#The other photos weren't taken at the time as I was just living my life and not prepared for that

[scoriarose]

A Noisy Chicago Apartment Ghost

Here's a little spooky story of something that really happened to my girl and me a few months back when I was still living in my apartment in Chicago (Specifically July 11th through the 14th, so not that long ago!)

Chicago is a place with a lot of old buildings, not sure if that means more ghosts? But I'm also the sort of person that if something spooky is going on, I'm usually the one that's most likely to experience it, and surprisingly my little girl did too!

We were living on the fourth floor of an apartment in Edgewater that was so old I had to sign a waiver that I knew the walls had lead somewhere in the paint omelet the landlord coated the interior with. There was something else there, something I couldn't see, but it made itself known by throwing things, mostly. Most would think, "Are you sure it didn't fall?" But most of these things were sitting on a flat surface, sometimes for months before they were suddenly flung with force across the room. Whatever it was didn't like my cat, as several times I'd see him run out of a room then something be thrown out of the doorway at him. I lived alone, and he very well couldn't have done it if it was thrown after he was out of the room!

This is a photo I took of the hallway just before I moved, which is where the most recent spooky things happened. To the left is the bathroom, to the right is the walk in closet my cat claimed as his room, and the far back is where I had my bed. My computer desk and girls were against the opposite wall, so I had my back to this area. Around the time it happened, most of my things were in boxes, aside for what I needed on the daily, so if something was out of place it was pretty easy to tell.

One thing that's nice about working from home is I could have my baby girl chilling with me, and she'd often be snuggled with me while I organized video shoots, booked talent, or worked on preproduction. So one day early in the afternoon I was buy working away on something when I heard a loud sound behind me. Imagine someone holding a leather biker's coat above their head and dropping it to the ground- it sounded exactly like that. Owning a leather biker jacket, that was the first thing I checked and it was still on its hanger. In fact, nothing was out of place, which is pretty strange since that was a rather loud sound- but not a thing had been moved! So I just added it to my mental list of weird things I can't really do anything about and went back to working.

The next day, around the same time, I heard something get thrown into the bathtub. I'm half wondering if this time I'll actually find something or it will be another mystery sound- and I find my makeup case thrown from a shelf into the bathtub. No reason. I put it back and again add it to my mental list of things I can't explain and just have to accept happened. Third day, around the same time, I again hear a sound in the same area of the hallway, just outside the bathroom door, but this time it sounds like something plastic got dropped. I rush over, worried that something like my live crickets or isopods got flung (and subsequently LOOSE) in my apartment- but again, nothing out of place.

At this point, it's become a daily thing at around the same time. Was their a reason this started? Are they upset I'm moving? Whatever the reason, on the fourth day I've notice the trend of something weird happening in the hallway behind my desk around the same time. Today, the fourth day, I was holding my baby girl.

Scoria is sweeter than pie and she lives to play, explore, and love her family. Absolute sweetheart. She was wandering about in my arms, but then stopped and started staring into the empty hallway. She periscoped up, just staring, and I couldn't see anything! Then she hooded up bigger than I'd ever seen her hood before, like something scary was there and she was trying to intimidate it. There was nothing new in the hallway, again, it was pretty empty since most things had been packed away for the upcoming move, so it wasn't as though she were misidentifying something unknown. Whatever she saw, this tiny little gummyworm thought was dangerous- and she was going to protect us.

Thinking back to the prior three days of things I couldn't explain, and the possibility of ghosts in my mind, I honestly wonder if she saw someone I couldn't. And what the heck do you do in that moment? I did the only thing I could think to- I talked calmly to her, asking her what she saw, and what was wrong? After a few more moments she relaxed, her hood melted down, and she looked at me as if to say, "Everything is okay now Mom."

And the weird things in that apartment completely stopped through to the day we moved. I honestly wonder if my girl scared a ghost? Experience with the paranormal has taught me that most ghosts use to be people, and the beliefs and fears they had in life go with them into the afterlife. So if whatever was in my apartment use to be a person afraid of snakes, well now they were a ghost afraid of snakes. Even little teenie tiny gummyworm snakes. There's a surprisingly high number of people afraid of friendly little gummyworm snakes. And I guess this ghost was one of them!

I certainly appreciate my baby girl squaring off with this thing I couldn't see or do anything about. Somehow she could? I guess? And she was my brave little girl, who would protect her family from whatever scary thing she saw. This is just one of so many reasons I love her more than words could ever express.

( @yeetntve you liked my other post so I tag u so u can see the story.)

[leo-gold-hotchner]

Dating app

Long time no writing!!!!

Aaron Hotchner X G.N. Reader

The BAU team was quietly doing paperwork. From time to time, Reid or Morgan went to the kitchen to refill their coffee cup, and Prentiss yawned and stretched. While supporting your chin, you flicked your fingers as drily watched photos of 'potential date partners'. Of course, at first, you were reluctant to sign up for a dating app, especially what you live for; you had the right to be cautious about meeting a stranger from an app. But you didn't want loneliness to become your life partner. Your finger halted in the air, and you forced yourself not to scream or jump out from your chair in surprise.

You stared at the photo on the app. Then you looked back at your boss' office. Hotch was in his dark office, looking down at his desk with only the lamp on.

You looked at the photo and the name.

It was Hotch.

You quickly observed other photos. Then you realised something was off. All 5 photos were taken from a distance. Not too far, but still, there were no selfies or face-close distance photos. Even if it was Hotch, if he signed up for the dating app, he would've at least tried to take a selfie, wouldn't he? Maybe an imposter?

You tapped your desk and then looked around. Thankfully, your friends were occupied with their own stuff, and they weren't interested in what you were doing.

Should I?

You looked back at the Hotch's office again. Would Hotch really sign up for a dating app? One way to find out. Hotch would probably leave his office to grab you if it was really him. After all, your photos and name were on the profile anyway.

'Hello, handsome.'

You messaged him. You didn't know how long he or an imposter would take to reply. Besides, you were regretting writing 'handsome'.

Your body winced as you nearly jumped out from your chair as soon as you saw 'read' appear on the chat.

'Hi, there.'

You tilted your head curiously.

As if Hotch didn't know you. You looked at the office, and you blinked. Hotch was looking at his phone now. What the hell?

'What do you like to do during free time?'

If you were drinking, you would've been spitting at the message. You looked back at the office, and Hotch was indeed typing something on his phone.

Was it really Hotch?

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

You texted the dating app Hotch for some time, and you weren't sure if it was really Hotch or not. You just wanted to grab him and ask him. The dating app Hotch didn't seem to know about you, and Hotch behaved as if nothing happened at the office and during cases. Your friends could sense something was happening, and you were agitated. They asked, and you just told them you were fine. If Rossi or Morgan find out, they will ask Hotch directly, showing him the texts you've been having with the dating app Hotch. If it were really Aaron, it would embarrass him, and you wanted to spare that for Aaron.

Shoot, when did I start to think of him as Aaron?

You banged your head on your desk. The dating app Hotch insisted on calling him Aaron. You shook your head against the desk and could feel your friends' eyes staring at you. But you didn't care. You needed to know if the dating app Hotch was real Hotch or not.

"A trouble in paradise?"

You rolled your eyes at Morgan's comment. You turned off your phone screen before Morgan could come and look into it.

"I wish," you scoffed. You sat up straight and crossed your arms behind your head. "Just a puzzle."

Reid silently came to your side in his chair at the mention of a puzzle.

"Not that kind of puzzle," you chuckled.

"Relationship, huh?" Prentiss grinned with her pen in her mouth.

"Maybe?" You replied with a mysterious smile. "Too early to tell, I think."

"But you'll tell us when it's the time?" Morgan asked. "Penelope will love to hear about your story."

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

'Aaron, it's been two weeks we've been texting.'

'Don't you think we should meet and have lunch or something?'

'My bad. I should've asked first. Let's have lunch. I'll tell you after checking my schedule.'

'Nice. I'll be waiting to hear from you!'

You looked at the screen.

Finally, the time to check if the guy is really A… Hotch or an imposter has come.

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

You were there first. The dating app Hotch told you where he booked the restaurant, which was in his name. You were playing with a black straw in the water glass while a block of ice was in your mouth, rolling over your tongue.

"L/N?" A dumbfounded voice called you in surprise.

You looked up, and it was Hotch. It was really Hotch. The real Aaron Hotchner, the boss of yours, the leader of the BAU of the FBI. He was staring at you with his mouth ajar. Your mouth was also hung open. You didn't realise the water from the ice was flowing over, which looked like drooling. As soon as you realised the cold feeling on your chin, you quickly cleaned it with the tissue.

"You are real Hotch." You pointed a finger at him.

Hotch made a funny face, then laughed.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

It was your time to make a funny face. Then you took your phone out and showed him the texts you've been having on the dating app.

"You've been texting me…?"

Hotch snatched your phone and read the text for a minute. Then you saw the realisation in his eyes.

"So it was you they set me up with."

"Who?"

"My son and sister-in-law." Hotch returned the phone to you and sat in front of you. "If they set me up with you, they must have liked the text you were sending."

You opened your mouth and closed it several times.

"Sorry about this," Hotch smiled bashfully.

You weren't about to say you asked for a date to check if he was real or not.

"But you knew it was me with the photo but still asked for a date?"

"You not gonna reject now, would you?" You asked.

"Of course not," Hotch smiled softly. "How we got here doesn't matter. We're here for a date lunch, aren't we?"

You could feel blood flushing your cheeks.

"We aren't here as colleagues. Relax," Hotch smiled.

"Then can I call you Aaron?" You asked bashfully.

"You were doing it on the app."

"But it wasn't real you."

Hotch blinked at you and laughed. He looked like a different person. He was so relaxed and smiling more.

"Of course you can. If you still want to continue this, I'm open to it."

"Really?"

It felt like he had read your mind, but it didn't matter. You wanted to get to know Aaron.

"Because I'm not gonna say no, Aaron," you grinned like an idiot.

"F/N, I'm looking forward to it." Aaron mirrored your grin.

++++

"Dad!"

"Aaron!"

Aaron rubbed the back of his head as he was called by his son and sister-in-law.

"Dad, you need to go here!" Jack shoved a phone in front of his dad's face.

Aaron read the screen. It was an address of a restaurant.

"A restaurant?"

"We made a reservation in your name. Go there by 1pm on Thursday, please," Jessica informed Aaron while checking her wallet.

Aaron stared at Jack's unbelievable aunt. Only Jessica can make a request sound like an order.

"Who are you setting me with?"

Jack just grinned at his father.

[tw1l1te]

Stay with me

Sal Fisher x Reader

This is the long awaited sequel to blueberry! I'm finally getting back into my Sally Face phase for a bit, so I hope y'all enjoy this one! <3

Tagging: @atashi-najimi, @kofiwuzhere , @kaldwiner, @zc000ter , @night-shadowblood-writes2

🪐‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

You never thought you'd come back.

You'd accepted it years ago, on that fateful night on the roof of Addison Apartments.

And yet... you found yourself driving back the familiar road, passing by a sign that read "Welcome to Nockfell!"

Finally seeing the decaying beuilding ahead of you, you ease off the gas pedal, parking on the side of the road closest to the complex. You were only here to pick up some of your father's old things, as he passed about a year ago, you not getting the chance to get his things until now.

Shutting the door, you reluctantly made your way down the main path, hands nervously twitching against your legs. Even after all this time, the eerieness never left. You open the main door, the hinges creaking at the movement. They clearly haven't been greased in a while.

You look to your right to see the mailboxes, room 403 having letters and notices practically bursting out the tiny metal box. Using your key, you unlock the tiny door, letters and papers spilling out onto the floor. With a sigh, you lean down and start picking up papers, halting when you see a letter from a very familiar person.

Sal Fisher.

You shove the letter into your jacket pocket, opting to read it after you make it into your own father's apartment. Hopefully the elevator still worked.

Taking out your keycard, you slide it against the card reader and press the button, not having to wait long for the elevator doors to open. You hum softly as the elevator shakes a bit, the old creak making the place feel ancient. If you weren't used to the apartment's "charm", you probably would've had a heart attack in here.

Once you reached the fourth floor with a soft ring, the doors creaked open, allowing you to step out and quietly walk over to 403. A gnawing thought comes up in your head, the question of whther or not Sal still lived here, much less in Nockfell. Perhaps his dad was still around?

No matter, you had things you needed to do. Being back here was already doing a number on you, the impending gloom and decay clouding your emotions.

Unlocking the door with a click, you walk into your old home.

So many memories come flooding back, the scent of old smoke and lumber making your eyes tear up slightly. It's been a while.

Sighing heavily for the millionth time that day, you walk in and try to flip the lightswitch, the dull yellowed light flickering to life. You walk into your dad's old room, the room being slightly cluttered, though you knew he was never the type to keep it perfectly pristine.

You took about two hours to organize and pack up your dad's belongings, finding some old photos of him and you when you were in your highschool years. There were some photos with the gang, a particular birthday photo making you smile.

It was your 17th birthday party, taking place in this very apartment. You had invited all of your friends from your small friend group, all of them smiling and laughing in the photo. All of you were at your tiny kitchen table, a circular cake with candles right in the middle. You were in the middle of blowing out your candles, the photo capturing all of your happiness and surrounded by the people you love.

You look at Sal in the photo, smiling at how he was looking at you. His eyes were glued to you. You remember clasping his hand under the table in this photo, as it was taken a few weeks after you'd confessed to each other.

Now that you think about it.... you both never officially broke it off. Obviously your relationship was over, but part of you always wondered if he still waited for you. If he was still here.

"Oh shit- sorry, didn't think anyone was here. I just saw the door open and-"

You turn around at the voice, the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.

Sal.

"Y/n?" he asks, voice wavering.

He looks... older. Taller, hair still bright blue. Not the boy you'd left behind.

