#Orlando Car Wrap

[automotivewrap]

Elevate Your Vehicle with Car Wrapping and Ceramic Coating Services!

At Automotive wrap professionals we're passionate about transforming vehicles into sleek, protected masterpieces. Whether you're in Orlando or seeking services nearby, our expertise in vibrant car wraps, durable ceramic coatings, and specialized boat wraps ensures your vehicle stands out and stays protected.  Our expert team combines artistic flair with technical expertise to deliver solutions that not only protect but also elevate the aesthetic appeal of your vehicles. Dive into our comprehensive guide to explore the benefits, customization options, and maintenance tips that will elevate your vehicle's appearance and performance.

Whether you're based in Orlando or searching for services near you, our goal is to provide insights that are not only informative but also optimized for search engines, ensuring you make informed decisions about your vehicle's care and enhancement.

What are Commercial Car Wraps?

Commercial car wraps are vinyl graphics or decals applied to a vehicle's surface for advertising purposes. They can include company logos, branding, contact information, and promotional messages.

Find Commercial Car Wrap Near Me

Searching for commercial car wrap near me connects you with local experts who can transform your vehicle into a dynamic mobile advertisement. This boosts brand visibility and protects your car's original paint. Look for highly-rated providers with strong portfolios and positive customer feedback.

Ceramic Coating Business

If you're considering starting a ceramic coating business, you'll need to invest in quality products, training, and marketing. ceramic coating business is a profitable venture with rising demand for superior car protection services. Emphasize benefits like enhanced gloss, UV protection, and low maintenance to attract clients. Investing in high-quality products and training ensures customer satisfaction and business growth.

Benefits of Ceramic Coating Buisness

High-Performance Shield: Provide durable ceramic coatings that defend vehicles against scratches, UV damage, and environmental contaminants.

Lasting Brilliance: Maintain a glossy showroom finish that outlasts traditional waxing methods, ensuring long-term customer satisfaction.

Cutting-Edge Innovation: Utilize advanced ceramic technology to deliver superior protection and aesthetic enhancement for vehicles.

Semi Truck Wraps

Semi truck wraps provide a powerful advertising solution, making your brand visible on highways while protecting the trailer from damage. These wraps can display advertisements, branding, or decorative graphics. This cost-effective marketing strategy significantly boosts your business's reach and leaves a lasting impression on a broad audience. Its weather resilience and Protect trucks from harsh elements like sun exposure and road debris, extending their lifespan. Semi truck wraps are large vinyl graphics applied to the trailers of semi trucks.

What are Automotive Graphics?

Automotive graphics include vinyl decals, stripes, and custom designs applied to a vehicle's surface.

Finding Automotive Graphics Near Me

Locating automotive graphics near me helps you customize your vehicle with unique designs, boost business promotion, and protect your car's paint from scratches and UV rays. Choose providers with extensive experience and a variety of design options to meet your specific needs.

Chrome Delete Near Me

A chrome delete near me service updates your vehicle's look by covering chrome trim with high-quality vinyl wrap. This sleek, modern aesthetic also protects against oxidation and wear, providing a durable and stylish finish that enhances your car's appearance.

 Benefits of Chrome Delete Near Me

Preserves Original Finish: Protect the underlying chrome from corrosion and wear, maintaining the vehicle's original appearance.

Personalization Options: Offer a variety of color and finish choices to cater to customer preferences and vehicle types, ensuring personalized satisfaction.

Discover Orlando Car Wrap Services

Explore Orlando car wrap services to find experienced professionals offering top-quality wraps in various designs and colors. Orlando is home to numerous car wrap providers. Whether you want a full wrap, partial wrap, or custom graphics, you can find skilled professionals in the area.  Customize your vehicle with Orlando Car Wrap and protect its paint with the expertise of skilled technicians in the Orlando area, ensuring stunning and lasting results.

Explore Top Ceramic Car Coating Services And advantage Ceramic car coating services

Ceramic car coating services offer long-lasting protection against UV rays, bird droppings, and other contaminants while enhancing your vehicle's gloss and making maintenance easier. Choose providers with excellent reviews and certifications for high-quality service and exceptional results.

Advantage of Ceramic Car Coating Services:

High-Quality Protection: Deliver robust ceramic coatings that offer superior protection against scratches and chemical contaminants.

Enhanced Appearance: Maintain a glossy, showroom-quality finish that enhances vehicle aesthetics and retains its shine.

Environmental Benefits: Provide eco-friendly coating options that minimize environmental impact while delivering exceptional performance and durability.

What is Paint Protection Film? And services of paint Protection film Orlando

Paint protection film (PPF) is a clear, durable film applied to a vehicle's paint to protect it from scratches, chips, and other damage. Paint protection film Orlando services apply a clear, durable film to your vehicle's paint, shielding it from scratches, chips, and other damage. This invisible protection keeps your car looking new and maintains its original appearance and value over time.

Key Benefits of Paint Protection Film Orlando:

Invisible Protection: Apply transparent films that shield vehicles from scratches, road debris, and minor impacts without altering their appearance.

Precision Fit: Utilize precise cutting technology for seamless coverage that enhances vehicle aesthetics and maintains original paint quality.

Self-Healing: Some PPFs can self-heal minor scratches and swirl marks.

Long-term Assurance: Back protection films with extended warranties, ensuring long-lasting protection and customer satisfaction.

Finding Paint Protection Film Services in Orlando

Look for paint protection film Orlando services with expertise in applying PPF. Ensure they use high-quality films and offer warranties.

What is Boat Wrap ?

A boat wrap is a durable, marine-grade vinyl cover that protects boats from UV rays, saltwater, and wear. It offers a cost-effective way to customize your boat's appearance while ensuring long-lasting protection. Enhance your boat's look and safeguard it with a high-quality boat wrap.

Boat Wrapping Near Me

Find boat wrapping near me to customize and protect your boat with custom vinyl graphics. This cost-effective alternative to painting not only enhances the boat's appearance but also protects its surface from harsh marine environments, ensuring long-lasting durability and style. Its Offer eco-friendly wrap materials that minimize environmental impact while maintaining durability and visual appeal.

Find Boat Wrap Near Me

Boat wrap near me services offer versatile options to transform your boat's look and protect its surface from UV rays and minor damage. This ensures easier maintenance and extends the boat's lifespan, all while providing a unique and personalized appearance. It will Provide wrap solutions for various boat sizes and styles, ensuring customized solutions for every customer. Look for boat wrap near me services to find providers who specialize in marine vinyl wraps. Ensure they use high-quality materials suitable for marine environments.

Boat Wrap Services

Similar to car wraps, boat wraps offer a way to customize and protect your boat. They can be full wraps, partial wraps.

Ceramic Car Coating Service

Locate a ceramic car coating service to gain durable protection against environmental hazards and enhance your vehicle's shine. These advanced coatings simplify cleaning and provide a long-lasting, high-gloss finish that outperforms traditional waxes.

Benefits of Ceramic Car Coating Service:

Durable Shine: Maintain a durable, glossy finish that enhances vehicle aesthetics and reduces maintenance efforts.

Premium Protection: Offer advanced ceramic coatings that provide superior protection against scratches, swirl marks, and environmental contaminants.

Tailored Solutions: Customize coatings to meet individual customer preferences and vehicle specifications, ensuring optimal performance and satisfaction.

Wrap Shops Near Me

Discover wrap shops near me for professional vinyl wrap applications. These shops offer a variety of colors and designs to customize your vehicle's look and protect its paint. Select shops with skilled technicians and strong reputations for delivering quality work and customer satisfaction. Look for wrap shops near me to find local providers. Check their portfolio and customer reviews to ensure quality service.

Car Wrapping Shop Near Me

A car wrapping shop near me specializes in applying vinyl wraps, offering full wraps, partial wraps, and custom designs. These services ensure a high-quality, protective finish that enhances your car's appearance while safeguarding its original paint from damage.

Car Wrapping Orlando

Car wrapping Orlando services deliver expert craftsmanship and a wide array of designs and colors to personalize and protect your vehicle. Benefit from the experience of local professionals with stellar reputations and glowing customer reviews for top-notch results.

Benefit of Car Wrapping Orlando

Theme Integration: Design wraps that integrate with Orlando's theme parks and attractions, appealing to tourists and residents alike.

Climate Protection: Shield vehicles from Florida's intense sun and humidity, preserving paint quality and durability.

Creative Customization: Provide innovative wrap designs that capture Car wrapping Orlando's cultural essence, attracting diverse clientele and enhancing brand visibility.

Matte Car Wrap

A matte car wrap gives your vehicle a unique and sophisticated finish that stands out. It protects against scratches and UV rays while offering a modern, stylish appearance. Choose experienced providers to apply matte car wraps for the best, long-lasting results.

Advantage of Matte Car Wrap:

Urban Elegance: Offer matte finishes that appeal to urban professionals and enthusiasts seeking a modern, understated vehicle appearance.

Glare Reduction: Minimize glare and reflections with matte surfaces, ensuring enhanced visibility and driving comfort in various conditions.

Low Maintenance: Provide wraps that resist fingerprints and smudges, maintaining a clean, stylish appearance with minimal upkeep.

(FAQs) frequently asked questions

Q1 What is a car wrap, and how does it benefit my vehicle?

A car wrap is a vinyl film applied to a vehicle's exterior, offering protection from scratches, UV rays, and weathering. It also serves as a customizable advertising platform and can be removed without damaging the original paint.

Q 2How long does a car wrap last?

The lifespan of a car wrap depends on factors such as quality of material, installation, and maintenance. Typically, a professionally installed wrap can last 5-7 years with proper care.

Q3 What are the benefits of ceramic coating for my car?

Ceramic coating provides a durable layer of protection against scratches, UV damage, and chemical contaminants. It enhances the gloss and depth of the paint, making maintenance easier and reducing the need for frequent waxing.

Q4 Can ceramic coating prevent scratches and swirl marks?

Yes, ceramic coatings create a sacrificial layer that absorbs minor scratches and swirl marks, protecting the underlying paint from damage.

Q5 Do you offer customized designs for car wraps?

Yes, we specialize in creating custom designs tailored to individual preferences and branding requirements. Our team works closely with clients to bring their vision to life.

Q6 What is the process involved in wrapping a boat or semi-truck?

Boat and semi-truck wrapping involves thorough cleaning of the surface, precise measurement and cutting of vinyl sheets, and professional installation to ensure seamless coverage and durability.

Q7 How can I maintain a car wrap or ceramic coating?

For car wraps, regular hand washing with mild soap and water is recommended. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or brushes that could damage the vinyl. Ceramic coatings require periodic maintenance with pH-neutral car wash shampoo to preserve their effectiveness.

Q8 Can a car wrap be removed without damaging the paint?

Yes, professionally installed car wraps can be safely removed without leaving adhesive residue or damaging the underlying paint. This allows for easy updates or reverting to the original factory finish.

Q9 Are ceramic coatings environmentally friendly?

Yes, many ceramic coatings are formulated to be eco-friendly, with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and minimal environmental impact during application and use.

Q10 Do you provide warranties for car wraps and ceramic coatings?

Yes, we offer warranties on our car wraps and ceramic coatings to guarantee quality and customer satisfaction. Warranty terms vary based on the type of service and specific products used.

Conclusion At Automotive wrap professionals we're dedicated to transforming your vehicle into a standout masterpiece. Whether you're interested in eye-catching car wraps, durable ceramic coatings, or specialized boat wraps, our expert team is committed to enhancing both the aesthetics and longevity of your vehicle. Located in Orlando and serving nearby areas, we combine creativity with technical expertise to ensure your vehicle not only looks exceptional but also maintains its value over time. Ready to take your vehicle to the next level? Contact us today to explore how we can personalize our services to meet your unique needs and exceed your expectations.

[visualsignsandgraphics]

The Most Effective Method to Find Best Vehicle Wrapping Shops In Orlando

Searching for the “best vehicle wrap shop in Orlando” is like searching for “café near me” – there are so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to go. Reviews are a great way to get a feel for the business, but they may not always provide the information you need.

Finding the right shop for vinyl wraps in Orlando requires asking the right questions. Keep reading to find out what you should ask to identify the right wrapping company near you.

Do you wrap vehicles in-house?

Many sign shops claim it but simply cannot live up to the “full-service” billing. Most tend to outsource their work to third-party vendors, acting as agents. That’s a recipe for disaster because it means much looser control over quality. You want to make sure the business actually has the capacity and capability to wrap vehicles in-house.

How much wrapping experience do you have?

Applying wraps to vehicles is a very skill-based task. There is a marked difference in the quality of work of an experienced wrapping team compared to novices who have not worked on full-body wraps. Don’t be shy about asking how many vehicles and what kinds of wraps the “best vehicle wrap shop in Orlando” has worked on.

What design services do you provide?

This one really separates the best from the rest! A specialist wrapping team will always maintain design capabilities in-house, allowing it to create designs, create digital templates, and even overlay wraps digitally on your vehicle. Fly-by-night operations always tell you to “send the design over.” There is no harm in asking for a portfolio of designs and completed projects to verify claims.

How do you prepare the vehicle for the wrap?

A vehicle must be thoroughly cleaned before car wraps, or truck wraps can be installed. A professional detailer will go through a three or four-step process to take off visible dirt and fine particles. Anything less than that, and the wrap will show bubbles and start peeling prematurely.

Professional installers will also remove fixtures and fittings on the exterior of the vehicle. That’s the only way to get a ‘factory finish’ with the wrap.

What kind of vinyl wraps do you use?

A lot of companies in the U.S. and abroad manufacture wraps. Safe to say they are not all the same. Vinyl from 3M, a reputed manufacturer, is hands down the best for car wraps. Others like Avery, Arion, and HEXIS are good options for truck wraps (because commercial vehicles don’t have many complex curves). If you are promised ‘cheap,’ unbranded wraps from China, beware! They are thicker, don’t adhere well, cannot conform to curves, and offer a visibly low-quality finish.

How much warranty do you offer on wraps?

If a company doesn’t offer a warranty on the wrap or the labor, run! Wraps from reputable companies always come with a warranty that covers them against manufacturing defects and premature failure. A team of wrapping specialists will take responsibility for the quality of the finished product and fix air gaps or peels.

Best vehicle wrap shop in Orlando, FL

Visual Signs works with businesses across Orlando for their wraps. Our clients trust us to offer a wide selection of wraps, quality installation, and flexible scheduling to minimize downtime. Speak to a wrap specialist today.

Source: https://visualsignsandgraphics.com/how-to-find-best-vehicle-wrapping-shops-in-orlando/

[mattsturnioloswifey]

Vacation

Pairing: Matt Sturniolo x Reader.

Summary: You and Matt have known each for as long as you can remember due to your parents being best friends. The only thing is, you hate each other. Now you were going on vacation with the Sturniolos.

____________________________________________

"I'm not sitting by him." I say, annoyed.

"Well I'm not sitting back there." Chris shrugs. "I'm not either." Nick agrees. I clench my jaw, theres no way was I gonna sit by Matt Sturniolo for hours on end.

"Please someone just switch me seats." I beg as Nick and Chris shake their heads. I sigh and sit next to Matt in the very back seat. He doesn't look up from his phone. MaryLou gets in the driver's seat as my mom gets in the passenger's seat.

"Everybody ready?" MaryLou smiles as she begins driving. Nick, Chris, and my mom all nod. I put my airpods in my ears and listen to music. This is gonna be a long ride.

-

After being in the car for 9 hours, stopping occasionally on the way to go to the gas station and whatnot, we finally made it to a hotel. I live in Boston, as well as the triplets. We are going to Orlando Florida. 19 hours away and we still had 10 more to go. 10 more hours.

"I'm so tired." I say as we all walk into the hotel. "Me too." Chris nods.

We check in to the hotel and go on the elevator to the 3rd floor. Once we get there my mom speaks, "Okay so we are gonna have rooms in pairs. MaryLou with me in room 105, Chris with Nick in room 106, and Matt with y/n in room 107." My face drops.

"No. I am not sharing a room with Matt." I shake my head. Matt glares at me as my mom speaks, "you two need to get over whatever hatred you have for each other. It will be perfect for you to bond. You're sharing a room whether you like it or not." I roll my eyes, "Fine."

Marylou hands everyone their room key and we all go to our rooms. When I open the door my face drops in disbelief. Only one bed. "Where are you gonna sleep?" I ask, turning to face Matt.

"In the bed." He states blankly. "I'm not sharing a bed with you. You can sleep on the floor or something." I say, sitting on the bed.

He sits on the bed next to me, "I'm sleeping in the bed whether you like it or not." I sigh, "Fine but keep some distance." He nods and I head to the bathroom to shower.

After I've showered I wrap the towel around myself, brush my teeth, and do my skincare. I realize I forgot to grab pajamas from my bag in the room so I walk out of the bathroom and get some pajamas from my backpack. I see Matt looking at me before turning away.

I walk back into the bathroom and get dressed. I put my hair in two french braids and walk to the bed, I lay down and Matt rolls his eyes, muttering something underneath his breath. He stands up and stomps into the bathroom. A minute later I hear the shower turn on. I drift off to sleep.

-

I wake up and try to move but then stop, realizing Matt's body was pressed against mine, his arm around my waist. I hear him breathing softly and feel his heart beating against my back. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm really comfortable right now. No y/n you can't be thinking about Matt this way.

I sit up and his arm wraps tighter around me before I push it away and go into the bathroom to get ready for the day.

-

"You ready to go yet?" Matt asks, sounding slightly annoyed. "Yeah." I grab my backpack and exit the hotel room, seeing My mom, MaryLou, Chris, and Nick all exiting their rooms.

"How did you guys sleep?" My mom asks softly. "Good." Nick and Chris say in union, Matt and I not saying anything.

My mom tilts her head at Matt and I. "what about you two?" I look at the floor, trying to avoid Matt's gaze. "I slept fine." I lie, knowing I slept the best I have in a long time. Matt nods his head, agreeing with me.

"Well, we better get going!" MaryLou says happily and we all walk to the elevator.

-

"I have to sit back there again?" "Yes y/n Chris and I already agreed we were all gonna sit in the same spots that we sat in yesterday." Nick says, sitting down in his seat.

I roll my eyes and sit by Matt. This time he looked up at me, stared for a moment, then looked back down at his phone. It's okay y/n, you only have to sit by him for 10 more hours.

