#Joe dimpling in glee!

[sanversinsane]

The Tour: Chapter 3

I promise this will get better! Thanks for reading. Last chapter is here if you want to read it. 

A month flew by faster than she thought it would.

Her and Nicole had kept in touch, exchanging emails and text back and forth about what to bring, and how excited they were. It felt like two kids getting ready to go away to camp for the first time.

Now she was standing outside of Shorties in the brisk early morning air, waiting for the bus to arrive. The suitcase by her side was one of Wynonna’s old ones. Waverly had never needed a suitcase before.

Wynonna walked outside, bundled up in her coat, with a mug of coffee warming up her hands. “You’re gonna be fine Waverly.” She said as she stood next to her sister.

“I know.” Waverly nodded but didn’t fully believing it.

There was something nerve wracking leaving the only place you've ever known. The only home you've ever had. Yes, Purgatory is backwards and strange sometimes, but it's all she knew.

Wynonna sensed her anxiousness and threw her arm around her shoulder, and kissed the top of her head.

Moments later the bus was rolling down the street and started pulling over in front of Shorties.

Waverly took a deep breath and Wynonna gave her shoulder a tight squeeze. It all felt real now.

It was really happening.

For a split second Waverly felt like she might get sick. The nerves in her stomach bundled up so tight, she felt it every time she breathed in. Her hands were gripping the handle of her suitcase so tight her knuckles were turning white.

And then the doors hissed open. 

The first thing she saw was that smile. Those dimples looked deeper than she had remembered. And just like that, like pouring water over a fire, the knots in her stomach disintegrated to ash.

“Waverly!” Nicole's cooed as she came down the steps and headed straight for Waverly. She immediately engulfed her in a huge hug. When she pulled back she grabbed Waverly by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. “I'm so glad we’re doing this!”

“Me too!” Waverly laughed.

Before they could say anything else two men came jumping out of the bus.

“Fuck it's cold.” The one with sandy blond hair cursed.

“Yeah well maybe you should have brought a jacket. Seriously who goes on a tour in the middle of winter and doesn't bring a jacket.”

“I forgot alright! Give me a break. Shit.”

The interaction made Waverly laugh.

“Waverly this is Mike, he plays drums.” Nicole introduced Waverly to the taller man with the stockier build, the beard and the striking blue eyes.

“Hi nice to meet you.” She said as she shook his hand.

“And this is Joe, he plays keyboard.” Nicole said holding her hand out to the shivering blond.

“Hi Joe.” Waverly laughed as they shook hands. “Your hands are freezing.” She laughs again.

Mike let out a loud laugh and patted him on the back “Let's get back in the bus before we get sick. Waverly I can take your bag for you.”

“Oh wow thank you.” She smiled before he wheeled her suitcase towards the bus.

“I'll let you guys have a minute.” Nicole took a few steps back and leaned against the bus with her phone in her hand.

“I'm so excited for you Waves. This is gonna be great.” Wynonna grabbed Waverly by her shoulders as she spoke.

“It will. Right?” Waverly questioned as her nerves started to bubble back up.

“It definitely will.” Wynonna laughed. “Just promise me you'll have fun. Go a little crazy Waverly, you deserve it.”

Waverly laughed and hugged her sister tight. “I love you.”

“I love you too baby girl.” When their hug ended Wynonna turned Waverly towards the bus and slapped her butt. “Now go.”

As Waverly walked towards the bus Nicole gave her a soft smile “Ya ready?” She asked sweetly.

“Yeah.” Waverly nodded.

“Hey Haught!” Wynonna yelled before they could get inside. Nicole turned around and Wynonna was motioning for her to come over. She stepped back down and walked over to Wynonna. “Wynonna Earp, Waverly's sister.”

“It's nice to meet you.” Nicole smiled as she shook her hand.

“Listen, I only have two requests. One, keep her safe, okay? Just make sure she doesn't get hurt or anything, she can be a real fucking cluts sometimes.”

“No getting hurt. Got it.” Nicole smiled.

“And two, make sure she has fun. Waverly’s been stuck here her whole life, I want to make sure she really enjoys this.” Wynonna shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket.

