#Polly is a dark song about a true story

[gryfflepuffinthetardis]

The Man Who Sold the World (Sweet Jane Part Three) — Campbell Bain x Reader

Sweet Jane Episode One: Hey Jude

Sweet Jane Episode Two: Fly Like an Eagle

“She’s a mystery, but allow me to uncomplicate her for you. She isn’t impressed by material things. She’s a romantic; all she wants is love, conversation, and wine.”

Warning: Trauma from a toxic ex, Fear of a toxic ex, Stalking,

Campbell, Fergus, and Y/N were on a stage, playing music while Rosalie walked through the crowd with her gloves on, handing around a petition, as Dancing in the Street played.

“This is street radio, keeping you, you dancing in the street! And if you like what you've heard so far, then come and sign the petition which says: ‘We, the undersigned, would like Campbell Bain and Ready Eddie McKenna to be given their own show on local radio’, and make us the first DJs in radio history to go professional by popular demand!”

The crowd applauded and Campbell played Do Ya Think I'm Sexy. “Here's an anonymous dedication to Debbie, who works in the travel center just across from us, from,” He started talking in the husky “dead smoochy” voice again, "a secret admirer who could show you what love is, yeah!" Then there was a slight pause before Campbell pointed, “Well, all right, Debbie, it's that wee baldy guy in the blue anorak.”

The audience laughed at his humor as he took Y/N’s hands and eased her into a dance, making his hair flop about before a police officer came up, turning off the boombox, making the audience boo.

“Right, party's over. You're busking without a permit and ye's have got one minute to clear off.”

Campbell, even though he had a microphone and was face-to-face with the officer, he still shouted into the microphone, “A PERMIT?! ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT,” He had gestured to the cop and then himself before turning to the audience, “WE NEED A PERMIT TO DANCE?!”

“NO!” The crowd shouted.

“DO WE NEED A PERMIT TO BOOGIE?!” Campbell shouted as the cop walked off, annoyed and Y/N and Fergus exchanged looks.

“NO!”

“WE ARE HERE TO BOOGIE AND WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED!” Campbell enthusiastically pumped his fist over his head, triumphantly.

The crowd cheered and applauded as Y/N thought she spotted someone taking pictures… but they seemed to be focused only on her, if she moved away from Campbell and Fergus, the camera followed only her. It wasn’t the kind that the press used being something like a Nikon model camera but more of a Canon model. She got distracted when Fergus hissed at Campbell, “What are you doing?” Fergus asked.

“I told you it would work! We've got a genuine incident going here!” Campbell said, excitedly, making Y/N look at him and then said in an excited singsong voice, “We are gonna be in the papers!”

Y/N joined them, poking her head around Fergus, “We're gonna be in jail, Campbell.”

There were police sirens wailing as more police officer came running up.

“...Yeah, we'll just merge quietly into the crowd and then leg it.” Campbell said and they grabbed their stuff and ran off, pushing through the crowd and Rosalie followed them, and it quickly became obvious where they were to the police.

Y/N ran past the guy still taking pictures and she got a sense of familiarity, so she stopped and looked at him but he ran off to a distance before taking more pictures of her before Campbell came back, grabbing her hand and pulling her.

“COME ON!”

Fergus, Campbell, and Y/N  climbed over a sort barricade of junk. Y/N walked backwards to see the guy still taking pictures before she accidently stepped off the side of the junk and hit the ground with a yelp. Campbell went to her as Fergus held out a hand for Rosalie but she declined, despite wearing gloves and climbed over herself as Campbell helped Y/N up, a great constrast from when they first met just months ago.

“You alright?”

“Peachy pie.” She said, somewhat sarcastically.

He grinned and then he kissed her cheek and took her hand and ran off.

--

Eddie was in the station, filling in for Y/N who was supposed to be filling in for Campbell if he weren’t there. But neither were there.

“That was Runaway and this is Ready Eddie, standing in for Y/N L/N who should be standing in for Campbell Bain, who have both... run away! So... if you're out there and Campbell Bain is sitting next to you, smoking a fag and having a wee blether with your invisible voices or if you see Y/N L/N keying Campbell Bain’s dad’s car or furthering guilting him, tell them to—!” He played Baby Come Back as the four patients entered the station.

“Is it seven already?” Campbell asked.

“It's quarter past. Where the hell have you been?” Eddie demanded.

“Y/N, Rosalie and I got an afternoon pass. We staged a publicity stunt! A road show right in the middle of Argyle Street! And the police even came to break it up! Are you gonna tell me that's not frontpage news?!” He said, excitedly.

“What papers did you invite?” Eddie said, irritated.

It was immediately clear that Campbell was not aware of this fact, “‘Invite’? You mean you have to invite them?” He looked around at the group as Y/N closed the blinds over the window, anxiously, “Does that not... slightly... cheapen it?”

“Campbell, this station is falling apart. If something doesnae happen soon, we'll no have a station to publicize. In the past fifteen minutes, yet another channel on the mixer has blown; if I don't get any good news from Evelyn tomorrow about a new mixer, we may have to stop broadcasting altogether!” He started to shout in Campbell’s face, “You want to go professional? RULE ONE: TURN UP FOR YOUR SHOW!”

Campbell hung his head, ashamed and muttered, “...Sorry, Eddie.”

Eddie, then turned to Fergus and shouted, “How'd you no realize that channel was gonnae blow? How was it no checked?”

“...Sorry, Eddie.” Fergus shrugged.

Eddie then turned to Rosalie, “And what about you? You're the station manager; 's your job to make sure the show goes out!”

“...Sorry, Eddie.” She said, softly and splashed some Dettol into her hands and rubbed them together.

Then he turned to Y/N, “Aren’t you supposed to keep them in line, Y/N!?” Eddie shouted at Y/N who didn’t look sorry but more angry and tiresome, used to being screamed at. But she wasn't going to take it anymore.

“And where were you during Campbell’s first show. You were twenty minutes late, McKenna. Point is everyone makes mistakes and by the way WHY THE HELL AM I IN CHARGE OF KEEPING THEM IN LINE, I’M ONLY EIGHTEEN! I’M THE YOUNGEST ONE HERE!” She then spoke loudly but not in a yell again, if she yelled her voice became all hoarse from lack of use. “so how about you stop yelling at us because we’ve got work to do, so let’s just try and see a little bit of discipline and professionalism around here, huh? That alright with you, salesman of double windows.” She sassed much like a sassy temp would.

“Anyway. Record's almost finished. I've got to go to work.” Eddie said, putting his coat on.

“No problem.” Campbell said and he sat in the DJ chair while Y/N sat in the co-DJ chair, “Right.”

“Quiet! We're going on air now!” Rosalie said, loudly, making Eddie put a finger to his ear.

Y/N played the Hospital Radio Saint Jude's jingle as Eddie left and Campbell spoke into the microphone, “And that was Baby Come Back, coming at you from 1968.”

Apparently Rosalie felt the near empty hallway wasn’t quiet enough because she opened the door and shouted down the corridor, “I said, QUIET!” Her voice echoed on the radio, making Y/N flinch.

“Rosalie!” Campbell hissed.

Rosalie then spotted her husband, glaring at her, “Oh. It's you.”

It was quiet for a moment before Y/n leaned over Campbell, bringing the microphone to her mouth. “Um… this next song will be to all those unaccepting fathers who won’t accept that their son is amazing just the way they are but refuse to accept them and criticize him to the point that he had a legitimate manic episode.” Not true but he didn't know that. Nor did he deserve to know that.

“Y/N.” Campbell blushed.

“And also, for all those who got away. Oh Father.” She started playing Madonna’s Oh Father.

Campbell pushed the fader slider and he pulled out a plastic bag, “I, uh, kind of guilt tripped my mother into stealing some money from my dad.” He smiled nervously, “And I bought you these.” He pulled a pair of light purple on light blue headphones.

“Campbell…” She smiled, touched. “You didn’t have to.”

“Well, I did break yours. Here,” He opened the box and unraveled the wire, spazzily and then he put them over her neck, leaning forwards her as he moved her hair and tucked them behind her ears. His eyes glanced down at her lips and he slowly leaned closer and then suddenly panic erupted inside her chest as traumatic memories flashed behind her eyes and she kicked the swivel chair back and ran out of the station, leaving Campbell very confused and now feeling dejected, his posture sank and he pouted, now resembling a kicked puppy dog (possibly kicked by his father or Stuart)

--

Evelyn was still perpetually closed minded about not only the patients working at the station but group therapy. Where was Doctor Winter!?

Campbell was pacing back and forth, running his hands through his hair as he eyed Y/N warily given that he had tried to kiss her and she ran in the opposite direction at full-speed but she was avoiding his gaze as Rosalie cleaned the station with her last bottle of Dettol when Eddie entered.

“How bad is it?” Campbell asked, eagerly.

Clearly Eddie was also annoyed with Evelyn’s behavior because he bitterly said, “We're getting nothing; they're afraid we may be a luxury they cannae afford; but they do wantae know if we want to do something for the Open Day next week.” He turned to Fergus, “What do you think?”

“They can't do this!” Campbell whined as Y/N went to him, calming him down by running her hands through his floppy locks, he leaned into their touch.

“How long can we keep going?” Eddie asked Fergus.

“A few months, or...” Fergus started.

“Few days.” Eddie finished.

“They are nipping my brilliant career in the bud!” Campbell shouted.

“They want rid of you, you know.” Francine said.

“Oh, aye?” Eddie asked and Francine nodded.

“That's how they do things in here. They never say ‘ye cannae do that’ or ‘ye cannae have that’, but ye cannae. You wantae put a poster up by your bed, they'll tell you there's nae Blu-tack. If you find some Blu-tack, they tell you it'll damage the paint. If you get some paint, they'll tell you the color doesnae match. They never actually stop you, but somehow you just stop.”

Y/N chuckled bitterly, “Story of my life.”

“Well, not this time.” Campbell said, determinedly, “Eddie, you tell them that yes, we do want to do something for the Open Day. We are gonna run a fundraiser to buy a new mixing desk.”

“How?”

“I see a Hospital Radio Road Show on a flatbed lorry. I see music and dancing. I see reporters!” He said, enthusiastically.

“I see no money, Campbell.” Eddie rubbed his temple.

“Well, we'll charge to play requests and dedications! And then, we will pull off one absolutely brilliant publicity stunt that will blaze its colors across every newspaper in Scotland!” He declared as Y/N got an idea.

“Such as?” Eddie asked, flatly.

“...I don’t know!” Campbell sputtered but remained undeterred, “I-I could get up on the roof of the hospital and threaten to jump unless the punters give us enough to buy a new mixer.

“Aye, but they might want you to jump.” Y/N said in a slightly sarcastic deadpan voice.

“Well then I'll threaten no to jump unless the punters give us enough to buy a new mixer.” Campbell half-joked, getting close to her, at least she was making eye contact with him again.

“Campbell, they are not going to let you threaten to jump off the hospital rooff for their Mental Health Week Open Day!” Eddie scolded.

“It was only my first idea!” Campbell defended, “Come on, Y/N, Fergus, Rosalie—we've gotta mobilize the troops! Hospital radio must survive!”

He took Y/N’s hand and walked off with Fergus following while the skeptical Eddie sat down and Rosalie was writing in her notebook.

Campbell came back and spoke to Rosalie, “Rosalie, what are you doing?”

“Uh, just—writing a list.” She said.

“Come on!”

“I gotta make a phone call!” Y/N said and ran down the hall as Campbell whined after her.

“Y/N!”

--

Campbell gathered the gang and the inmates for an announcement which as per usual annoyed Alistair.

“Fellow inmates! I suppose you're all wondering why I've asked you here today.”

“Just get on with your bid.” Alistair complained.

“Yes, how dare we interrupt your TV time.”  Y/N deadpanned.

"I liked it better when you didn't speak at all." Alistair muttered, grumpily.

“We all remember what life here was like before hospital radio.”  Campbell said.

“Aye, a lot quieter.” Hector piped up.

"Becasue Y/n never spoke." Alilaster grumbled but he was ignored completely.

“You're right, Hector! Hospital radio has brought us music, laughter, got us dancing in the corridors! Before that, the most excitement we got here was listening to you fart God Save the Queen or waiting for Myra the Catatonic to blink or trying to get Y/N to talk!” He smiled at her with a light in his eyes, “Now, is that what you want to go back to?” Campbell then turned to look at Sheila who was shaking her head, “Is it?”

“No!” She said.

Campbell paced with his hands behind his back as if a solider, addressing his troop, making Y/N Well. Unless we can raise the dosh to buy a new mixer, that's all there's going to be round here.

“What's a ‘mixer’?” Billy asked.

“Shh!” Margaret shushed him as Fergus and Eddie exchanged amused looks.

“But with your help, we are going to be holding a fundraiser at the Open Day. We are going to be staging a Hospital Radio Road Show, through a 5 kilowatt P.A. on a flatbed lorry in the courtyard, and we're going to need volunteers. To help set up and run the show; to help rattle tins—” Campbell explained, passionately and Y/N noticed Rosalie writing down in her little notebook, “but most of all, to help with the main fundraising event of the day, the Loony Pools!”

Y/N muffled her laughter into her palm as Eddie repeated this questioningly in a low voice to an amused Fergus. “Loony Pools?”

Campbell took a stack of homemade coupons from Y/N, giving her a grateful smile, “We're gonna be handing out coupons, like this one, with details of the contestants—half loonies, half boring folk—who'll be assigned numbers, one to twenty-four, by lottery. Two loonies in a pair is a score draw of three points. But if only the odd-numbered contestant's a loony, then it's a home win, one point. If only the even-numbered contestant is a loony, then it's an away win, one and a half points. If neither of them are loonies, it's a no-score draw of two points. A pound a line, best of eight, high score wins, five dividends of cheap prizes.”

The patients muttered in confusion and Hector asked, “What?”

“Yeah, I’m lost too, Cam.” Y/N muttered.

“...Basically, it's Spot the Loony.” Campbell summed up.

“Oh, cheeky!” A patient said.

“That’s you.” Y/N said in a low tone, nudging Campbell, “Cheeky little rascal.”

Campbell let a blushing smile as his cheeks reddened before turning back to the patients with a goofy lovestruck smile on his face, bouncing on his heels, excitedly. “Now! Volunteers?”

“Aye. I'll volunteer.” Margaret raised her hand.

“Me as well!” Billy volunteered.

“Me too!” Y/N chimed in.

“That's the spirit! Because we are going to show them—” Campbell beamed and then he started chanting while holding his fist up as if rebelling against institutional oppression… they kind of were… in terms of rebelling against oppression towards mental health, rather than racism… though oppression against racism could cause mental health problems. Because rude, normal people suck. “We are loonies and we are proud! Say it! We are loonies, and we are proud!”

“We are loonies, and we are proud! We are loonies, and we are proud!” The patients and Y/N chanted with him.

“Now! Any questions?” Campbell asked.

“Aye. Can I go to the toilet?” Billy asked.

Away you go.” Campbell dismissed him, “Any other questions?”

“Where is this flatbed lorry coming from?” Alistair asked.

“That's a detail we haven't worked out yet, but we're working on it.” Campbell admitted.

“So, who's bringing this massive P.A. then?” Margaret said.

“Well, that's another detail that we've not sorted out yet.” He replied.

“What exactly have you sorted out so far?” Alistair asked, annoyed.

“Well, Sandy in the kitchen's been saving us some tins to rattle.” Campbell muttered.

The patients then muttered unhappily as they left.

“Aw, come on! Have some faith!” Campbell whined.

Campbell leaned back on a table in dejection. Y/N went to his side, leaning against him, comfortingly as she placed a hand on his sternum, gently.

“We can still rattle the tins.” She said, encouragingly, he didn’t say anything, he just rested his floppy-haired head on her shoulder and she ruffled his hair but when she stopped he let out a whined and buried his head into the crook of her neck as she scratched his head, comfortingly as Rosalie was still over by the window making a list.

--

Campbell couldn’t sleep, he was too sad and lonely despite having several roommates. He kicked his covers off like a toddler when staggered down the hallway to Y/N’s personal dormitory as per requested by her refusing basic needs like sleep, food, and water, and he opened the door to find Y/N reading How To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. She looked up to see Campbell smiling warmly, reassuring her when he saw the fear and nervousness in her eyes which eased softly.

“I just… couldn’t sleep. I’m depressed.” He frowned.

She gave him a gentle smile and ushered him over, he got under the covers next to her but kept his distance, noting that they had never done this before and Y/N was jumpy with men.

Silence as she continued to read, “What… are you reading?” He asked, awkwardly.

“How To Kill a Mockingbird.”

“Never read it.”

“Too dark for your internal sunshine.” She said, ruffling his hair. "I usually perfer audiobooks but... I've learned to be cautious about hearing headphones when everyone else is asleep."

“Favorite character?”

“Boo Radley. He’s likely autistic. Misunderstood yet with a gold heart like us.” She said and rested her head against his shoulder and Campbell hesitantly wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she started to read to him be before she dozed off in his arms. He smiled down at her and he turned off her light and kissed the top of her head.

Around midnight, Rosalie entered the boy’s dormitory before finding that Campbell wasn’t there, so she went to Y/N’s personal dormitory as per requested and opened the door to find the two “strictly” friends sleeping next to each other. Or rather, full-on cuddling with Y/N’s head on his shoulder and him with his arms wrapped around her.

“Campbell! Y/N? Are you awake?” She asked in a whisper, neither answered so she turned on Y/N bedside lamp.

Campbell finally woke and reacted to the light, “Jesus! What did you do that for?”

Y/N groaned and pulled the covers over her head, hugging herself into Campbell’s chest, making him let out a gasp and squirming slightly before turning back to Rosalie.

“I wanted to know if you two were awake.” Rosalie said and Y/N groaned from under the covers, saying that she was going back to sleep and no one was going to stop her from doing so.

“Aye, well, I am now.” He sighed, annoyed, he huffed and shifted like, why am I awake, “What do you want?”

“I've been making some lists, Campbell.” She said.

“You're always making lists.” Campbell pointed out like, why do I have to be awake now as Rosalie sat in a chair next to the bed.

“But these ones are for you.” She said and handed the lists over to the sleep-deprived boy from her purse.

"Road haulage companies in the greater Glasgow area." He read and then dryly remarked, unaware that Y/N had gone stock still, “All right, well, thanks, Rosalie, I'm sure I'll find this very useful.”

Y/N suddenly moved urgently, making Campbell jump, scared he had done something wrong. She threw the covers off her, giving Campbell the chance to look down at her nightgown that said, “not crazy, just misunderstood”, his lips twitched into a small smirk of amusement before she spoke.

“Road haulage companies are bound to have flatbed lorries in their fleet! I bet someone'll loan us one, it is for charity.” Y/N said.

Rosalie handed him another paper as he realized what this all meant, “And that's a list of P.A. hire and sales companies; could have some luck there. And this is a list of local merchants who might donate prizes for your Loony Pools. You can recruit most of your non-loonies from the staff, although you'll have to be dead careful, because some of the staff aren't exactly certified…” She had a twirly loony gestured at her head, “non-loonies.

“So not Stuart… or Eddie.” Y/N said. “I could call some of my cousins that live in Edinburgh. They’re all normal, studying abroad.”

“Aye. This is a list of staff bulletin boards in the hospital—" Rosalie continued.

It can be done! You've cracked it, Rosalie!” Campbell said, enthusiastically and he went to shake her hand when she flinched and he remembered, “Oh, sorry.”

“Listen, you couldn't... do something for me, could you?” Rosalie requested.

“Aye, anything!” Campbell said as Y/N placed her chin on his shoulder to look over it as Rosalie handed him a parcel of ugly clothes.

“Listen, you couldn't just put this in your locker and then forget about it?”

“What's in it?”

“Some new clothes Jim brought me.” Rosalie replied.

“Why do you want to put that in my locker?” Campbell said.

“Ugh, this is the most hideous dress I have ever seen.” Y/N said, crinkling her nose at it.

“So I could pretend I lost them. Then I wouldn't have to wear them.”

“You don't want to wear them, don't wear them!”

“Well, Jim says I can't go home unless I wear them.” Rosalie explained and Y/N just flopped onto her back.

“Men.” She scoffed and Campbell gave her an offended look.

“And they want to give me drugs so I can't keep me head straight and defend myself from the germs. I'm down to me last bottle of Dettol but Jim won't let me buy any more, and the doctor says—"

“Now don't let them push you around, Rosalie. Stand up to them.” Campbell encouraged her and Y/N muttered something, sardonically.

“How?”

“You just say…” Campbell then spoke in a bad American accent that vaguely resembled a Brooklyn accent, "‘I'm not gonna take any more o' dis crapola’."

Y/N turned her head to look at him oddly as Rosalie shook her head, “I couldn't do that.”

“How no?”

“I'm not American.” Rosalie pointed out.

“Aye, but it sounds that brilliant when they say it in the films.” He said and Y/N laughed, “‘I'm not gonna take any more o' dis crapola’."

"I'm not going to take any more of this... crapola." Rosalie repeated in her normal voice.

“Uh... you're gonna have to work on the accent.” Campbell said.

“"I'm not gonna take any more of... dis... crapola." She repeated, slowly and awkwardly in an even worst accent. Then she giggled and covered her mouth with her hands as if she had done something scandalous.

Campbell laughed as Y/N rose herself back to having her chin back on Campbell’s shoulder, “That's the spirit!”

“What am I going to do with these clothes?” Rosalie asked.

“Chuck 'em. Burn 'em.” Campbell dismissed.

“Oh, I couldn't do that, Robbie.” Rosalie said and Y/N frowned. Who was Robbie.

“Well, give them to Mad John the Pyromaniac, he'll take care of them.” Campbell said before realizing something, “Did you just call me Robbie?”

Rosalie hurriedly rubbed her hands with Dettoll, “Maybe I'll just put them under my mattress.” She gathered her stuff and then left.

"Right, well, that was a thing." Campbell deadpanned.

“That was odd.” Y/N said.

“Okay, sleepy time.” Campbell said and turned off the light and pulled Y/N into him playfully, making her giggle slightly which warmed his heart.

They couldn’t go back to sleep for a while as Campbell traced circles in her shoulder before he asked, “What do you think you’ll do after you leave?”

“I don’t know. Write? I like to write. Maybe I could be your DJ manager.”

“Yeah, I’ll add it to my list of things to do next to lose my virginity.” He said before hesitantly asking, “are you still a virgin? Not that I want to take it but… I'm not saying that I wouldn't, I mean I would, no! What I mean...”

“No.” She cut him off.

“What?”

“No, I’m not a virgin.” She said and snuggled into the pillow, ending the conversation.

--

A few days later, Campbell and Y/N were on the air, “Just to remind you that tomorrow, Saint Jude's Hospital Radio Roadshow is going to roll into Open Day, and we need your help to raise money for a new mixer. Without it, hospital radio will soon sound like this.” Silence. Rosalie and Francine looked at him and Y/N in confusion and he smiled meaningfully at them as Y/N giggled into his shoulder, “So! Come along and show your friends, your relations, and the local community that we are loonies, and we are proud!”

Campbell put on Don't Let Me Down as Eddie entered.

“Jesus, what's all this?” Eddie asked.

“You're late.” Rosalie scolded him.

“Sorry, I was working.” Eddie said as Campbell and Y/N pulled their headphones off to watch in amusement.

“Ah, well, here's your list. And you better get started or you'll never get through it.

"Go to car. Put key in ignition. Drive to Hot Jam P.A. hire." Eddie read the thorough instructions.

“There's your address.” Rosalie said, handing him a card.

"Collect speakers. Put in car. Drive back. Take key from ignition." Eddie continued to read.

“Rosalie's nothing if not thorough.” Campbell laughed and Y/N joined in.

“Francine, isn't that banner ready yet?” Rosalie demanded.

“Just finished! And then I have to help Fergus cord the leads.” Francine told her.

“Just give me a minute.” Fergus said which set off Rosalie again.

“A minute? You're only halfway down your list and it's nearly eight o'clock.” She snapped at Fergus and then turned to Eddie, “And you. Well, don't stand there like a dead sheep, go to your car.” Then she rounded on Campbell and Y/N, “And what are you two doing?!”

“I'm in the middle of my show!” Campbell whined and then took Y/N’s hand like he couldn’t do it without having a “manic episode” without her and then gave Rosalie a pouty look.

“Okay, but hurry up!” Rosalie said as Isabel entered.

“Rosalie?”

“Can you not see I am busy?” She snapped at her.

“Your husband's just arrived.” Isabel informed her.

“Tell him to screw off!” Y/N called but was ignored.

“Doctor Cairns can see you now.” Isabel said.

“I'll be there in a minute. I can't stop long.” She said and then she left with Isabel.

“What was that?” Eddie laughed.

“Power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts every loony.” Campbell teased.

“Kind of men in power.” Y/N smirked, cheekily. “It’s the need for control.”

“She organize all this?”

“Aye! By tomorrow night, this hospital isnae gonna know what hit it. And by Monday morning, the Loony Pools is going to be all over every newspaper in Glasgow, paving the way to our career in professional radio! Fergus faxed the press releases this morning.” Campbell said, idealistically and optimistically.

“Aye. Well, just don't be too disappointed if the press don't show up, okay?” Eddie warned.

Campbell’s smile faltered, “What do you mean?”

“It's just that there's nothing all that newsworthy about a bunch of loonies staging a stunt at an Open Day.” Eddie said.

“But it's Mental Health Week.” Campbell said.

“Well, I gave up smoking on National No Smoking Day, but they didnae put my name in the paper.” Eddie pointed out.

Campbell slumped, now disheartened again.

“Good job, Eddie. You made him sad.” Y/N snapped and she took Campbell’s hand.

Eddie sighed, “I better get these speakers. Listen, Campbell.” Campbell looked up at him with a surly expression and Eddie turned back to him, “If we just raise enough money to buy a cheap, nasty secondhand mixer to keep the station going, that'll be enough for me.”

“Ah, well, that's your trouble, Eddie. You aim low every time.” Campbell said, sourly.

“Aye, but I reach my goals.” He said and then left.

“They’ll show up. Even I called some.” Y/N told him, “Hey,” she cupped his cheek and turned his head to look at her, stroking his cheek with her thumb, “trust me?”

He smiled, still somewhat disheartened but believing in her, “Yeah, I trust you.”