-

"We're here!" Marylou sings loudly. "Finally." I mutter, stepping out of the car. I grab my bags and suitcase from the trunk and walk up to the vacation home we're gonna be staying in.

I walk in, everyone following behind me. "Theres only 3 bedrooms so MaryLou and I discussed what we'll do." My mom says, looking at Marylou. "We are each gonna share a room with the person we shared the hotel rooms with. Nick with Chris, MaryLou with me, and Matt with y/n."

My eyes widen "What?" Matt glares at me. "Y/n you'll be fine. You and Matt need to spend some time together." MaryLou smiles softly.

"Which room is it?" My mom points to a room and I walk in, setting my bag down on the bed. Of course there was only one bed. I didn't even question where Matt was gonna sleep.

-

I wake up and realize this time Matt wasn't holding me from behind, I was resting my head on his chest, my arms wrapped around his waist, and his hand resting on my hip. I sit up and go to the bathroom to get ready, same thing I do everyday.

-

"Matt I need your help." I say, unzipping my suitcase that's on the bed next to where Matt's sitting. Matt looks up from his book with an annoyed expression on his face "What do you want?"

I pick up two bikini sets "Black or blue? I don't know which one to wear first." He looks at me for a moment "Blue." I smile at him and he shakes his head, looking back down at his book.

I head to the bathroom and change into my blue bikini set. I put on some shorts and a t-shirt over it. When I go back into the room I see Matt shirtless and notice he put on blue swim trunks.

I look down, grab a beach towel, and walk out of the room. I walk to the car where MaryLou, my mom, Chris, and Nick are all waiting. I sit in the same seat Nick and Chris assigned me. Matt walks out and sits in the car next to me a few moments later. Matt looks at me and then looks away quickly.

"Let's get to the beach!" My mom says happily.

How am I gonna keep my eyes off of Matt. Shirtless Matt.

-

"CHRIS!!!" I laugh as he pushes me into the water with him. I look over and see Matt glaring at us, I quickly look away.

"You two lovebirds having fun?!" MaryLou shouts at Chris and me from the spot her and my mom are laying at. Chris smirks at me and I hit his chest playfully, but I probably shouldn't have because he picked me up and threw me at Matt who was standing in the water next to us.

Matt wraps his arms around me to catch me and then pushes me back towards Chris. "Chris stop doing stupid shit." Matt says angrily. Chris looks at Matt and sticks his tongue out, acting like a child.

"Chris you're acting 5 right now." Nick laughs as Chris turns to face me, wrapping his arms around my waist "You love it, don't you?" Matt clenches his jaw, clearly not liking what Chris just said to me.

"I do not, Christopher!" I giggle, shaking my head. Matt grabs my wrist and drags me away from Chris. "Let go of me!"

Matt keeps a tight grip on my wrist, dragging me to where my beach towel lays. He grabs it and turns to face me, letting go of my wrist. He wraps it around my body and grabs my wrist again, walking towards the car.

"What are you doing?" I try to get my arm away from him but he grips my wrist tighter. "We're going back to the vacation home." I furrow my eyebrows, "what? No, not yet."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes, we are."

"No, we aren't."

He stops, letting go of my wrist as he turns to face me. He grabs my shoulders and looks into my eyes with an unreadable expression.

"I need to talk to you, so we are leaving." I furrow my eyebrows out of confusion, "about what?" He sighs, "just come with me." I nod and he grabs my hand, leading me to the car. We sit in the seats we usually do and everyone else comes in the car too.

-

When we get back to the vacation home Matt grabs my hand and leads me into the room we're staying in, shutting the door behind us. He sits on the bed and I sit next to him.

"What did you wanna talk to me about?" He takes a deep breath before responding, "I don't hate you. I thought I did, but I don't."

"So you wanna be friends with me now?" I question, looking up at him. He shakes his head, "I think I'm falling in love with you." My eyes widen and he continues to speak, "I know you don't-" "I'm actually in love with you, I just acted like I hated you because I thought you hated me."

His eyes widen and he grabs my face, making me look at him, "I love you, y/n."

"I love you, Matt." I smile and he presses his lips against mine.

The end.

____________________________________________

a/n: this is horrible. There might be an epilogue but idk. I put all 3 parts together for this since they were so short and could all be 1 part.

[asturniolos]

you too - matt s.

chapter 3 ; waistband

chapter 1

chapter 2

chapter 4

11:29am

maple syrup by the backseat lovers plays quietly throughout annie's car as we drive back to my apartment from our starbucks brunch.

i told her about my unexpected run-in with the 'matt' boy she told me about, but wasn't about to give her the satisfaction of admitting my attraction to him.

"so he asked for your number? and you seriously believe it was purely so that he could pay for your phone to be fixed?", annie taunts me. "you are so unbelievably naive sometimes, y/n."

i roll my eyes at her and turn up the volume. we're only a few minutes away from my apartment and, as much as i hate to admit it, i can't stop checking my phone hoping for a message from matt. all i can think about is him.

~

1:14pm

as much as i love winter, sometimes it gets a little too cold. like today.

the second annie dropped me home, i made myself a hot chocolate, got straight in bed, and took a nap for an hour. i woke up to a missed call, crossing my fingers that it was matt. unfortunately, it was just mr bryan asking me if i received the study material he sent me.

now, i'm in the shower attempting to get my mind off matt which, to no surprise, isn't working.

party for two by johnny orlando plays loudly throughout my bathroom and i sing along when the chorus begins-

and i could throw a party

without our friends,

just watch you dance,

and i won’t tell nobody

just you, me and the moon, baby

i squeeze some body wash onto my hand and start lathering myself with it while the song continues. after about a minute i step under the water, closing my eyes and feeling the soap running off my body. my hands slowly trail down my waist, stopping at my hips as the thought of matt slips into my mind. a smile spreads across my face and my eyes remain closed underneath the warm water. i take my hands off of my waist and bring them up to my chest, lightly touching my boobs with the thought of matt still flooding my mind. my fingers make their way down my stomach, hesitating just inches above my pussy. i pull them away, quickly taking a small step back out of the water and opening my eyes.

god. what am i doing? i met this guy just a few hours ago and i'm already imagining him touching me in the shower.

i reach for the tap and turn it all the way off, causing the water to come to a sudden stop. stepping out of the shower, i glance at my reflection in the mirror but can only make out a faint silhouette of myself in the fogged glass. i grab my pink towel off the rack beside me and wrap it tightly around my wet body. my hand reaches for the door handle but i pause when my music stops suddenly. the bathroom falls silent except for the faint drips of water coming from the shower head, followed by a faint ringing coming from my bedroom.

matt?

i swing open the bathroom door and quickly walk to my room to see my phone laying face down on my dresser. taking a deep breath, i walk over and pick the phone up.

unknown number.

i clear my throat and hover my thumb over the answer button for a moment before pressing it.

"hello?"

"hey, is this y/n? it's matt."

his voice sounds even hotter over the phone.

"yeah, hi matt. what's up?"

"what's your address? i can come to yours in ten and give you the money to get your phone fixed if you're free."

i look to my right and see my reflection in my mirror; wet hair, no makeup, and wearing nothing but a towel. there's no way i'm letting matt come to my apartment while i look like this.

i think for a moment before replying,

"can you just venmo me? i'm kinda busy right now."

"busy with..?", he questions.

"just, you know.. assignments and stuff.", i reply.

"if you don't want me to come over you could've just said that, you know."

"no i want you to come over, it's just-"

"you do?", he says, cutting me off.

i hear him let out a light chuckle.

shit.

i say nothing.

"text me your address. i'll be there in 10."

he hangs up.

fuck!

i hear the music on my speaker start playing again as i run to my wardrobe, picking out a pair of bike shorts and the first hoodie i see. then, walking back into my bathroom, i brush my dripping wet hair and twist it up into a claw clip, pulling some strands out at the front. as i spray my deodorant on underneath my hoodie, i hear a message notification ding from my phone. i sit the deodorant on the bathroom counter and rush back into my room. matt again.

*unknown number*: address?

i quickly type my address and apartment number into my phone and press send. he reads it instantly and doesn't reply.

i turn my phone off and throw it onto my bed before pulling open my makeup drawer and taking out my mascara and favourite clear gloss and applying them both.

~

matt's pov

all i can hear is the loud taps of the heavy afternoon rain pelting down on the roof of my car as i speed down the highway as fast as i can. ever since running into y/n on the way to my lecture this morning, i've been dying to know more about her. as guilty as i feel for smashing her phone, a part of me is so glad that it happened considering i'm now on my way to her apartment.

mansion by lil skies starts playing through my car's speakers and i instantly reach over, turning the volume up and leaning back further in my seat. as the song begins, i can't help but imagine y/n's hands wrapped around my dick, slowly moving up and down while i drive. i let a deep breath out, feeling myself getting horny at the thought of her making me cum. as my car comes to a stop at a red light, i take my left hand off the wheel and lightly rub my dick through my black nike sweats. i bite my lip at the feeling and tilt my head back in pleasure, closing my eyes and moaning softly to myself.

the car behind me honks loudly, causing me to focus my attention back on the road and at the now green light.

fuck, what am i doing.

i put my hand back on the wheel and keep driving.

~

after about five more minutes, i finally begin pulling into the street that y/n's apartment is on. i take my left hand off of the wheel and place it on my lap. my head quickly shoots downward when i feel my boner through my sweats.

"shit."

after putting the car in park i slightly pull down my sweats and then reach into my boxers, grabbing my dick and tucking it underneath my waistband to hide it. for a moment i consider putting the car in drive and going home to do something about it, but the thought of missing out on seeing y/n again outweighs it.

i step out of my car and nervously walk up a few flights of stairs, and before i know it i'm standing face to face with her apartment door.

a/n ; hopefully this chapter is a little more interesting than the first two- next chapter will be out tomorrow, which does have some smut !! tysm for readinggg 💌

[arsenal-womens-1]

United by Love part 2

As the echoes of the stadium faded into her mind, her gaze remained fixed on the worn photograph, a bittersweet reminder of a love that she once had. The image captured a moment frozen in time a day filled with laughter, shared dreams, and whispered confessions in the stands of Old Trafford.

Feeling a mix of longing and nostalgia, she gently brushed her fingers over the faded edges of the photograph, as if trying to capture the essence of that fleeting moment once more.

Placing the photograph down and letting memories fade of what she could have had, she walks to bed, wrapping the blanket around herself, looking out the window as the sound of tapping echoes through the apartment.

watching the rain drops connect together and slowly fall to the edge of the window, closing her eyes as she listens to the patter of the rain and the cars out side falling into a dreamless sleep.

Athena pov

As the sun rises over the horizon, I stretch out, hearing the pops of my joints, feeling the tension of the night's sleep melt away.

surcharging for my phone in the tangled mess of blankets that I was just wrapped in, finally finding it under one of the blankets, checking the time at 6:48 am. As the numbers come into focus, I realize I've overslept yet again.

You would think since it's a Sunday that I wouldn't have anything to do whelp your wrong

I've got my first training session with Angel City FC. I signed my contract with them just under a month ago.

I was previously playing for Orlando, but when my manager got asked if I was interested in moving to a new team, she asked me, and I said yes straight away. I wanted something different and new.

I had been at Orlando since 2017. Don't get me wrong, Orlando will have a special place in my heart for giving me a chance, but with this, I get to play with new people, make new friends, and play differently, creating opportunities that I wouldn't be able to do at Orlando. Keep in mind that I've only signed a one year contract. Who knows what will happen?

[trashbin-nie]

Weather The Storm: Jey Uso x Mixed! OC

Do NOT copy/translate my fics. Reblogs are always welcome!

Summary: Rosa Winters NXT women's champion, cousin Trinity (aka Naomi), introduces her to Josh Fatu, her boyfriends brother, and they hit it off this is their story

WARNINGS: mentions of anxiety, fluff. This story WILL contain sexual content so minors DNI

CHAPTER 2: Story of the past

Word Count: 1435

AN/ apologies for the wait 😅 Vetmed is a killer!

“Damn I wish y'all were on the main roster with us!” Josh whined. “Sounds like you two get down.”

“Mmm not really. Trin an I ride together to each show and all I hear about is ‘I wish Jon were here’ and blah blah, alla dat happened back in college. Now that's when we got down,” I said. He laughed.

I looked ahead to Trin and Jon who were smirking at us. They think they done somethin’.

“So I take it that you two are better then?” Trin asked.

“Girl you know they good as hell if Ro Ro smilin and jokin and shi’,” Jon said.

I rolled my eyes, lips pursed, and arms crossed. “I know you want something else Trin.”

“Well Smackdown on Friday is supposed to be in Orlando, the same city as NXT on Saturday, and we were planning on heading down early to see the fam anyway, sooooo do you mind if they ride with us?” She asked, hugging Jon's arm with a huge smile on her face.

I sighed, her eyes were practically glimmering with hearts as she looked between me and him. My eyes closed, I breathed out yet another sigh, and said, “Fine, on one condition.”

“Anything.” She said her eyes darkening.

“I do zero driving, and I sit in the back seat,” I said holding my hand out, but snatched it away before she could grab it, adding, “and you must promise like we did as children so no take-backs, begging, or acting like this exchange didn’t happen, got it?”

“Ugh, yes! Just gimme yo’ hand now,” she demanded.

I placed my hand out for her to start. We did our handshake before locking our pinkies at the end, and Trin said, “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” and to seal the deal we kept our pinkies locked and touched thumbs.

We nodded to each other before letting go and starting to walk away.

The boys watched us confused the entire exchange, and hadn't even realized we left so they were stuck catching up.

“Wait a damn minute what did we just witness?” Jon asked.

“Our handshake?” I said without looking at him.

“Nah nah nah, that wasn't no handshake, that was finger voodoo,” Josh said, his eyes wide.

“Damn straight. What he said. You two almost as synched up as us, and we twins!” Jon said.

“Oh. We're practically twins born on the same day, year, and time as the other,” Trin and I spoke in unison. “Just different hospital rooms, and mothers.”

“Freaky,” Jon shivered, hugging himself.

“Oh please Jerdy, you already knew that,” Trin said, slapping him on the arm. I giggled, my eyes crinkling at the edges and I covered my mouth.

We all walked out to the car and packed up our gear, well Trin and I did, the boys' things were already in the trunk. I loaded my backpack into the backseat, then grabbed my fuzzy corgi blanket from the front seat before hopping in.

The others didn’t take long to join me, Trin in the front passenger Jon in the drivers seat and Josh joined me in the back behind Trinity.

“Erreybody ready?” Jon asked.

We all agreed and with that we were off. I sat tucked against the window wrapped in my blanket, my eyes were drooping and my head was bobbing, I shook my head trying to wake myself up and join the conversation.

“Oh I got a great story about Rosie,” Trin said, a devious smile on her face.

“Ok so get this, Ro and I went to different High Schools; her in Pensacola and me in Orlando, but we spent every weekend together, and she had this gigantic crush on one of the star football players, and she didn't even know his name!” She said.

“Oh jesus christ,” I said, “Can we maybe not tell this story?”

“Not how this works Ma’ continue Trin,” Josh said

“Nah I'll let Ro tell this one,” Trin said.

“Ugh I hate you. Ok, so, seven-ish years ago:

“Trin, I swear he's so hot, and sweet,” I gushed.

“Girl you spoke to that boy once an’ you don't even know his name!” Trin yelled exasperated, rolling her eyes.

I scowled, “Yeah, well, the one time I did speak to him he was kind and cute,” I said, sticking my tongue out. “Granted, I did only talk to him cuz he accidentally sent a football at mach 10 into my back knocking me out of my position.”

“Exactly you don’ even know this boy and you crushin’ on him?” Trin asked, throwing her arms up falling back on my bed.

“I do not have a crush on him, he's just attractive and nice. He's also a senior so he's got two years on my ass,” I said shrugging while playing with the rings on my finger.

“Mhm, you gon’ call me tomorrow and you're gon’ tell me you down bad,” she said, lifting only her head.

“I will not,” I said.

-The following day-

I was rushing through the halls that morning, having woken up late and missing my bus.

Quickly I opened my locker and shoved the things I didn't need in there before slamming it shut and taking off. Unfortunately today really wasn't my day and I smacked right into someone spilling my water all over my cheer uniform.

“Dammit! I'm so sorry! I-” I paused looking up. No way, I crashed into the stupid cute football player, I'm just gonna crawl into a hole and die. “I wasn't watching where I was going and I guess I didn't screw the lid on right in my disaster this morning, and now your jersey and you are soaked and I'm so so so sorry! Oh jeez uhh I'll go find some paper towels!”

He grabbed my arm, his eyebrows raised in amusement, “You sure can talk Rose, that's for sure,” he said, chuckling. “No worries I got this its just water it won't kill me, you go to class you look like you gon’ explode.”

“I-uh Thanks, I'm sorry again,” I said turning and running away my face beet red, and tears burning my eyes.

I couldn't believe I had done that! I'm such an idiot and then I just wouldn't shut the hell up, I am a total social failure.

I trudged my way to class no longer hyped up on adrenaline but 100% feeling the after effects. I sat at my seat dropping my head on the desk with a very loud thud.

“Uh oh Ms. too good for Sophomore math looks like she's had *quite* the morning,” My only friend outside of the cheer squad, Joe, said laughing.

“Oh yeah laugh it up Mr. I can't do math to save my life,” I said, I turned my head, but my face was still smushed into the desk. My eyes red from the few tears that escaped.

“What happened?” he asked.

“Woke up late, missed the bus so I had to sprint three miles to get here even *close* to on time, then I threw my shit into my locker, slammed it shut and started running again. Only I didn't get very far before crashing into the cute football guy and throwing all my water on my uniform and his jersey,” I said with a blank look on my face. “As you can see everything is spectacular.”

“Oh man, I'm sorry Ro that sucks,” Joe said.

“It's fine too late now,” I said, sitting up and grabbing my math notebook.

Naturally, later when I got home I called Trin and told her all about it, and she laughed her ass off. Definitely knows how to make her twin from a different bin feel just *amazing.*

Over the course of a few months I interacted more with the guy, but I could never figure out what his name was! I dunno what's up with guys an’ not usin’ their real names, but it's really starting to piss me off.

Then graduation came and went and I never saw the guy again. It's too bad really.” I said.

“Damn girl we went to Pensacola too, we probably knew the guy!” Jon exclaimed shocked, but Josh remained eerily quiet.

“Josh?” I said. He snapped out of his trance.