Nicole turned to see Waverly still standing in the door of the bus, watching them with a confused look on her face. She turned back to Wynonna “I promise, she's gonna have a great time.”

“Okay.” Wynonna nodded. “And congrats by the way. This is pretty cool.”

“Thanks Wynonna.”

Wynonna turned and headed back into Shorties as Nicole made her way back to the door Waverly was still standing in.

“Sorry, she's a little over protective.” Waverly chuckled.

“I like it.” Nicole smiled. “She seems cool. Come on, let me show you around the bus.”

As they stepped inside they bumped into a big man headed back to the driver's seat. “Waverly this is Paul, our bus driver.”

Paul was a bigger man, tall and stocky, with the greyest hair she had ever seen. He had a sweet face. He almost reminded her of Santa. “Nice to meet you sweetheart.” He said as they shook hands.

“You too Paul.” She smiled back.

“Everybody ready? We’ve got a long ride ahead of us.” Paul said as he buckled in.

“Let’s get these wheel’s moving Paul!” Joe clapped from the couch.

It was honestly nicer than Waverly had expected. It had hardwood floors and everything looked fairly new.

“So here we have the living room.” Nicole motioned to the space in front of them. It had two long couches, and a TV. Joe and Mike sat on one couch playing Xbox. “The boys brought their Xbox, of course, but it doubles as a DVD player too.” They moved through the living room into the kitchen. There was a long table behind one of the couches that connected to the kitchen. “Here's the kitchen. It's not big but I assume we’re not really gonna be doing a lot of cooking as it is. These cabinets have plates and cups. In here, forks and knives.” She explained as she opened the drawers. “And this is the pantry, fully stocked with all the best junk food anyone could want.” Nicole laughed. They moved further back to where the beds were located. “So here's where we sleep. Mike and Joe are on this side.” Nicole motioned to the left side of the bus. “We’re on this side.” Nicole motioned to the right. “I waited to unpack my stuff because I wanted to see if it was okay if I took the bottom bunk. I tried the top bunk but I'm too tall and hit my head on the ceiling.” Nicole laughed.

Waverly had zoned out for a moment listening to Nicole laugh again. She quickly came back to life. “Yeah, no problem I love the top. Bunk. Top bunk.” She stuttered. She internally kicked herself for being such a mess around this girl. This very talented, very nice, very attractive girl. She just wished she could have gotten some words out. She sounded like an idiot.

“Okay good.” Nicole blushed and smiled. “Thank you.”

Waverly’s bag sat at the end of the hallway. “And back there is the bathroom. Again, not very big but it'll do.” Nicole shrugged.

Waverly nodded and looked around the bus.

“Oh! I wanted to show you something!” Nicole jumped as she pulled her suitcase out from under her bed. She ruffled through her bag until she found a folded up black t-shirt. She stood back up proudly, with a huge smile on her face. Waverly could help but smile back. “What do you think?” Nicole asked as she revealed the front of the shirt she was holding.

It was one of the pictures Waverly took. On a shirt. A tour shirt.

“Oh my god.” Waverly reached for it to make sure it was real. “This looks amazing!”

“Doesn't it?!” Nicole nodded with glee. “We’re selling them at the shows!”

“Are you serious?” Waverly asked looking back at Nicole.

“Yeah.” She nodded. “But this is my favorite.” She bent down and grabbed rolled up poster paper from under her bed. She unrolled it to show Waverly.

It was the last picture Waverly had taken that night. The one with Nicole on stage facing the crowd. Her head was a bit turned and it caught a glimpse of a small bashful smile.

“Wow.” Waverly gaped at the poster.

“Isn't it beautiful?” Nicole asked as she looked back at the poster.

“It's stunning.” Waverly nodded. “Are you selling these too?” She asked. Nicole nodded. “Nicole I….” Waverly took a seat on the bottom bunk, Nicole’s bed. “I really can't thank you enough for this opportunity. Not just bringing me on tour with you, but to use my stuff as your promo, it's unreal.”

“You deserve it.” Nicole smiled as she took a seat next to Waverly. “You're ‘stuff’ is amazing.” She said with air quotes around “stuff”.