--

Campbell and Fergus and the others carried in speakers, “I've got it, Fergus. The day's entertainment is reaching its climax. The last two contestants mount the stage. The audience mark their coupons; they hand them in. When suddenly, a swarm of photographers surge forward, because it turns out that one of the contestants was none other than—Spike Milligan! The greatest manic-depressive of our time!

“Spike Milligan?” Fergus said.

“Seven out of ten folk will probably think he's a patient! What a news story, eh? What a scoop!” He said, enthusiastically.

“There's only two things wrong with that, Campbell. First, how are you going to get Spike Milligan to appear in your Loony Pools for tomorrow afternoon?”

“Y/N.” Campbell pointed at the H/C-haired girl.

“Uh, a pal of mine's girlfriend's sister went to university with his grandson—” Y/N said, vaguely, avoiding eye contact.

“—Second, everybody knows what he looks like.” Eddie said.

“Good point. We'll need to disguise him.” Campbell said when Rosalie entered wearing just a hideous dress that Jim hadn’t been appreciative of at all as she rubbed her hands with Dettol. “What are you doing wearing that horrible dress?”

“What's going on?” She asked as she set the bottle down on the edge of the table where a speaker is sitting.

“These are the speakers you sent for.

“You can't bring these in here yet I haven't cleaned them! Take them out!” She complained.

“We're going, we're going...” Eddie said and he picked up a speaker and knocked over her bottle of Dettol.

Rosalie gasped, staring in horror as the tension intensified. “It's gone.”

“...I'll get a mop.” Francine said, leaving to do so as Rosalie started to panic.

“That was my last bottle!”

“It's okay, it's okay...” Campbell reassured her.

“What am I going to do? There's germs. There's germs!” She cried.

“Shh, it's okay, Eddie's going to get you some more from the late-night shop.” Y/N reassured her.

“Where's the late-night shop?”

“Fergus'll show you.”

“Uh, I've escaped twice today already.” Fergus protested and Y/N turned to glare at him.

“Germs... kill! And they're everywhere!” Rosalie cried.

“Look, do you want them to come and sedate her? Go!” Campbell hissed and Fergus left with Eddie to get her some more Dettol.

“I’ll pay you back!” Y/N called after them.

“Germs. Kill. Do you not understand? Germs. Kill.” Rosalie panted before going to sit down,“Robbie got sick. Jim said I wasn't washing the lettuce properly. So I washed it and washed it. But he was still sick. Jim said it was 'cause the floors was dirty. So I washed them and washed them. But Robbie stayed sick. Jim said it was the drains, the toilet, the sinks, the dirty washing. The cutting board and the kitchen knives! I made lists of all the places the germs could be. I washed everything! But no. Robbie stayed sick.” Rosalie held back her tears as her voice waivered, “Until he died. I never managed to kill all those germs...”

The death of her son combined with the rage of her husband, who blamed her because he couldn’t blame his son.

“What did he die of?” Campbell asked, gently.

“...Leukemia.”

“Oh, Rosalie...” Campbell said, softly while Y/N knew that this wasn’t the time to bring up that Leukemia was caused by genetics, not germs. It was likely the complusion and intense anxiet had already set in by the time they found out.

“Jim worshipped that lad. He hasn't been the same since.” Rosalie mourned, staring into the distance.

“Trauma can change people. It changed me.” Y/N confessed in a small voice.

 Isabel then came in, “Y/N, your cousins are here.”

She tensed and hesitated before leaving without a word. Campbell stood up, watching her leave, slightly concerned.

--

On opening day, “That’s a lot of people.” Campbell worried, looking out at the crowd.

“Cams, you’ll be great.” Y/N encouraged him.

“By the way, did you call my dad?”

“Maybe.” She shrugged one shoulder, “so you can prove him wrong.”

“Why wouldn’t you consult me first?”

“I didn’t know how’d you react?”

“Not only are there hundreds of people but my road sweeper father, Y/N, I don’t think I can…”

Y/N suddenly stepped closer to him and raised herself on her toes, making his voice die as her lips teased him by getting close to his then pulling away. “I believe in you, Cammie. I’ve always believed in you.”

“Good luck kiss?” He breathed.

She moved to his ear and whispered, “We’ll see.” She started to pull away which made him whine before she turned back and pecked him on the lips and ran off, leaving him blushing like a schoolboy with a stupid look on his face.

--

Day Tripper played as Campbell spoke into the microphone, “This is for all you day-trippers out there who came to find out what it's like to be loony for a day. So if you've just arrived, get on your straitjacket, plug yourself into the nearest electrical socket, and get on down!”

“Not bad for a looney, huh?” Y/N told Campbell’s father.

“I thought you didn’t speak.” He said, as respectful as ever.

“Your son was going to give up because of you so I spoke up and told him what an ass you are. You’re selfish, inconsiderate, and miserable with your life so you take it out on the son who didn’t turn out like you wanted but guess what manic-depressive disorder is eighty percent genetic and more likely passed down from the father's side of the family than the mother’s, just because there's no known family members of your family doesn't mean there weren't any, you prideful ass. It can also be triggered by stress, emotional abuse, neglect, being bullied, loneliness, isolation, pressure, you know all those you put upon him so he’s a disappointment to you because you’re a disappointment to him in terms of parenting. He can’t turn it off like a switch and it is not an act. So, get your head out of your ass before he gets another manic attack and kills himself because of it.”

She smiled, psychopathically and then walked off, leaving him in stunned silence that she would speak to him like that, and she joined the others as Rosalie was reading out requests.

“Big Girls Don't Cry, The Four Seasons. All Kinds of Everything—”

Eddie had been trying to find the requested records, “You're going too fast!”

“You're just finding too slow.” Rosalie hissed.

“Let me help. What else is there?” Y/N asked.

“Polly.”

“What?” Y/N asked, suddenly so alarmed that her entire body flinched with fear, unaware of the man who had been taking pictures of her was watching but not taking pictures.

“Polly by Nirvana.” She repeated the request that unnerved Y/n when Campbell started talking again and one of her cousins hurried over to her, noticing her cousin’s alarm.

“Yes, it's time again to separate the loonies from the boring folk, so get ready to mark your X, boys and girls, because if you are one of our lucky winners today, you may walk out of here with one of our fabulous prizes! Which, if you happen to be on a Section 26, means somebody'll come and bring you right back again. You could win a teddy bear, a dancing Coke can, a bottle of cheap sherry, a fruitcake, or a week's supply of cat food. We wanted to give away a color telly and a portable Jacuzzi, but they wouldnae trust us with anything electrical.” He chuckled.

Y/N and her cousin were having a whisper conversation, it was heated like an argument but wasn’t an argument, more of her cousin reassuring her of something when Hector grabbed her arm, making her jerk away into her cousin’s arms who held onto her protectively, looking at Hector as if trying to see if she should beat him down.

“Sorry. Y/N, Mark’s not here.”

Rosalie materialized next to them, “What?”

“He's supposed to be contestant twenty-two, but they discharged him this morning!” Hector warned.

“You'll have to take his place, then.” Rosalie said.

“No, I couldnae!” Hector denied, fearfully.

“You're right. They'd know straightaway you was one of the loonies.

“Rosalie!” Y/N scolded, “where’s your husband? He’d qualify as a looney. What kind of husband doesn’t show up to support his wife?”

“Ladies and gentlemen, loonies and loonettes—” Campbell continued, “Please welcome our next pair of contestants, numbers twenty-one and twenty-two on your coupon.

“Fergus, get up there.” Rosalie said, going to the shy electrician.

“What?”

“I said, get up there! Now, Fergus.” She said and put the “22” lanyard around his neck, then went to Hector as Y/N and her cousin went up to Campbell to inform him.

“Cam, uh, Mark got discharged but we’re replacing him with a very grumpy-looking Fergus.”

He smiled gratefully at her for the update and spoke into the microphone, “Can you spot the loonies, day trippers? Have a good wee look while I play you this dedication from all the folk on Ward 11 to all the nice residents of the surrounding community.” Campbell said and played Lazy Sunday. Y/N and her cousin went to leave but he grabbed on to her forearm gently and he quickly kissed her on the cheek and then giggled because of the excitement, being able to do that gave him.

She rose herself on her toe and kissed his nose, making him giggle again before sitting back down.

Y/N and her cousin went to rejoin the others, “He’s cute.” Her cousin said, “He your boyfriend?”

“Uh…”

“More importantly, is he a good guy. So soon after…” Her voice trailed off.

“He’s nothing like him. Campbell's like a walking ray of sunshine.” Y/N reassured her.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive." Y/n said, softly.

They joined as Francine did, “Rosalie! That bastard caretaker just said we have to unplug our gear at four o'clock. Everything's plugged intae the power point in his wee room and he's going to unplug us so as he can lock up. 

“Oh, perfect, that's just perfect.” Eddie scoffed, annoyed.

“All right, Hector. You spilled them, so you can file them back.” Rosalie said.

“What about the requests?” Francine asked.

“Okay, everybody, no more requests between the letters A and H, you got that? Eddie, go and get us some electric.”

“What?!”

“Try the offices, try the ward. Here's a list of all the power supplies in the hospital. Now go!” Rosalie said, giving him a list.

“How does it have to be me?” Eddie whined.

“You think they're going to give their electricity to a loony? You've got five minutes.” Rosalie said.

“My show's about'ae start!” Eddie complained.

“There's not going to be a show without electric! Now go!” Then she snatched a collection tin from Francine and handed it to Eddie, “Bribe them if you need to.”

“C/N (Cousin's Name), go with him. Eddie, this is my cousin, now go!” Y/N pushed her cousin to leave with him.

“But who's gonna take his show?” Francine asked.

"Francine, this is your big moment." Rosalie told her.

"...Oh no!” Francine stressed and Y/N went to calm her down as Rosalie talked to Margaret

“I'm no gonna take the show! I'm not ready! Make Y/N do it.

“I’m a contestant! I’m number’s coming up.” Y/N protested.

Then Evylyn showed up with a woman they've never met, “Rosalie, I've got someone here I'd like you to meet.

“You're gonna have to wait your turn!”

“Does it look like we’re available to talk, Nazi-ette!?” Y/N shouted at her, “Mental patients are more capable and competent and compassionate than you are!”

Rosalie turned back to Margaret, “You see those stalls over there? There's a list of every stall and what they're selling. Go. Away you go and buy a fruitcake.”

“Rosalie! Are you listening to me?!” Francine shouted before Fergus came up to lead her away before she broke into hysterics.

“Well, that's just about all from me this afternoon—”

“Does I come before L or does L come before I?” Hector wondered.

“Dude, I don’t know, I have the mentally sing the alphabet in my head each time I open a dictionary!” Y/N complained.

“I comes before L.” Rosalie said.

“Rosalie, she's—” Evelyn tired again but was interrupted by Campbell running over to them.

“What happened to Eddie… and C/N?”

“They’ve gone in to find us some electric with. If he doesn't find it in the next two minutes, the caretaker's pulling the plug.”

“Th-they can't do this! Y/N and I haven't been a contestant in the Loony Pools yet!” He complained.

“But I can see the audience, Fergus!” Francine cried.

“You'll be fine.” He reassured her.

“Does S come before T?” Hector asked.

“Could you two help him with his alphabet?” Rosalie asked and Campbell and Y/N went to Hector.

The Caretaker arrived, looking like a grade-a douchebag, “Right! Your time's up! I'm locking up now!”

“If you pull that plug, you are pulling the plug on my whole career!” Campbell shouted at him, pointing at him but the caretaker was unmoved, “It's Open Day, for Christ's sake!”

“Don’t you dare crush his dreams! I’ll crush you!” Y/N shouted at the caretaker but he was still unmoved and unintimidated.

“Just another day for me, girlie.” The caretaker said.

Y/N lunched to attack him but Campbell pulled her back, helped with Y/n's cousin ran up, grabbing her cousin around the middle.

“Yeah, underestimating her isn’t a good idea.” C/N said, “Also calling her ‘girlie’.”

“We’ve got it. We've got it.” Eddie shouted and he swapped the plug into the power point they brought.

Campbell and Y/N went back to help Hector with the sorting again, “If "The" is the first word, should it no go into the Ts?

“The’s don’t count!” Y/N said to Hector as Campbell frustrated and annoyed, took the record out of his hand.

“Don’t blame him, Cams. He can’t help it.” Y/N scolded and gently bonked him on the head with a record.

“Y/N, GET UP ON STAGE! YOU’RE NEXT!” Rosalie screamed and Y/n and C/N ran up t  the stage putting on their twenty-three and twenty-four markers.

“Hello! This is the Fabulous Francine. And it's time once again for the Loony Pools!

“So, get ready to mark your X for the second to last time as I give you contestants number twenty-three and twenty-four. This is Y/N L/N and C/N C/L/N, can you spot the loony?”

Y/N and her cousin were evenly tied in the round as Eddie made his way to his grandmother. “You decided to come.”

“Nope! I’m the loony!” Y/N called and then bowed in a silly manner before straightening back up, making her hair flip through the air.

“She’s a cute lass, the one with the h/c.” Eddie’s grandmother said.

Eddie gave her a look of horror, “Grandma, she’s eighteen.”

“Above the legal age.”

“She’s kind of with Campbell.” Eddie said as Y/N helped put Campbell’s marker on of twenty-five and cupping his cheek.

“Get ready to mark your X for the last time as I give you contestants number twenty-five and twenty-six.” Francine said.

“She is nice lassie.” Eddie’s grandmother said, referring to Francine.

“For the final time, can you spot the loony?”

“How you don't ask her for date?” She asked Eddie.

“She's the one I was telling you about, the new DJ I'm training.” Eddie told her.

“She doesnae look crazy!” Eddie’s grandmother gasped.

“Do I know that guy?” Eddie asked, referring to contestant twenty-six.

“Can we have one without the glasses, Mr. Milligan?” A photographer asked.

“Curse! I knew the disguise wouldn't work!” Spike Milligan said, taking off the sunglasses.

“Try acting loonier.” Campbell said in fake sotto.

“What? For that I want money!” Spike Milligan teased and the audience and Campbell laughed as Y/N got on stage and hugged Spike Milligan, “you’re lucky, my granddaughter-in-law likes you so much.

“What!?” Campbell exclaimed.

“Do you mind being asked to play "Spot the Loony", Mr. Milligan?” A photographer asked.

“No. No. I do not mind being asked to play Spot the Loony. But…” Spike Milligan said in a slow, silly voice before dropping the voice, “I object to being called Spot!”

“She did it! The wee bastard got Spike Milligan!” Eddie beamed.

When they took the picture of the “Looneys”, Y/N cupped Campbell’s cheeks and pulled him in for a passionate kiss, shocking him until his hands went loosely to her hips as he kissed back. This was going to be their first kiss forever.

--

That night Campbell laid in Y/N’s bed as they shared lazy kisses, smiling like idiots.

“So, does this mean we’re together?” He asked.

“If… if you want.” She said, shyly.

“Oh my god, yes.” He said, kissing her.

“My… my trauma doesn’t scare you?” She asked.

“Does mine?”

“Mine’s… different, Cam. I…”

“Shh, shh, you don’t need to tell me if you don’t want to.” He whispered, stroking her cheek, “we can just kiss.”

She gave him a smile and kissed him.

--

A few days later, they were in the studio while Fergus was out getting the newspaper.

“I'd like to thank all of you who turned out to support the team for Open Day on Saturday. And having raised a grand total of six-hundred-and-forty-three pounds and sixty-seven pence, plus an anonymous donation of five hundred pounds,” Eddie said into the microphone and Campbell fist bumped goofily and then gave Y/N a peck, having become very affectionate towards her since they started dating despite never having gone on a real date due to them being busy from the station and being patients in a mental institution, “from somebody with a lot of musical taste, we are still in business!”

Outside the studio, the patients applauded as the intro to the next song started, “I think you all deserve a big hand.”

Campbell took Y/N hands and swayed with her to the music before Fergus entered and he turned to him, excitedly, “Well?”

“We're in.” Fergus smiled.

“YES!” Campbell shouted, jumping up and down before grabbing Y/N’s hands and making her jump with him.

Fergus laid down the newspapers, “Daily Record, Evening Times, The Herald...”

Campbell picked up on and read the headline, proudly, “;Just a Pair of Loony Goons’!”

"‘Spike Milligan with Campbell Bain and Y/N L/N of Saint Jude's Hospital Radio’!” Eddie read.

“We've done it! We're on our way!” Campbell cheered as Y/N kissed his cheek before he turned his head and kissed her.

“Campbell, you are a genius.” Eddie said, ignoring this display.

“Genius? “ He turned to Rosalie as he threw the paper down, “She's the genius. Rosalie, we're on our way!” He excitedly went to hug Rosalie but she drew back and Campbell remembered and pulled back as well, “sorry.”

Rosalie debated with herself, mentally before pulling off one of her gloves and holding her hand out to Campbell as the others watched with interest before Campbell cautiously took Rosalie’s hand, shaking it.

Campbell delightedly then raked back his floppy hair and started dancing as Y/N, Francine, and Fergus joined in.

Y/N took over after Eddie and talked about a phone her cousin had given her to call in requests.

“Hey, what’s your request?” Y/N asked, cheerfully, high on the happiness Campbell positively exuded.

“Polly by Nirvana.” Said a low, whispery voice that chilled Y/N to her bones. “Did you get my letter, Polly?”

Y/N’s face paled and she suddenly bolted out of the studio, so Campbell took over.

--

After the show, Campbell entered Y/N’s room to find her sitting on her bed, staring at an open parcel  when he walked over and he saw it was a copy of the newspaper with them on it, in red ink—or what she hoped happened to be some odd red ink that was somehow both dark and bright—was her face circled with Campbell's eyes crossed out and his face scribbled on. Above her circle said: I gotcha, babe. See you soon, Polly.

"Y/N/N, what's wrong?" Campbell asked, “Tell me what’s wrong? You sent you that?”

“He found me, Cam.” She cried, burying her face into his shoulder as he hugged her, protectively.

[ponds-of-ink]

Westerfield, Tenny-See/BB-Bella Lore

Okay, I’m going to info-dump on my potential story ideas for Westerfield/BB-Bella real quick. Spoilers below for a couple of story beats, if I decide to do this as a loose NaMoWrimo or something.

Quick Disclaimer: There are some actually pretty dark ghost stories in here. While I won’t be going into extreme detail, the content may be emotionally distressing for some. If I had to give an example, I’d say… maybe… Gravity Falls level? Maybe? I haven’t watched the show, so I’m going to need a second opinion on that.

_

So far, the basic premise is that little Bella Pickens has officially had her Rite of Passage for local folklore hunting. Yes, she is considered old enough to go out into her hometown of Westerfield, Tennessee (pronounced and spelled Tenny-See for some long-forgotten reason) by her parents. And, being the little spooky-loving girl she is, she’s absolutely thrilled.

However, due to some dangers in the woods, she can’t go alone. She invites her “fashion rival” Rem and the town-famous storyteller Old Jeb to come along, since they’re the only ones she knows that also like these kinds of spooky shenanigans.

While there most likely will be more haunting surprises in store, I have only two ghostly legends set up: The Stone Rabbit and The Harlan Family.

The Stone Rabbit itself isn’t that scary. It’s just an extra-fluffy rabbit statue carved out of stone. What is terrifying, however, is the story that comes with it.

You see, many decades ago, a couple of out-of-state visitors stayed at The Harlan House for a vacation. Everyone who visited came and left… Except for one. A man known only as “William Miller” decided to remain one more night, not knowing that it would be his last. Much to the homeowners’ horror, he was found dead at midnight with a teddy bear in his arms as its sole witness to what actually happened.

The poor homeowners thought William had died of grief due to sone horrific incident a few weeks prior, but no supporting evidence was found. No letter, no tear stains on the pillow, and no weapon.

Shortly after, Miller was given a quiet burial in the rose garden. Due to the horrible timing of it all, only the homeowners attended. A rabbit statue was soon placed beside the gravestone to honor the one fact they knew for certain about the man: He really liked bunnies.

Ever since then, there have been reports of the statue literally springing to life on its own. Some say it’s the Harlan family’s spirits preparing to mess with Miller’s descendants should they dare visit his grave. A few claim that William himself was inhabiting the rabbit, most likely trying to figure out how to escape such a degraded place. There are even a few who suggest that a deceased family member is guarding his grave, though its hopping doesn’t resemble a cautious watchman. Whatever the reason, the rabbit is meandering around. Scanning its surroundings until the sun comes up.

In case you’re wondering why the Harlans have been mentioned in such a villainous light, there’s a very good reason for that. Aside from a few decent folk like Pretty Polly, most of them are absolute menaces. Using their ghostly powers to terrorize both the normal and the unnatural. Striking deals to wayward travelers for them to be living groundskeepers with no pay and no way home. No matter the circumstances, their decree holds true: You’ll never leave Harlan alive.

And this was something the homeowners back in Miller’s day knew quite well.

But that’s another story for another time.

On the slightly less bleaker side of things, Pretty Polly herself has been keeping them at bay with her music box. It is a shame that the once-enthusiastic dame has now been reduced to an ever-winding music box extension. It was already bad enough with her untimely demise at the hands of Billy Stakes.. Which the Polly folk song already covered, so maybe I won’t have to reexplain it here. Emphasis on maybe.

Finally going back to Bella’s side of things, she shouldn’t have to worry about the Harlans just yet. A few of the smaller mysteries should be enough to get her started. Like the Treasure of Rock Candy Lake. Or the Parrot of Gold-Beard. Something that provides adventure, but still has less chances to go wrong straight away. After all, if she went to the Harlans now, then the saying would go for all three of them…

To wrap up, let’s switch to some behind the scenes stuff. Most of the folklore for Westerfield falls into one of two categories: stuff I made up and stuff inspired by bluegrass songs.

Pretty Polly and the Harlans fall into the bluegrass category, but for different reasons. The Harlans in general were inspired by this one song whose chorus honestly made the county it was based on was a crypid town. So, in order to fit the haunted house story I was writing, I changed it to a family who refused to let “trespassers” leave their manor alive. Unfortunately, the true motives behind that motto aren’t clear to me yet.

Pretty Polly, however, is very clear. Her name and ghostly backstory are pulled from the Pretty Polly ballad, but I’ve winged it a bit with the rest. There is this detail in a couple of renditions where she has multiple rings on her hands, so that might come into play later. Maybe they now have this power to keep certain ghosts at bay? Hmm..

As for William Miller?

You know I had to sneak a cameo of sorts in there. ;]

So, yes, him and the parrot are completely original [as one of them can get]. The Rock Candy Lake is named after Big Rock Candy Mountain, but only because the water looks like rock candy at certain points of the day.

…Oh and one more thing: Bella’s supposed to go into a fiddle-playing show-down later.

[call-sign-shark]

What an incredible hide and seek chapter, full of suspense. You have given me the chills, my little Brummie. Right from the get go you’ve perfectly managed to describe the setting and instill a sensation of threat/ constant tension with Tommy. Especially in your description of Arthur and John always walking on eggshells with him because he has lost his mind — I can perfectly imagine Thomas Shelby terrorizing Birmingham for two months straight, turning and returning all of the city to find his wife. There a sentence I’m particularly fond of, and it’s “Thomas Shelby, the infamous Peaky Blinders boss, could not even find his wife.” I love the fact that; despite his obsession for Y/N, part of his hellish anger is due to him getting wounded in his reputation. Even if it’s a Dark!AU, it still feels true to the character and it’s impressive. I swear the little family talk behind his back was very effective at adding a layer of anxiety toTommy’s apparition.

The whole search is written like a delightful thriller — I felt caught in the story as the Shelby brothers looked for poor Y/N. The idea of her selling her wedding bracelet is brilliant! The way you’ve described Tommy’s anger building within, almost suffocating him, as he understands Y/N dared to sell her wedding gift was gripping. At this point I could not help but fear their next meeting. Now I know it’s a Tommy work but I cannot obliterate my baby Arthur and little John. I love the way they tormented the poor jewel seller but what made me laugh was their banter when Tommy was waiting at the counter. John trying a ugly hat and Arthur laughing at hop before slapping his head was hilarious. This is so sad how baby Arthur tries hard to make Tommy smiles or to calm him down. Hence when he puts his arms around his shoulders and lights his cigarette up. He’s starting to scare even his own brothers — I can’t help but wonder what will happen if Arthur and John learn the truth??? (Heaven would be like “told you but ok🙄”)

The part about Y/N living with the Rileys was a soft and well-deserved pause in this dark story. Even though it made her retrouvailles with Tommy even more dramatic — The scene of her cradling Mrs. Riley’s son is adorable. She would have been so happy if she’d have a peaceful and normal life with Tommy but no! Poor girl had to marry Mr. psycho! 😩 When John starts to really hesitate in following his brother and just sheepishly obey while wondering what is wrong with Tommy I was like “YESSSS JOHNNNN”!!! And I clasped in front of my screen lmao. Do shits are starting to get very problematic for Tommy?? Because the more time passes, the less he’s able to hide his crazy ass to his family. Seriously Brummie you’re torturing me, I need next chapter now or else I’ll die waiting 😩🤣

Tommy not giving a fuck about charity. 🙄 As if he wasn’t unsympathetic enough. At least he’s giving money but…

OH BLOODY HELL THE BAG!! He has seen he bag! I’m doing the cross sign and I don’t even believe in God. I literally stopped breathing when he opened the door and found her hidden, RUN MY LITTLR Y/N. If I’m being honest I’m sincerely caring for her, but I am fond of your portrayal of Thomas’ sadism in this last scene. The countdown he does, knowing she’s going to run away, is a brilliant addition to the already tensed atmosphere. It highlights how he’s having fun chasing her, and how the thrill of the hunt might be one of his favorite moment. The song “Run Rabbit Run” is literally my fave oldie of all times, so I could not help but smile from ear to ear at the mention. Besides, it goes so well with the whole scene!!

Now he’s found her and I am properly TERRIFIED. You’ve already mention how impatient it was at punishing her, and I am scared he’s really going to hurt her bad. Like — very bad 🥺 I hope Polly will do something before she ends up black and blue, because I’m not sure sex will distract him anymore judging by how serious her move was. Also kudos for the whole passage “Sometimes she was longing for his strong arms around her body, his way of cupping her face and looking in her eyes, when he told her he loved her…” this was heartbreaking, because despite everything she clings onto those temporary moments of relief and tenderness, which almost make her forget his madness.

