#I mean... why don't you stop eating fish if it's that important that you're together?!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[einaudis]

.

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 42 (Toddler Birthday Time!)

Heather threw a party at home for Ash's second birthday. But she helped him blow out the candles before guests arrived, because she didn't want anyone to take a slice before she could put candles on it!

To her disappointment, her family in Henford cancelled at the last minute. Cassandra had gone into labour and they all went with her to the hospital, but Heather had hoped to finally introduce them to Conrad.

Despite this, she focused on the guests who could make it. Holly and Kris came from San Myshuno with Mortimer and Uncle Karl, the Landgraabs showed up to celebrate, and Conrad, too.

"Conrad? What are you doing here?" wondered Malcolm. "I thought we agreed we weren't pressing charges."

The detective masked a smile. "Right. Well...Heather and I have been dating a few months now," he said.

Malcolm cocked his head sideways in surprise. "Heather didn't mention you."

"I've gathered there's a lot you two don't tell each other."

Malcolm considered this new information and raised an eyebrow. "I haven't spoken to you in over sixteen years. You show up practically out of the blue months ago to interfere in a criminal case and now you're dating my son's mother?" Conrad froze. "Sounds a little like professional misconduct, Detective."

Conrad felt his hands shake, but Malcolm's stern face melted into laughter. "I'm just joking with you, but you should see your face! I think it's cool."

Conrad wouldn't take Malcolm Landgraab simply at his word. "You're sure?"

"Yes! Seriously. Heather and I are trying to make peace and you've got a lot more in common with her than I ever did. And now I know who my son was talking about when he said his new friend was Conedd Play! He likes you, so I trust you around my son. And with that, I give you my blessing."

"That means a lot, Malcolm. Thank you."

As the party continued, Nancy found her son upstairs. "We should leave soon. Heather's sister won't stop talking about fish and she keeps trying to make me eat cake. But your father told me the news!"

Malcolm looked at his mother, confused.

"Heather and Conrad are together! Our lawyer could put her away on a technicality because she slept with the investigating detective!"

"You're not going to do that."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want you to."

"Malcolm, you don't know what you want."

"Like hell I don't! You just never stop to listen. I want you to stop your vendetta against Heather. You're not going to get San Myshuno PD to reopen the case, because if you're a danger to my son's mother, you're a danger to my son! That's your grandson - the one you want to run your company one day, remember?" Nancy scowled. "So she bested you in business and guessed your stupid password! She's a small business owner and you're a wealthy CEO. Get over it."

Malcolm's father, Geoffrey, had been listening nearby. "Your son's right, Nancy. Ash is more important than your pride. He's your legacy and you know it's true. You went to the salon this morning because you wanted to show Ash that Landgraabs always look their best. Heather invited you here for his birthday even though she didn't have to put up with you. You owe her better than this."

Nancy stuttered as her precious son and dutiful husband finally told her off, and Heather hid a satisfied smile when she left pouting. ->

<- Previous Chapter | Gen 2 Start | Gen 1 Summary | Gen 1 Start

[gay-for-the-snz]

Day 10: The Sniffles™️ (M, cold)

Coworker interactions are so important to me. These fools don't get enough of eachother working like 25+ hours a week together, they've gotta hang out outside of work also. 2k

⁂

"haH-! heEZZHHieww! eEZZHhyue!" He snuffles into his tissues, pinching at reddened nostrils through it. "Excuse me." He's already losing his consonants, distinctly aware of the fact that he's going to be impossible to understand and aching behind his teeth by this time a day or two from now. He shoves the tissues back into the pocket of his sweatshirt, immediately changes his mind, and fishes them back out to press to leaking nostrils.

"I don't know why you don't just skip." Bolormaa's been idly following behind him, scrolling on his phone as they wander the aisles of the Costco.

"Because," he snuffles again, the sound of it miserably wet, "I already agreed to go, and we don't exactly have the choice in skipping it, and you said you didn't mind coming with me--"

"And I don't."

"--so there's no point in trying to dodge the meeting just because I'm a touch under the weather."

He snorts in response. "Yeah, okay."

He frowns, actually distracted from his task of trying to cross off his list by it. "What do you mean, 'yeah okay'?"

"Listen, man, you're never just a 'touch under the weather'. You're always like 'ohhh, uhhhh, you know, it's just the sniffles', and then you walk in and it's like the bubonic plague. I know you can't help it or whatever, but it's never 'just' anything."

He opens his mouth to speak, thinks better of it, and closes it again. He very conspicuously puts the tissues back into his pocket. "It's not that bad."

"What are we here buying right now?"

"A couple snacky things for the meeting so people don't eat eachother at this thing."

"And what else are we buying?"

He blushes. "Nothing."

"Oh? Nothing? Not, say, tissues because the supply closet is empty of them again, because someone's coming down with something?"

"No."

"Dude, be so for real right now."

"I hate to disagree--"

"For a man who hates to disagree, you sure aren't agreeing?"

"Bolormaa, please, can't we just drop this?"

He rolls his eyes, but seems to drop the topic, if only because instead he pops a piece of gum in his mouth. "We still need to get those light bulbs, and the cat food."

"Oh! I forgot about the cat food, actually."

"That's why I'm holding the list."

That, and they both know that he'll immediately lose it and forget everything if he's in charge of it. Instead, his task is the guy pushing the cart, and reaching all of the tall shelves. And, interspersed in there, he's the guy tending to a budding cold, though now he feels weirdly guilty and self conscious about it. Not that there are many people in a warehouse at almost nine pm, but still. He wishes they could just do this in the morning on the way--it's past his bedtime by a long shot, but if he wanted company, this was the only option.

"Bolormaa, do y--you-? hh-! hH'DZZHHue! iidZZHHyue! eiIZZHHhyue!" He crumples into the sleeve of his sweatshirt, no hope of even attempting to get the tissues back out in time, and grimaces at the dark spots on the grey fabric from it. He sniffs, scrubs hard at his nose with the rather bedraggled tissues, and sighs. "Excuse me."

"Do I...?"

"Uhmb--" he sniffs hard, dismayed at how useless it's proving to be, and pinches at the tip of his nose. "Do you remember what brand of cat food they get? I think the bag was...orange?"

"They stopped eating the orange one, didn't they? Now it's the old man one. The blue one?"

"I thought the old man one was the green one they didn't like?"

They are distinctly aware of the fact that it's almost closing time and all of these cat foods actually look exactly the same. "We could just...pick one..."

"...right. Like...this one...?"

"That's--...hm. Maybe if we...got a different one altogether...?"

They stand there, motionless, staring at the sacks of cat food. "Okay, hear me out: we just get them...the one that I get Arthur...and if they don't eat it then I'll just take it home...and buy the Captain a different bag..."

It isn't necessarily the best solution to this problem--anything that necessitates potentially making a second trip into Costco is automatically a bad idea, because everything in there costs a million dollars and he has no self control, but the other option is to just not feed the warehouse cats, which seems like an even worse idea, so he resigns himself to needing to take a grown up with him if he has to come back and hefts the bag into the cart.

"Right, so that--Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, my nose will not stop running--so that covers, uh, everything then?"

"Light bulbs."

"Right. Light bulbs...I wiillll....remember...the light bulbs..." He pushes the cart slowly, staring down each aisle they pass like he's diffusing a bomb and stepping down the wrong one is going to kill him. "Do you, uh--"

Oh.

He stares at the blank space where Bolormaa had been standing, now conspicuously devoid of butch lesbians.

Well fine then. He'll just find the light bulbs on his own. And people accuse him of wandering off! Hmph.

He huffs in irritation, though takes the opportunity to look around, and awkwardly tears open the pack of tissues to grab a couple. He hates doing this--it feels so wrong! He doesn't want them to think he's stealing!--but if he doesn't blow his nose, he is going to die, and that would be a pretty big downer for the meeting in the morning!

The mere sound of it makes him blush with embarrassment, desperately wet and uncomfortable, but it's--

"Feeling better?"

He jumps so badly that he rams his knee into the back of the cart, and can't help the profanity that he cries out in that strangled sound of anguish.

"Jesus, dude, no need to try and take out the cart!"

"You--" he takes a second to try and gather himself a little, still tucked into the tissue he's been holding onto for dear life. Right. One thing at a time. He pinches at his nose, sniffles as sharply as he can, and tucks them back into his sweatshirt pocket. "You wandered off. I didn't expect you to be back so soon."

"Yeah, well, we needed tissues still, and you were on the prowl for light bulbs." He's casual in the way he drops a couple of those big bulk packs of boxes into the cart. "You should be fine until we get out of here, right? Since...you know..." his eye contact is piercing as he glances up and locks eyes, "it's just the sniffles..."

Ah. So that's the game he's playing here, then. Holding the tissues hostage in exchange for an admission of illness. He chews the inside of his cheek, fingers running over the (damp, bedraggled) tissues currently in his pocket. "Right. I'll be fine."

"Okay."

"Right."

They stand there staring at eachother for a moment, before he finally looks at his watch.

"It's almost closing time. We should get a move on before they're mad at us for being in here."

"I think they already don't want us in here."

"I'm sure they don't, but they're going to want us here even less when it's actually closing time." He nudges the cart forward, until Bolormaa opts to just stand on the edge of it to be pushed along as well. That's fine, it's not like they've really picked up anything substantial except the cat food, and even that's a manageable sack when it's in the cart. "Were you still picking me up or did we change our minds about that?"

"Yeah, me and Niklas are gonna grab you since you're on the way, and then when it's over he's staying and I'm gonna take you home and then, I don't know, get breakfast or something, and then head back for actual start time." His fingertips drum along the tops of the boxes of tissues, a steady rhythm that, he supposes, forms the percussion to whatever he starts humming under his breath.

"Bolormaa?"

"Elliott?"

"If I--" he wavers, feeling that horribly ticklish, sneezy feeling rearing its head again. "If I said I needed tissues, would you--hh-!--would you letme--hH-!?"

"Would I let yooouuu...?"

"Letme--eEIIZZHHyue! hDT'ZZHHieww! hh...hih-! hiH-!? ...hYEIZZHHuue!"

He looks so smug as he tears open the plastic, handing him one of the boxes from the pack. "I will accept your admission of sickness."

He sighs, deeply, taking a handful from the box and blows his nose, wincing at the sound of it. He's absolutely dripping with cold at this point, unable to do anything more than to pray for this cold to be over swiftly and painlessly. He highly doubts it will be.

Bolormaa doesn't say anything more about it in the drive home, only comments occasionally that there should be a law about headlight brightness, and also that they should really re-pave his apartment complex's parking lot, because the potholes could be kiddie pools by this point, casual in his refusal to embarrass him further than he already is. It's sweet, in its own way.

He gives him a friendly punch on the shoulder. "Alright, just leave it all in the trunk. I don't care about having to bring it all up just to load it all back down in the morning." He can't deny the sympathetic little look in his eye when he allows him to lean in for a hug. "Get some sleep. I'll see you--and your sniffles--in the morning."

He gives him a little squeeze, and then watches as he drives back off into the night. He glances at his watch, and winces at the time. Dang, it's later than he wanted to be getting home.

He's still got one box of the tissues tucked beneath his arm--at Bolormaa's insistence--as he jogs up the stairs, losing steam after the second flight and settling to a walk for the remaining few. He's thankful he isn't weighed down by groceries just yet, and especially to have his hands more or less both free, so that he can occupy one with unlocking the front door and one with holding a couple of the newly gifted tissues to his leaking nose to keep it from dripping as he shoulders open the door and is immediately struck by the temperature change.

The apartment, warm and dark, stands in stark contrast to the cold night that shows his breath in steaming puffs, caught in the harsh white of the lights on the landing that the landlord finally installed after enough people complained over the tripping hazard. His nose takes notice immediately.

"hHYEIZZHHieww! iiZZHhyue!" He braces himself against the door frame, hunched as they tear their way over an already tender throat, and he teeters on the precipice of a third, tissues pulled away enough to take a stuttering breath. Scarlet nostrils quiver indecisively, the tickle coquettish and coy in the way it teases. His shoulders sag in defeat, and he's halfway straightened up before it resurges with ferocity, catches him so off guard he's unable to get the tissues back up in time. "hH'DDZZHHyue!"

He sniffles thickly, his cheeks hot with embarrassment at the cloud of spray and the fog of his breath that he catches lingering in the air from it. Tenderly, he cups damp nostrils in the tissues to massage at his nose, still acutely aware of the prickly irritation that hasn't fully subsided in the wake of the recent trio.

He doesn't even bother undressing, just kicks off his shoes and shrugs out of his coat, before wriggling underneath the blanket with his--literally--ill-gotten tissues cradled on the bare space on the mattress beside him. He's sure that by the time he opens his eyes in the morning, he'll be absolutely frightful, but for the time being he's content to stay with the unbelieved notion that this is, as Bolormaa put it, merely the sniffles.

[aperrywilliams]

Green Card - Ch7: It’s for Our Own Good (Spencer Reid x Fem!OC)

Author Masterlist / Series Masterlist

Previous chapter < > Next chapter

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Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!OC (Ana María González)

Series summary: What reason leads two complete strangers to marry? For Spencer, the chance of his mom being admitted into a new medical trial. For Ana María González is to get the elusive green card.

Chapter summary: The tension between Spencer and Ana is stronger as the weeks pass, but they know nothing should happen if they don’t want to get hurt. But maybe it’s too late for that now.

Word Count: 7.1k

CW: Strong words. Discussion about Diana’s illness. Spencer is slapped across the face almost twice. Mention of cheating. Conflicted Spencer. Drunk Spencer. Let me know if I forgot something.

A/N: I would slap Spencer across the face too.

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"So we were trapped in the elevator. It wasn't a surprise I was hyperventilating, but Morgan freaking out and calling Hotch? That was new. A moment later, the doors opened, and Hotch looked at us sternly. We tried to play cool, obviously failing," Spencer finished his story while Ana couldn't stop laughing. They were walking down the street with an ice cream each one. After breakfast in the new coffee bookstore Spencer found, they spent time looking for books, and now they were on a nice walk in the park near Spencer's building.

"Do you miss them?" Ana questioned after the laughter subsided. Spencer nodded.

"Yeah. I mean, I fully understand why they left, but yeah, I miss them," Spencer confessed before focusing again on his chocolate ice cream.

"I get it. You're all very close in your team from what I noticed," Ana commented, having some trouble with the vanilla-choco-chips ice cream dripping from the cone.

"We are. Well, I have known some of them for a long time, and we spend a lot of time together," Spencer added, chuckling when he saw Ana struggling with her treat. He fished a handkerchief from his pocket to help her. Ana blushed when she noticed Spencer reaching out with the fabric.

"Shit. I must look like a child learning to eat," she complained. Spencer chuckled.

"The important thing is you are enjoying it. What matters if there is an ice cream stain or two?" Ana chuckled, taking the handkerchief.

"Thank you," Ana could stop the dripping and prevent a disaster on her clothes. "And thanks for suggesting this walk too. It has been fun."

Spencer smiled, his heart proudly swelling at her admission.

Damn! Why did he feel like a teenager?

"Yeah. Sometimes I have good ideas," he teased, looking ahead and spotting a bench where they could sit.

They sat and focused on their respective treats while chatting about what type of candies they liked as children. At some point, they went silent, and Spencer noticed the pensive attitude in Ana.

"Are you okay?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. Ana hummed, contemplating what to say next.

"I don't know if it is the best way to put it, but- how often have you felt that life gives you a break from the awful things, and well, you feel happy and optimistic even though the world seems to be on fire around you?"

Spencer tilted his head to look at her, thinking about her question. Funny, he had wondered about that more than once in the past.

"Not often enough, I guess," he conceded. Ana's eyes filled with empathy. Of course, a guy with a job like Spencer's sees the world in flames daily. It's tough. "But- you know? Moments like this one are a good way to remind me that those good days exist. Needless to say, I have had a good amount of those with you in the past months," he finished with a warm smile. Was that too daring? From the blush on Ana's face, Spencer thought maybe it was. But he wasn't lying.

"Come on; you're only telling me that because I'm your wife," she joked to lighten the mood. Spencer laughed.

"Well, you are. But I'm being serious when I tell you the great woman I think you are. And I think you deserve more of those days, too," Spencer confessed, earnestly looking at her.

"Thank you. And since we are in confession mode," Ana prefaced, chuckling. "I think you are an amazing person, Spencer. And I'm glad I met you. Really," she patted his knee appreciatively.

"I'm glad too," he continued. "And happy." The last part was a slip. It wasn't meant to be said at loud, but Spencer couldn't help it. As the words left his mouth, Ana locked eyes with him. What meant 'happy'?

At that moment, something in the air changed. It was like any thought disappeared. They kept staring at each other, feeling a strange force bringing them closer and closer. Spencer's eyes darted briefly to Ana's lips, but enough time for her to notice. Ana could have died there.

Did he want to kiss her? Did he want to do it as much as she wanted?

She thought she was imagining things when Spencer subtly started to lean in. Words left her in any capacity, and the only thing she could do was mimic him. They were halfway there, feeling their breath fanning their faces. When they were about to close their eyes to savor the prohibited fruit, Spencer's phone chimed. Both jumped back immediately. Seeing Spencer didn't react and the phone still rang, Ana prompted.

"Uh. May you want to answer that," she said, shifting back on the bench and breaking eye contact with Spencer. Still dazed, Spencer cleared his throat and fished his phone from his pant pocket. He saw who was calling, and his eyes widened.

Heaven and Hell conspiring: It was Maeve.

"Maeve, hey," he answered, still looking at Ana, who nervously glanced at him and quickly averted her gaze. Why did she feel like she had been caught doing something terrible? Maybe because she was about to kiss that woman's boyfriend.

It was a short call. And Spencer mostly uttered monosyllables. But from what Ana could deduce, Maeve was in town, and they agreed to meet in an hour.

Spencer cleared his throat. He didn't know what to say or if it was prudent to address what almost happened, so he played the oblivious card.

"I think we should come back to the apartment," he mumbled. It wasn't far from there, but Ana didn't want to prolong the awkwardness, so she decided to part ways.

"You can go. I want to buy some things at the store there if you don't mind," Ana said, pointing to the opposite park corner.

"Oh. I can go with you if you want," Spencer offered. Even if he felt the tension between them, he felt bad leaving her there alone.

"No. Please. You should go. Maeve must be waiting for you."

Why did those words sound so bitterly rolling off her tongue?

Spencer didn't push and nodded.

"Okay. See you later?"

"Sure."

But they did not see each other later. When Ana came back to the apartment, Spencer was gone, and he didn't return that night or the next day.

She didn't want to give it too much thought, but her stomach knotted, just thinking this woman didn't deserve a man like Spencer.

Why not? Even if Ana didn't know her, from everything Spencer had told her and seeing how their relationship worked, she concluded Maeve wasn't giving Spencer the worth he deserved. And that made Ana mad.

Sarah questioned her about it when Ana told her about what almost happened that day in the park.

"You don't know what ensues between them behind closed doors," Sarah reasoned, making Ana scoff while washing some dishes in the coffee shop kitchen.

