#I’m going to learn Spanish I’ve decided.

[footygirl114]

Did I just get through a wine tasting fully in Spanish and understand quite a bit of it? Yes. Was it because I was too distracted by the wine and cheese? Maybe. Am I going to pat myself on the back? You bet I am.

[amanda-ammamnda-amndada-admadna]

what if. what if i learned spanish sign language instead of ASL or even. or even in addition to ASL. …..

[fingertipsmp3]

Kinda want to create one of those like 100 days of self care or mental health or something challenges for myself & post abt it each day to hold myself accountable

[b14augrana]

Portrait

When Alexia decides to give into her curiosity and sit down at one of the street artist stalls stationed on a busy Parisian road, she leaves with something more special than a self portrait.

Alexia Putellas x reader

masterlist

Warnings: straight fluff and bad translations but dont worry its only short x

A/N: ALE RENEWED WE CAN ALL REJOICE!! 🙏

The strong Parisian sun beat down on the heads of locals and tourists alike as they walked down the crowded streets. You were perched on a stool, staring intently at your canvas as you gently painted the smile lines of a lovely old lady that stopped by your stall.

You loved your job for this very reason. You knew how hard it was to love yourself from your own perspective; you hoped to do every individual person’s beauty justice with your paintings.

Of course that wasn’t enough income on its own so every morning you found yourself in one of the local bakeries either working behind the scenes or at the front counter. Baking and painting were jobs you loved and found so similar because they both resonated with your desire to indulge in art wherever you could find it, and to you they were the simplest forms of art.

“And… I’m done. Here’s your finished portrait, madame,” you said with a smile, lifting the canvas off the easel and gently setting it into the woman’s arms.

“Je ne peux pas te remercier assez, ma chérie ! C'est beau, merci,” she replied, admiring it with tear-brimmed eyes hidden behind her glasses. You said your goodbyes and watched her walk off with a grin on her face, and then you picked up a fresh canvas and placed it on your easel.

You didn’t have time to shake your head at the many smudges of paint on your clothes as another person approached you.

“Hola!” a woman’s voice spoke, making you look up curiously. Standing before you was a blonde woman smiling slightly, gesturing to the stool behind the easel. “May I sit?”

“Of course,” you nodded, returning her smile and swirling your paintbrush in some fresh water as you prepared to paint her. “You’d like a painting, no?”

“Yes please. Also, forgive me for saying hola — I forget that I’m not in Spain,” she laughed, inciting a giggle from you.

“It’s okay. I do the same when I’m outside of France,” you added, dipping the paintbrush into some fresh paint before grazing the canvas. “So, you’re Spanish.. what’s your name?”

“Alexia. I’m here for a holiday, because I’ve finally got some time off work,” she explained with a huff. You smiled behind your easel, painting the woman’s chiseled bone structure with intricacy as you added to her face.

You liked her already. You had barely said anything to her, but something about her was genuine.

“Are you with anybody?” you asked, curious to know more about her. She nodded her head, “Only two other people, my friends Lucy and Ona. They’ve gone on a wine tasting date, which is why I’m here.”

You laughed softly as you rinsed your paintbrush. “And you? Do you have anyone to go wine tasting with?”

“Next question,” Alexia responded, smiling through laughter. You began to paint her eyes and faintly outline her nose.

The rest of the time you spent painting every detail of her face flew by as you two talked and got to know more about each other. You learned that she was a professional footballer and lived in Barcelona, which you thought was very cool. She asked about your life and you told her that you were a born and raised Parisian who spent the rest of her days at home or in the bakery. You weren’t really concerned about yourself though; you were busy looking at her, and not for the purpose of the painting.

When you had completed the last strand of hair and placed the last freckle on her portrait, the sun had dried most of it already. As she stood up and picked her purse up, you flipped the canvas around and scrawled something on the back with a slight smile.

“There you go. Thank you, Alexia,” you said, handing her the painting. She gasped quietly as she admired it, and she looked at you for a moment before pulling you into a hug. “Thank you, chica!”

Even after she pulled away, her perfume clung to your skin like glue. It smelled sweet but not overwhelming… like coconut and caramel with an undertone of musk and vanilla hints. It smelled exactly how you imagined it to smell.

As you said goodbye, you didn’t reach for a fresh canvas. Alexia turned away, holding the newly painted canvas in her hands with her head down, her eyes fixed on it. She stood stagnant for a moment, scoping out every detail, and then she turned it over.

“Llámame, hermosa :)” was written on the back, followed with your phone number and a quick sketch of a flower bouquet. She immediately turned her head to glance at you over her shoulder, but you were occupied with someone else.

When she turned back around, a smitten smile was plastered across her face and she couldn’t help but feel giddy to get back to her hotel.

After another second, you looked up from your canvas, your eyes completely skipping the person sat in front of you and wandering over to the direction that she had walked in, watching the blonde woman disappear down the street.

“Est-ce que tu vas peindre ou quoi?” an irritated voice snapped from behind your easel.

“Désolé!”

[adrienneleclerc]

Hips Don’t Lie

Pairing: Henry Cavill x Hispanic/Latina! Reader

Summary: There is an after party after the premiere of “the ministry of ungentlemanly warfare” and Henry meets his co star, Eiza Gonzalez’s friend, Y/N.

Warning: spelling and grammar errors, non translated Spanish’s because I get lazy.

A/N: this is my first ever real person fanfic so I hope you like it.

Henry was on the red carpet answering a few questions until it was time to head into the theater with everyone to see his new movie. As he was walking in, he saw Eiza Gonzalez, his costar.

“Eiza, how are you?” Henry said, greeting her.

“Henry, que guapo te ves! I’m definitely not used to your clean shaven look. There’s a party after the premiere, are you going?” Eiza asked.

“I’m not sure, I think I’m going to my hotel after this, spend time with the bear.” Henry said and Eiza giggled.

“You should come! I want you to meet my friend, she came back from her European tour la few days ago, I think you guys would hit it off.” Eiza said.

“Are you really trying to play Cupid?” Henry said,

“I just want you guys to meet, I never said anything about wanting you two to date. But if you happen to fall in love with her, don’t forget to mention me in your wedding toast.” Eiza said.

“Are all Mexicans this delusional or just you?” Henry asked, eiza stared at him. “You’re right, I shouldn’t have said that, sorry.”

“Don’t worry my colonizer friend, it’s fine. And it’s probably just me.” Eiza said.

“How come you get to make jokes about my race but I can’t?” Henry asked.

“You are a straight white man, I rest my case, now let’s get inside, I’m pretty sure we have to make a speech before the movie starts, which I find totally stupid.” Eiza said,

The premiere was over and he went to his hotel room. He thought about how it’s been a while since he dated anyone and decided to call eiza.

“Bueno?” Eiza answered the phone.

“Hey eiza, where is the party?” Henry asked.

“Yes, you’re coming, it’s at xxxx” Eiza said.

“I’ll be right there.” Henry replied and hung up the phone. Henry changed out of his suit to something more casual but still presentable and said goodbye to his dog before asking his driver to take him to where the after party was. When he gets there, he was greeted by Eiza in a fitted dress.

“Yes, you’re here! Great decision, Y/N is probably at the bar, mingle while I go find her. Oh my god, Diego! Compa, como has estado, no te ha visto en…” Eiza greeted her friends walking away from Henry. Henry saw Chris drinking at the bar and decided to walk towards him.

“Henry, buddy, how have you been?” Chris asked, hugging him.

“I’ve been great, how’s married life treating you?” Henry asked.

“Really well, I’m very happy to be back in Boston but I can’t lie, I do miss these parties.” Chris admitted. They kept talking and when they played a Daddy Yankee song, Henry heard a voice screaming.

“AAHH!! Es mi canción! Joel, cuida mi bolsa!” the Woman said, downing a shot of tequila before heading to the dance floor. Henry thought it was Eiza but it was someone else. However, when the woman started dancing, Henry couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

“Hey man, who are you looking at?” Chris asked but he just followed Henry’s line of sight and spotted the woman that was basically demanding the attention of everyone else with her dancing, that’s when Eiza approached the two mean at the bar.

“Whoo, go Y/N! That’s my bestie!” Eiza cheered her on.

“What, that’s Y/N?” Henry asked,

“Yeah, that’s her. I mean, i knew she could dance because I’ve seen her concerts when she performs at the forum, but I never knew she could dance like this.” Eiza said.

“I think your friend is making Hnery want to learn Spanish, he hasn’t taken his eyes off her since she started dancing.” Chris said and Henry hit his chest, still not looking away from the woman dancing.

“Perfect! I’ll get her when the song is over so you can meet her.” Eiza said, clearly excited that henry is interested in her friend. When the song finished, Eiza made her way to Y/N. “Y/N! Como has estado? Que me cuentas de la gira?”

“La gira fue espectacular, todos los fans cantando mis canciones, llevándome flores, estoy súper agradecida. How was the premiere? I wish I could have gone but I wasn’t invited.” Y/N said,

“Sorry! I forgot when your tour ended. Anyway, I have someone I want you to meet.” Eiza walked Y/N over to when’re Henry and Chris were. “Y/N, this is Henry Cavill. Henry, this is Y/N L/N. Chris, come dance with me.” Eiza said, pulling Chris with her, leaving Henry and Y/N alone by the bar.

“Hi.” Henry said bashfully.

“Hey.” Y/N said, fiddling with her fingers.

“I saw you dance, you were amazing, by the way, you seemed really into it.” Henry commented.

“Well i grew up listening to Shakira so you could say my hips don’t lie.” Y/N said and both of them ended up laughing. “Oh my god, I can’t believe I made that joke, que tonta soy, eh.”l

“No no, it’s okay, I laughed, right?” Henry said, making Y/N feel more comfortable.

“But seriously, my mom would put me in these dance classes, well, her friend who taught dance classes would give me free lessons.” Y/N said. “Do you dance?”

“No but I took lessons when I was filming Argyle.” Henry said.

“I haven’t seen Argyle but I really want to see this movie. Like yeah, my bestie is in it, but I really like your look in this movie.” Y/N said.

“Really? You like the messy hair and the full beard?” Henry asked.

“Yeah, your curls show off more than in your other movie, Night Hunter.” Y/N commented.

“So you’re a fan of my movies?” Henry asked.

“Am I a fan of the movies or just the attractive British actor starring in them?” Y/N asked, getting closer to Henry.

“I say you’re a fan of me.” Henry said.

“Bingo! Hope Im not being too forward.” Y/N said

“Not at all.” Henry said. They started playing Propuesta Indecente by Romeo Santos.

“Well, time to put your dancing skills to use, do you think you can dance bachata?” Y/N asked, taking Henry’s hand and led him on the dance floor.

“Only if you show me how.” Henry said.

“Of course, just follow my lead.” Y/N said.

They danced every bachata song that was played, and when they weren’t dancing, they were just talking.

Eiza sips her drink, observing them.

“They would be a cute couple.” Eiza commented to Chris.

“Yeah, he seems happy enough.” Chris said.

“Could I get your number?” Henry asked.

“Of course, give me your phone.” Y/N said. Henry handed her his phone and Y/N gave it back. “I’m gonna head out but I’ll be waiting for your call. Hasta luego, guapo.” Y/N kissed Henry’s cheek and left the party with Eiza. Chris then approached Henry who was holding his cheek where she kissed him.

“What are you thinking about?” Chris asked.

“How much a Spanish tutor costs.” Henry commented.

“Alright, buddy, let’s get back to the hotel.” Chris said, leading Henry to the exit.

The End

Taglist: @warriormirkwood @shellyshellshell

[laurenairay]

Lately you've been on my mind - E. Pettersson

I’m jumping in as a pinch-hitter as part of @wyattjohnston’s winter fic exchange, with an Elias Pettersson story for @typical-simplelove! I really hope you enjoy this Claudia– I had a lot of fun creating something from the prompts you gave me, and I was just so inspired that I wrote it all in one day! And thank you Demi, for being a sounding board for me as I put together my ideas.

Summary: Brock Boeser is the ultimate match maker – he knows he is. And he is determined to set his friends up.

a.k.a. you and Elias are both friends with Brock, and keep finding yourselves in moments alone.

Words: 4.9k

Warnings: idiots to lovers, self-doubt, Brock is a meddler

Title from: Adore you, by Harry Styles

~

2019 was already shaping up to be a fantastic year. The sun was shining brightly, the January air was crisp and cold, and you had Spanish Banks dog park essentially to yourself, seeing that it was excruciatingly early in the morning.

But damn if the views of the North Shore mountains weren’t worth it. Your dog seemed to agree, with the way he was running up and down the sand. You’d lived in Vancouver all your 20 years so far, still living with your parents where you’d decided not to go to university, and it was moments like this that reminded you just how fortunate you were.

Your peace and quiet lasted for all of another half an hour before you heard enthusiastic barking from behind you. Recalling your dog to your side – which only took a couple of attempts, which was an improvement – you turned your head to see what was coming your way, only to freeze at the guy you saw walking towards you.

A guy that was clearly the up-and-coming star of your family’s favourite sports team, the Vancouver Canucks. Brock Boeser, in the flesh.

“Hey, sorry for interrupting your quiet.”

His smile tightened slightly when he realised you clearly knew who he was, with whatever your face was doing, but you quickly shook your head to reassure him. No, he was here just the same as you, to walk his dog. You could be cool with that.

“It’s a beautiful off-leash park – it would be a shame not to share it,” you shrugged, smiling back at him.

Brock immediately relaxed, easy a tension you didn’t realise you had.

“Who’s this beautiful pup, hm?”

“This is Bailey. I’ve had him, like, three months now? He’s only 18 months old so he’s still learning not to jump up, but he tries his best,” you mused.

“He’s perfect…”

Yes, Brock was definitely a dog person.

“…a border collie, right?”

“Yeah that’s right. He was abandoned a few months ago at a shelter my mom volunteers at, and I barely had to beg her to let me adopt him,” you laughed.

Brock just grinned. “Coola was a rescue dog as well. I adopted him back in February last year, after the All Star Game, but he lived in Minnesota with my parents while I finished my rookie year. I know the feeling of not being able to resist a sweet little dog.”

At least he understood.

With a smile, you motioned for Bailey that he was allowed to run again, and within moments Coola was joining him, the two dogs playing in the surf.

“So, you live here then?”

You and Brock walked your dogs for nearly another hour, the two of you talking like you’d known each other all your lives, before Bailey flopped at your feet, a clear sign he was done and ready to leave.

“Looks like that’s my cue,” you said dryly, making Brock laugh.

“Definitely,” he teased, “but hey, maybe we could exchange numbers? I’d love to walk Coola with you and Bailey again, now that I know they’re friends.”

You hesitated slightly, unsure whether he actually meant that, but the earnestness in his eyes told you everything you needed to know.

“Sure, I’d like that. Bailey could use all the friends he could get,” you mused.

Brock just grinned.

“I don’t know, I have a feeling we’re going to be pretty good friends as well.”

~

Nearly five years on and you were (somehow) genuine friends with Brock. He’d been right, against all odds. There was just something about his straightforward friendship that made your life that little bit easier, knowing that you could rely on him to be a breath of fresh air, no drama. And you knew he appreciated your chilled approach to pretty much everything, never judging him, always his biggest supporter – both on the team and for him as a person. Brock Boeser was probably one of the best friends you’d ever had, and you cherished everything about him, like an older brother you didn’t realise you needed.

Brock had always insisted that you needed to be integrated into every part of his life, so you spent more time with his team than you ever thought you would (and hadn’t that been a starstruck moment, when you’d first attended a team gathering). He pretty much brought you to all gatherings, events, and anything to do with Coola (and now Milo), and while at first it had been overwhelming, you’d quickly adjusted when you realised just how ridiculous his teammates were.

So it wasn’t a surprise to Elias Pettersson when he walked into Brock’s house and saw you sitting on the sofa surrounded by dogs.

“Well this looks cosy.”

You grinned at his teasing words, waving him over. “It’s good to see you too, Elias.”

He shared a small private smile with you, lifting Milo’s legs to take a seat on the sofa next to you. The dog in question huffed out his displeasure but didn’t move, allowing Elias to settle in properly.

This guy, more than anyone else, was the teammate you enjoyed spending the most time with alongside Brock. Elias was definitely the most sane of all Brock’s Vancouver friends, and his dry sense of humour always had you in stitches. It was rare that he showed much of himself to anyone, as reserved as he was, but the more you’d gotten to know him over the years, the more you recognised the little signs of his reactions and collated them like hoarded treasure. And the more that Elias had gotten to know you, the more willing he seemed to be to share jokes and smiles and laughter with you, forging a friendship of your own.

And yes, sure, you couldn’t deny that you found him attractive – you’d be crazy or blind to think otherwise - but he’d never shown a hint of interest towards you in that way. And there was no way you’d ever say anything unless you were sure things were reciprocated (there was just no way), so you were more than happy to have him as a friend. Elias Pettersson was an unmistakeable joy in your life, and the last thing you wanted to do was ruin that.

He really was so handsome though.

“I’m surprised Brock isn’t buried under puppies like usual,” Elias said.

“We haven’t been long back from walking the dogs, so I said I’d get them settled while he showered and got ready to head out with you,” you explained, running your hand over your Bailey’s head.

“He does need to look pretty enough to leave the house, that’s true,” he mused.

You couldn’t help but laugh, the both of you knowing Brock needed no help in looking pretty, Elias just smiling widely.

It just goes to show how wrapped up you were in Elias’s attention that neither of you noticed Brock standing at the bottom of the stairs, eyes lighting up at your laughter and Elias’s smile.

~

It was early, far too early, but here you were fulfilling Bailey’s every need. You were wrapped up warm, puffer jacket, woollen hat, gloves, and scarf, walking your border collie through Hadden Park, allowing the travel mug of coffee to wake you up fully while you took in the views surrounding you. Bailey was in his element, trotting about and sniffing every single leaf and twig, and it was only your phone buzzing that broke you out of your silent contentment.

From: Brock Hey, are you walking Bailey?

