#Overhead Door roll up doors Texas

[slashhinginghasher]

No Such Thing As A Free Ride

I am going to rewrite The Hitcher with Soap and Ghost and you cannot stop me.

~

It's pissing it down out there.

Johnny can barely hear the radio over the sound of the rain, which has practically turned his windshield into a solid sheet of water. He's turned up the wipers on the rental car as fast as they can go, is half-afraid they'll go flying off, and they still can't keep up with the downpour. Isn't Texas supposed to be a desert? It sure had looked like it before the clouds rolled in, bringing night early and opening up with an unexpected fury. If he'd wanted to deal with this crap weather, he'd have stayed home in Scotland.

Well, no he wouldn't.

Life at home had been stifling as of late. Job was shite, flatmates were shite. Family on his arse to make something of himself. His girlfriend dumped him, claiming he "lacked direction", whatever the hell that meant. He turned in his nametag, cashed his last paycheck, and hopped on a plane across the pond, and fuck you all very much.

He's the only one on the road right now, at least as far as he can see. Which, granted, is hardly anything. He's tempted to pull over, wait the storm out on the side of the road, but he knows about flash floods. Drowning in the middle of the desert would just be embarrassing. Plus, he'd like to get his deposit back on the rental. He drives on at half the speed limit, white-knuckling the wheel and hoping he doesn't get mowed over by one of those fuck-off big trucks he's seen at every gas station.

He would've missed the figure entirely had he been going full speed: a sodden silhouette of a human being plodding along the side of the road. As it is, it takes a full second for the sight to process and for Johnny to slam on the brakes, nearly losing control of the car as it starts to hydroplane. Once he's come to a shaky stop, he checks the rearview mirror - that is definitely a person. Poor bastard must've run their car off the road when the storm hit.

Johnny puts the car in reverse and backs up, slowly so the stranger doesn't think he's trying to run them down. As soon as he pulls abreast of them, he throws open the passenger door so the interior light comes on.

"You need a lift, mate?" he calls, shouting nearly full volume to be heard over the rain.

The stranger is a man, fucking big bastard too, and Johnny feels a slight prickle of misgiving that he quickly shakes off. He's no stranger to the gym, and pretty scrappy in a fight if it comes down to it, so he figures he can defend himself if the guy turns out to be Ted Bundy.

He's starting to think it'll be a nonissue since the man hasn't said anything or even acknowledged Johnny, but then he ducks into the passenger seat and pulls the door shut behind him in one startlingly swift, silent movement.

The overhead light goes off with the door shut, and Johnny only has the faint glow of the dashboard to study the man he just invited into his space. He's got a dark jacket with the hood pulled up, and some kind of mask covering his face from the nose down. It must be uncomfortable, soaked through as he is, but he makes no move to take it off, even when Johnny reaches over to turn up the heat.

He seems even bigger in the confines of the car, swallowing up the space in a way that makes it harder for Johnny to breathe. He has to swallow a few times before he speaks.

"Which way you headed?" he asks.

The stranger stays silent, just staring out at the rain. Johnny's about to repeat himself when, in the space of a blink, the man turns to face him. He jumps at the sudden movement, heart in his throat for no good reason. The stranger is pale, a shock of blond hair plastered to his forehead over even blonder eyebrows. But what gets Johnny is his eyes. They're dark, so endlessly deep and dark against that light hair and the surrounding shadow of the hood, and Johnny feels like he's staring into the empty sockets of a skull.

"I'm getting your seats all wet," the stranger says.

His voice is deep, rough. A stone door grating shut over the mouth of the tomb.

And, even more surprisingly, British. Northern, from the sound of it, maybe around Manchester. Johnny tells himself the lurch in his stomach is from the excitement of meeting an unexpected neighbor this deep in the States.

"Um," he says. Clears his throat. "'S alright. It'll dry."

Brilliant conversation, John. Fantastic stuff.

"I'm Johnny, by the way." He feels immature and stupid the moment the nickname exits his mouth. "John. Mactavish."

A few beads of water drip off the stranger's hood, and Johnny's starting to shiver even though he's not the one that's soaked to the bone. He puts the car in drive and pulls back out onto the road, even though he still doesn't know what direction his passenger is heading. Anything is better than being swallowed up by the unfathomable depths of that gaze.

The radio's gone to static, so Johnny shuts it off. Just the road and the rain and his pulse in his ears and the black hole presence in the seat next to him.

The man fiddles about in the center console a bit, coming up with a cigarette lighter adapter Johnny had forgotten was there. He plugs it in and produces a damp carton of cigarettes from some inside coat pocket. Instead of pulling the mask down, he rolls it up from the bottom, revealing a strong chin and a wide mouth with a scar running through it. Johnny's own mouth feels dry as he watches from the corner of his eyes while the stranger taps a smoke free from the pack and places it between his lips.

"Best not do that in here," he blurts. "It's not my car."

The man acts as though he didn't hear him.

Johnny jumps when the cigarette lighter pops out. The stranger plucks it free, studies the glowing orange circle like it's the most interesting thing in the car. Then he cuts his gaze over to Johnny and presses it to the tip of his cigarette.

There's a faint sizzle as the damp paper lights up, and Johnny feels like he's burning up with it. His ma always said he had an overactive imagination, but he could swear the man next to him is thinking about pressing that ring of fire into flesh instead of paper.

The man takes a deep drag, then cracks the passenger window and blows the smoke in its general direction.

"Name's Ghost."

Johnny exhales, long and slow through his nose. Okay. The bloke's clearly had a shit day, just needed a hit of nicotine before he could be civil. That's okay. He nods like the man hasn't given him one of the most fucked up names he could have in this situation.

"So, what brings you all the way out here to the good old U.S. of A.?" Maybe if he can keep a conversation going, he'll stop feeling like he's made a terrible mistake.

Ghost just shrugs. Christ, he's a big fucker. His shoulders must be almost twice as broad as Johnny's, and Johnny's no scrawny little shrimp. Why is he thinking about his shoulders?

The rain is starting to ease up, but they're well past sundown and it's still dark as hell out there. The headlights catch a glint of something reflective. After a bit of squinting, Johnny can make out the shape of a car nose-first in a roadside ditch.

"That yours?"

They're quite a ways down the road from where he picked up Ghost. No wonder he was in a mood.

"Nah."

Johnny sits up a bit, surprised. What are the odds of him coming across two travelers stranded in the rain along the same stretch of road? The car definitely looks to be in rough shape, though. He doesn't really have room for another person in here, what with his bags and all, but he could give them some dry clothes, a bit of first aid, offer to send help back from the next town. He starts to slow down.

Ghost's hand clamps down on Johnny's thigh and presses his foot to the accelerator. Johnny tries to lift his foot, but it's like fighting against a mountain.

"What the hell?" he shouts. "Let go of me, you big bastard!"

The numbers on the speedometer are climbing alarmingly fast. Ghost's hand is burning hot even through the fabric of his gloves and Johnny's jeans and steamin' jesus no one's hands have a right to be that big. They shoot past the other car, moving far too quickly to see if there's anyone inside, and Ghost's grip on Johnny's leg is getting tighter.

They're going almost 100 mph now, and Johnny's getting ready to throw the emergency brake in desperation when Ghost suddenly lets go. Johnny eases off the gas, hits the brake as soon as they've slowed enough that it won't send the car into a tailspin. His thigh is cold, tingling. He whips around to glare at Ghost in righteous anger and not a little fear.

"What the fuck was that about, you arsehole? We could have crashed!" He's shaking now as the adrenaline starts to drop, and rakes a frantic hand through his hair. "Someone back there could've needed help!"

Ghost stares at him, implacable.

"Keep driving, Johnny."

He'll never be able to explain - to the cops or god or anyone else - why he listens.

"We need to get to town," he rambles aloud to himself as his brings them up to a safe and reasonable speed. "Tell them there's been a wreck and they need to send help."

Ghost tosses his cigarette butt out the window.

"Don't bother. It's too late for him."

Johnny's going to give himself whiplash with the number of times he's twisted his head to stare at the other man.

"What d'you mean, 'too late'? Did you see him earlier? Why didn't you say anything?"

Ghost doesn't answer. Johnny's starting to feel really uneasy.

"What the fuck does 'too late' mean, Ghost?!"

That gets his attention. There's a heat in Ghost's eyes that wasn't there before, like the heat of his hand on Johnny's thigh, or the heat of a cherry red ember.

"Too late means dead, Johnny." There's a soft huff from behind the mask that could maybe be mistaken for a laugh. "Bled out from a hole in the head."

It's probably not safe to have his eyes off the road for this long, but Johnny can't look away. It's instinct, the prey needing to know where the predator is at all times.

"How do you know?" he croaks.

Ghost's eyes are sparkling.

"'Cause I'm the one that gave it to him."

[dilf-din]

What it Means to be Living

Pairing: Ellie and Joel

WC: 830

Warnings: none, just some good ol’ Jackson fluff and domesticity

A/N: title was derived from Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. I feel like this song is very them coded. Enjoy!

When you’re crossing the country on foot, rain is not something to look forward to. Spending days camped out in an abandoned gas station waiting for a deluge to pass, sitting on pins and needles hoping no one finds you seeking dry shelter, jumping at every unfamiliar sound, bones aching for heat— a shudder passed down Joel’s spine as he reminisced on that chapter of his life. He had spent more nights than he cared to count huddled in dark corners running off of adrenaline waiting for dawn to break.

Here in Jackson though? Rain was good. Rain was a blessing. Spring showers meant full rain barrels and a plentiful harvest. They meant roasted squash in the fall and extra carrots in your soup come winter. Clouds that blocked out the typically blue banner bringing humid air and eerie, dark grey light in the middle of the day were something he and Ellie looked forward to. So when he saw the cumulonimbus formation creeping in their direction at the end of his patrol shift the night before, he couldn’t wait to race home and make plans with Ellie for the following day. They were both off, another rarity now that she had finished school. She was always off somewhere getting into trouble. The nights they spent curled up on the couch becoming few and far between these days, but she couldn’t resist a good thunder storm.

Joel’s rocking chair creaked, cutting through the stark silence of an empty street. Most people planned on staying huddled inside for the next few hours if they could help it. If they were still in Texas, Joel would’ve expected a tumbleweed to careen down the street, the rustle of its branches singing a quiet song as it traveled down the dirt path.

The screen door swung shut behind Ellie who was careful to catch it with her hip to prevent it from slamming. Something about disturbing the peace felt wrong to both of them. They both held these afternoons in their hearts with a solemn reverence.

She set a stale cup of coffee next to Joel, a treat they saved for days like today, clutching a mug that was more honey than tea to sip on as she took her seat. With a blanket draped across her lap, she kicked off the porch to fall into a gentle rhythm in her chair mirroring Joel.

The first roll of thunder rumbled in the distance, and she closed her eyes, taking a big inhale of the heavy air.

“Just in time,” Joel smiled softly, bringing the cup to his lips to take a long sip.

Ellie smiled at the sound, thinking of the way he slurped coffee from the thermos they picked up at Bill and Frank’s on their journey here. It felt like a lifetime ago, but it had only been a few years. The lines around his eyes were deeper now, his hair more grey than brown these days.

The first pitter patters of rain found their landing places on the overhang of the porch. Those sparse drops soon sweeping over them in a gentle rush covering the whole town. The rustle of wind through the trees, thunder now crashing loud overhead, the drops forming a small puddle at the edge of the steps with a steady plink, plink, plink, all of it coming together in a symphony that the pair reveled in like an old favorite tune, a lullaby from childhood whose words have since faded, but whose melody was stored in their hearts, easily falling from their lips as they rocked side by side.

Joel lifted up his guitar and started picking softly. No tune in particular, just a quiet accompaniment to nature’s song.

“Starlight’s due any minute now,” Ellie remarked, “I’m hoping it’s a day I’m off from patrol. Dan said I could help deliver the baby if I’m here.”

Joel smiled at how well she had taken to the horses. She was a natural when it came to riding, even more so when it came to caring for them. They seemed to speak the same language. Ellie knew what it was like to be afraid, always leading with gentle, hushed tones and soothing words when she was around them.

Joel’s fingers strummed around until he found a familiar melody, one of Ellie’s favorites. Her mouth turned up into a smile as he started singing the words in his low voice.

“You got a fast car, I want a ticket to anywhere.”

“Maybe we can make a deal, maybe together we can get somewhere,” her lighter voice picked up.

The two of them sang off and on, adding to the symphony of life playing around them. It made them feel connected, it made them feel alive. After all they had been through, to be sitting on a porch together, voices in quiet harmony, the safety of home at their backs, they couldn’t help but think life was worth living after all.

[vicsnook]

What Happened in Texas | Tim Riggings x Reader x Jake Seresin

word count: 3489

warnings: SMUT, MINORS DNI 18+

notes: Hey y’all! Hope everyone is doing well. Firstly, I just want to thank y’all for all the likes and reblogs ok my past works <3. I have been working on this two part series for a while and it’s finally finished! Like Wildest dreams, this will have two endings, one in which the reader ends up with Jake, and one in which the reader ends up with Tim. Both endings will be linked under their respective characters once posted. Hope y’all enjoy!! Don’t forget to like and reblog 🫶🏼. Lastly, I know the spelling of Seresin is different in both shows but for the sake of the plot let’s pretend its the same.

PART 1

Hangman’s family was having a big Fourth of July party and had invited everyone who worked with Jake so here you were about to board a plane to Austin, Texas. 

As you settled into your window seat, a handsome stranger sat down next to you. Usually, you’d be annoyed when a stranger puts their arm on your armrest but this time you didn’t mind. You reached for your headphones in your backpack only to realize they were a long way away in your apartment, still plugged into your laptop. 

“Let me guess, forgot your headphones?” asked the stranger next to you with an unmistakable Texas drawl. You nodded and smiled shyly at him. 

“I’m Tim,” he said, stretching out his hand for you to shake. You shook his hand and replied, “I’m y/n, nice to meet you.” 

“Pleasure’s mine. I don’t mind sharing my headphones darlin’ so long as you don’t mind watching the same thing I am.” He smiled, offering you one of his headphones which you graciously accepted.

“Thanks, Tim,” you muttered, turning your attention to the movie playing on the tiny screen in front of Tim's seat. 

—

As you landed in Austin, you handed Tim back his headphone. Both of you stood up once the plane was nearly empty and he handed you your bag from the overhead compartment. You smiled gratefully and then checked your phone to find a text from Hangman saying he would be there in about 40 minutes due to traffic. 

Rolling your eyes you disembarked the plane and made your way to the airport bar, grateful you didn’t have any baggage to claim. Looking up you caught Tim smiling at you from across the bar. You waved at him and he stood up and made his way over to you. 

“So, we meet again.”

“It would appear so, must be my lucky day” he replied, winking at you. You looked down to hide the blush that was creeping onto your cheeks. You downed the rest of your drink and ordered another one. The thought of being in a car alone with Jake was not something that excited you. You couldn't help but already regret coming. 

Tim told you about his ranch and how he was coming home from a business trip. You smiled, hanging on to his every word. Not long after though he told you he had to go and so you walked with him to the exit since Jake would be arriving soon anyway. As you reached the airport doors, you turned to Tim and thanked him for keeping you company. He said likewise and headed out to the parking lot. Leaving you to wait for Jake who thankfully pulled up not long after.

—

The ride was pretty quiet after the typical greetings. Jake casually hummed to the songs on the radio as you stared out the truck window at the fields, still thinking about Tim. You just couldn’t shake off something about him and regretted not getting his number. It didn’t matter now, you’d probably never see him again anyway.

“Hello? Earth to y/n?”

“Sorry, I zoned out, what’s up?” you said, raising your eyebrow at him curiously. He smiled at you and pointed ahead to a gas station.

“I’m gonna stop and get gas. Want anything?”

“No, thank you. How much longer til we’re there?” 

“About 15 minutes,” he replied as he got out to pump gas. You sighed, feeling ready to lay down on a bed and take a nap. Jake passed you a Dr. Pepper as he got back in and you smiled gratefully. Shaking your head you looked out the window trying to focus on the beautiful view and not on your memories with Jake. 

