#My sister just says it's because she picked my dog up at the airport

[rahabs]

Is it ridiculous to be devastated that my dog (who is and always has been extremely anxious) loves my sister more than me? Wags her tail, gets excited to see her, etc, whereas it seems she can hardly stand me.

[baronessblixen]

Fictober Day 3: Getting It Right

Mulder runs into the man Scully has gone out with a few times, but of course, he's not jealous or anything. Rating: T, wc: 1,017

Prompt: "I know you better"

Tagging @today-in-fic @xffictober24

Mulder isn’t sure when the best time is to meet one’s partner’s potential love interest, but he knows it isn’t a Friday morning, in line for coffee. He wouldn’t have recognized him – medium height, perfectly styled brown hair, and altogether average – if it weren’t for the phone call he received while they waited.

The guy in front of him is Sawyer Montgomery, tax lawyer and the man Scully has gone out with twice. At least that’s what she’s told him the other day over lunch. Mulder isn’t jealous. Of course, he isn’t. Why would he be? He merely almost choked on his tuna sandwich because he was surprised. That was all. Scully had to pat his back and was sweet enough not to mention his red face afterwards, or his teary eyes. He had a sore throat all day and lost his appetite for the next three days. But that's normal - isn't it?

Tax lawyer Sawyer – or Snoozer, as Mulder has started calling him in his mind – is still on his phone, talking to what must be his assistant. He’s ordering flowers for the ‘lady’, making Mulder roll his eyes. If Scully knew that Snoozer was referring to her as ‘lady’, she’d call the whole thing off right away. At least that’s what he thinks she’d do.

He can’t help but listen to the one-sided conversation. Partly because he’s curious – after all, this guy is dating Scully – and partly because he doesn’t have a choice. Maybe he should be glad that the guy isn’t using Scully’s real name. They’re regulars here and he doesn’t want anyone associating Scully with this guy. Unless they become serious, but that’s a whole different can of worms he’s not ready to open.

“I’ll be there soon,” Sawyer now says, glancing at his watch. “I’m getting my girlfriend her favorite coffee. Remind her that we have a date tonight.” Mulder plays with the button on his coat, trying not to think too much about what he’s just heard. Girlfriend. He didn’t think they were there yet. Hasn’t it just been two dates? Scully wouldn’t lie to him about that.

He can recall the moment she told him in great detail, right up to him choking, and her hand on his back. Two dates. Meaning that tonight is their third. The third date. Mulder hasn’t had one in a while, but he remembers what those typically mean. He reminds himself that Scully is free to date as many boring tax lawyers as she pleases. He and Scully are just partners. Aren’t they?

As he stands there, half listening to Snoozer, he thinks about it. About how it would be. After tonight, after Scully and Sawyer’s third date, they will go official. Scully calls her mother, with Sawyer throwing a hello in, making everyone laugh. He’s invited to Sunday dinner, and then to birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

When Bill Jr. meets this golf-playing, taxes-loving guy who couldn’t be more perfect for his little sister, he’ll sing Hallelujah. Mulder can see it all while he’s waiting to make his order. First up, however, is wonder boy Sawyer, who’ll soon be the one who picks up Scully from the airport when they return from out-of-state cases. He’ll take her home because soon, they will share one. Mulder swallows hard, knowing what will happen next. A picket fence and a dog. A child or two.

“Yes, I’d like a caramel macchiato with extra milk.” Mulder’s ears perk up. He waits to see if Sawyer orders anything else – but what would be the odds? What this guy just ordered isn’t Scully’s favorite coffee at all, it’s Mulder’s. Which means that when they met, it was Scully’s turn to bring coffee. And Sawyer got it all wrong. Maybe Mulder has too.

“Is that all?” The young barista asks, bored already at not even 9 a.m.

“That is all,” Sawyer says with a smile. When he turns with his precious coffee in hand, he nearly crashes into Mulder. “Oh, I apologize.”

“All good,” Mulder says, trying his best to sound and look friendly. He was right; Sawyer is altogether average, altogether boring. The two men nod at each other and then the other man is gone. Mulder will take his time, making sure he won’t run into him at the office.

“Are you going to order or just stare after this guy?” The barista asks him.

“I’m gonna order,” Mulder says, fishing out his wallet, smiling to himself. Right now, he feels like he has all the time in the world.

*

By the time he gets to the office, Scully is sitting at the desk, lifting her head and smiling when she sees him.

“Good morning.”

“Morning,” Mulder replies, eyeing the coffee beside Scully.

“Good thing I only bought one, huh?” He gestures toward the steaming coffee cup, and Scully responds with an apologetic glance.

“Um, Sawyer came by and just wanted to confirm our date tonight.” Mulder nods, pretends to be hearing this for the first time.

“Did he get you your favorite?” She doesn’t need to answer; avoiding his eyes is all the answer he needs.

“We’re still in that getting to know each other phase,” she says.

“Hmm, yeah, I remember that.” He puts his own coffee in front of her and lifts the lid. Scully takes a deep breath and almost moans.

“Is that-”

“A latte espresso with just a hint of cinnamon and cardamom? It is.”

“Thank you, Mulder.” She pushes the to-go cup Sawyer brought her away and takes the other one between her hands, relishing the smell. He tried her favorite once, claiming it was too bitter. Just like Scully claimed his preferred choice was too sweet. A perfect blend, he thinks now. He watches as she takes a sip from her coffee, her eyes fluttering close.

“Sawyer may know you,” Mulder says, rounding the desk and reaching over her shoulder to grab the other coffee, “but I know you better.” The blush creeping into her cheeks gives him hope—though he’s not quite ready to admit, even to himself, what for.

[trivialbob]

Our son Matt and his girlfriend Michelle arrived in town yesterday from Santa Fe. Sheila and I picked them up at the airport. I'd never met Michelle; Sheila had met her once before.

On our way home we stopped at Matt's Bar (that's actually the name of the bar) for a Jucy Lucy (that is actually how it is spelled). I hadn't been there in a long time. Which is stupid of me because the burger stuffed with molten cheese is amazing. I thought it was a nice way to introduce Michelle to Minneapolis.

Back at our house we paused to let the dogs bark at the newcomers. Ella seemed to remember Matt. She quickly stopped barking and started shrieking happily, then gave him a big hug when he knelt to greet her. Even Oliver stopped barking pretty quickly. Sulley and Stella were a bit more rambunctious but eventually settled down.

We all hung out for a while and pet dogs. I still don't exactly understand what Matt and Michelle do at their jobs in Los Alamos. Much of it is classified or secret. Nonetheless, we had a nice time catching up with Matt and getting to know Michelle.

Later we brought them to our local brewery. The place was busy. Several groups were having holiday gatherings, as evidenced by large trays of cookies and snacks. At a table near our were several young moms with babies and toddlers.

I will say it again: I like the youngsters in breweries. Adults don't misbehave around the little ones. Two dudes who might otherwise argue and swear loudly over which Viking will play quarterback on Sunday won't do that in front of little Katlynnght (the second T is silent) and Ashlay, nor do they dare wake a baby sleeping in a stroller. The kids hold up their end of the deal too, because I never hear any crying or whining in breweries, except my own when Sheila says it's time to leave.

In the evening we went to Boom Island Brewing in Minnetonka. One of my sisters and her son met us, as did a coworker of Sheila's who is the same age as Matt and Michelle. We played trivia. Out of 18 teams ours finished mid-pack, which I found disappointing because everyone in our group of seven is smart. Or seems smart!!

There was a food truck in the brewery's parking lot. It's well known for having one of the best burgers around (besides a Jucy Lucy). The truck's burger is $17. A bit high, I think, especially when you have to leave the warm brewery and order while standing outside. But the food is good. However, a Matt's Jucy Lucy is just under $10 and a nice server sets it in front of me, next to a basket of hot fries and a cold Grain Belt Premium.

This (below) is getting ridiculous. If it keeps up, what will the real restaurants, which may charge the same price for a burger and have servers who hustle and make multiple trips to your table, start to add for a surcharge? I've already seen mandatory 18% service charges at some places.

[morganicandlocal]

i’ve been crying a lot lately. i’m crying right now actually. i don’t really like to cry and it’s not something i’ve done much of since I’ve been on antidepressants. some people hate that about antidepressants, that they make you feel less. i love it. i’m not sure my body could cope with all of my feelings unmedicated.

emma reminded me one night while i was weeping on the kitchen floor (because i was too hungry to think and i had just hit my head on the corner of the fridge and i had a hard day at work and we had just dropped a heartbroken friend off at the airport after too short of a visit and my period was about to start) that crying is a regulatory activity and even if i hate it, it will put me back in my body where i belong. i don’t really like my body, i don’t take very good care of it, i’m not sure it’s good for anything except housing all of my thoughts and feelings, most of which are harsh and unforgiving.

emma told me she loved me. she offered many perfectly good dinner options for me even though she wasn’t hungry. i whined petulantly and cried a little harder at every suggestion until buttered noodles. she offered her protein pasta for me to use. she gave me ideas to add fiber. i shook my head no. she said “that’s okay!” i insisted i could make it myself through a choked sob from my residence on the cold floor when she pulled out a pot and bag of pasta. she filled the pot with water and added a molly baz approved amount of diamond crystal kosher salt and said, “i’ll just start it and let you do the rest.”

i am at my parents’ house now, trying to get my 16 year old senile family dog to be near me for more than just the incentive of a slice of turkey from the fridge. i give him the turkey anyway and he walks away when i no longer offer anything practical to him. i hear my laundry spinning in the dryer. i have a washer and dryer in my apartment building but my mom thinks it’s silly to spend 3 dollars in quarters for one load of laundry. so, i spend my saturdays here and do my laundry for free.

my dad is in the garage. he’s replacing the struts on my car. i’m not totally sure what that means or why it needs to be done, but he does and i guess that’s all that matters for now. i called him crying weeks ago after my oil change at midas to tell him they said i needed $5000 of repairs. he didn’t offer me much comfort, just asked me to send him the quote. I did and we looked at it together. he told me he could fix all of it for less than $800. he told me i could send him money whenever. i half-joked through my pending tears and said, “i’d be bankrupt without ya.”

i think my recent tears are mostly good. i think they are reminding me of how loved i am. it’s easy to overlook practical love. i certainly overlooked it when i was younger. practical love shows up in such subtle ways and i’m feeling really grateful that my brain has been picking up on those ways lately. my best friend makes sure that i meet my own basic needs when i’m incapable of doing so myself. my dad sacrifices his saturdays to save me money. my sister in law finds home decor on facebook marketplace in my city that she does not even live in and sends me the link. my mom says that she’s glad i went to urgent care for that health concern i had and that she’ll split the copay with me.

i think my tendency towards hyper-independence and self sufficiency is slowly being suffocated by my realization of the practical love that surrounds me.

[annieintheaair]

Everyone says I'm good with my feelings; I talk about them, it's my way of healing but no one saw the hardest times.

I've been 35 for almost a full week now. I'm not sure what to say about it so far but I can't help but reflect on the last 5 years since I entered my 30s.

The day after my 30th birthday, I moved into my old townhouse. I met my new landlord at the house and got the keys. She said I could start moving in right away. I was so excited to finally live in a house instead of an apartment. It felt like such a dream come true. That birthday was the beginning of a lot of great things because a year later, shortly after I turned 31, I got my dream car - a Volvo XC40. It was my first new car, ever.

My 30s started off really well. In addition to getting my dream car, I fell in love again at 31 for the first time in over 10 years. If you scroll back to 2020 on this blog, you can read about that year and how things were finally looking up for me.

The last 5 years have been filled with so many highs and lows. It's like a rollercoaster that never ends. It's weird to think that I'm halfway through my 30s.

Leading up to my birthday last week, the weekend started with many delays. Our flight coming back Sunday morning was delayed and I was convinced it would delay further so I picked up a trip for Sunday night expecting to not actually be able to fly it. Since I was nervous about how long I'd be gone, in a pinch, Kia suggested I drop off the dogs at her house since I didn't have a dog sitter that night. I quickly threw on my uniform and got in the car with the dogs to drop them off at her house on my way to work.

As luck would have it, I was still legal for the trip Sunday night. The trip was ok though and I worked with people I actually like, which was nice.

When we landed back in DFW on Monday morning (my birthday), we got back on time, arrived at a gate by the exit, and the bus was waiting outside when I got out there. There was barely any traffic on my way home, too, so it felt like the start of a good birthday.

Even though I was tired, I met my sister and two of her younger kids at a nearby waterpark. My sister convinced me to go down one slide that looked completely harmless until I went down and my hat nearly flew off my head and I got a ton of water up my nose and in my eyes. Going down that slide made me think about how life is sometimes, especially lately. You're going down this slide, having so much fun, not sure what to expect but hoping for the best, and then the end hits you so suddenly. You know it's coming but somehow you don't expect it when it arrives. It hurts some, too. You get water up your nose and in your eyes, you feel like you can't breathe or see clearly. Even though it was fun in the beginning, you walk away wondering if it was worth all of the pain in the end.

I finished out my birthday by running some errands and getting my nails done. I picked up ice cream for my niece, Lucy, and I, and then headed home, thinking I'd go out to dinner that night. I was so tired that I never made it to dinner and ended up watching movies on my couch. I watched Hope Floats. The movie ends with the following quote:

"Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts the most. You need to remember that when you find yourself at the beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up."

Even though my birthday didn't end the way I had hoped, that quote was perfect for finishing out the day.

I've been busy working a lot so there hasn't been a whole lot of time where I haven't been flying. Thursday I met up with Shinayde in the morning to have espresso martini flights at Ascension on the river and then finished out the day by going to a yin yoga class by the airport before work. When I got to work that night, my neighbor texted me, sending me into a complete panic, totally ruining the zen feeling I had achieved from yoga. I'm not sure if I forgot to close my garage door or if it had popped back open when I closed it but I was so freaked out that I asked him to go over to my house and check inside and then close the garage. Luckily, everything was fine but I'm trying to be extra careful now.

Friday afternoon I made it to yoga and didn't accomplish much else other than going back to work that night. These blocks of five nights in a row are rough but I don't think I could do it if I wasn't flying with friends. Even though my commute sucks right now, it's a good opportunity for me to make more money by flying extra. Since being single, I have literally doubled my income, which is a huge win. It literally pays to be single.

I have taken some time this week to meet new dog sitters to help me get through the rest of the summer, especially since I'm on reserve next month. With a possible strike coming, I feel like I need extra backup plans for all of the "just in case"s in my life.

Since it's looking like my parents are going to rent out my house once I move out, I decided to reassess my move and look for somewhere that might work better for me since the original place won't be ready until at least the end of August. I want my parents to be able to find a tenant before school starts back up so if I can move sooner, then I'm going to try to do that. I reached back out to the realtor that I was working with previously and we're planning on going to see some houses this week.

There are quite a few good options that she found so far but I'm obviously partial to the one close to my old house. I'd love to be able to just go back to my life and live in the same area again, where I know I'm happy and everything is convenient.

This week I made plans with Julie to go to see a show with a medium. I'm really excited and hoping I'm selected and can hear from Dan. I feel like it would make such a difference in my life right now to hear from him. It's hard to believe that it has been almost 2 years since he has been gone. It still doesn't feel real and they're wrong when they say that it gets easier. It honestly feels like it gets harder every day.

My birthday this year was the second one without a birthday wish from Dan. Whenever I feel sad about him being gone and getting through this life without him and on my own, I remember the night when he told me that we were lucky to have found what we did at such a young age. He was right. Maybe I don't get to feel all of those things now and be happy with how my life is going but when I look back, I think about all of those years we had together. We were so lucky. I know he's out there, cheering me on, always, wishing for the very best for me. I know he just wants me to be happy.

I take a bad day and call it a blessing I take a heartbreak and call it a lesson Why even through all the tears nothing looks, nothing looks bad Oh I, I've seen the worst nights and never forgot 'em Now I can sit down and face any problem 'Cause one thing I know is that nothing looks, nothing looks bad When you've seen rock bottom

xoxo

Annie

[anthonysstupiddailyblog]

Anthony’s Stupid Daily Blog (378): Thu 30th Mar 2023

USA: let’s do this shit! The last six months have dragged like a motherfucker. I’ve suffered through an incredibly harsh winter and unbearably long shifts at work but it’s been worth it. I’m off to the USA where I will cross three items off my list: WrestleMania, California and the LA Lakers. My sister picked me up at half 2 in the morning but not before I ruined my compression socks by stepping in a puddle of piss the dog had left on the carpet while I was getting my bags in order. We then went to pick Dad up and headed off for the airport. I’m an incredibly nervous traveller, in fact I’m in incredibly nervous everything-er but it gets really bad when it comes to travel. I’m constantly worrying that I’m going to forget my passport or my phone or that the transport will be delayed or that the thing I’m travelling to see actually isn’t happening until the year after. I won’t be able to properly relax until I’m in SoFi Stadium singing along with Seth Rollins’ theme song. I’d stayed awake al night so that I’d be good and tired for this torturous flight and was already falling asleep in Heathrow airport. I took a sleeping tablet as soon as I got on the flight and while it didn’t work straight away I did get a good few hours sleep despite the chairs being unusually uncomfortable. I don’t know why they have those adjustable headrests because they never go up or down enough to fit in between your head and shoulders and just end up pushing your head out. I have to say while the flight was long it didn’t feel like 9.5 hours. In order to save money Dad and I didn’t book transport to and from our hotel and decided to make our own way there from the airport. This was incredibly tough because bother of us were already jetlagged and confused and couldn’t work out how the metro ticketing system worked. We were that out of it that it was a bit like getting someone drunk and then making hem go on The Krypton Factor. Eventually we worked out which trains we needed to get in order to reach our hotel but we weren’t in for a smooth ride. There was some high cunt on the Metro talking about Cheech and Chong who came over to us, heard our accents and told us that we should quote some English literature to some black bitches (his word not mine, obviously) and they would be like putty in out hands. I dunno about that. We finally got to our hotel but before the receptionist would let us into our room she told us that we needed to put down a safety deposit of $60 and when I gave her the money in cash she said that the payment was card only. This really pissed me off because what if I hadn’t brought a credit card with me? Would she had just thrown us out on the street and not let us into the room that we’d already paid for? Dad was really pissed off about it and will be letting the travel agents both barrels when he gets home for not telling us about this. We finally got into our room which was okay. I wasn’t expecting anything special anyway and it serves its purpose since we’re not planning on being in here much of the time anyway. I went for a bath and…fucks sake. American baths are awful. There’s no slant for you to lie down on and it’s like having a bath in a coffin. There are a few things American should adapt from the UK (most things actually) but the main thing is legalising jaywalking and slanted baths. I went to bed and passed out almost immediately. This was a very hectic day but I’ll have all day tomorrow to recover, explore LA and then it’s off to WrestleMania!

