a say in this at all?”

“No,” Donna insists, turning his arm over so his palm is facing upward. She grabs his left hand in hers and pushes up the sleeve of his sweater with her right hand.

“You’re holding his hand. Kind of like the otters,” Caitlin points out.

Josh is certain that what Donna was doing was entirely platonic, operating on instinct under the watchful eyes of an observant kindergartener. But he wonders if she can feel his pulse hammering the same way it did outside her apartment in the snow a few weeks prior. 

“Well, we wouldn’t want him to float away, would we?” Donna teases before letting his hand go and removing the plastic cover of a purple butterfly tattoo.

Caitlin approaches them and supervises as Donna applies the temporary tattoo, impatiently waiting for the reveal. Donna is about halfway through peeling the paper backing away when Francesca walks in the door. 

“Mommy!” Caitlin shouts, launching herself at Francesca.

“Looks like I’m interrupting the makeover portion of the afternoon,” Francesca says. “Hey, Josh, it’s good to see you.”

“Hey, Francesca,” he says. “It’s good to see you too. I didn’t know you were coming to D.C. this weekend, or I’d have given Donna a chance to spend some time with you.”

Francesca waves her hand. “It wasn’t planned. I had a thing come up, and I was going to leave both the kids with Chris, but Caitlin heard me mention D.C. and all bets were off when she remembered that’s where Aunt Donna lived.”

“I made Josh a superhero bracelet,” Caitlin says. “And Aunt Donna has a crown.”

“I see that,” Francesca smiles. “Why don’t you and I head back to the hotel for a little bit? I’ll take you swimming at the hotel pool before dinner if you want.”

Caitlin darts across the apartment, gathering all of the things she brought over earlier in the day. “Can Josh eat dinner with us?”

Francesca grabs Caitlin’s pink backpack that’s sitting by the door and turns to Josh. “You’re welcome to join us, I was taking Donna out to dinner as a thank you for spending some time with Caitlin while I was in that meeting.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll let the three of you spend some time together,” he says.

“Next time,” Francesca says. “Caitlin, what do you say to Aunt Donna and Josh?”

“Thank you!” she says, nearly knocking Donna over with a hug and climbing onto the couch to give Josh a hug with equal enthusiasm.

“Thank you again. Both of you. Six-thirty?” Francesca asks Donna.

Donna nods. “Perfect. You don’t have to run off, though, I don’t mind --”

“No, no, I know,” Francesca interrupts. “It’s totally fine. We’ll see you at dinner.”

Francesca helps Caitlin get her coat on and Donna sees them out. As Donna says goodbye and Caitlin and Francesca leave the apartment, Josh can hear Caitlin chatting to her mom.

“Aunt Donna was holding Josh’s hand, like the otters.”

Donna shuts the door and turns to look at Josh. Her cheeks turn pink and her eyes dart to the floor. “She really likes otters.”

“I gathered that.”

“Probably should have warned you about that.”

Josh laughs. “You could have warned me that I’d be peeling pieces of tape off my arms, too, but you just threw me to the wolves.”

“Hey, now. You survived!”

His forearm is still stretched out as the temporary tattoo dries and becomes less sticky and more prickly-feeling. “I also wasn’t exactly planning on getting a tattoo today. Or… probably ever.”

“Not a tattoo guy, huh?”

“Why, are you a tattoo girl?” Josh pushes his sleeve down over his forearm.

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Donna says, a hint of teasing in her voice. 

Josh stands up from the couch. “Want me to, uh…” he gestures around the living room, not sure where to dive in to help clean up.

“I think I can manage,” Donna says. “Thanks for today. Caitlin had fun.”

“Yeah. It’s no problem. Just remember that next time when Aunt Donna isn’t the favorite anymore and she goes on and on about how great Josh was,” Josh teases.

Donna crosses her arms and lets out a laugh. “Like that would ever happen.”

“You underestimated me before,” Josh points out. “You’ll see how popular I am when Caitlin asks you about me at dinner tonight.”

“And you think if she did, I would actually tell you about it?” 

“I know when you’re lying, Donna. Your mouth does this weird thing.”

“A weird thing?”

“I don’t know how to explain it, but I know it when I see it,” Josh insists, putting on his coat. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Donna says, opening the front door for him.

Josh stands there for a moment before he leaves, looking at Donna. The pink crown is still on her head, and her shirt has spots of pink glitter on it, presumably from aiding in the decoration of the aforementioned crown. For the briefest of moments, he wonders if this can’t be their future - if it can’t be their kid who tapes a superhero bracelet around his wrist with too many pieces of tape or insists on giving him a butterfly tattoo.

He pushes the thought out of his mind until later in the shower when he attempts to scrub the tattoo off his arm. He’s had more moments like this since he took a cab to throw snowballs at her window -- or more accurately, ever since Commander Wonderful and his thirteen buttons showed up. The images, oddly domestic compared to most of his fantasies, play on a loop in his brain.

He knows he can’t indulge them, can’t enjoy these fantasies. She’s his assistant; he’s her boss. They’re friends, and that’s all they can be for another four years. Of course, that’s assuming that some gomer doesn’t sweep her off her feet and give her what Josh can’t, at least not yet. But he doesn’t know how to stop them, and they’re coming with more frequency than the nightmares he’s grown accustomed to having.

The idea that she could have all this with someone else is more terrifying than the nightmares.

[cynergy-laughter]

Obey Me! One Master To Abridge Them All! Part 1

The First Day: Rated PG-13

__________

???: Help... Only you... can... prevent wildfires...

MC: *eyes shoot open, gasping, seeing himself surrounded by the demon bros* Oh my god I’m in heaven...

Satan: Umm did I just hear him right?

Lucifer: We get another human for our program and they thinks they’re in heaven, the poor pathetic creature.

Asmo: I don’t know their kinda cute, we should give them a cha- where did they go?

MC: *banging on the giant door* LEMME OUT, LEMME OUT THERE’S NO WIFI IN HEAVEN!!!

Asmo: Sorry to disappoint you sweetie, you’re technically in hell.

MC: Oh yeah?! Then why the H E double C are you all handsome?!

————

Diavolo: Say your name, age, an interesting fact about you to the camera.

MC: Okay, well I am MC NB, but you can call me Enn, i’m 18 going on 25, and I have no idea how I got here. I remember taking the A train, I heard the Lion King intro starting, there was a flash, and I woke up surrounded by the house of vibes, so thanks for that.

Diavolo: You are welcome, so, you are here to be in a student program here at the Royal Academy of Diavolo to help demons, angels, humans integrate into society.

MC: Academy? So this is a school? You guys do know that i’m a college student right?

Diavolo: Oh yes, we know everything about your life.

MC: ... Oh...

————

Lucifer: Before we introduce ourselves, we’re gonna assign you the person who is gonna be watching over you.

MC: Sounds odd, but go off.

Lucifer: Call him using this. *gives MC a D.D.D.*

MC: ... An Android? What am I a peasant?

Lucifer: Compared to us, yes, now dial the number.

MC: *dials the number, then the phone is taken by Lucifer*

Mammon: Who is this and how did you get this number?

Lucifer: You have ten seconds to get to the student council hall. 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2...

Mammon: *hangs up at 9 frantically, suddenly there was a loud yelling from outside the building, he crashes in through the window, knocking over Beel’s bag*

Beelzebub: MY SNACK SACK!!!

MC: ... What is this feeling?

————

Lucifer: Now, I’m the first oldest, Lucifer, and I’m the Vice President of the Student Council here at RAD.

MC: *snickers* Sorry, I cant take you seriously when you say the word rad. That’s for dudebros, surfers, and stoners, and three strikes, you are literally none of those...

Lucifer: That’s the acronym for Royal Academy of Diavolo.

MC: *looks at Diavolo* ... *looks back to Lucifer* Okay, fair enough, continue.

Lucifer: I’m also the Avatar of Pride.

MC: *mind strangely plays Rain on Me* ... I can see that for you...

Lucifer: The idiot covered in glass is the second oldest, Avatar of Greed, Mammon.

Mammon: You got any money in your wallet?

MC: I got 40 cents and a receipt from Taco Bell.

Mammon: Deal.

Lucifer: No. Behave.

————

MC: Who’s this guy? *points to Satan*

Satan: I am the Avatar of Wrath, 4th oldest, Satan.

MC: Anger issues?

Satan: I’m working on it.

MC: And how is it working?

Satan: It isn’t, i’m the middle child surrounded by idiots.

MC: I think I’m gonna like you.

Satan: Please don’t.

————

MC: How about you?

Asmo: I’m the fifth oldest, Asmodeus, Avatar of Lust and you are the cutest thing, and your eyes... they are just so beautiful...~.

MC: ... Pumpkin Spice Latte with 6 pumps Vanilla, 4 pumps caramel, 3 pumps hazelnut, cinnamon whipped cream, stirred in, with a pink swizzle stick to keep the steam from escaping your cup.

Asmo: ...

*interviews*

Asmo: I swear I didn’t know what love is, but I think I fell in it... they get me... I’m half scared, half turned on and I don’t know how to take it... why didn’t my charm work on them?

MC: I worked for a Starbucks a while back, and I kinda developed a sixth sense... I can read people and guess their ideal beverage... and I also developed emotional dissociation, thanks customer service.

————

MC: What about you, Garfield?

Beelzebub: *eating, not paying attention*

Lucifer: That is the sixth oldest, Avatar of Gluttony, Beelzebub.

MC: Kinda figured he was Gluttony, I woke up seeing him pulling out a turkey leg.

Beel: *sniffs* Something on you smells good...

MC: *blinks, checks pockets, pulls out a chocolate bar*

Beel: *eyes widen* gimme.

MC: Wait. Sit.

Beel: *sits*

MC: Roll over.

Beel: *rolls to the left*

Lucifer: As much as you are having fun, we must move on.

MC: *gives Beel the bar* Right... *takes out a lollipop and sticks it in their mouth*

Beel: *mouth wide open as he saw MC take another snack out of their jacket pocket*

————

MC: So where is the Avatar of Envy... and Sloth?

Lucifer: How did you know there are more?

MC: I know that there are Seven Deadly sins, and I didn’t hear two of the sins. So it was a no brainer. Also, what sin is that guy?

Lucifer: *looks at Diavolo* Oh he’s the the prince of hell, he isn’t like us.

MC: A prince you say?

Lucifer: Don’t even try to, he’s unavailable.

MC: Oh... but not impossible...

Lucifer: No, he is very impossible.

Diavolo: Heh, you would know.

MC: *nearly spits out water bottle they were drinking, coughing a bit* ... I don’t know why I’m surprised... but all in all, I think I’m gonna like it here...

————

(I hope you guys like this, I’ve had this in my mind for a while, but it had a lot more colorful language... but, I had to dial it back... I hope you all are staying safe... love y’all! ^^)

[webslinger-holland]

The Royal Family | Chapter One

Summary: When two royal family’s decide to conjoin their countries, they arrange a marriage between their eldest children. Once the two royals meet, it takes a lot of convincing before they are ready to begin their reign together...

Warning: mentions of war and mentions of arranged marriage

Pairing: Tom Holland x Reader

Type: The Royal Family Series

MASTERLIST

The palace was an old country mansion that had been extended over the centuries. It now had four sides around a central quadrangle and over five hundred rooms. It took a small army of servants to upkeep such a large abode and indeed most of the rooms were never really used. 

The early hours of the morning were spreading the colors of the sunrise against the skyline. The clouds were tinted with a light pinkish and orangish glow, painting the most magnificent sight known to man. The early risen choir of birds were singing to themselves in a little chipper manner. 

A young princess was currently sitting on the perch of her window. She was looking towards the gardens, spotting the small buds starting to sprout on some of the bushes. She liked to wake up early so she could watch the sunrise every morning. 

She was still dressed in her white nightgown. Her nightgown was the beautiful color of pristine white. The soft and silky fabric trailed down the short stretch of her body to gather near her ankles. The layers of lace were stitched around the edge. The silky sleeves of the nightgown were trailing down to the end of her wrist, bunching into these tight cuffs around her wrists. The lace collar was also stitched to the hemline of the white nightgown. And a single ribbon was hanging down from the center of her chest, which dropped down the length of the gown.

This morning should have been no different than any other morning. The princess had stood to her feet, heading towards the other side of her bedroom. She pulled a long line of fabric that trailed to the ceiling. It acted as a lever that would be pulled to call for service from downstairs. She called for her lady’s maid.

Within a few moments, Elsie (the lady’s maid) had come into the princess’s bedroom with a towel draped over her forearm. She closed the solid wood mahogany behind her, bowing in respect. 

“Good morning, Your Highness.” Elsie said with a soft smile. She was quick to move towards the princess’s white vanity, laying the neatly folded towel beside the porcelain basin of cold water. 

“Good morning, Elsie.” The princess did not hesitate to walk back towards the window. She lifted her hand to brush the silky white curtains away, smiling at the beautiful sight in front of her. Her lady’s maid usually found her in the same spot every morning. 

“It is a beautiful day outside, is it not?” Elsie wondered. She had gone to the mahogany wardrobe in the background, fetching the light blue dress that she would wear for the day. She opened the doors of the wardrobe, pulling out the new dress amongst the various other ones. 

“It is indeed,”the princess agreed. She could only imagine the feel of the wind kissing her skin. She loved to spend her time walking through the gardens, admiring the nature around her. It didn’t take much convincing for her. “I think I would like to walk the gardens later,” the princess claimed.

“Of course, Your Highness. I’ll see to it,” Elsie promised. She had gently urged the young princess away from the window, so that she might be able to dress her for the day. 

The young princess was able to slip out of her white nightgown, watching the soft material tumble to the ground. She was fitted into her corset, which only seemed to grow tighter every time she wore it. She threw the crinoline over her head, waiting for her lady’s maid to tie the ribbons around her waist. She was quick to glance towards the powder blue dress that was laying out for her. It was the final touch.

In the end, the princess looked at her own reflection in the shiny glass mirror. She gave a short twirl to admire her new dress. The powder blue dress sleeves were quite puffy. They only dropped down to her forearms, leaving her shoulders cold and bare. There were white and silver stitches of roses on the skirt of the dress. And a long blue ribbon was wrapped around her waist.