"Oh, bet your ass that I know. She only calls when she's in town. And the poor guy must sprint to see her. He has never mentioned a date that was not a dinner or a drink in her hotel bar," Ana recounted.

"So you think they only fuck, and that's it?"

"I don't think they do much more than that, honestly," Ana confirmed, grabbing the remained dishes to wash.

"And that bothers you?" Sarah asked as she clutched the dishes from the rack to dry them with a towel.

"Of course! I mean, what kind of relationship is that?" Ana turned off the tap and took another towel to dry her hands.

"Maybe he likes it that way. What's wrong with it?"

"In principle, nothing. It's just I think he deserves more than that."

Sarah chuckled, shooking her head in amusement.

"What?"

"I'm trying to figure out if you are jealous only because she knows what it is to fuck the guy or you're jealous because you're falling hard for him."

"What?! No! Is non of that! I mean, he can do whatever he pleases," Ana hastened to declare defensively, earning a scoff from Sarah.

"Sure. Come on, Ana. Just admit you want the guy."

Ana rolled her eyes. She knew Sarah was right, though.

"What difference does it make? Nothing will ever happen between us. It's just a friendly business arrangement. I will get my green card, and everything will be over."

"Yeah, girl, keep telling yourself that," Sarah sneered, giving her a knowing look.

Ana indeed did that. She kept repeating to herself it was pointless to think something could happen between Spencer and her.

Not Spencer nor Ana mentioned that day in the park the next time they saw each other. And things stayed more or less the same, even though you could feel the tension between them.

Using all the tools he'd learned as a profiler, Spencer managed to mask his internal battle over his feelings about Ana pretty well. Was he supposed to do something about it?

As usual, Spencer just let things take their course without further intervention.

Maeve stayed in DC longer this time, so Spencer wasn't very present in his apartment: if he wasn't on a case, he was with Maeve. So he was slowly convincing himself that this was how his life should go. Thinking something else could change things was useless, so he tried to keep his distance from Ana.

That didn't stop his mind from wandering to her as he stared out the jet window or at the ceiling at night before sleeping. But as soon as he realized what he was doing, he forced himself to think of something else.

Spencer was doing that again when his phone went off, sitting at his desk in the BAU. It was Fogarty. Had something happened?

When Fogarty spoke on the other end of the line, he told him Diana was refusing to take the medication the treatment indicated. No one could reason with her, so it would be a good idea if he could come and talk to her.

Spencer rushed to the sanatorium to see his mom. Diana was sitting in one of the armchairs in the common room, looking at the patio through a large window. Spencer moved closer to her until he was in her line of sight.

"Mom," he called her attention. Diana looked up, and her look steeled. It wasn't a usual occurrence, so Spencer knew she was pissed off. "Mom, please, talk to me."

Without saying a word, Diana stood to come face to face with her son. Her gaze continued hard with a glimmer of betrayal. Without warning, she lifted her hand and slapped Spencer across the face, a slap that resounded throughout the room, earning curious looks from the people there.

Still with his head tilted to the side, Spencer began to rub the cheek that took the impact. Embarrassment and confusion filled his features. When he finally turned to face her, Diana's anger began to spill out through her words.

"You lied to me! You betrayed me! You never told me I would be a guinea pig in this awful place!" She yelled.

"Mom, please. Can we talk about this outside?" Spencer tried to convince her. They were making a scene for anyone to see.

"Why? You don't want people to know how a bad son are you? Someone capable of lying to his own mother?" Diana scoffed, folding her arms over her chest defensively.

"I didn't lie to you. I told you this place would give you a different treatment," Spencer clarified, although it seemed a poor excuse at this point.

"But you forgot to mention it was an 'experimental' one, didn't you?"

Spencer bit his cheek from the inside. Diana was right; that was the part he omitted from his explanation when they discussed moving from her old sanatorium.

"Would you have accepted if I had told you?" Spencer asked instead of keep defending himself.

"So you admit you didn't tell me. That's precisely lying, Spencer! I wouldn't mind if it were something else. But it's my life! You don't get to decide what I have to do with my own life. Did you hear me? Jeez! You're so selfish! You only think about what you want. Have you stopped to ask me what I want? This is my illness and my life. Not yours."

And with that, Diana stomped out of the room toward the gardens outside. Spencer called for her, but she didn't answer or turn to see him.

Spencer stood there, not knowing if it was a good idea to follow his mom and try to talk to her. She was already distraught. He settled with going to Fogarty's office and discussing what they could do from here. Was it against Diana's wishes? Yes. But Spencer only wanted to do the best for her. At least, it was what he convinced himself he was doing.

Fogarty was very understanding and told Spencer they could go easy with Diana for now. Still, she needed to agree to the treatment if they wanted this to work.

Diana barely looked at him when he went to say goodbye to her. Though his heart broke when Diana said nothing to him, he leaned in and kissed her forehead.

"Bye, mom. I'll come back soon, okay?"

Still no response.

After that, Spencer sighed and finally left the sanatorium.

He felt lost, baffled, and sad. Very very sad. On his way out, he got in a cab, and his first instinct was to fish his phone and dial Maeve's number. The phone rang and rang.

"Answer, please. I need you," Spencer muttered into the receiver. But Maeve never picked up. "Fuck!"

He texted her several messages telling her what happened, but as he arrived at his building, he yet didn't get a reply.

It wasn't even five in the afternoon when Ana heard the jingle of keys in the lock. She got there not long before and was scanning the fridge for things she could use for dinner.

Poking her head to look at the entrance, she saw Spencer, head down, peeling his jacket and hanging it on the rack.

Ana noticed the ring on his finger. Spencer wasn't coming from work or from seeing Maeve. He was at the sanatorium. And for the way he looked, things didn't go okay.

"What happened? Something is wrong with your mom?"

Spencer didn't say anything; although he heard Ana's question, he was still mulling over Diana's words. Ana's gaze followed him until he plopped on the couch, exhaling sharply.

"Am I selfish?" Spencer asked. Ana didn't know if it was a rhetorical question, so she said nothing waiting for him to continue.

"She says I'm selfish for forcing her to do something she doesn't want. Isn't she the selfish one for resisting the treatment that could help her?"

Spencer racked his fingers through his hair in frustration. "Everything I've done has been to get her a spot on Fogarty's medical trial!"

As Spencer ranted, Ana noticed a forming bruise on his left cheek. Things got pretty bad with Diana, she could guess. Spencer's gaze followed Ana's line of sight to his face and saw the worry in her eyes.

"It's okay. She was upset. I'll be okay," he dismissed.

"Can I at least bring some ice for you?" Ana offered. Spencer nodded.

After returning with an ice pack and handing it to him, Ana sat beside him. Spencer put pressure on his cheek to ease the sting he still felt. Maybe it was just psychosomatic: the pain of replaying in his mind when Diana slapped him.

"Why she was so pissed anyway? Fogarty told her something bad?"

"I should have anticipated this. I mean, my mom is a clever woman. She would find out this was an experimental treatment and not a conventional one," Spencer mused. Ana raised an eyebrow.

"Wait a minute. Your mom didn't know about the medical trial until now? What did you tell her?"

Spencer's cheeks turned pink at the question. Why did what he was doing sound so wrong coming from people's mouths?

"I - uh. I knew my mom would have said no if I had told her everything. And I didn't want to overwhelm her, and I wanted her to get the best treatment possible. So I thought- well. I thought it was better like that."

As the words left his lips, Spencer realized he had crossed a line he shouldn't have.

"I fucked up, didn't I?"

"Do you really want to know my opinion?" Ana cautioned. She knew Spencer was vulnerable right now, so she didn't want to overstep. Spencer nodded. "Well, think about how she's feeling right now. I mean, she realized why she was there, and you didn't ask her if she wanted to do it. I think the trust issues are understandable."

"I just want to help her to get better. I'm doing this for her," Spencer defended as he did in the sanatorium.

"I think you need to tell her that. Maybe she thinks you're selfish because you want to decide how you want her to be. Maybe she thinks you're not accepting her like she is, and she truly believes that things- well, things won't change no matter what you do."

Ana tried to be as gentle as possible. She knew it wasn't something Spencer wanted to hear. He had to clear his throat before speaking because of the lump formed there.

"So, do I need to give up? Do I need to accept I lost my mom forever?" He cracked. The thought hurt him beyond belief.

"Don't say that as if she wasn't here anymore. You still have time. Why don't you use that time to see her happy and be happy with her? In her terms?"

Spencer's head hung low, trying to mask the tears falling down his cheeks. Ana rested one hand on his knee in a comforting mode. "I know it's not me going through this now, but as someone who had lost her mom, I only can tell you I would have liked to spend much time with her more than fighting against the fact I was going to lose her sooner than later."

Spencer's eyes traveled up until meeting Ana's. She had hers glassy with unshed tears.

"I don't want to lose her. I can't. I can't even imagine my life without my mom," he confessed before bursting into tears. Ana scooted closer and wrapped his arms around him. Spencer hid his head in the crook of her neck and cried.

"I know. And I know you are doing everything you can to help your mom. Hell, you even married a stranger for her," Ana spoke, stroking Spencer's back soothingly. "You need to talk to her, though. Tell her how you're feeling so she can understand and tell you what she really wants."

Spencer thought about that. In the last few months, he had been so committed to getting Diana on Fogarty's program that he hadn't stopped to wonder if Diana would eventually agree. In Spencer's eyes, the most logical thing was trying everything to make his mom better. But was this path the one she wanted? Since Diana changed sanatorium, Spencer hadn't seen her very often, and he even stopped writing to her in the way he had been doing. He didn't know how she was feeling.

To cheer him up a bit, Ana prepared a dinner she knew Spencer would like. He thanked her endlessly as he emptied the plate. Spencer hadn't realized how hungry he was. Spencer's cell phone dinged when they were having coffee after dinner, announcing he had a message. Spencer took it out of his pocket to check it. It was a text from Maeve.

"I can't talk right now. I'll call you as soon as I can."

Spencer rolled his eyes and tucked the device in his pocket again. Ana frowned at the action.

"Something happened?" She probed, trying to decipher Spencer's expression.

"Nothing that could be worth that much," he bluntly replied, changing the subject. "You know, I'll talk to my mom. You're right. I've been only guessing what is the best for her, and maybe she's right. I've only been thinking about what's best for me."

And that was what he did. Spencer asked Emily for some days off to sort things with Diana. Without question, Emily granted him that.

Knowing how difficult it was for him to talk about his feelings, before going to visit her, he wrote her a long letter explaining his apprehensions and why he had not wanted to tell her about the experimental treatment. Spencer wrote to her about how sorry he was and wanted to apologize in person but asked her to read his entire letter first.

He made Fogarty hand her the letter and waited outside the room for Diana to read it. When he finally walked in to see her, Diana had tears in her eyes. She got up from her seat, and without a word, she hugged Spencer tight. Spencer let his tears run free as he clung to his mom.

"I don't like to be mad at you, honey. And I'm sorry for slapping you," Diana apologized as she stroked his hair.

"You don't have anything to apologize for. It's me who needs to apologize. I should have talked to you about this. Please, I need to know what you're feeling. I don't want to assume something that's not what you want."

They talked their hearts out that afternoon. They agreed to take the treatment slow. Spencer offered to call it off, but Diana opposed it. She wanted to try it but asked Spencer not to get his hopes up; she preferred to spend more time with him than walking from doctor to doctor to try new things.

A nurse brought them a teapot and two cups. Diana liked to drink some tea at these hours. Diana's eyes posed on the ring on his finger as she served his son a cup.

"And how is my daughter-in-law?" she asked amused. Spencer rolled his eyes. "I know; you told me about your job, and there was a 'thing' you both needed to do. But you know I'm not stupid, Spencer. I only hope you know what you are doing."

Spencer could have told her the truth, but it was already too much information, and Diana might feel bad about the real reason for his marriage to Ana.

"Yeah. I know it sounds weird, but everything is fine."

Is it, though?

Diana hummed, narrowing her eyes.

"What?" Spencer asked, knowing something was on the tip of her tongue.

"You like her." Spencer wanted to refute, but Diana stopped him. "And don't tell me it's not like that. Before I moved here, your letters only talked about that girl Maeve. You haven't mentioned her again in months."

"It doesn't mean that-"

Again, Diana cut him off.

"Maybe not, but I can feel something. Call it mother intuition or whatever, but I can see it in your eyes. And I will only tell you one thing: stop thinking about everything. Start feeling and acting on it. In matters of the heart, you need to follow what makes you happy even if it could not seem what it's supposed to happen."

Spencer was still amazed at how well his mom could read him. He wouldn't admit it, but in his internal debate, he knew he had to do something about his love status. On one side was Maeve and this increasingly one-sided relationship. Even so, Spencer still thought there was something salvageable after a year of dating. On the other hand, there was Ana, who, in a few months, had gained his heart and become someone significant to him. But that scared him. Spencer hated being abandoned, and knowing Ana would eventually leave his life made him step back. At least Maeve still sticks around. In a very unusual way, but she does.

Spencer decided to take a course of action similar to the one he took with his mom: talk to Marve and tell her what he was feeling and ask her what she wanted for real.

So one afternoon, when Maeve called him saying she was in DC, he asked her to meet the next day so they could talk.

Spencer waited for Maeve in the bar they used to go to. Time passed, and she still hadn't arrived. Spencer checked his phone and called her several times, leaving voicemails and texts. When Maeve finally called back, she apologized, saying she couldn't make it. She had an awful headache and couldn’t grab her phone until now. Spencer offered to check on her, but she dismissed him, telling him she only needed to rest.

The Spencer of a few weeks ago would have stuck with that explanation and gone home, but he was already tired of this coming and going, and he needed Maeve to understand how difficult it was for him to continue like this. That's why he left the bar and took a taxi toward her hotel. Spencer wasn't going to go home without talking to Maeve first.

Once he got there, he hesitated if it was a good idea. In his guts, he felt like he would regret pushing Maeve to talk to him. But before he could turn and leave, he was greeted by the hotel front desk man.

“Dr. Reid. Nice to see you. Are you here to see Dr. Donovan, right?”

“Hi, Oscar. Yes, I’m here to see Maeve.”

“Give me a second; I’ll announce you,” Oscar said, about to take the phone and call upstairs.

“Actually, if you don’t mind, I want to surprise her. You know, I got her a gift, and I would like it to be a surprise.” Spencer didn't know why he lied about it, but he didn't want to risk Maeve denying him entrance. Oscar seemed to buy the story. Smiling, he granted Spencer access to the elevators.

“Oh! Of course, you know where to find her.”

Spencer walked to the elevator and pushed the 7th-floor button. Once there, he walked through the corridor he knew so well. They stumbled there many times as Spencer passionately kissed Maeve doing the path to her room.

He stopped in front of room 706. Sighing, he was about to knock when he heard laughs from the inside. Spencer frowned. It wasn’t only Maeve’s. He could swear he heard a male voice as well.

Spencer knocked. And just a few seconds later, a half-naked muscular man opened the door.

“Yeah? You are not from the room service, are you?”

Spencer didn’t know what to say; he only stood there looking dumbfounded and trying to understand what was happening. “Mate? Are you okay?” The man asked, seeing Spencer going pale.

“Maeve is here?” Spencer asked, just above a whisper.

“Oh. Wait a minute,” the man turned and went inside. Spencer heard as he called. “Babe! Someone is here asking for you.”

Maeve quickly appeared at the door, a silk robe covering her frame. Her eyes widened when she saw Spencer standing there.

“Spencer. What - what are you doing here?”

“Now I’m asking myself the same,” he mumbled, eyes filling with tears. “I didn’t know your headache had such a muscular appearance.”

“Spencer. We can talk about this -” She tried to reach his arm, but Spencer stepped back.

“Don’t. I don't think there is something to talk about. I - uh. Well, now I get why you are so busy all the time. But don't worry; I won’t bother you again.”

Before Maeve could say anything, Spencer turned and walked down the hall toward the stairs. He didn't want to wait for the elevator. Maeve’s voice calling for him wasn’t enough to slow his pace.

Spencer felt so stupid. How did he not see it before? He’s a damn profiler, for fuck’s sake. Why did it hurt so much? Spencer already knew he wasn’t that important to her. Maybe it was a part of his heart that loved her and a part of his ego plummeting from that 7th-floor.

Ana got home after a draining shift that afternoon. Logan had been a pain in the ass all day, and the patrons got more demanding than ever. Collin was sick, and Ana had to cover her alone until Sarah came to help after lunch.

Spencer wasn't in the apartment, so she suspected he had a case or was with Maeve.

She had a quick meal and made a beeline to her bed. In her mind, one thing: sleep until next week. So it didn't take long until she dozed off.

When her phone went off, Ana didn't know if she had just fallen asleep or hours had passed. Without opening her eyes, she stretched out one arm to reach for the device on her nightstand.

"Hello?"

Sobbing was heard on the other end of the line. That alerted Ana and caused her to open her eyes and check the caller ID.

On the call: Spencer Reid.

"Spencer? Is that you?"

Another fit of sobbings filled Ana's ears. Sensing something was wrong, she sat on the bed, totally awake.

"I'm broke. Nobody loves me," Spencer hiccuped, slurring his voice into the receiver.

"Where are you?" Ana asked, but Spencer sounded too drunk to answer that.

"I - I don't know. A bar?"

Ana heard the noise behind Spencer's voice, and it might as well be a bar, but where?

"Are you alone? I need to know where you are," Ana demanded, trying to get Spencer's drunk attention.

"I shouldn't be. I was supposed to meet with Maeve," he said before sniffling again.

"Where is she?"

"Not here. She didn’t show up," Spencer slurred. "And now I know why. Did you know she was sleeping with a man who wasn’t me? What a bitch!” He high-pitched blurted.

‘Por la puta madre, lo único que me faltaba (Fuck! This is all I needed right now,)’ Ana thought, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Spencer. Listen to me. Don't move from there. I'm coming to get you, okay?"

Ana put on some clothes as fast as she could, grabbing her keys and purse. She took the first cab she found in the direction where she suspected Spencer was.

Her hunch proved true. When Ana entered the place, she looked directly at the bar. Spencer was sitting on a stool, head resting on the counter, looking at the glass of whiskey he nursed in one hand.

Gently she put a hand over his shoulder. Spencer turned to see her. His eyes filled with tears, and trying to sit straight, he only got to shove his arms around Ana's shoulders, hiding his face in the crook of her neck.

"You came," he slurred. It was like the best thing that had happened to him. It took Ana a moment to register she had Spencer clinging to her like dead weight.

"Yeah. I couldn't leave you alone right now," she confirmed, rubbing Spencer's back. "Come on, let's go home."

Ana had dealt with drunk people more than once in her life, but drunk Spencer Reid was something else entirely. In addition to trying to say goodbye to everyone who saw him go by on his way out of the bar, he didn't stop talking in the cab. Ana learned about the probabilities of risk of alcohol poisoning considering at least a dozen combinations Spencer assured to report. She also learned about the five most efficient car routes from the bar to his apartment and how synchronizing the traffic lights saved at least 5.2 minutes of commuting time.

But without a doubt, the worst part was trying to get him out of the taxi and up to the apartment. Spencer didn't want to use the elevator, and Ana had to help him up the stairs, keeping him from falling every time he stumbled on a step.

