#I picked Graham's number but they couldn't do that

[astercontrol]

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The treasury update on the "Mpls in 2073" Worldcon newsletter is something else, lol

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[wosoluver]

The Interview.

Lena Oberdorf x Barcelona Reader

This takes place pre-UWCL 2022/23 final.

Wolfsburg vs Barcelona

In which both are asked to do an interview together on the lead up to the final. Where they answer questions and play games.

During the interview it’s obvious that there’s a mutual attraction to one another. Even though both are oblivious to how the other feels. Much to the delight of their club teammates and the fans online that are shipping together.

Maybe instead of celebrating with her teammates, Reader goes and comforts Lena after their loss in the final?

The interview.

Lena x Barça player!reader.

Lena Oberdorf Masterlist

──✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧──

"Hello! You can sit down right there." said the interviewer as you sat down. You had just came from hair and makeup. Although they did do much. "We are just waiting for the other player."

"Who is it?" You asked curiously. The only information you got before hand was that you were doing a couple videos ahead of the UWCL final, with a player from Wolfsburg.

"Lena Oberdorf."

"Really?" You weren't big on media related stuff but now you were pretty exited.

Not a minute later she came in and sat down next to you.

"Hello, I'm Lena." She extended her hand to greet you. You noticed she had such a thick accent.

"I'm Y/N."

"Okay, guys we're going to start with you two presenting yourselves to the camera."

"I go first?" She only nodded approving it. "Hello guys, I'm Y/N Y/L/N. I play for Barcelona Femeni and I am a left winger."

"And I am Lena Oberdorf. I play for Wolfsburg Frauen, I'm a midfielder."

"If you guys had to pick a top three players from the opponents team who would it be?"

"Definitely Popp, I'd also take Jule Brand and Sveindís."

"Not me?" She said jokingly.

"Shoot sorry. I said it without thinking I swear! Can I redo it?"

"No! You can't redo it just cause you were called out!" She said laughing. "I'd take Mapi Leon, Patri and Graham Hansen."

"Ouch!" you made a fake hurt face, laughing.

"Okay, can you guys tell me a few words you know in Spanish and the ones you know in German?" The interviewer asked.

"I know the basics like Hola, Como estás, Adiós."

"I know Shiza!" You said excitedly.

"I don't think you can cuss."

"What did she say?" The interviewer ask as Lena proceeded to tell her. "Well, we'll have to bleep that." she said laughing "Okay now I'm giving you two cards with words and you have to try and guess them."

"Okay. Y/N what do you think Angriff means?"

"Angriff? Like angry? Does it have to do with football?" She nodded yes. "Who's angry in football? Ona! Is it defender?"

"No. It's attack, you were kinda of so close."

"What do you Lena, think Banquillo means?"

"I'll try to use some logic to figure it out, like you. Something that starts with B, but it's not ball, ball is "balón" right?" You gave her no help "Is it the bench?"

"I tried not helping and that was no use!" You complained.

"See that's karma!" She said laughing "Alright what do you think Strafstoß is?"

"NO! This isn't fair. German is so much harder than Spanish." You tried to reason. "Is it like guantes? Like the goalkeeper's gloves?"

"Why? No! It's a penalty." You gasped, how were you supposed to guess? You couldn't even use common sense for that one.

"This game is unfair. What do you think beso means?"

"That was not on the card!" Said the interviewer once again laughing at things you said.

"Ay, sorry I went freestyle.

Okay what do you think Aficíon means?"

And with the confused look on her face you were finally satisfied.

"I have absolutely no idea. Can I get a hint?"

"They scream a lot."

"Goalkeepers?!"

"No. They do scream a lot, but it's actually the fans."

"Okay guys! Last one."

"Already?" Lena asked

"Yes so, it's ping pong questions. Ready?"

"Wait who asks the question?" Obi asked

"You can go first and than you switch" She pointed at Lena.

"Ready, one, two, three. Favorite number?"

"Eight!"

"Favorite food?"

"Pizza?!"

"Favorite goal?"

"The one I scored from outside the penalty box, against Real Madrid!"

"Place you want to visit?"

"South Africa!" - You finally breathe properly. "Why do I get to anxious for these? Every time. Okay ready?" She nodded. "Favorite number?"

"Mine! Six!"

"Favorite food?"

"Chicken pasta."

"Favorite goal?"

"Aah I don't know. The one I scored last game?!"

"Place you want to visit?"

"Your place"

"Oh my god you two are impossible!" The interviewer let out, joking. "This is what happens when you put two serial charmers in the same room. Please do an outro now."

"Bye guys! Hope you enjoyed the video!"

"And don't forget to watch our match!"

"Thank you guys, you really did so good!" Said the interviewer, letting you two go.

"Bye, see you Saturday." She said as she gave you a wink.

"Bye, nice to meet you." You gave her a small smile.

──✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧──

When Saturday arrived, you were all in your nerves.

Especially you, by now all your teammates had watched the interview. They were insufferable about it. Some shipping you two, some joking around, others couldn't believe how shameless you two were. I mean from your part they could. They literally had to deal 24/7 with your personality.

You guys were ready, as you entered the pitch. You did all the usual procedures and went head into the game.

At half-time your team went back to the locker room, losing 2-0.

When you were on your way into the tunnel, Lena caught up with you and gave your shoulder a soft squeeze. When you turned to her she gave you a comforting smile. Then continued to walk with her teammates.

Once half time was up, you made your way back, as you heard Patri joking.

"Y/N! Do something! Distract them with your charm! Seduce them in Spanish, I don't know!" And you were all laughing. It was much needed to easy out everybody.

The game was incredible. You guys had managed a come back. 3-2. When the whistle blowed for the last time, you ran to hug Patri and the others, cheering loudly.

But when you looked for Lena, you saw her sitting down with her hands covering her face.

You decided to ditch your friends for a little bit.

And offer her some comfort like she did to you.

"Oberdorf." you said kneeling down next to her. "Come here." You said as you hugged her.

"Congratulations." She said sadly as her voice cracked.

"You played brilliantly!" You said as she nested her head on your shoulder.

"Not enough to win the trophy."

"Enough to win my number, if you want." and you got a soft laugh from her. "It's not as cool as getting a trophy but maybe you can call me whenever you want to feel like a winner."

"Oh my god!" She was full on laughing now. "Have you seen the fans shipping us online?"

"Ah yes. They will feast on this photos of us."

"Can't wait to watch the edits." You two proceeded to laugh while holding eachother.

──✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧──

Thanks for reading! I'm getting ready to celebrate us becoming 200! The 200 followers celebration will be a special prompt list you guys can request from! 🩷

[reasonsmandy]

Mrs Perfection

Warren Rojas x Fem!Reader

✧.* part two — Get Away Car

✧.* summary — You work on the same label as The Six with your band, and when Teddy Price suggests you do a feat with them you immediately accept, not knowing that their drummer would be one of your biggest "problems".

✧.* warnings — cursing, enemies to friends to lovers, silly fights between warren and the reader (If there are others that I forgot, I'll add them here later)

✧.* word count— 2.6k

✧.* 🥁 — Warren's masterlist

✧.* mandy's notes — my first time posting here so maybe it's not perfect lol, as my first language is not English there may be some mistakes and I apologize for that.

Warren Rojas: Well, we'd crossed paths in the studio before, but we never got around to exchanging ideas. She seemed unsympathetic, you know? The kind that doesn't talk to anyone outside their circle.

Y/N L/N: I swear, I had never seen him until that day.

With The Six returning after the incidents that occurred on their last tour, Teddy Price was desperately looking for some way to improve the band's image on the label and with their public.So the idea of ​​doing a feature with the new rising band had fit like a glove, although Billy didn't like the idea very much he knew that if he wanted that to work he would have to cooperate, so they started to get the project off the ground.

You're the lead singer of the band Eternal, who had the number one song in the country that week, together with your bandmates you reached a consensus that it would be convenient and also interesting for you to participate in this project proposed by Price.So that morning as you drove into the studio your expectations were high as you parked at the record company.

Eddie Roundtree: Y/N arrived excited, and I confess that I was afraid that another Billy would be there to interfere… If you know what I mean.

Karen Sirko: We had expectations of course, but I was trying to stay grounded… I didn't want to get disappointed. But I swear to you, when we started to pick up the pace and start writing the song, I couldn't help but imagine everyone listening to it on the radio.

Billy Dunne: It wasn't easy to accept ideas, let's say… it was difficult to let someone else make decisions about a song that my band was going to play, you know?

Eddie Roundtree: Did he say my band? Fucking guy…

“Alright, can we go from the top?” You ask with the microphone in your hands, waiting for confirmation from the others.

Warren started to count for the beginning of the song and soon after the other instruments joined, as the melody entered your ears, something did not fit with what you had pictured you turned to the rest of the group trying to pinpoint what specifically was bothering you. It was hard for you to contain your grimace when you noticed the discomfort that the thunderous drums caused you, you raise one of your hands to indicate that they stop playing.

“Is there something wrong?” Billy asks impatiently.

“Actually yeah” you answer, approaching the drums. “I don't like how you sound in the song”

“What?” Warren asks, laughing in disbelief at the woman's claim.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong… you’re good but it just doesn’t fit” You say thoughtfully, still watching the drummer. “I feel like this should be a more slow song, calm”

Warren Rojas: I don't think I've ever been so angry in such a short amount of time.

Y/N L/N: I just asked him to smooth out on the beat, but it felt like the end of the world for him.

“Can you smooth out on the beat?” you ask, smiling slightly.

“Are you serious?” Warren inquires, frowning.

Graham Dunne: I don't think I've ever seen him serious like that, Y/N destroyed his sanity. *Laughing*

It was already the fifth time you had played the song, and everything finally seemed to fall into place until once again Rojas changed the beat of the song.

Y/N L/N: He could only be doing this to piss me off.

Again, you raise your hand asking them to stop.

"What now?" Warren says, rolling his eyes.

"You changed the pre chorus" You reply angrily.

"I haven't changed, I just improvise something to improve the song" The curly haired man says, twirling one of the sticks between his fingers.

"Well then, improvise some other time!" you had no idea how you hadn't hit him yet. "Now we are rehearsing what we had agreed"

Eddie Roundtree: To be honest, it was fun to see Warren pissed off.

"I'm glad you want to contribute Warren, but it's not the time" Billy says, almost begging with his eyes for the drummer to let it go.

"Exactly!" You smile cynically at Rojas.

"Alright, we'll do yours" The drummer responds, waiting for you to turn around to continue his phrase. "But yours it's not quite enough, it isn't perfect… You're always a second too slow in the entrance of the song, so we won't make it anyway!"

"What?" Disgusted, you turn to him. "That's not true! You're a second too fast."

"Impossible, I have perfect timing" Warren responds, laughing at the assumption that he mistimed the song.

"Fuck, you're impossible!" Annoyed you say turning away from him before you lose your mind

Warren Rojas: There was no way I was a second fast.

Y/N L/N: To be honest with you, when I got home that day I practiced the song's entrance until I couldn't take it anymore.

"Alright that's enough, we're wasting valuable rehearsal time!" Karen said, Trying to get the attention of the chaotic duo.

"Well tell that to Mrs Perfection, over there" The drummer says, smiling from the corner of his mouth.

You spent more time improving and practicing the song, the music was taking shape and staying in a way that most were enjoying.

Warren Rojas: I fucking hated that song, You can barely hear the drums.

Y/N L/N: If I liked the song? I think it's one of my favorites.

When everyone was already preparing to leave the studio, Warren walks towards you before you can leave. He stops in front of you, Like he was trying to intimidate you.

"Can I help you with something?" You asked, crossing your arms and glaring at the drummer.

"Actually yes" he says, moving closer to you "I hate to make unnecessary fuss, but it seems like you just have a thing for me."

"A thing for you?" You question, laughing at the situation. "I'm sorry drummer but I don't even remember your name…"

Warren Rojas: What can I say, she caught me off guard on this one.

Y/N L/N: *chuckled* I knew his name, including his last name. But I sure as hell wasn't going to let him know that.

….

Graham Dunne: The song was a hit, it was literally everywhere.

Karen Sirko: I think my hunches were right.

Billy Dunne: We were back, and with one of the most heard songs in the country.

Warren Rojas: Good part is we had a hit, bad part is so did she… And that means she would be with us on shows, interviews, photo shoots. I just couldn't get rid of her.

Eddie Roundtree: *laughing* Warren seemed obsessed, every time it was something about Y/N coming out of his mouth.

Y/N L/N: I couldn't stand his presence, he just pissed me off… a lot!

On the way to the radio station where you were going to be interviewed that afternoon, you listened to your music on the radio with the volume blaring. You were happily singing making your way to the entrance with Karen, until you noticed the drummer leaning against the wall outside the venue smoking something, beside him Eddie was reading a newspaper.

You sighed, before approaching the pair of friends.

"Hi Eddie, you good?" You ask, smiling at the blonde who wraps you up in a quick hug.

"I'm alright, you?" He responds, pulling out of the hug.

"I'm great" You say, turning to the drummer who pretended not to acknowledge your presence "Drummer." You greet him quickly.

"Did you have to bring her?" Warren complains to the keyboardist. "You know I hate her."

"I'm standing right here, you know" You say, rolling your eyes.

"I know." The curly-haired man says, as if he can't stand the woman's presence anymore.

"You know what, go fuck yourself!" Annoyed you answer him, moving away from the group towards your bandmates.

"Really Warren?" Karen asks, a little irritated by the drummer's attitude. Receiving silence as an answer.

"Everything good there buddy?" Eddie says in a teasing tone, noticing that the drummer's eyes were on the woman he loathed so much.

Warren Rojas: Everything was great until I finally looked at her and noticed that… Her legs were something else. *chuckled*

…

Eddie Roundtree: When I tell you he got obsessed, I mean it.

Graham Dunne: Even after Daisy joined the band, he couldn't seem to get over the fact that Y/N asked for those drum changes that day.

Y/N L/N: Warren and I were... Well, we're a complicated thing. He hasn't left my back since that day, and I honestly don't know if I wanted him to.

"Good morning everyone" You say upon entering the studio reception, oddly enough you were having a good day.

That was until your eyes met this scene: Warren sitting on the couch with Debbie sitting on his lap, arms around her waist. You swallowed hard, trying not to show how weird it all made you feel. Warren's eyes meet yours for a few seconds before you break eye contact, involuntarily leaving an annoyed look on your face.

You were so focused on that scene that you didn't notice Teddy approaching you, the producer hugs you as a way of greeting and you hug him back.

"So today we had an unforeseen event with your drummer, he ended up getting sick and called saying he couldn't participate in this week's sessions" Teddy says, letting all the joy you initially had that day slip away. It would be much more difficult to record without the drummer, even more so when they rehearse to fit him later.

Price notices your worried expression and immediately comforts you, or at least tries to.

"But don't worry, I've talked to Warren and he's available to help you." Teddy says, with a smile on his face.

Y/N L/N: I'd rather have to deal with the consequences of going a week without a drummer.

Warren Rojas: Worst week of my life.

You take Teddy's arm and when he looks at you, you make a sign that you want to talk to him privately. He follows you to a farther hallway.

"Teddy, I appreciate your generosity in finding someone else to help us, I really do." You say, searching for the words to tell him it was a bad idea to put you and Rojas on the same team.

"But?" He asks, not understanding where the conversation was heading.

"We don't get along at all" You chuckled, hoping he would understand but his response was just a cynical frown.

"So start getting along, you're not in kindergarten anymore" Teddy responds, like it's the easiest thing on the planet to do. "We can't be steps behind, and Warren is a great drummer."

"Great is too strong a word" You say, hoping to get a laugh out of the man, which didn't happen. "Fine, but if he doesn't cooperate…"

"If he doesn't cooperate, you come to me and we'll see it again." Teddy proposes, turning to go back to reception "Now, for God's sake go to work!"

You follow him to the reception again, approaching Warren and Debbie and positioning yourself in front of the tv, Warren looks at you arching his eyebrows waiting for you to get out of there.

"We have work to do." You say, directing your words towards the girl on the drummer's lap. "If you'll excuse us, dear." it was hard to hide the irritation in your voice.

The woman smiles uncomfortably, noting that somehow her presence was bothering you, she gets up off the drummer's lap and heads into a room you genuinely didn't care where it was. Warren doesn't say goodbye to the girl, his eyes still linger on you, which made you genuinely proud to have gotten his attention.

The curly haired man wore a vest and bell-bottoms that made him extremely attractive, and when that thought crossed your mind you started to question yourself about what you really thought of him, what he made you feel.

"Just to be clear, I don't want her in our rehearsals." You say, fixing your hair. "We have a lot of work to do and it wouldn't be nice to have distractions"

"Are you jealous?" He says provocatively, smiling at the sight of her face.

"No, I'm not!" You chuckled, crossing your arms going into the next room.

"Oh, you really are jealous!" The drummer says getting up and following you to the room where you were going to rehearse "Wait, why would you be jealous?"

"I am not jealous drummer"

Warren Rojas: I know when someone is jealous, and she sure was.

Y/N L/N: You're not going to tell him, are you? Okay okay I was jealous.

…

Interviewer: And how was your experience playing for Y/N's band?

Warren Rojas: She didn't let it be easy, but at the same time spending more time with her was interesting…

"Do you mind going back to the beginning of the chorus?" You ask the guitarist in the band. "Kyle, can you keep up with him?"

"I can keep up with everything you ask for sugar" the bassist Kyle responds, making you uncomfortable with the comment.