Now the princess had lowered herself into the chair by the white vanity. She didn’t mind her lady’s maid brushing the hard knots out of her hair. She was used to it by now. Instead, the princess was looking through her small boxes of jewelry to find the perfect necklace and earrings to complete her outfit for the day. She would settle on some priceless diamonds.

At the given moment, one of the hall boys had knocked on the princess’s bedroom door. The heavy door had opened at a very slow pace. The hall boy had poked his head into the room, drawing the attention of the princess. 

“Your Highness,” the hall boy said. He was quick to step into the grand bedroom, bowing to her in the utmost form of respect. He was here to deliver a message. “The king is requesting your presence in the throne room,” the hall boy explained.

“Well, I shouldn’t keep the king waiting. I will be there soon,” the princess dismissed him. The hall boy had scurried out of the room so that he could deliver his message to the king himself. He had almost forgotten to bow his head before leaving the princess’s presence.

She quickly stood to her feet. She draped her hands down the long length of her brand new dress, smoothing out the invisible wrinkles. She headed towards the large mahogany door in the background, leaving her bedroom that was secured by two palace guards. She barely even noticed them bowing their heads at her.

The Eastern Princess had known the whole layout of the palace like the back of her hand. She had started to maneuver her way through the various corridors in the palace. She would smile at each of the servants that she passed along the way, though not many of them would catch it because their heads were bowed. She quickly hurried down the long length of the corridor, heading straight towards the throne room. 

The heavy doors of the throne were opened to the princess by the two palace guards. The throne room was an impressive setting for the king to preside 'in majesty' over official ceremonies, to hold council, to grant audiences, to receive homage, to award high honors and offices, and to perform other official functions. It was probably one of the most popular room in the palace.

The long pillars that stretched to the ceiling were made out of pure gold. The ceiling was a dome, decorated with very precise golden details. The line of chandeliers were sparkling in the morning light coming through the bay windows. The white marble floors were practically glistening because they had been scrubbed to perfection the night before. The king’s throne sat at the very end of the room.

The current monarch was definitely living in his last days. He was the most kind and gentle king that the kingdom had grown to know over the years. He was able to be attended to by the various servants in the palace. He also had many health complications, but he refused to make that announcement public to the press in fear that the word might travel. He was very wise in that sense.

The king was perched on the grand golden throne at the end of the hallway. His crown was placed on his head, which he never really wore unless there was someone coming to the palace. He had long white hair and a long beard on his face. His light blue eyes were shining. He smiled down at his only daughter.

“You called for me?” Y/N claimed. She was quick to approach his throne, crouching down to reside by his feet. This was something that she had always done as a child. She looked up at him with warm and gentle eyes. 

“Yes. I wanted to talk to you about something,” the king admitted. He was already dreading having this talk with his daughter. He never talked to her about the things going on in the kingdom. He felt that it would only worry her more. He also did not like to talk business with her, because it was a burden that she didn’t need to bare. 

“Alright,” the princess urged him.

“Many months ago, the King of the North had contacted me with a business proposition that would benefit the both of us.” The king began.“He feared that (with his passing) the Western Kingdom would try to overthrow the Northern Kingdom. I will admit that I have also had these kinds of thoughts in regards to my own kingdom. It is the worst case in my scenario because (unlike him) I do not have an heir who can inherit the title of king,” he further explained.

“You only have me,” the princess said. Her choice of words had come out in a very sad way. She could feel a rough pinch at her heart, because she was constantly reminded of her low position in society. She was ‘just a woman’ whose only purpose in life was to be married to some prince and bare his children. She would never amount to anything in this day and age.

“The king proposes that we should conjoin our two kingdoms together with a special treaty. That way we might be able to stand a chance against the westerners,” the king concluded.

“How would you conjoin the kingdoms though?” The princess wondered. She had furrowed her eyebrows together in thought. She was leaning forward in her place, growing more eager to hear his business proposition. She could only imagine what kind of treaty he would come up with.

“Well, the king has a son.” The king spoke in such a suggestive tone of voice. He had tried to make it look like he didn’t have the whole thing planned out in his mind. Like the idea had just popped into his head at that specific moment.

“Oh father,” Princess Y/N sighed to herself. She rolled her eyes at him. She was quick to stand to her feet again. She had turned her back to him, climbing back down the short steps. She wasn’t very amused with his comment. “Please don’t try to marry me off to some snobbish schoolboy prince,” she pleaded.

“He is not a snobbish prince. He is a highly respectable and honorable young man,” the king scoffed. He was trying to reason with his stubborn daughter. He pulled out one of his other cards. “I have even met him before. I think that he would be good for you,” the king claimed.

“You have said that before,” the princess called. This was not the first time that the king had tried to marry her off to some prince. She had played the game ‘match-maker’ far too many times to count. She was honestly tired of it now. “And I have told you before that I want to marry for love,” the princess demanded.

“You could learn to love him,” the king proposed. He had almost winced at his own choice of words, fearing her reaction. He was still trying to reason with her, mentally hoping that she would just cave in at some point.

“I highly doubt that,” the princess laughed. She had turned her head to look over the small stretch of her shoulder, shaking her head in denial. She just couldn’t bare the thought of being married off to some random stranger. 

“Well, you will have plenty of time to think it over because I have invited them to stay at the palace for a couple weeks,” the king concluded. He had forced himself to stand to his feet, leaving his gold throne behind him. He looked down at his daughter with a triumphant smile on his face.

“What?!” Y/N exclaimed. She had whirled around to face him. She was looking up at him with the look of horror on her face. Her mouth had dropped open at his words. She couldn’t believe it.

“They will be coming later this afternoon,” the king remarked. He had started to walk down the short steps leading up to his throne, stopping to stand in front of his lovely daughter. He tapped her chin gentle. “Do try to be civil, my dear,” the king pleaded with her.

“Fine,” the princess sighed to herself. “I will try,” the princess promised.

Within a few hours, a beautiful golden carriage was being drawn by four white horses towards the frontside of the king’s palace. The large carriage had come to a full stop in front of the palace staircase leading to the front door. The carriage doors were opened by two palace guards on the sidelines.

The King of the North had climbed out of the golden carriage with ease. He turned his head to look over his shoulder, watching his two twin boys climbing out behind him. His eldest was the last one to clamber out of the carriage. He had shifted to stand beside his father, directing his line of focus towards the magnificent palace in front of them.

The four of them were being escorted through the various corridors of the palace. The king was leading the way. The princes were following behind him, but they were greatly intrigued by the intricate detail engraved into the gold pillars that stretched down the corridor. They knew that this kingdom was well known for their gold, but they did not realize how much of it was incorporated into very single aspect of the palace.

The two palace guards were quick to grab onto the door handles leading into the throne room, opening the two doors for them to enter. The four northerners had started walking towards the large throne at the end of the hallway, stopping to stand in front of the king. The four of them bowed in respect.

“Welcome to the Eastern Kingdom,” the King of the East said. He nodded to them in acknowledgment. He had raised his hands in greeting, gesturing to the great halls around him. He wore a grand smile on his face. 

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” The King of the North spoke. He was slow to lift his head up to look towards the other king in front of him. He hadn’t seen the other king in quite some time. His lips had grown into a friendly smile on his face. “It was very kind of you to invite me and my boys to stay here for a few weeks,” the North King said.

The two kings had started to engage in short conversation. The two younger princes were standing beside each other. They had turned their heads to look towards the young princess standing in their company. The older prince could feel a sharp nudge in his side coming from one of his brothers. He could see his brother gesturing towards someone standing in front of them. 

Slowly, Prince Thomas had turned his head to follow his brother’s line of sight. He found himself gazing at the young princess standing on the side of the throne, feeling his breath getting caught in his throat at the mere sight of her. He had never seen anyone more beautiful in his entire life. He felt that, if she smiled at him, he might just dissolve into dust right there. He wanted her to smile...at him.

On the sidelines, the princess had turned her head to look at the three princes standing beside their father. She had caught one of them looking directly at her. She had just briefly glanced at their matching navy blue and silver uniforms. She was also able to notice that the three princes were much younger than she would have thought for most of the princes that she had met before were much older than her. She would admit that she found them quite handsome.

“Are these your boys?” The King of the East wondered. He found himself looking towards the three princes standing in front of him, gesturing to them with his hand. He took a second to inspect each of them, but he was able to identify the one prince that he had met one other time.

“Yes, they are. These are my three eldest children. This is Sam and Harry,” the king said with a nod of the head. He was quick to turn towards his three boys, so that he could introduce them to the king. He motioned towards each of them with the slight move of the hand. “And this one is my eldest whom you have met—Thomas,” the king concluded.

“It is a pleasure to meet you again,” the Eastern King said. He could barely contain the smile from growing on his face. He knew that it had been a few years since he had seen the prince last. But he had seen him grow into a very handsome young man.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Prince Thomas complimented him. He had bowed his head down once again to show some more respect to the king. He looked up at the king with a timid look on his face, mentally hoping that he would gain his favor.

“May I present to you my only daughter?” The King of the East proposed in such a suggestive tone. He had glanced down at his daughter standing at the lower level of steps leading up to the throne. He waved his hand to gesture towards her. 

Of course, the King of the North and the King of the East had known in advance that the prince and princess were going to be the sole members of the treaty between their countries. The two kings had turned their heads to look at each other with slight amusement written on their faces. They smirked in an all-knowing manner.

Now the prince and princess had also been informed about this treaty between their countries. They had been told that they would be married to each other, so that their kingdoms might be able to stand a chance against their enemies. It was only natural for them to blush at the king’s suggestive comment.

Slowly, Prince Thomas had found himself walking towards the young princess standing in front of him. He could see that (with each step he took) he was able to admire some of the more delicate details of her face. He watched her raise her hand towards him. 

“Your Highness. It’s an honor to finally meet you,” Prince Thomas confessed. He was careful to bring her hand towards his face, pressing the most delicate kiss onto the back of her hand. He lifted his head to look up at her, feeling the smile growing on his face. “You truly are the most beautiful princess in the land,” Prince Thomas complimented.

The young princess had almost grown tense under his stare. Her breath had caught in the back of her throat, so she was unable to form any words. She felt this tingly sensation on the back of her hand where his lips had touched her soft skin. Her cheeks had started to grow pink and rosy at his words. 

“My dear,” the king of the east called to her. He had tried to pull her back to reality. He could already acknowledge that she was probably caught up in her own thoughts right then and there. “Why don't you show the young princes to their rooms? They can get some rest before dinner,” the king suggested. 

“Oh yes,” the princess said in a cheery tone of voice. She was hesitant to pull her hand out of the prince’s. She didn’t turn her head to even acknowledge the king’s command. She was too caught up in the prince’s strong stare. “I will take them there,” the princess concluded. 

The Northern Prince had never heard anything more beautiful than the words that came out of her mouth. He didn’t even notice that his hand was back at his side. He didn’t even want to draw his eyes away from her. His heart started to flutter wildly in his chest upon seeing the kindest and warmest gesture in the world. She had smiled at him.

[geeky-politics-46]

I Thought You Didn’t Like To Talk?

Loki/The West Wing FanFiction Crossover

Chapter 3 - “You Get Used To That Feeling”

In a short time C.J., Toby, & Loki arrived at the end of the hallway & proceeded through another door. A red haired woman sat at a desk taking down a phone message. As she looked up & saw them she placed her hand over the receiver & told C.J. they could go on in, tipping her head towards a set of double doors on her right.

As they continued forward towards the double doors, Loki could feel the red haired woman’s eyes following him specifically. He turned back & offered a smile & a slight wave. The look on her face he recognized, & he must say that it raised his ego a bit. The woman, now hanging up the phone, was sitting mouth agape. Clearly taken with the god’s appearance.

Right as C.J. was raising her hand to knock on one of the doors, it was pulled open by someone in the office on the other side of the door. As it opened a man’s voice began speaking at a loud volume. “Margaret!” He exclaimed as he stepped through the threshold.

The man now became fully visible. He was an older man probably around 60 with graying hair shot through with streaks of white silver. Dressed in a well pressed charcoal gray double breasted suit & rimless reading glasses perched on the end of his nose. An aura of competence & authority radiated off of him. He was staring at a newspaper in his hand, folded in half so it only displayed a crossword puzzle.

Without looking up he continued his sentence, “Can you get the New York Times crossword editor back on the phone? 12 across is wrong.” This statement caused Loki’s brow to wrinkle in confusion & intrigue, he certainly wasn’t expecting him to say anything like that. Loki had heard of the New York Times, in fact he remembered seeing their office during the battle of New York. He assumed that the invasion must not have happened here, wherever here was. Surely if it had there was no way he would be allowed in the White House.

The man then turned & brought his attention to C.J., Toby, & Loki. With a mix of amusement & exasperation he redirected his conversation towards them. “They hang up on me every time.” He gave a slight chuckle & gestured toward the inside of the office with the folded up newspaper, “come on in.”

“Leo this is Loki Laufeyson, the new hire for deputy press secretary. Loki this is Leo McGarry, President Bartlet’s Chief Of Staff & the man who keeps the White House running smoothly.” C.J. seamlessly made the introduction between the two men as if she had known both of them for ages. Toby only piping up in the back to add “He’s the one who ended up in the broom closet.” Loki rolled his eyes, hearing the enjoyment in Toby’s voice.

“Okay.” Leo said almost completely un-phased, as if something like that happened everyday. “Well, Loki it is very nice to finally meet you in person. I know I speak for both the president & myself when I say we are very glad to have you join the west wing staff. The president was very impressed with your resume. He’s really looking forward to meeting you.”

Leo was still talking, but Loki’s brain had come to a screeching halt. The president was very impressed with his resume?! What resume?! Did Mobius get information about him to the president? How had he managed to get information about him to the president?

Loki finally spoke, cutting Leo off mid-sentence. “The president know’s who I am? Really? The president, know’s about me?”

“Well… I haven’t really told him about you yet. No.” Leo replied hesitating & tilting his head to the side. A closed lipped smile reappearing on Leo’s face.

Loki processed the statement, “Okay, so you lied to me just then?”

“I’m a politician, Loki. Of course I lied to you just then.” Leo responded pithily.

Well played Mobius. Well played.