Wonderful and thrilling new chapter, love! 🥹💚 I am so happy I’ve decided to read this Tommy work because I’m experiencing the best multi chapters ride ever along with Tachipen from our skilled and awesome @zablife. I can’t tell you how your prose managed to makes me travel in these very dark waters, and makes me forget everything around. You are a wonderfully skilled writer and scenarist. I can’t wait for next update really 😭💚

PREVIOUS PART

Killing Me Softly (PART SIX/ DARK!TOMMY)

Summary: It's been two months since your escape from Tommy's clutches. How long will you be able to stay hidden while your husband hunts you down?

Warnings: Language, angst, psychological mind games, controlling behaviour, toxic marriage, Dark!Tommy ( this is a dark fic, please read the warnings before continuing)

Writers note: Just to note, £250 in 1920s England is the equivalent to £9,183 in today's money, the price Tommy paid for your diamond encrusted bracelet . The song Tommy sings to Y/N is called "Run Rabbit Run" by Flanagan and Allen that was released in 1939, a song Tommy would have known.

Two months later...

Storming into the factory building, every worker turned around in a hurry to avoid the fury on their bosses face. They had learnt over the past two months that one wrong look could end with them getting shot, a lesson they learnt quickly when one of Tommy's many workers approached him to ask about a delivery due that day. Tommy's response, the end of his gun pointed to the young man's head. The workers only saving grace was when Arthur and John stepped in before he ended up six feet under with a bullet hole through his skull. The reason for his anger, you. For the past two months Tommy had torn Birmingham apart looking for you, every one of his henchmen as well as himself had been out searching for you night and day. Countless hours had been spent checking potential leads and yet, he still hadn't found you. The king of Birmingham, the notorious boss of the Peaky Blinders couldn't find his wife, the embarrassment only angered him more. Fury was consuming him, your brazen act of disloyalty and disobedience at the forefront of his mind every second of the day. Unable to sleep or eat, the only thing that kept him going was tobacco, whisky and the awaited pleasure he would feel unleashing his punishment on you, a punishment you would not escape for a second time. Slamming the door to his office shut, Tommy sat down in his leather chair, his fingers running through his hair as he looked down at the various notes left on his table. Sitting back he flicked through each one of the potential sightings, all of them quickly deemed useless as he tossed them into a nearby bin. Gazing down at his wedding ring, Tommy turned the gold band around his finger, clenching his jaw as he pushed down any anxiety that dared to make an appearance. A small inconvenience until he had found you, he thought to himself as he brushed his hand down his face. But was it? You had begun to stir up anxieties in him that he had pushed away for years since his return from war. The fear of having no control over what could happen started to slowly creep up on him again, the same fear he felt digging tunnels in France as the weight of the earth threatened to fall down on him. Swallowing back the memories, Tommy clenched his fist as his mind forced him to remember his time in France, and the only thing that kept him going, his childhood love. At first, it was a comforting memory he'd conjure up as the sound of gunfire echoed through No Man's Land behind him, but in his desperate attempt to block out reality it had become an unhealthy fixation. A once innocent young love became an obsession, an obsession he refused to let go of. Overtime the sound of gunfire and bombs exploding no longer scared him, instead it was replaced with the fear of never seeing you again, a fear that started to feel all too familiar. Straightening his posture out Tommy poured himself a glass of whisky in an attempt to rid himself of the uncomfortable feeling pressing against his chest.

" Why did she leave?" John's wife Esme asked her husband as she watched her brother-in-law through the glass window of his office, his head in his hands, his knee rapidly bouncing up and down as the stress coursed through his body. He was loosing control, and it was becoming evident to all those around him.

" The worry of her mother being sick. She's in a fragile place Esme. She couldn't handle it and left. Tom says she always does that, runs away from her problems when things get too difficult" he replied as Polly looked on, raising an eyebrow at Johns explanation.

" He looks like he's going to murder someone" Arthur said as he walked into the factory looking at Tommy now pacing back and forth in his office with another glass of whisky in his hand.

" He nearly did" Polly said, referring to the factory worker who almost got shot in the head for having the audacity to talk to him.

" He's still not found her then?" Arthur asked, leaning against a wall as he pulled out a silver flask of whisky. Clearly the soothing lull of the amber liquid was not too early for him either.

" Does it look like it?" John replied as he rolled the toothpick in his mouth between his lips.

" Fuck...we've looked everywhere, how far could she have got?" Arthur replied, taking a swig of liquor.

" Pretty far, when your scared" Polly spoke up, as she looked down at the newspaper in front of her.

"Heads up" Arthur said as he nodded to Tommy's office door, warning everyone of his younger brother's approaching presence.

"Arthur, John, we're leaving " Tommy said as he put his coat on, his eyes darting to his Aunt who was staring him down

"You gonna tell us where we going?" John asked as he hopped off one of the receptionists desks placing his peaked cap firmly on his head.

" Just had a phone call. She was seen down by the old Jewellery Quarters over a month ago" Tommy replied as he turned his head to his Aunt. "Problem?" he asked, annoyance in his voice as he cocked an eyebrow at his Aunt's insistent glare.

" Oh no Tommy, you go find your wife...that's if she wants to be found" Polly replied, turning away as Tommy cleared his throat in irritation at her remark. Had Polly finally figured everything out?

"Y/N there's a letter here for you, your Landlady said as she bounced her baby up and down on her hip.

"Thank you Mrs Riley " you replied as you smiled at the baby boy reaching out for you.

"Is it still ok for you to babysit tonight?" she asked as she wiped the dribble off her son's chin with the end of her apron.

" Of course, I don't mind at all. Plus, how could I say no to this little man" you replied as you took him from her, blowing small raspberries to his neck as he giggled in response.

" Ahh thank you. First time me and Mr Riley have gone out since this little one came along. You should really come one day, lots of single men will be there, they will be jumping at the chance to dance with you. We need to find you a husband!" she chuckled smiling to you, unaware that you were already married.

"Why would I need a man when I've got this little bundle to keep me company" you replied looking down at the baby in your arms, a small uneasiness washing over you at the thought of Tommy. " Oh god, it's that time already. I'm going to be late" you said looking down at your watch as you passed the baby back to his mother. Saying goodbye you walked out onto the farm you had been stopping at for the past two months. Having sold the bracelet Tommy had gifted you before your wedding, you had plenty of money to afford a more expensive place to stay, but you needed to keep low. You knew Tommy would be out searching for you, and with that in mind you responded to an advertisement in the local paper for a small lodgings at Riley Farm, the perfect place for anyone wanting to go unnoticed. A small bedsit attached to the side of the farm house in a little village you had never heard of, so inconspicuous that it was not even marked on a map. With everyone knowing the last name Shelby and Tommy knowing you might use your maiden name in replacement, you started using your mothers maiden name from the day you left Arrow House. Word spread fast about Tommy Shelby's anger. Even in the small village you was now living in a you heard talk of how the gang leader of the Peaky Blinder was tearing the city apart. No one knew exactly why the infamous Tommy Shelby's fury had rained down on the smog covered city, but there were rumours of his wife having run off with another man, a rumour you only imagined infuriated him even more. You knew your husband would never cease in his search for you and that you would eventually have to leave and find somewhere else to stay, but for now you enjoyed the peace and quiet the small village gave you, a peace you had forgotten existed. You had started working as a teaching assistant at the village school, a school that accommodated many orphaned children from the war, funded by rich benefactors. You enjoyed your job, the children's laughs and joyful spirits were a pleasant distraction to the memories you held inside of the previous months. But there were still times when Tommy would invade your thoughts and you would suddenly find yourself longing for him once again. Longing for his strong arms wrapped around you, his hands cupping your cheeks as he look down into your eyes, his voice telling you he loved you. Had he still a hold on you, even after everything that had happened ?

"Stop here Arthur" Tommy said as his older brother pulled up in front of a shop in Birmingham's city center.

" What the fuck we doing here, thought she was seen in a jewellery shop?" Arthur replied as he looked out his window at the small building. Giving no response Tommy opened the door as he reached into his pocket to light a cigarette. Looking up, Tommy squinted his eyes at the sign attached to the old stone brick wall, "Johnson & son Pawnbrokers". Breathing out a cloud of smoke he entered the small business, shutting the door behind him.

" Well I guess we bloody follow him then" Arthur said rolling his eyes as John shook his head laughing.

As the three brothers entered the shop, the owner immediately scurried back behind his till, instantly recognising each gang member, the shine from the blade on the front of their caps a stark reminder of their brutality if he dared to anger them.

" Please, I don't want trouble" he said as he put his trembling hands up in defence.

"What makes you think we're here to cause trouble?" Tommy asked as John and Arthur looked around at the various objects for sale.

" A young woman was seen coming in here a few months ago" Tommy said reaching into his suit jacket, pulling out an old picture of you that had clearly seen better days.

" We get lots of people coming in to sell things Mr Shelby" he replied nervously as he looked down at the picture. " I don't remember her, she could have come in when my son was working or maybe my wife, I'm not very good at remembering faces. I'll, I'll go get my wif.." he said only to be interrupted when Tommy pulled a gun to his head, tired of the conversation. The shop keepers eyes quickly darted to the back door next to him as he contemplated fleeing.

"I wouldn't do that if I was you" Tommy said as he clicked the safety off. " I have very little patience these days Mr Johnson".

" Tom, I think you might want to see this" Arthur said as he looked down into a glass cabinet. Narrowing his eyes Tommy lowered his gun, a small smirk playing on his lips as he looked at the trembling man in front of him. Walking over, Tommy's eyes widened at the small bracelet he had offered you before your wedding sitting in a glass cabinet on a red velvet stand. His stomach suddenly felt sick, his hands sweaty.

" Care to explain why the fuck you have my wife's bracelet in your possession?! " Tommy shouted as he marched back over to the shop owner, the gun now pressed firmly against the old man's temple.

" She...she must have come in and sold it, please don't shoot me" he said mumbling as he scrunched his eyes shut, the barrel of the gun cold against his skin.

" No? " Tommy grinned darkly as he twisted the end of the gun further into his flesh.

" P..please Mr Shelby"

" I wouldn't say anything more if I was you, he's two seconds away from pulling that trigger" John said as Arthur watched on.

" Yeh, and I can't be bothered to pull him off another innocent soul for a second time. Got elbowed in the bloody stomach last time " Arthur added as the two brothers looked at eachother smirking, enjoying the torment they were inflicting.

" Right give us the keys to open this thing " Arthur said slapping his hands together, pulling Tommy out of his trance. Dropping the gun from the shop keepers head Tommy scoffed as he watched him fumble to find his keys.

" So is it hers?" John asked as Tommy picked it up, turning it over to see both your initials and the date of your wedding engraved on the back. Brushing his hand down his face Tommy nodded as he enclosed the bracelet in his hand, placing it in his pocket.

" Did she erh..." Tommy said as he started to clear his throat, his mouth suddenly going dry "...did she leave any details, address, number?" He asked as he turned back to the shop keeper.

" I'll check right now for you me Shelby" the owner said hurrying back to his counter as he looked through various pieces of paper, desperately trying to find something as Tommy waited next to him, lighting another cigarette

" What do you think?" John laughed placing a straw hat with an array of different flowers stitched into the side of it on top of his peaked cap.

" Very pretty John boy, you should get it" Arthur said winking to his brother. "Ain't he pretty Tommy?" Arthur laughed trying to get his brother to lighten up.

" Beautiful" Tommy replied flatly as he looked back over to the shop owner, his fingers taping on the counter, his patience disappearing.

"Ah here! I found something. One diamond encrusted bracelet sold in the exchange of, One Hundred and Ten pound King George Sterling to one Miss Y/mothers maiden/N, 12A Ferris Court Birmingham" he said handing the small piece of paper to Tommy, breathing a sigh of relief.

"She's still in Birmingham?" John questioned confused as to how they hadn't found you since they had already checked that part of town. Scrunching the paper in his hands, anger started to build up in him. Was someone helping you?

" Y/mothers maiden/N" Tommy scoffed. " One Hundred and Ten pounds ey? I brought that bracelet for Two Hundred and Fifty" Tommy said, squinting his eyes at the shopkeeper who swallowed harshly as he leaned over the counter to open his till. " One Hundred and Ten pounds, and I'll be keeping the bracelet" Tommy said pulling the same sum of money out, a smirk on his lips as the owner rubbed the sweat of his forehead as Tommy emptied his till." Lads " Tommy said as he walked to the door, his brothers quickly following behind him. " Pleasure doing business with you Mr Johnson" he added, walking out the door as Arthur took the hat of John's head replacing it with slap to the back of his skull instead.

After a long day of working at the school, you and the teacher you were assisting made your way to the village square. You and Mr Brown or as you called him Robert, had grown close to one another over the past weeks. He had become a good a friend, but only a friend. He would never ask questions about your personal life, quickly realising you were reluctant to talk about it whenever the topic arose, he respected your privacy and decided to leave the subject alone. Every day after school had ended he would walk with you to your lodgings, he was a caring man whose friendship you deeply cherished, one you was afraid of Tommy learning about. If your husband knew you was talking to another man let alone him accompany you home, you would certainly both pay the price for his anger, the thought alone scared you into never delving into your past.

" Think the kids really enjoyed your imaginative way of learning the alphabet today. Still don't know how you managed to find an object for each word of the alphabet" he laughed as he walked beside you along the country lane.

" I don't either" you giggled as you both approached the village square, the sun shining down on the quiet neighborhood.

" Thinking about having them do a large drawing for our benefactors visit tomorrow, we are so grateful for their donations. They keep our school going and Mr Sh.." he stopped as you came to a halt, your hand grabbing holding of his arm.

"Y/N are you ok? " he said looking at the fearful expression on your face, your eyes fixed on the back of a smartly dressed man with a peaked cap sitting on a bricked wall.

" He found me...I, I need to go" you panicked, tears welling in your eyes as you started walking backwards letting go of Roberts arm.

"Wait, Y/N" he stopped you, your eyes widening at the man turning around as Robert turned his head to look at what had you so frightened.

" Oh..." You exhaled as tears ran down your face to see that the man in front of you wasn't your husband. Feeling your knees go weak, you stumbled to a nearby bench as Robert held you up.

"You're married aren't you?" He questioned as he looked down at your trembling hands, the indent of where your wedding ring once was only now coming to his attention.

"Yes" you said nodding your head as you blinked away the tears.

" And you're hiding from him?" he asked as you mouthed a silent yes in response whilst you looked desperately into your friends eyes.

" You don't understand, if he finds me.."

" He's not going to find Y/N, nobody knows about this village, they can't even pronounce it let alone find it. You're safe here, I promise" he said, as he placed a comforting hand over yours. " Come on, let's get you back before Mrs Riley starts worrying" he said smiling to you as he reached his hand out for yours. Smiling back you stood up wiping the tears away with the back of your hand as a wave of dread washed over you at Roberts words. Tommy would never stop until he found you, it was only matter of time until he would finally hunt you down.

"FUCKKK!" Tommy shouted at the top of his voice as he repeatedly punched his fist into the wall. " She's playing with me Arthur, she's fucking playing with me!" Tommy yelled as he frantically reached into his pocket for a smoke, anger coursing through his body as he tried to light the cigarette in his mouth. You had deceived him, the address you gave was the address to an abandoned flat on the north side of Birmingham's city center, Tommy was furious.

" Tom, maybe she just wants some space, she'll come back eventually" John said as he stood by the door, his hands in his pockets.

" What the fuck was that, space?!" Tommy said storming over to his brother, Arthur putting himself between them before a fight broke out.

" We'll find her Tom" Arthur reassured his brother as he took out his lighter, igniting the cigarette resting between Tommy's lips.

" She fucking needs me, she's weak without me" Tommy said as he exhaled a cloud of smoke, the nicotine calming his nerves as his brothers looked nervously to eachother at Tommy's strange choice of words.

" Come on brother let's get out here" Arthur said wrapping his arm around his shoulder as he walked with him to the door, John sheepishly following behind. Tommy may be John's brother but even he knew he was not immune to the deadly gang leaders retribution, a retribution he wanted to stay clear of.

Sitting by the classroom window the following day, you looked down at the stack of papers In front of you that needed to be marked as Robert walked into the classroom carrying a pile of books in his arms.

" They'll be arriving soon" Robert said as he placed the books down onto his desk, a film a sweat covering his skin from his frantic state.

" Who?" You replied looking up from the papers you were grading as you took a sip of tea, a playful smile on your lips as you looked at Roberts nervousness.

" The benefactors of the school, remember? They've been funding us for over a year, we can't keep this place going without them, everything needs to be in order for when they come" he replied as he sat down in his chair exhausted.

" Come on Robert, no one would pull funding from a school for orphaned children'' you replied trying to reassure him.

" Yes maybe, but these patrons are not exactly, clean money" he responded as he wiped the sweat from his skin whilst you giggled at the thought of criminals funding anything, let alone a school.

" Well they can't be that bad if they have the heart to donate money to our little school. What did you say their name was?" you replied as you put your pen back into your bag.

" It's Sh..oh god it's them" he answered cutting himself off when he saw their car pull up in front of the school.

" Do I have time to use the bathroom?" you asked getting up with a grin on your face as you turned around to see the Bugatti parked just outside.

" Yes yes but hurry, the boss is... well he's, he's intimidating"

"Intimidating" you repeated, rolling your eyes laughing whilst you made your way to the restroom as the sound of the school door opened.

" Remind me why the fuck we have to go to these things Pol?" Tommy asked as he lit a cigarette.

" Because it's what you do when you own a charity Tommy" she replied shutting the school door behind her.

" Well don't drag it on, I've got things to do. Who chose this school? I've never even heard of this fucking village " he added as he looked at his pocket watch, his patience already disappearing.

" Can you at least try to pretend like you want to be here" Polly said as she gave him a stern look, Tommy forcing a sarcastic smile in response.

" Mr Shelby, Miss Grey. It's so nice to see you again" Robert greeted them as he shook each of their hand, a warm smile on his face as he welcomed them into the classroom. Looking around the small room Tommy perched himself on one of the empty desks, exhaling a puff of smoke as Polly and Robert talked to eachother.

" Do tell us Mr Brown, how are the children doing? Do you have everything you need?" Polly asked as Tommy rubbed his cigarette in between his fingers, looking out the window, uninterested by the conversation that was taking place.

" Oh, they are doing great, we have a new teaching assistant that started a few months ago, she should be back any minute, she's been a real help" he replied pulling out the drawing the children had made for them. Rubbing his forehead Tommy looked ahead of him at the small desk beside the blackboard when something suddenly caught his eye. Scrunching his brow he stood up walking over to the small wooden table in the corner, tilting his head as his eyes narrowed in on the black handbag sitting on top of the old wood. This was your bag, he was certain of it. The sound of Polly and Roberts conversation started to muffle in his ears, the thumping of his heart replaced the echo of their voices as he felt the room closing in on him. Feeling the pressure of his shirt pushing against his throat, Tommy loosened the tie around his neck, his anger rising in him at an unstoppable speed, you had been here all this time.

" When did your new assistant start working here ?" Tommy seethed, turning around to face Robert as he wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead.

" Around 6 weeks ago Mr Shelby" he replied taking a step back as he saw the anger in his face.

" At this new teaching assistant " Tommy started to say as bitterness and fury built in his voice. " What's her last name?"

" Well it's Y/mother's maiden/N" he replied as Tommy scoffed in reply, shaking his head in disbelief.

" Miss Y/mother's maiden/N...not Mrs Shelby then?" Tommy answered as he looked Robert dead in the eye.

" What's going on Tommy?" Polly interjected as she watched the the tension build in her nephews face.

" Have you been helping her, hm?" Tommy said raising his voice as Polly's eyes darted to your bag on the table, putting her hand to her mouth in shock at the realisation.

" I... I don't " Robert stuttered as his brain tried to catch up to what Tommy was asking. And then it hit him, he was the man you were hiding from, he was your husband.

" Where is she? Answer me!" Tommy shouted as he slammed his fist down onto the desk in front of him.

Leaving the bathroom, you frowned in confusion as you heard the sound of raised voices coming from the classroom you had just left. Drying the back of your hands on the front of your dress you hurried to the room as quickly as you could, only to come to a stop as your eyes widened in terror, a gasp leaving your mouth whilst your hand grasped onto the door frame in fear you would lose your balance. There, standing in the middle of the room was your husband, Roberts hand holding onto a chair as Tommy loomed over him. Straightening his coat out Tommy turned around to the sound of your presence.

" Hello darling" your husband said, his hands casually in his suit trousers as a wicked smile grew on his lips, his eyes roaming over your body. He had found you.

Letting go of the door frame you started to walk backwards, tears welling in you eyes as you looked back at your husband, his eyes darkening, his face taunt with anger as he waited for you to do what he knew you would.

" One, two, three..." Tommy started to count as if this was a game of hide-and-seek, and he was the seeker. Shaking your head tears fell down your cheeks as you prepared yourself to run, the sound of his countdown ringing in your ears. But Tommy never would count to ten. With the smirk growing on his face, Tommy stopped at three, his eyebrow raised as he took one step forward and you took one step back. Spinning around you ran to the front door as quickly as you could, slamming it shut as the sound of your husband's footsteps chasing after you rapidly approached.

" Y/N Shelby!" Tommy shouted as he ran after you, a sinister smile dancing on his lips. This was all a game to him, he was enjoying it." You never was very good at hiding" he shouted as he watched you run around the corner out on to the road.

" Come on sweetheart, don't I get a kiss from my long-lost wife" he said sarcastically as he hunched down pulling his gun out. Now ducked down running along the opposite side of the hedge Tommy watched you through the small holes in the hedgerow as you rapidly walked down the country lane wiping the tears from your eyes.

"Run rabbit, run rabbit, run run run, the farmers coming with his gun gun gun" Tommy sang as you abruptly stopped in the middle of the road your eyes darting left and right as panic coursed through your body. Turning around you looked back to the top of the road when you suddenly heard someone pushing their way through the hedge, the cock of a gun echoing along the country lane. With a trembling body your turned back around, tears cascading down your face as your eyes turned to see Tommy standing right behind you, his gun pointed straight at you.

"Lost little bunny?"

Tag list: @litteltourtius @aesthetic0cherryblossom @swordofawriter @casa-boiardi @muhahaha303 @fmo166 @call-sign-shark @priyajoyy @pet1t3 @ifevilwhyhot @bruher @whereismymindnow

[missscarletta7]

The Broken Crown- Chapter 4

Enjoy chapter 4!

Summary: All Margaret Shelby ever wanted, was the opportunity to write her own story. Only now is she beginning to realize that her brother may have already written it for her...

OoOoOo

"When your dreams all fail,

And the ones we hail, Are the worst of all,

And the blood runs stale"

~Demons~

OoOoOo

1919

Maggie was so excited. She dragged Cara toward the pub the moment their school day was finished.

"Why are we going into the Garrison?" The blonde asked curiously.

"You have to meet the barmaid who works here," Maggie explained.

"I've seen her," Cara informed her. "What's so special about her?"

"We've become good friends." It was true, after such a long period of time had passed without seeing her older sister, Grace inevitably filled the gaping space that Ada had left behind.

"Should I be jealous?" The blonde teased.

Maggie flashed a loving smile, "No one could ever replace you."

When the dark-haired girl opened the pub door, the first thing they heard was Grace's melodic voice singing. "-As I've never loved before..."

Maggie spotted Grace serving drinks to the regular customers. Unfortunately, one of those customers was Ross, who was sitting with a group of men who would hang around the betting shop. Cara was quick to notice him too, her body immediately tensed.

"Since first I saw you on the village green..."

"Sorry Mags, I forgot my mum wanted me to fix stitching on some dresses," This was one of the few times Maggie had ever seen Cara looking embarrassed, "Maybe next time, yeah?"

"Come to me ere my dream of love is o'er..."

The dark-haired girl nodded, not wanting to refute the her friends claim, and watched Cara hurriedly exit through the doors.

"I love you as I loved you when you were sweet..." Maggie moved herself over to the row of empty barstools and took a seat as Grace was finishing her song. "When you were sweet sixteen."

Grace then walked behind the bar while Maggie applauded at the performance. "Hello Maggie," Grace greeted happily, grabbing a dirty pint glass off the bar. "Don't look behind you,but a handsome young man is staring at you."

Maggie felt her stomach turn, responding, "Let's change the subject."

Grace smirked, "How was school?"

"Dull," The girl said truthfully, "Harry out again?"

Grace nodded, "It's been slow."

"What have you been doing today?"

"I had a meeting with the gentleman who will be installing the pub's brand new phone."

"Neat." Maggie beamed at the thought of the new technology.

"Your brother is trying to go legitimate." Grace informed her, "He wants to make this place seem a bit more respectable."

"Which one?" The dark-haired girl asked.

"Arthur." She answered back unenthusiastically, "Though he doesn't seem too interested in fixing anything. I mean, look at the state of these." The barmaid picked up a carton of cigarettes that was ripping apart. "Where do these even come from?" She asked, hoping this question would lead to where the guns may be hidden.

Maggie just shrugged at her question. "How should I know? I think they have a few warehouses in town."

Grace nodded, taking in the information, before noticing a customer beckon her over, "I'll be back." She told the girl.

Maggie sat by herself for a few moments before she felt a presence inch closer to stand beside her. She knew there would be a confrontation at some point, she had done so well in avoiding him. She didn't have a chance to say anything before Ross spoke first, "I had instructions to give this to you."

Reaching into the pocket inside of his coat he pulled out a folded piece of parchment, placing it on the bar he slid it towards her. She was surprised but nevertheless relieved when he said nothing else and walked back to his table. Taking the note, she unfolded it to read the message that was scribbled out. As she read a smile crept onto her face. The message was from Ada.

OoOoOo

In the parlor, Maggie had been writing in her journal when Polly descended the down the stairs. "Put your shoes on," The older woman ordered, "Johns called a family meeting."

Watching Polly walk across the room, Maggie raised her eyebrow, "Thought I wasn't allowed at family meetings."

"John says it's not that kind of a meeting," Polly said, exiting into the tiny kitchen. Maggie happily closed her book and slipped on her black boots which were resting right underneath the old coffee table, before following her aunt into the kitchen.

