#alright ... I have to go get ready for work‚ now

[no-144444]

soft launching (hard) -d.riccardo

summary: you and daniel decide it's time the world know about you

pairing: daniel riccardo x fem! illman! mechanic! reader

(for context, kym illman is an f1 photographer from australia)

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Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. 

You were livid. You wanted to scream, to sob, to shout, everything. It wasn’t fair. You were exhausted, hours and hours of practice, hours and hours of expertise, and yet, Daniel had just crashed the car into the wall. You were usually quite good at turning off the ‘mechanic’ side of you to turn into the ‘girlfriend’ but it was hard today. You’d worked overnight. You’d worked until you were practically falling asleep at the side of the car. 

And he crashed it. Again. 

You knew it wasn’t his fault.

It wasn’t his fault. 

You kept repeating that in your head. The looks on the faces of the other mechanics were… unwelcoming to say the least. You didn’t want Daniel to see them, or you. You walked on, ready to hide in the bathroom until Daniel got into his room. 

Then he saw you. Daniel had a certain way he liked to calm down after races. Shower, relax in bed for an hour with you, then back to the hotel for some food. 

You couldn’t do it. You knew you’d blow up on him. You knew you’d freak out. 

“Baby-” he started, running up to you and wrapping his arms around you. “I’m sorry.”

Your heart stopped. ‘Mechanic’ you, was gone. Replaced whole-heartedly by the need to comfort him and make sure he was alright. Yes, you still felt bad for the other mechanics and yourself, thinking about how you’d have to put it all back together in Milton Keynes. But Daniel needed you. 

“It’s alright,” you whispered, holding him close. “You’re alright baby.”

He nodded, his eyes wet with tears. He knew if he’d talk he’d break. 

“Does it hurt anywhere?” you asked, pulling him into his driver’s room. He shook his head. “Did you get checked out?”

He nodded. You sat him down on the bed. 

“It’s alright darling,” you whispered. “It’s Lance’s fucking fault anyway-”

“I don’t want to lose you if I lose this,” he responded bluntly, his hazel eyes filled with tears. “I know I can be better, I just… it feels like a classic case of old dog, new tricks, and I just can’t get the hang of it. If I could just get one shot at the RedBull seat, I know I could do it. I just… it feels like shit battling it out at the back for one point. I used to stand at the top of podiums, and now I’m… this,” he sighed, discouraged. 

“You won’t lose me,” you assured him, running your hands through his hair and he leaned his head against your stomach. He loved sitting like this, his head on your stomach as you stood in front of him. “I’m not going to let you go, don’t ever worry about that.” 

“I do,” he admitted. 

“Then talk to me about it,” you told him, pulling his chin up so he had to look at you. “I am here for you no matter what. Always and forever, Dan.”

“You swear?” he asked. 

"I swear."

୨ৎ⋅୨ৎ You were there when he got the call. He sobbed for hours. You were both there, just laying in your bed, holding him as he cried. For the first week, it was rough. He barely got up. You helped him. You made him food, made him get up and walk, made him shower. He was grateful to have you there, because he didn’t know what he would’ve done without you. He probably would’ve sulked for months. But you, you brought him out, brought him home, brought him to see Josh and Hailee. You even bought him a hat (his new favourite) that says ‘retired!’. You made him happy again. Yes, there were still down days, and yes, he still looked at his trophies longingly. But he had other things in mind too. He wondered a lot about how you’d look in a wedding dress, or how you’d both look with a baby in your arms. He was finally thinking about the future for once, and he felt like slowing down, for the first time in his life, was just as exciting as going fast.

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Being in F1 when Danny wasn't was hard. He was your boyfriend, and it meant you didn't get to see him all the time anymore. You still adored your job, so you weren't going to quit, just... step back a bit. The season came to an end, you were 7th in the constructors, and off you went skiing with half the grid.

The funny thing about the fact that you were a mechanic, was the fact that your father was one of the main photographers in F1. You'd picked up that skill from him, and you usually jsut took photos of your friends, but to cut costs RedBull had asked you to be their on-track photographer as well, and you'd gained quite the reputation.

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ynillman

liked by pierregasly, jackdoohan, landonorris and 4,987,736 others

ynillman: 2024 is over and done with! I cannot wait to have a regular sleep schedule for three months!

comments

kymillman legendary photos this year! see you at christmas, and enjoy skiing! liked by yourusername

landonorris PLZZ LET US BORROW YOU NEXT YEAR -> ynillman maybe... but even I can't make papaya look good 🤷

lancestroll time to hit the slopes! -> ynillman bro i broke my fucking arm last time wtf -> lancestroll let's hope you break both of them this time! maybe then you won't capture another video of me falling!

oscrapiastri thank u for your service, lily is very happy with our couples photos! -> ynillman anything for lily! so happy for the two of you! -> user89 did we miss something...? ->user829: oscar did say he'd rather get married than get a tattoo...

user88: when's the next yt video queen??? -> ynillman tomorrow!

nicohulkenberg amazing work this year!

olliebearman thanks for the great photos this year!

jackdoohan thank you for making me not chop all my hair off again! (oh, and the photos were cool as well ig) liked by ynillman

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ynillman

liked by pierregasy, charlesleclerc, danielriccardo, and 8,098,364 others

ynillman didn't break an arm this year, only my ego!

comments

user8 lance serving boyfriend in this so hard

user99 hear me out, lance and y/n... -> user7 yes officer, it's this one -> user882 me when i'm clinically insane -> lancestroll prolly not.... -> ynillman please guys I have some standards

oscarpiastri i swear i was so surprised you didn't kill yourself

landonorris you're genuinely a danger to society on a snowboard -> ynillman because of my skills? -> landonorris because you can't fucking use one. I have the bruises to prove it

user83 lando, lance, oscar, and y/n????? what the fuck is this multiverse of madness

user0 still serving with the photos OMG QUEEN

estebanocon remind me to never go skiing with you again -> user82 estie bestie!!!!!!

mickschumacher who tf let her out of her cage? -> jackdoohan you did. you gave her the vodka.

user9: jack, mick, esteban, lance, lando, oscar, and yn? who else??? -> charlesleclerc i was there too -> alexalbon same -> carlosainz same -> francocolapinto me too! -> danielriccardo same... -> user9: and all of their wags were there too! what a cool friend group!

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lilymunihe

liked by alexalbon, ynillman, alexandrastmleux and 890,876 others

lilymunihe guess who took these photos? @.ynillman

comments

landonorris that's actually a normal sized bear in Alex's hands -> alexalbon so you're calling me tall? thanks??? -> landonorris fuck no, i meant a regular sized teddy bear

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ynillman

liked by robertirwin, pierregasly, francocolapinto and 9,987,625 others

ynillman new video out with robbie! (my sleep schedule is still fucked someone save me) (i love australia(ns))

comments

danielriccardo what a group of legends -> ynillman aka you're jealous i didn't invite you? -> user8239 y/ndaniel CRUMBS !!!!!

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danielriccardo

liked by ynillman, francocolapinto, fernandoalonso and 987,253 others

danielriccardo she's looking beautiful these days. missed home :)

comments

user8240 yall know who else is in australia this week... -> user247 i am picking up what you're putting down... delusion!

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danielriccardo

caption: you think she likes the bay?

dms

landornorris SOFT LAUNCH?

oscarpiastri taking the soft launch approach?

alexalbon BOO HARD LAUNCH YOU'VE BEEN TOGETHER FOREVER

lewishamilton mate if you don't hard launch her i'll do it wtf is this bullshit

yukistunoda bro... try harder.

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Daniel had decided something, which was almost always a dangerous idea. It was the off-season, you were in Australia to see the sights, see family, and catch some waves. He'd made his mind up about something days ago, and you'd been trying to figure out what, but he wouldn't budge. He was secretive and giddy, and slightly more childish than usual, so naturally, you started to panic.

That all changed when he brought you down to the beach. There were candles set up everywhere, he was smiling, and you were crying already.

"Y/n, you have made me the happiest man in the past four years," he smiled, despite the way his voice cracked with emotion. "You've been with me through everything. You've held me on the nights I've been my weakest, and championed me on the days I've been my best. I never asked you to love me, but you do it like it's breathing. You make the ups and downs feel like goosebumps on my arm, instead of mountainous waves. You make me smile. You make me laugh. You make me feel so fucking stupid when you start explaining something to do with engineering, and I realise I couldn't do that. The way you dedicate yourself to things is incredible. The way you treat others with kindness and respect even when they don't deserve it, is commendable. I love you with every bone, every nerve, and every cell in my body. I love everything about you, inside and out. I can't wait to get to sit in a front porch someday when we're old and wrinkly, and still get to tell people that you're my wife. So, Y/n, will you marry me?"

You nodded through tears,. pulling him up off one knee and kissing him harshly, only pulling back to look at the ring.

"I love you too," you smiled through tears. "I love you so much."

"I love you so much more," he smiled, elated that you'd said yes. "You saved me."

And that was that. You were were engaged.

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danielriccardo

liked by landonorris, ynillman, liamlawson, and 893,273 others

danielriccardo she was there for me through thick and thin, and she still likes me years later. you swore you wouldn't get rid of me, so i'm here to stay! love you more than anything, my love, my life, my (future) wife!

comments

landonorris HARD LAUNCH

robertirwin So happy for you guys!

oscarpiastri must come and visit you two oldies

maxverstappen man had been stolen... kidding! (not) Very happy for you two! (not).

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navigation for my blog :)

redbull and vcarb masterlist

[deadsetobsessions]

‘Was I that small?’

The waterlogged Red Hood had stopped dead in the streets, helmeted head frozen in place by the sight of a young boy lifting tires from an older (newer?) version of a car he knew by heart. Water dripped off of his jacket, the steady and quiet plops of water cracked like gun shots in between the sudden silence.

Blue eyes widened, darted down to assess his threat levels (high, screamed the guns in his holsters. Run, screamed the plated armor covering his entire body), and the boy stiffened.

Red Hood knew the boy as well as he knew himself, because the boy is him, and lunged before the little shit made a break for it, knocking the tire iron out of the kid’s hands as he does.

“No!” The boy- himself, a younger Jason Todd- screamed. Desperate and terrified, he flailed in the air as Jason lifted him up and out by the back of his sweatshirt. “No! Fuck you, you boob!”

Jason put his hand over the kid’s mouth and, in a move made with only stupidity in mind, dashed towards an alley. The kid kicked harder. Jason approved of mini Jason’s actions, even if it made it that much harder to escape without Batman being alerted. Never let them take you to a secondary location. Jason did, and look where it got him. Killed within years of becoming a child soldier. Good thing for his younger self- Jay, Jason decided arbitrarily and definitely without input- Jason’s about to save him the same fate.

“Listen kid, I need you to-” that is a child, do not tell a child to shut the fuck up “-quiet down, or Bat’s gonna get both of us.”

“Fuck you!”

Jason sighed. “Yeah, alright. Look.” Jason took off his helmet, yanking off the domino underneath with an impressive feat of acrobatics.

Jay went limp in his hand, mouth agape.

Jason grappled up to a roof and set the kid down cautiously. He waited.

And waited.

And-

“Are you another older brother?” There it- wait, what?

“Huh?” He grunted, baffled. Then he gagged a bit. That sounded like B. Ew.

“Y’know, like Danny?”

And oh, he hadn’t thought about Danny since forever. The brother that joined a gang to support them only to die. Jason felt a bit like a piece of shit.

But it made for a good cover. Jason barely managed to keep the grimace off his face.

“Yep.” What was it Alfred said? In for a penny, in for a pound? Jason already changed the future by snatching the kid before B could, even if he was half confused from his trip into the bay and apparently through time. “Yeah. The old man slept around.”

Bruce really did sleep around some. Fuck if he remembered anything about Willis though.

“Of course he did.” Jay grumbled, looking less wary but still ready to dip. “So, uh, what’s with the get up? You some kind of… criminal knockoff of Batman?”

Jason looked down. Right.

“Thought it’d be funny to steal his symbol,” Jason replied shortly. It rankled, but he didn’t have any other explanation that wasn’t a defensive ‘the symbol is mine by right.’ He sighed. Jason couldn’t believe he was already missing the old man. He’s not in his timeline though, clearly, and Jason’s been through enough bullshit to know he had a lot of work to do to get back to his time. For now…

“Name’s Peter. Peter Jason Todd.”

Jay wrinkled his nose. “We pretty much have the same name, gross.”

Jason, no, Peter, snorted. Jay didn’t know the half of it. “Never said our parents were creative, kid. Now, how about we get some burgers? I’m starving.”

“… Ya gonna go like that? People looking atcha can tell you’re a threat. Ain’t no way I’m bringing you back to my bolt with you looking like that. Ms. Rand’s gonna have a heart attack.”

Peter rolled his eyes, making sure his counterpart could see it. “Be right back. Don’t move.” He pointed sternly at the kid’s forehead.

“Where the hell am I gonna go, over the edge?” Jay snarked back.

——

Jason’s heart was still thrumming in his throat. If you told him he’d be sitting with another older brother in a burger joint two hours ago, he woulda hit you with a tire iron. But shit, he would have appreciated the heads up.