To: Brock Yeah we’re at Hadden Park Wasn’t sure if you would be getting up early after your game last night so I didn’t text

From: Brock Hah yeah fair enough Do you mind if Petey comes along?

You tried not to fantasise about why Elias was so willing to join you both on a dog walk, so early on a day off. You tried so hard.

To: Brock Of course I don’t mind

From: Brock Of course?

You felt heat dancing across your cheeks. Damn it Brock.

To: Brock You know I think Petey is great.

From: Brock Well I definitely do now.

You groaned, already able to picture the smirk on your friend’s face.

To: Brock Don’t be dumb I’ll see you soon

The last thing you needed was Brock teasing you, especially in front of Elias. The last thing you wanted was Elias to feel uncomfortable around you, just because you find him attractive. The last thing you could bear would be if you lost your friendship with Elias just because Brock was reading into things that weren’t true.

But there was nothing you could do for damage control until Brock was in front of you. All you could hope was that he didn’t make you look like an idiot.

It couldn’t have been more than 20 minutes before you saw the familiar pair walking towards you, dogs at Brock’s side, and you found yourself smiling despite your trepidation. You gave them both hugs in greeting, travel mug long empty and placed in your bag, Bailey barking happily.

“What a beautiful morning,” Brock said happily.

“Cold but beautiful, sure,” you mused.

Elias nodded his agreement, thick scarf wrapped in loops around him, Brock just laughing.

“Petey, you don’t mind taking Coola while I walk Milo, do you?” Brock asked.

Elias narrowed his eyes, as if trying to read into Brock’s words, but Brock just kept smiling at him.

“Sure, I can walk Coola,” Elias eventually said.

“Great!”

The moment that Coola’s leash was in Elias’s hands, Coola darted forward, Elias crashing directly into your body. It was only through his quick reflexes that you didn’t end up on your ass, his hands clutching at your hips while you clung to his jacket.

“Coola! Chill!”

Brock’s giggled words did little to calm his dog down, all three dogs dancing around your feet as Elias steadied you. His face was impossibly close to yours, breath practically mingling. How had you not realised how blue his eyes were before this? His lips were parted slightly, as if he was still processing, but it was only when Bailey bumped into both of your legs that he abruptly let you go, and you dropped your hands too.

“Sorry, sorry,” he blurted, stepping away sharply.

“No apologies needed. It wasn’t your fault,” you said, shaking your head with a weak smile.

“Aww you can’t blame Coola for being excited,” Brock grinned, kneeling down to give fuss to both his dogs.

There was something in his smile that you just couldn’t put your finger on. Hm.

“Shall we walk then, if they’re so excited?” Elias said dryly.

All three dogs started barking at the word ‘walk’, making you laugh and nod, Brock just grinning even wider.

~

From: Brock Petey is taking the roadtrip losses really hard. Come over tomorrow?

~

You don’t know what it was that possessed you, but the moment you received those texts from Brock, you knew you had to do something. Elias was such a stoic guy, so reserved in his emotions, so the fact that it was obvious enough he was suffering that Brock asked for your help? There was no way you weren’t going to do everything in your power to ease any tensions they had, especially Elias.

There wasn’t much you could do, but you could do this.

When you arrived at Brock’s house the next morning, you were only mildly startled to see Elias opening the door instead of Brock, his eyes flashing in surprise before he smiled.

“Did Brock not say I was coming over?” you said hesitantly.

The last thing you wanted was to intrude.

“He said we were going for brunch, but this is a welcome surprise,” Elias said, smiling softly.

Oh. Now you felt stupid.

Wait, a welcome surprise?

“I don’t know what is making your face do that, but I’m not lying when I say it’s good to see you,” Elias said firmly.

“Alright, I believe you,” you mused.

Elias just grinned, walking over to the bottom of the staircase.

“SHE’S HERE!”

“GOOD! YOU’RE COMING FOR BRUNCH, RIGHT?”

You rolled your eyes fondly at Brock’s assumptions. It wasn’t like you had much else planned for today, but still!

“YEAH I’LL COME!”

Elias laughed at your matching volume, making you smile back at him, a light flush dusting across your cheeks. His laugh was magical and you weren’t going to shame yourself for liking it.

“Brock’s just finishing his hair and then he’ll be down. That’s what he said anyway,” Elias explained, sitting down on the arm of Brock’s sofa.

“He’s got an image to maintain, can’t be looking anything less than perfect,” you teased, the familiar joke making you smile.

Elias just snickered, shaking his head. You leaned up against the back of the sofa, standing close enough to Elias that the blue of his eyes was almost hypnotising, before you remembered why you came over in the first place.

“It feels a little silly now, but I heard from a little bird that you were taking things a little rough, so here’s a little something,” you said.

“Brock needs to keep his mouth shut,” he grumbled.

You just laughed, reaching into your bag to pull out the gift. But as you placed it in his hands, Elias froze.

“What’s this?” Elias said, eyes wide in shock.

You bit your bottom lip, before letting out a shaky breath. Here goes nothing.

“You were having a bad day. So I made you a hat,” you said simply, trying to keep your voice light and airy.

“You made me a hat? You knitted this?”

Elias stared down in wonder at the soft light blue woollen bundle in his hand, a look of pure astonishment on his face. It was only then that you realised how close it was to the colour of his eyes.

“Uh, yes, I did? I got back into knitting recently, so it’s nothing fancy, but I just wanted to make something to cheer you up?” you said, trying not to cringe at yourself.

“No-one’s ever done anything like this for me before.”

Your lips parted in surprise at his soft words.

“Really?”

“Really really,” Elias nodded.

“I’ve never had a hat made for me either.”

You flinched at the sound of Brock’s voice coming from behind you, Elias immediately scowling over your shoulder.

“Wouldn’t want to cover up your Prince Charming hair,” Elias grumbled, shoving the hat into the pocket of his hoodie.

You didn’t mention the dark blue hat you’d knitted for Brock that was tucked into your bag. Brock pouted as you snickered, slinking into the kitchen, leaving the two of you alone again.

“Look, I know it’s not really my place. And that we’re just friends because of Brock. But these losses were just a bad blip – you’re going to get over them in no time at all, and be back to destroying the other teams like you were born to,”

Elias smiled wryly. “It doesn’t feel like that right now. But thanks.”

You pursed your lips briefly before huffing out a breath. Telling him what you really thought was hardly the most embarrassing thing you’d ever done.

“You make me so proud. You know that, right?”

“What?” Elias frowned.

“You go out there, every single day, and give this team, this city, your all. Your pour yourself into everything that you do, always give 100%, and as your friend, as someone who has known you for years…I am so proud of you.”

As your cheeks heated from your words, Elias swallowed heavily, a flush dusting across his own cheeks.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve this, to deserve your kind words, but I appreciate it. Thank you,” he murmured.

Your heartbeat raced at the intensity in his eyes.

“Brunch? Can we go?”

Elias scowled again at Brock’s grinning interruption but walked away towards the front door. You were read to grumble at Brock yourself, until you saw Elias pull the knitted hat out of his pocket and slide it on over his hair. It looked…perfect.

“Are you good?” Brock asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I’m great.”

Your voice was far breathier than you would ever admit.

*

Another month, another team event. This time Brock had invited you to be his plus one to a formal gala, hardly the first time he had asked and yet this time he practically begged you to come along. You didn’t need him to beg, you could admit that much – the events were always fun and hey, you got to dress up nicely – but his behaviour was strange, even for him.

Either way, Brock had looked ecstatic when you said yes, even going as buying you a gorgeous midnight blue evening gown, sleeveless and high-necked, as classy as it was beautiful, so you were going to complain. He could have his secrets – you knew you’d get it out of him eventually.

He picked you up after you’d gotten your hair and nails done, make-up subtle but elegant, wide smile on his face as he drove the two of you to the event. You didn’t have time to be suspicious about his good mood as the two of you greeted his teammates and their better halves, your attention consumed by all the cheek kisses and compliments, but you should’ve known he was up to something. Because the moment that the two of you joined Elias at a table with a few chairs around it, Brock all but disappeared, leaving the two of you completely alone.

“Hi Brock. Bye Brock,” Elias said dryly.

“I have no idea what’s gotten into him tonight, I am so sorry,” you sighed.

“Hey, no, don’t apologise for him. I’m sorry that he’s abandoned you already,” Elias said, frowning.

“Well at least I’m near a chair,” you said, huffing out a laugh, “High heels are not my friends.”

Elias immediately pulled a chair out for you to sit on, and you felt a gentle heat brush across your cheeks at the gentlemanly action.

“Thanks Elias,” you said, more shocked than anything.

Not too shocked to smile at him as he sat down right next to you, after picking up a couple of flutes of champagne from a passing waiter. If he wanted to join you…well, you weren’t going to complain. Not if you got his attention all to yourself.

It can’t have been more than an hour before Brock wandered back over, but by the flush on his cheeks and the glassiness of his eyes, he was more than a little tipsy. Damn it Brock.

“You’re not going to ask this beautiful woman to dance, Petey?”

Elias immediately blushed furiously, eyes narrowing at his friend, making you want to die a little inside – but also to shield him.

“Oh no, these heels are killing my feet already. Elias is just being kind enough to keep me company,” you said sweetly.

Brock snickered, shaking his head, but walked away without any further pestering. You both sat there for a moment in silence, reeling from the short conversation. What the hell was that, Brock?

“You didn’t have to make up a lie to defend me,” Elias said, finally looking at you again.

“I wanted to.”

The mortification that filled your body upon your blurted words was immediate and all-consuming, especially with how surprised Elias looked. How could you save this? How the hell could you save this?

“Besides it’s the least I could do for Brock dumping me on you in the first place,” you said coolly, shrugging, trying to calm yourself down and failing miserably.

Elias hesitated before something flashed across his face, and he looked at you with an expression you’d never seen from him before. It made you shiver. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

Oh.

Oh.

He…really?

You’d spent so long convinced that he didn’t see you that way, that he wasn’t attracted to you in the slightest, and now that he’d said this? Giving you enough to let yourself hope, to admit to yourself that your sweetest daydreams and deepest fantasies could actually be reality?

While your mind raced, full of swirling realisations that perhaps things weren’t so unrequited after all, Elias just watched you, expression just as intense as before. It wasn’t until you let out a shaky breath, smiling a tiny smile at him, that he nodded, clearing his throat.

“Another drink?”

“Yes, definitely.”

*

Movie nights were sacred. It didn’t matter who they were with, not really, but now that you had your own tiny apartment, a night in watching your favourite movies and eating your favourite snacks was always the best way to unwind. Usually Brock was your only companion, or Brock with a few of his teammates, and that was the plan tonight. Brock and Elias were both joining you for a movie night and you couldn’t wait to have a chilled night in with two of your favourite people. Even if your whole world had been shaken up only last week at that eventful team gala.

The pizzas you’d ordered hadn’t long arrived before Elias arrived at your door, beers in hand, and you let him in with a happy smile.

“Thanks for inviting me,” he said, smiling shyly back at you.

Your breath caught in your throat at the sweetness in his face, and you found yourself just nodding.

“You know you’re always welcome. Come on, pizza just got here too.”

Elias all but raced you to the kitchen, making you laugh as he opened the cardboard lids. But your phone buzzed before you could reach for a slice.

From: Brock I can’t make it tonight. Have fun. Both of you.

You heart started racing at his implications, knowing deep in your bones that Brock never intended to come this evening. Had he known all along, how you felt about Elias? And how you hoped Elias felt for you too?

Surely not.

But then again, Brock always surprised you. You had always tried not to underestimate your friend, but it appeared that you’d fallen for that sweet innocent smile just the same as everyone else.

“Is Brock on his way?”

“Brock isn’t coming.”

“Oh.”

Elias seemed to hesitate, making you inhale sharply.

“Did you want to reschedule?” he asked, wincing.

You could be brave, right? Or at least take a step towards bravery?

“You’re already here…so we can still have our own movie night?” you suggested, unable to stop yourself from chewing your bottom lip.

Elias’s eyes flickered down quickly towards your mouth, before he cleared his throat and smiled softly at you. “Yeah, of course we can. Also means we don’t have to listen to Brock whining that we aren’t watching one of his rom com choices.”

The dryness of his tone made you giggle, immediately cutting through the lingering awkward tension. You could absolutely do a movie night just with Elias. You could absolutely handle being alone with him like this.

Absolutely.

The two of you ploughed through the pizzas while you watched one of you go-to action movies, laughing and talking all the way through, even finishing the popcorn and a couple of beers each by the time the credits were rolling. Bailey had happily sat by your feet the whole time, actually behaving himself for once, and you couldn’t remember a time when you’d felt so content. So relaxed and happy. Brock had always brought that out in you, and now that Elias had too? It just filled you with butterflies in the best way.

“Shall we watch another?”

“Definitely,” you nodded, smiling up at him.

Elias smiled easily back. “You choose? I’ll clear up.”

Before you could protest or even help him, Elias had picked up both pizza boxes and all the empty beer bottles, leaving you alone on the sofa. You heard him opening the trash can, snapping you out of your surprise, so you started scrolling through Netflix again, eventually deciding on a light-hearted comedy just as Elias re-entered the room. Bailey had trotted out to his own bed when Elias left, so it really was just the two of you now.

Something that made your breath hitch in your throat was the way that Elias sat down closer to you this time. Unmistakably closer, close enough to feel the heat from his body and to smell his cologne. He did that on purpose, there was no doubt about it. But his face gave you no answers, nothing more than his usual smile around you, so you let it go. Overthinking things was definitely not the way to go, you knew that much.

It didn’t make your heartrate calm down at all though.

You pressed play to get the movie started, lightly tossing the tv remote onto your coffee table before settling back into the sofa, letting the familiar introduction wash over you.

It took ten minutes for everything to change.

Elias wasn’t a big hugger. You knew this. Brock knew this. The whole of the Vancouver Canucks knew this. So when you felt a pressure along your shoulders, you tried not to flinch, realising it was his arm stretching across the back of the sofa when his hand lightly brushed your opposite shoulder. Elias…Elias had put his arm around you. He’d put his arm around you? You glanced up at him, trying to get any sense of his thought process, but his eyes were resolutely glued to the television, his body a frozen line of tension. All over again, your heart started racing. You were right after all. Maybe…maybe Elias really did have feelings for you, just as he’d finally hinted at the team event, and now he was making a gentle move in the most Petey way ever.

The ball was in your court.

Ever so slowly, you relaxed against under his arm, sinking into his side, head resting on his chest. You could hear just how fast his own heart was racing and it made you smile, feeling giddy that he was just as affected as you were, even more so when his arm draped around you properly. This was really happening. Elias Pettersson had really instigated snuggling with you on the sofa. This was better than any dream you could’ve imagined.

The next thing you knew, you were blinking your eyes open. The sky outside was pitch black, the curtains still wide open, and the Netflix landing page was glaring bright. But the main thing you noticed? You were curled up against Elias’s side still, head resting on his chest, his arm having fallen down to your waist and his head lolling back on the sofa. You’d fallen asleep together? Was there anything more cliché than that? Still, it felt like your heart was going to beat out of your chest with how right it felt to be in Elias’s hold. His hands were so large and so warm, the heat spreading through the contact on top of your sweatpants. His chest was so solid and calming under your cheek. And as you lifted your head, ever to slightly to look at him properly, even just through the light from the TV he looked so handsome. Beautiful and peaceful. But there was no way that could be comfortable for him, and the last thing you wanted was for an aching neck to put a damper on what was the perfect evening.

So you lightly rested your hand on his chest, shaking him gently until you heard him grunt in displeasure.

“Hey, Elias, we fell asleep on the sofa,” you murmured.

He immediately groaned, making you laugh softly, smiling at him as he finally lifted his head.

“I was having such a good dream,” he grumbled.

Then he seemed to freeze as he realised where he actually was, taking note of how you were still tucked into his side, and where his arm and hand were holding you.

“Damn it, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“Hey, no, we both fell asleep eh?” you said, interrupting with a smile and a shake of your head, “It’s fine, Elias. We were both cosy.”

He swallowed heavily before nodding.

“I don’t think I’ve ever fallen asleep on the sofa with someone before,” he mumbled, “It was…nice.”

You felt your cheeks heating up with the gentle compliment, your smile letting him know you felt the same.

“I should go,” he said softly.

No!

Well, now was your moment. Now was the time to be brave where you’d never needed to be so brave before. After everything that had been building between the two of you…now was the moment.

“Or, maybe you could stay, and we could talk in the morning,” you offered as calmly as you could.

You felt Elias inhale sharply where your hand was still resting on his chest.

“The kind of talk that I’ve been wanting to have for a while?” he asked, hope evident in his eyes.

Oh wow.

For a while?

You felt like you were floating as his words sunk in.

“Yeah I think we’re on the same page,” you murmured, your blood thrumming with possibility.

The smile that spread across Elias’s face made your heart soar, and you found yourself smiling just as widely back. And when he leant forward to press a soft kiss to your forehead, you’d never felt more alive.

You could only imagine Brock’s satisfied grin when you told him.

[muffinpink02]

Bronze Is Better Then Gold Part 3

part 2 here

Warning - gun violence, some sexual harassment language

“Where would you like to go?” Lucy looked over at Ona.

“It’s your birthday, we can go wherever you like.”

Lucy sat back in her seat thinking. “There’s a restaurant not far from here that I’ve wanted to go, it’s Spanish Tapas.”

“Perfect, I love it already.” Ona smiled.

“Okay, but only if you’re sure. I don’t mind if you don’t want to.”

Ona rolled her eyes. “What? Come on. Don’t be stupid. Of course I want to go. It’s your birthday, we have to celebrate.” Ona said it like it was the most obvious thing to do.

Lucy nodded her head and smiled. She put her keys in the ignition and drove them to the restaurant.

The girls were seated in a booth, Spanish music played throughout. Ona started to dance as she looked around the restaurant “I like it here.” She smiled as she wiggled in her seat.

Lucy couldn’t help but smile, she loved how free Ona was, she seemed to always be happy, never taking herself too seriously.