"Pol?" Maggie asked worriedly when she noticed the woman standing rigidly by the table. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing." Polly said after a moment, "C'mon, we don't want to be late." Polly moved to enter the betting shop with her niece in tow.

"Where's John?" Tommy asked his aunt, agitated his brother was not at his post.

"John's in the Garrison, says he wants a meeting about a family matter," Polly informed him, placing her hat on her head. "After he's said his piece he'll come back and take his place with Scudboat."

Maggie tried to follow her aunt, but was stopped by Tommy's outstretched arm, "Where are you going?"

"To the meeting. John told Polly I could come," Maggie explained to him.

Though Tommy didn't look completely persuaded, Polly called on the large man taking bets. "John will be here in ten minutes"

"Five," Tommy corrected before the family walked out of the shop onto the cobblestone pavement.

"What does John want to talk about?" Tommy asked his aunt.

"Your guess is as good as mine. Always been one for dramatics, our John" Polly replied jokingly causing Maggie to chuckle out.

"You're in a good mood," Tommy noted to the smiling girl as he pulled out a cigarette to smoke.

"I like going to the Garrison," Maggie responded.

"She likes talking to that barmaid." Polly translated her nieces' words.

"You and Grace seem to chat a lot," Tommy spoke, exhaling a breath of smoke.

The girl shrugged. "I like Grace, she likes my writing," quickly adding, "We're friends."

"You trust her enough to share your work," Tommy said, impressed by the sudden growth of his sister. "I'm thinking of asking her to be my secretary," Tommy suddenly informed the ladies.

"Only a secretary?" Maggie asked, raising her eyebrows cheekily.

He flashed her a ghost of a smile, "Never you mind."

"Secretary, eh?" Polly finally spoke up as the Garrison came into their view.

"We're going, legitimate Pol." Tommy reasoned, "What's more legitimate than a secretary? Or maybe I’ll make her a bookkeeper. Arthur mentioned she’s good with numbers and helped him fix the books." Polly said nothing and this seemed to spark something in the gangster, "Got something to say?"

"Just don't let your cock do your thinking for you Thomas," Polly warned. He remained silent, but a small smirk was fixed on his face causing the aunt to roll her eyes.

When they entered the pub, it was empty, except for Harry, who stood behind the bar drying some glasses with a white rag. They saw Finn leaning against the outer wall of the private room, which Maggie assumed John and Arthur were already in.

"Stay out here Finn," Polly ordered the eleven-year-old who tried to enter with them.

"But Mags gets to go in!" The boy protested, yet his words went unheard. This made him look jealousy at his sister, who had stuck her tongue out at her little brother as she walked into the snug with the rest of the family. Both John and Arthur were already seated, and she took a place right next to Polly.

"All right John, there's only one man-," Tommy spoke, before declining the drink Arthur poured for him continuing, "There's only one man guarding the house. What's troubling you?"

"Aunt Polly, Maggie, you two know what it's been like since Martha died." John began.

Maggie gave her brother a sad smile as Polly took his hand and said, "God takes the best first."

John looked to his sister, "Mags, you've been a big help with them, but the truth is my kids have been running bloody rings around me." With hopelessness in his voice, he continued, "Running barefoot with the dogs until all hours."

Maggie's heart ached for him, but Tommy was not having it, "Pol, give him ten bob for some new shoes. Is that it, John?" He asked his brother impatiently.

"Tommy it would be better to do this without you," Polly scolded before turning her attention back to John. "Now what's your point?"

"What the kids need is a mother." John spoke again slowly, "So that's why I'm getting married."

Everyone in the room exchanged glances of surprise. Polly was the first to speak, "Does this poor girl know you're going to marry her? Or are you just going to spring it on her all of a sudden?"

John replied matter-of-factly, "I've already proposed, and she said 'yes'."

"I think that's great John," a smiling Maggie announced. Finally! She was officially off babysitting duty.

"I think there's a shell about to land and go bang," Tommy stated mockingly, before lighting the cigarette hanging in his mouth.

Hesitantly John spoke again, "It's um- its Lizzie Stark."

"Oh, eww," Maggie breathed out, crossing her arms as her family cackled at her expression.

Polly managed to compose herself, "John, Lizzie Stark is a strong woman and I am sure she provides a fine service for her customers-"

"I won't hear the word! Understand? Do not use that word." He told them angrily.

Tommy sighed out, "What word is that, John?"

"You know what word that is," John growled out.

"Everybody bloody knows" Arthur finally spoke out and pointed at his sister, "Shit, even Mags here knows."

John gritted out, "Everybody can go to Hell."

"Whore. That word?" Tommy finally supplied. "Or prostitute? How about that one?"

Fury flashed in Johns' eyes, "Right I want it known, if anyone calls her a whore again, I will push the barrel of my revolver down their throats and blow the word back down into their hearts."

"Well, that's not dramatic at all," Maggie mumbled out her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Men and their cocks never cease to amaze me." Polly berated, "John, Lizzie Stark never did a day's work vertical- "

"She's changed!" John insisted, "All right?! People change! Like- Like with religion-"

"Lizzie Stark has got religion, eh?" Tommy interrupted.

"No! No, she doesn't have religion, but- well she loves me." John asserted, "Now listen Tommy, I won't do it without your blessing. But of all the people in the world- I want you to see it as brave."

"Oh, it's brave all right," Arthur muttered before taking a swig of his drink.

"Brave is going where no man has gone before. And with Lizzie Stark, John, that really is not what you'll be doing" She told him, unable to hold back the laughter.

But he ignored her, looking back at his older brother, "Listen, Tommy, welcome her to the family, as someone whose had a hard life. All right because I need someone. The kids need someone."

Tommy looked as if he was about to give his reply before Finn pushed open the door forcefully panting out, "Tommy, we've been done over!"

"What?" Arthur asked in disbelief.

Quickly Maggie followed her siblings and Polly, who all practically ran out of the Garrison. Not stopping until they all were back in front of number seventeen, Watery Lane. "You and Finn stay outside," Polly ordered once they were outside the entrance of the betting shop.

Maggie was about to object until Tommy echoed their aunts' instructions and followed the rest of his family inside. The pair of Shelby's eventually moved from the noisy street to the alley where the car was parked. Finn carefully crawled onto the hood and contorted his way over the front window. Maggie followed her brother, stepping up to sit on top of the hood, letting her feet lightly kick the metal of the vehicle that protected the thin wheels.

"Look, Maggie," Finn giggled and the girl twisted her upper body to see her brother playing with the steering wheel, "I'm Tommy!"

The girl smiled, "If you're trying to be Tommy, you should work more on your scowl." She told him jokingly. Overdramatically Finn made a scowl but immediately broke character by breaking out in even more giggles, triggering Maggie to laugh as well.

Suddenly Tommy was at the entrance of the alleyway in front of them, he looked instantly distressed. "Maggie, Finn." He began slowly, "Both of you stay exactly where you are."

"What's wrong?" she asked him worriedly. Did something happen inside?

Raising his arm out to her spoke out cautiously, "Mags, as careful as ya can, I need you to slowly slide off the hood."

She did as she was told, while Finn kept snickering, "I was pretending I was you." The child told his brother, but Tommy ignored him instead he directed Maggie to move against the dingy brick wall.

Once he felt like his sister was out of danger he went back to the child in the car, "Which door did you open to come in Finn?"

"I didn't," He told his big brother proudly. "I climbed in."

"I want you to climb out exactly the same way you climbed in, okay?" Tommy instructed, but Finn disobeyed and opened the driver's door.

Maggie watched as Tommy ran to grab an object that had been on the side of the door, yelling out, "Clear!" before flinging it to hit the brick wall on the opposite side of the street. Maggie yelped out at the sound of the explosion, which caused working men to drop to the ground. "That's why you should never pretend to be me, okay?" Tommy told Finn, visibly shaken by this incident. Tommy then took a deep breath and pulled both of his younger siblings close to him.

OoOoOo

Polly and Maggie had just entered the washhouse Ada had informed them she would be visiting. It was a large space, but luckily there were not very many people who decided to do their laundry at the establishment that afternoon. Alone in the corner of the washroom, sitting on a stool, was a woman with a long brown coat, wide black hat, folding trousers onto the small table beside her.

"Need help?" Polly asked the woman eagerly.

The woman looked up to see her family members and smiled, "You got my letter." Ada grinned and stood up with a bit of difficulty, Polly was the first one to embrace her.

Once the aunt and niece pulled apart it was Maggie's turn. Though the hug was more on the awkward side, due to the sizable stomach that was in the way. She muttered into her sisters' ear, "Fuck, you're huge!"

"Oh, shut up." Ada happily retorted, smacking her sister's arm lightly.

"What's with the glasses?" Maggie laughed and pointed at the large spectacles on her sister's face.

"Freddie wants me in disguise when I go out now." She spoke with a bored tone and pointed to the strange-looking eyeglasses. "Can't bloody see anything with these."

Maggie grabbed a pair of socks, which she assumed was Freddie's, from Ada's hand, "Here let me help you." She told her sister and began to fold the newly laundered clothing.

"Has Freddie got you hiding somewhere near?" Polly asked hostilely.

"It's fucking rat hole," Ada spit out, "the entire flat is about the size of your room, Mags."

Maggie felt sad for her sister. Sure, the Shelby family didn't have much to their name, but they were better off compared to most of the population in Small Heath. "Is that Copper still looking for Freddie?" Ada inquired to which Polly nodded.

Ada cursed and placed a hand on her large stomach, "I just want to live in peace with my family. But instead of thinking of me or the baby, all he cares about is the bloody cause. Freddie even gave someone two hundred bloody pounds."

Polly leaned in closer to the pregnant girl, and with a hushed tone asked, "Who?"

OoOoOo

Maggie walked down the hall from her room to Tommy's, she was hoping she could borrow a pen since hers ran out of ink. Before she opened the closed door, she could have sworn she heard noises. Had her brother come home early?

"Tom?" She asked, opening the door, but that wasn't who was in the room, "John?"

Being caught, the third oldest Shelby stopped his rifling through their brothers' things, though seemed relieved it was only her, "Mags-"

"What are you doing here?" She asked before she noticed that his eyes were watery, "Has something happened?"

"The weddings off," He informed her with an irritated tone and moved to the dresser drawers.

"Oh." Was all she could manage to say awkwardly, "I'm sorry."

"Don't," he told her bitterly, shaking his head then went back to rifling through the dresser flipping over Tommy's clothes. "It ain't your fault I'm a fucking idiot!"

"You're no idiot, John," she assured him yet he just scoffed at her words.

"Never fall in love Maggie, leads to nothing but fucking agony."

“What does falling in love even feel like anyway?” She surprised herself when she asked.

John stopped and turned his red eyes to her for a moment before continuing his search, “You know it… it's like this feeling in your gut.” He told her somewhat uncomfortably, “Your heart beats a little faster, your mind always wanders back to thinking about them, no matter what you're doing; when you eat, when you sleep, when you work… Why the fuck are you asking me this?”

“No reason”, Maggie said quickly. "What are you even looking for, anyway?"

He didn't respond to her question, causing her to become frustrated. "Fine, don't tell me." Maggie walked over to the nightstand, picked up the first writing device she saw and left the room.

OoOoOo

The next evening Maggie had fallen asleep on the sofa in the tiny parlor of their home, at least until she was shaken awake by her aunt. "What's the matter?" she muttered out, quickly sitting herself up. Was something wrong? Had the Lees come back?

"Nothing, love" Polly reassured her, "I left a new dress on your bed, go put it on."

"We're going out?" The girl asked, confused, no one had told her they had prior arrangements.

"Yes," Polly nodded, "Now c'mon, we don't have that much time."

Maggie rose from her spot, "Where are we going, Pol?"

"To a wedding," The older woman huffed impatiently and made her way up the stairs to the bedrooms.

This confused Maggie even more, "Whose?"

Not two hours later Maggie had gotten her answer. She and Polly met Ada near the Lees campground and walked into their enemy's territory with no trouble at all. They approach the crowd of witnesses just as Johnny Dogs begins the ceremony. Ada stopped to stand beside Tommy.

"Let's stand over here, love," Polly said, guiding Maggie past her siblings to get a better view of the union. She watched on as Johnny officiated, taking notice that her brother actually looked happy to be up there. Her attention was taken off the bride and groom when she spotted Ross standing about ten feet away with the rest of the Peaky Blinders. Smiling softly at his familiar face, she waved, her stress alleviated when he did the same.

"I now pronounce you man and wife," Johnny said happily as all the witnesses cheered at the new couple's first kiss.

As the night went on the partygoers were all in a festive mood. Sitting on a wooden barrel, Maggie watched as everyone mingled and danced. Tommy was sitting and chatting with the matriarch of the Lee family, Arthur was in the middle of what looked like a drinking contest, and John danced to the music with his beautiful new wife, Esme. Even she had started to sway to the music as the firecrackers sounded off over the happy noises.

"Mags," Ross greeted her, walking up next to stand next to her seating place.

"Hello," she replied, followed by an awkward pause, "I'm sorry I've been avoiding you." She told him after a few moments.

"Understandable." He responded instantly, "I've been a wanker and not just to you." Taking another puff of his cigarette, he exhaled, "I'll talk to Cara."

Maggie was surprised by this proclamation, "Really?"

"I'll sort it out." He nodded looking at the others dancing, and with a smile continued, "I miss walking with you two."

Maggie returned the smile, "We miss you too."

Ross stuck his hand out, "Care to dance?"

Maggie felt her face flush, and waved her hands in protest, "Oh, no I couldn't."

"C'mon, it's a party." He urged, with his hand still outstretched. Smiling, the girl cautiously took it and was led to the crowd.

Feeling like an idiot, she tried to keep up with the fast-paced music, but it seemed like her feet couldn't move fast enough. She felt someone clumsily bump into her backside nearly knocking her over. "Oi! Watch- Oh sorry love." Ada slurred out.

"It's alright," Maggie assured her sister, regaining her balance.

Ada then awkwardly cupped her little sister's face with both hands, and with a very stern tone warned, "Don't you ever let a man call you a 'Fucking Shelby' you hear me." She then rounded on the man next to her and jabbed a finger close to Ross’s face. "You hear me."

"Don't you worry, Ada," Ross guaranteed her, which seemed to be good enough for the older Shelby girl whose demeanor quickly changed back to her delighted drunkenness, dancing away from them.

As Ross spun her around, she caught a glimpse of John and Esme, sitting together and happily getting to know one another, "Seems like love at first sight." She heard Ross say.

"Seems so," Maggie replied happily. Very soon her attention was drawn to Tommy and Arthur trying to get a drunken Ada under control, "Oh no." She breathed out, walking closer to her feuding family members.

"Come and look, Esme!" Ada shouted, "Come and look at the family you joined!" The music ceased and now everyone's attention was on the intoxicated woman. "Come and look at the man who runs it! He chooses his brother's wives for them!" Ada shouted out for everyone to hear. She wasn't finished though, the woman then pointed at her younger sister, "Have you got some old perverted man lined up for Maggie?!"

Maggie felt her stomach drop at the thought, she felt everyone's gaze turn to her as she remained frozen in place. The only comfort that she felt was when Ross put her arm around her waist, as if to protect her. Tommy just stood in front of Ada looking at her stoically, but the mother-to-be wasn't done yet. "He hunts his own sister down like a rat, and he tries to kill his own brother-in-law!"

"Ada, that's enough!" Arthur tried to intervene.

"And now he won't even let me have a fucking dance! Not even at a fucking wedding!"

"Sit her down!" John barked out.

"Calm down Ada," Polly kept repeating, trying to soothe her. "Holy Shit. Water, right."

"Not now Ada," Arthur whined, obviously devastated the party was now unavoidably cut short. "Bloody hell, you do pick your times."

Tommy rushed over to Ada placing his coat over her and assisted Pol with leading her out of the vicinity and into the family car.

Maggie turned to her friend, "I have to-"

"Go." Ross finished for her.

Maggie rushed towards her family, who all made their way to the car. "It's too early!" she heard Ada cry out as she was ushered into the vehicle. Maggie too jumped into the front seat next to her brother.

"It'll be ok, love." Polly soothed sliding in next to her, before turning to the driver, "Step on it, Tommy."

OoOoOo

"Freddie," Ada kept repeating as she laid down on the sofa in the small parlor. "I want Freddie!"

"I know," Maggie sighed out uncomfortably, moving a sweaty piece of hair out of her sister's face.

"I can't do it, Mags. I can't do it on my own." Ada whimpered.

The younger girl's heart ached, "Hey, look at me, you can do this," She assured her, "You are so strong, if anyone can do this it'll be you."

Luckily for them, Esme had finally arrived moments later.

"Ada!" They heard Polly scream before she re-entered the home. "They're getting the word out to Freddie. He'll be here, love." She assured her niece, who grunted out as yet another contraction commenced.

"I think it might be the wrong way 'round," Esme told them, "I attended three sisters."

"Yeah, I think you're right," Polly agreed.

Maggie squirmed in place nervously, "What does that mean?"

"We should lean her forward," Esme suggested and Polly nodded, helping Ada up.

"C'mon, it's not that long to go, darling," The aunt encouraged the screaming woman. "Push, two, three!"

"Holy shit," Maggie muttered out, as she watched a new life was making its way out of her sister.

"Keep going, that's it!" Polly cheered before pulling out the baby completely. "It's a boy, Ada," Polly told the exhausted woman over the newborn's cries as Esme cut the cord connecting the mother and son with some old scissors.

Polly cleaned the new baby boy off tenderly with a small rag before returning him to Ada, who was beaming at the small life in her arms. Maggie heard banging from the front entrance and if she had not gotten out of the way fast enough Freddie may have run over her. Maggie smiled at the sight of the little family. The feeling didn't last long though, because the front door opened once again, and she felt herself being pushed aside the wall by a copper. Esme could be heard yelling, the baby boy began to shriek, and Ada sobbed, clinging to her newborn to her chest.

"Freddie!" Ada cried out as the group of officers dragged the new father out of the home.

"Tommy," Polly said darkly before letting out a string of curses in Romany before storming out of the house.

[ithebookhoarder]

Could I get something for valentines day to do with the Shelby gang? I really don't mind what or who. I just feel like I need a little love for the day...

Valentines Day Head-Canons for the Shelby Family

A/N: Of course you can, anon! Hope you have a great day, whether you’re celebrating or not. It’s just a day, really, so I hope this cheers you up ;) Sending so much love x 

Masterlist:

Arthur: 

This man would be nervous as hell that he’d mess up valentines day with you. He’s not exactly known for being the romantic of the family, nor does he have the sophistication of his younger siblings. In fact, he’s sometimes surprised you’re even with him at all. 

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t try, though. Oh no, this man is going all out for the day and nothing is too much for you. He’ll have asked everyone, and I mean everyone, for advice about what to do to make the day special. 

He’s not a many of many words so he lets his actions do the talking for him, giving you a massive bouquet of flowers as he comes to collect you for the evening. 

“Arthur, they’re beautiful. You really shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble for me. I mean, you even got orchids - my favourites. How did you know?”

“I remember you told me before, eh? When we were at that place down in London. The one with the fancy window displays.”

“I can’t believe you remembered.”

But that’s Arthur. He’s utterly head over heels for you, which is probably why he turns bright red as you kiss him on the doorstep before hurrying back inside to put them in some water. 

He’d also make sure to open every door for you the entire night, refusing to let you even lift so much as a finger. 

In fact, he even pulls your chair out for you in the restaurant he’s taking you to, glaring at the waiter who was going to do it, in a clear sign to back away if he wants to escape with his life. 

“Arthur. I saw that. Behave.”

“I’m on my best behaviour, love. Promise.” 

“Oh really? What a shame, as I had kind of hoped you wouldn’t be, considering that I’m wearing your present underneath this dress.”

Arthur almost combusts there and then. 

Screw dinner - he wants to devour you and only you. Maybe that’s why he practically drags you out of the door at the end of the night, making you laugh as you hurry after him, the two of you fumbling with each other like horny teenagers.  

Needless to say, you spend the rest of the night wrapped in a tangle of limbs, lost in an haze of pleasure as you gift one another with your bodies. 

John:

Now, considering his kids and the fact they are more than a handful, he knows just how important time spent with just the two of you is. That would be his first and biggest gift, getting one of the family to agree to watch the hell spawn long enough for you two to spend some time alone together. 

It’s just you and him for 24 hours of uninterrupted bliss, with no crying children or screaming babies to think about. 

True, it would be weird at first to have the house so quiet, but that’s exactly what you need for you and John to just talk to one another about anything and everything you’ve missed over the past few weeks. After all, he’d probably have been so busy with work he feels like he’s hardly seen you recently. 

He’s also remarkably in-tune with you and knows exactly how to spoil you rotten. 

“You do so much for me and the kids, it’s the least I can do, right? You deserve the world, but I guess I’ll have to do, eh?”

Who knew John Shelby was such a softie?

He’d have the day mapped out down to the finest detail: Breakfast in bed? check. A hot bath with wine and candles? Check. That new dress you had your eye on when you last went into town? Check. Making love for hours on every surface of the house? Triple check. 

He knows how lucky he is to have you and would spend all day making sure you knew. 

“At this rate, we’ll be having another little one to be bribe Polly to watch next year.”

“John Shelby! I swear to god I am not having another baby-“

“So you want me to put my clothes back on and not fuck you again?”

You wisely say nothing and kiss him instead. 

“As I thought.”

Tommy: 

Considering how busy he normally is, the only gift you could ever want from him was that of time. Time away from the stresses of the company or his family and their never ending messes. 

It’s why you’re eager to subtly remind him about the date every chance you get in the weeks preceding it. 

Little do you know, he’s perfectly aware of the day. In fact, he has plans of his own cooked up for the both of you… you just didn’t need to know that yet. 

It makes the surprise all the more satisfying as he wakes you early the morning of, peppering you with kisses and encouraging you to get dressed. 

“I thought people usually tried to get people undressed on Valentines day?”

“Patience, love. It’s worth it, I promise.”

You laugh and trust him, unable to deny him anything when he looks genuinely happy for once. That in itself is a gift, as is the chance to spend the day riding with him around the estate you called home. 

Tommy is happiest on horse back, and you grin as you eye him clambering on his horse out front. 

You’re quick to follow, not surprised to see he’d had your horse readied too. He really had thought this out, down to the route you take. 

“This way, there are no phone calls or fucking distractions,” he explains, relieved at the utter delight in your eyes. “Not unless one of the staff want to grab a horse and come find us. Good luck to them.”

“They’d need it, especially if they’re stupid enough to risk me shooting them for disturbing us. They’d be idiots.”

Tommy laughs. 

Eventually, he’d stop you both, just on the edge of the woods, revealing the next surprise as he pulls out a blanket and basket (prepared with Frances’s help, of course). 

“A picnic, Tommy?” 

“I told you it was a surprise.” 

It’s the best surprise as you both sit there, drinking and laughing as the sky turns dark. 

That’s when he lights a fire for you both, letting you huddle close by the flames, eyes gazing at the stars above you. 

You listen to him telling you all about the constellations and the stories he learned as a child. The sound of his voice is heavenly and you could easily listen to him all night. 

So much so, you’re quick to wish the night would never end, letting you two stay like this, wrapped peacefully in each other’s arms forever. 

Finn:

This literal angel is sweet as hell. Like, you better be prepared for the hand made card he’ll have made you… with Polly’s help, of course. He isn’t a hundred percent sure his spelling would have been right otherwise, but for you he’s willing to make the effort to try and write it for you. After all, you’ve more than likely been trying to help him learn to read and write since you started seeing one another. 

“Aunt Pol… is heart spelt with two t’s or one?”

“One, Finn.” 

“And does angel have a j in it?”

“No, Finn.”

Everyone else thought it was adorable and proof that he truly does love you. They’ve never seen him work so hard on anything in his life. 

Your own card is much simpler, because you wanted to make sure he could read it without too much difficulty. You also may or may not have got a bit carried away with drawing hearts and other sketches to fill it instead of trying to use long and complicated words about how much you loved him. 

However, neither one of you seem to care. You’re too happy with the cards you receive to care about your own possible mistakes. 

You’re also too busy admiring how much of an effort each of you made with your outfits for your date. Sure, it was just drinks and dancing with some of the other teenagers in Small Heath (basically Isiah and his girl) but you’d both gone full out for the occasion. 

“Is that suit new?”

“Maybe… John helped me pick it out. Why? Does it look stupid?”

“No, Finn Shelby. You look incredibly handsome,” you beam, toying with his lapels before linking his hand with yours. “I’ll be the luckiest girl there tonight.”

“And I’ll be the luckiest man.”

Oh yeah, you two are reals saps, just as most young lovers are. You’re all nervous glances, laughs and touches as you two dance the night away. 

It would also be the night Finn kisses you for the first night, summoning the courage to do it as he drops you off back at your house, just a little after curfew. 

It’s worth the risk and as you kiss him back he swears he’s flying the rest of the way home. 

Micheal: 

Micheal has had his plans in place for weeks, making sure every little detail would be perfect for the two of you. He’s honestly looking forward to it, enough to welcome his mother’s advice as she throws suggestions and tips at him the week before. 

“Women like to feel special, Micheal. What about getting her a necklace? Or some chocolates? Fancy ones from France or something.” 

“Mum, thanks, but I’ve got it covered. Promise.”

“Are you sure?”

Micheal laughs and tries not to be offended at her obvious doubt. Then again, he’s not always had a track record of being the most romantic or thoughtful with women. Still, he really cares about you and he’s determined not to mess this up. 

It’s why he’s chosen the perfect place for you two to spend the evening together: your place. 

He’s determined to spend the time just the two of you, and what better way to impress you than cooking dinner for you? 

With the bottle of champagne he brought and your favourite records playing in the background, you’re quickly at ease, grinning as you watch him effortlessly chop, dice and season the dish he’s chosen. 

How is peeling a potato so sexy when he does it? 

It’s honestly impressive, but also because he’s putting so much effort into it which is a nice surprise. As is the way he dances around the kitchen with you whenever there’s a pause in the recipe or a particularly good song comes on. 

You’re surprised at his soft singing voice as he holds you, humming along. It’s rare he allows himself to be seen in such a way, relaxed with no one to judge him for being soft or a little off key.   In front of the other Shelbys he’s normally desperate to impress them, trying to be tough and nonchalant.