Coming face to face with an unknown Bat built like a brick shit house and packing enough heat to mow down the Alley’s mobs was terrifying enough, considering he was actively robbing another Bat of his tires.

Then, confirmation that Willis slept around? Great. Perfect. At least the chances of this ‘Peter Todd’ killing him went way down.

“Damn, how are you putting away more food than me?” Jason watched as Peter all but unhinged his jaw to inhale the burgers he bought. Jason’s own burger was sitting in front of him.

“These muscles don’t maintain themselves, shrimp.”

Jason scowled, taking a bite of his burger before promptly inhaling it too.

“Slow down. Your stomach’s not used to that much food in one go. Give it time to adjust or else you’ll end up puking.” Peter advised. And yeah, Jason can tell what kind of life Peter’s lived before he became… whatever he is now. The man looked suspiciously unsuspicious in sweats and a t-shirt. Where he procured those, Jason didn’t know. Nevertheless, Jason begrudgingly slowed down. Jason’s gonna interrogate this new brother of his, and then he’ll decide if he needs to ditch or keep.

The image of Peter’s gear and obvious competency in beating the shit out of people flashed through his head. He’ll decide to ditch if Peter lets him ditch, Jason amended. There’s no way he’ll be able to run if Peter doesn’t let him.

——

Jason: I need a fake name

Also Jason: Peter Jason Todd

Jason, trying to calm his younger self: quick! Brag about yourself!

Baby!Jason: ew what a dork *relaxes*

Baby!Jason is all judgmental sass and zero fucks.

Little Jay has a run in with an unknown bat on that fateful night

Day 1 for @jasontoddweek2025 prompt for “time travel” and “the Batmobile tires”

[alwaysobsessed777]

PANCAKES FOR DINNER - N.M.

So I'm not sure how many words are in this....but there's not warnings, this is just kinda cute???Anyways....enjoyyyyyy

The car ride was tense. I hadn't planned on leaving so soon but work changed what it had wanted me to do. Nika's grip on the steering wheel bleached her knuckles, her jaw stayed tense. I couldn't help but feel guilty, I randomly sprang this info on her the last second. Our summer plans before she went back to UConn for summer training and I went back to working out my musical career were ruined.

"I'm really sorry about this...Nika, I'll make it up to you," her jaw seemed to relax, her hands loosened it's grip.

"No need to apologize, I'm just....I just wanted to spend this next month with you," I almost wanted to spill every feeling, every thought I had about this woman right now after hearing those words. But we were just friends, nothing more.

"sometimes I wish I had a normal dream, like, being a doctor or...or whatever other people want their jobs to be."

A smile spread across the girl's face, a silent celebration went off in my head. "Being the next big pop star is no easy thing. You're dreams were just stronger than others, that's why you're making it a reality."

"Becoming a professional basketball player isn't that easy either."

She snickered. "I'm far from professional, but I'll take it."

"College.... professional....same thing," I paused, "you'll definitely go pro though. You're literally amazing at what you do."

A silence stretched between us, a quiet awkwardness. "I don't know if I will."

"Nika, please, if they don't have you going to like the Aces or the Storm.... they've lost one of the best players to ever walk this Earth."

As heat rose to her cheeks, a small smirk formed on my lips, "Stop, that's the biggest lie you've ever told....and you've told a lot."

"I never lie," that was lie in itself. It's not like I've been lying to her for three years now on how I only wanna be friends.

"Puh-leahs, all you do is lie. Like, when I first met you, you thought you could fool me by saying your straight...did you think I was that stupid," I rolled my eyes, "but it is very kind of you to speak so highly of me." Her dramatic hand-to-the-heart, the batting of her eyelashes, I couldn't help but laugh a little.

The light banter almost making me forget the fact I was getting ready to get on a plane....key word, almost. My palms began to sweat, I could feel my mind start to spiral, I hated planes....and I was getting ready to get in one.

"Hey," The girl beside me slides her hand to my thigh, resting it there for some comfort. "You alright?"

"Aerophobia."

"What?"

"Fear of flying in planes," I quickly faced her, her face softened.

"It's gonna be alright, okay?" Her hand intertwined with mine. The warmth of her hands fighting with the chill of mine, it brought me back from my spiral. Only a little.

I nod, "look at me." Her hands encompassing my face, her thumbs rubbed gently across my cheekbones. "Everything is gonna be okay. You're gonna be okay. I'll even wait here with you til you have to get on, alright?"

I nodded, pulling her into a hug. A hug from her seemed to make the rest of the world cease to exist. All I needed was her, her warmth, and the comfort she provided.

But, I couldn't have just that. I had to get on some stupid plane to achieve some stupid dream.

"Alright, we're gonna go inside and just chill til you get on the plane, okay?" I nod, "I better get a call when you land in Cali."

I chuckle, "you will. No doubts about it."

We walked in, hands together, and I couldn't help but let the nerves get to me again. "I wish you could come with me."

Nika's smile seemed to brighten the world around us, "if I could, I would. Sadly, I gotta stay here in ole Croatia and hang with the family."

"I'm gonna miss you," then my thoughts spiraled. The possibility of a crash, even though it was like 1 in 100,000 that I could get in a fatal one. The thought of never seeing Nika again. I wouldn't have been able to tell her how I feel....so I did it. "Nika, I just gotta let you know I have so many feelings for you. Not just the friendly ones, like, the more than friends ones. I wish I was with you, like, I like you so much. I just feel like I make things up in my head that you might like me too, then I go down this rabbit hole of you never actually liking me, not even as a friend. Anyways, I feel like when I'm around you I can't help but feel like the entire world couldn't provide me with as much happiness and you do. I....I...God I think I love you, Nika."

Her eyes widened, surprise mixed with whatever feelings she had towards me, it was written all over her face. I should've just jumped on the plane and hoped it crashed cause I felt more embarrassed now than ever before. At least I'd be at peace with being on the plane if it meant never knowing what Nika really wanted to say.

"How long have you thought that?"

Not the questions, "for...for about three years."

She nodded, stepping closer to me, "You really think I would ever not like you?

""Platonic or romantic?"

"Either."

"Both....I just thought I liked you so much I was making things up in m-"

She cut me off. Her lips crashed to mine. The way her hands pulled me impossibly closer by the waist. My hands shot to her hair, wanting to bring her even closer to me. I had always wanted this.

"God, I've wanted to do that for years," her whispered words left me shocked. I pulled back a bit.

"What?"

"Y/N, you have no clue how bad I've been wanting to do that. Ever since I've gotten to know you...it's like you draw me even closer...wanting more....needing more. I just thought maybe I was reading into things. You're confident and charming, why wouldn't I think you were like that with everyone. But to know you feel the same way....I wish I would've made the move a long time ago."

I couldn't help but smile. Her words causing a heat to rise through my neck, settling on my cheeks. "You're joking."

"Nope," popping the 'p', "I couldn't have been more serious in my life."

My flight was being called, and I couldn't help but notice the nerves had been settled...or I was just currently distracted by the fact Nika had feelings for me.

"So....I gotta go," before I could keep going, Nika planted another soft kiss on my lips, "but maybe I should tell my manager nevermind."

Her laughed filled the space, "Nope, gotta become the biggest pop star in the world. I need you to surpass Taylor Swift one day."

"Whatever," I turned to leave, but took one more glance back at the brunette, "I'll call you when I get off, promise."

A/N: I got one done after months of not being on here!!! Hopefully this is good...enough cause I don't know how I feel about it. @ittiwdwysylm here ya go, Nika fic out!!

[hwaslayer]

wildfire (cs) | 11.5

—spotify playlist | series masterlist

—summary: assistant professor in bioengineering, incredibly attractive, lonely and divorced; that’s how most people describe san. but despite the events that have happened in his life, san has a lot going for himself. he’s a successful, sought out professor due to his brilliant contributions to science at just an early age of 32. he worked hard to get where he was now; head deep into his research, his publications, building his lab and creating a name for himself. everything was good and smooth sailing— until it wasn’t. because when he meets you, a bioengineering grad student interested in rotating in his lab, he finds himself ready to risk all the blood, sweat and tears he put in throughout the years just to keep you close— his need for you spiraling out of control like a wildfire.

—pairing: asst. professor!choi san x grad student!f. reader

—genre: (18+ - minors dni) strangers to lovers, grad school au | fluff, angst, smut

—word count: 0.8k

—chapter content/warnings: not much!! something a lil more tame lol, prob one of the 0.5s that takes place right after the chapter beforehand, i promise there is no ill intention behind what's happening here - they're both equally torn about everything as san's good friends/colleagues

namjoon: you got a minute to meet up today? sorry for the last minute request but it's kinda urgent.

jongho: sure. i'm wrapping up. can meet you in the next 15 mins?

namjoon: i'll come to you.

jongho: alright then, boss.

Jongho continues typing away at his desk, responding to all the emails that came in today while he was off doing interviews for the new open faculty role in the electrical engineering department. He makes a mental note to submit his review sheet for the first round of interviewees and to review the applications for the next round tomorrow. He doesn't realize how quick 15 minutes flies by until Namjoon is swinging his door open mid-email. He continues to type away, but his eyes shift to Namjoon's figure as he fixes his blazer and takes a seat with a loud sigh.

"Long day?" Jongho cracks a small smile, typing up the last few details before sending it off and shifting his attention to Namjoon in front of him.

"Kinda." He nods towards his computer. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt or delay you from leaving."

"All good. Didn't really have plans, anyway. What's up? You seem a little flustered."

"Well, catching Yunho, Iseul and San arguing in a conference room wasn't exactly on my agenda for today."

"What?" Jongho cocks his head back a bit in disbelief, brows tightly knitted together as he tries to make sense of what he just heard. San had been giving him a bit of the story here and there and knowing Iseul, he wasn't exactly surprised this is how things were playing out.

He's just not sure why Iseul thinks it's her business to air this all out.

"You tell me."

"As much as I would love to help, I honestly have no idea what's going on.”

"Jongho."

"What? You know how Iseul is. She somehow still thinks she has a grip on San even after they've divorced and gone through all of that. Can't stand her, if you ask me."

"You don't have to tell me twice. But, why? Why is this a thing right now?"

"Beats me." Jongho tries to brush it off even though he can see the look on Namjoon's face, his eyes trying to study him like a damn book. He hates being in the middle because as much as he loves and supports his bestfriend, he also has the utmost respect for Namjoon and knows the guy will always be on their side regardless.

"That's the first in a very long time that I've seen San react that way at the happy hour event."

"Okay, to be fair, the guy was getting super disrespectful. I think any of us would've reacted in one way or another."

"Right, I agree. But, I know there's a story behind it. I know his anger was fueled by something else." Jongho sees the way Namjoon is going about this. He's prying for the answers he already knows, but he needs the confirmation and Jongho can give him that. 

It's just a matter of when.

"What if it was just a bad day?"

"Okay, you know what?" Joon leans onto the arm rest of the chair and gives him a look. "I'm just gonna go headfirst with it." Jongho cocks a brow up. "Is there something going on with San and his rotation student? Y/N specifically." He sighs.

"I figured."

"No, you knew." Namjoon chuckles a bit.

"I don't know. I really can't tell you because I don't know anything." Jongho says he knows nothing when he knows everything.

"Jongho." Joon repeats.

"Joon, swear." He says, even though he tries to sit as still as possible. Good thing Namjoon can't read his mind right now.

It started gradually before it took off completely. Jongho knows about the last minute meetings San has had to take, Jongho has seen the subtle glances, the subtle actions, the mood changes when you're around. Jongho remembers seeing you slip out of his hotel room very early that morning during the NAS conference. Jongho remembers seeing the polaroid slightly tip out of the wallet case mid-breakfast and seeing a tiny slip of your face in his peripherals. San quickly adjusted the polaroid and continued on like nothing, wishing for the best with that one.

And he doesn't have to be told to know you've been over multiple times. All the calls that have gone curt and short, the distraction easily laced in San's voice on the other line. He remembers the faint trace of your perfume in his home, the little post-it notes you've left on San's office desk.

Good thing Namjoon can't read his mind right now.

Cause, yes.

"I can hear your thoughts."

Well, shit.

"I don't know what to say."

"I need you to tell me yes or no, that's all. I need to make sure I'm going about this correctly even though I heard a lot today alone." Jongho sighs and sees how torn Namjoon is. They both are. They obviously want what's best for San, and they both want him to be happy. He is deserving of good, genuine love. He is deserving of genuine happiness because he always rides for the people he loves, goes the extra mile for them. He acknowledges and learns from his mistakes, he apologizes when he knows he's at fault.

He's deserving of all good.

So, they both hate that it has to come to this because it's not even you that's the problem. It's the situation, and they both don't know how to approach it with enough sensitivity and care.

Even though it's good to San, it doesn't necessarily mean it could be good for San.

"Yes."