“What? No, I'm good I was just thinking but I can't think of anyone it could be,” Josh said turning towards the window.

The rest of the car ride, everyone kept exchanging stories, and I fell asleep somewhere along the way, thinking about Josh's sudden quietness.

[cobrakaisb]

if he wanted to he would

summary: luca knows that if he wanted to he would, but how can he make you see that?

word count: 1.8k 

song referenced: if he wanted to he would by johnny orlando

the frigid michigan air was cold against your bare shoulders. it was so cold outside that you could see your breath in the air; each exhale leaving behind a small, white cloud. your hands rubbed up and down your arms, trying to create some warmth. anything that would prevent your teeth from chattering, but as you continued to walk down the pavement, it seemed more and more like a losing battle. you halted at the corner, realizing that you had no clue where you actually were or how to get back to your dorm room.

you fumbled around in your bag for a minute, the small purse coming in handy. you were hyper-aware of your surroundings and the reality that someone could very easily take advantage of your situation; you were lost, cold, and desperate. finally, your fingers wrapped around your phone. without hesitating, almost like a reflex, you dialed luca’s number. he answered halfway through the first ring. 

“y/n? are you okay? i thought you and jackson were going out tonight?” he asked, referencing your boyfriend. “luca. can you come pick me up? please?” you begged, stuttering a bit from how cold you are. luca, without any further questioning, said, “send me your location. adam and i are on our way.” you thank him profusely, pulling the phone away from your ear to send him your location. “can we stay on call?” you whispered, nervously looking over your shoulder. nobody was there, but you were still afraid. “of course,” luca agreed. you hear the sound of a door shutting and an engine rumbling to life, letting you know that luca was on his way. 

within ten minutes of calling luca, their car was pulling up. adam parked in front of you, barely stopping the car, before luca jumped out. “god y/n, you’re fucking freezing,” luca observed, shoving off his jacket as he draped it over your shoulders. you slid your arms through the sleeves, zipping the coat up to your chin. “i forgot a jacket,” you explained, putting your hands inside the pockets of his hockey jacket. “i can tell. c’mere,” luca instructed, pulling you into his chest. his arms rub up and down your arms, trying to provide you with more warmth. “let’s get in the car,” he said, opening the back door for you. you accepted his offer, sitting inside the heated vehicle. 

adam started the car, and that’s when luca decided to speak up: “where is jackson? why did he let you leave like that?” you made eye contact with luke, a sad and dejected look in your eyes. “he’s at the party still. he didn’t want to leave,” you explained softly, fingers drawing circles on your thighs. luca’s jaw clenched at your words. there was nothing in this world that he hated more than jackson.

jackson was your boyfriend, if you could even call him that. the guy was never around. he was always ditching you for someone else, whether it be his friends or other girls, there was always something more pressing, more important, than you. in luca’s humble opinion, he was a total shithead who didn’t deserve you.

“and he just let you leave?” luca asked, anger coursing through him. from the front seat, adam made eye contact with his brother, telling the older boy to drop it. “he probably doesn’t even know he left. nobody could tell where he was, and he didn’t answer his phone,” you answered. luca huffed, crossing his arms as he leant back in his seat. nobody said anything for the rest of the car ride. it wasn’t until luca and adam dropped you off at your dorm that the silence was broken. 

“i’m sorry y/n,” luca apologized. “it’s fine luca. thanks for coming to get me, i really appreciate it,” you said, giving him a sad smile. luca nodded, his mood just as somber as yours. “i’ll see you tomorrow okay? at the hockey game,” you said, a happier gleam in your eyes. “see you tomorrow,” luca agreed, waiting until you closed your dorm door to leave. 

--

the next time jackson completely abandoned you was during an event your sorority was hosting. it was a dance competition that different groups were performing in, including some of your sisters. you and another girl, callie, were asked to emcee the event. it was a big night for you, an important night for you. luca was glad to be there, to finally support you after all those times you’ve supported him. he even managed to drag his brother and some of their hockey friends with him. 

upon walking in the auditorium, luca spotted you right away. you were standing on the stage, shuffling through a handful of note cards, going over something with callie. you looked absolutely gorgeous. your hair and makeup was done in a way that luca knew made you feel confident, but the best part of your little ensemble was the black dress. it was fitting, hugging you in all the right places, while simultaneously sparkling in the stage lights. you in that little black dress would be engraved in his mind forever. 

“she looks stunning,” rutger observed, leaning over to look at luca. “i know,” the older boy agreed, swallowing thickly while his hands gripped tightly at the bouquet of flowers he bought you. 

finally, the show started. you and callie were the perfect duo, cracking jokes, poking fun at different groups, and keeping the audience engaged. the entire night, you were smiling. you must be an angel, luca thought, because you were glowing. whether that was from your happiness or the lights reflecting off your dress he didn’t know. he couldn’t wait to see you at the end of the show. 

“y/n!” luca shouted, standing with adam, rutger, and the others. you turned your head, making direct eye contact with him. your eyes lit up at the sight of him standing there waiting for you. you smiled, walking over to him. “luca! thanks so much for coming,” you said, wrapping him in a tight hug. he smiled. “it was your big night. i wouldn’t dream of missing it,” luca explained, holding out the flowers for you to take. 

you gasped at his kind gesture, looking between him and the bouquet. “you got me flowers?” you asked, gently taking them from him. “isn’t that what people do? i don’t know…it seemed fitting,” he mumbled, scratching at the back of his neck in an awkward manner. “i love them,” you confessed, squeezing his forearm, which you were holding onto. 

“anyways, we wanted to take you out for dinner, so get jackson and we can go,” luca said, gesturing to the group behind him. your face fell at his words, a sad look replacing your happy one. “we can just leave from here. jackson’s not coming,” you answered quietly, fingers brushing over the petals of a flower as you transfixed your eyes on them. luca’s jaw clenched at your words. he knew what that meant, jackson wasn’t here. once again he disappeared and left you alone, probably feeding you some lie as to why he couldn’t attend. 

his arm wrapped around your shoulders, pulling you into his side. his fingers rubbed circles on the exposed skin of your shoulders from the dress. “let’s go then,” luca announces, leading the group out of the venue and towards the car. once everyone is packed into the car, your body flushed against luca’s side, adam starts driving towards the restaurant. it’s an italian one, a small yet popular place that you discovered with luca shortly after orientation. it was your favorite spot to eat off campus. 

at the table, once the waiter had taken your drink orders, rutger is the first to speak: “you were amazing y/n, truly. i was prepared to be so bored, but you kept me entertained.” you smiled, feeling bashful at his compliments and johnny’s incessant nodding. “yeah! you were like sparkling in the lights too. it was cool,” johnny joins in. “thanks guys. i appreciate you all coming,” you say softly, fingers tracing the coaster in front of you. “we wouldn’t miss it. luca wouldn’t miss it,” adam says, giving you a pointed look. 

you can read between the lines. you know he’s throwing a dig at jackson, your boyfriend who couldn’t even show up for you tonight. he abandoned you, again, probably telling you another lie in the process. as adam’s words rang out throughout your head, you realized something that should have been obvious from the start: if jackson wanted to, he would. how many times had he ditched you? made you cry? feel horrible about yourself? lied to you? how many times had he tore your heart to pieces only for you to put it back together? how many times had he sent you crying to luca?

you risked a glance at the older boy, who’s eyes were already focusing on you. if he wanted to he would, you thought, and luca did. he was always there for you. whether it was random hours of the night, the middle of the day, an important event, or just another mediocre monday. he brought you flowers. he complimented you and built up your confidence as opposed to tearing it down. he treated you the way you deserved to be treated. 

without thinking you grabbed his hand, the one resting on the table. you gave it a slight tug, signaling for him to lean down a bit. “come outside with me? please,” you ask. luca nods, zero hesitation. the two of you excuse yourself from the table, exiting the restaurant quickly. 

“you okay?” he asks when the two of you are outside. you nod, taking a deep breath. “i just, i realized something tonight,” you whisper, taking a step closer to him. “if jackson wanted to he would, and i don’t really think he wants to. and i…i don’t want him to. there’s someone else who will treat me infinitely better than him,” you explain, twiddling with your fingers. 

luca took in a sharp breath; his heart breaking a little bit. “that person is you, luca. you’re the best thing i’ve ever had, and i don’t know how i didn’t see it before,” you finish, finally making eye contact with him. his eyes are wide, an uncertain look on his face. he’s silent, and it makes you nervous. you bite your lip, worry eating away at your insides. maybe this was a mistake. but then his hands cup your cheeks, pulling your lips to his. they connect, and it’s perfect. you swear there are sparks because how could he be kissing you like this without eliciting some reaction? 

finally, luca pulls away, his forehead resting against yours. “you, and this little black dress,” he begins, one hand trailing down to play with the strap, “are in my heart for forever.”

[coolbeansawrestlingblog]

Real Love Will Prevail

A/N: Hello, so I wrote this years ago when I was still in high school but I'm wanting to get back into writing on here so before I start taking request I just want to go back and edit some of my old stuff and bring it back on here since I totally overhauled and deleted my orignal blog. This was one of if not the first one I wrote so I've got a soft spot for it, hence why I'm bringing it back.

Request: Finn Balor/Reader where the Reader is Stephanie and HHH's daughter and they're trying to force a relationship between the Reader and Rollins

No warnings, just a little bit of bad language and I tried to make it a bit fluffy at the end. Set roughly 2014/2015

Masterlist

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

Y/N's POV

"Okay sweetheart, we have the perfect plan for yours and Seth's date tonight." My dad told me on the way to Monday Night Raw.

"Which is...?" I asked responded.

"Once Raw is over, a limo will pick you both up from the arena and will take you to the most extravagant restaurant in the city then afterwards you lovebirds can do whatever you want." My mum told me with excitement in her voice, however, despite that, I felt sick to my stomach when she called Seth and I lovebirds.

The problem is I don't love Seth, I mean he is apart of the authority therefore we have made a friendship but that's all. In reality, I am in a relationship with Finn Balor. It hasn't be for long, just over a few months and it has been the happiest few months of my life. He treats me so well and seems to care for me, very deeply, just as much as I care for him. But as evident, my parents have no idea about our relationship and are trying to force a relationship with me and Seth.

"Okay mum," I sighed as the car pulled into the arena.

Once I got myself sorted in my very own locker room (being the daughter of the authority does have some benefits you know), I was on my way to hair and make up for tonight's show until I heard my name being called.

"Y/N, are you busy or are you simply walking away from me?" I automatically knew that beautiful Irish accent. I smiled to myself and turned around to be face to face my handsome, funny and loving boyfriend.

"Now why would I run away from you, but what are you doing here , not that I'm complaining but shouldn't you be in Orlando?"

"Some NXT talent were invited to come along to Raw and get to see the inner workings and get to know people in the main roster and backstage." Finn said with a smile, god I love his smile, its just so lovely. He wrapped his arm around me and gave a hug and kissed my cheek. "Does your parents know about us yet?" That question crushed my soul, I'm too scared to tell my parents. I can't predict what their reaction would be.

"No," I broke our hug as I spoke softly, "They set up a date for me and Seth tonight, they really want us to be an item." I looked down at the ground, I couldn't bare to see the look on Finn's face. He put his hands on my face to make look into his eyes.

"Look Y/N, I know you are scared about telling your parents about us but you have to tell them before its too late." I knew he was right but I just didn't know what to say. I gave him a weak smile.

"I know, I just have no idea how tell them, I don't want your career and dreams to be ruined just because my parents do not approve of us.

He gave a light chuckle. "Don't worry about me, I am sure it won't be that bad, on the plus side your dad alreadu knows me throught NXT, it's not as if I am a random stranger," He gave me a smile again. I smiled back before reaching up and placing a quick kiss on his lips.

"I suppose, I'll let them know about us," I said after I kissed him. He kissed me again which makes me still feel butterflies.

Seth's POV

Why the hell is Y/N kissing Finn. She is supposed to be dating me, we have our first date tonight. Never knew she was a slut. Does Hunter and Stephanie know about this shit? I have tell them anyway. She's mine. I want her. No else can have her.

"What the fuck is wrong with Y/N ?" I yelled as I stormed into Hunter and Stephanie's office.

"Don't you ever speak about my daughter that way," I could see the anger rising in Hunter's body.

"Hunter, calm down, Seth what happened?" Stephanie was more relaxed but not pleased either.

I took a deep breath, "I saw Y/N kissing that Finn Balor guy from NXT backstage, I thought she was suppose to be dating me." Hunter and Stephanie looked shocked, I guess they didn't know after all.

"We will get to the bottom of this, don't get involved." Stephanie told me.

Y/N's POV

On my way to my parents' office, I got a text from my mum telling me that we need to talk. When I got to the door I knocked then entered the office. I saw that my mum's stern face but my dad being more calm and relaxed. I also saw Finn sitting down, looking down at the ground. Oh shit.

"How did you find out?" My voice being barely audible.

"Seth saw you two kissing each other backstage, may I just say I am very disappointed in you Y/N, we handed you a stable relationship but you wanted someone else, what does he have that Seth doesn't, I expected more from you Y/N and you-"

"Steph, I think that's enough," my dad cut my mum off before she could say anything to Finn, "Look I know you wanted Seth and Y/N to be a couple but she isn't interested and we both know what Seth can be like with women, I know Finn from NXT and he is a great guy, I think we should give him a chance."

"I suppose its only fair," my mum sighed before turning to Finn, "Take care of her or I will make your life a living hell." I can see my dad rolling his eyes at her comment.

Finn, who hasn't said a word this whole time, finally speaks, "I will take the best of care, don't worry I love her." I was blushing at the end.

"Now get out of my office, we have a show to run," my mum said light heartedly.

"That was nerve racking, I understand why you were too nervous to tell them." Finn said once we left the room.

"I know, they can be very scary at times but I'm glad they know. I don't have to hide you anymore." He gave ne a light smile.

"I meant what I said in the Y/N, I do love you, I love you very much." I thought my heart was going to explode.

"I love you too Finn." He smiled then bent down to kiss me. I kissed back, still feeling those butterflies, I want to spend the rest of my life with him, hopefully he will stay with me forever.

[futfemfantasies]

The end is near - Tobin Heath x reader

If you have any requests for anybody send me a message and i’ll do it when i can :)

It was inevitable. The USWNT finished their friendly matches against South Korea and now Tobin is jetting back off to England to play with her club again. You were dreading this day, as you do all the other times. You’re just grateful to spend two weeks with Tobin. Because of the both of your busy and usually conflicting schedules, it very rarely happens. Walking into the airport, both your hands are intertwined and Tobin keeps rubbing her thumb along your hand to help keep you calm as big crowds freak you out. Which is weird as you’ve played at world cup finals with way bigger crowds. After security and getting some food, the pair make their way to Tobin's gate to wait. Tobin gently pulls you onto her lap, causing you to cuddle into her.

"Are you okay? You're being very cuddly and touchy. Not that I'm complaining" Tobin questions.

"I don't want you to go" You mumble into Tobin's neck.

"I'm not going for long, my love. Besides, when the NWSL season finishes you can come over and be with me" You hum as Tobin draws small patterns on your Re-inc sweat pant covered thigh.

Then the worst happens. Tobin's flight gets called over the PA system, which makes you jump in fright. You grip onto Tobin more and Tobin attempts to calm you down.

"I'll be the last one on, you've got me for a few more minutes"

Once those few minutes passed, the final boarding call announcement rang through the airport speakers and that's when Tobin starts to stand up, helping you to your feet. The air hostess noticed Tobin is due on the flight so she gave them a few more minutes. You wrap your arms around Tobin's neck with Tobin doing the same but around your waist, pulling you closer, if that was possible.

"I have to go darling" The pair pulls away and you give Tobin a quick but loving kiss before pulling away and picking Tobin's bag off the ground.

"Text me when you land, so I know you're safe"

"Always do. I love you Y/N"

"I love you more Tobs, now go before I make you stay" Tobin chuckles and starts to walk to the air hostess to scan her ticket.

You watch as Tobin walks down the tunnel but turns around to flash you the same very smile you fell in love with almost three years ago. You walk back to the car with a few tears falling down her cheek. As you get into the team car and get organised to start the journey back to the hotel, you get a few texts from Tobin.

I love you

I miss you

I'll see you soon, my gorgeous girl 🥰❤️

You reply to Tobin before driving back to the hotel somehow in one piece. You park the car and see the rest of your teammates in the lobby of the hotel with their suitcases, ready to go. You start to walk over to Alex when Charlie waddles over to you and hugs your leg. You crouch down and smile at her niece.

"Y/N/N sad?" Charlie questions as she leans into you.

"I'm okay bubba" You answer before picking up the 15 month old and holding her on your hip.

"I brought your bags down since I thought you'd stay at the airport a little longer"

"Thanks Al" You say, slightly smiling at her slightly older sister.

The pair hear everyone start to move to the bus and Charlie cuddles into you more.

"We're going on the bus now bubba. Wanna go back to Mommy?" You whisper to the little girl.

"Stay wif chu" Charlie mumbles before falling asleep.

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

You knew Orlando would lose to Chicago. The team hasn't been playing well lately and it doesn't help that they had key players such as Ash, Ali and Marta out with injuries. Your mood has remained the same since Tobin left just over three weeks ago and Alex noticed that you aren’t your usual fun, bubbly younger sister and aunt. While you took Charlie to the park down the street, Alex booked you a ticket to London to go surprise Tobin. She also called Christen to help with the surprise since she was watching some of Tobin's games. A while later, the door opened to reveal Charlie on your shoulders and you sporting the biggest smile Alex has seen since Tobin left. The bond between the niece and aunt is unbreakable, to which Alex is so thankful for. You jump over to the bed and flop down, causing the little one to fall into the safety net of pillows.

"Y/N/N, I have a surprise for you" Alex says as she opens the email confirmation of the plane ticket.

"You're pregnant again?"

"Just read this" Alex hands you the laptop and you goes from happy to crying in less than a minute.

"Al"

"Don't mention it. I could see how much you mood had changed since she left and now that our season is over, I thought you could go over and surprise her. Christen has been messaging me that Toby's game has been off since she started back" You pout and continues to read the email as Charlie crawls up to you.

"Christen said she is happy to pick you up from the airport and I've talked to the manager and you can stay with Tobs for all her games, other girls have people there too"

"Thank you Al. You're the best" You say as she hugs her sister tight.

"Get packing, your flight leaves in a few hours" Your eyes widen and you quickly pack the bag.

