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canirove · 15 days ago

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Lady Madrid | Chapter 2

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“And last but not least, the present for my dearest goddaughter” uncle Carlo says, giving me a big box.

“You didn't have to get me anything.”

“That's what you say every year, and then you end up loving whatever I get you.”

“I actually do, yes. Uncle Carlo!” I gasp when I see what was inside the box. “Is this… Oh my God. How did you know?”

“Someone may have told someone else, who then told me, that you have been in love with that coat since you saw it on the runway.”

“I… mum?” I say, looking at her.

“Guilty” she smiles.

“Looks like sharing things on the family group chat does help” I chuckle.

“Oh, you have no idea” my dad says. “Anyway, now that we are finished with all our presents, are we allowed to talk about football?” he says, looking at my mum.

That is one of the rules we have every time we meet with uncle Carlo and his family: to not talk about football until we are done with the reason why we have gotten together. In this case, it is to have lunch and exchange our Christmas presents.

“Yes, you can talk about football now” my mum says, rolling her eyes. “Julieta, are you staying with them or coming upstairs with us?”

“I think I'm gonna stay for a bit.”

“Then can I borrow your coat and try it on in the meantime?”

“Of course. But” I say before giving it to her. “This is mine. You can't show up at my place and borrow it whenever you want like you do with my bags.”

“I won't, I promise. Thank you.”

“You're welcome. And uncle Carlo, thank you very much. Best present ever” I say, moving to where he is and kissing his cheek.

“Anything for you” he smiles.

“Great, now that they are gone…” my dad says once my mum and Mariann, uncle Carlo's partner, have left the room. “Tell me. Is it true that you are singing Trent? Because I was told it is like 90% confirmed that an English player is joining the team this December to cover for Carvajal.”

“An English player is coming, but it isn't Trent.”

“What? Then who is he?”

“Ben Chilwell.”

“I beg your pardon?” I say, almost choking with the champagne I was drinking.

“Ben Chilwell” uncle Carlo repeats. “You were right when you said we could do with someone with his experience, Julieta. This season is one of the toughest and Lucas can't play it all, the games where we could give him some rest could end up being important, and putting all that pressure on someone young may not be the wisest thing to do. So I discussed it with my team and the club, and even though Chilwell’s injury record is something that made us doubt, we talked with him, our medical team and Chelsea's, and we think we can make it work.”

“That's… I mean… I…”

“So it is done, then?” my dad asks while I keep mumbling. “He's coming?”

“He is” uncle Carlo nods. “He should be here the first day the market opens. We can't waste any time.”

It is happening. Ben Chilwell… pretty face… is signing for us. For Real Madrid. Which means that he is moving here, and that we will be crossing paths all the time in Valdebebas, and it is all because of me. Because of the advice I gave uncle Carlo. Oh… my God.

“Julieta, are you ok?”

“Uh?”

“You look… I don't know. I thought you liked him” uncle Carlo says.

“What?”

“Chilwell. I thought you liked him as our best option.”

“Oh, yes, yes. I did. I do. It's just that I wasn't expecting you to actually sign him, you know? And now I also feel a bit like, if something goes wrong with him, it'll be my fault.”

“Julieta, the club and I made the decision, not you. So do not feel like that, you hear me? This is all on us.”

“Ok” I nod.

“Though I could do with your help once he is here.”

“What?”

“I'm organising a little dinner at home to welcome him and I've asked Jude to come since they know each other from the national team, and I thought that maybe you could join us too. You know Madrid and the club better than any of us, so you could introduce him to the culture, the city, the history… I basically want you to help Jude and I make Chilwell feel as at home as one can be while away from everyone and everything you know, from your family. I want him to feel safe and happy. You probably know that the past few months haven't been easy for him.”

“I do, yes.”

“So, what do you say? Will you do me this favour?” uncle Carlo asks me.

“I… Yes” I say after thinking about it for a few seconds that should have probably been minutes. Hours. Days. “I will help you.”

“Thank you very much, Julieta” he smiles, giving me a hug.

Let's just hope I don't end up fucking things up instead of helping.

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“Ok” I say, taking a deep breath. “This isn't the first time you slide into someone's dms, Julieta. You can do it” I say before starting to type.

Hello there, pretty face 😉

Or should I say… hola 🤭

Julieta, hey! 😊 How are you?

De resaca navideña

Feliz año nuevo, por cierto!

Wait, why are you texting me in Spanish? What did I miss? 😅

I thought you should start to practice

A little bird told me we are gonna be neighbours 👀

Oh… I see You know that I am signing for Atlético de Madrid to be with Conor 🫶🏻

Not funny, Chilwell 🙄

Sorry 😅 But yeah, I'm joining Real Madrid 😊

You are gonna love it here 🤍

Let's hope so🤞🏻

You will, you'll see

My uncle has asked me to make sure of it

What?

I don't know if you know about this, but Carlo is my godfather, though I call him and love him as an uncle

I did know he was your godfather (maybe I googled you after the game 🙈), but not that your relationship was that close

I may have googled you too 🫢

And the thing is that he has asked me to be something like your tour guide and show you around Madrid, how things work at the club, and help you get settled and feel at home

He doesn't trust Jude, does he? 😅

I mean… Jude believes himself to be fluent in Spanish already, but he wasn't born and raised in Madrid and hasn't been going to the Bernabéu since before knowing how to walk 🤷‍♀️

Makes sense But you don't have to do this if you don't want to, you know?

It'll be my honour, Ben

Besides, I think I owe you after hitting you with that ball and not recognising you 🫣

What? 😅

I didn't realise who you were until one of my teammates told me I had been flirting with Ben Chilwell 🤷‍♀️

Is that how you flirt? By hitting people with footballs? 🤔

I usually hit on people, but not like that

I actually think I won't be doing it again

Even though my aim is amazing 😏, what if I make a mistake and hit the person I shouldn't? 😩

And I think it doesn't work really well, tbh

You didn't follow me on Instagram or slide into my dms

I'm sorry about that, Julieta I just… I wasn't at my best with everything that was going on and… yeah I'm sorry

It's ok, don't worry

I actually thought I had scared you off

That's why I didn't follow you either until today or texted you

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“And you just made things awkward, Julieta” I say when Ben doesn't text me back for a couple of minutes.

Do I tell him something else? Do I change the topic of conversation to his signing, for example? Do I…

“Shit!” I say when my phone pings. He's texted me again! Maybe everything isn't lost just yet…

You didn't scare me off, Julieta And just so you know, your unusual way of flirting did work 😉 But gotta go now, my mum and my sister have come to help me pack my stuff Looking forward to seeing you in a couple of days 🥰

Looking forward to seeing you too, pretty face 😉

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Oh… my God” I say, putting my phone down.

My flirting worked. And he is looking forward to seeing me. And he sent me an emoji with hearts. And I…

And I am smiling like an idiot because of it all.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Oh, that must be Julieta” Ancelotti says, leaving Ben and Jude alone in his living room.

“Bro, how do I look?” Jude says.

“What?”

“Last time I met Julieta we were at an event, and she teased me about my trousers. I can't make her the mother of my children if she thinks I look ridiculous.”

“You what?” Ben laughs.

“Do I look good or not?”

“You look great, bro. Relax.”

“Ok” Jude says, taking a deep breath as they hear Ancelotti and Julieta walking towards the living room.

“Boys, look who is here!”

“Hello” Julieta smiles.

“Hi… I mean, hi” Jude says, clearing his throat after his first hi sounded all squeaky, Ben trying his best not to laugh. He looks so cute being all nervous around her… Though he doesn't blame him. She looks stunning, and that would make anyone nervous. Himself included.

“It's good to see you again, Judy.”

“You too” he says.

“Aren't you going to introduce us?” she asks him, nodding towards Ben.

“Oh, yes, of course, sorry. Julieta, this is Chilly. Chilly, this is Julieta.”

“Nice to meet you, Chilly” she says before kissing him on each cheek and catching him off guard. He knows that that's how most Spaniards say hello to each other, but it still surprises him. It feels too… intimate. Though he doesn't mind being kissed by her.

“You can call me Ben if you like it better.”

“Ben from Benjamin?” she says with a cheeky smile.

“What else would it be from?” Jude says with a confused look, both Ben and Julieta trying not to laugh.

“Well, now that you've made your introductions, I'm gonna go check on Davide and our dinner” Ancelotti says.

“Wait, you two are cooking?” Julieta asks him.

“Yes.”

“Uncle Carlo, you don't know how to cook.”

“I do.”

“Warming up what Mariann previously made isn't cooking.”

“Whatever” he says. “Have a seat, I'll bring you something to drink. Which wine do you prefer?”

“I actually am in the mood for a beer. Boys?” she says, looking at them.

“Perfect, yeah” they agree.

“Beer it is, then” Ancelotti says, leaving them alone in the living room.

“So…” Julieta says. “How have your first hours as a Real Madrid player been? Crazy?”

“You have no idea” Ben chuckles.

“This is not Chelsea, bro. I already told you” Jude says.

“This is way better. You'll see” she winks.

“Your beers” Ancelotti says, interrupting the conversation just as both Ben and Jude were starting to feel their cheeks getting warm after Julieta's wink and the smile on her face. She was just… wow. Simply wow. “Dinner will be ready in five minutes according to Davide, so while we wait, why don't we make a toast?”

“I'll do it if you don't mind" Jude says. "To the next six months being filled with victories and titles for all of us” he says, raising his beer.

“And to Ben feeling happy and at home in Madrid” Julieta adds.

“Cheers to that” he smiles.

“Cheers!” they all say before drinking.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“That was a lovely dinner, sir” Ben says as we walk towards the door.

“Thank you. But I already told you. Call me mister.”

“Yes, of course” he smiles.

“That is a really nice coat, Julieta” Jude tells me.

“Thank you” I smile. “It is uncle Carlo’s Christmas present.”

“Then good job, mister.”

“I'm Italian, Jude. Knowing how to dress properly is in my blood.”

“Unlike in the English’s” I whisper.

“I heard you, Julieta” Ben whispers back with a teasing smile.

“I didn't say anything.”

“Sure” he laughs. “Anyway, we should probably call your mum to come pick us up, Jude.”

“Oh no, no, no. You are not making poor Denise leave the house this late at night and when it is freezing cold outside for a five minutes drive. I'll drop you off” I say.

“Julieta, you don't have to.”

“I insist, Judy. C'mon.”

“And once you've left them at Jude's house, you are coming back and spending the night here. I don't want you driving on your own this late.”

“I'll be fine, uncle Carlo.”

“I insist, Julieta” he says, basically repeating my own words.

“Fine” I sigh. “I'll spend the night here. Now let's go. You can text your mum on our way to the car.”

“Thank you for tonight, si… mister” Ben says, shaking uncle Carlo's hand.

“You’re welcome, Ben” he smiles. “Jude.”

“Mister” he says, also shaking his hand before following me outside. “Julieta, can I be your copilot?” he asks.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because the last time you almost drove me crazy, Judy.”

“What did I do?”

“Change the song every ten seconds because you got bored?”

“It's not my fault you only listen to bad music, Julieta” he shrugs.

“And it won't be my fault either if you go home walking.”

“Ok, ok. Back seat it is” he says as we make it to my car. “By the way, my mum says thank you and that you are the very best.”

“Tell her thank you but that she is the very best for having to deal with you on a daily basis.”

“Rude” Jude says, sticking out his tongue.

“You better behave while you are staying with them, Chilwell” I say to Ben as he gets on the passenger seat next to me.

“What?”

“Denise has enough already with this one. She doesn't need another son to take care of.”

“Oh, don't worry about that, Julieta. She's in love with Ben and is constantly reminding me of what a gentleman he is and how proud his mum must be for raising such a nice boy” Jude says, rolling his eyes.

“My mum would say the same about you, bro. She actually did during the Euros” Ben says.

“Did she?” both Jude and I say at the same time.

“Yeah.”

“See? All mums love me, Julieta. Yours does too.”

“And?”

“And maybe you should love me too” he smirks.

“I'm not a mum, Jude.”

“But I could help you become one.”

“Oh my God” Ben gasps while I give Jude the most murderous look I can manage.

“It was just a joke, Julieta. I was joking” he says, sitting as far from me as the car allows him to.

“You better” I say as I start the engine.

“Why don't we listen to some music, uh?” Ben suggests.

“Good idea” I say. “But driver picks the music.”

“Fine by me. And Judy agrees too, don't you, bro?”

“Yeah” he says, already lost on whatever he's looking at on his phone.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“And we've made it” I say as I park the car.

“Finally” Jude says, leaving it without saying goodbye.

“Sorry about him” Ben says. “He usually isn't like this, he's a good lad.”

“I know.”

“And sorry about what he said earlier too.”

“Oh, it's ok, don't worry. He's been trying to flirt with me and miserably failing since he moved to Madrid. It isn't the first time he says something like that.”

“Maybe he should try hitting you with a ball. I've heard it works” he smiles.

“Yeah, maybe” I chuckle. “I've really enjoyed seeing you again” I say after a few seconds in silence.

“Me too, Julieta.”

“This is gonna work out, you know? Being in Madrid and playing for us” I say, reaching for his hand and giving it an encouraging squeeze. “You will be happy here, Ben. I can feel it.”

“If you are around, I will definitely be happy” he says, his thumb moving over my knuckles and sending goosebumps all over my arm.

“I…”

“Chilly!”

“Holy mother of Jesus! Jude!” I jump when he starts banging on the car's window. “What the fuck?”

“It's time to go home! What are you doing?”

“Sorry, bro” Ben says. “My phone fell from my pocket and we are looking for it.”

“Urgh” Jude groans before walking away.

“I better go. I don't want him getting mad at me and kicking me out of his house.”

“Denise won't let him, don't worry” I chuckle.

“Yeah” he smiles. “Looking forward to seeing you again, Julieta.”

“Same” I smile back.

“Soon?”

“Soon” I nod.

“Ok. Good night” he says before kissing my cheek.

“Good night” I manage to say as I watch him leave my car, a big smile on his face and the stupidest one on mine.

#ben chilwell #ben chilwell x reader #ben chilwell imagine #ben chilwell fanfic #football imagine #football fanfic

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zarkishere · 2 months ago

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On the seventh day of Christmas, Zark gave to me...

woaw rainbow (1) + fic

chapter below too!

____ Months of unresolved ache often lead to explosive emotions. ____ 3 days later.

Ruben was on ‘shit-cleaning-duty’ (Bill’s words), picking up every pile of manure in the barn and then throwing it in a cart, humming a tune to himself…it was early, he was trying to do this quickly so he could go out later.

They’d traveled 2 whole days to get here—He liked this camp; it was bigger than usual, two cabins at the center —one for Dutch and Hosea, the other for Arthur and John— with the other’s tents littered around it, a barn in fairly well state, an actual fence…or parts of it, rather. Plus, it was warm and well hidden…heaven, as far as Ruben was aware.

Shame he was stuck cleaning poop all day. It was fair, he guessed, after making such trouble…

Eventually he was done, wiping his forehead, leaving the shovel near the exit and walking out toward his tent. He needed to bathe, of course, he smelled like crap…quite literally, too.

Things were still tense in camp, of course. People made questions, complained about moving, talked down to him. It was fine. They were lucky that woman had barely scratched them. They were lucky the lawmen had lost them. It was fine.

Ruben took a deep breath, heading to the Callanders tent; He still slept with them, seeing no point in wasting money buying another tent even if Hosea had said he could. Maybe someday, maybe if he really needed it. Once he got inside he grabbed a clean button-down from Mac’s chest—Ruben often stole clothes from Mac, to Mac’s amusement—and beelined toward the river.

He bathed, threw on clean clothes and went back to camp, thinking of how to ask Dutch to let him out…He was sat down at one of the new tables, eating stew, looking down at it like the food owed him money.

Ruben cleared his throat. “ Sir? “ He asked, trying to sound confident even though he was clearly not.

Of course, Dutch was fully aware of his nerves, tilting his head as he turned toward Ruben. “ Yes? “ He hummed, acting unaware.

“ I was wondering if I could…maybe….go out for a while? Just to see if I can catch something. “ Ruben responded, arms crossed behind his back.

There was silence for a few beats, the two men staring at each other. Ruben wondered what Dutch was thinking—the man was always doing so, it seemed, be it plans or the books he was reading or something else. His brain seemed like an unsolvable maze to him.

Eventually, Dutch snickered and shrugged. “ ‘course, son. You’re better off robbin’ for us than picking shit all day. “ He said before going back to eating, silently dismissing Ruben.

Ruben made a mental note to buy something Dutch for his kindness, nodding and heading out.

He got on Ruth, not taking anything that wasn’t already on the mare as he went out. He hoped to find something—anything—that would keep him busy and maybe bring some coin back to the gang.

He started in the nearest town, his boots kicking up dust on the dirt roads. The usual hustle and bustle was absent. The saloon stood mostly empty, its door swinging lazily in the wind, and the merchant at the stall seemed to be nearly dying of boredon. Ruben tried a couple of the local shops, but the owners had no work for him. "Come back next week," one grumbled, barely glancing up from his task. As he walked down the main street, Ruben paused by the stables. Maybe some ranchers needed help with cattle or repairs. He leaned on the wooden fence, watching the horses lazily graze, but the stablehands were nowhere to be seen. No deals, no jobs. The town had nothing to offer. Feeling the weight of wasted hours, Ruben turned back. He passed a few more mostly empty towns, the silence growing heavier with each step. Where the hell was everyone?

There was no point in sticking around. With a frustrated sigh, he made his way back to camp, the thought of returning with nothing gnawing at him.

No one asked, of course, but it still bothered him. It was late now, the sun completely hidden from view thanks to the treeline, clouds becoming stars…with not much else to do, he just idly did chores around camp. It sometimes felt like no-one did anything, and he really wished someone who’d be more useful would come around.

Eventually, Pearson called out for people to come over and eat, and so he walked over to the dishes after most everyone had gone already, grabbing a plate and turning around to—

“ Ay—cuidado. “ (Owch—careful.) Javier grumbled.

They had barely talked to each other—not that they talked much beforehand, but Javier had now started to return the favor and had begun to avoid Ruben—so this was their first interaction after the better part of 3 days. He seemed upset.

“ Pero si tú te me tiraste encima! “ (But you were the one that threw himself on me!) Ruben retorted, the weigh of the past few days making him more irritable than usual.

“ Yo no—ugh…Ruben, I don’t feel like arguing. “ Javier said, shoving past him to grab a plate for himself.

Ruben stared at him for a few seconds, anger boiling before he grabbed his arm and turned him around. “ Oh, but you very well argued with me back at that woman’s house! If it weren’t for you, we’d be fine! “

Javier seemed stunned for a few seconds, but eventually he nearly growled as he leaned in closer, expression darkening. “ You’re the one that’s always pushing me, don’t act innocent. “ He said, eyebrows furrowed.

Ruben could nearly feel Javier’s breath on him; a mix of tobacco, some sort of alcohol and…something else he couldn’t quite place. He shook his head, deciding this wasn’t the best time to think about that.

Instead, he threw his plate to the dirt—it was made of metal, so it wouldn’t break—and shoved Javier. “ This is all your fault! “ He said.

Javier put his plate down on the table with force before shoving Ruben back. “ I don’t know what your fucking problem with me is, but you’ve been rude to me since we met! “

“ Everything—everything that’s happened is your peoples fault! “ Ruben spat, anger rising from deep within. A wound that never healed.

Javier’s eyes widened, letting out a bitter chuckle as he looked Ruben up and down. “ My people? Cariño, you’re Mexican too. “ (Darling.)

The petname made a shiver run down his spine. He ignored that, too. “ No, I’m not. And that’s not even what I meant. “

“ Right—so your father isn’t Mexican? “ Javier placed his hands at his hips, raising an eyebrow.

Ruben groaned. “ Yes, he was, but I was born in Brazil. “

“ That makes you half-Mexican, imbécil! “

“ NO! I mean—maybe—that’s not my point! You revolutionaries ruined everything! “ Ruben’s voice broke ever so slightly.

Javier raised his eyebrows, and if he wasn’t before he sure was now. “ What does that have to do with anything!? I—oh, I see. I know what you are, un maldito imbécil que prefiere vivir en miseria antes de pelear. “ (A fucking moron who’d rather live in misery than fight.)

“ Tienes idea cuantas personas murieron porque gente como tú se les ocurrió ser parte de una pelea QUE NO PUEDEN GANAR? “ ( Do you have any idea how many people died because people like you decided to be part of a fight YOU CANNOT WIN?) Ruben spat, jaw clenched.

“ Mi tío murió por la revolución, Rubén, así que si, si tengo idea. “ (My uncle died for the revolution, Ruben, so yes, I do know) Javier answered, fists clenched. He was so close to punching Ruben. So, so very close.

“ Pero—no es lo mismo! Él pagó el precio, yo—” (But—it’s not the same! He paid the price, i--) Javier’s patience had finally snapped. Without another word, he punched Ruben’s face, a hard hit that sent the younger man stumbling backward. Ruben’s feet slipped on the dirt, and he crashed down onto the ground with a grunt.

Javier’s wasn’t a heavy puncher, he mostly used knives. This was surprising. " Levantate! “ (Get up!) Javier’s voice was sharp, filled with anger, as he watched Ruben scramble to his feet. Ruben grumbled as he got up, very quickly squaring up. Before Javier could react, Ruben lunged forward, making them both land on the ground, Ruben on top of Javier. He swung for a punch, but Javier moved out of the way and moved so he was on top now—they rolled in the dirt, struggling for control, fists flying as they tried to gain the upper hand. Their limbs tangled as they fought to get on top of each other, each trying to pin the other, but neither succeeding. A bit of blood splattered every once in a while as punches landed. The forest around them seemed to hold its breath as the two men rolled on the dirt, their movements frantic and wild. Javier tried to land a punch to Ruben’s ribs, but Ruben grabbed his arm and twisted it, forcing Javier to the side. They were both covered in dirt, sweat, and blood, but neither one was backing down.