After such a procession, they reached their floor, and Ana immediately led him into the apartment and to his room. She managed to leave him sitting on the bed while she looked for clothes he could wear to sleep. As Ana fumbled into the drawers, she didn't notice Spencer looking at her.

"You're so beautiful," he garbled. Ana rolled her eyes, grabbing a pajama and turning to help him.

"Not with the flattery now, Spencer."

"You're gorgeous. How is it you can't see that?" His high-pitched voice was enough evidence of his inebriated state.

"Yeah, whatever," she mumbled, kneeling to help him to rid of his shoes.

"I mean it! You are the most beautiful girl I have met in my life."

What was that? The guy just got his heart broken, and he's trying to flirt right now? Ana was confused but mostly pissed off.

"We're not discussing this right now. Come on, put that on." She pointed to the pajama on the mattress, standing up and ready to leave him there.

"No! Don't go! Please. I'll shut up. But please, sit by my side for a while."

And there they were: those puppy eyes melting away any resolution Ana had.

"Spencer, you need to lay down and sleep," she used a more gentle voice this time, sitting by his side and rubbing his back.

“I don't want to sleep. I need a drink,” Spencer demanded with a pout. Circumstances aside, Ana found it cute.

“No, you don't. You had many tonight. Believe me, you’ll regret it in the morning.”

Spencer breathed a laugh.

“You know what I do regret? Wasting my time with her. I should have known, you know? She is not even half of the woman that you are.”

Why is he comparing Maeve with her? Ana didn't want to be in between this.

“You’re sad and pissed. I get it. But you need to think about this when you won’t be drunk, okay?”

Spencer scoffed, waving a hand in the air.

“Do you think I didn't before? Ana, I - I have been thinking about this plenty in the past months.”

Ana narrowed her eyes.

What did that suppose to mean?

Here is the thing. Spencer barely drinks, but when he does, any filter to his words is long forgotten, like now. He’s telling everything he has on his mind, even if it doesn't make sense.

To prove his point, Spencer continued talking.

"You don't believe me? Look at you! You're great. Beautiful, kind, funny, and so so so sexy. God, I want to kiss you right now. Hell, what am I saying? I have been thinking about kissing you for weeks!”

Ana couldn't believe what she was hearing. But she knew she couldn't give any credibility to that. There were just drunk words.

"Spencer, stop. You don't mean anything of that. You're way too drunk."

The man shook his head eagerly but had to stop because he dizzied himself.

"Maybe I’m too drunk. But did you know 85% of Americans think drunk people tell the truth, and it's not a myth? I personally believe it's very accurate.”

"Of course, you have statistics for that," Ana scoffed, averting her gaze to the floor.

"Ana, hey. Please, look at me,” Spencer requested, softly resting his palm on her cheek. When her eyes traveled up and found Spencer’s, her heart skipped a beat. Although the alcohol was running through his veins, his gaze was intense on her as he wanted to say the things his mouth still couldn't.

"Spencer-"

Ana was about to say anything to break the spell but couldn't think of anything but how good his touch felt on her cheek.

“I don't know why I have been dragging this until now. I don’t know why I cry for her when it’s you who I want.”

Ana didn't know when the distance between them shorted that way, but the booze in Spencer's mouth should have been a warning. Ana knew everything Spencer was saying wasn't true. His mind was confused, and he was vulnerable. She should have backed off. It was the right thing to do, but

Spencer's lips were so close now. He said he wanted to kiss her. And he was leaning to do that. Why deny the urge? Suppressing any warning, Ana closed her eyes as her lips met his.

Is this how it feels? Ana could swear she went to heaven and came back. Sure, it wasn't how she imagined this moment, but perfection wasn't given by the moment but by how she could feel her heart pounding while Spencer kissed her.

Even though their senses were somewhat clouded: Spencer's from the alcohol and Ana's from the astonishment of what was happening, their lips moved in unison in a long, sweet kiss.

When they pulled away, Ana inspected Spencer’s face and found a lovesick smile.

And so the anxiety returned to Ana. It was wrong. It felt so right, but it was wrong.

"Spencer. You need to sleep," she insisted. Spencer wouldn't stop smiling, but his eyes began to close on their own.

"I don’t want," he tried to fight as Ana helped him lie down. Without much resistance, she tucked him with the comforter before he fell into a deep sleep.

Once in her room, Ana let herself freak out.

What was it that had just happened?

Of course, she had imagined more than once Spencer might reciprocate her affections in some capacity, but she never thought she would hear it coming from his mouth in that way.

But as much as she was excited by what had just happened, she didn't want to give herself false hope. Ana has never believed in fairy tales, and this time was no different, even though her heart swelled at the memory of how Spencer's lips felt on hers.

Ana fell asleep thinking about the awkward conversation she would have with Spencer in the morning.

The following day brought a not-pleasant wake-up for Spencer. The light peeking through the curtains felt like stakes on his eyelids, and the headache became increasingly torturous as he gained consciousness.

The worst part was he barely knew how he ended up in his bed. Spencer noticed he had on the same clothes he wore the previous day, as a clean pajama sat at the foot of the bed.

He tried to assemble the puzzle from the night before, but it all came in flashes without much detail. The bar, the call to Ana, and from there, a couple of images going up the stairs and sitting on the bed.

Shame filled him when he realized the state in which Ana had seen him. An apology would not be enough for the hard time he had surely put her through.

He went straight to shower and then changed his clothes. Now with a white shirt and sweatpants, he padded to the kitchen and saw Ana eating a toast and drinking coffee.

"Hey," Spencer mumbled, embarrassed. Ana looked up to see him and could guess the heavy hangover he was experiencing.

"There." She pointed him to a glass of water and some Advil on the counter. Ana thought Spencer needed to feel a little bit better if they were to have this conversation.

The water and Avil were followed for a black coffee and a few toasts.

Silence took over the room. Ana didn't want to be the first to speak, and Spencer felt too ashamed of the sad spectacle of his drunk self. But he needed to apologize correctly, and for that, he had to know how much of a pain in the ass he was last night.

Clearing his throat, he called Ana’s attention.

"I am terrified and too mortified to ask, but I need to know to apologize for whatever stupidity I said or did. What happened last night?"

Shit. Was he wanted her to say it? Ana's mind started to spiral, but she needed to be cautious.

"What? You don't remember anything of what happened?"

Could it be that possible?

"I mean, yeah—a little. After seeing Maeve with another man, I left the hotel and went to the bar. I asked for a whisky first and then another one. I got drunk and called you. You showed up, and then everything is a blur. I remember the stairs and you helping me to sit in bed. I was talking, but I don't know much of what I said,” Spencer admitted, cheeks pink for the mortification.

Ana’s mouth was agape.

He doesn't remember. Unbelievable.

Or maybe he was playing ignorant. Ana didn't know. But whatever it was, it broke her heart. Last night, for a moment, she thought Spencer was being honest and that the kiss they shared had a real meaning for him. And now he doesn't remember anything.

What a stupid girl you are, Ana María González.

"Yeah. I went to pick you up, and I brought you home," she summed up. Spencer's eyes filled with regret.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

"What? To get drunk or calling me?" Ana asked defensively. Spencer noticed and assumed she was pissed about her hard time caring for a drunk.

"Both?"

"It's okay; you needed a safe way to come back."

It was the real thing, Ana thought. Spencer needed help to get home. Everything that followed was a bad joke.

"Even so, I had no right to put that on you. I hope I didn't cause you too much trouble last night or make you too much uncomfortable. Although I'm sure you were already uncomfortable seeing me like this. I'm sorry."

Ana internally scoffed. 'Dude, do you really have no idea?'

"Stop apologizing, Spencer. I wanted to help. It's not a big deal,” she dismissed, suddenly finding deep interest in her empty mug.

"Did I tell you something else about what happened?"

Yes. More than you can imagine.

"Not much. Maeve and the man in her room, no more than that,” she lied.

"You were right. Maeve has been only using me. I should have ended it."

"But you love her," Ana concluded as her brain replayed his words: ‘I don’t know why I cry for her when it’s you who I want.’

"I - uh. I guess so."

Ana thought this conversation would take any direction but this one. What a waste of time. She felt terrible for nurturing the hope of something between them. Now it was clear it was an irrational hope.

She could understand him, though. Spencer was struggling with his relationship, and she was only his friend. She only needed to be understanding with him, nothing more and nothing less.

"You will figure it out. Give you some time, and you'll see things more clearly,” Ana advised, trying to sound as casual as possible. But inside, she only wanted to slap him across the face.

Fucking Spencer Reid.

——————

Spencer Reid's Taglist: @dreatine​ @nomajdetective @jayyeahthatsme @rosalinasam2 @averyhotchner @tvandfanfic​ @lovelyxtom @princessmiaelicia @pastelbabygirl19 @reidsbookclub @alexxavicry @gspenc @spencerreidisbae123 @calmspencer @pauline5525mgg @disaster-in-waiting @anamiad00msday @milivanili99 @laylasbunbunny @leahblackk @miaxx03 @missabsey @taintedstranger

[kresnikcest]

julius' fd really was like all the named characters ignore ludger's existence while all the nameless neighbours are like "hey ludger how's your chill life with your brother and absolutely no one else :)"

Balan: You ever get lonely if you haven't seen your girlfriend in a while? If it were me, I think I'd go crazy pretty quickly.

Jude: I've never thought of Milla like that before, but still. I can tell she's doing her best out there in the spirit realm, and that means I can't slack off either!

Mary: I see. So there's someone out there important to you. Don't fret… I know your research will be a success! I believe in you, professor!

Girl: Hey, tell me where you bought that dolly! It's so cute!

Elize: Oh, this is my friend, Teepo! Would you like to try petting him?

Vera: Me?! There's no way I can do it! I've already been turned down once before!

Nova: Well you'll never know for sure with that attitude! You gotta be more persistent! If you're still into him, you need to let him know!

Alvin: Sure is peaceful out here. Maybe if things were like this back in the day when I was growing up, I'd have become a better man than I am now.

Yurgen: Investigative reporting? This is going to be tough. My partner was always really good at stuff like this, but I don't know if I can do it.

Leia's boss: We will hear what Alvin has to say too. We'll be combining both of your stories into the special feature. If you don't mind, would I be able to get your consent?

Leia: That's our Editor in Chief! Let's go get 'em!

Gaius: I haven't been here in some time. Has she already arrived?

Rowen: Yes, I've heard word that they've already arrived at the inn. Also, just in case, I should mention… Would it be too much to ask you to call him "Erston" while in town? (note: this was definitely misinterpreted by the translator 😂)

Bisley: I beg your pardon sir, but could you tell me the time? It appears that my watch has stopped. Wait a minute! Aren't you--never mind. Forgive me, I must be imagining things.

Rideaux: Yes, yes. I'll sign an autograph for anyone who wants one. Incidentally, you wouldn't mind telling me your names, would you? I need to know who to make these out to, of course.

Ivar: Damn it, why is it always Rideaux they go to first?! Look lady, we have work to do, so just make it quick!

Compared to:

"Hey, Ludger! When are you going to make me that mabo curry of yours again? When, huh? When?"

"I'm so sorry about her. She's always like this! But it looks like she really does enjoy the curry you make! Think I could get the recipe from you sometime?"

"Heya, Ludger. Is Julius doing okay? He seems busy with work as usual. Although you know, I have to say I do love a man who has such strong work ethic! Oh, Julius!"

"Ludger! Perfect timing! I just got some fresh fish in that I think you'd really enjoy! I'll just give them to you, so be sure to cook me something awesome with them, all right?"

"Oh hey, Ludger. I heard good things about the diner! I think that the next chance I get, I'll take my grandson there!"

"Hey, Ludger! I saw you eating with your brother at the usual place the other day. You guys mannerisms while eating are exactly the same! Guess you guys really are brothers!"

"Say Ludger, you haven't thought about living by yourself before, have you? Well, suppose if you did, it'd put Julius and Rollo out on the skids, huh. That Julius… he looks like he has it together, but he can be such a scatterbrain sometimes!"

"Whoa! Hold up, Ludger! Aren't you supposed to be at work today? Quit slacking off!"

[bluejaysandblackbats]

The Brother Trap

Fandom: DC Comics, Flashfam

Summary: Owen wants to connect with his half-brothers for the first time. Luckily for him, they all go to the same university. Will bad blood between twins keep Owen from the family of his dreams, or is he the missing piece they've always needed?

Chapters: 6/?

Characters: Owen Mercer, Axel Walker, Thad Thawne, Bart Allen, Meloni Thawne, Deborah Morgna, Preston Lindsay, President Thaddeus Thawne Mention

Relationships: Owen Mercer/Axel Walker, Thad Thawne/Deborah Morgna, PrestonBart

Additional Tags: POV Third Person, College AU, Angst and Fluff, Family Dynamics, Family Issues, No Powers AU

Chapter Six: Complicated

Owen sat next to Axel in the back corner of the class late that afternoon, and Axel looked him in the eyes. "Got anything to eat in your magic duffel bag?" Axel asked.

Owen reached in his bag and offered Axel half a sandwich. "I'm gonna meet my mom this weekend," Owen mumbled. Axel stopped chewing mid-bite. "What?"

Axel covered his mouth as he finished chewing. "Don't you think you're moving a little fast?" Axel questioned. Owen shrugged.

"I don't know. I mean, it's not like my mom will know who I am. I was thinking—. Maybe you can come with me," Owen suggested. Axel sighed. "I know how much you like Texas Hold 'Em."

"This could get messy... And while I usually love to be there when things crash and burn for people, you're my best friend—."

"Axe, please. I'm not expecting things to be perfect. I just want you to be there for the most important moment in my life," Owen pleaded. Axel's cheeks went rosy, and he turned his head. "Please?"

"Don't do that," Axel whispered as he looked straight ahead, "Don't look at me like that... With your stupid eyes and-. Fine, I'll go with you."

Owen pulled Axel in and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "You're the best, Axe. I owe you one," Owen whispered. Axel wouldn't look at him. Owen was too excited to realize that he'd kissed him.

"Mind if I stay the night at your place? My roommate's studying with his girlfriend, and he wants the room," Axel whispered. Owen nodded. "Do you wanna hit the gym after class?"

"Nah, we'll just walk home, and I'll make dinner. If you want, you can just move in next semester. I could even get you a bed, you know... As a housewarming gift," Owen offered. Axel turned to face him.

"Are you asking me to move into your bachelor pad?" Axel asked.

"It doesn't have to be. I lease month-to-month. We could always move into a slightly larger place," Owen replied. Axel smiled and nodded. Owen playfully punched Axel's shoulder, and Axel got him back.

"Yeah, okay... And Owen? No matter what happens, we're still family," Axel reassured him. Owen smiled and nodded.

They waited twenty minutes for their professor to show up. When she didn't, they signed in on a piece of paper and left the classroom. Axel and Owen walked home together, and Owen washed up. Axel took his shirt off and threw it in Owen's hamper. "Nice body," Owen teased. Axel gave him the finger.

"I'm gonna take a shower," Axel replied.

Owen nodded and stretched out. He washed his hands and got started on dinner. Owen liked having Axel around. He'd never say it out loud, but Axel was the one person in his life that he could see himself with forever. They never talked about their feelings, but they both knew how the other felt. He liked Axel and Axel liked him, but it felt weird to Owen to move forward with a relationship when they were all they had.

"I'm making fish!" Owen called out to Axel while he was in the shower. Axel made a loud noise in the affirmative. He sauteed the vegetables and boiled four eggs.

"Owen! I'm gonna use your towel!" Axel yelled from the bathroom. Owen grabbed a fresh towel off the couch and brought it to him. Owen lingered in the bathroom with him, and Axel chuckled nervously. "Got something on your mind?"

Owen nodded. "And that's why I'm going back to the kitchen before dinner burns," Owen replied. Axel held eye contact with Owen as he backed out of the bathroom and wrapped his towel around his waist. He followed Owen to the kitchen and sat at the counter.

"The new shower head's working like a charm, huh?" Axel smiled. Owen put the fish on the stove.

"Yeah, thanks for changing it," Owen whispered. He turned the eggs off and chopped them up, but he kept thinking about meeting his mom.

"Owen, you okay?" Axel asked.

Owen nodded and offered him some of the eggs. Axel ate a few off the cutting board while waiting for Owen to speak. "Do you ever think about your folks?" Owen asked.

Axel shook his head. "Not really, no... But your situation is different," Axel replied, "Your dad said they both wanted you. It was just a timing thing."

Owen nodded. "Like you and me?" Owen asked.

Axel scoffed and laughed uncomfortably. "That's not why, and you know it, but okay. Got anything good to drink?" Axel asked. Owen nodded and gestured towards the fridge with his head.

"Might have a little gin left in the refrigerator," Owen whispered. Axel stood up and brushed hands with Owen as he walked past. Owen hooked his finger with Axel's.

"You said your brother was drunk the night you ran into him at that party, right?" Axel asked. Owen nodded. "What do you think he drinks?"

"Something tropical. I could smell it on him. Kind of like mangoes and vodka," Owen replied. Axel nodded and poured himself some gin. Axel gave Owen a glass and poured him a smaller amount. "Why?"

"Do you think they both drink?" Axel asked.

Owen shook his head. "I don't get that vibe from Bart... He looks like the most hardcore drink he's ever had is ginger ale," Owen answered.

Axel took a sip and walked over to the stove to look at the food. "If you wanna win your mom over this weekend, you should cook," Axel whispered.

"That's not a bad idea, Axe," Owen whispered. Axel smiled and shrugged. "Never let anyone tell you that you're just a pretty face."

"Pretty?" Axel teased as he raised his brow. Owen pinched his cheek. Owen took a few sips of gin. Axel slipped away to get dressed by Owen's bed. He put on a pair of sweats and one of Owen's t-shirts.

"That's my shirt," Owen pointed out. He didn't mind. He liked the way Axel made his clothes smell.

[yostresswritinggirl]

Take it from Exiled to write a birthday fic for the man he simped for in one hour and publish it when the birthday already passed officially in her timezone.

The One That Matters

He eyed the falling leaves as if they were shooting stars, as if they were the rarest, most beautiful thing in the world. Golden eyes drawn to the golden decaying leaf in his hand, digits pressed together to keep them in place.

You were reminded of the time when it was your date of birth, when the adeptus came bearing a surprise gift of an intricate butterfly made out of leaves. It was impromptu, you knew it was last minute because he was evidently surprised to find out what made that day special. But now the remains of it lies by your dresser in its own little glass jar where nothing can touch the fragile thing.

"Are you going to make more butterflies?" His low gaze widened a fraction as if he just realized he was there with someone. With you. "You know it's your birthday, you're not supposed to be gifting yourself."

"I'm not sure how humans, or how modern traditions celebrate such things these days," Xiao's gruff voice was almost eaten by the ruffle of the foliage above. But when he turns to watch you from your place on the blanket laid down on the grass floor, the grin was a tell-tale sign of your understanding.

Urging with a wave and pat on the spot beside you, the birthday boy obediently followed and sat.