After the flight:

You quickly put on her Re-inc hoodie and mask before exiting the plane into the brisk London air on the tarmac with everyone else that was on board. When everyone is moved inside, you immediately see the curly haired best friend of both you and Tobin. Christen seems to have spotted you as well and they both run up to each other.

"I missed you Y/N/N" Christen said as they both pulled away.

"I missed you too Chris"

"Let's go get your girl"

The pair chat until you get your bag then enjoy the 35 minute drive to the stadium for Tobin's next game. The pair realised they were super early so they decided to get Burger King. When you check the time, she realised the game started in 15 minutes. The best friends hopped in the car and drove to the stadium vip carpark. Christen hands you a press pass to get in and points to where they are sitting.

"Conveniently it's in the Press sitting area huh?" Christen rolls her eyes at the comment and the two of them sit.

After 10 minutes or so, Arsenal runs out and you immediately spots your girlfriend sporting her 77 jersey. The ref blows the whistle and the game starts. Tobin is starting and every time she got the ball, you cheered for her. Christen asked you if you want to surprise Tobin now or at the end of the game. You didn't want to throw her off so you opted for the end of the game, which you hated. A gruelling 45 minutes later, the score was still 0-0 and someone needed to win as it was the semi-finals of the FA cup. Tobin was taking a corner and you decide that this is the best time to yell out.

"You can do it baby!"

Tobin looked at the stands to see her best friend and girlfriend sitting together. A huge smile came across Tobin's face and she winked back at you. Tobin delivered a sensational corner which resulted in Vivienne Miedema kicking the ball into the back of the net. The crowd cheered and the ref blew the final whistle. Tobin jumped over the barricades and ran up to give you the biggest hug and kiss.

"What are you doing here? Isn't the NWSL still on?" Tobin asks confused.

"We got knocked out so Alex bought me a plane ticket to surprise you. Apparently, you missed me too much and it was throwing off your game" You say smirking.

"I'm so happy you're here" Tobin says as she brings you into a tight hug.

"I love you so much" You whisper into Tobin's ear.

"I love you more my love" You give Tobin a quick kiss. 

Tobin chats with you and Christen for a little before being called down by Leah.

"I have to go but wait for me in the car?"

"You know I will Tobs"

Tobin kisses your cheek and runs back to the field. You and Christen slowly pour out of the stadium with all the other people in the VIP area. While waiting for Tobin, you watch a fan-made video of Tobin’s greatest goals from the NWSL, along with the celebrations in the USWNT friendly matches between Tobin and her. Just as another one starts, the back door opens and Tobins slides in the backseat.

"Hey, sorry. The girls were asking about you" Tobin admits while reaching forward for your hand.

"Don't worry baby" Tobin rubs the front of your hand with her thumb making the slightly younger girl smile.

"Are you staying with me at the hotel?" Tobin hints.

"I'm staying with you the entire time. Your manager approved it because some other girls have people too so it would seem unfair"

"Remind me to thank your sister when I see her next"

Christen pulls up to the hotel and you and Tobin thank her for driving them around so much. The couple give her a tight hug teacher before Tobin got your suitcase out of the trunk and carried your duffel bag. Once in the room, the two collapsed on the bed and cuddled up to each other. You were feeling very sleepy as the jet lag was hitting you at once.

"Get changed my love, then you can sleep okay?"

"Too lazy Toby" Tobin pouted at your cuteness but knew you couldn't wear your hoodie and sweat pants to bed as she'd overheat.

"Want me to change you love?" You nodded and Tobin looked in your bags for some pjs.

After a successful change, Tobin got into bed and you immediately wrapped her arms around Tobin's torso. Tobin leaned down to kiss you on the forehead and let out a content hum. This is what she wants her life to be like and little does she know it's going to change for the better. 

[deliwrites]

𝕐𝕠𝕦'𝕣𝕖 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖? // Dream

// DATE // 24th of October 2022 // PAIRING // Dreamwastaken x Non-American!Reader (Though you could still read it as an American some things just won't make sense) // WARNING // Angsty(not really I don't think? mostly just indifferent behavior I guess) // WORDS // 3,6k // SUMMARY // Dream ghosted you after the facetime situation. You finally move to Florida to move in with your friends and suddenly he's interested in you again. (It was going to be a part with smut, but I have decided to divide this one. (So be on the lookout for a part 3 that holds more smut) and yes I did go out of my way to pick out furniture, sorry not sorry xD) // SERIES // Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 //

// MASTERLIST // ANONLIST //

It had been a few weeks since my endeavour with Dream. I was expecting more contact with him from that moment. Sadly, that wasn't the case. Instead, I was being ghosted by him.

I tried to not let it bother me, but it really did. 'God, why did I have to be such a slut,' I thought to myself. Insulting myself for making such a stupid decision. 'Of course, this is how it would end.'

"Y/n! Oh, I'm so happy to see you!" arms were thrown around me the moment I stepped into the arrivals area. The two of us almost falling over from the force as what breaks me out of my train of thought. "Juny!" giggling I drop my suitcases. Wrapping my arms tightly around the taller girl. Her black hair up in a messy bun. I could tell she hadn't slept all night. "I'm so happy to be here! Oh!" when she finally let go of me, she giggled giddily.

"Okay, let's go! Charlee and Emmy are already waiting at home. I hope you're hungry. They're going to make you dinner," Juny took one of my bigger suitcases. Leaving me with a big and small suitcase. Did I have a lot of stuff? Yes. Was I ashamed? No. I am quick to follow her as she leads the way.

I had never been to America, so walking around the Orlando airport was a whole new experience. Which also meant I had not fucking idea where to go. Having Juny as my guide was very helpful.

Once in the car I decided to start streaming. I hadn't told anyone yet that I moved. The only info I shared was that I wouldn't be streaming or uploading videos for a bit, which was a week ago. Right after I made that announcement is when my pc and entire setup was being safely shipped to the US.

When I say I hadn't told anyone, I meant anyone. The only people who knew were the girls and my family. And with Dream ghosting me, I was definetly not telling him.

"Hello, hello, Streamies!" I called out at my phone the moment I saw viewers come in and start talking in the chat. "How are you all? I missed you guys so much!" I pause to read the chat a little bit. Messages skimming by. "Yes I am in a car," I giggle at the comment. "No, I'm not driving, I promise, I wouldn't stream and drive. Anyways, I am so glad most of you guys are doing okay," I smile brightly at the screen. "Juny, would you like to tell the very curious viewers where we are?" I ask her, moving my phone so the both of us are in view. I watch the chat as people are already guessing I'm in the US.

"Y/n, finally moved to US! The girl squad is finally complete!" Juny cheers. We both scream in excitement.

"Yes, I did! I am so excited! I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys," I sent them an apologetic pout. "But, now that I'm here. There are so many more things we can do! If you guys are up for it, I could bring you guys with me to go furniture shopping!" I turn to Juny when a question pops in my head. "Does Orlando have an ikea?"

"It does, you wanna do an ikea video?" she asks. While she answers a ping is heard from my phone. A message popping up.

Dream 💔 You're in Florida?

'Oh, so now he messages. Right,' rolling my eyes I ignore the message. 'Guess who's getting ghosted now.'

The rest of the drive I keep talking to chat, having song breaks with Juny. We were smart enough to get a nice playlist that is copyright free and put that on.

"Thank you guys so much for joining me today! We are almost home," I let out a content sigh. "God, I love saying that. But! I will see you guys soon! Enjoy your day, evening, afternoon! Bye bye!" I end the stream just as we enter our neighbourhood.

Before we even reach the house I can see Charlee and Emmy outside. They jump with excitement when they see the car driving up. Juny parks the car swiftly in the drive way. I jump out of the car, squealing as I run up to my favourite girls. They meet me halfway. Both squealing just as much.

"Oh, my god, I can't believe you're finally here!" Charlee squeezes me tightly in her hold. She might be smoll, but she is strong as hell.

"Same! It's gonna be some getting used to, but I'm so happy!"

"Let's go inside, the food is gonna get cold if we wait any longer," Emmy chuckles.

"I told you guys about what happened with Dream, right?" I started an unexpected conversation. I had been trying to forget about it all. But the sudden message from him wouldn't leave my mind. The four of us were in the living room. Not really up to doing anything big today. So we just put on some background music. All of us doing our own thing. Charlee was reading, Emmy was doing a small bit of editing on her MacBook and Juny was scrolling through TikTok. The sounds of the clips being soft enough to not bother anyone.

"Yeah," Charlee is the one that answers.

"I didn't tell you all," I sigh, putting aside my notebook where I had been writing video ideas. "After the faceTime situation, he uhm," I sigh. "He ghosted me."

"Excuse me?" Juny's voice filled with disgust. "No, did he actually?"

"Yeah, I messaged him a few times but he never replied," I told them. "He left me on read every time. I feel so stupid."

"No, don't say that!" Emmy scoots over to me. Pulling me in for a hug.

“The thing is. I streamed in the car ride here, right?” The three nod. “He messaged me during it. Asking if I was in Florida.”

“So he decides to completely ignore you for weeks and then message you when he finds out you’re here?” Charlee questions. A look of pure confusion on her face.

“Yeah, like I don’t understand him,” I admit. “I genuinely thought we might be going somewhere relationship-wise. And then he pulls this shit.”

“In my opinion, you should ignore him. Just like he did you,” Juny says. She would always watch my back. Right now I knew she didn’t want me to get hurt - more - by this guy. For now, I decided to listen to Juny.

The next day the squad went to IKEA. I was surprised I wasn't that jetlagged. Maybe it was the fact that I went to bed at a normal time here. I had been awake for 22 hours straight. Sure, I've done worse. But I needed to change my sleeping schedule and fast. I didn't want to be jetlagged forever.

"Should I stream or make a video out of it?" I asked once were all parked in the parking garage. We had gone in three cars. I know it sounds like a bit much, be we didn't have big cars. And seeing as I need an entire bed and closet, it seemed like the best option. We probably would have gone with four but I don't have a car here yet.

"I think you should make it a video," Emmy answers. "Just in case, and you can do little polls on Twitter. Like 'Which bed do I pick, left or right?' and add pictures of the beds you like."

"Oh, that is such a good, idea! Yes, let's do that," I cling to her as the four of us enter the surprisingly quiet IKEA. I sent out a tweet as a warning.

I'm in the IKEA right now. I want your guy's help picking out furniture. So, be on the lookout for polls!

"Do we want to get some lunch first, or after?" Juny asks when we get inside.

"I think in between," Charlee suggests. "We first go into the showrooms to pick out furniture that we need to write down. Then eat lunch before we head downstairs for any other kind of decoration and pick up what we have picked out," we all agree with that and head into the showrooms.

"Come here, guys!" Charlee calls out to us from one of the showrooms. Coming over I find her in a little hallway in front of a mirror. "Group pic?" she asks when all of us are there.

Taking the picture I put it on my private Snapchat story. Of course, Dream is quick to send me a message on there now.

"Are you serious," I mumble.

"What?" Emmy asks, being the only one that heard me. Charlee and Juny currently looking at living room inspiration. Not that we needed anything new for the living room, but it's always nice to look.

"Dream, messaged me," I tell her.

DREAM 💔 That's crazy! George, Sapnap and I are here too!

"Okay, quick question. I know you're ignoring him like he ignored you. But what if you heard him out. Maybe he has a good reason. He's here, so, would you want that?" Emmy is careful with her words. Trying to see how I stood in the situation.

"I guess I would like to know why," I admit quietly. "But who says he's not just going to ignore me again?"

"You'll never know the answer for sure, but do you think it's worth a shot?" I think about it for a moment before turning my eyes back to my phone. Emmy reads over my shoulder as I type.

ME Really? Where are you guys now? DREAM 💔 We are at the end of Work space ME Oh, we are just about to enter the living room storage area DREAM 💔 We can wait for you guys if you would like? We can continue together. ME I'll have to ask the girls, we do plan on having lunch once we are done with this floor. DREAM 💔 That's fine, go ask them. We'll wait for now.

"Guys! We're meeting up with the Dream team!" I announce to the other two girls.

"What!" Juny sounds disappointed. "I thought we were ignoring him1"

"I know, but I want answers," I grab her hands, looking into her eyes. I give her a pout.

"Okay, fine," she mock rolls her eyes, making me giggle. We finish looking around, after waiting on a pol answer. I posted a poll asking if I should buy a cup or not. I really loved the STRIMMIG mug, so why not ask the fans if I should get it. The answer was a fat yes, with 92% win.

When we walk into the workspace section, I already notice the dream team in the corner of my eye. They were talking together, sitting at a displayed desk.

"I'm gonna do another poll," I say out loud to no one in particular. Taking out my phone, I continue walking down the path. Putting in another pol. "None of these desks seem big enough, should I go for a dining table desk instead," I mumble along as I type it out.

"Not big enough?" I recognize the voice immediately. A little startled, I jump. Looking up I catch Dreams grin. He, along with Sapnap and George chuckle at my reaction.

"God, you startled me," I chuckle awkwardly.

"Sorry, how are you?" Dream asks. I couldn't help it but really bothered me that he acted like nothing was wrong.

"I'm good, what about you?" I ask, stepping closer, I offer a hug as a greeting. He accepts, wrapping his arms around my shoulders as I hug his middle. He really is tall. I hate that it has an affect on me.

"I'm great, George just needs a few things for his room," he answers when we pull away. I decide to greet Sapnap and George the same way, giving them a hug as well. Then the girls walk up, greeting the three guys as well. Hugs are exchanged. Juny pulls me to her, almost like she's keeping me away from Dream.

"But does that mean, we're continuing together?" Sapnap asks.

"Yeah," the four of us answer in sync.

We continue down the showrooms, taking notice of a lot of things. Writing them down on the paper with of course the tiny IKEA pencil. Juny stays with me the entire time, arms hooked together. I appreciated it, but I also wanted to talk to Dream. I noticed him wanting to talk to me as well but we didn't get the time.

Even when we were having lunch we couldn't talk. Whenever we would try friends of either person pulled us into a different conversation. What that did do tho, was give me hope. He wanted to talk to me. That must mean something right?

Gathering all the stuff was chaos. We were running around the storage area. Everyone was laughing, camera's out for footage. At one point I was standing on one of the carts. Dream pushing me forwards and fast. He ran into a random aisle. One we didn't need to be in. And we were able to hide from the others for just a minute.

"Hi," I whisper. We sat under the shelves in an empty spot.

"Hey," he whispers back with a grin. I wasn't really sure what to say. I ended up just staring at him for a while. He was still as beautiful as I thought he was when I first saw him on FaceTime. Even more so if I was honest. It was so strange to me to see him in real life. Maybe one day I would have gotten the opportunity to meet him, but I wasn't expecting it to be today.

"Is it just me, or is it weird to see you in real life?" I end up mumbling, full of uncertainty. I wasn't sure if admitting that was a good idea. To my surprise, he chuckles, nodding his head.

"It is, but I'm glad I'm able to meet you," I'm about to make a comment when Emmy runs up our aisle.

"There you two are! We've got everything. Ready to go?" she asks quickly, a little awkward look on her face. She didn't realize the two of us were together until she reached us.

"Yeah, let's go," for now I guess we would have to leave our conversation at that. Maybe having a talk about it here wouldn't be a good plan anyway.

After paying we gathered our cars. I stayed with the multiple carts along with George, he only had to buy a desk and a few accessories. I ended up with a IDANÄS bed, two VITTSJÖ tables for at my bedside, a LINDBYN as a mirror by a small VITTSJÖ laptop table and a CHILISTRÅN cause I want me some cute plants, along with a few more plant pots, including plants. Seeing as I do have clothes, I also got a PAX / FARDAL with more than enough room for everything I own and new things to add. I got a BRUNSTA for the main light, seeing that I am a hoe for music, I got a black SYMFONISK speaker lamp which made me very poor. But Dream gifted me the duvet, along with pillows and a cute set of covers.

"How has your time in America been?" I ask George. He had been a while longer than I had. So obviously I was curious.

"Quite good actually. It's a big change, but so worth it," his answer made me smile. The look in his eyes really showed that he loved being able to live with his friends. "This is your second day right?" I nod. "Let the girls take you to all of the junk food restaurants. They are so different, but I promise they are good," I chuckle at the orgasm-like face he pulls at just the thought of food.

"Alright, I will," just then 5 cars pull up. We take up almost the entire space for loading in. We helped each other place everything in the cars but there was a problem. With all the stuff that I had, my seat in the car was taken.

"What do we do? We don't have space for another person besides the driver," Charlee voiced the obvious.

"Look, I don't mind waiting," we had the conversation while the guys were packing the desk into Dreams car. The desk being too big for Sapnaps car.

"We can't just leave you here!" Juny spoke loudly, catching the attention of the guys.

"What's wrong?" Sapnap asks.

"I can't go with them, the cars are too full," I tell them. "I'm willing to stay and wait for one of them to return-"

"But we are not going to do that," Charlee said sternly.

"My car has space, I can bring you home," Dream immediately offers.

"No, we'll figure something out," Judy says, pulling me closer to her.

"Look, I know what you're trying to do," I whisper to her. "But this is our only option right now," her face scrunches up in frustration.

"Fine."

"Are you sure it's okay?" I ask Dream.

"Of course!" He replies immediately. "We can't just leave you here stranded."

"Alright, then let's go," I am quick to say. Not wanting anyone to change their mind. "Message me the address, 'cause I don't know it from the top of my head yet," I tell Emmy who nods. Everyone gets into their cars. Dream surprisingly opens the door for me and lets me step inside. "Thank you," thanking him with a bright smile. He smiles back before going to the driver's side.

"Are you okay with us first bringing the desk to my place?" He asks once he's settled in.

"Oh, sure, that's fine by me," I tell him as I watch the others drive off. He puts on some music and starts driving. We were the last to leave, I couldn't see any of my friends' cars anymore.

I didn't realize my leg was bouncing until we reached the highway. I only realized when Dream's hand landed on my thigh. The bouncing almost immediately stopped. I didn't necessarily mind the hand, in fact, it was bringing me comfort - somehow.

His voice breaks my trance though I don't catch what he said. I look at him, releasing a 'huh?'. A smile grows on his lips as he repeats his question.

"How was your flight?"

