#I think that having Sarah give a speech about how she's not ready for kids and then having her pregnant would be

[yellowlaboratory]

I have come to say chapter 17 was everything it was too good. Like I love my babies so much. Then bonding and that kiss had me spiraling. The only thing, I’m son nervous for what’s to come because there are three chapters left and there probably be more drama and angst. I’m preparing myself to cry.

Anyways I love love love your writing and am so excited for chapter 18. Is it coming out anytime soon??

Also final thing to say, you excited for part 2? Any theories or predictions? I’m so excited I genuinely can’t wait!!

Have a wonderful day!!

this is so sweet!!!! thank you so much 💛💛💛

there are only a couple more chapters left and they are probably going to be some of the longest chapters of the fic. there's a lot I want to cover before we wrap this up. and I'm not going to tell you there won't be angst. :)

as for chapter 18.... well, all I'll say is that it literally ripped my psyche to shreds, but .... it's almost there. I need to go back and forth about a few things and then have my beta reader look at it but it shouldn't be too long now.

and I am SO EXCITED for part 2!!!!! worried nervous filled with doubt and thrilled as well!!! my opinion of part 1 is INCREDIBLY high. i think the one thing I'll say is that I left part 1 feeling like the pates really understood what I loved about the characters and the show, and as long as I can confidently say that about part 2, then I'll be thrilled. I'm not super good at making predictions, mostly cause the pates throw shit at me that I could never expect, but I'm thinking we'll see a non-zero amount of jiara and cleope angst and I'll be eating it up.

also please for the love of god someone please please please get pope and sarah out of that rat infested hole in the ground.

[storiesbyrhi]

I just re-watched season 2 of Stranger Things and here's the takeaway for me - stop me if you've heard this one before ;) - whoever I was when I watched it in 2017 is not the girl you see before you. I have a wayyyy different interpretation of the characters and the show.

(Season 1 thoughts here.)

'MADMAX' was the coolest way to introduce Max. She is absolutely as rad as I remember. I'm not entirely sure they knew why they wrote Max into the show... Was it to give Lucas something to do (which is shitty for his character); was it to add another girl (yay tokenism); was it a setup for later seasons (I might accept that because not all new characters have to be the star of the show)? Who knows! What I do know is that Sadie Sink really gave Max teeth in an otherwise... eh storyline.

I forgot Nancy and Steve went to Barb's parents for dinners. Makes me so fucking sad. The entire Barb situation is tragic. Idk if it was a reaction to the 'Justice for Barb' movement but regardless, having some follow-up around that was so important. Nancy's trauma being (somewhat) explored was great too.

Jesus H. Christ Noah Schnapp can fucking act. Like yeah, Sadie Sink killed season 4 but Noah Schnapp season 2 is incredible. And he's thirteen! And the intensity and nuance in his performance are wild! !!! !!!

I remember being so charmed by the Dustin and Steve pair-up. Still am. Still am.

"He likes it cold." Yikes. Like I said about season 1, it's cool watching this through a Vecna lens. It feels plausible he was the plan for the show all along.

My memory of Dart was a nice one. Turns out that I forgot he killed Mews. Fuck that guy Dart. He is not my homie. RIP Mews. You deserved better.

I remember the demodogs being more dog-like. They truly be serving Silent Hill, huh?

Unpopular opinion but I don't hate the Kali storyline. I can see how I thought it sucked in 2017; waiting all that time for season 2 to finally come out, then getting that. I probably wanted more action and group bonding. However, I like that we got to see a) an alternative outcome for El had she not found Mike and Hopper, and b) El gain some autonomy in her search for history and home. It makes her choice to be Hopper's daughter more meaningful. The storyline also broadened the danger and cruelty of Brenner and co., and gave a legit setting for El to learn more about her powers.

RIP Bob. My memory of you was correct and you truly are a hero. Casting was A+ because nobody thought they'd violently kill a LOTR/Goonies star in the 80s themed show.

Watching the entire gang in the Byers house in episode 8 was so cool. That sweeping shot of all of them poised ready for the demodog attack... chefs kiss. I am now even angrier that they were all separated in season 4.

There's so much talk about cool television dads. Din Djarin this. Bandit Heeler that. Joel Miller who. Bob Belcher why. Where is the hype for Joyce Byers, who once again proves to be parent of the motherfucking year?! Are you kidding me?!

Knowing that the show goes on to call Mike the heart of the party is a real kick in the teeth. Will is so utterly the heart of this family and found family.

So, I never fell in love with Steve. Not a Stevie girlie. But, ah, this rewatch has me feeling all kinds of things. The fucking character development on this boy?! Might have to branch out into some Steeeeeedie x Reader fics. Shiiiit.

I. Love. Nancy. She. Is. So. Smart. Give. Her. More. Guns. And the scene with Dustin at the dance still breaks my heart. I love her, your honor.

Murray was exactly how I remembered.

Hopper was wayyyy better this season. The "sometimes I think I'm a black hole" speech was fantastic. Him telling El about Sarah, finally, is so healing for them both.

My opinions about Jonathan and Steve changed so much between 2016 and 2023, so I went into this with an open mind re: Billy. However, here's the thing. He's racist. Racists just aren't babes. No matter how else his behaviour and personality are contextualised, he will always be a racist so it's a hard no for me. Yes, Billy is the victim of an abusive parent, but that can only be used to explain some of his behaviour. Not all of it. Nor can it be used to excuse some of his behaviour. Nothing that has happened to Billy can justify the way Max is terrified when she hears his car. She is terrified of him. I'm not saying they don't love each other in a very complicated messy way, but when I try 'redeem' (for lack of a better word) season 2 Billy, I can't. Billy deserved a safe and good home, deserved better than what life gave him, but he'll continue to be a blocked tag for me. I do wanna say that I think he's an important character for a lot of people, and that is so valid. That's why I don't go around posting shit about him 24/7. I'll probably have a lot to say about him in season 3 too, because hey guess what, sexualising a teenager is weird as hell @ grown up adult women living in Hawkins.

At the end of season 2 I am so keen for some more El/Will friendship, Max development, and Jopper.

And I'm onto season 3. (Edit: here's the link!)

This has been a Stranger Things Rhi-Watch.

[davidpwilson2564]

Bloglet

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Today, the dentist.  The Madison Avenue dentist.  Hoping to get away without to much damage to my check book.  

Note: Obit for Mr. Whittington, the man then vice president Dick Cheney shot in the face when they were hunting together.  Notably, Mr. Whittington apologized for having gotten in Dick’s line of fire.  (One cannot help thinking of Pence’s near apology to The Donald for his (Pence’s) failure to be hanged by Trump’s goons.)

Bus to the East Side.  That waiting room at the dentist.  A blinding white.  A waiting room of the future.  The news is good.  Just a cleaning and then told to come back in six months.  Thank God.  The dentist (Dr. P) is surprised when I him I’m eighty.  (And now I remember my uncle saying that when people say “You’re looking good” they are trying to tell you that there isn’t much string left on the reel.)

I have made a habit of stopping by that Madison Ave deli for a bagel with lox and cream cheese.  This time, unless the cashier made a mistake, it costs me something like eighteen dollars.  Ouch.  

Note: Young Mr. Dudamel will take over the N Y Phil.  Diversity is key here.  He is the first Latin to conduct the Philharmonic.  It is hoped that he will bring some of the same excitement Lennie brought to this group.  He is more photogenic than Jaap.  (Minutiae: Yaap is awfully good. Very intense. Blomsted, at 95 [!] recently conducted, seated [I read] on a piano bench.   I have yet to go to the new hall and hear them..  I gather that tickets are godawful expensive. AB went a concert.  At intermission, he says, he got an eighteen dollar glass of wine)

The president makes a speech. (State of the Union.) It’s all a circus for MTJ...she is seen walking the halls of Congress with a big white balloon. (Security forbids her from bringing it inside, to the meet.)  As things are getting ready to begin young Mr. Santos (how the hell will they ever get rid of him?) is in the middle of things, the center aisle, as Joe makes his entrance. Smirking. Glad-handing. (For now he’s pulled a fast one.)  The camera catches Santos being rebuffed by Romney.  (Telling Santos, one guesses, that he should be at the very back of the room.)  The “kids” are there.  Boebert, MJT (dressed in a white coat with an enormous fur collar, looking like a high-end hooker)...  As Biden speaks (Kevin McCarthy sitting behind him) he is booed, heckled. For the yahoos in attendance heckling the president is de rigueur. He handles it well. .  

Sarah Huckabee Sanders gives a rebuttal of Joe’s speech.Not easy o n the eye.  Daddy’s little girl.  Talks about the “woke Left mob.”  Oh boy.  This is MAGA stuff but I don’t know who in that crowd has any idea what “woke” means. 

Lebron James breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record.  Much excitement over this.  Kareem present for the breaking of this long standing record.  

to be continued

[sleeplessdreamer14]

I know these two are gonna get married so how did Jim propose to Sophie when that time comes?

I put everything on hold for this right here 👆🏽👆🏽I’ve actually talked to a couple of mutuals about this before and it’s just so nice to think about so I’m so glad you asked. Just a fair warning, this is gonna get pretty sappy, so prepare yourselves.

They’ve been dating for about 7 years when Jim decides he wants to marry Sophia. Overall their relationship is one of if not the healthiest in their friend group so that’s good :3

Jim has actually thought about it before, but only now is he really going through with it.

And of course they’ve both eluded to the idea in conversation a couple times before, but the topic would often leave just as soon as it came

He’s super anxious, obviously. Poor lad just wants to do this right. Not just the proposal, but their marriage overall if they are to say yes.

No matter what happens, there’s no way he’s ever going to take this love for granted.

Back before the treasure planet voyage, Jim never thought he’d ever have a chance at a future with her, but here he is, and he never forgets how lucky he is. Who needs treasure when you’ve got the sweetest person in the world for a best friend & lover?

If he’s charting his own course, then he wants this to be forever. Jim knows what he wants, and he’s ready, all he needs is an answer from her.

he goes to Theodosia and makes sure she’s cool with him marrying her daughter

Jim even visited Connor’s memorial, even though he knew he wouldn’t get an actual response and was like “I really love your kid and I wanna marry them, I hope that’s okay.”

Jim went to confide in his mom, and she was actually kind of nervous about it.

Not on purpose, of course, it’s just the trauma of Leland leaving her making her anxious, even though she knows they’ll be okay.

So Sarah has a long and late and personal talking to with Jim. "I hope I raised you well enough for you to already know this.. But you need to be SURE your ready for this. Understand? This is everything.."

He understands, and promises that he won’t make his father’s mistakes (big tight 3 minute long hug :3)

When he first told Silver he was planning on popping the question, Silver’s first response was “Well it’s ‘bout time!”

When Jim expresses that he’s nervous, even though Silver honestly doubts she’ll say no, he understand how important this is to him. “Just be yerself. Don't be afraid about showing her yer nervous. That just shows how much she means to you."

In the end, he tells him to simply hope for a yes, and prepare himself for a no.

And then comes the fateful day. it’s not really planned, he just goes with his gut.

They go somewhere quiet where they can watch the afterglow.

Jim eases into the conversation, telling her that he’s wanted to ask her something for a while.

He’s also sure it clarify that it’s perfectly okay if their answer to said question is no. The last thing he wants is for them to feel pressured into saying yes.

Sophie’s a little anxious, but listens intently as Jim proceeds to basically pour his heart out, bringing them both close to tears.

They notice that his hands are getting shaky, so they gently squeeze them for comfort.

once he comes to the end of his little speech, Jim takes a deep breath and gets down on one knee.

upon realizing exactly what’s happening, Sophie has to stifle a whimper and keep their legs from giving out.

“Sophia Moana Luca Iris, will you marry me?”

it takes a moment for Sophie to respond, she’s trying not to cry (and kinda sorta utterly failing)

“Of course.”

soft tackle hug, happy crying, a lotta kisses

y’know all those weird wedding traditions? yeah, toss them out the window.

greenery >>> floral arrangements

groomsmen & bridesmaids are out ❌ besties and wedding party are in ✅

J: who the hell invented the garter toss? S: no clue, scratch it out.

A thousand years could disappear and they would still love each other just as much as they do now. All they really want is to stay together, so that’s what they’re gonna do.

@aalbliii @ohdamnitsaferret @emerald-echeveria-plant @uselessalexis165 @the-weirdos-mind @wallymcflubberfins if any of you would like to contribute, just put it in a reblog :3

[astonmartinii]

lemonade and star-crossed lovers, p1 (JJ Maybank)

Warnings: none yet, swearing? all core characters are aged up to 18, Rafe is 21. 

JJ Maybank x kook!reader (super super slow burn) (this will hopefully be a series) 

WC: 4.0k 

Growing up, Y/N always heard jokes about how the eldest daughter was just the mum in a different font. She never used to believe it, but that was when she had present and dedicated parents. Now, it just seemed that with every addition to the Miller family, the less interested Kevin and Julie Miller became. 

So here Y/N was, practically a mother to her three younger siblings. 

Dylan is only a year younger than Y/N but is no less of a hassle, especially when his useless friends decide to crash at their place. But considering they had the most hectic house of Dylan’s friendship group, the Miller household was usually the last option. 

Then there’s Anderson, he’s in his rebellious phase currently, getting to that point where he’s figured out that acting out could maybe get the attention of his parents. Though Y/N wasn’t sure how well his plans were working out. 

Peach is the youngest and practically attached to Y/N’s hip. To an untrained eye, Y/N often looked like a teen mum as she took Peach with her to the grocery shopping. In fact, Y/N was sure that if the kooks in Figure Eight didn’t know her family, they’d sneer at her with the same ignorance that clouded their entire lives. 

Y/N woke up glad - it’s the last day of school. Summer break looms. The idea of boneyard keggers and hot (but equally clueless) tourons, excited the girl. But she knew her summer reality would be looking after Peach, bailing Anderson out of jail and swatting away the affections of Dylan’s stupid friends. 

—————————————

Dylan is already awake when Y/N comes knocking, taking extra close care to his hair. 

“Oh, you’re up,” Y/N said, moving to ruffle his hair and grab the empty plate on his bedside cabinet. 

“Jesus, fuck Y/N, was that really necessary?” 

“Hey maybe if you spent more time on assignments than your hair you wouldn’t have to take so many summer classes - oh yeah, mum might not remember, but I do, and you will be going.” 

“But it’s summer, surely it’s a violation to my human rights to go to school.”

“I’m sure you’ll survive, and maybe when you finally pass this year, you’ll thank me. Breakfast in 10.” 

Dylan just flips his sister off, going back to admiring himself in the mirror. 

Y/N next goes to Peach’s room to find her awake and rummaging through her draws. 

“Hey, princess, what are you thinking for the last day? Third grade finished already, you’ll be my age soon, wheeling me into the retirement home.” 

Peach erupts into giggles, pulling out a little pink summer dress and grabbing her pink sandals to complete the ensemble. 

“All pink, we love. Breakfast in 10, alright, don’t want you to be late for the last day.” 

Anderson’s room is last, Y/N doesn’t bother knocking on her parent’s door. Kevin is probably already down on Judy - his beloved boat. The room is typical of a 14 year old boy, it stunk, his weed paraphernalia was badly hidden and there was a lump of pillows under the cover instead of a boy. 

Shrugging, Y/N picked up the dirty mugs in his room and moved downstairs. She’d been awake nearly an hour now but was still unsure of what to make for breakfast. Opening the fridge gave her the only possible answer, leftover pizza from the previous night and maybe a porridge pot, though considering there were only two siblings to account for, it would do. 

Dylan and Peach joined her in the kitchen shortly after, each taking a slice or two of pizza. 

“No Anderson and pizza for breakfast? Watch out, we'll be calling CPS as soon as we’re outside.“ 

“You don’t know where the bug is? Why does that boy insist on giving me early onset cardiac issues?” 

“Don’t take it too to heart, I’m sure he’ll turn up by the second period.” 

“Okay, go to school now. Dylan, are you okay to drop Peach off, I’ll pick her up.” 

Dylan nods and ushers the youngest out of the door and to his car. Y/N lets out a sigh when she sees them leave the driveway and makes her way to the back door. Through the sliding door she can see her dad, Kevin on Judy instructing John B, the kid who worked on the boat, what to do. Y/N puts two slices of pizza on a plate and grabs an apple and ventures out to the dock. 

“Morning Y/N.” 

“Morning, John B, can I interest you in an apple? It’s all we have I’m afraid.” 

“No worries, any breakfast is breakfast when you’re a pogue.”

“Oh John B, you know I don’t believe in all that sub-par class warfare bullshit.” 

“Of course you don’t, but that’s very easy to say when you’re on the other side.” 

“Touche.” 

Y/N doesn’t say anymore, but moves to give her dad his breakfast. She liked John B and hoped he didn’t see her like the other kooks. Sure Rafe Cameron frequented her house, but she’s nothing like him. 

“Thanks, squirt.” 

Despite the nickname, Kevin was absent as ever, not moving to look at her. 

“You’re children are off to school, don’t worry.” 

Silence. 

“Oh thank you Y/N, I really don’t know what we’d do without you! You’re such a gem, you’re really unappreciated and we don’t deserve you! Thanks dad, I really needed to hear that. Are you coming later?”

“Where?” Kevin grunted, with pizza in his mouth. 

“My graduation? Did you forget that was today?” 

The awkward silence was enough of an answer for Y/N. 

“Sorry squirt, I promised to go to the mainland to pick something up for your mother.” 

With that, Y/N stormed off Judy, towards the house and into her room. When she sat down on her bed she could think about what just happened. She knew her parents didn’t care about her, but missing their first child’s graduation for a small errand to the mainland? 

Now that the house was quiet again, she could get ready - she was graduating today and as valedictorian she wants to look her best. Julie, her mum, is in Washington on some mysterious job venture, Y/N wasn’t told until she came down in the morning a few days ago and saw Julie with her suitcases. She guessed that one positive of her parents’ absenteeism is her ability to steal Julie’s expensive jewelry to wear. 