—taglist: @asjkdk @interweab @woojirang @svintsandghosts @cheolliehugs @persphonesorchid @mxnsxngie @jycas @cowboydk @vcutparis @chngbnwf @struggling101 @sanhwalvr @angelqueendom @barbielibra @brown88 @choisansplushie @yunhoswrldddd @hyukssunflower @vickykazuya @lucid-galaxys-world @jaytheatiny @pommelex @thechaotictheoryy @vixensss @santineez @nopension @domfikeluva @in-somnias-world @my-atiny-kookie-rkive @mountiiny @naoristerling @onmymymyway @thecutiepieme @wyrated

[bellesdreamyprofile]

Little Town Blues - Benny Cross

summary: nothing seems to go in the right direction for Y/N, benny is frustrated yet comforts her

They called it Monday blues, but the only way you found fit to describe today was disaster. It all started in the morning as the sun seemed too shy and let the rain take over. You had nothing against a rainy day when you were in the comfort of your own home with a mug of milky tea in your hold and a romance story in your lap.

But when you had to walk to work in those weather condition... That wasn't an experience that had ever thrilled you. Waking up late and getting ready in a hurry made you forget your boots, therefore mud decorated the soles of your shoes and your toes wiggled uncomfortably at the muddy water seeping through the cheap material. You took deep breaths, desperately trying to convince yourself that the day couldn't get worse.

You underestimated the universe.

One hour into your shift and a customer spilled their hot coffee all over your apron. You gritted your teeth at the stingy sensation and still offered a smile.

"It's alright, accidents happen."

That was what you tried to remind yourself anyways.

Scrambled eggs fell on your shoes, having the chef quickly apologize in embarrassment. But it was alright, for accidents do happen. It was human and it was just a pure casualty that the universe picked you today as the victim of one of those Monday blues.

The rain hadn't stopped even when you made your way back home, your mind wondering if Benny had come home safely. You had never been on the back of the bike during the rain. You just hoped that he wasn't being reckless and driving around when he could get seriously injured.

A sigh escaped your lips, one of those that lightened the load on your chest a little bit, giving you a tinge of relief. But just as you found yourself smiling a little, a car drove into a puddle and sprayed you all over. You stilled in place and threw a quick look at yourself. With a head shake and tears in your eyes, you kept walking but the mantra, that had played in your head that morning, was long forgotten. On top of everything, your stomach almost burned in hunger, the feeling only making you walk faster.

Benny's motorcycle was parked in front of the house and you felt at peace, glad that he had made it home. You pushed the key in the keyhole and twisted it open, your elbow on the handle and your hands fiddled with the umbrella.

"I'm home!", you called and pushed the door open, leaving the umbrella tucked in the corner. You took off your shoes and made a mental note to clean them later. Looking around, you noticed that the only noise in the house came from the television in the living room.

The room was dark apart from the flashy lights coming from the screen. You looked at Benny, leaning on the doorframe. "You ain't gonna say hello to your wife?", your tone was teasing, but Benny didn't seem to catch that. He gulped down his liquor and glanced your way.

"The hell happened to you?", he asked instead, but you rolled your eyes and headed in the kitchen. "I don't know who you are right now. Did you jump in a muddy pool or what?", Benny stood up and followed you.

His commentary was the last thing you needed today. You started opening cabinets and bit your lip as there was nothing you could cook with.

"Did you eat?", you asked, looking at him over your shoulder.

He pulled one of the chairs back and sat down. "Yeah, made a sandwich.", at his answer, you snapped the doors of the cabinets shut. Benny flinched and looked at you, confusion written all over his face. "What is wrong with you today?"

You turned around and snapped. "When I come home before you do, do I make a meal for myself or for the both of us?"

Benny's brows shot to his forehead, wondering where the hell all of this was coming from. "It was a sandwich with leftover bacon, Y/N. You don't even like bacon."

"I didn't ask you what the sandwich was made of, Benny."

"Then I ain't gonna answer. I had a shitty day today and I don't need this right now.", the chair screeched as he moved back to stand up. You let out a sarcastic laugh, tears of frustration mixed in.

"Wow, okay.", the sour tone in your voice disappeared as quickly as it made its first appearance. You had the worst day of your life and you were taking it out on an innocent man. Your hand muffled your teary cries as you pathetically turned around to not be seen by your husband.

Benny had stepped foot outside the kitchen, but the sound of muffled cries made him turn around. There was no way that a little argument over a bacon sandwich transformed you into a weeping mess. Right? His blue eyes took you in, the coffee-stained apron, the wet hair and dirty socks. The dots suddenly connected. His poor girl. 

He silently approached you and embraced you against his warm body. The faint smell of smoke and strong liquor filled your senses. You couldn't help but fist his t-shirt, afraid that he was going to disappear. Still no words were shared, but the way Benny held you and rubbed his hand up and down your back, told you everything he wasn't capable of saying.

"It ain't about the sandwich.", he broke the silence with the most obvious statement. You let out a tearful chuckle and Benny gently led your face back in the crook of his neck. "I'm sorry for being insensitive. I hate rainy days.", your cries were heart-wrenching, but he knew that it was one of those days where nothing seemed to align. The coffee, the rain and the lack of dinner. 

"I have a proposition for you, honey.", he twirled a strand of your hair around his finger. "You take a nice, warm shower and I'll show ya what kind of sandwich I can make. No bacon and no miracles, though.", you pulled away and sniffled, looking in his blue eyes. Even after blaming him for everything the universe had planned for you today, he was still the sweet Benny you had met all those years ago. 

"You better go or I'll personally make sure you're in that shower.", Benny's hand swiftly touched your forehead and then pressed against your cheeks. "You're freezing, baby.", he squished your cheeks briefly and placed a kiss on your lips, making your head and heart spin.

"Thank you, honey.", you said honestly, your voice hoarse from crying. "You're probably the only cure to the Monday blues.", if you hadn't cried for so long, you would've noticed the soft blush adorning his cheeks. But that was no time to point it out.

"I'm the cure for you and for you only, baby."

A/N: more sad one-shots to cure wednesday blues. thanks for reading! 🤍

MASTERLIST benny masterlist

austin butler phone case 🌼

[nanenna]

Warning: Implied bodily mutilation.

Okay, so remember how this prompt started and why Danny's dissociating hard enough he's in the next universe over? Kon gets a sudden, visceral reminder. UwU (Nothing graphic, all implied. This time)

-----

It was nice having all of Just Us together again, even if it was only for a pre-mission information gathering meeting. After contacting Wonder Woman about it this was now official League business, specifically JLD business. So here he, Tim, Cassie, and Bart were, sitting in one of the meeting rooms on the Watchtower across the table from Wonder Woman and John Constantine. Tim had a presentation all ready to go, including Danny’s drawings and one blurry photo he somehow managed to get of the boy, as he explained everything they knew so far.

“It does seem this boy is from an alternate universe,” Diana agreed as she looked at the star chart Danny had drawn compared to their own. It seemed about half the stars Danny had drawn were a match.

“And even if not, I can’t help search for him with this,” Tim said.

Diana looked over to Constantine.

“I would need to get a read on him, preferably after I get some supplies and get everything set up.”

Kon sighed, “I’ll talk to Ma and Pa. Promise you won’t do any damage to the house.”

Constantine held his hands up, “I’ll clean up after myself.”

“I’ll put together a rescue team,” Diana said.

Kon and his friends all frowned, “We’re already a team.”

“Kon will need to go since Danny already knows him,” Cassie pointed out. “And since we’re already a team we work best with each other.”

Diana nodded, “Alright, I and John will come with you as back up and to make sure we can make it home. We’ll make arrangements to get his supplies, in the mean time I think it’s best you start introducing Danny to others. Ma and Pa at the least.”

Kon nodded, “Sure, I can do that.” He stood up, since it sounded like the meeting was over.

“Before you lot go running off,” Constantine interrupted, “just wanna say not everything from Earth is human.”

Kon sat back down.

“You mean like us?” Cassie asked with a confused frown.

“Yes and no. There’s Amazons and Atlanteans, sure. But there’s also the Tuatha Dé Danann, Hulder, Vila, Kami, whatever you wanna call them.”

Kon had no idea what Constantine was talking about, he looked over to Tim. “The fair folk, or fairies. Like Morgaine le Fey.”

Kon nodded, he had some idea what Constantine meant now.

“Dream walking isn’t something many humans can do.”

Kon remembered something he hadn’t paid much attention to earlier. “Danny called me Nocturn, the Ancient of dreams. He thinks this is all a dream, I don’t think he even knows he’s astral projecting.”

“Right, so he could be fae and knows it, he could be fae and not know it, or he could be a human who managed to make friends with something that sounds like a fae lord. And depending on what it is it changes the rules of hospitality, so be careful about that.”

Tim sighed, “I’ll give them all the fae crash course.”

“The Bat is surprisingly correct and thorough on that.” Constantine sighed, then looked towards Kon. “Look, mate, I know you won’t like this but it might be best to let him think he’s still dreaming for now, just until we get him out of whatever situation is so bad it has him dissociating into the next universe.”

He was right, Kon didn’t like it.

✧✦✧

It had only been a day, Kon wasn’t expecting to see Danny again so soon. At first there had been a whole week between the first and second sighting, but they had been getting closer and closer together over the last couple weeks. Kon wasn’t sure if that meant he just didn’t always run into Danny or if he was actually astral projecting more often. But he hadn’t seen Danny two days in a row yet.

Except now he had.

Kon had finished explaining the whole situation to Ma and Pa, had helped them pick out which room in the big old farmhouse they would let Constantine borrow, and promised to introduce them to Danny the next he saw him. He’d previously told them about him so they could keep an eye out for him, but it seemed they hadn’t seen him yet. Kon was just heading out to the barn for evening chores when he saw a misty figure out in one of the fields. Kon had almost missed them, due to how misty the fields were with rain coming down, but he stopped and squinted and yeah, that was Danny.

“Hello,” Kon greeted as he approached.

Danny didn’t look over, keeping his face turned up and eyes closed. “I can almost feel it.” The rain was going right through him, leaving misty trails in his translucent body.

“At least you don’t have to worry about getting wet.”

“I miss it.”

That’s it, just miss it, not even a comment about how he wants to go stand in the rain when he’s awake.

“Would you like to come inside? Meet my Ma and Pa? I’ve told them about you.”

Danny did blink, looking over at Kon owlishly with his haunting green eyes. “I suppose I have been too lonely.” Danny lifted off the ground and drifted towards Kon, who also lifted into the air and started leading Danny towards the farmhouse.

“I’m not Nocturn.”

Danny looked over with one of his indulgent smiles.

“I mean it,” Kon said quickly. “I don’t want you to think I lied and said I was him when I’m not.” He may need to let Danny think he’s still dreaming, which technically he’s not wrong about, but Kon wasn’t going to try to pretend to be someone he’s never even heard of.

��If you say so.”

Kon sighed, he’d tried. They arrived at the house then, Kon carefully wiped off his shoes before going in. Danny didn’t have a lower half to bother with. “Ma, Pa, I have a guest.”

“Oh, is it one of your friends or did Diana and John finish their shopping trip already?” Ma asked as she walked into the room. When she spotted Danny she stopped and looked at him for a moment before smiling brightly. “You must be Danny, Conner’s been telling us about you.”

Danny looked up at Kon, “Conner?”

Kon shrugged, “Earth name.”

Danny just nodded, then turned back to Ma. “I am Danny, it’s nice to meet you.” He held a hand out, the arm attaching it to his body barely there.

Pa came in just as Danny introduced himself, then he gave the boy a hearty handshake.

“Well, can you eat?” Ma asked.

Danny shrugged and looked to Kon, who also shrugged. Danny turned back to Ma, “I can smell.”

Her mouth rolled into a thin line, “Well how about I make you a cup of hot cider and we can see how that goes.”

“Sure.” Danny followed Ma into the kitchen. He managed to pull out the chair himself to sit in it, legs still missing and hands barely a suggestion as they were folded in front of him on the table.

Ma set about pouring some of the cider they had into a pot to heat up. While that was going, she bustled around the kitchen gathering enough mugs for everyone.

Pa sat across from Danny at the table while Kon stood to the side, just watching her until she poured the steaming cider into the mugs. Kon picked up two of them and handed one off to Danny, while Ma gave Pa his.

“Thank you,” Danny said to both Kon and Ma when the mug was placed in front of him.

Interesting, according to Tim fairies were allergic to saying thank you. So either Danny was raised human and didn’t know he was a fairy, or he was a human and this was all Nocturn.

Danny closed his eyes and seemed to savor the long sniff he took of the mug he’d pulled closer to himself. “It smells so good.”

“Thank you,” Ma said proudly, taking a sip for herself.

Danny leaned forward and carefully picked up the mug, tipping it to take a sip. Cider splattered on the table. Danny frowned down at it.

Kon quickly picked up one of the kitchen towels and wiped the spill up. “That’s a bummer.”

“Yeah, I don’t think I can make myself solid enough. It’s so weird, normally I have to try to not be solid.”

“Well I’m sorry you can’t eat,” Ma said with a sigh.

“It still smells really good.” Danny settled the mug in his hands to be cradled just under his nose.

No one seemed sure what to say to that. It was Pa that tried to change the subject. “Why don’t you tell us about yourself, Danny?”

“I’d rather not.”

Kon couldn’t help wincing, even said in Danny’s soft, dreamy voice that was a bit harsh.

Pa recovered, “Alright then, how about we tell you about the farm? It’s been a real nice year so far. The animals and crops are doing well.”