"Oh, right, uhm. Uneventful really," I tell him honestly. "It was a long flight, didn't have money for first class. So I was stuffed with other people. I don't really mind. I did have the window seat, but having to get up to pee was the worst. Especially when the guys next to me were asleep. But I managed," Dream didn't seem to mind my rambling, but when I mentioned that I was sat next to guys. His grip on my thigh seemed to tighten just a little. Just enough for me to notice. "Other than that, they were really nice to me. They even helped me put my small suitcase in the top compartment and back out," I tested my thoughts and again his grip tightened. This time he also seemed to grit his teeth. I slide my hand over to his. Placing my hand on his, my thumb stroking gently on the back of his hand. The grip on my thigh relaxed a little bit at the touch.

"I'm glad you arrived safe and well," he says. "I am kinda hurt you didn't tell me you were moving to Florida," at this, I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"And, I'm hurt you ghosted me after what happened," my voice is monotone. Shaking my leg to remove his hand. I fully turn away from him. Staring out the window, legs closed, leaning against the door. I sigh comes from him. I can't tell if it's a sigh of annoyance or something else. Not that I care at the moment.

"I'm sorry," he says, but I ignore him. Opening the window, I let the wind blow in. The weather was nice and warm today. I prove my ignorance more by deciding to put the volume higher. Singing along loudly with the songs to pass the time.

He decides to stay quiet for the rest of the ride. Probably realises he deserves the treatment I'm giving him. Finally, we reach the Dream Team house. One I recognize from George's video. There we find Sapnap and George waiting in the driveway. They probably arrived just a few minutes ago. My plan was to stay in the car, but Sapnap opens the door on my side. Dream and George carrying in the desk.

"Come on, let's give you a tour!" His excitement has me complying. I get out of the car, following him into the house. I had to admit that the house was gorgeous. I recognized Dreams studio from the time we had that FaceTime call. At last, he showed me Dreams bedroom. "And last but not least, Dream's bedroom," he opened the door, allowing me to walk inside first. His room was surprisingly normal. Plain black hardwood bed. Covered in sacramento-coloured sheets. Black hardwood nightstands on either side. Simple matching lamps on each.

Before I could admire the room any further, the door slammed shut behind me. Startled I turn around.

"Sapnap! What-"

"You and Dream, have to talk," is all he says through the door.

Now what.

// MASTERLIST // ANONLIST //

// SERIES // Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 //

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Code Blue Ch. 55 - Flirting With Disaster

Summary: Lee drives down a dark road. Jo searches for him. A nasty phone call triggers her anxiety. Craig is a hero, but Orlando is not impressed. A warning is given. Lee and Gordon scuffle once more. Donna puts her foot down.

*Chapter Warnings* Alcohol use, drinking and driving, language, angst, anxiety, mentions of drugs, physical altercation

Chapter characters: Lee, Josie, Emily, Craig, Orlando, Gordon, Donna

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist:

Salem, Massachusetts

March 22, 2022

It was now dark and Lee had been driving for hours, swaying back and forth in his Dodge Dart with the windows down and the music blaring, trying to wash it all away just like you said, but his version of that was sipping on his second pint of Fireball. He was now at the impaired level to where he didn't care if he wrapped his car around a tree, but he chuckled when he thought of how it would be much more ironic if he crashed into an oncoming train.

As he changed the radio station, he found himself screaming with vein popping rage at the top of his lungs when the song came on that he had texted lyrics to you of earlier that day.

I had all and then most of you, some and now none of you. Take me back to the night we met. I don't know what I'm supposed to do, haunted by the ghost of you. Take me back to the night we met.

Simultaneously, you had been doing the same thing, minus the booze but listening to the same radio station as you drove around, crying your eyes out to that song and looking for Lee after he had just left you standing in the cemetery at his father's grave. You had called him over and over but he had shut his phone off. You left repeated voicemails and went to every known place you could think of that he might be, but he wasn't there or anywhere. Lee was just gone boy gone.

Was it all worth it? Dragging the truth of his past out of him, especially on that day of all days? His father's one month of passing. None of that day was supposed to go the way it went and it suddenly went from bad to worse.

Your phone rang as you pulled up to your apartment, but it wasn't Lee. It was Emily, your good friend from Ireland who had extended her stay in Salem when Jason supposably died to be there for you, but in all of the chaos, you had forgotten all about her.

"Em?? Hey." you softly sniffled. "What's up?"

"I guess I could ask you the same thing." she scoffed in her subtle Irish accent. "Where have you been and why have you not told me about Megan?? I just found out from your mom who I called to find out where you were at."

"Oh Em, I am so sorry. So much has been happening and it's all just a mess."

"Right. Well...are you ever coming back to the ice skating lessons for the kids? I've been covering for you and I need a break. I want to go out with someone on the 25th to a party and I'd like to take that entire day to go shopping and stuff. Can you at least do it that day?"

The 25th...that was Lee's upcoming birthday which you had forgotten about too and now you felt like even more shit, if that were even possible. Of course, you and he were supposed to spend it together, but now, all you could hear was his cold voice reiterate through your mind...fuck forever.

"Hello? Josie...can you?"

"Oh...sorry, I umm, I can't Em. I just have so much going on."

"Yeah, I noticed. Well, I can't do it. I'm not missing out on my plans."

"Ok, well. Just cancel the class. There's plenty of time. It's no big deal."

"No big deal? What is wrong with you anymore? You love that class and the kids. It's like no one exists now except your precious Lee."

"Hey, don't do that. Don't talk about him like that."

"Whatever."

"Em I said I'm sorry."

"Of course. And that makes it all ok. I stayed here for you ya know? And I've seen you not even a handful of times in 2 months. Twice to be exact."

"I know and I swear, I'll make it up to you soon, just not right now. So umm...who's the mystery man you're going to this party with?"

"Oh so now you're interested in my life? Well, if you must know, it's Johnny."

"What? Are you mad?? Jesus Em. You KNOW who he is."

"Oh stop it. You're not my mother. I'm a grown ass woman and can do as I please. In fact, I've been seeing him awhile now, ever since he came to the ice arena that day."

"Well that's just great, so you're into drug pushing mob men now."

"Don't be a hypocritical bitch. You had your fun with him before too and let's not forget who Jason was and from what I've heard, your landlord is one too who you're quite cozy with."

"Wowww. They don't do or sell drugs Em! So now you're letting Johnny fucking Zacchara fill your head with bullshit about me I see. You've never acted like this. He's bad news and you know it and clearly, he's rubbing off on you."

"Get over yourself already. Jealous much?"

"WHAT?? Jealous of Johnny??? Em grow the fuck up. You KNOW I don't want him. If anyone's jealous, it's you because he still wants me and you know it and he's using you to stay in my orbit."

"Oh, that's right. I'm not good enough compared to you. Johnny could never truly like me for me right??"

"God, you sound just like Megan."

"Well clearly Megan had a point! Everybody wants Jo! Well you know what. I DON'T. Fuck off!" she shouted and hung up.

"Ahhhhhhh!!!!" you screeched as you squeezed your phone with two hands, picturing yourself strangling her.

As you made your way up the stairs of the complex, it slithered up on you like a python in the everglades, wrapping around your chest and throat and relentlessly constricting as it pulled you straight to the ground to devour you whole. Shaking, gasping, clutching your chest, you crawled towards Craig's door where his music could be heard thumping about. He was never going to hear you. You had no voice. Even if you made it to his apartment, you didn't have the strength to bang on the door or reach for the handle that you knew was locked. You frantically dumped your purse out and grabbed your phone but in your frenzy for air, you couldn't turn it on. You must have literally squeezed the life out of it like your anxiety was doing to you at that moment. It was time to focus and fight. Your ears concentrated on the muffled music, your hands focused on the feel of the carpet beneath you, your tongue could taste your chap stick but your nose, it was useless to search for smell. Your eyes then caught sight of the fire alarm that happened to be just above you. Reaching, stretching, grasping and clawing at the brick wall, your fingertips were merely inches below it. Time was running out. Everything was about to go black. In your desperation, you found one last boost of adrenaline to lunge upwards and pull the lever. Ear piercing decibels sounded through the halls and blinding overhead lights kicked on as you slid down the wall, and then...there was darkness.

"Jo! Jo, come on sweetheart, wake up!" a desperate voice echoed in a gargle, sounding as if it were underwater.

"Miss March, can you hear me? Open your eyes for me." another voice, unfamiliar, stern but calm and more clear triggered the flickering of your lids.

"That a girl, there you are." the voice continued and now you could make out a face.

It was an EMT. As you gasped and darted your eyes all around, you then realized you were in the back of an ambulance. You swiftly sat up, knocking the oxygen mask from your face to see the very frightened face of Craig gaping in at you from outside the open back doors. Behind him was your car and a firetruck there, red lights swirling about. You were still at the complex.

"C..Craig??" you fearfully stammered and began to sob.

The EMT quickly jumped back before he knocked senseless by Craig's catapulting entrance. As soon as he reached you, he pulled you right onto his arms, clutching you tighter than the snake attack had done.

"Jesus Jo. You...you weren't breathing. You scared me to death. Don't cry. Don't cry. I've got you." Craig huffed into your ear.

"What...what happened??" you squeaked through his beastly bear hug.

He leaned back and cradled your face in both hands, his baby blues glassy and wet as he began to ramble. "I...I heard the alarm and ran out to find you unconscious in the hall. I had to give you cpr Jo and then finally, you gasped the most beautiful, sweet breathtaking breath I had ever heard besides Blaise's when she was born, but you were still out of it and then the EMS got here and I informed them of what I knew, about your anxiety and all and..."

"Oh my god...I...I remember now...I...it just hit me and I...I couldn't get to you...I pulled the alarm..."

Craig stroked your cheek and became the most open and vulnerable that you had ever seen him. "Thank the mighty lord above that you did or you'd be...Jo...I don't know what I would have done if I had lost you."

"You...you saved me? Craig...I...I don't know what to say."

"You can call him a hero Ma'am." the EMT intruded. "His quick thinking and actions kept you alive until we could treat you. With that said, we really should take you to the hospital now."

Panic crept up on you again and you began to ramble and beg. "N...NO. I am fine. I feel fine. I'm used to these attacks and I have meds for it...and my mom...she don't need this. No Craig...no, tell him I'm fine and that you'll be with me...right?? You'll stay with me...won't you?? Please don't make me go...PLEASE!"

"Jo I...I can't make you do anything and I won't...but...I'm worried about you. I know you know your body and all, but I also know you do not take your meds..."

"Craig...I swear to you....I am alright. I would never lie to you....not again."

"Not even to save your ass from going to the hospital?" he softly grinned as he stroked your hair. "And to be clear, you never lied to me. At least I don't see it that way."

"No...I won't lie even for that. I just don't want to go when I know I'm alright now thanks to you....and I don't want to face Orlando or Dave right now either. Can we please just go inside."

"I'll tell you what. Let's compromise. Please, for me, go to the hospital just to get checked out and then if all is good, I promise, I will bring you right back here. You'll be in the ER so I doubt your mom will see you and if you see your doctor friends, then you can ask them not to tell her. I will stay right by your side Jo. Please, it will make my heavy heart feel so much better."

His damn smile had some way with you. "Fine. I'll go but not in the ambulance. You have to take me."

"Deal."

You were quiet the entire car ride, staring out into the darkness while feeling Craig's eyes glancing upon you from time to time, but he also remained quiet. Knowing the man you had come to know, you knew he was trying to be respectful and let you rest. When you were ready to talk to him about things, you would. You knew though that you would be talking soon enough...to Orlando because he was the general physician of the ER and sure enough, his car was there when you arrived and he was at the nurses station when you walked in.

Orlando's eyes widened with fright and he sped right to you, offering a hand of support under you elbow and frowning as he gazed at your forehead.

"Josie? What happened?? You're limping and you have what looks like rug burn on your head."

"I...do? I guess I should have looked in the mirror. It's no big deal Landy. I just had a..."

Orlando's chocolate eyes became black as licorice as they darted over to Craig with a death glare. "What did you do to her!" he snarled and inserted himself between you and the man he knew was a mobster.

"Whoaaa down Fido." Craig commanded in a most calm and collected manner. It was not easy to intimidate him from all that you had seen.

"Landy, no. He didn't do anything to me. If anything, he saved my life."

"What??" Orlando gasped as his concerned eyes bolted back to you.

"I...I had a panic attack. A bad one and I passed out. I must have hit my knee when I fell and my head too. Craig found me and he helped me. I wasn't breathing, so....that's why I'm here. He really wanted me to come be checked out."

Feeling rather foolish, the good doctor apologized, but you still saw it in his eyes that he did not trust Craig, nor like him at all. "My apologies. I shouldn't have made presumptions. Thank you for what you did."

Craig's simple reply carried a hint of cockiness in his tone that you immediately recognized. He had been offended and you hoped he would let it go, but... there was also the fact Landy was Ethan's brother and you knew that didn't sit well with Craig either, even if Orlando was nothing like Ethan. "No worries Dr. Bloom."

"Alright, let's get you in a cubicle. Looks like I'll be your doctor again." Landy grinned and led you away.

"Wait!" you snapped and halted to look at Craig. "He comes too. I want him there."

The two men locked eyes. Craig's were smug and satisfied. Landy's were perplexed and wary.

Orlando was stern in his stance as a physician and as your friend. "He may come in AFTER we get you situated and assessed."

Your eyes saddened as you moved them to Craig's. "It's alright sweetheart. I'll be right outside this door." He assured and then his eyes went straight back to Orlando's with warning. "I'm not going anywhere."

Landy angrily whipped the curtain shut behind the two of you. "Sweetheart??" he groaned. "I do not like that guy. Since when are you so friendly with him??"

"Landy. Let's not talk about Craig right now...or ever for that matter. He cares about me, that's all and don't forget, I'm breathing because of him. Now...I need you to PLEASE not tell my mom about this..or Dave or...well, it don't matter."

"Lee? Did you ever find him after you called me earlier?"

"No and we're not talking about him either got it?? Can we just get this over with and this day already??" you snapped as you sat down on the bed.

Orlando half smiled and his eyes fell after your harshness towards him.

"Shit. Damn it Landy...I am so sorry." you reeled and took his hand. "I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just so exhausted, physically AND mentally."

His fingers caressed over yours as the smitten doc tried to hide how good it felt to touch you. "It's alright. I know you're stressed and how scary panic attacks are. They take a lot out of you. And my lips are sealed. I can't talk about my patients anyways remember? Let me check all your vitals, do some routine blood work and then since you did fall and have a wound on your head, I'd like to send you down for a CT to rule out a concussion and get an x-ray on that knee as well."

"Ughhhhh....ok." you moaned.

Landy did all his preliminary testing, then gave you a gown to put on and left and sure enough, Craig was standing right there when he walked out.

Orlando stopped with a hard sigh and slammed his pen down on his clipboard. "Stay put. She's dressing." he scoffed and walked away.

Craig arrogantly followed. "You know." he softly whispered near Orlando's ear as he came up behind him while he was writing. "I don't like you much either."

Orlando swayed around with a glare. "You were eavesdropping??"

Craig chuckled. "Curtains are paper thin, practically useless for sound barrier. I'm pretty sure you knew that when you decided to complain about me to Jo, whom...by the way," he raved. "She shut you down real quick didn't she? You see, it's really simple Doc. She cares for me and I care for her. Get over it."

"I'm sure her boyfriend won't...get over it. Did you forget about him while you're staking some wolfy claim on her?"

"No. But it seems he's forgotten about her. I'm pretty certain that he is one of or possibly even the main reason she had that attack tonight. From the things she's confided in me, I would bet my life on it." Craig then looked around with gloating eyes. "Where is the good Dr. Pace anyways??"

"Don't you have a daughter to look for or something?" Orlando irrationally retorted with instant regret.

Craig stepped forward, leaving only a foot's length between the two 5'11 men as his eyes and tone hardened. "You definitely have that Bloom blood and mouth don't you? I'd watch what you say to me, especially about my daughter. Ethan didn't watch what he said to me and he didn't enjoy the consequences of that. I will find that little bastard, mark my words and I will get my daughter back and that ball-less brother of yours will meet his judgment day right here on earth just as others have for messing with me and those I love. Even that cop brother of yours walks a thin line with me. Those who like flirting with disaster get eaten by the so called wolves you speak of, or in my world as they put it, go swimming with the fishes. Have I made myself clear Landy?"

"Crystal." he snapped and daringly pushed past Craig's shoulder to go back to you.

"Knock knock" he called out in a pretend pleasant voice before opening the curtain.

"I'm good Landy."

Orlando brought in a wheelchair. "Hop in."

You giggled. "I'm so doped up right now on what you gave me that I can barely move."

"Here. I'll help."

After he wheeled you out, Craig came right to you and dropped to his knees to hold your hand.

You smiled and took his hand as your words slightly slurred. "They gave me drugs."

"I can tell." he chuckled. " So you're feeling ok then? No pain?"

"Oh I am feeling just fine." you giggled. "You're so sweet Craigy. I'm glad you're here with me. You make me feel better."

Craig squeezed your hand and smiled, giving a swift, smug glance up at Orlando. "I'll tell you a little secret. You make me feel better too Jo."

"Well it's not a secret anymore silly. Landy's standing right here. Oh gosh, I just love your smile Craig. It's so pearly white."

He released a hearty laugh. "Just how much drugs did they give you?"

"It's time to go Josie." Orlando interrupted.

"Ok but...Craigy...will you follow us down and wait for me?"

"Anything for you.... sweetheart."

Orlando rolled his eyes and wheeled you off with Craig on his heels. Once you were all done, you were taken back to your room to wait on the results and to rest and during that time, Craig stayed at your side and listened to you blabber about your burdens under the influence of your meds.

Finally, you were cleared. No concussion, no concerning damage to your knee, just bruised, and BP and oxygen normal so you were sent on your way. By the time Craig got you back to the complex, you were out for the count with your head on his shoulder. Unable to wake you, he carried you up to your apartment and placed you in your bed, covering you up, then he opened a bottle of your wine and sat on the couch drinking until he too fell asleep.

Meanwhile, Lee had miraculously made his way in one piece to Gordon's house in Boston, but he was definitely broken inside. Once he forced entry into the garage, he began trashing all the contents of a storage unit in search of something important to him.

"Come on... Where is it??!!" he growled as he threw boxes and knocked over shelves.

Gordon was still up and heard all the commotion and when he got to the garage, he found his brother panting in a confused state as he sat on a toppled box.

"Lee! What are you doing???"

"Where is it?" Lee softly snarled through his exhausted pants.