However, you know deep down he’s still the country boy you fell in love with when he first arrived in the city.  

By the time you’ve finished dinner, the candles have almost burned out and you know where the evening is headed as you both start to scurry off to your bedroom. 

Ada:

Ada is probably the most relaxed of all the Shelby bunch when it comes to special occasions. This is Ada we’re talking about. She’s also probably the most sane of the bunch, so she knows how to act like a normal person. 

She doesn’t need anything big or fancy as a gift or some elaborate plan to make her fall head over heels. 

A day in the park, with Karl holding both your hands as you walk to the duck pond, is enough to make her look at you with utter adoration in her eyes. She loves how well you both get on, becoming a little family of you own. 

It’s why it’s no surprise you all have dinner together, with Karl helping to serve you as your two favourite people spoil you rotten. You normally eat together most days, even if Karl doesn’t normally wear a suit or call you ‘madame’ every time he passes you something like a mini waiter. 

Ada smirks at the sight, informing you it’s all Karl’s idea - as is the card he thrusts upon you.

“I made the card myself!”

“You did? Wow, Karl. Look how amazing it is. I love the glitter on the heart.” 

“I knew you would. Mum didn’t think so but I won.”

The look Ada gives you makes you want to laugh until you cry as you clearly sense the frustration she must have suffered in the pursuit of Karl’s artistry. It also explains why you’ve been finding glitter everywhere all week. 

“Well, I love it. Thank you - both.”

You press kisses to both of their cheeks, grinning as Ada purred something about giving you her card later once Karl’s in bed. You’re eager to return the favour, impatient to give her your own card and gift. 

It’s a framed photo of you all, taken one day when you’d all been at the local fair. 

The sight of it is enough to make Ada watery eyed as she gives you yours, watching as you unwrap it and gasp in delight. 

The book is the next in a series you’d recently started and fallen in love with. However, you were pretty sure it wasn’t supposed to be released yet. 

“What can I say? Perks of having a librarian girlfriend with exclusive access to advanced copies we’re supposed to be holding on to until next month. I borrowed one and I’m sure they won’t notice.” 

“Ada Shelby. You stole a book for me?”

“Borrowed. Not stole.” 

You don’t care, too overwhelmed to do anything other than kiss her passionately. 

[where-theres-smoak-2]

Why I Haven’t Given Up Hope On Barchie Just Yet.

The more I think about it the more I feel like there might still be a chance for Barchie. I was very disappointed and angry after the episode aired, but after rewatching the episode a few times I realised that there wasn’t really anything in that scene that makes me think that its permanent. I mean what was said really that ends them for good? That they should make sense, was it that line, or that they were so different at their cores? Because to me that seemed more like Betty seeing Archie as this golden boy and as this light she was going to corrupt, which is very similar to how Archie saw Betty as the perfect girl next door in the pilot and if I didn’t think they were over permanently in the pilot why should I believe they’re over now? We know that this statement that they are too different and that they don’t make sense isn’t true. Barchie make perfect sense and they aren’t different at all, I mean they both have protector like jobs, they both have gone through a trauma and are suffering PTSD due to it which manifests in a similar way of nightmares, they both have a habit of rushing into dangerous situations to protect others, they both have stereotypes forced onto them and struggle with that identity. They’ve both struggled with an inner darkness that was brought out when someone they cared about got hurt, for Betty it was Polly and for Archie it was when his dad was shot. They’ve both lost their fathers, they both see the other as their light in the darkness. I mean alot of elements from their stories are very similar. There is just so much that they have in common that Betty’s line just doesn’t make sense at all. So the only explanation is that Betty doesn’t realise how similar they are because she is still looking at him as this All American Boy and herself as having this darkness. I do think that as they get closer as friends they are going to come to the realisation that they aren’t too different at all. I think that Betty will realise that Archie too has a darkness that he struggles with and that it is ok to be each others light.

I’ve also been thinking alot about that scene between Archie and Eric again where he talks about Betty and how it felt different and not great because for me out of all of it that was the moment that made the less sense to me. I feel like that’s the moment alot of people kind of had a wtf moment. But I think I might have finally cracked what was happening in that scene and what Archie meant by ‘different’. To fully understand it I think we need to take a look back at all of Barchie’s other hook ups and see how they evolve and they do evolve, there is a change in them.

So first I want to talk about the shower and the car scenes. Both of these scenes have very similar energies, they are both very s*xually charged and very passionate. In my opinion these two scenes are very much about the s*x and distraction. They are both letting out all the pent up frustrations they have.

But then there is a shift at the end of episode 6 with the porch and bed scene where the ‘do you love me’ theme song is played over the scene. The reason why this scene was different was because it didn’t focus on the s*x. Instead the focus was on the kiss before which was very sweet and very soft and then on the intimate moment between them where they were cuddling in bed.

Again this scene where they are just laying in bed together is not about s*x we aren’t suppose to look at this and go ‘wow that’s hot’ it was about the intimacy between them and the fact that they were just enjoying being together and that cosy, relaxed feeling is, like Betty says, nice. It has similar vibes of the scene in 4x18 where they are lying on the bed in the bunker and its purely about them wanting to be in each others presence more than anything else. Also to me it seemed very much like Archie didn’t want Betty to leave.

Again the next hook up scene we get has another shift in tone. This scene is the Firefighter scene. Again this scene doesn’t focus on the s*x aspect of it but on the connection between the two of them, its about the intimacy. We can see that they seem very comfortable together and very relaxed. On top of that there is another shift in that the scene is given a much more romantic atmosphere due to the like 100 candles that have been lit, I mean seriously who lights that many candles for just a casual hook up? In this scene they also talk about their past together again showing that deep connection and history that they have. Also this bit I am probably giving the writers way too much credit and looking too much into it but the line Betty says when Archie first came out and she says ‘I was so not ready’ maybe this was kind of foreshadowing and what we are being told here is that Betty just isn’t ready for something deeper with Archie right now. I mean especially when not long after we get that scene with Betty and Kevin where she admits she doesn’t want to get too deep with him because she is afraid of losing that light. But I do struggle to watch this scene and not see any romantic feelings at all, to me this seems so romantic and soft and they just seem really happy.

Then we get to the scene where Betty has her nightmare and calls Archie over. When Archie talks to Eric he says that when Betty called he thought it was going to be a booty call which he was more than fine with that and when we see Archie show up he is very happy and smiley very much like he was in the scene above.

When he sees that she is upset his demeaner changes immediately and you can see that he is immediately concerned for her. Now circling back for a moment to the line about thinking it was a booty call and being fine with it, the problem with this line is it makes it seem like all Archie cares about is s*x and that he didn’t really care that Betty was upset. But that doesn’t correspond at all with the scene where we can see that he very clearly does care that she is upset. I really do think that the line was just badly written and then misinterpreted. We have to remember that Barchie themselves have been calling what they are doing a casual thing and a booty call, I think when Archie said he was expecting a booty call he was saying he was expecting something like the firefighter scene where he felt close with Betty. That’s what he was ok with because although he knew she was using him as an escape I think in those more intimate scenes like the bed scene in 5x06 and the firefighter scene in 5x08 he probably still felt very connected to her. But then after her nightmare Betty was likely feeling very vulnerable and we also know that she is hiding what happened with TBK and pretending everything is fine from everyone, so I do think in this moment she had probably shut herself off a bit and Archie likely picked up on this.

When Betty says she doesn’t want to talk about the nightmare and just wants to forget, I feel like Archie says that it’s fine and whatever she wants because he feels like that’s the deal they’ve made, that’s their kind of arrangement, that they are there to help distract each other, and Archie might feel unsure about breaking that when she clearly doesn’t want to open up about it and he isn’t sure what her feelings are.  

The other thing I noticed was when Betty kisses Archie in this scene he seems a little hesitant. In their other kisses he immediately responds to her and leans into the kiss. Here he barely moves the first time she kisses him and she kind of has to pull him down with her which makes me think Archie wasn’t hundred percent on board and I do think he really did want to talk to her as oppose to sleep with her. Weirdly this kiss, on subsequent watches, kind of reminds me of the kiss Betty and Jughead have during their break up s*x where its very much initiated by Betty and Jughead was a little hesitant at first. I do feel like Archie felt disappointed that she didn’t want to talk to him and again like I said I feel like Betty had closed herself off in this scene and that’s what Archie meant when he said it felt different and it didn’t feel great. I think for the first time he felt used and like there was some kind of disconnect between him and Betty.

On top of that just before this scene were the ones where he had spent time with Veronica and where Eric had talked about Archie juggling two women which as I said in another post Archie didn’t look happy at the idea. So I think on top of feeling like Betty was more distant from him and feeling a little used, I think he was confused and maybe even feeling a little guilty about his feelings for Veronica. All of this combined and its no wonder why Archie would describe it as feeling not great. Also I think when you take into consideration that whilst Betty is closed off to him and he’s not sure what her feelings really are, Veronica is being very open about how she feels. They’ve been getting along really well since they got back to town and they don’t have any awkwardness between them, so with Eric making him question what is between him and Veronica and this sudden distance between him and Betty and how comfortable he feels with Veronica and the fact that Veronica is making it no secret that she is still interested in Archie, I think he just kind of comes to the conclusion that he must still have feelings for Veronica. Now whether he still does have feelings for Veronica I’m not sure. I do think alot of it stems from nostalgia and to be honest I don’t see it lasting long. I think they will realise pretty quickly that what they have now isn’t as deep as what they had in high school.

However there are other reasons why I think that Barchie aren’t over just yet and the first is because I feel like this season is following very closely to the first season and the journey of the characters are very similar. I mean just in this episode there were so many parallels to the pilot. There is some romantic story with Barchie, Archie begins to have feelings for Veronica, there’s a party where they play a game and Veronica and Archie get paired together and the episode draws to a close with Barchie ‘breaking up’ before we get this shocking cliff hanger, in the pilot it was Jason’s body, in this episode it was finding the crushed phonebooth. So if we are following the same journey as season 1 then the next things that will happen is that Betty gets with someone, maybe it’ll be jughead or maybe it’ll be someone else, I mean Glen has to make an appearance at some point right. When she is with someone else then Archie will realise his feelings for her and confess this to her. I think the difference this time is instead of her shutting him down they both would have grown enough to finally confess their true feelings.

Another reason why well this is more why I think Archie and Veronica won’t stay together and that is because it feels like they are all kind of, as well as following their own storylines from season 1, but their parents as well. Jughead is following the same addiction storyline FP did. Betty is having to deal with a missing Polly like Alice did in season 1 and Archie and Veronica are following Fred and Hermione’s journey in season one. Fred and Hermione were high school lovers who meet again as adults. Hermione isn’t in a good place in her marriage and she gravitates back towards Fred her old flame. This is exactly what happened with Veronica and Archie and just like Fred and Hermione I think that they’ll come to realise that they are very different people now and that whilst they might have worked in high school they don’t work anymore. I also wouldn’t be surprised if just like how Hiram caused problems between Fred and Hermione, Chad will make a reappearance and cause some problems between Veronica and Archie.

I fully understand why alot of Barchie fans see it differently from me, why they think Barchie is don and why they want to take a step back. I do think that if stepping back is something you feel like you need to do then definitely do that. Myself though I just don’t think I am quite ready to give up on them yet. So I think I am going to keep watching just a little more to see where it goes. I’ll keep my fingers crossed over my heart and hope for the best.  

[thekobaltpossum]

Memories of You, Chapter 1 - Freefall

Spoilers below for Amphibia True Colors.

The sun set on an orange sky, as the smoldering remains of a toad tower pillow with smoke, the sky mourning the massive loss of life. Among the castle of Newtopia which had suddenly started flying above Newtopia, the king of Amphibia opened his hand, dropping whatever he was holding. The object he was holding, which was a frog boy named Sprig, plummeted. 

As he passed through the clouds, they only thing he could manage to do was cry. He didn’t scream, didn’t say anything, he just let forth silent tears that singed his eyes. There was only one thing he could think of: his family. He was too young to go. He didn’t see the blonde girl jump out after him, but he knew he couldn’t do anything to save himself. It was already too late. Feeling the air blow off his cap and goggles, he just kept his eyes clenched and waited for an impact. It was like the world fell silent for him. No sound seemed to reach his ears. He didn’t see or hear the girl, who was already deemed untrustworthy, screaming his name and reaching out towards him. He was only able to utter out a single word before his world went dark: “Anne.”

“Give him back!” Anne screamed after gaining some ability from the Calamity Box. It gave her incredible power, but it was clear she was losing energy, and fast. “Give him… back” She collapsed, her hair returning from the weird blue color back to its natural brown, the Plantars rushing to her side. “Where’s Sprig?” She mustered all the strength she could. She felt super dizzy, she felt th same way after riding the Spider Spinner at the Grubhog day festival.

“Anne.” Sasha, emerging from the shadows, a fitting place for her, but she seemed different. Sad. Guilty. She was carrying something in her arms. “I swear, I tried, I tried to catch up with him, but I couldn’t- I couldn’t get to him in time, I’m so, so, so sorry.” She lowered her arms to reveal Sprig’s lifeless body, bruised and battered, but still very much intact. 

“MY BOY!!!” Hop Pop screamed in agony.

Sasha handed Sprig off to Anne, and stepped back to pay her respects. “No,” whispered Anne. “No nonono no no no!” She was hugging Sprig close to her own body, tears showering from her eyes. “NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” An observer could have seen her eyes flash blue like they had when she gained that ability a few minutes ago.

“Awwwwww, it’s so sad isn’t it?” King Andrias stood over them, his blazing blade lighting his face with an orange glow, not too far a shade from the still setting sun. “You’ve still got the gift kid, so I can’t let you live. But don’t worry, you’ll see him again soon.” The leviathan raised his sword to strike the family down, when the castle jolted, the same as it had when Polly had removed the Box. It was Marcy, who was kneeling down, fiddling with the box. She was muttering to herself, then waved to Anne and the Plantars, motioning to them to get into the portal that had recently formed. 

“Anne, go,” Sasha told her, drawing her two swords. “We’ll hold them off.” As Anne and her family ran two the portal, Sasha, Grime, and General Yunnan were battling the titan, but were quickly bested by him, who shouted for the box.

“Marcy, hurry!” Anne pleaded.

“I just need to-“ 

Her voice was cut off as Andrias’ sword plunged into her back. She looked down in utter fear and shock. “MARCY!!” Anne screamed.

“Ah,” Marcy gasped for breath. “I’m sorry.” She lost strength quickly. “For everything.” She collapsed, causing the music box to hit the ground, and Anne’s world went white.

Anne and the Plantars found themselves on Earth. Their first stop, of course, was Anne’s house, where she and her parents shared a loving reunion. They told her that she’d been gone for 5 months and that no one had seen them at all, except for a man in a pawn shop, who was the last person to see them. Anne was sure they wouldn’t understand where she was, but her found family was enough proof that they needed. Her mom would have loved Sprig. She thought about the blue butterfly that that one Newt girl gave her all the way back in Newtopia. 

But Anne couldn’t give her mother her gift yet, they had more important things to do first. They had to regroup, recover, and reflect. She had to process what had just happened, with Andrias’ incoming invasion, Sasha’s betrayal, what Marcy had done, and oh Frog, Marcy! Was she alright? Of course she wasn’t, she was stabbed for frog sake. And, most of all, what would they do about Sprig? 

The Plantar’s were finally able to enjoy Pizza, which was the first thing they asked for. They said they wanted either pizza or omelettes, but they were never able to bake the pizza, so it was chosen. The silence was filled by Hop Pop and Mr. Boonchuy telling stories to each other as Polly tried to play with Domino, but Domino was busy staring at the wall, which Anne remarked as strange. It was like she was staring at something invisible.

That night, Anne was plagued by nightmares. Andrias bared an evil grin as a glowing fire sword plunged through Anne’s chest, and she realized that she was in Marcy’s body. Then she was in Frobo’s body and she was crushed by Andrias’ fist. Then she was falling from the castle, but she was not in Sprig’s body, as she heard him calling her name. She saw him reaching out to her. “Can you see me Anne?” He cried out to her.

“Sprig, I see you, it’s going to be alright!” She screamed.

“Anne!” 

“Yes Sprig?”

“Wake up.”

“Wh-what do you mean?”

“Anne, I need to know if you can see me. Wake up!”

Anne woke up in a cold sweat. “That was such a weird dream.” Sprig’s voice felt so weird, so real. She looked around and saw nothing. She lied back down to go to sleep.

“Anne, wake up!” She heard Sprig’s voice again. She sat up again, looked to her left and saw nothing. Then she looked to her right and saw… Sprig? She wasn’t expecting him to be there, so she stumbled back and screamed.

“Uh, are you another hallucination Sprig?” Anne shakily asked. She noticed a light go on in the hall, she must have woken someone up.

“No, it’s me, I’m real. No one can see me for some reason. Only the cat has noticed me.”

“Oh, so that’s what she was doing at dinner.”

She heard a soft knock at the door, followed by it opening. It was Anne’s mother. “Is everything ok, Anne? I heard some loud noises. Who are you talking to, and why are you on the floor?”

“I’m fine, but it’s Sprig! He’s right here.” She points to Sprig, who waved at the girl’s mother. 

She stared at the empty bed, staring through Sprig literally. She then gained a sorrowful look. “Oh honey, I’m so sorry you’re going through this!”

They heard some pattering down the Hallway as Hop Pop slid into view. “Is everybody ok? Is Anne hurt? Is she sick?” He gasped. “Did the pizza poison her?!” He shouted in a panic, as Hop Pop is known to do. 

“Everything is alright, Hopediah.” Anne’s mother assured the elder frog. “Anne is just saying that she saw Sprig in her room, and was talking to him as well.”

“Oh dear.  Anne, it’s gonna be alright.” Anne shot a confused glance at Sprig, who shrugged, giving a look that screamed ‘I told you so’. “Anne, I know it hurts, and it will hurt for the rest of your life. I can stay here for as long as you need.” He looked at Mrs. Boonchuy, who nodded, agreeing.

“Thanks Mom, thanks Hop Pop, I think it was just a hallucination. I’ve had a hallucination of Sprig before, that night on the road to Newtopia, when you guys were taken by the Scorpileo. I’ll be fine, thank you.”

“Ok sweetie. Let me know if you need anything else.” Her mother kissed her on the forehead. “I’m so happy to have you home again. I missed you so much.” She ushered Hop Pop out of Anne’s room, while giving her a loving smile. “I love sweetie. Sleep Well.” She turned off the lights and closed the door. Anne got back in bed and waited for the light in the hallway to shut off.

“So you’re a ghost?” Anne softly asked.

“Yeah, I guess I am. This is so weird.”

“What does it feel like? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“It’s like my whole body feels numb. Like I can feel that my arms and face are here, but I can’t feel anything. It’s so weird. And I don’t have any legs.”

“And you are blue.”

“And I’m blue….” Anne thought about a funny song from the internet, but this wasn’t really an appropriate time to sing it. Marcy would have, and… there she goes thinking about Marcy again. “So what do we do now?”

“What we always do.” 

“Have fun?”

“Wait.”

“Oh that makes more sense.”

[taronunwin]

hi! whats ur ranking of fav taron movies? starting with the one u consider the worst and ending with the one u like the most. justify each position!! 💞

I love all of Taron’s movies so I don’t truly dislike any of them, but I will do as I’m told and shall rank them based on how much I love re-watching them. Here goes.

Legend I skipped through this the first time just for Taron and then finally sat down and watched the whole thing, and I really enjoyed it, but if Taron wasn’t in it, I probably wouldn’t feel compelled to watch it again.

Testament of Youth I love this movie. I despise this movie. I love it but I also passionately hate it. This is not an enjoyable or fun movie to watch. I find it absolutely impossible to ignore what’s to come so I can’t even just focus on how wonderful and adorable and perfect sweet Edward is. But also, the movie is gorgeous, thought-provoking, and taught me to always moisturize my elbows.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle To be up front, when it comes to Eggsy, he’s my favourite of Taron’s characters. I adore that boy with my whole heart, so any time Eggsy’s on screen, it makes me want to rank the film higher on this list, however the movie as a whole isn’t super enjoyable to me. I always skip Polly’s scenes and anything Eggsy isn’t in, which tells me it’s not a movie I adore as a standalone film, I just adore Eggsy. I do think it was immensely creative and I love Eggsy’s growth, there’s just a lot of things I would have changed. *coughs*likenotbringingharryback*coughs*

Eddie the Eagle While this sweet movie is very re-watchable, it’s just not a movie I grab when I’m feeling like enjoying a Taron film. I do love watching it with other people, because it’s one of the few of Taron’s movies that’s good for anyone and everyone, and I have lovely memories of watching it with various family members and enjoying watching their reactions. Eddie is an absolute darling and I love him so much and I’m so glad Taron chose to be in it because it’s a precious inspirational film that I would never have watched if not for him.

Billionaire Boys Club I still haven’t been able to figure out why this movie is so hated. Sure, it has flaws, but I genuinely enjoy BBC, and not just because it was an unmitigated pleasure to see Taron play a bad guy or hear his American accent. Although those are two very important things to me. I love the story, the descent into darkness and desperation, the betrayal, all of it.

Robin Hood I am absolutely unabashed about how much I love this stupid, awful movie. Yes, it’s stupid and yes, it’s awful, but I just love it. Right now, I own three copies of it. I remember when I first bought it, I was like ‘this is a total waste of money’, and you know what? I was right. But I don’t regret it at all. The story is disjointed and rushed, then screeches to a halt, the editing is funky, and the script is painfully awkward at points, but dang if I don’t love it. It is my ultimate guilty pleasure movie. There was such an immense amount of potential that I think that’s why I’m so blinded by love. I desperately love what it should have been.

Kingsman: The Secret Service This movie is perfect. It’s just perfect. When I first watched it, a few days into my Taron phase (I actually started watching TGC first, not realizing it was the second movie in the series, but thankfully stopped before I got in very far) I really did not expect to like it. I’m not a James Bond fan so I thought I’d just kinda suffer through it for Taron, but then sweet Eggsy showed up, and within about 2 minutes, by the time he locked the door behind him as he left the flat, I was smitten. Then he went and stole the bully’s car and I was done for. Eggsy Unwin stole my heart in 5 minutes and I’m so okay with it. The film itself is just amazing and ingenious (and the plot is actually ridiculously prophetic) and I love it. I haven’t watched it start to finish in quite a while but I can’t wait for the next time I do.

Rocketman Oh this precious, incredible movie. This was movie I watched with the ‘alright, I’ll just start it and see if I can handle it for Taron’ mentality and by the time Elton sat down and listed off why he was in therapy, I was completely hooked. I’ve watched it so many times, by myself, with others, and I think it gets somehow more magical every time. It is a true 5 star, 10/10 film, and this is coming from someone who used to not give a rip about Elton John or know any of his songs, from someone who doesn’t like the 60′s-80′s eras, and who was not really a fan of musicals, especially flamboyant ones. But I fell in love with Rocketman and I fell hard. As a Christian, this does make me chuckle because so much of the film would shock the hardcore, delicate religious folk, but I adore it and I was truly amazed by how much it made me feel. It’s a roller coaster and an incredible one at that. Taron is always amazing in every role but there’s just something about this performance that goes beyond any performance I’ve ever seen. Of all of Taron’s films, this is the movie I’ve watched the most, from start to finish, and would watch any time. I love it so much.

[interstellarflare]

Loved You Dangerously - Thomas Shelby

-PART FOUR-

Song: Dangerously - Charlie Puth (slowed)

Warnings: Violence, swearing.

Summary: I loved you dangerously, more than the air that I breathe. Knew we would crash at the speed that we were going, didn’t care if the explosion ruined me. Baby, I loved you dangerously, Mmmm, mmmm. I loved you dangerously.

An arranged marriage to one of London’s most notorious criminals isn’t something that you planned for. But when you so happen to be kidnapped by the one and only Thomas Shelby of the Peaky Blinders, your story takes a drastic turn full of lies, deception, and a love that you never thought possible.

Author’s Note: This is a series that is all my own. Events happening within will not directly correlate with the actual show. A tag list is open! The people who have been tagged have been previously tagged in my ‘Back to You’ Series.

“It sounded like you and Tommy had a very interesting conversation yesterday” Polly spoke awkwardly the next morning, as she fussed over the dirty clothes which I had left in the bathroom from yesterday. I shook my head and sighed heavily, “I’m guessing you heard all that?” I stated timidly, causing the older woman to laugh lowly. She walked over and sat on the other end of the windowsill, smiling in amusement “I’m pretty sure the entire manor heard. You slammed the door hard enough to make both Arthur and John flinch...” she stated in slight bewilderment “...and usually I am the only one to do that”.

With a laugh, I turned my gaze towards the view outside the window, a small smile forming on my face. “You know, he allowed me to stay here, he told me there were some clothes already in the draws...and then he has the balls to tell me that some men around here would prefer me not to wear clothes at all!” I spoke in disbelief, my voice becoming louder in octave as I spoke. Polly rolled her eyes, her expression turning into one of disappointment “I can’t speak for Tommy, but I’m sure he didn’t mean it” she spoke lowly, reaching forward and gently placing her hand on my knee.

I nodded my head slowly, still feeling horrible and offended by Thomas’ words. I could see him walking around the grounds with Arthur by his side, likely talking about something that I didn’t care for. It was then that Polly quietly stood up, I spotted her reflection smiling warmly down at my huddled form. “If you ever wish to talk, I’m usually around downstairs. And if Tommy or Arthur bother you, you run to me” she mused teasingly, causing me to laugh lightly. I turned my head to watch her go. “Polly...” I called out, watching as she paused in the doorway and looked over her shoulder towards me. Pressing my lips into a thin line, I nodded my head curtly “...thank you”. Smiling warmly once more, she returned the gesture and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Everything suddenly became unbearably quiet. There were no sounds within the house, except for my own breathing. As I turned my gaze back towards the world outside of the window, my eyes narrowing as my eyes met the icy-blue and hazel hues of Arthur and Thomas, who were already staring up at my form. Quickly standing up, I smiled towards the two men sarcastically, holding their gaze as I reached across to grasp the curtain before harshly swiping it across the window. I sighed heavily for what felt like the millionth time that morning. Turning my head around the room, I found myself becoming increasingly bored. Brushing off my skirts, I decided to explore the manor. I would be here for god knows how long, so I might as well get to know the place.