“It’s been easier since Conner’s been actually staying instead of just visiting,” Ma added.

“What?” Kon asked.

Ma tittered, “Since Danny showed up you’ve been staying the whole time instead of just visiting.”

“I visit every day!”

“You do,” Ma agreed with a wide smile. “Don’t change that it’s been lonely since Clark and Lois moved back to Metropolis, took little Jon with them.”

“They visit a lot too!”

“That they do,” Pa agreed. He gave Danny an exaggerated wink, “We’re real lucky our boys can make the time to come visit us so often.”

Danny smiled gently at Pa, “It does sound-”

Danny’s mug clattered to the table, spilling cider across it and splashing some on the floor. Kon moved to start cleaning it up when he realized why Danny’s mug had fallen.

Danny’s right arm was missing.

Danny looked down at it with his usual passive expression, “Oh, so that’s what that feeling was.”

“What?” Kon asked blankly.

“They’re gonna run outta limbs eventually.”

Kon looked over to Ma, who had her hands pressed over her mouth, and Pa, who was frozen half standing. Then he looked back to Danny, who was still frowning at his shoulder. “W-what?”

Danny looked passively up at Kon. “You already know what’s going on, it’s why you made this waking dream for me after all.”

Kon stared at the arm that wasn’t there, not even a misty hint.

Danny sighed and closed his eyes, a nearly invisible arm and hand reappeared and quickly became as solid (half at best) as the other hand. He picked up his fallen mug.

Kon thought about how Danny’s arms only seemed to be there half the time. He thought about how Danny’s legs almost never seemed to be there. Kon thought about how he wasn’t entirely sure what Danny’s face looked like besides his brightly glowing eyes.

Ma was already sopping up the cider with a kitchen towel, Pa was at the linen closet grabbing bigger towel. Kon was outside, crouched over in a squat with his fingers laced and pressing against the back of his neck. He heard Ma distantly shout for Clark, but he was too busy trying to get his breathing back under control to notice.

DP x DC Prompt/Plotbunny #6

After days? weeks? months? years? in this mercy-forsaken lab, Danny finds himself slipping; his core straining under the weight of what he's been subjected to. In a last ditch effort to save his fracturing soul, his brain simply stops processing the pain and allows his mind to escape into a waking dream.

Danny knows it's a dream. If he thinks about it; he can still hear, see, feel the scientists at work. He doesn't think about it; instead embraces whatever false world his mind decides to concoct for him.

.

Several states away, a young boy opens his eyes to the inside of a strange pod in an abandoned lab. Though he cannot see it yet, a strange metal tag dangles from his ear, stamped on one side with the word 'CADMUS' and on the other with 'R-13'.

[staylovesmiley]

Thoughts on dating hyunlix and telling them you’re pregnant

Hmm I have thoughts alright hehehehe

Sweet sweet hyunlix~ first I think I should go into my thoughts on what dating them would be like since that’s half of this ask mhm mhm

Dating Hyunjin and Felix is like laying down on sheets fresh from the dryer after you just had an everything shower (iykyk) between Hyune’s heavily romantic soul and Felix’s sweet and bubbly one it’s like you are dating an old historical drama love interest and a rom com love interest in the best ways!

I feel like Hyunnie would be very classically romantic as he has stated so many times how much of a romantic he is- like flowers just because, intimate dinners with either you, Felix, or all three of you, leaves you love notes he tucked in your purse before he left in the morning where he knows you will find it when you go to grab an essential item like hand sanitizer or your lip balm. He’s just a silly little lovesick fool~

Lix on the other hand is much more playful I think? He’s very flirty but also a little clumsy with it~ I think he would send you tiktoks and memes in lieu of love notes, but you Lego flowers you could build together over real ones, and his ideal dates are either kicking each others asses in Mario kart or going for an activity like a movie or an arcade! Whereas Hyunjin is classic romance Felix is young and fresh love and they mix together into something wonderful that you feel you could never get tired of~

They also both clearly are physical touch as love language people so I feel like they would never get enough cuddles, kisses, or hugs from you! You would be surrounded by affection of all kinds always and you are completely okay with that (but if you need time for yourself they are respectful and will cling to each other until you are ready to join them again)

Now to the second part of the ask~~

If you were to find out you were pregnant with Hyunlix baby while you were just dating I feel like they would be excited but a little scared- Hyunjin especially I feel would be a little pale at the news at first because he’s such a pabo how is he supposed to raise a baby and teach it things about life?! He is excited and loves the idea of starting a little family with his loves but gosh it’s scary okay?? Even if it’s something you want it’s scary especially since it wasn’t necessarily planned (at least in this scenario that’s what I’m going with-) but once he voices his fears to you and Felix you both reassure him and he relaxes, feeling so nice to have two partners to help and feeling less alone (this drama king- as if he’s the one carrying the baby and giving birth to it istg)

Felix would cry. Hands fucking down. Every time he thinks about it for too long after telling him he tears up with the happiness brimming inside him~ I think he would feel a bit more prepared for a baby than Hyune, even if it’s just because he can be a lil optimistically clueless hehehe he would be daydreaming immediately what life will be like with the four of you (or more- and if he starts thinking about you having multiples that’s when he gets a little nervous but for this scenario there is only one baby so he calms down again after the scans show that)

I’ll leave this as is for now unlike the Minsung one cause I feel like Hyunlix wouldn’t really change much how the treat you during pregnancy than outside of it? They’d be more attentive to you and your needs but they were already so doting the only things that feel specifically “baby/pregnancy” related is maybe Hyune dedicating hours to painting the nursery the closer your due date gets and he is so into it you won’t see him for hours and hours while he is working on it~ and Lix would for sure give your baby bump little fist bumps and talk to it as much as possible so “baby had an aussie accent~” but hey let’s be real he already successfully gave our aussie boy hyunjin an accent so I feel like the baby would also develop one as it grew (especially with the constant Bluey episodes he would put on for them ever since the womb hehehe)

[sweetdispatch]

His special day - J. Hughes

Purple Chemistry | Previous Chapter

summary: Jack finally realised how much you mean to him after showing up in a hospital

warning: mentions of injury

words: 1.5k

note: last chapter has arrived!

---

For the next few weeks, the tension was visible between you two. Just like a kiss showed you that you’re more than friends with Jack. You tried to act normal around him but you couldn’t. Your feelings were going crazy while you were around him. Jack was lost in this situation. The kiss you shared was full of emotions and he didn’t know what to think.

Jack started to see you as a future girlfriend but he wasn’t sure if he’s ready for commitment. You two had different lives and opinions and he didn’t want to ruin the dynamic you two share. He was wondering if it would be bad to stay as friends. He didn’t want to take the risk of losing you because your relationship hadn’t worked out. 

The last game of the season between New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils ended up 4:3 which means that Rangers beat Devils in all four games this season. This match was way tougher than the previous ones. Jersey was leading 3:2 before the third period. In the last part of the game, they lost 2 goals and Rangers were celebrating. 

You knew that Jack would be bitter about the result. Last time he was sad over their 3:1 loss and now, he’s either gonna be heartbroken or mad as hell. You were at this game but this time, he didn’t ask you if he could come home with you. You thought that he had to be back with the team in New Jersey and decided not to push him to see you. 

The truth was that Jack was struggling with his shoulder and that’s why he didn’t come to see you after the game. He hadn’t told you anything about it because he didn’t want to bother you. He kept this as quiet as possible. Couple days later, he played his last game of the season before he required surgery on his shoulder. 

You found out about this from social media. You were scrolling your twitter when you saw a Devils post that Jack is out for the rest of the season because he needed a surgery. Your phone fell from your hand when you read it. You froze in spot. You were scared of him and his health. When you came back to your senses, you called Luke to ask him about it. 

“Hi, I know I never call you but I need to know what’s happening with Jack. I read that he needed surgery” You were rambling.

“Y/N calm down. Everything is fine. He needs surgery on his shoulder but he’s gonna be alright. He’s at home with parents to take care of him. Nothing to worry about” 

“Wait, he’s in Michigan? He hadn’t told me anything” You sighed.

“Yes, he’s in Michigan and he didn’t say a word to you because he knew you’re gonna be panicking. I told him it’s a bad idea to keep it from you but that was his choice” 

“Can I visit him?” You asked.

“I guess. I can call my mom and get the information in which hospital he is and send them to you” 

“Please do, I owe you” Luke laughed at your words.

Before Luke messaged you with the information, you went to ask your boss if you can have a free week due to personal reasons. He agreed on that and you ran into your apartment to pack your suitcase and booked a plane ticket to go and see Jack. While doing this, Luke sent you all the information you needed. 

The next day you had a plane. You were scared of Jack’ reaction when he saw you. You felt bad that you're doing this behind his back but this was to calm your nerves and make sure that he’s alright. When you landed, you took a taxi and went straight into the hospital. You didn’t care about the luggage you had with you. All you wanted was to see him.

From Luke, you found out that Jack had his surgery yesterday so he was resting in a hospital room. You stood up in front of the door and knocked. You didn’t want to interrupt him while he’s sleeping or someone else is in the room.

“Mom you don’t need to knock, I’m not 5” You heard and took it as a yes. Slowly you opened the door and Jack froze when he saw you. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at work?”

“I took a free week to check on you. I read that you had an operation and I was scared of you and I just needed to see you” Tears spilled from your eyes.

“Hey, don’t cry. I’m fine” He tried to calm you down. “Come, sit next to me” You saw a chair and sat while wiping away your tears. “You seriously took a free week just to see me? How did you even know where I am?”

“I talked with Luke and he told me everything since you were dead silent after the game” 

“Sorry for that, I just didn’t want to bother you” He shrugged but while doing this he hissed in pain.

“Don’t use your shoulder. You’ll make it worse” You grabbed his healthy hand and started caressing it. “You should tell me, I was thinking that you’re mad at me because Rangers won” You tried to lighten the mood. This time it worked because he laughed. 

“No, I was mad after the game but I could never be mad at you” He smiled at you. 

You spent the next two days next to him in the hospital. You didn’t want to leave him alone while his parents couldn't be there. You were only leaving Jack to go and get sleep in a hotel but even in this situation, he had to push you off the room because you wanted to stay. You saw that he’s in pain and can’t use his left arm, that’s why you wanted to be there for him. 

Jack finally could go back to his house and you were delighted hearing that. He was feeling less pain and you could get proper sleep knowing that he’s alright. You were hanging out with him in your last free days and helped his parents with everything in the house. His mum was smiling at the sign of you two but she didn’t know that you’re just friends. 

After a week, you returned to New York but still, you were checking on him every day calling him after work and asking how he’s feeling. It became tradition between the two of you to have a conversation each evening. Jack was thankful to have you by his side and he realised that all the time he had feelings for you.

You were always there for him, no matter what. Jack stopped caring about the fact that you might hate his team but he was sure that you love him. When you took off the week to be with him, he knew that he had to ask you to be his girlfriend. He didn’t care anymore that this might ruin your dynamic if things won’t turn the way he wants but he was willing to take the risk.

On his birthday in May, you flew for the weekend to celebrate with Jack his special day. He knew that you’re coming and he was prepared to ask you the question. That was the birthday gift he wanted from you. You meet his older brother Quinn and thank Luke for help. Four of you had fun this whole day on the boat. Seeing you getting along with his brothers was confirmation that he had to make you his. 

When you stepped out of the boat, Quinn and Luke went inside. You wanted to follow them but Jack stopped you. You faced him and looked into his eyes. He smiled. 

“Thank you for everything you’ve been doing for me for the past month. Actually thank you for everything. Thank you for being by my side in good and bad times. We might had arguments earlier but I know that you’re my person Y/N” 

“It’s so nice that you see me in this light. Anything for friends right?” You joked but his face fell when he heard the word friends.

“About that” He took a deep breath. ”You’re much more for me than just a friend. It took me long enough to realise but I have strong feelings for you and I want you as my girlfriend” He grabbed your hand and you didn’t know what to say. You stood like that for a minute. 

“You don’t have a clue how long I wanted to hear those words” You chuckled. “I would love to be your girlfriend” You answered and he smiled widely at you. 

Jack placed his hand on your cheek and pulled you into a kiss. First kiss as a couple. No more kisses as friends, enemies, situationship. From now on, kisses as a relationship full of love.

[hexb0nes]

A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING - A JAYCE TALIS X PLUS-SIZED READER SMUT FIC

word count: 4k

warnings: unbalanced power dynamics (jayce's your boss, you're his assistant), tit-sucking, semi-public sex (fucking in the lab after hours), deepthroating, some puppy!jayce moments, we swallow not spit in this house, praise kink, dom!reader/switch!jayce, fingering, a bit of brat!reader, cervix bruising, tummy bulge from massive cock!jayce, mating press, breeding, unprotective sex, full nelson, getting fucked dumb, 'pleasure' is written too many times but god damnit there's no good synonyms for it, reader is gonna need a week off from work after this, happy endings!

summary: you and viktor enjoy your weekly romps in the night, relishing in the secrecy of your relationship. however, someone very familiar is hot on your tail, vying for your attention. perhaps, a late night at the lab with jayce will some unexpected results.

a/n: in celebration of 69 followers, i pushed myself to get this up and posted! i know many have been waiting, so please enjoy!