"Usually there would be parties, with many feasts and people to eat it with! There would be party games, singing, and then a dedicated time to open your presents with everyone!" Your enthusiasm and the hand signals that came with it was definitely overdone with passion to let him learn. But his monotone face only scowled in contrast.

And so his mouth was quick to protest almost like a huff, "You know I detest extravagance, much more being exposed to crowds."

"Of course I do, that's why we just celebrate the simple way!"

After he had gathered what seems to be an essential amount of leaves for himself (he looked peaceful so you didn't dare ask what he was doing, however weird it was), the two of you descended from the cliff of the mountain you decided to bring him to first and foremost to hang out, to calm him down with the soft breeze and passing clouds.

In his arms and hand are your rolled up picnic blanket and basket. It would have been a hit in your karma to make him carry these things when it should be his special day, but he insisted to help in a way you couldn't deny anyways.

As a thank you.

"I whipped up some Almond Tofu and Grilled Ticker Fish for us to eat! Usually for casual celebrations, people just go and eat out with the most important people they want to spend their birthday with. Is there anyone you want to invite to eat with us?"

At the cue, Xiao's eyes that were sharp in making sure that there was nothing on the path ahead that might cause you to trip landed on you. A hopeful and contained sense of joy evident in your eyes as you wait for him to speak.

It took him a few seconds, but when he replied, unlike the usual bored look on his face he answered with lifted eyes and an upturn on the ends of his usually flat lips.

"No one that comes to mind, you're enough company."

And he knew he said the right words when your face bloomed in both fluster and pride.

"...you're drooling on the table!" His focus were interrupted by the banter behind him, and his swiftness weren't enough to grasp the leaf that flew past his awaiting fingertips. Xiao could hear the trio perfectly clear from this distance despite their best efforts to be quiet.

17th of April, he sighs at the thought as he slowly turns to his side, watching the three flinch from his side stare as they tried to catch their words to explain. His gaze drops to the table that was set up on the balcony.

Almond Tofu and Grilled Ticker Fish.

"We know you probably wouldn't like celebrations, so we thought it would be okay to throw this little dinner party for your birthday!" Aether quickly interjected when a conflicted expression passed Xiao's face. "Is there- is there any people you'd want to join us? I mean, it is a special day for you and all, and we don't really know if there's others..."

"Ah, that visitor you always have that comes by everytime your birthday comes, perhaps they'd be happy to join us," the Boss Lady quipped in hopes of keeping the atmosphere upbeat but said hope crumbles the moment Xiao's face looked guarded at the mention.

The last time he saw you was exactly a year before, where you took him to Jueyun Karst for cloud gazing before descending to the Marsh for a dinner party under the stars. He still remembers the added softness of the tofu you prepared, and the slightly saltier taste of the grilled fish.

That was the day before you boarded the Crux and made your way to Inazuma to explore. A place now sealed so not a single person could leave nor enter.

Black and teal strands sway with the movement as he shakes his head. "This is fine, you have my thanks. You shouldn't have but you did it still." He thought he'd stopped pondering about it.

The uneasy tension dissipated quickly at the reassurance as Paimon cheered about the food, finally given the cue to eat freely.

He let out an amused, almost exasperated sigh at the antics of his newfound company before turning back to the balcony one last time to throw away the caught leaves to the wind. Crushed in his hands from his internal conflict.

When he caught sight of a familiar figure sprinting across the Marsh, disheveled and frantic yet his sharp eyes had caught the sight of a lopsided grin.

"Xiao! Xiao, happy birthdaaaaay!"

Even if you ended up tripping midway to get a face full of mud, he wouldn't have this day any other way. In the company of the most important people in his life.

Happy birthday, my boy ywy I knew I couldn't resist you even if I tried. And happy birthday again to 🐟 anon too!!

[muffindaddystyles]

𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐃

Author note: Mention of drugs, sickness and blood (if you're not comfortable with it don't read it) . It mighty be heart warming fluffyyyyyy.

You're his kitten. No matter the consequences you're. Cause even in his anger sometimes (which's rare and it's on the silly go-to's) he still sticks to that pet name because he met you like that under the bus stop's shelter in a heavy rain offered you an umbrella (while you were huffing and puffing like a kitten annoyed with the weather), walked you home, had a tea with you and some chocolate chip cookies. Been bestfriends from that year and there isn't a red light to your guys wild adventures—but he's been having a rough time recently. Had a cruel heart shattering breakup from a relationship that he thought was a never ending dream (she brought him happiness in a weird way he couldn't put into words) indeed it tightened your chest but his happiness's most important to you. To overcome it he's been scribbling notebooks over notebooks with lyrics that screams he miss her and the sex for the most part of it. It breaks your heart.

He's usually the one to melt all over you, give you forehead kisses, cuddles you when your periods are the bitchiest, makes you brekkie if he stays a night, runs you a bath and sometimes brings you pomegranate berried candles (he lies that he got them as a gift, he's one hell of a liar). He takes care of you with so much gentleness and helps you with study after wiping your tears and reassuring you telling you how proud he's of you. It made you guilty sometimes 'cos if you'd be in camille's place. . .you'd never be able not to get jealous. She was cool with it. Fills you with another curiosity that maybe she treated it like a fling.

He was devastated. Knocking on your door feebly. Then the moment your small confused body was under his weary gaze, boom!! It crashed upon him like a pitch storm and he fell to his knees tucking his head in your armpit crying his heart out. At that moment you felt his pain radiating to you and twisting your own stomach with a dagger, it was insufferable. He gave out no-deep scrapes but not to freak your bones muttered that he lost her. Eventually his bottled up emotions seeped into hues infront of you by passing week and to your littlest of information you got to know that they didn't ended up well in some perspectives so their relationship turned out to be a downfall. So As, you do with your girlie best-friend when she have a breakup you did it with Harry too. It didn't included feral clubbing (you left that part to his mates) but watching sappy movies that could fill your ice-cream bucket once you eat it whole, doing homemade face masks, playing drunk uno and knocking on your neighbours door to run way at last, dragging his arse to museum and in all of this you ended up convincing him to adopt a kitty (she lives with you thou).

The roles have been reversed completely!

He's been living at your flat for five weeks now. It's fading his usual cheekiness and the itch to annoy you every second he gets. Instead, it's just eating, spending bits of hours with you, going out with his mates and coming back to crash at your couch padding in your room in the wee of night demanding a warm coddle from you and that his back hurts from the cruelty of that single spring popping from the leather, staying with him when he'd wrench his stomach out in the morning. He's sensitive. His heart's soft that's one of the reason he gets hurt real quick, you admire that about him and reminds him that it's one of his qualities you're totally in love with. You're gentle with him. Giving him space and time to recover. Going with him at his friend's birthday little get together not drinking at all knowing one would have to stay sober as he chugged red wine staining his hawain shirt and when he clumsily poked his pink tongue out lazily to reach for the cigarette in her hand you tugged him back into you before he'd burn his tongue with sparkles announcing it's time to head back home and he'd be a pain in arse (a beautiful one though because his antics makes you all mushy) when he pretended to steal sandwiches from the table hiding them under his shirt saying that "'m pregnant with twins and it's hard to carry them" while you dragged him outside making him wear his coat like a stubborn toddler. Making him cupcakes sometimes, playing with his fluff of curls while he reads the book she gave him. It hurts. But, it subsides down with his single amiable glance that tells you he needs you. He always had. He always will. You give him extra forehead kisses and pecks on cheek while leaving for UNI, because it's irresistible to give dust to his pouty sulk.

It's seven in the morning when he tumbled through your door (has a key, you even brought his clothes and toothbrush from his house—he even uses your strawberry scented shampoo and body wash) his nose tip blushed matching his cheeks, eyes pooling with haze and hair poking in every direction. You were studying for a class you've in an hour. When you saw his irirses blown out you arched your brow putting the cup down beside your thick book, to mingle his sadness he's experimenting different fun wild things (told you bout it and you even called Mitch to take care of him).

"How many am I, pet?" You asked walking towards him seeing him struggle to get out of his vans and your giggles echoed into coldness when he peers down at your crouched state with his gold fish-y eyes, "dunno. . . but ye'r seem like. .like a-a sunflower floatin' in me head." His lips molding around his each word agonisingly slow drawl and his voice hoarse and scratchy. "You need rest, bambi." You got him out of his jeans and socks knowing he despises to sleep with layers on. "I'll be back with you in some hours. Hmm? Then we'll snuggle into blankets, you me and. . .salsa the pussy cat." You have to control your laugh everytime you take the kitty's name (Harry's worst at giving names you were horrified when he once joked that he loves chelsea boots so much he could name his daughter Chelsea) He whines at that nodding his head but not loosening his grip from around your wrist while you tucked him under your baby green patch work quilt. It's like his brain and heart can't decide how to choose.

On your way back you got Jeff's call asking why Harry isn't picking his phone his own voice resembling that of Harry's and you know he'd be looking shit at the time. Harry was still snoring out like a bulb in bright day on his tummy and you shook him gently at first but when he didn't woke up you had to be a bit harsher. "Harry wake up pet. . . Jeff's been calling ye for since." But, not even a hum in response so you placed your finger under his nose checking if he's even alive. Gratefully he was just sleeping like a literal corpse (he argues that he isn't that bad of a sleeper but in fact he is. Everything around him would burn down and he wouldn't even change a side).

It was seven in the evening when you were preparing for dinner when he woke up grumpy. His nose scrunched up, lips quirked up as if he tasted something yucky and his gait jello. You eyed him quietly even when he came in kitchen to drink water.

"Jeff was callin'. . ." You quipped stirring the veggies before pouring soup into a bowl and sliding it his way on the counter, "I know bombarded me phone with calls—" He gruffed spooning a mouthful and you flinched when he tried to cool it inside his mouth with "hawahhoohaha" little sounds (he knew it was hot, he's just an impatient leech).

"Stop being a gremlin. He told me ye' aren't writing, leaving everything like a cliffhanger neither you're attending the meetings he calls you at. . . I think you're done with your mourning it's time to do what you actually love and is there for you. Your music." You frown seriously trying to put some senses into his forever high brain. He drops the spoon back and dips his brows frustratedly, pinching his eyes shut.

"Fuckin' hell. Stop being my mama!" It's not the first time you guys are arguing and you're not gonna take it to heart. You stood up towering him and jabbing your finger to his chest, "you better stop filling your system with drugs before eighteen year olds come to you thinking you're a drug dealer—" He snickers at that a total mocking one (you know he's doing nothing hard it's just shrooms in the safe environment otherwise you'd have never never allowed him) but still you had to bring him back to his line so it was necessary. "Piss off." He mutters still slurping on his soup and you left him there with a loud smack on his head, "Wanker."

You care about him. Always did. Always will. He's the love of your life. Even your love has nourishment of just water and lacks sunshine from your sun it's still there into existence, how could you see him like this? Wasting his precious time and energy. It's impossible.

All you heard before going to deep slumber was the tinsy creak of your main door after that it was silent and darkness until now your phone buzzed under your pillow resonating Niall's tired words. You were a wreck havoc fumbling for your coat and wallet, covering pathway to tube with shivering legs hallucinating that everyone's eyeing your fiddly self with judgemental stare even though there're few.

You rushed to Niall's doorsteps knocking like a maniac, "where's he? Is he okay? told ye—" You pushed him aside marching inside to look for him. "He looked fine, he's a strong guy y/n they took him to hospital." You snaps your neck raising your brows.

"What the fuck, d'ya mean hospital!?" Your heart hammering in her ribcage overthinking the worst scenarios. "Take me there. right. fuckin' now." You tell him firmly not caring even if he's high too. Niall leads you to his car heating it up in the first beat taking glances of your petite body leaning against the glass with lips sucked in, eyes watered and legs constantly on bounce so placed his hand atop your knee giving you reassuring squeeze and a genial smile.

Your pink cheeks warming up with the heat of hospital radiating your way and loud growl left your chest when your blurry vision cleared to the sight of dishelved Harry sitting on the bench outside of ER, his irirses weary, mouth stuffed with cotton and has few scratches of rashes on his elbows otherwise he's fine. With each step of yours towards him something kept breaking inside you like you're walking on the nails and it's ripping you raw. He raised his head timidly hearing footsteps and when his eyes fell over your worried state panic flashed over his features and his only gaze turned you a puddling emitting heavy sobs within you before reaching towards him. The reality of situation dawning upon you because from what Niall told you in the car that they were high trying to have some fun, drove around neighbour hood and Harry jumped out of the window and bit his tongue between his teeth resulting in heavy bleeding a deep gnash (the fuckin' dumbstick he is).

"I hate you. I hate you so fuckin' much! you bastard." You tried to shout at him but the voice that came out of your mouth was that of mice as you threw harsh blows at his chest, bottom lip jutting wet and salty tears tricking down. He wraps his hand around your wrists ushering you closer down to his chest speaking muffled, "'orry." causing you to grunt angrily into the crook of his neck.

"Sorry my ass!" When you tried to pull back he tightened his hold round your neck snuggling you warmly to him with a hum. Jeff came back with medicines and when he parted his lips to speak in his defence you ignored him wiping your tears with the heel of your palms muttering a, "I hate you guys." The drive back was silent and the walk to your flat too, you passed by him to lock yourself into your room (you wouldn't because of the fact you wouldn't be able to sleep if not sure he's okay few feets away from you). When Harry attempted to roll his tongue to make some words nothing came out but a hiss making you spin, "'s okay we'll speak in the mornin'." Saying this you headed to bed and when you were bout to turn the lamp off he was lurking at the foot of your bed with a pillow in his arms smushing his face into it and squeezing it close to his chest gesticulating you that he wants a cuddle.

"Only 'cos y're adorable." You muttered moving your bum to make space for him suppressing your cooe when he grinned showing nothing but snow cotton, fuckin' hell being this cute should be illegal! He snapped his finger to call Salsa and she instantly galloped to shrink into his side while you spooned him. You woke up to the running tap and the time you were stretching under your quilt with yawns he padded out looking healed than last night.

He got a little lisp as he spoke, "can we talk?" You nodded knuckling at your sticky eyes criss-crossing your legs. "'Forgive me kitten." He continues, "sorry fo' mistreatin' ye' last night." You shake your head not realizing tears are dropping down your collarbones.

"Please. . .I don't wanna be a party-pooper in your life. you can live your life to finest but not at the sake of your life Harry– and. . . and if you're trying to invade the feelin' of sadness with all of this I don't approve it. What bout me? dunno what'll do if somethin' will happen to you, pet. S'not fair to me. is it? Just. . . love y—" your confessions cameflouging with sobs.

"Oh baby. ." He immediately cradled you in his embrace trying to soothe you with 'sorrys' and 'I'll never do somethin' like that again, promise'. Smooching slobery kisses all over your face and when you gazed up at him attracting him closer to your clean warm features all he did was peck the corner of your lips tenderly pulling away to pat your hair with a sigh.

"So. . .ye' love me." He teased you and you rolled your eyes grabbing his chin with your fingers, "show me your tongue." biting down your laugh when he retorted misheviously, "hmm. Wanna kiss it better?" Blowing him off with a remark that he's an utter pervert hiding the fact it splashed crimson to your neck.

"Mind makin' me poor self some brekkie?" He pouts and you giggled pecking the corner of his burgundy lips getting a timid smile in return, "in trade of?" He hip-checked you straddling Salsa over his shoulder and grabbing her little paws to expertise her in some dancey-dance moves.

"Mind bloggin' orgasm–ique dinner." He cackled loudly at the end when you shook your head in fake disappointment at him and he clinged by your side helping you to make some breakfast.

Think so you guys will figure it out.

[delaber]

Can’t Have Your Cake and Another Cake Too

Rafael Casal x Reader

Note: Okay, I’ll stop breaking Rafa’s heart now... Last time, I swear! Thanks for the prompts to these lovely anons. Alhough this is not a prequel to Poetic Justice (Rafa x ER Nurse), poor Rafa’s facing some of the same issues. I very loosely based this story on J. Cole’s Kevin’s Heart (don’t know why I’m always incorporating J. Cole into my fics, but apparently he’s always lurking in the back of my mind) and Phlake’s So Faded. Let me know what you think!

Words: 4.7K

Warnings: Cocaine addiction! Does not have a happy ending (nobody ODs and nobody’s dying ...Only on the inside lol)

Tagging: No one! This might not be for everybody and I don’t want anybody to feel forced to read it 😌

It was supposed to be a great night out. The entire gang was there, and at the instigation of Diggs, Rafa was supposed to be on the prowl to get laid so he could take his mind off of his broken heart.

From his seat in the booth, Rafa had a fairly good view of the dance floor and he had already spotted a few honeys who likewise had acknowledged him by smiling and sending him a couple of long looks. One of them had even twirled her hair between her fingers while blowing him a kiss. He had the green light, all systems were go!

However, of all the things that could've thrown him off his game, Rafa would not have placed a single bet on a phone call. But the minute he pulled out his vibrating phone and checked the caller ID, both the group of honeys on the dance floor and his friends occupying the seats all around him were completely forgotten. Nothing else mattered anymore.

He stared at the screen for a while, reading the name over and over again. What the fuck was Morris calling him for? Rafa had told him to stop. Morris knew he was too weak to say no even though he had promised his girl that he'd stop for good.

...Or, you weren't his girl. Not anymore.

But Rafa was still determined to win you back no matter if you had stopped answering his phone calls or not, so he took a tough decision and pressed the decline button beneath Morris' name. He even contemplated putting his phone on flight-mode to remove all unwelcome temptations - he knew you'd never take him back if he fell back in - yet, for some reason taking himself off the grid was easier said than done, and before he had pulled himself together to actually press the little airplane button, a text from Morris had ticked in. It only consisted of two words but Rafa understood perfectly.

'New candy.'

Fuck... Rafa considered the pros and cons of accepting for a few milliseconds before he came to his senses. No, no, no. The only way he'd ever win you back would be by showing you that he could stay sober even after your break-up. Morris could fuck off! As if awaking from a trance, Rafa hurriedly put his phone back in his pocket and desperately tried to forget about Morris' enticing offer by telling himself that he was strong enough to shake it.

...although deep down, he was aware that it was already too late. That no matter what, he wouldn't be able to stop thinking about it now. And no matter how hard he tried to re-focus on the honeys on the dance floor and tell himself how stupid it was to hit Morris up, it was no use, the damage was done; he was desperate to get high!

Deeply, horribly ashamed of himself, Rafa texted Morris the address of the club and impatiently waited a couple of minutes before he walked outside with heavy footsteps. It felt as if he was walking to the gallows, the shame eating him up from the inside. You'd be so disappointed in him!

However, in order to make himself accept what he was about to do, he reminded himself that apparently, you didn't care if he was high or not. If you did, you would've returned his phone calls, and you would've reacted to the fact that he had been sober for three weeks now - but you hadn't. And with that in mind, Rafa managed to push away most of the shame as he laid eyes on Morris' sketchy Subaru parked by the curb on the other side of the road. He walked across the street with determined footsteps, carefully looking over his shoulder to check if anybody he knew were watching him approach what was clearly a dealer's car.

"What's up, bruh!" Morris called as he rolled down his window. He was wearing sunglasses, looking like an absolute turd in the dark night.