Kyle has done this to you before, trying to get too close to you, flirting with you, commenting on your clothes and hair. Things like that made you extremely uncomfortable the last few days, the rest of your bandmates noticed this behavior but decided not to comment.

"Could you stop with that?" Warren says irritably, the bassist has already made several comments of this kind to you.

Warren Rojas: That guy was clearly bothering her, and besides we were there to play, nothing more.

"Excuse me?" The bassist laughs, moving closer to Warren.

"You heard me, leave the girl alone." The drummer gets up, ready to join that fight.

"Alright alright!" You say, drawing attention to you again. "Let's take a five minute break."

Kyle takes the bass off his shoulder, storming out of the room. The other band members slowly left for coffee, leaving you and Rojas alone in the room.

"Wow, you're actually nice to me for once." You say approaching him, smiling at him for the first time.

"I won't make a habit out of it." Warren grins at you, taking in every detail of your face as if he wants to memorize it.

"Oh there's the Warren I know" Rolling your eyes you turn away.

Warren Rojas: So she knew my name.

Y/N L/N: If you saw his eyes when I said his name… *chuckled* It was very cute.

Rojas gets up from the drum bench, going towards a bag that was in the corner of the room, taking a snack from it. After that, he approaches you again, extending the food package, offering you a little.

“What is that? poison?” Arching your eyebrows you say, suspecting Warren's attitude.

“It's literally just lunch" Pretending to be offended he responds, bringing one of his hands to his chest. "That I figured I should kindly share, but if you’re not hungry then…” Pushing the pack away from you he says

“No, wait, I am! thanks, i guess..” You say smiling shyly, taking one of the snacks and eating with him.

Warren Rojas: Maybe it became a habit after that day, being kind to her.

Y/N L/N: I was really scared of getting food poisoning after eating that.

...

Hi, I hope you enjoyed it... If you wanted to ask for something my requests are open, and if you want to ask and don't have any ideas check out my prompt list :) xoxo

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[beybaldes]

some word today from my boyfriend so far away

Eddie Roundtree × Fem!Reader

djats masterlist

word count: 2.8k

Request! : Hi !!! Will you plz write one about Eddie growing up w reader and crushing on each other for years as kids and teens and when Eddie and the band go to LA and reader is still finishing HS senior year as 1 year younger than Eddie and they confess feelings and start dating before he leaves and when she finds out Billy's cheating on Camila, she fears Eddie will do the same. She comes visit the band in LA for a week and is cold towards Eddie and he reassures her his love for her and she's her one and only !!

thank you for the request @eddieroundtreestan2224 I hope you enjoy <3

Warning!! I have not read the book or the show!!! All info I have gathered has been from other x readers I have read. sorry in advance if I have butchered vour fav show/book because I have plainly made shit up in favour of satiating my own need for more Eddie fics xoxo

Eddie loved you more then anything; you were his reason to get up in the morning, his reason to try so hard for the bands success, the reason he got out of bed even when all he wanted to do was sleep. Nothing had ever hurt him more then when he had to leave you behind in Pittsburgh.

He knew it would only be for a year, and that the second you graduated you were going to come out to LA to join them, but it felt like it was going to be an eternity. The day he got into the car and left you crying on your door step broke his heart, but he knew he was doing it for a good reason - that if things went to plan, he was setting up a good and stable future for the two of you.

You'd promised you'd come and visit over each of your breaks and you had - he didn't know when each was, but was always happily surprised to find you on his doorstep with your luggage and a smile on your face. Within seconds you'd retreat into his bedroom in the house and spend the rest of the day curled in each others arms, catching up on everything as though you didn't spend every free moment on the phone together racking up your parents phone bill. Eddie promised he'd pay them back when he got 'rich and famous' so you didn't worry it too much.

Camilla was the only one to know about your upcoming trip to LA, considering she spent most of the time in the house it made it perfect as she'd know who was going to be in the house at any given moment, and could help sneak you in this time before Eddie caught wind of your arrival. So when she called you that night, you weren't surprised to see her number on the screen, however, when you picked it up and found her sobbing down the line, you were shocked to silence.

"Billy- he's-" Camilla couldn't even get the words out between her tears, half a sob quickly turning into a grunt of anger as she took in what she'd saw earlier in the day. "Cheated- I- Baby-"

"Cami?" You whimpered into the phone, hurting because your friend was hurting. Camilla was like your sister, knowing her all your life had given you that closeness, and even though you'd technically known Billy longer, it was an easy choice as to who's side you'd take. "It's okay, baby, breathe."

After a moment of silence, Camilla cleared her throat, sniffling the tears away as she spoke. "He cheated on me. Eddie, Graham - they've all been covering for him."

As if your heart wasn't already aching, now it was breaking. Eddie, your Eddie, would do that? If he'd cover up for Billy - the biggest dick known to man kind - then god knows what he would be doing when you weren't around. Camilla lived with them for gods sake and you? Well, you were halfway across the country and still in high school.

Suddenly it was hard to swallow and your throat was completely dry. "I'm catching the next flight out, I'll be there tomorrow." You hung up the phone before she could ask what you'd do about school but that could wait. It was only a week until spring break anyway and Camilla needed you, your savings would rebuild but her heart might not.

When the phone started ringing again as your were packing your bag, you ignored it - even though you knew it was Eddie and you knew he would worry. After the events that had transpired today you didn't feel like talking to him, not until you could contain your whirring thoughts about whether this meant he would cheat on you.

If Billy couldn't get away with it while living with his pregnant wife, then Eddie would pass with flying colours. Only time would tell.

Eventually the phone stopped ringing, but you didn't care to notice, instead running down stairs with your packed bag and running out the front door, down the block, and to Misses Dunne's house. God knows your parents wouldn't let you skip school for LA, but miss dunne had always taken you to the airport for your trips, and given the current situation, you were sure she'd help cover for you.

You were already at the airport before Eddie gave up on ringing your phone, a lit joint between his lips as he sulked with his arms crossed over his chest in the living room of the LA house.

"What's got your panties in a twist?" Graham asked, walking into the room with a beer in hand, taking a seat next to Karen on the couch.

"Y/n never picked up the phone." Graham winced at Karen's answer, turning to Eddie with a frown on his face.

"Sorry, dude. She probably just forgot, went to sleep or something."

Eddie scoffed, the frown on his face getting deeper at the suggestion you wouldn't wait up for him, his brow creasing tightly. "No. Y/n wouldn't do that. She never forgets."

"Well, don't let it keep you up, dude." Graham patted him on the shoulder, trying to reassure his friend. "She'll call back in the morning, besides, she'll be here next week anyway."

"Yeah, you're right." Eddie didn't feel like Graham was right however, you always picked up the phone - and the only times you didn't you warned him in advance that you weren't going to be available. His mind was moving at a million miles an hour, thinking of every single thing he'd ever done that could've made you not pick up the phone tonight, but his mind was drawing a blank.

In fact, he stayed there, deep in thought, for so long that he passed out on the couch, waking the next morning when Karen came running through the house to answer a knock on the door. Eddie's head fell back into the arm of the couch, closing his eyes tightly and deciding he could steal a few more hours of sleep now that Karen was tending to the door. That wish was quickly ended, however, as Karen let out a scream, people coming running from all directions of the house.

"What are you doing here?!" Karen was wrapped in a tight hug with a shorter figure that he recognised all too well, your suitcase was in the doorway and your eyes met his over her shoulder.

Eddie's entire demeanour lit up when his eyes met yours. That explained why you hadn't picked up the night before.

"Surprise!"

Eddie sprung up from the couch, jumping over the back of it and pulling you from Karen's arms and into his own. He wrapped you tightly in his hold, cradling your head to the crook of his neck as he took in your presence. You were here, you were really, really here and in his arms again and everything was good. "I thought you weren't coming till next week." Eddie said, pressing a kiss to your head as he pulled out of the hug slightly, getting a good look at your face.

He could swear that every time he saw you, you got more and more beautiful.

"I was gonna come next week." You answer, standing on your tiptoes to press a chaste kiss to his lips. "Camilla called, I got the first flight out."

"How did you get to the airport?" Graham asked, him and Warren stealing you from Eddie's hold and wrapping you in an awkwardly done group hug - the two boys having missed having you around everyday like they were used to, almost as much as Eddie.

"Your mom drove me." You answered, pulling back from the hug and finally pulling your suitcase into the house. "Where's Camilla?"

Eddie and Graham shared a look and suddenly everything Camilla said to you on the phone last night came to the front of your mind. They knew. They hid it. And if they hid it for Billy, who's to know what they were hiding from you?

"I'll take you to her." Karen grabbed your hand and led you out of the living room, the two of you ignoring the longing look Eddie sent your way as you left just as soon as you arrived. He'd just got you back and you were already going to see someone else? Given the current situation he got it, but he still just wanted to spend some time with his girl.

It was gone midnight when you finally left Camilla's room - you'd crawled into the corridor at the dead of night, feeling bad that you'd left Eddie alone all day, but then remembering what he'd done.

He was probably cheating on you too. The voice in your head hadn't stopped since you'd got Camilla's call last night, and you didn't think it was going to any time soon.

You had fully debated just sleeping in Camilla's bed all night with her and Karen, but you'd been away from Eddie for so long all you wanted was to curl into his arms and sleep for a long time. Although you knew he'd probably be asleep by now, you wanted one more night to be his girl, before you had to confront him and potentially find out what Camilla had. The thought alone made you sick to your stomach

"Why are you avoiding me, birdie?" As you carefully shut the door, not wanting to make a sound in case Eddie was already asleep, you were surprised to hear him, wide awake and kind of angry.

You turned around slowly, unbuttoning your jeans and stepping out of them, ready to get something more comfortable on and just go to bed. "I'm not."

Eddie stood from where he'd been sat on the bed, walking up to you. "You've been here all day and this is the first time we've spoken since you arrived." You ignored him, turning your back to him and missing the way his whole face faltered in favour of pulling your shirt and bra off, picking up one of Eddie's shirts off the floor and pulling it hastily over your head. "Did I do something?"

"Are you cheating on me?"

Eddie's heart stopped at the question. His brow creased and a frown took over his lips as he pouted at you, his eyes swarming with an ache you'd been feeling for the past 24 hours. "What?"

"Because Camilla told me that you and Graham were covering Billy's tracks for him." You pushed Eddies chest, pushing him away from you when he tried to reach out and touch you. He let you, keeping the distance you created as he stared longingly at the heartbroken girl before him; he almost didn't recognise you with such hurt swarming in your eyes, clouding you from him. Almost.

"You would've kept doing it too if she hadn't caught him and she never would've known." Another push, but this time Eddie wrapped his hand around your bicep, keeping you closer to his chest as you landed weaker and weaker pushes against him, tears welling in your eyes. "She lives in this damn house, and she didn't know her scum husband was cheating on her - and then it got me thinking. I don't live here, I don't see you everyday, I don't sleep in the same fucking bed as you every night and if you were willing to do it for Billy, I can't see why he wouldn't be willing to do it for you, too."

The pushing had stopped, Eddie holding you against him with one arm, his other hand caressing your cheek, his thumb wiping away at the tears that were beginning to spill over. "Birdie-"

"And then all I could think about was how easy it would be for you to cheat on me out here; you're halfway across the damn country Ed's. And I'm still in stupid fucking Pittsburgh. What could you want with a girl like me when you've clearly got half the country wanting to be with you?" Your words had turned to whispers, your head falling against Eddie's shoulder though his warm hand still cradled your cheek. As you sniffled into the material of his t-shirt he pressed a kiss to your temple, shushing your crying and holding you tight against him - as though he was protecting you from all the thoughts you'd let stir and simmer in your mind.

"I don't want anyone else." Eddie whispered, gently swaying the two of you back and forth in his hold, his hand running through your hair as the tears began to stop. "I just want you, birdie."

Eddie pulled away from you, holding your face between both of his hands and bringing your gaze to meet his own. "I know I shouldn't have covered for Billy, it was shit of me, but part of me truly thought it would hurt Camilla less if she just didn't know. I get how bad that sounds but I didn't know what to do I-"

"You should've told her Ed's." You whimpered, tears springing back to your eyes as you thought back to the phone call and conversation you and Camila had shared - dwelling on how quickly your stomach dropped and how easy it was to think the worst.

"I know." Eddie cooed, his thumb running gently across the flesh under your eye, his forehead pressed to yours in the dark room. "But I need you to know I would never, ever cheat on you, Birdie. I love you more then life itself; I need you like the air I breathe. I've spent every waking moment since moving to LA waiting for you to come back to me - I want nothing more then to spend every night with you in my arms and every day with you by my side."

"Eddie-"

"And one day, I'm gonna marry you, and we're never gonna have to spend a day apart again, okay?" Eddie pressed a feather light kiss to your lips, punctuating each of his words with another; to your lips, your cheek, the dimple of your smile, you temple, the crinkle of your eye, really anywhere his lips could reach. "I love you, birdie. I don't want anyone else but you, ever, you hear me?"

You were tempted to apologise. Say sorry through tears at the way your brain had jumped to the worst case scenario despite knowing what your Eddie was like, despite knowing he was nothing like Billy. But you didn't, thoughts too hung up on the words he'd just let slip past his lips. Biting your lip between your teeth, you held back a wide smile, rocking on the balls of your feet as you stared dotingly up at Eddie. "You wanna marry me?"

It came out as a bashful murmur, but Eddie still heard it, laughing at your quick change in demeanour. "How could I not? You're my whole world, birdie."

He said it as if it was so simple; as though there was no other possible answer or rhyme or reason. And for Eddie, there wasn't.

Snaking your arms up and over his shoulder, you scratched at the hair at the nape of his neck, using one hand to cup his head and pull it closer to you. Pressing a kiss to his lips, you quickly escalated it; tangling your fingers in his locks and pulling, slipping your tongue in his mouth as he gasped and pressing yourself firmly against him. Pulling back breathless, you murmured praise against the blondes lips. "I missed you, Ed's."

"I know you did, birdie." Eddie pulled you in for another messy kiss; a sudden clash of skin and teeth and tongue. "What you say we start making up for lost time?"

"I'd want nothing more." With that you let him push you back towards his bed, blindly trusting his direction as you let yourself get lost in the feel of him for the first time in months, reassured that your Eddie would never treat you how Billy had Camila - not in this lifetime, nor the next.

[believingispowerfulmagic]

The Christmas Waltz

Summary:  Regina Mills wanted to share the perfect dance at her Christmas wedding and so booked lessons with Robin Locksley. When her wedding plans fall through, will she find happiness and solace in the dance studio…and her rather attractive dance teacher? And will she prove to be exactly who Robin needs in his life as well? OQ AU

Chapter 1: FFN | AO3 | Wattpad

Chapter 5: We Danced Anyway

FFN | AO3 | Wattpad

Excerpt:

"We'll see you next week, sweetheart," Daddy said, hugging Regina as they left their usual brunch date. "And if you need to get out of the city, just let us know."

Mother nodded, hugging her next. "I know the perfect spa you and whoever you want can go to in order to relax and not think about everything for a few days."

"I appreciate that," Regina replied, pulling away. "But I think I'll be fine."

"Alright," Mother said. "But the offer still stands."

Regina nodded. "Thank you. I'll call you during the week and then see you for brunch next week."

Daddy hailed her a cab and she climbed in, waving to her parents. The cab took her to her apartment and she paid the fare before climbing out. She took a deep breath of fresh if cold air as she crossed to her front door. Graham opened it for her, tipping his hat. "Hello, Miss Mills," he said.

"Graham," she said warmly. "Everything good?"

"For the most part," he replied. "You just missed the rush. It seems everyone in the building is going holiday shopping today. I think there are some big sales today or something."

She nodded, realizing she hadn't paid attention to things like that. Knowing the wedding would consume everything, she had gone shopping for her Christmas presents earlier in the year and so she was done with maybe the exception of some stocking gifts for her parents. But she had time to get those so she was looking forward to just spending a quiet afternoon in her apartment.

"Well, I hope you have some quiet and are gone before they come back," she said. "Have a good afternoon, Graham."

"You too, Regina," he said, letting the door close behind her and returning to his post in the lobby.

She headed to the elevator and rode it up to her floor. Regina got into her apartment and placed her bag on the counter. As she looked around her apartment, sadness filled her despite how festive her place now looked. She had been reminded that she should be focused on her wedding and last-minute tasks for it. But there was no wedding and with her holiday shopping done, there was nothing to distract her.

Except maybe a movie marathon, but she didn't know if she could deal with watching all those couples get their happy endings when hers had been blown into smithereens.

"This is horrible," she said to the air. "I need a distraction but there doesn't seem to be anything that can distract me."

And when she thought about it, the only time she hadn't thought about the wedding that wouldn't be was when she took care of Robin. She pulled out her phone but realized she didn't have his number to check in on him. Regina sighed, setting the phone down again. It seemed she would have to find another distraction.

But she couldn't chase Robin from her mind and she decided to just see if she had some other way to contact him that didn't involve calling the studio - especially as she knew no one would likely respond anyway. She pulled out the paperwork she had been given when she first signed up for classes and saw a business card attached to it. Pulling it off, she saw Robin's name on it and it had his cell phone listed.

She picked up her phone and dialed it, holding her breath as it rang. And rang again. Finally on the third ring, the call connected and she heard Robin's voice. "Hello?"

"Hi, Robin," she said, something fluttering in her stomach. "It's Regina."

"Regina," he replied, his voice brightening. "Are you calling to check up on me? Make sure I've been a good patient?"

She chuckled. "Maybe. Have you?"