You were Viktor’s favorite secret. 

The small glances the two of you would exchange throughout the work day, the gentle “accidental” touches, and the smiles you would share with him filled Viktor with a sense of warmth and comfort. While the days were full of innocent affection, the nights spent with you were for hedonistic pleasure. Oftentimes, Viktor would visit you in your apartment across the city, reassuring Jayce—whom he lived with—that his nightly outings were under the pretense of research or personal time. Little did his partner know, the Zaunite was instead plowing his assistant. 

Your nights together would start out with small talk, catching up on life events and such. Then one of you would initiate a kiss, sweet and innocent before melting into unbridled passion and lust. Viktor would grope at your chest like an excited teenager and your hands would drift down to his trousers, undoing his belt. After holding onto his pent up arousal all day, Viktor would unleash it onto you, usually fucking your face with his fat cock, devouring your cunt like a divine meal, and pounding you until you saw stars. These romps in the night were one of the things you looked forward to the most. 

However, in recent days, you swore that someone could sense your scandalous affairs. Sometimes, it would be a lingering glance too long after you came to work with a hickey present on your neck or the quirk of an eyebrow when you accidentally wore two left shoes because you were so exhausted from the previous night’s activities. Your face warmed up at the thought of someone discovering your secret. You feared the consequences of discovery, whether public shame by your family or the loss of your assistantship.

Yet, your questions were soon answered in the form of a gift from your boss, Jayce Talis.

It was a late night in the lab, Viktor left earlier in the day because of a flare-up and Sky was out of town for family business. The council wanted a new invention ready for presentation at the end of the week, so you and Jayce were hard at work to ensure that would happen. You forget how many times you had to run between the various shops in Piltover to the lab for supply deliveries.

“Thank you,” your boss offered you a smile, his famous ‘Golden Boy’ grin, when you handed him off the final item on the materials list, “I should be good to resume some tinkering in the morning when Viktor comes back.”

“Alright!” you were relieved, your feet achy from the continuous trips. High heels were never meant for the cobblestone pathways of Piltover, “I’ll head out now, unless you want me to add up more overtime pay.”

“Before you go!” the inventor jogged to his workstation and rummaged through its content, “I have something for you,” in his hands, Jayce held out a buttercream yellow box. Curious, you accepted the box and thanked him before opening it up to see what was inside. 

It was a dress, black and silky to the touch. However, when you fully pulled it out of the box, you realized how skimpy it was, the length only going to the mid-thigh. You gave the fabric a thug, noting that it was stretchable, and questioned Jayce, “Uhm, Mr. Talis, what’s this?”

“An apology gift,” he elaborated, stepping closer. You tilted your head up to look your boss in the eye, quivering slightly at how much taller and beefier he was in comparison to you, “For when I spilled coffee on you a few weeks ago.”

“Oh!” you smiled, “Well, thank you, but,” you placed the dress against your body to model its low-cut shape, “I don’t think this is appropriate for me to wear in the workplace.”

“No, no!” Jayce shook his head, “Not for the workplace, just a little something to use when you have your nights with Viktor.” 

Your blood turned icy when he mentioned Viktor to you, “Y- You,” tears swelled up in your eyes, “You know?” you stifled back the urge to cry, “A- Am I fired?” you stammered, mind racing in a panic. 

“What! No, of course!” your boss reassured you with a comforting smile, “You two are adults. While others may turn up their noses at your relationship, what the two of you get up to after hours isn’t my concern,” your shoulders relaxed, “Oh thank Gods,” realization suddenly hit you, “Wait, how did you know?”

Now, it was Jayce’s turn to stutter, “Oh! Er, well- uhm,” he rubbed the back of his neck with a nervous chuckle, “Cat’s out of the bag, I guess,” your boss cleared the phlegm out of his throat, “I knew since the beginning when you, uh… had your first encounter in the bathroom.” 

You gawked at his confession, horrified beyond comprehension. Jayce placed a hand on your shoulder—Gods, was his hand bigger than your face?—and explained, “I left to find you after Viktor did to give you a sweatshirt to use when all that happened. You two were pretty noisy and I didn’t want to understand but at the same time, I didn’t want anyone else to interrupt you both and find you in such a position, so uhhhhh…” he let out a low laugh, “I stood guard.”

You set the dress aside and covered your face in embarrassment. Your boss caught his partner fucking you. I’m gonna have to resign in shame, you thought, There’s no way I can come to work moving forward with all this!

“Hey,” Jayce grasped your chin lightly, his warm brown eyes peering into yours, “It’s okay,” he cupped one of your cheeks and stroked his thumb across it, “I promise it’s okay.”

“Mr. Talis,” your body trembled with nerves, “This isn’t… I don’t…” Hypocritical to suggest his actions weren’t appropriate when you had been sleeping with his partner since the previous month. However, a part of you relished in Jayce’s touch. His hand was calloused from days working in the forge, a nice contrast from the delicateness of your cheek.

“I know,” he purred, “I know that this isn’t right, that I’m your boss and you’re my assistant,” he placed your face between both of your cheeks, squishing them just a bit, “but I can’t keep hiding my feelings any longer.”

“Feelings?” your heart skipped a beat. 

“It’s easier for me to just show you,” mumbled Jayce, leaning closer and closer until his lips made contact with yours. You let out a surprised ‘mmpf!’ at the kiss, but slowly melted into it and wrapped your arms around his waist to stabilize yourself. His kissing was more restrained and shy than Viktor’s eager and confident kissing, “I’m sorry,” he rasped after ending the kissing, “Say the word and we pretend this never happened.”

“Mr. Talis- Jayce,” he cut you short, “I just kissed you, you can forgo the formalities.”

You nodded in response, “Ok, Jayce,” you inhaled deeply and summoned whatever courage you had in you, “I want this,” it was already established that you and Viktor weren’t exclusive, the latter too deep in the trenches of Hextech research to pursue a romantic relationship. Although you held out on the hope that maybe you two could be together, you weren’t opposed to exploring new options, “I don’t want to lead you on. I’m not sure how I feel about you, given the new information, but,” you pulled your boss into an embrace, “I want to explore all this with you. Is that okay?”

“That’s more than okay,” he returned the hug, muscular arms folding around you, “I understand completely,” you looked back up at Jayce and smiled, “Sooo…” you giggled, “Tell me what you wanna do tonight.”

“Would you be upset if I said-” he lowered himself to your level and whispered in your ear, “-that I wanna let loose all these sexual urges on you?”

“Sexual?” your chest tightened with excitement. Jayce nodded, “Yes, ever since I first laid eyes on you. I’m still figuring out the romantic side of things, but,” he trailed his hand lower and lower until it stopped at your ass, “You drive me crazy. You don’t know how many times I’ve fucked my fist to the thought of you,” confessed Jayce, as he gave your ass a rough squeeze. You held back a moan, “Am I really that irresistible? I didn’t realize that you and Viktor fancied the same kind of girl.”

“What can I say?” hummed Jayce, “I’m enamored with hips, dips,” he placed his hands on your sides, “Thick thighs and chubby tummies,” his hands moved to your stomach then down to your thighs, “You’re like a goddess among mortals.”

“Jayce,” you whined, “Please, just fuck me already,” his charming voice and actions already had your panties drenched, the wetness uncomfortable to stew in. Jayce launched into action, pressing hot kisses on your neck before biting down to mark you. His canines pierced your soft skin while he loosened your tie, “Fuck…” he pulled himself off your neck, a splattering of hickets now present, “You taste amazing,” your boss moved his hands to your chest and unbuttoned your blouse, your bra on display with a bit of your tits spilling out. 

“Like what, you-” your flirty comment was interrupted by an abrupt rip, as Jayce tore through your bra, “Hey!” you scolded him, “Do you know how pricey these kinda bras are?”

“I’ll buy you ten more,” he breathed out, his hands glued to your chest and groping them with such intensity. You tried your best to suppress your moans, but soon succumbed to Jayce’s assault, whimpering out his name while he nibbled at your flesh, nipping like a playful puppy. His mouth found its way to one of your nipples and latched on, sucking hard while playing with your other breast, “Ah! Jayce!” you whined, “Please be gentle!”

Jayce lightened up his intensity, unaware of how strong he truly was. As Jayce had his way with your breasts, you lifted up your skirt and stuffed your hand inside your opaque tights, rutting your clothed cunt against it. You were simply soaked, a bit of wetness dripping down onto your inner thighs, as your boss got off to the simple act of sucking your tits.

“Jayce,” a surge of dominance overtook you, as you unlatched your boss’s mouth from your tit, “Pull your pants down,” he did so without question, you sensed how eager and excited he was to please you. Only his plaid boxers remained, a prominent bulge evident. You got on your knees—thighs squishing together, much to Jayce’s delight—and teased him with your fingers, trailing your nails down his sides and against the cloth, “You’re so cute,” he let out a whine in response. Gods, he really is a puppy. You decided to spare the poor man and pulled down his boxers, his cock slapping you in the face. 

“Holy shit.” He’s massive! You admired Jayce’s dick, almost as thick as your and as long as your forearm with a downward curve. It was nothing like Viktor’s cock, still thick and long but not to this degree. Fuck, is this gonna fit me? You then eyed his balls—wow, those were the fattest balls you had ever seen—and grazed your fingers against them, “They look so heavy.”

“I haven’t had time to, uh, remedy that with all the late nights spent at the lab,” chuckled Jayce. You wrapped your hand around his dick and gave the tip a kiss, “Let me fix that for you,” you opened your mouth and slid it inside, carefully taking each inch. Unfortunately, you couldn’t get all of it in before his cock hit the back of your throat, some spit leaking out your lips and down your chin. Fighting the instinct to gag, you bobbed your head to and fro, happily taking your boss’s cock like the good little whore you were. 

“Fuck!” grunted Jayce, entangling himself in your hair, “Gods, now I know why Viktor’s been coming to work so happy! He had a nice cockwarmer like you all to himself,” you picked up your pace and lifted a hand down to your cunt to continue your own pleasure while the other touched your neck, feeling the bulge from your boss’s dick, “Not anymore, though! You’re mine, too!” he huffed and puffed, his mind overtaken by lust and desire. 

In a split second, Jayce slammed his cock all the way, earning a choked moan from you, and climaxed, shooting hot salty cum down your throat. You greedily drank as much as you could like a refreshing glass of milk before Jayce pulled you off, as you coughed and spewed some cum out. Jayce squatted before you and wiped off the excess cum from your lips, “Sorry,” he apologized, “I got too excited.”

“It’s okay,” your voice was hoarse from the throat fuck, “You just gotta return the favor,” Jayce peered down at your lower half and scooped you up in his arms, “Oh!” you exclaimed, shocked. Damn, putting that forge strength to use, huh? He walked over to his workstation and shifted his hold on you, shoving any trinkets and papers off with his free hand. Jayce plopped you down and kissed you tenderly on the lips, as he pulled down your skirt to reveal your tights. He eyed the tights and with a bit of mischief, he tore them open with ease. 

“Now, you owe me new tights,” you mused aloud. Jayce let out a hum, his focus on your soaked panties, “I’ll buy you a new wardrobe, anything you want,” he mumbled, dragging a finger against your clothed slit. A small gasp stumbled out, as you watched Jayce play with your cunt, “Jayce… Don’t tease me!” you whined with a pout.

“Sorry, sorry,” he chuckled, “I’m just so fixated on it,” he tugged at your panties and you lifted your legs up, Jayce yanking the undergarment. You spread your thick legs wide and displayed your pussy before your boss, “Like what you see?” 

Jayce’s pupils were blown out with intoxicating desire, engrossed with the sight of your bare cunt. It shined with clear slick, leaking from your slit and dripping onto Jayce’s desk. Jayce raked a finger against the entrance and you inhaled sharply. His finger stroked your folds, exploring your anatomy. Yet, Jayce pulled his finger back, much to your disappointment, and rested his head against one of your thighs, “You’re hot.”

“Thanks,” you snorted, “As are you,” Jayce smiled, not his usual ‘Man of Progress’ grin but a simple yet kind smile. Heat spread throughout your body at the sight of such a sweet smile, “Oh, Jayce, you’re lovely,” you exhaled. 

“Don’t make me blush,” he murmured, suddenly shy. You grinned, “Oh, is the Golden Boy a fan of praise?” his face flushed a pretty shade of red, “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Well, I mean- you’re such a good boy, Jayce,” you beckoned Jayce to stand and he placed his pelvis against the workstation, dangerously close to your pussy. His dishevelled hair and blissed out expression ignited a flame of boldness in you, “You know, in hindsight, I see how you look at me,” you brushed your hands against his torso, admiring how strong but gentle he was, “Ever since I was hired to be your assistant, you always found an excuse to be extra close to me. Isn’t that right, Jayce?”

“Yes!” he croaked, “I- I couldn’t help myself. You’re breathtaking, it was so hard to restrain myself like that,” the inventor rutted himself against your cunt, the tip of his fat cock grazing your clit and folds. You bit back a whimper and continued to toy with your boss, “I bet you just wanted to take me right then and there, in front of everyone. Sky, the Council, Viktor, you wanted to claim myself like a hound marking its territory.”