Y/N looked in the mirror, she did clean up nice when she wanted to. Her lengthy hair is in a half-up, half-down style, with minimal makeup and a red knee-length dress. The dress hugged her figure and complemented her graduation gown perfectly. Too bad none of her family would be there to see it. She knew deep down that Peach and Dylan would’ve attended if possible, and Anderson would maybe even make an appearance, especially if there was food involved. 

Y/N put her matching red heels on and grabbed her cap from her closet. After one final look in the mirror and putting her printed speech into her bag, the young girl made her way down the stairs. 

To her surprise, none other than John B sat in her kitchen drinking a glass of water. 

“You clean up nice kook,” said John B, a smug smirk on his face. 

“Thank you, John. Don’t you have graduation today?” 

 “Eh, yeah. I’m just going for the food though, school isn’t really my thing…” John B looked closer at her cap. “I’m practically the opposite to you Miss Valedictorian”. 

“Hmm, well at least someone in this house noticed, thank you John B. I’m going now, I didn’t notice your van out front, you need a lift to yours?” 

“Is that really on your way, wouldn’t want Miss Valedictorian to be late to her own event, you got a speech ready?” 

“I do as a matter of fact, but I want to be just on time, minimise the time people have to ask about the whereabouts of my parents. So, do you want a lift or not?” 

“Sure thing, Miss Valedictorian.” 

Y/N doesn’t acknowledge the nickname, but secretly loved it, it was a joke, but at least someone was appreciating her achievements. Peach would, she knows, but she’s not really at the point of understanding what it means and the others really are wildcards.

She led John B out to her small car, a baby blue Beetle. The boy smiled at her choice in car, 

“I’m sure that a kook like you could afford better than this.”

“Don’t insult Shelby in her presence, weren’t you ever taught manners? Now get it and give me directions.” 

The drive was fun, not that John B would tell Y/N that. He enjoyed her music choice, Mac Miller blasting from her speakers and the windows were fully rolled down, damned be her hair. 

Y/N neared the chateau and came to a stop. There were a few people sitting on the porch, looking over in confusion. 

“Yo, what’s with the kook-mobile, John B?” The blonde yelled from his seat on the beaten-up couch. 

When John B only turned to Y/N to say thank you, the interest peaked on the porch. The little gang of pogues moved towards the car. 

“John B, I didn’t realise your job came with a taxi service, why did I have to drop you off this morning?” The blonde, once again. 

“Lay off JJ, this is Y/N Miller, she’s the daughter of Kevin, the guy whose boat I work on. She’s on her way to her graduation and offered me a lift.” 

“Since when are kook graduations on the Cut?” The other boy interjected. 

Y/N decided to speak up, “if I knew an act of kindness would cause so much strife, I’ll just let you walk home next time. Now, I do have somewhere to be, so it was nice to see you, John B. I'm sure I’ll see you again this week.” 

“Bye Miss Valedictorian, good luck with your speech,” John B said, getting out of Shelby. 

“You’re the valedictorian?” Kiara finally spoke, face shocked. 

“Yeah, surprising what happens when you show up for school right?” Y/N snapped, angrier than she intended. 

“Oh yeah, sorry. I guess I thought that maybe Sarah would get it, especially if Ward has anything to do with it.” Kiara grimaced, she didn’t mean to offend the Miller girl. 

“You can’t buy the valedictorian title, well I’m sure you could, but not to flex, but my grades were miles better. If we’re being really ironic though, Ward technically does pay for the valedictorian,” Y/N said with a smile, not meaning to brandish her academic success in their faces. 

A chorus of “huhs?” from the pogues surrounding her car told Y/N that they weren’t catching her drift. 

“I’m Ward Cameron’s assistant. Sorry, I didn’t make that very clear.” 

“You have a job, but you’re a kook?” the blonde, JJ, said. 

“Yes, blondie, some of us do have to look out for ourselves, didn’t your parents tell you not to judge a book by its cover. I’ll see you around. Bye John B.” 

Y/N backed out of the road, heading back to Figure Eight, with her graduation starting in 10 minutes, she had massively overstayed her welcome at John B’s. If she weren’t so busy, Y/N always thought she’d like to be friends with John B and his crew, they had an unmistakable family bond that Y/N craved. She loves her siblings but they are still grappling with the idea of give and take, mainly fixating on the taking aspect. 

Y/N pulled up to school, and took out her phone, dropping a text to Anderson pleading with him to at least make it to two classes today. Even with her phone safely away in her bag, Y/N couldn’t quite bring herself to get out of the car. Happy families surrounded her everywhere she looked, she couldn’t handle the stares when she walks in alone. Well, it’s now or never she says to herself. 

Walking isn’t as bad as she suspects, Mr Morgan, her English teacher, meets her at the door and takes her to her seat, explaining the mechanisms of the ceremony and when she’ll make her speech.  

The hall, however, is the reminder that Y/N was dreading. The two seats she had booked for her parents sat empty, standing out like a sore thumb in the packed hall. She made her way to the student section with her head down. However, before Y/N could sit she was apprehended by an excitable Sarah Cameron. 

“Y/N! Hi! I heard you’re valedictorian, well done! I don’t know how you managed, with all the work and your siblings, you really are amazing.” 

“Thanks, Sarah.” 

The words sting, despite their pure intentions. She’s a kook, she shouldn’t have to work, and she should have parents who care for her and her siblings, but some things just aren’t meant to be, clearly. Y/N sat in her assigned seat and willed the ceremony to go fast, though she wasn’t looking too forward to her speech. The diversion to the chateau meant that Y/N had no time to look over it again. 

The ceremony started and the hall quietened down. Principal Stoney started her opening speech, basking in the spotlight when the hall door bursts open and interrupts. In the doorway stands Anderson. His hair is disheveled and the clothes are torn, probably from the nightly activities with the skateboard he held in his hand. The boy scanned the hall, eyes falling on the empty seats with the name Miller and then Y/N herself. He gives her a small wave and pushes past the Figure Eights families to the seats. 

Principal Stoney just restarts, a slight bewildered look on her face. 

When it was time for her speech, Y/N didn’t even feel real, like she floated to the stage and was possessed. Her speech went well from what she could gather, Mr Morgan gave her a thumbs up and Anderson hollered, much to the dismay of the families around him. But he was even worse when she received her diploma. 

As families spilled onto the field for fancy food and photo opportunities, Y/N wrangled Anderson to the side before he could raid the food stalls. 

“Anderson, what the fuck? First you didn't come home last night and then crash my graduation?” 

“Hey, I’m sorry about last night, me and the boys got carried away skating and I crashed on Oscar’s couch. I’m sorry, I should’ve called. And as for now, you think I’m going to let my smart-ass VALEDICTORIAN sister graduate without anyone being here to holler? You’re dead wrong.” 

The sentiment fills Y/N’s heart with joy and tears threaten to spill. Anderson’s never been good with feelings, it was nice to know that he did care. 

“Mum and dad can go fuck themselves, if they don’t see how great you are then they’re blind.” 

“Thanks, bug. It means a lot. Now don’t eat too much, people are probably already annoyed that you’re here.” 

Anderson shrugs, he couldn’t care less what they thought, he was here to eat and show off his sister. 

“Congratulations Y/N!” 

The voice of Y/N’s boss, Ward Cameron, was easily identifiable. Y/N puts on her confident face and turns to see the whole Cameron brigade, minus Wheezie. 

“Thank you, Mr Cameron.”

“You know, I just don’t know how you get it done, working for us and dealing with your siblings…” Rose says, the last part fading out as she watches Anderson walk back to his sister with his arms piled high with fancy horderves. 

“It’s tough, yeah, but what wouldn’t you do for your family?” 

“Of course, of course, sorry for any implications, where is the old man, I know Julie is off on business, but Kevin has to be proud, I didn’t see him in the hall?” Ward’s voice feigned sincerity, but the Miller siblings saw right through it. Before Anderson could respond, Y/N replied. 

“Dad is also doing business on the mainland, at the last minute. He’s devastated, really,” it's not convincing, even to her. Y/N can tell she hasn’t convinced the Camerons either. Sarah gives her a sad look, Rose attempts to mirror her step-daughter but fails, Ward looks slightly smug, like he’s trying to hide it but Rafe doesn’t even try to hide it like his dad, a massive smirk on his face. 

“What are your plans for the summer Miller?” Y/N is surprised when it’s Rafe who asks the question. 

“Well, I’ll be working for your dad, if he’ll have me, I still have my volleyball coaching in the tourist season and there’s never a dull moment with these around,” Y/N puts her arm around Anderson. 

Looking for a quick exit, she looks at her watch. 

“Oh, if we go now, you can still catch your last two periods. Kids, am I right?” She gestures at Rose and Ward, “we’ll be off now, I’ll see you next week?” 

The Camerons nod as Y/N pulls Anderson away and towards the car park. But before they can fully escape, they’re stopped by Mr Morgan. 

“You think you can leave without a photo and a proper goodbye, I didn’t think you were that kind of girl, Miller.” 

“Of course not, Mr Morgan, here,” she hands Anderson her phone, “take a picture please.” 

Anderson does so, taking about 50 at once. 

“Okay, okay, let's get one of you two, you can’t not have a proper graduation picture, especially not when you’re valedictorian.” 

Mr Morgan takes the phone and smiles at the siblings. When the impromptu photoshoot ends, Y/N is glad, despite it pushing back her escape. 

“Y/N, on a serious note, you are always welcome in my classroom, you’ve been a pleasure, and don’t tell anyone, but you were my favourite. And you, I hope you’ll be just as good next year sir,” he says turning to Anderson, “although considering you’re here and not in class doesn’t bode well.” 

“Thank you, sir, really. But you are completely right, and that’s why we’re bouncing now, so he can get two at least two periods.” 

Mr Morgan smiles at the two when they start to run to the car. He’s always felt sad for the eldest Miller, and her parents absence did not go unnoticed. 

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

“I’ll see you later, I know you guys will probably crash a kegger, but at least come home before you go?” 

“Yeah, yeah, okay, who knows maybe I’ll see you there?” 

Anderson laughs and gets out of the car, he knows his sister won’t especially when Peach will be home. Y/N watches him go into the building and stays a couple minutes to make sure he doesn’t sneak back out when he thinks she’s gone. 

But Y/N barely gets time to breathe, as she’s down to the elementary school to pick up Peach. The girl in all pink is waiting with a gaggle of friends and shrieks when she sees the blue car. 

“Y/N! Y/N! I got the “most improved” in drama!” 

Y/N opens the door and picks up Peach, spinning her round and congratulating her. 

“Well done, bubs. This calls for a celebration, it’s the first day of summer and the boys won’t be out for another couple of hours - what do you want to do?”

Peach doesn’t even need a second to think. 

“Lemonade stand!” 

Huh? Y/N was prepared for an answer closer to maybe a princess party or surfing lessons, but a lemonade stand? 

“Are you sure?” 

“You said we could do whatever I want!” 

“Okay, okay, let’s go then we’ve got a lot to do.” 

Satisfied with getting her way, Peach got in the car and demanded that the next stop was the craft store. 

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

The next 90 minutes were gruelling. Peach spared no expense, Y/N was lucky that she still had the credit card Julie gave her. But she knew it would all be worth it. And it was. 

Peach chose a spot right in the middle of the beach and the stall was already making a profit. Y/N knew kooks just couldn’t resist the temptation to look good and what was better than giving a generous tip to a child’s lemonade stand? 

But with a successful kook-trap came the kook assholes. Namely Rafe, Topper and Kelce. 

“Three lemonades please. Apricot, right?” Rafe said with a smirk. 

“You know it’s Peach asshole.” 

“That’s a bad word, Y/N,” Peach mumbled, clearly upset about being called apricot of all things.

“Yeah that’s a bad word, Miller, you should listen to Apricot a little more.” 

“Maybe, you should listen to your college professors, oh wait, you dropped out, my bad, must be a bit of an open wound judging by the look on your face. I bet daddy wasn’t impressed.” 

“Excuse me, you bitch, how dare you talk to me like that.” 

“Run along, lap dog, we don’t need your money.” 

Rafe goes to say something but Topper and Kelce hold him back. 

“Bro, don’t get it shit with your pops over a fucking lemonade,” Topper warned. 

With a final “fuck off”, Rafe Cameron stalked away to his car, his gang of cowards following, but not without Topper placing a crisp $20 bill in the tip jar. Peach mumbled and thank you and Y/N just nodded to Topper, too tired to say anything more. 

And if her afternoon couldn’t get any worse, the prickly blonde from this morning strolled over to the stand. 

“I’ll have four lemonades please.” 

Peach gasped and accepted his money right away, getting to work on the drinks. 

“I’ve seen many a kook-trap in my time, Miller, but not many operated by Kooks themselves. Impressive ingenuity.” 

“Thanks - JJ, was it? Peach here won “most improved” in her drama class and this is what she wanted to do in celebration” 

“Cute, Miller, didn’t take you as a softy earlier.” 

Peach announces that she’s finished with the pogue’s drinks, he puts another $5 in the tip jar and grabs the drinks. 

“Miller, there’s a kegger at the boneyard tonight, wanna come? I’m sure at least one of your brothers will crash.” 

“Sorry JJ, someone’s gotta look after the little one, maybe another time, if you can stand being around a kook for that long.” 

“I think I can make an exception, especially if they look like you Miller,” he winks, “boneyard tonight, if you change your mind.” 

Y/N blushed, but she knew she couldn’t, she couldn’t leave a nine year old at home, even if Kevin was there, there was no guarantee that Peach would be fed and given adequate attention. 

“He’s pretty, you should go.” 

“Peach, honey, you know I can’t, I can’t leave you at home.” 

“But I could go to Jenny’s, she’s having a sleepover tonight, I forgot to ask earlier, I got too excited about the lemonade stand.” 

“Okay, you can go to Jenny’s, but promise not too much candy?”

“Only if you promise to go with him tonight.” 

Peach was proving to be just as mischievous as her brothers. 

“Okay fine.” 

“Go tell him then.”

“Huh?” 

“I won’t believe you unless you go tell him now that you'll be there!”

 Y/N groans, but gets up to follow the blonde. As she nears, she shouts, 

“Hey JJ! I’ll be there tonight, at the boneyard, I’ll be there.” 

“Didn’t take too long for you to change your mind then, am I just that irresistible?” 

“No? What? Of course not! It’s just Peach - she’s a master manipulator, and she’s only nine!”

“Sure, Miller, if that’s what you want me to believe, I’ll see you later, sweetheart.”

Y/N turned, she should cringe, but she finds herself blushing as she walks back to Peach. 

“Don’t say anything, missy, you’ve done enough, let’s pack up and get you ready for Jenny’s. You young ones are such troublemakers, damn.”  

A/N: I am not American, so I hope that the graduation stuff makes sense, from someone who has no real clue what happens there lol  

[midnightstar-90]

Live Laugh Love~ Georgie Cooper x Reader

Poker, Faith, and Eggs

Summary: Sheldon's faith is shaken when his dad goes to the hospital.

Narrator's POV

Today felt like any other day for the Coopers. Missy would be doing what any little girl would be doing, and that was dressing up while rocking out to her favorite song. You could find Y/N and Georgie trying to one-up each other's trick shots while throwing firecrackers. And last but not least you could find Sheldon playing cards with Meemaw. There was one reason today wasn't like most, and that's because of one hospital visit.

Y/N'S POV

Yesterday Night

"Hey Georgie," I called out before I did the splits in the air and throwing the firecracker. Georgie watched in amazement, but when I turned to him he looked as if he wasn't impressed. "How did that song go again? 'Anything you can do, I can do better," Georgie told me. Georgie tried to do the move I did, but it didn't turn out the way he had hoped. I laughed and said, "I think you should stick to football. I'm gonna go get a drink." As I walked in I heard a "Yeah, okay".

I walk back into the house and see Sheldon and Meemaw playing cards. "Hi, Meemaw. Hi, Sheldon." They both said hello back then continued their game. I grab myself a glass of water and decide to watch the two play their game.

"I bet a nickel," Sheldon said after flinching from hearing a firecracker. "Are they really that scared of the firecrackers?" I thought inside my head still watching them play. MeeMaw stops the game to teach Sheldon what a poker face is. I don't think Sheldon understood because he still thought that Meemaw had bad cards, which led Sheldon to decide to not fold. MeeMaw ended up winning.

I smiled and shook my head. Sheldon was upset about his loss. I went over to Sheldon and gave him a side hug before saying, "Don't feel bad, Sheldon. I just beat your brother in a trick-shot battle. Sorry if the sounds scared you." MeeMaw congratulated me and Sheldon said, "Really? You guys had us jumping in our seat with that battle, AND he's still going." "I know. I'm sorry," I told Sheldon while messing up his hair. Sheldon fixed his hair, and then Mary walked into the house.

"Mom I'm home. What's he doing up?" Mary asked walking into the kitchen. Meemaw replies with "losing" when another firecracker goes off. Everyone jumps but me, leaving a smirk on my face. George goes to check it out. "Wrong timing dude," I said to myself, holding my head down. Before George makes it out the door Meemaw says, "I sent Georgie and Y/N on a beer run, and tipped them with firecrackers." Mary and George look at me, and I just look away.

Missy scared me when she ran down the stairs yelling, "I ATE SO MUCH CANDY!". Meemaw takes the silence and looks from Mary as a sign to leave. As Meemaw leaves, Georgie pops another firecracker. Everyone but me again jumps, making me laugh. Mary gives me an angry look, which makes me laugh harder.

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Present Day

Meemaw, Missy, Sheldon, Mary, and I were all at church.  Pastor Jeff explains to the church how he knows there is a god. When Pastor Jeff said that his logic of if there is a god was math, Sheldon and I cringed so hard. Mary was listening and loving everything she was hearing.

(Y/N's Church Dress)

I knew something was going to happen between Pastor Jeff and Sheldon, and I was right. Sheldon raises his hand and says, "that's wrong." Mary tries to keep the attention off of her family, but Pastor Jeff reassures her. "Sheldon, is it? Why don't you come on up here and tell me how I'm wrong," Pastor Jeff tells Sheldon. Everyone was still looking at us. I was holding in my laugh, and Mary elbowed me.