"I have," he replied. "I've followed the doctor's orders and done everything my mum said. I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow and hopefully he will clear me to return to dancing."

"I'll keep my fingers crossed for you," she said. "What are you doing instead?"

She heard the happiness in his voice as he said: "Spending some quality time with Roland. He's been kicking my butt at Mario Kart all day long."

"You sound like you've been enjoying it," she told him, walking over to her couch to get comfortable.

"I have," he replied. "I really love just spending some quality time with him."

Regina smiled as she kicked off her shoes and curled her legs underneath her. "I'm sure he loves spending quality time with you too."

"I think he does," he replied. "Even if what we can do is limited by the fact I'm still under doctor's orders to rest."

"It doesn't matter what you do. All that matters is that you're together," she told him, thinking of her favorite memories with her parents. And despite all the trips they took and everything they did together, the memories that stayed with her involved small, quiet moments where she just got to spend time with her parents - watching movies or cooking with her father, doing face masks and pedicures with her mother. She just remembered the laughter and how loved she felt.

She knew years from now when Roland was an adult, he would likely remember this afternoon spent playing video games and cuddling with his dad on the couch with more fondness than any other memory with Robin.

"You're right," he said softly. "I feel like we get so little time together now that his mother and I are divorced so I try to compensate for that but maybe I get too caught up in doing things, I forget to just be with him. Maybe I needed this reminder."

"That's a good way to look at it," she said. "Though I'm sure you could've done without the concussion."

He chuckled. "That's true."

"Well, I don't want to keep you from him," she said, pressing her hand to her stomach. "I was just calling to check up on you."

"I appreciate that," he replied. "And if you ever want to call to just talk, that's okay."

Her heart skipped a beat and she felt her insides melt a little. "I highly doubt that's why you gave me your cell phone number," she said.

"It was in case you needed to let me know you were running late or needed to cancel," he said, "but I think our partnership has moved a bit past that stage, yeah?"

"I suppose it is," she agreed, now lying on the couch and tucking her hand under her head.

He chuckled before saying: "Oh! I was going to talk to you at our next lesson but since I have you on the phone, I can do it now. We have a big Christmas party every year and it's next Saturday. My mother has invited you to come."

Surprise filled her and she almost sat up again. "Wait, really?"

"Yes," he replied. "It's to thank you for taking care of me."

"That's so sweet," she said. "But she didn't have to do that. You got me dinner. That was a good thank you."

He chuckled. "Well, I know what my mum would say. She would say that was my thank you and this party is her thank you."

"I can see that," she said, thinking about his mother. Even though she hadn't spent much time with her, Regina could tell that Robin inherited his stubbornness from her and that his mother would be insistent that she needed to thank Regina properly herself.

"You are under no obligation to attend," he told her. "I don't want you to feel any pressure or anything."

She bit her lip as she thought about her schedule for the following weekend. Her heart sank as she realized she had cleared it for last-minute wedding preparations. Now that the wedding was off, she had nothing to do. And that seemed even more dangerous as they got closer to the day of the wedding. Maybe a party where only a few people knew about her broken engagement was just what she needed to get her mind off everything.

"I would love to come," she said.

"Really?" he asked, sounding surprised.

She laughed softly before saying: "Yes. I think it will be fun."

"Well, then, I'll tell Mum to expect you," he said. "And I apologize in advance."

"Apologize? For what?" she asked, more amused than alarmed.

He sighed. "My family and friends. As I said, don't let the British accents fool you - we're also Irish. And sometimes we can get rowdy."

She chuckled. "I can't remember the last time I went to a party that turned rowdy. I'm looking forward to it."

"Are you taking the mick out of me now?"

"The mick?" she repeated, even more amused. "No, I promise you I'm not. I really mean it."

He hummed. "Well, I hope we don't disappoint you."

She chuckled. "No matter what happens, I'm sure I'll have a good time."

"Yes," he replied. "I can promise you that."

"Then that's all that matters," she said. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow at my lesson? If you're cleared to dance, that is."

He hummed again. "If I'm not, I'll let you know. Promise."

She knew he would keep his word and smiled, knowing that was just the type of man he was. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said. "I'll talk to you tomorrow. Have a good afternoon, Regina."

"You too, Robin. And tell Roland I said hi," she replied. Once he promised he would, they ended the call and she set her phone aside. She took a deep breath, finding her mood had improved.

It was amazing how Robin managed to do that.

She picked up her remote and found a movie to watch. Wrapping herself in a blanket, she sighed as she got lost in someone else's story for a couple hours. Suddenly she didn't mind watching someone else get a happy ending even if she couldn't.

[mouthpiece-simp]

ougj hello. if requests aren't open disregard this but would you mind terribly if you did pacesetter/reader hcs where reader is a human woman whos a singer in toontown. im starving for pacesetter/reader content

Pacesetter x Human/Woman/Singer Reader Headcanons

Man, do people still do stuff like Human! Woman! Singer! Reader or was that phased out? This is my first time writing fanfic on any noticeable scale in years... I don't know this stuff anymore lol.

👟Graham knew about your existence for a while. Who didn't? You were known as a bit of an anomaly among toons and Cogs since you were human, and both sides tried to recruit you. But all you'd do was sing and perform.

👟So one day he decides he's gonna see what the big fuss is all about and go to one of your concerts.

👟Backstage, one of your crew members told you that none other than Graham Payser was sitting in the audience. You were flattered- you'd heard so much about this dangerous yet apparently very attractive Cog, and here he was in your audience!

👟You do your performance as usual, and once the concert is over you're surprised to find Graham casually waiting backstage for you. Apparently he'd sweet talked his way past security because he was just that curious about you.

👟And he kinda sweet talked you as well... LOL. He was just really charismatic... and enchanting... and cute... and.........

👟Graham dramatically asks you out on a date, and you're a little hesitant since you just met him, but you agree because you couldn't pass up an opportunity like that!

👟And after that you two were a thing.

👟I hope you don't mind a fast paced relationship because he does pretty much everything really fast. It's just his personality. If you can't keep up with him, well... sorry.

👟Graham is very, VERY dramatic. He could get a paper cut and he'll fall to the floor and complain about how much it hurts and how he needs you to kiss him all better.

👟Stroke his ego, compliment him a lot.

👟He's also the kinda guy to respond with, "Who doesn't?" to, "I love you."

👟If you think he doesn't care about you though, you'll be proven very wrong. He will go to some crazy lengths to show his love for you, be it running a marathon or just giving you a hug when you're feeling down.

👟Makes tons of songs dedicated to you. Sometimes they're love songs, sometimes they're just songs he thinks are his masterpieces {well, he ALWAYS makes masterpieces, but like, extra masterpieces}.

👟If you sing for his songs or even make some of your own dedicated to him, he will be like 😍😍😍. Dude will go crazy with supporting you like the dramatic guy he is.

👟Don't be surprised if you wake up at like 4 AM to Graham running around the house getting ready because he thinks the sun is too slow and he's just better than even the sun. PS he got 2 hours of sleep.

👟Sometimes he randomly hugs you from behind and asks, "How's my future wife?"

👟He expects things to be done really really fast, so he's pretty impatient. You will have to help him calm down if you can't speed up the process at all.

👟Graham will try to recruit you into the ranks of the Cogs. It's up to you if you wanna accept it or not.

👟Toons will be hostile to you regardless because you're dating a Cog, though. But your boyfriend will green them for you and help you get cleaned up.

👟If he hears you humming or singing, be it practicing/recording a song or just absentmindedly, he will immediately shut up so he can listen. And when you're done he starts clapping and cheering for you. Might even pick you up and kiss you.

👟Speaking of picking you up, he likes to do that a lot. Prepare to be quite literally swept off your feet.

👟He calls himself your number one fan and will be there for all of your concerts, either onstage with you or cheering for you louder than anyone in the audience.

👟Graham is one heck of a flirt. He loves to watch you get all flustered.

👟Challenge him to a performance battle some time. He'll probably out perform you because he'll keep changing keys, tempos, and even going into the dreaded 6/8 time {good luck LOL}, but he'll love the challenge.

👟Hope you've kept up with his fast-paced personality! Things are never boring around Graham, that's for sure.

[chxckandmxte]

A silent gasp escapes him, hearing words that Leon had desperately needed to hear caught him off guard completely, it had been such a long time since Leon felt the genuine care and concern of another person, let alone from a close friend such as Hunnigan, someone who had always made sure to be there for him every single time she was needed, both on duty, and even off the clock.

Her words brought back memories that reminded him of the many times she had even went out of her way to check on him. Whenever Hunnigan would go through the trouble just to check in on him, sadly, every call had been left to ring out until his voicemail picked it up, as Leon was just too lost in his depression and despair to bother checking at the time, believing it was nothing but a wrong number, whilst completely missing the other messages and voicemails left by his equally concerned dear friends.

After wallowing in his own pit of darkness for a long time, everything was finally hitting Leon all at once, all brought upon him by her show of concern about him, this feeling, it was a feeling he had nearly forgotten, to be cared about. Having others around him that wholeheartedly enjoyed his company, his downfall, made him choose to ignore everyone, and he didn't know why, perhaps he had convinced himself that not a single person cared about him, that he was nothing but a tool that could be used and discarded, all thanks to a certain someone in a red dress who had made him falsely believe that someone like him, could be loved, when all she did was use him for her own gain.

Unfortunately, that was only half of it. Every single time they encountered another, Leon was well aware that she was using him, he had always known it ever since they met again during his mission to rescue Ashley Graham. Even though the agent knew the harsh truth, he still let it happen, all because he still had feelings for her, feelings that were now dead and gone after she emotionally tore out his heart and stomped it into the ground. After that numbness he felt, Leon let it take him over completely, turning him into a miserable person who was stuck in an endless circle of depression and self-loathing, pushing others away rather than pulling them closer when he needed someone, anyone.

Instead of immediately responding, Leon stayed silent, letting Hunnigan continue to speak her mind, to say whatever it was she had to say to him, quietly taking in all her words, his expression goes from aggressive anger, to soft and gentle as the bespectacled woman finished her sentence, spilling out her heart all at once as blue eyes watched her expressions, witnessed her tear up, because she was concerned about him, her close friend.

[{ ☣ }] - "....You're right. Sorry, I almost forgot.."

The more she continue on, he began to feel bad, making her bring up all the struggles she faced in her earlier years, and for someone like Hunnigan, he couldn't imagine how difficult it had been for her. Leon had been blessed to be raised by both his parents, until they tragically passed away, while Ingrid on the other hand, didn't get to experience that. It had taken him far too long, but thanks to the warm words spoken by Hunnigan, he finally remembered, just how lucky he was to have someone in his life that completely cared about his well being like she did, he had been blind to it for too long. Right now, he knew he'd just have to bite the bullet, and except the facts, she was exactly right, she had been this whole time.

While the pain he felt was still present, he swallowed it up, choosing to ignore it and do what he did best. Fake that everything was okay, at least he knew that there was someone out there in the world that cared about him -- something that he would most certainly take at least some form of comfort in, and while it appeared to have done nothing, everything she said, had definitely left a mark on him, thus why he choose to end the argument and welcome her company rather than push her away like he did everyone else.

His expression softening completely, he exhales a defeated sigh, shrugging his shoulders with a quick twist of his head before speaking.

[{ ☣ }] - "Alright, you win.. Let's go get some food, my treat. At a restaurant though.. I need a break from all those dive bars."

Giving in, he accepted his defeat, there was no denying what she said, it was all coming right from her heart, he could tell, and that was really all he needed to tell him that she meant every single word she said to him just now, he made sure to remember everything from this moment, especially everything she had said to him. Leading the way, he begins their trek towards the parking lot of the airport, walking alongside Hunnigan as she would eventually wheel alongside of him in the direction of the exit to the underground parking lot.

[{ ☣ }] - "You still wanna drive? Or am I behind the wheel instead?" He asks, turning his head to face her.

“Because you’re my friend!” she snapped back, just as hotly. She didn’t understand why he didn’t understand that she was trying to help. She was angry that he was just dismissing her own feelings like they didn’t matter. And maybe they didn’t to him. She had hoped the case would be different but…even if he hated her after this, she wouldn’t give up on him. Everyone else might have, but everyone else hadn’t been abandoned in an orphanage as a child. No one else understood that feeling of abandonment and anguish. She refused to let anyone she knew feel that. Even if they fought her tooth and nail. No one deserved that. No one was going to feel abandoned and alone on her watch.

“You’re my friend and I care about you, damnit!” she wiped violently at her face as she felt frustrated tears forming. She would not cry right now. She needed to be strong. “You think I don’t know how you feel?! I’ve spent my life trying to do the same thing! You know how many people I’ve had to bury because of this shit?! You think I don’t feel like it's hopeless?!”

She did, oftentimes. She never showed it. She had to put on a brave face for everyone. Had to be strong for the people who depended on her. She had a file cabinet–a large one–filled with the files of agents that died. It was filling more and more every year, and no matter what she did, she couldn’t stop the death. She couldn’t reach through her comm piece or the body camera and help them. No, she just had to watch as they faced those horrors on their own and do her best to help them in whatever way she could. God, the number of times she had to listen and watch people die. Listen to people choking on their own blood while she told them it was going to be okay. See people blown to pieces. Listen as people drowned or were eaten alive. Seeing their entrails being torn out while they screamed for their mothers. She clenched her jaw and slammed her eyes shut. Not now. Deal with it later. She had to help Leon. That was more important.

“You are important to me, Leon. I would miss you, if you died. I want you to live. Not for me, but because you want to. This isn’t all there is to life; there are good things out there. I want you to be able to realize that. I don’t want you to give up, okay? That’s why I’m here. Because I’m scared for you, and I don’t want you to be alone. I…I know what that’s like. Being all alone. Feeling like no one loves you and you’d be better off dead. So I’m sticking with you. You’ll have to shoot me to make me stop.”

[rogue-durin-16]

OUT OF TROUBLE

Summary: After a Quidditch match, both George and Y/n sneaked out to grab a drink at the Three Broomsticks with their respective teammates. The tension between the two groups might end up causing more trouble than imagined.

Pairing: George Weasley x Slytherin!Reader

Genre: kinda angsty kinda fluffy

Tags:

George Weasley: @meph1stophelian

Permanent taglist: @elia-the-bibliophile @randomparanoid @karlthecat15722 @thebutchersdaughtersblog @amourtentiaa @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @skarlettmikaelson

Warnings: blood, injuries, violence, concussion, language (?)

A/N: idk what to say apart from the idea of George losing his shit big time won't leave me alone and idek why (blaming it on that scene in the Order of the Phoenix in which George and Harry beat Malfoy the fuck up) so enjoy <3

Rogue-durin-16 masterlist

"Well," McGonagall's severe eyes scrutinized all six of us from the other side of her desk. "who is going to give us" she briefly motioned at Snape, who stood by her side with an unimpressed yet disappointed look on his face. "a proper explanation of why Madam Rosmerta so kindly let us know that not only seven of our seventh year students were on Hogsmeade without permission,"

"But also making a scene and coming to blows." Snape finished, quirking a brow. "Do you know how lucky you are that Madam Rosmerta picked on the fact that you were students?" The potions teacher's eyes fixed on the three Gryffindors before inquiring, "Who started it?"

Silence.

"Merlin's— There is a student in the hospital wing!" McGonagall exclaimed outraged. "You all ought to come clean about this one."

More silence.

"Mister Weasley, you seem to be unusually quiet." The Head of Slytherin pointed out.

"Well, you see, professor," George's head, which had until that moment been resting on his arms over the school desk, was tilted up slightly. "I've got a bit of a headache going on." He motioned at the back of his head, in which a patch of dried blood had glued his hair.

"Weasley, I must insist on you to go see Madam Pomfrey." McGonagall's tone, although remaining severe, softened a bit.

"Nah, 's not that bad." George gave Warrington a side look and forced himself to sit upright.

"I'm going to ask again." Snape spoke. "Who started it?" He weighed the possibilities before inquiring, "Mister Weasley?"

"Why me?!" George flinched at his own shouting.

"Do you want me to believe the state Mister Montague was left in was Miss Spinnet's doing? Miss Bell's, perhaps?" The Gryffindor girls grumbled under their breaths, catching the professor's attention. "What was that?"

"I said why us?" Katie questioned with a tinge of indignation. "Is it because we're Gryffindors?"

"Obviously." Snape spat, earning a roll from Mcgonagall, though she didn't oppose her colleague.

Alicia only laughed humorlessly and folded her arms over her chest.

"We can stay here all night, if you'd like it that way." McGonagall stated after around five minutes of just silence.

"Ugh, fine." George let his head fall in the comfort of his forearms again and groaned, "it was me— I started it. Can we go now?"

"What the hell?!"

"Miss Spinnet!" McGonagall scolded her, stomping her desk.

"Can we go now or not?" George's eyes met my shocked gaze briefly.

"Everyone but you, Mister Weasley." McGonagall stated.

"Wait, no." I tapped my foot nervously against the tiles and took at deep breath. "It wasn't him, it was me."

"Miss Y/l/n!" I refused to meet McGonagall's and Snape's face, so I left my eyes casted down, but I still heard the professors' quiet whispers. "What on Godric's name happened?"

Two Hours Earlier

After a Quidditch victory in Slytherin's favor, some of us had resolved to sneak out of the castle and go celebrate with a drink in Hogsmeade.

Turns out some Gryffindors had had the same idea, though the drink they were having was definitely not a celebration.