“For what it’s worth I’m sure he will be very pleased to have you on the staff.” Leo added giving a reassuring smile. “Now, unless you have any questions for me that C.J. hasn’t been able to answer we can head on in & actually introduce you to the president. You can follow me.” He held his hand out gesturing to a door directly to his left.

“I beg your pardon?” Loki raised his eyebrows & dropped his chin. Eyes wide.

Leo had walked over & was holding the door open. C.J. had already entered the next room ahead of everyone else. Toby walking towards the room & looked back at Loki over his shoulder, smirking sarcastically “What exactly did you think C.J. meant when she said I was planning on meeting you guys in the oval?”

Loki still stood in the same place, his feet seemingly stuck to the floor. He was really wishing Mobius would just come get him already. He didn’t want to do this anymore. “I just want to die.”

“It’s the White House, you get used to that feeling.” Leo said with a shrug, still holding the door to what Loki now realized was the Oval Office. The office of the President Of The United States.

Loki tentatively moved forward, advancing through the door. He really had no frame of reference for what to say or do now. On Asgard he had met with other royals of course, but he had a sneaking suspicion this wasn’t going to be the same at all. At least he knew not to call the president your majesty.

After Leo had filed in behind Loki, he ushered him to join Toby & C.J. standing in front of the desk in the middle of the room. The man behind the desk had already raised his head & was beginning to stand up. He seemed personable enough. Dressed in a dark blue suit accented by a lighter blue shirt. Brown hair slicked neatly into place & an open smile on his face.

Without any hesitation he began addressing Loki directly. “Ah, you must be the new press office hire. Our new C.J. in training. You’ve got a heck of a teacher there.” His smile brightened even more & he gave the group a little wink.

While the others smiled back at the president’s words Loki simply stared at the man. Willing himself to speak. His brain was still in knots. How was the Loki Laufeyson, with his renowned silver tounge, now truly stumped for words?

President Bartlet raised one eyebrow at Loki quizzically, clearly surprised he hadn’t yet responded. After another moment he turned to Leo & questioned, “He does talk right? Otherwise I’m gonna need to have a word with someone about what the job requirements are for staff who work directly with the press.”

Finally finding his words, Loki quickly began addressing the president. “My apologies, Mr. President. I’m just… in a bit of shock… in regards to where exactly I am.” Loki’s eyes darting from place to place around the room. From the heavy carved wooden desk the president stood behind. To the heavy brass busts & elaborate paintings where the corners of the room should have been. Finally his gaze falling to the large carpeted seal on the floor in the very center of the room. An eagle clutching an olive branch in it’s right talon & an arrow in it’s left behind a shield of stars & stripes.

President Bartlet laughed at Loki’s admission. He shrugged & gazed in slight wonder at the room around him: “Yeah, I can tell you I think that the Oval Office had that effect on all of us the first time we were in here. Not sure some of us ever really get over it to be honest. Anyway, welcome aboard…” the president extended his hand reaching forward across the resolute desk only to realize he had not yet been told the name of the man in front of him.

Loki quickly realized why he was pausing & extended his own hand to meet the president’s. He officially introduced himself, “Loki”.

Their hands tightly clasped. The president now began repeating the sentence he had started before, “Welcome aboard, Loki.” The 2 men exchanged genuine smiles, & in some way the president’s confidence put Loki more at ease.

Loki took a deep breath & thought to himself. This morning he was at the TVA, now the Oval Office. Here he was, a prince of Asgard, shaking hands with the President Of The United States. The most powerful man on Midgard.

[noladyme]

The Crown Princess of Charming - part 13

Welcome to Charming - its name says it all. Cat needed a fresh start; and though she hadn’t planned on that being in the arms of the crown prince of this little town’s bikerclub - that was what happened. Charming CA would either be the death of her - or a whole new life.

Rated M

Tags (let me know if you want on the list) @wonderlandfandomkingdom @edonaspanca​

13

“I know you from somewhere…”, the bearded biker, who’s whiskey I’d stolen during my performance, said. I now noticed, he had a V. President patch on his cut. We were seated at a table in the clubhouse. Jax had placed me on his lap; hiding his erection from our tryst against the wall outside. “Yeah?”, I asked. “From where? Debonair?”. I’d danced at the club a few times; before quitting to teach full time. “Nah, my old lady would kill me”, the biker answered. “You a teacher?”. I cleared my throat. “Used to be”, I said; and took a swig of my beer. Jax rubbed my back; knowing it was a hard topic for me. “Still are… will be”, he said. “Where do your kids go to school, Mike?”. “Richardson”, Mike answered. “7’th and 8’th grade”.

I narrowed my eyes at my new acquaintance. “You’re… Harry’s dad”, I smiled. Mike nodded. “Yeah, that’s my boy. And you’re miss Rose”. “Cat”, I grinned. “Good to see you again”. We shook hands. “Small world”, the bearded biker smiled. “His grades have gone to shit, since you left”. “Well… I’m surprised he even maintained a B+ while I was there… he spent most his time looking up my skirt”. Mike laughed loudly. “Like father, like son”. “Tell him I said hi”, I smiled. “Will do”, Mike said. “Hey, why’d you leave?”.

I grimaced slightly. “Needed a fresh start… away from Chicago”. Mike looked from Jax to me, and smiled. “Seems you found it… though I never took you for the type, to end up an old lady for the Samcro VP”. I leaned back into Jax’s arms. “He’s not so bad”, I smiled; feeling Jacksons nose nuzzle my neck. “Except for the occasional road-rash I gotta patch up”. Mike took a swig of his beer. “Yeah, I heard you took a tilt, man. You good?”. “I’m fine”, Jax said. “Just a meth-head with a rifle. It’s good”. I frowned at the thought.

“You, uh… get that info you were after up north?”, Mike asked. Jax grimaced. “I got what I needed”, he muttered. “Good. Let me know if Chicago can do anything”, Mike said. “I gotta go call my old lady”. Mike left us for the door.

I chewed my lip. “Did you really get everything you needed?”, I said quietly. “I got enough”, Jax muttered. “Still need something to convince Clay”. “Like what?”. “I don’t know yet. But all this shit that’s been going on…”. He took a swig of my beer. “I got an ATF agent using my old lady to get to me; and Mayans moving in on our turf – angry that we’re moving drugs for white power”. “Mayans?”, I wondered. “Another club. Mexicans. The one’s we’ve been hauling for until now”. “Not anymore?”. He shook his head. “They’re pissed… don’t like our new racist partners…”. “I don’t blame them”, I muttered.

I sighed. “How do we end this?”, I asked. He stroked my cheek. “You don’t have to do anything”, he smiled. “I’m not putting you in harms way”. “Jax…”, I sighed. “Just, let me know if I can do anything. Please”. I kissed the corner of his mouth. “Right now, your job is making sure my boner isn’t on full display”, he grinned. I rolled my eyes. “Professional boner-hider”, I muttered. “You could be a boner-ender”, he chuckled; and bounced his legs a bit; making me rub against his lap. “What does that even mean?”, I said. Jax bit his lip; and smirked at me. “Come on”.

He patted my butt to get me to stand up; and pulled me in front of him – leading me down the hall to the makeshift gym; and closing the door behind us.

I spent the next 10 minutes on my knees; mouth full of Jax. It wasn’t a bad place to be.

---

For some reason; I wasn’t hungover the next morning; which worked out perfectly, as I needed to go in to town to pick up my phone.

Jax was splayed naked across the bed; and couldn’t help myself, but pinch his perfect ass-cheek. “I’m awake”, he groaned. “I’m gonna go pick up my phone”, I smiled. “There’s coffee on the pot; and your son will be home in an hour. We’re taking him to the doctor, remember?”. Jax let out a desperate sigh. “I feel like shit”, he said. “Advil on the counter. Toaster waffles in the freezer. Have at it”, I said; picking up my purse. “I love you”. “Love you”, Jax muttered into the pillow. I walked out into the hallway. “Don’t mix whiskey and tequila, next time”, I called after him. “Don’t offer body-shots, then!”, he croaked. I grinned, and left the house.

My phone was bright as new. They’d had to return to factory settings, so I spent a few minutes ion the car, setting it up to my liking. All former messages where gone. Joshua’s messages… I’d never have to deal with them again.

I picked up some groceries; smiling a hello at some hungover Chicago Sons hanging over their bikes outside the coffee shop – and was about to start my car; when my phone rang. “Hi, Cat. It’s Ally Lowen. Can I come by the house today?”. “Yeah, I guess… is there a problem?”, I asked. “No, I just have some paperwork for Jackson and you to sign. Guardianship over Jackson’s son”. My heart jumped. “Yeah… yeah, sure. Come by in an hour?”. “See you then”, Lowen said, and hung up.

I drove down the street with a wide smile; stopping at a red light. Suddenly someone knocked on my window; making me jump. Outside stood Darby; a menacing grin on his face. I pulled the .38 from my purse; and held it in my hand on my lap; as I rolled down the window. “What do you want?”, I snarled. “Relax, lady. I just need to get in touch with your old man”. I narrowed my eyes at him. “Come by the clubhouse…”, I smirked. “You know they’d kill me if I get within 100 yards of that place”, Darby sneered. “Like I said… come by the clubhouse”. Someone honked their horn behind me. The lights had turned to green. “Look, just have him call me”, Darby said; and threw a piece of paper at me. I revved the engine; and sped away.

Back at the house, Gemma was nursing a hungover Jax, by chiding him for mixing different kinds of drinks. “You know better, Jackson. I told you…”. “Yeah, I know, ma’”, Jax moaned. “Cat already had at me”. Gemma looked at me. “Good. Tell me how the doctor’s appointment goes”. “We will”, I smiled. “Jax, Lowen called. She’ll be by in 30 minutes. Papers to sign”.

Gemma frowned. “Trouble?”. Jax shook his head. “Nah”, he said. “They’re guardianship papers”. Gemma smiled broadly. “For Cat?”, she said. “Shit; that’s the best news I’ve heard in weeks”. Jax smiled slightly. “Yeah. It’s the right move”. I blushed.

Gemma kissed my cheek. “I’m happy”, she said. “For you and Abel”. She picked up her purse, and went to leave. “The baby is in the playpen. Once his father sobers up; maybe he can drive you to that appointment… otherwise; you drive!”. I smiled, and said goodbye.

Jax leaned back; and downed his coffee. “Am I still drunk, or are you looking more beautiful than usual?”. “You’re not getting out of this, Jax”, I said. “You ripped apart my favorite bra last night”. He pouted. “I’m sorry… I’ll buy you a new one”. I rolled my eyes.

“I met Darby…”, I muttered. Jax instantly tensed up. ”What did he do?”, he growled. “Nothing… he wanted to talk to you”. I handed him the piece of paper; which had a phone number written on it in a fast hand. Jax frowned. “I’ll call him… later”, he said quietly. “Make sure he doesn’t go near you again”. I smiled softly.

Jackson went into the living room; and picked up Abel. “Hey, my man. How you doing?”, he muttered. “Let me strew some wisdom on you. Don’t let a woman offer you body-shots, when you’re already neck deep in beer and whiskey”. He looked over his shoulder at me. “Sure, make it my fault”, I grinned. “Go get dressed. I’m not sure Lowen will be comfortable around you in just your boxers”. “I can put on my cut…”, Jax smirked. I frowned. “Pants, Teller!”.

He handed me Abel; and went to put on some clothes.

A little while later, we were once again seated at the kitchen table with Lowen. Jax was bouncing Abel on his shoulder. “These papers mean Cat can bring Abel to doctor’s appointments, right? Take care of him, if anything happens to me?”. I frowned at the thought. “Yes”, Lowen said. “She will have most of the same rights as a legal parent… Have you talked this over with your ex-wife?”. Jax shook his head. “Does she need to sign anything?”, he asked. “You have custody of Abel, so no”, the lawyer answered. “But she’s still his parent… she has legal rights”. Jax frowned. “If she sobers up; we’ll consider letting her have visitations”. I smiled slightly at him. He met my gaze and returned the gesture.

I ran a hand through my hair. “I know this isn’t why you’re here… but do you have any news of my case?”. “Nothing yet”, Lowen sighed. “They’re still stalling. But you should consider yourself a free woman. There’s no warrant for your arrest; and you’re not officially a suspect of murder”. “But Jax is?”, I asked. “Again, not officially”, she said. “For now, it seems all they have to go on is your self-defense story”. “Good”, I muttered.

Jax squeezed my hand. “We’ll be fine, babe”. Abel let out a slight cough again. “Sorry, we gotta take him to the doctor’s”. “Of course”, Lowen smiled. “If you’ll just sign these. I’ll get them filed right away”. She handed Jax a document and a pen; and he scribbled his signature on it. “You sign here”, Lowen said; and pushed the papers towards me. I wrote my name on the dotted line. Lowen packed up. “I’ll get going. Take care, and call me if anything comes up”. She let herself out.

Jax smiled at me warmly. “Thank you, Cat”, he said. “Thanks for taking on my boy like this”. I leaned over and kissed him. “Together, right?”. Jax laughed quietly, and nodded. “Let’s go get him checked out.

---

The doctor’s appointment was quick. Abel had nothing wrong with him but a small cold. He needed a little extra tlc, and to be kept warm; without moving into a fever. Jax seemed relaxed and happy on our drive home. “Let’s get coffee”, he said. “What?”, I said. “Like a family… let’s go get coffee; and hang out with our kid”. “Abel needs to rest”, I said. “He’ll rest, while we hang out at Gary’s”. “Ok”, I smiled.

The coffee-shop was mostly deserted, save for a few elderly patrons. It was the middle of the day; and most people were at work. Jax went up to the man behind the counter. “Hey, Gary!”, he smiled. “How’s your…”. “My mom’s fine”, Gary grinned. “Thanks… how’s your boy?”. “My mom’s been in here, huh?”, Jax chuckled. “She told me about his cough. Seemed worried”. “He’s good”, I said; Abel in my arms. “Just a cold”.

We sat down at a table. Jax texted Gemma to let her know Abel was all right; and we spent a few minutes enjoying our coffee; and holding hands. Jax took Abel from my arms; and held him against his chest. “You gonna call Wendy?”, I said quietly. “She’s at a rehab down south”, he muttered. “I’ll call her… promise”. I smiled and stroked his cheek. “Thank you…”, I said. “Why are you thanking me?”. I sighed. “Because you listened to me about her… and, I guess, for giving Abel a chance to know his mother”. Jax smiled slightly. “I love you”. Abel let out a cooing sound. “He agrees”. We laughed quietly together.

