#WHATS GONNA HAPPEN NEXT WEEK/WHENEVER THE NEXT CHAPTER IS OH GOD

[marskid11]

sound of hearts

[sissylittlefeather]

Let's Forget About the Stars: Chapter 8

A/N: It's almost wedding time for these two lovebirds! But not quite yet... please enjoy this next installment for Dovey and her Jumbee.

Need to catch up? Masterlist HERE.

Warnings: 18+ minors DNI, kissing, cussing, fingering, oral sex (m & f receiving), swallowing

Word count: ~2.2k

Two more weeks. And then she'll really be his forever.

******

Dove stays in California for a week with Elvis while he films King Creole. She watches him on set and swells with pride every time. He's so good.

At the end of each filming day, Elvis and Dove tumble into his trailer or back to his hotel where they share as many intimate moments as possible between two virgins. They get increasingly more desperate as the week goes on, but they don't go too far. Now she knows they're waiting for their wedding night and she reminds him of this fact whenever he gets a little too frisky.

After the week, Dove heads back to Memphis to put the final touches on the wedding plans. Between being busy, Dove misses Elvis like crazy. She's ready for him to be home and for them to be back together for the long term. No one is sure what will happen when he leaves for basic training and then for Germany, but at least then she'll know that he's hers.

Finally, the day before the wedding comes and Elvis is home. He sits on the couch while the women flit around him with last minute details. Whenever Dove passes him, he snatches her and pulls her down into his lap, peppering her with kisses. He's missed her so much while he's been gone that he can barely keep his hands off of her. She giggles and lets him kiss her until her mother or Gladys calls for her again. He groans when she gets up, dying to carry her up the stairs and have his way with her, but he doesn't. Instead, he watches her hips as she walks away and dreams about what the next day and night will hold.

Dove's whole family is in town, so they all come over for a lively dinner in the dining room at Graceland. Everyone has a good time laughing and visiting, but Elvis and Dove are about to burst with desire for each other. The nearness of their wedding night has them both worked up and the tension between them is palpable. At dinner, her hand rests on his thigh and the temptation to run it up to his dick is almost overwhelming. He tries to keep his breath even, but all he can think about is her pretty little mouth around his cock. She squeezes his thigh gently and he inhales sharply. He chances a glance over at Dove as she puts a bite in her mouth. She slides the fork out from between her lips slowly and he almost moans out loud.

"Isn't that right, Elvis?" His mother tries to get his attention and he shakes his head a little, trying to figure out what she's talking about. There's an awkward silence as Elvis smiles uncomfortably. "Don't you think this is the best film you've made so far?"

"Oh! Yes. I think this one is gonna be really good. I'm enjoyin' it." The conversation continues and Elvis breathes a sigh of relief and adjusts his pants around his rock hard erection. Dove whispers to him.

"You alright, Jumbee?" He nods.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Why?"

"You seem a little... uncomfortable." Her eyes drift down to his lap, where he has his napkin trying to cover himself, but she knows he's hard.

"Oh, no, honey, I'm..." He drops his voice, looks around to make sure everyone is occupied, and then leans in and whispers in her ear. "Dovey, I want you so bad I feel like I'm about to bust right here at this table."

She takes a deep breath and looks around, a fake smile on her face. Then, she whispers in his ear, inching her hand up his thigh a little.

"God, Jumbee, I thought I was the only one dyin'. I can't stop thinking about your hands and your mouth..." He lets out the softest groan and closes his eyes for a millisecond.

"How are we gonna be good tonight?"

"Well, you're staying in the guest room, right?" He nods. They agreed to sleep in separate beds for the night before the wedding. "We'll be fine. Just... don't think about it..."

He laughs softly and pulls back to look her in the eye.

"Hey! You two aren't married yet. How about you join the rest of us here in the room?" Dove's father remarks with an amused look on his face. The two young people swiftly turn back to the table and blush.

"Sorry, daddy."

"Yeah, we're sorry, sir." Dove's father laughs.

"Save it for tomorrow night."

"Save what?" Dove's youngest brother asks and all of the adults laugh. Elvis takes Dove's hand and they finish the rest of the meal like this, him trying to eat with his left hand so he can keep hers from wandering.

******

Eventually, everyone settles in to go to bed and Dove's family heads back to the hotel. Elvis has moved his things for the wedding into the extra bedroom that shares a bathroom with their room. Dove changes into pajamas and sits on the bed. She needs to brush her teeth, but she can't stop thinking about Elvis and his erection at dinner. Shaking her head, she stands up and walks into the bathroom. Elvis looks up from his sink. He's already in there brushing his teeth. She walks to her sink and starts, actively trying to ignore him. He finishes and stands there watching her as she rinses and spits and puts her toothbrush back. They stare at each other awkwardly for a bit.

"I miss you, honey."

"Elvis, we've been together all day."

"Yeah, but you know what I mean." She smiles and looks down at his dick where it presses against his pajama pants. He holds his hands out to show he's harmless. "I just wanna kiss ya, baby. Please?"

She walks over to him and melts into his arms as he bends down and kisses her deeply. She whispers against his lips.

"Last kiss before the wedding." His hands roam over her body and one drifts down to her center.

"I wanna make you cum, honey." She smiles into his kiss.

"We're getting married tomorrow."

"I know... please?" He starts to rub his finger over her clit and she whimpers.

"Oh... I guess one won't hurt..." He smiles and gets down on his knees excitedly. She moans softly as he slides her shorts and panties down her legs, pressing soft kisses to her inner thighs. She leans back against the counter as he finds her center with his tongue, dragging it over and around her sensitive bud. "Yes, Jumbee. It's so good."

She throws her head back as he works his mouth on her. He licks up each side and then presses his tongue into her slit. Her hands go to his hair as he moves his mouth. He sucks lightly on her clit and then moans into her.

"God, baby, I'll never get enough of how you taste."

"Don't stop! I'm so close!" He smiles again and slides first one and then two fingers up into her. He's just recently been able to manage two fingers inside her, but he thinks it's probably good to get her used to something bigger since they'll be making love in less than 24 hours. She moans and arches her back against the counter as he does.

"Cum for me, baby." She slides her feet apart, spreading her legs a little more as he works between her thighs. Her orgasm is so close she feels like she might explode. He curls his fingers in a come here motion and licks across her clit deeply and that's all it takes. She tumbles headfirst into a wave of intense pleasure, her legs shaking as the tingling electricity rushes through her veins.

"Oh, oh Elvis, yes!" She moans as she cums hard in his mouth. He slides his fingers out and licks her fervently through her orgasm until she finally starts to come back down. His tongue presses into her slit a couple more times before he licks up the front and then pulls back, standing up and wiping his face with his hand. He rolls his hips and hardened cock against her as she moans.

"God, baby, I've never wanted anyone the way I want you right now. I don't know if I can wait any longer." He rubs against her over and over, giving himself the friction he needs to feel his orgasm start to form at the base of his dick. The tension from dinner has pushed him to the edge already. She puts her hands on his hips and pushes him away, sinking to her knees in front of him. He moans as she pulls his pants down just enough to let his cock bounce free. She runs her tongue around the tip of him and begins to pump him with her hand. In the time since the first blowjob, she's learned how to open her throat and push him in as far as he'll go. When she does, he damn near falls over.

"Fuck... Dovey..."

He tangles his hands in her hair and begins to softly thrust into her mouth. He's dying to fill her throat with cum, and she's doing her best to get him there. She licks over the top of his head again, tasting the precum that's gathered there.

"You want me to swallow it?"

"Yes, god yes baby. That feels so good." She nods and bobs up and down on him a few more times before he leans his head back and moans. He's so close and she's not slowing down.

"Baby, I'm gonna... oh!" He cries out breathlessly as he cums into her mouth, shuddering his hips against her, and she swallows every drop of it, sucking him lightly. She licks up the bottom of his shaft as he's still a little hard and he gasps and moans. "Baby, don't get me started again or I will take you right here, right now, and make you mine."

"God, I need it so bad, Jumbee." She stands up and snuggles into his chest. Elvis looks at the clock on the wall. It's after midnight.

"Can you hold on until tonight? You're killin' me Dovey. We only have a few hours left." He presses his lips gently to her forehead and she nods.

"We can do this, baby. Only one more day." She squeezes him tightly and he wraps his arms around her.

They're not sure how it happens, but they end up cuddled together on the bathroom rug, fast asleep.

******

"Dove, are you awake?" Elvis and Dove scramble up and run back to their respective bedrooms when her mother knocks on her door. Elvis hollers over his shoulder as he runs out of the bathroom.

"I love you, Dovey! I'll see you later!"

"Don't look at me! And I love you too!" Dove whisper-yells in response. She makes it into her bed just as her mother opens the door and she pretends to just be waking up.

"Oh, good morning mama."

"Good. We were afraid Elvis had snuck in here to sleep with you."

"Oh... no, he didn't sleep in here." It's not a lie. Her mother has her dress draped over her arm and Dove looks at it softly. It's almost time.

Elvis stands in his own room stretching and trying to work the pain out of his shoulders from sleeping on the floor. He sees his suit hanging on the door and smiles. Today is the day.

******

Most of the day passes in a flurry of excitement as everyone gets ready. Dove is mostly confined to their bedroom with people flitting in and out as she does her hair and makeup and gets dressed. Just before she's supposed to go get in the car to go to the church, though, she sits in there alone waiting to be told she can leave the room. Everything has been carefully orchestrated so that she doesn't accidentally run into Elvis in the hallway. She's looking at herself in the mirror when there's a soft knock on the door.

"Dovey?"

"Elvis? Don't come in!" Her heart jumps in panic and she looks for a place to hide.

"I won't, baby. Just... come over to the door." She walks to the door and he cracks it and slips his hand inside. "Take my hand, honey. I wanna do something before we go to the church."

"Okay..." She takes his hand and, without thinking, kisses his knuckles. He sighs softly at the feeling of her lips on his skin.

"Alright, close your eyes."

"Why?"

"I'm gonna pray for us." Her breath catches and a lump forms in her throat as he begins to pray. It takes everything in her not to cry through the whole thing. When he gets to the end, he squeezes her hand. "Amen... I love you, Dovey."

"I love you too, Jumbee."

"I'll see you at the altar, okay?"

"Okay."

"Remember: it's just you and me and God today, baby. Nothing else matters." He squeezes her hand again and then lets go, pulling his back through the door. She hears someone holler for him from downstairs. He yells back that he's coming and then his footsteps move down the hallway. Dove's heart is so full of love for him that she feels like it might explode. A few more minutes pass and her mom opens the door.

"It's time. Are you ready?" Dove takes a deep breath.

"I've never been more ready for anything in my life."

******

Time for wedding bells!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Taglist:

@wildhorseinkansas @ccab @elvisfatass @elvisalltheway101 @aliypop @18lkpeters @dkayfixates @tacozebra051 @your-nanas-house @deniseinmn @joshuntildawn13 @lookingforrainbows @60svintage @littlehoneyposts @epthedream69 @louisejoy86 @rjmartin11 @from-memphis-with-love @deltafalax @atleastpleasetelephone @cinnamoroll-things @burnthheparaphilia @jhoneybees @cattcb @everythingelvispresley @returntopresley

[felice-jaganshi]

My Fallen Apple

Lucifer X Reader

Chapter 4

The next few weeks are an absolute delight! Visiting Lucifer has become your favorite part of every week. This week however, he's suddenly texting you to cancel your visit. Something about an extermination… you try to ask him more questions, confused by what he means, but he just says not to come today and that everything will be okay once it's over.

You spend the day a little mopey, and your friends question why you aren't gone with your secret boyfriend. You try to explain he canceled on this week's date.

Your bestie pulled you aside.

 

“Hey, when are you gonna introduce me to him anyways? It's not Adam, right? You're not secretly pity dating the bastard are you?” You practically gagged at the thought. 

“Ugh, no way! Never! I… I don't know if I can introduce you yet. We're not that serious…”

 

“Not that serious? When you see eachother every week, and sometimes sleep over? Girl, no. Don't let someone play with you like that.” She frowned. “Now i really gotta meet this guy and read him the riot act! If he isn't committing to you, he doesn't deserve you!”

 

“He's married! Okay?!” You scream back, tears in your eyes. You wait for her to judge you… there's shock for a moment, a look of contemplation.

 

“okay… so are you their third, or is his partner a bitch? Because you're not normally a homewrecker.” 

 

“I've never met their partner, they've been missing for seven years, and he's just so lonely and needs a friend. I didn't mean to fall in love!” You start to cry, and she wraps you in a hug. 

 

“Hey, hey, okay. Everything will be fine. Who is it? You know you can tell me anything.” She smiled, and it was true, ever since you became friends in life, you two were besties.

So, you took out your phone and showed him a selfie you and Lucifer took in the duck pile on your last visit.

 

She gasped, “oh my god! He's so cute!! Girl, absolutely you gotta get that ring from him. Let me be your maid of honor, please!” You smile.

 

“That depends, how do you feel about traveling to hell?”

 

“To… H- what was his name again?” She looked at you with a worried dread.

 

You whisper his name. “Lucifer…”

 

“Oh. Oh fuck. How did you meet him?!” She looks amazed, and just a bit afraid. 

 

“Remember when Adam tried to ask me out? He shoved me out of heaven when I turned him down, and I fell into hell and broke my wings.”

 

“Oh my fucking god! That dickbag! Nothing happened to you right?! Was your phone broken? I'd come right away if you called.” She hugged you tight again.

 

“No, nothing happened. Lucifer found me right away and healed my wings. He's really a nice guy, Zariah. He's so sweet…” she pulls out a handkerchief and dabs away your tears.

 

“I'll absolutely go to hell with you. Whenever you need me, I'll be there. You're my bestie forever. And if he really treats you so well, I'll support your relationship! You deserve a good one after all the shit you got in life. And hey, if you move there, I'll let ‘you-know-who’ know when she gets here. I'll give her your number and everything.” You hug her again tightly. The people you both left behind when you died wasn't a topic either of you liked to bring up.

 

After the heartfelt confession, you felt much better about your feelings for Lucifer. You could always count on Zariah's support for everything.  However…

“Why did you think it was Adam that I was dating? Come on girl, I have more self worth these days than that!” You laugh, letting her know you're just playing around.