"Sal." you breathlessly whispered. You didn't ever think you'd see him again.

"I-I thought- I thought you didn't live here anymore?" you ask, voice starting to waver. You could feel your vocal chords giving away.

Sal stood there, still as could be. He was in shock. Fully convinced you were a figment of his imagination. A dream.

"I-I don't, I mean, I'm still in Nockfell. My parents still live here."

"Right."

You take a moment to breathe, your heartbeat hammering within your chest. You want to embrace him, kiss him, but your feet don't move.

That's over. You ended it by your shitty departure.

You could feel your tears streaming down your face, not noticing them until now. This was all too much. The memories, the feelings-

"Hey, hey. Shhh..." Sal whispers, swiping your tears away with his thumbs. You shiver at the contact, not having felt it in almost half a decade.

"I-I'm so fucking sorry, Sally. I'm so sorry-" you hiccup, your vision blurry from all the tears. Sal embraces you placing his head on your shoulder, rubbing your back slowly. He was there.

"I know, Y/n. I know. I'm sorry too."

You both stay like that for what feels like an eternity, you staining his sweatshirt with your salty tears.

After calming down a bit, you reluctantly pull away, your face close to Sal's. You wanted to stay like this forever.

"You've grown." you chuckled, a stray tear falling from your waterline.

"So have you," he muttered, his gaze focused on you. You'd cut your hair shorter and dyed it a darker color, the color making your eyes all the more enticing and brighter. You'd changed so much, and yet, he felt like he was looking at the same Y/n from highschool who hung out on the playground during lunch.

He wanted to kiss you, even if you left right after it, he needed that goodbye. He needed the seal to confirm that everything that had happened was in the past and that you both could go your separate ways.

You were about to say something, but he took it as a chance to do the one thing he'd been dreaming about for years. Unclasping his prosthetic and dropping it on the carpet, he holds both of your cheeks in his hands, pulling you into him. You don't protest, craving his touch for years.

Your plush lips meld with his scarred ones, the kiss feeling so natural. So right. Like puzzle pieces finally being slotted with each other, completeing the final image.

You bring your hands into his hair, lightly gripping onto his blue locks. A small groan reverbrates through his throat, making its way into your mouth. His tongue licks against your lower lip. More, it means.

You were running out of oxygen, so you pull away reluctantly, placing your forehead against his, panting for air.

"S-Sal, fuck, I-"

"I love you."

You look into his eyes, his good eye's pupil being blown wide from your actions. His half-lidded gaze flickering between your parted lips and your teary eyes. You were so fucking perfect. He should've never let you go.

"I should've never let you go, baby. Do you know how often I stayed up, wondering where you went? How often I stayed up, wishing I could go back, make you stay. Stay with me, Y/n."

You were going to start crying again. His words were so heartfelt, every ounce of love and repressed feelings pouring out for you.

"Stay. Stay with me."

He tucks a strand of hair behind your ear, gazing softly at you. You could see his younger self in those eyes. His younger, yearning, boyish self that you loved oh so deeply.

"I'll stay this time, I promise."

🪐‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

[canirove]

Friends, lovers... and an orange | Chapter 1

Summary: Since the day Adele was born, people had told her she was destined to fall in love with Mason. Their mothers, supermodels Elizabeth Turlingon and Toni Mount, had been best friends since they were teenagers, and according to everyone, it just meant to be. But after 25 years, nothing of the sort had happened. Nothing, until some photos and a big secret changed it all. 

Author’s note: And after almost two years since I started writing this story... it is finally live! 😅 You are lucky my perfectionist self doesn't allow me to post anything that isn't finished, because you would have have been waiting for an ending for ages, and I hate that 🙈 This is a friends to lovers story inspired by all those conspiracy theories about a couple not being able to be together because their evil management team don't allow them to, but with a twist. I hope you like it, and as always, thank you for reading! 💜

Next chapter

Masterlist

Elizabeth Turlington and Antonia "Toni" Mount had been two of the most famous models in the 90's. They both got to be on Vogue covers all over the world, walked for the best designers, and became the face of the most important brands in fashion. They were, what you call, supermodels.

Best friends since they met during a casting when they were just 16 years old, Elizabeth and Toni became inseparable, and their private lives kind of followed the same path. They both got engaged and married the same year, and their first kids were born just a few months apart. First Mason, in January, and then Adele in July.

The media had gone crazy about it, saying that they were going to fall in love and get married because they were destined to be together due to their mothers being best friends. But almost 25 years later, nothing like that had really happened.

Mason, Toni's son, had decided to follow his mother's steps and become a model. Unlike many others, he had chosen to start from the bottom, doing castings like everyone else. He had wanted to make a career due to his talent and not because of his last name (he had taken his mother’s instead of his father’s as an homage), and he had managed to do it. Mason was now considered one of the most successful male models, his face basically being everywhere. Brands were fighting to have him on their campaigns, all the designers wanted him on their shows, and your party was nothing if he wasn't attending. He was THE one.

Meanwhile, Adele had chosen a quiet life. Everyone had always told her that she had gotten the best of her parents, her mother's looks and her father's brain, but she had never been interested in modeling. She had focused on her studies and going to uni, and the only thing related to that world that she liked was photography, which also was the thing that she and Mason enjoyed doing together the most. 

Growing up they weren't super close, they were just... friends. They had never been attached to the hip like people expected them to be. That, had actually been their little brothers' case. But their relationship would completely change every time there was a camera involved. 

When Adele turned eleven, her dad gifted her her first proper camera, and Mason was as fascinated by it as she was. They spent the day learning how to use it, and after getting the hang of it, their days would consist in going outside and taking photos of each other or anything they saw. A tree, a rock, the sunset... It didn't matter. They would be gone for hours, though for them time flew by.

As they grew older and busy with their own lives, they started to see each other less often, but the couple of weeks in the summer they spent together with their families were a must, and both of them would bring their cameras and go out to explore. 

"These photos are stunning, Adele" Toni said. 

"Thank you" she smiled.

"What about mine?" Mason asked.

"Lovely too, darling. But she has something you don't have."

"Thank you, mum" he said, rolling his eyes. "Though I agree. Addie here is the talented one."

"Thank you" she replied, Mason putting an arm around her shoulders and hugging her. 

Addie. That had been his nickname for her since they were kids, and everyone else in their families had picked it too. Addie and Mase, something you could still see carved on a tree in her grandmother's garden. They were twelve when they did it, and she almost killed them when she saw it.

"You know, I've been thinking and... Why don't you take the photos for my 50th birthday party?" Toni said. "I was looking for someone, but why pay a stranger when I have you?"

"That's a wonderful idea!" Elizabeth said. "Now you won't have an excuse to not attend."

"You weren't coming?"

"I... I'm just busy with..." Adele mumbled.

"With nothing. You just finished your degree and still don't know what to do next" her mum said. "She'll be there."

"Wonderful!" Toni smiled.

"It'll be a small thing, you will be fine" Mason said. "And if you need help to run away or hide, you can always count on me" he winked.

"Thank you, Mase" Adele smiled.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

Flashforward to Toni's birthday party. The small thing, wasn't small. At all. Adele had already taken photos of over fifty people and more were arriving, and by the time she was done with the photocall, her memory card was full.

"How is it going?"

"Shit, Mase. You scared me" she laughed.

"Sorry" he smiled, that cute dimple of his showing.

"I'm lucky I brought several memory cards with me. A small thing, you said?"

"Yeah… You know my mum" Mason replied, scratching the back of his head. "Do you want to have a drink or something before going back to it?"

"Sure" Adele said. "Just let me put my camera somewhere safe."

Once they were done with that drink, it was time to go back to work, and she filled two more memory cards before Mason went looking for her again. But she just couldn't stop taking photos of all the guests and what they were wearing, of them dancing, talking, drinking, laughing... They all were captivating.

"Mum wants you with us for the cake."

"What? And who will be taking the photos?" Adele asked.

"I don't know" Mason shrugged. "But she wants you there with us and your parents."

"Ok" she sighed. She hated being in front of the camera unless it was Mason the one behind it. Somehow, he always knew how to make her feel comfortable. "By the way, who was that girl you were talking to earlier?" Adele had been drawn to her the moment they had crossed paths. She had the most beautiful black hair she had ever seen, and after taking a few snaps of her, she saw her talking with Mason. Or flirting, to be more precise.

"We were on a shoot together a couple of weeks ago. She's nice."

"And she fancies you."

"What? Nah. She's just a work colleague, nothing else."

"If you say so... But what about that other girl? The one you were seen with the other day, the singer."

"Addie, are you interrogating me about my love life?" Mason laughed.

"No, I was just... It doesn't matter."

"I'm going on dates but I'm not dating anyone. Got what you wanted?" he smirked.

"That's not why I asked. I…"

"Mason, Adele. C'mon!" her mum called after them. "It's almost cake time!"

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

By the end of the night, Adele had five memory cards full of photos, her feet hurt like hell, and she was slightly tipsy. 

"Do you think your mum will mind if I don't have the photos ready right away? I think it will take me days to go through all of them and edit them."

"Yeah, don't worry. Take your time" Mason said while helping her pack her camera. "And if you need an extra pair of hands and eyes, just call me. I'm free for the next few days."

"Thank you, Mase" she smiled. 

"Do you want me to accompany you home?"

“There is no need. But if you could wait with me outside until my uber comes..."

"Of course. And we could share it if you don't mind. I'm going back to my place instead of my parents."

"Worried your mum may not allow you to sleep until lunch time?" Adele chuckled.

"Exactly" he smiled.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"Why is that car taking so long?" 

"I wish I knew" Adele yawned.

"Tired?"

"Very" she said, resting her head on Mason's shoulder. "And a bit cold too."

"Come here" he said, putting an arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer to him. It was something he had been doing since they were kids, and it felt natural, familiar… comforting. 

"You smell really good tonight. What perfume are you wearing?"

"Can't tell you, it isn't out yet."

"A new campaign?"

"Yep. You'll get tired of seeing my face everywhere.”

"Of seeing your face everywhere again, you mean" Adele teased him. "But congratulations, Mase. A perfume contract is huge!"

"It is, yes. And I'm really proud of this one. I actually helped pick some of the ingredients."

"You did? That's amazing! Let me smell you again."

"Ok" Mason laughed, moving his head so she could do it better.

"Oranges. Of course you had to pick oranges."

"They are my fave, and yours too” he smiled. “And they remind me of that trip to Italy, the one where we ate the best pizza ever at the beach."

"Oh my God, that pizza was so good… Now you are making me hungry!”

"Maybe we could stop to eat some on our way home. If the uber ever..."

"There it is" Adele chuckled when the car stopped in front of them. "Should we stop at Giorgio's?"

"You know the way to my heart, Addie" Mason smiled while opening the car's door for her.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

"Addie… Addie, wake up. Ad… Adele!"

"What" she mumbled, slowly opening her eyes. 

"Something has happened, Addie. Look" her friend Jourdan said, literally putting her phone in her nose.

"I'm not that blind, you know" she complained while picking it. "What is this?"

"This was published this morning. Is... Is it true? Did you...?"

"Did I..." she said, her eyes finally adjusting to the light and being able to read what was on the screen. "Mason Mount and Adele Turlington caught kissing! The couple was seen outside Toni Mount's birthday party sharing confidences, laughing and getting cosy before leaving together in the same car." "What the fuck?"

"Addie, are you dating Mason? I thought you didn't like him like that" Jourdan said.

"What? No! I'm not dating him and I didn't kiss him!"

"Then why does it totally look like it?"

"It was the angle! I was just smelling his neck!"

"You what?" her friend laughed.

"It's a long story. But I didn't kiss him!"

"Well, the whole world thinks you did. And people are going nuts about it."

"Wonderful. That's just wonderful" Adele sighed. 

Knowing how much people wanted them to be together, she and Mason had always been careful around each other to try to not start any rumours. But that night, they had let their guard down, the idea that there could be paparazzis still waiting outside never crossing their minds. And now, what they had always feared, could have started.

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

"Oh, and I guess what you did was okay?" Nancy asked.

"No, I never said that," Jonathan replied.

"He had every right to be pissed," Nancy replied.

"Listen, don't take it personally, okay?" Jonathan said. "I don't like most people. He's in the vast majority."

"You know, I was actually starting to think you were okay," she said angrily.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. I was thinking, 'Jonathan Byers, he's not the pretentious creep everyone thinks he is,' " Nancy said.

"Well, I was starting to think that you were okay. I was thinking, 'Nancy Wheeler, she's not just another suburban girl who thinks she's rebelling by doing exactly what every other suburban girl does. . .until that phase passes, and they marry some boring one-time jock, who now works sales, and they live out a perfectly little boring life at the end of a cul-de-sac. Exactly like their parents, who they thought were so depressing. . .but now, hey, they get it,' " Jonathan spat.

Jonathan felt like he had just slapped himself and Nancy. His insides went cold as Nancy looked at him in annoyance. He could see the hurt flash behind her eyes as well. What the fuck did he just say to her? God, he was a pretentious creep and an asshole. That was something his father would have said. He scoffed and stepped back, turning away from her. She did the same as they continued walking through the woods. And that's when he heard it. It was so quiet, it was hard not to. It was a sniffle. Nancy was crying or trying not to.

"I'm sorry," Jonathan said.

"Whatever," Nancy said.

Her best friend was missing. It was just as hard for her as it was for him, he remembered. Jonathan gently grabbed her arm, and she yanked it out of his grasp. Nancy turned to him. She was trying not to let the tears come.

"I really am sorry. You didn't deserve that. Especially the part about your parents. I shouldn't have thrown that in your face," Jonathan said.

"No, you shouldn't have," Nancy said, crossing her arms. "You're a dick."

"Yeah, that's true," Jonathan said. "I'm not proud of what I said. That's something my dad would have said to my mom, and I always hated him. I try so hard not to be like him. He ends up coming out anyway."