They ordered their food, sharing a jug of sangria. Lucy only having two glasses as she was driving.

“Your mum is sweet.” Ona smiled at Lucy.

The older brunette nodded, smiling. “Yeah she is. Sorry I know she can be a lot. She doesn’t know when to be quiet sometimes.”

It was clearly obvious what Lucy’s mum had said, Ona heard her. Lucy heard her. And it sounded like Lucy had been talking about the Spaniard quite a bit to her mum. The younger girl wanted to tease Lucy, or maybe even question her on it, but she had seen in the car just how embarrassed she had gotten. Even now she was trying to avoid her eyes, clearly not wanting to talk about it.

But, did Ona feel completely giddy at the thought of Lucy talking about her to her mum? Yes!

In all honesty Ona wouldn’t even know how to go about that kind of conversation. Their flirting was something the younger girl wondered about constantly. She wondered if it was just Lucy’s personality, maybe she was just a flirt? Maybe it wasn’t anything serious and Ona was just fantasising it all?

But Ona had seen the way Lucy looked at her, how she acted around her. She had heard the small teasing from the girls in the office. But if Lucy wasn’t going to say anything neither was Ona. Yeah, she was brave enough to take down criminals and drug lords, but to ask Lucy if she had any feelings towards her? No. That’s something she couldn’t do and clearly neither could Lucy.

She also didn’t want to ruin the friendship, she really got on with Lucy, she didn’t want it ever be weird between them just because she opened her mouth about how she felt. She had noticed Lucy wasn’t great with her feelings, she was a lot more reserved than Ona. Lucy was also kind of her superior, well kind of. They had the same title but Lucy had a lot more experience and years under her belt.

Ona scooped up some food bringing it to her lips. “Mums are just that way.” Ona chuckled lightly.

Lucy rolled her eyes. “Yeah.”

“So when did you learn Spanish?” Ona asked, deciding on changing the subject.

“I lived in Barcelona for a year when I was 22, so I taught myself Spanish.”

Ona raised her eyebrows and smiled. “That’s impressive, most brits don’t want to learn the language.”

“Well, I’m half Portuguese. So I picked it up a bit easier.”

“Ahh, I see. What did you think of Barcelona?”

Lucy sat back. “Beautiful. Such an amazing city. I loved the people, they’re so calm. Going to the beach everyday didn’t hurt.”

Ona smiled. “What made you move there?”

“I went travelling, Barcelona was fifth on my list but I ended up staying for a girl.” She took a sip of her drink.

“Ohh she’s a romantic.” Ona wiggled her eyebrows.

Lucy chuckled. “I wouldn’t say that, but I try.” She shrugged her shoulders, playfully smiling at Ona.

“Do you have any siblings?” Ona asked.

“Yeah, I have an older brother and a younger sister. My brothers got a little girl, Rudy. She’s crazy.” Lucy smiled to herself.

“Oh you’re the middle child? That explains a lot.” The younger girl laughed at her own joke.

Lucy laughed. “It’s not our fault we get left behind and have to fend for ourselves.” Lucy chuckled. “Do you have any siblings?” Lucy asked.

“I have an older brother. He speaks to me sometimes but not so much, I think my mum and dad don’t like him talking to me.”

“I’m sorry, Ona.”

“I’m used to it now. I have some good friends, some from Barcelona that live in London. So it’s not so bad. I also have new friends.” She lifted her glass towards Lucy, taking a sip.

Both girls couldn’t help but feel like they was on a date of such. Yes, it was for Lucy’s birthday, it was spontaneous (only because of her mum) but it was just them, them and that invisible rope pulling them closer. It felt like another boundary of their relationship had been pushed, from the car trips, the late night texting, the constant flirting. Another layer had been added to the mix, and neither girl knew what to do with it.

The evening was relaxed and chilled, both girls finding out more about the other. Ona even said the food reminded her of a restaurant back home. They spent hours just talking, their food was long gone, other tables had long left. It was only until the staff started to make a point of clearing the tables around them that they decided to leave.

“Looks like they want us gone.” Lucy laughed.

Ona huffed, not wanting to leave. “Yeah, I guess.”

“Let me just get the bill.” Lucy looked for a waiter.

“I’ve paid. It’s your birthday. You don’t pay.”

“What? Ona no. God you’re sneaky. When did you do that?”

“When I went to the bathroom.” Ona started to get up, clearly not caring about the older brunettes protests.

“Thank you. You really shouldn’t have.” Lucy smiled shyly.

“It’s no problem.” Ona smiled back.

Lucy couldn’t help but feel a sense of pure happiness but also a weird feeling of sadness. She was starting to get big feelings for the small girl next to her. In the space of a month Ona had made her remember what it was like to be happy, she was like a breath of fresh air, something Lucy needed. Their constant flirting was hard to read but it was so natural, she was just worried, worried it might not be as mutual as she wanted.

She pulled up outside Ona’s building, in her usual spot.

The words were on the tip of her tongue, Ona had played them back in her head countless times. ‘Do you want to come up?’ It was six easy words, but she couldn’t form them. You didn’t have to be a genius to realise Lucy and Ona liked each other but for some reason they were the thickos that didn’t see it. If you were in there company for more then five minutes it was obvious.

Both of the girls wanted the same thing, but know one had the guts to take it that step further. Ona wanted to be brave but she was unsure. As much as she thought Lucy liked her, she still had some doubt.

“So, I’ll see you tomorrow?” She winced at her own words.

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it, haven’t done anything for my birthday in a while. Should be fun.” Lucy smiled at the younger girl.

“So am I. Will be nice to go out and have a night out, I’m glad I get to celebrate your birthday with you. This was nice.”

Lucy smiled softly at the brunette. Her beautiful brown eyes looking back at her. It was like she could feel Ona wanted to say something.

“Yeah, it was. Thank you again.”

Once again both the girls wanted to just lean in and kiss the other, wanting so badly to feel her lips.

Ona slid out the passenger side. Lucy didn’t leave until she saw the front door close behind her. Her shoulders slumped as she sighed.

————-

Lucy took one last look at herself in the mirror before she headed out. She had decided to go for a simple look but still enough to look like she actually tried to make an effort.

She had on brown cargo trousers and a cropped white vest, showing off her abs of course. She wore a pair of brown and white trainers, finishing her hair off in a neat bun.

👮🚓👮 group chat

Demi - be there in 5

Jill - me and Mary are at the table

Lauren H - on way will see you in a bit

Lucy was running a little late, but only by ten minutes or so, it was her birthday she could be late if she wanted.

Her Uber pulled up outside, she took one last look at herself and made her to her ride.

From the group chat it seemed everyone was there.

She thanked the driver and made her way inside, she could hear the girls before she could see them. She went upstairs to a sea of faces, everyone had turned up, but there was one face that stuck out the most.

Ona. And she looked good. 

She had her hair down, falling over her shoulders. Lucy had never seen it down before, she had worn it in a bun since the day she started. Her hair had caramel waves blended with her her dark hair, it made her face even brighter.

The Spaniard wore loose jeans, with and oversized pink shirt, wearing a black lace vest underneath, slightly revealing her chest. Lucy couldn’t keep her eyes off the girl. She tried to make a bee line for Ona, but before she could she felt an arm around her shoulder.

“There she is!” Millie’s voice boomed in Lucy’s ear. She put a shot glass under Lucy’s nose, the smell of liquorish hitting her nostrils.

“Come on, drink it. Don’t make me force you.”

Lucy laughed, she took the glass and swallowed the bitter substance, Wincing slightly from the burn trickling down her throat. Millie whooped, patting her on the back.

“Thats it. They’ll be more of that later.” The blonde walked off, pushing another shot glass under Lauren J’s nose.

The brunette laughed at her friend’s antics, shaking her head. She turned to look back at her destination, finding a pair of eyes on her. Ona was smiling brightly at her, she felt her eyes moving up and down her body, stopping on her stomach, clearly enjoying the view.

She walked to the table where Ona, Jordan and Demi sat. Demi caught where Ona’s eyes had landed.

“About time. We thought you’d never make it!” Demi said.

“You can’t be on time to your own party Demi, come on.” Lucy smirked.

“Come on then, what you drinking?” Jordan stood up grabbing Lucy behind her neck.

“Rum and coke please.”

“Have they been nice to you Ona? You can tell me, I’ll have them filing reports all week.”

“Oi, we’re always nice!” Demi shouted before she was being dragged by Jordan to help with drinks.

“You look nice.” Ona smiled shyly at Lucy.

Lucy felt her cheeks blush. “Thank you, so do you.”

—————

Once everyone had gotten a few drinks down them, they headed over to the karaoke bar. Of course Millie and Rachel went first, singing their hearts out to Tina Turner - Proud Mary.

Everyone whooped and clapped as they walked off the stage.

“Right come on birthday girl, it’s your turn.” Millie handed the mic over to Lucy.

“What? No, I’m even not even close to drunk enough.”

“Don’t be daft. Here take it.” Millie pushed the mic into Lucy’s hand.

Demi and Jordan laughed at Lucy’s face, clearly not happy.

“Come on sour puss.” Jordan laughed.

“Ona will do it with you! You can do a duet. Come on!” Demi joined in then.

Lucy looked over at Ona, who was currently having her ear chewed off by Mary.

“Ona! Come. Lucy’s needs you.” Jordan shouted.

Lucy wanted to slap Jordan for phrasing her words like that but she couldn’t help the smile that appeared on her face when Ona nearly got whiplash with how quick she turned her head.

“Me? For what?” She smiled.

“I don’t think I can say that out loud.” Jordan whispered so only Lucy could hear. She got a slap to the head, and a Lucy death glare.

The shorter brunette walked over, her abs on full show now. Lucy couldn’t stop her eyes from gazing over her skin. The Spaniard caught her eyes, smirking knowingly.

“What is it you need?” Her accent was stronger now that she had a few drinks, a cheeky smile plastered her face.

“Lucy wants you to duet with her.” Jordan smiled from ear to ear.

“Fancy it?” Lucy raised her eyes brows.

“Sí. What are we singing?”

——-

“We can ride it together, ah-ah making love with each other, ah-ah.” Lucy and Ona sang the words together. 🎵

Neither girl could hold a note to save their life’s but they didn’t care, they couldn’t hold back the smiles as they sang. Ona could just about keep up, making up the words as she went, Lucy’s northern accent was thick, making the whole situation 10 times funnier. The group was cheering them on, whooping and clapping, Jordan of course was filming the whole thing.

The song ended, Ona grabbed Lucy’s hand in hers and bowed, both taking glances at the other, laughing at themselves. The group cheered and whistled.

More drinks were consumed, Lucy could feel it but she wasn’t completely drunk, just happy and a little more talkative. She was in the middle of Jill and Demi, arguing about something unimportant, her attention left the conversation a while ago. She had been watching the Spaniard, she was laughing at something Lauren H said. She couldn’t help but smile at hearing her laugh, her laugh was beautiful, it was so high compared to her normal lower voice. A voice Lucy couldn’t help but find herself thinking about constantly.

Ona seemed to be the life of the party, but Lucy wasn’t shocked at that. Ona was a people person, the girls gravitated towards her, she was warm and charismatic, fun and free. Things Lucy loved-liked….liked about her.

“What do you think, Lucy?”

Lucy was pulled from her thoughts. “What?”

Jill and Demi looked at where Lucy was looking, then back at each other.

“You’ve got it bad.” Jill laughed.

“At least you don’t have to watch them throughout the day. The flirting is relentless. It’s crazy how two people can be so obvious that they want each other and not do anything about it.” Demi scoffed.

Lucy scrunched up her face. “Shut up. We don’t flirt. She doesn’t even like me like that.”

Demi rolled her eyes. “Give over. You know she does.”

Yeah, sometimes Lucy maybe wondered if Ona liked her, but that then she would tell herself it was nothing serious. Yeah they did flirt, Ona definitely liked to flirt, and Lucy really enjoyed it, but maybe that’s all it was? Just a bit of office flirting. Lucy didn’t want to assume, and be completely embarrassed when Ona didn’t know what she was talking about, if for some crazy reason Lucy would ask.

They were also partners, she didn’t want to make it awkward. Ona was really good at her job, she had picked everything up quickly and even spotted things Lucy had missed on the case they were working on.

So no, Lucy would play dumb to it. Yeah Demi, Jordan and Jill knew she liked Ona but there was nothing else to it. She just fancied her. No one knew her real feelings towards Ona and that’s exactly how she wanted it to stay.

“Whatever, anyways our tables booked for 10. We better get going.” Lucy quickly changed the subject, downing the rest of her drink.

“Alright, I’ll stop teasing.” Demi nudged Lucy’s arm. Downing her own drink. She then loudly cleared her throat.

“Right guys! Drink your drinks, we’re heading to the Pink Lady. We’re leaving in 5 minutes!”

———————-

Lucy sat at the table drink in hand, she was speaking to Chloe about women’s football. Most of the girls were up dancing or at the bar ordering more drinks. To Lucy’s surprise she was actually having a good time, not that she didn’t think she would, but she wasn’t one to celebrate her birthday, she didn’t like anyone to fuss over her. But tonight had been nice, everyone came out to celebrate and it seemed like everyone was having a good time of their own.

She glanced over at the dance floor, she could see a couple of the girls dancing but her eyes were scanning for a certain someone.

Until she saw her with Jill, carrying over a tray of shots, Jordan following with two bottles of what looked like champagne.

“Who’s ready for Tequila!” Ona shouted.

Lucy and Chloe cheered.

“Come on then! Don’t even try to say no Lucy. You’re having a shot.” Jill stated.

“I wasn’t going to argue!” Lucy chuckled, picking up herself a shot.

“Good.” Jill and the rest of the girls licked the back of their hands, shaking a small bit of salt on their skin.

Before Lucy could say anything else Ona’s hands was on her neck, moving any strands of hair from her skin. She tried not to think to much of it, maybe she was more touchy when she had a drink in her, she knew the Spanish were touchy people. Until Ona’s face was suddenly close to Lucy’s.

“llest?” She husked out.

That’s when Lucy felt her tongue on her neck, slowly gliding up her skin.

Her eyes closed at the sensation of Ona’s tongue on her neck. Before her brain could make her mouth talk she felt the small grains of salt stick to her neck and suddenly Ona’s mouth was back on her skin. She glided her tongue quickly, pressing a small kiss at the end and then her lips were gone. She watched as Ona drank her shot, her face scrunched from the burning liquid, then the lime was in between her lips.

Lucy’s brain wasn’t waking up, she knew what just happened but she couldn’t believe that it did. Ona caught her eyes, smiling playfully at her.

“Fuck! That was hot Ona! I didn’t know we were doing it the sexy way.” Chloe laughed out loud.

“Is this not the right way? Don’t you do it this way? Me and my friends do it this way.” Panic set in on the Spaniards face.

“No, I mean you can, but by Lucy’s face I don’t think she knew.” Chloe really laughed then. She nudged Lucy’s shoulder.

“I don’t think she has any complaints.” Jill then laughed.

Lucy chuckled softly, she breathed out loud, looking over at Ona, who genuinely looked worried.

“Scott’s right, I have no complaints.” Lucy finally got her mouth working.

Ona felt her cheeks burn, she did it this way with her friends all the time. Of course she  didn’t glide her tongue as purposeful as she did with her friends, and yeah she never left a soft kiss at the end but still, that’s just what they did. She didn’t have time to be embarrassed though as Jordan spoke up.

“It’s only right if Lucy does it back to Ona, bad luck and all that.” She chimed in.

Lucy felt herself freeze up again. Ona wasn’t going to say ye-

“That’s fine with me.” Ona smiled confidently at Lucy, clearly her nerves had left her.

Lucy didn’t have time to think, Ona sat closer to her revealing her neck. It was probably the drink that pushed her but also the fact that there was no way she was going to turn this down.

She pushed the younger brunettes hair back from her neck, letting her fingers just barely touch her skin. She could see Ona breathing a little harder, she opened her mouth and glided her tongue slowly up Ona’s neck.  Onas eyes closed from the sensation of Lucy’s tongue on her, slightly making her head swoon. Lucy dropped a small amount of salt on the wet patch she left, but instead of licking she sucked gently on Ona’s neck, she heard Ona gasp from the touch. She even heard a wolf whistle behind her, more than likely Jordan.

Lucy let her tongue roam over her skin, loving the small whimper only she could hear, fall from Ona’s mouth. She pulled back and just like Ona she left a quick kiss on her skin.

Ona’s brain was in over drive, her mind felt cloudy, all she could think about was Lucy’s mouth. She had to restrain herself from grabbing Lucy’s face and showing her exactly what she wanted to do to her.

“That was hot!” Chloe shouted. “We have to get another round. If that’s how your friends party. I want party with them, Ona.” Everyone laughed and agreed.

Lucy sat back, proud of herself, she could see Ona was lost for words, she could see the lust in her eyes. She smiled smugly to herself. Maybe, just this once, she had to thank Jordan for opening her mouth.

“Let’s dance!” Demi shouted grabbing both Lucy’s and Ona’s hands. Ona looked over at Lucy a bashful smile appeared on the shorter girls face as they were dragged to the dance floor. The group danced together, they laughed as Jill did the robot, even Lauren H pulled out the worm. Though Lucy’s and Ona’s eye kept meeting, even when they wasn’t right next to each other they could feel each other. As the music kept going the girls kept dancing, the two brunettes finally finding themselves face to face.

The club had gotten busier now, there was less space to dance with more bodies on the dance floor. So when Lucy and Ona were only a couple of centimetres from each other there was no surprise. Lucy couldn’t keep her eyes off the shorter girl, her hips moved so easily with the music. She watched her tight stomach roll to the beat, her long hair flowing down her back. She had to make sure she wasn’t drooling. Ona smiled knowingly up at the girl, she could see the way Lucy was looking at her, she clearly couldn’t hide it now with the drink in her system.

Ona being the braver one of the two moved a little closer to her, she felt cheeky enough to throw her hand over Lucy’s shoulder. Lucy felt her stomach flutter, the alcohol in her system giving her the Dutch courage to pull Ona in by her waist. Her hand landing on her exposed soft skin that was on show, her fingers tickling against her back. She heard Ona make the smallest of gasps, as she was pulled, the older girl had to hold back her own groan.