"Where is what?? Why did you trash my things??? and...how the fuck did you get in here??? Are you drunk???? You drove here this way???"

"Spare me the bogus brotherly concern. Where...are...my...drugs??!!" Lee fiercely chanted.

"You're kidding right?? We, meaning you AND me, used that stash years ago. Jesus Lee, how much have you had to drink or...are you high??"

"I certainly wish I was! That was the point of coming here!"

"Well you waisted a trip. You know I don't keep that shit around with Donna here."

"Oh come on Gordo! You probably snort that shit from her ass crack while she's sucking it off your cock."

Gordon's eyes widened and then he raised his brow. "Yeah, I...I've probably done that a time or two...so??!!"

"Come on man...you can't tell me you don't have anything at all...somewhere!! A little white lightning...that's all I need."

"Well...even if I did, I certainly wouldn't give it to you!"

"Why?? Because I'm drunk??"

"Nooo? Because you're a dick!!"

Lee chuckled sarcastically. "Oh, I'M a dick?? Who's the one trying to take MY farm from me??? and who's the one who didn't show up today at dad's grave???"

"DAD'S FARM! and we're both his sons!! You got him to sign it over to you under false pretenses and you'll never convince me otherwise. He wasn't in his right mind! And...and...who says I had to go to dad's grave with YOU??? I can go by myself!!"

"We're both his sons, you got that right, but YOU are NOT my brother!! You never had one ounce of interest in that farm. You HATED it there!! Look at you...you're a big city guy!! You only want it to spite me because dad left it to me...legitimately!! He didn't want you to have it!!!"

"Whatever. I'm not doing this with you. You're fucking wasted. Look, I don't know what's going on with you, but you're clearly on some downward spiral and I'm not contributing to it. Give me your keys. You can go sleep it off on the couch and then get the fuck out tomorrow."

"Fuck you. I'm leaving."

Lee pushed past him and Gordon grabbed his arm. "No, you're not! Give...me...your...keys or I'm calling the cops and telling them you're drunk and driving!!"

Lee jerked his arm away and shoved Gordon against the wall. "I will rearrange your fugly ass face if you so much as touch your phone."

"Fine...but you're not driving."

Gordon gloated as he held up Lee's keys he had taken out of his jacket and dangled them from his fingers, then ran like hell up the stairs to the house with Lee stumbling up the steps behind him.

"Give them back!!"

"NO!" Gordon yelled as Lee chased him around the kitchen table. "Call a cab if you want to leave!!"

Lee hopped on the table and crawled over it, then dragged Gordon to the ground and pinned him down, aggressively twisting his nipples.

"STOPPP IT MAN!!!"

"If you want me to stop..." he huffed through pursed lips, "then just give me the keys!"

"Get off of him!! ALL I gotta do is dial three numbers Lee!!" Donna shouted from behind, holding her cell in hand.

Lee stood up, defeated but kept a smug expression as he glared at her. "Well if it ain't ass crack Donna."

"Get out of here Lee. Now." she barked, ready to dial 911.

"Fine...fine...fine. Have it your way." he snidely complied, then looked at Gordon who still laid upon the floor, terrified. "Your dope probably smells like shit anyways. I'll be back for my keys tomorrow."

Lee took out his phone and called a cab as he staggered his way out the door. When he reached his car, he leaned upon it and lost his footing. Sliding down hard on his ass, he stayed there and sobbed with his head in his hands until the taxi arrived and took him home.

@redeemer46

[automotivewrap]

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[sabraeal]

If the Mind Is Willing, Chapter 6

[Read on AO3]

Written for @claudeng80, who has been waiting longer than a month now for this birthday fic, and who has indeed beta'd this birthday fic as well, for we long ago passed the point where we pretend with each other that our final drafts are our first drafts. And though she cannot and will never see those first drafts because that is a layer of vulnerability on par with peeling off my skin to show off my bones, she can at least see my seconds drafts. Where she will then promptly tell me that I am missing a crucial word in a sentence, and maybe I should consider a comma or maybe a whole ass period, or possibly learn to spell words the way the god or at least the Oxford Dictionary intended. Because that is what friendship is all about 🤣

The problem is: it feels like too much.

The suitcase had been a given, of course; Chizuru only had the one, a gift from Father on her twelfth birthday, meant to be used on the single vacation he’d set aside time to take her on. Even after six years, the flower decals still looked like they’d been applied yesterday, pink a vibrant cherry blossom, only the dint on one corner to serve as proof it had ever been used. Disney World might have only lasted two days before a work emergency had them hopping the next flight back home, but at least the Orlando baggage carousel had left its mark. It’d been a happy reminder of better days when she’d been living out of it for those few weeks, unsure of where she would land— or whether she ever would.

It’s only— she hadn’t thought it would be full. Chizuru wouldn’t call herself a light packer by any means, but the event’s only three days, at a hotel that is possibly twenty minutes door-to-door, at least when school’s in session. It hardly seems like the sort of thing that calls for a suitcase filled to the brim. Above the brim even, if she were gutsy enough to take Kimigiku’s costume out of the garment bag— which she isn’t. It’d been heart-pounding enough putting Sen’s paper-wrapped kimono in there, let alone something with parts and pieces and things that could very easily scatter under her bed skirt and be lost for eternity.

Which brought her tally to one suitcase (over laden), one garment bag (to be treated with care), and the small travel pack she’d slung over her chest (overstuffed), gone over a half dozen times each, pared down to the barest bones, and still, still—

She can’t possibly take up this much space. Even in Shinpachi’s Range Rover, it’s too much. Maybe if she tried again, this time—?

3:15, her lock screen reads, a little snowflake sitting beside the 33°F below. Haah, with a four o’clock check in, there’s no chance of her whittling her luggage past the basics. Not unless she want to be late, and if she’s late, then—

Then everyone will be waiting for her. All of them clustered at the bottom of the stairs, watching the time tick down as she tries to decide if she really needs an extra pair of underwear or another package of hair ties. Just the thought threatens to have her break out in a full-body rash.

With a steeling breath, she adjusts her travel pack and rolls out to the hallway. A proposition that would be easier if not for the wall-to-wall carpets in the hall, but Chizuru manages to steer her suitcase competently enough, drawing up to the stairs with enough confidence to survive the six sets of eyes sure to turn her way—

Only to find two instead. Not waiting on her either— no, Yamazaki’s got his head bent close to Hajime, hands shaking with emphasis as he hisses, “I don’t care if he’s done hours before anyone else, I’m not getting in a car with him.”

“I was not insinuating that I would make you,” Hajime intones with weary patience. “I merely wanted to mention the likelihood of Souji being the first of our companions to finish with his preparations.”

“And I’m telling you that I’m not—”

It’s not on purpose; between fight or flight, Chizuru’s legs have chosen freeze, and she’s perfectly resigned to stand statue-still up here, silent and just out of sight. But her suitcase chooses to make it known to everyone in the major metropolitan area that one of its wheels is not perfectly situated on the landing. It tilts, the aggrieved wheel letting out a plaintive squeak— and that’s all it takes for Hajime’s eyes to narrow, slanting up to the top step.

“Good afternoon, Yukimura,” he says, oddly pointed. “It seems you are ready to head to the hotel.”

“Ah…” Her suitcase clunks down the next step with her, wheels spinning. “Yes. I just, um…”

Have to survive these stairs, she swallows down, gritting out a smile instead. She tries to lift her case and garment bag all together, but—

“Yukimura.” Long, well-clipped fingers wrap around the side handle, quite literally taking the weight out her hands. “Would it be alright if I handled this for you?”

“Oh.” Yamazaki’s not a tall man, not by any measure, but in the dim light of the stairway, he looms, and it— it flusters her, free hand fluttering uselessly between them. “I-I can’t possibly ask you to—”

“You’re not.” Hajime hovers at the bottom of the banister, a strange sort of lightness in his voice. If Chizuru didn’t know better she might call it…bubbly. “He is.”

“O-oh.” She stares down at the hand still clenched around a handle, willing each finger to release knuckle by knuckle, so slow it feels like someone else’s hand entirely. “Then…thank you, I guess.”

Yamazaki spares her a nod and a terse, “No problem,” right before he lifts her suitcase and—

And rams it right into the floral wallpaper.

“Nice,” Hajime hums, appreciative.

Yamazaki’s still flushed when he glares down, snapping, “I don’t see you helping.”

“And get between you and serving hime-sama?” Hajime’s not one to smirk— honestly, he’s not much on smiling either, save by millimeters— but a corner of his mouth trembles as Yamazaki tromps down the last few stairs, stormy as one of their winter squalls. “I would never.”

His jaw doesn’t so much open as fall, working, as if he needed a good running start to get his next words out. Chizuru simply slips around his side, asking brightly, “Have you been waiting long?”

“We were just discussing who we thought would be next in finishing their preparations,” Hajime tells her, not really answering her question. Experience tells her that means ‘a long time.’ “Although Shinpachi could fit the seven of us in his vehicle, we would more comfortably divide into three and four amongst two cars, and since I have a perfectly serviceable sedan”— Chizuru’s confusion must show her face, since one look at her has him hauling to a stop, coughing to clear his throat— “I mean to say, we were waiting for our third.”

“Oh.” She blinks, glancing between the two of them. “I guess that’s me?”

“So it seems.” There it is, that tremble at the corner of Hajime’s mouth, threatening to curl. For a moment, she’s certain it will, but he turns his head away, casting a speculative look down the hall. “Should we wait to take on another passenger, or—?”

“Better not risk it.” Hajime half-turns toward Yamazaki, disappointment palpable, and he adds, “Oh come on, Nagakura has the bigger car.”

“That doesn’t mean we should—”

Whatever Hajime means to say is lost in the tangle of boy and bag clattering down the stairs, the struggle so loud Chizuru’s ears still ring even after it’s over.

“Oh hey,” Heisuke says, cheerfully emerging from the tumble. “You guys haven’t left?”

Yamazaki blinks. “Not…yet…”

“We were just discussing if we should wait,” Hajime says. “Since Shinpachi’s vehicle might be preferable to the remaining passengers.”

“Nah, those guys are gonna take forever to get ready. Sano has a whole bag just for his freaking hair! And not only that, but him and Shinpachi have been fighting for the last ten minutes over who owns this styling gel or whatever, which like, who cares? But still” — Heisuke stops to catch his breath— “You got room for one more?”

Yamazaki and Hajime exchange looks. Just what exactly they’re saying, Chizuru can’t even begin to guess.

“Well,” Hajime hums, bemused. “That does handle one problem.”

“Fine.” Yamazaki sighs, hefting a bag over his shoulder. “Let’s just go already.”

*

Despite all her fretting, her suitcase fits easily into the back of Hajime’s Elantra, slotting into the last spot in the trunk with little more than a twist and a lift. It helps that all Heisuke has is a duffel, crammed into the corner with all the care of a dirty sock being returned to the hamper.

“Don’t you have costume parts in there?” Yamazaki manages around a grimace; one that only deepens at Heisuke’s shrug.

“It’s fine.” He gives the bag one last good shove, wedging it firmly against the side. “I just threw it together. And Sano says he’s gonna bring all the sticks or whatever—”

“They’re boffers,” Hajime interjects, “technically.”

“Yeah, that.” Heisuke claps him on the back. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. Hotels have those iron thingies, don’t they?”

Both eyebrows hitch up to Hajime’s hairline. “You know how to use an iron?”

Heisuke’s face crumples in confusion. “Well, no. But how hard can it be?”

Plenty is the answer, though Chizuru’s in no mind to give it, not when she’s preoccupied with trying to hang her garment bag on the hook over the window. Yamazaki and Hajime had made it look easy, but hers just keeps sitting wrong, taking up too much space and—

“You can take the front.”

She blinks up, half spilled out of the back seat, right up into Yamazaki’s concerned frown. “Excuse me?”

“I mean, if you wanted. It’s probably, er, nicer than having to share the back with—” his gazes darts over her head, to where Hajime patiently coaches Heisuke in the proper way to treat his personal items— “anyone.”

Her hands fly up, waving between them. “Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly! I can’t have you sit back here with my bag in your way.”

“We have bags back there too,” he reminds her, leaving the ‘and we’re definitely making Heisuke deal with it’ unspoken. “It’s only fair for me to make the offer.”

“Ah, I suppose…” She runs her fingers down the seam of her garment bag, considering. “But really, I’ll be fine. I’m sure Hajime would prefer to have you as his copilot!”

His mouth furrows, the perfect counterpoint to the storm brewing on his brow. “Yukimura—”

“All done!” Heisuke bursts onto the bench seat beside her, quivering with the same energy as a dog wagging his tail. “We gonna get this show on the road soon?”

Yamazaki’s mouth pulls too thin for a sigh to slip through; instead it all rushes out of his nose, coming to an abrupt halt when he glances down at her. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to change seats?”

 “Hey! What’s up with this thing?” There’s not a lot of Heisuke, but what there is stretches across the seat, reaching out to give her garment bag one good tug. It’s like magic— one minute it’s shoving a shoulder across her seat, and the next it’s tucked into the handle, laying flat against where the door would be. “There, all set.”

He settles back, utterly nonchalant, as if he didn’t realize he’d done anything exceptional at all. Chizuru fails to stifle a laugh.

“Yes,” she says, giving Yamazaki one of her brightest smiles. “I think I'll get along just fine.”

*

“Woah? This is the place?” Heisuke jabs a finger toward the glass doors beneath the portico, duffel slung over his shoulder. “You sure?”

“Of course it is.” Yamazaki steps into the revolving door, suitcase clattering at his heels. “Haven’t you seen the campus hotel before?”

“Well, like, not up close,” he admits, following him through. “But this is nice. Like nice-nice. Are you sure they’re gonna give us discounts on a place this swanky?”

Chizuru has to admit, she’s thinking the same. From the outside, it didn’t seem like anything much— just another brutalist building squatting on campus, only with better parking access— but on the inside…

“Is this marble?” she murmurs faintly, nervously mincing across the floor. A hundred dollars for the weekend seemed like a steal when she’d thought it’d have the same level of amenities as a Holiday Inn Express. Now it’s practically highway robbery. “And the chandeliers…?”

“Satsuma Estates has been very kind to our organization since it started,” Saito informs them as he emerges from the door, his own suitcase coming to rest at his heels. “Most of their meeting spaces are influenced by traditional Japanese aesthetics, which meets our standards for a desirable location, and on their part, we are regular, respectful customers who—”

“We hold our biggest events during the part of the fiscal year where there isn’t much in the way of guests.” Yamazaki’s mouth slants, almost sly. “Spending New Year’s Eve on an empty campus in the middle of nowhere isn’t exactly on anyone’s bucket list.”

“So we get to have this place all to ourselves?” Heisuke eyes a vase that could have been just as at home in the Forbidden Palace as it was in a hotel lobby. “And they don’t have a problem with us running around in our costumes? I mean, with the swords and everything?”

“Boffers,” Hajime reminds him at the same time Yamazaki sighs, “They’re just foam.”

There’s a look that passes between them; a weary one, at least for Yamazaki’s part, though Hajime…well, Chizuru could hardly pretend to be an expert on the minute changes that marked a shift in his moods. But if she had to hazard a guess, she might say…amused.

“The more regular players typically bring foam or rubber replicas, with little intention to use them outside of aesthetic accuracy.” Hajime nods his chin toward a plastic pipe leaning against the front desk, both ends thickly padded and wrapped in what looked like duct tape. “New ones or the more…martially oriented roles usually elect to use boffers. Regardless, any weapon paraphernalia is inspected and registered at check-in.”

“They are also not allowed to be drawn outside the designated bounds of a scene,” Yamazaki adds, not a little stern as he surveys the crowd. “Personal combat sequences usually require advanced warning as well, since they have to prepare an area especially to accommodate—”

“Hold up. ‘Personal combat sequences?’”

“Duels,” Hajime clarifies.

Heisuke’s eyes pulse wide. “Duels? Really? We can have one of those?”

“As honor demands.”

“Woah.” There’s a new level of respect in Heisuke’s eyes as he scans the room. “And everyone follows the rules?”

“Yes,” Hajime says as Yamazaki grunts, “Mostly.”

Another look slings between them, though this time Chizuru doesn’t mistake the censure in Hajime’s stare.

“They say we’re better behaved than a regular convention,” Yamazaki allows, begrudgingly. “Or at least, we smell better.”

Heisuke blinks. “Smell better?”

He huffs out something in the neighborhood of a laugh. “You don’t want to know.”

“Should we get in line?” Chizuru eyes the crush creeping toward the front desk, barely contained by the black tape borders. “It seems like there’s already a bit of a wait to get through…”

“Jeez! That’s a lot of people!” Heisuke startles, like he’s only just noticed. “I thought this was supposed to be small?”

“Our usual group is around twenty to thirty members.” Hajime casts a speculative look over the lobby. “But for our weekend events, it can easily double.”

“Dude, this is definitely more than double—”

“Why don’t we check into the event first?” Yamazaki juts his chin toward the hall past the lobby, tightening his grip on his bags. “If everyone’s out here, then there can’t be much of a line there.”

Heisuke’s mouth clicks shut with a shrug. “Sounds like as good a plan as any.”

*

The event’s check-in is down the hall from the real one, just inside the first exhibit hall they come across— nearly empty, just like Yamazaki said, the number of people loitering around denser behind the tables than in front of them. For the two boys who are best known as the only ones in the roommate agreement who possess some sense of caution, there’s no hesitation, no moment for them to take in the currents of the room and pick the best course— both beeline straight for one of the tables, lining up with all the ease of habit. Chizuru follows after them, not on their heels, like Heisuke, but taking in the size of the room, in how there’s a few people clinging to the corners, their conversations hushed but curious as they pass.

There’s a mountain of a man in front of them, made larger for how the seams of his button down strain at the shoulders to contain his hunch, and she can’t shake the feeling that it’s familiar. Especially when he stands, unfurling head and shoulders taller than all of them and—

“Yamazaki.” The man doesn’t so much speak as rumble, like far away thunder, turning to them with a warm smile. “I see you did bring your friends after all.”

“M-Mr Shimada,” Chizuru gasps, heat flooding her cheeks. “I didn’t even—?”

Recognize you, she nearly says, but he’s wearing the same button down and slacks he does behind his desk, looking every inch like the professor he is. Or at least, will be, once he’s made the jump from adjunct.