Exiting the room, I dawdled down the hallway whilst examining the luxurious furniture and incredible artworks that littered the numerous hallways. I greeted the maids that passed by, smiling lightly as I continued to explore. The manor was so large, that I found myself becoming lost in the maze of halls and rooms. I stepped into the room closest to my left, expecting to see yet another bedroom with a luxurious interior. But instead, I felt my breath catch in my throat in pure amazement. Surrounding me on either side were rows and rows of books, all of them neatly stacked in dark oakwood bookcases. Some were leather-bound, others appeared well-worn and old, and yet I couldn’t stop my heart from leaping in pure joy. I raced over to the shelves and immediately began searching for something to read, the tips of my fingers skimming over the hard leather covers.

“I see you found the library...” a deep voice spoke from the doorway. A surprised squeak left my lips, causing me to quickly withdraw my hand and turn towards the door timidly. I met the gaze of Thomas Shelby, who seemed to be staring towards me in a mixture of curiosity and amusement. Folding my arms over my chest, I glared towards him with a slight incline of my head “Is there a problem with me being in here?” I questioned, standing my ground with a slight roll of my eyes. Shaking his head, Thomas stepped into the library towards me slowly “No, I did tell you you could go anywhere within the manor, as long as you have an escort”. I scoffed in disbelief “And I suppose I need an escort to wander around the confines of the house? To watch my every move to make sure I don’t decide to make a run for it?” I asked him spitefully, moving my hands to my hips as I pressed my lips into a thin line of annoyance.

I watched anxiously as Thomas pushed himself off the doorframe, making his way towards me and standing only inches away from my form. With his face centimetres from my own, I swallowed thickly. His icy-blue eyes were illuminated by the sunlight streaming in through the window, the light highlighting his sharp jawline and cheekbones. “I wanted to apologise for behaviour last night...” he began, now standing tall and placing his hands in the pockets of his pants “...I was wrong to have said what I did”. I couldn’t help the low chuckle that escaped my lips, shaking my head slowly. “Did Polly tell you to say that?” I asked him, raising a knowing eyebrow in wait for his answer. Thomas laughed himself, shrugging his shoulders shamelessly. “Might ‘ave done...” he breathed “...although I really am sorry. Yesterday was probably the worst day of your life”.

“Second worst” I spoke calmly, removing my hands from my hips and walking over to the plush-looking window-seat “The first worst day of my life was being engaged to Alfie Solomons”. After I had finished speaking, I placed my hands in my lap as I sat down, awkwardly fiddling with my hands in the process. My gaze drifted down to the diamond engagement ring on my finger, the gem twinkling in the morning sunlight. I felt sick to my stomach, the thought of the fake engagement causing me to sigh shakily. I had been so caught up in my worries that I hadn’t noticed that Thomas had moved to sit beside me, his shadow extinguishing the ring’s taunting glimmer. Without a word, he took my left hand into his own, examining the band attached to my hand with a slight look of distain. It confused me. He seemed off-put by it, his tone full of venom as he spoke “You know, if this ring bothers you, why do you still wear it?” he asked, carefully releasing my hand as it fell in the small gap between us.

I thought for a minute, unsure of how to answer his question. Why did I still wear it? The engagement wasn’t mutual, it wasn’t for love. I response, I shrugged my shoulders “I don’t know, I suppose it’s a reminder of what could have been” I told him, lifting my gaze and staring sadly across the room towards the library door, and the open hallway beyond. “What could have been?” Thomas asked confused, his brows furrowing slightly “What do you mean by that?”. I laughed sadly “It wasn’t just my father that Alfie tricked into the engagement...” I began, my voice cracking slightly at the memory of my naivety “...he tricked me too. At first he was kind, gentle, I thought he cared about me. But as soon as he announced our engagement to my father, I knew it was too good to be true. He told me himself, I was the only daughter of one of the richest men in London, and he needed my family’s money in order to help him build a bigger name for himself. He never cared about me, about how I felt. He used me for his own gain. For power, for status. I meant nothing to him”.

Thomas had remained silent throughout the duration of my explanation, his eyes holding an emotion that I didn’t recognise. It was a mixture of anger, confusion and sadness, all combined into one unreadable expression. Without a word, Thomas stood up from his position beside me and stormed out of the library, disappearing through the open door and down the hallway with his boots sounding against the wooden floor. I was left alone in the library, surrounded by books that I suddenly had no intention of reading anymore.

Tag list: @supermassiveblackhope @affabletimelady @spaghettirogers @audioshoes @gabriellepearce96 @twin-skltns​ @daisyxbuckley​ @arachnidscosmopoliton​ @ljb-novels​ @lordofthunderthr​ @hereticpriest​ @captivatedbycillianmurphy​ @imnotuglyimjustpredebut @lovelynerdytraveler​

[mozart-the-meerkitten]

Even more Dark Crystal reactions/comments (episodes 4.5-6)

I’M SO GLAD RIAN’S FRIENDS CAME AND RESCUED HIM. HOW DID THEY EVEN KNOW HE NEEDED RESCUED? IT DOESN’T MATTER

Also they freed the giant rolly pollies so kudos to them

The dreamspace was pretty awesome honestly

“Mother Aughra!” “What is she doing?” “She’s dancing!” <stop being so cute Deet, ahhhh

Wow, Seladon escalated quickly

WE FINALLY GOT THE GANG TOGETHER

I LOVE LORE

FOR THE RECORD I ALSO LOVE HUP

ALSO GURJIN

ALL THE SECONDARY CHARACTERS OF THIS SHOW ARE GREAT

FINALLY WE GOT PEOPLE TO BELIEVE RIAN’S STORY, WOOT

I love that the plot of this show is basically the same as that of a Bug’s Life in the sense that, “The (Gelfling) outnumber us 10 to 1. If they ever figure that out, then our way of life is over.” as evidenced from the Stonewood warriors pelting the Chamberlain with rocks.

....But at the same time, I feel the Skeksis must have some defenses we don’t know about, otherwise they wouldn’t be so cocky.... unless they really ARE like the Bug’s Life grasshoppers and just never thought the Gelfling would rise up against them, which is possible.

Oooh no, they’re just gonna slowly try and pick off the Gelfling before they have the time to form a proper army/rebellion force.

Is Brea’s warrior sister okay? We haven’t seen her since she snuck into the Skeksis castle and saw their Crack of Doom. She needs to show up and try to run interference between Seladon and Brea again because SELADON HAS GONE CRAZY Oh there she is. She is sort of okay???? AT LEAST SHE’S ALIVE

DEET IS SO TINY OH MY GOSH, SHE’S SMALLER THAN ALL THE REST OF THE GELFLING I LOVE MY SMOL DAUGHTER

All of these children need therapy, stop killing their parents in front of them OKAY BUT I LOVED THEIR SONG AND I ESPECIALLY LOVE THAT IT SUMMONED A GIANT FLYING STINGRAY

“That’s what friends do. We help.” *muffled screaming* DEEEEEEEEET “You’re a true friend.” I KNEW THESE TWO WOULD BE BESTIES. I KNEW IT.

“I cannot defeat my dark half.” WAIT WHAT?? WHAT THE HECK 

“They’re obsessed with death!” “They’re not obsessed.” “They gave you bones!” “... I like it.” xDDD

Seladon needs to stOP

VIVA LA RESISTANCE 

[hypersensitiveheart]

Questions for fun

All about me  1: Full name: Duchess is the only name I give online 2: Age: 30  3: 3 Fears: Men, Pigs, bugs 4: 3 things I love: JJBA, sweet foods, Soda 5: 4 turns on: Intelligence, Common sense, Well Read, Sense of Humor .6: 4 turns off: Arrogance, Rudeness, Drug use, Drinking  7: My best friend: He-man ( My husband), And Wonder Woman (My mother) 8: Sexual orientation: Demisexual 9: My best first date: My first date with He-man, at our local mall 10: How tall am I: Tiny. Three inches over five feet. 11: What do I miss: My grandma. 12: What time were I born: 11 am. Which is weird considering I hate mornings and mostly sleep through them.  13: Favourite color: Blue  14: Do I have a crush: He-Man, Jotaro, Sabretooth, And many other fictional characters.  15: Favourite quote:  16: Favourite place: My sisters house.  17: Favourite food: Tacos  18: Do I use sarcasm: So often that I am always asked if I am serious or not.  19: What am I listening to right now: Motley Crue .20: First thing I notice in new person: Eyes. Height.  21: Shoe size: 9  22: Eye color: Greyish Blue 23: Hair color: Now, light brown, natural Blonde.  24: Favourite style of clothing: Comfy, or punk.  25: Ever done a prank call?: No.  27: Meaning behind my URL: Simply, my name for my blog.  28: Favourite movie: I have many so I’ll just pick one this time and say Boo York, Boo York.  29: Favourite song: True Colors- Cyndi Lauper, My idol.  30: Favourite band: Blondie 31: How I feel right now: Not great.  32: Someone I love: Opal.  33: My current relationship status: Married 34: My relationship with my parents: Great. We all love each other and live together.  35: Favourite holiday: Christmas.  36: Tattoos and piercing i have: 3 tattoos, 3 piercings. 37: Tattoos and piercing i want: I don’t want any more piecings, but many more tattoos.  38: The reason I joined Tumblr: My friend showed it to me, back in like 2009? 39: Do I and my last ex hate each other?: He didn’t love me, like at all, but I was crazy about him for years. I should have the word idiot tattooed on me.  40: Do I ever get “good morning” or “good night ” texts?: No.  41: Have I ever kissed the last person you texted?: Considering it was He-man, yes I did.  42: When did I last hold hands?: Walking with He-man Saturday 43: How long does it take me to get ready in the morning?: I’ve never timed it. I wake up, Brush my hair ETC. I don’t wear make up and usually just put my hair in a pony tail.  44: Have You shaved your legs in the past three days?: No.  45: Where am I right now?: My home.  46: If I were drunk & can’t stand, who’s taking care of me?: I don’t drink.  47: Do I like my music loud or at a reasonable level?: I do both depending on what mood I am in.  48: Do I live with my Mom and Dad?: Yes, and we couldn’t be happier to be together.  49: Am I excited for anything?: No.  50: Do I have someone of the opposite sex I can tell everything to?: He-man.  51: How often do I wear a fake smile?: Not very often. I’m not the best at hiding my emotions.  52: When was the last time I hugged someone?: Like 30 minutes ago.  53: What if the last person I kissed was kissing someone else right in front of me?: Probably immediately die from a broken heart.  54: Is there anyone I trust even though I should not?: No. I barley trust anyone. There’s a reason I don’t ever put my photo on the internet, and it is not what people would think it is.  55: What is something I disliked about today?: Everything. But I’m trying to turn a negative into a positive.  56: If I could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?: A respectable Pastor, who is not a snake oil salesman like all the ones I’ve met, who I could actually talk to.  57: What do I think about most?: He-man, and Wonder Woman. Also I’m haunted. So that takes up a lot of time.  58: What’s my strangest talent?: I can bend my toes backwards.  59: Do I have any strange phobias?: Pigs. Bugs. Water, all sea life.  60: Do I prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?: Behind. I refuse to have my photo taken.  61: What was the last lie I told?: I’m okay.  62: Do I perfer talking on the phone or video chatting online?: Neither. Texting or instant messenger.  63: Do I believe in ghosts? How about aliens? Ghosts, yes I’ve seen them. Aliens, I have no clue, and don’t honestly care. 64: Do I believe in magic?: Certain types of it yes.  65: Do I believe in luck?: YES! And I only say this with such assurance because I have the worst luck in the entire universe.  66: What’s the weather like right now?: Sunny. It’s disgusting. Where is the rain, and dreary days I love so much.  67: What was the last book I’ve read?: Mara Wilson’s book.  68: Do I like the smell of gasoline?: No.  69: Do I have any nicknames?: Yeah.  70: What was the worst injury I’ve ever had?: I’m having a complete hysterectomy, with removal of the ovaries and tubes so I’m assuming that will be it.  71: Do I spend money or save it?: I don’t have any to do either.  72: Can I touch my nose with a tounge?: The very bottom.  73: Is there anything pink in 10 feets from me?:Yes 74: Favourite animal?: Swan 75: What was I doing last night at 12 AM?: Reading 76: What do I think is Satan’s last name is?: Sample.  77: What’s a song that always makes me happy when I hear it?: Heart of glass- Blondie 78: How can you win my heart?: It belongs to He-man. Sorry. 79: What would I want to be written on my tombstone?: Finally Free. 80: What is my favorite word?: Pamplemousse  81: My top 5 blogs on tumblr: I don’t know.  82: If the whole world were listening to me right now, what would I say?: Love each other. Be kind. Stop all the hatred.  83: Do I have any relatives in jail?: Yes, I also have quite a few that belong there, and have been in and out their whole adult life.  84: I accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what’s even cooler is that they endow me with the super-power of my choice! What is that power?: Flight.  85: What would be a question I’d be afraid to tell the truth on?: What do you look like.  86: What is my current desktop picture?: Monster high 87: Had sex?: Yes 88: Bought condoms?: Yes 89: Gotten pregnant?: No 90: Failed a class?: Yes91: Kissed a boy?: Yes 92: Kissed a girl?: Yes 93: Have I ever kissed somebody in the rain?: Maybe? It wasn’t anything romantic.  94: Had job?: Yes .95: Left the house without my wallet?: Yes 96: Bullied someone on the internet?: No.  97: Had sex in public?: No 98: Played on a sports team?: yes 99: Smoked weed?: Yes 100: Did drugs?: No 101: Smoked cigarettes?: Yes 102: Drank alcohol?: I have before, but I really don’t like the taste 103: Am I a vegetarian/vegan?: No. I don’t like meat, but there is some certain types that I will eat.  104: Been overweight?: Yes.  105: Been underweight?: no. 106: Been to a wedding?: Yes 107: Been on the computer for 5 hours straight?: Yes, I’m a writer.  108: Watched TV for 5 hours straight?: Yes 109: Been outside my home country?: No 110: Gotten my heart broken?: Yes 111: Been to a professional sports game?: A college basketball game. 112: Broken a bone?: Toes 113: Cut myself?: Yes 114: Been to prom?: Yes 115: Been in airplane?:no 116: Fly by helicopter?: No 117: What concerts have I been to?: I saw ted nugent play at our county fair. 118: Had a crush on someone of the same sex?: No 119: Learned another language?:no 120: Wore make up?: Yes 121: Lost my virginity before I was 18?: no 122: Had oral sex?: Yes 123: Dyed my hair?: Oh god yes.  124: Voted in a presidential election?: Yes 125: Rode in an ambulance?: No 126: Had a surgery?: Yes 127: Met someone famous?: Locally famous, yes.  128: Stalked someone on a social network?: No 129: Peed outside?: No 130: Been fishing?: Yes 131: Helped with charity?: Yes 132: Been rejected by a crush?: yes 133: Broken a mirror?: Yes 134: What do I want for birthday?: I already had mine this year.  135: How many kids do I want and what will be their names?: None. 136: Was I named after anyone?: My grandmother and my aunt suzi and I all share the same middle name. 137: Do I like my handwriting?: no 138: What was my favourite toy as a child?: Polly pocket and my little pony toys 139: Favourite Tv Show?: Matlock 140: Where do I want to live when older?: Who knows. 141: Play any musical instrument?: No.  142: One of my scars, how did I get it?: I have one scar on my leg from when a dog ripped me open and took out a big hunk.  143: Favourite pizza toping?: Extra Cheese 144: Am I afraid of the dark?: Sometimes. 145: Am I afraid of heights?: Somtimes 146: Have I ever got caught sneaking out or doing anything bad?: Yup 147: Have I ever tried my hardest and then gotten disappointed in the end?: Story  of my life yo.  148: What I’m really bad at: Math 149: What my greatest achievments are: A happy Marriage.  150: The meanest thing somebody has ever said to me: There’s too many of these to pick. I get told something like this every single day of my life.  151: What I’d do if I won in a lottery: pay debt, buy a house.  152: What do I like about myself: I have good hair.  153: My closest Tumblr friend: Taima.  154: Something I fantasise about: Flying.  155: Any question you’d like?: No thank you. �㫲���kS�}

[forasecondtherewedwon]

150 Favourites for 1000 Followers

As promised, to celebrate 1000 followers, here is a list of lists of my favourite things. (Yes, that’s what I meant to say.) I thought about doing 1000 favourite things, but OH MY GOD. It was getting tedious and no one would’ve wanted to read that many, so I just went for a nice, even 150. Cool?

Some categories were my idea, others were requests, all are things I am happy to bond with you over. We’re such a large group now. Let’s not be strangers.

My 5 Favourite...

Disney villains:

Hades

Madam Mim

Scar

Gaston

Captain Hook

Serpent headcanons (requested by @cherylblossom-komwonkru):

Fangs and Sweet Pea live in the same trailer and sleep in a bunk bed

Sweet Pea and Toni were each other’s first kiss

Toni, Fangs, and Sweet Pea were watchfully accompanied on their scrappy childhood adventures by Hot Dog (think Nana with the Darlings)

F.P. is afraid of needles and had to be held down to get his tattoo

Tall Boy is somehow two Serpent children in a trench coat (don’t ask me for logistics)

Smells:

vinegar

garlic

peaches

hot chocolate

Scotch mints

Fanfics I’ve written:

Sweetwater Boundary: A Riverdale Western

Home Fires Burning

Finally, Finally (The Hunger Games)

It Ain’t Over Easy

Every Minute (Varchie)

‘70s films:

Jaws

Rocky

Alien

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Riverdale ships (requested by an anon):

Bughead

Archie/Valerie (Valchie? Archerie?)

Rosie (Josie/Reggie)

Choni

Fred/Mary

Cheeses:

Jarlsberg

Havarti

provolone

smoked Gouda

aged cheddar

Riverdale episodes and why (requested by an anon):

1.01 - just a great setup, eerie and atmospheric

1.04 - who doesn’t love a night at the drive-in? Plus the reveal of Jughead’s dad, and Kevin and Joaquin’s kiss

2.02 - retro night at Pop’s was such a fun idea and great nod to the nostalgia the show frequently flirts with. Also my favourite Pussycats performance

2.16 - the Jughead vs. Archie showdown that had SO MUCH POTENTIAL before they decided to resolve it in about five seconds, and Fred’s decision to run for mayor

2.21 - I loved the apocalyptic tone this episode committed to. Utter madness and a total-town riot

20th Century novels:

Rebecca

Islands in the Stream

The Outsiders

The Hours

The Things They Carried

Acts/things/etc. (lol) in smut fics (requested by @theheavycrown)

games

a character becoming clumsy because another character is giving them The Look™

well-described kissing (I like the simple things, ok?)

morning sex

accurate vocalization

Personal holiday traditions:

watching White Christmas every Christmas Eve

carving pop culture jack-o’-lanterns every Halloween (last year, I did Steve Harrington with his bat o’ nails)

childhood Easter egg hunts in my uncle’s yard

Canada Day fireworks at the park during my teen years

everyone being together for Thanksgiving

Quotations between Riverdale couples (requested by an anon):

not an official couple at the time but... Alice [to F.P.]: “Is it true what they say about men who’ve just been released from prison, F.P.? That they’re incredibly sexually frustrated?”

Toni: “I usually do the honors.” Cheryl: “Not today, Cha-Cha. I was born for this moment.”

Hal: “Alice here, she’s been redecorating the Register. The other day, she threw a brick through the window.” Alice: “Keep talking, Hal, and the next brick I throw may not be at a window.” (so maybe not the most loving exchange, but I do adore Alice Cooper)

Archie: “I just wanted to say, what if we made a mistake?” Val: “First of all, we didn’t do anything. I broke up with you because I thought you were a hot mess. Clearly, I was right.” (are you sensing a pattern here?)

Jughead: “I didn’t think you were the American Werewolf kind of girl.” Betty: “Oh, that’s where you’re wrong, Jughead Jones. I’m all about the beast within.” (I based an entire story off this exchange lol)

Shakespearean plays:

Much Ado about Nothing

Richard III

King Lear

Macbeth

Henry V

‘60s songs:

“Do You Love Me” - The Contours

“I Can See for Miles” - The Who

“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” - The Beach Boys

“Paint it Black” - The Rolling Stones

“Bang Bang” - Nancy Sinatra

Fanfiction tropes (requested by @norhernserpent):

the boy/girl-next-door

enemies to lovers

friends to lovers

falling for the best friend’s sibling

historical AU

Methods for organizing my bookshelves:

book height

continent (based on the story, not the author’s nationality)

year of original publication

hardcover/softcover

genre

Least favourite Riverdale couples, canon and non (requested by an anon):

Chuck and Veronica

Nick and Cheryl

Penelope and Claudius (Really, Penelope? Your child-murdering dead husband’s dastardly identical twin who resurfaces just in time to get a chunk of that Blossom fortune? Ew.)

Polly and Jason

Hiram and Hermione (good characters, terrible marriage)

Items in The Parent Trap (1998):

the luggage set Annie brings to camp

Annie’s tin (containing the torn photograph)

Hallie’s (as Annie) pale blue suit (the great material desire of my childhood)

Annie’s (as Hallie) inner tube

Elizabeth’s second wedding dress

Desserts (requested by @village-skeptic):

pumpkin cheesecake

pumpkin pie

mint chocolate chip ice cream

sticky toffee pudding

raspberry pie

Things to say “no” to:

lite mayonnaise (give me regular or give me death)

department store perfume samples

email subscriptions

having my hair straightened at the hair dresser’s

trips to furniture stores

Roles of actors who also appeared in the Hunger Games series:

Paul Child (Julie and Julia, portrayed by Stanley Tucci)

young Ellie Arroway (Contact, portrayed by Jena Malone)

Mr. Bennett (Pride and Prejudice [2005], portrayed by Donald Sutherland)

Bernard (Westworld, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright)

Laura Brown (The Hours, portrayed by Julianne Moore)

Colours (requested by an anon):

olivey-gold

Kelly green

periwinkle

burgundy

seafoam green

Board games:

Life

Ticket to Ride

Clue

Trivial Pursuit

Scattergories

Canadian novels (because I, myself, am Canadian):

Half-Blood Blues

419

Cockroach

The Book of Negros

The Englishman’s Boy

‘80s songs:

“The Way You Make Me Feel” - Michael Jackson

“Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” - The Police

“Dancing in the Dark” - Bruce Springsteen

“Crimson and Clover” - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

“Call Me” - Blondie

Over-40 celebrity crushes:

Adrien Brody

Simon Pegg

James Marsden

Oded Fehr

John Cho

Things in “My Favourite Things” from The Sound of Music (let’s get meta):

warm woollen mittens

brown paper packages tied up with string

crisp apple strudels

sleigh bells

silver-white winters that melt into springs

Fictional female friendships:

Vivian and Kit (Pretty Woman)

Bliss and Pash (Whip It)

Carmen and Tibby (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants)

Katniss and Johanna (The Hunger Games)

Jo and Beth (Little Women... yes, they’re sisters. Still counts)

Clubs/teams I was involved in during high school:

student athletic association

service club (collecting for food drives, community involvement, etc.)

grad commitee (planning the prom, essentially)

badminton team

band (junior, senior, and even, very briefly, jazz band)

TV shows:

Stranger Things

Westworld

Dawson’s Creek

Gilmore Girls

Parks and Recreation

[peaky-yamyam]

The Call to Arms - A John Shelby Story (Act One)

<< Part One | Part Two: Cold Walks | Part Three >

                                                1900

It was cold as they walked the streets to school, John’s legs erupting in goosebumps despite his thick socks as the first winds of autumn whipped around their ankles. Arthur had got his head down, his feet skipping rapidly to and fro every few seconds as he ran through silent boxing steps. Tommy was balancing along the very edge of the curb, his slender arms stretched out either side of him.

“Are you scared John?” he asked, his focus never faltering from his steps.

“No,” John retorted quickly, jogging a few paces to catch up with Arthur, as if being in his shadow would shield him from Tommy’s teasing. “Mom says she’s been told I’ll be fine.”

He didn’t miss Tommy’s glance to Arthur, his cheek caught between his teeth and his brows furrowed, but with a wave of his hand Arthur dismissed it and Tommy returned to his teasing.

“You are scared.”

“Am not.”

“Well you should be. The teachers are going to hate you. They’ll probably pick you out as soon as you walk in and give you the cane.”

John glanced up at Arthur for reassurance, but despite straightening up, it seemed he wasn’t paying attention to the conversation.

“They’ll have you practicing your letters till your fingers bleed and they won’t let you out for morning break,” Tommy added, hopping back onto the pavement so he could walk in line with John. “They’ll have your bread and jam as well so you go hungry, won’t they Arthur?”

The two older boys met eyes and with the slightest flicker of his lids Tommy had won Arthur round.

“Yeah Tom, especially if they catch his scuffed up shoes.”

“Stop it. You’re fibbing Tommy!” John said, a slight wobble to his voice despite trying to be brave at his eldest brother’s lack of support.

“Am not,” Tommy parroted back.

“You are! Arthur,” John pleaded tugging on Arthur’s sleeve until he gave in.

“Tommy, maybe you should leave it now? He’s already got himself into a state this morning.”

“You know it’s true though Arthur, John’s going to hate it.”

Another tug on Arthur’s sleeve and another wobble of his bottom lip and John had managed to pull Arthur back completely to his side. “Tom enough now, if he gets himself shit scared and won’t go in, I’m going to tell mom and dad it was all your fault.”

“Fine,” Tommy replied, his annoyance evident in his tight lipped expression, but the thought of dealing with their dad angry was enough to make him back down.

Tired of the chatter, Arthur turned his head back to boxing, his long legs quickly pacing him in front of Tommy and John.

“I wasn’t messing John I swear.”

“Tommy!” John whined, knowing now that Arthur was done trying to defend him.

“I wasn’t trying to scare you though… Only a little bit, but I really wanted you know what it’s like because Arthur didn’t tell me anything.” Tommy’s voice had softened and his piercing eyes held no hint of torment. “The teacher’s aren’t going to like you because you’re a Shelby and they don’t like us.”

“Why?”

“Because we’re gypsies.”