—

“Welcome to Dillon, Texas.” Jake smiled as he pointed to the water tower that you were driving by. You noticed all the national championship signs in the windows of the stores downtown. Jake sure wasn’t kidding when he said they were big on football here.

The dirt driveway was long, cows were inside the fences that lined up the road, and at the very end was a gorgeous ranch. As the truck came to a halt, you jumped out and looked around, mesmerized by all the beauty.

“You must be y/n!” squealed a woman from the porch who you recognized as Jake’s mom. You smiled as she pulled you into a hug. “I’m Nancy, Jake’s mama. It’s so nice to finally meet you, Jake’s told us a lot about you, honey.” 

“Only good things I hope,” you replied, following her into the huge house. “Of course. There’s a room set up for you right up the stairs to the left. Matty why don’t you show y/n to it?” she asked the man sitting on the couch. You smiled at her gratefully and followed the man up the stairs. Taking notice of all the photos of Jake on the wall. 

“This is it, By the way, I’m Matt, Jake’s cousin,” said the man as you shook his already extended hand and thanked him for showing you to your room.

Jake came in and set your bag at the foot of the bed soon after. “Make yourself comfortable. Oh and we’re meeting up with everyone in about an hour to go to the football game,” said Jake as you sat on the edge of the bed.

“What football game?” you asked. Jake grinned “It’s Friday night in Texas baby, we’ve got to go see the Dillon Panthers play.” The famous Dillon Panthers that he’d told you all about and whose shirt was somewhere back home in the bottom of your closet. 

You opted for a quick shower before leaving. The cool water felt great in the Texas heat. Even though your relationship had fizzled out a while back and not in the best way, you were glad Jake still tried to be nice. Quickly you headed downstairs when Nat texted that they were here.

Once outside, a pang of melancholy hit you. This could’ve been your life with Jake but fate had other plans. Nat pulled you out of your thoughts into a much-needed hug and whispered in your ear to ride with them to the stadium. You nodded and greeted Bob and Rooster.

“Y’all follow me to the stadium. There is a Hall of Fame building by it and I want to show y'all before the game.” Commanded Jake as Rooster turned the ignition.

“Sure thing, Bob here is gonna ride with you and we’ll take Y/N.” Nat told Jake as you slid in the backseat. His smile faltered for a second but he was quick to get into the truck and peel out the driveway before you could even give it a second thought.

—

You and Nat sang along to the radio while Rooster tried to follow Jake as best as he could. It didn’t help that the man drove like a bat out of hell but thankfully you all made it in one piece. 

Jake’s cousin, Matt was waiting by the doors for y’all and introduced everyone to his wife Julie before heading inside. Julie pointed out her father in one of the pictures,  he’d apparently coached Matt. Frowning, you bent down and stared at the picture of the 2006 champions, a familiar face poking out. 

“Hey Matt, who’s number 33?” you asked, trying to confirm your suspicions. “Oh, that’s Tim Riggins. Why?” he replied, staring at you curiously.

Everyone had now turned their attention to the both of you. “We met at the airport, that’s all.” You replied, turning to look at the next case and hoping that was the end of the conversation.

You smiled at Jake who was showing you a team picture from when his team won the national championship a couple of years after Matt’s team did. Following along you looked at all the memorabilia and listened to Jake go on about his glory days. 

As he reached the end of the hallway, everyone followed him out the doors and onto the stadium. Matt and Jake stopped to say hello to old friends so you and Bob decided to head for the concessions. The line thankfully was very short and it was a surprise to see who was working there.

“So we meet again, darlin,’” said Tim as Bob ordered popcorn and drinks for everyone. 

“It would appear so. You know, I’m here with Matt Seresin, he’s my coworker's cousin.” You replied, as you handed him cash for your stuff.

“Matty? I didn’t know he was in town. Can you have him come by later and say hi?” He asked, handing you your change. His hand lingering on yours a little longer than it needed to. “Uh, ye-yeah.” You stuttered. 

“Oh, and I’m throwing a party tonight too after the game. You and your friends should come. Matty knows my address.” He smiled, and you hollered yes in response as Bob was already dragging you through the growing crowd back toward the group. 

—

The Panthers were winning the game and Matt got up to go get a drink. You went with him and told him about Tim being at the concessions stand and the party. He agreed that everyone should go and you both parted before reaching the concessions stand as you had to use the restroom. 

The game ended not long after that and all of you gathered in the parking lot. Matt told everyone about the party and everyone agreed it was a good idea to go. So here you were now with Nat and Rooster once again, on the way to Tim’s.

“So, y/n, what’s this Tim guy like?” asked Nat, while fiddling with the radio trying to find a good station.

“Um, he’s nice. We met earlier today so I don’t really know much about him.” You replied, playing on your phone as she finally settled on a station.

You caught her eye in the rearview mirror and she gave you a knowing look. She always knew when you were holding back.

—

Tim’s ranch was beautiful. There was a line of parked cars all the way out to the gate. The party was in full swing as you all made your way in. Matt, Julie, and Jake split off to say hello to more old friends while Bob, Nat, Rooster, and you, headed for the kitchen to grab some beers. 

As you walked past the sliding door, you spotted Tim outside. He seemed to spot you as well since he got up and made his way to you. 

“You made it!” he exclaimed, pulling you in for a hug. “Sure did. Your home is beautiful, Tim.” You said while pulling away. He smelled like sandalwood and beer. A combination you didn’t know you liked until now.

“Want a tour?” he asked, motioning for you to follow him outside. “Sure!” you replied, following him.

He showed you the stables. Letting you feed a carrot to his horse. You involuntarily shivered as a breeze came through and he quickly took off his flannel and gave it to you. A blush crept into your cheeks as you took it and thanked him then you continued to follow him around.

The tour finally came to an end by the sliding door where it started. Bob waved at you from the other side when he spotted you. You waved back and then turned back towards the kitchen where Tim was. 

Time seemed to fly by as you and Tim sat on the couch and talked. Getting to know each other more and more. Both of you were unaware of anyone around you as it felt you were the only ones there.

“You know, I’m really glad you came tonight.” He said, leaning to set his beer bottle on the table beside you. “Yeah, me too.” You replied. His face was only inches away from yours as he set the bottle down.

You glanced down at his lips and then back up to his eyes. His hand reached up to cup your cheek and you closed your eyes. Feeling his lips on yours soon after. 

The butterflies in your stomach intensified when he deepened the kiss. Your tongues fighting for dominance as he leaned back and pulled you closer to him. 

Pulling away for air, both of you smiled at each other. It was only the sound of broken glass that startled you both out of the moment. Turning around you spotted Jake in the kitchen. His face stoic as he turned and walked outside leaving the broken beer bottle on the ground.

Shaking your head you turned back to Tim who was looking at you confused. “Um, so, where were we?” you asked, trying to break the tension. “Here, I’ll show you,”  he replied, pulling you in for another kiss. 

“Why don’t we go upstairs? Less chaos up there.” He asked, pulling away. “Sure,” you murmured, taking his outstretched hand and following him. 

You looked at the pictures on the wall as he led you down the hallway. Some with a guy you assumed was his brother as they looked similar. Most were just pictures of the ranch. 

He came to a halt in front of the last door in the hall and turned the knob. You followed him in and took in the room. There were wood beams on the ceiling, wooden walls, antlers, and right in the middle was a king-sized bed. The room looked like walking straight into a cabin. 

“Wow, this room is amazing,” you whispered, following Tim to the glass door that led out onto a balcony that faced the stables. 

He sat down on the rocking chair that was off to the side and tapped his leg. You felt your cheeks blush as you sat on his leg and his arms wrapped around your waist. 

—

The view was amazing and the silence was peaceful and not awkward. One of his hands abandoned your waist to play with your hair. Everything felt like pure bliss in that moment making you wonder how someone you’d just met could already make you feel like that. 

Tim kissed your neck softly, snapping you out of your thoughts. You turned your head and kissed him. You both kissed feverishly this time as if at any moment you’d each be gone. 

You’d never been the type for a hookup but that thought quickly faded away when Tim pulled at your hair and then kissed that spot on your neck that had you begging for more. 

As they say, what happens in Texas stays in Texas so when Tim stood up and led you back inside the room, you followed without hesitation. The back of your knees hit the bed and Tim laid you down on it.  Only pulling away from you for a moment when you both kicked off your shoes. 

Your hands explored his toned chest as you lifted his shirt off then pulled him back closer in between your legs. The music from the party faded away in the background as he took off your shirt and bra then took one of your nipples into his mouth while pinching the other in between his fingers. Your moans filled the room as he trailed kisses all the way down to your shorts.

Slowly he pulled them off, gazing at you. You felt your cheeks burn and so you looked away embarrassed. “Hey, look at me. You’re gorgeous, honey.” Tim whispered, his hand turned your face to him, his green eyes meeting yours.

You smiled and pulled him back up to you, running your fingers through his long hair.  He moaned against your mouth as you lightly tugged it. His hand toyed with the band of your underwear and you moaned against his lips as he finally slid them down and his fingers spread you open.

He slowly drew circles on your clit making you arch your back in pleasure. But you wanted more and as if he could read your mind, Tim eased two fingers into you while still rubbing your clit. 

“You’re so wet baby,” he whispered in your ear as his fingers pressed hard against your g-spot. You moaned in response but were quickly silenced by his kisses. 

You felt yourself getting close as you tightened around his fingers and he bit your bottom lip. “Cum for me” He breathed against your neck, keeping the rhythm in which he fingered you and played with your clit steady.

Your legs shook as you started to reach your orgasm. Feeling your back arch as Tim worked you through it. “You taste so good.” He said, tasting you on his fingers. 

“I want you.” You replied as your breathing finally leveled out. Tim smiled, “Yes ma’am.” His jeans and underwear hitting the floor soon after.

He positioned himself over you and then rubbed his tip against your entrance. You tilted your head back and moaned in pleasure as he slowly and fully slid inside you. His pace was slow to let you adjust to his size.

“Faster,” you begged, making him up the pace. Hitting your g-spot as he not only went faster but thrust harder into you. You knew it wouldn’t be long now til you reached your orgasm again as he continued to hit the perfect spot. 

“I’m so close, Tim,” you moaned, and his fingers made their way back to your clit. You dug your nails into his back as your vision blurred and your legs shook at your impending orgasm. His thrusts turned faster and sloppier and soon after he was pulling out and cumming all over your stomach. 

The room was quiet except for your shared gasps. Tim got up and quickly walked into the bathroom and came back with a rag. Helping you clean his cum off you. 

He handed you his shirt as you got up to use the bathroom and you graciously accepted. You splashed your face with water then wiped off your smeared mascara. 

Tim was waiting for you on the bed when you came out, arms stretched open. You settled into his arms and smiled to yourself as he kissed the top of your head. 

—

The clock beside the bed read 3 AM when you were startled awake by the loud knocking on the door. Tim was still peacefully snoring so you slid out of his arms as carefully as you could and quickly slid your underwear and shorts back on as you rushed to see who was on the other side.

“Jake,” you muttered, surprised that he’d been the one knocking. Your mind suddenly came back to reality as you realized your whereabouts and that you’d been sleeping for a while probably. “We’re leaving. Do you need a ride? Jake asked, his displease with you was evident.

“Um I’ll-” you began to reply but were cut short by Tim who had woken up and was now standing behind you in nothing but his boxers. “I can take y/n home if that’s fine with her.” He told Jake, wrapping his arm around your waist.

“I didn’t ask you, Tim, I asked y/n,” Jake replied, giving Tim a dirty look and then looking back at you. “It’s okay Jake, um thank you for offering but I’ll go with Tim.” You replied, knowing it wasn’t what he wanted to hear but you didn’t have the energy for a very awkward car ride. Jake nodded in response then turned around and headed down the hallway towards the stairs to leave, stopping at the top and shooting both you and Tim a glare. 

“Is it okay if I take you home in the morning or would you rather go now?” Tim asked. “We’ll go in the morning. It’s pretty late now.” You replied, following him to the bed.

“Shouldn’t we check that everyone else went home though?” You asked, still standing by the bed. He smiled at you before replying “Nah, they all have. The music’s turned off so Billy definitely has kicked them out by now.”

“Billy?” You asked. “Yeah, he’s my older brother. He lives in the other house by the stables.” He responded.

“Oh,” you replied, as you shrugged off your shorts and climbed back into the bed beside him. Laying your head onto his chest and trying to go back to sleep to no avail. Tim on the other hand was already fast asleep in minutes.

Your phone went off from where you had set it on the nightstand earlier. Picking it up you noticed 8 missed calls from earlier in the night. They were from Nat and Jake. 

There was also a new text from Nat that read “I hope you enjoyed your night and please be safe.” You smiled faintly and replied “Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” then set your phone down and cuddled back up to Tim. This time quickly falling asleep.

(click here for next part Tim’s version)

(click here for next part Jake’s version)

[completeoverhead]

Complete Overhead Door provides expert garage door installation in Plano and Lewisville, TX. Trust us for durable, reliable, and secure garage doors that enhance your home's functionality and style.

[easygaragedoorrepair]

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[duraservcorp20]

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[toosicktoocare]

writing a 3-chapter 911 fic set after 911 S4 Ep 3 and 911 Lone Star S2 Ep 3 :) 

Also found on AO3

Buck thumbs at the screen of his cell phone, eyes blurring faintly around the edges. He taps to his messages, working around a yawn as he types out a quick text.

[To: Eddie] made it

Even through the dirt and pollen prickled across his windshield, the apartment complex before him looks nice, modern, and somehow a little out of place. His phone buzzes in his hand, and he frowns when he spots Eddie’s name flicking across his notification bar. It’s late… Well, Buck thinks, looking at the red 3:16 AM time blinking at the corner of his jeep’s radio, it’s actually really early, and Eddie should definitely be asleep right now.

[From: Eddie] Good. I was worried.

Buck doesn’t miss the faint blush that creeps up his cheeks, and yet, his eyes all but sink at Eddie’s text. The warmth flushing his cheeks is superficial; it doesn’t touch his eyes with bright colors, nor does it guide his lips into a smile. It just… hurts. His chest feels tight, and his heart feels too small against a towering, empty rib cage. Sighing, he taps back a message.

[To: Eddie] you’re such a worrywart

The sudden low rumble of thunder overhead scares Buck. He jumps, and his phone flies from his hand, hitting the passenger seat floor with a thump. “Shit,” he mutters, feeling around for it in the dark, snagging it only after it buzzes with a third message.

[From: Eddie] how am I not supposed to worry when you tell me you’re taking a solo boy’s trip right after a 24-hour?

[From: Eddie] I’m pretty sure the single gray hair I found on my head is not because of Christopher.

[From: Eddie] He’s bummed you didn’t take him, by the way.

Buck skims through the messages, shaking his head.

[To: Eddie] tell Chris he’s my wingman for my next 10 trips

[To: Eddie] also go to sleep old man

His phone lights up with a series of emojis, some of which don’t actually make sense, and Buck can’t help but laugh quietly to himself. He and Hen have been teaching Eddie to use emojis more in his texts so he doesn’t “sound like such an old geezer,” as Hen so nicely puts it, and since then, he’s been using every symbol he can get his hands on, unaware of how inappropriate many are. It’s cute, and that alone is enough to have Buck’s smile curving back downward, and the pain that was temporarily pushed back by harmless messages of angry face emojis comes back to the center of his chest, a heavy pressure he can’t shake. His eyes flick across Eddie’s final message.

[From: Eddie] I can hear you groaning from here, so I’ll stop. Seriously though, get some rest, Buck. I’m pretty sure my old man heart can’t take another 20 hours of you driving back on no sleep.

[To: Eddie] will do. night Eddie

He locks his phone, and for a moment, he just stares at the raindrops drumming lightly against his windshield. They mix in with the dust and grime of a twenty-hour road trip, streaking down in inconsistent zigzags that blur the apartment building in front of him. Even enclosed in the car, he can feel the thickness of humidity pushing against his jeep, and he can only imagine how heavy it is when paired with the rain.