Think you’d be here is more accurate, but the longer she considers the idea, the less improbable it seems. He’s a history professor after all— the kind that keeps replica swords mounted on his office wall, right above the pictures of his wife and kids. An active kendo instructor at the campus gym too, plus a dozen other martial arts she can only half remember the syllables of. She’d already seen him do demonstrations with live steel at the freshman orientation fair, dressed up in a kimono and hakama. And when she thinks about it like that, it’s honestly more surprising that he’s the only one from the department here.

A chill shivers up her spine. He’s the only member of the department she sees. That doesn’t mean he’s the only one in attendance. Her eyes skitter out over the hall, searching for stiff shoulders or the lingering scent of Marlboro—

“He’s brought quite a few friends this time.”

Chizuru startles, but it’s not an expletive that’s been dragged over gravel— no, it’s the reedy voice of the man behind the table, a wide smile pulled across a face as dainty and delicate as a doll’s. And yet when those large eyes fix on her— not the same shocking green of Souji’s, but something softer, mossier, more natural— there’s no innocence behind them, just the ceaseless churning of a great machine.

“Though I see not all of them have made it yet.” He rises, half out of his seat and hand outstretched. “I take it this is…?”

A narrow set of shoulders steps between them. “Heisuke!”

The man blinks, impossibly long eyelashes batting against porcelain pale cheeks, but his smile doesn’t lose any of its shine. “Ah, yes, of course, Heisuke. How nice that you’ve decided to join us. I’m Keisuke Ootori, one of the game masters.”

“Thanks for having me,” Heisuke says, so easy, and— and it would be nice to be like that, to be so confident of being welcome that pleasantries don’t turn oddly personal; that saying hello doesn’t come off as desperate. “It’s my first time doing this whole LARP thing!”

“You don’t say.” Keisuke’s mild gaze slants toward Yamazaki, mouth hitched at a corner. “Well, any friend of Hajime and Susumu’s is a friend of ours.”

“Su…Susu…?” Heisuke blinks, rolling his eyes to stare at Yamazaki. “…Mu..?”

“Don’t start.”

“Now, you were playing…?” A finger runs down the binder in front of him, stopping with a victorious tap. “Matsu Yoshitora, the beastmaster.”

“He’s lion clan!” Heisuke leans over the table, practically quivering without a tail to wag. “Because that’s my fursona.”

“Oh.” There it is again, that little wobble at the corner of his mouth, that dart of his eyes to where Yamazaki stands, hands clapped over his face. “Isn’t that nice.”

“I don’t know him,” Yamazaki says through his fingers, ears blazing bright red. “He just followed us in.”

“What Heisuke means,” Hajime interjects with beatific levels of patience, “it that the lion is his favorite animal. At least out of the options presented in the player’s guide.”

“Ah, I see.” Teeth peek through his smile when the game master turns back to Heisuke, fingers knitted over his binder. “You know, one of our other players has a whole functioning tengu suit. I think you might get along.”

“Don’t encourage him,” Yamazaki grumbles, but it’s too late, Heisuke’s already nodding his head, saying, “I have no idea what that is, but it sounds cool.”

“It sure is. Technically impressive too. Now, if you have weapons”—his hand sweeps out toward the table cozened up to his, and the girl behind it— “Marie can take care of their registration.”

“They’re not here yet,” Heisuke hurries to tell him— and as an afterthought, her. “They’re in the other car.”

“If you can describe it, we can get the process started.” The girl— Marie— smiles, but it doesn’t have the same warmth as Keisuke’s. It’s perfunctory, precise, and certainly satisfies Heisuke, since he slides right over and starts trying to gesture dimensions. But still, Chizuru can’t quite shake the feeling that there’s something cold beneath that polite smile, something pointed about the way her eyes avoid anything past the midline of the tables—

“Now, you”— Keisuke’s angles sharpen, teeth flashing behind his smile— “must be Hime-sama.”

Conversation careens to a halt, even the restless murmurs from the corners of the room pressed into silence.

“Ah…um…yes.” Chizuru shuffles a hesitant step closer. “Chizuru. I mean, I’m Chizuru”— he only smiles wider at her blush— “I’m playing Doji Kaoru.”

“Ah, a pleasure to meet you, Chizuru.” He presses a gallant hand to his chest, a sparkle lurking in the corners of his eyes. “And Kaoru. We’ve been waiting a long time to do something with Hime-sama…”

“O-oh! Really?” Her stomach knots itself before hurtling to her throat, bile sour on the back of her tongue. “I’m sorry— it must be so much trouble to— I can always play someone else if it’s going to ruin—”

“On the contrary, Chizuru! You saved us quite a bit of trouble. Especially poor Marie here.” He jerks a thumb toward where she sits, studiously ignoring their conversation. “But on that note— once we’ve wrapped up with check-in, I’d like to talk to the three of you.”

“U-us?” Every hair stands on end. “Are we in…in trouble?”

She could pass out just considering it. Her name’s barely gotten crossed off the list, and already she’s being called in to the principal’s office to explain herself. If only—

“No, no, not at all. In fact, the opposite”— he laughs as he leans in, lowering his voice to a stage whisper— “we’d like you to raise a little trouble.”

“O-oh.” She clasps her fingers to keep them from trembling. “Okay? I guess.”

“We’ll discuss it in a bit.” He settles back, tilting his chin toward the table next to him. “Now if you have any weapons to register, you can—”

“I don’t.”

His words grind to a halt. “You…don’t?”

“No.” She blinks, fingers clenching painfully tight. “Is that…bad?”

“No, no.” He shakes his head, the warmth still radiating from his smile— but there’s a sharpness to it too. An edge an unwary finger could cut itself on. “That’s perfect.”

*

“Hey, Shinpachi! Sano!” Heisuke bolts like a dog let off his leash as they round the corner to the lobby. There’s more than a few people that stand head-and-shoulders above this crowd, but no-one besides Harada shines bright apple red under the light, hair so glossy and soft Chizuru wonders just what he uses for conditioner. “Look! I got this cool bracelet.”

His wrist thrusts out right under their noses, fluorescent green so close their eyes nearly cross just trying to look, but Shinpachi just pushes it out to a visible distance and grins. “Sweet, bro! Where do I get myself one of these babies?”

“Around the corner.” Heisuke puffs out his chest, free hand hooking onto his hip. “There’s a girl handing them out. Look, Chizuru’s got one too, and—”

“Do they really think I’m going wear that?” Souji doesn’t so much arrive as appear, gone one moment and holding her wrist the next, like the neighborhood cat that only winds itself around her ankles when she’s throwing out old chicken bones. One finger slips beneath the pink band, tugging like he hopes it’ll give. “I’d rather cut my wrist off.”

“If you’re not having fun,” Yamazaki sniffs, “you can just go home.”

Souji’s sneer hones to a point. “Don’t threaten me with a good time, nerd.”

Yamazaki’s jaw works, breath so heavy Chizuru’s half worried it might steam, but before he can manage to marshal anything beyond ‘you—’ Hajime replied, “Yes, the bracelet is required. It marks us out as participants in the event, as well as informs security at a glance that any weapons on our person have been registered and approved by the game masters.”

“Wow, really?” Shinpachi blinks, prodding at Heisuke’s band. “Is there some sort of chip in there or something? RFID or whatever?”

“Er, no.” Yamazaki scratches at the back of his neck. “It’s just the color. Green means he’s only got one registered.”

“Blue is two,” Hajime offers, flashing his own wrist. “As I wear both tachi and tanto.”

“Oh!” Chizuru blinks down at her pink band. “What about mine?”

“You do not possess any weaponry,” he tells her, tone taking a surprised lilt. “Either visible or concealed.”

“What?” Yamazaki catches her wrist up in one hand, long fingers feather-light across her pulse, and he blinks at the band like he’s never seen a red paler than fire engine. “You didn’t bring anything?”

“I…” hadn’t known that would be an option. “Is that bad?”

“Ah, no.” His eyes meet hers, pulling wide before his fingers flinch, both hands and gaze skittering away from her. “Just…unorthodox, maybe.”

“I just thought…Kaoru is a courtier.” She shies beneath a shrug, cheeks flushed. “That means that she would put more weight on her words rather than, er…”

Hajime nods. “A good character choice, Yukimura. One that may also have complicated consequences, depending on the sort of story the game masters would like to tell.”

“Oh.” Her throat squeezes, the first prickle of tears stinging at the corners of her eyes. “Sorry.”

“Don’t worry.” A hand falls gently onto her shoulder, fingers tightening in the barest squeeze when she dares to glance up. Yamazaki may not be one for smiles either, but there’s a faint one clinging to the corners of his mouth now, both amused and— and something else. Fond, maybe. “You’re with us, Yukimura. Experienced players live for complications.”

It’s warm where his hand presses to her, even through her coat, and her tongue tangles trying to find the right word, to find the compromise between thank you and I’m sorry, but—

But Souji saunters right up between them, flicking the band at Yamazaki’s wrist. “Hey, if all these colors are supposed to have some meaning or whatever, what’s with the lame ass purple?”

Yamazaki snatches his hand off her shoulder, cradling it against his chest. “What if you just—?”

“It means that he keeps up to the event maximum,” Hajime informs him mildly. “Concealed.”

Harada frowns, considering the band. “And just how many is that?”

“Five.”

“Woah!” Shinpachi takes a half step back, Heisuke quick to follow suit. “That, uh….that’s pretty impressive. Do a, uh…lot of people do that, or…?”

“No, it’s special dispensation,” Hajime clarifies casually. “Only a handful of players ever display the responsibility and mastery of play to earn the right.”

“No way!” Heisuke suddenly no longer shrinks from but stretches toward Yamazaki, an eager grin tugging at his lips. “Dude, are you like, really cool?”

Souji sniffs. “Only if hell has frozen over.”

For once, Yamazaki doesn’t rise to his bait, merely shaking his head. “No, no. It’s really not that big a deal—”

“Uh-huh.” Harada crosses his arms, one corner of his mouth curling toward a smirk. “And just how many people have a band like yours?”

He hesitates— too long, since Hajime is quick to offer, “Three.”

Yamazaki flushes under the sudden spurt of attention turned his way. “Saito would have one too, if he wanted it! It’s just— shinobi carry knives!”

“Lots of ‘em, apparently,” Shinpachi mutters, impressed.

"That's not--!"

“Ah, hey, Chizuru…” Harada turns to her with a sheepish look, rubbing at the back of his neck. “You know, the bunch of us already checked in here, so uh, why don’t you guys go on up?”

“M-me?” She blinks, on hand resting against her chest. “B-but…”

It’s habit to turn to Yamazaki, to leave space for him to air his own thoughts, his own opinions drawn from forethought and experience, but—

But he’s too busy stumbling under the hand Shinpachi claps to his back, looking like he’d like the carpet to swallow him whole.

“Ah!” Her fingers squeeze tight. “Um, yes. Sure. I’ll…get on that.”

*

The line’s smaller than it was when they first arrived; no longer a crush of people and garment bags and boffers, but a more subdued queue. It’s in no way quick— it moves along, but there’s time to idle between their forays forward, Heisuke pressing Hajime about clans and combat and conspiracies while Yamazaki surreptitiously checks his phone. Never for long, just a click on and off of the screen, like he’s waiting for something, and—

“Next, please.”

“Yukimura,” Hajime intones, utterly serious. “It is your turn.”

She jolts up from her suitcase, eyeing the open desk. “O-oh! Are you sure? I don’t want to keep you all from—?”

“Next customer, please!” another clerk calls from further down as the cluster of people in front of her walk away, polite smile already tacked in place. “Please approach the desk when you’re ready to check in!”

“That’s us,” Yamazaki says, skirting his suitcase wide as he steps around her. “We’ll wait for you when you’re done.”

“Don’t look at me,” Heisuke says, even as she does. “I’m just here for the company. Sano and Shinpachi already handled my room.”

“A-alright.” Hand wrapped tight around her suitcase handle, she rolls forward, knees barely trembling. “H-hello. I have a reservation?”

The receptionist smiles down at her. “Can I have your name?”

“Chizuru Yukimura?” She rises onto her toes, neck craned to watch the woman key her name into their computer, as if that might somehow help her find it. “I should have a single—?”

“Single…? Oh, hm.” The receptionist sits back in her hips, stymied. “I’m actually seeing one of our queen suites?”

A chill races down her spine. “Ah, no, but I— it definitely was supposed to be a single.”

At least it was when she booked it; it was the only thing she could afford, even with the discount. And even then—

“Oh! I see.” A couple clacks across the keyboard brightens the receptionist’s smile by a couple of watts. “It seems you’ve been given a free upgrade to one of our deluxe suites!”

Nothing good comes for free, Father’s voice blares in her ear, they only want to hide a cost you would hesitate pay. Her stomach twists, cold seeping up her throat. “F-free? I don’t have to, er, sign up for anything, or…?”

The receptionist relaxes with clear relief. Chizuru wishes she could do the same. “Yes, completely for free, at no extra charge!”

It’s impossible to swallow past the lump in her throat. “W-why? Did I do something…?”

“It doesn’t say on the reservation.” Her shoulders offer up a scant shrug under her blazer. “We must have run out of single rooms.”

“But…” It’s worse this way, she wants to say, the words clawing in her throat. Because I didn’t earn it. “I…”

“Yukimura.” Yamazaki steps up beside her, furrowed brows already aimed over the counter. “Is everything all right?”

“A-ah, yes!” Chizuru drops her heels, shuffling back from the counter. “It was just…something with the room…?”

“Ms Yukimura received a free upgrade to her reservation,” the receptionist replies cheerily. “Give me one moment, I’ll activate your key.”

“Free upgrade?” He blinks down at her. “Is there something wrong, or—?”

“No!” It’s ridiculous how much of a scene she’s making— anyone else would have just received it with a smile, happy to have gotten the extra mile out of their money, but here she is, half faint, making a mountain out of a molehill. “It’s fine, really.”

The corners of his mouth bite deeper into his cheeks, unconvinced. “Are you sure? One of us could always—?”

“Here you go, ma’am— 1204.” The receptionist hands over a small envelope, two keys nestled inside. With one glance at Yamazaki, her smile slants, angle all-too knowing. “Enjoy your stay. Next customer, please?”

He frowns, knuckles blanching where they grip his bag. “Yukimura—”

“It’s fine!” Her teeth grit down in a smile. “Really, it is. Let’s just get settled in.”

*

The elevator doors ding in distress as Harada wraps his whole hand around one side of them, refusing to let them slide shut. “Are you sure you don’t want one of us to come with you? It’s not that far out of the way.”

It’s four floors at least— her twelve to their eight— and with how the halls stretch across this landing, the lobby central to the rest of the rooms, it’s impossible to say how far of a hike. “No no, it’s fine. I can handle finding it myself.”

“We’re not worried about your sense of direction, Chizu.” Shinpachi crosses his arms over his chest, forbidding. “But what if someone gets weird with you while you’re wandering around up there?”

“Of course that’s your problem with all this,” Souji snorts, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Chizuru gets an upgrade and suddenly you’re all acting like there’s lions trying to split the lame gazelle from the herd. What’s the problem, think someone’s going to make eyes at her getting ice if she doesn’t have at least three of you to scare ‘em off?”

“This is serious,” Shinpachi spits. “There’s a lot of people in this place right now—”

“A serious waste of my time.” With a desultory wave of his fingers, Souji stalks off down the hall, calling over his shoulder, “Chizuru’s already said she’s fine. Call me when it’s time to eat.”

“Don’t listen to him,” Harada hums, his too-kind eyes looming over her. “If you don’t feel comfortable, it’s fine for one of us to—”

“No, I’m okay, really.” Chizuru lets her mouth pull wide, hoping her smile is more confident than she is. “You guys need to get your stuff settled. We can meet up later for dinner.”

Harada hesitates, struggling against another distressed ding. “I don’t know…”

“You have your phone, don’t you?” Yamazaki drags his glare from Souji’s back to where she stands, softening. “You’ll call if you need to?”

“Ah, yes!” It takes a moment to fish her phone from her bag, opening and closing zippers as Harada slowly, by inches, loses his struggle against the doors. “Right here!”

She waves it, lock screen bright in the car, and Harada loosens his grip. “As long as you’re sure…”

“I’m sure.” The words echo behind closed doors, her stomach rolling as the elevator lurches upward. She glances down at her screen, just in time to see it flash 20% at the corner before going black. “I think.”

*

It’s the toots that startle her as she creeps down the hall, suitcase wheels rattling across the close-textured carpet, the loudest noise she’s heard since the elevator doors closed behind her. Her grip tightens around her garment bag, weight shifting back on her heels, ready to turn tail and run, but—

But it’s her. The tooting, that is. Or rather, her phone. Embarrassing how long it takes her to think of it, really, but she does, slipping it right out of the pocket she’d tucked it into. 15% it reads now, but that’s not what draws her attention, not when there’s a notification with Sen’s smiling face beaming beside it. did you make it?

The breath rushes from her lungs, half-sigh, half-laugh. Two steps away. Thanks for asking.

It takes an improbable amount of minutes to manage those two-steps, however. Maybe Harada could have made it in one— or Shinpachi, even— baggage all happily come to heel, card in hand, but Chizuru has to trip over hers first, juggling garment bag and suitcase and half-unzipped travel pack until she realizes she can just put her phone away to free up that critical hand. Even still, there’s rustling and shuffling to trade one flat slip of plastic for another, the envelope half bobbling out of her hands before she manages to prise one of those little cards free.

And then, with a wave of her hand— well, a couple of waves, trying to figure out just how to place the card before she just presses it to the pad at the handle— she’s in. Except—

Except it’s not a bedroom. No, it’s a small living area, couch and TV and a half-wall of a kitchenette, a few chairs scattered around. Chizuru toes off her shoes, parking her suitcase neatly beside them, and peers into the next nearest door— bathroom, the glass enclosed shower tucked into one corner and a huge tub beside it, big enough to fit at least three of her inside without touching. She pads her way across, tiles cold even through her socks, and opens the other door, leading out into—

The bedroom, finally. The queen suite with what has to be the largest queen she’s ever seen.

Her fingers fumble her phone from its pocket, flicking past the lock screen straight to the camera—

Only for, anyone swallow their tongues yet?🤭 to flash right across the top of the screen.