"I get that," Nancy said, her features softening.

"I shouldn't have taken those pictures. I was completely wrong for that, and Steve had every right to break my camera. I would have been even more fucked if she had gone to the police and my mom was left to pay for it. . .but that doesn't matter. I had plenty of time to stop taking those pictures, and I pushed my brother to the back of my mind when I saw you in the pool. . .when I saw something that I tried not to pretend I didn't want to be a part of. I say I hate people, but really, I hate the fact that I feel so alone, and when I saw you with them. . .I was jealous. You weren't pretending to be anyone else. If anyone was pretending, it was me. Pretending I didn't want to have friends, pretending that there was anything artistic about those photos. . .the only thing they were saying was that the boy behind the camera was lonely, and there was a part of him that wanted to have fun like you were having fun. Now, I'm a crazy boy in the woods, rambling and crying," Jonathan sniffled. "I'm sorry."

Nancy stared at him, her anger completely gone now. She no longer held that furious protective stance.

"Maybe you're not a pretentious creep like I though you were," Nancy said softly.

"No, you were right about that," Jonathan said.

"Well, maybe after this, we can fix that," Nancy said. "All of it."

Jonathan wasn't sure what she meant by that, and he was afraid to find out. It got a little crazy after that. They continued to search for the faceless creature, whatever it was, in the woods until it got dark. They found a wounded deer in the woods. Nancy had assumed that it had gotten hit by a car. Jonathan decided that it would be smart not to point out that they were in the middle of the woods. He didn't have long to think about it before the deer was yanked away, and shortly after that, he lost Nancy. He ended up pulling her out of a tree, and the hole he pulled her out of had closed behind her. Jonathan had held her tightly after that and made sure she got home safely. Nancy had looked so shaken. He had to make sure that she made it into her room. It had been scary for him, but it had been even scarier for her. She could have died tonight. He put a sweater around her and then his arm. Somehow, he found himself lying next to her in her bed. If she hadn't looked at him with those eyes of hers, he would have happily taken the floor.

"I don't want to be alone," Nancy had said, and Jonathan had folded.

It was awkward, lying here next to her like he hadn't thought about it a million times over. After everything, he shouldn't feel a little bit of hope building up inside of him.

"We don't really know each other, do we?" Jonathan asked.

"I think because our brothers are friends, it feels like we do," Nancy said.

"Do you think - do you think that we could be friends?" Jonathan asked.

"Yeah, I think so," Nancy said.

It was the most he had ever spent with Nancy, only having watched her from afar like he's done with everyone else. It was easier to keep everyone at arm's length when he had his camera, but now he didn't. He had no excuse not to be vulnerable or honest with Nancy or try to push her away. He was definitely odd, no doubt about that, and maybe that's why he didn't try to put himself out there because people wouldn't understand him or his taste in music. Maybe pushing them away first before they could hurt him would be easier on him, right?

"I think I liked it when he broke my camera," Jonathan said, breaking the silence.

"What?" Nancy asked.

"I don't know why, but when he looked at me as he dropped it. . .that's weird, right?" Jonathan asked.

"I mean, I don't know. . .I'm not sure I'm the right person to judge on what's strange or not," Nancy said.

"It's like. . .it's like he could see through me for a moment. . .I know why he did it. . .he did it out of anger, but for a moment, it seemed like he knew I needed to let go of it," Jonathan said. "I think I'm just reading into things again."

"Well, I don't think he should have broken it to do that," Nancy said.

"Yeah, maybe, but like what I said in the woods. . .we all say and do shit we don't mean in the heat of the moment," Jonathan said.

"Well. . .we're teenagers. . .it's the most confusing times of our lives," she replied.

"I've been using it like a crutch, anyway. I've spent so long looking through that lense that I've gotten a narrow view of people. I've forgotten that there are more to people than just what I see in an image of them, a brief glimpse of their lives," Jonathan said. "I want to remember what it's like to be a photographer because sometimes it's so much more complicated, and sometimes, a picture is just a picture. . .I forgot where the line was."

"And sometimes, a girl just wants to fuck a boy," Nancy said and Jonathan burst into laughter. "Jonathan! Shh! You're going to wake my parents."

Jonathan stuffed his face into his pillow, and Nancy giggled quietly.

"We should probably get some sleep," Jonathan said.

"You're right," Nancy said. "Goodnight, Jonathan."

"Goodnight, Nancy," Jonathan paused and closed his eyes. "It was incredibly hot, too. . .him breaking my camera. Shouldn't have found it hot, but I did."

The next day, it wasn't quite so awkward with Nancy. Although, he was annoyed that his father was still loitering around. He knew it was because of some scheme of his and that he was only here to benefit himself, to squeeze whatever he could out of the situation. He tried not to show it, but Nancy could tell. It cheered him up considerably when she told the man behind the counter that they were monster hunting. The look on his face. . .it was so ridiculous. He didn't even bother asking anymore questions. Jonathan suspected he didn't really care, just glad to get customers. He was glad that Nancy didn't ask him about what he had let slip last night as he was falling asleep. If she had heard him, he couldn't tell. He was about to bring it up when some asshole in a car mentioned seeing her movie, and that's when they saw it on the Hawk. All the Right Moves starting Nancy the Slut Wheeler.

It was all a blur after that. Nancy discovered Steve, Tommy, and Carol at the scene of the crime . Steve revealed that he had witnessed them getting all cozy last night. It had been a well-deserved slap from Nancy even though Jonathan had known that it was Tommy and Carol holding the evidence. Steve hadn't stopped them. What could Nancy have said? She had been attacked by a monster, and that's why Jonathan was comforting her? Steve hadn't known, and it was easy to jump to those conclusions with the photos and everything. . .it was the only thing that made sense to a teenager. Nancy had said that they're teenagers, and it was the most confusing time of their lives. Steve had turned on him then.

"You know what, Byers? I'm actually kind of impressed. I always took you for a queer but I guess you're just a screw up like your father," Steve had said. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. That house is full of screw ups. A bunch of screw ups in your family. I'm not even surprised by what happened to your brother, I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but the Byers, their family, it's a disgrace to the entire - "

Jonathan had clenched his jaw, refusing to look at him even when he had shoved him. He tried so hard to ignore what he said, his words from the woods swimming in his ears to remind him that he was an asshole too.

"Well, I was starting to think that you were okay. I was thinking, 'Nancy Wheeler, she's not just another suburban girl who thinks she's rebelling by doing exactly what every other suburban girl does. . .until that phase passes, and they marry some boring one-time jock, who now works sales, and they live out a perfectly little boring life at the end of a cul-de-sac. Exactly like their parents, who they thought were so depressing. . .but now, hey, they get it,' " Jonathan spat.

Yeah, teenagers. . .they're all assholes. It was weird that he had acted just as defensively as Steve had. Steve had screwed up, and instead of apologizing, he had insulted Jonathan, like Jonathan had insulted Nancy. Maybe it was the fact that Jonathan was struggling with his own attraction to Steve, to Nancy, on top of his missing brother and strange monsters, but it was all too much for Jonathan. He whirled around and punched Steve.

He kept on punching him, and Steve fought back, throwing him to the ground, pressing his body against his. Jonathan flipped him, throwing another punch as he straddled his thigh. He could vaguely hear Tommy and Nancy screaming at him. Jonathan felt his stomach get warm. Can you still be attracted to someone and also hate him? No, Jonathan had nothing in common with Steve Harrington, and it was stupid of him to think that he did. When did Steve stop fighting back? Jonathan paused and looked into his eyes. Steve wanted Jonathanto hit him. Before Jonathan could question it further, someone was touching him. He reacted on instinct and swung. Fuck, it was a goddamn cop.

"You act like you're all alone in this world, Jonathan, but you're not," Joyce reminded him. "You're not."

His mom had been right. He had risked his life and Nancy's. He just wanted to save Will so badly, and he was so used to doing everything on his own. It wasn't his mother's fault. It was just the situation they were in. They had no one else to help them out. Lonnie only ever "helped" when it benefited him, and it usually never did. There was nothing like a scolding from his mother to remind him that he was still just a teenager trying to act like he was an adult. His mom did the same thing, though, didn't she? Act like she was all alone in this world? Maybe he was more like his mother and less like his father than he thought. He had been just as determined to save Will as she had been, and maybe that's why she was so worried. There's nothing like watching a piece of yourself running around in your jeans to scare the hell out of you. As he hugged his mother, he couldn't help but smile into her shoulder.

"I want to finish what we started," Nancy said. "I want to kill it."

And suddenly, they were in his house, preparing to kill the monster, the demogorgon, so Hopper and Joyce could go into the Upside Down to rescue Will. Jonathan hated leaving the kids, but he hated the idea that Nancy would be facing the monster alone. So, they left them. Of course, he didn't factor in Steve Harrington showing up to apologize and then to help. He wasn't surprised when Steve left, a little disappointed, but not surprised, and then he just had to come back in. . .he had to be gallant and brave. . .like a fucking prince out of a storybook. He had the hair for it. Just like that, he felt a wave of affection for the man, which he tried to deny over and over again since Steve picked up the bat.

"This is stupid," Jonathan muttered.

He was standing outside of Steve’s house. After spending two days by Will's side, Jonathan decided that he should really check on Steve after beating the shit out of him, especially since Steve risked it all to save his life. He wanted to check in on Nancy, too, but after what happened with Mike and the "agents" showing up to her house, she was on lockdown with her family. He couldn't get the look in Steve's eyes out of his head. . .when Jonathan had him on the ground and Steve had stopped fighting back. Steve had wanted him to hit him because he had realized what he had said. . .what he had done. Much like Jonathan had come to the realization that he had been a dick to Nancy as soon as those words had come out of his mouth. Jonathan liked to pretend that he was better than other people, but was he really? Who was Jonathan really punching in that alleyway? Steve or himself? He was tired of all the introspection. Jonathan had turned around to leave when the door opened.

"Jonathan?!" Steve yelled.

He turned around to find Steve looking frazzled. He was holding the bat in his hands. His hair was wild, his clothes were in a state of disarray, and it looked like he hadn't slept.

"Uh, hey," Jonathan said.

"Is something wrong?" Steve asked. "Is it Nancy? Oh god, it's back."

"What?! No, man, relax," Jonathan said. "I just wanted to check on you."

"I'm fine," Steve said.

"Clearly," Jonathan said dryly, and Steve snorted. "I just felt bad about, you know, hitting you."

"I deserved it," Steve said.

"You deserved one but not me nearly killing you," Jonathan said. "You look like shit."

He really did. His bruised face was definitely worse than it had been before. One of his eyes was swollen shut and his other eye had been fucked up by the rings that Jonathan had forgotten he had worn. His lip was split.

"Thanks, man," he said. "Look, I'm really sorry for the shit that I said. None of it was true, and it was really shitty of me to say all that, especially with everything that had been going on."

"Yeah, it was really shitty of you but it's not like you're the only one that's fucked up. I wasn't particularly nice to Nancy when she cornered me about the photos," Jonathan shrugged.

"So, we're both assholes," Steve scoffed.

"Pretty much, but you know, what teenager isn't?" Jonathan asked. "It's hard enough, but to add all this on top of it. You can't really know how you're going to react in the moment. . .in any moment. I think we all surprise ourselves."

"Yeah," Steve said softly.

"I think we both know that Nancy deserves better than that," Jonathan said. "And I think we both deserve better than to act like that."

"I don't want to be like my father," Steve said.

"I don't want to be like mine, either," Jonathan replied. "I'm sorry about the photos."

Steve smiled a sort of crooked smile, his hazel eye lightning up genuinely. He still looked dead tired, though.

"You want to hang out?" Steve asked.

Jonathan had another realization. Steve looked tired because he hadn't slept because no one was here, and Steve didn't want to be alone.

"Uh, where are your parents?" Jonathan asked.

"Oh, they extended their trip, which means that Dad fooled around again, and he has to make it up to Mum," Steve said.

"You call her 'mum'?" Jonathan asked.

"Well, she's British, so. . .," Steve said.

"I didn't know that," Jonathan said.

"Most people don't. She moved here when she was young," Steve said.

"So, you're alone?" Jonathan asked.

"Yeah, it's nothing that I'm not used to," Steve said. "So, do you want to hang out?"

It hit Jonathan to the core. He had convinced himself of that so many times that he was used to feeling alone and that it wasn't a big deal. His mother had no choice, not really, but Steve’s mother did, and she chose his father over over him. Jonathan was so grateful to Joyce then for choosing him and Will over Lonnie. Jonathan hoped she'd come to the realization that both her and Steve deserved better than that. Maybe there was still time for that, and Jonathan wanted that for Steve.

"I mean, I wish I could, but I wasn't planning on leaving my brother and mother home alone for long," Jonathan said, and then he had a thought. "You want to hang out at my house?"

"Yeah! Yes!" Steve exclaimed.

There was a huge sigh of relief as Steve’s shoulders relaxed. It must have been terrifying all by himself over here with no one to call, not even Tommy and Carol anymore. How paranoid did he get? Did he feel like something or someone was watching him? Did he jump at every shadow? It probably hadn't helped that Jonathan had lurked in the bushes, taking intimate photos of Nancy in Steve's bedroom. While Jonathan had nightmares, he also had his mother and brother. Nancy and Mike couldn't tell their parents what happened, but they knew enough to be there for their kids. Steve didn't have anyone.

"Goddamnit," Jonathan cursed.

"What? Did you change your mind?" Steve asked.

Jonathan shook his head. He didn't try very hard to deny his attraction to Steve, but he could feel stirrings in his chest. He was developing feelings for Steve Harrington. God, he was such a hypocrite. Although he had apologized now, he was the suburban girl who thought she was rebelling.

"No, I just remembered something. You ever not like something because everyone else likes it, and then suddenly, you tried it now you're starting to like it," Jonathan said. "I was just thinking about that."

