#I told my mom that I’ll take care of it so that she could save/keep her money for herself but oh man

[tariah23]

My upcoming check is so pitiful wtf

[lowkeyerror]

The Family Business Ch.4

WandaNat x Reader

Word Count: 2k

Chapter Notes: Brief mention of the red room nothing crazy

Summary: Natasha is nervous about finally having some personal time with Wanda’s family. You help her fight through those nerves. Meanwhile Wanda struggles to come to terms with how much of your growth she missed.

An: Posting consistently again got me feeling in my prime. No promises, but might post chapter 5 later this week instead of next monday.

Series Masterlist| Masterlist

Once you were done with work, and had your flowers for Flora, you were ready to go to the Maximoff’s house. You’d sent a quick text to Dragos telling him that you’d bring Natasha with you, to save them an extra unnecessary trip.

You pack your things quickly and head to the car, Natasha follows behind you. When you get in the car, you finally notice the subtle nervousness of Natasha.

“Are you scared to meet Wanda’s mom?”

Natasha nods a little, “It’s more than that. You guys are the most important people in her life. She told me so herself. Dragos doesn’t like me yet, Pietro and I really just looked at each other, and I heard Flora’s got high standards when it comes to partners.”

“Well, they are the kindest people you could ever meet. All they'll care about is that you keep Wanda happy,” you insist.

“I think the kindness goes out of the window, when you find out your daughter got married to a Russian spy that tried to kill her,” Natasha mumbles.

 You try to offer her some comfort, “I’m not going to argue with that but, you’ll get a little break, when I tell them I like you.”

“Really?”

“If Wanda told you all about me, then you should know they've got a soft spot for me,” you’re a little embarrassed when you say it, but it’s the truth.

If Natasha notices your embarrassment, she doesn't bring it up, “Wanda says you’re basically a Maximoff every time she tells a story about you.”

You smile, “I like to think of them as my family too. There’s been plenty of times where I want to call Dragos, papa. That means there’s even more times when I want call Flora Mama.”

“What’s stopping you?”

“I don’t want to take the chance and ruin our dynamic.”

The Russian sighs as the house comes into view. “I think they’d both love it. The way Wanda tells it, they feel as though you're one of their kids.”

You park the car before answering Natasha, “Maybe one day.”

With the hydrangeas in hand, you head to the front door. Natasha tries to walk behind you, but you pull her forward so she’s next to you.

“This is a family you have to face head on. Those uncertainties you have, keep them close to you. Don’t let them see your nerves because they’ll pounce. Just remember that you love Wanda, and she loves you too,” your attempt at a pep talk seems to calm her nerves a bit.

“You said they were nice people. Nice people don’t have warnings.”

You roll your eyes, “Natasha you secretly married the daughter of a crime lord without ever meeting the family, there’s a shitload of warnings.”

The door swings open before you have the chance to knock. You find yourself being pulled into a warm hug. It’s only a moment before Flora’s hands land on your face. She turns your head a couple times checking that you are fine, before planting a kiss on your cheek.

“Y/n, where have you been sweetheart? Too old to come see me anymore, huh? You’ve got bags under your eyes Malysh, have you been sleeping ok?”

You smile warmly at her antics, “I’ll never be too old to come visit my Flora. As a sorry, for being away I brought you these.”

Flora takes the flowers from you. “Always knowing how to get into my good graces, these are beautiful Y/n.” Her eyes dart to Natasha and you watch as her features go neutral.

 “You must be Natasha.”

The red head extends her hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs.Maximoff.”

Flora shakes her hand, “Yes, if only we could've done this sooner. “

Natasha doesn’t shift at the words, but you can feel her nerves from besides you. Flora beckons you both into the house and you follow her into the kitchen. She grabs a vase for the flowers and begins to fill it with water.

“So, why Natasha?” She says as she places the flowers in the vase.

“I’m sorry?” Natasha is confused by the question.

Flora keeps her eyes on the flowers, “Why’d you pick the name Natasha? Natalia is a fairly pretty name, why not keep it?”

You weren't surprised that Flora had done some research on the woman. However, Natasha was taken aback by the question. She wasn’t expecting it, so it took her a moment to respond.

“As a spy, I have many aliases. However, Natasha never felt like an alias, she just felt like me. My parents and sister call me Natalia often just to tease me, but even they seem to like Natasha better.”

You decide to help the Russian out, “Are you close with your family, Natasha?”

She nods, “Very close. My parents took Yelena and I when we were very little. They saved us from some terrible people, I owe then everything. Though they'd never let me repay them.”

“Reminds me of us,” you say to Flora, who has now softened her gaze on the redhead.

Flora had a soft spot for children in tough places. You knew that's why she originally gravitated towards you, when Pietro first brought you around. This was the perfect topic to get Natasha on Flora’s good side.

“If we found you any younger you would've had our last name,” Flora places the vase the table. She eyes Natasha for a moment before asking about her childhood, “Foster care?”

Natasha stiffens a little, “Worse. Young girls all taken and trained to be weapons for whatever they needed.”

Flora’s eyes become glossy, “The red room.”

Natasha’s gaze was locked on the floor, “Yeah.”

It is a quick turn of events when Flora wraps her arms around Natasha. She holds the woman firm as she begins to speak in Russian. You don't understand all of it, but it seems that Flora was intimately familiar with the place.

“You two go and make yourselves comfortable while I start dinner,” she says finally releasing Natasha.

“You don’t want help?”

Flora shakes her head, “Go, relax malysh. I’ve got it covered in here.”

Instead of leading Natasha to the living room, you take her to the backyard. There is a beautiful large grass area, with a nice garden space in the corner. The patio has the perfect view of the sunset. You sit on one of the patio chairs and Natasha sits beside you.

“I think that went well,” you say to her.

“Thanks to you, it went really well,” Natasha looks at you gratefully.

You shake your head, “I didn’t do much.”

Natasha argues back, “I see why they call you the glue. If you hadn’t made your comment, she would’ve slighted me all night.”

“Don’t give me too much credit, you would've had her the moment you asked how many people she killed,” you joke, and Natasha gets a bit embarrassed.

“Sorry, I guess I just- “

You stop her, “It’s fine, Nat. I’ve been underestimated all my life. My first kill is symbolic to me, even in that pitiful state, I was able to snap someone’s neck. I remember all of them, though it’s not a lot, I also remember each one getting easier.”

She looks at you, “The longer it gets, the less you remember, and then one day you’re left with the memory of how you used to feel about it. Maybe it fills you with pride in the beginning, but eventually killing just leaves you feeling empty.”

Wanda comes into the backyard before you could answer the Russian.

“She’s not giving you too much trouble is she, Y/n?”

Natasha sends her wife a pointed look. You laugh at the interaction.

“She’s a pleasure to have around. I can see why you married her, regardless of the assassination attempt.”

Wanda tilts her head but keeps a smile on her face, “Telling our love story without me, my love?”

“It just came up. How was the meeting?”

Wanda plops down next to you before leaning back, “Apparently Kingpin is looking to expand his control. At least that’s what Hammerhead said.”

You clench your jaw at the mention of the large man, “He’s such a greedy bastard. He has the second largest market besides us. Which means he thinks he can take over us. I couldn’t imagine being a guy that big with no fucking brains.”

Wanda shakes her head and chuckles slightly, “You sound just like Papa. He was pissed when he heard.”

“How is he now?” You ask knowing he could get a little reckless when he was angry.

“For now, he’s alright. I told him we could use Kingpin’s greed as an example. We can crush him and in turn teach the others not to try to cross us.”

Your hands reach to rub your temples, “You make it sound so easy.”

“It will be,” you can hear the determination in her voice.

Natasha interjects, “I think Y/n has a point. It’s definitely easier said than done.”

You keep your composure, “Kingpin selling is a problem in itself, but the people should know better than to buy from him. Whoever is making purchases with him is not being loyal to us. That means he’s making allies, or rather he is taking our allies away from us. It strengthens his numbers while diminishing ours. He’s trying to start a revolution.”

Before it could be discussed any further Dragos appears, “We can discuss it more tomorrow. Tonight, we celebrate Wanda’s homecoming… and marriage. Dinner is ready.”

You’re the first out of your chair and into the house. It leaves Dragos some time with the couple.

“Remember we only talk business outside of the office, if it is absolutely necessary,” he reminds his daughter.

“She still gets that way?” Wanda asks referring to you.

He shakes his head, “She’s just started brainstorming and it’s hard for her to put it aside. She’s not that timid little girl anymore.”

Wanda lets out an irritated sigh, “Why does everyone keep saying that? I know her just like everyone else, papa. I’ve cared for her, I’ve trained her, and- “

“You missed 5 years of her life; you missed her graduation, you missed her putting all of her training to practical use, you missed her joining the family business. No one is saying that you didn't know her well, but you can’t act like you witnessed her growth.”

“It’s not my fault that I wasn’t there,” she speaks through gritted teeth.

“No one is saying it was, malysh.”

Natasha grabs her wife’s hand, “We’re celebrating you tonight like your father said. Let’s just enjoy this and eat. You never stopped talking about your mother’s cooking and the longer we spend out here, the colder the food gets in there.”

Wanda gets up from her seat, “You’re right. I’m sorry Papa, I’m just not used to being home yet.”

“It’s alright, her growth is startling. I still remember how I felt when Pietro told me she killed a boy. It was a shock; I didn’t want to believe it. She was so delicate that I couldn't picture her doing it.”

“Y/n killed somebody?”

Natasha nods, “She told me about it. Y/n actually has a little ledger, 8 people.”

Wanda’s eyes widen, “She told you about it?”

The conversation stops there, when you come back, “Flora said if you guys don’t come to dinner now that Piet and I can have your plates.”

“You’d eat Wanda’s welcome home meal, that’s pretty criminal even by our standards,” Natasha says pulling her wife along into the house.

“Oh 100%, you would too if you had Flora’s cooking.”

The playful banter continues, even once everyone is sat at the dinner table. Conversation flows freely, but Wanda doesn't contribute much. All that circles her mind is you.

Her father’s words echo in her head. She had missed some of the most important moments of your life. Wanda was scared to admit that she hardly recognized the woman you’ve grown into.

It bothered her. She was jealous that everyone got to see you blossom, but her. Even Wanda’s wife seemed to know things about you that she didn’t. It was a pill that she didn’t want to swallow.

Her little Krolik wasn’t so little anymore.

Taglist: @natashaswife4125 @autorasexy @alexawynters @blkmxrvel @toouncreativeforausername @likemick

[jar0fhoney]

PART 1 / PART 2 / PART 3 (NSFW) / PART 4 /

PART FIVE (NSFW)

Warning: Mentions of Pregnancy and virginity. piv.

You started Sunday the same way you always did. Wake up before dawn, start breakfast for you and Ma, stare out the window and think about the list of chores you could never keep up with.

“It’s a beautiful morning!” Your mother shuffled past your open door towards the kitchen, “Are you sure I can’t just handle all the work in the field today? Won’t you want to relax before your friend arrives?”

“Mother, please do not blow this out of proportion.” You scolded her light-heartedly, “I’m just going to do my work as usual, and when he stops by I’ll take a break-”

“My baby is getting courted by a big strong orc~” She sang out to you. You followed her to the kitchen. “How did you know he’s courting me?”

“So he is courting you.” She swayed back and forth in front of the hearth, throwing bits of kindling onto the fire.

“Well- I-”

“Y/n, don’t you remember. When I told you about the family that lived in the neighboring plot. The wife told me so much about how strange orc courting was, especially with her being human, and-”

“You didn’t tell me it was a half-orc family…” 

She turned to you with a devious smirk, “Wouldn’t you like to know about a half-orc family.” “MA!” You grabbed an apple from the table (a bright red one that matched the color of your face) and ran out the door. You weren’t really mad at her, but this entire situation was so out of your comfort zone. The only experience you ever really had with being pursued was desperately avoiding Milo for the past two years.

You glanced at the sundial in the garden. Three hours. You had three hours to try and get some work done in the field and shake off the nerves.

-

The tomatoes were a mess. No wonder, this was a corner of the field that had been sorely neglected this season. The sun was climbing higher, and the heat of its rays were beginning to lick the back of your neck. What time was it anyways?

“SO NICE TO MEET YOU- OH YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE!”

Your mothers voice was loud enough to carry all the way to your little corner in the tomato patch. You shot to your feet, craning your neck to see her enthusiastically fawning over a slightly nervous Khargaad. You could hear him nervously chuckling as the two exchanged words.

Well, might as well go save him. You looked down at your work clothes covered in grass stains and mud. Hair was sticking to the back of your sweaty neck. Gross. Probably didn’t smell pretty either.

Your mother caught you out of the corner of her eye and pointed excitedly, “THERE SHE IS!”

You cringed. Gods she was making all this fuss and you looked like you just crawled out of a ditch.

“Hello! I see you met Ma.” You were trying to casually wipe the mix of dirt and sweat from your face, wading over to them through the field. He felt his heart skip a bit when you got closer. You smelled so earthy. And the musk of your sweat was… it could drive him feral.

He started imagining all the ways he could steal you away and worship you. Fill you. Taste you.

“Um… Khargaad?”

He jolted out of his sinful haze, “I couldn’t show up empty handed.” He thrust a basket into your arms. It was laden with fancy imported fruits. “This- This is too much. This must have cost-”

“Hush now,” his voice was like warm honey, “I hunt big game, I can afford it.” He had a cocky little smirk on his face. You thanked him, motioning to follow you into the cottage.

He looked back at your mom one more time, “It was so nice to meet you, Ma’am.”

-

Your first lessons together went just as well as predicted. By the end he was properly frustrated, arms crossed and everything.

“The letters. It doesn’t make any sense. It’s all… mixed up.”

“Let’s just end it here for today.”

He was so cute like this. All flustered. 

He stood up from his seat, being careful to crouch as he easily exceeded the height of the ceiling. “Alrighty, let’s get to work.” He crossed the room in one long stride, pulling his shirt over his head. He looked strong, but not in the way statues are with their lean bodies and taught chiseled muscles. He looked like a man who ate well and worked hard. Your eyes wandered to the slight love handles that peaked over the waistband of his trousers. Gods you were no better than a man, thinking about how bad you wanted to feel him in your hands.

He glanced behind his shoulder, “Where first?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Khargaad.”

“Do you think I’m going to just leave with all this work to be done?”

-

He followed you like an excited puppy to the tomato patch you had been working on. You had tried to tell him that he didn’t need to waste the rest of his day helping with this. But he knew he didn’t need to. He wanted to. And who was going to stop him? Certainly not you.

He started on one end, and you the other, working slowly until you met in the middle. By the end, your hands were red and scratched up from pulling the thistle weeds. Of course, Kharghaad’s were so calloused that it was like he had a pair of gloves on. He gave a little gasp when he saw your sore fingers. “Why didn’t you say anything…” He scooped your small hands into his, as delicate as you would pick up a fresh baby bird.

Every time he touched you it was like this great release. Your mother, as loving as she was, never quite developed a touchy-feely nature. You were so used to it fleeting as soon as it was there. Quick handshakes, brushing against someone in the market. You craved physical touch.

So when Khargaad didn’t let go of your hands. When he held them so carefully and tenderly. So deliberately. You found yourself trying to memorize every little second of the moment.

“I’ll have to buy you gloves.” He muttered, picking out the little needles with surprising dexterity. He took his canteen and went to rinse off the skin. “I can wash my own hands, Khargaad.” You chuckled.

“But I want to,” He blurted out with immediate embarrassment, “Sorry, I guess you could say it’s an orc thing? It’s sorta like… we’re very communal. There’s no reason to do much of anything alone, if you think about it…” He sort of trailed off like he was getting ahead of himself. He paused.

“I hope I'm not smothering you. Maybe humans aren’t like that-” He went to let go of your hands, and a part of you cried out inside. You were tired of trying to play this stoic lone wolf character. It wasn’t who you were. It’s not who any of us are. We all need each other.

“Please, don’t stop…” You whispered to him, thrusting your hands back into his. You uttered the magic words. The words he had been waiting for. He pulled you into his chest. It didn’t matter how gross, hot, and sweaty the two of you were. Or that your mother was most definitely watching joyfully from the kitchen window. Nothing mattered. “Can we go somewhere?” His voice was muffled as he whispered into the top of your head. He was taking long deep sighs, taking in your scent.

“Please…” The need in your voice was palpable. He didn’t waste another moment, leading you to the forest behind your property. “Khargaad… the road is that way.” You motioned behind yourself. “I know a quicker way.” He glanced back at you with that sweet little smirk on his face.

Once past the treeline, the soft light of dusk struggled to breach the overhead foliage. You walked together for some time, before the sound of running water bubbled ahead. He had led you to a little clearing, where in the middle stood a circular style tent. A creek babbled away off to the side. The moon was full and provided plenty of light for you to take it all in. “Do you live here?” 

He nodded, looking down at you expectantly for approval. You grinned, “It’s lovely.”

He snaked a strong arm around your waste, pulling you in. His other hand cupped the back of your head, tilting your face up to his. For a moment he hovered over you, as if waiting for your permission. You reached up to cup his face, thumbing over one of the tusks jutting out of his mouth.

His lips met yours. It started slow, like sipping on a glass of fine wine. Then it was hungry. Like you had both been starved. You were getting drunk off of the needy little grunts he was making, pulling you in flush with his body. You could feel him through his trousers, and it startled you out of your stupor a bit. You hadn’t been with anyone before, and it was bound to happen sooner or later, but this was a bit more than you ever imagined.

It was almost like he sensed your tension, pulling away to look into your eyes, “Let’s get clean.” He had brought his thumb up to caress over your cheek, planting a small peck before jogging to his tent. Watching him disappear under the flap, your mind raced. What if you weren’t ready? What if he’s not patient?

He bounded out towards the stream, beckoning you over. He started to frown as you got closer, like he could smell the apprehension coming off of you, “Do you need to go slower? Do you want to go home? Nothing has to happen. Nothing at all. You are in charge.”

He started unlacing the ties of his trousers. You instinctually looked away, giving him privacy he clearly didn’t need. With the sound of water sloshing you looked back at him submerged up to his sternum. You approached the water’s edge, looking down into the little bubbles churning in the current. “Hey… what’s wrong?” He waded over to the edge, leaning onto the grassy bank. There wasn’t any aire of seduction in his voice, just one of genuine tenderness.

You sucked it up and opened your mouth, “I’ve never done this before…”

“With an orc?”

“No like… I’ve never done this before… ever.” You winced as the words came out. You were a grown adult, this conversation shouldn’t feel embarrassing. But it did nonetheless.

“And so you don’t want to do this?” He didn’t seem fazed at all by the information. “No!” You yelped out a little too enthusiastically, “No- I mean, yes. Yes I do want to. I want you.”

You started to pull at the ties of your shirt, face so flushed it was probably glowing red. He couldn’t take his eyes off of you. You ripped the shirt off your head like pulling off a bandaid, exposing your chest to the warm summer air. You went to fiddle with the strings of your work pants. He still didn’t look away, and you didn’t ask him to.

And there you were, clothed only in moonlight. Khargaad thought, maybe the moon had come out just for you tonight, to see your beauty for itself.

You stepped down into the water. “Are you sure you’re human? Not a beautiful fairy playing tricks on me?” Khargaad was completely entranced by you, eyes roaming over the curve of your shoulders to the curves of your breasts.

You felt some of the tension ease, snorting at him “I don’t think a fairy would smell this bad.” He gasped a bit as if he had just remembered, grabbing a bar of soap he had retrieved from the tent. “May I?” He asked, lathering up the bar in his hands.

You nodded, letting him wade closer to you. You felt the palms of his massive hands begin to work themselves into your hair, massaging his fingers into your scalp. “Oh-” You exclaimed a rather embarrassing moan, but it felt so good. He finished and went to clean his own hair. “Hey, it’s my turn now!” You scolded him. He was more than happy to let you clean him. As he said previously, it’s a part of orc culture to do things with other people. That includes bathing.

And oh how he loved to see you doing orc things. Like wearing that yellow dress dyed with orc spices, and making those pickled eggs for him. It made him think about how great it would be to bring you home with him, to meet all of his family. For you to find a place in his tribe. He missed home a lot, and now you were a part of that picture. You finished running your fingers through the curls of his clean hair.

He heard the sloshing of water, turning around to see you drying yourself off. He joined you. You cast a quick glimpse below his waist, blushing furiously at his partially hard cock.

You walked together to the flap of the tent. The inside surprised you. It was so… cozy. “Ah-” He had leaned down to nuzzle into your neck, you loved the feeling of his tusks against your skin. He pulled you to what could best be described as a nest. A nest of pillows and blankets. He very carefully leaned you onto your back, “Is this okay?”

You giggled at him, “Yes Khargaad. I will tell you if I need to stop, okay?”

“Promise?” He leaned back on his knees, his olive green skin looking lovely in the warm glow of the lantern lighting the tent. His member was on full display, completely unashamed. The way it twitched in anticipation made your stomach flutter. “Yes.”

He lied down next to you, peppering little kisses in the crook of your neck. His hands began to roam your body, starting with your shoulders and slowly moving down to your tits. His calloused palm grazed over the sensitive peaks, causing you to let out a breathy sigh. He took your left breast into his hand, thumbing over your hardened nipple. He palmed your chest for a few moments more, like he was savoring each and every new part of you he explored. You felt his cock hard against your leg. You shifted your thigh, giving him just the lightest sensation of friction. The groan he mumbled into your skin made you feel hot between your legs. You clenched your thighs together, trying to get some relief.

His hand traveled down to your stomach, caressing the curves and grabbing a soft handful of skin. “Good…” He whispered. You shivered as his hand glided over your hips, so close to your entrance. He reached for the inside of your thigh, pulling it over into his cock. He let out another breathy sigh that left you completely slick with desire. His hand hovered over the mess of hair covering your mound. You opened your legs, giving him permission.

He started by slowly palming you, just beginning to give you the attention your pussy was desperate for. You felt a finger slip past your folds, getting drenched in the slickness. Khargaad shifted you up a bit so he could have better access to your chest. He dipped down, taking a nipple into his mouth and sucked playfully. “Oh f-fuck-” You were stuttering at the pleasure of it all. He grinned into your chest, “Keep making those noises sweetheart.” The pet name made your heart flutter.

He kept gently probing a finger up and down your slit, until he dipped one down just at the beginning of your entrance. His fingers were bigger than your own, but this wasn't so much of a stretch. He slowly sheathed the finger in you, “Tight.” He grunted. He made a come hither motion into that sensitive spot of your inner walls. You yelped out a completely sinful moan as he prodded you a few more times. His finger exited your hole, pulling the wetness of your cunt onto your swollen and sensitive clit.

“Khargaad-” Your hips bucked up into him as he swirled long languid circles around that little bundle of nerves. He pulled off, and sat back on his knees, “Can I taste you?”

It was the way he asked more than anything. Like he was close to begging for it. You nodded, spreading your legs for him. He settled down in front of you, using both of his thumbs to spread your lips apart. You felt the tip of his fat tongue probe your needy pussy. He reached up to play with your nipples, while he moved up to your throbbing clit. He started with light kitten-licks, making you whine and buck up into his mouth. That wonderful tongue of his made swirls and then quick flickering motions over the sensitive spot. At this point you were almost completely lost in pleasure, and reached down to thread your fingers through his soft brown curls. 