[purplesurveys]

1650

do you ever do these surveys with your SO? we do all the time I never did when I had one; I like that this is one of the few things in the world I can keep for myself.

have you ever totally lied or made up ridiculous answers for surveys? There’s absolutely no reason for me to lie on these lol.

do animal furs upset you? Yes.

who picks the music when you’re riding in the car? I drive alone most of the time; otherwise when it’s my family headed out it’s either me or my sister who connects to the Bluetooth 50%-50% of the time.

do you have a waste basket in your car? Nah, I just shove trash in whatever bag I’m bringing at the time and then toss it out once I can find a trash can. 

what’s the Spanish name for your favourite food? Is there a Spanish word for sushi...? If there is, I have no idea what it is.

do you know anyone who regularly uses a bike for transportation? In this extremely bike-friendly country? Hahahaha. Everyone I know either drives, has a driver, or takes a Grab.

do you consider audio books not really reading? It still is. Just not my preferred way of doing so, though. My attention span is like...3 seconds long.

strangest thing you’ve ever put in the trunk of a car? A MEGA FUCKton’s worth of dog food. I handled a dog food brand for work and stupidly agreed to pack 50 influencers’ worth of PR packages, so all the damn food bags got sent to me. It was like 10 boxes of 2kg and 5kg bags, and then there was also a fucking army of 10kg and 15kg bags sent over. Didn’t even all fit in my room, so some of them I had to briefly store in the trunk. Worst experience ever, didn’t get to sleep in my bed for like two nights, my mom was understandably fuming, and I’m never doing something like that again.

do you carry matches or a lighter? Neither, I’m scared of fire lol.

do you keep socks with a hole in them if they are your favorites? I don’t have a favorite pair, but I’m also not the type to throw out a sock just because it has a hole. People don’t even see socks most of the time, so I don’t see the point in immediately getting rid of it.

last time you wore clothes that were too small on you. Can’t recall. I’m usually too tiny for clothes, lol.

have you ever frightened someone on purpose. not as a tease but to seriously? Good question. I don’t think I have; I hate the idea of terrorizing someone on purpose like that. Does it count if I’ve been forced to say something to someone that I know will scare them, even if I didn’t want to scare them? It happened a couple of weeks ago when I had to tell my mom that Cooper bit my face and that it was bleeding everywhere.

have you ever had something taken away from you by airport security? I know my mom and I got stopped for a bit at Shanghai because she apparently had something in her bag that shouldn’t be there, but the language barrier was rough and we couldn’t figure out what it was they wanted us to take out. Anyway, eventually we found The Thing but I can’t for the life of me remember it anymore hahaha.

what’s the last wild animal you have seen? Idk...do birds count?

something you were surprised to learn about your parent’s childhood? That my dad’s family’s financial situation got super dire at one point that he was once sent home from school by the nuns in charge so they can explain to his parents that he could technically be kicked out, but because he was doing so well in school they were going to let him stay. Also, my mom’s family got robbed once and they managed to get their grand piano.

do you store any non food items in the fridge? Just face masks – the skincare type, hahaha. Funny how you have to clarify that now.

have you ever told a friend you thought their parent was hot? Not really hot but I have told a few friends that their mom is really pretty.

what was the last thing you bought from a gumball machine? how long ago was that? Well...a gumball hahaha. Not sure, must have been over a year ago.

have you ever destroyed another person’s belongings out of anger? I would never do that. Anger fades out; the things you say or do in the moment won’t.

plain band aids or fun ones? I never got the cartoon Band-Aids as a child so that’s what I stock up on these days to heal my inner child lmao. Just this weekend I got teddy-bear themed ones.

which pain killer do you use? Paracetamol.

have you ever used someone else’s Rx med? No.

have you ever borrowed underwear from a friend? Nah.

would you like to be part of a wedding party? Sure, I haven’t been to one since 2007 so I’m just waiting for one of my friends to get hitched lol so I can experience what weddings are like now.

last pair of shoes you threw out and why? My high-top Chucks; wasn’t wearing them anymore. have you ever thrown anything up to hang on the power/phone lines? I have no reason to do so.

have you ever really stayed up all night to do homework? I never cared all that much for school, so no. For work, latest I’ve stayed up was around 2 AM. I’d never pull an all-nighter for something that’s separate from my personal life.

have you ever had anything stolen from you? Yep.

if you could make up one rule for all your friends, what would it be? Idk, seems weird and dickish to make them follow something.

do you pay attention to people’s posture? Well, only if it’s noticeable enough I guess. do you have a creepy uncle, or have a friend who has one? Not when sober at least.

alarm clock, or do you use your phone? Phone. Never had an alarm clock. have you ever backed into a cactus? ouch! Nopes.

do any of your relatives not have home internet? It’s very unlikely.

when you get the munchies, do you want sweet or salty? Salty most of the time. something you taught yourself how to do? Read Korean. And basic embroidery.

[emkay512]

Once Upon A Time

Chapter 1

Summary: This starts at the beginning of TRR book 2 with the Fydelia ball but with a different series of events. This AU is based off the show Once Upon a Time with Riley and Liam mirroring Snow and Charming. Characters belong to Pixelberry.

A/N: This is my FIRST EVER post and it’s literal trash 😅 I’ve never written before I found you all, and I’ve never had so much fun reading all the stories I found. If you read this please know I’m a complete rookie and I have no idea what I’m doing haha. I welcome and encourage any thoughts and feedback!

A/N 2: my biggest thank you’s to @queenrileyrose and @bbrandy2002 for pre-reading and giving me endless boosts of confidence!!! This first ever, cherry popping post, is in honor of you ❤️

Warnings: This will contain NSFW adult language and content. By reading, you acknowledge you are 18 and over.

I’m tagging those I’ve connected with and thought would be interested. Please let me know if you do or don’t want to be tagged!

@burnsoslow @ao719 @kat-tia801 @callmeellabella @charlotteg234 @neotericthemis

The welcome ball had been exhausting. Riley finally saw them, all of them, the good and the bad. Mostly bad with Liam being the exception.. except the fact that with him came his stupid fiancée. She was forced to deal with the Penelope’s and Kiara’s of the court, and got none of the Olivia’s and Drake’s of the world, with Olivia blackmailed and Drake most likely avoiding the court. Majority of the conversations she had to deal with throughout the night consisted of her rebutting all the allegations against her, most people believing that she had jilted their king. At least she had Maxwell and Bertrand, her home away from home. With the maybe two seconds she had Liam to herself and the amount of work and effort she had to put into her first public appearance, she was completely drained and changed from a gown and into more comfortable leggings and tank after she got back to her room of the Fydelia estate. Just as she was decompressing from the stress of her night, there was a knock on the door. She opened the door to see a particular grin on the face of one Maxwell Beaumont carrying a vase of two dozen roses.

“Greetings, little blossom! One of the staff members stopped me on the way of delivering these, asking what room you were in and I insisted on catching you myself.” Maxwell invited himself into her room after handing her the arrangement. Riley pressed the roses to her nose, inhaling the beautiful scent, and she noticed a note wrapped around one of the stems. She unwrapped the note and turned to Maxwell, who had already cozied himself up on her bed, clearly excited to hear what was on the note. “I noticed the paper in the arrangement too, it’s clearly from Liam isn’t it? You did so great tonight and he had the biggest puppy dog eyes on you, I knew his Prince Charming ass would pull off something like this.. well, go on! Read it!”

Riley quickly unwrapped and read Liam’s note, she had no idea the girlish grin she had plastered on and Maxwell was beaming. He had hated these past few weeks so much, he had been watching one of his closest friends, his makeshift sister, live in desperate torment, questioning her worth after hearing nothing from those she cared most about. She put the roses down and placed the note down next to them and looked up at Maxwell, “He wants me to meet him on his balcony in 20 minutes..”

“That is charmingly romantic, but did he slip in his royal socks and tumble down Madeleine’s overly buffed stairs?? He’s clear across the estate, it’s way too dangerous for you to get out of here alone.”

Riley sighed and collapsed onto the bed with Maxwell, “I don’t know Max, his note is sweet and remorseful, but.. maybe this isn’t about getting back together.. maybe I should just focus on helping house Beaumont and getting home..”

Maxwell stretched across to Riley and smacked her across her head, “Come on, Riles! You have been unable to go a single day without asking about him.. at least twice a day! You NEED to go meet him, otherwise I think both of your little fairy tale hearts will die.”

Riley smirked and rolled her eyes, “You’re so dramatic! And please tell me what fairy tale involved a half nude photo scandal and public humiliation leading to a bullshit engagement between a king and the only ice queen that would rival both Olivia and Elsa while singing let it go? Plus, didn’t you just mention that it’d be too dangerous for me to get to him?”

“Hellooooooo?? Ok first of all, literally all fairy tales are structured that way, couple meets and falls in love, and a public enemy curses them with a dramatic, heartbreaking lie, and then they defile all enemies and live happily ever after.. you’re just living the 21st century version of that! Nudes are basically the most vanilla scandal these days anyway. And secondly, have you JUST met mr covert ops extraordinaire, Maxwell Beaumont!? I said it’d be too dangerous for you to go out alone. Let’s just simply walk out together, and if we get any questions, we can just say we’re meeting my brother for.. you know.. this and that diplomacy reason.. whatever, I’ll wing it. Plus, look at you, you’re already dressed for stealth. I just need to get you outside, and then you can scamper over to Liam’s side of the building. Whaddya say, blossom?”

Riley was exhilarated. Maxwell always knew how to say the right things. She locked eyes with him, pointed straight to his chest and said, “You son of a bitch, I’m in.” They shared a mischievous smile and giggled their way out of her room, totally giddy without even shutting the door all the way. They were completely unaware of the royal guard that had been manning her room and slipped inside.

Thanks to Maxwell, Riley had successfully snuck out of the estate and crept to below the balcony of Liam’s room. She had to think fast as to how the hell she’d get up there, and then she spotted the flower vine growing on a trellis against the building, and she let out a small victorious, “Yes!”

But as soon as she took a step in that direction, a hand grabbed her shoulder and jerked her around so she was facing one of the royal guards. “I don’t think so, lady Riley,” he put a heavy sarcastic emphasis on the term lady, as he was clearly disgusted by her newfound tarnished reputation. “You’re coming with us.”

“Us?” And then from behind her, another guard bagged her head and she felt the grip of two men on each of her arms as they forced her to their destination, practically dragging her as they went. Riley’s heart was thundering in her chest. Where were they taking her? Back to the airport? A jail cell? A dungeon? A firing squad? She wasn’t at all expecting what she got. She was sat on a decently comfortable chair. The guards removed the bag and revealed to see she was in a study. A large one. And there before her on the opposite end of a mighty desk, was the king father, Constantine.

Constantine nodded a dismal to both the guards, and they took their leave. “Well, well. If it isn’t the disgraced American.” Riley was utterly confused and could feel the former kings command in the mood of the room. He did not like her, and she could feel his dislike radiating off of him. “You just couldn’t leave well enough alone, could you, you foolish girl?”

“Wh-what are you talking about?”

“You had your exit, your out. You were scandled. Ostracized! I even had you as far as at the airport gates. But no, you came back. You came back and left me back at square one on how to get rid of you!”

Realization dawned to her, “It was YOU!” Riley leapt to her feet. She felt no fear, only anger coursing through her. “YOU staged those photos, YOU unleashed Tariq on me.. and you timed the release of those photos, at the most prime time allowing maximum humiliation and zero time in between Liam’s announcement. You’re despicable, I bet you’re even disappointed that Tariq’s attack on me didn’t end.. didn’t end up the way he planned.” She had deliberately slowed her speech as each new revelation came to play in her head, she had lowered her voice with disdain and disgust.

Constantine let out a scoff-laugh at what he considered to be a poor attempt of exerting dominance. “You’re right, and quite honestly I don’t care what that pompous buffoon would have done to you, but I must say, those pictures certainly did deliver.” Constantine was teasing and patronizing her, “And now you’re here, still trying to get to my son.”

Riley crossed her arms and rolled her eyes at him, “I don’t know what you’re tal-“

“Enough. I know everything.” He waved in front of her the very note that Liam had written inviting her to his balcony that he got from one of the guards. “You poisoned his heart, and now his marriage. And with that, the entire kingdom is poisoned, all because your feelings.” He spit the last word out as if he found it vile.

“I wish feelings could be helped, but they can’t.”

“Of course they can. Love is a disease, and like all diseases, it can be vanquished in one of two ways. A cure, or death.” Constantine stood and leaned both of his palms flat on the surface of the desk. “Do you know where your beloved is right now? He’s right down that hallway, he should be packing for his new life, prepared to take on his engagement tour to unify two Cordonian houses and assume the responsibilities and sacrifices it takes to be king. But no.. He’s pining for you. Awaiting your arrival.”

“And I suppose you intend to keep him that way? Waiting for me, only to be rejected, never knowing I came for him?” Riley’s voice was desperate, but still cunning in reality. She needed him to know her questionnaire was not doubtful, but challenging. That she hated his deliberate intentions.

“No. In fact, you’re gonna walk down that hallway. You’re gonna sneak in and tell him you got his note,” Constantine slid the note across the table, no longer wanting it in his possession, and Riley picked it up. “You’re gonna tell him why you answered his call.. Because you don’t love him. It’ll break his heart.. And that will cure him.”

Wide eyed, Riley could only assume the consequence if she didn’t do as he said, “Or you’ll kill me.” She stated with no question in her mind.

“Oh no. I’ll kill him. Killing you would only make him love you more. And the marriage and kingdom would ultimately crumble.”

“And what about your precious Madeleine? I know how this works this is all about mergers and business transactions. How else would you get Godfrey and his house to join with yours?”

“Please, if Liam were to die at an assassin’s hand, he would die a martyr. Godfrey would forgive, even laud, the death. And the merger would be complete.”

“You would do that to your own son?”

“I’m doing it FOR my son.” Love was once Constantine's weakness and it led to Eleanor’s death. It scarred him and he became brainwashed. Convinced love was the enemy. And now, the product of his foolish love, was Liam, who he groomed to be the perfect king. Constantine applauded himself all these years. It was clear as day that even Leo knew the job belonged to Liam, so Constantine did everything to assuage any of Liam’s hesitation into taking on his duty. He always planned on Liam being the logical one, ready to take on the duty and a loveless union. Then that damn New York trip happened. And that damn Riley came in the picture. Immediately Constantine couldn’t tell if he actually hated Riley, or if he hated the idea that Riley was basically the new version of Eleanor that he’d never have.

[highonchocolate]

Take Two: The Guardian in Gotham Chapter 3

First   Previous   Next   Ao3

Bruce sat at the head of the long oak dining table and waited for his children to make their way into the room for dinner. They came in as a staggered group; Jason arguing about some novel with Dick while Tim and Damian brought up the back as they discussed their patrol routes for the night. After Alfred and Damian helped serve the food, Bruce cleared his throat pointedly and waited for everyone to pay attention. 

Once everyone had looked up from their discussions he spoke. “Alfred has a friend named Gina; and she had called this evening to see if her granddaughter could stay with us. She lives in Paris; but her classmates were bullying her and her parents thought a change of scenery would do her some good. I have agreed to let her stay with us in the Manor.” Even before he had finished speaking the table erupted with different questions from his children.

“Bruce are you sure this is wise?” Tim questioned over Dick’s ecstatic squealing (“I’ve always wanted a little sister!!!”), and Jason’s grumbling (“Shut the fuck up Dickhead. I don’t know why the fuck B is bringing someone into this house to live with this dysfunctional family.”). Ignoring his siblings; he pressed on “I mean, how are we going to hide Batman and the vigilante stuff from her?” As Bruce paused to answer Damian stood up and scowled. “Tt. This is a moronic decision. Inform me of when this girl is to arrive and inform  her to stay out of my way.” He lifted his chin and crossed his arms before marching out of the room.

After Damian’s outburst, Jason looked over from where he was arguing with Dick and added his input “Timbo’s right, B. How are we going to hide that from her?” 