Jayce groaned, shifting his pelvis and grabbing his cock. He stroked himself to your words, squelching emitting from his fast jerking, “I wanted- fuck- it was so hard to keep those thoughts to myself. I couldn’t let myself-” his cock leaked more precum and lubricated his shaft more, “I couldn’t let that urge take over, but hell- I want to devour you whole!” 

“Then do it,” you removed his slicked-up hand from his cock, “Devour me.”

Jayce’s eyes darkened at your request, but remained somewhat in control, as he guided a finger to your cunt, “Gotta prep you first. I don’t think you can take me without some help beforehand,” the inventor reached under his desk and into a drawer, producing a bottle of lube from it, “Er… my emergency supply,” he elaborated upon seeing your confused expression. He squirted a good bit on his fingers and lined one up to your entrance, “Ready?”

“Ready,” you confirmed. As gently as he could, Jayce slid a finger inside your cunt. You gasped at the sensation, his one finger easily filling you up. Slowly, Jayce pumped his finger in and out of your pussy, monitoring your reaction. His finger brushed against your sweet spot and you nearly crumbled on the spot, Jayce grinning in victory, “There it is!” he cheered. Gods, he’s too adorable. “You okay with another finger?” he asked, to which you nodded.

Jayce pulled his finger out and you mewled in disappointment, already missing the fullness. He positioned his two fingers in front of your cunt and shoved them in, you trembled with ecstasy while your boss fingered you fast and hard. You nuzzled up against his chest, allowing Jayce better access to your G-spot, and unbuttoned his dress shirt, finally seeing his fit and muscular form on display. Fuck, he’s hot. You nibbled his tanned skin and left dark hickeys in your wake, marking Jayce up with sloppy kisses. All you could think of was getting fucked by your boss, him claiming you like Viktor did. The idea of having both brilliant scientists to your own made you drool. Gods, I want both. I need both of them.

“Should be good enough,” hummed Jayce, as he withdrew his beefy fingers from your cunt. You shuddered from the pull and pouted to yourself at the lack of fullness. Jayce shook off his dress shirt, now fully naked with you, and poked at your chest, “Lay down, please.”

“Yes, Mr. Talis,” you giggled. In response, he pressed a kiss to your forehead and growled in your ear, “If you call me ‘Mr. Talis’, things aren’t going to end well for you,” a cheeky grin formed on your lips, “Thank you for the warning, Mr. Talis.”

In a split second, you were shoved down onto the workstation and Jayce slammed his girthy dick inside, only two thirds of it making it before meeting your cervix, “Fuck… this might hurt a bit,” the scientist warned you before thrusting the full length inside, bruising your cervix in the process, “Holy shit!” you cried out, pain muddled with pleasure, as stars danced around your vision. 

Jayce began his assault on your womb, pounding his cock inside you mercilessly. No longer was he the little puppy wanting your praise, but rather a wolf ready to consume every inch of you. Jayce lifted one of your legs and placed it on his shoulder, slamming his dick deeper and harder. In your daze of overwhelming delight, you peeped over your plump tummy and gawked in pleasant excitement at the glimpse of Jayce’s dick bulging from your pelvis and stomach. 

Jayce switched up his tactics and lifted your other leg up to his shoulder, folding you in and pressing down hard, “Gotta make sure you get the most out of this,” he rasped before pistoning himself in and out of your pussy. Your body jiggled with each thrust, your heavy breasts nearly smacking you in the face from Jayce’s speed. His cock was perfectly angled at your cervix, abusing it to his glee. Skin slapping against skin echoed throughout the lab, as Jayce had his way with you while trapped in a mating press, “I’m getting close,” he hissed, “I hope- hope you don’t mind if I knock you up by accident. I need to cum inside!”

You were too fucked dumb to properly respond, your body craving Jayce’s seed. Abruptly, Jayce flipped you over on the workstation and forced you up. He locked your arms above your head and hoisted you further upwards, your legs dangling helplessly. Jayce raised your legs up and gripped his hands tight on them, angling his cock once more to your cunt and bucking himself inside.

Never in your life had you experienced such an intense wave of overstimulating pleasure, your mind fogging up with unbridled tantalizing thoughts of being Jayce’s cocksleeve, as he continued his endless pursuit. Your body jerked in tangent with Jayce’s movements, your eyes rolling into the back of your skull with your tongue rolling out of your mouth with shameless glee. The knock in your stomach tightened and tightened while Jayce assaulted your G-spot, the inventor biting down at your neck and piercing your flesh once more with his canines. Your toes curled in anticipation, as you approached orgasm alongside Jayce, “J- Jayce, gonna- gonna cum!” you cried out.

“Let’s!” he thrusted again and again, his cock almost splitting you open.

“Do it!” Jayce’s pelvis slapped against your plump ass, his breath sharp and ragged.

“Together!” he let out one final whine before climaxing. Jayce shot ropes of cum inside your womb, some spilling out because of the limited capacity of your pussy. 

You unraveled soon after Jayce, the knot in your stomach breaking loose while you convulsed from the peak of your climax. Your clit and pussy throbbed from the aftermath of your orgasm, mind hazy while Jayce finished his own. You went limp in Jayce’s arms, cum and drool dripping out of you. 

Jayce transferred you into the bridal hold and carried you off to the push-out couch he and Viktor would use for all-nighters at the lab. As careful as he could be, Jayce laid you down on the couch, resting your head on a pillow and covering you with a warm blanket. You incoherently babbled to yourself and drifted off to sleep, satisfied from a great fuck. 

Jayce redressed himself and bent down to your level. He then kissed you sweetly on the lips, “You did amazing,” he murmured. He rose from the couch and relocated to a comfortable place in the lab for a makeshift bed, building it close by to you and laying down to fall asleep.

“Well, aren’t you a dirty slut?”

Jayce’s eyes shot open, Viktor standing above him, “Shit! Vik! What are you doing here?”

“I stopped by her apartment to deliver a package when I noticed that she wasn’t there,” the Zaunite gestured at your sleeping form, “The most logical conclusion would’ve been that she was at the lab, hence why I stopped by. However,” he pointed at Jayce’s now flaccid cock, “I walked in when you had her in the mating press.”

“You were watching us?!” Jayce restrained his volume so as to not wake you up.

“It’s only fair since you did it first,” commented Viktor.

Jayce sighed deeply at his partner’s rebuttal, “Okay, okay…” he then peered over to you, “So… are we gonna swap weekends or?” to which Viktor waved him off, “That’s a morning issue,” he walked over to the couch and touched his forehead to yours, “Sweet dreams,” Viktor then returned to Jayce’s side and stated, “You better clean the lab, it reeks of musk and sex.”

“I will, I will,” the exhausted scientist reassured, “Care to have a sleepover with us?” he offered. Viktor pondered the idea for a moment, “Well,” he pointed to the remaining space on the pull-out couch, “As long as I get the couch. You know how my back is.”

Jayce held back a snort, “Sure thing, Viktor, sure thing.”

Once everyone was situated in their sleeping spots, Jayce turned off the lights and laid back down, “Goodnight, Viktor.”

“Goodnight, Jayce,” replied Viktor, as he and Jayce slowly succumbed to sleep.

[eternaldesi]

ᯓ nailtech!matt x . Client!reader 𓍼

─── You book a nail appointment with Matt and can’t stop blushing as he gently holds your hands to work on your nails, making casual small talk that feels more like flirting.

YOUR NERVES BUBBLED UP AS YOU WALKED INTO THE SMALL NAIL SALON tucked on the corner of the street, the faint scent of acetone and lavender greeting you as the bell above the door jingled softly. You glanced around, noticing the clean, minimalistic aesthetic of the space—soft neutrals, sleek furniture, and soft music humming in the background. It felt comforting, but your heart still raced for an entirely different reason.

Matt.

You’d heard about him through a friend who couldn’t stop gushing about his attention to detail and how sweet he was with his clients. “Plus, he’s ridiculously cute,” your friend had teased, and you hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it since booking the appointment. Now, here you were, mentally preparing yourself for an hour of sitting across from him, hoping you didn’t make a fool of yourself. “Hi, welcome!” a cheerful voice called from the reception desk. “Do you have an appointment?” You nodded, your voice catching for a moment. “Yes, um, I have an appointment with Matt at two?” The receptionist smiled and motioned toward the far end of the room. “You can head over. He’s ready for you!”

You swallowed nervously as you walked toward the station, your eyes landing on him. Matt was hunched over his table, organizing small jars of polish and tools, his movements precise and focused. His dark hair fell slightly into his face, but as you approached, he glanced up, and his brown eyes locked with yours. “Hey,” he greeted, his voice smooth but casual, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You must be my two o’clock.” “That’s me,” you said, willing yourself to sound normal. He gestured toward the chair across from him. “Go ahead and have a seat. What are we doing for you today?”Sliding into the chair, you placed your hands on the table, feeling hyper-aware of every little movement. “Um, I was thinking something simple? Maybe a light pink?” Matt nodded, his gaze flicking to your hands as he reached for a swatch book. “Light pink, got it. Let me show you a few shades so we can pick the perfect one.”

As he flipped through the swatches, his fingers brushed against yours, and you felt your cheeks instantly heat up. His hands were warm, his touch soft yet deliberate, and it was enough to make your heart race. “This one’s really popular,” he said, holding up a soft blush pink. “But if you want something with a little more shine, this one’s nice too.” You tried to focus on the colors, but all you could think about was the way his voice seemed to wrap around you, smooth and inviting. You nodded at the first option. “That one looks perfect.” “Good choice,” he said, his smile widening slightly. “Alright, let’s get started.” He took your hand gently, his touch firm yet careful as he inspected your nails. “You’ve got a nice nail shape,” he remarked casually, his tone so matter-of-fact it took a moment for you to process it as a compliment.

“Oh, uh, thanks,” you stammered, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks again. Matt glanced up briefly, a playful glint in his eyes. “You blush a lot, don’t you?” Your eyes widened, and you let out a nervous laugh. “What? No, I mean… maybe.” He chuckled softly, the sound warm and genuine as he began filing your nails. “It’s cute,” he said simply, his focus shifting back to his work as if he hadn’t just casually made your heart skip a beat. The next few minutes passed in a blur of soft touches and quiet conversation. Matt asked you about your day, your job, your favorite colors—each question feeling more like an attempt to get to know you than just small talk. He had a way of making you feel at ease, even as you sat there, hyper-aware of how close he was and how gently he held your hands. “You’re really good at this,” you said at one point, watching as he applied the polish with steady, precise strokes.“Thanks,” he said, glancing up briefly with a small smile. “I like it. It’s kind of relaxing, you know? Plus, I get to meet interesting people like you.” Your breath hitched slightly, and you tried to play it cool. “Oh, so I’m interesting?”

Matt paused, looking up fully this time, his smile turning a little mischievous. “Definitely. You’re blushing again, by the way.” You groaned, covering your face with your free hand. “I can’t help it, okay?” He laughed, the sound light and teasing. “I’m not complaining.” By the time he finished, your nails looked flawless—a soft pink that was just the right balance of subtle and elegant. Matt held your hand for a moment longer, inspecting his work before letting go. “There you go,” he said, leaning back slightly. “Perfectly polished.”

You looked at your nails, then back at him, your heart fluttering at the way he smiled at you. “Thank you. They’re beautiful.” “No problem,” he said, starting to clean up his station. “Come back anytime. I mean it.” As you stood up, you felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment—it was over, but you already wanted to book your next appointment. “Thanks again, Matt,” you said, hesitating for a moment before turning to leave. “Anytime,” he replied, his voice warm. Then, just as you reached the door, he called out, “Hey!” You turned back, your heart skipping a beat.

“Don’t wait too long to book your next appointment,” he said, his grin playful. “I’d hate to forget how much you blush.” You rolled your eyes, but you couldn’t stop the smile that spread across your face as you walked out the door, already counting down the days until you’d see him again.

[rayyanishere1]

A Day in the Life of a Loser: Loser Ford AU

Chapter 4: Science Fair

25th April 1970

Good morning, my dearest diary! Today is the day of the science fair!

I managed to finish my perpetual motion machine just in time and it's completely functional. All I have to do now is safely transport it to the school. I'm gonna win first place, I'm sure of it!

All the other participants had already set up their projects a few days ago, but I'm sure there's still a few good spots left. Just hope I don't have to take the dingy spot with the ceiling leak.

Well, I'm off! Time to blow those judges' socks off!

∆∆∆

"Sixer! Are you ready or not?"

"Yes, yes, coming!"

Ford looked at himself in the mirror and for once, didn't completely hate himself. Hell, he felt proud!

He rushed outside to Stan and loaded his project into the cargo. It was still moving, as a perpetual motion machine should.

"You're excited, aren't you?"

"Of course! How could I not be?"

Stan laughed and ruffled his brother's hair. Ford protested, complaining that he spent a while making his hair look good.

"It doesn't matter how you look, nerd. Your motion-whatever-machine—"

"Perpetual motion machine!"

"Yeah, that, if what you said about it being 'impossible' to make is true, you've got a fortune under your belt."