John had never realised their heritage would reflect negatively on them. He’d never questioned the trips to the countryside in the caravans, the songs and stories told around the fire or realised that being a gypsy could be considered a bad thing. He was innocent to it, ignorant to the looks and whispers that circulated behind their backs. Clearly Tommy had more of an idea than him.

“Why don’t they like gypsies?”

Tommy shrugged. “They say dad does what he does because he’s a gypsy.”

“What does dad do?”

“Not sure. Aunt Polly says it’s nothing to do with him being a gypsy though. She says dad’s just a fucking idiot, but other people don’t realise it. But he makes people really angry.”

“Dad’s angry,” John mumbled, making Tommy smile.

“Thomas what the fuck are you doing? What the fuck is all this mess?” Tommy imitated getting their father’s voice so perfect that John broke out in a fit of giggles which only served to spur Tommy on. “I swear to god Thomas, I’ll smack you so bloody hard you won’t sit for a week boy!”

“Tom, shut up!” Arthur called from ahead of them, never impressed by Tommy’s mocking of their father.

With a roll of his eyes and a snort Tommy ceased and held his hand out to stop John in his tracks, spinning him by the arm so they were face to face. “Sorry I scared you John-boy. They won’t make you write till your fingers bleed, you’re too little. They will give you the cane though, I bet a bag of suck on it. But it’s not too bad, just make sure you don’t cry. They like it when they make you cry.”

John nodded and pursed his lips, trying his hardest to mimic the stoic face he’d seen Tommy pull many times in front of their father.

“What about my bread and jam?” he asked, suddenly remembering the other threat Tommy had spoke about.

Rummaging in his satchel, Tommy pulled out his own neatly wrapped package. “You can have mine. Here,” he said, tucking into the inside pocket of John’s waistcoat. “They won’t find it there and then it won’t matter if they take yours.”

“What will you eat?”

“I’m alright, it’s Monday so Arthur will walk us to the suck shop at dinner break. Won’t you Arthur?” he shouted ahead.

Arthur shot back a mumble agreeance and Tommy turned with a broad smile to John.

“He will. Stay still,” he added, kneeling in front of John so he could buff the dirt from the toes of his shoes. “Give them one less thing to hit you for. Come on, let’s catch up.”

They both jogged forward to Arthur who had barely noticed their absence, nor acknowledged their playful grins, his focus more strongly directed the large gated building at the end of the street. “I’ll see you at twelve o’clock. Tommy remember what mom said. ‘Don’t-”

“Don’t forget to wait for John by the door. I know. See you later Arthur.”

“Good luck John, you’ll be fine.” With a quick wave Arthur was gone and before John could even begin to process what was happening, Tommy had led him through the gates.

“You need to go that way John,” he prompted, pointing to the side of the building where a collection of younger boys were waiting nervously.

Without thinking, John grabbed Tommy’s hand, squeezing tightly as to stop him escaping. He knew Tommy wouldn’t like it, especially not as he’d spotted Freddie walking over to them, but instead of being shoved away, Tommy squeezed it back.

“You’ll be alright John. Just remember, don’t cry. Or piss yourself.”

As Freddie got close enough to greet them, Tommy dropped John’s hand and suddenly he felt lonely and out of place, forced to walk toward the group of children alone, with little more than a smile from his brother. He patted the bread and jam squashed tight against chest and whispered Tommy’s words to himself.

“Don’t cry, don’t piss. Don’t cry, don’t piss.”

“Hello,” a chipper voice interrupted.”I like your hat.”

John pulled it further over his eyes, trying to cement it to his head in case the boy tried to steal it and examined him. Although he was wearing essentially the same clothes as John, they seemed too big and his shorts were thin and stained on the knees. His dark hair peeked from beneath his felt cap and his full cheeks were pink and ruddy in the cold. He was a little taller than John and bigger too, but he smiled a lot and John liked him instantly.

“ I’m Edward Sheffield. What’s your name?”  Edward continued.

“John Shelby.”

“Was that your brother over there?”

“Yeah, his name’s Tommy,” John replied, relaxing the iron grip on his hat.

“His hat is nice too. Are you on your own as well?”

“Yes.”

“Want to walk in with me?”

“Okay.”

“I think we need to wait over here,” Edward said, throwing his arm around John’s shoulder and pulling him towards the door.

John smiled, with someone to walk through the doors with, the building seemed to shrink, the iron railings that surrounded the grounds seem to wither slightly and he noticed that there were no dark clouds hanging over them as he’d imagined. The hand on his shoulder melted away the loneliness his family’s absence had left and “don’t cry, don’t piss” seemed much more manageable.

All until he came face to face with Mr Bassett.  

Image source

[onceuponamirror]

11 questions game

tagged by @raptorlily, who prepared 11 questions for her tag-ees:

1. The core four + Kevin and Cheryl are attending a literary character party. What costume does each of them wear? Bonus: What costumes are the Southside Serpent characters wearing?

OH BOY. well, betty is elizabeth bennett. her instinct is obviously be nancy drew, but then decides she wants to play dress up a little bit. she tries valiantly to get jughead into a darcy couples costume, but his instinct is to just be sal paradise because he won’t have to buy anything for the costume. 

betty tells him that if she’s not going to be nancy, he should go outside the box too. he then decides on dressing like the titular mummy from jane loudon’s the mummy! (he’s still a weirdo, remember)

veronica goes as daisy buchanan if not purely for the extravagant opportunity to dress like a flapper, archie comes as jim hawkins from treasure island, cheryl bucks expectation and attends as a female robin hood (she already loves archery), and kevin is absolutely sherlock holmes. he’d look so natural in a trenchcoat!

2. What extracurricular activities are Reggie, Ethel, Fangs, Midge, Toni and Sweetpea involved in?

besides sports, reggie’s extracurricular activity is definitely selling ground up oregano to middle schoolers and telling them it’s weed. 

ethel is canonically a drama geek and that’s valid, but she’s also probably in band. i’m gonna go with....flutist. 

fangs is also canonically a drama geek and a regular geek (less we not forget jughead used a larping club to lure fangs out of a self-imposed suspension) so i honestly am just waiting for him and kev to start up their dungeons and dragons club. (wow they are perfect for each other tho??? a dorkier bughead)

midge (RIP) was probably into 4-H bc i can’t get the concept of “klump farms” out of my head. she seemed like a genuinely sweet person who also was a regular teenager and was a cheerleader and probably volunteered at hospitals too idk 

toni wanted to get laid so bad she became a cheerleader. or, ok, seriously i mean my headcanon is like, it’s bring it on, where toni was into gymnastics and dance in a v serious way but southside didn’t offer any curriculars that would allow her to do that, and she couldn’t afford gymnastics herself. turns out the closest thing riverdale has is cheerleading, which’ll do. 

sweet pea is probably the lowkey nerdiest of them all. i was joking earlier that he’s probably secretly into anime, but more seriously: feel like he’d go for basketball officially and also probably has an interest in engineering. i mean, that interest began with pipe bombs, but. yanno. ya dreams gotta start somewhere!!!

3. Give me three of your favourite headcanons for Reggie

had a crush on betty until high school

does his dumbest shit for his dad’s attention, painfully unsubtle about it

is cripplingly afraid of being alone, which is why he surrounds himself by teammates at all times and/or can’t get past the pack mentality. has difficulty being vulnerable in spite of all that, can’t be honest with himself and/or with others. 

4. It’s Saturday night and the core four are all hanging out by themselves at home. What is each of them up to?

betty is listening to the memory palace podcast while laying on her bed, feet crossed up in the air, doing her homework. cleaned her room earlier. wants to call polly. she doesn’t. stays up till two am for no reason other than her room is warm and full of golden light and it’s the only time the house is quiet. plugged back in her old nightlight, half out of spite after polly nearly threw it out, half genuinely. sometimes she thinks she’s still afraid of the dark. the irony isn’t lost on her. 

jughead is working on his novel, american crime story is playing on the TV in the background, a bag of popcorn slowly rotating in the microwave. the trailer is empty and he chooses to think his dad is at work. emails his sister. he doesn’t remember when, but they’ve stopped talking about their mom. his tattoo itches. toni told him not to scratch at it. 

veronica is drinking chamomile tea on a tray, scrolling through pinterest and making a european vacation mood board for the post-graduation trip she’d like to take with her friends. she wants to surprise them with it, all-expenses paid. she resists the urge to book flights years in advance. browses the barney’s website. doesn’t know why she gets such a thrill from online shopping. isn’t sure why she can’t stop. 

archie is in the garage, his fingers strumming aimlessly over the strings of his guitar. wonders why his mother can’t be a lawyer here in riverdale. isn’t sure if music was ever his own, or something he thought he should want, because he didn’t want to work construction. or worse, because a woman found it attractive. brought his history textbook out with the intention to study. doesn’t. practices wonderwall, even though jughead laughs whenever the song comes upon. 

5. What’s your headcanon for Jughead’s hat? Why does he wear it? What’s the origin story?

his mom made it when he was a kid, and growing up in threadbare clothes donated down the line of serpents or thrift store finds, it was the one thing that was truly his---made for him. with love. 

being scrawny and quiet and outgrowing his pants too fast to replace them already set him apart. might as well let the hat seal the deal. 

6. What is your Riverdale guilty pleasure ship? One that you don’t necessarily ship in canon but wouldn’t mind reading fanfiction for?

don’t think i have one, honestly? 

7. Can Chuck be redeemed in your eyes? Any caveats or things that would need to happen to make this count?

yeah, it’s really interesting answer this question post 2x18, but---yes, i definitely think chuck can be redeemed. i never wanted him to be a villain in the first place, for so, so many reasons. 

i mean, comics!chuck was a deliberate bucking of specific stereotypes that riverdale slid right back into without seeming to think about what it was they were saying by doing that. (related readings: x) and then the way they did it---ack. 

outside of the vacuum of comics vs. show, i think that where we’re at culturally, we’re really asking men to unlearn their toxic masculinity. especially of adolescents who are still growing and changing---and what chuck did was certainly part of the vacuum of male privilege/toxic masculinity, but he faced consequences  for that, and then he acknowledged it. actively has announced he wants to change, and i genuinely believe it at this point. 

and while i wish chuck wasn’t the character they’re doing this with in the first place, “cancelled culture” can be really frustrating because it’s way too binary. it undermines the growth and self-crit we want people to be doing. 

obviously, it doesn’t apply unilaterally, some people are abusive or cruel or malicious to the point where they lose their ability to profit off of it, and rightfully so---but with a character like chuck, whose main crime appeared to just be slut shaming, i actually appreciate a narrative where a male character owns up to how that was bad, why it was wrong, and how they’re going to change. 

8. What is a storyline you’d like to see most explored on the show?

just---more familial dynamics. i cannot wait for gladys and JB, i think that’s going to be so meaty and tragic and emotional in the right ways. i want more of polly and betty’s relationship, and/or how betty feels watching her sister run away constantly, or just their dynamic in general. more of archie and fred navigating dreams vs. reality. i kinda don’t love veronica’s parents tho, and i���m not sure where they could take that in a way that i enjoy. 

9. What is your favourite Riverdale fanfic trope or cliché?

pining, man. just. pining. 

10. What is existing scene or storyline would you rewrite to better suit your tastes?

HAH. how much time do we have 

BONUS:  Archie starts a band. He settles on ‘The Archies’ but what were some of the other suggestions for the band name? Name three songs that show up on their debut album.

jughead’s suggestion is: red drum, red drum and he thinks it’s hilarious

three songs: midnight ride, smoking gun, and can’t fly

my 11 questions for my taggees 

1. which twist did you least see coming? genuinely. 

2. we all know riverdale loves hopscotching through genre elements (true crime, musical, grease, etc), and sometimes it’s too much, but which has been your favorite? what other ones would you like to see from the show?

3. riverdale does dirty on its secondary characters. what storylines would you give to reggie, kevin, josie, etc? or, what would you like to see for them in s3? anything you thought the show really fumbled? did right?

4. what are your backstory headcanons for sweet pea, fangs, and toni?

5. what’s your theory on the old riverdale riots?

6. it’s the ten year high school reunion. where did everyone go to college? (core four + the secondary pals) what’s your headcanon for their future careers? who’s still together? who wishes they were still together? who hooks up unexpectedly in a storage closet? 

7. what’s a storyline you just didn’t buy this season?

8. any headcanons for the riverparents? like, how they grew up, who they were in high school, why they went the directions they did?

9. what’s one trope that you’d wish the show would do? or something you wish you saw more in fic?

10. thoughts on reggie? will he ever be fleshed out? will it make him more of a villain, or less of one?

11. if you could have anything happen in s3, what would it be?

and i tag @village-skeptic @stillscape @sylwrites @lessoleilscouchants @myrmidonofmelodrama @heartunsettledsoul @raptorlily (tagging back, bc i want your answers on these too!) @theatreofexpression​ @imreallyloveleee​ 

or anyone who wants to answer!!! just tag me, i wanna see yer answers. these games are fun 

[thesecretfandom]

Dress -- Bughead

Word Count: 5,902

Rated: E

A/N: My first time dabbling in the world of requests for Bughead. This one is for @ramblingdame  I hope I did the song justice! I read that this is Taylor’s most sexually charged song on the new album, and it was exciting to work with the lyrics and feel of the song and turn it into a story for you! (Read on AO3)

Dresses… constant, never-ending dresses. Betty disappeared into a rack full of dresses, some big and puffy, others thin and silky. Jughead pushed dresses aside with two fingers, afraid that if he got too close he too would be sucked into the abyss of tulle and gossamer. What was he doing here again?

"Juggie?" Betty called, her blonde ponytail poking out above a rack Cinderella-esque dresses.

Oh yeah, that's why he was here.

"Betty, how much longer is this going to take?" Jughead hated being here, in this store full of colors and soft fabrics and general sparkly things. He wouldn't even be here except that Betty asked, and what she asked he always gave to her. He had to wonder why Veronica wasn't here, or maybe even Kevin. Betty had never asked Jughead to go shopping with her before, and it felt strange to start now, so many years into their friendship. Of course, they were best friends, but he was never the friend she wanted fashion advice from.

"Jughead, if you would just pick out a few dresses you like, like I asked you to, I could try them on and this would go a hell of a lot faster for you."

"Why am I even here?" Jughead groaned, voicing his inner thoughts.

Betty finally appeared in front of him, holding a mighty three very different and very pink dresses in her arms. She fixed him with a look that was somewhere between a scowl and an eye roll. "If you didn't want to come dress shopping with me, you shouldn't have asked me to Prom."

Oh right, that.

It had been such an informal thing when he'd asked her to Prom. He knew she didn't have a date, and it was already late March, just four short weeks before Prom. Betty, as head of student council, was in charge of arranging the theme for Prom (Roaring 20s) and recruiting the members of the Junior class to put together the set pieces and decorated Riverdale High's gymnasium. She had been going on and on about how frustrating it was to get it all put together.

"You know, it would probably feel more worth it if I had a date to the damn thing."

And Jughead had wanted to ask her, for a long time now if he was being honest. Even since their Junior year, he'd wanted to ask her to Prom, but Reggie Mantle had beaten him to it. This year, Reggie was hot and heavy with Josie so that left Betty with no fall back.

The problem was, Jughead hadn't known how to ask. There was something inherently romantic about asking a girl to Prom, especially when said girl was one he'd had a crush on since he realized that girls didn't, in fact, have cooties. Then there was the issue of her being his best friend of ten years. How was he supposed to ask his crush to Prom when, in her eyes, it would have been the equivalent of going with Kevin.

Jughead asked her anyway, despite his doubts, and with the knowledge that she'd be telling her family, Veronica, Archie, Kevin… that they were going as friends.

"About that…I was wondering if you wanted to go with me? I mean, I didn't go last year and it's supposed to be part of that high school experience, right?"

Betty had smiled at him then, her hand reaching across the booth at Pop's to rest on his arm. "You don't have to make up some extravagant explanation, Jug. Of course I'll go with you. In fact, I've been waiting for you to ask."

Jughead didn't know what to make of that comment then, and now, a week later, he still wasn't sure exactly what she meant.

"Betty…" He sighed, dragging himself back to the present. "If I'd known you were going to drag me along to this, maybe I wouldn't have asked in the first place."

"Don't be silly, Jug."

"I'm not being silly. Did you make Reggie do this last year?"

Betty scrunched her face up at the comment. "No… but Reggie and I weren't best friends. We were classmates and  prom dates and that was it. I felt nothing hanging around with him, and I know that with you, Prom might actually be fun this year."

Jughead couldn't muster up the strength to argue with her. He felt a pang in his chest that Betty thought he was more fun than Reggie. She'd be the only person who would say that. And so Jughead bowed to her wishes, as he always does, and found three more dresses for her to try on. Mercifully, he found some that were not pink, not sparkly, and not made up of some itchy fabric that would be rubbing against his arm as they walked together through the Grand March.

Betty looked fantastic in every dress she wore. It was a talent that Jughead wasn't sure how she acquired. With gaudy ruffles cascading down to her ankles, he still thought she looked amazing. Rhinestones beaded from her hips to the neckline, she was gorgeous. As he sat on one of the many cushioned benches outside the changing room he noted that he could see just under the doorway as her feet slipped into the final dress.

He could almost visualize the long legs that were attached to those tiny feet, leading up to her perfectly shaped butt, which he had to force himself not to stare at every time she wore a short skirt or tight pants to school. He didn't even want to think about the curve of her waist as his mind went wild imagining her body behind the door that separated them. He really shouldn't be thinking about this now, in public, and he forced the thoughts away. Friends, he thought, they were just friends. Friends… friends.

"Jug?" Betty emerged from the changing room and he filed away those thoughts for tonight, when he could hide his shame at the dirty thoughts he felt for his best friend under the cover of darkness and a thick blanket after his father had gone to bed.

"Yeah?" Jughead's leg was shaking, bouncing furiously on the floor.

"What do you think?" Betty twirled for him, the burgundy fabric catching the air and settling happily around her ankles. It was one of the dresses Jughead had picked out, but he didn't feel biased at all when he thought that it was the perfect dress for her. It hugged all of the right curves, not that there were any wrong curves on her, and the bosom, a deep V-cut, cupped her breasts perfectly making for more cleavage than she had ever dared to show. Jughead filed away that visual for tonight as well.

"I love it, Betts. My favorite one." He wasn't just saying this to end the horror that was this dress shop, but because it was true.

"Mine too!" Betty beamed, admiring her figure in the floor length mirror. "I don't know, I never visualized myself in such a revealing dress, I mean look!"

Jughead shouldn't have looked, but he did. Betty turned to show off her backside, the dress dipping into a low U-shape that almost reached her ass. The front of the dress left Jughead feeling even worse, and he crossed his legs to try to keep his cool. There was something about Betty in this last year that made everything she did feel so sexual. He was sure she didn't mean it, that his massive crush had forced him to see things that weren't really there. However, as she stuck her leg through the slit in her dress that was cut almost to the point to where he could see her hip jut out, he couldn't help but think she was doing this on purpose.

"I mean, I don't think it's really that revealing." It was a lie, but he was trying to avoid thinking about the expanse of skin that teased him. "It's really perfect,  Betty."

"You really think so?"

Jughead didn't expect to find himself truly euphoric while sitting in a shopping mall, but the smile on Betty's face left his heart aflutter. He'd seen her truly happy on a few occasions; the day she was called out of school when Polly went into labor, when Jughead agreed to work on the school newspaper with her, when she won a scholarship to an investigative writing program for two weeks over Christmas break. These were just the moments Jughead was lucky enough to witness, but none were so rewarding as this one.

"I really think so."

"Okay! It's decided then!" Betty twirled once more before retreating to the dressing room.

When Betty had changed and paid a whopping $300 for her dress, courtesy of a blank check from her mother, she shuffled Jughead to the nearby tux rental store. It was a much faster experience, with Betty having her dress along to match colors. Jughead stood by the wayside as Betty talked with the associate.

Betty followed to the dressing room, where Jughead was forced to remove his Sherpa-lined jean jacket. He had to try on plain black suit jackets, even though Betty had already stipulated that she wanted him to wear a dark grey tux. Betty was, admittedly, a little jealous of the pretty brunette girl who swept her fingers just under Jughead's T-shirt as she measured his waist.

When Jughead lifted his arms to have his wingspan measured, his shirt lifted to reveal the skin just above his belt. Betty forced herself to look away from the few dark hairs trailing down, her stomach twisting in a familiar knot that she had been feeling around Jughead more and more often lately. She bit her lip, forcing away the less than pure thoughts.

"Okay, we're all finished up." The sales associate swept out of the room, leaving Betty and Jughead standing alone. Jughead raised an eyebrow at her, and Betty realized she was staring. She quickly slipped out of the room and followed the associate to the register. Betty pulled her debit card from her purse, hoping Jughead wouldn't notice that she was paying for the rental.

"Betty, what are you doing?" Jughead appeared just behind her, having thrown his jacket on again.

"Nothing, will you take my dress to the truck?"

"No…" He realized what was happening here. "Betty, you are not paying for this. You just bought a three hundred dollar dress!"

"Actually," Betty pointed out, "My mom just bought a three hundred dollar dress. Now, I am going to pay a hundred dollars for your tux and you aren't going to argue."

"I can pay for my own tux, Betts." Jughead argued.

"It's too late, Jug. I already handed over my card."

Jughead sighed, but let it drop for the moment. He would have to return here in a few weeks to pick up the tuxedo, and in that time he planned to pay Betty back for her large purchase. He wasn't one to let things go.

When they were back in the truck, Jughead brought it up again.

"I'm not a charity case, Betty." He scowled at the road as it passed beneath them. It was a harsh reminder that his financial situation was less than ideal, and embarrassing that Betty would take money out of her own pocket for something so frivolous.

"I know you aren't, Jug." Betty's scowl rivaled his own. "I didn't do that because I feel bad for you. I did it because generally Prom gets really expensive, especially when traditionally the guy buys a tux, tickets, dinner, flowers, all of that. I wanted to pull my weight to make this Prom perfect for us."

"You should have asked first. It was really embarrassing to not get to pay for my own tux."

"I'm sorry, Juggie. I didn't know it would bother you so much. You know, I was planning to buy the flowers, but I'll let you get those instead. And you can buy dinner and, well I get free tickets to Prom so…"

"It's fine. I won't hold it against you." Jughead finally pulled the truck to park on the street in front of the Cooper's house. Before he could get out to open the door for Betty she was already out and pulling her dress from where it sat between them in the small cab. "Hey, what kind of flowers do you want?"

"Dealer's choice."

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

Betty was only slightly exhausted when Prom day finally arrived. She'd been up late at school making sure the DJ was all set up, the spotlights hit all of the stopping points on the Grand March setup, and the dance floor was free from debris.

Now she was in her bedroom, standing naked in front of her floor length mirror. Jughead was set to arrive sometime in the next ten minutes, and Betty only had to put her dress on. Her hair was pulled up in a loose halo on top of her head, her lips a perfect shade of burgundy that matched her dress exactly.

Betty cupped her breasts in her hands, silently wishing they were just bit bigger. She slipped on a black, lacy thong and finally stepped into her dress.

"Betty!" Her mother's voice carried up the stairwell. "Jughead is here!"

"I'll be right there!" Betty smoothed the dress down, excited to see Jughead's face when he saw it again. His smile when she'd first tried it on had made her heart beat faster, and she hoped it had the same effect the second time around. Betty slipped on her golden heels before finally leaving her room and stepping carefully down the stairs.

Jughead waited patiently just inside the front door as he waited for Betty to appear. He felt thoroughly out of place in a full suit jacket and tie. In his hand he held a box of flowers that he'd picked up just that morning.

Before long, Betty appeared at the top of the stairs, and Jughead's heart dropped to his gut. When their eyes met, Betty's face lit up.  Her eyes crinkled up as her smile grew, and Jughead thought she had never looked so beautiful. He realized he was staring when Betty finally reached the bottom of the steps and nudged his arm.

"Hey there, handsome." Betty reached out to adjust his tie, which was just a bit crooked. He was maybe a little nervous.

"Hi." Jughead smiled sheepishly. He thrust out the box of flowers, taking the attention away from himself. "I hope these are good."

Betty took the box from him, their fingers grazing as they passed the object. Betty opened the box, and if Jughead thought her smile couldn't get any bigger he would have been wrong.

"Jughead, these are beautiful!"

He had chosen white roses wrapped with a black ribbon and tied with a gold bow. When he'd ordered the flowers he wasn't entirely sure that the difference was between a corsage and a bouquet, so he'd gotten the bouquet.

Alice appeared suddenly, wielding a large digital camera. "Okay, kids. Line up in front of the fireplace."

Betty sighed as her mother hovered. She showed Betty just how to pin his boutonniere  and snapped about a thousand photos of just that one moment. Then her mother was shuffling them through a series of poses. Side by side, then switch sides.

"Honey, you know it goes. Your left side is your best side."

Betty was used to these comments, so she followed her mother's instructions and went to stand on Jughead's opposite side. They were forced to do the stereotypical Prom-style photo where Jughead slipped his arms around hers  from where he stood behind her. He purposefully left space between their bodies, her bare skin much too tantalizing to ignore.

"Mom, we're going to be late for dinner. We had to reserve a booth at Pop's for tonight, because it's going to be so busy with everyone going there."

"Honey,  you know I love Pop's, but isn't it a bit informal for a Prom dinner?"

"Jughead loves Pop's!" Betty was already leading Jughead toward the door. "Plus, Archie and Veronica are meeting us there. It's kind of our place, you know?"

Alice simply waved a hand at them and rolled her eyes. Betty didn't stick around to hear whatever quip her mother would come up with, instead following Jughead as he led her to the car. Parked on the street in front of her house was a car she'd never seen before, an old fashioned, black Pontiac.

"Where on earth did that come from?" Betty side-eyed Jughead, where he stood gazing happily at the car.

"My dad knows a guy." He shrugged.

"Well?"

"What?"

"Are you going to open the door for me?" Betty smirked at him, her heels clicking on the cement as she stepped to the car.

"Are you saying that you, a strong, independent, modern woman, are in incapable of opening your own door?"

"I'm not incapable." Betty challenged. "I just expect you to be a gentleman and make sure my dress doesn't get dirty or caught on anything."