Ona crept her hand up the back of Lucy’s neck, making sure her fingers were light but enough to give the girl visible chills. Lucy bit her lip from the touch, she had to bite her lip to keep her moan in. She quickly looked down at the floor, trying to ignore the way her body was reacting, but Ona had already noticed, her beautiful brown eyes twinkled with mischief.

Ona pulled Lucy down gently so she could talk to her, closer than she needed to, not that Lucy was complaining. “Why so shy?” She asked.

Lucy shock her head and chuckled. “I’m not shy. Was I shy earlier?”

Ona let out a deep chuckle. “No. You wasn’t.  I liked how you moved your tongue. Maybe we should do another round. But I don’t really need the tequila to do that.” Her lips grazed Lucy’s ear. The older girl closed her eyes and exhaled, trying to calm down the heat that ran through her body.

Ona lent in again. “Would you like that?” Her lips caught the side of Lucy’s mouth, dangerously close to her lips. Ona knew she was being extra flirty, she took the opportunity of the alcohol and the already heated moment they shared earlier to push Lucy. She wanted to see how brave Lucy could be. She wanted to see if all of the flirting was nothing, if maybe she put herself out there just a little more Lucy would reciprocate.

Lucy stared at the Spaniard, the strength it took her to not grab Ona by the hand, drag her the nearest bathroom stall and fuck her till she screamed her name over, and over again was unreal. Those brown eyes were full of lust, it reminded her of when she straddled her in training practice. Another time she wanted to tear the Spaniards clothes off. Her hand was still on her hip, she didn’t realise she was squeezing it until she felt Ona put her hand on hers, stepping impossibly closer. Her face was so close to hers she could feel her breath on her chin.

It wasn’t until the music changed from sexy and slow to fast pop, that Lucy took a step back, putting some space between them. She didn’t miss the way Ona’s face visibly dropped from her movement, her hands dropping from her side. She regretted it instantly when she saw the hurt in her eyes. The thing is she didn’t know what she was doing, her body moved without thinking, she wanted nothing more then to kiss Ona, she wanted to have their bodies pressed against each other. But she was also scared, nervous even. She just needed a to think, she needed air, she needed Ona, but she didn’t know how.

“Erm, I-I’m just going to get a drink, do you want one?” Lucy stumbled.

“No, I’m good thanks.” Ona’s smile never reached her eyes.

Lucy nodded, her lips sucked between her teeth, she grabbed Jordan on the way to the bar, needing her friend.

Jordan grabbed the back of her friend’s neck. Smiling playfully. “Saw someone getting cosy.”

“I fucked it, I got scared. I-I don’t know what do to Jords. I really like her. I just don’t know if it’s a good idea. I don’t want to get close to her then lose her. I couldn’t even look out for Soph-“

Joran stopped her before she could say anymore. “Don’t do that. You got to stop blaming yourself Luce. Please. We were all there. What happened to Sophie wasn’t your fault.”

Lucy looked at Jordan her hazel eyes bore into hers. She squeezed the back of her neck again.

“I haven’t seen you as happy as you are in a long time Lucy, and I think that’s because Ona has brought back that spark in you. Dont loose something because of ‘what if’. Because you’ll be asking that question for the rest of your life.”

Lucy nodded. “Yeah. I know you’re right, I just see Sophie in her Jords, she was free like her.” She smiled sadly.

“I know. I see it too. She was a good one. And so is Ona. I know Sophie would have already forced you into making a move with Ona.” Both girls laughed, Jordan stroked a tear from her eye.

“Yeah, she would have.” Lucy sniffled. “Thank you Jords. I’ll talk to her.”

“Good, now let’s get some drinks.”

“Hey, Jords!” Leah from HR was suddenly next to the girls, her arms open towards Jordan. “You made it!” Jordan happily hugged the blonde back.

“Yeah, sorry we’re a bit late.” Leah said.

A familiar Scottish accent was thrown in the mix. “Hey girls, hope you don’t mind. Leah dragged me along.” Jen waved at Lucy and Jordan. “Happy birthday, Lucy!”

“Ahh thanks, the more the merrier.” Lucy smiled.

“We have a table up over there, what do you want to drink?” Jordan asked.

Leah and Jen looked over at the table, spotting some of the girls from work, Jen spotted one individual in particular. “Ona’s here? Mate she is unreal!.”

Lucy felt her body stiffen up. Her smile dropping. Leah laughed. “Glad I ‘dragged’ you here now?”

Jen hadn’t taken her eyes off the petite brunette, she smiled. “So, so glad. Right, I’m going to put in some work.” She winked at the group. “Leah, can you get me a beer please.”   

“Yeah no worries, have fu- oh she’s gone.” Leah laughed. “I bet money she’ll be going home with her tonight. I’ve seen that girl charm the pants off of nun before.”

Lucy watched as the Scottish girl walked towards the table, she made a bee line straight for the Spaniard. She felt her stomach tighten up, an uncomfortable heat swept over her body, as jealousy pricked at her brain. She watched Jen talk to the younger girl, sitting down next to her, she couldn’t help but think Ona looked a bit too happy to see her.

Jordan eyed up her friend, watching as Jen spoke to Ona. She nudged Lucy as Leah paid for her drinks. “Oi, don’t be stupid. She likes you Luce.”

Lucy didn’t look at her friend, she bit the inside of her cheek. She didn’t want to watch the interaction but she couldn’t take her eyes off them. She had no actual right to be annoyed, her and Ona wasn’t together, they wasn’t seeing each other, but… it hurt.

“I’m fine. She’s not my girlfriend.” Lucy shrugged as she drank her beer. Clearly not fine.

As the night went on the group got drunker, everyone was having a good time, except Lucy. She wanted so badly to not let it affect her, but she couldn’t help it. Especially as Jen hadn’t left Ona’s side, she had chewed the girls ear off for half an hour now. Lucy watched as Ona laughed at something Jen said, she could see Jen was getting physically closer to the younger girl, making Lucy’s blood boil.

Jordan tried to distract her, tried to make her laugh, but it was no use, Lucy had gone down a rabbit hole. A hole of anger, sadness and jealousy, and she couldn’t stop herself. She liked Ona, a lot of course she didn’t want to see her being flirted with, and Leah’s words didn’t help.

Ona had lost the mood to dance after Lucy had left her on the dance floor, so she decided to take herself away, feeling a little stupid. She sat at the table scrolling through hers and Lucy’s texts for the 100th time, she wanted to see if she was reading the whole situation wrong. But she saw what she had always seen, flirty texts, ‘good morning’ texts. They even sent each other pictures of their dinners each evening. She was surprised to see Jen when she approached her at the table.

“Hey Ona. Nice to see you here. You’re looking nice.” Jen smiled at the younger girl, her eyes roaming over her body.

Ona liked Jen, as a friend. Dont get her wrong, she was definitely her type but she but she wasn’t the brunette she was after.

“Hey Jen, it’s nice to see you. Ahh thank you, I try when I have to. You look nice also.”

“We both know you don’t have to ‘try’ to look good Ona.” Jen smiled playfully. She sat down next to her. “Why you not dancing?”

Ona ignored the compliment with a polite smile. She knew Jen liked her, she made it very obvious, she flirted with her any chance she could, again, not that Ona hated it, she just had her eyes for another.

“Ohh I just got a little tired.” Ona said.

“I can keep ya company then.” Jen smiled from ear to ear.

The Scott shamelessly flirted with the Spaniard, Ona even found her self blushing at certain points, she had to admit Jen was charismatic, and very attractive. She nearly made her stop thinking about the weird and embarrassing interaction she had with Lucy. Nearly.

Ona was confused, Lucy gave her all the signs of liking someone, they flirted constantly, they did things some couples don’t even do. They had a close relationship, and it was more close than just friends. Was she going about this the wrong way? Maybe Lucy was scared? Or was Ona just delusional? It even made her wonder if Jen liked her or she was just being delusional on that too.

Even though Jen was flirting till the cows came home, she had really good chat. She actually had a lot in common with the girl and the conversation was nice, though she couldn’t stop thinking about Lucy. She hadn’t actually seen her for a while, she thought she must be on the dance floor with the girls, where she wanted to be. Maybe she needed to be straight up with Lucy, just ask her, ask her what’s this is, tell her she likes her. Tell her she’s the first and last thing she thinks about everyday, when she wakes up and goes to sleep. Tell her how much she wants to be with her, emotionally and physically.

Fuck it.

Thankfully some of the girls came over, making Jen say hello to them. Giving Ona a chance to leave without being too rude. Ona stood up. “I’m going to the bathroom, then to dance. I’ll see you around.” She smiled at Jen.

“Yeah, no worries, I’ll see you in a bit.” Jen smiled at Ona but not without glazing her eyes at her tight stomach. Even Ona had to admit her cheeks flushed pink at the look. Though her skin still burned from Lucy’s mouth on her neck, she could still feel her talented tongue on her skin, making Ona’s knees buckle.

She smiled and made her way to the toilets hoping to find Lucy. She wasn’t sure if it was the drink in her system or Jen flirting with her, that kicked the fire inside her, but she was glad it was burning.

She swung the the toilets doors open, but they were empty, she even called out for Lucy, but no one called back. She didn’t see her in the crowd or on the dance floor. She made her way to the bar, but still no sign, she worried that she might have left. She decided to go to the spot where she saw most of the girls dancing. She spotted Demi, who also spotted her, she pulled her in to the group.

“Ona!” Demi shouted excitedly.

“Demi! Have you seen Lucy? She shouted.

Demi nodded. “She’s looking for you, but she said she’d come back, wait here for her!”

Ona felt her stomach dip, Lucy was looking  for her? She wondered why. Maybe to apologise and tell her she likes her? Or maybe to tell her she had made things weird and that she’s going to get a new partner at work. She hoped it was the first one.

“Okay.” She nodded and smiled at Demi. Demi grabbed her hands and twirled the petite girl into the middle of the group. The girls cheered and whooped once they saw Ona. She laughed and danced with her friends, trying to forget the weird feeling in her stomach.

Like Ona, Lucy had been looking for the shorter brunette. One minute she was watching her with Jen, the next she was gone. Something has stirred inside her, seeing her with Jen gave her a kick up the arse. She wanted to talk to Ona, she needed to tell her how she felt, tell her why she was so hesitant, explain why she pulls away. Frustratingly she had been 10 steps behind Ona when she was looking for her.

After no luck finding the girl, she made her way to the bar to grab a drink. When she got her drink she looked over the short balcony, down on the dance floor. She looked over the sea of people dancing and having fun. And that’s when finally spotted the Spaniard in the middle of their group, she couldn’t stop the smile that took over her face as she watched the younger girl dance. She began to make her to way to her. Ready to talk.

Ona was lost in the music, she swayed her hips, her eyes closed, letting her body do what it did best. She was already drunk at this point, like everyone else around her. She was a natural when it came to moving her body, her hips looked as if they had no bones, she was able to move them like a snake, moving her waist to her own accord.

Thats when she felt the strong familiar body behind her, she could feel the soft touch of breast so she knew it was a woman. She could smell that familiar perfume that Lucy always wore. She felt the butterflies in her stomach flutter, maybe Lucy was feeling braver. She smiled as she backed her hips into the woman, feeling her strong firm body against her own. Strong hands roamed up her body, short nails gently scratched at Ona’s exposed skin. Making the shorter girl gasp at the touch.

Ona was still wrapped up in her drunk ignorant bliss she didn’t want to say anything, she didn’t want to frighten Lucy again, incase she pulled away, incase it got too real. She laced her fingers into the hands on her body bringing them to her hips, letting the girl guide her backwards into her core. Her eyes were still closed, as she felt lips come close to her ear.

“Aye, I knew you was playing hard to get.”

Ona froze, her eyes opening wide. She turned to see Jen looking down at her, a very pleased smirk on her face.

Lucy had to push past the crowd to get to the group of girls, she felt excited to get to Ona, finally feeling brave enough to tell her how she felt. Tell Ona what the she means to her. Even if they hadn’t known each other very long, she was feeling things for her. She had since the day she set eyes on her beautiful face.

But that all came crashing down when she saw Ona dancing with Jen.

She watched as Jen ran her hands all over the petite brunettes body. The feeling that took over Lucy’s body was cold, it felt like her blood had just turned to ice. It made Lucy feel physically sick, the anger that followed was overwhelming. Lucy had gone through many hard times in her life, felt many different emotions of hurt and pain, but this one felt personal, this one hurt in the bottom of her gut, as if Ona put a knife through her heart.

She couldn’t stand there and watch anymore, she disappeared into the crowd.

Ona moved away instantly putting as much space between herself and Jen as she could. “Jen? W-what? I thought y-you was Lu-,”

“What’s wrong hen? Don’t act shy now.” Jen didn’t mean to read the situation wrong, but she pulled Ona against her front, bringing her closer to her face.

“No. I’m sorry. I-I didn’t know…I thought you was someone else.” She forced a laugh, not wanting to make the situation too serious.

Jen looked a little stung but she didn’t take it to heart. “No worries. I’m sorry, I didn’t meant to make you uncomfortable.”

“You didn’t. Sorry. I just didn’t think.”

Jen nodded, she smiled sheepishly at the younger girl. Leaving her with the rest of her friends.

Ona pushed her hair back out of her face, she let out a puff of air. She looked around the room, hoping to see Lucy. But little did she know Lucy had seen her.

The older brunette was in an Uber home, she didn’t say a word to anyone, she was lost in anger, anger for Jen, anger for Ona, well, it was more hurt. Not that she had the right to feel anything against the girl. She wasn’t her girlfriend, she wasn’t seeing her, she had never made it apparent to Ona that she wanted nothing more than the flirting. Ona had literally tried to give her an olive brunch but she didn’t take it. She was simply too late, and that was her own fault.

👮 🚓 👮 Group chat

Lucy - hey girls, sorry had to leave was feeling really sick, home now, thanks for a good night

The brunette didn’t look at her phone again after that. She took a long hot shower, letting herself get lost in her own misery. She was shocked to feel hot tears roll down her face, but she would blame it on the alcohol. She took herself to bed, wishing she’d never gone out tonight.

——————-

When Ona read Lucy’s message she was confused, Lucy didn’t seem sick when she was with her. She was fine until… until Ona put a move on her. Was it her fault? She couldn’t help but think she left because of her, maybe she made her uncomfortable? She texted the brunette straight away but got no reply.

01.02am Ona - hey, are you okay? Call me xx

The next day she still had no reply, but she tried again.

9.18am  Ona - good morning, I hope you’re feeling better. If you need me to get you anything I can xx

But as Lucy was radio silent Ona became worried thinking the worst.

12.46pm - Ona 1 Missed call

13.08pm Lucy - sorry, not been on my phone, feeling better, thanks, will see you Tuesday x

Ona stared at her phone, that dreaded sinking feeling washed over her, she felt her eyes prickle with the heat of her emotions racing through her. The thoughts had swirled around in her head all weekend, she had a weird nervous feeling. She had ruined it.

Tuesday morning rolled around, and Ona nearly called in sick, she didn’t want to face Lucy. She debated to text the older brunette to not worry about picking her up, that she was running late, but she didn’t want to make it weirder than it was. So she waited like she normally did for Lucy, sitting on the wall outside her flat, she worried Lucy might not have come, until she spotted her car pulling up. She had brought them both a coffee, like she did every start and end of the week.

Ona exhaled a deep breath as she got in Lucy’s car. “Good morning. Here’s your coffee.”

“Thank you.” Lucy smiled, though it wasn’t her normal smile, Ona could see that straight away. Come to think of it, her eyes looked red and sore. Had she been crying? Or maybe it was where she was unwell.

“Are you okay Lucy? You see-“ Lucy cut her off.

“I’m fine. Just tired. Did you have a good time the other night?” Lucy kept her face forward.

Ona felt the coldness from her straight away, it made her body ridged. She looked at the older girl, she could feel something was off but she didn’t want to push Lucy, she clearly didn’t want to talk. “Yeah, it was good. But you were missed.”

A soft, but sad smile appeared on Lucy’s lips. “Yeah, wasn’t great timing.”

Ona nodded, they sat mostly in silence as Lucy drove them to work. Ona encouraged the odd conversation but the older brunette didn’t give her much. By lunch even Jordan and Demi noticed the difference in the brunette. They gave the younger brunette questioning looks, but she shrugged, not knowing what to do.

By 4pm Jordan had enough, she watched Lucy go to the kitchen and followed her in. “Oi, what’s going on? What’s wrong?”

Lucy was putting the kettle on. “Nothing. Why?”

Jordan rolled her eyes. “Come off it. There’s clearly something wrong. Is it with you and Ona?”

Lucy’s shoulders dropped. “I saw her dancing with Jen the other night.”

Jordan looked at her friend. “That’s why you left? You wasn’t sick?”

Lucy shook her head. “No. I just lost it Jordan. Jen was all over her, and I know I don’t have any reason to be annoyed. B-but I just…ergh I don’t know.”

Jordan gently grabbed Lucy by the back of her neck. “I’m sorry Luce. But I don’t think it would have been anything serious though. She clearly likes you. She might have just been a bit drunk. You know, the Spanish are very free spirited. It might not mean anything to her.”

The kettle came to a boil. Lucy let out a long sigh, she pinched her nose in frustration.

“Yeah, I’m overreacting, I know, but it did hurt to see it. I don’t know how to be with her. I’m trying to be normal but I can’t.”

Jordan nodded, listening to her.

“I guess I’m just hurt. It’s my own fault. I shouldn’t have let her get so close to me.”

Jordan rolled her eyes. “No. Don’t be stupid. I told you don’t do this. Talk to the girl Lucy. You can’t just go cold turkey on her for no reason. It’s not fair.”

Lucy stared at the mug, she knew Jordan was right, but she also wanted to protect herself. I mean it’s natural. If you like someone and they don’t like you, you have to pull away. Right?