You were already sensitive when he started, so you were very close to finishing. You actually yelled when he inserted a finger into you. Prodding that sensitive spot while attacking your sensitive clit; it was making the most obscene wet noises. “Close.” That was all you could manage as he devoured you. There it was, feeling crushed over you like a ton of bricks. You coated this hand, legs spasming. He dipped down to lap up the remnants of your release. Your taste, your smell, the feeling of his hair clenched in your fist. He was addicted.

He leaned back, taking in his work. You had a hand on your forehead and a hand on your chest, calming down from what you just experienced. You glanced down at him, both hands on his thighs. His cock was completely erect, tip glistening with pre-cum. It was so heavy it bowed down under its own weight. “Y/n…” He was trying to figure out what to say next. His cock needed to be buried in your pretty little cunt. He needed to bottom out into you. He wanted to hear the sound of his heavy balls slapping against your skin with every thrust. But he couldn’t say that, though. He didn’t want to push you if you weren’t ready.

So when you propped yourself up on your elbows, legs spread for him, he almost felt like crying. His human mate was so strong. So ready for him.

He crawled over you, pinning your legs over his shoulders. He took the base of his cock into his fist, guiding it slowly over your folds. You were so warm for him. He pushed his pulsating tip past your lips, wincing from the sensitivity. He couldn’t take his eyes off of you, but you were completely entranced watching his cock slide into you. His tip found your hole, sliding in but not going any further. He was absolutely strangeling the pillow he was resting his hand on, trying to maintain control. Khargaad was watching you, every little subtle expression. He kept sinking himself into you, stopping when you made the first wince of pain. He was big, and you were so tight. 

“Y/n?” You looked up at him through those pretty lashes. He nearly lost it all right there, just from the eye-contact. You got off of your elbows, leaning down completely. You gave a little nod, still making direct eye contact. Slowly and gently, he worked his way in until his hips were flush with yours. He leaned back, still buried in you, letting you adjust to the stretch.

He wouldn’t last long at all, seeing you like this. Your little face with knotted brows, arms thrown overhead. Khargaad brought his hand to your stomach, rubbing little circles into the soft skin with his thumb. You were perfect. Perfect to take his seed. Perfect for growing a little half-orc.

He wouldn’t yet, of course. Not until you were ready. For you, he would wait as long as needed. But his strange orc hormones and instincts craved it beyond explanation.

He began rocking out and back into you, keeping a slow languid pace. You reached out for him, and in an instant his head was nuzzled in your neck again. His pace started to ramp up a bit, earning little mewls from your lips. Oh he definitely wouldn't last much longer. “W-where…” His breath hitched in your ear. “Huh?” You were too flustered to try to understand what he was asking.

“Going to-” He was hissing and groaning, barely able to work out a sentence, “On your body- ah- or o-on the bed?” His motions were getting jerky. “Fuck- sorry- oh fuck.”

He pulled out just barely in time to empty himself onto your stomach. He fucked his rough fist through the climax, sighing at the sight of his seed coating your tummy. It felt a lot warmer than you expected, and much more… volume. He finally let go of his cock, reaching for a linen cloth and dunking it in a bowl of water he had set nearby. “I made a mess…”

He sounded so guilty, and you giggled at him teasingly. One of his hands cupped your face, while the other softly wiped the length of your cunt, messy from your own slickness. He wiped the cum that was coated across your stomach, being careful not to spill any on the bed.

“You did so good.” He started cooing sweet nothings to you while running his thumbs across your cheekbone, “Wore me out…” He chuckled, throwing the rag across the room. He yawned and stretched his arms above him.

“Do you want me to go home now?” You were all too familiar with the stories women told about men finishing and ordering them to leave. You didn’t quite have the confidence yet, to advocate for yourself. To tell him you wanted to spend the night wrapped up in his arms.

For Khargaad, this question felt like an arrow to the heart. Had he not done enough? To make it clear how badly he needed you with him? He laid down next to you, pulling you close, “I would kill the person who would try to take you from me right now.”

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

Here is Part 5 for you lovelies <3 <3 <3 btw Khargaad is living in a yurt, that's what I was trying to describe lol.

I attached a playlist I put together. These are the songs I've been listening to while writing this, if anyone wants to hear the vibes :3

Tagged List <3

@reads-stuff-quietly @loo-looland @sluttygirl123 @beaniebaneenie @blushycadaver @sunndust @whyiamadegenerate @the-attic-of-porcelain @freakyotaku059-blog @youknowits-derea @thoughts-of-bear-undercovers @allthecraftandthings @gruffle1 @kennedyabraxas123 @queenies1x1 @jellyslimesofficial @jasminedragoon @rangoismyname @the-queen-of-sorrows @the-dumber-scaramouche @heddaloddafun @swimmingrascalbatdragon @hellodollstuff @wingedghostpepper @pistachioinfernal @honeybaegle @sammehshark @dij-ology @forgemotherkestrel @wafflefries786

[goldenseresinretriever]

False Confidence: Chapter 9

Pairing: Javy “Coyote” Machado x Reader

Part of the San Diego Dogfighters universe

Summary: The Athletic named Javy Machado the fifth sluttiest player in the NHL last year. He’s a known playboy who leaves every game with a different girl. As far as he’s concerned he’s living the dream, playing his dream job with the dream lifestyle. Unfortunately his friends and bosses don’t agree. At 33, they think it’s time for him to settle down. You’re a kindergarten teacher at an esteemed private school. You don't expect much when you finally accept your colleague’s invitation to attend her husband’s hockey game but when you accidentally get separated in the post-game rush, you find yourself in a compromising situation with the last person you’d ever expected to meet. When his PR rep suggests a mutually beneficial agreement, your hands are tied. How long will you have to keep up the act? And how long will you be able to?

Series CW: 18+ ONLY, swearing, angst, fluff, fake relationship, suggestive language, brief mention of sex, anxiety, school system inaccuracies, hockey inaccuracies etc. There will be individual chapter warnings. No use of Y/N.

Word Count: 3.8k

A/N: a little something something going into the weekend 🩵

Previous Chapter // Series Masterlist // Next Chapter

When you reach Javy’s apartment, he pulls into a spot right next to the sports car that you recognize from your first date. When he gets out, he doesn’t head for the door to the lobby, instead leading the way around the sports car to another vehicle. You frown in confusion as you look at what seems to be a game of “one of these things is not like the others.” The Prius parked on the other side of Javy’s sportscar looks old, almost as old as your car, but it’s definitely been a while since it’s seen any action. It’s clean as a whistle despite its age and looks ridiculous surrounded by Javy’s two other cars and the other various luxury vehicles that populate this garage. “Here she is,” Javy announces proudly as he runs an affectionate hand over the roof of the car.

“You’re kidding…” you can’t help yourself. “This is your car?” You ask, arching a skeptical eyebrow as you approach the car.

He chuckles, “She is indeed, though it’s been quite a while since she’s seen any real use. I drive her around every now and then to make sure she still runs, but as you can see, she’s had her day.”

“So why do you keep it?” You ask and he smiles ruefully.

“I could tell you it’s a reminder to never forget where I came from, but honestly? I can’t bear to give her up. My uncle got it for me when I moved to Arizona for college. My mom kept insisting that I wouldn’t need a car and that it was an unnecessary expense, but he wouldn’t listen. He told me he’d been saving money for years for it, and it was the last thing he ever gave me. He wanted to make sure that I’d have everything I needed to chase my dreams and never look back.” You surprise yourself when you reach out for his hand and slide your fingers into his. He gives you a soft smile in response. “I’ll grab you the keys and she’s all yours.” Your breath catches in your chest as you remember why you’re here in the first place and you shake your head.

“Javy I can’t, it clearly means a lot to you, I couldn’t drive her.” He chuckles and squeezes your hand gently.

“Yes, you can. I hate seeing her just sit here and not get used. I’d be honored to have you take care of her.” You purse your lips in a thin line as you consider Javy’s offer. “I’m not going to force you to take her, but then we’re getting back and the car and going to a dealership. As much as I’d love to drive you everywhere, unfortunately, my schedule doesn’t really allow for that.” Your cheeks heat at his words.

“Javy…” you whisper and he smiles.

“I mean it, Meep, I want you to have her. I know you’ll take good care of her. And I’ll add you to the insurance so you don’t have to worry about that.” You feel the emotions of the day catching up with you and tears well up in your eyes.

“Thank you, Javy. I mean it, thank you so much.” You hate the way your voice sounds like you’re blubbering but Javy just chuckles and pulls you into a hug.

“You’re welcome, Beautiful. That’s what friends are for.”

***

You’ve severely underestimated what it means to be friends with Javy Machado. Your phone buzzes for the seemingly thousandth time and Nat gives you a knowing look from where she’s sitting on a couch in the fitting room. “Starting to regret getting back with him yet?” She asks as you come over and open the message and you roll your eyes at the picture of Javy force-feeding Bradley a slice of pizza along with a message asking how things are going with you. Things are going well. You and Nat are finally going for the shopping date that Javy promised you. Zam wanted to come but she’s been particularly swamped this week. You’re extremely grateful to Nat for coming along and so far she’s been nothing but supportive as you pick out some new dresses. She doesn’t push you out of your comfort zone and has even managed to pull a few suggestions that suit your taste perfectly. The dresses are modest yet classy and you smile at your reflection in the full-length mirror as you consider how to reply to Javy’s text after sharing the image with Nat.

“You should send him a picture of that dress,” Nat suggests and you look from the mirror to her and she gives you a knowing smile. The dress is a simple yet elegant style that falls to your mid-calf made of gorgeous emerald velvet. The modest neckline and love sleeves make you feel comfortable and even pretty. You love the way the dressing room light reflects off the fabric as you swish the skirt idly. You glance back at the mirror and when you turn back to Nat she’s holding up your phone.

“Nat!” You exclaim as you realize she’s taking a photo. She grabs your wrist and drags you over to sit next to her on the couch as she sends the photos to Javy. You’d had a mind to complain about the lack of warning but when you see the photos, you’re grateful to Nat. The candid shots mean that you’re relaxed and natural-looking. The two of you watch as little hearts appear on each of the photos before Javy replies. You’re expecting all kinds of possible responses, but the message you get back in response is simple.

“Buy it.” Nat cackles as she hugs you and you feel your cheeks flush. Then your phone rings and Nat gives you a knowing look before she stands up and collects the dresses you’d placed in the no pile and walks out of the fitting room to give you some privacy as you answer the call. “Hey Beautiful,” Javy greets and you feel your cheeks heat.

“Hi Javy,” You whisper as you fiddle with the slippery fabric.

“I absolutely love that dress, Meep. It suits you perfectly.” You murmur your thanks, embarrassed at his straightforward compliments. “Do you like it?” He asks after a beat and you start, surprised that he’d ask that. Your eyes go again to the mirror and you feel the corners of your lips raise slowly.

“I do, I really do.” You admit and you can practically hear Javy’s smile.

“Perfect. Then make sure you get it. I think I have the perfect occasion for you to wear it to this weekend.”

“What kind of occasion?” You ask, eyebrows pinching together in worry. You and Javy haven’t gone on any dates since reinstating your fake relationship. You’d be attending the Dogfighters’ game tonight but other than that, Javy hasn’t mentioned any other plans.

“It’s a surprise, but I promise you’ll like it so don’t worry your pretty little head about it. Just show up looking beautiful as always.” You pout slightly at Javy’s insistence on giving you as little information as possible but the nagging voice in the back of your mind begs to you trust him. Javy wouldn’t pick something that would make you uncomfortable. He’s literally paying for today’s shopping trip to ensure that you don’t.

“Okay,” you acquiesce and you can hear the grin in his voice.

“Great, I’ve got to run, but I’ll see you tonight, okay?” You confirm that you’ll be at the game tonight before you hang up. Nat comes back in not long after that with a few more options and the two of you get to work.

***

“It’s really that simple?” You ask as you adjust the sleeves of the jersey that are currently falling past your hands. Josie nods as she looks you over.

“I mean you could do more, but it’s honestly more comfy to go simple.” That’s rich coming from her you think as you gape at the pointed heels of the knee-high boots she's wearing over her jeans. She’s dressed in a replica of Reuben’s jersey, opting for the men’s fit rather than the women’s style that would definitely hug her curves a lot better. In comparison, you’ve opted for your simple white sneakers along with jeans and Javy’s jersey. You’ve also opted for the men’s fit after Josie pointed out that though they won’t mention it, the boys much prefer their girls in the baggier men’s jerseys as opposed to the more fitted female styles. “It looks like you’re wearing their jerseys.” Josie had explained as you tried on the jersey for the first time. “And their dirty little minds love that.” You can’t help the way your cheeks heat as you examine your simple appearance in the mirror. Hopefully, Josie’s right, and Javy will appreciate it. “Don’t worry about the long sleeves,” she adds as she puts the finishing touches on her makeup. “The rink can sometimes feel a bit chilly and you’ll appreciate them.” You tug the ends of your sleeves over your hands experimentally and find that Josie’s probably going to be right.

When you reach the arena, things are already in full swing. You help Josie wrangle the kids and you make your way to the same set of seats you’d sat at last time. Traffic getting to the arena was slow-moving and warmups have already begun. As you help Josie get things situated the kids run up to the glass, eager to see their dad and you follow, scooping Skylar up into your arms so she can see the rink while Jamie slaps the glass to try and attract his father’s attention. You notice Mickey waving across the rink at the kids before he gets Reuben’s attention. Reuben skates over and waves to the kids who eagerly wave back. He carefully tosses a puck over the glass and Jamie catches it, cheering for his dad as you smile softly. You let Skylar down so she can bicker with Jamie over the puck and watch the warmups themselves, trying to remember what Nat taught you.

You’re so absorbed in your own thoughts that a bump on the glass makes you jump. You blink in surprise as you see Javy grinning at you from the other side of the glass. Your cheeks heat as he lays a gloved palm against the glass and you tentatively put your up to it. Javy’s grin widens as he thumps the glass three times and you follow his lead before he skates away, blowing you a kiss, and your heart stutters before you remember that you’re in public. He’s supposed to be your boyfriend, of course, he’s being romantic.

You return to your seats and do your best to focus on the game. Nat’s lessons pay off and you’re able to follow the game better than last time. The boys are playing hard but the other team is keeping up. By the third period, you’re flinching less at the hits and grabbing Josie as the two of you watch the tied game with bated breath. Unfortunately, the other team finally pulls ahead with five minutes to go and you and Josie collapse back against your seat with exasperated groans. Next to you, Skylar is asleep on her brother who’s struggling to stay awake, but even the infectious energy of the crowd is enough to keep the exhausted kids from feeling the effects of the busy week. Your teeth have worried your bottom lip into a mess over the last two and a half periods and you’re hoping the Dogfighters can take it to overtime even if you can feel exhaustion pulling at your bones.

The timer drops lower and lower and while the Dogfighters are giving it their all, the other team isn't giving up any ground. Bob is working double time to stop shots and keep the score difference from widening but that’s left the two teams at a stalemate, struggling against the other as the clock runs out. Finally, the ref blows the whistle and you and Josie let out a collective groan. The win was hard fought, but you can’t help but wish the Dogfighters had been able to take it back. You help Josie carry the things you’d brought, leading a drowsy Jamie by the hand while Josie hoists a sleeping Skylar into her arms. You make your way to the private part of the arena, reserved for players and staff to wait for Reuben. A yawn escapes your mouth and Josie gives you a tired smile of her own. The two of you give up on standing after a few moments where you’re sure Jamie almost falls asleep standing up and all pile onto a bench in the hallway, leaning against each other and fighting sleep. You must doze off regardless because you’re roused by the sound of Reuben’s voice as he coaxes Josie awake next to you, a fond smile on his face. He’s wearing his arrival suit and he comes around to crouch in front of a sleeping Jamie and you help him wrap Jamie’s small arms around his neck and Reuben lifts his son into his arms. You stretch, your arm having fallen asleep with Jamie sleeping on it. Josie stands with a groan, still carrying Skylar, and follows Reuben down the hallway toward the parking lot after exchanging sleepy goodbyes with you. You readjust yourself with a yawn, letting your shoulders sink with exhaustion, fighting the urge to full-on lay down on the bench. Javy’s offered to drive you home in exchange for you coming to the game since it would be late and the Fitches would have to get the kids home. If Reuben’s done, Javy shouldn’t be far behind.

***

You stir, your cheek bumping into something solid and you wrinkle your nose, squirming as you try and get comfortable again. You can’t have shut your eyes for longer than a moment. You blink, trying to reorient yourself and you’re staring sideways at a pair of knees. You frown, brows furrowing as you roll over onto your back and find yourself staring at the ceiling. Well, the ceiling and Javy’s face as he peers down at you. “Hey Meep,” you watch a smile creep across his face as yours twists into a confused frown, “sleep well?” You sit up slowly, rubbing the sleep from your eyes as you frown at Javy who’s looking down at you endearingly, mirth dancing in his eyes.

“Wasn’t asleep, just resting my eyes,” you murmur sleepily and you’re too tired to glare when he chuckles. With great effort you manage to sit up, groaning as your heavy head protests. When you look up again, Javy’s back is facing you and your brows twist in confusion until his head turns to you and he jerks his chin awkwardly.

“Get on,” your brain is suddenly more awake. Your frown deepens and you shake your head as you slowly wrap your mind around what Javy’s proposing, your mind going back to Reuben and Jamie. “Meep get on, you’re exhausted so let’s not fight tonight and get you home. Your frown deepens even more at the idea that Javy’s right and so you wrap your arms around his neck, a sleepy pout on your face and you’re just awake enough to remind yourself not to bury your face in his neck to hide from the harsh hallway lights as you try to hold onto the threads of sleep and relax against Javy’s back as he carries you.

***

Javy can’t help the way his mouth quirks into a smile as the low rumble of snoring tickles his ear. Your arms around his neck are starting to go concerning slack, but he’s almost at the car. He tightens his grip on your thighs and freezes as your face nuzzles into his neck and he doesn’t miss the way his heart lurches in his chest. He knows you’re asleep. You’re doing all this involuntarily. You don’t mean to. And yet his heart is officially pounding out of his chest. He leans forward so you don’t slip with your grip loosening as he reaches the Range Rover. He thanks the keyless entry as the car chirps and unlocks without having to dig into his pocket for his keys. He comes around your side of the car and briefly considers laying you out in the back so that you can sleep more comfortably. He decides against it, worried that you’ll wake disoriented and scared somewhere he can’t instantly assure you that you’re safe. Well, that, and he doesn’t want to look like he’s kidnapping you. He fumbles to open your door before he does his best to ease you carefully into the passenger seat. He frowns as he carefully buckles your seatbelt. You’ll wake with a sore neck if you lean against the door while you’re sleeping so he finds a middle ground, carefully easily the seat back slightly so your body can curl slightly into the seat rather than need to lean against the door.

When he’s satisfied, he goes back around to the other side of the car, sliding into the driver’s seat and turning on the car before he looks back at you and slides his suit jacket off, draping it over your dozing form. At least this way he doesn’t have to focus on how good you look in his jersey. It’s not something new, per se, having a girl wear his jersey. He’s hooked up with plenty of girls with the 68 emblazoned on their backs, doing his best to ignore the brand-new smell of the fabric that sometimes even still has the tags on it. If he makes an effort to accidentally get a stain or two on those, rendering them unreturnable, it’s just an unfortunate byproduct of hooking up. He’s only had a girl or two blatantly complain about it, having the balls to admit they were planning on returning or selling the piece of clothing. One girl a few years ago had actually applauded him for “increasing the sale value” of the jersey and he’s been skeptical of girls in his jersey ever since. Being a hockey player already feels like a commodity where girls are considered, and the idea of them selling his semen, and worse, paying to buy it, gives him the ick.

There’s something different to be said, however, of you in his jersey. Sure he’s heard enough from Jake about how much he loves seeing Bugs wear his name and number, and he’s not blind to the way Bradley’s eyes can’t seem to tear away from Zam on the odd occasion that she dons his jersey. Josie shows up to every game repping her husband in some way or another, but he’d never considered what it would be like to have that himself. Then, tonight, seeing you and Josie watching you and Josie gripping each other excitedly in the stands, he’d found himself thinking about how good you look in the Dogfighters’ colors. He hadn’t even considered that the jersey you were wearing was his until he happened to look over during warmups while you were standing, your back to the rink as you helped Josie finagle something in a bag and he’d caught sight of his name staring back at him where it’s emblazoned across your back. He almost dropped his stick, accidentally shaking into Bradley who’d glared at him until he followed Javy’s gaze and smirked at him instead, skating away without another word.

He’s not sure when he decided he liked the idea of you being his but now he’s sitting here in his car with you asleep next to him when a month ago you’d never have considered letting your guard around him enough to relax let alone fall asleep. His heart is still hammering in his chest and his cheeks warm at the memory of your nose brushing his neck. Every part of his head is screaming in panic, the way it had that day after meeting your class for the first time. Every instinct that’s been burned into him over the year screams at him to run for the hills and burn every bridge on the way out, but he grips the steering wheel tight, pushing the voices away as his breathing comes out ragged.

He jerks the car to a harder stop than he’s like at a red light and takes a shaky breath as he looks over at you. The moonlight reflects the calm stillness of your face, brows smooth and at peace as you doze and he feels his grip loosen. You’re so brave, he thinks. He’s done nothing but push you out of your comfort zone and yet you’ve squared your shoulders and taken it in stride. Sure sometimes you’ve forged ahead with shaking hands and teary eyes, but you haven’t faltered once. You’re the bravest person he knows. He once thought that being brave meant being fearless but as he chances another look at you as he pulls into your parking lot he thinks maybe that being brave is being afraid and doing your best anyway.

He watches as you shift your smooth brow furrows in sleepy confusion and your nose scrunches in a way that goes straight to his heart as your eyes blink open, taking in your surroundings. You shift to sit up, peering out the window and Javy tries and fails to keep his eyes from shifting to the back of your jersey. “I fell asleep.” Your voice is rough with sleep as you rub at your eyes but he catches the irritation in your tone.

“And now you’re home, so you can get upstairs and back to sleep,” he points out and you turn, regarding him like you’ve forgotten that he’s in the car too. You nod, frowning as you try to make sense of his words. “Come on, Meep, let’s get you to bed.” You nod again, turning to let yourself out of the car. When he gets to the other side of the car you’re fumbling with your purse to find your keys. When he offers you his hand you wave him off, shuffling sleepily towards the stairs up to your apartment and he trails along behind you, making sure you don’t just collapse somewhere halfway up and spend the night there. When you reach your door, he watches as you fumble with your keys for a solid thirty seconds before he takes the keys from your hand. You don’t argue but he can feel your glare on his temple as he unlocks the door. Your hand grips the knob, taking your keys from him with the other.

“Goodnight, Javy.” He smiles at the sleepy slur in your voice as he steps back and you give him a nod.

“Goodnight, Meep, sleep tight.” You wave half-heartedly as he chuckles softly and you duck past him into the apartment, surprisingly quick as you swing the door shut behind you, and he waits for the turns of the lock and deadbolt before he turns and heads back to his car, trying not to think about how badly he wants you to come back and invite him in.

A/N: Where do you think Javy and Roadie are going this weekend?

[sirianasims]

Chapter 43.6

My mother taught me that sometimes it rains. Sometimes it pours, and you’re soaked through and miserable and it feels like it may never stop. But no matter how heavily the rain falls, no matter how drenched you get, you are not the rain.

Some day you will be dry again.