Rafa put his arms on the car's beltline and shot Morris a bro handshake through the open window, "what the fuck are you wearing sunglasses at night for? You look like a dick."

"Nah, man, it looks cool," Morris laughed, "do you like them? Hell, you should like them - you paid for them."

"What do you mean I paid for them?"

"With the amount of money you spend in my shop, I think it's safe to assume that you paid for these sunglasses and the rims on the ride too," Morris snorted.

"Yeah, about that," Rafa looked away, the embarrassment slowly creeping up his spine again, "you gotta stop calling me."

"You said that last time as well but look at you now," Morris laughed.

"Come on man, it's important that I stop."

"You don't wanna stop though."

Rafa let out a sigh, "look, I'm trying to prove something to my girlf- ...ex-girlfriend."

"A'ight, I respect that," Morris nodded slowly but then he quickly continued, "so did you just call me here to pin your lady troubles on me? Cause I have a customer waiting up on Seventh Ave."

Rafa blew out some air, embarrassed by the decision he was about to make.

"...Or do you wanna buy?" Morris continued as he read Rafa's body language.

"...you're not gonna tell Diggs are you?"

"Do I look like a fucking snitch?" Morris looked offended, "and you know me and Diggs don't talk no more."

"Yeah, alright. This stays between us, okay? If word gets out, I'm fucked."

"A'ight bruh," Morris laughed, "Now, how much do you need?"

"Just... just give me an eightball," Rafa mumbled.

Morris let out a small laugh, "an eightball? Man, you're not about to quit," he chuckled and handed Rafa a zip-lock bag with white powder in it.

"Shut up," Rafa mumbled and pocketed the baggie, "how much?"

"Rafa, you're my man, so I'mma give you a discount because I feel bad for you and your girl. Three hundo."

"Three hundred?! Last time it was two-eighty without the discount."

"Times are changing. I haven't seen you in three weeks, man. Plus, this is a good batch," Morris poked Rafa in the chest, "my contact got it shipped in directly from Medellín. Look, it got fish scale and everything!"

"You better not fuck me over," Rafa muttered and threw Morris three hundred-dollar bills before he turned away from him with an annoyed huff.

"Pleasure doing business as always, Casal! See you next weekend!" Morris yelled after Rafa with a small laugh, apparently not a care in the world for who knew about their illegal transaction.

"Fucking idiot," Rafa muttered to himself without turning around. He had more important things to do than to scold Morris about his indiscretion.

Rafa hurried to the restroom and carefully locked the door behind him before he frantically pulled out the zip-lock bag. He examined its contents and saw the pearl-like surface that Morris had talked about - Fuck it looked good! He opened the bag carefully but froze when he caught his own reflection in the bathroom mirror; the loving look he was sending the bag of coke was sickening. It made his stomach plummet. Had he really been reduced to snorting coke alone in a dirty bathroom of a sketchy club? He remembered when it had been a group activity. Before he couldn't control it.

Shake it off! He told himself. He had every intention of stopping after tonight. This would be the last time.

You said that last time as well, a small voice rang in the back of his head, but he ignored his guilty conscience and instead poured out a small pile of the pearl-like coke on top of the hand dryer. Quickly, he pulled out a random card from his wallet and used it to form two heavy lines. Before his guilty conscience could interfere again, he also grabbed a one-dollar bill that he neatly rolled into a small tube and put between his right nostril and one of the white lines, ready for the rush. His gaze, however, lingered on the random card he had used to break the coke into lines; it was his fucking rewards card for the small organic, artisan shit coffee house that you liked. What wouldn't you say if you knew what he was doing? In his mind's eye, he could see the disappointed look you always sent him whenever he'd come home all hyped up, rambling his mouth off. You never got angry with him and his love of coke, but somehow your disappointed demeanour was way worse. He would've taken screaming and yelling over the disappointed stare and the slow shake of your head any day.

Slowly, he removed the dollar-bill from his nostril, stood up straight and met his own eyes in the mirror again - and for a moment, he could truly see how pathetic he was. What the hell was he doing? He was throwing away his last shot at getting you back - and for what? A few hours of euphoria and confidence?

But she doesn't want you back, a small voice rang inside his head, you called, and you called, and you called. You declared yourself clean to her voicemail and she still didn't reach out. Fuck her!

"Yeah, fuck her," Rafa mumbled before he put the dollar-bill back to his nostril. Quickly, he snorted both lines of coke, shooting his head back afterwards, sniffling a bit as he cleaned his nose with the back of his hand. He knew he only had a couple of minutes before the euphoria kicked in, so he quickly brushed off the dollar-bill and the rewards card and tugged them both back in his wallet. The remainder of the coke was stowed away in his shirt's breast pocket for safe keeping.

Ready for the rush, Rafa was impatiently staring at himself in the mirror. He was thinking about how to avoid Diggs and his condescending looks for the duration of his high, when he was finally overwhelmed by the familiar fuzzy feeling. It came out of nowhere and started behind his eyeballs and continued all the way down to his toenails. It felt as if someone had pulled a large, fluffy blanket down over him, and it was slowly heating up his body, making him feel safe and secure. His pulse quickened in time with his breathing, and he had to close his eyes to get himself under control. He felt fucking powerful! Morris had not lied about this coming from a good batch. "Shit, Morris," he laughed.

There was a knock on the door, and Rafa remembered that he had occupied the men's room for a good five minutes now. He took a last look at his suddenly hazed eyes, aware that no matter how hard he tried to hide it, anyone could see that he was high as a kite. He contemplated riding out his high alone in the bathroom but also knew that with the amount of energy present in his body, he couldn't stay in the small restroom all night. He had to dance! To fuck! To fight!

With a suddenly confident bounce in his step, he opened the door, and sent the guy in line what he hoped was an apologetic nod before he confidently strode towards the honeys on the dance floor.

"Hey Rafa!" he heard someone yell behind him.

Hoping it was someone who wanted to fight, Rafa quickly turned around but was slightly disappointed to see Diggs coming towards him with a huge grin on his face. Shit! Rafa realised that he had to act nonchalant around his best friend. Diggs absolutely couldn't know about the coke in his breast pocket, or he'd be all up in Rafa's face about it.

"Diiiiiggs! My man!" Rafa yelled overly excited, clearly very, very high.

Diggs shot him a look at his weird behaviour before he continued, "where've you been, man? I've been looking for you everywhere."

"R-r-r-r-r-r-r-rrrrrrrestroom," Rafa laughed, he was too happy to pretend otherwise.

"Why are you saying it like th-" the huge grin was slowly slipping from Diggs' face, "...hey, Rafa - look at me," Diggs suddenly sounded all serious as he took Rafa's face in his hands, carefully examining his features, "Rafa, look at me."

Rafa let out a low chuckle, "Diggs, you know I think you're handsome and all that, but I don't like you that way," he joked.

"You're being weird," Diggs furrowed his eyebrows, "- and your pupils are huge. Have you been doing lines in the bathroom?"

"Maybe," Rafa laughed, unable to stop himself from revealing his dirty little secret, "why? You want some? I still have a few hits left," he padded his breast pocket.

"You know I don't do that shit anymore..." Diggs let go of Rafa with a sigh and looked away from him.

"Oh yeah, I forgot you're a fucking saint now," Rafa said a bit more harshly than he had intended to. Ever since Diggs had met Emmy, he had been boring as hell.

Diggs chose not to comment on Rafa's low blow, and managed to keep his calm, "I thought you'd stopped, bruh."

"Morris made me an offer I couldn't refuse," Rafa laughed in an accent halfway between Tony Montana and Vito Corleone.

"Yeah well, I'm not the only one who thought you were done fucking around," Diggs said seriously. He was having none of Rafa's jokes, "I just saw your girl downstairs. She wants to talk to you."

It took a few seconds before Rafa understood, but when he finally grasped Diggs' words, he felt the blood drain from his face and his mouth run dry, "what? No, you're kidding me..."

"Nope," Diggs sighed, "I've been running around trying to find you for fifteen minutes..."

"Shit! What the fuck do I do?" Rafa said in a panicked voice, licking his lips frantically, "I told her I was sober! If she sees me like this, she'll never take me back."

"Yeah, well you better pray that you don't run into her."

Rafa ran his hand through his hair, "fuck I'm screwed. She's downstairs?"

"Was fifteen minutes ago."

"Alright, I'm jumping out this window. You stall her, tell her that I got sick or something."

"You can't jump out this window?" Diggs said incredulously, "we're 50 feet up, if you do that, you die! Just walk out the doo- ...oh shit, dude, we're blown. She's here. She's coming over."

"Fuck! Can I still bolt?"

"Of course not!"

"Well how do I look? Alright?"

"You look-" Diggs cut himself off, "...maybe just try and avoid her looking into your eyes, okay?"

"How the fuck am I supposed to do that?"

"The light in here's paying you a favour but apart from that you're gonna have to pull yourself together. You brought this upon yourself," Diggs said harshly before his demeanour changed completely as his eyes interlocked with yours over Rafa's shoulder, "heeeeey," he smiled broadly, "look who I found."

Rafa slowly turned around and met you. Your stunning beauty - as always - immediately knocking him to the ground. He couldn't believe that it had been four weeks since the last time he'd seen you. He'd do anything to get you back!

"Rafa," you nodded formally with a stiff face. Rafa couldn't help but make a mental note on how weird it was to see you without a smile on your lips. You were normally always so happy. He had done this, he reminded himself.

"Hey baby," he whispered, the words weirdly familiar in his throat.

You briefly raised your eyebrows while looking away from him, clearly uncomfortable by the sound of your old pet name.

"Sorry," he continued, "force of habit. ...I'm just happy to see you."

Your gaze slowly found his face, and Rafa prayed that you couldn't see his coke-eyes from where you were standing.

"Well..." you said and clicked your tongue, "I'd like to talk to you."

"I'd like to talk to you too," Rafa said quietly.

"And you're sober? Like you said on my voicemail?"

"Yes," Rafa breathed, "completely sober," he lied thickly, hyper-aware of how awkward it was with Diggs shuffling nervously beside him. He was uncomfortably rolling back and forth on the balls of his feet.

"Good," you finally let out a small smile, "do you want to sit down?"

"Yeah," Rafa nodded.

"Yeah, I'll - uh - I'll leave you to it," Diggs cleared his throat and padded Rafa between the shoulder blades as a way of wishing him good luck.

"Thanks man," Rafa muttered before he followed you down to a vacant booth in the corner of the room. Instead of sitting down opposite you, he made sure to occupy the seat next to you, hoping that it would minimise the risk of you looking into his eyes. He just had to pretend that he was sober until the high quieted down. Fourty-five more minutes - Less if he was lucky.

"So, how've you been?" You said quietly as you were both overlooking the dance floor, avoiding looking directly at each other.

"Not good," Rafa said quietly, "like shit, actually... how about you?"

"Yeah, well I guess 'shit' sums it up neatly... How's sober life?"

"Oh, it's - yeah - it's - it's great!" He said, the lie thick in his throat, "I feel so much better now." He knew how much he had hurt you, and he knew how difficult it must be for you to face him after you'd said that you never wanted to see him again - which just really only made his lying so much worse. Fuck, how he hated himself for what he had done. What he was still doing.

Your eyes darted across his face before your gaze settled on a spot just below his chin. He was relieved that you weren't staring him square in the eyes. "I was so happy to hear your voicemail," you whispered, "you really flushed your stash?"

"Yes," he croaked.

"I'm glad that you're finally taking care of yourself," he couldn't make out your face in the dark but he could hear a hint of happiness to your voice that you were clearly trying to suppress. It made him feel horrible.

"Yeah, I want to stay sober for you," he said slowly. At least that wasn't a lie.

"You have no idea how happy that makes me," you said quietly, the happiness definitely shining through now.

Rafa's heart was fluttering in his chest, and he felt the coke-induced euphoria run amok in his brain, "...does that mean you'll forgive me?" All his senses were heightened.

"It's a step in the right direction" you said quietly, still not looking directly at him, "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too baby," Rafa said quietly and boldly took your hand in his.

Finally, you looked up at him, and to avoid you noticing his bloodshot eyes with the dilated pupils, he took a quick decision, leaned in and crashed his lips against yours.

Luckily, you mistook his desperation for passion and fiercely kissed him back, your hand releasing itself from his, and instead caressing his neck. In-between kisses you managed to mumble, "I'm still... mad... at you."

"I know," Rafa mumbled, enjoying the familiar feeling of your lips against his. Your hands switched to caressing his torso, and your small fingers travelled over his stomach and up his chest, coming to a halt over his heart. It was racing against his ribcage and he had no idea whether it was due to the coke or due to the heap of emotions he felt in his chest. He couldn't believe he was kissing you again. He had completely written it off no more than half an hour ago.

Your right hand moved away from his heart but came to a sudden halt when you felt a small bump in Rafa's breast pocket. Still kissing him, you ran your fingers over the bump a few times before you remembered that it was where he always kept his coke. Quickly, you pulled your lips away from his.

"Wait, no, don't take kissing away from me," he hummed, completely unaware of the discovery you'd just done.

You were looking at his euphoric face with the closed eyes and the swollen lips as you moved your hand over his breast pocket once more.

When Rafa realised what was going on his eyes flew open and he spluttered, "it isn't what you think!"

But he was too slow to react, and before he had had the chance to move away, your fingers went inside his breast pocket and grabbed the small bag from there. "You've got to be kidding me!" You said angrily as you held his coke between your fingertips.

"Baby, I can explain," Rafa said quickly while desperately grabbing your wrist.

"Rafa, you fucking idiot! Don't touch me!" You wrestled yourself out of his grip, got up from your seat, and fast-paced towards the door.

"Baby! Baby!" Rafa yelled out as he ran after you.

"Don't touch me!" You cried, attracting the attention of everyone in your path.

You stormed out the door, Rafa at your heel desperately clinging to every inch of you that he could reach. When you reached the curb outside, he finally managed to run up in front of you, stopping you in your tracks, "baby, I can explain!" He said desperately.

"You said you'd flushed it all!" You were screaming at him now, the tears running down your face.

"It was a mistake, baby, I swear I didn't mean to. I flushed it all, I promise. It's just a setback."

"When did you buy this, Rafa?" You said through gritted teeth, "how long did you manage to stay sober before you decided you wanted to throw it all away?"

Rafa looked away from you, he was so embarrassed by himself, "Morris called and I tried to say no, I really did! Baby, I tried so hard to resist it. But he was persistent."

"Well, did he force you to buy?" You hissed. You were having none of his excuses.

"...No." Rafa admitted.

"When did you buy it?" You emphasised every word, "before or after you called me last weekend?"

"After..."

"When? How long after? When did you have your setback?"

"Does it matter?"

"Yes! I need to know if you did it because you were physically craving it, because you just felt like getting high, or if you did it because you’d thrown the thought of us away when I didn’t answer you.”

"I tried to fight it, I swear I tried to fight it," he was getting choked up.

"Rafa, tell me when you bought it."

He considered shooting you a lie but he didn't want to fuck up any more. "I bought it tonight..." he finally muttered under his breath, avoiding your gaze.

"You're not serious!! You bought it tonight?" You bellowed, "are you trying to tell me that you planned on throwing away your soberness tonight? That if I hadn't shown up, you'd be high as balls right now?"

Rafa didn't say anything, he just looked at you with huge eyes, the embarrassment evident on his face - and first then did you notice his blood-shot eyeballs with the abnormally large pupils that had taken over most of the green that was normally present.

"No..." you whispered when you realised, "no, no, no..." you groaned quietly, clutching your chest, "you're high right now?" The heartbreak was evident in your voice.

Rafa sent you a pained look. He fucking hated himself.

"You're high..." You stated in a whisper, the tears were streaming down your face, "you lied."

He had broken your heart. Again.

"I - I didn't mean to," he croaked, "I was just so happy to see you. I knew you wouldn't want to talk to me if I told you the truth."

"So you planned on telling me when?"

"I don't know," he croaked, "I didn't think it through. I've been sober for three weeks. Tonight's just a small setback. Baby, I swear, I'll block Morris and I'll flush this baggie right now if I can just get you back," Rafa was begging, “I’ll stop if you tell me to!”

"Rafa, how many times do I have to tell you," you cried, "You have to stop because you want to. Not because I tell you to stop! I don't care about the snorting! I don't care that you party and get high! You've done lines of my tits several times for God's sake! But I can't live with the constant lying that has become part of it!"

Fuck, Rafa knew what you were building to. His life's biggest mistake. He had it coming, he knew it. He deserved it. He was a fucking cheating coke-head and he hated it. "Please don't bring it up," he sobbed.

You didn't listen to him. You had to confront him with it because he clearly hadn't understood. "Rafa, you fucked another girl! And you were so high that you didn't even realise it! And when you woke up the next day and saw what you'd done, you lied about your whereabouts and the fact that you'd been high as fuck! I had to learn about it through her!" You were sobbing, "...and instead of staying home and comforting me, you lied about having to go to the studio, and you met up with Morris and you got high! Again! If knowing that you're breaking my heart with your constant lies doesn't make you want to quit, I'm not sure what will."

"I want to stop!" he sobbed. He had never felt so horrible before, "I love you, I want to be with you," he sniffled and took your hand, "please give me another chance! I'll stop snorting. I'll stop lying. I'll do anything for you."

It looked as if you were contemplating his words but the look in your eyes darkened suddenly and you let out a whisper, "no Rafa!" as you pulled your hand away from his.

"Baby, please!" He pleaded desperately, "I love you."

"You love coke more," you whispered.

"I have a problem," Rafa tried desperately, "I know. I can't stop. But I'll get help. I'll do whatever you want me to do!"

"Rafa, if you stop snorting because I tell you to stop, it will never last! You love getting high!"

"That's not true... it's pathetic," he cried.

"Rafa, honey,” you said quietly, “- ask yourself this; would you be throwing away this baggie and deleting Morris' number if I wasn't leaving you because of it?"

"Yes," he croaked immediately.

You took a deep breath of air, hurt written all over your face, "Love," you sighed desperately as a fresh wave of tears started streaming down your face, "you're lying again..." you sobbed, and put the baggie in the palm of his hand and folded his fingers around it.

"I'm flushing it," he croaked.

"Do whatever you want," you whispered and looked him in the eye, "We're not together anymore. I'm done - it's over,” you said as you slowly turned around and started walking away from him.

“No, no, no! Please come back!”

“No Rafa… This time I'm serious,” you said before you started walking again.

This time, Rafa didn't run after you. He just watched you walk further and further away from him as your hands dried the tears off of your face every two seconds. He imagined you stopping, imagined the hurt look you'd send him. How he'd run over to you and take you in his arms. Imagined how he'd apologise and you'd both hug and cry and kiss it out. But you didn't stop. You didn't send him any look at all. And he didn’t run to you, he was glued to the pavement.

He stood as if frozen in time and looked after you even long after you'd disappeared around the corner. Suddenly, however, he noticed that he was still clutching the baggie in his closed fist. Slowly, he opened the palm to reveal the beautiful mother-of-pearl-coloured powder. He contemplated dropping it down the gutter next to him. It would all be so easy.