"Look who's here," Montague nodded in the Gryffindors direction, purposefully walking in their direction. "You're missing half of the team!" He chuckled, not stopping more than a couple of seconds. "Are they crying on their dorms?"

"Get lost, Montague." Katie Bell spat, earning faces from both Graham and Cassius. Alicia Spinnet flipped us off, and George limited himself to give me a small wave, which I returned with a little smile.

"How's the place this crowed?" Kevin questioned with a frown as we tried and failed to find an empty booth.

"No idea." I replied, taking a look around. "I'll go grab the drinks, you look for a place, yeah?" Cassius nodded and I made my way to the counter; I could feel Bell's and Spinnet's dirty looks on me while I ordered the butter beers.

"Celebrating, are we?" My head turned to meet George's form, leaning on the counter besides me.

"Yup." I shortly answered with a proud grin.

"You're missing your seeker." I rolled my eyes at his comment. "I wonder where he's at."

"You know where he's at." I quirked my brow when he played dumb, a smug smile dancing on his lips. "I'm very aware it was you who sent him to the hospital wing."

"It was actually a bludger." He pointed out, giving Madam Rosmerta the coins for a butter beer.

"Oi, what are you doing?" I attempted to shove his hand away, but there was no use.

"Smoothly buying you a drink?" He winked and I felt blood going up to my cheeks. "Just her drink, though." He added, looking at Rosmerta.

"No you're not— he's not." The owner of the Three Broomsticks gave us a look but ended up accepting my money instead.

"Aw c'mon, Y/n" George pouted while Rosmerta passed me the drinks. "I've just lost an important match, let me have a win?"

"You can buy me the next drink," I resolved, chuckling at the way his expression lighted up. "but only if you don't cause trouble."

"Pfft I'm too depressed to cause trouble." I could tell he wasn't joking, though he still made it sound humorous. "Need help with that?" He motioned at the four drinks I was attempting to grab.

"No she doesn't."

George visibly grimaced at the sight of Cassius but, instead of snapping at him, he only leaned on me and pecked my cheek after saying, "No trouble, see?"

"Piss off, Weasley."

"No need to be that rude." I spat, taking two glasses in my hand.

"No need to consort with the enemy." He responded, picking up the remaining jars.

We approached the spot our Quidditch team had taken and had a surprisingly uneventful good time, until Montague started to run his mouth.

"Look at them, they're so pathetic." He obnoxiously laughed.

"Look at whom?" I questioned, a bit lost in my thoughts to know what he was even talking about.

"Don't play dumb." He hissed. "As if you haven't been staring at that Weasel since we entered."

"Ugh, honestly Graham." I lazily played with my jar. "Can't we just enjoy the drink without focusing on the only three Gryffindors in the room?"

"You're one to talk." Cassius mumbled.

"Meaning?"

"Graham's right, you've been staring at him." I pinched the bridge of my nose. They've done this little number so many times that I was no longer embarrassed. "What was that kiss about?"

"Cassius!"

"What kiss?" Graham inquired.

"He kissed her."

"Oh my gosh—" I threw my head down to my forearms in desperation.

"Ew!" Kevin gagged dramatically. "Did you let a blood traitor kiss you with that filthy mouth?"

"You did not just say that." My tone held a serious warning as I looked up at our keeper.

"Great, he's staring." Cassius grumbled.

"Frankly, he could use a lesson." My eyes widened at Graham's words; at first I thought he was joking, but then he grabbed his wand with a wicked smirk.

"Don't make a bloody number." I whispered. "We'll get in trouble."

"Y/l/n, I'm starting to think you're not on our side."

"Montague, if you earn us detention—" my words were cut off by another statement of his.

"No one's gonna know if we're sneaky enough." I looked at Bletchley and Warrington for some back up but they both seemed to be on board with Montague's plan. "What about a little... cruci—" before he could finish the word, I kicked his chair, making him fall to the floor.

"What's wrong with you?!" I shouted, kicking his wand away after standing up myself.

"Y/n, calm down." Cassius said.

"He was gonna use the Cruciatus, so maybe no?!"

"Careful, Y/n." By then, Montague had already gotten up; Bletchley had to tug him back for him not to go against me. "If you get along with scum, you're scum."

I didn't fully realise that I had slapped him until I heard a few people gasping; all from sudden, I was very aware that I had attracted unwanted attention.

There was a moment of tense silence between Montague and me, quickly followed by him grabbing my hair and hitting my face against the table, too fast for me to do anything about it.

"OI!" Cassius pulled me away from Montague, my hands covering my most likely broken nose, debating on whether to hold it to stop the nosebleed or not touching it to avoid more pain.

GEORGE'S P. O. V.

"They're talking shit." Katie whispered, squinting her eyes at the Slytherins.

"Of course they're talking shit." I responded.

"I'd love to go there and shove those—" Alicia grumbled, tightening the grip on her glass.

"Don't." They both looked at me expectant and I only shrugged. "Y/n asked me not to cause trouble."

Alicia snorted when my eyes travelled to Y/n and Katie mocked me with a silly grin. "Awww, Alicia, he's in love."

"George Weasley is in love" Alicia faked a gag. "With a Slytherin."

"Oh my— you're two shut up." I felt blush creeping up my neck, though I couldn't help the smile twitching up the corners of my lips.

"I mean," Katie shrugged, sharing a look with our friend. "Could be worse."

"Could be Warrington." Before I could respond to Alicia, a loud noise was heard behind me. "Ooooh your princess just kicked Montague." Our chaser commented; we all turned around to look at the Slytherins. "This is gonna be fun."

"Why do I feel like they're talking about us?" I said with a laugh.

"Did... Did she just say 'cruciatus'?" Katie questioned, a tinge of worry in her voice.

"Damn! Okay, time to go." Alicia whispered, getting up right after Y/n had slapped Montague. Katie and I were already following her to the exit when a thud made us stop in our tracks.

"He did not—" Katie started.

"He did." Alicia replied; she was quick to double check on me, but I was quicker to stalk towards Montague. "George no!"

READER'S P. O. V.

I came to the conclusion that we were already in trouble, so I might as well go for it and get Montague back.

Cassius saw that coming and held me back by my forearms, but Graham was being pushed against the table behind him in the blink of an eye.

It took us all aback the way George had stormed in scene; we stood there frozen for a hot second, until Bletchley realised Montague was trying to shake George off in vain while the Gryffindor threw blows at him whilst tackling him to the table.

"George! Stop!" Alicia yelled, coming to stand by my side, unsure of what to do.

"Get off him!" The keeper was the first one to try and remove George from Graham, whose face was starting to look as bloodied as mine. He did succeed for a split second, giving the Slytherin chaser enough room to get back at George.

I shook Cassius off the moment Montague jumped on George to aid the ginger, but before I could do anything, he was punching Graham again, though now he sported a swollen lip himself, along with a cut on his cheek, probably caused by Graham's rings.

This time, when Bletchley tried to shove him off Montague, he ended up with George's elbow digging into his stomach.

"He's gonna kill him!" Bell exclaimed, genuinely worried about the outcome.

"George!" I called his name, hoping it would have an effect, but the beater was too lost on the fight. "Wait— No!!" I tried to grab Cassius' hand when I saw him reaching for one of the heavy jars, but he was quicker to crash it on George's crown.

He hissed, losing balance instantly; his hands went to the back of his head, releasing Montague from his hold. My teammate took the opportunity to kick him off, but before he could try to punch George again, I reached to them, pulling the ginger away and not so accidentally stomping on my Montague in the process.

Just when everything seemed to have calmed down, I noticed Spinnet had thrown herself to Cassius.

Bell was struggling to tug her friend away, Cassius was being pulled back by a mildly hurt Bletchley, Montague was curled up in a ball on the floor and George and I stayed knelt not far from him while I checked his head.

It was only when Madam Rosmerta appeared with a towering, strong employee who managed to separate Spinnet and Warrington that it came to an end.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Graham tried to use the Cruciatus curse on George, professor." I explained without meeting McGonagall's eyes. "And I stopped him."

"He— he what?!" The Head of Gryffindor yelled horrified.

"Miss Y/l/n, did you send Mister Montague to the hospital wing?" Snape questioned wearily.

"That was me." George replied before I could make anything up. "And Warrington broke a glass on my head."

"Spinnet tried to kill me!" Warrington shouted.

"If I had wanted to kill you, you'd be dead!" Alicia yelled back.

"Don't lie to yourself darling!" Bletchley hissed.

"Don't 'darling' her dickhead, I'll jump on you right here!" Bell spat, leaning over her table.

"Shut up, Bell!"

"ENOUGH!" McGonagall shouted. "Fifty points will be substracted from each of you. Your families will be informed of this, and needless to say you won't make any more trips to Hogsmeade."

"Minerva, I think Weasley has earned himself detention for the rest of the year." Snape commented.

"And so did Mister Montague and Miss Y/l/n." She responded. "Now off to sleep, all of you— except from Weasley and Y/l/n, you two go see Madam Pomfrey— no but's, Weasley."

"Yes professor." George sighed, getting up and following me out of the class and into the corridor. "You okay?" His voice was so soft as he fell into step with me that I had to refrain myself from kissing him.

"Nose's probably broken." I shrugged, stealing a look at his crown. "How's your head?"

"Hurts a bit." He was obviously playing it off, but I didn't say a thing about it. "I'm sorry for that little number."

"Nonsense! As if it was your fault Montague's a douche." I reassured him.

"So... you're not mad at me?"

"I'm only mad at the fact that I didn't get to punch him." I replied with a chuckle triggering a smile on his. "Plus," I chewed on my lower lip, hesitating for a moment before adding, "it was kinda hot."

George let out a shocked snort, his whole face redder than mine while words stumbled incoherently out of his mouth, preventing him from forming a coherent sentence.

"Don't do it again, though."

"Uh- yeah— NO- I mean, no- I-I won't— I don't do this often—" I giggled at his stammering and brushed his pinky with my own. He cleared his throat and took the hint, intertwining his fingers with mines. "You know, technically it was you who caused trouble so..."

"So?"

"Can I still buy you a drink?" He sheepishly requested, his thumb drawing circles on the back of my hand while we reached the hospital wing.

"We're banned from Hogsmeade, though." I reminded him.

"Well, I might know a way of getting there without being noticed."

"I'm in then." I stated. "Only if you promise we'll stay out of trouble."

"Can't promise that." He squeezed my hand and let it go when Madam Pomfrey spotted us. "But I'll do my best."

"I'm sure you will." I tugged on his sleeve and placed a kiss on his cheek before following the healer's directions.

[honesthammie]

Prompt 39: Death wants you to be terrified. But the scariest thing is wanting death.

13th Doctor x female curvy reader

Warnings: mentions of suicidal thoughts, alcohol and drug abuse, domestic abuse, fat phobia

I'm sorry for this. Its really depressing and I've been hesitant on letting you guys see it but I kinda like how it's written. I've made the abuser gender neutral as females can also be abusive. I promise the next one will be much happier!

"Come on (y/n), you can make it! Just jump across and reach for my hand. I promise you won't fall." The Doctors voice echoes across the widening canyon. If you looked down, you would only see pitch black. You didn't know how long you'd fall. Maybe this would be the perfect time to just go for it. Its not like you'd matter, you're only slowing the team down as is.

They wouldn't even be in this mess if you didn't slip and hit the world shattering drill, turning it on full blast. Unfortunately, you smashed the button making it unable to turn it off. Of course the only way you'd be able to turn it off is to actually go towards it. Everyone in the room screamed at you and some raised their tentacles to attack you if the Doctor didn't step in front of you. You know the Doctor noticed you flinching and your eyes gloss over and noticed you bracing for the impact.

You learned over the years to just accept your fate. You can't run from anyone when you weighed this much. You couldn't hide either, which often left you to just accept what was coming and hope nothing broke. Bruises were always easy to cover and so were any cuts but broken bones, that was always on display and you'd have to break your number one rule: never lie. You hated lying. The truth always comes out anyway so why hide it? If you hide it, you get punished worse anyway so why bother?

If you jumped and actually went with the team, you'd get questioned about earlier and about hesitating at jumping. But if you fell, would the Doctor miss you? As much as you hated to admit it, you were absolutely in love with the adorable alien. Why did you hate to admit it? Because she was a goddess and you were a waste of skin and bones. You weren't skinny and you didn't fit in with the team at all. You were only here out of pity.

You remember when you first met the team. You were the only person alive when they searched underneath the hotel. Even the spiders didn't want you. You were at the hotel because you heard about killer spiders and you wanted an out. You could never do it or something would come up stopping you from ending all your misery. You were the complete opposite of the Doctor. She was so brave and said whatever she wanted and didn't really care for the consequences.

You focused on the Doctors sparkling eyes. Despite the situation, she still sparkled with hope and encouragement. She wasn't upset with you. You really wished she was. This would be such an easier decision to make. Your head was pounding and your heart was going faster than her two hearts. Did you even want her upset? You couldn't tell, your head was spinning wildly, one thought going to another without a chance to process the last one.

You had come to a clear decision. You ran back and let momentum do its thing as your feet left the muddy gravel. You felt so free as you glided in the air for a few seconds. It was the most beautiful feeling. No punishment, no tears before going to sleep and no terror of going back home. Just you and gravity.

Then with a clearer mind you regretted your choice. You were horrified. You weren't ready. It wasn't time yet. Graham can't lose you. He'd only recently lost his wife. He'd feel the same as you and that thought terrified you. He'd survived cancer and gained himself a new family. He can't be like you. Ryan needed him, wether he was willing to admit that or not.

Suddenly you panicked and last minute reached your hand out hoping you'd grab something. Anything. You felt a soft warm object and latched on for dear life. You were then lifted up and onto soil. You focused on your breathing a moment and waited for your heart to calm down. You looked up and saw what, or rather who, saved you. You shouldn't have been so surprised to see the Doctors worried face above yours. She gave you a questioning look, knowing the question, you nodded your head and she straightened herself and helped you up.

"That was great (n/n)! So brave of you! Let's go gang, we've gotta turn this drill off before it splits the planet in half!" She shouted as she ran forward, seemingly knowing the way. She didn't let go of your hand until you reached the drill about 10 minutes later. You couldn't help the blushthat formed on your cheeks. The Doctor quickly opened a panel on the side of the drill.

The drill was massive, bigger than the Eiffel Tower and that what was on surface level, it went down much deeper that it had reached halfway to the liquid nitrogen that ran in this cold planet where our magma centre would be. The drill itself was purple and spherical. The panel box was the size of a human head which was about the size of the civilisations sucker pads. Inside were 3 buttons and 1 lever. You needed to type the pattern that would gain the access to the drill and force stop. If it goes wrong, it speeds up rendering this planet uninhabitable.

You watched as the Doctor quickly typed the pattern in. Red,blue,red,red,red,blue,black,black,blue. That was the pattern she quickly pressed in and held the lever down for 10 seconds. Soon the drill came to a halt and the planet was peaceful once again. You all let out a sigh of relief as it stopped.

You made your way back to the chief of the race and explained that they should dismantle and never use that drill again unless they plan to empty the panet of everything it has within. He quickly agreed and the fam made their way back to the TARDIS.

As soon as tye TARDIS was parked on the edge of your solar system, you got into your comfy clothes ready to nap or maybe play a few games to slow your adrenaline until you were tired enough for a full nights rest. You played a few rounds of uno and some poker where you used some bits of metal instead of chips. Eventually everyone had left except you and the Doctor.

You made your way to the doors of the ship and settled down just watching the stars in front of you. If the sentient machine hadn't already been aware of your darkest thought, you would have jumped out there and been amongst them. Just floating eventually turning to nothing but bones drifting, maybe to never be found. All the sights you've seen and yet this is where you were the most impressed. This was your home, your galaxy and because of all the light pollution, you had never been fully aware of how many neighbours you had because you had been literally blind. This was only stuff captured and faked and now, it's forever in your mind.

You heard movement and a shuffle next you. You knew who it was because she was the only other person awake and you knew she was going to ask and not let it drop until you tell her truth. And you were going to give her it but that doesn't mean you were ready to do so but you had to, someone had to know. Maybe you wanted help or maybe just someone to listen and know everything making you mentally naked in front of them.

The Doctor waited a few moments. She was figuring out how to word it without sounding horrible. "Is everything alright at home?" She asked her voice laced with genuine concern. "Sorry if this sounds a bit abrupt but let me explain. You've been really weird lately. You hardly speak and when you its with as few words as possible, you keep going elsewhere mentally and Rassilion forbid anyone getting angry with you! I also noticed how you hesitated today when jumping and I saw your worry and panic when you jumped. I think I know but I can't help you if you don't at least tell me what is going on! And don't change the subject or anything, just answer me please. I lo-. I can't lose you too." Her voice raised a little as she panicked just speaking about it. Halfway through she grabbed both of your hands and continued her speech.

You looked deep into her eyes for any sign of a lie but there wasn't one. Just like at the canyon, her eyes showed nothing but love. Maybe you should tell her, just her. No Yaz, no Graham and no Ryan. Just you, The Doctor and the TARDIS. You looked away for a moment as you collected your thoughts. However, as you opened your mouth and tried to speak, you found no voice. You couldn't tell her about them. Lord knows what she's capable of. But you've been looking for an out for so damn long. Maybe this is it. She's your out, no death involved.

You walked towards a panel in the console and pushed your hands inside and focused. You focused on the worst time it happened. You concentrated on the fear and everything attached. You couldn't tell her, but you could show her. The TARDIS disappeared into the vortex but didn't seem so sure on landing. She was picking it all up, she felt everything you did and she did not like going. "Please baby girl, I need her to know. I need help but I can't tell her. She's my only out that doesn't involve death and that terrifies me! Please. I understand your hesitation but she needs to see." You spoke mentally to the sentient blue box. She made a sad sound as she gently landed in the moment.