Ruben silently hoped someone would come and stop them. Javier kneed the other’s stomach, causing him to grunt. In retaliation, he swung an elbow toward Javier’s face. The two collided again and again, their breathing heavy and ragged.

They kept their eyes on each other. Javier’s eyes followed a trickle of blood that ran down from Ruben’s nose to his lips. It was chaos, messy and uncoordinated. Neither could get the leverage needed to end it.

Javier managed to land a blow to Ruben’s cheek, but Ruben responded with a shove. They were still both on the ground, so it barely mattered at all. They were both exhausted now, breathing heavily, their muscles aching from the constant struggle. Neither had won, and neither had truly hurt the other. The fight slowly came to an end, both of them lying there in the dirt, tangled together, their breaths heavy but no longer frantic. There was no decisive blow, no clear victor. Just a mess of exhaustion and frustration.

They were silent for a few seconds, both sighing and looking away.

“ Tu…tu padre murió en la pelea? “ (Your…your dad died at the fight?) Javier asked between breaths, quiet, nearly gentle even if he was still fuming.

Ruben felt his throat tighten. He swallowed, shaking his head. “ Entonces? “ (Then?) Javier asked, frustration showing again.

Again, there was silence.

He sighed, accepting Ruben wasn’t ready to talk about it just yet. “ Mira, Rubén…no sé qué pasó, y lamento que hayas perdido a alguien por nuestra pelea, pero no fue culpa mía. Yo no maté a esa persona. Yo solo quería que nos trataran de manera justa. “ (Look, Ruben…I don't know what happened, and I'm sorry you lost someone because of our fight, but it wasn't my fault. I didn't kill that person. I just wanted us to be treated fairly.)

They both sat up, Ruben looking back at him. “ Te juro que moriría por cada inocente que muríó. “ (I swear I would die for every innocent person who died.) Javier added, looking straight into his eyes.

Ruben opened his mouth to speak, but before he could Arthur called out to them.

“ The hell are you doin’!? “ He asked, stomping his way over. “ On the—oh my lord. Did you fight??? Again??? “ Arthur sighed in frustration. “ Get up, go eat. “

And so they did, brushing themselves off and heading for dinner.

They didn’t talk about it to anyone who asked.

#rdr2 #arthur morgan #rdr2 oc #rdr2 headcanons #ruben connor rdr2 #javier escuella #ocxcanon #rdr2 fanfic #rdr2 fanart #artists on tumblr #animal crossing

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downtowncannibal · 5 months ago

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It's Me Billy ch. 2 spoilers ahead

Cw: Sexual Assault mentioned, stay safe !!

Tldr: Buffy rants

It's Me Billy was, cinematography wise, such a beautiful film. I can name multiple instances where I was so SO impressed with the lighting, sound, angles, use of old set locations (I.e a shot of the original police station !!) Etc. However, when it came to the actual content of the heavily hyped sequel I feel horribly underwhelmed.

The film tries to do too much in such a short time span. The first chapter of It's Me Billy could have easily been a stand alone film! It doesn't need Black Christmas to hold it up, of course for context yes, but the film was enjoyable without it. Chapter 2 seems to rely very heavily on Black Christmas as it's predecessor, with it's on screen return of Jess and addition of actress Lynne Griffin it feels like 90% of the film just ended up being useless references rather than a actual plot.

Along with this, In it's attempts to keep Billy and Agnes as mysterious as possible, it just ends up leaving the viewer confused. Why is she there? Why was she even involved in the original film according to this plot? What's convinced her to stay since it's obvious the film is leading with the "Billy sexually assaulted Agnes" plotline?

Where Black Christmas had certain hints here and there about it's killer in Billy's phone calls, It's Me Billy seems to not even touch these questions the audience may have. It simply leaves them with nothing, nothing to think about, nothing to be scared about.

It's killers are simply that. Killers.

The ending is just as unsatisfactory, with Jess bludgeoning Billy in the back of the head, knocking out his eyeball with a fire poker. The cops pull up, the information is presumably released, and that's...it.

I do love the original Black Christmas and Chapter 1 of It's Me Billy. I think there is so much more potential here that was wasted, with just the right amount of time, and less sort of "fan service", Chapter 2 really had the right idea of what it wanted.

Regardless of this, I must give credit where credit is due. As I've said, I think visually it was beautiful. The acting was on point, the scene with Billy at the table was a absolutely amazing look into his mind, mental state, and a great reference back to his calls. It's Me Billy has the right idea, and a fairly well execution. It wasn't bad, it's certainly worth a watch! Just definitely wasn't what I was expecting.

#shut up buffy #billy lenz #black christmas #black chirstmas 1974

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aneenasevla · 11 months ago

Text

Red Velvet - Chapter 1 (part 2)

MasterList / Akane’s profile / Part 1 here Art by @aneenasevla

Chapter 1 - Hopeless (part 2)

“HELL FUCKING YEAH!”

"Cut that out, we're in the middle of the bakery, dumbass!," Himuro hisses between his teeth.

"Let 'em hear it, 'cause everyone here should know that I hit the jackpot!," Rihito raises his arms in the air, making Vs for Victory with his fingers, a gigantic smile making his face light up like a Christmas tree. "The tall trees will be brought down, the last will be the first, the early bird catches the worm, all that shit!"

"And you'll get all the cans of whoopass if you don't cut that shit out," Kanami says as she arrives to deliver an order to another table. "There are ladies here too."

Okubo makes a face at his friend. "Seriously, Rihito, she might kick you out if you don't pipe it down..."

"Oh shit... sorry, aunty!," He shrinks completely, his arms falling on either side of his torso, but the smile didn't disappear from his face even with the scolding he received. "But that won't happen, I'm one of the best paying customers at this establishment. I drop cash here all the time, man! And anyway, my seaweed-headed bro wouldn't let that happen. Right, Tokita? You won't let your girl kick me out like that, right?"

"Her name is Kanami, you idiot, not 'aunty'... and leave me out of this," Ohma says with his mouth full. "Everyone here pays for the service. Do we have to pay for your stupidity too?"

"Aunty is an affectionate term, you moron! And you could actually pay me something! A round of baked goods to congratulate me on my achievement!"

"I'm going to give you a round of kicks in the ass if you don't shut up," Himuro grumbles, placing a finger on his right ear and scratching it with a grimace, "Seriously, does the word "dignity" have any meaning to you, Rihito?"

"Besides, I wouldn't call it your achievement. It was Tomori who set this date up for you, wasn't it?," Kaneda asks, to which Tomori, sitting next to Okubo, shakes her head.

"Yes, but he still has an achievement, Kaneda. He achieved being the most annoying person on this table."

"Oh, come on! You were the one who should be the happiest for me, Tomori! Your friend will win a date with a good catch!," He points to himself with smugness. "Believe me, she will be thanking you on her knees very soon!"

"I only see this girl coming on her knees to Tomori if she’s going to beg to never have to put up with you again."

"Shut up, Himuro!"

"You're too noisy, Ichiro," Ohma says slowly. "You're bothering everyone."

"Dude, even Ohma is warning you, so you can see how fu...reaking annoying you're being, right?," Okubo held himself back from swearing.

"Dangit, man, I already told you to call me Rihito," He hisses irritably. "It's been almost five years, not even you can be such a blockhead. And okay, okay, I'll try to tone it down a tad. Anyway!," He smiles a lot at Tomori. "Do you have any pics of her to show me? You said she's seen some of mine, it's only fair that I check some of hers out too."

"Make an Instagram account and you'll be able to see as much as you want," Okubo says. "What do you have a phone for, idiot? She has an account there and everything."

"Have you become your chick’s spokesperson now, Buzz Lightyear? Let her speak for herself, dammit!"

"He actually saved me trouble, because I was going to say the same thing."

"Ugh, which part of "I don't want to waste time creating an account on a sissy social network where you only find pictures of food, kittens and motivational phrases for moody teens" didn't you understand?" He gestures, a little frustrated. "I'll make a stupid account only to never use it again!"

"Kanami made one for me," Ohma shows it on his phone screen, with the same unimpressed face as always. "It has Medeyami on it. And the cake that Koga and Ryuki made for her birthday…"

"Heh, are you going to call the seaweed head a fag now, Rihito?," Okubo gives a triumphant smile. "The Amazon hunter himself?"

"I won’t. It's known that men who enter into serious relationships with women become infected with the virus of faggotry by osmosis, so I'm not even surprised. The thing, Tokita, is that at the moment I'm interested in another type of cat, and also in another type of cake," He smiles cheekily while making gestures with his hands, as if he were squeezing some soft, invisible object, and this elicits annoyed grunts from the whole table.

"Damn, I won't give it fifteen minutes for this girl to slap the shit out of him," Himuro groans, to which Kaneda nods.

"I give it even less than that."

"Okay, Rihito, tone it waaay down," Tomori warns him, seriously. "Akane decided to give you a chance, but don't take it as a certain victory. You don't really know her..."

"I'll get to know her if you tell me more about her! Is she cute? Does she like big, good-looking guys? What did she say when she saw my pics? I work with details, woman!"

"Oh, someone liked Medey's photo," Ohma said softly, absorbed in his own world while checking his phone "A lot of people, actually... the cake deserves way more likes than that fuzzy thief..."

"Dude, if you post a pic of yourself it will be way more successful than that of the cat."

"For what?"

"Oh, uh… nevermind," Himuro laughs softly. "It’s not worth it, and it's not like you need it."

Ohma shrugs and continues looking at his phone. "Well, guess I'm gonna make another cake..."

Tomori was still arguing with Rihito.

"You can ask her all that stuff during the date. Or just do what we're suggesting and make an Instagram account..."

"I already said it’s not going to happen, so drop it," He snorts impatiently. "And I’m asking this now so I don’t fall into a trap! I trust you, Tomori, but I need to know if you set me up on a date with some sourpuss or-"

"Ugh, do you see what your problem is?!," Tomori finally seems to lose her temper, slamming her hands on the table, which makes Rihito jump, Okubo and Himuro widen their eyes and Kaneda choke on his juice. "I can see clearly why everyone always says you can't pick up women to save your life! You're acting like a giant dick, and for what?"

Rihito stares at her, perplexed. The table is silent, except for Kaneda's dry cough and the sound of Himuro's hand tapping on his back. Ohma looks at the commotion, one eyebrow raised, watching as he takes a sip of his favorite milkshake, seeming to expect something. Rihito then shrugs his shoulders a little.

"A giant dick? Shit, that was uncalled for..."

Some customers even started looking upset at their table, bothered by the noise. Kanami gives Hiro a meaningful look and the two nod with mutual understanding.

"Okay, that's enough. Give me that," Kanami had approached them and reached a hand in Rihito's direction, closing and opening her fingers.

He turns around with a start when he notices her, alarmed. "S-Sorry, aunty! I'll try to pipe it down, I swear!"

"Yeah... sorry, Kanny, I kind of lost my temper here..."

"Yeah, I know, Tomoh," she then looks at Rihito. "And you! Give me that phone, now," she speaks in a commanding voice, still repeating the gesture.

"What- no, hold on!," He grabs his phone and stands up, suddenly alarmed, as if he were facing a pickpocket pointing a knife at him. "My phone is a no-go area, Miss Kanami! You can ask these guys, you don't want to see the things I have here..."

"I'll have to agree with him, Miss Kanami. Rihito's phone is worse than a landfill...," Himuro snorts while Kaneda makes a face.

"Oh really? Let me see" Hiro was already walking away with his phone in his hand. Kanami smiles when he approaches her. "I love to pry on other people's dirty laundry."

"What the- Give me back my phone, you nosy twink!," He shrieks, already going after the cashier with his hands outstretched. "Seriously, Hiro, don't do that!"

Kanami stops him from approaching Hiro with a hand on his chest, raising an eyebrow, her acid eyes directly eating away at him, speaking quietly. "That was the final straw, Rihito. You're making an ass of yourself, and even Tomori, the most patient person I know, got mad. Now either you cooperate and stop acting like they are about to shove a stick up your ass or I'm going to break my iron rule and let everyone beat you up right here, right now. It's up to you."

Ohma smiles, even letting out a low snort of laughter. Okubo even found it strange when he lifted his phone to discreetly take a photo with a satisfied expression.

Himuro opens a devilish smile, cracking his knuckles. "Wonderful. I've been waiting for an excuse to beat the shit outta him for a month now."

"Screw you, Himuro!," Rihito growls, looking around, tense like a cornered animal. "Ugh... what do you want with my phone, anyway?!"

"Kinda obvious, don't you think, Rihito?," Kaneda arches an eyebrow "Miss Kanami will nip the evil in the bud."

"And what the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"That means you’re going to get a brand new Instagram account," Tomori smiles, very satisfied, and Rihito widens his eyes.

"Ugh, you gotta be kiding me! Seriously, why do y'all care so much? I'll only use this account to see some pics of this girl and then I'll forget about it!"

"Do you want to see it or not?," Okubo grunts. "Damn, dude, you even have an Tiktok account and you don't post anything, so what's one more social media!?"

"TikTok is full of hot chicks twerking, that’s the only reason I made an account!"

"There's girls twerking on Instagram too, you know? And even more so, since it's been around longer," Hiro skillfully twirls the phone in his hand, mischievous like the little devil everyone knew he was. "And on top of that there are more women there, maybe you can get another dates if you don't like this one…"

"It’s either that or you'll go home all bruised and limping," Kanami threatens. "Half of it will be my doing."

"Uugh...," He puts his hand over his face, grinding his teeth. Tomori snorts, looking at Okubo while mumbling, "Do you see what I've told you a bunch of times, Naoh? It's because of this attitude that he's still single."

"Leave me alone! And I still haven't forgotten what you told me just now! That "giant dick" was totally uncalled for," He glares at her, sounding truly offended. "I thought we had become friends!"

"And we are! That's precisely why I need to be honest with you, otherwise you'll never learn your lesson and do better," She points indignantly at him. "I've only known you for a short time, but it was enough for me to see that you have a good side and can be a genuinely nice guy. But it seems that this good side disappears when it comes to women! Do you really need my friend to be attractive by your specific standards to treat her with respect?"

"What- no, I didn't mean that...," He shrinks again.

Kanami looks at him with her scolding look. Hiro chews his gum, raising his eyebrow. Ohma sighs, going back to what he was doing on his phone. Okubo crosses his arms. Everyone else in the bakery frowns.

"Okay... you see how uncomfortable everyone is getting, right, man?," Himuro arches an eyebrow, to which Rihito scratches the back of his head, looking down.

"I would be blind if I hadn't seen it..."

"So why don't we talk calmly, while Miss Kanami and Mr. Hiro take care of everything for you?," Kaneda suggests, to which Rihito makes a face.

"... So you all agree with what she said?"

Everyone nods, even Ohma who wasn't even paying attention anymore.

"Stubborn idiot," he mutters, without looking up from his phone.

Rihito swallows hard. He rubs his right arm with his left hand. And then he looks up at Tomori, who feels her chest hurt when he sees his expression of genuine sadness, his green, expressive eyes showing a fragility that gave him the air of a very needy puppy.

Oh, she knew that expression. It was the same expression he had made when he showed up unexpectedly at her house, on a rainy Sunday, willing to humiliate himself to intercede for his friend. It was at times like these that she remembered that he wasn't a complete idiot, and that there was a reason why her boyfriend and everyone else continued to maintain a friendship with him.

"I'm sorry..."

Tomori sighs, closing her eyes, anger leaving her like air leaking from a punctured balloon.

"... Okay. You're forgiven. Are you going to let Kanny and Hiro create a profile for you now?"

"...Hnf. What choice do I have?," He mumbles with a shrug. "Just do it already. I'm just warning you that it will become a no man's zone after serving its purpose."

The people at the bakery seemed to silently celebrate the calm that would follow after that. Himuro and Kaneda sigh, relaxing in their chairs.

Himuro smiles at Okubo. "You’ve got yourself quite the girlfriend, huh, dude. To be able to make this idiot put his tail between his legs like that..."

"Screw you!"

Ohma smiles, still on the phone, thinking it was for him. "Thanks."

"Himuro was talking to me, man. And yeah, I know!," Okubo shrills, his voice rising a few octaves, and then he turns very red when the whole table starts laughing. He clears his throat, putting a fist in front of his mouth, getting all awkward when Tomori caresses his fist with a cute little laugh. Rihito just rolls his eyes.

"Fuckin' simp...," He mutters softly.

"Okay, Rihito, now that everything got solved...," Kanami sighs. "Come to the counter, I'll help you with this. No one else needs to comment on this, right?!," She looks at the others, and Hiro shrugs.

"Okay… wow, just when I was about to give him all the profiles of my muscle-eater friends…," he returns to the counter, handing the phone to the baker.

Rihito immediately turns his attention to him. "Wait, really? I'm in!"

"We'll talk about that after this first date," Hiro says seriously to him. "You bum."

"That's right, your focus should be on my friend for now! He's coming, Kanny, I just want to hear a few more things from his mouth to make sure it's safe for me to give the go-ahead," Tomori warns, to which Rihito gives her a tired look.

"What, you're an inspector for potential fuck-buddies now? Okubo, tell your girlfriend to go do something else…"

"Hell no. Kick his ass, babe!", he nods, as seriously as her. "Roll this fella up!"

"You asshole! Let me know when she decides to let you get your balls out of her purse, you fucking simp-"

"Shut up and sit back down, damn it! Everyone wants to eat in peace," Himuro grumbles, to which Rihito returns to his place at the table, crossing his arms, grumpily.

"Okay, fine. Come on, what do you want me to do? Pick her up at seven and bring her back at ten at her curfew? Bring her flowers, chocolate and all that romantic crap?"

"No, Akane is not the type to enjoy these things. She would think you're pathetic if you showed up with something like that," She shakes her head. "I just want to hear from you that you're going to try not to behave like an asshole."

"Hey Kaneda, help me. How do you do this…?” Ohma asks, pointing to something on the phone, in the background.

"Sure. Let me see, Ohma…," Kaneda goes to help him, and the rest ignore them.

"Goddanmit, I already told you I won't! I haven't been on a date in a while, what makes you think I'd do anything to ruin it?," He asks indignantly, to which she shakes her head impatiently.

"You wouldn't do it on purpose, but you would. You always end up making the women around you uncomfortable with your cluelessness. Hugging them too tightly, grabbing them, asking inconvenient questions and making gross invitations-"

"I don't do that!"

"Yes, you do. I can prove it," Himuro rolls his eyes. "I already introduced you to two of my friends at your insistence, and the result was neither of them wanting to go out with you again. Remember?"

He blushes.

"I-It's not my fault that I'm a physical guy who loves giving and receiving affection. They were too frigid..."

"You hug ME too damn hard…," Ohma comments. "Seriously, it’s ridiculous."

"You are the most frigid of all! You have a heart of stone…"

"He doesn't and I can prove it!," Kanami imitates Himuro. Ohma snorts at his friend.

"I'm serious, Rihito. Go easy with those wandering hands and the very tight, long hugs," Tomori says, and this time, she seemed to ask, instead of demanding. "Come on, if you can't do this to me, you'll be able to not do this to her too."

"It’s different with you! I'm no backstabber to go grabing my friend's girl."

"So don't be nasty with the others either," Ohma says. "It's a pain to be harassed, in any situation. You said it yourself, I'm proof of that."

"I don’t harass anyone!"

"You do, so much so that to this day we don't know how you weren't framed or something like that," Himuro snorts, to which Kaneda, still helping Ohma with whatever he was doing on his phone, comments,

"Miss Akiyama has already threatened to sue you for sexual misconduct about five times..."

"Meh, I've kind of given up on Kaede," Rihito pouts. "If she doesn't want me, there are others who do... like Tomori's friend," He sighs, scratching his scalp. "Okay, okay... I'll try to pay attention to these things. But you know what my intentions are with this date, right? I'll be as nice as I can, but I won't pretend I'm interested in anything else."

"No need to," Tomori takes a sip of her juice. "Akane wants the same."

He turns to her, green eyes wide and shining.

"Really?!"

"Really," Okubo nods. "IF you don’t ruin everything, asshole."

"Watch your mouths, we have ladies present in the room," Kaneda says, to which Tomori chuckles.

"Relax, Kaneda, I'm kind of used to it. I've watched you play horror games together, remember? My repertoire of swear words gained a couple more pages that day."

"Anyway!," Lihito raises his hands, drawing attention back to himself. "Damn, that makes everything better! I love a woman who knows what she wants...," He rubs his hands with a smile, and then shrinks when Tomori gives him a warning look. "Chill out, I haven't forgotten the things you said! I... I never wanted to harass anyone, really. It's just..."

"It's just that you live on the basis of the philosophy that, if you shoot everywhere, you will eventually hit a target."

"Shut up, Himuro. But... yeah," He sighs.

"Oh, so that's how it is," Ohma nods, looking happier. "Thanks, Kaneda. This will surpass that cat..."

"Isn’t the cat post yours too, Ohma?"

"I don’t admit that this backstabber does better than me."

"Seriously, Hon, stop being jealous of my cat!," Kanami sighs. "This is getting weird."