But instead, he closed his fingers around it and pocketed it right above his broken heart. It would help relieve the terrible thunder that he felt rolling over him. It brought along a storm of emotions. A hurricane of regrets. And he was desperate to get high.

[sylphid187]

Epilogue:Another One

Sunlight hits his face as it streams through his bedroom window. Kenma groans and tries to roll over from his current position on the bed, but finds that he has difficulty moving. He blinks his eyes open and then looks down, only to see a pair of arms draped around his waist, holding him tight. His thoughts begin to drift and he sighs fondly, remembering that he is no longer sleeping alone again, because after long weeks alone in a large house, Kuro is finally home. 

Kuro had to go on regular trips away for the JVA, that was just part of the job description. Of course, this means Kenma is usually alone at their, yes it's officially theirs now, home. Getting Apple Pie, Pie for short, has been helpful to ease the loneliness. The calico kitten has been nothing but a rumble of energy and adorable, always there to keep Kenma company. But it didn't erase the loneliness completely, and there was just no feeling that could compare to having Kuro around. 

But current events have allowed them more time together in the following months. With the V-League officially back in season, Kuro has been put in charge of attending those specific events. With most of the games being held in nearby stadiums, Kenma could actually spare some time to go watch them live with him. This was especially true when Shouyou was playing. The Jackals games were either watched live or in the comfort of their living room, at real time, while cuddled together. Kenma has never missed any of Shouyou's games. 

It's been around six months since their messy confession, give or take. Six months since they came out to the public as a couple, and the start of their rollercoaster of a relationship. They didn't have the perfect relationship, Kenma thinks. They still had misunderstandings, and sometimes they argued about the silliest things. But they never went to bed angry at one another, never slept without trying their best to settle things, in a way that won't leave either of them struggling to pick up the pieces of the fight the next day. Overall, Kenma was content and happy, and he hoped that Kuro was too. 

"Thinking about something?" Being stirred away from his thoughts, he feels Kuro mutter. The other's face buried on the top of his head, voice still groggy. 

"Hm. Nothing important." Kenma replies with another sigh. 

"Care to share then?" Kenma feels Kuro shift his position a bit, allowing the smaller male to turn around and having them face to face, before once again feeling Kuro's arms around his waist. "I'm a very good listener you know." 

"I was thinking of replacing you." Kenma states in a deadpan voice. 

Kuro gasps "Kenma! I'm offended! Only six months and you're tired of me already? Woe is me." Kuro tightens his hold and touches their noses together. "So tell me then, what do I have to do to regain your favor?" 

"You can get up and make breakfast." Kenma states. "And maybe I'll reconsider." 

Kuro immediately grins. "I knew my cooking was good for something. Here's an idea, you stay here and get some more shut eye. I'll make sure you have something to fill your empty stomach in a bit, yeah?" Kuroo starts to get up, slowly untangling himself between the mess of limbs the two of them are in. But Kenma immediately stops Kuroo and keeps him in place. "Kenma?" 

Kenma buries himself between the blanket and Kuro and snuggles closer. "Ten more minutes. Please." He just isn't ready to leave this warmth just yet. 

He feels Kuro place a kiss on the crown of his head, and hears the other give out a small chuckle of amusement. "Of course kitten, whatever you want." Kuro slowly settles back into his previous position. And it doesn't take long for sleep to overtake him again, filled with complete contentment and bliss. 

 

When Kenma wakes, it's to his stomach rumbling and the wafting smell of buttered toast and sizzling bacon. He slightly sniffs the air before opening his eyes and sighs in disappointment that he can no longer feel Kuro’s warmth beside him. Kenma allows himself to yawn and stretch before he rubs his eyes to force himself awake. He puts on slippers and pads out of the room, straight to their connected dining area and living room. 

He stops mid-step and blinks when he sees Kuro standing there, cup of coffee in one hand, and cat food on the other. 

"There you go buddy, must be tasty huh?" Kuro crouches down to place a generous amount of cat food into Pie's bowl. The kitten gives a pleased meow. "Yeah, yeah. I don't want you ever complaining to Kenma that I starve you, you hear me?" 

"Meow" Pie continues to stare at Kuro with wide eyes. 

"No! You are not getting any more this morning. We want you well fed, not extremely chunky!" 

"Meow" came with marching padding at Kuro's feet. 

"I know there's nothing wrong with being a chunky cat! But you're young and we have to make sure you eat healthy first, then maybe we can get you a nice piece of fish for dinner, how's that sound?" 

"Meow!" 

"I knew you'd see it my way. Now, go get your breakfast!" And Pie saunters off to her bowl and just about devours her meal. 

Kenma smiles at the domesticity of the entire scene. Kuro having an entire conversation with their cat, completely unaware, with all his barriers down. It reminds Kenma how easy it is to just fall into normalcy with Kuro, even with their new relationship. It's as if nothing and yet everything has changed all at once. 

"You know, I can't believe you lost an argument with a cat." 

Kuro immediately turns to face him and grins. "Excuse me, I did not lose. We just happen to reach a healthy compromise." He places his coffee mug down on the table, and starts to pour Kenma a cup of his own. He motions for Kenma to come over, and the gamer complies, ready to get his dose of morning coffee. 

"She got her way. You're giving her fish for dinner, it'll be your fault if she turns into a spoiled cat." 

"Oh come on, don't pretend that you don't sneak her pieces of your dinner from under the table." Kuro grins at him as he slides Kenma's plate of a healthy breakfast. 

He doesn't have a retort to that. because yes, he does shove Pie bits of his dinner from under the table, but Kenma would never just admit that and let Kuro win that easily. 

"I'll take your silence as an admittance of guilt." Kuro tells him. "But don't worry, at least you know she's got both of us wrapped around her finger...or is it her paw? That just doesn't sound right."  

Kenma smiles again as he shoves a piece of bacon in his mouth. He's too focused on his breakfast; that when he looks back up a while later, he sees Kuro staring from across him. The taller male's resting his chin on one hand, finished coffee mug on the other, and looking at Kenma with a look that seemed like he hung the stars. 

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Kenma asks. 

"Like what?" 

"Like that. Like....I don't know, like I'm some kind of mythical creature. Or like I'm the best thing you've seen all day." Kenma clarifies with a raised eyebrow. 

"You are though." Kuro says with a smile so soft, Kenma kinda wants to slap that look off his face. 

"I'm what?" he asks again. 

"Best thing I've seen all day. Best thing in my life actually." Kuro says with the smile never leaving his face. 

Kenma's face burns, he looks down and aggressively stabs the next chunk on his plate and shoves it into his mouth. He hears Kuro guffaw at this, and feels his face get even hotter. "You know kitten, any more and you'd put our old Nekoma jackets to shame with that shade of red." 

"Shut up Kuro." Kenma mutters while he throws a glare at the other's direction. Kuro just continues to smile, already knowing that there isn't any animosity in that look. 

The remainder of breakfast passes in comfortable silence, moments with Pie inserted in between. Once they're done, they do their part to clean up, and then start their other routines for the day. Kenma goes back to his room and begins to focus on paperwork with Bouncing Ball and his upcoming stream, and Kuro goes to his own room to have a meeting with people from the JVA. 

It's pretty much routine at this point. Their jobs often being the reason why they can't always spend time together 24/7. But Kenma likes to think it contributes to why he loves Kuro so much, loves being with Kuro so much. His relationship with Kuro was never something that followed a certain set of standards or locked in a set of rules. They didn't have to always see each other to be happy, they didn't have to always physically be around one another all the time to be together , and they didn't require a regular update on each other's business every time. They also never deemed it necessary to be overly public about how they felt, at least not by their standards, which probably contributed to why they took so long to acknowledge their feelings in the first place. 

Theirs is more a quiet, straightforward kind of love. One filled with silent affirmation, affection, comfort and just being there when the other needs it the most. Kenma was never loud to begin with, always just observant and aware, but he never had to be for Kuro to know how he felt. Years of knowing each other has ultimately made Kenma realize that it's always, ever, been Kuro. And it always will be. 

Later that night, as the day ends and they snuggle together on Kenma’s large bed, Kenma’s thoughts drift to how lucky and content he is. Pie has chosen to sleep in between them on the bed tonight, positioning himself slightly, just on Kenma’s stomach. He thinks of his little family that they have built together and wonders about the future they have. 

"Hey." Kuro whispers, the man's hand stroking Pie's back, coaxing the kitten into a deeper sleep. 

"Hm?" Kenma tries his best not to squish their furbaby while snuggling just a little closer to Kuro. 

"We should get Pie a companion, don't you think?" Kuro asks him. 

Kenma raises an eyebrow questioningly. "You want to get us another cat? Why?" 

Kuro shrugs "I think it'd be nice to get the little guy a friend that's all. And don't you want Pie to have a friend?" 

"We aren't getting another cat." he tells the other. Kenma is trying to dispel this impulsive decision, and it has nothing to do with the fact that he would absolutely adore another cat. Kuro simply grins and their debate that night ends at that.

Three days later though, Kuro enters their home with more cat toys, another bag of cat food, and a small burmese cat following behind him. 

"Kuro. What's that?" Kenma stares, and gives the other a look . 

"... Not another cat?" The taller male says sheepishly, as he slowly sets the purchases down.  

The black burmese cat then pads over to Kenma and goes in between his legs. It's only then that Kenma notices the wet fur and shivering body. He bends down to pet the small creature and unknowingly smiles as he does. It then pads over to Pie who is observing at the corner of the room, and begins to nuze the other kitten. Kenma sighs in defeat before looking up to see a triumphant grin on Kuro's face. 

"Hey in my defense, I went to the store to get more cat food. This little guy just followed me home." He raises his hands in resignation after he puts down all his remaining purchases. "And it was raining Kenma! I couldn't just leave him there!" 

"Good on you for saving the cat. But we can't keep him Kuro. We're busy enough as it is and we already have Pie to take care of. We'll get him cleaned up and take him to the vet then find him a good home. Maybe Bokuto and Akaashi will want to take him." Kenma stands up and gives his pants a pat down. He desperately tries not to look at the new cat too long, or he's sure to cave into the request. 

When he looks up, Kuro is right in front of him. "Aww can't we keep him?" Kuro loops an arm around Kenma's waist and touches their noses together. 

Kenma glares. "I know what you're doing. And it's not gonna work Kuro." 

"I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about." Kuro says with a smirk. 

"We aren't keeping him." And again, Kenma tells himself that this isn't exactly because he doesn't want to, but that he's trying really hard not to give into temptation, and be the responsible adult in this relationship. 

"We can afford to get another cat though right?" 

"Well, yes we can." 

"And we love cats" 

"We do." He bites his lip at this. Damnnit Kuro. 

"So we should definitely keep this one." 

"No we won't" 

Kenma realizes at this moment that he's a liar. Because he never really could deny Kuro, just like Kuro couldn't very well deny him. And when it's all said and done, and they wake up the next day and watch as their cats are also cuddled together, Kenma can't really complain. 

Their newest addition to the family fits in with them perfectly. Like two pieces of a puzzle and two halves of a whole. 

Just like Kenma and Kuro.

Always together, no longer alone. 

So yes, Of course they keep the cat.

I added a second chapter to my previous KuroKen fic. This one is just pure fluff 🥰

[zuffer-weird-girl]

"Is the third time only this month that brat does this..." has growled before placing Kin back on her crib after Kaito tried again to sending her away.

This time the brat just got out of the street and dared to stop a officer on the street, lifting his sister in his arms and with a stoic face ask if they wanted a baby.

You let out a hopeless sigh before shaking a bit the crib, smilling in relief at seing that your baby girl, different from Kaito, was the most quiet and easy to sleep baby you ever saw.

"Just give him a bit more time Kai, I'm sure he is going to get used to her soon... I hope."

He looked at you dead in the eyes, arching on eyebrow up.

"Angel. Kin has eight months already. Eight months." He pointed at outside of the room "And the rascal still tried to send her away."

You made a worried face, letting go of the crib when you noticed that Kin had fell asleep.

"... apologies." He latted yoir head gently "Maybe I was too-"

"No no. Relax." You giggled, adoring the way his hand felt on your head "I guess is just going to take a bit longer for Kaito to get used to his sister then..."

"It better be quick. I'm tired of explaining my self to mails and police this whole thing."

~

He arched one eyebrow at the numb and glommy look his son carried while he poked with his eating uttensiles the food in front of him.

Ever since his last attempt of getting rid of Kin he is been like this, and he was starting to grow afraid that his brat had gotten ill.

You walked in with a giggling Kin in your arms, cooing while holding your cheeks together, making you look like a fish, while you made goofy faces at her.

The tight grip Kaito had on his hashi wasn't unnoticed by Kai.

"Hey daddy?" You called, breaking his attention to look up at you two "Kin wants to see your beautiful face~"

He scoffed at that, rolling his eyes but still lowering his mask and looking at Kin dead in the eye. The girl cooed and clapped her tiny chubby hands while her golden eyes shined in glee at seing her daddy's face.

"Such a simple and dumb action that can caught her interest like that?" He muttered before bringing it up his mask.

Kaito suddenly scoffed and got out from the table, leaving everthing he was suppose to eat behind. Making you and kai exchange glances before he got up and called his son sternly.

"Chisaki Kaito come back here this instant."

"I'm not hungry." The kid mumbled, still walking.

"Kaito." Kai growled threateningly, ignoring your hand on his shoulder and words for him to calm down "Get back here. Right now."

The kid stopped, tiny hands turned into shaking fists as he muttered some words neither you or Kai could catch.

"What?" Kai said coldly before Kaito sended one teary yet angry look at his father.

"You two have her so why should I stay in the first place?" He said monotonously before running to his room, hitting the door slightly.

"Of course..." you sighed, Kin made a confused and sad noise at your face while Kai just stayed intact. "I should have know." Kai looked at you with one eyebrow lifted up.

"Hon he is jealous of Kin." You said quickly before he scoffed, already walking towards his son's room. "Kai c'mon don't start another argument.."

"I'm not. But I thought I raised this brat better than this." He scoffed before wrapping his hand on the door handle, noticing that his son had locked it.

"Kaito stop with this and open the door." He growled, receiving a faint 'go away' from teh other side "Get out of there or I will break this door open."

He felt you poking his shoulder and sended you a glare.

"I might be wrong but-" you said in oure sarcasm "This is not the exactly BEST way of getting into a upset child's room." He deadpanned when his daughter made what sounded like a agreement sound.

"Well." He showed his palm at the door "Be my guest then dearest."

You arched a eyebrow at him before handing Kin to him. Not noticing how he got tense and averted his eyes from his daughter a bit...

"Sweety?" You knocked the door "Please let us in?"

"No." Thsi one was more soft than the others and your heart break at the sniffle you heard.

"Kaito, if something is wrong then we need to talk to sorta things out. Please open the door for me and daddy?"

"...I don't want to talk."

You sighed, ignoring the smug look Chisaki sended to you before an idea popped into your head.

"So you're just going to stay there until when?"

"Until... until..." you wanted to break that door the moment you heard a weak sob from the other side.

"My soldier. Me and daddy only want to help." Chisaki made a confused noise before you shushed him "But you know that he can overhaul this door... so please just open honey? For me and him?"

You sighed in relief when you heard the click sound while Chisaki handed Kin back to you immediately. Pushing the door open you saw Kaito sitting on his bed as he rubbed his face with his forearm, parted legs as his hand fisted the material of his pants.

"So?" Chisaki crossed his arms, looking down at his son with his stoic face "Explain-"

"Is about Kin. We know." You interrupted, your husband glaring at you for that "But what exactly is bothering you sweety?"

"Her." He whispered "One more it means less, and you and daddy just stop everthing you do to go to her and see what she wants." He sniffled.

"Because she is a infant." Chisaki interrupted "On her stature and age is necessary." He said in a manner of fact tone.

Kaito suddenly sobbed a bit more loud, now with both hands fisting the sheets of his bed.

"Kaito." You cooed while sitting next to him, a firm grip on your daughter but still went to trade your fingers through his hair.

"Neither of you will care about me anymore! You don't do now do you?!" Kaito sobbed harshly, but still not dodging away from your touch.

"... for crying out loud." Your husband growled, and even before you could send a glare he took a sit on the other side of his son and took your hand out of his head to just drop quite harshly his own, making the kid yelp even.

Kaito glared at his father, teeth cringing together but the river of tears didn't stopped either as Kai only stared numbly down.

"Your sister needs the special treatment because she is way younger than you." He pointed with his palm at Kin fisting the hem of your shirt. "She struggles with saying simple words and even walk. So that's why me and your mother stay more allert with her."

Kaito scoffed, looking down with a frown before your gentle hand lifted a bit his chin up to look at you.

"That doesn't mean neither of us love more or less one than the other honey." You rubbed your thumb on his chin while Kai started to carres his son's hair. "Never we would do that. The same Kin is receiving now, you once received as a baby."

"... but.." his eyes came back to being the usual stoic ones while he pouted a bit with furrowed eyebrows.

"Brat. The same we feel about Kin we do about you. No questions or objections." He messed with Kaito's hair a bit before retreading his hand back "Both are brats. But our brats."

"I never heard you calling her like that." Kaito said suddenly while Kai arched a eyebrow and you let out a disbelieved giggle.

"You're serious? Daddy is always calling both you and Kin brats. No matter what I do!"

"That so..." Kaito mumbled, looking down at the ground.

"... Kin, you and your mother are simply the only ever people that brought me such a thing called joy and the real concept of a family Kaito." Chisaki spoked in a serious tone, catching his son interest.

"Your first word was my title as a father, and I genuinely teared up." He flipped Kaito's forehead, making the kid yelp "This is how important you are. The only persons that ever made me cry were you three and only."

Kaito widened his eyes in shock, looking up at you and pointing at his dad.

"Daddy cried?!" You nodded while Chisaki growled, not liking to hear that more than once. Kaito looked down at his hands before sighing "I'm so stupid... I promised you both that I would be a good brother yet I did those things... I'm sorry."

You gave him a raspberry on his cheek, finally heari g taht laugh again.

"Is normal feeling jealous of a sibling. But what is not good is trying sending them to Alaska." You laughes in nervousness while Kaito lowered his head.

"I'm sorry... what can I do to... fix what I did?" He felt his father's gloved hand push his head a bit to look up and slided to grab his shoulder, while the other showed Kin smilling and making grabby hands at Kaito.

"Starts to care and not hate your sister would be a good way to fix your mess." Kaito looked uo at his father before hesitantly looking at his sister's golden eyes.

"She might hate me."

"Hmm I guess not." You placed Kin to the bedsheets in a sitting position "She is very giggly when she is around you."

"Is she?" He asked, still looking at his sister.

"The brat only smiled once because you were in the room." Kai said nonchantly glaring a bit at the little girl while you laughed.

Kaito awkwardly and hesitantly got closer and looked up at you, receiving a encouraging nod, before he grabbed her underneath her shoulders and brought her closer.

"Hey... I'm... sorry?" Kaito said awkwardly "I promise to not be a bad older brother anymore... at least I will try. But I am the first and also dad and especially mom's favorite, so have that on your mind." Kai went to scold him before the little girl laughed and cooed while touching her hand on the tip of her brother's nose.