There was a rumbling of engines down the street; and Jax looked up. “Chicago leaving?”, I said. “No”, he said; looking at the bikers driving by. “We need to get home”. He stood up; and pulled my hand for me to follow.

Jax drove through two red lights to get us home. “What’s going on?”, I asked. Abel was fussing in the back seat, and I was worried. “Mayans”, Jackson muttered. “Once we get home, you get inside and lock the door. Don’t let anyone in, unless they’re club, Lyla or my mom. I’ll have Rat come over. He’ll stay until I get back. Keep your gun on your body”. “Jax…?”, I said. “It’ll be fine. Just do as I say”.

He pulled in to the driveway; and jumped out to get Abel from his seat. Handing me the baby; he kissed me deeply; and jumped on his bike. “Inside!”, he bellowed, and started up the engine. “Go!”. I ran inside with Abel; and locked the door behind me.

---

Rat came over 20 minutes later; looking over his shoulder. I let him in, and locked the door behind him. “What’s happening?”, I demanded. “I don’t know”, he answered. “Jax told me to stay put. Keep an eye on you”.

Abel was crying, and I paced the floor of the living room. “Can I get you anything?”, Rat asked. I felt Abel’s head. He was warm, but I didn’t think he had a fever. “Teething ring. Freezer”. Rat returned seconds later with the ring; and I put it to Abel’s mouth, to sooth the teething-pain. He began to settle down.

My smartphone rang. “Hello?”, I said. “Catherine… it’s agent Stahl”. “Ok, bye”, I snarled; about to hang up. “Catherine! Listen… Charming is full of Mexican bikers; can you tell me anything about that?”. “I don’t know; why don’t you ask them?”. “They don’t seem to want to talk…”. I hung up.

I paced the floor a few more seconds, before handing Rat the baby. “Can you put him down for a nap?”. Rat nodded, “Yeah… I have a little sister”, he muttered. “Good. Go”, I said.

Rat went into the nursery; and I called Jax up on my phone. “Cat?”. He sounded occupied. “Stahl called me. Asking about Mexicans”. “Shit… Look, it’s… not good”. “Lockdown again?”, I asked. “No… not yet. Just stay put”. “I will”. “I’ll be back when I can. Stay safe. Love you”. “Love you”. He hung up; and I sank into the couch.

Rat came back from the nursery. “He’s sleeping”. “Thanks”, I muttered. “If you’re hungry, grab something from the fridge”. Rat disappeared into the kitchen; and I sat down on the couch.

The burner phone was ringing in my purse. “Hello?” “Babe, it’s me”. “Jax; what’s happening?”. “Don’t use your phone when calling me”, Jackson said. “Cover it in towels and a trash-bag. Have Rat put it in your car”. “Why? What’s going on?”. “Just… please. Do it. Don’t talk”. My breath hitched in fear. I grabbed my android; and went into the kitchen – covering it in a kitchen towel; and throwing it into a bag. I handed it to Rat; mouthing the word car. He grabbed my keys from the counter; and went outside.

“It’s gone”, I said into the burner. “What’s going on?” “We think it’s been bugged”. “What?”, I said. “I just picked it up this morning!”. “The electronics store called TM yesterday. They didn’t know where else to reach you”, he said. “The guy said your phone looked weird inside; but that they’d put it together the way it was”. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”. “Some crow-eater picked up the call”, he snarled. “She wrote it down; but was to drunk to tell you when we came to the clubhouse last night”. “Shit… Stahl… what did she hear?”. “Depends on where it’s been up until you broke it”. “I… always kept it with me”. I swallowed hard. “Jax… everything we talked about…” “I know, Cat”, he said. “Did you have it on you after Kohn…?”. “Yeah… in my purse mostly. Up until it broke. When would they have had a chance to mic it?”. “Maybe Kohn did it. Before you left Chicago. To keep an ear on you”. I felt sick… Josh had access to me for weeks… months. “I broke it once before. Had it fixed in a shop near my apartment”. “What store?” “Can’t remember. It was in Karlov Avenue…”. “I’ll have Mike make some calls. Stay put, babe” “I will…”. He hung up.

Bile rose in my throat; and I ran to the bathroom; throwing up violently into the toilet. Rat came to my rescue with a hairclip and a glass of water. He tied up my hair. “My mom would drink…”, he muttered. I was about to say something; before I had to lean over the toilet again – letting out another stream of bile. Once I’d finally stopped retching; I took the glass of water; and drank it all. “Thanks, Rat”, I muttered. “Can you… I need to brush my teeth”. He nodded; and left me alone.

I stood up; and grabbed my toothbrush – furiously brushing my teeth to remove the taste of sick in my mouth. I looked in the mirror. You’re never leaving me… You’ll always be here… screwing up my life.

I let Rat know I was going to try to get some rest; and went into the bedroom – closing the door behind me; and turning on the baby-monitor. The burner-phone was in my hand; and I crawled into bed, staring at it. After a while of hyperventilating; I more or less passed out, into a fitful sleep. I only woke some hours later; to crying sounds from the monitor.

I sprang into the nursery; to find Opie soothing Abel. Chibs was with him. “Where’s Jax?”, I whimpered. “What’s wrong? Why isn’t he here?”. I began sobbing. Chibs went over to put his arms around me. “It’s ok, my love. Jackson is fine”, he said soothingly; as I hiccupped against his shoulder. “He’s meeting up with Darby”. “What about the Mayans?”, I rasped. “What’s going on?”.

Chibs made me sit on the couch; arm around my shoulder. “Just a show of force, sweetheart. Nothing else”, he said. “We’re taking you to the cabin”, Opie said. “Why?”, I asked. “Clay and Jax wants you out of the reach of Stahl”, he answered. “She don’t know about that place”. I tried to calm my breathing. Opie continued bouncing Abel up and down gently; making the baby calm down. “Get your things. Enough for a few days”, Chibs said. I looked at Opie. “I got the baby”, he said.

I went back into the bedroom; Chibs following me with a backpack for my things. Throwing clothes and essentials into the bag – among those, the blue flannel – I pulled on my sneakers; and followed the scot outside. “My car?”, I said; reaching for the keys. “Leave it”, Opie said. “Rat’s taking your phone to the clubhouse to get checked out”. I nodded; and followed him into a van. Opie set Abel’s car-seat between us; and started the van; driving down the street. Chibs followed on his bike; and Tig and Happy came down the road to join our caravan.

---

We arrived at the cabin a few hours later. Opie carried Abel inside for me; and the others checked the perimeters for unwanted company. Opie grabbed a cooler from the van; and produced a sandwich and a thermos of coffee for me. “Lyla…”, he muttered. “You need to eat. Rat said you threw up”. “Yeah”, I whispered. “Cat… are you…”. “No, I’m still not pregnant”, I sneered. He looked down. “Sorry… I’m just…”. “I know”, he said. “I get it… Jax will be here as soon as he can”.

He went to check up with the others. “Opie?”, I called after him. He turned to face me. “Thank you…”. “Welcome”, he muttered; and a smile ghosted his face.

There wasn’t a cot for Abel in the cottage; so I made a makeshift border on the bed in one of the bedrooms – making sure he didn’t roll off it and hurt himself. He fell asleep quickly – tuckered out from the drive. I went back into the main room. It was too quiet; so I turned on the tv – needing any kind of sound to block out the silence. I put on The Goonies which was laying under the cover of Karate Kid; and sat down on the couch – staring into space.

A while later; Chibs came inside. “I sent Opie home to his kids. How are you holding up?”. I tried sending him a smile; but instantly fell into tears. The scot came over; and took me into his arms again. “Hey, hey… you’ll be fine… everything is fine”. He kissed the top of my head. “What’s happening?”, I croaked. “Did I get you all into trouble?”. “No, luv’”, he said. “No more than we already were”. “I’m so sorry”, I whimpered.

Chibs sighed; and pulled me to lean against him. “You know, I used to run with the IRA…”. “You?”, I sniveled. “Yup. Those people will slit you from neck to dick; if you so much as look in the direction of a cop”, he said. “This… you did nothing wrong. Even the army would be able to see that, if it was them you were hold up with”. I sighed. “I’ve been carrying a live mic with me on club grounds… having conversations about murders… I’m killing your club”. “The Sons never say die!”, Chibs smiled; and looked towards the screen, as a young Sean Astin was uttering the same words to his friends in the movie. I chuckled at his joke; feeling a little better.

Chibs sat with me for a while; before taking a call in the kitchen. “Jackie’s done with his meeting. He’s driving out now”. I exhaled in relief. Chibs sat back down, and lit me a cigarette. I took a deep draw from the smoke; and put my head on his shoulder. “You’re a good man, scottie”, I smiled. “Tell it to my ex”, he grinned.

---

I fell asleep against Chibs’ shoulder; waking up to the sound of Jax’s voice. “Hands of the goods, Chibby”, he grinned. I sprang of the couch, and into his arms. “You thought I wouldn’t come back? Trade me in for a brit?”. “Oy!”, Chibs barked. “I’m a free Scotsman!”. Jax chuckled. “I got her, man… thanks”. Chibs stepped over, and patted his shoulder. “You’re welcome, brother”. He went outside.

“Are you ok?”, Jax said; stroking a lock of hair out of my face. “I’m… what happened?”. Jax walked us over to the couch; sitting down. He took my hands. “Juice checked your phone. It was bugged”. I scrunched my face up in anger. “When?”. “Mike made some calls. The electronics store pulled up an old receipt. Someone payed extra to have it installed. They didn’t remember who; just that it was paid in cash. Looks like Kohn”. “He had me tapped for months… probably heard everything”, I said. “That’s how he knew about you. He listened to our calls”. Jax shook his head. “It’s more than that”, he said. “The bug picked up everything it heard. Not just calls”. “Shit… if Stahl has access to the receiver…”. Jackson clenched his jaw. “She does”, he muttered. “Lowen called while I was with Darby. Stahl sent her transcripts of the recordings from the motel. Warning us that she’s coming for us”. It was all coming to a head.

I stood up and began pacing the floor. “Oh my god… Jax, she knows everything!”. “She can’t prove it…”, he said. “She has recordings of everything we’ve ever said when my phone was in the room… She heard my fight with Kohn. Heard me telling you, he needed to die. The gunshot… Jax, she even heard us have sex a few days later!”. Jax sighed. “The recordings were made illegally. They won’t hold up in court, and she can’t arrest me yet”. “She can twist and turn it in her favor”, I said. “If she takes me in again… what if I can’t say the right thing? What if she gets something out of me, by making me say something she already knows?”.

He got up; and took a hold of my shoulders. “That’s why you’re here. We’re not letting her get to you”. “Clay…”, I whispered. “He’s on the same page. Knows it wasn’t your fault”. He pulled me into his arms. “Look… you’re safe here. And we’re safe as long as you stay here… away from her”. “How are you going to explain my disappearing?”, I asked. He shrugged. “You got scared. Split”, he said. “Abel… We just signed those papers”. “It got too intense for you. You couldn’t deal with it; and took off”. I let out a shaky breath, and buried my face in his chest. “I’m taking him back to Charming tomorrow morning. Leaving him with Gemma”. “And after?”, I asked. “I’ll be… searching for you up north. Stay in state, so they don’t put out an APB on me”. “You’re not staying here”, I whispered. “I’ll come back when I can, Cat”, he said; and kissed my forehead. “How long? We can’t do this forever”.

He smiled encouragingly at me. “Darby gave us the name of the prosecutor Ollie’s been working with”, he said. ”I think I know how to get us out of this”. I shook my head in wonder. “How?”, I asked. “I’m gonna see if I can make a deal”, he said. “Get us out of business with Nichols… the state prosecutor wants him; and we’re gonna give him to them”. “What does that have to do with Stahl?”, I frowned.

He sighed. “Sit down, babe. This is gonna be a long one”. He pulled out a chair for me; and I sat down across from him. “Stahl wants to kill the club, through me. She get’s me on murder; she can pull RICO on us; pull out all old charges; and run them again”. “She did set you up”, I said. Jax nodded. “ATF has been hounding Darby’s business as well – but they’re lower grade than us. Stahl contacted him… let him know he could avoid being charged, if he agreed to lending a hand to a federal agent; with his case”. “His case…”, I said quetly. “Stahl put Kohn in contact with Darby”, Jackson confirmed. “I can’t say for sure that she knew, Kohn was going to use Darby to drug you, but I wouldn’t put it past her”. I scoffed. “So that bullshit about Kohn calling him on his own accord…”. “Just that… bullshit”. “And the motel? Stahl told Darby where I was, so you’d go after us… Kill Joshua”. “Darby was pissed she hadn’t told him he’d be going after a Samcro old lady”, Jax snarled. I smiled sarcastically. “And she apologized by giving him the address of the motel”, I sneered. Jax nodded. “That thundercunt was using all of us…”.

Jax swallowed. “With Darby’s info; we have proof that she set me up for murder… but it doesn’t change the fact that I did it”. He bit his lips. “If I can make a deal with the prosecutor; go away on something else…”. My breath hitched. “What are you talking about; going away?”, I said. He looked down. “Clay wants to keep moving drugs… but he’s more concerned about reputation than money – and the way Nichols went behind our backs; got that Nord killed, and dumped him on us, to start shit…”. “He believes that?”, I asked “Darby more or less confirmed it. Said Nichols had been looking for a reason to move in on us… he gave white-power green light to go for his cousin. Said he screwed his ex”.

I was confused. “So… Darby agreed to have his cousin-brother killed… dumped him on you… to have a reason for the alt-right to move in on you? Why?”. “He wanted free range to deal. Nichols promised to help… broke that promise, when he decided to use us as mules”. “And the Mayans?”, I said. “They’re just pissed. They still wanna deal with us; but not before we get Nichols out of the picture”.