Everyone in the family knew how Sheldon gets when he proves people wrong, which left a concerned face on both Mary and Meemaw. Missy woke up from her nap, just as Sheldon walked past her. Sheldon sits with Pastor Jeff and tells him how he has mixed up possibilities with probabilities. Meemaw and I watch and comment to each other about how their conversation would go. MeeMaw was my second favorite "Cooper" family member, but she was super close to Georgie in the Cooper family battle. Sheldon looked defeated on that battle against the pastor, but I knew with all my heart that that would not be the last time we have a Sheldon V.S. Pastor Jeff battle.

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

Georgie and I were in the backyard, on the swing set. We laughed and had a nice conversation. "I saw some of your practice today," Georgie said as we calmed down from our laugh. I quickly responded to Georgie with a smile, "Yeah, was I good?" Georgie smiled and looked at me before saying, "Well, I don't know much about cheerleading, but you looked good when you did that backflip."

I don't think Georgie meant I looked good the way I thought he meant I looked good. I just turned my head towards the boy, and both of our faces were close together. We stared at each other for about a minute before Georgie broke the silence, "I also saw Sarah fall, which was pretty funny." I looked away, laughing with a slight blush on my cheeks. "I think we should go inside," I say quickly, trying to help release the tension. "Yeah"

We walked into the house, and the tension was instantly higher than outside. Georgie sees Meemaw and asks what's going on. Missy just comes right out and says, "Dad's in the hospital." Georgie and I look at each other with a concerned look. "Why is George in the hospital?" I asked turning back to the trio. Meemaw says he's gonna be fine, but Sheldon interrupts saying, George had chest pains. Georgie fights Meemaw on going to the hospital, Meemaw says he'll be fine.

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

All of us kids are sitting on the couch while MeeMaw checked the fridge for something. The phone rang, and Meemaw quickly answered it. I wasn't as scared for George as Georgie was. It's not because I don't care, but because I knew George. George is strong, and he would fight to be with his family.

The person I was worried about was Georgie. Georgie was always close with his father. I know with all my heart that Georgie will do anything in his power to make sure his father was okay. The best I can do is comfort him during this troubling time. I don't know much from when I was three, but I know from the stories told, that Georgie helped me when my parents died.

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11 years ago

Narrator's POV

Y/N and the Coopers were at Y/N's Parents' funeral. For a 3-year-old, Y/N was the saddest person in the whole building. The priest asked if there were any last words, and Y/N raised her hand. Everyone was shocked because the 3-year-old could barely talk. How could she say goodbye to her parents forever?

"Mommy, daddy, I know you are here. It kinda like hide and seek, except I stay here and you watch and protect me. I will miss you, but this isn't goodbye." The little girl said. Everyone felt bad that the girl knew what was happening.

Bedtime

Y/N and Georgie laid on their beds, which were in Georgie's room. Mary tucked Georgie in before making her way to Y/N's bed. Mary teared up seeing the girl. "You are so strong. And you're smart. You amazed everyone with your speech to your parents. I know you don't see it, but they are looking over you, and god is also," Mary said to the grieving toddler. Y/N looks at the woman and says, "Well, my mommy told me, on the day my grandma died, that she was looking after me."

Georgie was watching the whole interaction between his mom and new friend. When Mary walked out of the room after turning out the lights, Georgie jumped up from his bed and laid next to his soon-to-be best friend. He gave her a hug and held her until she fell asleep, with him soon following. That was the first time the two ever laid together when one was upset.

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

Present Day

The four kids stood around a counter, waiting on news about their father. Sheldon breaks the silence, "What'd she say?" Connie tells the kids that the doctors are running some tests, but George would most likely be okay. Connie tells Missy and Sheldon to go get ready for bed, and Georgie continues to fight Connie on seeing his father. After the fight, Y/N follows Georgie to his room.

Y/N's POV

"Your father will be okay," I say sitting on Georgie's bed, trying to calm him down, but he continues to pace. "Are you gonna talk to me? We always talk to each other when we're upset." I don't get a response, but I do hear him mumbling. "What are you mumbling about?" Georgie just walks out of the room. I follow him out, rolling my eyes, and he turns and shhhs' me. Georgie walks up to Sheldon and Missy and asks them if they want to come with him to see their father.

We sneak out the back to get Meemaw's keys. Georgie shhs' me, I do it to Sheldon, and Sheldon does it to Missy. "Who do I shh?" We all turn back to Missy and shhh her. We continue to sneak, and I see that she fell asleep with a cigarette in her hand. 'That's not safe.' I thought. Georgie quickly grabs Meemaw's keys. Sheldon and Georgie have a quick argument, then we head out.

Missy heads for the front seat when I come behind her and tell her to beat it. Missy rolls her eyes and gets into the backseat. When I get in, I immediately go to turn on the radio. "What are you doing?" Georgie asked, stressed from worrying about his father. "I thought music would lighten the mood. Also, I know how you drive, and we need something to kill time." Georgie rolls his eyes and tells me to turn it off. Missy watches the two and says, "Could you guys stop acting like a married couple, and get this car moving?" Georgie and I look at each other once again, before we turn away blushing. We all buckle up, which I don't think Sheldon needs. The boy looks like a human punching bag.

Georgie drives worse than I thought. We hit several curbs and trashcans before I tell Georgie to stop the car. "Do you even know how to get to the hospital?" Missy asks Georgie. "Yeah, it's across from the Dairy Queen," Georgie answers Missy. "Nope, get out," I say, getting out of the car. "What are you doing?" "Switching spots with you. Now, get out." Georgie gets out also, and switches with me. I start driving and the ride is much smoother than when Georgie drove.

We see an ambulance, and I speed up and follow it. "Why are you following an ambulance?" Georgie asked me. "How are we friends? Ambulance equals hospital. Hospital equals your father." Georgie thinks about it and says an extended "Oh".

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

"Mom," Sheldon yells, running to his mother. "Meemaw, there you are. We looked back and didn't see you in the hallway. We were basically lost," I said, gaining a knowing look from Meemaw. We all let Mary know that we want to see George. Mary questions why we're here, but Meemaw used a bluff.

"Georgie, hand me my keys," Meemaw says with her hand out. "Actually, I have them. By the way, If there are any dents, Georgie switched halfway through," I say. Meemaw then explains to us, that if we want the benefits of her watching us, then we can't tell, Mary about any of this. We all agree with Meemaw.

Georgie and I sit down. Georgie and I use each other as pillows, with my head on his shoulder, and his head on my head. "Your father will be okay. He's strong, and so is his son," I reassured Georgie. "Yeah, thanks" I see Sheldon and immediately take him under my arm and let him rest. I fall asleep right after him.

I wake up to Mary saying George will be fine. She then invites us to see George. Georgie walk to the hospital room with both of us in a side hug.

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

Narrator's POV

The Coopers were ALL at church again, and Pastor Jeff and Sheldon were back at it again. Y/N and Georgie were cracking up. "This is what you miss every week," I say to Georgie. Mary and George come to the conclusion, that faking a heart attack could get them out of the argument. So, that's what they did. Y/N was disappointed that they didn't get to finish their argument, but she got more time with her family, and that is what matters.

[twinklelilstarkey]

omg I need a part 2 of secret!! it as so good

A/N: Thank you baby! I’m so glad you guys liked it!

Secret - Rafe Cameron [Part 2]

Words: 2.5k+

Type: Angst

Warning: Underage Drinking. Swearing. A whole lot of lying. Top is a bitch when drunk. Ending of a friendship.

DO NOT REPOST, REWRITE OR TRANSLATE ANY OF MY WORK!

Part 1

“If you’ll excuse me, now, Topper. I need to go use the bathroom” Sarah tells Topper and his eyes widen.

“There’s a bathroom up here?” He asks, cringing at his own words.

Sarah turns to look at the blonde boy again and stares at him confused.

“Yeah, at least 3″ She replies, “Now, bye”

You and Rafe stand in the middle of the room, with clothes on, this time. You have already picked up everything from the floor in the space of a few seconds. And now you’re left with listening to Sarah and Top’s conversation as your heart almost jumps out of your chest.

“What’s the probability of her coming in here?” Rafe whispers to you without taking his eyes off the door.

“High” You answer and he looks down at you.

You don’t say anything else, you just point at the door at the other side of the room. A bathroom.

“Shit” He whispers.

You couldn’t feel more helpless. There’s absolutely nowhere you can hide. The desk is too small to fit the both of you under it, and doesn’t have anything covering the back. There’s no corner of the room that isn’t completely exposed in whatever angle. No chair or any piece of furniture that covers you both from the door and the bathroom.

Except.

“Behind the door” You whisper at Rafe.

“What?” He asks confused.

“We can hide behind the door when she opens it” You say and he shakes his head.

“And what if she closes it when she comes in?”

“Well, it’s better than to fucking stand here and wait until she comes in, no?”

As Rafe is about to answer, you two hear footsteps right outside of the door. 

In a space of 3 seconds, Rafe snatches you by your arm and takes you with him behind the door.

The door opens as you two lean back onto the wall, and you start, right away, thanking mentally whoever made a door so awfully wide.

The yellow light from the hallway rushes through the dark room and you hold your breath as you hear someone walk in.

“Sarah!” Topper says loudly, sounding as if scared.

“What?” She asks and both you and Rafe tense p with how close she is to the door.

“I- Uhm...” He says, also now standing at the doorway, “I need to talk to you about something. It’s urgent” He says.

“Well. Can it be after I pee, please?”

Topper stands silent while peeking inside the room and you frown at his silence, having no idea what he’s doing.

“Yeah, yeah, go ahead” He says with a sigh.

Sarah looks at him as if he’s crazy and turns back around, making her way towards the bathroom. You and Rafe continue to stand in silence, staring at the door in hopes that she’s quick with her way there.

The door of the bathroom closes and you finally breathe out the air you’ve been holding this whole time. 

You push the door away from you and walk around it.

“Jesus fucking Christ” Topper whispers at you two, “Couldn’t you two choose a room further than this?”

You don’t answer him as you make your way out of the room and Rafe follows you out. 

“How did you even know that we were in there?” Rafe asks and you turn to see what Topper has to say.

“I didn’t, I was going to do this whole conversation in whatever room she wanted to go in” 

You chuckle at his words and shake your head in disbelief. 

“Now, go! I actually do need to talk to Sarah”

You and Rafe don’t question him and walk away from that cursed room. 

Nobody is making you walk back in one of these rooms ever again. That’s for sure.

As you two get to the stairs, Rafe walks in front of you and you follow him in silence, looking down at your shoes.

“For fuck’s sake” Rafe says under his breath and you look up at him.

Rose is standing right at the end of stairs looking at the two of you with a frown.

“Can one of you two explain to me why I’ve been told by more than 5 workers that a bunch of teenagers are going upstairs? Exactly where no one can go!” She asks you two.

You stay silent as she stares at Rafe, who doesn’t even move a muscle.

“Y/N?” She asks, when noticing that Rafe is giving her the silent treatment. “What were you two doing?”

You open your mouth to answer but Rafe beats you to it.

“I didn’t know where the bathroom was”

“There’s bathrooms down here” Rose answers, her tone still rigid and arrogant.

“Yeah, but I don’t want to share a toilet with people I don’t know” Rafe answers with a fake disgusted tone.

“What about you, Y/N?”

“She was-”

“I think she can speak for herself” Rose interrupts.

“I was- Uhm...” You start, looking up at Rafe for a second, “I was showing Rafe where the bathroom was”

The woman stares at you with a annoyed look in her face and you almost flinch at it. 

She’s your mom’s boss, it’s quite obvious that the weight on your shoulders is intensifying as she looks at you more intensely.

You three stand there in silence for at least a minute, until she lifts her eyes from you to someone up the stairs, disbelief fills her features.

“You have to be kidding me” 

You and Rafe look over your shoulders to find Sarah and a very pissed off Topper, making their way down the stairs.

“And what were you two doing?” She asks and you look at Rafe in a panic.

“Bathroom?” Sarah asks with a frown making Rose scoff, “Why do you look so mad?”

“Because every teenager I’ve seen come down as been in a bathroom” She answers.

“Kie and JJ?” Sarah asks confused, taking step by step down slowly.

“Kiara has been up there too?” Rose asks loudly, getting some people’s attention. Sarah nods, “And who in the hell is JJ?”

Sarah stands beside you and Rafe, and shrugs.

“I saw them come down when I was going up” Sarah explains.

Rose brings her hand to her forehead and massages her temples while whispering something under her breath. 

“What were all of you really doing up there?” She asks, trying to contain her rage.

“All of you?” Sarah asks, “Y/N was up there too?”

You tense up as Rose glares at Sarah.

“Not the time for your acting moment, Sarah. What. Were. You. All. Doing. Up. There?”

“Pee-Ing.” Sarah answers, “I don’t know about him,” She points at Rafe, “but I went up there to pee and check on my makeup. Nothing else”

Rose continues to glare at her step-daughter for a few seconds until deciding to look at Rafe.

“And you?”

“I already told you, I went to the bathroom” Rafe answer, annoyed, “Now, can I please go?”

Rafe takes Rose’s silence as an answer and walks away, not looking back at you.

“I need to go help my mom” You try to say as Rose snaps her head to look at you.

“Oh, I’m sure you have” She says sarcastically with a pissed off tone.

You hold your breath at her tone and walk down the rest of the stairs, leaving Sarah to deal with her. 

Did you and Rafe actually not get caught? 

How?

Sarah looks at you conflicted but doesn’t follow you out, she decides to go talk to ‘Vlad’ instead. Topper follows her down the stairs, yet doesn’t even bother to see where she’s going. 

She just broke up with him, anyways.

You walk out to the back of the house and look through all the kooks and workers to try and find your mom.

“So, everything went great” Topper says as he stands beside you.

“I know, thank you for helping us” You tell him and he gives you a grin, “What’s wrong?”

“Sarah. But I don’t want to talk about it” 

You nod and look at the crowd once again.

“Well, if you ever need me,” You start while staring at your mom, “You know where to find me”

“Yeah” He says with a sigh.

You give him a comforting smile before walking down the porch, elbowing yourself through the crowd to finally reach your mom, who is talking to Pope’s dad.

“Oh, hi honey” She says, as soon as her eyes land on you.

“Hi,” You say while stepping in to stand beside her.

“Where were you?” She asks.

Oh, boy.

(...)

“Oh, it went amazing, thank you so much” Rose says as she wraps her arms around your mom.

You stand slightly away from them as they talk and as Rose does her usual thankful ‘speech’ before giving the envelope with the, rather large, tip.

Some people have left already, but the one’s that are still here are either the older men or the drunk teenagers. Oh, and of course the whole Cameron family.

You lean on the wall with your shoulder and wait for your mom to finish talking.

Rafe stands beside his sisters, hands on the pockets of his light blue pants, trying to act normal and not draw any attention to himself. He wasn’t quite sober himself, and he doesn’t want anyone to notice.

He brings his head up as Rose finally says her last goodbyes to your mom. He watches as the two women hug again as you silently stand there.

His gaze seems to get stuck as your mom’s eyes move to you and you give her a smile. 

As he forces himself to look away, Wheezie frowns. What just happened?

Sarah types into her phone while holding an annoyed scowl and rolls her eyes at the sight of a drunk version of Topper making his way inside the house. Or should she say, stumbling.

You and your mom grab the last two empty boxes and walk out to your car, ready to leave. Rose motions her family to do the same, and everyone excitingly starts to move towards the front door.

You laugh with something your mom says and walk around the car to get the boxes in the trunk. Your mom jumps into the driving seat and closes the door.

The Cameron family walks past you, and some of them give you a small smile and saying a quick ‘have a nice night’ or ‘see you tomorrow’. That last one coming from Sarah, of course.

Rafe walks behind his family staring at his shoes and as he stands beside you, you feel him poke your side playfully. 

“Sir, get your dirty hands off me” You whisper playfully at him, making him chuckle.

“Dirty hands?” He asks with a fake offended tone, making your smile widen.

You close the trunk, making your mom be unable to hear anything happening outside and Rafe steps away from you, winking quickly before continuing to follow his family to the car.

As you were about to open the door of the car so you could get in, someone stops you.

“Hey, Y/N!” Topper screams from the front door of the house.

You look over your shoulder and so do the Cameron’s, who didn’t expect someone to still be this loud this late at night.

“Hey” You say with a confused tone, “Are you okay? Do you need a ride home or something?”

“Oh me? No” He says, making Rafe frown at how drunk his best friend is, “I was thinking, you kno-” He hiccups.

“Topper, can we talk tomorrow? It’s late and you’re really drunk. Why don’t you get in the car?” You insist.

“No!” He says loudly before smiling at his own thoughts, “I was thinking, how lucky you and Rafe actually are”

Your body freezes at his words.

“Topper, bro, you’re way too drunk” Rafe says, while glaring at his friend.

“I’m not drunk,” He says before chuckling at himself, “I’m just tired of all of you guys’ bullshit”

“Top, just go home” Sarah says behind Rafe, ignoring what he just had said since it didn’t even make sense to her.

Ward and Rose roll their eyes and continue to make their way to the car, not wanting to wait and see whatever is going on. 

But Wheezie sure is staying.

“Shut up, Sarah” Topper says slowly, “You’re such a-... bitch! A blind one too!”

“What?”

“You really think a pogue would ever like you as a person?” Rafe looks between them confused, “You’re so blind, bro. Those people just want your money”

Sarah shakes her head in annoyance and you continue to stare at Topper, scared of anything that might leave his drunk mouth.

“And even blinder to the fact that your brother is-”

“Topper, bro” Rafe interrupts, “Why don’t I take you home?”

Rafe steps closer to Topper and the boy shakes his head.

“I don’t need help getting home, especially from any of you” He says, waving his arm around.

“Y/N, can we go home now?” Your mom asks from inside the car, oblivious to everything. but you ignore her.