Lucy knew she would have to put a stop to the flirting, the constant texts every evening, the lunch outings. Stop thinking about what it would be like to kiss Ona’s soft looking lips. Stop wondering what it would be like to hold her in the morning while they made each other come again and again, Ona screaming her name.

Yeah, she had to stop. She had to for her own sake. She didn’t want to fall any harder for someone that she had no chance with, Ona clearly didn’t feel the same. Like Jordan said, the Spanish are open people, she probably doesn’t see anything other than just being friends with Lucy. And the realisation hurt.

“Yeah.” The brunette huffed out, she grabbed a second mug and started to make herself and Ona a tea. A ‘sorry’ tea if you will.

“God, you are hard headed. Talk to the girl. Also make me a cup.” Jordan said it as she patted Lucy on the back. The brunette shook her head at her best friend, the smallest of smiles touching her lips.

——————-

After her chat with Jordan, Lucy tried to be normal with Ona, but it was a lot harder than she thought it would be. She was fighting between so many feelings towards the girl. She still liked her, but when she felt those emotions she tried to squash any kind of feelings down, no matter how hard it was. She could tell the younger girl was trying her best to not let it affect her and tried to not make it awkward, but Lucy was as stubborn as they came. She wanted to be with her but sometimes she couldn’t even look at her. It was hard to process her feelings, she didn’t know how to handle herself.

The next month was awful for Ona, Lucy had been completely off with her, she hardly spoke to her, and when she did it was mostly about the case or something to do with work. Ona tried to text Lucy like they normally would but the older brunette hardly replied, and if she did it was a day late or a reply that you couldn’t really respond to. So the texts stopped. Things just wasn’t the same for Lucy and Ona, they slipped into an awkward situation. The older brunette constantly turned down Ona’s lunch invites, she spent most of her lunches at the gym or alone. It got to the point where Ona stopped going to and from work with Lucy, riding the bus instead. That hurt Lucy but she knew it was for the best.

Ona had asked if she was okay, she asked if she had did something to upset her, but Lucy would repeat herself and say nothing was wrong. It was more than frustrating for Ona, Lucy clearly had a problem with her and she didn’t know why.

The second week after the ‘dancing incident’ Ona had been tossing and turning in her sleep, she needed to know if she had made Lucy feel uncomfortable that night. It was when Lucy dropped her off one evening that she plucked the courage to say something.

“Lucy, I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.” Ona said it with tears threatening to spill over. Lucy looked over at the younger girl confused.

“I really am sorry if I said the wrong thing or touched you in a way you didn’t like. I would never want to make you feel uncomfortable, it’s the absolute last thing I would want. So I am really sorry. I know you’ve been off with me and if this is the reason I sincerely apologies. I will no longer be like this with you, the flirty things I do, I will stop. I’m really sorry.”

Lucy was lost, she didn’t know what the Spaniard was talking about, what did she do to make her uncomfortable? Her heart broke seeing Ona like this, she felt bad, she knew she was being off with the girl, but it was what she needed to do.

“I’m a little lost.” Lucy confessed.

Ona looked at her hard, like she normally did, she searched the girls face. Her voice was shakey. “When we were dancing. I said some inappropriate things to you. I regret it, I shouldn’t have. And I’m sorry.”

It hit Lucy then, Ona thought she was upset because of that, because of how she reacted after their dancing.

“Oh, no that’s not- You didn’t make me feel uncomfortable at all. I just have a lot on, this case is not going the way I thought it would.”

Liar.

Ona slowly nodded. She had done what she could, if Lucy was going to carry on this way, that was on her, even if it did break the you girls heart. She had clearly pushed Lucy too far.

“Okay, good night Lucy.”

Half an hour later Lucy received a text from Ona that she didn’t need to pick her up in the morning.

And that’s how they carried on for a month, basically strangers. ————-

“Do you think he’s been tipped off?” Ona sat next to Lucy in the under cover police car as they sat at the traffic lights. After another long day of not finding the criminal.

They had been informed Slims had been spotted, and for a week they had been patrolling the area. Since the raid he had been laying low, they had tried to get information from his brother Bugz, but he hadn’t spoken in his interrogation interview, choosing to repeatedly say ‘not guilty’. He wasn’t giving any information and no names, he was keeping quiet for his brother, ready to take all the heat for him. Though it didn’t matter, they had enough evidence for that both of them, they just needed to arrest him.

They had called it a day, having been out for 10 hours, it had been frustrating to say the least. They needed to get their hands on him, he was the boss and brains behind the operation, if they got him then they got everyone.

And just like that, their luck turned around.

“Lucy. There he is.” Ona had spotted him standing outside a building. The older brunette spotted him straight away, but he also spotted them, and he didn’t wait around, he began to sprint.

“Shit. We’re going to loose him.”

“No we’re not.” Ona didn’t think twice, she jumped out of the car, her eyes dead set on the man.

“Ona, no!” Lucy shouted. Dread instantly filled her, Ona was already gone. She lifted her walkie talkie. “We have eyes on Slims, we need officers, no noise, no lights. We’ve spotted him on the high street going up Stock Street.”

Alex came in immediately. “Got that loud and clear, we’re 10 minutes away.”

Lucy messily parked the car and grabbed her hand gun. She had already lost sight of Ona and Slims, panic set in. This wasn’t the way they had planned this.

Ona was hot on Slims heels, she may not have been the strongest or tallest person on the squad, but my god she was fast. She chased him down the high street, she could feel her heart racing, she knew she couldn’t let him get away. He ran across the busy high street, not caring about moving cars or people. Cars honked and tyres screeched as he ran infront of them. Ona was a lot more agile, racing around the obstacles without blinking.

Lucy heard the commotion on the street, following the noise as fast she could, she could hear Alex talking over the radio to the other police officers.

Ona chased Slims to a bridge, deep water rushing underneath them. He turned around, they was only 2 meters apart but Ona could see the evil in his eyes, he looked furious. But he also noticed Ona was alone, and no gun in sight.

“If I’d know it was just you I would have taken us somewhere a little more private.” He winked at her, smirking as he moved closer to her. He lunged quickly at Ona, but she was quicker, she grabbed his wrist, twisting his arm. He yelped out in pain and pushed them backwards to the short bridge wall. Ona was leaning dangerously close over the bridge. She used all her strength to push them forward, having to let go of his wrist.

“Oh she’s strong, I like it when she puts up a fight. Always makes it more fun when she’s crying on her back.”

“Just like your brother cried when I put him in his back?” Ona spat back.

He snarled at her. “You fucking bitch.” He pounced at her again, but his face met Ona’s elbow, breaking his nose instantly. He screamed in pain. “You little cunt!”

“Ona!” Lucy shouted at the end of the bridge but she wish she hadn’t. Ona looked over distracted, when she felt a painful grip in her hair, yanking her harshly to her knees.

Lucy pulled her gun out in a speed she didn’t think was possible, she had her finger on the trigger ready to put a bullet in between his eyes.

“Let her go.” Lucy said with gritted teeth. “You’ve got nowhere else to go, don’t make it worse.”

Slim looked around, yanking Ona by her hair, he pulled her back up to her feet, making her yelp in pain. “Hmm crying for it already?” He whispered in her ear.

Ona tried to move, but he only gripped her tighter making her wince. She gritted her teeth, trying not to make any noise, knowing it only gave him some sick satisfaction.

Lucy took slow steps forward, wanting to get a better aim on him. “Just let her go.”

“Come any closer and she’s coming over with me.” He shifted himself and Ona closer to the edge of the bridge, making sure to put Ona in front of him as he eyed the gun pointing at him.

Lucy could feel the colour leave her face, she didn’t have a clear enough shot without a chance of hitting Ona. She looked at the younger girl, her face was in pain, her big brown eyes looking at Lucy, that’s when she saw her mouthing something, but she couldn’t make it out.

Ona rocked her head backwards, cracking Slims nose once more. He pulled her hair even harder, but had moved slightly away from her, giving Lucy just a little more space. She had her aim, her finger pulled the trigger.

Ona flinched, she heard the gun, the sound of the shot striking her ear drums, she looked at Lucy, her face was unreadable. She saw blood on the floor. Her knees felt weak. The grip in her hair had gone. Thats when she heard the cry from Slims, he backed away from her, holding his shoulder where Lucy had buried her bullet.

Police cars drove in at the end of the bridge, Alex and the team jumping out. Slims looked between them and the water beneath, and without thinking he jumped into the rushing water, disappearing into the deep black depths.

Ona looked over the bridge, trying to look for the criminal, closing her eyes in frustration when she couldn’t find him. “No! Merda!”

Lucy ran over to Ona, grabbing her by the arms. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?” She felt relief wash over her.

“I’m fine, I’m fine. But he’s gone. I messed up.” Ona looked at the floor, not able to look at Lucy.

“Do you think I care about that? I’m just glad you’re okay Ona, you scared me. I didn’t kno-“ Lucy was cut off by Alex.

“Bronze we have officers following the river.”

“Good, get the K9 team out aswell.”

“Already on their way.” Alex confirmed.

“Good, thank you Greenwood. Keep me updated.”

Alex nodded, she gave Ona a gentle squeeze on her arm. “Glad you’re okay.” Before she ran back to the team shouting orders.

Ona looked back at Lucy. “I’m sorry I ran off. I know I shouldn’t have. It was stupid off me, I just didn’t want to loose him.”

“Don’t worry Ona, let’s get you home. I’m sure your head should get looked at, you really did a number on his face.” Lucy looked at her proudly, it was the first time she had really smiled at the girl since their friendship became strained.

Ona gave her a small smile. She felt her heart racing but she blamed it on the situation. Not the way Lucy was looking at her.

[writersblog20]

Mexico 🌿🍃

Pedro Pascal x reader

Summary: When you need some distance from your hometown, Pedro booked a luxurious villa for you in Mexico. It was almost perfect except that Pedro wasn’t there since he was away for filming… or is he?

Warnings: FLUFF! Teeth rotting, cotton candy fluff! Mention of smoking weed, mention of having a rough time, Spanish sentences that might be incorrect (English translation behind) so I’m sorry if it’s wrong! Most is just fluff.

A/N: Hiya, remember me? 😂I’ve been sooooo busy with work and school and handling some personal stuff and just still trying to heal from some things, so I must keep a lot of balls high so that’s why I haven’t been posting for a while. I hope that things will soon get a little more reasonable, but I have no clue when. But for now, I hope you guys enjoy this sweet piece! Much love from your homegirl 🩷🪬🧿

Mexico

You had a couple of very rough months and every time you got back up but that didn’t mean that it was exhausting. Pedro was away filming and knew what you were going through. You both facetimed each other every day and every time you cried or were upset, Pedro wanted to come home to you and take care of you, even though you reassured him that you’d be okay.

It wasn’t new of you for you to push people away and take care of yourself. You finally learned how to love yourself and take care of your inner child. You might’ve lost so much in the last month but found yourself on that journey. You were used to doing things alone and found it hard to accept people in and let them take care of you. But like I said, you were learning that bit by bit.

You were currently in Mexico. Pedro was renting a house there where you could stay for a while and focus on yourself and your healing, leaving everything behind for a while and it was the best decision ever. You felt so extremely relaxed, not forget the fact that you’ve always wanted to go to Mexico. The house was GORGEOUS to say the least. It was some sort of villa and the moment you stepped into the villa, you felt at peace. It was very luxurious, the backyard was huge, with a pool, gorgeous view over the city, 

You had thanked Pedro multiple times and he was happy he could help you with something. He wanted to give you the entire world so he did his best to spoil you, escpecially after everything that happened. You deserved to rest and heal in a very luxurious and comforting villa. He didn’t tell you that he rented it just for you, but he would tell you eventually.

This was your 3th night here and you already felt more and more peacefull and relaxed. Throughout the day you would stroll around a market, buying fresh fruit, vegetables and whatever else you needed. After that, you would meditate, after that you would journal with a self-help book called healing through words of Rupi Kaur for at least 2 hours. Than you would do whatever you felt like but mostly, read.

It was evening right now and you decided to get into the huge bathtub. You even looked down over the city in the bathroom as a view. You lit some candles, lit some insence and relaxed while reading your favorite book. You had smoked a joint before you got into the baththub so you were completely fuzzy and relaxed.

Pedro even bought all of your favorite bath oi, foam, salt, body butter, body lotion, body mist with a huge bouquet of roses etc and delivered it to the renting. It came in today and you after you got it, you immediately called Pedro to thank him but he didn’t pick up the phone so you’de figure that he was busy shooting his new movie so instead you send him a sweet text with a selfie of you smiling with the bouquet of roses in your hand before you got into the bathtub.

You had some music playing in the background, the smell of insence comforting you as you let yourself relax completely. It was hard for you to give into relaxation completely. That’s because you’ve never felt really safe but even though you knew that you were safe in your head, your body was so used to be on edge all the time that you had to remind yourself that you are indeed very safe. And it worked. Slowly but surely, you started to rewire your brain.

After a while you put your book away. You took a deep breath from relaxation and softly touched your legs. You hummed to yourself and decided to shave it. Not because you thought it was prettier, you just very much liked the feeling how your legs felt after you shaved. You put some shower foam on your legs and slowly shaved your first leg. You were so in your own space that you didn’t hear someone open the door. “Mi amor….” You heard a familiar voice say. You got startled, not expecting someone here. You looked at the familiar voice, only to be met with the softest brown eyes in the entire world. “Pedro…?” you asked surprised, but happy, to see him standing in your bathroom.

He slowly walked towards you, seeing how relaxed you were, your eyes heavy. “Oh, mi hermosa, cuanto te he extrañado (oh my beautiful, how much I’ve missed you)” he whispered as he crouched down besides the bathtub and gently placed a string of hair behind your ear. He cupped your cheek, making you lean into his touch. You placed your hand over his and your other hand cupping his cheek, meeting his eyes that held so much love in them that it made your heart flutter. “Pedro…… I’ve missed you so much.” You told him and couldn’t contain the urge to hug him. You moved in the bath and placed your arms around his shoulders and nuzzled your face in his neck. Your wet, naked body against his clothes and the comforting sound of him chuckling made you feel like you were home again. His arms around your waist, holding you close and tightly against his body as he kissed your head multiple times. You got your face from the crook of his neck and kissed him passionately. His hands cupping your cheek again and got out of the kiss so he could look at you. His smile bright and reaching his eyes, giving a twinkle in them.

“Took some days off. I want to take care of you. Please, let me take care of you now.” He asked you lovingly while he played with your hair and cupped your cheek again. That was the last step for you, to give someone permission to completely take care of you. He knew you found that difficult, but you knew you were ready. You smiled at him “I’d like that” you still felt fuzzy and relaxed from the weed you smoked before. Pedro had the most loving smile on his faze that it made all the butterflies come back in a matter of a second.

“You know I don’t mind if you shave or not, right?” He asked you before doing anything at all. You smiled and nodded. “I know, I just like the feeling” you chuckled softly. Pedro smiled with adoration, reaching his eyes. “Then it’s alright, mi Corazón”.

You sat back down in the bathtub and Pedro gently placed your feet on the edge of the tub so he could continue shaving your leg where you left off. His big hands gently on your skin as he shaved your leg in concentration. When he was done with one leg, he placed a kiss on your knee as he made eye contact with you. He got the scrub supplies and gently scrubbed your leg, being careful so he wouldn’t hurt you. Your heart filled with love just by seeing how careful he was with you and how much love he put in the things he did for you, just like this.

When he was done with your first leg, he got to the other, repeating the things he did with your other leg. When he was done, he placed a kiss on your forehead and cupped your cheeks again, looking lovingly into your eyes which held nothing else but adoration and love, radiating it through them. “Let’s get you out and dried up, princesa.” Pedro stood up and held up a towel for you, giving you a hand so you could get out safe. Once you were out, he wrapped the soft towel around your body. His hands still on your waist when he pulled you closer for a loving hug. His arms around you while he tucked your head underneath his chin, not caring that his clothes got a bit wet from you. Your arms were tightly wrapped around his waist, and you let the side of your head rest against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

“Te amo, mi amor.” He whispered in your ear. “I love you too Pedge” he smiled softly and kissed your head, his lips lingering. He got your underwear and helped you in them, your hands resting on his shoulders as he crouched down to put it on. He got the body butter and looked at you for permission. You nodded and he rubbed his hands together so his hands wouldn’t be so cold. He placed some on his hands and put it gently on your upper body. His hands gentle, making sure that he didn’t miss a spot. After he was done, he placed a top on your body. And continued with your legs. He got on one knee and placed your leg on his knee, so he had better access for your legs. His hands were soft and gentle on your skin.

He got your kimono and helped you in it with your arms. It was still a very nice temperature outside, so you didn’t need more clothes. You put your arms around Pedro again and he did the same, giving you a kiss on the top of your head. Pedro held your hand and let you to the kitchen. “Ve a sentarte afuera cariño (Go sit outside, dear.)” He told you softly and you nodded, softly letting go of his hand with a loving smile that held Pedro in a trance. You walked outside, his eyes following you with a smile upon his lips.

You sat down in a big chair, your knees up to your chest. You put some slow R&B on through the speakers and lit your new joint. You let your head fall back as you exhaled the smoke. “No puedo creer lo hermosa que eres, mi amor (I can’t believe how beautiful you are my love.)” You heard Pedro say as he walked towards you with, what looked like two mojitos. Pedro sat next to you, placing the mojitos on the table, which was lit by candles and fairy lights. When Pedro was comfortable, you got out of your own chair and sat down on his lap, making Pedro smile. His arms already wrapped around you as you got comfortable on his lap. He couldn’t hide his loving smile for you. You handed him the joint and he took it from you, taking a big puff as he kept eye contact. You smiled at him and kissed him, making him cup your cheek softly.

“How was work?” you asked him after a while when you saw him finally relaxed. He hummed a bit and started talking about his day while you listened intently to his story. You went with your nails softly through his hair and he leaned more into you as he let out a sigh. “But it’s all better now. porque estoy aquí contigo, el amor de mi vida (because I'm here with you, the love of my life)” You smiled and felt a bit flustered. “Oye, mírame cariño (Hey, look at me, baby)” he whispered, his finger underneath your chin as you looked up. He gave you a couple of sensual and loving kisses before he kissed your forehead.