 

“Oh, because this is the day every year he and a bunch of other angels disappear mysteriously for some ‘heaven mission’. I'm gonna find out what it is one of these days. Guarantee you that! Oh, and my research on serial killers is going so so good .” She smiled cheerfully, and you couldn't help but roll your eyes with a smile. she was so weird, but it was part of what you loved about her.

 

________

It was about a week later that your visits to Lucifer returned to normal. You decided to wear something a bit “nicer”. His wife had been gone for 7 years, that sounds like a long enough separation for him to find someone new. And if she couldn't see the value in this man, you'd do it for her! And maybe you'd get to meet his daughter eventually? Your heart fluttered at the thought.

 

As you arrived in hell, he flew up to meet you like usual only to falter at the sight of your dress. “Wowza! That's a really nice dress becca! Did I promise to take you somewhere and forget?” He grinned, struggling to keep his eyes on your face.

 

“Oh, no. I just bought this recently and wanted to show it off to my bestie!” You smile and do a little twirl before circling him, “I'm glad you like it.” You wink, and he blushes.

 

“I… y-yeah, I do.” He became flustered and slowly began his descent to his palace. You followed after, seduction plan phase one was underway!

[princessconsuela120]

Chapter Sixteen: If I Ever Did Believe —✧

Series masterlist

Chapter warnings: mentions of injury, mentions of pregnancy, mentions of death, that’s it.

Authors note: I know this has been sooooo long guys, but one more chapter and we’re done! Don’t forget to like comment and leave requests, they are still open😉 enjoy!!

—✧

For the past week, I had been staying with Kenny and his kind family. After Kenny was released from the hospital, I made a promise to help take care of him. He didn’t want me too, but who cares, I don’t listen to anyone.

Most nights had occurred the way today had. Kenny, Karen and I bunched together in the living room, watching movies as Karen did my hair, or painted my nails, or did my makeup.

“This color is perfect for you Juno.” Karen said kindly, smiling at me as she painted my nails.

“Aww thanks carebear.” I replied, smiling at her.

“You two are insufferable.” Kenny grumbled, turning the tv volume up even louder to try and drown out the talking.

“Shut up and eat your potatoes.” Juno hissed, making Kenny look back with a fake smile, as he batted his eyelashes at her.

“I can’t, can you feed them to me mama?” He teased, making me roll my eyes at him as I shoved him lightly.

“Shut up you ass hole.”

“Juno!” Kenny yelled, holding two hands over my stomach as best as he could with his cast, pretending to cover the baby’s ears. “Language! Not infront of the baby.”

“Oh shut up.”

“I can’t wait to be an aunt.” Karen said, a wide smile on her face, he eyes lit up from the look of my stomach.

“You’re gonna be a great one too Karen.” Kenny said, pulling her into him happily.

“I think it’s gonna be a girl.” She said excitedly. She held her nail polish out, smiling as she waved it excitedly before continuing my nails. “And I’m gonna do her nails, and her hair.”

“You think it’s gonna be a girl? I was thinking a boy.” I exclaimed, watching as she concentrated on my nails.

“I think it’s a girl. It’s my aunt powers you know?” I nodded, unable to argue with her reasoning.

“Of course.”

“You’re gonna look so beautiful for the baby when she’s born.” Karen cheered, referring to my hair that she was now doing.

“All thanks to you Karenn…” my words were interrupted with a groan. “Ugh, god.”

“What? What’s wrong?” Kenny asked nervously, jumping up from his spot at my discomfort.

“More false contractions. Pissing this kid off to no end, they won’t stop kicking me.” I grumbled, squeezing my eyes shut at the sting.

“Can, can I feel?” Karen asked, making me smile. I grabbed her hand, placing it where the baby had just kicked.

“Of course.”

“Woah. That’s so cool.” She whispered, causing me to turn to Kenny with a smile.

“I know. I can never keep my hands away anymore.” He exclaimed, placing his hand beside Karen’s.

“I can’t wait to meet you.” She whispered.

“I’m not gonna lie you guys this is really nice.” Kenny said, smiling around at Karen and I.

“Yeah.”

“Me and my best girls.” Kenny said, putting a hand on my stomach. “You two little cutie.” He whispered, rubbing gently over my bump.

“I’m telling you it’s a boy.” I teased, making Kenny scoff.

“Ah, my sister’s always right.” He said, high diving with Karen before pulling her to his side, letting her snuggle into him as we turned our attention to the movie.

—✧

Liane Cartman passed away a week after we came back from the cabin. It was strange actually, Kyle and I had gone to visit with flowers the night Cartman got back from the hospital. I think she may have known something was coming, she was always a smart woman. That night we talked and talked, more than I may have ever spoken with Liane in my life. She went peacefully, Cartman said she was sleeping when it happened. Her funeral was the next day, almost all of South Park was there.

It was as quiet as it could’ve been in the morning, the only sound being the chirping of birds that flew around. Blue jays, to be more specific. Eric had always told me that he loved blue jays. He loved them because of her. Whenever we’d go over to Eric’s house, Ms.Cartman would always boast about the bird feeder outside. How the blue jays would show up.

I love blue jays now too.

“I’m so sorry Eric.” I mumbled, quiet to try and keep the peace that Liane left behind. Eric shrugged as I placed a hand comfortingly on his shoulder.

“Hey, it’s life isn’t it?” He replied shortly, making Kyle drown at his words.

“Doesn’t mean you can’t be upset.” Kyle said.

I turned to face Eric as he looked at me. He frowned, and soon that frown turned into a cry, and he was hiding his face in my chest. I couldn’t do anything but hug him back.

It was an odd sight, to comfort Eric. Usually he’d be making snarky comments as someone else comforted me. But it was nice, sad, but nice seeing that Eric was human too. And like all humans, grief stings.

“You stay with us now, yeah? That way you aren’t alone.” I suggested, pulling away as Eric whipped his eyes on his sleeve.

“I can’t do that. You guys need space.” He argued, making me shake my head.

“No, Eric really. We’re moving into the barn with Stan. Gonna renovate and redecorate for the baby.” I explained, smiling at him softly.

“We’d be more than happy for you to live with us.” Kyle joined, smiling at him as well.

“You guys have shown me way more kindness than I deserve.” Eric said, letting out a shaky smile as I rubbed his shoulder comfortingly.

“Everyone deserves love Eric. Even you.” Kyle said, shoving Eric lightly, making him chuckle.

—✧

“This is the crib.” Stan said, holding up a large cardboard box with Kenny on the other end, slightly out of breath from having carried it all the way from the car. I smiled, pointing to the spot I wanted it placed.

“Oh, perfect. Over there by the rocking chair.” I explained, making Stan sigh as he and Kenny carried it to the corner.

We had finally been able to move into the barn. Dad was giving the spot up, to nit tempt any future farming plans, and besides, now we wouldn’t bug my parents with the baby. We were having a baby, Kyle and I figured we needed a place to stay. Now, even better, Stan was moving with us. And so was Kenny, and now Cartman. I wasn’t gonna say I was excited, but damn I was so excited.

“You know, if you know where everything goes why don’t you carry a box in?” Stan whined, making me roll my eyes, handing him the small box I carried as I gestured to my large stomach.

“Because, Stanley, I happen to be with child.” I replied sarcastically, making him roll his eyes.

“Oh yeah, right, how could I forget.”

“This is crazy. This is so crazy! I mean we’re actually living together.” Kenny cheered excitedly, Kyle smiling at me as he came to wrap an arm around my waist.

“I know right? This has been our dream since we were kids.” Kyle exclaimed as I snuggled into his side.

“I can’t believe your dad let us take the barn.” Kenny said as Stan and I looked at each other.

“Neither can we.” We both chuckled as we responded in unison.

“It’s good though, he’s finally ready to let tegridy go.” Stan couldn’t help but smile as he said that.

“Who knows, maybe we can plant his left over…” Stan and I both quickly interrupted Kenny before he could finish.

“No!” We both shouted, making Kenny hold his hands up in defense.

“I was gonna say his left over fruits and veggies. Calm down guys.”

“Sorry. Just uh, traumatizing.” I laughed nervously, shaking my head to redirect the conversation. “Alright so, Kyle and I have the room next to the nursery, so that means, Stan upstairs, Kenny downstairs and Cartman…”

“I can take the couch, it’s fine.” Cartman said quickly, making Kyle roll his eyes.

“Don’t be ridiculous Eric.”

“No really, it’s not much harm.”

“Eric, stop. You’re living here, with us. We want you here, with us. This room is for you.” Kyle explained, shaking Eric’s hand. I couldn’t hold back the tears that pricked in my eyes any longer, and Kyle turned to me with a frown.

“Hey, don’t cry, it’s okay.” He said, pulling me closer to him. I grabbed his hand with a tearful smile.

“No, I know. I’m just so happy right now.”

[thatcheeseycandle]

(Current me here right before posting this, I yeah- I was a bit burnt out from a lot and I found this sitting in my drafts while looking through them. Might as well post it while I can)

//ITS ACTUALLY A GOOD MONDAY CAUSE ITS A HOISNY READING WOOOOOOOOO

TW FOR SPOILERS ON THE ENTIRETY OF HOISNY CHP. 4 BTW

wOO OKAY I'll be wishing that the notes aren't gonna jinx me LMAO

"He didn’t want to think about what had happened at the Great Race, though it was the only thing he could think about." Felt that feeling before hOLY GOSH

Diving head on with a fresh recap of the chapters before this with it's angst I suppose BEHHSWHDH but hey I'm not complaining SO YEAH CONTINUING ON

(insert me reading silently with some "oUGHS"s in the mix, I can't remember how I exactly felt about this bit but I remember that I was just sad for Thomas. Like my guy found out all his family was wiped out IN SECONDS right there and it was infront of A LOT of people.)

"What would Gordon say if he saw his friends divided?" Well considering a lot, it's not a thought to dwell on with the joyous of emotions unfortunately BEHSHDHDHSHS

(Okay yeah insert another silence with the only noises from me being "oh"s and "oUGH"s cause I don't know how to word how I felt but I just felt like my heart was melting but like in a way I felt sad for them)

"'Wait a minute-' Samuel started, suddenly coming to a realisation. 'The story of you falling into a mine, that’s true?!'"

'It was written about?!' Thomas screeched, his face going as red as James’s paint from embarrassment and both crews spontaneously started laughing." I LOVE THIS BIT OHMYGHAHAGAHSJXH

(Yet again, I couldn't find the words to describe my reaction for the rest of this considering my lungs kept deflating when I regained a bit of oxygen every sentence LMAO)

AAYYYY READING RWS LETS GOO

This whole bit, I love it so much like YEAHAHDJDHDH LETS GO THEYRE GONNA READ RWS and AND THEYRE GONNA HANG OUT WITH EACHOTHER (aka cope with their situations together LMAOCHDHSJ)

Okay people WE'RE AT THE STEAMWORKS NOW LETS GOOO

(Yet again, lost my words at this bit and my feelings were basically a combination of curiosity and sadness sneaking from the back of my mind aka I started slipping into that unbreakable trans whenever you read)

Ah crap okay Scot you better not slip your words on this (but hey I cant exactly blame him if he does considering that was HIS BROTHER)

(Okay seriously WHAT IS WITH ME PAUSING WITH MY WORDS IN THIS- Insert another silence with the only emotions in this being relatability and sadness)

Scot you aren't the only one to have a hard time sleeping now BHAAHSHXBJAJXH SO YEAH

(Seems like I was so shocked in this scene that I fORGOT TO WRITE MY REACTION TO IT But basically it was me being super shocked, my heart dropped, then needed minutes to process it before continuing on)

“No, it’s not silly. You’re going through a hard time right now and what you’re experiencing is valid.” SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK AND SIDE HENRY‼‼

(Okay sorry for interrupting this reaction with my current notes but GOD I FORGOT TO WRITE DOWN A LOT OF REACTIONS. But from what I remember of this, I think I was just happy at the fluff that started to slither in. Thank God I'm finishing up this review the same day Chp. 5 comes out so I dont have to wait after this LMAO)

And RIGHT THERE FOLKS we end it off with a cliffhanger, except it's a nice cliffhanger! Very excited for the next chapter now that's built up to that

Yet again credits to Loraine ( @lorainedoesthings ) for releasing such a great chapter! Very excited to see what's to come in these coming weeks

[uhbasicallyjustmilex]

So I’ve been meaning to ramble about the beauty of four walls for so long now but am only just getting round it so i really apologise because the amount I’ve enjoyed reading every chapter and just the pleasure the story has bought me I should’ve been leaving huge appreciation on every chapter. You’re so talented.

I’m just gonna start by saying that four walls is one of, if not the most, thought provoking and intimate things I’ve ever read. I don’t really have the vocab to explain what it is about it, but the way you portray emotions and just the delicacy of every situation, especially in chapter 8 where they finally get together, is just something else. There’s this underlying yearning and carefulness in each chapter that’s just so realistic, and seeing it written down and feeling that ache in my chest whenever something you’ve written just encapsulates that so perfectly is just heaven.

Also the way you depict insecurity ;-; Alex thinking miles is suddenly going to start looking at him differently. And that possessiveness of miles and confusion he feels about Suzy because she’s more than just a fling and is in Miles’ personal space and bubble that Alex sees as his but now includes her. I just can’t because it’s so relatable and written SO PERFECTLY.

And the little details? THE LITTLE DETAILS! These tiny bits of intimacy like the mixed jackets and the shoes next to the door and the description of miles’ belt buckle and how it moves with his breathing is just- omg. And the little addition of Alex always trying to unlock each door with the wrong set of keys? And the ‘where’s home’ ‘here’ ’me too’? SOBBING. It’s honestly a little scary how perfectly you depict that kind of lostness that can be common for people who are constantly moving about and find that security in that one person who’s always been their person no matter where they are. Sometimes I really think you must just be one of them writing their actual story just pretending it’s fanfic xD

And the nerves, and that doubt, like even though Alex must know deep deep down that miles feels the same he just needs to provoke it until Miles breaks and he can be sure. And that ‘c’mon al, it’s never just you, is it?’ That miles says because it’s just them, on the same wavelength, overthinking themselves into being convinced the other doesn’t want them. And the HURT omfg the hurt. Miles thinking Alex is just pushing to see what happens and to get his own way like again I can’t explain how incredibly you do that and how realistically you portray it and without seeing inside Alex’s mind it does seem like that’s exactly what he’s doing. But Miles’ perception of him vs the way Alex sees him as home (like ‘just the two of them alone in the room Alex most often sees when he closes his eyes to escape other rooms’)just ASGDKFLFOENDB. Babies.