This is stupid, he thinks. He shouldn’t be here. Sure, he can give spontaneity a run for its money on many an occasion, but this? Twenty hours in a car on no sleep? Exhaustion doesn’t even begin to cut it, neither does the headache pounding dully against his temples. Still, he knows that if he didn’t come, he’d be spending yet another sleepless weekend alone, with only his thoughts twisting into daggers in his mind.

He works through his nerves, breathing low and deep, focusing on how wide his lungs can expand along his rib cage and not on the fact that he’s sitting in his jeep twenty hours from home ridiculously early in the morning in a different state.

“Come on, Buck,” he tells himself, shaking out his arms and rolling his shoulders. “Just go.” He follows his own verbal lead, hopping out of his jeep with a low gasp. The rain is somehow suffocatingly hot against his skin yet cold enough to have him trembling. He curses under his breath, wrapping his arms around himself as he jogs up to the apartment building, whipping past rooms until he stops on the number he’s read everyday in a text for the last three weeks.

He’s tucked under an awning, staring at the door that somehow seems far too large and daunting, just like everything else in this damn state. “Knock.” He rolls his eyes at his own voice and lifts his hand, rapping his knuckles quickly against the door.

It takes a moment for a light to flick on behind the closed blinds, and then Buck can hear locks clicking. His breath goes tight in his throat, stopping just before his lungs, and his shaking slows until he’s impossibly still on this foreign apartment step. The door opens, and he frowns, eyes briefly flicking from the tall, dark, and very shirtless man and back to the number on the door that he knows he got right.

“Hey, man. Can I help you?”

“Uh,” Buck drags out around a nervous laugh. He smiles sheepishly, and on instinct, rubs at the back of his neck. “Yeah, sorry. I was looking for—”

“—Buck?”

The man’s face twists, his jaw tightening into a sharp line, and Buck leans over, looking past the man’s shoulder to see TK walking into what appears to be a combo living/dining room from a dark hallway. He looks tired but openly worried, and Buck can feel what little composure he’s hanging onto by a frayed thread crumbling.

“Woah, wait. This… This is Buck? This is the guy from LA you’ve been texting for weeks?”

TK rolls his eyes, but the furrow in his brow remains, so prominent against his pale face. He pads quickly across the room, squeezing into the doorway. “Stop, Carlos,” he mutters, sharing a quiet look with Carlos before he turns back to Buck, frown deep. “Buck? What’s going on? Are you okay?”

Buck can only imagine how he must look: pale, drenched, tired, broken. He can feel his eyes stinging, and he swallows thickly. “Do you remember when I asked you if you wanted to hang out sometime if you’re ever in LA, and you told me you have a boyfriend?” The words are practically spilling from his tongue. He practiced. For twenty hours, he ran through just how exactly he planned to initiate this impromptu visit, but now that he’s living the scenario, his mind’s a jumbled, shaking mess.

“Uh, sure?” TK cocks his head to the side, and for a moment, he holds an expression that shows how lost he is, but then his face softens, and Buck can already hear the apology mixing in with recognition.

“Shit, Buck. I didn’t mean to insinuate—”

“—no, it’s…” Buck struggles with his words, his voice shaking. He laughs again, but the small huff of air cracks, and even though he wishes he can blame the sudden dampness on his cheeks on the rain dripping coldly from his hair, he knows his eyes are overflowing wells he can no longer control. “I just… I guess I’m just really confused, and… I wanted… You seem so confident, and I just—”

“—Hey, it’s okay,” TK tries softly. His eyes, Buck thinks, are endless pools of understanding that tug him in.

“Why don’t you come in?” Carlos starts, stepping aside. “You’re shivering.”

Buck jerks through a nod, swiping the back of his hand across his eyes, and he follows TK and Carlos inside, arms wrapping back around his middle tightly, whether to warm himself or keep himself from breaking, he’s not too sure.

“Do you have any clothes to change into?” TK asks, frowning as he plucks at Buck’s wet, short-sleeve shirt that’s clinging to his torso.

“Ah, no,” Buck laughs weakly, eyes falling to the floor. “I didn’t really… I kind of just left?”

“Okay,” TK nods carefully, eyes holding onto Buck’s shaking frame for a moment. “Carlos, do you have something he can borrow?”

“Yeah, of course.”

Buck watches as Carlos disappears into the dark hallway, and then, he just sort of checks out. He can feel that he’s being ushered into a bathroom, and he’s faintly aware that the bathroom is nice. It’s large, open, and for a moment, he’s mutely in awe. But then there’s dry clothes being shoved into his arms, and he stares blankly at them, frowning.

“Buck?”

Buck’s slow to pull his gaze from the clothes to TK, but when he does, TK’s still frowning, and Buck offers a half-smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Sorry. I’ll just be a minute.”

TK’s nod is hesitant, matching his motions. He stops to pull open the mirror and rifle through it before he slips out of the bathroom, and Buck stares, tired and numb. He’s slow and shaky when removing his wet clothes, but when he’s slipping into dry clothes that, though are a tad short, fit him fairly well, he begins to feel more present and aware.

“Shit,” he mutters under his breath. He paces the length of the bathroom, eyes catching onto his flushed, worn reflection. “Shit,” he repeats, louder, because he’s staring in a mirror in a bathroom in an apartment in freaking Texas.

“Hey, Buck? You okay?”

Buck turns to the knock on the door. “Y-yeah. Coming!” He shakes out his arms again, briefly bends over to splash some water on his face, and then he slips out of the bathroom, feeling an odd concoction of apologetic and embarrassed.

“Better?”

TK’s eyes are mutely narrow, almost to the point that Buck thinks he’s being looked through not at.

“Yeah, thanks.” He steps after TK until he’s dropping down onto the couch after TK motions toward it. “This place is… it’s really nice.”

TK opens his mouth to speak, but Carlos cutsin, slipping from the kitchen and masterfully balancing three coffee mugs between his two hands.

“Thanks. Coffee?”

“God, yes,” Buck all but groans, and he eagerly accepts the mug, his fingers stretching and wrapping around it, leeching the warmth. Carlos drops to the couch beside him, and Buck smiles softly, turning back to see TK sitting down on the edge of the coffee table across from him, his coffee going untouched.

“Look,” Buck starts, clearing his throat. “I’m really sorry. I should have called.” He takes a moment to see that both TK and Carlos are now sporting shirts, but their hair is still rumpled, and though both are alert and focused on him, he can still catch the hint of interrupted sleep in their eyes. “And I should have not shown up stupid early in the morning.”

“Well,” Carlos drags out, leaning back against the couch and propping his feet up on the table. “You’re here, so let’s hear it.”

“What?” Buck knows what, but the question’s quick to slip from his tongue.

“What you said at the door,” TK clarifies softly, leaning forward to pat Buck’s knee. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Buck pulls his gaze to the mug still wrapped tightly in his hands, his eyes watching the dark liquid, the steam still billowing faintly up, breaking at the rim. “How’d you know?”

“That I’m gay?” TK supplies, and Buck nods, keeping his gaze trained downward.

Laughing, TK leans back. “It’s kind of just something I always knew. I just never thought of women the same way my friends did.”

Frowning, Buck pulls his gaze up from the cup, working TK’s words around his head, new gears slotting into a stuttering machine. “What if I like women, and I thought I only liked women, but—”

“—then you met someone, who happens to be of the same sex, that you click with so well that it’s almost scary how right it feels?” Carlos interrupts, and Buck whips a wide gaze to him, nodding quickly.

“And you think maybe you’re just really great friends with this guy, but then you start to think about how you can’t imagine what your life was really like before him, and you really don’t want to imagine what your life would be like without him.”

“Holy shit,” Buck breathes, nodding still. “Yeah, all of that. How’d you…”

“Have you considered that you may be bisexual, Buck?”

Buck turns back to TK, frowning. “No? I mean, maybe?” He groans and leans forward to set his coffee mug down before he throws himself back against the couch, running his hands down his face. “I guess I haven’t really tried to label it? It’s not something I really thought about before—”

“—Eddie?”

Buck drops his hands to his lap, sighing, his entire body deflating against it. “What gave it away?”

“Every other text you send me has something to do with him or his son,” TK supplies, and Buck nods, a weak smile trying at his lips.

“Sorry about that.”

TK shrugs. “It’s cute. You two seem really close, and it’s obvious his son thinks the world of you.”

Buck smiles again, and though small, it feels natural, real, and he stops looking at the plush carpet as if it’s the most endearing thing in the world and pulls a slow gaze back up to meet TK’s present, encouraging eyes.

“You haven’t told him.”

It’s not a question, but Buck still shakes his head anyway. There isn’t a single inch of his entire being that doesn’t want to tell Eddie, that doesn’t want to open up to Eddie, to tell him that he’s the only constant that makes complete sense in his life. It’s maddening, enough, apparently, to drive twenty hours to Texas to confide in people he’s really only just met.

“I don’t know how,” he mutters, his voice cracking. His eyes are stinging again, and he doesn’t try to blink back the tears. “I’m so… scared,” he adds, his hands smoothing down his thighs. “I almost ruined everything between us once—I can’t… I don’t want to risk that again.”

“At some point,” Carlos starts, leaning forward and clapping a hand to Buck’s shoulder, “you’ll have to tell him. Not for him, but for you. You go on like this, and you’ll drive yourself crazy.”

“Plus, while I don’t know Eddie personally, from what you say about him, it sounds like he’ll be understanding regardless of how he ends up really feeling.”

Buck’s gaze, though blurry, shifts between TK and Carlos, back and forth, two warm, kind faces that encompass him. He knows, deep down, that they’re right, that Eddie will understand no matter what because that’s just the type of person Eddie is: impossibly kind and endlessly forgiving. Still, since he’s accepted that something’s wrong, that his heart’s sporting some cuts and bruises that’ve been building over the years, he’s afraid. He’s scared of what will become of his own mind if he tells Eddie how he really feels because of all things he faces on a daily basis, his thoughts are the most frightening.

“I just,” he tries, a hushed sob ripping up his throat. “Sorry. I just… I’m not usually this—”

“—emotional?” Carlos finishes at the same time TK cuts in with “feverish?”

“What?”

“I second that,” Carlos starts, frowning. “What?”

TK grabs the ear thermometer he snagged from the bathroom minutes before, waving it before Buck’s face. “Your skin’s warm to the touch, and people aren’t usually chilled after running around in humid, Texas rain.” TK leans forward, pressing the thermometer into Buck’s right ear, and Buck can only frown, pressing the back of his hand to his own cheek and sluggishly equating his headache to the heat that brushes against his knuckles.

“101.4,” TK mutters when the thermometer beeps. “When’s the last time you slept?”

Buck cocks his head to the side. “It’s Saturday morning, and I worked a 24-hour Thursday to Friday, so Wednesday?”

“Jesus, Buck!”

“You drove here after a 24?” TK spits out, slipping to his feet and crossing his arms. “With a fever?”

Wincing, Buck makes to get to his feet, slipping until he’s perched only on the edge of the couch. He’s heard this disappointment before, always after he’s done something others deem too reckless, and he’s found the best remedy is to remove himself from the situation, to reflect alone, work through his own, warring thoughts. “Sorry, I’ll go—”

“—what?” TK stammers at the same time Carlos almost growls “you most certainly will not.”

Buck blinks slowly. “Sorry, I’m confused?”

“Buck, you’re definitely not leaving this apartment to venture out into a state you’re unfamiliar in with a fever.” TK softens his tone, and his expression follows suit. “Sorry for yelling; we’re just worried.”

“Oh,” Buck mutters, his lips rounding. “I’m probably just tired.”

“I wonder why,” Carlos teases, and Buck laughs around a yawn.

“Are you guys sure, though? I can find a hotel—”

“—Buck?”

“Yeah?”

“Shut up.” TK cocks a brow, and Buck smiles, sheepish and small but real.

In minutes, he’s set up on the couch with blankets and medicine already pumping into his system, and in the short time it’s taken to get him settled, he must have thanked the two, at least, forty times, stopping only when Carlos slammed a pillow into his face. He assured the two, repeatedly, that he’d wake them if he feels worse, and once they were sure he wasn’t lying, they slipped off to the bedroom, leaving Buck alone.

It’s nearing four in the morning, and Buck’s already nodding off, the weight of exhaustion and the heat of the fever pulling him down, but when his phone begins buzzing, he jerks forward, squinting at the name: Eddie’s (Dumb) Landline.

Eddie doesn’t call from the landline; he specifically calls from his cell phone. Christopher however… Buck can’t press the answer button fast enough.

“Chris? What’s wrong? Are you okay? Is your dad okay?”

“Hi, Buck.”

“Hey, Bud,” Buck says, voice tight, worried. “What’s going on?”

“I had another nightmare.”

Buck’s face falls, and he gnaws lightly at his lower lip. “Yeah? How come you didn’t wake your dad?”

“He’s tired. He said you’re on a trip.”

“Ah, yeah,” Buck mutters, smiling softly. “I drove to Texas to visit some friends.”

“How come you didn’t take me?”

“Because,” Buck draws out, “I had to make sure they were prepared to meet the single coolest person on the planet.” Christopher laughs on the other line, and then he tries to hush himself, mumbling how he has to be quiet, and Buck smiles wider.

“You should go back to bed, Chris. It’s really late. Remember what we talked about: you’re stronger than any nightmare.”

“I’m stronger than any nightmare,” Chris parrots back, and Buck nods, more to himself.

“Night, Buck. Love you.”

Though Buck’s heard it countless times, hearing Chris so openly express himself to Buck never ceases to catch Buck’s breath, to spread warmth across his chest, press band aids against wounds only he can see.

“Love you too, Christopher.”

[tysondabs]

Everything’s Bigger in Texas...or Is It?

Waking up at 7AM for a flight that was set to leave at 10 wasn’t remotely ideal, not in Los Angeles, but at least Tyson had the good sense to pack the night before. He shuffled downstairs to Sasha’s apartment in boxers, knocked on her door a couple of times, and told her to be ready by eight. 

She was, but he wasn’t, and it was 8:38 that they were in the car finally on the way to LAX, Dom’s friend Rusty generously agreeing to drive them there. If anyone was to look at Tyson, they could barely say he was someone on his way to the airport to catch a flight. Sprawled in the backseat,  windows rolled down and smoking a fat ass blunt, looking like someone without a care in the world. If nothing else, hopefully Miss Indica would save his ass and put him in as much of a mellow disposition as possible for what was ahead. Rolling up to LAX, he suddenly sat up and sprung into action, as if he’d planned this very series of actions all along. The shirt he wore was pulled off, tossed into the front seat, and he pulled out a fresh, non-weed smelling one from his backpack, along with so much Axe body spray he sprayed on to mask the smell it made Rusty choke in the driver’s seat (and curse: “Motherfucker.”)

After that came a movie-like rush through the airport as they tried to make it with only 45 minutes before takeoff. It was touch-and-go for a couple of moments as Ty picked an argument with a TSA agent who asked to see inside his suitcase. Ordinarily, he wasn’t the type to bring a huge suitcase on a four day trip, but he’d packed three skateboards (one for Mason and Audrey each, and his own).  Luckily, the weed in his system kept him from fully going off, but he did make a fuss about the manhandling of his meticulously-wrapped Christmas gifts. 

And, at last — they were here, at the gate about to board. Seeing the plane on the other side of the glass brought the bad feelings back again, but Ty just turned up the music pumping out his headphones hanging from his neck (and likely irritating most anyone in immediate vicinity), wishing he could have another pre-boarding smoke. A PA system spoke overhead. Last call for Houston, gate 112. Last boarding call for Houston. “Well shit, we made it,” he said, stating the somewhat obvious as he glanced Sasha’s way. He tried to sound excited about the fact, but there were undeniable undertones in his voice  of a man plank walking toward his own execution. 

@sheepinfoxclothing​

[starr-fall-knight-rise]

HASO, “The Spirit of Polaris.”

Didn’t know what I wanted to write this week , but I told you you would get three stories every week, so that is what I have done. I hope you guys like it. 