"Hm, yeah, totally. Everyone I knew liked pineapple on pizza, but I thought it was, like, I don't know. . .blasphemy?" Steve asked. "But then I tried it, and I realized it wasn't as bad as I thought it was. What were you thinking of?"

"Mushrooms," Jonathan blurted out, blushing.

"Oh, I love mushrooms!" Steve exclaimed. "Alright, I'm ready, let's go!"

"You don't have shoes, man," Jonathan laughed. "Or pants."

"Right," Steve said.

"You should probably pack a bag, too. I don't think my mom's going to let you leave when she finds out that your parents are gone," Jonathan said.

Jonathan expected to see cartoon dust clouds in Steve's wake as he had taken off so fast. He came back just as quick with the nailbat still in his hands along with a bag. He was flipping his keys in his hands. Jonathan noted that he was quite eager to leave the house. Maybe it was the mixture of bad memories: his parents leaving, the monster that prowled in the woods, Barb dying in his pool. . .Jonathan understood why he wanted to leave. His house wasn't much better, but at least there were more people there. Jesus, he looked exhausted. Jonathan grabbed his keys.

"Hey!"

"You are not driving in your condition," Jonathan said.

"I'm fine," Steve said.

"We're taking my car," Jonathan said.

He helped Steve into the passenger seat and threw his stuff into the back. Jonathan slid into the driver's seat and found Steve smiling at him. God, this is not what he came over for.

"Thanks for doing this," Steve said. "I didn't want to be alone."

"None of us did," Jonathan said, and he took Steve’s hand as he drove off.

Why the hell did he take Steve’s hand? Jonathan focused on the road. He didn't want to let go, and neither did Steve. At the next stop light, he looked over at Steve and found that he was fast asleep. His entire body had finally relaxed when he felt safe. He felt safe enough with Jonathan to finally fall asleep. Jonathan squeezed his hand and drove to his house. He hated to wake Steve, but he couldn't carry him inside. He gently woke him up and Steve smiled softly at him, blinking sleepily. He rubbed his eye and yelped. Jonathan tried not to laugh and helped him out of the car. With Steve's bag in hand, he pushed Steve gently into the house.

"Hey, mom! I brought home a stray!" Jonathan called out to Joyce.

"Asshole," Steve said affectionately and Jonathan laughed.

"Again?!" Joyce asked from the hallway. "You haven't done that since you were four and you thought that baby opossum was very ugly kitten. . .Oh, hey, Steve."

"I made a friend," Jonathan shrugged as if it was no big deal.

"Okay, you brought home an opossum, and you thought it was kitten? That's adorable," Steve said.

"Shut up, I was four," Jonathan replied. "Mom, you don't mind if Steve stays here for a little bit, do you? His parents still aren't home, and I'm pretty sure he hasn't slept in a couple of days."

"Of course," Joyce said. "Where are your parents?"

"I don't know, they were in Boston for a conference, but my mom walked in on him with another prostitute again so he's making it up to her," Steve shrugged. "They extended the trip, I don't know for how long this time, they usually tell me."

"How often does this happen?" Joyce asked, looking at him in concern.

"I'm used to it," Steve shrugged and Joyce's frown deepened.

"Well, if Jonathan wants to, you can sleep in his room," Joyce said.

"Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother," Steve said.

"You saved my boy, you can stay as long as you want," she replied, touching his arm softly.

Jonathan watched as Steve's eyebrows furrowed and he could almost tell what he was thinking. Joyce could too. Is what a present mom is supposed to be like? Joyce squeezed his arm, looking at him in sympathy. Suddenly, there came a loud bark, and Chester came barreling into the living room. He nearly knocked Steve over.

"Chester!" Jonathan exclaimed.

"Puppy!" Steve laughed and collapsed onto the floor. "Oh, my dad never let me have a dog as a kid. I've always wanted one or a cat. I'm not picky. Oh, he's so cute."

"Chester, calm down a little bit," Jonathan laughed as his dog licked Steve’s face.

"Oh, he's just trying to make my owies feel better," Steve giggled as Chester licked his face.

"Yeah, we thought for sure that the Demogorgon had gotten him, but he ended up finding his way home," Jonathan said.

"He's smart, he knows how good he has it," Steve grinned.

"Well, why don't we get you to bed, I'll wake you up when food's here," Joyce said.

Jonathan made sure that Steve got into his bed and threw the blanket over him. Chester had immediately jumped up on the bed and snuggled into Steve's side. It didn't take long for Steve to finally fall asleep. He walked out of the bedroom and went to check on Will, who was also taking a nap. He stared at him for a moment, thankful that Will was alive and safe. Jonathan found his mother in the kitchen, and he hugged her tightly.

"Have I ever thanked you for always fighting like hell to be here for us?" Jonathan asked.

"No," she replied.

"Thank you," Jonathan whispered. "I'm glad we have you."

Jonathan couldn't bear the thought of not having Will or Joyce in his life or Nancy and Steve now. He always thought that he wanted to be alone, but maybe what he was afraid of was making an actual connection with people. Now, he was afraid of losing it all, especially Hopper.

"I love you, honey," Joyce said.

"I love you, too," Jonathan said.

Steve had settled in pretty quickly. Jonathan could tell that he had loved it here and that everyone else loved having him there. It was eventually time for them all to go back to school, and Steve was still staying with them as his parents were still not back. Jonathan had been right; Joyce hadn't wanted him to stay on his own. She refused to let him leave, and Steve was determined to help out. As they sat around the breakfast table, Will had to speak up.

"Mom! If we keep Steve, does that mean he'll be our brother?" Will asked.

"Oh God, no!" Steve and Jonathan exclaimed.

"I mean, maybe you as a brother but I definitely wouldn't want to call Jonathan that," Steve said.

"Why?" Will asked.

"No reason," Steve said blushing.

"Will, sweetheart, eat your breakfast," Joyce said and she smiled knowingly over at them.

Will looked suspiciously at them for a moment before dropping bacon on the floor for Chester. After breakfast, Steve walked out the door with the Byers. He was less surprised when Joyce hugged him along with her sons. It wasn't like the first time when he had frozen up for a moment.

"Are you sure about going to school?" Joyce asked.

"Mom, I can't stay home forever," Will said. "I want to go to school."

"Okay, but if you need anything, call me, okay?" Joyce asked. "Steve and Jonathan are right next door if you need them."

"Yes, mom, I know where the high school is," Will said in amusement. "I just want to get back to normal."

"Well, you can't rush these things, okay," Joyce said. "And it might not go back to the way things were after what happened."

"Mom," Will sighed. "I'll be fine."

"It's just so soon," Joyce said.

Will hugged Joyce tightly and slipped into the front seat of Jonathan's car. Steve gladly entered the back seat, waving at Joyce as he did so. Jonathan blasted the radio, the three of them singing loudly with the music. Steve sang very off-key on purpose, making them all laugh. Jonathan knew eventually that Steve would have to go home, but he hoped it wasn't anytime soon, but at the same time, he wished that Steve’s mom would come to her senses. From what he told Jonathan, there's still a part of Evie Harrington that could be a good mom. . . If she just let Richard go. Steve really loved his mother. Jonathan loved having him here, and Will loved having him here. He fit so perfectly, and maybe that was because there was a part of Steve that was like Jonathan.

"He'll be okay," Steve said.

Jonathan was leaning against his car, watching Will walk off with his friends.

"I know, I can't help but worry," Jonathan said.

"You are your mother's son, which I think is so cute," Steve said, and Jonathan blushed. "Look, you have a free period. Maybe they'll let you check on him. And I have a free period, and I'll check on him, too."

"Can't do that forever," Jonathan said.

"Well, no, but Will's smart enough to understand that it's going to be weird for a while," Steve said and nudged his shoulder. "Hey, Nancy's coming this way. . .how's my hair?"

"Perfect as usual. . .how's mine? Wait. . .I don't care," Jonathan muttered.

"Yeah, you do," Steve said in amusement. "And your hair always looks good."

Nancy approached them, looking surprised to see them together.

"Steve, did you come here with Jonathan?" Nancy asked.

"Yeah, we're friends now," Steve said with a goofy grin. "Plus, I'm staying with him and his family right now. Jonathan was worried about me."

"I showed up to his house, and he hadn't slept for two days," Jonathan said. "I had every reason to worry!"

"You didn't?" Nancy asked.

"Yeah, I got scared and paranoid. I jumped at every shadow. Jonathan took me home with him," Steve said with a smile.

"Yeah, the nightmares have been awful," Nancy said. "Your parents still aren't back?"

"Nope," Steve rolled his eyes. "It's better this way. I'm grateful to Jonathan for letting me stay with him. I made sure to show my appreciation the next morning in bed."

"You - you did?" Nancy asked, her eyes wide.

"What?"

"Steve, think about what you said," Jonathan whispered.

"Oh! Nancy Wheeler, get your mind out of the gutter," Steve grinned. "I made Jonathan breakfast in bed. I also made some for Joyce and Will."

"I wasn't - I mean - ," Nancy said, blushing.

"It's okay, Nance, I would have gone there, too," Steve said, winking at Jonathan.

Jonathan's blushed deepened as he thought about all the times he woke up in bed with Steve, curled up in his arms. Now, as he gazed at Nancy, he suddenly wished that she had been there, too.

"So, your parents finally released you?" Jonathan asked, changing the subject.

"Yeah, I didn't think they ever would," Nancy scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Especially Mike. They didn't appreciate him hiding a girl in their basement, but they're surprisingly not too hard on him. I think they've both picked up on the fact that he's upset about something."

"Can't imagine losing the first girl you ever really liked," Jonathan said and stared at Nancy.

"I'm trying to be there for him, but I don't know how," Nancy said.

There was silence between them all, as they thought about everything that occurred. They stared at each other, gazing into each other's eyes. No one knew what to say or do about any of it, but maybe they could figure it out together. They didn't have to have all the answers right now, but maybe they didn't have to be alone while they searched for them. Nancy slipped her arms through Steve and Jonathan's as they walked into the school, ready to face whatever came their way.

[lushlovers]

sad beautiful tragic, J Burrow

summary; a sad beautiful tragic love affair.

warnings; angsty oh yes, swearing in the dialogue, arguments, cheating (not on the reader), obviously tears

word count; 1.02k

note; im writing angst because twd still wrips my heart out after all these years, obviously inspired by the taylor swift song of the same title.

long handwritten notes deep in your pocket words, how little they mean when you're a little too late.

He wants to reverse time. Just an extra two minutes would make a huge difference in this moment. Everything he could've said, but now they're worth little to nothing. You, you, you, was all he could bring himself to let cross his mind. All the memories, now shadowed by you standing on his front steps begging him to say something, anything, but he wouldn't.

I stood right by the tracks, your face in a locket. Good girls, hopeful they'll be and long they will wait.

The silver chain around your neck felt like it was on fire, leaving scars in it's wake. The photo inside that locket was one that was taken on a beautiful New York night. You'd never been and Joe swore up and down he would take you there for a game, unlucky for you, you weren't able to sit with his friends, but in the stands with the screaming fans. Treated like you were nothing, while unknowingly his wife sat next to his mother.

We had a beautiful magic love affair What a sad beautiful tragic love affair.

Joe couldn't shake you from his mind. You'd blocked him from your instagram and deleted his contact as soon as you left his house that evening, cursing his name and saying things you never knew you could. It was amazing while it lasted, but God did it crash and burn.

In dreams, i meet you in warm conversation we both wake, in lonely beds in different cities

It's hard not to think what it would've been like if it hadn't ended the way he did. What if he left Gabrielle and went public with you? What if she finally chose to leave him and you could have him as all yours? However none of those what if's became a reality

After he'd showed you around the metropolis that was New York City, you chose on moving there. You had managed enough money for an extremely overpriced apartment, but it was far enough from your biggest mistake. Whenever you heard about his team possibly having a game, you'd refuse offers, because your friends knew how much you used to love that team, not anymore. Not ever.

And time Is taking its sweet time erasing you

Time went along slow as you settled in, when you originally made the purchase of you tiny apartment, you almost called him out of instinct. Almost. He kept up with you using his friends phones or even Robin's, she was suspicious. His wife was distant after you showed up on their step telling Joe you needed him and you loved him. She knew he was seeing someone else long before then, but kept quiet, using his credit cards more than usual to drown her sorrows in shopping.

And you've got your demons and darlin' they all look like me.

Your smell had somehow managed to linger on his clothes, in his car, everywhere you touched. He could sometimes still feel the ghost of your finger tips massaging the hair at the nape of his neck in only the way you knew how to. The way you'd run your nails along his back, sometimes in the most sinful situations.

'Cause we had a beautiful magic love affair what a sad beautiful tragic love affair

There was really no point in continuing what you had going with Joe, you knew that. But letting him go off to live life without you was the last thing you ever wanted to let happen. he made his choice and got his point across in the form of absolutely shattering your heart and soul, leaving you to pick the pieces up and try your best to glue it all back in place.

Distance, timing, breakdown, fighting silence, the train runs off it's tracks

As the time you shared drew to an end, nothing was enjoyable. Being in each other presence for even five minutes led to you being at each other's throats. Everyone around Joe could tell, even his wife, she noticed how when he'd go shower, the door would be locked and through the thick wood she could hear how hard he cried for you.

Kiss me try to fix it, could you just try to listen?

His lips press to your own, tears coated each other's cheeks. Not allowing yourself to indulge in him for even mere seconds, you shove him back with the littlest bit of strength you posses, "No, Joe, you're not fucking listening to me," your shouting, chest heaving.

He's never seen you this angry and never have you gone as far as to yell at him as loud as you are, "Don't push me." He mumbled wiping his eyes harshly, now his teeth are clenched, his jaw set tight. That's what did it, everything you've tried to get into hi head. How you want nothing to do with being his side piece, none of it managed to get into his thick skull.