"He stole my steak-"

"That’s been almost six months! And that was your fault!"

"He lost my trust and that's it. I only tolerate him because he's cute."

"Dude, you really don’t know what context “backstabber” is used, do you?," Himuro arches an eyebrow at Ohma, while Lihito mumbles,

"This dude considers a fucking cat his rival, while I'm still here, waiting for a rematch... but whatever!," He shakes his head with a serious face. "If these attitudes of mine really cause discomfort... I will try to control it and keep my hands to myself... to a certain extent. You can't do the deed through telepathy, you know..."

"Just be polite and respect her boundaries until she shows that she is willing to get more physical," Tomori suggests. "Akane is not one to beat around the bush, she'll make it very clear when she's interested. Until then... just be the cool, fun guy I know you are when you're not chasing skirts. She will appreciate it."

Rihito blushes a little. And then he smiles. She would probably never get used to how cute he could be when he really let his feelings come out, without that stupid casanova facade getting in the way.

"Guys, it's almost closing time, do you want to go or can I join you at the table?," Kanami sighs, a little tired. "Tomori, before I go I'm going to need help, Paikon woke up from his coffin and is tidying up, but when it comes to kitchen stuff..."

"Leave it to me, Kanny! Then, after we're done, we can go back to the table and help him with his Instagram profile all together," Tomori suggests, smiling, to which Rihito blushes more, looking to the side.

"I'm kinda having a Dee-je-vou-"

"Déjà vu, dumb fuck."

"Shut up! But seriously, this reminds me of when the three of us got together to help Okubo prepare for his second date with Tomori," He smiles at his friend. "It's ridiculous and at the same time funny that you're trying to do the same to me..."

"We’re trying to be good friend. You did the same for me, didn't you?," Okubo snorts, blushing too. "We need to help the homies…"

"Come here, blondie, I already downloaded Instagram on your phone while I was out," Hiro sits down next to Rihito without ceremony. "You just have to choose the photos..."

"Aaah! Don't sit so suddenly next to me, you spawn of Satan!," Rihito jumps and shrinks a little. "And who gave you the password to my phone? Seriously, sometimes I think you're a Yakuza in disguise..."

"I have my little secrets, honey," he smiles devilishly. "And no, I'm no Yakuza, but I have some friends who had some experiences with 'em. Kanami is one."

"Experiences with beating them up, you mean," Kanami laughs, making a cruel expression, high-fiving with Ohma, who smiles in the same way.

"It’s not just you, no. I'd even call some of them pros. But come here, help me choose your profile pic," he opens the phone gallery and widens his eyes at the first photo he sees. "Oh my God...," he blushes, laughing coquettishly at Rihito. "You definitely weren't feeling cold that day, huhuhuhuhuh..."

"What the- you busybody!," He snatches the phone from Hiro's hand, very red. "You can let me choose the pic, thanks for the help! I just need to find one that won't get my profile banned five minutes after being created..."

"Do you see what we said?," Himuro sighs while Kaneda says, "Take the opportunity and give him your friend's profile, Tomori."

"Oh, I will, as soon as he gets his profile ready."

"My friend, it is Instagram guidelines that doesn't like that stuff, I loved what I saw," Hiro laughs maliciously at Rihito, but still walks away. "If you want, I can make an OnlyFans account for you too..."

"No, thanks. I already have one," He responds, without looking up from his phone, and this time everyone at the table chokes on their respective drinks.

"You- you have an OnlyFans account? Are you serious?!," Himuro widens his eyes, to which Rihito rolls his.

"Calm down, it’s just so I can follow those who really make content."

"Oh... now we know why you’re always broke at the end of the month," Kaneda comments.

"Then let's do a creator account, I want to help," Hiro laughs.

"No offense, bro, but I don't want to have a literal devil's advocate as a manager or anything like that," Rihito snorts. "Anyway, I've already chosen the pic. What do I do now?"

"Here, as soon as you post it… That’s it. Now press this button here...," Hiro teaches him. "Hey, Tomoh, it's Sekihyo, right?," When Tomori confirms, he laughs a little mischievously. "Oh, this is going to be great," he laughs softly. "I know her username, it's @akaneagata. That's it, all together. Aaand there you go! Enjoy," he gets up and pats Rihito on the back. "Now that I'm sure of who it is, I feel way more at easy, hahaha."

"Sekihyo? That Sekihyo?!," Kanami looked up, surprised; she was now sitting next to Ohma. "Ooooh... I know that one," she makes a face, returning to her boyfriend's side, mumbling, "Good luck, you'll need it."

"Yes, he will," Tomori nods, very solemnly, while Rihito frowns, checking the profile.

"Sekihyo? Is that a nom de guerre or something?"

"Yep! Look at the photos and tell me if it's not an extremely suitable name," She suggests, and he, even more interested, scrolls the bar with his finger to scroll down the photos.

And what photos. She looked like a model posing for a photo studio, always in the best angles. She was a little thin but not like Tomori, especially in the breasts department, which happened to be the roundest, and almost sticking out of her clothes, almost always accompanied by a coat that looked to be made of fake fur. Fur, leather, leopard prints… if she were older, she would definitely be the flashy type, but damn, how good that fashion style looked on her. And her skin was similar to Himuro's, but her blonde hair... she was clearly one of those Gyaru, who he saw walking down the streets of Tokyo in groups. And she had a tattoo of red leopard prints on her shoulder, living up to her name.

Himuro and Kaneda see how Rihito's eyes widen, his chin dropping a little as his face reddens. They knew that expression too well. The two exchange a quick glance with Okubo before leaning in to peek, very curious.

"Uh- wow!," Himuro’s eyes widen a little too. "Now that nom de guerre makes a lot of sense. A Gyaru with a capital G…"

"Indeed," Kaneda agrees with a nod. "And she's a close friend of yours?"

"I’ve known her since high school,” Tomori says, smiling a lot. "Naoh, do you remember when I told you that I got into a fight with a girl and almost got kicked out of school? A fight that involved a baseball bat and everything…"

"Wow, was that her?!," his eyes widened too. "She didn't end up with permanent brain damage, did she?"

"Two damaged brains, going on a date…," Kanami scoffs, making Ohma laugh softly.

"And if she hadn't, she must have it now, considering she agreed to go out with "Rihito, Himuro raises an eyebrow, to which Kaneda laughs softly.

"Fuck off, all of you!"

Hiro laughed out loud from the counter.

Tomori laughs too, shaking her head, "She always had brain damage, hahaha! And she returned the kindness later, she gave me a black eye and everything. We had a hell of a cat fight, were both suspended for a week, and the following month we were already going out shopping together as if we had always been the best of friends!"

"And we thought it was just us, professional fighters, who made friends like that," Kaneda jokes with a chuckle.

"With me and Ichiro it was the same thing...," Ohma shrugs. "Except the shopping."

"Yeah...," Rihito nods slowly, his eyes still fixed on the phone screen. The others watch him closely, already preparing themselves for the whistles, the extremely inappropriate comments, the howls. They don't come, however. Tomori then asks, a little hesitantly, "So? What do you think of my friend?"

Rihito looks up at her. And then he smiled a lot, his cheeks a little flushed.

"Wow, Tomori, she's beautiful!"

Uh... yeah, definitely none of them were expecting that kind of response.

"Oh… apparently our moral beatings got in…," Hiro comments, laughing. Kanami laughs louder.

"... Kaneda, check his pulse, quickly. See if he's not dying, in a feverish state or something," Himuro says, eyes wide, to which Kaneda exclaims, "We have to take Rihito to the hospital! There is something very wrong with him!"

"Shut up, you two, I’m fine!," Rihito grumbles impatiently. "You wanted me to behave, right? So I'm trying to do that from now on!"

"Uh... that's great!," Tomori opens a huge smile. "She’s really beautiful, isn’t she?"

"A lot! I had never dated a Gyaru before. I see that I'm going to start well. And yes, the tattoos are quite appropriate, considering her nom de guerre," He carefully observes the pattern of spots tattooed on one of the girl's shoulders. "A panther, huh? I like it," He opens an insinuating half smile. "That's what I call a coincidence…"

"Huh? Why?," Kanami asks, innocently.

"Well... let's say that panthers and leopards are also an inspiration to me, when I'm inside a ring," He arches an eyebrow, raising two of his fingers. "I have the claws and everything to prove it. That girl and I are going to get along really well. Big cats sometimes roam in packs, hehe."

"Oh, that's true. You even wear shorts with leopard prints and everything," Kaneda nods, crossing his arms.

"Isn't a panther a kind of lion or something?," Ohma asks, and Kanami shows him an image on her phone screen. "Ooh... so that's the animal," Ohma nods. "Yeah, it matches the Razor."

"I see… that’s clever," Kanami agrees. "So it’s just a matter of setting the date up, right?

"Oh yes…," Okubo nods, seriously. "And it will be the four of us. We're free this coming weekend, what about you?"

"Yes, I- wait, the four of us?," Rihito blinks, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Uh... so, Naoh had the idea of us going on a double date. You know?," Tomori gestures a little. "Both of us, you two..."

Rihito blinks again. And then he grunts to Okubo, "Who told you that a moron like you could come up with ideas, even more so stupid ones like that?! A double date, that's just what I needed!"

"It's your fault, you jerk! Your fame fucking preceds you. We were worried at the thought that you were going to scare away the poor woman. Don't forget that it was only when you shut up that that catfish bite the bait!"

"Fuck you, you’re jealous because I was the one who caught it!,"

"Oh, but the idea is great! That way, you can keep an eye on him," Kaneda says, and Himuro nods.

"Yep. I would say it would be to ensure that the girl doesn't get uncomfortable to the point of wanting to run away, but after seeing her photos, it would be more to ensure that Rihito doesn't end the night needing to put ice on his balls because he got kicked."

"Fuck off! Ugh, is this really necessary? I already said I'm going to behave!," He assures, to which Tomori shakes her head.

"It's already decided. Not to mention that we will enjoy the night too. We're a little tired of only being able to sit quietly next to each other on a sofa, while my father sings enka at karaoke and my brother challenges Naoh to an arm wrestle."

"Ugh, I know how that is," Kanami grimaces. "Well, then good luck to you guys, especially to Rihito."

"Heheheheh… you can fall in love but don’t fool yourself, dear," Hiro jokes. "Fight well, soldier."

"Hnf. No need to worry, lil' fairy. I don't fall in love, simple as that," Rihito lifts his chin haughtily. Himuro and Kaneda look at each other and shake their heads, saying nothing. Tomori rolls her eyes, then turns around and says, "Oh, and before I forget! Two more of my friends asked for your DMs, Himuro. Can I give it on to them?"

"Sure. What are their names?"

"Karin and Mariko. They are former college classmates. Do you want to meet them here at the bakery?"

"That's where I met the other two, Yuzuhira and Makoto, so it's more than fair. You can tell them I'm free on Wednesday," Himuro combs his hair back with one hand, very naturally, his eyes closed. Rihito glares at him in anger.

"Two more numbers? Now you have, like, four of 'em! Greed is a sin, you know? You're going straight to Hell, you slut!"

"All this just because I didn’t want to give you the number of one of them? Envy is also a sin. See you there, asshole."

"I already know that I'm going to Hell anyway. I remember hearing a devil laughing when I died," Ohma comments, as naturally as Himuro. Kanami grimaces.

"Ohma, don't say that...," she gets goose bumps. Ohma hugs her shoulder, laughing softly.

"And you said he's frigid," Okubo points at the two, looking at Rihito. "He even looks kinda cute."

"Hmph. He is, when it comes to us," Rihito snorts, turning his attention back to his phone, still admiring Akane's profile. Tomori speaks softly to Okubo, "I'm honestly relieved that he didn't make a scene when he saw Akane's photos. I think what I said really got into his head."

"I just hope it stays that way, love… I really do."

"Me too. Anyway...," She gets up from the chair, hitting her hands on her skirts to unwrinkle them. "We need to close everything, don't we, Kanny? And go help Paikon too."

"Yes, yes… let go of me, Ohma…," she laughs a little when he doesn't let her go, and breaks free when she threatens to squeeze his ribs. And she quickly goes to the kitchen with Tomori. "Let's go, I have things to do at home."

"Okay! I'll be right back, love," Tomori leans in to kiss Okubo's cheek; He was so tall, she didn't need to bend down too much to reach him, even with him sitting down. "And I'll bring you the leftover cookies from today's batch."

"Ooh, thanks a lot, babe," he pulls her towards him a little, in a quick but strong hug, making her laugh. And then he watches her leave. The others look at him grimacing, and he looks right back. "What?"

"Ugh" the others make a collective groan, except, of course, the seaweed head, who was still absorbed in his phone.

"Hey girls, I have some important business," Hiro also enters the kitchen, with a note in his hand. "There's something that's not working…," and his voice dies with the distance.

This time, Rihito didn't seem to care much about the sweet couple. He was still very focused on his phone. He only looks up when he realizes that Ohma, Okubo, Himuro, Kaneda and him were alone.

"Are they gone?"

"Uh... yes?," Kaneda arches an eyebrow. And then they all startle when Rihito slams his hands on the table, his face red and a little sweaty, his eyes wide and an expression of absolute delight on his face. And when he speaks, it's low enough for only them to hear, but the excited tone is unmistakable.

"Holy crap! Did you guys see the size of those tits? Shit, that girl's hot as fuck!"

Himuro and Kaneda let out a huge grunt together, the first putting his hand over his face, the second throwing his head back.

"Damn, we spoke too soon!"

"For fuck's sake, man! You were only waiting for the girls to leave to let the dogs out, huh," Okubo growls.

"I knew that was gonna happen," Ohma comments, looking aside. "I even counted to three, couldn't be more accurate."

"Seriously, aren't you ashamed of yourself, Rihito? What about all the things Tomori said to you? Did they go in one ear and out the other?," Kaneda asks in a censorious tone, to which Rihito shakes his head vigorously.

"Of course not, I listened and absorbed everything! I'm going to be the most respectful and gentlemanly guy I can be and keep my hands to myself... until it's time for me to bury my face in those melons until I choke!," He again makes that gesture of squeezing the air again, as if pressing invisible horns. "It took a while, but the universe finally decided to throw me a fucking bone! I'm about to cure these blue balls for good, my guys!"

"Fuck, I give up," Himuro groans, "I thought that, after Okubo straightened himself out, there might still be hope for this idiot. But no, he's a hopeless case."

"If I, the frigid one, according to you, could do it..." Ohma says with a laugh. "Anything is possible."

"Yeah, you just needed a new heart for that, one that can beat and pump in the right place," Okubo mocks. "That's all. In his case, he needs a brain..."

"Brain? Only if it can help me with oxygenation, because I'm going to need a hell of a breather to give this chick some action! But it's okay, I'll make the sacrifice!," He rubs his hands; he was almost salivating. "The noblest sacrifice I have ever made, yes sir."

"Poor girl..."

"For what? I'm going to do her so good she'll beg for an encore after the other! Now whether I'll agree or not is another story," He combs his hair back, trying to imitate the gesture that Himuro had made earlier, but not with nearly the same charm. Ohma holds back his laughter.

"He looks like a dog, minus the tongue sticking outta his mouth," Okubo comments, and Ohma lets out a half scream and stops laughing again, sobbing as he holds on, hiding his face.

"No, man, that's mean…," he manages to recover quickly. "You're offending the dogs."

"Whatever, man, I'm the biggest dog on the kernel! And the big dog here will feast!," He throws his head back and opens his mouth, but chokes hard when Himuro hits him with a slap to the throat, shouting: "I swear to God, you idiot, if you howl in the middle of the bakery, I'll kick your mouth so hard that you'll have to start brushing your teeth through your ass!

"Aack! Fuck you, dude!," He coughs hard. "Are you trying to kill me?!"

"Leave it alone, Himuro," Kaneda sighs in defeat, shaking his head. "The only thing we can hope for now is that he really follows Tomori's advice and waits until the right time to start with this nonsense."

"I'll wait, I swear! It will be worth it, every second...," And he raises his fingers again in Vs for Victory.

"If he doesn't wait, record the whole thing and send it to me. My videos with Kanami scaring him went... how Koga called it...? Oh yes, viral!," Ohma smiles satisfied. "I finally beat that fuzzy backstabber!"

Next Chapter HERE

#kengan omega #kengan ashura #heavybakery #fanfiction #kengan oc #kengan ashura imagines #kengan memes #aneenasevla #red velvet #lihito #rihito #ichiro nakata #nakata ichiro

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whimsicallyenchantedrose · 2 months ago

Text

Christmas Reruns 2024–Day 24: How the Witch Stole Christmas

Merry Christmas if you celebrate it and happy holidays if you don’t! One of the things I love about Christmas is watching reruns of all the old classic Christmas movies–Christmas is a big time for nostalgia. A few years ago, I decided to incorporate that tradition into my fandom life and post my CS holiday reruns. So here you go! Enough holiday (mostly) fluff to get you to New Year’s Day. (With a new story posting on Christmas Day.)

Word Count: 2714

Other chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 7 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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

Note: This story was first posted yesterday as a Secret Santa gift for @captainswan-kellie

“Thanks, Killian! Maybe we could go out on your boat again sometime,” Henry said as he bounded into their room at Granny’s.

“Anytime, lad,” Killian said softly, and Emma felt her heart turn over at the affection she heard in Hook’s voice toward her son. If she stopped to think about it too closely, it would scare the daylights out of her, how much she was coming to depend on him and lean on him in the midst of the latest craziness.

But that was a concern for another day. For right now, she just wanted to celebrate another day where they were still standing and the villain of the day hadn’t succeeded.

“How did the queen fare against the witch?” Killian asked, as though reading her thoughts. It was kind of unsettling how effortlessly he was able to do that..

“She survived, but the rest is definitely more than a doorway conversation,” Emma said, suddenly feeling tired as she recalled the showdown in the middle of town square.

She was about to thank him again, when suddenly her phone rang.

“Hey Mary Margaret, what’s up?” she asked, seeing her mother’s picture on the screen when she pulled the device from her back pocket.

“Can you and Hook meet us down in the parlor in say five minutes?” Mary Margaret asked.

“Sure?” she said, the word coming out more of a question than a statement. “What’s up? Is everything okay? Did the witch–”

“Oh nothing like that,” Mary Margaret said. “Don’t worry. Your father and I just had an idea.”

Killian gave her a concerned look as she hung up the phone. “Another crisis, Swan?”

“I don’t think so,” she said slowly. “That was Mary Margtaret and she sounded….excited. She wants us to meet her in the parlor. Just give me a second to tell the kid where I’m off to.”

Five minutes later, they found themselves seated on a loveseat in front of a merrily roaring fire in Granny’s parlor, an equally confused–and annoyed, from the look of it–Regina sitting across from them.

Before any of them had a chance to speculate what was up, Mary Margaret and David breezed in, cheeks reddened from the cold and a few stray snowflakes in their hair.

“Brr! It’s cold out there,” Mary Margaret said with a smile, “and it’s starting to snow–which is just perfect.”

Emma shot Killian a bemused look, and he shrugged, clearly as at a loss as she was.

“Mom,” Emma said, hoping to win some favor by using the familial term. “What’s all this about? Is there a new threat from Zelena? Did something else happen?”

“Oh nothing like that!” Mary Margaret said. “We called you all here because, well, tomorrow’s Christmas Eve.”

“Tomorrow’s….Christmas Eve?” Killian said blankly.

“Oh come on, Hook,” David said, “we had Christmas back in our land. Surely you know what it is!”

“Of course I bloody know what Christmas is,” Killian bit out. “What I fail to grasp is why that warrants a meeting of the heroes.”

“We have to plan a celebration, of course!” Mary Margaret said, nearly bounding on her chair. And there’s no time to waste!”

Regina gave her erstwhile enemy a look of disbelief. “My insane half sister is running around, trying to steal hearts and courage and who the hell knows what else, and you want to plan a party?”

A look of steely determination came into Mary Margaret’s face. “Yes, that’s exactly what I want to do,” she said. “I don’t know what the witch has planned. I don’t know how she plans to go about getting what she wants, but I do know one thing: when this town comes together we don’t fail. I refuse to let her steal the joy of the holiday from me or my family–or my town!”

“And the best way to stop her is to set up a Christmas tree and drink eggnog and give each other presents we don’t want anyway?” Regina continued.

“Couldn’t hurt,” David said.

“Of course it could!” Regina exploded. “Who knows what she’ll get accomplished while we galavant around town like idiots!”

“Swan? What do you think?” Killian asked, turning toward her.

She thought for a moment before formulating her answer. “I say, screw her,” she said finally. “Whatever insane plot she’s hatching, she’s basically acting like a spoiled kid, and what do you do with a spoiled kid? You ignore them. She wants to throw a temper tantrum, we’ll be ready for her.”

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

The next morning, Zelena adjusted her hat, and then poofed herself out of her farmhouse to the edge of town, curious to see the effect her showdown with her pathetic younger sister had on the rest of the town.

She’d defeated her handily, thanks in part to her secret, Dark One, weapon.

Would the town be cowering in fear? Would they be huddled together trying to prepare for whatever new hell Zelena planned for them?

She looked around, and her brows furrowed in confusion. There was no spirit of fear or concern in the air. There was an air of excitement, of festivity. Grumpy and the rest of the dwarf’s were dragging a huge pine tree onto the square and untangling strands of lights. Marco and Archie hung decorations on light posts. Belle sang a Christmas carol as she strung garland on the door of library.

Zelena huddled farther into the large coat she’d donned to hide her identity for her reconnaissance mission. Stepping into Granny’s, she noticed the core group of heroes–along with Granny and Ruby were engaged in a strategy meeting.