“We’ll have to make sure at least two of you remain in the manor each night so that she doesn’t get too suspicious.” He answered. “Now, the only reason I agreed to letting her stay here was namely for Alfred, and also because of what her classmates did to her” 

“What do you mean, Bruce?” Dick questioned. “Did they like assault her or something?”

“Or something” He responded grimly before sending the photo to all three of them. 

As they looked at the photo, he observed their reactions to the image. Dick was not smiling for once, and his sunny blue eyes had darkened to an icy frost. His whole body was tense; and his jaw was so clenched his teeth were grinding together. Jason was standing up with two guns locked and loaded in his hands. He had also managed to procure a knife from somewhere, which appeared as he leant forward and asked “What were the names of the people who did this again?” in a completely lethal tone. Tim, already hacking away at his computer responded “Not there yet, but from what I can find out, she goes to College Francois DuPont and she’s fifteen.” He briefly looked up and made eye contact with Bruce before asking “How fast do you think we can get our lawyers onto those kids B?” At the declarations of his children, Bruce closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose between two fingers. “We can not file any lawsuits yet, not without Marinette’s permission.” He answered, sighing tiredly. “Marinette?” Dick questioned. “Marinette Dupain-Cheng,” Tim responded instantly. “That’s her name.” 

“She will be coming on Monday, and Alfred will be picking her up from the airport. She is also going to attend GA, so someone please tell Damian.” Bruce said as he stood from the table. “Now hurry up, we have patrol tonight, and there have been rumors about a drug ring near Crime Alley.”

---

After coming back from the hospital and having a sleepover Thursday night, Chloé and Adrien were completely sleep-deprived as they trudged into school the next morning. Settling into her usual seat beside Sabrina, Chloé silently thanked all the Kwami that she didn’t have to sit next to Lila. Halfway though class, Mrs. Bustier suddenly frowned and looked at the back row. “Does anyone know where Marinette is? She still hasn’t arrived yet!”

“Probably still sleeping at home! She’ll come in completely late as usual!” Alya cackled. At her words, Chloé felt her entire body heat up with righteous indignity. She opened her mouth to tell that wannabe tabloid reporter to get her facts straight, but then Adrien caught her eye and shook his head. He then pointed at his phone, and mimed unlocking it before pointing to her. Catching the hint, she checked her messages to see that Marinette had sent them a text.

FashionableBug: Mari said to tell Chloé and Adrien not to do anything to Lila or anyone else that starts making stuff up. (From Luka btw)

You’reUnderAgreste: Me-ouch, My Lady. I would never!

QueenofMean: shut it with the puns, Noir. Maribug, I will only listen to you because you’re injured and I’m not going to go against your wishes.

Putting her phone away, Chloé resigned herself to a miserable school day. 

---

After school, she walked into Marinette’s room and flopped dramatically onto the chaise, before letting out a long groan.

“That bad?” Mari chuckled as she scribbled sketched one-handedly in her design notebook. 

“You have no idea.” Chloé responded. 

Their conversation continued into mundane things, such as everyone’s patrol routes, and various theories on who Hawkmoth was. Totally normal topics for teenagers. As the day drew to a close, they made plans for everyone to come over to start packing the next day before Chloé left the bakery and headed home.

---

Come Saturday, Marinette, Chloé and Luka spent the morning playing board games one handed “to level the playing field” as Luka put it and eating lots of cookies and pastries-provided by Marinette’s parents of course. Adrien and Kagami were attending their various classes until afternoon, so the remaining three spent their time relaxing, and coming up with a list of things to pack for Mari’s stay in Gotham. Two o’ clock rolled around, and the bells over the bakery jingled to announce the arrival of the final members of the packing committee.  

Any plans to begin their assignment of somehow fitting all Marinette’s fabrics into the suitcase were cut short by an Akuma. 

They all transformed, even though Kagami and Luka has been  extremely reluctant to let Mari go even though the suit temporarily healed her injuries. Climbing through her roof hatch, they set out across the rooftops to defeat their latest villain.

---

Five hours later, the teen heroes dropped into her room, and detransformed in various flashes of multicolored lights. They collapsed onto the bed and chairs and silently agreed to just  sleep , and get the packing done the next day.

---

All of Sunday was spent throwing various clothes and accessories into Mari’s pink and black suitcase. There were several sweaters and hoodies (added by Chloé), as well as several leggings and many thick pajama pants (Sabine).

Adrien (with the help of Tom) had somehow managed to pack over ten different pun-covered t-shirts, and by the time they were discovered, they had been buried under piles upon piles of fluffy socks from Kagami. Luka also threw in some scarves before Marinette added some toiletries, her sewing kit, and her computer.

Picking up the backpack she had decided to use as a carry-on, Marinette rifled through it to make sure she had everything in there as well.

Spare change of clothes in case she loses her suitcase? Check. Phone, headphones, and charger? Check. Sketchbook and pencils? Check. Disguised Miracle Box? Check.

She turned to her family (Not her teammates, not her friends, but her family.) and smiled. It was small, and bittersweet, but it was a smile. “Alright guys, I guess I’m all set.” She said, before joining them all in a group hug. They offered her soft, tearful smiles before Tom carried her big suitcase down the stairs. 

That night, Marinette fell asleep surrounded by all the people she loved, and she couldn’t have been happier.

---

The next day, her Papa carried her downstairs and placed her into her wheelchair (since she had a broken foot, and couldn’t use her leg, they had given her a wheelchair) before wheeling her outside and placing her into the car waiting by the street. 

Her friends were all inside, and she gripped Adrien’s hand tightly as they drove to the airport. 

As she stood to board the plane, she turned back to catch one last glimpse of them all. Chloé was leaning into Kagami’s side who was holding her girlfriend’s hand tightly. Adrien was waving wildly, and Luka and her parents all raised one hand in farewell. Her Maman and Papa has some red rimming their eyes, but they smiled at her as she was wheeled into the plane. Next stop: Gotham, New Jersey.

Since her flight left Paris at 10 AM, she was set to arrive in Gotham at around 12 PM/noon. With that in mind, she decided to stay awake for the entire flight so that her body could adjust better. 

As they crossed the Atlantic, Marinette, sitting in first class thanks to Chloé and Adrien’s combined nagging; popped her earbuds in, and began to sketch. 

She stared out the window as she touched down, shocked by all the dog and darkness in the city. As she collected her bags, and wheeled her way outside to look for her host family, she couldn’t help but notice how everyone in this city was much more on edge than most normal people. ‘They act as though they are expecting an attack at any second of the day.’ She mused to herself. Her train of thought was cut off by the sight of an elderly man with a powerful aura standing next to a limo with a sign saying “Marinette Dupain-Cheng”. She wheeled her way over to him and smiled brightly. “Salut! My name is Marinette! What is yours, Monsieur!” She questioned, holding out her hand for a handshake.

“It’s lovely to meet you Miss Marinette, my name is Alfred Pennyworth.” Alfred responded, smiling gently down at her. “Now let’s get you and your bags in the car, shall we?” He reaches out to shake her hand, and the moment their fingers touched her vision was filled with dark blue and red. She laughed and smiled up at him. “It is an honor to meet you, noble Peacock.” She greeted him in the Guardian language, honoring his position as a True Holder. “And it is an honor to meet you as well, Ladybug.” He answered. She grinned and allowed him to help her into the back of the limo before he climbed into the driver's seat and they sped off to Wayne Manor. 

---

When he saw the young girl, Alfred was shocked to say the least. She was roughly 5’ 4” (162.5 cm), and was very petite. Her stature, combined with her wheelchair, wrist brace, and the cast on her leg, all strengthened his resolve to protect the young girl from any further harm. That was only intensified when their auras recognized each other. How could anyone place the responsibility of upholding balance on such a young child? 

As he drove to the Manor, she informed him that the Cat, Bee, Dragon and Snake were active on her team. Before he could ask her what the threat they were battling was, they had arrived at the Manor, and she had immediately tensed and gone silent.

Deciding that it was better to ask more questions later, he got out of the car to retrieve her bags and chair. Master Bruce and three of his children except for Master Damian were waiting in front of the doors to the Manor, and they all waited patiently for her as she exited the car. 

---

Marinette was nervous. Sure, taking to Monsieur Alfred was really fun, and she couldn’t wait to tell him more about Paris, but now she was meeting her actual host family! What if they didn’t like her? What if they decided to send her back?! Then what would she do?? A small cough interrupted her downward spiral, and she looked up from her lap to see Monsieur Alfred waiting in front of the open door with her wheelchair. Grabbing her backpack, she awkwardly maneuvered herself into the chair and allowed herself to be wheeled out in front so she could meet Monsieur Bruce Wayne.

---

Note: Alfred doesn’t know that Marinette is the Guardian. He just knows she’s a Ladybug holder.

[myhockeyworld87]

Nervous Regrets - Tyler Seguin - Part 38

Word Count: 5,621

POV: Reader then switches to Tyler

Warnings: Language

Notes: Ok so I know it’s been a hot minute for this story. I always knew where I wanted to go with this, but taking time off really helped me get here with this one. I hope you guys enjoy it. Let me know what you think. Happy Reading!

Nervous Regrets Masterlist

Reader POV

The rest of the regular season flew by in a blur and before you knew it, Dallas was in the first round of playoffs. Jace was officially a bottle baby now, which was both crushing and wonderful at the same time. It meant that you could enjoy a drink at the games with the girls, but you missed that one on one time that breastfeeding gave you with him. Though with the playoffs, Tyler was at the rink more, practicing and watching films which did leave some good mother and son quality time. Well, you should say, mother and sons, as the dogs were never far from their brother, even Gerry who had the hardest time adjusting to Jace now seemed to always be looking for him.

 The first two games against Nashville were away, and the Stars were able to come away with both a win and a loss, which wasn't too bad all things considered. Tyler had hired a private investigator to look into the comments that were on Alandra's Instagram, as well as the direct message that you received, but they were still not having any luck locating the person who'd said those horrible things. The investigator said they were all from burner accounts and that the IP was untraceable, but they weren't giving up just yet. Seeing as things had calmed down a bit, you decided that it would be ok for you and Jace to start going to the playoff games. You made sure that if a picture was posted with either of you in, comments were turned off, and all the wives and girlfriends supported you in this endeavor whole-heartedly.

 At the first home game, you wore your playoff jean jacket with Seguin, your last name now, written on the back. Last year when you'd been dating Tyler the Stars hadn't made it to the playoffs, so this year the girls went all out. You had both a Canadian flag and an American flag placed on the jacket, most of the girls only had the flag where their boyfriend or husband was from, but Tyler wanted you to put both flags on since Jace was both Canadian and American. You'd also had all three of your initials embroidered onto the jacket as well as the year, just for commemoration's sake. Jace wore his 91 jersey with Daddy written across the back as Tyler had somehow managed to buy it in every single size available all the way up to a four in toddlers. How he thought your child would grow into all those sizes in this short span you weren't exactly sure, but with Tyler's eight-year deal, Jace could grow into them over the next couple of seasons.

 Tyler made sure that you could park in the player's parking so that it would be easier for you and Jace to get in the arena. Getting out wouldn't be a problem, as you'd be waiting for him anyhow. Jenna volunteered to ride with you to help you in with Jace, while Tyler rode with Jamie, making the commute home much easier on both of you. The three of you made your way down to the glass for warmups; this would be the first time that Jace was down close to the ice and you knew that it would thrill your husband to no end. The Stars made their way out, and you watched and waited as Tyler and Jamie always went last. Finally, he stepped out on the ice and you held little Jace in front of you. His eyes darted around, watching the players skate around. Tyler didn't notice you at first as he continued to warm up. You knew the instant he saw Jace as his face lit up. He quickly skated over to the glass where you were located.

 "Hey bud," Tyler said loudly above the music as he knocked on the plexiglass drawing Jace's attention. Jace's eyes found his father as Tyler got a goofy grin on his face, which made his son smile back. "That's my boy."

 Just then Jamie skated over to join your little crew. "He needs a different jersey." You heard him tell Tyler, causing both you and Jenna to laugh.

 "Forget it, Chubbs. You may be his godfather, but he's only wearing his dad's number." A puck flew against the boards, startling Jace but thankfully he didn't cry. Tyler bent and picked it. "Catch this," he told Jenna, then he tossed it over the glass. "Save that for him babe will you." You simply rolled your eyes at how your husband wanted to document every little thing your son did. By the time Jace would be five, he'd have a room full of pucks if your husband has his way.

 "Go warm up," you shouted to him. "We'll see you after the game." You didn't need him getting injured because he hadn't stretched enough or something. Taking Jace's hand, you had him wave at his dad.

 "Bye bud, I'll see you after the game." He was just about to skate off when he turned back. "Love you," he said blowing you a kiss and you blew one back, telling him you loved him as well. As soon as he and Jamie took off, you and Jenna headed up to the friends and family room to hang out with the others before the game.

 The game was hard-fought, the Stars down one by the end of the second. Tyler got the puck from Jamie in the third and was able to put in the back of the net to tie up the game, but the Predators fought back and ended up with the win. Everyone was disappointed as it put them up in the series, but you had faith the Stars would come back in the end. Which is exactly what happened in game four when the Stars scored five straight goals before the third, to come away as the victors. It happened again in game five when they were home again. They now lead the series and could win the first round with just one more game and so they did, effectively eliminating the Predators from the playoffs.

 Tyler's family decided to fly in for the next round and flew in right after the first round was over to get a couple extra days with all three of you before the second round of play began. "Where's my grandson," Jackie cooed the minute she walked through the door from the airport, the rest of the family trailing behind her.

 "He's right here," you answered handing him over. "He took an extra long nap, so he can stay up with all of you." Jace, for his part, was his happy self, smiling and gurgling at his grandparents and aunts.

 "He's gotten so big," Jackie commented as it had been over a month since they last saw him. "You're getting to be such a big boy, aren't you Jace?" She said in the cutest little baby voice.

 "I swear mom, he changes every time I'm on the road, though (Y/N) insists he doesn't." Tyler weaseled his way in close to his mom, practically pushing Cassidy out of the way. "Tell Grammy a story." He said, finger going to Jace's chubby chin.

 "Excuse me, Mister Babyhog. You have him all the time, can you please let me in to see my nephew?" Cassidy shoved Tyler out of the way.

 "Fine, brat, though I hope he pukes on you."

 "Tyler!" You yelled at him. "He's not going to puke on you. Well…hopefully not." Jace did spit up from time to time, but all babies did that. "Why don't you guys come and sit down. I'm sure it was a long flight. Ty will take the bags up."

 "I will?" You knew he was only kidding, but you still gave him a look anyhow. "I'm going, be right back."

 "So how are the wedding plans going?" It was the first thing out of Candace's mouth since she got there. She was sitting close to Jackie, eager to scoop up your child the moment her mom handed him over.

 "Really good actually. I have a few more dress fittings, but everything else is pretty much taken care of for now. Did you both get your dresses in yet?" Both of Tyler's sisters had agreed to be your bridesmaids, and it had been a bit difficult getting their dresses plus Jenna and Anna's ordered with them being in Canada.

 "They came in the other day," Cassidy answered. "Though mine is like three sizes too big for me." When a look of shock came on your face, she quickly told you not to worry that it would be altered before the wedding. It was hard to believe that in a couple short months you'd be marrying Tyler in front of all your family and friends. Of course, you were already Mrs. Tyler Seguin, but this ceremony was going to be your dream wedding, the one you'd thought about since you were a little girl. Tyler had made sure to spare no expense to make all your dreams come true. Time flew by as you guys chatted about the wedding, hockey, and everything that had been going on with their lives. Jace however, reminded you that it was feeding time, letting out a hungry cry while Cassidy was holding him. "I swear I didn't pinch him."

 "He just hungry is all. It's about a half-hour later than when he eats." She went to hand him over, but you stopped her. "You can feed him if you want. He's a bottle baby now. Let me just go get one ready." Jackie knew this information already as you'd had long conversations with her about it, but you didn't want to get into it now with Tyler's dad there. You went into the kitchen and prepped Jace's bottle, only to see that you were running low on formula. Jace seemed to be going through more formula than you could buy sometimes. Although it was more than likely you just weren't used to buying it and having it in stock in your pantry. Handing over the bottle to Cassidy, you walked over and Tyler afterward telling him that you needed to go to the store to pick some more up.

 "Babe, it's late can't we just get it tomorrow?"

 "We're completely out, that was the last bottle. I forgot to write it on my list. I'm still not used to it buying it all the time." You told Tyler as he reached for your waist to pull you close. "I'll literally be fifteen minutes."

 "I can go."

 "Stay with your family. I won't be long." Leaning down you placed a chaste kiss on your husband's lips. "You can bath Jace if you want because he'll probably be ready for bed soon."

 "Sure babe, hurry back." He said before swatting your butt as you walked away. The grocery store wasn't more than five minutes from your house and was pretty quiet at ten-thirty on Tuesday night. Which meant you could get in and out of there in no time. You grabbed a basket and headed toward the baby food aisle. It just so happened your walk passed the snack aisle. It was like your favorite chips were calling out your name, as they were on the end cap. You grabbed a bag, knowing Tyler would make fun of you for getting them, as you'd been trying to shed the last few pounds of baby weight, but you figured it was ok to cheat while the family was there. Calories didn't count when there were more people to share your indulgence.