The Doctor looked at you bewildered. Her eyes were wide and her mouth agape. You walked up to her and grabbed her hand reassuringly. You led her to the doors that separated her from your darkest secret. You took a deep breath and slowly opened the door.

You appeared to be in the basement of your house. You walked up the stairs and took her to a storage room where she could see it happen. You sat in silence for a few minutes only the sounds of breathing and your heartbeat could be heard.

You knew this day off by heart, it plagued your nightmares often. It all started to sweet and went sour so quickly. At this time you were currently on your way back from doing your weekly shop to Tescos making sure you didn't forget their vodka and gin on your way to pay. Thankfully, the shop was only 10 minuets away and you doubted that the TARDIS would make you wait longer than nessacary. Just as the Doctor opened her mouth to speak the door opened and in walked an 18 year old you.

You set the bags down and started sorting the items into their new places. The canned foods go in the cupboard and the meat goes into the fridge. There were loads of food and stuff to go through and place properly. After you placed the last can of baked beans into the cupboard, the door swung open, nearly breaking the door.

They came home from their dealers place early. They stunk of weed and alcohol and had a little white powder around their nose. They looked like they had a good time until they had to come home. It was their dealers birthday so he was having a brothel themed party meaning there were strippers, pole dancers and prostitutes as well. The dealer was a rich guy who practically ran this city. The cops couldn't do anything as he could always bail himself out of jail.

They looked you in your comfy clothes and scoffed. They looked angry. "Why aren't you in your normal clothes babes? I thought I told you to throw away all of that shit. Come on now. Don't tell me I wasted all my well earned money on those clothes I specifically chose for you?"

You shuddered, both in the past and now except now they only made bile rise into your throat. You were so young and vulnerable. Now you know better.

The past you quickly scampered off to get changed. After only 5 minutes you reappeared in what was sexy school girl. The blue miniskirt covered less than most underwear so you were forced to wear a thong. The shirt was a bralet that barely covered your nipples. Your hair was in pigtails and you wore thigh highs. The sight made you silently sick in your mouth. You looked pathetic and weak.

You looked at them expectingly. You were waiting for your next order from them. They seemed to drool at the sight of you. "That's better babes. Why didn't you go shopping like that? Show the world your fat ugly figure? I want you to walk out there and see that no one else wants you but here I am, loving you. I am the only one who will ever like you in the way we have now. Your lucky I've had some fun tonight. All I want is my vodka and a new blunt darling"

You quickly went and grabbed their stuff and walked towards them as they settled in front of the TV. They turned the TV on and put Love Island on. How you hated that show. It made you feel bad for being the size you are. The women on there were beautiful but you also knew that, that kind of beauty costs money. So while your partner had fun watching the show for the romance, you watched it to spot what part of them was bought and what was real. Almost all the women had fake teeth and breasts. You hated how your partner would make snide comments on how they looked compared to you.

"You should be looking like Becky ya know. Beautiful teeth, big perky tits and a fucking great ass. What do you have? Flabs!" And there was the first comment of the day. The first of 30, you counted.

"Yeah well you are fucking broke so I can't look like fucking fake ass Becky or the others!" You thought. Then the Doctor gave you a look of shock and pity and then you realised you said that aloud. Not loud enough for them to hear you but enough for the Doctor.

"Make yourself fucking useful and make me some dinner. I fancy a steak and chips." They ordered as you got up and waddled over to the kitchen. A few minutes in you realised you put too much oil in the pan for the steak but the steak was already in and cooking quick. So quick that it started to smoke just a little bit. You tried blowing it away from them before they realised that you fucked up their dinner but ut was too late. They were already on their feet a marching towards you.

"I'm so sorry. I accidentally poured too much oil in. I'm so sorry. I have a spare steak, you can have my meal for tonight, I could do with skipping a meal anyways, helps me lose weight!" Past you was panicked and present you wasn't much better. Even though you were safe from them, they still made you uneasy. If you were to ever see them again, you'd freeze. They made your blood run cold. Even their voice sent unpleasant shivers down your spine.

"You better make me another steak but I still have to punish you. You fucked up, a lesson needs to be learnt." They said scarily politely. They grabbed your left arm and marched you towards the sink. They also grabbed the burning pan and pinned you so you had no escape as they poured the boiling oil onto your skin. You knew not to scream do you bit into your other arm knowing a bite out of it is better than causing more punishments for screaming.

When they were done left to watch the TV and you knew what that meant. You had to cook the spare steak and make there meal before you can get proper treatment at the hospital. Through your tears of agony, you quickly ran your burnt and bleeding arm under the cold water of the sink. You bit deeper into your other arm and tasting blood, but thay didn't stop you until the left one had cooled down. Then you got an old shirt, ripped 2 pieces of fabric off and wrapped them around both arm Injuries. You then continued their meal.

Once they had the meal they kicked you and punched you in the stomach because the chips were slightly cold and then they drove you to the hospital as they promised. When you had left you didn't realise you had been crying until a drop fell on your arm. You walked out of the storage room and sat on the sofa, turning the TV off.

The Doctor looked shocked for a moment before walking over and kneeling in front of you. The Doctor went silent for a moment. Before she could speak, you decided to speak first.

"I couldn't tell you because I couldn't think if a nice way of telling you. I didn't want to appear weak to you." You cried as your voice cracked in the middle due to the tears and the strain. The Doctor looked at you in pity and disappointment.

"This does not make you weak. Being abused does not make you weak. Because being abused is like being tortured by someone who supposed to love you and cherish you. They are meant to protect you from danger not be the danger. I would never hurt you. I know that I put you in risky situations but believe me, I would never intentionally put you in danger. You mean too much to me" The Doctor softly spoke with tears making a little river down her soft cheeks and onto your black carpet below.

"Before I met them, I was like you or Yaz. I was so happy at everything. Very little could bring me down. But I met them and started dating them and suddenly, my world of sunshine faded to grey. There was no light. I wanted to die Doctor. When you found me at that spider hotel, I wanted to be free from them as I couldn't do it. I can't because they'd kill me. I don't want to be alive whilst I'm with them. I have so many scars from either them or me trying to end my own life and that the scariest thing. Death wants us to be terrified but wanting to die is so much more terrifying Doctor, I know that." You cried as you emptied all you could to her. The Doctor was silent for a moment, taking in everything you said. Waves of emotion flashed through her, anger, sadness, pity and something you couldn't quite place.

"You said wanted. That's past tense. You said wanted to die. What changed? What made you want to live?"

"You did. You saved me from the spiders. You gave me a temporary out of the relationship for a while. You made me smile for the first time in 3 years! You made me laugh. The world of grey is now full of sunshine and rainbows Doctor. You also saved me today. When I jumped across that canyon, I jumped to end my life. I made a mistake that nearly ended a planet! If I wasn't so fat and clumsy maybe i-"

"Don't you dare say that! You are not fat (n/n). Yes you have more plush to your body but you are not fat. I hate that word. Its such a nasty word. You are gorgeous, amazing and so brilliant. You can't see what I see and I really wished you could for just one moment. You are worthy of being loved and cared for. You are precious, rare, one of a kind. I've never met anyone like you. There's always some skinny, fake bodied and caked up women but there's no one with as much natural beauty as you! Let's get back to the TARDIS and we'll talk more when looking at the stars because I can see that being here isn't doing you any favours" The Doctor spoke with such passion that you started to believe that her words held more than those of a supporting friend would.

Once the TARDIS was parked in the Milky Way you settled by the door once again and found yourself accompanied by the sweet alien. You both sat there for a moment just content with wrapping your heads around what's just happened. You looked over to the blonde and noticed how the stars made her glow in such an ethereal way that you felt almost compelled to worship her. Maybe you should after everything she's done for you. Her eyes sparkled with si many emotions from the past senario.

"Are you still with them?"

"Why do you think I never left this place? I mean even if could, I wouldn't want to but it's mainly because if I go back home, I'll come back with more injuries. I feel safer with you. You are my sunshine and rainbows and they are my storm clouds. Whilst I'm here, I'm alive and mostly unbroken. Whilst I'm there, I'm as alive as a puppet and severely broken. I can't leave, not on my own anyway."

The Doctor looked at you in thought. "The starlight compliments you. You look so pretty and almost angelic. I just wish they never hurt my angel. My innocent angel had broken wings and I'm going to fix what the Devil broke, I promise. Just hold on, I'm going to take us somewhere."

You held the nearest crystal as the TARDIS transported you somewhere but it seemed like the sentient machine was determined to take you there as quick as she could. As you opened the doors you noticed a familiar smell of weed mixed with alcohol. You heard the familiar tune of Love Island and knew exactly where you were. You were home. The Doctor saw your hesitation and whispered softly, "I want you to pack everything you want. I've written a note for them to find. I'm going to put it on the bed. If they notice you scream for me and I'll be there. They will not hurt you much, hopefully not at all. I just need to do something in the TARDIS before I help you." She turned and left into the TARDIS and disappeared down a corridor.

The atmosphere sent chills down your spine and you were frozen. The TARDIS seemed to notice and words of encouragement were sent into your head which helped you move towards your bedroom. You quickly buy quietly opend your suitcase and started to fill it with clothing and hygiene products. As you entered the bathroom a bottle of their shampoo fell into the tub giving you away. You knew you only had so long before they came in and hurt you so you closed the door and barricaded it with whatever you could.

As you pushed the last cabinet to the pile they roared through the wooden door. "Let me in you fat dumb bitch. You've been gone for 3 weeks and you've got some balls coming back! You're lucky I haven't burned all your shit! Where have you been?"

Your heart ran at an extremely fast pace nd you knew only one person could help you now. And so you screamed her name so loud it hurt your throat bit that didn't stop you. You screamed until you heard talking. You couldn't understand what was said but suddenly a thud was heard and then silence.

"Hey Starlight! It's only me. I've taken care of them. They're not dead but in a venishion aikido. They can't move, they're paralysed. You can come out and finish packing"

You moved everything out of the door and opened it to a view you expected. The Doctor with 2 fingers to their pulse point on their neck. The Doctor smiled at when they saw you. You finished packing and zipped the bag up. Then Yaz walked in with her police uniform on and arrested them for domestic violence and many other things. Now you understood why The Doctor left, it was to get Yaz as a back up option to completely take them out of your life.

The Doctor helped open doors for you as you got your room and you set the suitcase to one side to empty another day. You both sat down on your bed. The sound was filled with nothing but 2 lifeforms breathing and the TARDIS faint buzzing. You two stayed like this, staring into each other, trying to read the others emotions. But we all know what The Doctor is like, she can't stay silent for long.

"I had to save you because as long as you were with them, you weren't ever going to be truly happy. I didn't want my big bright star to turn into a black hole, I wanted her to be a supernova. My Starlight deserves to be happy."

"You keep saying my Doctor. And you asked if I was still with them and then when I basically said yes, you quickly, as in a rush, sent us home so I could leave them. You keep saying all these things about me. You held my hand from the canyon to the drill. You are always the first to check on me and you always make sure I'm OK first even if I'm the farthest person from you! Doctor, be honest, I don't want any more bullshit. Doctor why?" You spoke softly but with determination. The Doctor blushed and shifted her gaze to the stars and quietly gulped. She knew this day would come. The day her secret was revealed. And she dreaded her answer and she dreaded your reaction. And whilst she figured out what to say, you already knew the answer.

You gently grabbed her chin and made her look at you. Once her gaze caught yours, you smiled and placed your lips to her soft ones. Quickly she caught up and kissed you back with all the love and passion she could muster. She wanted to relay that she did love you and that she would do exactly as she said earlier, she would cherish you.

As for you, you smiled. You finally had an out that didn't end in death but instead ended with the same love that you yearned for, for years.

[layanasstories]

Reunite

Part 10

When we entered her office she pushed me in one of the chairs. "Well?!" She started with a dead serious face. "Well what?" I tried, knowing it was useless to try to get out of this interrogation. "You know just fine what I am talkimg about, come on tell me. You know I won't let you leave until you tell me everything about this guy!" She crossed her arms over her chest while sitting back in her chair. I gave up any attempted to try to get out of this. "Uhm... where to start? He his very handsome?" I sat up straight and scraped my throat "Kind, concidered and honest". "How long have two been dating?" She asked. "That's a bit of a complicated to answer. I don't know. I don't know if we are even really dating" I looked at my hands on my lap saying that. "Do I know him?" Was the next question I got. It took me a bit to think about the anwser but Jessy beat me to it "No! No no no. You can't be serious Layana! He is in jail. He is a creep and criminal! Are you crazy?!" She almost shouted her displeasure. "Thanks for your kind words and support. That really helps." I couldn't help but to be cynical "How much do you know him Jessy. Do you exactly know what he did or why? No you don't! So maybe instead of being so judgemental, maybe, just maybe you could try to be open minded and support me!" The anger lighted up in me. I got up and wanted to walk away.

But I stopped and turned back to her, I wasn't finished yet "You know, the last ten years, you all only talked about how bad of a criminal he is, what kind of creep he is. That you are happy he is jail. But none of you ever thanked him for finding Hannah and Richy. None of you thought about the sacrifices he made. For you all! I am done listening to these insults you all make towards him. And if you can't support me or can't be happy for me. Then I am done with you!" I spat out the words in anger. "You going to chose him over us?" Jessy's looked at me full of suprise. "Anytime, without any slight moment of doubt, I will." I turned myself around and walked out of the door, pushing away the tears of my anger and dissapointment. But that's when I bumbed in to Richy. "Woah! What's going on?" He stopped me. "You are two fighting?! Why?" First he looked confused but then the realisation came to him "Oooh! Finally he is back and a free man again. And found you". I couldn't say a word, he took me in a hug. "I am so happy!". When he let go of me I looked at him unable to process what he said or to respond. "You might not know. Well I think nobody does. But Jake and I have been in contact, not frequently or something. Just only to check-up on each other." He said with a big smile. "Are you joking me right now?!" It was Jessy behind me in the doorway. "No, I am not Jessy. And you should stop with this. Look at what you did" he pointed at me. "Isn't it enough that he payed for his crimes? He didn't murder someone, remember?". "But she said, that she would choose him over everyone, anytime" she argued against him. "Yeah! If her friends keep on insulting the one and only person she loves, and have missed him for the last ten years, of course she would Jessy!". The room became quiet. I whiped away a tear and turned to Richy. "Thank you Richy for having my back. But please don't you two argue about this." I didn't wait for a response, and walked out of the building and got into my car.

I was parked in front of the police station, and lost track of time. I had cried quite a bit, the words Jessy said did hurt me. Even though they were directed at Jake. It had been an hour or so that I sat in the car, to get my composure back and my eyes were normal again. I took a last deep breath before I got out of the car and walked in the police station. I was greeted by an officer at the front desk "Hello ma'am how can I help you?" He smiled at me. "Hi, I have an appointment with Alan. Alan Bloomgate." I smilled back. "One moment please" he picked up the phone and pressed the number to call Alan. "Hey Alan... yes she is here. Okay." He hang up and directed himself to me "You can walk through the door on the right, Alan will be waiting for you" again I got a smile from him. I thanked the officer and walked to the door he had pointed at. I could hear a buzz and a click, and the door opened for me.

Alan was indeed waiting in the doorway of one of the rooms. "Layana. Thank you for making time for this" he shooked my hand. "No worries Alan. I want to get this guy just as bad as you do" I said while I took a seat across Alan. His desk was between us. "Tell me, what couldn't you tell over the phone?" I curiously asked him. "Straight to the point huh?" he answered with satisfaction "Well we found something on the body. And as you know I can't send any evidence. So thats why I wanted you here so you can see it yourself." He took out a folder and opened it. "Here.." he slid a photo my way across the desk.

"This was carved in the thigh of our victim. She was surrounded with feathers. Like we had found with Richy's cap back then. But also when we found Amy. Also Amy had the same carving" he sighed "I don't think Graham killed Amy or attacked Richy". I looked at the photo in horror, a shiver ran down my spine.

[getitinbusan]

Camping with Jungkook

This is my contribution to the Campfire writing challenge.

Soft Smut - 2125 words

He was straddling the picnic bench, his thick thighs spread open teasing your eyes. 

Standing with a few of the girlfriends you couldn't help but stare in awe. He was drinking and even though the firelight danced pretty shadows across his features you could tell he was flush from the alcohol. 

"You know you're getting together with him tonight right?" they all laughed. "Jin said it's happening even if we have to lock you two in the outhouse." 

"You guys are disgusting. I'd really prefer if that didn't happen….the outhouse, not the getting together part."

It was a well known fact that there was a mutual crush happening. It was also common knowledge that you were both idiots too afraid to act on it. 

Your best friend was dating Yoongi, she was the catalyst behind this epic disaster of a set up. Wanting you around more, wouldn't it be perfect if you hooked up with Jungkook? 

Admittedly, it would.

Sitting at the table noticing the direction of your gaze she called out, "Y/N, come drink with us." 

Subtlety was not her strong suit and you could feel the heat rushing to your cheeks as you made your way over. 

Patting the weathered wood slats of the bench Jungkook offered you the seat beside him. 

Two red solo cups were slid in your general direction, he picked them both up and handed one to you. Watching as he sniffed the liquid, his nose scrunched up in displeasure. Fuck he was cute. 

"Ready?" he held the cup to his lips.

"As I'll ever be." 