Waverly looked up at Nicole. They weren't sitting close enough to touch but...Waverly felt like she had never been closer to anyone else.

“Thanks.” She blushed. She could feel new nerves build up in her stomach, but not like the kind she was feeling before. These nerves made her heart beat just a little bit faster, and her head feel light.

“I'll let you get unpack and stuff.” Nicole smiled before she stood up. “Come hang out with us when your done?” She asked.

“Yeah.” Waverly nodded up at her and watched as she made her way into the living area.

As she unpacked and set up her bunk she tried to decipher her feelings for Nicole. She wasn't sure what it was about her that made her so nervous and so calm all at once.

She could hear her laughing from the living room.

Waverly would be lying if she said she didn't think she was beautiful. Stunning actually. She was one of the most gorgeous people Waverly had ever met. She’d never really felt that kind of attraction towards women before. I mean, she would acknowledge beautiful people, but she'd never felt her body react to another woman the way it did with Nicole. In fact, her body never reacted to anyone this way.

When Waverly finished unpacking she headed into the living room where the boys were still playing Xbox, and an oven heated pizza sat on the table. Waverly grabbed a slice and sat on the couch Nicole was on.

They all chatted as the time passed. She got to know the boys a little better. They were funny and seemed pretty light hearted which Waverly could appreciate.

When it started to get late the boys headed for their bunks. “You guys are wimps!” Nicole yelled at them as they walked back. She stood and headed over the the kitchen. “You want a beer or anything?” She asked Waverly.

“Sure a beer sounds good.” Waverly nodded.

Nicole came back with two in hand. She gave one to Waverly and then took a seat on the opposite end of the couch. Waverly took a sip to calm her nerves.

“So did you know them before this?” Waverly asked as she nodded her head into the direction of the guys bunks.

“Yeah. I use to sing background vocals and sample tracks sometimes, they worked at the studio I recorded in.” Nicole explained

“They seem funny.” Waverly said with a slight smile.

“They are. They’re actually really nice guys, and I know I can trust them...which is hard to come by with men most of the time.” Nicole took another swig of her beer and tucked her legs under her body to get more comfortable.

“So are you excited about starting the tour?” Waverly asked.

Nicole gulped down a mouthful of beer before answering. “Excited...yes. But I think I’m more nervous.”

“Really? You don’t strike me as someone that gets nervous.” Waverly smiled as she took another drink.

“Are you kidding me?” Nicole laughed. “I’m the most nurotically nervous person I know. But I’m glad I hide it well.” She smiled into her next sip.

“What are you nervous about?” Waverly asked. She folded her legs together and turned her body so she was fully facing Nicole.

Nicole groaned. “So many things.” She rolled her eyes. “I mean, I’ve only ever played at dive bars, and open mics...I’ve never done anything like this before, which is scary in and of itself.”

Waverly nodded and listened intently as she continued.

“But then…” Nicole glanced down at the beer in her hand and nervous played with the damp label wrapped around it. “I don’t know I guess my biggest worry is that people won’t like me, ya know? That I’ll get up there and no one will care about what I’m singing or what I’m saying.” She looked up at Waverly who was still listening like there was going to be an exam on the subject later. Waverly didn’t try to speak because she felt like Nicole wasn’t done...and she wasn’t. “I’m nervous I’ll be forgettable.”

“Well now that’s ridiculous.” Waverly laughed as she rested her beer on her lap. “You are everything but forgettable.”

“Am I though?” Nicole shrugged. “I mean, what makes me any different than every other young singer song-writer out there trying to make it?”

“Nicole trust me…I…” Waverly didn’t know how to say that she hadn’t stopped thinking about her since the day they’d met. She didn’t know how to say that she was beyond special, and that by the end of this tour people would more than remember her, they’d love her. “People will love you.” She settled on. “That night at The Brick you looked so comfortable up on that stage. And your music, Nicole you’re music is amazing. It’s real, and it’s authentic, and it’s vulnerable. That’s what I think everyone is going to see when you’re up there.”

Waverly could physically see Nicole relax, a small smile grew on her face. “Thanks Waverly, I...I really appreciate that. More than you know.”

“Anytime.” Waverly smiled back before taking another sip of her beer. She could feel her pulse speeding up with every second they stayed on that couch.