Kaito stayed immobile. Frozen. You and Kai shared another look before Kai poked him in the shoulder.

"Brat?"

"... I love her." He said nonchantly but his (E/c) eyes shined in glee as the girl kicked a bit her legs while Kaito holded her up "She is weird. But is a good weird."

You snorted, thinking thhat in that moment Kaito never looked more than his father than there while Kai just smirked a bit in hopeless.

"It took less than 15 minutes. After eight months." You giggled while he went to give you a kiss before Kaito interrupted.

"See? This is gross Kin. We need to stop them when they do this. Is disgusting."

"Oh HELL no." Kai growled while you almost died of laughter.

Two brats interrupting him and his wife? FUCK NO.

[gloomyhearts]

Always by your side|| Luke Patterson

Chapter seven~ 25 years?!

people grow together through darkness. does this band will make it without their most important human being.

After years will everything keep the same?

Luke patterson x oc

2020

The siblings were next to each other, it became a routine that everytime Luke and Reggie fell asleep the girl would sneak behind the tall blonde.

Tonight was different. Sabrina woke up to a loud scream and when her fingers fished for Alex there was no one.

Did he.. she couldn't finish the heart broken thought.

Alex and his friends found themselves in the middle of the old garage they'd rehearsal a thousand times before they passed.

"How did we get back here" Luke was the first to speak.

The girl who faced them screamed from the top of her lungs and the boys joined it, taken aback that they weren't the only ones in there.

The boy group jumped about, mostly Luke did so. Alex and Reggie hold fast onto Luke who calmed a bit. The raven haired girl ran out of the room leaving them questioning.

"What the actual hell was that? Alex broke the silence.

"Well she seemed nice" Reggie insists.

"What?" Luke and Alex said in sync turning to his friend.

"I mean she.." he got interrupted by her walking through him, she was walking right through him. The boys looked closed by this. They watched her carefully as she moved further into the room with a cross in her hand,

Okay well that's silly Alex points over to her and Luke just shrugged his shoulder.

The girl mutters under her breath and the boys decided to make them visible again.

"Well, we're all a little crazy." Luke raises his arms as he states.

She began to scream, again.

"Oh my God! Please stop screaming!" Alex pressed his palms onto his ears.

She stops and in the far a dog began to howl.

"Who are you, and what are you doing in my mom's studio?" She shouted.

"Your mom's studio? This is our studio. Trust me, my.." he approached the girl who almost ram her cross into his body.

"The grand piano is new, and.. and.. and.." by the time he let the sentence out he slid over the named piano.

He starts to giggle when he saw the couch was still there. He sighs when his hand meets the fabric of the pillow.

"But that's definitely not my six-string," he points over to the guitar on the wall. His graze rose to the ceiling where chairs hung down.

Where's her board.

When Sabrina died they hung her board on there so they would feel her near.

"Can you just give us a second?" he asks as he reached his friends again.

"Just.. give me a second. Thank you."

They turned around and he began to whisper, "guys, what is going on? How did she get her stuff in here so fast?"

"Maybe.. maybe she's a witch. There's chairs floating on the ceiling," Reggie suggests.

"Okay, there is no such thing as witches." Alex argues.

"You're sure? I used to think there was no such thing as ghosts," he retorted.

But Alex knew better but he couldn't bring that up.

"That's fair"

"Okay, so we're going with witch?" Luke questions.

"No! We are not going with witch"

"She's not a witch. Okay, look. She's just scared. Okay let someone with a softer touch handle this" Alex has his hand now resting on his chest as he remarks.

He walks back to her. "Why are you in our studio?" He began. After a moment of silence the girl pushes her cross through his body.

"Oh my gosh! How did you do that?" Her voice loud.

"Clearly, you're not understanding. She doesn't get it.." he says into the direction of his friends.

"Okay, look. We're ghosts, all right? We're just three ghosts, and we're really happy to be home. So thank you for the flowers. They really brighten up the room," he explains.

"We're in a band called Sunset Curve," Luke adds.

"Tell your friends," Reggie didn't say those words in a while and he was relieved could.

"Last night was supposed to be a really big night for us."

Sabrina never spoke to Alex about the time that had passed since their death.

"It was gonna change our lives."

"I'm, uh.. I'm pretty sure it did," Alex whispers to his friend.

"This is freaking me out," the girl demands, she inhales sharply as she grabs her phone.

"What is that? What are you doing?" Luke points towards the electronic device.

"It's my phone"

"No stop talking to them. The aren't real," she snapped.

"There's no such thing as cute ghosts." her voice becoming squeaky.

"Oh you think we're cute?" Reggie requests.

"Who you calling?" Alex bend forward

"I'm googling sunset swerve"

"Sunset curve"  they all corrected her.

"Whoa. There's a sunset curve. You did die. But not last night. Twenty-five years ago?"

"What? No. No, no, no. Th-Th-That's impossible," Reggie stutters.

"After we floated out of the ambulance, all we did was go to that weird dark room where Alex cried" he continues.

"Well.. I don't think.. I think we were all pretty upset okay." He said in a high pinched voice.

"But that was just for like an hour. We just showed up here" Luke acknowledges.

"Look. I'm just telling you what my phone says," she held her screen toward the group so they could read for themselves.

"See? you died in 1995. When you were 17. It's now 2020"

"So, this is the future?" Reggie connects.

"Wait. So.. so, it has been 25 years. I have been crying for 25 years? How is that possible?" He shouts the last part.

"We'll, you're a very emotional person." Reggie states.

"I am not!" The blonde retorted.

Suddenly there was another voice coming from behind them.

"Thought you were afraid to come out here," a young biy walked through the door.

"You talking to your ghost friend? How does he look? Is he hideous?"

"He can see you," Alex shoot in Reggies direction.

"No he can't," told the girl. His graze wanders around looking for the guys.

"What?"

"Uh.. what do you want," she tried to change the subject.

"A normal sister, for starters," he exclaims.

"Me too" Alex exhales.

"Stop being weird and come eat," he tells and left.

"He couldn't see you" she began.

"Yeah, I mean, that's.. usually how ghosts work." Alex explains. Reggie hummed in agreement.

The girl walked over to the doorframe and came to hold.

"Look, I'm very sorry for what happened to you guys, but this isn't your studio anymore. You have to leave," the girl with the glasses bosses.

"But wait. We.. we didn't get your name," Luke asks carefully.

"It's Julie."

"Cool" he chuckles slightly

"I'm Luke, by.. by the way" as he was near her she rose the cross again.

"And this is.." he stutters

"I'm Reggie," he waved to her

"And.." he pushed the blonde boy further.

"Alex. How's it going?"

"Ba-da," he insecurity exhales.

"Okay?" With that she left.

"Julie seems nice," Reggie smiles.

Alex just groans. "Did you miss the part where she kicked us out, or.. yes okay," he gave in.

The blonde had to find his sister, she has to explain a lot if thing to him, now.

"I need to go.." he points out

"But you can't leave us here" Luke insists.

"But this is really important. I need to think,"

"Okay, let us do one thing and you can go"

Luke decided to go inside her house even if that means to break boundaries. When Julie saw the three she let out a yell and the boys froze in tracks.

"That's me. Ripping off the band-aid."

The shaggy haired boy makes his way over to her. "Hey Julie, I really like what you guys did with the place."

"You shouldn't be here"she earned a gasp from the older woman standing next to her, she explained her appearance.

"I think that's our cue to leave" the two women having a conversation on their own.

"We should've called first" Reggie steps next to the other two boys. They left the house and where now outside.

"I'm going, now."

"Where to?" Luke questions as Alex walks down the driveway

"I'm back in a matter of time," he poofs out and was nowhere to found.

Alex was on the beach, where else could she be.

He saw the shillouette from his sister on a board in the ocean. He never really went surfing with her and when he did Alex just sat on the board floating on the water.

Her eyes laid on him and in the next moment she was besides him.

"You didn't told me" his face turned to her, his graze blurry.

"If I'd told you, you would've freaked and cried in your sleep."

"Oh well, doesn't matter if I'd cried there too, I mean twenty-five years and you didn't told me," his feet began to set off, he was too heated to poof himself out of here.

"A, please I'm sorry.. I.. I just didn't know how to tell you, without you telling the others. I couldn't face Luke again," her hand's grabbing his upper arm to stop him but he got rid of her grip.

"That's none of my problems" Alex raised his voice. He never did at her before. Tears start to stream down her cheeks as she stood opposite of him, his eyes were cold, emotionless. She had never seen him like this before.

"Alex" she exhales but he wasn't there anymore.

[hoseokslefteyebrow]

House Of Cards || K.SJ || 1

THE PEGASUS TRIBE

Pairing : Kim Seokjin X Reader

Genre : nothing specifically yet

Summary : When a war threatens the world of Mythica, the four greatest tribes are forced to work together in order to defeat the darkness. You and Jin are fr two different tribes, two different backgrounds, and are expected to stand together in order to save everyone you love. Will you two put aside your diffrences in order to save the world or will you fail?

Wordcount: 1.1k

Info Chapter | House Of Cards Masterlist | Next

"Hyung, hurry up, the eldest called every one." Taehyung said as he popped his head trough the door before dissapearing again.

" What will they have to say?" Jin asked his Pegasus as he cleaned up the brushes he was using.

Maybe it's about the war. Sapphire shared her toughs with him.

" I hope that it's over then." Jin replied.

The war has barely started Jin, and we better prepare to run. She shared her toughs again before she went back to eating.

" Well, whatever it is, I'm about to hear it. See you later Sapphire!" Jin yelled to his light bleu pegasus before running off to the main building where everyone was currently in.

" Tae, what's all this about- Isn't that Jairzinho? The leader of the Dragon tribe?" Jin asked as Taehyung nodded.

" Yes, and I'm not sure about what it is either," Taehyung said as their tribe leader started talking.

" Silence please! " Their leader yelled as everyone calmed down. 

"Pegasus tribe members, as your soulmates all feel, war is approaching. And as natural prey, we do not stand a chance in natural survival." Hiu spoke, making everyone wishper in worry.

Jin and Taehyung exchanged worried looks.

" That is why we will be staying in the Dragon Lands, under the protection of the Dragon tribe!" Their leader yelled, trying to be above the volume of the now excited chit chatting.

Jin and Taehyung looked at each other with wide excited eyes. The Dragon lands were the most beautiful lands in the whole world, as far the maps of Bangtan would go. 

" Silence!" The booming voice of the Dragon tribe leader got them to quiet down in seconds.

" Remember that you will stay in the Dragon lands because it's dangerous here. This will mean that there'll be no partying, and no funny business. Also if one of you decide to be funny or for the youth if you try to act cool, you will directly be kicked out." Jairzinho said, everyone nodding.

"The Unicorn tribe will be traveling with us. They will arrive in five days. Pack up, because we will be leaving in one week. Don't take stuff with you what you won't need. We don't know for how long we'll stay there, so please overpack. We'll go by horse, so don't make it too heavy please. That was all." Hiu said.

Taehyung looked at Jin before both of them walked back to the stables.

" War is really approaching, huh." Taehyung sighed, breaking the silence.

" I geuss. Seems like Sapphire and Phoenix were correct."Jin said as Taehyung sighed deeply.

" Oh no, he'll press on it forever." Taehyung huffed, his shoulders sagging.

He kept mumbling as he stopped by his pegasus' stall. The pegasus nudged Taehyung with his nose and neighed just like Taegyung had expected. Jin walked over to his pegasus and started to put everything in the sadle bags.

I assume we were correct. Sapphire tough as Jin nodded.

"Yes, we're leaving in one week." He sighed.

Where are we going? She asked.

"The Dragon lands, I'm not sure which part." Jin said, Sapphire neighing in response and batted her wings as if she was ready to bolt.

Dragons?! Are you humans crazy? They will eat us! Sapphire tough, pacing around in her stable.

" They can't, we're protected by the Dragon tribe." Jin told her, which made her calm down a bit.

We better be. She neighed stubbornly.

Jin smiled as he started packing up her brushes.

-

"What?!"

"No!"

"You have to be kidding me!"

All sorts of negative responses came from the Dragon tribes members. They were supposed to share their home with the Pegasus' and Unicorn tribe members? That was so unfair.

" Silence! As dragon riders we are to take responsibility of giving protection to those who need and deserve! What is wrong with all of you?!" Jairzinho screamed over them, which got them to calm down.

" And we are not the only people who will take humans and animals in. The Phoenix tribe will too. That was all, you're dismissed." He said as he stepped off the podium and walked away.

" Yoongi won't like this." Namjoon told you as soon as everyone was dismissed.

" What makes you think that?" You ask him.

" He hates babysitting. You're the only kid here who he has got a soft spot for." He said.

" Hey! I'm not a kid, I'm 24 years old." You told him offended.

" You're a kid in my eyes." A voice of your right told you. 

You both turned to see Yoongi and Jungkook walk your way. Yoongi with a grim expression while Jungkook looks rather excited.

" I take that you both heard the news." You told them as they nodded.

" I can't wait till they arrive! It'll be so fun to finally meet other people." Jungkook smiled, jumping up and down in excitement.

" Why am I the kid when he's jumping up and down?" You huffed.

" What will you do when they're girls?" Namjoon smirked at the boy.

Jungkook seemed to be deep in tough before shrugging.

" Yeet off to the Phoenix nests'." He smiled.

You shook your head.

" You're crazy. Anyway, I'm gonna go inform Beansprout of our visitors." You told them before walking off.

Beansprout was your poisonous/venomous dragon. He was black all over with green belly plates and green accents on his wings allong with two spikes which he usually used to hang upside down. He had spikes running over his spine and was unlike his appearance, a real softie. You had first met each other when you were ten and had chosen the silly name as a joke, not knowing that that would be his name until the end. You smiled as you spotted rabbits and squirrels greeting you or simply hopping by, a sign that you were close to his hoard. 

" Hey Beansprout! How was your day?" You smiled as you walked into the dark cavern.

A deep grumble was your response, signaling that you just woke him up from his beauty sleep.

" You're such a lazy butt- sorry!" You sqeuked as you almost accidentally stepped on a rabbit.

Not your fault, your dragon's cave is so deep under the ground that it's always dark there, the only light coming from the clear bleu water which had small fish in it. And yes, rabbits are a part of Beansprout's hoard. Allong with other small herbivore animals, you weren't sure why, but from what you know, he had a soft spot for small animals.

My day was fun. I slept trough it, did you do anything important? He asked as he came down from the ceiling, for some reason he always upside down, if you didn't know better you would of tough that this cave was dragon free.

" Well, you already knew that war is nearing, and you were for some reason, right. So there's a chance that we're gonna be baby sitters." You told him.

He grumbled.

" I know isn't it the greatest thing ever." You said sarcastically.

Almost as great as being stuck with you. He sassed.

" Thanks, I love you too." You smiled at him.

[adramaticbeauty]

You killed me Min. You killed me :') But thank you for my first ever ask girl, even though it was out of pity😂

Enjoy❤

Double Date?

Gruvia/Nalu drabble

Don’t you think Gray and Juvia have been getting a lot...closer lately?" Lucy questioned as she stared at the pair across the guild.

Juvia was blabbering away as Gray tried to look uninterested but nodded, confirming he was.

“It just seems like we haven’t heard from him in a while since he’s always around Juvia now. I wonder why that is.”Lucy hummed.

"I don't know, but whatever it is I'm glad it's keeping ice freak away. He'd stay away if he knew what was good for em'."Nastu grumbled out as he chomped on another chicken bone. 

Lucy sighed. He just didn't get it. Lucy suspected the lack of Gray around was because him and Juvia were dating. All the clues pointed to it! After all, Gray and Juvia would always walk out the guild at the same time, and would even go on missions together. Of course he would still talk to her and Natsu, but he seemed different. He seemed...happier.

It was like he was a different person now. Like he would smile a lot more often. A genuine smile. And that might be because of love. What if Juvia and Gray were doing more than going on missions and walking home together? Lucy smiled as a mischievous idea popped in her head. 

"Natsu, do you want to help me spy on Juvia and Gray to see if they are dating? Anything… even a kiss on the cheek will confirm my suspicions."

Natsu made a disgusted face as he swallowed his huge bite of chicken.

" Gray dating? No way! He wouldn't. He's too stubborn to ever date Juvia. Besides he's taking so long with Juvia, I wouldn't be surprised if her love faded away by now."Nastu snickered. 

Lucy bopped him on the head with the Sorcerers' magazine she was reading earlier.

"You're lucky I didn't leave with how long you took! Everyone suggested I move on with my love for you because you were so oblivious!" 

Lucy glared, shaking her head in disappointment.

Natsu growled as he glared back." How was I supposed to know you liked me when you're always hitting me!"Natsu retorted.

Lucy blushed and averted her eyes away from Nastu's gaze. She did always overreact a bit...she would have to get better with that.

" Anyway I think Juvia and Gray are dating, and I'm going to get proof. Are you in?" Lucy asked, still watching Gray and Juvia in the corner of her eye.

"I don't think they are dating. It will just be a waste of time!" Natsu frowned crossing his arm.

"How about...we make a bet on it? I will give you 100 jewels if I'm right, and you give me 100 if I'm right." Lucy suggested, with a smirk on her face.

Natsu thought about it for a second before giving his signature grin.

"You're on!"

Gray closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. He had hardly been listening to Juvia as he racked his brain for a way he could ask her out. Of course Juvia had always been the one to ask to go with him somewhere, but he had always agreed as friends. This time he wanted to ask her out himself. In a...romantic sense. Not as friends. 

And he needed her to understand that after everything she had done for him, he would start taking her more seriously,as he promised. It already took him long enough to realize something very important. He loved all of Juvia. From the way she bit her upper lip when she was nervous, or how she cutely puffed out her cheeks when she was slightly annoyed, he finally understood that he really loved this woman. 

 She was selfless,confident, loving and everything about her was gorgeous. Something he had tried not to notice for a while. He had always turned a blind eye to it. He had constantly fought his feelings for her.

But he had to take this opportunity to claim her before she was taken away forever. He would never forgive himself if that were to happen. Gray had even decided on the place he would ask her to go. The aquarium. He knew Juvia would like it since she adored animals. Plus water. Like, duh.

He had been planning to ask her all day but he didn’t have enough courage. He knew she would say yes but it was...embarrassing. And he couldn't help but think of the worst possible scenario.

“ And then the puppy bit Juvia! But of course she couldn’t get mad because he was just too cute! So when-”

“Hey...uh, Juvia?”

“Huh? Oh,yes Gray~sama?” 

Her  gleaming sapphire eyes turned to look at him, and Gray felt his throat go dry. The nervousness grew in the pit of his stomach, eating him alive.

” Do you want to...go to the um...I mean-” 

“Oh, Gray~sama an aquarium opened near the park! Did you want to go with Juvia?"

Gray’s mouth dropped open, but he quickly closed, determined to keep his cool.

"I mean there’s nothing else to do around here. Sure.”

Gray mentally face-palmed after he heard the words that flew out of his mouth. Why did he always have to make it seem like he was disinterested in everything?

As the pair got up to exit the guild, Lucy was silently following them with her eyes.