I’m really really late going somewhere and this isn’t nearly the appreciation I want to show for you or four walls, nor is it anywhere close to highlighting all the things that are just phenomenal about the way you write and portray these characters. But the way you write has honestly introduced me to this whole new world of how characters emotion’s should look, and how it’s this simmering beneath the surface that you do absolutely incredibly that makes the characters so much deeper and more vulnerable and just perfection

So thank you so so much, honestly love this story and your writing beyond belief <3333333

hii 💖 oh my GOD where to start??? this is so unbelievably, UNBELIEVABLY lovely i don't even know what to say 😭😭 genuinely, i can't even begin to tell you how much this made my day (scratch that. my whole WEEK) when it popped up in my inbox 🥺

writing four walls over the past year has brought me so much joy, so to hear that this little world i've created has been bringing other people joy too is truly the most special feeling in the world ✨💫

your kind words about how i portray emotions and inner workings is just - god, i don't even know what to say 🥺 that's always been one of my favourite things about writing, but when you immerse yourself in a character's headspace as much as i have with alex in this fic, it can also make it really challenging. like i definitely spend a LOT of time going back and forth and worrying that i haven't got it quite right to make sense for his character, or that i've spent too much time on the introspective side of things vs dialogue. so yeah - to hear that when you're reading it all the emotions feel that real?? aghhhhh. that's everything i could possibly want and makes all the challenges of writing it feel TOTALLY worthwhile 💗 (also, i love that you feel that ache in your chest when you're reading, because that's what i feel when i'm writing them in this fic too 🥺)

i'm also so glad you think all of alex's feelings of jealousy/insecurity around suzy work - that's been something i've really enjoyed writing actually, it feels like her presence is (slowly 🤦‍♀️) helping him unlock a lot of doors that it might have taken him a lot longer to notice otherwise! it's been really interesting to write that dynamic.

AHHHHH as i'm sure you can tell, i'm an absolute sucker for little details, so it makes me SO HAPPY that you enjoy all those elements of the fic 💗 also all your comments about chapter eight specifically and how everything unfolded there have made my heart absolutely sing 🥹 i was actually really nervous about sharing that chapter and worried that it wouldn't measure up, so hearing your lovely words about that scene is just - thank you 🥺 it truly means so much💖

honestly it's not the first time someone has said that they think i must be either alex or miles writing this, and each time i hear it it just leaves me speechless because that is just the BIGGEST compliment ever??? 😭 obviously we only get glimpses of what they're like from interviews, lyrics etc - but they have *such* a special dynamic and are such fascinating people, so to feel like i've managed to capture even a semblance of who they are is truly so special, thank you 💗

i'm going to stop flailing at you in a moment because i feel like i've rambled on quite long enough now, but this: "the way you write has honestly introduced me to this whole new world of how character's emotions should look" THIS??? this has to be one of my favourite things someone has ever said about my writing 🥺 i want to print it out on a post-it note and stick it above my desk ✨

thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful and generous comment - i truly can't begin to tell you what a gift feedback like this is, and how much it inspires me and keeps me going through the tougher moments of writing 🙏 you also sent it at a time where i'd been struggling particularly with self-criticism and doubt around the chapter i'm currently writing, and honestly reading all your kind words just restored so much confidence and joy in my writing. thank you so very much, i'm wishing you the most wonderful day and sending all the best vibes your way 💜💜💜

(PS the next chapter is nearly ready now! 💖)

[shinestarhwaa]

QUERENCIA - CHAPTER 3: WILDEST DREAMS

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Word Count: 2K

Tags/warnings: wet dream, masturbation, sexual tension, mild angst

ENJOY!

"Oh, oh, yes, like that, fuck me like that!" Evelyn panted out, face pressed down in the sheets as Wooyoung fucked her into the matrass from behind. "Yeah? You like that?" He smirked as he smacked his big veiny hand on her juicy ass.

"Mm, yes, just like that! I love it so much!" She whined loudly. He pounded his cock into her so fast he swore he'd combust. It only took a few more thrusts for him to-

"Wake up"

What?

"Wake up," Yeosang whined as he shook Wooyoung's shoulder. Wooyoung sat up straight again, eyes wide open. He felt his cock pulsating in his joggers. The older one shook him again, more annoyed now.

"Are you gonna get out of the car or what? We're here. We're gonna eat chicken." Wooyoung nodded and got up, stepping out of the car, barely realizing where he was. As he walked into the restaurant with the other guys he felt his hot cum sticking in his underwear.

The men sat down at a table and were quick to order as it was quite some time after dinner hours. Wooyoung sighed, rubbing his eyes as he tried to take in what just happened. He had a wet dream where he actually came for the first time in years, and not just a wet dream, it was a wet dream about Evelyn, his dongsaeng. Oh this was bad. So bad.

Wooyoung strongly hoped nobody had seen him doing or saying anything weird in his sleep, but he figured they hadn't as the guys didn't say anything about it. They discussed about a stupid game Wooyoung did not care too much about. When the chicken came he was quick to stuff his mouth full with it, just to have something else to think about.

"So, Woo, are we gonna talk at all about what you were dreaming about?" San grinned, a slight smirk forming on his lips. Oh God no. "What?" Wooyoung asked, eyes big and wide open. "What did I do?" He asked nervously. "You were constantly shifting and making some kind of grunty...moany sound," Yeosang explained. Wooyoung thought deeply for a second, just to find something to cover his wet dream.

"I think I was getting chased or something," he blurted out. Most of the guys took his answer for the truth, but San's stare lingered on him. Wooyoung raised his eyebrow, mentally questioning him what he's on about. He knew him far too well to believe he wasn't having sexy dreams, but the others luckily had no idea. Wooyoung tried to avoid San's gaze as he felt himself blush whenever he met his eyes.

He was in trouble now.

♡

As Jongho laid in his bed he stared at the ceiling, thinking about Gayoung's beautiful voice. He put in his earbuds and searched up video's of her. The man felt a little silly like this, as if he was a fanboy, which he kinda was but that ain't the point.

It's been two weeks since Jongho sang his duet with Gayoung and he had been feeling lighter and happier ever since. They didn't necissarily have any lovesongs in their new album but he couldn't help but think about Gayoung anyways as he practiced, imagining that she watched him and cheered him on.

They had spoken for a while after it, talking about how they had started singing and why they felt so passionate about it. It somehow deepened their somewhat 'friendship' situation, although he was still left confused about if they were friends or collegues.

Hours ticked away on the clock as Jongho managed to watch every single fancam, every compilation and every Live clips of her in existance. He giggled like a teenage girl looking at her crush. Maybe he was looking at his crush.

Listening to her vocals in Donna's first album was going to be his new favourite hobby, for sure. He replayed it until he fell in a deep sleep, only to wake up around 8AM with the album still on. Did he actually stream this all night?

"Good for the charts, I guess," he sighed as he rubbed his eyes. He got up and put his earbuds back in their case. He made his way to the bathroom and took off his clothes, stepping into the shower. Jongho took a deep breath, trying to calm his heart down before facing Hongjoong and Wooyoung. He simply could not face them as he was all giddy.

After washing up Jongho took care of his skin, mumbling the words to Gayoung's parts in No Good Reason as he did so. Wooyoung stepped into the bathroom, fuck.

Okay, act normal, act normal, Jongho thought as he fixed his hair, but it was hard to hide his excitement. Wooyoung patted Jongho's back. "Good morning," he said as he brushed his hair back. "Morning, Wooyoung," Jongho smiled. Wooyoung was a little surprised to see Jongho so perky early in the morning, but let it slide. He had more important stuff to deal with.

He had trouble sleeping now because he got horny so easily. Maybe he truly was sex deprived because everything turned him on and also everything made him think about Evelyn, as if he was under some kind of spell, but he was so ready to stay under her spell.

♡

Seonghwa sat by his desk after he shut off his YouTube livestream. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair after putting his phone to the side. He had promised Atiny's to do a live today, even though he didn't truly feel like coming online.

It had been a rough time with a lot of pressure on the comeback-preparations, and Seonghwa felt somewhat drained. He absorbed himself in Animal Crossing and Zelda games, so much it started to annoy his members. He felt uncomfortable, yet he did not wanna confess as he was afraid to be a bother during this busy time.

He was used to being the members' rock, the shoulder they cry on and each of them actually would. He was grateful, but felt lonely, maybe not being seen as much right now. Seonghwa found himself craving attention and before he could contemplate too much he got up and entered San's room.

San was laying in bed, watching funny animal video's as he snuggled up in his sheets. "Hey hyung, what's up?" San asked as he sat up. Seonghwa shrugged a little before shuffling closer to San. "What are you upto?" He asked.

"Just watching some videos." San patted next to him on the bed, inviting Seonghwa in. "What's going on?"

Seonghwa sighed and rested his head on San's shoulder. "Just struggling with the pressure, I'm not statisfied with my part yet but the music video shooting is coming up and... I just lost confidence. I don't feel seen, which I know, it's ridiculous," Seonghwa mumbled.

"Hwa, hyungie, they are your feelings, your emotions. They aren't ridiculous or silly or weird. If that's how you feel that is just how you feel, hm? Do we not check in as much? Cause I can pay attention to that. And your part is truly amazing, we are all so proud of you," San smiled, immediately lifting Seonghwa's energy.

"Really?" "Yes really, you are truly the coolest~ you've been looking great too, there is nothing to worry about."

Seonghwa nuzzled his face into San's neck as he sighed, wrapping his arm around him. "It's okay to feel like this... But it isn't necissary okay?" "Okay," Seonghwa nodded. "You'll do great, I promise, everyone will love you and hype you up, like I do." "You are the best Sannie."

The door opened again, revealing a wet-haired Mingi. "Hey, what's going on? Are we having a mountain-cuddle party?" "Somewhat, yeah," San chuckled, making Seonghwa smile too. Mingi took a sprint towards San's bed, jumped and landed on top of the two boys who yelled at him in pain.

"Yah, Mingi!" Seonghwa laughed as he scolded him. "Mountain cuddle party!" Mingi cheered, shaking his head like a dog so the water droplets from his hair ended up in San's face and sheets. "Aish you-"

"Love you too Mountain."

♡

It was another day of work, but today KQ decided to give their artists some kind of update on new boring policies that the guys and girls couldn't care less about if they were honest. They were seated in a room as they listened to the chairmen, but a few of them rather paid attention to something - or someone - else.

Wooyoung's eyes met Evelyn's from across the room. He couldn't help but bite his lip as they held eyecontact, until he noticed her eyes were scanning his body. A light smirk played on his lips as he looked away, feeling his ego being boosted like crazy. She was actually checking him out.

He tried to steal glances at her when she wasn't looking, admiring how her flowery sundress hugged her figure. It was cute, but the chunky boots and the sexy eyeliner made his blood coil in his veins, in all the spicy ways.

If he got like 10.000 won for every time he had thought of her whenever they made a joke about their upcoming title track, he'd be a billionaire by now.

When the chairmain dismissed them Wooyoung found himself walking behind her. She suddenly dropped her phone out of her hands, excused herself for being clumsy and casually bended forward to pick it up, giving him a perfect view of her behind. Now she knew she was trying to give him a peek on purpose. She wanted it just as badly as he did, he just needed to get her alone.

The entire day he was busy with preparations and photoshoots and that thankfully distracted him for the most part, but the real insanity began as he entered his bedroom. He leaned against the wall, throwing back his head as he sighed.

His cock hardened in his pants when he recalled the moment he had the perfect view on her ass. Wooyoung palmed himself through his jeans, biting his lip. He got out of his clothes within a few seconds, shimmied down his underwear and got into his bed.

His phone screen lit up the room as he searched for Evelyn's pictures. His heart nearly stopped when he found a picture of her on stage, her clothing short, tight and dark, God was it tight, and Wooyoung prayed for forgiveness when he slid his hand to his crotch.

His hand wrapped around his hardened cock, and he hissed at the feeling. Wooyoung spat on his hand and used it as a lubricant to work up his cock. He fucked into his fist at a slow pace, scanning her beautiful features as he looked at her pictures.

Oh he was going to hell for this, masturbating to her pictures. Was this even okay to do? Pleasure overtook him as he jerked himself off faster, so focussed on the girls' lips and sensual eyes. Wooyoung clenched his eyes shut as he felt himself getting closer. He pictures her hands on him, her mouth on him. Maybe she'd take his cock into her mouth and-

Wooyoung spilled his seeds all over his hand, coming with a low groan. He grabbed a tissue and cleaned his hand but his length stayed so hard, so hard.

The boy started to put his dancer hips to use, sensually rolling his hips into his fist. He bit his lip to stop himself from moaning as he pictured her wet cunt swallowing him whole. "Oh Evelyn, that is so fu-fucking good," he grunted.

He knew she'd take him so well in her little pussy. She was asking for it, she wanted it just as much as him. The neediness became too much for him as he rutted into his fist until he came once more, groaning and moaning her name as silent as he could.

She truly took him to the seventh heaven, even if she hadn't touched him. Yet. But he's change that soon enough.

Taglist: @anyamaris @a-soft-hornytiny @whatudowhennooneseesyou @star1117-archives @wooyoungmybelovedhusband @pyeonghongrie-main @woosanbby @dreamlesswonder86 @lemonhongjoong @babesindestroyland @changbinslovelylegs

[typewriter83]

Dude I wanted to keep in silence because I'm usually shy to talk to the writers I follow, but I have to tell you: do you know what it is to go through entire weeks while always maladaptive daydreaming about a fanfic? That's my case with learning to walk, and I'm not exaggerating. Since you posted the first chapter I've always reserved a time of each day (usually before I sleep or when I'm bored) to think about the fics I read, and that was the case of yours - but I feel like each chapter you post is multiplying the number of times I think about it, for example, since you posted the last chapter I've been CRAZY always thinking about it, creating scenarios in my head about "what if this or that happened", etc. And something i usually really like about your fics is the "forbidden/secret love" vibes, and the fact that this one is even more like that can maybe be the reason why I'm so feral for it these days. Well, that's it. I just wanted to say that and that I'm excited for the next chapters, whenever it comes I'll probably gonna be the first to read lol love uuu

This has to be one of, if not the, sweetest comment ever, oh my god. Minus your idea that your daydreams are maladaptive - because let's face it, I think we all zone out from time to time and play out scenarios whether we're writers planning out our next chapter/story, or we're readers imagining what the writer has in store for us next, we love playing around with our characters in our heads.