“What about you? Nervous? Excited?” Nicole asked, diverging the attention from herself.

“A bit of both.” Waverly sighed. “I’m...I mean this is my first time leaving Purgatory. I kind of feel this pressure to make it worthwhile, if that makes sense.”

“It does.” Nicole nodded. “But if it’s any consolation I think it will be, totally worthwhile...no matter what.”  

“I think it will be too.”

Nicole smiled before saying “I know I keep saying this but...I’m really happy you decided to come.”

God, Nicole was making it hard to not like her. Waverly could feel her palms beginning to sweat.

“I’m really happy I decided to come too.”

There was silence for a moment, and even though Waverly was looking down at her beer, she could feel Nicole studying her face. She didn’t dare to look up, because she wasn’t sure what would have happened if she looked into her eyes at that moment. She had never been so confused and so exhilarated by feelings like this in her life.

“I should get to bed.” Nicole sighed as she stood up. “Thanks for talking to me though.”

“Oh, yeah...of course. Anytime.” Waverly felt the disappointment hit her chest at the fact that she didn’t want the conversation to end. She wanted to keep talking about everything. Anything.

“See you in the morning.”

“Kay. Good night.” Waverly said over her shoulder as Nicole walked back to their beds.

She stayed on the couch for a little while longer, trying to weed through the thoughts in her head. So many new questions, new urges and desires, were running through her mind. And it was all happening so fast, she wasn’t sure how to process it all.

I know this is a little rough around the edges but I promise the other chapters will be better once the tour gets started. I’d love to hear your feedback if you’ve got it! 

[ventspacexyz]

Joe Greer

Orb Weaver of the Garden Variety

September 19th, 2020

-

Orb Weaver of the Garden Variety postures like a relic from the year 2500. Cracked wide open as the strata of a stone broken clean, the face bears the marks of a cavernous interior life. Networks of symmetrical tubeways bend and wilt into colorful groupings of dimples, brows and incisors. Flatness stretches neurotically outward, tunneling through expressions of doubt, glee, confusion and dread.

[00qad-ldws]

Week 3 Submissions

Below the cut are this weeks submissions. The theme was “another time period (anytime not 2010-2020)” and 250 word count max. The challenge this week was that the following names were not allowed to be used: Q, James, Bond, Alex, Danny.

These writers stepped up to the challenge and have as always provided the fandom with amazing content this week. Please consider voting and commenting here.

Voting is closed at Noon EST 7/3.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did!

Title: Ice

Author: @themuller13

Rating: general audiences

Warnings: major character deaths

Summary: Never more.

 “We found them like this, Sir,” the sailor said indicating a small heap of what looked like limbs and clothes, now lying still and wet on the deck of the Carpathia.

The man in the expensive suit nodded before he moved slowly, cautiously towards the entangled mass. The sailor could see the dread and fear in every step the man took forward.

“We’ve tried to separate them, Sir, but—“

The sailor went silent when he saw the man bending down and carefully, tenderly unwrap a hand, an arm, and finally a young man, pale and limp. A black, unruly mess of curls lay flattened against too prominent cheekbones. The man cradled the lifeless form in his arms, turning his face up and pressed his warm lips on an unresponsive mouth.

He sobbed, defeated and grief-stricken.

Protectively, he covered the body with a dry blanket, only leaving the beautiful face bare in the cold winter night.

Then, he freed the next man. Gently, he held and petted him, before he was placed alongside the first.

The sailor stayed silent, watched with wide eyes when he saw the resemblance between the two bodies, saw how the suited man took utmost care to place the bodies as close as possible.

The damp clothes held a third body of an even younger man, his face like chiseled marble. Warm fingers trailed the cupid’s bow.

His body was now draped around the other two, in a final embrace of a love that was no more.

 Title: The Pais

Author: @iambid 

Rating: Gen

Warnings: Mentions of sexual slavery

Summary:  A retired centurion goes to market to purchase a concubine.

 “Please buy them too!”

The rich man turned angrily from his negotiation with the slaver and stared at his new purchase.  He was pretty but outbursts were not to be tolerated.  The guard behind him grabbed his dark tousled hair and forced him to his knees brutally.