He handed you your mojito and you got your book, that you were reading, from the table in front of you. Pedro drew circles on your back while you tried to find the page you left it on. When you finally found it, you let your head rest against his chest and started reading it. Pedro let his chin rest on the top of your head and started reading with you, unknown to you until you wanted to turn the page. “Wait, I’m not that fast yet.” He chuckled nervously, making you look up. You smiled that he was reading the book with you. His eyebrows knotted together as he tried to read the words, but he forgot his glasses inside. “Want me to read to you?” You asked him genuine with a smile. “I’d love that. You know I love your voice.” You smiled and gave him a quick peck on his lips before you started reading to him.

An hour got by when you put your book away and looked at Pedro, tiredly. “I’m tired, P” you told him softly and he smiled adoringly at you as he stroked your hair. “vamos a la cama, mi chica (Lets go to bed, my girl)” he told you as he kissed the side of your head and helped you stand up before he stood up.

Once again, you walked hand in hand inside of the house. “You go freshen up, princess. I’m going to put out the lights. I’ll be right back.” he told you and carefully let go of your hand.

You were doing your skincare as last when you were almost finished with the rest, Pedro walked in, smiling at you while you applied the moisturizer to your face. He strutted towards you and put his arms around your waist, letting his chin rest on your shoulder. His body pressed against yours. Pedro almost had heart eyes while he looked at you, doing your skincare routine. He knew you were almost finished as he memorized every product in your routine. When you applied the last thing, he turned you around with his hands on your waist. You looked up at him with a loving smile and giggled softly at the way he carefully stroked your cheek. “Mi amor….” You felt butterflies in your stomach and looked down shyly. “Get comfortable in the bed, I’ll be right there.” he told you, making you nod. You wanted to walk to the bedroom, but Pedro pulled you back. “I think you forgot something….” He told you, getting you confused a bit. “Dame un beso mi Chica Bonita (give me a kiss, my pretty girl.)” you giggled when he told you what you forgot and stood on your tippy toes to give him a kiss. He cupped your cheeks with both of his hands and deepened the kiss as he sighed from relaxation in the kiss. When he pulled away, he looked at you with a smile. “Now you can go.” He told you with a smile as he reluctantly let go of you. You chuckled and quickly kissed his cheek before you left the bathroom and into the bedroom.

You put on a soft warm light and crawled into bed, pushing away the mosquito net. You hadn’t closed the curtains yet, keeping the view over the ocean and a couple of lights from homes further away and of course, the garden where you just sat. You got your book and started reading where you left off. Pedro walked in the bedroom in only his boxers and smiled when he saw you all comfortable in the big bed.

You put your book on your chest for a moment and looked at Pedro who crawled in next to you. “This bed was too big without you in it… I’ve missed you…” you told him softly as you laid down on your side for a moment so you could look at him. “Yo también te extrañé, cariño. Me alegro de estar aquí contigo. (I missed you too, sweetheart. I'm glad to be here with you.)” his voice husk from tiredness, making you smile. He gave you a passionate yet sensual kiss before he softly and gently placed a kiss on your nose and forehead.

You laid down on your back, picking your book up. Pedro let his head rest on your chest, your arm around him while you went with your fingers through his soft locks. Pedro softly hummed from satisfaction of your fingers over his scalp. You noticed that he was reading along with you, so you slowed down your pace with the reading until he was done too. He softly nodded and hummed, letting you know that you could flip the page.

Your eyes started to feel heavier, and you almost dropped the book, but Pedro was fast enough to catch it and put it away. it startled you for a sec, knowing you almost drifted off. “Vamos a dormir, mi dulce niña. (Let’s get some sleep, my sweet girl)” he whispered, and you were too tired to respond so you hummed, already eyes closed as you turned on your side. You waited for Pedro to turn of the lights and to get comfortable before you could cuddle him.

Pedro didn’t even need to say anything, he already pulled you towards him to cuddle. Pedro laid down on his side, facing you, while he pulled you against your chest, his arms around you, your head resting against his chest while he tucked your head underneath his chin. “duerme bien cariño, te amo (sleep well sweetheart, I love you)” his voice soft and you were almost drifting off. “I love you too” you murmured, already half asleep, making Pedro smile and close his own eyes as well, inhaling deeply from relaxation, knowing you were in his arms again.

~time skip~

You woke up from the sunlight shining into your eyes. You groaned softly and turned around, wanting to wrap your arm around Pedro, but you were greeted by an empty side of the bed. You frowned and finally opened your eyes. You saw a note against the headboard of the bed with: “Good morning sweetheart, I’m getting some groceries, I won’t take long.” You read and let your head fall back on the pillow, glad that it wasn’t a dream that Pedro was here.

The door went softly open, revealing Pedro with a tray with breakfast on it. You didn’t expect Pedro to be back already but here he was. “Buenos días mi amor, ¿cómo dormiste? (Good morning my love, how did you sleep?)” His smile radiant and his eyes shining, making you immediately happier. “Buena, te tenía a mi lado (Good, I had you next to me.)” You told him back in Spanish and Pedro loved it when you spoke Spanish back to him.

His smile even more radiant. “And you? Did you sleep well?” You asked him as you sat up in bed. “Good. I had you next to me again.” He repeated you with the biggest grin and leaned down to give you a kiss and sat down next to you. “Made you breakfast.” He told you and placed the tray with food on your lap. He made some eggs, avocado with toast, coffee, and some fresh fruit. You smiled “Thank you Pedge.” He smiled and kissed your forehead. “You’re welcome baby girl.” He told you and stood up, walked to the other side of the bed, and laid down on his side, facing you. “So… what should we do today?” he asked, “I mean, obviously we don’t have to do anything if you want to stay here, that’s fine with me too.” You smiled and looked outside at the beautiful weather. “We could go to the beach?” You suggested and Pedro smiled. “I would love that!” he told you with a smile.

You asked Pedro more about work now that he had completely settled in and not having a bad jetlag. He chatted about the fun things and less fun things that had happened making you listen intently. You loved hearing Pedro talk about things, especially if he was very passionate about the things he talked about. You ate your breakfast in the meanwhile and couldn’t help but beam because of how happy you were that you had your Pedro back by your side. You were silently enjoying this morning and Pedro saw it, making him happy as well.

This was going to be a great day! After the beach, maybe go to the market to get fresh products to make dinner with, get a drink at your favorite beach club and just spent time with each other, because God knows you both really needed it. You were completely happy and content, not needing anything else when Pedro was around you. He was all you needed.

Part 2 maybe?

[marianaaags]

"In Your Eyes" spoiler alert (analysis and theories)

This post ended up being longer than expected, so I appreciate in advance if you'll take the time to read it all :]

Originally I wrote all this in Spanish so I leave you the post with the original text here, in case of any error in the translation.

I wanna start by saying that this map left me with more questions than answers, but I did my best. Anyway, this post is gonna focus on Leda/Night Swan and her story, plus some theories I’ve got about where the lore might go next.

Not sure if Jack is actually The Traveler’s kid, but let’s give him the benefit of the doubt and say he is. Jack seems to admire him a lot, to the point of trying to copy his moves from afar, while we see Leda looking annoyed, refusing to go back to Earth and arriving at Eternyx.

Here, she impresses people with her flow, with Cygnus and Mihaly being the most relevant ones. We also see her magic having an interesting interaction with the pink liquid flowing through the streets (I’ll come back to this later).

The routine goes on with Cygnus and Leda interacting, and they end up at what looks like Cygnus’ place, where he somehow impresses/manipulates Leda with a prophecy that says she would take control of the danceverse. Leda seems to like this a lot, so she changes her outfit and heads back to the observatory to bring Jack to Eternyx with her.

Now that that’s out of the way, I’m gonna try to give a chronological recap of Leda/Night Swan’s story and highlight the most important points.

In MOTD, we find out that Leda is human and entered the danceverse thanks to The Traveler and Discoball. For some reason, The Traveler decides it’s a good idea to teach her how to open portals to different danceverses (I guess it’s some kind of magic). She learns how to do it and ends up refusing to go back to Earth, staying with The Traveler and starting a relationship with him.

Like I said before, we’ll assume that Jack was born from this relationship, and this is where the events of "In Your Eyes" happen (and here’s where my theory begins). I wondered for a while, "If Cygnus is a city full of factories, what are they even producing/processing?" And I think we now have the answer... *drumrolls*

It looks like it’s flow (but a materialized, liquid kind of flow in a bright pink color). I’m not sure how it’s used, but this is a key point in my theory, so I’m gonna call it "liquid flow."

Back to the story, Leda already seemed obsessed with perfection back when she was on Earth, and meeting Cygnus and hearing the prophecy was the last straw that pushed her over the edge. But how did Cygnus realize the prophecy was about Leda? That’s right, because she could interact with the liquid flow, which leads us to Cygnus and Leda’s plan to take over the danceverse.

Now we move on to the next map, "Darkest Hour," which seems to be the first part of their plan. In this map, we see Leda in the industrial area of Cygnus, where the smoke from the factories is a pastel pink color at first, but during the routine, her interaction with the factories turns the smoke black, hinting that she corrupted the liquid flow At some point, she learns to use this liquid flow to turn the coaches into minions.

I think the story continues in "Lose Yourself," but since it’s still in beta, I’ll just highlight that in this map, we see the "corrupted liquid flow" on the streets and the minions of who is now Night Swan.

Let’s continue with everything that happens in "Enter the Danceverses" (if you’ve made it this far, I’m assuming you know what went down). But I want to point out a few details. We see Jack remembering a very specific move from The Traveler during his map, and this could be why NS seems annoyed with him. He also uses this move to save Wanderlust when he was turned into a minion. At the end, we see NS escaping to Cygnus after being defeated (probably to come up with another plan with Cygnus).

The story continues in "Dance with the Swan" (again, I’ll assume you know what happened here), and the important detail here is the ending. A while ago, I wondered, "Why does NS leave on a ship instead of using a portal?" We kinda got the answer here; the place she’s heading to is the source of the liquid flow, which, for some reason, can only be reached by ship.

Now, let’s go back to the prophecy. We see where this liquid flow naturally comes from in Eternyx, which is like a volcano on an island (based on the images, it seems like Chaos Mountain). This place was protected by three deities that NS corrupts (I’m guessing they’re coaches we already know or will get to know) and takes control of this place. After she gathers an army using the power of this corrupted liquid flow she goes back to this island, and with its power, she’s able to conquer the rest of the danceverses.

Based on this, here are my theories 🤓☝️:

Phoenix is one of the deities that protected Chaos Mountain (she’s the only coach with a routine there).

The "liquid flow" is dangerous, even when it’s not corrupted. Despite it flowing through Eternyx’s streets, no one interacts with or touches it. Jack seems like he’s about to touch it in "Treasure" but doesn’t.

NS is gonna use Discoball to send her minions to the rest of the danceverses.

Jack will somehow purify these deities to stop his mom’s plan.

I also suspect that Mothigan and Darius could be the other two deities since they’re somehow linked to flying animals, like Phoenix.

What do flying animals have to do with flow or being deities? I have no idea; honestly, I’m just pulling this theory out of thin air.

But as I was rereading this, I thought of a connection: the ability to fly. The island where the "liquid flow" originates is inaccessible without a boat, but flying could also be a way to get there. That would also explain where the names Night Swan and Cygnus come from.

That’s the end of my theories. I’m really surprised you made it this far; thanks for taking the time to read all of this 🫶, and sorry for making it so long.

Oh wow, I really just wrote 5000 characters of a theory for a dancing game. If this isn’t the definition of hyperfixation, then Idk what is

[srslyscary]

tr boys with a hispanic!mom headcanons

| Contents: General headcanons SFW , reader is written as you, mom reader

for the sake of this everyone is alive, izana and mikey live together, you’re a single mother. (idk how many times I’ve had to redo this entire post bc my tumblr would decide to be a total bitch and mess up the entire writing process.)

Including: mikey, takemichi, draken, haitani brothers

Manjiro Sano

# he’s SOMEWHAT of a good kid, he’s just a little trouble maker in the house.

# constantly fighting with izana and you’re the only one who can break them up. shinichiro and emma both try but the it never get through their big skulls.

# you stand in front of mikey with a look that practically says “I’m gonna pop you if you don’t behave” and he straightens himself up real quick.

# he’s not afraid of anyone but his mom, and not because you’re mean or anything— you’re one of the most fun moms ever according to him. you’re rarely strict with him and let him have his friends over. he’s just afraid because when you’re pissed off, you’re pissed off as FUCK. and that means everyone in the house is gonna get a lecture over the smallest things.

# threaten to get the wooden spoon and take away his sweets— that wakes him up straight away in the morning.

# mikey cant speak spanish, but he understands it well. he’s your translator when you guys are both out together, at the store or with some friends. there is no language barrier to be truly honest, he understands that you are more comfortable speaking in your native language and as his mother he makes sure you don’t feel like you have to force yourself to speak japanese.

# if you’re more comfortable speaking both and you can fluently speak them, then by all means do it. he can’t really stop you since you’re his parent.

# his only chore in the house is to wash the dishes. he’s too lazy to do anything else. you’re a fun mom so at times you don’t really make him do anything else. he washes the dishes effectively either way so win win.

# when he was younger, coming home from the dojo always tired him out (even if it didn’t show to anyone). he was always a laid back kid. so you make him his favorite food and prepare a little bubble bath for him, which he enjoys.

# his hair is always silky because of the hair products you buy. you take the time to brush his hair because as a mother you enjoy it. his hair always smells nice after he washes it because he uses the coconut leave in cream you bought him.

# has never once gotten a real attitude with you. he’s always respectful and thinks it’s rude when he says something with a bad tone. he will immediately apologize, and hug you.

# he loves to sleep as a teen because when he was younger you always took naps with him. when he was tired and you weren’t, he would always ask for you to help him go to sleep.

# takes spanish lessons everyday so that he can hopefully learn to speak your language.

# one time you took all of the kids to your home town, and they LOVED it. shinichiro was a total kid when it came to your home town. he’s been here 2 times before when izana was only a baby. and Izana doesn’t remember much but he loved it either way. mikey and emma loved it so much that they begged to stay.

# you remind him that if he skips school he’ll be grounded for as long as he lives.

# overall 9/10 kid, except for the times when he’s picking fights with izana.

Takemichi Hanagaki

# he’s totally a good kid, always does his chores. never has an attitude.

# he cried for everything as a baby, you couldn’t even put him down.

# he also can’t speak spanish, but he understands it well! he’s also your translator when you’re in public.

# brings home a’s and b’s and when you see his grades you congratulate him with a big smile and some cake.

# you actually can’t say congratulations, or refrigerator. in japanese OR English. he attempts not to laugh when you mess it up.

# you took him on a drive with his uncle through the woods. your brother was teaching his nephew how to hunt deer. that’s the first time he didn’t eat meat for dinner.

# AN ONLY CHILD, after giving birth to him you decided one was enough. you were not trying to be greedy and so was your deadbeat husband.. apparently he thought 0 was enough. he left so why does he matter 🤷🏻‍♀️

# he gets scolded for forgetting to wash his dirty shirts, and leaving his dirty underwear everywhere. his only problem is laundry in the house.

# you taught him spanish before he started middle school, and his accent is somewhat off but either way the words go perfectly.

# surprisingly (not really) he’s never gotten popped by you! he’s been a decent kid and baby.

# bottle baby, not a boobie baby. after 3 months of being breastfed you tried the bottle way and he stuck with it ever since.

# he will only invite Chifuyu over, sometimes he will bring Peke J over. I’ve never seen a hispanic mother or father own a cat, so you really didn’t know what to think of the cat.

# he loves listening to spanish music, he loves daddy yankee and is not afraid to say it aloud.

# enjoys eating sweet plantains and mofongo.

# favorite song from your playlist is “Danza Kuduro by Don Omar”

# HE LOVES TAMARINDOS, he’ll ask every chance he gets to buy some. he eats them until he gets those little tastebud bumps and his tongue starts to sting.

# his hair also has a beautiful texture because of the products you buy.. also he gels his hair as a teen with “Suavecito Pomade”.. 😭

# you also take the time to brush his hair for him, it’s really pretty and almost like the texture of your hair.

# when he’s sick he genuinely hates when you tell him that putting on Vix Vapo Rub will help him feel better. he’ll be like “mom I’m sick can I stay home today?” and you’ll be like “No, no te quedarás en casa. Ve a tomar un medicamento y ponte Vix! (no you’re not staying home. go take some medicine and get the vix!)”

# overall 10/10 kid. you don’t have many problems with him.

Ken Ryuguji (Draken)

# you’re so surprised on how this boy grew so tall. his father was around 5,9 and you’re probably around 5’6. so how in the hell is this kid 6’1?

# he’s a great kid, he’s constantly respectful and does all his chores, he even goes out of the way to do extra whenever you’re tired.

# also an only child, but he loves it because it means less stress put upon you. he does all the groceries and cooks in the house as a thank you for always taking care of him as a single mother with NO help whatsoever.

# constantly tells you how he’s proud to be your son.

# he speaks fluent spanish, no language barrier whatsoever! he learned japanese first in school but learns to understand and speak spanish at home. he thinks it’s more efficient if he can do both.

# he brings over the founding members of toman a lot, and you let him. he’s a really good kid and you’re proud of him.

# you found out how him and mikey became friends and you scolded him for 2 weeks straight. mikey snickered watching his friend get scolded.

# the type of kid you had to tell to fix his face because he looked pissed off all the time.

# never acted up outside the house, he was presentable all the time.

# you’ve only threatened him a couple of times to be quiet by saying “callate” while him and his friends were over.

# you’re a fun mom in his opinion, he never feels bored at home because you’ve always got something new waiting for him at home.