“So Clay gets to keep the drugs…”, I muttered. “For now…”, Jax said. “Look, the club runs for them for a few years… keep it safe. I’ll work on getting us out, when I come back”. “From where?”, I whispered. Jax looked down. “I’m gonna have to give the prosecutor something, besides Nichols… I need to go inside”. “Prison?”, I whimpered. “I’ll make a good deal, Cat… It won’t be long”. My chin began trembling. “No… you can’t do that, Jax!”, I said; tears running down my cheeks. “Please…”. He took my hands. “It will be fine… I’ll be fine”. “They’re taking you away for murder!”, I yelled. “No, they’re not”, he said. “The evidence against me won’t hold; Stahl knows that. Anything I give the state prosecutor will override what she thinks she has, and be seperate from her RICO-case… I’ll make sure you are kept out of it. You don’t get charged due to self-defense; and I go in on some other charges… muling; possession… something. In return; we hand the prosecutor Nichols”.

I closed my eyes. “How long?”, I asked; tears still staining my cheeks. “I don’t know, yet”, Jax muttered. “I’m meeting with Lowen tomorrow… Cat… this is the only way”. I opened my eyes again. “Ok…”, I whispered. He squeezed my hands. “You are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. I love you; and I will do anything to keep you and our boy safe”. He smiled. “This is it, for me. You are…”. He kissed my knuckles. “I’m going to make sure Stahl never touches you again. The alt-right will disappear from Charming, once Nichols is gone. He’s the one with the pull there… We can move on with our lives”.

I took a deep breath. “I’ll take care of Abel… however long until you come back… he’ll know…”. I began sobbing again. Jax stood up; and walked around the table to pull me into his arms. “I know… I love you”. “Say it again”, I muttered. “I love you, Cat… Marry me”.

I pulled back. “What?”. “Marry me”, he repeated. I shook my head. “You’re doing this now? While I’m on the run, and you’re getting ready to go to prison?”. “No better time”, he smiled. “You’re the one…”. I sniveled. “You gonna pull out a violin orchestra, and a thousand red roses, prince Charming?”, I chuckled. He grinned. “Smartass”, he laughed. “Just give me an answer”.

“Sure…”, I muttered. He raised a brow at me. “Sure…?”, he said. “Yes!”, I smiled. “When you’re back… I’ll marry you”. Jax face lit up; and he let out a relieved laugh. “Cat…”. He pulled flush against him; and kissed me deeply – only coming up for air; when Happy, Tig and Chibs came into the cabin.

“What’s happening?”, Chibs said. “We’re getting married”, Jax grinned. “To each other?”, Tig asked. “Idiot…”, Happy muttered; and stepped over to grab the both of us in a bearhug.

Chibs and Tig joined in on the hugging. “When?”, Chibs asked. Jax grimaced; and looked at me. “After… we have something to finish first”.

Jax spent the night over; under; and – most importantly – inside me. After everything we’d discussed, it was a bittersweet union. At one point; I even shed a few tears – Jackson kissing them away for me. “I love you”, he whispered; as he thrusted into me; making me shatter beneath him. “I love you”, I replied; once I could speak again. “Always”.

---

The next morning, Jax kissed me goodbye. Opie arrived with the van; letting Jax drive his son back to Charming in it – he himself riding on Jax’s bike. Happy was babysitting me – again – and Tig and Chibs joined their brothers on their trek back home.

“Karate Kid?”, Happy asked. “I was watching The Goonies last night… fell asleep before it finished”. Happy’s face lit up. “Yes! Jerk alert!”. I grinned; and sat down to watch the movie with him. “Don’t fall asleep on my shoulder”, Happy muttered. “Jax said he’d break my arm".

I spent the morning nervously checking the burner-phone every chance I got. At around noon; Happy took it from me. “He’ll call when he can”. He put it in his pocket. “I’ll let you know. You need to chill”. He realized before I did, that my constant looking at the phone, was stressing me out. “Sorry…”, I muttered. “Wanna play Uno?”, he asked. I frowned. “I hate Uno…” “Me too”, Happy grinned.

He served me eggs and bacon for lunch – this time with a salad on the side. “Why don’t you have an old lady?”, I asked him, as we ate. “I did… she died”. “I’m sorry”, I said. “Don’t be. She was a bitch. Stole my tarantula”. That was that conversation.

In the afternoon, I was going stir crazy. I stepped outside to get some air. Happy followed; and began throwing rocks at the birds in the trees. “Got one!”, he smiled; as one of the birds fell to the ground. “Happy… birds are our friends”, I said. He frowned. “They’re spies for the government”, he declared.

My burner rang in his pocket. He picked it up. “Yeah…?”, He looked at me. “Still alive, in spite of the birds… yeah, ok. I’ll tell her”. He snapped the phone shut. “Clay… they’re coming up here tomorrow. All of them”. “Jax?”, I said. “Still at his meeting. Be here with the others”. I nodded.

We watched Gremlins – 1 and 2 – before I finally gave in to boredom; and decided to turn to alcohol. Playing Never have I ever… with Happy, turned out to be a terrifying ordeal; and I went to bed early; cuddling up in Jax’s blue flannel. For some reason; his scent never left it. Sharp mint; and musky leather – with a side of indescribable Jax.

I fell asleep to the sound of Happy laughing at Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

---

I woke up at dawn; Happy still deep in his 80’s marathon. “Do you ever sleep?”, I asked with a raspy voice, as I sipped at my coffee. “About twice a week”, he answered. “I don’t like it. Nightmares”. “Birds?”, I said. “Everywhere…”, he said; voice gravelly.

I chowed down on some cereal; and went to have a smoke outside. Happy once again followed – refraining from rock-throwing this time. “You’re a good old lady”, Happy muttered. “Whatever happens these next few days, we got your back”. “Thanks”, I smiled.

There was a rumbling of engines from down the gravel road. Happy sprang up; and got in front of me – gun at the ready. Recognizing his brothers; he stood down. Clay, Bobby, Piney and Tig got off their bikes; and joined us in front of the cabin. Piney gave me a short hug. “How’s my old place treating you this time?”, he smiled. “You’ve got a pretty bad-ass movie library”, I said. “Yeah… I bring the kids up. Show them the classics”.

We went inside. Someone made a fresh pot of coffee; and soon we were gathered around the table. Clay lit a cigar. “Jax has a meeting with Lowen this morning”, he grumbled. He didn’t look happy. “Wasn’t he with her yesterday?”, Bobby asked. “They’re meeting with the state prosecutor…”. He looked towards me. “We have something coming up, brothers. You won’t like it”. Tig frowned. “What’s going on, man?”. Clay sighed. “I’ll let Jax fill you in. All you need to know right now, is that we’re working on a plan to get ATF off our asses completely… We set up chapel here when everyone arrives”. His eyes met mine. “You’re invited”.

[superpaperclip]

From Time to Time

Kennedy Moore, the first openly non-binary First Child, moved into Alex Claremont-Diaz's old room- the East Bedroom.

Read here on AO3

CW: Description of a panic attack

“Almost every queer person knows their names- Alexander Claremont-Diaz and Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor. The First Son of the United States and the Prince of England who, after being cruelly outed in a giant scandal, lived happily ever after together. Well, today I’m lucky enough to move into Alex’s old room- the East Bedroom. Hopefully, I’ll be able to live up to his legacy as your First Child of the United States.”

With a smile, Kennedy Moore posted the picture of their new bedroom to Instagram, quickly turning off their phone before the flood of likes and comments came and jumping backwards onto the bed. They glanced around the room, trying to imagine a young Alex Claremont-Diaz walking around.

It had been renovated for Kennedy, the walls a nice cream color and the bed swathed in a deep red. Their fancier clothes hung neatly in the closet and various papers were stacked on an oak desk. There was a fireplace on the far wall that they didn’t quite feel brave enough to light and a small table under the frosted window. Boxes and bags of stuff were stacked in a corner, but they resolutely ignored the pile.

The room was still alien to Kennedy, not quite home yet. Although, they supposed, it would be home for at least the next four years. They had done what they could as a newly 18-year-old to help their father get elected, and it worked- their father won with a landslide. Kennedy recalled Alex Claremont-Diaz talking about Texas flipping blue for the first time in 44 years back in 2020, and their chest swelled with pride at how far the country had come- Texas was regularly blue these days.

Lost in thought, they almost fell off the bed at the knocking. Opening their door revealed Danny, their brother, with his arm raised. He pushed past Kennedy despite their protests, strolling around the room with a scrutinizing eye.

“Get out of here, you pest.” Kennedy jabbed their thumb at the hallway, holding the door open. Danny ignored them.

“It’s not very personalized. You should make it more personalized. We’re gonna be here for at least four years, you know. Unless Dad does something to get impeached. Which I don’t think he will. What were we talking about? Oh, yeah- your room. I know for a fact red isn’t your favorite color.” Danny was right, of course, but Kennedy would never admit it. Red was a good color for the oldest First Child.

“Get off my bed, you ass. And don’t you dare spill that in my room, or you’re gonna pay.” They gestured at the bottle of soda Danny had seemingly produced from nowhere. ”As for my room… well, we just moved in. I need some time to decorate. Besides, what’re you giving me shit for? I’m sure your bedroom looks the same as mine.” Danny shook his head, and Kennedy raised their eyebrows.

“Did you really get everything unpacked? We’ve only been here one day!”

“Yep!” Danny grinned, popping the P. “I busted my ass. And I asked Asher for help.” Asher Woodward, the Vice President’s youngest kid, and only son. The four of them- Kennedy, Danny, Asher, and his older sister Bianca- had become close friends on the campaign trail, having spent countless late nights and early mornings together brainstorming ways to win.

“Hey, that’s cheating! Asher and Bianca have their own unpacking to do. Don’t be mad just because you didn’t think of it.”

“Whatever, kid. Just get out of my room.” Kennedy grabbed Danny’s arm and tugged. He slid off their bed, hands up in mock surrender, and left the room.

Suddenly tired, Kennedy slumped into the desk chair. They had always struggled with bouts of fatigue, but it had gotten worse when their dad announced his run for president. Usually they would take caffeine pills, but they’d run out last night and hadn’t gotten more. Groaning, Kennedy collapsed on their bed. Before they knew it, they were asleep.

***

Kennedy had known it would be a bad day when they woke up. Their head had been throbbing, but all they could do was take some Tylenol and try to ride out an important day of being the First Child of the United States. They’d tried to power through meetings and classes, but it just wore them down. A snide comment muttered under someone’s breath was their breaking point.

Kennedy’s throat closed, and it felt like someone had punched them in the gut. Tears threatened to roll down their cheeks. They managed to get up the stairs to their floor before breaking down. Clumsily, they grasped at the doorknob and yanked it open, slamming it shut behind them.

I can’t do this. I can’t There’s no way I can do this for another four years. There’s no fucking way. I can’t, I can’t, I can’t!

Thoughts raced through Kennedy’s head as tears streamed down their face. Distantly, they noted that their bedroom door was cold against their back. Through blurry vision, they scan the room, their mind shouting to hide. Hide from the stress, from the hatred, from the X. One shape came into view- the open rectangle of the closet. The shape was comforting, familiar, not alien like the rest of the room.

Kennedy scrambled for cover, almost diving into the closet. The hardwood floor is unyielding against their knees and palms, grounding them. They turn over and sit with their back against the wall, hunched over and hugging their knees. The position is familiar- they used to do the same thing as a kid. In the safety of the closet, Kennedy begins their breathing exercises. In through the nose, slowly out through the mouth, repeat. Their heart rate starts to slow to a normal rate- nothing can get them in the closet.

Their breathing and tears slow, and then finally stop. Kennedy wipes their eyes, but doesn’t move from their spot. Slowly but surely, they unclasp their hands and let their legs slide out, away from their chest.

As they settled their hands on either side of themselves, there was a creak, and the board under their left hand shifted out of place. Kennedy picked it up, fully intending to put it back properly, but an envelope underneath caught their eye. On the front, it read FUTURE LGBT FIRST KIDS . Turning it over in their hands, they began to read.

01/19/2025

Dear whoever finds this letter,

My name is Alex Claremont-Diaz. I’m the first publicly out and proud bisexual FSOTUS, and I’m here to give you advice. Being LGBT and a First Kid is stressful, especially when you’re forcibly outed right before the election, and especially when your boyfriend is the Prince of Wales. But I hope that it will be easier for you than it was for me. I hope that you don’t feel the need to hide your identity for the sake of our current president. I hope that you can be proud about who you are- that everyone uses your correct name and pronouns, and doesn’t blink at whoever you like. If you’re not able to be out, for any reason, let me say this- eventually, you will. You will get to a point in your life when you can unapologetically be yourself. I promise you. Please don’t give up, no matter what. Things will get better. Just hang in there.

I wish you all the best.

Yours, Alex Claremont-Diaz.

PS. Henry says hello and good luck, and seconds everything in this letter.

***

Kennedy took the old letter from Alex Claremont-Diaz out of their desk drawer. It had resided there for eight years, through both of President Moore’s terms. Kennedy had taken it out and read it countless times over the years when they needed it most. And now, it would be going back under the loose board in the closet for the next person who needs it.

Kennedy folded the letter along the creases that no longer existed, the paper worn from being handled. Then they folded another piece of paper, containing a letter of their own. Over the past month, Kennedy had written and rewritten it multiple times. There was no time now to fix anything- the Moore family would be moving out of the White House that afternoon.

Smiling, they placed the papers under the floor of the closet and replaced the board. Hopefully, the letters would help someone else as much as Alex’s letter had helped Kennedy.

[monaisme]

Day 19: sleep deprivation

Day 19: sleep deprivation

To do:

1.  Call Queen Ramonda re: tech sharing program @515am

2.                                     re: Everett Ross (is he there?)

3.  Call Dickhead Ross re: SHIELD coverage @ Raft @ 7am

4.  **Tony- wound check/ Nano eval!!**

5.  Call U.N. re: Status of Accords @ 9am

6.                 re: securing Thor’s (?) ship

7.                 re: Asgardians status

8.                 re: Nebula status    

9.   Call Parker landlord re: lease/furniture storage

10. Book tech for press conference #3 BEFORE 10am

11. Check on Barton situation ???

12. Board meeting @ 11am

13. Call R&D re: $$/Parker Foundation?

14. Call WHO re: vaccination program status @ 1245pm

15.                 re: *food supply interruptions

16. Call President re: *food supply interruptions @230pm

17.                        re: Nebula status

18. Call Housekeeping re: Nebula quarters  

Pepper pressed her fingers to her eyes before trying to focus AGAIN on her list. The dimmed lights of the med bay and the sounds of the monitors attached to her husband made it almost impossible.