But it wasn’t any kind of strategy meeting she would have expected. They seemed to be planning….a party.

“Should there be a gift exchange?” Mary Margaret asked.

“Put together in one day?” Regina asked skeptically.

“Why not?” Mary Margaret said. “What kind of Christmas party doesn’t even have a gift exchange? We could make it a game. A white elephant gift exchange!”

They were planning a party? The morning after she’d so soundly defeated her younger sister? Had they all gone crazy?

Wordlessly, Zelena slipped out of the diner. They thought to ignore her and the threat she posed? She’d see about that!

As she made her way back to her farmhouse, an idea came to her mind. A wonderful, terrible idea

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

“So….the whole town is having a Christmas party?” Henry asked as he, Emma and Killian walked from their rooms toward the diner bright and early on Christmas morning.

“That they are lad,” Killian said, smiling delightedly. “Replete with gifts, games and holiday treats.”

“But…but weren’t you all just working to find the person who killed my dad, and how you’re having a party?” he asked.

Emma stopped and put a comforting hand on her son’s shoulder. “Kid, don’t worry, we’ll catch her. We just can’t stop living while we do. We can’t let her steal our joy.”

“Your father would want you to enjoy the season,” Killian added.

“But….are we safe?” Henry persisted.

A steely look came into Emma’s eyes. “The only person who isn’t safe is the w–I mean the killer, if she tries anything today.”

He looked closely at her for a moment. The kid had an unsettling way of looking for lies–much like she’d always had. Finally, he nodded. “Cool. So what does this town do for Christmas?”

“I guess we’re about to find out,” Emma said. “And kid…this town is….different, so don’t be surprised if some of their…traditions…are kind of weird.”

“Hey, I’m a kid,” Henry said. “As long as there are presents and sweets I’m happy.”

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

The party went off without a hitch–until late in the afternoon. Frankly Killian was shocked how long it took for the witch to strike.

They’d just finished a delectable Christmas dinner and were setting up for the white elephant gift exchange–which would no doubt prove to be interesting, given the fact at least four of the dwarves were well into their cups by that point, and Happy was fully inebriated–when a tremendous clatter was heard outside the diner.

As one, the residents of Storybrooke fled to the door and windows to see what was happening.

Zelena, in full on green skin, black dress and hat walked purposely toward them, while a band of flying monkeys screamed to each other, tearing decorations from windows and doors, destroying the carefully decorated tree.

A loud murmur of concern and fear went through the assembly as the witch approached. Henry, for his part, gave his mother a bemused look.

“Uh…” she said, thinking hard, “this is….this is…”

“The traditional Christmas interactive play,” Regina said, coming to her aid.

“She looks like the Wicked Witch of the West,” Henry said, skeptically. “What does she have to do with Christmas?”

“It’s the green skin,” Emma said. “She’s like… the grinch.”

“So….you do an interactive Grinch play starring the Wicked Witch of the West?”

Fortunately, Swan was saved answering that question by the arrival of the witch herself.

“Well, isn’t this a festive assembly?” Zelena said, walking in confidently. “Didn’t get enough the other night, sis?”

Without further ado, Zelena raised her hands, called on all of her magic, and…..nothing happened.

“What the hell?” she asked, looking down at her hands.

“Protection spell,” Regina said, gesturing around the diner. “Covers the whole place. Sorry to ruin your greatest Christmas wish, but your annoying green hands are tied here.”

“You can’t keep a spell that powerful up forever!” Zelena thundered. “Sooner or later I will break through.”

“Maybe so,” Regina continued. “But it won’t happen until after Christmas.”

“Look, greenie,” Emma said, “It’s Christmas. We’re all here to enjoy ourselves. You’ve got two options: leave us the hell alone, or get over yourself, grab an eggnog and act like an adult, rather than a spoiled child.”

Zelena looked murderous for another moment, and then her facade crumbled. “You’d really let me join your party? Knowing who I am? What I’m capable of? That I’m planning to destroy you all?”

Mary Margaret approached her with a cup of eggnog. “It’s Christmas, Zelena. Everyone deserves a little grace and a second chance at Christmas. I bet there’s even a gift for you under that tree.”

“Come join us,” David said. “After all, you can always go back to trying to destroy us tomorrow.”

Perhaps the magic of the season touched her. Perhaps she, like all the rest of them was simply tired. Perhaps her heart grew three sizes that day. Whatever the reason, after a long silence, in which it felt like no one so much as moved, the witch nodded and the party went on.

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

Much later that evening a bemused Zelena returned to her farmhouse. What manner of witchcraft had her spoiled sister used upon her? She’d gone to the town to destroy their Christmas, and instead they’d invited her in, allowed her to make merry with them, treated her as one of their own.

Was it possible she’d been wrong about them–wrong about everything?

No, she finally decided, sitting before the fire. No, she wouldn’t let a little reverse psychology derail her like that! Tomorrow it was back to business as usual. Tomorrow she went back to getting the ingredients she needed. Tomorrow she took the next step toward getting what she truly deserved–a life in which her sister had never been born. A life in which she was the favored and only daughter.

And, after all, tonight hadn’t been a complete waste. She’d gained some useful intel. It seemed the Savior and the pirate were quite close. The way they looked at each other. The way they sought each other out. Quite the budding romance there.

Perhaps she could use it to her advantage. Perhaps it was just what she needed to neutralize the savior. Just a little bit of manipulation, a little bit of deception, and she had no doubt she’d succeed in cursing the pirate’s lips and letting him do the rest for her.

Until then, she had a bigger problem. The whole noxious town had come together to work as one. She couldn’t have that. Couldn’t have that at all. She had to do something to wipe the warm fuzzies from everyone’s consciousness.

Looks like it was time for one last memory spell. Taking a vial from her bag, she uncorked it and let the fog waft from it toward the town.

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

“So kid, what did you think of Storybrooke Christmas?” Emma asked as the three of them headed back toward their rooms.

“Mom, this town is really, really weird,” he said.

“You don’t know the half of it,” she muttered under her breath.

“But,” he concluded, “it was a really good Christmas. Thanks for bringing me.”

She gave him a quick hug. “Kid, there’s no one in the world I’d rather spend Christmas with than you, no matter where or how we do it.”

“Me too, mom,” he said, returning her hug, before yawning loudly.

“Okay, time for bed, kid,” she said, opening their door, and gesturing inside. “I’ll be in in a moment. Just want to talk to Killian.”

She waited until the door was closed after him, and then turned back to Killian. “Well, it looks like a Christmas disaster was averted, and the kid’s no worse for the wear.”

“Your lad is stronger than you think, love,” Killian said softly, taking a step closer to her and hooking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. “And you did a fantastic job giving him a joyful and memorable Christmas.”

“You really think so?” she asked tentatively. “Killian, I never really had Christmas growing up the way I did, and so I always want to make sure Henry doesn’t feel the loss the way I did.”

“And he never will,” he said with a gentle smile, “because he has a mother who loves him. It makes up for any….less than perfect Christmas moment.”

Her heart turned over at the look he gave her. The look he was always giving her. He believed in her, really, truly believed in her. He was on her side and in her corner, no matter what. It didn’t matter what she did, what she said, how much she tried to push him away. He’d once told her he was in it for the long haul, and she was finally, finally beginning to suspect that he meant it.

She looked up at him for long moments as her heart pounded. If she didn’t step away soon, she was going to do something stupid. Like kiss him.

She should turn around, walk back into her room. Bid him good night.

But it was Christmas. The day had been magical. She was feeling good–and he was a big part of it.

Screw it. Tomorrow she’d go back to guarding her heart. For tonight. For one night only, she’d show him what his support meant to her.

Reaching up, she grabbed his lapels and pulled him down for a long, slow kiss. If he was surprised at her actions, he didn’t show it, merely pulling her close, and kissing her back just as fervently as he let his hand tangle in her hair.

Just how long the kiss would have gone on–and how passionate it would have become–Emma didn’t know, because just as she turned her head to deepen the kiss even further, she caught a faint wisp of–something (smoke? Fog? A spell?) out of the corner of her eye.

She pulled away, watching as the fog billowed toward them, and then overtook them, so quickly, she didn’t even have time to cry out.

But no sooner had the cloud overtaken them than it dissipated, and suddenly Emma couldn’t remember what they’d been doing or why.

She shook her head. The showdown between Regina and Zelena must have rattled her more than she’d thought.

“How did the queen fare against the witch?” Killian asked,

“She survived, but the rest is definitely more than a doorway conversation,” Emma replied. “Thanks again for taking him out on your ship.”

NEXT CHAPTER->

#cs secret santa 2024 #my fanfiction #3b “missing scene”

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libraryofhogwarts · 4 months ago

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A Deal Made on Impulse

Ginny Weasley x Pansy Parkinson

Chapter 2: Ginny begins to regret making decisions based on impulse

Chapter 2: Tears and Potato Soup

Series masterlist

Ginny perched on the arm of the couch. George had taken back the space she had sat in earlier, but Ginny couldn’t find it in her to care. The only thing she was focused on was hiding that incriminating smirk.

It was useless, however, because the moment her butt met the sofa she was bombarded with questions from her best friend.

Hermione, still sitting in Draco’s lap, stared at her, jaw hanging open.

“Did I just witness what I think I did?” she asked in a rushed but quiet tone and she leaned forward. Draco put his hands on her hips to stop her from leaning too far forward and falling completely off his lap.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Ginny said in an impossibly posh tone.

“Don’t play dumb Ginny Weasley, it’s unbecoming.” Her friend stated plainly.

The rest of the group was still distracted, lost in their own conversations. Ginny was glad for this. She was about to be grilled enough by Hermione, she did not need the rest of the group joining in on the interrogation.

Ginny casts her gaze around the room before muttering, “Not here,” in a pleading tone.

She didn’t want her issues with Dean to be blasted out in front of their friend group, it was her problem to deal with and hers alone. She didn’t need to be bombarded with the opinions of her brothers and the other men on what she should do. And to talk about… the incident… yes, she decided, that is what she would call the kiss Hermione just witnessed between her and Pansy.

“Finish your drink, then we’re going, because I am not letting you get away with not discussing this,” Hermione ordered her with finality. Draco groaned at the prospect of having to leave early. Hermione smirked before whispering something in his ear that made him perk up, no longer upset at the idea of walking back to Hogwarts.

Ginny rolled her eyes at her friend’s flirting. She focused back on the drink in her hand, thinking back to moments ago.

What was she thinking? She just asked Pansy Parkinson to kiss her! That has got to be one of the more stupid things she’s done with her time on this Earth. Really, out of all people Pansy? The woman she now has to face every day, multiple times a day, for the next eight months. God this was dreadful.

At least the Christmas Holiday was coming soon, so she could have some sort of reprieve from her inevitable embarrassment that she was now doomed to face.

God everything was going to get messy, wasn’t it? Suddenly her drink was no longer appetizing, in fact, it made her a little sick even thinking about finishing it. She nudged George, “Want to finish this? I’m heading out,” she pushed the drink into his hands not even giving him a chance to respond before she stood.

“I’ll never turn down a drink,” he said with a laugh, Ginny’s mood going unnoticed.

She fast-walked to the exit of the pub, trying to get to the cool air before she threw up. Maybe the shock of the icy air could curb the sickness growing in her stomach.

She heard a shuffle from Draco and Hermione before Draco announced, “We’ll be leaving too.”

Hermione was already at her back as Ginny opened the door and burst into the cool winter air. Sucking in a deep breath she walked to the path that led to home. She covered her face with her hands, beyond embarrassed by what happened inside.

“Gins, do you want to talk about it?” Hermione’s voice was soft. She gave a soft comforting touch to her friend’s shoulder.

“I don’t know.” Ginny whimpered.

“Why don’t we go back to the dorms? I’ll make some hot chocolate and send Draco down to get us dinner so we don’t even have to leave the room, hm?” the woman suggests.

Hemione’s plan does sound enticing, not having to face anyone besides the two people now beside her. She nods in agreement, setting out on the snow-covered stone path, not wanting to waste any more time out in the cold than she has to.

The walk back is relatively quiet. At least Ginny does not mutter a single word. She can see her friends casting worried glances at each other every now and again, before whispering about something; probably the deep mess Ginny has gotten herself into if she had to take a guess.

Finally, after what felt like decades, they reach the girls’ dorm room. The warm rush of air that meets her face as she opens the door gives her a sense of comfort. This whole ordeal was not something that she could ignore. She couldn’t push it down and deal with it on her own. She really needed to talk to her best friend about it, right now, or she might explode.

Ginny immediately kicked off her shoes on the way to her bed before crawling under the thick plaid sheets and comforter. Nuzzling into her bed seeking some form of comfort to combat the ugly feeling swirling inside her at this moment.

Hermione followed her into the room, bending at the hips to grab Ginny’s discarded shoes and lining them up neatly next to her wardrobe, ever the mother of the group. Draco stayed in the doorway watching as Hermione walked to Ginny’s bed sitting on the end of the mattress.

“I’ll go grab dinner for you two. Everything will work itself out, Ginny.” He pushed off the door frame turning back down the hall, being swallowed up by the darkness.

The finality in his statement oddly brought Ginny a bit of comfort. Hermione watched his retreating with so much love in her eyes that Ginny thought she might light him on fire from the heat.

She turned back after a moment, crossing her legs under herself and setting her questioning eyes on her friend.

“What happened back there?” Hermione finally questioned.

Ginny cast a glance at the still-open door. Before she could say anything Hermione got up, softly closing the door, and grabbed her wand to cast a silencing charm.

Finally settled Ginny started, “I don’t know Mi. Dean was coming towards me so fast and I couldn’t get back to the group quickly enough,”

“Ugh, Dean.” Hermione groaned as if in pain just hearing the name leave her friend’s lips.

Ginny continues, unperturbed, “I decided to make a lap around the room back to you all and hope to lose him in the process.” She pauses, nervous to revisit the next part of the story, “That’s when I saw… When I saw Pansy. We have some classes together and she seems nice enough, if a bit intimidating, so the idea popped into my mind. I cut her off, asked her to kiss me and she agreed.”

Ginny sucks in a breath after her rant.

“That’s…” Hermione pauses, collecting her words. It’s not often that anyone leaves the woman speechless, her quick wit is too strong for that. So it’s a little startling that this whole situation has the power to do so.

“That’s not what I expected to hear.” She settles on.

“What did you expect?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe… I guess I thought you might be into her, is all.” Hermione shrugs.

“I’m not not into her it’s just… UGH!” Ginny falls back into her pillows covering her head with a blanket, not wanting to face her best friend.

Hermione grabs the blanket, attempting to pull it off Ginny’s head, intending to grill her no doubt. Ginny resisted, keeping her iron hold on the fabric. If there’s one thing Ginny has on the older girl, it’s physical strength.

“Come on Gins,” Hermione pleads.

Ginny pulls the blanket back, only because Hermione rarely pleads so if she is it’s important. Ginny only lowers the sheet to her chin, peaking at her friend over the cover.

“What do I do Mi?” tears welled in her eyes, not used to this onslaught of emotions being bared to someone. Especially not the feeling of embarrassment.

“You go about your life. You continue going to classes. You don’t let the incident dictate your life. You hold your head high. And most of all, you hope it worked. You hope Dean The Ass takes the hint this time.” She smiled at the last bit, loving to point out that Dean is an ass anytime she can.

“But I’m so embarrassed. How am I supposed to face Pansy ever again?” a groan of pain followed her question.

“Why are you embarrassed? She kissed you too. She didn’t have to but she did,” Hermione poses the question. Why did Ginny feel embarrassed? It’s true, Pansy did kiss her. In fact, she’s the one who leaned in first. She’s the one who gripped Ginny’s hair. And she was definitely the one who slipped her tongue into Ginny’s mouth first.

Just then, a knock came at the door. Hermione shot one last glance to Ginny before getting up to answer the door. It was Draco, they discovered, as the woman swung open the door. Two bowls of steaming hot potato soup floated in the air next to him.

Ginny sat up as Hermione grabbed the bowls and brought one to her. Draco moved to Hermione’s bed, sitting down and leaning against the headboard. Hermione followed, joining him on the bed with her dinner.

Ginny took a spoonful of soup into her mouth, sighing at the warmth and comfort of the food. It reminded her of her mother’s dinners. She could really use her mother’s words right now. Molly Weasley could be a loud and sometimes cranky woman but when it comes to her children’s happiness, she would do anything. Ginny knows her mother would know all the right things to say at this moment.

She stared into the bowl, missing her mother, feeling anxious about the coming days, and overall just wanting to cry herself to sleep.

“But what if she just kissed me out of pity?” Ginny directs the question to Hermione, going back to the conversation they were having before Draco brought them food.

“Why would she kiss you out of pity? She has no reason to pity you.” Hermione supplies.

“Because she saw me running from Dean.” Ginny sighed.

Draco interjects at that moment, “I know Pansy, and if there’s one thing about her it’s that she doesn’t do anything she doesn’t want to.”

“You know Pansy? How?”

“She’s friends with Blaise. She comes around sometimes when he’s there.” he shrugs

“Hm,” Ginny thinks on his comment. If the sentiment was true then… why would Pansy kiss her. Ginny didn’t know the woman that well but from what she witnessed of her it did seem plausible that she only did the things she wanted to.

She took another bite of the soup, stewing in her thoughts for a few moments.

“Alright, I’m going back to my dorm to study. Do you want to come?” Draco asks Hermione.

She pauses looking between Draco and Ginny, deciding if she should stay with her friend or go with her boyfriend.

“Go. I need a moment alone anyway.” Ginny makes the decision for her.

Hermione looked relieved not having to make the decision. Hermione loved the people closest to her and had a hard time telling them no.

She stood with Draco, gabbing a book off her desk and walking to Ginny’s bedside. She planted a chaste kiss on the crown of her friend’s head, “Everything will be okay, I promise.”

Ginny only gave her friend a sad smile as the pair left the room and shut the door. She made it all of thirty seconds after the door closed before the first tears sprang into her eyes. All of the day’s emotions, from the frustration of Dean and his actions to the embarrassment she felt from her own, spilled out.

She lay down, holding onto the hope that Pansy truly didn’t kiss her out of pity, before she drifted off to sleep, tears staining her pillow.

Thank you for reading! I hope you are excited to see what comes next in this story. I plan to update sometime next week but just fyi I tend to update my Ao3 first so if you want to follow this story there the link is in my introduction post!

#wlw #sapphic #fanfic #harry potter #ao3 #ao3 fanfic #ginny weasly x pansy parkinson #ginny weasley #pansy parkinson #hermione x draco #hermione granger #draco malfoy #lesbian #bisexual #lgbtqia #dramione fluff #fluff #eventual smut

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theherosvillain · 2 years ago

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(Try Not To) Kill All Your Friends - Masterpost

Synopsis: Teen supervillain the Phantom Prince finds himself trapped in an apprenticeship with Axton Vale, a notorious crime lord who wants him to achieve his full potential as a villain.

Read if you like: supervillain-flavored organized crime; long-term captivity with forced mentorship; characters being forced to compromise their morals

Content warnings: violence, kidnapping, captivity, abuse, manipulation (individual posts tagged accordingly)

More chapters and bonus material under the cut! If you wanna join the tag list for updates, shoot me an ask!

Main story

1: You'll never take me

2: Goodbye or good morning

3: The truth catches up

4: Before it's too late

5: Something that you'll never kill

6: I'm not laughing, you're not joking

7: (Say goodbye) To the life you make

8: Welcome to the end of eras

Nobody cares if you're losing yourself

Fenix Arc [to be posted]

Oliveri Arc [to be posted]

Just sleep

Christmas specials: God rest ye, merry gentlemen / All I Want for Christmas -> Sequel (Vale's POV) / The nights we steal

Falling Asleep

Angel Arc: Teach you a lesson / In the worst kind of way / Trade all my tomorrows

Shallow Graves, Dead Rats [to be posted]

Bonus writings

The Bird and the Boy (Daemon AU)

Making a Deal (The Family AU)

Request: Phantom's first kill

****

Playlist - each chapter is named after song lyrics, so I compiled them into a Spotify playlist.

Pinterest board - for ✨the aesthetics✨

Further context for this story: (TNT)KAYF is an AU of The Hero's Villain, the main story where Phantom becomes a villain in order to get his mom out of jail. (TNT)KAYF is the timeline where his plans are stopped dead in their tracks by Vale, who has decided that turning Phantom into a weapon is more important than whatever waste of time Phantom had planned.

#villainous ramblings #(try not to) kill all your friends #original writing #masterpost #pinned post #intro #heroes and villains

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aeoki · 9 months ago

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Blackjack - Gifts Will Not Arrive: Chapter 5

Location: Underground Family Residence Characters: Mayoi & NEGI Season: Autumn

TL Note:

“Sensei” is the honorific for a teacher, instructor, mentor etc.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ< At that time, someplace underground. >

NEGI: “♪~♪~♪”

Mayoi: That’s it – 1, 2, 3 ♪ 1, 2, 3 ♪

NEGI: “~.......~”

Mayoi: Sorry, let’s stop here for a second.

NEGI: “What? Why?”

“Did I do something weird?”

Mayoi: Yes. You forgot to sing as you danced, NEGI-san. We're in the middle of a dance lesson right now.

NEGI: “I can’t sing and dance at the same time.”

Mayoi: You can do it – Any ES idol working their butt off at the frontlines can do it.

NEGI: “I’m not a freakin’ rotten idol from that freakin’ rotten ES.”