“You know what, Sarah?” Topper shouts, getting your mom’s attention, “I’m just going to tell you everything. Because maybe you’ll understand how you can’t trust everyone you know”

“What are you talking abo-” Sarah tries to talk.

“Your best friend has been fucking your brother this whoooole time” He blurs out, eyes closed while letting a chuckle out of his mouth.

“What-” Sarah asks, not believing a word.

Rafe clenches his jaw, fighting the urge to not punch his best friend.

“It’s true!” Topper continues, “You’re just so fucking blind. All the times both of them disappeared during sleepovers, or in events like these. Do you not remember talking to me about this?”

“Topper” You try to intervene by stepping forward towards him.

“Y/N, just shut up” He snaps, “You and Rafe have been dating and doing whatever the fuck you want this whole time. All happy and shit. Well, guess what? I’m tired of both of your guys’ bullshit” He repeats.

Wheezie stares at all of this and forces her mouth close. This is better than any show she’s ever seen.

“Is he being serious?” Sarah asks her older brother, but before Rafe could answer, Topper continues.

“And you probably all knew that she was going to break up with me. Well, guess the fuck what? If I can’t be in a happy relationship with a Cameron, neither can you, Y/N” He says with a playful tone, chuckling at his own words.

“Topper, please shut up-” You try and say in a lower tone.

“No! Why should I?” He asks excitingly.

Sarah takes her eyes off Topper to look at her brother, who is awfully silent. Rafe glares at his friend, breathing heavily. And you. You look like you’re about to cry.

“Are you guys serious?” She asks, her voice failing her.

You look over at her and her expression breaks your heart into a million pieces. She looks like someone has just stabbed her in the back. 

And that’s exactly how she feels.

“Sarah” You try to say and she shakes her head.

“Are you serious, Y/N?” She repeats, looking straight at you.

You’re more than fucked, now.

- - - - - - - -

I FINALLY FINISHED THIS SECOND PART!!! 

I’VE BEEN STUCK ON THIS FOR SO LONG!

[buckyswintersoldiermask]

The Super Soldier and His Friend

Part 7

Bucky Barnes x friend!reader

(Bucky x Sam, Sam x reader, Sarah x reader)

⊙ Bucky Masterlist ⊙ Main Masterlist ⊙ TSSAHF Masterlist ⊙

Summary: Bucky tells Yori the truth, and tells you that you’re his family. Bucky invites you to go with him to Louisiana for a cookout with Sam.

Word Count: 1.7k

Warnings: spoilers for FATWS Episodes 5 and 6

A/N: this is the final part of the series, I hope it’s to y’all’s liking :)

I don’t want FATWS to end :((

“You weren’t amending, you were avenging.” Those words rang in Buckys mind. He truly wasn’t amending, so he knew what he had to do.

“So you’re going to tell Yori today, are you sure today is the day?”

“I’ve waited long enough, he needs the closure (y/n) and it’s one step closer to me making amends.”

You patted his shoulder and gave him a warm smile, “I’ll be at my place, come over if you want, when you’re done.” He nods before you both leave his apartment. You went into your apartment just hoping the best for Bucky.

He’s had so much growth since you’ve met him, he’s finally getting closer to peace. Something he’s wanted since you met him.

Bucky didn’t take long. Bucky knocked on his door, Yori surprised to see him, he let him in. They sat down and Bucky told him straight up,

I, uh, have something to tell you. About your son.

Yori was confused to say the least, what could Bucky know about his son? Bucky and Yori sat down as Bucky slipped off his glove.

He was murdered. Bucky said, making Yori even more confused.

By The Winter Soldier. And that was me. Bucky finally spits out, as his voice shakes. Taking everything in him not to fall apart.

“Why?” Yori asked, Bucky inhales, trying to compose himself, “I didn’t have a choice.”

Yori showed Bucky out after that. Bucky took a little walk afterwards, before showing up at your door.

Once he knocked on your door and you saw his face, you knew he had told him. He had tried to tell Yori multiple times, but this time he stuck with it. You let him in and he sat down on your couch.

You stood just a few feet away from him, wanting to know if he’s okay. “So how did it go?”

“I told him, he asked why, and I told him why.”

“I know that was hard and I’m proud of you.” Bucky nods, as you pat his shoulder.

“Do you want to stay for a bit?” He nods again and you grab a bunch of delivery menus from your kitchen. “You’re lucky I don’t have work tomorrow.”

“Your hours are never consistent. Why do you even work there?”

“Well some of us aren’t a World War II veteran and need to work to have a roof over our heads.” You retorted, passing him a menu. “Order us some food, and if I didn’t have a job I wouldn’t be able to pay for our food.”

He smirked before ordering the food as you brought 2 sodas to the table. Setting them down, before sitting down across from him. “Do you want to talk about it?” He shook his head, popping the lid on the soda off.

Trying to lighten the mood you say, “Well I know what we could talk about.”

“And what’s that?”

“Sam’s new suit.” You say, before opening your own soda.

“I’m not following.”

“That’s a nice suit. The Wakandans did good.”

“How did-“

“Just a hunch. Now let’s talk about your suit.”

“My suit is fine.”

“I mean it could use some tweaks.”

“We are not doing this.”

“Sam’s suit is better than yours.” You blurt out, teasing Bucky more. His mouth drops open in fake shock.

“Take it back.”

“He has wings and a shield. You just have a jacket and some pants and a gold and black metal arm.” You exclaim, making Bucky roll his eyes.

“And here I thought you were my friend.”

“I am, and as your friend I’m saying your suit needs an upgrade.”

“Alright, fashion expert.”

After some more light bantering between the two of you, your food arrived, you paid for it then brought it inside.

You noticed the bag being extra heavy than usual. “Geez, Bucky how much did you order?” You asked, taking containers out of the bag.

“Enough.”

“Yeah enough to feed 6 people.”

You and Bucky ate as he told you about him and Sam stopping the flagsmashers. It was nice to hear Bucky and Sam working together and not being a pain in each other’s sides. You saw Sam’s speech on TV the other day, it was beautiful and inspiring. Sam is Captain America.

It was way past 12am and Bucky decided he should go home. Even though you didn’t mind him staying, he insisted. “Will you be alright tonight?” You asked, making sure he’d be okay after that day's events.

He nods, “if not, I’ll come over.” You give him a tight hug before he leaves.

It was quiet and calm in your apartment as you were getting ready for bed. Bucky seemed fine after talking to Yori but he knew he’s always welcome at your place anytime. Which you always expressed. You were getting ready for bed and was interrupted as you heard a knock on your door. You groaned as you trudged to your front door.

You unlocked it to see it��s Bucky. You let him in and close the door behind him, “why didn’t you just use your key?”

“I didn’t want you to think someone was breaking in.”

“Good point,” you sat down on the couch and patted it, telling him to come sit down. “You okay, Buck?” You asked, remembering what he said earlier. He sat down beside you as you got ready to listen to what he had to say.

“Yeah, I just wanted to ask you something.”

“What’s up?”

“Sam invited me to a cookout in New Orleans and I wanted to know if you’d come with me.”

“I’d love to, only if Sam and his family are okay with it. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“I asked him if it was okay. He said you’re welcome to come.” You smiled, “well if it’s okay with him.”

“I got us plane tickets.” He says, handing you a plane ticket he bought.

“You just knew I’d say yes, huh?”

“I just want all of my family to be there.” You stare at him for a moment, with a jaw dropping expression on your face.

“You’re family (y/n/n). I thought I had nothing when Sam gave up the shield, but I had you. Even though we are an usual pair of friends, you’re very important to me.”

“So that’s why you came here at almost 2am? To tell me I’m your family.”

“Yes?” Bucky answered, unsure of how you were taking this.

“I love you too, Buck.”

You glanced down at your plane ticket to see the date you’re supposed to be leaving.

“We’re leaving in 2 days?!”

“Yes..” you glared at him as he slouched in his seat avoiding eye contact with you.

After about a 3 hour flight, you and Bucky landed in New Orleans. You rented a car and you were on your way to the dock, where the cookout was.

“Wait.” You said, making Bucky stop the car abruptly.

“What happened?”

“We have to bring something. We can’t show up empty handed.”

“What should we bring?”

Bucky drove to the store and the both of you settled on a cake with buttercream icing and 2 liters of soda. You pull up to the dock and Bucky puts on some shades and his jacket. You shook your head as you grabbed the drinks and Bucky got the cake. Music was playing, food was being cooked and everybody was just having a good time when you walked up.

The first people who greeted Bucky were Sam’s nephews, Cass and AJ. Bucky pretended to fight with them for a little bit before walking over to the table and placing down the cake. You came behind and placed the drinks on the table as well. Bucky glanced around looking for the man of the hour. He was getting hugs and pictures from people in the community.

Bucky brought you over to Sam, giving him a hug. Buckys come a long way from ignoring his messages to hugging him, you thought. Bucky glanced over to you, introducing you to Sam.

“(y/n), this is Sam. Sam, (y/n).”

“Nice to meet you in person, Sam. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Anyone who’s friends with Bucky is a friend of mine.”

You met a lot of really nice people that day. You talked to Sarah and offered to help her cook. And man did she put you to work. After you were done, you sat at a picnic table, enjoying the atmosphere.

You watched as children played on Bucky's metal arm as he talked to Sarah, which warmed your heart. Bucky’s arm being a bar to play on for kids. It was nice to see him happy and peaceful there in Louisiana.

Bucky excused himself before coming over to you, “you okay, doll?”

“Yeah, I’m just taking it all in. You fit right in down here.” Bucky nods, agreeing with you, he does fit right in. “Why don’t you come over here with me, Sarah and the kids?” Bucky questioned as he grabbed your hand, leading you over to them.

“I know you two have met.” Bucky smiled, as you sat down at the table.

“Yeah, (y/n), helped me with the food earlier, she’s the one that deals with you in New York.” You laugh, before nodding at Sarah’s comment, “that’s me, though, I feel it's a mutual thing, we deal with each other.”

“Thank you for being so welcoming.” You said as a big smile appeared on your face.

“Of course.”

The music continued to play as everyone danced around, chatted, and ate. The sun began to set. Bucky went to talk to Sam for a moment and Sarah went to go talk to some more people. You stayed there watching the kids play, such innocence and beauty. You glanced over at Sam and Bucky as Bucky nudged his shoulder, a huge grin on his face. You had never seen him smile as much as he smiled that day.

Sam and Buckys moment was short but sweet. Bucky came back and sat next to you, still smiling.

“You’re really enjoying yourself.” You said, turning to him, making eye contact.

“I am, I’m really glad you came (y/n/n).”

“I’m glad I came too.”

That day Bucky realized something. He had a family and he was finally happy.

A/N: tell me what you thought about this part! Might make an alternative ending or something idk.

Bucky Tags: @ragnaroqk @mollysolo @mogaruke @whothehellisbuckybarnes @amelia-song-pond @fredweazleyswh0re @tinylumpiaa @i-reblog-fics-i-like @weenersoldierr @stephthepeach @sammypotato67 @ttalisa @mxltifaves @supremethunda @hanniebee33 @gamerartisy @afraid-to-be-me @qhbr2013 @kidswhofightmonsters @bahama-mama-llama @teti-menchon0604 @jbreenr

TSSAHF Tags: @nialeesato @marvel-ousnesss

Taglist

[sylvie-writes]

His Little Love

pairing: steve rogers x reader x sarah

word count: 1595

request: “I was hoping for Valentines day (I know it’s not even Christmas yet but I can’t get this idea out of my head, I had a dream about it the other night and I want you to write it) of Steve taking Sarah on a daddy daughter lunch date for Valentine’s Day, like he shows up at the house with flowers for her and rings the doorbell and takes her out for lunch and they are both dressed up(he’s trying to show her how a gentleman is supposed to treat a lady and to never settle for anything less) and they go have lunch then he drops her off with her grandparents and then picks up his wife and takes her away for the weekend for a romantic Valentine’s mini vacation and they talk about adding to the family while sitting next to the fireplace?” -anon 

author’s note: such a cute idea! thanks for sharing nonnie!

warnings: none

pardon any mistakes!!!

The simple ringing of the apartment doorbell sounded at the right time as you had just set down the hairbrush, now allowing for Sarah to be able to jump out of your lap and dash to the door. 

Today was Valentine’s Day and about this time last week, Steve had a brilliant idea to take Sarah out for a lunch date. Granted, it was midnight when said idea popped into his head, and he was so excited he forgot that you valued your sleep more than anything he had to say. Luckily, you had a soft spot for anything Steve did for Sarah and you allowed for him to get away with waking you up that time. Then a few days later, your husband hand wrote one of his infamous letters and hand delivered it to Sarah as she watched some cartoons on the couch that morning. While this all happened, you were in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for your daughter and heard her ever-adorable, squeal of excitement. 

Fast forward a few more days, and Valentine’s Day has arrived. Steve had gone out that morning, going to arrange things and what not, allowing you some time to dress Sarah. She had picked out one of her favorite dresses that was sparkly, as with everything else that resided in her closet. From there, you blow dried her hair and styled it which was a big deal as the little munchkin would never allow you to do so for any other event. That’s how she showed up to Nat and Bucky’s wedding with two lopsided pigtails. Out of tradition, you spritzed some of your perfume and Sarah giddily walked through the cloud. 

11:30 on the dot, Steve punctually arrived at your apartment door, and that’s when your toddler lurched from her seat in your lap and to the door to meet her date. On the way, she had forgotten a sock as you saw one foot bare. With a small giggle, you slightly jogged to meet the girl at the door where she was slipping on her shoes, and failing a bit. You slipped on her other sock and then helped fasten the buckles on her little mary-jane shoes. Sighing in relief, you stood up to answer the door where your husband waited with a bouquet in his hands, wearing a gray suit and tie that made him look even more dashing than usual. 

“You ready, my little valentine?” Steve bent down to slip on Sarah’s jacket and you could see a smile permanently etched onto her face. She then placed her hand in his and the two left but not without each kissing you goodbye. You stood in the doorway and wished the pair a good time. “I expect her to be home before ten, Rogers!” 

Steve looked back at you with a wink, “Of course, ma’am.” 

From the window, you could see the tall blonde opening the door for the smaller lookalike and his mouth moving a mile a minute, presumably saying something along the lines of, “Rule of thumb, if a guy doesn’t open the door for you, then he doesn’t deserve your time.” You knew that today he was going to be showing her how a real gentleman should act. Once they both got situated in the car, you chuckled to yourself and attended your own date with a pile of laundry.  

Around one o’clock, your family returned, happy, talkative, and smiley as usual. Sarah couldn’t stop talking and the minute she walked in the house, she ran to sit on the couch beside you. She seemed absolutely thrilled by the events of her lunch date with Steve, that she told you every single detail and it felt as if you were there with her, rather than currently sitting on the couch folding towels. 

At one point, about five minutes into your daughter’s story, you looked up for Steve who had seemingly disappeared. Scanning the room, you could spot his figure in your bedroom, on the phone with someone and whoever it was, they were making him smile just like the toddler before you. It piqued your curiosity to say the least, but instead of interrupting Sarah or Steve, you just stayed put and listened to the rest of the little darling’s story. A few minutes later, the recollection of the lunch date came to an end and Sarah had wandered off to get a fruit snack pouch, or was it a bottle of water? You had zoned out a bit, too preoccupied with a certain man’s whereabouts and just nodded your head as she asked if you wanted one. Suddenly, Steve put down his cell phone, and turned to catch your stare. A bit embarrassed, you looked back down at the daunting laundry basket that now held clothes. In a split second, the man had already crossed the room and taken the seat beside you on the couch. He kissed your temple before reaching down to help fold. For a few minutes, you both folded clothes in comfortable silence when Steve momentarily paused to remove his tie. You could see him struggling so you stopped your own folding to face him and untie the darn thing. He looked down on you with a smile and you returned the gesture along with a kiss to the corner of his lips. Slowly, you wrapped your arms around his neck and blissfully gazed at him. 

Steve looked at you with a smirk and you were confused until he spoke up. “You’re probably wondering who I was on the phone with, huh?”

With a small laugh, you nodded your head in defeat. 

“Well, it was your parents…” At this you cocked your head and raised an eyebrow, “I was asking them if they could watch Sarah this weekend.” He shrugged and you removed your arms, leaning back.

“Steven Grant Rogers, what are you up to?” He shook his head, signaling that it wasn’t anything that you should’ve been worried about. It was quite the opposite, in fact. “Nothing bad, love. I was gonna whisk you away this weekend if it’s okay.” 

The minute you agreed, Sarah coincidentally returned to the room with her backpack in hand. “I heard Mommy say yes!” Apparently she was in on it too and you let out a breathy laugh at their sneaky planning. Standing from the couch and leaving Steve to finish the laundry, you went to go and actually pack Sarah’s backpack. Although you appreciated her effort, stuffed animals wouldn't be enough for the weekend. 

That night, you and Steve arrived at a log cabin in the northern part of New York. On the drive over, it had started to snow, making the atmosphere even more enjoyable, especially with the outlook onto the icy lake. It was nice and quiet and you questioned how he was able to score such a place for Valentine's Day weekend. Needless to say, it had been a while since you and Steve had alone time such as this. Your husband had now changed into a flannel, and he looked a bit like a lumberjack which made you laugh as the burly man toted the bags inside. 

For dinner, Steve had ordered some Chinese takeout and drove into the nearby small town while you got ready for the night as it was nearing nine o’clock. In your duffle bag that was packed last minute, you had one of your lover’s long sleeves in there, the one that was your favorite to curl up in. Changing into that, you then waited for a few minutes on the couch when Steve returned, a bag of cardboard cartons in one hand while the other held your favorite bouquet of flowers. (Upon closer inspection, you noticed there were as many flowers as the years you two had been together.) The two of you then picked a movie and sat in each other’s embraces, cycling through eating, laughing about the movie, or chatting about anything and everything, including Sarah, of course. 

Empty takeout containers scattered across the coffee table, the movie’s end was nearing, the crackle of the fire had died down, and your head was now sleepily resting on Steve’s arm that had been wrapped around your shoulders. 