Things have been easier since I blocked Paul, the pain slowly fading to a dull ache, barely noticeable as long as I don’t dig too deep. I try to keep myself distracted, reading Lucky Girl for what must be the fifth time. It’s my comfort read, Evie reminds me a little of myself. I think we could have been friends, hanging out and agreeing that being in love is the absolute worst, actually, while we yearn for our respective idiots.

The memory of Paul is not the only thing I’m trying to escape. With all my channels inactive, even the haters have gone quiet and my views are dropping every week. I’ve toyed with the idea of simply abandoning everything and starting a new brand, but I don’t want to rebuild my follower count from scratch. I don’t have time for it. My bills are starting to pile up, and while I can still pay them for now, it won’t be long before I have to either crawl back to mom and dad and ask for help, or get one of those real jobs people keep talking about. I’m not even sure which option I would hate the most, so I hide in my book for now.

A sharp knock on the door jerks me away from Evie admiring Jude in an art gallery and back to reality.

I hesitate for a moment. I have no idea who it could be, and I don’t want to see anyone, especially not some smarmy salesperson – or worse, my landlord. With a sigh, I put my book face down on the armrest and shuffle to the door.

Miranda is leaning casually against the doorway, her high heels making her look almost as tall as Samara. At their feet, a couple of large shopping bags are threatening to fall over and spill their contents on my doormat.

“See, Samara? I told you she was still alive.”

“So you did. Then I sure hope she has a very good excuse for refusing to see her best friends for almost two months!“

I feel my cheeks get hot. “Uh, hi. I’m sorry I disappeared, I’ve just had a rough time since, you know. But I promise to call you, maybe we can make plans soon?”

“No need, we’re here now, so you won’t have to worry about that.” Samara’s smile is cheerful, but her tone is resolute. Even so, I try to object.

“Seriously, it’s not a good time, I haven’t even showered for like three days, and the place is a mess.”

“Girl, since when do we care about mess? We’re here because we love you – stinky or not.” She wrinkles her nose, making the freckles on her face dance.

“What is this, some sort of intervention?”

Miranda smirks. “Pretty much. Sorry, but someone’s gotta save you from yourself, and we’re not letting you waste any more time moping over a man who didn’t deserve you. We’ve got snacks and a box of rosé with your name on it, so you might as well get out of the way.”

“Fiiine, but no judging the absolute state of the place.” I roll my eyes and invite them in with a dramatic flourish of my arm, but I can’t help but smile. Samara bounces through the door despite the heavy shopping bags, and Miranda goes straight for my laptop.

“What’s your login?”

“It’s just my birthday, and before you come for me, yes, I know that’s bad.”

Miranda shakes her head as the laptop plays a jaunty tune and lets her in.

“You’ll get the full security lecture another day, right now it’s time to declare inbox bankruptcy. We’re getting rid of all this bullshit so you can get back to business.”

“Miranda, there are literally thousands of messages. It’ll take days to go through, maybe weeks.”

She doesn’t even look up, her perfectly manicured fingers a blur over the keyboard.

“Give me an hour. I’m going to delete anything that contains profanity, and then I’ll sort the rest into folders, so don’t worry, you won’t be losing anything permanently. But I’m going to mark everything as read and archive it so you can get a fresh start. If anyone wants something important from you, they’ll reach out again, trust me.”

I stop myself from protesting further. Miranda knows what she’s doing, and it really would be a relief not to worry about everything.

Behind me, Samara has stopped unpacking the groceries.

“Just let Miranda work her magic and get your smelly butt into a bath. And make it a nice one, soak for a bit and pretend you’re a mermaid or something. We’ll get everything set up in here while you scrub off the sadness.”

I feel a slight pang of embarrassment as I walk into the bathroom. The sunlight is creating little islands of warmth on the black tiles, but it also mercilessly illuminates the limescale in the shower and a couple of cotton swabs that missed the bin. The sink is decorated with a few dried clumps of toothpaste, each of them outlined in red from last time I dyed my hair.

How did I let it get this bad?

I turn on the taps and leave them running while I undress. Then, I lower myself awkwardly into the tub and let the water cascade through my fingers. It would be nice if it was this easy, washing away the sadness and frustration, the longing and the hurt.

The gentle sound of flowing water is mesmerising, and before I know it, the tub is full. I add a small handful of bath salts and swirl it around. A soothing scent of lavender rises with the steam.

When I lie down, the hot water envelops me like a hug. It feels like it’s thawing something in me that I didn’t even know was frozen. I close my eyes and listen to Samara and Miranda laughing about something. It’s almost like being home and hearing my parents talk softly in the other room. It always made me feel safe. Less alone.

As the water begins to cool, I scrub down, slowly, methodically, running soapy hands along every inch of my body. It feels good, like I’m massaging life back into my limbs. Tonight will be fun, I decide. We’re going to stuff our faces with junk food, get absolutely smashed on cheap wine, and pretend that my heart was never broken by some has-been actor from Tartosa.

I watch as the tub empties, imagining that all my sadness is flowing down the drain with the water and the tiny undissolved purple specks from the bath salt. Finally, I move to the shower to wash my hair and rinse off.

When I get out, I stop and examine myself in the mirror. I look a little tired and worn, like I’ve been sick. In a way, I guess I have. But the black tiles are radiating warmth under my feet and there are birds singing outside my window and I’m beginning to feel like everything is going to be fine.

Samara’s blue face glitters in the candlelight. The packaging from the masks we’ve applied is littered with adjectives like “rejuvenating” and “revitalising”, bold statements, but they do actually feel pretty good.

“Sorry, Julia, I know you love this crap, but I just can’t get over the cake tongue. Who decided cake would be the best bait for people? Are we really that obsessed with desserts?”

I look over my nails one last time and put down the file. “I’m actually more disturbed by the whole chin udder situation. I mean, who came up with that?”

Samara makes a disgusted face, but she’s not ready to change the subject. “Seriously though, even if you were absolutely starving and cake was your favourite thing in the whole world, would you really approach a plant shaped like a giant cow head with huge teeth? Really? And then try to grab what is obviously its tongue?”

Miranda giggles tipsily. “No, but can we talk about how Ned’s relationship with the cow plant is super toxic, though? I mean, it always starts out slow, right? Oh, so it eats meat, little bit of a red flag there, but it’s probably fine. And before you know it, you find yourself luring your neighbours to their deaths just to keep it happy.”

“Yeah, it’s classic, the way he keeps making excuses for her? She didn’t mean it, she’s just misunderstood! She only bites me because she loves me! I’m like, Ned, your girlfriend is eating people, you need professional help.”

Samara laughs. “I guess some men would literally rather feed their neighbours to a plant than go to therapy.”

My phone vibrates on the armrest behind me.

“Sorry, it’s Marten again, I better let him know I’ve got company. He’s been super busy with his exams so we haven’t had much time to play lately.”

Miranda raises an eyebrow.

“And he’s still fine just being your friend, is he?”

“Why wouldn’t he be? I mean, he was fine being my friend even though I was dating Paul. Besides, I haven’t even seen him in person since GeekCon, it’s been almost a year…”

I stop. Almost a year since I met Paul. It feels like a lifetime ago. I wonder what would have happened if I’d cosplayed as someone else, or if Paul hadn’t been there that day. Maybe I could have been dating Marten instead of having my heart trampled by some fickle celebrity. Nice, normal Marten with his mousy hair and his robot facts. I smile.

“Anyway, there’s nothing between me and Marten. Or anyone else, for that matter.”

Miranda sends me a mischievous grin. “That reminds me, you know that hot bartender from The Rooftop? Super flirty, cheekbones that could cut glass?”

“The one who gave us free refills on Samara’s birthday? Shane or something?”

“Yeah, him! He asked about you last time, wondered why you hadn’t come with us for like three weeks in a row.”

“How does he even know my name?”

“He didn’t, he just asked about our red-haired friend but you’ve clearly made an impression.” Miranda winks. “Maybe he’d be willing to help you get over Paul.”

I shake my head. “No thanks, I’m pretty sure he’s slept with like half the regulars. And I’m not looking for hook-ups, not now. I need to get my so-called career back on track, but I want to do something… different.”

I think of Paul, of late nights in hotel rooms, laughing at the most ridiculous b-movies before having amazing sex and falling asleep with his arms around me. “I don’t want to do cosplay again, absolutely nothing with movies or comics or superheroes.”

Miranda looks thoughtful. “What about just fashion stuff? I started out with just my shoe reviews and now it’s more general style advice and outfits to match your heels, but you have an eye for it and you know a lot about cuts and materials and design.”

“I guess? I don’t really know a lot about classic fashion, though, like couture and such. And it’s a really tough business to get into, plus I’d kinda like to keep the expenses down for now.”

“You could always just jump on one of the big trends. I bet you’d make bank as one of those clean girl aesthetic influencers or something.”

“That’s actually a good idea. I mean, I can probably get pretty far with just the makeup and clothes I already have. And I could move my sewing machine and rearrange the room, set up my camera and the lights…”

Miranda laughs. “We can start right now as long as it means we don’t have to watch any more terrible movies tonight.”

I reach for the remote. “Not a chance.”

beginning / previous / next

[honeyjars-sims]

3.37 Soulmates

Today I’m spending some time with Pops. While I was camping, he found out that the LGBT center where he’s been working forever will be closing in just a couple weeks and he’ll be out of a job. It wasn’t unexpected–they’ve been having funding issues for a while–but it still sucks. Unfortunately, Dad is in San My for a gig this weekend, so I figure Pops could use some company.

“I’m really sorry about your job,” I tell him as he finishes washing the dishes. “Are you guys gonna be okay?”

“We have a good amount in savings, and I’ve already been in contact with someone at the LGBT center in Del Sol. They’ve all but offered me a position there that pays more and has more flexibility.”

“Wow, that’s great! So I guess you won’t have much of a reason to stay in Evergreen Harbor, then.”

“Not really. We could probably find a smaller place closer to the LGBT center.”

I know what that means. There’s no reason my parents should have to pay for another 3 bedroom house when their kids are grown. “I guess it’s time for me to find a place, too.”

“I’m sorry to spring it on you like this, but I think you’re ready for it.”

“Yeah, I am. I really appreciate you guys taking me in for as long as you did.”

“You’ve come a long way, Johnny. You’ll be just fine.”

“What about you? You’ll be all alone when Dad is traveling.”

“That’s the good thing about this job. I��ll be able to work remotely some, so I can travel with Dad sometimes.”

“Oh, that’s good then. I know it’s not easy for you two to be away from each other.” I pause. There’s something that’s been on my mind since I came back from my camping trip, and Pops seems like the perfect person to help me figure it out. “Do you think you and Dad are soulmates?”

“Soulmates? Hmm.” He stops for a moment to consider. “No, I don’t think we are,” he finishes.

“Really? Why not?” I'm taken aback by his answer. What does he mean, they're not soulmates?

“Well, you remember how Dad and I met, right?”

“Yeah, you saw each other at a protest and sparks flew or something cheesy like that.”

“Mm-hmm. But I don’t think I’ve ever told you the full story of what happened that night. Before I ended up at the protest, I was at your mom’s apartment–she told me she needed to talk to me about something. Instead, I told her I was gay and couldn’t be in a relationship with her anymore, and I left–without finding out that she was pregnant.”

“Oh. She was going to tell you that night?”

“Yes, until she decided that I wasn’t the kind of man that should raise children. If things had been different–if she had told me she was pregnant before I came out to her–I would have stayed.”

“You would’ve kept pretending to be straight?” I can't imagine what his life would have been like but it sounds pretty terrible. And to think he would have chosen that because of me and Chantal?

“For a while at least. And who knows, maybe eventually I would have found someone else to love and I’d still be happy. But I wouldn’t have met your dad that night.”

“Ok, but that didn’t happen. What does that have to do with being soulmates?”

“Because, Johnny, if I’d stayed with her a little longer then the things that happened to you and Chantal at your mom’s house wouldn’t have happened. I would have been there to keep you safe and well cared for. I just can’t believe that your Dad and I were meant to be together when the circumstances that led to us meeting were also the circumstances that led to my children being hurt and neglected.”

“Well, maybe it’s fate and you would’ve met a different way.” I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around what Pops is saying. A world where he and Dad aren't together just doesn't make sense.

“Maybe. But I don’t think any of these hypotheticals really matter. Like you said, that’s not what happened. What matters is that today, in the here and now, I can’t imagine my life without him. Any reason in particular why you’re thinking about soulmates?” He raises his eyebrows knowingly.

“I guess it’s more that I’m wondering how you know if someone is the right person for you, but it kind of sounds like it’s not that simple.”

“Well, a sign isn’t going to drop down from the heavens that says ‘This person is the one,’ but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Find the person you can’t imagine your life without. I don’t know if that’s what you were wanting to hear, but I hope it answers your question.”

Find the person you can’t live without. Maybe there aren’t signs falling from the sky, but those words are about as close as I’ll get. “It does," I tell him. "It may not be the answer I was expecting, but I think it cleared something up for me.”

“I see. Do you want to talk about it?"

Normally I would jump at the chance to get some input, but now I don't feel like I need it. I shake my head. “No, I think I can handle it from here.” The thought makes me nervous, but I can’t avoid this. I need to talk to Lacey.

Previous | Beginning of story | Beginning of chapter | Next

[clumsiestgiantess]

Survivors — people barely a foot tall who were forced to take refuge in our world — have become a normal part of society. Unfortunately.. it’s not in the way they were hoping.

(original story here)

There’s no way I lost my 90 dollar ball.  Are you kidding me?!  I spent months saving up for that thing; how could I lose it?  I’d torn up my bedroom in search of my prized possession: a professional-grade soccer ball.  It had come with me to every practice session since the day I bought it.  I stormed out of my room, heading towards the garage.  Maybe I’d left it with my gear.  

“Woah!  Where are you headed so grouchily?”  My older sister asked snidely as I stormed past her in the hall.  “You wouldn’t care,” I huffed.  She shrugged offhandedly, “That’s probably true.”  Digging out all of my equipment — even my old stuff that I knew couldn’t possibly have my ball in it — I still couldn’t find it.  Ohh wait…  One of my friends had shown up halfway through practicing at a nearby park.  He’d dragged me away to a local store because one of our favorite games was on sale.  Dang it, I left it there, didn’t I?

“If Mom gets home early, tell her I’m at the park!” I yelled through the doorway.  “Why are you going to the-?”  The door fell closed on my sister’s voice and I rushed to my bike.  The park wasn’t too far from my house; I could be there in 15 minutes if I hurried.  

“Hold it.”  Julie stopped me as I wheeled it to the garage door. “Mom told me to keep an eye on you today.  Where are you going again?”  “The park,” I responded innocently.  “For?”  “I think I left my soccer ball there.”  “Oh?  The survivors have probably taken it by now.”  I sighed at her joke.  Ever since the little human-like creatures had stolen the phone right out of her purse while she was distracted — true story — she was constantly referencing it.  At first it was out of spite, then it became a habit.  “Come on, I’ll drive you.  It won’t be long, right?”  I shook my head, grateful for the lift.  

As I rode along with Julie, I begged the universe for things to work out in my favor.  Please let it still be there.  Don’t let someone take it.  By the time we reached the park entrance, my anxiety was calmed.  I could see the white spot of my ball towards the end of the field.  “Yes,” I cheered quietly as my sister pulled into a space.  “Alright, go get it,” my sister nodded.

I stepped out of the car and ran across the field in a half-jog-half-walk.  But I stopped as I got closer — staring in open-mouthed horror.  My ball was lopsided; punctured toothmark holes of a large dog pierced the sides.  “Are you kidding me?!  At least if somebody took it I wouldn’t have known they’d done this!”  Angrily, I ran up the last few feet and kicked the deflated ball as hard as I could.  It sailed across the field and hit the fence as a startled yelp reached my ears.  Below me, a survivor was hunched over on the ground, looking around in fearful confusion.  He gasped, scanning the sky above him intently.  

“Huh?  What are you-?  Oh.”  Following his gaze up to the sky, I watched a hawk or some other large bird circle around overhead.  “Are you hiding from that bird?”  The survivor glanced fearfully at me, then back up at the sky, whispering something I couldn’t understand.  “Right,” I sighed, “You have your own language.”  

The survivor was.. different than the ones I’d seen — maybe because they looked to be about my age, or maybe because they were actually alive and well rather than the few depressed half-dead ones I’d seen before.  Whatever the case, I didn’t feel like leaving them there to get picked off. 

I went to go collect my ball so the survivor would have cover again, but he yelped and rushed after me, cowering under my shadow.  His gaze finally tore away from the sky and landed on me.  Eyes wide, he asked me something I didn’t understand, but I could guess.  

I sighed, but nodded.  “Come on,” I gestured for him to follow me, and began walking back the way I’d come.  The survivor sprinted after me.  Halfway across the field, he wheezed something that vaguely sounded like he was asking me to stop.  Oh man, even when I’m walking I’m going too fast for him.  Poor guy.  I stopped and let the little guy catch up with me.  He sat down on the grass, out of breath.  However, that bird noticed we’d stopped moving.  I watched as it swooped down and landed on the telephone wires beside the field.

“Dnimreven!  M’i enif!  S’tel tsuj teg tuo fo ereh!” the survivor gasped, scrambling to his feet.  He walked on and I kept up with his pace, walking beside him at whatever speed he wanted.  It was slow going, but when we reached the parking lot, he stopped.  “I.. hhu.. t’ndid yllaer kniht siht raf daeha.”  Glancing around the lot, he looked over at the bird, then glanced up at me.  “What?” I asked, “It’s alright, I’ll follow you.  Just go back to the woods or something.”  I waved a hand at the woods, but he slowly shook his head.  “You.. no?  Don’t you live there?”  He just pointed at the bird and shook his head.  I squatted on the ground beside him.  Still he was shorter than me, but not by nearly as much as when I stood.

“Hey, it’s alright!  Just go hide in the woods for a while.  That bird will have to stop following you eventually.”  A car horn startled both of us just as the survivor was about to speak.  “Hey!” Julie called, “What are you doing?  I thought you said you’d be quick!  Stop pestering that little survivor and get in the car!”  “Alright!” I shouted annoyedly back, standing up again.  “I’m coming!  One second!”  I started walking to the trees nearby and the survivor raced after me.  When I got to the edge of the parking lot, I stopped and pointed towards the forest.  “Go on.  I’m sure some other survivors will come along and help you.”

But would they?  He gave me a solemn look and trudged towards the underbrush like I was exiling him.  The car horn startled him again and he ducked away into the foliage.  “Ok!  Ok!  I’m coming!”  The whole drive home I was, according to my sister, ‘unnaturally quiet’.  I blamed it on my popped ball — and normally that would make me angry — but I was just too caught up thinking about that survivor.  I tried to remember every time I’d ever seen one.  Surely one of them looked like they were doing ok, didn’t they?

Yet, as much as I wracked my brain, I couldn’t think of a time when I’d seen one happy.  They always looked scared.  At best they seemed kinda.. out of it.  At worst they were, well, dead.  I hope that survivor doesn’t end up like them.  He was my age.  Surely he’ll survive better than the older ones, right?  But there was that bird…  I was up the whole night coming up with a plan to sneak out of the house and return to the park.  I had to go find him again — to make sure he was safe.  

I’d never actually interacted with a survivor before.  It wasn’t at all what I expected.  My friends said they were little scavengers who liked to steal.  All the articles about them said they were a kind of mimic of us from a whole other mimic of our world.  But everyone made them sound like little animals.  The guy I met today — he seemed so familiar in a weird way.  He spoke to me, gestured for me to understand, and even his expressions were so human I could understand him just by reading them.  Then again.. maybe he was just a really good mimic.

During lunch the next day, I passively mentioned going to hang out with some friends at the soccer field, and was thankfully met with little opposition.  My mom reminded me to wear a helmet when I went out, but that was all.  I wrapped up half a grilled cheese I made for myself, tossed it into my bike basket, and pedaled off.  I think I beat my previous record of biking to the park by a few minutes, that’s how anxious I was.  I scanned the sky as I arrived.  No predatory birds in sight.  

Stepping over to the place where I left the survivor the other day, I made my way into the woods.  I searched the ground with every step until I came across a survivor laying on the ground.  A sickening feeling lurched in my stomach watching flies buzzing around them, landing on unmoving limbs.  Shit...  I’m too late.  I carefully stepped over to the body and knelt beside it.  I turned away after only a moment, but as I went to cover it with dirt, I realized their hair was much too long to be the survivor I saw before.  Holding my breath, I bent down to get a better look.

Firstly, their chest had been torn wide open, and their arms and legs picked clean down to the bone.  The position they were in looked painful, as if they’d been struggling.  I realized in my examination that the survivor was a female, and let out a relieved breath.  Whatever had caught it.. caught her — had eaten her.  Wait.  I shouldn’t be relieved by that!  What the hell am I thinking!?  I was just glad that it wasn’t my little friend who’d died, but I felt extremely guilty about thinking of this survivor’s death in that way.  She’d died likely being hunted — eaten.  Was she still conscious during all of it, or had the animal killed her by then?  I just hope I’m not too late to help the other survivor.

Gently taking a few handfuls of dirt, I covered the little corpse.  With a quick glance around myself, I spotted some wildflowers, picked one, and laid it carefully on the small mound.  “I would’ve helped you too,” I said softly, as if that were any consolation for how horribly they’d died.  No wonder the guy I’d met yesterday had given me such a desperate look when I sent him out here.  I was basically sentencing him to a horrific struggle for survival in a place where he wasn’t meant to live in.

Standing back up, I backed away from the little grave and headed in a different direction.  “Hello?” I called, “Survivor dude I met yesterday?  I’m sorry I don’t.. know your name.  And I’m really sorry I left you alone out here!  Please be alright...”  I walked through the forest along the outskirts of the soccer field, watching my every step and calling out once and a while.  I began giving up hope as I rounded the end of the field, but something stopped me before I could turn around: my popped soccer ball.  It wasn’t left where I’d kicked it earlier.  It was tucked beside a tree a little ways past the wooden fence that separated most of the park from the overgrown trees and whatnot that I’d been trekking through.

Heart pounding, I raced over to the ball and yanked it away from the tree.  A fearful yelp came from beneath it as the survivor from the day before huddled up against the side of the tree with his arms over his head.  “Hey!  Hey, it’s alright!  It’s me!  Remember me from yesterday?” I asked excitedly.  The little guy looked up at me with a bewildered expression before his face slowly fell into shock — recognizing me.  “Tahw?  S’tahw gniog no?  Tnaig edud, t’nod llet em er’uoy ereh rof ruoy llab niaga…”  I had no clue what he said, but I was too relieved to even listen.  He was alive — still using my ball for shelter.  “Oh, here!  I brought you something.”  Digging into my pocket, I pulled out the bag of my half a grilled cheese and took it out.  

“I wasn’t sure if you had anything to eat out here, so I brought you this.  It.. might actually be a bit too big for you.”  Laughing slightly, I handed the piece of sandwich off to him.  It was half his height, but he took it eagerly.  I sat down lightly, keeping watch for anything that might hurt him as he chowed down.  “Yeh tnaig?”  The survivor startled me from surveillance.  “Hmm?  What’s wrong little guy?”  He pointed to his throat, then cupped his hands and pretended to drink.  “Oh!  You’re thirsty?  I have some water, but it’s back with my bike.  Sorry, I should’ve brought it.”  The survivor gave me a confused look.  He didn’t understand me.  I knew he couldn’t, but I kept forgetting.  He looked so normal that I expected him to speak a language I knew.