”Natsu! They’re leaving!! Let’s go!” Lucy excitedly shook the sleeping dragon slayer.

”Lucy stop- Alright I’m up geez!”

 As Juvia and Gray walked down the cobblestone street toward their destination, Lucy and Natsu trailed behind. They occasionally hid behind a tree or bush they came across. She always had to pull Natsu down to hide with her,since he wasn't one for stealth.

Gray and Juvia finally came to the front of the building to pay for their tickets. Gray asked for 2 tickets and as Gray was about to pay, Juvia touched his forearm and gave him her sweetest smile.

" Don't worry Gray~sama. Juvia will pay for herself." 

"But Juvia I can-"

"Gray~sama, it's fine."

 She then handed the man some jewels she grabbed from her purse and collected her ticket. Gray sighed. The date was already not going the way he thought it would. That's if Juvia even knew it was a date. What if she didn't know it was a date, and thought it was just another friendly outing?

Gray internally moaned. Why did things have to be so hard when it came to Juvia? He had to tell her.

 "Hey Juvia-"

" Come on Gray~sama! Juvia wants to see the fish!" She was excitedly jumping up and down, her curls bouncing behind her.

He just sighed and smiled to himself.

Lucy was hiding in a bush as she saw Gray and Juvia walk in the pale white building. Lucy gasped as she patted her pockets in desperation.

"Natsu, I left my money at home! Do you have some to pay for the tickets? I promise I'll pay you back for mine."

 Lucy glanced over to Natsu as she seen him glaring through the bushes.  He answered without even turning to look at her.

"Hell no. I spent all my jewels on food at the guild. Remember that chicken bone? I had to pay for it somehow."

Lucy groaned in irritation.

"Seriously what are you even good for!"

"Hush Lucy. I'm thinking of a plan to get us into that building."

Then Nastu's eyes lit up as a mischievous grin graced his lips. Lucy flailed her arms in panic. 

"No Natsu! Whatever it is, I don't wanna!"Lucy whined in retaliation.

"Too late now." He said, as he slung a squirming Lucy over his shoulder.

"Let's go, Lucy!"

Juvia gasped as she looked around in awe. She ran up to the glass and pressed her small button nose against it, peering into the blue colorful mass of water. She had a glint of wonder in her eyes as if she were a kid.Gray smirked as he observed her. It was funny that Juvia still acted as if she had never seen water or fish before, yet she was a water mage. 

"Gray~sama look! Juvia sees a shark!" Juvia pointed excitedly at the glass. Gray squinted through the water, and looked for any signs of movement.

He then spotted the gray blur.

"Oh yeah, that's a mako shark."

Juvia giggled in amusement, a sound that made his stomach fill up with butterflies.

"It's funny, because Juvia never really liked sharks." She whispered more to herself than Gray. 

She smiled slightly looking into the crystal blue water.

"Really? I think they are pretty cool." Gray shrugged. 

"Of course you do, Gray~sama. They are kinda like you! A bit mean acting, and bites a lot!" Juvia covered her mouth to hold back a giggle. 

"Hey! I'm not that mean…sometimes..."Gray struggled retort.

" Of course not Gray~sama. Juvia was only kidding." She smiled and sent him a playful wink.

Gray scoffed with a roll of his eyes but hecouldn't hide the smile creeping on his face. Juvia looked forward, still watching the brownish shark glide through the water.

" Sharks tend to feed on fish that are weak, sick or injured. Even if that is the food chain, Juvia doesn't like it." She glanced down at the floor and smiled to herself.

" It reminds Juvia of her time in the orphanage. When the little boy's used to pick on Juvia for her rain she couldn't control. Or when the headmistress would punish Juvia because she flooded the crops a lot. Juvia was definitely weak back then…" She trailed off. 

She still had that slight smile on her face, but her face was twisted in a hint of sadness. Gray could tell this was getting hard for her. He had forgotten about her bad past at the orphanage. How could he have forgotten something so important about Juvia?

"Juvia we can leave if you don't want to stay. I mean I didn't know that-"

"Juvia is really fine! She is over it...she just thinks of it sometimes, that's all." She put on a warm smile, but Gray couldn't help but notice the tears at the corner of her eyes. 

The next thing he knew, he was holding Juvia in his arms. Her breathing halted, as her eyes widened.

She felt the warmth of Gray's, muscular, toned arms around her. The way he smelled of rosewood and lemongrass was intoxicating to her. Gray didn't want to let go.  His arms around her just felt so...right to him. Her curly, blue hair was as soft to the touch as he always imagined.

He finally snapped back to reality and quickly pulled away. He blushed crimson as he ran his hands through his messy black hair. He couldn't make himself look at her. Not when his heart was going a mile a minute. And certainly not when he could still smell the scent of raindrops and roses. His cheeks burned as she stared up at him with confused eyes.

"Gray~sama…."

" Oh I heard they opened up another exhibit for a stingray. Let's go check that out." Gray mentioned, trying to change the subject. Juvia frowned as she trailed behind him.

"Natsu you better not drop me!!" Lucy cried as Nastu climbed in the open window on the side of the building, with her draped over his back.

"I'm not going to drop you Lucy! Stop whining already-" Natsu was cut off with Lucy squirming in his hold. Natsu's grasp started to slip.

" Lucy you're gonna make both of us fall! You're already heavy enough as it is!"

"That is so rude Natsu!" Lucy whined. 

Finally they made it inside the building by sliding through the open window. They seen the backs of Juvia and Gray walking toward another room.

" This has to be a date! Gray wouldn't take just anybody here!" Lucy told Natsu.

" I bet Gray couldn't have thought of such a nice date place anyway." Natsu snickered.

"On our first date you took us to your dirty house to 'hang out'." Lucy said, staring at Natsu with a dead-panned expression. 

"Yeah. It was great wasn't it Lucy?" Natsu replied.

Lucy rolled her eyes as she looked back at the pair. Gray's cheeks were really red for some reason. And Juvia had a slight pout adorning her pale pink lips. 

"I wonder what's going on…" Lucy thought.

"Ughhhh,I'm bored! When are we gonna stop spying?" Natsu groaned.

"Hush Natsu! They are gonna hear us-"

"Hey, what are you doing here!!? I didn't see you guys pay up front!" They saw a man with the exact same outfit as the ticket collect outside, pointing an accusing finger at them. That must be another worker!

"Well time to go!" Natsu grabbed Lucy's hand. He sprinted towards Gray and Juvia, with a fumbling Lucy behind him. 

" Are you guys dating? Hurry up, we are about to get kicked out." Natsu huffed. 

Gray felt anger and a furious blush rise on his cheeks. Why would they ask them something so explicit?! Besides he never even told Juvia he had meant for this to be their date!

Juvia had surprised eyes and gaped open mouth.

"Natsu-san…" Juvia managed to croak as she covered her blushing face with her hands.

She waited for Gray to confirm what he always said. That they were just friends. This was normal between them. He was just being nice as usual. But if she went on a rampage like normal and claimed they were dating, it would push Gray away even more. But Gray didn't say a thing.

"Juvia...isn't dating Gray~sama! You're so silly Natsu-san." Juvia said as she plastered on an awkward smile.

Gray's heart dropped. He didn't know why he expected her to say something else. He had never told her this was a date in the first place, so why was he even expecting anything else?

"Yeah. I mean why would you think that? You know me and Juvia have only been friends for awhile Natsu. Stop being an idiot." 

Juvia could feel the tears gathering at the corners of her eyes. Hearing it outloud was even worse than her assuming it.

"You have to pay to get in you know!" The angry ticket collector yelled, storming over to them.

"Let's run!" Natsu yelled behind him, already halfway to the open window. 

"Natsu- hey wait!"

Lucy said breathless as she ran behind him. 

"Gray~sama, let's go too?" Juvia gave him a playful smile as ran after the escaping Nastu and Lucy. 

They finally made it outside and started sprinting away from the building. After a while, they finally stopped to catch their breaths. 

All of them panting  heavily Lucy looked behind her.

" Wow, that guy seemed really angry. I got scared for a second." 

Juvia and Lucy met eyes, and for a second, they just smiled. Then they immediately started giggling. The boys looked at them like they had grown a second head.  Then Natsu started to laugh. Gray let out a hearty chuckle as well. 

"Juvia...doesn't even know...why she is laughing!!" She giggled. 

"Me neither!" Lucy clutched at her stomach as she wiped a stray tear from her eye.

Everyone finally settled down and could stand straight again.

"Oi Lucy! Don't forget you owe me 100 jewels after this!" Natsu smirked. 

Lucy sighed. "Darnit…I thought I was spot on with this one…" 

" What's wrong Lucy-san?" Juvia tilted her head in confusion. Lucy shook her head, as she let out a slight chuckle.

"Me and Natsu betted earlier on if you and Gray were dating. But since you guys said no I owe him some jewels now…"

"Huh?!" Gray yelled. 

Juvia clutched at her cheeks in surprise.

"Why would Lucy-san and Natsu-san think that?!" 

"Well it's just…." Lucy thought for a moment, and her eyes lit up in realization.

" Well...it's just Gray has seemed happier lately, you know? Plus he hangs out with you a lot. And he takes you on missions and walks you home. In fact, you guys sorta act like a couple already."Lucy shrugged.

Gray felt his cheeks burn at her statements and he opened his mouth to retort, but came up with nothing. Everything she said had been true, and he had no excuse. 

Juvia had been biting her lip as she looked down at the ground. She had to stop her imagination from going wild.  She would always love Gray, but she wouldn't get her hopes up and think this was a date, when it was just Gray being a friend as usual.

" Actually it was a date. And you jerks ruined it, you know?" Gray replied.

Juvia's eyes widened as she whipped her head to look at Gray. He wasn't meeting her eyes, but she could tell he was embarrassed. Juvia gasped as her mouth hung open, tears threatening to fall.

"Gray~sama?! Juvia-" ''Well let's go on a double date! Lucy owes me money anyway, so she can pay for both me and her!" Nastu declared, a grin adorning his face. 

"You dummy, Natsu! I won the bet! He just said he was dating Juvia!"

Gray finally got the courage to look at Juvia and her crystal blue eyes met his. Her eyes were wide as if she were frozen in shock, and a tear fell down her pale cheeks.

Before he knew, Juvia had her lips pressed against his in a passionate kiss. Gray finally snapped out of his daze and fell into the moment. He somehow had known her lips would be so soft. Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him forward. Gray let his hands flow through Juvia's flowing curls. Juvia let out a small moan.

Their  lips pressed against each other sweetly, making the taste of each other's lips linger as they parted, both panting softly. Lucy had already covered her red face in her hands while Natsu looked on in astonishment. Gray was frozen in place as Juvia smiled. She then turned to stunned Natsu and a furiously blushing Lucy.

"Where is this double date going to be?" 

End-

Oh gosh this was a lot. I hope you enjoyed my trash and thank you for reading❤

Edit:Omg I didn't think I would get so much support😭 Thank you guys! You give me the encouragement to keep writing and I will be forever grateful��❤

[radio-nano]

Queen concerts were also successful beause of those guys!

Scroll if you want to learn who these guys are and what they did. You will also read about a Lord, a henna user, who had best haircut and Queen’s favorite food. (I wrote in bold letters the parts about Queen members and some funny facts.)

1. a"rigger". They assemble the stage (all 6000 square feet of it). Sometimes this can take two days, so there are two stages on this European tour. While one is being taken down at one venue, the other is being assembled at the next.

2 another "rigger".

3 John "Tumbridge" Wells, one of the security men responsible for looking after the members of Queen. "Tumbridge" looks after Brian May, escorts him wherever he goes and keeps the fans from getting too close.

4 Wally Gore group security, he looks after John Deacon

5 Alex Alexandrou, carpenter. There's two of us, and we put up all the stage scenery. I put up the walkways around the back and sides of the stage wich Freddie runs along. He likes to run on carpet, so I have to lay that down everywhere.

6. Chris "Crystal" Taylor, group coordinator. He organises all of the personal Queen crew, roadies, the security men. He makes sure they all know what they have to do and when they have to do it.

7. Jim Deveney, monitor engineer. "I sit out of sight on stage. I have to make things sound good so that the band can hear what they're doing. The sound comes through these speakers called "monitors" wich face onto the stage. The worst act I ever worked for was Rod Stewart. He was really miserable.

8. Joe Fanelli, Freddie's main personal assistant, who cooks for him at his London Home. "He likes anything really exotic, North African food, curries, good French cooking. He hates veal and doesn't eat carrots. Lambs is a bit iffy too. Brian's vegetarian but he eats fish. John likes very simple food, pie and mash and Roger likes anything but lamb.

9. Tony Williams, in charge of Queen's wardrobe. "I have to look after all of the band's stage clothes. That includes lots of details like making sure all the changes of clothes they need are backstage (Freddie changes about three times each performance), labelling the band's stage shoes (because they all wear the same stripey Adidas), and looking after Freddie's special moustache scissors. Also I have to wash all of their clothes in my hotel bedroom. My bath is always full. And Brian May has been using all this red henna do dye his hair and it comes out all over his shirts. It's very hectic".

10. Brandan Hyland, group security

11. One of the 15 "truckers" who each drive a massive 40 feet lorry loaded up with sound and lighting equipment.  (For extra money they also operate the spotlights wich "follow" the group around stage).

12. Brian "Jobby" Zellis. one of Queen's personal road crew.

13 Brian May, Queen's guitarist.

14 John "Moxy" Glover, Roger Taylor's personnal roadie. "Basically I have to look after his drum kit and set it up on stage. I have to keep him supllied with drum sticks. He has sticks made with his own name on and he uses about ten sets  a show. I got a bit drunk with Status Quo's roadies in Paris earlier this tour, and started throwing all his sticks in the audience.

15. Terry Giddings, group security.

16. Dieter Breit, physiotherapist for the group and crew. He has to look after any sprains and injuries that anybody might suffer, e.g. a sprained guitar-playing finger which needs massaging on Brian May's valuable hand.

17. A lighting assistant.

18. A "rigger"

19. Peter "Ratty" Hince, one of Queen's personal road crew. "I have to look after John Deacon's bass guitars and Freddie's guitar and special radio microphones (the one that don't have a fead) and keyboard instruments. I have to make sure that everything is exactly where it should be on stage, otherwise Freddie particularly will glare and let me know if anything's wrong. He's very particular about things being just right. Personally I don't enjoy these tour as much as the old ones. Nowadays ther's too much equipment, too many hangers-on, and everybody's trying to be important."

20. John "Collie" Collins, one of Queen's personnal road crew. "I'm the spare man, really. I work with Ratty  and the piano tuner, help to see that everything is where it should be at the right time. Do you know I got married yesterday! I celebrated the wedding with the band and crew. It had to be squeezed in during the tour.

21. Roger Taylor, Those "shades"! That turned up collar! Must be Queen's drummer.

22. A trucker

23. Another trucker.

24. A rigger.

25. Another rigger

26 John Deacon, youn know , Queen's bass player, the one with the good haircut.

27 Tom "Midget" Foehlinger, sound monitor

28 An unknown person who sneaked in

29 Mickey Conafray, trucker

30 Mick Riddle, caterer

31 A lighting assistant

32 Albert Sutton, truck driver. "I carry the sound system, or some of it. We don't see the band or the road crew most of the time, because we travel ahead of everyone else. We have to get to the site before they do, and although we help with the setting up, we're off for two days while the rest of them are working on the concert. There are 15 "truckers" on this tour, plus the bus wich takes the road crew and sometimes the band. The worst thing about this job is being away from home for a long time when you're on tour. And the best thing is...erm maybe that should be a secret".

33. A caterer

34 Dave Lewis, another Caterer

35 A sound monitor.

36 Stave Benjamins, one of Queen's personal road crew, or "roadies" as they hate to be called. They look after all the instruments, microphones and amplifiers which Queen use on stage, setting them up, tuning them, and keep them clean.

37. another trucker"

38. Dave Thomas, caterer. I've been catering for Queen since 1975, every tour. The band eat the same food as everyone else, but they do have certain favorite foods. After a show they usually like an omelette or sometimes beans on toast or occasionally a steak au poivre. They're also pretty fond of Indonesian cooking".

39. Rex Ray, second sound engineer. He mixes the sound for all the support groups.

40. Spike Edney, keybordist and second guitar player: " My biggest fear is that it might get too damp, which makes the synthesisers cut out. I just pray that I'm out of clouting range of Freddie if that happens. He might not realise why I'm not playing and he'd be very upset if he thought I was daydreaming of something. But Queen on the whole are great to work with and they get drunk a lot too. Champagne every night, it's great!

41. Simon tutchener, lighting director. "I operate the main lighting console during the concert. It took three weeks to rehearse. I have a crew who set all the lights up, and 14 spotlights operators who I control through an intercom system and one man on a "Ver-lite", plus a man on the colour changer computer, plus a man on a computer which controls the up and down movement of the whole lighting rig, and then there are a few bits on stage, including Brian May special spaceship thing which comes down during his solo spot with all the flashing lights and..." (that's quite enought about lighting. Ed)

42 Stage rigger, who helps to set up the 6000 square feet of stage (all carpetted)

43 Sylvia Reed, assistant to the tour manager, Gerry Stickells. She is really a personal secretary.

44. James "Trip" Khalaf, chief sound enginer: "I mix the live sound for Queen, and I'm in overall charge for the half a million watts of PA (ie sound system. pa means Public adress) that we're carting around.

45. Lord Frederick Lucan of Mercury. You know him. Freddie.

46. "Phoebe", one of Freddie's personal assistants. These people help to arrange Sir Frederick's day, making sure he gets to appointments on time, and taking care of all those little details, which keep him happy.

47. A rigger

48. Lyndsey Beckingham, caterer. One of a team of five who feed the crew and the group. The caterers have their own van to transport all the food, cookers and fridges necessary to feed up to 60 people three times a day.

49 Bill Louthe, sound monitor. One of the assistants to the chief sound engineer, who sets up the massive sound system making sure it works perfectly, and run around while Queen are on stage, putting things right ( like tangled wiring) and making sure that there are no problems which could cause any deterioration of the sound quality.

50. Dave Mills, head of backstage and front of stage security. "My job is to stop any skirmishes or fights by pulling people out, people who faint, and putting in the hands of the first aid people. Earlier on this tour, in Dublin, I pulled out a young man whose ear was barely hanging on by a thread, probably because some idiot threw a glass."

51 Gerry Stickells, tout manager. The most important poeple on the tour. He looks after the road crew, from the lighting team to caterers; hiring them, making sure that they're paid and that everyone's alright. (he even remembers every crew member's birthday, making a fuss of them so they get too miserable). The other important thing he does is to go out months before the tour to look at the planned concert sites and to make all the thousands of arrangements that need to be made in advance. He's been working with acts like Rod Steward and Elton John and has organised Queen's road tour for 11 years. "They have to be highly-strung crazy people, they have to in order to ware themselves up to perform. So I admire them, yes. But I wouldn't want to socialise with them. Soon as this tour is over I'll go home and watch television."

52 Mike Weisman, production and stage manager. "I'm in charge of seeing that the stage and scenery is all but together properly. We work all day to get everything right. I have to coordinate all the work of the riggers and carpenters."