“Hey (y/n), you awake, darling?” You could feel Steve turn his head to take a peek at you. Sitting up, you shifted to face him, arm resting on the back of the couch and hand propping you up. “What’s up?”

“I have something important to ask you.” Steve looked a bit nervous and you reached out to soothingly grab his shoulder while giving him your full attention. 

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, you know Sarah’s getting older, and we’ve talked about more kids. Now honey, if you don’t think now is the right time, that’s okay, but I figured I should bring it up and see what you were thinking.” By the end of his speech, Steve had taken your hands out of your own lap and now was placing soft kisses to your knuckles. All of this took you by surprise, but the good kind. For a while you’ve been thinking the same thing, but you never really thought to bring it up. Somehow you and Steve always seemed to be on the same page even if you didn’t know it. 

“I think that would be amazing, bubs.” 

There was the most endearing smile on his lips and he immediately pulled you in for a hug, whispering sweet nothings into your ear. 

taglist: @memissbee @tricereads @buckybarnesthehotshot @bval-1 @tonystankschild @just-one-ordinary-fangirl @turtoix @kelbabyblue @jakiki94 @aubreeskailynn @calirindo @lady-elena-adeline​ @siriuslyslyslytherin @sushiinmidnight​ @patzammit​ @iwik3it

[misslilli]

Felix Felicis

MSR. AU. PG-13. | tagging @today-in-fic | AO3

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9

Chapter 10 - XOXO, Gossip Girl

[ DS ]

“Man, I thought our staff meeting was never going to end, I was boored out of my mind while Principal Skinner droned oon and oooon about the importance of having the kid’s desks and chairs at the perfect heights!” Sarah pours herself another glass and passes the bottle to Holly, who agrees wholeheartedly.

“I know, how long can a freaking staff meeting take, everyone’s life flashed before my eyes, I thought I was gonna die in that meeting!” I grab the bottle from Holly and refill my glass.

“Yeah, when he started going over the fire hazards, that haven’t changed in the four year’s we’ve been teaching there, mind you, I was about ready to strangle him with my lanyard!”

“It wasn’t that bad guys, you’re being dramatic. I think he made some interesting points in his speech about classroom safety – seems like you’re going to need it with yours, S!” Alex, always the voice of reason, hands out seconds of our clam chowder.

“I know”, Sarah replies, “The first year’s always a clumsy bunch. On Wednesday one of mine, Felix, he managed to skin both his knees and his hands pretty badly. Poor kid, had to be picked up by his dad!”. Suddenly, the bowl of soup in front of me seems like the most interesting thing in the world and I push bits of clam around with my spoon quietly.

Sarah continues with her story: “He’s a cute kid though, very bright and I can tell he’s good with observing other people, judging their emotions, you know? And get this, I get such a kick out of this: His name’s Felix, yeah? and his dad’s name is Fox. Fox and Felix, how cute is that? I love it! And hoo boy, his dad is. A fox, I mean. He’s devastatingly handsome and so charming!”

Holly whistles through her teeth. “Oooh an interesting turn of events, so much better than complaining about the staff meeting!” At the mention of Felix’s dad, a blush creeps onto my cheeks and I continue to silently stare into my soup. Sarah’s right, of course, and my arm tingles again as I remember the encounter. The elephant on my chest is making an encore performance as well.

“You do realize that that’s a pretty inappropriate topic of conversation we’re having, right?”. Alex gives Sarah and Holly her patented raised-eyebrows, no-nonsense look, which makes Holly giggle.

“Great job at sucking out the fun of a conversation, Alexandra!” Meanwhile, I’m tracing figure-eight swirls into my chowder with my spoon, still not contributing to the conversation, praying to God they won’t notice.

“Of course, he’s off-limits to me as one of my student’s dad but I’m sure he’ll be a hit with the moms, single or not.” Holly goes along with her around a spoonful of soup.

“That’s for sure, I’d be surprised if they haven’t roped him into helping out with every. single. function they have planned this year!” Grinning, she turns her attention to me. “Hey Silent Bob, you’ve been awfully quiet over there, what gives?”

‘Oh shit.’

“You’ve met him D, when he came to pick up his son, haven’t you? Back me up over here!”

“Uh huh…yea…” I mumble into my soup, trying my hardest to hide my flaming cheeks.

Holly frowns at me, cocking her head to her side. Sarah shoots the others a confused look. I swallow thickly around a clam, my throat so tight I can feel it pass all the way down to my stomach.

Alex covers my clammy hand with hers. “Are you alright, D?” I can’t even recognize my own voice when I squeak out a high-pitched “Ya, sure…” and a nervous laugh escapes my lips. I feel pathetic.

Sarah’s eyes widen and she gasps, realization dawning: “YOU LIKE HIM!” I want to dig myself a hole right then and there and crawl into it to die. Damn my Irish complexion for betraying me in a moment of need.

I raise my eyes from my soup and look around at their faces. Sarah’s still in shock and stares at me, Holly is wearing an huge grin of unadulterated glee and Alex just looks at me over her glass with a thoughtful expression on her face, waiting for me to continue. “Yeah, maybe I do…” I sigh miserably and shrug my shoulders, swirling the wine around in my glass.

Holly claps her hands together excitedly, startling the rest of us. “Oh Lordy this is gooood stuff, a budding romance graces the sorrow halls of Plymouth Elementary!”. I frown at her exuberance and Sarah wakes from her stupor.

“I know right? Finally, someone to charm that little rainbow skirt right off of D and I think he’d be the perfect candidate to do just that! His little mini-me is already permanently attached to your side at recess, I saw!” The mention of Felix makes me slide down in my chair just a little bit more and I look down into my bowl, embarrassed.

Alex sets down her glass slowly. “Why the long face, D?”

“Well… you do know that this child must have a mother around, as well, don’t you?” I whisper into my spoonful of soup.

Alex nods solemnly but Sarah pipes up immediately: “I think I can help with that. I only ever saw his dad pick him up, except for today, when his mother did. So like the Curious George that I am, I went to admin and looked at his file – I know, I know, I’m too nosey for my own good – his dad is listed as a sole custodial parent.” She looks pleased with herself. A little glimmer of hope settles in the pit of my stomach at her words, he’s a single parent!

“Still, from what I hear from S, the little guy is already pretty attached to you and he’d be caught right in the line of fire when things go south. He’s already been through a divorce, girls.” At Alex’s words, the little glimmer dies an untimely death.

“A, nothing has started yet and you’re already talking about things going south, you’re ruining all the romance!”

As always, Sarah agrees with Holly. “You’re always so unromantic, Alexandra, let her live a little, she deserves whatever it is that’s about to start!”

They’re trying to get a raise out of Alex, but I’m willing to bet that she won’t budge on this. “It’s not about that and you know it. I wish D all the happiness in the world but there’s a kid here, a kid who’s already been through so much and more importantly, who is already somewhat attached. Think about him for a second before you start up anything.” Before the others can start their counter-argument, I interject.

“Guys! Stop! She’s right! Nothing is ever going to start. Besides Felix, you know how small our town is! People talk. And that talk might very well cost me my reputation andmy job!” It’s a pretty lame excuse, but I can’t tell them that I’m completely overwhelmed by my feelings and the whole situation. Overwhelmed and terrified.

Sarah refills our glasses with the rest of the wine. “Are you kidding me, D? You finally stumble across a guy you like and you’re going to pine for him from afar because you’re afraid the town folk are going to dust off the torches and pitchforks?”

I shift in my seat, uncomfortable. “Can we talk about something else? Please?”

“Que será, será, chicas.,” Holly sings under her breath.

Whatever will be, will be.

[nooneelsecomesclose17]

Daddy's first pride

This is probably terrible, if so I'm sorry. From the Ana'verse.

"Plain iced cupcakes with different flags or rainbow icing." Robert announced as Aaron walked in the door with Ana on his hip and Seb following, making a beeline for his toys, giving his Dad a half hearted wave, as usual too interested in playing than anything else.

"Is this a quiz or..." He sets Ana down on the floor having picked her up from Sarah. He just stares at his husband, surrounded by recipe books, tapping away on his laptop, Sara in her bouncy chair in front of him fast asleep.

"For Pride. I can't make my mind up. Which do you think would be better?"

"Can we go back to the beginning, because I feel like I've walked in halfway through the series."

"Charles came in the cafe today, he's organising Pride in the village and he asked me to get involved." Aaron hasn't seen Robert look so eager about anything for ages, not since he came out of prison and he smiles along with him. "He's asked all local businesses for sponsorship or to be involved. I'm doing refreshments and stuff."

"When is it?"

"Next month. He said he'd called at the yard but couldn't make you hear." He goes back to scrolling on his laptop. "What do you think of these?"

"Must've had the crusher going." He shakes his head and picks his way through the mess surrounding Robert before he can sit down, lifting Ana onto his lap. "I can't hear a thing with that going you know that. What am I looking at?"

"Cookies. Maybe Mum could ice them, you know, all the different flags?"

"Yeah, why not. You know I'm the wrong person to ask, all I care about is if they taste nice."

"Idiot." He leans over to kiss him, closing his laptop. "I've put tea in early because there's a meeting at the village hall at six."

"About?"

"Pride, Aaron! I'm on the committee so I have to be on time. So you'll have to do bath time and that. I'll be home before they go to bed."

"There's a committee?"

"Yes. It all has to be arranged. You can help if you want. Mum's already volunteered, and there's Matty, Ethan, Charles, Nicola and Vic, oh and your Gran." He couldn't help smiling because he'd not seen Robert this animated in ages even if he truly couldn't remember any conversation they'd had about any of this.

"I'm not one for meetings am I, but I can do heavy lifting and that." He hesitates, not wanting to dampen Robert's mood one bit.

"What?"

"Nothing, it's just...you've never really seemed interested in going to pride or 'owt." Robert looks down and he instantly feels bad. "Oi, it's not a criticism, I just wondered...you seem to be going at this hell for leather that's all. Did you want to go before or...?"

"Not really...I, nearly went once, in London. Chickened out at the last minute, worried someone from work might see me and just know which was daft I know, and when you and me got together, something always seemed to get in the way. I just thought...I know who I am now, and I'm happy. That's something to celebrate, isn't it?"

"Yeah, course. Be my first time too." He winks making Robert laugh. "Right, so, what else have you got planned?"

--------

"Robert!" It's only been a week and Aaron is wishing the days away so he can have his husband, and his house back. He's come home to a living room full of boxes.

"Oh, you're home. You're early."

"I thought I'd sack it off for the day and we could go to the pub for tea with the kids. I didn't expect to come home to...well this."

"Daddy look!" All of a sudden Seb emerges from behind the pile of boxes with what looks like a door curtain trailing behind him.

"Very nice mate. Robert what is all this."

"Ah...well..." Robert scratches his head as he untangles Seb from the decoration he's wrapped himelf in. "The thing is, I'm kinda in charge now."

"How come?"

"It was meant to be Andrea, although if you ask me she only agreed because she thinks it'll keep her in with Charles." Aaron nods, even though he really has no idea what he's talking about, but then Robert's always been more into village gossip than him. "Anyway she's cried off, I don't know, some kind of drama with Jamie again, and well Charles needed the help."

"And you agreed."

"He was stuck!"

Robert and Charles have struck up a kind of friendship since Robert came home, and Aaron knows that he's confided in him, stuff he doesn't want to tell Aaron, or things he needs to sort out before he does.

"Right, so basically the house is going to be a store room for the next fortnight?"

"No, I'm moving it all over to the village hall, but it needed checking, and Mum was going to help but then Ana wanted to go to the swings so she took her, and Sara."

"I'm helping!" Seb pipes up, with his head inside another box as Robert shook his head.

"Well how about you help me and Daddy move these boxes and then we can go and get some tea?"

"Chips?"

"If you get your head out of that box and stop spreading stuff everywhere then maybe."

--------

The next few weeks are a flurry of plans, of Robert having daily brainwaves or panics about one thing or another, and his phone is constantly lighting up with WhatsApp messages, but finally it's the evening before and he thinks Robert has calmed down. He's at one final committee meeting leaving Aaron in charge of the kids tea.

"You alright mate?" Seb's pushing his pasta around the plate rather than eating.

"Where's Daddy?"

"He's at his meeting, you know sorting things for tomorrow. He won't be long."

"What's Pride?" He says after pushing a few more bits of pasta around. He supposes he shouldn't be surprised Seb's asking, it's all they've spoken about for the last month or so after all.

"Well in some places it's like a big parade and it's full of colour and everyone's happy. Emmerdale's a bit small for a parade though ain't it, so it's just going to be like a big party with music and face paints and food and all sorts of things."

"Oh."

"What's up mate?"

"Oscar, at school, he said havin' two Daddies is weird." Aaron's never head of this Oscar, and he has to remind himself it wasn't the kids fault that he obviously hadn't been taught properly.

"Do you think it's weird?"

"No. You and Daddy both play with my trucks and take me on the swings."

"Exactly, some boys and girls have a Mummy and Daddy, like Eve, some have two Mummies like Moses and Johnny, and some like you, Ana and Sara have two Daddies. But all of you have fun, and everyone loves you, so it's not weird. Oscar maybe just doesn't understand hey?"

"But I had Mummy too." Aaron let out a breath, it'd been a good while since he'd mentioned Rebecca, other than saying goodnight to her photo every night. He wished Robert was here, he was always better at dealing with it than him.

"Yeah, well, Moses has a Daddy too doesn't he? A family can be made up of whoever, and still be the same as everyone elses. Do you understand?"

"I think so. And pride is like a party?"

"Yeah, celebrating the fact that people like me and Daddy can be together and stuff."

"But...why?"

"Because years ago we wouldn't have been allowed to get married or be together and some people still think we shouldn't."

"That's silly."

"Yes it is. Really silly."

"Can we go see Daddy?" Aaron smiles, and nods, happy that Seb's satisfied with his answer.

It's a bit of a struggle, managing the three of them, but eventually he gets Seb to push Sara in her chair, while he carries Ana, and they're heading towards the village. Suddenly Seb stops, mouth open and Aaron stops fiddling with Ana's cardigan to see what's wrong.

"Wow." Main Street is literally awash with colour and Seb's eyes are as wide as Christmas. "Look Daddy!"

"I am mate. Cool huh?" He can see Robert in the distance, with Charles and he nudges Seb to carry on walking, smile growing wider as they gets closer to his husband, seeing how happy he is.

"Daddy! Everything's pretty!" Seb all but abandons the buggy to run the last few metres to Robert who immediately picks him up and sits him on his shoulders.

"What do you think young man?" Charles asks him and Seb giggles. He likes Charles, had crazed them to be allowed to go to the after school club he'd set up in the village.

"I like the colours! Daddy said that Pride is cos he and Daddy are allowed to get married. Is that right?"

"Something like that yes. Do you remember we talked about it last week at after school club?"

"When we coloured in?"

"That's right. All of your drawings are hanging up in the church so maybe you can show your Daddies tomorrow."

"OK!"

"Come on chatterbox, let Charles get home."

"He's fine. I'll leave you to it. It looks really good Robert, you've done a great job getting everyone organised, especially last minute."

They take a slow walk home once Robert's done one last check of everything. Aaron's just happy to wait, happy to watch him. It's been a strange couple of years since he came out of prison, ups and downs along the way and he knows Robert's struggled with village events sometimes, feeling as though people are watching him, judging him. Seeing him taking such a delight in organising everything hopefully means he finally feels properly back at home.

"You ready?" Finally finished he kisses Aaron, Seb resting against his shoulder, suddenly tired. "It does look ok, right?"

"Yeah. Proper proud of you I am."

--------

"She's sleeping again." Aaron clicks off the light and slips into bed beside him, not getting any response from his husband. "You ok?"

"Hmm? Yeah. It's just..."

"What?"

"Charles asked me if I'd say something tomorrow."

"Ok, and...you don't want to? I'm sure he'd understand."

"No I do but...I don't know what to say."

"Just say whatever comes to mind. You don't have to make a big speech, just welcome everyone. He wouldn't have asked you if he didn't think you could."

"I just...it has to be perfect."

"Robert, it already is. Look at what you've done, the village looks amazin', and tomorrow is going to be brilliant and that's down to you."

"People helped."

"Yeah, but they wouldn't without you geeing them up. It's all set up now...you get to enjoy yourself."

"Mmm, love you, you know. I'm glad I didn't go that time in London, I'm glad my first pride is with you."

"Soppy git."

--------

"Right, I'm ready." He's barely set a foot on the bottom stair when Robert stops him.

"No."

"What do you mean no?"

"You are not wearing all black. I will suffer it the rest of the year, but not today."

"Why the hell not? Last I checked it was a free country and I can wear whatever I want."

"No Daddy. You has to wear colour! It's the rule." Aaron bends down to Seb who has his arms crossed, mimicking Robert.

"Oh is it? Well I heard that it's the rule to tickle little boys until they shouted me to stop!"

"No! Daddy, stop it! Daddy help me!"

"Seb's right." Aaron stops tickling his son to frown at his annoying husband. Robert's wearing a t-shirt with PRIDE emblazoned across the front in the colours of the bisexual flag and before he can ask what he considers colourful enough he's handing him a bag. "I got you this."

He glares at him a moment longer, pulling what looks like a t-shirt from the bag.

"I knew you wouldn't actually wear proper colour so I got it made up in black." The shirt has 'love wins' across the front made to look like rainbow paint splatters. "Will it do?"

"Fine." He sighs, but he's smiling.

"I, er, I also got these, for the kids." He hands him three more shirts each saying the same thing. "You like 'em?"

"Perfect. Right then, I'll get changed, you can sort them, and then finally we can go!"

Fifteen minutes they're off, Seb running ahead, while Aaron has Aaron on his shoulders, little hands clutching at his hair. Robert's behind them, stopping to adjust Sara's sunhat.

"Seb hang on mate." He stopped at the top of the drive until Robert catches him up.

"Oh my God."

Main Street was full of people, and Aaron couldn't wipe the smile from his face.

"Look what you did."

"Yeah." He sounds stunned.