Adam couldn’t sleep. He lay flat on his back with the warm Texas heat blowing through him. The windows in the barracks were open and a breeze blew through tugging at his shirt muggy with warm summer night air. All around him the other cadets lay sleeping in the night filled with the distant sounds of marching feet and the even more distant wine of aircraft engines. Light filtered in from the distant runway giving a gently white glow to everything around him. He sighed and rolled onto his side, trying to get comfortable, but it was no use.

Sweat pulsed from his pores with every beat of his heart, and slowly he sat up rubbing his head and blearily looking over at the other sleeping recruits. He had no idea how they were doing it. Most of them were probably from more humid climates, used to sleeping in this sort of oppressive heat.

He was more used to dealing with the cold.

He sat there for a long moment, debating on what to do before finally making a decision. Slowly rising to his feet, he quietly grabbed his boots, and slipped towards the barracks door feet almost silent on the wood flooring below him. He did his best to avoid allowing the light from outside to filter too far into the room, leaving only an instant sliver of illumination on the wood before stepping out into the cool night air. It was nicer outside, and he took in a sigh of relief as the wind brushed over his skin and cooled the heat.

He turned his head up to the sky, tilting his head back and frowned wilting.

The light pollution was so bad here, there were no stars to see. He slumped back against the wall and sighed. This was going to be a long night. 

Bending over, he put his boots on the ground and laced them up turning and making his way towards the distan runway. Up in the sky he could see distant circling lights of the planes both leaving and coming. He was drawn towards them, and the rolling sound of engines. 

He made his way through other small concrete buildings, quietly passing by, doing his best to avoid the dim flare of red, and a line of smoke that trailed up from the watch building,  and up onto a hill in the training field where he was able to sit and stare at the planes both coming and going. He found the roar of their engines to be peaceful, and wrapped his arm around his legs gently rocking back and forth in the night as the wind blew past him.

Adam was going to be exhausted tomorrow he knew, but there was nothing to help it. He wouldn’t be able to sleep, and there was no reason to lay there and hope it would happen. If Master Sergeant Kimball caught him at this hour, he would get his ass beat, and everyone in his group was going to get punished for him being a dumbass, but he was pretty sure their MTI was supposed to be asleep at this hour, and he couldn't Imagine the Master Sergeant missing out on his beauty sleep.

He had to keep his beautifully bushy eyebrows in top shape to yell at the cadets.

Adam rested back against the grass, hands behind his head to stare up at the sky watching as a slow moving red light passed through the distorted atmosphere. The breeze continued to tug at his shirt; he lay in the grass and stared up at the sky.

He was sort of half dozen when.

“Are you enjoying your evening layabout, recruit.”

He nearly soiled his pants jolting upright and nearly tipping over as he turned around to see Master Sergeant Kimball crouching behind him in the grass, the whites of his eyes wide and wild.

“Master Sergeant,I…. I…”

Sergeant Kimball stood staring down at him with his large eyebrows furrowed. Adam had grown a lot over the past year and was almost as tall as the man, but that did nothing to ease his abject terror.

“Sneaking past the posted guard to come watch the airplanes” 

Adam stammered, “I’m s-orry, sir. I- I couldn’t sleep and there are no stars out.”

Sergeant Kimball stepped forward, and Adam flinched back preparing himself for the string of abuse that was sure to leave the man's lips, but when nothing happened he slowly opened on eye too see the man staring up at the sky overhead backlit as a silhouette against the training field below.

“Sit your ass down, recruit.” He said, voice softer than it normally was.

Adam did as ordered dumbstruck as the man slowly lowered himself to sit next to Adam. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, lighting on and placing it between his lips as he stared up at the sky, “This damned humidity makes it impossible to sleep.”

Adam could only nod in agreement.

He looked up at the sky taking a drag on the end of his cigarette causing the tip to flare once before dying away.

You’re right, not much a man can see of the stars here.”

Adam nodded tentatively, opening his mouth, “That was you, at the guard post? You saw me?”

“You aren't exactly one built for sneaking, son, white as a bare ass.”

Adam blushed and shuffled his feet, “Sorry sir, couldn’t sleep.”

Sergeant Kimball looked back up at the sky, “Tell you what, why don’t you and me go for a little drive.”

Adam wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about that. Getting in the car alone with their MTI seemed like a great way to get himself singled out, but he couldn’t imagine how he could say no to this man either, so instead he just nodded and stood. Sgt. Kimball led him down through the base and towards the parking lot before the main building pulling the keys to a hover jeep out from one of his pockets. Adam got into the passenger seat using the frame to halt himself into the seat and sit down as the man began to drive. The vehicle was open, and so there wasn’t much conversation as they spend through the night, wind rushing past them in great usts as they sped up the highway, other vehicles roaring past them.

Adam closed his eyes feeling the rush of air over his skin as he leaned his head out the open side and into the night.

They left the city behind crawling out into the desert of scrub brush dark under the night sky above. The city lights faded into the distance, slowly replaced by blackness overhead. Stars began to wink into place, the brightest first followed by their dimer counterparts.

He closed his eyes, lifting his face to the sky in awe feeling a thrill in his chest as the desert passed by them on both sides and the sky grew darker, until it was possible to see the distant milky lines of their galaxy’s arm extending into the darkness.

It didn’t fail to cross his mind that he was alone with Sgt Kimball in the middle of the desert, a prime place to kill someone and bury their body, but generally tended to hope that he wasn’t going to die.

He didn’t think Sgt. Kimball hated him that much.

They pulled off down a dirt track and pulled to a stop with the sky arrayed above them. 

He clambered out of the car at the instruction of Sgt Kimball who sat himself on the hood of the vehicle and stared up at the sky.

“Beautiful isn’t it.” The man commented 

Adam nodded eyes filled to the brim with glowing white stars.

Sgt. Kimball looked over at him, “You’re serious about this.” it wasn’t a question 

Adam nodded.

Kimll leaned back against the windshield kicking one of his feet up onto the hood while dangling his other foot off the side, “A lot of those kids back there couldn't give two shits about what we do.” he glanced over at Adam, “You on the other hand, you try, pay attention in the classes, spend your free time studying while those little assholes fuck around.” He lit another cigarette, “I always know when someone is going to make it, and you, you will.”

Adam frowned a bit skeptically, “Er….. thank you sir but, I Thought you…. I thought you thought I was a dumbass.”

Sgt Kimball laughed, “Because you are, son. But the world is run by two types of people, assholes or dumbasses, and quite frankly, I tend t find myself liking dumbasses more than I like assholes.”

A cloud of smoke billowed up from his lips as he pointed up at the sky, “I’m assuming you know where Polaris is?”

Adam nodded and pointed with a finger.

“People been guiding themselves by her light for thousands of years, soon enough we'll be sailing the stars and she won’t be so useful anymore.” he paused, “I think we should visit her when we can, seems like it would only be fair to pay homage to the most important star in human history…. Second to the sun I suppose.”

Adam stared at Sgt. Kimball mouth half open. He didn’t think there was particularly anything poetic about the man.

“Shut your mouth boy, leave it open too long and something might nest in it.”

He closed his mouth and turned away, lifting his head to the sky above staring towards  Polaris, which winked at him from the distant expanse of space.”

***

“Get out.”

“But.”

“BET OUT! If you want to sleep inside than you have to prove you deserve it.” Chalan flinched back as the door was slammed in her face taking a step back into the moss as the sound of her mother’s voice echoed through the night. Inside she could hear raised voices, an argument rising up in the night.

“You dishonor yourself .”

“Dishonor myself Kazna, or dishonor you dishonor yourself.”

“You are too soft on her.”

“And you are a traitor to your own family. As her mother it is your job to protect and love her. It is NOT conditional.”

“You are weak Lanus, and your ideals will make her weak.”

Chalan turned her head away and trudged her way through the village trying to ignore the eyes on her as she could see peeping out the little windows in the side of the huts. As she walked her feet kicked up bioluminescent moss spores, which glowed as they moved and wet dormant as they lay still calling attention to her movements as she made her way through the open streets and out towards the edge.

The city watch ignored her as she passed by them. Spores clung to her feet and heels making her feet glow with every step as she walked into a small patch of coil tree, their berries glowing white in the darkness. She picked one idly and rolled it between her fingers. Behind her, she heard the sudden soft padding of feet, crouched low she spun spear held out before her in a defensive stance, sure she was about to be set upon by an enemy tribe, but instead was surprised to find Nehchal and Kanan standing behind her. Nechal glowing like one of the moons with her bright white carapace, Kanan blending into the darkness behind in comparison.

She blinked “What are you two doing here.”

Nechal raised her spear, “Watching your back for the night is dangerous.”

Chalan sighed, ‘You could just be honest with me.”

“You know I don’t lie.” Nechal said falling into step beside Sunny as Kanan did the same on her other side.

“You guys don’t have to.” As they walked, their feet lit up with the bioluminescent spores.’

It was a safe enough time of year. The spores could be easily seen across long distances in the dark, and so an arriving raiding part would have to be stupid to come at night. Even now, in the distance, she could see a slow line of spores ascending into the sky as a herd of  unknown creatures passed over the fertile valley before ethem.

Kanan placed a hand on her shoulder, “Why don’t we sit, this seems as good a palace asanhy.”

Chalan shrugged and sat in the moss as she tilted her head back towards the sky. She tried not to think too much about Nechal and Kanan being here. They had probably been spending time together before the argument between her parents broke out. If it wasn’t for her they might be having a nice night together.

“Do you think we are the only ones?” Nechal asked into the darkness 

Kanan looked over ather, “The only ones what/”

Nechal waved one of her hands upward, “The acolytes say we live on a floating rock in the middle of the void. That void is lit by burning gasses of unknown providence, so my question is, are we the only floating rock or are there other things living out there?”

Kanan laughed while Chalan stayed silent, “Definitely the only ones.”

“You think so?

“Doctrine of the citadel doesn't mention anyone else?”

“The doctrine also doesn’t talk about coil trees, but those still exist.”

Chalan lay there listening to their banter as she looked up at the sky. It was a good question, and if there was life out there, what would it be like? She tried imagining fanciful creatures to populate these unknown worlds, but found that it was hard to imagine anything that didn’t resemble something already their own. Not like i mattered anyway, it was unlikely any of them would ever find out.

She did her best to block the arguments from her parents of earlier and listened to the distant roaring of the mountain volcanoes glowing red on the distant horizon.

Nehchal pointed her hand up into the sky, “Look, Chalan, Eedacheel. It’s bright tonight.”

Sunny turned her head to the southern star.

“Beautiful.” Kanan whispered 

“That’s my favorite story.” 

“What?”

“Eedacheel, the spirit that guides, the spirit that brings Drev together. Remember, they say she guides us to those we love.”

The two of them shared a long look and Sunny had to stop from rolling her eyes at them. She stared up at the star Eedacheel had never done anything for her. She stared at the softly winking star. All she saw was distant and unattainable. If there was a spirit, it certainly didn’t care about her.,

[completeoverhead]

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[jawritter]

Where The Green Grass Grows

Chapter 3

Summary: Life changes, nothing ever stays the same. With most change comes with some degree of pain, that’s how we grow.

Jensen thought he had his whole life planned out, written for him in the bright lights of Hollywood. One failed marriage later, and a lifetime of lessons learned, lead him home to a place he thought he’d left behind him when he was only a teenager.

He thought his life was over. He felt like he’d lost everything, but who knew one little trip to the local diner that had just opened up outside of town would turn his whole world upside down. All because he met you. Maybe a little slower pace of life isn’t such a bad idea after all…

Warnings:  Language, Angst, mention of past OC character death, mention of grief, fear of moving on.

Pairing: Jensen Ackles x Reader

Word  Count: 1652

Dividers: @firefly-graphics​

A/N: This fic is unbeta’d, so all mistakes are mine! Please do not copy my work. Feedback is golden! I hope you all enjoy this one!!

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“Ugh! Is this day ever going to end!” you groan as you flop down onto the unoccupied stool that was sitting in front of the bar. Old country music was blaring overhead and the chatter of customers filled the room. The smell of fast food was always so thick in this place that sometimes you felt it was suffocating, and today was one of those days. 

You wanted nothing more than to go home and sink into a hot bath with a glass of wine and a book. You only had one more hour, if you could just make it one more hour, then you could go home. 

“You’re getting out of here before closing at least,” Jess said as she came to drop some ones and fives into the cash register beside you. “I’m stuck here until closing tonight.” 

You were just about to point out how she would at least get good tips with it being a Saturday, but the sound of the door chiming alerted you both to the incoming customer, and you could tell by the grin on her face who had just walked in without even having to turn around. 

Jensen had been coming in every day since he’d come in that Sunday after church with his family. At first, he would come in and not say a lot, just sit at the bar or back corner booth and order his meal. He would try and make light conversation with you, nothing too alarming or out of the ordinary of what any other regular does. 

Then about a week in he started to try and make more in-depth conversations with you as you worked around him, either cleaning tables or waiting on him specifically. 

Jess had been running around you for days now insisting that Jensen had a crush on you. You yourself were not as convinced as she was. Sure, he was devastatingly attractive, and sure, he was an absolute sweetheart; but that didn’t change the fact that no matter how attractive you found him you were not in his league. 

“Hey ladies,” he said, flopping down next to you, and giving you a soft smile that seemed to make your knees weak every time he did that. 

“Well, well, look who’s back already,” Jess quips to him with a smirk of her own. Jensen laughs a little and shakes his head before taking the drink that she was handing him from across the counter. He’d been in here so much that you both could just about guess his order before he even got around to telling it. 

“I had to see my favorite girls,” he said, throwing his arm around you playfully, and causing a blush to burn deep in your cheeks. You were slightly thankful for the bell ringing that told you table three’s order was ready. You didn’t want to embarrass yourself in front of Jensen, and if he saw you blushing you were sure you would literally die on the spot. 

You could feel Jensen’s eyes on you as you grabbed the tray of burgers and fries, and made your way over to the table where your customers were waiting. You were hoping that it would give you enough of a moment to collect your nerves before making your way back over to the bar where Jensen and Jess were still sitting. 

You had been doing some research on Jensen since you’d met him that day he’d left you the note and the large tip. Some things he’d already told you. Like his long-running show ending, the divorce he’d recently gone through, he’d told you about his three kids. The thing that bothered you the most, aside from why the hell he was hanging out here with you, was why they divorced?

He had still not told you that much, and you didn’t want to just out and out ask him, but the tabloids seemed to think it was because he was a cheater, and then some think it was because she cheated, which leads to a whole new set of rumors that go from Jensen being an abusive husband, to Danneel being a whore, and it was impossible to tell what was true and what was false. 

You knew it shouldn’t bother you, and you were in no way going to ask him what happened with his last marriage, but you wanted to know all the same. Your eyes drifted up to meet his piercing gaze as you grabbed the empty napkin holder from the table to replace it with a fresh one, and he sent you that same soft smile.

He was so contradictory to everything you had ever heard about celebrity men. He seemed so kind. He listened when you talked to him, and seemed legitimately to care about what you were saying. He was so self-sacrificing in everything he seemed to be involved in, and whatever he was doing, he seemed to put his all into it. He was passionate and caring, and everything any girl ever dreamed of getting when she was grew up.

The only problem you had was the fear that these feelings were one-sided and that you were mistaking his kind personality for something more, even though you knew you were nowhere near this man’s type. 

You had seen the pictures of his ex-wife, and you knew there was no way you’d ever be able to measure up to someone as beautiful as she was. So you knew that you had to get these emotions, this crush, under control before he comes in one day with another pretty girl on his arm, and it was all over for your heart. 

Why did you have to have a crush on someone so completely perfect, and at the same time so completely out of reach as soon as you decided to try and put yourself back out there? It was unfair at best, and tragic at it’s worse.  

Taking a deep breath you make your way back over to your current seat, and look up at the clock. Jensen didn’t miss the small glance and turned on his seat to face you fully, his gorgeous bowed legs spread and his knee touching yours, but he didn’t seem to mind or at least notice. You, on the other hand, you noticed, and it took a lot to concentrate because of the small contact his body was making with your own. 