"You really think so?"

"I know so."

Ford carefully carried his project into the school's gymnasium and scanned for a place to set up. Nothing much he can see from here...

Wandering around the many tables, he failed to find a spot for himself. There had to be at least one place, right?

Just as he dreaded. The only empty space was a dark, dingy area with the leak in the ceiling.

Well, no turning back now. He reluctantly set his machine on the table and covered it with a tablecloth so that it wouldn't get wet. Who knows what could happen if it did!

"Ford, help me out over here!"

Hearing his brother in need of assistance, he rushed over.

Drip, drip, drip.

The judges roamed the gymnasium, taking note of the sheer amount of baking soda volcanoes. They should just ban them at this point.

∆∆∆

Things seem to be going well. The judges don't look impressed at the other presentations. Lots of baking soda volcanoes.

Oh, I see them! Are they skipping my table?

∆∆∆

"Hey! Aren't you going to judge mine?"

Oh, the poor thing, they hadn't even noticed him! The judges walked over, seeing how the area was... Less than appealing.

Ford pulled out a fairly thick stack of cue cards and hyped up his project.

"For millennia, people tried and failed to create perpetual motion machines. But here with you today is—!"

Dramatically, he yanked the tablecloth away to reveal his perpetual motion machine! Except for the fact that it wasn't in motion.

"Wait, what? What happened to my machine?!"

He frantically looked over it, trying to figure why his perpetual motion machine had stopped.

"Perpetual motion means nonstop, isolated movement, kid. It violates the first few laws of thermodynamics."

"Try again next year."

How could this have happened? It was working just this morning, and the days before that! It literally never stopped! That was the whole point!

As Ford desperately searched, he felt a drop of cold water fall on his head.

Sure enough, the tablecloth hadn't completely protected his machine from the dripping water above.

So close, Ford. So close.

A familiar set of footsteps came up behind him.

"Hey, Ford? You alright? Where are the judges?"

Ford failed to compose himself in time and broke down. He barely forced out a few words between sobs and hiccups as Stan tried to decipher his gargled speech.

Soon enough, Ford gave up on verbal communication and gestured to his broken machine. He wiped his tears, trying to get a good look at it.

There seemed to be some exposed circuitry on the back. How had he never noticed that?

He reached out towards it and promptly got shocked. Right, wet hand. Not a great idea to touch exposed electronics.

"Ow!"

Ford quickly retracted his hand, wincing in pain. God, today was a gift that kept on giving. Not in a good way, but you get the point.

Stan rushed to Ford's side, making sure he wasn't seriously injured. He's no expert, but an electrical shock didn't sound good.

"Let's just get outta here."

He led them both outside and back to Stan's car. Being in a more private space, Ford's waterworks restarted at full force.

"Everything was going so well! I told everyone that I was going to win—I was! I did the impossible! I forgot to tighten a few loose screws and now everything's ruined—"

He rambled on and on about how he messed up everything, how stupid he was for not noticing such a thing, the whole shebang.

There was really no room for Stan to interject and stop Ford from spiralling seeing as he was talking a mile a minute.

Stan opted to wait it out.

He drove them to the nearest convenience store and got them snacks. Jellybeans for Ford and Toffee Peanuts for himself.

"You feelin' better, bud?"

"No."

Honestly? Stan expected that answer.

Ford stared off into space, not bothering to eat his jellybeans.

"Wanna go home?"

That seemed to snap him out of his trance.

"What's Pa gonna think of all this? What are we gonna tell him?"

Welcome back, panic! Didn't miss you whatsoever!

"He's gonna find out eventually... I'll talk to him."

On the drive home, Ford looked outside the window. He eyed the beach, thinking, how difficult would it be to swim from New Jersey to Europe?

"We're here."

Seems like Filbrick wasn't home yet. That's good! I guess?

Ford bolted upstairs without a word. He needed to unwind. Write in his diary. Anything.

He was practically scribbling on the pages with how fast and sloppily he was writing. His thoughts went faster than his hand, even the ink in the damn pen couldn't keep up.

∆∆∆

Today did not go as planned. A leak in the gymnasium's ceiling made it's way inside my machine and blew it's circuits.

I humiliated myself in front of the judges.

I humiliated myself.

∆∆∆

It was only when tears started to fall on the page did Ford realize he was crying. Again.

Maybe he should just go to bed.

[creepycranberry]

Big black car- 4

3

Warnings: slow burn, L*ke, topper is very much noncanon compliant (he’s like a mix of topper and Austin’s character in IDDI), alcohol, abuse, parental death, not proofread, kook/pogue bullshit, swearing, w*rd, let me know about anything else.

•••

Rafe hadn’t seen you in days. Not for the rest of the party, not when he went by Toppers to hang out, not even when he was trying to look for you.

You weren’t at the wreck or at toppers, he even asked Sarah where you were.

“Why are you so worried about it?” She asked him as they stood at least a yard away from each other. He had ran into her and John B at the beach and asked to talk. Sarah sent John B off to look for bait or muscles or something while she talked to him.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean what’s it to you? She’s just some pogue to you. Doesn’t matter who her dad was or her relationship with Topper. Or I mean, it didn’t before.” Sarah shrugs. Rafe felt like he was slipping off the edge somehow. He was giving Sarah the upper hand.

“I’m not worried or anything, I was just wondering. I’m not concerned with her as like a person but that doesn’t mean I want her hurt or anything, especially after that whole thing with her dad.” He rambled, pointedly avoiding his sisters gaze.

She smiled knowingly. He knew that smile well. That’s how their mother used to smile when she knew he was up to something.

“What thing with her dad?” John B asked as he approached the two of them.

“I don’t know if she’d want me saying too much about it.” Rafe scratches the back of his neck.

“JJ’s been looking for him for days. He pulled some shit with his dealer and now we’re out of a good chunk of change so I think she can deal so her brother can live and eat and survive. Not all of us have rich ass friends who’ll take us in at the drop of a hat.” John B stated bitterly and Rafe bit back his anger. John B was oversimplifying things to an almost rude degree.

“Sorry, man but you’ll have to ask her. I just want to make sure he hasn’t killed her or anything. Which he almost did, which is the entire reason she’s with Topper right now. But that doesn’t affect you so you don’t care right?” Rafe scoffs.

“You’re one to talk about not caring. Where’s your sister been living these last few months? Oh yeah, with me.” John B retorts.

“That was her decision. I can’t decide shit for her, and it got her away from ward so I don’t really give a shit. She’s alive and you’re treating her just fine. Not all of that can be said for Maybanks' sister, so one more time, have you seen her?”

Sarah’s face softens noticeably at Rafes acknowledgement of their father and how he treated them.

“She called JJ the other day. She’s been picking up extra shifts to stay busy. She’s okay Rafe.” Sarah reassures him and he sighs.

“Thanks, Sarah.”

And even days after that he didn’t see you. It was like you evaporated into thin air.

He went to Toppers house again a couple days later. It was earlier in the day and they were gonna go surfing. Topper was getting ready and he left the bathroom door open so he and Rafe could continue their conversation.

“Topper I need to shower so if you could- oh uh, hey Rafe.”

He was half convinced you were an apparition. You stood there with your hair messy from sleep and your eyes drooping. He felt like he was about to fall down the drop on a rollercoaster. You were there, in a shirt that had to be either JJ’s or Toppers, your legs on display but his eyes clung to yours.

“Hey, peaches. You doing alright?”

“Yeah. I’ve just been working a bit.” You say, clutching a bath towel in your hands.

“I think Sarah might have mentioned that.” He smiles and you nod.

Topper sits between you two, a puzzled look on his face as he watches you avoid looking Rafe in the eyes and Rafe stare intently into yours.

“Are you guys sleeping together?”

“What?”

“Oh my god.”

“I’m sorry you guys are just acting weird.”

“Did you need something, Peaches?” Rafe changed the subject and you nod.

“I need a ride to the chateau.” You tell Topper, thankful for a change in subject.

“We are actually about to go surf for a little bit.” Topper sighs.

“That’s fine, I still need to like shower and change and all.” You offer.

“I’m hanging out with Becca today.” He shrugs.

“Is that still going on?” You ask, your surprise evident in your tone and expression.

Toppers about to say something smart but Rafe interrupts him, “I can give you a ride if you need.”

“You don’t have to, I don’t mean to get in the way or anything.” You shake your head.

“It’s really no problem, peaches.”

“Well yeah, but I just-”

“Just let me give you a ride.” He insists with finality.

The two of you stare at each other for another moment, topper holding his tongue on what this looks like.

“Okay.”

Rafe nods once and then turns back to Topper, “you almost ready to head out?”

Topper nods and leaves the bathroom, closing the door, “so you’re giving her a ride?”

“Don’t be crude, asshole.”

“And you’re getting defensive! O for 2, man.” Topper teases and Rafe rolls his eyes, throwing a pillow at Topper, “are you blushing? Holy shit you’re blushing. Never seen you blush before.”

“Well you’re having a lot of fun humiliating me.”

“What’s humiliating about it? You like her and-”

“I don’t like her. I mean not like that. She’s nice, cool almost. And she’s resilient as fuck. I just think she has enough problems without me making things worse.” Rafe shrugs. He faintly hears the shower turn on in the bathroom.

“So you’re just doing charity or…?”

“What the- no, man. I like talking to her, and you hang out with her a lot and she lives here now and it- it costs nothing to be kind.”

Toppers eyebrows lift at Rafe use of that particular cliche, “I think I get it. She’s a lot like her, makes sense you’d get comfortable with her.”

“What are you talking about?”

Topper crouches and pulls his flip flops from under his bed, “it’s just really common for guys to be attracted to women who remind them of their mothers. It’s psychology.”

“I don’t- I’m not attracted to her. I mean- she’s pretty and all, but it’s really nothing to do with the fact that she and my mom are similar.”

“So you admit that you like that she reminds you of your mother?”

“That is not what I said.” Rafe argues and Topper shrugs, “it’s not anything like that I just- she gets it.”

“What?”

“The whole- parent thing.”

Topper and Rafe have been friends since they were kids. Topper knew Rafes mom before she passed, the same way he knew your dad before he died. He knew about Rafes issues with his dad but the similarities had never crossed his mind.

“Oh. I mean that makes sense.”

Rafe nods and looks at the ceiling for a minute, “are we going or not?”

“Yeah man, sure.”

••••

When Rafe and topper get back to the house you’re laying on Toppers bed, holding a notebook above your head.

“How the hell did you pass sophomore year? Why do you still have this?”you ask him. A smile playing on your features.

“I leave you alone for two seconds.” Topper scoffs, snatching the notebook from you.

“Try two hours.”

“I told you we were going surfing.” He shrugs.

“We would have been back an hour ago but Topper kept wiping out.” Rafe mutters nonchalantly, running a hand through his wet hair, “you wanna head out or..?”

“Yes, please.”

The two of you say goodbye to Topper who grumbles under his breath about you two teaming up against him. You and Rafe both roll your eyes as he closes the bedroom door. You follow him down the hall and the stairs and out the door.

“You been doing okay since that whole thing at the anniversary party?” Rafe asks you as he opens the passenger door for you.

You have to wait a minute to answer him as he closes the door and makes his way around to the driver's seat.

“Yeah, I’m fine. JJ’s dealing with him,” you shrug, “thanks for the um- for helping get him out. Mrs. Thornton told me that you had a bit to do with his removal and all.”

“It was no big deal.” He assures you.

“Well it was to me.” You remark and his eyebrows draw together.

“It’s really not. Ensuring that you’re safe is the bare minimum.” He argues.

“Well I’ve never really had anyone do that before so it’s a big deal to me.” You shrug.

“So what’s up with your car?” Rafe asks in effort to continue the conversation.

“Broke down on me, I’ll be hitching rides from now on.”

“That sucks.”

“It’s fine. Minor inconvenience.” You shrug.

Rafe doesn’t respond. The rest of the drive is quiet until you pull up to the chateau, “you gonna need a ride home?” He asks and you shake your head, “you sure?”

“Even if I did, you probably have better things to do than chauffeuring me around. I’ll see you around?” You ask, a small smile on your face.

The sun is setting and the orange of the sky is reflecting over your skin and your eyes looks like they’re glowing, multicolored glass in the sun.

Rafe nods and you say goodbye and shut the car door.

“Who the fuck was that?” JJ says from the porch where he and John B were watching your interaction.

“No one important.” You shrug, sitting next to him and taking a sip of his water before spitting it out, “that’s not water.” You cough.

“I’ll go grab you something to drink.” John B says and you smile.

“I’m pretty sure that was Rafe Cameron.” JJ says, still caught up on the last subject of conversation.

“It was, Topper couldn’t drive me so he did.”

“Why?” JJ asks and you roll your eyes.

“I don’t know, to be polite?”

“I didn’t know he knew how to do that.” JJ mutters.

“He’s not that bad.” You shrug.

“He’s a fucking loon is what he is.” JJ mutters.

“He’s nice, he makes sure I’m okay and that’s pretty much it, and it’s really all for Tops sake.” You reason and JJ takes a sip of his drink, swishing the liquid around in his mouth.

“Sure.” He sighs, “ Sarah said John B said something about you seeing dad?”