She thought back to four days ago—had it really been only four days.

When Tony had come down that ramp, it was like Afghanistan all over again—until she saw the desperation and grief on his face. And then he’d collapsed and everything was a flurry of activity.

She’d found out later from Nebula that the nanoparticles had served their purpose back on Titan. The wound had been sealed, but the infection had already taken root and was festering within him. With the malnourishment and dehydration on top of that, it was no wonder Tony was doing so poorly.  The IVs chock full of antibiotics, nutrients, sedatives, and all of the medications to prevent his blood pressure from rising and his kidneys and liver from failing hung from hooks at the head of the bed. The nasogastric tube would be a fixture for a bit, she knew. Tony would hate it when he woke up, but she’d put him straight and they’d keep going. The monitors, though, she took comfort in. She could see that his heart was beating; that air was flowing through is lungs—that he was alive and fighting.

She shook those thoughts away, because it was four days later and there were things to do. She was supposed to be on the other side of the compound, preparing for a phone call with the U.N. (See item #4) but Tony’s doctor would be here shortly to do a wound check (See item #3) and evaluate a few other nanoparticle related things that Tony would drool over, but, well... Pepper wasn’t worried about nanotech, she was worried about Tony. If things went well today, they would hopefully reduce some of the medications he was on so they could start waking him up. That decision, of course, depended mostly on the inflammation around the original site and some blood work results from last night.

Pepper prayed they’d agree to starting to wake him up today. She missed her fiancé so, so much. She took a moment to put her list back into her briefcase and settle back into the chair by his bedside. She took his thin hand in her own. “What do ya’ say, Tony? Is today going to be the day I get to see those Bambi-eyes of yours?”

Of course, he didn’t answer.

“Pepper?”

She jumped, throwing her hands to her chest, in an effort to calm her racing heart. “Oh!”

Dr. Cho was apologetic as she came further into the room. “I am so sorry, Pepper. I thought you heard me when I came in!”

Pepper waved the apology off with a laugh, “No! I’m sorry! I must have been daydreaming,” She said as she continued to wait for her heart to settle... it seemed though, that it didn’t want to.

Dr. Cho smiled at her sympathetically. “No one could blame you, Pepper. You look dead on your feet.” Then, as though only seeing her for the first time, Dr. Cho asked her, “How are you doing? I mean really, how are you doing?”

She laughed again, trying to sound okay, “I’m doing fine, thank you. I’m just trying to salvage what’s left of the world while Sleeping Beauty here keeps us all waiting.”

“Ouch. No Prince Charming for our Mr. Stark, I see?” Dr. Cho teased back as she began her assessment on the man.

Pepper shook her head. “Oh, no,” she stood up from her seat, “Leave it to the amazing Ms. Pepper Potts to save the world—one board meeting at time, thank you very much!” And she gave a mock final bow and stepped away from the bed.

Pepper looked up from her brief performance and saw how close she was to some of Tony’s equipment. Embarrassed, she stepped further away from the bed. “I’m sorry. I’m taking up the room you need.”

Dr. Cho shook her head. “You’re fine, Pepper. If I need room, I’ll ask.”

Pepper was sure she was about to ask another question when a knock on the door interrupted her.

The doctor smiled at the new addition to the room. “Dr. Rainert, I’m so glad you could come. Dr. Rainert,” she nodded to the man then gestured to Pepper. “I’d like to introduce you to Ms. Pepper Potts, Mr. Stark’s fiancée.”

Dr. Rainert gave a polite bow. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he announced and then got right down to business. “I am assuming you know why I’m here?”

Pepper nodded. “Of course, while Dr. Cho will be doing the actual wound check, you’ll be evaluating the affect of the nanoparticles on healing, scarring, and such, correct?”

He nodded to confirm. “I know it’s a stressful time for you, Ms. Potts, but Mr. Stark and I had been quite excited to see how this worked in a field setting and,” he seemed to be struggling to contain his enthusiasm even as his research partner lay unconscious in the bed beside him. “Well, this information will be most helpful going forward.”

It all felt a little ghoulish to her, but she wasn’t going to say it. She was there to support her fiancé and make sure he was getting better. Then she’d...

A buzz filled the room. It took Pepper a second the figure out that it was her cell phone. Blushing at the obvious faux-pas, she blurted a hurried apology, grabbed her phone and dashed out into the hall.

“Pepper Potts speaking,” she answered, fumbling with the phone before pressing it firmly to her ear.

“Pepper? It’s James.”

She cringed. ‘James’ meant that Rhodey was currently surrounded by mucky-mucks, which was strange because that call didn’t need to be made until, she glance at her watch, “Rhodey! It’s 9:30!”

“I know!” he exclaimed. “I was worried something was wrong with Tony when you didn’t call in. Is everything alright?”

Pepper lost herself for a second. She never lost track of time! Never!

“Pepper?”

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” She came back to herself and panicked. “Please extend apologies for my lateness to the others. I’ll grab my briefcase from the other room and head to my office, okay? I shouldn’t be more than five minutes. Promise!”

Rhodey sounded understanding, so she allowed herself to take a quick breath after letting him go and then rushed back into Tony’s room. She just needed to collect her briefcase, head back to work, and get the day back on track.

She came up short, however, when she caught a glimpse of Tony’s wound— exposed to her for the first time.

It definitely wasn’t what she’d been expecting and it took that realization for the room to spin, tilt, and then disappear from around her.

She was out before she hit the floor.

* * * * * *

Pepper woke with a start, and a headache.

“Pepper?”

Confused, she scanned the room, only barely relaxing when Rhodey stepped up to her bedside.

“Hey, Pepper, are you with me now?”

She nodded, but still didn’t understand, “What...?” her voice cracked so she cleared it and tried again. “What happened?”

He took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, “You, Ms. Potts, fainted.”

Pepper glared at him, “I did not...” She coughed from the dryness of her throat.

“Hang on, Pep. Let me just...” Rhodey stood to get her a glass of water from the stand beside her bed and then handed it to her. “Be careful,” he added as he watched her hands shake.

She took the glass and took a dainty sip. It was as she pulled the glass away that she saw the IV in her forearm. She straightened up and threw her arm out to show him, ignoring the sway as she made the movement. “No. I don’t need this.” Of course, she didn’t! She was fine. “You can take this out, right?”

“I could, but I won’t, Pep. Don’t be ridiculous,” he spoke calmly. “You passed out, and I’m here to make sure you stay right there and take care of yourself.” He gave the bed a poke, then sat back in his chair crossing his arms and making like he had the final word.

Pepper stared at him for a second, trying to determine just how far Rhodey would take his apparently self-appointed role. She looked down at her wrist and scowled. “Rhodey, where’s my watch?”

He smiled sweetly, “I have it in my pocket, along with your wedding band, if you must know. I’m keeping it safe and sound until you’re ready to leave.”

She rolled her eyes. “I can take them back now. I’m too busy for all of this so I’m just going to—“ She sat up fully and swung her legs over the edge of the bed opposite to Rhodey while looking at the clock on the wall.

Dammit! She’d already missed several phone calls with the United Nations and Tony would be upset if anything happened to the Parkers’ things while they were— (See items #5-9)

She made a plan on the fly. “If I leave now, I can call into my board meeting and send out a couple of emails to cover the calls that I missed out on...”

Rhodey came around to the other side of the bed and stood directly in front of her. “Pepper,” he put a hand on her knee, pretending he could stop her from standing up and walking out the door. “You have nothing to do for the foreseeable future.” He took a really good look at his good friend. “Really, Pep? You’ve gotta stop for a sec. When’s the last time you got a really good night’s sleep?”

She pointed an accusatory finger in his face. “Don’t Rhodey! You, of all people, know what it’s like to have to clean up after Tony—and I know this isn’t his fault, I know!” Her chin quivered. “There’s just so much to do and—“

He cut her off, “And there are people who are here to help you.”

A tear trickled down her cheek. “You know I’m not wired that way,” A few more escaped.

“Trust me. I know—and I’m pretty sure that’s why none of us understand how you ended up with that lughead in the next room.”

She smiled as she wiped away the tears, thinking of how lucky she was that he loved her, if she was being completely honest. And then she remembered. “Tony! Oh, no! I have to—I should be there and I’m here...“ Pepper weakly pushed Rhodey’s hand away so she could slide off the bed.  

“Pepper, don’t.”

Both Pepper and Rhodey froze as Dr. Cho came into the room.

She had been on her way to update Pepper about her and Tony from the looks of all the two clipboards in her hand, but tossed them aside and rushed forward when she saw that Pepper was getting upset. “Hey, hey, Pepper. It’s okay. Everyone is okay.” She stepped in front of Pepper, effectively bumping Rhodey to the sidelines. “Pepper? Do you hear me? Tony’s fine, I promise.”

Pepper’s breathing had definitely picked up so she nodded that ‘yes’ she’d heard and Tony was fine but still... “I need to be there, Dr. Cho! I was supposed to know what—what was going on and I’m such a—“

“No.” Dr. Cho took charge of the conversation. “I’ve just left Tony and he is absolutely on the mend. Dr. Rainert thinks that healing rates are perhaps even accelerated by the nanoparticles, but that just means the wound is healing faster.” She looked Pepper in the eye. “Are you hearing what I’m saying?”

Pepper nodded.

“Good. Now,” Dr. Cho, ever the consummate professional, gently manoeuvred Pepper back into the bed as she spoke. “You, Ms. Potts are exactly where you are supposed to be.” She grabbed a fresh blanket from the end of the bed, and with a precision borne of years of practice, covered Pepper up. “You need to be taking care of yourself, too.”

Pepper pulled her arms out from under the blanket and petulantly crossed her arms in front of her.

Rhodey gave a low whistle from the wall he’d stationed himself at. “You’re not gonna make this easy on anyone, are you, Pep?”

Pepper simply glared in answer.

“Well,” Dr. Cho clapped her hands together to bring their attention to her. “I’m actually going to need to talk to Ms. Potts about some test results now so, Rhodey, if I could get you to step out into the hallway for a few minutes, I’d be most appreciative.”

The defiance changed to fear in a flash. “No! He stays! Please?” She looked at her dear friend and held out a hand for him to take. “You’ll stay, right?”

He stepped closer, grabbing ahold of her hand in both of his. “All you have to do is ask, Pep.” 

She smiled in relief and took a deep breath. “Okay.” Pepper looked at Dr. Cho. “What’s going on?”

Dr. Cho took a second to retrieve the clipboards from where they’d been discarded on the floor and then pulled up a rolling stool to the side of the bed. “Well, I think it goes without saying that after seeing you this morning, I suspected that this would be a simple case of exhaustion and sleep deprivation.” She put Tony’s clipboard aside and flipped some pages on Pepper’s chart. “But with aliens and spaceships suddenly landing in our backyard and in light of recent events,” she paused to give weight to those events, “Well, I figured more blood work would be the better bet.” She was oddly nervous and smiling strangely as she spoke up, “And I don’t normally give this type of news but, you, Pepper Potts, are pregnant.”

It was a good thing she was already lying down.

Her mouth opened as though she were about to say something, but nothing came out. And she was going to say something, really! But then all she could think was ‘Morgan’—not her strange uncle, but their Morgan.

The silence stretched. Neither Rhodey nor Dr. Cho seemed willing to interrupt Pepper’s processing.

Eventually, Pepper did find words. “I have so much to do,” she breathed out.

“You have absolutely nothing to do for the next two weeks,” Dr. Cho contradicted her gently.

“Two weeks? But...”

“But nothing,” Dr. Cho continued. “I may not be an OB, but your blood pressure is high—really high. I have blood work that indicates some deficiencies that need to be addressed as soon as possible. To start, your iron and B12 levels are hovering dangerously close to low, which tells me that you’ve been powering through even before all of this insanity with coffee. Which brings me to,” she gestured to the IV bag. “You were dehydrated, too, so you know. It wasn’t the worst I’ve seen, but I’m guessing it’s been a particularly busy few days?”

She whispered, “Yes.”

Dr. Cho took hold of the hand closest to her. “You’re going to need to learn how to rest, Pepper.”

She shook her head ‘no’ as she worked herself up, “I can’t! Tony and---“

“And nothing. You’re good friend, Colonel Rhodes here is going to help me roll this bed next door to Tony’s room. Okay? And then we’re going to monitor your blood pressure for a bit—most likely till tomorrow.” She got up, quickly set up the blood pressure monitor beside Pepper’s bed, and wrapped the cuff around her arm.  “ There. We’ll get started with that now. That way, you can keep an eye on Tony while we keep an eye on both of you. Fair?”

Pepper looked from Dr. Cho to Rhodey, “Rhodey, you know I can’t,” she pleaded with him. “I can’t just walk away from everything. You know how much there is to do!”

Dr. Cho pressed a button, and the blood pressure cuff inflated. It was moments later that an alarm starting blaring through the room. She silenced it after a few, point making moments. Dr. Cho said nothing, just gave her a knowing look.

Rhodey, however, was looking unimpressed. “You know you’re not walking away! C’mon, Pepper. You’re a smart woman who has surrounded herself with smart people! You’re gonna have to learn how to delegate, and right quick, lady, ‘cause that’s my niece or nephew in there—and I already know you’d do anything for them... and that include keeping YOU healthy.”

Weakness washed over Pepper in that moment and she sunk back into the bed as she suddenly began to cry.

Dr. Cho quietly excused herself from the room.

“Hey, now. None of that, Pep.” Rhodey wiped some tears from her cheek. “Yeah, things are rough right now, but you’ve still got Tony! And you’ve got me when he’s being an idiot...”

She managed a huff of a laugh.

“Just rest your eyes for a bit, ‘kay?”

“But—“

“No buts, Pepper. First, Tony will kick my ass if I don’t take care of you the way he would if he were up and around.” He pulled the blanket up to her chin. “And second, you cannot convince me that there is not some ‘Pepper-certified’ list to end all lists floating around in that briefcase of yours for me to work off of.”

She moved to get up, but a gentle press to her shoulder had her resting back on the pillows.

“Trust me, Pepper. I’ve got this. It’s in your briefcase, right?”

“Yes.” She wasn’t sure if she was supposed to be embarrassed or not.