“So, when do you get off today?” Jensen asked, grabbing a fry and shoving it in his mouth as a plate of food was placed in front of him.

“In about thirty minutes,” you tell him with a deep sigh, it had been a long shift. 10 am to 7 pm was the worst because it took up most of your day, and you got the bad end of both shifts, lunch and then dinner rush. 

“Oh,” he said, his handsome face falling a bit. “I was hoping I’d have a little longer to talk to you before you got off. I would have come in sooner, but I was on a Zoom call with my agency,” he said, some stress returning to his shoulders as he busied himself with his fries again. 

“Well, I’m here for a little bit,” you tell him, giving his knee a playful nudge with yours and earning a cheeky chuckle from him. “Are you getting ready to go back to California anytime soon?” you asked him, more than a little afraid of what the answer was going to be. 

You had gotten used to him coming in every day, and you didn’t like the thought that he might be leaving again. 

“No, not now anyway. That was just check-in and updates, more a waste of time than anything.”

You hoped the amount of relief you felt didn't show on your face as much as you thought it must have, and you had to bite down on your lip to stop the smile that started to creep up there. When you looked up at him you wondered how it was possible that his eyes could sparkle like that all the time.

“Well, what are you going to be doing then Mr. Ackles. You’re going to get tired of being here every day after a while. Texas doesn’t have as much to offer as L.A. I’m sure.” 

Jensen hummed and you could have sworn that his eyes traveled down to your lips before looking back up to meet your eyes again. 

“That’s a matter of perspective sweetheart.” 

You thought that you heard his voice dropped a whole octave, and you had to suppress the shudder that wanted to roll through your body. You hadn’t noticed that the two of you had been gravitating closer to one another while you were talking until Jess came and cleared her throat loudly from behind the bar. 

“You two love birds better be careful now, Y/N is still on the clock, and table six needs a refill.” 

Jensen clears his throat and sits up quickly, grabbing his drink as if his life depended on it, and you turned towards the counter as if you had been shot. 

“I’ll just go get that,” you mumble as Jensen chuckles and watches you run off to refill the drinks.

“Keep trying Jensen, she’ll come around,” Jess told him, and Jensen gave her a tight smile in return. 

“Oh, I don’t give up so easily on something I want,” Jensen said as he took a healthy bite from his burger, his eyes still trained to you as you talked to your customers. 

He didn’t know how, but he had to get you to open up to him. He thought he’d never feel this way about someone again after his world fell apart, but you were just the breath of fresh air that would keep him from drowning.

@deandreamernp

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[rw-swan]

Más De Lo Que Aposté (More Than I Bargained For)

Pt.2

Warning: Some swearing

Word Count: 4,594

Esme walked up the path that led to Julie’s front door. The time on her phone read 4:10 pm, still a bit early. Her aunt practically pushed her out the door, excited to find out that she made friends on her first day of school. She fixed the strap of her backpack as she approached the porch steps. Julie came up from a different path that led to the back of the house, a smile on her face when she saw the other girl.

“Esme! Hey,” she called out and met up with her. Esme turned her attention to her and smiled.

“Hey Julie,” she crossed her arms and stepped down. “Sorry, I’m a bit early but I had some extra time to come by.”

“No worries, you’re good,” Julie shrugged it off. “I was just setting up the garage. We usually hang out there. I just came back to the house for the last of the stuff.” She pointed towards the back part of the house.

“Do you need any help?” Esme offered.

“No, it’s just my backpack honestly,” Julie declined. “I’ll be right back, you can start heading over. Flynn’s coming by later.” Esme nodded and Julie went inside the house as Esme went in the direction Julie came from. She opened the gate that opened to the backyard and walked down the steps. She opened the door of the garage, which in her opinion, looked more like a small barn. Another difference between California and Texas. She looked around the room in awe at how it was set up. A couch against the wall to her right and a coffee table in front of it. A stereo on the corner next to her. A few chairs hung from the ceiling to create the illusion they float. String lights lined the ceiling rafts. A grand piano closer to the back along with some potted plants by the window sill, the afternoon sun filtered in. To her left, there was a set of stairs that led up to a loft overhead, barely enough room for a bed. Below the loft area, the room opened more with a set of smaller windows, shelves along the white walls with some instruments, and a drum set in the middle of the area. Two speakers on each side of the set, two guitar stands with a red bass and a blue electric guitar hooked up on the amp that was connected closer where the electric guitar rested. Esme got closer to the grand piano and admired it, a soft smile on her lips.

“Who are you?” Esme spun towards the doors of the garage, her eyes wide in shock as three 17-year olds guys stood before her in the middle of the room.

“Who are you?” she asked, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. The boy with brown shaggy hair scoffed a chuckle and looked at the other two boys before his attention turned back to her.

“I asked you first,” he replied, his tone sharp.

“I’m not gonna give my name to some random strangers, are you fucking crazy?” she scolded and crossed her arms. The boy rolled his eyes and let out another scoff. The taller blond boy looked at her with a puzzled look and was about to say something until Julie came in. The boys looked towards her, the boy with brown hair kept his gaze on Esme for a while longer.

“Hey, you ready?” she asked, her attention at Esme.

“What’s with these bozos?” Esme commented and pointed towards them. The three looked at her, their faces scrunched in confusion.

“Who you calling bozo?” The boy with brown hair sneered at her, his gaze hardened in annoyance. Who the hell does she think she is?

“Based on your reaction, clearly you,” she elaborated and smiled sarcastically as he returned the smile and crossed his arms. The other two boys snickered slightly while a glare was sent their way by the other third.

“Wait,” Julie interrupted. “You can see them?” Her voice was soft and cautious as she approached them.

“Thank you!” The blond exclaimed, his finger pointed towards Julie and then at Esme. “I was wondering when these two were gonna say something!” The black-haired boy with a red flannel tied around his waist looked at Esme in utter shock, his mouth gaped open.

“Um…yeah?” Esme nodded slowly and bit her lip. “That’s the thing about existing. If they didn’t, they wouldn't be in my presence,” she waved her hands around and gestured at them, her gaze switched between Julie and the three boys. Julie looked at them, a shocked expression on her face and she rubbed her hands together in nervousness.

“Uh, yeah, about them,” Julie began to say as her mind struggled to find the words. “They’re ghosts.” Esme eyed them for a solid minute, silence surrounded the five teens.

“You’re joking,” Esme let out a breathy chuckle. “Seriously, ghosts? You’re pulling my leg.”

“Seriously dude!” the black-haired boy exclaimed, his face still dumbfounded and he gestured to him and the other two guys. “W-We’re ghosts.” Esme shook her head in disbelief, a skeptical smile on her face, and crossed her arms.

“We’ll prove it to you,” the shaggy-haired boy added and approached her, his hand extended. “I’m Luke.” Esme bounced her gaze from him to his hand and back at him. She bit her lip as her brow knitted, uncertain. “You can’t say you’re giving your name to a stranger,” his lips tugged a smirk. Esme rolled her eyes and dropped her arms to her side. She looked back at him and shrugged.

“Alright,” she relented and reached towards his hand. “I’m Es-” her voice cut out as soon as her hand passed right through his, a cool sensation ran through her skin as his hand flickered. Her eyes widened in complete shock as her jaw slacked in awe. Luke chuckled slightly and raised his brows, a smug look on his face. Esme looked at Julie and the other two boys, ready for her reaction. She looked again towards the boy in front of her, her eyes still wide as she bit the inside of her cheek. In a flash, she moved her hand to slap him, her hand passed through his face and caught him off guard. Everyone looked at the two, eyes wide.

“What the hell was that for?!” Luke snarled and shook his head in confusion and rage. She shrugged slightly as she processed what happened.

“I was just double-checking,” she declared.

“And attempting to slap me was the way to do it?!” He scrunched his face in disbelief.

“Hey, hey, hey,” she brought her hand up and pointed at him. “Did you get hurt though?” Luke shook his head, his eyebrows furrowed. “No? Then why are you being so bitchy?” He shot her a glare and bursts of laughter escaped from the blond and black-haired boys. Esme chuckled slightly. “Okay, so as I was saying, I’m Esme,” she continued. “You’re Luke and you two are?” She looked at the other two as their hysteria subsided.

“I’m Alex,” the taller blond, who sported a pink hoodie and a backward cap, waved.

“Hey, I’m Reggie,” the black-haired boy with a black leather jacket smiled widely. “You’re funny, we like you already.” Esme chuckled and nodded.

“Nice to meet you guys,” she crossed her arms. “It’s nice to know I’m in some of y’alls good graces,” she glanced towards Luke, a tight smile on her face as she scrunched her nose. He kept his eyes on her and mirrored her stance.

“What? You’re a mind reader?” He mocked as he returned the smile and scrunch.

“No,” she pouted in thought and shook her head slightly. “Your face and your…body gives it away,” she waved her hand around and gestured to him. “You’re an extremely expressive person.” Luke relaxed and looked her over.

“So you were checking me out?” He bit his lip as he smiled slightly. Esme rolled her eyes and sighed in annoyance.

“Okay, you know what? That’s gross, no” she chided and shook her head.

“Alright guys, as endearing it is to see you two flirt and Luke getting totaled by your sass,” Alex commented as Esme and Luke shot him a glare, disgust evident in their expression, while Julie and Reggie snorted. “My question still stands: How are you able to see us? So far, Julie has been the only one.”

“Oh, except for when we play with Julie,” Reggie added in. “Then everyone can see us!” Esme relaxed her stance and thought it over.

“That’s really…interesting actually,” she said and dropped her arms in front of her, her finger began to twist the black ring around her right middle finger. “And uh, in regards to your question, Alex,” she took a deep breath and let it out as she brought her shoulders up. “I…don’t have an answer, sorry.”

“You could probably be connected to them somehow?” Julie pondered. “Our theory is that they might have met my mom.”

“And we’re musicians,” Luke pointed out. “What’s your story? Do you play?” Esme looked towards him and bit her lip.

“No,” she muttered and crossed her arms.

“Sing?” He asked, he leaned against the piano. She only shook her head and looked down. “Then what do you do?”

“She dances,” Julie answered. “And she also said she was willing to try anything new.”

“In dance,” Esme corrected, her voice rushed. “Willing to learn new things in dance. Not like picking up an instrument or singing.” She looked towards Julie as she played with her sleeves and shook her head slightly, a pleading look in her eyes. Julie gave her a concerned gaze before she nodded. The doors opened and Flynn walked in. Esme let out a sigh of relief, a soft smile. Thank God for impeccable timing. Now they would change subjects. Luke kept his gaze on Esme, his eyes furrowed as if he studied her over. His curiosity had gotten the best of him. He had a feeling that she wasn’t being completely honest and he was determined to find out. Esme felt eyes on her and she looked towards Luke. He glanced away in a second, pushed himself away from the piano, and went towards the electric guitar on the stand. She sucked in a breath and looked away after a while, her attention back at Flynn.

“Hey guys,” she smiled widely and flipped her braids back. “Hey boys, how ya doing?” She looked around the room aimlessly. Reggie had a goofy smile on his face and waved at her. Alex only rolled his eyes and shook his head at the ridiculousness of his bandmate.

“Towards the drums, Flynn,” Julie chuckled softly and sat on one of the chairs.

“So Flynn can’t see them?” She walked towards her and took a seat on the couch, close to Julie’s chair. Julie shook her head and looked at her.

“Wait? Esme sees them?” Flynn questioned, her eyebrows furrowed and she placed her hand against her chest. “Girl, how do you do it?”

“Unfortunately,” she muttered and gave Luke a side-eye, a slight scowl on her face. Luke turned to face her and she looked back at Flynn.

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” Julie replied to Flynn. So much for changing the subject.

“How about and it’s just a suggestion,” Esme chimed in. “A very strong suggestion…let’s get going with the homework.”

“Esme, how can you say 'unfortunately'?!” Flynn stood in front of her, swhands rested on her hips. “Have you seen them? They are cute!”

“Aww, she thinks we’re cute,” Reggie looked at Alex, his smile just as wide as when she walked in.

“Dude,” Alex let out a sigh of defeat and patted his shoulder. Esme looked towards Reggie and shook her head slightly before her eyes went back to the girl in front of her.

“Yeah, Flynn, I can see them,” she nodded slowly. “And I mean,” she let out an exasperated sigh and raised her arms up in defeat as she looked at the three boys. “Yeah, I guess they’re…cute,” she ran her fingers through her hair before she let her arms fall at her lap, her gaze lingered on Luke as she said the word “cute.” She looked back at Flynn. “Y’all can we please do the homework?”

“Esme, aren’t you curious?” Alex asked, his voice soft. Luke looked at her and then at his fellow bandmate.

“Dude, she clearly couldn’t give a rat ass,” he implied, his voice cold. Esme looked at him, her expression towards him matched his voice.

“Of course I’m curious,” she looked back at Alex, her tone gentle. “And I do care, it’s just…this is a lot to take in.” She looked at everyone in the room and noticed Luke’s back had faced her as he tuned his guitar. “Guys, I literally just moved last week from a completely different environment. Different city, different state. There’s so much going on right now, I don’t know if I’ve processed it fully. I’m sorry if I want to focus on the one concept that is constant everywhere else: homework.” She gestured to her backpack. Everyone nodded but Luke. He glanced towards her but still didn’t face her.

“You’re right,” Julie nodded and rubbed her hands against her thighs. “We’re sorry, we were just in shock as well. I get how it feels to be overwhelmed.” Esme smiled softly in appreciation and looked at Alex and Reggie.

“And guys, I’m sorry for the rudeness when y’all came in,” she offered an apologetic smile. “I tend to be standoffish to strangers.”

“Nah dude, you’re cool,” Reggie shrugged it off and smiled.

“Yeah, no worries,” Alex smiled. “We kind of barged in on you there, we probably startled you.” Esme nodded and looked towards Luke. He kept his attention on his guitar, not a word out of his mouth.

“Sooo…” Alex puffed out, his eyes switched between Luke and Esme. “You guys are gonna do work. We’ll get out of your hair, let you concentrate.”

“You sure? You guys can stay,” Julie assured.

“Nah, it’s fine,” Alex declined. “I’m actually gonna go see Willie.”

“Oooh, who’s Willie?” Esme asked curiously and crossed her arms as leaned back against the couch.

“He’s uh…” Alex cleared his throat. “H-He-He’s a friend.” Reggie snickered and patted the blond’s back.

“Yeah, he’s a ‘friend’,” he put up air quotes and winked at Esme.

“Aww, how cute,” she gushed and pouted her lip slightly. “Well, have fun.” Alex smiled shyly and poofed out.

“Well, let’s get this homework started so you can help me with English,” Flynn sat next to Esme and they got their textbooks and notes out. Reggie grabbed his bass, tuned it, and played a few chords.

“Hope you guys don’t mind some instrumentals, ya know, to help you study,” he winked and smiled. Julie and Esme chuckled, an amused gaze exchanged between them.

“You actually beat me to the punch line,” Esme stated. “I have to listen to music at all times.” Reggie nodded and continued to play softly. Luke kept his gaze on Esme, his eyes fixated on her mannerisms. She constantly pulled the sleeves of her hoodie down, only her fingers visible. Her body was relaxed yet mostly kept her arms crossed. When they weren’t, she would always twirl the ring she had on. She seemed so quiet and sweet, her snarkiness came as a shock to him. She wasn’t going to take shit from anyone, always on defense. Her lips would manage small smiles or she would bite them back and look away. She would continuously run her fingers through her hair, usually in attempts to move the stray strands away from her side part. Her bangs would get in her face when she looked down at her notes and she would run them back, her brown hair hid her copper chestnut ends as she tucked them behind her ear. When she needed a break or felt frustrated, both of her hands would push her hair back, her forehead exposed as she let out a heavy breath. Esme looked towards Luke and he looked at Reggie, his fingers began to play a few chords on his guitar. She furrowed her brows in confusion, her eyes in a squint as she watched him.

“I’m gonna get something to drink from the house,” Julie stood up and stretched her arms. “You guys want anything?”