“Come on,” I gestured for him to follow me like I had the day before.  He promptly got up and headed after me.  The pace was even slower than yesterday.  In the field, the little survivor could easily keep walking all the way across, albeit his steps were much shorter than mine.  Here in the uncut forest, he had to weave and duck through the foliage like it was a jungle.  He was exhausted after only a short time, and made the same gestures for a drink again, as if I hadn’t understood him the first time.  I wanted to go and bring him one, but that body I’d found had me scared.  What if I left him and something attacked?  I’d feel awful if I came back to find a similar scene to the first survivor.

I.. I can try taking him there myself.  But is he going to run away from me if I do that?  Wild animals generally don’t like being held.  But he wasn’t some wild animal.  Surely he was smart enough to understand that I was helping him.  Taking a knee, I slowly reached for him.  “I’m just gonna help you out, ok little guy?”  The survivor backed away from my hand uncertainly, but he didn’t run.  “I'm just taking you to get a drink, like you wanted,” I told him, pointing towards the edge of the woods and the parking lot.  

The survivor glanced between me and the distance he had to travel several times, then eventually glanced down at my hesitating hand.  I came closer again and he held his hands up slightly, squeezing his eyes shut.  However, he stood perfectly still. 

His reaction hurt slightly.  Doesn’t he know I won’t attack him?  He looks scared of me, but I’m not a predator.  I’m a person; I wouldn’t eat him or kill him for no reason.  Slowly, I gripped his torso in a light fist and lifted him into the air.  He yelled — dangling legs instantly pulling in against himself as he rushed to grip my fingers.  The survivor’s eyes were wide open now, looking around himself fearfully.  

“Hey, come on, really?” I asked, causing his head to whip back around towards me.  His breathing picked up against the palm of my hand.  “Is it really that scary?”  Apparently it was.  He readjusted, trying to cling even tighter to my fingers.  I sighed, “Man, you’re like.. the same age as me!  Can’t you tell that I’m not some big scary animal?”  I headed back to my bike with him in my hand. He struggled so much I nearly dropped him accidentally.  It wasn’t violent struggling like he was in danger, but still.  

Finally, I reached my bike and released him on the asphalt.  He scrambled backwards and tripped over his own feet, glancing around at the sky before taking a few steps closer to the bike, shying away from the open space.  “It’s alright," I assured him, taking out my water bottle and pouring him a capful.  “I’ll shoo away anything that tries to get you.”  “I- I t’nod tnaw ot eb tuo ereh,” he said nervously, ducking closer to the bike’s wheel until he was pressed against it.  Tsuj- t’nac uoy ekat eht retaw revo ot eht sterof daetsni?  Stnaig t’nod yllausu ekil em gnignah dnuora ni eht nepo, dna eht sdrib ekil ti a elttil oot hcum.”

I chuckled and shook my head.  “I have no clue what you’re saying, but you sure are talking.  Here, have some water.”  I handed him the bottle cap filled with water, but he only pointed to the woods.  I didn’t move until he begrudgingly took it.  Sitting on the curb beside my bike, I watched the little survivor.  A few dogs passed by on the opposite side of the lot.  Both of us eyed them warily, but they were well-behaved pets.  They ignored us and continued on after their owners.  

Wait.. pet.  I glanced down at the survivor.  He’d relaxed a bit once the dogs passed us, but he was still on alert.  I’d been thinking about that body — the poor survivor who could do nothing to save themselves from such an awful death.  “Hey little guy?  What do you think of becoming my pet?  Some people keep survivors and train them, you know.  You’d be a lot safer with me!  I’d have to hide you from my family, though,” I grumbled.  “Maybe I can make you a little home in my backyard or something.  What do you think?”  He just gave me a blank, confused look.  “Right…” I sighed, “Before I teach you any tricks I think I’m gonna have to teach you some words first.  At least you understand gestures.”

The only thing my musings were met with was a small gesture for more water.  I thought for a moment as I refilled the survivor’s bottle cap.  “I guess I should start with a name.  Hmmm.. should I give you a human name or more of a pet name?”  I thought for a moment, “What if I name you Bandit?  Because you took my soccer ball?  My sister did warn me that your kind likes to steal things.”

Once Bandit was done with his drink, I stood up decisively.  He startled, but calmed down soon after.  That was until I reached for him again.  Bandit dodged away from my grasp and stepped away from my bike.  Pointing towards the woods, he told me something and started walking in that direction.  “No, look!  I’m going to give you a real home now!  Your name’s gonna be Bandit and I’ll take care of you.  You don’t have to fight to survive out here anymore.”  I stepped over to him and tried to pick him up again, but he took off at a run — surprisingly fast for something so small.  Thankfully, it only took a little jog to catch up with him and corner Bandit with my hands.

The survivor began yelling as I stood back up.  His legs were pinned in one hand and his torso in the other.  “Tahw eht lleh?!  Tahw era uoy gniod htiw em?!  Tup em nwod!  I t’nod tnwa uoy ot yrrac em dnuora; I nac klaw tsuj enif!”  He sounded angry, but he just didn’t understand.  He probably thought I was taking him back to that sad little spot I’d found him tucked up in.  “Man, you gotta calm down!” I told him surprisedly, “You’re yelling like I’m going to murder you or something.  I’m literally saving your life!”

As gently as I could with all his struggling, I placed Bandit into my bike basket and hopped on.  He peered over the edge for a moment, confused.  However, he gasped and ducked down inside as I lifted the kickstand.  “Yeh!  I- I thguoht ew erew sdneirf!  Erehw era uoy gnikat em?”  “That’s right,” I said softer than before, “I’m getting you out of here.  Now hold on tight!  We’ll be at my house before you know it!”

I biked slowly through the parking lot and across the road, but once I hit the bike trail, I took off — excited to bring home my new pet.  Bandit yelled a few more times, and I slowed down each time.  However, I kept forgetting and speeding back up again.  About two-thirds of the way there, my little pet finally had enough.  While I was focused on a blind turn up ahead, the little thing lept out of the basket.  A heartstopping thwack resounded off the dirt path as he hit it.  I came to a screeching halt a few feet further and dropped my bike to the ground, rushing to his side.  

Blood had begun pooling through his pant leg as he hastily scrambled to his feet before immediately falling back over again.  “Bandit!  Holy shit!  Why’d you do that?!  I thought survivors were smart enough to know not to jump out of a moving vehicle!”  An agonizing cry stopped me from scolding him any longer.  “Shit, I..  I gotta get you home and bandage that up.”  Scooping him up in my arms, I drove the rest of the way single-handedly — Bandit gasping and whining the whole way back.  The sound made me sick.  I don’t understand!  He knew it was moving!  They’re supposed to be the second smartest creatures in the world besides humans!

I drove straight into the backyard when I got home, rushing for the back door.  However, when I threw it open, my sister stood in the doorway, arms crossed.  I had quick enough reflexes to hide Bandit behind my back, but that was all.  “I knew you were up to something when Mom told me where you were going!” she accused.  “No!” I yelped, covering up a groan from my little injured pet.  “I was at the park!  I swear!”  “So why are you sneaking in the back-”  Julie’s face paled mid-sentence.  “Ritchie?  Is that blood on your sweatshirt?”  Shit.  It was.  Bandit’s leg must’ve bled into my clothing while I was holding him tucked against my chest.

There was no use trying to lie.  Julie was a veterinary major — specializing in surgery.  She knew blood when she saw it.  “I- I can explain.”  Before I could explain anything, she grabbed my arm and fearfully yanked it out from behind me.  Bandit cried out in pain as he was jerked forward.  Protectively, I tucked him back against myself as my shocked sister let go of me.  “I knew you would go back for that survivor,” she said under her breath.  “But what the hell did you do?”

“I- I didn’t do anything!  He jumped out of my bike while I was riding it and-”  “Give him to me.”  “What?  No!  What are you going to do with him?”  She held out her cupped hands, “What do you think I’m going to do with him?  I have to stop him from bleeding like that or he will die.  Please, just let me have him.”  “I- It’s not that bad!” I lied, backing away, “This stain isn’t even that big!”  “It is to him.”  Julie’s voice suddenly turned hostily serious.  Hesitantly, I tried to give Bandit to her, but he gasped and tried to avoid her hands.

I was about to tell her that I should just bring him wherever she wanted him, but Julie spoke first.  “S’ti thgirla; I t’now truh uoy.  M’i ereh ot pleh uoy.”  I blinked, dumbstruck.  Even Bandit stopped struggling.  “Did.. you just speak survivor language?” I gawked.  Less than a second later, Bandit practically flung himself out of my grasp and into Julie’s arms.  He started speaking so quickly, even she gave him a confused look.  “Tsuj gnah ni ereht,” she said gently, “Ll’i teg uoy dexif pu.”  She rushed off into the bathroom.  The rumbling of medicine bins filled the air along with the sound of rushing water.  I was so stunned I stood in the doorway for several minutes before quickly closing the back door and rushing after my sister.

[jinkoh]

winning

haknyeon x fem!reader

summary: haknyeon is a good friend, so of course he wants eric to listen to his heart and be happy. that's the only reason he tells him not to get back together with you—or is it?

tags: friends (?) to ?, suggestive, hooking up, (light) manipulation, alcohol consumption, rich kid au, unrequited love, non-linear story telling

wc: 2.5k

a/n: you could consider this a gossip girl au--iykyk lol anway this is kind of a mess but i had to get it out of my system so here we are

Masterlist

Haknyeon watched you with hawk eyes as you came through the door of the hotel bar, your steps sharp and your make-up just the tiniest bit smudged. His instincts told him something must have happened with Eric—or maybe it was the fact that he remembered you were supposed to be having a very special date with him tonight, planning to take things a step further. You pulled up the stool next to him to sit down and immediately looked for the bartender, who seemed busy chatting with some girls at the other end of the counter.

“What brings you here?” Haknyeon asked, propping up his chin on the palm of his hand, “Weren’t you supposed to spend the night elsewhere?”

“Shut up, Hak,” you scoffed, still trying to get the bartender’s attention.

“Don’t be like that, sunshine,” he said with a smile, pushing his drink in your direction. “Tell me what happened, I’ll lend you an ear.” 

You didn’t hesitate to take the glass and down it in one go. “As if I still need to tell you. I’m sure Eric told you he was going to dump me, and you watched me run into this disaster of a night, probably laughing behind my back that I thought I could save this relationship if I—,” you interrupted yourself before putting the words out there, opting to wave for the bartender instead, who finally noticed you and moved to refill your—Haknyeon’s—glass. Meanwhile Haknyeon was just staring at you in disbelief.

“He dumped you?” He felt genuinely surprised. He did know that Eric had been acting a little weird these days, but he never thought he would actually consider breaking up with you, not when Eric’s family was so keen on your relationship.

“Don’t even pretend to care.”

You tried so hard to look composed, your pride keeping you from breaking down, but Haknyeon saw the way your hands trembled when you lifted the refilled glass to your lips.

“But I do,” he whispered, “I do care.”

Haknyeon’s mind was stuck elsewhere, cold and empty bed sheets mainly, so he was barely able to pay attention to what his friend was saying—at least until your name suddenly got mentioned.

“I think I’ll get back together with y/n.” Eric said it so casually, as if that weren’t the worst news Haknyeon had ever heard. He stopped in his tracks, feet rooted to the park’s pebbled path. 

“What?”

“Maybe the break up was kinda rash.”

“Was it really? You said it was for the best when you broke up with her. Why suddenly change your mind? Realized you love her after all?”

Eric bit his lower lip. “It’s not that,” he mumbled. “It's just—it's really important to my family that I stay with her. They even brought up Grandma's engagement ring.”

“The ring, huh?” Haknyeon tried to play it cool, huffing a weak laugh, “It’s that serious?”

“They need that deal with her mom and she might not invest because of the break up…” 

Haknyeon could tell from the way his shoulders slumped that Eric wasn’t happy about this. He didn’t want to get back together with you, he didn’t want to toy with your feelings like that, but he didn’t want to disappoint his family either.

“Still,” Haknyeon looked at his friend with concern, “Shouldn’t you listen to your heart on this? Think it through before you do anything. Don’t be a pushover, don’t make yourself miserable.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Eric kicked a pebble with his foot, “But I’ve already texted her to meet up tonight. Talk things through, you know?

“You—what?”

He shrugged and it looked truly pitiful. “They really put pressure on me, you know?”

Haknyeon sighed, running his hand through his hair. He’d been convinced things between the two of you were over, for good. “But you don’t love her,” he reasoned. 

 “I’m sure I could, if I just try hard enough.”

“It's not about trying, Eric. And even then, are you sure you can make her love you?"

“What do you mean?” Eric looked genuinely confused at his words, perhaps even hurt. “She loves me—she said she did?”

“You broke up with her. She moved on.”

“How do you know?” There was a frown etched onto his features.

Haknyeon pressed his lips together, a show of how painful it was to be the harbinger of bad news to his good friend. “I didn't want to tell you, but she hooked up with someone else after your break up.”

“Who is it? And who told you that?”

“Does it matter? She doesn’t want you anymore, Eric."

It was a lie. You would always want him, Haknyeon knew that very well. He just wished it was different.

Haknyeon hadn’t met with you since the night of your break up with Eric, but god, how he’d longed to see you again. You looked pretty, all dolled up, and Haknyeon hated that it wasn’t for him.

“What’s up, sunshine?” He put on a smile, sitting down next to you at the very same counter where you’d shared drinks just a week ago.

“What do you want, Hak?”

“Is that any way to greet a friend?” With a small wave of his hand the bartender poured him a drink and sat it down in front of him.

“Whatever, just don’t get too comfortable. I’m waiting for someone.”

“Eric?” He took a sip of his drink, “are you sure he’ll come?”

“He’s just running late,” you insisted, nursing your own glass, but Haknyeon could see the insecurity in your eyes.

“Wanna bet, if you’re so confident?”

“Sure, bring it on.”

A smile spread on Haknyeon’s lips. “Alright. If you win, I’ll owe you a favor.”

“Anything goes?”

“Anything.”

“And if I lose?”

“You’ll be mine.” He held out his hand, “Deal?”

You frowned. “What kind of bet is that?”

“Where did your confidence go? There is nothing to worry about, unless of course, you don’t think he’ll show up after all?” Haknyeon knew you were too prideful to back down from the challenge, and you proved him right when you took his hand.

“Fine. Deal. But now leave, he'll come any second and I don't want you to be here."

"As you wish." He took his glass and sat down in one of the corner booths instead, with a good view of the door. He knew Eric wouldn’t come, he knew, and yet there was still this underlying fear that his friend would come waltzing in here, as if today's conversation had never happened. Maybe Haknyeon hadn’t been able to convince him, maybe he'd changed his mind, maybe he'd realized in the face of losing you that he was in love with you after all—there were too many variables for Haknyeon to feel truly calm. Not that he would ever let it show, though. No, Haknyeon nursed his drink with class and confidence, indulging whoever came to start a conversation with him and pretending not to grow more nervous with every second. That was, until you appeared at the booth, not meeting his gaze when you laid your phone onto the table in front of him.

“Let’s just go,” you said, already strutting towards the elevator.

Haknyeon’s eyes dropped to your phone screen, Eric’s chat open for him to see with the newest message being mere minutes old.

i’m sorry, y/n.

He pressed his lips together. Of course, he’d known it would be like this, hoped for it too, but he still felt sorry for you. You didn’t deserve this, but neither did you deserve to stay in a relationship that was only held up out of a sense of duty. You deserved to be loved. 

Haknyeon scrambled to his feet, emptying his glass and pocketing your phone before hurrying after you. The elevator arrived with a ping the second he caught up, and he followed you into the small, mirrored space. You didn’t look up, nor did you press any buttons, so Haknyeon did it in your stead, going up to his penthouse suite.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered when the doors closed, handing you back your phone. You just let out a scoff. “Don’t bother. You must be so happy about this, you love winning.”

“Yeah,” he stepped a little closer, his hands ghosting over your upper arm, “but I love you more. I love you.” He meant it, but he knew you didn’t believe him. Or maybe you just needed it to be untrue, because it made things easier for you. He couldn’t blame you.

“Sure,” your voice was lifeless as you wrapped your arms around his neck, still not meeting his gaze as you walked him back until he bumped into the handrail on the wall of the elevator, “I love you too.”

“No, you don’t,” his hands found your lower back and his nose lightly nuzzled your neck.

“No,” you agreed before you tilted your head and brushed your lips against his, “but just for tonight I can pretend.”

He kissed you back, only pulling away when the elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. You pulled him out into the small hallway to the door of his suite waiting for him to unlock it, but he hesitated.

“Are you sure?”

You raised an eyebrow, “This was your bet.”

“Yeah. But that doesn’t matter if you don’t want this.”

“Where are these qualms coming from suddenly, Hak?” You leaned into him, your lips ghosting over his, “It’s too late for reservations. Did you forget that we already crossed the line once?”

As if he could ever forget about it, as if he hadn’t spent every waking moment thinking about it since it happened. “Doesn’t mean we have to cross it again.”

You reached into his jacket, fishing out the key card from the inner pocket. “But I want to.”

“Fine,” he pulled you into a kiss before he let go, giving you the room to unlock the door, “but don’t complain later.”

“What brings you here?” Haknyeon asked, propping up his chin on the palm of his hand, “Weren’t you supposed to spend the night elsewhere?”

“Shut up, Haknyeon,” you scoffed, still trying to get the bartender’s attention.

“Don’t be like that, sunshine,” he said with a smile, pushing his drink in your direction. “Tell me what happened, I’ll lend you an ear.” 

“As if I still need to tell you. I’m sure Eric told you he was going to dump me, and you watched me run into this disaster of a night, probably laughing behind my back because I thought maybe I could save this relationship if I—”

“He dumped you?” 

“Don’t even pretend to care.”

“But I do,” he whispered into his glass, too quiet for you to hear over the noise of the bar, “I do care.”

“Just do what you do best: distract me,” you added with another sip from your drink.

A grin played on Haknyeon’s lips. If that was what you wanted, he could do that. “I know just the place,” he said, getting up from his stool and holding out his hand for you to take. 

“Lead the way,” you replied, taking the offer and letting him guide you out of the hotel bar and into the city’s nightlife. 

As the night went on, a few drinks too many on either side, you started to loosen up, forgetting about your pain and heartbreak. Haknyeon loved seeing you like that, smiling and dancing without inhibition. He hadn’t seen you laugh so wild and free in a long time, not since things with Eric had started to go downhill, and even though he hated that you’d been hurt, he loved to see this side of you.

“Thanks,” you mumbled, once you were in the back of his car, Haknyeon’s driver taking you back, “For the ride. And for the distraction.” You turned your head to look at him, red lips and flushed cheeks, and Haknyeon couldn’t help gazing at you, the alcohol clouding his brain too much to be subtle in his admiration.

“You’re beautiful,” he said, knowing it didn’t match the flow of the conversation.

You let out a chuckle. “What are you saying?” 

“It’s true.”

“Eric’s your friend,” you reasoned, but Haknyeon didn’t miss the way your eyes dropped to his lips.

“Aren’t you my friend too?” he tilted his head, looking at you through hooded eyes.

“Right,” you inched closer, until Haknyeon felt your breath fanning over his lips, “you have a point there.”

“I do,” he whispered, before he closed the gap and kissed you.

Haknyeon was aware that morally this wasn’t the soundest choice he’d ever made. You’d only just gotten dumped by your boyfriend, who also happened to be his friend. He shouldn’t have kissed you, nor should he pull you into his lap. But how could he resist, when you returned the kiss so sweetly? How could he push you away, when your hands wrapped around his neck and pulled him closer? There was no way he would pass up this chance just to meet some sort of moral standard and, frankly, while this wasn't the best he’d still made way more questionable choices before. He’d deal with the repercussions later. Tomorrow, maybe.

Except, tomorrow didn’t exactly start the way he’d imagined. Because instead of finding your sleeping figure next to him, the other half of his bed was empty, the messy sheets the only trace you’d left behind before rushing out. It seemed, while he didn’t regret the choices made and actions taken, you must have felt a little different about it. Of course you did. After all, you were still in love with Eric. Still, it felt lonely to wake up alone.

Haknyeon somewhat expected to wake up by himself again. It wasn’t that he didn’t hope for you to stay, it was just that he’d already prepared himself for disappointment the moment you’d kissed him in the elevator. But when he opened his eyes, the morning sun on his face tickling him awake, he found you were still there, sound asleep and wrapped up in his arms. You looked peaceful with your face tucked into his chest, your breathing calm and steady. He gently brushed a strand of hair out of your forehead, watching fondly as your nose scrunched up a bit at the ticklish feeling, before you snuggled closer. How someone could not be in love with you was a miracle to him, but he should probably be grateful that it was possible. Because now that he knew what it felt like to have you, not just for a night but in the morning too, there was no way he was going to hand you back to Eric again. He’d win you over, so that the next time you’d tell him you loved him, you would actually mean it.

Masterlist

[steviewashere]

Words to Keep Us Moving (Chapter 1 of 6)

Rating: Mature CW: Implied/Referenced Non-Canon Character Death, Blood and Gore, Canon-Typical Violence, Animal Death—CANNOT EMPHASIZE THAT ONE ENOUGH, A DOG LITERALLY DIES HEED CAREFULLY Tags: Canon Divergence, Post-Season 4, Apocalypse AU, Vecna Apocalypse, Eddie Munson Lives, Steve Harrington Character Study, 5+1 Things, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Journal Entires, Amputee Steve Harrington, Disabled Steve Harrington, Worried Eddie Munson, Protective Eddie Munson, Protective Steve Harrington, Stubborn Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson is a Sweetheart, Steve Harrington is a Sweetheart, Pre-Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Getting Together, Steve Harrington Takes Care of Eddie Munson, Eddie Munson Takes Care of Steve Harrington, Other Tags to be Added

This is a 5+1 fic, but only the first chapter so far. Five journal entries during the apocalypse/moments during the apocalypse, and one entry after the apocalypse. Please heed all content warnings, I am begging you.

Also on AO3 (because this is wicked long for a first chapter)

📝———————📝 The First Journal Entry: April 16th, 1986

I don’t know what I’m doing with this. I’m not much for writing. Fuck, I couldn’t even write an essay for my senior paper. Nancy had to coach me through eighty percent of it. But I’ll go insane if I don’t speak. And I’m being careful with my voice for now. Those demogorgon things are blind, but aware. They can sense the heat of our bodies, the sounds of our movement, the smell of our fear and our blood.

Many people I’ve had to rescue have ultimately faded into nothing. They scream and they cry and they shake. They get too close, they stray too far. They reek of sweat. Even though I tried to get them away, to get them back towards the safe houses, they weren’t savable. I tried, though. Believe me, please, I tried.

Hawkins may not be salvageable. I don’t think this town is meant for saving. We try anyway. There’s the safe houses, like I mentioned. One bordering the exit sign, that’s where they put the women and children. They being the feds, by the way. Didn’t make that clear, should do that by now. Anyway. There’s the safe house across from old Forest Hills; the victims from the sinkhole crevice tearing through the trailer park go there. And then the final safe house is Hawkins High.