Rhodey looked her in the eye. “Pepper?”

She looked up at him with trusting eyes. “Just... please?” She was suddenly so damned tired.

“Go to sleep, Pepper,” Rhodey whispered. “When you wake up, you’ll be with Tony next door and I’ll have some books and magazines ready for you to devour, so you don’t get bored, okay?”

“Okay.”

“I promise you, Pepper, it’s going to be okay in the end.”

And as she fell into slumber, she hoped and prayed for all their sakes, that he was right.

* * * * * *

It was very early the next morning when Tony finally opened his eyes. Pepper was sitting up in the bed next to him, reading a magazine by the bar of light behind her, completely engrossed and missing out on the man awake beside her.

He sounded weak, but in true Tony fashion, the first whispered words out of his mouth were, “I know. I’d miss me, too, but you could have slept in your own bed.”

She smiled big, and slid out of her bed to be next to him. “Tony!” she whispered excitedly, “I’m so glad your awake.” She leaned over to give him a kiss and then looked up to check the door to the room.

He looked over too, wondering what he was missing, and almost asked when Pepper distracted him. “How are you feeling?” She still spoke quietly. “Do we need to call a doctor?”

He smiled lovingly at her and raised a hand to cup her cheek. “I’m fine. Tired.” His eyes were already starting to fall again. “Pep,” his smile turned sad. “I lost Peter.”

“I know, Tony.” She caressed his cheek.

She wasn’t even sure that he knew he’d started crying as the exhaustion pulled at him. “I don’t know how I’m...” he trailed off and sobbed. “I just don’t know if I’ll ever be happy again.”

Pepper’s heart shattered for the man she was going to marry—and then came back together for the child she now carried. “Tony, you’ll be happy again. I promise.”

He clumsily wiped at his wet cheeks, “You can’t know that,” he grumbled and tried to turn away from her.

She clasped his hand in hers and smiled. “I do know, Tony, because you gave me something that will give us both so much joy...”

He was obviously getting confused by her vaguery, so she simply leaned over and whispered into his ear. “I’m pregnant.”

He pulled back so he could look at her fully. She guessed that he didn’t quite believe her, especially after that day at the park. He must have seen something though, because he asked, “Really?”

She just nodded. “And we’re going to figure out how to be happy, both for the baby and for us... and part of figuring that out is getting our Peter back, right? We can’t be whole until little one has a big brother and a crazy Italian aunt, okay?”

He nodded emphatically, “Okay.”

A matronly looking nurse chose that moment to enter the room. “Ms. Potts, you’re not supposed to be out of bed, so let’s get you tucked back in before Dr. Cho decides to extend the BP study.”

She seemed friendly enough so Pepper worked the distraction angle, “But look!” She pointed to Tony. “He’s awake!”

The nurse was onto her and made sure that Pepper knew it. She address Tony first, “Good morning, Mr. Stark, I’m Jody, your wife’s nurse. Is there anything that you need before I help your wife?”

He seemed to still be stuck so he just shook his head ‘no.’

“Alright,” she smiled at him. “I’m going to get your nurse to you right away.” She reached up beside his head and pressed the call button, and then she turned to Pepper, “What is this? The fourth or fifth time since my shift started?” She pointed to the bed. “

She just shrugged and made her way back to her bed. “Are we talking ones that you know about?”

Jody just smiled. “Stay put so you can get out of that bed and visit with your husband properly, okay?”

An idea came to her mind, so Pepper nodded in agreement and waited for Jody and the whirlwind of medical staff to take care of Tony and go.

When the room finally emptied and Tony was ready to drop from exhaustion, she slid out of her bed for hopefully the last time. Tony chuckled as he watched her drag a blood pressure machine from her side of the room to his bed.

“You paid for really big med bay beds, babe. I’ve decided to come and visit,” she announced. He looked like he was going to try to shuffle over but she stopped him cold. “Don’t move. I’ll fit—for now.” And she situated herself beside Tony with ease. “There!”

If he’d been tired before, by the time Pepper had joined him in bed, he’d practically melted in contentedness. “We’ll talk about this when I’m ‘wake, right?” He asked.

“Of course, Tony.”

“And we’ll be happy ‘gain?

She smiled to herself and rested a hand on her belly. “Forever.”

 @febuwhump

[the--blackdahlia]

This Life Chapter 19

Title: This Life Chapter 19

Summary:  Dean Winchester is the Vice President of the motorcycle club The Hunters. After almost 7 years in prison, he's free. But things have changed and Dean has to figure out how to put things back together.

Warnings: Language, violence

AN: Thank you to the wonderful @sams-serialkiller-fetish. The song for this chapter is Rooster by Alice in Chains.

Sam, Bobby, Gabriel, and Caleb all arrived back at the garage in the early evening. They were tired, but had stopped for some food in Austin before heading back to Wolfpine. They all got off their bikes and headed to meet with the others.

“So?” Jim asked as they came into the bar area.

“It was a bust.” Bobby told them. “There were fires, but looks like it was just a random nut job or something.”

“Sorry you wasted your time.” Andy said. Sam looked around, noticing someone wasn’t in their little group.

“Where’s Dean?” Sam asked, looking around. “He go back to his apartment?”

“He was just going for a beer run.” Cas said. He looked up at the clock on the wall. “But that’s been awhile ago.”

“Maybe he headed out to the canyon. He goes there to think.” Caleb pointed out. But Sam shook his head. He just had this feeling in his chest that Dean was in trouble. And he wasn’t going to sit by and let another member of his family be taken from him.

“Damn it Dean.” Sam growled. “I need you guys to go check the liquor store and some of the bars. See if you can find him. I need to run out to dad’s place and get something. If you find him before I get done, call me.” He held up his phone.

“Will do.” Caleb said. “Who needs sleep anyway?”

“We’ll help.” Ruby said. “We can cover more group if we pair up and head out.”

“Good idea.” Sam said. “Pick a partner and go. I’ll meet you guys in a bit.” Everyone nodded and headed off in different directions.

Caleb and Bobby went to the liquor store. Dean wasn’t the type to buy a bottle at the bar and take it to go. If he was going to a bar, he wanted to sit down and socialize, shoot some pool, and hit on women. If he wanted to take a drink to go, then he would go to the liquor store to get his fix.

“How can I...help...you.” The clerk said, seeing the vests for the Hunters.

“So, I’m assuming one of us has been in here today?” Bobby asked, leaning on the counter. The clerk nodded. “Did he cause any trouble?”

“N-no. He was a gentleman.” The clerk told them. “He paid for his beer but he left it and went after someone.”

“Who?” Caleb asked. “Who did he go after?”

“This guy on a red bike with a matching helmet.” They were told. “He was gone before I could tell him he forgot his beer.” Caleb and Bobby nodded.

“Thanks for the info.” Bobby said, patting the counter. They left the liquor store and Bobby pulled out his phone to call Sam.

****

It was quiet inside the old Winchester home. Ellen kept it clean and threw out anything that would possibly go bad, but they kept it for if Sam or Dean ever needed a home. The Wayward Sons hadn’t trashed the place, which was good. They had moved off to a hotel, since they felt wrong taking up the Winchester’s home. The house brought back so many memories as Sam unlocked the front door and made his way in. His steps echoed on the hardwood floor.

“I’m home.” Sam said, not that anybody was around to hear him. He shut the front door and walked around. The furniture was still there, a car magazine laying on the coffee table where John had left it. The house had a bit of a pine scent, but Sam was sure that was from any cleaning Ellen and Jo did. But that’s not what Sam cared about. He was here for something else. He made his way to the basement door and headed down to where the washer and dryer were.

John kept a few weapons down there, for an in case of emergency event. He taught Sam and Dean where they were, and he taught them how to use them. There was one that John mainly used as a threat, since it was big and scary looking. Sam needed that. He needed to feel like a threat, just like his dad did. And there she was, hanging on the wall, right where John had left her.

“Hello beautiful.” Sam said, grabbing the weapon from the hooks it hung on. A white ash bat with rusty barbed wire wrapped tightly around it. It was stained red in some spots. Just because John used it as more of a decoration to be scary, didn’t mean he didn’t actually use it. Sam had heard stories from the guys that John had once bashed someone’s head in with the bat, and had once swung it so hard it broke someone’s arm.

It was perfect.

Sam’s phone rang then. A real annoying ringtone, but he just took what was free. He looked down to see that Bobby was calling.

“Hello?” Sam answered, taking the bat and heading upstairs.

“Caleb and I just left the liquor store. Dean was there and took off after someone on a red bike.” Bobby relayed to Sam.

“One of the princes?” Sam asked.

“That’s my bet.” Bobby said. “I’m guessing Dean headed out past John’s place. Away from town.”

“I think I have an idea of where they went.” Sam said, stepping out onto the porch and looking out over farmland. “Come by dad’s place and meet me. We’ll go from there.” He hung up then and looked out over the landscape. He remembered running out here once or twice during a storm so he could watch the lightning in the distance. And Dean would always tell him to get his butt back inside before he caught a cold. And when the lightning got closer, Sam was always supposed to be inside to keep safe.

He was tired of being kept inside.

He wasn’t sure how long he had been standing there, but soon, Bobby and Caleb pulled into the driveway. Sam made his way down to them and they saw the bat.

“What are you planning to do with that?” Caleb asked. Sam looked him in the eye and for a moment, it wasn’t Sam looking back at him. It was John Winchester.

“Whatever I have to do.” Sam said. “There’s a lot of empty farms out here. People just couldn’t keep up. Let’s start there. I know that’s where Alastair used to hang out before they overthrew Cain and became the princes.”

“Okay, then let’s go.” Bobby said. Sam attached the bat to some holders on his bike and they took off, following Sam’s lead.

****

“Come on Dean.” Alastair said, punching Dean again. “You can do better than that. Where’s the little fighter?” But Dean didn’t say a word. “No sarcastic remarks? No movie quotes? Where did all the fight go?” A smirk appeared on his face. “Did it go away when I shot baby brother over and over again?”

“Just do it.” Dean said.

“What was that?” Alastair kicked Dean in the face then, knocking him to the ground. Sam’s bracelet was clenched tightly in his hand.

“Finish it.” He growled, holding his ribs.

“You know, you would’ve been the perfect student.” Alastair said, pulling Dean up by the front of his shirt. “But you just had to be the good little son, didn’t you? You could’ve had so much more. And what did this path get you? A set of dead parents and a dead brother? A club with no hope and no future?”

“Family.” Dean said through gasping breaths. “I had family.”

“Yeah. And family is leaving you here to die.” Alastair laughed. “They don’t care about you. Not your dad. Not your brother.” He kicked Dean in the ribs. “And now, you can join them.”

****

“There!” Caleb called out, pointing to the motorcycles that set on the land of an old abandoned farm. Sam pulled off the road to the farm. Caleb and Bobby followed suit and watched as Sam grabbed the bat. There was a fierce determination in his eyes that they only saw during speech competitions and soccer matches. Scratch that, those looks were nothing compared to the man that was standing before them. He wasn’t even going to wait for a plan. He just marched in.

And before him was Alastair, beating the shit out of his brother.

“Hey!” Sam called out, making Alastair drop Dean. Dean looked up at Sam and smile spread on his face.

“Well, well, well. Little Sammy Winchester.” Alastair laughed. “Come to stand in line so I can kill you next?”

“The only one dying here is you.” Sam said as he pointed the bat at Alastair. Alastair laughed.

“What are you going to do? Hit a homerun ball at me?” He asked.

“That’s the idea.” With that, Sam swung at Alastair, hitting him in the arm and making the other biker cry out in pain.

“You little bastard!” He screamed. Sam swung again, but this time, Alastair ducked and hit Sam’s hands, knocking the bat to the ground. “You? Kill me? That’s rich.” He swung at Sam’s face, connecting with his cheek. Dean laid on the ground, watching the fight. He gathered up his strength and drug himself over to the bat, picking it up.

“Sammy!” He called out. He tossed it to Sam, who caught it easily and started to hit Alastair with it over and over again. That’s what Bobby and Caleb walked in to, after scanning to make sure no more Horsemen were in hiding. A bloodied Alastair laying on the ground with Sam standing over him.

“Sam.” Bobby gasped. Sam looked at him, specks of blood on his face and clothes. “Dear lord son.”

“It had to be done.” Sam said. Caleb went to Dean, helping him sit up.

“We’ve got to get him to Robert.” Caleb said. Bobby nodded.

“Make the call.” He told him. “Tell him to meet us at the garage. I’m calling in some people to get these bikes out of here.” Bobby got on the phone to make the call. He knew that Dean wouldn’t be able to drive his bike back to the garage. He needed a car.

“Sammy.” Dean said. Sam looked over at Dean.

“I’m sorry.” Sam whispered. Dean reached out for him. He knew Sam was going to run. He hoped that by reaching for him, he could get him to stay. Sam could see that Dean was in pain and walked to him. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m proud of us.” Dean said, offering Sam a smile before his eyes fluttered closed.

“Dean?” Sam asked, looking down at his brother. “Dean?!”

Forever Tags: @anathewierdo @i-would-die-for-woodland-demars @dekahg @marvel-af @nanie5 @feelmyroarrrr @imboredsueme @gemini0410 @aiaranradnay @babypink224221 @mogaruke @xxwarhawk @strab0

Dean Winchester/Jensen Ackles Tags: @luciathewinchestergirl @sheris532 @bobasheebaby @bella-ca

This Life Tags: @soulslaststand @caplansteverogers @jamielea81 @becs-bunker @colie87

Supernatural Tags: @bandobsession98 @mrsdeanfuckingwinchester @fangirlsencyclopaediaofweirdness @ilovetardis @missihart23 @cloudyskylines @supernaturalwincestsblog @flamencodiva @sams-serialkiller-fetish

[lostonehero]

Lies and truth

After confronting Virgil and getting everything out of the way things were returning to normal... kind of. The white door was still there and it wasn't Truth's because he kept banging on it saying he's sorry, and that he was the idiot. So the others could only conclude it was Lie's. Patton left out breakfast for him almost every morning and it would be hone on a hour with the plate cleaned and even polished.

It was Virgil who finally got the confidence to knock on the door. "Uh hello you must be Lies I'm sorry about what I did to Deceit, and truth scares me. We really want to meet you yknow to see your side." Virgil continued to ramble failing to notice the door opening to reveal Lies.