“I’ll go with you,” Flynn smiled and stood up once she set her notes to the side.

“I’m good, thanks Julie,” Esme looked at her. “Can I use your bathroom though?”

“There’s a bathroom back there,” she pointed towards a room that was to the left, close to the drum set. Esme nodded and headed over and closed the door behind her.

“We’ll be right back guys,” Julie looked at Reggie and Luke. “Behave,” she warned her eyes on Luke.

“Come on Julie, you know I’m an angel,” Luke smiled playfully. Julie scoffed and shook her head. Flynn grabbed her by the arm and walked with her out of the garage. Luke turned his attention towards the bathroom, lost in thought.

“Hey dude, you wanna hit the town?” Reggie asked and got out of the strap of his bass guitar. “See what kind of trouble we can make? Check out the ladies?” He wiggled his eyebrows seductively.

“Uh,” Luke looked back at him for a moment before his eyes fell once again to the bathroom door. “No man, y-you go ahead.” He muttered and rested his hand on the neck of his guitar. Reggie gave him a knowing smirk and poofed away once he set his bass back on the stand. The bathroom door opened seconds later and Luke averted his gaze, quickly back on going through some chords. Esme looked at him and ran her hands down her thighs.

“Girls still not back huh?” she asked and Luke shook his head. She bit her lip and nodded, her hands stuffed in the back pockets of her jeans. “Where’s Reggie?”

“He only said he was going around the town,” he shrugged and sat on a chair next to his speaker. Esme looked around the garage and walked back towards the couch. A semi-normal conversation for once. Luke watched her movements as she sat back down on the couch, her leg crossed over her knee. She continued to avoid his gaze, her hand tapped against her thigh to a beat. She looked at the drum set, assumed it was Alex’s, her eyes fixed on the drumhead.

“Julie and The Phantoms,” she read the pink and purple letters. “That’s a cool name.” Their eyes met and she smiled slightly. Luke looked down at his guitar again. She looked at him in concern.

“You’ve never heard our music?” He dared to ask, his back to hers. She shook her head slightly and bit her lip shyly.

“There are so many bands I need to catch up on honestly,” she confessed, a weary chuckle drawn from her lips. “But I will tonight.”

“Right, sure you will,” he scoffed and plucked the strings of his guitar.

“What’s your problem?” she crossed her arms and leaned back against the couch. Luke didn’t reply and shrugged. “No, don’t give me a silent treatment, I ain’t dealing with that kind of bullshit,” she shook her head in annoyance. “I’m genuinely concerned here.”

“Oh really?” Luke challenged her, his brows raised in defiance. Esme tilted her head slightly in question.

“Wait,” she closed her eyes as it dawned on her. “You’re mad because Julie rescheduled band practice aren’t you?” She looked at him in disbelief.

“What gave it away?” he retorted.

“Again, you’re incredibly expressive,” she reiterated. “Your attitude towards me pretty much ratted you out.” Luke rolled his eyes and slouched in his seat. “You’ve got to be kidding me?” She groaned and sat up, brought her knee down, and rested against her thighs. So much for decent conversations. “Listen, I didn’t know you had band practice when Julie invited me over, okay? She was offering a helping hand to someone new, a potential friend. She’s doing me a solid catching me up with school work.”

“School’s overrated,” Luke stated.

“Agreed but not the point,” she shook her head. “It’s one day of practice. Stop being a baby and cut me some slack. It’s not an everyday thing!”

“Can you promise that?” He sat up and held the guitar on his lap.

“I can promise you I’ll double-check with Julie so this…” she gestured around the room and them. “Won’t happen again.” Luke looked over her features, quiet for a moment before he nodded.

“Sounds fair,” he shrugged and Esme nodded. They sat in silence until Julie and Flynn walked in.

“You guys okay?” Julie looked between them, her brows furrowed in concern, the tension strong between the guitarist and the new girl.

“Yeah, everything’s fine,” Esme looked at her. “I think I should head out so you guys can practice before it gets too late,” she began to pack her stuff in her backpack. Luke glanced at her and she gave him a side glance.

“You can stay and watch if you want,” Julie offered as she and Flynn began to put their things away. “Flynn usually does, gives her a chance to see the boys.”

“I need my eye candy,” Flynn countered and sat down. Luke chuckled and shook his head.

“Luke’s still here y’know,” Esme mentioned and put her backpack on her shoulder. Flynn only shrugged, her arms crossed over her chest. Esme rolled her eyes slightly and turned to Julie. “Thanks but I don’t want to impose any more than I already have,” she implied, her arms crossed over her chest as her body gestured slightly towards Luke. “Besides, I haven’t heard your stuff yet, I would like to wait until I get home so I can jam out tonight.”

“You can join us tomorrow,” Luke added in. Julie and Esme turned their heads to him, Julie’s eyes widened in shock while Esme looked at him, her expression mixed with suspicion and curiosity. There’s gotta be more to this little offer he made.

“You serious? You want me to come by tomorrow?” she commented.

“Under one condition,” he smirked. There it is. “You have to have at least one song memorized and I won’t tell you which one.” Esme eyed him for a bit before she let out a scoff and shook her head.

“Easy,” she shrugged and looked at him. “I’ve managed to memorize hundreds of songs, this will be no different.”

“Good to hear,” Luke nodded. “I bet you jamming out will be…interesting.”

“Hmm,” she hummed, a sarcastic smile on her face. “And I’m sure you’ll put on quite the show.” He returned the smile and turned his attention back to his guitar. Esme looked back at Julie and Flynn. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Tell Reggie and Alex I said bye.”

“Okay,” Julie nodded and glanced at Luke slightly before she returned her gaze to Esme. “I will. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye! See you,” Flynn smiled and relaxed on the couch. Esme smiled and looked towards Luke, their eyes met and she nodded slightly before she walked out. She closed the garage door behind her and made her way across the driveway.

“Esme wait,” Luke appeared in front of her. She froze in an instant, taken aback by his sudden presence.

“What do you want?” she asked coldly once she recovered herself. Luke bowed his head down before he looked at her, his hands in his jean pockets.

“Look, I just wanted to say that I think we got off on the wrong foot back there,” he admitted. Esme nodded softly and bit her lip slightly.

“I can’t believe I’m agreeing with you but yeah, I think we did too,” she looked at him, her expression softened. Luke nodded and chuckled slightly. “And I appreciate the fact that you’re manning up and apologizing.”

“Whoa, wait,” Luke stopped her, his brows furrowed in confusion. “I’m not apologizing, when did I say I was? I was only trying to-” he rambled. Esme rolled her eyes and let out a heavy sigh.

“Okay, you know what? Just stop talking and go practice,” she told him, her arms dropped to her side in defeat. “You’re only going to upset me,” she began to walk around him.

“Esme, hold up,” Luke stood in front of her and his body rippled as she walked through him. She froze a step after, a comforting feeling ran through her. Luke turned to face her back, his annoyance and desperation simmered as he felt a serenity enter his soul. Her soul, battered and beaten, was calm and on fire. He understood to a point why she had such a spit-fire attitude. She had a passion within that consumed her entire being, ready to be set free. Hesitant to let go, to not fall, ready to avoid failure and heartbreak. Esme had been speechless, her mind ran in circles. There was something familiar with his soul. It ran wild but there was comfort. As if he was a forest and she felt safe with being lost in him. He was like the rush and excitement of her favorite song on full volume as she danced around. A cool summer breeze as the sunset bled through the clouds, warm and cool hues painted into the sky. She let out a shiver and turned to face him, her expression still in surprise as her head tilted up. His hazel eyes were soft and bright as a gentle smile graced his face. She was closer than she had been the entire afternoon and she was completely mesmerized. He wasn’t so tall but he still seemed to tower over her. After what felt like an eternity, she blinked and cleared her throat as she took a few steps back. Luke’s smile grew and he looked down nervously.

“Listen, I give back the energy I receive,” she brought up her hands in defense, the first time to show her hands completely. “You give me a bad vibe, I’ll give it right back. Don’t like it? Change your attitude.” She gestured her hands around and brought her sleeves down once again to cover them. Luke looked at them and took note of a single, pink, sunken slit going down the bottom of her palm on each hand.

“You were automatically on defense when I asked for your name though,” Luke put the thought aside and looked at her.

“I…I don’t take kindly to strangers,” she crossed her arms, her head bowed slightly. “And also, I walked into an empty garage and all of a sudden, three random guys appeared behind me,” she pointed towards the barn-looking garage. “I didn’t even hear the door.” Luke nodded slightly and let out a breath.

“Okay, yeah, you’re right,” he offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that.”

“And yeah, I was a bit out of line,” she admitted. “I’m sorry.” She lifted her head up and returned the smile.

“Start over?” Luke asked, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.

“Sure,” Esme nodded. “Friends?”

“Friends,” he smiled widely as his lips bit it back. Esme smiled and fixed her strap. “I’ll let you go. See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow,” she crossed her arms. “With the songs memorized because I’m that dedicated,” she smirked. Luke chuckled and nodded.

“Can’t wait.”

[ugh-againwiththenames]

A Musical Social Experiment...Destiel.

Alright, so I thought to myself, while playing along with @thenightwemetnatural​‘s Destiel song picks, that despite my musical tastes, and them tending typically (although not exclusively) towards the Metal genres, that EVERY song can in some way, be paralleled to Destiel. This is such a ridiculous experiment, and I apologize, but I’m at the cottage, and it’s fucking pouring with rain, so let’s play…

Here are the rules: take your Music library and throw it on Shuffle – every song that comes on for an hour(ish), connect it to Destiel...(below the cut for my results).

You can access the playlist here (if you have any interest in listening along!). I am not going to necessarily describe every possible connection - I think that a lot of them are SUPER obvious...like *eyes rolling out of my head* obvious...

In the End – Black Veil Brides – Well we’re off to a hell of a start, as this song from start to finish screams Destiel and sacrifice. In the end As my soul's laid to rest What is left of my body Or am I just a shell? And I have fought And with flesh and blood I commanded an army Through it all I have given my heart for a moment of glory Who will remember this last goodbye 'Cause it's the end and I'm not afraid I'm not afraid to die A Modern Way - The Exies – only on song 2, and it’s once again, really hard to cut out any of this song, as the repeating “I’m bound by my insecurities” SCREAMS Dean at me.

I’m Bound by my insecurities

Open your eyes and Throw your arms around me I need the right not to fight To breathe

Swallow the lies I'm the one to blame Having no voice left to choose Am i so blind, feeling justified When i'm alone and confused

Brother – NEEDTOBREATHE – I have to laugh…as I added this after watching Jensen sing this at a Con (for J*red), and no lie, I’m in LOVE with it, but it’s somehow now determinably connected to the brothers for me but I can/WILL draw the lines here…EASY.

Everybody needs someone beside em’ shining like a lighthouse from the sea Face down in the desert now there’s a cage locked around my heart I found a way to drop the keys where my failures were Now my hands can’t reach that far I ain’t made for a rivalry I could never take the world alone I know that in my weakness I am strong, but It’s your love that brings me home Summoners Rift – Dangerkids – Um. Well. The first line of this song just made me laugh out loud.

There's no room for martyrs in a dying scene Well I'm not quite dead I'm something in between

And if I had another chance I would tell you

I guess I'm not afraid of what comes after We are the only ones We stand alone in the dark

Question everything you blindly follow Truth's a bitter pill, it's hard to swallow You think you're winning but your time is borrowed We are the only ones We stand alone in the dark

Royal Beggars - Architects - I mean…the repetition of my sentiments is going to get a bit silly…so i will not. read on...

All hope is dead, but we're coping

Somebody save our souls

Like a bird in a cage, trying to fly away Is this the price that we have to pay? Overflowing with rage, yet we still obey 'Cause we're asleep in a hurricane

We sit on a throne, waiting for God to bend the knee But we're nothing more than royal beggars

Edge of your Bed - Thousand Below - “why’d you have to go and keep calling out my name” Calling out my name” pure purgatory “where’s the ANGEL” “I prayed to you Cas, Every night” The rest of the next verse is also poignant, very Dean again “where I can only feel peace when the wave hits”, “and I’ve become what I thought was wrong, I love the feeling when it feels too strong”.  

Why'd you have to go and keep calling out my name? Calling out my name

I found sorrow at the edge of your bed

Is it now a bad habit? Where I can only feel peace when the wave hits And I've become what I thought was wrong I love the feeling when it feels too strong

Animals – Siamese - “It takes a killer that thinks he’s a saint, it takes believing to be this insane” – well. yes. ok. 

Shattered not broken We stand our feet Houses rebuild on These bloody streets I fill my lungs into this beat With closed eyes we're hoping for remedy

It takes a killer That thinks he's a saint It takes believing To be this insane

Spineless Crow - Hands Like Houses

We were young together but I've grown ancient Cracked and weathered and filled with regret Waiting to sink, rushing to sink in my sleep

The realization sinks in through the skin Like a disease, a blight inside of me Missing your touch, your weight on my fingers

My Underworld - Tonight Alive

Now we sail into deep blue storm clouds Overhead now, strangely I feel at peace as I dive into My underworld, world I dive into my underworld, world Down in these depths I'm adding up the numbers Of all I've suffered in past lives, tied down in the darkness Finally I begin to learn what I've returned tonight Time has come to begin again, leave something else behind

Ever After - Marianas Trench - All this talk of being someone’s disaster – Welp! Hello!

Don't you move Can't you stay where you are, just for now I could be your perfect disaster You could be my ever after

Apologies, I'm not myself but I can guarantee That when I get back, you won't believe That you knew me well Don't want to think about it

I'm fuckin' tired of getting sick about it Now stand back up and be a man about it And fight for something, fight for something, fight for something Nobody told ya this is gonna fold ya We go marching in like toy soldiers To have and hold ya over sold ya They’re marching like toy soldiers I'll be your disaster, ever after So fire away Goodbye

Room 138 - Asking Alexandria - While this song is clearly actually about an overdose of some kind, it’s parallels shockingly well to the post confession scene.   So these are the walls that have to hold this moment Somebody hear me, someone open up the door Get me up off of this floor and stop the shaking, the shaking Through the haze I saw a face A second chance, another life to live How did you forgive me? Held my head against your chest Told me everything's alright, don't be afraid Close your eyes and rest

Witness – Daughtry

Does it feel like you're just wasting time Here without a reason or a rhyme The answer you've been looking for Is standing right before your weary eyes And if the weight of the world is on you now But you know you can turn it all around again How Many Walls - Rise Against  - Guys, seriously, I’m not even going there...How many years have we wasted….how many walls can you put up? How many guns til you feel safe? This is a song about war – this is Rise Against, this is purely political and somehow can STILL be pulled together with Destiel.

 How many walls can you put up?

How many guns 'til you feel safe? How many times can we watch this story Over and over and over again? And how many years have we wasted Counting the lies that we've been fed? For something to change we have waited Over and over and over again Pray – Picturesque - Nope. Don’t even need a description here. Once again this is FAR TOO OBVIOUS!

I should pray a little more and think a little less The devils in my head and he won't let me rest Everyday just like the last since you up and left I should pray a little more, I shouldn't pray for death I Knew You Were Trouble – We Came as Romans (Swift Cover) - SwiftNatural is a thing for a reason… 

It's like a kaleidoscope of memories. It just all comes back. But he never does. I knew his world moved too fast and burned too bright. But I just thought, how can the devil be pulling you toward someone who looks so much like an angel

I think that the worst part of it all wasn't losing him. It was losing me. Once upon a time, a few mistakes ago I was in your sights, you got me alone You found me

I knew you were trouble when you walked in (you were right there, you were right there) So shame on me now Flew me to places I'd never been Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground Texas Is Forever - Pierce the Veil – lack of communication anyone? I don’t know, do we know anyone like that? If anything should happen to me I want you to know, I’ve loved you since ever…

Here we are If anything should happen to me I want you to know I've loved you since ever since then Don't dance around me I know what it means No communication, cannot be received But I'm such a sucker for the rain, yeah Oh, here we are Butterfly - Wearing Scars – the Butterfly/Angel parallel alone…go with it.