Mayoi: That’s a nasty tongue you’ve got there…!?

NEGI: “What? Are you trying to say that girls shouldn’t do such a disgraceful thing? You a caveman or something?”

“Anyway, Mayoi-sensei[⁎].”

Mayoi: I–I haven’t done anything for you to refer to me as your teacher, I don’t think!?

NEGI: “How else should I call you? You teach me how to sing and dance, so you’re my teacher, aren’t you?”

Mayoi: T–That’s just how things ended up – I didn’t have a choice…!

NEGI: “You could have just left me– no, us alone.”

Mayoi: I can’t do that… I’ve already crossed that dangerous bridge, so we’re in the same boat now.

NEGI: “Sorry. You’re doing all this for us.”

Mayoi: I–It’s alright! I’m glad that you two are safe and in good health! That’s all I need to feel rewarded!

NEGI: “You’re a kind person, Sensei. I like you a lot.”

Mayoi: Huh? I–I have Shinobu-kyun– I mean, I’ve already made a one-sided promise with the Chief that I’ll be spending my future with him, so–!?

NEGI: “I didn’t mean that sort of ‘like’. Ugh, what are you, a girl who fancies love stories?”

“Wait, it’d be biased of me to say that, huh. I’m contradicting myself.”

“Anyway, are you sure you want to waste your time here, Sensei? You’re a busy ES idol, so you’ve got school and work, right?”

Mayoi: I can’t leave you alone, NEGI-san… I’d like to move you guys someplace else but the security near the entrance and exit is pretty tight.

NEGI: “Then you should just leave us alone and go back to your daily life. Why are you staying with us?”

Mayoi: I was asked by Hitsugi-kyun to keep an eye on you since he won’t know what you might get up to if there isn’t anyone watching you.

NEGI: “Could you not refer to my brother with that nickname?”

Mayoi: I–I–I’m sorry! It must have sounded unpleasant, right?

NEGI: “It’s fine, though. I can’t sense any malice from you. Pour some love on my lil’ brother, alright?”

“He might not look it but he’s a poor little thing.”

“Anyway, let’s stop with the chit-chat and continue with the lesson.”

Mayoi: To be frank, your wounds haven’t fully healed yet, so I’d like you to take it easy, though.

NEGI: “No way. From what I’ve heard, Anzu’s organised this year’s Christmas so that anyone can take part in the fun performance event, right?”

“I’m definitely going to take part in that. No, it feels like Anzu’s calling for me.”

“So I’ve got to make sure I’m ready for that day.”

“~......♪”

Mayoi: (Oh, geez… Hitsugi-kyun was rather honest but this other personality? NEGI-san is quite stubborn.)

(Just as Hitsugi-kyun expected and told me, she got really focused on the lesson once I told her about “Star Fest”...)

(She has stopped wanting to leave this place, so that’s one thing I’m relieved about, though.)

(It looks like she’ll do whatever she can to get out of here to take part in “Star Fest” too… I’ve got to keep a close eye on her on that day.)

(Even so, I’ll observe her carefully through the pretence of teaching her.)

(These two siblings are involved in something bad… There are people outside moving in the shadows with their eyes set on them.)

(Until I can guarantee that the outside is safe, I’ll have to keep them here– I mean, protect them.)

(I also need to stick close to them so my movements are limited too.)

(For now, I should contact everyone in “ALKALOID” and tell them that I’m unable to move due to personal matters.)

(I don’t think my classmates will notice my absence… so I should be able to buy some time without anyone worrying about me in the meantime. Yes.)

(No one would be troubled if I was gone, anyway.)

NEGI: “Sensei, Sensei. I can’t get this step right no matter how I try.”

Mayoi: Oh, yes, for that step…

(Besides, it’s also very enjoyable to stay with NEGI-san and teach her since she’s a diamond in the rough…♪)

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂ Next Chapter →

#blackjack

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myloveforhergoeson · 1 year ago

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ash's january 2024 reading round up

find all the books and fics i read this month under the cut with a link to the synopsis and my reviews/ratings attached :)

this is just for fun! i'm not a professional, i just like to read <3

book list!

1. Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey (18+!)

• review: i am a massive, massive, massive tessa bailey fan so it's no surprise that this was my favorite from this month and my first book of 2024! i received this christmas-themed rom-com as a holiday gift and i absolutely loved every second of it. the plot centers around the main couple, beat and melody (i know, right?!), who are the children of two bitter ex-bandmates, attempting to reunite their mothers' band on a live, 24 hour reality tv show! definitely one of the most unique concepts for a contemporary romance book i've read in quite some time! i loved following beat and melody's dual perspectives on both their past and their present as well as unraveling how difficult their family relationships were despite their fortuitous upbringings. the position of being the child of a famous individual can be quite isolating and even though beat didn't mind the spotlight and melody hated it, they're still some of the only people in the world who understood the other's struggles. the 24-hour live stream format was also very interesting to read from their perspectives - they were so funny both on and off camera! their mothers, trina and octavia were such dynamic characters as well; learning about their bitter rivalry through the perspectives of their children was so neat! between the two main characters, melody was my favorite. she was such a well rounded and dynamic character! my favorite chapters were all from her perspective. i could have gone without beat's weird overprotectiveness of her though - personal preference. i'm not too fond of characters like that and sometimes he took his protectiveness way too far for my liking! highly recommend for fans of campy rom-coms and those looking for a fresh take on the genre :)

• rating: 4/5 epic guitar solos !

2. My Life With the Walter Boys by Ali Novak

• review: very conflicted feelings on this one. if i hadn't watched the netflix adaptation first, i think i would have liked the book more... idk. like other published wattpad novels before it, the main character jackie is displaced from her perfect new york city girl life after a tragic accident leaves her an orphan, so what must she do? move to rural colorado to live with her mother's best friend and her 12 children. of which 11 are boys. oh no! there were parts of the book that i really enjoyed, like getting to see jackie bond with her new housemates and get used to the small town lifestyle and making new friends around her high school. the show cut out a good majority of her friends but i really liked them in the book! however, aside from jackie and her love triange between walter boys alex and cole, all the other characters were super underdeveloped and two dimensional, which made me yearn for some of the original plotlines developed for the show. i feel like making the main conflict center around a family of 14 and not really developing 12 of them is just a waste of time. and also, i didn't really vibe with jackie or alex in this version of the story. i'm still a proud member of team cole in the book and the tv show. i also wasn't fond of the ending personally... tldr, if you're interested in the plot synopsis i have linked, just skip the book and watch the show. which feels backward to say, but trust me ok!

• rating: 2/5 characters i liked in the book but got cut out of the show :)

3. The Deal by Elle Kennedy (18+!)

• review: ah. yes. like in all things. men like hockey. women love music. haha. my favorite thing about this book was the concept - i'm a real sucker for these contemporary hockey romance novels set in fake college towns with fake hockey teams and a book for each player and their love life... generally, i very much appreciate what elle kennedy was going for with this one. that being said. the male main character, garrett, was just an ass for more than half of the entire novel and the female main character, hannah, just let him walk over her for a good part of the beginning. usually i like fmc's in books like these, but she was just a bit boring to me... yikes. i did really enjoy how gattett and hannah's stories intertwined throughout the book, and even though garret was a persistent dick he sure loves hannah. i can respect that. in addition to the main two, i though their respective friend groups were interesting as well! the jocks and the theater kids coming together to unionize is always funny to me :) hannah and garrett's two worlds blending together into one was nice. i'm planning to pick up the sequel to see how that progresses as the shift moves to other players on the hockey team! if it's got a hockey player in it, good chance i'm gonna read it.

• potential trigger warnings if interested in reading: mentions of a past sexual assault on the female main character; mentions of past physical abuse on the male main character; mentions of current physical abuse on a side character

• rating: 3/5 times i had to google a hockey term while reading !

4. Wildfire by Hannah Grace (18+!)

• review: if you run in booktok spaces, you may have heard of Hannah grace's other novel, icebreaker. in my humblest opinion, this book deserved the hype icebreaker got! main characters russ and aurora were sooo dynamic and i absolutely loved their second chance romance while they were both camp counselors at a fancy summer camp! both of them having their own separate storylines that ended up converging was so well written and the two of them supporting each other unconditionally was so refreshing. the atmosphere of the camp and surrounding town were so adorable - i wish i could go there! plus all the sneaking around they had to do because of the camp counselor's no-fraternizing rule... mm. russ was so freaking sweet too - not enough sweet, kind, shy gues in these types of books. i also enjoyed aurora's confident, outgoing personality! the side characters were adorable as well and the cameos from characters in icebreaker had me screaming! ugh i love them and this book so freaking much!! highly highly recommend for fans of second chance romance or good books in general :)

• potential trigger warnings if interested in reading: gambling addiction struggles in a parent; parental neglect and verbal abuse on the male/female main character

• rating: 4/5 marshmallows to make the perfect cup of cocoa

fic list!

Goddamned (51100 words) by skyline

• fandom: big time rush (tv)

• pairings: kendall knight/james diamond, brief kendall knight/jett stetson, carlos garcia/logan mitchell

• i can't sing this fic's praises enough, one of the best i've read in a quite some time. a pjo/btr crossover is just what i needed in my life and i enjoyed every moment, every word, every twist and turn... so so so obsessed! the world building was so incredible and after i finished it i couldn't think about anything else for hours. i can't recommend this one enough :)) we all know i love a long fic and this one was just perfect

#once again: just for fun! not here to start anything - i'm just sharing my opinions #not giving the fic a star rating bc if someone did that to mine i'd throw up but it was very very good just trust me!#wreck the halls #tessa bailey #my life with the walter boys #ali novak #the deal #elle kennedy #wildfire #hannah grace #ash talks books

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yuneu · 3 months ago

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Ohhh I think it's ok cuz you still did it!!! Be proud of it, of you, no matter the result!!! <3333

I'm a cinema/theatre major so I've been studying poetics under the lens of scriptwriting strategies/tips, I had a class where we analyzed all Aristotle's Poetics (me being proud cuz I can flex that I don't know how to ball but at least I do, in fact, know Aristotle) and OMG it was challenging but also extremely interesting. I also have Aesthetics in my syllabus because of the whole "education to art" / "what is art? What is beautiful?" thing, and we did talk a lot about the art of poetry writing and just writing and rhetoric and stuff like that from a philosophical perspective. It was interesting both times.

MIRRORBALLS yes we are !!! I'm always saying I'm a social chameleon :)

Yes I'm jumping from one topic to the other here LMAOOO

OMG are you from France??? Anywayy I'm so happy for you that you got to experience that!!!! Oh wow it must've been so fucking awesome!!!! The classic heart hands is always so sweet and tender 😭🫶 and ofc I do believe that Shake It Off felt this way!!! It makes 100% sense. And the lady with the golden balloons I WOULDVE SOBBED 🥺😭

Unfortunately I couldn't attend :( but I was there through livestreams every night and it has a special place in my heart, what a tour, right? My fav tradition would be the 1 2 3 LGB and the double handclap of ybwm, they always bring my serotonin level up to the moon in the most relieving way I LOVE THAT

BUT if I have to confess, I am the weakest person alive when Taylor sings Marjorie and the crowds waste 50% of their phone batteries to light the stadium. It has me in tears every damn time. This, alongside with exile by Taylor ft. Crowd. Which I'm not sure is a tradition but whatever. It's magical.

AND I HAVE ONE MORE. This one isn't actually coming from swifties, as it is from Taylor's side LMAO but I'm always mesmerized by Kam!!! I love his solos and I LOVE the wanegbt "like, ever!!" moment, especially when they toured outside of the US!!!

This ask is so long OMG I'm sorryyyyy here's my next question for you. Kinda changing subject here. But what is/are your fav holiday(s)?

- Your Deer Santa 🦌🎅☃️

ooh interesting! we read aristotle at the beginning of the semester as well! in france (where i'm from, yes haha) we have to study philosophy in high school and since he's a philosophical institution i was already familiar with his work so it made it more enjoyable + easier to understand! though the main author we studied for the rest of the class was gérard genette and other structuralists. i guess poetics has a slightly different meaning in french than in english because it mostly means the "rules" that govern a certain literary medium (be it poetry, novels, theater, etc...), not so much purely studying the philosophy of art. (i did have an entire chapter on 'what is art' in high school philosophy though!)

i loooove 123 lgb! it was so much fun to scream at wembley!! so wild to think i was already on this website when a random tumblr swiftie started it during rep tour and now i got to scream it at taylor in 2024 lmaoooo

the phone light thing was SOOOO cute!! i used it to make the balloon look like a lantern while i cried my entire heart out during marjorie oof, it was really sweet and i felt really connected to taylor and everyone else in that moment <3

kam LMAO taylor and him are such a fun duo. it's giving tiffany doing the "cause SHE DEAD" part during rep tour

it's okay i love long asks!!!!!

i'm gonna be basic but my favorite holiday is probably christmas!! i love deciding what to give to my loved ones as presents and the general warm atmosphere even in the cold of winter (which i generally HATEEE). though it'd probably be halloween if it was more of a thing in france. i bet it must be so much fun to be american during october LOL

#🎅🏻#hope you get to go to the next tour!!!

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casspurrjoybell-18 · 10 months ago

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Worthless - Chapter 26 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

Kade

We got out of the shower and towel dried his hair before running it down his body. After drying us both off, we exited the bathroom. Asher was more comfortable sleeping naked and I didn't care either way so we just went straight to the bed. He instantly curled up to me, his head resting on my chest as our breathing synced. We laid there in silence and I wondered what the future would hold. Yes, I would be helping with Murphy's interrogation and search for Asher's fake father but what else? There was some serious drama concerning our relationship but now we both knew how the other felt.

I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Asher. I wanted to grow old together, to watch Riley and Fallon grow up to be amazing people and find their mates. I wanted to be in a home of our own with our grandchildren playing in the yard as we danced to something random on the radio. I wanted to see our rings glinting in the sunlight as we walked hand-in-hand through the woods. I wanted to fall go to bed every night for the rest of my life with my mate curled against me just like he was now.

"Hey, Asher," I started, not knowing exactly what I wanted to say.

'Yes?'

He sleepily looked up, a small smile on his face.

"Do you want to move in together?"

Confusion crossed his face. Panic flared but I quickly schooled my expression.

'Are we not already living together?'

He grinned.

'We sleep in the same bed and share a closet.'

A grin of my own stretched across my face as I realized the cause of his confusion, the panic fading away.

"I mean, do you want to move out of the pack-house with me? To have a house of our own?"

I waited patiently as he thought it over, his teeth biting cutely on his bottom lip.

'Can we still visit the pack-house and see everyone?'

"Of course," I chuckled.

"You can come as often as you want. I'm the Beta so I kinda have to return everyday, anyway."

'And what about Riley and Fallon?'

"They'll come with us of course, they're our pups. We'll fill the house with anything you guys want and hang pictures of us on the walls, even cheesy Christmas ones. You can have people visit and..." I added, smirking.

"We can make love on every surface we own, when Riley and Fallon are at school of course."

He turned red at that but nodded none the less.

'Then I'd love to move in with you, Kade.'

I grinned again, pulling him on top of me and kissing him. He gasped once I released his mouth to nibble on his ear lobe. I whispered how much he made me happy before flipping us over. Asher stared up at me, completely defenseless as my large frame hovered about him. I kissed him once then moved down to his left nipple. His back arched as I lightly bit it before sucking on it. He whimpered at the loss of sensation when I moved to give attention to his other nipple, the whimper turning into a moan as I took the bud between my teeth.

My hand trailed down to grasp his semi-hard member, drawing out a moan as I pumped once. Leaving a trail of kisses, I came face to face with Asher's cock. My lips brushed along its side before coming back up to the tip. I heard a sharp intake of breath as my tongue darted out. Wrapping my lips around him, my head began to move. He let loose a cry every time he hit the back of my throat. I loved the sound of him. It spurred me on and soon I had him panting as his hands clawed at the sheets. He came with a shout, his hot, sticky seed flowing down my throat. He looked up at me with hooded eyes, dazed from the pleasure.

I leaned down to kiss him before turning him over and positioning him on his knees. I spread his cheeks, his entrance twitching as the air hit it. I didn't waste any time and began to eat him out. He burrowed his face into the bed, moaning as my tongue pushed through. It was replaced with a finger which became two then finally three. Once I could fit four, I reached into the side table drawer, pulling out a condom. Asher looked over his shoulder as I put it on. I brushed my cock up and down his entrance. He whimpered as I stopped, my tip right at his twitching hole.

"Are you ready, baby?"

He nodded but I didn't move. My voice lowered as need hit me.

"Tell me, my love. What do you want?"

'Please make love to me, Kade.'

Asher cried out as I plunged into him, his hands tangling in the sheets.I pulled out completely before thrusting straight in. I did it three more times before he got frustrated and began moving his hips on his own accord. My arm wrapped around his waist as I met him with equal force, the slaps of our skin working us into a frenzy. His moans were like music to my ears. I flipped him around without pulling out, my hand moving south to pump his leaking cock. He reached up, pulling me down by my neck to give me a searing kiss, quieting his cries of pleasure as I repeated hit his prostate.

'More, Kade. Please, harder.'

I did as my mate commanded. I nibbled along his neck and collarbone, sucking the place where I'd marked him as my thrust became faster with more force behind them. Asher was screaming at this point, holding onto me as if for dear life.

'I'm... I'm going to cum.'

I bit down in the same place I did the first time we mated. He cried out in both pain and pleasure as his grip tightened around my cock, his seed flying up to coat his chest. I was cumming a moment after him, his tight tunnel milking me for all I was worth. I rained kisses all over his body, lapping at the new mark I've made. He just laid there, his face one of ecstasy. I whispered words of love before I got up to get a wet wash cloth out of the bathroom. Coming back, I began cleaning him off. He had drifted off to sleep by the time I finished. I leaned down, kissing his forehead.

"Goodnight, my love."

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longeyelashedtragedy · 2 years ago

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For the fanfic WIP: blood, smile, gold?

ooh ok! let's see...

Did he ask for me, at the end?

Yes. Of course he did, Dejan. Of course he asked for you.

Sometimes he imagines when he closes his eyes on the nights when he’s all alone--A mouthful of blood calling out his name. (mare liberum)

It takes a while. Leo waits, licking the last taste of Kieran’s blood off his fangs. He looks around the room, studying everyone.

The doors at the far end of the room bang open and Granit comes in, clean-shaven, looking young and fresh. He’s flanked by two guards and his hands are cuffed in front of him. He’s the only prisoner Leo has ever seen handcuffed in the visiting room. (you know this!!!)

“Yeah? Sure, I’d like to see them handle this.” Granit’s blood goes cold, then angry-hot. It’s Taulant. What the fuck? “I need to see my FUCKING brother and I know he’s fucking here doing this lowlife shit.” (dangerous AU flashback 2!)

The elevators are so slow in this building. They give Granit plenty of time to hold Milot’s sweaty hand and get ready in his mind. To feel the blood pumping through his body. To imagine the scent of guns, the way they smell when they’ve just been fired. Tonight is going to be fucking amazing. (dangerous AU flashback--right before granit gets shot for the first time and tries to pull the bullet out like a dumbass)

As he slices into the man’s body in the dense trees of the forgotten park he knows too well, he feels Granit’s house keys bump against his chest. They are like a second heartbeat. He often smiles when he does this, but his smile is bigger now, now that he has a second heartbeat.

He uncaps tonight’s little tube, collects some of the drops of blood—a few is enough. It is dark, but still, he can see the stain of the man’s blood leaking onto the soil. All that clean blood, wasted now. It’s too bad. (dangerous AU of course)

As soon as Kieran lets Martin out of the cage he transforms back into human Martin at last.

“See, look, you survived the scary coffin shop,” Kieran says, rolling his eyes.

“Don’t you dare roll your eyes at me, Kieran Tierney,” Martin huffs. “I don’t like thinking about coffins and death, alright? That’s not weird.”

“But I’m dead,” Leo teases.

The blood seems to drain from Martin’s face, making him impossibly pale. “I don’t like when you say that, Leo!” (omg now this fic makes me sad)

They don’t make it to Mikel’s bed. As soon as they take their clothes off Mikel hops onto Granit’s back and wrestles him to the floor. The power is in him now. Granit is taller and stronger but something else takes over Mikel when he tastes blood in his mouth like this.

“Get where you fucking belong,” Granit says from his back on the floor as he grabs Mikel’s hips to try to push him off. (dangerous au christmas chapter)

I want to be yours.

And I want to be yours.

We can’t go back now. This is it.

Yeah, this is it. You’re mine forever now.

And you’re mine. It feels like we should sign something in blood.

Yeah, well, we’re not going to do that… (ivan rakitić coming of age fic)

that was a good way to get lots of dangerous AU excerpts hahaha

smile:

The man turns, and Dejan is startled. Last night in the pub--there’d been something odd about him, hadn’t there? But here, in the light of day, cloudy though it is, his smile is bright and cheery, and his eyes seem to shine as Dejan sits down next to him. (mare liberum)

Luka bursts into weird, high laughter the way Šime had earlier. “Oh, my God,” he says. “You really are fucking funny, did you know that?” Luka’s smile is so wide he almost looks crazy. “And what about you, hmmm? Wish I was Dejan instead of me?” (we light up the world)

It’s a picture of Christine in a blue dress sitting in a restaurant with a younger guy who’s got blonde curls and a smirky smile. ("bitter mutual cheating")

Granit arrives at his doorstep with his little suitcase, his big eyes open wide and his big smile glowing, and his mask tucked stupidly under his chin. José is quite obviously a man of many words, and yet he can’t come up with a single one to say.