Some of our group is between Hopper’s cabin and my house. Everybody is safe there. Eddie’s no longer in hiding, but he still sleeps down the hall from me. Max is out of the hospital, her old bed now taken up by an elderly woman; the woman will probably die—a demogorgon got her with its claws—and Max is with El. The Wheelers are with their parents in the exit sign safe house, same with Henderson and his mom, the Sinclairs are there, too, and Mrs. Hargrove. Jon and Will are here with Hopper, El, Max, and Joyce. I wish we could take Max back to her mother, but she’s under constant supervision—El believes her newfound blindness is connected to Vecna. Wayne is no longer at the high school, he’s been forcefully relocated to old Forest Hills, but he’s welcome around here any time. Robin’s with her parents at the high school; that’s where Vickie is, so that’s where she’ll be.

I haven’t seen my parents since before the earthquake. They were out of town on a business trip. Mom went with Dad because she still doesn’t trust him alone. They called me the day Dustin brought me along to find Eddie. Told me they were on their way home, were driving back from the airport. I can hear back the message on the answering machine, as long as I keep the generator up and running.

Mom told me she loves me in it.

I can’t help but think that they should’ve been back by now. I’ve checked with the soldiers on the edge, see if they saw a black Lincoln come through. Told me no. Told me they found remains of a car; a black car. I stopped checking after that. Couldn’t stomach the meaning behind that.

Our town is in ruin. I’m not alone, I have to remind myself. I’ll go out on monster hunting duty tonight, first time on my own. We’ll see how that goes.

I have to go, I can hear Eddie rousing. Time to check his wounds. Make sure he has his dose of antibiotics. See if he needs Tylenol; opioid free now…yay!

———— Steve closes the soft leather cover of his journal. He found it among the rubble of the bookstore in town. He’d been advised by Hopper to start writing because apparently his low morale “affects the monster hunting” and if he didn’t get it under control, he’d be reassigned to radio duty. Where Eddie is now.

Speaking of, Steve stands from his cramped desk and walks the short distance to the first guest bedroom on his floor. Knocks gently on the wood and enters without any other preamble.

Sitting in the spare desk is Eddie, hair ruffled and clothes messily strewn across his body. He spares Steve a glance over his shoulder. The bandage on his cheek is beginning to peel and Steve knows it’ll be a bitch to change; he always feels bad when he has to rip it off, it tugs at the raw skin and the little bit of facial hair Eddie’s still able to grow. Remembers, though, the joke Eddie had made about his situation: “Look, I’m freaking Two-Face from the comics! Think he grows half a beard, too?” He had to bite his tongue. Almost reprimanded the poor guy.

He blinks and Eddie’s still staring at him.

“How’s it goin’, Stevie?” Eddie murmurs. His voice has taken on an even deeper rasp than before. The demobats had taken a liking to his chest and the base of his throat, but Steve had been able to keep those wounds from being life ending. “You were pretty quiet in there.”

“Well, you know we have to be somewhat quiet,” Steve mock-whispers, “thought I’d use the…solitude to focus on getting in a journal entry.”

Eddie hums. “Glad you’re getting started on that. Don’t wanna be removed from surveying duty, yeah? You’d be stuck in here with dear old me. And let me tell you, sitting around and checking the stations is booorrring.”

Steve snorts. “Yeah, well, this is where you remain until you’re healed.” He steps further into the bedroom, clicking the door closed softly behind him. Settles on the guest bed on the right of the desk. Roams his eyes around the walls. “I’m doing alright, though. A little nervous if I’m being honest. About going out there alone. What if I don’t hear—“

“They’re letting you go out there alone?” Eddie squawks. “They should be sending out one of those adults, not you! You’re just a kid, Steve.”

Taken aback, not one to usually be concerned about, Steve crosses his arms over his chest and scoffs.

“It’s not like I have anything else waiting back for me, right?” Steve bites. “It’s my duty and I plan on going through and taking care of said duty. And if something happens, I’ll radio back. You’ll hear me. Someone’ll come running. I’ll be fine.”

Eddie eyes him for a moment. His big, brown eyes impossibly wider. A little wet. His face is pinched, frowning. There’s a moment where he opens his mouth to protest something Steve said, hesitating strongly, but he literally bites his tongue. Croaks, “And if you don’t radio?”

“I’ll radio,” Steve insists.

“Will you? Because the last time you were on duty and that happened—“ He waves a hand at Steve’s missing left wrist. “—You didn’t say anything until you got back. You’re fucking lucky Claudia was over here with Dustin. Else you wouldn’t have any sort of nurse or doctor available to sew you back—“

“I’ll be fine,” he harshly interrupts. He sighs, drops his arms, and swallows hard. Then, he blinks and looks back, leans into Eddie’s space. Brings a tentative hand to trace the edge of his facial bandage. “Have your hands been shaking?”

“Don’t switch the conversation—“

“Have your hands been shaking?” Steve repeats firmer.

Eddie sighs through his nose. Sharp. Annoyed. “Yes, Steve, but I can do this on my own. You don’t need to—“

“Just let me change it before I go, okay? Give me a little peace of mind before I head out.” He pets his hand down to the underside of Eddie’s jaw, to the side of his neck. His pulse welcomingly slow.

Their eyes lock. Eddie’s concerned, too much for Steve’s liking.

Though, finally, “Okay,” Eddie murmurs, “but you have to promise that you’ll be careful, you’ll be safe.”

“Eddie, I already—“

“Promise, Steve. You have to keep your head on your shoulders. You have to report to us if you’re in danger. You have to come back.”

“I will,” Steve promises, whispers immediately, “I will from here on out.”

And with that, Eddie opens one of the desk drawers, pulls out a package of gauze and bandage, and offers it out for Steve to take. He leaves the room briefly to wash his hands, returning with damp fingers. It was a quick, yet intimate procedure. Peeling away the wrappers. Laying down the gauze—right after a cleaning. Taping it all down, sticking it to Eddie’s sensitive, raw skin.

When he pulls back, finished, Steve’s stomach jumps with a new level of unease.

It was done. He could go.

He has to go.

“Jacket,” Eddie murmurs, his hands holding out for Steve’s. He takes them, of course he does. Voice still low, he continues, “Don’t make the mistake I did. Stay safe.”

Steve squeezes Eddie’s hands, nods, and stands from the bed.

He looks back at Eddie before leaving the bedroom, but not without a steel ball weighing low in his stomach. There is a wildfire in Eddie’s eyes. And the beginnings of burns along Steve’s ribcage. He knows, whatever is going to happen, that his promise wasn’t just words.

It was a testament.

A confession.

He descends the staircase, grabs his jacket by the front door, zips it all the way up to the base of his neck, and leaves with his baseball bat and car keys.

———— The two way radio is heavy on his front left pocket. Sagging down the waistband of his jeans. There’s an empty chunk of his jacket sleeve that dangles down and rustles against it, he stops all movement to tie it up.

He was assigned to the scrapyard. Hopper’s orders.

Oddly enough, it was the only location in Hawkins to have very rare activity. Despite the history he shares with the place. But he knows what to do. There’s a jerry can of gasoline and a bottle of vodka in his trunk, a packet of matches in his jacket, and the weight of his splintering baseball bat in his grip. He’s silent as he walks through the bits and pieces of junk. Carefully dragging his feet over the loose soil, cautious about accidentally kicking a chunk of metal.

It’s so quiet, he can hear the wheeze of his breath. As he takes another step, standing parallel to 1984, there’s a sound that echoes through the breeze. A singular pained whimper. At first, he believes it to be a figment of his imagination. Nobody else should be out here. There’s cracks in the ground and fiery red sky oozing through the trees. A shimmer of early evening light and a plume of wind-wild smoke.

He hears it again, though.

This time, however, it’s followed by the rumble of a low growl. Unlike the chittering of a demo-creature. This sound belongs to something like a domesticated animal.

A dog, he recognizes, A dog.

Before he follows the sound, he turns back to where he discreetly parked his car: behind the concave of that rusted bus. Wriggles with the trunk until it just barely creeks above his head. Snatches up the vodka and the gasoline, tucks his baseball bat into his left armpit, and he shuffles back towards the source of the noise, the dog.

It follows out to some various, tumbleweed-esque bushes. He hides behind the nearest junk car, eyes narrowed above the hood. It’s a brown, thin-skinned, almost just bones puppy. Probably around six months or so. A mutt—some sort of lab mix. The eyes are wide, teary, dark brown, and frightened.

The dog cowers against a bush. And right in front of it is a small pack of demodogs. Three of them. Wide mouthed and snarling. There’s large globs of saliva leaking from its lower jaw, or what would be a lower jaw to a human. They’re not very big, roughly around the same size of this puppy, but they are muscular, leathery, and hungry.

He’s not sure what exactly his game plan is. But he knows he has to do something before this dog is consumed for all it is—all it isn’t.

Around him, he spots an empty, glass bottle. As quietly as he can, eyes pointed at the hard soil under his feet, he lays out his equipment. Sits down with his legs straight out in front of him. Ears alert for the dog—whimpers raising in volume, growling trailing off into an absolute nothingness. He sets the bottle upright onto the ground, squeezed together by his knees. Bites down on the twist cap of the vodka, rips it off with his teeth, and shakily pours the contents into the glass. Though, he realizes he doesn’t have a rag to put in the bottle’s opening.

Being careful once more, Steve fidgets with the tied wrist of his jacket. And begins, quietly on top of the whimpers, to tear away at the fabric. Until, finally, he’s got a scrap to stuff limply into the bottle. He wets the sleeve with a bit of the vodka. Then, he lights a singular match.

He places the wood end of the match between his lips, stands from behind the car with the bottle in his one hand, lights the jacket sleeve. And with as much force as he can, he chucks the glass at the demodogs.

It’s fast to occur. The dry bushes go up in bright orange flames. Red sky becoming one with the glow. From the barely interrupted silence, screeches and chittering and snarling erupt. The fire dances in the dog’s eyes. Demodogs melting, dropping to the side, falling silent and smoking.

Steve spots it, then. The wound on the dog’s gaunt side. Fresh blood, crusted brown stains around the edge of this bite, entire chunks of skin and muscle gone.

He realizes, when the silence surrounds him again sans the crackle of going out flames, that it was all no use. There was no point. It couldn’t be saved. He drops his arms to his sides. And watches the flames die out right in front of his eyes. The dry grass now brittle and black. The dog just as brittle, near death.

A glance around shows no other demo-creature. Hastily, he crosses to the bushels, yet slowly, he approaches the fading, cowering puppy. Crouches to be on the same level.

Clicking his tongue and snapping his fingers, he calls out. “C’mere, baby,” he coos, “c’mere, puppy.” However, it’s too weak to move. Too weak to run. So it just stares at him. Wide brown eyes and puzzled absent eyebrows. Fast, rattling breaths through its nose—ones that come from an organ deep exhaustion.

Startlingly, it reminds him of Eddie. He nearly throws up at the realization. Instead, however, he finishes his approach and settles close to the dog’s head. Gently, he lifts it into his criss-cross lap. The dog barely weighs anything between his legs. Its eyes drooping, exhausted. Its fur is greasy, and the skin dry under his good hand. But he doesn’t mind. All he does is comfort it, pet the curve of its skull, thumbs at the base of its ears, traces the wet edges of its nose. The only sound it makes is a gentle, giving-in wheeze of breath.

And as Steve runs his hand one more time over its skull, the dog passes on.

A quiet, ordinary thing. Its eyes going far. Chest caving with its last breath. Not another sound. Not another movement. An ordinary death with an ugly, unusual circumstance.

His lap pools with warm blood. It’ll congeal, stain, never rid. But he doesn’t care, for once. Instead, he lifts the dog over his shoulder, stands on trembling legs, and finds an unoccupied, untainted spot of grass. He lays the dog down into the overgrown weeds. And digs, uncoordinated and sloppy, into the oddly warm, consistently dry dirt. The soil gives way in clumps. Chunks of it getting stuck underneath his fingernails. Palm collecting the dirt into each of the fine lines of his palm.

It’s not a great hole. Only about a foot deep—too shallow. But he rolls the dog into the well he created. Closes its eyes with his one hand. And covers the body back up. Resting, now, on his dirtied knees in the aftermath of destruction. The smell of burnt flesh and dead grass filling his nostrils. Looking around at the scenery: scraps of rusted metal, yellow weeds, demo-corpses, and an ashen circle where rotting meat lays.

He’s not sure how long he sits there. How long he lays his palm over the textured mound of dirt in front of him. How long he grieves a dog he had no connection to. But when he gets up, dusk is settling in. And he figures, with no other activity and nothing else to look out for, he’ll head back.

He grabs the two way from his pocket. Switches to Eddie’s channel. Presses down on the talk button. Speaks low and nasally, “This is Steve. Report to Chief that there were three demodogs. None of them were fully grown; all small, hungry, bloodthirsty. I lit them up. Over.”

“Hear you, Steve. Report on supplies? Over.”

“Half of a bottle of vodka. Gasoline can full. I have a full pack of matches, except for one. But I think it would be a good idea if we collected empty glass bottles and rags. Over.”

The radio reads silent for a lull of two minutes.

Eddie speaks again, softly,“Come home. Over and out.”

———— His front door was already unlocked by the time Steve came through.

It should’ve startled him, really, it should’ve. Though, with the flash of that dog behind his eyelids and the odd fatigue that overcame his limbs, he barely even cared. But the lights throughout the first floor were dim. And the noise of the radio in Eddie’s room floated down the stairs like an early autumn breeze. It was almost sweet, when he eventually came across Eddie in the kitchen, but his stomach was nearing sour.

“I made dinner,” Eddie murmurs as a greeting. He’s standing at the stove, back towards Steve. “The rations that Wayne dropped off earlier had some stale bread and a jar of minced garlic. Thought I’d just make some shitty garlic bread with whatever spaghetti stuff I found in your pantry.” He looks up from the stovetop, then. His hair is sitting atop his head in a barely neat bun, but it’s enough. And he has Steve’s mom’s apron tied around him—covering a plain black t-shirt and a pair of red basketball shorts Steve had loaned him at the start of his stay. Eddie’s eyes widen when he takes Steve in, though.

There are no more words. Eddie’s mouth is open, dried up. And Steve doesn’t know if he can speak—not without tears, at least.

Finally, ever observant, Eddie gestures loosely to Steve’s clothes. “You’re sleeve…you’re pants…”

Steve has to swallow harshly. His right hand is clenched tight to his thigh, and if he still had the other one, he’s sure it would shake noticeably. But he stays rigid to the entryway. Thinking long of the dog. Of its last expression.

Of Eddie’s expression now.

He figures it odd, to be so hung up on this mutt’s face. The haunting that places itself in the small spaces between his ribs. Every single time he’s involved himself with these day-to-day nightmares, he hardly ever considered mortality. Unless it leant itself in the face of everybody else, in which he constantly and greatly considered life or death. In which he knew that it would be him under the knife; never one of the kids, never Nancy or Robin, not Eddie now, not even Jonathan. There were also several moments where he blearily considered morality—the hard set lines of its face and the ugly snarl to its lips. He always thought of himself last in these things, almost like he was repenting—if he put himself in the shoes of his younger self, starchy clothes, and a thick youth’s bible in his hands. Bad things mean bad results, he always considered.

But the dog had no common understanding of morality, let alone mortality. It probably dragged its heels when being pulled along its leash, being led somewhere it never wanted to go. It probably had a family who adored it to the moon and back. It probably was told it was good every minute of its sheltered life, fed dog bones, held close in the darkest point of evenings, and scratched soundly and contentedly between its ears.

And on top of that, he can’t stop ruminating over the striking resemblance the puppy held to Eddie’s own tired, desperate, dying face. His big button eyes and the blood across his body. The open wounds and the dried tears on his cheeks. There are two questions in his hands: Had the dog considered running away, or did it know that the demodogs was its fate? If so, did it die selflessly, or did it die to escape something greater?

He wonders if Eddie answered those questions before facing the demobats.

Eddie’s in his kitchen though, wooden spoon at his side, trembling to take a step forward.

At last, Steve croaks, “I buried a dog today.” He unfurls his fist and reaches out his shaking, dirty hand.

“Steve,” Eddie breathes.

“It—The demodogs were hunting it, Eds. I…I had to save it. I had to save the dog. I don’t know why, but I just…I had to. I set them on fire,” he explains, loose lipped and tumbling, “even when the fire died, the dog was still scared. I came close to it. And it wouldn’t run. I wanted it to run away. I wanted it to get to safety, but I noticed while the demodogs literally—“ Steve inhales, a hiccup, a gasp. “—A huge gaping bite on its left side. I could see its ribs. I could see where the blood began to dry up. So I put it in my lap. I pet it. It died.”

The spoon is settled softly on the granite counter behind Eddie. He approaches Steve slowly. Arms out, fingers spread wide. Steps into Steve’s orbit, but lays his palms on his shoulders, the trembling aching joints. Eddie’s thumbs begin working away at the tension. Before he can say anything, Steve speaks again.

“I buried it as far down as I could dig. And I just sat there, unsure of what to do.” His eyes burn and his throat stings. He shakes in his rigidness. So Eddie leads them to the dining area, settles Steve into a chair, leaves momentarily, and approaches again, now with a warm, wet rag in his hands.

Steve’s dirtied palm sits skyward in his lap. Eddie picks it up deftly, running the soft, worn side of the rag over his palm. The water probably won’t do all it needs to, the tap was apple juice colored, pipes having burst or flooded with sewer in the earthquake. They should use a ration of bottled water, but that would be a waste, Steve considers. So he lets Eddie work. Silently, gently.

He does it methodically. Working harder in the fine lines of Steve’s palm. Digging the cloth into the underside of each fingernail. Going by with another pass, crumbling the stubborn clumps. His breath deepens, sighing through his work. “I’m sorry you had to do that, Steve,” Eddie breathes. “Somebody should’ve been there—“

“The dog made me think of you,” Steve chokes out. He swallows back a pained whimper. Eddie halts all his movements and looks up startled. His wide eyes not scared, but too similar. “How you looked when…I just couldn’t leave it there to die.” And at that, Steve finally lets the tears spill over. He doesn’t make a sound, biting down on his tongue to make himself as silent as possible. But he shakes from shoulders to knees. Sipping air through his nose.

Steadfastly, Eddie maneuvers them so that Steve is burrowed deep into his chest, right ear over Eddie’s heart, nose smushed underneath his clavicle. Eddie strokes a hand down his back, wraps another around Steve’s forearm, above his absent wrist. Shushes him with whispers; the syrupy soft ones, the ones meant to soothe, but otherwise a babble of nothing. Of “You’re okay,” and “I’m okay,” and “You did okay.”

It works, eventually. Steve wrung out. Eddie shaken to his core.

They pull back from each other. The rag is run softly over the tear tracks on Steve’s face, cutting through a sheen of light dirt he didn’t know was there. Eddie murmurs, close to Steve’s tendered eyes and chewed lips, “Eat some dinner, okay? I’m going to put a call over the radio. And when I come back down, I’ll clean up and we’ll lay in your bed, alright?” Steve minutely nods and lets Eddie get him some food, mourning the touch he gave almost immediately.

And when Eddie’s upstairs, he hears, drifted from the opening of the guest room, “No more putting Steve on duty alone. That’s final. Over and out.”

The chattering static of the radio cuts out after that. Steve realizes he meant what he said. They’ll go to bed. Bodies close. Warmer, ever warmer.

But that dog will still be dead and buried.

📝———————📝 Taglist is open for this fic!! (Comment to be added <3)

[newpercyjfan]

“I plunge to my death” Percy Jackson Au

Ok first, if you somehow came up with this exact thing already, i wouldn’t know, I don’t even follow the Percy Jackson tag yet, but just tell me and I’ll take it down or tag it as an alt universe of your au and credit it, but I have like three other ones I’ll be posting so we’ll see.

- This au is connected to both the tv show and the book because I like what both did in terms of the arch episode.

- This mostly goes how the tv show episode goes, Percy gets poisoned, they get to the top of the arch, he sacrifices himself. But this time, he does pray to his dad as he falls over 100 ft to his death.

- His dad doesn’t answer. He’s the one who somehow last second, controls the water to save himself. He sinks to the bottom of the lake and gets stuck. He feels the poison and his wounds get slightly better.

-In this au, the nereid doesn’t actually help him get out of the water, because in this version it’s inspired by how in the books, when he left the water the wounds came back. If he leaves the lake, he could die.

- So he stays stuck there for almost three days while the nereids bring him seaweed and shit to eat, but eventually he gets sick of it.

- he learns that Poseidon didn’t really want him to leave, at least not yet, mainly because he knew if he left he would continue to be chased by monsters or die in some way and believed a war would come either way. Basically, if the Poseidon that said “heroes always end badly, I regret getting your mom pregnant” actually did something about it

- but of course, he can’t keep Perseus ‘I don’t listen to anybody but myself’ Jackson down in a lake without him going a lil crazy and he breaks the root holding him down and swims to shore, but the poison instantly kicks back in, and gets back in the water

- his father gifts him a hydrai (a large vase/urn basically that carry’s water) that holds basically a portal to the ocean in it. GUYS LISTEN, I HEARD THIS MYTH SOMEWHERE BUT WHEN I TRIED TO FIND THE SOURCE IT DISAPPEARED. I was positive I heard that there was a vase that held the ocean in it somewhere so just take my word 😭

- the mist makes it look like a water bottle with no label 😭💀💀💀

- Percy accepts the gift because he wants to get out of there, but he suddenly does not have a very good idea of the gods or specifically his father. I don’t think the nereid actually told him that his father really did care, at least a little bit, all he saw it as was his dad not thinking he would succeed/ he saw it as Zeus turning Thalia into a tree because he didn’t want to idk disprespect the other gods? Cause it was easier than defending her? That’s how Percy sees it anyways

- Meanwhile, Grover and annabeth are convinced he died. They looked and called for him, but there was no proof of his survival, so instead annabeth took his place in a lot of missions to fulfill the quest cause she’s a girl boss like that.

- I think her main theory of what happened to him is straight up “I saw him fall and didn’t see him land, so maybe he turned into the lake or a tree or something too” 💀😭

- anyways Percy gets chased by another monster but has no more fucks to give. He’s scary. He’s pale, has dark eyes and a taste for vengeance.

- he tries to find annabeth and Grover but they’re pretty ahead of him.

- my main idea is that they meet again in the underworld with hades and they are little wary honestly.

- also omg I didn’t think of this before but what if they thought, hey, he’s in the underworld, guess he did die 💀.

-But anyways what I thought would happen was annabeth and Grover get there first and annabeth has the backpack with the bolt in it. Hades asks if they wanted a trade and that’s why they came. He bluffs and tells them if they give him the bolt and the helmet he’d let go Percy’s mom or “bring back” percy. (Hades knows percy is not dead and is kinda pissed that Percy is constantly on the edge of death but making it because of his dad technically, and he can’t take him to punishment field or whatever he calls it idk)

- I think annabeth chooses percy and is about to give the bag over, but realizes he was tricked and he was never dead. But idk. There are so many diff ways this could go and I’d love to hear how you guys would write it. I’d love some reblog a that add to this idea.

Also I need unhinged percy content

(Sorry if the art or wording is bad, it’s late and I’m tired)

[justmeinadaze]

We're A Family Part 7 (Steddie X You)

A/N: Enjoy the fluff <3

Warnings: Smut, fluff, and a slight bit of angst. Steddie dynamic and all that that implies (I regret nothing!), Mentions of Steve and reader having trouble with their parents. More than anything just Steddie being cute dads <3.