“Oh uh, yeah. He randomly showed up at an event I was at, they had to remove him from the premises, we didn’t exactly get to have a conversation about whatever happened with you guys.”

“An event?”

“It was a party, a thing for Toppers parents.” You explain away and JJ tucks his tongue into his cheek.

He doesn’t say anything else for a while, and eventuallyn John B comes out with a water for you, “we’ve just gotta wait for Sarah.”

“Why? Is she okay?” You ask, they still haven’t explained to you why you’re here.

John B fiddles with the hem of his short and a compulsive smile finds its way to his lips, “she’s fine, she just wants to be here to-”

“Is she pregnant?” You ask, half joking, but the way JJ looks at him and the way John B avoids your eye line confirms your suspicion, “no. Wait- are we happy about this? Do I need to get the condom and banana again?”

“No.”

“Please don’t.” The boys chorus.

“We’re happy about it.” John B smiles and you laugh carelessly and leap across the porch swing to hug him, “there’s more, there’s more!” He laughs, “but Sarah might kill me if I don’t let her tell you the other thing.”

The three of you smile and then you turn to JJ in all seriousness, “are you being safe?”

“God, look at the time, I think I’ve gotta-“ JJ laughs, practically jumping off of his seat.

“Cause I’m not ready to be an aunt yet and just because your friends are jumping off that bridge-“ he groans, his cheeks turning pink.

“God, mom, I’ll be fine, I’m gonna go and look for uh- something.”

You laugh and he smiles back at you as he walks down to the dock.

You turn your attention back to John B and smile “How are you feeling? Are you nervous?”

“Kind of. The parent thing I just- I don’t really have- like my dad was great until…. He wasn’t, you know? And I just- I want to be a good parent, like you.”

You shake your head in confusion, “me? I don’t have any kids, Routledge.”

“I mean you kind of did. Me and JJ didn’t come out too fucked up and it wasn’t really by our actual parents hands.”

“Your dad was a great parent when we were younger.” You argue and he shrugs.

“Yeah, but you were the closest thing I had to a mom.”

You blink for a moment, focusing on the movement of your eyelids, “oh. I guess.”

“I just don’t want to fuck this kid up.” He says and you nod.

“You’ll be great.” You smile.

“Did you tell her?” A voice from behind the screen door says and John B smiles wider.

“She guessed, I didn’t say anything!”

“Uh huh.” Sarah smiles, sitting next to him.

“She doesn’t know the other thing though, I told her she had to wait for you, does that win me any brownie points?” He smiles and rests his chin on Sarah’s shoulder.

“I guess.” She smiles.

They keep giving each other goo goo eyes and you pretend to puke and they both look up, John B blushes a little.

“Anyways,” Sarah emphasizes, “I was wondering, or we were but it was my idea, if you’d be willing to be the babies godparent?”

You blink again, your eyes going impossibly wide as you look at John B, “me?”

“I mean yeah, you're way more put together than any of us, plus you have a trust, so you kind of have the financial stability in case anything happens.” John B argues and your eyebrows knit together in surprise.

“I would be honored.” You concede and Sarah laughs joyously, her nose scrunching as she smiles impossibly wide, “have you told your family yet?”

Her face drops slightly and she shakes her head a little, “no, I haven’t really talked to any of them lately.”

“Really? Rafe said he spoke to you not too long ago. Or I mean he alluded to it.”

“We ran into each other randomly, I didn’t really think to tell him.” Sarah explains.

“Do you want me to tell him or would you rather he just not know at all?” You inquire, picking at your fingernails.

“I’ll tell him at some point.” Sarah says in a way that alludes to the end of the conversation.

[emotionalhottiee]

Made For Each Other!

Chapter 2: Getting to Know Each Other!

Jey

As we sat at the table getting to know each other. The conversation just flowed so naturally. Aleah was so easy to talk to. And seemed so down to earth.

The Conversation!

Jey: So made you wanna work at WWE?

Aleah: Well i have another job. I work remote as a junior project manager, for a biology lab. But because i clock in remotely i decided to get a second job.

And since i have an associates degree in communications. I was searching the web for a communications job, that’s when i found out that the WWE was hiring for an assistant content officer.

I applied and wa lah. I got hired.

Jey: DAMN so you got 2 jobs. You don’t be tired?

Aleah: well this is my first day with a second job. But i usually am finishing up, by the time i have to come in to the arena. So i feel like it wont be too hard. Both jobs are really just about me being online.

Jey: damn girl, you ain’t fucking around. I mean you about your paper lol. That’s wassup.

Aleah: *laughing coyly* i mean yeah, but this job also comes with nice benefits. Plus i am only doing this for the main roster, so i really only work mondays & fridays.

I plan on flying home on the other days.

So i’ll basically have a wrestlers schedule. Like you, ya know.

Jey: where is home? if you don’t me asking!

Aleah: no it’s fine and i live here in Atlanta.

Jey: I do too, you from the A?

Aleah: no im from the bay. Oakland to be exact!

Jey: damn that’s crazy. i was born in the Bay too, San Francisco to be exact!

*i repeated her previous statement in a joking manner*

Aleah: oh snap Bay Babies in the building.

wait but you said you were born in the bay did you grow up there?

Jey: nah we moved to Florida when i was younger. But now i live in Atlanta. So what made you move to Atlanta?

Aleah: not us living in the same cities twinsies.

*I laughed while holding my fingers in a heart shape*

And i moved here for college, but after i graduated i just never left.

Jey: you know i already have a twin? But that’s wassup. That girl got a degree.

Aleah: of course i do silly. And i actually have 2. A bachelors in Biology and my associates in communications.

Jey: damn girl you a genius. Well Miss Aleah i gotta go, start getting ready for my segments tonight, but you should slide me your number. So we can keep up the conversation.

*i stated while sliding her my phone, i was a little bit nervous that she would turn me down*

Aleah: alright Mr. Uso.

*i smiled while typing in my phone number. I snapped a cute selfie, to add to my contact before handing him back his cell phone.*

Aleah: this was a fun conversation. But we can continue this later. Go out there and kill it.

Aleah

I smiled at Jey, while doing a little yeet move. He was so cute, and the way he stared me down. Had me clenching my legs together, but i couldn’t let him see me all riled up. But i have a feeling the more we get to know each other, the more im going to be weak in the knees for him. But only time will tell.

We gave each other a hug, before going our separate ways. But as i was gathering my things to move towards the backstage area of the areana. I got a call from an unknown number. Not knowing who it was but having a slight feeling, i just let my phone ring until it went to voicemail. A few seconds later i got the voicemail notification. I put the phone to my ear to listen to it. And i immediately rolled my eyes at the sound of his voice.

Dominic’s Voicmail message: “Baby please give me a call, i know you seen the pictures but it’s not like that. I promise Aleah. Please just hear me out. I love you”.

Ewww i can’t believe he thinks there is anything to talk about. Like he did the ultimate unforgivable thing by having a baby out side of our relationship. I told him there is NO coming back from something like that. As much as i loved him, i have to boundaries for my own peace of mind. So him and his new baby mama can go live happy somewhere else. Without bothering me.

Disclaimer

Tag List:

@prettypink-princesss @isabella-2025

@sheaabuttaababyy @uceyliyahh

@mindairy @yana3sworld @christinabae

[strtravels]

“An' where d'you wanna go as a foreign exchange student? – Want me to ring Uncle JP an' just tell 'im you’d love to move to Geneva to learn two more languages? I can't really see you bein' 'appy there neither, Gordy.” A gentle shake of his head; the joke caught and bringing a soft smile to his lips, too. – He understood how difficult it had to be for Gordy, in some way at least, and running away from a situation that was scaring you, wasn’t cowardly in his eyes; and sending Gordy back to school tomorrow had nothing to do with thinking it was the right thing to do, so his son didn’t turn out a coward. It was just the right thing to do. School was important. And well, you couldn’t just have those kids win, right? They couldn’t just go around and scaring other kids until they wouldn’t come back to school any more. PERHAPS he should talk to a teacher – but Gordy’s loud NO had taken his mind off this option for now. At some point he should, though. It couldn’t just go on like this. What if Gordy was just one of my kids, embarrassed and bullied for something that really wasn’t even a choice?

Furrowed his brows at his son’s reaction, but just nodded after a moment. “Alright – I’ll drop ya at school, then I’m off to work. No bleedin’ talkin’ to yer teachers. No havin’ a chat with the kids, sound? – I don’t even need to ask if I should chat with their parents, eh?” Another short smile, before he patted his son’s shoulder; a gesture supposed to say that things would be looking better in the morning, even though he knew it would be difficult, if not even impossible, for Gordy to believe it. He was young and for him, it had to look like the end of the world. School wasn’t always easy. It hadn’t been easy for himself, either. He remembered some comments. Some rude words that had buried themselves deep in his memories.

Sighed quietly at his own thoughts, before he pushed them aside and decided they had made enough circles around the same topic. Not much more left to say about it for now, right?

“Yeah, the livin' room it is, when yer mum’s up for 'em stayin' over. – It’s meant to rain tonight too, so I didn’t fancy you campin' outside an’ draggin' mud in when ya eventually come in, anyway. I still think Howie ain’t that fussed about campin', too. – An' you aren’t either, are ya? Not me brightest idea takin' you lot campin' last holiday, was it?” Chuckled at those memories. Rain-soaked tents and the sniffling of three boys sitting around a fire, because this hadn’t turned out like in one of their games at all – and wasn’t much like sleeping the night in the tree house or a tent in the garden either, where there was still access to the house and all its luxuries.

“ – But y’know what, ya can help me shift one of them sofas later to make a bit o’ space for you three, yeah? Get everything sorted. – I proper reckon yer mum’s not gonna say NO, if ya promise to behave this time, keepin’ yer bedtime an’ all that. – An’ just be ready ‘cause one of yer sisters is bound to ask for a sleepover next.” Another gentle laugh. He knew his kids. He knew the chaos that always just followed the previous chaos – and he wouldn’t want it any other way, would he? A life without any of the kids seemed impossible to imagine. Who would he be without them?

Raising his hand to ruffle his son’s dark hair at his thought, there was another idea forming in his head. He could have thought about this a bit earlier, too! “An’ maybe I oughta ring Jean-Paul, like. You can hav’ a chat with ’im about this as well. It weren’t easy for ’im in the military, was it? Aye, he's a bit older than Artie, but that’s at least two people you can talk to.”

Gordy's been at that age where he feels like he doesn't need to discuss things with his parents very often for a while now. Some kid at school making comments? He can sort it by himself, doesn't need adult intervention ( at least not from home ). Issues with his homework or a teacher or a grade on a test? He can deal with it, doesn't need to delay going to bed in order to talk things through. Maybe it's a shame, but it doesn't feel like a major issue; he still talks to his parents about things, but when he does, it's because things are serious and / or he genuinely needs help to work something through.

Dad's always heard him out, no matter the issue, the time or the place --- Gordy's never not been able to talk to either of his parents, but especially his dad. This, though? This is uncharted territory for Gordy, anxiety-inducing on just how quickly the situation in the park had escalated to the point he'd just needed to escape and come home to the familiarity and safety just stepping through the front door could bring.

His eyes flick over to Dad's laptop and work pile when they're indicated, but he's too cried out by now to feel bad for interrupting; he's too cried out to do much more than slump down onto the tabletop, head resting on his arms as he watches his father pour out a glass of lemonade. Now that his emotions aren't running so high, he'd like nothing more than to crawl into bed, pull the covers up over his head and just sleep for a year, especially at the thought of returning to school to face those boys again tomorrow.

The disappointment of being denied homeschooling is, for the most part, for show; Gordy hadn't really expected anything else ( it's not the first time he's asked over the years ), but there's still some part of him that wishes that just this once, Dad would agree and he'd never have to go back to confront the reality of the afternoon. "But the foreign exchange is still on the table, right?" A joke that falls a little flat - Gordy takes a sip of lemonade and a couple of breaths, turning instinctively into the hand on his shoulder ( he hates to be the cause of Dad's serious expression ).

"I just really don't want to go back tomorrow," he admits quietly, running a finger absently around the rim of his drinking glass, "even if Howie and Chloe are going to be there, and I'll see Josh and Sami after." The offer to have a word with Gordy's teachers is met, again, with a strong no! Christ, all he wants is one day to himself, one day to get his head straight and stop the sickening feeling of dread from taking over completely. Telling the teachers what had happened would only lead to more issues later on; the only way through this was to keep his head down and get good enough grades to go away to uni, really ( and it was shaping up to be a long couple of years ). "---Living room, please."

[ricky-mortis]

A portrait of Sir John Herschel because I‘m normal about Pulp Musicals

[throughpatchesofviolet]

One thing I've been wanting to mention since yesterday is that I've decided to go back to using a task manager to plan out my week--I did this all the time in college, and it helped me feel more in control, so I figured I'd bring it back as part of my many goals for this year. I've only been doing this for a day, but it's already helped a lot!

I put in my work shifts as tasks, and it helps me plan around them--I'm starting out with simple chores and self care, but later I want to try and add writing and drawing projects, so I can finally start making progress on all the ideas I have rattling around in my brain.