I find myself in those scenarios at night, when the house has quieted down and I have time to relax. Of course, the best ideas come to me five minutes before I'm ready to fall asleep and I have to grab my phone and jot everything down in my notes app, or I will be so angry in the morning for forgetting my ideas.

I could not tell you at this point where the idea for LtW originated from. I know it happened right around the time I was starting the Boston AU, back in November. Which was crazy, because I had the Boston story outlined, plotted, and ready to go, and then this idea of "what if Joel and Ellie had met under different conditions?" "What if Ellie wasn't from Boston?" "What if Ellie had met Joel when she was older?" "What if their whole relationship was a secret?" (Because in my other story, neither cared if it got out because she was over eighteen, and both were too exhausted to care.) But I can't remember the spark that lit the flame. Needless to say, after the disaster that was NaNoWriMo, I took a break until the new year, then dove headfirst into LtW - a decision I do not regret in the slightest because it's quickly becoming my favorite story, too!

But, I'm so tickled that you're enjoying it and I hope you enjoy what's to come. Spoiler alert - because it's Mother's Day and I'm loving on my cubs - there's a twist with the David story. It's not going to be a direct parallel to the canon events. Remember, Ellie is older now, so the situation is gonna play out differently.

🫶🏻

[wrongcaitlyn]

OKAY SO OW.

will got a little too real in this chapter 😍

THE ANGST THE ANGST AND THE WILL AND APOLLO FLUFF AND NICO BEING ANGRY/WORRIED AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH

literally such a good chapter no i didn’t cry haha what are you speaking of????

so besides all of the sadness i have a very strange question but i overthink everything 😭 so sorry abt that, but i was just wondering cause i know nico has changed lyrics in his songs vrs the ones that are the actual irl songs (haunted having the “cause in your ghost right now your house is haunted” lyric instead of the regular ones) (plz tell me i’m remembering right) and this is actually such a nieche thing to think about but my question is because so many songs use the pet name “baby” in them and nico doesn’t seem like the type to use that (do they even have any nicknames for each other in tyt?) so. would he. a somehow just avoid it. b. use a different pet name c. i need to stop overthinking things because the original lyrics don’t all adhere to his songs. d. a secret fourth thing???

hopefully that makes at least some sense!

ty for another great chapter can’t wait until next week :D

HSJSJ im so glad you liked it bc it was an absolute horror to write!! yk sometimes you’ve got those scenes that you know have to happen, and they have to be written *perfectly* and so then you just stare at the doc for hours trying to figure out how the characters work

but on to the question! oh god. this is hard. see the thing is: i think it WOULD be in character for nico to say baby. i think he also says tesoro like in canon, and definitely sunshine, and maybe darling?

the thing is. i, personally, as a person, have a visceral HATRED of the word. and of pet names/nicknames in general. i don’t mind it in music, but whenever i try and write it into the fic, i just cringe and automatically backspace (this has absolutely nothing to do with people who actually use it as a term of endearment i just don’t know how to write it in without it sounding incredibly awkward or out of character)

so honestly, though, i think that nico is chill abt using it in a song, bc i feel like music honestly uses it more as filler? like, if you need to add a persons name, you’re obviously not gonna say their name (unless the song is hey stephen) so they just add in a pet name - most commonly baby

and i don’t think nico would have anything against that - id probably have to look through the playlists to see just how many times songs use the word, but i don’t think it’s that often

anyway my answer is that yes nico uses the word, i think that will started calling him babe at some point and nico just started using baby too but it’s much more rare and likely when he’s very tired/trying to convince will to do something (such as not work)

i think he prefers using something like darling in his songs (or maybe i’ve just been listening to too much hozier but that’s neither here nor there) but he doesn’t stray away from using the word if it fits well

and he probably uses more terms of endearment in real life than i’ve included (though will def uses them more often, and nico probably refrains from using pet names in front of other ppl) but i just hate writing them so much im sorry😭😭😭😭 i CANT i swear i tried to include a babe at some point in talk your talk and a sunshine but like the only thing slightly close to that that i ever left in a final draft was neeks. i can’t write pet names unless they’re said in a sarcastic or insulting mannerHSJDJ

thank you for the ask!!

[writingsbychlo]

Hey girl it’s me again 😭 So I’m actually in the midst of a crisis right now. Typically whenever I find a really good series that has me super invested I’ll just speed through it because I can’t put it down. But feels like loneliness has me experiencing a new feeling I’ve never had before. I’m seven chapters into it and I don’t wanna keep going because the more I read the closer I get to the end… and I’m not ready to be done with this masterpiece of a story yet 😫 I’m being so deadass when I say this is some of the best shit I’ve ever read. I started reading fan fiction back in 2019 and have read some shit over the years that was so good that I still remember it to this day, and I just know this is gonna have the same effect on me. This actually happened to me with your stiles fic riding the storm. I had a hardcore dylan o’brien phase in 2020 and have been back in it now for the past couple of weeks. I remembered loving that story so much and was like “oh I should go back and read that again.” But then I saw that you had a thomas series with an interesting synopsis so I had to check it out. Anyways sorry for the rant but I just needed you to know that your writing is literally to die for. Idk what I’m gonna do when I finish this. I’ll be so depressed you have no idea

this is so sweet, oh my god 😭 I’m sorry that I’m only just replying now, I’ve been on a work trip this week, it was the year group residential trip and I’ve been so tired! but this made me so happy when I received it and I am here now to answer!

might I recommend reading sun in the shadows next. I had a LOT of love on that series and I think you’ll enjoy it, like, a lot. or, if you want to stick with thomas, go for my au called smoke and fire, which honestly was also super popular in its day.

feels like loneliness will always be one of my proudest fics. I am personally re-reading it right now (as I recently rewatched all the maze runner movies for the first time in years last weekend). while my writing has definitely gotten better since those days, I’m still so proud of it! I read it and I’m like wow that was me 🥹, so getting asks like this about my old fics still makes me so so happy 🤍

[rowinablx]

Love is Patient and Kind: Chapter 2

@axelwolf8109 @lynsrosegarden @epickiya722 @greek-freak101 @dombrianoteretto @katries

Chapter Warnings: Chemotherapy, Needles and Hair Loss

Brian woke up next to Dom at nine in the morning, after his breakdown, he had passed out

Dom came back with coffee and some toast. "Thanks" Brian muttered. "When do you start chemo?" Dom asked. "Whenever I guess?" Brian shrugged.

Dom nodded and just sat by him. "What am I gonna tell Mia? Or Vince? Leon and Jesse?! Oh god, Tess and Eric" Brian whined and hid his face in his blanket.

"They'll support you Brian" Dom said firmly. Brian sniffled but nodded

-------

Letty hugged Brian the minute she saw him, earning a confused look from Mia. "There's something I have to tell all of you" A coughing fit interrupted him. "I thought this was just a cold. But...."

He looked at Dom, who nodded.

"I have lung cancer, stage one".

Vince looked completely stunned, Jesse was near tears, Mia gasped, and Leon covered his mouth in shock.

"I'm gonna start chemotherapy soon and go from there" "I'll pay for it" Vince said immediately. "I'll help too dawg" Leon added.

"I don't need charity-" "Brian, shut up. You're our brother and we are not letting cancer win"

Brian smiled tearfully at that. Dom grabbed his hand.

------

"Welcome back" Gisele gently greeted Brian and Dom. "Hey" Brian shrugged, before the coughs took over again.

"Thankfully as we said before, since you came in before the tumor has a chance to turn to stage two, you could go into remission in a few months"

Brian sat down in a recliner and sighed as Sean found a vein. "If it progresses we may have to do radiation therapy too"

Brian nodded as Sean inserted the IV into the vein and did something with what it was attached to, Brian didn't want to look at it due to his fear.

Dom grabbed his other hand and gave him a comforting look.

--14 Weeks Later---

"How's he doing?" Leon asked. Brian had been quiet ever since the start of his treatments.

Dom sighed. "I don't know, I think he thinks that it'll make it feel real if he acknowledges it"

Leon nodded. A scream came from the bathroom. Dom and Leon immediately ran to it. "Bri?" Dom yelled. "Go away!" Brian cried.

"Buster, we're not gonna judge you" Leon called out. Brian unlocked the door. He wearing a towel and tightly holding culms of his hair in his hand.

"Oh Bri" "I was hoping it wouldn't happen" "Chemo attacks all cells, even hair cells"

Brian sobbed and threw it in the sink. "I can cut it all off" Leon offered. Brian nodded and sat on the toilet. Leon grabbed scissors and began to cut away Brian's blond curls.

Dom knelt in front of Brian and whispered words of encouragement. Leon plugged in his razor and finished it off, leaving Brian with a buzz cut.

"You're doing amazing" Dom soothed. Brian sniffled but smiled at him

[ssreeder]

okokokokok. i've read the newest chapter twice to process and now i have thoughts. also hi how are you?!!

so much important stuff happened in this last chapter it's kinda crazy. it's all coming together... like sokka told suki there's someone else (its okay suki!!! she'll understand soon. i feel like she's a pretty empathetic person but like yeah this is hurtful and confusing) any future suki and zuko interactions are gonna be so interesting? wild? idk what word to use or what to expect but i am excited.

also aang's oops moment and now the earth kingdom army know about iroh and there's guards? are guards good or bad or both? im unsure i trust none of these guys. and then of course sokka losing his cool at the general the chapter before hasnt really been addressed either? like what happens when sokka sees them again (or if he finds out jet's involvement...thoughts and prayers jet you'll be so fucked). also the earth kingdom did definitely torture zuko. i don't think team avatar and iroh will love that too much when it comes to light.

and best part for last: the reunion?!?!? oh my god?!? zuko may be on his death bed but will always be conscious enough to tell someone not to touch his man. love that. and then sokka just sitting and talking to him was great and everyone in that room was likely kinda confused and getting some hints about how close they really are- but it doesn't matter!!! they're together again!!! 🎉🥳 pop the champagne!

the parts with the blood were so gross tho oh my god. i could like feel it in my belly. (which is what body horror like imagery should do. you were v successful lmao) i was back and forth between my body cringing at the blood parts and then smiling and happiness because aw theyre cute. a wild reading experience for sure. 10/10

uhhhh cant wait for reunion 2.0 and sokka telling the truth and everything really! hope you have a good week and hope rude commenters fucking leave bc what the hell. ❤️

HI IM GOOD HOW ARE YOU?!?!

Yeah future Suki will probably be much more understand than in-the-moment-Suki. Especially whenever she learns out this mysterious other person is Zuko haha.

Ughhh yeah the whole EK thing involving Zuko & war crimes & who takes the blame and how they will proceed from here is a bit of a mess… some of that gets addressed next chapter but yeah, General How knows Iroh is in the city so that will be interesting how he deals with that news.

(Fingers crossed Jet doesn’t get exposed or Sokka might stab him in his sleep)

Haha Jee & Sokka are destined to just NOT get along it seems haha.

Yeah that bloodbending scene was a whiplash between body horror & AWWWW SOKKA LOVES HIM!! they need their reunion 2.0 though…. Some peace & quiet where Iroh & Jee aren’t silently JUDGING them haha

<3 thanks for the ask!! I hope you enjoy the next chapter!

[hailsantabook]

Chapter 2: Brothers

Chapter 2

Brothers

It truly was a blessed day from Jehovah himself.

I was out with Alan in Foxtrot Circle, a large neighborhood full of expensive, well-manicured brickwall homes, each one at least two stories tall, most of them reaching a third.

We were with a group of older folk, us being the youngest of the bunch, so they understood why we gravitated towards one another when going to doors in pairs. Every now and then Brother Loveland would split us up and have us go with one of the sisters, especially in neighborhoods that looked rough, but once we reached Foxtrot we paired up once again and started our journey from house to house, planning to meet the other groups at the car once each door was knocked on.

Alan looked a bit melancholy as we started on our way, having just had a private discussion with his dad behind the car.

“My father told me he can’t take us to the arcade after service anymore.”

“Why not?”

“He says we’re too old to be going on the way we are, and if we aren’t exhausted after service then we should be going in service longer. Plus, it’s been wreaking havoc on his car.” The second part of his explanation was sound, I could grasp it. The first part felt right to challenge, however.

“We are exhausted after service, that’s why we go to the arcade!”

“Actually, I think he has a point. We’re both young and full of energy, we could be giving so much more to God.”

“But what about our mall time?”

“We’ll still be together all day.”

“But we’ll be in witness mode.”

“We should always be in witness mode, Kai. I never stop being a witness just because I’ve taken my tie off.”

“Well, if it’s gonna be like that, maybe I can get a job and save up for a car. Then we can go to the mall whenever we want.”

Alan smiled. “Maybe that’s a good idea. We could go in service together with it too!”

“Yeah.” I said unenthusiastically. “We could do all sorts of things, have all sorts of freedom. We could travel! We could see America!” I was getting pumped up with my own ideas though. Freedom, far away from here, far away from my family and this boring little state. I could go anywhere with my own car, do anything with my own money, and I could take Alan with me.

I just needed a job.

“Sounds like you have a plan.”

“Yeah, who’s hiring?”

He shrugged. “Sister Dercy works at a retirement home, she says they’re always looking for people.”

Retirement home. Far from glamorous, but yet, so was I.

“I’ll ask her if there’s any openings tomorrow night at the hall.” I changed the subject almost as quickly as I had brought it up. “Did you hear SPURRED’s next season is dropping in two weeks?”

“I still haven’t finished the first two. I think I’m on episode ten overall.”

“Wanna come over and watch it? I’m gonna start the whole series over so I’m ready for season three.”

“Can’t tonight, I have family study with my folks. But maybe tomorrow if you’re free.”

“Can I at least tell you something that happens in season 2? It’s standalone.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Season 2, episode 4, is a musical.”

“A musical?” Alan was perturbed. For a cartoon drama about fantasy themed cowboys and outlaws, a musical episode threw a lot of people off.

“It’s good though! I don’t know how they managed it but it doesn’t suck!”

“Why a musical though?”

“It takes a detour from the main story to talk about Scarlett West’s past with her dad.”