Word Count: 3758

Wayne grins as he as holds Aurora under her arms up to his face and makes funny sounds with his mouth as she giggles. You smile as you watch them from your place at the sink, scrubbing away at the never-ending supply of baby bottles. 

It had been 6 months since she was born and thankfully your maternity leave flowed into summer vacation for the school so you were able to be home with her. Once summer started Dylan wanted to help out more offering to keep her entertained while you did things around the house. He really was the best big brother when it came to her. 

He would talk to her 24/7 about books and video games especially when he was playing one. Any wisdom Eddie and Steve had given him, he told her as if he had come up with the information all by himself. 

The guys, of course, were a big help as well when it came to Aurora even going overboard at times. Since you spent all day with her and Dylan, they insisted on getting up with her in the middle of the night when she cried. After the kids were in bed, they made sure you were taken care of whether it be making or bringing home dinner, cleaning the house, or even something as small as rubbing your back. 

Watching them with the baby was always a unique experience. Eddie and Steve were adorable dads and to anyone on the outside looking in, there would be no doubt that they loved her with all their heart. What was fun for you was seeing their different personalities leak through. 

For example, one night Steve woke up to comfort Aurora and after sneaking down the hall to check on them, you found him feeding her a bottle while swaying his body as sang the song from Sleeping Beauty. That morning after Steve had left for work, you came downstairs to see Eddie holding her against his shoulder, patting her back while singing “Photograph” by Def Leppard.  

“You look exactly like your dad when he was a baby.”, Wayne smiled as he brought Aurora down to his side. “I’ll have to bring some of his baby pictures, Y/N. I swear, she could be his clone.”

“She definitely has Eddie’s energy.” You reach out to poke her nose and she giggles, kicking her feet.

“How have you been?”

“Oof. I’ve been alright. I don’t know what I would do without the guys. I forgot what it was like having a baby in the house.” Wayne nods to himself as you sigh. “That’s not what you meant, is it?”

“No, sweetheart. It’s not.”

After drying your hands, you come around to his side of the counter and take a seat at one of the stools. 

“Kierra told my mom I had the baby and…my mother hung up on her. I haven’t seen her since she came by to yell at us. Steve’s parents haven’t been by either and… his dad finally followed through with cutting him off.” You laugh as a tear escapes down your cheek. “Couldn’t even face him, choosing to mail him the information. Yeah… so congratulations! You’re Aurora’s only grandparent.”

Wayne leans forward, wrapping his arm around you and kissing the top of your head. The alarm beeps as the front door opens and you quickly pull back to dry your eyes. Just from the smell alone, you already know who it is before he becomes visible. 

“Hey Eddie!”

“Jesus, woman. Are you psychic? Hey, baby.” Eddie gives you a quick peck, hesitating as he pulls away when he looks into your eyes. “Are you okay?”

Aurora saves you from having to answer as she babbles baby talk in his direction. “Oh, really? Well, I don’t know if you want me to hold you yet. I smell like a car engine.”

He chuckles as she leans towards him and he takes her from his uncle. “Alright, yall. I’m going to head home. Bye, Ro.” Wayne tickles her neck and she keens into her father’s shoulder as she giggles. 

As soon as he leaves, the door flies open again as your son runs through it holding grocery bags in his hands; Steve following a few moments after. 

“Why does it smell like a gas station?”

“Okay, Okay. I get it.” Eddie passes you Aurora before heading up the stairs to take a shower. 

“Hey, babe.” Steve kiss your forehead before tickling the baby’s side. “And baby. Did you have fun with grandpa today?” She smiles at him and tiny arms wrap around his neck. “I got some of those baby snacks you mentioned since we’re supposed to be trying solid food. I also got…” His eyes scanned the kitchen before Dylan beamed up at you, handing you’re a small bouquet of roses. 

“Aw, you guys didn’t have to do that.” 

“I know we didn’t have to. We wanted to.”

###############

After dinner that night, Eddie sat on the floor with Aurora playing his guitar while Steve laid beside her. Dylan sat on the couch with you watching TV while you went through the mail. 

“Steve…” He answered you with a light hm. “This is addressed from Hawkins Community College.” All heads in the room turned towards you as you dropped to the floor and handed it to him. 

He sat up and rapidly tore open the envelope as his eyes scanned the paper. 

“Well? Don’t leave us in suspense, Harrington.”

“Little man, come here and help me read this.” He handed the note to Dylan who promptly began reciting the letter. 

“Dear Steven Harrington. We are so excited that you have chosen to apply at our school and are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the teaching program…”

You squealed with delight as you wrapped your arms around his neck and you both fell flat on the floor. Eddie cheered as he clapped his hands, Aurora watching him with wide eyes as she kicked her feet. 

“I’m so happy for you! This is fantastic.” 

“When do you start?”, the metalhead asked.

“In September. I have to make a payment first though.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that right now. This is a good thing. Let’s be excited.” You lean down to kiss the baby’s cheek. “Did you hear that? Daddy’s going to school.”

###########

“Hey, Mrs. Harrington.” Steve’s mom gave you a once over with her eyes, completely taken back by your sudden arrival at her house. “May I come in?”

She nods and you step inside as she opens the door wider.

“Is my son with you?”

“No, ma’am. He actually doesn’t know I’m here. I wanted to talk to you. One of you… I did try and call Mr. Harrington’s phone but he never answers.”

You take a seat on her couch as you fidget with your hands, waiting for her to sit as well so you can begin. 

“I know what you’re thinking and I swear I’m not here for me. I meant what I said when I told your husband that I love Steve with or without his money. He’s always been good to me and my son. He’s also an amazing dad with Aurora, our daughter.” Pulling out your phone, you show her a picture of Steve fast asleep with the baby on his chest. A small smile flickers across her lips at the image.

“The reason I’m here is…he got accepted into college and will be in the teaching program. We’re so proud of him. Steve starts this fall but only if…he can make the payment. He has put a lot of money aside; we all have for him but…he’s a few hundred short.” 

Your eyes meet hers. “Please. He’s worked so hard for this and deserves it. I can pay you back as soon as I can or do whatever you want me to.”

Mrs. Harrington softly smiles as she rises from the couch to find her purse.

“Tell my son…that I’m so proud of him and I love him.”

###########

“Y/N!”

You cringe as Steve shouts your name as soon as he enters the front door. 

“Hey, whoa. Calm down, Harrington. Aurora’s asleep. What’s going on?”

“I don’t know, Eddie. That’s what I’m trying to find out!”

“Baby, can you keep an eye on Ro for me?”, you ask. As soon as Dylan gives you the okay, you leave your bedroom and head down the stairs. 

“What did you do?!”, Steve snaps. “My dad texts me while I’m at fucking work commanding you stop calling him and then, suddenly, I have 20 grand in my bank account.”

“I didn’t ask for that much. Your mom insisted after I told her you got into school.”

“You did what?”, Eddie asks now seemingly just as confused.

“We…we didn’t save enough for you to make that first tuition payment.”, you shrugged. “Steve, you deserve this. I swear I only asked her for the small amount you needed. She did the rest saying she was proud of you and that she loved you.”

“Y/N, do you understand how much farther we can get with this money when it comes to our family?! I’d rather use this money for Aurora and Dylan than me.”

“So you can continue making pennies at a job you’re not happy at?! Steve, in the long run you going to school and getting your degree benefits everyone especially our family.”

He takes a step closer to you, pointing his finger in your face. “You had no right to do this with talking to me first.”

“I knew you would say no.”

“You’re fucking right I would have! I can handle this situation without their help, Y/N and the fact that you think I can’t is extremely belittling.”

“That’s not what I’m saying! Don’t put words in my mouth!”

“Okay! Okay.” Eddie steps between you two, holding up his palms. “Stop yelling because, again, our daughter is taking a nap. Now, Y/N, he’s right. You should have talked to him about this first before you did anything. Steve, we know her. She did this with good intentions. Y/N was just trying to help.”

The baby monitor cuts through the tension as Aurora begins to cry. 

“Mom?!”

“Yeah! I hear her!”

Steve pushes past you both and huffs as he stomps up the stairs. 

#############

“Steve? Can I sit with you?”, Dylan asks as he pokes his head into the baby’s room. As soon as the man nods, your son comes in and lays on the floor beside him and Aurora who was now happily reaching at the hanging toys dangling above her head. 

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, dude. I’m just…thinking.”

“About my mom?”

“No…mine.”, Steve sighs. “She, uh, just gave me a lot of money so I can go to school.”

“That’s cool! My mom told me once she had money set up for me for when I go. Did yours do the same thing?”

“Not exactly, little man.”, he chuckled. “My dad always wanted me to be a businessman like him. Wear a suit and all that.” Steve mimes tightening a tie that makes Dylan laugh. “When I couldn’t get into college after high school…he took all that money and, um, invested it in other places.”

“Invested?”

“He…put the money towards other things that would benefit him.”

“Huh. That sounds selfish.” The man meets your son’s eyes as he continues. “Well, I’m proud of you, Steve! I’m invested in you.”

Steve smiles as Aurora coos as if to agree with her brother. “Can I ask you something, kid? That money my mom gave me…could really help you and your sister. I can set it aside for you two to go to school or we can use it for things like clothes or toys…”

“Do we have trouble getting that stuff now?”

“No.”

“So…you would be investing it in something that might happen instead of something that you know is happening…like you becoming a teacher.”

Steve laughed as he reached out to lightly push the boy’s shoulder. “When did you get so smart?”

##############

“Sweetheart, what are you doing? I can stay up with her.”, Eddie chided when he found you on the couch with Aurora at 3 am. You grinned at his sleepy frame as he came to sit beside you, yawning as he rubbed his hand over his bare tummy. 

“I couldn’t sleep.” You scooted closer to him as he lifted his arm to wrap around your shoulder before running his hand comfortingly over the baby’s head. 

“My girls can’t sleep? Oh no.”, he whispers in soft voice that makes her smile as her little eye lids start to droop. 

“Eddie, I didn’t know what else to do. Steve deserves this. He’s done so much and worked so hard…it infuriates me that his father doesn’t recognize that.”

“I know, baby. Your heart was in the right place but when it comes to things like this…that’s between him and them.”

“Why are you people awake?”, Steve sighs sleepily as he comes into the living room. 

“Princess woke up and since mommy couldn’t sleep, she’s been keeping her company.”

“Well, she seems to be asleep now. I can take her—”

“Naw, man. I got her. You two need to talk anyway.” Eddie carefully slides Aurora out of your grasp and heads up the stairs to put her back in her crib. 

Steve promptly takes over his place, putting his arm around you as well.

“I’m sorry. I really was just trying to help.”

A heavy sigh leaves his chest before he abruptly grips your waist and puts you on his lap facing him. 

“I know, honey. I wish you would have talked to me first and we could have come up with a game plan or something.”

“Are you going to send it back to her? I swear I only asked her for the small amount that we couldn’t come up with and even offered to pay her back.”

“Hm. I spoke with your son today. He seems to agree with you, that in the long run me finishing school will help us all. He’s a smart kid, ya know?”

“Yeah. Where did the time go? 8 years ago, he was a baby like Ro and now…”

Steve nodded as he cupped your face in his palms and brought your lips to his. 

“Oh, good. We’re all happy again.” Eddie bounces down the stairs with a smile. 

“Hey, baby. Can you hand me that light blue envelope on the counter?” He does as you ask before plopping his body down next you both. “I got this today but with everything going on I thought I should wait to show you guys. Read it, Ed.”

The metalhead carefully pulls the papers out of their confinement and silently reads the contents to himself. 

“What is it, Munson?”

“Um…fucking hell…just seeing it in print…like this…”, his voice cracks as he tries to continue. “Sorry. It says that the process of Y/N changing her last name is complete. She… she’s officially Y/N Munson-Harrington.”

Steve wrapped his arms around you, hugging you tightly to his chest. You smiled into the kiss he planted on your lips, reaching for Eddie so he could do the same. 

“I just have to update my license and stuff but I can start officially using it now.”

“Y/N Munson-Harrington. You were right, Eddie. It does flow better.” The man grins as he brings your lips down to his again. As your tongue caresses his, your hips start to grind against the gradually growing bulge in his shorts. “Wait, wait, wait, baby. Fuck. What if…Dylan hears us.”

“We’ll have to be quiet then.”, you smirk down at him as his fingers dig into your waist.

“Let’s…let’s go upstairs.”

“Steve, please. It’s been so long.” You reach for his hand and slide it between your legs under your own shorts making his breathing catch in his throat when he feels how wet you are. “I need you both now. Please.” 

His eyes flutter closed as his mouth attaches to your neck while you turn to find Eddie who was palming his own bulge through his boxers as he watched you both. Without moving your arms from his shoulders, you adjust your legs so Steve can slide down your shorts and toss them to the side. You hold the cotton blocking your sex to the side as you watch him guide his cock into your entrance. 

“God, yes, Steve.” You moan as you continue to grind your hips. 

He gently smiles as he licks his lips, hugging your body to his chest as he slides towards the edge of the couch. “So beautiful, honey. Mmm… Mrs. Munson-Harrington.” Steve’s hips thrust up to meet yours and you keen into his neck to cover the moan that wants to escape. 

It had been a while since the three of you were sexually intimate and feeling him inside you again felt like brand new euphoric experience. Not just because of the way he felt physically but because after your daughter was born you saw this new side to him; to both of them. 

They had always been good fathers to Dylan but to see the way they were with Aurora and you during your pregnancy till now… you would never be able to properly express how much the love you had for them was. 

Your fingers tangled in his hair as you came. Steve guided your hips with his hands, pumping into you till he grunted into your neck and released his seed inside of you. 

When you were finally able to open your eyes, you were met with Eddie’s beautiful brown ones as he looked over your sweaty face before reaching with his hand to wipe your forehead. 

You can’t help but giggle. “I told you it was a parent thing…being a human napkin.”

He grinned as he reached for you and climbed off of Steve to sit on the other man’s lap, your back to his chest. His lips tenderly traced your shoulder up to your cheek, meeting your lips as his hand floated down to grip his length and run the tip through your soaking folds.

“Are you ready for me, sweetheart?”, he whispers. 

You nod, pressing your nose to the side of his face as he maneuvers his cock into your core. His arms wrap around your stomach and you place your own over his as you hold his hand, panting against his cheek as delivers slow but firm thrusts. 

“That feels so good, Eddie.”, you whimper and he moans in response. “Make—mmm—make me cum again, baby. Please.”

“You, f-fuck, you keep talking to me like that and…I won’t last. I could…barely hold myself together—mmm—watching you two.”

You delicately trail tiny kisses along his jaw line, tilting your head so your lips can hover over his ear. “Make me cum, Eddie. Please. Please. It felt so good when my pussy clung to Steve. I want to feel it gripping you as you fill me up.”

“Jesus Christ… Steve…can you…?”

Eddie pumps into you harder as you roll your hips, biting down on your lip when you feel Steve’s fingers press fast circles into your clit. 

You stumble over the edge, moaning his name into his neck as you cum. With a few more sloppy thrusts, Eddie’s arms squeeze you tighter to him as he warms your insides with his release. 

You groan as he pulls out, lifting slightly to tuck himself back into his boxers before adjusting you in his arms and rising to his feet. He and Steve exchange a few words you barely hear as your heavy eye lids start to fall. 

A pleasant sigh leaves your lips when you feel your body being placed on the soft mattress before the room darkens further and you are suddenly incased in warmth. Steve’s arm wraps around your waist, taking your hand in his as he pulls you closer. Eddie reaches for your other palm, placing a gentle kiss on your forehead as you nuzzle your face into his chest.

##############

“Hey, mom.”, Steve greets her with a startled tone as he opens his front door. “What, uh, what are you doing here?”

“I just…thought I’d come by…check in.”

Aurora starts to cry from the living room as if sensing her dad is no longer there. “Yeah, um, come in. Come in. Give me one second.” He continues talking to her as he hurries towards his daughter. “Y/N is having lunch with her sister and Eddie is at work so I have the kiddos.”

Dylan smiles politely at her as he glances at Steve who flashes him a reassuring smile of his own. “This little one has been having a rough morning.” He bounces the baby in his arms as he smooths down her hair.

Mrs. Harrington gradually makes her way over to him, reaching out to tickle her side. Aurora sighs as she crashes her body into the woman, wrapping her arms around her neck. 

“Whoa!”

“It’s okay, Steve.”, she grins as she pats Ro’s back. “You did the same thing. Every time a new face entered the house, you would practically headbutt them as if that was your way of saying hello.”

Steve’s eyes follow her as she takes a seat beside Dylan who turns his body to face her. “She likes to kick a lot to especially to Eddie’s music!”

Mrs. Harrington laughs making her son smile. “Has she started rolling over yet?”

“Kind of. She tries but then falls back on her butt.”

“Oh! That’s ok. Once she figures it out, crawling will be next and you’ll be running all over this house trying to catch her!” Dylan giggles as she leans closer to him. “Steve used to crawl into his father’s office and drool over everything.”

Your son makes a disgusted face as Steve sticks out his tongue. After taking a seat beside her, Aurora coos as she reaches her hand out to touch the woman’s cheeks. 

���She’s been doing that a lot to, pretty much since she was born. She loves pulling on Eddie’s hair.”

“Probably trying to get a feel of what her hair will be like.” Her eyes meet his as she softly smiles knowingly. “Those grabby hands are going to get worse so you may want to tell him to keep his hair up.”

Steve extends his arm around his mother’s shoulder, pulling her to his chest as he hugs her. 

###############

@adequate-superstar @kalinaselennespeaks @luna-munson83

@notasimp4joey @manda-panda-monium @decadentwombatmiracle

@katie-tibo @marsupiooo @local-stoner-bitch

@steamystrangerfics @lunatictardis @adaydreamaway08

@actuallyspencerreid @moviefreak1205

@waylandmorgernsternherondal-blog @kik51199

@strngrlytn @idkidknemore @damon-loves-pie

@k-k0129 @micheledawn1975 @eddie86baby

@justmeandmymeanderingthoughts

@3rriberri @sashaphantomhive @chelebelletx @big-ope-vibes

@munsonzzgf

[spicywhenspeaking]

If I'm There: Chapter Twelve

read from the start

summary: Noah and Natalie meet in high school and developed a relationship through their love of music and art. Falling in love, innocent and young, they think nothing can keep them apart. However, sometimes in the pursuit of your dreams the things we love the most get left behind.

warnings : mentions of alcohol abuse. this story contains mature themes, minors do not interact.

taglist : @lma1986 @cookiesupplier @notingridslurkaccount @blackveilomens @thisbicc @thebadchic

It's the first Saturday in a while that I don’t have work and all I want to do is watch movies and rot in my bed. I decide to wait to talk to Noah about the voicemail, I don't want to think the worst It doesn’t stop the feelings from festering but I’m trying to be mature.

 I head downstairs to grab something to eat for breakfast and I see a letter on the kitchen counter addressed to me. It’s from the scholarship fund I applied for last year. 

Dear Miss Howlston, 

We regret to inform you that we are unable to process your application due to it being incomplete. You are therefore ineligible for the McGovern Scholarship Fund……

My breathing goes rapid as I read the words. Inside is the application I sent in. I flip to the end page, tears welling into my eyes and blurring my vision, and see the highlighted section where my Mom was supposed to sign. It is empty. I asked her over and over and over. I even sat in front of her with a pen but she was too preoccupied with opening her next bottle of wine to pay any attention. I should have just forged it. Why didn’t I forge it?!

“What the fuck.” I whimper out as heavy tears fall like raindrops.

“What the fuck!” I repeat. My limit has been reached. I cannot hold it in anymore.

I crumple the paper, forgetting the bowl of cereal I prepared on the counter, and run upstairs as sobs begin to wrack my body. I get to my room, slam the door, and dive head-first into my pillows as another sob leaves my mouth. I grab my phone and try Noah’s cell, the feelings of jealousy are pushed away for the moment, I just need to talk to him. 

Ring ring ring ring *click* “Hey Natty! It’s Nick, sorry Noah just ran out with Alex to grab everyone coffees. I guess he forgot his phone, what's up?”

 A teenage girl can only handle so much in so little time, I cannot handle this. One hit after the next and now when I need Noah, just to hear him and talk to him he's with some other girl he didn't even tell me about. “Nick, I-” I pause. “Just forget I called. I’ll talk to you later.” I say and as I press the red end-call button I hear Nick's “Wait, Nat-” click. 

The emotions I’m feeling are in an epic battle for dominance. The sadness and anger I feel towards my Mom, the loneliness and heartache I feel towards Noah. Is this life with him? Just waiting and hoping I hear from him. I should have told him how I felt about it before now, now I’m upset. I’m angry. I lay back against the pillows as fresh tears fall onto my cheeks and I hear a soft knock at my door.

“What?” I call out. 

“Um, can I come in?’ Kyle asks softly.

“Sure.” I roll away from the door so my back is facing him as he opens up and takes a step inside. 

“So I saw the letter in the kitchen,” he says and walks towards the bed. I feel it dip as he takes a seat on the corner. “I’m so sorry Nat.”

The tears fall harder and he places his hand gently on my shoulder and squeezes. 

“It was the biggest one” sob “I ca-can’t afford the sc-schools I applied to without it.” I wipe the tears from my eyes. “The money I’ve saved from work is supposed to go towards moving and housing. Fuck. Why did I think art school was a good idea? What was I thinking? I’ll be stuck here for the rest of my life while everyone else is off living their dreams.” I know I’m being melodramatic but I don’t care. 

“I have some money saved from working with Dad this summer,” Kyle tells me in a soft voice. “you could have it for school.”

I turn around, surprised at his offer. “Kyle. I couldn't accept that. You earned that working for Dad, having probably a horrible summer.” He laughs at my comment.

My phone lights up with Noah's contact photo. I stare at it for a few moments before hitting the end call button sending him to voicemail. 

A few seconds later its ringing again and I reject the call and turn off my phone. I just can’t talk to him right now. 

“Um, is everything alright?” Kyle asks awkwardly after noticing me decline Noah’s calls.

“Yeah…well. Sort of? Not really. It’s complicated. I need to talk to him but I don’t want to right now. It’s.-” I look at Kyle and he has an unnatural look of concern on his face. “I know you don't want to hear about my relationship drama. You said so yourself.” 

A look of shame crosses his face. “I was an asshole, in more ways the one and I’m sorry for saying that. You can talk to me about anything Nat.” I sniffle as more tears continue falling. “I appreciate that Ky, I really do. I just don’t want to think about this thing with Noah and this scholarship thing, you know I didn’t even get to apply for financial aid because Mom didn't give me her proof of income. I’m totally screwed.” I wish I could call her. Yell at her for ruining my future. Scream at her for being so selfish, for being sick, for making Kyle and I take care of ourselves for so long. “I can apply for student loans I guess,” I mumble out, the last thing I wanted to do was build a mountain of debt. “Ugh, I don't want to think about it anymore.”

“Do you want to watch a movie or something?” Kyle asks.

Sitting up in bed I wipe the remaining tears from my face. I know my eyes must be puffy and red but with a small smile on my face I agree to the movie. “As long as it's horror, no lovey stuff right now. Just blood and guts.” Kyle laughs, “deal” 

We go downstairs and decide to watch “Sinister.” It offers an escape from my current thoughts and after watching Kyle tells me he’s ordering a pizza for dinner. Dad texted that he’s staying at his house near his job site since he has an early morning, not much of a surprise. 