“And why should I do that?”

“We were told that if we weren’t sold today we would be sent to the Games!”

He looked over at the two slaves that stood cowering at the other end of the little stage. Unsold, they would be sent to the arena to be gladiators and most likely be slaughtered.  One of them looked very much like the boy he now owned.  The other was taller and blonder.

“What if I can’t afford to buy them too?”

“Then don’t buy me!”  The young man pleaded.  “Let me go with them.  Die with them.”

He hesitated, moved by his heartfelt plea.

“Why are you so set on throwing your life away?”

“I love them.”  He whispered, tears finally falling.  “I can’t live without them.”

He’d returned from the war in Britannia to find his beloved wife Vesper had died.  After months of loneliness he’d come to the sale to find a boy to warm his bed and found these young lovers instead.  Maybe the gods were smiling on him. He turned to the slaver.

“I want all three.”  He stroked the boy’s hair.  “I should like there to be some love in my home again.” He said kindly.

  Title: Something Old, Something New

Author: @iamanonniemouse

Rating: G

Warnings: None

Summary: "I feel like I've known you all forever,” I admit.

--

They say we remember things from our past lives. Old addresses, our partner’s preferred HoloCell brand. Little things.

Until now, I’d never believed it. But looking at the slim man in front of me, I am struck with a strange sense of déjà vu.

His HoloSuit is worn, his eyes tired. Where have you been? I want to ask. I've been looking for you.

“My name's Denny,” the man offers.

No it isn't, I think. Not quite.

"My name is Joe,” I say.

No it isn't.

Not-Denny hums thoughtfully. "If you could pick any name for yourself, what would it be?”

I ponder it. “Alan.”

Not quite. But it’ll do.

Not-Denny beams. "Okay, Alan. Would you like to come to lunch with us?”

I nod. He leads me over to two other men.

“Alan?” the man with HoloLens prosthetics says as we’re introduced. “I'm your new best friend, Quinn.”

The other man snorts and extends his hand. “Brown,” he says. “John Brown.

We sit and place our orders.

“Do you have two cats?” I ask Quinn, randomly.

“No way in hell,” Brown says.

Quinn rolls his eyes. “I don’t,” he tells me. “But I’ve been thinking of getting some.”

Brown groans.

The HoloServe arrives with our meals. I watch them all as we eat. Denny’s hands curled around the fork, Quinn’s bangs, Brown’s eyes.

“Something wrong?" Quinn asks me.

I hesitate. "I feel like I've known you all forever,” I admit.

They all smile at me.

“Me, too.”

  Title: The Visitors

Author: @gwylliondream

Rating: PG

Warnings: None

Summary: He'd recognize that face anywhere.

 “They’re coming today,” the nurse chatters as she wheels my chair into the courtyard.

The strength of my hands fails me. My fists once crushed jaws, but now they only ache, fingers twisted with age.

“They…?” I ask.

“Your family, of course,” she says.

I haven’t had a family since I was twelve years old.

They arrive, three of them, walking through the gate when the buzzer sounds.

I don’t remember them. Their names, their habits, how they take their tea.

The observation of human behaviour once came easily to me. But these days, I’ve lost the skills, like a man who forgets the name of his childhood pet or the taste of his mother’s porridge.

One visitor checks his watch as the afternoon lingers. His face impassive, he’d rather be elsewhere. Instead, he’s boxed into this god-forsaken courtyard without an escape.

Another paces back and forth across the grass. His fingers itch to hold a cigarette between them. I still notice some things, despite my captivity. I haven’t forgotten everything.

Another visitor kneels at my side and presses a cheek to my palm.

The other takes his eyes off his watch long enough to notice, “He recognizes you.”

My thumb caresses the soft skin, not nearly as wrinkled as my own. A smile emerges, a blush and a dimple.

The pacing visitor stops and affirms, “I think he does.”

“I’d recognize you anywhere,” I say, remembering the warmth of a Mediterranean sun.

Green eyes flicker over my lips.

“Vesper….”

 Title: A pub is for everyone

Author: @blood-suits-and-tears

Rating: G

Warnings:

Summary: random London pub in the 1990s; they are all like 20

"Come on, Turner...we should celebrate, the two youngest and brightest members of Q-branch! The pub is just across the street..."