“Ohhh, I guess that makes sense, she loves music. I thought it would be Ulysess and Pete showboating like Sinatra!” He laughed at the image, two rough and tough outlaws belting out a song.

“It was apparently supposed to be the opener to the season, but they didn’t want people getting pissed about the show opening on a standalone episode instead of continuing from last season, so they moved it forward.”

“Is the music good?”

“Oh you’ll love it. It’s very broadway, they took a lot of artistic liberty with it. Opens on an old timey stage with Scarlett in children’s clothes, she starts singing about all the shit, er, stuff her dad put her through after her mom died, then it transitions and she starts singing about overcoming that part of her life with Ulysses' gang.”

"Huh, that sounds quite tempting actually. Maybe I'll come over just for that episode."

"My mom is making street corn and tacos if you wanna stay for dinner.”

Alan smiled, tinged with guilt. “I can’t skip family study tonight.”

I nudged his arm as we approached a door and joked aloud, “we could do family study together, like a newlywed couple!”

He bared his teeth with insecurity, looked at me and seethed while hiding a smile. “We’re right at a door, Kai!”

“Fine then, I’ll take this one while waiting on your answer to my proposal.” I walked right up to the door, a giddy feeling in my chest that gave me just enough bravery to knock on the door and impress Alan with an eager attitude.

We waited for a moment, sharing glances back and forth that made each other giggle. It was fun to joke, to pretend we were something we weren’t. 

We didn’t know why, but if it wasn’t real then it wasn’t wrong, of course.

I knocked again, this time being greeted by a raspy “hold on, hold on” coming from the other side of the door.

My heart jumped in fear, a human was behind this one.

A tubby older man with stains coating his old gray wife beater and sparse dirt brown hair opened the door, confusion on his face as he sized us up and down.

“You from the gov’ment?” He asked.

“No sir,” shit, I didn’t prep a presentation, “my name is Hezekiah, this is my friend Alan, and we-”

“You queers? You wanna git married? Want me to sign some petition?”

“No, we’re Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Alan corrected, hand over his heart as he leaned in softly.

The man responded by slamming the door in our faces, mumbling something about “wastin’ mah goddamn time,” as he walked back into the recesses of his home.

Alan shrugged, holding back a giggle until we were far enough away from the door to laugh the entire exchange off out of earshot.

“Some brother or sister will be mighty glad to have that home come paradise.” He walked with confidence away from the house, his head turning to look a bit smugly at the scenery before him, a well manicured lawn with a great big tree next to the driveway.

“That’s a bit morbid, Alan.” I saw what he was getting at, but I wasn’t afraid to correct his overzealous thinking. “You realize he’d have to die for that to happen, right?”

“If your neighbor tries telling you your home is on fire, do you just slam the door in their face?”

“I mean, true, but nobody but us realizes how important the message is, you know? You can’t expect people to take it seriously before they get the chance to know it too.”

“Hmm,” his face turned softer, he looked to me with compassion and raised the tips of his lips, “you’re right, Kai. That’s why this is so important in the first place. That’s why God has humans doing it, to relate to the human condition.”

“Exactly, my brother.” It was such a forced way to say it, but it gave me an excuse to put my hand on his back enthusiastically. Touching him, it wasn’t rare, but always left my skin tingling and my face beaming.

That’s the power of the bond between brothers, I convinced myself.

We came to a beast of a home, nestled deep behind a black gate opened by an archway. Four stories high, a garden that could easily resemble a horticultural museum, sections of plants in variously sized circles set by stones adorning the front yard all the way into the back. Ivy was directed up around edges, giving the house a fairytale aesthetic.

“I’ll take this next one then.” Alan took the lead, his face looking confident and full of godly glory as he walked up the stone steps of the not-so humble abode. He knocked on the door, and we both noted the sign too late, “No Solicitors,” along with the sound of at least two, maybe even three, very large and angry dogs barking all the way to the front door.

He looked to me, his face of confidence turnt red as a woman’s voice called out to the dogs, “Bonnie! Clyde! Get the hell away from the door!”

We both gulped as the sound of locks unlatching rang out from behind the wooden barrier, the dogs still barking all the way.

Alan took a deep breath, he seemed to be whispering “God give me strength” over and over, chanting it for courage.

The woman finally nudged the screen door open, the sound of woofs and howls getting louder and less muffled as more of the home was revealed.

She looked tired, her clothes baggy and messy. I often forgot that not everybody woke up at the crack of dawn on random days of the week to go knock on other people’s doors.

“Goodmorning, how are you ma’am?” Alan began, his cheery, happy-go-lucky attitude in full swing.

“Could be doin' better.” She spoke with her words tainted in a country twang. She turned quickly to snap at the gray pit bull who was trying to claw past her through the metal screen door, “Bonnie, down!”

“If this is a bad time, could I just leave something with you?” He was already reaching for his bag, snatching a pink paper tract titled Can the Dead Live Again?

“Do you mind if I just put them outside really quick?” She was holding back the brown scruffy dog at this point, who I assumed was Clyde, being the only thing keeping him from taking Alan’s soul with his big white chompers.

Alan couldn’t get a word in either way before the door was closed, and slowly the barking diminished, until both canines were behind a sliding glass door in the back of the house.

I was looking through a window, probably shouldn’t have been peeking. Though the home’s yard was beautifully manicured, the inside looked rough. Takeout boxes strewn about the kitchen, a large bag of dog food was open and half empty on the floor. Several boxes cluttered the remaining parts of what I could see through the single pane of glass, but I had a feeling it was only worse throughout.

I could see the woman approaching once more, opening the door a little bit wider this time, as though she wasn’t ashamed of the state of her home.

Alan snapped back into witness mode. “You’re right, much more peaceful now.” He smiled wide, radiating warmth and comfort from his friendly face as he directed her attention to the tablet in his hand.

“My name is Alan, and this is my friend Hezekiah. We’re out here today sharing scriptures and working to help build faith among our neighbors. Could I share a scripture with you?”

“I think I got a letter from one of you’s, you Jehovah Witnesses?”

“Yes, ma’am. You got a letter from us?”

“I think I got it right here actually.” She turned her attention to a small chest of drawers near the window inside, mail scattered all around and on top of it. She opened a couple drawers until finally she took out a bright yellow envelope.

My father’s witnessing envelopes.

She gave out a sniffle, excused herself and handed it over.

Alan took a look at it. “Oh, yes, sometimes we send letters to those who have recently lost loved ones or those we can’t reach otherwise. Have… Have you lost someone?”

She nodded, her eyes growing wet. “My husband. He passed not long ago.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that, Ma’am.” Alan’s compassion was heartfelt. I could tell he wanted to reach out and give her a hug, but something in us both said it would be best not to be so forward with a stranger.

“I’m left with his dang dogs in his dang house.” She held herself, arms crossed, eyes closed, waiting for the nightmare to be over.

“Could, could I share a scripture from the bible with you?” Alan resorted to the only other form of comfort he knew, witnessing.

The woman seemed alright with it though, nodded in response.

He performed a couple well-intentioned taps on his tablet before bringing it up, the legendary Revelations 21:4.

“Here, God is making a promise to mankind, to you and me as individuals along with everyone else on this earth. Here God tells us, he will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.”

I was reading along, and caught his clever word change. Subtle, but effective, I thought.

The woman gulped down a tear. “I’m not a very religious woman, sir.”

“Well that’s alright. We are no part of Christendom, we are an independent organization of bible students.”

“You’re a very kind man, Alan, was it?”

“Yes, and my friend here is Hezekiah.”

“Kai, for short.” I butted in, just to say I said something.

“Well, you boys be safe out there. Thank you, Alan. I appreciate you boys tryna help just, this ain’t what I need right now.”

“You have a lovely day, ma’am. As… As lovely as it can be. I do hope you find genuine peace in this time of immense distress.”

“I’ve been looking for that. Peace.”

She shut the door, and we were left there, Alan still holding the pink tract between his fingers as he put his tablet back in his bag.

He brought the tract to his own attention as he began to turn around, contemplating what he should do with it.

I was already facing the other direction, looking back as I was walking away.

“You coming?”

He shook his head quickly, as if shooing away cowardice. He turned back towards the house, and slid the tract carefully through the metal panel of the screen, leaving it bent against the door, holding it in place and ensuring it would fall to the woman’s attention once she opened her home up again.

He turned back around and placed his hands in his coat pockets, looking satisfied with himself.

“I had an unshakable feeling that tract needed to be with her.” He joined me, his long legs not taking him long to catch up as we walked back towards the sidewalk.

“That one specifically?”

“Yeah. I mean, the subject matter of it. Not specifically that tract that I left.”

“I mean, if she got a letter from a witness after her husband died, she probably already has that tract.” I smiled, he held back a laugh with a tight grin.

“Well, now she's got two I guess. Maybe it's not what she needs right now but maybe sometime in the future.”

“You think so? Think she’s gonna come running up to you at a convention?”

“I can’t bet on it, but the thought is nice.”

He was such a cheesy one. We heard stories like that all the time, brothers and sisters running into people they had witnessed to years prior at assemblies and conventions.

I always found it hard to recognize people I had only met once, and I didn’t stand out as a young man to any degree. Ask an AI to generate you an image of an average Jehovah’s Witness teenage boy, and you’d see me.

How anyone could pick out my face in the crowd, without knowing me personally first, sounded impossible. I didn’t believe it could ever happen to me.

So it felt like even if I could make a secret impression on anyone in my ministry, I’d never know it. I thought more about how awful I was as a Jehovah’s Witness because I couldn’t make those impressions on people, I couldn’t be ballsy and challenge their beliefs, I couldn’t insist on leaving a tract when I was told they weren’t interested, I couldn’t look a grieving woman in the face and tell her she was going to see her husband again in paradise.

But Alan could. 

And Alan did, every day almost, seeing no need to take a break as he was young, strong, and healthy. He was overzealous to a fault, but he also made my life easier.

If I couldn’t be the quick-witted zealot with a love for the ministry as passionate as the flames of Jah, then I’d be a loyal partner to the man who could be that way, hoping his spirituality would not only rub off on me, but that his love for all of this would ignite in myself just by being around him.

So, we were faithful service partners, spreading truth and righteousness to all who would listen (and all who refused.)

Book of Scarlet was episode 4 of SPURRED’s second season. Despite it receiving low ratings among critics and audiences alike, the music made for the episode became so beloved that it was eventually released on its own album.

There is a line in the last song, a foreshadowing of what was to come. 

He’s her new dear, also a queer, laying it down for the man himself.

“Did she just say what I think she said?” I was catching it for the first time, somehow having missed it on my first watch, likely the result of a bathroom break.

“Something about Pete being queer.” I rewound it, and sure enough, up came Chloe, a shapeshifting harlot, belting her part of the song while a symphony of sound erupted behind her voice, he’s her new dear, also a queer, laying it down for the man himself.

“She said it! She said Pete is queer!”

“She was talking about Pete?”

“She’s talking about Scarlet and says her new dear.”

“You didn’t tell me Scarlet gets with Pete.” Alan looked genuinely confused. “I always figured he was gay.”

“Wait, you thought Pete was gay before?”

He nodded. “It’s pretty obvious, Kai.”

“I’ve never taken Pete to be gay.”

“He shares a room in the cabin with Ulysses.”

“They’re cowboys! They don’t have a lot of sleeping space!”

“And Ulysess has been telling Pete he needs to at least pretend to be normal if he wants to leave the gang and join his traditional family again.”

“I thought he meant normal, like, stop killing people and robbing kind of normal.”

“I can’t blame you for being oblivious. It’s pretty coded at times, but it’s intentional.”

“Coded?”

He sighed, as if he shouldn’t know that term. Then he shrugged as he explained, “content created by those who want to address LGBT topics, especially in the past prior to gay rights movements, sometimes contained coded references to homosexuality. It was so those who were not in the know wouldn’t object to the content, and those who were could see themselves represented.” He uncrossed his legs, suddenly becoming aware of his position. “Not that I’m in favor of that, it’s just, that’s how it is in the world.”

“That’s interesting. So it’s like Where’s Waldo but only gay people know how to play.” I chuckled and hit resume on the episode for the sake of respecting Alan’s time here. His dad gave him until 6PM to be home in time for family worship, and it was already 5:28.

Mom had started on the tacos while we finished the episode, the scent of spices and ground beef filling the living room and reminding me of just how empty my stomach was.

Alan looked like he was being tortured by the smell, his stomach giving out an audible gurgle. I had been with him since 7AM, and had only seen him eat a bag of trail mix and half a bagel.

“You sure you don’t wanna stay for tacos?”

“I truly wish I could, it smells amazing.” He sighed as he raised up to his legs. “But I really have to be going.”

Just then, Mom walked into the living room, a rolled up apron on her arm. 

“Kai, don’t forget your father and I are going out tonight. Alan, are you staying for tacos?”

“I can’t, I have family study tonight.”

“Well, more for you and your sister then, Kai. I’m gonna go get ready, have a good family study Alan.” She waved goodbye to him as she walked down the hallway and towards her bedroom. I looked up at Alan, raised myself up off the couch and still couldn’t quite meet his gaze face on.

Regardless, I pulled him into a bear hug, felt warm at the chuckle of surprise he gave out before holding me back tightly.

“Why don’t we just move out together and be pioneer brothers?” I mumbled into his chest, muffled by his pink dress shirt.

He patted my back before we pulled away and straightened up. “I’m afraid we’d need money for that. And last I checked, neither of us make any money.”

“If only going in service would earn us a stipend.”

“Hey, we may be poor in physical wealth, but we’re saving up riches with Jah.”

“I don’t suppose we could ask Jah to rent us an apartment, could we?”

“Likely not. I’ll text you when I get home, alright Kai?” He was walking towards the door, making his way out of my circle and back into the world. I took every last glance I could at my friend, following him to the entrance of my home, hands in my back pockets, only coming to realize just then that I was still wearing my suit and tie.

“If you don’t, I’m gonna have to spam your phone with the duck again.”

He hmm’d to himself and let out an audible breath from his nose before smiling deviously. “I won’t let you get the chance!” he said before bolting out the door, running back towards his house and laughing while he looked back at me, giving a small wave while he pulled out his phone.

I rushed back inside, running for my own phone, knowing my duty was to send that duck pic before he could send a text through.

I had it on standby in its own folder especially for this game we played, this mini battle of speed we enacted at least a couple times a week. 

But this time, he beat me.

;)

A winky face, just as I was hitting send on the duck.