 You also grabbed a couple other things that you'd thought you'd need in hopes of not having to come to the store for a few days, before picking up four large cans of formula for Jace. There was only one register open, but seeing as the place was practically empty; you didn't have to wait for anyone else to check out in front of you. "Hi Mrs. Seguin," Jimmy your bagger said. He was a cute high school kid, that always seemed to remember your name. Probably because you'd gotten him a signed puck from Tyler after he'd helped with all your groceries every time.

 "Hi Jimmy, I'm surprised to see you working tonight."

 "Gotta get the hours when I came, with track season."

 "How's that going? I think last week you told me you took fourth in the four hundred." You liked that young Jimmy not only worked hard at his sport but also his job. He seemed like a really nice kid.

 "Took second this week." He told you, all smiles, as he bagged up your groceries and placed them on the carousel.

 "Congratulations, keep up the good work. I'm sure the next one, you'll be in first place."

 "I sure hope so. Need me to help you out tonight."

 "No, I only have a few things, but thanks." You picked up Jace's formula and started to head for the door. "I expect to hear that you're on top of the podium the next time I'm in. Have a good night."

 "You too," he called out as the doors slid open for you.

 The parking lot was always dim and you vaguely wondered when they were going to get the lights fixed as you headed toward the SUV. You weren't paying attention, solely focused on just getting to the car, when you felt someone come up behind you. "Get in the car if you ever want to see your son again." You gasp as you felt a cold steel blade against your midsection. You wanted to scream, but it somehow died in your throat as you realized the threat of never seeing Jace again. Headlights seemed to appear out of nowhere as a car started to pull forward. "Do as I say and you won't get hurt." The deep timbre of the man's voice told you. The urge to throw up was overwhelming. What did this man want with you? Was he going to kill you or worse hurt Jace? You would die before you'd let anything happen to your baby. You had no choice but to do as the man said.

  TYLER'S POV

 "Tyler, I think the cops are here," Cassidy yelled from downstairs, and you instantly checked your watch to see what time it was. (Y/N) had left well over a half-hour ago to go get formula. Your heart was in your throat as you carried Jace downstairs wrapped in a little duckie towel, with no diaper on yet.

 "Are you sure they're coming here?"

 "Sure looks like it," Cassidy said as she peered through the curtains in the dining room which gave a great view of the front lawn, where two cop cars were now pulling in. Your heart started to sink. You hadn't remembered hearing any sirens, and surely you would've if there'd been an accident. You hadn't looked in the garage but (Y/N) almost always drove the G wagon when she went somewhere and that would be the best car to keep her safe in the event of an accident. Panic must have shown on your face for the next thing you heard was your mom's voice.

 "I'm sure everything's fine sweetheart."

 It seemed as if it was taking the officers an endless amount of time to get to the front door, leaving you plenty of scenarios running through your mind. Maybe there was a shooter and your wife was lying on some cold grocery store floor bleeding out. While Tweedledee and Tweedledum took their sweet time coming to get you. So help you god, if (Y/N) needed you and these two didn't get to you in time there would be hell to pay. You found yourself shaking and no idea why as the doorbell rang. You were already standing there, so you opened it with your free hand, the one not holding Jace. "Mr. Seguin?" The office inquired and you tried to read their face to gauge what had happened.

 "Yes."

 "We're here about your wife, (Y/N)." A ringing noise sounded in your ears and things became muffled as your heartbeat sped to a rapid pace. You'd never passed out in your life, but it felt like you were going to. You were vaguely aware of your mom taking Jace out of your arms until you heard his cries, which snapped you out of things. You needed to be strong not only for (Y/N) but for Jace as well. "There's been an incident involving your wife." The minute the words were out of the officer's mouth, all the blood drained from your body. Jace could not grow up without his mom; you wouldn't let it happen.

 Somehow you found the courage to ask, "Is she ok?"

 "Oh, yes, she's a little shaken up, but that's to be expected." The words shaken up kept echoing in your head, but at least she was ok. Maybe it was just a small car accident. You could replace the car twenty times over, but you couldn't replace (Y/N). "They're taking her down to the station to get her statement. She asked if we could come and get you."

 The other officer chimed in. "And bring you these as well." It was grocery bags with formula in it for Jace. If she still had the presence of mind to send that home, she must be ok surely.

 "What happened?"

 "Oh I'm sorry, we should've mentioned this before. There was an attempted abduction."

 You blinked as if you'd misheard him, but then you heard Cassidy repeat the word abduction. "Are you trying to say someone tried to kidnap my wife?" When the officer nodded, you swore. "Are you fucking kidding me?"

 "No sir, we're not. I think it best if we head to the station. We can continue this down there." Of course, he was right, but you wanted to know everything and you wanted to know now. "Mrs. Seguin is pretty shaken up, understandably and I'm sure your presence there will help." The cops were right, you needed to be with (Y/N).

 "Can you…" you turned and asked your family.

 "Of course," your mom answered not even letting you finish asking her to watch Jace.

 "Do you want me to go with you?" It was your dad who offered, but you shook your head no. You wanted to be with (Y/N) and not have to worry about anyone else.

 "No, I'll keep you guys posted though." You grabbed your phone before following the officers out to the car. Thankfully, it was a quick ride to the police station. You wanted to sprint inside but didn't know where to go, so you had to bide your time and follow the cops in. They lead you to a room off to the side where (Y/N) was sitting, her body visibly shaking as she sat there. "(Y/N)." Her head snapped up at the sound of your voice, and you took in her appearance, mascara streaked down her face from crying, eyes red and swollen from the same. She looked like hell, but at least she was here. In less than a second, you were standing in front of her, pulling her into your arms. She sobbed and sobbed, and you found yourself crying as well as you stroked her back and pressed kisses to the top of her head. "I've got you," you whispered and there was part of you that never wanted to let her go. Ever. You let her cry a bit more, then pulled her back a bit, still keeping your arms around her, needing to touch her to know that she was fine. "Are you ok? What happened?"

 She took in a deep breath, trying to calm her shattered nerves. You rubbed her arms up and down. "I'm ok, just scared." You could see that in her eyes. "I thought I'd never see you again for a minute." That ringing in your ears came back and you didn't even like the thought of thinking that something like that could happen, and though you wanted to hear what happened, you pulled her back in, your lips going straight to hers.

 "I will never let that happen," you told her between a few more kisses.

 "Mr. and Mrs. Seguin," a detective said as he and a fellow officer stepped into the room. "We were wondering if we could get your statement now, ma'am?" (Y/N) nodded her head and they motioned for you both to take a seat. "I know we've been over this before, but we need to have it officially on the record." He pulled out a recorder and set it on the table. "Can you start from the beginning for us?"

 You put your arm around (Y/N) hoping to give her some measure of comfort. "I had gone to the store for the formula for my son." (Y/N) started. "I grabbed a couple extra things, then went to checkout. I talked to Jimmy for a couple minutes."

 "And Jimmy is…" the officer prompted.

 "He works as a bagger at the store. He usually carries my groceries out to the car for me."

 "Ok continue."

 "Since I didn't have that many bags, I told Jimmy not to worry about taking them to the car and I started out to the parking lot. That's when some man came up behind me." She shuttered and you tightened your grip around her. "He told me to get in the car if I ever wanted to see my son again." You swallowed past the lump that had formed in your throat, as (Y/N) retold the details of what happened. "He had a knife pressed against my stomach." Unconsciously, you looked down and saw the tear in her shirt as well as the blood.

 "Fuck, are you hurt?" You knew you were interrupting but this was your wife and if she was bleeding, you needed to get her to the hospital.

 "It's just a scratch." She told you lifting the shirt and showing you the bandage that someone had obviously put on.

 "Ma'am if you could keep going?"

 "Yes, of course." (Y/N) answered with a shaky breath. "There was a car, a black SUV of some sort, maybe a suburban. I can't be sure. I saw it coming towards us and knew he wanted me to get in the vehicle. I didn't know what to do." She turned towards you then, ignoring the police. "I knew you had Jace and that nothing would happen to him, but I was so scared and then he pressed the knife further into me and told me that if I did what he said I wouldn't get hurt." My god, the terror that must have been running through her. It was going through you right now as she was reliving it. You wanted to hit something or punch someone, preferably the person who had done this to her. "The car was almost to us when Jimmy came running out hollering my name. I had forgotten a bag. Jimmy, must have been able to see the knife or know something was wrong because then he was yelling at the man to let me go and he called for security. I didn't even know they had security there."

 "They don't ma'am. I think that was just a tactic he used to scare your attacker." You remembered (Y/N) having you sign a puck for this young kid, but now you owed him so much more.

 "Oh, that was smart. Much smarter than I was." A couple tears were coming down her face and you brushed them away with the pad of your thumb. "Anyway, the next thing I knew the guy pushed me towards Jimmy. I think that's when he cut me. I really don't know. It could've been earlier too. I never really felt it." Her hand went to her stomach almost as if she was wondering how she couldn't have felt the wound being inflicted. "I remember falling on top of Jimmy. I didn't see what happened next, but I could hear the tires screeching as the car got away. The next thing I knew there were workers from inside the store rushing out and they brought us both inside and put the store on lockdown then called you."

 "Did you ever see the man that tried to take you?"

 "No," she whispered harshly as if she was berating herself for not seeing his face. "He had on a black hoodie and black gloves. That's all I remember. I should've seen more."

 "No, it's quite alright." The officer shut the tape off then. "You've given us a lot to go on, plus we're looking at the footage from the grocery store. Hopefully, we'll be able to get a license plate off the vehicle or a clear look at the man's face."

 "We don't believe that this is any sort of human trafficking incident." The second detective told you. "If I had to guess, I'd say this was a targeted attack against you and your family."

 This time you were shaking along with (Y/N), though not from fear but anger. That someone would purposely go after your family made your body white-hot with fury. "Who would do such a thing?"

 "We'd like to know that as well Mr. Seguin. Is there anyone that you could think of that would want to harm either you or Mrs. Seguin?"

 "I mean, we've had a few comments on Instagram. Nothing with anyone threatening to harm us though." You told the police. "I'd actually hired someone to look into the matter, though they haven't found anything yet."

 "If you could put us in contact with that person, we'd greatly appreciate it."

 "Of course." You wrote down the name of the investigator that you'd hired along with his number. "May I ask why you think they're targeting us?"

 "The fact that they knew you had a son, gives us the impression that they've looked into your family. Maybe they simply wanted money and not to harm you, it's hard to say, especially with you being a well-known athlete and all." You'd give up your career in a heartbeat if it meant it would keep your family safe. "You haven't noticed anything suspicious around your house lately. Maybe a parked car that's there, that you don't recognize or someone driving by a lot." Both you and (Y/N) shook your heads no, though you'd be sure to have the security footage of your house checked. "It's likely they've been watching you and waiting for the right opportunity to present itself, like tonight. We'll have a car drive by over the next week to make sure things are ok."

 "Thank you, we'd appreciate that." (Y/N) told them.

 "That's all we need for now," the officer said, then handed you over a card. "We have all your information if we find out anything at all, we'll give you a call. If you remember anything, Mrs. Seguin, please call us."

 "I will and thank you." With that, you headed out of the station and into your car to head home.

 The drive home was silent, though you held (Y/N)'s hand the whole way, brushing your thumb across her knuckles in a loving way. The closer you got to home, the more you wanted to say something, but just didn't know what to say. "Babe, I know my family is going to ask a ton of questions. If you just want to go to bed that's fine."

 "No, it's ok."

 "Well, just say the word if they annoy you or something." She smiled over at you then, it was lacking that bright and airiness that she always had, so you brought her hand to your lips and kissed her. "Whatever you need baby, I'm right here."

 You pulled the car in the garage, practically running to get out so that you could be by (Y/N)'s side. The moment you opened the door all eyes were on the two of you; your mom rushing up to (Y/N) and pulled her into a tight hug. "Oh sweetheart, are you ok?" You heard a small sob escape her lips and your heart broke yet again. It took everything your power to let your mom comfort her, instead of pulling (Y/N) back into your arms.

 She didn't cry long though, pulling back from your mom and brushing away the few tears she'd shed. "I'm fine or I will be. I just need to see my son."

 "I just put him down to sleep," Cassidy somewhat protested and you gave her a look to silence anything else she might say.

 "You go see him, dear. I'm sure he needs his mom as well." Again, that weak smile appeared on her lips as she headed off upstairs to Jace's room. As much as you wanted to run upstairs behind her, you knew your family was anxious to hear what had happened, so you filled them in before following (Y/N).

 When you finally made it upstairs about ten minutes later, she was just standing by the crib staring down at your son. You placed your hand at the small of her back, letting her know you were there. She flinched slightly but then melted back against you. "He looks so peaceful. I don't want to wake him." She whispered.

 Kissing her temple, you told her, "Pick him up, babe." You knew she was dying to hold him, you could feel it in the way she stood there, hands clenched on the railings of the crib trying to stop herself. "You know he'll go right back to sleep." Jace was used to you coming home late and holding him even if he was fast asleep.

 She nodded then leaned down and gently picked him up. Cradling him in her arms, you saw her bring him up to her face and just inhale his fresh baby scent. She kissed his little head and you saw tears slip down her cheeks, yet she seemed to hold it together for Jace's sake. You slipped your arms around her waist, wincing when you felt the bandage on her stomach. She leaned back into your embrace. "Can he sleep in our room tonight? I don't want to be too far away from him."

 "You don't need to ask me that (Y/N). He can sleep in there forever."

 Her head twisted back to look at you. "Not forever."

 "Well, no, but you know what I mean." You dropped a kiss to her temple, then rocked back and forth with her and Jace in your arms. Time just sort of disappeared, and you weren't sure how long you stayed like that. "Why don't we head to bed?" She nodded and the two of you went downstairs, everyone sitting in the living room with the tv on but only for background noise.

 You thought (Y/N) would head straight to the bedroom, but she stopped. "I'm so sorry that I ruined tonight."

 (Y/N) went to say more, but your dad stopped her. "Sweetie, this was not your fault."

 "No, it most definitely wasn't," your mom added. "Why don't you let me make you a cup of tea? It'll help you sleep."

 "That would be lovely. Thank you, Jackie."

 "Sure things sweetheart. I'll bring it to you. Now you go lay down." Your mom shooshed her out of the room and down the hall. You mouthed a thank you to her, as you followed (Y/N) to the bedroom.

 Grabbing Jace's bassinet, you pulled it over to (Y/N)'s side of the bed so Jace would be close to her. She kissed him a few times before laying him down. It was moments later that your mom was bringing her in a cup of tea. She quickly gave you both a hug goodnight and said she'd see you in the morning before closing the door, leaving the three of you alone again. "Let's get you ready for bed." You went into the closet and grabbed one of your old t-shirts that was her favorite for her. When you came back into the room, her top was off and you got a good look at the size of the cut on her stomach. The bandage covered most of her abdomen and you sucked in a breath hating that not only did she have to go through something like this but now she would carry the scar from it to remind her. Mentally, you made a note to talk to the team doctor on tips to minimize the scarring for her.

 She slipped into the t-shirt then sipped some of the tea before crawling into bed, her hand immediately going to the side of the bassinet. You climbed in behind her, wrapping your arms around her so that not an inch of space separated the two of you. "I love you, Ty," she whispered, her free hand entwining with yours.

 "I love you more, baby." You peppered her with kisses, in her hair, on her neck, anywhere that you could. She relaxed a bit in your arms and you were hoping that she was falling asleep, but then you heard a soft sniffle. Your wife was trying to be so brave and you loved her even more for that, but she didn't need to be. "I've got you, baby. I'm not going to let anything bad ever happen to you." It was a bit later when you finally heard her sleeping, though for you sleep wouldn't come as you laid there coming up with ways you were going to protect your family.  