The grunge-y looking kid with the big glasses is leading the way and then orders them cocktails. The other, more conservative looking one is finding them a table with a good view of all the exits; the best spot is already taken by a handsome but tired looking guy in uniform.

Just as the cocktails are ready a young man stumbles in, dressed in neon colours, spikey hair, and glitter on his face, rave-y type. He looks like he had quite a night although it’s not even 10pm yet.

Everybody is sipping their drinks as suddenly Nirvana blares through the pub. Turner remembers his colleague complaining about them being too commercial now. Nevertheless, he gets up to ‘dance’, he tries to get other people to join him, so the rave-y guy at the bar gives in.

“Dance with us, army guy!”

“Navy! He’s obviously a navy man”

“Thanks, and no… not really my kind of music…”

“Turner?”

He shakes his head and gets joined by the navy man at his table.

“Not your thing either?”

“Not really, but they seem to have fun…”

“You want to try?”

There is a hesitant nod and they get up to join the other two. Later as ‘Jump Around’ comes on they all don’t hold back. None of them knowing what will become of them together in the future.

 Title: The Favour

Author: @sunaddicted

Rating: G

Warnings: mentions of male prostitution

Summary:  you meet the people you love in the strangest ways (brownie points to whoever guessed what scandal I'm referring to)

  The carriage dipped and groaned a little when two broad gentlemen climbed down from it, their blond hair - an ashen and a honeyed tone respectively - briefly shining like saints' halos under the gaslights.

"Cleveland Street" The younger gentleman frowned, a quizzical expression on his classically cut features  "It doesn't seem like a place where we might have a mission, Commander"

"We don't" the elder confirmed, cane tapping on the concrete almost in glee at the perspective of working outside of the rules "It's a favour, not a mission"

"For who?"

 "The Quartermaster" The Commander revealed as he led his colleague down the road "He has.. an acquaintance at number 19" the tone of voice said everything about just what kind of acquaintance he was talking about - not that he was judging their young Quartermaster: they had had their fair share of illicit encounters, disguised under friendly dinners.

"A male prostitute, you mean"

"A boy he holds close to his heart and who he wishes out of harm's way" the elder specified "You must know about the brewing scandal" he murmured, pushing the door open.  

The other agent sighed "Who are we looking for?"

The Commander  looked around briefly and then nodded towards a familiar nest of unkempt hair.

"They look... The same"

The older agent couldn't disagree, the similarity was startling and he had a feeling that they would get into a lot of trouble because of them "Yes, they're beautiful"

  Title: Real Gone

Author: @lille082

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Warnings: none

Summary: He doesn’t go looking for trouble, honest.  But he knows where to go after trouble finds him. A 50s Diner AU

 The occupant behind the diner’s counter looked him over as he limped across the threshold before glaring at him in annoyance and concern.  Before he knew it, he’d been forced onto a stool in the upstairs flat, a plaster applied to his forehead.

“You close shop to patch a lot of cats up at 2am or is it just me?”  He smiled as he watched a flush creep into Eugene’s cheeks.

“I don’t know too many people who go out looking for a pounding, Richard.  Consider yourself special.”  He continued to dab at his split lip with a flannel, flicking his gaze up for just a moment to meet his eyes.

“Sounds like you’re running with some squares, Eugene.”

He laughed, his blush growing darker as his gaze flickered between Richard’s eyes and lips.

The door to the flat swung open and they both jumped, watching Bobby and Alan stumble in clinging to each other before seeing them.

“Oh.  Sorry to interrupt…we’ll just…”  Bobby led Alan to the bedroom and swiftly shut the door behind them.

Richard hadn’t known, exactly, but he’d had suspicions about the three men who ran the diner and the look of fear in Eugene’s eyes confirmed it for him.

“Please don’t rat on us,”  Eugene quietly pleaded.

“Why would I do a thing like that?  You calling me a snitch?” He asked, leaning forward and smiling playfully.

Eugene's eyes widened hopefully.  “Really?”

“Really,” Richard whispered, before tilting his chin up to kiss him.