He winced at the taste as you both simultaneously set the empty cups down. 

This was it, it had to be now! It was time for the opening you'd been practicing all week. 

"Do you like S'mores Jungkook?" 

His eyes lit up as he reached for the bag of marshmallows. "I like mine with double chocolate, want me to make you one?" 

The childlike wonder he exuded would be almost comical if it wasn't for the contradictory body it came from.

"Actually, I thought maybe we could try a more adult version?"

He was puzzled. 

"Hang on, I'll be right back."

Running into the cabin, items were tossed quickly out of your bag until you found what you were after. 

Triumphantly returning you held the bottle out to him like it was a fine wine. 

His eyebrows raised, "Marshmallow Vodka?" 

"And behind door number two," your other hand revealed, "Chocolate syrup!"

"I don't get it?" 

Yoongi's hardy laugh bounced around the campsite,  "No but you're definitely going to." 

Three heads turned in unison to glare at him. Outnumbered in his desire to tease Jungkook, he sighed, defeated. "Well then, why don't you just show us how to make S'mores with Vodka Y/N" 

Turning your attention directly to Jungkook you instructed him. "You're going to tilt your head back and I'm going to squeeze in the chocolate syrup." 

"Should I swallow it?" 

"That's what she said," Yoongi interjected. You heard your friend's playful punch land against his shoulder. "Ow, what? Come on, he's making it too easy." 

"As I was saying, Chocolate Syrup, and no, don't swallow…" you smiled, "that'll come later." 

Yoongi's jaw fell slack, "Yah sure, it's fine when she says it." 

Turning your attention back to teaching, Jungkook's ears were red at the innuendos you'd been exchanging. He was flustered and it was charming. Reaching out you gave his earlobe a little squeeze, "Shall we continue?" 

He nodded, "Head back, chocolate syrup, no swallowing, got it."

"I'm going to pour the marshmallow vodka on top of the syrup and then you can swallow and take a Graham Cracker chaser." 

The night progressed as the shots poured. The more you drank the closer you seemed to inch your bodies together.

"I think you need one more," Guk giggled. Tipping your chin back with his fingertips he was really close. "Ready? here it comes…"

You felt a splat hit your cheek followed by a string of his apologies. He was confused when you began laughing.

"It's okay Jungkook, it's just syrup."

He smiled relieved,  scooching closer to where you sat facing him. Using his index finger he wiped the chocolate drop off your skin and stuck it into his mouth.

"Did you get it all?"

"There might be a little more," he moved closer and softly attached his lips to your cheek, painfully close to your mouth. "I think you're good now." 

Somehow as the hours ticked away your legs had made their way over his. Face to face you  sat with shy smiles and embarrassed cheeks. He pulled you in closer placing a kiss on top of your head. "Is it okay to confess I really like you?"

You wove his tattooed fingers between yours, "I think now's a perfect time." 

His arms were wrapped loosely around you, your head on his chest. The sound of your friend's voices and crackling fire were quiet compared to his heartbeat.

"Did you feel that? I think it's starting to rain."

No sooner than the words left his lips you felt it too. Everyone took to their feet and ran in separate directions, drinks and fire were abandoned for shelter.

Standing up you weren't in a hurry to leave. "I'm staying in the cabin." You gestured to the wood structure. "But I really don't want tonight to be over." 

"Not to brag but I've got a pretty big tent." He kissed your hand and pulled you into his arms. "Or," he began rocking back and forth, "you could just dance with me in the rain." 

"Wow, and I didn't even have Jungkook being a romantic on my campfire BINGO card." 

He laughed and twirled you back to him while singing, "Do you love the rain? Does it make you dance When you're drunk with your friends at a party?"

"You're singing to me Guk?" You stopped dancing. "Is it okay to confess I really like you too?" 

The biggest smile appeared across his face, "I think now's a perfect time." 

Pushing the wet hair from your face he leaned in slowly to find your mouth. He was so soft, so delicate, his lips brushed yours as the rain fell harder and distant thunder rolled past. He set his head on yours and sighed, "You wanna run?" 

He struggled to unzip the flap, both of you crawling in laughing at how soaked you were. Falling on top of each other it felt like time had stopped.

It was a strange feeling, like driving in the rain and going under a bridge. Every sound stops but the second you come out the other side, all your sensations are amplified.

"They say when you meet the love of your life...time stops."

Is that what this was? A pause held between you until he gave in, his mouth meeting yours full force.

His kissing was pure and simple, uncomplicated perfection that could be used the same way to describe every detail of Jungkook.

He was a great kisser, his lips pressed just hard enough, they were just wet enough and his tongue was as well choreographed as his body.

His hand didn't stray from the tender hold it had on your face and as much as you wanted it on your body, you knew you had time. Your heart was pounding as fast as the droplets hitting the shell of the tent in an orchestrated rhythm of anticipation. 

He pulled away leaving you breathless. "We should get you out of these wet clothes before you catch a cold" He reached in his bag and handed you his T-shirt.

"You want me to put clothes on? That's a plot twist."

He pulled his wet sweater over his head, "we've been drinking, alot."

He grabbed a towel and ran it over his hair, "I'm planning on falling in love with you." He blushed at his own statement. "And I'd just prefer that in a few years our first time isn't a foggy memory." He kissed the back of your hand.

"You certainly have a way with words Guk."

Shamelessly pulling off your wet clothes he pretended to shield his eyes while blatantly leaving gaps between his fingers. "Ugh, you're playing dirty." 

"Using your logic you'll forget what you saw by morning so I'm not gonna worry about it."

Grabbing you playfully he pulled you back down and tucked you into his blankets. 

The one thing you hated about camping was going to bed freezing and waking up ridiculously hot.

The sun had risen with a vengeance and the navy exterior of the tent held the heat in like a sauna.

Making your way out from underneath Jungkook you pulled the covers back and peeled his shirt from your body. Redoing the messy bun on top of your head you felt a light fingertips touch starting at the top of your neck.

Slowly he traced down your spine stopping between the dimples at the base. A shiver ran over your skin.

"These are cute." He let his finger explore your backside.

You giggled at the featherlight tickle, "They're called dimples of Venus"  

You were still facing away but you could hear him shift. His breath hovered close on your back.

"It's a suitable name for your body," his lips met the indentation.

When he made his way back up to your shoulder you couldn't resist the urge to see his face a second longer.

Turning you found a smiling, sleepy disheveled boy and your heart swooped with affection. Your thumb smoothed over his dewy cheek as his almond eyes took in your bare form. 

"Can you just come back in here?" He whined and made grabby hands.

"Should I put my clothes back on first?"

He pulled the blanket over his face, "Don't tease me."

How were you already wrapped around his finger?

"Fine, let me in."

Staying hidden he lifted the edge enough for you to wiggle in.

"This isn't a very good fort."

"That's not fair, I've got limited resources. I'm gonna make you a kick ass fort." He pressed his lips onto your neck. "For our next date we'll have a picnic and watch movies in it. We are counting this as the first date right?"

His hands were on your waist and his bare skin was pressed against yours. 

"We could even count it as a second, we did sleep together. Jungkook? Can you kiss me now?" 

His large hands moved down your body while his lips worked their magic against yours.

You could hear everyone slowly starting the day. Jin's laughter and the mention of your names infiltrated your moment making Jungkook stop to check with you.

"I don't care about them Guk, keep going." 

The heat didn't matter, the small space didn't matter, your friends on the other side of the thin nylon didn't matter. 

All that did matter was the way he looked at you and asked if you were okay before he pushed himself inside you. If there was a sight more beautiful than Jungkook laying over you in ecstacy you were completely unaware of it. 

Rolling his hips into you skillfully his length hit all the right spots. It was hard holding in your moans, god you wanted to be able to just cry out as he made your toes curl.

Biting your lip you tried not to tip everyone off to what was happening mere feet away from where they were preparing their coffee and breakfast over the camp stove. 

You wanted to tell him, you'd waited so long for this. You spoke the breathy whisper into his neck, "I hate being quiet Guk, you feel so good I want to scream your name."  

Your words did him in, with a loud moan and a face squinted in pleasure he spilled into the condom. 

Exiting the tent, of course your friends had to make a scene. The picnic tables had been rearranged to face Jungkook's tent and they all sat smiling in the direction of your exit. 

"Really, you couldn't just let us have this?" You hid under his arm as he confronted them.

Jin of course was the loudest, "Can you blame us? We never get front row."

Jungkook pulled you back towards the tent. "Well since you already know what we're doing, this time we'll put on a better show."

JK: Date 2 tonight! I hope you're ready this fort is gonna blow your mind!

This is fic belongs in the Golden Golden Closet Universe. Continue their story....

[lennydaisy]

EPIPHANY // OUTER BANKS

The Outer Banks. Paradise on earth. Well, it is if you can afford it.

Figure 8, home of the portentous and intitled. So detached from reality that you'd have to use their private jets to bring them back down to the ground. If they're not lounging around on their secluded beaches in front of their White House sized mansions, then they're at the country club complaining that their ice-cold lemonade isn't ice-cold enough. We call them Kooks. Guess where I don't live?

Next up, The Cut, neutral habitat of, drum roll please ladies and gentleman... The Pogues. Lowest members of the food chain. You see, it's one island divided in two. You either have two houses or two jobs. I have two jobs and will still never be able to afford one house, let alone two, but that's life I guess. The Pogues are like those kids your parents tell you to stay away from when you visit the park. Well, now the park has stretched to all aspects of life warranting us to be unwanted and neglected which isn't such a bad thing, that just means we get to do whatever we want, whenever we want.

Right now, however, this is the last place I want to be. Save-A-Lot. One of my two jobs. See how this all ties in?

The continuous, subtly, beeping of the scanner, the bright overhead lights that the same moth has been flying into for a week now, that one cart that you can hear before you see, and this frustratingly itchy, red polo shirt that I'm wearing because it's 'oh-so mandatory'.

It's been reported that a storm is going to hit us in a couple of days, so naturally, the stores been busier than usual, with both Kooks and Pogues. It's like sacred land, all differences get put aside in this very store unless there's a two for one deal at the seafood counter. In that case, no one's safe, not even me, the poor, little employee. I've been slapped with a Tuna Fish before. I don't want to talk about it.

"Can I interest you in some... What are they again? Sea salted chocolate with a crushed Macadamia nut shell and a rich creamy filling, homemade by Mrs Adams?" I squint at the packaging before smiling at the man before me who peered at me, head tilted slightly. Nodding instantly, already knowing the answer, "I don't blame you, I wouldn't trust anything made by that lady."

Smashing my fingers on the scratch invested, touch screen register, slapping the side of the machine until it eventually rings up the total, "That'll be $148.98 however, you get the extended family discount, so that makes it..." twirling my finger around the air, attempting the mental math, "10% off $148," I utter, closing my eyes as if that's going to help me find the answer quicker. 'I knew I should have joined the math team with Pope.'

"$134," the man affirms looking at me sympathetically, halting my search for my calculator that is normally taped to the till. I take the mans money, squinting at him, "Okay, I'll take your word for it man but if I get fired, I want a job at The Wreck," handing him his receipt.

"We'll see," he said putting his packed bags back into his cart, "I'll get through to you one day. You can't deny I'm your favourite" I state in a matter of fact, waving him off as he pushes his cart away from the checkout, "Bye Mason."

"I don't hear you denying it," I shout, watching him hurridly pushing his cart towards the door, "Okay bye Mr Carrera, tell Kie I said hi!"

Twirling around in my chair a couple of times, I came to a stop at the sight of a pink calculator, my pink calculator, taped to Mrs Adams till. That Bitch. I sit patiently for her to be done with her customers, waving at the elderly couple as they pass, "See you later Mr and Mrs Graham, have a nice day," I smile.

"Oh you too Mason, you should stop by again, you and your friends were such a delight the last time," Mrs Graham praises tapping her ringed fingers on my counter. Nodding at her request as her husband began to drag her away from me, claiming he 'Wants to be home today not tomorrow,' knowing his wife to be quite the blether.

"What a pleasant young lady. Wouldn't you agree, Marty?"

"Oh yes, very well mannered."

"Listen here, sticky fingers, I know you stole my calculator" My smile instantly dropping as I look upon the thief that I have the pleasure of calling my co-worker.

Mrs Adams is your typical grandma. Tonged hair, thick-rimmed glasses and filled with opinions that are always unwarranted. She has had it out for as long as I can remember, once locking me in the walk-in freezer claiming to not know I was in there despite being in there with me moments before. At least I only have to deal with her a few days a week, I couldn't handle any more than that.

"What calculator?" she questions innocently. Pointing my finger accusingly at her till where low and behold, sits my calculator, "Oh really, what's that then?"

Sparing a glance at my calculator, she shakes her head, nose pointed up, "That's an anniversary gift from my husband. I, by no means, stole your calculator."

I can't believe I'm having this conversation.

Laughing at her alibi, "Are you aware of how much bullsh-", the clearing of a throat interrupts my tangent and I suddenly became aware of where I am again. Mrs Adams raises her eyebrows at me, is she mocking me? Glaring at her one last time as to say 'this conversation isn't over', I timidly spun my chair back around, plastering a smile on my face, getting ready to greet my next customer.

Oh no.

"Hi, Mr Cameron," I greet the man, scratching behind my ear hoping he didn't overhear me. Beginning to scan his items, another figure catches my eye.

Rafe.

Here, ladies and gentlemen, I present the biggest dickhead on the entire island. He thinks everybody owes him something just because his daddy is well known throughout the OBX and has no problem expressing his distaste for anyone who doesn't fit his agenda. He's a cocky, arrogant snob who needs to be knocked off his podium a few inches, or feet.

"Hello, Mason, and how many times have I told you to call me Ward?"

"Clearly not enough for me to listen," I mutter under my breath, passing the already packed bags towards a very accepting Rafe, who snatched them with a scrawl printed on his face, "Your face will stay like that if the winds change" I advise innocently, waving my fingers around my forehead area, "Don't want to get any wrinkles, but if you need some anti-ageing cream, I'm sure Mrs Adams can recommend a few of her favourites,"

"Maybe even get you a coupon," I suggest finishing to scan the last of their items, "Isn't that right, Mrs Adams," I called to the lady over my shoulder how instantly peeped up at the chance to chat with the boy.

"Oh, yes. Come here deary, I'll show you my collection,"

It's no secret throughout the OBX that Mrs Adams is a bit of a renowned cougar, having no problem expressing herself towards any sort of male attention. Mrs Adam doesn't discriminate, so even assholes like Rafe can't escape the clutches of her fondness, but she's harmless... most of the time.

Ward nudges his son in the direction of the lady, who is eagerly waiting for the boy with her creams placed in an orderly fashion before her. Rafe's eyes practically begging for his dad to have some mercy on him only to earn a point in her direction.

"I hate you," he huffs at me, feet dragging towards the ladies till.

Fluttering my eyes with a cheesy smile, "I know," I say before turning to finish Mr Cameron's groceries.

"That's $236 please," I state ringing up his total as he slides his card into the swipe machine, "It'll take a minute, a caveman has better technology than this place." He shakes his head at me, waving his hand slightly, understanding.

"Sea salted chocolate, uh?" he wonders picking up the bar, as I mentally slap myself for forgetting to ask if he was interested, "Would you like to buy one?" I questioned despite already knowing his answer. It's the same one that I've heard all day.

Placing the packet back in its place he shakes his head, "No thank you, I wouldn't trust anything made by that lady."

"That's what I'm saying," ripping off his receipt before handing it to him, "Thank you, Mason," he laughs before turning towards his son, who is still listening to Mrs Adams ramble on about why she prefers Olay over Caudlíne.

About to bid farewell to the man, he turns and asks, "I hate to be a bother and I know it's short notice, but would you mind babysitting Wheezie for me on Saturday morning, I know you don't normally work weekends, it's just this storm's going to cause a run-in with my properties and-"

"Of course I will, Mr Cameron," I interrupted his ramble. He looks at me relieved, nodding his head, "See you later, Mason."

"Bye Ward," gross, I'm sticking with Mr Cameron.

Watching as the pair walk past my till I can't help but laugh as I see Rafe slouching away with a tub of Olay Anti-ageing cream. Turning around at the sound, he flips me off, "I'll get you back for this," earning a shoving on the shoulder from his dad, but I can't help but wave cheerily, "Oh, I'm sure you will."

Mr Ward Cameron, my other boss. A few years ago I put up flyers with a tear-off of my phone number offering a babysitting service. Safe to say, I got my fair share of prank calls and when I got a call from someone claiming to be Mr Cameron I assumed it was someone messing with me again, but it turns out it wasn't. He genuinely needed someone to watch his youngest daughter Wheezie and I needed cash, and he does pay generously, especially now considering recent circumstances.

Glancing at the clock that is nailed above the exit I see that it's 2:00 P.M, the best time of my day, getting out of here. Grabbing the key from my pocket, I lock up the till before heading toward the poor excuse of a staff room.

Glancing around the room blue painted room, making sure no one is still on their lunch, I quickly grab my bag and dash over to the fridge. I never, and mean never, condone stealing, that's why I don't call it that. I prefer 'borrowing and then 'forgetting' to give it back'. Sure, I never asked if I could 'borrow' the alcohol that I am currently stuffing in my bag but, that's neither here nor there.

I throw my bag, which I can already tell is going to cause my back hell, over my shoulder. I grab Kie longboard, which I did ask for permission to use, and begin to make my way past the checkouts.