# all his friends feel at home when they’re at your house, they all call you mom as well.

# although he loves his mom, when he got to the age of driving he hated that you were in the car with him. you were fine with him driving a motorcycle, because when you were younger your family always took rides on four wheelers and small motor bikes. but when it comes to a car, even you have to be careful with your child.

# he’s not allowed to have baji over when you’re not in the house. baji has a tendency to set things on fire when you’re gone. the last time it happened the kitchen almost burned down because he tried to make eggs on his own. he managed to burn WATER, apparently said from draken.

# when he overworks himself in the house you don’t bother to scold him because you know he is constantly working hard for you. you’re proud of the type of kid he turned out to be.

# also likes tamarindos, enjoy cracking the shell and enjoying the sour and sweet taste it has.

# he likes farruko to be honest. 105 F Remix is his favorite song.

# draken likes to do his own hair now. but when he was younger you wouldn’t let him wear his hair in a ponytail because you though he was cute with it out.

# when he got a tattoo and shaved the side of his hair you were astonished as to where the idea even came from. but you thought it was really nice, you just warned him to tell you next time he did something like that.

# overall 10/10 kid. you love him with your heart. and he loved his very fun hispanic mother.

Haitani Brothers (Ran & Rindou)

# ran was the problem child out of the two of them. you constantly had to scold him on skipping school.

# rindou wasnt that much of a bad kid, only when he took after his brother did you really start scolding him.

# ran was the type of kid to get popped on the arm or head when he misbehaved in public. while rindou was the type of kid to get his ear pulled.

# with those two you had to bring your wooden spoon EVERYWHERE. because when one little monkey sees and does something, the other one sees it too and does the same thing.

# rindou was the only one out of them both to attempt to learn Spanish, so he can speak and understand it. ran is a lazy ass child so he doesn’t understand it or speak it whatsoever. luckily you know japanese and speak it to him whenever you’re scolding him.

# both of them are scared of you when you’re pissed off because both of them are in for it. the slightest thing that ticks you off will set the entire bomb of your anger off and now their in for hours upon hours of your yelling.

# they better get to doing chores and cleaning their room when your mad because those two will never hear the end of it if they don’t do something you like.

# when you realized both of them started causing trouble around town— and when I mean trouble, i mean picking fights with older guys at the ages of 12 and 13— they got their asses handled.

# when they got sent to juvie for causing a guys death, you visited them everyday. you expressed how disappointed you were with them, and that you couldn’t believe that they took it this far.

# they both hated that you were disappointed in them and made their hearts shatter. the look you gave them while shaking your head and mumbling in spanish almost brought them to tears. you? ashamed of them? how could this happen?

# they were picky eaters as kids, they didn’t like to eat plain white rice or anything that was unseasoned. they loved when you made pork chops and yellow rice and beans, it was like their favorite meal. they asked for it every night, and when you told them you had already made it they would start pouting.

# they’re not allowed to have any friends over, they all scare you. you’ve threatened to call the police on them because one of them was smoking in your house.

# they went to church with you a lot when they were younger. as teens now, they use the phrase “en el nombre del padre hijo y del espíritu santo” before they knock someone out cold while fighting. if they manage to leave a gruesome scene they say “amen” every time.

# rindou wears glasses while ran wears contacts. ran hates wearing his glasses you bought him so he got his own contacts. rindou couldn’t care less and wore his glasses. everytime they wake up and forget to wear either of them, you laugh when they run into something or can’t read something.

# they’ve never actually had attitudes with you, they’re usually respectful.

# they get their tempers from you. and their little sassy stances are from you too.

# ran enjoys even now when you brush his hair. you were always the one to braid it when he was younger.

# rindou also hates when you tell him to put on Vix Vapo Rub when he’s sick. he doesn’t like the smell of it, it burns his nose.

# one time when they were both around 2 and 3, they accidentally got into the jar of grease while you were in the shower. they were both sitting in their play pens and you had accidentally left out the baby cream and grease you were previously using to put on them after they showered first.

# when you came out of the shower they were covered in grease and were all shiny. both of the boy’s hair was sticky with grease. thank god they didn’t put it in their mouths.

# they enjoy going out with you as teens, the scared looks everyone gives them as they walk carefree through the stores while you have no idea why everyone is staring.

# it’s hard for them to do chores on their own time because all they do is lounge around or leave the house.

# overall 8/10 kids. the only issues you have with them is the behavior outside of the house as teens.

[sweetlummie]

Muñequita: Prologue

Tysm to my lovey love @iamasaddie for making this amazing moodboard for my series!!! Ilysm 💗💗

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

Javier Peña x Fem! Plus size! Reader x (eventual) Steve Murphy; some Javier Peña x Steve Murphy (mentioned)

A/n: HELLO!!! I’ve been sitting on this series since March 😭 I hope you all enjoy! I’m still working on it!! Expect part 1 to come out soon!! ALSO some sentences are in Spanish but I provided translations on the side!! As always feel free to leave constructive criticism. Likes, comments, and reposts are appreciated 🫶🫶🫶💗

Warnings: semi-open relationship, kind of infidelity?, polyamory!!, if I missed any please let me know! Each chapter will have their own content warning!

W/c: 1k+

* ・‥…━━━━━━━ *˖◛⁺♡ ━━━━━━━…‥・

Javier frequented this quaint little diner for one reason and one reason alone. The sweet little waitress that would serve him black coffee every morning. He would watch in a trance as you moved about the diner, serving clients their orders. You always had such a pretty smile when attending him and other patrons which was what got his attention first. “Welcome in, I’ll be serving you today!” you were just so cute with your little pink star clips that matched the powder pink dress you wore as uniform, he grinned as he heard your sweet little voice, he knew he had to have a taste of you. “Hola dulzura (Hello sweetness).. I’ll just take a regular black coffee and an order of pancakes.” You had pulled out a notepad and pencil from your white apron around your pudgy stomach and wrote his order down. “Alrighty, I’ll get that for you in a jiffy.” You turned around and began walking towards the kitchen. As you walked away Javier couldn’t stop himself from looking at your bigger figure. You were so much different than the women he was used to fooling around with and you certainly weren’t his type.. But for some reason he wanted you, you were just so delectable to him for a strange reason. 

And so it began, he would try to go to this little diner almost every day just to see you. He’d get so bummed out if you had the day off or were doing another shift. It got to the point where he had your shifts memorized. You began to notice how often Javier would come to your job and would only want you to serve him. You didn’t find it odd, in fact you were quite flattered that a man as attractive as Javier was interested in you. Eventually Javier decided to ask you out on a date which you happily accepted, now a few months later you’ve become his little muñequita.

You had moved in with Javier and learned about his job as DEA agent and quite honestly you found that to be so attractive! Every night when he’d come home from work all worked up and tired you just had to make love to him. Depending on how the day played out he’d fuck you soft and sweetly or if the day was shit or he was angry, he’d fuck you so roughly it would leave you sore for days. You were highly satisfied with your sex life.

One night Javier told you his work buddy and partner Steve Murphy would be stopping by so they could have some drinks. Apparently Steve was going through a rough divorce and needed some cheering up. Being the ever good muñequita you were, you cleaned up the house and prepared some snacks for the boys to enjoy. You were excited that yours and Javier’s relationship was going good to the point where he’s now introducing you to other people in his life. 

When you saw Steve walk through the door you froze. You didn’t expect this man to be so attractive! You instantly became shy and when Javier introduced you both, you couldn’t even look him in the eye. Javier smirked, he knew that look all too well. You looked at him that same way when he had called you over to his table to ask you out on a date. As the night progressed you made yourself scarce. Part of you was ashamed for finding this man attractive when you had such a loving boyfriend who was so sexy but another part of you couldn’t help but imagine how his cock looks or how it would feel inside your mouth, pussy, and even your ass.

When Steve finally left Javier cornered you in your shared room as you both got ready for bed. “Why was my little muñequita so shy today hm? ¿Por qué estaba calladita mi niña? ¿Por qué estaba muy distante? (Why was my little girl so quiet? Why was she so distant?)” You looked at Javier shyly as you stood there in just your tank top and panties. “¿Miro algo.. O alguien que le llamó la atención? (Did she see something.. Or someone who caught her attention?)” You nodded your head and sighed “Yes.. I’m sorry Javier but your partner is so attractive…” Javier only chuckled and reached out to rub your chubby stomach. “So very naughty muñequita… I bet you imagined Steve fucking your pretty little holes silly while I watched hm?”

You did not expect Javier to have this reaction, your eyes widened as he let out a small laugh. “I thought as much. Listen my buddy is going through a rough time, I’m sure he could use some lovin’ from you my little muñequita.. What do you say hm? Next time he comes to our house it’ll be to have some fun with my favorite toy. That sound good?” You felt yourself get aroused at the proposition. As long as Javier and Steve consented to your little playtime you were so down to have a little taste of Steve. 

As you both laid in bed you asked Javier in a hushed voice. “What.. what do you think his cock looks like Javi?” Javier laughed, he knew what Steve’s cock looked like.. One night some months back before you, Javier and Steve found themselves locked in an office at the embassy with their hands on each other’s cocks. They gave each other mutual hand jobs one night tensions were high and it became a regular thing to fool around with each other till Steve was going through his divorce and Javier met you. “It’s long but it isn’t quite as thick as mine muñequita.. If you can handle my cock, you can handle his.” You nodded your head as your mind raced with images of what Steve’s cock would look like.

When your eyes were closing shut to drift off for the night you could feel the bed creak as Javier sat up to use the phone to contact Steve and tell him about the proposition. You wanted to hear the conversation in its entirety but you were too sleepy and you were falling fast. Last thing you remember hearing was Javier. “Esta bien la próxima semana entonces. (Alright, next week then.)” he rasped as everything faded to black. You couldn’t wait to have your playdate with Steve.

* ・‥…━━━━━━━ *˖◛⁺♡ ━━━━━━━…‥・

[ohbabydollie]

I need more of schlatt & latina reader PLEAAAASDEE 😵‍💫

few more hcs!!

if you grew up in a home that was more of a “children are meant to be seen not heard” schlatt will hear you out!

he will make sure you do feel heard, even when it’s hard

he knows can’t fix the past so he’ll help you learn how to do good in the future

he understands you don’t mean to be angry or upset sometimes but you just are and will wait until you want to talk about it

he’s wants to be there for you through the good and the bad and the awful

onto the less angsty

yk how his fam is big corn people?

ELOTES/ESQUITES!!

he will eat tf out of some esquites or any street food as a matter of fact

likes going to tianguis, la pulga, etc. with you!

especially the cheap ass prices at a pulga

throw in some chicharrón bien preparado n call it a date

likes looking for places to go eat with you

has made it a saturday morning tradition that you both go eat pancita (or anything you like) at a restaurant for breakfast/brunch

it hits everytime, especially when you’re both hungover

likes his gansitos frozen (no i’m not taking criticism)

keeps little snacks or candies in his pantry/fridge all the time

calls u “cariño” “corazón de melón” “vieja” “amor” “chiquita” “chikibaby”etc. especially if one of the nicknames pisses u off

LOVES salsa valentina and chamoy

god forbid someone makes homemade chamoy bc he’s absolutely devouring it with any and every fruit he can think of

if you listen to bolero while cleaning with him he’ll stop you so you guys can dance

“not right now, i gotta clean schlatt” you say as your boyfriend hugs you from behind “jus’ take a break, c’mon it won’t kill ya” he says as you roll your eyes and finally agree

“okay, but no funny business” you say putting the rag down and washing your hands to dance with him. he smiles at you, leaning into you and softly singing the lyrics to you as you smile

before you know it, you find yourselves making out with the music in the background, cleaning supplies forgotten but you’ll get to cleaning tomorrow

he genuinely puts so much love and passion into your relationship, getting you flowers, making the most out of little moments, etc.

he will be as romantic as he can be

meeting your cousins sucks for him though

they (especially if you have any male cousins) side eye him most of the time when they first meet him

they don’t mean to be rude but wtf is a random boy doing in their home???

your male cousins (esp if they see you as a little sister) don’t think anyone is good enough for you

they try to scare off schlatt at first but it doesn’t work so they try plan B

making him stay stupid shit in spanish infront of the family until he gets embarrassed and decides not to return (spoiler it doesn’t work)

“say ‘tengo el pene chiquito’ ” a cousin says to schlatt “tengo el pene chiquito(i have a small dick)?” schlatt asks as they snicker and nod “yeah just like that, don’t change a word” they say laughing while schlatt nods in acknowledgment

“ok, just don’t change a word” they say laughing while you go up to schlatt “y/n, guess what?” he asks you “hm?”

“te voy a dar mis hijos (im gonna give you my kids)” he says making you go red and your cousins stare at him

“hablas español (you speak spanish)?” they ask as he nods

most of your family interrogating him AND you

“does he treat you well?” “does he make good money?” “would he make you work” “cuantos hijos quiere (how many kids does he want)?” “es católico? (is he catholic)” etc.

at the end they decide that they approve of him

he should watch him back if you guys have a nasty break up though (warned by any male family member of urs)

“haha, just don’t break her heart” one of your uncles says to schlatt, laughing and shaking him as schlatt laughs nervously

“no seriously, hurt her and you’re dead, i’ve been to prison, i’ll go again”

at the end of the day as long as you’re happy, they’ll be happy

[mariacallous]

Griffin Dunne has just written a book. He had been meaning to do so for ages. It was one of the items on his bucket list: learn a musical instrument, master Spanish and write his damn memoir. “One down, two to go,” he says, beaming in via video link from his home in upstate New York. The actor and film-maker turns 69 this weekend. He reckons that still leaves him time for the music and Spanish.

Dunne imagined his memoir as a family portrait in the style of David Sedaris’s Me Talk Pretty One Day. He pictured something light on its toes, witty and poignant, a weave of essays and anecdotes. But then the book changed direction, as though it had a will of its own. It went where it wanted and needed to go. He says: “On some level, I knew there was this big subject ahead. And so, as I’m writing the book, I’m thinking: oh, OK, I know where this is going now.” The story leads to the scene of a 40-year-old crime. It revisits the death of Dunne’s younger sister, Dominique, and the grisly murder trial that followed.

I tell Dunne I really like the book, which sounds crass in the circumstances, but is true. While The Friday Afternoon Club is about the death of a loved one, it’s full of light, life and colour. It’s a startling tale of precarious American privilege, spotlighting a family that is blessed and cursed.

Dunne casts himself as the Hollywood prince at its centre, surrounded by famous faces, clamouring to be noticed. He tells how Sean Connery rescued him from the family swimming pool, how Billy Wilder critiqued his childhood pranks and how he roomed with Carrie Fisher before she went off to make Star Wars (“This movie is going to be a fucking disaster,” she said). Dunne was raised among storytellers (his dad and uncle were authors; Joan Didion was his aunt) and he writes with a loose, easy swagger. His memoir is tart, buoyant and playful right up to the moment it’s not.

In the early 1980s, when he was in his 20s, Dunne was hitting his stride as an actor. He had secured his breakout role in 1981’s An American Werewolf in London, playing the undead grad student Jack Goodman, doomed to haunt the adult cinemas of Soho. His 22-year-old sister was also faring well, having co-starred in 1982’s Poltergeist. But, on 30 October 1982, Dominique was strangled by her ex-boyfriend, John Sweeney, and died in hospital five days later. The trial, says Dunne, was outrageous, a farce. Implicitly, it seemed to put the Dunnes in the dock, framing the bereaved family members as frivolous dandies. Sweeney was convicted of manslaughter, but acquitted of murder. He served just three and a half years in prison.

Four decades on, Dunne’s account of events burns with rage. He is furious with the judge who intervened to block crucial evidence. He is furious with the killer’s employers (the Los Angeles restaurant Ma Maison), who stepped in to pay his legal fees. He is furious with Dominique’s then co-star, David Packer, who remained inside the house while Dominique was being attacked outside. “All the old anger got re-stoked,” he says. “I tapped right back into my vengeful side.”

During the trial, Dunne was approached by a mobster who offered to have Sweeney killed. He discussed the idea with his brother, Alex. “At that time, we would have been diagnosed as crazy people,” he says. “I told my brother that we had an opportunity to have the killer dealt with in the county jail. We decided not to kill him, but to mess him up, to have his hands smashed, like we were ordering pizza and choosing different toppings from the menu. And that was just the beginning of our madness; it carried right through. Even writing it down, I thought: I’ve got to let this go, because you can’t live in hate.”

In the end, they did nothing. Dominique’s killer changed his name after being released from prison and is likely still alive today. “I will neither forgive nor forget,” Dunne says. “But I’m not going to let that be the A-story of my sister’s life.”

Dominique was a victim, but that doesn’t make her life tragic. What is clear from the book is that people adored her. She comes across as whip-smart and droll, grounded and private. “She was a serious, substantial person,” he says. “Serious about her acting, her animals, her family. And, actually, rather intimidating, even though she was the youngest of the family.”

Dominique cared for their mother, Ellen, who had multiple sclerosis. She also cared for their father, Dominick, who was bisexual and closeted and yet confided in her. “So she was somebody we were all a bit in awe of. She was always wise beyond her years.”

She sounds like the family’s moral compass. “Yeah,” he says. “But also a bit bossy. She always knew what she wanted. My brother and I were a little fearful of her. It was like she’d been born already built.”

Dunne, by contrast, was a work in progress. In his memoir, he says that his first word was “taxi” and that he was always in a hurry – always running before he could walk. He was expelled from school for smoking pot. He was “coked to the gills” on the night Dominique was attacked. He was bumptious and entitled. His sister’s death changed him, he says, because how on earth could it not?

“For one thing, I never thought about domestic violence, the abuse of women. I grew up in Los Angeles and when I was in high school, pre-Roman Polanski, it was incredibly common for 13- or 14-year-old girls to be dating guys in their 30s. They’d go to these decadent parties in the hills and then come back and tell us all about it. And that was the culture; it felt exciting. I was unaware of what it meant. But then you have my sister, a 22-year-old girl, who finds herself in a domestic violence relationship with someone who’s twice her weight. So everything looked different to me afterwards.”