In the crush, the lose each other after a little while, and it's not until he hears Charles announcing Robert's name that he knows where he is. Making his way to the stage that's been set up next to the church he stands to one side with Sara's pushchair, Ana still on his shoulders. He can see Seb at the side of the stage with Vic so he's happy to stay where he is.

"Um...I don't quite know what to say. When Charles talked about this, I don't think any of us expected quite so many people. Er, it took me a long time to accept who I was, that, um, that I'm bisexual, that it's ok...Fifteen years actually, and now I'm married to the most wonderful man in the world and we've got three kids, and I'm happy. It's been a hell of a journey but I'm truly happy. Anyway I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's ok to not know, to take your time, to go at your own speed...so, have a wonderful day everyone!"

Aaron can barely hear himself think at the cheer, the whistle as Robert steps off the stage, picking Seb up and kissing him as he goes.

It takes a while but eventually they find each other and he sees that Seb had convinced his Daddy to let him get his face painted, cheeks perfectly matching his t-shirt that proclaims 'my daddies love me' with both a pride flag and bisexual flag.

"Was it ok?" Robert asks as Aaron moves Ana so she's standing with Seb, holding onto his hand.

"Did you hear them? It was perfect." He kisses him before hugging him tight. "Love you so much."

"Love you too."

"Daddy I'm hungry! Can we get a cookie from Ganma now?"

He laughs into Robert's neck as the moment's broken. It didn't matter, the whole day has been perfect from start to finish.

[baby-bearie]

take me home - part 2

(not my gif)

jj maybank x reader

a/n: part twoooo let’s goooo. as you can tell this is not the end, there is quite a bit to come, but i wanted to finish this part before i head out. i’ll not be posting any new work for a week because of some things i have going on in my life outside of tumblr. this part was a little more to all the boys i’ve loved before influenced, can you spot where? 

“It’s fine, Maybank. It’s fine, just. Just take me home.”

The drive to your house is filled with a tense silence. Neither of you knows how to talk to the other anymore. Not without hurting yourselves again. You’re grateful he doesn’t try and make small talk with you. His silence gives you time to think.

Time to think about the hurt in Rafe’s eyes when you told him you were scared of him. The momentary flash of despair and devastation. And more importantly, time to think about what you would tell everyone. 

There was no hope that Rafe would keep you and JJ’s “relationship” to himself, you wouldn’t be surprised if half the island knew by now. As street lamps pass over the car, running shadows over your legs, you tell yourself that he was probably too drunk. He probably crashed somewhere and doesn’t even remember. 

You repeat this in your head like a mantra, you hope that if you keep telling yourself this, maybe you can believe it. You can forget about the hurt in his eyes that would never have been there if he was really drunk. 

You’ve lost yourself in that shot of hope when JJ finally stops outside your house. “Thanks for the ride,” you mumble. You turn to open the door, walk back into your kook life, and hopefully make JJ Maybank nothing but a memory for another two years and-

Click.

Darting over, he locks the door. “Not so fast, Y/l/n. I think we need to talk about what happened back there.” “Nothing happened back there.” You tug at the door again. 

“C’mon. What the hell was that?” He rests his hands on the steering wheel. 

You look over at him, ready to yell at him too, to force this door open. But the genuine concern in his eyes breaks something in you. You sigh, leaning your head back against the seat. 

“I’m so sick of guys like Rafe. You know, scratch that. I’m just sick of Rafe! Every single day it’s the same thing, the touching and the pet names and it’s terrifying! I mean, I used to look at that boy and see Rafe, my friend, my first love. And now I see Rafe Cameron.” 

“There’s a difference?” “A huge one. One of them used to call me beautiful and the other one tells his friends he’d hit that whenever he wanted. It’s fucking terrifying, being around him.” You cradle your face in your hands, shaking your head. “I walked in on him doing drugs at a party a few months ago. I don’t mean like weed, I mean he was snorting coke off of a coffee table. And then he threatened me to get me out and quiet.” 

Your phone starts buzzing then. You flip it over and the screen is lit up with a picture of you and Sarah at last year’s Midsummers. You hit decline and drop your phone back in your lap. 

“Jesus. I mean, I knew Rafe was screwed up, but I didn’t think it was that bad.” 

There’s a beat of silence, and you think it’s done, that he’ll let you go now that you’ve confessed to Rafe Cameron being your first love. “Can I go now?”

“What’re you going to tell your friends?” JJ ignores your request. “The truth. I made you up as a fake boyfriend to get Rafe to leave me alone. They’ll buy it, we’ve all done it at some point. The real question is, what are you going to tell your friends?” 

“What?” “I think you might be in trouble with a certain girl for posing as my boyfriend.” “Kiara?” He winces. You nod.

“Jesus,” JJ groans, thumping his head against his hands on the steering wheel. “Does everyone know?” “Everybody knows. You’re pretty obvious, staring at her like that.” “Well, why would she be mad? Didn’t you come tonight so you guys could make up?” “Just because she’s ready to talk doesn’t mean she won’t be mad that I spent the night posing as the girlfriend of her future man-to-be.”

JJ is silent again, and you tug on the door handle once more, trying to signal for him to open the door. “Dude, seriously, I need to get-”What if we didn’t tell them?” 

“What?” You’re taken back by his outburst. 

“What if we didn’t tell them,” he swallows, “that we were faking?” “Why wouldn’t we?” “Think about it, Y/n! I want to make Kiara jealous. As her former friend, you can do that better than anybody. It’s perfect, it would drive her crazy.” “And why would I want to do that?” 

“C’mon, Rafe just left when he thought you were with me. Seriously, he’d at least stop bothering you so much! Isn’t that what you want?” “Well, yeah, but is this really the best way?” 

“Yes!” He grinned. “It would make him just as mad that you’re dating a pogue! If not him, then it would at least make your parents go crazy.” 

You can hear how insane this sounds, but at this point you’d do anything to get out of this car, and you’d do anything to get Rafe out of your life. A voice in the back of your mind, far, far behind from all common sense is whispering that JJ is right. That this could work. You wonder if this is how he lives, making every decision based off of the voice of impulse in the back of his head. 

You’re sure that by tomorrow, that voice will make JJ forget all about you and your kook problems, and that is the only reason you tell him, “Okay, Maybank. You’ve got yourself a deal.” 

JJ pumps his fist in celebration. “Yes! You won’t regret this. Maybank guarantee.” 

You smile in defeat. The last Maybank guarantee you booked was Valentine’s Day of freshman year. JJ had promised you that one day, he would make you his girlfriend. 

Maybe Maybank guarantees really do work out. 

JJ finally unlocks the car, and you climb out in a hurry. “Oh, wait, Y/n, digits.” He’s pulling out your phone before you can close the door. You take it from him and hesitate to officially sign this off. You consider giving him a fake number, but eventually decide you’d like to see if he actually means this. “Fine, JJ. If you drunk dial me, I will block you immediately.” You hand back the phone. 

“No promises.” He takes it back from you and salutes you goodbye. “Later, princess.” 

You shut the door, and he drives off at an alarming speed. 

You tiptoe up to your bedroom, desperate not to wake your family. As you close your bedroom door, your phone buzzes again. 

“Hello?” You pick up this time. “JJ Maybank? Goldilocks? Are you joking?” Sarah’s voice shrieks from your speaker. You pull the phone away from your ear. 

“So I’m guessing Rafe told you?” “Yeah, he was ready to cry, Y/n. What happened?” “He was trying to take me home, but JJ was with me so he got all involved. I don’t know, Rafe just found out.” “Well, why didn’t you tell me?” 

You freeze. You have not had enough time to plan out this conversation. “I mean, you were having problems with your whole kook/pogue love triangle, I didn’t want to worry you with me and JJ. Plus, I didn’t really know how to explain I was dating John B’s best friend.” 

Sarah huffs on the other side, but she accepts the answer. “Do your parents know?” “No, but they’ll probably know by morning, if Rafe keeps blabbing.” “How long has this been going on?” “It’s really new. Sarah, I’m pretty tired. Can I call you tomorrow?” “Oh, uh, yeah. Tell me about it tomorrow.” “Ok, bye.” You rush your words and end the call. 

You collapse onto your bed, exhausted. You groan as your phone screen lights up again, but lift it to check. 

hey kook it’s jj

So he did follow through. And really quickly, too. You fire off a text back.

we need to sort this out. pick me up tmrw at 9

The next morning, as predicted, your mom was excitedly waiting for you downstairs. “Good morning, sweetheart.” “Morning, mom.” You poured a glass of juice.

“So, Rose called this morning.” She stood across from you. You hummed. 

“She was asking about your new boyfriend.” Your mom couldn’t hide the excitement in her tone. “Why didn’t you tell me you were dating?” “It just happened last night, mom. I was going to tell you today.” You set down your glass. 

“Who is he? Tell me everything!” Your mother had been trying to get you in a relationship for years. She had even tried to set you up with her friend’s kids. You hoped the news of your boyfriend’s identity wouldn’t shatter her excitement too much. 

“It’s, um, JJ. JJ Maybank.” 

Your mom’s smile faltered. “That sounds familiar. Does he go to school with you?” “Yeah, he does. He’s not from around here, though. He lives on the Cut.” 

Her mouth formed a small ‘o’. You could tell this wasn’t what she had been hoping for, but it seemed she was going to take it. 

You knew your mom tried. She tried to be a good mom, to be accepting of her kids. And she really did care for your happiness. Although she could be clueless sometimes, she loved you. And that put her well above many of the parents on Figure 8. 

“Well, when can we meet this JJ boy?” “Hopefully soon?” You bluff. 

“Invite him over for dinner sometime. I’m sure he’s lovely.” “He’s actually picking me up for breakfast, so I’ve gotta head out.” 

You grabbed an apple and rushed out the door. Promptly on time for the first time in his life, the giant van sat on the curb. 

“Where are we going?” “There’s this diner by the dock. We can sit there.” JJ proposes as he pulls out of your neighborhood. 

The diner is nice, but neither of you order anything except for waters. The waitress is obviously annoyed with you, but you tip her enough to let you stay. 

“Okay, rule number one, keep your lips shut. Fake dating you is more embarrassing than dating you.” “Ouch, Y/n. But, yeah, obviously.” He leans forward in his chair. You nod. 

“What’s rule number two?” He asks. “What?” “You said rule number one, what’s rule number two?” “I only had one rule.” Then why did you start with rule number one?” JJ knows how to press your buttons. 

“It’s a figure of speech, asshole.” You mutter, slinking back in your chairs. 

“Okay, we need to have a story for how we met so we can tell people the same thing.” You sip from the tall water glass.

“Sure, we met at a kegger in the Boneyard. I gave you a beer and you fell madly in love with me.” He smiles. “I fell madly in love with you? More like you fell in love with me.”  “We mutually fell in love with each other.” JJ compromises. 

“You’re bad at this.” You laugh. “Here, we were at a kegger in the boneyard, you gave me a beer, you started talking, and we still had feelings left over from freshman year. Sound believable enough?”

“Not better than mine, but okay.” He grumbles. 

“I have another rule, you have to do dating things with me.” JJ taps the table. 

“Dating things?” You raise an eyebrow at him. 

“Yeah, dating things. You know. Dates. Public affection. All that.” “Makes sense, but nothing much, please. I don’t need to be making out with you in front of everyone I know.” “That sounds like a bucket list item to me.” 

“Why do we need to do the dating things?” “Because, if it’s all behind closed doors, people will call bluff. The point is to make them jealous. Kiara won’t get jealous if she never sees me with you. Rafe won’t leave you alone unless I’m around.” “Okay, good point.” “Right. Dating things.” 

“Speaking of dating things, my mom knows about you.” “That’s a pretty official deal, then.” “She wants you over for dinner.” 

JJ high fives you. “We’re so good at this, we’re already at the meet the parents phase.” 

JJ gets hungry eventually, and orders a plate of fries, which you periodically steal. He either doesn’t notice or he doesn’t care. 

What he does notice, is Kiara on the dock, staring at the two of you. He grins and tilts his head at her. You turn to look as she waves. You wave back and she watches you two for a little while longer. 

“Progress, Y/n. Progress.” 

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[ironmariposa]

(The things I did) Just so I could call you mine

Chapter 4/4

Also found on Ao3

Authors notes: So here it is!!! I’m so excited to have it out there and finished. I’ve had so much fun writing this and have appreciated every single comment along the way. Thank you all so very much for reading!!

The baseball scene was greatly inspired by Hate to Want You by Alisha Ray. In fact it was when I read that scene that I came up with this fic idea. Yay for plot bunnies!!!

She’s standing on the dock, her arms crossed over her chest when the boat appears in the distance. She waits impatiently until he cuts the engine and idles closer.

“Hey Ray, I think your girl’s pissed. Or she’s on her period.” Tyler jokes.

“Shut up, Tyler.” Both her and Ray say at the same time.

“What the fuck?!” She shouts at him as soon as Tyler and Adam jump out of the boat and scurry away. “What the actual fuck, Ray?! You crapped out on me to get high on your boat!”

He hops out and grabs the rope, his arm muscles on full display as he ties it off. He jumps back in the boat to grab his ice chest and a few other items, ignoring her question. Ignoring her. He steps back on the dock and makes his way toward the house. Throwing up her hands in frustration she follows.

“You have nothing to say for yourself? Just going to ignore me. That’s fine. I have plenty to say.” She pauses a moment to see if he’ll respond but he just keeps on walking. “You know what, Ray? I’m not mad you bailed on me. Not even that surprised. What pisses me off most was this was an easy A for you. And instead of taking it you flake off like you always do. You think everyone is so against you but the only one truly against you is yourself.”

Finally he stops and turns to her. His sunglasses are down, hiding the truth in his eyes but his jaw is clenched, his nostrils flaring, “You don’t know shit about me.”

“Yeah?” She throws up her hands, “Then why don’t you fill me in?”

“Why?” He questions with so much vinum, “Why do you care? I’m just a Meth Row idiot heading down the same path as my father.”

She gasps because he couldn’t have heard them.

“Isn’t that what your boyfriend, Bishop, said?”

“He’s not my boyfriend.” She says, but she’s lost all her fire and it sounds pathetic to both their ears.

“Doesn’t matter, Heather.” He leans closer, “You agreed with him. Called me an idiot.”

Heather shakes her head, “No. I did not agree with him. I don’t, Ray.” She reaches for him but he jerks away and she drops her hand.

“Look. The project is done. Thank the fuck. Now I can be rid of you.”

“Ray.” She whispers but he cuts her off.

“All you were to me was a fucking nuisance Plaza left me with but now we’re finished. We don’t need to talk ever again. And I’m fucking relieved.”

She watches him walk away until he disappears into his house with the slam of the screen door. It takes her a few tries but she finally manages to walk back the way she came. Instead of heading straight home she detours to the snack mart. Gets herself a strawberry lemonade and her sister some gummy bears. Summer is working and Heather stands there numb as the girl rambles on about the upcoming baseball tournament.

“Only two more months left till we’re free. Got any big plans?” Summer asks casually after giving Heather her purchases.

Heather shrugs as she takes a sip of her drink. It’s just as satisfying as always and she feels her frustration melt away. “Not really.”

Summer leans forward through the window and whispers, “I’ve been asked to help emcee the games.”

Heather's eyes widen, “Who’s the other?”

“Diggins.” Not that surprising of a choice. Daniel Diggins is one of the more outgoing people in their grade and he seems to get along with everyone. “Are you going to play?” Summer asks.

Heather shakes her head, “No.”

Summer smiles at her, “Don’t blame ya. But just FYI I hear the pot is insane this year.” Another customer steps up and Heather waves to Summer with her purchases and starts her walk home.

She spends the rest of her Spring Break working or with Nat. Bishop is on vacation with his family. Some beach. But he’s still not talking to her so it doesn’t matter. She tries to do some fun stuff with Lily. Takes her to putt-putt at Andy’s and spends a good five minutes watching a kid in the batting cages. She wonders one too many times what Ray is doing. She knows he’s probably working too. Or out on his boat.

She wonders more than once if he’s taking another girl out with him.

All in all it’s a completely uneventful Spring Break and it’s a bit depressing considering it’s her Senior year. But completely typical considering who she is and where she comes from. Carp doesn’t let people like her escape.

Bishop returns from his trip with a bag of seashells and an apology. She easily forgives him, she’s never been able to resist when he tilts his head and gives her that sweet smile of his.

“Look. I’m not gonna pretend to understand.” He says.

“There’s nothing to understand, Bishop.”

And that’s that. Natalie dances around them and they make plans to go to a party that night.

The Senior baseball tournament starts with a school wide pep rally. As usual it’s loud and uncomfortable as they all crowd into the hot gym. The cheerleaders jump around and shake their Pom poms while the Principal tries to get everyone excited. Typically, the Freshmen and Seniors are the only ones that show any enthusiasm. The middle grades could care less. Finally they’re released and everyone makes their way to the baseball fields behind the middle school.

Natalie and Bishop are on the same team and their game is early in the day. Heather watches from the bleachers as Bishop strikes out every time he’s up to bat and Natalie manages to hit a couple of balls. They still lose the game, neither of her friends are really heartbroken over it. They wander around with time to spare, Heathers game isn’t until later in the evening. That’s even if she’s still on the team. She assumes she is since she received a group text.

Heather approaches the bench and gives a half smile as Ray looks over his shoulder at her. His blue eyes are expressionless as they meet hers and it hurts far more than she thought it would. He’s completely avoided her at school and she can’t say she’s been very aggressive with trying to get his attention. It’s back to like it was before they were paired for their project. The two of them acting as if they barely know one another.

She’s handed a jersey and smiles at Summer as she buttons it over her tank.

“Hope you Fuckers are ready to play, because I don’t lose.” Ray says as a pep speech before the game starts.

She only nods at the harsh tone of his voice and sits between Drew Santiago and Summer. Both looking far more excited than she feels about playing. The game starts and she waves shyly at Natalie and Bishop in the stands as they cheer loudly for her.