His face was coated in scales his eyes matched being snake ones his teeth were sharp and his fangs hidden, his hands were covered in gloves, actually besides his face his whole body was covered like he was scared of showing skin. "Goodbye?"

Virgil jumped back obviously not ready to see something like him. "Uh? Hello."

Lie's eyes darted back and forth not noticing any threats he grabs a white board and marker. "Hello my name is Lie uh I can only make sense while writing, well truth says otherwise.... I feel bad for leaving."

"Aren't you scared of him... did he hurt you?" Virgil whispered.

Lie started to cry writing. "Nothing of the sort he is calm as a kitten with me I guess that's why we make a good pair.... " he quickly wipes off his tears. "My emotions er are backwards I guess I am lies after all.... uh sorry I guess for what we did as Deceit."

Virgil looks panicked. "What no you didn't do anything it was my fault. I just convinced the others because I didn't want any of you following me."

Lies smiles not sensing any lies. " oh I see uh very well please leave me alone I need to think." The door creaks shut.

Virgil knows it should of been a slam.

......

The next day Truth didn't come to bang on Lies door Roman actually found Truth curled up on the couch in the main area. He was obviously crying and didn't hide it. "Uh hey are you ok?"

"No I am not I fucked up and all I want is to be with Lies again but I can't without permission."

Roman forgot how blunt truth was. "Well I mean why don't you guys take it slow?"

"Slow? Maybe that is what Lies wants." With a puff of feathers Truth vanished.

Roman didn't really get phased because he heard a hiss behind him. It was a snake man, well it was excatly as Virgil described, and Roman thought him to be harsh about that description. "Uh hello you must be Lies...."

The snake man shook his head and quickly summoned his white board. "Yes I am and you must be prince Roman it's a pleasure."

Roman also wished Virgil was wrong about the opposite emotions but he was not. "Yeah that's me. Were you listening?"

Lies shook his head. "Yeah I was.... i don't know if I'm even ready to try again with Truth."

Roman could do this he knew relationships and dating. "Well why don't you take it slow like I well Truth said. Oh i can help plan daye night in the imagination it would be lovely."

Lies looked upset. "That actually sounds perfect uh good luck getting truth."

Roman flinched watching Lies walk away. Truth presided over the dark side of the mind he really hated going back there.

.........

Roman lead the gang into the imagination because Lies wanted a casual date granted they look terrified. Roman smiled and said he would be right back just to get truth, lies smiled at him knowing this was false.

As Roman left heading to the darker parts of Thomas's mind his outfit grew darker his features more menacing his eyes now gold shined through the dark. He was not creativity here he was Pride, and he didn't want to stay this way but he had to get truth.

.....

"Roman said he would be back soon, and I assume soon would of been less then a hour." Logan sighed.

Lies writing down his thoughts slowly. "Truth is stubborn and probably is throwing a fit."

"Well at least we are having a nice day in the imagination kiddos." Patton smiled trying to keep everyone calm.

"Well I should probably-" Virgil gets cut off as Truth lands in the middle of the picnic causing everyone but Lies to scream he laughed.

Roman brushing off the black on his uniform gave a warm smile. "He was not coming peacefully."

Truth was about to continue his tyraid of hateful words until he saw Lies. "Oh Lies." He scrambled to sit in front of the man who was crying. "I uh didn't want to believe him...... you shouldn't wear so many clothes I like seeing all of you."

Lies continued to look more and more upset as he turned away writing. "Stop it Truth."

"What else can I say but be honest." Truth smirked

Roman would of be amazed at the grate pick up line if it wasn't for the fact he had to drag him here.

Patton on the other hand was extremely happy. "Oh my gosh he use a pun of his name."

Lies began to cry trying to stop his tears he dropped his whiteboard. "I hate you all. Just stop truth."

Truth nudges Patton whispering in his ear. "Lies is a sucker for puns I'm the only reason Deceit doesn't laugh at them."

Patton's eyes light up

Logan's eye twitches sensing more puns. "I see no need for logic in this situation."

Lies cries even harder.

Truth bites back a smile.

Virgil snickers and looks away.

Roman actually let's out a laugh.

"Logannnnmn you said a pun." Patton tackles Logan into a hug who just groans.

.......

After that incident Truth begins to hang out more often in the light side commons mumbling something about pride being a dick.

Roman sees now why they worked so well watching them work off each other. Roman was now in full let's plan a perfect wedding mode, Logan was in "let's keep Roman from going overboard mode."

Virgil was actually beginning to warm up to both of them after apologizing multiple times, which only angered Truth to no end. But they ended up hanging out because they both shared the same taste in music even if Truth leaned towards more metal bands.

Patton was just ecstatic to have someone who loved puns just like him. He was still trying to get used to the way Lies spoke compared to how he wrote, but they were becoming great friends.

Thomas was actually beginning to miss Deceit. Having two on the end of each spectrum was giving him a headache whenever he needed advice. Truth was loud and vulgar with absolutely no breaks. Lies was quiet never spoke up choosing to write and was always pushed aside by the rest of the group when they got into things. Thomas needed Deceit back because he wasn't just Deceit he was his self preservation that he took for granted.

[seuzz]

Story: “Hamlet on a Broomstick”

A frog!

That's what I'll do, I'll turn him into a frog! Wasn't there an old fairy tale about a witch who—?

No, wait, that wasn't a witch, it was a princess.

And she found a frog, she didn't turn him into a frog.

And she kissed him, which turned him back into a prince.

Oh, to kiss Bill Thompson, who's practically as good as a prince!

Ring, damn you, you silly old telephone! You're doing it on purpose! You are on purpose not ringing!

Except someone had to have turned the prince into a frog, they don't just turn into frogs on their own. So there must have been a witch and—

That's right! There was a witch, and a prince, and the prince wouldn't kiss the witch, so she turned him into a frog!

Why, it's just exactly like my own story!

Only I haven't turned Bill Thompson into a frog. And he did kiss me. At that tiresome party Claire Atkinson threw last Wednesday.

Four days ago.

Three days, nineteen hours ago.

I'll give you five hours to ring, you silly old telephone, I'll give you five hours to ring, and then—

No.

No, I won't turn Bill into a frog as punishment for not calling me this weekend, like he said he would. That would be a cliche, it's what witches used to do. Old-fashioned witches, the ones with crooked noses and bad hair and green skin.

Well, there's nothing wrong with my nose, and I get my hair done every Saturday, and if I don't have a healthy glow, it's because who can get any sunlight in a poky little basement apartment at the bottom of the outside stairs in back of an apartment building in Brooklyn?

And if you want a crooked nose just go knock on Rowena Knowles's door. She's got a nose like a bent shovel. People say it gives her face "character," but I say it gives her a squint. I know I couldn't miss her squinting at me all during Claire's party. She was squinting at me so hard it looked like she was about to sprain her face.

I'll go for a walk, that's what I'll do, I'll go for a walk, get some sun—

Oh, but I can't go for a walk. What if the telephone rings while I'm out? It's bound to. It will ring and I won't be here, and after he hangs up Bill won't have the courage to try calling me again.

The poor, shy man.

He is shy, isn't he? That's why he hasn't called me yet. He must be shy, even if he was bold enough to kiss me at Claire's with all those people around, with Rowena squinting at us. It made me wonder if I'd already used that queer little bottle and had forgot.

This little bottle here, now that I notice it, clutched in my hand. Funny, I don't remember getting it out of the cabinet. I should put it away. If I'm not going to use it for five hours yet—to turn Bill into a frog or a stoat or something—I should put it away.

Was that a knock?

It couldn't be!

Could it?

Don't ring, you silly old telephone, I'll be right back.

Oh God!

Mr. Jenkins, there's a skunk down here! A skunk right outside my—! Abigail, Mr. Jenkins! This is Abigail Parsons! In the basement flat! I heard something at my door and when I opened it up there was a skunk scratching at it! No, I don't know how it got into the city, do you think I drove up to Connecticut and brought it back? Yes, well, do that!

Oh, that awful man.

It must the garbage cans in the alley that attracted it, they always stink of—

Oh my God! The telephone! What if Bill called while I was talking to Mr. Jenkins? It took him ages to pick up, what if Bill called and got a busy signal and—?

Five minutes. I'll give him five minutes to call back. Five minutes, and then I'll—

The bottle! Where'd I put the bottle? I had it in my hand, and then I heard the—!

No, I promise! Whoever is listening to me, whatever god or demon or angel or elf made that bottle, just let me find it and I promise I won't use it to turn Bill into a snake or a weasel or anything like that! I'll use it the way I said I'd use it, as a love potion! Like I told the funny old woman who sold it to me, after she explained that I could use it to make whatever I wanted of the man I love. Make him successful, make him jealous, make him love me, make him President, make him into a frog—

Frog!

But I don't want to turn Bill into a frog! I want him to call me, come to me, to be with me, to be mine the way I'm already his!

And I held off on using it on him, you know—whoever you are, listening—because I wanted him to come to me freely! I'm not a bad person!

So if you let me find that stinking bottle I promise I won't—

The telephone! Yes, you dear, sweet—! Hello? Darling, I—!

Oh. Who? Mrs.—? Oh, yes, of course. That's funny, I was just thinking about you. Listen, you don't have another bottle of that—?

Yes, that's just it, it does seem to have just vanished. Into thin air, practically. But how did—?

What do you mean, there's "only one bottle," and someone bought it when I failed to use it in time?

Is there someone there with you, Mrs. Goodbody?

Rowena Knowles? Yes I—

Who?

Mrs. Goodbody. That bottle that you say you sold to her, the one she just now used against Bill Thompson—

What did she turn him into?

Prompt: A hesitant witch.

[snovaness]

Living at U.A pt 3

Part 1: http://scorpionbite.tumblr.com/post/175859640189/living-at-ua

Part 2: http://scorpionbite.tumblr.com/post/175895425919/living-at-ua-pt-2

So this is the final part of my multiple part fic. I hoped you guys enjoyed and it you have any requests feel free to leave them in my ask box (you do not need to follow me for me to respond but it is appreciated) I kinda based the character off of myself (it is gender neutral though) Plus the quirk is based off of avatar since Todoroki reminds me of Prince Zuko.

Two months had passed since you entered U.A high and you were closer with all your classmates. Even Bakugo considered you as a worthy friends despite the fact that he didn’t like to admit it to others. The one you were closest to was of course Todoroki. You were so close that your classmates noticed the small lingering touches, loving compliments, and blushing faces shared between the two of you. Your feelings for him grew over the short amount of time you’ve known him. Students from other classes believed that you were a couple and would ask you or Shoto about it all the time. No matter how much you wanted it to be true all you would do is blush and deny the rumors. Todoroki not only received the question from U.A students but also his family which was a little more embarrassing. You had visited the Todoroki household twice in the last two months which you assumed was due to your parents being friends but what you didn’t know is that Todoroki Enji dreamt of you two being the next pro hero power couple. While his siblings disagreed with their fathers intentions for the relationship they did encourage it, considering this was the happiest they had ever seen their brother.

“Shoto you okay? You’ve been deep in thought, more than usually. This isn’t about what happened with that third year is it? It didn’t really bother me that much but it was rude so I had to lie and tell him you were my boyfriend.” He didn’t reply to you. His quietness made you anxious because despite his reserved nature he was usually more animated with you around. “I’m alright (y/n/n).” it was the last thing he said to you for the rest of the day. You had no idea what to do so you went to probably the classmate with the most common sense, Iida. “As class president I am glad you came to me but as your friend I have no idea what to tell you. If you don’t know what’s wrong with me how would I? You two are glued to the hip, you know him best so sadly I can’t help you.” While he couldn’t help me it felt nice to talk about it but at this point I was angry and you were sure you knew who to go for that. 

“Bakugo? You want to go boxing?” you said while knocking on his door. While you expect Katsuki to open the door you’re surprised to see Shoto come out of his room. “(y/n/n) we need to talk. Follow me.” While he was calm and confident you were a nervous wreck. He has never used such an aggressive tone with you in the time you’ve been friends. He lead you outside to a small sitting area near a garden. If you weren't in this situation you would have had time to appreciate the beauty of this place. “So umm... You wanted to talk right?” He could easily tell that you were nervous so he decided to be as blunt as he possibly could. “I didn’t like that you lied to that third year that was bothering you. I don’t appreciate being used by the people I care about and you know that. My father uses my existence as personal gain and to see you do it is insulting.” Tears threatened to spill from your eyes but you wouldn’t dare cry in front of him now. “If you think I’m only friends with you to lift up my status then you're an idiot Todoroki. If I wanted to increase my popularity I would hang out with Katsuki. Hell I’d even date Katsuki if I wanted to be popular but I don’t care about that crap.” If he couldn’t tell you were angry by the tone of your voice then your hair would clearly give it away. Due to your quirk of elements your strength of the four change based on your mood.

Anger strengthened fire, joy strengthened water, fear strengthened earth, and sadness strengthened air. The biggest tell of what your mood was the white birthmark in your hair that would change color. Currently it was between hot pink and red since you were growing angrier by the second. Shoto’s silence only made it worse since he was the one that wanted to talk. “Shoto you came out here to talk to me so talk! Tell me what’s really wrong with you! Gosh if your head wasn’t so far up your ass you would know that I’m freaking in love with you and would never use you in that way.” You noticed that your classmates were watching from someones balcony but at this point you didn’t care. “Sometimes silence is louder than actual words I guess” you whispered. 

 All you wanted to do was hide away in your room. Who would you hang out with now? You had grown so attached to Todoroki that being without him would take some time to get use to. You yelped in surprise when Todoroki pulled you into him. “(y/n/n) I’ve been thinking about kissing you for a while now. I would like to ask for your permission.” you were shocked and a loss for words until Bakugo spoke up “Will you just fucking kiss him? It’s all you’ve been talking about for the past 3 weeks!” Your face reddened but as soon as you saw Shoto lean in you didn’t hesitate any longer. That wasn’t that last time your lips met either which of course neither of you minded. With in a week pretty much everyone at U.A knew you two were officially dating. Your classmates were so excited that you two finally built up the courage to admit your feelings but honestly you don’t think anyone was as excited as both of your parents. You couldn’t even imagine how they would act when you two eventually got engaged.