[marxistjughead]

tell me about a character you care about :-)

suddenly i have never read or watched anything in my life... i care about theo from the goldfinch a lot, by that i mean i dislike him and i will make mean jokes about him and his gay dog. so basically the book is about him getting in trouble for smoking with some guy, his mom takes him to the met but she dies in a explosion. at this point he steals a dutch painting, the goldfinch, for no apparent reason and then goes home until he gets cps called on him i guess. he goes to live with a rich family, the barbours. he has a friend around his age, andy, but there's also a younger sister (kitsey) and a rebellious older brother (platt). there might also be a younger brother but he's kind of irrelevant.

in the explosion he watched an old man give him a family ring then die, so he goes at this antiques(?) shop where he meets another old man (hobie) and a teenage girl (pippa), who was also traumatized by the explosion. hobie shows him the shop and he really enjoys working on the old furniture!

all is good and well in new york until his father, who left ages ago (he was an alcoholic), magically shows up one day with his new gf xandra to pick him up and bring him to las vegas. that's where the "vegas chapters" start. theo still has the painting with him at this point. when he leaves for the airport in a taxi, he says (since he's the narrator) more or less that he is going to miss the people who worked in the building where he lived with his mom, but that saying it out loud would be "gay". he's 13.

so he arrives in las vegas his father and xandra have a dog, popper (he is very important, not so much to the story but to me because i love him). he goes to high school when he meets boris in a class discussion about thoreau. boris is "one of the great friends of his life" (he will not have any other friends apart from maybe his dealer or his comphet crush). they hang out in empty pools skip school drink smoke shoplift etc etc. boris has travelled a lot around the world, he speaks many languages. he nicknames popper popchyk and even though theo thinks he looks "gay" they take him with them when they're out because they pity him. everything is fun theo writes letters to pippa (i don't think she answers) and to hobie (when hobie answers boris calls him a "poofter" and then is like it doesn't even matter, if he likes you) he still has the painting with him. at some point they're hanging out at boris's house his father comes home too early and theo makes a run for it with the dog while boris buys him time (he gets beaten up).

during the vegas chapters we see theo's father actually has a gambling addiction, he pretends to have quit drinking but he still drinks, and he's addicted to vicodin. xandra also does coke. theo never notices this until boris points it out to him. speaking of boris he gets a girlfriend, kotku (that's her nickname not her actual name but theo refuses to remember it). she's eighteen, kind of shady, gets into fights a lot. theo really really hates her because he gets very jealous, and while he is ranting to us about how much he misses hanging out with boris and having his undivided attention, he casually mentions that 1. boris would hold him at night when he had nightmares until he calmed down (awww, sweet) and 2. that they also hooked up many times but that he "doesn't remember it", and that they never talked about it because it would have meant idk thinking about some things. meanwhile the father keeps on gambling and he has a thing with astrology for some reason? he tries to use theo to take money from his college fund but it fails. a man visits theo at home and tells him his father is in trouble. boris and theo do acid. the father crashes his car and dies. theo wants to leave immediately because he doesn't want to stay live with xandra, so he decides to go back to new york with boris and popchyk. boris really wants him to wait but theo has to leave. just before he takes the taxi with the painting and popchyk in his bag, boris kisses him and runs away. leading to the infamous "which was of course i love you" (theo goes omg i'm so glad i was rambling because if not i would clearly have confessed my love for my best friend! is that taxi driver going to think i'm gay now).

after a very long bus ride he arrives at hobie's shop where he essentially stays for the next twelve(?) years. he starts working there, and to pay the bills he does forgeries of old furniture. he thinks he's in love with pippa, who sometimes visits. he's addicted to various drugs and sometimes he goes to the closet/storage unit he's renting to do more drugs and hold his painting. one day he runs into platt (rebellious older brother) on the street, who tells him that his dad and andy died on a boat accident. theo visits ms barbour who is very happy to see him and after a while he gets engaged to her daughter, kitsey (because it makes ms barbour happy!). there is a client who starts to call him out on his forgeries because he thinks hobie is also involved, he also seems to know theo has the goldfinch and is apparently "using" it (in illegal transactions). the whole forgery thing makes theo worried, but he doesn't care about the painting because he is sure it's safe. then he is out doing whatever at some point and he sees kitsey his fiancée kitsey having a romantic moment with... the guy from the very beginning! the cigarette guy! then he "runs into" boris. they are very happy to reunite, although boris seems surprised theo wasn't looking for him and he keeps saying he's sorry. apparently he's a criminal now. they talk a lot before that but boris ends up confessing he stole the painting all those years ago, because theo showed it to him a night when he was blackout drunk and boris just "wanted to have it". this is why the client knows about it being used in transactions, and why boris was so reluctant to leave vegas (he would have ended up giving it back but he didn't have the time). theo runs to the storage unit where he takes the "painting" out of its wrapping for the first time (in literal years! he never bothered looking at it!) and it's a civics textbook.

i don't remember really well what happens here after because i haven't read the book in a while. theo and pippa talk a bit and pippa says she loves him, but they're way too similar for it to work out: if one of them went down they would take the other down in the process, or something like that. i think she just wants to be left alone at this point she's in a happy relationship away from new york. theo has an engagement party for him and kitsey, boris crashes it, and they leave for amsterdam to get the painting back. during this process (longer in the book than in the movie, i don't remember it very well), they get ambushed, boris gets shot in the arm and theo kills someone in self-defense. they don't get the painting back. theo feels incredibly guilty about this and tries to kill himself (i think? i don't remember if this is only in the movie) with, among other things, the drugs boris brought him. anyway he is about to do something incredibly stupid and boris stops him. he sees his mom at some point. after that, all of his problems are apparently solved (no more financial problems in the shop, the annoying client situation gets resolved, he doesn't break off his engagement because it would make kitsey's mother feel sad, they call the police on the people who stole the goldfinch and it's returned to the museum), boris makes him eat breakfast, theo gives us an entire speech on his existential revelations, including "what if your mind tells you to lead a life of self-destruction what if your mind wants things that are bad for you. is it better to cover your eyes and do nothing or to just do whatever you want. like boris?" and the book ends there!

[darktammy]

The right kinda of love (Ch9)

@living-the-life-1996 @bss-babygirl @moxleybabe @bluepunkrock @sausagefest1996 @sassymox @beenlovingromansincedayoneish @quipsykaylz @lghockey @angiem91 @fabulousrockstar @moxslildevil2021

{any one else wanna be tag let me know. Enjoy}

It was the next morning, Y/n woke up seeing that Cassidy was already up. She smile as she remember last night. Remembering how they both came back home without making any noise. They both headed upstairs into the bedroom where Y/n look back at Cassidy and smile as he push her on to the bed. “Ready for around 2” He demanded. Y/n smiled as laid on her back opening her legs for him. “I’m ready baby.” She told him.

Once down stairs she saw Cassidy sitting at the table reading his phone. “Good morning.” She said. He look up with a smile as he got up and hugged her from behind. “Good morning my sweet cherry pie.” Cassidy smiled as he smelled your sweet sent. “Hey big boy I think you should clam your buddy down and save it for tonight.” She warned him. Cassidy turn Y/n around and gave her kiss on the lips. “Yeah your right but the barn is open.” He smirk. Y/n giggle as she turn her head to the door’s window. “Oh looks like your grandparents are back.” Cassidy look at the door as he let Y/n go.

They walk in with a smile, “Oh you both are a wake now. Boy come help me with the cows we need to help Betty she due any minute.” Cassidy nodded his head as he walk back to the bed room. “Oh, Y/n make sure you cover up that mark on your neck my dear, I wasn’t born yesterday.” She explained to Y/n. She covers her hickey feeling embarrass.

Later on Y/n walk right into the barn house where Cassidy and his grandfather was sitting and waiting for the cow to give birth to her baby calf. “How long has she been in labor?” She ask. “About seven hours tops it’s normal for them.” The grandfather answers. Cassidy got up and start to rub Betty. “Your doing great girl, soon you're going to be a mom.” He said to her. Y/n walk up to Betty with a smile as she rub her head. “Your going to do great girl, I can’t wait.” She smiled. Cassidy look over at Y/n and smiled.

After almost 10 hours Betty was finally pushing her baby out. Cassidy told his grandfather that he got. “Don’t worry I got it!” Y/n put some gloves on, She walk over to Cassidy and grab the other leg of the calf just to help him. “Ok baby on the count the three we pull ok?” She told Cassidy. “Ok one…two…three…” They both pulled hard as the cow start to moo out. After a few more pulls the baby calf finally comes out making everyone in the barn laugh. “Aww look it’s a…” Y/n look confuse as his grandfather check “yuppy it's a boy, we got a boy here.” He told them. Cassidy put his arm around Y/n as he look at her. “We have a son name Beefy.” She laugh while kissing him.

It was Sunday morning Y/n and Cassidy had pack up their bags. They got said there goodbyes as they both got into the cab heading to the airport. “I’m going to miss them.” She said. Cassidy smiled. “I always miss them. Being there is so much fun than the city life.” He told her with a smile on his face. She look at him then she held his hand. “Maybe we should have a farm house of our own.” She look at him. He smiled as he look out the window. “Yeah that would be a great idea.” Looking back at Y/n.

On the flight Cassidy had so many things running through his head. How lucky he is too have Y/n with him. He start to think about how they both can have a farm house away from the city, away from the city life. Maybe have a great life or maybe something more. He look at Y/n watching what happen with AEW.

As they made it back Y/n danced to head over to Cassidy place just for the night until tomorrow morning. She smile as she remember his place. “I love it here. I mean it’s better than staying with Renee & Jon.” She explain. Turning around to see Cassidy close to her. “Hey Cassidy what’s up?” He smiled as he move away from her. She look at him confuse for moment. “You should take a shower, I’m going to head to the store need to get some milk and other things.” He explain making her nodded her head with a smile.

Cassidy head out to get something from the store buying some dinner. While headed back to his car Cassidy bump into his buddy. “Hey there lover boy when did you get back?” Kenny said walk from behind. “Hey man today just about to head homeland cook some dinner for me and…” He stop just to see Jon only a few feet away. “Shit.” Kenny look back to see Jon. “Yeah yeah his here cuz ya know, he want’s to fight and all that shit.” Kenny told him. “No his sister Y/n is at my place.” Kenny look at Cassidy with a smile. “You devil dog you. Alright man I knew you could do it.” Cassidy smile as he look back to see Jon watching them while he pulled on a smoke. Cassidy rolled his eyes while he explain to Kenny what happen back at his grandparents home.

Jon was watching them both, he pulled out his phone as he try to call Y/n again this time her phone rang. “Hey Jon why are you calling me.” She ask him. “Just wanna know how’s your trip? Are you back yet?” Jon said with a smile. Y/n sigh for moment she really didn’t want to lie to Jon. “Well right now I’m at a hotel don’t worry I’m fine tho.” Jon was surprise from her words. “Let me guess you need space.” Jon guessed. “Yeah but just for tonight I just have a lot on my mind right now so I just need to think.” Y/n said. Jon pulled a smoke then toss it to the ground. “Does it have to do with the baby?” Jon ask. She smiled. “Yeah because Renee told me that some workers just painted the room pink so yeah, Jon I’m sorry but, I have a lot to think about before your daughter comes.” Y/n told Jon. “You not thinking about moving are you?” Jon ask with his voice a little shaken. “I think you know the answer to that.” Jon nodded. “I get ya alright I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning.” She sigh as she remember she was not at the hotel. “Nah that’s ok I’ll just come and surprise you guys instead.” She smiled. “Goodnight sis.” Jon said with a smile. “Night Jon.” Ending the call.

Jon look up to see Cassidy and Kenny where gone. Jon made a call to a close friend. “Yeah I need you to do me a big favor. Nah man can you please stop talking about shoes, hear me out. Keep an eye on Cassidy for me. What you mean why? Just do it….Eddie you leave a floor below from him just do it.” Jon ended the call rolling his eyes. “Wow man…my god what hell is wrong with this man?” He said getting into his car.

Cassidy made it home both him and Kenny got out of the car. On walking to the apartment Eddie was sitting outside. “What’s up boyz Cassidy I haven’t seen ya in like a week. Hows it going?” He said with a smile. Kenny walk up to Eddie then he grab him by the shirt. “Mind you're damn business.” Eddie start to move away from them. “Alrite alrite what ever you say boss, I mean you're the champ and all. Kenny let Eddie go as him and Cassidy both walk into the place. Eddie watch them then he pulled out his phone just to keep track of time. “Alrite Kenny and Cassidy both talk in together.”

Cassidy made it back into his home he see Y/n laying on his bed with an orange silky nightgown that just above the knees. “I see you're wearing my favorite color.” She open her eyes with a smile. “I knew you’re going to love it.” She said sitting up. “I got chines food for now until the morning I guess.” She toke the bag out go his hand and put it on the ground. “Cassidy we need to talk.” He nodded as he sat down on the bed. “Yeah what’s up?” She smile at him. “I’m going to to move.” Cassidy was surprise from her words. “Your going to move in with me?” She giggle and shock her head. “No but, I’m going to move right a cross the door from you.” She pointed.

Cassidy smile as he gave her kiss on the check. She smile while keep her head down. “Something wrong babe?” He ask her. She shook her while looking up at him. “No nothing I’m just happy that’s all.” Cassidy smile while he pick up the bag with food, they both ate for the night.

The next day Y/n made it back home as she explain to both Renee and Jon about her trip was. She told them how much fun she had with her friends. Once Jon left due to the fact he need to meet up his friend Y/n and Renee had smiles on their faces. “So tell me how did it go with Cassidy?” Renee was excited to know. “I mean it was so much fun the farm where his grandparents lived. The animals I mean good because the eggs taste much better once you get them. I mean we even help a mother cow give birth.” Renee was over joy on hearing her time out there. “So sis tell me did you and him get close?” Renee had a little excitement in her voice. Y/n was in shock to hear her sister ask her about that. “Well Renee you don’t hear me asking about you and Jon. But it was pretty loving like I was in heaven with him. I mean we didn’t in the barn house yeah but, I was just in love.” Y/n said looking away with passion in her eyes. “I think that what I call love making, not fucking.” Renee said. Snapping Y/n back into reality.

Y/n smiled while looking out the window. “I mean hey I love him and well I’m moving into an apartment that’s across from his so yeah.” Renee smiled as she took her sisters hand. “I’m happy for you sis. I’m going to miss you being around the house and all but, yeah. As long as I see you happy I’m happy for you.” Renee and Y/n both gave each other a hug.

Jon walk into his favorite bar. He spotted Eddie sitting drinking down some beer. “Alright tell what’s up.” Eddie pat Jon on his back. “Yeah man I think Kenny might be with Y/n.” Eddie was drink already. “Eddie I think you had a little too much to drink. Time to head home buddy.” Jon grab Eddie and start to walk him out the bar and straight to the car. “Hey man I think she’s with Kenny or with Cassidy or maybe both.” He said laughing. “Hey Jon I really love that girl. I mean one look at Y/n and it was love at first sight…or heart. What’s it called again bro?” Jon nodded as he put Eddie in the car. “Yeah, yeah your drunk Eddie lets bring you home.” He look at Eddie shaking his head while get got in to drive Eddie home.

[fanficimagery]

Natalie’s Half-Sister [Part 1 of 3]

Summary: Imagine being Natalie's half-sister and visiting her. Your week long vacation gets prolonged into a month and you hit it off with quite a few of the group.

Words: 4.3K Warnings: Language. Drinking. Most likely OOC since this is my first time writing for the Vlog Squad. I told myself I'd never write for real people, but the Vlog Squad got me fucked up, man. That said, I'm 95% sure I'll only keep these imagines platonic-friendly because I find it weird shipping someone with a real person. Then again these are the Vlog squad boys and they're quite flirtatious.

Having finished filming for David's latest video, a few members of the squad stick around to help David and Natalie clean up.

So after all the glass and broken drywall is swept up, the water all mopped up from where Zane threw a bucket of it on a small fire, and the demolished trash cans and ping pong balls taken out to the curb, everyone drops onto the couch with a tired sigh as Mariah proceeds to order a smorgasbord of food through Postmates.

"So David," Natalie drawls, attention focused on her phone as she addresses her friend. "I have a favor to ask."

"No, Natalie! You can't go on another vacation."

Those surrounding them laugh, Natalie included, but she rolls her eyes fondly as well. "Shut up. Y/N is coming to visit and I was wondering if she could stay with us."

"Y/N?" David lowers his camera. "Your sister Y/N?" He then slowly grins.

"Wait, what?" Zane leans forward in his seat, gaze darting between his two friends. "Natalie's got a sister and we're only hearing about this now?"

"It's because she's hot. She's hot, isn't she?" Todd laughs.

"She's my half-sister," Natalie says at the same time David answers, "Definitely hot."

"Wait a minute." Jeff looks up from his phone to address his friends. "So does this mean that if Natalie won't go on a date with me, then I can ask her sister?"

"Jesus," Natalie groans and then grips a couch pillow to swat Jeff with. "No hitting on my sister."

"No promises," He, Todd, and Zane all muse at the same time.

The room erupts with laughter.

Then finally, David says, "Y/N can stay with us. I don't mind."

"Thanks. She's only staying for a week, so.."

"That's fine," David assures her. "When does she get in?"

"Two days from now."

After a three and a half hour flight, you're more than ready to find your sister in the busy airport and go wherever it is she's putting you up for the week.

With the strap of your duffel bag hooked over your shoulder and you pulling your rolling suitcase behind you, your tired gaze scans the crowd waiting for their loved ones. It doesn't take you long to find your sister in the crowd, a familiar face at her side with a camera attached to his hand. David still looks the same, but it's obvious he's grown into his dorky appearance. The other two men, however, is what gives you pause. Both are incredibly good looking, dark haired, one clean shaven and the other with a fair amount of facial hair.

They're all joking and laughing, and you already know your week with them is going to be an entertaining one. The two unknowns with your sister put their heads together, laughing as they play a quick game of rock, paper, scissors. The clean shaven one loses and after David has his camera pointed at him, the stranger stands up on a chair and shouts that he loves penis. Several people stop and stare while others laugh and continue walking. A few young teens get excited over seeing them, so while the guys are busy taking photos with their apparent fans, you pull down the sunglasses over your eyes and attempt to walk on by.

You've barely made it a few feet before someone is rushing in front of you, shoving a camera in your face. "Did you really just walk on by us, Y/N? How rude!"

You laugh and playfully shove the camera away. "Well if it isn't Dobrik all grown up. Tell me, David, have you boned my sister yet?"

David only cackles in response, lowering his camera to give you a brief hug. "You haven't changed a bit. Thank god."

"Neither have you," you say. "Well I lied. You finally grew into your looks."

"Hey!"

Laughter erupts and you watch the two other men join David, smiling. Arms wrap around your waist from behind and you manage to turn your head just so in order to spot your sister's beaming expression. "Natty. God I've missed you." You turn in her arms and give her a proper hug, sighing. "LA suits you, sister-mine."