Erdin smiles big and pounds Granit on the back. “You’re really gonna be someone, I’m telling you. All of London is gonna know this pretty face.”

The happiness Granit feels right now…he has never felt anything like it. (dangerous au flashback--Xherdan's brother picks them up at the airport)

“I’m fucking great in bed,” is Dejan’s last, weak offer.

“I don’t doubt it,” Luka says. “Not that I go around thinking about that, but I mean, it’s pretty obvious.” He shoots Dejan a kind smile. “Just get some sleep, Deki. It was a good day today. Don’t make it hard.” (sad world cup modren)

Granit unties the scarf and Martin isn’t exactly surprised by what he sees. They are in Mikel’s office and he is sitting there at his desk, staring at Martin. The boss’s smile is bright and kind…and then suddenly, something changes about his face and it’s a little evil. It makes Martin shiver. He feels like he knows the coach so well, but then there’s always another side to him. (martin x xhakarteta threesome!)

gold:

“I’m glad it’s…I’m glad I’m with you right now,” Luka says. He smells so much like beer and the smell is going to always remind Šime of these times, now, these times when they were invincible, when they were heroes, when they were perfect, when silver was even more perfect than gold. (we light up the world--oh i'm glad this made it in, i love this last line)

somehow that's all i have for "gold" in my WIPs folder?

#colorsofmyseason #answered #fic saga #thank you!!!

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drazzilder · 4 years ago

Text

A Hellish Encounter

By Drazzilder

Chapter 14: Christmas

The week flew by as everyone was preparing for Christmas, the city full of shoppers and flooded with the sights and sounds of the holiday. Everyone was doing their part to make things happen. Sanji and Enji were busy looking at every website, every production facility, anywhere they could think to find that toy for you. They are putting in the hours to try to make it by Christmas. You have your suspicions when he is staying late at work but you want to keep the surprise.

You are having much better luck at getting his present ready in time. You help pack the kids’ things, making sure the they are ok with moving back. They even wrote some ground rules to make sure things don’t go back to the way they were. Even though Hina is just a live-in nanny, she has been with the kids long enough to grow attached to them and she is doing everything she can to help them as well. Every time you come over, she greets you as if your family and the kids are even getting used to your presence.

H: “It looks like that should be everything. Are you ready for tomorrow?”

(Y/N): “I think so. Enji always wakes up around 6 so if I get up at 5 that should give me enough time to get here and move everything to your rooms. Then I’ll teleport all of us to the kitchen where we can start cooking breakfast. He did say his favorite way to wake up is to the sounds and smells of me cooking.”

F: “Don’t you think he will be suspicious?”

(Y/N): “With the long hours he is been putting at work lately, he sleeps like a rock.”

N: “There he goes, overworking again…”

H: “Actually, I think it’s a little different this time. Think about it, that man isn’t the best with emotions, he is probably trying to find the perfect gift for everyone.”

S: “Dad is actually thinking about us?”

(Y/N): “I can tell you that he has been asking me for some ideas for you.”

F: “SPILL IT!!I want to know if he is getting us something good.” She says practically jumping up and down like a little kid.

N: “It’s probably just going to be money and some clothes like it always is.”

(Y/N): “You will have to wait till tomorrow to see.” You say with a smile.

S: “I can wait till tomorrow to be disappointed.”

Z: “Gosh, you boys need to lighten up, can’t you see the man is trying!”

Everyone laughs a little as you finish up the last of the packing. You hug everyone and you quickly head back home.

“DAMN IT!” Enji yells in anger at his computer. “Another fan made doll. Why does this have to be so hard to find!”

His phone rings. “What?!”

“Hello Enji.”

“Oh…sorry Sanji. I’m just a little worked up right now”

“I know, but I called you to give you some news.”

“Did you find it?” He says with a little excitement in his voice.

“Not quite, but I have a lead in working on. Apparently, some Yakuza have been seen with a few of them. They were selling them on the black market.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to go buy one from them?”

“Ok, I won’t. Bye.”

“SANJI WAIT, IT’S TOO DANGEROUS!” He pleads but she already hung up. “Damn it, if she gets hurt, I’ll….”

“You’ll what, Enji?” You say as you come into the home office.

“Oh….um…. it’s nothing.” He sometimes forgets you can teleport and you caught him off guard.

“Ok....So you want to watch a cheesy Christmas movie and cuddle?”

“That sounds awful….” He says rolling his eyes.

You two spend the rest of the evening together ‘watching’ a movie. You are in your new favorite sitting position on the couch: Enji sitting behind you with his arms around you and his chin on your head, you slouched in his lap with a blanket over the both of you. You’re sitting on the couch together shirtless, the more contact you get with that warm skin of his, the better. Enji can’t help himself during the movie and begins to kiss your head and nibble your ear. You push back against his chest to get more contact with him and he responds by tightening his grip and warming up some more. The movie becomes background noise as you both put your attention on each other. After the movie is over you both head off to bed. Even though it’s the middle of winter you both still strip down to your underwear, partly because it’s so comfortable being next to Enji but also, he radiates so much heat when you’re around you practically sweat each night.

Christmas morning you managed to wake up 5 minutes before your scheduled time, so you gently move off of Enji and get dressed in the dark. You quickly head downstairs as to not wake him up with the flash of light. You then appear at the apartment.

(Y/N): “Is everyone ready?”

H: “Just give Natsuo a minute to get up. Go ahead and start with the boxes.”

Z: “With pleasure.”

H: “You really like (Y/N) don’t you.”

Z: “He is the only human I don’t mind being put inside of.”

F: “You were inside other people before (Y/N)?”

Z: “12 before I meet (Y/N). Each one either couldn’t handle the testing or they took their own life.”

N: “How come he got to live.” He says as he enters rubbing his eyes.

Z: “Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. He was the youngest human I was put inside of but he had one of the strongest wills.”

(Y/N): “Thank you Zaheer but we got to get going if we are going to make it on time.”

Z “Sorry, let’s go.”

You then quickly start to go to each room and teleport the boxes back to the house, making sure when you move them not to make too much noise. This takes about 10 minutes or so when you finally are done and just the kids and Hina are left. You all create a circle of hands and you teleport them to the kitchen at the house. Through the door they see the Christmas tree with large presents under it. They are about to get excited but you quickly remind them of what you are doing. You sense Enji is still sleeping so you all get to work cooking. Shoto is on rice, Fuyumi is on salmon, Natsuo takes care of the eggs and Hina gets the tea ready. You’re just about finished when you hear movement from upstairs.

“(Y/N), did you get up early to surprise me?” You all hear from a distance.

“Why don’t you come down and see your surprise!”

He slowly makes his way down; he is probably still groggy from a week of less sleep. You now remember the new habit you two formed of walking around the house without shirts on. At first it was to help with your self-confidence with your scars but you both can’t keep your hands of each other. It just turned into a habit after a little bit. You probably should have warned him to get dressed but it’s too late when he rounds the corner with just the pajama bottoms he put on. Once he sees what’s happening in the kitchen, he just stares for a moment, completely silent.

F: “Merry Christmas Dad.”

S and N: “Merry Christmas.”

H: “Merry Christmas.”

(Y/N): “Merry Christmas, Enji.”

Even though you have gone up and hugged him he is still in disbelief and hasn’t moved. It is only when you look at his eyes do you see why. A few tears start to well up and you kiss him on the cheek to break his stare.

E: “What is going on?”

F: “We are here for Christmas, cooking breakfast dad. Are you ok?”

E: “I…I…. I didn’t think you guys would actually want to come here ever again. Why are you here.”

N: “That demon you are dating is very persuasive.”

Z: “He isn’t dating me, he is dating (Y/N).”

(Y/N): “Why don’t you follow me and see the rest of your gift.”

You take his hand and lead everyone down the hallway to Shoto’s old bedroom. You slide the door open and turn on the light. Enji sees a pile of plain boxes neatly arranged in the middle.

E: “What are all of these? Are all these for me?”

H: “(Y/N), you’re going to have to spell it out for him. He doesn’t do subtle very well.”

(Y/N): “Enji, these boxes are your kids’ belongings. They are moving back home, today.”

With those words Enji just slams down on his knees, he couldn’t take the emotions as he starts to cry uncontrollably. You go to comfort him and Hina and Fuyumi join you. They motion to the boys and they come reluctantly.

E: “You can’t be serious? Is this a dream? Are you really moving back in with me?”

F: “Yes dad, we are back but you have to know it’s because of (Y/N) that we are willing to try.”

E: “What?” He manages to get out through sobs.

N: “We have laid out some ground rules we can go over but I don’t think you will remember them if we tell you now.”

E: “I don’t care what I have to do. I’ll do whatever it takes to have you back in my life.”

You all stand in your embrace a little while more when Enji finally stopped crying and gets up.

(Y/N): “Ok, now that things have settled down, let’s go eat. And Enji, go get a shirt on.”

Enji looks down at himself and quickly goes red in embarrassment as he didn’t realize until now that he didn’t have on a shirt. He quickly bolts upstairs and comes down and everyone is sitting at the table with food in the center. After he sits everyone begins to eat. The food was really good, like always when you’re cooking. After some coffee and tea, you all moved into the living room to open presents. The kids only got you each a card but you both agreed you’re just happy they are home.

E: “Fuyumi why don’t we start with you.”

F: “Ok” she heads over to the pile of gifts and find she has the largest present out of all of them. She quickly moves it and starts to unwrap the package. “A bike?”

E: “I thought you could use a new bike for college. This one is the top-of-the-line model and is fully electric but can be pedaled manually as well. It has large baskets for your books and groceries. I hope you can use it.”

F: “I love it! Thank you!” She says as she hugs Enji.

E: “Natsuo, your next.” He says a little more relaxed knowing the last present went well.

N: “Well, if her gift was good then I hope mine is good too.”

As Natsuo opens his 2 boxes, the first one is a bunch of video games. He looks with confusion because they are for a console he doesn’t have. He then quickly rips the wrapping off the other box and finds it is the brand-new console that isn’t out for another 3 months.

N: “How did you get this? It’s not even out yet.”

E: “As the number 2 hero, you make some connections. (Y/N) told me you really wanted one of these so I pulled a few strings.

N: “Thank you so much! I can’t believe you did this.”

E: “Im glad you like it. Shoto, it’s your turn.”

S: “I’m on it.”

Shoto finds he has a large box that sounds like a bunch of smaller boxes in it. When he opens it is a bunch of hand and power tools. He looks at Enji with confusion.

E: “I was told you like to work with your hands and like working on DIY projects and building things. If you don’t like it, I can exchange this for something else.”

S: “I like it, I can use these for a few projects I want to work on.”

E: “Really? That’s good. I worked hard to try to get you all something that you would enjoy. Hina, I even got you something.”

He hands her a small box. When she opens it, she finds a gold tennis bracelet.

H: “Oh my gosh, Enji! You didn’t have to get my anything, this is so wonderful.”

E: “It’s a thank you for having to deal with me and raising my kids by yourself.”

H: “Um, I don’t know how to say this but there is nothing left under the tree, (Y/N) where is your gift?”

Enji sits up with horror in his eyes. He never managed to find the toy for you. He was so busy trying to get the best gift that he didn’t even think of a backup. His mind is racing and he starts to feel sick when you grab his hand.

(Y/N): “Its ok Enji. I wanted you to make you and your kids happy. I’m just happy that everyone is here.”

E: “But you didn’t get anythi….”

The doorbell interrupts his train of thought. He gets up to see who could possibly be at the door on Christmas Day. He opens the door and is surprised to see Sanji.

S: “Good morning, Enji.” As she hands him a package.

E: “What is this?”

S: “Give it to (Y/N).”

E: “You found it?”

S: “Yes, I did. Merry Christmas, Enji.”

E: “Did you want to stay?”

S: “No, I have my own family to get to but thank you.”

E: “Well you will be getting a large bonus this year.”

He closes the door and comes back to the living room. He sits down looking at the box.

F: “Who was that dad?”

E: “That was Sanji, she was dropping of my present to you.”

(Y/N): “Really? You didn’t have to get me anything, Enji.”

You slowly unwrap the box. It is just a plain brown box. You still are curious as you open the box. You take the object out and start to take the tissue paper off. When you finally see what was inside, your speechless.

(Y/N): “What? How did you? Where did you?”

E: “This is what I have been doing at the office. I have even looking for this.”

You hold up the stuffed doll of Endeavor, it is about a foot and a half tall with fake flames. It has a little zipper on the back to replace the batteries. You’re a little afraid to squeeze it but once you do, you hear ‘Prominence Burn!’ and you feel it start to warm up in your hands. You begin hugging it as you start to tear up just saying “Thank you.”

F: “Dad, I didn’t know there was a stuffed doll of toy that big.”

E: “There was a batch made as a test. They warm up when you squeeze them but it would catch fire too often so they didn’t make more. Apparently, (Y/N) got one as a kid to keep him warm in the test facility. I can’t believe there are any left.”

(Y/N): “It was the only warm thing I had as a kid. I thought I had the only one of these. Funny, when I first meet you, I saw the flames coming off of you and I wanted to go and hug you. I was so cold but looking at you was enough to give the energy to stop the bomb.”

E: “Merry Christmas (Y/N).”

(Y/N): “As much as I love this, I’m glad I don’t need to use it anymore.”

F: “Why’s that?”

“Because I have the real thing right here.” You say giving Enji a big squeeze. He responds by pulling you in for a kiss. The rest of the day flies by as the whole family is enjoying the time together. Everyone helps unpacking each other’s rooms and clean up a bit. You all have dinner, afterwards everyone goes to the living room to watch the Grinch. After the long day, everyone was exhausted from the excitement of the day. The kids fall asleep before you two.

“Thank you so much (Y/N). This is the best Christmas I ever had.”

“I think I can say the same thing. Thank you Enji.”

You two hug each other tightly in bed, causing the doll between you to sound and start to heat up. You both laugh a little and kiss one last time before going to sleep.

Next Chapter

#A Hellish Encounter #endeavor x male reader #enji todoroki #enji x reader #enji x y/n #my hero academia enji #endeavor fluff #endeavor mha #endeavor stan #endeavor #Yes I wasted 2 chapters in Christmas #Sad Endeavor

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damonjuicyscock · 3 years ago

Text

To The End (Chapter 6: Blue Jeans)

Pairing: 90's Damon Albarn x Reader

Warnings: Language, fluff, a bit smutty, drug and alcohol use, maybe spelling mistakes as always.

Summary: You are Damon Albarn's best friend, now everything is confused since the kiss you both shared. Is your relationship finally going to evolve ? You'll make a nice encounter as the chapter goes.

Words: 3269

A/N: Merry Christmas Y'all ! Sorry I'm a day late today, but I enjoyed Christmas with my family as well. This chapter is longer than usual, told you it would be longer through the story ! Enjoy !

“You know it could be with you And don't give up on me yet Don't think I'm walking out of this”

Reading Festival- August 28th 1993:

After the band’s gig, there was an after party, as always.

For the occasion, there was one of my favourite bands: New Order. Meeting Bernard Sumner was one of my dreams, and it finally happened. We started flirting, not going too far, I knew he was married, and he wasn’t the man I truly wanted. It was just for pure fun. But what I didn’t know, was that Damon’s gaze on me had been insistent.

That’s when he approached us that I knew something was wrong.

- Y/N, I need to talk to you.

- Talk, I’m all ears. I answered, quite tipsy

- No, like in somewhere… private.

- Where do you want to talk? There is no privacy here it’s a bloody festival !

- We’ll find, follow me. It’s urgent.

I apologized to Bernard, following Damon. He took my hand and adapted a quick walk.

- Hey slow down, I can’t walk as fast as you! And I’m really worried about you though !

He took us to a closet, and locked us in.

- What do you think you’re doing ?

- I don’t understand Dames.

- What’s in your mind ? he snapped at me

- Are you high ? Drunk ? Both ?

- Really ? Flirting with Bernard Sumner ? God Y/N he’s married !

- I know ! why do you mind ? Are you…Jealous ?

He was about to answer, but his speech got stuck in his throat.

- I… Oh fuck it ! He said before crashing his lips on mine.

I was surprised but responded to the kiss, melting into it, while his tongue was asking for entrance to caress mine. I let it happen, putting my arms around his neck, standing on my tiptoes, and my hand went massaging his hair. When he removed his lips from mine, needing air, I opened my eyes without letting go of him.

- It was our second kiss, what was that for ?

- I’m drunk, but I know what I’m doing. I remember exactly what I told you months ago in Germany, in fact I remember everything from that night, I just didn’t want to admit it. Yes Y/N, I was jealous. I love you and I couldn’t stand to see you flirting with Sumner.

- Geez Damon, do you know how long I have been waiting for this ? I wasn’t even sure you felt the same as me! I feel so relieved because I’ve been in love with you for years, but I was so scared you wouldn’t feel the same as me that I decided not to tell you.

- How long ?

- For about 10 years.

- So I was right when you left tour 2 years ago. You were jealous.

- I was sad to see you in someone else’s arms, it just made me lose my fucking mind and I really missed our place and I decided to go home. I’ve always been true to you my little devil.

- You should have told me. I would never have rejected you. It’s been also quite a long time that I have been in love with you too, but I’ve been seeing other girls because I thought I couldn’t have you.

- And you can have all the girls you want, why me ?

- I told you. I love you. And when I look at you ex-boyfriends, they weren’t looking like me at all, I thought I wasn’t your type.

He had a point here, but it was only to stifle the evidence. I was dating because Damon was dating. But none had my body. I wanted Damon to make love to me. No one else. I wasn’t in love with any of those guys, and I needed to really like someone to sleep with him.

- If only I had known earlier, we wouldn't have wasted so much time. He said

- It wasn’t your fault, Damon.

- And so now that we both confessed… what are we ?

- I’m whatever you want me to be Dames.

He kissed me once more, not keeping his hands off me.

- We could be in an open relationship you know ?

Oh fuck. Not this. But it was like… weird? He just said he was jealous to see me with someone else and he proposed to be in an open relationship? I couldn’t lose him. I couldn’t lose anything I had with him. Nothing. I only had one choice.

- Yeah. I’ve been dreaming to be yours for so long…

Oh Shit Y/N, you coward. The only choice I had was to wait for our relationship to work enough. To change this into an exclusive relationship. For him to be mine and only mine. From now, he could shag other girls and oh, I hated this. I wouldn’t do the same. I couldn’t. Question is, would it make us closer or tear us apart?

- Sleep with me tonight. He said

- Only if…

- I only mean sleep Y/N, we’re going to take our time. you should trust me since we've known each other for so long. And after all, you’re a grown-up lady, it’s not like you haven’t shagged anyone, so you already slept with boys.

- Yeah! I answered, almost stuttering

If only he knew the truth, he would be surprised. I was ready to lose my virginity for a long time now, but I wanted him to pop my cherry. I didn’t want to lose it to some guy. Yeah, I would have ended as a spinster. But now that Damon and I were together, it was only a matter of time.

The next morning, I woke up in Damon’s arms. We didn’t tell the boys we decided to date, but they would guess one day or another. What woke me up was something poking against my thigh. Yeah, it was his “morning glory”. I decided to act as I was still asleep to try something I wanted to do for such a long time. Tease him. So I started grinding against his erection. He let out a strangled moan.

It didn’t awake him. So, I did it again. This time, his moan was a bit louder, and I felt his hands grip my hips.

- Oh god… Y/N, are you awake?

I growled with my morning voice.

- Hm? Good morning little devil…

- I’m not the little devil here, you are.

- What? I said pretending to be confused

- You were awake, don’t you?

- Not until you asked me, tiring me from my sleep you knobhead. What’s the matter?

- Well…you were moving against me…

- And?

- You don’t know?

- What should I know?

He pressed himself against me, making me feel his boner.

- This. He muttered in my ear

- Oh.

- Yeah.

- So I did this?

- Probably. It’s like if I did this to you.

His hand disappeared under the covers and suddenly, I felt his index touch my clit through the fabric of my panties, making me whimper.

And he liked the sound of it. So, he kept doing it. I whimpered again and moaned.

- You like it, do you?

I moaned in response

- You’ll have to use your words love.

- Yes. Yes, I like it.

He kept going until I was a moaning mess, soaking my panties with my juices, and I felt a coil threatening me to snap, getting closer and closer each time his finger rubbed my sensitive nub.

- Fuck Damon…

- Yes, I know baby. But it won’t be for this time. He said, taking his hand away from me.

I whined at the loss

- Hey! why do you start something you won’t finish?

- I could ask you the same question, I know you were awake. I want us to take our time my love. You’re not some girl I sleep with for a single night.

Yeah, but some girls were having him for a night, he wasn’t entirely mine.

- What a gentleman.

September 03rd 1993-Glasgow:

And here we were, with Damon flirting with some Scottish girl in this bar after Radiohead’s and Blur’s show. And here I was at this table with them, alone, and drinking more than I should have, to forget about what I was feeling at this damn moment. From time to time, he put his arm around my shoulders, but it felt like I didn’t exist.

I emptied my fourth glass before going back to the bar to order a new drink.

- You are not one of his groupies are ya? A male voice asked me

- Actually, I’m his girlfriend. I answered without looking at him

- And that’s how he treats you? flirting with girls even when you’re here?

- Yeah, but I signed for it. I said, drinking my fifth glass

- What do you mean?

- We’re in a bloody open relationship.

- It sounds like you’re not happy with it.

I finally looked at the man. It was Thom Yorke himself

- Well it’s a bit complicated.