Hang up give up and for the life of us we can't get back.

"Whatever, fuck you, Joe." You sob, desperately trying your best to catch your breath, quickly hanging up before he could even process your words. His head rolled back on his shoulders as he listened to his phone beep, glancing down at you contact name, your name followed by every kissy or heart filled emoji you could find on his phone. He never tried to change or hide it.

A beautiful magic love there what a sad beautiful tragic beautiful tragic, beautiful.

Your laughs echoed through the lit up hotel room, he fingers dancing lightly over your sides, begging for him to let up on the tickling. Finally he stops, cupping your your face in his hands, letting his eyes take in every perfect feature. "God, you're gorgeous," He smiles, kissing you breathless. If only you could stay like this forever.

What we had, a beautiful magic love affair What a sad beautiful tragic love affair. We had a beautiful magic love affair what a sad beautiful tragic love affair

[aquatark]

kind of randomly spurred post, but i was just wondering how many endless ocean fans knew about the development screenshots we have of the first game... so i figured i'd share them with you all, along with some light analysis for those interested in this game's development history!

so the development photos i'll be going into in this post were revealed to the public in 2014-2015, shared on the twitter account of ichiro mihara, the vice president of arika and series producer of the endless ocean games! nowadays, he mostly just posts food pics and pokemon go stuff... kinda living the dream ngl

below is the complete set of screenshots:

the most obvious difference here to most players would be creatures placed where they shouldn't be, such as the yellow boxfish in an atypical zoom, and the presence of false clown anemonefish in the abyss and ship's rest. while the boxfish photo i don't have any explanation for other than the creature moving around a little at some point in development, the anemonefish photos i have a more interesting explanation for!

we can use these photos, along with multiple other photos of clownfish in eo1 zooms taken during development (which are used on the plaques of eo2's aquarium), to deduce that this clownfish species was used as a test creature for zoom environments! i mean, it's pretty obvious they weren't intending for you to actually find clownfish in the depths... and due to their order in the game's internal d code life system, we can assume they were among the first zoom mode creatures to be added. it all lines up! though i'm glad the little guys don't have to suffer that insane water pressure anymore...

now, another big difference is the lack of water fog in most of these photos! it's especially obvious in the photos taken in zoom mode that this portion of the game had yet to be figured out at the point those photos were taken. for comparison, here's the yellow boxfish photo compared with a photo of the same staghorn coral zoom in the final game:

big difference, huh? this fog would be even stronger if i weren't using an emulator to take my photos - dolphin tends to skimp a little on the fog. but, this lines up with what we know about this game's development: during a post-release developer interview (which you can view translated into english here), they mentioned struggling to make this fog feel right - more oceanic than foggy feeling, and accurately changing with the player's current depth - and these photos illustrate that there was a time where fog in zoom mode spots was neglected entirely!

the screenshot of the open encyclopedia also has a lot of interesting differences from the final game. take a look here, comparing the same page:

(note that of course, the development photo was taken in japanese, while my screenshot is in english: "fish who live in the ocean" is actually what the deep sea section is called in the final japanese release... trust me, i checked)

so obviously, the layout of these pages is completely different! i imagine the details on these small fish would have been barely legible on the average person's tv at the time, so making them bigger was a good call. additionally, the encyclopedia used to be navigated using arrow buttons and a back button to exit! this back button is completely unused in the final game, probably just because it's redundant when in the final game, you can just press the b button to go back. three other small changes are that:

in the dev screenshot, the encyclopedia's page background is just a texture, as opposed to a 3d model as seen in the final game. this means it's likely the pages didn't flip like a real book does at this point.

the scientific names of the giant squid and the oarfish was altered.

there are no page numbers in the encyclopedia.

now, for a quick lightning round of smaller changes!

in the final game, there is only one place to find remoras: accompanied by the whale shark in entryway slope, in small numbers. this contrasts with the whale shark photo, in which way more remoras are seen surrounding it, and in an area deeper than entryway slope allows. since this photo was also an old promotional image, and we have footage of the game from previews around the same time, the most plausible explanation is that this whale shark was placed in the game's unused test stage (which i should also make a post about at some point lol).

the penguin photo was taken with an angle impossible in the final game, as was the polar bear photo and the starck's demoiselle photo.

also in the penguin photo, there are two hatches typically present on the deck of the gabbiano (one on either side of the mast), that are absent.

the water surrounding the gabbiano in the polar bear photo is a different color than in the final game.

the starck's demoiselle photo has a bright cyan water color in the background, which is never visible in the final game without camera hacks.

finally, one fun fact regarding the starck's demoiselle photo: it's actually used in-game, both in this game and in the sequel! in eo1, it can be found occasionally placed in the fake magazine spreads sent to the player for a C grade photo request, and in eo2, it is the photo used to represent "DIVING MAGAZINE" when viewing photo requests!

that's all of my rambling for now, i hope you found this interesting! if this kind of longpost is something you'd like to see more of in the future, let me know! i've got all sorts of topics in the chamber that i just need an excuse to write about lol

[mrs-monaghan]

Sis.. now you know I’m going to need your very elaborate thoughts on Jungkook concept photos 👀🫨🫢😳😱🤯🫠💃🏻🕳️⚰️

Look, if you need me to do something you can't be sending me gifs of Jimin raising his eyebrows at me. It's distracting as hell.

Okay so first things first: the word coincidence needs to be BANNED from Jikookers' mouths. Like completely deleted. Obliterated 1300% It needs to not exist anymore. No seriously, how long are we gonna keep using the word 'coincidence' and Jikook in one sentence before we all collectively decide to agree they do this shit on purpose?

"You are me I am you" can only go so far. That's for them having the same moles in the same places, them being born in Busan. Things like that, that are out of their control. Not things like this!

We know, like even if you're an anti you know JK has studied FACE. @jigokuhana and I were just talking about this, JK has everything about FACE memorised. He is prolly a bigger fan than all of us combined. And don't forget he saw everything before we did. So he knows what he's doing. Knows that we will catch similarities btwn FACE and SEVEN. Armys have noticed many things that Jikook (n members) tried to hide from us and I know over the years they have to have seen us noticing some of these things. So how will we fail to notice something that's right infront of our faces? And he knows this. Of course he knew we would notice.

So first we've all seen these floating about

Those alone are already like, crazy 😏 But then let's talk about the thorns/spikes/shards.

I mean, what are the chances??? 😳

When u support Jikook, u discover that they are actually really sappy/corny motherfuckers so you inevitably start to get corny yourself sometimes too. This is what my friends (one of them being @lovelysmyleyes) had to say about this. I'll just copy paste them, coz I absolutely agree.

The spikes being directly on Jimin's body feel like it was a more direct hit. JK wearing the spikes on the jacket is more of a defensive maybe? Like a by-product. Almost like He was acting as a shield.

The 'shots' weren't directed at him so even if they hit him they would not have pierced the skin. Whereas it was directed at JM and meant to go deep.

It is understandable, The first thing you want to do is protect your partner the best you can.

Or it can represent keeping others away from them. Roses have thorns on them to keep people/living life forms away, after all.

They got kinda deep y'all. Which brings me to the part that blew my mind;

Mud from LC

Mud on JK's trouser;

The pants. I think he is hinting that he helped pull Jimin out of the mud...or at least he was down in the mud with him when he was at his lowest. He was there supporting. Someone catch me cuz I am once again falling into that delulu train headfirst 😭😭😭

He he hee... thats so fucking deep y'all. But seeing as there's no other explanation for why JK would have "dirty" trousers (yet) i'mma go with this assumption for now. #feels 🥺🥺🥺

Like, its not even that far fetched though. When Jimin was going through what he went through JK saw it all first hand. Isn't that why we assumed he kept skipping LC in the beginning? Coz it reminded him of that time and it prolly wasn't pretty. He didn't like to remember Jimin in that bad place.

I for one believe JK was there for Jimin every step of the way. Jimin said members were there for him, I'm sure his family was too and most importantly, so was JK.

Thats why he wrote letter. He said it was his turn to be grateful. His turn to give back.

I know it's obvious

So that it's not taken lightly

Let me tell you this properly

Baby, don't leave, just stay with me, yeah

To you who saw me greater than my little self

So that I can only deliver as much as I received

I can't y'all... help 😭😭😭

.

.

.

Okay but this tweet tickled me 🤭🤭

I know some Jikookers work very hard in trying not to be delulu (not me. I jump in head first, always. Ha haa) and I applaud that. I do. But these are way, way too many similarities. Even the most clear headed Jikooker has got to find this sus.

[shannendoherty-fans]

March 1993 - US magazine

Interview by Margy Rochin, photos by Lou Salvatore.

The Us Interview: Shannen Doherty (part 3)

(Part 1 – Part 2)

While we're on the subject of high-profile men, let's run through some names of people you've been linked with romantically. Marky Mark?

I went out with Mark two times, with a group of people, as friends.

Jason Priestley? 'US' printed a photo of you two liplocked after the 1991 Emmys.

Really kissing?No, Jason and I probably kissed each other, but I don0t think it was really kissing. I don't think there was any saliva involved. People might get confused because we're very affectionate with one another and that's only because we absolutely adore each other.

You were engaged to a young man named Chris Foufas. What happened?

Idecided that I was too young to get married. Chris is a great person who I love as a friend very much. I think our friendship overtook the romance, and we both weren't ready for that step.

What's the first sign that you know you're in live?

I'll do absolutely anything for that person. If somebody pointed a gun at them, I'd throw muself in front so they wouldn't die. I can forgive the person that I've been dating recently, I feel the exact same way for.

His name is –

I'd rather prefer that no names be mentioned. He knows who he is.

What's the most painful lesson you're learned about romantic love?

Oh, I don't know, I've been through so much in that department... I think the lesson that I learned is that you can't drop everything for one person. I've done that and that person has broken up with me,and I've had nothing. I'd stopped talking to my friends. You can't do that. You've got to say, "I've got my own life, my own identity." I think guys in relationships can be so much more casual than women.

You've gotten a lot of flak for leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the Republican National Convention. What attracted you to the Republican Party?

Without getting too much into it, because I realize at this point it's probably beat to keep my politics to myself...

Wait a second. Don't you think that you made your politivs public when you decided to attend the convention?

The thing is that this is a free country, and nobody should be criticized for their politivcal beliefs. We're all allowed to have our own opinons... I'm a conservative. I was an avid supporter of Ronald Reagan; I thought he was fabulous. I still think [Bush has] been a good president. I realize that the majority of people in the entertainment business happen to be Democrats. I have no problem with that. And they should have no problem with the fact that I'm a Republican.

Do you think that some people might have taken issue with the fact that you were a young female supporting a party that had not proven itself to be particularly pro-woman?

I don't think that the Republican Party is against women. I don't know how George Bush personally feels on abortion. I have some idea and, from what I understand, he isn't really opposed to abortion. However, the Republican platform was therefore he had to conform to what they wanted.

So you're saying that you're pro-choice?

I would say I'm pro-choice only because I don't feel that it's right that anybody in this world puts restrictions on anyone, whether it be a woman or a man. I think some people are somewhat worried because abortion is legal, it's so easy. It's just like, "Oh, it's no big deal because I can just go get an abortion." That's not really being a very responsible person. But I don't think that that choice should be taken away from anybody. I'm definitely pro-choice.

In a readers poll in a recent issue of 'Sassy' magazine, you beat Roseanne Arnold and Tori Spelling as "TV Actress Whose Inner Child Is Most Wounded." What do you think thia award says about who they think you are?

I have absolutely no idea. My inner child is not wounded.

Wait. I'm not sure you understand the term correctly. The definition of an inner child might be that everyone has a public self and a true authentic self, which is still inside of us, that was developed when we were a child.

Then maybe it's true. If there is such a thing as an inner child, I don't see how anybody could have so much bad press and not have their inner child wounded. But I had a wonderful childhood. My parents were a dream to me.

What approach do you use to slough off bad press?

I think you're constantly telling yourself you'll ignore it, you'll let it roll off your back, you won't let it affect you – but it does. You read stuff about yourself and you just think, "My God, where are these people coming up with these things? And why am I the one that they're picking on, all of a sudden? Out of all people, why me?" I'm the person who stops and gives any homeless person any money that they want. So if does affect you, but you just have to keep believing in yourself, I guess.

Why should we like you?

I'm not saying that anybody should like me. Everybody is more than welcome to have their own opinion. All I'm saying is give me a chance before you form that opinion. [Pause] It sounds really weird to give you a list of why people should like me. Like tooting your own horn. I could tell you what my good qualities are. There's my honesty; I have a very wacky, kind of dry humor that a lot of people don't get to see; I'm the best friend a person could ever have; I'm very compassionate; I try and helppeople out as much as possible; I really care about this world, about the people in it, and I just want what's best for everyone; I take on absolutely everybody's problems and take care of everyone – I have a very maternal side. I'm basically a very norma,, down-to-earth person, and if people meet me, they agree. They're like, "Wow, you're nothing like people say you are..."

What is the most ridiculous thing you've read about yourself?

That I'm an alcoholic is completely ridiculous. There's so many things, I don't know where to start. I've had so much happen that it's hard to trust people.

There's something that's been bothering me throughout our conversation, and that is the assigning of blame to other people. How responsible do you feel for what has happened to you? Be numerically specific.

I probably feel fifteen percent responsible. In my first year on the show – which was two-and-a-half years ago – I was overwhelmed by so much responsibility and pressure that I didn't handle things in a very diplomatic manner. I took everything to heart. That hasn't happened since the first year of the show, and it's just now coming back to me. I've learned to be very diplomatic. Now it's just like a tidal wave. It's people either needing money,so they sell stories to the Enquirer, or they're jealous of me so they sell storues, or people just making up bulls---. So it is just a tidal wave of things happening and happenning and happening that I don't feel very responsible for.