When I get into my room I turn my phone back on and see I have some missed texts from Noah.

Noah: hey Natty :) Nick said you called, you ok? 1:20pm

Noah: Sorry I didn't call last night, the show ended late and we all stayed up until like 4am. 1:20pm

Noah: Natty? Everything okay? 1:35pm

Noah: call me when you get a chance, I miss the sound of your voice. 2:26pm

I stare at the messages. “Everything okay”  I repeat in an annoyed voice. “No, everything isnt okay. My future is fucked and I have no plan.” I say to myself.

I take a deep calming breath and call Noah. 

Ring ring- *click* “Natty! I’m so glad you called. I miss you so much.” Noahs voice is light and happy and I just wish he was here. Two weeks between tests or projects goes by with lightning speed, two weeks without Noah moves at a glacial pace.

“Hey Noah.” My voice is soft and I have to clear my throat to break through the tightness forming. “I miss you too.” 

“I’m sorry I didn’t call last night,” but you did call, you just didnt know. “We didnt leave the venue until like midnight, it was wild. So much fun, I wish you were here.” 

“Yeah, sounds like you guys were having a really great time.” I’m trying to hide the emotions in my voice, just wanting to hear him and pretend nothing is wrong, but that can’t last forever. 

“Is everything alright Nat? You sound…weird, not weird but..you don't sound like yourself.” Noah says. 

Fuck, so much for hiding my emotions. “um I just got some news from my scholarship application today that was upsetting, and last night -” I try but Noah’s voice cuts me off. 

“Was it less than you expected?” He asks. 

“They denied me the scholarship and last ni-.” Noah cuts me off again. 

“What??!” Noah almost shrieked and I had to pull the phone from my ear. “Denied? With your grades? And you got first place in the last youth art contest last month, how could they deny you? When did you find out?”

“Um yeah, it's because my mom didn't sign something, I didn't realize it was sent in without it. I feel like such an idiot.” I mutter out defeated.

“Fuck, Natty. That sucks. Did something else happen? You called this morning and then just disappeared.” Noah questions.

“Well yeah, you did call me last night Noah.I guess you pocket-dialed me.” I tell him. “You were talking to some girl and she was asking you about the next leg of this tour. She was saying how much she’d miss you if didn’t go with them.” 

“Oh. Shit.” he breathes. “I’m sorry about that. It’s just Alex from the band we're opening for on the tour, she doesn't mean it like anything.”

“But you said maybe.” my voice is small.

“Well I have to consider it..Nat. it's a huge opportunity. You understand that right?” He sounds exasperated, like wondering how I could be opposed. 

“And school? What about that?” I ask, with more edge in my voice than I meant.

“Alex dropped out and her band is getting huge, I don’t need a high school diploma to make my dreams come true,” he responded with a slight sting in defense. 

“Oh, and whatever Alex says goes huh? You're just dropping out?” And now I’m getting angry, the festering feelings that disappeared with the movie are returning with white-hot intensity. “You were with her last night after you said you’d try and call me and then this morning I got that letter that absolutely destroys my future and when I call Nick answers and you are busy again with her..” I bite out.

“What are you implying?” he asks.

“I’m not impling anything, I tired to call. You were busy. Thats a fact.” I bite back.

“I’m sorry Natty, but nothing happened on the trip, with Alex if that's what you're thinking,” he says. “This kind of exposure is exactly what I’ve been working for. I thought you would be excited for me? I thought you believed in me?” Now his voice is small, like he’s genuinely upset and I feel sick that I’m the one that would have caused it. 

“I don't think anything happened. I trust you, Noah. I'm just going through a lot right now. I hung up on Nick because I was upset and then I didn't return your texts because I was still upset. With you, with my mom just about everything. I needed you.” I take a deep breath before continuing. “Of course, I believe in you Noah, but I mean you're talking about just leaving school? We're seniors, so close to graduating already why throw it all away when you're so close.

“If I don't take this chance now I'll be throwing away this dream, there's no guarantee I'll get this opportunity again.” 

“So what? Do you want me to just sit around and wait for you to call? I mean that is if you call?” I ask him. 

“Why is this a fight? I thought you'd be happy for me?” Noah’s voice is rising with frustration.

“It’s not a fight Noah, I just thought you’d take the time to at least talk about it with me about it first. I mean you talk all the time about our futures like you want them to be together but you’re making these huge decisions and not even telling me about it first.” I try to keep my voice steady but I know it's wobbling a little.

“I haven’t even decided yet, you’re talking like I’m doing this to hurt you. I am thinking about our future Natty, you could alway come with me?” He says and I scoff. 

“You’re not serious, are you? I could graduate early but not until the spring and after all the work I’ve done with my GPA. You’d ask me to just drop out?” I ask.

“You’d ask me to say no to this opportunity?” Noah questions in response. 

“You know what Noah? I think we should just talk about this when you get home. I have a lot of homework that I need to work on and this is just too much right now on top of everything else.” I tell him in a defeated voice. 

“I’m sorry Natty, I love you. I didn’t want to talk about it like this. I can’t stand you being sad because of me.” 

“I love you too Noah, It'll be okay. Let's just talk later okay?" 

We finish our goodbyes and I toss my phone back on the bed and take the homework out of my backpack.

The rest of the week is slow. School and work are uneventful. Noah and I barely text and it feels awful, what happened? It was great for months and he leaves for two weeks and falls apart? Is our relationship that fragile? 

Friday I’m working behind the counter while a jazz trio plays for the night as our live musical guests. I don’t hate it, I guess. Noah is supposed to get in tonight but we didn't really make plans, I’m not sure if I’ll see him. I’m busy checking the syrups and making sure all of the milk options are full in the fridge when I hear someone clear their throat behind me.

I turn around and like just the thought of him caused him to appear Noah is standing in front of me. 

“Hey Natty”

Next chapter here!!!! Thank you besties!!!!!!

divider from here!

[eyeslikewatercoolers]

mirage in wedding planner au 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

Hey, that reminds me... Please enjoy :)

“Are you sure this is safe?” 

Mirage looked up at the Ferris wheel as she stood in the line to ride it. She watched the bench seats swing as the wheel slowly went around. 

She glanced over to her friends. She’s only known them for a few months, after moving to Los Angeles as soon as she saved enough money. 

“Probably not,” Morphine said in front of her. 

“But nobody’s died on a Ferris Wheel here, so we’ll be fine.” Xunami shrugged her shoulders as she counted the rest of their tickets. “Or at least we should be fine.” 

Mirage swallowed as the group stepped closer as the line moved. She shouldn’t be this nervous for a county fair. She’s been through worse things in life, she reminded herself. 

Like leaving her toxic family and moving to a whole new city. Her mother still sent texts that reminded her that she “was no better than her whore of an older sister”, Xunami kept reminding her to block her mother’s phone number, but Mirage wasn’t ready yet.

Her family never said her estranged older sister’s name, but they often gossiped about her. She smiled and nodded as she listened to the outrageous rumors, but deep in her heart, she missed Anetra. 

“Have you not been to a fair before?” Nymphia asked her quietly. Mirage liked having Nymphia as a friend. They met soon after they moved to Los Angeles, as Nymphia moved to America from Taiwan. They were both little fish in a brand-new pond. 

Mirage shook her head, “No, my mom said there were too many temptations at fairs like this.” she explained. 

Next to Nymphia, Megami looked at her in shock, “You mean this is your first fair ever?” she asked. 

Mirage was slightly embarrassed, “Well, my family went to this theme park in Missouri once.” 

Then, all of her friends looked at her with dumbfounded looks. 

“Why Missouri?” Morphine asked with a raised eyebrow. 

“It’s a big Mormon thing to go out there,” she said simply. 

She remembered the year after Anetra left, her mom made a summer family vacation to Branson, Missouri. They spent time at the theme park and saw the Dixie Stampede. Mirage only thought about what Anetra would have liked during the whole trip.

She hadn’t heard from her sister in almost ten years. She heard from her cousins that she worked as a food delivery driver. Her aunts said that she had four kids and no husband. 

Mirage just hoped her sister was okay, wherever she was. 

The line moved closer, and Mirage looked to the other side where the carnival games were. She noticed a young girl, no older than three years old, with tears in her eyes and looking around frantically. 

“There’s a little girl over there, she looks lost,” Mirage told her friends. 

“Be careful, it might be a scam,” Morphine said. “I know you’re still new to, well, the real world,  but she might try to take your wallet and run off,” 

Mirage looked at the girl again, as she had tears in her eyes now. 

She couldn’t just leave this lost little girl alone. The fairgrounds were huge, who knew how long it would take her to find her family?

“Wait, where are you going?” she heard her friends call behind her as she ran out of the line.

Mirage tried to keep an eye on where the girl was going as she turned her head, “I’ll catch up later!” 

The little girl was sitting on the ground between two of the carnival games. She held her knees to her chest, wiping the tears from her eyes. 

Mirage calmly kneeled in front of the girl, “Hey, are you lost? Do you need help?” she asked in a low but gentle voice. 

The little girl looked at her, her long, dark hair falling over her face. She had bright green eyes, that were still filling with tears. The girl nodded with a quivering lip, “I lost my mommies. I wanted to ride the spinny apples, but then they were both gone.” 

“Okay, I can help you find your parents.” Mirage offered. “What do they look like?” she hoped the girl could provide a good description. 

The girl took a deep breath to calm herself down, “Mama always has her hair in a ponytail. She wears black clothes, she says it makes the brides at her store look extra pretty.”

Mirage nodded as the girl continued, “Mommy is taller than Mama. She has red hair, like Princess Ariel. She has drawings all over her body, too.” she explained.

It wasn’t the best description of two adults, but it was something Mirage would have to work with. She stood up and held out her hand to the little girl. 

“I’ll help you look. What’s your name?” she asked. “My name is Mirage.” she introduced herself.

“I’m Delia.” the girl said. “It’s Cordelia, but I only get called that when my mommies take me to the doctor and stuff,” she said. “Or if I don’t pick up my toys,” she added. 

“Okay, Delia.” Mirage joined the girl by the hand, “Let’s try to find your moms.” 

The two walked around the fairgrounds twice, looking at every ride and game available. They had no luck in finding Delia’s moms, and Mirage led her to sit on a bench together near the entrance gate. 

Mirage didn’t know what else to do besides point at random women who even vaguely fit Delia’s description. 

“That lady, what about her?” 

“Nope, Mama has longer hair than that.”

“Okay, what about her?

“Nuh-uh. Mommy has different tattoos.”

“How about her?” Mirage asked, but Delia stood off the bench, seeming excited. 

“Jazzy!” she happily cheered as she ran up to blonde in her older teens. The girl didn’t fit either of the descriptions and wore the same blue and pink pin that her friend Amanda had. This girl was not likely to be Delia’s mom. 

“What are you doing here?” the blonde asked in a light voice to Delia and glanced at Mirage standing nearby. “Do you know this lady? Because strangers can be scary, you know,” she warned. 

Delia nodded, “She’s okay, that’s Mirage.” she explained like the teenager would understand.

Mirage stepped closer to the girl and Delia, “She got lost from her parents, do you happen to know where they are?” she asked. 

The blonde shook her head, “No, I haven’t seen them. But I do know where her sister is.” she smiled and led them to the lemonade stand. 

To Mirage’s surprise, the teenager walked up to a girl about her age holding two cups of lemonade. She didn’t look anything like Delia, instead had long brown hair and warm eyes. 

“They were out of the blue raspberry, Jas.” the girl handed Jasmine a cup before noticing Delia was there as well. She kneeled to get to Delia’s height. “What are you doing here?” she asked, seeming concerned.

“I lost moms,” Delia said with a frown. “Me and Mirage tried to look for them, but we didn’t see them anywhere,” she explained. 

The girl looked at Mirage, and then back to her sister, “How about I call them, and we can see where they are? They’re probably worried sick about you.” 

Delia nodded as the teenager walked closer to Mirage, “Thank you for keeping her safe. I’m Kerri, her sister.” she introduced herself before typing on her phone.

After Kerri got off the phone with a frantic woman, she held Delia’s hand. “Okay, Mama said they’re by the petting zoo. They thought that you would have been over there.” She said as she started walking in the other direction, but Delia wouldn’t budge. 

“Can Mirage come with us?” she asked, pointing behind them where Mirage stood alone. 

“Oh, sure,” Kerri said with a shrug. “I’m sure our moms would want to thank you for finding her.” 

As they walked through the crowd, Mirage watched how gentle Kerri was with Delia. She spoke in a kind but protective way to her younger sister. It reminded her of growing up with Anetra, whenever her older sister prepared her before their mom got upset with them and screamed on the way home.

Mirage hoped that this mother wasn’t anything like her own mom. 

Kerri led them to a woman who waited by the small petting zoo, ignoring the black sheep that was trying to eat her shirt through the fence. The woman had her hair slicked back in a high ponytail and stood slightly shorter than Kerri. 

Delia ran up to the woman and embraced her in a big hug, which the woman happily returned. The woman kneeled on the ground and spoke to her daughter in a calm and even voice. 

“Mommy and I were so worried about you. I’m so glad you’re okay, sweetie,” she said as she ran a hand through Delia’s hair. She turned to Kerri, “Where was she?” 

“This lady found her.” Kerri gestured to Mirage, as she stood quietly and watched. She felt like an awkward bystander, watching this moment in this family.

The woman smiled at her, “Thank you, for keeping her safe. My wife should be back soon, she just went to tell security that Dee is safe with us.” 

“You’re welcome, I just saw her lost and scared, and I wanted to help her,” Mirage explained. At the ride next door, she saw her friends waiting in line. She remembered she was supposed to catch up with them after she located Delia’s parents. 

The woman noticed Mirage glancing at her friends and added, “You probably want to go back to your friends.” she suggested and Mirage nodded. “Go ahead, it’s okay. Thank you again for finding our baby.” 

Mirage smiled and told the family to have a good evening, before turning around to find her way back to her friends. A flash of dyed red hair was spotted in the corner of her eye, but Mirage didn’t think much of it until she heard another voice. 

“Miri?”

Mirage felt like her entire ribcage dropped to the ground underneath her. Nobody except her family called her that, and she knew her family was back home in Las Vegas, probably gossiping about her right now for leaving. 

But that did leave one person who knew her by that nickname. 

Mirage turned back around, seeing her estranged older sister. Anetra had bright red hair, and her dark roots started to show. Mirage was taller than her by a couple of inches. Anetra still had a faint scar over her left eye, as one of the last memories Mirage had of her. 

“Netra? Is that you?” Mirage asked in disbelief. 

Anetra nodded as she stepped closer to Mirage, “You look so grown up,” she said as she tried to blink back tears. 

Anetra still had the same warm brown eyes and athletic build that Mirage remembered. Her exposed arms were covered in tattoos and even her chest had a butterfly tattoo proudly shown off. 

Mirage looked at the woman behind Anetra, as she handed a twenty-dollar bill to her oldest daughter. 

“Go get us a funnel cake, and take your sister with you.” She heard her say before Delia could ask why her mother was crying at a stranger. 

Mirage wasn’t sure what to say to Anetra. It had been so long, she didn’t know where to start. 

“You live in LA now?” was all she could think of asking. 

Anetra nodded, “Yeah, I’ve lived here for years.” She looked like she suddenly remembered the family she wanted to introduce to Mirage. Anetra put a gentle hand on Mirage’s back, and Mirage wanted to embrace her sister in a big hug. 

She led her back to the woman with the long ponytail, “This is my wife, Sasha.” she introduced her. Mirage didn’t notice the matching wedding rings on their hands until then. 

“So how do you know each other?” Sasha asked with a raised eyebrow. 

Anetra smiled as she put two arms around Mirage’s shoulders like she could read Mirage’s mind, “This is my baby sister,” 

“I just moved to LA a few months ago,” Mirage said. 

Anetra loosened her arms slightly, “Do you still talk to Mom?” she asked in a quieter voice. 

Mirage quickly shook her head, “No, I don’t talk to anyone in our family anymore.” she said with a sad smile. She knew cutting everyone out would be healthy for her, but it still hurt.

“Well, you have us now,” Sasha added with a warm smile. “And Delia seems to already love you.” 

Mirage realized that she had nieces and a sister-in-law. Although one niece was a couple of years younger than herself, she had a kid in her life that she could spoil rotten. 

She and Anetra exchanged phone numbers and promised each other that they would find time to catch up with each other. 

Mirage walked back to her friends, who were at the front of the line of the ride. Xunami turned to look at her friend as the sun was setting behind them, “Did you find that girl’s family?” she asked. 

She looked at the picnic table nearby, seeing Kerri and Delia bringing a large funnel cake over to their parents. They all dug in with plastic forks, happily chatting with each other. 

“Yeah, we did find them,” She said before the line started moving again.

And Mirage found her family, too. 

[lovetrouble123]

MCR lyrics you can use for writing prompts:)

Bullets

“The amount of pills I’m taking counteracts the booze I’m drinking”

“And you can cry all you want to I don’t care”

“We’re not working out”

“And you can’t keep my brother, and you won’t fuck my friends”

“You put the spike in my heart”

“And you must keep your soul like a secret in your throat”

“Will it wash away this jet black feeling?”

“The night club sets the stage”

“We’ll shoot back holy water like cheap whiskey”

“Please save my soul”

“Can you stake me before the sun goes down?”

“Imaginary wedding gown”

“We’ll eat goodbye the hundredth time, and then tomorrow we’ll do it again”

“A thousand bodies piled up I never thought would be enough”

“These hands, stained red,”

“We can wash down this engagement ring with poison and kerosene”

“Without a sound, I wish you away”

“We could be perfect one last night”

“Please understand it has to be this way”

“You said were not celebrities. We spark and fade, they die by three”

“And I think I’ll blow my brains against the ceiling”

“Just think happy thoughts”

“You’re not in this alone”

“And if the world needs something better, let’s give them one more reason now”

“Hello angel, tell me where are you?”

“Tell me where we go from here”

“And after seeing what we saw, can we still reclaim our innocence?”

“Then holding hands and life was perfect, just like up on the screen”

“Running away and hiding with you”

“And if I had the guts to put this to your head”

“Before I pull this trigger, your eyes vacant and stained”

“And in saying you loved me, made things harder at best”

“But does anyone notice, there’s a corpse in this bed?”

“When we met in the emergency room”

“Well I felt I couldn’t take another day inside this place”

“I thought I heard you say ‘I like you. We can get out, we don’t have to stay inside this place’”

“Set the Farris wheel ablaze”

“You left my heart an open wound, and I love you for this day”

“One day we’ll run away!”

“If you took the time to notice me”

“But you don’t work here anymore”

“I can’t help but think I’ll die alone”

“I’d end my days with you, in a hail of bullets”

“I’m trying to let you know just how much you mean to me”

“All we are is bullets”

“Know how much I want to show you, you’re the only one”

“Like a bed of roses there’s a dozen reasons in this gun”

“And as we’re touching hands, and in this pool of blood”

“I’ll meet your eyes”

Three Cheers

“And what’s the worst you take, from every heart you break?”

“Things are better if I stay”

“We’ll meet again when both our cars collide”

“This is how we like to do it in the murder scene”

“Can we settle up the score?”

“But I miss you more than I did yesterday”

“You’re beautiful!”

“Oh don’t I look pretty walking down the street in the best damn dress I own?”

“‘Well there’s no way I’m kissing that guy!’”

“He’s not around he’s always looking at men”

“Got nasty blisters from the money she spends”

“Increase the medication, share the vows at the wake”

“And the choice you made, to the end”

“In the middle of a gun fight…”

“Say a prayer”

“I’ll kiss your lips again”

“My cellmates a killer”

“Oh I miss my mom, will they give me the chair?!”

“Nobody knows all the trouble I’ve seen!”

“Do you have the keys to the hotel?! Cuz I’m gonna set this mother fucker on fire!”

“What will it take to show you that it’s not the life it seems?”

“I’m not okay (trust me!)”

“I never said I’d lie and wait forever”

“If I died we’d never together.”

“You are never coming home”

“And I remember now, at the top of my lungs, in my arms, she dies”

“(…) get the feeling that you’re never all alone?”

“And all the things that you never ever told me”

“Gaze into her killing jar I’d sometimes stare for hours”

“She even poked the holes so I can breathe”

“It’s the hardest part of living”

“I’m lost in the prescription she’s got something else in mind”

“And for the last night I lie, could I lie next to you?”

“Pull the plug”

“Slip into the tragedy”

“You’ve spun this chamber dry”

“(…) I’m not much a poet but a criminal”

“I’m just the way that the doctor made me”

“What’s life like bleeding on the floor?”

“You’re running after something that you’ll never kill”

“If this is what you want then fire at will!”

“Preach all you want but who’s gonna save me?”

“Would I lie to you?”

“That girls not right in the brain!”

“She won’t stop me/put it down/so get your gun and meet me by the door”

“For what you did to me, well I’ll do to you!”

“You told me this gets harder, well it did.”

“I’m taking back the life you stole”

“(…) from the razor to the rosary”

“This hole you put me in, wasn’t deep enough”

“I’ve lost my fear of falling/I will be with you”

“(…)in the dress your husband hates”

“Where the search lights find us drinking by the mausoleum door”

“And they found you in the bathroom floor!”

“Did you get what you deserve?”

“Is this what you always want me for?”

“Can I meet you alone?”

“Touched by angels though, I fall out of grace”

“Another knife in my hands, a stain that never comes off the sheets”

“Clean me off, I’m so dirty babe!”

“It ain’t the money and it sure as hell ain’t just for the fame”

“I tried but I lied!”

“They gave us two shots to the back of the head”

Black Parade

“Now come on, come all, to this tragic affair”

“Wipe off that makeup what’s in despair”

“You might wake up and notice you’re someone you’re not”

“If you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see, you can find out first hand what it’s like to be me”

“I’d encourage your smiles!”

“When I grow up I want to be nothing at all!”

“Too young to die yet, my dear”

“Did you get what you deserved?”

“You never fell in love”

“And live my life alone forever now”

“(…) all the good girls go to heaven”

“Can you hear me cry out to you?”

“I’m really not so with you anymore, I’m just a ghost”

“(…) so I can’t hurt you anymore”

“If I crash on the couch, can I sleep in my clothes?”

“You’re the one that I need/I’m the one that you loathe”

“So why don’t you blow me?”

“Sometimes I get the feeling she’s watching over me”

“Disappointed faces of your peers”

“Just a man, not a hero”

“Don’t ever think I’ll try and make you stay”

“You’re still a good for nothing, I don’t know”

“I don’t love you like I did yesterday”

“I think I’m gonna burn in hell”

“Tell me I’m a bad man”

“Tell me I’m an angel”

“It’s a compliment, I swear”

“I’ve been a bad motherfucker, tell your sister or another”

“Help her gather all my things”

“(…)Bury me in all my favorite colors”

“I will not kiss you”

“Know that I will never marry”

“I’ve been counting down the days to go”

“I’m writing this letter and wishing you well”

“Stop asking me questions”

“And right now, they’re building a coffin your size”

“Mama, we’re all full of lies”

“You should’ve raised a baby girl, I should’ve been a better son”

“I could have been a better son”

“Don’t return to me”

“But the shit that I’ve done with this fuck if a gun”

“So raise your glass high, for tomorrow we die!”