Jughead followed Betty to the passenger side of the car, and smoothly pulled the door open. He held a hand out, which Betty gratefully took as she ducked into the car. He shut the door softly, admiring Betty's smile as she buckled her seatbelt. It was going to be a good night.

They would dance, drink punch, and end the night just where it began, in a booth at Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe for an early breakfast. Jughead couldn't help but think about where his fantasies took him. In these fantasies, which he'd begun concocting when Betty had agreed to go to Prom with him, Betty pulled him in during a slow dance and kissed him. He would whisk her away to the janitor's closet and have his way with her. It got a bit dirty from there, and Jughead had to force himself out of this dangerous headspace.

He realized Betty had knocked on the window. He glanced down as she mouthed 'Let's go!' and pointed to the driver's seat. Jughead climbed into his seat, starting the engine as he glanced at Betty.

"Ready to go?"

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

The gymnasium was dark when they finally arrived at the school, lit only by the fairy lights hanging from the ceiling and the three spotlights on the runway. Family members and younger students filed into the bleachers to watch the parade of students in their formal wear before the dance would truly begin.

They were lined up alphabetically, by order of the girl's last name. It was curious when Kevin tried to explain that yes, he had a date, and no it was not a girl. They settled on ordering him by his last name, just before Midge and Moose. Betty, being student body president, was set to go last. This made it a long wait as Jughead shuffled from foot to foot.

Jughead's heart was in his throat when they finally reached the start of the runway, under a cardboard arch made to appear as if it were made of stone. Betty noticed the look of consternation on his face and gave his arm a light squeeze.

"Jug. Smile." Betty grinned at him, showing him just exactly what to do.

He followed her lead, and plastered a smile on his face as they followed the spotlight through elaborately decorated room. By the end of the runway, his cheeks were aching, though Betty seemed unfazed. In fact, her smile didn't fade even as she directed the boys to clear the dance floor.

The party didn't truly begin until a blast of music sounded through the speakers and the young DJ announced the beginning of the dance.

Betty spun onto the dance floor, the slit in her dress creeping dangerously up her leg. She was swallowed up by the crowd, while Jughead stood on the sidelines. He watched her arms raise into the air as she moved to the rhythm of the music.

As Betty moved, she kept her gaze on Jughead. And his eyes never left her body. She wanted so badly for Jughead to join her on the dance floor, but she'd never so much as seen him tap his foot or drum his fingers on the steering wheel. She would have to tempt him… somehow.

Betty shimmied through the crowd until her full body was visible to him. And as she moved, Jughead's eyes explored her body. Betty could feel his heated gaze, a blush creeping up her neck. Her hips gyrated as she moved closer and closer to Jughead.

She slipped her arms around his waist and pulled his body against hers.

"Dance with me, Jug?" She took his hips, helping him to dance along with her. Their bodies moved in tandem.

"Oh…okay." He sputtered. As usual, he couldn't deny her. Betty led him into the crowd. Her hands linked with his. She had to lead him to keep him dancing, because if she let go he would refuse to move. After a few upbeat songs, finally a slow song crooned through the speakers.

Betty pulled Jughead in, leading his hands to her back. His hands flattened against the bare skin, begging to wander down beneath the silky fabric. Betty pressed her chest against his as they swayed slowly together. Jughead's hands were shaking, just slightly, trying to hold back from everything he wanted to do to her. His head flooded with the fantasies that he'd memorized, and this time he couldn't stop himself.

He bit his lip, imagining her grinding against his crotch, not minding his growing erection pressing against her ass. In the thick of the crowd, no one would notice his fingers sliding up her bare leg under the slit of her dress. She would lean back and kiss him as his hand wandered to the wetness pooling between her legs.

"Juggie?"

And she would moan softly when he pressed a finger past her folds, thrusting slowly into her.

"Juggie…"

"Mm?" He refocused his gaze. Betty still had her arms around his neck, and the song that was playing faded into something new. He backed quickly away, attempting to hide the hardness growing between his legs.

"Want to get some punch?"

Jughead nodded. He took a deep breath to calm his beating heart as they wandered to the table filled with appetizers and a strangely colored punch. Jughead handed a cup to Betty and took another for himself.

The bitter tang of alcohol assaulted Betty's tongue when she took her first sip. She grimaced, but chugged the rest of the drink.

"Someone spiked the punch." Jughead noted.

"No shit, Sherlock." Betty rolled her eyes and poured herself another cupful.  

"And you're going to keep drinking it."

"Lighten up, Jug. Maybe it'll help you dance." She threw a wink at him as she sipped the beverage, chasing it with the cheese and crackers that that had been set out to keep the young students from going hungry.

Jughead finished his drink and poured another, following Betty's lead. She was right. He might need it to get through the night without trying something wildly inappropriate with his best friend.

As it turned out, the alcohol really loosened Betty up. She felt like shouting from the rooftops at Jughead, to tell him how she wanted him to peel her dress away from her skin and kiss her from head to toe. Her logical mind knew she couldn't do that, and somehow she managed to keep herself from speaking the dirty thoughts running through her mind.

She watched Jughead shed his jacket, throwing it on the bleachers where Betty had discarded her bouquet. He undid a few buttons on his white button-up and loosened his tie. The dirty thoughts flooded her mind, like her body was working against her… just aching for Jughead sweep her up in his arms and take her somewhere, anywhere, and fuck her. She wanted it so bad she was throbbing, her body felt slightly numb.

Shockingly, Jughead found his way onto the dance floor, all on his own. He shimmied down dramatically as he dropped it low, low, low, low. Betty marveled at how nice his ass looked in those slacks. She followed her instincts, dancing over to where Jughead and Archie danced together, waving their butts in the air. Betty reached out slowly and squeezed his ass, making Jughead jump.

"Betty!" Jughead spun quickly to face her, their faces mere inches apart. "What are you doing?"

"What?" Wow, the alcohol had really done a number on her. Jughead marveled that she didn't even realize that what she had done had only spurred his dirty thoughts.

"You realize you just squeezed my ass right?"

"I told you, you look really handsome." Jughead grabbed her wrist, his gaze hard. "What, Jug? I was just teasing you!"

He almost lost it when she winked at him. He pushed her out into the hall, away from the crowded room full of sweat and heat and… expectations. Betty stumbled a little over her heels and pulled  them from her feet. Jughead slid his arms under hers as the alcohol made her just a bit tipsy.

Betty kept walking until she fell against the wall between trophy case and the doors to the parking lot outside. Jughead's arms moved to either side of her, his hands pressed flat against the cool concrete wall.

"Teasing…" Jughead smirked, the alcohol emboldening him as well. "What would make you decide to tease me?"

Betty cocked her head to the side as Jughead spoke. Her hands moved to his waist, shaking a bit before they found a comfortable resting place. The anticipation was killing her, waiting so impatiently as Jughead's breath mingled with her own.

"Unless, you want something from me?"

His lips were so close to hers now. His blue eyes penetrating into her very soul. Betty nodded slightly. Yes, she did want something from him.

"What do you want?"

Betty bit her lip. He knew exactly what she wanted in this moment, but he couldn't bring himself to do anything about it. Betty had more courage than him. Her hands moved suddenly to his neck and pulled his lips to hers. Her tongue pressed past his lips, and at the same time he moved into her. Their hips slotted together just as perfectly as their lips did.

"Betty, I-" Jughead breathed, trying desperately to speak to her. To say all the things he's been feeling.

"Shh…" Betty pressed her lips hungrily against his.

"What has gotten into you?"

Betty sighed, desperate for his touch. What would it take to shut this boy up? She hastily grabbed his hand and led him far from the gymnasium, where the party still roared. She led him down winding hallways until they found a closet left unlocked. Betty locked the door behind them.

"You." She said simply.

"What?"

"You've gotten into me." Betty yanked his shirt out from where he'd tucked it into his slacks. Her hands found their way under his shirt. "Or at least… I hope you get into me soon."

Jughead choked on his own breath. "What?"

"I want you, Jug." Her hands reached to unbutton the remaining buttons on his shirt. "And not like a best friend… like more."

"That's the alcohol talking." Jughead argued, even though he so badly wanted it to be true.

"Alcohol doesn't talk, people do."

Betty pulled him by his tie, crashing their lips together once more. She pushed his shirt off, letting it land on the floor behind him. He couldn't be bothered to argue further, and allowed Betty to pull open the button at his waist. Her hand moved to the bulge over his briefs and pressed against him.

"Fuck me…" He groaned. His hips bucked at her touch.

"That's the idea." Betty pressed her chest up against his bare one, wanting to be as close to him as possible. She tugged the zip of her dress down her side and led Jughead's hand to her waist.

"Your dress," He breathed. "Won't it get dirty?"

"Baby, I only bought this dress so you could take it off."

Jughead needed no more of an invitation. He slid his hand up her side until he found the strap that held the fabric against her body. As he slipped the straps off her shoulders the dress fell in a heap around her ankles.

"My God…" Jughead grazed up her sides, groping her breasts.

"How long have you wanted this, Juggie?" Betty pulled his hips flush against hers and grinded against him.

He thought back to his fantasies from earlier in the night… this was so much better than he could have ever imagined. "I've wanted this for…"

"Forever?" Betty slid her hands under his briefs, sliding her soft hands over his dick. "Me too. I've wanted you to fuck me since… since I learned what fucking was."

Jughead finally got a good look at her body, all smooth curves and soft skin. She was wearing only a lacy black thong, leaving little to the imagination. Before he could touch her any further, Betty pushed his underwear down, her body kneeling to the floor as she did.

"What are you- oh…" Jughead's head went fuzzy when Betty's lips closed over the head of his dick. She was still jerking him off while at the same time she sucked his dick. Jughead's hands were in her hair, careful not to ruin the delicately styled curls. "I want to… touch you."

Betty raised her eyes to look at him under dark lashes. She pulled away from him, her lips sliding away.

"What are you waiting for?" She smirked. "Touch me."

Jughead's hands moved to her shoulders. "Up." He directed, pulling her so she was standing in front of him.

Betty was still, save for the light shivers running across her body as Jughead's hands slipped under the thin fabric circling her hips. His fingers pressed against her clit, moving further until he pressed into her. Betty let out a throaty moan when Jughead curled a second finger into her.

Her head arched back, leaving her neck exposed to Jughead's whims. His lips grazed her neck, but eventually stopped at her breast and he nipped at the tender skin.

"I want to… can I?" Jughead whispered against her skin.

Betty nodded eagerly. "Yes, Juggie."

He grinned as Betty pulled his lips to her and kissed him deeply. Jughead finally pushed her thong down, and she kicked the tiny piece of fabric off at her ankles. His hands pressed against her ass and he lifted her up, pushing her body against the wall. Betty's legs circled his waist, waiting for Jughead to finally take her.

Betty curled her head into Jughead's shoulder as he finally entered her, thrusting in all at once. Her arms were wrapped tightly around him and Jughead thrust up into her. It was everything she'd ever wanted and more. Jughead was hitting all the right spots, over and over again. His hands rubbed against her ass, his previous fantasies regarding that particular appendage finally reaching fruition.

There was something missing, though. Betty was almost taller than him at this angle, and his lips were oh so close to her chest. She moved to pull at his hair, leading his mouth to kiss the skin above her breasts. He sucked a mark just above the nipple, where it would still be hidden by her dress when they were finished.

"Oh, fuck." Betty let her head fall back against the wall. "Damn, Jug."

Betty's fingernails dug into Jughead's back, but he didn't mind. He'd let her do anything to him in this moment, as long as he could touch her body. It was better than he had ever dreamed, fucking her. Certainly, he'd imagined sneaking into the janitor's closet while their classmates danced the night away, but never in his dreams had he imagined it being this good. Betty was letting out filthy moans, growing louder with each thrust.

The small room they found themselves in was growing warm, both bodies becoming slick with a light sheen of sweat. Betty couldn't be bothered to care about the heat, she would simply take Jughead outside to 'get some air' later. And Jughead was too lost to the world, the only things he saw were Betty's blue-green eyes staring wistfully into his own and the only thing he could feel was Betty clenching around his dick.

"Betty are you-? I'm gonna…" It took everything in him to hold back on his orgasm.

"It's okay, Jug." Betty's toes curled as her own orgasm approached. "I'm on the pill, so we're good. We are so good."

Jughead pushed Betty harder against the wall, lips rough against her own. He breathed her in, his mouth all but swallowing her whole. His thumbs rubbed her thighs as he fucked her faster. Betty hit her orgasm, a high pitched squeal erupted from between her burgundy lips. Her teeth dug into his shoulder, forcing him over the edge and he shot his load into his best friend.

Betty sighed, falling into Jughead's arms when he pulled out of her.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted that." Betty sighed.

"So, it wasn't just the alcohol?" Jughead smirked, capturing Betty's lips once again.

"Juggie, I didn't even drink that much. Just enough to make me less nervous about this." Betty gathered her underwear, sliding it on as Jughead did the same.

"What did you have to be nervous about?" Jughead buttoned up his shirt. "You had to know how I felt about you."

"I thought maybe, but I couldn't be sure. The alcohol really just helped speed things along. I was always afraid that maybe you wouldn't want me."

"Trust me, Betts," He lifted her chin, leaving another soft kiss on her lips. "When it comes to me, you never have to worry about me not wanting you."

Betty pulled her dress on as Jughead watched closely. She winked at him, slipping the straps over her shoulders. "That's good to know."

Jughead slipped his hands into his pockets when he was finally fully dressed. His fingers closed around a cool piece of metal, something he'd forgotten that he placed there until just now. He pulled the small golden chain from his pocket. Betty seemed to notice his strange behavior.

"What's that?" She grabbed at his hand, prying his fingers open to see the delicate chain with a small, heart-shaped pendant.

Jughead seemed embarrassed. It was cute, really, when Jughead was embarrassed over something that was so sweet.

"I, uh… I didn't know when to give it to you. Now seems as good a time as any. It's a down payment… for the  tux."

"Oh, Jug. I love it! It's worth so much more to me than some stupid tux." Betty swept her hair over her shoulder and turned her back to Jughead. He slid the necklace around her neck, fastening it into place. She spun around, pulling his lips to hers for one last kiss. "We should probably get back."

"They won't miss us for another ten minutes." Jughead slipped his hands around her waist. His lips grazed Betty's, his wildest dreams come true.

"You're probably right."

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

A/N: I really hope you enjoyed this fic. It was so fun to write and almost makes me want to go back to high school just to experience Prom... almost. Anyway, my fic requests are still painfully bare so if you enjoyed this feel free to send some my way. Let me know what you think of this one!

[bugheadbuddies]

Chapter 1: The Not-So-Subtle One

                                 | The Not-So-Subtle-One |

         Betty Cooper was never able to understand the appeal of sex. She knew that it would eventually feel wonderful, but that was it. She was raised on abstinence, and the only ‘first time’ stories she heard about were from her friends, about how painful the entire experience was. Betty could never understand why women were willing to force themselves through that much pain (most times more than once) until the pleasure began. Even when Polly first began having sex with Jason Blossom, Betty was appalled. When Polly got pregnant, it just strengthened Betty’s argument. Not only would it hurt intensely, but even the safest of people were still at risk of the side effects. She never understood the appeal of sex, at least, not until she started dating Jughead Jones.

           Everything moved slowly at first, ranging from soft touches to kisses and then eventually led them to the night they found themselves alone in FP Jones’ trailer. From that point on, Betty understood. She understood when his lips were on her lips, her neck, her collarbone while his hands found their way under her shirt. She can still feel his hands digging into her hips as he pulled her onto his lap, their bare chests touching. Betty can still see the passion she saw in his dark eyes when she looked down at him, and hear the noises he made when she rocked her hips. Safe to say, Betty could remember that night in vivid detail.

           She kept most of that to herself, sharing only few details with Veronica and Polly. The most intimate and intense details found their way into her diary, hidden away so her mother’s curious hands could never find it. The same diary that rested in front of her now, opened to a blank page.

           Betty sat at her desk, tapping her pen against her teeth as she used her left hand to knead her forehead. Her blonde waves fell in her face and she pushed them away, aggravated. Typically, she favored her ponytail, but with a headache that made it hard to focus, the ponytail would add to that pain. She dropped the pen on the desk, shut the diary, and stacked some books over it, making a mental note to put it away later. She yanked drawers open, groping around blindly for here bottle of Tylenol. With a frustrated sigh, she slammed her drawers shut and walked towards Polly’s room. The Cooper’s had recently gotten over the fact that their eldest daughter had broken her vow of abstinence and gotten pregnant, and just allowed her to move back in, so Betty knew just who was stealing her painkillers.

           “Polly?” Betty knocked on her sister’s door softly, before poking her head in the room. Polly was laying on her bed, a book in her hands when Betty stepped in.

           “What’s up, Betty?”  Polly rested the book on her very pregnant belly and smiled at her sister.

           “Did you take my Tylenol?”

           Polly laughed to herself and reached over to her bedside table and fished out the bottle. She tossed it to Betty, “Sorry! I just get these terrible headaches. Mom said she had them all the time when she was pregnant with us too,”

           “Reason 565 of why I’m waiting a long time before I have kids,” Betty joked wanly. “I’m going to go lay down, my head is killing me.”

           “Hey,” Polly stopped her. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve been acting really weird the past couple weeks,”

           “Yeah,” Betty snipped. “Why?”

           “Look, it’s just an observation! You’ve just been acting strange lately.”

           “Describe strange,” The anger she felt moments ago dissipated, into a heavier, tight feeling.

           “Honey, look, you’ve been beyond tired and nauseous for a while now. And these headaches have been coming more and more often!”

           “I’m probably just catching the flu,” Betty dropped her gaze to the floor. “I’m okay,”

           “You’re also a little moody,” Polly pointed out. Betty felt her lip begin to tremble, everything Polly was saying was true, and she wished she knew why.

           “You’re also gaining a little weight, I see it in your chest,” Polly added. “I know you and Jughead are sleeping together, and-”

           “Polly!” Betty gasped, her eyes watering over. “I’m not, you know, pregnant! This is probably leading up to my period!”

           “When was the last time you had your period?”

           “Sometime last month, please, stop! You’re starting to sound like mom!”

           Polly put her hands up in defense, “Alright, I’m sorry. I just don’t want you to be put in the same predicament that mom and dad put me in. I’m worried for you.”

           “I know, Pol, I get it. But, for the record, we use condoms.” Betty bit her lip, and met her sister’s green gaze.

           “I trust you Betty,” Polly said simply.

           “Thank you,” Betty breathes. “But I really am going to go lay down,”

           “Feel better,” Polly smiles softly and returns to her book.

           Betty shut the door to Polly’s room and went downstairs to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. She wipes her eyes on the back of her hand and uncaps it, taking a few sips to ease her emotions. As she drank, someone began pounding on the front door. Rubbing her head, she quickly downed two pills as the steady pounding continued.

           “Betty, oh my  God, Betty,” The voice of Archie Andrew flowed in through the wood excitedly.

           Scowling, Betty opened the front door to see her best friend wearing the biggest smile.

           “I texted you!” He announced as he stepped into the foyer.  “You never responded!”

           “Sorry, Arch, my phone’s in my room.” She explained weakly.

           “That’s fine,” He laughed, kicking his shoes off as his eyes darted across the room.

           Though they’ve been friends for years, it was a typical Archie habit to observe every room he steps into for a few moments. As he glanced around, he started talking again, trying to hype Betty up, but trailed off when his eyes fell on her.

           Having been friends for years, Archie has seen Betty through almost everything, and he likes to say that he knows her fairly well. So seeing her with her hair loose in a pair of gray tights and a loose, long-sleeved pink shirt meant that she probably wasn’t feeling the greatest.

           “How are you feeling?” He asked in a softer tone, watching as Betty rubbed her temples.

           Betty shrugged, “I have this killer headache,”

           “Did you drink a lot of water today? Sometimes I get headaches when I’m getting dehydrated,”

           She shrugged once more and Archie reverted back to the previous conversation.

           “So there’s the fall festival coming up, and Mayor McCoy reached out to me to play at it!”

           “That’s great Archie,” Betty gave a tight lipped smile. “But don’t you always play at these events?”

           “Yeah,” Archie’s enthusiasm never died, and Betty admired that. “But Josie won’t be in town, she’s going to visit one of her grandparents. They’re right next to a college and they want her to look into it. So I’ll be the main attraction!”

           “The rides will be the main attraction, Arch,” Betty teased. “You’ll be the background noise. But seriously, that’s amazing.”

           Archie laughed and walked into the kitchen, setting his bag on the counter.

           “I have a few songs I’ve been working on, and I don’t know if I should show them to you now or wait until we head to Pop’s. I’ll probably do a few covers too,”

           Betty watched as he shuffled through folders and papers as if he forgot he was at a different house without his proper materials. Archie seemed to have zoned out for the moment, so Betty stepped out of the room to grab her discarded phone. Once she was in her room, she moved her diary into its hiding place, and grabbed her phone. There was four messages, three from Archie, and one from Jughead. When she stepped on the stairs again, she went straight to Jughead’s.

           From: Juggie

           Are you doing anything?

           She bit her lip as she felt the butterflies in her stomach. They’ve been together for a few months now, but that excitement she gets when he texts her hasn’t gone away.

           To: Juggie

           Not really. Archie just came over to tell me some good news.

           Betty entered the kitchen once more and Archie had papers in his hands.

           “I’ve decided!” He declared. “I’m going to show everyone when we’re at Pop’s. That way you have some time to get over your headache.”

           Betty nodded along with him, as he retraced the steps he took moments ago. He was putting his shoes on when he said softly, “You should go take a nap, it might make you feel better.”

           “I’ll try, Arch. See you later,” She waved as he left, and headed to her room again.  She shut her door quietly, assuming that Polly was sleeping and stepped over to her mirror. Polly’s words floated in her mind, but there was no way there was any truth to them. Betty thought back to the last time she slept with Jughead, and shook her head. She was a stickler for protection, knowing her mother would flip if she got pregnant. Still, Betty pushed her shirt up over her chest and stared at her body.

           Polly was right, she was gaining weight. Her breasts were spilling out of the cups of her bra slightly, not enough to warrant an immediate bra change, but enough to be noticeable. As she lowered her gaze to her stomach, she noticed that it wasn’t as smooth as usual. Miraculously, Betty and Polly were blessed with slender frames, and right now, Betty saw that her tights were smothering her belly. It wasn’t enough weight to signify anything other than a pre-period bloat, and Betty ran her hand over it before dropping her shirt. Polly was just worried.

           Betty set her phone down on her desk, and went to lay down. Hopefully she’ll wake up from that nap feeling better.

xx

           “Betty,” Polly gently shook her sleeping sister. “Betty,”

           Betty jumped up and pushed herself back, rubbing her eyes, “Oh my God, you scared me!”

           “Are you feeling better?” Polly asked, taking a seat on Betty’s bed.

           Betty rubbed her head. Was she feeling better? Her headache did die down, but she felt sort of off.

           “Yeah, I think I just needed more sleep,”

           “That’s good,” Polly stood up again. “By the way, Jughead’s down stairs.”

           “What? Wait, why? Where’s my phone?” Betty was out of bed, and reached for her phone frantically, quickly unlocking it. There were a few missed messages stating that he was going to pick her up so they can have some alone time at Pop’s before Archie and Veronica got there.

           “Shit,” Betty mumbled. “Poll, can you tell him to give me just a few minutes?”

           “Sure thing,” Polly left the room, and Betty sprinted to her closet to change.

           Jughead has seen her at her worst, so Betty didn’t know why she cared so much about how she looked today. She ended up digging out a pink tank top and jean jacket from her closet and found a black skirt in her drawer. She changed quickly and then brushed her hair back and tied it as quickly as she could, praying that it was smooth on the top. She grabbed her bag and phone and then jogged down stairs.

           “Hey, sorry I didn’t see your messages,” She gasped, winded from her quick motions. Jughead was leaning against the wall, a bemused expression on his face. Polly passed by and waved before going up the stairs again.

           “Its fine Betts,” He said it softly, even though they were the only two there. “How are you feeling?”

           “I’m good,” Betty said, as she watched his dark eyes scan her face. Polly had to have mentioned her feeling ill to him.

           “Good,” He smiled at her, and held out his hand out. “Let’s go then, we just have to stop by the trailer.”

           Betty took his hand and let him lead her out the door to his bike. She was saving up to get her own car, so they didn’t have to ride on this deathtrap, but she was about halfway to her mark. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her face against the denim of his jacket as he took off.

           She was so accustomed to this ride that even with her eyes closed, she could tell that they were there after a few turns and three really rocky roads. She lifted her head and got off, waiting patiently for Jughead to do the same. Once he was off the bike, he strode up to her quickly and slid a hand around her waist.  He pulled her into his side as they walked towards the door and murmured in her ear, “I figured we had some time to spare,”

xx

           Jughead knew something was up when he saw Betty come down the stairs. She had been paler than usual, and looked ill. But the thought left his head when they were back at the trailer. She seemed to be her usual self, and the scratches down his back supported that. She had even seemed back to normal when they met up with Archie and Veronica at Pop’s. Veronica had ordered for them before they got there, so Betty’s typical strawberry shake was already in her spot. Jughead eyed the burger and fries Veronica ordered for him happily and eagerly popped a few fries in his mouth, nodding at her in approval. Betty however, stared at her shake with a strange expression.

           “What’s wrong B?” Veronica leaned across the table to get a better look at Betty. Jughead turned to look at his girlfriend, who looked very sick.

           “I don’t know,” She stated simply. “Honestly, the idea of this is making my stomach turn.”

           “Since when?” Archie asked. “You’ve never gotten sick of strawberries before.”

           Betty shrugged and looked down at the table, clenching her fists. “I don’t know. It’s either that or the smell of grease. I just feel like I’m going to puke.”

           Veronica looked at Jughead, concern written across her features. She forced a laugh and joked, “Maybe you’re pregnant, and maybe you have the stomach flu. The possibilities are endless!”

           Jughead watched as Betty’s eyes widened and she immediately pressed her hands to her stomach.

           “Betty?” He put his hand on her leg. “Are you okay?”

           She moved her hands and shook her head quickly, “I hope it’s not the stomach flu.”

           “Maybe you should’ve stayed home,” Archie placed his folder on the table.

           Betty shrugged and Jughead noted that she still hadn’t moved her hand from her stomach.