Seems we're alone We're fixated Just waiting for something As time goes by And when we're way up high We'll look back down with different eyes Let's take our time Awake this life So spread your wings And take my hand Tonight will be the end

With Grace - The Weight of Atlas

This place looks like hell to me I cast myself into the sea Picked up my conscience and left my disease I don't know, I don't know if I can make it through this storm Keep your eyes shut it will be okay. Will we make it out alive? Will we make it out alive. When all you have is hope I will be your anchor I know that I can let you down But I swear I'll pick up the pieces. And be reborn again I Always Wanted to Leave - The Plot In You

I guess it's a shame I'm so damn destructive And you're so reluctant to mean what you say The way you act so abused The things you confuse You know I always wanted to leave "Hello... You can sing, I'm here And I love you more than anyone or anything With all my heart."

Unsteady - X Ambassadors – just a stay parallel. Don’t leave, don’t let go. If you love me. Don’t let go. #I haz the sads.

Hold on to me 'Cause I'm a little unsteady If you love me Don't let go Bury Me Alive - Normandie – pick a line – ANY LINE!!! 

I guess I'm not going to heaven now I got caught in the chase Now I'm falling from grace But I never stood a chance Could've given me a sign I'd be giving you blind obedience Mantra – Bring Me The Horizon Before the truth will set you free, it will piss you off Before you find a place to be, you're gonna lose the plot Too late to tell you now, one ear and right out the other one 'Cause all you ever do is chant the same old mantra Could I have your attention, please? It's time to tap into your tragedy Think you could use a new abuser Close your eyes and listen carefully Imagine you're stood on a beach Water gently lapping at your feet And now you're sinking, what were you thinking? That's all the time we have this week

Oh Lord - In This Moment – cutting any of this out was actually hard. Cas, my love, are you there?

Oh Lord won't you save me Save me from my soul Oh Lord won't you forgive me For I have lost control Oh Lord won't you tell me Am I the righteous or the damned? Oh Lord won't you please hear me Do I obey or do I command? Oh Lord please forgive me For what I'm about to do Oh Lord won't you believe me I'll burn in hell for you Oh Lord won't you teach me Teach me how to see Oh Lord tell me you love me Am I Lillith or am I Eve?

Bleeding is a Luxury - Atreyu

I’ve talked the talk, I've walked the walk, It's taken ten fucking years, For them to see I don't need their approval. I've paid the piper, I've stayed my course, Lived chomping at the bit. With only blood, sweat, and tears to adhere to- Take it for granted, Forsake the costs, Wear a big, shit-eating grin (with only blood, sweat, and tears to adhere to) Now bear the burden to chase your fate Grind your teeth 'til it fucking hurts So they can see I don't need their approval. Seize the day, Take your beatings, Lead the way, Or decay as you fall down... You fall down.

Would you Still be There - Of Mice & Men – wow, this song in full. All of it. I can’t.

If I could find the words, if I could shake the world, If I could turn back time would you still be there? I can't stop thinking about the way I left you sinking with no escape. Now there's no lifeline, no way to save. But maybe next time I won't throw it all away. Dislocated, I lie awake Suffocating in my mistakes. I lost my halo when I fell from grace, But maybe next time I won't throw it all away. I ask myself everyday... If I could find the words, if I could shake the world, If I could turn back time would you still be there? If I could find the words to say, If I could shake the world to break you down, Then would you still be there?

The Broken - 3 Doors Down 

This is the call to the broken, the broken Take it from me. They don't care if you're lonely. As you can see, They don't care if you're scared. Your heart Is the only friend you have in this whole world. Don't start, Think you can do this yourself. I know what you're thinking. You say you're tired of keeping score, keeping score. Trust me, You're not the only one going through this. You see, I've been through this before, this before.

Wow, I Hate This Song - The Used – this one took a little imagination – hardest one so far – because it really is just about hating a song! So we’re HC’ing the Zepp track that reminds Dean most of Cas, post Empty.

Every time I hear the key I see you in the melody It never was a part of me Heart feels like it's being stabbed Kills me emotionally Dirty Little Secret - Bullet For My Valentine – let’s take this back to – take your pick…Leviathan!Cas, Godstiel, Casifer, any of the times that Cas did the wrong thing for the right reasons…and did not tell his boy. 

There once was a time Where everything was just so perfect Now everything has changed And you've become a total stranger I've seen another side to you I never even knew existed Dirty little secrets, dirty little secrets Giving in to your primal instincts There once was a time When anything I do is for you But everything has changed And I've become a lonely prisoner I'd kill, even die for you You never even tried resisting

Kill Plan - Parabelle

I'm sitting stunned just like a lesson I never learned Made of emotions and mistakes And what you say Leaves me lost and in the way And that's the place you stay Remember silence Now we're painted into corners So we can watch the world get sold out Hold me closer don't let the sun in Hold me closer don't let the sun in Cuz the setting sun feels like a cage Don't let me defend the kill plan

Roman Sky – Avenged Sevenfold – This song only has a few lyrics, but we can definitely make them work.

As the embers rose through the Roman Sky Tell me, were you calm when they took your life? Just before you go, tell us how the heavens flow Weightless evermore, as you walk beyond that door Shine forever true To Those Left Behind – blessthefall – these boys might be my favourite band ever, but these are ANGRY lyrics – these are about betrayal.  This is a relationship gone wrong. I feel these best work with the divorce arc, the Angry Dean that we see, or Dean’s mood after any of the “Cas fucked up again” moments. You found me at my worst When I was far too weak to grow In spite of all my fears And how I may have lost my way Only now I know the truth

Awake and coming clean

If you can't sleep It's your conscience That's eating away At the mess you made So let's end this Sew this last stitch Lift this weight off my chest I'll put you to rest The past should stay dead

How did we find ourselves here? Haunted by our own design With everything that's come to pass Makes it harder to confine

[starr-fall-knight-rise]

Emp-ire “At Gunpoint.”

Sorry for posting so late. I wrote this yesterday, but have been kind of absentminded lately. I hope you enoy.

Adam woke up with a numb arm and a groan. He rolled onto his side, hearing the clatter of glass as he did, sitting up and slamming his head hard against the table above. He cursed, rubbing his head as he crawled out from under the table and stumbling to his feet. Quiet snoring over by the bar alerted him to another human’s presence and found Ramirez sprawled on top of the bar itself using a boot for a pillow. He looked up to find the bartender smirking at him from behind the bar.

He smiled rather sheepishly boots clattering over the floor as he walked over and unceremoniously turfed Ramirez onto the floor.

The other man yelped in surprise and flailed about for a second before looking up, “Adam!”

Adam looked around the room trying to find his hat, and surprisingly, found it sitting on top of a mounted ram’s head on the wall. He walked over and picked it up, placing it back on his head as Ramirez wobbled to his feet.

“You boys enjoy your night.”

Ramirez squinted at the light leaving in through the window, “That was…. One eventful night, drinking, debauchery and catching outlaws.” He slapped Adam on the shoulder, “What a good time.” A ‘small’ smile crossed Adam’s face, “Leave it to us to manage not to have a normal evening. Now come on, let's go find some horses.”

***

They found their houses in the stables just outside of town. The place was enough of a tourist trap that it was likely the horses were available to rent. He doubted they would just be allowing anyone to take one for a joyride though and stepped into the stable first with Ramirez walking behind him.

“Smells like horse in here.” Ramirez muttered

“Stop being such a Diva.” Adam said walking forward to where a farm hand was carting away a wheelbarrow of waste and the stable manager was standing patting one of the horses.

The smell of horses and fresh hay wafted over him and he had a sudden flash of his childhood.

His father’s voice echoing in his head.

“That’s it, not too tight on the reins, Adam. There you go.”

He shook himself and walked up to the man who turned, “Mornin’ the man greeted touching the brim of his hat, “What can I do for you.”

Adam motioned a finger at himself and Ramirez, “We were hoping to rent some horses,”

The man looked them up and don skeptically, “Do you boys know how to handle and take care of a horse?”

“I do, my friend there doesn’t… so he'd need something…. Gentle perhaps something you use to teach children.” 

Ramirez frowned, Adam smirked at him.

“Well guess we will have to see. I don’t just rent out my horses to anyone you know. Have to prove you can take care of them and treat em nice before i allow that.”

Adam nodded, “i’d question you a bit if you didn’t have that policy.”

“Well  I can suggest a few.” He turned to walk down the line, “For your friend there, he might want to take Buttercup, she's a sweet old girl, still has some spirit left in her but she's gentle and sure footed out of all the animals I had ever known. How about you sir, what’s your experience.” 

Adam shrugged, “Dad taught me to ride when I was a kid. I can gallup and stay on at a jump, know how to groom and take care of one, but I admit it's been a few years.”

The man nodded slowly and thoughtfully before walking to the end of the stable and patting a stall door, “This is Maroz, she’s a bit stubborn, but I think a man like you might be able to handle her.”

Adam walked over with Ramirez at his back to look at the horse, Stunning, white like a pearl, with thick legs but a long mane managing to look elegant and imperious at the same time.

“Wow, she's gorgeous.”

“Well go on, let her get a sniff at you.”

Adam walked up to the gate offering her the back of his hand fingers slightly curled inward, in an almost fist. She stuck her head forward sniffing at his hand, hot air blowing in great gusts over his skin.

After a moment she snorted and nosed at his hand allowing him to gently pat her along the velvety skin of her muzzle.

“Well hello gorgeous.” He said.

She tossed her head a bit.

The man nodded pleased and opened the gate, allowing Adam o take the rins and walk her onto the floor.

“A firm hand, thats good, a lot of people arent firm, but you have to be. You have to let them know you are in charge. It gives them a sense of security.”

He led Ramirez over to another stall where a silver horse stood tossing her head. She stopped as he approached and sniffed at him.”

He looked a bit nervous, “They are a lot bigger up close.”

Adam smirked, “Oh come on, they’re sweet.” he patted Maroz’s side and the horse tossed her head.

Adam left Ramirez with the stable owner for a moment as he went over to put a saddle on the white house throwing the leather over her back and tightening the girth-strap before adjusting the stirrups. 

The stable owner walked over to check his work and seemed pleased.

Go ahead and hop on take her for a ride around while I get your friend saddled up, and show him a few of the basics.

Adam nodded, throwing his foot up into the stirrup and then hauling his other leg over the back of the horse. She shuffled a bit, but once he had himself situated things started to become more familiar and he gently tapped the rains urging her forward into a slow walk.

Ramirez was still eying the horse like it was going to eat him, which made Adam smile a bit.

He walked her outside and urged her into a light trot ad then into a canter around th stables, his hips moving with her as her body rolled under him.

He lifted his face to the open air.

He had forgotten how much he enjoyed this.

Once that was done, he urged her into a gallup and she responded to him thundering over the desert ground sending up clouds of dust after the. He whooped in glee, leaning low over her neck before turning her around and pulling her to a stop before the doors of the barn.

Ramirez was there strategically trying to figure out how to haul himself into the saddle. He tried once, overbalanced and fell backward into the dirt in a puff of dust. The horse whinnied like it was laughing at him. Adam laughed, “Guess ice dancing doesn't exactly translate into horseback riding eh?”

“Shut up Adam, By the end of today this beast will be my bitch.”

Adam leaned against the pommel of the sadel with some skepticism. Ramirez tried again and ended up hopping away off balance.

He patted Maroz’s neck, “See girl, I did that and I only have one leg.”

“An ENHANCED prosthetic if I may remind you.” Ramirez said. The silver horse sat there with no end to her patient nature.”

Ramirez finally managed to haul himself into the saddle, and from there wasn’t too bad. He had a good sense of balance even at a trot and got the hang of it pretty quickly, walking and even trotting slowly around the small paddock.

The stable master urged Adam t jump the horse a few times, and he managed a few low fences before chickening out at something bigger and pulling the horse to a stop.

The man tapped his chin lightly, “Alright, I suppose you’re capable enough. I’m still gonna give you some instruction before you head out.”

Adam took the instruction very seriously, forcing Ramirez to sit down and listen as well. What they were about to do wasn’t going to be a picnic and they wanted to be as safe as possible while they did it.

After a while they had their extra clothing and bedrolls rolled up and packed on the horses.

They purchased a map and a compass and were waved off into the open country at a slow walk with the sun high overhead.

Adam held the reins gently in one hand, fist resting against his thigh.

“Showoff.” Ramirez mumbled almost white knuckling the reins off to his side.

“I can’t believe you are from Texas and don’t know how to ride a horse.”

“An ice skater from texas, a sexy almost Olympian from the city.”

Adam snorted and laughed, “You asked for this trip, you asked for this to happen.”

“I wanted us to dress up and go drinking, I didn’t think you were going to drag me out into the desert to go live on the land and…. I dont know skin alien rabbits or some shit.”

“We brought food quit being dramatic.”

Ramirez looked up at the sky, “Forgot my harmonica, guess I’m going to have to start singing.”

“Sing what?”

“I don’t know, country songs and shit.”

“What country songs do you know?”

He shrugged, “Plenty.”

“Like what.”

“There Is the, I love my truck song.”

Adam and the hose snorted at the same time.

“There is the, I lost my wife song, the I like drinking song, the I love country dirt song,and the I love lovin women in corn fields song.”

Adam choked and started to laugh, the sun beating down on them, “I would LOVE to hear your rendition of the love lovin a woman in a corn field song. And yes that is a challenge.”

Ramirez reached up to stroke his chin just a bit, “Hold on, gotta remember the lyrics.”

Adam waited grinning as his friends tared intently at the saddle before him.

“I….. Ah ha um…. Driving my girl down to the field…..er.”

“Go on…..” Adam reached down for his canteen and took a sip

“Getting all ready to uh…. Plow her field.”

He regretted pretty quickly taking that drink as sudden laughter caused him to spurt water out his nose like a broken faucet. He choked and gagged and gasped for air, howling with laughter to the point he was bent double on his horse silently shaking ad slapping his leg repeatedly with murth.

When he could finally speak he sat up and gasped, “You dumbass rymed field with field. You could have at least used yield or wield or healed or kneeled. Heavens above, now I KNOW why you’re a marine.”

Ramirez flipped him the bird, and Adam urged them into a light canter over the dirt. He kept an eye on the horses, making sure not to tire them out too much though he doubted the pase at which they were riding would actually have any adverse affect on them. He doubted Ramirez would be able to handle a full gallop any time soon but was happy to feel the wind rushing against his face and neck.

The air smelled alien, as alien planets tend to smell. It was hard to describe it, almost metallic, like he could taste it, and as the sun set the sky overhead grew purple. They said there was a higher concentration of oxygen on this planet which is what made the usually red to orange sunsets on a place like earth purple on a palace like this. It was pretty in a very strange way, casting an eerie light over the orange red desert as if they had been thrown into some strange space cowboy fantasy, which he supposed they had.

As soon as the sun met the horizon, Adam ordered them to a stop below one of the rock formations against the leeward side and set up camp. There was a pamphlet in the saddle bags that discussed local flora and fauna of the area, what was safe to burn, and what was safe to eat.

They had more than enough food to last them on their trip out to one of the settlements, so they didn’t worry about that as they sat down by the fire watching as the sun cast bright orange streaks of light access a purple sunset. 

Adam leaned back against his saddle watching the horses as they grazed quietly off to the side on strange bluish rock grass that was apparently pretty good for horses.

“Not half bad.” Adam muttered, taking a swig from his canteen.

Ramirez only grunted from where he leaned against his saddle using it as some sort of pillow with his hat drawn low over his eyes.

Adam reached a hand down to his belt, fingers brushing over the stolen knife.

What was he doing?

He had never stolen anything, not in his entire life.

Not even when the person desperately needed to be stolen from. He glanced down at the knife again. What had come over him in that moment? Were his thoughts of Sunny really so profound that he would think about becoming a thief just to impress her.

Was it…. Was it perhaps this whole atmosphere that made him so likely to steal.

The wild west, the final frontier, a place where the rules were fast and loose and finders meant keepers.