Delta Burke once said, "I wouldn't be producing if it weren't for bad press." Is this the upside to your situation?

I got the opportunity to meet Delta Burke – we did a literacy show at the White House forMr. Bush. She told me, "Just do what you believe in. Look at me: I have my own TV show now and I deal with nice people, that's what it's all about." So that's sort of what I'm doing at this point, I'm learning.

What's the biggest lesson that you've learned?

To... be... very... clear. To be diplomatic, and to be very careful. There is so much focus on you that you can't just do and say whatever you feel. You have to watch everything that you do and everything that you say.

Have you learned to apologize?

I will apologize if I've done something wring. But if I have not done something wrong, I will not apologize.

Would you give up your notoriety for a little bit of slack?

Yeah, I would. If that means quit acting,no. If it means staying home,better believe it! I'll lock myself in my house for a little slack.

Do you feel the tide is turning for or against you at this point?

Probably against.

You think it's going to get worse?

I don't know how much worse it can get.

What were some of your New Year's resolutions?

Quit smoking. [Takes a drag] Going real well. Get healthy. [Pauses] And somehow turn this thing around.

[faksyan]

OH I KNOW. Huey :]

Thank youuu you know me so well. I love him so much he's so awful.

First impression

I didn't really care much I think. Maybe I knew he's Otacon's dad, and that's kind of it.

Impression now

Oh I'm a bit unwell about this guy sorry. There's this one post about him I wrote (twirls hair) I think it was pretty good. I really like how he is the polar opposite of most of the other male characters in the series. Among the people a bunch of whom have various physical disabilities, only his gets used against him consistently and to such an extent. Kaz is a filthy hypocrite for treating him like he does in v, and I think it adds to his character and draws a lot of similarities between them (even if the narrative doesn't really openly acknowledge it). I like his photos on the AI pod and that he put his child in a fucking murder robot he built. I have many, many thoughts on him but as a sidenote why did they make him so fine in tpp. now looking back he always kind of was but I don't think it did anything for me because he wasn't on the floor shaking and crying. who said that. why did everyone leave. can anyone hear me.

Favorite moment

Hm I'm not sure honestly. I find his overall story really compelling, if I had to pick maybe the one where he yells at Diamond Dogs about how DD is not even a real dog, and they don't listen to him. I like when he shoots Skull Face and goes yess!!!! I did it!!!!! sure did buddy.

Idea for a story

He gets his ass kicked in my Paz au where she goes back in time and looks for another traitor with Kaz. Aside from that, I don't think I have anything Huey-related.

Unpopular opinion

I LOVE HIM. Awful terrible horrible guy who you tell to shut up once and then he kills himself in front of you five billion times and makes you feel bad. If the circumstances of his life had been different he could've been a brilliant scientist, acknowledged by the world and living a fulfilling and happy life, but they weren't.

Favorite relationship

Is his relationship with the world around him a viable answer. He's always the victim, everyone is always out to get him, and he is always sooo so innocent and has done nothing. I think maybe part of why I like him is that his paranoia and victim complex are kind of relatable? Not to such an extent, but I can definitely see the thought process there. Especially if you've been bullied in your life before, I think it's easy to kind of get used to that stuff, that's why some people spiral - it's loneliness and expectations to be treated badly, not taken seriously. He probably knows it's not true in many situations, somewhere deep down, but admitting it means taking responsibility and he's not about to do that. And, in the end of the day, in a lot of cases it is true, and he, to some extent, is a real victim. I like when the truth serum doesn't work on him and he just continues to lie (aka tell the truth that he so deeply believes). It's so good.

Favorite headcanon

I am so curious about what his relationship with Hal was like, I like thinking that he cared, but in such a fundamentally misguided way (as he usually does) that it fucked him up BIG TIME. my dearest son whom I love oh so much, no one loves you as much as I do, our home is the only safe place you will ever get. the rest of the world is an awful and horrible place, all of them hate you and you should be scared. Kind of Mother Gothel style where he brushes his hair and says don't leave but also goes to him with all of his adult problems that the child should absolutely not carry on his shoulders. He probably was pretty absent for a lot of it, but I do like thinking they did spend time together and talked, somewhat. It's interesting to think that it was part of the reason Hal shut the world and other people out for so long.

[lukeevangelista]

being joe burrows girlfriends sister and he’s protective of you because you’re like a little sister so when he finds out you have a boyfriend (and he’s a hockey player) he gets extra protective ?

Protective Joe - R. Donovan

Wisco days 😌 photo cred to @llhughess

Obvi protective platonic Joe

And idk if ryder was in a frat house, but just go with it

———————————————————————————-

“I’m here!” You shouted, “Come love me! It’s only a few times a year you get me!”

It was Christmas break for you at school and you were home for almost a month this visit.

“Y/N!” Olivia squealed as she ran towards you from the kitchen where she was helping your mom cook dinner for everyone, “I’m so excited you’re home.” She swayed back and forth with you, “We have so much to catch up on it’s not even funny.”

“That we do, my dear sister.” You grinned as you pulled back from her to see Joe walking up to you, his arms open for a hug.

“Shiesty.” You laughed as you pulled away from Olivia, tucking yourself into his arms, “When’s my sister gonna be the Mrs. Shiesty?”

“Nice to see you too kid.” He chuckled, “and when you actually lock one down.”

“Hey!” Liv glared at him, knowing he was just joking.

All the banter and jokes quietened down as your mom called for dinner, your other sister running into the kitchen. She had been studying for an exam, to which your mom excused her from having to eat with the family.

“You never let me do that.”

“You moved away for college.”

“Touché mother.” You playfully glared at her as you dad chuckled from his seat at the table.

“When is Ryder coming in?” She asked as you all sat down at the table.

“Mom-“

“Who is Ryder?” You sister grinned as she sat down next to Joe, “Is this a new boy toy?”

“Something… like that.” You grimaced as you stuck your spoon in your mashed potatoes.

You quickly changed the subject to how Joe’s season was going, how work was for your sister and parents, making sure to keep the subject off of you and your potential love life.

**

“So is he a boy toy or an actual boyfriend?” Liv asked after dinner was over; you, her, and Joe settled on the couch.

“And there goes peace and quiet.” You sighed, “He’s a boyfriend.” You said, “He’s in some frat house and my sorority did a fund raiser with them. He’s a really sweet guy.”

"I know exactly how those frat boys are." Joe argued with you, "Did you really think you'd get by me with this one? Especially the ones that live out of state. He’s even worse!”

Olivia let out a cough as Joe corrected himself, "Us. Did you think you would get this past us?"

"Nice save babe."

You were Olivia's little sister and Joe treated you like the sister he didn't get. You were the closest thing and honestly, even though you weren't biological, you two sure acted like it.

"I didn't expect anything." You shrugged, "because whether you like it or not, I'm with him."

“What does this punk even look like?” Joe grumbled under his breath.

“Yeah, what does he look like?” Liv asked as you pulled out your phone.

“That punk has a name.”

“What is it? Kyle?”

“Clearly you weren’t paying attention earlier at dinner, but it’s Ryder.”

“Even worse.” Joe dramatically flopped back on the couch, “Just by his name, I can tell you he’s bad news!”

“Good thing I didn’t ask.” You quickly scrolled through your phone, finding a recent photo of you two from a surprise date he had taken you on.

“Oh okay.” Liv smirked at you, “I see you pulling.”

“She better not be pulling anything!” Joe grumbled.

“Okay Mr. Protective, chill out.” You chuckled at his antics, “I know you care and I know you’re just looking out for me, but I’m smart. I know what I’m doing.”

Joe continued to grumble under his breath about it causing you to roll your eyes.

“Tell me about him.” Liv smiled as she adjusted to be able to see you better on the couch.

“Well like I said, he’s in a frat house-“

“Terrible move.” Joe commented.

“-he’s an absolute sweetheart-“

“Don’t care.”

“- he can cook really well too-“

“Can you get on with it already? Get to the good stuff.”

“Joe?” you said his name sweetly.

“Yes?”

“Shut the fuck up.” You hissed, “Thank you. As I was saying, and he’s gorgeous.” You continued, “oh!” you exclaimed, “and he plays hockey!” “Nope!” Joe said as he stood up, “It’s a no from me! Already hate him.”

“You haven’t even met him, you dumbass.”

“I don’t care!” Joe defended, “I was a college athlete once with college athlete friends. I know how this entire charade works!” He continued, “He lures you in and then he’s cheating on you or you get hurt.”

“Well then, that's my decision to make then, huh?” you said, “Besides, I don’t think he’d do that. I’m not worried about it at least. It’s a college relationship. We’ll either get married at a frat party or we'll break up.”

“Or you’ll get married in real life.” Liv chuckled. 

“I think you should reconsider it all.”  “You know, you’re better when your mouth doesn’t move.” You grumbled as you watched Joe roll his eyes before glaring at you, “Joe, I’ve known you too long for you to scare me. You look like I ran over your puppy more than you are scary.” you chuckled, “Either way, I’ve got to run in a few.” You said as you saw the text come through that you were waiting for. 

“Why?” Liv pouted, “We were getting to the good stuff.”

“Well the topic of this conversation just landed so I've got to go handle that.” You said as you stood up, tucking your phone into your back pocket.

“I don't believe it. I don’t think he’s coming.” Joe said as he stood up, “You’re full of it today.” 

“He’s literally on a plane now.”

“And? I don’t think you’re actually dating. There’s no way he’s coming to visit you. He’s good looking- you’re you.” Joe said, “and I really hate the fact he’s an athlete!”

“Joe! You’re a fucking athlete!”

“Watch your mouth young lady.”

“Liv, please control him before I handle him myself.”

“I’ve been trying for years.” She chuckled as she watched you walk towards the door, “Be careful, We’ll see you and Ryder soon.” She grinned. 

**

Ryder followed you to the car, his hand on the small of your back, the other tugging his suitcase through the parking lot. 

“So he doesn't think I’m real?” Ryder asked. 

“Nope. They think you’re fake.” You said, “Probably because of how hot you are.” 

Ryder let out a loud laugh at your bluntness as he got into the passenger seat.

The drive home wasn't terrible, but you knew the moment you got there, it was going to be a good show between Joe judging Ry and your family meeting him for the first time.

It wasn’t the technical first time for your parents as they had met him over FaceTime, but not in person.

You pulled into the driveway, you helping Ryder get his stuff out of the car.

“I’ve got it babe.” He said as he pressed a kiss to the side of your temple, “Go on inside.”

You listened, only grabbing his carry on as you walked into the house, seeing your family sitting there.

“Behave.” You said, mainly aiming your statement towards a certain tall brunette.

**

“I think we should get to know you better Ryan.”

“Ryder.”

“Whatever. How about dinner tomorrow? Mine and Liv’s treat.”

“I think a double date sounds pleasant!” Olivia agreed, her looking hopeful at you. 

“I guess.” you said as you looked towards Ryder who reluctantly agreed. 

It wasn't long after that that Liv and Joe had went to their own home, you and Ryder heading upstairs to your childhood bedroom. 

“I told you they’d somehow rope us into something.” You said as you brushed your teeth, “It never fails!” You continued, slightly waving your toothbrush.

“Babe as much as I love you and your dramatics, you’re getting toothpaste everywhere.”

“Are you even listening to me?” You asked after spitting in the sink.

“I am, but I’d like to not get toothpaste in my eye either.”

You rolled your eyes at his comment as you rinsed your toothbrush before putting it in its holder and popping your retainers in. 

“I'm just warning you, he will be judging you hardcore tomorrow.”

“So is he your brother or?”

“Something like that.” You sighed as you crossed over to the bed, tugging the decretive pillows off, “Wow, sleeping next to me and you dont even know my last name.”

“I’m just messing with you.” He laughed, “You’re not a Burrow; you’re a Hubbard, right?”

“Ryder!”

**

“Did you see the way he looks at her?” Liv asked Joe as you and Ryder were off in the bowling alley, trying to find the right size balls, “He adores her.”

“I don’t see it.” Joe shrugged, “I don’t like him.”

“Give him a chance.” She said, “At least he wasn’t late like someone was on our first date.” She grinned, “Matter of fact, he was early and he held the door for everyone.”

“I apologized for that already!” Joe defended himself, “and I hold the door for you all the time!”

“I think you’re being dramatic.” Liv sighed as she turned towards her boyfriend, “Give him a chance. You can tell she really likes him.”

You all had moved on from bowling after kicking everyone’s asses, finding yourself at the pizza parlor next to it for dinner.

“After you.” Ryder grinned as he pulled out your chair before giving your shoulder a squeeze.

Joe was not going to let some twenty one year old in a new relationship show him up.

“Here babe.” Joe said as he pulled Olivia’s chair out, you letting a chuckle fall from your lips as you watched her fact twist from confusion to realization of what he was doing.

“Be careful, your jealousy is showing.” She whispered to him.

“I am not jealous!” He harshly whispered back.

“Yeah okay.” She chuckled.

“So Ryder, what are you plans after college?” Joe asked as he looked at the menu, even though he knew exactly what he was going to get. He just didn’t want to make eye contact with you or Ryder.

“I’m planning on playing pro hockey.”

“Sounds interesting.” Joe commented. Ryder gave a nod to him.

“You’ve had an incredible season this year.” Ryder said as he watched Joe almost break, but keeping his composure, he retaliated the nod.

Joe was determined not to like this kid.

He really wanted to be able to say ‘I told you so’ to you, but it wasn’t the case right now. He actually was starting to like Ryder; as much as he didn’t want to admit it.

Ryder didn’t talk over you, he was well mannered, he didn’t give you an attitude if you disagreed with him, and most of all, he truly adored you and Liv and Joe both could tell it.

It wasn’t long that you all parted ways, Joe and Liv still talking about you and Ryder; even a hour later.

“I like him.” She said as she snuggled into his chest, “He’s sweet.”