Foiled again! 

He rubbed it in.

I’m gonna learn how to modify my phone just so I’ll have a button that immediately sends you that duck.

He started typing once more.

See what you’d have to do to match a fraction of my power?

I sent the duck twelve more times simply out of spite.

Sister Dearcy was talking to a rotund and tall young man when I saw her at the Kingdom Hall the following night. A chubby guy, with thick arms and a neck so large I was surprised he could find a tie for it at all. He was wearing a black trilby to cover his crisp golden blonde hair, and his bright blue eyes caught sight of mine as I walked over with the intention of stealing Sister Dearcy away from him for a moment.

“Oh, Kai!” She saw me out of the corner of her eye and greeted me with the warmest smile. She hugged me tight, 3 firm squeezes in her frail little arms, before releasing me and laying a hand on the other man’s shoulder.

“Hezekiah, this is Brother Tuppin, he just moved here.” He grinned and looked at me with a sharp turn in his face, doing his absolute best to look cool, and absolutely failing.

I raised an eyebrow at his stance, hands on his hips, his body hardly swaying as he looked me straight in the eyes and moved his mouth with as much exaggeration as possible as he spoke, “Nathan, pleasant to meet you, Hezekiah. Fellow king of Judah?”

“Nice to meet you too.” I lied. I didn’t like him already.

“Oh, isn’t this wonderful, boys? Now you and Alan won’t be so lonely being the only brothers in your age group here!”

We aren’t lonely, I wanted to say, but I bit my lip and returned to what I originally came to Sister Dearcy for. “Sister, can I speak to you for a moment?”

“Of course!” She turned her attention back to Tuppin rather quickly, “Oh, Nathan, that boy over there, the tall one? That’s Kai’s best friend Alan, he’s a wonderful brother. You should go introduce yourself!”

Nathan bowed at her. “I think I shall then, sister!” He walked off towards Alan, and I felt a hot heat travel up my spine.

I had nothing to be concerned with, though. Alan would be able to see through that phony demeanor, I had no doubt about it.

I returned my attention to Sister Dearcy. “Sister, I’ve been looking for a job and I was wondering if there’s any openings where you work?”

“Oh!” She touched her heart before raising her eyes heavenwards, then returned to face me, putting a hand on my arm. “Let me tell you something, not two weeks ago, my boss asked me if I would assist in decorating for the holidays this year. I told him I’m sorry, Mr. Palmer, but I’m afraid my conscience would not allow me to participate. He told me Dearcy, it’s not that big of a deal. He said he lets me have far too much leeway in terms of my faith, and that even one of my Jewish coworkers was assisting in the decorating. I told him well Mr. Palmer, you can have this dang job!” She nodded her head fast, reenacting nearly the entire exchange.

I looked at her for a short moment of silence before responding. “You quit?”

“Oh, you wouldn’t have liked working there anyways, being around a bunch of old grumpy people all day?” She laughed through her nose, her lips tightly closed in a hum as she shook her head. “You can find a job, Hezekiah, you just need to pray!”

I felt a little let down, but it wasn’t Sister Dearcy’s fault. She was right, though, there were plenty of jobs available for me, I just needed some faith that God would lead me to the right one.

“Thank you, Sister Dearcy. I’m sorry you lost your job over that.”

“It’s just a matter of faith, dear!”

She said her goodbyes to me and moved on to continue socializing with the other congregants. Hands in my pockets, I turned to see Alan walking up to me, making his way through brothers and sisters equally who kept stopping him to tell him this or that. At some point his father had handed him an envelope full of cash that he was to drop in the donations box, himself feeling too weak once he had sat down to do it himself.

My sight of the Tuppin kid was lost, until I caught him all the way in a corner chatting up Loretta and her dutiful companion Patricia.

As much as it irked me, Lorrie had a good head on her shoulders for the most part. She was my big sister, surely she could smell Nathan’s bullshit from a mile away. She was probably just being nice.

“Kai, you get a job yet?” Alan grinned at me, expecting the conversation with Sister Dearcy to have gone swimmingly.

“Nope. Sister Dearcy quit her job because they wanted her to decorate for the holidays.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Kai, I didn’t know.”

“It’s alright.” I waved my hand. “I’m thinking tomorrow I’ll have my mom drop me off at the mall so I can go apply to a bunch of places at once.”

“Be funny if you could work at the arcade.”

“Wouldn’t that be the dream?” It would be fun, I figured. Could probably get good enough at the games that I eventually beat Alan in a few of them too.

“Have you met the new guy?”

“I have.” I nodded, he was still over there talking to Loretta, Patty had wandered off elsewhere and left her alone with him. Lorrie was giving him her phone, exchanging numbers it looked like. “Don’t like him.”

Alan turned in the direction I was looking. “Well, sure, he’s a little off but he seems alright.”

“He’s under the age of 50 and he’s wearing a hat in the Kingdom Hall.”

Alan shrugged. “Maybe he has a bald spot?”

“I highly doubt it. Plus, he talks like he’s in an anime.” I corrected myself, people in anime can be cringey, but they’re still far cooler than Nathan thought he was. “Thinks he’s in an anime, at least.”

“I’m sure if you could wear a cowboy hat to the Kingdom Hall you would, Kai.” 

“Cowboy hat would be way cooler than that eyesore on his head too.” I felt that heat again when I saw him reach out and hug Loretta for far, far too long.

It was my first time going to the mall for something other than unwinding with Alan. In fact, this was my first time going to the mall without Alan, this mall specifically at least.

Mom dropped me off and told me to call her when I was finished. She offered to come in and help me, but I wanted to do it alone. I wanted to feel, for the first time in my life, that I was a capable adult.

I had a folder full of resumes that stated nearly nothing except my volunteer work as a Jehovah’s Witness. Dad told me he once got a job based purely off the fact that he reasoned his experience in the ministry counted as sales. I found it hard to believe, but it was literally all I had.

I started with the booths that were scattered throughout the mall, first asked them how they started working there and if they’d pass my resume along to their higher ups. When I happened to turn around at one of the booth workers I just spoke to only to find her tossing the resume in the garbage, my heart sank, and I started going to the stores instead.

At the first shop, a loose tea store with overpriced canisters and beautifully decorated teapots, I was turned down by the manager herself because she already had all the staff she needed.

Rejected, I moved on to the cellphone shop next door, only to be told they only take online applications.

The jewelry shop seemed iffy to even talk to me, I guess I looked far too young to be trusted with criminally expensive bracelet charms.

And each stop in the food court returned similarly daunting results.

However, I still had a folder full of useless resumes, and I had only covered the first floor. I had a good ways to go, so I grabbed myself a pretzel with the $10 Mom gave me, and hopped on the elevator to the second floor.

There wasn’t much difference here. “Applications are online only.” “The manager isn’t in right now, but I can give him your resume.” “Sorry, we aren’t accepting applications right now.” “Are you sure you’re old enough to even be working?”

I felt defeated, my feet were tired, and there were hardly any stores left that I hadn’t been rejected from. I was taking a break and checking my phone on one of those massage chairs, spending the final $5 that was left after I got my pretzel, when I realized I hadn’t yet asked the arcade workers if they would kindly reject me and send me on my way yet.

I messaged Alan to let him know how my adventure in job finding was going, and he responded with that picture of the duck, making me chuckle a bit. A slice of joy on this otherwise dreary day.

Have you tried the arcade yet?

Not yet. Was thinking about stopping there next.

Do it!

He sent the duck two more times.

Albird demands it!

Albird needs to chill, I’ll do it when I’m done wallowing in my misery.

When you’re finished there, I’ll get a ride with your mom to come get you and we can watch SPURRED tonight.

My heart jumped with joy at the prospect.

The only thing that could make this day any better in that case would be if I get a job.

He sent the damn duck again.

Albird believes in you.

And so do I!

I sent a smiley face back, my back massage having come to its destined end. I got up, pink folder under my arm, and I waltzed into the arcade.

It was pretty empty this early in the day, the only populator being a lone worker in her purple polo, her name tag reading Trisha.

She was obnoxiously chewing a wad of gum, her hazy eyes glued to a phone that was laying on the glass display case she stood behind, her cheek resting on her hand while she scrolled along on her device.

I had seen her a handful of times before, but usually there was a short, skinny dude working the front. He probably came in later, and therefore they wouldn’t be needing me.

“Hey there!” I announced myself, and her bright green eyes shot up to mine.

“Hey, arcade is self-serve, you can get coins from the kiosk.” She was hoping to return to her phone when I walked a bit closer and made my case clearer.

“Oh, I’m not here to play. I was wondering if-”

“Job application?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Give it here.” She held out her hand, her eyes returning to the phone. I fumbled a bit before opening up the folder and grabbing two resumes by mistake, putting one down in front of her before trying, and failing, to peel the top one off.

She slapped her hand down and grabbed them both, taking a quick look before looking back up at me quizzically.

“For experience you just put sales?”

 “I’ve never had a job before. But, I volunteer in field service as a Jehovah’s Witness, it’s like sales.”

She laughed, covering her mouth to keep from seeming rude. She straightened up and looked it over further, flipping to the other page only to find it was just another copy.

I shrugged. “Gotta have faith, right?”

“Alright. You want a job? How’s $8 an hour for cleaning boogers off arcade machines sound?”

“Sounds great, anything is better than nothing.”

“Alright then…” she trailed off, looked for my name on the resume and raised her eyebrows when she saw it, “Hezekiah Whitman, what a name.”

“They thought I was a girl before I was born, my name was going to be Orpah Anais Whitman.” I don’t know why I confessed that, but she seemed amused by it.

“You must’ve heard that one and grew a pecker before you popped out, huh?” She giggled to herself before handing the resume back over to me, “when can you start, Mr. Whitman?”

“You can call me Kai. And I can start as soon as tomorrow if you need me.”

“Good. My other guy stopped showing up for work three days ago, hasn’t responded to messages, probably OD’d in an alleyway so, job is yours.” She walked over to a cardboard box sitting on a black metal folding chair in the corner, started sifting through it before pulling out two purple polos with the logo for the arcade on the left hand side.

She put them on the display case in front of me before switching her attention to the register and checking a couple drawers underneath it, the third one containing a couple blank white name tags. She grabbed one and turned back to me.

“Write your name, doesn’t gotta be your real name, you could put Orpah on there for all I care. Tomorrow…” she cut herself off and turned around to look at a neon blue analog clock on the wall, “can you show up at like, 1PM? I’ll show you the ropes before it gets too busy, usually around 5 is when we get anything resembling a crowd.”

“Sure, that sounds perfect!” I was elated, felt like I was walking on clouds, I got a job!

And at the arcade too! I couldn’t wait to tell Alan.

“Alrighty kid, I’ll see ya then.”

I thanked her profusely, and we quickly swapped phone numbers before I gathered my things and went on my way.

My legs were shaking with excitement as I walked away, my face beaming while I looked for Alan’s name in my contacts and gave him a ring.

“Alan! Guess what!”

“You got the job at the arcade?”

“Yes!”

“I was praying you would!” I gave a little jump in my step at his proud tone. “Faith! That’s all it takes!”

“I’m thanking Jah so much right now!” I laughed, nearly dropping my new name tag off the shirts I was holding in my other arm. “I gotta call Mom though and have her pick me up.”

“No need! She’s right here!” He was at my house, for all I know he was praying with my mom that I’d get this job.

“Congratulations Kai! We’re on our way to get you now!” 

“I’ll be meeting you guys at the front entrance then.” I said my goodbyes to Alan and my mom, a smile on my face a million miles wide.

I did it. I got a job!

Now what?

[the-witty-pen-name]

The Nanny Pt. 1

Lee Bodecker x Nanny!F!Reader

18+ 

Word Count: 3k

Warnings: mentions of alcohol, implied age gap (reader is in her 20s), cursing, Sandy and Carl being bad parents, 18+ content in later chapters 

Summary:

Based on this Request: The reader moves to Meade/Knockemstiff while answering an advertisement for a nanny in the paper. We learn that the ad was posted by Sandy, who has the reader watch her child whenever she and Carl leave to do their secret thing. After one of these trips, Sandy and her husband never return, so the reader is left caring for their baby. With the new investigation into these events, she meets Sandy’s brother Lee, the older, out of shape, alcoholic bachelor, and they are suddenly thrown into each others lives as he begins looking into his sister’s disappearance. Through it all, Lee starts to fall for her, and they slowly become a family.

A/N: Here is the first part of my newest series and I want to thank the anon who reached out to me with this idea! 

If I missed anything I should include as a warning that I missed please let me know!

Taglist Form is in my bio and should be updated to now to include this fic! (If for some reason it isn’t working send me a message and I’ll make sure you’re added!!)

“Damn it, Sandy, can’t you handle that?” Carl yells from his dark room as the baby starts crying again.

“Fuck you, Carl,” Sandy shouts back, hurrying to put out her cigarette before heading to the nursery.

Their little girl was just about a year old, and neither one of them knew what they were doing. Carl was incredibly indifferent and despite her honest attempts at motherhood, Sandy’s maternal instincts never kicked in like she thought it would happen. Carl was annoyed that it cut into their time they would be on trips. They weren’t able to photograph models with the baby on the road, so he’d been itching to get back on the road.

“Is she hungry?” he shouts back, not even bothering to take his eyes off of the most recent photographs he had been developing.

“I just fed her!”

“Then why is she crying?”

“Fuck if I know,” Sandy shouts back exasperated. She scooped up the baby from her crib and started to rock her back and forth in her arms. Sandy also tried burping her, humming a little lullaby she made up on the fly… no luck. She walks around the house with the baby on her hip, trying to rock her back to sleep.

“We haven’t able to get back on the road in a year,” Carl says, clearly frustrated.

“That ain’t purely my fault,” she spits back, “Takes two to make a baby, Carl.”

“Fuck I know,” he groans, “But I need new inspiration. If I take one more picture of nature…”

“If she’s such a hindrance, pay for a damn sitter like I suggested months ago,” she counters.

“We can’t have no stranger walking around the house Sandy,” he points out.

“Just keep your damn room locked, it’s not a huge deal,” Sandy sighs. “Besides, no one is gonna snoop around if you pay ‘em enough. You damn well produce your own incriminating evidence; you should always have that room locked anyways.”

“We only have to worry about your damn brother,” Carl points out, “We hire a fucking sitter that’s two people we need to worry about.”