Off to his side Ramirez was breathing deeply probably asleep after a long day of riding.

Adam felt that, his legs hurt somewhat, and so he stretched them out, leaning back against the rock.

At least they didn’t have to worry about rattlesnakes or spiders. The biggest issue here were these sort of one eyed looking lizard things that had little spines on their skin that could cause a mild rash on people, though that was only on the people who happened to be allergic to them.

He closed his eyes trying not to think too much and certainly trying not to think of Sunny.

Wherever she was.

Likely alone.

Likely still mad at him.

He cursed himself for ruining their friendship which had taken so long to build. What they had come from before just go go back to square one so many years later. He took a deep breath and tried not to think, just tried to let himself sleep.

***

He woke to the disturbed nickering of the horses.

Anda cold gun barrel pressed to the back of his head.

He jolted upright reaching for his gun, but the barre pressed harder against the back of his skull, “I wouldn’t try that if i were you, Partner.” the words came out spitting and derisive, and Adam held his hands slowly in the air blinking against the light of their little campfire.

On the other side of the circle he could see another dark figure standing behind Ramirez's gun pointed at his head in a similar fashion to Adam.

Ramirez looked almost as groggy as he felt, and chanced a look at him across the fire.

“Don’t you boys even THINK about trying anything.”

Adam kept his hands where they were his voice calm, “I am sure….. This is all just some sort of misunderstanding.”

He winced as the gun barrel pressed harder against the back of his head.

“No misunderstanding about it ‘friend’ you’re being robbed, so you are going to sit there and shut up.”

“Go ahead, I’m not stopping you.” Adam said his hands surprisingly steady”

He watched as the men rifled through their things pulling out food ad ammunition only to shove them into their bags and keep rooting through.

One of them went rifling through Adam’s pockets and gumbelt while they had them sat on the rocks, Pulling out his handgun and the knife which had already been stolen. 

“Are we done now?” Adam asked probably not intending to have such an acerbic mouth, but finding the annoyance biting to the front of his thoughts against his will. And were out before he could stop them.

“Get insolent would you.”

A sharp pain exploded on the side of his head, and he went sprawling to the dirt, his hat rolling off towards the fire.

He groaned and crawled to his hands and knees spitting dirt and blood onto the ground.

Someone knelt in front of him, gripping his chin aggressively and forcing his head back to look up at them, “I-”The man paused and then frowned, “Do i know you…. You look familiar.”

Adam jerked his head away, “Guess I just got one of those faces.”

“No, no I know you from somewhere.”

Adam sighed, this was all playing out like some poorly written trope, and if he knew where this was going ---which he thought he did-- than it wasn’t going to end well.

“You been drinkin again Davis.”

“No I swear, take a look at him.”

There was a shuffling around the fire and Adam’s head was forced back again by a handful of hair as the group leader clomped over the dirt,spurs jangling as he did, coming to crouch before Adam with a contemplative expression. Unlike their encounter with the outlaw last night, this man was…. Well he was a lot more put together. He was clean shaven with a well tanned complexion and a velvety black hat only slightly coated by dust. He wore a red vest over a black shirt, and all the silver buckles that held him together shone in the darkness of the fire.

He scrutinized Adam for a very long time before.

“Well slap my ass and call me Nancy, if it isn’t Admiral Vir of the UNSC.” he spit into the dirt and the rest of the men around the fire moved in to circle around him.

Adam sighed, he knew he had been had.

“Figure that out all on your own '' He wondered staring the man in the face with barely concealed contempt.

Across the fire Ramirez was staring at him with a ‘what the fuck do you think you are doing.” Sort of expression.

The man laughed mirthlessly, “You’ve got a tongue on you, Admiral.” He glanced over at Ramirez, “And who is this, faithful dog or your lover.”

Adam sneered, “I could ask the same thing about you and all your….friends.”: He glanced around the campfire  at the group of armed men.

What the fuck was he doing/?

“You’re funny Admiral,” h looked around, “isn’t he funny boys.”

Around the fire, the group of men laughed with cold derision.

Their leader crouched down, and patted Adam slowly on the shoulder, “I am Happy to see you Admiral, very happy to see you.  I’m a big fan, loved your movie, though learning that you were in support of those alien fuckers put me off a bit, I have to admit.” He placed the barrel of his gun below Adam’s chin and tilted his head back slightly. “Almost didn’t recognize you without the eyepatch.” He tapped the side of Adam’s head with the gun barrel, “Freaky that thing is, referring to Adam’s eye.

Adam snered, “Then you’ll really find this freaky.” 

With a sharp whirr, the steel eye prosthetic jolted to life and flashed upward with a ferrel hiss. No one had time to react before the sharp thud of metal on flesh as his metallic shin drove itself hard into the fork of the man’s legs.

He achieved the desired effect as the man crumbled like a wet piece of tissue gagging and choking into the fetal position.

Adam was grabbed by the shoulders and pinned bodily to the ground, more than five weapons pointed at his face.

Just ahead the bandit leader lay on the ground mewling and gagging every so often.

It took him a good fifteen minutes to recover and when he finally staggered to his feet Adam more than expected to be shot. In a blur of motion the man pulled his gun and pointed it at Adam’s head a grimace still plastered over his face. His hand trembled with what must have been rage but he eventually lowered his weapon, “If you weren’t so valuable, I would shoot you where you stand.”

He glanced over at Ramirez awith a thoughtful expression, “Try anything like that again, and I kill your friend.”

That mande Adam Freeze, and he glanced over at Ramirez with wide eyes,

The man snarled, “Thought that would get your attention, but still…. I owe you.”

Adam probably should have seen the boot coming, but he only registered it at the last moment before blacking out completely.

[mediocre-writerr]

we’re going down [leah rilke]

bring us through: leah rilke book

chapter 2: we’re going down

*not my gif*

The private jet was fancier than any plane I’ve ever been on. Seats where your feet weren’t cramped like a bunch of sardines in a sardine can. A smell that doesn’t smell like someone just ate the whole Taco Bell menu before they came on.

It was clean and polished. No spot had a stain, like it was brand new. Perfect as one would say.

Here’s the thing about perfection though: everyone has their own version of perfect.

Here’s the thing about me: I didn’t know that until much more recently.

There were many trials and tribulations with my family, especially when it came to perfection...or well perfection in my dad’s eyes. But somehow, some way, we always came out stronger. There was one time where my mom didn’t get the job we needed to really help our financial situation, and my dad got so angry that she wasn’t perfect that she had to go live with my aunt for a couple months. But when she came back with a new better job, my dad celebrated her. We went to a fancy restaurant in the city and ate the most expensive food on the menu. Then my older sister didn’t marry the guy my dad wanted her to and he disowned her for a few months. Until she came back with more money and a grandkid for our parents. He threw the baby a huge baptism party, spending loads of money buying them a house and the necessities for a baby.

My mom not getting a job? Fixed with a big celebration dinner. My sister not marrying the man my dad wants? Fixed with a huge baptism party and buying them a house.

I’m valedictorian, on the verge of going to the most prestigious school in Texas on a full ride: Rice University. And then right when everything in life seemed to be perfect, I messed everything up. There was no way coming back up from this one.

I was just sitting at the kitchen table during dinner. Eating mom’s classic country fried steak and mashed potatoes with gravy. Occasionally, participating in awkward conversation about how good the food is. I felt like I slept-walked there, barely able to recall the argument before dinner, the yelling, the screaming. Remembering for the thousandth time in the past week, that she was gone.

I sat there awkwardly, waiting for the other foot to drop. That I was just going to get kicked to the curb like everyone else who didn’t follow what my dad has planned for their life. But as my younger brothers went upstairs for bed I recognized something on my dad’s face that I had never seen since they found out. His face dressed in a big smile, like he was just told he’s going to Disney World.

As if on beat, he leaned in closer to me from across the table. And I knew that things were about to go for a crash-landing. His unusual happiness at my disobedience was going to wreck havoc into my life.

He cleared his throat hesitantly as my mother joined us back on the table. His breath smelled like his usual bourbon, “So Raleigh,” he said, crossing his fingers together with my mom’s, “We have a fun surprise for you.”

As if on cue there was a knock on the door. My father gestured for me to go get the door. I opened it revealing Shelby and her parents. I stopped short in my place, both of us frozen with confusion written all over our faces. But her parents had an unfamiliar expression: genuine happiness?

I cleared my throat, trying to piece everything together, “Hi Mr and Mrs. Goodkind. It’s a pleasant surprise. My parents are at the kitchen table.”

I open the door wider for them as the two of them say their hello’s and walk inside, “What’s going on?” I ask Shelby and she shrugs.

“I have no idea,” she whispers back, “But it can’t be good.”

The two of us sat across from our parents, as they stared at us with grins on their faces. But it’s as if the grins had a double meaning to them, “We wanted to talk to the two of you about something. We know the two of you are as thick as thieves, I mean you never shut up about each other.” Mr. Goodkind laughs, trying to ease the awkward tension, but it misses by a longshot.

Me and Shelby laugh along awkwardly, as we look at each other with a side glance. They said fun surprise. Not we’re kicking you out onto the streets. But we knew, from the way that our mom’s wouldn’t look at us or from the way our father’s faces grew more and more stern by the second, that something was about to go down.

My dad fetched something from his office. Two envelopes with our name scrawled across it, with a pamphlet in his name. The pamphlet in big bold letters saying: Dawn of Eve.

“We want you to have this,” my dad says, “It’s a gift for the two of you.”

We slowly opened the envelopes revealing a plane ticket to Hawaii, along with an itinerary, “It’s a retreat,” my mom blurted, “A beautiful month trip to Hawaii with other girls around your age. You’ll love it. Find your true self. Growing.”

Mrs. Goodkind chimes in, “Aromatherapy messages, swimming with dolphins, workshops!”

“A chance for the two of you girls to discover who you’re really ought to be.” Mr. Goodkind says.

And at that point I knew. It wasn’t just any retreat, it was a retreat to get our shit together.

I closed the overhead container, like closing the container would shut out the memories too. Looking for a distraction, I opened up Instagram on my phone scrolling through various posts of people back home and celebrities flaunting off their life.

Everyone seemed to have taken their seats. The brunette with a book sat in the back away from everyone else, holding onto the book like her life depended on it. The ‘put on your seatbelt’ sign flashed above us, as a video began playing on the screen in front of us.

“Right now, hundreds of girls just like yourselves, board charters just like this one, are on route to our retreat in Kona, Hawaii.” the middle-aged lady said.

But I wasn’t quite focused on that, but rather the girl in the back all by herself. She was staring blankly at the seat in front of her, not paying attention to anyone in the plane or the video.

“The Dawn of Eve literally waits for no man.” the lady says, causing me to catch my attention.

I looked at my best friend who was captivated by the video. I give her a look and she just shrugs. The air on the plane was tense as we lifted off into the air. It seemed like nobody wanted to be here. So Shelby did what she did best.

“I’m gonna start an icebreaker to get to know everyone.” she states, starting to get up from out of her seat.

I pull her back down as fast as I could, “Shelb, really? We’re not on a mission.”

But she just pulled out of my grasp standing up. I let out a sigh, even though everyone would hate this idea, what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t support her? “So, in the interest of bringing us all together I would like to propose a little ice breaker.”

I could literally feel everyone’s eye roll in the room. An asian girl with bangs stood up suggesting ‘Never Have I Ever’. But of course peppy Shelby shot down her suggestion. She was never one for those types of games. Especially with all of the secrets she keeps hidden inside.

“Alright I’m gonna start with an introduction and play matchmaker,” she says walking up and down the aisle.

I was trying to pay attention to Shelby, but for some reason I kept looking back at that beautiful brunette. Who did not seem to be interested in anything Shelby was saying. Her nose still knee-deep in that book of hers, curled onto her side, reading like it was life or death.

“And this is my best friend Raleigh Fuller,” my best friend says, snapping out of my trance. She looks at you with the look as she follows your gaze to the girl in the back, “We’re from Dillon, Texas.”

She grabs my hand, dragging me all the way towards the back, sitting next to the girl, “You two will be paired up together. Have fun you two.” she says to me with a wink before walking back down the aisle.

The brunette didn’t acknowledge me though, but rather kept reading her book. I cleared my throat, awkwardly, trying to gain her attention.

“The Nature Of Her? By Jeffrey Galanis.” I said, squinting at the book cover across from me.

That seemed to have caught her attention, “You’ve read it?”

“No. I actually never heard of it, but it seems like it’s interesting. If you’ve been having your nose stuffed in since I accidentally ran into you.” I say jokingly with a small smile.

The flight attendant came by with a cart full of chocolate cake. We both thank him softly, before indulging in the richness of the cake.

She didn’t respond after that all she did was stick her nose in her book again. But it seemed like she wasn’t even reading the pages. After three seconds she’s already flipping onto another page.

I cleared my throat, scratching the back of my neck. I mean what am I supposed to say? The girl clearly didn’t want to be bothered. It’s like the writing in those pages were magical. The old me would just sit back in the leather private jet chair, feeling sorry for myself about her completely ignoring me. Probably thinking something like: wow, I guess I’m really not cool. Or spit out a random fact since that’s all I know like: competitive art used to be in the Olympics.

But that past me was probably dug next to the old Taylor Swift’s grave. The lyric that goes: “I’m sorry the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now...why? Cause she’s dead.” Yeah that’s how I’m feeling on the inside, so instead I say, “You know it’s kinda rude that we’re supposed to be having a conversation, but you’re completely ignoring me.”

She let out a laugh and took one glance up from the book. Finally being met with her bright blue eyes, “Does it look like I want to be bothered right now?”

“No, but it looks like you’re reading the same page over and over again. Like it’s the only thing that can keep your heart beating,” I said, “What’s so interesting about that book anyway?”

She studied me for a brief moment. Her eyes leave the pages of that book for more than five seconds.

Finally, she said, “Look, it’s one of my favorite books. But I don’t think there’s a rule against rereading your favorite book over and over again. That’s like me telling you that you can’t read Wuthering Heights over and over again.”

Now it was my turn to stare at the girl.

She was right. She may have been a closed off book, but so was I. I used to be one of those people who would kill to ask thousands of questions about what that book was about. Or why she loved it so much. I would love to join in and lead on Shelby’s icebreakers. But now? Sometimes, I don’t even want to talk to Shelby.

I wanted to apologize for my comments. These days, I can’t control my own emotions or what I want to say anymore.

I’m sorry, I imagined myself saying, I’m sorry that I was a complete pain in the butt. I didn’t mean to judge you and how invested you are in that book. My parents found out my deepest darkest secret. And instead of accepting me with open loving arms they decided to send me to a retreat. A retreat in which I’m pretty sure is a conversion therapy camp, but they don’t want to say that out loud. So they call it a fun surprise for me and my best friend. While the girl I fell in love with is just gone. I used to be this bright bubbly girl, but now I’m not. So, please forgive me for my behavior since you probably don’t want to be here either.

That’s a little TMI, don’t you think?

I open my mouth and start to utter those meaningless two words when my best friend came rushing past.

“Shelby? Where are you going?” I ask, surprised at how fast she was moving.

“I got chocolate cake in my teeth.” she mumbles, covering her face in her hand and I immediately got the message.

“Ah got it.”

Shelby rushed back into the bathroom and I turned to the brunette in front of me again. The closed-book of a girl, opening my mouth once more ready to mumble the two most overused words. But the plane started shaking, jolting us back and forth. The two of us look at each other, tilting our heads to the side.

“Hello everyone. We’re experiencing a little turbulence.” The plane continued to jolt and it seemed like more than just a little turbulence, “Actually a lot of turbulence!” the pilot yells.

The lights flashing on and off. The brunette just shoved her face back in the book. This could be our last moments on Earth and she’s still reading that book! I get up from out of my seat, banging on the bathroom door.

“Shelby! Open the door!” I yell.

My blonde best friend came bursting out and she fell onto her knees on the floor. Praying to the God she still whole-heartedly believed in. I fell down on the ground next to her, holding her in my arms as she prayed. I didn’t pray, but rather sat there thinking that this was the end.

[completeoverhead]

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