As soon as she pulls out of the hug, she gestures to her two other friends with David. "Sorry for the welcoming committee. The whole squad has been non-stop trying to dig information up on you since I told them about you, and these two threw themselves into the back of David's Tesla when we were leaving to come here."

"Hey. I'm Jeff."

"And I'm Todd."

You laugh at their too charming smiles, shaking your head as David films the entire encounter. "Y/N," you say. "It's nice to meet you."

"You too. And let me take that for you," Jeff says as he reaches for the strap of your bag. "It looks kind of heavy."

"It's not."

"And I'll take the suitcase," Todd's quick to jump in, taking your suitcase from your hand.

You laugh as your sister groans. "Aw, Natty, your friends are adorable."

Arm in arm, you and your sister then walk out of the airport as David continues to film you and his friends acting a little too chivalrous. David and Natalie end up taking the driver and front passenger seats, leaving the boys to play yet another game of rock, paper, scissors to see who would be sitting with you in the middle seats. Todd wins.

"So what do you want to do tonight?" Natalie asks after setting up David's camera on the dash.

"Honestly? I just want to keep things chill. And that goes for my entire stay here. Don't go out of the way to plan something special. If you're gonna stay home and edit videos, that's fine with me. I'm seriously okay with whatever."

The entire car goes quiet and the group start to nervously chuckle.

"Goddammit," you grumble. "What did you do?"

"There may or may not be a party happening tonight to welcome you," David giggles.

Smiling, you shake your head. "You're really trying to get me to relive my party days. Shame on you, Davey."

"Party days," Todd muses. "That makes you sound old." Laughter fills the car, it dwindling when you shrug.

"Well I am older than Natty."

Todd quirks an eyebrow. "How old?"

"Old enough."

"Yes!" Jeff cheers from the back. "I can hit on this one without feeling weird."

Glancing over your shoulder, you wink. "Flirt all you want, hot shot, but I don't do hook-ups or relationships."

Natalie turns around in her seat, smirking. "Fun fact about my sister, guys, is that Y/N doesn't have sex."

Todd practically gapes. "Like at all?"

You shake your head. "I will hold hands, I will cuddle, and I will make-out, but nothing more. I'm just- I'm not hardwired like everyone else."

David suddenly cackles, he pulling over to the side of the road and picking up his camera. Turning around in his seat, he says, "Look at Todd and Jeff, guys. They just found out that Natalie's sister doesn't do sexual intimacy and they look like someone murdered their dogs."

You and Natalie laugh, and you reach over to grab Todd's hand. "Aw. Don't pout. If it helps any, you and Jeff are really attractive. I just don't feel the need to have sex with you."

Jeff leans forward. "But you will make-out with us. Right?"

You glance at him again, grinning. "We'll see."

- X - X - X - X - X -

David's house leaves you in awe when you get there. He and Natalie give you a tour when Todd and Jeff take their leave to get dressed for the party, and you end up shedding a couple of tears over how proud you are of him. David laughs it off, but you and Natalie can see how much it means to him to hear that you're proud of him.

Natalie then ends up ordering the three of you a late lunch/early dinner and encourages you to eat as much as you can because the alcohol will be flowing later that night and she doesn't want you to get too sick. Then after you nap off your food baby in the guest room Natalie had set up for you, you shower and dress in a pair of black, ripped skinny jeans and a white sports bra that's visible through your mesh crop top.

You go searching for your sister, only to find her in David's room and helping him choose a decent outfit. Laughing, you fall onto his bed and then snatch up one of his numerous Clickbait caps.

"Hey, can I wear this?" David glances at you and watches as you put his cap on backwards, fixing your wavy hair to drape in front of your shoulders.

"Yeah." He turns back around, but then quickly faces you once more. "Hey, I forgot to ask earlier, but is it okay if I use the footage with you in it? I kind of need your permission to post anything you're in."

"Yeah. Go for it. I don't mind."

"Thanks."

People soon start showing up and you're introduced to every one of Natalie's friends. Zane is, by far, the loudest and most blunt with his first impression of you. Being called baby and hot amuses you to no ends, and then you're relieved to see that when the camera is turned off their personalities are a lot more calmer.

There's a bit of pre-gaming before David turns his camera back on, Todd and Jeff letting everyone know about your personal choices pertaining to dating, or the lack there-of, when Jonah and Dom take their flirting a little too far. Everyone seems a little surprised, but you're relieved when they respect your choice and a few volunteer themselves to make-out with you should you feel yourself wanting to kiss someone. You laugh it off, but make no promises.

When everyone is loose-limbed and loose-lipped, David finally turns his camera back on. Lights are dimmed, multi-colored lights flash, and a tray of shots are passed around.

"A toast!" Zane shouts, already glassy-eyed. Everyone gathers around, shot glasses raised. "To Y/N! Baby girl, you are a hottie and I honestly hope you let loose enough to stick your tongue my throat. I'm game." The group cheers and you snort, laughing.

"To Y/N!" Everyone then shouts before downing their shot.

"Y/N. Y/N, wake up." You startle at the voice and the gentle nudging of your shoulder, flinching as the lights are suddenly flooding the room. David laughs and you groan when you see the camera in hand, pulling up the sheet to cover your face. "Wake up, sleepy head. Your sister went out to get some lunch."

"Screw you. I'm never drinking with you guys again." David laughs some more. Then after making sure you're not going to barf, you shove the sheet away. "How bad was it? I feel like shit, so.."

"You and Mariah ended up dancing atop my pool table. I've never seen Heath look so happy before."

"Anything else?"

"Not as bad as you're thinking. The squad really likes you. Natalie was happy you got along with everyone."

"That's good."

"Yeah. Now get up and shower. Natalie will be home soon."

"Okay," you mumble, rolling over onto your side and letting your eyes close once more.

"I'm serious, Y/N. If you don't get up in five minutes, you're not going to like your wake up call."

Unfortunately for you, you don't listen to David and then someone's bursting into the room. Water splashes you and you shriek, sitting up only to see a hungover Zane cheering. "Ice bath, baby! Get 'ya perky ass up. Food's here."

"You. Are. Fucking. Dead."

Zane blows you a kiss and takes off running.

- X - X - X - X - X -

After taking a warm shower, you dress in a pair of leggings and yet another sports bra beneath a baggy tank top. You accept Zane's hug and apology for the rude wake-up call, and then eat the greasy burger and fries Natalie had slid in front of you.

Your sister and David have hours of footage to go through and edit for his next video, so you have absolutely no problem dropping onto the lovesac (giant beanbag) in the living room while they edit on the couch several feet away from you, but only after you've down some ibuprofen. You're in and out of sleep, eyes fluttering open every time someone pops in real quick for a visit.

Todd, Scott, and Jason stick around, laptops in front of them and headphones plugged in as they edit their own stuff.

You end up falling asleep, only to be jolted awake by something jumping onto your lap. "Wha-" There are sounds of panting and then slightly heavy footsteps walking up your body until a flat tongue is sweeping across your cheek. "Aw. Doggie," you sleepily chuckle, petting the animal.

"Nerf, no! Get down."

You manage to fully open your eyes and spot Jeff looking a bit alarmed that the dog has jumped on you, but you wrap your arms around the dog as it lays down atop your chest. "He yours?"

"Yeah. Sorry 'bout him."

"Don't be," you smile, gently scratching around the dog's neck. "Dogs are my favorite." Turning onto your side, Nerf slides off of you but he doesn't go far. In fact, he lays right in front of your chest and snuggles in. Then chuckling softly, you curl around the dog. "Oh my god. I want one so bad."

"Hey Jeff," David suddenly pipes up. "How does it feel to have the hot girl cuddling your dog rather than you?" His friends all laugh, including your sister who snaps a picture of a pouting Jeff as he stares down at you.

"Like a cosmic joke."

"Aw, Nerf, daddy seems jealous. Should we allow him to cuddle too?"

"Yes." Before you can even laugh, Jeff is sliding up behind you.

Everyone laughs louder and more video/pictures are taken. "I'm down for some good cuddling, but if your hand ends up on my tit I'm gonna throat punch you."

"She'll do it too," Natalie muses. "Trust me."

"Noted." Jeff's arm stays draped over your bare waist and you soon find yourself drifting off back to sleep.

"That dog is seriously the luckiest little shit I've ever met," Todd grumbles.

You have no idea how long you've been asleep until a phone ringing startles you awake. You're no longer cuddling a dog, but a person instead, and as you glance up at the equally sleepy face you grimace. "I did it again, didn't I?"

Jeff yawns. "Did what?"

"When I get cold I tend to curl into the nearest source of warmth. I'm so sorry."

He chuckles as you unwrap yourself from him. "Don't be. That was the best nap I've had in a while."

Then glancing around, you notice the living room is empty and it's starting to get dark outside. "Where is everyone?"

"Hey, you guys are finally awake!" Natalie enters the room and she readily pulls you up from the giant beanbag you'd fallen asleep in. "Since last night was a bit wild, David rented out a theatre for ourselves. We can watch a movie and still be loud little shits without ruining anyone else's movie night."

"That's fine." You stretch and then guiltily glance at Jeff before looking back at your sister. "I really wish you'd have woken me earlier. I only met your friends yesterday and already I wrapped myself around one like a-"

"Y/N," Jeff chuckles. "It's fine. Really."

"It really isn't," you frown. Natalie faintly smiles as she wraps an arm around your shoulders. "We only met yesterday and if I made you uncomfortable-"

Natalie snorts. "Doubt it."

"Listen to your sister," he tells you. "It was only cuddling. I know where you stand and I'm cool with it. At least this way I know you're the only girl I can actually just sleep with without you trying to wheedle anything out of me."

You nervously chuckle at his pretty smile. "You sure? Like I didn't cross any lines?"

"I'm positive. In fact, if you want a cuddle buddy for the rest of your stay, all you have to do is ask."

Sighing in relief, Natalie finally laughs at you. "Now that that's settled, you two need to shower and get dressed. We're getting dinner before heading to the movies."

"Yeah, yeah. Let's go."

The next few days are a whirlwind of drinking, laughter, cuddles, and pranks. You seemed to fit in rather flawlessly with your sister's friends and it was a running joke that you'd end up in a threesome with both Jeff and Todd because after that night with you cuddling Nerf and then cuddling Jeff, the boys seemed to find you fair game as a cuddling partner. More often than not, it was Jeff or Todd cuddling you or placing their head in your lap and falling asleep when your nails lightly raked against their scalps.

Now it's the morning of the day before you're set to fly back home, but instead of doing anything, you're laying in bed with your sister as you lazily scroll through social media.

"You ready to head back home tomorrow?" Natalie asks.

"No," you mumble. "I've forgotten how much I loved being around you and I've grown quite fond of your friends."

"They're your friends too," she grins. "Even though some might secretly wish there was something more going on."

"Christ," you chuckle, rolling onto your side to face your sister. "I've never met a more attractive group of people. I recently found myself wishing I was sexually attractive to people just so I could sit on one of their faces."

"Oh my god!" Natalie cackles, her phone falling and hitting her in the face. Her hands then cover her face as she continues to laugh, it completely masking the sound of her bedroom door opening.

"Room for one more?" You turn and see David standing there, still a little sleep mussed with his camera and laptop in hand.

"Sure."

As Natalie tries to control her giggles, you roll out of bed and let David take the middle. Then once he's situated, you climb back in. "What did I miss?" He asks, absentmindedly turning on his camera and angling the lens towards you three. When you only smile and shrug, he then says into his camera, "Look, guys, I'm living the dream right now." He moves it around to show you and Natalie on either side of him.

You flip off the camera just in time for Natalie to tell him what he had missed moments ago. "Y/N admitted to wanting to be sexually attractive to our friends so she could sit on their faces."

David cackles as a blush heats your face. "Who?" He wonders.

"Nope. Not telling. Knowing you, you'll tell them what I said or put this clip in your next video and surprise them. I'm not stupid, Davey."

"Come on, Natalie, tell me since your sister won't."

"I don't know either!" She laughs. "We didn't get that far into the conversation."

Luckily for you, before David can pester you for any more information, your phone starts to ring and you see Boss Lady flash across the screen. "Oh shit, guys. I need to take this." David and Natalie instantly calm down, and you sit up to answer the call. "Hello?"

The call goes no way near what you expected and your blood slowly starts to boil as your boss reprimands you over the phone. You can feel yourself getting agitated, so you crawl out of bed, choosing to pace by Natalie's closet. "So let me get this straight," you say, voice cold. David and Natalie lose their grins, the snickering coming to a full fledged stop as they watch you. "Because no one wanted to listen to me when I said nurse Tyler wasn't ready for solo rotations, I'm the one being punished for her screw up?"

The bedroom door slams open, making you flinch, but before a clearly exuberant Zane can say anything, David and Natalie wave him off and gesture for him to join them on the bed. Seeing your eyes flash and jaw clench as you remain on the phone, Zane clamps his mouth shut and plops down on the foot of your sister's bed. "With all due respect, ma'am, this is such a bullshit call. I'm well aware I was the one in charge of her training, but I warned you before I left for vacation that nurse Tyler wasn't picking up as quick as you'd hoped. I told you she wasn't prepared to be on her own and even left clear instructions for the other nurses on shift to help nurse Tyler should she find herself overwhelmed."

Once again the door opens and it's almost comical as the three other occupants of the room wave their arms in hopes of catching Jeff's attention to not make any noise. His smile quickly falls and he warily joins the others on the bed as you huff over the phone. Aware of all eyes on you, you will yourself to not cry the angry tears threatening to fall.

Your boss' next words have you freezing, eyes subtly widening. "Suspended without pay?" You repeat the words back, almost in disbelief. Even your sister and friends seem shocked. "Are you kidding me!? It wasn't my call to let nurse Tyler out on the floor!" More words are had until your shoulders slump in defeat, but the anger is still there simmering. "Aw. Bless your heart, ma'am," you mockingly coo. Natalie snorts. "But I have a better outcome for you: I quit." With that you end the call, squeezing your phone until you just let it drop with a sigh.

The room is eerily quiet until, "Did you just say bless your heart?" Zane muses.

Natalie starts to giggle. "In Texas speak, she just told her boss fuck you."

David and Zane laugh, and Jeff appears surprised. You shrug. "She wanted to punish me for someone else's mistake. The hospital I work for has been having a lot of problems lately and a couple of the doctors are sketchy as fuck. I've been meaning to look elsewhere for a job and she just gave me the push I needed to finally quit."

"Hold up!" Zane sits on his knees, staring at you intently. "You're a nurse!?"

"Yes." And before Zane can ask anything else, you hold up a hand. "And no I don't own a sexy nurse costume, nor will I model one for you."

He deflates. "You're such a buzzkill."

Everyone laughs and it's David who then finds his voice, realization dawning. "Holy shit. Did you really just quit your job?"

"Yep."

"You know what this means. Right?" Natalie then asks. "You don't have to fly out tomorrow. With no job, you don't have to be back home for anything."

"What? No," you laugh. "I've already disrupted your lives for a week."

"So? Lets make it a month." You gape at David, content to let him record whatever plan he's no doubt concocted in that brain of his. "Anyone got a quarter?"

"Yaassss, baby," Zane cheers. "Where we going?"

"What?" You glance around in confusion and it's Jeff who takes pity on you as Natalie searches for a quarter.

"The last time David flipped a quarter, if it lands on heads, we go on a trip of his choosing."

"Oh."

You tiredly sigh and pick your phone up from the floor. "You okay?" He then asks.

"Hmm?" You see Jeff's concerned expression and flash him a small smile. "Yeah. I really have been meaning to find a job elsewhere. My boss just gave me an excuse to finally quit and get on with it."

"You can always find a job out here," he then muses. "It's LA. There are jobs everywhere."

"Aw. Are you gonna miss me, Jeff?" You tease.

"Maybe." He shrugs. "But Natalie will miss you more. Since you've been here, she's been a lot more happier. Everyone can see it."

"You say that now. Just wait until she has to see me day in and day out for a month. She'll be ready for me to leave then."

Jeff grins, but then Zane catches everyone's attention as he makes phone call after phone call to the rest of their friends. He tells everyone to get to David's asap without giving away the surprise and half an hour later you find yourself with your legs draped over Jeff's lap as you both absentmindedly look at hospitals hiring around the area just in case.

"Okay so what's going on?" Heath asks as he and Mariah are the last to show up.

David stands, camera in hand, recording. "Y/N just quit her job earlier today and from the sounds of it she had a real shitty boss." Everyone boos and glances at you in sympathy. "So to cheer her up, I thought we'd play a game." David pinches a quarter between his forefinger and thumb, holding it up for all to see. "Heads we go to Vegas tonight, tails we move Y/N out here tomorrow."

"What!?"

"Deal." Natalie snatches the quarter from David, beaming. "Its a win-win for me," she says. "I either get to go to Vegas with you or I get to live with you. I'm taking this deal for us." And before you can refuse, Natalie flips the coin.

Everyone seems to hold their breath and then when it lands, David zooms in. "WE'RE GOING TO VEGAS!"

The whole group cheers simultaneously, laughing hysterically. Natalie rushes over to you, falling into your lap and making Jeff groan. "This is going to be so much fun."

[purplesurveys]

1461

survey by brelee

What is a long song that you enjoy? (over 5 minutes long) Future by Paramore. 