There’s no costumes tonight, only a dinner! Tomorrow will be our first opportunity to be in character Though I don’t think anyone will be swallowing their tongues when I’m dressed as a boy 😅

Chizuru clicks back through to the camera, tapping the screen to focus, but—

“Are those leaves?” She blinks, first at the screen, and then, as she lowers it, the bed covers. Which, as she suspected, is littered with…some sort of nature. She steps close, pinching one velvety piece of detritus between her fingers and murmurs, “Petals?”

Well, she can’t have that.

boo have some confidence!!! you look super cute in that jinbei i bet *someone’s* heart will flutter at the very least

Her neck swivels, this way and that, trying to find someplace— anyplace— where it’s safe to put down her phone, hopefully close to hand, and— ah, there it is, the bedside table. She sets it down, turning back to the bed with a shake of her head. To think, in a hotel as nice as this one, they had just let someone track in half the outside with them.

It takes her a moment to find the trash can hidden beneath the table, but after that, it’s just a matter of goading all the plant stuff off the cover and into it. A bit more work than she thought she’d be putting into settling it, but it’s worth it to have a clean place to sit when Sen asks, is your room nice?

Very!!! I reserved a single, but it seems they had run out of them, so they gave me a free upgrade 😱 The room’s huge! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bed this big!

With a proud grin tugging at her lips, Chizuru takes a quick picture of her newly cleaned covers and sends it off.

omg LOOK at that 😱😱 a real princess bed for hime-sama

Ah, she hadn’t thought of that. Her heels hook around the bed frame, knees cradled up against her chest, and— and Yamazaki might find that funny too, wouldn’t he? Hime-sama having her own palatial accommodations. It’s nothing to flick open his thread and attach the picture, thumb hovering over send—

the only question is who is going to warm hime-sama’s bed 😏

Heat floods her cheeks. What do you mean?

i hear what happens in feudal japan stays in feudal japan you have any idea who you’d like to share with 😏😏😏

I thought princesses didn’t have to share beds

😩 you’re killing me

It’s not new, being teased like this— about this even, not when she lives in a house with six men and a solid half of them only begrudgingly allow themselves to be clothed. But Sen won’t be placated with a blush and stuttered denial— no, once she gets a whiff of romance, she doesn’t know how to give up until she’s got it clenched between her teeth. And unless she wants to pick out one of the guys as her, er, target, well…

It’s funny though! When I got here there was stuff all over the bed

Distraction is the only way out.

stuff?? like…fluids??? gross 🤮 pls tell me you called housekeeping

No, no fluids thankfully! Just some leaf stuff I handled it myself! It took me a while, but I finally got all those little petals off 💪

leaf stuff? petals??

A knock startles her, enough that she finally sees 8% hovering in the corner, her screen flicking over into power saver mode.

“One minute!” she calls out, rummaging through her bag until her fingers catch on the charger cord, tugging it out—

And half of her travel bag. The knock comes again, no more insistent, but Chizuru’s sure it sounds impatient.

“Ah, just another minute, I just have to”— miss the outlet at least twice before she gets it seated— “do this—”

Her screen lights up, the charging icon taking the place of the percentage, and it immediately toots with, where are you staying again?

She has just enough time to dash off, Satsuma Estates, before the knock comes again, and she yelps, “Coming!”

She hurries over, nearly tripping on the corner of her suitcase, but she gets the door open.

“Good evening, Chizuru,” Hajime says, once she does. “It’s time for dinner.”

[robbiefischer]

💍 🎶 🐶 🎄 🍔 for ezra and Patrick and Eliza and Orlando?

Thank you for the ask! I loved getting a chance to think about them, they're not as fleshed out as they could be so this really helped me solidify some stuff about these OCs.

💍 RING — does your oc have any piercings? do they want any (more) piercings?

Eliza has her ears pierced, she has two piercings in each earlobe. She doesn't have or want any other piercings. Ezra has one earlobe piercing in his left ear, but nothing besides that currently. He had his nose pierced when he was younger, but he let it close up after one of the kids in his classroom at the time (he taught preschool) nearly pulled it out. It just wasn't a good idea working closely with unpredictable small children. Patrick doesn't have any piercings, and neither does Orlando nor do they want any.

🎶 MUSICAL NOTES — what type of music does your oc like? do they listen to music very often?

Patrick doesn't listen to music all that often, but when he does he favors instrumental music because he finds lyrics distracting most of the time. He likes a lot of contemporary classical and minimalist music, especially sparse, atmospheric piano, some soft jazz, lots of instrumental film scores, that kind of thing. Ezra likes a wide variety of music - he'll listen to everything from folk rock to metal to EDM to pop hits and everything in between. He's pretty much always got something playing, even if it's only in his head, and he often listens with noise-canceling headphones on at home since a lot of his favorites stress Patrick out a bit when he's trying to relax after work.

Eliza likes a lot of indie folk and pop, as well as a bunch of singer-songwriters - she's really lyrically-focused. In general, she'd rather listen to softer, slower stuff than faster music but there are some exceptions. She also ends up listening to a lot of musical soundtracks and pop because her oldest daughter, Annaliese is really into both and Eliza is a great mom who supports what her children are into. Orlando listens to music pretty much all the time when he's working but not in a meeting or on a call, and he's not at all picky about what he listens to. He's probably more fond of rock than anything else, but he'll add pretty much anything and everything that's catchy and has a good beat to his Spotify playlist and usually just keeps his likes on shuffle. He actually loves musicals, and will be the first to start belting along with a song in the car while he's driving the kids to school.

🐶 DOG FACE — does your oc have any pets?

Ezra and Patrick have an orange boy kitty (with exactly one brain cell) named Charlie and a rabbit named Cocoa that their youngest daughter, Finley, loves more than life itself. He's a family pet because she's only six and way too young to take on full responsibility for any animal, but she'd been begging for a bunny for years.

Orlando and Eliza have two dogs - a husky named Fiona and a golden retriever puppy named Delilah.

🎄 CHRISTMAS TREE — what is your oc's favorite holiday?

Orlando is a total Christmas fanatic. He just loves the entire experience - the food, the music, snowy weather up at their estate, putting up lights, shopping for presents, making gingerbread houses with the kids, decorating trees, just... making it an amazing experience for the whole family. He has the best time playing "Santa" for all of the Calloway kids (but especially his own) and goes all out. Glitter everywhere (that he promises his wife he will be responsible for cleaning up because she hates the stuff), boot prints in the house, "reindeer" tracks out in the snow on the lawn, elaborately wrapped gifts, letters from Santa... the man has no chill about Christmas and everyone in the family loves him for it.

Eliza's a New Year's Eve kind of girl. She looks forward to it all year, but especially after the stress of the winter holiday season. It's always such a busy time at work, then there's just so many family events and so much to do to make everything special for all of the kids in the family. She loves all of the family stuff, but by the end of December she's starting to feel a little bit burned out and is desperately craving some quality time just for her and her husband. Orlando always goes all out for them for NYE - they spend the night in the city at a really fancy hotel, go out for dinner at Eliza's favorite restaurant, they both get all dressed up and just bask in each other's company.

Patrick really loves Thanksgiving. He didn't have great holiday experiences growing up as a kid (his parents are... difficult and have always been super image-oriented, everything was done for appearances rather than enjoyment) so he's still easing into them and building new, pleasant associations with Ezra and their kids. But he loves Thanksgiving food and all of the family time with less stress than Christmas so much.

Ezra's another Christmas lover and everything he loves about it revolves around his family. He loves creating traditions with his husband and kids (they have three - Evan, Alexandria and Finley) and getting to spend tons of quality time with them whether they're decorating the tree, baking and decorating Christmas cookies, going ice skating, picking out matching holiday PJs and curling up on the couch with hot cocoa and a sappy Christmas movie, going to New Islington's tree lighting ceremony or spending evenings out at the Christmas market. He just loves it all. It's also his favorite time of year at work because the preschool and daycare kids just get SO excited and are so cute about it. He spends a lot more time visiting classrooms during the holidays because he loves getting caught up in their excitement.

🍔 HAMBURGER — is your oc good at cooking? are they good at baking? which one do they prefer?

Orlando's a fantastic cook, but he almost never bakes. It's not one of his strengths, although he could handle following a basic cookie recipe or something with the kids if one of them wanted to spend the day baking with him. Although he and Eliza split that responsibility pretty evenly, he probably does a bit more of the cooking in their household (it's about 60% / 40% in his favor) and is always happy to take an extra turn if she's not feeling it. He just enjoys it a bit more than she does.

Eliza's a really good cook, but baking is her one true love and she's great at it. She's been baking bread since she was a teenager and was gifted some of her grandmother's sourdough starter, she does really fancy birthday cakes for everyone in the family and is constantly leveling up her skills learning new, complicated techniques and recipes. Most recently she perfected puff pastry. She'd much rather bake than cook, if you gave her the choice.

Patrick isn't really a huge fan of doing either, but he's become a very good cook (because Patrick becomes good at everything he does, he's persistent like that). He hasn't bothered with baking because he really doesn't enjoy it at all. Honestly though, if it were practical for his family, he'd hire a private chef to cook on all of his nights but he just doesn't hate doing it quite that much.

Ezra is a really good cook, and likes doing it. He really loves cooking with their kids and always tries to find ways to get them involved in an age-appropriate way. He's fine at baking if he sticks to the basics. It's not his favorite thing to do, but he's more than willing to whip up a batch of cookies or brownies with the kids if they want to bake or have requested them.

[arsenal-womens-1]

United by love 4

Grabbing the towel that was on the rack and wrapping it around my body, I stopped the water and left the bathroom. Drying myself off, I couldn't help but wonder

about the path I had chosen and the opportunities that I had turned down and accepted. Sometimes I get the feeling that I chose the wrong path, but it's too late now to change it. 

 

Every decision, whether right or wrong, had led me to this moment. As the water dripped from my skin, the weight of my decisions pressed upon me like a heavy burden. Guilt crept in, whispering reminders of the paths not taken, the opportunities missed, and the people left behind.

 

I had tried to make the right choice, but no matter what, it always feels like I didn't. There has always been a part of me that regrets choosing Orlando and not Liverpool or her. All our memories still play over and over in my head. I regret picking football over her, but we haven't spoken since 2017, so we haven't spoken for 5–6 years.

I wish I could go back and slap myself on the head. I wish I had picked her. 

 

Standing in front of the mirror, the water droplets falling down my body Each droplet of water seemed to carry with it a memory, a reminder of the choices I had made while drying myself of quickly grabbing a Nike black hoodie, white jeans, and mint green and white Jordan 1 high. 

 

Picking my phone up, checking the time at 7:27, well, I’m fucked. Hopefully I won’t get wrong for being late, rushing to the front door, picking my keys up, and getting in the car, turning the keys, pulling out of the driveway as the radio played music softly in the background, the streets of Los AngelesIt looked different and similar at the same time. 

 

As the training senator came in to view, a surge of anticipation rippled through me, mingling with the lingering doubts and regrets that still tugged at my heartstrings.I can’t wait for this new challenge.

————————————————————————————

I know these are short I’m trying to make them longer

Do you like the story so far

[briangroth27]

A Fandom 30 Years in the Making

Two weeks ago on June 11, my favorite movie of all time turned 30! Let’s talk about Jurassic Park!

I’ve heard it said that this was the Star Wars of my generation–the movie that showed Millennials what movies could be–and that’s 100% true for me. This was formative in both my love of movies & my taste in them: I’ll always believe a crowd-pleasing blockbuster adventure with heart & brains can be just as impactful & important as traditional Oscar fare. JP is the kind of movie that makes me want to make movies, which is the highest compliment I can give. Even before I realized writing & filmmaking are what I want to do for real, it helped stoke my imagination when I’d invent new adventures for my toys.

Jurassic Park was one of my earliest experiences seeing a film in the theater; not the first, but definitely one of the most impactful. My family didn’t see a lot of movies in the theater–Friday nights at Blockbuster (paired with Dominos!) & TV airings were my avenue into most films back then–but seeing Jurassic Park when I was 7 is still one of the most vivid memories of my youth.

JP came out in the early days of my experience with fandoms; when things hit for me they hit BIG. I recall being excited about Happy Meal tie-in toys & promotions for movies before Jurassic Park (going back at least as far as Dick Tracy & Rescuers Down Under; Rescuers was actually the first movie I saw in theaters), but Jurassic Park was–along with the Batmania of Batman Returns the previous year–one of the first true blockbuster experiences I got wrapped up in and obsessed with. Batman (the films & the Animated Series), X-men the Animated Series, Spider-man the Animated Series, Power Rangers, Star Trek the Next Generation, & Goosebumps were some of the other massive fandoms of my youth: I had to have everything related to them and was blessed (& probably a little spoiled) by relatives who obliged. Jurassic Park stood out even among those though, because even in pre-streaming days I had fairly constant access to the shows & movies I loved: VHS copies of older movies like Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, Superman, Back to the Future, and weekly TV episodes kept me regularly engaged with my favorite characters. I had a general fascination with dinosaurs beforehand, but Jurassic Park was a singular experience that was just as earth-shattering as any of those franchises. I only saw it once in theaters in 1993, but I immediately loved it and reenacted the jokes & one-liners more times than I can count. Sure I watched the VHS a ton later on, but for it to have such an impact on me without preexisting build-up & hype or familiarity with the characters is pretty impressive.

After seeing it, I remember trying to collect the McDonalds cups (eBay has since helped me out!), reading the junior novelization & original book in the car while my parents drove me & my little sister around, and playing with action figures that took liberties with a few characters’ likenesses & had oddly intensely battle-damaged dinosaurs in the Command Center Playset. I remember the branded school supplies (maybe my first experience recognizing production/promo images that weren’t in the final movie), stopping my mom in the electronics section of Wal-Mart to watch the first T-Rex attack scene on the display TVs, seeing the dinos on covers of Disney Adventures magazine, and playing as Dr. Grant (& a Raptor!) in the Sega Genesis video game. Years later I worked at Universal Orlando and it was still a thrill to walk through the Jurassic section of Islands of Adventure with the iconic theme on repeat, ride a water attraction only briefly referenced in the background of the movie, wish I could ride the Pteranodon Flyers, meet a raptor, and explore the Visitor’s Center!

Disregarding the careless science and horrific deaths, Jurassic Park still makes me wish a place like that existed (obviously a safe version…clearly I’ve learned nothing haha). If it were real I’d absolutely go, even if I’d only be able to afford it on Coupon Day. Can we at least get a video game that lets you visit, explore, & survive the park on the ground instead of just building it? Let me play as Park Operations (like that excellent demo Universal shut down), a park guest caught in the terror, and a dinosaur too!

Despite how much I love it, I can admit Jurassic Park isn’t technically perfect (no movie is!). There’s a literal plothole–that T-Rex paddock ravine comes out of nowhere!–but plot holes don’t matter & I don’t care that the ravine isn’t established before Grant & the kids flee into it. The movie is better for it. Likewise, there are plot threads that don't get tied up neatly and only display character or pay off themes & theories rather than tying into the narrative: the triceratops illustrates Ellie, Alan, & others’ character while the nest Alan & the kids find proves Ian correct, and both moments show us how little control & understanding Hammond & his team ever had (which also proves Ellie right). And sure, Tim could've grabbed the shotgun for Alan instead of watching Lex figure out the computer, but that's a character panicking, not a plot hole. Some might call these moments messy, but none of it is distracting or damaging to the movie.

Even with these technical “flaws,” Jurassic Park is perfect. I love the mix of wonder, adventure, horror, found family, humor, & sci-fi social commentary at play. It’s a fantastic balance masterfully pulled off by Steven Spielberg, David Koepp, and all the actors (who will forever be Alan Grant, Ian Malcolm, Ellie Satler, etc to me). The mix of practical puppetry & CGI is still mind-blowing, the characters are well-crafted & the actors have excellent chemistry, the pacing is superb, and John Williams’ score is one of my top 5 movie themes of all time.

I went back and saw it twice in theaters for the 25th anniversary, making JP the movie I’ve seen most in theaters (I know 3 times isn’t anything compared to some people, but even pre-pandemic when I was going to the theater almost every week I didn’t have the time or money to see anything more than once). And I love that I’m still finding new things in it! As I learned more about filmmaking, I recognized that the character intros are a master class in brilliantly & succinctly telling you exactly what you need to know about every one of these people. Despite never kissing onscreen, Alan & Ellie’s body language & how comfortable they are touching each other (there are even some literal “hold on to your butts” moments in their early scenes) gives more evidence that they were at least friends with benefits if not full-on dating (I always got the impression they were together, & I totally disagree with the discourse from last year that she was his subordinate or significantly younger than him in the movie: even though Laura Dern is much younger than Sam Neill he looks young enough that the characters could be relatively the same age, she acts & is treated as the co-lead of their dig–& she’s got a doctorate too so she’s not a grad student or anything–and you can see how Alan actually does relate to a subordinate in Jurassic Park 3). I’ve seen Nedry’s clothes called out as recreations of the Goonies kids’ attire and that’s fun, but to me it’s cleverer that Tim wears the kid version of his hero Dr. Grant’s outfit. I love the little moment where Hammond (“accidentally?”) puts the map down on Ian’s injured leg when they’re guiding Ellie through the power station. Hammond also mutters a line when the storm is approaching about how he should’ve built in Orlando which was cool to hear since I grew up around there, but is really another example of how he has no idea how to control or escape nature since tropical storms hit Central Florida a lot too.

None of the sequels have lived up to Jurassic Park, but I still enjoy them all (Camp Cretaceous did the best job of recapturing the feel of the original IMO). A problem I had going into Dominion was that I didn’t want either humans or dinosaurs to go extinct, so trying to wrap up this saga in some final battle for dominance was never going to fly for me. Locusts weren’t the answer either, but just give me a streaming show about life in a world with widespread dinos and we’re set. That’s how I want to see this franchise grow: a wide variety of episodes exploring all genres from Espionage to RomCom to body horror to Amblin-styled "kid sneaks a dinosaur into their room" family fare, exploring how life finds many different ways. They could also catch up with classic characters and explore the implications of dinosaurs in any modern setting as well as dig into the misuse of cloning technology & effects of capitalism on scientific advancement without feeling pressured to put a narrative bow on it!

Regardless of where the franchise goes in the future, every time I watch the original I’m immediately swept up and I’m a kid again. “It’s…it’s a dinosaur!” will make me tear up with joy. Every one-liner will land. The T-Rex and Raptor attacks will have me on the edge of my seat. John Hammond failed to create an authentic spectacle he could control with the park, but everyone involved in this movie absolutely created real magic.