“You’re just to goddamn cheap to hire somebody,” Sandy states, moving back towards the nursery, the baby now snoring softly.

“You know what? Fine,” Carl says defeated. “But you’re in charge of putting the ad out and hiring somebody.”

“Thank you,” she says in a sing song tone, happy she got her way. But the moment of quiet that follows is short lived as they baby starts crying again.

“Please for the love of God can you just take care of that?” Carl yells, and the argument circles back to the beginning.

You had sat in the small dinner in the corner booth hunched over the newspaper and nursing your now cold cup of coffee. You had just arrived in Knockemstiff and were looking for work. “Any leads?” Julie asked as she topped off your coffee. Julie was your roommate. You had found her the same way you were currently looking for a job. You must have answered at least ten terrible Roommate Wanted ads until you had found Julie. The two of you now share an apartment- the top floor of a three-family owned by a sweet older couple.

“Thank you,” you say without looking up from scanning the ads. “Maybe this one?” You say pointing to one of the ads. She looks to see her manager stepped out for his smoke break before sliding in the booth across from you. You slide the paper over to her and she reads the ad out loud.

NANNY NEEDED Knockemstiff, Ohio

Couple that travels for work in need of a nanny for one-year-old daughter.

Temporary live-in position for several weeks at a time. Pay negotiable.

Call Sandy Henderson at the below number.

“I can sublet the room temporarily while you stay there,” Julie offers. “It’s a pretty vague offer,” she continues. “I wouldn’t commit until you call and speak to that Sandy woman.”

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll need to be interviewed,” you agree. “What kind of people are comfortable just leaving their baby for weeks at a time with a perfect stranger?”

“Paul is still out back I think,” she chuckles, “I’ll let you use the wall phone.”

You take a seat at one of the stools at the counter, and she dials the number for you and then passes you the receiver. You mouth a thank you and she waves her hand in dismissal as she heads over to take someone’s order.

“Whaddya want?” the woman on the other end answers abruptly.

“Oh, I’m calling about the ad in the paper regarding the nanny position. Is it still available?”

“Oh, shit. I’m so sorry, hun,” the woman says, now in a much nicer tone. “Thought it was my brother calling. Yes, it is, and we need it filled as soon as possible. When are you available?”

“For an interview?” You ask.

“Yeah,” she says mumbled, like she is dangling a cigarette from her mouth. “Can you come today?”

“Oh, wow. Yes, I can,” you reply.

“Great, um, you got a pen? Take down this address.”

About two hours, a change of clothes and a cab ride later, you were standing outside a house towards the end of town. It was a little run down, but what building in this town wasn’t? You were a little nervous of course, but it was also the most unconventional way you have gotten an interview. Part of you was relieved, because the woman on the phone sounded real, not phony, but the circumstances still made you uneasy. Julie had the address and said you’d call when you got back to the taxi dispatch.

“Welcome, welcome,” Sandy smiled, opening up the door for you. She had one hand on the doorknob and one of the cutest babies you’d ever seen in the other. “Come on in, make yourself comfortable.”

“Who is this?” you coo, leaning down to the baby’s eye level. “She’s darling.”

“This little sweetheart is Valerie,” Sandy smiles, passing the baby to you. “She’s so well-behaved. Hardly ever cries.”

“She’s adorable,” you smile, as the baby cuddles up close, resting her head on your shoulder. “I didn’t properly introduce myself on the phone. (Y/N) (Y/L/N).”

“I’m Sandy,” she introduces herself. “Please take a seat on the couch, get comfortable. I hate things that are so formal. Bleh.”

You take a seat on the couch, and readjust the little girl in your arms so she’s sitting on your lap and her back is resting against you so she is supported.

“So, my husband and I are on the road a lot, usually,” she begins, “We took some time off when we had Valerie, but we really need to start working again, you understand.”

“Of course, what do you both do?” you ask politely.

“We’re photographers,” she beams, “Mostly nature and landmarks- which reminds me! We have a darkroom in the house, but that door will be locked when you’re staying here. We don’t want any damage to any of the negatives we have stored in there you understand. Everywhere else in the house is yours to explore! And of course we gotta spare bedroom you can call your own.”

“Fair enough,” you joke.

“So, tell me about yourself, honey,” she smiles, crossing her legs in the armchair where she sat.

“Well, I just moved here a few weeks ago actually,” you begin, “I just recently finished school, and now I’m looking for work. I just got my degree in early childcare from the state college.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” she says with a clap of her hands. “So, you’re local?”

“Yes, I live in town.”

“Excellent! We’d also love for this to be like an on-call thing as well, you know for date nights and things like that for times when we’re home. Like for a few hours here and there. And of course, we’ll always live money for groceries or whatever you need on top of your pay for emergencies incase Valerie needs formula or diapers or anything.”

“Perfect,” you smile, surprised how well the conversation was going. Sandy was easy-going and nice to talk to. The two of you sat and talked for a little under an hour, her asking all the standard questions you anticipated. You also were able to ask her some more of your own questions as well. It was the most effortless interview you had been on easily.

“I’m sorry you weren’t able to meet Carl today,” she says when she is showing you out. “But hun, I feel confident to offer you the job. We haven’t had many applicants and you’re the most qualified one I’ve spoken to. The job is yours if you want it?”

“When can I start?” you smile, making her laugh.

“Your number is on the resume, right?” she says, scooping up the baby. You nod, waving goodbye to the baby and then saying goodbye to Sandy.

“I’ll call you when I speak to Carl, but I think once he knows he’ll want to head out as soon as we can. Plan for Sunday,” she says as you get into the cab.

Just like she had promised, you get a call from Sandy on Saturday afternoon asking you to show up the next morning at 9. You spend the day packing up your clothes and anything else you’d need for a few weeks. Sandy said they’d be back in two weeks but you pack for three just in case. Julie was also nice enough to help you. You didn’t need to do much. Ever since you had settled in Knockemstiff, you had been pretty lazy with unpacking and for once procrastination played out in your favor.

Julie insisted on taking you out to celebrate that night before starting your job tomorrow. There was a small little bar, a little shack of a place just on the outside of town you went to. Julie had a car and you drove, anticipating she’d have a lot more to drink than you. It was a hotter summer night, so you drove with the windows down and the radio playing a little louder than you normally would.

The outside was decorated with string lights of primary colors and the wooden awning looked like it was one more storm away from collapsing. But the atmosphere inside was to die for. The jukebox was playing loud dance music, and the place was crowded. Empty recycled glasses lined the walls on a high shelf as decoration along with weathered posters of anything Americana. A row of motorcycles and trucks were parked outside the little place and it looked like a pileup from how crowded the lot was. People lingered outside as well, and you both hoped you’d find seats inside.

The two of you found a high-top table and Julie made her way up to the bar, skillfully maneuvering through the crowd to grab you both some drinks. You let your eyes wandering, surveying the room and just people watching. Couples were dancing closely to the music that was rattling the jukebox, and a group of people were sitting at the bar huddles in to watch the little black and white portable television. You also noticed a group of men in uniform several tables down, local police. They weren’t paying any attention to anyone but their own conversation, except one.

He just so happened to have looked up just as your eyes landed on their table. Steel blue eyes cutting across everything and just staring right back into yours. It was a fraction of a second and his gaze was broken by Julie taking her seat across from you. You cleared your throat, and finally allowed yourself to exhale. You felt her raise an eyebrow at you but she didn’t press, just gave you a knowing smirk you brushed off. You still felt his gaze on you even if your view was now obstructed.

Sandy and Carl were in a rush when you arrived in the morning. Sandy ran you through the details of where everything was kept and told you that she would call to check in when she could when they made stopped. She helped you carry your bags in from the trunk of the taxi while Carl packed their bags in their car. He was polite enough, but you felt in your gut to just keep your distance. Sandy led you upstairs to the guest room she told you she worked to clean out for you. It was simple, a bed and a dresser with a small closet. She said it mostly had been storage and her weekend project had been clearing it out for you. It was simple, but good enough for you for sure. You thanked her and she dismissed it saying you were the one doing her a favor, making you laugh.

The whole ordeal was very hurried. Carl was rushing to get on the road as soon as possible and you could tell he was clearly irritated at how long Sandy was taking showing you around and explaining things about Valerie. Carrying the baby in your arms, you finally were settled in to your new role and Sandy gave one more big hug and a kiss on Valerie’s head before rushing down to the car. You waved to the pair of them from the small front porch, Sandy looking back and waving to the baby from the passenger seat until they were out of your line of vision.

The first day was a little daunting. New space, living in a house that isn’t yours and a baby babbling in your arms. She was a sweet thing, and she already had taken a liking to you. Heading over to her nursery, you saw that she had a little play pen folded up in the corner of the nursery and you quickly set it up in your room so you could unpack while keeping an eye on her. She babbled just happy utter nonsense to you while you navigated around the space and her big eyes just followed you, just watching you was entertaining for her for now. You were a new face and she was entertained just by that for now.

A few hours later, Valerie had settled down for a nap in the early afternoon. She was sleeping soundly in her crib and you were getting formula ready for when she woke up. It was quiet, the only noise in the house was the small sounds of your own rustling in the kitchen. You wondered when you would hear from Sandy, if it would be later tonight or in a couple of days. You just were lost in your own thoughts when you were startled by a loud knocking on the door. Instantly, Valerie began to cry. You wiped your hands quickly on the skirt of your dress before grabbing her. You rested her on your hip and rocked her gently, shushing her to calm down while you went to grab the door.

The first thing your eyes saw were the same blue eyes who was looking at you at the bar last night. The man’s eyebrows furrowed and he looked really confused. He had one hand rested on his hip and the other against the doorframe, but he stood up straight when he saw it wasn’t who he expected. Your eyes then went down to the shiny Sheriff’s Badge fixed in place on his uniform.

“Who are you?” he asks abruptly. “Where’s Sandy?”

“Sandy and Carl left this morning,” you explain, not sure if he recognizes you. “I’m their nanny.”

He laughs and shakes his head as he looks down, almost like he doesn’t believe you, or he just doesn’t believe the situation. “Carl? Carl Henderson hired a nanny?” he scoffs and you nod, holding Valerie a little closer. The little girl rubs her eyes and yawns, when her eyes flutter open, she looks at the stranger in the doorway and immediately reaches out to signal she wants to be held by him. You ignore her resistance to wanting to be in your arms until you get more information about why the Sheriff is at their doorstep, though she obviously knows him.

“I’m Sandy’s brother,” he explains, “Did she say when they were coming back?” He doesn’t try to hold the baby yet, just holds out one of his fingers and her little hand holds onto it tightly.

“Two weeks.”

“They hire a complete stranger to watch my niece and live in their house unsupervised while they drive around?” he scoffs, shaking his head again in disbelief.

“I’m more than qualified…”

“It’s not a jab at you, sweetheart,” the man tries to explain, “More so a reflection on my sister and her husband is all. They are… fairly selfish people and I wished this situation surprises me more than it does.”

“Should I tell her you came by when she calls?” you ask.

“If she calls,” the man chuckles, “Sure, let her know Lee stopped by to visit.”

“You don’t think she will?” you ask, tilting your head.

“We’ll see,” Lee shrugs, “Do I know you from somewhere?” He rests his arm back up on the doorframe and looks down to the baby again, extending out his free hand to her again and scrunching her cheeks.

“I don’t know,” you shrug, not wanting to admit you remembered seeing him last night. He purses his lips together and nods, not pressing further. He pushes off from the doorframe and puts his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket.

“Must’ve been in a dream then,” he smirks, and you feel your cheeks flush. He walks down the steps and back towards his cop car. “What did you say your name was?” he asks, turning back around.

“I didn’t,” you chuckle.

“Hmm,” he nods, and raises his eyebrows, waiting for you to fill in the blank. You tell him your name and he repeats it back to you like he’s thinking about it, trying it out to see how it sounds.

“Well,” he says, standing behind the open driver’s door, “Good luck, and I hope Sandy proves me wrong. Let me know if she calls.”

Taglist: 

@adelaide-walker @thedepressolit @samanthadegaro​ 

[ofallthingsnasty]

God damn, your mind's just so precious 😱😍😍😍 it's really what struck me when i finished your fic, you picture him sooo well ! You're right, dark is really canon for him and (lets be honest) he's basically a piece of shit 😅 but it somehow nurish my masochistic kinks 😳 (I admit starting playing rdr2 this summer and I havnt finished the main storyline but I will as soon as I have the time 😭)

You can count me in for your next a/b/o fic 👋 i'm sure its gonna be awesome 🥺💗

I loooove all the ideas you decifered in this !! Like it's brutally honest that despite everything that will happen Micah will never truely love you (that's what I think of him too) but he's a crazyman and I just picture him being super jealous. Like real dangerously so. Not just about reader, but like you kind of portrayed it in Through the Briar, he's also super jealous of Arthur and that's what makes him super explosive.

Argh, why the objectifying possessivness of Micah over the reader carrying his child is so hot 🥵❤️‍🔥 ?? I havn't thought about it but you are so right about the fact that he would have no shame droping hint that he slept with the reader in front of all the crew, and she would probably never tell anyone that he forced himself onto her beacause she would be so ashamed...

Being pregnant with his child would doom the rest of the reader's life, like I don't think she could escape him for long... But what if she had a little girl ? How do you think Micah would react ? I'm not sure but I'd say that he'd be more distant with them, and reader would have a slightly easier life.

I kind of have the impression that if she trier to escape him though, bringing HIS child with her, he'd find her and make sure that she'd be trapped with another baby of him, making it even more difficult for her to run away...

But back to the camp, I feel like everyone would be concerned by the fact that Micah slept with the reader, but I think the only one that would have no doubt about the fact that it was non-consensual would be Arthur. Like, he saw how reader never talked back to him even though he's been roughing her up and he des not trust him. At all.

But without confirmation, he'd just be extra careful when he's around.

Seing how other would interact with reader after they found out about Micah would be vers interesting ! And also really sad for the reader...