If you have a sibling, what is a memory you have with them that you'll never forget? When I picked her up from her dorm for the first time. Manila is mostly an unfamiliar place to me so while I successfully picked her up, I ended up taking a wrong exit at the expressway and instead of getting back home...we landed at the fucking airport. In an entirely different city. That sent me into a panic and while I would have definitely cried had I been alone, my sister was with me and she tends to get stressed if other people get stressed around her so I had to hold my nerves in, hahaha.

Do you cry over small things? I definitely can if I’m already having a bad enough day. Fortunately it doesn’t always happen.

Are you organized? For the most part.

Who is someone you adore? One of my aunts.

Rock, paper, or scissors? My first choice would usually be either rock or paper; I never go for scissors.

What do you do whenever you're nervous? Vape, a lot. I also tend to bite my fingernails.

Black or Green? Black, but I will say that green really has been growing on me lately.

Is your favorite color currently in the outfit you're wearing? No, I’m not in anything pink at the moment.

Do you vape? Yep.

Do you sleep with any stuffed animals? I have a number of plushies yeah, but I don’t think I can call Tata an animal, lol.

Do you have a motto? “Everything goes” is one of my favorites.

What is a scary experience you have had? Every episode of alcoholism in my family when I was younger. I won’t get into any specific instance anymore because they’re buried at the back of my mind for a reason.

What shoes do you wear the most? Probably my Ivy Park sneakers. They’re the first (and so far only) pair of shoes I’ve bought for myself, so I won’t deny there’s some favoritism going on in there heheheh.

Have you ever met a famous person? I’ve met and talked to a handful of local celebrities and influencers virtually thanks to my job. I have yet to meet a famous personality in real life, though.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go? South Korea.

What were you like as a teenager? I was very shy up until I was around 15 or 16 and can guarantee you that I pretty much had a nonexistent presence in any classroom – teachers rarely remembered me. I started to gain friends and be more outgoing by the latter half of high school, but even by then I still preferred to be far from the spotlight.

When did you last get lab work done? May 2020 when I had to take blood and urine tests for my UTI/fever.

Whose baby did you last hold? I don’t even know...it had to have been an aunt’s many, many moons ago. I love babies but the idea of holding them terrifies me.

What genre does your favorite TV show fall into? Crime, drama, Western-ish.

Have you ever been on a cruise? I have.

Do you know what average rent is in your area? Anywhere between 20k to 45k, I believe.

When did you last turn on a fan? A few hours ago after we had lunch and I started to settle in the living room.

What is something you are proud of? How much I’ve grown at my job.

What did you last purchase at the grocery store? Alcohol, nacho chips, and a couple of dips for said chips.

How long are your showers? Less than 10 minutes for the most part. I don’t like taking up too much time in the bathroom.

What is an unhealthy habit you have? I spend a really long time spacing out, whenever it does happen.

Do you tend to lose your TV remote often? No, not really.

What would be most beneficial to your life right now? Like most people, a shit ton of money would do.

Are you a good story teller? I think I can say so. I’ve been told I have a way with words so I’d like to think that crosses over to the ways in which I share stories.

Would you ever have a wild animal as a pet if possible? No. I’m fine and will always be fine with just dogs.

Are there any words that annoy you when people use them out of context? I dunno I don’t think there are any.

What popular foods do you dislike? Fruits. I could also live without lasagna.

Do you ask or answer questions more? Answer them.

Do you prefer indoor or outdoor concerts? Outdoor for me definitely has the better vibe, but it has to be an arena/stadium setup as well where people can watch from higher levels. The only outdoor gigs I’ve been to were those wherein we were all on the ground, which meant that if you had any ticket other than VIP then you had a shit view and would have to rely on LED screens by your section.

Have you ever tried deep fried oreos? Yeah I love wicked Oreos.

What's your typical Chinese food order? I rarely get Chinese and I don’t have a typical single order because we would usually do family-style. My family likes getting stuff like xiao long bao, siomai, yang chow fried rice, minced pork with eggplant, sweet and sour pork, chicken feet, and century eggs, though.

What made you smile today? I went to church earlier for Sunday mass and I was so surprised to hear the priest name-drop BTS??????? He even mentioned four of them by name and I couldn’t help but crack up from my seat and be impressed at how he knew more than half of them. Luckily I had my face mask on so I didn’t make too much of a scene.

What would you like to buy most right now? New clothes would be cool.

Do you own any exercise equipment? I don’t. But my parents do have a couple that we’re free to use - I just never do.

What would you do if you found a large sum of money? Immediately think I’m part of a social experiment and leave it alone – unless I can see a wallet somewhere or ID, in which case I’d try to track the owner down.

Are you in any amount of physical or mental pain? The upper left side of my back hurts.

What time is it currently? 4:31 PM.

Is there a garage or car port at your place of residence? We have a carport.

What are your plans for the rest of the day? Take maybe one or two more surveys, play my rhyhtm game, and squeeze in some work tonight so that my backlog won’t be nauseating tomorrow.

What did you last have a conversation about? Cooper and whatever he was trying to do with the curtains earlier.

What color is your toothbrush? Yellow with some pink accents.

Have you ever stayed at a hotel alone? No, I’ve never booked one just for myself.

Who were you last in a vehicle with? My mom, sister, and brother. Dad already left for Denmark last Friday.

What can you currently hear? Jin and Jungkook singing some of the final notes from So Far Away.

Do you find having to find meals daily to be a nuisance? Well no? It’s just a thing you really have to do to not go hungry lol.

Would you rather go a week without showering or brushing your teeth? Brushing my teeth. Both are gross, but I typically feel much more restless when I’m sweaty and sticky from not taking showers.

What does your last text message say? It was a weird scam text as usual. I don’t even feel like checking it at the moment.

Do you listen to screamo? No.

You can have any 3 things in the world, what would you choose? At least a million pesos, a lifetime supply of sushi, and a penthouse condo.

Last thing you won? A quiz I was playing with teammates at work.

Have you ever considered becoming a vlogger? Yeah. I still do consider it every now and then...not out of the desire to become popular, but the idea of documenting my life has always appealed to me. But I don’t have a good camera other than my phone and I don’t really know how to edit videos, so I’ve just never pushed through with it.

Do you take any daily medicines or vitamins? Nah. I know I should, though.

Do you carry pepper spray? No. But I also don’t walk outdoors/on public sidewalks for the most part because I don’t wanna be mugged or catcalled. I recently asked my dad to get a baseball bat for my car though just in case anyone tries to start something funny with me while I’m on the road.

Are you easily distracted? Yeah, very easily.

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #434

“i hate this town, it’s so washed up, & all my friends don’t give a fuck  /  they’ll tell me that it’s just bad luck, when will i find where i fit in?”

You get a text from your ex. He/she wants to hang out. How do you respond? Admittedly, I would. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex that you secretly want to be more than friends with? No. Well, there are times where I think I WANT to like-like Girt, but I just don't. And yet he's always been there for me without fail, is super funny and kind and chill... but I think we were just friends for too long; he feels like my brother by this point in time. If your partner smoked, would that be a problem for you? If it was cigarettes, yes. Even weed (UNLESS it was for medicinal purposes and not a constant thing) I'd be iffy about. I just don't want to date a smoker. Lung damage is lung damage and weed actually has more carcinogens, and I don't want to sign myself up for all that. I don't want to watch my partner wither away from nonstop smoking and also have myself suffer from second-hand smoking. When will you next see your best friend? There's no telling. Right now I'm trying to be realistic and responsible with the money I DO ever get and put it towards more important investments, but I really do want to take a plane up there at some point. But that's also waiting until Covid is in the past. Heeeell no would I be stepping into an airport right now, even being vaccinated. How many tattoos would you like to have? Too many to count, ha ha. I want LOADS. Paint me, baby. :') Do you like your first name? I actually do. Have you ever talked to a boyfriend about an ex-boyfriend? Yes. It's kind of inevitable when you go into a new relationship, hoping it'll go well and be seriously invested, that you let your partner know "oh hey, this happened and seriously affected me to where I'm going to have 'my days.'" Greatest birthday gift you ever got? My snake Venus was technically a birthday present, though I obviously picked her out. Worst memory you have? Losing Jason. I can't say enough that the night of the breakup still doesn't feel real. First memory you can remember? My brother going down our slide into the Hurricane Floyd flood in our front yard, ha ha. I was around two, I wanna say? I don't feel like looking up the date of the hurricane. Oldest object you own? When did you get it? I'm sure that would be a stuffed animal we have stored away somewhere. Or my baby blanket, also safely tucked away. Meanest person you know? Why do you feel this way? I don't "know" Colleen anymore, but God knows she fit the bill. She was so fucking rude to people (yes, she was one of those people that bitched out store employees that have no control over things that inconvenienced her), the world revolved around her problems, she started drama with the damn grass... It's funny even picturing how she was my best friend once. My standards were lower for who I could befriend back then, but goddamn. Ever been dumped? By who? Yes, Jason. Technically Sara as well, but "dumped" seems like an unfitting term? Like we just talked it out and sorta mutually agreed that it was wiser that we weren't together at the time. Have you ever dumped someone? Why? Yes, mostly because I didn't like-like them. Juan was more so because I believed a rumor by Rachel, and Tyler, I just wasn't invested in and had NO desire to put up with the "we need to talk every five minutes" crap. Where do you buy most of your food? Wal-Mart. Last house you have been to: whose was it, and why were you there? My sister's, for my nephew's birthday party. Have you ever been a drunk driver? No, and fuck you if you've ever put others (and yourself) at risk like that. One kid you cannot stand? None that I know, and that's very few. Has anyone ever saved your life? Jason and Mom literally have. Last thing you cried about? Ha ha, I finished watching another SOMA playthrough earlier, and I will ALWAYS start to cry at the end. Without fail. Would you sacrifice your life for someone else's baby? I honestly think I would if it was a split-second decision. Tell me about your latest dream: I think my APAP mask wasn't positioned well last night, because I had a SHITLOAD of nightmares. Too many to even remember. Have you ever been in a limo? No. I've always wanted to experience that once, man. Have you ever been the maid of honor in a wedding party? No. Has anyone ever seen you naked? I was born naked, my man. Mom used to give my sister and I baths together, and I took a bath with a best friend once as a kid. Then one other person has. Do you have a calendar? If so, what is the theme of it? Not a current one, no. Nicest thing you have ever done for a complete stranger: I have no idea. Meanest thing you have ever done to a complete stranger: *shrug* Have you ever been sent to the principal's office? If so, why? And how did you feel? Yes, I think because they wanted to ask the reason behind all my morning tardies. I was soooo scared, just being a kid. Person you hope you never run into again: Colleen. Have you ever streaked? Heeeeell no. Why do you hate your ex? I don't hate any of them. What animal did you last pet or hold? Roman, my cat. What color is your hair? It's my natural brunette right now. I want to dye it SO badly. Have you ever fallen asleep in someone's arms? Yeah. Have you ever had to clean a cat box before? Yeah, seeing as I own an indoor cat. Christmas is coming. Who are you buying gifts for? In the hypothetical situation where I had the money, I'd buy things for my parents, my stepmom, my two immediate sisters, Ash's kids, as well as her husband, but only because I'd feel obligated to as he's considered a close member of the family. I'd also totally get something for Sara! When somebody intimidates you, how do you usually act around them? SCARED. I get quiet, stutter if I do talk, and possibly cry. Is your favorite singer in a band or does he or she ride solo? He was originally the singer of Black Sabbath, but he's been solo for forever now. I prefer him solo, honestly. Did your parents ever hang your old artwork up on the walls? Ohhh yes. Mom still does, ha ha. What is the weirdest obsession you’ve ever had? Nothing really "weird," I think... How long can you be in a car before wanting to get out? It depends on if I have my music or not. If I do, I can last hours, but if not, I don't really like being in the car at all. Have any songs ever inspired you to play an instrument? No. Do you ever use Pandora?No. Are you better with creative writing or writing essays? Creative writing, but I'm fine with both. What is the weirdest animal you’ve ever seen as a pet? I know OF someone who rescued I want to say a baby bobcat, or something along those lines, but I didn't know that guy personally. I don't think I've ever actually met someone with a truly *strange* pet... The most unique I've seen is probably just a chinchilla. If you had to change one, would you rather change your hair or your eyes? My eyes. I don't like them much, mainly the shape. What was your favorite computer game as a kid? I loved the various Oregon Trail games, as well as one I think was called The Amazon Trail 3. Then there was a few dinosaur games I LOVED, and then there were the classic kids' games like the Putt-Putt and Fred the Fish series. Any shows on TV that you flat out refuse to start watching? 13 Reasons Why. I don't even support that show existing. Pajamas with feet: yay or nay? NOOOOOOOO, that is so uncomfortable. What is your opinion on fruitcake? That's an even BIGGER "no." Who did you last dream about? I don't remember. Do you have trouble remembering important things? Yes. .-. I barely remember anything. Which animal can you imitate the best? I dunno? Have you bought any drugs this month? I don't do drugs, so. Have you ever set foot in a tanning bed? Nope, never will. Do you know the Soulja Boy dance? Ha ha, I did as a kid. My then-best friend, younger sister, and I wanted to learn it. I don't remember it now, that's for sure. What is the best ice cream flavor? Ben and Jerry's "Phish Food" is GODLY. Wallpaper on your computer's desktop? Teddy, my late dog. Do you clean when you’re upset? Hell no, I do the opposite: nothing. Do you sleep with the door open or closed? It stays open. My cat would pitch a fit otherwise. Do you know anyone who has actually been in an alcohol or drug related crash? Yes, actually. It was incredibly tragic; the both of them were high (maybe drunk, idr for sure), and my friend was driving with her best friend in the passenger seat. They crashed, and said friend's best friend died. For YEARS she would share pictures of them together on Facebook, "talking" to her, and it was just so heartbreaking. I doubt she's forgiven herself to this day, but she seems to have mostly moved on the best she could, being married with a daughter now. Have you ever gotten a professional massage? No, and I do NOT want one. I don't want some random stranger touching me in ANY way. Do you have a good relationship with your first love? No. We haven't talked in years, so maybe he feels no hatred for me at this point, but I do for myself. I don't hate him at all. Do you feel like you have life figured out? bitch hell no What would you do if you were faced with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy (at your current age)? Was I raped? I'd almost certainly abort because I would be traumatized as FUCK. If it was my own fault, I think I'd go through with the pregnancy, but give the baby up for adoption. There is no way I could raise a kid right now. Or probably ever. Water or Gatorade? I don't like either, really, but I HATE Gatorade. Have you ever thought about getting your nose pierced? It's been pierced twice, and I'm thinking of getting it redone again, but this time use a hoop instead of a stud to keep the damn piercing from falling out and closing in my sleep. Have you ever slapped someone? On the arm as a kid. That doesn't excuse it, though. Who are the pictures of in the room? I have a lot of posters, but no real photographs of anyone. Have your parents ever smoked pot? Dad did a lot of drugs before I was born, but Mom's never touched anything. I think. Would you ever consider moving to a different country? I'd love to live in Canada, if that didn't entail leaving my family. What is your favourite food from your culture? Cheeseburgers, alsdf;alwer Do you know any pick-up lines in a foreign language? No. What degree are you or will you pursue while in college? I've dropped out of college three times. I am never going back to major in anything. I changed my major quite a few times while I was there. Favorite arcade game? I don't really have one. One of my life goals is to go to an arcade that has Silent Hill: The Arcade, though. There are very few throughout the world, and it looks fun. Would other people consider your sense of humor inappropriate? I don't see how. Some inappropriate things can make me laugh, but it's definitely not my favorite form of humor, and I myself don't really make jokes of that sort. Who is your biggest celebrity crush right now? Mark Fischbach. :'') What are they famous for? He's a big YouTuber, aND WILL ALSO BE A MAIN ACTOR IN A SHOW NEXT YEAR. LET'S GOOOOOOOOOO. Have you ever had a controlling boyfriend/girlfriend? No, I would NOT stand for that bullshit. Do you have any gay family members? I know my mom's... cousin I want to say is gay. Somebody related to her is. Was your first kiss romantic? I feel like it was. What are you most likely to go to jail for? Pirating shit. Well, can you even be locked up for downloading minor shit? Shows what I know. Have you ever liked someone that was in a relationship with someone else? Boy, have I. Would you ever get a boob job? When (or if...) I lose all the weight I want, I can almost guarantee a breast lift will be something I'd want. Certain things happen when you lose a shitload of weight alsdkf;alkwe Have you ever tried to break up anyone because you liked one of them? Not intentionally. What would you think if you found out your ex was gay? If we're talking THE ex, safe to say I'd be shocked. Did you ever think someone didn’t like you, but come to find out they really did? It's weird, I've felt both ways with Girt? Like there were times I was pretty much 100% certain he liked me, but I'd also be like "nah, no way, he sees me as a sister." Turns out he like-liked me. Are you worried about anything right now? I can't possibly recall the last time I WASN'T worried about something. When you are home alone, do you still close the door when you shower? I don't shower when I'm home alone because I'm afraid of ever fainting and busting my ass again. What noise do you hear? I'm currently listening to "All Signs Point To Lauderdale" by A Day to Remember, and I can also hear my fan going. Do you go online everyday? Pretty much without fail. It'll probably be a cold day in Hell before I willingly don't come online, ha ha.