Perhaps it affected his career as well. In the mid-1980s, Dunne was on the threshold of stardom. He combined the charm and grace of a leading man with the prickly intelligence of a great character actor. The door kept swinging open, but he seemed to keep shutting it. He turned down The Fly and Sex, Lies, and Videotape in favour of making Who’s That Girl, with Madonna, and a reviled comedy, Me and Him, in which he played a yuppie architect who quarrels with his talking penis.

Dunne’s agent accused him of making “self-destructive choices”. He had always craved fame, only to find that it spooked him. “Too much attention at that time was a little fearsome for me,” he says. “I found it very stressful.” He hesitates. “And also my father,” he adds. “That had a lot to do with it, too.”

Dominick is the third main player in The Friday Afternoon Club, a high-flying producer who came to earth with a crash. He would eventually find his voice as a writer. He became Vanity Fair’s star reporter, first covering the Sweeney case, then the OJ Simpson and Claus von Bülow trials. But the in-between years were hard and humiliating. He suffered a reversal of fortune that took the whole family aback.

“I saw my father fail,” Dunne says. “I watched real failure in action in real time. He was a man who had a big house and a beautiful car and a great job and entertained the most famous actors and directors in the world. And everything was taken away from him, partly through his own actions, but nonetheless. People came out of the woodwork, kicked him when he was down.

“They were like: ‘I always hated you, I always knew you were closeted, you’ll never work again, pack your bags.’ And the effect it had on me, just entering the business as he was being destroyed in that business …” He draws a breath. “Well, it had a lot to do with the choices I made.”

In hindsight, the 1985 black comedy After Hours was his fork in the road. It’s also the picture with which he is most identified. Dunne developed the film as a co-producer and convinced Martin Scorsese to direct. He also took the lead role of repressed Paul Hackett, who embarks on a long, dark night of the soul through the streets of Lower Manhattan.

On set, Scorsese made one big stipulation. He ordered Dunne not to have sex for the duration of the shoot. I am gobsmacked by this, but the actor was unfazed. “It made perfect sense to me,” he says. “I knew what he meant. The character had to be boiling over with this unfulfilled anxiety. You had to see …” He pauses. “Not to be crude, but you had to see the semen build up to where it’s practically coming out of his eyes.”

One Saturday night, though, Dunne cracked and broke the rule. The next day of filming, Scorsese spotted the change and went berserk. “You’ve fucked up the whole picture,” he shouted. “I don’t think I can finish it now.”

Dunne says that he was probably being directed here, too. “Because now I’m afraid. I’m terrified. And it turns out that a certain level of fear is the same as not having sex. So [Scorsese’s] second piece of direction is telling me that I’ve ruined his movie. That’s excellent direction. It brought all the old anxiety back.”

It should have been a tough prospect, sitting down to write his book. Emotionally, because it meant revisiting the worst time of his life. Practically, because the Dunne family had already set the bar high. They are all dead now: his dad in 2009; his journalist-screenwriter uncle, John Gregory Dunne, in 2003; Joan Didion in 2021. But their reputations are daunting. It must have felt as though he were writing in the shadow of Mount Rushmore.

Dunne says it wasn’t that way at all. He had always assumed that writing a book would be a lonely endeavour. In fact, it felt warm, intimate and weirdly convivial. “I didn’t feel daunted, trying to write and being related to all these prominent figures. Quite the opposite. I felt their presence. When I described them, it was like I was seeing them again, living with them again. It was like I was back meeting Joan for the first time. It was as though I was spending time with her and John, my father and my sister,” he says. “They were alive to me. When I finished the book, that was the sad part. It felt like I missed them all over again.”

[yeagerfate]

surprising them by speaking spanish.

characters: miguel o’hara and miles morales (earth-1610)

warnings: spoilers and reader is pregnant in miguel’s but other than that none! just pure fluff <333 oh and i write using actual capital letters not just lowercase lol. wrote this all on my phone so sorry if it’s bad 😭 and i’m not a spanish speaker so i used spanishdict for this. i’m really sorry if it’s not accurate, let me know if there are any mistakes! xoxo. one last thing: sorry this is so short! i just wanted to post something short and sweet while i work on something a bit bigger wink wink. can you tell i’ve never been on a date before?

MIGUEL O’HARA

It had been a very tiring day for Miguel.

Lyla had detected five more anomalies, including the Spot, messing with the Canon and all of the universes they’d ended up in. All of it had been extremely stressful for Miguel, especially because he was scared he’d end up snapping at you because of all the emotional turmoil. However, he couldn’t help but look forward to having a nice, warm dinner with you when he got home.

When he arrived home and didn’t hear you humming while cooking in the kitchen or reading on the couch, he was very concerned. “Honey?” He called. “You home?” Of course you were. Your car was parked outside in the driveway. Miguel wanted to smack himself for asking such a stupid thing, but he was much more worried about your whereabouts.

“I’m upstairs!” You yelled back. You hadn’t realized it’d gotten so late, and you were rushing to finish putting together your present for Miguel. A positive pregnancy test.

Miguel walked up the stairs quietly, a little confused but not mad. He could hear you fiddling around with something that sounded… like a bag? “Mi luna?” He entered the bedroom, and saw you rapidly shoving something in a small, white gift bag. Your shoulders tensed.

“Close your eyes!” You yelped out. “It’s a gift for you.”

“What for?” Miguel furrowed his brows. His birthday had already passed, Valentine’s Day wasn’t anytime soon, and your anniversary was in 6 months.

“Es una sorpresa para ti. Cierra los ojos, mi sol.” You smiled brightly. Finally, you’d be able to both surprise him with your Spanish, and your pregnancy. You couldn’t be more excited to see his reaction, especially since you’d both decided you were ready to have a child a few months ago.

Miguel’s ears turned pink. Since when did you speak Spanish? “I… okay.” His smile was beaming and eager.

You gently grasped his hands and opened them so that you could hand him the gift bag before telling him to open his eyes again. “Adelante. Ábrela.” Although you were nervous, you couldn’t see Miguel freaking out in a bad way. He’d been longing for a child for a very long time, especially after the loss of his Gabriella. Of your Gabriella, since Miguel was also your husband in that universe.

Miguel’s mouth was opened slightly, a small gasp emerging from him when he saw what the “gift” was. A positive pregnancy test. It felt like his entire world lit up when he saw those two lines; those two lines that meant everything to him.

“A baby? A baby?!”

Suddenly, his arms were wrapped around your waist, and he’d picked you up, twirling you around in a sincere hug before setting you down again. “You’re serious? You’re positive?”

“I’m serious. Vamos a tener un bebé.”

The way his eyes lit up was something you wished you’d captured with a picture, but you also were happy you could see it in real life. You were also delighted you’d learned Spanish secretly, so you could give him the news in his native language.

In that moment, Miguel decided that he’d never let anything happen to you or your child. It was the family he’d always wanted; the family he wished he hadn’t lost. One of his hands cupped your waist, while the other rested on the back of your neck. His soft brown eyes looked at you with such devotion it made you tear up. “Mi cielo,” He whispered, “Como te amo.”

MILES MORALES

Tonight, you were going to meet Miles’ parents for the first time. Miles had given you only one warning: not to call his parents by their first names. Though, you really wanted to impress them, especially since Miles was so special to you, and to his parents, of course, so you secretly began studying Spanish.

At first, it was a bit hard, especially since you spent so much time with Miles. You made sure to hide your Spanish workbooks under your bed, though, and whenever you had to go to Spanish lessons, you’d just tell him you had a babysitting job. It was always believable, though Miles was smart enough to know you were lying about it. He didn’t think you were doing anything malicious, though, so he decided to let it go. Maybe it was for his birthday? It was next month, so maybe you were planning a surprise party. He really did not want to spoil that for himself.

You’d seen his parents around sometimes, more often that not his father because he occasionally worked with the PTA. This was the first time you were actually going to have to hold a conversation with them, though.

You’d already gotten ready, having chosen a nice, classy dress but not too fancy. You put your hair into a pretty updo and kept it minimal on the makeup. Now, you were just rushing to review your Spanish. You really did not want to make a mistake and give his parents a bad impression.

Your reviewing was interrupted when you heard your phone ring. “Hi, I’m here,” Miles said. You could tell he was really anxious too, especially because of how shaky his voice was. “Okay, I’ll be right there.” You set your flashcards aside and walked towards the front door, smoothing your dress out and fixing your hair one last time before leaving.

Miles smiled as you walked down the front steps of your house. “You look nice,” He said shyly. “Thanks,” You smiled and took his hand.

You and Miles had given each other a pep talk on the way to his apartment, though Miles had given you much more advice. It was very appreciated. “Oh God, I’m scared,” You whispered to him as soon as you could see his house from down the street. “Don’t be, it’ll be fine,” He replied kindly.

Once you had gotten to his house, Miles took out his keys and unlocked the door, yelling to his parents that he’d arrived. Rio had immediately walked towards you, introducing herself as Miles’ mother in English, since she’d assumed you couldn’t speak Spanish. By the look on her face, you could tell she was skeptical of you, though that was understandable. Miles’ father, Jeff, had followed Rio.

“Hola, Señora Morales, Señor Morales.” Miles looked up, eyebrows raising impressedly at you before a boyish smile appeared on his face. He knew you’d ace your first impression, he was just nervous.

Rio was pleasantly surprised, and her face lit up. So did Jeff’s. “Bienvenido, mija,” Rio smiled. “Sígueme.”

-

“So… what was that?” Miles asked as he walked you home. The entire visit went great, although just a little awkward at first, and Miles was very satisfied with how it went.

“What was what?” You feigned confusion. “The Spanish thing. I didn’t know you knew how to speak it,” Miles replied. You smiled gleefully. “I didn’t. That’s why I was acting so weird. I wanted to learn for your parents, for you, Miles. I just wanted to surprise you, that’s all.”

Miles’ eyes widened. He blinked. He blinked again. “Really?! So that’s what you were doing. It all makes sense now.”

Giggling softly, you nodded enthusiastically, proud of yourself and your efforts to truly learn Spanish.

Miles couldn’t have been prouder.

[solariswrites]

Sexy Aprons

“Are you trying to become a househusband?” Donghee found himself asking as he leaned against the doorframe of his kitchen. There was Hotae in his kitchen once again making a meal for them. This time instead of a date night it was just a random Wednesday. Well not too random. Today was inventory day and Donghee had been busy with making sure that everything was counted correctly. Donghee had lived off coffee for most of the day. That might be why his mouth watered and nothing to do with how right it felt to have Hotae in his home with him. 

“You going to put a ring on it,” Hotae sassily responded, lifting his hand from where he was stirring the pot of japchae to show the back of his hand, “if I do? I’m not cheap.”

“Oh? Where’s the worth?” Donghee laughed as Hotae flipped him off before dropping his hand to keep stirring their dinner. 

“Go wash up.” Hotae shook his head. 

“Mmn.” Donghee nodded even though Hotae wasn’t looking and headed upstairs to take a quick shower so that he could eat what smelled like the most delicious meal in his life. 

///

Donghee stopped on the stairs as he heard a mixture of Spanish and Korean. He licked his lips as his heart started a marathon in his chest at hearing Hotae speaking Spanish so well. Hotae had told him he’d wanted to learn for him, but he had thought it would only be bits and pieces so he could flirt. Apparently he had decided to dive right in and actually learn Spanish. It made Donghee proud. He had full faith that Hotae could always better himself if he truly wanted. 

“The point is to be sexy.” a woman’s voice said in Korean bringing Donghee back to the conversation at hand.

“He’s seen me in an apron.” Hotae responded in Spanish “I’ve helped in his cafe and I’ve made us meals.”

“Like a husband?” she responded in Korean which had him wondering if this was Hotae’s American friend, Gabi.

“Like his boyfriend.” Hotae gave back with sass. 

“Like a boyfriend that should surprise him in a sexy apron.” the girl continued on with their exchange in different languages that Donghee was glad he was fluent in both. 

“Sexy apron? Are we teenagers?” Hotae snorted. 

“Nope, adults that are trying to get their oppas to pay attention to them.” 

“My boyfriend pays attention to me.” Hotae was plating some of the japchae. 

“He’d pay attention if you weren’t being such a prude.” 

“Prude? Me?” Hotae gasped offended as Donghee slowly slinked down to the bottom step so that he could look in the kitchen.

“Yes, what are you waiting on?” 

“For us both to be ready and sexy aprons don’t scream I’m patiently waiting.” Hotae huffed while moving to set the plated food on the table. 

“Neither does pinning him against the cabinets.” the woman stated with a gleeful tone and Donghee felt like his face was on fire. Had Hotae confessed what happened between them. Not that he was ashamed but embarrassed that their intimate moments were shared. 

“Or the front door, or the bookcase, or the front seat of your car.” Hotae shook his head then went to the fridge to get them both something to drink. 

“Not my fault my oppa is cute as a button. Oh! Speaking of that button I need to go and don’t forget the mock! You pass that and i’ll have my friend get started on fixing that hideous arm tattoo. At least the nape is decent.” 

“It’s not-”

“Yes, it is hideous and if you pass the actual exam with me then i’ll pay for the coverup. Gotta go, my oppa brought dinner. Don’t forget to eat yours instead of an after dinner mint.” 

Hotae clicked his tongue and his head shot up as he realized that he wasn’t alone. “Um…dinner is ready.” he sheepishly reached for his phone to stuff it in the pocket of the apron he was wearing. “How long were you standing there?” Hotae joined him in sitting at the table. 

“Enough to know your Spanish has improved.” Donghee answered as he leaned in to take a sip of the soda that Hotae had poured for him. “That and sexy aprons.” he found himself smirking as Hotae turned his head; those ears flushing red. A lovely smug smile blooming across his lips. 

“You…” Hotae tsked, trying to get his heart under control. “...you…”

“Would look good in a sexy apron.” Donghee teased him some more, loving how wide Hotae’s eyes got and those lips parting. He could almost pull him into a kiss. But for now he wanted to enjoy teasing Hotae. Perhaps his friend was right about Hotae letting himself become the after dinner mint.

🍊 Read on AO3: Here 🍊 Read more of my works on my AO3: Here

[skzstoryvault]

Into the Earth (Hyunjin, we'll see if spicy)

Hyunjin x f!reader

multi-chapter fic

AU

happens a few years in the future

Hyunjin is in his post-idol era. Working as an artist and fashion icon.

Warnings: mentions of scamming, dishonesty, abusive people and various kinds of abuse, parasites (and not the Bong Joon Ho clever kind), misogyny (but not Hyunjin!), ageism. More to be added with later chapters.

This is in no way meant as a commentary on the real persons depicted here. They all deserve the world.

Please be kind.

Please do not report this post. If it's not your thing, just scroll away.

If you're underage, please scroll on, there is nothing for you here.

If you enjoy this story and are reading along, I would love to hear your comments in the replies, reblogs or DMs - however you feel most comfortable.

Like I mentioned, this story is finished, but I will slightly change its course based on the way the chapters are received. Story title is inspired by a Lorna Shore song Part 1 Song for this chapter (I promise it is not blackened deathcore this time!)

Part 2 - Beautiful “Hello, I’m here for the job ad? You said you were looking for help with the farm?” He says, in English. “I just arrived today.”

“You don’t look like you’re used to working.” The hiring person, who introduced himself as Agustin, says. “I am looking for men who can work hard, long hours and not bitch, complain and take tiktok videos every five minutes. We sometimes have tourists come and try to work here for the experience and then they complain when they learn they actually have to work.” “I know I’m not the biggest, but I am strong and I am used to long hours.” Hyunjin says. “And I am used to getting yelled at,” he adds, thinking of his idol days. “I mean, I work well under pressure.” “Do you have a copy of your criminal record? We do hire people who’ve been to prison, but we have to be notified if a criminal record exists.” “I do, I put a copy in my application file. It’s just two blank sheets with police headers, I’ve been a good boy so far.” “Hm. Let me see that.” The man says, reaching and taking the file closer. “Man, you come from far away. What kind of name is Joseph Hwang?” “Uhm, I’m Korean. But I lived in Paris for the past few years.” “Oh, so you’re not new-new to Europe. Good. You don’t look like a Joseph to me. Ok let’s see… Studies… Choreography and English? How does a pretty boy like you decide to come work on a bio farm? You know the pay is not what you’re used to, right? We do offer health insurance and the legal number of free days, but I’d say, uh, well, you should aim higher. Unless you’re running from something and-” “I am, actually. Nothing bad, I just… need to do something else with my life.” Hyunjin offers, feeling that honesty is the best choice right now. “I get it. I’ve been there.” The man says. “Well, what the hell. You have the job. I’ll show you where the rooms are and you can go get settled in. Report for work to Paloma. Lunch is your responsibility. We make and have breakfast and dinner together, at six and at eight. If you survive your two trial weeks, you will also get to be in the role of mother and make one meal of the day for everyone else, so I hope you’re not some spoiled kid who’s never set foot in a kitchen. Questions?” “No, everything is alright for now and I am sure the rest will explain itself along the way. Thank you.” “Oh and, new guy? Consider going by José. It’s more approachable.” *** Hyunjin does not, in fact, go by José. Agustin gave him many other useful tips, but he stuck to his name and everyone at the farm made an effort and learned it. People here are so different and lovely, from different cultures and speaking different languages, and while the team is not huge, it feels tightly knit and like a functional unit. Even the coworkers who do not speak English well know enough to allow for communication, and Hyunjin knows he will pick up Spanish in no-time because he is utterly in love with the sound of it. He wants to cry all the time, but in the best of ways. He is filled with bliss to the point of overflowing. He wonders if this is what enlightened monks feel all the time. Just an overall feeling of simmering ecstasy, unlike anything he’s ever known. A sharp contrast to the utter misery and alienation he felt while in the military, when at times he felt his soul cowering in the tiniest corner of his being, not wanting to take note of his body while in that state. The farm is an old villa with many rooms. The workers, him included, live there, together with the owner. It’s like a family, they just don’t call it that. Tumblr says this is as long as this chapter can get so- I guess I'm doing some edits already.

Part 3