- I’ve got all my time to listen to you. your boyfriend seems hell-bent on taking this girl back to the hotel to shag her. I offer you my ears.

- Well that’s very kind of you but…

- Please, I insist. He answered, cutting me off

So I began to explain my story with Damon from the beginning without giving too much details, and without telling him I was a virgin.

- Wow. This guy really doesn’t deserve you.

- I wouldn’t say that, I…

- No I mean it. You’re here, ready to do anything for him, and he shags other girls.

- At least, he loves me.

- Oh darling, He may love you, I don’t know, but it’s clearly not correct.

- That’s why I’m here, confessing to the singer of another band I barely know. But anyway, thank you for listening to me when I’m drunk and talking about my shit.

- Nah, that’s okay. But before everything, do you want to go somewhere else?

- Yeah, I really want to get out of here and not having to look at this bit…

I looked at Damon who was now kissing the said girl, and I couldn’t stand it.

- Okay, you know what? Let’s go, I’m taking you somewhere you won’t have to look at them and stand this shit. You’re not a second choice Y/N, that’s his problem now.

- Let me leave him a message at first.

I asked for a piece of paper and a pen to the bartender. In my message, I stood quite kind. QUITE.

“Gone with Thom Yorke to visit the city, have fun with your lovely blonde chick.”

I handed the paper to the bartender and asked him to give it to Damon while I was leaving the bar with Thom.

- So, where do you wanna go? He asked me

- Somewhere quiet, If I could say, I would say home. I answered sighing

- Do you want to go to your hotel room?

- Certainly not, I share it with Damon, he’s probably going to fuck her in here.

- We could go to mine if you wish?

- Well yeah, nevermind, actually I don’t even care if you sleep with me as long as we don’t fuck.

- We won’t. And I’m not the right man to take your virginity.

- What? How do you know about that?

- I can see it in the way you talked to me that you haven’t done anything, that’s all. You have something innocent inside. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.

- Well… thanks I guess?

- You’re welcome, I guess?

He took a vodka bottle off his jacket.

- Where did you get this?

- I paid for it at the bar, want some? He asked me, handing me the bottle

- Gladly, thank you. I said, taking it and drinking the half of it, wincing.

- Oi slow down miss, you’re going to nee a part of your stomach left to do what we’re going to do.

- And what is that? I’m already so fucking wasted anyway.

- Smoking. He answered

I bursted out of laughter

- I don’t need my stomach to smoke cigarettes!

- I don’t mean this kind of smoke…

- You mean…

- Yeah, good joints. And with alcohol sometimes, it hurts.

- Wow, okay. The thing is I only smoke cigarettes, I’ve never smoked pot.

- There a first time to everything Y/N. He said winking at me

I had never been high thanks to pot before but being drunk and high was a wonderful show. Thom and I were lying on the ground of the balcony of his hotel room, looking at the stars. My vision was like blurry and it’s like the sky was moving because my head was turning and I was feeling fucking good.

- You’re not talking much. He said, smoking his second joint

- Well I’m drunkenly high mate.

- Believe me, I know this feeling more than anyone else.

- Yeah sure, you’re reputed to drink a lot.

- And it’s hella true. It’s not alcoholism, I just like the effects it brings.

- If you say so.

- What about you?

- I don’t usually drink that much, it’s just because I don’t want to feel anything bad when Damon flirts with someone else.

- It’s gonna get toxic you know ?

- Nobody knows, he may change one day.

- Maybe, but be careful.

- He was my best friend before being my boyfriend, I trust him.

- You said it yourself, he was your best friend before being your boyfriend, and that’s not the same thing. That’s why I’m telling you to be careful. I know we only met tonight and I’m a stranger, but I’m a man, and I know men, I know what they think and what they do.

- Thank you for that Thom. It’s very kind. You’re different you know? you’re not looking to sleep with me.

- It’s all about consent. You’re pretty, but you fixed your limits, and I respect that.

I woke up the next morning totally shitfaced. I didn’t even remember how I ended up in the bed I was sleeping in. Thom was asleep on a char in front of me.

-Huh… what happened? I asked my hand touching my forehead.

He woke up and yawned.

- Hello Y/N, you seem shitfaced.

- I am.

- You don’t remember anything?

- The last thing I know is we were laid on the balcony watching the stars and chatting.

- Yeah, well right after this, you fell asleep, and when I went to put you to bed you mumbled to me to take your shoes and pants off, and when I covered you, you asked me if Damon was okay.

- Sorry ‘bout that.

- I’ve seen worse, no worries. Aspirin? He asked me, handing me the medicine and a water bottle

- Oh, thank God.

- I’m only Thom, but you’re welcome. I’ll call a cab for you, is your hotel far away from here?

- I don’t have any idea. But I really don’t feel like walking.

- That’s why I said I’ll call a cab.

I got up in the cab and thanked Thom for everything. I arrived at the hotel and directly went to the room I shared with Damon. He was at the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast as said on the message he left me on a piece of paper.

I joined them with my sunglasses on, because daylight was killing me. The first one I saw was Alex.

- Ah Y/N, finally back? He said when he saw me

- Shh don’t talk so loudly for fuck’s sake.

- Seems like miss Y/L/N had a rough night. Dave answered

- Where the fuck were you? Damon asked me upset

- With Thom. We spent the night drinking and chatting, I’m totally shitfaced.

- No shag? He insisted

- Why? You’re scared I would have shagged someone that’s not you? I said smiling to provoke him

- Nah, just a question. He answered, throwing me a dark look

- You okay? I asked him

- Yeah, I just didn’t sleep that much.

- Eventful night huh? Was she a big shag? I said, drinking Graham’s orange juice

- That’s my…

- Let her drink, she spent the night outside. Alex told him

- Yeah, full of erotic sensations.

Okay, he decided to provoke me too. Let’s fight.

- I don’t doubt it. Was she worth it?

- Huh guys… Alex said

- What about you? Damon said pissed

- Oh, so worth it. I discovered a new part I had inside me.

Damon slammed his fist against the table

- What’s your fucking problem Y/N?

- Oh, I have none, unless the fact that someone slept in my bed! I answered

- Oh, come on, it’s not like I forced you to stay outside during the whole fucking night!

- Not, I’ve chosen that, because I didn’t want to spend the night alone in the bed until you were done fucking this whore!

- Okay guys, please go outside… Graham tried

- Oh fine! that’s how you see things? Damon yelled

- It’s exactly like it fucking is Damon! I answered the same

- STOP! Go to your fucking room to argue, and I don’t know, just fuck already! Dave yelled at us

Damon got up without even looking at me and started walking out of the restaurant.

- Where the fuck do you think you’re going Albarn?

He didn’t answer and kept walking, I got up as well and followed him. We found ourselves in the elevator.

- What’s fucking got into you Y/N? he yelled at me

- Oh, like you don’t know!

- What, you’re jealous?

- As if you were not! A few days ago, you told me you loved me and couldn’t stand to see me with another man and at this exact same moment you told me you wanted us to be in an open relationship, make up your fucking mind! Am I your girlfriend or just some distraction? Some second choice? What am I to you Damon? I said, tears running down my face

- But… you told me you were okay with it!

- I am not! I just didn’t want to disappoint you and lose you. I’ve been hoping for a “us” for such a long time! I didn’t want you to think I was possessive and change your habits, it’s the only reason why I accepted! Here now I fucked up.

Damon started crying as well, taking me in his arms.

- Love, you should have told me earlier! It’s okay, I perfectly understand. I know I really can be an asshole and I’m sorry, I didn’t know you felt like this.

- And now I’ve lost you…

- Lost me? Love, absolutely not. You really want it to be only you and me? Deal. No more girls, no more open relationship, just you and me.

- It doesn’t bother you then?

- No, these girls don’t mean anything to me. You’re the only one I want.

I totally broke down when he said this, And I felt him sob against me.

- I’m so sorry, I didn’t want to hurt you, it won’t happen ever again, I promise.

- I trust you Damon.

#damon albarn #damon albarn smut #damon albarn fanfic #damon albarn x reader #graham coxon #alex james #dave rowntree #blur band #gorillaz #britpop #Spotify

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wiypt-writes · 4 years ago

Text

Consciousness Of Guilt

Chapter 2

Summary: On the anniversary of Jacob’s birthday, you lend Andy a friendly ear and some comfortable surroundings.

Warnings: Bad Language, allusions to past abuse (Non Con/Dub Con) but nothing explicitly described in this chapter.

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar the reader and any other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

W/C: 7k

Consciousness Of Guilt Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 1

Early August

You were swamped. That was the best way to describe it. There were several projects needing to done by weeks’s end and you had already been in early for the day, a ragged reminder that it was only Monday. Not to mention you'd powered down the vanilla caramel latte that sat hot on your desk when you'd first arrived. But, now that to-go cup was bone dry. You needed sustenance and more coffee. With a grumble you tossed the empty paper cup into your waste basket under your desk and grabbed your "at work" mug, a gag gift from your sister one Christmas, and scooted back from your desk.

You hiked it out of your office and to the elevator, taking the lift a floor up to where the large break room awaited just down the hall from the elevator lobby.

Your nude high heeled pumps clicked in a familiar, pleasant rhythm as you downed the hallway and pushed open the door to the recreation area. You were surprised to see a familiar, white shirt clad broad back and perfectly trimmed hair facing you as you approached the coffee pots and espresso machine.

“You leave any for me?” You asked and Andy span to face you, an apologetic smile stretching across his face as he waved the empty pot.

“Sorry, here...” he held his mug out for you, “you can take this and I’ll brew some more.”

“Absolutely not.” You shook your head, your hands momentarily straying to the impeccable knot in his dark blue tie which was nestled perfectly central to the corners of his crisply folded collar. “First off, I know for a fact that mug gets washed like what, once a week, and second off I need the break, so I can wait whilst it brews.”

“It’s rinsed between each drink, and besides I wasn’t offering you the mug,” Andy rolled his eyes, one hand falling to his hip, black slacks sat on his waist, his shirt nearly tucked in, “you can tip it into that bright pink monstrosity in your hand.”

“Don’t you dare call Sparkles that.” You narrowed your eyes before you glanced at your own mug. “He’s a very sensitive Unicorn.”

Andy chuckled at your over dramatic flare for an absurd coffee mug. "The latte not enough today?"

“Not quite.” You shook your head as you moved to pull the coffee out of the cupboard. “It’s been manic this morning. Eva wants a ton of work pushed out by Friday. There's a new media packet being put together since there's like five big trials coming up and that means lots of red pen hitting the pages all week."

Before Andy could reply, you caught in the corner of your eye the new, second year law student that was interning for the summer at the firm before his final year of term.

Beside you, you heard Andy let out an ever so quiet snort and you glared at him. Only last week you’d been teasing him once more about being a prematurely middle aged old man when he hadn’t understood a reference you’d made about a television programme. His response has been to quip back that instead of breakfasting with him, you should do it with the kids as they were clearly more “hip”.

“Oh, hey Y/N!” Ollie smiled at you and you nodded back. “I was literally just talking about you.”

"Oh, you were?" You did you best to fake a smile.

“Yeah, a couple of us are going bowling on Wednesday, just a couple of beers and burgers. Thought you might fancy it?”

“Oh, I’d love to but...” you arranged your face in what you hoped was a convincing, apologetic look. “But I can’t...”

“You no good at bowling?” The twenty-four year old teased and you shook your head.

“Actually I am, but no... I can’t on Wednesday.”

“Oh, you err already out or something?”

“No I just... well, Mr Barber and I have a thing, you know, for work. It’s a deadline and...”

“No, no we don’t.” Andy frowned, and you turned, shooting him a look.

“I think we do,” you continued and he simply arched his brow, smirking. “Remember? The deadline for the press release on the Jones case?”

“No, are you sure that’s this week?” Andy asked, as he raised his mug to his mouth. As he took a sip of his coffee, the item obscured his mouth but you could tell from the cheeky glint in his eyes that he was smirking. You wanted to punch him. The asshole was deliberately not helping you out.

“Yeah, I’m absolutely sure.” You insisted before you turned to Ollie. “Sorry, maybe next time.”

“Okay no worries, catch you later.”

You watched him go and then spun to face Andy who looked at you, innocently.

"Way to help a girl out there," you glared wide eyed at him. He clearly found it highly amusing as he was now trying to hide a chuckle behind the rim of that mug of his. “I hate you.”

“Ouch, Angel that’s harsh.” He lowered his mug. “‘My mistake, I thought you’d like to get down with the kids.”

"You're lucky I have a meeting in..." you checked your watch, "shit, five minutes." You growled in frustrated, as Ollie the Kid had now completely ruined the coffee break you so desperately needed.

With a huff you snatched a banana from the basket on the counter and swung your mug on your finger, the ceramic unicorn empty of life giving contents. As you did so, Andy reached out and took the mug from you, tipping the contents of his own into it before holding it back out for you.

“Don’t worry, I don’t have cooties or whatever you young kids say...”

“And just like that you redeemed yourself.” You grinned, hastily adding creamer and a spoon of sugar. “I’ll catch you later.”

He shot you a wink before you turned and jetted out of the room, the rhythm of your heels much faster as you hurried to your meeting.

****

Andy sighed, the phone held to his ear as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “He says he has an alibi... but its paper thin. A five year old kid could punch a hole in it with a feather.”

“And let me guess,” Joanna Klein’s voice was amused and Andy could picture the exact expression on her face, “he’s insisting he won’t even consider a guilty plea to the lesser charge?”

“Got it in one, see, I knew I picked you as a mentor for something.” Andy chuckled as Joanna laughed. “But seriously...”

“Everyone is entitled to a defence, no matter what Andy, you know this. And unfortunately, you can’t reason with stupidity. You want my advice?”

At that there was a knock at his door, and he looked up to see Y/N poking her head in as she opened it a crack.

“Always.” He spoke into the phone as he waved her in with a smile and gestured to the seat on the opposite side of the desk.

“Present him with the cold, hard facts and spell it out in simple language.” Joanna advised. “Tell him what he’s gonna face when, and use the term when, the prosecution completely disprove his alibi and then show him the alternative. If he still won’t listen then, prepare for your first defensive loss.”

��I don’t like losing.” Andy sighed, his eyes straying back to Y/N. He watched her as she strode from the doorway, closing the heavy wooden piece behind her quietly beforehand. His eyes casually roamed the look of her. Her hair was pulled away from her face, a pencil pinning it at the nape of her neck, the white poplin button down she wore seemingly cut to fit her frame. She sighed as she took her seat, smoothing her lipstick red pencil skirt out as she did so, adjusting it conservatively as she crossed her legs at the knee, setting a manilla file folder on her lap as her nude heeled foot bounced in wait.

Was that a tattoo he noticed, just at the bone of her ankle that seemed to extend down onto her foot, no doubt obscured by the leather of her shoe and the bounce of her leg? He wondered if she had more than just that and he thought hard to remember if he'd ever noticed anything before, but he either hadn't or didn't have the care to look. He had a few of his own, two chest pieces, an eagle and a phrase that had recently struck him as something he wished to be reminded of.

Trying not to appear as if he was staring, he studied the design on Y/N’s ankle and realised that was also a bird and a phrase, albeit much smaller and delicate than his. Her bird was almost like a pencil outline, mid-flight, hovering over the words ‘And Still I Rise.’

Simple, but meaningful. And knowing her as he did, he would lay odds on it being attributed to her recent past.

“Erm, sorry, Joannna, what was that?” Andy cleared his throat as his attention hastily switched back to his conversation and the woman chuckled.

“I said no one likes losing, Andy, but you can’t win 'em all.”

“Sure as hell can try.” He smiled. “Listen, I have to go but I appreciate the advice and next time you’re in the area let me know. Be nice to catch up face to face.”

"You got it, Andy. Take care of yourself."

Andy hung up and adjusted the tie around his neck, loosening the knot and popping that first button on his collar.

“Sounded serious.” Y/N smiled and he gave a frustrated groan.

“Yeah, just a very awkward client. Anyway, I assume as you’re not empty handed this isn’t a social call?”

"Unfortunately not." She sighed. "I need you to look this over as quick as you can. It's your PR file. Eva needs it back by Wednesday so I can update everything on our website and get a draft ready for the new media packets."

"Wednesday?" Andy extended his hand out for her to hand him the file.

“Piss off.” She shot back and he smirked as he took the file from her. He opened it and sighed as he looked at the profile photo of him which had been taken when he had first joined the firm.

“This photo makes me look like a fucking politician.” He mumbled before he sighed, heavily. He hated this side of things, it made keeping his head down impossible. “Why do we suddenly need updated profiles on the website? I mean, let’s face it, it’s not like there ain’t enough info on me out there is it?”

"I know how you feel, trust me and I'm sorry. I wish I didn't have to do it." Y/N shrugged in defeat. "Orders from the top and the packets themselves haven't been updated since the handful of associates were hired in the last two years, yourself included.” She took a breath before she gave him a little smile. “The good news is it doesn't cover anything personally. It's literally your CV, which stops at your hiring in Boston as ADA and when you started here plus a brief and simple bio. I took the liberty of writing it up rather than you having to do it.” She paused again, breathing out through her nose gently. “What Eva gave me as a draft to work with was over the top and I didn't think you'd be comfortable with it, so I made my own, but, there is a copy of hers for you to see, just so you didn't assume I was speaking for you."

Andy looked at her and smiled, her thoughtfulness touched him. “Thanks. And sorry if it sounded like I was frustrated at you, I’m not.”

"It's okay, clearly it's been a Monday for us both," she lightly chuckled.

Andy glanced at the paper before he closed the file and handed it back to her. “It’s fine.”

“You haven’t even read it!” She scoffed.

“Does it mention anything about Jacob or the trial?”

“No, of course not.” Her tone was lightly affronted but Andy merely smiled.

“Well then, there you go. I trust you.” He implored, his eyes locking into hers as he held the file out. She looked back at him, before she smiled softly and reached out to take it from him.

"You're absolutely sure?" She wanted to double check, hesitation noted in her tone.

“One hundred percent.”

“Well, don’t come crying to me when you read all about how you’re a past it dinosaur that still hand writes all his case notes in fountain pen.”

"Oh... Is that how it's going to be?" He flicked a smirk in her direction.

"No, but it made you smile," she too tossed a smirk but added a quick wink. “Anyway, I’ll let you get back to your awkward client.”

“Thanks, I can’t wait.” He deadpanned as she laughed and stood up. “Listen, I have to work late tonight, and it sounds like we have plans for work on Wednesday, but maybe this weekend we can grab a drink?"

"Oh as great as that sounds, my parents are flying in on Friday for a long weekend." She paused for a second, biting the inside of her cheek. "Unless you want to join us Saturday for a barbeque?"

Andy hesitated for a moment, not quite sure how to politely decline without offending. That really wasn’t what he wanted, at all, especially not with it being the day it was going to be.

“I err....” he rubbed the back of his neck with his hand and she smiled, shaking her head.

“No need to explain, Andy. It’s fine, honestly.”

He felt relief at her understanding but a part of him felt he'd disappointed her. He wasn't sure why.

"And hey, if you find yourself looking for something to do, you're always welcome over. Doesn't matter the occasion."

Andy took a deep breath before he looked at her, licking his lips. “It’s actually...well, would have been Jake’s 18th birthday.” He admitted and instantly he saw her face soften. “So I’m not sure I’d be the best company anyway in all honesty.”

He watched her face fall at his admission but she understood, for she walked back over to his desk and gently took his hand. "If you need anything, even if it's just a phone call, I'll be there." She gave his hand a squeeze and excused herself from his office.

Andy watched the door close behind her and leaned back in his chair, lost in his own thoughts for a moment. He couldn’t deny that things had certainly gotten a lot lighter for him since meeting Y/N. She was a good friend, in fact his only friend other than Joanna. Duffy and Laurie had been right with what they said about being a loner. He had never formed bonds with people, not easily, Laurie being the exception.

The psychologist they’d seen during the build-up to the trial has said that came from a place of him being unable to trust easy, and as annoying as he had found the intrusion into his psyche, she wasn’t wrong. Keeping people at arm’s length meant they couldn’t let you down, or at least when they did you didn’t take it so personally.

But for some reason unbeknownst to him, Andy found that knowing her was different. Maybe it was down to the fact there was a mutual understanding as they both had a past they wanted to escape. Or maybe it was his heart and mind starting to move on from the darkest period of his life where everything he had crashed down around him, quite literally.

He found himself trusting her, and with each passing minute they spent together, their bond seemed to form and grow. And, as he sat there, he couldn’t help but think of a conversation he’d had with Jacob who'd been chatting none stop about a girl in his class.

“You like her.” Andy teased and Jacob rolled his eyes as he moved his counter on the Othello board.

“She’s okay.” Jake shrugged, as Andy moved his own counter. “Oh, big mistake old man.”

“Less of the old.” Andy shot back as Jake smirked and made his own move. Andy groaned as he realised his son was right. “So what’s the hold up? You gonna ask her on a date?”

Jake shrugged, “I don’t know, maybe. But not this week, it’s a bad week. Exams and stuff.”

It’s a bad week...

Andy let out a breath and ran his hands though his hair as his son’s words echoed in his mind.

“Sure is, bud,” his eyes flicked to the photo of him and Jake which sat on his desk and he sniffed a little, the familiar sting welling in the stop of his nose as he attempted to stave off the tears, “sure is.”

****

By weeks end, you were exhausted but there was an excitement to your step by lunch Friday afternoon because your parents were on their way in. They were landing in Denver and driving north to you and would be at your place near seven that night. Perfect timing for you to get a quick and light dinner prepared up for you all and allow them time to settle in. The same however, couldn't be said for Andy.