She is horrible. Absolutely horrible. The other team figures out quickly she’s completely hopeless out in the field and starts trying to hit every ball towards her. And she’s unable to hit a single ball when up at bat. Close to the end of the game, Adam pulls her aside and tries to teach her how to bunt a ball. Ray catches them and shakes his head as if to say she’s hopeless.

That there pisses her off enough to actually do it and she makes it onto first base with loud cheering from her friends in the bleachers and the team in the dugout. Well, most of the team. Ray just stands in the dugout entry, leaning against it with his arms crossed, a hard look on his face. Then she actually gets on second when Summer hits the ball to the outfield.

Heather’s idling at second base when Ray steps up to bat. She has a perfect view of him and she wishes she had spent her time in high school at his baseball games instead of whatever else she had been doing with her friends. He looks really good in the baseball uniform. The pants doing amazing things for his ass.

She hears the crack of the ball and a loud collective gasp before an intense pain in her shoulder. She realizes she’s been hit and takes only a moment to decide what to do. Running to third base she notices someone running towards her. Not someone, Ray.

“What are you doing?” She shouts, “Go to first!” She points back. His eyes are so wide, filled with fear and concern and everything else she missed the past few weeks.

“Are you okay?” He asks.

“I’m fine!” Her eyebrows lower, “But you’re out now.”

He glances back to first base and hesitates before he’s forced back to their dugout.

“I thought you were obsessed with winning!” She shouts at his back when she makes it back in the dugout. Everyone goes silent around them.

He turns to her and pushes himself in her space, “I am,” he shouts back at her, “But I’m more obsessed with you.”

Heather's face is guarded. Drew shuffles over with an ice pack. A welcome distraction as she thanks him and takes it, pressing it against her shoulder with a flinch. Her eyes flash to the bleachers and Ray follows her gaze to her friends. To Bishop.

Heather sits out the rest of the game and it passes in a blur. Ray stays at the other end of the dugout. The game ends with them losing by one. She silently makes her way to her friends who fret over her injury. They make her show them and both suck in a gasp at the bruise. It does look horrible, feels horrible too. What the hell had she been thinking, playing baseball when she had no clue about the game.

The ballpark empties out and Bishop offers to drive her home. She makes up an excuse and her friends leave her with lingering looks but neither say a word.

She finds Ray by his truck with Sarah and Tyler. She doesn’t hesitate as she approaches him, “Did you mean what you said out there?”

All eyes turn to her and Sarah and Tyler quickly give out reasons they need to go. Scurrying off with a cringe towards Ray. Sarah though shoots Heather a smile.

“Heather, look.” He sounds defeated.

She shakes her head, “Did you mean it?”

He clenches his jaw and lightly punches the side of his truck.

“Because I seem to recall you telling me you didn’t think about me like that. That I was just a nuisance that Mrs. Plaza had left you with.” She jabs a finger in his already bare chest, “That you couldn’t wait to be done with our project so you could, and I quote, be rid of me for good.”

She’s so mad. So incredibly mad and so very confused. It’s been weeks of confusion and she’s tired of feeling that way. Tired of fighting whatever this is between them. Tired of her friends making her feel bad for spending time with him. Tired of him making her feel bad for wanting to spend time with him.

Just. Tired.

He closes his eyes and shuts her out and she can't take it anymore. She shuts down all the reasons why this is wrong and she does what feels right. Grabbing his uniform, she yanks him closer. His blue eyes blink open in surprise.

“Kiss me.” Her voice is both soft and demanding.

He blinks again then brings his hands up slowly. Like he is giving her time to change her mind. But she doesn’t want to change her mind. She lets him cradle her jaw as he leans closer. Lets him brush his lips against hers. So gentle. Just a feather light touch and she needs more. Wants more. She lets him slide his thumb down the smooth column of her throat, tracing her pulse, until she tips her head back and parts her lips in a gasp. His mouth nips at her jaw, her pulse on her neck, up to her ear before returning to her mouth, finding it already open, waiting on a catch in her breath.

This time he kisses her harder, lips moving with the force of weeks worth of wanting. The hand she had fisted in his shirt uncurls and moves to the back of his neck, threading through the hair at the base of his scalp. She tugs at it until he moans her name.

She finds she likes that. She likes making him moan her name in such a pleasurable way. She likes seeing Ray Hall, who’s kissed a hundred girls, who’s fucked just as many, come undone under her touch. She takes great pleasure in it so she does it again as she pushes her body against his.

Gripping her hips he turns them and backs her into his truck, then with a slide of his hands over her butt, he grips her thighs and lifts her. Heather wraps her legs around his waist as he pushes her into the truck and the feel of his cock pressed against her center is the most mind blowing sensation. Heather drops her head back with a loud gasp and Ray makes his way down her throat. In one swift move he’s pulled her jersey open and his mouth continues over her collarbone and down her chest. He growls briefly at her tank top but it’s easily pushed aside as his hands smooth across her sports bra. Her nipples are already hard and she cries out when he slides a rough hand over them.

“Ray. We can’t. Not here.” She manages to get out in staggered breaths.

He stops, pulling back just an inch, she tightens her legs around his waist in fear he’s going to pull away completely.

“Parking lots empty, love.” He says turning back to her. His eyes cut down to her almost exposed breasts and then lower. She bites her lip when he thrusts against her, “But you’re right.”

She gasps as he moves them to the side and then opens the passenger door to his truck. After a brief kiss to her lips he sits her on the edge of the seat and smiles brilliantly up at her.

“What are you doing?” She asks and he raises an eyebrow as he takes her leggings and slides them over her hips and down her legs.

“Gonna taste you. Finally.” He growls and pushes her back, her arms catching herself on his seat. She watches with hooded eyes, her breaths short with anticipation, as he starts his descent down to her center. Just as his eyes are level with her clit, he looks up at her with concern, “This okay?” He asks. And her heart melts that much more.

“God, yes.” She whispers and grabs a handful of his hair as his tongue does one quick slide up her slit.

Ray gives head like he does most things. With lots of enthusiasm and excitement. And Heather appreciates every moment of it. It doesn’t take long for her to come with his name on her lips once he has two thick fingers in her and he’s sucking on her clit. He comes up grinning after and she laughs.

“So, that just happened.”

She sits up and grabs his jersey, pulling him to her, sliding her hands over his bare skin, “I want more.” She whispers against his lips and he chuckles. But then, as her hand slides over his stomach and inside the waistband of his pants, he pulls away.

“What?” She asks.

“Not here. Not like this.”

Heathers confused for a moment. And she feels very exposed as he steps back.

“Hey.” He whispers after seeing the look on her face. He runs a hand over her hair, “I want to. Fuck, do I want to.”

“Then why not?” She asks as she attempts to pull her pants back up. She’s starting to feel embarrassed and she doesn’t like it one bit. She had thought …. Well it didn’t matter what she thought.

“Any other girl I would have already fucked and been on my way. But you. Heather, you’re not any other girl.”

“Oh.”

He leans close, his lips just millimeters from hers, “Yeah, oh.” And he kisses her.

The next day, Heather unfortunately has to work. She is absolutely useless as she spends the entire time thinking about Ray and his tongue. She’s sure she has a blush on her face through most of the day and it’s embarrassing. She meets with Natalie during her break and she confesses that things got a little heated with Ray after the game.

Natalie just raises an eyebrow as she leans back on her hands, “I don’t get it. At all. But,” she shakes her head, “Everyone heard his confession.” She stands up, dusting off her hands before helping Heather up, “Can’t say I blame ya after that.”

Heather smiles. She knows she’ll never truly get her friend's approval but it’s enough.

She finds Rayout on the dock. Shirtless as he leans against a post, a beer in his hand, a cigarette tucked behind his ear. He’s exactly as she always pictured him. Nothing has really changed since they kissed the night before, but it feels like her world has tilted.

She approaches and he turns when he hears her footsteps on the dock. She waves shyly and he gives her his mega watt smile.

“Hey Nill.”

She sits beside him, closer than she would have the day before. He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t comment. Instead he nods to the ice chest, “Want a beer?”

“I’m okay.”

He drains the rest of his can and tosses it aside. They sit there for a while, watching the sun set silently together. Neither feel the need to fill the silence and Heather is thankful for that.

“So we kissed.” He says breaking the silence.

She knocks her shoulder against his, “I mean you’ve technically kissed most of the girls in our class.”

“True.” He winks at her and she laughs. He quickly turns serious though, “Just so you know it meant something to me.”

She studies him for a moment, his eyes never leaving hers, “Me too.” She finally admits.

“So. What does that mean for us?”

She shrugs, “I mean technically you don’t date, right?”

He looks back out to the water and she doesn’t realize she’s holding her breath until he says the next words, “Well. For you, I might be willing to make an exception.”

“Might?” She teases.

He laughs as he takes her hand and brushes his lips across the inside of her wrist. Her breath hitches and he smiles wickedly as he grabs her waist and pulls her into his lap.

“If you drop me in the water, Ray, I swear to God,”

“I’m not going to drop you, woman. Stop squirming.” His arms wrap around her back and she feels secure against him as his mouth meets hers. She opens to him willingly and the next time she squirms it’s for pleasure instead of fear.

He pulls his mouth from hers and starts a descent down her neck.

“I feel like I’m falling.” She tells him. He pulls his mouth from her and looks at her with wide eyes, “Not like that.” She says with a laugh, “I mean falling like … like when you jump from Pilots Point.” She traces a finger over his jaw, her eyes following, making his jaw jump with a tick, “You know that feeling between the jump and the landing in the water?” He gives a silent nod, “That’s what this feels like.”

His voice is rough when he responds with a “Yeah.”

She smiles at him, “I love that feeling.”

He brings his mouth closer to hers and just before kissing her again says, “Me too.”

Fin.

[thesociologicalcinema]

#NeurodiverseSquad no one has ever explained #ADHD or #executivedysfunction to me quite like Sarah Ward (@swardtherapy) and I need to share the awesome. (I'm a speech therapist with an 8yo son with ADHD, for background.)

First, memory. You have two broad types of memory: Long-Term Memory (LTM) and Short-Term Memory (STM). STM is often used interchangeably with Working Memory (WM), which refers to a sort of mental "scratch pad" where you can hold information in mind and use it. Now, WM also has subyptes: The 1st is Verbal Working Memory. Verbal Working Memory is what allows you to hold someone's phone number in mind, rehearse it, and write it down when you find a pen. It lets you remember a set of words someone said, or something short you read.

The 2nd kind of WM is Nonverbal Working Memory (NWM). This refers to your ability to hold images in mind. To see scenes from the past, pictures you saw, where you left your keys, etc. It also helps you imagine the future. Not words about the future, but what the future LOOKS LIKE. Now, it's the ability to see what the future looks like that is impaired in those with poor executive functioning skills, like those with #ADHD, #ASD, and #executivedysfunction.

I will talk about ADHD because my son has ADHD. NVWM impairment is exactly why it's hard for someone with ADHD to just... do the thing. Because #neurotypicals just imagine what "done" looks like, and work backwards from there to figure out what steps to take. Then backwards again to figure out what they need to get started. Then they know how to start.

Folks, if you can't easily imagine the end product, you can't identify the steps that get the end product complete. And if you can't identiy the steps, you can't collect what you need to start. And you... can't start. So WHY is it so hard for people with ADHD to just... do the thing? It's because starting on a task is completely overwhelming when you can't see what you're working towards.

If a neurotypical person is going to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, they're gonna think about what a peanut butter and jelly sandwich looks like as a FIRST STEP. Practically instantaneously. What does done look like? Then they plan backwards from there.

What are the steps to achieve the "done" image? Well, laying out the bread, spreading the peanut butter, spreading the jelly, putting the two sides together. BAM. What will I need to prepare to do those steps? Bread, peanut butter, jelly, knife. BAM. You plan backwards, and execute that plan forwards. Or: you "plan the work, then work the plan." This is incredibly hard for those with executive dysfunction.

Learning this has helped me immensely. Once I could understand that this failure to see the "done" was what was holding my son back, all I had to do was make the "done" visible and visual for him. What does "ready for school" look like? We took a photo of him ready with all his things. Now each morning I show him that and say "match the picture" and he's ON IT. The photo helps him see the wholeness of what HE looks like in the future. He can see the done.  

What's more, this helps with his anxiety. He is always anxious about birthday parties. Why? I now know he can't visualize what it will be like. Uncertainty = anxiety. What does the place/crowd/food look like? No idea. Stress. Now we reduce birthday party anxiety by making the uncertain/unknown into something he can see. We google photos of the venue. Of kids eating cake and pizza. We look at several photos of what it might look like and anxiety is reduced. Hugely. This wizardry, guys.

I shared this strategy with his gr 3 teaching and she (bless her) immediately put it into practice. He was unable to start on his journal writing one morning. She said "here is what done looks like" and flipped to a previous, complete journal entry. She went through it with him and helped him identify the steps/parts (a topic, sentences, capital letters, spaces, etc.). That's what done looks like. And he immediately got to work writing a new one.

This is so fundamentally different than giving a kid a checklist you made. You are _teaching_the kid the skill of visualizing the "done", and of _creating_ their own checklist from that "done" image.; They are thinking through all the steps of planning themselves. Building these skills is crucial for kids with executive dysfunction. I love this strategy, which Sarah Ward call "Get Ready - Do - Done." because it makes planning (as well as the thing you're planning) VISUAL. This is building nonverbal working memory. ~ @sayitslp

[tweedlydumbtweedlydoo]

Mistake (Rafe Cameron x reader) pt. 7

Summary: You, a pogue and Rafe Cameron, a kook are friends of benefits, secretly of course. But what happens when you get pregnant?

**Mistake: Masterlist 

A/N: Sorry I didn’t get this out yesterday! I was able to go home from the hospital yesterday and was exhausted. I think I proof read this but I really don’t remember. Hope you guys like it! xx 

Tag list is at the end. Let me know if you want to be added xx

**MASTERLIST**

Requests: OPEN {CLOSED}

I am currently taking requests for:

The Vampire Diaries/The Originals

Elijah Mikaelson

Damon Salvatore

Criminal Minds:

Spencer Reid

Derek Morgan

Supernatural (I’m only up to season 2, so please don’t request something with spoilers)**

Sam Winchester

Dean Winchester

Outer Banks (Netflix):

John B Routledge

JJ Maybank

Rafe Cameron

********************************************************************************************NOT MY GIF, CREDIT TO OWNERS

“Please don’t start with this again, John B.” You plead. The two of you were on your way back to his house, where you’d meet the rest of the pogues to have a quick day on the water before heading to the Midsummer’s party. You’d thought the two of you had put arguing about Rafe behind you, but obviously it still bothered John B. All Rafe had done was sent a text message of the plans; He was going to pick you up at your house around 5 and then head to the party. You had been getting ready and asked John B to read the message and it sent him into jealousy mode.

“I just don’t like it, y/n! I don’t like the idea of you going as his date.” John B argues from the driver’s seat.

“I know that, John B but it’s just a stupid party and I’m not going as his date. We’ve talked about this.”

He rolls his eyes, “I just don’t see why he asked you to go. He could have asked anyone else, but why did it have to be you?”

You throw your hands up in frustration, “Oh my god, I don’t fucking know! If you don’t want me to go, then I won’t go!”

“No, you go ahead and go y/n. You’ve already got a dress and he’s paid for your seat.”

“Then please, can we stop arguing about this?” He pulls into his driveway, the pogues standing around waiting. “I want this to be a good day.” You turn to face him in the seat as he pulls the van into park. He gives you a short nod before getting out of the van and slamming the door.

“trouble in paradise?” JJ asks as John B storms by him, heading for the dock.

You take a deep breath, trying not to cry before getting out of the van, “You guys ready for a nice relaxing day?” You put a smile on your face as you walk up to them.

~

“So, I have some exciting news to tell you guys!” You smile. John B had found a spot to anchor and you figured it would be the perfect time to tell them.

“What is it?” Kie asks.

“You’re pregnant?” JJ announces, “Oh wait, we already knew that.” He chuckles and everyone else joins in.

You look at John B, who walks up behind you, slipping his arm around your waist. He’d finally calmed down. “I found out what I’m having.”

“Please tell me it’s a boy.” Pope groans, his fingers crossed. JJ doing the same thing, “We need another boy.” JJ adds.

You look at Kie, smiling, “It’s a girl!”

She squeals, wrapping her arms around you, “Yes!”

You laugh, returning her hug. Pope and JJ groan, “Not another girl.” Pope says.

“I’m so happy.” Kie pulls away, “Another girl for the pogues, finally. Oh, this is so exciting. We can go shopping and dress her up all the time.” She claps her hands looking at Pope and JJ who roll their eyes.

“I was hoping for another boy to even out the pogues.” JJ says.

“Told you Kie would be excited.” John B says, wrapping his arm around your shoulder, pulling you to him and kissing your temple.

~

You put the finishing touches on your makeup and add some more hairspray to your hair.

“Can you get my dress for me?” You point to your closet.

John B nods, swinging his feet off the bed and walking to your closet, grabbing the dress and coming over to you, “How long will you guys be there tonight?”

You shrug, standing and slipping off your robe, unzipping your dress, “I’m not sure.” You step into your dress, pulling it up your body and turning around so John B can zip it up.

“I won’t wait up for you then.” John B mumbles, zipping your dress.

You sigh, “Okay.. whatever you want to do. I thought you were helping Pope and his dad tonight?”

He shakes his head, “Didn’t want to be there and see you with Rafe.”

You face the mirror running your hands over the dress, “Seriously?” Your eyes meet his in the mirror.

He nods, standing behind you and crossing his arms over his chest.

You roll your eyes, “Whatever. I’m not getting into this right now. Rafe will be here any minute.” You sit down at your makeup table and slip on your shoes, “You’re going to have to get over your little feud with Rafe. This is getting ridiculous. I asked for someone to support me and you’re not being supportive.”

“How can I be supportive of a guy like Rafe? He’s a dick, y/n. He’s treated you like shit and now you’re acting like he walks on water.”

You close your eyes and take a deep breath, before standing and waving him off, “I’m not doing this right now.” You walk out of your room, John B hot on your tail.

“I don’t think I can do this y/n. You and Rafe, Rafe being in the picture.”