“It’s a facade.”

“Give it up, Burrow,” she chuckled, “You like him too, especially after he commented on your season.”

Joe groaned, knowing she was right, “Will you let it go if i say it?”

“Yes.”

“I like Ryder and I think he’s good for Y/N.” He grumbled, “Are you happy now?”

“Yup!” She grinned, “and I cant wait to tell Y/N.”

“Don’t you dare!”

On the other side of town, you were having a similar conversation with Ryder.

“Do you think he likes me?” Ryder asked as he snuggled into bed beside you causing you to prop up on your elbow.

“I think so,” you said, “but he won’t admit it. He’s still going to act like a hard ass to you.”

“Do you realize that’s okay? I met Joe Burrow and he likes me?” Ryder chuckled as he looked towards you.

“You’re just with me because my sister is dating him.”

“I am not.” He softly smiled as he brought his hand up to move the piece of hair that fell in front of your face away, “I’m with you because I love you.”

“That’s- that’s uh the first time you’ve said that to me.”

“I know.” He whispered, “but I wanted to wait until I meant it and I truly mean it.”

“I love you too Ryder.” You said as you softly pressed a kiss to his lips before laying down in his arms that were outstretched towards you.

Moments had went by of you two just lying there, waiting for sleep to overtake you both.

“I can’t believe Joe Burrow likes me.” He grinned as his head whipped towards you.

“You realize you’ll never live this down, right?”

“Oh I know.” He said, “but it’s worth it.”

[yourgamemasterthewhiterabbit]

The restaurant at the end of the world turns out to be a waffle house,

Now you might be thinking “Well, the world hasn't ended, and weren't you just on about rabbit holes?”

For -you- the world hasn't ended, maybe you missed it, and I was on about rabbit holes and vagueing about various animals [affectionately], I was setting up for a joke [reference?] but no one took the bait

This is odd -being in a waffle house, not people ignoring my attempts at humour- because I'm in northern Canada [though in Canada you get a bonus 5% to dad jokes and silly puns it's free for everyone], and I didn't know the states had snow this time of year, but that's immaterial really

Because this isn't Canada or anywhere else anymore, it's the end of the world

I'm doing something I can never actually do again, I'm sitting in a restaurant face to face with another person, no mask between me and food, or them, at the end of the world the virus can't get you [or that's what everyone is convinced of]

I'm asking about all day breakfast and how many kinds of oily meat and eggs they have on one platter, with waffles, preferably. I don't have to think about 102 food allergies here, or whether someone has contaminated my food, whether this meal could rob me of health for months to come, or permanently, I can just stuff my face with fat and protein and talk to this guy about the life span of chipmunks and various mustelids, maybe beavers or rabbits... This started with Beavers didn't it?

And the thought crosses my mind that this is what everyone else does daily without even having to think about it, the definition of taking things for granted,

Just sitting in a fucking restaurant

They can walk into a diner, order a slice of pie and eat it while striking up conversation with the guy who walked in behind them

I don't think another living person has seen my face in over 5 years except when I pull down my mask to buy alcohol or get an id photo taken

I see other people's faces though and I wish I didn't as much

They don't have to question if they are trading this experience -here and now- for everything that could have come after it every time, they just get to live in the here and now, like in this waffle house

I can't remember the last time I ate out anywhere, which -probably- means it went badly,

I can't have possibly known it would be my last time just being able to order and eat food in public,

I couldn't have made sure to make it count, or have a hasty do-over to pick which meal would be the last one, not my -last- one, but the last one before the world eneded

Was it when my ex invited me to the only pizza place I could still eat at, just to pick a fight with me? [As if they knew it might mean I wouldn't be able to eat there again, I had to stop ordering too because they started being super skimpy on the toppings and my order is too recognizable] They called it “neutral ground” like they just learned a new philosophy term that week but didn't actually know what it meant.

Was it the plain fries I hastily shoved down immediately after dental surgery and explicitly against all instruction? [I was fine I did not bite myself or burn myself, the anaesthetic wasn't ever going to last that long, and I know my safe limits], I kind of hope it was that, it was too many years ago though, or that time I bought packaged food and ate it at the picnic table outside the store that no one uses. There were seagulls,

It probably should have been a chip truck on a beach. It wasn't, but it should have been,

It could have been better whatever it was. I could have gone out of my way to find a place that still served chocolate shakes like the ones I remember from that diner in my childhood. I could have gone alone. I could have gotten grilled cheese. I could have had sushi again. I could have spent it talking with strangers instead of people who would become strangers. I could have had one of those really good diner burgers that seems meant for about three people, or one very hungry one,

I know what fast food sausages and bacon taste like, I remember... I think,

What were we talking about? Falling down rabbit holes, research for curiosity's sake and imagination too I guess. There was snow at the end of one tunnel. Do you know how many animals in Canada hunt in the snow by sensing what's beneath them?

I remember the last time I ate eggs at a diner they got shells in mine, I hate that unexpected crunch, but I'd have shells hiding in all my restaurant eggs forever if it meant I could safely eat at a restaurant again,

If I could breathe,

If face to face contact with other people wasn't exactly like having to hold my breath,

If being physically close to another person was still something other than abstraction to me,

If sitting at a diner was something other than a vivid memory,

That little hop foxes do to break through the crust on snow... Wolves do it too. Maybe you noticed your dog doing it on your mattress. Minx also do that, and skunks I imagine. Wolverines and those funny little white foxes. I didn't get a chance to joke about trying to dig out of a rabbit hole in deep snow only to meet something bigger, because someone dragged me to this waffle house instead, where I can eat enough that the waitresses watch our table and giggle, and contemplate the end of normalcy,

I don't have to tell him, at the end of the world, that this is all just pretend, that for me it could never be real. I could never sit here, I could never talk this close -across a table- from anyone, I'd be allergic to almost every food they have on their menu and live in fear of someone touching my food with unclean hands, or spitting in it, because it could kill me, he doesn't have to know and I don't have to bring it up, not at the restaurant at the end of the world...

I don't have to wonder how well they wash these plates, or if there's someone else's lipstick still on my glass... Scratch that, coffee mug... I don't even have to wonder if a waffle house actually serves you on real plates or with real coffee mugs, and I'm not too sensitive to alkaloids to drink coffee anymore... not at the end of the world,

Carrots made me sick the other day. Upset my stomach so much I got afraid I couldn't keep taking my medications... Turns out it was just the alkaloids again. I'd make a shit rabbit actually, I can't even keep a carrot down and half of what I can still eat is meat,

It's probably terrifying to be in a safe little snow tunnel and have something break down from on top of you out of nowhere, I wonder if there's much warning about that either, there can't really be, maybe a tension knowing it could always come down on you, but it also makes me wonder if there are any animals that hunt from beneath, A cozy bright white sparkling tunnel of diffused sun and the quiet impact of careful paws overhead... There are lots of animals in Canada that take down prey multiple times their size, but I don't know if any use snow as a cover for hunting, or if they just make burrows in it to hide,

Forgive me, I've been on an ill-advised amount of antihistamines and anti-inflammatories for weeks now, and -this- tunnel started with a question about beavers and you don't want to know what they were doing, something about desperate measures to survive and the removal of pleasure... Don't look it up, we already did,

That's how I fell down a rabbit hole and ended up at a waffle house at the end of the world,

It was never real anyway, just grown-ups with imaginations.

[weemsfreak]

i can’t wait for the next parts of botany of course and the board :))

Botany...Of Course, Pt 4

Thank you everyone for the interest in my fics :) This is a bit of a shorter part but I have more coming soon!

Larissa Weems x OCTeacher Peyton

Fluff ~1700 words

Pt 3

(Photo is of the Opryland Resort in Nashville)

Sunday

It was the last day of Larissa's conference. You found yourself in the third botanical garden, sketching a really interesting plant from Florida, Dendrophylax lindenii, or Ghost Orchid. You loved this hotel and this garden, how you would love to work here. The conservatory at Nevermore was as much as you could handle by yourself, but to work somewhere like this, it would be a dream. The smell of the plants every time you walked in the garden was refreshing, and made you extremely happy. You loved your Nevermore family though, and you would never want to leave them. They accepted you, and you accepted them.

As you were sketching and taking some photos of the plants, you were thinking about Larissa. You hadn't realized you were, until you did. You thought about last night and how she had stood up for the both of you. You thought she didn't know about you and was fighting for herself, but she was trying to protect you. At the same time you were protecting her, even though you thought nothing of it. She was fun to be around when she was Larissa and she was striped of her principal duties. She was always nice to be around, of course, but when she wasn't stressed to the max, she was funny, chill, sweet, precious and an all around good person. You could see the hopefulness, the glimmer, the love, and the life in her eyes every time you looked at her. Those sapphire blue eyes, ones you could never find an answer for as to why nobody loved them. Nobody loved them, perhaps like you. You had thought about what she had asked you nights ago, about erasing her memory from last year. The only other memory you had ever taken was your fathers, you couldn't let him relive it any longer, even though you were only a kid. You thought, no, you knew that you wanted to take Larissa's memory for her. Even if this was all a lie, even if she didn't like you as much as she acted like she did, even if she was using you just to get rid of the memory, you would take it. You wanted nothing more than for her life to be happy and well lived. She was the mother of the outcasts, she took care of them like they were her own. Her supposed friend had tried to murder her for frig sake, she had to know somebody cared about her. Someone had to take care of her, in one way or another.

What you weren't aware of was, as you observed the flowers, someone was observing you.

*Larissa's POV*

They were sitting on the walkway right next to some white flowers. It was adorable how they talked about and treated plants. They were wearing a dark red jumper and platform strap sandals, you thought it looked stunning on them. You couldn't help but think about last night, how they had lied to help you defend yourself. You thought you were being over protective, but in those types of situations you would never back down. You didn't want to scare Peyton and come off too strong, but when they told the girls off with that kiss and their powers, you thought it was hilarious. Hot, and the best thing ever. They looked so pure, so overjoyed to be learning about new plants, so at peace to bask in the atmosphere of the garden. You couldn't help but wonder if they would want to work here. It would be the best place for them, maybe even better than teaching at Nevermore. You hoped not, but you wanted to support them in any way you could. You smiled while you observed them, you couldn't stop thinking about their long hair and tan skin. The way their style changed everyday, the way they were so open to things, the way that they were so helpful, the way they treated you; with respect and love and adoration. You thought that, - oh, they spilled their drink. They stood up, they look mad. You saw them mouth something, 'fuck'. You laughed, out loud. You caught yourself and looked back to the presenter who was staring at you, but didn't stop talking. You gave him a forced smile and tried to focus.

"Fuck" you said aloud by accident. You looked around, nobody was near you. As you looked, you caught a glimpse of white hair through a window in an upstairs room. Larissa- was she stalking you or were you staking her? Probably the latter, accidentally on purpose, you thought. You looked to her, she looked so focused on her work, she probably didn't know you were down here, right? As you were lost in thought, she looked out the window at you, and gave a knowing taunting smile. You put on your fake annoyed face at her, and pouted your lips, which made her laugh. You loved her laugh. You couldn't hear it from here, but you wished you could. You gave her a wink and waved goodbye, going to clean off the drink you spilled on your leg.

You weren't sure when Larissa's conference would be done today, so you ventured to the mall alone. You decided you needed some new clothes. You hadn't gone shopping in a while, besides the new bras and underwear that Ren made you buy before the trip. Larissa's conference had ended while you were at the mall, therefore she found your shared hotel room empty. She looked for you before deducing that you were probably back out at the garden, drawing some plants and taking notes. She got a shower and freshened up for the evening. As she walked towards her bed from the washroom, she noticed your notebook on your bed. Odd, you would have it with you if you were observing the plants. She picked it up and opened it, tracing her fingers over some recent sketches. She admired your work, the detail you put in, and the way that you put effort and thought into everything you did. She flipped back to Fridays work, where she saw your sketch of Physostigma venenosum. Shivering, she flipped a few pages forward, and found a beautiful sketch of a garden. There was a building on the left, a fountain and pond on the right, sky lights and a pathway between plants and trees. Someone was walking down the pathway. That someone looked familiar. They were adorning a matching cream colored outfit with a lip brooch. Their hair was up, and they looked rather tall. Was that… Larissa's eyes lit up and she gasped in awe. In amongst all the plants and trees, the stunning botanical garden, you were sketching her, when she wasn't even with you. You were thinking of her, while the beauty of all these plants that you loved was right in front of your eyes. You were sketching her, when you could have been sketching anyone. She flipped the page once more, eyeing a poem on the back of your sketch.

"If Larissa was a season, she would be Fall. Fall is my favorite season of all. She's chilly, not cold, she's wise, not old. I feel safe wrapped up in her leaves, no doubt, as although I am small, like a tree she is tall. But maybe she would really be spring, no, winter. When the frost hits and it's like a glaze. The silvery, blue, cool tones fit her just right, when you look in her eyes and they give you a light. They remind you of summer, so warm, so inviting. Like the ocean, you'd love to jump right in. You have to refrain, alas, it is true, for summer was not meant only for you. It was meant for the people, for the people to love. They wake in the morning and put on their gloves. Not in the summer, in winter it's true, but don't worry, you'd wear them too. For if she was winter and summer and fall, she'd have to be spring, she'd be them all. A breath of fresh air, it cuts like a knife. Like the flowers and animals, she gives me new life."

Her eyes filled with tears and she caught herself, daring to let them fall. Where did you come from? And why did you appear in her life? Were you sent to make up for all the things that she had been through? Were you here to be a friend when she needed it most? She had thought she had a friend before though, and she turned out to be wrong. Horribly wrong. Larissa was usually right in her decisions and judgement, but lately she had been second guessing herself.