Before leaving, I pivot around, "Hey, Mrs Adams," I called out just to see that she was already glaring in my direction, a bit creepy if you ask me, "Don't worry, you've only got like what, another 6 hours?" acting like I didn't know as I pointed at the clock.

"Oh, and before I forget," I rush over to her counter and rip my calculator off her till. Smiling sweetly at the older lady, saluting her as I leave, "See you next week, Mrs Adams," I laugh, running out the door, jumping onto the longboard.

Let the fun begin.

Now there is something about my friends that you should know. As cheesy as its sounds, we're a group of misfits who happen to fit perfectly together, well almost perfectly, but no matter what we've got each other backs.

Now, where do we start?

JJ Maybank. We've been best friends since the third grade after he got into a fight with some kids who were making fun of me for having a 'boys name', and I haven't been able to get rid of him since. He's the guy who jokingly pushed me off the HMS Pogue only to quickly find out that I couldn't swim. I insisted that it was fine but JJ doesn't take no for an answer and took it upon himself to personally teach me.

He's the most loyal guy I know, willing to drop anything to help his friends. I most definitely developed my kleptomaniac tendencies from him and despite how much I deny it, I have a soft spot for him.

Next, Kiara Carrera or Kie, my best and only girl friend. I met Kie during her first year at the Kook Academy, I had seen her around before, passing out leaflets about how 'we're killing our planet' and that 'the turtles deserve better'.

I was about to go fishing with my dad when I saw someone sitting at the dock, feet dangling in the water. Long story short: she was supposed to meet up with some of her 'friends' but they had sailed away leaving her behind. So, I asked if she would like to come fishing with us, half expecting her to say no, being partly a Kook and all, but she said yes. And now she's one of us, the Pogues. Not sure how her parents feel about that, but there is no denying I'm their favourite. Right?

There's Pope Heyward. I met Pope in the first grade. We were sitting beside each other at assembly and he dared to tell me that my singing voice sounded like cats dying, not that he was any better mind you. I had seen him around the cut a few times, helping his dad with deliveries and after seeing him struggle to carry four bags of groceries, I offered him some help. Of course, being a stubborn 6-year old boy, he delined saying 'I don't need your help, I'm super strong'. Safe to say, two seconds later I was carrying two bags and helped Pope and Mr Heyward with the rest of the deliveries that day.

I got an earful from my dad when I got home, but I didn't care, I'd made a friend that wasn't my brother. They didn't believe me when I said I had a friend called Pope, just brushing it off as one of my imaginary friends. Let's just say they got a fright when my 'imaginary friend, Pope' showed up at the Château.

Speaking of, up next, John Booker Routledge, John B. My twin, fraternal twin. Is 12 minutes older than me and will never let me forget it. My favourite memory with John B was when he fought to the death with our triplet in the womb. Okay, maybe that didn't happen, but you weren't there so, where's your evidence that it didn't?

He's my other half, not my better half because we all know I'm the better twin, and I couldn't live with him and his optimism. He can be irrational at times, but he always has plan A-Z mapped out in his head. I'm currently trying to convince him that we psychic powers, and by currently I'm mean from the day we were born. It's a weird sensation like there's a pit in the bottom of my stomach, and once I get that feeling I know that something's not right. And with a brother like John B, I get that feeling at least 3 times a day.

Might as well introduce myself whilst I'm at it. I'm Mason, Mason Routledge. The better twin. Yes, I too, have a middle name but I will never tell it to anyone because of how utterly embarrassing it is. I have managed to swear John B to secrecy, but I know it's just a matter of time before he blurts it out.

Now I know what you're probably thinking, 'Mason? That's a boys name.' Well yes, you'd be right but really what is a boys or girls name? The reason why I'm called Mason is simple, mom and dad were expecting twins. Twin boys. They had the names planned out as soon as they heard the news. One would be named John B after our dad, Big John, and the other would be named Mason, after our mom's dad. Makes sense, right?. Well, it was until I popped out, y' know not being a boy. But I love my name and I wouldn't change it for the world. My unspoken middle name, however, yes, I would rather that just not be associated with me.

I like to believe that I can hold my own, maybe it's because I grow up in a predominantly male household or the fact that I'm a Pogue, but I don't take peoples shit. My friends and I seem to always have the world against us, but without a doubt, I'd ride or die for them. They're my family.

Seeing the all too familiar hippie van parked at the side off the road brings me out of my autopilot state. Jumping off the longboard, I hurriedly shoved it into the back of the van. Fun fact about John B's van, he never locks it. There would be the fear about someone stealing it, but honestly, it's trashed and smells like weed, no thanks to JJ.

Quickly scaling the fence and as quietly as possible I tip-toed into the under-construction house and up the cement stairs, dodging the dangling wires and leftover pots of plaster.

'I can't believe they got rid of the turtles for this'

I'd know that voice anywhere. Peering around the corner, I spot Kie, hunched over a table reading what I'm assuming is maps for the house. Coming up with an idea, I slowly start to creep towards her, raising my hands just to clasp them down on her shoulders, "And what do you think you're doing?" I say in the deepest voice I can muster.

Jumping out her skin with a squeal, she spins around, hand over her heart, breathing heavily, "Macy, what the fuck? Don't do that," she exclaims, slapping my arm after she realises it was only me.

Unable to stop myself from laughing at her shock, "God, Kie, didn't know you had such a girly scream," I wheeze, arms wrapped around my stomach in an attempt to stop the ache.

Nodding her head pettily, "Yeah okay, you got me," clicking her tongue, but against her best efforts, a small smile dances across her face.

Taking a few deep breaths to calm my giggles, "Once you're done with sad girl hours, come out back, I've got beer," making my way towards the open glass doors.

"Caring about the turtles doesn't make me a sad girl," she exclaims as I nod my head understandingly, "You keep telling yourself that," I wave stepping outside, breathing in the fresh ocean breeze.

From under the scaffolding, I see a pair of dangling legs, "Afternoon, boys," I announce, jumping up in an attempt to smack the dangling feet that I now know belong to JJ

"Did you get the goods?" asks John B causing me to hold my hand on my heart, mocking insult, "Do you have no faith in me Johnny boy," tosing him a beer, "Of course, I got the goods."

Holding one out for Pope, even though I knew he would decline, proving my point as he shook his head, "And where did you get said goods?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at me.

Grabbing two beers, I begin to climb up the scaffolding, plopping down next to JJ, handing him a beer which he greatly excepts, "Are you question my morals?" I ask, taking a big gulp of my beer instantly wincing at the lukewarm taste.

"No, no," I hear him say, turning around, occupying himself with the builder's tools.

It a pretty view from up here. The calm crashing of the waves. The way the cold ocean and the warm sky meet for a perfect kiss on the horizon. Imagine living here. Having no worries. Being full Kook.

Glancing at the boy beside me, I see that he was already looking at me. Lifting my eyebrows in question, "You look cute," he cheekily says, picking at the loose thread on my sleeve.

"Very funny JJ," I saying, looking back out at the water, "No, I'm serious. I love a woman in uniform," nudging his shoulder into mine and I nudge him right back, "Hey," he laughs, dramatically falling to his side, "Watch the sweet nectar," holding his can of beer dearly to his chest.

Shaking my head, I turn to see John B scaling the house, jumping up to the peak of the roof, "Hey, please be careful, Johnny B, we don't earn enough to cover a medical bill," I warn sitting my beer beside me, using my hands to block the blinding sun, staring questionably at the boy.

"Oh, but you'd catch me though, right?" he says, now taunting the idea of falling, balancing on one foot with outstretched arms, "And break your fall? Nope," I popped, reach over to grab my can only to grasp the air. Looking at where I know I placed it, my confusion vanishes when I hear the sounds of slurping beside me.

Blinking at the boy, who just peers back at me after tanning my can, crushing it, and letting out a pleasant burp which he so graciously blows in my direction, "Gross, JJ," attempting to swat away the smell. The boy just shrugs, "What were you not done with that?" faux concern covering his face but his eyes glistening with knowing mischief.

"Should I do it?"

"Yeah, jump. I'll shoot you on the way down," says Pope, aim a drill in my brother's direction, "You'll shoot me?" John B taunts, holding up a finger gun, "Pow," he laughs as Pope fall back onto the table pretending to be shot.

"They're going to have Japanese toilets with towel warmers," complains Kie, slugging her way onto the balcony, voicing her distaste for the future Kook's beach house.

"Didn't I tell you to come out when you were done being sad?", I direct, leaning my chin against the cold pole, feeling on top of the world as the fresh breeze blows through my hair.

That swiftly changes when Kie dashes towards my feet, tugging the laces on my converses loose as I hastily attempt to lift my feet away from her snapping fingers, "Go away!" I exclaim hugging my legs to my chest, tusking at her antics "God, you're annoying."

My comment doesn't affect her as she blows me a kiss which I can't help but catch, holding it to my heart sending a wink in her direction, "This used to be a turtle habitat, but who cares about the turtle I guess?"

"Well, I did, but since you've-" I start, but the feeling of my shoe gets tighter distracts me, "...What are you doing?" I question as JJ finishes up my shoes, "You should double knot your laces," he comments, tapping his fingers in a random beat on the toe of my shoes.

Lightly, I begin to flick his hand away only for him to grab my wrist, fiddling with the silver ladybug charm on my bracelet, "Can I have this?" He has asked me this multiple times in the past and the answer has always been the same, "No."

"Can you please not kill yourself?" Kie squints up at my brother, "And don't spill that beer, you're not getting another one," JJ adds just as a sudden gust of wind brushed past causing John B to lose his balance and drop his beer.

Jinx.

"Oh, shit. No!" cries John B, making grabby hands at his fallen beer.

"Of course you did, like right when I told you."

"Smooth."

"Well done, dumbass!"

"Hey!"

The sound of a car pull up to the driveway halts our attack on John B, yelling being heard, "Hey, uh, securities here. Let's wrap it up," confirms Pope, making JJ and I raise to our feet as John B slides off the roof, "Boys are here early today."

Rushing over to grab my bag once my feet are back on the balcony, I lean over the railing squinting, "Gary? Is that you?" I asked, "You know it's me, Mason."

Turning around to look at friends, "It's Gary guys," I smile, "Gary, good to see you, man!" JJ adds and quickly pulls the back of my bag when he sees Gary climb up the stairs, "JJ!"

"You two, are asking for it," Kie laughs as we all rush back through the house, all of us laughing and cheering, running down the stairs, "Go, go!" I giggled as I Gary's attempts to grab me but I duck under his swinging arms, running out to the garden.

"Not much of a hugger man," JJs joke echoing off the empty wall of the house.

Running up beside Pope, I urge him up over the fence, "Come on, Pope, go, go, go," landing on the other side, watching as he lands flat on his face, "Graceful as always Pope," I giggle pulling him back on his feet.

"Come on Pope, Fatso's coming" JJ encourages, suddenly landing beside us just barely missing the hot-headed security who is dangling over the fence, "Come here, you little pricks!"

"Bus is leaving," John B pulls up the van honking the horn, Kie opening the door for us, laughing as we shove each other in. John B wastes no time hitting the gas, driving away from the angry security.

"Check out Gary, gunnin' for a raise," Pope laughs as we watch a hopeless Gary chase after the van.

Having an idea, JJ unzips my bag and leans out of the open door, "Come on Gary," he taunts, waving the beer can in front of the man like you would a dog with a treat.

"You're going to give him a heart attack," Kie sympathises but still finds his actions amusing, "You're so close! You can do it. There you go," he tosses the can at the poor man who attempts to dodge it.

"God, they don't pay you enough, man" I laugh peering out the door, taking in the sight of Gray who is wheezing with his hands planted on his knees.

Seeing enough torture for one day, Kie tugs us back in, "That's enough," she says finally feeling sorry for the poor man, sliding the door close.

"Oh, come on. That sort of initiative is just begging to be punished," reasons JJ, plopping down in the back of the van, now finding interest fiddling with the blunt he pulled from his back pocket.

I lean my head on Kie's shoulder and sigh, "I love Gary," I confess, earning a flick on the head from Pope and a nudge on the leg from JJ

We're the Pogues, and our mission this summer is to have a good time, all the time.

Prologue: FIN!

What did you think?

I’m really excited to explore Mason’s character and her adventures with the Pogues. I have so much planned for her.

I hope you enjoyed this introduction <3

[omegangrins]

Chibnall, Children, Choice and Consequence

Allow me to introduce a companion piece to A Treatise on the Doctor:

It's pretty simple:

Chibnall knows what he's doing and is playing a long game to show how the Doctor needs to take more responsibility.

Let me start off with my favorite examples. That's right, plural.

Every single villain 13 faces is never defeated, merely pushed away from causing them any immediate problems. Tim Shaw being the prime example.

1&10. Seriously, Tim Shaw. Her plan was to use his own bombs on him and then teleport him off the planet. Even without Ranskoor Av Kolos, the Doctor should have thought to check in on him. Especially after The Ghost Monument showed the Stenza were a greater threat than she knew. She still hasn't even checked up on WHAT THE HELL THE STENZA ARE! They sound worse than Daleks but naw, let's go rain-bathing in the upper tropics of Canstano instead.

2. Ghost Monument. We saw the END of an interuniversal race. What the fuck is the beginning that got them there? Who is Illyn and how and why did he orchestrate a super race?

3. Krasko. Sent back in time. Really, Doc? Not gonna take a look at the device and see where Ryan sent the prick so you can double check that he's not gonna cause anymore damage?

4. President Trump analog. Ooooo, you looked at him menacingly, Doc, that'll show him!! Not like he's gonna KEEP DOING ILLEGAL SHIT LIKE THIS.

5. The Pting. She literally shunted it off ship to be dealt with by someone else BUT DOESN'T GO BACK TO BE THAT SOMEONE ELSE ONCE SHE HAS HER TARDIS. That's like leaving a living nuke floating around after sweeping it under the rug while you fly off to Paris.

6. The Pakistani-Indian conflict still happens and millions still die. Not her fault but still....

7. Kerblam. Sure, Charlie's terrorism was solved but not the underlying problem that led to it. Humans still can't work because corporations like profits over people.

8. Similar to the Punjab, how you gonna solve sexism, classism and all the -isms?

9. WHY WAS THE SOLITRACT THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE??!! It's been around since before the universe. Why'd it decide to come back now? It's a whole universe trying to hug our universe to death. Maaaaaaybe we should check out why.

11. She's gets a pass on the Dalek. Fucking impossible to eradicate them.

12. The Master!!! Finally she checks up on something after the adventures... and it's horrible. With everything gone to shit in her absence. Seeing a pattern yet?

And Barton? And the Cassaven? They didn't disappear into smoke.

13. Multiple Earths being multiply fucked. Remember when I said the Doctor couldn't solve racism, classism, sexism, or any of the other -isms? Starting to look like she needs to TRY.

14. The Skithra FLY OFF after getting hit by a laser beam. That kind of thing tends to piss people off. Even if they're idiots using other's technology.

15. Jack. The Judoon. The Ruth Doctor. All things I'd start checking out if I had a time machine BUT

16. WE CAN'T cause the TARDIS emergency alert is going off and we need to hurry up and run and solve this problem before we run out of time in our TIME AND SPACE MACHINE. Leading to another problem the Doctor could help solve but won't. Plastic and over-consumption.

17. Oh yeah, let's trap two Eternals from another universe in the same place. There's NO WAY that could ever turn out bad.

18,19,20. And again. Cyberium. Pushed off Shelley onto herself and onto Ashad and onto The Master.

That's almost 20 "enemies" the Doctor still needs to deal with.

Oh, not to mention that they let UNIT go defunct because they didn't have the forethought to ask if they needed any money in their alien fighting budget. After asking for an office, a desk, and a job. Kinda funny that way, aren't they?

I hope by now you've gotten the idea that this is VERY deliberate. This is Chibnall laying down some very heavy pipe to smack the Doctor like a clothesline. There isn't a one of these situations that can't come around to bite her in the ass.

Barton, Roberts, Skithra. These are all very loose strands for a time traveller like the Doctor to get tripped up on. Chibnall's past episodes prove it. They're all about the Doctor learning how to take responsibility.

42: The Doctor almost gets Martha killed and almost gets himself killed trying to fix it.

The Hungry Earth: The Doctor (a thousand year old "adult") tells Elliot (a 10 year old kid) that "Sure it's totally fine to go get your headphones while we prepare for an approaching unknown alien force." And 11 rightfully gets his ass chewed for it by the child's mother when the kid goes missing because OF COURSE THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS, JACKASS!

Cold Blood: I could write an entire essay about the Doctor's guilt over the Silurian/Human conflicts they've witnessed, but I don't need to. Because every single Silurian centered episode written in the new era is from Chris Chibnall. And you can feel the sad knowledge of Classic Who spill through. He KNOWS how many times the Doctor has fucked up with the Silurians (about 8 times in television format. And it's rough everytime. Rough.) and he writes those episodes like an apology on behalf of the whole human race. And the Doctor. You know why people are put off by Warriors of the Deep? 5 releases a gas that melts the Silurians. And though it's cheesy, the idea and execution is still horrible.

Add to that if the Doctor hadn't stopped to check the crack, then Rory wouldn't have waited and been around to be shot then absorbed by the time crack.

Power of Three: An entire episode about how the Doctor has a problem slowing down and really taking account of the lives of their companions.

Dinosaurs on a Spaceship: The Doctor actually tries to be responsible and pick the right people for a job. For once. But gets angry when they realize it's too late and there's another bunch of Silurians they failed to save. Classic!

Like I said, if you can't see the pattern, you're not paying enough attention to your responsibilites.

Which leads me to the why.