“It feels like somebody is gripping my throat”

“Undeserving of your sympathy”

“Cause there’s no way that I’m sorry for what I did”

“How could you cry for me? Cuz I don’t feel bad about it”

“The hardest part is letting go of your dreams”

“Cause there ain’t no way that I’m coming back again”

“Sometimes I see flames, and sometimes I see people that I love dying”

“(…) keep an eye on your son”

“All teenagers scare the living shit outta me”

“Maybe they’ll leave you alone but not me”

“The boys and girls in the clique, the awful names that they stick”

“You’re never gonna fit in much kid”

“Well, I was there on the day they sold the cause for the Queen”

“I hate the ending but it started with an alright scene”

“It was a lie when they smiled and said ‘you won’t feel a thing’”

“And as we ran from the cops, we laughed so hard it would sting”

“How can you listen all night long?”

“I spent my high school career spit on and shoved to agree”

“I know I can’t make you stay”

“A life/love that’s so demanding”

“Honey, if you stay, you’ll be forgiven”

“I see you lying next to me”

“Awake and unafraid/asleep or dead?”

“Send you roses when they think you need to smile”

“And they love it for me honestly”

“The doctors and the nurses, they adore me so”

“I’m such an awful fuck (why thank you)”

“They never had the time”

“You were always born a crime”

“Can’t find my way home, but it’s through you”

“My gun fires seven different shades of shit, so what’s your favorite color punk?”

“Could you sign this photograph? Cuz I’m your biggest fan!”

“No way home”

“Come on angel, don’t you cry”

“Well, you can hide a lot about yourself”

“But honey, what’re you gonna do?”

“And you can sleep in a coffin but the past ain’t through with you”

“Cause we are all a bunch of liars, tell me baby, who do you wanna be?”

“And we all get together to bury our friends”

“It’s been 8/9/10 years since I’ve been seeing your face around here”

“I ain’t feeling the love”

“(…)never paid attention in school”

“I was killing before killing was cool”

“You’ll never take me alive”

“Do what it takes to survive”

“‘Someone save us!’”

“Heaven help us now”

“But I can’t tell if I’ve been breathing or sleeping, or screaming, or waiting”

“I’ve been sprawled on these cathedral steps”

“And will you pray for me?”

“Cover me in gasoline”

“And the punchline to the joke is asking ‘someone save us!’”

“You don’t know a thing about my sins”

“(…)how the misery begins”

Danger Days

“Killjoys, make some noise!”

“Drugs, gimme drugs, I don’t need it but I’ll sell what you got, take the cash and I’ll keep it”

“Hit the gas, kill ‘em all”

“We’re on your property standing in V formation”

“Eat plastic surgery”

“Keep your apology”

“Oh, let me tell you ‘bout the sad man”

“Remember when you were mad man? Thought you was Batman”

“Kiss me, you animal!”

“Everybody wants to change the world”

“But no one wants to die”

“It’s death or victory”

“I’d rather go to hell than be in purgatory”

“Pull this pin, let this world explode”

“Gag and bore me”

“I got a bulletproof heart, you got a hollow point smile”

“Lets blow a hole in this town”

“(…) do our talking with a laser beam”

“‘Jenny, could you come back home?’”

“Let me be the one to save you”

“Stop your preaching right there, cuz I really don’t care and I’ll do it again”

“Tell the truth and god will save you”

“Dying in the process”

“Buy yourself the motivation”

“I am not the singer that you wanted but a dancer”

“I refuse to answer”

“Keep running”

“There might be something outside your window, but you’ll just never know”

“Fame is now injectable!”

“Faith is unavailable!”

“I can’t slow down, I won’t be waiting for you”

“Don’t fuck around, this is our last chance!”

“Kill the party with me”

“I’m unbelievable”

“I’m undefeatable”

“Are we still having fun?”

“Are you holding the gun?”

“Take the money and run!”

“I’ve got nothing to lose.”

“I think I’m gonna go now”

“Remember me”

“I still think of the bombs they built”

“Can I be the only hope for you? Because you’re the only hope for me”

“I say it’s okay, I know you can tell”

“And though you see me smile, I still think of the guns they sell”

“Everybody pay attention to me!”

“I got the answer!”

“Ain’t no DJ gonna save my soul, I sold it long about for rock n roll”

“(…)we’d be killing ourselves by sleeping in”

“And keep your cars, and your dogs and your famous friends”

“Ain’t nobody gonna take my life”

“Ain’t no preacher gonna save me now”

“We came to party!”

“Cuz the devils got your number”

“Not a victim of a victims life”

“We’re believers”

“We can steal this car if you folks down mind”

“If you save yourself tonight”

“I’ll tell you all how the story ends”

“It ain’t about the friends you made but the graffiti they write on your grave”

“Who gives a damn if we lose the war?”

“Save yourself and I’ll hold them back tonight”

“Make a wish when your childhood dies”

“Hear the knock, knock, knock when she cries”

“We’re all alone tonight”

“Count to seventeen and close your eyes”

“I’ll keep you inside/tonight”

“See the rust through your playground eyes”

“We’re all in love tonight”

“Love won’t stop this bomb”

“Run, bunny, run!”

“(…)with brick in hand, your lip gloss smile, your scraped up knees and—.”

“How long until we find our way in the dark and out of harm?”

“Terrified of what I’d be as a kid from what I’ve seen”

“Turn my headphones up real loud. I don’t think I need them now, cuz you stopped the noise.”

“You can runaway with me anytime you want”

“They don’t like who you are”

“Brother, protect me now”

“You/I don’t believe in god”

“You/I don’t believe in luck”

“I believe we’re the enemy!”

“They laugh, we don’t think it’s funny.”

“Hold on tight and don’t look back”

“When we were young we used to say”

“(…)that you only hear the music when your heart begins to break”

“Now we are the kids from yesterday”

“All the cameras watch the accidents and starts you hate”

“Does the television make you feel the pills you ate, or every person that you need to be?”

“(…)we came to fuck”

“When you wanna be a movie star”

“Play it right and drive a Volvo car”

“Pills don’t help but it sure is funny”

“Sorry, I couldn’t hear you!”

“The music is way too loud, gonna have to turn it down a little—sorry!”

“The tabloids lie”

“We don’t dare to sing another song for California!”

“Every second that you take to fake your life”

“I don’t like being alone”

“I’ll meet you down at the metro station”

“I’m going to show you how much I love you”

“Don’t need the system”

“We can kill/leave it if we try”

“And write it on the walls, I hope you die”

“Manipulation, just to form an alibi”

“You’re the prototype/only type for me”

“And if Heaven wants to take us they can try!”

“Got the eyes on you”

“I don’t have much of an education, but I got a knack for elimination!”

“This is the bonus stage!”

“I want annihilation!”

“A new design for X and Y”

“Exterminate the dream”

“I hate you!”

“Kill everybody!”

Conventional Weapons

“I’m not asking”

“He’s not dead, he only looks that way”

“You can watch them stab me on your television”

“We got the bomb (let’s go!)”

“Say a prayer for ___.”

“You fell in love with a vampire”

“Say hello/goodbye to the good times”

“If we crash this time, they got machines to keep us alive”

“(…)choke down the words with no meaning”

“We got no heroes cuz our heroes are dead.”

“But the words get lost when we all look the same”

“The microphones got a tap wire!”

“Keep your money and I’ll see you in hell”

“You don’t know a thing about this life”

“(…)we are not afraid/we are not ashamed”

“I’ll be the one who drives you home tonight”

“We are not the same”

“We could get somebody else, but we want someone like you”

“I’ll tell you all about it when you fall in love”

“If I’m old enough to die for your mistakes”

“They’re teaching me to kill, who’s teaching me to love?”

“I’m/she’s never gonna have a son”

“You’ll never fight alone”

“Cuz I wanted you to know that the world is ugly, but you’re beautiful to me”

“Are you thinking of me now?”

“(…)there’s a morning after”

“Are you thinking of me like I’m thinking of you?”

“I would say I’m sorry”

“I’m thinking of you every night, every day”

“Stop your crying, helpless feeling”

“Dry your eyes and start believing”

“There’s one thing they’ll never take from you”

“So long to all my friends, every one of them met tragic ends”

“If I could be with you tonight, I would sing you to sleep”

“Never let them take the light behind your eyes”

“One day, I’ll lose this fight”

“Be strong and hold my hand”

“Time, it comes for us, you’ll understand”

“If you promise not to cry”

“I’ll fail and lose this fight”

“When I’m here no longer, you be stronger”

“We kill the girls to get paid”

“(…)put the whole damn room on the edge of a blade”

“I’ll keep believing”

“Stay clean”

“(…)put the record on”

“Grab the cash and run!”

“Let the suits watch each other kill one another”

“You gotta kiss that ring”

“Keep the faith”

“Is it hard to stay clean?”

“The cannibals are starving when they’re looking at you!”

“White lines, nose bleeds”

“Anybody gonna come and rescue me?”

“One day, you’re gonna have some explaining to do”

“Got a taste for the cash and androgyny”

“She’s alright”

“I’ll remember this night when you’re gone”

“I surrender every dream”

“I’ll remember your eyes when you’re gone”

“So give me all you’ve got, I can take it”

“Kissed all the boys in your city lights”

“Did you make it?”

“Cuz it makes me who I am”

“I took the pills for these empty nights”

“They always told me that you’ll never get to heaven with a life like yours”

“And though I missed the change for this”

“I confess that I can’t wait until it’s gone”

“Don’t go if you have more to say”

“(…)the world don’t need another hopeless cause”

Extras

“These eyes have had to much to drink again tonight”

“I’ve been calling you all week for my shotgun!”

“Pick up the phone fucker!”

“I wanna see what your insides look like”

“I bet you’re not fucking pretty on the inside”

“Well lie another day”

“And did you come to stare or wash away the blood?”

“Did we all fall down?”

“From the lights to the pavement, from the van to floor, from backstage to the doctor, from the earth to the morgue.”

“I can see you awake anytime in my head”

“You can run but you can’t hide from this”

“We laughed about the time we fell”

“There’s writing on the ceiling that only I can see”

“(…) I don’t give a fuck”

“We got the right to anything we want”

“Well, gather ‘round, I’ll tell you all a story about heartache and woe”

“I think your politics stink”

“Somebody buy me a drink”

“Well, she’s always going on about the town you grew up in”

“You’ll never take me back home”

“I never wanna go home with you”

“And you’re walking away, and I will drown in the tears”

“(…)I’m not backing your decision”

“I’m not afraid of you”

“Come on, you have something you wanna show me?”

“(…)a new toy to self destruct”

“You’ve got a lot of nerve”

“There’s all types of people in this city; what kind of person are you?”

“Could you please just hold my hand?”

“Everybody’s talking ‘bout the way you left your man”

“I fell in love with her again, my baby”

“Cuz I’m not that type of girl”

“All your life, I let you down—not again”

“Love was just a passing phase”

“But don’t leave me here!”

“Don’t believe what you read or sometimes what you see”

“Are you happy this way?”

“Tell the judge that I’m innocent. Tell the jury I’m no one at all”

“She won’t stop the bleeding, baby”

“The others are to blame”

“Darling, I’m a bad man”

“Sing the praise again”

“What if I’m that bad man?”

“You can bitch all you want but I’m never gonna leave you alone”

“I’m a bad motherfucker, an abandoned mental lover”

“(…)maybe if that bad man killed me once again”

“It was the worst thing that I’d ever done”

“You gave me gun”

“I won’t tell a soul”

“It was the last time I saw her/him/them alive”

“Sometimes you do things you need to do to survive”

“I’m needing your touch”

“And ___, come home”

“I waited so long for someone to say, ‘if you could hold on, I’d maybe get you to stay’”

“You sad motherfucker”

“She got the call, and then she threw her jacket on”

“(…) stormed off down the hall”

“You are all to blame”

“She went alone and went to the emergency”

“(…)parked her car in the dark”

“They told her, ‘please, he only has but minutes more…you might just say goodbye”

“(…) find a better way to love me”

“Some people watch, some people pray”

“But why we have to stay?”

“We were born to lose”

“Just look at all that pain”

“I think it got you laid”

“Fake your death”

“Come on and feel that shame”

“They wanna grip the cross”

“Kiss my battery”

“Fuck this whole wide world!”

“Turn up the fakes and lies”

“Spit casually”

“Medication and the way your eyes look into me”

“Lubrication, can you turn off all the lights so I can’t see?”

“I’m so fucking old!”

“I’m so fucking alone!”

“Crash into this institution”

“I’m putting off medication, it always makes me tired”

“I can’t play pretend”

“I’m wide awake most minutes”

“I’m not asleep most days”

“Well did I say too much?”

“I’ll never go to bed”

“I’ll kiss their lips again”

“Just give me peace tonight”

“See the man who stands upon the hill”

“He dreams of all the battles won”

“But fate had left its scars upon his face”

“And so time with age, it turns the page”

“You find god in pain”

“We lay in the foundations of decay”

“He was there, the day the towers fell, and so he wandered down the road”

“And press til you can’t take it anymore!”

“And so he gets to die a saint but she will always be the whore”

“You look stressed out!”

“The poison is the cure”

“You must fix your heart”

“Yes, it comforts me much more”

“Get up coward!”

[idontplaytrack]

MY CHARMED ONE [5]

Capri Donahue x Harper Sibling!fem reader

Warnings: fluff, angst, mentions + slight descriptions of the death of reader & darby’s mom(flashbacks)

In which reader gets rudely woken up by a nightmare and gets comforted by Capri

Capri walks out from the bathroom and turned the light off. And as soon as she sat back down in bed, you stirred in your sleep and almost instantly got jolted awake then was sobbing your eyes out. “Baby, baby…it’s okay, baby. It’s alright. You’re okay.” Capri wraps you in a hug without hesitation, rubbing your back, “What’s the matter, darling?”

“I keep getting the same nightmare…of my Mom and Darby drowning, my Dad telling me she died.” You sniffled, “It’s been- the same thing for a week.” Feeling the snot dripping down from your nose, you pull away from the hug. She grabs you a tissue to wipe it off with, then Capri cups your face, swiping your tears away with her thumbs.

“You’re safe here, darling. You’ll be okay, hm? I’m right here with you.”

Tears still threatened to fall with your emotions still running high. You no longer felt sleepy- wanting to get out of bed. “Baby, it’s not even four in the morning. Where are you going?”

“To wash my face.” You told her shakily, “I don’t even feel like sleeping anymore.”

“Okay.” Capri shifted herself so her legs now hung off the bed as she watched you enter the bathroom to wash up, not even bothering to turn the lights on. “Baby, do you want something to drink? Maybe some tea?”

“It’s fine, just go back to sleep.” You told her.

“No.” She disagreed. You didn’t even say anything back before she started making her way to the kitchen. After you’ve washed and dried your face, you headed for the kitchen to look for her.

“Capri, could you…take me to visit my Mom tomorrow?”

She nodded, looking at you once she hears your voice, “I’ll go with you, honey.”

“I’m sorry for waking you up so early.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Capri assured, “Come here, baby.” She snakes an arm around your waist while waiting for the water to finish boiling. “I’ll make you some camomile tea, okay? Then let’s try sleeping a couple hours more.” She knew how tired you’ve been- she’s sees it. No doubt. So you didn’t even bother trying to disagree. Thankfully, with her holding you, you eventually managed to sleep till 8am.

————

After breakfast, you and Capri took a drive to go visit your Mom at her resting place. You haven’t been there in a while, purely because of how hard it was to do so. However, you’ve always had a habit of talking to her before bed nearly every night- of course it was a silent conversation usually.

On the way there, you had Capri stop at a flower shop to get a few of your mom’s favourite. “All set?”

“Yup.”

“Alright, here we go.” She began driving again, you stared out the window in the meantime as she kept a hand on your thigh.

Once there, you and Capri walked through rows and rows before you managed to locate your mom’s headstone. You placed the small bunch of flowers down then sat on the grass. Capri sat down as well, “Oh, would you rather have me leave for a few?”

“No, it’s okay. You can stay.”

“Hi, Mommy. Happy early birthday.” You began, “I’m sorry I haven’t came by in a few months. It’s always been hard for me to come here. So I hope you could hear me while I talked to you every night, almost. Anyway, I’m with Capri now, and Darby’s on better terms with her. I also almost got hit by a car a few weeks ago but Capri saved me. With her power- how cool’s that? Don’t worry about me, Mom. Capri’s taking good care of me. Maybe you sent her into my life right when I needed her the most, and I’m certain you did. So…thank you.”

“I’m very lucky to have her as my partner, Mrs. Harper. She’s the sweetest and most beautiful person I’ve ever met. Not to mention so incredibly strong, intelligent and talented.” Capri added on. You smiled, leaning your head onto her shoulder.

You blinked and looked up because you saw a pair of legs approach you and Capri.

“I’ve been watching over you, my dear girl.” You heard your Mom, “You’re going to do some great things in the future- I’m so proud of you, y/n.” Then through your clouded vision, you met her eyes and her smile. The same one you always remembered. You were in disbelief and smiled back tearfully. “Remember that I’m always going to be with you in whatever way, shape or form. I hear you all the time- you can always talk to me. Don’t cry, sweetheart. I’m doing very well over here.”

You gave her a subtle nod but a bright smile. Relief, excitement and pure joy washed over you all at once. You’ve finally seen her. After such a long time.

“I love you so much, Mommy.” You kissed your hand and tapped the headstone. With that, she disappears, orbing away.

“You okay, baby?”

“Mhm.” You sniffled, “Never better.”

Once on the road again, you told Capri about what happened. “I could feel it.” Capri said nonchalantly, “I couldn’t see anything but I felt it. Besides, the way you were looking up and directly in one area? Kinda tells me she was there. I’m glad you got to see her for a bit.”

You nodded, “Darby’s always been the one to be able to experience that. I’m glad I’ve finally had my own chance.”

“Do you feel better?” She asks cautiously.

“I do. I think this was just what I needed after the week of repetitive dreams.” You nodded firmly. “Thanks for coming along with me, Capri.”

She brushes her thumb over your knuckles soothingly, “Of course, my love. Anytime.”

[strangethings-everywhere]

Before You Go // Ethan Landry // Ch.6

Masterlist Word Count: 1100 Warnings: ANGST and some smoochin Author's Note: I am SO SORRY that this came so late, its been so busy the past few weeks. We should be wrapping up the story soon and it shouldn't take me like two weeks to upload next time lol

After moving to New York with your friends after the Woodsboro killings, you try to leave all of it behind you and start over. You become friends with Ethan Landry, but after Ghostface returns, you start to become suspicious of everyone, especially him.

It felt like hours before Ethan returned to your hiding place in the office. You figured out that you were in that abandoned movie theater Mindy had shown you, the one with the Ghostface shrine. You had no idea what time it was or when your friends were supposed to show up, but you knew that their plan was doomed to fail. 

When Ethan came back, he was wearing his Ghostface costume, mask in hand. He kneeled down next to you and began to undo the duct tape around your wrists and ankles.

“What are you doing?” You asked softly.

“Your friends are almost here. When they go into the theater, I need you to run and call the cops.” He avoided your eyes. “I need you to run and keep running, no matter what happens.” 

With your hands free, he moved to your ankles. You reached out a tentative hand and brushed his curls from his face. “Ethan, you can’t do this.”

“I don’t have a choice.” His voice was firm, but his eyes betrayed him. You could see how scared he was. “I have to finish this.” 

“What on earth could possibly be forcing you to do this?” You whispered. Ethan met your eyes. 

“You don’t understand. My entire life, it’s always been about Richie. I’m the youngest, the second son. My dad has always loved Richie more than me, and of course, Quinn is his baby girl so she’s also more important to him.” He shook his head. “I’m a nuisance, an afterthought. He’s told me since I was little that I would never be as good of a son as Richie was.” 

“So now you’re killing people because you want your dad to like you?” It seemed ridiculous, but you were lucky to have parents that loved and cared about you. You had no idea how it felt to be constantly second best. “Your dad’s love isn’t worth murder.” 

“He wanted me to kill my mom.” Ethan spat. He looked like he wanted to vomit. “He knew she wouldn’t approve of his little plan and told me that he’d be so proud of me if I did what needed to be done.” He began to shake. “Of course, my mom is the only person who ever supported me. I couldn’t do it. It didn’t matter though because a week before I started college, she disappeared.” 

Your heart dropped. You never thought that you’d feel bad for Ghostface, but the look on Ethan’s face made you want to cry. Your mom was also one of your biggest supporters and you couldn’t imagine how you’d feel if she was gone. You reached out and squeezed his hand. “Ethan, I’m so sorry about your mom.”

“If I don’t do this, he’ll kill me.” Ethan shook his head. “He’ll kill you too and I can’t lose you.” 

“Then leave with me.” You grabbed his face, forcing him to look at you. “Ethan, you can leave. Sam and all of them will probably survive, your dad will go to prison, and we’ll be safe.” 

Ethan let out a frustrated growl. “Where will we go?” He stood and started pacing back and forth. “If my dad is arrested, he’ll testify that I was part of this and then we’d be running from the cops for the rest of our lives. Y/N, I can’t ask you to do that, to live that kind of life with me.”

You stood on shaking legs and grabbed his face with both hands. He froze, his eyes wide as he stared at you. “I’m trying to save your life because I care about you. If being with you means running, then I’ll run to the edges of the world with you.” You gave him a small smile. “Let me save you.” 

Ethan took a deep breath and slammed his lips to yours. It was full of desperation, his hands pulling you impossibly close as if he was afraid you’d disappear. Your mind was melting as his touch, barely able to comprehend that you were actually kissing him. 

Your back hit the wall and you suddenly found yourself caged in by Ethan’s strong arms. One hand was against the wall and his other hand had a vice-like grip on your waist, his fingers sneaking under your shirt to brush against your skin. You shivered at his touch and he smiled against your lips. His teeth nipped at your bottom lip and you parted them slightly. He deepened the kiss, happily exploring your mouth as his hands started to roam. You slid your hand under his shirt, pressing your palm against his stomach. His muscles tensed under your hand and he let out a ragged breath. Nothing mattered in that moment. It was the two of you against the world, nothing could break you apart. It should feel wrong, kissing a boy who’d killed people, but you felt like you belonged there in his arms. 

“I’ve wanted to do this for so long.” He murmured. Ethan pulled away and nuzzled his face in your neck, leaving soft kisses across your neck and shoulders. You tangled your fingers in his hair and let out a sigh. “I’ve had a crush on you since the day we met.” 

“Really?” You whispered. He nodded. “Well now you definitely have to come with me.”

Ethan raised his head and met your eyes. “Why?”

“Because I’m beginning to realize that I can’t live without you.” You could feel your eyes filling with tears. “I need this, I need you.”

He smiled. “Yeah?”

“Ethan, I-”

The door flew open and Ethan was ripped from your grasp. It was Officer Bailey, eyes fiery with rage. He threw Ethan to the ground and pointed a gun at you.

“So this is why you keep coming in here.” Officer Bailey pressed the barrel of the gun to your forehead. “I should shoot her right now and be done with it. I thought I told you to get rid of her.” 

“Dad, she doesn’t have to die.” Ethan coughed, a hand pressed to his ribs. His fall had knocked the wind out of him. “Please.”

“There is so much weakness in you.” Officer Bailey glanced down at his son with disappointment. “Richie would’ve done it by now. You were supposed to kill her at the apartment.” 

“Dad, I-” Ethan was cut off by a swift kick to the ribs, causing him to go into a coughing fit. Officer Bailey turned back to you. 

“He’ll just have to kill you in front of your friends now. Let’s go sweetheart.”