You seem to have already so many ideas : I really hope you'll someday elaborate all of them in a sequel or something 🤩✨️

I laugh so hard at your alternative timeline with Arthur, the sunset and the credits 🤣🤣 I'll keep it dearly close to my heart for emotional support emergency 🧡

Oh please do ramble whenever you want I loved that 🤣💖 also thanks for your reply, it must have took you sooo long, but I enjoyed it so much 😘

I'm really happy it made you smile this early in the morning and I hope it made your day brighter ☀️🌈 Take care 💕

Ps : I'm sorry to ear that you were expecting hate on your lil diamond, I get that darker content can be targeted but these are fantaisies, and as long as they stay this way, I think we can all live a safer world 🌷 especially if everyone read the trigger warnings and age limits ! Stay safe everyone 💚

I am SO sorry for making you wait this long for an answer, this week has been eating me alive so far lol. And thank you again! To be 100% honest, out of the whole VDL gang he is the easiest to write for me because he is imo very predictable. Arthur and John are hard asf for me - or Javier. Oh my god, I can't read that guy at all!! For some reason my brain just vibes with Micah in that way lol. And I only played until Chapter 4 in February and finally completed the game this summer, so kinda same haha!! I'll try not to spoil you!! 💗💗 And @ the masochistic side of you! Totally get it! I love to write about hopeless and bleak scenarios, it's super cathartic to me. And from the main cast, Micah is just the one who comes to mind when thinking about rdr2 darkfic (because I don't quite think that even low honor Arthur would go as far as noncon of a fellow gang member? Idk just my impression. And the rest of the gang is at best emotionally manipulative, but I don't anyone would pull what Micah did in through the briar.)

I so agree with everything you said!! If you were to have a little girl instead of a boy, he'd definitely be more distant. But we saw in his letter to Amos that he does keep tabs on the people in his closer circle - and while he isn't going the be father of the year 1900-1910™, I do think that from that point onwards, you're 'his woman'. I think he'd have no issue with getting you pregnant again and again until you finally have that little boy. Mind you, I think he'd drop you off somewhere and stop by every weeks/months, like Arthur did with Isaac. He isn't gonna be around 24/7, he has his gang stuff to do and you'd only be a hindrance. Imagine how humiliating it has to be to make up lies about your 'husband' to the very few neighbors you do have and then it's... Micah. And regarding escaping him: yes, a hundred times yes. Wherever you're hiding out, he'll go in, guns blazing, and make a whole show of shooting every poor soul there. He'd be absolutely livid, to be honest, and he's gonna take it out on anyone standing in his way and THEN you. I genuinely think he'd even slap you for it. Definitely chokes you out for a little bit until your eyes are bloody and you're frantically kicking at the ground for release. And then noncons you. Just overall a super bad, gritty situation for you, so... don't even try it. (There are also a few things to consider regarding the epilogue but I'm not gonna spoil you haha!!)

The camp reactions are super interesting for me to think about as well; either a sequel that picks up where I left off or the 'escape in the epilogue' would be cool to write about but I don't think I'd get that fic done until next year summer (which sounds shocking, I know, but knowing my writing speed and what is in my immediate future, it's, unfortunately, the truth 😭). So let me elaborate on here before I leave you to starve (😭😭😭). I think, at first, the women would be put off immensely. As soon as they figure it out, I think they'd judge you, even if just a little. They've spent weeks, months shooting him and his disgusting advances down and while everyone knows Micah is a snake, they aren't safe from that little nagging voice in the back of their head that thinks about the 'what if you did this willingly...?' thing. The most level-headed ones of them are definitely Abigail and Tilly, I just see Abigail as the type to immediately see what's going on, much like Arthur (back to him and the men later, though). Mary-Beth seems to be somewhere in the middle and Karen the slowest to catch on. I think you could genuinely catch some of her ire at first, with her dropping some snide remarks. I think she'd be kinda mad? Until someone either tells her off or you tell her (which. Is hard. Speaking from experience.) Ms. Grimshaw? Hard to decipher. We've seen how she gets when one of the women is in danger, but the problem with the whole aftermath is that it involves TWO gang members... And one of them is regarded very highly by Dutch. So while I think there would be little fire from her side, she'd step in between you and Micah, here and there. Ultimately, she has very little say in it all, sadly. Sadie is just on the sidelines. It's not like she doesn't care but she doesn't really connect with the reader-character from through the briar and she has her own things going on. So, in short, I am still rather optimistic about your standing among the women. I think they can empathize, one way or another - no matter what they think, in the end. They might look at you funny for a bit if they think it was consensual (and they might never realize it wasn't) but time will heal those little bumps in the road, I'm sure. But still; there definitely will be a few drunken confrontations between Karen and you and they won't end pretty. But I do think Abigail cares a whole heap. We know about her past and I think she'd lend reader a shoulder to cry on, if you wanted to- which in my mind- you don't. (Like I said, I think reader would turn very quiet and reclusive after that night.)

Now onto the men: Most of them do not give a shit, in my honest opinion. The reader-character isn't necessarily regarded as pretty nor is she very sociable beyond the other women. There... isn't much to care about, as harsh as it sounds. She isn't hated or disliked, she's just an afterthought, you know? Dutch likes you well enough and Arthur is a genuine friend, and the rest... Very ambivalent. I think Charles immediately knows there is something wrong, he can read you like a book. Does he offer support? Hard to say, leaning towards no. He and reader don't really have a relationship and it isn't his place. Hosea might figure it out, too. And I think he'd call you over for a little talk but, again, reader just... can't speak about it. And honestly, I think the rest sees you in a more negative light afterwards. They probably don't put much thought into it being consensual or not, as harsh as it sounds. John might care a teeny tiny bit but someone like Bill? Jeez, no. Get ready to be mocked openly, when the chance arises. And Lenny? Oof, I think he just kinda knows something is off but much like Charles, he isn't gonna broach that topic anytime soon (again, not his place in his opinion). Dutch straight-up goes with whatever Micah feeds him, no doubt. That you both were drunk and fooling around, if he's ever questioned about it. That you're just having some buyer's remorse, basically. And quite frankly, Dutch wants to gloss over this, he needs everyone together and not divided. So don't expect much sympathy there. Now, Arthur... Arthur immediately notices how quiet you are and how you don't come to sit by his side anymore. And of course, as the absolute oaf he is, he'll probably think he did something wrong, at first. Until Micah drops his first comment and everything just clicks. I can actually see a big confrontation there and Arthur absolutely losing it - but like I said, Dutch believes Micah and needs the camp to be a united front. The fact that you were drunk is perfect for Micah's side - and Arthur will have to submit, ultimately. And I genuinely think your and Arthur's relationship would break over this; with him lording over you like some man-sized guard dog and you needing space - I can see reader snapping one day and Arthur taking it the wrong way, only for both of them to gradually grow apart. I am of course pulling from personal experiences and I leave the explanation at that so as to not trigger anyone on here.

Also, the way Micah would drop his little hints in the first place- he'll definitely get closer than ever before, not touching you, but caging you in with his body so you can't quite leave (like leaning next to you, not that anime move lmao, but definitely invading your personal space), trying to spook you, excessive pet names and overall way, way more attention... Super loud comments to the other men (ew ew ew) and a dozen new little jokes about you. Just thinking about it makes me pull a face, ew. And you touch on something I haven't thought about yet: another man approaching reader/flirting with you. I don't think he'll step in and be like 'be gone, that's my woman' (lmao never) but he'd make the worst, lewd comments about how he got you into bed and how you enjoyed it, about how 'easy' you are. Basically both humiliating you and trying to shoo that feller away. Yes, he did say that he's more likely to despise the women he has been with afterwards - and I totally think that manifests itself in more verbal abuse and shame. And if you're pregnant, back to the above haha.

Thank you so much for letting me ramble again and adding your own thoughts!! I am so happy to talk about this, you don't even know. If only I had more time 😭💕 But better late than never, right? I hope you have a lovely day wherever you are!!

[civilgroupie-gvf]

How you met Josh Kiszka

CHAPTER 2

Summary: More edging in this second part of how you and Josh started dating. You go on a dinner date, and Josh tells you how he feels about you. Then ya’ll MFs make out.

~~~

It had been weeks since you’d seen or heard from Josh. You were clinging onto the memories of his Rusty Pete’s performance, and how he glanced at you during “You’re the One” multiple times. You were aware of how busy all the boys were as they were getting ready to begin a new record, but you also worried he had moved on. 

Today you and Beverly were going to the farmers market. As you drove up to Beverly’s house, you spotted her standing at the edge of the sidewalk wearing a yellow off-the-shoulder long sleeve top and bell bottom jeans. The yellow made her red hair go from copper to candy apple. You could tell she was having an argument over the phone based on the quick hand gestures and dramatic hair flips. You pulled up right next to her and unlocked the door. 

“Whatever. Bye!” She shouted at the phone. 

“Hi y/n, it was my ex.” She admitted as she buckled her seat belt. 

“When are you going to block his number?” You asked for the millionth time. 

“I’m blocking him right now.” She lied as she looked through her instagram feed. 

Without looking up from her phone she said, “Did you text Josh?” 

You sighed and hit the gas. 

“How bout a ‘How are you’ before you start interrogating me.” 

Beverly laughed and rolled her eyes at you. 

“No. He’ll text me when he’s not busy.” You shrugged as you tried to convince yourself along with Beverly. 

“Well I bet he’s waiting on you to talk first. He seems like the type.”

“What does that even mean? All I’m saying is I don’t need to rush anything. AND I’m an independent woman who doesn’t need a man.” you declared. 

You arrived at the farmers market, ready to buy a ridiculous amount of hummus. You and Beverly secured your tote bags on your shoulder and linked arms and headed towards the entrance. It wasn’t until you both sat down at a café nearby that you noticed you had an unread message. 

“Girl.”, You said as you put your sun glasses on top of your head to see better. 

“What. WHAT!” Beverly shrieked. 

“It’s Josh. He sent me an audio message.” You blurted out. You played it on speaker as Beverly leaned her ear down toward the phone. The timer began to count down and you tried to keep calm. 

“Hey!” You heard Josh’s voice leap out of the speaker. “It’s me. Josh. I’ve been super busy with this new record. I wanted to check in and see if you wanted to go get dinner. I’ll be in town on Monday. Let me know!” 

You looked up at Beverly who looked at you bug-eyed but said nothing. 

You replayed the message just to make sure you heard it all correctly. 

“That’s in two days.” You said as you started to stress about what to respond. 

“You were right! He was just busy! Oh my god what are you gonna wear?!” 

“Hold on! I don’t even know what to say to him!” 

“Okay say yes!” 

“Yes but what do I say!” 

It wasn’t unusual to find yourself in screaming matches with Beverly whenever something exciting happened.

“Hey, I understand.” You wrote back. “Yes I’m free Monday after work. Does 7 PM work for you?” 

“7 PM at Dubois. See you then :)” He replied. 

~~~

Your cell phone lit up your face and read: ‘7:00 PM” as you waited outside the restaurant. You put your phone in your clutch and looked around. Moments later you heard the tip tapping of someone running. It was Josh. Out of the street corner you could see his apologetic smile coming right at you. He was wearing tight denim black pants and boots, with an olive green tunic blouse that was a tad loose on him. It was loose enough that you could see his right nipple starting to peak out as he moved. His curls were bouncing to the rhythm of his stride as he slowed down and arrived at your feet. He hugged you right away. He smelled so good.

“Sorry I’m late. Traffic was a bitch.” You heard muffled through his chest as he hugged you tighter.  

“You look beautiful.” He said as he pulled away to get a good look at you. 

“Thanks.” You said. “I’m starving!” 

~~~

For the first 15 minutes you caught him up on all the drama in town, and work. He was a great listener, asking questions and making a joke where ever he could fit one. He also updated you on drama at the studio, and all the new songs that were coming together to build the new record. His eyes lit up as he described the concept they all had in mind and how it’s turned into something much bigger and better than they could have ever expected. He paused to get your feedback, and was astonishingly good at balancing immersive story telling, and fucking you with his eyes. 

The food arrived, and so did two more glasses of wine. 

“I’m so glad you were able to have dinner tonight.” He said with a side smile. 

“I actually wanted to see you much sooner.” He continued. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since you came to see us preform. The boys like you too. I’m pretty sure Danny has a thing for Beverly.” He chuckled. 

“No way!” You said laughing. “Beverly has a crush on Danny because she said he gets her sense of humor.” You tried to gloss over what he said about you. 

“That’s how I feel about you.” He said timidly. 

You felt blood rush to your face. Your stomach flipped. Your palms started sweating. 

He seemed embarrassed waiting for your response. It only made you want him more. 

“I don’t know how much time I can offer you.” He tried to cover up the silence, “I’m on tour all the time or in the studio. I just want you to know I want to keep getting to know you.” He concluded. You couldn’t tell if he was blushing or just tipsy. 

“I feel the same way about you. I’m sorry I’m not very good with words. I like spending time with you.” You smiled at him big so as to reassure him. 

You finished eating and drinking. Josh leaned back into his chair and said, “Please excuse me madam. My belly is about to bust out of these pants.” He unbuttoned his pants under his tunic. He sighed in relief and laughed at himself. You leaned back and stuck your belly out in the black mini dress you chose for the night. “I know the feeling.” You said sighing in relief as well. You both laughed and finally decided to head out. Josh walked you to your car laughing and teasing you the whole way. You teased him back and stopped at the drivers door and turned around to face him. 

“I have some days off coming up. We should go on an adventure.” He said as he leaned in for a hug. You looked up at his face, smiling, and closed your eyes in anticipation. He gave you a soft kiss on the lips and wished you a safe drive home. You weren’t sure if you should’ve pulled him back in for more, and in the indecision he said “Ok Bye” and walked away. You unlocked your car as you listened to his foot steps walking away from you. You stopped your hand from opening the door and heard yourself say, “Wait!” 

Josh turned to look at you, surprised. 

You ran up to him, and he readily embraced you. You felt your lips being drawn to his lips like a magnet. You held his face in your hands as you passionately showed him how you felt about him. His hands reached down and cupped your butt and pulled you up to him kissing you harder. 

“Thank God you stopped me from leaving like that..” He said between kisses. 

“I don’t usually move this fast, but I need something to think about while you’re busy working.” You responded and continued the passionate kiss for several minutes. 

The intensity diminished slowly. Your lips were in sync from beginning to end. You opened your eyes surprised you were still in the middle of a parking lot. 

“Okay so goodnight.” You said and bit the corner of your lip. 

“Okay goodnight.” He said with a smile that almost made you squint from how bright it was. 

You turned around, got in your car, and drove home, all the while replaying his lips on yours, his wandering hands. The butt grab. It was more than enough to keep you occupied until your next encounter.