You abruptly stop and face him, “You don’t think you can do this? Are you serious? Oh my god.” You shake your head, laughing, “We’ll talk more about this later. Rafe just pulled into the driveway.” You snatch your purse off the table and head out the front door, slamming it behind you. He can’t do this? That’s his excuse? He told you he was going to be supportive and what he’s showing you is not support. You know you can’t ask Rafe to not be in the picture. That would not be fair to Rafe or to your baby. John B should understand that, but obviously he can’t push aside his dislike for Rafe to be there for you. How will the two of you make it work if he can’t co-parent?

~

“And he just despises you.” You groan, “I don’t understand it. I swear since we’ve got together, we’ve argued constantly.” You dig through your purse for your lipstick. Rafe sits quietly in the driver’s seat, listening to your rant. He can’t help but feel hopeful that maybe he still has a chance with you.

“I tried to understand where he was coming from, like you said, but he’s unbelievable! I need someone to be supportive. He said he would be there for me and all he’s done is argued with me over my choices. People change and you’ve changed, but he can’t get that through his stubborn head.” You huff, putting the lipstick on.

“John B doesn’t seem like he’s the guy to change his viewpoint.”

You nod, “He’s not. He’s always been like that, even as kids. I hoped he’d at least try. But, no.”

Rafe pulls into the parking lot at the country club and backs into a spot.

“Anyways.” You take a deep breath, looking at him and smiling, “Let’s go have a good night. No drama, no arguing. Sound good?”

He chuckles, nodding, “Yeah, sounds great.”

~

He holds his arm out to you as they walk inside. He had to admit, he was nervous and excited for tonight. He’d seen the dress when you tried it on yesterday and he thought you looked beautiful then. It doesn’t even compare to how he thinks of you now. You quite literally took his breath away when you came storming out of your house. Your eyebrows were furrowed in anger, a crease in your forehead, but you were still stunning. And now underneath the warm glow of the sunset, you were really glowing, your beauty shining bright.

You gripped onto his arm. You were nervous to be around this many people, kooks specifically. You knew you didn’t belong here. People judged you before because you lived on the cut and you know they are for sure judging you for getting pregnant with Rafe Cameron’s child. You’d overheard a few girls at the Wreck saying you did it on purpose to get money. People can be so judgmental.

You could see Ward and Rose, Topper and Sarah, along with Wheezie standing by the door to go out to the back patio.

“There you are.” Rose says, seeing the two of you. She smiles, “Almost missed us walking in!”

“Sorry, we couldn’t find a parking spot.” Rafe shrugs, looking down at you then at them.

“You must be y/n, right?” Rose asks.

You nod, “Yes ma’am. You look gorgeous. I love your dress.” You smile.

“Oh you’re too kind. Please call me Rose.” She smiles, “It’s very nice to meet you. Rafe here talks about you all the time.”

You glance up at Rafe, who has a pink tint to his cheeks, “Oh he does?”

He clears his throat, “I don’t talk about you all the time.”

“Oh, he does.” Sarah pipes up laughing, “It’s adorable really.” She steps next to Rose, Topper on her arm and extends her hand to you, “Sarah, but I think you already know that.”

You laugh a little, shaking her hand, “Yeah, I do.”

“Your dress is gorgeous by the way. And you’re glowing of course.” She smiles, “You’ve got that pregnancy glow.”

You run a hand over your small bump, “Well thank you.”

Ward is next to introduce himself, before someone instructs that it’s time for them to walk in and get started with the speeches. Rafe and you step behind Topper and Sarah, following after them. All eyes on you. You knew they were staring at you with Rafe and then the small baby bump. Girls gave you ugly glances, some of the older woman sending judging stares because you got pregnant out of wedlock. No matter where you go, someone always has an opinion. Ward stood in front of you guys and gave a speech.

Rafe pulls his arm from yours and puts it on your back, “I can tell you’re freaking out… calm down.” He chuckles softly, rubbing circles.

You take a shaky breath, letting out a small laugh, looking up at him, “Really? I wonder how you can tell.”

He leans down, whispering in your ear, “You have nothing to worry about, you’re the most beautiful one here.”

You can’t help but blush as he straightens himself out and giving you a wink. His hand never leaves your back, continuing to rub comforting circles as Ward makes his speech. After he concludes, you all are sent to your tables to eat dinner.

~

After dinner, you finally spot Kie. “I’m going to talk with Kie.”

Rafe nods, wiping his mouth on the cloth napkin, “Yeah course, go ahead.”

Before you even realize what you’ve done, you kiss his cheek. You don’t even know why you did it. You didn’t even think about what you were doing. The two of you at dinner, laughing with Sarah and Topper and a couple other people, it felt right to you, like this is where you were supposed to be. You blush, “sorry.” You quickly get up and head for Kie.

“So, how are the two of you?” Sarah asks, plopping down in your seat next to Rafe.

He watches you hug Kie, who gushes at your belly, and looks back at Sarah, “I mean we’re fine. Why?”

She shrugs, “You’re still in love with her. I heard she’s with John B though.”

He sighs, throwing his napkin on his plate, “Yeah that happened.” He gives a small shrug of his shoulders, “There’s nothing I can do about it. If she’s in love with him and not me, then I have to be okay with that. I can’t force her to love me.” He admires you from the table. You and Kie had made your way to the dancefloor and were laughing as you two dance to the music. “If it’s meant to be, then it’ll happen. I just want her happy. And if it means I can’t have her, then I have to be okay with that.”

~

You and Kie take a break and sit down at one of the tables.

“So, how are you and John B?”

You sigh, taking a sip of your water, “I don’t know. I swear all we’ve done is argued. He’s so jealous of Rafe being in the picture.”

Kie frowns, taking a sip of water, “That’s not fair of him. You said he doesn’t think Rafe should be in the picture?”

You shake your head, “No. He told me earlier before I left that he didn’t think he could do it.”

“I mean I don’t like Rafe, never have. But I can see he’s changed. Still, he’s the baby’s father. He deserves to be in the picture. That’s not John B’s decision.”

“John B doesn’t think like that though. I’m not sure what’s going to come of us. He told me he’d be there for me and be supportive, but all he’s done is caused issues and judged me for my decisions.”

She gives your hand a gentle squeeze, “I’m sure you two will work things out.”

~

After another song is played, the two of you decide to head back to the dance floor. However, that song doesn’t last long and a slow song plays through the speakers.

“Can I borrow, y/n?” Rafe asks, walking up to the two of you.

Kie nods, “Yeah, I’m going to check on pope and his dad.” She gives your arm a squeeze, before heading toward Pope.

He looks at you, holding his hand out, “May I have this dance?”

You put your hand in his, “So proper.”

He chuckles, pulling you to him, “Are you having a good night so far?”

“Yeah I am.” You slip your arm around his neck, “It’s been a good night.” The two of you slowly sway back and forth to the music.

“Good,” He smiles, “You know my family really likes you.”

You roll your eyes, “You don’t have to lie to me.”

“Not lying. They really do. And they’re excited to have another girl in the family. Not like we don’t have enough.” He chuckles.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I know you would have hoped for a boy.”

He gives a shrug, “I mean a boy would have been nice, but the baby is healthy and that’s all I care about.”

You nod, “I feel the same way.”

His thumb runs circles over your hip just like he did when you two started seeing each other. It was a calming habit; for you and him.

“You okay?”

He takes a deep breath, “Yeah, I’m great.” He looks down at you and you can tell he’s forcing a smile.

“I’m here for you if you need to talk. You don’t have to hide it from me.” You quote him, giving a light laugh, your fingers subconsciously playing with his hair.

“If I told you what I was feeling right now, it would completely ruin tonight, and I don’t want to ruin the night. No drama remember?”

“Just tell me Rafe, I can tell it’s bothering you.” You frown.

“You look beautiful tonight and all I want to do is kiss you right now.” He spits out.

You stare up at him, eyes wide. That was not what you were expecting.

“But I know you’re with John B and I don’t want to get in the middle of that because I want to have a place in the baby’s life and I don’t want to ruin what friendship we have going for us right now-“ He rambles on. You don’t know what it is as you stare at Rafe rambling on; the glow of the sunset on his face, the twinkle in his eye as he rambles on. It was as if a light switch turned on. He was your forever and as clear as day, you knew it. He was your person.

“Kiss me.” You interrupt him, the words slip out of your mouth in a breath.  

He looks down at you in shock. Had he heard you right?

“Kiss me.” You whisper again.

His eyes never leave yours as he slips his hand from yours and cups your cheek, pulling you to him and pressing his lips against yours.

When it’s meant to be, there will be nothing to stop two people from being with each other. Whether it’s which side of the island you grew up on or if there was someone else. If it’s meant to be, the pieces will slowly fall into place until the puzzle is put back together again.

You’d gone back and forth with yourself about whether you should choose John B or Rafe, but in this moment it was clear. Rafe Cameron was it for you.

~

You knew you had to break the news to John B, but how? It’ll break his heart and you would lose him as your best friend forever. The pogues would be split up and would never be the same again. They’d have to choose sides.

Rafe slowly pulled the truck to a stop in your driveway. John B’s van was parked next to your car. Well, it’s now or never.

“do you want me to go in with you?” Rafe asks, giving your hand a squeeze.

“No, I need to do this on my own.”

He nods, “Call me tomorrow?”

“Sure.” You slip out of the truck and head inside. John B was sitting on your bed, his head in his hands. You could tell he was swaying a little.

“John B?”

He looks up at you and stands. He looked like a wreck. His hair was messy and you’re pretty sure his shirt was buttoned wrong. Is that red lipstick? “I did something bad…” His cheeks are wet with tears.

You take a step toward him, “What happened? What did you do?”

“You have to understand it was a mistake, I didn’t mean for it to happen. It just happened and it shouldn’t have. You didn’t deserve it and I’m so sorry.”

“What happened?” You ask again.

“I cheated on you.”

You knew you couldn’t be mad. You’d done the same thing, kissing Rafe tonight. You’d be a hypocrite if you were. In all honesty, you’re kind of glad he cheated on you. It sucks, yeah, but maybe the arguing constantly about Rafe and now this, maybe they were all signs that you and John B weren’t meant to be.

“It’s okay.” You whisper, your hand going to his cheek.

“Wait, what?” He sniffles. He figured you would have cried and yelled at him. Not tell him it’s okay.  

You nod, “John B.. you’re my best friend. Have been since we were kids and I think maybe we were meant to stay that way. We’ve argued ever since we’ve gotten together. You weren’t able to accept the fact Rafe would be in the picture and now this? I think it was all a sign to try and tell us.”

He hangs his head, “I had thought the same thing.” He looks back at you, “I don’t want to lose my best friend though. You mean too much to me for that. Please.”

You shake your head, “No, never.” You wrap your arms around his neck, “I don’t want to lose you either.”

His arms wrap around your waist and he buries his head in your hair, “I want you to be happy. You deserve it and I don’t think I’m it.”

You pull away and stare up at him, a soft smile on your lips, “Pogues forever?” You hold your pinkie up to him.

He chuckles softly, interlocking his pinkie with yours, “Pogues forever.”

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[dawnrider]

yeeeeeeeessssss . fluff 12: “Am I your lockscreen?” “You weren’t supposed to see that.”

Soooooo.... A million and a half years later, I’m finally getting to this prompt that @superpixie42 has now officially forgotten she sent me. 🎉

This hails from the Stocking Stuffers Universe which also included Dinner and Dancing.  A nice fluffy “how they met” type story.  It also happens to coincide with @inukag-week‘s prompt for the day of Acceptance.  Enjoy, Lovelies!

The grassy knoll at the bottom of the biggest hill on campus was the best spot for a break between classes.  Kagome made a point to meet up with friends there at least once a week, but often stopped alone to sit under the large maple that remained its central focus.  There was a large retaining wall higher up the hill that was a frequent spot for the architecture students to sit, sketching the buildings around them, analyzing the lines… usually horsing around.  Kagome favored a book in her spare time, since she did so much studying at home, but today she had a test to finish reviewing for in her next class.

A chorus of laughter caught her attention, drawing her eyes up to the wall. There were several male students and a lone female student,  sitting with a sprawl of meal bags and large sketch pads. One young man, with dark hair pulled in a low tail, was playfully elbowing another in the ribs. With silver hair that nearly glinted in the sunlight and a look on his face that promised retribution, the other young man fairly vibrated with irritation.

Until it burst.

"Fucking...fine!" he shouted, vaulting off the wall with amazing grace and landing as though it were nothing. Which Kagome realized had to mean he was at least part youkai, because that wall was high. She read in the campus paper a month or so before that a human student had broken a leg and arm trying to impress friends by jumping down and miscalculating the height. And the fact that there was a hill at the bottom.

Kagome went back to her textbook, paging to her next sticky referencing the basilar membrane and set in for a very technical read.

"Um…"

Blinking, Kagome looked up and found the silver haired guy standing near enough to obviously be addressing her without getting too close. "Hi?” His eyes widened at her soft greeting and she could see that they were golden in color.  “Can I help you with something?”

“Uh. Well… I…”  He clearly hadn’t thought that they would get this far into the conversation.  Still not sure what his goal was, Kagome slowly sat up and set her book aside.  “My friend has been giving me a hard time and…”

“I noticed.  I’m Kagome, by the way,” she cut in when he was struggling to continue.

“I-Inuyasha.” She smiled at his light blush.  “See, he thinks that you’re probably a freshman, but I thought you were older.”  His eyes widened when her eyebrow went up at his choice of words. “Not that you look old or… Shit.”

Kagome grinned, resting her chin in her hand while looking up at him, nearly sweating under the collar with anxiety now and ready to abandon his mission.  “Sit down a sec.  You look like you need a break.”  He complied without a second thought, plopping into the grass beside her.  They both pretended not to hear the jeering calls from the wall.  “Is this a bet? ‘Cause you won.  I’m a junior.” Inuyasha’s golden eyes flashed triumphantly, then he winced.  “I’m guessing you lot are younger?”

“No.  I’m a senior.  Miroku, my friend, he’s a senior on a victory lap. Maybe a second one… I can’t remember now.”  Kagome giggled.  “We’re architecture.”

“I figured.  I see you guys up there a lot.”  She noticed the intrigued look in his eyes just before she noticed the pair of fluffy ears that seemed to appear on top of his head.  She let out a little delighted gasp, which caused them to lay back again and his face to shutter.  “Saw that landing too.  Nice.  Way to not break anything.”

Inuyasha froze, then slowly relaxed.  He obviously sensed the acceptance in her demeanor.  “Yea, well that kid was human and didn’t know how to roll into the impact.” They chatted for a few minutes about the incident, then fell into a faintly uncomfortable silence.  “What are you studying?”

“Oh!  I have a test on the cochlea in a bit.  Reviewing the basilar membrane functions…”  Inuyasha stared at her with no indication of understanding.  “It’s part of the inner ear.  It moves when sound waves impact the…”  She paused again. “It’s pretty boring, really,” she murmured shyly.

“So you’re like, in pre med?”

“No. Audiology.  Or I will be.  Have to do grad school for that.  Right now I’m Speech and Hearing Sciences.”

“That’s cool.  You study ears and hearing.”  Kagome wasn’t sure he realized that he was wiggling his very prominent ears at her in his excitement.  She grinned and nodded.  “Wow.  Do they have anything on… on canine hearing in there?” he wondered.

Kagome laughed.  “Not really.  This book focuses on human hearing, but I have another textbook at home that compares human to non-human hearing.  I could… Well… if you wanted...”

“Will you be here tomorrow?” he jumped in.  She nodded.  “Keh.  Bring it then.”  A light flush lit her cheeks.  “I-If that’s alright?”

“Yea. It’s alright.”

The pair continued to meet in the grassy knoll almost every day for a week, only the intense rain one afternoon keeping them from seeing each other.  Kagome realized after the storm that she had no way to contact him. They could have chosen one of the libraries to meet instead!  The next afternoon, she put on her brave face and sucked up her nervous feelings so she could ask for his number.

“Oh!  Yea!  I mean,” he paused, clearing his throat, “that would be cool. Or whatever.”

He crouched beside her, starting to put in his password. So focused on the pattern, Inuyasha didn't notice Kagome glancing over his shoulder. He yelped when she grabbed the handset out of his long fingers, studying the screen intently for a moment before looking at him with a faint frown.  “Am I your lockscreen?”

She could see the proverbial "oh shit" in his eyes before he snatched the phone back. Kagome waited for him to respond but found that he was speechless. It was a candid shot, obviously taken from the wall, with her casually laying on her stomach, reading a book. The distance and zoom made it a little blurry, but it was definitely her.

“You weren’t supposed to see that,” he finally squeaked out. Kagome could see by how flat his ears lay against his head that he was about to panic. She had picked up on some of his tells in the last week, as well as done a little research about canine youkai.

What she had also picked up on in her brief search was that hanyou, like Inuyasha, were in an odd place in society.  She had never really met anyone with mixed heritage before, so she wasn’t aware of the stigma.  Inuyasha was likely made very aware of it, regularly and from an early age.  

“You didn’t get a very good angle,” she said lightly, pulling up her own phone and flipping the camera so they could see themselves on the screen.  Inuyasha still looked confused and terrified.  Kagome smiled brightly and caught one shot that way, then nudged his shoulder.  “You gonna smile or what?”

It took him a moment to process what she was doing, how she was reacting to him. That she was… accepting him.  When he finally understood all of that, he relaxed, gaze softening, ears returning to their normal position and a faint grin lifting the corner of his lips.

“That’s better.”  Kagome snapped another couple of shots to make sure they got a good one.  “Here.  Give me your number and I’ll send them to you so you can use one of those instead.  Much better angle.”

Inuyasha chuckled even as he took out his phone again.  “That was pretty slick, you know that?  I wouldn’t have guessed you had that in you.”

Kagome grinned as she put his number into a text and shot off the pictures with a heart emoji.  “I think there’s a lot of things you’ll find out about me that you wouldn’t have guessed.”

Inuyasha matched her smirk with one of his own.  “I accept that.”

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