When you fly around time and space for thousands of years, you develop a few duties of care along the way. In every situation, you're the oldest. Technically the only adult in terms of experience. You have a responsibility to act a little less rude and be a bit more aware than needing cue cards to tell you that you should be sad about things around you. And that's the purpose of 13. She's unlucky but learning. Like 12 telling himself something with his face he couldn't say out loud, 13's instincts are leading her to a new place for the Doctor: being a caring, responsible person. Not so much laughing hard or running fast, but being kind. It's the one thing they recognized as a problem in themselves when seeing 1. Being a Doctor is about being kinder than that. Just because you HAVE to saw someone's leg off, that doesn't mean you can't wait a little and comfort them before you do it.

You wanna know what gave me every faith in Chibnall showrunning Doctor Who? 13 staying for Grace's funeral.

Do you understand how unprecedented that is? This is the same person who never said Goodbye to Jo Grant as she got married and fucked off into the night. The same Doctor who said, "I don't do domestic.", did it with Rose a regeneration later, and then closed himself off to everyone but a married couple he felt guilty about who ended up birthing his wife. Have you any idea the number of funerals the Doctor should have the common decency to sit through? This many.

So for 13 to stay around for the death of a woman she has only just met and not only that, BUT call out Ryan's father for not doing the same, it shows tremendous character growth. It's taken millennia but they're still changing.

Something similar happens with Rosa and The Witchfinders. Realizing that there a lot of companions who have been in situations that are sometimes worse than aliens, but they still manage to make it through. So she needs to buck it up and persevere for everyone else.

That's where her anger comes from, and really it's one of my favorite traits on her. It reminds me of 7. Someone impossibly old and impossibly kind saying to hell with it and at least having some fun with the evils who drag us through the universe. And just like Cartmel planned for 7, 13's past will come to haunt her.

That's where children come in. Most of us are crying babies to the Doctor.

There's this thing you notice most in British shows about answering the question directly as asked. Someone says "Are you sure?", you answer "Sure". That's a direct acknowledgement that you heard the question, understood it, and processed it enough to respond in a manner directly correlating to the question asked. Yas and Graham got it and said "Sure" but Ryan missed it and said "Deffo". This is like Elliot with the headphones. The Doctor should have immediately been like, "Okay, Ryan, it's obvious that you're still dealing with the trauma of your grandmother's death and probably not processing things on a logical level. I said "Are you sure?" Not "Are you deffo?" Because we are most definitely not deffo, Ryan. Graham, you wanna help here?"

I'm being sarcastic for points sake but you understand the idea. The Doctor knows better and has a responsibility as such. She should've really sat down with Ryan and Graham and seen if there was a better way to process their grief.

Because I'm fairly certain that "Deffo" is gonna lead to Ryan's death and Graham's cancer resurging as time cancer (I don't know what time cancer is. I just know it's bad.)

And that is gonna piss Yas off. Which will give you all that character you think she's missing (she isn't. Her character is in her subtleties and silences.). That's WHY her character is a police officer (like how does no else see that the man who wrote Broadchurch wrote an inspector character companion?) Imagine you're Yaz and you see the Doctor flying around in a big, magic box that says POLICE. As a fellow officer, you're gonna expect some basic safety protocols.

Like do a background check on everyone flying in the TARDIS to know whether they're stable enough (mentally, physically, emotionally) for time and space travel. It's no picnic. These people are going to go through hell. A little vetting and planning like Time Heist or Dinosaurs on a Spaceship goes a long way.

Secondly, full fucking disclosure.

"Oh. I can't die because I change my body. Oh. I have arch enemies that will try to kill and torture us any chance they get. Oh. My home planet is full of the biggest assholes in the universe and I'm including my arch enemies."

Third, police like to do this thing called "check-ups" where they go back to the scene of the crime in order to see if there is any more information that can be gleaned which you might not notice when you are busy running around trying not to be killed... Like, the Doctor has the perfect machine to do this with, but nope. Adventure done, run to the next place!!

These are all things you'd expect any reasonable person to do and say when taking others flying off into time and space and "helping". Even if they are an idiot passing through and learning. Especially when you consider the Doctor is vastly older and more experienced than everyone they encounter. They SHOULD know better. And they've got the lifespan to slow down. It's not like they need to be in a hurry because they're going to die at any moment like humans. The Doctor could easily stay for tea and it would be less than a drop in their lifespan.

Now, as usually is the case when I make these theories, I have a parts 1,2,3,4 and 6. There's allways this 5th piece I miss but I manage to get at the end.

But the 6th piece is the Timeless Child. The Doctor isn't a Time Lord anymore. They're not beholden to those people and ideas anymore. Even moreso, those people basically raped her childhood for their own gain so it's not like you'd really listen to them and their "policy of non-intervention".

I'm sensing a coming Trial of a Time Lord season (even believing these two seasons are the opening statement and preliminary evidence of the trial itself) wherein the Doctor finally gets the turnaround 6 deserved. A Trial of the Time Lords, if you will.

"In all my travels through time and space I have battled against evil, against power-mad conspirators. I should have stayed here! The oldest civilization: decadent, degenerate and rotten to the core! Power mad conspirators? Daleks, Sontarans, Cybermen — they're still in the nursery compared to us! Ten million years of absolute power: that's what it takes to be really corrupt!"

This is what it's all coming down to. Chibnall's takedown of the Time Lords. And The Master is going to play the most crucial role of all.

They're going to be revealed as an Ux alongside the Doctor and show how the only constants they have in this universe are each other and it's about damn time they work together and tell these high collars to eat Schitt while they explore every star and planet they can find.

Come on, the episode is called The Timeless "Children". If it was just the Doctor it'd be called "The Timeless Child". The Master says as much with the misdirect line, "built on the lie of the Timeless Child." since we see two kids playing in that flashback.

"Since always. Since the Cloister Wars, since the night he stole the moon and the president's wife, since he was a little girl. One of those was a lie, can you guess which one?"

Now we know which one was a lie, we know the Master HAS known the Doctor since they were a little girl. THAT little girl...

But this is all just speculation. It's not like Chris Chibnall could have been thinking about this for the past 40 years and was given a blank slate to do whatever he wanted for five years on his favorite TV show. If y'all want to think he took those reigns and is choosing to make things worse...

Well then you don't know much about responsibility.

I'll let the man himself tell you about it.

"Very early in my career,” says Chibnall, “someone told me that you learn more from a failure than you do from a success. And then I lived out that phrase for a year in Los Angeles. I learned that I would not work that way again or be put in that situation again.” The essential lesson was: “You either have to be in total control of a show or working with people who share your vision and will work with you to achieve it. Also, never work with 13 executive producers.

“Camelot was the classic case of too many cooks. It wasn’t a harmonious set-up and I think that does manifest itself on screen.

“I had a fantastic cast but you have to be free to tell the story you want to tell in the way that you want to tell it. What ended up on screen was not what I wanted and so it is a blemish on my CV.”

Credit to @thirteenthdoc

“You immortals - so entitled, so spoiled. You never clear up after yourselves and you always leave stuff lying around.” - Thirteenth Doctor in Can You Hear Me?

[doodlelolly0910]

Close Encounters of the Spiritual Kind

Summary: Emma Nolan spent a lot of time alone, and that was fine by her. Because one is never truly alone. She should know. She can talk to dead people. What she didn't expect was one of these spiritual encounters to hang around, taking her down a rabbit hole of missing women, revenge, and, least expected, love. Can she save the day and Killian Jones? Is there even another choice?

Read it from the beginning on AO3 and FFN!

A/N: We're already on chapter four! Things with the case are really starting to heat up here, and some big background on Killian comes to light. Also, the confirmation on the identity of the woman Emma has been hearing all this time! I'm sure you guys have already guessed who she is, but her identity is confirmed here. Thanks so so much as always for reading and a HUGE thank you to the fantastic @kmomof4 being such an amazing part of this process as my beta and thanks to @courtorderedcake the brilliant artwork she's created for this piece. Enjoy chapter 4!

Chapter 4

Emma hated days like this. She knew from the multiple messages she'd gotten from Graham and Captain Mills that the tip had been heeded and the captain had sent out a search party to recover Marian's body last night. Which means Robin would be there this morning and very much grieving. Her heart hurt for him.

Unfortunately, Marian's death fit a laundry list of other victims in the area. She was a young woman, missing for several months, and connected to Weaver Gold. Of course, she was the only one that knew for sure that  Weaver Gold was the actual killer, but without actual physical evidence, she couldn't make that accusation. Thankfully, Robin's former association with him was enough to warrant further investigation.

Emma arrived at the office a little earlier than usual, sipping on her iced coffee (no repeats of yesterday, thank you very much), and reviewing her case files before Graham got there. She flipped through a number of pages, looking at names and faces of so many missing girls she hoped she wouldn't find like Marian. Ashley Boyd. Ivy Belfrey. Ariel Havfrue. Shirin Amira. Aurora Prince. Young women that had all gone missing without a trace within the last six months, from all walks of life with seemingly no connection to one another, except one: Mr. Gold. In one way or another, usually through a deal they had made to get out of a bad spot in their lives, all of them had a connection to Gold. And now that a body had turned up, it was time to dig deeper. She turned back to the bulletin board set up with information on Gold and his enterprise and looked at the red yarn webbing connecting pieces of these women's lives to him and it made her blood boil. She was going to be the one to take him down. She had to be.

"Hey, Em." Graham's sheepish voice came from the doorway behind her as her partner made his way into their shared office. "You're here early."

Emma nodded and hummed an affirmative sound before turning back to study her board. Graham cleared his throat and she turned back to him to see him watching her intently.

"Something you needed, Humbert?" she asked, gathering her files on the desk.

"Ah, no. Well, yes. Kind of," he rambled and Emma raised an eyebrow. He sighed deeply before continuing. "What I mean to say is I feel bad about yesterday. I can't help but feel like maybe your migraine was partially caused by what happened with me startling you and the spill, and of course I feel terrible about that as well. Anyways, I wanted to see about making it up to you by maybe taking you to dinner?"

It was Emma's turn to sigh. Graham looked like such a hopeful little puppy every time he asked her out that, at first, she hated to say no, but she just wasn't in the same place as Graham was. That was at first. Now, she still wasn't in the same place he was and rejection came automatically to her.

"Sorry, Graham. Don't mix business with pleasure. Is Mills in yet?" She tried to change the subject around Graham's crestfallen change in expression. He nodded and began shuffling through papers on his own desk.

"Uh, yeah. I dunno if she even went home last night after they pulled the body. They're razing the whole field to see if there's anymore case files we can close." Graham seemed to have found everything he needed and nodded at his desk, not meeting Emma's eyes. "I'll, uh, see you out there."

Emma squeezed her eyes shut tightly as he left the office. When she was sure he was gone, she turned and picked up her case files and followed him out into the bullpen for the meeting.

Regina Mills was a no-nonsense, severe woman. She was rather imposing for her average stature, her raven hair always in its sleek bob, immaculate pantsuits for every occasion, big brown eyes that looked into the depths of your soul. Emma's two years under her as her captain were tumultuous, to say the least. Over time, they had learned to get along and had even become friends of a sort. Well, as close to being Emma's friend as you could get. But they understood each other, and that was more than Emma had with most people. Unbidden, Killian's face popped into her mind. Maybe he was someone who could understand, too. Emma shook his image from her head as fast as it entered, a flush crawling up her neck at how much she actually thought about someone she'd never even met before.

Things had actually been quieter on the encounters front. Instead of relief, Emma felt unsettled. She was always waiting for the other shoe to drop and she was very careful to avoid touching anything that might trigger her. Especially that damn shirt. But along with all of that, there was an underlying fear that she may be running out of time on multiple counts. If this Killian Jones needed rescue, she knew time was of the essence. Right now, though, she had a job to do.

She gathered her case files and walked into the bullpen, taking a seat on the edge of an open desk next to where Graham sat. A few other people had already gathered themselves. Jefferson, their tech analyst was typing away at his laptop, completely engrossed in his task. Two junior detectives, August Booth and Mulan Fa, stood chatting in front of the water cooler. The door to the central office opened and Captain Mills came striding out.

"Alright, people. As you all know, there was a huge break in the case yesterday with the unfortunate recovery of Marian Locksley's body. We still have no leads on the tip that came in leading to the location of her remains, but Jefferson is looking into that," she addressed the group and Jefferson gave a mock two fingered salute, eyes still glued to his screen. Emma felt butterflies rise up in her stomach, but she'd been careful. There's no reason she'd be found out. "Now, we have a solid lead on a connection to Weaver Gold in regards to these disappearances, but he's sealing up leaks quickly since the body was discovered. Information out of his operation is at an essential standstill. So, we'll have to get it from the source. Nolan, Humbert!" Emma's head snapped up at her name and Graham stood up straighter beside her.

"You have three days to get your affairs in order. Then you're undercover."

Emma's heart jumped into her throat as Regina continued to speak and passed them each a manilla folder with information on the identities created for them. She had never been undercover before in the four years since she'd been promoted to detective.

"Of course you'll want to use all in house resources before you go, you'll only have Jefferson as your contact once you are in the field," Regina continued and Emma looked up to her.

"Did Robin come in already?" she asked and Regina cocked an eyebrow.

"He's in my office. He's provided us with some invaluable intel towards your undercover assignment already," she replied.

"Is he... well, I mean I know he's not... but is he..." Emma struggled to find words to ask about the wellbeing of the man who had lost his wife. There was a reason Graham did most of the talking to the vics.

Regina gave a slow, cool nod.

"He's as well as can be expected," she said thoughtfully. It was rare to see an introspective Regina. She cared about a lot of things, but was never really one to wear her heart on her sleeve. Emma nodded, unsure of how to read Regina.

"Well, it looks like the going just got tough, so I better get going." She stood and the two nodded at each other before Emma walked to her office.

Inside, Graham was poring over the contents of the manila file on his desk with his undercover instructions. She sat opposite of him, eyeing him carefully. He sighed heavily.

"This is insane," he said, flipping his file closed sharply as Emma opened hers. She shrugged.

"We know the case the best. We've been working on it for months now and no one knows Gold better than the two of us. Makes sense." She continued to flip though the file outlining her role as a petty thief and Graham's as a fence of sorts. She scowled down at the pages in her hands.

"I know. You're right. I just can't help but feel like something bigger is going on. And I know that should make me more ready to go, but it just makes me nervous," he admitted. Emma looked up to him and studied the apprehension in his gaze.

"I know, Graham. It's a tough spot. But we're professionals and we can do this. At least we can count on one another." She offered him a warm smile which he returned with a stiff one of his own.

"Yeah. You're right. It must be first time undercover nerves. I'm gonna go grab a coffee and talk to Jefferson. You want anything?" he asked and Emma shook her head.

"No, I'm good. Gonna look through some things and probably head out for the day. Get everything ready to go." She shuffled the papers back into place and closed the folder.

"I'll leave you to it, then. See you Friday." He smiled gently at her again and she nodded her response, turning her attention to her computer as he left the space.

Emma rolled her neck, trying to relieve some tension. She could only hope this went smoothly and quickly. With Gold's status and notoriety, it was unlikely though. Her whole life was likely to be put on the back burner for quite some time. Ruby was going to be pissed. Protective pissed, but still pissed. And then there was the issue with Killian Jones. She felt a pang in her chest at the idea of leaving him to suffer through whatever she was supposed to be "saving" him from. She rolled the mouse on the screen as an idea came to her. She opened up a new search screen and began to type.

Killian Jones.

More than one result popped up in the records database, British naval records, immigration records, naturalization paperwork, guardianship records for one Liam Jones, but the blue eyes staring out from the mugshot on her screen she instantly recognized. So he had a past. She clicked on his arrest record and pulled up his history. Her jaw dropped almost comically.

Robbery.

Assault.

Burglary.

Breaking and entering.

Money laundering.

Evading arrest.

Attempted murder.

The litany of charges he had been arrested for was impressive, to say the least. Curiously enough, however, all charges were subsequently dropped after his arrest due to there not being enough evidence to hold him, except the assault. The assault, an apparently isolated incident against a man named Herman Ahab, he served two years behind bars for. But the scowling man with the piercing eyes and hard set to his jaw seemed absolutely capable of each and every allegation. A far cry to the soft image of a lost and hurting soul gazing wistfully over the sea that she had experienced before. Emma was more conflicted than ever. Was Killian Jones in danger? Or was he the danger himself? Before she could decide for herself the now familiar, but still panic inducing, scent of jasmine crept up on her causing her flesh to erupt in goose pimples.

Good man.

The soft voice murmured. Emma scoffed.

"Clearly," she said, feeling insane for acknowledging the encounter out loud. A surge of floral perfume surrounded her and the words were repeated, a little more forcefully.

Good man.

"If you say so. I don't know why I keep listening to you. I don't even know who the hell you are," she grumbled petulantly.

The voice whispered an answer to the statement she made almost immediately.

Milah.

"Milah, huh. You got a last name, Milah?" Emma asked, bringing up a new search screen to do a little more digging. As quickly as the encounter had come on, the scent of jasmine began to fade and Emma had the distinct feeling she was alone again. 

She sighed heavily and clicked back on the page with Killian Jones’ information. The remaining charges on his rap sheet all appeared to be linked to a single arrest, so she pulled up the report and her heart almost slammed to a stop in her chest.

Killian Jones had been accused of trying to kill Weaver Gold. 

Emma was never much of a believer in fate, but it seemed like there was something bigger at work here.  Call it grand design, destiny, or whatever, there was much to get ready for.