[theycallmebeccawrites]

Chris & Ellie Series: Episode 21

Greetings all! I hope you guys are having a good day and if not, I hope it gets better for you. Today is a bittersweet day for me. I gave Ellie July 17th as her birthday in honor of my grandma, who passed away in 2016, a couple days after I started writing the Chris and Ellie series. My grandma would have been 92 today. ❤

My grandma always encouraged me to do what I love and I love to write, so I do. And I love sharing what I’ve written with you guys. So thank you for allowing me to share this little world I have created with all of you guys. And thank you all for reading.

xo Becca xo

Pairing: Chris Evans x Ellie Spencer (OFC)

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: language

Episode Summary: The lead up to Ellie's birthday and the surprise that Scott has planned for her.

Disclaimer: This work of fiction is not to be reposted, used or translated without my permission.

This episode can also be read on AO3.

The Chris and Ellie series is primarily chronological. It begins with a flash forward to 2016 and has a few other scenes in the future. However, the majority of their story is told in chronological order starting in 2013 and going through 2017. Each episode starts with a date to help you place it within the story.

The Chris & Ellie Series Masterlist | Chris & Ellie Masterlist

Episode 20.5

Episode 21: Birthday Confessions

July 2014

Music flowed through the speakers as Ellie merged off the freeway and onto the exit for LAX.

"I don't have to go, you know," Scott said as he looked over at her.

"Yes, you do," Ellie replied, glancing at him. "You're in a wedding and your family has been looking forward to seeing you."

"I just don't like the idea of you all alone," Scott admitted. He knew she had come a long way in the weeks since she'd started opening up about what had happened between her and Chris, but he hated leaving her there alone.

"I'll be fine," Ellie assured him with more confidence than she actually felt. She hadn't been by herself in the house since December and that felt like a lifetime ago. If she was being honest with herself, she'd never really liked being in the big house when it was empty, but now it was filled with memories she didn't want to revisit.

"Thanks for driving me," Scott said as Ellie navigated the departures drop off area.

"It was the only way for me to ensure you'd get on the plane," Ellie replied in a joking manner as she pulled over in front of the designated area for the airline he was flying.

Scott gave a mumbled 'ha' before he leaned over and gave her a hug and a peck on the cheek. Then he got out of the car and went back to the trunk to get his suitcase. He gave her another wave before he disappeared into the steady stream of people going into the airport.

Not ready to go home yet, Ellie ran a few errands before she made her way back to Chris's house. She parked her car in the garage and then made her way inside.

With no desire to hang out in the big house, she quickly made her way through the kitchen and out the backdoor. Using the patio off the kitchen and the steps down to the pool deck took longer than going out the door through the basement, but she didn't like going down to that room if she didn't have to.

Once inside the guesthouse, Ellie let Daisy out of her kennel and then sat down on her bed to check her email. She'd finished editing a book a couple weeks ago for a new author and was waiting for her next assignment. Instead of finding a new manuscript to read, she found an email saying that one of her main authors would have one ready for her soon, so they were keeping her schedule open.

After replying to the email, Ellie closed her laptop and leaned back against the pillows on her bed with a sigh. She had been hoping to distract herself with a new manuscript while Scott was gone, but now that wasn't an option. She'd already picked up a few extra shifts at the bookstore, helping people who wanted to take days off, but picking up seemed better than staying at Chris's more than necessary.

Picking up her phone, she sent a couple texts, seeing if anyone wanted to hang out that night. Unfortunately, no one was available, but she was able to make plans for other nights during the week when she wasn't working. Including accepting a couple invitations for the Fourth of July.

Thus, the first week Scott was gone went by in a breeze. She worked on the second and went to a movie with some friends after work on the third. Then she spent the morning of the fourth with her cousin and the late afternoon and evening with Pierre and some of his friends. She picked up another shift on Saturday and then spent Sunday with her cousin's family, not wanting to spend the whole day alone at Chris's house.

"You've had a busy week," Pierre reflected after she'd told him all about it during dinner at his condo during the second week. In fact, he'd already known how busy she was keeping herself, thanks to a group chat he'd found himself part of with her sisters, cousin and Scott. He wasn't convinced it was a good idea to have such a chat, but it made the others feel better.

"It feels good to be busy," Ellie said with a shrug before muttering, "Better than staying alone in the house, anyway."

Whether or not she wanted him to hear the last part, he had, and he realized her sisters were right to raise concern over her sudden shift in personality. Ellie, they had explained to him, was a homebody by nature. A trait she'd shared with Chris, Scott had told him privately.

"What's wrong with staying at home?" he asked, cautiously.

Ellie sighed and shoved her food around on her plate before looking up. "Other than that it's Chris's house and I'm just a house guest?" she asked.

She sounded snarky, but he sensed that she was trying to mask her true feelings. Instead of prying, he waited her out. They'd been friends for nearly two months and he'd learned quickly that she liked to process her thoughts before she could speak them aloud.

"It's the memories," she finally admitted. "There's nowhere in the house that I can go that doesn't have a million memories flooding back to my brain of happier times. Not even the guesthouse is memory free, but there, with my things, I can push him out. That isn't possible in the rest of the house though. He's fucking everywhere."

Pierre nodded consolingly. He'd been through many a breakup, but only one that had left him in a house full of memories. Of course, he'd had to suffer through the rest of his lease before he'd been able to move. But moving to this condo had been a fresh start.

"And I'm crying again," she said in an exasperated tone as she brushed away the tears. "I told myself that I'd cried enough over this whole situation." 

Pierre stood up and grabbed a box of tissues off the kitchen counter and brought them back to the table. Instead of sitting back down across from her, he took the seat next to her. He handed her a tissue and she gave him a weak smile before blotting the tears.

"Obviously, I don't know your financial situation or what your agreement is with Scott's mom regarding room and board, but have you thought about moving out?" he asked Ellie.

Ellie shook her head. "I hadn't gotten that far yet," she admitted. "Chris is gone for another few months and technically, living there when he isn't there is what I'm paid to do."

"Think about it," Pierre encouraged her. "It might be the next step you have to take."

The idea of finding her own place stayed at the forefront of Ellie's mind in the days that followed, but it wasn't until a night where she had nothing to do but sit in the guesthouse that she did anything about it. She went back to the links she'd found in her early days of living in the Los Angeles area and looked for availabilities within her price range. There were a few of them, but none in areas that she'd feel comfortable living by herself in.

Unlike the last time she'd been hunting for an apartment, she wasn't tied down to a specific part of town because of a job. Nor was she as strapped for cash as she had been. Thanks to the added income of editing manuscripts and not having to pay rent, she had managed to pay down a lot of her debt with the money that Chris's mom had paid her.

Despite having a wider area to search for a place to live, Ellie found herself struggling to find anything less than $1,000 a month that allowed dogs. Frustrated, she closed her laptop and leaned back against the headboard of the bed. Which only served to remind her that in addition to finding a place to live, she'd have to buy furniture as well as she didn't have any.

"We'll find a place, Daisy," she said, scratching her dog's head. "I don't know where yet, but we'll find a place."

By the time Scott returned from the east coast, a few days later, she'd sent off applications for a couple of apartments an hour or so away, but both had come back saying she'd been added to a waiting list for an apartment. She considered telling Scott that she was thinking about moving out but decided against it. She knew he was still worried about her with everything that had happened and she didn't want to worry him more than she had to.

"You're a doll for picking me up," Scott said once he was in the car and she had merged into the traffic leaving LAX.

"Gave me an excuse to get out of the house," Ellie replied before mentally kicking herself. "Daisy and I spent yesterday lounging by the pool."

Scott lowered his sunglasses and raised his eyebrows. "Under an umbrella?" he asked, seeing that her skin, while glowing, was still barely tan.

"And wearing lots of SPF," she replied with a laugh. "How was Massachusetts and the wedding?"

"The wedding was beautiful," Scott stated before going into a full rundown of the wedding. Followed by an elaborate explanation of his family's Fourth of July party and what he had done with his family while he'd been home.

"Sounds like you had a blast," Ellie said with a smile.

"Oh, I did, but it's nice to come home to some quiet," he replied and then smiled. "But don't worry. It won't be too quiet, after all, we both know what's happening on Thursday."

"I know my birthday is on Thursday," Ellie said, cautiously as she glanced at him. He wore a big smile on his face. "Scott Evans, what have you done?"

"You'll just have to wait and see," he replied, then mimed zipping his lips closed, locking them and throwing away the key.

He remained annoyingly tight lipped over the next few days, which put her slightly on edge because she had no idea what he had up his sleeve. She knew the two of them had two very different types of fun; she liked to stay home and play games while he liked to go out and dance.

Thursday morning, Ellie came up to the big house to find a cinnamon roll in a pastry box for her on the kitchen counter along with a note from Scott.

Izzy told me that you guys always had cinnamon rolls for breakfast whenever someone in the family had a birthday when you were growing up. I didn't make it (that would have been a disaster) but enjoy!

She cut the large cinnamon roll in half and ate half of it, then took the other half back to the guesthouse with her, to take to work. Once Daisy was settled in her kennel, Ellie grabbed her stuff and left for work.

The sense of relief that came over her as she drove away from the house was only more confirmation that it was time for her to move out.

Later, during her lunch break, she looked for apartments again and, after failing to find much in the Los Angeles area, decided to try looking in Oregon. She hated the idea of leaving LA and her friends, but the truth was she could live anywhere and still do her editing. 

————— 

“She’s coming!” Scott called as he ran down the stairs. "Everyone get away from the window!"

He heard her sisters scrambling into spots that couldn't be seen from the window as he made his way to the main floor. Hearing the garage door opening, he made his way down the hall to the kitchen and was waiting there when Ellie came into the house.

"Hey there, birthday girl!" he greeted her with a big grin. "I noticed you didn't leave me a piece of the cinnamon roll."

"You're damn right I didn't," Ellie replied with a tired smile.

"Before you go to your room, can you come look at something in the living room for me?" he asked.

"I have a call with my sisters in like ten minutes," she told him, glancing at the clock on the stove.

"It'll be fast, promise," Scott insisted. "Like a minute tops."

Sighing, Ellie put her stuff down on the counter and then followed him down the hall to the living room. "So what am I -" she started to ask, but shut her mouth when she saw her sisters sitting casually in the room.

She stared in disbelief as tears began to well up in her eyes. She felt Scott nudge her from behind, encouraging her to go to her sisters.

"Happy Birthday, El," Izzy said, reaching her first. She wrapped her around Ellie and hugged her tight.

"I'm happy you guys are here," Ellie said, through her tears. "But what are you doing here?"

"You didn't think we were going to make you celebrate all by yourself, did you?" her youngest sister, Riley, asked with a grin as she gave Ellie a hug. "We were here last year, too. This year we just brought Sydney with us."

"I'm here to make sure those two don't get too wild," Sydney said, jokingly as she gave Ellie a hug. "And to make sure we do things you like to do for your birthday weekend."

"Birthday weekend?" Ellie repeated. Then she saw Scott lingering in the doorway. "This is what you've been planning all week, isn't it?"

"Part of it anyway," Scott replied with a grin. "I'll let them tell you the rest."

"You're the best," Ellie told him. She reached her hand out to him and he took it, squeezing it. "What is the rest?"

"Our gift to you is a weekend getaway at a beach house about an hour from here," Sydney told her. "The five of us and Pierre, but he'll be coming tomorrow after work."

"When are we going?" Ellie asked.

"As soon as you can pack a bag," Izzy told her. 

"What about Daisy?" Ellie asked, only then spotting her dog curled up in her favorite chair in the corner.

"She's coming with us," Scott replied. "I've already packed her stuff."

"Thanks," Ellie said, smiling at him. "What do I need to bring?"

"I'll h-" Izzy and Riley started, but Sydney stepped forward and took Ellie's hand before saying, "I'll help you pack."

"Thank you," Ellie muttered under her breath as she and Sydney made their way to the guest house.

Twenty minutes later, she and Sydney came back into the main house, locking doors as they passed them. They followed the voices out to the garage and found Scott and Izzy loading things into his car while Riley played with Daisy.

"Isn't someone driving with Scott?" Ellie asked as Izzy took her bag and put it in the backseat.

"Daisy is going to be my copilot," Scott told her

"Are you sure?" Ellie asked him. "I can ride with you."

"Nah, you ride with your sisters, Daisy and I will be fine," Scott assured her. "Besides, she doesn't try to change the music like some people I know." He gave her a pointed look.

"I would be offended except you do the same thing to me when I'm driving you," Ellie retorted before maturely sticking her tongue out at him.

"Very mature for a 29-year-old," Scott commented.

"Let's get on the road, shall we?" Sydney interrupted in a mom tone.

"You guys head out, I'll do a quick check around the house to lock it up and then Daisy and I will follow," Scott offered.

"Shotgun!" Riley shouted out.

"It's Ellie's birthday, Riles," Izzy said, shaking her head. "The birthday person always gets the front seat."

"Fine," Riley sighed. "Let's go."

Thanks to traffic, the drive took longer than an hour, but Ellie didn't mind. It had been a long time since she'd gone anywhere with just her sisters and it was just like old times. Telling stories, laughing, and talking over each other as Sydney drove.

The beach house was down the street from the beach, rather than oceanfront, but they could see the ocean from the balcony off the largest of the three bedrooms. The house had a Mediterranean feel to it in its design and decor. The first floor had the smaller of the three bedrooms rooms, a half bath and an open concept living, dining and kitchen. The second floor had a full bathroom and two bedrooms, the largest of the two having two queen sized beds in it. The best part of the house, though, was the backyard that looked like it belonged in Italy instead of Southern California.

By the time Scott got to the house with Daisy, the sisters had unloaded the few things that had been in the trunk of Ellie's car and had ordered takeout from a nearby restaurant. They helped him unload his car, putting their luggage in the bedroom with the two queen sized beds, leaving the other two rooms for Scott and Pierre.

Then they all headed outside to relax on the back porch while they waited for their dinner to be delivered. Sydney poured everyone drinks, except for herself, a fact that her sisters quickly noticed.

"Are you pregnant?!" Riley demanded.

The corner of Sydney's mouth twitched, but she nodded. "I didn't want to say anything tonight, because it's Ellie's birthday, but -"

"Shut up," Ellie said laughing as she gave her sister a hug. "It's the best birthday present you could give me!"

Hearing the doorbell ring, Scott went to answer it, leaving the sisters to celebrate. Knowing the sisters had already paid for the meal, he gave the delivery person a cash tip, thanked them and closed the door.

As he carried the food back to the girls, he paused when he heard Ellie say: "I have some news myself."

Given what her sister had just announced, he froze, his mind instantly going to the idea that she might be pregnant with Chris's baby.

"Relax, I'm not pregnant," Ellie said with a nervous laugh.

"Fucking hell, Ellie," Izzy said in a relieved tone that matched how Scott was feeling. "Don't scare us like that."

"What's your news, Ellie?" Sydney asked, drawing everyone's attention back to Ellie.

"I'm going to move out of Chris's house," Ellie announced. "I don't feel comfortable there anymore. In fact, I hate being there by myself."

Scott could tell that she was holding something back and so could her sisters, because Riley called her out on it.

"What aren't you telling us?" Riley asked.

"I'm having a hard time finding a place here that I can afford," Ellie replied, her voice trailing off. "So I might be moving home. Want a roommate, Riles?"

Scott felt his stomach drop. He didn't want Ellie to go back to Oregon.

"I thought you were saving money," Sydney said, snapping into the protective older sister/mothering older sister mode.

Scott smirked. Her sisters had this.

"I paid off a lot of things," Ellie replied. "And I have some savings, but…"

Scott heard her sigh.

"After everything with Chris went downhill, I haven't felt right accepting the money that Lisa has been paying me," she confessed to her sisters. "I've been donating my paychecks to a non-profit organization that provides books to underprivileged kids in the LA area. It seemed fitting since she and I met at the bookstore."

"Oh Ellie," Sydney said, the tone not one of scolding but of compassion.

Backing up, Scott decided to put dinner on the dining room table and get dishes out so they could serve themselves in the house. Allowing the sisters and himself time to process Ellie's confession. All of them.

He hated the idea of her moving period, but especially the idea of her moving to another state. The paycheck donation was a whole different situation, one that he wasn't fully capable of processing just yet. Obviously, there was guilt on Ellie's part, but for what? Taking advantage of his mom's trust by boinking Chris? His mom liked Ellie and she would have loved holding the fact that she'd picked Chris's wife over his head.

Scott shook his head and sighed. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw Riley in the doorway. "I was just going to call you guys in," he told her, gesturing to the food that he'd laid out.

"Awesome, I'll get the others," Riley replied before disappearing outside again.

One thing he knew for sure was that if his mom ever found out that Ellie had donated her paychecks because Chris was a dumbass, Scott would pay top dollar to witness that confrontation.

He was still smirking to himself when the sisters filed in. He let them go first and then dished himself a plate of food.

No one said a word about Ellie's possible move until they were all seated at the table outside.

"For the record, I think you moving back to Oregon is a bad idea," Riley stated, looking at her older sister. "I've never seen you run away from your problems in my entire life. Never mind the fact that everyone will wonder why you left California. And you know how our family talks, it will be all over town within five days of you stepping foot on mom and dad's farm. We won't talk, but you know how they are, they'll figure it out. They always do."

Scott picked up his drink and took a sip, hiding his smile. Ellie was stubborn, but her sisters wouldn't let her do anything stupid. And neither would he. He was going to do everything in his power to get her to stay in LA.

Episode 21.5

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