Larissa found herself at the mall. She figured you would be here or in the hotel somewhere, exploring no doubt. You weren't answering your phone, but she figured you were just caught up in something. She entered a jewellery store, spotting a pair of gorgeous dark amber earrings that would match your eyes perfectly. They reminded her of old fashioned gothic décor, something she knew you would love. Exiting the jewellery store, she caught a glimpse of you standing across the corridor, reading something on the wall. She felt herself become giddy at seeing you and she suddenly felt blessed to mean more to you than just another stranger at this mall. She came up behind you and embraced you, leaning her head on your shoulder. She scared you, making you drop your bags on the floor. You realized who it was by her smell, before you even caught a glimpse of her. Who else could it be though, really. You wrapped your hands around hers, closed your eyes and leaned your head against hers. "Hey Riss, how was your day?" you giggled, basking in her touch. She brought her lips up to you and gave you a kiss on the cheek, making you blush harder than ever before. You were screwed, you thought, absolutely screwed. "It was good, very good, but it's way better now that I found you." She gave you another kiss on the cheek and grabbing your hand, she lead you out of the mall.

Pt 5

[suvidrache]

Scream For Me

age in bio when interacting. minors do not interact.

Word Count: 504 / Read it on AO3 | Offline Version

Aizen had plans that day. He was going to be busy. You weren't sure what it was. He never told you what he was doing. You didn't even know what he did for a living. He kept that side of his life private. You couldn't even begin to guess what he did. You were in a mood that day and decided to tease him. Sending the best photos you could. Some were scandalous, but not revealing, just a slight hint, a slight taste of what he could have. You weren't expecting him to do anything. He didn't seem to be the type to send photos back. You didn't think he would come home early. He wasn't the type to leave work early. However, he couldn't stand it any longer. It was either he took care of the problem himself, or he could leave and flashstep it home. He wasn't going to be tormented any longer. You were going to feel the pain you had caused him moments ago.

He unlocked the door, letting it slam open as he stepped through, slamming it behind him. He didn't care whether you heard him or not. As he entered, he saw you on the couch. Any other time, he would have been surprised. How could you have been sending those photos if you were on the couch? You had taken the photos at an earlier time, but he wouldn't know that. You smiled at him mischievously and slightly confused.

"What's wrong, Aizen? You're home early."

"You should know exactly why, love." His breathing was hard as he stared down at you, before quickly closing the gap between you both. He picked you up and carried you to the bedroom.

He sat you down and made quick work of removing your clothes as well as his. His hardened length no longer felt confined as it sprang free. You sat on the bed and he moved between your legs and began slowly licking you, before beginning to stroke/rub them. A soft noise came from your lips, your fingers tightened in the bedsheets.

"No, love, you caused this problem. You're going to fix it, and I want to hear your screams."

He continued his progress, rubbing himself as well as you. Even once you came, he would continue to rub/stroke you, making you cum again. He would let you become overestimated before Aizen aligned himself with your hole. He slid himself in and began moving in and out, going faster and harder. He would keep to his word - wanting to hear your screams. Your body moving with his. His hands were firmly on your hips as he continued to slam his hips against you. Your fingers tighten in the bedsheets. Your noises, music to his ears. You bit your lip, trying not to moan, but that moment was long ago as he continued going harder and faster. His balls slapping against you, your back arched, and your head tilted back. Letting him hear exactly what he wanted to.

© SUVIDRACHE — do not copy, translate, modify, or plagiarize my work. reblogs are appreciated!

Tag List: @thevoidwriting, @eli-chris, @stygianoir / Join My Tag List Here!

[twigg96]

Can you do HCs of how Toki (and the rest of the band if you'd like) would deal with an SO that was frightened of their relationship being made public because of the obsessive media and crazy fans, especially when he wants the whole world to know how in love with her he is? Thank you!

Hello my sweet anon! Awe this request is so sweet <3 I love it so much! Lets start with Toki since that's who you asked for first and we'll do the other bois later!

Toki would be so kind and understanding if his partner expressed that they were apprehensive of the paparazzi and wildly obsessed fans that came with his fame. He had to admit. It took him a really long time to get used to the obscurity of fame too. He was just a boy off the street when Dethklok first got big. Just a little no one. Then suddenly his name was in everyone's vocabulary, his songs were on the radio, and he couldn't take a piss without people trying to take a peek over and under the stall. So he understood if his partner wanted to keep things undercovers as he called it. He was completely fine if they never came out as a couple publicly. He'd do anything for his love. However, he would need constant reminders that PDA was now effectively off limits between the two of them... and he had to warn them that the tabloids would and could run articles about him with other people simply out of speculation because the two weren't out publicly. But he honestly didn't give a shit. He knew in his heart of hearts he loved his S/O more than life itself. That's what matters.

While Murderface really wanted to show his S/O off and parade them all around town. He completely understands their fear. Although he'd never say it out loud, he found the paparazzi to be a bit overwhelming when the band as a whole went out somewhere and the fact that they had to waist extra money renting out a venue, paying for security for said venue, and select staff, just so they could go out and do ANYTHING was a pain in the ass! He really missed the days when they lived in their little apartment and made music out of passion. But hey... he had more money than he ever knew what to do with... generational wealth they called it. So who was he to complain. But when it came to the safety and wellbeing of his loved ones especially his partner, he made damn sure their name was out of the tabloids even if that meant hunting the photographer down and holding them at knifepoint until they destroyed the tape or deleted the photos they had taken without permission.

The tabloids loved Skwisgaar. Some said he had a face that the cameras just loved. Others said that he was just too photogenetic not to be the center of every magazine while he had his beauty. And for a while he believed them. That is until he started dating is S/O. When they begged not to be in the media's attention in anyway sort or fashion it shocked him a bit. Why wouldn't anyone want this sort of validation that the paparazzi could give? But as his partner expressed their fear of fame. That they didn't want the media to encroach on the specialness of what they had... Skwisgaar seemed to understand a little better. He ordered the gears to put a security detail out on his partner to keep them hidden from the prying eyes of paparazzi. And despite not being told to, he made a public announcement to the Dethklok minute that he was in fact in a committed relationship. He announced that his partner wanted out of the public eye promising that if the day ever came they would come out but only on his partner's terms. Then he turned to the camera and wit ha look that sent shivers down the spines of every audience member both live and watching it recorded Skwisgaar swore to any media person that if they ever took and sold a picture of the two of them before they announced they were ready to be in the public eye together... he would personally sue not only them into crippling debt past the point where bankrupsy could no longer save them... but whatever agency they worked for too. By the next week Skwisgaar and his partner's lives were much calmer and paparazzi free especially when they were together.

Nathan was chill with literally whatever all of the time. However something he didn't quite understand at first was his partner's need to keep away from the public eye. To him the public was amazing. Yeah they could be a little wild and whacky sometimes. Yeah they could get dangerous if the gears let them (in his mind) but that's all they were. Fans. But after a long talk with his partner where he actually put his heart and soul into the conversation and listened to what they had to say... he found out that it was a different world for them. For them those loving fans were dangerous on another level. They had threatened them quite a few times just for having access to Mordhaus and his S/O was worried that once word got out that they were dating the threats would turn into action. Nathan took their words to heart. He made sure there was always a room available in the haus for them to stay so they'd have somewhere to feel safe in the event that their fans ever tried to hurt them. They never had to be forced to sleep in Nathan's bed... he understood they may not want to see or talk to him if that happened but he wanted them safe. Next he talked to Charles and asked what he personally could do. Charles suggested simply listening to his partner's boundaries and trying making a press release about the obsession of fans. So Nathan did just that. He went to the library read a few books on obsession, had several panic attacks, and made a speech about obsession which... in all respects was taken by his obsessed fans to be more obsessed with their music and less obsessed with their personal lives... which is not what Nathan said in any way but it was a win for the band so why complain.

The drummer of the band had always been in the public eye. From the time he was 8 he was always the talk of town. So when his partner practically begged not to go public with their relationship, to say he was offended was an understatement. He couldn't understand why they didn't want to live the life he literally forged for them both. When he and his partner first started dating it was back during his snakes days when his fame and popularity were at it's peak. Pickles was young. He was rash. So when his partner had first come to him with the issue of his fame. He had taken it personally. He told them they could either go public or break up so he could find someone who would go public with him, someone he could show off to tabloids. Someone who loved him. With tears in their eyes his partner left. And for a long time they didn't come back. After the fall of Snakes and Barrels and the creation of Dethklok Pickles found himself humbled. He was at the height of his life. Living it up with groupie sluts every night, all the booze he could want, and drugged out of his mind. In an instant it was gone and he was living in a one room apartment's with one of those fans, a great guitarist, his best friend, and a complete psychopath. After Toki joined Dethklok and they started the slow climb to the top of the charts, Pickles found himself... yearning for his partner. Their words of wisdom. Their subtle skin. And now more than anything he wished he had the chance to go back and do it all again. To promise to keep their relationship private. So when the two meet again in a coffee shop of all trope like places, he doesn't let his chance slip by. He ceases the moment and catches up with them, asks how they've been then asks if they'd like to go for a drink. Over the course of a year they end up back together. Pickles finds, that much like his career with Dethklok he's had to work for his relationship with his partner the second time around. But it was worth it. And when they ask to be kept out of the limelight, he already has his answer ready. "Of course... anything for you, Sticks."

[jimmyaquino]

My heart has broken in pieces. One of my best pals John Cassaday passed away last night. 52. Way too young. I'm fucking devastated. I've been waiting to post anything as I was trying to find the right words. Plus, I was digging up old photos. Still so many to go through. I may ramble a bit so please bear with me. 

I was at the hospital when he peacefully passed away and I got to say goodbye beforehand. I heard about his hospitalization (I wont go into details on what happened) on Wednesday and went to the hospital every day before work. I would go into his room each time and just chat with him. I randomly texted him last Monday night, 

“Hello! I just wanted to say hi and send some mad Jimmy love. Careful. It’s spicy!”  He replied at 10:46pm with “Love you back!” And as I found out later from his girlfriend Tara, he was taken to the hospital about an hour or so later. Some small solace that my final text was one of mutual love. 

Yesterday, I went into his room and spent some time with him and said good-bye just a couple of hours before he was no longer with us. I gave as much love as I could, mentioning as many as I remembered. And I know this may seem silly, but when I held his hand, I felt a small twitch. I know it”s just an unpredictable body thing but I’ll take it. As you can imagine, I’m a wreck and have been openly bawling off and on. He is my best friend. And that’s what’s great. He is a lot of people's best friend. He is so loved. And even though we may not have hung much as we used to, we always stayed in touch. Always there if I needed.

I first met John back in 2002 through a friend. She had told me about him and of course, I knew who he was from his comic work. Needless to say, we rapidly hit it off. Almost immediately started hanging out. We notoriously hit all the Hell's Kitchen spots (I lived there and he liked hanging there) til the wee hours for years. He introduced me to so many people and a bunch of us would hang out all the time. (Looking at you Paul Pope and John Lucas). That was the thing about John. As said, I was one of his best pals. But I know a lot of people were. Lucas and I were reminiscing last night about how he jokingly passed the Cassaday "best friend" mantle on to me when he moved out of NYC. Cass was so loved and admired by everyone. He always wanted me to meet other friends he knew and would tell me all about them. As I know he would tell them about me. He wanted us all to be one big family of friends. 

I started doing the podcast with Joe Gonzalez in 2005 and John was so supportive. He'd come to the anniversary live recordings as either a guest or just to hang and support. My first San Diego Comic Con was that year and he introduced me to big name friends of his and asked if they'd let us interview them. He'd always tell his friends, "Jimmy's got this terrific new podcast. You gotta go on it". We were always together at SDCC over the years. So much so that if we weren't together at the moment, people would promptly ask me "Where's John?" I loved it! For years, we'd either be on the same flight in or try to land at similar times and then a friend would take us straight to In N Out. 

Besides comics, we shared our love for quite a few things. One of them being the movie It's A Wonderful Life. It's my fave film of all time. And John loved it so much as well. We'd talk about it, quote it, reference it, etc. A couple of years ago, he got me an incredible birthday gift. It's one of those old movie lobby cards that were displayed in movie theater lobbies back in the day. And yes, this one was from back in the 1940's when the movie was released! I had it framed and it's been on my wall ever since. Along with an original art piece from his Astonishing X-Men run he gifted me for another birthday years ago. 

So many favorite memories with him. A few random ones: 1). Me, him and Lucas hit a comedy show back in the day and all 3 of us had our long hair and one comedian kept referring to us as the "cast of The Sopranos". 2). Nick Barrucci got us a limo from NYC to Philly to celebrate John's birthday for one weekend. Fun weekend of food/drinks/clubs/etc. 3). One SDCC, he grabbed my flask usually full of whiskey (I had substituted it w/ an amaro) and did a literal spit take onto my white tie. 4). He refused to get a cell phone for a long time and would have people call/text me when we were out. Sometimes a famous friend or 2 and I'd be like "(insert celeb name here) just called me!" I eventually took him to get his first one. 5). He became friends with Nathan Fillion and brought him to my bar one night. I got off early and the 3 of us had A NIGHT of food/drinks til about 8am when we left the after hours pub. 

I have so many memories and so many pictures to share. Perhaps I will start to share them soon. 

Also, he'd love that he's being talked about in the same space as the great James Earl Jones whom we also lost on Monday. Legends both.

I can't say enough about his girlfriend of 10 years Tara. She was a warrior throughout all of this. While I fielded some calls/texts/messages and helped inform people, she was doing it tenfold. So much love to her and John's family. Some of his cousins came down and it was lovely to spend time with them.

An IAWL quote: "All you can take with you is that which you've given away." And John gave away so much love. 

I'm devastated. The grief comes in waves. But I will spread the Cassaday love forever. Happy to share any stories and love seeing all of yours. He was a love virus. An incredibly talented, kind, generous, loving, loyal friend. I will never forget you, Johnny boy. You changed my life for the better.