He'd become a little withdrawn from everyone around the office, yourself included. He took no lunch breaks, was in early and out later than you, which in and of itself wasn't too alarming since he'd often had late nights and worked some weekends. But what concerned you was how little he'd even communicated with you. You found yourself a time or two giving a self-check reminder that this wasn't anything you'd done and he'd needed his space.

You understood that above all else and since you'd not really had real plans with him or any work plans like Ollie believed on Wednesday, you still brought him a light dinner from Patti's just because that's what friends do.

He appreciated it, you could tell by the warm smile he offered upon seeing you pop into his office, but you didn't stay and he didn't try to convince you otherwise. You just set everything out for him on a clear space at his desk, which he hadn't expected of you but you did it anyway knowing full well it'd sit and not be touched. Among the files and rolled up sleeves, loose tie and unbuttoned collar, Andy rose up and briefly thanked you then hugged you goodbye.

By Friday, you were speeding out the door to go home but not before popping in to remind him your offer still stood about coming over if he wanted. However, you didn't even make it inside his office as through the door you could hear he was in a very heated discussion on a phone call and so you called him the next morning.

He didn't ghost you but the call did go to his voice mail, but again your concern weighed on you. Yet, you knew it was that little voice of doubt, of disappointing someone like him, that peeked its ugly head out from time to time that was making you feel that way. Taking a deep breath, you shook away the little demon created by your past and text him.

He didn't respond, however you knew he read it and that was enough for you. You just didn't want him to think he had to be alone or that he was. You couldn’t even begin to understand his grief, and you weren't about to try. But the pain he was going through, now two years after his wife and son's accident, those wounds don't heal overnight and for that much so, you understood and could relate. Deep wounds take the longest to heal and sometimes they never do. But it's the keep moving forward that mattered to you and to Andy too.

With that, you headed out to Patti's with your parents, showing them your favorite local haunts along the way. You walked so you could spend the morning around the center of town and along historic Pearl Street, really showing them how well you'd become acquainted with your quaint little part of town. It didn't go unnoticed the look your parents gave one another when Patti had asked where Andy was, and you'd explained that the two of you had taken a rain check on your usual plans with your parents in town.

After breakfast, you spent the rest of the morning until mid-day around town, exploring and just enjoying the time with your parents. Things felt care free, and just... well... free. It wasn't long ago that things were tense and worrisome as you navigated your previous life, moving through the motions with them by your side, you somewhat trying to make amends for what had happened to them because of Ransom.

After a jaunt around the center square and farmer's market, the three of you were finally heading back home to get your Jeep to head to the grocery market for more items.

You were prepping the condiments, toppings and seasoning the meat with your mother in the kitchen while your father shouted obscenities at his golf tournament on your television until your mother had scolded him off to start up the grill.

Mid playful spat between them, your phone began ringing, giving you the perfect excuse you lovingly tell them to quit squabbling. You looked down at your phone and saw Andy was calling.

"Hey," you answered softly.

“Hi.” His voice was a little croaky and instantly you nodded to your mom who smiled as you headed out of the kitchen.

"Catch anything?"

“Actually, yeah. Quite a bit, actually. You can’t see what I’m doing now but I’m holding my hands about two feet apart, one was this big...”

She laughed, "I'm sure that's it and not some egotistical male over generalization."

“You wouldn’t be insinuating I'm over exaggerating about size now would you?”

"Nope, surely a man your age knows better."

“And there you go again!” He chuckled lightly. “What happened to age is but a number?”

"Again, I made you laugh." She said through a smirk.

“Yeah, you do. Which is kinda why I’m calling...” there was a slight pause and he took a deep breath. “I erm, wondered if I could come over after all. If not I totally get it, I don’t wanna impose-“

“Of course.” You cut him off. “I meant it when I said you’re welcome any time, Andy.”

You heard him breathe out a breath of relief. "Would twenty minutes be okay?"

“Anytime, I literally just said it.” You smiled. “And you’re a lawyer?”

"See you soon."

You cut the call and headed back into your large kitchen. Your mom looked up.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, hold up, I wanna tell you and dad something so... give me a second.” You headed outside and asked your dad to come back in. After grumbling something about the BBQ coal being at a crucial stage in its burning, he followed you in and stood by your mom, the pair of them exchanging a glance as you took a deep breath.

“So, erm, my friend Andy, he’s coming to join us.”

"Oh, is he now?" Your mom grinned.

“It’s not like that, we’re just friends.” You rolled your eyes. “But there is something about him you should know.”

“Is he transsexual?” Your mom asked and you looked at her before you snorted.

“What the hell?” Your dad looked at her. “That’s the first place your mind goes?”

“What?” Your mom shrugged. “It’s quite common now, and nothing to be bothered by so-“

“Look, I’m very happy you’re so open minded but no, he’s definitely not.” You shook your head. “But you will know him. Or, at least I think you will. It’s Andy Barber.”

Your dad let out a soft breath as your mom continued to look puzzled. “Who?”

"His boy is the one who they accused of killing his classmate. He was the Assistant District Attorney who had to step down." Your dad explained and your moms face suddenly slid from puzzlement to understanding.

“He chose to step down after the case.” You corrected, wanting to leave them in no doubt as to the facts. “Jacob was proven innocent.”

“Yeah, they said that pedophile did it in the end, didn’t they?” Your mom said and you nodded.

“Leonard Patz. He left a confession before he killed himself. Jacob was cleared.”

“Yeah, then the poor bugger died as did his mom in a car crash.” Your dad shook his head.

“And today would have been Jacob’s 18th birthday so when Andy gets here can you not mention any of this, please?”

“Of course.” Your mom nodded as did your dad before he hesitated and sighed, giving you a soft glance, "I take it that he knows who you are?"

“Yes, he does,” you answered, and it didn’t escape your mind he knew exactly what your parents did, not the entire truth, “but we have this understanding between us that we don't look back. We don't talk about it unless we have to." Then you softly smiled, remembering the words he said, "No reverse gear." You whispered them but your parents heard.

True to form, twenty minutes or so after he’d spoken to you, a knock at your door sounded and you felt your belly jump in a way you hadn't felt for some time. You excused yourself from your parents and smoothed out your shirt over your torso and dusted off your jeans for no other reason than nerves before you pulled open the door.

There he stood, tall, dark and handsome with his hair hidden beneath a Boston Red Sox cap, his blue eyes peering out from under the brim. You didn't miss the slight tinge of pink to his sad eyes, and you offered a hug straight away as he stepped inside.

He offered you a single armed hug in return, the brown grocery bag in his left hand hung low at his side. "Hi," you whispered to him. A peck to his cheek in a comforting way.

"Hey," his rough whisper tickled your ear. He lips seemed to brush your temple and you broke free.

"Let me," you offered to take the bag but he insisted he'd carry it and followed you towards the kitchen. Your mother was coincidentally making herself busy with fixing up a salad when you caught her attention.

"Mom, this is my friend Andy I was telling you about." You looked between them with a soft smile as Andy set the bag in the counter. "Andy, this is my mom, Y/M/N."

“Andy it’s lovely to meet you.” Your mom beamed, taking his hand between both her hers in greeting.

"Pleasures all mine, Mrs. Y/L/N. I've heard a lot about you."

“Don’t believe a word she says, it’s all lies.”

At that moment, your dad awkwardly blustered in to complain about the coals again and startled himself with the new addition to the room. "Oh, so sorry, I’m Y/D/N. You must be Andy."

"Oh Jesus, Dad," you cringed and held a palm to your forehead.

Andy smiled and took your dad's outstretched hand and shook it.

Andy smiled and took your dads outstretched hand and shook it. "Nice to meet you, Sir."

"Please, first names, Andy. That old fashioned shit is for the old folks." You dad joked. And at that Andy side eyed you, as if waiting for your quip.

You held up your hands in defense. "I got nothing."

And at that he cracked a gentle smile. You popped the top of a beer for him and handed it over, but dropped the cap in doing so and when you bent over to grab it for the trash, you gasped.

"Oh my God, Andy Barber, who's grandpa did you steal those from? It's a heinous crime!"

“Steal what? My feet?” He asked sarcastically and your dad snorted as you straightened up and grinned.

“Those shoes... Dad, I’m sure you have a pair like that.”

"Don't take that crap from her," you dad shook his head.

"That's enough, children," Your mom chimed in. "Be a dear and go grill," she shoved a plate of burgers off on your dad.

With a wink your dad left and Andy looked around.

"Can I help with anything?" He asked politely, but you shook your head and emptied the grocery bag he came with.

“Not much to do. To be honest, it’s gonna be a help yourself affair. We don’t do formal.”

“She’s making us sound like heathens.” Your mom turned and shook her head. "Formal when necessary, free for all as directed."

"Heathens! Not true, well, Dad's questionable from time to time."

“I heard that.” Your dad called from outside and the three of you laughed.

You turned to Andy. "Make yourself comfortable, the downstairs bathroom is just down the hall there next to the garage door and the fridge is free game."

The night moved on, Andy and your dad talking over the grill, you and you mom sitting in the patio chairs nearby. As they grilled, you all munched on chips, dips and some cut veggies to satisfy the hunger until the burgers were done.

You couldn't help but think about how easy this felt, how...oddly natural. Your parents never truly accepted Ransom, not that you'd expected them to. Not with everything that happened and the half-truth they knew. But you kept thinking about the night you'd introduced them to your ex-husband compared to your friend now. They were overtly formal, like it was a business engagement with a new potential deal. But with Andy, it was as if you'd all been friends for ages.

You kept glancing over at Andy as he carried conversation with your dad. He seemed to be enjoying himself, however there were smiles that didn't always quite reach his beautiful eyes like you were used to. Despite that, he still seemed relaxed and for that you were thankful. You didn't want to think about how he was feeling because quite honestly you had not experienced loss and grief like he had and you fully respected the strength in which he carried himself. At one point, Andy looked up from the grill and connected his eyes with yours. He shot you a gentle smile, one you were familiar with as his 'I'm okay' soft smile and you flicked small smirk back. Your mother caught your glance and steered your attention towards work and you were happy for a moment to just smile brightly as you peeled your eyes away.

Over at the grill, Andy felt okay, it wasn't good or great, but he felt okay. Better than when he'd woken up and just as fine if not better than when he'd left the lake after spending the entire day there. Again his mind was brought to the comfort being in the presence of a true friend had brought him.

He enjoyed conversation with Y/N's dad, he was a funny guy, a sense of humor much like hers and he liked that.

But as they sat around their burgers, Andy soon realized that it was her mother that Y/N had gotten her sarcasm from. The more she grew comfortable over her drinks and food, the more she opened up even making Andy crack up at her husband's expense when she slammed his cooking skills as shit but his grill skills akin to those of Gordon Ramsay.

He offered to clear the table to help but Y/N insisted he was the guest and could sit back and just relax and watch her dad nearly blow up the garden while he tried to figure out the fire ring she had around the smaller patio chairs and end tables.

He still took his own things in, clearing away the bottles of beer he and her dad had consumed, catching her in the kitchen while her parents were outside.

"Hey," he caught her attention as he leaned against the counter by the sink where she was rinsing dishes for the dishwasher.

"Hey, you get enough to eat?"

He took the plate from her hand and slotted it into its rightful place on the bottom rack. “Absolutely, I’m beginning to wish I’d worn my sweats.” He patted his stomach.

“Sure my dad will have a pair that might be your style.”

"Y/N...." He said with playful warning.

"Hey, I'm totally kidding, you know that."

"Thanks for everything. I didn't realize how much I wanted company until it was too late."

“It wasn’t too late, at all. I told you, any time.”

He had a thought on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't articulate it and he didn't get a chance to for her dad popped his head in from the back door.

"Andy, you a Jack or Scotch guy? I picked up a nice stash of both for our visits. Care to help me break one open?"

Andy hesitated, he wasn’t sure it was a good idea in all honesty. Last year he’d spent this day drinking scotch on his own in his apartment. He’d ended up stinking drunk, and woke the next day with the worst hangover he could ever remember having. But, as Y/N’s dad smiled, he realised this was different. He felt different. And he wasn’t alone.

"I'm a scotch guy," Andy softly spoke.

“Straight or over ice?” "Straight tonight," Andy replied, her dad nodding as he headed to the cupboard. “Y/N?” Her dad looked at her and she nodded. “Yeah, I’ll take one.” At the fact Y/N was also switching to the hard stuff, Andy felt a warmth knowing she enjoyed things like that and that maybe they could enjoy them together. He watched as she took the glass from her dad, with a sudden pang in his heart as he realised he’d never get to do that with Jacob. He excused himself, heading to the bathroom, trying to give himself a bit of head space. Once he’d managed to get a hand on his emotions, he headed back through to the kitchen.

Y/N was back out on the patio but her dad was leaning against the counter. He looked up with a smile, and a flash of something on his face that was akin to understanding, almost, maybe sympathy. But no sooner had Andy noticed, it was gone and he simply held out a glass of the Amber liquor. Andy took it with a thanks. "I can see you two hit it off. Thanks for finding a friend in her, Andy." Andy blinked before he popped a shoulder, smiling softly, “to be honest, I should be thanking her. It’s nice to have someone to talk to, you know?” The look her father gave him was again, one of understanding and Andy cracked another soft smile toward the older man. He seemed to understand what they'd both been through as their own traumas and they were dealing with them on their own, and in a surprise twist of fate, together. "That's good to hear," Y/D/N sighed. "She gets it from her mother, I'm not a social, friendly shit if my life depended on it. I only like the guys in my golf club because we bet on our rounds. Old bastards." Andy took a sip of his scotch, nodding appreciatively as it was smooth yet carried a decent punch. “Yeah well, I feel ya.” He chuckled. “I’m kinda a loner too, but, no I enjoy her company. It’s nice.” "Well, we let's enjoy it some more, see how badly I can scratch the missus' nerve for a bit.” Andy chuckled as he followed Y/N’s dad outside. He took a seat next to Y/N while her parents sat across the fire ring from them. “You’ve been dying to crack that open since we got it.” Y/M/N rolled her eyes, gesturing to the scotch and Y/D/N shrugged.

“We’re on a weekend away, quit badgering me woman.” "He retires and this is the thanks I get for being a good wife," her mom joked. The atmosphere was easy, you listened to the well-worn dance that was your parents banter and you caught Andy’s eye. You smirked at him over your glass and he met you with a smirk of his own. The next few hours seemed to pass in a blink, and you didn’t realise how late it was until your mom gave a loud yawn. “Without wanting to be rude, I think I’ll turn in.” She stood up with a slight stretch of her arms and looked at your dad. “Are you coming, dear?” “Are you offering?” Your dad quipped and you let out a groan as Andy spluttered out a huge laugh. “That’s... fuck that’s disgusting.” You groaned, the mental image of your parents having sex burnt your retinas. Your dad gave a yelp as your mom slapped him round the head, clearly embarrassed as hell and you sank deeper into the chair as your dad stood up, a little unsteadily. “Shit,” he mumbled, “must have drunk more of that scotch than I thought.” "Bottles gone, ya drunk." Your mom scoffed. “Hey I ain’t the only one that drank it!” "Night Dad, night Mom." You said loudly, by way of an instruction for them to piss off before they could embarrass you anymore. You rose to give both of them a hug good night, Andy standing beside you. "Andy, it was a pleasure. I hope we'll see more of you.” Your mom turned to Andy as he gave her a polite hug before turning to shake your dads hand. “See you in the morning, Andy boy.”

“Dad!” You spluttered, the heat of embarrassment flooded your entire body as Andy raised his brows, his hand rubbing at the back of his neck. “Alright, in ya go, right up the stairs.” Your mom shoved your dad in his back, ushering him inside. “I'm right behind you.” “I’m so, so sorry.” You turned to Andy, shaking your head as you both took your seats again. “He thinks he’s funny.” "It's okay, he means well, it's all in good fun." Andy shrugged, picking at lint on his denim clad legs. "You and your dad seem close, all of you actually." "We are, probably closer now than ever, despite the distance. Still haven't seen my sister out here but, she lives to beat of her own drum." You chuckled, hoping to keep your conversation light. There was a stretch of silence, and you could see from the expression on his face Andy was grappling with something but you waited, patiently, watching the flames flicker on the fire ring until he finally spoke. “Do you, well, are you wanting to turn in as well, because if so, I can...” “No, I’m fine.” “So, it’s okay if I hang here a little longer?” “Of course.” You nodded before you spied his empty glass. “Top up?” He smiled and handed it to you. “Thanks.” You returned in moments with two more glasses for each of you, and two thick wool blankets. You handed Andy's glass back to him and then a blanket. "It's summer, but I have been finding it gets chilly out here at night." “Yeah, the evenings can have a bit of a bite.” He nodded. “I kinda like it though.” "So different from the humid nights back in Boston. Boulder has definitely grown on me," you sighed. Again, silence sat between you, and you started to feel anxious about what was going on through Andy's mind. He'd stopped carrying conversation a bit ago, taking everything in and adding his two cents where he wanted. But, there was something different now, something he seemed he wanted to say but couldn't or maybe he wouldn't. You just sat there biding your time until he did or until you thought of what to say next. “I’m sorry.” Andy sighed a minute or so later. “I’m not being a very companionable guest am I?” "You don't have to be. Sometimes the silence is better than the conversation. Just having someone present with you is sometimes all you need. Nothing ever having to be said." “It’s funny,” Andy mused as he swirled his scotch round his glass, “this is actually the first time since, well the accident that I haven’t actually wanted to be alone.” You looked him over as he sat forward on his thighs, his forearms bearing that weight while his hands held his glass, dangling between his knees. In the dark you could still see the sadness he was burdened with, even as the day came to a close, the glow of the fire giving you glimpses if a misty eyed man who sought comfort. You wanted to tell him that he'd never have to be alone again as long as you were friends but you felt he knew that. You reached out for him, your right hand floating down his forearm until he upturned his left palm and you took his hand, your fingers bending with his. "It's okay to not be okay, Andy." Andy cleared his throat and sat up, the hand that wasn’t in yours reaching to his face and you tactfully looked away.

He sniffled a bit and looked at you, his voice quiet and gravely, thick with emotion. "Will you watch the sunrise with me?" You didn't mean for it to catch your breath the way it had and you'd prayed your hitch wasn't audible or noticeable but you felt a warm tingling feeling course through you and a bubble in your belly at his request. "Yes." You felt your own eyes stinging a little as he looked at you, and you took a deep breath, nodding to the glass in your hand. “We’re gonna need more alcohol.” Offering you both a reprieve from the emotion, you headed into the kitchen and grabbed the bottle, bringing it back outside. You set it down on the table and Andy turned to you and you shrugged. “So,” he reached forward and unscrewed the top, “has Ollie stopped following you round like a little lost puppy?” And just like that, he’d changed the mood. Taking it for what it was, the moment of vulnerability behind him, you groaned and took the opener and the pair of you once more began to chat about anything and everything that came to mind.

By the time the first tendrils of daylight had started to break through the dark, the two of you had pulled your chairs together and shared both blankets, one over your legs and the other wrapped around your shoulders. Andy gave off a warmth that made the wool blankets nearly too hot and that smell you'd grown used filtered around you, drowning out the bon fire now dying away, mere embers and ash than raging warmth. As the shades of dawn moved across the sky in a symphony of colors from black like his day had begun to the crisp red-orange of the first glimpse of sun that looked like the embers that had burned, a warmth Andy felt in and around him comforted his heart. The silence between them was comfortable as Y/N stretched out besides him, the weight of her head laying on his shoulder was grounding as he watched the sky slowly changing shades, the birds beginning their morning chorus. “It's beautiful,” Andy whispered and he felt her nod as she let out a hum of agreement. “One of the things I liked about this place when I was house hunting was that the garden faces East. The colours aren’t as deep as when I'm in my room, the window looks over the horizon but I think it’s gorgeous.” She took a deep breath. “Kind of a reminder that no matter how dark a night, there’s always a day that follows.”

Andy smiled as she continued. “Mind you, having said that, you should see it from Boulder Creek.” She sighed. “That’s something else.” “Okay, we will.” Andy nodded and she smiled. They grew quiet again, and he felt his eyes grow heavy and knew it was time to go, despite a part of him that wanted to stay. He swallowed and shifted a little, Y/N instantly sitting up as she looked at him, her own eyes tired as he reached into his pocket for his phone. “I should really be going.” “You’re welcome to the pull-out.” She offered but he shook his head. She didn’t try and change his mind, another thing he appreciated about her. He opened his Uber app, ordering his pick up. He had thirty minutes of this moment left. Reluctantly, the time came and she'd walked him to the front door. They were both tired, he looked at how heavy her eyes were and knew he looked the same. "Thank you," he spoke quietly not wanting to wake her parents. "Of course." "I'll see you Monday," he pulled her into a warm hug, holding her tight and running his hands over her back. Sheepishly, his lips brushed her temple as he pulled away. He reluctantly stepped back from the comfort of her embrace and headed down to the waiting car. As he opened the door, he glanced back over his shoulder and saw her stood on the doorstep, the blanket wrapped around her neck. He face her a small wave which she turned and when he climbed in and shut the door, he glanced out of the window to see her shutting her door. The Uber driver stated his address and Andy confirmed before he sat back, closing his eyes, his shoulders and soul feeling considerably lighter than when he’d arrived.

**** Chapter 3

#consciousness of guilt #andy barber x reader #andy barber x you #andy barber #andy barber fanfiction #defending jacob #reader insert #chris evans #chris evans characters

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